#I wanted to give my girl Valentina a spin

[fallenstar193]

In a sarcastic tone, Valentina looked at Ricki and remarked, "Well, you look like a bloody mess, don't you?" She shook her head in mock disapproval, adding, "I reckon you might need a few stitches or something." With a sly grin, she disappeared briefly, only to return with a small medical bag.

Opening it with a theatrical flourish, she teased, "Hope you're not afraid of needles, darling." Valentina proceeded to clean the blood from Ricki's face, revealing that it was just a minor cut on his nose. Placing a band-aid with a touch of flair, she patted his right shoulder, her tone shifting to a more serious note. "You could've been killed out there, Ricki. Gotta be more careful, alright?" Her concern was genuine, though delivered with a hint of playful banter.

open to all     ricki who is prone to bad company and bad business didn’t make a successful escape this time after he was confronted by a rival gang. long story short he comes to your muse to get his fixer upper without needing to go to a&e and be met with questions 

       “Don’t yer worry yer pretty little face. I’ll be awright. It’s just a lil’ scratch on the face. It’s not like they got my liver, now that’d be a right problem. How else am I gonna digest all me drinks? They’ve been nothing but good to me,” he tutted as he wiped his face, his nostrils by now suffocated with crimson liquid and it hasn’t stopped bleeding since. He sniffled loudly before growing aghast. “Be honest with me… is my nose still pretty?” Ricki rubbed against its bridge, afraid that the other guy did an absolute carnage to his face. The fight was brutal and he was cheated out of his defence when he was up against three others. Usually up for a ruffle this time Ricki knew his bravado was short and so he scampered. “One of the lads was prolly the size of all three of em’ squished together. Just tell me I ain’t gon’ need stitches…”

[rebelwrites]

Winner Takes It All || Twenty Two: She’s a fighter

Charles Leclerc x Valentina Hendrix (OC)

Winner Takes It All Masterlist

Summary: Charles is losing his mind not knowing what was happening

Warnings: hospital, mentions of injuries, emotions

A/N: I am sorry this has taken so long to get this part out and leaving you on a cliffhanger

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

Charles��� POV

Seeing the red flag icon on the screen of the steering wheel my heart stopped, multiple people had spun off out the track but we were yet to see a major accident.

“Box, box Charles.” Xavier said through the radio. “The race has been suspended due to a bad crash.”

The moment he mentioned there had been a crash my heart stopped, instantly I felt my stomach churn at the thought of the crash involving Vali or Pierre. “Who is it?”

The moment I was greeted by silence I knew it was Vali or Pierre. “Xav, who is it?”

“Charles, it's Vali.” Xavier said, his voice was quiet as he admitted who it was.

Turning the corner I saw the debris all over the track, I wanted to throw up. The moment I saw the state of the car I knew it was bad, Vali’s car was now missing the front and rear wing and it was currently on its roof.

I didn’t care if I got penalised there was no way I was boxing when Vali was in this state. Glancing over to my right I saw Pierre I lifted my arm in the air motioning to him that I wasn’t boxing and was going to go back around to Vali. Once I received a thumbs up we both sped off not caring about the consequences. Xavier quickly realised what I was doing. I muted the radio, I didn't need to hear him lecturing me on not boxing.

As me and Pierre arrived at the scene of the crash I never moved so fast, once I was out of the car I ripped my helmet off tossing it into the seat before sprinting over to Vali’s car. I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks, I watched helplessly as they pulled Vali out of the car. No one knew her condition and that scared the living shit out of me.

“Nugget,” Pierre breathed, rushing over to the stretcher taking her hand in his. Pierre glanced over with tears in his eyes. “Char, you coming?”

His words pulled me back into reality and I finally got my feet to move and soon enough I was by her side clutching at her hand. There was no way I was leaving her.

-

My mind was spinning, we hadn’t heard anything from the doctors regarding Vali’s condition and it was stressing me out, it hadn’t been long since I came off the phone with her parents keeping them up to date on the situation even if we didn’t have any news yet. My pride had gone out of the window right now as I dried my eyes after I broke down on the phone with her dad.

“Stupid question but how you holding up man.” Hudson said, passing me a coffee.

“I just want to see her, it’s killing me not knowing anything.” I sighed, leaning against the bland wall of the hotel. “I feel so helpless.”

“She’s a fighter.” Hudson said softly. “She will come back stronger than ever.”

He was right, everything the world threw at her she didn’t stay down for long. She was like a phoenix that always rose from the ashes. Taking a sip of the coffee I winced at the bitter taste of it. A small smile crossed my lips as I realised just how pissed off Vali will be at how shit the coffee was.

“I just wanna say thank you.” I hummed, looking over at Hudson. “For everything you did for Vali.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” he said quietly. “She is a great girl but I knew from the first day that her heart belonged to you. I was just the person to make her see that for herself.”

“Maybe you are right but you were there when I wasn’t, so thank you.”

He didn’t say anything else but he smiled softly at me before wandering off to give Josh and Pierre their coffees.

Running my hand over my face I let out a shaky breath as I started pacing the hallway. I tried everything to take my mind off everything but nothing was working. I wasn’t going to be able to settle until I saw she was okay.

The moment I saw the doctors wheeling Vali back into the room I had been staring at since the moment we got here, I wanted to break down.

The sight of her broke my heart, she looked so fragile in the clinical white hospital bed. Rushing over to the window I watched as the nurses transferred Vali onto the bed in the room.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her, her soft skin was scattered with cuts and a large bruise had formed around her eye. My eyes dropped down to the cast that went from the middle of her thigh down to her ankle.

“Mr Leclerc,” a nurse said softly, causing me to spin around, waving everyone else over.

“How is she doing?” I breathed, adjusting the knot of the arms of my race suit wrapped around my race.

“Miss Hendrix is a very lucky girl, we did have to sedate her due to the amount of pain she was in. She came around whilst we were examining her and let's just say that girl is strong for her size.” she said, tucking her clipboard under her arm. “She definitely had someone looking over her today. With the severity of the crash we would tend to see more injuries but she has come away from it with a broken rib, three breaks in her leg, and cuts and bruises on her face and body.”

Squeezing my eyes closed I let out a shaky breath, thanking Jules and my dad for keeping her safe. I didn’t know what I would have done if we had lost her today.

“Can we see her?” I asked.

“Of course,” she smiled softly. “She is starting to come around from the sedation, so she might seem a little out of sorts.”

None of us needed to be told twice, within seconds we were all piling into the room. Rushing over to the side of the bed I softly took her hand in mine, brushing my fingers over her knuckles.

“We are here babygirl, everything is going to be okay.” I whispered, looking up at her with tears in my eyes. It hurt to see her like this. All I wanted to do was switch places with her taking away all her pain.

Seeing her open those green eyes was an amazing feeling but that quickly fizzled out when she stared at me blankly. It was a look that scared me, it was like she was looking straight through me, like she didn’t know who I was. This was something that had crossed my mind that due to the impact of the crash that she would suffer memory loss.

“Bear,” she whimpered, reaching out for my hand.

“I’m here Babygirl.” I whispered, brushing my thumb over her skin, relief flooded my body knowing she hadn’t lost her memory. “You scared us all to fucking death out there. And the FIA will regret letting the race go ahead.”

The tears that were threatening to spill over my lash line finally fell once again, this girl was my life and if we had lost her today I honestly didn’t know what I would have done.

The hours passed but I refused to leave Vali’s side, apart from when she managed to bribe me to go to the local coffee shop she found on google, I ignored all of the calls coming from the team and just focused my attention on Vali.

Everyone had left to get out of their race gear, Pierre did come back with a change of clothes for me so I wasn’t stuck in my race suit.

Walking back in the room with a coffee from the local coffee shop my heart broke hearing the whimpers and cries coming from the bed.

“Baby,” I whispered, placing the coffees on the side before perching on the edge of the bed. “What’s all the tears about?”

“My season is over.” She cried, turning to face me. “My first season and this happens, what if I can’t come back from this.”

Letting out a shaky breath I took her hand in mine. “You will come back from this, I promise you.” I whispered. “You are the strongest person I know. I will work with you to build your strength.”

“Can you do something for me?” She whimpered.

“I’d do anything for you, Vali.” I hummed, pressing a kiss against her bruised knuckles.

“Can you stay the night? I just want to be held, I want to feel safe.” Her voice was quiet as she spoke.”

“Scoot over then bug.” I smiled softly, not missing the small smile that appeared on her face as I called her the old nickname I used to call her when we were kids.

It took her a little while to find a position that was comfy due to the cast on her leg and her broken rib but she eventually found the comfiest position with her head resting over my heart. It felt so good to have her in my arms but I hated the situation.

It didn’t take her long to drift off to sleep, letting out a heavy sigh I ran my hand over my face, my heart could finally slow down knowing that she was going to be okay. Yes the road to recovery wasn’t going to be easy, there would be a lot of physical therapy involved once her leg had healed, along with the mental strain it would take on her. There was no coming back this season and I knew how much that would be upsetting her.

Staring up at the ceiling I tried to calm my racing mind, the only sound in the room was Vali’s breathing. I let myself focus on her little snores losing track of time. I knew Vali wouldn’t want me to miss any races but I didn’t care, I needed to be there for her, I needed to show her how much I cared.

The nurse walking in the room dragged me from my thoughts, the soft smile she had on her face was comforting.

“Sorry I know visiting hours are over.” I whispered, running a hand over my face.

“Mr Leclerc, don’t worry about it.” She smiled, as she checked over Vali’s chart. “I never saw you in here.”

“Thank you.” I hummed, feeling the corners of my mouth tug into a small smile. “Quick question, when will Valentina be released?”

The nurse glanced up from the chart, “We are hoping at some point tomorrow, all her vitals are good but we just want to make sure she isn’t showing any delayed signs of concussion or any other injuries.”

I thanked her before she left the room, before I could get lost in any more thoughts my phone started ringing. Smiling when I saw Enrico’s name on my screen I answered the call instantly being greeted by Vali’s parents along with my mum.

“I feel so bad for not being there.” Enrico sighed the moment the call connected. I could see the sadness in his eyes that he wasn’t here for his little girl.

“She understands Papa.” I whispered, dropping my gaze to Vali. “She knows the reason you couldn’t be here.”

“How’s she doing?” My mum asked, causing me to look back up at my phone.

“She’s still kinda out of it from being sedated but it’s honestly going to be a long road ahead.” I sighed, knowing how hard this was going to hit her in the next couple of days. “She’s already been in tears over the fact her season is over.”

“Sono felice che tu sia con lei, figliolo. I am glad you are with her, son.” Enrico said softly.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” I smiled, pressing a kiss against the top of Vali’s head. “Not now, not ever.”

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo67 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq @queenslife @panicforspec @inesramoss30 @justme2042 @liv67 @sessgjarg @derpinathebrave @idkiwantchocolatee @littleobsessionsandlifeslessons @alynoa @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @organasith @inchidentwithmax @raaaaabzzz @teamspideyman @marvelousmendess @mehrmonga @sbgal @thattaylorswiftobsessedbitch @mloyer

[lunamadhatter99]

Taking care of you

I wrote both Riff and Dodge, because I had a cute scenario for Dodge already in mind, but I also wanted to write again for Riff so... yeah. Hope you like it🤞

Chapter summary: And I was wondering if you could do a oneshot with Riff or Dodge about the reader being sick and him taking care of them? If not that’s okay :)

For @Charliedelancey

Dodge.

Let's make a list, shall we?

Nausea, headache AND vomit... what a wonderful day.

Fuck.

Today was supposed to be a good day: breakfast, shower and a date with Dodge.

He would've taught me how to ride a horse.. fuck.

I have to warn him we gotta postpone it so I grab my phone and call him.

"Hey babe" he quickly picks up the phone.

"Hi" I weakly say.

"Hey hey.. you okay? What's wrong?" He ask worriedly.

"Just.. this morning I woke up and I felt nauseous, my head feels like it would explode anytime and I threw up what I think was also last month meals..I don't think we're gonna see each other today" I tell him.

"Oh baby... don't you worry okay? Just rest, we'll see each other soon. Promise me you would rest" he says sweetly.

"I promise. See you soon"

"See you, baby"

And I hang up the phone.

I decide to make some tea, maybe it would help a little.

In the meantime the headache stopped, thankfully, but I still feel like throwing up anytime.

I go to the couch and just lay down closing my eyes focusing on my breathing and trying to relax.

After a while I hear the doorbell.

What. The actual. Fuck.

Who could be now?

I groan standing up and go to the door.

I smile as soon as my eyes land on Dodge's.

"What are you doing here?" I ask surprised.

"My baby isn't feeling well... what else was I supposed to do?" He asks rhetorically and let himself in closing the door behind him.

"Wh-" I start.

"Nah uh, you now go to bed and I'll make some food" he states walking up to me and moving his hands to frame my face.

"I will just throw it up.." I whine.

"You need something in your stomach, love. No complaints. Go upstairs and lay down, I'll be there soon" he kisses my nose, giving me a small push towards the stairs.

I do as he say and walk to my room to lay down on the bed.

After a few minutes he comes in and sits on the bed with me.

"The soup will be ready in a few minutes." He informs me, stroking my leg under the cover.

"You didn't have to come" I say to him.

"I know" he smiles. "We got a date, remember?"

"And what a wonderful date this is" I sarcastically reply.

"Well.. let's see: I'm with you, you can't get away from my cuddles and I get to take care of you... I'd say it's pretty wonderful" he explains.

"I..." I'm speechless.

"See? Can't argue, I'm right" he says proudly.

"Fine" I say trying to hide a smile.

"Good girl. Now rest and I will fetch your lunch, my lady" he dramatically says.

"Thank you, kins sir" I reply.

He just smiles and come up to kiss me sweetly.

"I love you"

"I love you too"

Riff.

My head is killing me...

My stomach is killing me...

Just my luck..

I promised Valentina I'd help her at the store, so here I am, hiding my pain ad much as I can.

"You sure you're okay, querida? You look pale" Valentina asks me worriedly.

"Yeah.. I'm fine" I lie.

"If you meed to go home, go. No te preocupes, okay? Don't worry."

"I'm fine" I lie again.

She sends me a sceptical look and just goes downstairs.

While I'm cleaning the counter the doorbell jingles I look up and roll my eyes seeing Riff entering the store.

"You know you can't be here" I tell him.

"Hi to you too, beautiful" he replies.

"Hi"

"You're okay?" He asks.

"Yeah" I say quickly.. or way too quickly.

"You're clearly not" he states. "Come, I'll walk you home"

"I'm fine. It's nothing" I tell him as I keep cleaning, avoiding his stare.

Then all of a sudden I feel my head spinning like crazy, I have to grab the counter to keep myself standing.

"It's clearly not nothing." He says, he's worried, I've never seen him this worried.

"I'm... I'm fine" I weakly say.

"Yeah sure and I'm a billionaire. Where the witch, I'll tell her I'm walking you home" he asks, already heading for the basement.

He comes back soon after, followed by Valentina.

"Ay ay, mi niña, go home. I can manage today" she reassures me.

"I'll send Tony to help. Is that okay?" He asks Valentina, who just nods.

"But.."

"No buts" Riff cuts me off "Let's go"

He gently grabs my arm and lead me out of the store, heading home.

After he made me lay down, he made tea and brought it to me.

"You're burning, pretty girl" he says touching my forehead.

"You always say that" I try to joke.

"True. But this time literally. Give me a second" he says getting up and walking round the bathroom.

He comes back with a wet cloth, that he put on my forehead.

"There" he says and slightly caresses my face.

"Why are you so worried?" I ask.

"Isn't it obvious? I like you, a lot. Why else do you think I come to the store this often?"

"To annoy me" I guess.

"Yeah.. also that, but that's because you look cute while mad" he says with a grin.

He gently grabs my hand stroking my knuckles.

"So.. what do you say.. would you let me take care of you?" He asks, hope filling his eyes.

I look at him and I see sincerity.

I smile at him.

"Yeah, Riff. I'll let you take care of me"

He seems surprised, but leans down to press a small kiss on my lips.

"And... when you get better... I hope you'll let me take care of you I'm other, more fun, ways" he says with a smirk.

"You're the worst" I slightly push him and he laughs.

"Oh as if you never thought about it" he jokes.

I laugh.

"You're denying!" He exclaims.

"Maybe" I say.

He smile at me and kisses me again.

"Try to sleep. I'll be here the whole time if you need me" he tells me.

I smile and close my eyes trying to get some rest, knowing he will take care of me... in any way apparently.

[cheesewelsom]

CABIN 10 AU / Headcannon

I Love Drew and Everything about the Aphrodite cabin, ( let's face it, I'm biased because i took a test and it said i was in the aphrodite cabin ) so i really want to take my own spin at this.

I searched up aphrodite, some of these aren't aphrodite and some are, but this is the creative process okay? Kinda just watched some documentaries.

Difference kinds of Aphrodite and which parts goes to Whom!

