#and jamie's pure disbelief and processing face

[tending-the-hearth]

Ted: [calls Jamie the best athlete he's ever seen] Jamie: What was that? Ted: Positive affirmations. Jamie: Disgusting. Jamie: Do it again.

[isitgintimeyet]

Just A Friend

And onto the next chapter. Thanks for your support for this story, it means a lot to me.

Thanks to @wickedgoodbooks for the beta.

Hope you enjoy the next chapter

AO3

Previous

Chapter 8: From Dresses to Disco

I don’t have a huge wardrobe but, generally, I can lay hands on an outfit for most situations. For work, if I’m not in scrubs, I tend to wear plain black trousers and a shirt; for relaxing, I have more than enough jeans, leggings and comfy sweaters; for holidays, I have the usual range of shorts, t-shirts and sundresses.

I realise as I flick through the hangers in my wardrobe that what I am missing are outfits in the ‘dinner-dance-purely-platonic-plus-one’ category. And, what’s more, I don’t actually know how formal this thing is going to be.

Jamie was no use at all when I spoke to him about it.

“What sort of thing will your sister be wearing?” I asked as we met for coffee and a bacon sandwich two days ago.

“I dinna ken. A dress?” He hazarded a guess, looking a bit perplexed that I would even ask him.

“Long or short?” I persisted.

“Yes.”

“Well, which? Long or short?”

“Aye, one of them.”

“What are you wearing then... kilt? Black tie? Lounge suit?” This might give me a clue as to the dress code.

“I dare say I’ll be wearing a suit and tie.”

And that was as much assistance as I got from him.

I make the decision to go short. Partly because I don’t want to feel overdressed on Saturday, but mainly because the only long dress I have in my possession was purchased for a university Medics’ ball in 2008. And it’s crinkly satin with a side split and a wide leather belt that went with an over the top diamanté headband around my forehead.

Obviously, I will never wear it again, but I’m loath to part with it anyway. It reminds me of my time at university. Plus, it may come in handy… for a fancy dress party perhaps?

********

Geillis has decided, on the spur of the moment, to ‘jes’ pop ‘round fer a wee glass of wine’. That’s just a cover. What she actually wants is a ‘wee glass of wine’ while supervising my dress selection.

She takes a sip and reclines on my bed, casting a critical eye as I pull a few dresses out of my wardrobe and lay them next to her.  She’s not giving much away as she continues to study them.

“Well?” I stand at the end of the bed and stare at her, waiting for her comments.

“I canna give ye ma answer ‘till I’ve seen them all,” she replies.

“That’s it. That’s all my fancy evening dresses.”

She stares at me in disbelief, before gazing once more at the three dresses displayed on the bed.

“Ye dinna have any more cocktail dresses, then?”

I shake my head. “‘Fraid not. When I go cocktail drinking, I tend to wear something more casual. There’s not a great call for fancy frocks when it’s two for one cocktails at the ‘Slug and Lettuce’.”

She sighs very loudly and grimaces. We’ve had these conversations often enough over the years. She despairs about my lack of interest in fashion. It’s true, I can’t tell a Marc Jacobs from a Marks and Spencer. Well, I possibly could, but you get my drift. I tried to be fashionable back in 2008 and look where it got me— wearing a dress that resembled a sweetie wrapper with a headband that brought me out in a rash.

I sometimes wonder if the real reason that she has asked me to be a bridesmaid has less to do with being best friends and more to do with being able to control what I’m going to wear. I’m joking of course, it’s because we’re best friends— Geillis choosing my dress is just an added perk for her.

“So, I think ye wear this one.” She gets up, moves me to one side and quickly rifles through the wardrobe, giving a cry of triumph as she finds what she’s looking for.

I knew it—I knew she would remember that dress. She was with me when I bought it— a late night Sauvignon Blanc fuelled online purchase. She describes it as my “hello boys” dress. I’ve never worn it and this is not the occasion for its inaugural outing.

I mean, it’s a lovely dress— black with an off the shoulder bardot neckline and very, very form fitting. But totally not the message I want to send to Jamie.

