#Keep calm and love Colin Firth

[monkeyscomics]

🎉🎉🎊Happy Birthday to Colin Firth~~~🍰🍰

Colin "How are we going to finish that ... ?" Taron "I plan to stay until we eat that up😛😋"

[thischarmingfirth]

I need to get him an eyepatch.

[writingformadderton]

The Book of You and I - Part 11

Ship: Madderton

Word Count: 2469

Summary: Taron and Richard spend Christmas with Taron’s family back in Wales, accompanied by the first snow for T and a sweet present for Richard. A few weeks later Taron has to present the category of his boyfriend at the Golden Globes...

Additional Tags: soft, fluff, Christmas, Family, Golden Globes, Jophie, Colin Firth, Dex, Bryce, Jamie

Dedicated to @taron-eggmcmuffin​❤️ 

Part 10

Taron wakes up on Christmas, hugged tightly in Richards embrace. He quickly recognizes his boyfriend's still deep asleep and so he remains where he is looking out of the window. There hasn't been any snow this winter and Taron hoped for it so badly, because he wanted to have snow on Christmas, of which everyone said it's so beautiful.

After a while Richard wakes up and nestles his face in Tarons back. His boyfriend turns around and pulls him close, knowing he needs some time to wake up fully. Rich cuddles into him and rubs his eyes. "Morning," he mumbles.

"Morning, love," Taron says and kisses his hair, fondling over it.

They are in Wales at the moment, staying with Tarons mum who invited them both for Christmas. It was lovely to be around his mum and Richard at the same time, seeing how good they get along.

After a quick shower both of them go downstairs, hand in hand, and greet Tarons family. It's a lovely Christmas day filled with laughter and fun. In the evening Richard talks with Tarons mum while T has his sisters next to him. Rosie is sitting on his lap and tells him about something they did last year with him. "Can you sing our song?" she asks him and looks up to him with begging eyes.

"Our song?" Taron asks and looks down at her questioning.

"Yeah, you always sing that song for us," she says confused and frowns a bit.

"I'll have to find out which song it is then, because right now I can't remember it," Taron says with a soft smile and Rosie nods.

"You were a better brother before the accident," Mari says and looks up to him as well.

Taron swallows hard and realizes once more that children simply hit you with the truth, whether you like it or not. He places Rosie on the sofa and gets up. "I'll be in the kitchen for a moment," he tells them and walks out of the living room.

Richard looks after him and bites his lower lip. He heard that last comment of his sister and he knows it hit him. But who could blame her? Taron had changed and of course he couldn’t remember stuff he did with his sisters or songs they loved.

Taron steps into the kitchen with tears in his eyes and takes a deep breath. He recognizes his stepfather too late and can't hide it anymore.

"Taron, are you alright?" he asks and looks at him worried.

"Yeah," T says slowly and leans against the table, "It just seems I'm not as good as a brother as before." he states and looks out of the window.

"Did they say that?" he asks carefully and Taron nods, "Don't worry, I'll talk to them. It's just as weird for them as it is for you."

He walks outside and Taron leaves the kitchen as well, opening the front door and sitting down at the stairs in front of the house. Only a short moment later the front door opens and he almost feels the presence of Richard already.

Rich sits down next to him and watches him observantly. "You're okay?" he asks softly and rubs his lower back. Taron braces his head on his hand and shakes it, "You three have to get comfortable around each other again. They are too small to realize what it means when you lose your memory."

"I know. I just hoped we three could start over just like I did with you," Taron sighs and stares out in the dark.

"Well I'm 32, they are 5 and 7, that's a bit of a difference," Rich chuckles and T nods giggling, "And it didn't go so smooth with us in the beginning as well." Richard says and wraps his arm around him.

"That's true,” T leans his head against his shoulder and sighs, "You know I just feel bad because I wanna be a good brother to them."

"Don't try to meet the expectations of a 'perfect' brother. Be yourself and they'll get used to everything," Richard tells him and places a tiny kiss onto his hair, "It's gonna be okay."

Taron cuddles into him and closes his eyes. It seemed unreal to him sometimes how safe he felt in his arms. "Thanks, Rich." he mumbles and grabs his hand.

They sit there in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company and Richard looks up in the sky. Suddenly he lets out a chuckle and pats Taron’s back. "Remember when you wanted white Christmas?" he asks and Taron hums a yes. "Well I think that's a good start."

Taron looks up confused and sees snow falling down everywhere around them. His eyes light up and he looks at Rich who watches him with a warm smile. Taron cups his face and pulls him close kissing him gently.

Rich bops his nose with his own and smiles. "Merry Christmas, bubs," he whispers and kisses him again lovingly.

"I have something for you," Taron says and takes out a little present from the pocket of his jacket, "It's just something tiny that I wanted to give you in privacy."

Richard opens it and sees a little key chain. He turns it around and watches it in awe. Behind the glass is the picture of himself kissing Taron’s hair, which both of them love so much. Underneath it the words I love you forever, okay? is engraved. Rich's eyes fill with tears rapidly and he presses his lips together.

"Oh no, why are you crying?" Taron asks scared and tries to make eye contact with him. Did he do something wrong?

Richard looks up, tears falling down his cheeks. "I love you so much," he presses out weakly and Taron cups his face fondling over his cheeks.

"Oh, Richie,” he whispers and pulls him into a hug, holding him close. He fondles over his hair while Rich sniffs in his shoulder and his own eyes fill with tears of joy as well. "I love you, too,” he says and hot tears fall down his cheek. "Whatever happens I want that to be your constant reminder of the truth," he says and cups Richard’s face.

"I won't let anything happen to you again." he whispers and leans his forehead against Tarons. "You're stuck with me now."

"As if that was a bad thing,” Taron giggles softly.

"I'm so glad to have you back," Rich presses out and hugs him tightly again feeling himself getting emotional.

Tarons heart swells and he hugs him back, just as tight. They stay like that for what feels like hours until they're cold. "Let's get inside huh?"

-

Only two weeks later and it's time for their first official public appearance. The Golden Globes take place and Richard got nominated for his performance in Bodyguard. He's nervous but it feels good to have Taron right by his side. Richard decided to walk down the red carpet with Taron together, their hands tangled.

T was a nervous wreck, being on his first public event after his accident. He got asked to announce the winner in Richards category and he agreed hoping he would say the name of his boyfriend at the end of the night.

In the middle of the carpet, Richard presses a kiss onto his temple, reassuring them both. They get inside and Taron holds Richard’s hand tightly feeling lost between all these unknown people. Then they meet Keeley and Taron feels a bit better having two people he knows and can rely on around him.

"It's a bit overwhelming, huh?" Keeley asks and gives him a compassionate smile while Richard walks them to a table standing a bit aside.

"Yes, it really is," T admits chuckling. "But I'm glad I have you two with me," he admits and grins at her.

They stop at a table and Rich wraps his arm around him pulling him close. "Alright?" he asks and T nods smiling at him happily.

-

A bit later they are sitting in the huge room and have a good view at the stage. T feels his nervousness creeping up in him thinking about standing on stage in front of all these people. "Why did I agree to do this?" Taron growls a bit and shifts in his seat.

"Because you wanna hand your boyfriend his golden globe," Keeley says next to him and grins at them.

"Keeley, stop it," Richard chuckles and shakes his head. He wouldn't win, no chance.

Taron walks onto the stage nervously and steps forward waiting until the room goes quiet. He starts talking, introduces the nominees and then takes his chance to add something quickly. "I just wanted to say that before I came up here, there were like a hundred people greeting me and whenever I wanted to greet them back, I didn't know who it was. So, please don't think I didn't answer because I became an asshole." Some chuckles can be heard and Taron smirks a bit. "It's simply because I can't remember shit and I'm glad that I remembered the time I had to be on stage as I struggle to keep information sometimes." People start clapping and laugh and Taron can see Keeley and Rich giggle softly at his words. He waits until everyone calmed down again and opens the letter in his hand. "And the winner is -" he opens the card and he feels like he could burst with pride. His eyes start shining as he looks at his boyfriend who raises his eyebrows at his look. "Richard Madden!" he starts clapping with the rest and smiles at his boyfriend who gets up looking shocked and hugs Keeley quickly.

Richard walks up the stairs and smirks at the proud look of his boyfriend. Taron hands him the globe and Richard puts it aside quickly to cup his face and kiss him happily, which leads to more cheering. Rich steps forward and thanks his team, his family. "I wanna thank Keeley, who is a brilliant actress and friend. You become one of the most important people to me over the last year," He looks at Taron for a moment and smiles softly before continuing, "And thank you to my boyfriend Taron, who never stopped supporting me through all of this even though he had enough shit to deal with himself," he grabs his hand and sees Taron’s adoring smile, "I love you," he says and pulls him into another kiss before leaving the stage with him together, going backstage.

-

As soon as the next break start, Keeley rushes into the room and hugs them both tightly, "I'm so proud of you two! I bet you two just killed a few fans with that kiss," She giggles as Richard rolls his eyes laughing at her.

Suddenly a blonde woman rushes towards them and squeaks Richards name. Richards face lights up and he opens his arms to pull her into a tight hug, "Sophie, so lovely to see you!"

"She's one of his best friends," Keeley whispers into Taron’s ear, "That's Joe her husband, you two got along quite well."

Joe smiles at Taron and offers him his hand. Taron grabs his hand and smiles, "Joe, am I right?" he makes sure again and the man in front of him nods.

"How are you, mate?" Joe asks and watches his girlfriend giggling who's sharing excited news with Richard.

"I'm actually great, thanks. Keeley just told me we've been friends, so I'm sorry if it seems awkward," Taron apologizes sincerely.

"Oh T, don't worry. I'm glad you're better, lad," Joe wraps his arm around him and pats his shoulder.

They all start joking around and it doesn't take long until a few others joined the table, Colin came over to congratulate them on their relationship and speaks to Taron for a little while. Bryce, Dex and Jamie all take their time to admire Richard’s golden globe and congratulate him on it.

"Next year it's your turn," Keeley says and smiles at Taron.

"Oh god no!" he laughs and shakes his head. "I'm glad I could remember the lines for this movie." he giggles.

"Taron you've always been a brilliant actor," Sophie says and Joe nods, supporting her statement.

"Wanna make a bet?" Jamie asks grinning.

