#Lily looks so stylish in her new boots

[musette22]

[siren-ej-exe]

The Messy French Girl Aesthetic: It’s Origins and Impact

When you think of Parisian style, what comes to mind? 

Is it Parisian style staples such as trench coats, ballet flats or a little black dress? Or French fashion style icons such as Françoise Hardy, Bridget Bardot and Jane Birkin? 

Many people on Tik Tok have been infatuated with the fantasy of the “Messy French girl” with the idea behind it being to dress effortlessly chic, timeless and stylish, whilst being careless. Achieving the look involves investing in items such as tailored jeans, mini skirts (usually black or plaid), basic plain tops with small patterns, a little black dress, loafers, ballet flats, oversized blazers, dress shirts, preppy jumpers, black healed boots, black stilettos, loafers, Mary Jane’s, fur coats, black or white tights with either designer logos or delicate patterns and a leather blazer.  They also take inspiration from people like Lily Rose Depp being the main one, Carla Bruni and Camille Rowe. The colours associated with this style are mainly: Red, Black,White, Creme and Camel. The brands that are usually mentioned are: Dior, Chanel, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Brandy Melville, Reformation and Realisation as they are seen as creating classic clothing items or footwear as well as Dior and Chanel being actually French which can be seen as more ‘authentic’. 

The “Messy French Girl” loves red lipstick, smudged eye makeup, almond acrylic nails, listening to Lana Del Ray, wearing pearl jewellery, smoking, drinking red wine and is mysterious, has a small group of friends, journals, loves to read, is always on the go, goes out to fancy dinners and can be a party girl but will arrive home early to avoid the hangover. Whilst also being academic/intelligent and down to earth. With the idea of living in a lavish apartment in Paris and living her best life. This new re-birth of “The French Girl” is another example of trends repeating themselves and again connecting with younger audiences, making the whole aesthetic very profitable for brands. This aesthetic has quite a few crossovers between the Rockstar Girlfriend aesthetic and the Coquette aesthetic as it’s a more grunge version of the normal and lighter French Girl aesthetic. However, with most aesthetics birthed by Tik Tok there is also an issue with being inclusive as the aesthetics are usually curated to rich, thin, white women. As it has idealises the “heroin chic” body type created by Kate Moss in the 90′s and 2000′s. 

But how realistic is the idea of how actual Parisians dress day to day? Luckily I was able to go to Paris myself earlier this year in April of this year and observe peoples actual everyday style and here are some of my observations: 

Parisians do seem to dress in mainly plain colours and quiet a few people do wear trench coats as well as tailored Jeans and basic tops. However, almost no one was wearing ballet flats and the majority were wearing tennis shoes ( I also saw a lot of Adidas Sambas on the men particularly.) Although eventually you will see pops of bright colour. So basically, they dress like everyone else who lives in a European city. 

I think that Parisians in general don’t dress necessarily for style purposes but mainly for practicality and comfort trying to walk around the city as European cities are usually made for walking due to the amount of public transport.However, it is important to remember the aesthetics are mainly fantasies and in a way is not meant to be realistic The romanticisation of Parisian style or Paris in general, mainly seems to come from Americans.

The origins of this romanticisation stem from the making of old Hollywood films such as An American in Paris and Midnight in Paris. This is because in 1923 when the International Research Kinema asked the Séeberger brothers to take photos of Paris that are representative to help Hollywood help reconstruct it on sets. They took fashion photos of the highest class on what we now call street style. Some people see them as the “Fathers of street style photography.” In an article by Cody Delistraty titled “Why Americans Romanticise Paris” he explains why Americans are infatuated with Paris because “Everything in Paris is close enough to the American equivalent where it’s still accessible, not too foreign – it can still act as a screen to our desires. But there are slight differences. There are of course the obvious differences: the Eiffel Tower is not the Empire State Building, the Seine is not the Hudson, but it’s the smaller things in quotidian life that throw the visiting American for a loop.” Showing that Americans find a clear familiarity in Paris, but it could also be an affect of their long history together.

France is known as the US’s oldest ally, helping them win the American Revolutionary War in 1775-1783 and American diplomats travelled to Paris and write of there experiences. In Mina Le’s video titled “American Girl unpacks the “French Girl” Style” she talks about the history between America and France and how that helped France’s tourism from 8:46-14:03, which I recommend as well as Dion the Taurus’s video titled “Style Analysis: The Messy French Girl - opulence,cigarettes + continued Francophila” which I found interesting and if you are interested in aesthetics and fashion history I recommend their channels. 

I think that “The French Girl” aesthetics will always be re birthed so long as it is profitable and are mainly catered to American audiences a good example of seeing how Paris and Parisian style is marketed towards American audiences is the show “Emily in Paris.” seems a lot of people don’t actually enjoy watching it because it’s good but because it is a good hate watch. Although it doesn’t necessarily link to the “Messy French Girl” aesthetic it does show a good example of trying  to sell the idea of Paris to Americans. Obviously, the aesthetic is only a fantasy and not realistic as many actual Parisians dress for comfort and practicality whilst being stylish if that is their goal. 

Let me know what you guys think about “The Messy French Girl” aesthetic!, if you are French what do you think of it?

Lots of love,

~Siren~ <3

[magnusbanewastaken]

WHAT TO BUY THE SHADOWHUNTER WHO HAS EVERYTHING (And Who You're FINALLY Officially Dating... And More)

SUMMARY: In compliance with our roleplaying group's winter holidays special activity, following the prompt: “Someone has just become fabulously wealthy and is picking out gifts for their family.”

RATING: G

CHARACTER/S: Magnus Bane, Alec Lightwood, Max Lightwood-Bane

TAG/S: rpgroup, writing challenge, romance, winter holidays, christmas

also @ ao3

Last minute Christmas gift-shopping was always a terrible idea. Either things would be out of stock by that point or nothing much of worth would be left on the shelves. Not to mention the surprising long lines that still exist that late into the holidays. Not to mention having to deal with ill-tempered customers in line with you and the frustrated staff who had to be stuck at work instead of spending the last few days before Christmas preparing for their own celebrations at home. But that's not always the case, not if you were like Magnus who knew exactly where to go.

Everywhere you looked in the Liberty Mall were a festoon of lights, ribbons, tinsels, shiny ornaments, and faux evergreens decked along escalators, archways, and guardrails. A massive Christmas tree that reaches up to almost the third floor of the mall, stood tall at the center of the atrium. This was the place to be in Manhattan for Magnus's quick, at-the-very-last minute shopping spree. All the shops were still open despite it being Christmas Eve already but there weren't a lot of people there compared to other stores and strips around Manhattan around this time in the afternoon. The reason for that most likely had something to do with the stores there being lavishly-priced luxury stores. And that was most unfortunate for him since he liked the attention and stares he'd get for the captivating outfits he usually wore.

Today he had on black leather pants, a studded black belt that looped around his waist twice, and a blood red wool overcoat open over a white wool deep V-neck sweater. A pair of gold thin rimmed sunglasses sat neatly over his coiffed hair and his face was subtly slathered with silver bits of glitter just over his eyelids and out towards the outer corners of his eyes. At least there were still some store managers to dazzle, he thought, perhaps he'd even get discounts as it sometimes often happens to him. Not that he needed any discounts. He had a perfectly wonderful yet complicated relationship with money that never really failed him even at times when he'd end up with nothing but the shirt on his back. He could get himself anything he wanted and anything anyone else wanted. Which is how he ended up going for a last minute shopping spree in the first place.

He didn't have to be there. Personally Magnus wouldn't really bother with shopping "traditionally" for anything. He could just conjure up anything from somewhere and compensate for them later, that is if he remembers to do so, and it was more reliable than online shopping. But now that he was practically sharing his life with Alec, some changes with his lifestyle had to be made. His roguish shopping habits weren't something Alec particularly liked leaving the warlock no choice but to oblige.

He sauntered through the marbled floors of Liberty Mall, going in store after store to pick out presents for tonight's party. It was a gathering at the Institute, mostly a Shadowhunter event despite other Downworlders like him being invited and despite Christmas not exactly traditionally celebrated among the Nephilim. It was an excuse to have a party for the holidays and a way to have their growing families gather together for a night. He wasn't in charge of organising this party, a mistake and a tragedy for them if you'd ask Magnus. He would've done it for free if they asked but the other people who aren't his friends and family that will be there were still predisposed into thinking Magnus would have turned it into a Downworlder rave. At least it was Isabelle helming the celebration, he could count on her to pull off something he would still enjoy despite the restraints of the ever-so-uptight Nephilim traditions.

It was easy enough to think of gifts for the women in his life since fashion was always the answer. He went to every big-named fashion houses at Liberty and was immediately entertained by store attendants, likely believing he might be someone important or famous with the way Magnus always carried himself. And if not that, it was the wads of cash he'd fan and flaunt to their faces, Magnus always wanted to do that. Isabelle was easy to give gifts to since she was always more than willing to try out anything Magnus recommends and her taste and style was to his liking. He simply got her anything he thought would look good on him if he was a woman. Maryse, much like her daughter was somewhat easier to give gifts to. Some jewelry here, designer coats and handbags here and there. They didn't always see eye to eye but ever since his little blueberry, Max, came around, Maryse had softened, even Robert too. She'd often invite him over just to chat, although he was certain she just wanted to spoil little Max. But it did give him the opportunity to get close to her and know her well which also pleased Alec.

Lily was another person he found to be easy to gift to, she'd accept almost anything fancy he gave her, even the not-so-fancy ones he'd sometimes trick her into believing were fancy. Clary on the other hand was slightly more difficult as to this day she still had little to no fashion sense and would deny him the opportunity to enlighten her about the latest fashion trends. Even Maia was easier to bend, provided it came along with a couple of board games and video games. But that won't stop him from trying. He didn't want to force Clary into things that would be uncomfortable for her even if they are trendy. He didn't want to change her, he only wanted to open her eyes to different possibilities than just sticking with something safe and casual. Good thing Jocelyn wasn't as difficult as her daughter. He got her some clothes and jewelry but of course he had to give her the finest brushes and paints as well as coffee table books on art. He was certain Clary would be jealous of them but she'll have to up her fashion game first before he gives her anything she actually wanted.

Men were difficult to give gifts to, he thought. If they weren't anything like him who had a taste for all the pretty and stylish things in the world, he wouldn't be enjoying even thinking about what to give them. Raphael and Ragnor were the exceptions since their gifts were almost exclusively joke gifts and expensive ones at that. But, well, it wasn't possible to do that anymore. He completely rushed through gifts for Jace, Simon, Luke, and Robert and got them simple, not-as-thoughtful as the rest gifts. A set of throwing knives from Japan and a set of Scandinavian hunting knives were for Jace. Simon gets to inherit some of the rare comic books in his possession that were still in mint condition. He threw in a couple of the latest computer games in there just to say he actually bought him something. Luke also gets a set of first editions of books he had owned for centuries; he figured he wouldn't mind that they were used books. But he also got him some new clothes and shoes. Magnus appreciated his alternative, scruffy vibe but he can't wear plaid and worn out boots every single day of the week, that's just preposterous, especially when he has to stand next to a lovely woman such as Jocelyn. And for Robert he got him a pair of watches and a set of fashionable ties, dads liked those kinds of things, right?

He also threw in mugs with designs that he thought would fit for everyone like "Nothing Less Than Seven Inches" for Isabelle. "World's Best Grandma and Grandpa" for Maryse and Robert respectively, "Life Is Short And So Am I" for Clary, "I'm A Vampire Let Me Suck You Off" for Lily, things like that. Nobody likes getting mugs, especially not for Christmas, but he had already prepared expensive gifts for them, surely they wouldn't mind the mugs.

He was empty-handed again after sending away the novelty mugs he got for everyone. His loft must look like Santa's Workshop by now with the amount of gifts he sent back there, he was hoping to get back and do some wrapping before Alec and Max comes home. He looked out the glass panes of the side of the mall to see that the sky was still a bluish gray of daylight, and the horizon was just turning into a faint shade of purple. It's only been a couple of hours but going through all those stores felt like a lengthy ordeal. Next year he wouldn't be so generous, he thought, he'll only do it again in ten years or twenty.

Now all that's left was his own little family. Alec and Max. Max and Alec. My family. He kept repeating the thought in his mind. Even if it's been years since he and Alec were together and well over a year since Max came into their lives, it was still a bit odd for him to think that this was all real if he was being honest, but it was all real. Being with Alec was real. Having Max with them was real. He doesn't really show it but even Magnus was still trying to get used to the idea.

Max was not difficult to think of a gift for, what was difficult was restraining himself from spoiling him; Max was such a cute baby it was really difficult not to do so. If Magnus had it his way he would've spoiled him to death, even Maryse was quite eager to do just that, but Alec wasn't going to have any of that, and he was right on this one. Still, it was Christmas, so he got Max some stuffed toys and a rideable toy car that looked very much like the black Maserati he and Alec rode through France last summer. He hoped for the best that Alec would let this slide becuase Max would look really cute in it, provided he didn't float away with it.

Alec was the last person he would be getting a gift for. Magnus could have made an excuse for himself that this was because he saved the best for last but really Alec was the first person he tried to think of a gift for, the moment he woke up this morning to be exact, and since then he hasn't settled on what to actually give him. Magnus wondered how you could love someone so passionately and even know that someone all too well for quite some time, yet you still find yourself having difficulties with thinking of what to gift said someone.

Magnus took respite in a garden cafe on the first floor of the Liberty Mall. He had one of their special winter lattes that were sweet and minty cool to taste while still thinking of a gift for Alec. He knew he couldn't ask anyone else for their opinions, he learned that lesson the last time he tried to think of a gift for Alec on his eighteenth birthday. He could always ring up Isabelle but he figured she would still be busy with organising things for tonight. Scrolling through articles online on his phone didn't help much either since they found them all too tacky and incredibly heteronormative for his liking. He sighed and put down his phone and took a sip from his latte.

His eyes lingered on the stuffed toys sitting inside the toy car he recently bought for Max just sitting next to his chair. He hadn't sent it away to his loft yet since seeing it gave him some sort of comfort. Looking at the car closely made him remember of his time in France with Alec again. That was the time where they finally managed to redo their European trip without having anything to do with demons and cultists. He has been in and out of France far too many times since the Belle Époque but that summer felt like a brand new experience with Alec. Magnus showed him all the places he had fallen in love with in the quaint countrysides of France and Alec showed him how to fall in love with them all over again. He told Alec about how he felt about that and Alec told him how much he looked forward to seeing the world with him. That was a promise that made Magnus believe that what they had was something for the long run, that he would be loving Alec for a long time. And that's when it hit him. He finally figured out what to give Alec.

Magnus's loft never looked so bright and festive unless it was because of his parties. It has been a long time since he last threw one and it was before Max came along. Tonight, his living room was ornamented by the dreamy and warm hues of gold, beige, cream, and white. The usual colours of reds, greens, yellows, and blues were much too gaudy for Magnus's vision of Christmas that year. The only greens in sight were the garlands lined all over the place and the tree sitting at the center of the room, swathed with gold and silver tinsels and ornaments as well as strings of fairy lights. Sitting by the floor and standing about as high as half of the tree were the presents he had bought earlier in the day. Magnus had already changed into the suit he would be wearing tonight. Alec had warned him that he might get looks from people since he would be wearing white when it's not a funeral. Not that Alec really minded but thought he should let him know anyway. Magnus thought that would be ridiculous, he'd be wearing chanterelle beige not white and he would very much like to get looks from people. And that was that, no one could tell Magnus how to dress anyway.

He was surrounded by lights and sparks of blue as he did his magic, as he was still in the middle of boxing and wrapping the last batch of presents when he heard the door swing open. Without pause, he looked over the side of the tree and looking past the mountain of presents to find Alec with an astonished expression on his face. He was also already in his outfit for tonight which was something he asked Magnus to pick for him. He wore dark brown dress pants and brown overcoat over a cozy beige turtleneck sweater that let him look somewhat formal without sacrificing comfort. He would have just worn something semi-formal but knowing Magnus, he wouldn't have let him look too simple next to him. Alec was carrying a little blueberry of a baby in his right arm, wearing a little black and white onesie suit. The little blue warlock was looking far more cheery than Alec at the sight of the presents. Or perhaps he just had a nice mix of milk in his bottle that day, Magnus couldn't quite tell with Max sometimes.

"Did you just rob the North Pole?" asked Alec.

"Of course not! And even if I did, I'd say it's fair game, that jolly old bastard owes me," Magnus just finished tying the final bow on the last gift in the pile when he walked over to where Alex and Max was.

"...Santa Claus is real?"

"Absolutely, and he's a warlock too. I thought that was common knowledge," said Magnus then planted a kiss on Max's temple.

Alec was not always sure whether Magnus was making things up especially when it comes to warlock things and his warlock friends but that wasn't what's important right now.

"You paid for all this, right?"

"I did and here are the receipts to prove it," with a quick snap of a finger there appeared a clipboard of receipts popping up from a blue swirl of light, floating right in front of Alec's line of sight.

Magnus spoke almost too proudly about legally acquiring his gifts. Alec had been persistent in guilting him with the things he'd conjure from somewhere without paying after all. Magnus picked up Max from Alec's grasp before Alec started flipping through the receipts. Then suddenly a gasp was heard.

"By the Angel, Magnus! Twenty thousand dollars just for clothes?" Alec asked, having a more audible and greater shock than the one he had when he came in earlier causing Max to look up at Magnus as if he could understand and was looking at him for answers.

"They were Dior," Magnus simply explained.

"Seventeen thousand dollars for a watch?" Alec continued flipping.

"Two watches actually, believe me that's already cheap, I hope your father doesn't mind."

"How could you even afford all this?" He asked as he still continued flipping but should really be stopping at this point.

"The painting I sold off the other day remember? It was worth millions apparently,"

"Millions?" Alec looked at Magnus with an even greater expression of disbelief than when he started flipping through the receipts.

"This is why I don't want to talk money with you, you look like you're about to faint," Magnus spoke calmly as he held Alec's face in his free hand hoping it would calm Alec down as well.

"Remind me not to ask next time," Alec nodded then sighed. Magnus looked at him, a bit of worry evident on his face but Alec gave him a reassuring smile, "As long as you actually paid for things."

"Yes, dad, I don't do that thing anymore," Magnus quipped with a smile and dipped in for a kiss on Alec's cheek.

"How are we getting all this to the Institute?"

"Darling."

"Right, magic. Almost forgot. Well, we better go ahead, Izzy will kill me if we're late."

"Wait, I'm sure Izzy won't mind us being fashionably late. I want to give you your present right now," said Magnus then passed Max back to Alec's arms.

"You look serious," Alec noted as he let Max nestle comfortably in his right arm.

"Just nerves. I'm not sure why when I know you wouldn't say no."

"No?"