Silena Beauregard - Venus Genetrix, Represents Agape

Personality - does not like fighting but leading people, Is the leader of the aphrodite cabin, keeps things in check, leader type, has a soft spot for her siblings, Mother Hen, Protective, Battle plans and how defenses, will kill for her siblings, don't test her, she'll kick your ass, she can and will defend herself and defeat you, don't try to keep a secret mother knows best Rome.

( you can fill in some blanks with whatever you like, I'm just going on with the overall major change in their personalities )

Drew Tanaka - Areia + Pandemos. Presents Philautia

Personality : Confident, Blood hungry, War hungry, will fight anything and everything, will take a sword to the throat for her siblings, on the front lines, Bloodlust and wonder ( only when war is present ), Big sister type, will piggy back ride you only when needed, gives you hot chocolate ( no war is present ) and does sleep with anyone, could be the goddess of one night stands, likes sex ( she's on birth control and they wear protection, don't worry ).

Piper McLean - Ishtar Represents Eros

Personality : all in for love (serious not a fling ) and lust ( only with partner, she takes love serious ), all in for war and fighting, Loves her family more than anything, does not take no for an answer, funny, not like the other girls but a little filtered out, cocky, calm, will play chess but will laugh at you when you fail, QUEEN SHIT.

Lacy - Astarte. Represents Ludus

Personality : Will fight you, can defend herself, Cocky, will kick you on the shin, shit talk about you, Likes sex ( only with partner), Kissing ( even not partner ), Gentlewoman, Prince charming.. or princess?, Suit and tie to go, The Tactical person in war with Silena, Hurt her family and you are no more, Kapeesh, can fall inlove easily or heavily, not love in first sight.

Mitchell - Uria Represents Storage

Personality : A saint, Innocent, No one can talk with this one about sex, He knows reproductive system and how babies work but one look when your talking about pleasure he'll nope out, does not like sex talk, Hes more of a puppy love kinda guy, does not like sex, he flinches away at the Mere mention of it ( Trauma i decided to give him for free ), Avoids Drew whenever she comes home from a one night stand drunk, Will help Drew when she comes from a one night stand completely sober and conscious, Helper, Likes medicine, helps out the Apollo cabin from time to time.

Valentina - Aphrodite. Represents Pragma

Personality : this girl is confusing as fuck, does not do violence unless it's love, she loves love, Gossip is her main valley, she's the whole ass telephone, knows everything about everybody, the most beautiful of them all, Loves or hates her family, confusing, other less goddess of one night stands.. only when she's on a break with her lover, she's in this confusing relationship with this other boy no one knows, either love her or hate her, feminist and Femininity at it's finest, will calm you down, the other big or younger sister, knows who's inlove with who, will set you up, don't try to hide anything from her, she knows. She's Silenas favorite.

All the things they have in common - their normal aphrodite things, Make up, gossip, how to walk in 10 inch heels, how to look and feel pretty, Romance, They're all Sassy and have a glib tounge ( they'll butter you up then watch you melt in the heat of it all ), loves you, falls in love easily. ( Persuasive little shits )

I also addes some extra powers

They can breath underwater ( aphrodite came from the ocean after someone castrates you-know-whos balls ), can control a bit of water, when they leave the water you can see little seafoam following them, they can call upon their weapons.

[venustkiller]

|freeze your brain| riff

chapter four || mambo!

words: 2899

triggers: none

previous || next

Friday, August 15, 1951

When I got home from my shift, it was around five in the afternoon. Near the end of my shift, Valentina gave me a new word for the day: divertido. When I asked her what it meant, she simply said that's how she hopes my night ends up going with Tony and Riff. It's risky for Tony, that much I'm sure after hearing how hesitant he was to come to the mixer. But I'm happy he's coming, he is my friend and he hasn't had any divertido in a while.

Melissa and I were eating dinner, since she was chaperoning the dance, she had to leave earlier than normal; which meant early dinner. I didn't mind though, eating distracted me from my bubbling nerves about seeing Riff. I'm typically not a shy person but when I'm around him, I can't manage to speak, my voice always caught in my throat.

"So, you're chaperoning the dance tonight?" I asked, wanting to start a light conversation.

She nodded, "Yeah, how did you know there was a dance? I never told you," she questioned

"I got asked to it; Tony is also going," I answered simply. To that, she smiled wide and excitedly pounded the palms of her hands on the table.

"That is amazing! Who is he?" she asked, eyes wide

"You might not wanna know..." I say sinking into my seat a bit

Confusion spread upon her face for a moment before she finally understood, "Jesus- I told you to stay away from him!" she scolded

"I did! He found me," I said, which was not a lie, I didn't search for him. I simply work with his best friend.

She sighed, sitting back in her chair, pondering. "I know I'm just your sister but please, be careful. I know it's easy to get caught up in the moment, but please stay aware. I don't want him to break your heart." she pleaded, reaching across the table for my hand.

I reached out for hers and held it, giving it a loving squeeze, "I promise"

Later that evening, I began to get ready, showering once again and putting on makeup, going out to the nines. I didn't own many dresses, but I owned a beautiful golden-colored dress. Valentina had gotten it for me as a gift for my 18th birthday, she said it used to be hers, and now is the perfect time to pay the gown justice. It was a fit and flare dress, tight at the waist and paired with a fluffy teal underskirt for swishing it around while dancing. The collar was simple, just the way I liked it. I did my makeup to help accentuate the teal in the petticoat, loving the way teal and orange paired each other so well, meeting in the sky so beautifully that for a moment all seems right in the world.

When I was finally ready, I grabbed my keys and locked the door before placing them under the matt in front of the door. Dresses do not have pockets, at least not this one. I then begin my walk to the gymnasium where the dance is being held, seeing all kinds of folks walking in as well. Puerto Ricans and New Yorkers alike raise voices in excitement. I soon join them, entering the gymnasium and letting the sound of snare drums and brass swell my ears. I can see the officers and my sister on the side, watching everyone. On one side of the room, the Puerto Ricans mambo, the women twirling around and swishing their skirts as they are spun and dipped. On the opposite side are the Jets, all in a synchronized motion with their ladies in tow.

I begin to walk around the outskirts of the dancers, hoping to spot Riff in the crowd. As I approach the group of Jets, I see two boys; a brunette and raven dancing towards two girls. They danced in a synchronized fashion, mirroring one another. Without realizing it, another boy joined them, but he looked different from the rest. The three of them ended the gesture with a spin in front of the girls and the new guy offered a hand to a ginger girl. She scoffed in his face and the brunette rushed in, pushing the other away from the redhead and yelling something incoherent. The new guy puts his hands up in defense and the two boys take their girl's hands and lead them away, not bothering to give the boy a second glance. He stands there alone, looking out of place.

I understand.

I walk over to him, coming up from behind and tapping his shoulder. "Hi," I say cheerfully. He turns around and I have to admit, he has very soft features.

He looked surprised that I approached him, "You wanna dance?" I ask. To that he nods his head quickly and takes my hand, leading me into the sea of people. We didn't go too close to the circle, but just so that we were included with everybody else. We began to dance and spin around in a childish manner, smiling and laughing as we did so.

"Who are you?" I ask

"Anybodys, " He beams.

What a funny name.

"Are you a Jet?" I ask curiously

He laughed, it was a little high pitched but I liked it, "I wish! I've been trying to get in for years," he scoffed, spinning and dancing around me.

"How come they don't let you in? You look just like them," I say, a bit confused.

He opens his mouth but before he can speak, a voice breaks out, "Hey, it's you!" I turn and see Johnny with another Jet; man there are a lot of them.

I smile and turn my attention to the dark-haired boy, "Hey Johnny, how's your ear?" I ask curiously, craning my head to try and see.

"Great thanks to you," he said before giving me a puzzled look, "what are you doing here?" he asked

"Oh uh-"

"Ey Baby John, who's this dame?" the boy next to him asked. Johnny looked between him and me. I took notice of Johnny's attire, he wore a shiny blue bomber jacket on top of a nice dress shirt. Even with a low income, he could clean up well.

"Oh, she's the one that found me and got the nail out," he explained

The other guy crossed his arms and examined me up and down. After a moment he smiled slightly and patted me on the back, "Ey, thanks for lookin' out for our Baby John. I'm A-rab, you sure are tough, takin' on those sharks," he complimented.

"It was nothing," I smiled. Suddenly two girls came up and dragged the boys away, begging them to dance.

"Come on boys, let's dance!" A blonde begged, pulling on A-rab's arm. The two waved and said goodbye before quickly rushing off. I turned around to put my attention back on Anybodys but he disappeared, off into the shadows. I mentally frowned when I couldn't find him. I breathed in deeply and shook my head, I need to look for Riff. Now close to the center of the Jet's dance floor, I turned around, trying to find the chiseled man. Maybe he's just in the bathroom. I settled on that being why I couldn't find him, seeing as I couldn't find Tony either; I assume they're together.

I spotted Melissa standing next to Krupke, she looked bored. I saw Krupke walk away from her and towards a couple. Without saying anything, he grabs the glass of punch in the girl's hand and sniffs it. Rude. I grimace in disgust, looking away. I still could not find Riff; was he just leading me on? I need to distract myself, Riff shouldn't impact my night. I might as well dance; who says you need a partner?

I began to listen to the music, letting my head and arms swoon and swing back and forth, letting myself get lost in the upbeat music. Slowly, I grasped the rhythm and began to dance. Nothing, in particular, just letting the body movements come to me as I listened. I followed similar movements to those around me, letting myself be consumed by the joy that is dancing. I lifted my skirt with both hands and swished my skirt, gracefully moving my legs and spinning as I did so. I began to let go of my skirt, raising my arms above my head as I started spinning in circles. I closed my eyes in happiness, a smile plastered on my face.

Just as I was getting ready to lower my arms, I felt hands placed on my waist. I open my eyes in shock, getting ready to assault whoever it was, "Hey! I-" I look up to see those gray-blue orbs staring at me, a playboy smirk on his face, causing his cheekbones to rise high.

"Riff!" I rejoiced, somehow my smile became larger and bolder than ever.

"Well someone's happy to see me, huh dollface?" he smirked, a playful and mischievous tone in his voice. With his hands still placed on my hips, he and I began to spin around, truly in our little world.

"Who knows? Maybe I was expecting some smug guy who thought he had a chance," I started, a devilish smirk forming upon my lips, "but now that I think about it, I think I'm looking at him right now," I continue

Riff's face read one of surprise before quickly being replaced with his swagger, "Oh yeah? Who says I don't gotta chance?" he asked

I giggle, "Me."

He gives me a look of determination, one like he just bet on a horse and he knew he would win. "We'll see about that," he smirked. We continued to dance for a moment until the song came to a close and everyone stopped dancing, clapping their hands to the band for such a great and energizing song. After a short moment, a man in a suit and glasses walked to the center of the gym and we all began to crowd around him, Riff leading us to the front and putting his arm around my shoulders.

“Alright alright everybody let's give it up for the band, huh? Now, tonight is a social experiment, boys and girls, brotherhood and all that, and you’re the guinea pigs,” he said with a strong and nasally accent. To the title he had given to us, the Jets and their dates began to snort and wheek like pigs. I began to giggle when I saw the funny face Baby John had made. I heard Riff hum and I looked up to see him smiling and if I’m honest, it made my heart flutter.

“Thank you, right on cue. Be nice to each other! Give us some hope! Just for a little bit and then you can retreat back to your feral selves. Now, boys, get into a big circle facing in. And girls, make a smaller circle facing out-”

Suddenly a Puerto Rican began to say something to him in Spanish that earned laughs from those around him. He made a small gesture with his hands and while I didn’t know enough of the language to know what he meant, I had to assume he joked about which circle he would be in.

After a few laughs, the man in the bowtie made a face, “Speak English in school-sponsored functions!”

This earned a lot of cheers from the Jets and discourse began to break out between them and the Puerto Ricans. Already expecting this, Krupke blew his whistle, “You heard the man, all yous’ fall in line!”

Nobody seemed intrigued, however. Everyone spoke quietly to one another and scoffed. I looked up to Riff and he pressed his lips together, I could tell he wasn't going to unless the Puerto Ricans did. As if they read his mind, a Puerto Rican man entered the center of the room, taking off his blazer and holding his hand out to his girl. She smiled and swished her skirt, earning cheers from her peers as she approached the man.

Riff shifted in his spot before letting his arm drop off me, walking and standing next to the Puerto Rican man. He turned to me, slightly bowing and holding his hand out for me, beckoning me to come.

"Me?" I mouthed to him, in return I got a smirk and a nod. I looked around and saw all eyes on me; my heart began to race. In the back I saw Melissa, she offered me an encouraging smile. My mouth felt dry and I took a deep breath as I walked towards Riff, reaching out for his hand. I heard a few shocked gasps and whispers as I approached him. Amongst them, however, I could hear Anybodys and Johnny rooting me on, whooping for me as I grabbed Riff's hand. His hands were large and calloused, and I couldn't help but feel secure in his grip. I smiled as he pulled me into him, lifting me and twirling me once before setting me down. One by one, girls and boys followed suit, and soon, the circles were full.

The man with glasses signaled for the band to start playing, "Remember, boys to the left and girls to the right!" he shouted before leaving the circle.

We began to walk around, I passed a mixture of Jets and Puerto Ricans, I'm assuming they were Sharks like Johnny had mentioned. Suddenly the music stopped, Riff was two bodies away and I was standing in front of a Shark. But I recognized him. I stared at him for a quick moment and that's when I realized he was the man I punched when saving Johnny. I could tell he remembered me. His face contorted into a scowl as he looked down at me. I gasped; in the crowd, I could see Johnny, he recognized him as well.

We stared at each other, neither of us moving, not even bothering to blink. Would he act upon his aggression? In the corner of my view, I could see Riff, he could tell something was up. In a form of saving grace, a Puerto Rican girl exclaimed something in Spanish and the band began to play music. One by one, people began to dance with their own kind, ignoring the dance circle experiment.

Riff zoomed over to me and pulled me in by the waist, beginning to dance with me. I chuckled, "Well, that was a fail" I noted

"Like I'd ever let a PR dance with my girl," he smirked, twirling me around.

"Oh, your girl, huh?" I smirked, raising a brow at him.

The people around me became a blur of colors and sounds, the only thing in focus being the tall boy in front of me. Riff leads the dance, instructing me what to do without saying a word. He spins me around in the sea of people; once, twice, three times. My skirt swirls around with every step. While I could tell he was enjoying himself, I could also tell he was trying to show off.

His words from earlier today floated in my mind, "How 'bout you show me some moves?"

With this in mind, I begin to up my game, doing more complex movements with my body, allowing myself to contort in any way possible. Riff noticed the change and he smiled devilishly, understanding all too well.

He pulled me close and leered down on me, "Alright girly-girl, let's show 'em what we Jets are made of, yeah?" he dared.

I'm game.

The Jets noticed our change in effort and took it on as well, their ladies following. The Sharks picked up what we were putting down and they began to dance more fiercely than ever. Riff pulled me across the floor, spinning me around and lifting me high in the air. I use my arms to my advantage, letting them add on to the gracefulness of it all. Faces could not be recognized and it felt that all lights were out, just a spotlight on us. The hardy melody of the saxophone led the song to a curtain call and for our last act, Riff dipped me, letting my leg extend tall; my skirt sliding down.

A bit more scandalous than I had planned but I don't mind it.

Our chests pounded and we breathed heavily. As the Jets clapped and cheered, Riff and I stayed still as if time was endless. I stared into his eyes, he seemed bewildered and electrified. And it was at this moment that I realized his eyes weren't entirely blue, and that his right eye had a patch of brown; how cute. I could see small beads of sweat drip on his forehead, and it reminded me of just how warm I felt.

"Not too shabby for ya first time dancin, eh?" he smirked, still breathless.

"You're not too bad yourself," I complimented

He lifted us back up and I was finally able to catch my breath, "What's your name, sweetheart?" he asked me. I completely forgot that I didn't even tell him my name. I suppose it added more mystery and intrigue to me in a way.

"Nell," I smiled, "Nell Everett,"

[bellakitse]

The 'B' Word

“I’m crazy about you,” TK blurts out, stepping out of his hold to pace. “I didn’t plan it. I didn’t see it coming. You were just supposed to be this cool guy I had good chemistry and good sex with, someone I would be friends with and share a bed with on occasion."

+

Carlos and TK run into Carlos’ three sisters on the street and decide to have dinner with them. Over the course of the meal, their friends with benefits relationship changes.

Written for @911lonestarweek - Day 1: Romance/“You are the only one for me.”/Fluff

Carlos holds the door for TK to walk through, trying to keep his grin at bay in the face of TK’s epic pout. He’d suggested a night of putt-putt, thinking it would be a friendly and easygoing activity they could enjoy as they try to put more emphasis on the friends part of their unconventional relationship. It was supposed to be a casual night out. However, Carlos didn’t anticipate that TK would be horrible at the game or be such a lovable sore loser.

