#Speaking of Amélie | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lee-laurent · 2 months ago

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T'es ben chix - Luke Hughes

Summary: Amélie decides Luke Hughes is the cutest boy she's ever seen, but she doesn't know how to tell him.

wc: 7k

content: fluff, a little bit of angst, kissing, panic attacks, anxiety, quick make out session, a couple dirty jokes, long distance relationship (let me know if missed anything!)

notes: don't let the title fool you, this fic is still in english!! i realized the other day while doing schoolwork that i don't have a fic that discusses being french-canadian. so... here we are! this fic was super fun for me to write and i incorporated experiences and challenges i have faced over the last few years. a lot of the mistakes that amélie makes are mistakes that i have made or that other french speakers make when speaking english bc sometimes we try to directly translate things and it just does not work lol i reallly hope you guys enjoy!!! and to any other francophones out there: let's be friends!!

just finished writing and it's about 5k words more than i was planning

Amélie honestly wasn't the biggest fan of going out back home, so going out in a place where she could barely speak the language was even worse. But a few of the girls she'd befriended had convinced her it was a good way to get to know more people and to let loose. She sat with the three other girls at a small table, her fingers drumming against the glass of her cocktail.

"Yeah, what did you think of that guy that presented today, Am?"

"Hm? He did... good."

"No, silly. Did you think he was cute?"

"Oh, um, he's... how do you say... not my type?"

"Not your type? Then what is your type, Am?"

"Probably that guy she's been making googly eyes at all night," one of the others teased.

"Who? The tall, curly haired guy in the corner?"

Amélie blushed, sipping at the alcohol for courage.

"Ooo, she's totally into him!"

"You should go talk to him, Am!"

"No... I tell you... no American boys," she waved them off.

"Well, that's too bad. Cause it looks like he's comin' over here. We'll be at the bar if you need us."

"Guys..."

But it was too late, the other girls were already up and headed towards the bar.

"Calisse," she mumbled, trying to ignore the tall figure approaching her table.

"Mind if I sit?" he asked. She looked up at him, her lips pursed. He had the same curly hair and boyish smile that her friends had been teasing her about. She really hadn't planned on talking to anyone tonight, let alone any boys. The girls knew her rule: no falling for any boys while she was in America.

"Uh... sure," she replied, gesturing to the empty chairs across from her.

He smiled, sitting down casually, rubbing his palms on his pants. "I'm Luke. I, uh, I thought I'd come introduce myslef since we, uh, made eye contact so many times."

Amélie bit her lip, nodding as he spoke. She barely knew enough English to follow what her friends were saying, and now she had to talk to some random guy at this bar she didn't even want to be at. "I, uh, I am Amélie."

"Amélie? That's a really pretty name. Did I, uh, did I say it right? Amélie?"

Her cheeks flushed, her eyes flickering down to her drink. "Yeah... that is right. Thank you." Her fingers tightened around the glass, trying to think of something to say next, but everything just came in French.

Luke could sense her hesitation, suddenly becoming way more nervous about coming over. Maybe it had been stupid. Maybe he was making her feel uncomfortable. "I just thought... I don't know. You seemed nice. Do you, uh, want to talk, or...?"

She met his gaze, taking a deep breath. He was trying and he seemed nice, like he really wanted to talk to her. "I... my English, it is not very good," her accent thickening as she spoke. "It is... hard for me."

Luke nodded, leaning forward slightly. He had teammates that didn't speak English as their first language, so he kind of knew what to expect. "That's fine. I'm sure it's better than my French. That is your first language, right? French? Sorry, I just assumed cause your name-"

"Yes, French," she cut him off, giggling at his rambling.

"I can barely say anything in French, so you've already got me beat."

His attempt to make her feel better worked... a little. "It is easier... to write. But speaking... more pressure, I forget the words lots."

"I get that. But we can just... talk slowly."

She sipped at her drink, waiting for him to continue.

"So, what brings you to Jersey? Not a lot of French people here."

"Exchange... at Rutgers. I am from Québec. Saguenay. But I come here... and I work on my English."

"That's super cool. It's awesome that you're pushing yourself to get better. I, uh, I went to Umich for a bit, but-"

"Umich?"

"Oh, right. University of Michigan. I lived in Michigan before I lived here."

"You move here because..."

"For hockey. I play hockey."

"Oh... that's cool. I like Les Canadiens. You play in the LNH?"

"The NHL? Yeah, I do. You like hockey?"

"Everyone in Québec likes hockey. Very popular."

"But you didn't know who I was," Luke teased.

"Only like Les Canadiens, sorry," she shrugged.

"Well, that's fair, I guess. The Habs are pretty big in Québec, huh?"

"Yes! My family... all big fan." She felt comfortable talking about her family, talking about home, the things she liked. Her dad watched every Habs game on TV and sometimes he'd even drive down to Montréal for a weekend to see them play.

"My family loves hockey too. Everyone plays. My mom, my dad, me, and both my brothers. It's like in our blood... or something."

"They play for... the same team?"

"One of them does. Jack, he plays with me. My other brother, Quinn, he plays in Vancouver," Luke tried to keep it casual, not wanting it to seem like he was bragging.

"Ah! The Canucks!"

"See, you know a bit about other teams," he teased.

"Shhh," she giggled. "Your family... they seem very... what's the word... talented."

"Guess you could say that."

She took another sip of her drink, her mind buzzing with questions to ask, but none of them coming to her in English. She wanted to ask more about his brothers, about how he started playing hockey, but her mouth just couldn't keep up with her brain. She also didn't want to come off as rude or obsessed with him because of his title, so she just nodded.

"You don't have to worry, you know. I'm not judging you," Luke comforted. "So, what do you do when you're learning English or watching the Habs? You got any other hobbies?"

"I like to... read. And bake... when I have time."

"Reading and baking," Luke mused. "What do you bake?"

"Everything," she giggled. "Tarte au sucre is my preferred. My mom... she always bakes with me."

"Tarte au sucre? What's that? Sugar pie?" Luke's eyes lit up. "You'll have to make me that one day. I've never had it."

"Maybe. You will have to see."

"Challenge accepted."

Amélie went to respond, but her phone buzzing stopped her. It was her friends calling, probably ready to head on to another bar. She didn't want her conversation with Luke to end, but she knew she couldn't stay there all night.

"I have to go. My friends... waiting," she sighed.

Luke's face fell a little but he nodded. "Yeah, I get it. But I, uh, this was fun."

"Me too."

There was silence for a little, neither of them wanting to be the first to say goodbye. "You should give me... your phone number. So you can try my tarte au sucre."

"Sounds like a plan," Luke said, handing his phone over for her. She typed in her name and phone number, adding a '<3' next to Amélie.

"Text me," she giggled, waving goodbye as she joined the other girls at the bar. Luke watched as the four of them started talking amongst themselves quickly, giggling as Amélie told them about her conversation with the hockey player.

He finally stood up, making his way back over to the table where his teammates were sat. Curtis raised an eyebrow at him, a smirk plastered on his face.

"Well, how'd it go, Romeo?" He leaned forward, failing to conceal his grin.

Luke rolled his eyes, "Good, actually. Really good."

Nico raised his pint, "Told you. You just had to go for it."

"So... what's next?" Curtis nudged him. "You ask for her number?"

Luke nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, we'll probably meet up again."

"Probably?"

"Okay, fine. Yeah, we'll see each other again. I'm going to try her sugar pie she was talking about."

"Sugar pie? Is that what we're calling it nowadays?" Nico teased, causing the whole table to erupt in laughter.

Luke shook his head, letting the teasing slide. His mind was too focused on the girl with a French accent and promises of baking him pie. He had to see her again.

Luke found texting Amélie way easier than he'd imagined. She wasn't lying when she said her writing was better than her speaking. Her texts barely ever had mistakes, in fact sometimes they were worded better than his.

They texted back and forth constantly, which earned Luke some teasing from his colleagues. In writing, Amélie was much more confident, returning his flirting with practiced ease. Her personality really shone through in a way it hadn't at the bar. She'd occasionally crack jokes, usually about how he didn't know any French and that she'd have to teach him. Their conversations flowed, talking about their days, sharing stories, discussing the schoolwork that Amélie had, and sometimes sharing pictures of their meals. Although Jack did most of Luke's cooking, he'd never admit that to the girl.

You have to come and try my tarte au sucre soon! Only if you're brave enough though ;)

Luke grinned at his phone, his fingers furiously typing back a reply.

Oh, I'm brave enough. Just let me know when, and I'll be there.

I will. Maybe next week? I need to make sure it's perfect first.

Deal.

Amélie paced her apartment, making sure that everything was in order before Luke came over. She was even more nervous than she had been in the bar. She really wanted things to go well. They had decided to label the event as their first date, and although a bit informal, she was still shitting herself.

The pie was sitting on her kitchen island, untouched. She didn't want to eat any of it until Luke was there to eat it with her. She was worried he'd get in trouble because it wasn't part of his meal plan for work, but he had reassured it multiple times that it wasn't a big deal if he had a little pie.

Just as she was about to rearrange her throw pillows for the third time, there was a knock at her door. She froze mid-step, wiping her hands on her jeans as she made her way to the door.

It was just a pie. And it was just Luke. Nothing to be too worried about.

She hesitated for a moment before she pulled the door open, tilting her head back to look up at Luke. He was standing there in a Devils hoodie and some track pants, a baseball cap covering his curls. He looked relaxed, his hands tucked in the pocket of his hoodie. Amélie hated how nonchalant he looked in comparison to her.

"Hey," he greeted. "I brough my appetite, as promised."

"Good. I hope you are ready," she joked, stepping out of the way to let him in. He pulled off his shoes, taking in her cozy apartment. He laughed when his eyes landed on the big Québec flag hung behind her couch.

"I'm sure it'll be amazing. I'm looking forward to it, don't worry."

She nodded, though her nerves didn't disappear. She led him into the kitchen where the pie sat waiting. The smell of it filled the small space, warm and sweet.

"Wow, looks good, Am. Guess you weren't kidding about being a good baker."

"It's like you with hockey. My talent," she giggled, blushing as their eyes met.

"I don't know. Your baking skills may be miles ahead of my hockey skills."

"Don't lie. Let's see if it tastes as good as the smell," she grabbed a knife, finally cutting the pie into pieces. She placed a generous slice in front of Luke, taking in how comfortable he looked in the situation. She really admired how easygoing he was compared to her. It was their first date, but his demeanor made it seem like they'd been seeing each other for months. Meanwhile, her heart hadn't stopped racing since she opened the door minutes before.

Luke picked up his fork, flashing her a grin before taking his first bite. His eyes widened and he let out a pleased hum, "Holy shit, this is so good."

