#Le Blue Café | Meet Cute | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

wilwywaylan · 4 years ago

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Meet me at the Coffee Shop

Fandom : Les Misérables

Modern AU (coffeeshop AU !), Enjolras x Grantaire,

Present for @flynnifox for the @lesmisholidayexchange exchange on AO3. Got lots of fun out of that one :D I love coffeeshop AU and I love meet cutes !

Also on AO3

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Enjolras dashed out of the subway exit, running up the stairs to go faster. He had been up for four hours now, rushing to get his last paper ready before the impossibly tight deadline given by his ethics professor. He'd finished it in the nick of time and delivered it, foregoing the spellcheck step to make sure he wouldn't be late. Of course, the first train of the day endured a mishap, and the next one was so crowded even he couldn't get in. He reached the university as the sun rose behind the roofs, getting his shoes drenched in the puddles on the alleys. But he managed to reach the office before the clock struck 8 AM, and could hand deliver the essay. The professor had looked like he had bitten into a very large, very bitter lemon, but hadn't made any smart remarks. Not that Enjolras would have listened anyway.

But now, he needed coffee. Large, strong, and right now. And of course, there wasn't any respectable coffee shop around the campus. Chain-owned one, as many as you want. You couldn't throw a stone without hitting three or four of them. But Enjolras would be caught dead before he got into one of these dens of inequity and bad coffee. No, he needed a good, fair trade coffee in a nice establishment. Nothing else would do.

Finally, he spotted what he was looking for. A nice little coffee shop. It was a little setback from the street, as if hiding from the common folk to reveal itself to those worthy. Enjolras didn't know if he was worthy of... coffee or anything, but he had noticed the little shop freshly painted in black. Leaves adorned the front, and he at first had believed it to be covered in ivy, but a closer inspection had revealed that they had been all carefully painted. The window was clean, and two words were painted on it : Café Victor. Sounded promising. To be fair, Enjolras would have accepted any strangely named shop as long as it could provide him with the coffee he was looking for.

A two-sided chalkboard was set near the door, with a list of all the delicacies one could get in the coffee-shop. The handwriting was pretty, very adorned, a few birds drawn here and there. But Enjolras cared little for the calligraphy, and a lot for what it promised. And the first item on the board was, of course, coffee. He glanced at his watch. It was open, had been for one hour already. Perfect.

There was a small line in front of the counter. He stepped at the end, and prepared to wait. It was cosy, at least. A large counter, a room with small tables surrounded by chairs or stools. Everything was either light wood or painted black like every hip coffee shop in town. But that one had lots of plants everywhere, on the counter, on windowsills, between the tables, so much greenery that it half-looked like a greenhouse. Every available surface on the wall had been covered with frames : drawings, paintings, photographies... Every one was busting with colours, bringing life to the otherwise drab walls.

The line was slow, and Enjolras was starting to get agitated. He could tell Combeferre that he didn't need coffee that much until his face turned blue, but he was feeling the effect of a severe lack in caffeine. He could go home and try to make some, of course, he hadn’t bought his spaceship of a coffee maker for nothing. But it would mean half an hour to get there, and he wanted coffee now. Beside, encouraging small shops was the way to go. But could he go a little faster ? He didn't know what was taking so long. But it was. The barista seemed to be professional and fast at making his drinks. But he was chatting non stop, throwing compliments and talking about everything under the sun. No wonder it was taking so long. Enjolras looked at the time on his phone, and sighed. This was going to be long.

~*~

If someone had told Grantaire that he would one day enjoy a regular job with regular hours, he would have laughed in their face. And then at their knees because he would probably have fallen on the ground laughing. But here he was, behind his counter, having gotten up at the crack of dawn, chatting amiably with people while mixing the weirdest drinks, without wanting to bite them or run away screaming. Of course, he sometimes got some weird or aggravating ones, but he let it slide. He had his favourites, his regulars, people who came to him for their coffee fix, and a bit of a chat, and he delivered. And worst of it, he was liking it.

Today was an extra-chirpy day. That's how he called the days where he got up before the alarm rang and his mind was already filled to the brim with ideas for drawings and paintings. He had even picked up guitar playing again ! It put him in a perfect mood, and also made him extra chatty. And he was working a job that allowed to have long conversations with his customers, wasn't it perfect ?

So he welcomed them, made small talk with his regulars while he was getting their favourite drinks ready, about the weather, the projects, the families, everything and anything. Some of them were happy to answer, others were still quite silent at this hour, so he kept quiet. There was a nice line in front of the counter, several customers eager for coffee and hand-made pastries. Good for business, very good. And people were sill coming in while he was working.

He was working on a caramel-flavoured coffee with some whippe cream when the door chime rang again, and he glanced at the newcomer. Blond, dressed in red, reading glasses. Not a regular, no one he'd ever seen before. The sight pleased him. The Café Victor was bringing in new customers. It made him even happier, and he welcomed the next customer in line, an old lady who had several cats. He loved talking with her, she always had very intriguing stories about the various hijinks of the ones she called her children. He started making her green tea, listening intently to her last cat story.

~*~

Enjolras counted the people in front of him, sighed once more. There were still two people in front of him. He was feeling like he'd been here for several hours already. But according to his phone, it had been only ten minutes. Ten long minutes. That felt even longer because of his damp shoes. And the line wasn't moving. Probably because the barista was too busy chatting instead of doing his work. Okay, so maybe that was a little bit mean. He was at least doing something that was the source of this delicious coffee smell. But why was it taking so long ?

He stood on his toes to get a better look. Ah. Of course the barista was talking with everyone and anyone. That's why. He cursed inwardly. Of all the coffee shops in town, he had to opt for the one where the barista just couldn't shut up. If he wasn't so exhausted, he would have gotten out of here and looked for another one. But now that he was here... Finally, finally, the next person walked to the counter to order. Enjolras didn't mean to eavesdrop, of course, but he couldn't really help it, being so close and all,

- So, the barista all but cooed, how is the prettiest lumberjack this side of the Seine today ?

Instead of getting angry at being called "pretty" by another guy, the customer just let out a booming laugh.

- Only this side, you're not very generous today !

They started talking about sports, and Enjolras immediately tuned them out. Not that he thought that talking about sports was indicative of anything, but it was really really boring to him. He scrolled through the news again, trying to find something to occupy himself with, but nothing had happened in the last ten minutes. He was forced to look elsewhere for entertainment. The frames on the walls would do. The photographies were nice, black and white snippets of small things, and they were carefully arranged to provide a counterpoint to the coloUrs of the drawings. Pretty drawings, by the way, made by different artists, but always very soft, almost... hopeful. A bigger painting was hanging above a small stage at the end of the room, a large, abstract piece in vibrant colors scattered across the black canvas. A beautiful piece.

- Hello, Sunshine, what will it be today ?

~*~

Bahorel gave Grantaire finger-guns, grabbed his coffee and left. Grantaire just shook his head : count on him to be the only man alive to get away with doing that. He turned to his next customer, and emitted a strangled noise that sounded a bit like someone stepping on a squeaky toy. As the proud barista of a very nice coffee shop, he'd seen his fair share of beautiful persons - traditionally beautiful persons - and as a lover of arts, he knew a pretty person when he saw one.

The one standing in front of him was... oh god above, was there even a word for this kind of being ? Did they descend right from Heaven, stopping for a bit of coffee before going back to a realm of ethereal beings as beautiful as them ? Be still, my heart, he thought, trying not to stare too much. But he was starring. Oh yes, he was. The hair caught his eye first. A blond cascade of curls, bouncing and spilling around his face, barely held by a hair-tie, falling down his back almost to his hips. Hair he'd only seen in fairy tales books. As did his face. Right now, he was looking at the wall, offering Grantaire a perfect view of his profile, delicately lined by the morning light. It was so exquisite, with perfect cheekbones and a high forehead where small curls were resting.

Rosy lips, just plump enough to beg for a kiss. The nose was just a little too long, but it fit none-the-less. And in this perfect face, like jewels in a setting, eyes blue as the sky, lined with lashes made of gold. The black-rimmed glasses were a bit too hipstery for his tastes, but nothing could detract from that beautiful angel.

It was a miracle Grantaire didn't faint on the spot or ask for his hand, or any of the myriads of stupid things that crossed his mind. He cleared his throat, and said in a perfectly-normal sounding voice :

- Hello, Sunshine, what will it be today ?

~*~

Enjolras frowned at the nickname. Another one of those Casanova wannabes. Probably thought that he was a girl, with his long hair. Well, fuck him in advance. He walked to the counter, and said in his sternest voice :

- The tallest coffee you got. Black. Two sugars. Please, he added.

Being aggravated didn't mean he could forego manners. The man just nodded and set himself to work. He was moving with... a certain grace, Enjolras had to admit. Light on his feet, despite the muscular arms nicely outlined by his black shirt. And even nicer were the tattoos covering them. Cloud in pastels arose around his right wrist, climbing all the way to the elbow where they erupted in flowers in vivid colours. The left arm was covered in an intricate pattern of ivy leaves around text too small to read. Enjolras had to admire them, they were just in front of him, after all.

- That will be two minutes, Sunshine.

- Do not call me sunshine, Enjolras snapped.

If he thought he had scared the barista into behaving, he was sorely mistaken. The man's smile widened, a crescent of white on darker skin.

- Don’t you dare mock me, Enjolras growled.

- Oh, I wouldn't dare. Your eyes would stab me like shards of ice and I would promptly die on the spot.

Enjolras could feel the heat slowly climbing on his cheeks. Oh, good, now he was blushing, and he hated that. The barista probably sensed his anger, because the cheeky grin morphed into a mostly apologetic smile.

- Okay, sorry, he said. I can be an ass. But I don't mean to anger you.

Enjolras let out a huff, but he nodded. The barista grabbed a cup and a marker.

- Can I get the name ? Or will it be "Sunshine" ?

Enjolras was almost tempted to tell him off, but he really, really wanted that coffee. So he obeyed, paid, and stepped to the side to wait while the barista greeted the next customer with a wink and a large gesture.

~*~

Grantaire knew he was acting up, but the blond was looking at him, almost murderous. Probably didn't like the nickname. Oh well, Grantaire could still try to play it cool. Maybe if he made a good coffee, he would be forgiven. So he set himself to work, carefully calibrating the machine to get its best. Two minutes later exactly, he put a cup of coffee in front of the blond boy.

- Here you are !

Blondie - Enjolras - grabbed the cup, gave him only a nod, and turned to leave. Which was what Grantaire really didn't want, but what could he do beside let him go and hope that he would come back ? So he watched him leave, half-regretting that the blond was wearing only some kind of shapeless sweat pants. He probably looked awesome in normal pants... Oh well, maybe next time. A guy could always hope.

From the corner of his eye, he could see Enjolras stop outside the shop and take a sip of coffee. The cup didn't land on the window. On the contrary, he left, with what seemed like a little bounce on his step. Grantaire grinned. Another victory for the Café Victor.

~*~

Three days later, Grantaire was wiping his counter, trying to remember where he was on the stocks and how many towels he needed to buy, when the doorbell chimed. He glanced at the newcomer, and his heart gave a little beat. The sun had just decided to shine for him alone, or perhaps it was just the blond guy from last time who just stepped inside. He looked angry at something, but perhaps this time, it wasn't his fault. Yet. Blondie - Enjolras, he recalled, because of course he did - stepped to the counter, and gave his order. The same as last time, too, Grantaire could have done it without even being asked. Black coffee, with sugar, gigantic. The guy probably ran on coffee alone. He surely had the attitude. Probably burnt so much energy during the day that he needed the boost to get through the day. Grantaire had only got one nice look at him, but he had noticed the shadows under his eyes, purple and delicate. Probably hadn’t gotten enough sleep for years.

