#Odette hall

[irisslove]

Odette - 3-Star Michelin and Asia's Best Restaurant

[utterlyinevitable]

ode x e pre valtentines paris shenanigans mayhaps

[petit-etoile]

Oh oh I have an AU I haven't had the chance to write anything for. It's pre-vampirism magistrate Astarion and criminal tav who is incredibly well-versed in law. They keep committing crimes and getting caught in purpose just to see Astarion who fucking hates their guts because he can't ever convict them of anything bc they find loopholes and somehow manage to evade the law. It's an "at each other's throats" kinda romance and they kiss with teeth between cases

darling,  if  you  love  me  say  it  back

pairing  .  ⊱   astarion x tav wordcount  .  ⊱   3,604 content warnings  .  ⊱  canon compliant temporary character death,  tav isn't a human but can be whatever else you like,  astarion isn't a vampire yet,   tav is gender neutral other tags  .  ⊱   canon compliant,  canon temporary character death,  introspection,  p.orn without plot,  oral s/ex,  desk s.ex,  inappropriate use of a cravat,  c.reampie archiveofourown  .  ⊱   here.

taglist  .  ⊱  @azrielshadows1nger, @pandimoostuff, @faevi, @microskies, @foreverthemaraudersera, @queenofthespacesquids, @claryvoyantfray, @6doodlaang14, @anne-isnotokay, @itshimbotime, @yeeteth-the-raven, @sessils,@8-opossums, @worryknotdear, @abirdaboxandachippedcup, @ghosts-and-ink, @b4um3pfl4um3, @gunslingerorchid, @hypopxia,  @m0ssytrees, @erysione, @odette-attackattack, @catching-fire-in-the-wind, @ashrio20, @wills-mental-illness, @queenofcarrotflowers-s, @kirahlene be added  .  ⊱   here .

summary  .  ⊱   The Magistrate Judge Astarion Ancunin has a soft spot for you. You like to exploit that fact.

‘I need to see you in my office,’ Astarion hisses  —  and the tips of his ears are so red you think they might catch flame. He grabs you by the elbow roughly and tugs. ‘Now.’

‘Let’s do it, baby,’ you say smugly. ‘I know the law.’

Knowing the law might be an overstatement. You have studied the law for only one purpose, and that purpose you know like the back of your hand. So when Astarion presses you, you don’t argue. You do as the magistrate says and allow yourself to be dragged across the court. He admonishes you like one would get onto a dog who misbehaves. You can’t help but laugh.

It isn’t like Astarion isn’t a super serious magistrate with a focus on criminal prosecution. He wants to nail you for your sins, for your crimes. The only catch is that no matter how amazing Astarion is at his job, you’re simply better. If you’ve stolen something, you’re more than capable of hiding the evidence. If you’ve murdered someone, you know all the best ways to hide a body. It comes naturally.

Astarion is wearing that ever familiar frown as he marches through the elegant halls. It’s a frown that says you’re in trouble and there’s nothing that I can do. But that isn’t necessarily true. Astarion will do anything you ask so long as you ask nicely, and you’ve been getting good at asking nicely lately. He prides himself in training you even if it isn’t that simple. He calls it rehabilitation. You call it sex.

‘You can’t keep doing this, you know,’ Astarion snaps at you. ‘At some point you must give it up!’

He isn’t good at whispering when he’s riled up. He runs his free hand through his curls in anger, pushing them away from his face like his bangs being wild make it hard to think. It makes him more attractive.

‘You don’t mean that,’ you say with a shrug.

‘I do,’ he says, ‘very much mean that.’

You grin. ‘You would miss me,’ you tell him lasciviously, and he groans. ‘I know you would.’

He huffs. ‘The only thing that I would miss is the peace after the headache you’ve given me. It’s as though you aren’t even aware of how vexing you are.’

You laugh, and the fine line of Astarion’s temper snaps. He all but throws you in his office and locks it behind him. He’s annoyed with the way you stagger dramatically to one of the velvet couches before his desk. You lean over the arm and kick your feet up.

‘Does the idea of cuffs around my wrists excite you?’

You look over your shoulder. Astarion clenches his jaw. It must hurt to frown as hard as he is. You pull yourself onto the cushions and sit demurely. You study him. His rigid lines, tense gaze. He comes and sits on the edge of his desk, pressing his forehead into his hands as if that will relieve him of his headache. You’re determined to make it worse.

‘I apologize,’ you say sweetly. ‘I’ll behave from now on.’

‘We both know that you are not capable of behaving,’ Astarion says thinly.

He shouldn’t have said that. You can’t help yourself, but most of the time, Astarion makes it so easy for you to dig into his weaknesses and exploit them. You stare at him with wide, innocent eyes.

‘You should teach me,’ you suggest.

Astarion’s patience snaps. ‘I beg your pardon? Have some decorum, please!’

‘Having decorum is so boring,’ you say, pouting. ‘Life is much more fun when you live freely.’

‘And committing crimes is your definition of living freely?’

‘What is the point of living if not to live?’ you ask. ‘Why confine myself to rules of good or bad when I can choose what makes me happy.’

‘What exactly makes a criminal like you happy?’ Astarion asks bitterly.

You’ve always been possessed by a sense of otherness. You rise from the couch and carefully twist your fingers in his cravat, tangling yourself in him as he has become entangled in you. The Silverymoon lace tickles your skin. You pull Astarion closer and he begrudgingly caves to your strength. Your lips barely brush against his and already you can sense it. The barely contained restraint. The hunger. Astarion longs for you. He’s carefully hidden it beneath the scent of bergamot.

Slowly, you slide him free of what pressures him most. The cravat slides from his neck easily. It excites Astarion. His eyes glitter like you’ve never seen before. Being a magistrate isn’t about caring about the laws he’s vowed to uphold. It’s about power. You give it to him. You hold your wrists together with a wicked grin.

You balance the fabric on your fingers. Astarion swallows. Being proper isn’t really his thing. It’s thrilling to watch as he changes his mind. You annoy him  —  he detests you, wishes you gone. You are the object of all his improper late night dreams.

But as if he’s moving through water, he takes his cravat from your hands. You almost think it’s going to be a rejection. Astarion bundles your wrists together with an expertise that suggests he’s done it before. The binding becomes tight but not too tight and you relish in the way it twists your wrists. He fastens the knot into a pretty bow.

And then he kisses you. He grabs you so roughly by the back of the neck that your teeth slam together, but Astarion sighs so prettily against your mouth you decide you could withstand anything.

It’s a passionate kiss made up of teeth and spit and tongue. Astarion is both pushing you and pulling you. He can’t make up his mind. Does he want you and the stain you’ll bring to his reputation? A magistrate with a weakness for a criminal is such an interesting dynamic, but Astarion is a proud man. You are almost certain he would throw you into harm’s way if a situation ever occurred that deemed it necessary. You would do the same given the chance. This is simply a tryst.

You like to pretend it is, at least. You hate coming across as a romantic. You chase a freedom so exquisite no one will ever understand it, but when Astarion pushes you towards the couch, you don’t complain. You fall across the cushions with ease and catch him as he falls between your thighs.

‘You,’ Astarion accuses hotly, ‘are an irrevocable annoyance I may never be cured of.’

‘You are so very frank in all the ways you despise me,’ you say, moaning softly as he kisses your neck. ‘I think you’re capable of being freed after all.’

‘I am glad to see you are finally aware that it is hate that drives me,’ Astarion murmurs thickly. ‘It repulses me that you think you could possibly be endearing.’

You laugh and Astarion sucks a bruise into your collarbone. He’ll pretend to be aloof and noncommittal to your very presence, but he’s invested. You can feel the weight of his pleasure against your thighs even as he denies his feelings for you. Astarion doesn’t bother with your shirt or his own. He clings to your waist as he finds the lace of your breeches and tugs you free.

Astarion pushes his hand inside of your smallclothes and touches your flushed skin, spreading his fingers so that he can touch every inch your body has to offer. The fervor of the motion is what causes you to gasp. He’s a man on a mission, and he touches you at your core so adoringly it makes the bite of his words all but disappear. He fondles you like he’s never touched your skin before. Your gasp turns to a sultry whine, and he bites your neck like a punishment. You almost think he’s going to admonish you, that he’ll say your silence is worth more. He doesn’t. If anything, the echo of your voice spurns him to go further.

Astarion presses two fingers inside of you and the laughter dies in your chest. He’s trying to rearrange you through a perverse method. If he fucks you good enough, crime’s appeal will turn to dust within your mind. It makes you wonder what it would be like to dote on a magistrate. Would it be enough? Could it be enough? Sinning feels just as sweet.

He curls his fingers against your core and your back arches prettily off the velvet cushions. You bite your bottom lip and try to quell the pining, but then you catch a glimpse of him from beneath your eyelashes. Astarion is watching your every move. His lips are parted. His pupils are dilated. His cheeks have colored at the sound of your voice. He is torn between watching your face for your reactions and glancing down at his hand underneath your breeches. You meet his gaze bravely, chin lifting, and smile.

He adds another just to watch you struggle. The angle, the curve of his wrist, and the situation are enough to make your thighs squeeze together, but Astarion doesn’t let you. He roughly throws himself between your legs so that you can’t, and it’s hot, too hot that you cry weakly. He grins at the sound like he always does, like he always will. It’s his victory this evening. 

But as quickly as Astarion deigned to touch you, he releases you. He stands up and drags you by the wrists, turning his cheek the other way when you try to taste his skin.

‘The prosecutor is ineffectual  —  ’

You snort without meaning to, and Astarion digs his fingers into the swell of your hip. You allow him to maneuver you, bending at the waist while he presses you forward, chest against the chilled wood of his desk. You have to rise on your toes to stand comfortably.

‘Is that what you’re thinking about?’ you ask breathlessly.

‘I’m thinking about the necessary reform,’ Astarion snaps.

You press your cheek into the wood and stare at his door. The prosecutor, the defense. It doesn’t really matter, does it? Astarion is the only one who cares. You’re somewhat glad he does. It means he’s taken your case to interest, and when he presses himself to your lower back, you’re excited. He shoves your breeches to your ankles.

‘Are you going to take me here?’ you murmur. ‘On your desk. Where is your propriety?’

‘You dare speak to me of decency?’ Astarion snorts.

‘The weight of my sins will be forever embedded on your desk,’ you say. ‘You flatter me, your honor.’

‘Do you ever stop talking?’ Astarion asks. You can hear his patience snapping.

‘Well, you’re just so boring,’ you say, laughing. ‘Why don’t you do something that  —  ’

Astarion kneels down behind you and shoves his way between your legs. You shiver when he presses his lips against your core. He mouths at you hungrily. He grunts low in the back of his throat and digs his nails into your thighs. It steals your breath away. He’s so determined to change the very essence of your being that his tongue and mouth searching where his fingers first were makes you go weak in the knees. You whine.

You press your fingers into the dark, rich mahogany of his desk and try to keep focus. You want to taunt him. You want to tease him, but that wanton desire is almost forgotten entirely by the way Astarion feasts upon your flesh. He parts you with his thumbs and groans against your skin and you almost forget who you are. This is what he wanted. He wanted to pull your desires from you and replace them with his own.

You let him. He works you up as easily as anyone can be worked up, his fingers and his mouth exploring every inch of your skin that’s exposed. He goes to slide a finger in curiously, but you twist your hips away. Astarion is all work and no play. He will tease you relentlessly as it suits him, and he will do what interests him. You interest him more than he’s willing to confess. That’s why he works so hard for your pleasure.

When he’s done with you, he kisses the base of your spine soothingly. Your legs tremble beneath you. Astarion smooths his hand across your hip. You glance at him.

‘Perhaps I can fuck some sense into you now,’ Astarion mumbles.

He has the audacity to sound inquisitive. It’s not like it’s possible, but he seems determined enough to try it out regardless of his intuition. His hands are warm against your skin, and the excitement only builds in the pit of your stomach as you feel Astarion’s skin touch yours. You hear his clothes rustle and his breath catch in his throat. You hide a smile against your arm.

When Astarion slides into your core, it’s like a possession. The breath steals from your lungs. His touch is a familiar constant  —  you would recognize him anywhere by scent alone. You cry weakly. Your toes crunch from the angle, but there’s nothing you want more at this moment than to learn to be good.

Astarion hums behind you as well, his fingers digging into your hips as he tries to steady himself. The desk crunches uncomfortably against your belly but it’s a welcome pain. It keeps you focused. You still have the energy to wiggle back against him as his cock slowly pushes in until there is no more room left to explore.

‘Be good,’ he whispers, ‘and I will give you what you deserve.’

What do you deserve exactly?