"Depends," T giggles.

"If you win, you'll have to invite us all for dinner. If not, I'll pay," he says and raises his eyebrows.

"Which is a win-win situation for me because I'd love to have dinner with you all," Taron admits laughing and shakes Jamie's hand. He looks up as he feels Richards hand on his lower back and sees the adoration in his deep blue eyes.

Richard watches his boyfriend and realizes once more how much he loves him. He pulls him close to him and places a soft tiny kiss into his hair, while T rests his head against his shoulder.

"Dumb question but how exactly did you learn all that stuff about acting again so fast?" Sophie asks interested.

"I had help," he giggles softly. "Dex gave me a crash course on stuff and people I should know. Colin and Hugh Jackman gave me a call and we talked about some stuff regarding the acting, they made me watch my old movies which was a very strange experience," he laughs and looks up at Rich. "When we shot together, I learned a lot and I actually tried to remember stuff by watching others," he explains.

"And all the basics in life?" Joe asks.

"My mum, Dex and Rich. When we started to spend more time again, I had someone to watch doing stuff and he took his time to explain me some things." Taron says and takes a swallow of his drink. "It's like starting over with several things but having a package of language and some basic knowledge you don't know how to use."

"Wasn't so easy mentally I bet," Sophie says with a compassionate smile.

"I was depressed very often in the beginning and it lessened the more I got back into an actual life," Taron nods and grabs Richard’s hand who squeezes it. "But a day like this made us closer than we were when I met him again, so it had its good sides as well."

"Dork," Rich chuckles and T looks up to him giggling. Richard watches Taron standing up on his toes and feels him planting his lips on his for a short sweet kiss. If there was one thing he always loved about his boyfriend, then it was how less he cared about other people when he wanted to kiss him.

"It's so good to see you two back together," Keeley says and everyone agrees.

"Good to be back." Taron says smiling.

@maddertonmyheart​ @madderton-obsessed​ @primaba11erina​ @fuseburner​ @multicoloredchicken​

[dreamingabouttaron]

The Assistant Part 2

You managed to get through your first day as an agent’s assistant without any major hiccups. You answered the phone, replied to emails, pre-read prospective scripts for your clients. As the last few minutes ticked by, you began to gather your belonging from your desk and wave goodbye to your new boss and fellow co-workers. As you leave the building, you feel a huge sense of relief rush over your body. You dig out your headphones from that morning and carefully plug them back into your phone as you make your way back to the tube station.

The journey back home was fairly simple. The usual rush of people making their ways back to the warmth of their homes, the usual suffocating feeling you get when everyone rams themselves onto the already packed carriage but the unusual sense of pride warms you as you go. Reflecting on the days events fills you with joy, you’re finally doing what you have already wanted to do. And to top it off, meeting the ever so handsome Mr Egerton had also made it an excellent first day.

As you fumble around in your bag to collect your keys you notice your phone beginning to vibrate and your familiar ring tone runs through your headphones into your ears disrupting your music. You press accept on your phone and place it back in your pocket; “Hello, Megan speaking.” You huff as you struggle to get your door unlocked.

“Oh, hi. Is this a bad time?” You instantly recognise the rich tones on the other side of the phone just as you manage to open the door.

“No, no! I’m just arriving home.” You assure him as you close the door behind you and place your bag down. “How may I help you?” You try to calm the butterfly feeling gathering in your stomach.

“Lindy said that you had some more scripts arrive at the office for me to read today, I was wondering if you would be able to drop them off at my flat tomorrow afternoon? It would do me a huge favour.”

You gather your thoughts and realise the scripts you had been reading earlier that day had been for him. “Oh, um, of course…” you manage to say.

“Wonderful, thank you so much Megan. I’ll text you over the details. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He finished before ending the call.

You peel your headphones out of your ears and look at yourself in the mirror. “Keep it professional Megan!”

****

The next morning you complete your usual routine and head back out to the office. Upon arriving at work, you scan your new work card to open the door and head straight to your desk.

“Ooo someone looks fancy this morning.” You turn to see James sat at his desk next to yours.

“Good Morning to you too.” You giggle in response. “I thought I would make an effort, new job and everything…” You start to turn your computer on and set up for the day as you feel your phone vibrate on the desk in front of you. ‘See you this afternoon. T x’ You smile to yourself and quickly type back ‘See you later :)’

You turn to see James furrowing his brows trying to suss you out. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact you’ve been given the task of dropping those scripts off to a certain somebody, would it?”

You feel the blood rush up to your cheeks, was it really that obvious? “Oh please! I’m a professional, I wouldn’t dare to go there with a client.” You couldn’t tell if you were trying to assure him or yourself.

****

The morning whizzed past and before you knew it, it was time to gather your things and call an Uber. You wished James a goodbye and popped you head into your bosses office to alert her of your whereabouts. She nodded and said her goodbyes. And with that you picked up the manuscripts and headed out towards the Uber.

As you sat in the Uber and watched the city centre fade away into a more rural side of London; you felt the air conditioning in the car tickle your skin making a shiver run down your spine. You bit you lip in anticipation as you watched the car slowly pull up outside the address you had provided. You looked up at the contemporary but sweet building in front of you. You thanked the driver and headed out the car and towards the door of the building.

As you were gathering your thoughts and about to knock, the door flew open which made you jump. “God sorry! I didn’t mean to make you jump. I saw the car and I knew it would be you.” Taron apologised and smiled trying to make you feel safe.

“Please come in.” He stepped out the way of the door inviting you into his home. You took a step in as your eyes darted around the open plan apartment. Everything was modern and bright. “I was just finishing my lunch, did you want anything?” He asked as he walked through to the kitchen, leaving you enamoured by the apartment and his warm presence.

“A tea would be amazing, thank you.” You replied, slowly following him through to his kitchen. The kitchen was pristine and inviting. You could only dream of owning an apartment of this size. Your eyes watch Taron dart around his kitchen making you both teas. You glanced over to his lunch sat waiting on the table.

“Let me do that! You should finish eating.” You placed your bag down and walked over to where he was standing waiting for the kettle to boil. “Just let me know where everything is and you can just supervise.” You asserted.

“If you’re sure?” He placed his hand on the base of your back as he questioned you. You felt a wave of pleasure surge though your veins at his touch. You just about managed to nod and force a reassuring smile as the kettle dinged alerting you that it had finished boiling.

“I’m very sure! Go! I can do this, trust me! It’s part of the job.” You pour the boiling water over the delicate tea bags sat waiting in the mugs. “Keep calm and love Colin Firth?” You laugh and turn to Taron. “What is this?” You try to contain your laugher as you hold the mug you to show Taron, as if he hadn’t seen it already.

Taron’s cheeks blushed red, “It was a present. A joke present. I swear, I’m not that strange!” He tried his best to convince you.

“I think it’s hilarious!” You finish pouring the milk into the mugs, give them a quick stir and then brought both the mugs over to the table Taron was sat on. “I’m going to give myself the pleasure of drinking out of this mug.” You said as you sat opposite an embarrassed Taron. You watched his eyes dart awkwardly around the room trying to avoid eye contact. You could sense he was embarrassed.

“I’ve got your scripts for you.” You announce as you pull out several blocks of paper and place them down on the table in-between Taron and yourself. “I think we have some good ones here, I especially liked Robin Hood. And I know what you’re thinking, but I think it could be fun! They want to do a modern twist on it and they’re very interested in seeing you.” You watch Taron open the first page of the script and flick through a few scenes.

“I trust you, if you think it’s a good script then I will read through it tonight.” He said and looks you sweetly in the eyes. “How was your first day? Are you enjoying it?”

“Oh it’s wonderful. I’m excited to get going and making myself more at home.”

“I think you’re going to fit in perfectly. I’m looking forward to having you around.”

You bite your lip gently and look down. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to it too.”

****

The rest of your afternoon with Taron went quickly and before you knew it, you’re back at your flat. You sat on the sofa and unzip your boots with a wide smile plastered on your face. You think back to the events of the last 48 hours and shake your head.

You spent the rest of your evening checking in with family and friends informing them of the events of the last few days. Just as you climb into bed you feel your phone vibrate on the mattress next to you.

“I trust you and if you think this is what’s right for me then I’ll do it but on one condition. You come with me as my assistant. T x”

[ibelieveinharrystyles]

Chapter Three: It’s Complicated

Forever? Masterlist

1st February 2016 Ashley loved celebrating birthdays, she especially loved celebrating Harry’s birthday. On the morning of the first day of February she pulled herself out of bed and found her phone to send Harry a video of herself dancing to Stevie Wonder’s rendition of happy birthday. It was easier to do when she still lived with her mum because their house was considerably bigger than her new flat in London. Being from the North of England Ashley was naive when she started house hunting, but eventually she managed to find a small flat in South London that had decent enough tube connections to allow her to get to work each day. She had also managed to make it her own, making the most of the available space, each room was incredibly small, but that was how things worked in London. She was set to be at work all day and then she’d have to face the inevitable joy that was rush hour as she traveled into North London for Harry’s birthday meal. 

Following breakfast she rummaged through her wardrobe looking for something she could wear to work, but would also be appropriate for Harry’s meal. She was still yet to tell Harry about the baby and her choice to keep it, so she thought tight fitting clothes were out of the question. Eventually she settled on a grey chunky roll neck jumper which she paired with black jeans and her trusty leather jacket. Her hair was a mess as always, she didn’t even attempt to curl or straighten it, so decided to opt for a simple but effective top knot.

“Morning sunshine!” Ashley called as she sat at her desk, across from her new found friend Toby, he was one of those effortlessly fashionable people who looked painfully good in literally anything. The two of them were doing the same paid internship and shared a mutual appreciation for Colin Firth; they spent every lunchtime together, Ashley swiping through Toby’s tinder matches to find him a suitable match, whilst Toby continued to talk about his failed dates, this week's disaster was Roberto.

“How are you so awake when it is so early?” Toby sighed, spinning on his office chair.

“It’s called getting nine hours of sleep you melon.” 

“I love it when you get all sarcastic, makes me realise I’m not actually as cynical as I thought.” Toby told her as she tapped away on her computer.

Whilst on their daily lunch break Ashley and Toby stopped off at Starbucks, “What can I get you love?” the barista asked her.

