#a barber family vacation

[cevansbrat0007]

Hi Britt!

Happy Saturday 🥰 would you ever consider writing a barber family vacay? Andy and Baby Girl soaking up the sun with their babies, and maybe finding some 1:1 time somewhere in between 👀 couples night at the resort’s outdoor bar? 🤗

Hello and happy Saturday to you as well! You, my darling, are actually one of several folks who have requested something like this - and I definitely plan to write something about a family vacation.

This idea has yet to make it out of planning stages, but at one point I think I had settled on a location. I think.

Funny enough, I think I had settled on a Dude Ranch. Mostly because I thought it would be highly amusing watching Reader try to maintain control and keep watch over her family...

Especially since she's terrified of almost every single animal out there! Horses, pigs, cows, birds, bulls...you name it. I think I briefly toyed with this vision of her trying to put on a brave face for her kids while attempting to reason with an overeager Rooster .

I also think that Andy would make one sexy ass cowboy. And what's more, I could definitely see Reader and her Big Man bringing along grandma so they could sneak away for some romantic picnic in the mountains where they make love while the sun sets overhead.

Now, that was the idea once upon a time. But I am in no way married to this concept. So with that, I open the floor for feedback. I so enjoy brainstorming with you peeps.

Thanks!

[eva-knits12]

Chris Evans Characters at Disney

Steve Rogers:

Steve has never been to Disney, seeing as how it was built when Steve was still frozen in the ice.

Steve and you take James, Sarah, and Margaret to Disney every year for Christmas break.

James, Sarah, and Margaret love finding the hidden Mickey's that are located through out the park.

Margaret loves dressing up as her favorite Star Wars character, Rey.

James and Sarah are usually in shorts and T-shirts.

You and Steve are also dressed in shorts, but Steve wears a polo shirt, and you're in a T-shirt.

You make sure that everyone wears comfortable shoes.

Sarah loves Cinderella's castle.

James and Margaret love Star Wars world.

You love the Simpsons world.

Steve tries Dole Whip and loves it.

The kids love the Mickey Mouse ice cream bar.

You, Steve, and the kids stay at the Grand Floridian.

The entire vacation is amazing, but not without the stress of planning.

Why didn't you listen to your gut instinct and work with a travel agent and a Disney liason.

Margaret cries because she doesn't want to leave.

James and Sarah have a story to tell their classmates when you all return to New York.

You try tell Margaret that you'll be back next year, but this makes her cry even more.

You get her a stuffed Mickey so that she can have something until next year.

Steve winds up holding her, consoling her, and tells her a story of him and uncle Bucky seeing Snow White.

It winds up with Margaret laughing.

Steve is also tossing Margaret up in the air and catching her, and tickling her to make her laugh and to make her smile.

Margaret is now laughing and smiling.

Ransom Drysdale:

Ransom has always wanted to go to Disney World, but he never got to growing up.

Your parents take him and Harlan and Katherine, and you wind up staying back in Boston.

It's better for you because of your MS, which means that you wouldn't be able to enjoy a number of the rides.

You would need a fast pass.

But it's great, because you, Ransom, the twins and your parents video call you every night during the trip.

The twins tell you about each ride-in detail, including the fact that Harlan threw up after he got off the roller coaster, which makes you laugh-and Ransom had to go back to the hotel to change his clothes, and shower, as Ransom was Harlan's unfortunate target.

Your dad has to make a joke out of it.

Your dad mentioned that he had gotten thrown up on multiple times when you and your brother were babies and kids.

Of course, he mentions that when you had the stomach flu when you were five, you threw up all over him and all over the couch.

"What goes in one end will come out the same end at one point."

Katherine got to meet her favorite Disney Princess, Cinderella, and Harlan got to meet his favorite Disney character, Peter Pan.

Harlan and Katherine were excited to meet Cinderella and Peter Pan, and even got to have their picture taken with them.

The next time, at the character breakfast, Harlan and Katherine dressed up as Cinderella and Peter Pan, and they got some candy from their favorite characters.

Harlan and Katherine come back with Mouse Ear hats with their names on it, and they got you a Mickey Mouse necklace and matching earrings with your birthstone (mine's citrine or topaz).

The twins, Ransom, and your dad had a wonderful time.

They stayed at the Grand Floridian.

Do you think the former trust fund playboy is going to have his family stay at just ANY hotel?

The twins can't wait to go again.

Andy Barber:

It's Joy's last day of first grade, and Penelope Rose's first birthday is the next day.

You and Andy pick Joy up from school, and present her with a plane ticket.

You and Andy helped Joy pack her suitcase this morning.

You and Andy already packed your bags.

Joy can't wait because she finally gets to meet her favorite Disney Princess, Belle.

You go to the airport right when you load Joy in her car seat.

Eventually, you board the plane, with Penelope on your hip.

Penelope is in a special seat that is approved by the FAA.

The girls fall asleep on the plane.

You arrive in Orlando a few hours later, and have dinner at the hotels restaurant after you check in.

You planned everything with a travel agent, and a Disney liason, who meets you at the hotel.

You, Andy, and the girls fall asleep.

The next day, you go to the park, and have Penelope in her stroller.

You are all wearing shorts and T-shirts, and comfortable shoes.

Andy makes sure that you have your insulin, that you have water and juice, and snacks.

You, Andy, and the girls spend the entire day at Disney World.

Dinner is great because Mickey and the Disney Princesses get to deliver Penelope a small cake, with slices of cake for the rest of the family.

Penelope dives right into her cake, but Andy removes the candle and Minnie Mouse toy that is on top of the cake.

The Princesses sang "Happy Birthday" to Penelope.

Penelope clapped and squealed.

Joy got to have her picture taken with Belle.

The girls come back with several souvenirs from their trip.

Joy got a really cool Belle doll that she won't take out of the package.

It's a collector's item.

Penelope is passed out after a long day at the park.

You are tired, and check your Dexcom.

Your sugar is normal, and you have a light snack before bed to keep your sugar up through the night.

Andy, you, and the girls leave, and they can't wait to go again!

They already want to go back at Christmas.

Jake Jensen:

You surprise Jake with tickets to Disney as an anniversary present.

You also bring the girls, because it would be cool to have a photo of the twins with their namesakes.

The girls are only nine months old, but they are smiling and laughing.

Jake has to go on every ride, and you have to tell him to slow down.

You and Jake take tons of pics, and you get your pic taken with Mickey and Snow White.

Jake and you get your pics taken with the Star Wars characters.

Everyone gets souvenirs of things they love-Frozen stuff for the girls, Star Wars and Marvel stuff for you and Jake.

You have a family portrait with Peter Pan.

You go to the Disney character breakfast.

The twins get to meet their namesakes, Anna and Elsa.

Jake WANTS to come back every year on your anniversary.

You are already planning to come back when the twins turn one.

You and Jake have already made plans to come back when the twins turn one.

Johnny Storm:

Johnny surprises you with tickets to Disney for your birthday.

You thought he forgot your birthday, but no.

He put the tickets in a small box, but you had to open the huge box, followed by several boxes to get your birthday present.

You find your suitcase already packed, and Johnny and you are headed to the airport.

You both grab an Egg McMuffin and some coffee at the airport.

Then, you both grab a Cinnabon.

You arrive in Orlando a few hours later.

You both check into the hotel, then go down to the hotel restaurant for lunch.

Dinner is ordered through room service.

The next morning is your birthday, so you and Johnny enjoy a round before you both shower, where you enjoy yet another round.

You both go the park after breakfast.

You look for the hidden Mickey's in the park.

Johnny puts you on a scavenger hunt.

He gives each character a clue, and each clue eventually leads you to Cinderella's castle.

Johnny is there, and he tells you how beautiful and amazing and intelligent you are.

Eventually he gets down on one knee, and proposes to you.

You say yes.

Your ring is perfect.

Your birthstone is in the middle of it, with diamonds that create a halo around it in a white gold setting.

A pic is taken with you showing off your ring as your kissing Johnny lovingly.

You also get your pic taken with your favorite Disney princess, who happens to see the ring, hugs you, and congratulates the both of you.

A year later, you and Johnny have your wedding at Disney.

The proposal and the wedding were just magical and beautiful.

[fugglecases]

getting a haircut everyone clap

[lvlexish]

The 3H & Our Immediate Environment

3H Aries - With the 3H in Aries your immediate environment could have been hostile. Fraught with disagreements and arguments. People in your community could have had a hard time getting along. Also heavy competitiveness. You could have some people in your community doing whatever it takes to win or get to the top. People around you could have had big egos as well. Being surrounded by likeminded individuals keeps you from exploding.

3H Taurus- With the 3H in Taurus your immediate environment could have involved the outdoors a lot. A sense of stability and security in your environment. The people around you could enjoy the finer things in life as far as cuisines and nice comfortable vacations. You also enjoy these things within your community or did growing up. People with green thumbs could also have been included in your immediate environment and taught your the importance of fresh herbs and food from the earth. Money, you noticed money was of importance as well.

3H Gemini- With the 3H in Gemini your immediate environment could have included a lot of different ideas and conversations. You were taught how to communicate effectively and initiate ideas because of your community and the knowledge shared within. Abstract ideas were presented a lot to you and around you. Overthinking surrounds you and much of your community. You probably notice that people in your community are also good with their hands whether they're a mechanic or barber. You were really taught to think for yourself with gemini placed in the 3H.

3H Cancer- With the 3H being in Cancer your immediate environment growing up could have been fraught with emotional differences. The environment itself could have been really sensitive or often you or the people around you were in emotional distress. You could have had your environment raise you in a sense instead of your actual parents. Surrounded by water often. Home cooked meals often. Big family environment. Different groups of friends.

3H Leo- With the 3H being in Leo your immediate environment growing up could have been very beautiful and regal. Travel to beautiful far lands or very beautiful home environment. Could have dealt with a lot of big egos that came directly from your community. Competitiveness in your environment as well. Could have been known in your community and known a lot of successful people that surround you. Money could be a big motive in your community and designer clothes are seen around you or physically on you.

3H Virgo- With the 3H being in Virgo your immediate environment could have been very structured. You noticed your community also being very judgmental. A lot of perfectionism could have surrounded you creating anxiety and unrealistic expectations. Routine can or was a huge deal for you, not being able to operate without it. A workaholic was a normal thing for you to see, creating restlessness for yourself. Always having to be doing something to seem worthy to your immediate community. Needing to feel useful.

[kayleigh-83]

Hi, could you share which ROS events you use please 😀

I know I'd shared these a couple times before, but I scrolled back a bit and it's definitely changed a lot since the last time, which was August 2022! Back then I had 48 on the list, now it's up to 70.

Putting more info and the full list behind a cut to save your dash!

I just keep all my gameplay notes and stuff on my ipad, easiest for me. I don't use an ROS program or anything so there's no weighting, no major or minor scenarios etc. I just use Siri or random.org to pick a number.

The scenarios are a mix of other people's lists I've found, plus ones I've made up myself. It's pretty nice to my Sims so there aren't any death or divorce ones or anything lol. I've removed some I used to use as my gameplay has evolved, if they no longer fit.