"You like it?"

"Are you kidding? This is like the best dessert I've ever had... don't tell my mom I said that. But really, Amélie, you've ruined all other pies for me. Can I take some home to show Jack?"

"Of course! I'm glad you like it. Is my mom's recipe."

"You should probably teach me how to make this, so I don't have to beg you every time I want some."

"I wouldn't mind," she giggled, taking a bite of her own slice. The taste reminded her of home and she suddenly felt a lot less nervous about messing up her English in front of Luke. They continued to eat their pie as they talked, shifting the conversation to more personal topics, wanting to know everything about each other.

Luke told stories about growing up with his brothers, sharing embarrassing moments from their childhoods and the occasional hockey-related mishap. Amélie found herself laughing more than she had since she'd arrived in America, her body filling with warmth.

"And that's how Jack ended up chipping his tooth. Our mom was furious, but Quinn and I thought it was hilarious," Luke explained, shaking his head at the memory.

She laughed, her shoulders shaking. "You and your brother... troublemakers," she teased, resting her chin on her hand as she listened to him talk. God, she could listen to Luke talk for hours. His accent was the cutest thing she'd ever heard and his smile curved up more on one side than the other, almost like a smirk. He was so perfect.

"Yeah, we were. Still are, I guess. But what about you? You got any fun stories about your family?"

"One time my dad, he take us to Montréal for a Habs game. And my older brother he had... he liked one girl he saw. But she was anglophone, no French. He goes up to her and he tries to talk English. But it was soooo bad. Even worse than me. He only knew maybe like three word. I think he said like 'Hey, you pretty, drink?' and she looked at him like he was... insane! He... he panicked and ran away. We bullied him for years after. Our dad, he will still talk about it at dinner sometime."

"That's brutal," Luke laughed. "Glad our first conversation didn't go like that."

"I am just better than him."

Luke shook his head, flashing his lopsided smile that made Amélie swoon. "Clearly. You've got the charm, no doubt about it."

"Maybe a little. But still I get nervous. When you arrive, I think maybe that I would die."

"You hid it well. I didn't even notice. I was the nervous one."

"You? Nervous?" she raised an eyebrow, placing her fork between her lips .

"Yeah, you were... well you are, like the prettiest girl I've ever met," he rubbed the back of his neck. "Didn't want to mess it up."

"Is that a joke? You did not... mess up. I like talking with you."

"I like talking with you too, Amélie"

It was their fourth date and they were back at Amélie's apartment. Luke was sprawled out on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table as he playfully scrolled through one of Amélie's French-to-English learning apps.

"Come on, give me a word," Luke teased, turning to look at the girl sitting beside him with her legs tucked under her.

"Alright. Alright. Um... try... 'papillon.'"

Luke squinted, trying his hardest to translate it. "Papillon," he reapted slowly. "Uh... sounds like pasta, maybe? Wait, no, wait... um, balloon?"

She let a burst of laughter, learning back against the arm of the couch. "Non! It's butterfly!"

He groaned dramatically, throwing his head back in mock anguish. "Butterfly?! That doesn't even sound like butterfly! What?!"

"You are needing more practice," she giggled, comfortly placing a hand on his thigh.

Luke's eyes widened at her touch, but he couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, clearly I need a lot more practice. You might have to become my full-time tutor."

Amélie smiled, her fingers lingering on his thigh, sending a warmth through both of them. They'd been spending more and more time together, and things were less awkward, but still full of nervousness. The banter between them was easy, but there was an ever-growing tension gnawing at them both.

Luke reached for a throw pillow next to him, lightly tossing it at her. "Give me another one. I swear I'll get it this time."

She swatted the pillow away, but her focus had moved on from French. The space between them had slowly been shrinking and she had just noticed how close they were. She tilted her head, her eyes flickering up to meet Luke's. "I think... maybe you are better at other things than French."

Luke's grin faltered, his breath catching in his throat at her new tone. He glanced down at her hand still resting on his thigh, then back at her face, then back to her hand again. "Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Like... this."

Before he could question what she meant, she leaned in, her lips brushing his, testing the waters. The kiss was soft, hesitant, but the second their lips connected, everything they'd been holding back snapped into place.

Luke's hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened quickly, no longer hesitant, but instead filled with the feelings they'd been dancing around for weeks. Amélie sighed against his mouth, her hands sliding up to his chest, gripping his shirt in his fists. Luke groaned softly, the sound muffled by her lips.

Their kisses turned hungrier, more urgent, as the tension in the room built. Luke shifted, gently pushing Amélie back against the couch as he leaned over her, his body pressing against hers as their kisses grew sloppier. Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and Luke's hands slid up to cradle her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as the kiss deepened.

Neither of them wanted to pull away, not wanting to be the first to end the kiss. Luke realized he couldn't hold his breath any longer. He gasped for air before kissing her again, harder this time, his lips moving with more urgency than before. Amélie let out a soft, breathless moan in reponse.

They pulled away again, their foreheads resting against each other as they tried to catch their breath. Luke brushed a strand of her hair, that had gotten stuck between them, out of her face. His eyes were still half-closed as he whispered, "I've wanted to kiss you for so long."

Amélie smiled, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to fill her lungs with air. She looked up at him, her lips still tingling. "Me too. I... I did not expect it to feel... like that."

"Good or bad?"

"Good," she whispered, her fingers tracing the back of his neck before pulling him in again, her lips finding his once more. There was no hesitation this time, just unfiltered desire as they gave in to the kiss.

"Where you goin'?" Jack asked, pausing his video game as he heard Luke head for the door. He turned around, noticing his brother wearing his Michigan backpack. "And why do you have a backpack?"

"Amélie's place. I'm spending the night."

"Damn, Lukey boy's finally getting laid."

"Shut up, Jack... there's no confirmation that that's what happening. She just asked if I wanted to sleep over."

Jack smirked, leaning back on the couch with a knowing look. "Uh-huh, sure. You don't pack a bag just to sleep over, bro."

Luke rolled his eyes, adjusting the straps of his bag. "It's not like that. We're just hanging out, maybe watching a movie or something."

Jack snorted. "Yeah, okay. Whatever you say, lover boy. But just in case, be safe."

"It's not like that," Luke groaned, grabbing his keys off the counter, trying to escape Jack's teasing.

"I'm just saying! Good luck, bud!"

Luke mumbled to himself as he stepped into the hallway, heading for the elevator to the parking garage. His heart was racing more than usual, not just because of Jack's teasing but because tonight did feel different. Spending a night together was a big step in their relationship, especially since they weren't officially official yet.

They hadn't even discussed labels yet, and although they were very close, there was an unspoken worry of figuring out where things were heading. Luke really, really liked her, but he didn't want to rush anything. If Amélie wanted to take things slow, then he would take things slow.

He sat in his car, getting ready to leave when his phone buzzed.

Just picked out a movie. Hope you like rom-coms ;)

Only if we watch it in French so I can practice

Deal.

When he pulled up to her building, he practically leaped out of the car, taking his backpack with him. He knocked on her door, his heart in his throat.

Just go with the flow. No pressure

Amélie giggled when she opened the front door, dressed in one of Luke's Devils hoodies and a pair of shorts he couldn't see from under the large sweatshirt.

"Hey. You look cute," he leaned down to kiss her.

"Hey! Missed you."

"It's only been three days," he laughed, allowing her to wrap her arms around his waist, propping her chin on his chest. "You ready for my horrible French?"

"Ready for anything," she giggled as he ran a hand through her hair.

They stood in the doorway for a few moments more, before she grasped his hand and pulled him into the living room. They settled on the couch, a blanket thrown over their entwined legs.

"Am, I've been thinking..." his thumb brushing lightly against her thigh. "I don't want to overthink it anymore than I already have, but... we've been spending lots of time together. And I really like you."

"I like you too, Luke. A lot."

"Good. Because... I want this to be official. I mean, us. I want us to be official. I don't wanna be just 'hanging out' or 'seeing where things go' anymore. I want you to be my girlfriend." His voice softened at the end, his heart out on a silver platter just for her.

"You really want that?" she gushed.

Luke nodded, "Yeah. I want you. I want... us."

"I want that too," she smiled, shuffling impossibly closer to him, pecking his lips.

Luke pulled her back in for a deeper kiss, relief flooding his body. When they pulled apart, Amélie rested her forehead against his, her fingers gripping the front of his hoodie.

"So, it is official?" she whispered.

"Officially official. You're my girlfriend now."

She kissed him again, laughing into his mouth. "Well... now that we have... figured that out. You have French to practice... boyfriend."

"Let's get started then, girlfriend."

"So... when do I get to meet her?" Jack grinned, knocking Luke's shoulder.

"Oh, um, I can ask her."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "You can ask her?" he teased. "What, you haven't mentioned me?"

Luke sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have, Jack. I just... didn't think you'd be so excited."

"Dude, of course I'm excited! My little brother has a girlfriend now! And you know I've gotta approve, see if she's good for you. Duh."

"She's not a test subject, Jack. I'm not bringing her so you can interrogate her."

Jack snickered, loving how flustered his brother was getting. "Relax, I'll be nice. In fact, bring her out with us and the guys this weekend. Some of the other girlfriends will be there."

"I can ask her. Just... don't be weird about it. She get's nervous."

"Me? Weird about it? Never. I'm charming."

"That's what I'm worried about."

"Come on, it'll be fun. She'll get to meet everyone, and you know the guys will love her. Plus, if she can survive a night out with us, she's a keeper."

"Look, I'll ask. But I know she's been busy with schoolwork. I'll ask her tonight. But seriously, Jack, don't freak her out. Please."

"Scout's honour, man. I'll be on my best behaviour."

"You're not a-- never mind. I'll let you know what she says."

Luke laid next to Amélie in her bed, his arm draped over her waist. She was scrolling through TikTok, laughing at French words he didn't know yet. He pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder, peeking at the screen where some girl was speaking rapid French while doing her make up.

"Hey, Am."

"Hmm?"

"So... Jack and some of the guys are going out this weekend, and a few of the girlfriends will be there too," he paused, thinking over his next words. "Jack was, uh, wondering when he could meet you. He kind of suggested you come along."

She blinked, "Meet... all of your friends? This weekend?"

"No pressure! If you're too busy with school, I totally get it. I just thought it might be fun. Only if you want to, of course," Luke quickly added.

She bit her lip, thinking it over, and Luke could tell she was weighing her options. "I'm nervous. I would... like to meet Jack. To be... part of your world."

He pulled her body closer to his, pressing more kisses to her shoulder. "You're already part of my world, Am. And trust me, Jack's been bugging me about meeting you since our first date. He's... well, he's Jack. But he means well."

