#Liam the new comer

[belencha77]

CAPITULO 50 - NEW YORK NEW YORK

Esta mañana me desperté con un torbellino de preguntas. ¿Quién ocupa mi corazón por completo? Mis sentimientos están en caos. Con Liam, me siento segura y amada, pero lo mismo ocurre con Drake, quien es increíblemente tierno conmigo, algo raro para ��l. Me pregunto si mis sentimientos hacia él son solo amistad o algo más profundo.

Lamento haberle pedido a Drake que se alejara. La separación ha dejado una sensación de incertidumbre, especialmente con Sara en el panorama. Aunque oficialmente Drake no está con ella, temo que pueda tener algún sentimiento por ella.

Liam, por su parte, está a punto de casarse con Madeleine en un mes. Si no encontramos a Tariq pronto, perderé a Liam para siempre. Mi situación es desesperada, y sigo sin saber a quién quiero. La confusión me atormenta.

Después de desayunar con Drake, paseamos por Nueva York, disfrutando de un respiro del drama de la corte. Me sentí libre y auténtica, sin la presión de mantener una fachada noble. En una boutique, le pedí a Drake que probara un atuendo. Aunque inicialmente se mostró reacio, aceptó con la condición de que le compraría un trago. Al verlo en el atuendo, me sorprendió lo atractivo y sexy que se veía, lo que lo dejó algo sonrojado. También le mencioné que saldríamos esa noche con mis dos mejores amigos. Aceptó el plan con buen humor.

Cuando fuimos a visitar a mi madre, Drake me acompañó hasta la clínica. Al entrar, decidí no mencionar que había conocido a mi padre para no añadir más preocupaciones a su carga. Mi madre se veía más débil que hace dos días, pero Amanda dijo que mi presencia le levantó el ánimo y logró comer algo.

**

Las horas pasaron y llegó el momento de irme. Me acerqué a ella, notando cómo su semblante reflejaba una tristeza profunda, casi palpable, como si el peso de sus temores la oprimiera.

|| Mamá, ¿te pasa algo? || pregunté, mi voz temblando con una mezcla de preocupación y temor.

|| Hija, estoy feliz de haberte visto de nuevo || respondió con una voz débil, casi susurrante. Sus ojos, nublados por la emoción, se llenaron de lágrimas que no lograba ocultar || Pero, sobre todo, me reconforta saber que me has perdonado por todo el daño que te causé. Creo que con eso podré morir en paz ||

Las palabras de mi madre me golpearon como un puñetazo en el estómago. La realidad de su inminente partida me abrumó con una pesadez insoportable. Aceptar que pronto la perderé para siempre es difícil, y el dolor se mezcla con el arrepentimiento por el tiempo perdido entre nosotras.

|| Mamá, por favor, no digas eso || le pedí, mi voz quebrándose mientras tomaba su mano en la mía. Las lágrimas fluían libremente por mis mejillas, incapaz de contener el torrente de tristeza que me embargaba || ¡Piensa que aún podemos disfrutar lo que nos queda! ||

Su expresión se tornó más serena, aunque su debilitado cuerpo parecía estar al borde del agotamiento. La fragilidad en su rostro revelaba un cansancio profundo, pero también una paz resignada.

|| Cariño sé que me queda poco tiempo. Creo que sería mejor que regresaras con tu rey y lucharas por ese amor. No lo pierdas... Trata de limpiar tu nombre || me dijo, con una sonrisa débil en el rostro.

|| Mamá, no pienso dejarte sola en estos momentos. Pase lo que pase, tú me necesitas ahora || dije, llorando. Ella acarició delicadamente mi rostro, su toque lleno de ternura.

|| Te amo, hija, de verdad y de todo corazón. Siempre lo hice, pero nunca supe cómo decírtelo en voz alta. Perdón por no habértelo dicho antes || sus dulces palabras parecían surgir desde lo más profundo de su corazón. Me acerqué rápidamente a ella y la abracé con fuerza.

|| Yo también te amo, mamá, y mucho... No quiero que me dejes. Dime que tendremos más tiempo juntas || le dije, sollozando. Mi madre acarició mi cabello, pero no respondió. Sabía que no podía prometer nada, porque su vida ya no estaba en sus manos || Voy a quedarme contigo esta noche || le aseguré. Justo en ese momento, Amanda entró en la habitación.

|| Riley, cariño, es momento de que te vayas. Desafortunadamente, tu tiempo se ha acabado. Te mantendré informada de cualquier cosa, ¿de acuerdo? Tu madre necesita descansar || dijo Amanda con amabilidad.

|| Amanda, creo que me voy a quedar hoy || respondí, mirando a mi madre y tomando su mano || No puedo dejarla sola ||

|| Hija, no es necesario. Ve a descansar... Es lo mejor || mi madre me miró y sonrió. Miré a Amanda, quien asintió con la cabeza.

|| Está bien, mamá. Hasta mañana || dije, y le di un gran beso en la frente antes de marcharme. Me despedí de Amanda y me dirigí hacia la puerta. Justo cuando estaba a punto de salir, me encontré con un médico que se disponía a entrar a la habitación de mi mamá. Decidí aprovechar la oportunidad para preguntar cómo se encontraba realmente || Doctor, antes de que entre... ¿podría hacerle una pregunta? || Le dije.

|| Claro, señorita. Dígame || respondió amablemente.

|| Puede ser sincero y decirme cuál es el estado real de mi mamá. ¿Cómo ve usted su enfermedad? || pregunté con preocupación. Rápidamente, vi una sombra en sus ojos, lo que me indicó que no eran buenas noticias.

|| Para ser honesto, la situación es bastante grave. Los medicamentos ya no están teniendo el efecto esperado. En cualquier momento podría ocurrir un paro cardiaco o el colapso total de su organismo. Lo único que podemos hacer en caso de dolor extremo es administrarle morfina, pero más allá de eso, nuestras opciones son limitadas. Su cáncer está en una etapa terminal || dijo con voz grave y compasiva.

Sentí que mi alma se partía al escuchar esas palabras. El cáncer la había consumido por completo y nadie podía hacer nada.

|| Y... ¿Cuánto tiempo cree que le queda? || pregunté con miedo.

|| No puedo darle una respuesta exacta. Podría ser hoy, mañana, o quizás dentro de una semana o un mes. Desafortunadamente, eso no está en nuestras manos determinar. Lo que puedo aconsejarle es que aproveche al máximo cada momento que le quede con ella || me dijo con sinceridad y empatía.

Mi alma estaba destrozada, hecha pedazos. Sinceramente, no sé cómo actuaré si mi madre muere. Tuvimos tan poco tiempo juntas...

**

Al llegar al hotel, me sentía agobiada por la inminente pérdida de mi madre, así que planeé una salida con mis mejores amigos y Drake para distraerme.

Le envié un mensaje a Michell confirmando nuestra cita en el 1OAK a las 9 p.m. y le recordé que ya le había enviado los tickets. Michell estaba emocionada por la salida y ansiosa por conocer a Drake.

Luego, recibí un mensaje de Drake, preocupado por no haber tenido noticias mías. Le expliqué que mi madre sigue en cuidados paliativos y que necesito distraerme. Le recordé que nos veríamos a las 8 p.m. en el lobby del hotel y le pedí que usara el atuendo nuevo. Drake se mostró comprensivo y esperó con ansias la noche.

Con los planes confirmados, me sentía un poco más animada, esperando disfrutar de la noche y despejar mi mente del dolor y la incertidumbre que me rodeaban.

Tomé un relajante baño y, envuelta en mi bata, revisé mi maleta para elegir mi atuendo. Opté por un vestido ajustado de terciopelo negro que realza mi figura con elegancia. El escote en forma de corazón destaca mi cuello y hombros, y la falda, ligeramente ajustada, cae con gracia hasta la mitad del muslo. Complementé el look con tacones de aguja negros y pendientes de plata que brillan a la luz. Me miré al espejo y el resultado fue perfecto para la noche. Necesitaba distraerme y tratar de olvidar lo que estoy viviendo.

**

Llegó el momento de salir y despejar mi mente. Bajé por el ascensor y, al salir, vi a un apuesto caballero cruzado de brazos, esperando en el lobby del hotel. Era Drake, quien había añadido una chaqueta negra a su conjunto de jean gris y un jersey de cuello alto tipo Henley color vino, que acentuaba por completo sus músculos.

A medida que me acercaba a él, sentí las miradas de admiración que se posaban sobre mí. Mi presencia parecía magnética y, al notar la atención, Drake volvió a mirarme. Fue entonces cuando nuestras miradas se cruzaron. Sus ojos recorrieron mi figura con un destello de asombro, mientras su boca se abría en una expresión de sorpresa.

|| Brown… Wow… te ves… Wow || murmuró, claramente impresionado.

|| ¿Acaso te dejé sin palabras? || le pregunté con una amplia sonrisa, dejando ver mi picardía.

|| No sé cómo explicártelo, pero lo único que puedo decirte es que esta noche me siento afortunado y orgulloso de que me agarres del brazo || respondió Drake, su nerviosismo evidente mientras intentaba recuperar la compostura. Su rostro mostraba un rubor que no podía ocultar.

|| Oh, Drake, eres muy dulce || dije, dándole un beso en la mejilla, lo que también lo hizo sonrojarse || ¿Sabes? Me encanta cuando te sonrojas ||

|| Yo no me... tú estás... Brown, eres una sorpresa total || murmuró Drake, claramente nervioso y sin poder disimular su afecto.

**

Al llegar al club, me sorprendió la energía que emanaba del lugar. Las luces de neón iluminaban la entrada y el sonido de la música pulsante se filtraba a través de las paredes. Vi la larga fila de gente que esperaba pacientemente para conseguir una entrada, algunos conversando animadamente, otros revisando sus teléfonos. La multitud era una mezcla de elegantes y modernos, vestidos con atuendos llamativos que prometían una noche llena de diversión.

Mostré mi teléfono al guardia y, gracias a mis pequeñas influencias como persona algo "famosa," me dejaron pasar sin problemas. Sentí una oleada de emoción al cruzar la puerta. Dentro de la discoteca, el ambiente vibrante y lleno de vida contrastaba con la emoción que sentía al ver a Michell y Frank a lo lejos. Después de tantos meses sin verlos, mi corazón se aceleró al reconocerlos entre la multitud. Michell, al verme, no pudo contener su entusiasmo y corrió hacia mí, abrazándome con fuerza mientras gritaba con alegría:

|| ¡RILEEEY! ¡AMIGAAAA, CUÁNTO TE EXTRAÑÉ! Estás preciosaaaaaaaaaaaa ||

|| ¡MICHEEEEELL! || exclamé, tratando de contener las lágrimas de emoción que amenazaban con salir. Mi voz temblaba mientras me esforzaba por sonreír. Michell se rio, con esa risa contagiosa que solía llenar nuestras noches de diversión. Acarició mi rostro con ternura y me dijo:

|| Por favor, amiga, no llores; ¡el maquillaje! ||

Nos reímos juntas, justo como solíamos hacerlo en el pasado, cuando nos preparábamos para cualquier ocasión especial. Las lágrimas que querían salir se contenían mientras ambas tratábamos de recuperar la compostura.

|| ¡Cielos! Tienes razón, ¿dónde está el glamour? || le respondí, sonriendo mientras me daba cuenta de que tanto Drake como Frank nos observaban con curiosidad. Frank tenía una de las sonrisas más grandes que había visto, y su expresión era un reflejo de la calidez con la que me recibía. Mientras me miraba, simplemente sacudía la cabeza en señal de incredulidad, su sonrisa no hacía más que crecer. Me acerqué a Frank y le di un fuerte abrazo, sintiendo su afecto sincero || ¡Frank! ||

|| Nena, qué bueno es verte. Te hemos extrañado mucho || dijo Frank, su voz cargada de cariño. Nos abrazamos con fuerza, y de inmediato me invadieron recuerdos y anécdotas compartidas con ellos. La calidez del reencuentro me recordó cuánto los había extrañado.

|| También los he extrañado, chicos || Les dije, tratando de controlar mis emociones. Cuando finalmente nos separamos, tomé a Drake de la mano y lo acerqué para presentarlo || Amigos, les presento a Drake Walker. Él vive en Cordonia. Drake, te presento a mis mejores amigos: Michell Miller y Frank Smith ||

|| Es un gusto conocerlos || dijo Drake, extendiendo la mano con una sonrisa.

|| El gusto es nuestro, Drake || respondió Frank, sacudiendo la mano de Drake con firmeza. Michell, sin embargo, no dejaba de admirar a Drake, lo que me llevó a darle un codazo disimulado.

|| ¡OUCH! || exclamó Michell, dándome una mirada fulminante antes de volver a enfocarse en Drake || Qué gusto conocerte || dijo, sin extender la mano, sino que le dio un beso en la mejilla || ¿Entonces tú eres el mejor amigo guapo y sexy del Rey? ||

Drake abrió los ojos como platos, frunció el ceño y se quedó sin palabras, claramente desconcertado por el inesperado elogio. Frank, por otro lado, miró a Michell con una mezcla de resignación y diversión, poniendo los ojos en blanco con una sonrisa que decía "Ah, Michell y sus bromas".

|| ¡Michell! ¿En serio? ¡Estoy parado aquí mismo! || exclamó y todos estallamos en carcajadas. Drake, aún un poco aturdido, no pudo evitar reírse también mientras trataba de recuperar su compostura. Sentí una profunda calidez al ver cómo Michell y Frank acogían a Drake. La manera en que lo trataban y bromeaban con él, como si lo conocieran desde hace años, me hizo sentir aún más unida a ellos. Era como si la conexión que compartíamos no solo se mantuviera, sino que también se expandiera para incluir a alguien importante para mí.

|| Lo sé, amor, y lo siento… || dijo Michell con una sonrisa traviesa, lanzándole un aluvión de besos a Frank || Pero ahora, ¡solo tengo ojos para ti! ||

|| Espero que al menos me dejes algo de atención, ¿eh? || respondió Frank, bromeando mientras rodeaba a Michell con un brazo.

|| Claro, cariño, solo unos segundos para no parecer tan desconsiderada || le respondió Michell, guiñándole un ojo.