A whirl of blue light appeared in the palm of Magnus's hand. When the glowing light dissipated, underneath it was a small red velvet box. Magnus could see Alec was already too stunned to say anything. He stared at the box in the warlock's hand for a moment and then back at Magnus. His brilliant blue eyes seemed like they were glistening as their eyes met and Magnus felt his heart warm up at the sight of Alec's smile.

Magnus opened the box and cushioned inside were a pair of rings. One had a round ocean blue diamond set in an intricate basket of flame filigrees, setting on top of a half-braided white gold band. The other ring was a bit bigger in size with an emerald cut blue diamond framed with blue melee diamonds.

"You paid for this too, right?" Alec finally spoke, Magnus almost laughed.

"Darling."

"Sorry, nerves."

"It's my promise to you, my love," said Magnus. "I still stand by what I said the last time we spoke about it, that I won't have you marry me until you, until we, can marry in gold. You deserve nothing less and I can't have you settle for less just because you chose to be with me. I want these rings to be a promise and a reminder for us everyday when we might glance upon it that this is all real. Just as real as any other Shadowhunter unions. That the kind of love we have is not worth anything lesser just because it's a little bit different than what Nephilim traditions dictate.

"So, Alexander Gideon Lightwood, if I may ask,” Magnus got down on one knee and looked up at the two loves of his life, first to Max and then to Alec, "Will you promise to stand by me until we can marry in gold?"

"Absolutely. Yes. It's a promise," Alec was holding back tears as he said that. Max might have felt it too since he started blubbering things and patting his little hands on Alec's face as if to comfort him.

Magnus picked out the ring with the round cut blue diamond then reached out for Alec's left hand. He slipped the white gold band in his ring finger then looked up into Alec's beautiful blue eyes with his heart full of love. Alec took out the other ring from the box with his free hand as Magnus raised his left hand in front of him. The ring sat perfectly around Magnus's left ring finger and suddenly it was the most priceless ring he had, putting all the other rings he wore to shame. They both leaned in for a kiss, it was sweet and tender and Magnus felt the warmth of Alec's love between his lips. But Max had other plans when he decided to break it off and hit Magnus on the side of his head.

"Alright you little smurf, we're going, we're going," he smiled as he ruffled the head of the little blue warlock.

"Oh, right, Alec," Magnus raised his hand and behind the blue glow of smoke surrounding his hand, he conjured up what looked to be like car keys. He handed it to Alec and he immediately recognized the logo etched on its body.

"Did you rent this just for tonight? Can't we just Portal through?"

"You know I don't trust Portal-ing with the baby," Magnus replied. "And no, it's not rented, it's yours."

"No way. Magnus, I can't—" but Magnus cut him off with a kiss.

"Darling, no more arguments before a party," said Magnus as he pulled away from Alec. He then took Max from him and carried him in his arms. "I don't want us to look stressed when we waltz in there. We have the image of a perfectly perfect family to rub in people's faces."

Alec was still a bit dumbfounded about everything that just happened. All those surprises in one night seemed to be too much for the Shadowhunter. But Magnus liked it whenever he leaves Alec dumbfounded.

"Now come along, Alexander, I don't want us to be later than fashionably late," Magnus was already out the door and was being playful with Max who was giggling his little heart out. "My little blueberry must steal the show, yes you will, you're going to be just like your papa when you've grown."

Alec eventually broke out from his daze. He followed them out and went on their way to the Institute.

The party had already started by the time they rolled in the Institute grounds in the sleek black Maserati GT Convertible Magnus had just given him. Though the streets were lined with snow, luckily it wasn't snowing that evening so they were able to ride the car with the top down. Alec might have wanted to argue with Magnus about it earlier but driving it now let him warm up to the idea of owning it. Max seemed to have enjoyed the ride as well as he sat on Magnus's lap in the back of the car. Everything seemed to be going smoothly on its own that Isabelle had the time to come out and meet with them. Simon was with her of course and Jace and Clary followed too when they heard that Magnus, Alex, and Max were on their way. But it was really just an excuse for them to be able to leave the party even for a moment. Parties really weren't the same without Magnus in it.

Clary immediately walked over to Magnus who was carrying Max in one arm. Max was still bouncy and lively as he wrapped his hands around Clary's finger and patting his other hand on her head. Jace was in awe of the car that his parabatai drove and recognized it was the same one Alec kept talking about when they got back from their European redo trip last summer. Jace nearly flipped when Alec told him it was his Christmas gift and even Simon who wasn't exactly a car guy was impressed by it. The car conversation was cut when Isabelle broke in to reprimand Alec and Magnus for arriving late but immediately had a change of heart when the two showed off their rings. Isabelle practically leapt in to hug her brother and so did Clary with Magnus. They all said their congratulations but no one could say they were surprised. With the way things are between Magnus and Alec it was just the natural progression of things but it was still something nice to see especially on Christmas Eve.

As Magnus had expected and have willed to happen, there were a lot of eyes on him as he walked inside the Institute with Alec holding his hand and Max nestled in his other arm. No one would dare state for too long but he noticed the side glances and whispers as they walked through. Whether they were bad or good whispers he didn't particularly care, it boosted his ego pretty well either way.

He and Alec approached Maryse and Robert first who were in the middle of a conversation with some of the Blackthorns. Maryse was quick to ask for Max when they got close which Magnus obliged to and passed his little blueberry into his grandma's arms. It was Alec who excused his parents for a moment and brought them aside to show them their engagement rings. Maryse looked like she was getting overwhelmed that Robert had to take Max from her while she hugged Alec tightly. Like the others, they weren't entirely surprised by it but the rings really did make all the difference.

When all was finally said and done, Magnus conjured up the mountain of presents that were sitting back in his living room. The presents were all lined up around the base of the Christmas tree for his friends and family to open up later when the other guests have left. He made sure to conjure up the gifts in the homes of the others who weren't able to make it there that night like Jocelyn and Luke who decided to stay in together. As well as Maia and Lily who had hosted a different kind of party for the werewolf pack and vampire clans.

At the Beth Israel Hospital, Catarina finally had time to take a break from cheering up the kids who were stuck there for Christmas. She sat on her own in the breakroom having a snack and some coffee using a mug that said "Why So Blue?". She was on her phone to check the messages she couldn't read earlier and most of them were typical holiday greetings. The one that stood out and brought a smile to her face was a photo greeting of Magnus and Alec showing their rings and Max floating on his own next to them with the caption, "Happy Holidays from the Lightwood-Banes".

[jonathanvik]

Starlight Dream - Chapter 4

Takako shook her head, eyes wide. “What the heck was that?” She shuddered in revulsion. “Ugh, he had hairy legs and everything. He could have at least shaved. How did someone like him become a magical girl!” Nothing remained of the second floor after the magical girl’s assault. The entire area had been vaporized. The gang members of Lotus Butcher cowered in terror, fearful the girl might unleash her wrath on them next. “They’re gone, yet I still detect that strange presence.” The fairy said, turning his attention towards the frozen Seina. Sweat trickled down her brow, realizing how helpless she was at the moment. “I feel it too.” Takako twirled the guns in her hands in thought. She sent a frosty glare in Seina’s direction. “You must be the real magical girl.” I need to do something. If they’re evil, I can’t fight while frozen. An idea popped into the magical girl's head. “Hey, can you unfreeze me?” Seina whispered towards Masato, who trembled in terror. “We might be next. She really hated your boss. Who knows what she’ll do to his men!” Seina wasn’t being entirely truthful, playing on his fears, but she needed to free herself somehow. Much to her relief, the thug nodded. “I can! Please save me! I don’t want to die!” Masato whimpered pathetically before striking Seina in the neck. Much to her relief, movement returned to her body. She released the thug’s arm. Her grip had left a nasty purple bruise, leaving Seina a little guilty, promising to be more gentle with normal folk in future. Even if this one had sort of deserved it. “Why didn’t you do that sooner? You could have saved yourself from getting thrown into a cement pit. I would have saved you.” The thug blushed embarrassed, before coughing into his fist. “Didn’t occur to me. But hey, now you can defeat that evil magical girl! We had a deal!” Masato ran behind Seina, using her body as a shield. Takako watched this entire exchange in amusement. “So you’re the magical girl of this universe? So lame. You allowed a bunch of thugs to get the better of you!” “Very lame.” Her fairy said, nodding in agreement. Seina grunted in annoyance, not liking their tone. “Who are you, anyway? What do you want? What do you mean the vampires should be running the planet?” Takako rolled her eyes, exasperated. “You don’t get it? Did your partner not explain anything?” Seina bunched her hand into a fist and opened her mouth for a nasty retort, but two newcomers paused her words. “Seina, thank goodness you’re okay!” Colten said, landing on her shoulder. “Sorry we’re late. Those thugs gave us more trouble than we expected.” Mr. Kiyojiro said. “We saw the strange explosion.” “Seina, who are these people?” Colten gave the new magical girl a wary eye. “Call me, Lily Annihilator. Just the baddest, most evil magical girl around.” Takako spun her weapon around and ended in a stylish pose. “Nier, partner to her badness!” Her fairy added. “Why did you defeat the vampires? Explain.” Takako asked. “Because they’re bad guys, and it’s the right thing to do?” Seina replied. It still shocked her that this girl had proclaimed that magical girls existed to cause suffering. The world was terrible enough already. Why add to it? “The right thing?” Takako broke into mocking laughter, unable to believe her ears. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those lame hero types. How embarrassing!” “She even looks lame. Who wears pink?” Her fairy companion added. “Pink is my favorite color,” Seina replied, her tone terse. What was with this girl’s attitude? “Too bad. Now I’m here to fix things.” Takako said. “At least someone is taking our magical girl duties seriously.” Seina clenched her teeth. After spending a moment to regain her composure, she gave Colten a meaningful look, pleading for some answers. Were magical girls just villains all along? “Not, now.” Colten’s little voice broke. Guilt washed over his tiny features and he turned aside. “We need to deal with her first.” Takako snorted and slung one of her pistols over her shoulder. “If you can. I’ve been a magical girl for almost three hundred years. You’ve been one for what? A few weeks? You can’t compare to me.” “Well, uh, wait, what?” Seina asked in alarm. “Uh, did I forget to mention that magical girls are immortal and don’t age?” Colten gave a nervous laugh. “Colten!” Was she stuck in a ten-year-old’s body for the rest of her life? She didn’t want that! Humans just got the ability to drive cars again. They’d never allow her behind the wheel now! “Now’s not the time. Evil magical girl!” Colten said, pointing towards their common foe. “Okay, you’re right. But we’re having a serious decision after this.” Seina let out a breath, centering herself. She couldn’t afford any distractions. After extending her hand, she summoned her staff. Takako blinked before she snorted, fighting back laughter. “Is that a bubble blower, really?” “It’s a staff, and it’s a perfectly valid weapon.” Seina straightened her posture. “You’re a strange one.” Takako tilted her head. “Your aura is bizarre. I couldn’t even tell you were a magical girl at first. Ah, well. It’s about time I kick your butt.” “Yeah, you’re about to die, poser!” Takako’s fairy friend said. Here it comes. Seina tensed. This was her first fight against someone on her level. Could she win this? “I’m getting out of here!” Lotus Butcher’s thugs ran for the hills, fleeing before everything got out of control. The dark magical girl didn’t bother stopping them. Instead, Takako focused her attention on Seina, mouth extending into a confident smirk. In an impressive display of skill, Takako spun her guns around before pointing them at her opponent. “Goodbye!” The walls around Seina exploded, leaving nothing but rubble and an enormous crater. None of the bullets, however, even touched Seina. “... Ha, very impressive! You have some guts. I admire your gusto, newbie!” Takako said, puffing out her chest, though Seina detected some red on her cheeks. “You’re just saying that so we don’t notice that you completely missed her. Can you even aim with those things?” Colten replied. Come to think of it, when she shot up Dreven, she just shot in his general direction not really aiming at him. “Shows what you know! I never miss!” Takako shot back. “You’re just too lame to see it.” Now’s my best chance! Seina darted forward, catching her opponent completely off guard. Takako howled in pain as her staff struck against her chest and sent her flying across the city. Seina blinked. “That was easier than expected. I hope I didn’t hurt her too badly.” Several minutes passed, and Seina feared the worst. Thankfully, a bloody Takako dragged herself back to the scene of the battle. It took several minutes for her to reach Seina, her limp making it difficult to walk. “Lucky shot.” Takako’s voice was ragged and held a great deal of pain. “Nothing compared to me of course.” “Are you okay?” A concerned Seina asked. “Wow, we hurt her pretty bad. Maybe you should run off somewhere and treat your wounds?” Colten said. “You don’t know who you’re messing with. No one can defeat me!” Much to everyone’s shock, the dark magical girl turned her white pistol against herself. “Healing shot!” Green light surrounded Takako. Like magic, all her wounds disappeared. Her breathing returned to normal, appearing good as new. “How did you do that?” Seina asked, amazed. “It’s my power,” Takako replied. “I can make my bullets do whatever I want. Creating a bullet that completely restores my health is nothing. Your little lucky shot was worth nothing!” “Magical girls are amazing!” It made Seina feel stupid that she could only smack things with her staff. Takako was on another level entirely. “Seeing how you’re quaking in your boots, how about you run off and cry somewhere?” Takako said. “Uh.” Seina blinked, unsure how to respond to that. Did the magical girl think she was winning already? Takako snorted and twirled her twin pistols around. “Well? Ready to run, or what?” “We could not fight? We could be friends instead?” Seina asked. Despite everything, she was grateful that the magical girl had saved her from Dreven. The situation might have turned nasty if she hadn’t arrived. “You don’t want to fight, huh?” Takako puffed out her chest. “Already lost the will to fight, have you? You aren’t worth bothering with. Let’s go, Nier.” Without another word, the magical girl vanished, leaving a baffled Seina behind. “Eh?” Did I lose? What was with that bizarre tough girl act? “What a weirdo,” Colten said, flying up to her. “Seems like you scared her away.” Though Mr. Kiyojiro seemed troubled and Seina could guess why. Did this mean more magical girls would come to fight them? “Let’s round up the rest of Lotus Butcher’s gang and return home,” Seina said. Colten still owed her some serious explanations, but the bad guys came first. The vampire’s gang had vanished. Only Masato remained, huddling in a corner. “Who is this Lotus Butcher, anyway? We owe them a butt-kicking for impersonating you!” Colten said, his tiny mouth twisting into a snarl. “Uh, I’m sure you’d believe me if I told you.” Before Seina explained further, Takako appeared from nowhere above her and fired her pistols upon her. Much to Seina’s surprise, the bullets exploded into nets. They wrapped around her, fastening themself to the stone floor. “You again?” The evil magical girl smirked and flicked her hair. “Did you really think I would leave with defeating you? I knew if I made you lower your guard, you’d be easy pickings!” “That’s just dirty.” Seina struggled against her bonds. Despite her enormous strength, they proved too difficult to break. Trapped, again! I need to stop dropping my guard. “You got her, great!” Nier said, hovering around Seina’s head. “Emiyo will be most pleased,” Takako said. “Seina!” Colten’s tiny paws pulled at the nets engulfing his partner, but they proved too difficult to break. Mr. Kiyojiro stood to the side, helpless. Takako’s black pistol fired again, and a further net appeared, trapping the fairy alongside his partner. “Colten!” “I’m sorry.” The fairy looked down. “They’re going to take us home, a place I never wanted to return.” “Too bad, traitor!” Nier said. “I’m not sure how a lowly fairy like you created a magical girl, but you know the consequences of betrayal. The Devil Princesses’ retribution will be quick and merciless.” “Seina.” Colten sniffed. “Never!” Seina refused to allow these Devil Princesses to harm a hair on her new friend. Despite what Colten may think, he’d brought nothing but good to her life. Because of him, she’d tasted freedom for the first time in her short life. “Huh?” Takako screamed in pain as Seina suddenly threw herself forward, striking her opponent’s face with her forehead. Despite the force of the blow Seina remained trapped in the netting. “Hey, I can move a bit!” Seina hopped around the empty warehouse. She wasn’t completely helpless! “You little!” The evil magical girl wobbled on her feet, grimacing in pain. “I’m not finished yet!” Seina bent down and threw her body headfirst towards Takako’s torso. Her opponent gave a strangled cry and disappeared into the distance. “Takako!” Her fairy partner flew after her. “Oops, I might have overdone it.” Seina hadn’t intended to hit the other magical girl that hard. She still had a million questions that needed answering. Much to her relief, the bounds around her body disappeared moments later. “Uh, you think she’s okay?” Seina gave a pensive look to a distant point on the horizon. Despite her claims of being the most evil being around, Seina detected no malice from the boastful magical girl. It left her very confused. “Oh, she’s fine.” Colten waved a dismissive paw. “Magical girls aren’t so easy to kill.” “She’ll be back, and she’ll bring reinforcements.” Mr. Kiyojiro gave Colten an icy glare. “It seems you haven’t been entirely honest with us.” Colten tensed before sighing. “I know.” “We aren’t angry with you, Colten.” Seina grabbed her partner’s paw and squeezed. “Just tell us the truth.” “Okay.” Colten’s expression turned pained. He wouldn’t enjoy what he’d say next. “The truth is, fairies are creatures of great evil. Magical girls are their instrument of destruction. They enter dark pacts with evil-minded girls to spread their horror and terror. They live in a world between reality called The Starlight Dream.” “Hold on.” Nothing about this story made any sense. “You aren’t evil!” Her fairy friend gave a weak smile. “I’m just some weirdo without the stomach to do anything bad. Back home, fairies hated and bullied me about it. I ran away to be anywhere else. That’s how I came to your universe.” “Oh, Colten.” Seina gave her friend a well-deserved hug. “I think you’re fantastic.” Mr. Kiyojiro nodded. “You’re better than any of them.” Colten sniffed, tears welling in the corner of his eyes. “Guys.” Masato gave his own empathic nod, patting the fairy on the shoulder. “Sounds rough. I wasn’t too popular with my family either. My folks kicked me out when I couldn’t live up to their expectations.” Seina jerked. She’d totally forgotten the thug was still here and glared at him. “Get out of here! You aren’t part of this conversation!” “Yeah, leave! We don’t care about your backstory!” Colten said, flying around in an irritated, erratic pattern. “I’m leaving.” The enormous man shrunk under the magical girl and her bodyguard’s angry glares and slunk away, ashamed. “Still though, it still stuns me you even became a magical girl, Seina. I’ve always been told only evil girls can become one. When your brooch appeared, I feared the worst, wondering if you were as wicked as the others, but you proved me wrong.” “Why did you leave out the genocide in my transformation chant?” The sudden inclusion of the horrible word had shocked Seina when Takako had used it. “It was in the vain hope transforming into a magical girl wouldn’t turn you evil.” Colten gave a pained smile. “I’m not very knowledgeable about any of this magical girl stuff. I’m no one special back home.Still it amazes me how powerful you are!” Colten said, flying happy loops around his friend’s head. “I was certain we were a goner when that evil magical girl showed up. There’s something about you.” Mr. Kiyojiro gave a thoughtful look. “That girl mentioned someone named Emiyo. Who is that?” Right, I’d forgotten about that! “And what did Takako mean when she said vampires should be running everything? Did magical girls cause vampires here?” Before the darkness’s arrival, the monsters had only been a myth used to scare children. “I’m not sure. Maybe?” Colten replied. “I’m not privy to the higher echelons’ plans. But I know who Emiyo is. She’s a lieutenant of the Four Devil Princesses. They rule Starlight Dream with their fairy companions. They’re bad news. Their powers are beyond anything we can face. Takako and Nier were only minor minions. I’ve heard stories that they can shatter entire universes!” Seina looked down. “So, more magical girls will come to fight me.” “I’m afraid so. They’re probably going to kill us and destroy this planet to make an example of it.” Much to Seina’s surprise, Mr. Kiyojiro’s expression hardened. “I refused to allow that to happen.” “Huh?” “There’s an old gym a couple of miles from your apartment.” Mr. Kiyojiro replied. “It’s the perfect place to train.” “Eh?” “We’ll show these princesses we aren’t such easy prey.” Mr. Kiyojiro’s voice held a remarkable intensity. “Those monsters won’t touch you or our world.” Seina stared for several long moments before nodding in agreement. She couldn’t afford to get sloppy. If those monsters wanted to hurt her world, they’d have to pry it from her cold, dead hands first. Somehow, she’d win this! --- Lilha yawned. As usual, the hateful sun blazed over her, making every moment its own torment. But it didn’t make her days any less uninteresting. Few people had approached her for ice cream, leaving her with little to do. She listened to some passersby jabber on about nothing in particular, laughing to themselves, and Lilha hated them for it. How dare they enjoy themselves while their rightful queen suffered so? I could murder them on the street for fun! She imagined people screaming in delightful terror as her victims’ blood spattered the pavement below. Her wonderful, imaginative image shattered when reality struck hard. And Seina would come and kill me. Lilha sagged and allowed her potential prey to pass unmolested. A strange sound caught her attention. The ex-vampire queen glanced up to see a figure hurtling towards a nearby beach. What the heck is that? Had that been a person? Lilha ignored it, turning back towards her ice cream stand. It was probably a dumb vampire thinking they could pick a fight with Seina and now paying the price, their tradectory certainly didn’t seem under their own control. Presumably they’d been sent flying by one of her nemesis’s blows.There probably wasn’t much hope for them if that was the case. Still her stand was empty of customers, and the fool might not be dead. She might gain an ally. Anyone powerful enough to survive an encounter with the magical girl must be someone worthwhile, right? After some searching, Lilha found a deep skid mark on the ground, flowing towards an empty beach. What the vampire found at the end of the trail shocked her. The young girl wore a similar dress to Seina, except this girl’s dress was black, and wore skull-shaped earrings. For crying out loud! Not another one! Or was this some sort of copycat? Lilha hid behind a nearby trash can as the girl stirred. A moment later, a black fairy in a skull mask flew down to help the magical girl. “Takako, are you okay?” The fairy said in alarm. The magical girl sported a nasty bruise on the head, bloody oozing from her mouth. With a shaky hand, the girl raised a pistol to her chest and shot. “Healing Shot!” Much to Lilha's astonishment, the magical girl’s injuries healed like they’d never existed. The black magical girl whirled on the fair. “What happened, Nier?” The girl said. “How is she so powerful?! She crumpled me with a single hit!” Huh? She isn’t a friend of Seina’s? “I don’t know, Takako!” The fairy threw up his tiny arms. “Her fairy was just some peasant! Not elite cool people like ourselves!” The black magical girl crossed her arms and looked away, a pouting expression on her face. “This is so lame. Next time, she won’t be so lucky! She just caught me off guard! ” What was going on? Were magical girls not the pillar of goodness Lilha had believed? “Next time?” Nier replied. “You’re not thinking of facing her again? We need to get Emiyo. We can’t defeat her by ourselves!” Takako whirled on her fairy companion, pointing a finger into his chest. “No, we’re doing this alone. I refused to return to Starlight Dream, begging for help. I have a reputation!” The magical girl’s jaw firmly clamped shut, refusing to argue on this subject. “Fine.” The fairy sighed, landing on a nearby rock. If they’re also fighting against Seina, then they’d be useful allies. Lilha might be finally rid of that hateful girl forever! “Well, if you’re an enemy of Seina, perhaps we can help each other,” Lilha said, leaving her hiding spot behind the trash can. “Who are you?” Takako raised an eyebrow at the newcomer. “My name is Lilha. I am the Queen of Vampires.” She replied, standing up proudly. “Really?” The magical girl’s skeptical eyebrow rose even higher, eying Lilha’s ice cream vendor uniform. Lilha’s face burned hot, fighting back her embarrassment. “It’s a disguise. It helps me blend in so Seina doesn’t recognize me.” “She has an evil aura, so I don’t think she’s lying about being a vampire at least,” Nier said, flying up to examine the newcomer. “Why do I need some vampire’s help?” Takako asked. “You’re the one so incompetent you couldn’t stop a single girl from taking the world back from you.” Excuse me?! Didn’t you just lose to her too?! After taking several deep breaths, Lilha calmed herself, remembering the bigger picture. Too much was at stake. She couldn’t afford to lose a valuable ally. “Nevertheless, you’ve seen her power,” Lilha said, crossing her fingers, praying this would work. “Without a solid plan, you won’t be able to defeat her. Seina can’t be defeated through brute force.” “She might have a point.” The fairy replied, nodding. “Okay.” Takako rolled her eyes. “I refuse to lose to that goody two-shoes loser again. Besides, a sidekick wouldn’t be too bad.” Sidekick?! Again, Lilha fought back her annoyance, forcing a smile. I hate magical girls so much! “Good, I think I know someone that might help us. Together, Seina doesn’t stand a chance!” Besides, even if they failed, another magical girl would eventually arrive and put Seina’s head on a pike. Either way, vengeance would soon be hers!