I shake my head. “Nope… no way. Not that one.”

I point instead to a dress lying on the bed, originally bought for a hospital fundraiser last year. It’s very nice and infinitely more suitable— black with sparkly red splodges; a slight v neck and fitted bodice going into a flared skirt. It even has pockets.

Geillis raises her hands in exasperation. “Fine. Have it yer way. But, Claire, do ye no’ want tae mebbe try it?”

I grab the dress from her and stuff it back in the wardrobe, ignoring her last comment. But she doesn’t give up so easily.

“See what could happen, eh?”

I turn to face her. “I know what could happen. He’ll think that I’m after him and that I’ll be it. End of friendship.”

“But mebbe—“

I interrupt her. “No maybe about it. Besides all this is missing the point. I want Jamie in my life as a friend, the same way that you and Mary and Anna are in my life. I don’t want anything more from him. I don’t need any romance. Can you understand that?”

“Aye but—“

She’s still not willing to drop the subject and I’ve had enough. I drain my glass of wine and start to walk out of the bedroom.

“No buts. That’s it. Just drop it, please.” At the doorway, I pause. “Now, do you want another glass?”

She starts to follow me. “Of course. And sorry,Claire, I dinna mean tae annoy ye. It’s jes’—“ she stops herself before saying anymore.

“Ok... Shall we order a takeaway,then?”

As I head into the living room, with Geillis following, I’m pretty sure I can hear her muttering under her breath about taking chances.

***************

Jamie said he would pick me up at seven. I’m clearly still working on Frank time, as I’m ready with fifteen minutes to spare. I perch on the edge of a chair, trying not to crease my dress, smudge my mascara or run my fingers through my hair.

I must admit, I have enjoyed the whole formal dressing up process. It’s not something I do too often— my socialising tends to be of a more relaxed nature. But this makes a welcome change.

With five minutes to spare, the bell rings. I gather up my pashmina and clutch bag and make my way downstairs, my high heeled sandals making a clacking sound against the old floor tiles.

Jamie is waiting outside, next to his old french blue Triumph Stag sports car. Like he said, he’s wearing a suit—dark grey instead of his usual navy blue. Still with a white shirt and a rust coloured paisley tie. His auburn curls nestle against his jacket collar. He looks immaculate.

In a parody of a chauffeur, he touches his forelock, bows and opens the passenger door for me. “M’lady,” he adds with his customary half grin.

“Thank you, Parker,” I reply primly and arrange my skirt under me as he scoots around to the driver side.

I do like this car. It’s old, a bit threadbare in places and smells slightly of damp. But it positively oozes vintage style and glamour. Fortunately the hardtop is on as the clouds are gathering ominously overhead.

“I thought we were getting a taxi. Are you not drinking?” I ask as he starts to drive.

Keeping his eyes on the road, he snorts with laughter. “No’ drinking? What kind of rugby ‘do’ d’ye think this is? No, I’ll leave the car at the club and we can get a taxi, if that’s ok wi’ ye.”

We drive on in silence for a couple of miles. Not an awkward silence, just a we-don’t-really-have-to -make-small-talk kind of silence.

“I’d have thought you’d be wearing a kilt tonight.” I comment.

“Hmm, weel, I do like tae wear it fer special occasions, but, when the rugby lads get together, who kens what can happen. Trousers tend tae be the safer option.”

“You could always wear underpants,” I suggest.

He looks horrified at the suggestion. “Dinna be saying that tae a true Scot, Sassenach.”

“I consider myself suitably chastised.”

“Glad ye realise that.” He smiles and changes the subject totally. “Sae, on our table this evening, there’ll be ma sister Jenny and her husband Ian, and Rupert, ye ken Rupert, and his wife Morag.”

“Oh, so you know Rupert— outside of work, I mean.”

“Aye, we grew up together. And Ian too. Mind, he was a couple of years older than Rupert and me— same age as Jenny—and always used tae follow her around like a wee pup. I’ve only known Morag a couple of years though. She’s nice but verra quiet. She lets Rupert do most of the talking.”