"Okay. I will come. But if Jack, he makes me feel awkward, you owe me a very good dinner."

Luke laughed, "Deal. And don't worry, I'll be there the whole time. Plus, survivng Jack means you can survive anything."

"C'est très cute, non?" Amélie asked, showing her outfit off to Luke.

"You look like a millon bucks, baby," he replied, leaning down to kiss her.

"What?"

"It's... it's a saying."

She tilted her head slightly, repeating the words back to herself. "A million... bucks."

Luke thought her accent made it all the more adorable. "It means you look beautiful. Like super, super beautiful."

"English says, they are so strange. First you tell me it rains cats and dogs... now I look like I am money. You explain me all of these sometimes, yes?"

"Of course, baby. But I mean it, you looks amazing."

"Thanks, Lu. We should go?"

"If we have to," Luke pouted, leaning down to give her another kiss.

Amélie gripped the straps of her purse so tightly that her knuckles were white. She had never felt so nervous in her life, not even on their first date. She had so many people to impress tonight and probably less than half the words they had in their vocabularies.

Luke was quick to notice her anxiety. She usually walked with so much confidence, but her posture was slumped and her lip was held between her teeth. "Hey, you okay?"

She nodded, but her choked voice betrayed her. "I... I don't know if I can do this."

"You'll be fine, Am," he whispered, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Jack's going to love you, I can promise you that. And it's just a few of the guys--nothing big. And hey, some of them aren't even native English speakers themselves."

Her eyes were still full of uncertainty, her fingers busying themselves by picking at the skin around her nails. "But maybe I will say something wrong. Or they ask me things, and I do not understand them? Or they will all laugh at me."

"You've been doing so well with your English, love. And if you're ever feeling stuck, just squeeze my hand and I'll come to your rescue."

The bar was pretty empty for the most part, just a few tables of friends talking and sharing drinks. In the back corner, Jack was sitting with a few of the other guys and their better halves.

"There they are!" Jack cheered as soon as he saw them approaching, standing up to greet his brother as if he hadn't seen him in weeks. His tone was loud and confident, and Amélie could feel every set of eyes at the table move towards her and Luke.

Luke gave his brother a quick bro-hug before turning to his girlfriend. "Jack, this is Amélie. Am, this is my brother, Jack."

Amélie felt like all the moisture in her mouth had disappeared, her hand gripping Luke's with a vice-like strength. She opened her mouth to speak, but all her words got stuck. "I, uh, I... hi."

"Nice to meet you, Amélie," Jack said. "Luke's told me loads about you."

She gave him a tight lipped smile, her mind scrambling to find a response, but nothing came. She felt like the weight of everyone's expectations were holding her down. She wanted to wow everyone with perfect English, but all she could do was stand there, frozen.

"She, uh, she's a little nervous," Luke interjected. "Amélie's from Québec, she's here in Jersey to learn English. But her French is like the most impressive shit ever."

"No worries. We're just happy you're here," Nico spoke up.

Amélie forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. She sat down beside Luke, her hand still gripping his with immense force. The conversation around the table picked back up, but she remained quiet.

The guys were easygoing, laughing and joking with each other, and the other girlfriends seemed just as relaxed. The more they spoke though, the harder it became for her to follow. She could pick up on bits and pieces of what was going on, but she couldn't seem to form a complete sentence in her head.

"So, how do you like Jersey so far?" one of the other girlfriends, Lexi, asked with a warm smile.

"It... it's very different. But I... I like it," she replied, her eyes not leaving Luke's hand in her lap.

"She thinks back home is wayyyy prettier. Right, babe?" Luke helped to direct her.

"Yes. Québec is very beautiful."

"So what brought you here?" Jack asked, desperately wanting to know more about the girl that had stolen his brother's heart. "School?"

She bit her lip, trying her best to think of how to reply in English. "Yes... I.... study at Rutgers. Exchange."

"That's awesome. What're you studying?"

Her mind went completely blank. She'd even rehearsed answering that exact question, but now, with everyone looking at her, the words were gone. Her hand tightened around Luke's again, taking a sip of water to clear her throat.

"She's studying communications and media. But the point of her exchange is to work on her English skills."

"That's sick," Jack nodded along.

The conversation around her continued, a few questions being tossed her way but her responses were usually just a few words, the gaps being filled in by Luke. The group eventually moved on to a story that Nico was telling, and Amélie used the shift of attention to shrink into herself further. She let Luke rest his hand on her bouncing knee in an attempt to calm her nerves, but his touch felt foreign in the situation.

After what felt like hours, but had most likely only been half an hour, she leaned close to Luke, whispering in his ear. "Je vais aux toilettes." She stood up before he could respond, scurrying off to the bathroom.

Jack shot Luke a curious glance, but he just shrugged, trying to mask his own worry.

Amélie slipped into the bathroom, pressing her hands against the sink as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She felt like she was suffocating, her eyes burning with unshed tears. She hated feeling like an outsider, not being able to connect with Luke's world outside of her.

She wiped under her eyes, praying that her mascara didn't run. She didn't want anyone to know she'd been crying in the bathroom. She just wanted to be like the other girls at the table--relaxed and confident, going with the flow of the conversation.

With one last deep breath, she made her way back to the table. Luke looked up at her as she approached. He could tell something was off.

"Everything okay?"

She just nodded, falling back into her silence at the table. She laughed when everyone else laughed, smiling politely when someone made a remark towards her. Luke had never seen her so quiet in his life, not even on the first day that they met. By the time everyone had left the bar, her anxiety was so bad she thought she might puke.

Luke opened the car door for her, and she slid in, staring blankly out the window. The silence between them was heavy. Luke could feel it too, his fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel.

"Am, what's wrong? You've been quiet all night. You barely said a thing."

The tears that she had been fighting so hard to keep at bay finally spilled out. "I... I feel so stupid. I-I couldn't even talk to them. I couldn't even... act normal."

He reached out, placing a hand on her thigh. His heart clenched at her words. "You're not stupid, Am. You're doing amazing. You're learning a whole new language, that's huge."

"But I had to have you help on everything. I could... not even answer Jack's questions. They normally think... I'm dumb. Not good for you." She wiped at her eyes, frustrated with herself for crying.

"Amélie, baby. No one thinks you're dumb. And you are more than good enough for me--don't you ever doubt that. Jack loved meeting you. Everyone did. I could tell. They don't care if you need some help speaking English. Hell, some of those guys could use the help speaking English."

"I wanted... to be better. To show I can do this. But I feel...lost."

"You don't have to show anyone that you can do anything. Not to me, not to Jack, not to anyone. I love you for--"

"You love me?"

"Of course I do, Am. I... I didn't want to admit it like this. But... I am so in love with you, Amélie."

"I love you too, Luke. Sorry if I... embarrass you tonight."

"You could never embarrass me, Am. Never ever."

"I-"

"Nope, that's enough out of you. Let's go back to yours and watch that stupid cop show you like."

"Mensonges?"

"If that's what it's called, then yes."

"I love you, Lu."

"I love you too, Am."

"I don't know, Jack. She was so nervous last time..."

"But last time there were other people there too. Just tell her you've got the place to yourself for the night and then I'll walk in a couple hours later and be like 'Oh! Sorry, my plans got cancelled.' And then we can all hangout," Jack suggested.

"I'm not going to lie to her. I'll just ask if she wants to spend the night."

"Come on, Rusty! You know I'm just trying to help her relax around me. You're making it sound like a big deal. It's not! She's your girlfriend, and I want to get to know her. Plus, I'll make it fun! I'm good with people."

"I appreciate the thought, Jack. But I want her to feel comfortable, not tricked. So I'll just ask her if she wants to come over and spend the night. No tricks."

"Fine, fine. Let me know what she says."

"I will. Just... don't be an idiot."

Amélie followed Luke into his apartment, her backpack thrown over his shoulder. She looked around, noticing how painfully obvious it was that two men lived there.

"I'm just gonna put your bag in my room. You wanna go make yourself comfortable on the couch?"

"Sure."

She sat down, curling her legs under herself, glancing around the living room. She picked up the remote off the coffee table, fiddling with while she waited for Luke.

"You good?"

"Yeah. Just... taking in. It is very... you."

"What, you mean messy?"

She giggled, then tension in her shoulders disappearing. "Maybe... un peu."

"Hey, it's organized chaos, baby. I know where everything is. Well... most of the time."

"I like it. Feels... comfortable. Like you."

"That's all I want, babe. For you to be comfortable."

"Where's Jack?"

"Probably in his room. Why? Wanna talk with him?"

Amélie quickly shook her head, her eyes widening. "No, no... just wonder. I don't want to... bother him."

"You're not bothering him. He's probably playing video games or doing some stupid shit. He'll come out here eventually."

The last time she'd been around Jack, she hadn't been able to shake her nerves. Tonight, she was determined to make a better impression, even if she still felt like puking.

Luke gently nudged her with his elbow. "Hey, you're good, Am. Jack's chill. You don't have to be nervous."

"I know... just... want him to like me."

"He already likes you," Luke reassured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "He wouldn't shut up about how cool you were after the last time."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I wouldn't lie to you, silly."

"Love you, Lu."

"Love you too," he leaned in to kiss her when footsteps pulled them apart.

"Aww, did I interrupt a moment?" Jack's teasing voice came from the doorway.

"Relax, Jack. We were just talking... about you."

"Oh yeah?" Jack pushed himself off the wall, making his way to the couch. "All good things, I hope."

"Duh," Luke squeezed Amélie's hand, allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder. "Amélie was just asking what you were up to."

"Probably nothing interesting compared to you lovebirds. Was talking to Trevor--can't let Luke get ahead of me in the whole having a life department."

She tried to think of a quick response to his joke, but came up with nothing she deemed funny enough.

"Luke tells me you like studying here cause it's different. How so?"

"Um, everything... is feeling bigger here. The city, the campus. And obviously... English. There is like... zero English in my town. We use some words... but not lots."

"Well, seems like you're doing great. Don't stress it. Plus you've got this guy," he gestured to Luke, "to help you out, right?"

She blushed, "Yes, Lu is... super."

Luke grinned, leaning in and whispering, "Told you he likes you."

"I don't know how I'm gonna survive without you, Am," Luke admitted, wiping the tears from his face. His usually calm, relaxed demeanor was gone, replaced with a raw vulnerability.

Amélie had told herself she wasn't going to cry, but seeing Luke cry made that impossible. Her tears had started as soon as his had. "You will, Lu. You are so strong. And... I will not be gone forever."

He shook his head, intertwining their fingers. "I know, but... shit's gonna feel so different without you here. I'm used to having you here all the time. And now I won't see you until summer. I don't know how to do that."