La escena quedó envuelta en risas y bromas, con Drake finalmente relajándose y uniéndose a la diversión. Me sentí agradecida y emocionada de ver cómo mis amigos habían aceptado a Drake con tanto cariño y naturalidad.

**

Toda la noche estuvo llena de baile, risas y charlas. Era como si el tiempo se hubiera detenido y todo volviera a ser como antes. Me sentía completamente en mi elemento, rodeada de mis amigos, sin la presión de críticas o miradas juzgadoras. De repente, la voz animada de Michell me sacó de mis pensamientos.

|| ¡Frank, quiero bailar! || exclamó Michell con entusiasmo, ya un poco borracha.

|| ¡No ya no más, estoy cansado! || respondió Frank con una sonrisa resignada. Pero, a pesar de sus quejas, Michell no se detuvo y lo arrastró hacia la pista de baile. Observé a Drake para ver si él también quería unirse al baile, pero…

|| Olvídalo, Brown. Yo ya no quiero bailar. Además, es hora de que me pagues el trago que prometiste ||

|| Tienes razón, está bien... Solo por eso te perdono que no quieras bailar conmigo. Vamos || le dije, sonriendo.

Drake me sonrió a su vez, y tomé suavemente su mano. Juntos nos dirigimos al bar. Al llegar, pedí dos vasos de whiskey al camarero. No tardó en servirnos, y cuando Drake tomó su vaso, lo miró como si fuera un tesoro.

|| ¡Wow! A esto puedo llamarlo la gloria || dijo, admirando su bebida.

|| Vamos, Drake, no exageres || respondí con una sonrisa.

|| ¿Exagerar? Brown, no he probado un buen whiskey en días, y esto es justo lo que necesitaba. Gracias por cumplir tu palabra || dijo, con sincera gratitud.

|| De nada. Recuerda que soy una mujer que cumple || Le respondí, mientras observaba cómo disfrutaba cada sorbo de su bebida. Cuando terminamos nuestras copas, Drake me miró con una expresión de interés.

|| Brown, honestamente, me encantó la bebida. Pero tengo una idea… ¿Por qué no vamos al área externa a tomar un poco de aire? ||

|| Ok, buena idea || acepté.

Después de que Drake pidiera un par de vasos más, nos dirigimos hacia una zona apartada de la discoteca. Cruzamos un pasillo iluminado con luces de neón y bajamos unas escaleras que llevaban a un área al aire libre. La transición del bullicio de la pista de baile a este rincón tranquilo fue un alivio. La música se atenuaba, y el ambiente se tornaba más relajado. La noche estaba fresca, y la vista desde allí era espectacular: se podían ver las luces de la ciudad parpadeando a lo lejos.

Encontramos unos taburetes cerca de una barandilla, donde nos sentamos a disfrutar de nuestras bebidas. El aire fresco contrastaba con el calor de la discoteca, y la calma del lugar nos permitió apreciar aún más la belleza del entorno.

|| No puedo creer que vaya a decirlo, pero hay mucho más en este lugar de lo que pensaba || exclamó Drake, mirando a su alrededor con asombro y satisfacción.

|| ¿A qué te refieres? || pregunté, con genuina intriga, intentando comprender la perspectiva de Drake.

|| La primera vez que estuve en esta ciudad fue durante la despedida de soltero de Liam, y sinceramente, las películas no le hacen justicia. Aunque Nueva York es enorme y bulliciosa, me encanta cómo la gente aquí no tiene miedo de expresar lo que siente, tal como lo hizo Michell || explicó Drake, con una sonrisa en los labios.

|| Bueno, ella es un caso especial, pero creo que esa sinceridad es parte del encanto de los neoyorquinos || respondí, sonriendo también, mientras me dejaba envolver por el ambiente relajado de la noche.

|| Gracias por traerme esta noche, Brown. Realmente necesitaba algo como esto || dijo Drake, con un tono sincero que revelaba su gratitud.

|| No tienes que agradecerme. En realidad, yo debería ser la que te agradece a ti por aceptar venir conmigo. Honestamente, creo que necesitaba un respiro... Mi mente está llena de preocupaciones en este momento || suspiré profundamente, el peso de mis pensamientos haciéndose evidente en mi voz || Me atormenta saber qué pasará con mi mamá, cómo será mi relación con mi papá... Si finalmente se acabará esta gran mentira que pesa sobre mí... Y qué pasará con Liam... ||

Al mencionar el nombre de Liam, noté que Drake desvió su mirada hacia el horizonte, donde un manto de estrellas brillaba a pesar de las luces de la ciudad. Su expresión se tornó seria, como si intentara comprender la magnitud de mi angustia.

|| Sé que Sebastián y Maxwell están haciendo todo lo posible para localizar a Tariq. ¿Por qué te preocupas tanto, Brown? Estás cerca de limpiar tu nombre. Deberías sentirte aliviada || dijo Drake, tratando de consolarme con un tono alentador.

|| Puede que te parezca fácil, Drake, pero ¿y si Tariq no aparece a tiempo y Liam termina casándose con Madeleine? Esa mujer es repugnante y solo busca el poder de la corona. ¿Sabías que ella y Regina hicieron un trato con Liam para asegurar mi regreso? || respondí, la frustración y el desánimo reflejados en mis palabras.

|| ¿Un trato? ¿A qué te refieres con eso? || preguntó Drake, frunciendo el ceño con confusión.

|| Regina se encargó de asegurar mi regreso a la corte sin problemas, mientras que Madeleine habló con Liam y le prometió que, si la elegía, ella permitiría que él mantuviera una relación conmigo. Es decir, Madeleine obtendría la corona y Liam podría tenerme como amante || expliqué, notando la creciente duda en el rostro de Drake.

|| No estoy entendiendo del todo || admitió Drake, visiblemente desconcertado.

|| Que ella permitiría que yo fuera su amante, Drake. A Madeleine no le interesa Liam en absoluto || aclaré, viendo cómo la incredulidad se asentaba en su expresión.

|| Ah, el acuerdo Cordoniano... Ahora entiendo de qué se trata. Pero, ¿qué dijo Liam al respecto? || preguntó Drake, intentando procesar la información.

|| Cuando discutimos esto, él estaba dispuesto a abdicar y renunciar a todo por mí. Liam estaba preparado para dejarlo todo atrás. Aunque me encantaría que nos escapáramos juntos, él tiene un deber con su pueblo y con la corona. No podía permitir que lo hiciera. Fue en ese momento cuando Liam me insinuó que fuera su amante || respondí, con un tono decidido.

|| ¿Liam te propuso eso? || preguntó Drake, con sorpresa y decepción || No puedo creerlo, Brown... Liam jamás me comentó sobre sus intenciones, ni me imaginé que se atrevería a ofrecerte algo así. Y dime, ¿supongo que aceptaste? ||

|| Drake, ¿quién crees que soy? ¿Acaso crees que aceptaría ser la amante de alguien? Absolutamente no. No importa cuánto me quiera Liam o la situación en la que esté, no voy a reducirme a ser la amante de nadie. Una cosa es estar comprometido, pero cuando se case, todo será diferente. No voy a aceptar ser la segunda opción || Respondí con firmeza, dejando en claro que, para mí ese no era un camino que consideraría bajo ninguna circunstancia.

|| ¿Y Liam estuvo de acuerdo? || preguntó con interés.

|| Quería que dijera que sí, pero respetó mi decisión. Aunque esperaba que lo reconsiderara. La verdad es que me siento perdida, Drake. El tiempo se está acabando y no sé qué hacer || respondí, mientras un pesado silencio se instalaba entre nosotros. Drake me observó atentamente, y justo cuando estaba a punto de hablar, él empezó a decir algo.

|| Parece que Liam sabe que tengo sentimientos por ti || mencionó. Mis ojos se abrieron de par en par al recordar las palabras de Liam.

|| Así es, él lo sabe || confirmé, sintiendo un nudo en el estómago.

|| ¿En serio? ¿Por qué no me lo dijiste antes? || preguntó Drake, visiblemente sorprendido.

|| ¿Habría cambiado algo si te lo hubiera dicho? Ni siquiera yo estoy segura de lo que siento || respondí con sinceridad.

|| Cuando viniste sola, Liam estaba desesperado por saber cómo estabas, pero no podía venir. Contactó a Maxwell y Hana, pero ellos no pudieron ayudar. Por eso me pidió a mí. No parecía contento de enviarme, pero no tenía otra opción. Ahora entiendo por qué... Liam tiene miedo || explicó Drake, mirándome con atención. De repente, sentí nervios.

|| ¿Miedo? ¿Miedo a qué? || pregunté, confundida.

|| Dime una cosa: ¿estás enamorada de mí? || me preguntó, mirándome fijamente.

|| Yo… Yo… || titubeé, mientras Drake colocaba sus manos en mis hombros.

|| Brown, solo dime la verdad || dijo con seriedad.

|| No estoy segura. No sé si lo que siento es solo amistad o amor... Esta confusión me duele. Sé que no debería estar en esta situación, y no quiero que pienses que soy una cualquiera. Nunca me había pasado algo así y, sinceramente, no sé qué hacer con lo que siento... || De repente, las lágrimas comenzaron a caer de mis ojos. Estaba confesando mi confusión a Drake por primera vez. Él me abrazó con fuerza, buscando reconfortarme.

|| Tranquila... No pienso eso de ti. No eres ninguna cualquiera. Solo te pido que tengas paciencia. Cuando todo esto termine, serás libre de tomar tus propias decisiones. ¿Está bien? || me dijo, mirándome con ternura. Asentí lentamente mientras él limpiaba mis lágrimas con sus manos || ¿Por qué no entramos? Voy a llevar algunas rondas de tragos a tus amigos. Yo invito || ofreció Drake, intentando animarme.Su propuesta me hizo sonreír y empecé a respirar con calma para controlar mis emociones.

|| ¡Ok! No sabía que para que fueras generoso tenía que abrir mis sentimientos. ¿Debería hacerlo más seguido? || bromeé.

|| Brown, quién sabe, tal vez solo sea tu compañía lo que me anima || respondió él con una sonrisa.

Mis mejillas se sonrojaron ante su cumplido. Juntos caminamos hacia el bar para pedir las botellas

**

<<<Punto de vista Drake>>>

Pasamos una gran noche, riendo como nunca lo habíamos hecho. Riley parecía disfrutar del momento, y por unos segundos, parecía que cualquier problema que tuviera desapareció. Pero conforme la noche avanzaba y después de más de seis botellas, noté que Riley ya no daba más. La vi tomar su celular y, con una mirada borrosa miro la hora. Frank y Michell seguían bailando y besuqueándose, pero Riley ya no estaba en condiciones de seguir, así que me miró con los ojos entrecerrados.

|| Drake… Creo que… Necesito irme... Estoy mareada... Mejor dormir... || Dijo con dificultad y la preocupación me invadió.

|| ¿Estás bien, Brown? || Pregunté y ella solo asintió con la cabeza, pero claramente estaba demasiado mareada || Muy bien, vámonos || Le dije.

Rápidamente llamé a Frank y Michell y nos despedimos de ellos antes de salir del club. Sosteniéndola, la ayudé a caminar, tambaleándose, mientras nos dirigíamos hacia el hotel.