[concealeddarkness13]

A New Dawn Part 17

In which the gang goes to Neo Dallas to meet Lily, Ivy, and Craw, and she experiences social anxiety and bad dreams. Tagging: @ratracechronicler and @merigreenleaf! Here is the post with links to the other parts!

No dreams overnight. I hadn’t had a dream about my past since we left Farsia. And I still didn’t know who that boy was in my previous dream. But everything was fine. I was with my new found family. I just had to not think about aliens. Everything was going to be fine.

Breakfast was amazing, as usual, and Rat complained again that I ate more than her, as if it was a competition. I still didn’t understand that. Afterwards, there was a call for Rex, so he went into another room to take the call. I just eyed the video game console while Rat, Eli, and I waited for him to return.

Noct was barking at the console as if she wanted to play too when Rex returned. He opened the hatch and stepped into the doorway, his forehead wrinkled. “So, uh…news. That was my gran who called. She wants me over by hers, stat. That usually means I get sucked up into some project—er—I can’t explain. It’s important, though.”

“Is she okay?” Rat asked.

“Yeah, yeah—it’s a good thing! Well, except it’s a sticky thing, see, cuz I can’t drag you along and we can’t stay around here for too long.” He sounded tough, but he looked nervous. This didn’t sound good, no matter what he said. What did he mean by “we” anyway?

“That’s okay—as long as it’s not an emergency or anything,” Eli said. “I’d like to meet her someday, maybe. You’ve got a nice family, Rex.” Rex snorted and shrugged at that. “We were planning on getting going soon, anyway.” We were?

“We’ll just have to hang out again some other time,” Rat added. Rex brightened, and he smiled. “We haven’t even gotten through half of your game collection, and I’ve got a big need to know what I missed throughout my childhood. All of us did, in fact.”

“Thin mash!” Rex grinned, but I frowned. What did that even mean? “You lot gotta catch up! It’s an important life skill you’re lacking, it is. You’d come back? Really?”

Eli nodded. “Absolutely.”

I looked at the console one last time. There went my hope to play more. But then I looked back at Rex with a smile. He was awesome. “It was great to meet you. Thanks for letting me play games with you.” Noct barked at him, as if she was thanking him too.

He leaned down to pet Noct as he spoke. “Thanks for joinin’, P2!”

I sighed in relief when Rex turned on the console, and we all played Galoshlimb one last time. I almost won once. It was good to get my mind off of the aliens. At least we didn’t have to leave yet.

*

While we were saying goodbye to Rex’s family, they kept dumping more and more food into my arms. I didn’t mind (actually their food was really good, so it was awesome), but I couldn’t see after they were done. Rat and Eli laughed and helped me stuff the food in the trunk, with some food going in the backseat for a snack. We all got in, Rat revved up the car, and we sped off to our next destination.

I immediately started munching on food. “Where are we going next?”

“Northwest-ish towards Neo Dallas, I think,” Eli said, looking through a street map. “That’s where the other twins are.”

Rat nodded. “My dearly beloathed nemeses,” she said pleasantly. “Lily and Ivy. We’ve tried so hard to kill each other. Failing that, we wound up joining forces. Lily’s more bark and Ivy’s more bite when it comes to strangers. No matter how sweet or innocent or sad she looks, it’s probably best not to trust Ivy. I still don’t. Not a millimeter. Not as far as I could throw her. Into the ocean. Affectionately, of course.”

I snorted. More nemeses. “At least, for once, we’ll be meeting your nemeses and not mine. Should I expect a fight?” My hand brushed over my knife concealed in my pocket.

“In Neo Dallas? Probably.” Rat winced. “Probably not from the sisters, though. I think. Uh. You any good with guns? Just in case.”

I shook my head. “Nah. Never used one. Maybe I could figure it out with my machine?”

“Knock yourself out, but you probably can’t learn it that fast. And I realize I don’t have any, anyway. We’ll have to wing it.”

Brilliant. I gripped my knife instead. She was being awfully non-expositiony as we got closer to the city we were headed to. “Any of your customary info dumps for this Neo Dallas?”

“My what?”

I rolled my eyes. She always had a lot to say about a city, but now she was being quiet? Eli spoke up, however. “I don’t think either of us have been there, and I haven’t heard much of anything about it except some bits of the accent when Lily lets herself use it.”

“I just know there’s tons of guns out there,” Rat said. “Lily and Ivy are smugglers, by the way, mostly for weapons. Well, Lily’s trying to be a surgeon, which’s just creative use of knives, anyway, and I don’t know what Ivy wants to be except maybe the last survivor of a zombie apocalypse or something. Eli, can you look up some interesting factaroonies on that screen thing?”

“I can check.” He paused as he looked at the map screen. “Huh. There are some skyscrapers, I guess. Not as cool as Fre Jac-Mac’s though.”

She laughed. “Filthy easterner. Alright, pals. Looks like we’re going in for a cold open. Brace yourselves.”

I shook my head and stared out the window, waiting to see the city. “Oh boy.”

It was certainly different from the other cities I had seen. Not as impressive or big as the others. There were even farms around the city! And it was dusty, not a lot of shade. It all looked older than the rest of the cities. It looked awesome!

While I was staring at the city, Eli took out his beacon and called Lily, by the look of the reflection of the screen on the window that I could totally read. She picked up and spoke. “Oh, check it, it’s the punk. Thought we shook your dust off our boots, we did. What do you want, eh?”

Eli was taken aback, and I had to stifle a laugh. I liked her already. “It’s Eli. And Rat, actually, but she’s driving. And—well, regardless of where we all stand about the extermination, I wanted to let you know we’re in Neo Dallas and wanted to ask whether you had any advice on the area for us. If you don’t want to help, I understand…”

After a pause, she snorted, but then a completely different, smoother voice spoke up. “Okay, you got me, officer. I can talk like her, but I don’t know thing one about this city, yet, either. I just got here a couple days ago—sounds like I’m not the only one who got bored of solo cruising!”

“I haven’t really tried it,” Eli replied, not seeming fazed at all. “Rat and I have been toge—you know, road tripping since the extermination and—”

“My eyebrows are dancing in a way that begs to question the suggestiveness of this—”

“—AND, we also have a new friend with us, and we’re all exploring the country together,” Eli interrupted back, and they kept interrupting each other for a little bit. I could just imagine Eli’s blush, and I couldn’t help but smirk that I wasn’t the only one who thought they should be a couple.

Craw tsked. “Well, I think it’s fantastic that you already figured out that we were supposed to stick together, plus I think we’re illegally obligated to welcome you to the posse. The sisters are out right now, though—please assume I’m guarding my dearly beloved’s beacon and that I haven’t stolen it for any purpose. You folks inbound off of Rue 8? Stay on that and you should come right upon the Westwind where we’re at. Hundredth floor. You’re welcome to join us if you’re loaded enough.”

Rat grinned. “We got the money. Luxury hotel time! I like the sound of this! Road trip’s about to get stylish!” My mind wandered to the things I could steal at a luxury hotel.

“And what’ve you been up to all this time?” Eli asked.

“Oh, crime,” he, she, they (?) answered pleasantly. “The usual. Causing civil unrest, fomenting rebellion, conspiring. Bit of theft here and there to keep things interesting.”

“Ah,” Eli sounded like he didn’t know what to say. “Good.”

“So much for that big, fancy, expensive reform exercise we had to go through,” Rat snickered.

“See you soon?” the person on the other side of the beacon said.

“Right,” Eli replied. “Take care.” He pocketed the beacon and looked back at me. “That’s our friend Craw. That’s his…”

“Guy voice,” Rat explained. “So his pronouns’re he—him and stuff right now. He’s genderfluid and outside of that he holds an identity like most of us can hold a wet bar of soap. Better at taking names than wallets, so you should be fine, but he will flirt with anyone vaguely humanoid, so be ready for that. So cool that he’s here too! Anyway, you got all that?”

I nodded. “He sounds cool.” I mean, if that intro was anything to go by. But I wouldn’t really be able to brace for flirting. It would just confuse me anyway. Oh well.

*

People stared as Rat drove through town, and I grinned as I looked around. This felt like home. Dusty, sunny, weapons that weren’t concealed. We stopped at a tall building, and Rat parked and ushered us in. She checked in, and we took the elevator up to the hundredth floor. I had to shove my hands in my pockets to keep from stealing something right away. It was just so…fancy. I had only seen something this fancy when I was pretending to be a rich person to steal from other rich people. Even Taeo’s apartment wasn’t this fancy.

We checked into our room, which actually had two rooms, so I had a room to myself, and while we were getting settled, there was a knock on our door.

I poked my head out of my room as Rat walked toward the door, but before she could open it, the person on the other side opened, and a person with dark, curly hair that went a little past his shoulders and tired eyes that I didn’t know the color of walked in. He was wearing baggy clothes that weren’t flashy, except for a black scarf around his neck. “You made it!” he gushed, and he hugged Rat, so he must have been their friend Craw.

“Intruder alert!” She pushed him away with a grin, and he moved on to shake Eli’s hand. Eli looked like he had been going for a hug, but he awkwardly shook Craw’s hand instead.

“Glad to see you all in one piece.” Craw smiled crookedly, but then his eyes flicked toward me, and he leaned against the doorframe. “And you must be the new friend. One I don’t recognize. Rat, how far did you have to go to find a gem like this before I’ve had the pleasure of making her acquaintance?”

Gem? Pleasure? Rat was right about him. And I still wasn’t prepared. I tried to introduce myself, but the words wouldn’t come out right. So, I just kind of fumbled and fell silent, not looking him in the eyes. He was intimidating.

“You can make her acquaintance from two meters away, smoothie.” Rat tugged at the back of his coat. I silently thanked her. “She doesn’t go in for fire. Cut the cute stuff.”

“It’s just how I talk,” he protested with a smile. “I’ll do my best. Narry a wink, even. I’ll even reign in the charming dimples.” He rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, angled away from me a little more. He looked over at me, still a little intimidating. “Can I have your name?”

“None of that fae shit, either!”

He laughed and buried his face in his jacket lapels. “You got her breaking out the old language! For saints’ sakes. Does the newcomer have a tag I can know? Do I have to get all of my information through her lawyer here?”

Rat looked over at me, and I ducked my head, fiddling with my hands. “I’m—I’m Kai. I’m not from around here…”

“Enchantée. Surely, these two have gossiped all about me by now. But yeah, I’m not from around here either.” He glanced over at Rat. “My, my. Is this getting too personal? Too saucy for your taste?”

“What’re you doing here, anyway? I thought you lived out east,” Rat said.

He shrugged. “Teaching some local geezers some pidgin. Standard revolution stuff.” He looked back at me, and I stiffened. “Can’t quite catch your dialect, by the way.”

“Classified,” Rat said haughtily.

“Guys! Someone left us snacks!” Eli called from another room.

Snacks? Awesome and a good excuse. I took a step toward Eli. I didn’t know how much Rat wanted to disclose anyway, but I might as well explain a little. “But I’m not really from around here. Tersatellus in general.” I walked over to Eli but still stayed in sight just in case they started discussing something important.

He held up a basket of vegetables with a grin. “I think I haven’t eaten, like, half of these…”

I smiled back but didn’t take anything just in case I chose one he hadn’t tried. “Craw’s intimidating.”

Eli looked thoughtful. “I can see how you’d feel that way. You haven’t even heard him imitate your voice yet.” That was cool but surprising. “That’s always startling, too. He’s very talented…” He looked up suddenly. “Do you think I’m intimidating at all?”

I shook my head immediately. He was always so kind and considerate. “No. You’re awesome.”

He relaxed. “Alright. Do you need us to do anything about Craw?”

I frowned. “I think Rat has it covered. Would he really back off if I told him I was aromantic and asexual?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m sure. Notice how he doesn’t try it on me.” Eli messed with the basket wrapping. “I’m…new to a lot of this, but as far as I understand it, well—it’s different from most of the rest of the world, too, but the vast majority of us—Tersatellans—are asexual. Including him, I think. He, uh, just goes in real big for the romance. A lot of cutouts do. Again, though, I’m not exactly an expert or anything.” He was blushing.

I nodded and relaxed. I didn’t need to be intimidated by him. He would back off if I could just find the words to explain myself.

*

We waited in the commons area of the hotel room, just talking, waiting for Lily and Ivy to arrive. I mostly didn’t talk because I still felt a little intimidated by Craw, but he was a cool guy. I just wasn’t the best at interacting with people.

There was a knock on the door, and Rat jumped up with Craw to open it, and Eli followed a little slower. I just poked my head out of the room to watch. I didn’t want to be too intimidated again like I was with Craw.

Craw opened the door, and two women who looked similar were standing there. One of them had long, dark gray hair and violet eyes, and she was a little taller than the other one. They had said that would be Lily. The other woman had shorter more silver hair, and lavender eyes, and I had an ominous feeling about her. So, this was Ivy.