Day out - all eligible Sims go to a community lot

Movie night - invite friends over for a movie and snacks

Picnic - make food and go to a park for a picnic

Family reunion - invite over any known family members

Blind date - call matchmaker for a single Sim

New outfit - your Sim wants a new outfit, go shopping

Games night - no homework for kids, play games all night

Large pet adoption - get a cat or a dog, Roll dice to choose

Small pet adoption - a small caged animal will join the family (including rabbits)

Grouchy - your Sim picks d4 arguments with another

Vacation time - spend a couple nights away at a vacation destination (or more!)

Fitness regime - your Sim wants to work out, get fit and eat healthy

Rebellious - child or teen skips school and doesn’t do homework for 1 to 3 days, sneaks out, bad interactions

Date night - take a Sim couple out on a date

It’s a phase - a child will only wear a costume for 1 to 3 days, teens get a piercing or drastically change appearance

Party time - throw a party!

Friendly neighbour - chat up the next d3 walk bys

Bad influence - influence someone to do something stupid d4 times

Take advantage - influence someone to do you a favor d4 times

Exchange student - host a teenager from a foreign country; receive $5000 from the exchange agency to cover your expenses

Tired of cooking - order delivery at least once a day for 2 to 4 days

Shopaholic - patronize at least 4 different local businesses this round

Stray love - greet and interact with the next stray you see, try to adopt

Old pets, new tricks - teach a pet a new command

Lottery win - roll dice 1 to 10 and multiply by 10,000

Scratch card win - roll dice 1 to 10 and multiply by 1000

Worst fears realized - fulfill 5 fears in a rotation

Barber shop - change your Sim’s hairstyle

Four eyes - your Sim needs to get glasses

Witchy - become a witch for at least two rotations

Redecorate - choose a room or space in the home and give it a facelift

Identity crisis - change aspiration for this round

Reconnect with friends - invite 2-4 friends for an outing

Make Your Move - if single, try to initiate a romantic relationship with a Sim that you have a high relationship/chemistry with

Time to Commit - if you’re in a romantic relationship but uncommitted, take it to the next level (either go steady or engagement/marriage depending)

Scary dare - visit the cemetery at night

Dine out - go out to a restaurant to have a meal

Lead by Example - have your Sim encourage their child in a trait they value

Kitchen Renovations - no dishwasher or stove, just a sink and microwave or toaster oven, while you wait for the new appliances to arrive! (D4 days)

On the prowl - take a single (or romance) Sim out on the town to pick someone up for woohoo (or teen level activities)

Hobby Focus - Spend at least two hours every day doing an activity for your chosen hobby

Brace face - child or teen Sim must get braces for the round

Dye Job - dye hair a different colour for the round

Slumber Party - teen or child invites friends over for a sleepover

Cool Parent - try to befriend d2 of your kid’s friends

Playing Matchmaker - influence a friend to flirt with someone else

ISBI light - pick a Sim and control only them for 3 days

Creature of the Night - become a vampire for the round

Unexpected Tax Bill - lose d20-40% of your family funds to unpaid back taxes

Power outage - d2 days with no power (only make uncooked meals)

Family Heirlooms - inherit d3 family heirlooms from a distant relative; use kaching and purchase items of around $1000 each

Infertility - your Sim is sadly no longer able to have children!

Orphan relation - a close relation has died, leaving their child orphaned! As the closest living relative, you are now the legal guardian. Move in a toddler or child (d2). Receive $5000 from the government for your generosity to help raise the little tyke.

Rocky relationship - couple argues at least 2 times a day in the round

Great aunt/uncle in town - create an elderly Sim to come stay for the round - after they become a townie if desired

Bylaw fine - your Sim put the trash out to the curb too early and have received a bylaw fine - d6 x $100

Start a club! Find up to 3 Sims who share your hobby, and get to know them better. If you can participate in your chosen hobby together, even better!

Money tree! Your Sim finds a mysterious tree in a pot by their front door. The note on it says to use it wisely because it will only be around for a short time? Buy a money tree and keep for one rotation

Resurrect old friendships - call and invite over the friend your Sim has lost touch with the most (lowest relationship score while still being friends)

Customer appreciation day - to thank your loyal customers for their patronage, mark down the prices at your shop for a day and provide treats for your customers

Ambrosia - take a sip from the elixir of life (Roll to choose between adults or elders in the household)

Mate like rabbits - risky woohoo d5 times in the next 48 hours, hope there aren’t any unintended consequences!

Unexpected vet bill! Your little companion swallowed something they shouldn’t have and the bill comes to $5000! If you don’t have enough money, you might have to take out a loan.

Woohoo scavenger hunt - must woohoo on/in four different possible locations this round (bed, couch, car, photobooth, hot tub, changing booth, elevator)

Lost a dare - walk around in a silly costume for d3 days, go on at least one date or outing in it

Holding a Torch - your Sim is feeling nostalgic for their first crush; have them meet up for a date and see where it leads…

Running with the pack - become a werewolf for the round

I Want More! - your Sim now has six want slots

Changing Preferences - change all your turn ons and turn offs - will this affect how you feel about your significant other?

A Sudden Craving - change to grilled cheese aspiration for the round

Kibble of Life - give your four legged friends something to help keep them around longer

Sudden Poverty - family funds reduced to $100

Sudden Weath - family funds increased to $250,000

You Can't Always Get What You Want - try not to fulfill any wants for d5 days

[i-care-4u]

[ ✹ ] JUDE BELLINGHAM HEADCANONS

PAIR: JUDE BELLINGHAM X READER

REQUESTS ARE CLOSED | MASTERLIST

A/N: happy valentine’s day 💕 here’s a little gift from me to you

DATING JUDE BELLINGHAM INCLUDES…

prior to dating, you and jude were really close friends

you two started dating after jude confessed his feelings towards you

you decided to give dating jude a try

rather than a short-lived relationship, you two seem to enjoy each other’s company than ever before, not a single regret

sending you flowers when he’s not home

would come along with a sweet letter from jude

in every date, he would be suited up

“what’s taking him so long?” you muttered to yourself as you waited at your couch.

jude knocked on the door and you opened for him. he was dressing extravagant, wearing a black tuxedo suit along with a gift, “hi darling.”

he loves taking you on vacation

one of the most memorable moments was when he took you to ibiza, spain

he also loves taking you to dinner dates and paying for the food

sometimes trent would join and third wheels the two of you

you taking him to the barber shop

this man LOVES getting a haircut

at night, you love doing a skin care routine with jude

“what’s this for?” jude picks up a bottle.

“it’s to keep your skin smooth.”

jude got all excited, so you helped him by putting the product onto his face.

game nights

you and jude love playing uno

“UNO!” jude slammed the card on the table

you looked to see his surroundings, “hey! why is there six cards on your chair?”

wearing his jackets

he finds it funny yet cute whenever you come up to him while wearing his puffer jacket

you have a very good relationship with his family

jude’s parents believe that you’re the one for him

jude was grateful that he has you as his best friend and lover

[syms-things-5]

Case Histories (*NEW version)

An Original Story based in part on BBC drama, The Split.

Series Synopsis: A talented small-town family lawyer, Grace Atherton, gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she is offered a job at prestigious Boston law firm, Rothman & Hale. She decides to give up the relative comfort and ease of her current working situation in favour of following a dream she’s had since she was a young law grad. She comes back into contact with old mentor and one-time flame, Andy Barber. As gifted as he is handsome, it becomes clear he’s been keeping an eye on her burgeoning career from afar. Just how much will this decision cost her?

*I had put this on the back burner for a long time but am picking it back up now as I was into the story but the writing was not the best. Let's see how this goes!

Chapter Warnings: A tiny bit of bad language, like one or two swear words.

Word Count: About 4k

CHAPTER ONE

Grace didn’t intend to spend thirty minutes sat in her car that morning. It was just that sometimes, annoyingly, it took her a while to build herself up for the day ahead.

No music, no truthful purpose for being sat in the same spot. She wasn’t nervous or anything like that; she would do the same if she was about to brave the local supermarket, or attend her son’s baseball match. It was just that she liked switching off from the world, for however short a time, and simply gathering her thoughts. Honestly, sitting in the car was the only quiet time she had to herself these days. Having a mental clear-out was what her friend, Clare, had told her, and that certainly made sense to her.

She took one final deep breath and gathered her belongings from the passenger seat. Glancing outside, she audibly chastised herself for forgetting her umbrella and after another minute or so, she finally vacated the quiet sanctity of her Nissan.

Everyone around her looked busy and important. And fashionable. This particular district of Boston had once been dubbed the “Centre of Power in New England” in an article in the New York Times that she’d read a couple of nights ago and now here she was: a working-class girl from the outskirts of Cambridge, carrying her own sandwich box and various key rings that had been gifts from her two children over the last few Christmases. She only hoped that if she carried her head as high as everyone else appeared to do, she too could give off an aura of belonging.

The deceptively long walk from her car to the building wasn’t doing anything to calm the nerves that were now building steadily inside her with every step she made across the bustling Square. Her mid-heeled shoes clacked along the spotless stone pavement as she dodged the various suits and briefcases that seemed to move in criss-crossing directions right in front of her. She regretted not wearing them in before today. She had no business wearing shoes like these but another friend, Amy, had convinced her otherwise and it wasn’t often that she splurged on something she considered to be so frivolous. She deserved it, she thought. Plus, her daughter liked them and Liv was the coolest person Grace knew.

“Miss Atherton! How are you this fine morning?” Came the breezy Texan lilt from behind the reception desk; ‘desk’ being entirely the wrong word for the glass fort currently staring back at her. “We’ve been expecting you. I’m so glad you managed to make it through all of the diversions in town. It is a nightmare, right? Hopefully, they fix the water pipes before this week is over.”

The tall, blonde, beautiful lady leaned her had to one side and smiled brighter than Grace had ever seen a human smile before. She appeared to have been waiting for her already and held out a metal key card for Grace to accept. Grace had to mentally check herself from staring at her for too long - she honestly could have been a model - before she gratefully took the card from her manicured hands. It was heavier than she was expecting, just slightly larger than a credit card, and with her full name and Letters embossed in a stylish matte black. There’s definitely no going back now, Grace thought.

“That will get you into the underground car park and your private bay is number 152. Don’t worry, they’re not arranged in any order of hierarchy or anything. I’m not actually sure why they number them in that way. It also gets you into the libraries if you need references, and the emergency lift if the fire alarms go off and you can’t use the stairs.” The lady leans in towards her like she’s gossiping about something she shouldn’t be. “Or even if you just want to have a nose around the floors. I do that from time to time myself, it’s good for building up those steps. Anyway, if you would like to follow me, I will show you to your office. It’s been redecorated for you. I think you’ll really like it and you’re the first to have the new Lineback, too.”

“Sorry, the new what?” Grace finally looks up from the card currently weighing her down as the lady moves further and further away from her and out of the lobby area

“The Lineback?” She turns around and takes a few steps back towards Grace. “It’s a new ergonomic desk chair. All the rage. It has a lever that can recline until you’re completely horizontal and then some. It’s supposedly good relief if you’re ever having a mental block.”