“Just a cheese and marmite panini and tea please.” Ashley replied as she handed over her cash.

“Cheese and marmite? Are you trying to insult me?” Toby asked in disgust before ordering his salad and cappuccino.

“You aren’t allowed to be rude to me, I’m pregnant remember, besides it's one of my odd cravings, along with chicken nuggets dunked in peanut butter.” She told Toby sarcastically, the only people who knew about the baby were her mum, Gemma and Toby, she hadn’t intended to tell anyone at work until further down the line, but using dry january as an excuse not to go on a work night out didn’t seem like a feasible excuse, so she felt it necessary to tell him the truth. She was still yet to find the right moment to tell Harry, or Anne for that matter, she didn’t want to have to tell her best friend that her first child was born out of a loveless night of lust, well in fact there wasn’t even any lust on Ashley’s behalf.

“What ya thinkin bout pet?” Toby asked her as they took their usual seat in the window.

“All sorts, whether I should buy a crib or wait a few months, whether or not I should tell my best friend I got pregnant after a drunken mistake.” Ashley explained, biting her nails the way she always had when she was anxious.

“Whoever this elusive friend of yours is, I’m sure he’ll still care about you the same way whether or not you’re pregnant, so stop being so hard on yourself, besides babies don’t stay that small forever, in a few months time your belly is going to be the size of a beach ball.” Ashley hadn’t told anyone at work her best friend was in fact Harry, she didn’t want people to think she got a free pass just because she was best friends with pop sensation Harry Styles.

As soon as she entered Leicester Square Station Ashley regretted her choice to get the tube, it was packed, even though on the streets of London there was still a cold chill in the air, somehow the underground remained its warm and sweat inducing self. She held onto her bump with one hand, while the other had hold of the pole, not wanting to face palm on a tube full of people. Since moving to London Ashley was often successful at wrangling a seat, seeing as it was pretty obvious she was pregnant, it had taken her a while to adapt to the bluntness of most Londoners, growing up in Holmes Chapel, life moved at a much slower pace, people stopped for a chat and it wouldn’t in anyway impact the progress of their day, but here everyone was in a rush, living in their own little bubble.

Harry’s restaurant of choice was fancy, very fancy, when Ashley arrived they took her coat from her and led her to the table where Harry, Anne and Gemma were sat with several other people she didn’t recognise, so assumed they were colleagues and famous friends of Harry’s. “Happy birthday Haz!” Ashley cried as she hugged her best friend.

“Thank you petal.” he whispered into her hair, swaying her from side to side, he was dressed in yet another Styles signature look, a loose white shirt which was only buttoned half way, so his bird tattoos were peeping out, paired with black skinny jeans and chelsea boots

“This is for you,” she handed him the gift bag, Ashley never knew what to get Harry, if he wanted something, frankly he was in the position where he could afford it himself, there was no need for Ashley to buy him anything fancy, so instead she decided on a leather bound notebook with room for all his scribbles and ideas. “Twenty two eh? Pretty sure someone’s written a song about that.” She smirked, shooting Harry a knowing glance as she took a seat opposite him, beside Gemma. 

“You alright?” Gemma mouthed, to which Ashley nodded, being the generally caring and compassionate person she was, Gemma had accompanied her to the twelve week scan, and offered her services as a general source of comfort, because in Ashley’s eyes she was the next best thing to Harry.

The food was posh, and Ashley had always lacked a refined palette, the poshest food she’d ever had was when her dad took her for tea and cake at the Ritz, so she opted for what she felt most comfortable with, steak. Conversation was buzzing amongst the table, Harry had lots of questions for Ashley, he hadn’t seen her since Christmas and wanted to know all about her first month working at Capital. “Some champagne for you sir.” The waiter placed the bottle on the table in front of Harry and a champagne flute in front of each guest. 

Harry stood up, clearing his throat, “I’d like to say thank you all for coming tonight, it means a lot to have all my favourite people in one room, so cheers!” Harry told the group before popping the cork, he made his way around the table to pour everyone a glass, eventually getting to Ashley, “

I don’t want any thanks H.” She told him softly.

“Oh come on Ashley, it’s the first day of February, dry January is over so you’ve got to have a drink.” he insisted.

“I’m fine H, I don’t want one.” She replied.

“Just one, a little one.” He pushed.

“Harry leave it.” Gemma told him sternly.

“Why are you getting all defensive all of a sudden Gem?” He asked, placing the bottle on the table.

“If she doesn’t want a drink I just don’t think you should pester her about it.”

“Harry I wasn’t doing dry January, the real reason I haven’t been drinking is-” Ashley muttered.

“You don’t have to do this, not now, not if you aren’t ready.” Gemma assured her.

“What’s going on? Why are you two being secretive?” Harry questioned, the several glasses of wine he had consumed, clearly taking effect, on his normally rational state.

“I’m pregnant.” The silence was almost deafening, the light conversations around the table had stopped, Ashley and Harry looked at eachother like there was no one else in the room, she hadn’t wanted to tell him like this, she was going to tell him when she was ready. Harry sat back in his seat, twiddling his thumbs, “I think I best leave you all to it, thank you for having me,” Ashley whispered before standing from her chair, she left some money towards the meal on the table, took her bag from the chair and left the restaurant, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Gemma glared at her brother as Ashley darted out of the restaurant, “Well done Harry, you handled that with real compassion.”

“What did you want me to do? My best friend just told me she’s pregnant.” Harry replied.

“For Christ sake Harry! She’s the one who is going through all of this, and yet all you can think about is your bruised ego.” Gemma told him bluntly, the raised voices drawing unwanted attention from other customers in the restaurant.

“You two need to calm down.” Anne soothed, placing her hand on Harry’s arm, “I’m sure she had a valid reason not to tell you love.”

“Harry, be the friend she needs you to be, go after her and apologise.” Gemma instructed him.

London was dark, as you would expect, it was early February after all, Ashley made her way towards Highgate tube station, the winter frost biting at her skin as she walked. She entered the station, rummaging through her pockets for her oyster card, “Ash! Wait.” She turned to see her best friend, panting heavily as though he’d run a 100 metre sprint, the station wasn’t busy but he had drawn some unwanted attention to himself. “I’m a dick.” he sighed as he walked closer to her.

“Little shit actually.” she replied, a small grin appearing briefly on her lips.

“What I mean is, whatever happens, whatever you have to deal with over the next few months, I’ll have your back, forever.” He assured her, holding onto her elbows, so as to steady her.

“The reason I didn’t tell you was because I thought you’d think I was a failure, for fuck sake I’m nearly twenty and I’m three months pregnant and the father is a twat who currently resides in Malia and probably beds a new girl every night.” 

“I don’t think you’re a failure, out of everyone I know you’ve got your shit together, you knew you were pregnant when you came to London, but you still did it, the idea of being here alone didn’t phase you and I admire you for that.” Harry told her, “You’ll be a great mum, and I’ll be an even better uncle.” Harry chuckled.

“I’ve got another present for you if you want it? I think you’ll like it more than what I actually got you.” Ashley rummaged in a bag, pulling out her twelve week scan, “That’s your niece or nephew in there.”

Harry grinned eagerly, his dimples becoming more prominent than usual, “Can I keep it?” he asked her, unable to stop smiling.

“Of course you can.” 

“Thank you, I’m sorry I’m such a little shit.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly, kissing the top of her head, “I’m going to look out for you two forever.”

[skippyv20]

💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊PG INTERPRETATION OF MM ANON 😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

I AM SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG BUT I NEEDED TO GIVE THIS THE RESPECT IT DESERVES. 💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊😊PG😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

MM Anon

MM ANON …… The Queen, god bless her……… blackout ……… the king/ the Queen the nation ……… never give up, never despair ……… the home front……… 🎼some sunny day 🎼………… 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧………… 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸……… 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦……… and all who fought ……… a day like no other……… at the going down of the sun and in the morning ……………… ‘ we shall remember them.

MAY 8/2020

75 YEARS AGO, PLEASE PAUSE FOR A MINUTE, LEST WE FORGET🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

1535 HRS CST

RIDDLE #10

SEASON TWO: THE RETURN OF MM ANON 😉 

💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊😊🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺��🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸AND ALL THE COUNTRIES THAT SACRIFICED FOR OUR FREEDOM.

I AM IN TEARS JUST READING AND ARRANGING THE PIECES OF THE RIDDLE TO WORK ON. FABULOUS MM ANON 💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊PG😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

The Queen, god bless her……… 

HMTQ GAVE HER MESSAGE FROM WINDSOR CASTLE, I WAS BLESSED TO SEE IT ON BBC WORLD. I REALLY WANT SOMEONE TO PLEASE PLEASE GIVE ME ALL THE INFORMATION OF THE PINS SHE WORE. I COULD NOT QUITE SEE. 

GOD BLESS HMTQ INDEED🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. SHE IS AN AMAZING HUMAN BEING. LIVING HISTORY REALLY. HEARING HER SPEAK OF THAT DAY, THE BALCONY AND THEN THE PRINCESSES GOING AMONGST THE CROWDS. HUMAN RESOLVE AND THE NEED TO CONNECT AFTER YEARS OF DARKNESS, FEAR, DEATH, POURED ONTO THE STREETS, SINGING, DANCING, NAE BOTHER IF STRANGER OR FRIED, IN FACT STRANGERS WERE FRIENDS IN THOSE MOMENTS. A FELLOW HUMAN SOUL WHO HAD LIVED THROUGH THE SAME HELL. HER MESSAGE TODAY WAS PHENOMENAL. SHE HAS SUCH A WISE, CALMING, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND REASSURING PRESENCE. I THANK YOU, YOUR MAJESTY.

THE OTHER QUEEN, IS HER MUM, HRH THE QUEEN MOTHER WHO WAS QUEEN DURING THOSE YEARS. ONE HELL OF A STRONG SCOTTISH 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 WOMAN. STRONG AS STEEL, THE PART OF THE TEAM, ALONG WITH HER HUSBAND, KING GEORGE VI. THEY BUOYED THE COUNTRY, TRULY GOD SENDS, ORDAINED BY GOD SND THEY STAYED! DID WALKABOUTS AMONG RUBBLE, REALLY TRULY AMAZING.