“I liked Rupert.”

“He’s a great bloke. Best decision I made, asking him tae join me at FraserFoods. Ian’s a great bloke too. Ye’ll like him.”

Jamie pulls the car into the rugby club car park,  and switches the engine off. He sits still for a moment, staring through the windscreen. I can hear music coming from the large marquee lit up with lanterns and residing on one of the rugby pitches. Even though it’s early in the evening, there’s plenty of raucous laughter coming from that direction too. No doubt the bar has already seen plenty of action.

“Well?” I elbow him in the ribs.

“Sorry. I was jes’ thinking about how best tae describe Jenny.” He turns and smiles. “She’s the best sister a chap could want and a true friend— once she gets tae know ye. She can be a wee bit, shall we say, prickly, at first. And she thinks she kens what’s best fer me, as only a big sister can. She thinks ma life is no’ complete… no’ wi’out a wife and a couple of bairns.”

“Have you explained that this isn’t a date… that we’re friends?”

“Aye, I’ve told her that,” he gives a little laugh and nods his head towards the marquee.  “Sae she’ll most likely be in there right now scouring the place fer any suitable contenders.”

He gets out of the car and is at the passenger door before I’ve had a chance to unfasten my seatbelt and gather my pashmina around my shoulders.

“M’lady,” resuming the chauffeur role, he opens the door for me.

I clamber out, somewhat ungainly and wait as he locks the car. Even with my highest heels on, I still have to crane my neck to look at him as he stands up straight and adjusts his jacket.

“Shall we?” He gestures the marquee with his hand.

“God, yes. I could do with a gin and tonic. I’m parched.” Plus, I reckon I need a stiff drink or two down my throat before I meet Jenny. She sounds formidable.

“C’mon then.” And he leads the way into the marquee.

[nothingbutfangirlsmut]

The Girl Out of Time

Pairing: Bucky X Reader and Sam X Reader

Background: Willow Roffe was born and raised in Brooklyn. She lived her life as happily as she could with her two childhood best friends Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers. When they both left her to join the military she tried to continue with life but that didn't get to happen for her for the simple fact that she meant something to James Buchanan Barnes.

Rating: Story will be overall MATURE but not every chapter. There will be strong language, tall of both mental and physical abuse, some good ole angst, and smut. There will be a warning at the beginning on the chapter when it includes smut.

Chapter 15

Steve, Sam, Hill and I were together in a group. We needed to enter as quietly as possible so we took the forest area some ways away from Sheild Headquarters. We are heading for the security control room.

"Willow, I want you by my side the whole time. Sam and Hill got back up." Steve ordered quietly as we entered the building.

"This way" Hill whispered.

We turned a few corners then finally stopped at a metal door. Hill pushed a button on a small device causing the electronic equipment in the room beyond the door to ring loudly. The door swung open to reveal a skinny young man. Sam and Hill's guns were pointed directly at him. Steve and I stood shoulder to shoulder. He in his original Captain America uniform and me in black jeans and some random dark brown leather jacket that looked a bit weathered. It fit pretty good though.

"Excuse us" Steve said in a very polite manner.

The young man raised his arms, nodded as he gestured for us to enter, then stepped back. Steve went straight for the controls to override the coms.

"Attention all Shield Agents." Steve said threw the small microphone then paused.

He took a deep breath then continued.

"The is Steve Rogers." He paused for a breath.

"You've heard a lot about me over the last few days. Some of you were even ordered to hunt me down." He paused again then looked back at me.

I gave him a small smile and nod.

"I think it's time you know the truth. Shield is not what we thought it was. It's been taken over by Hydra. Alexander Pierce is their leader. The Strike and Insight crew are Hydra as well. I don't know how many more. I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want. Absolute Control. They shot Nick Fury and it won't end there. If you launch those helicarriers today Hydra will be able to kill anyone who stands in their way. Unless we stop them. I know I'm asking a lot. The price of freedom is high. Always has been. It's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one then so be it. I'm willing to bet I'm not." Steve stepped back from the PA system.