**

Al llegar al hotel, noté que el mareo de Riley aún se mantenía por lo que la acompañé hasta su habitación. La vi buscar en su bolso las llaves, pero no lograba encontrarlas. Suavemente, le quité su cartera y sin problema saqué la tarjeta que abría su puerta. Me miró y me sonrió suavemente, un gesto que parecía una mezcla de agradecimiento y cansancio. La ayudé a entrar.

|| Que descanses, Brown || le dije, acercándome para darle un beso en la mejilla. Pero de repente, vi cómo sus ojos se llenaban de lágrimas. Se veía sola, triste, abandonada. Todos sus sentimientos y el licor se mezclaron, haciendo que comenzara a llorar || Hey Brown, ¿qué pasa? || Pregunté tiernamente mientras la abrazaba. Después de unos momentos, se separó y me miró, sus ojos reflejando una tormenta de emociones.

|| ¿Drake, tú… estás enamorado de mí? || me preguntó Riley con ansiedad mientras me miraba con dulzura. Dudé un momento en contestarle, pero no podía mentirle.

|| Brown, estoy locamente enamorado de ti desde que te vi por primera vez en ese bar. Cuando Maxwell salió con su loca idea de llevarte a Cordonia, me obligué a ocultar lo que sentía porque noté cómo Liam y tú se miraban, así que pensé que lo mejor era dejar todo a un lado || le dije mientras suavemente la tomaba por los brazos || Pero cuando todo esto termine tú podrás escoger… Aunque esa parte me da miedo, porque si me llegas a escoger a mí, no puedo ofrecerte ni la mitad de lo que Liam te daría. No sé qué podría ofrecerte, pero cuando llegue el momento, y esas fotos no cuelguen en tu historial… Yo seguiré aquí. ¿Ok? ||

|| ¿En serio, Drake? ¿Seguirás aquí? Pero… ¿por qué? || me preguntó Riley, claramente conmovida.

|| Porque te quiero, Brown… Y sí, estaré aquí para ti y hablaremos. ¿Te parece? ||

|| ¿Y qué pasa con Sara? || me preguntó Riley, curiosa.

|| Sara a mí no me importa… || dije mirándola fijamente || Solo dime si te parece que hablemos cuando ese escándalo ya no cuelgue en ti ||

|| Ok, hablaremos || respondió, pero de repente me acerqué lentamente a ella, tanto que pude sentir sus labios muy cerca de los míos. Mi respiración comenzó a volverse brusca mientras la observaba, intentando absorber cada detalle de este momento. Tan pronto como di un paso hacia ella, giré y la presioné contra la pared. Mis labios se encontraron con los suyos en un beso apasionado. La besé más profundo mientras nos acercábamos más. Gemí cuando Riley envolvió sus brazos alrededor de mi cuello, luego me alejé un poco y contemplé sus ojos.

|| Eres mi debilidad, Riley || dije suavemente, tocando su mejilla y acariciándola con ternura || No te imaginas cuánto te deseo ahora mismo. Desde que llegué no he parado de pensar en eso… Te necesito... ¡Necesito tenerte! ||

@tessa-liam, @kingliam2019, @choicesficwriterscreations

If anyone else wants to be tagged, just let me know. I hope you enjoy this wonderful love adventure.

[f0point5]

if danny ric didn’t exist (or like, had to quite f1 for some reason) who would you want in the second rb seat?

Right now, I’m going to go wild and say Nico Hulkenberg. Stay with me here.

He’s better than that Haas. In a rocket ship, I believe he would pick up some good points. He knows how to work with what he’s got so he’s going to work with the car Red Bull give him rather than complain. He’s consistent, he’s used to his job being “score points”, so he won’t get delusions of grandeur. He’s far enough away from Max to not be an issue, he would be grateful enough for a car that lasts more than 3 laps on one set of tyres so he will not be too uppity, and I think he’d be a decent back up.

He will also only want a couple more years in the sport, which goes nicely because in 2026 I would retire him to give the seat to Liam Lawson/an RB up and comer. I say Liam because he’s looking like the one right now but that may change. But I think 2026 would be a good time for a rookie back in Red Bull, ready to learn from Max in preparation to take over when he retires. (I would LOVE if it was Kimi Antonelli SOMEONE steal the kid from Merc Helmut Marko I am counting on you grandpa give me ONE FINAL GOLDEN BOY).

But yeah so, Hulk till ‘26 and then new RB rookie for the new era

[b4byblu3z]

HELLOOOO sorry I haven’t been active much!!!

But I just saw your yandere circus and OOOOOO.

I got ideas…

Clown yans with apprentice clown darling who just recently joined: She is new so she’s steadily trying to figure out what the main part of her act is going to be. The clowns use this as a chance to get her to be apart of their act to have her all to themselves. Here’s the fun part. Each clown has a unique act that ties into all of the others. So constantly they are stealing her away from each other to get her to work on their act, but all Darling sees is them being sweet enough to help her out. In reality they are at each other’s throats fighting over her attention. Now the question is… Who will she choose?

Ringmaster Yan with a darling who has applied to take care of the animals that are apart of the circus: His love(obsession) for her happened when he went to her tent to check to see how she was doing on her first day, and he so happened to walk in on her caring for a female elephant and her child. In that second he froze and it felt like his heart skipped over itself. From that point on he would constantly call her over to his tent from the pretense that an animal needed to be checked on while he supervised. This was so he could have her all to himself away from all the other members of the circus.

Twin tight rope walker yans with a contortionist darling: The twins from birth have always been inseparable. They shared everything. Clothes, hair styles, speech patterns, etc. If you saw one you could guarantee you would see the other not far behind. That is the main reason as to why their act was so special. They could not speak a word to each other before a show and do tricks flawlessly. It’s just how well they know each other. One day a new comer shows up and immediately they both are in awe. After their act from behind the curtains they see contortionist Darling move her body in ways they thought impossible. She could balance three bowling pins one on top of the other on the balls of her foot all the while bent backwards. She would flip and turn, and throughout her entire act the crowd was in awe. She made the children laugh and made gasps sound throughout the audience when she did something that many deemed impossible. After the Twins got through watching her act that moment they both knew something. They had to have her all to themselves, and they weren’t too keen on sharing her either…

Name Ideas:

Clowns: Chuckles, Whimsy, Pipo, Pips, Patches, Tot, Binks, Dimitri, Alphie, Artie, Chester, Davey, Edwin.

Ringmaster: Everett, Gabriel, Julius, Titus, Imre, Sebastian, Alexander, Edmund, Alister, Callum, Liam.

Tight rope walkers: Noah and Nathaniel, Toby and Thomas, Leo and Lucas, Finley and Freddie, Hugh and Hugo, Abel and Ave, Jasper and Finn, Benjamin and Elijah, Ash and Heath, Atlas and Adonis.

Sorry if this is too long!! I hope you’re having an amazing day/night!!! Keep up the amazing work!!!!!

YOUR IDEAS ARE SO YUMMY WHAT

Like a band of clowns (Sunday, Artie, Chuckles, and Alphie) who joined the circus to put their unique violent skills into something helpful, their act is intricate, involving everything from slapstick comedy to knife throwing. Poor darling doesn't fit in, they're clumsy and oh so inexperienced.

The clowns, of course, offer to help their new apprentice vying for their attention in the process. Darling is all merry, happy that their mentors are all trying to get their act to fit into the show. Meanwhile, the clowns are giving each other nasty glares behind their back.

Or the Ringmaster, Edmund, who simply can't do it all. He's in charge of everything: animal care, cleaning, organizing shows. He just can't do it anymore. With one of his best elephants about to give birth and his show growing in popularity, he needs help.

He puts out an ad, asking for workers who were willing to travel with the circus to help out. Darling answers the advertisement, applying for the animal handling position. They were clumsy and a bit skittish, but beggars can't be choosers. He hired them up front, and their work began quickly. He avoided them for the first several weeks, until they're late bringing out the animals, and he went to search for them. Finding them in the elephant's trailer, he watched them help the newborn nurse, and a switch in him flipped. Something about the care that they gave the creature, the gentleness with which they handled her, it enraptured him.

He began calling them to check on certain animals, even when check ups or grooming was unnecessary. He just wanted to see them so desperately and get them away from prying eyes.

Or the tightrope walkers, Toby and Thomas, who were used to sharing, ever since they were young they would share toys, clothes, snacks, they even shared a bedroom until they were teenagers.

It was only natural that they share the pretty new performer as well. They're mesmerized by the way that they can move, flipping and twisting into unnatural positions.

The two made a silent agreement on their first night with the circus. The twins would share them, like they shared everything else. They belonged to the twins, even if they didn't know it.

[theanticool]

Liam Paro vs Subriel Matias - 6/15/2024

Australian boxing has a new world champion in Liam Paro (25-0, 15 KOs). Paro is coming off a solid performance over Puerto Rican Subriel Matias where he took the IBF Super Lightweight championship. For some reason, he is back in Puerto Rico this week to defend that title.

Paro will face off with up and comer Richardson Hitchins (18-0. 7 KOs) this Saturday (Dec. 7).

[myimaginarywonderland]

I think we are all overestimating the actual impact.

McLaren, Ferrari and Aston Martin are still looked in at the end of the day for 2025 (unless Aston has the second half performance overall next year then yeah, Nando might leave.)

RedBull will probably only promote Ricciardo realistically should Perez continue his bad form and keep Yuki while getting Liam in.

Haas will if they change the line up, only take one of their reserves.

Williams is looked in with Alex and Logan for I say the end of 2025 unless Logan has a really bad year. If Logan does I would bet money on Mercedes pushing for Mick to have that seat.

Alfa Romeo is probably going to drop Val and maybe get another rookie in there.

Alpine and Mercedes is really where I see the only change with the second Alpine seat obviously going to Sainz. I am certain that Esteban would get the call before Sainz because I am sure that the main priority of Mercedes will now be George. And while Esteban can get fisty sure, Sainz is a much bigger risk purely on the base that he has also shown that he isn't a team-player and the non-existent connection to Mercedes. Esteban was for a long time speculated to take over for Valtteri. I don't see what harm having him for 1/2 season could be until maybe Antonelli is ready to step up.

The end of 2025, that is what we need to watch out for but I think the end of 2024 will not really provide a huge shake up as the only new-comers will be drivers that already had F1 experience one way or another and the fact that most teams will likely just keep their pairing or switch with the basically existing sister team.

[lilbabyalpha]

Power Play: Caleb/Liam

@sunshinexstardust

The Pit. An underground night club in the depths of Gotham City. It wasn't just any nightclub. It was the biggest sex club in all of Gotham. Not just any sex, gay sex. The pit was known for hosting the hottest gay sex parties in all of Gotham. Politicans, police men, lawyers, doctors, they all have come to the pit in secret, and many of them are secret patrons of the club. Gay sex, all night, no limits, all fun. The money was piling up, the booze was flowing and the sex couldn't be hotter. This man the owner of this establishment very happy.

He was a baby faced young man, barely eighteen. Not only was he the owner of this establishment. He was one of the most feared criminal mob bosses in all of Gotham. His name was Cherub, his street name anyway, named so after his baby face features. Because of that, the young man worked harder than any of his colleagues to be exceptionally ruthless. Caleb has an impressive body count under him and a huge rap sheet of his very own, all hiding behind that sweet baby face. Caleb may be young, and he may not look it, but he is a serious threat. He has no problem in taking out those who disrespect him, and he enjoys it too. However, putting his reputation aside, tonight, he's just a man looking to party, and he just so happened to find his new target.

He was a newbie. Caleb had never seen him before. He would have remembered a face like that. Tall, incredibly handsome, bright blue eyes, and a smile that could send armies to war. This stranger carried a man's beauty so well, and Caleb couldn't take his eyes off him. He watched from afar, and he could see that others were interested, so he acted fast. Giving the bar tender his special que, the stranger was ordered a drink and the bar tender told him that it came from the owner. Toasting the stranger from afar, he gave the new comer a wink. He was ready to have some fun.

[midnightmisadventures]

Pt 2 Liam Dream

Here's what I got...

We um, we were in our dream settings as usual. Fancy cruise dinner but not necessarily on a cruise, state college, huge manison, is it christmas? and most importantly.

The biggest up and comer. That park/camping/venue/camp that sometimes day is performing at outdoor festival style or there is a very cheap and country carnival. Looong "road"or driveway going to the park.

Theres also the dream town? And we were at one of those restaurants in one of those plazas if that makes sense.

And we were talking about various things while getting ready to go somewhere together.

There were other relevant guys what we knew or who were interested in me in the dream?? And I started talking about them casually not in a way where im praising them or calling them attractive. But in my head i felt myself talking too much. Like i had a feeling bringing them up would make Liam upset, but it was like I couldnt stop myself or like word vomit.

So then he tensed up or whatever and asked "who's more attrative "insert guy we know" or a famous basketball player" "Compare him to a famous basketball player you think is hot"

and as he was going i was like "no no no, im not doing that" and he was like "cmon, just do it" as if it was all good fun and not something he was upset about. I was like Liam no, im not gonna talk to you about guys and tell you whos hotter thats crazy, why would i do that." And something along the lines of....i love YOU and thats all that matters. But also not that bc i couldnt define our relationship exactly

He kept pushing, and i said i dont even know any basketball players by name except the famous ones. I only know the people my dad talks about anyway. And because he wouldnt let go, i even tried to name ACTIVE basketball players at the top of my head and i was struggling just to prove it to him, but i was hoping he believed me.

We then started talking about going to events, and like upscale things, not the grammys or something so big but potentially an award show. And he made a comment along the lines of "you get a girl who lives/works in new york and she'll start talking about stuff like this" Like oh so fancy, uhuh this checks out since you work at a fancy job in the city now and you do fancy things.

Lmaooo. I was just like what?? But we moved past it.