“You cheated,” TK accuses him, the scowl on his handsome face cuter than it has any right to be. Carlos swallows back a sigh at the thought. It’s moments like this that show him how truly head over heels he is for the man before him.

He pushes that thought down too.

TK has made it more than clear he’s not ready for more than what they are right now – friends who enjoy each other’s company in and out of the bedroom.

He tells himself how he always does when these thoughts start to creep in that it’s enough for now. He gets to spend time with TK; he gets to touch him, hear the soft sounds he makes when they’re together, he gets his smiles.

So what if they don’t have a label?

Having some parts of TK Strand, Carlos has quickly learned, is infinitely better than not having him at all.

“At putt-putt?” he questions with an amused grin pushing away his less than pleasant thoughts. “You think I cheated at putt-putt?”

“Yes,” TK shoots back, his expression set in a childish frown, causing Carlos’ grin to grow.

“How exactly?” he questions, outright smirking when TK stalls, his pout growing as he can’t come up with anything.

“You distracted me with your you-ness,” TK finally answers, waving a hand in his direction as if it explains everything.

Carlos feels his face go warm, but it doesn’t stop him from feeling incredibly smug too. He reaches out, slipping a finger through one of the loops of TK’s jeans, pleased when TK comes into his space easily, his arms going around Carlos’ neck as he holds him close.

“That’s an interesting way to say you think I’m hot, sweetheart,” he murmurs teasingly as he presses his nose against TK’s temple.

“You already know I think that,” TK scoffs at him, turning his head to kiss the corner of his mouth, his tongue peeking out in a tiny teasing lick. “Don’t pretend now.”

Carlos lets out a steadying breath as his body instantly reacts to TK’s goading. “I still like to hear it,” he answers with a playful pout of his own, happy when it makes TK chuckle.

TK brings his hands down, cupping Carlos’ face between them, using the leverage to close the tiny height difference between them as he brushes his lips against his. “Needy,” he whispers, the word spoken against Carlos’ mouth causing him to let out a moan, proving TK’s point.

“Let’s go back to my place,” he whispers back, his hands giving TK’s hips a suggestive squeeze.

TK laughs softly as he shakes his head. “You promised me dinner.”

“I’ll make us something when we get there,” he promises now, groaning when TK shakes his head again.

“You and I both know – if we get behind closed doors, we’re not eating anything but each other, Reyes,” TK tells him, smirking shamelessly when he gasps at his words. “I want real food first.”

“Fine,” he grumbles, willing down the blush on his face and the arousal coursing through him at the mental image TK’s words have provoked.

TK goes to take a step away from him, ready to start walking on their quest to find some food, but Carlos holds on to him, grinning back at him when it makes TK raise a brow in question. He doesn’t answer with words; instead, he cups TK’s face like he’d done to him, swallowing the small gasp he lets out with his lips.

He kisses TK thoroughly, taking his time as he feels TK’s body go lax against his, kissing him back lazily, pressing his tongue against the back of Carlos’ teeth in a way that makes his toes curl from the butterflies he feels in his stomach.

Carlos could get lost in the act of kissing TK Strand and often does, like now, which is probably why he doesn’t realize people have walked up to them until there is a loud and obvious clearing of someone’s throat startling the two of them.

“What – “ TK starts to say, sounding dazed, and Carlos would take a moment to be proud of that if it wasn’t for the horror he’s experiencing in the face of his three older sisters standing before them, grinning like deranged clowns.

“Well, well, well,” Lola starts, like the rabble-rouser she is, her grin looking painful from how big it is. “Look who we have here being all indecent in public? Isn’t there laws against practically having sex in public spaces, Officer Reyes?”

“Would he have to arrest himself?” Valentina asks ironically – the oldest but by no means the most mature – piling on with a smirk of her own.

Sofía, the second oldest and usually the quietest, smiles softly at him, almost sympathetic if it wasn’t for the laughing glint in her eyes. “How much do you wish the ground would swallow you up right now, manito?”

“Very much so,” he grits out with a tight smile as their enjoyment of the situation grows. He feels TK’s body shift next to him a second before his hand touches Carlos’, linking their pinkies together. He turns his head, surprised at the gesture, and finds TK looking a little lost but supportive of him. It loosens something in his stomach, and as TK gives him a half-smile, Carlos is helpless but to return it. “TK, these are my sisters, Valentina, Sofía, and Lola,” he says, pointing at each of them in turn, getting a wave back from all three. “Girls, this is TK,” he continues, not adding anything else though he can see the curiosity in his sisters’ eyes. “Anyway, we were going to go grab a bite to eat, so – “

“What a coincidence, so are we!” Lola exclaims happily, her brown eyes twinkling, and Carlos shakes his head, already seeing where she’s going with this.

“We should all get a bite together,” Valetina continues, and Carlos has to stifle the groan that is dying to come out at the tag-teaming happening before him.

“We barely get to see you, hermanito,” Sofía adds on with a sad face that fools no one.

“We saw each other two weeks ago at Mami’s for Sunday lunch,” he points out, rolling his eyes when the three of them shrug their shoulders in unison.

“Way too long, bro,” Lola answers, getting a nod from their other two sisters. “And we’re obviously not sharing enough if none of us knew you have a boyfri – “

“Okay!” Carlos interrupts before she can finish the dreaded ‘B’ word. The last thing he needs is his meddling sisters spooking TK with that title. He looks at him with an apologetic look on his face, hoping he understands. “Do you mind if they join us?”

TK looks at him for a moment and then at his sisters, a sly grin making its way onto his face that fills Carlos with dread. “That depends,” he starts, raising an eyebrow at the girls. “How many ‘baby Carlos’ stories can I get out of this meal?”

Carlos lets out that groan he’s been holding back as his older sisters all smile at TK like he’s a new shiny toy.

Being the boldest one of his sisters, Lola steps towards TK, slipping her arm through his. “All the stories you want, my dude. Let’s start with the one where Carlos would play Selena’s ‘bidi bidi bom bom’ on repeat and do her spins in the living room until one time he almost threw up on the carpet from twirling so much,” she recounts, throwing a grin at him over her shoulder as she and TK start walking ahead.

Carlos closes his eyes for a moment, opening them again when he hears snickering at his side. He glares at Valentina and Sofía and their matching grins.

“We better catch up to them before she tells him that you can’t get through a single Disney or Pixar movie without crying like a baby, and that’s why you don’t watch them in the theater anymore,” Valentina warns him, laughing at him when his eyes widen.

He doesn’t move for a moment, letting them pass before him. TK throws a look back at him, half-worried but also gleeful as Lola says God only knows what in his ear, and Carlos can’t help the mixture of apprehension and tentative joy he feels at his worlds colliding.

“Keep up, manito, before we steal your boy away,” Lola shouts out, already crossing the street with TK still wrapped around her arm.

“Shit,” Carlos swears low before rushing to catch up.

 ֎֎֎

 They end up at some hipster tapas restaurant. It’s not his usual style, but his sisters and TK seem to like it as they all pick from the multiple small plates at their large table. The girls each have a wine glass in their hands and blessedly don’t blink an eye when TK says he doesn’t drink and orders an ice tea.

He sits next to TK, with his sisters on the other side of the table, watching the two of them like they’re putting on a show for their enjoyment. He glares at them, hoping they’ll cut it out, but they seem to just find his scowls enjoyable – ignoring him in favor of focusing on TK.

“So TK, how did you and our little brother meet?” Valentina asks, starting off the inquisition.

TK pauses mid-reach for the papas bravas at her question before grabbing the dish and scooping some onto his plate for him, giving him a smile when he says thank you. “Um, we met on a call,” he starts to say, taking the plate of garlic shrimp he offers him in return. “I’m a firefighter; we were answering a call to a car accident, and Carlos was the leading officer on the scene.”

“Ohh, a firefighter, nice,” Lola says, throwing him a teasing look. Carlos is grateful for it as it makes TK laugh, and he misses the pointed look his other sisters give him at the way he and TK interact so easily.

He knows they are dying to ask.

“How did you snag such a hottie, Carlitos?” Lola continues, turning her teasing towards him.

Carlos rolls his eyes; used to his sister’s good-natured ribbing, he opens his mouth to mess with her, only for TK to let out a snort.

“Well, first, look at him,” TK answers for him, turning to look at him with a teasing but soft look of his own, a sweet smile playing on his lips. “He’s gorgeous.”

Carlos feels his heart jump at the easy way TK compliments him, not shy in the least as it makes his sisters share another round of looks that this time TK catches.

“It seems to be a family trait. You’re all very beautiful,” he says to them with a charming smile that has Carlos groaning and laughing at once as it totally works on all three of them.

“Don’t butter them up,” he complains as he sees the twinkle in all their eyes. “They’re already insufferable all on their own. If you hype them up, they’ll just be impossible.”

“It’s not hype if it’s true,” Sofía says with a flick of her curly hair, getting a nod from Valentina and Lola.

“That’s right, wey,” Valentina continues, grinning at the face he makes at them. “Listen to your boyfriend; we’re beautiful.”

Carlos freezes at the word boyfriend, but TK just laughs with the girls, moving the conversation along as he asks more about Carlos’ childhood. He leans in, listening intently as the girls share embarrassing but honestly sweet stories about him. Each looking at him with the great love he knows they feel for him.

TK hangs on to every word, smiling softly over at him every few minutes as he files away information – like his love for anything custard and his intense fear of cicadas.

“One time when I was 15, this kid in the neighborhood was picking on me,” Valentina tells the story, sharing smiles with Lola and Sofía as they start to chuckle, remembering the moment.

“We were all playing outside, and he came over and started making fun of my glasses or clothes. I don’t even remember, but I was on the verge of tears when Carlos, who had been playing with his action figures on the porch, comes running and kicks him as hard as he can on the shins, surprising the kid. He tripped, and Carlos jumped on him, hitting him with his tiny fists, screaming at him not to be mean to his sister,” Valentina pauses, looking over at him fondly. “I’m eight years older than Carlos, he was only seven at the time, but he was still protecting me.”

“Awww,” TK gushes, looking over at him with a tender glint in his pretty green eyes. “That’s so sweet and so in character.”

Carlos feels himself blush at the focus of everyone around the table, fidgeting as they all grin at him. “I protect the people I care about,” he grumbles, embarrassed.

“I know,” TK answers softly, reaching out to take his hand. “Trust me, I know.”

Carlos stares at TK feeling a shift in the air, his silly heart giving a flip as hope starts to sneak its way inside it.

“What else?” TK questions, turning back towards his sisters but not letting go of his hand.

The girls share another look between them, and Carlos can only guess what they’re thinking before they jump into more stories.

The rest of the night passes in a blur of laughter and childhood anecdotes, and before Carlos knows it, they’re settling up the bill and walking out of the restaurant. They linger outside for a moment before, one by one, the girls hug TK first, telling him he needs to come to the next Reyes’ lunch and that their mother is going to fall in love with him. TK smiles through it, not making any promises other than checking his schedule with him. He forks over his phone easily when Lola asks to add him to WhatsApp with the promise of baby pictures of him, and Carlos just knows she’ll add TK to a group chat before the end of the night.

They turn to hug him, tight and warm as always, each whispering in his ear how much they like TK and how happy they are that he’s found someone who makes him smile the way he’s smiling. He hugs them back, all the while looking at TK over their shoulders, wondering what’s just happened in the course of the night.

He hails them a cab and reminds them to text him when they each get back to their homes, getting fond rolls of their eyes as they promise before getting into the cab, leaving him and TK alone with this sudden shift in their relationship.

Neither says anything for a moment, each knowing one of them needs to start.

“So,” he begins, biting the bullet. “I guess we should talk about tonight because I don’t know if you realize this, but my sisters just left with the impression we’re in a serious relationship, and that means I will have at least a dozen texts by morning from my mother.”

“Sure,” TK says, nodding quickly, nervous energy pouring out of him. “But first –“

TK takes a step into his space, and then another until his chest is pressed against his, and Carlos instinctively puts his hands on TK’s slim waist seconds before TK covers his mouth with his, in a hungry, almost desperate kiss. Carlos matches his energy, pouring all the love and longing coursing through him, claiming TK’s mouth the same way TK has claimed his heart.

He holds him so close he’s sure TK can feel the way his heart is pounding against his own.

“TK – “ he gasps out, his skin tingling at every point of contact. “What – “

“I’m crazy about you,” TK blurts out, stepping out of his hold to pace. “I didn’t plan it. I didn’t see it coming. You were just supposed to be this cool guy I had good chemistry and good sex with, someone I would be friends with and share a bed with on occasion. This was supposed to be simple. But every day, I fall for you a little bit more and more with your kindness, your patience, the way you make me laugh and smile even when I don’t want to.”

He runs a hand through his hair, causing it to stick up, looking adorable even as his eyes have gone wild. “You weren’t the plan. You came into my life when I was at my worst, and for some reason, you still wanted to be around me, offering me the best of you, and I have been trying to ignore it because I thought it was too soon after my break-up or because deep down, I think you deserve better than me.”

“There is no one better than you,” he interrupts, needing TK to understand that once and for all. “You’re not perfect, TK, I know that,” he says, holding up a hand when TK goes to argue. “But there is no one better – you are the only one for me.”

TK lets out a gasp at his words, finally not moving about, coming to a stop, and Carlos takes the chance to touch him again, bringing him in closer as he cups his face, tilting it up to him.

“Your sisters looked at me tonight as someone worthy of you,” he whispers, his eyes going glassy. “I so want to be that. I want to be worthy of your love.”

Carlos smiles, feeling everything inside him melt for the man in his arms. “Oh, baby,” he whispers softly, leaning in to kiss his forehead, his eyelids, cheeks, and the tip of his nose before he brushes his lips against TK’s.  He pulls him into a hug when he feels him tremble. “Don’t you get it? You already are.”

“Carlos – “ TK gasps something like a sob into his neck.

He pulls him back, making sure he’s looking at him before he finally says the words he’s been holding in for so long. “I’m in love with you, TK.”

TK lets out a wet laugh, nodding rapidly as he grasps his shoulders. “I’m in love with you too,” he answers, smiling brightly, matching Carlos’ own smile.

The kiss they share is salty from their mixed tears but perfect.

Breaking the kiss, they press their foreheads together, basking in the moment and the change in their relationship. Carlos doesn’t think he’s ever been happier, but after a moment, he finds himself letting out a groan as a realization creeps in.

“What is it?” TK questions him curiously.

“I just realized that if my sisters learn we weren’t official before we ran into them and that dinner with them helped in any way – I’m never going to hear the end of their mocking,” he answers, blinking in surprise when TK lets out a chuckle that quickly turns into a deep belly laugh. It only grows as Carlos pouts at him in return.

“Not even five minutes of being boyfriends, and you’re laughing at my pain,” he says, trying to keep from smiling but being unable to do so at the use of the ‘B’ word and the way TK lights up at it. “You’re lucky I love you.”

TK sobers at his words, the laughter dying out but the loving smile staying in place. “I am so lucky,” he says softly, taking his hand.

Carlos intertwines their fingers, bringing their hand up to his lips, laying a kiss over TK’s knuckles. “I’m lucky too.”

[anime-lover-forever-1127]

Reincarnated As The Goddess Of Beauty {Ottar} - Chapter 0 - Intro

Intro

*****

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?". It belongs to its original creator Fujino Ōmori. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if the Oc I created isn't in them. As long as they are mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. Or maybe because it influences the story. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed the characters I created into the story line. Because of this, most of the dialogue/scenes will come from the original work. So credit for that goes to it's rightful creator.

Warnings: Isekai

*****

Valentina always felt like she lost the card shuffle of life. Always getting dealt the worst cards.

Yet she always put others first, working herself into a literal grave. Well... more like driving herself into a cemetery. But tomato tamato.

So when she wakes up inside of an anime she quite enjoyed, she was pleasantly surprised.

Though the real bummer there was, she was reincarnated into the body of Freya, one of the main antagonists of the story.

Lucky for her though. The story hadn't begun yet, giving her a chance to save herself.

So she swore that she wouldn't let her bleeding heart be the death of her for a second time. She'd enjoy a peaceful and relaxing life with her family.

Yet... WHY DO THESE PEOPLE KEEP COMING TO HER! (WHY IS HESTIA SO CUTEEEE... how can she say no!)

*****

Are you kidding me? This stupid pedophile went after a kid who couldn't even drink and led to her downfall vs this hunk of man who could bench press he-man?! Yeah, I'm not making that mistake!

*****

My eyes widened as I realized I had just screwed up.

Before I knew it, my vision was spinning.

"I was willing to look past a lot of things. But now I know for sure. Whoever you are. You aren't lady Freya. Where is she?" Ottar growled, pushing me against the wall.

It took me a second to realize Ottar had pushed me against the wall.

He knows.

He knows I'm not Freya.

I'm done for.

*****

I'm not protecting you. Only Lady Freya's body.

*****

I tried finding a story for Ottar, yet couldn't find even a speck. So I've decided to write one myself.