Sam chuckled softly as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Did you write that down first? Or was it off the top of your head?" Sam asked smirking at Steve.

Steve smiled but didn't answer.

"I got this. You three get to the helicarriers and switch those blades." Hill said as she took a seat at the control desk.

"I'll take Alpha, Falcon take Bravo, and Will you got Charlie. If you need anything please call for me." Steve said ending with me.

I rolled my eyes but nodded anyway. I knew it was a possibility I could need Captain America's help.

I was quick to stow away on my designated ship. They were already in the process of taking off. I knew what I needed to do. I had to clear the ship and get as close to the blades as possible. I turned on my ear piece to make sure I could communicate with Steve and Sam.

"Hey Cap, how do we know the good guys from the bad guys?" Sam asked.

"If they're shooting at you they're bad." Steve answered.

I rolled my eyes. I crept threw the halls of the massive helicarrier. I had a vague idea of where to go. At the moment everyone must be at their stations. Each corner I went around I half expected someone to be there but each time it was empty.

"Hey Cap, found those bad guys you were talking about." Sam shouted.

"You okay?" Steve asked.

"I'm not dead yet." Sam answered.

I finally heard a set of foot steps coming in my direction. I put myself as close to the wall as I could. I let them walk past me then lunged forward. One arm around their neck the other covering their mouth. I squeezed until they went limp. I slowly and silently lowered his body to the floor.

"Falcon status" Hill called to Sam.

"Engaging" Sam shouted clearly in the midst of action.

I moved farther into the ship towards the center. Stopping to listen at every corner before going around it.

"Alright Cap, I'm in." Sam said sounding a bit winded.

"Shit" Sam's voice was barely audible.

My heart raced with the thought of Sam in trouble. He and Steve were fighting from the top down while I was quick to start below deck. Only because I caught a door open right after a pilot ran out.

"8 minutes Cap" Hill stated.

"Working on it" Steve grunted.

I finally paused at a metal door at the end of a hallway. I slowly slid the door open to find that that was a mistake. Five people were standing there already facing me.

"Willow how you doing?" Hill asked me.

"Give me just a sec" I replied then let the metal door close behind me.

Only two of them pulled a gun. The other three seemed to be some kind of engineers or maintenance. I was quick to duck from their bullets. I fell into a crouch then spun myself around with my leg extended. One man was taken off his feet the other kept his footing. I grabbed the barrel of the gun with my right hand as I spun around to put my back to his front. My left arm wrapped around the back of his neck. I snapped his wrist as hard as I could making sure I'd break it. His gun fell to the floor. As quick as I could I threw him over my shoulder as I knelt on one knee. He landed perfectly hitting his head on the floor knocking him out cold.

The man that was on the floor first was now standing again. I upper cut the barrel of his gun just as he fired moving it so it went off right above my head. Without missing a beat I punched him as hard as I could sending him to the floor in a heap of limbs.

"Almost there" I answered Hill's earlier question.

The three other men all raised their hands as I looked at them.

"We're with the Captain." One of them said.

I nodded then continued on threw the door on the other side of the room.

"Alpha locked" Steve called out.

"Falcon, where are you now?" Hill asked.

"Had to take a detour!" Sam shouted.

I picked up my pace trying to reach the console in time.

"Oh yea!" Sam shouted in excitement.

My heart lifted. He sounded ok.

"I'm in" Sam panted.

I pushed threw another door to find an empty storage room.

"Bravo locked" Sam cheered.

"Two down one to go. How you doing Willow?" Hill asked.

"Just about there. This place is a maze." I answered quietly.

"6 minutes" Hill said.

"Hey Sam, gonna need a ride!" Steve shouted.

"Roger! Let me know when you're ready!" Sam shouted back.

An explosion in the distance went off. It didn't sound like it was on this ship.

"I just did!" Steve shouted.

I stayed frozen listening to the coms. I had to make sure they were okay.

Sam shouted like he was in pain.

"You know you're a lot heavier than you look." Sam grumbled.

"Had a big breakfast" Steve answered casually.

I chuckled then quickly continued down more hallways.