I SAY PLEASE, PLEASE, P L E A S E, IF YOU HAVE NEVER WATCHED THE KING’S SPEECH AND LOVE OUR ROYALS YOU NEED TO SEE THAT FILM. HELENA BONHAM QUIRLY CSRTER PLAYED THE QUEEN MUM, COLIN FIRTH THE KING AND GEOFFREY RUSH THE THERAPIST. THE ABUSE HE, THE KING, SUFFERED AS A CHILD CAUSING HIS  SPEECH IMPEDIMENT. GOOD GOD THATS A FILM YOU NEED TO SEE. ITS DIVINE REALLY.  UNEXPECTEDLY KING, CROWNED  IN THE HOLY CEREMONY AND WOW HISTORY UNTIL TODAY HAS BLESSED. 

blackout ……… 

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE FILM MRS MINIVER?? GREER GARSON, PLAYS AN ENGLISH WIFE AND MOTHER DURING THAT TIME. ITS A MUST SEE. IT IS NOT DONE CHEESY LIKE , ITS AMAZING. I DID NOT CARE FOR THE SEQUEL HOWEVER. 

NO LIGHTS AFTER  DARK, THE LUFTWAFFE BOMBED AND BOMBED AND BOMBED LONDON. AIR RAID SIRENS BLARING, PEOPLE RUNNING TO DESIGNATED SHELTERS. VOLUNTEER AIR RAID WARDENS. BLACK FABRIC AGAINST ALL THE WINDOWS. NOTHING, NO CANDLE NOTHING. EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. EVERY!!! SINGLE!!! NIGHT!!! LAYING IN BED JUST TENSE WAITING FOR THE AIR RAID SIRENS TO GO OFF……..YEARS OF THAT…,…..🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

the king/ the Queen the nation ……… 

ABSOLUTELY, AS I WROTE ABOVE, THE QUEEN MOTHER WAS STALWART, RIGHT BESIDE KING GEORGE VI. SHE BUOYED HIM UP, WHAT A TEAM THEY WERE. AND HERSELF ALWAYS LOOKING GORGEOUS, WALKING AMONGST RUBBLE, REFUSING TO LEAVE HER HUSBAND, REFUSING TO LEAVE THE PALACE IN LONDON. SHE ALSO BUOYED THE NATION WHILST HE RULED AND GOODNESS KNOWS ALL HE WAS PRIVY TO. WHAT A TEAM GOD SENT FOR THE EXACT TIME. WALLACE SIMPSON, LOVE HER OR HATE HER, SHE CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY, FOR THE ABSOLUTE BETTER!! 

never give up, never despair ……… 

THE ROYAL MOTTO, ALL FOR FREEDOM. SETTING STRONG ROLE MODELS, AND THE TWO PRINCESSES, REALLY HELPED PEOPLE COPE. MANY SENT THEIR CHILDREN OUT OF LONDON FOR SAFETY BECAUSE OF THE BOMBINGS. HMTQ, GOD BLESS HER, SHE BECAME A MECHANIC!!!

ALWAYS THAT FIGHTING SPURIT, KEEP A STIFF UPPER LIP, TIME FOR CRYING LATER, NOW ITS TIME TO FIGHT AND DO WITH KESS OF EVERYTHING FOR THE WAR EFFORT. 

the home front……… 

THIS ACTUALLY WAS A TV SHOW, CANT RECALL WHERE BUT IT WAS SET AT THST TIME. THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN, GRANDPARENTS OR MEN AND WOMEN WHO FOR WHATEVER THE REASON COULD NOT NOT MEET MILITARY REQUIREMENTS, STILL SERVED THE WAR EFFORT.

THE WOMEN KEPT THE HOMES FIRES BURNING AS THE PHRASE GOES, TILL THEIR HUSBANDS, SWEETHEARTS, BROTHERS, FATHERS CAME HOME. 

MANY WOMEN WORKED IN MUNITION PLANTS MAKING WEAPONS OR MISSILES, ANYTHING THAT WAS NEEDED. 

THINGS WERE RATIONED, THEY HAD TO MAKE DUE, SUGAR, BUTTER, FLOUR, MEAT. EVERYTHING HAS TO GO FOR THE WAR EFFORT. THE WOMEN FILLED SO MANY ROLES AND HAD TO DEAL WITH BABIES, CHILDREN, AIR RAIDS, TERRIBLE FEAR FOR THEMSELVES,THEIR CHILDREN, FAMILY AND ESPECIALLY ALL THE MEN AND HUSBANDS, WOMEN AND WIVES EHO WERE “OVER THEE”. GREAT OLD WAR SONG

🎼some sunny day 🎼………… 

VERA LYNN AND MUSIC HELPED SOOTHES THE SAVAGE BEASTS EVERYONE WAS DEALING WITH. IT IS READILY AVAILABLE ON WIKI SO HERE IT IS….MUSIC, OLD WAR SO GS, WWI PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES IN YOUR OKD KIT BSG AND SMILE SMILE SMILE, WHILE YOURE A LUCIFER TO LIGHT YOUR FAG SMILE BOYS THATS THE  STYLE………….USED TO SO G THAT WITH ELDERLY PATIENTS WHO HAD SERVED. I WOULD PLAY PIANO AND WE WOUKD SING ALL THE OLD SONGS, WHITE CLUFFS OF DOVER….

MUSIC TRULY IS THERAPY.💜💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻…I AM IN TEARS AGAIN…😢😢😢😢😢

🔥 ALWAYS LUCIFER WAS A LIGHTER 🔥 

🚬 FAG IS A CIGARETTE. 🚬 THATS WHAT I HAVE CALLED THEM MY ENTIRE LIFE MY DAD DID, NOW ITS BEEN PERVERTED, I HATE THAT. 

See lyrics to Till We Meet Again...Vera Lynn

Drive the dark…

AFTER HMTQ MESSAGE TONIGHT, EVERYONE WHO COULD WENT OUT INTO THE STREETS TO SING THIS SONG, SO CENTRAL TO THE TIME. I READ DAME JOAN COLLINS WAS GOING TO LEAD IT FROM HER BALCONY. I SAW IT ON BBC WORLD, THEY SHOWED LONDON AND NUMEROUS PLACES LIVE. I PVR’ED IT. SO UNBELIEVABLY EMOTIONAL…..

NOT THAT IT IS ANYWHERE NEAR THE SANE THING BUT COVID-19 HAS SHOWN US HOW IN A SPLIT SECOND THE WORLD AS WE KNEW FLIPPED AND CHANGED IN A WAY NOBODY COULD HAVE IMAGINED. 

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧………… 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸……… 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦……… 

BOY IT WAS A TEAM EFFORTS, SO MANY FRONTS, RUSSIAN, RÖMMEL THE DESERT FOX, GERMAN GENERAL IN NORTH AFRICA, JAPAN BROUGHT AMERICA FULLY INTO THE WAR AFTER THEY WERE ATTACKED ON DECEMBER 7/1941. KIDS I KNOW SO MUCH WWII HISTORY. 

IT LITERALLY TOOK THE WORLD BANDING TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THE SATANIC EVIL THAT WAS NOT ONLY INVADING OTHER COUNTRIES AND CAUSING WAR BUT MY GOD, THE EXTERMINATION CAMPS…..AUSCHWITZ, BERGENBELSEN AND MANY MANY MORE. IF YOU GO ONLINE TO THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL, YOU CAN SEE AND READ MILLIONS OF STORIES OF MURDERED PEOPLE. 

and all who fought ……… 

ALL WHO FOUGHT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AS THE GENERATIONS  PASS, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE MINDFUL AND REMEMBER HOW OUR FREEDOM WAS OBTAINED. AS WINSTON CHURCHILL SAID “THOSE WHO FAIL TO LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT.”

a day like no other……… 

A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY. D DAY, JUNE 6/1944,. THE ALLIED FORCES HAD A MULTI-PRONGED ATTACK PLAN INVASION THOUSANDS KILLED BEFORE THEY EVEN GOT ONTO THE BEACH

I AM CRYING AGAIN. 😢😢😢IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, STEADY ON AND WATCH IT, YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. THEY HAD ACTUAL VETERANS FROM NORMANDY ADVISING. THE SCENE OF THE TENSION AND THE SHIPS APPROACH THE BEACH KNOWING  FULL WELL THERE WERE SNIPERS…..THAT SCENE AND THAT FILM CHANGED ME FOREVER.

I ALSO HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND BAND OF BROTHERS. THE AIR FIGHTING SCENES ARE PHENOMENALLY  DONE, IT PUTS YOU RIGHT THERE. IT IS DONE IN SEPARATE CHAPTERS /EPISODES, A BIT SIMILAR MEN. THE EPISODE “WHY WE FOUGHT” ITS UNBEARABLY EXCRUCIATING TO WATCH. SOME AMERICAN SOLDIERS, GOD BLESS THEM,  COME UPON AN ABANDONED CAMP, WALKING SKELETONS…. THEY RAN TO TELL THEIR COMMANDING OFFICERS….YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW THE REST OF THE EPISODE GOES.

at the going down of the sun and in the morning ……………… ‘ we shall remember them.

THIS IS A TIME FOR CUT AND PASTE, I AM WEEPING😢😢😭😭

The GreatWar 1914-1918

For the Fallen

Robert Laurence Binyon, by artist William Strang. (1)

Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), published in The Times newspaper

Plaque unveiled in 2003 at Polzeath to commemorate the place where For the Fallen is believed to have been composed. (2)

Laurence Binyon composed his best known poem while sitting on the cliff-top looking out to sea from the dramatic scenery of the north Cornish coastline. A plaque marks the location at Pentire Point, north of Polzeath. However, there is also a small plaque on the East Cliff north of Portreath, further south on the same north Cornwall coast, which also claims to be the place where the poem was written.

The poem was written in mid September 1914, a few weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. During these weeks the British Expeditionary Force had suffered casualties following its first encounter with the Imperial German Army at the Battle of Mons on 23 August, its rearguard action during the retreat from Mons in late August and the Battle of Le Cateau on 26 August, and its participation with the French Army in holding up the Imperial German Army at the First Battle of the Marne between 5 and 9 September 1914.

Laurence said in 1939 that the four lines of the fourth stanza came to him first. These words of the fourth stanza have become especially familiar and famous, having been adopted by the Royal British Legion as an Exhortation for ceremonies of Remembrance to commemorate fallen Servicemen and women.