Grantaire scrawled the name on the cup just for the fun of it, filled it to the brim, screwed the lid on and gave it to the blond. They locked eyes for a second, and Grantaire really thought he was going to die here and there. Or at least do a happy dance. Enjolras was even prettier up close. Tiny, too, if he was to judge by the counter's height. Tiny, pretty, and full of righteous fury. The bag at his shoulder was covered with badges and patches bearing slogans. An activist. Maybe even an idealist ? Exactly the person that Grantaire wasn't but loved to rile. Oh, he could get so much fun with him. But then, he would lose his patronage, and that would surely be a huge loss. So he settled for a light ribbing.

- Here you go, Sunshine. Strong and sweet, just like you.

Enjolras' face turned red again. He opened his mouth, certainly ready to bite his head off, then appeared to decide against it. He grabbed his coffee and left, to Grantaire's greatest delight. He was wearing jeans, today, very nice jeans that were clinging to his legs and... Grantaire was only human, after all, and he couldn't help it but admire what nature and probably exercise had shaped.

Enjolras stopped when he glanced at the cup, and Grantaire half-dived under the counter to giggle. It was the second time he had carefully written the name, in beautiful calligraphy. Or rather, "Angel-ras". Good to know his art wasn't getting ignored. Enjolras glared at him, even harder than the first time.

- This is not funny.

The tone was as icy as his eyes, but at least, the coffee didn't come back to him. Enjolras just left, with his precious coffee. Grantaire watched him go, chin planted in his hand. He probably wouldn't see Enjolras ever again. Too bad. But it was worth it.

~*~

Two weeks later, Enjolras found himself face to face with the Café Victor again. He'd been running to get their next flyers printed on time, and in a strange recreation of his first time here, found himself at eight in the morning in front of the coffee shop. And it was time for coffee. Warm, and good coffee. Except that this time, not only did he step into puddles, he was soaked to the bone due to the rain that kept falling since he had realized he had forgotten to wear a coat. The lights were shining behind the window, warm and welcoming through the now pouring rain. His feet had led him there while he was busy informing the others on the advance of his task. Go to a place a half-dozen times and your brain decides it's your favourite in the world. Oh well. Good, fair trade coffee was a rarity in this town, and was worth a barista flirting with him like there was no tomorrow.

He pushed the door, shivering and trying to get warm, to not avail. He was drenched to the bone, his hoodie just a rag hanging on his shoulders, his hair dripping on the floor. Luckily, there were only one other person in the coffee shop, a boy with short hair, wrapped in a scarf a mile long, currently talking at a mile an hour with the barista. Said barista was nodding along while getting the drinks ready, "hmm"ing at the right places and smiling. Not a word of flirt in sight. The guy finally grabbed a tray with several drinks piled on it and carried it to a table where a man and a woman were waving at him. The man got up to take the tray, but the woman stopped him and got up to do it herself.

Enjolras walked to the counter. The barista watched his friend for a few seconds more, then turned his attention to him. His eyes immediately widened almost comically. Enjolras would have laughed, if he wasn't trying to keep desperately warm. He was starting to feel faint, probably a lack of sugar or too many dazzling lights. The barista rushed around the corner, grabbed him by a soaked sleeve and dragged him to a stool where he almost pushed him. Enjolras had to grab the counter to keep upright. The guy with the scarf had rushed to his side, and was grabbing his wrist. Enjolras wanted to take it back, but the barista put a hand on his shoulder.

- Relax. Joly's a doctor, he knows what he's doing.

- Doctor-in-training, the guy - Joly - corrected in an automatic tone. His heart is racing, he added. You're pale. Did you eat well this morning ? Or enough ? Vitamins ? You need vitamins ! Grantaire, get him vitamins !

- What I'm gonna bring him is something else to wear.

The barista - Grantaire - left. Enjolras didn't even know he was called Grantaire. To be fair, his badge today was wearing a large smiley face and nothing else. He was half-tempted to get up and tell them all to leave him alone, he was only there for coffee, not for a complete check-up ! But it seemed like a huge effort, all of a sudden. So he let Joly check his forehead and fuss around him.

Grantaire came back a few minutes alter. He nodded at Joly's friends who had moved behind the counter, and threw something on the table in front of Enjolras.

- Here, he announced. They will probably be too big for you, but at least they're dry. And don't mind the paint drops, they just can't be taken off.

Enjolras looked at the bundle. Something green with... yes, paint drops, and something black. Clothes. Wait, why did the guy have clothes and why was he giving them to him ? He wanted to ask, but Joly all but pushed him towards the bathroom, urging him to go "before he caught his death or something". Enjolras relented.

As Grantaire has said, the clothes were big on him. Gigantic, even. The pants were more like leggings, and he had to roll them at the ankles. They were fitting, but luckily, the sweater was large and fell to his mid-thigh, like some kind of baggy dress. It was very weird, wearing someone else's clothes, but at least it was dry, and he wasn't complaining.

He finally stepped out of the bathroom, gingerly. He'd barely walked back to the table, that something dry fell on his head. Joly's friend, the beautiful lady, was holding what looked subreptitiously like a dish towel.

- Sorry, Honey, she said. That's all we have.

Enjolras muttered some thanks and started trying to dry his hair. He needed to braid it fast, or it would quickly gain too much volume and he'd look like some very long-haired sheep. It felt weird, having all those strangers being worried around him. Usually, that was Combeferre's role, and a bit Courfeyrac's too. It felt different... but quite nice.

A tray was deposited in front of him. There was a large cup of coffee on it, along a glass of orange juice and two croissants that looked very much hand-made and not defrosted.

- I haven't ordered all that, he said.

- Doctor's order, Grantaire retorted.

- Doctor in training !

- Shut up, Joly. Joly's order, he added, turning back to Enjolras. It's on the house. Let's say it's because I've been an annoying little gremlin.

- But you're a sweet gremlin, the lady added, kissing Grantaire on the head.

They left to go back behind the counter. Enjolras was grateful, he wasn't very keen on someone watching him eat. He still felt very weird about the whole situation, but he was starting to warm up, and the coffee was delicious, as was the rest. He watched people come and go as he ate, trying not to eavesdrop on the conversations.

When he was done, he brought the tray back. Grantaire was chatting with a customer, and Enjolras stayed on the side, waiting his turn. They seemed in friendly terms, but Grantaire didn't pepper his speech with endearments. Maybe the person just didn't like it. Now that he thought about it, he didn't quite flirt with everyone that came in. Maybe it was just reserved to a few selected one. Including, sadly, himself. Finally, Grantaire let his customer go, and turned to him. Enjolras handed him the tray.

- I'll bring you the clothes back next time, he added.

- I'd say "don't fret it", but if this means I'll have the pleasure of your visit earlier, then by all means, you can even stay there and wait until yours are dry.

Enjolras was half-tempted to hit him over the head with his soaked hoodie, but that wouldn't have been very nice. The man was aggravating, but he didn't have to help him. So he just rolled his eyes, gave him a polite goodbye, and left without another word.

~*~

It had been a pleasant day so far. No bad surprises like a failing fridge, no nasty customer. Okay, just one, but Bahorel's presence at the end of the counter deterred the complainer from doing worst than drag his feet and protest a little. He liked days like this, even with the rain tapping against the window. But a little voice was turning at the back of Grantaire's head, and it was getting hard to ignore its little song. Yes, he knew that he hadn't seen Enjolras for a few days, even as the blond has promised to bring the clothes back. He knew it, and he'd been watching intently every person coming in, hoping to see a blond mane and sky blue eyes. So far, no chance.

He was absorbed in the confection of one of Bahorel's monstrosities, a hot chocolate that contained way too much sugar and cream, when the doorbell announced a new customer. A flash of red caught his eye, and he almost dropped the cup. Only due to his nerves of steel could he catch it. He brought it to Bahorel, who had watched Enjolras come in, and turned to face him.

- And here I thought the day would drown under the rain, but it seemed that the sun has finally decided to shine upon us !

Enjolras frowned, but didn't hit him with his umbrella, instead depositing a bag on the counter. The clothes, perfectly folded. Grantaire didn't pen him as someone who would carefully fold clothes. But there was something to be said about looks and deception. He grabbed the bag, smiled at Enjolras.

- Thank you.

- I'm the one who should thank you, Enjolras said. That was really helpful.

- I couldn't let you stay in those clothes. Joly would have had my head.

- And I wanted to pay for the breakfast.

Grantaire lifted both hands to stop him before he could get his wallet out.

- No no no. I said it's on the house, and that's final.

- You can't just give someone breakfast like this, Enjolras protested.

- I can, I did, I have and I will. It was a medically-ordered breakfast.

Enjolras gave a long-suffering sigh, but seemed to resign.

- So, Grantaire asked, what will it be ? A giant coffee ?

- Yes, and...

Enjolras bit his lip. Grantaire inwardly cursed. He didn't have any right to be so adorable. Of course, due to his reaction to a bit of ribbing, he would certainly bite his head off if he read his thoughts. He started preparing his coffee, waiting for the next part. Enjolras was clearly mulling over something, and it wouldn't do any good trying to get it out of him. So he just focused on the drink.

When Grantaire put the coffee in front of him, he still hadn't spat it out. Grantaire walked to Bahorel, who was savouring his drink, wiped the counter to regain some composure. He knew Bahorel was looking at him, probably with a gigantic smile, but luckily, he didn't make any joke or anything.

- Can I ask you something ? Enjolras finally asked.

Grantaire refrained from yelling something like "HE CAN SPEAK" and fall to the ground. He threw his rag on his shoulder, walked back to him, hoping to look professional.

- I...

Enjolras cleared his throat, started again.

- I'm part of a club, we.... do social activism sometimes.

Grantaire could have guessed so, just judging by the pins and also Enjolras' expression that seemed to want to fight the whole world at once. Another bleeding-heart hero. He nodded.

- I was wondering if maybe, it was okay to put a poster for it and our next meeting, maybe not directly on the window but somewhere ? I also have a stack of flyers, but I don't know if...

He was suddenly looking very nervous, far from the assured man he'd seen until then. Grantaire hold out his hand.

- Show me that poster.

Enjolras gave him a look of hope and uncertainty. He held out the rolled sheet he'd been clinging on until now. Grantaire unrolled it. It was... less worse than he'd thought. Not a "call to arms, overthrow the government, eat the rich" kind of poster, just an invitation to talk about social subjects and things like that. On the other hand, it was absolutely hideous. Whoever designed that thing certainly was no graphic student, or even dilettante. Grantaire lifted an eyebrow, that Enjolras certainly took as a disagreement. He made a move to take it back, but Grantaire held it out of this reach.

- If it's not... he started.

- It's okay, Grantaire cut him, I'll put it up. But, not that I want to be a dick, but you may want to find someone else to design your posters. Those are... well, it's a great way to catch someone's attention, but to keep it...

- We're just a student club. Well, students and workers.

- No graphic design student or something ?

Enjolras shook his head.

- If you find someone, he retorted, you can tell me.

- I will. Anything else ?

- I don't want to push it, but...

He riffled through his bag and pulled out a stack of papers.

- Can I leave you some of the flyers ?