"Steve!" Sam shouted in panic.

I froze again this time in pure fear of what just happened.

"Steve?" I questioned.

There was no answer. All I could hear was the static of the com. A few minutes of silence passed. I did my best to continue to creep down the hall as I listened for something from Steve or Sam.

"Cap, Cap, come in, are you okay?" Sam asked as he groaned.

"Yea, I'm here! I'm still on the helicarrier! Where are you?" Steve asked.

I stopped at another door.

"Grounded, suits down, sorry Cap." Sam said softly.

This door wasn't the same as the others. It wasn't old looking.

"Don't worry I got it." Steve grunted.

The door was freshly painted black or looked that way. It slid open as I stepped up to it. Inside was exactly what I was looking for. I moved closer to the center of the narrow metal bridge. The blades are right there. A sudden jolt to the bridge had me spinning around.

There he was. James Barnes. He wasn't wearing a mask now. His face was on full display.

"Step away from it." He ordered.

I stepped backwards.

"Sorry Jamie I can't do that." I said softly but loud enough for him to hear.

The look on his face told me he did indeed remember me. Steve had told me I was the only one to ever call him Jamie. He looked at me in complete disbelief. His eyes fell to the dark brown jacket I was wearing. His eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he stared at it for a few seconds.

"You remember?" He asked taking a step forward.

I shook my head.

"I have no memory of you. I only know what Steve has told me." I explained taking a few quick steps back towards the blades.

James lunged forward but I was quicker. I ducked grabbing the rail to swing myself out of his way then back on the bridge.

"Falcon, Rumlow's heading for the counsel." I faintly heard Hill say.

"I'm on it" came Sam's much louder reply.

I ran as fast as I could to the other side. I had to switch the blades. I can do this. Right as I spun around to face the blades James dropped in front of me. He landed perfectly between me and what I needed. He stepped towards me forcing me back towards another narrow bridge.

"I don't want to fight you." He said threw clenched teeth.

"Why?" I asked narrowing my eyes at him.

His fists clenched at his side as he stepped towards me again. This time I stood my ground.

"Because they made me remember you." He growled.

I took an involuntary step back in shock. I was right?

"Why me?" I asked curiously.

His eyes locked on mine. The feeling that ran down my spine wasn't cold. It was a warming sensation that slowly covered my entire body.

"Because you were their weapon against me." He answered quietly.

Before I could question him further the bridge jostled again. Steve had started walking across the bridge toward me. When he reached me he shoved me behind him so he could face his friend.

"People are gonna die Buck. I can't let that happen." Steve said softly.

James stayed quiet.

"Please don't make me do this." Steve pleaded.

I had to jump backwards as the two men collided. I was back on the platform watching the men on the bridge. They both seemed to be equal in strength. They both landed blows and blocked blows. They were both seriously skilled fighters.

James punched Steve knocking him off the bridge onto the glass dome below. I ran back down the bridge to the blades then leaned over the railing so I could see them. They were still fighting hand to hand. Steve suddenly gained the upper hand getting James down. Steve had his arm around James' throat and his legs pinning down the metal arm.

James went limp letting the blade we needed fall from his hand. Steve was quick to pick it up then get to his feet. He started climbing back up towards me. He was halfway up when a shot rang out. Steve groaned as he slammed against the wall. He continued to climb although he was starting to struggle. Another shot rang out. Steve shouted.

"No!" I screamed down to James.

His head instantly snapped up to look at me.

"Steve!" I shouted as I leaned under the railing extending my hand to him.

Instead of giving me his hand he gave me the blade. Without a second hesitation I took it. Two more quick shots rang out followed by a sound of pain from Steve. I was at the blades now. As soon as they lowered into place I yanked one out then placed ours in it's spot.

"Charlie locked" I called out.

Steve got to the top of the bridge. I helped pull him the rest of the way up.

"Ok Cap, you and Willow get out of there." Hill ordered.

Steve suddenly grabbed the gun that was hidden in my boot. He shot the entire clip into one of the glass panes causing it to shatter. He shoved the gun back in my boot.