Laurence Binyon was too old to enlist in the military forces but he went to work for the Red Cross as a medical orderly in 1916. He lost several close friends and his brother-in-law in the war.

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 I KNOW IT IS FROM WWI BUT IT BEARS SHARING IN CASE IT IS UNFAMILAR🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

GOD BLESS HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE VI AND HER ROYAL HIGH ESS THE QUEEN AT THAT TIME, THE THE QUEEN MUM.

MAY THEY BOTH REST IN PEACE

GSTQAOBC 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇳🇿🇺🇸AND EVERY OTHER FLAG

I AM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG, BUT IT NEEDED TO.

💜💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊😊PG😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜

Thank you PG!  The work you did on this is amazing, and much appreciated.......thank you!🙏🏻💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[awesomefieldofpoppies]

Of representations and reinterpretations

I feel I have to note this down, even if it doesn’t get seen by anyone. Short as my stint of ‘I love everything about Lore Olympus’ has been, I’ve noticed plenty of people being angry over how Greek mythology is being interpreted in Lore Olympus, claiming that it sullies the original myths (which they think don’t need to be reinterpreted) and it misrepresents the mythology as a whole. Furthermore, it has been claimed that achieving commercial success in misrepresenting the myths could potentially mean that reinterpretations such as Lore Olympus will overshadow the original myths and wrong ‘lore’ will be passed on as ‘true’, which will mess up the knowledge passed on to future generations. 

This is not a new problem - reinterpretation of stories, folklore, myths, and anything of content is far from being a new phenomenon. While I lack deeper knowledge of Greek mythology, I am still aware that myths rarely have just one version (in fact, they often have multiple versions) and that reinterpretations - both official and non-official - happen. In my opinion, the problem for those who dislike the attention Lore Olympus is getting, is not just the reinterpretation, but the potential possibility that the reinterpretation will gain a life of its own and the original myths will pale in comparison. This is an understandable fear, but the solution to this is not a ban on reinterpretations or scoffing at people, who do like reinterpretations, but educating - calmly - your peers that original Greek mythology and mythological interpretations are two different things and should be accepted as such. Reinterpretations of modern entertainment has also been an issue, with people being upset over new versions of their loved TV series, movies, etc. being released. There are plenty of examples, where new versions or interpretations of existing content have been released and someone is always unhappy about it - examples are Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version vs Keira Knightley version - both of which I love, because I think they’re different and yet they still tell the same story); Jane Eyre (I was so upset over the Mia Wasikowska version, as I loved the 2004 version, but I have grown to love it and have discovered that plenty of people absolutely hated the 2004 version); different doctors in Doctor Who etc.  Key term is - don’t hate what people like, unless there is a reason for it such as promoting abuse or unhealthy relationship/life patterns etc. While Lore Olympus is not perfect, it probably won’t have the potential to create similar damages to how people view Greek mythology as for example Fifty Shades of Grey did to BDSM community, after which plenty of people seem to think that FSOG is the true representation of explorative sexual relationship. However, if people accept that FSOG is not a true representative of BDSM kinks (and don’t promote it as such) and still like it, then who the hell am I do judge them for it? Personally, Ithink FSOG is a poorly written crap with even poorer sex within, but arguably lots of people like it and enjoy it and I keep myself out of their enjoyment. This is not just about Lore Olympus, although I used it as an example. I noticed the same about Anne of Green Gables reinterpretation (which I thought was fantastic! And I love both ‘Anne with an E’ and the original Anne of Green Gables movies) and Harry Potter. Don’t get me wrong - I loathe Cursed Child, but I cannot undo it and there are people who enjoy it. I simply choose to ignore that part of HP lore and focus on other aspects that I love in the fandom.

I prefer to believe that fans of any content and medium are rational  and calm people and allow people to like what they prefer. While I don’t dispute the original Greek mythology I was taught in school, I just like Lore Olympus reinterpretation because of its art, its colours, and yes - I am a die-hard romance-shipper, so I do like it for the romance as well. I don’t take Lore Olympus as a replacement of real Greek myths and I would never travel to Greece and spout something from Lore Olympus as a fact of real Greek mythology - I have been educated and I know that these are two separate things. Allow fans of Lore Olympus - or any reinterpretation of beloved works and characters - the courtesy of liking what they like and being smart enough to separate different mediums. 

[darling-i-read-it]

City Corner Part 4

Mafia/Mob AU

City Corner Masterlist

Leonardo DiCaprio x reader, Jake Gyllenhaal x reader 

Margot Robbie, Jodie Comer, Tim Roth, Colin Firth, Timothee Chalamet, Dacre Montgomrey, Natalia Dyer, Saoirse Ronan, Lana Del Rey, Hugh Grant  are also included

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: Gambling, mentions of addiction, alcohol, insinuations to smut, cuss words, overall mafia themes

Author’s Note: Again, I’ve casted these people as characters and used their names! I have this whole series planned out like a real writer so I’m excited to get to it now lol

Summary: Jodie talks to Dacre, Natalia and Colin escape, Timothee meets Saoirse and Leo and the reader meet at Jake’s. 

Genre: mafia, which is now a genre

(not my gif) 

   Jodie sat across from Dacre, a few papers on the table between them. They were in the back of the pizzeria still, talking over some things that they had been kept in the dark about. Dacre had always had full trust in his father to tell him everything. He knew that Colin kept things from the twins but he would never keep secrets from him. When Jodie pulled out the few papers she had managed to snag away from Tim, Dacre was amazed. 

    Colin had been doing business behind his back this whole time. Trading things with people he opposed to, doing things that Dacre had been told he wouldn’t. Jodie wasn’t surprised to find there were many things that Tim had never told her about. In fact she was surprised that Dacre thought it was crazy that Colin kept things from him. She had never wondered how the Firths ran their business but now, being there in the small pizzeria, she wondered about it. If there was any actual love in this house or at least if Dacre thought there was any.    

    “Why are you marrying Leonardo? Other than the obvious,” Dacre inquired, taking a long swig of the hard drink he had poured himself. He had poured her one as well and she had touched it a bit but more to swirl it around in her hands. 

    “My dad thinks he would be a good husband or something.” Dacre chuckled. 

    “I thought arranged marriages ended in the 1800s,” he muttered. She raised her eyebrow and decided not to correct them even though she was pretty sure that his history was off. 

    “Yeah well my dad's old fashioned I guess.” 

    “Why don’t you argue with him?” It was then Jodie realized not only were the dynamics with this family different than hers but he had never thought about what it would be like to be a woman in the business they were in.

    “Because he could have me killed. He could throw me to the streets. He could put me in Margot's spot and I would sleep with every man that came in the casino doors. Leo is the best case scenario, even if I don’t love him.” Jodie finally took a long drink from her cup and Dacre looked at her, amused. 

    “Jodie Roth, you’re some type of woman.” She smiled sourly.

    “You gotta be to survive this long. I imagine your sister is just as crazy.” He nodded. 

    “She doesn’t like it either. Any of it. She wanted to be a ballerina. Still goes to the lessons.” Dacre looked like he was far away for a minute. Jodie wondered if he had had dreams like that before he realized he was the heir to a much bigger thrown. 

    “Good for her. Margot always wanted to make dad proud. I’m just glad she's getting the business and not me.” She paused. “You know I’ve never had a conversation with Leo that went on this long.” He smiled, charmingly. She wanted to say she had never had an actual conversation with anyone who went this long but figured it was a bit much.

    “Doesn’t sound like a very good guy then.” 

    “You’ve met him?” 

    “Once. When he came in with Natalia's friend, Y/N.” Jodie looked at her hands and then back at Dacre. He ran his hands through his hair and leaned back, looking at her intently. 

    “He is a good guy. I know it, deep down. He still loves her. I’d never met Y/N until you sent her to the casino and I swear I’ve never seen Leo look as alive as he did while she was there for three whole seconds.” 

    Dacre understood her for a moment. He got that she didn’t love Leonardo but that she wanted him to like her at least. He had met the boy with you and could back up Jodie's story if he wanted. You were in love with him and Leo was in love with you. He still wondered how Lana got around it, really got you and him to break apart. 

    But he had never met Lana and from what he heard, if Lana wanted something she usually got it. 

    “Fuck Leo. You should be allowed to marry whoever you want.” 

    “Like you?” she joked. He thought it over for a minute, ignoring the fact that it was a joke at all. 

    “Why not?” She raised an eyebrow and took a drink. 

    “Because everyone knows Romeo and Juliet died because their families were at war.” 

    “Ah but not because you aren’t open to it.” 

---()()()()()()()---

    Colin still wasn’t sure how he had gotten out of the casino. All he knew was that he shot his way through four different guards to get his daughter out and somehow, Tim hadn’t shot him with his back turned. 

    Colin imagined his rival, bent on the ground and holding his bleeding, shot, daughter to his chest and his stomach turned. So much for no deaths planned. Natalia and Colin went out the back door and he had a car outside which took them directly to the gun range instead of the pizzeria. Somewhere to hide for a moment to think. 

    He knew that Tim would find them, anger filled and looking for blood, but for the moment he needed to get Natalia packed for information in the event that Colin didn’t make it through the night. 

    As he stood in the empty range, Natalia had thrown her gun across the room. It didn’t break but she threw it hard enough for it to. 

    “I didn’t mean to shoot her!” Natalia said, voice wavering. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be in this business, she knew she would crack under pressure. She couldn’t do it. “This is your fault!” she screamed but Colin wasn’t listening. He was fully ready to yell at her, to scream that she had done things wrong but he had no time.

    “Natalia listen to me.” She was still shaking, grabbing at every weapon on her and throwing it haphazardly across the room. Colin grabbed her arms, holding her down and grounding her. “Natalia.” 

    It took her a moment but she focused on him, her eyes landing on his. Emotions flowed over her face, anger, guilt, sadness, hopelessness. 

    “Dad,” she pleaded. He sighed and hugged her for a moment, letting her calm down further. He pulled away but still held her arms so she couldn’t go astray. 

    “In the event that Tim finds us before I get to Dacre you need to give him this paper. It had all the things I’ve started to have deals on, everything that is concrete, everything he needs to take over.” She took the paper, shakily.