This comes off like he was being an insecure dick. But he wasnt.... lol. Insecure? okay yea probably but he wasnt being a dick it was very playful vibes but only significant cause i could see through it and tell this things were bothering him a little.

But it never felt like at my expense. He was always just trying to measure himself to feel good enough for what i was experiencing and who i was around.

Then.... time goes on. Its just us we're talking the same. And I tell a story about how one time i didnt pay a parking meter? And didnt get a ticket but i parked illegally. Idk a super harmless RANDOM story.

And after I told it he got quiet. And weird. Emphasis though on not mean. He was sweet and gentle the whole time. But his deameanor changed. And i tried to keep talking but now he was SO down. So I was wondering if I should bring it up, should I wait till we leave and say something in the car....

But i just said "im sorry, is it something I said? What's wrong"

And he looked up from tying his shoes and was like....."uh its just that (lets say "not paying the parking meter?") is really dangerous and I wouldnt want anything to happen to you. One time something happened with me and my dad and it was really bad"

And i felt horrible I was like "oh im so sorry Liam, I would have never brought it up, if I knew you had trauma attached to it" and he quietly was just like "its okay" And i was about to go over to him and hug him or rub his back but I asked "do you wanna talk about it"

And he just shook his head. So i was like...okay, he wasnt mad at me. He was just in a bad mood becaus of whatever bad memory.

But i....to fill the silence i guess kept saying sorry. Even though i didnt need to apologize anymore lol, I didnt know it would trigger him. And i asked him if he wanted to talk about, AND i said i wouldnt park illegally again. (Even though whatever my random story was about wasnt that bad)

My point was i did everything i could so i need to learn not to put it on myself to make him feel better. He's allowed to be sad. People can be in bad moods. Its not my fault!!

Which maybe explains why, then i said "Im sorry if now im talking too much, or saying the wrong thing i-, just sometimes don't know when to stop or if im doing to much"

And he said something in a cheeky way like "yea....you coulda stopped already. You don't have to keep talking"

And in the dream i took offense to that (silently). And got insecure about yapping too much.

But thinking it through now I think he was just saying "its okay you don't have to overcorrect or fix something that you didnt do" (or even that you did). You apologized. And he wasnt upset cause i told a random story about a parking meter. He was upset becuase he was reliving whatever trauma with his dad.

Swipe up for part 3

[jadepetals]

so this is part 2 of the fics that i've read and have stayed with me for a looong time. hope you feel the same way.

The Meeting Place / 15352 words

Bakery working, university attending, empty pocketed Harry Styles loves words, quotes, and wooing the beautiful boy who hates blueberry muffins. Because falling in love is very easy when one is falling in love with Louis Tomlinson.

swimming in a champagne sea / 16978 words

Louis is a supermodel. Harry is a celebrity photographer known for capturing the brightest up and comers in their most candid moments. They meet at London’s most exclusive New Year’s Eve party.

Monsters at Home / 21566 words

Everyone's eyes are on Harry, the beautiful, charming new student. Harry's only got eyes for the school golden boy: football captain Louis Tomlinson, whose homophobic father complicates matters a bit.

til I drown in your hands / 26204 words

Liam has a house to sell (and issues to sort out), Zayn is just trying to keep it together, Niall wants everyone to get along, Louis is flirty, and Harry has been in love with Louis for eight years.

lock me up with love / 29657 words

Louis had a messed-up knee, ruined career, and labradoodle to take care of. Harry had a normal knee, perfect career, and concern for his recluse neighbor. Harry's baking skills were enough to bring them together.

Sounds Like Heaven / 30516 words

A very painful au where singer/actor Harry Styles and songwriter Louis Tomlinson are married and have a daughter, but are not together any more. Except of course, it’s not that simple.

Sisterwives / 32624 words

Louis thinks he's getting everything he's ever dreamed of. Harry helps him find what makes him truly happy.

Nobody Marks You / 33093 words

Five assholes stuck in a bunker put on a play.

In Your Black Heart (Is Where You’ll Find Me) / 35954 words

The story of The Captain and The Carpenter.

Two Steps Behind / 38550 words

Louis is two years younger than his neighbors, Harry, Liam, Niall, and Zayn, and he grows up bending over backwards to get their attention and acceptance. Especially Harry's.

7 Up / 51973 words

Very loosely based on the British TV show "The Up Series" and somewhat inspired by the song “Something I Need” by Onerepublic, we follow the lives of Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson in an interview setting every seven years. They fall apart and come together, their lives and emotions recorded. Harry calls it a time capsule. Louis calls it a pain in the arse.

Gentle Autumn Rain / 57690 words

Louis Tomlinson moved to London with a big heart and a big dream. Harry Styles moved to London, fresh out of the police academy, with the hopes of helping as many people as he could in his eyes. When a deranged alpha forces their paths to cross, their ideas of what is meant to be will never be the same.

somethin’ bout you / 59855 words

Of all the government agents in the world, Louis had to go and land the most charming one.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR /80389 words

Harry and Louis are competing for the same position. They have differing outlooks, a heavy amount of mutual irritation, and all manner of reasons why getting romantically involved would be a terrible idea. Somehow — well. Things end up happening.

The Dead of July / 117466 words

Harry is Captain America, and Louis’ been dead for 70 years.

Never Be / 117522 words

The one where Harry Styles moves to Connecticut from England for nine months as a part of a study abroad program, and he just so happens to move in with Louis Tomlinson and family.  

Wild And Unruly / 123665 words

Harry is a cowboy sitting on the biggest oil reservoir in Wyoming, and Louis is the paralegal assigned to pressure him into selling his land.

A Love Like War / 173835 words

Louis Tomlinson is a cliched rock star, he's got everything except for love. But then he meets Harry Styles; the man that, against all odds, saves him in every way a person can be saved, even when Louis didn't know he needed saving in the first place.

Your Mess Is Mine / 176723 words

Louis is the father to the most brilliant little boy in the world who is all Louis really needs, or at least that's what he tells himself. Harry is a gorgeous boybander fresh off a two year break and a massive scandal that's left him a little broken and more than ready to move on.

Young & Beautiful / 227417 words

Louis, to his horror, attends an elitist university in which the name Zayn Malik means something, Niall Horan doesn't stop talking, there are pianos everywhere, and Harry Styles, only son of a drug-addled, clinically insane ex-rocker, has a perfect smile and empty eyes.

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5

[singing-show-alums]

Singing Shows and Eurovision: Sweden 🇸🇪 (Introduction)

I know it’s been a loooooooonnnnnnggggg time since I’ve posted anything on here, but that’s about to change. This is the start of a new series I’m planning to do on this blog, and I will be reblogging these on my Eurovision side blog, @american-eurovision-nerd. Some say that the Idols format was, in part, inspired by Eurovision. And although the Idols format has fallen in popularity in recent years, artists who first made their name on the format have found their way onto the Eurovision stage, a stage that has made and broken many a singer over its six decades of existence. I’ll be profiling different singing competition formats, specifically Idols, The X Factor, and The Voice, the countries where one or more of those formats may be popular, and their contributions to Eurovision.

In my first posts of this series, I’m going to be profiling what is likely the most successful country when it comes to Idols alums crossing over into Eurovision: Sweden 🇸🇪.

Sweden first began airing its version of Idols, Idol ____ (the blank there because the official title of the show uses the year that each season is taking place), in 2004 with Daniel Lindström crowned its first winner. Since then, it has run for 17 seasons, taking a one-year break in 2012 when The X Factor aired instead. The X Factor Sweden was canceled after one season and Idol 2013 returned the following year. Over 17 seasons, 12 men and 5 women have won Idol Sweden (and women have never won in back-to-back years on this particular version).

The male winners are: Daniel Lindström, Markus Fagervall, Kevin Borg (the only Idols winner to ever come from Malta), Erik Grönwall, Jay Smith, Kevin Walker, Martin Almgren, Liam Cacatian Thomassen, Kristoffer Kläfford, Sebastian Walldén, Tusse Chiza (originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and Birkir Blær (full name Birkir Blær Óðinsson, who is originally from Iceland).

The female winners are: Agnes Carlsson, Marie Picasso, Amanda Fondell, Lisa Ajax, and Nadja Holm.

Some American readers may recognize Erik Grönwall (who appeared as Simon Zealotes in NBC’s concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar) and Christoffer Kläfford (who would later compete on America’s Got Talent in 2019, where he made it to the Semifinal rounds before being eliminated).

This particular version of Idols has also produced a whole bunch of non-winning alumni who have gone on to great success, thanks in no small part to Melodifestivalen. Melodifestivalen (Swedish for “The Melody Festival” or “The Song Festival”) is the Swedish national selection competition to choose its entry for Eurovision. It was first staged in 1959, for Sweden’s second Eurovision appearance (its debut the previous year is the only time that Sweden has ever used an internal selection to select its Eurovision entry), and since then Melodifestivalen (also affectionately known to fans worldwide as “Melfest” or “Mello”) has taken place almost every year except for three: 1964 (cancelled due to an artists’ strike, which led to Sweden withdrawing from Eurovision that year), 1970 (when the Nordic countries boycotted Eurovision over the 1969 Contest ending in a four-way tie with four winners crowned because there was no tiebreaker), and 1976 (due to protests arising after Sweden hosted the 1975 Contest; Sweden ultimately withdrew from the 1976 Contest and returned the following year). Melfest for much of its history has made stars of up-and-comers and has either validated established stars or nearly ended their careers. Melfest has produced a total of six Eurovision winners (four of those coming before Idol’s debut in Sweden) and 24 Top Five placings at the Contest.

So...with that out of the way, let’s take a look at how many Idol Sweden alums have gone to Melfest, and then we’ll cover the Idol alums who have actually won Melfest more in depth. We’ll be looking at the overall alums season by season, with those reaching the Melfest Final at least once in bold. Those who also won Melfest are in bolded italics. The highest finishing contestant from each season is listed first, followed by finalists and then semifinalists (if any). All alums listed went to Melfest as performers. If they competed at Melfest under a stage name, it will be shown in parentheses.

Season 1 (2004): Darin Zanyar (Darin), Lorén Talhaoui (Loreen)

Season 2 (2005): Agnes Carlsson, Sibel Redžep, Måns Zelmerlöw, Ola Svensson

Season 3 (2006): Erik Segerstedt, Danny Saucedo (Note: both competed once as part of the trio E.M.D., and each competed at least once more as a solo artist)

Season 4 (2007): Daniel Karlsson (The Moniker), Mattias Andréasson (Note: as part of E.M.D. as well as solo), Christoffer Hiding

Season 5 (2008): Alice Svensson, Robin Bengtsson, Anna Bergendahl, Loulou Lamotte (Note: as both a backing singer for John Lundvik and as part of The Mamas, a group formed from those singers), Linda Pritchard

Season 6 (2009): Mariette Hansson, Eddie Razaz

Season 7 (2010): Andreas Weise

Season 8 (2011): Robin Stjernberg, Molly Pettersson Hammar (Molly Hammar)

Season 9 (2013): No contestants from this season have appeared in Melodifestivalen as of 2022.

Season 10 (2014): Lisa Ajax

Season 11 (2015): Martin Almgren, Axel Schylström

Season 12 (2016): Liam Cacatian Thomassen (LIAMOO), Rebecka Karlsson, Renaida Braun

Season 13 (2017): Hanna Ferm

Season 14 (2018): Kadiatou Holm Keita (Kadiatou), William Stridh, Natalie Brydolf

Season 15 (2019): Tusse Chiza (Tusse)

Season 16 (2020): No contestants from this season have appeared in Melodifestivalen as of 2022.

Season 17 (2021): No contestants from this season have appeared in Melodifestivalen as of 2022.

If you’re keeping count, Idol Sweden has produced 32 Melodifestivalen contestants, 7 Melodifestivalen winners, and among those 7 winners, 2 of them went on to win Eurovision: Loreen and Måns Zelmerlöw.

So, in order of their appearances on Idol (and in the case of season 5, the order they won Melfest), we’ll be learning a little more about those 7 alums who have gone on to win Melodifestivalen and grace the Eurovision stage. For each one, I will include a pic from their Idol run and a pic from their Eurovision appearance.

This series will be spread out over three posts: the first post will cover Loreen and Måns Zelmerlöw, who both appeared on Idol Sweden earliest in its run as well as won Eurovision. The second post will cover the three Season 5 alums who have gone on to win Melodifestivalen a combined four times: Anna Bergendahl, Robin Bengtsson, and Loulou Lamotte. The third and final post in this series will cover the two alums who competed latest in Idol Sweden’s run to win Melfest: Robin Stjernberg and Tusse Chiza.

You won’t have to wait long for Part 1, as it will be posted (and hopefully reblogged to my Eurovision side blog) tomorrow to mark the First Semifinal of Melodifestivalen 2022! The other two parts will each be posted on the next two Saturdays after that.

Stay tuned for Part 1!

[hljournal]

Today’s author is delsicle / @eeveelou ! Don’t forget to give the fics kudos and leave a comment!