The lady nods eagerly but Grace isn’t quite sure what to make of all the information she’s just been handed in less than twenty seconds.

“They’re going to be investing in hundreds of them for the staff but this was a trial one and Mr Barber said you should have it in case you decided you wanted to run away after your first day with us.”

Grace chuckles nervously at the thought. “Well, that’s nice of him.”

“Tell me about it. When it arrived last week, we were all so jealous of you! Anyway, the lift is here. After you, Miss Atherton.”

The lady - Grace briefly considered it and settled on 26 years of age – extended her arm in front of her to guide Grace into the now-empty lift. She smiled broadly at her again before pressing the button for the 15th floor and neatly holds her hands in front of her like the professional she so clearly is. 

“Um, actually, it’s ‘Mrs’ but you can just call me Grace anyway.”

“My gosh,” She panics and looks genuinely remorseful. Grace immediately regrets bringing it up. “I am so sorry. I had to check your University Certification to make sure I spelled your name correctly for all of your files and for your office and I just saw ‘Atherton’ and assumed that was your maiden name. If you don’t mind me asking, you married when you were young?”

“That’s OK, it’s an easy mistake to make so don’t worry about it.” Grace shrugged it off. “And yes, I suppose we did get married quite young.”

She turned around to view the atrium gradually opening up before her very eyes. It spanned the floors as they moved smoothly up the side of the building. “This place is huge. I know it’s a large firm but still.”

“It took me about three months before I felt cool with knowing where everything was. Even now, I’m still not sure I’ve seen it all.” She moves beside Grace and they both silently take in the view falling below them.

They remain quiet as the floors continue to pass by and people looked as busy as Grace would expect them to be at this time of the morning. All fresh out of college and no doubt eager to please. She remembers her first job with a law firm, surviving on next to nothing except strong cups of coffee and onion bagels. That and nachos from a local Mexican take-away that no longer existed. God, she hadn’t eaten Mexican food in months. She’ll make a mental note of that for later.

“I didn’t catch your name by the way?” Grace asks, finally breaking the silence as the lift slows to a stop for their floor.

“It’s Evelyn but you can call me Evie.” She replies, grateful to be asked. Grace notices her visibly relax in front of her as the doors open again. “I gotta say, it’s nice to have a fresh face around here again. The bosses tend to stick to themselves if I’m honest with you. There’s hardly ever an opening for a new Associate so I think you’ll be something of a celebrity around here for a little while to come.”

There go the nerves again and Grace laughs apprehensively.

“No pressure then.”

*

“Your record is certainly impressive, Grace.” Jack nods, posing her a friendly and encouraging smile.

He has her portfolio laid out on the table between them but she doesn’t think he has looked down at it once since they sat down in the restaurant.

“The Sanders case you settled last year? The must have been a tough one. I knew his father from way back and I have to say if Benjamin was even half as ruthless as he was, you had a hell of a time settling as well as you did.”

Grace put her water glass down on the table after taking a sip.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. I was just doing the best I could for her.”

“Don’t be too humble. I don’t know what our mutual friend has told you but I am not as brutal as you may have heard. I follow all kinds of cases from time to time, I like to scout out the next generation as they say, and I followed that one very closely. That was a very good win.”

If she had to guess, she would say Jack Hale was in his early fifties. He clearly kept himself trim and healthy if his recent front cover of The Atlantic was anything to go by. An avid cyclist and golfer, knowledgeable about whiskeys and Italian Opera music, and a one-time rumoured fling of a Tony Award-winner they didn’t explicitly name but everyone pretty much knew who they were talking about, Hale was easily one of the most formidable Divorce Lawyers of his generation. Or of any generation, truthfully.

Grace had been a fan of his since he fired Benedict Turner, the smarmy tech investor who sidled up to an equally untrustworthy politician in a bid to get a government contract. Said politician eventually pulled out of the Presidential race and Turner quickly found himself out of favour with the Execs in Washington. Despite countless rumours of financial impropriety and dodgy tax filings, the thing that finally managed to get him kicked off his own board was getting his nanny pregnant for a second time and trying to blame his wife’s teenage son.

Jack pretty much risked 60 years of the near-perfect reputation that Rothman & Hale had built up in favour of doing what he thought – knew – was the right thing to do. Despite losing millions in commission from that single case, not to mentioned the vague threats from Turner himself, the tens of millions he subsequently brought to the firm as well as the priceless PR more than made up for it.

Whatever you called Jack Hale, you could never doubt his integrity, and Grace liked that.

“Oh no, he didn’t say anything of the sort.” She gently waved her hand in his direction in an attempt to laugh his comment off without, she hoped, looking like she had just told him a blatant lie.

“I think you’re being too kind again.” Jack chuckled.

He leaned in and smiled at her. It was a smile as though he had known her for years and that perhaps they were sharing some deep secret between one another.

“Believe me, Andy loves nothing more than winding me up.” He spoke, quietly. “And speaking of the devil…”

Just as Grace was about to turn around in the direction Jack was now looking, Andy appeared in her peripheral view as if by magic. It seemed befitting of him somehow.

“Mr. Andrew Barber, the greatest accomplishment of my career. I wondered when you would finally make it.” Jack joked as he held out his hand to him in a semi-professional manner.

Grace watched as Andy raised an eyebrow at him before playfully batting his hand away.

“What did I tell you?” Jack smirks at Grace as he sits down again in the leather armchair.

“What’s he been saying about me?” Andy quickly looks between Jack and Grace. “Probably 40% of it isn’t true.”

“He said you are going to be a nightmare to work for.” Grace maintains as serious an expression as she possibly can manage under the circumstances. The playful glint in her eye is something Andy instantly recognises.

“Ah, you were right, Andy. She’s going to fit right in.”

*

Grace couldn’t believe she was finally here.

It had been almost two months since the contract from Rothman & Hale had arrived on her doorstep by courier and she had awoken every day since wondering if and when the offer would be retracted. Possibly, they would realise their mistake and opt to hire some legal genius from Manhattan or Los Angeles instead. Perhaps someone with two surnames and who happened to be the scion of a former Senator.

Everyone had told her she was being ridiculous, that she firmly deserved the job and promotion, but something still didn’t sit quite right with her. Even now with her name adorning letterheads, the wide-open space and the ash-grey carpet that felt so soft she could feel it through the soles of her shoes, she was waiting for someone to tell her they had made a mistake and please could she leave the building without making a scene.

“I think I could fit my entire apartment inside your office.” Evie’s soft tone broke through Grace’s blank space, snapping her back into the room.

Her office. This would certainly take some getting used to. Grace had had to share her last office with another lawyer and a Paralegal, and there was one single lock and key to get in and out of the building. The three months it apparently took Evie to familiarise herself with the place was looking further and further out of Grace’s reach now.

She dropped her bag by the side of her new desk before spying the antique coat hanger by the inside of the door. Spotless glass shelves ran the length of one wall in front of her and the wall behind her desk, a few law texts already decorating them both. The door already had her name plaque screwed tightly into the front of it, steadfastly there as though she had been working here forever. It would be rude to leave now, Grace pondered; if only because it would take some poor soul hours to take the plaque off again.

Running her fingers across the smooth finish of her new desk, she sits down on the recliner and immediately understands what all the fuss is about. She dares not to pull the lever in case she never gets back up again but cannot believe such a comfortable thing exists.

“I told you.” Evie winks knowingly. She takes a step further into the office.

“I don’t want to take up too much more of your time. Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

“Oh, no, I’m fine but thank you for offering.” Grace smiles gratefully. “I think I’ll sort my things out and then perhaps find the staff room if you have one?”

“Not exactly but we do have a number of quiet spaces on each floor. There’s lots of comfortable chairs and coffee machines. Plenty supply of fresh fruit and sweet treats, too. Angela on 13th is a diamond baker. She’s single-handedly responsible for the five pounds I have put on since working here.” Evie grins at her, proudly. “There’s pretty much whatever you want but let me know if you get lost or need something specific. My number is on the card in front of you and my mobile is on me at all times.”

She gestures to the grey clip on the desk beside the keyboard and sure enough, Grace spies the numbers all clearly laid out for her.

“There’s also a tech number there if you have any issues with your login details. If you ask for Martin, he’s usually the quickest to respond.”

“Thank you, that’s good to know.”

“Well, I shall leave you to it!” Evie turns and makes her way out of the door. “Welcome again, Grace. I really hope you enjoy it here. It’ll be nice working with you.”

Grace feels her cheeks warm from the kind words and she nods gently in appreciation.

The view out of the window covers most of the Garden Society, already in full bloom for this time in Spring. She can just about make out Fenway Park in the nearside distance, plus part of the University where she had studied what feels like years ago. She wondered if it would be considered unprofessional to snap a quick picture on her phone and send it to Dan and her father. And any other man in her life come to think of it. Fuck, her mother would be so unbelievably proud of her right now.

“Knock, knock.”

Grace turns around from the window to find Andy casually leaning against the doorframe, all business in his dark grey suit and neatly trimmed beard but with an all too familiar smile crossing his ridiculously youthful features.

How had he managed not to age in the years since they had last seen each other? It was almost offensive, she thought. He clearly had a skin routine, the thought of which made her grin sheepishly to herself in a way that made her quickly look down at the floor so as to avoid him catching on.

“Are you settling in OK?” he asks, putting the question about why she was looking at him funny to one side for a moment. He was genuinely interested in her answer and not just asking for asking’s sake.

She purses the smile on her face and looks back towards him, before nodding gently.

“Yeh. Yeh, I think so,”

She might actually mean it now, she thinks.

“Cool,” he replies, pleased with the answer.

He moves away from the doorframe, hands still firmly in his pockets, and enters her office. He takes a look around as though he is only seeing it for the first time and has not, definitely not, been venturing in and out over the past two weeks making sure the decorators hadn’t tampered with the angles of her desk or dirtied up her bookshelves in any way.

If there was one thing he had remembered after all this time, it was that she couldn’t live with mess of any sort. So neat and tidy was she, the neatest person he had ever known, that a few of her traits were still engrained on him even now.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.” He apologised, turning to face her from the front side of her desk. “I had a call that dragged on a little longer than expected, otherwise I would have met you downstairs.”

Grace looks up from taking some papers out of her bag.

“Don’t worry about it. Evie showed me in and gave me…” She locates the key card in front of her. “…this?”

“Ah, the screwdriver.” His eyes grow wide in amusement. “Yeh, you do not want to lose track of that thing.”

She gives him a confused expression but he just laughs.

“It’s what we call the security card. It gets you in everywhere, does everything, and you’ll be pretty lost without it. Apparently, it’s a Doctor Who reference? Anyway, if I only tell you one thing of use today, it’s not to lose that thing.”

“Right, got it.” She looks at it again and it suddenly feels heavier in her hand than it did before.

Andy moves towards the window while she opens her bag and pulls out her mobile phone. They’re comfortably quiet for several minutes, the silence only broken by whatever she pulls out of her bag next.

He must have looked out of this window a thousand times before today, but he still never feels less than amazed. This office was a good one, one of the most coveted on the floor, and it looked even better now that it had her in it.