    “I won’t leave you,” she whispered. He gave her a strained smile.

    “You’re going to have to. Remember everything I taught you, be nimble on your feet and show them your grace if you’re caught but I don’t think you will be. Natalia, I love you. Tell your brothers I love them.” 

    She gave him a hard look and knew, this was goodbye. 

    “I will. Be safe.” 

    Still shaking, she turned on her heels and walked out the back door. 

---()()()()()()()---   

    Saoirse walked swiftly down the street to the pizzeria. She hadn’t found you at your apartment and not at Hughs so she figured you were probably doing something that she wouldn’t agree with. 

    She walked in the double doors, bell ringing above her head. It was getting late and the dinner rush had started. She can’t remember a time it was this packed. Manning the counter was Timothee, whom she had never met but heard plenty about. 

    She walked up to him, surpassing the short line and leaning over the counter beside the person ordering.

    “Have you seen Y/N?” she asked over the noise. Timothee turned to the newcomer, ready to yell at her for cutting. Dacre was still somewhere with Jodie and he was holding down the fort on his own while he waited for his dad and Natalia to get back. He hadn’t had enough time to wonder what was going on with them or why they were so late to returning. 

    When Timothee locked eyes with the new girl and froze. Saoirse. He had only heard the tall tales of her, how amazing she was at her job, how terrifying. No one had warned him about how pretty she was. Because Timothee had sworn he had never seen a girl so gorgeous. 

    “Sorry what?” he stammered. Saoirse looked annoyed. 

    “Y/N. Is she here?” He shook his head, ignoring the customer before him. 

    “No, I haven’t seen her since she confirmed the wedding.” In truth you could have been standing just in front of him and he was so struck he wouldn’t even notice you. 

    “God that woman.” 

    “Wait! Stay, I’m sure she’ll show up soon. I think Dacre is getting her.” A lie, but a simple white one. Saorise gave him a long look and knew he was lying but she didn’t have anything better to do. Plus, if she told you that she had waited for you there, it would further prove her point on how your not staying in the middle. 

    “One pizza.” 

---()()()()()()---

    While Saoirse was looking for you in the pizzeria, you were on your way to the bar to apologize to Jake for being so rude at leaving him and not calling him back. Rather, you needed a drink after your talk with Saoirse a few hours earlier and you wanted to avoid Hugh. 

    The bar seemed like the best option. 

    You walked in, immediately hit with the scent of alcohol. It was warmer in there than outside and you relished in it. You took off your fur coat and started your walk to the bar counter when you saw Leo at the end of it. You paused, your heels stopping their constant clunk underneath you. 

    You were sure he didn’t see you but just seeing him made you rethink everything. You looked behind the counter and saw Jake, leaning forward as he talked to a girl you couldn’t see. All you could make out was long dark hair. 

    Finally you moved forward and caught sight of Lana sitting a few seats down from her brother. You imagined them coming in together and then him sitting away from her. She probably didn’t even care.

    You stepped forward again and sat in the seat beside Leo, hopefully making him block you from Lana. 

    “Since when are Lana and Jake friends?” you asked, not looking at him. You weren’t sure what made you sit by him but you were willing to bet it was habit. Just being near him made it easier. He turned, surprised but pleased. 

    “I don’t actually know,” he muttered, taking you in. You finally turned, smiling at him. It took you a moment to think of something else to say. You missed him being this close all the time.

    “Shouldn’t you be with your fiance?” you teased. Another bartender handed you your usual and you took a quick swig of it, finishing it off in one gulp. Leo laughed lowly.

    “Come on princess,” he muttered. You froze. He shut his eyes tightly, refusing to look at you. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to call you-” You raised a hand.

    “Don’t worry about it Leo. It isn’t worth it.” You looked at your empty glass and then at his, wondering how many he had had. Probably at least 5 to call you princess after one sentence with you. 

    “I hate everything about this deal, is what I mean.”

    “Jodie is nice I hear.” Leo nodded, taking in your features as well as he could. He wanted to remember everything that he had forgotten. 

    “But I don’t love her. I don’t think I ever will.” 

    “Too bad.” You turned to watch Lana flirt with Jake, smiling that he wasn’t to hung up on you or Saoirse. 

    “Y/N I miss you.” You nodded, staring at him and trying your best to hide your emotions.  

    “I know Leo.”    

    You were going to say something else, deathly close to telling him how much you love him as well but there was a shot in the dark that startled you. It was so sudden and so loud that you immediately dropped, grabbing Leo and dragging him down with you. You looked around to find Lana standing but she wasn’t holding a gun. You thought for sure it was her that had shot but the fact that she was standing said something. 

    Leo pointed to a man standing behind her, holding the gun. 

    “Jake!” It was Lana's voice, screaming in horror. You had never heard her so distraught. It made you and Leo rise together, still holding on to each other in some way. You grabbed your gun and pointed it at the man who still had his gun raised. 

    You glanced down and saw Jake on the floor, bleeding out. 

    “Put the gun down,” you said carefully. You could hear a pin drop in the bar. The man had no time to put his gun down if he planned it because Lana had already turned and attacked him. Leo leaned forward to help her and you grabbed his arm.   

    “Leo, Leo come,” you muttered. You knew better than to let him get in his sisters way. He resigned and let you drag him out of Jake's bar. 

 City corner; @1998--js

Part 5

[screenmotional]

SUPERNOVA (2020)

Dir. Harry Macqueen

What is Supernova? It is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space. A supernova happens where there is a change in the core, or centre, of a star. Harry Macqueen invites us to watch a similar process between two men, that go on a journey not only across stunning English areas but also through their souls, only to face a truth and painful reality…

Starring Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth (both equally superb and credible as a gay couple) SUPERNOVA presents the story of Sam and Tusker and their ways of dealing with Tusker’s illness. Diagnosed with dementia, he challenges himself in dealing with his sickness that affects him and his partner. It tests them to the maximum during their journey with moments of happiness, sadness and plenty of memories, that perhaps are the only things that still keep them alive. Sam and Tusker travel in their RV visiting peaceful and charming English sceneries, including stunning areas of Lake District, where the calm atmosphere of the forest and waters contrasts with disturbing and anxious feelings, knowing that their disaster is coming inevitably. Facing the uncomfortable truth is identically painful for both Sam and Tusker. Their conversations about a challenging future create tension, sorrow and help to stop them from living in delusion. The dementia will eventually initiate itsnecessary steps and will change their life to worse… Sam is willing to do anything he can to sacrifice his life for the man he loves. In return, his partner’s guilt and its consequences will be the biggest test of their feelings.

Macqueen created an elegant, balanced and emotionally-charged tale. By telling the story of an older, queer couple with two acclaimed actors as main protagonists he gave a powerful factor to his movie. There is still not enough of queer cinema representation in the mainstream Universe, but seeing movies like this one gives a lot of hope not only to the LBGT stories but also to those not necessary about (and with) younger people. As much as it is a cliché, love has different forms and ages. By looking at two mature men that are so certain not only of their friendship (which was easy to feel through the screen) but their feelings, the director’s way of telling the story removes the dinginess that could happen when portraying a story of gay men. It is sad and does not have a happy ending, but that makes it even more powerful. Another strong aspect of SUPERNOVA is Tucci’s and Firth’s powerful, yet harmonised and fully realised performances. During one of the scenes, Tusker represents so many conflicted emotions with his face than he possibly could do with any words. Facing the reality and knowing that Sam is facing it with him already makes him incredibly miserable, and this is projected so strongly to the spectator that hoping for a happy ending will, until the end, believe that the power of true love will win against any adversities.

SUPERNOVA is out on 20th November across UK cinemas.

[originaljediinjeans]

some thoughts on rewatching the BBC Pride and Prejudice:

I think Mr. Darcy has social anxiety. Maybe a little OCD. It comes off as “arrogance” because of the way he was raised and because everyone thinks he’s haughty because of his wealth

Maybe this is just how it was played in the BBC version but it could be argued that there’s actually a love triangle with Lizzy, Wickham, and Darcy. I think Lizzy and Wickham kind of liked each other, but it was more of a casual crush than raging passion. But I still think Lizzy was more offended by Mr. Darcy’s “cruelty” to Wickham than feeling bad for Wickham. 

BBC!Jane’s hair looks weird because her face is weird and not to mention the bangs, but if they were going for the Greek goddess look that was the neoclassical (18th-century/regency era) ideal it worked only too well 

Colin Firth’s Darcy comes off as arrogant and brooding the first time you watch, but like Mr. Darcy himself, he improves on further acquaintance. 

Is Mary Bennett autistic? Mary Bennett is autistic. 

The actress playing Mrs. Bennett is still pretty young and very good looking for an older woman. Maybe they gave her too much makeup

Caroline Bingley is Satan. But that’s old news.

Mr. Bennett is one of my favorite characters. He is sensible and levelheaded and he loves his daughters and wants them to be happy.  I love how he is on good terms with Lizzy and that they are open with each other. Maybe we appreciate his calm demeanor more because of how crazy the rest of the family is.

I just...love...how sunny and open and cheerful Charles Bingley is. He’s just a ray of sunshine. Gosh, how did a good guy like him end up with such an evil sister, if not two?

Georgiana and Darcy are really close siblings. Darcy would do anything to protect her. And Georgiana would do anything for her brother. Between that and her almost eloping with Wickham, is Georgiana ever going to be comfortable enough to find someone to actually marry? 

I love the running idea in this story that everyone assumes that Mr. Darcy is the “bad guy” because he “abused” Wickham and because he’s filthy rich and has a reserved personality, and that Wickham is the “good guy” because he’s poor and Mr. Darcy “robbed” him and he’s so charming. Controversial opinion: being rich =/= being a bad person, and Jane Austen would agree with me. Look at how much money Mr. Darcy was willing to invest to placate Wickham and save Lizzy’s family from ruin. He started out as someone who looked down on people of lower class, but he ended up (hopefully) having a change of heart, or at least putting aside his disdain for Lizzy’s sake. 

So, growing up, Mr. Darcy and George Wickham were actually kind of like brothers. Mr. Darcy was sore at Wickham for his bad behavior and for nearly abducting his sister, I can’t blame him for being angry, but deep down maybe Mr. Darcy was heartbroken about it. 