Bloodlust (4k)

Vampire Harry gets addicted to his human boyfriend's blood. It has unexpected side effects.

a rose by any other name (3k)

Harry is a sheltered omega who is the pinnacle of good breeding, but the flowers in his family’s garden – and the alpha gardener who keeps them – prove to be his greatest weakness.

i want your belly (and that summer feeling) (9k)

Louis loves Harry's body from the first moment he sees him. It takes Harry a little convincing to see what Louis sees.

without crying over calories (5k)

Louis has no idea what to do for his new boyfriend on Valentine's Day. And then, inspiration strikes thanks to a big box of chocolate and a little red lace.

A Valentine's Day special in the thick alpha Harry universe

let me elevate your appetite (WIP)

Louis loves Harry's body and shows him every way he can

Or, the adventures of thick alpha Harry and his omega continue

Canyon Moon (40k)

For as long as Louis has remembered, he has been promised to be mated to Harry, his best friend and the future pack alpha. But Louis’s heart belonged to the forest and to the hunt more than he could ever imagine it belonging to Harry.

Then Harry’s father dies in a violent accident, and Louis’s future alpha disappears on the wind.

An A/B/O Lion King AU

save me, call me baby (14k)

Louis didn't plan for him and his husband to be pregnant at the same time. Somehow, it works out.

An omega/omega love story in three snapshots.

feeling it out (131k)

"Harry wasn’t jealous. He liked watching Louis and Alex together and how blissfully happy they were, a perfect pairing who would one day make a perfect family. Even in his lowest moments when he dreamed about the taste of Louis’s mouth on his, he would never want to live in a world where Louis broke Alex’s heart and left him for Harry.

But maybe he did want to come over one day, and have Louis kiss him in a greeting when he came over for dinner. He wanted a night to come when Alex would pick a tipsy Louis up to take him to bed and to glance over at Harry and say “you can stay, you know” and he wouldn’t just mean just for the night but forever.”

Harry has been hopelessly in love with his twin brother’s omega for five years. And then the war comes.

watched them all come falling down for you (6k)

February 8, 1935, Alex and Louis’s mating night. A timestamp from the feeling it out universe

Heavy Metal (5k)

Harry gets a piercing on a whim. Both he and Louis like it far more than either of them expected.

blue eyes, black jeans, lighters, candy (3k)

Harry is in Madrid and Louis had a hard week.

can you feel the fever (5k)

Tour has Harry exhausted. Luckily exactly what he needs is waiting for him in his Sacramento dressing room

swimming in a champagne sea (17k)

Louis is a supermodel. Harry is a celebrity photographer known for capturing the brightest up and comers in their most candid moments. They meet at London’s most exclusive New Year’s Eve party.

An alpha/alpha fic filled with confusion, banter, Ubers, and glitter

Even in August (30k)

Alex and Louis fell in love in an apple orchard.

The next few years are not so kind.

Trouvaille (18k)

The last thing Alex expects to find in an abandoned neighborhood in Dunkirk, France is something he actually wants to remember.

Baby Honey (14k)

When the next great war strikes, all alphas have to ship out. Alex leaves a little more behind than some of the others.

You and Me (37k)

Alex goes to war. He comes back and everything is the same -- his hometown, his flat, the boy with the bad heart he left behind.

Everything is same. Except for him.

Ever Fixed (41k)

Three years ago, Harry was happily married, successfully heading the largest technology company in the world, and raising his young daughter. After he loses nearly everything in the aftermath of his daughter’s lost battle with a rare brain tumor, it may take three strange and yet very familiar visitors – and a man from the therapy group Harry keeps refusing to go to – to get him back on track.

Based on the film Collateral Beauty

lightning before the thunder (29k)

Or, just another X Factor fic featuring dumb boys with dumber crushes, growing pains, random fires, and a dragon.

pray for some sweet simplicity (237k)

Or, an AU where motorcycle racing is the biggest sport in a heavily divided world, Louis is trying to take control of his own destiny, and Harry is in for more than he bargained for.

oh we’re in love aren’t we (20k)

Or, a soft 19/19 university AU in which Harry is getting a fresh start, Louis isn’t subtle, no one does their homework and 3 AM is an excellent time to fall in love.

beautiful sound beautiful noise (53k)

Louis is a washed-up pop star who has spent nearly a year hiding away from the world. Harry is a guardian angel who is assigned to live with him for the summer. Neither of them quite get what they’re expecting.

till I drown in your hands (26k)

Or, the AU in which Liam has a house to sell (and issues to sort out), Zayn is just trying to keep it together, Niall wants everyone to get along, Louis is flirty, and Harry has been in love with Louis for eight years.

[wontlastimokwiththat]

Witches Mates- Chapter 1

Hey my loves! This is an actual, full length, WIP I'm working on. It's one of the things that takes up a lot of my time. I have a few (maybe 6-7) chapters written and I’m working on more. This story means a lot to me, I've put a lot of time and effort into it. I hope you guys like it.

This is an all 4 5SOS boy fic. All of them are with one character but they aren't with each other. I'm not sure how it will be taken but I want to put it out there and see if y'all like it.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

"I thought we were going to surprise her," I heard someone say as the door to the shop opened.

"I need her help," a familiar voice countered. I walked out of the back of the shop with a smile.

"Whose help?" I asked my long time friend, Liam. I noticed his pack was with him and four others I didn't know. Yes, pack. Liam and his friends, Harry, Louis, Niall, and Zayn, are werewolves.

"Yours," he stated. I walked out from behind the counter.

"My services will cost you," I said. He smiled.

"I wouldn't expect anything different," he said before hugging me. "I've missed you. Happy birthday."

"You know I don't celebrate." I pulled back. "Who's your new friends?"

"J, meet Luke, Ashton, Calum, and Michael. Our parents are close friends," Liam explained, pointing at each one. "Guys, this is Jessica Lebeau."

"Nice to meet you all," I smiled as Harry cleared his throat. "Shut up, we talk all the time."

"That hurts, J," he said, putting a hand over his heart. I rolled my eyes before looking back at Liam.

"What do you need?" I asked.

"Danielle's hiding something from me. I need you to tell me what," he said.

"I'm not a mind reader, Li," I stated.

"Call her and ask," he told me.

"If she knows you're here, she won't be stupid enough to tell me. That's one reason I like her, she's smarter than you realize."

"It says outside something about tarot card readings," Calum said. "Don't those answer questions?"

"Most of the time, the cards give generalized answers," I told him. "I don't see the harm in trying, though." I walked back behind the counter and grabbed my tarot cards.

"Liam, have you ever had a tarot card reading?" Louis asked.

"Once and I didn't like the outcome," Liam said.

"You didn't like it because the cards told you someone was lying to you and it turned out your girlfriend was cheating," I reminded him as I spread out the cards. "Dani isn't like that so I'd say you're fine. Now, pick three cards."

"Fine," he sighed as he and the others walked to the counter. Liam pointed at one and I flipped it.

"Ten of Cups," I smiled. "You feel whole with her, completely happy."

"True," he nodded before pointing at the second one. I flipped it and frowned slightly. "What? Is it bad?"

"No, it's good. Four of Wands typically means you're on the right path," I said.

"Why'd you frown?" he asked.

"Ten of Cups can mean family and Four of Wands can be marriage or pregnancy," I explained.

"You mean-"

"Pick the last card, Liam," Niall interrupted. Liam pointed at his last card and visibly held his breath as I flipped it.

"You should call Dani," I mumbled.

"Why?" Liam quizzed.

"The Empress represents the life cycle, celebrates love, and the three cards together almost certainly means she's pregnant," I said. He pulled out his phone as he came behind the counter and walked to the back of the shop. The others started walking around the shop but Ashton stayed at the counter, staring at the tarot cards.

"I've never seen tarot cards like this," Ashton told me, running his hand across the back of one. "They're beautiful."

"They're handmade family heirlooms," I told him. "My mom's side of the family has done tarot card reading for generations. This symbol is our family crest." I pointed at the symbol on the back of a card.

"I've seen it before. It's the Firelight symbol," he mumbled.

"My family was around before witches chose the name Firelight," I lied. Actually, my family is the Firelight witch family. His eyes snapped up to meet mine.

"You know?" I laughed.

"Sweetheart, I live in New Orleans. Of course, I know."

"Hey. Is any of this stuff actually cursed?" Michael asked me, looking around one of the shelves.

"I wouldn't touch anything if I were you," Zayn told him. "You never know when it comes to J and her mom."

"J, what's the theme for the party tonight?" Harry asked.

"Witches," I told him as the shop door opened.

"And warlocks, right?" Calum quizzed.

"Language!" my best friend, Damien, exclaimed as the door closed behind him.

"What'd I say?" Calum asked.

"Warlock means oath breaker and is highly offensive to male witches," I explained. "Witch is a gender neutral term."

"Sorry," Calum said and I turned my attention to Damien.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Everything's all set up at your house," he told me. "The invitations have been sent and flyers have been posted."

"Great. Thanks, Damien," I smiled. He eyed the tarot cards and the three still flipped.

"Who's pregnant?" he asked me.

"Possibly Dani. I was reading for Liam," I told him.

"Damn," he whistled. "Tarot cards isn't how you want to find that out. I guess it's better than his last reading, though."

"Wait, you read tarot cards, too?" Michael asked him.

"Yeah," Damien nodded. "J taught me when we were, like, eleven."

"How long have you been doing it?" Ashton asked me.

"I learned to read tarot cards before I learned to read books," I told him. "I told you it's a family thing and Damien's practically family." Liam walked out of the back of the shop with a stupid happy smile on his face. "She's pregnant, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is," he nodded. I smiled as the congratulations rang through the shop. The standing clock in the corner chimed five and I looked at Damien, who smiled. I felt the wave of power rush through my body so strong I would've fallen to the ground had I not been resting against the counter. I closed my eyes to prevent the new comers from seeing my eyes glow a bright purple and I felt someone place a hand over mine.

"You good, J?" Niall asked. I nodded slightly, opening my eyes and looking at him.

"Never better," I smiled. I knew he realized what had happened because he smiled right back at me.

"Happy official birthday," he said with a wink.

"It's closing time," Damien announced. "Let's get the hell outta here."

"Go on. I'll meet you guys there," I said.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. I'll have to get my stuff together and lock up. I won't be far behind," I assured.

"I'll stay with her," Liam told him. "We need to catch up anyways." They nodded and left the shop. Liam looked at me. "Was that what I think that was?"

"If you mean me getting my full witch powers, yes, it was," I nodded.

"Have you already chosen a witch name?" See, here's the deal. A witch is given a name at birth, just like mundanes. But when a witch turns 21 and gets their full powers, they have to choose a witch name. The name they'll go by with their coven and other people of the supernatural world. My mother's witch name is Constance Firelight and her mundane name is Maria Lebeau. Damien's witch name Lejend Emberglow.

"I have."

"What name did you chose?"

"Mystia Firelight," I told him.

"It fits you," Liam smiled.

"Thank you." I collected my tarot cards and put them in their case. I put the case in my bag and threw my bag over my shoulder. "Ready?" Liam nodded. I grabbed the keys from under the counter and followed Liam out of the shop. I locked the door and made sure the protection spell was still intact then walked with Liam through the French Quarter to my huge house just outside of it.

Damien and the others were already there when we arrived. While they got into their costumes for the party, I went around the property's perimeter putting up a spell of protection from spirits that could rise and cause harm to me, my friends, or the party goers. Once I was finished, it was time for the party to start. Damien stayed outside greeting guests while I went to my room to change.

I changed into a black dress that hugged my body tightly and ended just above mid thigh. It was low cut in the front, going between my boobs, and was backless. The long sleeves were tight until my forearm then they flared out. I paired the dress with black, high heeled, over the knee boots and brushed out my long hair with brightly colored streaks. I did makeup with dark smokey eyes and deep red lipstick that looked like the color of blood. Once I was finished, I went down stairs.

I lit the elemental candles on the coffee table in the living room, deciding to call the elements to protect the party goers tonight. I lit the green one first. It represents earth and faces north.

"Earth, I call you tonight to keep my visitors grounded." I lit the yellow one next which represents air and faces east. "Air, I ask that you blow away any evil spirits that may try to do harm tonight." Next, I lit the red one that faced south and represented fire. "Fire, I call you to protect and guard my visitors tonight while they are here and while they go home." I lit the blue one next, facing west and representing water. "Water, I ask you to drown out any evil in my visitors hearts and minds tonight." Finally, I lit the purple one in the middle that represented spirit. "Spirit, I bring you into this circle tonight to ensure everyone is happy and has a good time."

[f0point5]

If you could change next year driver line up, how would u change it?

Hmm this is a tough question because I don’t have too too much knowledge of F2/other series to know who are the best options for replacements, but I’m going to fill them in where I can and and if I’m not sure I’ll leave it blank.

Red Bull - MV1 and DR3 - I actually don’t think Checo has been as much of a problem as people make out this year but I think next year when the field begins to converge and the top teams start coming for Red Bull, he’s going to be a constructor problem. He might even be a driver problem around those street circuits if it’s not guaranteed that Max will win everything else. I think Daniel would happily take the number 2 role from day 1 while Checo struggles to settle into it for the first few races.