Both Rat and Lily stiffened and frowned when they saw each other, and I frowned too. Weren’t they supposed to be kind of friends?

“Look what the cat dragged in. What kind of cheap tar here’s polluting our good streets?” Lily said.

Rat snarled back. “If these streets were ever good, your feet’d burn.”

Lily snorted and then laughed, full and happy. Oh. So they were acting. “You just come up with this on the fly, eh?” she whooped and walked inside. “Hope you don’t mind me breaking and entering.” Ivy walked in after Lily and closed the door behind her and just hovered in the doorway. That was a mood.

Lily’s eyes landed on Eli. “And you’re here. That’s fine.” She sounded a little awkward. Eli mumbled something as Lily’s eyes landed on me. She frowned. “Uh…”

I sucked in a breath and shuffled into the hallway, fully into view. I wasn’t going to sound as nervous as I had around Craw. “I’m Kai. And—and I’m not from around here. Rat and Eli picked me up and took me along on their roadtrip.”

“Oh, huh.” She looked a little baffled. “That’s jazz for you, isn’t it? You do any crime or what?”

I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “I’m a thief.”

“Oh, good.” Lily sighed. “Well, in case you haven’t heard, I’m Lily, and that’s my sister Ivy.” She gestured behind her where Ivy was still hovering near the door. “We’re mostly into smuggling, but if you need a fence, we can figure things out.”

I nodded as a smile tugged at my lips. Cool. “Thanks. I’ll let you know if I do.”

Lily hopped on the couch and sat with her boots up. She glanced over at Eli, who looked shocked. “You fishes look lost. Dirt gets around out here. First rule: feet stay anonymous.”

I wasn’t really sure what that meant, but I wasn’t going to ask. “She’s got a bunch of knowledge of the area,” Craw said appreciatively and sat down beside her. She made a face at him and snatched her beacon back.

“I hope the second rule’s got to do with food,” Rat said as she took off her boots and socks. I agreed with the food part. I was already hungry even after I ate some snacks.

“You are a vile little snake and I appreciate it,” Lily sneered. Rat made a heart with her hands back. This was an interesting relationship. “So you’ve really just been road tripping, huh? That innocent?”

“I’m a rehabilitated lady,” Rat said sweetly. I snorted.

Lily seemed to have the same opinion of Rat’s statement that I did. “My tail,” she scoffed.

“I think she’s at least committing a little less crime lately,” Eli pointed out. “But that might just be because of me. Or because we have less time.”

“There’s always time for crime,” Rat said. “I’ve just been doing too much partying instead. It’s the new year! Live it up! And I’m seeing as many of you ungrateful jacks as I can.” Lily pretended to be stabbed at that last sentence. “Yeah, yeah. I kind of imagined we’d all go buy a castle with our winnings and live together. I couldn’t believe you all had independent goals and dreams. Like—med school? Did Craw say that right?”

“I never misspeak.” Craw sounded offended.

“Yeah, but you gossip and lie.”

“Got me there, officer.”

“I said that’s what I’d be doing.” Lily paused. “…Did some camping and soul-searching awhile first. Got lost in a weird swamp. Fought off gritty creeps. Real good young adult experience.”

“Oh…good,” Rat said, and then she looked over at Ivy. “Hey, and how’re you, Ivy?”

“Fine.”

“………Well, fabulous.” They fell into an awkward silence, and I didn’t really know what to say to help out.

And after a few uncomfortable minutes, Noct decided to bark and trot in as if she knew how to break the silence. And everything slowed down as Lily pulled out a gun. I instinctively rushed forward and scooped Noct up in my hands before turning around and biting my lip. “Don’t shoot. I made her a few days ago.”

Lily lowered her gun, staring at me with a shocked expression. “That’s a…dog?”

I nodded, and I hunched down as I felt everyone’s eyes on me. Great. “Yeah. I made her from scraps at Steele’s house…”

“Oh? Oh! Are you his, uh, apprentice or something?”

I glanced over at Rat and Eli. Did he even have apprentices? “No? I just met him for a few days when we went to Farsia.”

“She’s just real smart and knows how to make stuff, too. Bit of a tinkerer,” Rat said. Eli smiled and nodded. I just flushed at the praise and sat back down.

Lily scoffed. “Pah, we got enough o’ you ought here. Wicked good on you for stealing from Steele, though. Knock that one down a peg.” She nodded at Rat, and I frowned at both of them. What, did she think I stole from him? That would be scary to actually try. “Decent dog, I’ll admit. On a thieving tour, are you?”

Pause. Rat responded. “No, we’re just kinda sightseeing—”

“Okay, this ducky ain’t much for conversation.” Lily sighed. And I just frowned. Ducky? “I got it. You and Ivy, you two’re gonna get along just fine.” She turned to Rat. “Want some grub?”

“Is that a date?” Rat raised an eyebrow.

Lily shrugged. “Figure you, me and Craw can be fun, hit the streets, knock some dust off some shelves while the shut-ins sit in their corners and entertain themselves.” She smiled a radiant smile, and her voice got all sweet like syrup on top of sugar. “Heaven knows I love nothing more than splitting us up into sides.”

“I’m fun,” Eli protested. “And so is Kai. You’re just confusing her. And she didn’t steal anything from my brother. We just visited. For fun. It was a good time.”

“Oh, for sure. Enough fun to knock the stains off the walls, I bet.” Lily stood up. “Anyone actually interested in gambling or grub? It’s getting dark, and I sleep from 4:00 to noon, no sooner. Who’s in?”

“I’ll check out the scene,” Rat said. She stood up and locked an arm around Lily’s with a dark smile. And Lily’s smile faltered. “And I’ll keep you in check.”

“There’s food here,” Eli said, eying both me and Rat. “I’ll stay with Kai.”

I smiled over at Eli and nodded, resisting the urge to eye Lily’s pockets. She had been rude to Eli, so I was going to be petty. “Sounds fun.”

“It’s a nice hotel—I think you’ll like it here,” Craw said as he joined the others.

“Babysit Ivy for me,” Lily added.

Rat glanced over at Ivy. “Hurt either of them and I eat your mainframe.”

“You are the sweetest monster I have ever met,” Ivy said faintly, a ghost of a smile on her lips. She slid onto the couch Lily left. Eli glared at her.

“If anyone asks, I was here all night,” Rat told Eli, holding up her beacon. “And if you ask, I’ll be back in minutes.” They smiled at each other before she turned to me. “And don’t go hunting without a buddy, sis.”

The aliens. I smirked back at her. I had learned my lesson by now. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

They headed out, and I leaned toward Eli. “Do you know what room Lily and Ivy are staying in?” I had decided against trying to steal directly from Lily’s pockets, so instead I was going to steal something unimportant from her room.

Eli shrugged, and Ivy looked over at us and tilted her head. “You’re going to steal from her, aren’t you?” Crap. She figured me out. After a pause, she pointed. “1017. Five doors to the right. She hides her special bag behind the curtains in the washroom.”

I grinned over at her and gave her a thumbs up before I ran out of the room while Eli stared after me with a bewildered expression. Lily had insulted both Eli and me. I wasn’t about to let that happen without payback.

I put on gloves (since I didn’t know if Lily somehow had fingerprint identification abilities) before I picked the lock to 1017, and I slipped in and found the bag right where Ivy said it would be. I shuffled through various wristwatches (she sure had a lot) and picked out a nice digital one that I could work on so that it would say a dumb message.

I put everything back where it was and slipped out of the room and back to ours. I ran back into the commons area and sat backwards in a chair as I started tinkering. Ivy was staring off into the distance while her eyes glowed, and Eli was playing fetch with Noct, using a paperclip as a stick.

I looked over at him, frowning. “I’m sorry that you stayed behind because of me.”

He looked up at me. “Oh. That’s alright.” He smiled. “It’s something I chose to do, so that makes it good, right?” He grimaced. “Well, that was vague. Sorry—I don’t always have the best words for things…”

I shrugged, thinking back on meeting Craw and Lily. “Me neither. But thanks for playing with Noct. I know she appreciates it.”

He smiled, and I looked back down at the wristwatch as I got into the wiring. I was getting close to changing the message that would show up when she turned it on. I had decided to make an inside joke. It would say “Alien malware detected”.

When Eli didn’t say anything, I looked back up, and the smile was still frozen on his face, but it wasn’t reaching his eyes. I frowned. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Nononono,” he said quickly, blinking and raking a hand through his hair. “It’s fine. You’re fine.” He gestured at Noct. “It’s just…interesting…to…think about…Never mind.”

“Great. You’ve got him questioning him humanity,” Ivy sighed. I frowned deeper. Crap. I didn’t mean to make him feel bad.

“I am not. I’m just…waxing philosophical. Which is a perfectly fine and normal thing to do.”

Ivy shot him a doubtful look as her eyes stopped glowing. “You’ve got enough liquid lightning in your body to power this skyscraper for days. Nothing you do is normal.” She shrugged as his fists clenched, and I tensed. She seemed to say things that made the others unhappy so casually. “But yes, that’s still fine. It’s the perfectly normal people you have to be suspicious of, anyway.”

I decided to ignore her comment, since it had upset Eli. I set down the wristwatch and clasped my hands so that I wouldn’t fiddle with them as I turned completely toward him. “I’m sorry. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t program these emotions. She developed them all on her own.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You’re welcome.” He paused and nodded to himself. “I’m not entirely sure what opinion to attach to that fact, but I think it’s a good one. And I’m really impressed.” He smiled. “Just don’t tell my brother. Or my sister-in-law.” His smile fell. “Or Vastate. I wonder if you’ll meet him.”

“Why does it seem like Rat has free tickets to visit that freak show any time she wants?” Ivy frowned.

“Rat’s sneaky enough that it’s like she has free tickets to visit anywhere whenever she wants,” Eli said loudly.

“Are you burying something, punk?”

“It’s Eli. And are you digging for something?”

She stared blankly at him for a little bit before standing up. “That was me tactfully electing not to make a very cruel joke. I’ve spent the last of my social energy. Rat’s teaching you how to win conversations. I’m really impressed.” She glanced at me, and I frowned back. She seemed a little unnerving. “Nice meeting you.” A ghost of a smile crossed her lips before she walked off back to her own room.”

Eli watched her go then turned to me. “That went well, I think.”

I shrugged. “I guess. I’m…not sure about her.”

“That’s an appropriate judgment.”

We were mostly quiet the rest of the night as I finished up the wristwatch and waited for Rat to come back. She came back still full of energy and loud, and she told us about her time with a grin on her lips. But then she crashed quickly, and Eli and I went to our separate rooms, with Eli bringing Rat along to his room.

I fell asleep almost instantly, and of course, I had to have another dream.

“My dear, come with me.” Tila smiled and gestured for me to follow her, and of course I had to. I just followed at a distance so I wouldn’t have to feel the emotion dampening.

She led me to one of the rooms where they held their tests on us, and I froze. He was there. I couldn’t recall his name still, but that didn’t stop the rush of emotion. He was crumpled on the ground, bleeding from multiple cuts from their knives. There were already bruises forming on his face too.

I ran up to him, tears streaking down my cheeks. I was supposed to protect everyone. But I couldn’t. And the aliens knew it and loved it.

I looked him up and down when I reached him and searched his pockets for bandages I could use to wrap his wounds. I had to stop the blood flow. As I found them, Tila walked up behind me, but not close enough to affect my emotions.

“My dear, you should know by now that you are alone. They can’t save you, and you can’t save them. All that will happen is that they will get hurt because of you. You aren’t able to protect them. You are alone. Embrace it.”

I sucked in a breath and clenched my fists. “You don’t know anything! I won’t listen to you. They’re the closest I have to family.”

“They aren’t your family, and they never will be. They’re happy you’re taking all of the punishment for them. They might pretend that they feel bad, but they’re relieved they don’t have to get hurt. They aren’t appreciative. They’d rather you be hurt.”

The tears fell faster, and I probably tied one of his bandages too tight. “You’re—you’re wrong…”

“You’re alone, Kaira. And you always will be. We’re the only ones who will stay. The others would leave you in a heartbeat.”

A sob escaped my lips. I didn’t know what to believe. They would all be hurt because of me. It would be better if they left me and I was alone. I turned away from him, but he grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight.

“Kai. We’re here for you. Don’t believe her.” He smiled weakly up at me, but Tila stomped up, close enough to affect my emotions. I sighed, and the tears stopped falling, but there was still a dull ache.

“Shut up,” she snarled and kicked him in the ribs. I flinched as he cried out in pain. “You’ve gotten too used to my powers anyway. You should be punished.” Her knife flashed, but I instinctively moved between him and her, and she caught me in the arm. I screamed, and she laughed.

I snapped awake, sitting up immediately as I tried to slow my breathing. Tears streaked down my cheeks, and my pillow was soaked from them. Alone. I had always been alone, at least from what I could remember. If these dreams were real, I had friends in the past. But I had left them, forgotten them. They probably hated me now. I was alone…

I shot up and opened the door of my room. I didn’t want to bother Rat and Eli, but I needed to see them. The thoughts and fragmented memories were weighing down on me too much.

I probably should have knocked on the door just in case they wanted some privacy, but I didn’t. I just slipped in. I didn’t want to wake them, just in case.

They were already awake though, and they both looked up when I slipped in. I sucked in a breath and clasped my hands. “Is it okay if I stay with you for a while?”

Rat nodded, her eyebrows raised, and Eli spoke quickly. “Yeah—please.”

I hated intruding, but… I slinked over to the bed and perched on the edge near them, but not too close. I kept trying to keep my breathing sounding normal, but it was still too heavy. I didn’t want to worry them. “Just a bad dream. I didn’t want to be alone…” I mumbled. Eli nodded, and Rat looked between us like she wanted to say something. I frowned. “I hope I’m not intruding on anything. Why were you two up?”

“Can’t sleep,” Eli whispered. Oh. Eli also needed someone right now.

“I’m still buzzing from my spin on town,” Rat said.

Eli hugged his knees tighter against his chest. “You don’t have to lie for me.” He fell quiet, and Rat put a hand on his arm. His hand trailed along his elbow, where I could barely see, through the machinery, a dark red glow through his skin. Also what looked like a scar. “Did we tell you why I’m…like this?” he murmured.

I frowned. Something about being dead? “I think so, if you don’t want to talk about it.” I didn’t want to talk about my dream yet, so I understood.

He nodded. “When I was…asleep…” His voice caught on the word. “It was dark. It was so dark all the time, and I couldn’t—I had to stay hidden. And it’s been months. But every time I try to sleep—every time I can’t see light—it feels like going back. To not breathing. It’s been months, but I still…” He looked around the darkened corners of the room, and he shivered and buried his face in his hands. Rat put an arm around his shoulders. “I understand the bad dreams. I understand not being alone.”

“And you’re not,” Rat said quietly.

My heart ached, and I moved over to the other side of Eli and half hugged him tentatively just in case he didn’t want to be hugged. “We’re family.” He gingerly returned the hug but didn’t say anything. Hopefully, that helped. I bit my lip. I didn’t want to make it about myself, but if he was willing to share, I should share too. “I’ve been having dreams about my past, most likely. And it seems that the aliens pursuing me have always been trying to convince me that I’m alone. And they were pretty successful in this last dream.” I flinched at the memory and hugged Eli tighter. They were wrong. I had a family, even on a different world.

“Since we’re right here, I’m guessing it’s the kind of alone that’s got nothing to do with who’s physically around but—the kind of alone in here?” Rat put a hand over her heart. “Feels like you can’t really be safe with anyone, can’t know them, can’t get known? Too dangerous, too risky, too hard and futile because there’s always something that’ll come between you? And it’s like…glass walls. Between you and the rest of the world, and you can watch and people can never really know or be there. That kind of alone?”

I nodded. “They said that anyone close to me would get hurt because of me.”

“That’s the worst.” Rat sounded genuinely sad. “I’m sorry, Kai.” She reached across Eli, her hand outstretched toward me.

I took her hand and closed my eyes. I actually felt safe. “Thank you for not leaving me alone.”

We just sat in silence like that for a while, and I leaned against Eli. I fell asleep next to them.

[corvidexoskeleton]

9, 17, 24, 32, 40, 47 for Butch?

Certainly

9. Do animals like them? Do they get on well with animals?

Animals generally like them, yes. They’re not especially knowledgeable on how to deal with and act with most animals, since that’s not really their area of expertise, but they do what they can to not hurt or spook them. They don’t mean any harm, so most (domestic) animals aren’t that aggressive towards them 

17.  Do they like to take photos? What do they like to take photos of? Selfies? What do they do with their photos?

They’re not really a big picture taker. They’ll make an exception for Blair and Lily, especially Lily, but that’s what most of their photos consisted of. Although, they don’t have any issues taking picture for other people, nor do they mind having their picture take, whether by Blair or by their friends

The other exception to their indifference to picture taking would be whenever they get dressed up in corpse paint and go out and fuck around in the woods and take some of those grainy, low quality metalhead photos with Blair and whichever friends were also into those kinds of things

24. What is their sleeping pattern like? Do they snore? What do they like to sleep on? A soft or hard mattress?

Pre-war, they’d go to bed late, wake up early to get to work, tinker around with projects until late in the evening, forget to watch the time, and thus the cycle continues. They have a lot more freedom post war once they gang has really established itself, since they don’t have a set schedule they need to keep, and can trust the others in the gang to watch their back and make sure things don’t go completely to shit while they get their sleep

Don’t really snore much, if at all, but they do mumble sometimes, and prefer a softer mattress over firm

32. What do they dress like? What sorta shops do they buy clothes from? Do they wear the fashion that they like? What do they wear to sleep? Do they wear makeup? What’s their hair like?