But honestly, the scene at the top was definitely me projecting. Like WHY would Freya go for a 14 year old boy, instead of the hunk of a guy next to her.

I probably sound like a hypocrite considering I've written stories with huge age gaps, even 16 year olds with 27 year olds. But at 16, I can understand it. At 16 you can decide who you love and want to be with. Maybe even at 15 - depending on the case and how mature a person is. But 14, nope, that's where I draw the line. A 14 year old, just got done with hitting puberty, they are not ready for that. Because to me, it's more about, if a person who's what they're getting into, than the actual age gap. Because if they're old enough to have a relationship with someone who's two years older, then they're also old enough to have a relationship with an age gap. But at 14, yeah, they aren't. So that's something I'm also opposed to. So yeah... (Or is that just me?) For the record - that's just my opinion. I highly suggest no getting with someone underage, because it's still against the law, and you can get arrested.

Hope You Enjoy The Story :)

[a-gorgeous-george]

Basic Questions

First name? Georgette

Surname? Foxworth

Middle names? Luciana

Nicknames? Gigi (by her     mother)

Date of birth? August     7th

Age? 22

Physical / Appearance

Type of clothes?

Georgette’s style is all about femineity and luxury. She wears a lot of dresses, a lot of skirts, but even her workout clothes are designer. She swears “cheap” clothes give her a rash – and who would want to mar her perfect skin like that.

How do they wear their     clothes? Tight and tailored.

What are their feet     like? (type of shoes, state of shoes, socks, feet, pristine, dirty, worn,     etc)

Georgette is rarely seen without heels on, and thanks to regular pedicures and lack of abuse, her feet are soft and pretty always.

Race / Ethnicity? Spanish     and Indonesian

Are they in good health?     Oh yes, she has a strict workout schedule and diet she sticks to… well,     actually, perhaps not, because alongside that she also lives a life of high     stress and nicotine.

Personality

Are they more optimistic     or pessimistic?

It really depends on the source of power in a situation. If it is something she has control over, she is optimistic, can’t see how something would ever not work out, but if someone else is in control, her view changes considerably and she is usually fairly certain it will fail.

Do they ever put on     airs?

When is she not putting on airs?

What bad habits do they     have? She has a serious nicotine problem.

What makes them laugh     out loud?

She isn’t really a laugh out loud type of person. She might chuckle or smile in amusement, but laughing out loud indicates a level of ease that she just does not feel around people. Also Al.

How do they display     affection?

She is very physically affectionate… I think. She has never been in a position where she felt comfortable being affectionate with a person in that way. Besides that, she shares her wealth in ways that benefit that people she cares about, shares her privilege with them. She is happy to be her friends’ sugar mama.

How do they want to be     seen by others? Beautiful and in control.

How do they see     themselves?

She very much sees herself as a lone wolf. She knows she’s beautiful, smart, capable, hardworking, but she’s alone and absolutely terrified someone will recognize it. She is also very much aware of her inner rage.

·       How are they seen by others?

Because of her past with her family and the lack of ties it provided her, Georgette was left defending herself. Her arrogance and obsessive need to believe in her own importance is directly tied to the lack of importance anyone else gave her.

Strongest character     trait?

For all her bravado and arrogance, Georgette is 100% unafraid of hard work. From her work on her blog and marketing it, her history as a beauty queen, her strict adherence to her diet and exercise routine, every aspect of her life, she has no issue knuckling down and putting in the time and effort to succeed.

Weakest character trait?

She is incapable of asking for help, as if it somehow undermines her own achievements if someone else must assist her.

How competitive are     they?

Extremely. If you want to manipulate Georgette into doing something, make it a contest. She’ll probably even know what you’re doing and still be unable to resist.

Do they make snap     judgements or take time to consider?

Snap judgements all the way, baby!!

How do they react to     praise?

Smug agreement.

How do they react to     criticism?

Strong commitment to your character’s delusion that she is anything other than amazing.

What is their greatest     fear?

Dying without ever achieving anything of substance.

What are their biggest     secrets?

Georgette is crushingly lonely. Her whole life has been spent pushing people away, trying to protect herself and prove herself, full of anger, and it has left her without anyone she can be close to.

What will they stand up     for?

Once her blog is up and running and successful, once the magazine starts to take off, she will have real issues with people saying she’s self-made. She is fully aware that even without her father’s money, her name alone carries a certain currency most people do not have. She is well aware of her own privilege in that area and will stand up against anyone who compares her achievements against someone who didn’t have that head start.

Who do they quote?

She’s a closet book nerd and might not quote directly but will frequently make allusions to literature.

Are they indoorsy or     outdoorsy? Indoorsy.

What is their sinful     little habit? Cigarettes.

What sense do they most     rely on?

Sight – how someone/something looks dictates more of her life than it should.

How do they treat people     better than them?

What people better than them?

How do they treat people     worse than them?

That seems like an unfair question when everyone is worse than them.

What quality do they     most value in a friend? She wouldn’t know.

What do they consider an     overrated virtue? Niceness.

If they could change one     thing about themselves, what would it be?

She would have people who cared about her.

What is their obsession?     Herself?

Friends and Family

Is their family big or     small? Who does it consist of?

Her mother and stepfather, father and stepmother, Jenny and Oliver (Yes, she considers Oliver as part of her family)

What is their perception     of family?

When she was barely cognizant of life, her father had an affair, had a baby, split up her family, quickly destroying the idea in her head. It is an outdated concept made to make people feel like belong to a group, no loyalty or love.

Describe their best     friend.

………. Let me get her just a friend first.

Ideal best friend?

Someone who understands her hustle. Someone she can see the inherent importance in. Someone that can still pull her out of her head and get her to have fun.

Describe their     acquaintances.

She is jealous of the closeness of Dodger’s gang, watching as an outsider and wishing desperately to be a part of it all.

Do they have any pets?

She is a massive dog person! (Get it?) But yes, she has a little doggo, Valentina.

Past and Future

What was your character     like as a baby? As a child?

Awful? Spoiled? She was raised spoiled, but after her father’s betrayal, she sought to teach him a lesson. Even as a child, she would blackmail and torture him, threatening to reveal his dirty secret to the world. She was worse to Jenny even, more easily able to take out her anger over the affair and her birth on the younger girl than the truly guilty adults.

Did they grow up     nurtured or neglected?

Neglected – but that is partly her own fault. She is as much at fault due to her reaction and actively hurting her family and her father. She lashed out and did truly awful things and crushed what bond there might have possibly been.

What is the most     offensive thing they ever said?

Oh, I don’t know… in my head, I feel like she can be a very problematic person. Add that in with her natural meanness, I am sure she has said some awful stuff.

What was their first     kiss like?

It was awful. Some other 7th grader when she was in 7th grade. Too wet. Thought he was trying to drown her.

What is the worst thing     they did to someone they loved?

Repeatedly blackmailing her father for her own benefit.

What are their     ambitions?

She wants to outshine her father, claim their last name as her own and not the sullied version her father left in the wake of his controversy. That is why her blog and future magazine is named after her.

What advice would they     give their younger self? It’s not Jenny’s fault.

What smells remind them     of their childhood? Perfume and peppermints.

What was their childhood     ambition?

Growing up, her mind stayed on the pageant world. Her ambitions usually stayed just one pageant ahead of her.

What is their best     childhood memory?

She doesn’t know if it’s real or not, just this soft memory of her father grinning and spinning around the living room with her, dressed in his coat and tails.

What is their worst     childhood memory?

Listening in from the hall as his father confessed everything to her mother, hearing her mother sobbing as he threw clothes into a suitcase.

When was the last time     they were crushed with disappointment?

The last one? She still hasn’t got over her first one.

Love

Do they believe in love     at first sight?

She only barely believes in love in any form.

·       How do they behave in a relationship?

Georgette really doesn’t do relationships, thanks to that whole “love isn’t real” thing. They usually last a month or so, but she gets bored and has no issue telling him to get lost after that point.

When did you character     last have sex? Perhaps a couple weeks ago.

What sort of sex do they     have?

She is looking for something hot, passionate, and with someone she doesn’t have to worry about calling back.

Conflict

How do they respond to a     threat?

Georgette doesn’t back down from a threat, though her means for fighting usually involves $$$ instead of doing any sort of fighting herself.

Are they most likely to     fight with their fists or their tongue? Tongue.

What is your character’s     kryptonite? Point out her lack of backup.

If your character could     only save one thing from their burning house, what would it be? Say it     with me… diamonds.

How do they perceive     strangers?

Her trust or lack of trust in them is based solely on how they look.

What do they love to     hate? Oh, that is way too long a list to put here.

What are their phobias?     Bugs of any sort.

What is their choice of     weapon? Poison.

What living person do     they most despise? Her father.

Have they ever been     bullied or teased? That would not go well for that person.

Where do they go when     they’re angry? Home, to seethe and plot.

 Work, Education and Hobbies

What is their current     job? Blogger.

What do they think about     their current job?

She has dreams of something bigger, more substantial, but she’s thankful for the success the gossip blog has had and excited to grow it.

What are their hobbies?     Painting, reading, dancing.

Educational background?     Some college.

Intelligence level?

I believe she is fairly smart, but her work ethic covers a lot of distance for her.

Favorites

What is their favorite     animal? Doggies.

What is the most     beautiful thing they’ve ever seen? Her face in the mirror.

What is their favorite     song? Ego by Beyonce

Music, art, reading     preferred? Ooooooh… probably reading

What is their favorite     color? Gold

What is their password?

Honestly it is probably a secure combination of letters put together by a professional.

Favorite food: Lasagna

What is their favorite     work of art? Judith and the Head of Holofornes

Who is their favorite     artist? Gustav Klimt

What is their favorite     day of the week? Saturday

Possessions

What is in their fridge?     A lot of water, veggies, meal prepped chicken

What is on their bedside     table? The current book she is reading, a bouquet of pink and white roses,     a gold lamp, a rose gold silk eye mask

Spirituality

Who or what is your     character’s guardian angel?

If she has a guardian angel, she would really like a word with it.

Do they believe in the     afterlife? I mean, she now knows Hades, so yeah

What are their religious     views?

Once you meet a god, you kinda realize which system of beliefs is the right one

·       How would they like to die? Painless and pretty

What is their zodiac     sign? Leo

Values

What do they think is     the worst thing that can be done to a person? Abandonment

What is their view of     ‘freedom’?

Able to make your way through life on your own two feet without having to rely on anyone else to support you.

When did they last lie?     Probably an hour ago

What’s their view of     lying? It definitely can make things easier.

When did they last make     a promise?

She doesn’t really bother. You either do things or you don’t. The rest is just extra words.

Daily life

What are their eating     habits? Healthy food prepared by a chef.

Describe their home.

Luxurious home in a gated community bought by her father.

Are they minimalist or a     clutter hoarder? Minimalist.

What do they do first     thing on a weekday morning? Drink a glass of cold water.

What do they do on a     Sunday afternoon?

She can be found putting the finishing touches on her blog post for the week.

What do they do on a     Friday night?

She can just as easily be found out dancing as home alone working.

What is the soft drink     of choice? She doesn’t drink soda.

What is their alcoholic     drink of choice? Merlot.

Miscellaneous

What or who would your     character dress up as for Halloween? Anything sexy.

Are they comfortable     with technology? She can do basic things.

If they could save one     person, who would it be? Jenny.

If they could call one     person for help, who would it be? Over her dead body.

What is their greatest     extravagance? Jewelry

What is their perception     of redemption? She hopes it’s real.

What would they do if     they won the lottery? It would change her life 0%.

What is their favourite     fairytale?

She isn’t really big on fairytales, but definitely prefers the darker original versions. So much more realistic than that happily ever after in love bullshit.

Do they believe in happy     endings?

She believes in the ability of a person to make their own damn happy ending.

What is their idea of     perfect happiness?

Surrounded by a family that loves her

If your character could     travel through time, where would they go?

She has it on good authority that life gets more uncivilized the farther back you go, so she’s good, thanks.

If they could have a     superpower, what would they choose?

Full on mind control. She’ll make you do what she wants and feel no guilt.

[meghanpage]

To the Stars Ch. 6 - ...and Dancing

Words: 3030

Also on AO3

---

Make it count.

Valentina excused herself from the table as soon as she could without seeming suspicious, and had to hold herself back from running from the saloon.

Her heart raced as she followed the directions from Juliana's note and made her way back to the grand staircase. She wanted to make it count, wanted to do something spontaneous, something worth it. Something with Juliana.

As she approached the stairs, she found Juliana waiting at the landing, her back turned, studying the ornate clock in the wall. Valentina had to take a breath, calming her nerves, before lifting her skirts and beginning to climb.

Julianna turned as she approached, unerringly meeting her eyes with a crooked smile. “So,” she said, “you want to go to a real party?”

The third class general room was overflowing with people and sound. A group of string players accompanied a bagpipe and drum in a jaunty tune as people skipped and danced on wooden platforms. Valentina couldn’t help but gaze around her as Juliana led them to a small table. The atmosphere was completely opposite to that at dinner, filled with laughter and cheers and lively music rather than sedate conversation and stuffy manners.

As Juliana weaved through the throng, Valentina kept close, afraid she would get separated in the press of bodies. Juliana snagged a tall glass of dark brown beer, then miraculously found them an empty table. As Valentina sat, she pushed the drink towards her.

“None for you?” Valentina questioned, even as she brought the glass to her lips.

Juliana shook her head. “Not really into drinking, myself.”

Valentina raised an eyebrow. She didn’t know if she would have made it this far without alcohol. Sometimes it was the only thing that could numb her pain.

Before Juliana could sit as well, a young girl on the outskirts of the dance floor caught her eye. The girl waved shyly, then pointed to the dancers in question. Juliana let out a soft laugh, raising a hand in acknowledgement.

“Looks like I’ve been asked to a dance,” she said. “Want to join?”

Quickly shaking her head, Valentina motioned to her beer. “No, I’ll stay here and finish this. You go on.”

With a parting smile, Juliana went over to the girl, taking her hands and leading her into a skipping dance. A grin slipped over Valentina’s face as she watched, joining in with others as they clapped along to the music. The jubilant atmosphere was almost as heady as the dark, bitter beer she drank. Everyone around her was smiling and laughing, dancing or clapping to the beat. On the other side of the room, a drunk man crashed to the ground, only to be hoisted back to his feet by his friends and grab another glass of beer. Valentina couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

The song that had been playing ended to a round of cheers, and the band quickly started up with another. Juliana’s eyes brightened, and she pointed back at Valentina. “I’m going to dance with her now, okay?”

The little girl nodded, and Juliana stepped back over to the table. Giving Valentina a grin, she reached for her hand.

“I love this song! Come on, shall we dance?”

Valentina put down her empty glass and took her hand without thinking, but stayed frozen in her seat. “I can’t dance,” she professed. She could barely remember the steps to a formal dance, and she had never encountered such carefree and spirited dancing as this. “I’ve never danced to this kind of music, I don’t know how.”

Smiling at her, Juliana pulled her to her feet. With a squeeze to her hand, she teased, “You don’t have to know how to dance, you just dance.”

“You only say that because you do it beautifully!” Valentina protested.

Juliana laughed. “Come on, Val, don’t be like that. I’ll teach you.”

Maybe it was the beer getting to her head, or maybe it was Juliana calling her Val, but Valentina found herself, wide eyed, being pulled into the mix of dancers.

“First thing, stand in front of me and give me your hand. Place your other hand on my shoulder, and I’ll place mine here.” Juliana guided them into position, holding Valentina’s hand up to their sides and wrapping her opposite hand lightly around Valentina’s ribs.

Her warm touch sent Valentina’s heart pounding, and she prayed the other woman couldn’t feel it beneath her fingers. She tried to carefully copy Juliana’s posture, letting her arms stay closer to her sides than what she was used to. She hoped no one else was watching.

Juliana smirked playfully at her. “We’re going to have to get a little bit closer.”

With gentle pressure on Valentina’s side, she pulled her so they were chest to chest. Valentina’s breath caught in her throat.

“Okay, you’re going to take a small step to your right. To my left, your right. And then follow me,” Juliana instructed her.

Valentina watched Juilana’s feet, doing her best to follow. “I don’t know the steps!”

“Neither do I!” Juliana laughed. “Just go with it, don’t think!”

Juliana began to move them, first in a small circle, then wider and faster as she found the beat of the music. Valentina stared at her feet, trying to match Juliana’s bounding rhythm. She couldn’t help but laugh as they spun amongst the other dancers.

“Look, I’m really doing it!”

Juliana grinned at her, then looked down as well, biting her lip. “You know what? When you dance with someone like this, you you’re meant look each other in the eyes.”

That made Valentina pause, and their whirling slowed. “No, I can’t do both things at the same time! I can’t make eye contact and watch my feet.”

Laughing, Juliana began to turn them once more. “Hold on to me. Let’s try it again, follow me.”