Mercedes - GR63 and LH44 - I personally wouldn’t change it, because they’re two great drivers, and I’m here for the chaos. I think Merc would potentially shoot themselves in the foot by binning off one of two good drivers. Neither of them will win a title with the other in the same car but for constructors, I’d keep them both. Also I don’t like Merc as a vibe so these two tripping each other up next year is banter for me. I actually do think LH should retire but I can’t think of anyone on the grid who deserves (both in a positive and negative way) that Merc seat atm so I’m leaving him there.

Ferrari - CL16 and NH22 - Wild I know but hear me out. I think Hulk is SO much better than a Haas. He has dragged that disaster of a car to places it shouldn’t even see on a map in qualifying and he does all that can be done in the race before the tyres cook like Uncle Ben’s rice in a new microwave. I think he would be a great second driver for Charles. He could settle into the role easily, he could provide support not competition. I think he’s mature enough and would be grateful enough to do what needed to be done in a support role but also stern enough to speak up when there’s a problem, which maybe Charles doesn’t as much and Nico could be a good ally for him. I just think Charles could do with a big brother in that team and I think Nico could do that as well as scoring valuable points.

McLaren - LN4 and OP81 - This driver line up will cook by ‘25 imo but I think they’ll be good for another year.

Alpine - PG10 and EO31 - Just leave ‘em there, they’re not bothering anyone except each other.

Alpha Tauri - Liam Lawson and another rookie (Iwasa?)- I know AT are trying to move away from their RB junior roots and they want a strong development driver but it’s my game I’ll play it how I want. I like that they’re a place for young drivers to show their potential and that it’s the F1 finishing school. I think Liam Lawson deserves a chance to show he’s a contender for the post-Verstappen era, and I think Tsunoda is not their plan for Red Bull so he shouldn’t be taking up a seat in AT. I don’t know if they can get a really experienced reserve/sim driver to help with development, maybe give a chance to one of the other guys I’m mentally throwing out of seats, but I think AT should be for the up and comers.

Alfa Romeo - Theo Pourchaire and ZG24. I don’t know Theo Pourchaire too much, but I know he’s doing well in F2, and was in talks with AR for ‘24, so unless there’s another more promising rookie, give him a shot. I’d maybe like to see Arthur Leclerc in the seat just because I think he’s downright adorable but I don’t know anything about his driving. But yeah I think Bottas has had his time, he’s not providing points, Zhou seems to have a good handle on the car I don’t think Bottas is providing much in the way of mentoring. Sometimes you take the old horses out to pasture, I think it’s time. I’m leaving Zhou there another year or two because again I don’t have the knowledge of who else really needs a seat in junior categories, but if there was a stand out junior I’d chuck him. I think the line up would change again in ‘26 because I full believe there’s a seat for Sainz if he wants it, so I say give youngsters a chance while the team is in a transition period.

Aston Martin - FA14 and CS55 - I’m caveating this with it being contingent on Aston Martin recovering some form, because I wouldn’t want Sainz that far down the midfield as they are currently. That said, I think those two in the 3rd/4th fastest car would do BITS. They get on, Alonso is a man who can handle the pressure, and I think could handle Sainz and his family very well. I just see it being a competitive but harmonious pairing, and I think Sainz would calm down somewhat knowing he would for sure inherit free run of the team once Alonso retires (if Sainz doesn’t go to Audi). Also, Lance just has to go. I’m sure he does enjoy it but there’s any number of thing he could enjoy that don’t involve the negativity he deals with in this sport, that don’t involve the spotlight which he seems to hate, and frankly don’t involve being painfully mediocre. Buy a track, buy a car, race for fun. I think the Stroll situation has gone beyond a joke tbh.

Haas - SP11/YT22 and KM20 - I don’t even rate KMag but I don’t think Haas deserve a rookie and I don’t think they can afford one. I don’t think mick Schumacher was any real loss to the grid but it’s clear the Guenther didn’t have the energy, impetus, or indeed the money, to nurture a young driver. I’d give Perez first option in the seat and Yuki can have it if Perez would rather retire. I know it’s my choice but honestly I don’t think either of them would make inroads in a Haas so it doesn’t matter to me, I think they’d both produce an equally exciting performance once or twice in a season. I just think Haas needs to stick with solid, comfortable, and decidedly more experienced drivers.

Williams - AA23 and Felipe Drugovich - I think Alex is a good driver, and I almost gave him the Merc seat, but tbh I think he deserves to be a first driver, I think he deserves to have a team that believes in him built around him, and I don’t think he deserves to have his friendship with George ruined by being his teammate. So I’m leaving him at Williams, to see out that development project, and wherever they get to, he can have the credit. I’d like to see them in that Aston Martin/Alpine fight. I think Sargeant can see himself out; he’s a Mick, too expensive for a small team. I think Williams have the capability to develop a young driver, I think James says and does the right things, I think Alex has amazing mentor potential, I just think it’s wasted on Sargeant. Drugovich has a decent amount of experience, he presumably knows how not to bin it and cost a team money. Worst case scenario he’s a Sargeant, but that’s like a 1% chance. I think there’s a 99% chance he at least costs less.

These takes may be unhinged lol be glad my name isn’t Stefano Domenicalli.

[bonniebird]

A chance missed (Part Two)

Klaus x Reader / Stiles x Reader

Requested by Anon

Part One

“How can you all be ok with this?” Stiles snapped as he sat in the driver's seat of the car.

“They’re very nice and getting along with them will make it easier for Jackson in the long run.” Scott pointed out.

“Not that! Her, (Y/N) she’s dating a Mikaelson! That’s worse than Peter for those of use who weren’t keeping score.” Stiles snapped and glared at Scott who rolled his eyes.

“She can date whoever she wants. It’s none of my business anymore, she lives in New Orleans now, even if she still lived in Beacon Hills I could only voice any issues I had with him.” Scott explained firmly. He was getting tired of Stiles complaining about the situation. It was his fault. He needed to accept it.

“She’s just doing this to get to me.” Stiles said decisively.

“No she isn’t! She’s moved on because you’re a cheating jerk and the only reason half of us forgave you is because (Y/N) forgave you.” Malia growled out from the back of the jeep. “Now let's go inside. I want to see this Rousseau’s bar (Y/N) was talking about.” Malia climbed out of the car and stomped off.

“Stiles you need to get over (Y/N), you cheated on her, for months and she left you. That isn’t on (Y/N) at all. Besides, the pacts here and tenuous at best and I don’t want to go back home with an original Hybrid after us. If you can’t come with us without causing a scene then don’t…” Scott trailed off when he realised Stiles was staring out of the window with a glazed, far off look.

You were walking past with Lydia and Rebekah, heading towards the bar. Liam and Theo weren’t far behind. Scott sighed and shook his head. He just hoped Stiles could get it through his head before he upset Klaus.

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

“How are you enjoying our guests?” Klaus asked Kol. Kol had taken up a seat at the bar, hoping to avoid the new comers.

“They’re… different. The strawberry blond one… whats her name?” Kol gestured towards Lydia who was dancing with you.

“Lydia Martin.” Klaus informed him and Kol snapped his fingers.

“She was irritating at first, asking a lot of questions, writing notes. Did you know these hybrid descendants of yours have no direct elders, very little history they can collect. Two elder bloodlines in one town. Doesn’t seem right.” Kol’s tone changed from sympathetic.

“I assume you took it upon yourself to fill in some blanks?” Klaus asked hopefully.

“Of course. We can’t have this Sebastien Valet taking credit for too much of our work. Though bearing about that particular monster, makes me glad we don’t have to deal with him.” Kol admitted.

“Well, thank you, for quelling her curiosity, she’s good friends with (Y/N). One key point she keeps reminding me of, if that now matter how unconditional her love may appear, the one and only condition is peace between us and the McCall pack.”

“You know brother, you used to be the most feared monster out there, now you bask in the flight of a human woman.”

“As if you don’t do the same when it comes to Davina.”

“That is true. I just didn’t think you would be capable to patience. It is almost admerale brother.” Kol downed his drink and frowned looking over at the corner of the dance floor. “What is that one called. He never looks happy.”

“That would be Stiles.” Klaus said quickly. There was a moment of awkwardness that hung in the air before Kol spoke.

“Ah, yes, that one. I would ask if you are worried about them but apparently (Y/N) doesn’t want to talk to him, he’s part of the pack so she will forgive him to a point but no more. At least the Banshee said so. It’s rather thrilling to be wrapped up in these young dramas again isn’t it. Reminds me of Mystic Falls.”

“I am not worried. He broke her heart, but my city meant it. I get to love her. What more could anyone want?” Klaus said as he grinned, you looked his way and waved him over, insisting that he fulfilled his promise of dancing once, while the wolves were visiting.

“I could ask for less werewolves, we have enough already.” Kol grumbled as he watched his brother with amusement. Trust you to be able to lure out some softness from Klaus.

“Well they’re not going anywhere and I hate to break it to you, Malia and the fox, are tempted to stay with (Y/N). So urm. How about some some Chimera whiskey. It’ll kill a human and keel a wolf over with a deadly hangover.” Theo said as he took a seat at the bar with his smaller wolf friend. The boy nervously looked over at Kol who smiled and motioned for some shot glasses while Theo produced a Jam jar of clear liquid that burned Kols’ nostrils when it was opened.

“Just don’t tell our alpha we have any.” The small wolf promised.

“Never! I’m Kol.”

“I’m Liam.” Liam said cheerfully, seeming to conquer his fear of Kol but his suspicious frown stayed firmly planted across his face.

[liamoftheirish]

New to You | Liam & Scarlett

Heavy boots clicked against the hard floors that surrounded the cells, meshed with the rustling of faded and worn jeans, the clothing of a working man who lived and died by a simple creed: do your job. Liam had felt that, of late, he’d been neglecting that job. He’d been working pretty heavily at home, keeping more to himself, and spending time with others rather than patrolling and punishing, it was something he didn’t pride himself on. He worked, that’s what he did, and he’d been absent from it far too much of late, and he needed to up that.

So, in a bid to fix this, Liam chose to take up a patrol of the cells; the dorms obviously had plenty of slaves, but more importantly, tended to run rampant with back-talk, slaves feeling a bit braver hidden behind a cage (something Liam never understood, as he could enter at any time), and even more importantly, allowed him to catch late-comers coming in after their allotted hour, rather than during. And whilst Liam was more than happy to be lenient at times for some, in honesty, he was going to allow himself to be far stricter today, to ensure that he got some worthy punishments in and upheld his end of the bargain to the Institute, and to instill some healthy respect and fear once more. 

Liam snuck a cigar out of the breast pocket on his white and black flannel shirt, sliding it between his lips and lighting it up, inhaling a few puffs, while he looked in on the slaves, shocked to see such well-behaved ones today; or, at least, how many well behaved ones there were. 

That was when he came across a familiar face in the cells, when he spotted Scar seated there. She was always a fun one to torment, and he was almost guaranteed a confrontation with her.

“Sight for sore eyes,” The Guard offered, grinning around his cigar as he looked in on her.

@scarlettxmcknight

[shireness-says]

You’re Always 16 Hours Ahead

Summary: Killian Jones never expected to hit it big, but the opportunity of a lifetime pulls him away from home and the woman he pines for. Can a friendship that just might be more survive a concert world tour?

(With wide eyes and faith

That life could never pull us apart if we were ok

But distance kills the best of intentions…)

(~2.6K. Rated T for language. Also on AO3)

~~~~~

A/N: I’m so excited to share my contribution to the @csconcertseries! This is an idea I’ve had for a long time, and I’m excited to finally bring it to life. This is inspired by “Jet Lag” by Frank Turner, and also includes references to “Polaroid Picture,” “Get Better,” and “Plain Sailing Weather.” I’ve definitely been blasting his stuff all month long and dragging other people with me (looking at you, @thejollyroger-writer). Super thanks, as always, to @snidgetsafan for her beta talents. 

Without further ado: Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

~~~~~

POP PRINCESS ANNOUNCES WORLD TOUR

Great news, Fairy Fans: Wildly popular pop music star Tink is planning a world tour. The international exhibition will be undertaken to promote her latest album, “Neverland No More”. Tink will be joined on her tour by recent up-and-comer Killian Jones, who will serve as her opening act. Jones has captured the world’s ear with his recent hit single, “Green Eyes,” which continues to climb the pop charts. A full schedule of planned concerts can be found at…

  September 17th

Dear Emma,

I know it’s only been a few days, but I already miss you and Henry. Los Angeles is loud, and congested, and so much unlike Storybrooke that it scares me a little. But when that happens, I try to remember our bench on the docks, and it helps ground me. I’ve got a picture of us out there taped to the inside of my guitar case, just as a reminder that even if everything changes, I’ve always got something to come home to.

You didn’t think I was kidding when I said I’d write, did you? Mark my words, I intend to write you from every stop. To hell with blocking or setup or rehearsals or whatever, I’ll be sitting on an amp backstage writing you.

