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talas-starlight · 4 years ago

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Scarred Spirits - zuko x fem!reader (pt.6)

SUMMARY: Y/n has been tailing Azula since Omashu and struggles to carry out her mission while protecting what matters most (AHAHAH THIS WAS THE WORST SUMMARY EVER IM SORRY)

WORD COUNT: 4k (uh wow this is my longest piece ever and i- AHAHA)

WARNINGS: panic attacks, fighting, swearing, angst? Tbh if you’ve made it this far in the series nothing new I think (lmk if I forgot anything)

KEY: *** = flashback && italic = internal dialogue

PREVIOUS PARTS: part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5

MASTERLIST: Here!

The cool breeze swept through the palanquin as Azula sat assuredly, ruling everything she passed. “Okay girls, Father has sent word that the machinery and our wonderful new pets will meet up with us soon to chase down the Avatar until he’s too exhausted to even think anymore! Then, we’ll be off to capture Zuzu and Uncle! Victory will be ours.”

“That sounds extremely boring.” Grumbling as if Mai had so much more better things to do with her time.

“Hmm, I have to disagree Mai. What would be more fun than making them feel like there’s no escape but having to fight which they would inevitably fail at trying to win because they’re tired beyond repair!! It will be such a sweet victory.” Letting out a small laugh that sounded nothing but maniacal to you, Mai didn’t say another word as Ty Lee giddily nodded in approval.

Now, that is a tragic sight to see despite how understandably so.

Azula, Ty Lee and Mai have been planning how to hunt down the additional target from the moment they all stepped out of Omashu. Yet, based on that recent encounter, it was more so Azula rather than anyone else. Luckily enough, you were able to stay out of sight the entire time, and nothing requiring you to intervene has occurred. It was only a matter of time before that lucky streak broke.

After much contemplation and sleepless nights since the third anniversary, along with recent events, Zuko finally came to a conclusion. Approaching his uncle with great certainty, he finally let out what has been on his mind.

“Uncle, I thought a lot about what you said.”

“You did? Good, good.”

“It’s helped me realise something.” Letting out a deep breath, getting to the point came quite easily to him, especially since Iroh’s back was still faced towards him.

“We no longer have anything to gain by travelling together. I need to find my own way.”

Not wanting to stay for any of Iroh’s possible rebuttals, he silently reached for his belongings that he had pre-packed for the occasion and turned to make his solo journey into the forest. As he began to walk further into the woods on his own, Iroh knew he wouldn’t turn back for him, so he did the first thing he could think of to aid his nephew if he couldn’t physically be there for him.

“Wait!” Rushing over Iroh grabbed the Ostrich Horse and gave him to Zuko- for someone who has barely been exposed to the real world, he knew his nephew couldn’t do entirely on his own. Even if the animal couldn’t properly speak with him.

Accepting his uncles’ gesture, he climbed on top ready to get on with his own mission of sorts. On his own, Zuko would finally have the chance to do something he never had time to consider until now; find you.

Looking out onto the horizon, the giant, ugly piece of machinery continued to charge its way towards a hopeless group of young teenagers. “Despite how much I hate that girl, I will admit, her determination is unparalleled.”

“Eerrnngggghhhhh!”

“You can say that again.”

It had been approximately three days since Azula received her new toy, and she spent every single minute catching up with the Avatar. To your relief, she seems to have finally caught sight of him, and hopefully, this would also mean that you might finally be able to stop tailing her. In the past three days, you haven’t managed to catch a single minute of sleep or a break, and while this was something you have experienced before, you were sure that your ride was more than ready to collapse at any second.

In all honesty, when a Fire Nation hawk landed near your campsite four days earlier, the last thing you expected was word that you would be receiving assistance for your mission. Not once before had this occurred since you’ve been entirely left to your own devices. You supposed it was because the stakes were too high this round.

***

Y/N.

I am pleased to hear that my daughter is able to catch sight of the Avatar and his assistants in crime against my great nation. While I am sure you are clearly focused on your task with ensuring Azula succeeds in bringing my disgraceful relatives back to the palace, you must extend your attention towards the new targets as well. Regarding my son and brother, I was disappointed when I heard word that they got away since I made it perfectly clear that you must finish the job. On this occasion, I will take the benefit of the doubt since it would be too suspicious if you completed the mission on Azula’s first attempt.

I have dispatched 3 mongoose lizards for Azula and her company. A fourth will be on its way for your use, as it is paramount that you do not let her fail whatsoever.

I have taken the precious and personal time out of my day to write and send this letter so that word does not reach my daughter of your mission. Let this also be a reminder of the possible bounty on your head if you choose to fail. I am sure the pitiful state of your body is enough of a reminder of what I can do to you.

Regardless of your past services to me, remember this is the ultimate test of your loyalty to your nation and me.

Your Fire Lord, Ozai.

Despite informing you that help that was on its way, you spent the rest of the night in a state of turmoil. Talk about having a way with words.

How in Spirits name did that stupid bird find me?! It flew away quickly too so I guess I don’t need to send anything back but… What am I really doing here?

Ozai seems to have some way of finding me so clearly, I can’t run away. Yet, I’m not going to allow him to take anyone back to the Capital…

Frozen in your thoughts, your focus stayed fixated on the fire you ignited earlier in the night.

Fuck I wish I could talk to her. She’d know the right thing to say, and everything would be okay again.

Roughly tugging at your braided hair, you held your legs to your chest desperately trying to clear your head. Stop, don’t think about her too.

Oblivious to any concept of time, when the first rays of yellow and orange peak over the horizon, your mind instantly enters a state of calm. Almost as if it were able to strengthen you from your core. Although while the problem remained, with a stronger mindset, you forced yourself to accept that you were just going to have to work it out further down the line. At this rate with Azula’s split focus, you weren’t even sure if you would have to take care of the Avatar or Zuko first.

***

Funnily enough, it seemed that fate decided you would have to deal with both at the same time since Zuko has caught sight of Azula and friends and now you were tailing both him and his sister. How convenient.

I wonder where Iroh is? Didn’t he get away with Zuko when they ran off the ship?

After keeping out of sight through every moment Azula came even remotely close to Aang, you decided to follow her when she separated from Mai and Ty Lee. But before you entered the area to keep an eye on everything from afar, you noticed Zuko on his Ostrich Horse as if he was waiting for the right moment to interfere.

“Be careful Zuko.”

Whipping around at a speed that could give him whiplash, his face instantly turned into nothing short of a scowl when he recognised your voice.

“You again?! Whoever you are, you need to get away from me. Leave. Me. Alone!”

Attempting and failing to take a step closer to him as he steers his horse a few steps back. “I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m just trying to protect you, that’s all I want to do. If I could have it my way, you’d be far away from this place; away from Azula. You can’t trust her. This isn’t right, and you should be somewhere that could give you a fresh start, like Ba Sing Se.”

“As if you would know anything about Azula or why I’m here! I need to regain my honour, and I’m doing the right thing! Stop trying to meddle with my life when your role in it is completely insignificant!”

An indignant sigh passes through your lips. “Fine. Just be careful. Please.”

Scowling at you once more Zuko tugs the reigns on his ostrich horse to take him further into the abandoned village. You try not to let his anger get to you, but at this point, you’re unsure if you’re more upset or annoyed with his attitude. Sighing under your mask, you do a quick check that all of your weapons are strapped in place since it seems that this interaction isn’t about to end peacefully.

“Let’s do this.”

Hopping off your new lizard friend, you stealthy broke through one of the broken windows of a nearby building, ensuring that you were staying out of sight.

Ah, it seems he wasn’t wasting any time.

“Back off Azula. He’s mine.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

As the three of them got into their fighting stances, you almost wanted to jump in right then and there to help Aang. The sight of his painfully dark under circles was too much of an indicator that this fight wasn’t going to be an easy one.

Making the first move, Azula strikes her blue fire towards Zuko. Luckily enough for him, he was able to deflect it with his own. Observing the fight take place before you, it eventually gravitates further away, leaving you to only listen to what is occurring from your hidden spot.

I wonder how long until I’ll have to step in. With both Zuko and Azula on the offence, it’s clear that one of them is going to get hurt. Something tells me it’s not going to be Azula either. If only he fought smarter rather than harder.

What. A. Pity.

Soon enough, your suspicions were confirmed when you heard Zuko let out an angered scream, followed by a loud crash. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t let out a small snicker at that.

As Aang comes back into view, you scan around for an exit knowing that if you stay where you are, you’ll get caught. Yet when you make your move to run, half of the roof is swiped off clean, causing him to plummet towards the ground. Abandoning any thought, you sprint back to where he’s about to land, quickly catching him.

Stunned that there was another person in a building, Aang frantically looked around, trying to identify who it was that caught him. Eventually, he noticed your eyes peering through some of the broken wooden ceiling around him, your black mask confirming that it was you. “Woah! What…? Oh spirits, it’s you!”

Eye’s widening at how fast he managed to work out that it was you, you desperately tried to dig yourself into the wreckage as you felt Azulas fire coming closer. “Shhh! She’s coming.”

“What? How do you know-?”

As Azula saunters into the building, her infamous smirk adorning her face. Wordlessly lighting up the room's perimeter in flames, Aang begins to struggle against the piece of wood on top of him, consequently crushing you further from under him.

Letting out a small grunt, you scold him under your breath, “stay calm.”

Your inner peace y/n.

Just as Azula raised her right hand to strike, you closed your eyes, imagining a moment you felt at peace. A moment that made you forget all of the chaos your created in the world.

***

Cold, smooth fingertips tenderly reached out towards you, instinctively making your lungs tightly squeeze together as she brushed the hair out of your eyes. The delicate giggle emitting from her pink stained lips was enough for you to lose all sense of constraint as you take a small step towards her. Hesitantly as you stare that the ground, you take her hand in yours, stroking the back of it with your thumb. The action is so small yet feels so loud in your chest because this is as close as its ever gotten.

Just when you’re about to pull it away completely, terrified that you’ve gone too far, her other hand reaches up, lifting your chin ever so softly as she makes you look at her.

“It’s funny y/n, because even though I’ve lived here my whole life, I’ve never seen snow look quite as beautiful as it does in your hair.”

***

When you reopen them, the heat of your fire runs its way through your veins and your fingertips. The fallen remains all around you burst away, freeing yourself and Aang from its constrains. Seeing your golden fire of pure energy light up the room, Azula is stunned into place, instantly recognising it from the day she visited your cell all those years ago. Glowing golden, eyes peering into the deepest parts of her, it's unnerving how the unusual feeling sinks into her bones. Yet, her moments of distraction leave her as Katara reaches the entryway whipping her arm with water.

Complete rage fills Azula’s body. Not only had she been wholly blindsided by your presence, but she also lost focus. And Azula never loses focus.

Whirling around, she strikes at Katara, sending her running out into the open. Needing to make up for her prior incompetence, Azula runs after her.

“Woah! How did you do that?! That was so cool.”

“There’s no time; you need to go out there and help your friends. Never underestimate that princess.”

Aang’s amazement towards how you freed both of you from the crushing weight of the ceiling faltered as he noticed your choice of words.

“Come with me. Please. I need you.”

Sensing the certainty of his decision, you brushed off some ash from your clothing, wordlessly making your way out of the building.

I’m going to regret this.

With Aang following closely behind, you both join Sokka and Katara, and they face Azula, ready to corner her. Yet she wasn’t giving up just yet. Sending her fire with precision, she takes turns in having a shot at each of you. Luckily enough, you were all able to hold your own.

Backing away slowly, you can tell she thinks that she’s almost about to get a proper hold of the entire situation. But to your greatest joy, she falls flat on her face.

“I thought you guys could use a little help.”

This must be Aangs new earth bending teacher.

“Thanks.” Did Katara just smile?!

Not wasting the opportunity that came with their small distraction, she makes a run for an ally as an escape. Although, once again, she is faced with another hurdle being Iroh, ultimately allowing all seven of you to finally corner her.

In true fashion, she doesn’t allow it to bother her one bit, “well, look at this. Enemies and traitors all working together.”

Taking in everyone one by one, she pauses when her eyes lock with yours. “Even you. Pathetic scum, it seems you still haven’t learnt your lesson. I always told father we should have disposed of you from the moment we caught you.” With that comment, you see Zuko glance towards you in your peripheral vision. This is nowhere near the time right now coal brain.

“I’m done.” Raising her arms in surrender, you almost want to laugh. Do these people seriously believe Azula right now?