It’s hard to say. You enjoy your life of crime almost as much as you love the way Astarion bends you over his desk. You’re good at stealing, you’re good at killing, but you’re good at being soft and pliant as well, giving in to that sentimentality that keeps you coming back from more.

At first it was an elaborate game. What could you do to ensure that Magistrate Judge Astarion Ancunin looked your way? He was a noble elf, and your hands were covered in fresh dough from the baker you stole from. There was a curious glint in his eyes when he looked over you, yet somehow the gods had deemed the yeast and honey on your fingers was not honest enough to be proof.

You are smitten. You bounce taller on your toes with every aggressive thrust, arms struggling to support your weight. Astarion fists his fingers into your hair and pulls until your throat is exposed. He wants you to sing for him, so you do. You arch your back and moan loudly. The sounds of it bounce around his little office.

‘You wouldn’t shut up before,’ Astarion says breathlessly, a hoarse laugh.

‘Do something  —  worth talking about  —  ’

Astarions laughs incredulously, but he does fuck you harder for it. He releases your hair without much flourish and focuses on dragging your hips back onto his cock, punching forward so hard you see stars. It’s wonderful, it’s powerful. If Astarion’s entire goal was to make you forsake the world, he’s done a good job of turning your life around. The cravat rubs against your wrists as you try to seek purchase on the desk. Your fingers drag across the polished wood, and you shudder as you clench down around his cock.

You sound so breathless and silly, groaning while he fucks you against his desk. He fills you full until you’re certain you can take no more. You press a hot cheek against the wood and try to catch your breath. You hook a foot around his ankle for support, twisting on his desk. You tuck your arms beneath your chest. You feel as though you’re coming undone. All your years of villainy, and it comes undone by the consistency of Astarion’s presence.

Your arms are stiff from constantly being up, but you’re almost grateful when Astarion pauses. He helps you turn on top of his desk so you’re on your back instead, and even though the edge digs into your lower back, you prefer that to anything else.

You meet Astarion’s gaze. He tells you he hates you, that he wishes you were out of his hair, that he despises you, but the gentleness of his eyes tells you otherwise. He slides back into you with a small moan, and you wrap your legs around his hips to guide him in further.

‘It’s good,’ you gasp. ‘It’s good, you’re good  —  ’

Astarion doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to. You can see it clear as day in his eyes. Astarion won’t say he loves you, that in his ardent fervor he seeks you out, but he knows that you know. Why else would fate lead you back together? You reach for his face with your hands, and his eyes flutter closed to avoid the wistfulness. He leans into your touch.

You cry softly as Astarion begins to grind into you again. He helps carry you as he does so. And it feels so good, feels so overwhelming that you briefly consider the fact that he has changed you for the better.

A spirit that slides into your very marrow. Astarion is hauntingly beautiful, and if he is a spider then you are a fly tangled in his web. He calls you a pretty thing and you give into the struggle. You press your wrists against your forehead and strain against his cock, unable to hide from the waves of crashing pleasure.

Astarion finishes inside of you with a low moan. He presses a rough hand against your belly to stabilize himself, and shyly, you touch his wrist with your bound hands just to feel his pulse. As soon as he’s caught his breath, he releases you from your bonds.

You almost miss him when he pulls away from you. He uses one of his hanging cassocks to clean himself with and is kind enough to do the same for you. You’re almost certain that your legs won’t work, so you sit up on his desk to rest and damn his paperwork to the hells. You kick off your breeches from around your ankles and sit, legs crossed, while Astarion tries to fix his reflection in the mirror.

‘You are truly an astute teacher,’ you say casually. ‘The art of lockpicking is all but gone from my mind. Thank you, your honor.’

Astarion snorts and shakes his head, torn between ignoring you and giving into your wiles. He curls his hair back into place and then walks back to you, leaning forward until you’re nose to nose.

You think he won’t kiss you, but then he does. His lips taste like summer oranges and you taste him until it’s the only thing you can think of. He hugs you tenderly. It isn’t the same as when he admonishes you. It makes your chest feel warm. You almost feel weaker for it. Your bite is being taken away.

‘I can’t keep protecting you,’ Astarion says softly against your cheek. ‘You torment me day and night. When I lie down in my sheets, I find myself consumed with worry.’

‘You think about me?’ you tease. ‘In your sprawling manse?’

‘Move in with me,’ he murmurs. ‘Then you can be inferior yet vain inside my sprawling manse.’

Astarion is not there that evening. You try to wait as long as you can without seeming suspicious. There are maids, family members, and their admirers who come inside and out throughout the evening  —  but not Astarion, never Astarion. You wait until the sun sets and fireflies light up the streets of the Upper City but eventually, the malaise of abandonment guides your feet away. You walk the streets aimlessly until a shiver runs down your spine. A chill so violent turns you away from the courthouse.

But in the morning, there’s a fuss. It draws you back into where you left and you can’t help but to lose yourself. Astarion is dead. His mother sobs. The members of the city watch who bear the bad news look equally as morose. Astarin’s father nearly falls to his knees in despair.

When you break into their manse that evening, you look for one thing. You steal a cravat from his wardrobe and tie it around your neck.

Then, you leave Baldur’s Gate.

You aren’t sure where your feet are going to take you.

Part of your yearns for the Underdark. Baldur’s Gate is a cursed city, you decide. You wander back to it after two hundred years of avoiding it like the plague, and not an hour within the city are you spirited away on an adventure you never longed for.

You have changed. You can’t really remember who you were all those years ago, or the hopefulness you might have felt in your chest once. You’re different now. A folk hero. You used to steal from the rich and give to the poor before the mindflayers fed you their parasite and stole that part of you. But you aren’t alone this time. You wander the beach for hours searching for anything that can be of use and pause over a love letter that makes you sob.

It isn’t all bad. You meet a half-elf who scowls as much as she mumbles to herself.

On the other side of the beach, you meet a ghost.

His eyes are different from what you remember. The warmth he once looked upon you with is gone and replaced by unfamiliar sanguine.

[goldenamaranthe-blog]

Hell Pride University 2: Charlie & Vaggie

Charlie: (unlocking the door to her dorm room, her workout clothes are slick with sweat and rain, cheeks flushed, and out of breath) Thanks again for *pant-pant* helping me out with my stamina and *huff-puff* endurance, Vaggie. I appreciate it.

Vaggie: (drops her soaked duffle bag off on the floor) No worries, Char. Thanks for letting me stay over while the storm passes o- (glances at the dorm) -ooooooh....

-The dorm has a queen sized bed, desk, full closet wardrobe, desk, and is twice if not three times larger than the regular dorms. Kitchenette stands in the corner with a personal shower and bathroom. Razzle and Dazzle are passed out in their oversized dog bed that's too big for them both-

Vaggie: ....Charlie.... why is your dorm room so huge?

Charlie: Oh! Uh! (pulls a spare set of sweat pants and hoodie out of her closet and passes it to Vaggie along with a clean towel) You know..... My dad's the dean of the college.

Vaggie: (takes the clothes and towel) .....And.... that gives you a damn near hotel suite for a dorm?

Charlie: (sweating and blushing) Would.... you believe me if I said I was the Hall Director and lived here full-time?

Vaggie: (jaw drops) Don't you need a master's degree for that? .....Wait.... That's a full-time JOB!!!

Charlie: Well... (pokes fingers together) I'm working on my graduate degree... so... my dad may or may not have pulled a few strings to get me the job....

Vaggie: YOU'RE GETTING YOUR MASTERS AND YOU WORK HERE?!?!?!

Charlie: Vaggie, it's not that bad!

Vaggie: I just thought you were late to going to school like me! How old even are you?!

Charlie: (mumbles and looks away bashfully)

Vaggie: What?

Charlie: ......almost thirty.....

Vaggie: THIRTY?!?!?! I'm twenty-four!!!

Charlie: ALMOST!!! ALMOST thirty!!! I still have two months, one week, and three days....

Vaggie: Ay, dios mio! (plasters her head against the dorm door) I'm interested in a woman who could have been my baby sitter....

Charlie: (perks up and eyes sparkle) You're interested in me????

Vaggie: I-I mean... Yeah... But I thought you were MY age!!! YOUNGER even!!! I was starting to feel like a perv because I thought you were eighteen!!!

Charlie: I'm the same person I was dying on the track fifteen minutes ago, Vaggie!

Vaggie: You probably know how to use a VHS player!

Charlie: I mean. I do, but that's beside the point. Also, they're called VCR's.

Vaggie: (flops onto the bed and groans) Clara and Odette are gonna have a field day when they find out.

Charlie: Clara and Odette? Oh! I didn't know you were a Carmine. I had those two come see me in the tutoring center when I worked there as an undergraduate!

Vaggie: ........of course they did.......

[joelmillerisapunk]

Girl Next Door

Neighbor!Joel Miller x F!Reader

Masterlist

Wordcount: 3,646

Summary: Joel finds himself overwhelmed by the desire to possess something that belongs to you, leading him to indulge in a secret fantasy.

~Or~

What Odette dreams about

Warnings: 18+, mentions of Tommy being in jail, underwear/ underwear sniffing kink? Unprotected bathroom bar sex, hair pulling, no physical description of reader minus hair being pullable, oral - m!receiving

Notes: NERVOUS AS ALL HECK TO POST THIS AS MY FIRST FIC IN A MINUTE. didn't know I had this kink until I had a similar dream, so don't look at me, but also, if anyone else likes this, please let's talk so I don't feel weird 😂 thanks as always @saradika-graphics for the divider

Joel is restless as he mindlessly tosses his clothes into the washing machine in the shared laundry room of his apartment complex. He can't stop thinking about the woman he saw moving in across the hall. There's just something about her that captivated him, and he can't shake her from his mind.

As he goes to add the detergent to the machine, he notices a basket of laundry sitting next to his. His eyes scan over the pile of clothes until they land on a pair of lacy panties. A thrill run through him as he realises that they were hers - yours.

The ones he saw when he was watching you move boxes, the ones he watched appear when you bent over and your shirt exposed the small of your back.

And before he can talk himself out of it, he quickly grabs the panties, stuffing them into his pocket. He turns around just in time to see you walking into the laundry room.

"Oh, hey there," you say with a friendly smile. "I didn't realize anyone else was using the machines right now."

Joel feels his face flush with embarrassment as he stutters out a response. "Uh, yeah, was just finishin' up."

You chuckle softly. "Well, don't let me interrupt you. I just need to switch my load over to the dryer."

As you bend down to transfer your clothes, Joel can't help but steal a glance at your body. He feels a stirring in his pants, and he quickly looks away, hoping you don't notice.

When you straighten up, you catch him looking and raise an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Joel feels his face grow even hotter. "Uh, yeah, sorry. I just got a little distracted."

You smile knowingly. "Well, I hope it was a good distraction.”

You make small talk as you wait for your laundry to finish, and Joel finds himself even more drawn to you.

As you’re about to leave, you turn to him. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it darlin?"

"Well, I seem to have misplaced a pair of my favorite underwear. I was wondering if you might have seen them around here?"

Joel's mind races as he tries to think of a response. He can't very well admit that he had taken them, could he?

"Uh, no, I haven't seen them," he stammers, hoping you don't notice the lie.

You look disappointed. "Oh, well, thanks anyway. I guess I'll just have to buy a new pair." And with that, you're gone. Shortly after, he gathers his things and leaves.

As soon as he’s outside the room, Joel lets out a sigh of relief. The adrenaline rush from stealing your underwear sends shivers down his spine. He can’t believe how easy that was. This is definitely the highest he's ever felt.

But as he walks away, a wave of guilt washes over him. What kind of sick fuck gets off on stealing women's underwear? He knows how wrong it is, but damn if it doesn't turn him on like nothing else ever could.

He walks aimlessly for a while, trying to distract himself from the thoughts in his head. But every time he thinks about those lacy panties clinging to his thigh, he feels his cock throb.

He needs to do something with them. He needs to feel them against his skin, to smell them, to touch them. But what? Should he hide them away in a drawer? Or should he just keep them nearby for whenever the urge struck?

Joel hesitates for a moment before finally making up his mind.

As he walks back into his apartment, he can’t help but imagine what it would be like to feel those panties on his body. The idea of feeling your softness against his skin makes his cock throb even harder.

Joel decides to try and sleep it off. Maybe by morning, the urge would pass, and he would be able to put this whole thing behind him.

He walks toward his bedroom and strips off his clothes before he climbs into bed. But try as he might, sleep eludes him. The urge to grab those panties and explore them with his tongue is too strong to ignore. He continues to shift restlessly in bed until finally giving in to temptation. He reaches down grabbing the soft fabric from his jeans wrapping one hand around his hard cock and using the other hand to bring the fabric up to his nose and inhales deeply.