“I made sure you got Fenway.” He says, nudging his head in the direction of the stadium. “I figured your Dad would appreciate it.”

She smiles appreciatively as she takes in the view again. Truly, it was awe-spiring and, as if he had somehow managed to read her mind, he nods to a spot behind her, indicating the small, round button on the wall behind her chair.

“That’s if you ever need to lower the blinds. You’ll get amazing sunlight on this side of the building.”

She’s extremely grateful she doesn’t have to ask someone about that in case it wound up being embarrassingly obvious, as these things tended to be in her experience.

“I’ve been here so long now but I don’t think I will ever get bored of this view. Sometimes, it’s almost a little too distracting.”

“Yes, I bet.” She agrees.

She takes a couple of small framed photographs from her bag and turns around to the shelves behind her.

Andy watches her position the frames in one order, rearrange them for a minute, before settling back on the original set-up, confident she has made the right choice. Even before she considered the texts and books to the side of where she’s standing, he knew she would prioritise the personal items.

“What’s this?”

Andy grabs for the small, blueish, nondescript object she had put on her desk. It’s heavy and made of clay and he thinks it’s meant to be an elephant of some kind but he doesn’t get the chance to figure it out before Grace comically snatches it from his hand and places it on the shelf beside the photographs.

“It’s a pen holder.” She replies, as though that should answer all of his questions.

He watches a fond smile light up her face. She seems very proud of it, whatever “it” was supposed to look like.

“It was a Mother’s Day gift from Sam.” She clarifies after reaching his eye-line again. “He made it in his art class.”

“Ah, the kiddies.” He bows his head slightly before looking back up at her through his eyelashes.

She couldn’t be sure exactly but something about that one look made her feel like she was 20 years old again.

“Yeh. Kiddies. You dodged that bullet, right?” she teases him.

“Well,” He half-shrugs nonchalantly, glancing more closely at the photographs. Sam and Olivia are in one of them, someone else he sort of recognises in another. “Sometimes these things don’t work out. Probably for the best.”

“Hmm.” She smirks knowingly at him and he reciprocates.

“By the way, as nice as this is, that corner suite of yours?” she asks. “How much money do I need to make the firm before I get one of those?”

“You need to sleep with Maria in HR.”

He didn’t miss a beat.

She purses her lips at him for a moment, the silence covering the entire room. Is he joking? She recognises this feeling from countless conversations they had shared years earlier, never entirely sure if or when he was being serious.

He pretends to stare intently at the photograph of her two children knowing full well Grace is staring at him and waiting for her own clarity. After another second, he turns his head slightly to look at her again, his expression not shifting. She rolls her eyes before turning back to her bag.

“Call it my blue elephant thingy.” He continues. “You’ll never need to know.”

He was frustrating then and apparently very little has changed.

“OK, out. I need to actually do some work before Jack regrets giving me this job.” Her tone is suddenly more serious as she retrieves a couple of manila files, the remnants of cases she had collected while on “gardening” leave.

Part of the job offer was dependent on her bringing these cases with her but she wasn’t sure if Jack was joking about that or not. They were only small cases after all, perhaps a five-figure settlement at the most. She was surprised he would see the value in them.

Andy watches her warmly as she busies herself with her desk, moving her silver pen to the side of her keyboard before deciding against that choice and moving it right back. Another photo of her children rests just to the side now and he knows it’ll remain there forever more.

After a beat, he takes the hint and makes his way back towards the door before turning back to face her again.

“It’s really great to see you, Gracie.” He smiles genuinely.

She looks up and sees him, as relaxed and as self-assured as he was the day she first saw him. He hadn’t changed much at all.

“It’s good to see you, too.”

*

[octuscle]

For vacations I have to go to my uncles house with my cousins, and he lives in a farm, but I’m just a twink gay and I don’t feel confortable there with so many men, so can I transform them into my twink gay best friends and spend summer looking for hunks to have sex with?

I think you are thinking way too complicated. Relax. Go to the spa and get pampered. Oka, there's no real spa here in the middle of nowhere, of course, but Ol' Gus cuts your whole family's hair here. He should know his business.

You take a seat in the barber's chair. With your blond hair and pink tips, you are an exotic here. In general, the only permissible colors here seem to be brown like the wood paneling, black like the leather of the seats, and blue like the jeans of the other customers. Anyway, you've now been persuaded to give Gus a try. So you tell him that he doesn't need to cut at all, you actually just want a foam scalp massage and then have him blow dry it and a little hair wax would be nice.

Gus looks a little irritated. And washes your hair. He asks if you're going to the stadium with your cousins later. Have a few beers and watch the baseball game. Sure thing, you answer. But the beer would be more important than the game. Laughter around you. And any other plans for the weekend, asks Gus. Probably go hunting with my cousins, you say. Gus laughs and asks if that's a euphemism for fucking each other in the ass. General laughter again. You look at Gus questioningly. Could he imagine one of your chewing tobacco hillbilly relatives being gay? All gay, says Gus and brushes the loose hair from your head.

What do I owe you, you ask. Five dollars, Gus replies. Six dollars if you want another beer before you go. You give Gus ten dollars, finish the first beer in one go, take a second and sit down with the other customers.

Obviously, it's worth it to stay here and get the gossip you need. Something to fuck should be easy to find then.

[samuelsdean]

Can I request a Spencer blurb where the reader and him are in the BAU and bffs and they both have a crush on each other? Additionally, in that episode where Reid gets a haircut and Hotch is like “did you join a boy band?” the reader can’t help but think it’s really cute and also feels bad because he asked her to help do a trim on his hair and accidentally made it too short but she really likes it and because she likes it Reid likes it? and maybe Rossi teases him about it and he’s like “who’s your barber maybe i’ll get myself a boyband do” and he blushes and is like “Uhm… well Y/N helped me cut it?” and they bffs get together in the end?

hi anon! thank you for sending in this request ♡ i found this request so cute & i wanted to write it immediately but life got in the way. i had to go to school to get my grades & have my clearance signed. plus, i had to fly across the country for a much needed family vacation. anyhow, i finally got to write it which i'll be posting in a bit. thank you for waiting! i hope you'll love what i have written.

here's the blurb i wrote! enjoy ♡

[agirlwithbigdreamsforher]

EPILOGUE

THE NANNY: EPILOGUE

Pairing: Andy Barber x Annie Johnson (OFC)

Summary: Working and single parenting is not easy. Andy needs to find a nanny for his son Jacob. Annie, an education degree student at Lasell University, comes to their lives just in time for the big changes in Andy’s life.

Warnings: None.

A/N:  MORE TO COME?

Disclaimer: I do not give permission for any of my works to be copied, used, translated nor reposted anywhere else but here on this blog. Do not steal what you didn’t work for. Minors and ageless blank blogs don’t interact with me or my works. Reblogs and likes are always welcome. Thank you for reading this work of fiction.

Word count: 397

GIF not mine, if its yours, please let me know to give you credit :)  

                                     ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

“Annabelle Marie Johnson.” The dean called her name and she walked to the stage to receive her certificate as her family watched from the back of the auditorium.

“Yeah!!!!! Annie!” Jake cheered and clapped when he saw Annie in the front of the stage.

It was June and everything with Laurie was left behind. Andy reunited with Richard to arrange the child support but Andy decided he didn’t need the money. And a couple of months later Richard finally send a legal document where Laurie resign to her parents’ rights. She and her husband had a baby daughter about a month ago, or so they saw in one of those gossip shows Annie loved so much, due to the birth date it was very likely she was pregnant by the time her father-in-law passed away.

“We’re free!!!!” Sharon said lifting her arms.

“And now we have to work.” Mark said.

“But first, Cabo!” Annie said.

“I’m so ready to have vacations, we deserve it after those dreadful exams.”

“Always the drama.” Mark sighed, “I’ll go with my family. See you guys tomorrow.”

“Yeah, me too. I bet my dad is dying to take a bunch of pictures.” Sharon said as she walked away.

Annie stood there watching the people come and go and then he saw him, Daniel, hugging the blonde girl, he seemed in love. Daniel turned and saw her too, he smiled and waved at her so she smiled and waved back.

“Hey!” A pair of thick arms hugged her from behind, “Congratulations, honey!” He kissed her temple.

“Thanks!” Annie’s eyes were fixed on Daniel who was now talking to a teacher.

“You ok?” Andy saw Daniel.

“Yeah! I’m proud of him, you know. Is it weird?”

“Mmmm no, you’re sweet and he was part of your life.”

“I hope he has a good life.”

“He will, I heard he was top of his class. So I’m sure he is ready for the next big step in his life.” Andy gave her a kiss on the lips, “How ‘bout you?” Andy took her left hand and kissed the diamond ring in her ring finger. “Ready for our next step, future Mrs. Barber?”

“Yes! I’m ready!”

“Mommy!” They heard Jake shouting as he run towards them and Andy caught him.

“I love you both, so, so much!” Annie said as she hugged them. “I’m so ready.”

[cevansbrat0007]

It was fun! But admittedly, I felt the tension being the only dark-skinned person in the bachelorette party. The vibes from the staff was…very odd 😬 but my horse was an absolute sweetheart.

Really? While that's not all that surprising...it is definitely disappointing. I'm glad you had a good time. But I hate that fact that you were made to feel the way you did.

At least your horse was nice though. Let's at least put that in the win column before you hang up your saddle and spurs.

[eva-knits12]

Chris Evans Characters Favorite Christmas Movies, Favorite Christmas Cookies, and Favorite Christmas Pastries

Steve Rogers:

Favorite Christmas movie:

The Shop Around The Corner

A Christmas Story

Favorite Christmas Cookie:

Classic Gingerbread men

Classic Chocolate Chip

Favorite Christmas Pastry:

Red Velvet Cake

Andy Barber

Favorite Christmas Movie:

A Christmas Story

Almost Christmas

It's a Wonderful Life

White Christmas

Favorite Christmas cookie:

Classic chocolate chip

Classic sugar cookie

Italian Christmas cookie

Favorite Christmas pastry:

Peppermint brownies

Gingerbread cake

Red velvet brownies

Ransom Drysdale:

Favorite Christmas movie:

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Christmas Vacation

Scrooged

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

Favorite Christmas Cookie:

Classic Sugar cookie

Italian Christmas cookies

Favorite Christmas Pastry:

Cranberry Bliss bars

Jake Jensen:

Favorite Christmas movie:

The Muppets Christmas Carol

Die Hard

A Christmas Story

Christmas in Connecticut

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

Elf

Favorite Christmas cookie:

Classic Sugar cookies

Classic snickerdoodles

Gingerbread men

Favorite Christmas Pastry:

Red Velvet Cake

Peppermint brownies

Cranberry Bliss bars

Colin Shea

Favorite Christmas movie:

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

Almost Christmas

Fighting with my Family

Little Women

Favorite Christmas Cookie:

Classic Gingerbread men

Italian Christmas cookies

Classic chocolate chip

Favorite Christmas Pastry:

Gingerbread donuts

Red velvet donuts

Peppermint brownies

Cranberry bliss bars

Johnny Storm:

Favorite Chrismas Movie:

A Christmas Story

The Shop Around the Corner

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version)

Christmas Vacation

Die Hard

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

Elf

Favorite Christmas cookies:

Red velvet cookies

Classic sugar cookies

Classic gingerbread men

Double Chocolate peppermint cookies

Favorite Christmas pastry:

Peppermint bark

peppermint cupcakes

cranberry orange white chocolate muffins

Frank Adler

Favorite Christmas movie:

A Christmas Story

White Christmas

Christmas Vacation

Elf

Favorite Christmas Cookie:

Classic Chocolate Chip

Italian Christmas cookies

Classic Sugar ccokies

Classic Snickerdoodles

Favorite Christmas Pastry:

Red Velvet Cake

Gingerbread donuts

Pete Brenner:

Favorite Christmas Movie:

The Family Man

A Christmas Story

Elf

Scrooged

Miracle on 34th Street (the 1947 version)

It's a Wonderful Life

Christmas in Connecticut

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

The Family Stone

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Favorite Christmas cookie:

Red Velvet cookie

Classic sugar cookie

Classic gingerbread men

Peanut butter blossoms

Favorite Christmas pastry:

Stollen bread (It's like fruitcake, but WAY better, especially if you put butter on it, and it's nice and light)

Fruitcake

Red Velvet cake

Peppermint brownies

Cranberry cake

Cranberry Orange white chocolate muffins

[foreversecrets]

Meet the Wives

Part of the Rogers Family Expansion Series

Annabelle Rogers (Formerly Graham): A organizer to her very core, excelling at coordinating events and calendars which is how she came to be employed as Sarah Roger’s personal assistant: the gateway for her to meet her future husband Steve. Her organization comes in handy when she slots herself into the family upon her marriage and becoming the unofficial leader of the wives. She tries to make all those employed in the Rogers name feel welcome from the events she tries to plan at least once a month. Though only blood is invited to the monthly family game night she hosts.

Daphne Adler (Formerly Barnes): Growing up in poverty her father took note of his daughter's beauty and thought to use that as their salvation. Her mother raised her to be the perfect wife and mother, her father used her 18th birthday to clear all his gambling debts with the Rogers family by marrying her to the head of the family's dearest friend James Barnes. The unhappy marriage leads to insecurities and self-doubt that she searches to correct after her divorce. Moving in with Frank and Mary, she refuses to marry Frank until she finds herself-his support and Mary’s compassion push her into discovering a love for interior decorating that she manifests into a career.

Aria Barber (Formerly Pearson): Childhood best friends to the Levinson twins, specifically Delilah, she was around the family often enough for her first childhood crush to last into adulthood. While she’d always had an air of popularity around her despite her heavier physique, she’d never been able to gain Andrew Barbers attention-that is until she takes a vacation from her job a model and entrusts her modeling agency in the hands of her employees long enough to attend Delilah’s wedding. When she encounters Andy again the man is absolutely entranced but no one holds a grudge better than her.

Juliana Hansen (Formerly Fitzroy): Apple of her father’s eye, the princess of the Fitzroy empire, nothing was more important or as spoiled as the only daughter of Donald Fitzroy. That is until her aunt and uncle met an unfortunate end (at the time it seemed like an accident) and her cousin Claire became a ward of Donald. What Juliana first thought would be 24 hour sleepover energy quickly turned to envy when a few months later her beloved cousin was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Daddy’s little girl was pushed to the wayside so Claire had every chance to succeed. Not content with having money thrust at her as her fathers form of apologizing, she sought revenge in the form of Lloyd Hansen who introduced her to all kinds of fun new skills.

Chole Everett (Formerly Collins): The opposite of her big, burly, gruff man, Chole is the squishy goodiness whose energy and excitement keeps everyone feeling lighthearted. The events that led to her meeting Curtis pulled her from college where she was a business major trying to educate herself to open her own bakery. The loan for such a feat is a source of contention between her and the family until it succeeds and opens new conversation topics for her and Frank, integrating her further into the family.

Blair Levinson (Formerly Perkins): Poverty was the stench that had always surrounded her. From her fathers drug addiction that eventually took his own life, to her and her mother working to bring themselves out of the debt his death brought upon them. Dropping out of high school entirely to help support her mother she eventually encounters her father’s old dealer; who in a rare moment of shame takes her under his wing and teaches her the trade. He never suspected the sexy, young, naive teen to bring his demise-though could she really be blamed for alcohol poison? Taking over all his assets after his death, the money it brings to her instills agreed that can only be quenched by skimming supply from the Rogers’ foreign dealings. A business she eventually helps to perfect once she is forgiven and brought into the family.

Victoria Drysdale (Formerly Stark): Twin to Anthony Stark, she’d always tried to stay out of the business her family dealt in, much preferring her duties as a math professor at NYU. But when her niece, Morgan, is brought into the world and her brother begs her for her assistance in peace-she never thought she’d find herself marrying into the Rogers family and certainly not to Ransom. But neither ever expected to fall in love so when they do and their boundaries are bent for one another a slip of the mind occurs. When Victoria falls pregnant their marriage nearly collapses, especially when she demands Ransom take on the responsibility of stay-at-home-dad since he doesn’t work anyway. A duty that has him asking Andy for the proper divorce proceedings that is until he meets his twin daughters and everything in his life seems to finally click into place.

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 124-Mephistophelian

Summary: Daddy's home with a whole new look. Garrett and Josie are in trouble. Josie finds one of her powers...and a new family member who has a lot of info. A kiss is shared. Thranduil holds onto his love for Josephine as Jareth now takes over. Josie panics over Legolas. Haldir takes some heat. Garrett saves a life and comforts another. Narcisse intercepts something of great importance.

*Warnings* Long and dark chapter, angst, violence, language, graphic depictions, torture,

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

"My dad is here? Where?!" you asked Garrett in desperation and began spinning around searching for him.

"Daddy??? Are you here?? Where are you!? Garrett, come on, we gotta look for him."

"Yeah, umm, Josephine, hold on..." he said and grabbed your arm.

"Garrett? What are you doing?"

"Something don't feel right." Garrett muttered as his eyes darted through all the trees.

"Yeah, your hand on my arm! He could be out here hurt or something. Maybe that's why he's been gone so long??"

You pulled away from him and took off trotting through the forest with Garrett immediately chasing after you.

Julian watched from a tree above and then jumped out, doing an impressive flip and then landed right in your path, scaring you half to death.

You let out a scream and hopped into Garrett's awaiting arms as Julian stood staring at you with an expressionless face.

"Daddy? Oh my god, you're really here!"

You went to go to him but Garrett stopped you, snatching your arm and turning you back to him.

"Josephine...wait."

"Garrett, what are you doing? Let me go."

He leaned down to you and quietly spoke while still clutching your hand.

"Do you trust me?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?'

Garrett sighed and furrowed his brows.

"Ok..ok, yes...with my life, but that's about it after Raven... What is it Garrett?"

Garrett pretended he didn't hear her cringeworthy name. "Something is off. He...he don't...smell right....and look at his appearance, the drastic change." he whispered.

You were locked into Garrett's eyes and your intuition told you to listen to him. He may have done some stupid things but he would never let anything happen to you. Slowly, you turned to look at your father as you remained glued to Garrett.

""Garrett, what an unpleasant surprise to see you with my daughter as usual...you do recall that I am a witch and witches can change their appearance."

"Um.. right...and here I thought you just stopped off at the barber shop during your three week vacation that had your daughter worried sick when she just got you back from the dead after 9 years. What was I thinking?"

"Garrett, stop it." you snapped and nudged him.

"New cologne too? Interesting scent." Garrett continued, completely ignoring you.

"You're one to talk, Danny Zuko. Is that whom you wanted to be when you grew up from the class clown to the comedic blood sucker?" Julian snarked as he leered at the vexed vampire.

You couldn't help but snicker at your dad's remark in which Garrett gave you a raised eyebrow of disbelief.

"Well...the Zuko part was kinda funny." you concurred. Garrett then shook his head at you.

"Oh look at that, your dad's got newly acquired joking skills as well. Great movie by the way, one of my favorites, although I think I'm much better looking that John Travolta and would have made a better T-Bird. I can totally sing greased lightning way better too. What about you Chad Kroeger? Is this how you remind me of what I really am?"

"Garrett Lee!" you said with a low emitted bellow through your teeth.

"What? He started it."

After rolling your eyes at Garrett's typical behavior, you looked back at your dad, realizing his behavior wasn't so typical.

"Daddy, where have you been? Garrett is right, I was so worried about you. You just vanished and never told me you were leaving."

"I apologize Josephine. I had some business to attend to."

"Ok? Umm, since when do you call me that?

"It is your name is it not?"

"Well...uh...yeah..but...you always call me Jo...Daddy, is everything alright?"

"Never better. Come give daddy a hug. I have missed you my love."

Garrett's hand squeezed yours, begging you not to do it.

You peered up at Garrett with a now worried look.

"Jo, my sweet girl, don't you want to give your father a hug?" Julian asked in a sincere like tone. You smiled as that sounded more like your dad's words and let go of Garrett.

"Josephine..." Garrett urged, his eyes full of concern that were now his defensive red.

"Hey...calm down. He's not going to hurt me, he's my dad?" you softly told him and then went to Julian. The closer you got, you began to pick up the scent Garrett was talking about. You didn't know how to describe it, only that it was unsavory. Not a lick of his usual chamomile aroma was there at all.

You hesitantly hugged him and he even felt different. Julian picked up on how tense you were.

"Oh, there now. Daddy's got you. If there's anyone you should be weary of my child, it is the living dead boy you are sweet on."

You immediately released your father and gave him a wide eyed stare.

"Dad...why would you say such a thing to me??"

"Were you not about to play tongue twister with romancing Roman over there or did my eyes deceive me? A few more minutes and he would have been eyeing your jugular."

"First of all Julian, my name is Garrett and secondly, I do not desire Josephine's blood and she knows it. What is your problem man?" Garrett reeled as he came up behind you and intensely glared the warlock down.

"It seems it would be you. You had no problem letting Jo feed you her blood at Lestat's or has that slipped your mind. I stood right there and viewed the entire display of affection. Tell me, did Thranduil know about that? Oh, that's right, he was probably already dead by then."

"DADDY!!!!" you shouted in horror as Garrett secured you against him.

"She gave me her blood because I was dying. Caroline had almost depleted all of my blood or has THAT slipped your mind?? And what a shitty ass thing to say to her. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me. I am simply stating facts. How sweet, how you both share each other's blood now, I mean, since you forced her to drink yours at one time, among...other things you made her do. I made it clear to you more than once that I would never except you as a part of Josephine's life, so my words should be of no shock to you."

"And they're not, but the ones you speak to your daughter ARE! I think you owe her an apology." Garrett snapped and moved you behind him as he stood in attack mode.

"I really thought this was going to be simple, but you just had to interfere like always. I am getting quite tired of your existence...and so is Jareth. He knows about your little roll in the hay with Raven, so I'll be doing him a favor in taking you out for him. I promise, it will be much quicker and less painful if I do it." Julian said as he walked over to an enormous rock that stood at least 20 feet tall and half of that wide. With one unexpected and effortless push, Julian tipped it over, aiming it right for Garrett as you helplessly watched.