“I know when I’m beaten. You got me. A princess surrenders with honour.” Standing before everyone, you instinctively fixate yourself on her, searching for a microexpression to indicate what she’s really about to do. Her smug smile clearly shows that she’ll most likely attack. But who?

By the time she decides on her target, it’s too late. Sending a direct stream of fire towards Iroh, Zuko lets out a horrified scream, instinctively setting off everyone to attack with their element, or weapon in Sokkas case. You on the other hand, rushed to Iroh’s side knowing that the others were more than capable on their own.

As he lays passed out on the ground, panic slowly swarms in your chest. Fuck, another person is dying because of me! I literally saw her focus on him!

Placing your hands on his chest, you let out a deep breath trying to remember a trick you learned on a mission a while back when you got a deep cut to your side. Focusing on him and his faint heartbeat, despite being a bit shaky, you were able to use your fire, providing him with enough energy to bring his breathing to a steady rate. But the moment was short-lived when you heard an explosion go off, giving Zuko the opportunity to get to his uncle's side, and in turn, shove you away from him.

“Get off him! You’re always in the way! Arghhhh!”

Haistly scrambling to your feet, you stand beside Sokka, understanding that it’s best you try not to help him right now. Katara, on the other hand, didn’t seem to share those feelings with you.

“Zuko, I can help.”

“LEAVE!” as he strikes towards you and everyone else, you stumbled backwards. Memories of a similar flame being struck towards you by his father felt like something inside you snapped. While not directly hitting you, the heat radiating down upon you caused your head to spin, and vision to blur.

It seemed that despite training with fire for the past three years, the action coming from him sent you down a spiral incomparable to anything else.

i-I can’t... I’m…

The earth bender girl immediately sensing what was happening to you didn’t hesitate, “Sokka! Grab her! Quickly, we need to go to Appa.”

“What?! Why me!”

“Shut up!! Her heart rate is literally through the roof right now. We need to help her! Can’t you see her shaking right in front of you?!”

Finally taking a good look at your trembling form, Sokka was too stunned to move.

Aang immediately agreeing with Toph, nudges him before setting off in the direction of Appa. “Sokka, NOW!”

Snapping out of his panicked, frozen state, he rushes towards you, scooping you up into his arms.

“Oh Spirits, I am so so sorry if I’m invading your personal space right now. Please, I’m so sorry. It’ll only be until we reach Appa, okay? I’m so…”

Fisting the cloth of his shirt, you shake your head. “It’s o-okay.” Pushing your face into his chest, you try to regulate your breathing in time with his heartbeat. Something was so unexplainably comfortable about having someone hold you that all of the memories of Ozai burning you, began to make its way back into the depths of your mind. So comforting, that at some point between the village and Appa, you passed out.

When you awoke again, you were high up in the clouds with the sun high in the air. How long was I out?

Deciding to sit upright, the first thing you see is the Water Tribe siblings and the earth kingdom girl facing you.

At first, you thought Toph was about to speak up, yet it seemed that Katara’s suspicions of you beat her to the punch. “Don’t think of moving too fast or trying anything! You're cornered now.”

Your eyebrows raised at that. “Alright, then. How would you like me?”

Upon, hearing your voice Aang physically perked up, completely beaming that you were awake. Without a second thought, he trusted that Appa would be able to fly for a bit on his own, making his way to all of you.

“I’m so glad that you’re okay! I was really worried about you.” Taking his place next to Katara, you were shocked at the stark contrast between his attitude towards you, and hers. It’s like he genuinely cares. Well… I guess that makes sense considering he’s an Air Nomad. Oh spirits, does this mean he’s going to pay even more attention to me than when we first met?!

“Uh… thanks. I appreciate it, but you really didn’t have to.”

“No, of course I did! Plus, I’m grateful that you helped me out with Azula! It’s the least we could do. Right guys?” Still having his glowing smile, he turns to his friends, and it seemed that the only one who truly looked indifferent with the entire matter was the earth kingdom girl who just nodded.

“Thanks, Toph!” Finally, a name.

Once again, Katara was displeased, “yeah whatever. If she’s going to stay with us, she’s going to have to tell us who she is. Don’t think we didn’t hear what Azula said back there about you. You need to explain what she meant by that. How does she know you, and what do you have to do with the Fire Lord?!”

At those questions, you weren’t too happy either, “I don’t want to stay with you! I just need to leave and find Azula again.”

For the first time since you woke up, Sokka decided to say something. “Why would you ever want to do that?! Why do you keep wanting to go back to her when you keep getting separated?! If you ask me it’s clearly a sign that you should stay away because she’s completely insane! She even knows you followed her and everything, so she’s going to have her guard up.”

“You don’t understand. If I don’t get back to Azula, people are going to get hurt. I’ve literally saved your lives on two occasions just by tailing her. Now, think about all of the people she can harm when no one’s watching. I’m also a threat to all of your destinies by being here.”

Uncomfortable with the tension that’s been building at an alarming rate, Aang moves so that he’s sitting in between you and the other three. “Okay, I understand, but could you please explain why you’re a threat by being here? You need to stay safe too, your life matters just as much as everyone else’s and even though you’ve proven yourself more than capable of protecting yourself, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be safe if you go to her and I can't let you go knowing your life is at risk.”

“Aang, there are always risks. Spirits, all four of you are at risk, but you know that it's for the greater good to end this war.”

He shakes his head. “It’s not the same. We have each other; we look after each other. You don’t have that. Please. You don’t have to tell us everything now. I understand since we’ve only met once before, but I promise no matter what it will all be okay and you can be apart of our team. Our family.”

On that note, you hesitated. A family?

No. The spirits have made it clear enough that a family is not in my cards.

“That sounds great, but I don’t think it’ll work out.”

Sokka lets out a frustrated groan, “What? Of course, it will! I know I’m not your biggest fan, but it's clear you’re just as against the Fire Nation as the rest of us!”

Looking around at all of their faces, you can tell that even though Sokka and mainly Katara, still clearly have their reservations about you, they understand where Aang is coming from. Heck, if it meant that they had another person on their side and against Azula and the Fire Nation, that was already a win. You almost felt guilty when you saw their horrified faces as you revealed the truth.

“It won’t work because I’m the Fire Lords personal assassin.”

taglist: @slythergirlimagines @mangoberry43 @eridanuswave @whiskeywinter89 @kaylove12 @simplyfandomish @khaleesi-of-assassins @callums-keith @ilovespideyyy @calciumcow @blackhood5sos @nnon-it-up @lozzybowe @scarletemeterio @reclusive-chicken-nugget @simpinforsukka @chewymoustachio @tiffy119 @sokkassuki @spearbatty

a/n: hehe hiya friends!! Thanks for reading hehe I hope you enjoyed!! Lelel lmk your thoughts or any predictions for what you think is guna happen next hehe

alsoooo did anyone spot my lil inserts for our second lead? AHAHAHAHAHA

don’t fear either!! Zuko will learn eventually hehehe

but anyway i would love to hear from all of you if you have any feedback as well :))

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illfoandillfie · 5 years ago

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5 Simple Rules for a Successful Fake Relationship: The Proposal

Pairing: Ben Hardy x Reader

Summery: Your's and Ben's agents approach you about pretending to date in order to boost interest in your new movie.

Warnings: Nothing for this chapter other than some swearing maybe? Things may get a little spicy in later chapters though.

Words: 5843

AN: This fic was written for El @laedymoon for her 1K celebration! I took the trope 'fake dating' and this was the result! Honestly fake dating is one my my fave tropes and I've been wanting to try my hand at it for a while so this was so much fun to write! Originally it was meant to be a one shot but when have I ever been good at sticking to plans lmao? Instead it'll probably end up as a three or four part series, maybe with an epilogue as well, who knows.

I’d also like to point out I started writing this months before we got those photos of Ben and Olivia so this was in no way inspired by anyone’s theories about whether or not their relationship is a PR stunt and I’m not particularly interested in that kind of talk.

Taglist: @laedymoon @dtfrogertaylor @ezmina98 @vee-ndetta @atomic-watermelon @kellypenac @labessieisallama @deakyclicks @jennyggggrrr @drowseoftaylor @hannafuckingsucks @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming @queenmylovely @supersonicfreddie

You’d known fake celebrity relationships were a thing that happened, you just never expected to be approached about one. But, here you were, sat next to Ben in an office usually reserved for producers meetings, a slight frown on his face as he listened to your agents explain how beneficial it would be if the public believed you were a couple. “It’ll be good for the movie,” your agent, Mary, said matter-of-factly, “Studies show that if people – particularly women ages 15 – 45, the exact demographic we’re targeting – believe a real romance sprouted during the course of filming a movie, they are 78% more likely to see the movie. Plus, your names in the tabloids mean more exposure for both of you which means more offers in future, no matter how well this movie does in the box office. It’s all about being seen, people knowing your names.” “Are you serious?” Ben asked slowly, glancing to you, as if trying to determine your reaction. “Look, Ben, obviously we can’t force you or Y/N to do this,” his agent, Peter, introduced to you moments before, said, “the movie has already started filming and everyone appreciates your opinions, so saying no isn’t going to affect your jobs. But,” he paused, making sure the words were getting through to you both, “we strongly recommend you consider it. There are enough pros to make it worthwhile and it would only have to last until a week or two after the premiere. We can give you the rest of the day to think it over and make your decisions, but we will require an answer by tomorrow morning. If you agree, we can discuss terms and get everything in order to run the first story early next week.”

You and Ben left, tempted to laugh at the strangeness of your morning. “Think I need a coffee after that. You wanna come over to my trailer for a cup?” “Yeah, okay, sounds good,” you followed him quietly for a moment, thinking over the conversation you’d just been part of, “What do you think?” “About what? Coffee? You know I love it,” “Not coffee, the whole pretending to date thing,” “Oh that,” you could almost hear his eyes roll. “You don’t think it’s worth it?” He paused. “Saying no won’t hurt my feelings,” you nudged his shoulder, hoping to ease his obvious discomfort, “it is a weird situation.” “Weird is an understatement. And weren’t you with that Luke guy, what would he say about it?” “He’ll say nothing since we’re not seeing each other anymore,” “Wait, what?” “Yeah that lasted like three dates and went nowhere, I haven’t seen him in weeks.” “Oh, sorry.” You shrugged, “What’s there to be sorry for, he was boring. Anyway, we were talking about you and me.” “Right, that.” Ben opened the door to his trailer and waved you inside, following you over the threshold, “What do you think about it?” “I’m not opposed to it. We already spend a lot of our time pretending to date anyway.” Ben chuckled as he flicked the small kettle on, grabbing your two mugs and the instant coffee. “Plus it would be good to get our names out there a bit more. And we're friends, right?” After the weeks of pre-production costume fittings and script read-throughs you certainly thought you were friends and hoped Ben did too. “Of course we’re friends doofus,” “Thanks dweeb. But that means it'll be fun getting to hang out and stuff.” “So, wait, you think it’s a good idea?” “Well it can’t hurt, can it?” Ben frowned, forehead creased, “Don’t you think it’s all a bit, well, daft? As if us dating, real or not, would really have an impact on the movie, I think that’s bullshit. Plus, y’know, the work we’d have to put in to making it seem real or whatever. That’s just inviting extra stress into our lives and extra work which it doesn’t sound like we’d be getting paid for. Acting’s fun but I don’t want to spend every waking moment doing it.” “Well it wouldn’t be every waking moment would it? Just the ones when they had photographers around. They’ll get a few photos of us leaving set holding hands or out having dinner together and spin it into a big romantic story and all we’d have to do is hold hands and have dinner. And you can’t call bullshit when they had actual statistics to back them up.” “It sounds like you’re trying to convince me.” “No, if you don’t want to I don’t mind, but I also don’t see anything wrong with it. And I think you should actually think about it instead of writing it off instantly.” “So if I said I was into it, you’d want to?” You shrugged, “Yeah. I want this movie to do well, I want this job to go somewhere. And if I have to date you to make that happen I will. That sounded better in my head. I just mean that I’m happy to pretend to date you, even if I wouldn’t in real life, no offence.” “I’m a little offended,” he chuckled, “but really can’t argue with that can I?” “If you’re not comfortable with it, say so and we’ll tell them no,” Ben paused, staring at you as he considered what you’d said, quiet for so long you were sure he was going to say he wasn’t interested. You were about to put him out of his misery and tell him you didn’t want to anymore when he spoke up. “They did say it would be good for the movie and out careers,” “Someone’s coming around,” you sing-songed, taking the mug he offered you. “Alright, I admit, maybe not as awful an idea as I first thought. There are…some pros anyway. And I guess we can hear the terms and then make up our minds properly.” “Aww, looks like I got myself a boyfriend,”