Joel's hand moves up and down his shaft, stroking with a rhythm that he knows will bring him to climax in no time. He focuses on the sensation of his own hand, the softness of you on the lace, letting out a low moan as he feels himself getting closer to the edge.

But then, just as he's about to come, Joel hesitates. What if you found out? The thought makes him pause, making him wonder if it’s worth the risk. He decides to take a break for now. Throwing the panties to the floor, he lays there for a few moments, trying to catch his breath. But then he can't resist. The urge takes over slowly and then, all at once, crashing over him like a tidal wave about to suffocate him. Joel picks up the panties one more time and brings them close to his face, inhaling deeply.

"Fuck," he mutters under his breath as he licks them slowly, savoring their scent. He runs his tongue over every inch of fabric before finally taking them into his mouth, sucking on them hungrily. "You taste so sweet baby."

He stops to hold the panties in front of his face, admiring their form, admiring the cut and color. He imagines how it would taste if he were to lick your pretty lips and your pretty little clit, imagining how it would taste when he slips his fingers inside you as you’re making a mess all over his face. It almost makes him come right then.

He moans softly as he imagines all the things he would be doing to you once he gets you alone. How you would feel wrapped around his cock, moaning as he pushes into you. His eyes light up as he envisions how you would feel, naked against him, begging and whimpering as he fucks you. He knows the perfect way to drive you insane; torturing you for pleasure before finally plunging into you, making you scream his name, begging daddy for his big cock. He pictures you writhing and crying underneath him as his seed spills all over your soft skin, filling the air with the musky scent of sex.

His fantasy is interrupted, however, as his phone rings, shattering the illusion of the forbidden paradise his imagination created. Joel groans in frustration, reluctantly answering it.

"Ya?" He demands, his voice rough with need and lust, not bothering to ask who it is.

"Hey, big brother. It's me." it was Tommy, and Joel could only guess what this was about. Tommy had seen himself in jail, his fair share these past few years, and Joel was tired of bailing him out.

"Tommy, I swear to god -" Joel starts, ready cuss out his brother and give him the old "I'm gonna kick your ass..." spiel, but Tommy cuts him off.

"I know what you're gonna say. You're gonna kick my ass. But it wasn't my fault this time. The guy had it comin. He was gonna hurt her. I was just tryin' to help. You gotta respect that, Mr. Southern gentleman himself." Tommy says, sounding sincere enough for Joel to believe him. He relaxes slightly. Tommy never did anything particularly bad, but he always manages to get himself in trouble somehow. Even as kids, he was always bailing Tommy out.

Joel rolls his eyes. “That's what you said the last time. I'm gonna kick your damn ass Tommy. I should leave ya in there."

"Alright, alright, look man-"

"What? Make it good, or I'm goin’ back to bed." Joel says impatiently.

"You bail me out this one last time, and I'll buy you the next round'a beer." Tommy bargains.

Joel can't help but laugh at his brother's proposal. "You're really tryin’ to bribe me with beer, huh? Fine, I'll bail you out one last time. But you better not fuck this up, Tommy, you ain’t gettin' another chance." Joel warns.

"Thanks, Joel. I won't let you down this time, I promise - promise on our mamma," Tommy replies, sounding genuinely grateful.

Joel sighs and hangs up the phone, shaking his head. He can't believe he was letting his brother talk him into this again.

But as he gets dressed and heads out to bail his brother out of jail, Joel can’t shake off the feeling of excitement that still lingers from his earlier encounter. The memory of those lacy panties, the scent of you on his fingers, the taste of you on his tongue - all of it is still fresh in his mind.

As he drives, Joel's mind starts to wander. He can't stop thinking about you, about the way you probably look in those silky panties, the way you feel and taste. He feels himself getting hard again just thinking about it. There’s something about you that draws him in, something that makes him want to possess you, to make you his own.

With one hand on the wheel, his free hand pulls out the underwear from his pocket, his hand shaking with desire as he holds the lacy panties up.

He lets out a low moan, his cock already rock hard in his pants and without thinking, he begins to rub himself through the fabric, imagining it’s your hand on him instead.

The sensation is overwhelming, and Joel can feel himself on the brink of climax almost immediately. He tries to hold back to savor the moment, but it’s no use. Within seconds, he’s coming hard, staining his jeans with his own release.

Panicked, he starts feeling around his truck for something to cover up the stain on his pants. He rummages through the glove compartment and the back seat before finally finding an old sweater that Tommy had left behind on a previous visit.

Joel quickly places the sweater over his bulge, hoping it would be enough to hide the stain.

When he arrives, he parks in the loading zone and jumps out of the truck, still trying to act casual while tying the sweater around his waist. But as he approaches the entrance, he can feel the eyes of the other visitors coming in on him, no doubt noticing the bulge in his pants and the sweater tied around his waist.

As he walks into the jail, his face flushes with embarrassment, and his mind still preoccupies with thoughts of you. He makes his way to the visitor's area, scanning the crowd for Tommy.

When he finally spots his brother sitting at a visitors table, looking bored and impatient, Joel approaches him, trying to act as casual as possible.

"Hey, Tommy," Joel says, as he sits across from him.

Tommy looks up and does a double-take when he sees the sweater tied around Joel's waist. "What the hell happened to you?" Tommy asks, with a smirk on his face.

Joel feels his face grow even hotter with embarrassment. "Nothin’, just spilled some coffee on my pants.”

Tommy raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

Joel shifts uncomfortably in his seat, trying to discreetly adjust the sweater tied around his waist. He can feel Tommy's eyes on him, still skeptical about the "coffee" stain.

"Sure thing, big brother. Whatever you say," Tommy says, chuckling to himself.

—

Joel and Tommy walk out of the jail, the weight of the situation heavy between them but still Joel can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him as they step out into the cool night air. He had done his duty as an older brother once again, bailing Tommy out of a sticky situation.

As they make their way to Joel's truck, he can’t shake off the thoughts of you that have been consuming him all day. He wants you, needs you, in a way that he has never felt before.

Tommy notices Joel's distracted state and ribbs him about it. "Hey man, you got a girl on the brain or somethin’? You've been acting weird since you got here."

Joel hesitates for a moment, as much of a dumbass his kid brother is, he’s really all he’s got, "Uh - yeah, there’s this girl... Can't stop thinkin’ about her."

Tommy chuckles. "Well, maybe you should ask her out or somethin’. What's the worst that could happen?"

Joel shakes his head. "It's not that simple. I... I don't even know her name."

Tommy raises an eyebrow. "Well, where’d you meet her?"

Joel hesitates for a moment before admitting the truth. "I saw her move the other day across the way. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Just sat there starin’ for a bit, I just couldn't help myself.”

"Well, maybe you'll run into her again sometime. And this time, you can introduce yourself like a normal person."

Joel nods, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe Tommy was right. Maybe he would run into you again. And this time, he could do things differently.

—

The next evening, Joel finds himself at the bar down the street, hoping against hope that he might see you again, somewhere, somehow. He sits at the bar, nursing a beer and scanning the crowd for any sign of you.

As he sits there, he can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. Has he been here before? It was like a fog had settled over his memory, making it difficult to recall the details.

And then, just as he's about to give up hope, he sees you walking towards the bar, your eyes scanning the crowd. And then, as if by some miracle, they land on him.

You smile, a shy, tentative smile that makes Joel's heart race. Joel can't help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over him as he sees you approaching him at the bar.

He's always been awkward around women, especially ones as beautiful as you. He tries to play it cool, taking a sip of his beer and glancing up at the TV, but his eyes keep flicking back to you.

"Hey there, cowboy," you say, a playful smile on your lips. "I haven't seen you around here before."

Joel feels a wave of nervousness wash over him, but he tries to hide it with a grin. "Oh, I'm just passin' through," he says, hoping he doesn't sound as awkward as he feels.

But you seem to be enjoying his discomfort, your eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'm glad you stopped by."

You lean against the bar, your body close to Joel's. He can feel the heat radiating off of you, and he finds himself struggling to focus on anything but you.

"So, cowboy, tell me what really brings you to this little dive bar?" You ask, your voice low and sultry.

Joel takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Just needed a break from the rodeo, I guess," he says, trying to play along.

You laugh, a loud, genuine laugh that makes Joel's heart skip a beat. "Well, I'm glad you found it. Maybe we can make each other's night a little more interesting."

Joel feels a thrill run through him at your words. He knows what you're suggesting, and he can't help but feel a surge of desire. "I'd like that darlin."

You lean in closer, your lips brushing against Joel's ear. "Follow me."

Joel follows you through the crowded bar, his heart racing with excitement. He can't believe what's happening, but he doesn't want it to stop.

You lead him to the bathroom, pushing open the door and pulling him inside. The room is small and dimly lit, but Joel can see the desire shining in your eyes.

You push him up against the wall, your body presses against his. Joel can feel your breath hot against his skin, and he finds himself struggling to breathe.

"I've wanted you since the moment I saw you."

Joel feels a surge of desire run through him. He's wanted you just as badly, and he can't believe this is finally happening. He reaches out, his hands tangling in your hair as he pulls you closer. Your lips meet in a passionate kiss, your tongues dancing together as you explore each other's mouths.

Joel's hands move down your body, sliding under your skirt and finding their way to your panties. He can feel the heat radiating off of you, and he knows you want him just as badly as he wants you.

He slides your panties down your legs, his fingers lingering for a moment before he lets them fall to the floor.

You break the kiss, your breath hot and heavy. "Take me."

Joel doesn't need to be told twicn.sbb

De. He helps you up onto the sink and your legs wrap around his waist as he slides inside of you.

You moan with pleasure, your head thrown back as Joel thrusts into you. The bathroom is small and cramped, but neither of you care. All that matters is the heat and the pleasure between you.

Joel can feel himself getting close, the pleasure building up inside of him. He knows he won't be able to hold back for much longer.

But just as he's about to reach his climax, you pull away, your body sliding down his.

"Not yet, cowboy," you say, a playful smile on your lips.

Joel watches as you sink to your knees in front of him, your eyes never leaving his. He feels a surge rush through him as you reach for his hard cock, you wrap your hand around it, stroking him slowly. Joel lets out a low moan as he feels your hand on him, the sensation almost too much to bear.

You lean in closer, your breath hot against his skin. He can feel your lips brushing against the tip of his cock, and he holds his breath in anticipation.

And then, finally, you take him into your mouth. Joel lets out another moan as he feels your lips around him, your tongue swirling around his cock. His thoughts are consumed with desire as he watches you pleasure him.

He reaches down, tangling his fingers in your hair as he begins to thrust his hips, fucking your mouth with a roughness that takes you by surprise. You moan around his cock, the vibrations sending shivers down his spine. He can't believe how good it feels and how much he wants you.

He feels himself teetering on the edge, and he knows he's about to come. He pulls out of your mouth, your saliva glistening on his cock.

Without a word, he pulls you up and turns you around, bending you over the sink. He can see your face in the mirror, your eyes wide with desire and anticipation.

He slides inside of you, your wetness coating his cock as he begins to thrust. He can feel you clenching around him, your body trembling. Joel reaches around, his fingers finding your clit. He begins to rub slow circles, hearing you moan with pleasure as he hits the right spot.

He knows he won't be able to hold back much longer, and with one final thrust, he spills his seed deep inside of you, filling you up as you moan with pleasure.

Joel watches in the mirror as you come with him, your face flushed with pleasure, and your eyes glazed over with desire. He can't believe what just happened, but he knows one thing for sure - he needs more of you.

He pulls out of you and helps you to your feet. You lean into him, your body trembling with pleasure.

"Wow," you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joel chuckles, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. "Yeah, wow," he says, pulling you close for a kiss.

He helps you straighten your clothes, his fingers lingering on your skin for a moment before he pulls away.

You reach down, picking up your panties from the floor. You hold them out to Joel, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

"A souvenir," you wink.

Joel takes the panties, his heart racing with excitement.

You lean in, your fingers putting a pre-written note in his pocket, and your lips brush against his ear. "Call me, cowboy," you say, your voice low and sultry.

And then you're gone, leaving Joel alone in the bathroom with nothing but the memory of your body and the scent of your panties to remind him of what just happened. He can't believe what just happened, but he knows one thing for sure - he's never felt this alive before.

[thesharkwhalewhoohooooo]

Bridet x fem! Oc

“Your mommy is going away for a while my little teacup, so don’t fret it.” Red nodded, holding onto her mother’s dress as the woman walked through the halls.

“Have you picked out an outfit yet? Your grandparents are coming over soon!” Red’s eyes widened, looking up at her mother with an open jaw.