Pre war: get most of their clothes from either whatever general retailers can be found in town that aren’t super expensive. Will usually wear what they think is comfortable, but also looks nice/good. Would sometimes find a mall while out with Blair and spend some time going through different shops until they found something they could agree on. Has to get new pants/jeans a lot bc they constantly get holes on the insides of the thighs and need to replace them, and neither they nor Blair know how to repair them to make em last longer

A large number of their shirts were band tees they got from concerts, many of which have had the sleeves torn off, are filled with holes, or have had the sides ripped open and tied back together from how old they are. Blair liked to get those loose fitting shirts that hang off a shoulder/both shoulders that you wear with like a tank top or something underneath, and would often get blank ones and put her own designs on them. Since the two of them had no problems sharing their wardrobes, Butch would usually end up wearing a lot of Blair’s stuff, too (there’s a lot I can see them wearing, but too much to list here)

Other communal items/accessories shared between the two included, but were not limited to: chokers, a few pairs of boots (both practical and stylish), some lingerie, pajama pants, and several hoodies

Some stuff that Butch wore that they didn’t share with Blair included their earrings (just plain steel studs) and the ring she made for them (right hand, middle finger). Usually just wears underwear or pajama pants to bed, sometimes a shirt, especially once Lily got old enough to get scared and come crawling into their bed at night

As for (non corpse paint) makeup, I think Blair would wear it more than Butch would, but they still wouldn’t be too much of a stranger to, like, eyeliner n shit. Might have Blair help them do up something more fancy, if there’s some kind of activity or event the two are going to and they want to look nice/more feminine

They mostly left their hair down and unstyled, and usually only pulled it back when they were busy and it was in the way. I think their natural hair would look more or less like this

And only took the time to style it when they were going out, or felt like putting in effort that day, or if Blair wanted to do something with it herself. Also didn’t regularly sport a beard until after the war, so they’d be baby facin’ it most of the time. Only very rarely would they let it grow some, and only ever enough for it to just be noticeable, and in a few days it would be gone

Post war: The same jacket and pants they’ve been wearing for 300 years. The shirt they were frozen in was already on the way out the door, so that didn’t last more than a few weeks. A distinct lack of a hairbrush and a stressful busy lifestyle means they keep their hair up at almost all times. Don’t exactly have the means to shave regularly, either. Besides, it makes them more intimidating if they let the beard grow out 

40. Do they like energy drinks? Coffee? Sugary food? Or can they naturally stay awake and alert?

They’ll drink coffee if they need to stay up all night, for some ungodly reason, or pull extra hours at work, but it’s not something they’ll drink otherwise. Absolutely hates energy drinks, and don’t really feel like packing around sugary food just to keep awake

47. How do they act in a formal occasion? What do they think of black tie wear? Do they enjoy fancy parties and love to chit chat or loathe the whole event?

Really don’t like fancy events or parties since the only fancy events they end up invited to/are expected to attend usually have something to do with work, and they hate their employers, so they’re determined to dress as informally as possible out of spite. Ripped up black/gray jeans, the most illegible metal tee they own, tennis shoes, and swap out their studs for a pair of skulls. Will wash their hair beforehand, but will only pull part of it back so they end up looking like some kind of swamp witch. Do not want to talk to anyone if they can help it, and would rather stand by the food/drink table and hoover up snacks so they have an excuse to ignore everyone 

Now, if said fancy event is being thrown by friends, then they’ll absolutely dress up to whatever degree they’re able/whatever is acceptable. Will also be friendly and sociable, since its their friends after all, but won’t try to do anything stupid or screw around if they think doing so would be inappropriate. Will still hoover up snacks, but not because they’re looking for an excuse to get away

[latitudesunknown]

Day 50 in Tiny Haven

Today in Tiny Haven: la douceur de vivre, and Nacer’s bad day.

(1) She’s always so happy, bless her. If she ever gets depressed I don’t think I’ll be able to cope.

As promised, Thibou has applied for an extension permit, which means the museum will be closed today.

For now, I enjoy my new upgraded house, with its brand new door and mailbox.

Said mailbox holds a letter from Raymond, who really has a way with words.

(2)

The gift is a welcome mat, which is actually fantastic. I felt bad traipsing around my house with muddy boots every time it rained!

I also finish preliminary work on my new kitchen, until I can find or craft proper kitchen furniture.

I love the 70s, can you tell?

Coincidentally, on the beach, I find a blueprint to make a breadboard, and you wouldn’t think it’d be worthy of a mention, but a breadboard is one of the two components needed to make a mini-kitchen, so this is pretty exciting news to me.

Since it’s a bank holiday in France, and I have very little work to do, I get to properly enjoy my island for the first time in a week.

It’s a beautiful day, the waters are a wondrous blue, and Lily is out and about hanging out with her friends, which makes me very happy. I just love seeing all the NPCs interact (even though I’m still sad that I can’t eavesdrop on their conversations).

First some gym on the beach with Nacer...

Then a little fishing with Raymond. 🎣

As for Abraham, he is hanging out with himself, and still the cutest bean.

(3) 🧡🧡🧡

Seriously, I’m so happy he came to my island. I didn’t even invite him, he just popped up one day, and he’s been a ray of sunshine ever since. 🌤️🥰

I just really love my little life on my little island. I wish I could move there for real. 🤗

I’ve put all my pink flowers in front of City Hall.

However, when I ask Marie for our current rating, she tells me online reviewers are often complaining about the fact that my island doesn’t have enough picturesque spots!

(4) How dare they.

Vexed to my core, I instantly set out to build an outdoors restaurant on the hill.

Welcome to “Le Petit Jardin”!

Of course, I’ll probably need to build up a ramp before “customers” show up, but I’ve already used my new land-changing permit to start work on a staircase next to Renée’s house.

It may sound boring, but not being able to easily access the hills on this end of the island has been vexing me for weeks.

On a mystery island, I catch a new kind of firefly, which makes me feel very vindicated because I’d always suspected there must be more than one.

The game was very enthusiastic about me catching it.

Back home, however, Nacer is having a bad day.

First, he worries about his language, forcing me to try and figure out a translation for “têtedebois”... which I give up on, but not before looking him up on fansites, realizing why he’s called “Nacer” in French, why his expression is “têtedebois” (”wooden head”, for the antlers!), and seeing that his catchphrase in English has nothing to do with any of this.

(5) 

(6) I think that I won’t have anyone feel self-conscious on my island!

(7) Crisis averted.

I find him back in the main square later on, talking to Renée, until they both look shocked and part ways. After that, Nacer drags his feet around, looking super bummed/ashamed.

Turns out he and Renée worked out, and she’s all sore now (a blatant lie, as she happily walked away to smell the flowers).

(8) Trying to commiserate, I tell him that it sucks for Renée, which is obviously the wrong answer since he then walks away, still looking like he’s at the end of his life.

Even worse, no matter how many times I talk to him, his mood doesn’t improve, which gets me a little frantic.

(9) Noooo, you’re lovely, don’t go and think so lowly of yourself!! 😧

Thankfully, my determination eventually pays off. After a while, I get a choice of dialogue again, and this time I tell him that it’s okay, he shouldn’t think twice about it. That cheers him up, laughing about how not everyone is ready to experience the awesomeness of sore muscles, and he goes on his merry way while I breathe a sigh of relief.

Nobody ever told me running an island would require so much psychology!

.

Subtitles

(1) Tiny Haven has received a formal authorization to upgrade our museum! (2) My stylish buddy Maddy, A great cat once said: "Absolute luxuritude is a fine carpet." and this gift is the blatant proof of it. Ah, and I'm giving it to you, because absolute luxuritude is also sharing. Raymond, absolutely. (3) The sky is so blue today! That way, the sun can clearly see what we're up to! (4) A comment that comes back often is that our island doesn't have enough memorable sights. (5) Drats, I said "woodenhead" again, even though I know one should never overindulge in the same exercise! (6) I think I should beef up my favourite expression. What do you think? Woodenhead? (7) Hehe, in that case... I'm not going to change it without good reason, woodenhead. (8) But now, she's so sore, she can barely move... a. that's nothing to fret about! / b. Aouch, poor Renée... (9) I try to be mindful of others, but I always end up making the same mistake...

[h-styles-babes]

Bad Habit | Part IV

And I’m back with Part IV. I hope you guys enjoy! As always, feedback is much appreciated xx

Read Part III here. 

FOUR

Harry and Viv stumbled into her flat at around seven that evening. Viv had never been on a date that lasted more than a couple hours, let alone the over seven she’d spent with Harry. They’d returned to her complex about an hour and half earlier, but then they’d decided to go to the pub just down the street for a couple drinks and maybe some chips. They were pretty full on snacks and popcorn from their time at the cinema, but they figured something absorbent was good if they were going to be drinking a bit. Viv had no intention of getting anywhere close to drunk, but she didn’t mind being a little bit tipsy.

Which was exactly what she aimed for as her and Harry sat at a tall table beside each other, laughing at embarrassing stories they were telling about each other from their time in school. Viv snorted out a laugh at some point and Harry teased her lightly about how cute it was, so she tossed a chip at his face, which he whined lightly about before tossing one back at her. They giggled some more and sipped on their drinks. Harry had been pleasantly surprised when she’d ordered a bottle of Heineken when asked by a server. She struck him as more of a mixed drink sort of girl, but she’d continued with the beer throughout the time they were there. She’d only had three bottles by the time they left, so she was just pleasantly buzzed but still had her wits about her.

Harry seemed to be in a similar state, slinging his arm around her waist as they walked back to her building in the briskness of the evening. Viv was only then beginning to regret her choice to wear a dress, but she knew she’d be back in her cosy flat soon, so she didn’t worry about it too much.

When they got to front entrance, Harry stopped and made to bid her farewell for the night. He figured this was the end of their time together for the day, and he’d have to call for a cab or an Uber to take him back to his, since he didn’t quite feel like walking back home in the cold. He supposed he could always call Niall, but he was sure his flatmate was already headed out for a party, seeing as it was a Friday night. He was almost certain that the Irishman would already be a few pints in and in no shape to be coming to pick up Harry and take him back to their home.

“Come inside?” Viv asked him, biting at her bottom lip a bit shyly. Harry was a bit surprised by her offer, but he wasn’t about to turn her down. He didn’t have any plans to do anything ungentlemanly with her, considering this was still only their first date, but he was more than willing to accept her hospitality and the warmth her flat would provide.

So, they went up to her flat, giggling a bit when Viv had to try twice before successfully getting the key into the lock. Viv kicked off her boots as soon as she closed the door behind her, so Harry did the same, wiggling his socked toes as he steadied Viv as sh struggled with her second boot. When she finally got it off, she sighed and smiled up at him.

“Would yeh like anything to drink?” she asked. “Can make some tea, if yeh’d like.”  

“That would be great, thanks,” Harry agreed.

Viv nodded as she shrugged out of her coat, gesturing for him to do the same. “Make yourself at home. I’m gonna put the kettle on.”

Harry wandered into Viv’s living room as she went to put the kettle on. He had intentions to just make a spot for himself on the couch until she came back, but he noticed she had bookshelves in the living room that were filled to the brim with books, CDs, records, music sheets, photographs, cards that looked like they were from a recent birthday, and a bunch of little knickknacks that looked like they were from different parts of the world.

He set his eyes on a photograph that was in a shiny silver frame. It was of what he assumed was Viv’s family at a wedding. It was one of the married couple and some family and the wedding party. The bride and the groom in the center were beaming happily, each tucked into the other’s side. Viv was stood immediately to the bride’s right, dressed in a pretty lavender gown that brushed around her ankles, showing off her silver heels and what looked to be a tattoo on her left foot, holding her own small bouquet of flowers. By her side was an older woman in a light grey gown that reached the floor, a black shawl around her shoulders, her blond hair cut in a stylish bob. Stood behind the both of them was a gentleman that looked to be the same age as the woman, smiling proudly in a nice suit, his wavy hair the same chestnut colour as Viv’s. Harry supposed these were Viv’s parents.

On the other side of the groom was a boy that looked to be slightly younger than Vivian wearing a tux that was the same grey as the groom’s, his hair blond like the older woman’s. He was tall, too, like the older man, his grin the same. Stood beside him was a much younger boy, probably with or nine, beaming a slightly toothless smile and the same chestnut as Viv, wearing a miniature version of the grey tux. They all looked quite smart, and it looked to be early autumn, as the photo was taken outside and the leaves of the trees were all bright red and orange. Everyone looked incredibly happy.

“That’s from my brother’s wedding last year,” Viv said to him, suddenly appearing beside him. She slid herself close and pointed out everyone in the photo as she told him their names. “That’s my older brother, Oliver.” She pointed to the groom. “Those are my two younger brothers, Jamie and Carter. And those are my parents.” She pointed to the two older people in the frame, confirming Harry’s suspicions. “Oliver’s wife is called Lily.”

“You were a bridesmaid?” Harry guessed by the colour of her dress matching the guys’ ties and the ribbon tied around the bride’s bouquet.

“Maid of Honour. Lily’s been my best mate since we were in Year 3.”

Harry turned to look at her with wide eyes. “Your older brother married your best friend since yeh were little?”

Viv laughed at his surprise. She bit her lip to quell her giggles. “Yeah. Oliver’s only two years older than us. I always reckoned they fancied each other when we were younger. They didn’t start actually dating until we were in our last year of secondary and Oliver was in sixth form. My parents thought it was kinda odd, since they saw Lily as a sort of sister to Oliver, since she was around to much when we were growin’ up, but I was elated. Oli proposed the New Year’s before.”

“They’re so young,” Harry observed, figuring Lily was only twenty, like Viv, making Oliver twenty-two. He didn’t know anyone personally that was married, yet. And their wedding was over a year previous, so they had to have been nineteen and twenty-one, Harry figured.

Viv shrugged. “They’re each other’s soul mate. They didn’t see any point in waiting until they were in their mid-twenties or summat.”

“Are they still in school?” Harry asked, still surprised two people could love each other so much that they’d get married so young. He couldn’t even fathom it, really.

“Oliver’s a teacher now,” Viv told him. “He teaches Year 3 at a private school. Lily’s still going to school. They live in Surrey.”

“So they’re not far.” Viv shook her head with a smile. “Do yeh see them often?” “Lily and I get together about once a month, when we can both find time. She’s studying biology, so she’s a bit more busy than I am. I see my brother occasionally. Mostly at holidays and birthdays.”

“And the rest of your family?” Harry asked.

The kettle started whistling then, so Viv gestured for him to follow her so she could continue answering his questions.

“My parents and younger siblings live in Reading. My parents are professors at the uni there.” Viv poured some water into mugs over bags of Earl Grey tea. “What do they do?”

“My mum’s a zoology professor. She mostly teaches about marine animals. She does research with her grad students about the migration and growth patterns of sea urchins.” Harry made an impressed sound in his throat and Viv smiled. She’d always been proud of all her mum’s research, even if it took up a lot of her time, especially when they were younger. “My dad is an archaeology professor. Ancient cultures and all that. Mostly ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.”

“And your younger brothers?” Harry asked as Viv handed him a mug, following her back into the living room to sit at the little love seat she had in there.

“Jamie is seventeen. He’s at the local college doing his A-levels. Wants to go to Germany for uni, though, for some reason. Not that I begrudge him wanting to get out of the area, but that’s pretty far.” Viv blew on her tea, pursing her lips in a way that had Harry biting his bottom lip, too distracted to even try to tend to his own mug. “Carter’s only just turned eleven, so he just started secondary this term. Thinks he’s finally catchin’ up to threats of us.” Viv laughed.

“Why the age gap?” There was six years between Carter and Jamie, which seemed large when there were only two and three years between the other siblings.

Viv snorted, which made Harry smile. He’d teased her about it earlier, but he actually found it quite adorable. “He was a bit of a surprise. Oliver was too, I suppose. My parents were only in their first year of grad school when Oli was born. Jamie and I were planned after that. They thought they were done, but Mum found out she was pregnant when Jamie was six. Bit of a shock for us all. We were still young, but we’d all accepted Jamie was the baby. Then Carter showed up and messed up the dynamics.”

“You’re still a middle child, though,” Harry pointed out with a raise of his brow. There were things to be said of middle children.

“But I’m the only girl,” she countered, obviously picking up what Harry was trying to say.

“Touche,” he nodded.

“What about you? What’s your family like, Harry?”

“It’s just four of us,” he shrugged. His family was much less exciting than Viv’s, he thought. “My mum, Anne, works from home doing charity stuff. She’s a coordinator of some sort. She’s always planning stuff and attending charity events.” It was Viv’s turn to make an impressed sound. Harry smiled. “My mum’s the best person I’ve ever known. Never met anyone kinder.”

“Explains where yeh get it from,” Viv mused.

“I’d like to think so,” Harry nodded, a small smile still tugging at his lips. “Then there’s Robin, my stepdad. He’s perfect for mum. Just as nice and always happy. Good enough a man to take on a woman with a bratty teenage daughter and a weird son.”

“You’ve got a sister?” Viv asked, somehow not at all surprised by this revelation. Harry seemed the type to learn all he knew about handling and interacting with women from years of carefully maneuvering a moody older sister.

“Yeah, Gemma. She’s three years older than me. Lives with her boyfriend in London, now. She’s working on gettin’ her business off the ground.”

“What’s she do?”

“She owns a boutique in Covent Garden. Does well for herself.” Harry smiled proudly, his relationship with his sister obviously much better than he was letting on.

“They sound lovely,” Viv nodded, smiling at Harry over the rim of her mug.

Harry set aside his own mug on her coffee table. He took to folding the sleeves of his shirt up his forearms, her flat much warmer than he anticipated. He was feeling a bit warm, though, that could have been her Viv’s presence. She made his heart race in a way that he hadn’t experienced in a while. It was overwhelming and completely welcome all the same.

“They are. My parents live in Cheshire, though, so I don’t see them save for holidays, now. Gem and I’ll have lunch every so of—”

Viv suddenly started choking on her tea, sputtering with her eyes wide. She lunged to reach for a napkin she’d brought in with her that was laying on the coffee table. She dabbed at her mouth to clean up the splattered tea, coughing to clear her lungs of the inhaled liquid. Harry fretted over her, rubbing her back. “Yeh alright?” he asked, his concern genuine in his tone and the crumple of his features. Viv would find it amazing if she wasn’t currently freaking out.

Her eyes had zeroed in on his arms as he’d rolled his sleeves up. Mostly the movement had caught her attention, but then she’d stayed transfixed because she was finally going to get to see his exposed forearms, which she had been wanting after brief glances at his hands. She’d seen through jumpers and jackets the pull of his broad shoulders, so she was exceedingly curious about what the rest of his body looked like. She imagined he was lean and sinewy, so this was her first opportunity at discovering it for herself.

However, she’d gasped as the tattoos that littered his left arm were revealed, causing her to inhale the tea she was sipping, throwing her into a coughing fit as she tried to expel the liquid.

As she looked over the familiar tattoos, she was berating herself. How had she not noticed the rings that adorned nearly all his fingers. A week of avoiding being caught looking at his hands for fear that he’d find her weird meant she’d never properly looked at the rings, let alone the little cross tattoo that sat between his thumb and first finger of his left hand. How had she never noticed? She felt like an absolute idiot.

Because those were hands and arms that she was just a bit too acquainted with. Not on any personal levels, of course, but acquainted all the same. Because those were forearms she’d seen straining with a pumping motion, making her mouth water.

Because those were hands she’d seen wrapped around an impressive cock, their stroking driving her to her own orgasm over the course of minutes or hours.

Because she suddenly realised that Harry was UniBoy94, and her brain didn’t know how to reconcile this information very well without making her choke. “Oh my god,” Viv groaned as soon as she was able. Her face was already hot from the near-choking thing, but now she was also extremely embarrassed, because she wasn’t quite sure she could play this off, and she’d probably have to tell Harry the truth. She knew about the real way he made money because she contributed to it. She’d watched him get himself off too many times to count, and he’d commented to her directly during one of his livestreams. It was all too much, honestly. “Jesus Christ. Motherfucker.”