Grantaire didn't really know what to say. He wasn't very keen on advertising a social justice club. In his eyes, it was a waste of time. Things wouldn't move just like that. But he couldn't say this, now, could he ? One, he would certainly lose a valuable customer. And two, Enjolras was looking at him without anger or annoyance for once, and he couldn't let this chance slide.

- Okay, he relented, put them near the register.

Enjolras gave him such a smile that Grantaire thought he would go blind from the sheer brightness of it. He moved to the coffee machine to give himself something to do and give his hands enough time to stop shaking. Enjolras thanked him, grabbed his drink and left. Grantaire focused on his task. He could feel Bahorel smile behind him and he didn't really need that. Just something to get his heartbeat back to normal.

Bahorel moved to grab one of the flyers, read it with attention.

- Sounds fun, he said.

- What, you plan on joining them ? I didn't see you as so concerned by social issues and the like.

- Man, I'm offended. It's not because I'm privileged that I can't find an interest in those causes.

Grantaire had to admit that he had a point. he and his big mouth, did he really need to offend everyone around him ? But Bahorel added :

- Besides, all those clubs and meetings are always a good occasion for a fight. Could be fun.

Ah. Of course.

- Then go and have fun. Break havoc and sow sedition, my friend. And don't forget to tell me if Blondie is really a total dweeb.

- Will do. See you !

With that, he was out the door with his flyer, leaving Grantaire to replay Enjolras' smile in his mind again and again.

~*~

Enjolras hesitated at the Café Victor door, hand on the handle. Bahorel, the new recruit for les Amis de l'ABC, had advised him to come there on this day, at this hour. He had refused to tell him why, just really insisted that it would be a "good time". Seeing as Bahorel had already sparked a fight with a man who insisted on spouting non-inclusive rhetoric on feminism and started two arm-wrestling contests, Enjolras wasn't sure they had the same definition of "good time".

But still, here he was, unsure of what to do. He spotted the ABC poster on the window, and it made him smile a little to see that Grantaire had held his promise. There was another one, smaller, just beside it. "Open mic night", it said. So that was what Bahorel had meant. But why send him here ? There was only one way to know, after all. So he pushed the door.

The tables around the counter were empty, as was Grantaire's space behind it. But there were lights shining on the left part of the room, and soft music playing coming from there. Enjolras stepped forward. The lights were shining on the small stage. And on the stage, sitting on a stool, was Grantaire. An old guitar was resting on his knee, and he was pinching the strings delicately. There was a microphone on a base in front of him, but he was just moving his fingers on the neck, coaxing the notes in arpeggio. It was quite pretty, even a little soothing, and Enjolras leaned on the wall to better listen.

And then Grantaire bent a little forward, closer to the microphone, and started singing.

Quand le jour sera levé Quand nos draps seront lavés Quand les oiseaux envolés Des rues où l'on s'est aimés Il ne restera rien de nous.

Enjolras could only stare, mouth hanging open. In a million years, he would have expected Grantarie to have such a nice voice. His talking voice was low, almost rumbling, always a bit biting, but now... now it was husky, raspy, and so melodic. Carrying each note perfectly.

Quand nos îles seront noyées Quand nos ailes seront broyées Quand la clé sera rouillée Du trésor qu'ils ont fouillé Il ne restera rien de nous.

He looked so peaceful, bent over his instruments, eyes closed to better enjoy his music. Everything hit Enjolras at once, the small curls escaping his beanie, moving along with the rhythm, the muscles on his arms moving under the tattoed skin, the small smile tugging on his lips, almost tender, the colourful drawings on the guitar, and the fingers, thin and bony, caressing the strings so gently, coaxing to better make them sing...

Laisse moi, un peu de toi Une ride, avant le vide Un extrait de tes traits Laisse moi, un peu de toi

The last notes flew away, fading into silence. And suddenly, there was a bunch of applause. Enjolras blinked once, twice. He hadn't even noticed that there were people sitting on the tables, watching the show. To be fair, the room was dark, but he had zeroed on Grantaire, totally ignoring everything else.

Grantaire tuned the guitar a little, then started another song. Enjolras didn't know what he should do, run or listen, but Grantaire's voice pinned him in place.

Take my hand, take my whole life too 'Cause I can't help falling in love with you.

He was singing again, and Enjolras was feeling weird again. He could only focus on Grantaire's voice, Grantaire's hands, Grantaire's head marking the beat. His cheeks were burning, and something in his chest was feeling very heavy. Probably a fever, maybe something worse ? He'd been through the rain without anything, and now he had caught something just like this ? This wasn't normal. He should go home and get some rest. And still, he didn't move an inch.

Grantaire suddenly opened his eyes, and looked past the stage, past the people in the audience, directly at Enjolras. He looked surprised to see him there, but to his credit, didn't miss a note. He kept looking at him as he finished the song, the green of his eyes way too bright under the spotlights. It was too much for Enjolras. He turned tail and ran out of the coffee shop, almost breaking the door in his hast to get out. The cold air outside helped him calm down, but he still ran all the way to the subway, trying to leave the strange feeling that had overcome him behind.

~*~

Grantaire had felt quite moody those last few days. It made a striking contrast with how he'd been feeling before, and he didn't like one inch. His inspiration had gone through the window, leaving him with only one thing to draw again and again. And of course, it had to be Enjolras' face. He'd already filled a whole sketchbook with it, portraits, full-length drawings, sketches, paintings, pencil, crayons, markers... A world of Enjy that he couldn't look at any more, and couldn't bear to stop adding to. It was hell.

He knew perfectly while he was in this slump, and since when. And he really, really didn't understand what had gotten into him. Had Enjolras been offended by his song ? He looked pretty affected, or so Grantaire thought, but he didn't think it would insult him. He didn't even pick the song because of him, because he didn't even know that he would be there. It just was one of his favourites. And before he could talk to him, before he even recovered from the shock of seeing him, Enjolras had left, and hadn't come back since. Grantare was tempted to ask Bahorel about his whereabouts, but it wouldn't do. He was also tempted to rip the poster off the window, but that also wouldn't do. And would be a bit too low for him.

He'd grabbed one of the flyers and was doodling on the back - another Enjy, how strange ! - when the door opened. His heart did a little leap when he recognized the red hoodie. He straightened a little, trying to remember when he'd washed his hair. Enjolras didn't look at him, kept his eyes on the counter. The counter where his drawing was currently resting, visible to anyone. Grantaire grabbed it, but it was too late. Oh, perfect. It was just getting better and better, now, was it ? Enjolras was playing with the strap of his bag, and Grantaire stopped himself from thinking it was cute.

- Hi, he said in his most corporate tone, what will it be today ?

Enjolras' head shot up, but he lowered it as fast.

- The usual, please, he answered.

- That will be two minutes.

Grantaire set himself to work, focusing on each step of the way as not to think of Enjolras' closeness, and the way he was looking at him. Or not. Not that he did care, after all. he was bringing the cup - without any name - to the counter, when Enjolras suddenly asked :

- Were you drawing me ?

- Not at all, Grantaire hurriedly answered. I was...

- It's really beautiful.

Grantaire's brain promptly went into overload. He opened his mouth, closed it again. Luckily, Enjolras didn't look up, or he would have taken to the hills at the sight.

- It's just... he tried. You know. A test. Practice.

- I still think it's beautiful.

Grantaire had to bit his lip to refrain from doing something stupid. Since Enjolras had come in, he'd felt caught in some kind of Twilight-zone-esque situation, where everything was weird and distorted and not happening like it had to. Normally, when faced with someone flirting with them and drawing their faces, people tended to run away and not look back. But Enjolras was still there, looking at the drawing - at his own face. It was not normal. A pretty man like Enjolras shouldn't act like someone like Grantaire being somewhat of a creep was something acceptable. Even he knew that. Enjolras could get anyone he wanted, why would he show even the slightest tolerance for Grantaire's antics ?

And still, he didn't move. Not for a lack of coffee, he was holding the cup. And still watching the drawing. On a whim, Grantaire handed it to him.

- Do you want it ?

Enjolras finally looked at him. He was even prettier right now. Maybe because Grantaire thought he didn't want to come back ever again, and here he was, in front of him. It was unheard of. it was mystery, some kind of magic at work. He was dreaming. And since he was in a dream, he could do anything he wanted, right ? Without consequences. Like leaning on the counter to be closer from Enjolras, and ask him something wild, like if he wanted to go on a date with him.

Exactly what he was doing. He could hear the words as they left his lips, unable to stop them.

- Do you want to go to the market with me ? The Christmas one ?

Enjolras frowned, and Grantaire immediatly knew that he messed up. Of course Enjolras didn't want to go anywhere with him, he didn't want to be seen with him, of course not. People like Grantaire could only admire people like him from the side, but never step into the light. He had overstepped, greatly, and he was going to regret it.

- A market ? Enjolras asked. Do you really think it's a way to celebrate Christmas, just buy and buy ?

Grantaire needed a few seconds to get his mind back. When he did, everything that Enjolras said hit him in the face.

- No ! No, I don't mean... going to the mall, I mean... you know, the Christmas market, with all the stalls and lots of delicacies and good smells and...

Oh right, now he was babbling like an idiot.

- I mean, he corrected himself, people there sell things, yes, but it's mostly crafts, hand-made things, that kind of things. We should encourage artists and the like instead of of turning to malls and the like. You... don't think so ?

Enjolras mulled over it for a few seconds, during which Grantaire's life flashed before his eyes.

- I guess you're right.

Grantaire was happy to hear it, but that was not an acceptation, not really.

- So ? he pressed as gently as he could. What do you think ?

A new silence, a bit longer.

- Okay, Enjolras finally said.

- Great. I'll meat you near the waffle stand at seven, what do you think ?

Enjolras nodded, grabbed his coffee and left. Grantaire grabbed a broom to keep his mind busy, and started sweeping a floor already perfectly clean. A date ! He had a date with Enjolras ! And Enjolras agreed to it ! His heart felt like it had grew at least five sizes, and soon, his feet wouldn't touch the ground any more. He just couldn't wait. Just a few more hours. Just a few.

~*~

Enjolras arrived at the christmas market at 6:54 very precisely. He'd always liked being on time. Grantaire was already there, standing near a small house-shaped shack with fake snow on the roof, that smelled extremely sugary. He wasn't wearing his apron, of course he wasn't, but a leather jacket on a nice sweater. He still had his beanie on, but his curls had been combed. He looked very much like the person who didn't want to look like they were waiting for someone.

Enjolras stepped forwards. Grantaire saw him, and his entire face lit up. Enjolras smiled back. They stayed like that for a few awkward seconds, trying to find something to say that wouldn't sound too cheesy or stupid.

- Thank you for coming, Grantaire finally said. it's cool you could make it.

- I promised I would, didn't I ?

- Technically, you didn't promise, you just accepted.

- Do you really want me there, or are you trying to convince me ?

Grantaire looked taken aback for a second, and Enjolras quickly waved his hands around.

- No, sorry, he amended, this is not what I mean. I just... Okay. Let's start again, shall we ?

- Okay, Grantaire nodded. I'm, like, super happy you could come, I could even do a little dance.

- Please don't.

- Hey, I'll have you know that I'm an excellent dancer, and I'll prove it. But for now, how about we get to the visit ?

- Nice idea. I've... never been to a christmas market, Enjolras confessed.

- Then you're in the right hands, because I'm the perfect guide.

He made a gesture to get closer, then seemed to decide against it, and instead showed hi the market. Enjolras passed the small gate made of an ornate wood panel, and Grantaire followed suit.