“Gramma’s coming?! I haven’t picked out an outfit yet?!” She started dragging her mother to her room, Bridget followed her with an amused smile.

“You’ll look wonderful in anything my heart, please don’t think too much!” She chuckled as Red started rummaging through her closet with haste.

“Will Mama be there?” Bridget’s chuckles disappeared, and she looked down at her hands with a small frown.

“No sweets, she’ll be away for a long while…” the queen trialed off, staring blankly at the floor as she recalled her own desperate attempts to search for her wife.

“Oh… well she’ll be back soon! She can’t leave us for more than a few days!” Red’s giggles filled the room, and Bridget was painfully reminded to the fact that her wife wasn’t going to be able to get back anytime soon.

“Of course she’ll be sweets, now show me what you’re going to wear!”

-

“So, now that Odette has left, any suitors?” Her mother asked, arching a brow at her daughter whose hands stilled.

“Mom, you know why she’s not here, can we not do this in front of Red?” Red looked up at her name being called, happily skipping over to her mom with a bright grin.

“Gramps favourite is this one!” She proudly showed one of her drawings, and the Queen patted her head with a smile.

“Of course it is! Anything you make should be in the museum!” Red grinned even wider and ran back to her grandfather, Bridget turning back to her mother.

“You know she’s incapable of returning any time soon, so why do you think i’ll remarry?” Her mother shrugged, taking a sip of her wine and twirling it lazily.

“Purely because i’m worried, maybe she just left because she didn’t want to be here anymore? She has another kingdom to take care of, you know that.” Her grip on her cutlery tightened, eyes narrowing at her predecessor.

“Mom, i’m not replacing Odette, just because that man has captured her doesn’t mean our marriage is annulled.” The elder woman arched a brow.

“Then why isn’t she back yet? True love breaks all bounds, even the strongest curses placed upon them, so why isn’t she here? It’s time to look for another suitor sweetheart.” Bridget gritted her teeth, glaring at her mother.

“No. It’s the true love’s kiss that voids any magic, now get out of my castle before i’ll do something I won’t regret.” The woman scoffed, sipping her wine as she looked at her daughter sceptically.

“Really? You? The sweetest Queen of Hearts in history? I don’t believe it. Besides, we’re here for our granddaughter.” Bridget stood up, placing her cutlery down and staring down at the former queen.

“Guards! Off with her head!” The guards were startled, they were never called upon for something other than to go get Red off of somewhere the queen couldn’t reach, or to go get something akin to flowers or sweets.

They hesitated, glancing at one another before rushing to take the baffled elder from the dining hall.

Her father rushed up to her, eyes wide as he looked at his wife being dragged away.

“What have you done Bridget? We didn’t raise you like this-!”

“Well, she was talking about me forgetting about Odette, so, if you think alike…?” Her father took a step back, staring at her horrified.

“We didn’t raise you like this.” He repeated, hurrying out of the room, Red standing next to her mother and staring with wide eyes.

“What does off with your head mean mom?” The queen looked down at the 7 year old, sighing as she picked her up and booped her nose.

“Something very bad, you mustn’t say it!”

-

“Day… what was it?” Red flipped the page ti her diary, checking the former day. “Day 362, it’s almost been 10 years since the first execution, and it’s the same day my mother was declared missing, well, to the kingdom, not to me.” She scribbled down, muttering the words to herself as she laid on her heart shaped bed.

“I remember showing my drawing to my gramps, then all of a sudden, the queen shot up and ordered for grams to be executed, then she told me her iconic phrase was a ‘bad word’. Why has she been saying it non stop then?” She rolled her eyes at the irony.

“My mom’s supposed ‘trip’ has not ended yet, but i’ve heard from some older maids that she won’t come back ever, and that some old creep placed a curse on her… Doesn’t a true love’s kiss break all that? I mean do we even know where she is?! I know she’s at some guy’s castle, I think he’s called Rothbart? And that he’s the mage that cursed her, seems likely, but where is he?! Also, apparently my mother was the sole heir to the kingdom of king William, but now that she’s gone indefinitely, it’s gone to king Derek for safekeeping, who is apparently a douche, but there are rumours that he’s a changed man after his wife gave birth to a daughter, so that’s that, maybe he’ll find mom?” She placed her pen down on the notebook, rolling her eyes at the thought before she closed it and slid it under her bed, sitting up.

“Breakfast!” One of the maids knocked on her door, and Red rushed out, grinning at the woman, who gave her an unimpressed look.

“It’s 4 in the afternoon princess, this isn’t breakfast.” She held the tray, handing it over to the princess who smirked.

“Breakfast is a condept.”

“It is not a concept majesty, definitely not. Your tutoring with Maddox has been cancelled, one of his inventions exploded once again.” Red frowned, she’ll have to check on him, before grinning at the woman and going back into her room.

“Breakfast is a concept.” She grumbled, plopping back down on her bed and pulling off her shirt, that she had only put on for formality.

“It’s not like it’s that late.” She glanced at the clock that had 12 pointers, all pointing in different directions, but never all spread out evenly.

“Okay so it is 4, but who cares man!” She whined, falling back onto her back and closing her eyes.

“Mh, I should go spook some guards.” She quickly changed, rolling up the carpet in her bathroom a bit, and jumping into the hole it opened up, she placed the carpet back down, which had a stone on it so you wouldn’t fall through.

She navigated the lowly lit up halls as if it was her second home, which, in a way, it was, before she got to the guard’s canteen.

The few painting that there were in that huge room, one of them had the halls behind it, and Red slightly cracked it open to try hear how many there were.

She used her magic to light a firecracker, throwing it as far as she could through the small gap, then quickly throwing a smoke bomb after.

Slipping in and out of the canteen was easy, especially since it was all chaos now, and she quickly made her way to the Royal Portrait Hall, where the only picture of her mother hung.

“Wowza, there’s another painting of her?” Red stopped in her tracks when she spotted a tiny painting in the midst of all the others, she quickly pocketed it and made her way to the big portrait of the Queen and the Queen’s consort.

“Hey mama, wanna guess who got beheaded today? The guards were all over it! Jack of diamonds! He was the captain of the East wing, mom’s quarters, she was really mad when something vandalised the wall of her rose garden… even though I’d say i’m a pretty good artist.” She placed her fingers to her lips as if to say ‘keep it between us’, as she stared up at the blonde woman, standing behind the Queen, both smiling as they looked at her.

“Does your curse have a time limit? Why can’t you come home?” She looked down at the ground, kicking at nothing in particular.

“I snatched a painting of yours off of the wall, d’you think she’ll mind?” She showed the tiny portrait, which was of Odette, sitting at a huge lake at night.

“It’s a really good painting, I heard from Maddox that you like to wander around at night, I do the same! But we probably don’t do the same things on these walks…” Red trialed off, staring at the face of a Mother she once knew.

“I hope Mom’ll turn back into herself once you return, I don’t think she’ll have all that many subjects left to kill off soon. It’s been almost 10 years… seems like a good way to dramatically reappear, right? Also, apparently you’ve been kidnapped by Rothbart?? Who is that loser.”

The Queen of Hearts stared at her daughter as she talked to the portrait of her and her wife, silently standing at the end of the hall with her hands in front of her, listening intently.

She quickly left soon after, going back to her study where she grabbed her phone and dialed to king Derek, who answered after the third ring.

“Bridget? You never call, what’s up?” The man certainly had matured and stopped being a dick, but unfortunately for him, Bridget wasn’t all that sweet anymore.

“Check up on Rothbart, he had Odette, you know she’s cursed, so look at the animals, furniture, anything, anything that moves or acts human.” Derek sighed, he had already done it once.

“Sure… but i’ll have to do it tonight, because my girl’s 14th is tomorrow, and I have to prepare her gift.” Bridget rolled her eyes.

“Of course, put haste to it will you.”

-

Derek arrived at the tower a few hours later, a bit before midnight.

The path he walked took him past a lake, where the same swan as all those years ago raced up to him, flapping its wings.

He sighed, crouching by the lake as he watched the swan with a smile.

“Y’know, you remind me of someone…” he trialed off, eyes widening when water covered the swan.

The water grew, and eventually splashed off of the woman, who quickly walked up to land and fell into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“Derek, please, take me back to Bridget right now, we only have a few hours before the sun comes up.” She looked down at the turtle and the frog by her feet, quickly picking them up and staring at the man with wide, hurrying eyes.

“Uh- right! Come on!” They ran, Odette was slower because she wasn’t used to it anymore, holding up her white dress, her blonde hair longer than before, which was expected by 10 years of absence.

“Why do we have to hurry?” Derek asked as they both sat on his horse, hurrying towards the rabbit hole he had in his kingdom, which also wasn’t apart of Auradon, as well as William’s kingdom.

“Well I don’t think that Bridget wants our first kiss back together to be with a swan, now does she?” Derek quickly nodded, spurring his dearest horse on further.

“Call Bridget, so she won’t stop us when entering.” He handed his phone to her, and she stared at it for a while.

“Derek. I wasn’t around for 10 years, the last thing I remember was the landline.” The man pursed his lips, right, he forgot.

“Riighhhtt, i’ll dial, have I told you about my daughter? She’s the cutest, she looks so much like my wife!” Odette rolled her eyes, shoving the phone back to him.

“Derek, dial Bridget for god’s sake.”

“…right, you don’t want to hear about my daughter-?

“Later Derek, later.”

“Bridget? Hi! Yeah, so, you were right.”

“Of course I am, about what?”

“I found Odette, she was cursed to be a swan, she’s human now! But until the sun comes up..?” He trialed off, unsure of his words as Bridget yelled at him to elaborate.

He quickly handed the phone off to Odette, who chuckled.

Bridget fell silent at the sound, almost chocking on air.

“Hi my Baker, how are you?” Bridget felt like crying, even though she was sitting in her bed and Derek called at an ungodly hour, again.

“You’re real?”

“I hope so sweetheart, now if you could maybe wait on me at the rabbit hole? Or you’ll have to kiss a swan… not the best experience, but it’ll even out the score.” Odette shrugged, the forest next to Derek’s castle coming in sight, the sun would be coming up in a few hours.

“Oh! Uh- yes! Yes i’ll be there in a second!” Bridget rushed to get up and get dressed, running through the castle to get to the first vehicle she saw, her trusted truck.

She quickly stepped in and stepped on the gas, screeching through the wonderlandian streets, the famed Red Runner watching her go with a frown.

“Uh… what the fuck??” Red narrowed her eyes as she saw the headlights slowly leave her sight.

She quickly followed, grabbing her bike and turning on the ignition, racing after the Queen.

-

“Odette!” Bridget embraced her tightly, Odette smiled as she placed her chin on Bridget’s.

“Hi sweetheart, good morning.” Bridget smiled into her neck, leaning back a bit to stare at her wife.

“You’re back…” she trialed off, eyes wide with tears.

“I’m back, so, what horrifying things have you done in my absence? Derek filled me in.” She pointed behind her at the man, who sheepishly waved when the Queen glared at him.

“Shut up! You have until the sun comes up right? Well we should hurry up!” Odette looked through the dense woods, seeing a bright light approaching, so she quickly pressed her lips against Bridget’s.

Even though it was supposed to be a quick peck, it soon turned into a slow, passionate kiss filled with their due love for one another, lost nights returning with more to find.

“Mama!” Odette parted from Bridget, looking up at the girl who jumped off of a motorcycle and let it slide through the bright yellow grass, the trees around them slowly lighting up in purple and pink as the dawn soon approached.

“Red?” The girl had tears in her eyes as she buried her face into her mom’s chest, almost crunching her in the hug.

“Well you’ve certainly grown.” The princess grinned against her collarbone, gripping onto her dress as if she was going to disappear.

“So you’re not awake at 3 but you’re awake at 5?” Bridget frowned, staring at her daughter who glanced at her but looked away in favour of clinging to her mom.

“Well, everyone has their priorities?” Derek piped up, and Odette rolled her eyes.

“Derek, go get the gift for your daughter ready.”

“So you were listening!”

-

“And so mom started beheading people! Also she chased Cheshire away and maddened the mad hatter even more.” She threw in the last sentence, and Odette’s eyes widened.

“Well it’s good to be back… is the jack of Diamonds still here at least? He was my favourite- don’t tell me.” Odette closed her eyes when she saw Red grimace.

“Yesterday morning, someone vandalised a wall of the castle-.”

“You mean you vandalised a wall of the castle.” Red rolled her eyes and fell back on the couch.

“Details! Details…” she waved it off, and Odette looked around.