"Sorry Will but I need you safe." He said then shoved me over the rail.

I was so surprised I couldn't react until it was too late. I was falling threw the air towards the water below. Just as I hit the water all three carriers started to fire on themselves. We did it.

The cold water took my breath but I was glad to be alive. I swam towards the shore pulling myself onto the sand. My chest was rising and falling rapidly as I laid on my back staring up at the helicarrier I was just on. The one Steve and james were still on.

---

Masterlist

[hmorris0712]

soulmate~ tyler joseph x reader (PART TWO)

after they finish the show, tyler and josh head offstage. tyler has been somewhat in a daze ever since he saw you at the end of tear in my heart.

he grabs josh’s shoulder. “josh she was here.” josh looks at him. “who was here?” “(y/n). she was in the crowd. i saw her.” tyler explains quickly, his words slightly jumbling together.

“how do you know it was her?” josh asks curiously. “i felt it in my heart. not metaphorically, but like i literally felt a pull on my heart...as if there were a string connected, o-or a magnet or something.” tyler tries to explain. josh smiles. “that’s definitely her.” “wait how do you know?” tyler looks at his best friend. “because that’s exactly what i felt when i saw jamie.” josh explains.

“is she here too?” tyler asks with wide eyes. “yeah, she was in the front.” “dude we gotta go find them.” tyler says, determined not to let you go after having seen your face tonight. “agreed. let’s split up.” josh offers. tyler nods. “i’ll take the right, you go left.” tyler takes charge as they begin walking.

josh nods and goes to the left as tyler darts to the right. tyler frantically heads down the hallway that will eventually lead into the foyer of the venue.

he turns a few corners here and there, going down the long, windey hall. just when he’s starting to lose hope, he turns a corner, coincidentally just as you do. you both stop in your tracks immediately as your hearts feel that same tug once more, only much stronger this time.

you see the relief and pure joy on his face, and before you know it you’re leaving jamie’s side and running to him as fast as your legs will carry you.

the two of you are barreling towards each other, there’s nothing keeping you from him anymore. you crash into him and you’ve never felt more alive. he picks you up and spins you around several times, laughing. he sets you down and pulls you into a fierce hug that seems to last forever. “thank god i found you.” he mutters into your hair.

when he pulls back, you see that his face is soaked with tears. he looks you in the eyes and you swear you could melt right there on the spot. he smiles the biggest you’ve seen all night, revealing two dimples you didn’t know had existed before. you hadn’t noticed that you’d been crying as well until he swipes his thumbs across your cheekbones.

“i told you we’d see each other soon enough.” you tell him quietly with a smile, failing to hold back your tears. “yeah well i didn’t expect it to be this soon.” he says, voice cracking a couple times, before laughing again. he smiles back at you before he lets his eyes look over your body, studying every inch of you. “you’re even more beautiful than i thought you’d be.” he admits.

“you’re not too bad yourself joseph.” both of your faces turn a dark shade of pink. he looks down and laces your fingers together, leaning forward to rest his forehead against yours.

you pull back suddenly after a few seconds. ��oh, tyler, do you happen to know where josh is?” you ask, looking back at jamie, who’s standing there with her arms crossed, yet a huge smile adorns her facial features. tyler’s mouth opens and he subtly points to her. “are you jamie?” he asks. her expression changes and has a small bit of confusion written on it. “uh, yeah i am. how did you know?”

tyler shrugs. “josh talks about you all the time, so i just put two and two together.” jamie nods slowly. “oh and he’s back that way. continue down this hall, and when you see a laminate sign that says ‘twenty one pilots’, keep going that way because that’s the way he went, maybe call out his name a few times, he couldn’t have gone that far. we actually split up to look for you guys. guess we should have stayed together.” tyler laughs as he finishes. jamie smiles. “thanks tyler.” “my pleasure. oh, and try not to get lost.” he calls as she walks away.

she turns to face him as she keeps walking. “with my luck, i probably will.” she replies with a laugh, waving to both of you. you wave back to your friend and turn your attention back to tyler as he immediately pulls you back into his chest, pressing his lips to your forehead. after a few seconds of looking up at him, you remember the mind connection the two of you share.

does this thing still work? you question. he chuckles against you. “why wouldn’t it?” you shrug. “i just didn’t know if it goes away once you meet your soulmate or not.” you answer aloud this time. “well i guess that’s fair.” he says, his head tilted slightly to the side.