"You'll have Jack, the guys, your family. I'm just... a plane away. We will FaceTime, and before you know... I am back. And I will meet Quinn... and your parents."

Luke rested his head in her lap, letting her run her fingers through his hair. She could feel his tears soaking the fabric of her jeans. "I'm gonna miss you so fucking much, Am."

"I'll miss you too, Lu. So, so much."

They stayed like that for a long time, just wrapped in each other's embraces. Neither of them wanted to let go. Neither of them wanted to admit how hard the next few months would be. They just wanted to stay together... forever.

Amélie was sitting at her desk, her phone propped up against her water bottle as Luke's face filled the screen. His hair was a mess and his eyes drooping. She could tell he had just gotten home from practice.

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted.

"Hey, you," she replied, resting her chin on her hand. "How was practice?"

"Exhausting," he groaned. "But seeing your face makes it better."

Amélie blushed, biting her lip as she smiled. Before she could respond, she heard her brothers' voices coming from down the hall.

"Ah, c'est qui, Amélie?" (who is it, Amélie?)

"Son chum?" the other laughed. (her boyfriend?)

"Ahhh, mais Luke, t'es ben chix." (Ahhh, but Luke, you're so hot.)

"Ferme ta gueule!" Amélie shouted. (Shut your mouth!)

Luke burst out laughing at the look on his girlfriend's face. "What're they saying?"

She huffed, rolling her eyes. "They're being idiots. Teasing me about you."

"Teasing, huh?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "What did they say? Come on, tell me."

She sighed, getting closer to the camera with a small smirk. "They said you're... how would that translate.... that you're 'hot.'"

"Oh, did they know? You must have good pictures of me hanging up then, huh?"

"They're just being annoying. They think it's funny to tease me because I love an American."

"Well, tell them I appreciate the compliment. And tell them I say 'hi'," he teased.

Amélie shook her head but shouted, "Luke dit bonjour!"

From the hallway, her brothers responded with exaggerated greetings in their broken English, making the couple laugh.

"They're something else, huh? I can't wait to meet them one day."

"They'll probably want you to ask Cole for free Habs tickets. But... in a few weeks, I'll be back and I'll get to meet all of your family."

Luke's eye lit up at the thought. "I know! I've been counting down the days, baby. I can't wait for you to be here again!"

"Me neither. Excited to meet Quinn and your parents."

"Yeah, my mom's super excited to meet you!"

"I'm a little nervous though."

"Don't be! They are gonna love you so much, Am!"

"I love you, Lu."

"I love you more, Amélie. Only a few more weeks, then we'll be together again. I can't wait."

"You promise?"

"I promise. And I'm gonna spoil you so much. Just you, me, and the lake."

"Can't wait."

#nhl imagine #nhl fic #hockey imagine #hockey fic #luke hughes #luke hughes imagine

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russellsppttemplates · 5 months ago

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hi, if you doing blurb night again.

Herve, Amelia and Thomas being at the Imola GP and hearing Uncle Seb is there too and just want to spend time with him.

"And Seb stopped by, you just missed him actually", Charles added as he took another fork of food from his plate.

"Oh", you pouted, "I didn't know he was here, and I haven't seen him in a while", you pointed out.

"Uncle Seb is here?", Hervé was the first to ask, getting his siblings to look at their father with the same inquiring eyes.

"Yes, he is - he asked about you guys", Charles added.

"We need to see him! Where is he now? We have to go!", Amélie cheered.

"Not so fast, chérie - we'll look for him later, okay?", you tried to negotiate.

"Mama, no! We need to find him now! We never get to play with him anymore!", Thomas pouted.

"Once you finish your lunch, we'll think about that, okay?", you stated, sternly and gently enough so they could understand.

When Charles had to get to his meetings, you and the kids braved through the paddock, hoping you'd find the german driver.

"Uncle Pierre! Have you seen Seb?", Amélie asked him when she spotted him.

"Hello, princess! No, I haven't seen him, no! But I'm seeing you now and I haven't done that in some time!", he smiled.

"We'll catch up with you later, we need to find Seb!", Thomas yelled as he followed his siblings.

"They're very keen on finding Seb - I'll text your missus and we'll meet up, okay? I have to go after them!", you suggested, already following the three Leclerc children and being thankful that Leo stayed in the hospitality.

"There he is! UNCLE SEB, UNCLE SEB! HERE!", Hervé yelled, catching his attention as he was speaking to a reporter.

"It's the Leclercs!", Natalie spoke into the microphone, "and Y/N - did you guys run away from your mama?".

"We just needed to find uncle Seb", Amélie smiled, "and mama could see us".

"They're very insistent - hi Seb, hi Natalie", you greeted, "they are very much Charles' kids, when they put something in their head, they don't give up until they get it!".

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

#charles leclerc blurb #inês writes blurbs #f1 blurb #f1 x reader

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pmamtraveller · 2 months ago

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PORTRAIT OF MADAME X /1884/ by JOHN SINGER SARGENT

“Madame X” is a portrait of Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, or Madame Gautreau. Madame Gautreau was an American expatriate originally from Louisiana. She had moved to Paris, France, with her family when she was eight years old. She was renowned for her beauty and sophistication.

Madame Gautreau was painted at the request of Sargent himself, who hoped he could use her popularity to increase his notoriety. Many artists sought to paint Madame Gautreau, as they were enamoured by her unusual beauty, but she had denied most of them.

When this painting was first shown at the Paris Salon of 1884, Madame Gautreau’s right strap was depicted as fallen off her shoulder. The strap, the amount of bare skin visible, and the heavy makeup on her face resulted in a mostly negative review from critics. The public viewed it as flaunting her immorality.

Sargent, trying to safeguard his reputation, repainted her strap so that it was back on her shoulder. Regardless, this scandal ruined his reputation in Paris. Shortly after, Sargent gave up the city of light and relocated to London, England, where he stayed and finally acquired the respect as a portrait artist that he was seeking.

Seven years later, in 1891, Madame Gautreau was painted again. This portrait, by the French artist Gustave Courtois, displays her in a very similar manner, in profile with a dress with one shoulder strap down. The dress, however, is white. Interestingly, this painting was a success when it was unveiled, perhaps speaking to the changing social norms of the time.

#john singer sargent #madame x #impressionism

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ambiguouslady42 · 4 months ago

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Remember Summer Days

I wrote my first fanfic. This will be reminiscent a tad to my own teen years. I'm playing with it and seeing if I can make it into a small series.

Synopsis: A hopeless teen girl has a meet-cute with the ever, handsome Satoru Gojo.

Note: This will mostly be intense fluff. I wrote this for me, but if you would like to leave feedback or notes, you can always DM me.

If you're a minor or an ageless blog, I will block you. No questions asked.

______________________________________________________________

2007

You were an awkward 16-year-old. You look back at this period and wonder how you did so little and so much. Concert ticket stubs, movie stubs, CD’s, posters. You certainly had many adventures, but you were a homebody who loved to daydream. You daydreamed of the day you would meet someone that you knew would change your life; the day came. It was the summer of 2007. His name was Satoru Gojo.

You were just cruising by high school at this time in your life. You were ambitious to pursue any career path from a politician, teacher, or a librarian. You were involved with a bunch of clubs because you were friends were involved in them. Your excited demeanour about making change and sharing ideas sometimes caught up with you; at times, you were the center of such critiques like “They’re so annoying, why do they even bother to come?” or “Is there any way that we could ditch them during this event”.

Socializing at times was very difficult at school. At best, you had one friend, and even at times, you felt that you couldn’t really interact with a lot of your classmates. Your interests differed from that of everyone else. Nobody has seen the movies that you have seen. Music? Most of the student populous didn’t listen to bands you listen to like Interpol, The Smiths, or The Strokes. If they did, well they weren’t part of your social circle. Your interests made you feel like an outsider.

On the days you felt the most uncomfortable for speaking up or wanting to crawl into yourself, you would ride the rail line to head over to your favourite record store. It was a two-story building. It had everything you could possibly want. Vinyl, CD’S, cassettes, and the best part: movies. You felt a comfort in knowing that this store had everything that anyone could be searching for, if they knew where to look.

On this particular day you were looking at French films, particularly Amélie. Your best friend shared that it made an impact on her. You were talking to her on MSN Messenger during the weekend and discussed

movies.

[Mariella]: I just watched Amélie this last week. It’s soo cute.

[You]: What’s it about?

[Mariella]: It’s about a girl who is destined to help others, but along the way, she falls in love with her soulmate.

[Mariella]: Nino Quincampoix <333

You figured today was a great day to build your movie collection. As you were about to grab the DVD box, you noticed a tall figure across from you. You were standing right across from him. He had the flare of cool that you know you stood no chance in. What stood out to you the most was his white hair and round sunglasses. You thought to yourself “Of course they would wear sunglasses indoors. Wonder what their eyes look like.” You continued to stare.

He caught you staring. You wanted to shrivel up into a ball. You began to sweat. Suddenly he started to move towards you. You saw him circling through the aisle of DVD’s and then he was standing next to you.

“Hi…” he said.

“Oh…hello”, you said back.

You could feel your face getting hot, but he still didn’t move away from you. The first thing you notice is the DVD’s that he’s holding. You recognize a couple of 80’s movies You notice Gremlins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Back to the Future.

“That’s quite a collection you have there”, you said.

“Oh, these? I just thought I’d finally be able to grab these classics. Have you ever seen any of these?” he says.

At this point, you’re getting pretty comfortable. With a sly smile on your face: “Of course I have. Who has not seen any of these movies?”

He gives you a confident smile: “Well then, tell me about Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”.

“Well first of all, hi. I’m Isabel”

“Nice to meet you, Isabel. I’m Satoru".

#jjk #jjk fanfic #satoru gojo #fanfic #gojo satoru #gojo x reader #gojo satoru x reader #jjk fluff #jujutsu kaisen #gojo satoru x oc #Satoru gojo x oc #Satoru gojo x you #Gojo Satoru x you

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nemaliwrites · 4 months ago

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“What can I do for you, Lady Graham de Vanily?” asks Fu. He takes a sip of his tea, and makes a pleased expression. Amélie bites down a smile.

Her tea is always something that she's done the best. Even her husband — late husband, she reminds herself — couldn't find anything to complain about.

Not for lack of trying, of course.

“Actually, Master Fu,” says Amélie, “I think there's something I can do for you.”

His eyebrows raise, betraying his interest. “You don't have to call me Master, you know,” he says. “I usually save that for a...certain group of people.”

“I’m aware,” says Amélie.

“Now, what is it you think you can do for me?”

Though he surely doesn't mean it like that, Amélie finds herself bristling at the skepticism in his voice. Yet another person that looks down on her. At this point, she should be used to it.