“Very dark decor, not very Bridget-y. You remember Chloe? She’d love to meet you.” Red tilted her head, trying to remember the girl.

“Charming?”

“Yeah, you two were bickering the whole time you two had play dates, it was humorous.” The princess groaned, closing her eyes.

“Wait- did you two-?” Red came to an unsettling revelation once she had thought for a bit too long, gesturing at Odette and Bridget, who had just entered.

“No, we did not.” Odette rolled her eyes at the insinuation, and Red sighed in relief.

“Hello darling.” Bridget smiled as she approached, Red slightly creeped out by it.

“Good morning my love, Red was just filling me in on every atrocity you’ve committed.” The queen sighed as she sat down ‘next’ to Odette, more like in her lap.

“Well, I suppose I can only try excusing myself from that.” Red scoffed, indicating that it’ll be a difficult task.

“Maybe annul some of your ridiculous rules and curfews.”

“Curfews? Well, I thought you were the one that said that curfews were suggestions?” The queen looked away from Red’s piercing eyes, pulling out a letter.

“It’s an invitation, to attent Auradon Prep.”

“Well, since you’ve grown a heart, I think you’ll let me go?”

-

“Derek.” Odette sighed when the man came up to her at Auradon Prep, brightly smiling as he pointed at his eldest daughter, who was also 17.

“Look at her! Isn’t she the prettiest girl here?” He looked at Odette, who merely shook her head.

“No, that’s my girls, your girls are second.”

“What?! Come here! We’ll fight it out!” He got ready to swing, punching the air in front of Odette.

“Oh wow, how incredibly scary.” She splashed him with water that she saw sitting in a glass, and he gaped at her.

“What?”

“You can manipulate water now?! Oh my god can he curse me too?”

“You want a stalker.” Odette gave him a judging look, crossing her arms.

“Uh… no?”

“Mama! Mama look!” Red pulled at her arm, pointing at the fairies.

“Real fairies…” She trialed off, Odette sighed and placed a hand in front of her eyes.

“Don’t stare Red, it’s unmannered.” Red rolled her eyes, and pushed her hand away.

“Who’s that?” She pointed at the Charming family.

“Don’t point, and that’s Ella and Chloe.”she smiled, quickly jabbing Derek in the ribs before making her way over with Red.

“Ella!” She smiled at the woman, who turned around with wide eyes.

“You’re back! Can I ask what-.”

“Since when do you ask?” Odette smiled at the fellow queen, who sighed at her.

“Of course you’d say that, but what kind of curse were you under?” Chloe looked up at that, eyes wide as she noticed Odette.

“He turned me into a swan, very fitting, but now I have feathers behind my ears and…” She showed her neck and shoulders, stark white feathers going from a thick density to scattered around, then showing off the longer feathers at the back of her ears.

“It’s awful to wash it, but that’s all.” Chloe’s eyes nearly fell out.

“Aunt Odette! You’re back!” Chloe smiled as she hugged her, Odette smiled down at her and patted her back.

“Mhm, i’m back, unfortunately.” She glanced at Derek, who glared at her, knowing she was saying something about him.

“Still up to your antics huh? What did your parents think when they set you two up?”

“Probably not for him to be like a little brother.”

-

“My sweets, put the cards down.” Odette placed a hand on the Queen’s wrist, who was nervously fiddling with the cards, she was so scared that someone would say something about her tyranny.

“Am I boring you two?” Principal Uma called them out, and Odette smiled politely, the octopus arching a brow at the feathers.

“Actually, you are.” Bridget stood up, and Odette sighed at her antics, shrugging at Uma when she cast her a confused glance.

“Mom no!” Red’s voice called out, but Bridget only threw her cards up to turn into bubble hearts, looking at Odette with a smile, and then at Red, her smile broadening.

“I’m so happy that my daughter gets to go to this school, and I hope for nothing more than the best time for all of you.” Odette chuckled, standing up and wrapping an arms around Bridget’s waist, kissing the side of her forehead with a smile.

“Well? Why are you such a statue Red?” Odette looked at her sceptically, she knew that the sudden switch up was weird, but why did she look at her so confused.

Red hugged them, but it felt weird, not like the desperate clinging from a few days ago, but unfamiliar, as if Odette was a stranger invading her privacy, that hurt, she knew that she missed a lot.

“Let’s go talk a bit away Sweets.” She mumbled to Bridget, who quickly nodded and grabbed Red’s wrist, dragging her with as Odette chuckled once more.

She looked over at Chloe with a smile, eyes narrowing when hers followed Red’s departure.

“So, you do have a thing for my daughter, huh?” Chloe looked up at her, clearly caught.

“Who are you?” Odette frowned, now she was really hurt.

“You just hugged me a bit ago, all happy I wasn’t cursed anymore, really?” Her frown deepened, something was up with her daughter and Ella.

“Uh-no! I totally remember you- haha!” Odette sighed dejectedly, staring up at the sky sadly.

“Mh, well, my name is Odette, so, nice to meet you again.”

“Oh my god that’s Odette.”

-

“You’re not our daughter.” Odette spoke up, leaning against the doorframe to her daughter’s new dorm, Bridget freaking out over her words.

“Darling! Don’t say that?! Why would you-.”

“You’re right, i’m not, but I am, i’m from a… alternate universe? Where she’s about to stage a violent coup, and you’re… not her wife and certainly not in my life, probably a fling.” Red sat down on her new bed, kicking her feet and staring at the floor.

“Mh, so not much different.”

“Darling I wasn’t married to you?!”

“Well I mean if her first 7 years of her life were awful too, it must’ve meant that the group Rothbart send after me the day of Castlecoming successfully kidnapped me.” The princess nodded, lying down on the bed with a sigh.

“So time travel?” Odette guessed, and Bridget had taken to holding her hand tightly.

“Mhm.”

-

“Darling, don’t you feel sad that she’s leaving so soon after all this?” Bridget asked, shifting to lay even closer to Odette.

“Of course I do, I wasn’t there for 10 years and now when I am she’s gone, but… well i’m more sad that our Red is gone, she doesn’t remember anything from when I was there, and that hurts the most.” The redhead hummed, staring at their intertwined hands in thought.

“I… feel the same, in a way, I physically was here, but mentally I couldn’t live another day without you, so I checked out for my own sake, somehow I feel like i’ve missed those 10 years too, but now she only knows those 10 years, nothing will make her remember all that time.” Odette stroked her hair, staring up at the ceiling sadly.

“Well, as much as I want for our Red to come back, she won’t, and this Red took her place, so we’ll try help her as much as we can.”

[tikitania]

Did anyone see the Paris Opera Ballet’s Swan Lake on IMAX this weekend?

Nureyev’s libretto….lots to unpack. Rothbart is such a central character in this version pulling the narrative strings in overt and dark ways both inside the court and on the mystical lake. He’s not just evil wizard who has trapped Odette, he’s a dark force within the very halls of power who seems to have everyone hoodwinked — this fully registers with me after the recent US election.

It seems the capture of Odette and turning her into a swan was some sort of long game to destroy Siegfried, who stands in the way of power. But Rothbart also seems to have some masochistic, sexual feelings for the young prince, too. The homoeroticism was off the charts — I’ve never seen the crossbow gifted to the price so seductively! One interpretation could be that this version of Swan Lake is about doomed sexual longing because it’s Siegfried who dies in the end. Odette is forever trapped as a swan, and Rothbart’s dominance is complete.

In the sequel, Rothbart marries the Queen and rules with total power because she’s lost in grief after the death of her only son. Odile is his mistress. But the Prince’s Friends with the help of the swans come to the rescue and defeat Rothbart, returning the balance of power of good over evil. You’re welcome!

Park delightfully surprised me. I had never seen her dance before beyond short clips online. She exceeded my expectations, especially as Odile. Marque is really exquisite. He’s an expressive dancer with beautiful jumps and soft landings. But Pablo Lagasa, as Rothbart, stole the show with his technical prowess and smoldering deep-set eyes.

Seeing this in IMAX is incredible. Would love more of these, please! Love the bird’s eye views of the corps….I don’t care for a lot of Nureyev’s choreographic choices, but I did love seeing the corps formations, especially in Act 3. Normally, I like the set design and costumes at the POB, but the Easter egg hues for the court scenes didn’t work for me. The fuchsia gowns for the brides with those tiny fans were downright garish.

[charliesangel67]

Home with you:

Authors note: I wrote this so much faster than I thought I would. Anyway, just a cute lil drabble based off a Mamma Mia theme bc I just re watched it and forgot how good it was.

Parings- Jensen Ackles x Fem!reader

Word Count- 769

Warnings- Mentions of drinking, nothing else, pure fluff.

“So, when you're near me, darling, can't you hear me? S.O.S.

The love you gave me, nothing else can save me, S.O.S.”

I sang as I moved around the kitchen, swaying my hips to the music and occasionally stirring the soup I had cooking on the stove. I heard a key turn in the lock and turned to see my boyfriend walk into the house, dropping his bags in the hall before coming to give me a hug. I giggled as he held me tight in his warm embrace.

“Oh, Jensen. I've missed you so much,” I said to him when he finally let go. “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he responded, leaving a soft kiss on my lips. “How was Louisiana?” I asked, interested in how the filming went. “Not bad. We did have to put filming off for a day because of storm warnings, and our scenes for the day were supposed to be outside.”

“Oh, that's too bad,” I responded. “I'm gonna go upstairs and take a shower real quick, okay? I'll be back in 10,” Jensen said before leaving a kiss on my cheek and heading upstairs, carrying his bags with him. A couple of minutes later, I had set the table, plated up the soup with bread on the side, and Jensen was coming down the stairs in a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Gosh, he looked handsome.

“What's for dinner, sweetheart?” he asked as he got himself a beer from the fridge. “Tomato soup with bread. I don't think beer goes very well with it,” I stated, eyeing him.

“Fine then, I'll have the beer later.” He put up his hands in defeat and I giggled. We talked over dinner about filming, The Boys, and what I did over the 3 weeks that he was away.

“Well, I drove out to Austin to catch up with Maya.” “Oh, really? When was the last time you saw her? Hasn't it been since Gen's baby shower?” Jensen asked, surprised that I had brought her up.

“Yeah, since Odette. I just wanted to hang out with her a little. I stayed over for a couple of nights and we went hiking and shopping. It was fun,” I said, shrugging my shoulders, facing Jensen while he sat at the table sipping his beer. “I'll pack up the dishes. You go have a shower, love,” he announced.

I stepped out of the shower, the fluffy towel feeling soft on my skin. I dressed in my silky blue pjs and dried my hair. When I walked down the stairs to greet Jensen, I saw there was a box on the counter.

“Ooh, what's this?” I asked curiously.

“I ordered some donuts so that we could have a movie night,” Jensen stated from the far side of the kitchen, preparing a big bowl of popcorn.

“I'll grab the drinks and choose the movie!” I yelled as I raced to the fridge to get him a can of soda and myself some wine so I could pour a glass.

“Whatever you please, my love,” Jensen whispered under his breath.“What movie are we watching tonight?” asked Jensen as he entered our bedroom with the popcorn and donuts in hand. He had already changed into his pjs and was looking sexier than ever.

“I have chosen an absolute classic, a personal favorite of mine, and most teenage girls.”

“Oh gosh. Lemme guess: She's the Man or 10 Things I Hate About You?” Jensen questioned.

“No! Although either of those would've been a good option. I have chosen to go with a more musical one. We are watching Mamma Mia!” I announced excitedly.

“OK, I'll pre-warn myself about the crazy singing,” Jensen laughed as he leaned in to kiss my lips.

“I'm just kidding, love. Sing as loud and as crazy as you want. I love your singing,” he whispered in my ear, making me smile.

Together, we belted out every word to "Mamma Mia", danced to "Dancing Queen," and drank a lot of wine. By the end of the movie, I was too dizzy to even walk downstairs, so Jensen took the empty box and bowl to the kitchen, and I went to brush my teeth. I lay in bed, suddenly feeling the bed shift over from Jensen's weight. I turned over to kiss him. “I forgot to tell you earlier, welcome home, babe,” I said before giving him another passionate kiss.

“When you're gone, how can I even try to go on?

When you're gone, though I try, how can I carry on?”

[prettyyoungandbored]

Family - Dr. James Wilson

Pairing: Dr. James Wilson x Fem!OC

Summary: Wilson and Odette get two bad pieces of news…and a new member of the family.

Warnings: Minor angst, fertility struggles, mentions of death

NOT MY PHOTO

Wilson heard the sound of his office door opening and didn’t bother to look away from his paperwork.

“I told you it wouldn’t work,” he said.

“You could say that again.”