The market wasn't very big, maybe two dozens shacks like the waffle one, arranged around a circular alley, around a very large christmas tree. Enjolra shad alwayw been against the tradition of wasting so much money on a day that didn't have any meaning anymore besides being an ode to consumerism, and so had never visited anything that ressembled this. The little houses were each lit in gold, presenting trinkets or food and drinks, beckoning people closer and praising their merchandises. All kind of people were striding through and pressing near the shacks, talking and laughing. There were shiny things everywhere, and lights, and sounds, and music, and people. He didn't even know where to look. Everything was starting to mix together, sights and sounds together.

- Hey, you alright ?

Grantaire's arm grabbed his, very gently, brought him a little closer. Enjolras breathed a little better. Not that he wanted to recognize it, but crowds could easily make him uneasy and uncomfortable ; standing above them on a stage was very different than walking through them, and it could swamp him easily. But it felt less overwhelming with someone at his side. Grantaire started to walk through the shacks, one by one, taking all his time, commenting everything he was seeing, navigating them with ease through the crowd, avoiding people or spots too loud or rowdy. The feeling of oppression receeded, and Enjolras was able to admire the hand-made lamps, shelves and jewelry without panicking. It felt weird, being held so close to someone like this, but it kept the panic at bay, and that was good. Also, Grantaire was polite and charming with anyone, and his running commentary was funny. And he smelled like pine and something else that he couldn't identify but was nice none-the-less. And he found out that he liked it a lot.

~*~

Grantaire was over the Moon. Scratch that, over Mars, Jupiter, Saturn even. He was currently walking through the most romantic place in town at this time of the year, holding close to the cutest boy in town, and said cutest boy did it willingly ! He could have died right now and not regret a thing. Okay, maybe a few, but the idea was there. Enjolras was almost hanging off his arm, and he had to slow down as to not drag him along.

He had feared for Enjolras, and for the date, when he'd seen his face pale and he almost ran away, and he'd try to make him feel better. It had worked, because Enjolras was now way chipper, and was going with him from shack to shack, admiring every little thing. It was very cute to see him so amazed by everything, and Grantaire's heart was beating so hard he was sure everyone could hear him over the christmas music.

They were slowly circling around the market, and soon they'd have seen everything. Grantaire wasn't sure Enjolras would be up for a second turn, even if he seemed to enjoy himself. But he didn't want the date to end. He'd want it to stay forever, but that wouldn't be an option, he knew it. But maybe a little longer....

He dragged Enjolras towards the christmas tree. There was a tiny house, barely the size of a cupboard, that served hot chocolate and christmas cookies. He went to the counter to order two. He had to let go of Enjolras' arm to do that, and he was ready to see him bolt, but no, Enjolras just waited for him. Grantaire handed him the chocolate and the cookies.

- Be careful, he said. They are addictive.

Enjolras shot him a look, but he ate it anyway. Judging by his expression, he quickly had to amend his opinion.

- Those are delicious !

- Right ? I mean, they are mostly a piece of butter in cookie form, but they are delicious. Here, dunk one in your chocolate.

Enjolras did so, and swallowed the cookie. He smiled, the same luminous smile that sent butterflies in Grantaire's stomach.

- Thank you, he said. This... is very nice. Thank you for the date.

- Thank you for coming.

As he said that, something white and fluffy passed in front of his eyes. Then a second, then many more. He looked up. Was it... snowing ? Yes. Yes, it was. They were having a date under a gigantic christmas tree, and it was snowing. He looked down at the exact moment when a snowflake landed on Enjolras' nose, making him a little crosseyed. It was adorable and Grantaire couldn't help to laugh a little. Enjolras didn't look offended by the outburst, he just wiped his nose, wrinkling it a little. If he was going to keep being this cute, Grantaire was going to need some medical help quickly.

The snow was getting thicker, adding small spots of white on Enjolras' hair. He was even beautiful like that, like wearing a crown shining like stars. Grantaire still wasn't totally sure he wasn't dreaming. Even at his most romantic and idealistic, he hadn't pictured anything like this : him, almost hand in hand with an adorable boy, under the snow, at christmas. It was the best present ever. And said boy was looking at him, like he was happy to be with him. Without thinking, he held out his hand.

- Care to dance ? With me ?

Enjolras looked confused for a second. The only music playing was a traditionnal christmas song, not really dancing music. or maybe he was just pondering if it was a good idea or not. After a few tensed seconds, he gingerly took Grantaire's hand, and put his free hand on his shoulder. Grantaire almost didn't dare to put his on Enjolras' waist. It seemed almost... profane. But nothing burst into flames when he did, Enjolras just moved a little.

They started moving, slowly, under the long branchs covered with tinsel. Enjolras was quite grateful, and luckily, Grantaire didn't step on his feet. It was magical, holding him close like this, dancing with him in the snow.

- I told you I was the best dancer, Grantaire said to break the spell.

- I will need more proof.

Grantaire made him spin, getting a squeak out of him. He caught him back, hand back on his waist.

- See ?

- Okay. I'll admit it.

- Thank you.

They fell back into silence, looking at each other. Grantaire couldn't look away from those blue eyes, and Enjolras wasn't either.

- Enjolras, Grantaire muttered.

- What ?

- I'd really like to kiss you.

Enjolras just blinked, and Grantaire suddenly realized what he'd say.

- Fuck, I mean, I don't want to... No, please, ignore everything I said. I shouldn't ask for this like this, and it's not... It's not because we're... Sorry, I'm messing everything up.

There was a squeeze on his hand, and Enjolras stepped a little closer.

- You want to ?

- Yes, but...

- I think... I think I'd like it too.

What ? Did he hear clearly ? He could recognize the song playing over their heads, so he hadn't suddenly lost his hearing. But that couldn't be right. And still, Enjolras was looking at him, almost... expectantly.

Grantaire bent down, very slowly, leaving Enjolras all the time in the world to run away if he wanted. But he didn't. The kiss was light, almost chaste, and very short. Grantaire didn't want to run his luck, and he straightened up almost immediatly. Enjolras had closed his eyes, and he didn't open them right away. When he finally did, there was a hint of red on his cheeks, and his smile was... shy.

Grantaire bent down to lean his forehead against Enjolras'. He wanted to stay like this, but Enjolras sneezed once, twice, almost headbutting him in the process. Grantaire couldn't help but laugh.

- Talk about a mood swing, he managed to say.

- Sorry. That was a nice kiss. I didn't want to spoil the moment.

- Don't worry. We should get you somewhere warm before I only get an ice cube to kiss.

He grabbed Enjolras by the arm again, gently led him out of the market.

- What do you think of stopping by at my place ? I have those christmas cookies, and I can make you the coffee you like.

That was pushing his luck, he'd already used a lot of it this evening. But Enjolras just stepped a little closer.

- That would be great. Especially the cookie part.

-They were right, the way of the heart is really through the stomach.

Enjolras gave him a nudge that didn't really do anything. Grantaire just laughed. Once again, he offered his arm to Enjolras, who slid his own through it, and together, they started to walk back to his place under the snow.

---

Songs are “Que restera-t-il de nous ?” by Gauvain Sers and “(Can’t help) falling in love with you” by Elvis Presley.

#les miserables #enjolras #grantaire #lesmisholidayexchange #bahorel #joly #bossuet #musichetta #so much sweetness #this is so self indulgent #like a hallmark movie #featuring our two favourite dorks

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nyxicnymph · 4 years ago

Text

Horizon and Edge

#1: Introductions:

Hailey:

I stare up at my new home. My new home, in the city. The City, where I've never been. Well, except for once or twice a year when visiting my maternal grandparents. The city is scary to me. And I'm almost sixteen. Okay, I'm fifteen and four months. That totally counts as "almost sixteen"!

I drag my stack of boxes in and set them on the table in the downstairs "business" area. This will soon be our café. Le Café De Jardin. It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

I stretch. I've lifted so many boxes today; I don't even want to count. Liam was of no help at all, and Annemarie is nursing a pulled muscle, so it was mostly me, Mom, and Dad.

Anyway.

I step outside, just as Dad drives the moving truck away. Okay. I guess we're done, then. I turn to follow Mom inside—

“Ow!”

"Sorry! I wasn't paying attention!" A female voice says from above me.

I run the voice through my head. I don't know this girl. I look up... Right into the sun. Ouch.

Blinking, I say, "You and me both." As I stand up, the blood rushes from my head, and nearest lamppost is too far away. I fall right back over. I blame low blood pressure.

"Are you okay?" Another girl.

"Well, I didn't faint, so I assume I'm okay." This is my response as I stand up just a bit slower. I finally look at them.

Okay, only two of them, but the voices told me that much. One is tall, wearing a purple shirt, is tan, with brown hair and eyes. The other is pinker, with reddish hair, and hazel-y eyes. About my age.

"What grade are you in?" I blurt. Stupid non-existent social skills.

The brown one just tosses it out there. "Junior year."

"Hailey--Oh, hello." That's my mom. Just rolling with whatever life throws at her. She sizes up the two girls, then cocks her head. "You're Hailey's age. Why don't you show her around the City? So she won't get lost, if she takes to wandering."

I shake my head at my mom, desperately trying to convey the fact that I, the most anti-social butterfly EVER, would not just go wandering around a place filled with so many people. But it's too late. I'm practically being dragged down the street....

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

Two weeks later. Sigh. I’ve started school and hang around with Bethany and Kaylee--those two girls I met on my first day in The City--mostly because I’m too scared--or lazy--to go make other friends.

Bethany is very quiet. She lets other people do most of the talking. However, when she speaks up, she’s worth listening to. She has a lot of common sense, and a head for dealing with problems. She also has a sense of humor.

Kay is almost the exact opposite. She really likes to talk. And she’ll talk to anything. No, I mean, ABOUT anything. Shopping, her brother, dessert, her brother, shoes, her brother, church, her brother’s friends, and her brother are just a few of her favorite subjects. She really likes her big brother. Kaylee is very sensitive, however. She noticed that I don’t like people, and so hasn’t forced me to meet anyone new. Yet.

I’m the one who talks to things. I’m ex-homeschooled, and weird beyond belief. When I’m with Beth and Kay, I feel strange. It’s almost like... I made friends, darn it. I’m not quite sure what I’m supposed to do with these feelings, though, so usually I’m just shy.

Beth, Kay, and I are walking to school one day, when we’re suddenly run over by a blue-and-green blur. The blur continues ahead of us, and we are left behind with a dust storm and the epitome of a bad hair day.

“Ugh,” I exclaim, staring ahead of us, “Who...” I flip my hair back where it’s supposed to lay and fix my bangs, then continue, “Or, rather, WHAT was that?”

Kaylee flattens her hair. “Our local superhero,” she says. “Great at stopping supervillains. Not so much at avoiding the local population.”

“No kidding,” I grumble. Beth agrees with one of her customary “Mm-hm’s”.

I look at Kay. “So, what’s her name?”

Kay looks at Beth. “You explain.”

“Okay!” Beth says. “Um... Not a she... Not a...” She sighs. “HIS name is Edge.”

I stop. “Oh! Why didn’t you say so?” Now I’m embarrassed and tune out of the conversation.

Ten minutes later, I tune back in to hear Kay saying something about, “But he’s a good guy in general! Get it? Good guy?”

I manage a small, “Heh” as Beth goes “Dang.”

I pause. Sure, it wasn’t that great a joke, but there’s no need to be rude.

“Look!” Beth says to me. Oh. “You can actually see him! Wow!”