Garrett could have zipped away, but it wasn't his style. Instead, he wanted to show his power and raised his hand, obliterating the massive stone into kibble that showered over the dismayed warlock.

"Daddy STOP!! What are you doing???!!!"

Ignoring your cries, Julian then raised his hand and whipped Garrett against a tree, pinning him there.

"Be still blood sucker."

"Daddy let him go!! NOW!!"

"I'm sorry dear one but I cannot do that. Now, where were we?"

"Josephine, get away from him!"

You headed Garrett's words and slowly moved backwards towards the vampire.

"D...d..daddy, what are you doing? Why are you acting this way?!"

"Be still girl. This can all be over if you just give me what I want."

"You can have whatever you want, just don't hurt Garrett...please!"

"No! Josephine, do not give a warlock something of yours." Garrett warned.

You turned to look at him and then suddenly Julian was right behind you.

"Too late. She already offered to me anything I want."

You gasped as Julian ripped the moonstone from your neck. He grinned from ear to ear as his hand lit up...which also freed Garrett in his distraction.

Garrett powered towards him and this time Julian flashed a fireball at him.

"How about a little fire scarecrow??"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" you screamed as you whipped around to see Garrett's jacket consumed in flames.

Since you had no powers to shield him, your instincts went wild as you charged at Garrett, plunging into his chest and catapulting him through the air, straight into the bay's large inlet of water.

"GARRETT!!!" you gasped and cried as you stared at the ripples where he went under. Rage now tore through your veins as you turned to your father with a death glare, desperately trying to find the powers Amara said you still had.

"Who are you??? because you are NOT my father!"

Julian began walking towards you with a sinister look upon his face. You began to tremble profusely as you stumbled backwards, falling onto your back.

"How slowly you catch on. You really should have listened to him."

"Daddy, stop this! Don't make me hurt you!" you sobbed and shook.

Julian chortled. "And how are you going to do that? You are powerless and I have the moonstone."

Panic and fear took over you as your eyes dashed about, looking for something, anything. Your eyes locked on to a large tree branch that was splintered at the end as you thought of your daughter and getting back to her. You could hear Garrett's voice from when he trained you to use your powers, telling you to focus. The branch began to move and then it broke, plunging down straight through Julian's backside and into the ground.

You sat there in shock, shaking so bad and whimpering like a frightened child as you stared at your father's limp body hanging over the wooden spear with your necklace dangling from his hand.

"D..ddd..daddy???" you stuttered and steadied yourself onto your feet, then slowly stumbled over to him. "I...I..I didn't mean it daddy....wake up."

You nudged his shoulder but he didn't move.

"Daddy wake up!!!" you shouted and shook him, but still, there was no movement. "No...no...no..no...no..noooooooo!"

You still bore the emerald around your neck which you had put on a longer chain so it wasn't visible to those that desired it, otherwise you were certain Julian would have taken that too. You quickly pulled it out and pressed the gem against his chest. Nothing happened....just like with Thranduil. You then dropped to your knees in front of him and bawled.

"Why won't it work??!!! I'm so sorry! I love you so much."

After a few moments, you wiped your eyes, then took his hand and kissed it. You then reclaimed your pendant and wobbled off in disorientation to look for Garrett. He couldn't be gone too. He just couldn't....

As you got a few feet away, you heard a noise from behind you. Slowly, you turned around to see your father stand up and move right through the stake.

"Oh my god...daddy!!"

You went to run to him but someone stopped you. Someone you had never seen before in your life. The short blonde haired man stood about 6 ft., dressed in all black and appeared to be about your age.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you Jo." he bluntly stated as he glared at you.

"Wait....what...who..."

"Long time no see Jace." Julian snidely said to this herculean man that was a complete stranger to you who but bore a rune on his neck similar to yours, but much larger.

"Too long apparently. It seems my father has gotten to you."

"I am merely who I was born to be. He did me a favor. I'd like to stay and catch up, but I have to finish my errands. Josephine, I believe you have something that belongs to me."

Julian stepped towards you holding his hand out.

The man he called Jace pushed you behind him.

"You will not go near her."

Jace's eyes turned a fiery orange as he glowered at Julian.

"Would someone tell me what the fuck is going on?" you blatantly insisted as you pushed your way back around him.

"Wow. Language...and feisty too. Your reputation precedes you."

"Excuse me??? Just who the hell are you.....Jace??"

Julian took advantage of the situation and flew off.

"Well that's just GREAT! Thank you for that. If you could have just kept your mouth shut for two seconds, I could have contained him and may have been able to undue what has been done to him." Jace raged at you.

You sarcastically laughed in utter shock of the nerve this man had.

"I don't have time for this. I have to find..."

Your words were cut short as Garrett appeared from the trees, smiling at you, his hair back to it's usual shaggy state and carrying his half melted leather jacket.

"Oh my god!!!" you cried and raced to him, jumping into his arms. "Are you alright, are you hurt, are you burned??"

You frantically ravished his body with your hands checking him over to make sure.

"I'm fine Josephine, thanks to you and your quick thinking...and this jacket believe it or not."

You placed your hands on his cheeks and closed your eyes.

"My god, when I saw the fire...I...I....just...don't you ever do that to me again!"

"What did I do? Your psychotic father set me on fire. That wasn't my fault."

"I know I know! Just....shut up..."

You planted your lips upon his and held them there. Garrett was stunned. He dropped his coat as he closed his eyes, then wrapped his arms around you, parting his lips and kissing you deeply.

You whimpered as your lips slowly detached from his and you both stood in a dazed eye lock.

"Not to interrupt your sweet little moment but it is not safe for you to stay out here. Julian will be back to obtain that which he came for. Your gem and that book."

"I'm sorry....who the hell are you?" Garrett rudely asked as his eyes glowed red and walked right up to Jace, towering at least 6 inches over him.

"You can tone down the hues bro. I'm not your enemy."

"And I'm not your bro, bruh."

"Jo, can you call your hellhound off before I hurt him?"

"Jesus, will you both stop?? And you....JACE...answer his question. Start talking now. Who are you?? and how do you know me or my father??"

"Which one? I guess that don't matter. I am related to both of them. Julian is my uncle. Jareth is my father."

You gasped, remembering the Seelie Queen's words, that there were two others that shared your blood sibling wise....and then you saw it...Jace's eyes.

"How...how did I not notice....your eyes...one brown...one blue...just like Jareth's...you mean you're my......."

"Brother. Yes. But I will put this out there right now. I am nothing like Jareth, nor do I associate with him...or my mother....except that I am a warlock. Jareth and Harker, they got to Julian. My guess is Jareth tortured him with his ring and that's why your father isn't himself."

"His ring?"

"Yes. The citrine gemstone. It has great power. Terrible power when in the wrong hands, just like Ashmole...and that's what Julian was here for...and your moonstone. There's three stones they need, along with that book for Jareth to do some serious damage and also to protect himself from destruction. I am certain my father has two of the runestones in his possession, one being his ring and the other a hexagonal crystal. Then there's yours and Thranduil's ring."

"Wait, what? how do you know about my husband's ring?"

"Jo, respectfully, everyone knows of King Thranduil and his moonstone ring. It's a key crystal. On the backside of the stone is a hole in which your stone was created from and also in which it fits together, making it whole again. When Thranduil had it made for you, well, word traveled about it. The thing is, I don't think Jareth is aware of that part and that both would be needed for what he plans to do. Your stone alone will do them no good, which can buy some time. But we need to find that book before Julian does....also...where is Thranduil's ring?"

You had trouble finding words after that revelation. You knew your stone was made from his, but you didn't know about the key factor.

"Uhhh...it's...I believe it's in his halls....I..."

Your eyes began to cloud over with tears as you turned away.

"Jo...I am sorry for your loss. I truly am. I had much respect for your King. Mostly because all feared him and I mean that in a good way."

"I...I understand. Legolas will be returning there at some point and I will ask him to try and locate it. But....the book. You said Julian is here for that too? You mean to tell me it's here in Dorwinion somewhere?"

"I am certain of it. Julian and Narcisse are best friends and have been for ever since I can remember. I don't know if Narcisse knows it is here, but what a better place for Julian to have hidden it, in a place so obvious, no one would think to look."

"Ok..ok...but...there's also three pages my father took from that book and hid elsewhere. He said the book is useless without them."

"Yeah about that...Harker has them. I have been tracking the three brothers, it's what I do. Your dad was at your old home. That's where he hid the pages, but Harker was also following your dad and was able to overpower him there and took them from him."

"So, you followed him there and you did nothing to stop it??!"

"It's not like that. I followed Jareth and he met up with Harker and an already injured Julian. I heard their conversation about it all. I could not take the two of them on alone, especially when Jareth has that ring. I might be his son, but that don't matter to him. I would most likely be in the same predicament as Julian if I had tried."

"I guess that makes sense because I certainly know Jareth don't give a shit about me either. He tried to trade me for Raven back at Lestat's before he turned into some ungodly beast and torched the place."

"The Balrog. The ring gives him that power. You may be pleased to know that Jareth got his karma for that. Dragons attacked his kingdom and burnt it down, well the visible part on top of the mountain anyways. Jareth still has his labyrinth inside the Misty Mountains as a sanctuary."

Your mouth dropped open as you began to slowly pace.

"My god....my dream...."

"What do you mean?"

"I...I have prophetic dreams...they..they don't always make sense but almost always come true and...the other night...I dreamt of dragons and....someone playing a violin..."

Jace's eyes widened as he whispered in shock. "The song that summons them. No one dares play that or knows how to, except...."

"Thranduil and Lestat......Jace...Thranduil played it in Laketown when Smaug was a threat....and Lestat...he..he has this violin that he guards with his life...I have heard him play it, it's so intoxicating. My god, do you think he did it? For revenge? I mean...Lestat has made it clear he don't settle old scores, he harbors them...but...we all know it couldn't be Thranduil so...maybe Lestat was just pushed over the edge after all that happened? God, I just saw him awhile back. He had come here to see me and bring me some items of mine that weren't destroyed in the fire and he didn't seem vengeful, but I suppose he wouldn't tell me if he was. Crazy isn't it? Mine and Thranduil's chambers were untouched by the fire...."

"So...does anyone here want to fill me in on where Julian is after the wicked witch set me on fire?" Garrett asked.

"After that, he...he came after me and I...I was able to conjure up enough power to stop him, accidentally I plunged a tree branch through his body...and I tired to save him with the emerald but it wouldn't work...but then it must have because he was suddenly alive again, and that's when Jace showed up and my dad flew off, but I was able to get my moonstone back before that."

"No, the emerald did not save him Jo, because he wasn't dead. It's not exactly that simple to kill a warlock."

"What I don't get though is why it didn't work on Thranduil, because he was....gone when we found him. My mother claimed she had placed some curse upon it working on his bloodline, but yet it worked on Legolas at a later time that night...maybe because the curse was broken when she died? but...she was also dead before I tried it on Thranduil so that can't be it. God, nothing makes sense anymore!" you cried and burrowed yourself into Garrett's chest.