He froze. That was not House’s voice and it was unusually stuffy. He looked up to see Odette closing the door behind her. When she turned her head, his heart sunk at her blotchy red and face tear stained.

He shot up from his chair. “Sweetheart-.”

“It was a false positive. Doctor confirmed it.”

Wilson’s heart shattered into a million pieces that trickled down to his stomach. His mouth hung open, words failing him.

Odette shook her head. “If I had taken another test at least I…” her voice trailed off.

Wilson made his way to her, tightly embracing his wife in his arms. She buried her face into his chest as she sobbed.

“I’m so sorry-.”

“For what? You have nothing to be sorry for,” he told her. “You did nothing wrong. These things happens.”

“I could’ve done another test.”

“It could’ve been a faulty test too. It’s not your fault, ok? We were both excited and we just…”

He sighed, pulling her back into his arms. She gave him a squeeze, realizing even in her devastation that he needed to be comforted too.

She shut her eyes tightly, wishing this could be a bad dream. One where she would wake up and be pregnant with the baby she and Wilson wanted.

The process was taking longer than she’d thought and before the positive test, she’d began to wonder if something was wrong with her. If there was…would it ruin their marriage?

“What if I’m broken and I can’t give you kids?”

She didn’t mean for it come out yet she felt no shame. Maybe the conversation needed to happen and this was the moment.

Wilson’s mouth hung open, eyes furrowing. “What if you’re- Odette, you’re not broken. Why would you say something like that?”

“We’ve been at this for a year and a half-.”

“It takes time.”

“What if I can’t give you kids, Wilson? What if I can’t get-.”

“We will figure something out and we will figure it out together. Odette, I’m serious. You will not do this alone.”

He pulled her in for hug, hand cradling the back of her head. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He pulled back and kissed her forehead, his hand rubbing her lower back soothingly.

“Why don’t I take off early and you and I have a nice dinner out?” he suggested.

“You have consultations and meetings-.”

“Actually I finished all my meetings an hour ago. Besides, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone like this.”

She cracked a small smile. “Your boyfriend might kill me.”

“House can live without me for one night. C’mon.”

=================================

Dinner had been the perfect distraction. Wilson knew exactly what she needed to lift her (and his) spirits and it made Odette grateful to have him in her life.

Wilson was pulling into their neighborhood when the couple noticed the blue and red lights flashing outside their apartment complex.

“Why is the police outside our apartment?” Odette asked.

“I have no idea,” Wilson answered as he parked.

Odette’s eyes scanned the scene. “There’d an ambulance here too.”

Wilson shut the car off. “Stay in here.”

Odette watched as he walked over to the cop near the police tape. Her eyes shifted to the body bag being rolled out on a stretcher out of the building.

Her heart sank. Someone had died, but who? She ran through the list of neighbors she knew and thought about the last time she’d seen them.

The tap at the window broke her from her thoughts. She turned to see Wilson standing there. She got out of the car.

“What happened?” she asked.

“Mrs. Johnson passed away,” Wilson said. “Heart attack. Her daughter’s in the apartment now.”

Odette sighed. Mrs. Johnson lived across the hall from them. She was a sweet old woman and a favorite in the building. Wilson and Y/N kept an eye on her when her daughter, Joyce, was unable to see her.

Odette got out of the car and followed Wilson into the apartment complex. The two got into the elevator.

“I feel terrible,” Odette spoke up.

“Sweetheart, she was in her 80s.”

“I know, but still. She was so good to us, you know? Remember when you got called into work on Christmas and she and her family invited me over and they made you a plate?”

Wilson smiled at the memory. “She really made this place feel like home. I remember when we first moved in and she was so adamant about making our first meal here.”

“Her famous lasagna,” Odette remembered with a small smile. “I’m really gonna miss her.”

The doors opened and a couple officer stood in front of Mrs. Johnson’s old door. Joyce stood there, tears falling down her face.

She turned to see Odette and Wilson and excused herself.

“Joyce, I’m so sorry,” Odette said opening up her arms to hug the woman. “She was such a wonderful neighbor and person.”

“I’m sorry you two had to find out this way,” Joyce sniffled. “You both were so kind to her and our family.”

“Is there anything you need?” Wilson asked.

Joyce sighed. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do about Sarah.”

Sarah was Mrs. Johnson’s beloved cat. She was sweet and cuddly, always greeting Odette and Wilson whenever she was in the hallway.

“I can’t take her because my husband’s horribly allergic to cats,” Joyce continued. “Plus, the poor girl needs special medication and-.”

“We’ll take her!” Wilson spoke up.

Odette and Joyce turned their heads to him. Odette’s eyes widened as Joyce lit up.

“You will?” she asked.

“It’s the least we can do,” Wilson said. “We would love to have her.”

=================================

Wilson and Odette sat on the couch as they watched Sarah wander around the living room.

“My next call with my mother should be interesting,” Odette sighed. “No grandbaby, but hey, we adopted a cat.”

Wilson cracked a smile. “We did the right thing though. Poor girl wouldn’t have stood a chance at the shelter.”

Sarah made her way to Odette, rubbing against her leg. Odette stroked the cat with her fingers.

“We did,” Odette smiled. “Besides, she can be our baby while we wait for a human one.”

“I like that idea,” Wilson agreed.

Sarah jumped on the couch, forming a loaf between Wilson and Odette as she reveled in her new family.

[ohtobeleah]

I can't stop thinking about dot having a nightmare and tooster comforting her🥺 he would be so good with her

We need a break from all the angst don’t we? 🥺🥺 here the Terms of Endearment Masterlist if you wanna read it.

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

Oh my heart can’t take this. Picture it. 

One of the things that your OBGYN had told you not to do while you were in the later stages of your third trimester and boarding on what you thought would be your fourth, was to move house. 

Did you and Bradley listen? No—

Because you needed a bigger house for your growing family and when you found this one on the market, two story, four bedroom, two and a half bathroom, massive entertainment areas with an open plan kitchen smack bang in the middle of a cul de sac just a twenty minute drive from base? You and Bradley put in an offer the real estate and previous owners just couldn’t refuse. A few weeks later? You were signing off on all the paperwork and being handed the keys. 

But just because you’d both found the most perfect house to make a home for your growing family, that didn’t negate the fact that your OBGYN had been right. 

“Mama!!” Dot's cries could be heard down the hall in the dead quiet of the night. “Mama—!” With every passing second that she wasn’t being attended to, her cried became more pained, desperate to be consoled after the nightmare she had just been startled from by a loud clap of thunder followed almost immediately by the bright drawn out flashes of lightning creeping in through her curtains to eerily illuminate her new bedroom. “Tooster!” 

“Okay—“ It’s your deep sigh that’s laced in exhaustion that has Bradley immediately rolling over to kiss your cheek. You’d both been lying there for a few minutes wondering if your now four and a half year old would soothe herself back to sleep. “I’m coming bubba.” 

“No, no you stay in bed mama I’ll get her.” Bradley Bradshaw never thought he could fall any more in love with you, until you told him you were pregnant. “You stay here, sleep, I’ve got her.” 

“Mama! Tooster!” Dots screaming out as the thunder outside rawrs on, so much so it even makes you jump a little as you sit up to rest against the headboard, baby bump engorged and in the way of practically everything you did nowadays.

“She sounds like someone’s slitting her throat.” You're tired and swollen and exhausted from unpacking the copious amounts of boxes. “Better hurry Tooster—“ 

“I’m going, I’m up.” You don’t know if Bradley was trying to convince himself or you that he was awake, but regardless—his feet hit the carpet as he pushed his boxer briefs clad self up and out of the comfort of the bed he shared with you every night. “You know you can’t even blame me for this one, she’s all you.” Rooster teases as Dot's ear piercing shrills echo out from down the hall, forcing you and Bradley to both frown and hiss at the overly dramatic sounds escaping from your clearly distressed four year old daughter. “My daughter, your DNA—“ 

“Oh I can’t wait to hear the end of that gag when your daughter is born Bradshaw.” Rooster would from time to time remind you that he had no involvement with the creation of Odette Dolan. Although he loved and cared for her as his own and would tell every Tom Dick and Harry that Odette was his daughter, there was always the odd occasion when she’d do something overly dramatic or totally inappropriate that would remind Bradley Bradshaw that Odette was 100% without a shadow of a doubt not his biological daughter and that whatever personality trait she was exhibiting was passed down by you. “I can’t stand that joke—“

Bradley just laughs to himself as he’s padding around the bed, leaning over, and kissing your lips softly. Placing a gentle hand over your stomach that’s harboring his unborn daughter. One of his old T-shirts adorns your bump. Nothing else quite fit you at the moment. 

“You can’t stand it because it’s the truth mama—“ Bradley coos against your lips.but you and Bradley both know that Odette hangs out with Bradley far too much to not mimic him and his mannerisms. Bradley was Dot’s dad in all the ways that counted, that mattered—and although he’d joke and tease you that she wasn’t his, he loved her far too much to not want her to be. 

Hell, he loved your daughter so much he’d even mentioned the possibility of adopting her, but to be able to legally adopt Dot Bradley had to live in the same house as you and your daughter for at least four years—and Jaidyn needed to relinquish all his parental rights before anything could go through the courts. So—at this point in time, Bradley Bradshaw had his hands tied. He just needed to wait for the right time. 

“MAMA!—“ Dots screaming. “MAMA! HELP—!” 

“Rooster, if you don’t go see what’s wrong she’s going to tear her throat apart.” You sigh, looking up at the man you loved, the man who’d become your best friend, your partner in crime.

“I’m going, I’m going.” Bradley mumbled against your lips just one more time before he’s departing from the bedroom he shared with you. Rubbing his eyes when he hits the hallway light on, the bright hume of yellow and white force him to squint as he wraps his fist around the door handle of Dots door, her cry’s still raging on as he opens it slowly—trying his best not to startle the already hysteric four year old he loved so dearly. 

“Odette darlin? S’wrong baby?” It’s almost instant, as soon as Bradley is taking a step into the darkness of Odette's room—there’s a huge clap of thunder that quite frankly even startled him. He can’t imagine how fast her little heart must be racing as she screams out for painful hot tears of sadness. 

“TOOSTER!!!” 

“Hey, im here baby im here.” Bradley coos as he switches on the fairy lights that hang above and around the top of Dots little toddler bed. It looks like a house delicate white white tulle drapes that hang down the sides and across the top. “I’m here Dot.” 

“I’m scawed—“ She sniffles out, trying to regulate her breathing when she realises her Tooster is here. “S’loud and I had a bad dweam—“ 

“Oh well that's just no good, is it princess.” Bradley’s mumbling as he climbs on into the toddler bed, ducking down so he doesn’t smack his forehead on the white beam that runs across the top. “How about I stay in here for a little while?” 

“Won’t mama miss you?” Dot asks as Bradley lays down again the side of the bed closest to the wall, collecting dot in his strong arms as he settles in. Wrapping his daughter up in his arms against his chest. 

“Hmm, probably, but mamas a big girl you know.” 

“Mamas scared of tunder too.” If there’s one thing Bradley never wants to change is the way Odette talks. She still has trouble with her R’s and K’s and in some cases her H’es, but it just melts his heart. “Is she otay?” 

“Mums more than okay Sweetheart, she’s probably already snoring her head off.” Bradley nuzzles his nose against Dot's cheek, making her giggle as she squirms in his grip. Her tears still wet on her lashes. 

“Mama doesn’t snore.” Dot yawns, climbing herself up onto Rooster's bare chest, the warmth he radiates reminds her that although there’s a fierce and ferocious storm rumbling away outside, she’s safe in her Roosters arms. “You do Tooster.” 

Bradley scoffs out loud, like fuck you don’t snore. You snore louder than he does. It’s because of the baby, he knows it, but still he agrees, closing his eyes because he’s tired and it’s nearing three in the morning. 

“Well now you get to deal with me snoring because I’m not leaving this bed.” Bradley sticks his tongue out, he can’t see Dot smiling down at him as she climbs the expanse of his torso but he hears her laugh. He’d take that sound over her cries any day of the week. “Why does the thunder scare you?” Bradley liked to talk to Dot like she was a big girl, he wanted her to feel like she could always talk to him, always come to him about any of her problems, her trials, her tribulations in life and he’d be there to listen, give advice. “You know your grandma used to tell me that thunder is just Santa busy in his workshop with all his elves and that lightning is just him testing out all his Christmas lights.” 

“But I don’t have a gwandma Tooster, I have a uwncle Jakey.” It was true. Dot didn’t have a set of grandparents on either side of your families. It was something the pair of you never really thought about until you fell pregnant. The idea that your growing family was just so…..small. “Can I meet gwandma?” Dot asked as she finally settled into Rooster’s side. Pulling up his little blush pink covers as she did so. 