I turn. Standing not thirty yards away is a young man in a jumpsuit. He’s pointing at a pair of bad guys and saying something like, “...you’re going to JAIL!”

“Whoa!” I can’t help it. He’s a real live superhero!

Beside me, I hear Kaylee mention “He’s cute!” and Bethany muttering, “Call the police and the firemen....”

They’re kind of right...but I’ll never tell them that. He looks more like a boy in his late teens instead of a young man. But age is no guarantee of power. I mean, just look at Kaylee. She’s only fifteen and a half, but if you tell her that there’s a sale (On anything, from trash bags to oranges), she will bulldoze anyone and everyone out of her way to get to it.

I shake myself and start walking. Beth and Kay turn towards me.

“Uh, Hailey? Where are you going?” Kay says.

“Yeah, where?” Beth adds.

“To give that guy a piece of my mind,” I reply darkly.

Beth leans back her head and gives an embarrassed laugh, while Kay tries to stop me with a “Hailey, no!”

Too late, girls.

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

Edge:

“Hey, you!” I hear from behind me. I turn around, and take in the girl. Average height, blonde hair, heterochromatic. Her heterochromia is a unique combination; she has a blue right eye, and a brown left eye.

She is clearly upset about something, and her overall appearance, plus the emotion coming off of her in waves, makes me blush, though I’m not sure why.

I see two more girls standing behind her, and suddenly everything makes sense. This is Kaylee’s weird new friend. I can’t remember her name, though.

I respond to her as best as I can. “H-hello, citizen,” I say. Why is my voice doing that?! I continue, “Is there something I can do for you?”

Suddenly, I hear one of her thoughts: Stop talking in macho voice?

She moves on, saying, “Yes, actually.”

“Fire away,” I tell her. Then I chuckle at myself, “Heh, fire.”

She takes a deep breath, and then truly just yells at me, “STOP RUNNING ME OVER!”

I hear Kaylee and Bethany mutter, almost in unison, “It was one time…”

I merely say, “Oops.”

Ladies and gentlemen, that is the extent of my speech capabilities currently.

Kaylee walks up to the girl, and provides me with a name, at least. Kay says, “Hailey, it was one time. ONE.”

Hailey turns around, beginning to walk off. “Yeah. Don’t do it again.”

I automatically turn to Kaylee and ask, “What’s her deal?”

Kay looks at me, and responds, “Why are you asking me?”

Panic floods through my brain. She doesn’t know who I am yet! I quickly turn away, muttering, “Sorry, wrong number.”

Confusion comes off Kaylee in waves, but then her other friend, Bethany, calls her over, and they all walk off; Beth and Kay are lecturing Hailey on dealing with superheroes properly.

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

Hailey:

“You don’t treat heroes like that!” Beth scolds.

I reply offhandedly, “So? Maybe he’ll stop.”

Kay sighs. “That’s not the point!”

I shrug, but they continue to lecture me. I don’t encourage it, but I am listening to them. Maybe I did make a mistake. By the time we get to school, I have “listened” enough to appease them. I’m ready to roll.

Or so I think.

#horizon and edge #h&e #hailey jardin #kaylee quintant #bethany harvord #my story #original story #send asks

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andtheyweredeskmates · 5 years ago

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Of Latte’s and Lingerie- Chapter 16

Hello, it’s me again. I had a few notes before we proceed. For those of you who don’t use my link to AO3 I’ve got some info that may be of interest to you. SO! I've been thinking... My characters are two consenting adults... so I've been considering writing some mature content later down the road because no offense, how is Adrien not going to be turned on by Mari in lingerie? And how is Mari not gonna feel overwhelmingly sexy in lingerie in front of her crush when she finally realizes how cute she is? I'm not talking full on smut because frankly I'm not a confident enough writer for that BUT it will likely be very... Suggestive. With that being said, I want to know what you guys think? If you're game, lmk, if you're uncomfortable, also let me know and maybe depending on the responses I can make it to where I give hella warnings and make the content irrelevant to the plot and you can skip past the canoodling and continue reading without being uncomfortable.

With all that being said, have a filler while I figure out how to write the Fruit of Passion chapter! Thanks

Taglist: @toodaloo-kangaroo @catsssmeow @le-na-co

Chapter 1 - Chapter 15 - AO3

If Marinette had to sum up the date in one word it would be exhilarating. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d let loose like that around someone who wasn’t Alya. After about two hours at the cat café, the two called it a night so Marinette could make it to work the next day without regrets. The car ride back was pleasant and filled with the same light banter they had enjoyed throughout the night.

“So, are you willing my date to the Fruit of Passion after party?” Adrien asked. Marinette had blushed a little.

“Only if you’re okay with it,” she’d said. She couldn’t help but wonder if after Fruit of Passion he wouldn’t want to take her to the after party.

“Then it’s a date.”

When they made it back to Marinette’s apartment, Marinette felt almost… disappointed. She wasn’t ready for the night to end.

Adrien parked in front of Marinette’s building and turned to face her with a soft smile.

“I had a really good time. I can’t wait to see you again,” he admitted. Marinette flushed.

“I did too. I was a little nervous but I’m glad we did this.” Adrien was silent for a moment like he was contemplating.

“Can I kiss you?” Marinette was briefly caught off guard before she began blushing even harder.

“Yeah,” she whispered. Adrien leaned in and Marinette met him halfway catching his lips with her own. His lips were soft and warm, just like Marinette had imagined and she put her hand up to tangle it in his hair. They kissed for what was probably only a few seconds but felt like an eternity before they pulled away just a fraction of an inch.

“Good night princess,” Adrien said softly. Marinette was certain she was seconds from exploding.

“Good night.” Marinette got out of the car feeling more exhilarated than she’d ever been in her life.

…

Adrien was on cloud nine as he drove home. He had put on the radio at full blast and was singing (perhaps screeching is a more accurate description) loud and proud.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Marinette. The way her widened blue eyes bored into his, the way her freckles dotted across her pink face, the softness of her skin and her lips. He felt giddy, a feeling that was new to Adrien. He felt a like a teenager. He felt happy.

…

Marinette’s next few days were dictated almost entirely by work. She was drowning in expectations and anxiety and the only thing Marinette had to comfort her was thoughts of Adrien. But even then, thinking too hard about it Marinette went back to be anxious to see him at Fruit of Passion. The mixture of anxiety and being overworked was beginning to overtake Marinette in the form of terrible habits. For instance, sleeping for a measly three hours a day, drinking copious amounts of coffee (as in 3-4 more cups a day) and eating pitiful looking salads for nearly every meal. Audrey had made no effort to tell Marinette how she needed to look but she did offhandedly mention that she needed to at least fit in her lingerie. This of course was taken to heart by Marinette and all of a sudden she felt like she had a million new things to worry about.

She continued to text Adrien but she found herself apologizing consistently about her spotty, short responses.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng

I’m sorry I haven’t really been responsive. I’m drowning in work over here and my energy is sitting at about 15 percent

And of course, because Adrien was freaking perfect he always responded.

Coffee Buddy

It’s okay! I know you’re working hard! Don’t over do it! Everything will be great!

But nothing really felt great. As a matter of fact, everything felt awful and Marinette was starting to revisit the whole “move back home and work in the bakery as a failure” idea. Even Tikki was seeming to sense Marinette’s frustration as she started cuddling with Marinette for every second she was home. It was the only real comfort in her life. She found herself moody and grouchy and even Audrey was over it.

“Jesus Christ Marinette, I know your tired but untwist your panties, throw them at Adrien and get your shit together. We’re so close.” Marinette was now beginning to see why Audrey was such a bitch.

Three days before Fruit of Passion, Audrey ordered Marinette to go to spend the entire day at a spa.

“What? Why?” Marinette asked.

“One, because you need to unwind. Two, because you’re gonna want to look sexy tomorrow and I will commit a crime if you haven’t at least got your nails painted. Three, because if you don’t sleep, you’re makeup artist is gonna have to work a miracle to get rid of those dark circles. Also don't forget that for the next two days you're going to have to practice with the other girls at the venue.” Marinette didn’t have energy to argue. And she was certain that Audrey was right. She supposed she couldn’t complain either. It wasn’t often people had a boss that forced them to go to a spa.

“I have a meeting with Gabriel in about five minutes so finish up your work and you can go home.” It hit Marinette then and she was a little embarrassed to admit it had taken her so long to think about it.

“Audrey… Does Gabriel know I’m modeling for the show?” Audrey laughed.

“My dear, Gabriel Agreste is such a control Freak I sometimes wonder if he’s God himself. Yes, he knows.” Marinette blushed a little.

“And… he’s okay with it?” Audrey was silent for a moment before speaking again.

“Let’s just say I talked him into it and leave it at that. Now stop worrying and get your work done.”

…

When Marinette finally made it home she flopped onto her bed dramatically and checked her phone.

11:30

3 new messages

Marinette opened them.

Alya

Girl I think you need a break

Marinette snorted. That was for damn sure.

Coffee Buddy

So, I think I should probably tell you that my father is going to be at Fruit of Passion

I figured you could meet him at the after party… If that’s not too weird.

God… Just when Marinette thought her anxiety couldn’t get any worse.

Next Chapter

#miraculous ladybug #my fic #mlb fanfic #adrienette #adrinette #coffee shop au #of lattes and lingerie #mlb #adrienette fanfic #adrinette fanfic

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michelles-garden-of-evil · 5 years ago

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Episode 18 Review: Making Biscuits

{ YouTube: 1 | 2 }

{ Synopses/Recaps: Debby Graham | Bryan Gruszka }

{ Screencaps }

Early morning on Maljardin. Exhausted from a day of shock and disbelief at the arrivals of her mother and Reverend Dawson on the island paradise(?) of Maljardin, Holly sleeps on the couch in the château’s great hall. Quietly, a fully dressed Jean Paul descends the grand staircase and stops behind the couch to cover her with a blanket. “Hi, Dad,” she says. “I had a dream. I thought that-”

I know that she’s probably a bit creeped out, but, honestly, I kind of envy Holly in this scene. There are days that I wish that I could wake up to see Jean Paul Desmond at my bedside. I know he has all kinds of issues and personality flaws, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find him cute and charming.

She tells him that she was dreaming about waiting for her father at home. “I know the feeling only too well,” he responds. “ Sometimes you know when memories haunt dreams, nightmares can follow.” I know that he is probably referring to nightmares about Erica’s death and/or to that freaky dream sequence with Raxl from the end of Episode 5, but still, I have to wonder if he, like Holly, lost his father at a young age. They reveal a little about Jean Paul’s father in the third and final arc of the show, but I don’t recall them discussing the specifics of his death beyond one thing that would be a spoiler to mention at this point. It would have been interesting to learn a bit about Jean Paul’s father in the Maljardin arc, but, unfortunately, we don’t.

So gallant! <3

We cut to a scene of Dan waiting impatiently for Jean Paul at the French Leave Café while talking to Vangie. Mostly, this scene exists so that Vangie can elaborate on why Maljardin is so hard to get to. “That channel is a cross between a tide and a continual tornado,” she says. “It's full of rocks and shoals. Actually, it’s never even been properly charted.” (Except probably by one of the des Mondes.) This is the only new information we get in any of the scenes between Dan and Vangie in this episode; the rest is nearly all recap, so I’m going to skip over most of it.

We return to Maljardin, where Holly and Jean Paul are sipping coffee from some dainty little cups. Before leaving for the main island, he asks her to attend Erica’s funeral, but she is reluctant because her mother and Reverend Dawson will be there. He advises her essentially to suck it up and go--which, as she points out, sounds like something "the good padre” would say. And then this happens:

I...don’t think that’s the generator.