You must tell me everything, Swan - don’t you dare get skimpy with the details in your next email! I know it’s been less than a week, but I’m sure there’s something from the gossip mill. Has Liam secured a new Friday act yet? I’m sure he won’t find anyone nearly as talented (or handsome!) as yours truly, but I can’t imagine he and Robin are leaving that slot open in my honor. Tell me, how much do you think he’ll groan if I send back a signed world tour poster?

I’ve got to go - something about the lights. Such is the life of a rock star, isn’t it?

Your own personal celebrity (and best friend),

-Killian

September 19th

Liam - 

Brother, you’ve got to stop calling every few hours. I know you’re bored and your life is empty without me, but this is getting ridiculous. Half the road crew thinks you’re my father. Do you intend to run up your phone bill when the tour crosses the ocean? I love you, but please don’t go broke on my behalf. Now is the time to wean yourself off me.

All teasing aside, I do appreciate the calls, not to mention everything else. If you hadn’t insisted on making those demo tapes and forcing me to Boston and any venue or bar that would take me, I wouldn’t be here today. 

You’d have been so proud to see me - I must have been sweating gallons, but I got up on stage in front of that massive crowd and I did it, sang my pieces. The noise of all those people practically shakes your bones, Liam - and that wasn’t even half the noise that Tink elicited! I don’t know how she does it. I suppose I’ll find out, though, won’t I? After all, this is my big break, as long as I don’t screw it up too badly. 

I’m sure I’ll talk to you later - in the meantime, say hello to the lads for me.

-Killian.

P.S. Keep an eye on Emma and Henry for me, would you? I know you’ve already promised, but I worry. I owe you one, brother.

  October 2nd

Emma - 

Hello from Seattle! It is just as rainy as promised, and I’ve lost count of the coffee shops. Part of that might be the Starbucks, though. I swear, they’re like a plague, popping up all over the place. 

The tour is still going well. I might even get used to this tour bus life! I miss you all, of course - my love especially to Henry - but it’s exhilarating, getting up on stage every night in front of so many people. The crowds are huge, Swan, larger than I ever could have imagined. I know they’re mostly here for Tink, but there’s always applause and a handful of people singing along to my songs, and it’s the best kind of adrenaline. Leaves me with an itch in my fingers and a new song stuck in my head. I’ll work it out later. 

I’m so happy to hear that Henry is doing so well in kindergarten; he’s always been a little social butterfly. I’ll bet that he makes tons of friends; I’m glad he loves it so far. I’ll call soon, I promise. 

Yours, 

-Killian

  October 20th

Swan - 

Happy Birthday, darling! Technically, I’m mailing this a few days early, but I hope it’ll reach you just in time. I’m sorry to be missing the festivities this year - just know that I’ll be thinking of you all day, wishing I was there to celebrate with you. Keep an eye out for a package or two - and before you even try to protest that I don’t need to, they’re just little things, love. Stuff that made me think of you. Tokens of my affection, if you will. It’s your birthday, anyways - live a little! Let us spoil you for once.

Texas is… less than impressive. Large? Yes, in a way that feels almost performative. It’s missing some kind of charm, at least to me. Then again, I’ve never been much for cowboy hats; maybe that’s the real problem, here. Regardless, I’d gladly take the northeast fall colors any day. 

Make a good wish, alright? I hope the year to come is as wonderful as you are.

Yours,

-Killian

  November 26th

Dear Henry - 

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you have a good holiday? Did Granny make enough macaroni and cheese for you to eat your fill? I know that’s your favorite.

Thank you for watching the parade! I was really excited to be in it too. Sadly, the powers that be wouldn’t let me take home the Snoopy balloon for you, but I did manage to get a couple of handfuls of confetti for you. It should be inside this envelope. You would have loved it, Henry - the confetti was flying everywhere and I saw so many really cool floats up close and personal. We’ll maybe have to go together in a couple of years, aye? We’ll ask your mum.

Draw lots and lots of turkeys for me, little mate - I know you’re really good at that. And give your mum and Liam a great big hug for me!

Love,

-Killian

  CELEBRITY FILE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH EVERYONE’S NEW FAVORITE HEARTTHROB - KILLIAN JONES

… In researching this piece, I heard over and over about how personal Jones’ lyrics were, how well they captured every feeling and variation of being in love. Every fan out there seems to feel like his words are written just for them, like a window into their soul. So when I finally met with the man himself, I couldn’t help but ask: Was there anyone who inspired such lyrical devotion? Some woman - or man! - in his own life who inspired such moving words?

“You know, the thing I’ve always liked in listening to music on my own is being able to recognize a little bit of myself in someone else’s words,” Jones told me in response to the question. “It always made me feel a little less alone - a little more connected to other people, I guess, to hear that they experienced or saw things the same way I do. It’s very rewarding to hear that people feel the same way about my music. I’m of the opinion that music should be a universal experience, and when I write, I write words that I hope other people can see a bit of themselves in.”

Something about that blush and the nervous scratch behind his ear that fans know so well tells me he’s holding out on us…

  December 11th

Dearest Swan - 

The holidays have crept right up on us, haven’t they? Do us both the favor of imagining me singing that sickly-sweet “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” nonsense, because it’s true. December 20th. Mark your calendar, and don’t blame me if I fall asleep on the car ride home from the airport. It’s all this travel, you see - takes it right out of you. You can’t blame a man for that, love.

(Also, please ignore that I’ll be flying in from Chicago. I still plan to claim jet lag. That one hour difference, love, it’s a real killer.)

Is there anything in particular that Henry especially wants this year? I’ve done my best to pick up things for you and Liam and everyone else, but I know the lad’s tastes change practically hour to hour, and he’s probably got a whole list stashed somewhere. I want to get him something he’ll really like instead of just wandering through the toy store in a panic, if at all possible.

Counting the hours until I see you again,

-Killian

  January 8th

Emma - 

I don’t even know where to start. How can I properly apologize for what happened at New Year’s? I struggle, because I can’t truthfully say that I regret it. I don’t think I’ve made it a secret all these years that I’m helplessly enthralled by you and everything you are. There are words - big words, three words - that rattle around in my heart every day, but I know you’re not willing to hear them yet. I’ll be here, love, whenever you’re ready.

I know you’re scared, Emma, but I’m begging you - just talk to me. We can forget all about this, if that’s what you want, but you’ve got to talk to me. Every day I don’t hear from you is just a little bit harder. I’ll follow your lead, whatever you say.

You’ll always be my best friend, Swan - no matter what else happens.

-Killian

  January 20th

I kissed her, Liam.

I’m sorry; that’s not much of a way to start a letter is it? How are you? Everything going well? 

But I’m sorry, I’ve got to talk about this and get it off my chest. Because I kissed her, Liam. Emma. I kissed Emma. And then it kind of… all went to shit. I guess that’s just like me, isn’t it? Give me one fine day of plain sailing weather, and I can turn it to stormy seas.

And I know where she’s coming from, really - I know better than almost anyone about how she’s been left behind too many times. As much as it hurts to have this sudden radio silence, I know she’s just trying to protect herself. But I love her, Liam. I’ve loved her forever. This isn’t just “distance makes the heart grow fonder,” or something stupid like that. I should have acted a long time ago. I should have done a thousand different things, but here we are.

If you have any ideas of how to fix this, please, let me know. I hope you’re having a happier new year than I so far.

-Killian

  February 2nd

Dear Emma - 

I can’t tell you how good it was to hear from you the other day. You may think that there’s nothing interesting about all the goings-on in the bar, but that particular kind of nothing is soothing. It’s like a little piece of home in every email. Besides, I know that the bar is never quite as boring as we always joked. And I’d welcome any word from you anyways, after how much I’ve missed you.

We’re in Paris right now. It’s gorgeous, truly - I’ll have to bring you and the lad back sometime. I know you’d call me a nerd, but I’ve been hitting museums - the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Rodin museum, etc. I made sure to do the Eiffel Tower too, just for you, even though the crowds were utterly terrible. Stuffed my face with pastries too, all on your behalf.

(Okay, you caught me, Swan - the pastries are for me too. The croissants, Swan! The bread! I surely won’t fit in my trousers if we’re here any longer, but I can’t regret it. I swear, I’d ship some back to you if I thought they’d survive the trip.)

We’ll have to schedule time for a call home soon - I find myself so often longing for your voice. I love your emails, but there’s something to a phone call that can’t be replaced. 

Yours,

-Killian

  March 11th

Dear Henry - 

Thank you for sending me that drawing! I love it. It’s taped to the inside of my guitar case now, where I can look at it every day. I especially like the yellow you used for your mum’s hair. You’ll have to thank her for scanning that for us on my behalf. That’s good form, you know.

I’m in Amsterdam right now. Your mum or Liam can show you where that is on a map; it’s in Western Europe. I went someplace I think you’d love today; it’s called Madurodam. It’s this entire miniature city, with little airplanes and zoo animals and everything. I had a lot of fun exploring it, and I think you would too.

A graduation, you say? From kindergarten? I wouldn’t miss it for the world, lad. I’ll be home, no matter what.

I miss you, Henry, and your mother too. It always brightens my day to see an email from you.

Sealed with a great big hug,

-Killian

  April 21st

Emma - 

London is rainy and cold. I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything different, but here I am, surprised all the same. It’s hard to convince myself to go do any of the tourist-y things when the weather is like this, so I’m stuck inside, writing to you. Not that that’s ever a hardship...

You’d hardly recognize me with this get-up I’ve found myself in for the show tonight - the heavy eyeliner especially. Gone are the days of some beat-up tee - though I think you might like the vest. Getting dressed feels like slipping into some other persona. I worry a lot of the time about whether I’ve changed beyond recognition, or if I’m still the same person you know. That’s the man I want to be, you know - someone you can be proud of, but somehow still that same poor bastard in the bar, just trying to write words that mean something. I hope I am. But you know how it goes - distance kills the best of intentions. 

I miss you terribly, Swan, and Henry too. Hell, even Liam. These letters are all that ground me some days, I fear. On the loneliest nights, I reread your emails and imagine you’re talking to me instead. It’s always just a too-brief daydream, unfortunately.

I’ve grown rather maudlin, haven’t I? That won’t do at all. I blame it on the rain. Here’s a happier note for us both: I’ll be home late next month. Perhaps I’ll have to make one of those paper chains Henry’s so fond of; if I do, I’ll include a picture with my next letter. 

Counting the days. Until then - 

Love, Killian

  May 17th

My Swan - 

By the time you get this, I’ll be home with you and the lad again, and hopefully have already told you in person everything I want to say now:

I love you, Emma. Every word of every song is for you. I’ve loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you, and no time or distance or groupie is ever going to change that. I’m yours, love, body and soul. And I have faith that life can never tear us apart as long as that’s true.

I’m coming home, love. And my home is you.

Yours (in every sense),

-Killian

  BREAKING NEWS: KILLIAN JONES’ SECRET LOVER?