“There's something that you've lost, isn't there,” she says. “Something you're trying to find. What if I told you I knew where it was?”

Fu's teacup clatters on the saucer when he places it down. “Lady Graham de Vanily,” he begins softly.

“Amélie,” she corrects him, but isn't surprised when he doesn't listen.

“If you speak about what I think you speak about, then...there is only one way you could know that.”

“I know,” she replies, just as softly.

“Then are you admitting to it?”

“In a way,” she says. “What if I told you that...the thing that was stolen from you, it came to me much in the same way?”

“And what way is that?”

“Force,” says Amélie.

Fu's eyes cloud with knowledge. Not for the first time, Amélie wonders how old this man sitting in front of her is. What kinds of things he has seen in his lifetime.

Even in hers, she's seen things that she never once believed could be true, things that have shaken up her entire worldview. Was he the same way? Or were those things his worldview to begin with, and his life was only shaken up when they were taken from him?

She doesn't think she wants to know the answer.

“If that's true,” Master Fu begins slowly, “then that would make us allies, would it not?”

“Yes,” says Amélie, taking another sip of tea. “I quite agree.”

“But I must confess that I wouldn't make the best ally. After all, I have nothing to offer you.”

“Oh, I don't think that's true,” says Amélie. “You don't give yourself enough credit.” Or me, she thinks but does not say. “You have the power to return things to the way they were. To see justice doled out. And that's what you want? Isn't that its own reward?”

Fu does not respond.

“This person that has what I'm looking for,” he says finally, “would I be correct in assuming they are someone close to you?”

“In a way,” she admits. “But not anymore. I don't know who they are anymore. I don't know if I ever did.”

Fu hums, and he reaches across the table to lay his hand over hers. “This can't be easy for you,” he says, “but I hope you know that I am eternally grateful for what you're doing.”

She blinks, unexpectedly touched. “Thank you,” she says. She reaches to the table on the side, brings forth a magazine.

On the cover is her brother-in-law.

#miraculous ladybug #amelie graham de vanily #master fu #mlb fanfic #miraculous ladybug fic #frantic fanfic #my fics

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thetwstwildcard · 1 month ago

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"The flower that smells the sweetest is shy and lowly"

Full Name: Emery Jäger

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: 18

Birthday: February 20th

Star Sign: Pisces

Height: 156 cm (Roughly 5'1)

Eye Color: Sage Green

Hair Color: Off blonde

Dominant Hand: Right

Voice Claim: Saori Hayami (Japanese) Meaghan Jette Martin (English)

Inspiration: Evil Queen's Heart Box

Homeland: Land of Pyroxene

Dorm: Pomefiore

Year: 2nd

Club: Horseback Riding

Best Subject: Arts

Worst Subject: Summoning

Favorite Food: Macarons

Likes: Ballet, baking, arts, practicing archery (only on non animal looking targets), her family, classical art and music, flower arrangement, tea parties and theater

Dislikes: Hurting animals, attention, public speaking, people putting her on a pedestal, people watching her practice (ballet or archery), loud noises and bitter/sour tastes

Personality: The soft spoken sole daughter of the famous ballerina Amélie Devereaux and famous hunter/overblot beast hunter Dietrich Jäger, who gained talents from both parents. She has two older brothers (Blaise and Dieter) and one younger brother (Caden). Through her mother, she is childhood friends with Vil (who grew distant over time) while she met Rook during an archery competition. She's quick to run and hide at confrontation. She was a rambunctious child but after gaining her UM at a young age, caused by a "hunting accident", she has been timid.

Unique Magic: Huntress's Volley: Creates a bow and arrows out of magic (using her hands) that releases arrows that cannot miss their target (unless she puts all her effort into them missing)

Trivia

Technically should be a 3rd year but after her "hunting accident" she left school for a year before returning the next year a "different person"

Her "hunting accident" was actually a time when her father took her hunting when she was 10 that quickly turned very dangerous when they ran into an overblot monster that her father almost defeated until he got critically hurt (has a deep scar from it). To save her father, she "unlocked" her UM and slayed the beast only for it to turn into a human like form before fading to a black stone. The sight traumatized her (rightfully so) and since then she refused to go on hunting trips.

She much prefers following her mother's foot steps in ballet.

However, she still competes in archery events and more often than not either wins gold or is on the podium. At one of these she met Rook (where he gave her her ribbon for her medal) and now uses it in her hair

In ballet, she goes by her father's last name but in archery she goes by her mother's maiden name to not get only seen as the others child.

Her parents are married (and happily so), her mother just got famous before marriage and kept her maiden name.

She has extremely good eyesight and aim (even if not with a bow)

Stress bakes

Would want to be in Heartslabyul if not for the fact that being yelled at by Riddle would make her cry

Respects Vil but misses the relationship they had as children (since they're both "opposite" now")

#twst oc #twisted wonderland oc #oc #twstoc #twst ocs #twst #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #pomefiore #pomefiore oc #Emery Jäger #Emery Jaeger #main 7 #main girls #Emery revamp #twsted wonderland #twsted oc

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emberfrostlovesloki · 1 month ago

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Unsweetened Lemonade [Hotch x Reader]

Photo Credits: Center (@2k17-xanax-girl) Right and Left (@lesbianhotch)

Prompt: Aaron struggles after the death of Haley, until he takes a prescription sleep aid, Halcion. The ramifications of that choice will change his and the reader's life forever.

Pairing: Aaron x Bau-Reader

Category: Angst/Whump

Word Count: 4.4K

Content Warnings: Drug abuse [Hotch] trauma [Hotch] distressing situations, depression, and hospitals. If I missed any, please let me know.

A/N: Hi all! I hope you are all doing very well! Here is the first whump fic of the month! I know the month is almost over but from me the whump will continue a while longer as I have four other whump fics planned. My writing this took some time but I was happy when I was writing rather than stressed, so I think that’s a good thing. The fic title is based on the song by Amélie Farren titled "Unsweetened Lemonade" I recommend you give it a listen if you are down. That being said, thank you to everyone who has kept up with me, or to any new readers or followers! Please be kind to yourselves this week and do something you love, you are so special. If you enjoy this fic, likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated! Love Levi - ❤️

List with all stories

y/n = your name

“You are relieved of your duties, Agent Hotchner. I wish you well with your future endeavors.” The words stung Aaron more than he expected. He knew this was coming, but the reality of it hit him like a splash of cold water. Hotch refused to look away from Strass. He could tell from her expression that she didn’t wish him well. What was worse was that he knew she knew. He got up from his chair and extended his hand. The Director also stood, and the height difference between them was almost funny. She took his large hand and gave it one firm shake before dropping her hand to her side and giving him a look that said, “You’re dismissed.” without having to utter a sound.

Aaron took a breath and walked out the door. Dave was at the end of the hallway, he had been the whole meeting. Aaron shook his head, no, and Rossi dropped his head. He’d clearly wanted, and maybe even expected a different outcome. Hotch hadn’t, he’d seen it coming for over a month now. No matter how much he thought about the outcome of today, he’d never in a million years seen his life turning out like this. Only a few months ago everything had been fine, fine?

Many weeks after Haley had died, Hotch had still woken up dripping sweat from night terrors or nightmares about her dead corpse rotting, stalking, or begging him to let her live. Night after night his former wife was tormenting him for not being good enough. Worse, it wasn’t his failure as a husband, but his failure as an FBI Agent and Unit Chief. When he’d almost passed out and had a breakdown on a case, Dave had pulled him aside and insisted that he go to a hospital. Aaron felt guilty about going to get care during a case. He’d resisted. However, when the small-town doctor had filled a prescription for Halcion and he had taken the meds that first night, he had the best sleep of his life, or at least for the last year.

Things really had been good for a bit after that. When he felt like he needed a strong night’s sleep, Aaron would pop one of the small blue-greyish pills and would knock out a few minutes later. The team had even noticed his improvement in mood and energy. Most of them thought that it was because he was continuing this therapy, which he’d stopped as soon as was allowed by the departmental standards. He couldn’t speak about his failings any more than he had. When the topic of Haley came up, he’d felt such a sharp pain in his chest and stomach it made him want to vomit.

On one of those good mornings, y/n had brought pastries and coffee for the team. Aaron was nowhere to be seen, and she knew that meant he was either in a meeting or holed up in his office like he normally had been -- more -- in the months before Foyett. Just as she ascended the stairs, the elevator dinged and Aaron stepped out and toward his office. y/n offered him one of her brilliant smiles and said, “Speak of the devil.” Hotch chuckled and replied, “Who, me?” y/n rolled her eyes and said, “I brought you one of those danishes you like from the bakery. You know you’re losing weight, right? What do I need to do to fatten you up?” y/n said it half in jest, but there was a seed of truth in her statement as well.

Aaron and y/n had an odd relationship. Almost like they were dating, but they weren’t. But if anyone else saw them, that would be the assumption. Aaron opened the door for y/n and said, “I could write you up for insubordination for a comment like that y/n, you know.” y/n brushed past him and looked into his eye a slight twinkle in her own as she said, “Right, right, and you’ve said that to me how many times this week already.”

When Hotch got to his desk, he poked back and replied, “Where’s my coffee? I see Reid and Garcia have theirs.” y/n crossed her arms over her chest and said, “You don’t need coffee. You’ve been more active than usual these last few weeks. What’d the therapist give you? Or did they finally put the cocaine back in Coke?” Aaron looked up, straight-faced, but he was near laughter. However, y/n’s words cut close. Too close. He could feel the pills in his desk like a small fire threatening to get bigger with a small gust. He wasn’t supposed to have kept taking them, but the form that he had gotten from the small-town doctor who was also the psychiatrist, was so easy to change to his D.C. doctor’s name so he could get a refill by just going to the website and hitting a button. Thankfully for him, the office staff hadn’t noticed the change yet.

Hotch had never done drugs, at least not hard ones. In undergrad, there’d been some weed, and LSD, but nothing major and not often. He didn’t find it so hard to stop, as he needed his full faculties for school. He realized it wasn’t worth the high of the moment versus the accomplishments he could make in the future. Now he felt like he was back in his dorm as he took his one pill a night, but he hadn’t seen any negative consequences so far, and as y/n had said, he even had more energy which was better for the team, and much better for Jack.

Five months later had been the real shift. After all, the road to hell was paved with good intentions, and Hotch did think he was doing the right thing with the pills. They were helping him get back on his feet. The five-month anniversary of Haley’s death hit Aaron hard. It was close to their wedding anniversary and the two events cut into him like a red hot brand. He hadn’t expected it to be such a strong feeling that it nearly knocked him off his feet. Thankfully there wasn’t a case that week, and even if there had been, Dave would have told him to stay home anyway. That night after getting Jack to Jess’s and saying goodnight to his son, he drove back home and took two pills instead of one. He was out like a light. The dawn came and his mouth was dry and he felt a little woozy as he got out of bed to shower, but the cold water perked him up and he realized he felt pretty fucking good. Well rested again, even after something emotionally hard.