Holly goes running upstairs and, just after, Jacques reveals that it was indeed he who tampered with the generator:

Love Jacques’ sarcasm in talking about the importance of the Holly portrait and how Tim and Holly may be “finished” before it is. And yes, the good Jacques portrait is back!

Next, we get what has to be the single most painful line of dialogue that the usually witty Jacques gets on the entire show: “Dear me, it does pose a dilemma,” says he about the situation with the Holly portrait that Boring Artist Tim is painting. “Pose, portrait, dilemma. A little play on words.” He snickers, indicating that at least he thinks the line is funny. “But I assure you I'm not playing games.” As Paflad would say, “BADOOM, and indeed, TSHHH!“

After the bad pun storm is over, he tells Jean Paul to bring Dan back with him to Maljardin because “[Jacques wants] to be sure that he doesn’t work against [him].” Cut to the second Dan and Vangie scene, where they recap nearly all the most important events on the show so far. It’s not all recap, however, as we do hear Vangie’s interpretation of the King of Wands, one of the Tarot cards featured last episode:

Vangie: “This way, a man of immense wealth and prestige and power in the world.”

“Reverse him, and he becomes the traditional card of ill-omen, a devil himself. Jean Paul Desmond...or Jacques Eloi des Mondes.”

And now onto the scene featuring the Matt-Holly-Tim love triangle, which feels endless because I can’t stand this subplot. I’m planning on writing a post someday explaining everything that’s wrong with this subplot and exactly why it doesn’t work, but I want to wait until after I’ve reviewed at least three more episodes featuring it. Nothing important happens in this scene, but we do get these lines:

Holly: "I wish my mother was on canvas instead of always on my back."

Be careful what you wish for, Holly. Someday you could have a portrait of Elizabeth Marshall that speaks to you constantly and manipulates you into doing things that make no sense to other characters. (Not a spoiler.)

The best Tim line on the show, and it’s a line flub. Go figure.

After the seemingly endless Tim scene ends, we return to the main island, where Jacques possesses Jean Paul while he is meeting with Dan. (He takes Jacques’ suggestions an awful lot, and I’m not sure if it’s because he actually agrees or because Jacques is manipulating him and he finds it too hard to resist.) We start with this shot of Jacques with ever-so-mildly creepy lighting:

Not scary, but it successfully conveys the message that Jacques has just taken control.

This scene makes up for the mediocrity of the rest of this episode. Jacques is his devilishly charming self, impersonating Jean Paul and making a fool of him by behaving far too cheerfully for a man in mourning. When Dan questions him, he insists that he’s only putting on a brave face and inwardly grieving, but Dan remains suspicious.

I must admit that I found this Jacques line--cheesy as it is--pretty funny.

Jacques, of course, takes advantage of the opportunity to troll him. Why not? For the first eleven episodes, he stuck to aiding Jean Paul and mostly just did things that they both wanted to do, with just a few exceptions like killing Dr. Menkin and giving Alison romantic dreams about him. Since Episode 12, however, he has been regularly screwing with Jean Paul’s life, trying to undermine nearly everything he tries to do in some way unless it also benefits him. By now, Jacques is in control of Jean Paul even when he’s inside the painting and so he probably feels he can get away with anything.

Anyway, remember when Jacques fired Dan in Episode 15? Well, he’s re-hired now and invited to Maljardin. He’s also more confused than ever, particularly because Jacques (who he believes is Jean Paul) keeps making faces like this:

BISSITS FACE!

For those of you who haven’t read my review of Episode 4 or who don’t remember it, Bissits Face™ is the name I gave to the cartoonish faux-innocent face that Jacques likes to make, where he opens his eyes extremely wide and purses his lips in a very cute way. The name comes from its resemblance to the face my cat makes when he makes biscuits, or “bissits” as I call them in baby-talk. I know the name is silly, but it is a silly face and probably not one you’d make in real life if you genuinely wanted to appear innocent--which is further evidence that Jacques thinks that he’s smarter than everyone else (and is probably right).

If his wrists weren’t crossed, he’d look like he was getting ready to make biscuits on that table like a cat.

Meow?

Of course, this isn’t his only bug-eyed expression, and he does keep those gorgeous blue peepers open quite a lot. I think that Colin Fox intended for Jacques to look “crazy,” which would explain all the wide-eyed expressions he has him make. Crazy eyes are, after all, pretty much standard acting technique for playing characters who are mentally disturbed to some degree. There’s an old French actor named Gérard Berner whom I’ve nicknamed “Crazy Eyes,” because, in the two miniseries I’ve seen him in (La dame de Monsoreau (1971) and Le roi qui vient du sud (1979)), he played characters with anger problems and, when said characters got enraged, he opened his eyes so wide that you would swear they were about to fall out of his head. This scene from Monsoreau is a good example, as is the one that follows it (Berner is the man with the longish hair and the silver doublet). Obviously, the intended meaning of Bissits Face™ is “I’m pretending to be innocent” and not “I’m angry,” but it’s still the same technique.

Gérard Berner (right) as François d’Anjou in La dame de Monsoreau (1971), demonstrating the crazy eye technique in a very different context.

Anyway, after Dan leaves to get ready to sail to Maljardin, Jacques and Vangie exchange a few words. By this point, she knows for certain who he is and that he will bring death to the island.

A rare instance of the subtitles getting Vangie’s name right.

I really like this exchange, so, as with many other exchanges that I really like, I’m going to post a full transcription:

Jacques: "Did you hear it all, Vangie?" Vangie: "Enough to make me wonder if I shouldn't contact the newspapers and let them find out the kind of man you really are."

Jacques: "You wouldn't do that, because you're afraid of my...power." Vangie: "In this world...or the next?"

Jacques: "Next world?" *laughs* "What are you talking about? You've been playing cards too much. It's dulling your senses." Vangie: "My father is dead. I am now the Conjure Woman. My senses are greater than ever. There is evil roaming on Maljardin. It must be destroyed."

Getting nervous, Jacques?

Jacques: "Vangie! You and your witchcraft. It will be the death of me yet.” Vangie: "I'm after the Devil."

Yup, definitely nervous.

Jacques: "And he's after you!"

And then we have a marvelous little credits scene where Jacques sits down in the big wicker chair, looking enormously pleased with himself. He puts his feet up on the table in front of him, grins, polishes his ring, all while looking incredibly self-satisfied. I love this comment about it on YouTube: “I can imagine the director telling Colin at the end credits,'Ok Colin-Baby, now just sit there and look smug...that's it...more smug-more smug...annnnd got it!'”

Smug.

Smugger.

Smuggest.

This episode is typical of Wednesday episodes on this show: light on plot and heavy on recap and character interaction that may or may not be filler. The only important things that happen in this one are (1) Jacques brings Dan with him to Maljardin and (2) Vangie reveals to Jacques that she has become the Conjure Woman and therefore a powerful opponent. But neither of these happen until the final scene, so, in all honesty, one could skip over most of this episode without missing much save for Tim’s hilarious line flub.

Coming up next: Reverend Dawson holds Erica’s funeral and Holly discusses an interesting nightmare she had about her mother.

{ <-- Previous: Episode 17 || Next: Episode 19 --> }

#strange paradise #gothic soap opera #week 4 #episode 18 #ian martin #review #maljardin arc #bissits face #the blue suit of sexiness #crazy eyes #creative line interpretation #the damned holly portrait #jacques putting his boots/shoes on furniture #la dame de monsoreau #tarot #strange title i know but i couldn't think of anything better

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madd-devil · 6 years ago

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The Dimensions War

Chapter One: Of dress, suit and invitations Warnings: sex (mentioned (what did you expect? She’s satan and her sin is lust.)), curses

Author Note: Sorry for any mistake. It’s also very shitty, sorry…

The sun was rising slowly on the small town of Ecouen. In the castle, high on the small cliff, some people were sleeping, some were going to sleep, some were about to wake up and it was the case of the two rulers of Hells… “Wake up, les amoureux!” Sonny said, bursting in the big bedroom. Sonny was a boy with dark skin, a descendant of a Medjai and one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. He was always wearing blue and hated when he sees people eating fishes (mostly because he knows the fish the person is eating).

He went toward the room’s red curtains. The sun enlightened quickly the bedroom, waking up the two naked figures in the king sized bed. The clothes were discarded on the parquet. The first one to pop up out of the duvet was a young man, probably seventeen or eighteen, with dirty golden hair and bright blue eyes with a scar on his face. He looked at the other boy and stretched. “Hello, Sonny.” He greeted with a small smile. “I thought me and Naomie told everyone that we didn’t want to be bothered in the morning.” He added. “Yes but it’s past eleven, your majesties need to get dressed. There are still some breakfast left for the both of you. Your kingdom awaits!” Sonny laughed, walking out of the room. Felix rolled back in the bed and smiled at the sleeping form of the goddess beside him. He shook her gently and the girl mumbled some incomprehensible words. “Wake up, my queen…” He whispered. “No, five more minutes…” The other lazily answered. He chuckled. “Five more minutes with you turn to one or two hours of sleep.” The boy said. “And I do believe we have work to do and the wedding’s preparations too. This afternoon, I have to go to the store to get my suit with the Horsemen and Johnathan and you.” He pointed his finger at her. “had to go with Angela and Zahira to get your dress.” “Oh my god, yes, I totally had forgotten that! And Hera is going to be here to help us, oh my god!” The girl shot up to her feet, grabbed some clothes from the closet before dressing swiftly. She brushed her hair and teethes, put on some make up before running to the boy, still in bed, kissing him harshly. “I will see you later.” She smiled. “Don’t forget to put some Ethan’s tears on your wounds.” She added, looking at some bruises and love bites on his neck. “I don’t know, maybe I was going to keep them.” He smirked. “Tu es impossible…” She murmured. “Hey, I know that one!” She patted him on the shoulder before going out of the bedroom. The boy beamed once again before getting up.

“So, boys, what are our programs?” Naomie asked, walking in the throne room of Hells. Pablo, a boy with brown curly hair with blond highlights and hazel eyes, strode beside her before handing her papers. The other three were walking behind them, greeting the demons who passed by. “First, you have a meeting with the Seers, they had to hand you their reports, then it’s the Tigers’s turn and they are waiting for your next orders. After that, your dress shop. Don’t forget to write the invitations for the guests, your wedding is in three weeks.” “Ugh, too much work…” The teenager queen sighed. “Well you’re the queen.” Tom said. “It’s your job to do that.” “Yes I know Tom.” Naomie yawned. “Short night?” Ethan asked smirking, knowing the answer. “Well…” “You should soundproof your bedroom. Everyone heard what happened yesterday.” The tall boy added. “Really?” “Yeah and your room smells like sex, blood and cigars. I wonder what you did to him to make him scream like that.” Sonny said with a smile. The devil huffed and formed a black crystal in her hand before sending it in the boy’s direction. The latter dodged it with a laugh.