As they danced, Valentina couldn’t help but glance back at her feet, but Juliana squeezed her hand, and her palm crept around Valentina’s back, and then the only thing she could do was stare. They were nose to nose, Juliana’s brown eyes deep and shining with laughter. She bit her lip once more - her mouth was so close that their lips could brush with just a simple lean forward.

Valentina tried to do as Juliana said, and not think.

Juliana spun them around the room, drawing peals of laughter from Valentina lips. She clung to Juliana’s shoulder, letting her lead, her focus only on keeping up. Suddenly, Juliana spotted an empty space on the makeshift stage in the center of the room and dragged them towards it.

“Wait, Juls, wait!” Valentina exclaimed, not fighting against Juliana as she climbed up and lifted her after.

Mimicking the other couple on the stage, Juliana linked their arms together, dancing in a circle one way, then the other. Then she clasped their hands together, crossed between them, leaned back, and began to spin.

Her laughter loud and bright, Valentina leaned into the spin as well, clinging to Juliana’s hands as hard as she could. “Juls! Juls, no!” she cried giddily, but she didn’t mean it. As they spun around and around, Valentina wished they would never stop.

But all too soon the song came to an end, and the pair climbed down from the stage dizzily. They stumbled over to another table, where Valentina grabbed another glass of beer and began draining it in long swallows. She caught Juliana staring and smirked at her.

“What, you think a first-class girl can’t drink?”

The men at the table in front of them were in the middle of an arm wrestling match, and the table rattled as one slammed the other’s hand down. Interrupting his calls for a rematch, Valentina reached over the men to swap her empty glass for another full one.

“So, you think you’re big, tough men?” she challenged. “I’ll bet I could drink you under the table.”

The two men eyed her for a moment, taking in her obviously upper-class appearance, then nodded cockily.

She gestured for them to grab a beer each, then raised her own. “Whoever finishes their entire glass first wins.”

The men nudged each other, and an onlooker counted down. Valentina immediately raised her cup to her lips, letting the alcohol slide down her throat with practiced ease. When she slammed her glass down on the table, both men were barely half-way through their own.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” one exclaimed.

Valentina laughed, putting one fist in the air to celebrate her victory. Turning to Juliana, she found her staring at her with a mix of amazement and concern. Ignoring the concern, Valentina took her hand, then reached back towards the table for another beer.

With a slight pull on her hand, Juliana held her back. “Do you think you’ve had enough?”

Valentina pulled back against her, snagging the beer with another laugh and assuring her she was just fine. She had developed a good buzz, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She sipped her new drink as she easily followed Juliana to a more secluded corner of the room.

Suddenly struck with an idea, Valentina made an excited noise through a mouthful of beer, quickly swallowing and setting her cup down on a nearby ledge. “I have an idea! It’s a game, it’s very fun.” She took both of Juliana’s hands in hers. “Let’s feel each other!”

Juliana gave her a strange look, but Valentina was busy arranging her hands, holding them up and straightening her fingers so her palms were out towards Valentina.

“You need to put your hands up, like antennas,” she explained. “And you need to feel the trail of my energy. But you can’t look at me, you must close your eyes.”

Juliana wasn’t very enthusiastic about her game, her brow creased slightly, but she let Valentina arrange her, obediently closing her eyes. Valentina knew she would like it though, once they got started. She had loved playing it with her father and brother when she was younger.

Starting with her hands against Juliana’s, she wiggled her fingers lightly so Juliana would know where they were. She closed her own eyes for a moment, her breath stuttering in her chest. She could feel the warmth of Juliana’s skin against her palms, and she had to fight the urge to simply clasp their hands together, their palms matching and their fingers intertwining.

But that wasn’t how the game was played, so she moved down Juliana’s hands, brushing her fingertips against the heels of her palms. Juliana’s fingers twitched at the touch, a small breath escaping her lips. Valentina had to swallow before continuing, hovering her fingers below Juliana’s wrists and moving up her arms. She traced over her shoulders, curving up her neck and behind her ears. Moving to Juliana’s temples, she gently brushed the tendrils of hair there away from her face.

Juliana was so beautiful. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she tried to keep her eyes closed, her full lips parted on a breath. Her skin was soft under her fingers, and she could just make out the sweet smell of her perfume or cologne. Valentina’s palms itched to take her face in her hands, draw them closer together...

Someone stumbled hard into Valentina, splashing their drink on her.

“Hey!” Juliana shouted, pushing him away. “Get out of here!”

Valentina blinked, startled at being so rudely interrupted. She laughed a bit as the drunkard stumbled away from them, waving off Juliana’s concern as she checked on her.

Juliana looked around the room, avoiding Valentina’s eyes. “I think I should go back to my bunk. Can I take you back to your room?”

“What? No!” Valentina protested. The night couldn’t be over already. “Let’s dance a little more!”

Juliana shook her head, but a reluctant smile curled the corner of her lips. “Where do you get so much energy from?” She gently pressed on Valentina’s shoulder, guiding her back towards the stairs. “I really think we should both get some rest.”

When Valentina could only pout at her, her smile softened. “Don’t worry. I’ll see you back to your rooms, and then I’ll come to see you again tomorrow.”

Brightening significantly, Valentina followed Juliana from the room, leaning against her for support as they climbed the narrow metal stairs, neither of them aware of the watching eyes that had just stood where they passed.

---

Lucho set up a private breakfast for him and Valentina the next morning, having Chivis set up a tea table for them on one of the sun decks. A pounding hangover had taken up residence in Valentina’s head, and she purposefully sat facing away from the bright windows, slowly nursing her tea.

“I had hoped you would come to me last night,” Lucho eventually spoke up.

Valentina hid a wince. Lucho had been the farthest thing from her mind last night. “I was tired.”

Lucho scoffed. “Your exertions below decks were no doubt exhausting.”

A swell of embarrassment rose in her, overcome swiftly by anger. “I see you had that lieutenant of a manservant follow me. How typical.”

“You will never behave like that again, Vale,” he growled at her. “Do you understand?”

With a glare, she hissed, “I’m not a foreman in one of your distilleries that you can command. I’m your fiancée!”

“My fiancée? My fiancée?” Lucho shouted, his face red, and leapt to his feet, rattling the dishes on the table. “Yes, you are, and my wife!”

As Valentina sat frozen, Lucho seized the edge of the table and flung it, flipping the table over and sending the silverware and china flying. He lunged for her across the now-empty space, grabbing the arms of her chair and trapping her.

“My wife in practice if not yet by law, so you will honor me. You will honor me in the way a wife is required to honor a husband. Because I will not be made a fool, Vale.” He sneered at her, his face inches from hers. “Is that at all unclear?”

Unable to make a sound, Valentina shook her head, too afraid to break eye contact.

“Good,” he said quietly. Then he rose casually, as if nothing had happened, and turned to exit the room. “Excuse me.”

Valentina remained frozen until Lucho left the room. Having heard the crash, Chivis came running to her side, calling her name.

At the sight of the older woman, Valentina came unstuck, her breathing coming quick and panicked. She dropped to the ground beside Chivis, reaching a shaking hand for the broken dishes.

“We had a little-- accident,” she tried to excuse, her words coming out in more of a gasp. “I’m sorry, Chivis. Let me help you.”

“It’s all right, Miss Valentina.” Chivis took her hand, preventing her from reaching for any more shards. More emphatically, she repeated, “It’s all right.”

Tears finally welled in Valentina’s eyes, and with a gasp, she collapsed to the floor. One hand to her heart, she kept the other clasped around Chivis’s hand, thankful beyond words for her comfort and familiarity.

Somehow, Valentina found the strength to pull herself together and return to her rooms. Chivis began to help her dress for the day, and the familiar routine helped to settle her emotions. As Chivis was lacing her into her corset, however, Eva let herself into the room unannounced.

“Tea, Chivis,” she ordered.

A bit startled by the abruptness of her entrance, Chivis nevertheless dropped a curtsy and hurried from the room.

Eva shut the door behind her, then came over to Valentina. She raised an eyebrow, and Valentina got the message to turn back around, allowing her sister to take a hold of her corset laces.

She pulled sharply at the laces for a moment, before quietly saying, “You’re not to see that girl again, do you understand me? I forbid it.”

Valentina’s temper flared, and she replied, “Oh, stop it, Eva. You’ll give yourself a nosebleed.”

Eva grabbed her arm, yanking her around to face her. “This is not a game,” she said icily. “You acted with complete impropriety last night. Our situation is already precarious. You know the money’s gone.”

“Of course I know it’s gone. You remind me every day.”

“That girl wants something from you,” Eva asserted. “I’m sure she got close to you out of pure interest.”

Valentina let out an incredulous breath, pulling her arm free of Eva’s grasp. “You haven’t even gotten to know her. You have no reason to say that.”

Eva rubbed her forehead in frustration. “You’re so naïve. Our father left us nothing but a legacy of bad debts hidden by a good name. That name is the only card we have to play. I won’t allow you to sully it by consorting with some freak.”

Letting out a sigh, Eva brushed her hair away from her face. She fixed Valentina with a bitter stare. “I don’t understand you. It’s a fine match with Lucho. It will ensure our survival.”

Valentina felt the familiar, oppressive weight settling over her, the manacles around her wrists. “How can you put this on my shoulders?”

Eva took a defensive half-step back. “Why are you being so selfish?”

“I’m being selfish?” Valentina returned incredulously.

“Do you want to see me working as a seamstress?” Eva questioned quietly, as if even speaking the idea was shameful. “Is that what you want? To see our fine things sold at auction? Our memories scattered to the wind?”

“What about Guille?” Valentina knew he would help them however he could, if Eva could just bring herself to ask. “He -”

“Guille left us,” Eva snapped, cutting her off. “He abandoned the family long ago, demeaned himself by running off with that poor girl. No, he’s no help to us, we must do this on our own.”

Blinking back bitter tears, Valentina whispered, “It’s so unfair.”

“Of course it’s unfair,” Eva answered, stepping closer again to put a hand against Valentina’s arm. “We’re women. Our choices are never easy.”

With that bleak sentiment in the air, Valentina allowed herself to be turned back around so Eva could tighten her corset once more.

[niqhtlord01]

By now if you don’t know what time it is we’ll have Roman take you back stage and beat the shit out of you with his little cane grenade launcher thing, because it’s time for another round of ROOSTER TEETH CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!! This week we have an up an comer from one of the company’s newer franchises and boy does her pluck show at being invited. (We told her it would be a sit down between all of the contestants to workout their issues as a group.)  This fire haired young lass hails from parts and has somehow survived against a governors champion, a giant bird monster, and nearly being shot in a dark abandoned mine. Let’s give it up for SKOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Glynda: Do you really need all of that? Skout: Better have it and not need it than need it and not have it as my mama would say. Glynda: *Snaps riding crop* She sounds like a smart woman then. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Grif: Why are you called a “Scout”? Skout: It’s “Skout” actually, with a “K”.  Grif: *Hefts rocket launcher* Congratulations, no one gives a fuck.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Don: I’ve been ringing my bell for over an hour now; honestly, such terrible help these days. Skout: Did you forget the part were you fired me, and that you, well, died? Don: *Draws sword* Death tried to claim my soul with manicured hands so of course I wouldn’t go with him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Valentina: You’re a plucky one to be a bounty hunter.  Skout: Well tar-nation I ain’t no bounty hunter.  Valentina: *Pulls out knives* Says the girl who hunted down a wanted man for fame and money.     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruby: *Whirlwinds in with rose petals* Skout: *In-hales* Are you magic!? Ruby: No, wait, yes, wait.....maybe.  Skout: *Cocks head to the side* Well shoot, which is it then? You’d think someone would know if they were magic or not.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tex: *Smashes through wall*  Skout: Toth? Tex: Who? Skout: *Shuffles in place* Sorry, just reminded me of someone.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nomad: *Casually walks in, straightens hat* Skout: Found you!  Nomad: *Jumps in surprise* Skout: *Straightens up* No escape’n me now Nomad!  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nemesis: *Emerges from a nano-tech cloud* Skout: They weren’t kidding when bout the dangers of magic.  Nemesis: *Leans down* Do I lookkkk like a fairytale to you?  Skout: *Takes two steps back* If I said yes, would you kindly not eat me?    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Roman: Scram; only room for one red head here.  Skout: Well what about that Pyrrha lady or Penny girl? Roman: *Points cane and gun cap pops open* Don’t worry, they’re next.       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around*     Simmons: You the new recruit? Skout: Guess so. I sure do look forward to working with ya!  Simmons: *Draws assault rifle* I’m the only kiss ass around here girly.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watts: *Walks in, brushes dust off coat* Skout: Listen I don’t want to fight, specially gainst someone who don’t even have a weapon. Watts: What, like this? *Pulls out custom revolver and spins it* Skout: Well shoot, there I go again opening my mouth and biting the gift horse. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Grey: *Walks in reading data slate, then tosses it away* Skout: Is it true you’re a doctor? We could sure use you back home.  Dr. Grey: The only way you could afford my services was if you gave me a kidney of yours.....or a chocolate bar.  Skout: *Takes two steps back* Riiiiiiight. Let me just go....find that chocolate bar.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Sun: Yo! Nice to finally come across another sand runner!  Skout: *High fives sun’s tail* Likewise friend!  Sun: *Unlocks weapon* We’ll have to grab a bite to eat after the match and trade stories.     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Felix: *Walks in twirling knife*  Skout: Careful there partner; you could hurt someone.  Felix: Like this? *Hurls knife at Skout’s feet* Skout: *hops back* Hey now, that ain’t no way to greet someone!     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Rufus: My dear I would advise you to turn around and leave at once.  Skout: *Puts up fists* Pardon me saying so but you don’t scare me old timer. Rufus: Well that’s understandable since I haven’t called my friend over. “Motions and Caliban steps into ring*  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skout:*Walks in, shuffles giant backpack around* Tyrion: You’re not the little red I was after, but I can spare some time to play hehehehh.  Skout: You alright mister? You’re acting funnier than a scorpion that just dung stung itself.  Tyrion: *Removes overcoat, tail extends* Funny you should mention that. hehe-hehe-hehahahahahahh!!!!!

[wastingoxygensince1983]

Amar a Muerte-social and Media response.

When it comes to LGBTI, Latin America considers it a taboo. Usually how media and social media reacts to the community in a way that can be hurtful. They mostly ignore completely the story, or just back shame the project/actors/characters. Sadly, that’s one of the reason that in this part of the world still use that character that is actually a joke.

If anyone remember “niñas mal” (wrong girls) on MTVLA Pia and Valentina went, and how everyone around Latin America reacted to them.

That’s why even if is so little, what amar a muerte o las Estrellas with feliz min gave us is way more important than what people from Other places of the world can expect from us.

The thing is, nobody expected what happen with juliantina. Not the network, the director, or even the cast. Nobody saw how big this was gonna be(see barbarena interviews).

And that’s the thing. Usually, when someone got involved in a project like that, it becomes a pariah. But amar a muerte and juliantina créate the first change.

Thanks for the beautiful project, and how fast it become famous, people started talking about it.

Obviously is a PR thing, dint get me wrong, but what I want is that everyone remember that in this countries nobody consider so PR with the community.

Suddenly there was a ice cream commercial. A ice cream company considered and made it happen, to put not just one but the ship as reír campaign.

Talk shows start calling them for interviews. Even a woman on one of them become the aunt of the fandom(her words).

Other companies realized how big Barbara and Maca are and how huge their fandom are, and start offering so much things. Magazines ask them to do covers, as individuals and as the ship.

Their PR managers saw our potential as a fandom and start showing everything they do. T heir promoting our girls, in a place we’re usually just ignore them and let them root.

The network(Televisa and las Estrellas) and let me tell you, anyone of Latin America can confirm this too, but TELEVISA and LAS ESTRELLAS decided to work with us. They edit 19 episodes with their scenes, including deleted footage to give before the movie and the spring off start.

Something happen with juliantina. This is not what they usually do.

And in life, in my own personal experience, not only the fandom saw how beautiful the love of juliantina is. I heard people that usually would ignore this stories talking about them, hating Lupe and Sergio and rooting for our girls to get their happy ending.

And now, we have a movie and spin off to come.

[rebelwrites]

Winner Takes It All || Twenty Five: Scratch It, I End You

Charles Leclerc x Valentina Hendrix (OC)

Winner Takes It All Masterlist

Summary: Charles had a plan, the Mustang was waiting for them at the track but there was one final surprise he had up his sleeve

Warnings: tiny mention of the crash

A/N: two posts on a week aren’t you lucky sods 😜

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

It still amazed me how I managed to squeeze into the bucket seats of the ST with this god annoying cast. One week down practically a million more to go. Leaning my head against the window of the car I watched the scenery change, my mind was spinning again but to be honest it hadn’t stopped spinning since the crash.

I was pretty much a pro now at putting on a front, hiding what I was really feeling but I knew Charles could see straight through the mask, he always had this superpower to know when I was hiding behind this cocky attitude I wore like armour.