“She’s in heaven darlin, been there even before you were born.” Bradley hoped his mum could see him now, being the one thing he thought he’d never be. A dad, a good dad he hoped. 

“Why did mum bownded me?” Bradley couldn’t help but to smile and stifled a loud laugh for this time of night. Rolling over onto his side as Dot laid on hers. He was cramped in her toddler bed that he and Jake had spent far to many hours putting together. But he’d stay here all night if that meant she felt safe. 

“Why did your mum born you?” Bradley cooed, bornded—that was Rooster’s new favourite word. Drinking in the sight of the little girl who looked more like you every day. “Well, If I'm being perfectly honest with you Dotty girl I think your mama bornded you because she needed someone to show her she wasn’t finished fighting.” It was probably a far deeper response than Dot had the capacity to comprehend, but it was what Bradley truly believed. “But she also bornded you because you were in her tummy and she couldn’t keep you there forever, you got too big.”

“Like mama is now with the new baby?” Dot asked as she yawned again, her eyelids heavy as she tried to stay away, enjoying the conversation she was having with her Rooster. “

“Exactly like mama is now.” Bradley replied as he kissed Dots forever, once again wrapping her up in his arms, pulling her close to his chest as she settled into the warmth of his chest. “Get some rest sweetheart, I’ll be here in the morning.” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

“Ow! Ya little turd.” With a grown and a huff you were rolling over in bed. Your unborn daughter was going to grow up to be a kickboxer at this rate, you were sure of it. She’d been using your ribs as target practice for her future opponents from the moment the sun had begun to rise. “Bradley I swear to god if this child of yours doesn’t stop using me as her personal soccer ball I swear I’m gonna opt to get my tubes tied after delivery.” 

When you were met with nothing but silence, you rolled over, a hand caressing your stomach as you did so. To your surprise there was no Bradley, just an empty bed that was closed and lonely. 

“Huh—“ It took you a moment to put the pieces of the foggy puzzle together. It was Sunday which meant sleep in day, but where the hell was your soon to be husband? “Oh! Right!” As if your unborn daughter was telling you that you’d make a great detective, she kicked you hard and kicked you fast against your bladder, forcing you to groan as you struggled to sit up in the middle of the bed your Fiancé had abandoned you in. “Okay, that’s it—you’re definitely your fathers daughter you little shit.” 

As you waddled down the hall, you rubbed your eyes and stretched your back. Feeling awfully large as of late as your daughter overtook your uterus. She was Bradley’s for sure. He was a giant, six foot three on a good day. But even as your annoyance grew, your heart melted as you pushed open the door to your daughter's room and saw Bradley Bradshaw curled up and cramped in your daughter's bed. He dwarfed her, but wrapped in Bradley’s arms laid your sleeping tot. Completely anchored by all the love that radiated off Rooster. 

“I can’t feel my legs—“ Bradley grumbled when he caught your smirk, watching as you leaned against the threshold of the door. “I’ve got pins and needles in my lower back.” 

“If I wasn’t already pregnant Bradshaw you’d be in a world of trouble.” You teased, seeing Bradley all curled up with your daughter in her toddler bed made your heart grow so fond of the man who’d swooped you off your feet a few years ago, kept you safe, protected you from the real monsters of the world. “I like this, I like this a lot.” You giggled, circling your finger Bradley’s way as he tried to sneak out of Odette's bed without disturbing her. 

“Oh really?” Tip toeing across Dots room. Bradley wiggled his eyebrows as his hand’s gravitated towards your baby bump. “That’s good to know—“ He mumbled as his lips took yours hostage before he ducked to kiss your stomach over the shirt of his you wore. “Good morning my beautiful girls.” 

“Love when you go full dad mode.” You beamed, watching as Dot stirred Bradleys shoulder. “It’s a real turn on.” Looking at his watch, which had no watch on it, Bradley mulled over his next move before shooting his shot. 

“I reckon we’ve got about ten minutes before she’s up and at it.” 

“Go—“ You giggled, racing out of Dot's room behind Bradley, two giggling messes, quietly shutting her door behind you. “Go!” 

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

Author Note: If you would like to send in concepts for Terms of Endearment, requests are always open. xxx - Leah

(Dots Bed)

Tags: @a-serene-place-to-be @lilyevanswhore @thescarletknight2014  @blindedbythelightt  @averyhotchner @emma8895eb @blairfox04 @caitsymichelle13 @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @teacupsandtopgun @aemondssiut @feltonswifesworld87 @akalei349 @notjustsomeblonde  @americaarse @avaleineandafryingpan @phoenix1388 @xoxabs88xox @je-suis-prest-rachel @pono-pura-vida @rosiahills22 @starset21 @anarchyrising

[stuff-i-found-while-crying]

A stage of fire and dreams (2)

inspired by @ gwandas and they post: modern Neris AU where Eris is a trust fund asshole at Harvard Law, Nesta is a professional ballerina with the Boston Ballet

Second part! They meet and then they meet some more....

Part 1 - I changed Odette to Giselle because I got confused... but it was meant to be Giselle.

Also! English is my second language and I might accidentally messed it up.... just believe that my writing would be better in German and we can be friends (also not really proof read, because it's just for fun and giggles)

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO! PLEASE ENJOY THE SHOW

main role: Eris (xNesta)

also appearing: his mother, his younger brother, Nesta, her mother, a theater owner

Chapter 2 - red shoes

As glamoures the stage was, as messy was it backstage.

Eris followed his mother who was following Mr. Heartfelt. The man was as colourful as his theater and he was talking constantly while finding his way between costums, exhausted dancers and the smell of sweat.

Cyrus brushed up to Eris and whispered. "Bet I can get ten numbers tonight?"

"Just be back before we leave."

And with that his brother was gone, off to find the chorus girls. Eris did not care. His mind was on one woman.

Giselle.

Or Nesta Archeron, as the dancer was called. Would she be as enchanting as her character?

Suddenly Eris felt a rush of anxiety go through his blood. He pushed his shaking hands down into his pockets and tried for a neutral smile.

"We got lucky to find her", Mr. Heartfelt was babbling. "I already thought we had to go over budget, but then her manager called us and begged for a chance to audicion. And she was brilliant. But do not tell her I said that. She will expect more money if I start praising."

His mother furrowed her eyebrows. "Is the theater in need of money again? I thought with my last donation the budget for the year was almost dubbled."

Mr Heartfelt, realizing his mistake, turned to her and grapped her hands in his. "And it was. You are the most generous patreon we could ever hoped for. But most of the budget was needed for renovations. The Bathrooms, I am sure you noticed the new design."

Eris snorded.

"And we were able to get the most famous director Lucy Sky to come and stay with us for two plays."

Eris watched his mother relax. Her smile returned and he burried his hands deeper in his pockets. The smell of hairspray and sweat, the chatter of the people cleaning up and all the doors to uncertain rooms, he started to feel dizzy. With a small cough he got Mr. Heartfelts attention and raised an eyebrow.

"We are not here, to listen to your budget plan", he said.

"Of course", the man swipped away the sweat on his forhead and continued his way.

"Be nice", his mother said quietly to Eris.

"I am always nice."

She reached for his arm and pulled his hands out of his pocket. "Just a couple of minutes."

He wanted to lie. Anything to get her gaze away. But she saw him. And so he nodded and took a deep breath.

"Where is your brother?"

That lie was easy. She would know the truth anyway.

"Waiting in the car."

At the end of the hall Mr. Heartfelt knocked on a door.

"Nesta? You have visitors."

Eris felt his heart almost burst. His Giselle would open this door.

But it was not Giselle. Although the woman who pulled the door open and almost of it's hinges looked like her, but older. Honey blonde curls and piercing grey eyes starred them down.

"This is Mrs. Aurora Vanserra and her son", Mr. Heartfelt introduced them. "They are esteamed patreons of my theater."

The woman smiled immediatly. "What an honour. Please come in. My daughter will be delighted."

Her daughter did not look delighted. In fact Nesta Archeron looked like an arrow, ready to shoot anyone who got on her nerves.

She was still in costume, her shoes clonking with every step and her long hair swipping around her back. The make up had not survived the performance and the eyeliner was mixed with sweat.

To Eris she looked unhinged like the door almost was.

He loved it.

"Pleased to meet you", she said to his mother.

"Oh my dear", Aurora Vanserra looked like a proud aunt. For a second Eris thought she would hug Nesta, but then she just offered her hand. "You were magnificent. Absolutely perfect. I have never cried so much during Giselle. Eris too."

All eyes on him, Eris coughed. "Your first time dancing in the center?"

Nesta squared up her shoulders. "I am always the center."

Oh, he was in trouble. The grey of her eyes would hunt him for days, he was sure of it. He had never felt drawn to another person. But Nesta Archeron was pulling him in without even trying.

"My daugther has worked hard to be here", Nestas mother put an arm around her daughter. For a second Nesta froze. Then she pressed her lips together and lowered her head. But her mother was squeezing her harder until she lifted her gaze again. "Even as a child she had the graze and determination of a true Ballerina."

"I hope to see you in more plays soon", his mother said.

Before Nesta could open her mouth her mother was already answering. "That depends on Mr. Heartfelt. He has all the power." With a whistful sigh she looked at the man.

"Where did you learn to dance", Eris asked Nesta, just to hear her voice again.

"New York", her mother answered for her again.

"What part of it do you enjoy the most?"

Again her mother answered: "The performances of course."

"Actually", Nesta took a step to the side, finally freeing herself from the clutches around her shoulder. "I like the music the most."

"Performance, music. Isn't that the same?"

Mother and daughter starred each other down.

"It is not." Nesta stock out her chin, provocing her mother to fight infront of them.

Eris wanted to pull her behind him, protect her from the woman who looked at her like she was just a small girl and not the woman who enchanted an entire audience. But something in her gaze held him back. She was not delicate like Giselle. She was not mad. And she would not appreciate him over stepping.

He would have to find a different way to her, to spend time by her side, to her heart.

"It is late", his mother said and smiled. "It was an honour to meet you."

Mrs. Archeron wanted to say something more, probably try to charm his mother, but Eris raised an eyebrow and starred her down. "My brother is waiting", he agreed with her.

"Of course", Mr. Heartfelt looked to Mrs. Archeron. "Might we discuss the further performance plan in my office?"

What a show. Eris was sure that he only said it, because his most beloved Patreon was standing right next ot him.

He needed to get out of here.

He needed to get his mother far away from this woman.

He wanted to take Nesta with him.

They all left Nesta in her dressing room. Mr. Heartfelt took Mrs. Archeron to his office and Eris guided his mother to the car park.

"What a lovely girl", she said. "She will be a famous ballerina one day, i can feel it."

He patted his pockets. "I forgot my phone", he said.

Confused his mother turned to him. Then her eyes softened and she grinned. "Hurry, your brother is waiting."

Eris jogged back down the hall to Nestas dressing room and knocked.

There was shuffeling. Then she opened the door a little and peered out. When she recognized him she huffed. "Did you forget something?"

He smiled at her. "The flowers."

"Obvioulsly."

"And your number."

At that her eyes found his and she opened the door a bit more. He had interupted her in the middle of taking of her shoes. The blood on her toes seeped through her whites tights.

"I dont give my number to strangers."

His heart beat faster. Never had a woman been so stubborn with him. And still he felt more alive than ever. There was a spark in her that he wanted to see grow. He wanted to witness the spark becoming a wild fire and devouring the world.

"Then let me give you my number", he pulled out a business card.

She bit her lower lip. The lipstick blood red and smudged. Eris hadn't known Ballerinas looked more alluring after a performance.

"A lawyer?" she read the card surprised. 

"For Finance and Business", he leaned against the door frame.

She studied the card. "You work for your family?"

"For my father", he nodded.

For a moment they looked at each other and he saw her walls come down.

"Mr. Vanserra", her mother was coming down the hall. Nesta took a step back, her walls back in place.

"Call me", he whispered to Nesta. "For anything."

She said nothing, only pierced him with her eyes.

Eris turned, nodded politely to her mother and then hurried back to the car. On the way out he stumbled into Cyrus.

"Eleven", his brother grinned at him, showing him proudly the numbers saved in his phone. "And you?"

Minus one, Eris thought. But he just pulled his brother out of the theater. "Mother is waiting."

Finally he breathed fresh air. The car ride home was quiet. His mother was humming softly next to him, while his brother was already texting the chorus girls.

Eris closed his eyes. His heart was still beating fast. And it would beat like that by every phone call he got, always in hope Nesta Archeron would call him. It took her three days.