Some of these theories I will keep in mind when I reread the book hopefully later this year. 

[qveenpoppy]

kingsman the golden circle: a review

so, i kinda just jotted stuff down as my reactions during the movie, so i’m just gonna copy that over here and have that be my review. figured that’d be more authentic and i also just kinda did it for fun. i mean, it made my viewing a lot longer than it should have been but hey, i had the time, so why not? enjoy, my friends. i’ll add some overall thoughts and a score at the tail end. (i’ll bold it, for anyone who wants to jump right to that.)

Gosh that opening action sequence was BONKERS, so high-energy and kinda unrealistic that Eggsy would survive that but incredible to watch nonetheless. And it's been so long since I watched the first film in full, I've forgotten about my love for the theme/score. It's so gorgeous and epic.

I made a mistake starting this before dinner, and that first scene at Poppy's dinner was one of the most disturbing things I ever saw. I find these characters so interesting but the violence in these films is a little too much for me. I tried closing my eyes during the scene but I did so too early and then opened them back up during That part. I gotta make sure to keep them closed if something like that happens again (which I'm guessing it might).

The transitions in this movie are phenomenal, I love continuity with shapes that tie each scene to the following ones.

Because I'm watching this two years late, I saw some spoilers for the movie online. Like,  a while ago. Like, back when it first came out. I was curious and only moderately liked the first movie (it was visually great but as I said, not one for R-rated violence). That being said, the scene in which Harry gets his memories back is WAY better viewed in context. Whether you think of Harry and Eggsy as an item or not, it's very good. Eggsy knew EXACTLY what would bring Harry's memories back, and I adored their hug after Harry calmed down. (The height difference!!! Eggsy went on his toes!!!) Also, I hope Harry got to keep the puppy after that and named him Mr. Pickles Jr.

Anyone else get super hyped when they hear Colin Firth say, "Manners maketh man"? It's like you just Know shit is about to go down when those words are said in these films. I hope the prequel next year gives us an origin of that line being a battle call. Also, I heard Pedro Pascal did some rope training for this film but holy wowness, it's so good! Yeah, it's enhanced with CG effects and probably some switch-ins with stunt doubles, but it still makes for an incredible action sequence! I hope Pedro gets to show off some of these skills somehow next year in Wonder Woman 1984 or Mandalorian s2. (Can't believe I slept on him for so long as an action star, what a talent!)

You know, I can kind of see where this president is coming from? I mean, as his female aid reminds him, it's a gray area, considering those who experiment with drugs or self-medicate or teens/kids, but I can also see how taking out those who use illegal drugs kinda ends the whole "war on drugs". There's logic to it but considering those mentioned parties, it's got a devious, ignorant edge to it. I can at least say I like this movie having a little bit more of a political edge to it than the first one. I wonder if anyone had a debate like this while/after watching the movie, whether they agree with this president's stance or not. I would guess the red tie he wears points to him being a Republican, so you know most Democrats would be quick to disagree, given the climate of the country following the 2016 election (aka, more divided than ever).

Also why is Charlie hotter in this movie than he was in the first one? Is it because he's evil? The shaved head? The robot arm? (I mean, being a legit villain isn't a good thing, but he's not as psychotic as Poppy and kinda has a foot in both sides, at least since he's English and now his girlfriend is infected with Poppy's disease. I wonder if he'll change sides at some point, or just die at the hands of the Kingsman, considering what he knows about them.)

(Oh wait, nevermind, he gave her the antidote. But maybe he went behind Poppy's back to do so? Or it's a placebo version and he'll wind up turning on Poppy??? Also does he know his girlfriend got fingered by Eggsy?)

(Yeah, think I can kiss that redemption arc goodbye. Eh, at least there will be fanfics for that. Or at least ones where he and Eggsy have hot hate sex.)

Oh shit, Whiskey made Eggsy drop the antidote. But at least Eggsy and Harry are okay. But how the fuck are they gonna save the day now?

Was Harry seeing butterflies as part of the delusion stage of Poppy's virus? Did the Statesmen unknowingly treat him with one of the drugs she infected? Is he gonna die AGAIN?! (Oh wait, I saw the spoilers, he'll be fine. But they might have to use the antidote on him.)

Okay I also knew from spoilers that Whiskey wasn't gonna survive the movie but delusional Harry took him out?! Why?! Will he be revived by the Statesmen like Harry was? (Whiskey's just too cool a character to lose in one movie.)

Nevermind about the agreement thing, this president is one sick motherfucker.

Sorry this commentary is becoming much briefer and summary-esque, but Whiskey (aka Jack; they did that on purpose, didn't they?) is back. But I still don't think he'll make it till the end of the film. Is he gonna try and take Harry out? Is he actually a double agent? 

You know, with them bringing Harry back, it kinda lowers the stakes of these movies. Like, is anyone ever fully dead? 'Cause this movie especially seems to keep bringing people back, at least with that Statesman tech. So it's hard to be all that sad about Merlin's death. I mean, obviously him fucking BLOWING UP seems like a pretty permanent way to die, but I thought I saw - again, around the time this came out - behind the scenes photos of Mark with some sort of green motion capture pants, as if they'd given him some metal robot legs like I guess Gazelle's in the first film. Like he just got knocked back by the blast and could no longer use his legs, if revived. But apparently it didn't make the final cut. Still, wouldn't be surprised if they used that footage for the third film as a way to bring him back. 'Cause clearly Merlin, Eggsy, and Harry are the main trio in this franchise. (Sorry, Roxy fans.)

Ohhh, look at Elton getting in on the action sequences. Yes, Sir!!!

I love when action sequences are set to more creative choices of music :)

Harry & Elton, huh? I ship it

Oh, Whiskey is actually a bad guy. Damn. Take back all the praise I had for him. Pedro, I love you, but fuck Whiskey.

Thank god I covered my eyes this time when That happened. Ugh, gross.

Ohhh, an impeachment and removal from office. If only life could imitate art... (But only in that way, nothing else from this movie should happen in real life.)

Tequila works for Kingsman now?!

overall thoughts: a suitable sequel for this franchise. obviously pretty similar tone-wise with the humor and language and violence. i always forget that these films aren’t exactly my taste. kinda triggered my anxiety with all that violence and the whole drug-triggered virus (not that i’ll be experimenting with any illegal drugs anytime soon, but my paranoid brain will definitely keep me even further away from them now.) like, they’re well-shot and i like the characters, and i mostly wanted to watch this for some explanation of how harry was brought back from the dead, but i’m at least glad i chose to watch this at home and on my laptop/tablet. it would not have been good for me to see this on the big screen. (and i managed to watch both movies for free, and completely legally. first on xfinity on demand, this on a free rental from fandago. go me!)

as i said, the political aspects did at least make for some cool thought-provoking moments and debate. i do love when movies make you think like that. mindless action movies are the absolute worst (i’m looking at you, marvel and transformers franchises). 

i’m at least curious about that third film, how they’ll handle the loss of so many significant characters, or if they’ll magically be brought back to life, again. yeah, as cool as it was, bringing harry back may have been a mistake for this franchise. but i understand that it’s the main relationship of the series, even if eggsy is now married to that swedish princess, tilda or whatever. (meh.)

rating: 7/10. it’s hard for me to give a film any lower than that, unless i turned it off or got particularly tired/bored while watching it, so. good action, good characters, fun humor, smidge too violent. 

till next time, my dudes!

[cipheramnesia]

The queer romantic comedy I want is an awkward romance between Colin Firth and Richard Armitage.

Firth plays Darcy amped to eleven, he's so stiff that his shirts don't need starch. He can't form a single charming word around Armitage, and every time he goes in to close the deal, he sees those deep dark eyes and just can't speak. He's so wound up, he can't even see that Armitage is totally into him.

And Armitage will be at Maximum Brood. The ultimate last word in broody, making a gothic thunderstorm around him everywhere he goes. He's so cool, he says one word and devastates everyone. But Firth is just so calm and cool and smart Armitage gets tongue tied around him. He keeps trying to be cool but every suave line he has turns into mush around Firth.

Meanwhile, Firth has the classic Straight Best Friend who keeps trying to give him cliche straight advice like how he has to show he's cool by dressing different, or he needs to make Armitage jealous.

And Armitage has like this high powered executive boss lady work friend who the whole time seems like she's just mean and cruel but then in the third act she goes "You fools, you pair of idiots, can't you see you're in love?" Then at the big wedding finale she's in the front row with her butch girlfriend.

[janenightwork]

How to Keep Christmas: A Reylo Romance in 25 Parts

"Four: Santa's Helpers" is below, or start from the beginning on AO3!

Fic Summary:

Rey and Ben have had feelings for each other since she began teaching at Chandrila Elementary School earlier that year, but neither knows their affection is mutual. Rey plans to use the the Christmas season––her favorite time of year––as an excuse to spend more time with Ben, and to find a way to tell him how she feels. But can she convince the Grinch-ish Ben to enjoy Christmas with her? Equally important: will her friends Finn, Poe, and Rose be able to stop themselves from matchmaking and meddling and general mischief?

Four: Santa's Helpers

Ben met Finn and Rose in the school’s auditorium, where Poe was about to appear dressed as Santa.

“Why are we having the Christmas extravaganza so early this year?” Ben asked Finn and Rose. “The kids aren’t gonna be able to focus on anything for the rest of the time between now and the break.”

Finn shrugged. “I heard the idea is to give them a chance to let off steam. That way they’ll hopefully be able to settle down. I doubt it, but hope springs eternal, right? Plus, Hanukkah was earlier than usual this year, and we had that party already. The kids associate Hanukkah as being near Christmas so they’re expecting it.”

Ben nodded his head in acceptance of Finn’s logic.

“Besides: can you really say your kids aren’t already checked out?” asked Rose.

“Oh, my kids have been checked out since the week before Halloween. They’re trying, they really are, but it’s all visions of dancing sugarplums at this point.”

“I’m just looking forward to seeing Poe as Santa. Do you think the kids will recognize him?” Rey’s voice said behind them. Ben turned to greet her and nearly choked.