Feeling Charles link his fingers with mine it not only took my breath away but it pulled me from my downward spiral.

“You doing okay?” he hummed, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road ahead. “And don’t give me the bullshit story you have been telling everyone else.”

Letting a heavy sigh escape my lips, I turned to look at Charles finding myself taking in his features, his hair was getting longer so most of the time he was rocking the messy just got out of bed look. Before I went down the rabbit hole of staring at this stupid perfect face I remembered he had asked me a question.

“Urm honestly, I don’t know how to answer that.” I sighed.

The moment the words left my lips he squeezed my hand gently, flicking his gaze over to me for a brief second. “I just feel like I’m lost, I wasn’t meant to be ending the season like this.” I could feel the tears burning my eyes. “Don’t even say things happen for a reason because if you do I will punch you.”

Charles let out a sigh before indicating and pulling into the nearest car park. Once the ST had come to a stop he shifted in his seat taking both of my hands in mine, his thumb brushing across my skin sending sparks through my skin. “My sweet girl,” he hummed, looking up at me with a soft loving look on his face. “Everything is going to be okay, I promise you will get through this, we will get through this together.” His voice was soft as he spoke, with every word he spoke I felt him slowly chipping away the walls I had built around my heart and that scared the living shit out of me. “As much as I want to go back and change the past, we can’t. But what we can do is take things one day at a time, taking baby steps to rebuild everything back up.”

A traitorous single tear rolled down my cheek, I knew the words he spoke were not about the crash, they were about us.

Automatically he reached up, brushing away the tear with his thumb, “babygirl, please don’t cry.” he whispered, cupping my face in his hands. “I will get you back on your feet, I will be there throughout every physio visit, every doctor's appointment, everything. I am not going anywhere babygirl, not now not ever. I walked away from you once and I won’t be making that mistake again.” he had a small smile appear on his face before he leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Now, for the rest of the day we are going to have some fun. If you can’t go to the track, I will bring the track to you”

“What do you mean?” I hummed, resting my forehead against his, letting my eyes flutter close, relishing his touch, it was something I had been craving for so long.

“Look up babygirl.” he whispered, pulling away from me causing me to look up out of the windscreen.

My jaw dropped the moment I saw we were at the track we both spent the majority of our childhood years at. But what shocked me the most was the candy apple red 1965 Mustang GT350 Fastback parked at the start line. It looked exactly like mine but it couldn’t have been seen as mine was securely locked up in the garage back in England.

“It is yours.” Charles chuckled, as if he could read my mind. “I got it flown over for this reason.���

“But I can’t drive it, you muppet.” I huffed, folding my arms across my chest trying to hide the pain I felt in my ribs.

“No but I can.” he winked, the cheeky grin on his face growing by the second.

He was like a child on Christmas morning, I had never let him drive the Mustang before so he was relishing in the fact he would be the one to take the beast around the track.

“You scratch it, I end you.”

“You seem to be forgetting I am the best Formula One driver on the track.”

“I am right here, you asshole.” I pouted, lightly smacking his chest with the back of my hand. “You seem to be forgetting that I fucking dominate that track and I dominated you.”

“Oh you can dominate me any time baby.” he winked, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. “As much as I want to continue this, it is time to push the beast to the limits and see what that beauty can do on the track.”

“You already know what that beauty can do on the track.” I giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Damn right I do.” he smirked before slipping out of the car.

Soon enough Charles had helped me out of the ST and into the Mustang, it wasn't easy but he managed it without moaning even when he couldn’t get the passenger seat to push back any further.

Hearing the engine of the beast and feeling the vibrations through the seat put a smile back on my face. It had been too long since she had been driven.

Without any warning Charles slipped the car into first gear and sped off down the track.

It was like I had been transported back in time to when we used to race the ST around this very same track, glancing over to Charles I noticed how wide his smile was as he pushed the Mustang to its limits.

Hours had passed and I was pretty sure I needed four new tyres on the Mustang but I didn’t care. Right now Charles was doing everything in his power to make me feel like myself again and it was working. My jaw actually hurt from smiling so much. Although the moment he started doing donuts in the beast I was ready to punch him.

The car soon came to a stop and Charles looked at me with a cocky smirk.

“Told you I wouldn’t scratch it.” He hummed, taking my hand pressing tender kisses against my knuckles.

“Nah but you killed my tyres, asshole.” I giggled.

The tears freely fell down my cheeks as I took in the sight in front of me. The sun had only just set and the picnic blanket and pillows were set up on one of my favourite spots in this country, the back of Charles yacht. I had no idea how I managed to get all of this set up when we spent the whole day at the track but I wasn’t going to question this.

“Bear, this is beautiful.” I whispered, feeling Charles wrap his arms around my waist and I automatically leant back into him.

“Not as beautiful as you.” he whispered, his breath ticking the back of my neck as he spoke.

Ever since Japan things had started to change between me and Charles, in fact things had started to change long before that. The pinnacle moment for us was when I showed up at his hotel room drunk, pouring my heart out to him. But things were slowly going back to how we were when we were dating.

“You did all of this for me?”

“Vali, I always have and I always will do anything for you, no matter the cost, no matter the effort because it is worth it to see that smile that captures my heart.” Charles hummed, taking my hand in his leading me over to the picnic blanket helping me down onto the blanket. Once he was satisfied that I was comfy he sat down behind me, spreading his legs either side of my body, pulling me closer to him.

In this moment it was like the past didn’t exist, neither did the heartache and pain. This moment was pure bliss, and for the first time for a while my heart was happy. It was just me and Charles, no one or anything else mattered right now.

“What are we going to do, Bear?” I whispered, keeping my focus trained on the sky, watching as the clouds rolled by.

“Like I said in the car babygirl, we take each day as it comes.” Charles whispered, pressing a kiss against the back of my head. “We focus on the moment rather than worrying about what tomorrow will bring.”

“I was talking about us.” I whispered, finally saying the words that had been on the tip of my tongue for the last few weeks. “Everything is changing, and you can’t tell me you can’t feel it too.”

“Remember when I said I want us to start over again, I don’t care how long it takes, I will wait as long as you need.” he whispered, resting his head against my shoulder. “I meant every single word. I do feel it, and I want nothing more than for us to go back to how we were but I am happy to wait until you are ready even if that means waiting until I am old and grey.”

I had practically choked on my words at his response, even though the words I wanted to say were on the tip of my tongue but no matter what I couldn’t get the words out. Running my hands over my face I blinked away the tears.

“Babygirl, I know you are scared and I don’t blame you.” Charles hummed, moving so he was now knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his. “Look, I know I hurt you in the past and ever since then I have hated myself for walking away from you. I still love you Valentina, you have my whole heart, you always have done.” Turning my gaze to him I found myself getting lost in his eyes, the lights sparkling in them provided me with a feeling of calmness. “Ever since you turned up at my hotel room I have been clinging onto that bit of hope that this time would come.”

Pulling one of my hands from his I reached up resting it against his cheek, feeling his nuzzle into my touch. My heart was screaming at me, this is what I had been wanting for years now.

It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath I lent forward, closing the gap between us. Pulling my other hand free I wrapped my arms around Charles neck, my gaze flicking between his mesmerising eyes and his lips. My heart was racing as we both edged close to each other. Once our lips connected everything was going to chance once again. But I knew in my heart I was ready and this was what I wanted.

Our lips were millimetres apart when my phone started ringing causing me to groan knowing exactly who was calling by the ringtone that was blaring on the deck of the yacht.

“Fucking Pierre!”

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo67 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq @queenslife @panicforspec @inesramoss30 @justme2042 @liv67 @sessgjarg @derpinathebrave @idkiwantchocolatee @littleobsessionsandlifeslessons @alynoa @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @organasith @inchidentwithmax @raaaaabzzz @teamspideyman @marvelousmendess @mehrmonga @sbgal @thattaylorswiftobsessedbitch @mloyer

[ograndebatata]

My thoughts on some issues with Season 3 of Elena of Avalor

Disclaimer: This post is only an exposition of my personal opinions on what I think are bad aspects of a series that I overall like. It is not meant to reflect my thoughts on the series as a whole, on the show’s creators, cast members, or anyone else involved in its production. It’s also not meant to reflect my thoughts on fans of the show who don’t find any problem with the things I’ll be pointing out.

However, while I will do my best to go about it politely, said opinions are still about ‘less good’ points of the series. 

I’m not saying any of you has to agree with everything I said, or even with a word with it. And I’m also not saying I posted this because I wanted to start an argument. I just happened to find enough issues with the series in too few episodes that I wanted to put forth my thoughts on them.

All those who feel curious as to what those are, feel free to read on. 

Introductory words

This one is a first for me.

To the best of my memory, I never actually wrote such a lengthy piece of text offering criticism on any kind of media, be it a book, a video game, a TV series, or anything else. 

But despite how little my Tumblr may or may not reflect it, I am a fan of various TV series and book series and film series, and many books and films that aren’t part of any series as well.

Two shows that I can safely say I am a devoted fan of are Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor. Yes, it may sound odd that a guy my age likes TV shows meant for preschoolers (at least regarding Sofia the First, as I have seen some debate on whether Elena of Avalor actually is for preschoolers) but both of them, in my opinion, are good for all ages. 

To those who might be dropping in out of nowhere and are at a loss on what I’m talking about, I will offer some context, in case you’re interested in reading more about this. However, I strongly recommend you watch both series before diving in, especially because this will contain spoilers for recent episodes. 

Sofia the First is a series that aired on Disney Junior from 2012 to 2018 (in the USA, at least, as other countries had different release dates), about a princess whose widowed shoemaker mother falls in love with a king. As a result of her mother’s eventual marriage, Sofia gains a new father and two new siblings, but also the responsibility of learning to be a princess, even though she doesn’t become the crown heir. 

It was a fun show, with lots of good elements, such as likable characters, fun adventures, defiance of gender stereotypes (both from girls and from boys) and occasional cameos from various Disney Animated Canon characters, such as Snow White, Mulan, and Olaf. I strongly recommend it.

Elena of Avalor started airing in 2016, and takes place in the same universe as Sofia the First, with its intended premiere actually being a spin-off of Sofia the First called Elena and the Secret of Avalor, meant as a backdoor pilot to the series, but which eventually became an episode with a framing device in present day added in. It premiered on Disney Channel, but it was eventually reclassified as part of Disney Junior. 

In my opinion, it is even better than Sofia the First. Besides including the same kind of likable characters and fun adventures, it also focuses on elements like family relationships, dealing with trauma, mourning deceased loved ones (with onscreen murder of the protagonist’s parents actually being committed by the show’s starter villain), and a few characters that can’t be so easily labeled as heroes or villains. It also has character growth from the leading characters, which by itself makes it stand out. I recommend it even more strongly than Sofia the First. 

However... I do feel both series have their points where they seem to show lack of work put into them, for lack of a better description. 

For Sofia the First, I feel those started in the fourth and final season, when the series became more serialized. And coincidentally or not, they seem to be starting in Elena of Avalor in its (so far, at least) final season (in this case, its third), which has also been said to feature a single, largely serialized arc. 

This is, by and large, my attempt at laying out the current on that front in Elena of Avalor, and my general feelings on them.

I will give from the get-go that the bulk or even the entirety of these are bound to go over the heads of the target audience, which is not made up of adults like me. However... I am someone who likes consistency and continuity in the media he consumes, and while I don’t mind some wiggle room, I find that there are limits. And while things like action and humor and the like aren’t handled the same way for all audiences, I feel that general attention to detail should be applied with the same rigor whatever the target demographic.

Anyone is welcome to read, but once more, people who didn’t watch the series are bound to have no idea what I’m talking about, and will get spoiled in case they decide to watch either series later.

To use somewhat of a stereotypically stern sentence... don’t say I didn’t warn you

Overview of Season 3 so far

Let me make one thing clear. Just because I’m speaking of negative points in Season 3 of Elena of Avalor, it doesn’t mean I hate the season. It’s not horrible, or even bad. 

It already showed a lot of strong points, of which I will list a few.

- We get to see interesting new locations, both within Avalor itself (like Xotep and the Sunbird Temple) and outside (like the Grotto Metamo in the realm of Vallestrella and the Kingdom of Norberg)

- Old characters that haven’t been seen in a while return, such as the noblins, Princess Valentina, and the sunbirds Lama, Qapa, and Hool. 

- We got to meet fun new characters, such as Queen Abigail and Princess Chloe of Norberg, and the vulture-humanoid imp Zopilote. 

- We’re seeing more character development, both for heroes, like Elena, Isabel and Migs, and for villains, like Victor Delgado, Carla Delgado, and King Hector.  

- The animation is still overall great, despite minor goofs here and there.

But overall, I do find this season ‘less good’ so far when compared to the previous ones, as well as indicative of a certain sloppiness from the creators. And the main reasons why are below.

Just where is the source of all magic?

In Sofia the First, a plot-point that has been accused of being tacked-on is the element of the Mystic Isles, a floating magical archipelago which forms an important plot-point of the series’ fourth and final season, and was only introduced in said season’s first episode. 

Overall, I see where that statement is coming from. While there was nothing before that directly contradicted said place’s existence, it did suffer from a lack of foreshadowing. 

Granted, one thing many shows end up falling into is having to come up with new plot points for upcoming seasons if a series lasts longer than expected even though the creators had been planning to wrap everything up before. And sometimes, that’s difficult. 

And despite it seeming relatively out of nowhere, the Mystic Isles had fun elements (like Sofia’s general exploration of the Mystic Isles), interesting characters (like Chrysta, Sofia’s trainer as a protector) and lessons relevant to the target audience being taught (such as being accepting of differences). 

However, in Sister of Invention, the premiere of Season 3 of Elena of Avalor, we are introduced to the concept of Tacaina, which is said to be the source of all Maruvian magic, and a place that supposedly can be found through a special map which is only obtained via the cracking of a special puzzle.

Fans who never watched Sofia the First most likely will not notice this element, but as someone who did watch it, I’m a little confused. After all, both shows are set in the same universe, with both series referring to the world they’re set in as the Ever Realm. And in Sofia the First, the Mystic Isles were specifically said to be the source of all magic, period. 

I will give it is possible that said information was give by someone, shall we say, not fully informed on the matter (in Sofia the First, it’s given by a painter seen at the Conjurers’ Conference in the Season 4 premiere). But in Sofia the First, the Mystic Isles seemed to be enough of a widespread secret there that wizards knew about them and what they were. So I’m not sure how likely this is.

Overall, some kind of actual confirmation on this would be nice, if one is to determine what is specifically canon. 

Otherwise, it’s a plothole, although one that’s admittedly hard to spot.

What makes a villain?

One thing that has been praised, and fairly so, is how most villains in Elena of Avalor are not only fun to watch, but well developed enough to have some kind of motive. Those motives may be simple, but they do exist. Troyo wanted to be King of the Jungle, Fiero wanted revenge for not having been Royal Wizard, Victor and Carla want respectively respect and an escape for loneliness, and the list could go on. 

The only two villains which were so far shown to have a complete lack of a motive (going only by what we see on the series) are Shuriki and Zopilote. The former was an evil old hag who wanted to oppress, the latter is an evil old creep who wants to destroy. 

Adding to that, many villains were shown to be dead serious and had genuinely unsettling vibes even for an adult audience. Shuriki committed onscreen murder and oppressed a kingdom for 41 years, Fiero could have left a whole ballroom’s worth of people petrified for eternity, and Marimonda could have killed thousands or even millions with her magical gardening if her rampage had continued. 

For Season 3, we have Ash Delgado, who despite being tamer than other villains in the show, already proved to be a threat to be wary of, having come almost as close to killing Elena as Shuriki (although I do still think Shuriki is scarier). 

But... there are things about her which don’t seem to add up. 

For one, in her first villain song, The One And Only, she claims that Zopilote took everything he wanted from her town, including her two pet mice, and that the deed made her realize that the most wicked always wins and caused her to say goodbye to goodness.

A bit simple, but I think it still serves its purpose, especially if those pet mice were, for some reason, the only family she had.

But then, she tracks down the very same malvago that took her pet mice from her and wants to learn magic from him specifically.

It seems odd.

There’d be other malvagos as well for sure. Why would she want specifically that one? After all, supposedly she would hold a grudge against him for taking what she had. Yes, she specifically alluded to saying goodbye to goodness, but... even from a practical sense, it doesn’t seem like a good decision. After all, there were all sorts of inherent risks.  

Could this actually be some kind of long game at revenge? Or was losing her pet mice just an excuse to be a shit, which she actually always was from day one after all? 

I’ll give it’s the kind of thing that we can get actual confirmation on later in the series, but... it’s still a bit of a confusing setup.

When are we again? 

One thing that I personally always found strong in Elena of Avalor, and which I loved since it was first implemented, is the general attention to continuity. While some episodes, most notably Realm of the Jaquins and Two Left Fins, did have their first airings out of order, they were somehow conveyed to be out of order, and could be retroactively fit into their right place in an appropriate way.