Hotch had promised himself that taking two pills would be a rare occasion. Only for the toughest nights, and only when Jack wasn’t home. He wasn’t sure how “out of it” he was when he took two, so he didn’t dare risk it while his son was home. But the next few days he really didn‘t sleep as well and he went to work cranky and off-kilter. The pins and needles were a feeling he had and an irritation that wasn’t like him. No one on the team had really noticed, and Aaron was especially glad that his stoicism often came off as disinterest in anything apart from work. There was always Dave though. Hotch could tell that his friend was worried about him, just not sure what to be worried about. Aaron knew he’d have to come up with a valid excuse for Dave soon or start acting like a normal functioning human.

Hotch felt bad now for how he’d treated Spencer for his Diludad addiction. Not that he hadn’t offered support and help. He’d even offered to pay for Reid to go into rehab if that was something he wanted. Of course, Reid had declined and pretty much fully recovered. There were moments sometimes when Aaron could see the desire for a hit on the young agent's face. It pained Aaron because he knew how much Spencer was struggling in those moments. However, he’d never fully understood as well as he did when he was dealing with his own addiction. Not that Hotch was willing to call what he was doing an addiction. It was just a small problem to solve. It was shocking how much cognitive dissonance Aaron held with his ever-growing issues. What he was calling a “small problem,” was developing into a fully formed addiction - though his rate of intake might have been slower than others on Benzos.

When Aaron was on a regular schedule of taking two pills a night and starting to consider a third dose mid-day but he he hadn’t gotten there yet. It was an annoying case with as many authorities as possible walking over everyone else’s toes and getting hurt when it happened even though that party just did the same thing to the police. The team was out in a field and to be brutally honest, Hotch needed the restroom, Spencer and Emily were having a loud half conversation half argument near him, Rossi was trying to calm the state troopers, JJ was off somewhere talking to a troublesome reporter and the sun was so bright. It was giving Aaron a migraine that was only getting worse.

Morgan was on his left asking some sort of question and becoming more insistent with each word, but Hotch couldn’t understand him and his head was pounding until he finally said, “Give me a Goddamn minute, Morgan.” A look of shock and then briefly anger flashed on the strong agent's face before Derek said, “What the hell is wrong with you, Hotch? You’ve been acting off for weeks now.” Aaron thought about snapping back, but his brain had caught up with his mouth, and he closed it before any other hateful words seeped out. He’d fucked up big time and he knew it. Even if Hotch wasn’t going to say anything else apart from an apology, Morgan who could be hot-headed was winding up to say something else. Before he got a chance, Rossi took hold of his arm and said, “Come on, Let’s take a breather before any of us say anything else that we regret.” While Rossi towed Morgan away, the light touch of y/n’s fingers on his arm indicated that he was to follow her which he did. At least in y/n’s company, he was unlikely to explode again.

They walked in silence as the sky grew quickly grey and the wind blew the leaves on the ground in pointless circles. Hotch and y/n didn’t talk at first. y/n wanted to give him time to sort out his thoughts before asking questions or giving advice. Certainly, there had to be a reason for his odd behavior. Derek had been right about one thing, Hotch had been acting off the last month or so, but no one had yet brought it up with him.

While y/n was thinking, Aaron’s mind was also a sea with crashing waves and he was a man lost in that vast ocean struggling to catch his breath. Unknow the the rest of the team apart from Derek there were other tensions between the men that hadn’t been resolved. Two weeks there was talk about promotions in New York or Chicago again. Morgan’s name had come up at the round table, and trying to be supportive, Hotch had only said that Derek’s leadership skills were on par or above anyone else mentioned. The next week, Strauss had called Morgan into a one-on-one meeting to discuss his possible transfer to either Chicago or New York. No matter which option Morgan picked, it would say something about Aarons's leadership and judgment. Before he had a chance to decline the offer, Erin added, “Agent Hotchner speaks very highly of your talent you know. Your ambition and drive are a cut above.” Strauss adding the last phrase, which Hotch had not said, made Morgan scowl for just a second. What did Hotch know about his drive and ambition? To him, it sounded like Aaron wanted him off the team because there was some secret competition between them. That their fearless leader was scared of him. This set Morgan off. First, he didn’t like comparison and second, he didn’t like being told what to do.

By the time the meeting was over, Derek had told Strauss no, he was seething. He moved straight to Aaron’s office where they spent a good twenty minutes whisper yelling at each other so no one who looking into the office would think anything weird of it. Derek started strong by saying, “You don’t get to tell me what to do, Hotch. You might be my boss, but you don’t run my life!” Aaron looked a bit shocked and asked, “Pardon? What is this about?” This response only made Mogan more angry. He assumed Aaron was trying to brush it off. When he had clarified, the two continued to talk, and though they’d partially patched things up over the last week, the foundation was a bit weak at the moment. Hotch’s outburst hadn’t helped him any on that front. He could picture the small cracks in the concrete getting bigger with each step.

Finally, after a long time, y/n asked, “You gonna be alright, Hotch?” Aaron sighed and looked at y/n before replying, “Yeah. I just have to apologize to Morgan. This case is eating at me more than normal.” That was all a lie. The Benzos were eating at his mind more. More. More. More. But y/n didn’t seem to notice as she said, “Yeah. This one’s weird. Too many cooks in the kitchen. No wonder the pot boiled over.” Hotch nodded and gestured for them to start back to the scene. He hoped if he did apologize they could get back to the prescient or motel faster, his heart was beating oddly and the pins-and-needles sensation was creeping back up his legs. The day somehow managed to drag along to a conclusion but it was long and stressful and almost as soon as he was in his room, Hotch popped three pills and planned to take even more before he slept. Once the dose hit that warm sleepy feeling came over him and the world was right again. He pushed himself toward his bed in the tacky motel room and was out like a corpse before he even had the chance to turn off the overhead light and fan that was making lazy circles and circulating the warm air around the cramped space.

If that complicated situation with Morgan hadn’t been embarrassing enough for Aaron, then nothing would be, but he’d regret the path he was taking soon enough. And this go around, there would be no patching things up.

It was another case. It was the dead of winter in Wyoming and there was a killer forcing people to freeze to death. The cold was biting and hard for everyone, and the team was used to cold. However, this case required them to be out in the frigid air for long stints and it made everyone feel numb at some point or another. The team was functioning pretty much as normal and after a significant lead had been taken and moved the case forward at a fast clip, Hotch called for the team to get dinner and have an early night as a reward. He said that they would pick up early in the morning and that they should get inside before someone caught a cold. Although the gesture was appreciated by the team, y/n and Rossi gave their Unit Chief a weary look. Hotch was being odd again and no one else seemed to be noticing. y/n looked over to Rossi who gave a tiny nod that had also noticed her gaze.

They would talk about their concerns with each other when they got to the hotel. Unfortunately, their conversation about what might be wrong with Aaron would be no use, because at 3:00 AM a guest who wasn’t on the team who had gotten high tried to make microwave mac and cheese, but completely forgot to add water to the spinning plastic container. Within a minute the fire alarm was blaring as the carbs and plastic burned and sent acrid fumes throughout the hallway and the hotel as a whole. With the smoke and alarm going off, everyone asleep or not moved outside as they waited for the firemen to arrive. Everyone except Aaron. All the team were assembled outside wondering what had happened and if there was something else going on with the case or if this was a drill or any other variety of things. Hotch still hadn’t come down and they assumed he was grabbing something, but after a minute they all became worried.

Just as they headed toward the door to go back inside and see what was wrong, the firetruck came screaming into view and the firefighters intercepted the team. One burly woman held y/n back from going inside and asked, “What do you think you’re doing?” y/n sighed and said, “My boss is in there!” y/n composed herself and pulled out her ID and said, “I’m a federal agent and he’s the Leader of the Behavior Analysis Unit, I have to get to him.” The woman huffed and crossed her arms over her chest as her unit rushed inside ready to face the “fire,” and replied, “Ma’am, you could be the King of England and I’d still not let you in there. Let my team do their jobs, please?” Desperate but with nothing else to do, y/n stepped back toward Rossi and Derek who were pacing and talking.

After what felt like ages, the ringing of an ambulance sounded louder and louder. y/n internally begged that it wasn’t for Hotch. After all, there could be other people trapped in the tall building who were hurt. Everyone standing outside in the cold moved aside as the paramedics moved it. At this point y/n was frigid and Spencer stepped forward draping his warm sweater over her shoulder. Shocked by the sudden warmth, y/n turned around and said, “Thanks, Spence.” A few minutes later, y/n and the team could see the paramedics and firefighters moving toward the exit. Someone was on a stretcher, and once the cavalcade was outside the BAU members noticed it was Aaron being wheeled out. They all ran forward and Derek asked one of the medics, “What happened to him? Smoke inhalation?” The EMT looked up briefly and then back down before saying, “Benzo overdose, or close to. He must have been using it for some time to build up a tolerance this high. We found lots of bottles in his room. We’re having them tested to see where they’re from.”

The comment the man made left everyone dumbfounded. Aaron had OD? The team’s silence was momentary as they burst into chatter about what this meant and if it was intentional or not. Was it related to the case? Though no one really wanted to believe it was a choice Hotch would make, Derek, Dave, and y/n knew deep down inside that this wasn’t case-related.

When Aaron woke up, it was with the biggest sense of not knowing where he was he had ever experienced. Everything was foggy and he could feel a needle in his arm. When he could open his eyes enough to recognize Dave sitting in the corner of his room the reality of the situation sunk in. “What happened?” he rasped out. His throat was so dry that it felt like it was on fire. Rossi looked up from his corner before standing and grabbing Hotch a small paper cup full of water. Once Aaron had drunk, Dave said, “You almost died. There was an accident at the hotel and the fire alarm went off. You slept through it and the firefighters called EMS. You’re lucky someone was high last night, you might not have made it.”

Aaron closed his eyes hearing this news. It was over, it was all over. Somehow even more so than when he took extra pills last night without really thinking about it. It wasn’t a good feeling, but at least his horrible, shameful secret was out. He didn’t have to keep hiding it or attempt to hide it. Hotch suspected Rossi had known all along and was waiting for him to ask for help. Not surprisingly, Dave asked, “Why, Aaron? Why do this to yourself? You’ve always been the strong one. The one that weathers the storm. This isn’t the friend that I know.” Rossi’s words stung, but he was right. Hotch took a few moments before saying. “Maybe I’m tired of being the strong one. I’ve had enough. After Haley… I didn’t feel like trying. I don’t want to feel like trying. I don’t want to die or anything. I need to be there for Jack, but the job is different now. Tainted. And I have a feeling when I’m gone I’m still going to be working here in some way. Something will go wrong and I’ll still somehow get the blame, ‘Oh that was Hotchner’s duty, must have not gotten to it before he was let go.’” Rossi bit the inside of his lip because Aaron was being honest. One thing about the FBI, if you could throw someone under the bus, you would cover your ass.