She looked as adorable as always, but her outfit was ludicrous. Atrocious. A sartorial crime. She wore a pair of slacks as usual, but over them was a sweater with a huge cartoon reindeer on it. He was pretty sure Colin Firth’s character Mark Darcy had worn something similar in Bridget Jones’ Diary. (He was man enough to admit he enjoyed the occasional romantic comedy.) This reindeer, though, was covered in sequins. There were Christmas lights in its antlers, and its expression could only be described as deliriously happy, or possibly deranged. Ben suspected narcotics were involved. As if the sweater wasn’t bad enough, she was also wearing a headband with reindeer antlers, which somehow lit up. Ben didn’t know whether to laugh or feel vaguely afraid.

“Oh, you like Sparky?” she asked, humor lighting up her eyes at Ben’s horrified expression.

“Spar––” his voice failed him. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Sparky?”

“Yup! Look, it even says so right here!” She turned slightly to the side and pointed to the word “Sparky!” embroidered near the hem.

“He’s, um—”

“The ugliest thing you’ve ever seen?” she supplied helpfully.

“Quite possibly.”

“I think so, too. I bought him for an ugly Christmas sweater party a few years ago. The kids un-ironically love him, though, so now he makes an appearance every year.”

Rose turned to see Sparky and had much the same reaction as Ben, though she was a bit more vocal about it. She gasped, squealed, and smacked an unsuspecting Finn on the chest. “Ugly! Ugly sweater! Party! So perfect!”

Finn frowned, rubbing his pectoral. “Honey, geez, calm down. Also: what?” Then he looked at Rey and nodded at her sweater. “Oh. Hey Sparky.”

“You should make your Christmas party an ugly Christmas sweater party! That monstrosity is perfect for it! Sorry, I just got a little overexcited there for a second,” said Rose.

Rey tilted her head to the side in thought. “I’ll run it by Kaydel; I don’t think she’d mind. It’d have to be ugly sweater optional, though. People get grumpy when you force them to buy something to wear just for one party.”

“Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater, Ben?” Rose asked, eyes agleam.

He did not own an ugly Christmas sweater. Furthermore, he would not pretend to understand the trend of intentionally wearing something ugly. But he had vowed to make this Christmas as festive as possible for Rey’s sake. If wearing something that ought to be burned would make her happy, then so be it.

“No. But they can’t be hard to come by. And it’s all in the spirit of the season, right? Maybe I can find one my kids would like. You know, like…Sparky.”

Any further conversation was prevented by a whole auditorium’s worth of children squealing in delight at the appearance of Santa.

“Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas, boys and girls!” Poe called out from the stage. Ben had to hand it to him: he made a great Santa Claus. He was nearly unrecognizable behind layers of pillows under the suit, plus the wig, hat, and beard. The kids’ faces, all of them staring up at Poe, looked enraptured and enchanted.

Santa dutifully allowed each student to sit on his knee and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. When they'd all had their turns, a few of the other teachers herded them off to lunch. Poe got changed back into his regular clothes while Finn, Rey, and Ben cleaned up the auditorium.

“Hey guys!” Poe was all smiles when he reemerged from backstage. “How’d I do?”

“You know perfectly well that you did awesome. You just want to hear us say it,” Rey teased. “But since it’s true, I’ll give you the satisfaction: you did awesome.”

“Thank you, Rey. I appreciate it,” Poe laughed. Then his expression transformed into one Ben knew from childhood, and which could only be described as devilish. “By the way, do you know what the most common thing was that the kids asked Santa for?”

Before Ben could intercede and warn her not to take the bait, Rey said, “No, what?”

“They asked for Mr. Solo and Ms. Niima to get married! Isn’t that something?”

Rey’s face erupted into a fierce blush, and Ben wasn’t sure whether he was more furious with Poe for embarrassing Rey with his pot-stirring or more embarrassed on his own behalf.

“Did they. Really.” Ben hoped his tone conveyed the sort of conversation they were going to have later. Poe had the grace to pale a bit.

“Yeah! No, I’m serious. Really. They really said that. I didn’t bribe them or prompt them or anything. I mean, why would I do that? That’d be weird. Anyway, yeah, they really want you to get married. I guess the two of you singing that duet at the talent show really made an impression.”

It was a good memory. One of Ben’s favorites, in fact. She’d asked him to play piano for her at first, and then at the last minute asked him if he’d sing “I See the Light” from Tangled with her. He’d been nervous, because his voice just all right, but hers was much better. She’d encouraged him, though, and it had turned out beautifully.

They’d sat side by side at the piano, Rey singing about the joy of finding her place. All of Ben’s nervousness melted away in harmonizing with her, the lyrics uncannily true to life. "All at once, everything looks different, now that I see you." He’d forgotten anyone else was there until the cheering started.

“Well, that settles it. We can’t disappoint the kids, Ben. You’ll have to marry me,” said Rey. Her cheeks were still bright with a blush but she smiled at him, tentative and hopeful. His heart squeezed so hard it hurt.

“Okay, I'll marry you.”

[lesbiangummybearmafia]

Cause...duh of course you should ;)!!

[donnawrites]

Part 2

Note: I forgot to mention this in the first part but I want to clarify who is who in the current character list. 

Matthew: Imagine Chris Evans

Alexa: Imagine Gal Gadot

King Henry II: Imagine Colin Firth

Baron Eagleheart: Imagine Tom Hiddleston

Mrs. Jeong: Imagine Kim Young-Ok (if you can’t, just look her up via google)

Sebastian: Imagine Steve Coogan

Total Words: 945

*King Henry’s POV*

I had just gotten to my office closed my door that I finally felt the most comfortable. Explaining to Alexandria that a guest was coming over was enough to make me feel as though I was going to have a heart attack, however, to let her know what the real reason behind me bringing the guest is another matter altogether. She doesn’t need to know why I am bringing a man into a castle, especially one that is from the United States. I sigh and try to find a good way to ensure how to break the news to her very soon.

“What am I to do with this situation?” I say out loud. 

I slump into my chair and rub my temples in frustration. Hopefully, she isn’t too aware of everything that is going on.

*Matthew’s POV*

6 months ago, I was looking at various advertisements for a new security job position. Since the start of the pandemic, I had lost my position in Manhattan working as a night security officer and I was hoping to land a new job rather soon. That was when I came across a new job in a different country. However, Lazoria was a country that I have never heard of before. It showed a general map that seem to have no country but seems to be just off the coast of Scotland. 

After applying for the job as a joke, I realized about a month later I got past to the second round of interviewees. After a few months, I finally found out that I was hired for the role as bodyguard about a month ago and immediately put in my 2 weeks at the little café I worked at as a barista and gave in my last months’ notice that I was moving out. I also gave Mrs. Jeong the last months’ rent and told her to keep the deposit just in case. I finally left her $200 on top of the rent I owed in case she needed extra from me.

She smiled and hugged me for everything. She always told me I was her favorite tenant, but I didn’t know how much until she backed up and I saw tears rolling down her face.

“Please call me anytime you want an apartment here in case it doesn’t work out there,” Mrs. Jeong explained to me.

“I will let you know,” I responded after I chuckled. 

I hugged her again and said my goodbyes before I started to plan for everything. In the final month that led up to my departure of Manhattan, Mrs. Jeong always invited me over every Sunday to her place and eat with her and her husband. On the last Sunday, Mrs. Jeong and her husband, along with their 2 kids and 5 grandkids all had a big feast as a sort of farewell to me. I was reminded about how she would always call me whenever her plumber never showed up to fix her sink or the technician never called to say that he cancelled the scheduled appointment for her TV provider to fix the box and I always came through to fix it all for her.

“Matthew is the kindest young man I met and I’m glad to have met him and let him rent out the apartment,” Mrs. Jeong stated to everyone and gave me the biggest hug she could.

I smiled and gave her a light hug because I was afraid that if I hugged her any harder, she would break in my hands. After all, she was in her early 70s and I was still in my 30s. At the end of dinner, I helped Mrs. Jeong wash up all the plates and went to my apartment to gather everything I knew I was going to bring. I wrote a note and left it on the living room table and walked out with my luggage bag and carry on. As I was passing Mrs. Jeong’s mailbox, I put the keys in it and took a taxi to the JFK airport.

Once there, I checked in and took the plane I needed to catch to Scotland. As soon as I got to Scotland, I saw that there was a sign with my name on it and walked on over. The man holding the sign was a few inches shorter, and looked as though he was dressed in Victorian era clothing. I was quite curious about the look. The man, however, looked stunned and a bit scared to see me.

“Are you Mr. Matthew Coolidge?” the man asked me.

“Yeah, that’s me, but you can call me Matt if you like,” I responded.

I held out my hand to him and at first, the man was scared to take my hand. After a few seconds, he finally took my hand and shook it carefully. During this entire time, from the questioning, to the hand shaking, this man was clearly scared of me. Even though he was scared, once he realized how formal I was in a casual way, he seemed to not be as such. This man was still on guard in my opinion.

“My name is Sebastian sir, I will be your chauffeur to our destination,” Sebastian stated.

“It is lovely to meet you Sebastian, I hope we can be friends by the end of the journey,” I said.

I gave him a friendly smile and Sebastian finally seem to calm down a bit. After that, he smiled a tad bit and asked me to follow him to the car. Once inside, that was when we started on our journey to the kingdom of Lazoria.

[kingscowchopman]

D, E, F, G, H♡

haHA omg people keep asking me G I love it!!

D for Driving

Yeaah I really enjoy driving. I just find it calming??? Unless you almost have an accident then yeah thats not calming (throwback to Saturdaaay)

E for Egerton, Taron

Haha I mean, who also doesn’t love Taron Egerton?? Such a cutie that can go from badass to dorky! Definitely my second favourite of the Kingsman cast (Soz nothing beats Colin tho)

F for Firth Friends

I don’t mean the show (although I love that too) but my friends, both online and in real life mean everything to me and I love them all to bits. Theres so many people here on tumblr I’d love to be friends with but I’m always too shy to start a convo haha. *obnoxious cough*

G for Gavin Free

Thats right. That man from Achievement Hunter... the dude from the Slow Mo Guys... he’s pretty cool omg. I really like him a lot and he’s still my favourite Achievement Hunter :0 Even if he’s just a nose you know!

H for Heaven Sent

It’s a really... REALLY specific episode of Doctor Who, but it’s by far my favourite. It may not have been the best story wise, but theres something about the colour tones and way its filmed that I love about it.

Thank you so much my sweet for the questions