The next morning you found out what you were in for if you did agree to it. Once again both of your agents were waiting in the office but this time a third person was with them when you arrived. “Y/N, Ben, take a seat. This is Barry, he’s a representative from Paramount Pictures.” Barry, with his salt and pepper hair and well cut suit, leaned forward in his seat to shake Ben’s hand and then yours with a pleasant greeting. “Well,” Mary spoke up, “have you made a decision?” Ben looked to you before he spoke, “It’s a tentative yes from both of us. We’d like to hear a bit more about it before we fully agree but, so far, it sounds okay.” “Glad to have you on board,” Barry said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a manila folder full of paper. “In that case, the terms,” Peter said, glancing around to make sure everyone was ready, “If you do agree, we’ll need you to sign some paperwork stating you understand your obligations and all that, so take a copy of these,” he took two small stapled documents from Barry, handing you each one, before passing another to Mary, “just so everyone has all the info at hand.” “Are these the terms?” “Yes. Don’t worry, we’ll explain, but it’s all laid out in there if you need clarification.” “There’s more pages than I was expecting,” Ben said, already sounding like it was becoming too much work to worry about. “You don’t have to worry about the last few pages, it’s mostly just legalese. Essentially, you’ll be required to act like a couple in public. That’s really all there is to it, though contractually it’s a little more complex.” “What does that mean?” “We just need you both to agree to perform specific relationship type moments that we can sell. For instance, Y/N, we will need you to be spotted by paparazzi leaving Ben’s apartment a couple of times. Or vice versa. It is the 21st century afterall.” “You mean like a walk of shame?” you asked, glancing at the paper in your hand. “That’s not the official term on the contract but it’s more or less correct. You’ll need to change clothes, make it look like you stayed the night even if you didn’t really.” “Wouldn’t it be more traditional to wear the previous day’s gear?” “Perhaps but if you’re in the same clothes as the day before the paparazzi can’t sell the photos as easily because they can’t prove they were taken on different days. We want to make these photos easy to sell and easy to circulate. To that end, some paparazzi and gossip blogs will be tipped off by the studio and hopefully word will spread as the buzz around you gets stronger.” “There will also be required dates, of course. At least one of them needs to take place at the French restaurant Boucher because they have a partnership with the studio. There is also a clause about an argument, provided people become interested in your relationship and we keep it going all the way to the premiere.” “Wait, an argument?” Ben flipped through his papers, trying to find the right section. “You just have to be caught arguing, or at least looking like you’re angry and about to fight, just so we can sell the whole trouble in paradise storyline.” “People like conflict,” Mary shrugged, “Otherwise all we need is the two of you to act like a couple in public, maybe a few social media posts, from now until a week after the theatre release. After that you’re free to ‘break up’, though you will also need to sign a non-disclosure agreement which will stop you from talking about it for a few years. We’ll organise a few magazines and gossip sites to run stories about the split and, depending on how the public react to your story, may later run some Ben and Y/N, back together question mark type pieces, entirely fabricated of course.” “You will attend the premiere together and, obviously, do press together. We will tell reporters not to ask about your personal lives, so no one suspects the relationship to be fake, though a few questions may slip through. Though we don’t expect this movie to earn any award nominations since it’s not being marketing for any there may be some later down the track. In that case we may ask you to extend your relationship long enough to attend the ceremonies together, provided you aren’t working on other projects at the time.” “The only other requirements are that, a few times a week you allow yourselves to be seen in public. Hand holding, kissing, really sell the whole fallen in love thing. That’s it really.” “And we can’t even tell our families?” “One leak is all it would take to have this revealed. You tell your mum who accidentally lets slip to the neighbour who sells it to a magazine. And if it’s revealed it could be harmful when it comes to box office numbers, which is the exact opposite of what we want. But enough of these have been done so that we know how to manage them, and all you have to do is keep quiet about it and act like you’re in love. Easy. Are you both on board?” Barry, who’d been quiet throughout the meeting, leaned forward expectantly. You already knew what to say, "I’m in if Ben is,” Ben chewed his lip as he skimmed over the paper in his hands again. He sighed and raised his eyes to where Barry sat, waiting. “I don’t know I-” You’d seen it coming, his answer. Really it wasn’t much of a surprise. Ben didn’t strike you as the sort of person to go in for schemes like this and he’d been hesitant from the second it was suggested. You heard him sigh again as his gaze landed on you and you wondered if he thought less of you for wanting to be part of it. “Okay. I’m in.” You were a little stunned by his change of heart but you were the only one. Everyone else in the room seemed relieved and a little frantic, Barry reaching back into his bag, Mary and Peter talking over each other to assure you both that you’d made the right choice. “Glad to hear that, Ben,” Barry was saying as he pulled out another folder of documents, “Now, we’ll need you to both to sign here.”

After shooting was done for the day you accompanied Ben to a small pub for a drink. Mary and Peter had left the meeting on their phones making hurried calls to get photos of the two of you leaving the set together. You’d jumped a little as Ben grabbed your hand before realising why his fingers were linked through your own. It was warm and he didn’t let you go until you reached the pub, the snap of cameras audible as you walked down the street. You found a booth while Ben headed to the bar, returning a little later with a drink in each hand. “One G and T for my girlfriend,” he laughed as he put the drink in front of you and slid into the seat opposite. “Y’know if you told me last week that I’d have had a boyfriend before we finished filming and that it was you, I would have laughed.” “God me too. Our jobs are so bizarre. Literally what other profession would encourage you to pretend to date?” You laughed and pulled out the papers you’d been given that morning, “And who’d have thought there’d be so many contractual requirements.” “We should add our own set of rules. Like just so we’re clear about what we’d be uncomfortable doing or whatever.” “Safewords?” “Get your mind out of the gutter. Christ, you fake ask a girl out and suddenly all she can think about is sex.” “My mind was in the gutter long before we were set up.” He let out a huff of laughter and shook his head, reaching for his glass. “I know what you mean though. We should definitely define some things,” you grabbed your bag and began digging through it for a pen. When you found it, you turned the papers over giving you a blank canvas to work on, “Firstly sex.” “Should have known,” “May as well start with the big one. Rule 1: No Sex. Completely off the table.” you took a sip of your drink as you began jotting it down. “Your wank game strong?” The conversation was interrupted as you choked on your drink, finally recovering enough to splutter, “excuse me?” “Well it sounds like we might be together for a while. Can’t go on any tinder dates or anything since that would look like cheating. You sure you can last that long? “100 per cent.” “Alright, if you’re sure. Rule one, no sex.” You finished writing it down, rolling your eyes, “What about PDAs? We have to do some but is there anything you’d be uncomfortable with?” “I’m not really one for like public make out sessions,” “Thank god, me neither.” “Okay, good. What about cuddling and that kind of thing. Man this is weird to talk about,” “Yeah, is a bit. I can do some cuddling in public but y'know, nothing too much. Hugs are fine, an arm around my shoulders is fine. Holding hands is obviously okay.” “What about an arm around the waist?” “Hmmm….maybe. Yeah, I think I’d be okay with that. But your hand never goes below my lower back. I will have no arse grabs or pinches or hands in my back pocket.” “Wasn’t planning on that but good to know. Does cuddling include lap sitting?” “Absolutely not.” “Okay, strong boundaries, I respect that. You going to write all that down?” “Rule 2: PDAs kept respectable and to a minimum. And rule 3: hands above the belt at all times. What about our families and friends?” you asked as you made notes on acceptable PDAs, “chances are we’re going to have to deal with them at some point since they’re going to think it’s real.” “Okay, um, how about…no meeting anyone unless there’s a reason like a family gathering you’d be expected to bring a partner to. And if that does come up we can work out a game plan then.” “Make sense. Rule 4: No families unless no escape.”

By the time you left the pub, your list of rules tucked into your bag, it was quite late. “Hey, you wanna crash at mine tonight?” Ben asked, “we can text Peter and Mary, let them know so they can organise paparazzi for the morning.” “Tonight? I don’t have a toothbrush or a change of clothes or anything.” “We’ll pop into a shop and buy you a new toothbrush, should probably get you one for my place anyway since apparently you’ll be staying over more than once. And I’m sure I’ve got something you can sleep in.” “And tomorrow? Can’t wear this again in case we get photographed.” “I’ll give you something and then I’ll drop you home in the morning,” he shrugged. “I guess that would work,” “C’mon, it’ll be like a sleepover. Stay up late and talk about boys, have things devolve into a sexy pillow fight, sleepover stuff.” “And you say my mind lives in the gutter.” “That’s not a no,” “Alright, I’ll crash at yours. Closer to here than mine is anyway.” “Awesome,” he grinned at you, “c’mon, this way….babe?” “Didn’t sound so convincing there, Ben,” you snorted. “You should have used a pet name then, instead of my actual one. And I was just testing the waters, what’d you think?” “Babe’s okay. As long as we don’t get into weirdly cutesie things like turtle dove or snookums.” “You don’t want me to call you snookums? How about cuddle bunny? Pumpkin pie?” “Oh fuck off,” “Think you mean fuck off honey bear.” “Rule 5: Standard pet names only!”

As much as he clearly enjoyed teasing you, Ben made sure you had a good time with him. He took your hand again but it was only so he could pull you into the warmth of a small Chinese restaurant. It was one he seemed to regularly visit judging by the way the man at the counter knew Ben’s order straight away. He seemed a little surprised when Ben asked to add extra dishes, eyes darting to your entwined hands, and then back to Ben’s face, but he said nothing, just cheerily gave Ben the new price. “What was that about?” you asked as you walked the last block to Ben’s door, each of you carrying a bag, his full of food and yours supplies from the grocery store, “the look he gave you when he saw me?” “Oh, that’s nothing. I used to go to that place a lot with my ex and then we broke up and I kept going on my own cause it’s close and it’s fucking good food. But, um, they know me pretty well and I guess it’s been a while since I took a girl there.” “Well I’m flattered that you chose me to be part of this touching moment,” you laughed and followed Ben to his front door, taking the second bag from him so he could pull his keys from his pocket and let you in. You’d never been inside Ben’s place before so you let him lead you down the hallway towards the kitchen, taking charge of pulling everything from the bags as Ben got out plates and cutlery. “Oh shit, hang on gotta text Mary and Peter,” You took over dividing up the food as Ben dug his phone out of his pocket. A few seconds after he’d sent the message and put his phone down a ding made him snatch it back up again. “Peter says there’ll be someone here to snap us while we leave. They want us to kiss if possible. Guess it’s really started then,” “Guess so. Can I ask one thing?” “Sure,” he said it slowly, almost nervously. “Why’d you change your mind about this? I thought for sure you’d say no.” “Oh, that. I don’t know, I guess I figured it wouldn’t hurt, especially if it was going to benefit the movie. C’mon, don’t want this to go cold,” You weren't sure you believed him but you let him shrug off the question as you picked up your plate and followed him into the living room. The next couple of hours were spent eating and watching trashy reality tv shows, making jokes at their expense. You and Ben kept talking long after the show ended, until he realised how late it was getting. “Better turn in otherwise I won’t get up in the morning,” he laughed. “Yeah, probably a good plan,” you stretched out on the couch, placing a cushion under your head. “C’mon, I’ll show you to your room.” “You mean I’m not sleeping on the couch?” “Oh my god you’re a dork,” he threw another cushion at you, “I have a spare room you can use.” “Well I didn’t know that,” you laughed as you pushed yourself to your feet, following him back down the hallway towards a closed door you hadn’t noticed before. “Nah, you’re all good. It’s honestly mostly used by my friend Joe when he’s travelling over this way. There’re clean sheets in the linen press in the bathroom which is the next door on the right, and extra blankets in the cupboard just there. Also watch the blinds if you try to close them, they can be a little stiff. If there’s anything else you need let me know, my bedroom is at the end of the hall, near the living room.” “Some PJs would be good, if it’s no trouble.” “Oh right, yeah of course, give me a second.” You dropped your bag in a corner of the room and then popped into the bathroom to grab some sheets. Ben came back with an old t-shirt and some flannel pants. “These are mine so they’ll probably be a bit big but they’ll be fine for the night. And they’ll look good for the camera in the morning.” “Thanks,” “That everything?” “Think so, night Ben,” “Night, snookums.” “Rule five mister,” Ben just laughed, pulling your door shut behind him.