Your words suddenly had Jace's mind spinning in thought and theory, but he didn't dare tell you any of it without being sure....for he too, like Lestat, now wondered if it were possible that Thranduil was alive.

"I...I have to get back to my daughter. We must have been gone at least a few hours now, and then I need to find Narcisse and ask him about that damn book. I honestly don't believe he knows where it is but I am about to find out."

Jace accompanied you and Garrett back to the castle.

"Will I see you again Jace? I mean...it's not everyday that you find a long lost sibling you didn't know you had for 24 years."

"Of course you will Jo. I haven't known for long about you, but when I found out, that's when I started following Jareth which eventually led me to you. I won't be far or gone long, but there are things I need to look into. Do not leave this castle for any reason. Not with Julian on the loose now too."

There went your plans of going to Lorien and now you had to explain that to Haldir.

"Jace, whatever you do, please don't hurt my dad. This isn't his fault. All that he has ever done, it was for me."

"I think you know I wouldn't do that. Julian is one of the good guys. We will get him back, I swear to it."

You gave Jace a hug and then he left.

"I suppose that's my que to leave too." Garrett sadly said.

"I'm sorry. If I could let you stay here, I would."

"Well, you know I too will not be far. I don't mind hanging out in the trees." he chuckled. "I'll be that guard dog Jace referred me too."

You threw your arms around him and held him tight.

"Don't you ever leave me again Garrett." you mumbled into his neck.

He brought his hand up to the back of your head and cradled you so gently, then kissed your forehead.

"I'll see you soon beautiful. Call to me if you need me."

He caressed your cheek and smiled, then left.

"I love you with a soul that has lived a thousand lifetimes, always waiting to meet you again. I can promise to be yours forever." Thranduil muttered as he lied on the cold stone floor barely conscious, trying to hold onto his feelings for you, picturing your face and imagining your touch.

"Clink clink clink clink clink clink."

Harker trailed around the iron bars with Thranduil's sword, startling him into a gasp and bringing him back to his living nightmare.

"Wake up Elvenking. It's time for your therapy. This time I brought a special guest who would like to assist in your treatment.

Thranduil's swollen eyes crept open into narrow slits as Jareth's face came into focus next to Harker's, both warlocks smirking at him.

"Welcome back elf king. It's time to pay your dues." Jareth taunted as he held up his crystal ball.

"You have torched my castle and played with my queen, and for that, death should be your punishment, but death is too kind. I have much better plans for you. You see, soon I will have everything I need to rule all of middle earth, a true king. Even you will answer to me. With that being said, I believe you and I will come to a mutual understanding and both still reign in our realms, but that is the only power you will have. I will be God and you will be a soldier under command. Your love for my daughter will be ancient history, as if it never existed. The memories you have of her will mean nothing to you. She...will mean nothing to you. I am going to bring back the Elvenking's heart of stone that he had for many millenniums before you even knew her....and that's not all I am going to bring back. I will wake the dead just like I was awakened...and they will become the evil dead, just as I am. Does that make any sense? If it is still not crystal clear...it will be. Look here, you will see."

Jareth squatted down and held the crystal ball between the bars.

Thranduil squinted his eyes shut and turned away.

Jareth lowered his head and heavily sighed.

"If you insist on doing things the hard way, then so be it. Harker?"

Harker came up behind the bars where Thranduil leaned and grabbed each side of his face.

"LOOK at the ball sprite." he snarled into his ear as the citrine ring glowed and shocked Thranduil which forced his eyes wide open.

What Thranduil was made to see sent tears flowing down his dirt ridden cheeks. It was so horrendous and emotionally painful that he passed out.

"Well that was useless." Harker griped.

"Oh no my brother, it was quite effective. His reaction is exactly what I wanted to shrivel his heart and turn it black as coal. Even the grinch will have nothing on him when I am through. We will return later tonight and give him another round. In the meantime, stay here and when he awakens, continue to inculcate him with the crystal Julian had and find out where Thranduil's ring is."

"I thought it was not needed, that Josephine's moonstone would be enough?"

"The more, the merrier. I want that ring."

So did Harker, and he planned on getting it for himself, but agreed to follow Jareth's orders, for now.

You sat in your room holding Leean after you fed her waiting for Haldir to come in who you had sent Lola to find. You really wanted to speak to Narcisse about the book and your dad and also about allowing you to stay.. but Lola had informed you that he had went to the city on business, so now you would have to wait. You also wanted to see Legolas so bad, but were scared to. You thought it best to let him come to you in his own time, for you had deeply and unintentionally hurt him.

Haldir came in and sat down on the foot of the bed as you laid Leean back in her cradle.

"You requested to see me?"

"Yes...I have much to tell you."

You went on informing Haldir of all of the day's events, well, most of it. You were brief on the Seelie Court, leaving out the game of kisses. You didn't want to further humiliate Legolas and it really was no one else's business but yours and his.

Haldir was stunned by your revelations and actaully shocked you by understanding that you could not leave for Lorien with him now... but was confused as to why Legolas came back without you, so he asked.

"Jo...Legolas came in earlier in a state of...well...rage I suppose. What happened? And do not tell me you don't know."

"Haldir...I do know, and I don't want to discuss that with you, or anyone. It is between me and Legolas. So...obviously, he didn't tell you, but...did he say anything at all?"

Haldir's eyes lowered and now you were worried.

"Haldir?? What are YOU not telling ME? Where is Legolas???"

"Jo...he did not say much. He...wanted to be left alone. Quite literally."

"What the hell does that mean?"

Haldir sighed, knowing what he was about to tell you was going to set you off.

"Jo....Legolas left for Mirkwood."

For a few seconds that seemed like minutes, your ears went deaf as your heart palpitated, it's strong beat pulsed through your head and your airways tightened. The next thing you knew, you awoke in Haldir's arms as he sat on the floor holding you.

"Haldir...wh..what happened?"

"You fainted my lady. Are you alright? You scared me half to death."

You sat up in shock. "I...yes, I am fine. I must have had a panic attack. Please tell me I was dreaming and that Legolas is right across the hall in his room."

"I am sorry Jo. He is not. It was no dream. My god Jo, what did you do to him?"

You were instantly offended and stood right up.

"And why would you just assume that I did something to him???"

"Because Jo, he refused to speak of you and would not even even say goodbye to Leean. Correct me if I am wrong, but beings Garrett was with you, I am willing to bet he has something to do with it."

"No more. This conversation is over."

"Jo, do not o this. Talk to me."

"I want you to leave Haldir."

"Jo, I am sorry if I hurt you, I was not trying to do..."

"Get...OUT!"

Haldir pursed his lips, spun around and left with you slamming the door shut behind him. You leaned on the door and slowly slid to the ground in tears.

Night had fallen and there was light snow as the crow had made his way into the Dorwinion realm with Thranduil's letter clamped tightly in his beak. A small group of Narcisse's guards were outside partying with the wicked ale, which the mice liked to do when the big cat was away.

The moon was full and illuminated the grounds as if it were day, making the crow visible as he tried to make his way around the castle to your balcony. The rowdy and unruly guards saw him and began pelting large stones at him as they laughed and cheered for him to be taken down, calling him a beast of the devil. A rock nailed him hard in the head, disorienting him and causing him to drop the letter as he let out a shrill squawk. Blood trickled over his eyes blurring his vision as he tried desperately to make it to you. He flew erratically all over the place and eventually slammed right into your windows. You jumped out of bed with a hard gasp, staring at the balcony doors. The crow began cawing non stop in cries for help. You raced to the doors and whipped them open to find him flapping around on the ground covered in blood.

"Oh my god!!! What has happened to you??? It's ok, it's ok, calm down, I have got you." you told your feathered faithful friend as you picked him up. You saw his injury and it was bad.

Garrett came swooping in as he had been just across the way watching your doors from a tree just like he said he would do.

"Josephine, what happened??"

"Garrett, I don't know! I don't know what to do, I have no powers. We have to help him, we just have to after all he has done for me!"

"Shhhhh, little one. Give him to me."

You shook and cried as you handed the bird to Garrett. He cradled the crow in his palms and closed his eyes. His hands began to glow a soft yellow and within seconds, the black bird was on his feet, cawing at Garrett while tilting his head to eye him as a gesture of appreciation.

"Oh my god, you did it. He...he's alright? You're...you're alright aren't you?" you asked your friend.

He cawed once for yes as he then eyed you.

"What happened to you? Can you find a way to tell me?"

He jumped on Garrett's lap and cawed at him, then flew to the balcony rail and cawed at him again. Garrett looked at you in confusion.

"I...I think he wants you to follow him."

Garrett chuckled. "Ok? Guess I am going to go be a pet detective. If I'm not back in five minutes, just wait longer."

You giggled. "Alright Ace Ventura...I'll...just wait here."

That five minutes went by and you were getting anxious while staring out into the darkness in search for either of them. You then heard the crow caw and he and Garrett landed back on the balcony with perfect grace.

"We couldn't stay out there long because Narcisse just returned from wherever he was at..and he looked like he was on a war path....but...from what I have gathered...the warlock guards were juiced up on grandpa's ol' cough medicine and dick measuring by throwing rocks at him to see who could take him out. Like, he literally showed me by picking up stones in his beak and whipping them at my leg."

"Wow...well look at you two, go scooby and shaggy!"

The crow cawed as you and Garrett laughed.

"So...you know Josephine, I can take care of them for what they have done. Bad people is my thing remember? They're no better than that piece of shit Asher. Narcisse seriously needs to reassess his staff."

"Garrett, no!! Narcisse will figure out that it was a vampire attack and you don't want to be on his bad side again. He is far from stupid."

"Whoa whoa, hold up. I didn't mean I was going to kill them...well, not suck style anyways...I was thinking more like scooping them up one by one and dropping them in the middle of the cold black treacherous Rhun. Narcisse would probably just think they drunk drowned, that is if they don't become shark bait first."

"Oh my god, no Garrett. I will inform Narcisse what they have done. You know how he feels about animals, even ones that are deemed to be evil or unlucky such as this sweet fella. They will definitely pay for this."

"Curses...foiled again! Thanks Daphne."

"Ha...ha. Funny, not funny. Ok, so...my little friend, why have you come?" you then asked the crow.

The crow just cocked his head. He had no idea of how to tell you because you couldn't read his mind like Thranduil could.

"Did you have a message for me?"

"Caw!" he answered once for yes.

"Ok...good news or bad news? Once for good, twice for bad."

"Caw!"

"Lord knows I could use some good news....but how is he going to tell me what it is about?" you asked Garrett who was astonished over the fact you were speaking with a bird.

"I don't know...charades?"

You laughed so hard. "Well...wow. I haven't laughed that hard in a very very long time. You know Garrett, you're the only one who makes me laugh like that."

You gasped as you heard your bedroom door open and close which startled the crow and he flew off.

'No...wait! Shit!"

"See ya later Eric Draven!" Garrett yelled.

"SHHHHHH!!!!" you hissed and smacked his arm.

You peeked inside and saw Lola.