The five friends entered a large room. It was dark, with some candles who smelled like vanilla and chocolate. The room was filled with laptops and old computers on many desks. There were also many blankets, sofas and comfy armchairs. Mostly all the girls were asleep, sleeping in the end of the area but one was wide awake. She was a black skinned young woman, maybe in her twenties and she was wearing bright colours. She glanced at the five demons before smiling and standing up from her chair. “Hi guys. How are you?” “We’re good Zahira.” Pablo answered. “You should ask Felix how he’s feeling, after all he had a difficult night.” Ethan chuckled. Naomie elbowed him in the ribs. Zahira smiled kindly at the girl before speaking: “Well, this time, we decided to put our reports on a USB key.” She said as she gave her the tiny red device. “So less papers and less trees cut!” The woman beamed. “Thank you Zahira. It will be more easily for me to read it and to stock it.” Naomie thanked. “Your welcome friend! That reminds me, when are we going this afternoon?” She asked. “Around three.” “Perfect! I will be waiting for you in the car. What are we taking? The big black limousine?” “Well, yeah. Hera told me it will be more comfortable for the four of us.” “Angela is still coming? I thought she had to watch over some mortals today.” Ethan said, popping in the conversation. “Yeah, she said that it was a great privilege to help me with my “quest of finding the perfect dress”, as she put it.” Naomie said to him, rolling her eyes. “Well, I won’t holding you five for forever. Johnathan is waiting for you in the courtyard.” The young woman informed them. “He’s training the new members. They’re cute.”

Johnathan was a black haired boy and spoke with a big English accent, which was kind of cute, if you asked the demons girls and some of the Seers. He was standing in his full golden and black armour, watching at the ten new boys who were fighting with wood swords against each other. “Come on, boys. I know you can all be better than that!” He yelled at them. Naomie and Ethan stopped to watch them. As the Horseman of War, he loved seeing people fighting, combatting. It was part of his nature. As for the queen of Hells, she wanted to see if how were the boys. She will have a word with them, to welcome them. “Good morning my queen.” Johnathan said after bowing. “Hello John. How’s the training?” “They still are learning but they have the fire in them. I know, I feel it!” Naomie smiled, along with Ethan. Another Tiger showed up, running toward them, clenching something in his fist. He kneeled before her and stood slowly. He handed the small thing to his queen. “Thank you, Lucas. You can go back to your bedroom and rest. You deserved it.” She said to the boy who had dark circle under his eyes. “They don’t sleep so much.” Johnathan sadly informed. “I think they all are stressing and they are anxious. And I have to admit, me too.” “But why?” Tom asked “Listen, we are used to go on missions in the middle of the nights, to help the population, to help you save the world… We are used to that.” “Yes, me too.” Pablo told him. “Been a while since the last attack on one of the dimensions. It’s so peaceful.” “Make me wanna throw up.” Ethan mumbled under his breath. “Well, I don’t have any missions for you. But you can help with the wedding preparations!” She added with a smile. “Really? Will you allow us to do that?” “Of course, any help is welcome! I think Felix is in the garden with Athena and the other gods and goddesses along with the workers. You can propose your help and I’m sure they will find something for you all!”

Hera was sitting, a white scarf draped elegantly around her shoulders on a purple and white sofa, waiting for Naomie to come out in the dress she had chosen for her. Zahira was typing on her phone while Angela was looking at her nails, checking for any broken or imperfect ones. Finally, Naomie came out, in a white dress with a lot frills and furbelows. It was also very tight and strapless. There were laces that formed flowers and hearts. The angel grimaced as well as Zahira, both knowing it wasn’t the style of their friend. Hera stood up, circled the demon then asked her: “How are you feeling in this dress?” “Seriously? I feel horrible and I can’t breathe. I don’t like this dress. It’s pretty but…” “Say no more! I think I got the perfect one for you!” Hera interrupted before racing in the dress store.

“What about this one?”

The boys stared at Felix, looked at him up and down. The suit he was trying on was dark blue with a black tie and a white shirt.

“Nah.” Sonny said. “Too simple.”

“Too plain.” Ethan added.

“Boring.” Pablo said.

Felix sighed.

“I feel like I will never find one.”

“Don’t worry. Of course you are going to find the perfect one.” Johnathan smiled at him.

“Maybe you’re right…” The king sighed again before going back in the fitting room.

The boys waited for a moment then Felix reappeared and they knew it was the one. It fitted him so perfectly: it was a white jacket with a black collar, underneath was a white shirt with a black bow tie and silver studs and the pants was of course black.

“Uhm… Why are you all silent? Is that so horrible?” Felix asked, uneasy.

“Dude, you look handsome. If you weren’t going to marry or dating her, I would fuck you right now.” Ethan said.

“Thank you, I guess?”

“He’s right.” Tom agreed. “And Ethan, what did we say about the filter?”

The latter rolled his eyes.

“Naomie is going to love it!” Sonny exclaimed.

“I hope so…” The king of Hells said, looking at himself in the giant mirror in front of him.

The shop owner -a tall man with black hair and too much gel in his hair- came in and took some more body measurements before sending the boys out, after Felix paid of course. The boys decided to stop by a small café in Paris: le Chat D’Or.

“So who are you gonna invite?” Ethan asked, eating a piece of chocolate pie.

“Well we talked a bit about it with Naomie last night and the gods are coming, that’s for sure. As gods and goddesses, they have to be present to see the ascension of a new god. The Winchesters will be here too, with the archangels, Chuck and Castiel, maybe Bobby too. Maybe the Assassins Brotherhood too. But we are going to write the invitations tonight.”

“It’s going to be one hell of a wedding.” Pablo murmured.

“And one hell of a party!” Sonny yelled, excited.

Some customers looked at them in curiosity. Pablo turned to them and shot a dirty look at them, making the others to turn back to their own businesses.

“Yeah, it’s sure gonna be one.” Felix mused, sipping his coffee.

Felix and Naomie were sitting in the middle of their bedroom, papers everywhere with a laptop in front of them, to already start the seating arrangements. A pile of closed envelopes were set down next to Felix. They both were tired and had drank a least cinq or six coffees to be awake enough to finish their last invitation.

“Aaand done!” The girl smiled, putting the last one on the top. “Finally, we can sleep!”

“No, we are not. We have to tidy this room.” Felix said, standing up and bringing the papers closer to him.

“You can do it if you want. You’re the king of tidiness and cleaning. And I’m the queen of sleep.” Naomie lazily said.

“Of course you are.” The boy chuckled.

The teenage girl jumped on the bed before tucking herself under the covers. She watched as her lover cleaned everything, putting the papers on a desk and the envelopes on a small table, next to the French doors. He put the laptop on his own desk then walked toward the bed and laid next to her. She grinned at him and kissed him on the nose, then the lips and finally his neck. Felix groaned.

“Not tonight love… Too tired for this.”

“Okay, alright. We will have more fun on our honeymoon.”

#MADD #maladaptive daydreaming #madd writing #parame #parascom #paraportal #actuallymadd #actually madd #madd characters #my shit #paras #talk #ask #i'm so excited #tw sex #tw cursing

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nickerbeanblue · 7 years ago

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Lumiose City

After meeting with Professor Sycamore, we explored the whole of Lumiose City, or at least the comparatively tiny section that we could.

We went to Café le Nah. I decided to use Tunic and Ascot in the double battles in there since they’re my hardest hitters and that’s helpful in those sort of timed battles (letting us get our money’s worth). Tunic and Ascot did so well that we were perfect customers :) And after the two of the defeated the last waiter’s Pansage and Panpour, Tunic evolved into Quilladin!

We went to the salon to update our look. I’ve been looking forward to this moment in the game to randomly decide my trainer’s (Tailor) standard look. Turns out that’s dark skin, short red hair, and blue eyes, very cute ;)

And we finally got some held items for the team! Right now I’m having Romper hold the quick claw and Buttons hold the wide lens.

#pokemon #nuzlocke #wedlocke

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bydesireepore · 6 years ago

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Here’s Where You Can Find these Famous Romantic Movie Locations IRL

A film’s great location can lead to it becoming an iconic landmark. Just look at The Lord of the Rings series and how it established New Zealand as the perfect “Middle-earth.” The country played a huge role all throughout the series, making it as critical as the film’s story.

Romcom is one other such genre that where the movie’s setting usually plays a huge role on the development of its characters. Listed below are just some of the romantic movies that captured the perfect formula for an unforgettable movie.

Notting Hill

The 90s was all about Hugh Grant, and the film Notting Hill cemented his leading man status. Before the millennium closed, the film was released to critical and box office success. One of the most iconic locations that the film used is the famed blue door, the entrance of Grant’s character’s flat. The door is so famous that tourists flocked the location and got auctioned off; it was replaced with a black door, but the current owners graciously painted the door back to its famous color.

280 Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, London

Another famous location is the bookshop. During the film’s opening scene, Grant’s character can be seen walking towards his shop, all the while giving us a little tour of Notting Hill. It is the same bookshop where his meet-cute with A-list star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) happened. IRL, the bookstore was never a bookstore; instead it was an antique arcade then a furniture store. The real bookstore that inspired the movie was located just around the corner and was also called The Travel Bookshop.

142 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London

La La Land

It’s not an Academy Award winning film for nothing: Damien Chazelle’s masterpiece perfectly exhibit what Los Angeles is to all dreamers: tragic at times, but mostly magical. One of the highlights of the film is the scene between the two characters, Mia and Sebastian, starts to realize their feelings for each other while enjoying the beauty of the iconic Griffith Observatory.

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA

A movie about Hollywood wouldn’t be accurate without a cameo of at least one studio lot. Mia, a struggling actress, works as a part time barista at a coffee shop (Café Sur Le Lot) located at the Warner Bros. back lot. Mia takes Sebastian on a tour inside the studio lot when the latter visits him after their date.

3400 W. Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA

When Harry Met Sally

The quintessential romcom gave us not only important conversations about relationships, but also one of the most popular scenes in romcom history. Katz’s Delicatessen became a landmark in the Lower East Side thanks to that scene, even having a specific sign where the lead characters sat. The deli also made a few cameos in films such as Donnie Brasco and Across the Universe.

205 East Houston Street

Two prominent yet very opposite scenes were filmed in the Puck Building; the first scene that featured the building is when the couple’s respective best friends marry on the building’s 7th floor, and in which they broke off their almost relationship. The couple’s reconciliation happened during a New Year’s Eve party which took place at The Grand Ballroom of Puck.

295 Lafayette St.

Love Actually

Our ultimate go-to films come the holidays, Love Actually acts as a love letter to London and its citizens. The film was mostly shot in and around London’s top tourist destinations. One of the more notable scenes in the film was Mark’s (Andrew Lincoln) declaration of his love to Juliet (Keira Knightley), which happened in London’s most IG-worthy street, St Luke’s Mews.

St Luke’s Mews, London

One of the most poignant scenes in the film happened in Gabriel’s Wharf, where Liam Neeson’s character holds a heart-to-heart talk with his stepson about the total agony of being in love.

Upper Ground, South Bank, London

Me Before You

Even with the film’s tragic ending, Me Before You gave us some of the most breathtaking sites that helped brought to life the story. The picturesque Pembroke Castle served as the Traynors’ massive estate; the castle is famously known as the birthplace of King Henry VII.

Pembroke SA71 4LA, UK

After the death of Will, Lou visits Will’s favorite café in Paris, which is Restaurant Paul. The restaurant was also used in the film Midnight in Paris.

15 Place Dauphine, Paris, France

Bonus:

We also made an in-depth article all about Call Me By Your Name’s dreamy locations.

*article can be found here.

#writing

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daisycactus20-blog · 6 years ago

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Why You Need to Visit Gothenburg and its Archipelago in West Sweden

This is a sponsored post in partnership with the Göteborg & Co.. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help us do what we do!