Waking up in Ben’s spare room was mildly confusing. The bed faced a different direction than yours did, the blinds blocked out too much of the morning light, and the sheets felt different. But the previous night came back to you and then the reason you were staying at Ben’s did too. It made you too nervous to go back to sleep, too restless to stay there, so you got up and stumbled to the door, opening it just in time to see Ben leaving the bathroom. “Morning,” he groaned with half shut eyes and sleep mussed hair, “you want a coffee?” “Please. Thanks.” He yawned, acknowledging your answer with a nod and left the bathroom to you. When you were done you found him in the kitchen with a steaming mug of coffee in his hands and a second on the bench in front of him. You took it gratefully, letting the warm caffeine wake you up.” “Breakfast? I can offer you toast or cereal unless you wanna wait for pancakes to cook.” You shook your head, “Don’t normally eat breakfast,” Ben looked aghast, “You know breakfast’s important, right?” “Shhh, lemme wake up before you start lecturing me,” Ben smiled into his own mug, falling silent until you’d downed half your drink, “You good now? Alert?” “Close enough. Please don’t tell me about breakfast though.” “I wasn’t going to. There was another text from Peter this morning.” “What’d it say?” “Well, a photographer will be here around nine-ish ready for us, but they said he’ll stay for as long as we take.” “Okay.” “And, um, he was very careful in how he worded it, but they want us to look like we fucked. Also I told them I’d take you home so there may be someone waiting for us there too, he never got back to me on it.” “Shit, okay. Umm, guess I’ll just wear this then?” you indicated the pyjamas you’d borrowed, “might lose the pants though, help sell it a bit more.” “Yeah, guess so,” Ben cleared his throat and took a sip of coffee, his eyes firmly fixed over your shoulder. “What time is is?” “Uhhhh,” he glanced at the oven, “Twenty past eight.” “God I haven’t been up this early on a weekend in months.” “Not one for farmers markets or anything then?” “Not really. Much prefer lying in bed doing nothing.” “Me too,” “We’re meant for each other,” you laughed, “did you want to have a shower or anything?” “Nah, you can if you want though,” “Might as well wait until I get home. But I am gonna clean my teeth, especially if we have to kiss.” “Maybe mess up your hair too, make it look like you didn’t sleep much.” “Well how could I when you’re such a good lover,” “I know you’re joking but if anyone asks, I’m incredible. You came like three times.” “Did I now?” “Of course.” “Good thing no one’s gonna ask then, don’t think I’m great at lying.” “You’re an actress, Y/N. Besides, it’s not really a lie, I am that good. You just haven’t experienced it personally.” You poked your tongue out at Ben as you stood and headed towards the bathroom again but you did as he’d suggested and messed your hair up as much as you could.

“How do I look?” you ask Ben when you were done. “Gorgeous,” he said, eyes raking over every inch of your appearance from the ruffled hair to the hint of panda eyes you’d manufactured with your eyeshadow to the slightly unbuttoned flannel shirt and missing pants. “But do I look like I’ve been thoroughly fucked?” “Oh, right, umm, yes I think so,” “You do? I feel like theres something missing.” You darted back into the bathroom to look in the mirror again, “Oh! I know. Might be taking it a bit far though.” “What is it?” Ben asked, following you and watching you in the mirror. “What if you gave me a hickey?” “Y/N, I-” “Yeah, I know, that’s a weird thing to ask. Don’t worry, I think we’ll be fine without it.” Ben’s cheeks puffed up with air that he slowly let escape his lips, “no, you’re right, if I’d really slept with you last night I would have marked you up a bit. A hickey will definitely make it look more authentic.” “It’s not totally inappropriate for me to ask?” “No, no, we have to make it look legit, it’s a good suggestion. Here, I’ll uhh,” he stepped in close, one hand tentatively winding around your waist to pull you back against him, the other moving to push your hair aside. His breath was hot as he leaned into your neck. You saw him glance at your reflection, eyebrows slightly furrowed, but then his lips were on your skin, sucking at you until a bruise formed. Your own breath quickened with the contact but you knew it was just because he’d found a particularly sensitive spot and it had been a while since anyone had handled you like that. It was still just Ben and it was still part of your jobs. But all the same you let your eyes slip shut and hummed at how nice it felt. You were almost disappointed when it was over. Ben stood there for a moment, head bent over your neck, long enough to take a deep breath, but then he seemed to collect himself, taking a quick step back. “Will that do?” “It’s great Ben, really ties the whole look together.” Ben returned your smile but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, “Good. Good. Okay then, I’ll umm, what time is it?” “Just after nine,” you said, glancing at your phone, “wonder if the photographer is here yet.” “I think I will jump in for that shower actually, by the time I’m done he definitely will be.” “Okay,” “Make yourself comfortable though, watch some TV or something.” “Alright. Thanks for being so cool about all this. I know you’re a little sceptical about the benefits and everything.” “It’s fine, Y/N, no need for any of that.” He smiled again as you left the bathroom and the door shut behind you, but it still seemed off.

You settled onto the couch to flick TV channels, pausing at a breakfast news show and then at some kids cartoon you didn’t recognise, only stopping when Ben entered the room, clean and dressed. “Hey, I was wondering,” you said, turning towards him, “should I give you a hickey as well?” “No,” You were a little taken aback by how quickly he’d answered. “I mean, I think that’d be overkill. Keep it up our sleeves for next time, yeah?” “Okay, yeah, sure,” “Is he there?” “I think so.” Ben walked towards the window and twitched the curtain aside just enough to peek out, “Yeah, looks like him. Big camera pointing at my front door.” “Okay,” your heart began to beat a little faster, “show time then,” “Show time.” Ben nodded as he turned back to you. “Do we have a plan? I kinda wish I had a script right about now,” Ben laughed a little and you thought he seemed more himself, “I think you should go out first so they can get a good clean shot and then I come out after, maybe with my hand on your back?” “Sounds good,” “Okay, umm, I’ll lock the door and when I turn around you kiss me and then I’ll open the passenger door for you and we’ll drive to your place.” “Don’t bother opening my door. I’m not big into that kind of gesture, plus I think if we were actually being caught by the paparazzi, we’d be getting into the car as quick as possible. Maybe throw a look his way like you aren’t happy about being photographed just so it doesn’t seem too staged.” “Okay, no opening doors, noted.” You shrugged, “I just think it’s a bit old fashioned and unnecessary,” “I’ll keep that in mind for our dates. You ready to do this?” You nodded and stood up, leading the way to the front door. Ben collected his keys and wallet and placed a hand on the lower part of your back, your signal to open the door and step outside. “Kinda wish I had pants on,” you said softly, “It’s a bit brisk,” Ben chuckled as he followed you out, “We’ll put the heating on in the car for you,” he turned to lock the door. You watched him, fingers gripping the key a little tighter than he perhaps normally would, and as soon as he began to turn back around you were moving towards him, one hand thrown around his neck, the other in his hair as your pressed your lips to his. His hand found your back again, pulling you in close as he kissed you back fiercely, as if he were unwilling to let you go after such a good night together, the kiss of a man falling in love. For half a second you forgot it was an act. And then he was gone, his nose brushing yours briefly before there was space between you. You felt a little dazed with Ben looking at you so softly but you took a deep breath and reality came back to you. With another breath your turned and headed towards the car, able to hear the rapid click click click of the camera. You shot a look towards the noise and then got into the car, Ben hopping into the driver’s seat about a second later.

“You’re a good actor,” you said before silence could settle between you, “I already knew that, of course, but the kiss was really good. Almost completely believable.” “As long as it’s believable enough in the photos,” “I’m sure it will be. I think we pulled it off.” Ben nodded, “Yeah. You still chilly?” “Little bit,” He reached over and twisted one of the dials blindly, warm air suddenly washing over your goosebump covered legs, “better?” “So much, thanks.” “I think he might be following us,” “You did tell them we were going to mine, s’pose he’ll be trying to grab a couple of shots of us there.” “Yeah, probably.” “Should we come up with another game plan? Maybe you walk me to my door, we stand there talking for a bit, saying goodbye. I stay and watch you leave before I go inside.” “Perfect. Is another kiss part of the goodbye?” “Careful Ben, you sound almost like you want to kiss me,” you laughed, “but yes, think it needs to be.”

It went completely according to plan. By the time you were getting out of the car the photographer had pulled up outside your house, his camera sticking out the window of his car so he didn’t miss his shot. The camera clicked as Ben took your hand and you led him to your door. “Well, guess that’s it for today. I did have fun with you last night, even if it wasn’t the kind of fun everyone else will think it was.” “Yeah, me too. Happy to have you stay anytime you want to be photographed again. Maybe we’ll get you some PJs that can live at mine though.” “Probably for the best. If this goes well I can see them wanting us to do it again soon.” “Oh definitely. They’ll probably have notes for us so we can get an even better performance next time. You ready to wow them with another kiss?” “Lay it on me, babe,” “Anything you want, snookums,” You groaned but before you could protest too much Ben was kissing you again, softer than before, no longer trying to convince you to stay, just trying to prolong the moment before the goodbye. It left you a little breathless as he cupped your cheek, leaving his hand there when he pulled away. As you opened your eyes you saw him bite his lip and then he leaned in to leave you with a final chaste peck before his fingers slipped from your skin and he was walking away. You let out a long exhale as you watched him go, waving as the car took off. Once you were alone inside, the door firmly shut behind you, you laughed at how ridiculous the whole arrangement was. But at least Ben was a good kisser. Not too firm, not too wet, just the right amount of tongue. Believable enough to give you butterflies.

#my writing #my fics #ben hardy x reader #ben hardy imagine #ahhhh #this was fun #i hope ya'll like it

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trulymadlysydney · 4 years ago

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Ahhh I did see the paramount+ episode! And girl what they showed with josh and Shannon was nothing compared to what they used to show in the early uk version seasons lol. But still pretty wild! I like how Shannon was like I don’t kiss and tell then proceeded to go into explicit detail about how he ate her out with the girls like girl good for you but uhhh are you sure you wanna share that? It was funny how josh was like sorry mom. I try to not like him but honestly the man is growing on me.

And slade? Oh my god dude I was so sad bc he seemed like a genuine guy and I really hope everything is okay. But I think that ensures javonnys safety and honestly thank god bc if he left I would’ve been so sad.

I completely agree about Isaiah. Especially bc he went to Aimee straight after he and cash agreed they weren’t working. Which to me was also bullshit when he said he was forcing it with her but literally the day before he told her that he feels closest to her?? Get outta here dude. I really want Aimee and Wes to work out they just make sense to me. Jeremy is a pile of garbage I don’t understand how so many girls like him. And I hate to say it but you’re also right about cash. Like I love her and all but sometimes she’s just… overreacting? I don’t know how to describe it.

And what about the pact at the end between Olivia and cash? I think we all know cash is gonna go for Wes but what about Olivia? I have this theory that she’s also into Jeremy especially bc in one of the drop episodes she had to kiss someone during that challenge and cash told her you should kiss Jeremy and basically told her to go for it. And let’s not forget Jeremy said he’d pick her to have a threesome with in yesterday’s challenge. I just don’t think Olivia is as into javonny as he is into her unfortunately. But maybe I’m wrong who knows I just have a gut feeling about it.- E

Anonymous asked: Oh and sorry I totally ignored your question but I do think they’ll be casa amor this season! I mean I don’t see why not but yeah it’ll be absolute chaos. If it happened tomorrow we all know that Isaiah will graft on every girl until one shows interest and probably the same goes for Jeremy. Those two need to LEAVE -E

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Putting this under a cut because it's long as shit kdlajfs;kj

Omg SERIOUSLY?! GOD like I thought the Josh and Shannon thing was lowkey porn but now I'm intrigued lmfao. Honestly I'm glad they went to the villa. I have such mixed feelings about both of them, like I feel like Shannon STAYS stirring the pot which is... annoying but also like? Idk I hate to love her lmfao. Also YES LIKE UGH I DONT WANT TO LIKE JOSH AND SHANNON BUT I REALLY DO. I know they're not going to last outside the villa (like... they will but not for very long lmao) but they're good together for now.

I AGREE I REALLY LIKE SLADE AND I KNOW THAT IF I WERE IN THE VILLA HE'S SOMEONE I WOULD'VE GONE FOR IN A HEARTBEAAAAAT. I hope he's okay and I'm glad everyone was nice to him even though he was only there for like, what, one night? I agree though. I want Javonny to stay and I can't believe how much I'm starting to like him and Olivia.