Overall, it largely seemed like there was a clear timeline of events, despite a few minor hiccups. 

But now, things are just getting confusing there. 

First, Sister of Invention seems to show a sort of graduation/end of the year diploma for Isabel after she finishes her stint at college. However, the bulk of indications suggest that said stint should have ended months before, given the duration of the average school year. 

Yes, it’s possible that the school year in Avalor is one of those that goes from February to December, like those in the Southern Hemisphere in the real world. However, going by the very long vacation Isabel took in Nueva Vista, it doesn’t seem likely, unless the time we saw her in Return of El Capitán was some kind of temporary leave to attend Dia de los Muertos with her family. 

Which is a possibility, especially given how the upcoming Carnaval episode (which has to be set in either February or March) will take place shortly after Season 3 begins, but it’s another kind of thing that would be nice with some concrete indication.

Second, the episode The Incredible Shrinking Royals has a feast of friendship somewhere between January and March. Season 1 showed it to be somewhere in July or August (given how Party of a Lifetime was specifically said to take place in July, and Masks of Magic seems to have taken place either afterwards or not very long before), but now we have it in February or March.

Fair enough. Maybe this year’s Feast of Friendship happened earlier... but then there is another problem that comes from a line of dialogue in the episode. It’s when Elena tells Doña Paloma that it was she who told her that what matters is what people do when they arrive where they want to be... at the previous year’s Feast of Friendship!

Which I’m sorry, doesn’t add up.

Between Masks of Magic and The Incredible Shrinking Royals, there was one Dia de Los Muertos in The Jewel of Maru, and another in Return of El Capitán. By that reckoning, more than one year has passed between the two. And also, Doña mentions that the feast in the latter episode will be her thirteenth, when it should be her fourteenth. Yes, maybe there wasn’t a Feast of Friendship on that missing year for some reason, but still, the Feast of Friendship on which Doña told that to Elena would have been two years before not the previous year.

This one is actually a repeat of a prior error, as in All Kingdoms Fair Julio told Doña that she helped them build their float last year and they had a parranda. Granted, things could have happened exactly that way in the Christmas we didn’t see, but well... it just seems more like a goof.

How much time to traditions?

I will admit, this one is largely nitpicky. 

But it’s still something I noticed, and thus I felt it should be included. 

In Father In Chief, Chief Zephyr briefly sits down on what seems to be some kind of magical stone that makes his statue, which in turn is inside the Commander’s Rock, which we first saw in Shapeshifters. Skylar calls it a jaquin tradition. Which on itself, seems fair. 

But in Shapeshifters, Chief Zephyr specifically mentioned that it was Alacazar who built the Commander’s Rock. Alacazar, who was King Raul’s Royal Wizard, less than fifty years before. Yes, Alacazar could have been the Royal Wizard for longer than that, but given how long-lived jaquins seem to be (King Verago has ruled for over fifty years and still looks fairly youthful), Alacazar would have to be very long-lived to have built the Commander’s Rock long enough ago for all those jaquin chiefs to exist. Which doesn’t seem likely, given how in Elena and the Secret of Avalor he seemed to largely age at the rate of a regular human.

Yes, I will plead guilty to wizards in my fanfic continuity also being more long-lived than non magical humans, so I can’t fault canon for doing the same, but.. by that much? It just seems... well, unnaturally rushed.

I will give it’s also possible that the jaquin statues and the plaque that makes them were elsewhere before and were moved to the Commander’s Rock later... but again, it seems something that could have had more of an explanation in canon. 

If love really is in the air, it started floating a bit suddenly  

If the page about him on TV Tropes is anything to go by, Craig Gerber isn’t big on romance in the series he conceives, at least between the main characters.

That said, for a series where romance isn’t the main focus, he and his team overall do a very good job of portraying nice romantic relationships in it, whether they’re between couples that have been married for decades (such as Francisco and Luisa, who in their time together are clearly shown as very much in love after all these years) couples that fall in love at first sight (like Charoca and Charica, who were just adorable) or what appears to be a sum of both (like King Pescoro and Queen Camila, who look like they fell in love at first sight, but have nurtured that relationship over time and been together for around twenty years, if not longer).

And if Elena and Mateo end up becoming a romantic couple, I can say without exaggeration that it will be the best progression from friends to lovers that I have seen in recent television.

Still... I can’t help but think they kind of dropped the ball in the most recent relationship they have apparently introduced.

I will give I may be unduly biased, given my shipping preferences for the characters... but I promise I’m trying my best not to be. 

In a recent Twitter post, I called it a romance that seemed out of nowhere.

In a more recent Twitter post, I said it seemed less out of nowhere, but still an abrupt leap. 

And well... as I write this, I still stand by the latter statement.

I’m sorry, but I feel that, on a canon level, if Gabaomi is really meant to be portrayed as romantic, it got the short end of the stick on portrayals of couples in Norberg Peace Prize.

Maybe it has to do with different expressions of affection across cultures, as well as with my personal views on affection. I mean, I hug my best friend when we meet after we don’t see for a while, and we’re both guys and hetero. And it’s not at all unusual here in Portugal for friends of different genders to greet each other with hugs and cheek kisses. On a familial level, it’s also common for mothers and children of both genders, as well as fathers and children of both genders, to greet each other with cheek kisses. 

So to me at least, mere hugs between two friends, even if of a different gender, don’t exactly scream ‘ROMANCE!’. 

I will give that Gabe and Naomi had subtle moments so far that could be interpreted as romantically coded, such as their dance in My Fair Naomi, their hug in Song of the Sirenas, and their hug in Naomi Knows Best. But... well, again, it doesn’t exactly shout like there was a romantic relationship upgrade.

I also know it’s a Disney Junior show, and that there possibly is some form of rule against explicit romance, at least between younger characters, in the series. But unfortunately, I feel that only makes the whole thing even more confusing.

Is it romantic, or is it not romantic?

If it’s not... then perhaps this is all a mountain made out of anthill.

If it is... it does feel a bit sudden, despite those subtle moments. I feel there should have been some kind of ‘more overt’ display between Naomi Knows Best and Norberg Peace Prize. As is, it feels a bit too sudden of a leap. 

At least to me. 

I have no idea what lies in store on that front. It’s possible that this was never romantic to begin with. It’s possible that this ends up being a relationship that doesn’t work. And it’s also possible that this is it. 

Either way... well, the whole plot point doesn’t outright have me go ‘EW!’, but it does have me a fairly bit puzzled. 

Again, maybe it’s something else that will turn out to be clearer as the show goes on. 

But if the current status of things is really it, period, then I have my doubts.

Full sum

To reiterate the point I made in the beginning, Season 3 of Elena of Avalor still has a lot of good things going for it. 

To add a few to the list I made above:

- The cast members’ performances are as good as always, like those in the scene where Elena and Esteban have their... tense moment after Esteban admitted he sabotaged the Feast of Friendship hosted by Julio. 

- There are plenty of hilarious moments, such as the antics between Queen Abigail and King Hector. 

- The action scenes so far, such as the battle in Sister of Invention, are great.

Once more, the list could go on. 

But despite that, if Season 3 already has so many issues in so few episodes (and I’m not even including things like animation goofs in these things I point out) I feel it’s not presenting the best image of itself so far. 

Yes, individually, each of these things is fairly small, but when all of them add up and one keeps in mind that the average is basically one issue per episode... well, being as gentle about it as possible, it doesn’t exactly give as good an image of the series as it once had. 

It’s not an awful series for sure, but I do feel sad that it started to show so many signs of ‘less effort’ in a row. 

That said, it’s true things can still improve on the remainder of the season. And being a fan of the series, I hope they do.

Thank you to all those who actually made it to the end of this essay. I look forward to knowing your thoughts on this, whatever they are.

Peace out.

[artificialqueens]

Elastic Heart - Part 5/10 (Branjie) - Mia Ugly

A/N: The rest of this story is basically mostly written and I'm going to try to post it quickly before the ACTUAL SHOW messes with my Valentina-esque levels of fantasy. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and giving me feedback.  I’ve never written in this fandom before and you’re all so kind (and talented, Jesus murphy.)

Relationships for Brock have always been complicated.

He really hasn’t met a whole lot of queer people who don’t have some kind of emotional hang-up based as a result of the world they live in. And his journey’s been easier than a lot of other people’s, so really, he should be over this by now. But he still has a helpless association between want and guilt, like the moment he feels something good it’s a ticking clock until it’s going to be taken away. 

His most long-term relationship has been with ballet, and then he cheated on it with drag. He can’t imagine loving anything more than that. The thought makes him feel a bit sick to his stomach, because - that kind of love would be overwhelming. As big as the world. Completely uncontrollable, and Brock has to be in control.

But when he watches himself on Drag Race, there are moments up there when he sees someone who - isn’t.  In total control, that is. Sure, he presents a very polished,  curated image but sometimes he does this smile thing when he’s asked about Vanjie and it’s - just not a face he’s ever seen himself making. He knows what his face looks like. When did it start looking like that?

He goes out after the Snatch Game watch-party with a couple of other queens, ones he barely knows (but he’s trying to be unreasonably social, trying to stay distracted.)  He can barely look at the screen as he epically bombs a Canadian legend, so he drinks too quickly, and talks to the bartender, and pretends to be live-tweeting when isn’t. There’s a guy there too (Jeff? James?) leaning close to Brock, touching him too much, buying him drinks he doesn’t want. Brock accepts them anyway, wanting to feel anything but his feelings.

His friends suggest another bar, and he follows them, and Jeff or James is comes too. There are vodka shots (he thinks) and Vanessa’s beautiful face on yet another screen and more shots and Jeff/James’ arm around Brock’s shoulders.

And Brock doesn’t want his arm there. But he laughs and smiles and reprises his war-crime of a French Canadian accent, because that’s easier.  Easier than remembering that episode, those feelings. The sight of Vanjie, silver sequins across the mainstage, lips parting. the thought of: “this is it, they’re in the bottom two, it’s over.”

It wasn’t over then, of course. It is now.

Brock thinks he gets Jeff/James number although he can’t remember asking for it. Do they kiss? He hopes they don’t.  

Somehow Brock is in an alley, leaning against a brick wall because he doesn’t think he can stand.

Somehow Brock is in his bed, and there are cats on his pillow.

Somehow Brock is on his phone, FaceTiming someone. Who is he FaceTiming oh dear GOD don’t be -

It’s too late, there’s no going back, and Yvie Oddly’s furious eyes are glaring at him.  No, his name is Jovan. They’re here in the real world, they’re not on the show (Brock sometimes has to remind himself of that.)

“Oh.” Jovan says that one syllable like an obscenity, rubbing his hands over his face. Brock can barely make him out in the darkness. “I see you’re handling things well.”

Jovan’s in bed somewhere, still wrapped up in blankets.

“Whosit?” a quiet voice slurs somewhere beside him, a tumble of long dark hair against a white pillowcase. Jovan frowns and murmurs something indistinguishable, picking the phone up and taking it somewhere brighter.

Brock regrets everything, all of it. “Sorry - I shouldn’t have called.”

“There are lots of things you shouldn’t have done. I don’t know if calling me at 3 am makes the top five.”

(Top Five Things Brock Shouldn’t Have Done:

Number One, and fine, Number Two as well: Fallen stupidly, clumsily, unspeakably in love on national goddamn television. On a reality show, for Christ’s sake, like he’s a contestant on the Bachelorette, like he’s the kind of person who would confuse a paying gig with something real.  Looked across a set full of cameras and lights and P.A.s and thought ‘holy shit, that’s Miss Vanjie,’ and then - not even one day later - thought ‘holy shit. I’m in so much trouble.’

Number Three:  Started smoking.  That stuff will kill you, and it’s so fucking hard to quit.  He’s tried seven times, and the longest he ever managed it was six months, but he was touring and he was gaining weight and his body-issues were out of control at the time, so.  Yeah. Don’t ever start, is what he’s saying.

Number Four: That Celine Dion, Jesus Lord, it was just hideous.  The memory still wakes him in the night in a cold sweat. 

Number Five: Thrown Ru-Paul’s fucking Drag Race.)

“I’m drunk.” The bedroom is spinning. The cats are in danger.

“Yeah, you are. Girl, what is going on with you?”

“I just - I know we can’t talk about it. But I wanted -”

In the dull light of a kitchen, Jovan raises an exhausted eyebrow - or at least the place where an eyebrow would be if he had one.

“I wanted to talk to someone who was there.” (Because Nina wasn’t there.  And Plastique wasn’t there.  And sometimes the weight of what happened seems unbearable on Brock’s shoulders.  And sometimes he wonders if he even remembers it right.  Sometimes he thinks that when the episode airs it’s going to be a completely different picture than the one he painted in his memory. Uglier. Bright and graceless and cheap.)

Jovan lets out a long, deep sigh. Brock can faintly hear a clock ticking in the background. 

“Okay. Fine. I was there.  But you know who else was?”

“Yvie -”

“Your fucking boyfriend. Remember that? So maybe there’s someone else you should be drunk-dialing at ass-crack-o’clock in the morning.” Jovan’s volume is starting to build, but he brings it down, casting a nervous look over his shoulder.  “Listen, Brooke, you made a choice.  Okay? You can’t go back, and you can’t beat yourself up for the rest of your life. There’s got to be a point where you move the fuck on.”

“I know.” This is why Brock called, must be what his vodka-soaked brain was thinking.  Jovan can be mean and he can be abrasive but he’s never anything other than honest. 

“And like, I’m pretty sure she’s fucking other people. Someone was posting about it. So.” (Okay, maybe a bit too honest Jesus fucking hell -)

Brock’s face must do something in response to that statement, because Jovan suddenly looks - sad.  Ugh, that’s even worse than furious.

“Does she know?” Jovan asks before Brock can say anything.

“Know what?”

“Fuck off, ‘know what.’ Have you told her you’re in love with her?”

(“You want a ring or some shit?”)

Brock doesn’t answer. 

Because - he hasn’t told Jose, not in those words.  Not - out loud.

Jovan nods sharply.  “And there it fucking is. Why do I have to have this conversation with you if you can’t cowgirl up enough to get your man back? I know this timid Canadian bullshit was good for the fans, they fucking ate it up, but this is real life now, girl. You can’t blame a bad edit.”

“Didn’t you just tell me to move the fuck on?”

“Well bitch, now you have two options. Maybe pick one. At least you’d be doing something.”

After Jovan says goodbye (well, flips him off and hangs up) Brock is still too tipsy for his own good. So he does another stupid stupid thing. He goes online.

There’s this picture floating around of the two of them. He remembers the P.A. taking it in the back seat of the van, promising them he’d send it to their managers (“Omg, you’re so cute right now.”) Brock looks at it for a long time, and there is sand and saltwater under his fingernails.

Is this what a heart attack feels like? Maybe he’s having a heart attack. 

Maybe he should try to quit smoking again.

Maybe he should listen to Yvie.

(Move the fuck on. She’s fucking other people.)

Relationships for Brock are complicated.  It’s only ever been simple once.

* * *

There’s a heatwave in L.A. and production takes them to a beach.

The whole area is guarded by P.A.’s on walkies, but its the queens’ day off, and there are no cameras for once. Everyone loses their shit after Brooke emerges from the changerooms with a wide-brimmed hat and long linen shirt over her swimsuit; for all that she’s accused of being thirsty AF, she’s still a pasty white chick who’ll burn in under thirty minutes. Vanjie laughs so loud and long when she sees her that it’s almost worth it (“yass girl, live that Diane Keaton fantasy.”)  

When they get to the water, Vanjie is quick to ditch her clothes in favour of the tiniest black speedo, and a thin gold chain. She looks like a picture Brooke might have hidden under the mattress as a teenager, and Vanjie knows it.  She grins at Brooke as she rubs some sort of oil on her (perfect, gorgeous) skin, and Brooke thinks she must have gotten too much sun already, might faint or dissolve with the weight of this wanting. 

“Eyes up here, bitch,” Vanessa smirks at her as she walks past, heading toward the shoreline. Brooke watches her go, can’t help herself. After that precious five minutes in Brooke’s hotel room, every second around Vanjie seems electric. Brooke keeps having these terrible, delicious thoughts of pushing her up against every hard surface she sees; the stations in the werkroom, the side of the van, the runway.  The way Vanjie’s body was warm and trembling, the way her eyes were blown black, the harsh rasp of her voice - fuck.  

Brooke shouldn’t be thinking of this while wearing a swimsuit, she’s going to get arrested.

She lathers on the sunblock and keeps the hat (but undoes her shirt, so that’s something. She might regret it later when she’s lobster red, but she’s beginning to feel a bit like the girls’ spinster aunt chaperone.)

Yvie, seemingly oblivious to the heat, remains in long black jeans and a ripped up sweatshirt.  She hangs back under a beach umbrella, nose stuck in a copy of Blood and Guts in High School while the other girls frolic in the surf like puppies or nymphs or something.  Brooke sits with her for a bit, watches A’Keria and Silky and Vanjie hassle each other, laughing and swearing as they try to push Silky underwater.