Rossi said softly, “You should rest. You’re going to need it for what comes next.” Aaron gave a small nod and decided not to be a smart-ass and retort, “Isn’t that what I’ve been doing too much of here?” Surprisingly, Hotch fell asleep pretty quickly even if he thought he wouldn’t. When he woke, Rossi was gone, but he wasn’t alone. y/n was in his seat instead. She noticed he was awake and said, “How are you feeling?” Hotch gave a small grunt before saying, “You shouldn’t be in here, y/n.” The bluntness of his words cut at y/n and she furrowed her brow saying, “Aaron, it’s not like you’re going to get up and attack me, and from what I know Benzo's addiction isn’t transferred by air.”

y/n would never have said something like that, but she felt fried and his opener hadn’t helped her mood. Hotch sighed. He knew he’d made a mistake speaking that way. But he needed to do what he did next for y/n’s sake. He could wreck his own life, but not y/n’s. He’d never do anything to hurt her. And realizing that he finally realized he loved y/n. That tiny seed had been germinating for months and finally bloomed too late; now he’d forever lost his chance. He put on a stern face, a reprimanding face as he said, “No, I can’t give you that, but my reputation is a tainted one now, and you should stay far away from me. Pretend you didn’t even know me for your career.” y/n huffed, seeing what he was trying to do. She bit at her thumbnail before replying, “We can fix this though, right?” The panic in her voice broke Aaron as he said, “No.”

y/n took a sharp breath in before stating firmly, “But Reid…” Hotch cut her off saying, “That was different. You weren’t there for that, y/n. We protected him. That can’t happen for me. And you are not to try and save me. Let that be my last order to you as Unit Chief.” y/n looked devastated. How was the team going to be a team without Hotch? She tried to hold back her tears but they bubbled over and she rushed from the room, not wanting Aaron to see her like this. When y/n was gone, Aaron slumped back into bed and harshly rubbed his eyes. He felt more alone than ever.

It was two weeks that Hotch was formally suspended and three days later, on a Friday he was let go from the F.B.I. Derek would be taking his spot as Unit Chief, and though he wouldn’t be there to see it, he knew it was going to be a rough transition. He was only happy for Rossi to still be there to be a mentor to Derek and the rest of the team. He’d prepped for this day that he knew was coming and as he left the office for the last time, he dropped a letter off in y/n’s mailbox. He wouldn’t be so conspicuous as to just put it on her desk. It read:

y/n, I’m so sorry things had to end like this. You are an amazing agent and will continue to be without me here. There are so many things I regret, the things that led up to this firing, but my feelings for you as well. I know it’s unfair to you for me to do this now, but you really are a special person, y/n. Maybe, years from now when things are different we could see each other again? I hope that’s something you would want. I hope by then I’d be worthy of you. I wish you the best, and, until later, you have my best thoughts and wishes - Aaron.

Hotch walked out the door as Derek got out of a meeting this Strauss. Agent Hotchner was to be forgotten as much as possible. No bringing him up or asking him for help. Morgan walked into the mail room and saw the letter poking out from y/n’s box. This was odd because she was relatively new and didn’t get much if any mail. Derek suspected it was from Aaron, and his suspicion was proven correct as he pulled out the letter and studied the outside. Of all of them, y/n would suffer the most from Hotch’s loss, so without much thinking about it, Derek grabbed the letter, crumpled it, and tossed it in the recycle bin. Over the next few weeks there were many challenges for the team and Aaron, but at least Aaron thought that his message had been clear, little did he or y/n know that it hadn’t been received. So the weeks went on and y/n thought Aaron had dropped her like a hot potato onto the ground, and Aaron, waiting for some sort of reply lost hope that he would hear from y/n again. Maybe she was listening to the rumors about him that must be circling the office. Either way, what could have been a sweet and lovely thing, remained soured like unsweetened lemonade.

Text Break Banner by @cafekitsune

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crushedgraham · 1 year ago

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Would u do an Ashe x Widowmaker x fem! Reader (poly relationship) headcanons please? Reader is quite introverted 🤍

Also some smut headcanons too if that’s okay :)

Widowmaker x introverted fem Reader x Ashe

im still trying to figure out how to portray them :,) but i hope you like it!

prepare to be SPOILED.

theyre both loaded and will not hesitate to buy anything for you

oh you want something but youre too shy to ask? amélie can tell as soon as she looks at you, her eyes keenly observing you

typically amélie's the one accompanying you while shopping bc ashe is busy running the deadlock gang but she tries her best to join every now and then

she makes up for it by bringing you little trinkets from her heists that reminds her of you

it can vary from expensive jewelry to little figurines she thought you'd like

she'll clasp a gold necklace around your neck and kiss your cheek, murmuring a small "such a pretty girl"

they're trying to one up each other, every chance they get

who's the better shooter?

who's the better cook (ashe can only grill hotdogs and burgers and amélie can only make charcuterie boards but they try their best)?

who's the better kisser?

who can make you cum the fastest

they just want your praise and affection 🙁

speaking of which...they're N E E D Y.

you literally have to sleep in the middle so they each have easy access to you

when ashe gets jealous of amelie, her confident and "dominating" mask crumbles, leaving her needy and whiny

she'll kiss and nuzzle at your neck with her arms wrapped tightly around your waist "Darlin'...Pay attention to me"

when amélie gets jealous of ashe she gets petty and almost cat-like. she'll huff and pout while glaring at you and the cowgirl until you get the hint that she needs some loving too

i feel like ashe would love to show off her partners at events she holds for the deadlock gang

you dont like socializing too much? thats fine with her, she'll steal you away to a private nook in her expensive party room

ashe will sit you on her lap while she sips some whiskey and eyes you up and down

if you're feeling bold and decide to slip her hat off of her head and onto your own?

she'll go feral.

Cowboy hat rule is all im saying.

amélie will accompany the two of you sometimes to join in on the fun but opts out most of the times bc she thinks the rowdiness of the party's distasteful

you sitting on ashe's lap with your back pressed against her chest, her knees spreading your legs open for amélie who's kneeling with her head under your dress is a position you frequent a lot

ashe tops the most (she's so smug about it) but when amélie takes over? she crumbles.

sounds like a whiny mess as you watch and touch yourself to the scene of her getting her back absolutely blown out by amélie

i feel like one of their favorite positions would be amélie sitting on your face while ashe fucks you with her favorite strap

ANYWAYS

lets get back to some domestic hc's

ashe can definitely play the acoustic guitar and will softly play it while singing old country songs whenever it's a sleepless night or when someone gets a nightmare

she even learned the chords for some french lullabies for amélie to sing to

when you go out to eat and they get your order wrong but you're too shy to say anything, BABE THEY GOTCHU.

"she asked for no pickles 😠"

or if you just don't want to order in general? they'll happily do it!

if your social battery's running out or you're just feeling a little on edge/anxious at events they'll escort you outside for a break

the silence is comfortable and the comforting smell of their shared cigarette grounds you

after a long day yall will just turn on a movie of your choice and you'll lay in between them

ashe will most likely spoon you and amélie will lay on her side, facing you while tracing little patterns on your ribs or holding your hand

#widowmaker x reader #overwatch #overwatch x reader #widowmaker #ashe x reader #ashe x widowmaker #ashe overwatch #ouihaw

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when-life-gives-you-lemons-if · 1 month ago

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Can we get some Céline facts cc? please 🥺

As promised!

Fun facts about Celine. 💕

Red Wine Connoisseur – Celine has a meticulously curated wine collection at home, with each bottle marking a milestone in her life. She often jokes that she knows more about wine than most sommeliers.

Sharp Eye for Talent – Celine claims she can spot a promising chef within five minutes of watching them work in a kitchen. It's why she took a chance on MC as the executive chef.

French Proverbs – Whenever she's annoyed or impressed, she drops French proverbs to make a point. Some of the staff are pretty sure she uses this to throw off anyone who doesn't understand French.

Strictly Business (With One Exception) – Celine keeps a strict boundary between work and social life, but there's one regular she always joins for a glass of wine after hours—a mysterious woman she only refers to as "Amélie."

Well-Kept Secret Recipe – Celine has a signature French dessert recipe she only shares with the chefs she truly respects. No one has seen the recipe yet...

No Love for Social Media – Despite Ciboulette's success, Celine can't stand social media. She only caved and let the restaurant have an account after relentless persuading from her marketing team.

Divorce Left Her Wiser – She speaks rarely of her divorce, but she often hints that it taught her more about what she wants from life than any culinary experience could.

Some of the French proverbs that she uses.

"Qui ne risque rien n'a rien." (Those who risk nothing, get nothing.) Celine might use this to nudge someone into making a daring culinary choice or to remind the kitchen that great rewards require bold moves.

"L'appétit vient en mangeant." (Appetite comes with eating.) This one is perfect when someone's hesitant to dive into a new dish, technique, or responsibility, reminding them that confidence grows with action.

"Les murs ont des oreilles." (The walls have ears.) She uses this one when someone talks a bit too freely about restaurant gossip or sensitive matters.

"Mieux vaut tard que jamais." (Better late than never.) Celine might say this with a smirk when someone finally figures something out or makes a needed improvement.

#spices of the heart

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russellsppttemplates · 8 months ago

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Hiiii I loved love love your work babe. I just had a request with Charles

Herve is a big momma’s boy and reader is going through postpartum but Herve just doesn’t get she needs some space bc he just loves his mama

Maybe how Charles would help with that or it just being overwhelming for her and he comforts her

Note: thank you for your words ✨️🫶

Cw: postpartum

"Mama, I want mama", Hervé pouted as Charles was the one to pick him up to take him for his bath, "papa is doing your bath tonight, mon petit, we can have your car and your duckie", Charles suggested, hoping he would be convinced easily. Your son started crying as Charles picked him up, kissing his cheeks softly and waving his hand to assure you he would be fine, not wanting you to worry about anything else other than feeding little Amélie on your arms.

Lately, it had been stressful and frankly overwhelming at times when both your children needed and wanted you and you couldn't satisfy their needs at once.