Yeah idk where they found these fake ass men for this season f;dlafj;ls but Isaiah is bugging me. I feel like you can just tell exactly the type of guy he is in the outside world-- like he KNOWS he's pretty and he feels like he can get whatever he wants because of that. Fuck outta here lol. Also THANK YOU IM SO GLAD YOU AGREE LF;KDSJF LIKE Cash is still my favorite but like.... the villa doesn't revolve around you baby, not everything is a personal attack.

ALSO I cannot express how much I want Aimee and Wes together. God like every time he opens his mouth I'm like SWOONING. He's a dream, and I think he would treat Aimee the way she deserves to be treated. I feel like Cash and Wes are a weird match tbh. Wes even came into the villa ALL about Aimee right from the get go, but we fucked it up because we all voted for Cash to get a date dalkjf;dslkj and now he's like "Cash surprised me" or whatever. LOVE miss Cash but Aimee is a much better fit with Wes.

The pact has me nervous lkdfaj;djlkds like I feel like they're going to end up screwing themselves over. Although I think it'll be interesting to see Olivia finally like, putting forth effort to get a guy lmao. I hadn't thought about her and Jeremy but I actually completely see what you mean... when he kissed her as part of that "threesome" question I legit gasped. I think Javonny is really into her and he's trying so hard, but I feel like she's stringing him along and forcing herself to be like "no I'm into him kinda I guess."

CASA AMOOOOR PLEASE I CANT WAIT FOR THOSE EPISODES IF THAT'S REALLY GONNA BE A THING!!!!! I can think of quite a few people I want OFF the island. Bring in some fresh faces PLEASE!

#love island us

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themoonstarwarrior · 6 years ago

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IM PUTTING MY OPINIONS ON THE SONIC TRAILER OUT BEFORE I READ ANYONE ELSES

Okay so I know my dash is gonna be flooded with reactions on the Sonic Movie trailer that just dropped.... but since the Sonic franchise is SUPER important to me AND I'm easily influenced by the opinions of others, I wanna get my thoughts out in writing that no one will read so I can know and share what I think.

First thing first.... I DONT THINK ITS A COMPLETE DISASTER!

THINGS I WASNT THRILLED ABOUT -

I am really REALLY not thrilled about Sonic’s appearance. Unlike the Detective Pikachu movie, I dont think I’ll get used to this “realistic“ Sonic cuz I get really uncomfortable watching the model move and react. This is honestly going probably be the biggest issue of the movie for me, as I think I would be pretty good with the entirety of the movie if Sonic looked more like his game counterpart.

I am really confused about what the conflict of the movie is supposed to be. Like it looks like the plot is the government is trying to catch Sonic by using Eggman, but is that it? Does the conflict just turn into Eggman fucking shit up, or is there some other conflict happening? Sonic mentions needing to save the planet, but does he me save it from Eggman or something else

That bag scene at the end of the trailer was really awkward for me.... Like the cop guy made it kinda work with his done-with-this-shit attitude, but something about the whole scene felt uncomfortable. Honestly, this scene and Sonic’s character model winds up reminding me of the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie

Maybe this is just me, but why did they choose Gangsta’s Paradise as the trailer song? I feel like there are better fitting songs, and it feels really outdated and makes me scared that theyre gonna try to make Sonic a thug...... plus i had that fucking song stuck in my head for THREE HOURS after watching the trailer

ALSO KINDA CONFUSING TO ME -

Is Sonic supposed to be an alien or something? cuz like he said “save YOUR planet” not “save THE planet”. But then why? and what about Eggman? And what was with the fucking lightning shit? Are they gonna try and make Sonic’s speed based on lightning? or is it like supposed to be like some kinda knock off Chaos Energy or a means of introducing the Chaos Emeralds? I’d be down if its the latter, but if they try to explain away Sonc’s speed as like “oh i was a normal hedgehog until i got struck by lightning where i grew bigger, acquired sentience, turned blue and gained super speed” imma be fucking pissed

Was that a Warp Ring that Sonic used? If so, why is it there how? And why would Sonic be carrying it around, especially when he just wants to “go fast”

THINGS I ACTUALLY REALLY FUCKING LIKED -

As much as his appearance sucks, Sonic’s personality seems pretty damn accurate and on point. It looks like they put a lot of work into Sonic’s characterization and What-His-Face does a good voice for him, so it looks like this will still be the same ‘ol Sonic we know and love at heart. Dont know if it’ll be enough to make me tolerate his looks, but we’ll see

I am a total slut for buddy cop / odd couple kinda plots, and the Cop guy looks like fun. He’s got the perfect combination of straight man and give-no-fucks babysitter with just a touch of Eddie Brock...... which frankly is the PERFECT counterpart to Sonic and his personality

I didnt know what to think of Jim Carey as Robotnik, and I’m extremely hesitant of realstic Eggmans and how he looks in the movie. However, I got a kinck out of how Carey portrayed Eggman in the trailer and it looks like he’ll be the ridiculous and delicious villain that we need in this movie

I loved the rings in the Paramount logo as well as the fact that Sonic actually said “Gotta go fast”. The humor actually seemed pretty solid and not awkward and I actually lost it at the “9 million steps” line.

The robotics in the movie look pretty kick-ass.... although since Eggman is kinda known for his unique badniks styles and units it was a little disappointing to see robots that seemed like basic sci-fi movie fare

So overall, it wasnt perfect, but it wasnt horrible. If you hate it, or love it, thats perfectly fine cuz this is just my own opinion. There are honestly things that really bug me, but im still hoping it’ll all be okay. I want to be as positive and optimistic about this movie as I can and will see it opening night regardless of how bad it is or how bad it disappoints me.

TLDR;

I have some conflicting emotions about this trailer, I dont like Sonic’s appearance, and there are about a thousand things that could go wrong or they could ruin.

But there is DEFINITELY more effort and care being put into this movie than other video game adaptations and even a bunch of Sonic media over the past 20 years.

I’m hoping it will be a good movie and that i’ll be able to get over the things i dont like, cuz good or bad I’m still supporting this movie and the franchise.

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic movie #sonic the hedgehog 2019 #sonic movie trailer #sonic #moonstar wont shut up

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quartusbellum-blog · 6 years ago

Photo

SARA for the role of REGULUS BLACK using the faceclaim NICOLE MAINES.

I am very excited about your portrayal of this character! Not only have you given life to the plots hinted at in the skeleton, but you’ve threaded new layers of meaning into Regulus’ story. I can’t wait to see them explored on the dash!

ooc details

Name: Sara

Age: im a fandom grandparent

Pronouns: they/them

Activity Level: I’m around every day and enjoy making a mess of things in game

Other: No triggers though my character might end up triggering others. I’ll make sure to tag.

Acknowledgement: I acknowledge that the themes of this game may include triggering elements. I also acknowledge that my character may be harmed, coerced, or even killed (with player’s consent) during paras/events or may cause harm to or kill others during paras/events. Yep here4themess

჻ ჻ ჻ ჻

general ic details

Name: Regulus Arcturus Black

Age: 19 | January 23rd

Ships: Regulus is rather aromantic in manner so a romantic is unlikely. Even still, I’d be happy to try any ships, any nonromantic ships etc. Warning: please read the whole app prior to seeking a ship with Regulus given that any sort of romantic/nonromantic/sexual ship might contain triggering experiences.

TBH my dream ships are probably more found family/family oriented… polyamorous with an asexual asshole who is a little skew?

Gender/Pronouns: publicly Regulus is still he/him but there will be a blending and fucking up of pronouns as Regulus explores and comprehends her gender (likely ultimate ending but nonbinary is also possible). This is different then how i sometimes write trans characters because in this game one aspect of her narrative will be the concept of growing up and understanding she can be who she wants to be. Even if Regulus knew from a young age (which not all trans people do), Regulus would have innately rejected the idea because of the pride his mother has(d) in having the two heirs at a cost. This became even more pressing when Sirius left his role as heir and it landed to Regulus–suddenly Regulus’ choices shrank even more. Its only in death that she has started to comprehend that there are choices now.

So pronouns will be flying ALL THE WAYS but mostly reflecting how the character is presenting EXTERNALLY to others. FC will remain static but may not be used all the time due to the lack of stable presentation.

For this app He/Him were used exclusively as up until perhaps the past year Regulus presented exclusively as he/him.

Headcanon for transitioning Attisgalli Corrective Draught.

Face Claim: please provide two face claim options.

Nicole Maines

჻ ჻ ჻ ჻

bio questions

Please note, while this game is “canon” up until the start of the Wizarding War it does not stay canon and it’s quite divergent at the start of the game.

biography:

The Black Family is too old of a family line not to have gotten… muddled (never muddied) in the past. It shows on the family tree in little notations (a dark red swirl like an ink blot on their shoulder for vampire) or in burn-marks where a person used to be (for scum of the earth traitor). Sometimes, Regulus’ mother sniffed when explaining this, certain family members couldn’t do what needed to be done.

A little pruning never hurt anyone–not any more then a little cultivating did.

Regulus and Sirius Black might have been half brothers but that was simply the most prudent action their parents could take to make absolutely certain the bloodline continued. Sure, children that shared both parents blood would have been ideal but with Druella only providing girls and Orion not providing any… Walburga Black was always very good at problem solving. Perhaps the only problem she failed to solve was her eldest son Sirius–or maybe she almost fixed it with Regulus.

If Sirius Black was loud and brash and bright–Regulus was the opposite. He was a late talker and when he did start talking it was almost always a last mumbled as a last resort. It wasn’t that Regulus wasn’t intelligent but that he struggled to organize his thoughts and provide them to others–something that continued through childhood, through Hogwarts, and beyond. He preferred chess and finding patterns within potions, charms, and even Quidditch to social obligations.

Prone to being misunderstood when he did attempt to make friends (he wasn’t threatening that girl, he was warning her so she wouldn’t be hurt), Regulus over values any and all friends or family he has. As such, any disowning, death, or friendship breakup has been taken incredibly personally. Its no excuse, and Regulus knows that now more then ever, but the need for connection and purpose helped drive his passion for Voldemort. Regulus believed in what Voldemort was fighting, becoming a Death Eater would provide a structure that Regulus knew he would need outside of Hogwarts while learning how to manage the Black family vaults and investments, and there was a social aspect, too.

For all that Regulus was good at strategy and understanding how seemingly fragmented pieces of information fit together: he was too slow to understand what Voldemort’s real goals were and what they ultimately meant for his family (and the wizarding world, but his family, of course, was paramount). Regulus Black never woke up one day and started believing muggleborns were ‘okay’ or that his innate belief system was wrong. He woke up one day and realized that the few people he cared about were in danger in a way they did not, could not, understand.

The vampire blood was easy to get, although he hardly thought it would work. He had long since been in the habit of visiting Narcissa and feeding the prisoner James Potter. Adding a fail safe into James’ layers of memory charms was not easy but necessary. Most likely, even with the blood, even with over a month of planning, Regulus was certain he was going to die.

Which he did. It just didn’t stick.

It’s been almost a year since then and Regulus isn’t sure if it was the potion, the vampire blood, the way he died, or if he’s finally just turning into his mother’s child in ways he never wanted to–but Regulus Black can’t seem to get a grip on his emotions, or his tongue, the way he used to. In some ways, though, its a relief–like finally being able to peel off an ill-fitting skin for something new.

჻ ჻ ჻ ჻

my character is:

Please Provide the Following

A Belief that is Wrong

Please Describe a Belief your character has that is wrong. It can be something we, as players, know is wrong (ex. prejudice against werewolves ). Alternatively: How is your character lying to themselves (and how is is it shown externally).

Regulus has always had something about organization and if he thinks about it too much even he would have to acknowledge that it’s a lie. But Regulus generally doesn’t pay that much attention to the reality surrounding these habits, only the relief it brings him. His clothes are always pressed–even in his closet of a space with the Radical Alliance. The robes are cleaned, and charmed pressed, and hunt up in a very specific order. His bed is exactly one inch from the left wall. The trunk he keeps things in is under the bed and must not touch any of the posts or the wall. He keeps things perfectly separated inside the trunk. He counted the flur de lis on the carpet between his and Sirius’ bedrooms over and over and over again as a child. He can tell anyone how many panes of glass are in the windows at Hogwarts and even differentiate between wings of the castle. These habits (because, of course, that’s all they are, all they will ever be) didn’t start out so all encompassing but as Regulus grew up, as life became more complicated, choices too limited, finding ways to control it (even illogical ones) seemed to be the only answer.