“Viv, are yeh okay?” Harry asked, still very much concerned about her choking. She wanted to swat his hands away and tell him to stop touching her, but: a) she really didn’t want that because she quite liked having Harry’s hands on her and b) there was no reason for her to be upset with him. She was just entirely flustered by this whole situation that she’d ultimately gotten herself into.

“Sorry,” she croaked out, shaking her head. She cleared her throat to try to make herself sound normal again. “I inhaled my tea on accident.”

“Yeh sure?” he asked, a bit skeptical, though, still concerned about her wellbeing. “Yeh seem a bit flustered.”

Why, yes, Harry. Now that you mention it, I am quite flustered. I am flustered because I just realised you’re the boy that I watch jerk himself off to the internet nearly every Tuesday and Thursday.

Instead, she went with, “I, uh—” She coughed again to try to think of what she was going to say. Should she lie to him and pretend like she never figured out that he’s UniBoy94?  Could she actually continue seeing him with her revelation sitting between them? Or should she just come out with it and get it out in the open as soon as possible? Surely he couldn’t judge her for watching strangers jerk off on the internet when he himself was a stranger that jerked off on the internet. Surely.

Option #3 sounded best to her, since she liked her relationships—both romantic and platonic—to be as honest as possible. She supposed this was a testament to her beliefs.

“I, uh—” she started again. “I just, uh…realised something, I suppose.”

Way to not beat around the bush, Vivian.

“What’d yeh realise?” Harry asked, more confused now than anything by the way his brows creased in the center. He expected her to say she’d left the stove on or she’d forgotten her purse at the bar. But he’d watched her turn the burner off when she’d poured the water, and he’d taken her purse from her when they shucked their shoes and coats in the entryway. So, yes, he was confused.

Viv took a deep breath and decided to really just go for it. No beating around the bush, no stalling, no bullshitting. Just complete honesty and a hope for the best outcome. She wasn’t sure what she thought that was, though.

“I just realised you’re the man I’ve been watching masturbate on the internet twice a week for the last few months.”

It was Harry’s turn to choke, except it was only his own saliva, so the spluttering was minimal and he coughed a few times to clear it. “Yeh’ve what?” he mumbled.

“Yeah, not my most appropriate confession,” Viv admitted, forcing a chuckle to try to make this all less awkward. She was pretty sure it wasn’t working. “Figured it was best to just get it out there, though, seein’ as I’ve just figured it out.”

Harry stared at her with wide eyes for a few silent beats before squeezing his eyes shut and taking a few deep breaths. She wasn’t sure if he was trying to figure out how to have this conversation or devising a way to rid himself of her and get out of her flat as quickly as possible, but she allowed him his time either way. She knew this was a bit of a shock to him, too, and she didn’t want to push him. She was shocked, too, but at least she wasn’t the one who the other’d seen naked multiple times. She supposed she did have a slight advantage here.

With eyes still closed, but now just resting instead of squeezed, he began to breathe out, “So, you’re tellin’ me…th-that you’re subscribed to me. And yeh’ve seen me—seen me masturbate.” He cleared his throat and peeked his eyes open, looking at her like he was a cornered animal for some reason. Did he think she was gonna make fun of him for getting off for strangers for money? Who was she to judge? She was one of those strangers that paid him to watch him jerk off! If anything, she was the one that should be judged here.

“Uh…ye—yeah, that’s what I’m sayin’,” Viv confirmed with a slight bob of her head. Could this possibly be anymore awkward? Probably not, she thought, but she wasn’t really willing to find out, so she pushed on, hoping to relieve some of the tension that had settled over them. “I just want to make it clear that I’m not, like…judgin’ yeh for it, or anything, Harry. For what yeh do to make money. Honestly, if I looked half as good as you do, I’d be doin’ the same thing. And I’m one of the pathetic fucks that pays to watch yeh jerk off, so I’m not exactly in any position to criticise, am I? And I’m sorry if I’ve made things weird by tellin’ yeh that I know, but I really don’t like to lie to people if I don’t have to. Whether or not yeh still want to see me, you’re friends with Liam, yeah? So I’d spend time with yeh occasionally, anyway. And I don’t think I could’ve carried on very long carryin’ that around with me. And I don’t want yeh to think that I see yeh any differently now that I’ve put it together. You’re still the Harry the I’ve been gettin’ to know over the last week. I still think you’re great and funny and kind. And I’d really like to keep gettin’ to know yeh, if yeh’d let me. Or if it’s too weird for yeh for me to know, then that’s okay, too. Whatever yeh want, Harry. I just—”

She was very aware that she was rambling at that point, but she couldn’t stop it. It was just spilling out like a leaky faucet. She’d actually run out of breath, so she had to pause to fill her lungs, but Harry stopped her before she could get going again.

He scooted toward her on the couch almost timidly, but there was also a sort of resolve in his eyes that made them sparkle. He reached a hand out to place on her bright red cheek, letting the tips of his fingers sift through her hair. Her breath stuttered in her throat, and Harry watched as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, chewing at it lightly. He nearly groaned as he saw the tip of her pink tongue dart out to lick over it and guide it in. After everything she’d just word vomited, he still found her much too attractive for his own good.

“Viv?” he asked, his voice quiet after the loud, prolonged rambling of Viv’s voice.

Vivian gulped before responding. “Yeah?”

“Just…be quiet for a second, yeah?.

The look in his eyes was a it intense, so Viv squeaked out, “Okay.”

Before she could really understand what was happening, she felt Harry’s lips press against her own, warm and soft and tasting just like mint.

[milesawaylove-blog1]

The feel good film of the Summer

PSA: This post contains a few spoilers so if you haven’t seen the film, get your butt down the cinema and watch it ASAP, you won't regret it.

So I FINALLY got to see Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again last week, and my god it did not disappoint. I’d seen mixed reviews, as you would expect from a sequel. I was really hoping it would live up to my expectations, and although the first one was just that little bit better, the second was still amazing. It has spent 3 consecutive weeks at the top in the UK, and has taken an impressive £39.3 million after its first three weekends on the big screen.This is almost £15million more than the first film!! Seems like people just can’t get enough, and I don’t blame em!

I was only 12 years old when the first film came out, and I would definitely say that it was the reason I became interested in Performing Arts. I don’t know what it was, but there was something about the film that truly memorised me and I had the ABBA greatest hits album on repeat for weeks, learning all the words to perform in front of all my adoring fans (aka my bedroom mirror). The film also has a special place in my heart as my Dad took my sister and I. He said to my mum it would be nice for us, but really he wanted to go as he’d always been an ABBA fan. So he was more than happy when I wouldn't stop playing the songs all day. 

I had really big expectations for the second film, not only as the original cast were returning but also because.. CHER!! 

The beginning of the film was really sad, as we learnt that Donna had died leaving behind Sophie and Sam. (When Sam got out the old photos of Donna and sang S.O.S again that hit me right in the feels, poor sam!!) However, the mood once again lifted when the retelling of how Donna came to find the island and met Harry, Sam and Bill along the way. I must say the casting for the young cast was fabulous, but I would have thought they would have chosen someone a bit different to play Sam- as in my opinion and according to thousands of people on Twitter, he didn't seem all too similar to his on screen father.

I would also like to point out how much of an iconic character of Donna is, she strong, confident and independent; not to mention that she sleeps with 3 men in one week and no one bats an eyelid/ makes a comment about it or slut shames her. That’s a very rare trope for a film that is based on a women and her relationships, as more often than not, even if the female character is a lead, she is portrayed as an over-sexual being/dumb or a slut even if she embodies everything but that, the character of Elle Woods (also an icon) from Legally Blonde is a perfect example. But hello it’s 2018 and women can do whatever the hell we want to honey, so you go girl x

Before I saw the film, I did wonder if they were going to recycle all the songs from the last film and how on earth they were going to do so. Much to my surprise new songs were included, and some I hadn’t even heard before! I can confidently say that ABBA is one of my all time favourite bands and all they produce is B A N G E R S !!!! There is not one song that I’ve heard that I don’t like. I also don't trust anyone that says they hate ABBA, like seriously hun ???? How can you not love them ?? Upbeat, uplifting and simply iconic is the only way to describe them. I’m actually listening to the soundtrack whilst writing this post and it doesn’t fail to put a smile on my face. I’m also needing a lot of dance breaks from typing!

My favourite newbies songs are Why Did It Have To Be Me, The Name Of The Game and Angel Eyes (The scene where they sing Angel Eyes is stolen by Julie Walters, she's just too funny and her comedic timing is too perfect)

I truly loved the film and these were my thoughts during the film:

1) I want Donna Sheridan’s wardrobe!!!

The costume department just nailed how I imagined young Donna to dress, a stylish natural bohemian vibe mixed with 70′s flares, platform boots and lots of loud prints. Everything was perfect, even down to the rings she wore on most fingers- the attention to detail just enhanced Lily James’ performance and every inch of me believed she was made for the role. 

2) Amanda Seyfried is a GODDESS

I mean, can we just take a moment to appreciate how the older she gets the hotter she gets!!!! Somehow she is definitely ageing backwards. 

3) Christine Baranski is a bad bitch!!!!!!

Christine plays Tanya, who is a serial flirt and all round sass pot, and this role is made for Christine, she looks fabulous for her age and not to mention her dance moves?!! That high kick during Angel Eyes??? Giiiiirrlllllll, I hope I'm that limber when I'm 66! Plus her delivery of “Be still my beating vagina” was tooooo funny.

4) I NEED a holiday

The island “Kalokairi” (which was actually Skopelos) looks like an absolute dream. Mamma Mia 2 was also filmed in Vis, Croatia. The sea in both locations is simply stunning. I’ve been to Corfu so have had a taste of the blue Mediterranean waters, and I am so desperate to go back. I'm hoping Croatia is going to be mine and Charlie’s destination of choice next year! It looks incredible and is at the top of my list to visit.

5) God I miss singing :-( 

I haven't sung properly in well over a year and I miss it so much, whenever I watch a musical it always instantly makes me want to be on the West End stage. I really hope at some point in my life I am able to fulfil that dream. 

6) I didn’t realise I needed to see Colin Firth dancing till now

Oh Colin, he really is such an awkward person but he can really bust some moves! Every time he shook his hips I couldn't help but laugh, it looks so wrong but its just so funny, and bless him for trying and giving it 110% cos he looks 10/10 fabulous xxx

7) Cher is kind of playing herself, but I’m okay with that

Cher had a small role as Sophie’s Grandmother- Ruby, an absent figure who was a singer/performer travelling the world. Her sharp tongue and classic persona just oozed the Cher we all know and love. It wasn’t too much of a stretch for Cher character wise, but she still made a great addition to the film.

8) EXCUSE ME, but where is Meryl ????

So I had some idea from the trailer that we wouldn’t be seeing Meryl Streep as much seeing as her character had died, but I was really disappointed we only got to see her for 10 minutes (ish) at the end of the film! Mind you, the little time that we did get to see her was soooo emotional and had everyone including me sobbing like a baby. Plus the song Donna and Sophie sing together (My Love, My Life) makes me tear up every time I hear it. But Meryl was missed for the majority, I wish they didn’t kill Donna off so we could have had another film!

So if you’re in need of a girls night out, or just a general pick me up, defo go and see this film. I guarantee you will leave feeling uplifted and with at least 4 songs stuck in your head. 

Em Xx

[sassy-potathoes-blog]

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Reference : https://www.mpcteehouse.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothing

[thelasttimeisawher]

Submission #2: Genevieve

The last time I saw Lily Wilkes at Giovanni’s in NY today (Apr. 3)!! It was 12:30pm, and she was with another girl, I think it was her stylist or something?? Maybe it was her manager. She looked older than Lily, but she had these really big black sunglasses on, so I couldn’t really know for sure. I was sitting at the table across from her with my friend, and we could not stop staring at her because it’s Lily Wilkes, come on!!

She was wearing this super stylish outfit and the CUTEST boots ever, oh my gosh. I think it’s from her new Burberry partnership but I’ll have to fact-check that. (links below!)  She ordered spaghetti carbonara and a Caesar salad on the side. I think it’s so amazing that she still eats what she wants to eat, even when she’s a famous actress (#bodypositivity)!! Her manager didn’t order anything, which was sort of awkward, especially when she was talking to Lily and she was obviously just trying to eat, haha.

Anyway, the thing is, the conversation looked pretty heated. There wasn’t any yelling or anything, but like, Lily looked pretty annoyed and her manager/stylist (?) kept on pointing at something on her phone repeatedly. I didn’t get a good look at it, but I’m pretty sure it was something to do with her recent Insta post..’cause that was kinda shady! You know the one I’m talking about. But the thing is, it’s not even her fault! My friend and I were reading it as she was sitting two meters away from us, and it was so surreal. My friend said that she would do the exact same thing if her boyfriend cheated on her. I mean, he had guts to cheat on her with that model in a public place! I think maybe that’s why she looked less lively than usual..it was only two weeks ago.

You know, now that I think about it, she did look kind of depressed. She should be having lunch with a friend instead of getting chewed out by her manager. You know what they say, it’s lonely at the top. But anyway, miserable or not, Lily looked bomb!! You can see in the picture I attached, she also had this super cute purse from Valentino. Honestly, who can be sad when they look that good? I know I wouldn’t be!

I really wanted a picture with her, but I was considerate, and respectfully waited until after their meal, because no one likes getting hounded with cameras while they eat, right? Her manager sort of gave us the stink eye when we asked, ugh. I mean, no offense, but Lily’s really famous, so of course people are gonna recognize her in public and ask her for pictures. She was super sweet (of course!) and took a picture with me and my friend when we approached her. She even said that my dress was cute! Ah! Bottom line: Lily’s a literal angel.

[archienewling]

Brandon took the kids up to Wisconsin last month while I worked on the house (they didn’t need to suffer the lack of hot water), so he had our minivan and I borrowed his mom’s car. It was the nicest, and coincidentally or not, newest car I’d ever driven (a Subaru Forester). I mentioned it on Instagram Stories, and boy do people love them! Tagline: accurate. I was spoiled very quickly. It was super fun to drive and had some novel bells and whistles, so going back to our minivan was a tiny bit of a bummer.

We have been a single-car household for years and we don’t need a new one, yet I found myself researching. Looking at vehicles that we do not need and would rather not spend money on. I enjoy driving more than Brandon (it’s fun for me, just something that needs to be done sometimes for him), but neither of us are particularly interested in car makes and models. Is it reliable? Does it fit our family of five and the things we need to transport? Cool. Run for as long as you can and you’re our car.

I did successfully transfer my ‘must research cars’ energy into ‘must make my bicycle the cutest in the land,’ which I guess is an improvement? It’s far less expensive at least, though I do find my wish list adding up. We live in a very walkable area, and we do walk a lot — more than we drive. But I often find myself walking somewhere and schlepping things home* with tired and sore arms. So why am I not using my bike more? I aspire to be a person effortlessly and stylishly riding my bicycle everywhere (sundress flapping in the breeze), even though mine has mostly spent its time in the garage. And now that Eleanor has learned to ride and loves it, she wants me to join her.

I have what is apparently not a very good bike (I know it is not top of the line and people have not hesitated to tell me so), but I don’t have a lot of knowledge in that area. It’s comfortable and easy to ride, and of course the Liberty of London floral pattern is adorable. I dropped it off at a local shop for maintenance and I’m eager to ride again, but I never did get a basket for it and it is begging for one. Hence my new obsession. Pretty baskets! A more stylish helmet! Do I need panniers and a rack!? And is my bike really so bad? A bike is a bike is a bike to me. I don’t know.

Bike Pretty indeed has some very pretty options. The helmet selection is great, their half-circle bamboo basket is lovely, and I’m very interested in the Buca Boot for storage on the back.

Bobbin Bicycles is brilliantly beautiful and British. They sell bicycles which would be costly to ship to the US, but the bike accessories are more easily obtained.

Eleanor is the only one of our kids riding right now, and I found a used Electra for her (a blue argyle boys’ bike from their Gap collaboration). She loves it. August has tried it and it wasn’t his thing, but I wonder if he would be happier to ride with a bike of his own. I keep looking at the Electra kids’ shark bike (he adores sharks), but haven’t purchased because I’m afraid it will be an expensive toy that goes unused.

Someone mentioned loving their cargo bike, and immediately I was like *ding ding ding* that is my dream. Pile the kids inside and off we go! She has an Xtracycle. Doesn’t it look fantastic?

Serena & Lily has a beautiful limited-edition Public C7 bike. Goop has a striped Dutchi Linus 3. They are both so darn desirable, but then so are the standard Public C7 and Linus Dutchi bikes. Throw Electra Townies, Lofts, and Brilliant Mayfair bikes in there too, but honestly, I’m going on looks (all pictured below). What sets one apart from another besides the most obvious features like number of gears, I’m not entirely sure.

Now I appeal to you, oh people that know much more about these things than I do. Knowing that I appreciate style, but do want function along with my form, have you any recommendations? Do I need a Wald basket for bringing home groceries even though wicker is far more cute? Panniers or a big crate, or something else entirely? The bike world is a little intimidating to me as an outsider and I’m not super sure where to look for information. How do I know when/if I should upgrade? I’m not going to be racing or doing trails. I’m going to ride around town and go to Trader Joe’s, and I would like my bike to be cute and comfortable while doing so.

Point this researching energy in the right direction, please!

* I always try to have reusable bags with me, and Envirosax is my favorite. The roll up nicely to fit in my purse, they’re durable, they come in great colors and patterns, and the wide shoulder straps make them comfortable even when filled with heavy things.

PHOTOS: ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Public Bike C7 • Making it Lovely • Manufacturers noted above • Serena & Lily

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[helloworlddemo1122-yahoopar-blog]

10 Summer-Ready Dresses Celebs Are Wearing Right Now -- And How to Get the Look!

Hello, summer!

A lightweight dress is a staple for the sunshine season, which means it's high on our shopping list right now. Luckily, there's a slew of fantastic options out there, from classic, floral prints to of-the-moment button-adorned designs. And it seems like celebs are on the same track as we're spotting many style stars donning warm-weather frocks while they're out and about.

To help you nab the most stylish selects this season, we've gathered 10 super chic dresses inspired by fashionable ladies like Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid and more. And each is perfect for any summer outing whether you're running errands, heading to an outdoor BBQ or off on a sultry night out on the town. Shop the dresses here and meet your celeb summer style match. 

James Devaney/GC Images

Sarah Jessica Parker is so ready for summer! The smiley Sex and the City actress strolled through New York City in a long floral dress. The modest length and quarter-length sleeves emphasize the classic silhouette's wearability, but its asymmetric hem lends modern flair. Shop a similar version below and style it with pumps for the office. 