You walked upstairs and put Amélie in her cot next to your bed just in time to hear your boys in Hervé's room, stepping inside to kiss your son goodnight, "goodnight, my love, I hope you have sweet dreams tonight", you wished, kissing his forehead as he threw his arms around you, tears falling from his eyes as he nuzzled his face on your neck, "It's okay, amour, mama's here", you bounced him around, wincing a little as you moved around his room.

"Are you ready for sleep now?", you asked as he became sleepy, not even giving you time to read him a bedtime story as he fell asleep the minute his head hit the pillow.

"He was cranky, wasn't he?", you asked Charles, "He's a mama's boy through and through, and I think he's feeling that he now has to share you with Amélie and he's realising that she needs you more now", he replied.

That did it as you cried all of the tears you had been holding for the past few weeks, "Amour, amour, I'm here", Charles said as he let you cry on his chest, "it's not your fault, Y/N, if anything it's a good sign! That boy loves you so much and he wants to be with you as much as he can, but we'll speak to him tomorrow about how Amélie is smaller and she needs you a little more, and that it makes you more tired too", Charles brushed a few hairs away from your face, kissing your forehead lovingly, "it's all going to be fine", he assured.

"You're the best, Charles - I don't want to fail you, or fail our family", you admitted, "you could never fail us, baby, I'm so proud of you, Hervé loved you so much, Amélie is so smiley when she sees you", he chuckled, "you could never fail us, so rest your mind", he kissed the top of your head, "and come cuddle me while we have so yummy food and I'll pamper you for the night, how does that sound?", he smiled.

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

#charles leclerc blurb #inês writes blurbs #f1 blurb #f1 x reader

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toddandersonsblog · 5 months ago

Text

hi! this is an introduction post, I suppose!

you can call me todd ☺️

my pronouns are she/her, but since I'm using todd's name and not my own, I don't care if you use he/him (or any) pronouns either

I speak english and greek!

I'm an infp (almost an ambivert) and a pisces (how predictable 😂)

I consider myself to be a yé-yé girl if I had to define my own aesthetic ☺️

my favourite films are dead poets society (obviously), amélie, 500 days of summer, and cheap smokes (or ftina tsigara/φτηνά τσιγάρα in greek)

my favourite musical artists are the beatles, the smiths, blur, nirvana, françoise hardy, graham coxon, elastica, radiohead, belle and sebastian, simon & garfunkel, stereolab, and many more!

my favourite shows are friends, new girl and freaks and geeks. I also like beavis and butthead (lol), house md, and gossip girl! I'm planning on watching gilmore girls as well, because it looks very interesting

my hobbies include playing music (particularly the guitar and the ukulele; I'm also learning the piano by ear currently), singing, sketching, listening to music (I like way too many genres), watching films, watching youtube, writing down my thoughts, taking photos, making moodboards, reading, going on walks, listening to people, and making them laugh ☺️

fandoms that I guess I'm part of: dead poets society, it (the 2017 and 2019 films), romeo and juliet, the beatles, the smiths, blur/oasis, secret shanghai, maurice

some other random things about me: I'm into shakespeare!! I still love watching cartoons, and one of my favourite books is le petit nicolas, which is a children's book 😂 my favourite comic book series is asterix and obelix. I have a few records and cds! sometimes, I like to play the sims. I also like playing chess and dominoes!! I'm very into fashion. oh, and I also want to learn to cook because I love mediterranean food so much!

here's my letterboxd, in case you'd like to be mutuals there, too! https://boxd.it/6zcdV

that's about it! I think that I have yapped enough. I'm using @thecutestgrotto 's beautiful dividers here ☺️

I've made lots of lovely friends on this app, and I'm hoping to meet many many more ☺️

peace and love! ✌️❤️

#todd anderson posting

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svnaaaaaa · 1 year ago

Text

Monte Carlo : Charles Leclerc AU (Part Five)

pairing : charles leclerc x fem reader

summary : the damage has done and y/n felt crushed.

warning(s) : google-translated french, angry charles, angst

previous : part four

next : part six

masterlist

author's note : i felt unmotivated so i decided to post this early. enjoy!

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recap :

"thank you." was all y/n said and left out the car, leaving charles speechless. didn't wait any longer charles drove away back to his apartment in confuse.

as y/n entered the hotel suite that she shared with grace, grace saw her friend and her eyes got sadden up. she opened up her arms and in quick time, y/n wrapped her arms around grace and with that, she was bawling out her tears. grace rubbed y/n's back, sighing that she knew that eventually, this thing will come out sooner or later but she couldn't dare to say about it.

"you want to talk about it?" grace asked in hushed voice. y/n shooked her head no and grace understood of it by nodding her head, continued on rubbing her back. "you know y/n, you already know this but, now you're heartbroken about it aren't you?" grace asked once again and slowly, y/n nodded her head yes. "he thought i am amélie but he enjoyed hanging out with me." y/n told grace, where she just nodded her head while continued on rubbing y/n's back.

the next day came by and y/n decided not to go to the race day where she doesn't want to burden charles with her explanation. instead, she decided to make a phone call with amélie which she knew that her sister is with their brother at the moment. "wait what?" y/n asked as she couldn't believe what amélie just told her. "i told you, we met granddad, or so he said so himself that." amélie replied as she was standing outside of joseph's town house, watching people passing by. "anyways, are you going to the race today?" amélie asked as she was wandering around the neighbourhood. "no, i'm not." y/n sighed, slumped onto her bed back. "what, whyy?!" amélie asked as she looked around and found that people were staring weirdly at her. "it's complicated but, i don't think i can go on with this anymore ames. i don't want to be someone i am not." y/n told her. y/n heard amélie sighed through the phone. "you like him, don't you?" amélie asked as y/n leaned her head back into her pillow, nodding her head yes. "you know i couldn't see you but i assuming you're nodding your head yes." amélie said annoyingly, making y/n chuckled. amélie joined in. "you know, this is the first time i've known you to know that you like a guy." amélie told her.

in all their life living together until the age of 19, this is the first time amélie realized her twin sister liking a guy. while amélie, has been liking guys after guys ever since she realizes that she can like guys after her father and brother. her first boyfriend was a guy from a summer camp in 6th grade, charlie edwards. it was just a short term because each other was missing their families. right after the summer camp ended, the relationship ended too. ended up charlie went up crying to his mother back home.

then, amélie's phone had an incoming call, from an unknown number. "hey y/n, i call you later cause i have an incoming call." amélie told her. weird enough, amélie never gave her personal number to her clients because the phone that have amélie's business number's phone is left in her monte carlo office, where she left it for y/n. both of them said their good bye before amélie ended the call and answered the incoming call. "bonjour, c'est amélie thomas qui parle. (hello, this is amélie thomas speaking.)" amélie answered. "bonjour, c'est charles leclerc. (hello, this is charles leclerc.)" charles informed as amélie was confused, was she ever encountered with charles leclerc before? if yes, which company was he that amélie felt brave enough to leave her personal number to him? amélie have no recollection memories of him at all. "qui? (who?)" amélie asked which makes charles confused as how she was acting when she was with him the night before, and since when she was so fluent in speaking french?

"it's charles, from ferrari?" charles said feeling unsure with amélie's façade, was it something he did? "oh!" charles heard amélie said. "you see here charles, there has been a mistake." amélie told him, making charles even confuse. "i, i don't understand amélie. what do you mean by that?" charles asked her back, making amélie sighed silently, thinking 'this is why i hate french guys'. "meaning this is you're calling right now is the real amélie, the one you met before you make this call was my twin sister, y/n." amélie started, making charles stumbled, wanting a chair to sit down before he could faint, not because of passing out but because of a shock.

"what?" was all charles could say.

'this for you sis.' amélie thought to herself as she exhaled.

the office phone rang and y/n picked it up. "bonjour, c'est y/n thomas qui parle. (hello, this is y/n thomas speaking.)" y/n answered as she looked through the reports that needed to attend to. "y/n, this is mother." marie informed and y/n sighed. "what is it?" y/n asked lazily as it shooked marie. usually ever since y/n was a little girl, she always corrected by saying marie's name and not calling her as her mother.

"y/n, go to your mother." beau directed little girl y/n. y/n glared at beau. "marie." she told him. "fine, go to marie." beau sighed.

"i was wondering if the necklace i gave before has arrived to you yet?" marie asked. y/n's eyes couldn't get any larger than a normal human can, as she opened her table drawers left to right, top to bottom. "let me ask grace first, i'll let you know later." y/n informed marie as she ended the call without letting marie said anything. she stood up and walked out of her office room as she went to grace's office room and knock on it. "come in!" y/n entered the room and closed it on her way. "'sup." grace greeted as she saw y/n sat on chair in front of her. "where's the necklace gave by marie?" y/n asked and this time, grace's eyes widen up.

slamming her hands onto the office table, grace looked at y/n. "help me." grace whispered. "what?! don't tell me you lost it?" y/n asked as she stood up and walked over grace's table, opening every drawer of the table. "where did you put it grace?" y/n asked again.

then there was a knock on grace's office door. "miss thomas, there is someone here to meet you but he doesn't made any reservation." the assistant of monte carlo's branch, francesca, informed. y/n looked at grace weirdly as grace also have a weird face on, who is this guy? "uh yea sure, send him in." y/n told francesca as she nodded her head yes and went out of grace's office room. "you keep on looking for the necklace." y/n told grace next and went out of grace's room and entered her office room, which she faced the back of a brown haired guy.

"charles?" the brown haired guy turned around and yes, it happen to be charles leclerc, in her office, with a neutral face on. "w-what are you doing here?" y/n asked as she neared him but charles didn't flinched even a bit. "don't you have another story to tell amélie?" charles asked with a monotone, which confused y/n even more. "what do you mean? i don't understand." y/n told him as she heard charles scoffed at her statement. "let me rephrase that, don't you have another story to tell, y/n?" charles asked once again but this time, it fills with hatred. y/n's eyes got widen up once again and as she tried to recompose herself, her office door was opened wide with grace entering. "y/n, i found the necklace!" grace yelled and as soon she saw charles in the room, she stood silent. "oh." was all grace said.

charles looked at y/n with disappointment on his facial expression, making y/n looked at the floor. "i can explain this, please give me time." y/n begged, charles shooked his head no. "i've got no time with you, this situation is giving enough of explanation, besides the real amélie has given me enough explanation." charles informed as y/n looked at charles with shock face. "amélie? w-what do you mean by that?" y/n asked, charles walked towards the door. "i don't know who you are but if you're here to play with my feelings, you're wrong. to think that i started to feel comfortable around you, i knew something was wrong." charles told y/n and then he left the office room, making y/n slumped onto her knees. grace ran towards y/n, grabbing by her shoulders. "shh, you're okay y/n." grace whispered as she pulled y/n into a hug while y/n started to cry her eyes out.

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