If things are clean enough. If things are the right number. If he stops counting at the right moment, if he taps the right pattern : everything will be fine. There’s arithmancy in everything, he tells himself, because life has always been more bearable when he believes it to be true.

Job

Is Regulus Black Doing Anything? He isn’t sure, really. Certainly he doesn’t have a job–he’s never worked a traditional job a day in his life! He’s no longer a Death Eater. Can he continue to look after his family’s finances if he is, in a sense, dead?

Does he want to be alive? –Regulus wonders this sometimes, believing it not to be any sort of suicidal ideation but a simple, obvious question. Should he be alive? The answer is no.

Does he want to be–he doesn’t know.

As far as anyone knows (particularly Remus but also Marcus and Narcissa), Regulus Black has no job and is doing nothing but trying to pour his scrambled eggs of brain and impulse control back into some semblance of viability. Underneath that, Regulus Black is trying to pour his scrambled eggs of brain and impulse control back into some semblance of viability…and remember just what his next steps were supposed to be regarding the horcrux.

ooc questions

Writing Sample:

He’s at the stairs. Not the grand stars at the front of the house that fork and twist along the side of the foyer–but the back stairs. Servants stairs his mother would hiss if she saw them except none of their family have ever employed household staff.

House elves are bad enough, his mother says in his ear and Regulus jerks, expecting to feel her breath on his cheek but–nothing. Its nothing.

“I’ve food for the prisoner.” He says but its pointless because no one is listening. No one has been listening since Peter Pettigrew. Since Dumbledore. Since James. It is a mistake but they haven’t realized it yet.

He’s stood too long, frozen above the narrow staircase with a silver tray. Someone will see you–the thought hisses through his mind and Regulus knows, suddenly, with a clarity he’s been lacking: its not real. It’s not a part of this. A dream? The idea s fleeting and wilts under a brush of light as the curtains behind him are pulled open.

“Then go ahead, darling.” Narcissa says.

The memory jerks, skitters, speeds up.

“I’ve food for the prisoner.” He says. “I’ve food for–”

Regulus is down stairs and the food is gone, shoved to the side. The lip of the tray is pressed into his ankle but Regulus ignores it because–James.

“Listen to me,” Regulus is saying. It’s strange, like none of this is real because he can’t feel any of it. The words fall from his mouth because where is his tongue? His wand is tight in his left hand, the swirls carved into its handle cutting into his palm. He should smell blood, he thinks.

There’s nothing, though. The room is bleary with weak autumn light from a small window about ten feet above them. There’s a bed but James isn’t allowed to use it. He’s on the floor. Regulus is on the floor. No, he’s straddling James–James can’t move during this or else–or else.

James tenses under him and Regulus grabs a fist full of James’ fraying robes. “This is serious.” The robes are too tattered to bruise when Regulus’ jerks them. He can’t strangle James (and wouldn’t even if it would be a mercy)

“Why should I?” James, the fucker–it had been a month and he still had that smirk except there’s blood at the corner and this time (not the first time) Regulus can feel his stomach growl at the sight of it.

“It’s important.” Regulus has his wand pressed at James’ temple and his mouth brushes James’ cheek when he leans in to whisper. “You’ll thank me later.”

Regulus Black has never been good at mind magic.

When Regulus wakes up, he tastes salt water and bile.

Exploration:

Please share three things you’d like to explore. This could be a character changing sides, darker themes, or basic fiction tropes.

Family Lines: I think this game provides a particularly interesting set of circumstances regarding possible family lines. First there’s Narcissa and her condition–how did that happen? Possibly Regulus, trying to manage his life post cave and fucking up again ( or maybe it was a blessing?) I like to headcanon that maybe Alphard was a vampire and thats where the blood came from (open to other options). Speaking of, how has Walburga doing? And then there’s, of course, Sirius and all the brother’s baggage which is made even more complicated as (if this set up is accepted) Regulus sort of used Sirius’ best friend as a last will and testament–not that James remembers it yet. Last, … does Regulus even count as a live anymore and if not who has inherited ?

A Family Curse: The Black family has never exactly been known for its cool head and steady hands but Regulus, for all his somewhat muffled anxieties, has mostly stood out as awkward but not particularly memorable. In fact, it’s safe to say without his last name (and grades) Regulus probably wouldn’t have gotten much notice at all. That has largely changed now, although Regulus has trouble pin pointing why and how. There are a lot of factors, many of which no one else knows, and Regulus should care about that. He should be highly concerned–but those concerns evaporate before he can even generate a game plan to consider addressing it. Most seem to assume that its just Regulus taking after his mother. TLDR I’m interested in seeing what information he drops (likely not entirely clearly) without thinking it through and how the changes in demeanor and method impact both those who grew up with Regulus Black and those who didn’t. Don’t worry about wangst, I’m much more interested in throwing weird or intense tings at others then have Regulus mope.

Choices mixed in with all of that, Regulus has found himself well and truly on his own about making choices for the first time in his life. Sure, Remus might have ideas on what he should do, and Sirius, and Marcus, and Narcissa—but all of them have different goals, different expectations of what Regulus could do and in the end, Regulus doesn’t have to do anything. At the onset the only thing he does know is that he must do something about the horcrux…but how? When, where, and why? I want to see how different interactions with various characters might influence those choices and how Regulus handles managing his own reigns ow for better or for worse.

Gender: its so easy to boil gender and trans experience into one narrative but so often things are far…messier then that. Regulus is a character who hasn’t felt the ability to think overly hard (or pursue if he has thought of it) alternatives to gender even if the Wix Community at large is accepting (people turn into frogs, after all). This game provides a unique chance to explore gender through the lense of a character who is learning and failing and not overly confident (or overly feminine) but genuine in that (at least) if nothing else. Also, does being a vampire effect Attisgalli Corrective Draught?

Extras:

Anything else you’d like to provide?

#quartusbellumaccept #marauders roleplay #lsprg #hp skeleton #hprp

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kr0wnsdotexe · 4 years ago

Text

info !!

kura here currently writing this for reasons beyond your understanding because it needed to be done at some point.

hellu hellu and welcome to THE™ kr0wns.exe about post !!

kr0wns.exe is a multiverse composed of several series created by yours truly noblefish kura and my steampunk partner angi !!

these series are passion projects that we worked on as a collab, making the stories, plots, characters and art AAAALLL together !!

hopefully youll enjoy them as much as i do !!

in kr0wns.exe youll find:

dante millionlight’s la divina tragedia (@whysolnnovel)

dreamless project (@drepronovel)

god-for-nothing’s codename: catastrophe (upcoming)

the extremely malicious mari show!! (here)

below youll find a short infodump of all of them !!

you can find kr0wns.exe on:

tumblr (....here, and the sites linked literally just above HSHSHSHS) (which is the main MAIN thing)

discord (which is the second most main thing) (check it out for literally all news !!)

twitter (which is kinda useless)

instagram (which is even more useless)

we consider the tumblr accounts the official sites of kr0wns.exe and its universe (by the way please look at them from a browser, our coder [and admin on the discord server] will cry if you dont Witness her web design). while the discord server is our official community and the place where we always put all the newest info !! (it is Paramount that you join it, because kr0wns.exe updates arent scheduled. the only way youll have of knowing them is Through It)

yours truly noblefish kura shall now attempt their best to introduce you to all projects and the current state of them !!

Dante Millionlight's La Divina Tragedia

...or whysoln novel for short ! (found at @whysolnnovel ; the series is ongoing) la divina tragedia is a definitely not blasphemous at all slice-of-life comedy about the Prestigious™ gods college of ambrosial.

in which a group of 9 teenagers (including the titular dante millionlight) go to a big school to learn how to become deities and create their own worlds. heck, some of these worlds are ones you might even know personally... (hint hint nudge nudge stab stab)

the main focus of whysoln lies in its cast of charming characters that definitely would have gotten all of us exiled a few centuries ago. (including but not limited to god, satan, the only straight character here who somehow got mistaken for jesus, zeux because thats how its really written, the other satan, and MUCH more !!)

follow THEM as they make friends and take part in various shenanigans in this very heartwarming and chill funny story.

that is, until they learn there have been Some Murders in their very own school.....!! who and why could do such a thing, and will our main cast be truly okay ?!

but ofc im not telling you. for the rest, go read it yourself >V<

Dreamless Project

...or drepro novel for short ! (found at @drepronovel ; the series is on hiatus) dreamless project is a long ass dark fantasy & psychological horror series with lots of gods, devils, rainbow aesthetics, royalty shenanigans, hell, even a steampunk army and..... a sadistic murder god villain ?!

it has been in the works since 2016 and is currently undergoing a massive reboot. i dont know when it will be back, but it definitely will be !!

follow about 20 characters as they try to defy fate once and for all... and learn that no matter how grim their past was, its never too late to change and become a good person.

until then, do look forward to lots of light, darkness, time loops, suffering and found family adventures !!

God-For-Nothing’s Codename: Catastrophe

...or godfornovel / GFN for short ! (the series is upcoming)

codename: catastrophe is an upcoming story set in a world that just so happens to be both post and pre-apocalyptic called eskhatos.

judgement day draws near... and a young 13 year old boy with a loving family and no memories of his past sets off on a big journey to find out who he truly is, never to look back again. eventually, he will learn that no matter what, every life is a miracle worth living. also oranges are tasty.

the series is in its very early phase and wont be coming for a while. join the official kr0wns.exe discord to get all them cool ass updates !!

The EXTREMELY MALICIOUS Mari Show!!

...or marishow for short ! (found here !!)

the mari show is a miscellaneous series following VILLAIN OF VILLAINS, EMBODIMENT OF EVILNESS, PUREST FORM OF EVIL LORD MARI KROWNS (thats her full name) as she interviews characters from the other series.

its basically our genius way of offering you more content of them.

lord mari also just so happens to be our extremely malicious mascot character !! SHE runs the discord server and SHE will deliver most information both on this site and the server from now on. to learn more about her, check her bio here !!

and that is All.

i hope you enjoyed this not-so-deep dive which took me from 16.58 to 19.35 to write !! also, check my (kura) and angi’s carrds !!

i hope you enjoy kr0wns.exe and please sleep for 8 hours every night or ill be sad. thankyou for reading >V<

yours truly, local emo prince, noblefish kura krowns

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lassieposting · 7 years ago

Note

9 for Skulduggery for the headcanon ask :)

9. Describe their happiest birthday.

this uh. kind of turned into half a headcanon post and half a minific, sorry. the way this is written is atrocious bc i ficced halfway through but im emotional about this scenario so w/e here it is and also i apologise for the complete lack of capital letters i am a cretin who lives on the internet

okay so. skuldug is old af so like. his birthday isn’t a big deal and hasn’t been for a few centuries. he lowkey celebrated it when he had a family, bc it would’ve been a pain in the ass to explain to a small child why we celebrate your birthday because you’re only five, but not mama’s or papa’s because they’ve been around since the asscrack of doom, so it was just. a thing. but when they died, he stopped completely, bc like. self-loathing and general depression, why would he want to celebrate his existence when he hates himself?

but the year he meets valkyrie, they’re driving around in the bentley at some point, and she realises she doesn’t know when his birthday is. and he’s already her best friend, and best friends should know this sort of thing about each other, so she asks him, and he tells her.

it’s december 31st. new year’s eve. three months ago.

and he’s only half-watching her because he’s driving and he’s watching the road because safety is paramount now that he’s got a fleshy little person in the car who could get like, squashed, but even without properly looking at her he can tell she’s sulking. he’s In Trouble.

“what?”

he’s expecting something stupid. he’s definitely not expecting her to get upset because he didn’t tell her. i wanted to get you something, she snaps. but fine. whatever. it’s not important.

she folds her arms and turns up the radio a few bars, then turns away from him and looks out the window. he smiles on the inside, turns it back down again. feels her glare at him. and by the time they reach the sanctuary, valkyrie’s gotten over herself and he’s forgotten all about it.

it’s not until much later that year when his birthday rolls around again that he remembers this little argument.

they’ve just finished a case. they’re in the car. scapegrace is in handcuffs, in the backseat, and in a very bad mood. and she asks him to pull over. you can see the fireworks from here, she tells him. he’s not that bothered, he’s seen fireworks more times than he cares to count, but she looks excited, so he pulls the bentley in to the verge, puts the hazard lights on, and they get out. val jumps up to sit on the hood of the car. he bites the tongue he doesn’t have and hopes she doesn’t scratch the paintwork.

scapegrace shouts at them from inside the bentley. skulduggery isn’t sure if he wants them to get the arrest over with or if he wants to watch the fireworks too. he doesn’t particularly care, either.

for a while they stay there, watching the fireworks. she’s leaning into his side a little. sleepy, probably. it’s too easy for him to forget that she should, at some point, sleep. and then she draws her hand out of her pocket and holds it out for him to take. small and untidily wrapped. she’s probably used as much sellotape as wrapping paper, if not more.