"Ok...stay here and I'll be right back....and BE quiet!" you whispered adamantly to Garrett.

He then sat in a dark corner and made the zipper gesture across his lips as he gazed at you.

You smiled and went inside....then came back a few minutes later.

"Ok, she's gone. I asked her to give me a night of privacy, that I just wanted to be alone.....but I don't...not really. Garrett...Legolas left. He went back to Mirkwood and didn't even say goodbye to me and so now, here I am with no one but Haldir and Narcisse, both of which I am pissed at...and now I'm stuck in a castle with a crazy bitch as well who likes to put dead rats in my bath water, and my alter ego dad is out there somewhere just waiting to come back for my stone....would you...stay with me tonight? Please? I mean...just so I can sleep. Nothing more. I'll lock the door... and...I..."

"Of course I will Josephine. You do know, you can always come stay with me."

"Garrett...at this point, I would...but...you have to know I cannot take my daughter into a vampire coven...I just won't do it."

"I understand that. But if Narcisse sticks to his guns and feels you must leave because of Catherine, where will you go??"

"I'm sure it will still be Lorien but I don't want to think about that right now. I am so tired and it feels like my brain is melting after all it's been subjected to today."

He followed you inside and you climbed in bed as Garrett went to lay on the couch.

"No...Garrett....over here. Please? Hold me?"

The vampire seemed to have went into shock as he exhaled a deep gush of air and just stared at you.

"Garrett, if you don't want to, it's ok. You can just stay there."

'No..no...it's not that I don't, I mean, ...uh...umm..err...ok."

He came over and laid down beside you, his body stiff as a board, his eyes wide and frozen upon the ceiling as you cuddled up next to him, laying your head upon his chest.

"I...I can hear your heartbeat." you whispered as you closed your eyes.

"Ummm, my little one, that's not possible."

"Yes it is. I hear it in my mind.....goodnight Garrett."

He smiled and wrapped his arm around you.

"Goodnight little one."

"So let me see if I understand this correctly. I go into the city for a mere few hours, trusting that my guards will faithfully do their jobs as they are paid to do, and I return to my kingdom to find all of you incompetent fucking losers boozin it up on the front lawn and acting like a bunch of obnoxious imbeciles! Your actions reflect back on me! Do you have any idea what this makes me look like?? More importantly, there is a woman and her child inside that needs protection from a very notorious and dangerous warlock, which I know you're all aware of. If something were to happen to either of them because shenanigans such as this, every single one of you shall breathe no more! I need men for this job but it appears I have employed nothing but a bunch of delinquent little boys! Someone enliven me now what all the frolicking was over!"

"My...my Lord...th..there was...a...a..."

"If you cannot speak, you cannot serve me! Get him out of my sight Bash."

Sebastian had assumed Asher's position and was now Narcisse's deputy assistant and right hand man.

"Now, is there anyone else here that has grown past the age of 4 that can tell me what the commotion was about?"

"My Lord Narcisse. There was a crow. We were trying to bring it down with rocks as the filthy creatures bring evil and bad luck with them, for they are of the devil."

"You are about to find out who the real devil is around here. No one...no ONE here hurts an animal unless it is trying to kill you! You foolish and credulous dullards! Sebastian, have them all taken to the court. Strip and stone them, then find me a lineup for new guards for this sector that are worthy of the position."

"My Lord, stoning seems a bit extreme for..."

"Are you questioning me or my methods Bash?! Did I make a mistake instating you as my deputy? Shall I have you join the others?"

"No! My Lord, I will do as you wish." Bash quickly replied, bowed and left with the group of frightened warlocks.

"My Lord Narcisse." his coachman called to him.

Stephane rolled his eyes and turned around with a sigh.

"What is it now???"

"I found something on the ground just over the way. Beings that it is white, I could not help but see it. It appears to be a letter which could be of importance possibly?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Well...the thumbprint my Lord. It's..."

"Elven..." Narcisse whispered.

@redeemer46

[familyofpebbles]

Athens, Greece - May 2022

Your reenlistment vacation/honeymoon part one. Your bonus allowed us to be extravagant on this one, and you did not hold back on your well-deserved reward. If we were going to realize your dream of seeing Athens, we were going to do it right!

The first part of that was ensuring we had the proper view. You secured us a penthouse with a wall of windows looking directly at the Acropolis, eye level with the Parthenon. It had a large wrap around balcony as well, fully furnished and equipped with an outdoor shower. Truly jaw-dropping.

We quickly set about exploring the area. We hadn’t planned anything in particular for the day we got there, and so had all the time in the world to adventure around. We admired antique shops and sprawling markets dotted with beautiful marble ruins, cats snoozing in the shade of ancient columns. You got a very nice haircut at a barber shop on a whim, and when hungry, we returned to where a very friendly and enthusiastic restaurant manager had stopped us in the street previously. His tactic worked well on us- we had decided to come back as soon as we had walked away. Our first taste of Athenian food was outstanding- the grilled mushrooms quickly becoming a new favorite food and object of my eternal desire once we left the country. The downtown area we were in was happily buzzing with activity- the overwhelming vibe being jovial and relaxed. As it grew darker the colorful string lights lacing over the street came on, musicians began to play, and we fell in love with Athens.

We walked back to our apartment, shoulder to shoulder with people around us, but for once I didn’t feel anxious or overwhelmed. There wasn’t a shred of tension around and I’ve never felt safer. Now, I know this is a luxery of where exactly in Athens we were- right in the middle of the historic tourism. I’m not naïve enough to believe that to be true of the entire city, but there, it was wonderful. I would have felt comfortable on my own.

We were treated to a lit up view of the Parthenon from our living room. LEDs lined the floor and we fully enjoyed the view- from there and the balcony. I’m sure you remember the very kingly moment from the dining room chair. I certainly do.

-

History day! After the best breakfast I think I’ve ever had and the discovery of orange cake omg SO GOOD- off we went to the Acropolis! Through Propylaia and straight to the Parthenon- so much bigger than we had imagined it. At the Erechtheion – a temple of Athena, a cat was perched at the top of the stairs, calmly looking down at the surrounding crowds. Many people were calling to her, but she just watched- until you went up to the barricade and held you hand out to her. She stood up and casually walked straight over to you, rubbing up against your hand. She deigned to be pet by me once or twice, but then put an end to that with a snap, and after a final scratch from you, turned her back on everyone else and returned back to her place at the top of the steps. Surely, a blessing from Athena’s little priestess for you.

Onwards to the temple of Athena Nike, and then overlooked the amphitheater – the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It looked like they were setting up for an event of some sort there. How amazing it would be to attend something like that! Then, over to Areopagus Hill. Next to and slightly lower than the Acropolis, it gives a spectacular view of the city to the west. You decided that it would be the perfect place to watch the sun set.

Down to the museum, packed full of stunning sculptures and pieces of the Parthenon. A quick café break to cool down, and then we wound down the hill to wind down to the Temple of Hephaestus and it’s lush park surroundings. Then, souvenir time. For ourselves and for your family too! We got a few small things from the usual shops to give to Cate and Drew, plus a small evil eye bracelet with an Athens owl on it for myself- but for our main item, opted to go to the antiques market. There was one shop in particular that had a silver Greek ship atop a smooth piece of Lapis Lazuli - for a rather high price. We reluctantly left, but after a day of looking out for something for ourselves, and our appreciation for this trip growing, we knew we wanted something really special to remember it by. And so, back we went, hoping no one else got to it before we did. They hadn't, and now she sits on our shelf.

By now, the sun was getting lower, so as we ambled past the gates of the Roman Agora, we kept our eye out for dinner. Really, any place was going to be delicious, so when we got tired of walking we picked one sat down for another mouth watering meal. We got a bottle of wine to go, and briefly returning to our apartment, carefully packed it with some wine glasses in my backpack. Back up we went to Aereopagus, for what was to be my favorite part of the whole trip.

We joined a small crowd on the hill- couples and families and laughing groups- found a rock to settle onto, and opened the wine. As we watched the sky turn to molten gold over this storied city, we sat in a moment of deep gratitude for where we were and what we are able to experience together. It was grounding to be taking part in this very human tradition- sharing a drink with your love, surrounded by other people experiencing the same sense of wonder over a nightly occurrence, in the very spot millions of others have sat and appreciated the exact same thing throughout history. We were acutely aware that we were in one of the highlights of our lives.

-

The next day we ventured out further. An early morning, a quickly snagged coffee and a pastry, and into a waiting van- a small airbnb tour waiting to whisk us off to our several destinations. We were joined by one woman in the front, who was very obviously unhappy to be sharing her tour with us. Perhaps we were just a little too happy for her, or didn’t look like we’d take it as seriously as she intended to. Who knows. Either way, we were unbothered and fully tuned in to the wonderful and thorough history and mythology lesson our host treated us to on the way!

Our first pit stop was Arachova- a popular  Greek ski resort mountain town, quiet now in the late Spring. It was a small stop, just long enough to walk down the main street and admire the view. Soon, we were off to one of our main destinations- The Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi resided. We started at the bottom of the hill and wound up to the top, through the complex of ruins that used to flank the road. We saw the Oracles temple, and we drank from the clear waters of her spring. A visit to the museum revealed the wonders that had been unearthed whole from the area. This was my favorite site we visited. How amazing to stand in the stories.

We stopped for lunch at a restaurant on the edge of a mountain, shaded by a canopy of a tree. We had cool, refreshing wine, and you had the best salad of your life that you still regularly talk about- it had pomegranate and honey dressing.

The second half of our journey lead us to the Thermopylae Baths – the hot springs that Hephaestus created for Hercules to regain his strength in. We bathed in them as well, hoping for some of that bodily restoration, before heading to the nearby battlefield. This was where Leonidas fought and died with the 300 Spartans against the Persians. We stood on the holy hill where his body was brought to be defended in their last stand.

Then, the long drive back to Athens while we digested the amazing places we had just been. Pieces of history we’d grown up knowing- places you dreamed about. Standing on the very these historical events occurred. It was the perfect day, and I’m so glad that you, especially, got to experience it.

-

One last evening in the beautiful Greece. One more delicious dinner one more perfect breakfast, one more walk through the city- and then we were off. We fell in love with Greece harder than we had anticipated- the history, the beautiful land and weather, the happy people, the food- and knew that we would be back again to experience more of her. For now, we had incredible memories to subsist off of until our return.

[nevinslibrary]

Mystery/Thriller Monday

Emily is not having a good day. She gets fired from her temp job as well as her agent (she totally screws up an audition). But, even as she’s getting fired from her job, the CEO of the same company offers her a job. To be the housekeeper and nanny at his family’s vacation home in France. She takes it.

Scott (the CEO), Nina (his wife), and Aurelia (his daughter) are all there, and everything seems perfect. But then come the secrets. Oh the secrets.

The slow burn and suspense is delightful here. It ramps up and ramps up and kept me turning the pages. And the characters definitely kept me reading as well. Overall the book reaffirmed the whole, ‘don’t look too close at paradise’.

You may like this book If you Liked: The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, The Snakes by Sadie Jones, or Out of Her Depth by Lizzy Barber

The Safe Place by Anna Downes