We recently had the opportunity to travel to Gothenburg, Sweden (or Göteborg). If you’ve been following us on social media, you probably saw a ton of Insta Stories and posts about it. We were there to attend the Way Out West festival, as well as to explore this beautiful city. Needless to say, we were so smitten that we couldn’t help but take a million photos (677 to be exact) and to share the experience with you.

Sweden has been on my “wish list” of places to visit for years. But to be honest, I wasn’t familiar with Gothenburg, its second largest city on the West Coast. I had always assumed that a trip to Sweden would land me in Stockholm. But Gothenburg caught me by surprise. And quite frankly, swept me off my feet. If you’re planning a trip to Sweden, a stop on the West Coast is a must.

Given its location, Gothenburg had for years been a major port; more of an industrial city than its glitzy, high-fashion counterpart. But in the last few years, this city, which locals described to me as “laid back,” and “cozy” — a favorite word of Swedes — has seen a dramatic change.

Old buildings have been renovated and now house cool mixed indoor / outdoor spaces. There’s a huge focus on sustainability (both in terms of architecture, as well as in food and fashion). And there’s a general feeling that they’re on the edge of becoming the “next hot place” to visit (listen up New York Times and Afar!). Not to mention, of course, music is a big part of this city; the Way Out West Festival is held in Slottsskogen, its beautiful urban park, which is easily accessible by public transit.

It’s hard to choose highlights from the trip because, quite honestly, everything felt like a highlight. Our room in the Comfort Hotel, a hip chain in Scandinavia and the Baltics, faced the water and beautiful city that meets its edge.

Every day, we indulged in a delicious breakfast spread before heading out to explore the cobblestoned streets. Of course, most people will tell you to head straight to the Haga district, a historical shopping and dining area that’s now home to well-to-do young families and the giant cinnamon rolls the size of your head. Given its central location, we ended up strolling through numerous times and each time felt no less magical.

pictured in my favorite, go-to travel Everlane Wide Leg Cropped Pants (c/o)

The Magasinsgatan shopping district is the place to pick up both high-end goods, visit global chains, as well as to immerse yourself in local Swedish brands. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes (most notably, Da Matteo), and bars here. Like Lisbon, where yellow trams are ever-present, Gothenberg’s light-blue ones are ubiquitous. But that’s not the only way to get around the city. You can hop on a boat or in a canoe to navigate your way under dozens of flower-adorned bridges. Get yourself a three day transit pass and you can hop on and off as much as you want (you can even rent bikes!).

Another magical spot right inside the city? Trädgårdsföreningen, the dreamy The Garden Society of Gothenburg, and 1878 Palm House. This is perhaps one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, and also one of the most relaxing. Surrounded by gardens, the Palm House is filled with cacti, palms, a lily pond, and a lovely seating area where you can lazy away the day with a book. If you get caught in the rain, I can’t think of a better place to wait it out.

Our initial plans only vaguely included a trip out to the archipelago. But once we arrived and realized how easy it was to get out to the islands, we booked our way there. Locals will recommend you allot an entire day for a trip out there, but honestly, it’s so quick that even if you have just a few hours, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to zoom over on one of the fast ferries that take off from Salthammen.

The island of Vrångö, which was our first stop, is the southernmost inhabited of the islands (with just 300ish residents). No cars are allowed on the island, making it tranquil beyond imagination. You can literally walk around the entire island, along the coast, through its nature preserve, and through the little neighborhood. Find yourself a slice of sea, a warm rock, and you’re set for however long you’re lucky enough to stay. The sweet cafe just across from the ferry is the perfect spot to sip on your coffee, grab some lunch, and squeeze every last minute of your trip.

Another island we had the opportunity to visit was Styrsö, which was equally as beautiful, albeit felt just a tad more populated. Here you’ll be able to hike up to a historical point and be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding islands in the archipelago. You’ll also be able to grab a bite at Cafe Oberska which, to our great dismay, was closed for a private event when we visited. Everyone we talked to raved about the amazing food and atmosphere here.

Both Vrångö and Styrsö are great places to swim, so if you happen to be visiting on a warm summer day, pack your swimsuit! Cars are also not allowed on Styrsö, but you can rent a bike from one of the small hotels on the island (or bring your own). It amazed us both that we could feel so remote and in just an hour, be back in the city center (and at a major music festival). This is the kind of balance we really loved in Gothenburg: it felt like we were exploring a city, but it was easygoing and chill.

Food-wise, there’s a ton going on in the city. The focus on sustainability means that you’ll find inventive vegetarian and vegan spots, “natural” wines, but also fusion cuisine (dumplings, Thai, sushi). If you’re European, you’re probably already familiar with Oatly (based in Malmö, Sweden). I was obsessed with all of their widely-available offerings in restaurants, coffee shops, and at supermarkets. Oatly, if you’re listening, please bring your vegan ice cream (which we got to sample at Way Out West) State-side.

It’s been over a month since we returned from our trip and I can honestly say that it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. Gothenburg, you stole my heart! I’ve pulled together a list of spots we enjoyed. Stay tuned for a music-focused post (all about record stores and with snaps from Way Out West) from Matt soon!

Stay

Comfort Hotel Göteborg

This is where we were stationed for the duration of our stay, and I can’t recommend it enough. The location was great (close to public transit, with a lovely view of the water), the daily breakfast was fantastic (like, way better than most hotel breakfasts), and our room was super comfy. Plus, the vibe in the lobby is super cozy and there’s a great rooftop bar.

Eat and Drink

Totale

Our first dinner was at this fantastic neighborhood spot, and we both agreed it was probably our favorite meal of the trip. You can eat creative dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, beautiful wood-fired pizza, and wash it all down with natural wine. The decor is also super cute and hip.

Da Matteo Café

This coffee shop and bakery is perhaps the most famous in Gothenburg (they even won the award for best roaster in Sweden!). We brought a bag of heirloom coffee beans home with us to enjoy. They have a couple of locations, but you have to try their pastries; they are truly the best.

Restaurang Gabriel

This fish restaurant is actually at the top of the “fish church” and we had the most lovely and delicious meal here (all the fresh seafood your heart desires!). This is a great spot for lunch, especially if you find yourself in a downpour. The owner of the restaurant happens to be a former World Champion in Oyster Shucking (x2!).

Feskekörka

The “fish church,” as it is lovingly called, is the triangle building you see in the photos above. Here, you can buy fresh seafood and also pick up a light lunch, which you can eat at the picnic tables overlooking the water.

Le-Gbg

Admittedly, I dragged Matt to this Instagram-worthy spot, which I found by looking at the Instagram Nathalie Cuti, a Swedish singer who happened to be performing at Cafe Gazette the evening we ate there! If you’re into wellness and looking for beautiful smoothie bowls, healthy-ish pancakes, and the like, you’ll love this sunny spot.

Kafé Magasinet

Another iconic Gothenburg eatery, this is a gorgeous, plant-filled space that is housed is a formerly-abandoned auction house, and is a must visit. You can grab pizzas, bagels, coffee, and beers here. This would be a sweet spot to enjoy a book, too.

Saluhallen market hall

This famous food hall is filled with deliciousness, and also happens to be a beautiful space to wander and oggle, and tempt your appetite..

Basque (tapas bar)

We stumbled upon this bar late one evening after Way Out West, and were positively smitten. They lay out tapas (small bites) on their counter, so you can grab what you want and they add it up later. Also, we learned that in Sweden, most places only serve low-alcoholic beer, but here, you’ll find the most impressive selection of beers, including ones made at local breweries. The bartender was super friendly, too. Go check out this spot for a bite and a drink!

Restaurang Sjöbaren

We really wanted to hit at least one “super traditional” Swedish restaurant, and this one, in the Haga, did not disappoint. We really enjoyed trying some old school dishes here. The restaurant itself feels casual — with wooden walls, and is situated on the main street in the Haga, so it’s a great place to grab a seat at the window and enjoy some people watching.

FORSSÉN ÖBERG – Champagnebar

This champagne bar is situated in a beautiful courtyard where you’ll also find a tiny record shop (more on that in the next guide). It’s absolutely adorable. On a warm summer night, you should grab yourself a glass of bubbly and relax under the beautiful trees.

Café Gazette

The night we ate at this hip restaurant, they were hosting Nathalie Cuti, a local musician, to kick off Way Out West. The scene here felt VERY COOL and we were curious how the food would be. It turned out, delicious. Small share plates were a great way to sample virtually everything on the menu. There’s a game room in the back, and lots of beers, plus an awesome outdoor area.

Cafe Obergska (on Styrsö)

I feel weird including this because we didn’t actually go here, but it is obvious to me that if you head to Styrsö and you are looking for food, Cafe Obergska is a must. Sadly, we were on the island on a day when they were closed for a private event, but it looked insanely charming and everyone I talked to said that the food is amazing here, too. In fact, an older couple we chatted with told us that they would sometimes decide to hop over from Gothenburg on a sunny day just to have breakfast here.

Skärgårdens Café (on Vrångö)

This is the only cafe on the island of Vrångö and you can’t miss it as it is literally right in front of where the ferry drops off. Sitting here, eating my lunch, and watching our ferry pull up was maybe one of the saddest moments of the trip as I did not want to leave this magical island. No joke, when I want to think of something warm and happy, I’ve been mentally returning here.

The food at Way Out West

I can’t not talk about the food at the Way Out West festival (more on that from Matt soon!), which is completely vegetarian. We tried to sample ALL THE THINGS but the most unique thing I saw there (and I spotted it right away) was the active charcoal burger. I thought it was so cool that all the food trucks at the festival, even ones that aren’t typically vegetarian, adapted all their menus. Honestly, and somewhat ironically, given Sweden’s connection to the sea, I came back from Gothenburg feeling like I need to eat less meat and seafood.

See

Trädgårdsföreningen, Garden Society of Gothenburg

This park is a can’t miss, in my humble opinion. It’s peaceful and beautiful, and the Palm House is absolutely stunning. Not to mention, it’s free. Being here makes you feel like you don’t have a care in the world. If you’re in Gothenburg for a few days, come here with a packed lunch and a book.

Haga old town

The historic part of the city oozes with charm. Come here for a fika (get the GIANT cinnamon buns) and do some shopping, too!

Slottsskogen City Park

This was the location of Way Out West, but this lovely urban park is well-worth a visit even when there’s no festival happening. As someone who used to live blocks from Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, I so appreciate urban green spaces like this one. You can get here on a tram or bus, or rent one of the city bikes!

Paddan Sightseeing

Ok, when we first saw a boat tour on our itinerary, I was a bit skeptical. I’m not really a boat person, nor a tour person, but this ended up being so fun! You get to see the city from the water, passing under tons of bridges. Not to mention, we learned a lot about Gothenburg’s roots: its shipyards and role in wars, its relationship with Norway and Denmark, and how it has come out of a recession.

Shop

Artilleriet

This is hands down the most beautiful interior shop in Gothenburg. The kitchen part of the shop, though, is the dreamiest part…those yummy green walls..

Grandpa

If you’re looking to pick up a cool Swedish raincoat, sunglasses, or sweater, head over to this store. You’ll find Grandpa in the same square as Da Matteo . You’ll have a hard time leaving empty handed (you’ve been warned).

Twist and Tango

I stumbled upon this store in the Haga during their blowout summer clearance, and walked out with a pair of leather blush pink slides. They started in Gothenburg but also have a location in Stockholm. I’m not a fan of kitschy souvenirs, but shoes I can do. Check it out! They also have an online shop, but sadly don’t ship to the U.S.

Source: https://www.turntablekitchen.com/2018/09/gothenburg-west-sweden/

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