ASOS

ASOS Design Tall Pleated Midi Dress With Side Buttons $87 

Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images

Victoria Beckham's elegant silk striped dress is universally flattering as it cinches at the waist and floats effortlessly at the calves. (Notice the pleated detailing at the hem, swoon!) The former Spice Girl-turned-designer is sporting her own line, but we've found a similar option from cool-girl Danish brand Ganni. The best part? It's on sale! Add on a pair of bright shoes à la VB for a pop of color. 

Net-A-Porter

GanniWilkie Striped Silk and Cotton-Blend Seersucker Wrap Dress$675 $405

Fana/Backgrid

Jenna Dewan is adorable in this pink dress embellished with cascading statement buttons—a huge trend right now. The easy-to-wear midi can be worn alone or layered with a T-shirt underneath if you seek more coverage. This is the Saturday brunch dress you've been looking for, so shop Jenna's exact piece here. 

Hello Molly

Hello Molly Come Crashing Down Midi Dress $67

Best Image/Backgrid

Sienna Miller's off-duty style is always on point, but it often times involves pricey designer pieces. So you could imagine our excitement when we discovered her covetable blue smocked dress is from H&M! Score the $40 frock here before it sells out.

H&M

H&M Dress With Smocking $40 

JosiahW/BACKGRID

Actress Dakota Fanning has got that city summer look down. The floaty dotted navy blue wrap dress complete with a high-low hem is so versatile. Wear with comfy sneakers while running errands and swap them for heeled sandals for a more elevated vibe. But don't forget a straw bag to complement the summer look. 

B Collection by Bobeau

B Collection by Bobeau Orna Wrap Dress $98 

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

Celebs are some of the best resources to borrow styling tricks from and we're trying this shirt dress and jeans combo, stat. Rocking denim underneath gives edge to the ultra-feminine frock and shakes things up a bit. Wear with ankle-strap heels to elongate the frame. Chrissy wears New York-based luxury brand Arias, but you can get a similar option for under $150 below. 

Nordstrom

Tahari Plus Size Embroidered Strip Shirtdress $148 

Patricia Schlein/Star Max/GC Images

Mandy Moore recently wowed us in this red-hot Adam Lippes number with a jaw-dropping slit and pink suede over-the-knee Casadei boots for a taping of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City. We love the idea of a bright red V-neck dress for an evening out and we highly recommend teaming with pink shoes for a stunning color combo. 

& Other Stories

 & Other Stories O-Ring Belted Midi Dress $85

Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Pierre Suu/Getty Images

Speaking of red, Pippa Middleton also sported the vibrant hue for daytime. Soak up the sun in the same printed crepe midi from Polo Ralph Lauren for a trip to the park. Accessorize with a hat, round shades and espadrille shoes like the pregnant It Brit. 

Ralph Lauren

Polo Ralph Lauren Print Crepe Wrap Dress $398

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Ditch the LBD for a LWD this summer like Bella Hadid did in Cannes. The supermodel looked flirty and fun in a flouncy white mini from Alexander Wang. You'll turn heads in this similar frock from Likely finished with romantic ruffles. Date night, anyone? 

Bloomingdale's

Likely Laverna Ruffled Mini Dress $188

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for goop

Gwyneth Paltrow looked super chic in a floral printed black and white Ulla Johnson creation at the goop summit. Although her exact dress isn't available, we've found a gorgeous shape with the same print from the boho designer. A dress so stylish and timeless is worth the investment. 

Bird Brooklyn

Ulla Johnson Fontaine Dress $575 

Priyanka Chopra is another celeb who's embracing the summer dress trend! See her pretty blue frock she wore on a date with new beau Nick Jonas in the video below. 

RELATED CONTENT: 

Kate Middleton Just Wore a Super Chic $70 Zara Dress

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Best Style Moments of All Time

Bella Hadid, Lili Reinhart and More Look Stunning at the Dior Beauty Backstage Launch Party

[anavoliselenu]

This man chapter 5

As I walk down the stairs, I see my car keys lying on the door mat. So, the man’s seen sense and freed my car. Does this mean he’s also seen sense and given up pursuing me? Has he got the message? Perhaps he has, because there have been no calls or texts since he steamed out last night. Am I disappointed? I don’t have time to consider this.

‘I’m off,’ I shout through to Kate. ‘My car’s back.’

She pokes her head around the door of her workshop. ‘Great, good luck. I’ll be there later to drink all the expensive champagne.’

‘Oh, yes. See you later.’ I run down the path, halting when I see a cheap mobile phone smashed to pieces in the middle of the pavement. I know where that’s come from. I kick it into the gutter and continue to my car. Oh, it’s good to have her back. I load my things into the boot and jump into the driver seat, only to find myself miles away from the steering wheel.

Laughing, I shift the seat forward so my feet reach the pedals. I start her up and jump out of my skin when the stereo blasts Blur around my car. Christ, is his lack of hearing an indication to his age? I turn it down, faltering when the words of the track register. It’s Country house. I fight the small part of me that wants to laugh at his little joke and remove the disc from the stereo. I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone so conceited in all my life. I replace the unwanted CD with a Ministry of Sound Chill out Session and head for St Katharine Docks.

When I pull up outside Lusso, I present my face to the camera and the gates open immediately. I park up and see the caterers unloading crockery and glasses as I get my work case from the boot and head into the building. I’ve been here a million times, but I’m still completely stunned by the pure extravagance of the place.

As I walk into the foyer, I see Clive, one of the concierges, playing with the new computer equipment. He’s part of a team who’ll provide a six star hotel-style service, organising anything from grocery shopping and theatre tickets, to helicopter charters and dinner reservations. I cross the marble floor, which has been polished to within an inch of its life, and head towards Clive’s huge, curved concierge desk.

I spot dozens of black vases and hundreds of Italian red roses, placed carefully to the side. At least I won’t have to chase the delivery of those.

‘Good morning, Clive.’ I say, approaching his desk.

He looks up from one of the screens, the panic on his friendly face clear. ‘Selena, I’ve read this manual four times in a week and I’m still clueless. We never had anything like this at The Dorchester.’

‘It can’t be that difficult,’ I soothe the old boy. ‘Have you asked the surveillance team?’

He throws his glasses down on the desk in exasperation, rubbing his eyes. ‘Yes, three times now. They must think I’m daft.’

‘You’ll be fine,’ I assure him. ‘When do they start moving in?’

‘Tomorrow. Are you all set for tonight?’

‘Ask me again this afternoon. I’ll see you in a bit.’

He smiles. ‘Okay, love.’ He turns his attention back to his instruction manual, muttering under his breath.

I traipse across the floor and punch in the code for the penthouse elevator. It’s private and the only one that goes to the top floor.

I set about transporting and spreading the vases and flowers between the fifteen floors of the building. Arranging these will keep me busy for a while.

At ten thirty, I’m back in the foyer and arranging the last of my flowers on the console tables that line the foyer.

‘I have flowers for a Miss O’Shea.’

I look up, seeing a young girl gazing around at the impressive lobby. ‘Sorry?’

She points to her clipboard. ‘I have a delivery for Miss O’Shea.’

I roll my eyes. Don’t tell me they’ve duplicated an order of over four hundred Italian red roses. That really would take incompetence to a whole new level.

‘I’ve already taken delivery of the flowers.’ I say tiredly, walking towards her. I notice the van outside, but it’s not the florist I ordered through.

‘Have you?’ She looks a bit panicky as she flicks through the papers on her clipboard.

‘What have you got?’ I ask.

‘A bouquet of calla lilies for Miss…’ She looks at her clipboard again. ‘Miss Selena O’Shea.’

‘I’m Selena O’Shea.’

‘Cool, I’ll be two seconds.’ She runs off, returning swiftly. ‘This place is like Fort Knox!’ she exclaims. She hands me the biggest spray of calla lilies I’ve ever seen – stunning, white, clean flowers surrounded by stacks of deep green foliage.

Understated elegance.

My stomach does a few cartwheels as I sign the delivery girl’s paperwork and take the flowers from her, finding the card among the forest of green.

I’m so sorry. Forgive me, please. X

Is he? He already apologised for his inappropriate behavior and look where that got me. I start to wonder how he’d know I’m here, but then I remember him picking out Lusso in my portfolio. It wouldn’t take a lot of effort to find out the launch date and figure I would be here. My contentment of yesterday evening, after Justin left the house, is slowly dissipating. He’s never going to give up, is he? Well, he can knock himself out. I smile to myself. Knock himself out? Where did that…I flatten that thought immediately.

I place the flowers on the concierge desk. ‘Here, Clive. Let’s pretty up all this black marble.’ He looks up briefly before returning to scratching his head, looking overwhelmed. I leave him to it, getting on with my walk through to ensure everything is in place and ready.

Victoria turns up at five thirty, looking her usual immaculate self – all blonde hair, blue eyes and overdone.

‘Sorry I’m late. The traffic’s a nightmare and there’s nowhere to park.’ She gazes around. ‘They’re all reserved for guests. What can I do, I’m so excited!’ she sings at me, while stroking the walls of the penthouse.

‘I’m all done. I just need you to do a walk through to make sure there’s nothing that I’ve missed.’ I lead her into the main space.

‘Oh my God, Selena, it looks amazing!’

‘It’s great, isn’t it? I’ve never had such a colossal budget. It was fun spending so much of someone else’s money.’ We giggle together. ‘Have you seen the kitchen?’ I ask.

‘I’ve not seen it complete. I bet it’s incredible.’

‘It is, go and take a look. I’m going to get myself ready in the spa. I’ve done everything in the other apartments so concentrate up here. This is where the action will be. Make sure all the cushions are plumped and in place. I want the peppers on the chopping boards shiny. Use Pledge! The mini Dyson is here. Hoover up any stray bits on the bedroom carpets,’ I hand her the fully charged, hand held hoover. ‘Just use your initiative. If there’s anything you’re not sure of, make a note. Okay?’

She grabs the hoover from me. ‘I love these things.’ she revs the Dyson, posing like a cowboy in a standoff.

‘How old are you?’ I ask on an eye roll.

She screws her face up, grins and sets off to follow through on my instructions.

An hour later, after utilising all of Lusso’s fancy spa facilities, I’m ready. My dress is creaseless and my hair is behaving. I take a little wander around. This will be my last time here, and it will soon be crowded with business people and high society, so I make the most of my last opportunity to savour the sheer magnificence of the place. It’s mind-blowing. I still can’t believe this is my work. I smile to myself as I stand in the colossal open space on the first floor. Bi-folding doors lead to an L shaped terrace, with limestone paving, a decked area, sun loungers and a huge Jacuzzi. There’s a study, dining room, a huge archway leading into a ridiculously large kitchen, and a back-lit onyx staircase that rises to the four en-suite bedrooms and a massive master suite. The spa, fitness centre and swimming pool, on the ground floor of the building, are exclusive to the residents of Lusso, but the penthouse boasts its own gym. It’s stunning. Whoever’s brought this place definitely likes the finer things in life and for a cool ten million, they’ve got it.

I make my way back to the kitchen and find Victoria, still armed with the Dyson.

‘All done,’ she declares as she hoovers up a stray crumb on the marble worktop.

‘Well, let’s drink.’ I smirk and pick up two glasses of champagne, handing one to Victoria.

‘Here’s to you, Selena. Stylish in body and in mind,’ She giggles, raising her glass in a toast. We both swig and sigh. ‘Wow! This is good.’ She looks at the bottle.

‘Ca’Del Bosco, Cuvée Annamaria Clementi, 1993. It’s Italian, of course.’ I raise my brow and Victoria giggles again.

I hear chatter coming from the entrance hall, so I wander out of the kitchen, finding Tom gawping like a goldfish and Patrick smiling proudly.

‘Selena, this is some serious special, darling!’ Tom runs at me, throwing his arms around my body. He pulls back, looking me up and down. ‘Love the dress. Very tight.’

I wish I could say the same for Tom, who takes colour clash to extreme levels. I squint at his bright blue shirt and red tie combo.

‘Put the girl down, Tom. You’ll crease her,’ Patrick grumbles, gently shoving him aside and leaning down to peck me on the cheek. ‘I’m very proud of you, flower. You’ve done a marvelous job, and between me and you –’ He leans into my ear and whispers. ‘The developer has hinted they want you on board for the next project in Holland Park.’ He winks at me, his wrinkled face wrinkling further. ‘Now, where’s that champagne?’

‘This way,’ I lead them into the huge kitchen, hearing more cooing from Tom. The place really is that special.

‘Cheers!’ I chant, after handing them all a glass of champagne.

‘Cheers!’ They all raise their glasses.

I spend a few hours being introduced to high society and explaining my inspiration behind the design. Journalists from architecture and interior magazines swan around taking photographs and generally poking about. Much to my displeasure, they hustle me onto velvet chaise lounge for a shot. Patrick drags me from pillar to post, proclaiming his pride and insisting, to anyone that will listen, that I’ve single handedly put Rococo Union on the designers map. I blush profusely, repeatedly playing down his declarations.

I’m thankful when Kate shows up. I usher her into the kitchen, thrusting a glass of champagne in her hand and take another for myself.

‘Bit posh, eh?’ she muses, gazing around the plush kitchen. ‘It makes my place look like a cluttered mess.’

I laugh at the referral to her cute, homely town house that looks like Cath Kidston has vomited, sneezed and coughed all over it. ‘You mean impressive, I’m sure.’

‘Yes, that too. I couldn’t live here though.’ she says with no shame at all. I’m not offended. While I’m proud of the finished result, the sheer vastness of the place intimidates me.

‘Me either.’ I concur.

‘I saw Matt earlier.’ She downs her champagne, immediately scooping up another from a tray as a waiter passes.

‘Oh, I bet that was nice for you.’ I tease, imagining Kate hissing and spitting like a cat at poor Matt. It’s no less than he deserves.

‘No, it wasn’t. The part where he told me that you were going out for dinner with him was particularly unpleasant.’ She purses her lips at me. ‘Selena, what are you thinking? I’m here to threaten you.’

‘Oh, and there was me thinking you’d come to support your friend in her working triumph.’ I raise my eyebrows.

‘Pah! Your working life is not an area in which you need support. On the other hand, your personal life is very interesting lately.’ She jiggles her eyebrows up and down suggestively. I know what she’s getting at, and she’s not heard the half of it. Damn Matt as well. We’re not even together anymore and he still can’t resist winding her up.

I feign a hurt face. ‘You needn’t worry. I assure you, I’m not going back to that. I’m enjoying being man free, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. Anyway, for the record, Matt’s winding you up.’ I sip my champagne.

‘Not even for tall, handsome, slightly older blondes?’ She grins.

I narrow my eyes on her. ‘Not even then.’ I confirm.

‘Oh, don’t be such a bore.’

‘Excuse me?’ This time, my hurt expression isn’t feigned. Boring? I’m not boring. Kate’s Wild! I look at her in disbelief, genuinely hurt by her harsh remark. I wait for her to back track, but she doesn’t. Instead, she’s looking over my shoulder with the biggest smirk on her face.

Impatient and quite pissed off with her, I swing around to find out what’s caught her amused attention.

Oh no!

‘He’s like a bad penny, isn’t he?’ she remarks coolly.

Chapter 8

Oh, she has no idea.

I’ve not even filled her in on any of the developments since she met him at lunch. And here he is again, stood chatting with the acting estate agent, wearing a navy suit and pale blue shirt, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a file. He looks, as always, like a f**king God. And as if he can sense me staring, he looks up and our eyes meet.

‘Shit!’ I curse, turning back to Kate. She drags her gaze from Ward and onto me, her eyes dancing with delight.

‘You know, I was going to go home and cry into my Haagen-Dazs, Bridgette Jones style, but I think I’ll just hang around for a bit. You mind?’ She sips her drink through her grin, while I snarl at her. ‘This is not the behavior of someone, supposedly, unmoved by a certain someone, Selena.’ she teases.

‘I went to The Manor on Tuesday and nearly slept with him.’ I blurt.

‘What!’ Kate splutters, grabbing a napkin to mop up the trail of champagne that’s dripping down her chin.

‘He apologised for the text he sent. I went back to The Manor and he had the big guy lock me in a room. He was waiting for me half naked!’

‘Get out! Oh my God. Who’s the big guy?’

‘Well, he’s not a butler. I’ve no idea what role he plays. Trapping women for Ward, maybe.’

‘Why haven’t you told me this?’

‘It was a disaster. I ran out when I heard his girlfriend calling him. Ward screwed and turned up at the house last night making demands.’ The urgency to bring Kate up to speed has me spitting out the basic facts in a rush.

‘Fuck! What sort of demands?’ She’s shocked. She should be. It’s shocking.

‘I don’t know. The man’s an arrogant arse. He asked me how loud I’d scream when he f**ks me.’

She spits more champagne. ‘He what? Fuck, Selena, he’s coming over, he’s coming over!’ She shifts on the spot, her eyes still skipping with amusement.

Why is he here? I start planning my escape, but before my brain can even instruct my legs to move, I can feel him stood behind me; I can smell him.

‘Nice to see you again, Kate.’ he drawls. ‘Selena?’

I remain with my back to him, knowing all too well that if I turn to acknowledge him, I’ll be hauled into the hazardous place that is Justin Ward’s realm – a place where I struggle to maintain any rational thinking. I drained my reserve tank of strength last night, and I’ve not had a chance to replenish it yet. This is not good news. He said I wouldn’t have to see him again. If I told him what he didn’t want to hear, then I would never have to see him again. I met the terms of his demand, so why is he not keeping to his end of the bargain?

Kate’s eyes are darting between us, waiting for one of us to say something. I certainly won’t be.

‘Justin.’ She nods at him. ‘Excuse me. I need to powder my nose.’ She places her empty on the worktop and beats feet. I mentally curse her arse to Hell.

He circles around me so he’s stood before me. ‘You look stunning.’ he murmurs.

‘You said I wouldn’t have to see you again.’ I challenge him, ignoring his compliment.

‘I didn’t know you would be here.’

I look at him tiredly. ‘You sent me flowers.’

‘Oh, so I did.’ A smile tickles the edge of his lips.

I don’t have time for his games. He’s really met his match in me. ‘Please, excuse me.’ I go to side step him, but he moves with me, effectively blocking my path.

‘I was hoping for a tour.’

‘I’ll get Victoria. She’ll be happy to show you around.’

‘I would prefer you.’

‘You don’t get a f**k with a tour.’ I snap.

He frowns. ‘Will you watch your mouth?’

‘Sorry,’ I mutter indignantly. ‘And put my seat back when you drive my car.’

He grin’s a real boyish grin, and I’m even more furious with myself when my heart speeds up. I mustn’t let him see the affect he has on me.

‘And leave my music alone!’