“happy birthday,” she says, and yawns, muffling it with her other hand.

something in his stomach twists. or would, if he had a stomach. or innards to twist. he takes it from her, and she shoves her hands back in her pockets and watches him unwrap it. or try to. there’s a lot of sellotape. it’s a challenge.

inside the tape prison is a set of cuff-links, in a little box from a jeweller’s he doesn’t recognise, marked dublin. he knows valkyrie gets five euros a week as pocket money from her parents. he doesn’t even want to think about how long she must’ve been saving up for these. the innards he doesn’t have twist a little harder.

“thank you,” he says, hoping she doesn’t notice the choke in his voice because he certainly does, and puts his arm around her shoulders and gives her a quick hug. “you remembered?”

“of course.”

impressive. “but you never even remember what day of the week it is.”

she shrugs. “you’re important to me.”

another yawn, and she pulls away from his side and goes to get back in the car. he follows her, and as she clicks her seatbelt into place, the dashboard clock catches his eye. twenty-five minutes past midnight, january 1st. “you do realise, though, that technically my birthday was yesterday.”

she hits him, and he laughs.

(after this she spends his birthday with him every year, even on the rare occasion when they’re not working, but this is his favourite. the first time in a very long time someone thought he was worth celebrating)

#misslily2903 #i have emOTIONS #about skuldug and birthdays #and also skuldug + realising he's important to someone #valdug #sp headcanons #skulduggery pleasant

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nickysurfer28 · 5 years ago

Text

Summary: getting close on finding her cousin Denise Ames, Dr.Nicky Ransom having these weird dreams..what does this mean? Is this the way this mystery man works..?

Word count: over 1,000

Warning ⚠️: 18+ only, smut,dreams,etc.

Characters: Dr.Nicky Ransom (female reader) x Chris Evans

Cousin (Denise Ames)

Chapter4:

It’s dark and cold. You feel the cave floor beneath your body as you come out of your dream.

You open your eyes, even though they feel heavy.

Beside you, you see Chris pushing at the rubble on top of him. Then, to your shock, he removes the wreckage with ease, as if it weighed nothing.

“Chris?” Nicky answered in shock.

He crouched near you, looking completely unharmed.

“Sleep, Nicky. Sleep.” Chris answered softly.

You fall back into darkness. When you wake up, you’re in a unfamiliar bed.

“Nicky!” Chris answered. Chris appears above you, his face worried. Slowly, you sit up.

“Chris... What happened?. We were in that cave. And you were hurt! How are you not hurt? Nicky answered amazed and confused.

“Sshh, it’s all right, Nicky. We’re at the hospital. A rescue team came for us an hour or two ago.” Chris answered calmly.

“What? But we didn’t have a cell phone reception.” Nicky answered confused.

“You didn’t, but I was able to find a phone, and I did.” Chris answered.

“Wait, but you were totally crushed under the rocks! You should be injured. Nicky answered worried. Chris chuckles with a shake of his head. “No, I’m fine. Just some light bruising, according to the doctors.”

“What? But you said- “Nicky answered still confused.

“I’m all right, Nicky. I would be more concerned about your own well-being right now. How are you feeling? “ Chris answered.

“I’m...confused. I- I could have sworn I saw...”Nicky answered.

“A lot happened, and I think you hit your head as well.” Chris answered.

“What? No, I didn’t hit my head.” Nicky answered.

“You did.” Chris answered.

Chris looks firm, insistent. He’s hiding something from me.

An hour or so later, you’ve checked out of the hospital.

“All checked out?” Chris spoke.

“You waited for me? “Nicky answered in amazement.

“Of course. How else would I give you a ride?” Chris answered with a smile.

“Chris... that’s not necessary.” Nicky answered.

“I know it’s not, but that’s beside the point.”Chris answered warmly.

“But I have a car.” Nicky answered.

“You don’t. You left it back at the property, remember?” Chris answered.

Oh, he’s right.

“So, let me at least give you a ride back to your car, if anything else. Please,Nicky. I feel like all this is partially my fault. At least let me make it up to you.” Chris answered.

His piercing blue eyes are soft and sweet. Open in a way you haven’t seen before.

What should I do? Let Chris give me a ride.

“Okay.” Nicky answered blushing. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“It’s my pleasure. Shall we?” Chris answered.

Chris escorts you outside where a sleek black car is waiting.

“So,Nicky, why don’t you tell me more about yourself? Chris answered.

“What exactly do you want to know?” Nicky answered.

“Anything. How about something small. What’s your favorite color?” Chris answered.

“Seriously?” Nicky answered with a smile.

“Well, we have to start somewhere.”Chris answered.

“Fine, it’s...blue. I grew up next to the ocean, after all.” Nicky answered.

“Lovely. Though, I’d think you’d prefer something more fiery than blue.” Chris answered.

You stop, remembering the fire in your dream.

“Um. Well, I don’t.” Nicky answered blushing slightly. “What about you?”

“Hm. Yellow.” Chris answered.

“Yellow? I figured yWith your big gothic mansion you’d at least say black.” Nicky answered in shock.

“I suppose it is odd.” Chris answered with a smile. “ it was my mother’s favorite color. She loved sunlight. Bright colors.”

“Oh. That’s really nice, actually.” Nicky answered amazed.

“Hm.” Chris hummed.

The rest of the ride is spent comfortable silence, and soon you’re in a familiar clearing.

“Here you are, Nicky.” Chris answered.

“What about Denise?” Nicky answered concerned.

“I think for now you should be focus on resting. I’ll call you when I have more information on Denise.” Chris answered. “Until next time.”

Chris leaves you to your car, and you quickly make your way home. You’re exhausted, and you pass out for the night.

The next morning, you wince as you weight on your ankle, but it’s manageable. You’re determined to keep busy.

Especially because if I don’t , I’ll keep thinking about that dream...

As you’re getting your mail late that afternoon, however...

“Huh?” Nicky spoke.

A postcard drops for the stack of envelopes.

This is Denise’s handwriting!

The Marina Blanca Motel

“They change their clime, not their disposition, who run across the sea.”

Dr.Ransom

555 Calrgo Street,

San Francisco, CA

��They change their clime, not their disposition, who run across the sea.”

He quote means nothing to you.

That’s ....weird. She must’ve meant something by this, but I can’t begin to guess what. And it’s postmarked this past Friday! Maybe Denise’s still there!

Before you even know what you’re doing, you’ve pulled out your phone and dialed Chris’s number.

He said he wanted to help find Denise. That’s the only reason I’m calling him.

“Hello?” Chris answered on the phone.

“Chris!. It’s Nicky Ransom. I think I might have a lead on Denise.” Nicky spoke into the phone. “She sent me a postcard last Friday from the Marina Blanca Motel.”

“Oh, thank God! What did she say? Chris answered.

“Not much, honestly. Just same quote: “They change their clime, not their disposition, who run across the sea”. Nicky answered.

The other end of the line falls oddly silent.

“Does that mean anything to you? Nicky spoke into the phone.

“Ah...no. No, I’m afraid it doesn’t. I’m sorry.”Chris answered.

“Well, it looks like the motel’s not far. Im going to drive up tonight and see if she’s still there.” Nicky answered determined.

“No, I will. We don’t know who she’s with or what state she’s in. It may not be safe.” Chris answered worried.

“Chris .... she’s my cousin. I have way more stake in this than you.” Nicky answered. “If Denise needs help, I am not staying behind. Nicky answered back.

“Nicky, I don’t want to put you in danger.” Chris answered.

He really thinks I can’t handle myself. I should... be him to let me go.

“Chris, please. “ Nicky answered. “Denise is my only family. I need to be there for her.”

Chris sighs heavily.

“Fine. I’ll pick you up in an hour. Chris answered.

“Sounds good. See you then. Nicky answered.

After tossing a dew essentials into an overnight bag- just in case- you look in your closet.

Man, it’s looking sparse in here. I really need to...go shopping. I’m going to need to do some serious retail therapy after we get Denise back, anyway.

You shake your head.

That’s a worry for another day. Okay. It’s going to be chilly at the beach this time of year. I should wear something warm. Maybe something cute, too, since Chris is going to see me in it.

I’ll pick something...comfy. Comfort is paramount.

Chris picks you up shortly after sunset.

“Ready to go?” Chris answered.

“Absolutely.” Nicky answered.

And with that, the two of you are off.

Two hours later, you and Chris are at the reception desk of the Marina Blanca Motel, lumping the night manager for information.

Though it seems like she’d be open to an altogether different kind of pumping.

“Well, now . Let’s see here...”night manager spoke.

She bends over slightly providing an excellent view of her cleavage.

“What did you say your friend’s name was, again, sweetheart?” Night manger answered.

Chris leans against the desk, flashing her a dazzling smile.

How can he make his eyes literally twinkle on command? It’s... impressive. There no way he hasn’t practiced this in a mirror!

“Denise Ames. Mid-twenties, bright hair, about 5’4?” Chris answered.

“She may have been with someone who looks a lot like Chris, here. “Nicky answered.

“Oh I do remember something that look like that, he was easy on the eyes.” Night manager answered.

She types something into the computer.

“Here we go! Your girl Che led into room 312 under the name “Alicia Kenner.” She hasn’t checked out yet.” Night manager spoke.

“Fantastic. Thanks for all your help.” Chris answered.

“Let me know if you need anything else.” Night manager answered.

Chris gives her a wink, and she giggles.

Wow. His effect on women is..kind of handy, actually. I wouldn’t have gotten nearly that much out of her on my own. I wonder if he’d tag along and flirt me up faster service the next time I go to the DMV!

You head up to the room 312, and knock on the door.

“Nothing.” Nicky answers.

You knock again, louder, but there’s still no answer.

“I don’t see a red Porsche in the parking lot. Maybe there’re out? Chris answered. “Since she hasn’t checked out, we can only assume she’ll be back.”

“Sure, but what do we do until the ?” Nicky answered.

“It’s a nice night for a long walk on the beach.” Chris answered with a smile.

For a moment you consider objecting, but it has been ages since you’ve set foot on a beach.

“You know what? That’s sounds like a great idea.” Nicky answered with a smile.

You climb down a set of weather-beaten wooden stairs to the sand.

“Dr. Ransom?” Chris answered. He offers you his arm like the hero in some period romance.

“Chris, you’re so..cheesy.” Nicky answered laughing.

“Cheesy,” or “utterly charming”? Chris answered with a smile.

A pretty irresistible combination of both if I’m being perfectly honest.

You thread your arm through his.

“Let’s go with “utterly charming because of your quirks.” Nicky answered smiling.

“I’ll take it.” Chris answered warmly.

The pair of you set out along the water. The cool, salty breeze off the Pacific makes you shiver, and you cling more tightly to Chris.

“Are you cold?” Chris answered.

“A little.” Nicky answered shyly.

“I think I can fix that.” Chris answered.

Gently, he pulls you against his warm, toned body.

He smells just as good as he did in my dream.

“Better?” Chris answered.

“Better.” Nicky answered. “ I can’t even remember the last time I was on the beach.”

“Oh?” Chris answered .

“Hm. Yeah, I think the last time was when...” Your breath catches in your throat.

“When...?” Chris answered.

“Ah. When my sister was alive.” Nicky answered sadly.

Chris stops in his tracks, staring at you sadly. “You had a sister?” Chris answered with shock. “Yeah. She was... she was the best. But then something horrible happened to her. She was with a guy. I never met him, but he was into a bunch of bad stuff. He changed her.” She started acting...well, a lot like how Denise was acting before she disappeared. And then she. Well, they said it was suicide.” Nicky answered sadly. Chris places a hand on your shoulder, warm and comforting.

“I’m sorry, Nicky.” Chris answered sadly.

“It’s fine. It’s just that this whole thing with Denise is like reliving all that.” Nicky answered sadly.

Ever since I lost my sister, looking at that vast ocean just made me feel too helpless. Too alone.