___

Part 3 - Cinderella

as a dancer I love writing realistic backstage/bloody feet :)

[seramilla]

God I love the idea of velvette & Odette bonding, like Velvette starts to see Odette as a female figure that she could go to whenever she feels lost or confused or she just simply needs comfort that only an older sister can give.

Odette has interests in things that Velvette would have never considered interesting back then but now, they are simply fascinating to her. (Hc:) Odette likes to do photography sometimes in her free time. It’s not professional or commercial but it’s something, that she enjoys—and Velvette finds it so fascinating that something so simple could be so enjoyable, yet she finds it comforting and interesting to watch as Odette takes photo’s of the blinding lights of the other cities in the pride ring or the animals in the wrath ring.

It’s something that’s so simple yet— Velvette doesn’t want to give it up, and she doesn’t want to give this dynamic she’s built up with the carmine family.

Velvette has no shortage of women in the Carmine household to go to when she has trouble. If she's tired, or needs a snuggle, Clara or Kiki will fit that bill nicely. If she needs to talk fashion, or run over some ideas in her head, Verosika is only a few texts away, or down the hall in Odette's room. She's not quite comfortable going to Carmilla and Sera yet. The older couple will often seek her out if they sense she needs an ear, but she's not yet brave enough to set those types of interactions in motion on her own.

Odette, until recently, was simply the...other sister. Not that Velvette had disliked her, mind you; she just never knew how to approach the stoic woman without being awkward about it. Odette is the biggest introvert Velvette thinks she's ever met -- she's trying to get better at not saying the wrong thing, which unfortunately leads to her not saying much at all, and giving the wrong impression that Velvette doesn't care for her.

The one thing Velvette can appreciate about her, she thinks, is Odette's eye for little details. That includes the talent she recently discovered the older Carmine sister has, which is photography; a skill she herself can greatly appreciate, because she's always trying to learn how to get better at posing and lighting her subjects in her studio. Things like that take her a lot of time, effort, and hard work; for Odette, it's almost effortless. Velvette can choose the picture-perfect outfit and put it on the picture-perfect model, but posing and lighting a scene perfectly in a matter of seconds? That's all Odette. It isn't long until Velvette's curiosity gets the better of her, and she nonchalantly tries to start a conversation about it with her girlfriend's sister.

Odette doesn't go looking for the perfect subjects, but finds that candid moments of people and creatures just existing in their lives provide the best results for her. She tells Velvette to see more with her mind, than simply trying to create the best artificial setting for her portfolio. Velvette starts doing more outdoor shoots after this advice, and is less demanding that her models always strike specific poses. She starts letting them do what feels natural, to let art imitate life, instead of trying to force it on them.

Velvette values Odette's advice, even if her work will never have the perfect composition that Odette's has. That's fine with her, though; even the little things can vastly improve the canvas of her work, and for that, her outfits have never looked better on her models, and they've never appeared more natural and life-like in her clothes. She might not be able to admit it to anyone else, but perhaps Velvette has more she can learn from the elder Carmine sister than she once thought. It couldn't hurt to find out more, at any rate.

[contrivedchaos]

So I assume with a fallen Emily & Sera it takes a while for Sera and Carmilla to get together again not because they don't want too they both desperately do but. Carmilla is currently taking care of Emily and Sera they live in her home under her protection with her daughters she can't ask sera out that would be taking advantage of Sera since she has all the power in the relationship. Meanwhile in Sera's head she can't ask Carmilla out she can't risk losing a house, food and importantly safety for herself and Emily. (If she didn't have Emily she might have taken the risk but she won't do anything to put Emily in danger) So the two are living together in the same house not so secretly pinning for each other from across the hall. The girls all notice that the two are in love so the 3 are currently trying to set them up. (I assume that mentally and physically they are around the age of 9-11 years old though maybe centuries in actual years.) They probably get Zestial and maybe even Rosie involved who also notice the very obvious pinning and eventually get them together. Now they are happy little family of 5 of fallen angels and half angels living in hell.

We're just barreling right past redemption in this AU, eh? Hahaha. Fair, anon. Heaven doesn't seem all that great anyway. Also, I'm not sure of the canonical ages of the girls and Emily in canon, but seeing them younger would absolutely be adorable. Emily would absolutely overwhelm them with boundless energy and stories of heaven. And they'd have Uncle Zestial and Auntie Rosie spoiling all three of them rotten.

I think I've seen fanart of Odette and Clara as babies/toddlers and maybe one pic of baby Emily on the entire Internet. Aaaaahhhhhh I need more, honestly. 😍😍

Edit: Found the pic of baby Odette and baby Clara! 😭😭

[the-snake-and-the-statue]

*there was someone in the music hall fixing the lights (and assuming the ceiling is very high) she's suspended by a rope...that is very much so not safe in any aspect*

*Odette walks in with a yawn, intending to start their day while also wondering what all the racket is.... they look up and see Ramona.*

.... UM. Eh- hello..???

[lilbabjojo]

fic or scenario idea: Vaggie having a sensory overload in littlespace and Carmilla swoops in and comforts her?

Yessss. Absolutely. It was a bit angstier than I intended, just because I had a rough day and was projecting.

TW: Unintentional Self Harm due to Meltdown

Today was awful for Vaggie. None of the residents were listening to her or Charlie, the plumbing was clogged (again), and everything just felt so WRONG.

"That's it!" Vaggie yelled, but whatever she was about to say next died on her tongue.

"Vaggie?" Charlie asked. Vaggie felt the world starting to close in around her more than before. "Are you alright?" Charlie's words sounded far away...

Before Vaggie knew it, she was running out of the Hotel. Not just an angry walk, which was somewhat typical and where Charlie knew she would be safe. She was running, and she didn't know where she was going. She was just running, tears streaming down her face.

---

Carmilla received a call out of nowhere. Initially, she was going to ignore it, until she saw it was Charlie. She picked up immediately.

"Charlie?" Carmilla asked as soon as she picked up the phone.

"CARMILLA! I need your help! Vaggie ran off. Not like the normal 'I'm angry and I need a walk' type. She RAN off," Charlie explained frantically. Carmilla's eyes widened slightly.

"Charlie, stay at the Hotel in case she returns. I will look for her," Carmilla explained.

"O-Okay," Charlie said thickly. "Thank you."

"Of course," Carmilla said, hanging up.

---

It took 3 hours to find Vaggie, and when she did find her, it was quite the sight. Vaggie was curled up crying with her thumb in her mouth and shaking. Carmilla knelt down next to her, seeing she was clearly regressed.

"Mija, it's Mama," Carmilla said softly. Vaggie looked up from her position. Her face was bleeding a bit. Carmilla recognized the marks of a meltdown. "Can I pick you up? The ground isn't very nice, is it?"

Vaggie nodded, clearly exhausted. Carmilla picked her up. Vaggie laid her head on Carmilla's shoulder. Carmilla took her phone out, dialing Charlie.

"Did you find her?" Charlie asked immediately when she picked up.

"I found her. I'm bringing her back to my house for the night, but you are welcome to visit. Only you, though," Carmilla said.

"Thank you... Thank you so much," Charlie said. "I'll be right over."

Carmilla carried Vaggie home. When she got there, she quickly brought her to the bathroom and set her on the counter. Vaggie whined at the loss of contact.

"Shh dear... I need to clean up your face, and then you need a bath," Carmilla explained. Vaggie nodded, but pouted. Carmilla took out her first aid kit, cleaning and patching Vaggie's cuts.

"You're doing so well, carina," Carmilla reassured after a particularly painful clean.

After finishing cleaning her face, Carmilla started the bath. She gently helped Vaggie out of her dirty clothes, an expert at bathtime at this point. She gently set Vaggie in the bath, giving her some toys and cleaning her. Once she was done with the cleaning, she poked her head out of the door.

"Odette," she called out, seeing Odette in the hall. Odette looked at her and nodded. "Could you grab a set of Vaggie's Little clothes and one of her diapers?"

Odette nodded.

"Oh, and Charlie will be here soon. Could you answer the door if we're not out yet?"

"Of course," Odette said.

"Thank you," Carmilla said. She looked back into the bathroom, finding Vaggie half asleep on the bath. She quickly pulled the plug, before picking Vaggie up and wrapping her in a warm fluffy towel.

"Stay awake for me, dear," Carmilla said softly. Vaggie nodded tiredly.

Carmilla dressed her quickly, only to open the door to find Charlie standing there close to tears. Vaggie perked up, hugging Charlie.

"Vaggie I'm so so soooooo sorry I didn't realize you were so upset I-" Charlie started rambling.

"Charlie," Carmilla said. Charlie stopped. "Vaggie's too Little to think about that right now. And I think you should do the same."

"Huh? But I-... She needs you more-" Charlie started.

"Charlie, it was clearly stressful for you as well. I think you both need a little time to relax. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of both of you," Carmilla said. Charlie looked close to crying. Vaggie looked at her pleadingly.

"Mmmmm you two's no faiw," Charlie pouted. Vaggie and Carmilla laughed.

[burins]

it's time for my big books of the year roundup! gonna do a separate post for graphic novels/comics bc there were simply soooo many of those this year. bolded are my particular favorites

JANUARY

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and Illness by Cory Silverberg, Fran Odette, Miriam Kaufman (reread)

The World We Make by NK Jemisin

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (audio)

The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes and Mourning Songs by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

A Restless Truth by Freya Marske

Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

FEBRUARY

The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone by Ryan Dowd

Libraries and Homelessness: An Action Guide by Julie Ann Winkelstein

Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert Macfarlane (audio)

MARCH

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo (audio)

The Stars Undying by Emery Robin (audio)

APRIL

Babel: An Arcane History by RF Kuang (audio)

Get Inside: Responsible Jail and Prison Library Service by Nicholas Higgins

MAY

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K LeGuin (audio)

The Dispossessed by Ursula K LeGuin (audio)

How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures by Sabrina Imbler

Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen (audio)

The Betrayals by Bridget Collins (audio)

Paper Bead Jewelry: Step-by-Step Instructions for 40+ Designs by Keiko Sakamoto

JUNE

The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (audio)

Translation State by Ann Leckie

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

Happy Place by Emily Henry

An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera

JULY

Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong (audio)

SEPTEMBER

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 

The Sundial by Shirley Jackson (audio)

He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan (audio)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

NOVEMBER

Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (audio)

Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape by Raja Shehadeh (audio)

Where the Line Is Drawn: A Tale of Crossings, Friendships, and Fifty Years of Occupation in Israel-Palestine by Raja Shehadeh (audio)

DECEMBER

The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane (audio)

Kissinger's Shadow: The Long Reach of America's Most Controversial Statesman by Greg Grandin (audio)

Golda Slept Here by Suad Amiry

The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske

below the cut, some writeups for my faves:

Wolf Hall - it's not news but Hilary Mantel is among the best to ever do characterization in just a few sentences

The Future Is Disabled - emerging from the rage & fear of being disabled during COVID lakshmi piepzna-samarasinha never lets us forget the joys of disabled community

Libraries and Homelessness - this is partly a spite pick bc i HATED ryan dowd’s book so much. this is an empathetic and practical guide to providing services to unhoused patrons that encourages community partnership, is full of examples, and isn’t miserably condescending!

Underland - i liked this so much i wrote a cave scene in timkon road trip fic. The texture of the prose is delicious!

The Stars Undying - i don’t actually know the story of antony and cleopatra very well but this was a very tasty space opera with messy messy characters

The Lathe of Heaven - still thinking about this 7 months later! Every year I read a LeGuin and it knocks me on my ass for the rest of the year. The opening scene is one of the best things I’ve ever read. (I liked The Dispossessed very very much but I loved Lathe.)

Mimicking of Known Successes - delightful noir-flavored scifi, great worldbuilding and equally great exes.

Some Desperate Glory - do you ever leave a cult against your will, and also you’re the worst girl in the world! This one is for all the clementine kesh fans. Breakneck.

The Haunting of Hill House - this was a great year for me to read books written 50+ years ago. I tweeted about it when i read it but ooghhghhgh this book is devastating. What if you got everything you ever wanted and finally felt at home and everyone called it evil.

Where the Line is Drawn - this was my second book by Shehadeh and it never shies away from the thorniness and hurt inherent in human relationships formed amidst occupation. Really, really excellent.

Kissinger’s Shadow - concisely unravels the ways Kissinger’s legacy shapes every part of US foreign policy you’ve ever heard of. Also really gets at the paranoid ouroboros of Kissinger’s personal philosophy.

Golda Slept Here - the legacy of several Palestinian houses, told through an eclectic mix of personal narratives, photographs, and occasional poetry. Funny and angry and heartbreaking.