Bad news for all the fangirls and Killy-Tink shippers out there: Bad boy popstar Killian Jones appears to be off the market. The singer, 27, was spotted locking lips with an unidentified blonde at the Storybrooke Memorial Gardens, just outside of Boston, where Jones calls home. Sources have long speculated that Jones has a secret girlfriend back home, and this just might be confirmation. Check back as this story continues to develop. StarWatchOnline remains YOUR #1 celebrity news site… 

~~~~~

Tagging: @snowbellewells, @profdanglaisstuff, @kmomof4, @winterbaby89, @teamhook, @ohmightydevviepuu, @optomisticgirl, @spartanguard, @thisonesatellite, @let-it-raines, @scientificapricot, @searchingwardrobes

[captcas]

Worth Fighting For

WORTH FIGHTING FOR by capthamm

Killian “Hook” Jones is a dominate up and comer in the UFC while Emma “The Savior” Swan’s career was cut short. When Hook’s manager moves up and the office brings in UFC’s youngest legend to keep him in check, will either of them be able to handle it?

read on ao3 // tumblr: ch 1

[Chapter 2/?]

Change has never quite worked out in Killian’s favor, and he can’t help the surge of panic which fills his gut at the prospect of opening up to someone new, but he trusts Rob and Regina with his life— basically owes them it— so he’ll show up to this meeting with a nice suit and his best behavior. Regina assured him that it’s someone who knows the business inside and out and has a good reputation within the league.

He doesn’t really care about all that. He just wants to fight.

Well… mostly.

He exits the subway and walks the two blocks to Mill’s Management. He walks through the revolving door into the lobby and takes a deep breath. He’s been here a million and a half times for meetings and holiday parties -even to help out with Roland- but today the air feels thick with anticipation. He greets the receptionist, Anna, briefly, knowing full well if he talks too much he’ll probably be late for his meeting in half an hour.

She smiles warmly at him, a glint of knowing in her eye.

He figures she already knows who Regina’s replacement is. His meeting is at 10:30 and he assumes whoever it is was already here for a bit of onboarding beforehand. He nods and walks into the elevator physically and mentally shaking himself into character. Whoever this new manager is, expects cocky, dominating, MMA fighter Killian “Hook” Jones, and not the quiet, broken, human being he really is.

He knows he’s going to have to tell this person his life story eventually. They need to know everything in order to steer the press in the correct direction as far as questions and features go. They are going to need the highlights as well as the skeletons. It was easy when it was Regina, she’s been there for most of it and heard the rest from Liam, he didn’t really have to tell her anything.

This is the longest elevator ride of his life.

When the doors finally open, he exits and is immediately greeted with a thud to his knees.

“Uncle Killian!!!!!!” He can’t help but chuckle at the lad’s enthusiasm.

“Hello, Rol.” He slings him over his shoulder with ease. “How’s my favorite lad?”

“I’m fine but mom is waiting for you and she looks stressed. Dad said not to bother her today. Can we get ice cream when you’re done?”

Killian kisses Roland’s temple and sets him down. “Aye, lad. Good call steering clear of your mom this morning. I’ll talk to her about the ice cream though.” He winks as Roland beams and runs back to the room Regina and Robin set up as his place to hang when they had to bring him to work. They try and avoid it whenever they can, but with someone new coming on board, it seems absolutely everyone is in the office. Robin is only a trainer and coach (really has nothing to do with management at all) and even he’s in the corner talking in hushed tones to one of the other managers, Tink.

Killian assumes he’s here as moral support and gives him a nod and wave before heading to Regina’s office.

The visit from Roland was a mood booster but he’s lost all the confidence and swagger he built up in the elevator. He sighs and quickly snaps back into character.

He notices her blonde hair as he knocks rhythmically on Regina’s door frame. They’re chatting animatedly about something. Regina looks up, “Good, you’re here. Please take a seat, Killian.”

The blonde turns around at the mention of his name, and when he sees her face, he can’t help but gasp.

. . .

She hasn’t had to get ready for work since… well since high school. Getting ready for a fight was… different. She had a very specific ritual for fights that did not include the multitude of decisions which are a daily part of working an office job. Today, she had to worry about pant suit vs. skirt suit, heels vs. flats, hair up  vs. down, hair curled vs. straightened, and barely there makeup vs. the whole nine yards of makeup. Back when she was fighting, she wore her fight clothes and had her fight hair, and– let’s be real– her minimal fight makeup. Getting ready for a fight was definitely not the same as putting on a monkey suit and a pound of makeup and hoping it’s professional enough for Regina Mills.

Ruby assured her it was.

She’s not sure what makes Ruby the authority.

She trusts her anyway.

Ruby gave her a few different options as far as outfits for her first day, assuring Emma that it would alleviate stress about what to wear. Emma’s not so sure. She tries on the pantsuit first and it feels a bit stuffy so she grabs the second outfit: a charcoal grey pencil skirt, black sleeveless blouse, and a red blazer with low nude heels. As she slips the blazer over her shoulders and flips her hair out from underneath, she feels a surge of confidence she hasn’t felt since the night before a fight.

At the risk of sounding superstitious, red has always been Emma’s color. From her training jacket to her sports bra to her shorts, she dominated in red and it always sort of stuck. Ruby likes to think it was because of her “impact,” so Emma was not surprised when the red blazer found its way into her cart.

She promised Ruby she’d send her a picture of whichever outfit she went with so she snaps a quick pic before throwing on some mascara and grabbing her new work tote (also courtesy of Ruby) and heading out the door.

She practically runs to the subway, almost missing the 8:15 car. Once she gets off at her stop, it takes her walking two blocks in the wrong direction to figure out she’s lost. Practically late at this point, Emma whistles for a cab and ten minutes later arrives in front of the towering building (exactly five minutes early).

She walks in the front door and is greeted by a bubbly redhead, “Oh my gosh you’re Emma Swan! Mrs. Mills told me you’d be coming but I’m such a huge fan I still wasn’t prepared. Seriously, your KO against Mulan Fa is legendary!”

Emma tries to keep up but with how fast this woman talks, she just nods and smiles.

“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be fangirling. That’s the opposite of professional, but I really can’t help myself. Anna, by the way!” She turns back to her desk and hands Emma a small white card. “Here’s an elevator pass. She’s office number 815. Floor number 8! Room 15! Good luck, hope to see you around here more.”

Emma smiles at Anna and thanks her for her help before stepping onto the elevator. She tries deep breaths to calm her nerves, but finds herself more jittery than before her first fight.

She swears this is the longest elevator ride of her life.

She steps off the elevator and is greeted by one of the sleekest offices she’s ever seen in her life. The entire thing is decked out in modern black and white furniture, and accented with UFC red. She has to physically stop herself from audibly gasping.

She searches for office 15 and is unsurprised to find it in the back corner. Emma takes one more deep breath and knocks on the doorframe. The brunette woman behind the desk looks up and gives Emma a sharp smile.

“Hello, Miss Swan. Just a moment and I will take you to Sidney in HR.”

Emma breathes a sigh of relief as she follows her, stopping abruptly behind Regina as she knocks on the doorframe of an office much smaller than hers, “Sidney? This is Miss Swan, she’ll need up with some onboarding. Keep it short, she has a meeting at 10:30 with her first client.”

He nods enthusiastically with a “Yes Mrs Mills. Of course. Please, Miss Swan, have a seat. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Emma sits down at his request, giving a tight smile to Regina as she heads back to her office. Sidney seems nice enough, maybe a little bit over-infatuated with Regina but nice. She sits at his desk and he immediately starts talking about her onboarding.

An hour later, Emma is pretty sure this is the best gig in the world.

The benefits alone make this worth taking for her and Henry, not to mention the pay and perks. As Sidney takes her to her desk, Emma gets a better feel for the layout of the office. She’s not one to feel immediately comfortable, but she can see herself really thriving here and it gives her the confidence she needs to walk into Regina’s office a bit early for the 10:30 meeting with her first client.

Regina starts chatting with Emma about last Saturday’s Fight Night and it only makes her feel more at ease. It’s rare to find women as well versed in UFC as she is without them practically suffocating her by talking about her stinted career. Regina is recapping Jefferson Hatter’s TKO when she’s interrupted by a rhythmic tapping on the door.

Emma tenses slightly, realizing this is probably her client. She doesn’t turn around right away as Regina greets the fighter, but ends up whipping around when she hears his name.

Killian? As in Killian “Hook” Jones.

Emma finds herself once again physically restraining herself from reacting unprofessionally— she’s pretty sure scoffing and rolling her eyes at her first assignment isn’t a good look.

He smirks at her knowingly as he enters the room and Emma can’t help but squirm in her seat.

“Killian, this Emma, Emma Swan. You may remember her from—“

Killian cuts Regina off, “I am well aware of Miss Swan, Regina.” He turns his attention towards her, “Swan, big day today!”

Regina looks between them like they’re playing at Wimbledon.

Emma swallows the entirety of her disdain for Hook and plasters on her best fake smile. “Yes! Excited to join the team here at Mills Management.” She shakes Killian’s hand for good measure. “And, to be frank, quite honored to be trusted with one of their best up and comers.” She smirks at Killian and she can tell he caught the slight jab. She expects him to back off a bit, but he responds in double.

“Likewise, Swan. I’m honored to be put into the capable hands of such a legend like yourself.” Emma knows Killian is kidding with her, but the legend joke doesn’t sting less. She tries not to react but she catches a wave of understanding flash across Killian’s eyes as he shifts the entire tone of the conversation and addresses Regina instead.

Maybe he’s not where he thought he’d be either.

Now is not the time to psychoanalyze her new client.

“How does that sound, Miss Swan?” She’s snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Regina addressing her.

She has no idea what she’s agreeing to, but does so anyway figuring there isn’t much choice either way, “Great! That sounds perfect.” She smiles at the two of them and hopes to God someone recaps this meeting with an email.

“Fantastic. Well then, as excited as I am to have you both here and working together, I do have other clients to attend to.” Emma nods as her and Jones stand in unison. “Oh and, Killian, why don’t you escort Miss Swan out and give her a bit of a tour—“

“Oh, Mrs. Mills— that’s not—“

“Nonsense, Swan. I insist.” He smirks at her and grazes his hand over the small of her back as he leads her from the office before turning around once more. “Oh, Reg, I almost forgot.”

Reg? A bit informal— actually, a lot informal.

Regina looks like she may turn as red as the apples on her desk at the nickname but answers him all the same, “Yes, Jones, what is it?”

“The lad wants ice cream.” Killian shoots a shit eating grin first at Emma and then to Regina. Emma is entirely confused but “Reg” seems to understand immediately.

Regina rubs her hands over her temples as she responds, “Fine, but not too late Killian, honestly. And pick one topping. The kid still needs dinner.”

“Aye, aye, your Majesty.” He bows mockingly and if he hadn’t led Emma away so quickly she could’ve sworn she saw Regina flip him off.

. . .

Killian is not entirely sure how to process the fact that his new manager is the woman he’s been secretly pining over since the first time he saw her walk into the training center.

A year ago.

So Killian does what he does best and throws his fighting persona into full gear, only slipping once when it came to asking about Roland’s ice cream.

He probably shouldn’t have called her Reg.

He’ll pay for that later.

He’s showing Emma the kitchen when she finally interacts with more than just a nod. “So… Reg?”

He cringes and immediately scratches the back of his neck, a nervous tick he’s really trying to kick. “Uh, yeah. Regina— Mrs. Mills— and I were close before all this.” He motions to nothing in particular and somehow the entire office at the same time. “She’s sort of the entire reason I’m even here.”

Emma nods; seemingly understanding what he’s leaving strictly between the lines. “Huh, alright then. Guess we have that in common?”

He can’t help but shake his head in disbelief. “Pardon me for being forward, lo— Swan, but I think your track record in the UFC is what got you into the door. I doubt there’s anyone else better qualified who’s not currently fighting.”

Not his love. Bloody hell.

She responds with a forced smile and he can tell she’s not comfortable with praise. He’s unsettled by the amount of joy learning more about her brings him but also by the fact that he’d give anything to praise her everyday of his life.

This woman has walls. Great-Wall-of-China walls.

What he wouldn’t give to start breaking those down.

He finishes the tour of the office and, with a quick “thanks” and “see you soon”, Emma starts to head back to her desk. He nods in response, not wanting to push too much for one day.

He wasn’t positive getting a new manager was a good idea, but if it means being even a small part of Emma Swan’s world, he's all for it. Not thirty seconds after she’s returned to her desk, Killian pulls out his phone to send her an email before finding Roland for their ice cream run.

. . .

Emma sits down at her desk slightly overwhelmed by everything thrown her way in the last— what time is it? Noon?— 3 hours: a rad new job with amazing pay and benefits, a seemingly level-headed and fair boss, a grossly complicated new client who seems to be more than meets the eye, the feeling that shot through her spine at said client’s touch…

Do people say rad anymore?

Why does she care that he touched her back?

She doesn’t.

She grounds herself by logging into the computer.

Bad idea.

She’s immediately bombarded with email notifications. Most of them involve onboarding or her one-on-ones she’s to have with each member of the staff.

It takes her 45 minutes but she eventually gets to the top where she finds an unexpected email from her newest (and she supposes only) client.

Swan,

Pleasure to be reacquainted with you today. I look forward to our blossoming partnership.

You looked a tad far away in our meeting with Regina so I figured I’d recap what you agreed to. Twice weekly one-on-ones between you and I to discuss promotions as well as social media and desired fights, to be scheduled at our leisure. Also attendance at each Fight Night for which I am on the card (comp’d by the company, obviously).

I hope all of this isn’t too overwhelming, feel free to text, call, or email to set up our first meeting.

555-235-8872

I assure you, I am looking forward to it.

K

Killian “Hook” Jones UFC Featherweight Mills Management

Emma snorts– the email sounds like it was written by a thesaurus. As she re-reads for any details she missed, she can’t seem to quell the butterflies in her stomach. The realization that in a mere matter of minutes Killian was able to read her that well is comforting– no… unsettling? This stranger somehow picked up on her disdain for being referred to as a legend almost immediately, backing off and changing the subject promptly. Not to mention he could tell she was distant in the meeting and followed up with an email just like she wanted.

She brushes off the entire thing to pure coincidence and ignores the voice in the back of her head that is telling her they may turn out to be a pretty good team.

(It doesn’t help that this voice sounds a lot like a certain British fighter she just spent an hour and a half with.)

Emma finishes her work day with a barrage of meetings and paperwork. She was wary to start on a Friday, but after the rollercoaster day she’s had, she’s grateful for two days to recharge. Before logging off for the day, she pulls Killian’s email up once more and reluctantly programs his cell phone number into hers.

For emergencies obviously.

She also responds to the email, keeping it as friendly and professional as possible:

Killian,

Thank you for the recap. Let’s plan on meeting first thing Monday morning. I will reserve a conference room at 9am.

In case of emergencies, here is my cell: (555)-265-2335.

Have a nice weekend. See you Monday.

Emma

Emma Swan Talent Manager Mills Management eswan@millsmanage.com (555) 265-2335

She hits send, logging off her computer and booking it to the subway while trying not to dwell on Killian Jones and their work mandated bi-weekly meetings.

Or the way his hand felt pressed against her back.

Definitely not that.