But somehow, you don’t feel alone with Chris by your side.

I wonder if... he’s lonely. He doesn’t seem to have many friends from what I can tell. I wonder why he lives that way.

You look at the clam, dark water.

“When I was a kid, I used to have amazing dreams about riding wild horses on a beach like this.” Nicky answered.

“Did you ever get to? In real life, I mean.” Chris answered.

“Wild horses aren’t exactly thick on the ground in Northern California. I’ve never had a chance to ride a horse at all, actually.” Nicky answered.

“There’s still time.” Chris answered with a smile.

“Maybe...” Nicky answered smiling back.

Chris picks up a stone and flings it overhand into the ocean.

“What did you dream of as a kid? “Nicky answered.

“Nothing. I’ve never dreamed.” Chris answered.

“Of course you have. It’s what the brain does while we sleep.” Nicky answered. “Some people can’t remember their dreams, but everyone has them.”

Chris smiles sadly. “That must be it, then. I guess I’ve just never remembered them.”

“It doesn’t have to stay that way! There are so many techniques that can help you remember your dreams.” Nicky answered.

“No, it’s all right. I’ve been without them all my life. I’m used to it.”Chris answered.

Something in his eyes looks resigned. Heartbroken, even.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was a sore spot.” Nicky answered sadly.

“Don’t worry, Nicky. I’m all right.” Chris answered with a smile.

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

“I’m used to handling things on my own, after all.” Chris answered.

You don’t say anything, and Chris smiles down at you. Once again, that smile doesn’t reach his eyes. Your heart clenches with a powerful desire to hold him.

You barely know this man, Nicky. Chill out.

“We, um,... We should head back to the motel. See if Denise is back.” Nicky answered.

But come midnight, Denise’s room is till empty.

You and Chris secure a pair of adjoining rooms down the hall from 312.

Nothing left to do now but wait her out. Good thing I packed an overnight bag.

You slip between the clean sheets and let sleep overcome you.

You dream of walking along the beach at twilight, the white sand sparking like diamonds beneath you feet.

It’s beautiful here. Peaceful.

But just as soon you’ve said so....

A storm rolls in over the waves. A bolt of fear strikes your heart.

Oh no! I need to find shelter!

But there’s nowhere to hide.

“Nicky...”

That voice...I know that voice... who are you? And what do you want from me?

“Don’t fight it, Nicky.”

The storm. He means don’t fight the storm. I can’t explain how I know that, but somehow I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.

Oh close your eyes, allowing the storm to overcome you...and it clams as quickly as it began. In place of thunder, you hear...

Hoofbeats?

You open your eyes to find the beach overrun with wild horses.

Horses! There must be hundreds of them!

A riser appears on a horse as grey as mist. You gaze up at the horseman.

“What do you want?” Nicky answered.

But he doesn’t reply, instead turning to look behind him as another rider approaches on a bright red mare.

Is that ...me?

The horseman pulls her into a passionate kiss.

This is..awkward.

You flush, averting your eyes from the display of intimacy. The woman in red slips fro her mount, her feet landing softly on the glittering sand. She ,owes toward you, smiling warmly.

“Do you know who you are?” Woman in red spoke.

“I...do. I know exactly who I am.” Nicky answered.

“ I never doubted you!” Woman in red answered.

She extends a hand to you in silent invitation. As soon as your fingers touch, the two of you merge into one.

“Oh!” Nicky yelled.

Chris reaches out to you.

No. Not yet.

You swing yourself onto the red mare.

“Let’s see how fast we can go!” Nicky squealed in excitement.

You spur her on, the wind whipping at your hair as you gallop through the surf. The horseman gives chase, laughing merrily. He means to catch you. You want him to catch you.

I’ll fall into his arms.

You slow your mare, smiling at the horseman in invitation. He accepts it gladly, seizing you about the waist to pull you astride his lap.

“Oh!” Nicky squealed.

“Nicky..” Chris answered warmly.

He seals his mouth over yours. You surrender willingly winding your arms around his neck. His kisses trail lower, down your throat...

Yes...

....and across the swell of your breasts. He tugs gown aside, and you gasp as he captures a nipple in his mouth.

“Ah!” Nicky squealed.

You squirm in his lap as he suckles you, feeling him grow hard beneath you.

“I want you, Nicky.” Chris answered with his deep raspy voice.

He slides from the saddle and lifts you down after him, bearing you gently to the sand. He kisses you deeply, pinning you beneath his powerful body. You’re reminded abruptly another kiss, and a dream of fire and pleasure.

It’s the same.

You raise your had to cup the horseman’s cheek.

“I know you. I...know your voice. I would know it anywhere.” Nicky answered holding his face.

He ducks his head to kiss you again, his hands roaming your body. You writhe beneath him feverish with desire.

I want him, too. I’ll cherish each touch as we make love.

You moan impatiently, pressing yourself into the horseman’s touch.

“So eager,Nicky?” Chris answered heavily.

“Please. I want you.” Nicky answered blushing hot.

He smiles, delighted by your wantonness.

“And you’ll have me.”Chris answered warmly.

He rains kisses on your neck and breasts as he pushes your skirt up around your hips... and plunges his cock into you aching heat.

“Ah!” Nicky squealed.

Your nails scrabble at his back as he thrusts inside you, deep and hard.

“Oh, Nicky..” Chris answered heavily.

He slides a hand down to tease you, feel all of you, and your back arches as you lose yourself in pleasure.

Oh, Chris...

You jolt awake. The sharp knocking that woke you sounds again.

That was a hell of a dream....

You flush, vividly aware of who you thought about as you came.

I’m .... not gonna examine this dream too closely, either.

You slip out of bed and open the door that adjoins Chris’s room, where he stands poised to knock again.

“We need to go, I’ve just had word from a friend in San Francisco. Denise came home.”Chris answered.

#chris evans #fanfic

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islesblogger · 6 years ago

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NHL Trade Deadline 2019: The Aftermath

What Happened at the Deadline?

Today was Lou Lamoriello’s first trade deadline day with the NY Islanders. From all indications he pushed a few offers, but could not find the appropriate deal to add to the Burger Barn’s menu. Something that has happened in Islanders Country a lot over the past decade of deadlines.

Mike also details the day on the The Isles Faithful Podcast Episode 25.

The last splash was in 2006 when Garth Snow sent a bag of non-magic beans to Edmonton for Ryan Smyth. What he ended up with was poke check into the playoffs, and first round ouster by a superior Buffalo team. He didn’t give up much, and upon Captain Canada’s teary-eyed departure he didn’t gain much in return. Much like that day an adequate bargain was obtained. The Islanders gave up nothing, and got nothing in return.

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Why Did it Happen?

Lou has a relatively young first place team that is buying into a new system. They’re not only in first, but they are on a post learning curve trajectory that should keep them there. Even if other teams have improved themselves at the deadline, the Islanders GAVE NOTHING AWAY.

Their biggest assets are still mysteries. But what we do know of them is that they all fit into the current scheme. Most would think that Anthony Beauvillier would have been on the block for some of the bigger fish. But I also assume that there would have had to be some kind of extension behind a deal involving Beau. Lou would not have given away a 20G RFA with center potential for a rental.

The Islanders have been short on right handed defensemen for as long as I’ve been a fan… and that’s a pretty long time. The other two items on most price lists would have been Dobson and/or Wilde. You can flip a coin (it had better be three sided) because one of Pulock, Dobson or Wilde will be on a Norris list within five years. It’s too early to tell which one of the “prospects” will be on that list, so they’re both too valuable to be traded for a rental.

As I pointed out earlier this year, there were some names that were most likely available. Lou just couldn’t find the right mix of picks, those prospects, a target and a seller’s consent.

Where Are They Now?

The Islanders lead the Washington Capitals by two points, and have two games in hand. At this point it’s basically a three-horse race for first with Columbus making a late run. The Blue Jackets helped themselves immensely by not giving up any important roster players, and acquiring Matt Duchene, Adam McQuaid and Keith Kinkaid. This very well could become a dogfight or a walkover in the next two weeks. The Isles’ schedule is littered with division rivals and they have two more games with Washington (3/1, @ 4/6) and Columbus (3/11 and @ 3/26). Those games will be paramount. The final game against Washington could determine home team advantage for the first round.

Where Do They Go From Here?

There are a few paths they can go by, but in the long run… they need to think of building a team for their new arena. The first step in that is seeing what you have on the current roster.

Some Questions About The Future

Where does Anthony Beauvillier fit in the Islanders’ future? Is he a top six wing? Can he be a bottom six center? Can he eventually replace a guy like Val Filppula? Can he become the next Butch Goring? Can he win a face-off? Will they ever use him to kill penalties?

Will Josh Ho-Sang ever get his act together? I’m not one who is going to say I know ANYTHING about Josh’s situation beyond what out on the surface. The young man has amazing talent, and when he throws that on the ice with full focus and the full effort of his physical abilities he’s a force. When he loses that focus, he has had some issues that keep him off the ice all together. I personally want to see him with guys like Ladd, Lee, Nelson and Beau. He has to earn NHL playing time to do that. Maybe there is one last gasp this season to see if they can put some trust in him. It will make a big difference to his first RFA deal, what they do with Eberle, and whether he is an Islander after June.

Is Michael Dal Colle a full time NHL player. He had a very good NHL showing. I think he earned a full time NHL gig next year. He might even make a cameo later in the season and possibly the playoffs. Does he have a “beast mode”. He certainly has showed it in the AHL, and he has shown plenty of “moments of confidence” against NHL vets. It will be fun to watch him evolve as a player.

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Off The IR

How do they re-assemble the puzzle with their returning pieces? I’m gonna push for the BrockLeeBar line until it happens, or they give us BrockHoLee. Lee and Nelson have been very good with Jordan Eberle, but they are not creating scoring chances at a first line clip. The Isles have been pretty good at 5v5 scoring (but not defending) over the past 4 years. They need a number one line again.

This year, neither top line has really stood out as a scoring threat. The Nelson line, however, has scored more than they have given up, and that is a rarity in recent Isles history. They need to shuffle that a bit. Andew Ladd will help that. I’m sure Trotz will be reluctant to break up what works with Lee+Nelson+Eberle. I expect to see it eventually. It could be a big boost in the second season.

Hickey will eventually be paired with an recent partner. It could be with Mayfield as a solid enough third pair. When that happens you can create a single offensive pairing that can defend the neutral and defensive zones as well. Everybody that has watched Bridgeport games for the last four years knew it had to happen eventually. Pulock and Toews for 15 minutes a night at 5v5. Make it happen!

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July?

We still have a handful of very important unrestricted free agents. Lou has passed the sell by date. Now he has a few months to sign them. No panic. My opinion… in order of importance.

Anders Lee. He’s their captain. He’s our captain. Don’t let two consecutive July’s mark the Islanders losing a captain. This one would be worse than the last one. All evidence points to Lee being an Islander through and through… so it would be on Lou if they lost him.

Robin Lehner was the biggest question mark when the season started. He has become the biggest exclamation point. He should be part of their goaltending future.

Brock Nelson. Even I thought he was a trade deadline goner in October. But Brock+structure+team buy in has been the biggest surprise of the season. If anybody thought in October that Lee, Nelson and Eberle would be the #1 line of a first place team raise your hand. Yeah, I didn’t think so. Brock has quietly (maybe invisibly) contributed 20G a year for 5 years. Now he’s in the locomotive, certainly not a passenger. He’s going to want conductor pay. Given the market for top six centers that can shoot and create from the forecheck, he’s going to get it. This is going to be a tough negotiation, but I think they come out with a solid 5 year deal.

Val Filppula. The Isles will have almost as many signed options at third line center next year as they did last year. None. I advocated for some AHL training for Beau, but that wasn’t popular. Now here we are. Val has been great. Way better than expected. They do not have another option ready in Bridgeport. Otto Koivula will get games next year, probably. You can’t rely on him yet. I think Val will be an early July signing after Lou gets to troll the waters a bit. If he lands Matt Duchene they are done. They have the resources to do it.

Post Apocalypse Outlook

All in all I’d say the Islanders came out of this okay. They go into the playoffs with a few new weapons to deploy. They also get to battle test some players with very little or no playoff experience. If they come out of it better players win win. If they win win, then Yes Yes Yes!!!

NHL Trade Deadline 2019: The Aftermath was originally published on islesblogger.com

#Anders Lee #Brock Nelson #Free Agency #Islanders #Josh Ho-Sang #Matt Duchene #Noah Dobson #Trade Deadline

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