‘I’m sorry.’ His eyes flicker with mischievousness. It’s so bloody sexy. ‘Are you okay? You look a little shaky.’ He reaches out, softly running his finger down my bare arm. ‘Is something affecting you?’

I jerk away. ‘Not at all,’ I need to get off this line of conversation. ‘Did you want a tour?’

‘I would love a tour.’ He looks pleased with himself.

On a huff, I lead him out of the kitchen and into the massive living space. ‘Lounge,’ I wave my hand about in the general space around us. ‘You’ve seen the kitchen,’ I say over my shoulder as I walk through the open space and onto the terrace. ‘View,’ I maintain my tired tone, hearing him laugh lightly behind me.

I lead him back through the lounge to the workout room, not saying a word as we trek through the penthouse. Justin shakes hands, greeting various people on our travels, but I don’t pause to allow him time to stop and chat. I march on in a bid to get this over with as soon as possible. Damn this place for being so big.

‘Gym,’ I state, walking in and abruptly leaving again when he enters. I head for the stairs, hearing him laugh behind me. I take the back-lit, onyx staircase, proceeding to open and shut doors, one at a time, while declaring what lies beyond. We reach the pièce de résistance, the master suite, and I wave my hand round at the dressing room and en-suite bathroom. The place really does deserve more passion and time than I’m devoting.

‘You’re an expert tour guide, Selena.’ he teases, regarding one of my favourite pieces of art. ‘Care to enlighten me on the artist?’

‘Guiseppe Cavalli,’ I toss the name at him, folding my arms over my chest.

‘It’s good. Is there any particular reason why you chose this artist?’ He’s blatantly trying to temp me into conversation.

I stare at his broad, suit covered back, his hands resting lightly in his trouser pockets, his lean legs slightly spread. My eyes are very pleased, but my brain is in a jumbled mess. I sigh and decide, wisely or not, to indulge him. Guiseppe Cavalli most definitely deserves my time and enthusiasm. I drop my arms and walk over to join him in front of the piece.

‘He was known as the master of light,’ I say, and he looks at me with genuine interest. ‘He didn’t think that the subject was of any importance. It didn’t matter what he photographed. To him, the subject was always the light. He concentrated on controlling it. See?’ I point to the reflections on the water. ‘These rowing boats, as lovely as they are, are just boats, but see how he manipulates the light? He didn’t care for the boats. He cared for the light surrounding the boats. He makes inanimate objects interesting, makes you look at the photograph in a different…well, a different light, I suppose.’ I tilt my head and observe the picture. I never tire of it. As simple as it seems, the more you look at it, the more you get it.

After a few moments silence, I rip my eyes away from the canvas, finding Justin staring at me.

Our eyes meet. He’s chewing his bottom lip. I know I won’t be able to say no again if he pushes this. I’m all out of willpower. I’ve never felt so desired than when I’m with him, and I keep trying to fool myself that the feeling is unwanted.

‘Please don’t.’ My voice is barely audible.

‘Don’t what?’

‘You know what. You said I wouldn’t have to see you again.’

‘I lied,’ He’s not ashamed. ‘I can’t stay away from you, so you do have to see me again…and again…and again.’ He finishes the last part of his declaration slowly and clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

I gasp, instinctively backing away from him.

‘You persistently fighting this is only making me more determined to prove that you want me.’ He starts slowly pursuing me, taking slow, cautious steps forward, maintaining his deep eye contact as he does. ‘I’m making it my mission objective. I’ll do anything.’

I stop my retreat when I feel the bed at the back of my knees. In two more strides, he’ll be upon me, and the thought of imminent contact in enough to snap me out of the trance he sends me into.

‘Stop,’ I hold my hand up in front of me, halting him in his tracks. ‘You don’t even know me.’ I blurt, in a desperate attempt to make him see how crazy this is.

‘I know you’re impossibly beautiful,’ He starts towards me again. ‘I know what I feel, and I know that you’re feeling it too.’ We’re body to body now, and my heart is hammering in my throat. ‘So, tell me, Selena. What have I missed?’

I try to control my rushed breaths, but with my chest heaving and my body physically shaking, I’m struggling. I drop my head, ashamed at the tears gathering in my eyes. Why am I crying? Is he enjoying reducing me to tears? This is hideous. He’s so desperate to bed me, he’s resorting to stalking me, and I’m crying because I’m so weak. He makes me weak, and he has no right to.

I feel his hand slide under my chin, and the warmth would be welcome, if I didn’t think he was such an arsehole right now. He tugs at my jaw to raise my head. When our eyes meet, he winces at my tears.

‘I’m sorry.’ he whispers softly, sliding his hand around to cup my cheek, slowly stroking the rolling tears away with his thumb. His expression is pure torment. Good. It should be.

I find my voice. ‘You said you would leave me alone.’ I look at him questioningly as he continues to smooth his thumb over my face. Why is he chasing me like this? He’s clearly unhappy in his relationship, but it doesn’t make this right.

‘I lied, I’m sorry. I told you, I can’t stay away.’

‘You already said that you’re sorry, but here you are again. Am I to expect flowers tomorrow?’ I don’t hide my sarcasm.

His thumb pauses and he drops his head. Now he’s ashamed. But then his head lifts, our eyes connect and his gaze drops to my lips. Oh, no. Please, no. I’ll never be able to stop this. He begins searching my eyes, looking for any sign that I’m going to block him. Am I? I know I should, but I don’t think I can. His lips part and they slowly start lowering to mine. I hold my breath. As our lips brush, only very lightly, my body gives way, prompting my hands to fly up and bunch his jacket in my fists. He growls his approval as he moves his hands to the base on my spine and pushes my body closer to him, our lips hovering over each other, our breaths mingling. We both shake uncontrollably.

‘Have you ever felt like this?’ he breathes, running his lips across my cheek to my ear.

‘Never,’ I answer honestly. My short, gasping breath is unrecognisable.

He grips the lobe of my ear between his teeth and tugs gently, letting the flesh drag through his bite. ‘Are you ready to stop fighting it now?’ he whispers, tracing down the edge of my ear with the tip of his tongue, working his way back up and brushing his lips lightly over the sensitive flesh under my ear. His hot breath causes a rush of heat to crash between my thighs. I can’t fight this anymore.

‘Oh God,’ I breathe, and his lips return to mine to hush me. He takes them gently, and I accept it, letting our tongues roll and lap together at a steady, non-urgent pace. It’s too good. My whole body is on fire, and I realise my hands are aching from gripping his jacket too hard. I release them, moving them to the back of his neck to stroke the dark blonde hair on his nape.

He moans, releasing my mouth. ‘Is that a yes?’ He fixes me with his sludgy eyes.

I know I’m supposed to answer here. ‘Yes.’

Nodding his head, only very slightly, he kisses my nose, my cheek, my forehead and returns to my mouth. ‘I need to have all of you, Selena. Say I can have all of you.’

All of me? What does he mean by all of me? Mind? Soul? But he doesn’t mean that, does he? No, he wants all of my body. And right now, my conscience has completely failed me. I need to get this man out of my system. He needs to get me out of his system.

‘Take me.’ I say quietly against his lips.

‘Oh, I will.’

Keeping his lips firmly against mine, he wraps one arm around my waist and splays the other across the back of my head. Lifting me from my feet, he deepens his kiss and walks me across the room until my back is against a wall. Our tongues dance together wildly, my hands moving down his back. I want closer contact. I grab the front of his jacket and start pushing it off of his shoulders, forcing him to release his hold of me. He keeps our lips locked, stepping back slightly to give me space to rid him of the obstruction to his body. I toss it on the floor, grab his shirt and yank him towards me, all my previous battling of conscious long forgotten. I have to have him.

Our bodies smash together and he pushes me up the wall, devouring my mouth.

‘Fucking hell, Selena.’ he pants through strangled breaths. ‘You make me crazy.’

He rolls his hips, pushing his erection into me, milking a small cry from my lips. I fist my hands in his hair, moaning in invitation. This is way past stoppable now. My body has gone into cruise control, the stop button lost somewhere in the land of lust. I feel his palms rest on the front of my thighs, my dress bunched in his fists and pulled up over my waist in one swift tug. His h*ps roll again and I whimper. I need more. Christ, I don’t know how I’ve resisted this. He bites my bottom lip and releases me, pulling his face away and looking me straight in the eyes. He rolls his h*ps again, grinding hard against my core. My head falls back on a deep moan, giving him open access to my throat, which he takes full advantage of, licking, sucking and lapping at the hollow. I could weep with pleasure. But then I hear voices coming from outside of the room and reality comes crashing down around me. What am I doing? I’m in the master suite of the penthouse, with my dress around my waist and Justin at my throat. There are hundreds of people milling about down stairs. Someone could walk in at any moment. Someone will walk in at any moment.

‘Justin,’ I pant, trying to get his attention. ‘Justin, people are coming, you have to stop.’ I wriggle a little, causing his erection to hit me in just the right spot. I bang my head against the wall to try and halt the stab of pleasure it causes.

He groans, long and low. ‘I’m not letting you go, not now.’

‘We need to stop.’

‘No.’ he growls.

Oh, flipping heck. Anyone could walk through that door. ‘We’ll do this later.’ I try and pacify him. I need to get him off of me.

‘That leaves you too much time to change your mind.’ He nibbles my neck.

‘I won’t change my mind,’ I grip his jaw, pulling his face to mine so we’re nose to nose. I look him squarely in his sludgy pools of green. ‘I will not change my mind.’

He scans my eyes, looking for the reassurance he needs, but I couldn’t be any more resolute. I want this. Yes, I might have time to evaluate the situation, but right now, I’m certain I’ll see this through. He’s just way too tempting to resist, and God I’ve tried.

He kisses me hard on the lips and pulls away. ‘Sorry, I can’t risk it.’ He scoops me up into his arms and stalks towards the bathroom.

‘What? They’ll want to see in there too.’ He can’t be serious?

‘I’ll lock the door. No screaming.’ He looks at me on a small smirk.

I’m shocked, but I laugh. ‘You have no shame.’

‘No. My c**k has been aching since last Friday, I finally have you in my arms and you’ve seen sense. I’m going nowhere and neither are you.’

Chapter 9

He kicks the door shut behind him, placing me between the sinks on the marble vanity unit before returning to lock the door. My dress is still bunched around my waist, my legs and knickers completely exposed.

I gaze around the vast room that I’m so familiar with, my eyes falling on the gigantic, cream, marble bath dominating the centre of the room. I smile, remembering the trauma of having to organise a crane to lift it in through the windows. It was a nightmare, but it does look spectacular. The double, open ended shower on the back wall is made up of a floor to ceiling sheeted glass and beige Travertine tiles, and the vanity unit that I’ve been placed on is cream, Italian marble, with two sunken sinks and large waterfall taps. A thick, gold framed, intricately carved mirror spans the entire width of the unit, and a chaise lounge sits at an angle in the window. It really is luxury embodied.

I hear the lock click into place, snapping me from admiring my work and pulling my eyes to the door, where Justin is watching me closely. As he saunters towards me, he slowly starts unbuttoning his shirt. I watch him gain on me, his mouth lax, his eyes hooded. Anticipation has my stomach churning and my thighs clenching shut. This man is absolutely stunning.

With his final button unfastened, he stands before me with his shirt draped open. I can’t resist reaching up and running my finger down the centre of his hard, tanned chest. He looks down to follow my trail, placing his hands on either side of my hips, nudging his way between my thighs. As he looks at me, his lips tip at the edges and his eyes sparkle, the slight creases at the corner softening the usual intensiveness of them.

‘You can’t escape now.’ he teases.

‘I don’t want to.’

‘Good.’ he mouths, dragging my eyes to his lovely lips.

I trail my finger back up his chest, working my way past his throat until my finger rests on his bottom lip. He opens his mouth, biting my finger playfully. I smile, continuing upwards and running my hand through his hair.

‘I like your dress.’ He drags his eyes down my front.

I follow his stare to the bunched up material around my waist. ‘Thank you.’

‘It’s a bit restrictive.’ He tugs at a piece of material.

‘It is.’ I agree. The anticipation is killing me. Rip off the dress!

‘Shall we remove it?’ He cocks a brow at me, the corners of his mouth twitching.

I smile. ‘If you like,’

‘Or maybe, we leave it on?’ He breaks into a full on smile as he holds his hands up.

I melt all over the vanity unit.

He slides his hands around my back. ‘But then again, I have firsthand knowledge of what’s under this lovely dress,’ He reaches up, grasping the zipper, breathing into my ear as he does. ‘And it’s far superior to the dress.’ he whispers, pulling it down slowly, teasingly. I’m panting hard and desperate. ‘I think we’ll get rid of it.’ He lifts me off of the counter, placing me on my feet before pulling my dress away from my body and letting it drop to the floor. He kicks it to the side without taking his eyes off of me.

I frown at him. ‘I like that dress.’ I couldn’t give a toss about the dress. He could have ripped it off and cleaned the windows with it, for all I care.

‘I’ll buy you a new one.’ He shrugs as he places me back on the counter, resuming position between my thighs. He presses his body up against me and grabs my bum, pulling me in towards him so we’re locked tight together. He grinds his h*ps while staring at me.

The throb at my core is bordering on painful, and I’m at serious risk of falling apart if he continues with that alone. I want to tell him to hurry up; I’m struggling to control myself here.

Reaching behind me, he unclasps my bra, pulling the straps down my arms and flinging it behind him. I lean back on my hands, exposing my br**sts to him.

Looking into my eyes, he lifts his hand and places it, palm down, under my throat. ‘I can feel your heart hammering.’ he says quietly. ‘You’re so affected by me.’

I’m not going to challenge him on that statement. He’s right, and I’m not even bothering to try and fight it anymore.

He glides his palm down between my br**sts until it rests on my stomach, as he looks at me – all smoldering and delicious.

‘You’re too f**king beautiful, lady’ he grinds firmly. ‘I think I’ll keep you.’

I arch my back, thrusting my chest forward, and he smiles before lowering his mouth and taking my nipple deep, sucking hard. When he brings his hand up to massage my other breast, I moan, letting my head fall back against the mirror. Oh, good God. The man is a genius. His arousal is as hard as lead, pressing between my thighs, causing me to roll my h*ps to ease the throb on a long, drawn out moan. I don’t know what to do with myself. I want to soak up the pleasure because it’s so good, but the need to have him is getting the better of me, the pressure in my groin near exploding point. As if reading my mind, he skates his hand up the inside of my thigh, finding the edge of my knickers. One finger breaches the barrier, lightly brushing the tip of my clit.

‘Shit!’ I cry, throwing myself up to grab his shoulders, digging my nails into his strained muscles.

‘Language, lady.’ he tusks, then slams his lips against mine, plunging two fingers into me.

My muscles grab onto him as he works them in and out. I might, literally, die of pleasure. I feel the fast buildup of an impending orgasm, and I know it’s going to blow me apart. Holding onto his shoulders for dear life, I moan into his mouth as he continues his assault on me.

Oh, here it is.

‘Come.’ he commands, applying more pressure to the top of my clit.

I fall apart in an explosion of stars, releasing his mouth and tossing my head back in a complete frenzy. I cry out. He grabs my head, yanking it forward to tackle my mouth, catching the tail end of my cries. I’m in pieces. I’m panting, shaking and boneless as I disintegrate all over him, completely inhibited and unashamed of what he does to me. I’m delirious with pleasure.

His kiss softens and his thrusts slow, easing me gradually down as he scatters tender kisses all over my damp, warm face. Too good, just too, too good.

I feel him brush a stray tendril of hair from my face and I open my eyes, meeting a sludgy green, satisfied stare. He plants a soft kiss on my lips. I sigh. I feel like a life’s time of pent up pressure has been extinguished, just like that. I’m relaxed and sated.

‘Better?’ he asks, sliding his fingers out of me.

‘Hmmm.’ I hum. I have no energy for speech.

His fingers drag across my bottom lip and he leans into me, watching me closely as he runs his tongue across my mouth, licking the remnants of my orgasm away. His eyes burn straight through me as we gaze at each other in silence. My hands, instinctively, reach up to cup his face, smoothing down his freshly shaven face. This man is beautiful, intense and passionate. And he could break my heart.

He smiles lightly, turning his face to kiss my palm before returning his eyes to mine. Oh Lord, I’m in trouble.

We’re both cruelly snatched from the intensity of the moment when the door handle of the bathroom is jiggled from the other side. I gasp and Justin slaps his palm over my mouth, looking at me in amusement. He finds this funny?

‘I can’t hear anything.’ A strange voice comes through the door, followed by another rattle of the handle. My eyes bulge in horror.

in;marg(=6'�

[harrieforever]

Best Dressed Celebrities of December 2016

Emma Stone

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

December 1, 2016

Giorgio Armani Fall 2016 jacket and pants, J. Brand top and Jimmy Choo heels

Emma Stone looked so chic on the Tonight Show in a plaid pantsuit

Kate Bosworth

New Orleans

December 1, 2016

Kohl’s k/lab dress and Salvatore Ferragamo bag

Chanel Iman also wore this dress, but Kate wins this round of who wore it better thanks to her styling.

Anne Hathaway

Filming Ocean’s Eight

December 2, 2016

Iro jacket, Cinq a Sept dress and Christian Louboutin heels

What makes Anne’s Ocean Eight outfit work is how fitted the dress is.

Reese Witherspoon

LA premiere of Sing

December 3, 2016

Elie Saab Spring 2017 dress and Christian Louboutin heels

Reese looks super cute at the Sing premiere in this stylish Elie Saab dress.

Anne Hathaway

Filming Ocean’s Eight

December 3, 2016

Burberry coat and Christian Louboutin heels

Anne gives us another great Ocean’s Eight outfit. I hope that’s not real snakeskin.

Kendall Jenner

Arriving at Liv Nightclub in Miami

December 4, 2016

Gucci top and pants

Kendall looked her supermodel best in this Gucci outfit.

Lily Aldridge

2016 Kennedy Center Honors

December 4, 2016

Jason Wu coat and dress

I usually don’t like coats worn without the arms in the sleeves, but I think that works well with Lily’s dress.

Emmy Rossum

An Evening Honoring Carolina Herrera

December 6, 2016

Carolina Herrera Spring 2017 gown

Emmy gives her best look of the year in Carolina Herrera.

Olivia Culpo

New York City

December 8, 2016

Linea Pelle jacket, Magda Butrym top, J. Brand pants, Jimmy Choo heels and Prozena Schouler bag

Olivia gives us one of the best street style looks of the month in this black outfit.

Kate Middleton

Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace

December 8, 2016

Jenny Packham gown

Kate looked stunning in this gorgeous red gown.

Vanessa Hudgens

Catch LA in Los Angeles

December 27, 2016

Burberry coat, Wolford dress, Stuart Weitzman boots and Chloe bag

Vanessa Hudgens gave us the last good look of the year in Los Angeles.