Brooke isn’t sure what expression is on her face as she studies Vanessa from a distance, but it can’t be dignified. She twines her hands together, smiles down at her knees before anyone calls her out for it.

Of course, she’s too late.  When she glances back up, Yvie is looking at her over the top of her tiny round sunglasses. She does not look impressed.

“You know what you’re doing?”

Brooke doesn’t bother pretending to be confused.  She’s been asking herself the same question a lot lately. Too often to not be a bit of a red flag.  A pink flag at least.

“We’re just flirting.  It’s fun, we’re not –“

“Yeah, but like maybe drop the bullshit for ten seconds and remember that this is a competition.  You know they’re going to make you lip-sync, right?”

Brooke’s mind goes conspicuously blank for a moment.  She forces herself to take a breath, do a grounding exercise. Obviously it’s a thought she’s had before.  She knows it would be a gag, knows it would be good television. But it’s also something Brooke has to avoid thinking about, move her thoughts in pirouettes and backbends around the idea, because she doesn’t know how else to survive. She can’t - she can’t be the one who sends Vanjie home.  It just can’t happen.

“We’ll have to stay out of the bottom then.”

“Girl, they won’t care, they’ll fucking put you in the bottom to get that storyline.  That’s the tea. Can you handle it? Because you’ve got little hearts floating around your head right now –“

“Fuck off –“

“-and I don’t think it’s an act. I think you’re trying to be cool about it, but you’re not being cool at all. The pair of you are being absolutely the least cool.”

Brooke rolls her eyes.  Yvie’s been pissy since Scarlet left, but she doesn’t need to come at Brooke when they’re at the beach for Christ’s sakes.

“You know she’s not making it to the Top 4. With that runway -”

“Fuck off.” Brooke snaps her head toward Yvie, immediately done with this conversation. Yvie can say what she wants about Brooke, but no one gets to talk shit about Vanessa. “Seriously.”

“I’m just saying, you ready for that?”

“And I’m just saying it’s our day off.  So maybe leave it for a goddamn minute.”

“Whatever.” Yvie gets up out of the sand, brushes off her jeans, and walks off down the beach, little black stormclouds following her.  Brooke decides that the least she can do is steal the queen’s umbrella, shuffling her towel over into the shade and stretching out. 

Fuck Yvie.  She doesn’t know what’s going to happen. She doesn’t know anything about it.

Brooke dozes in the shade for a bit, enjoying the warmth of the sand and the occasional bark of Vanjie’s wicked laugh. She doesn’t know how long she lies there, only really waking up when a very cold, very damp toe drags over her bare calf.

“Poor sleepy Brooke.  Just ain’t cut out for the pressure of television, hey?”

Brooke smiles before she opens her opens her eyes, squinting up at Vanjie in the sunlight.

“You need to pull a Dela, send your fine self home?”

“You wish,” Brooke smiles as Vanjie settles down beside her in the sand. Water droplets still cling to her shoulders, chest, stomach. Brooke feels her lips parting, thirsty as hell.

“That’s a damn lie,  girl, don’t know what I’d do if you went home now. Be boring as hell around here.  You know, cuz you got so much personality.”

“I leave the personality to you, you leave the challenge winning to me,” Brooke says deadpan, and Vanjie hoots with laughter.

“Oooh ,bitch!  You may look pretty but you don’t act pretty.”

Nina and Plastique have gone to track down some food, and the rest of the girls are still down by the water, so it’s just Brooke and Vanjie under the umbrella together, lying side by side. Vanjie leans up onto her elbow, giving Brooke a once-over before raising her eyebrows.

“You undone a couple buttons, hey, Miss Brooke? Tryin’ to drive the boys crazy?”

“Only one of them.”

Vanjie gets that crease between her eyebrows again, that little nervous tell.  It’s gone just as quickly, and Vanjie looks away. 

“Sure, sure.”  But there’s a flush to her cheekbones, the kind of blush that makes Brooke feel like she’s never been kissed before, or heard Tchaikovsky, or seen the Pacific Ocean.  

Sometimes Vanjie does things that make Brooke feel like a sun that is rising. Completely new and so bright she’s blinding.

“Bet you say that to all the girls.” Vanjie stretches out on her back, staring straight up. “Top 8, Top 8, Top 8.”

“Top 4, Top 4, Top 4,” Brooke says back to her, and Vanjie laughs. 

“Girl, I gotta take it one challenge at a time, right? I ain’t gonna think that far in the future.”

“What would you be doing today if you weren’t here? If you were just at home?”

“Hmm.” Vanjie thinks about it. Brooke watches her distractedly tug on the thin gold chain she’s wearing. “Same sorta thing, maybe. Hit up the beach, find some piece of trade.  You know - what I’m doing now.” 

“So this is just any other day for you.”

“Oh yeah. Definitely. Gettin’ bored up in here.” Vanjie grins at her. “What ‘bout you, girl? You be at the library or something?”

“Sure. Studying. Playing bridge. Drinking tea if things got really crazy.”

“I knew you was nasty.” Vanjie studies her, reaches out one hand. “One day and you already gettin’ scruffy.”

Her fingers trace Brooke’s upper lip, and Brooke can’t be held responsible for her actions; she opens her mouth and sucks Vanjie’s fingers inside, twisting her tongue around them. They taste like the ocean.

Vanessa’s eyes go dark and unfocused, and her breathing stutters. “Careful, girl.”

She slides her fingers out of Brooke’s mouth and sucks them into her own. Brooke wants to roll over on top of her and kiss her and grind against her, right here in the sand in front of everyone.  She wants Vanjie’s nipples in her mouth, hipbones between her teeth. The want is something she’s never felt before, clean and simple and deadly as a knife. It shakes her knees, rattles her jaw.

Of course, she won’t do it.  Vanjie might be known as this loud, dynamic, fearless queen, but when it comes to – whatever’s going on between them – she’s just as private as Brooke is. Maybe more so.  Brooke was ready to spill the tea in the backstage lounge after being called out that first time, whereas Vanjie just laughed and disappeared. Brooke was talking about crushes while Vanjie was calling them friends. 

She’s shy.  Brooke’s realizing that more and more, and it blows her mind. Who would have thought that Miss Vanjie would be shy? 

Most of the time it’s Brooke that makes the first move in the werkroom, and God help her she was never this touch-starved before - what the fuck is happening? She’s never had to clench her hands into fists instead of reaching out, she’s never felt electrified by something as simple as a raised eyebrow. She’s clearly out of her depths here, and she blames it on the structure of the show – the pressure of performing and being judged, the long days and almost sleepless nights (she’s dreaming in choreography now, wakes up en pointe.)

“You’re killin’ me,” Vanjie murmurs, staring at Brooke like she can’t help herself.  Brooke flattens her hand against Vanjie’s smooth chest, and Vanjie lets out a tight, slow exhale.  Brooke can feel Vanjie’s heartbeat leaping against her palm, and wonders how the hell she’s going to survive this.

The van ride back to the hotel is some kind of torture. A P.A. takes a picture of them in the backseat (“OMG you’re so cute right now.”) and then Vanjie takes Brooke’s hand and doesn’t let go.  The two of them are pressed close together, shoulder to hip, and Vanjie smells of coconut oil and saltwater.  It’s like sitting next to a mermaid.  Brooke thinks she might be drowning. 

At one point Vanjie dozes off, and her head tips toward Brooke.  Almost resting on her shoulder but not quite.  Enough that she can feel Vanessa’s breath each time she exhales. It’s making her feel dizzy, stomach tight with (well, want, that’s obvious) but also something else.  Something sharper, like a needle full of ink.  Something that feels permanent.

Vanjie’s hand is warm in Brooke’s, pulse slow and steady as music. Brooke does not let it go.

When the van is pulling into the hotel parkade, they’re jostled slightly. Vanessa grumbles, sighs and starts to pull away. Brooke turns toward her just as Vanjie wakes up and for a moment they simply – look at each other. Vanjie’s head almost on Brooke’s shoulder, Vanjie’s dark eyes blinking sleepily at Brooke.  Their lips only inches apart, and the smell of salt in the air between them.

Vanjie’s forehead creases.  Brooke would press her lips to that spot, if she wasn’t terrified the other queen would flinch away. 

“Hey,” Vanjie says softly, their eyes holding. Something gives a lurch in Brooke’s chest, like a muscle being torn.

“Hey,” she says, but the word feels like something else.

“Out the car, bitches,” Silky shouts at them as the van door opens.  As Brooke reluctantly pulls away, stumbles out of the back, she sees Yvie shaking her head, over it completely. 

As they stand in the parking lot, waiting for the other girls to gather up their things, Vanjie reaches over and takes Brooke’s hand again. Their fingers lace together. Brooke has trouble remembering to breathe.

They hold hands all the way to the elevator, quiet. Brooke can’t shake the constant awareness of each move Vanessa makes, every time their arms rub together, the sudden pressure of Vanessa’s hip against hers as they squish into the elevator with the other queens and the remaining P.A.s. When they get to Vanessa’s floor, it’s all Brooke can do not to follow her out, hold hands down the hallway and press her up against the door of her room, get down on her knees and do anything, everything (get Vee off once with her mouth, and then take her to bed and eat her out until she’s begging to be fucked, and then -)

“Bye ladies,” Vanjie says as she exits the crowded elevator, followed by her P.A. A flicker of something crosses her face and she suddenly turns back around. “Oh shit, I forgot - hold the door.”

A P.A. stops the door from closing and Vanjie pushes her way back inside until she can grab Brooke and pull her down into a deep kiss, sloppy with tongue, noisy and wet and intoxicating. Brooke squeezes her eyes shut as the elevator erupts in cheering and whistling, puts her hands around Vanjie’s waist and holds her tight. If this is all they can have right now, Brooke is going to take advantage.

Much too soon, Vanjie drags herself away, lips swollen and shiny.

“Y’had something on your face, Hytes,” she says as she leaves again, and A’Keria wags her finger while Silky hollers.

Vanjie catches Brooke’s eye as the elevator doors start to close, and Brooke wants to rip her heart out of her chest and hand it over. Vanjie should have it, and she can do whatever the fuck she wants with it, Brooke doesn’t care. It’s not Brooke’s heart anymore.  It stopped belonging to her a couple days ago.

Instead she smiles at Vanjie,  struck dumb with affection, and Vanjie smiles back. The doors close and Brooke goes back to her room.  She doesn’t turn on the lights on, doesn’t need to.  She feels incandescent, shining bright enough to be seen from space. 

And then the next day Snatch Game happens, and everything goes to hell.

[laorquideanegra]

Shout Out to #Juliantina.....

(Source : Instagram)

It’s not my very first time i watch telenovela, because when i was child, i used to watch Carita de Angel and Amigos x Siempre... hahahaha.....

Since maybe 3 or 4 yours ago, i didn’t even have favorite series again after The Vampire Diaries. Yes, i used to get crazy with Katherine Petrova, Elena Gilbert, The Salvatore Brothers, Witches, Werewolves, Hybrid, and i was the shipper of Nora & Marry Lou  on that show. The spin-off between The Vampire Diaries and The Originals didn’t get enough to make me cling into the show, except for Penelope Park and Josie Saltzman i made an excuse.

Juliana Valdes and Valentina Carvajal, which i wish i meet my own Valentina Carvajal in my real life hahaha. The story of the poor and the rich, a friendship that transforms into a beautiful relationship like a phrase in Javanesse culture “witing tresno jalaran soko kulino”, an authentic story-telling between woman love woman, an honest representation coming of age, a strong chemistry, and a movement.

Before that happened, i used to watch some woman love woman movies like Yes or No, I Can’t Think Straight, Gia, Boys Don’t Cry, Because I am Cheerleader, Carol, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Blue is The Warmest Color, and many more. But i didn’t feel emotional connection because of them. I don’t know, maybe it’s related with my INFP personality, so i want the story that have a powerful bonding, dive in with the feeling,not really showing of sex part, and Juliana Valdes and Valentina Carvajal are overwhelm representative!

The process of falling in love, i have concern in this, even for my own relationship. That’s not enough if we just go for something that could give a short joyness. Everything must have a chemistry through a process. A chemistry that make us learn to love with all the heart, to fight for internal and external problems, to open up our mind, to let it go and let it be, and to make the best version of us. Thanks God, Macarena Achaga and Barbara Lopez were meant to be destined to bring the new level of a woman love woman story. It’s so rare in Latin - America world, it’s so rare in South East Asia, and it’s so rare in around me. So, you girls are sucessful to be change makers, your mission is accomplished! 

[gutiayala]

Since Amar A Muerte is coming to an end tomorrow (Hopefully we get a spin off or second season), I need to vent:

Valentina Carvajal: Shes the kindest person on the planet. She deserves all the best in the world. She lost her mom at a young age, and by what we’ve seen, her dad wasn’t around much so I can see why she’s the way she is. She took her dads death the hardest, tho she admitted she didn’t really see him much while he was alive. She struggles with drug and alcohol, and since she doesn’t really have any parental support she finds a way to deal with her problems by drinking. She’s been through a lot, but she always manages to bounce back. With Juliana she’s allowed to be herself, allowed to feel, allowed to love unconditionally. She finally finds meaning in her life. We can see growth thought the novela. She’s a fighter.

Juliana Valdés: she had a tough childhood, and asshole of a father and she had to grow up at an early age. She grew up give abuse and had to see her mom put up with her dads behavior. She then meets Valentina and her life also changes. She meets someone who believes in her, who supports her and someone who wants the best for her. We can see how guarded she is, she’s not the best at showing her emotions, or at least letting her feelings for Vale be known. At Guilles party se can see how badly she wants Valentina. But she doesn’t do anything cause our sweet Val is high. We can see how uncomfortable she is at the whole situation. She eventually does allow herself to feel and to be okay with what she’s feeling. The whole Sergio situation made me love and respect her even more. Her mom was homophobic towards her, always made her feel less and guilty just for loving a girl. The whole” como sabes que te gustan las mujeres si nunca has estado con un hombre” is the most common reaction I hear from the people I’m around, so yes people, I completely understand why Juliana made that decision. But she was also not in a good place; she kept fighting with her mom, she thought Valentina and Lucho were getting back together and lastly, Sergio giving her alcohol. He wasn’t being very helpful, he took advantage of the situation, he knew that to say. We all saw how much she regretted her decision, but she needed that for her, to be at peace. She was kidnapped right after sleeping with Sergio so I think the “death lady” probably wanted some karma. So Juliana, thank you for existing. I saw my younger self reflected in her struggles.

Eva Carvajal: my sweet Eva, such a fun character. Can you guys imagine how different she would be if Leon would’ve allowed her to follow her dreams?! She’s one character I will never hate. We can see in her some of Leon’s character traits. She’s controlling, cares about what people think, she’s ambitious, tough and very hard to please. But we can see how much she cares for Guille and Valentina. We can also see how much she cares for Mateo. In a way I feel like she stayed with “El Alacrán” to protect everyone around her. She made it very clear that hurting Mateo physically was never allowed. Cause emotionally she did all that by herself. She’s also not your usual novela antagonist, which was a really nice surprise. Her only problem was being so fed up with her dads constant disapproval that she got involved with a drug dealer. But Eva is a character worth saving.

Lucia Borges: She also had a tough childhood. The worst one of all the characters. She was raped and abused though out her life. I honestly hope she doesn’t die or end up in jail and hated by everyone in the Carvajal family. She wasn’t aware of Johnny’s intention to kill Leon, though she did find out and never turned him in. But she’s also a character who deserves a good ending, a sense of hope. She wasn’t evil or hateful. She was manipulated and all she wanted was to be happy. She’s a god step mom to Guille and Valentina, even Eva at times. I really hope the family understands her and forgives her.

Leon Carvajal: wasn’t the best father, he cared more for his company than his kids. He gets a second chance and his priority is to get revenge on Lucia and Johnny. Not once does he care for how his children felt even tho he can see them suffering. The fact that it took him until Guilles party to learn that Valentina was an alcoholic and used drugs doesn’t really speak highly if him. He also made Eva give up her dreams just so she could live up to his expectations algo doesn’t speak highly of him. Eva was right to call him out on why he waited so long to tell them who he really was. He got a second chance and he still didn’t prioritize his family. So, I’m not a fan of his.

Johnny Corona: “Mi Niño” that’s all I have to say about him. Hope he rots in jail.

Amar A Muerte: All I can say is that this novela made me really happy. I cried, I laughed and I learned in the way. Which is funny cause it’s just a novela. But the way they wrote it. The way the actors portrayed their characters was really refreshing. We also got Juliantina 💕 I honestly never thought I was going to see a lesbian couple from my country on a novela from Televisa. I was blown away by how amazing their storyline was. The representation was so authentic, both Macarena and Bárbara are truly amazing. They interact with us, laugh at what some of the fans post. I will always be thankful for this project and for everyone who had a role in making this possible.

I’m done venting, this post doesn’t make any sense anymore. Sorry.