“do you remember that time when i told you i almost got into a car wreck?” you question. he scoffs sarcastically. “yeah, and i panicked?” he says. you laugh. “that’s the one.” “what about that day?” he asks with a smile. you smirk. “well...that wasn’t actually what happened.” you giggle. “wait so you made me flip out for no reason?” he asks in disbelief. “pretty much. that day was actually the first time i had ever heard one of your songs on the radio. so i looked up your band, saw what you looked like, and forgot how to function. i just didn’t wanna tell you about it because i really wanted to keep it a secret.” you explain.

his mouth opens to speak, but you cut him off before he can. “that was also the day i bought my ticket for this concert.” you say proudly. “are you serious?” he complains. you giggle in victory. he smiles and brings his hands up to your cheeks lightly, looking into your eyes for what seems like years. it’s like he’s holding your eyes captive, you couldn’t rip them from his grasp if you wanted to.

“i might be crazy, but i think i’m in love with you.” he tells you quietly in your mind, eyes still barring into yours. you feel your heart speed up as you see his face ever so slowly start to inch closer, his eyes flicking down to your lips for a split second before returning to your eyes. your heart starts beating extremely fast, making it a little hard to breathe.

tyler...if you’re crazy, then i’ve lost my mind. you tell him, still not having looked away yet. before you can process anything, he quickly pulls your face to his and roughly attaches his lips to yours almost out of desperation.

if you’ve ever been overwhelmed by his love for you before, it was nothing in comparison to this moment. his love has only grown stronger, and it’s completely taking over you now. it’s flowing over your bones and cleansing your soul, seeping into every crack and crevice of your body. his lips are much softer than you expected, and the feeling of them colliding with yours is making you weak in the knees. your hands grasp at his shirt, pulling him as close as you can to yourself. his hands that are placed on your face eventually slide to the back of your head and tug gently on the roots of your hair.

you’ve never kissed anyone before, and boy were you glad. having tyler kiss you makes you believe that no one else could ever be able to kiss you as well as he is right now. you kind of want to think he’s had previous experience, because how in the heck could someone be this good a kisser without having done it before?

“maybe it just comes naturally.” he says as he smirks against your lips. oh please, that’s impossible. you counter sassily.

he breaks the kiss suddenly. “you are my first kiss (y/n).” he says sincerely. “okay, then explain how you’re so good at it.” you say, slightly out of breath, your hands resting lightly on his waist while his arms are draped around your shoulders.

“i don’t know that answer.” he states with a small chuckle before continuing. “but believe me when i say i saved my first kiss for my soulmate.” he says as he looks into your eyes once more.

“(y/n) i’ve known it was you since day one. from the moment i heard your voice inside my head, i knew i didn’t wanna be with anyone but you. i had no interest in anyone else. i sometimes thought i was insane because i was in love with the girl in my head, but then again, i couldn’t really change my feelings.” he confesses. you smile as tears prick your eyes.

“i don’t know exactly when i fell in love with you tyler but i know it’s been a very long time.” you say as you wrap your arms around his waist a little tighter.

“do you mind if i kiss you again?” he asks quietly. “would you?” you plead, tugging on his waist. he smirks as he slams his lips against yours a second time. you swear you could actually faint right now. your mind is a blur when his lips are attacking yours like they are now, because that’s all you can focus on.

tyler breaks the kiss suddenly upon hearing your thoughts. “baby i can barely think straight right now.” he mumbles breathlessly against your lips, sending shivers down your spine. “you drive me crazy.” he whispers before smashing his lips back into yours. do that again and i might just lose it. you say as you move your hands up to his hair. he smirks and pulls apart from you once more. “what, you mean this?” he whispers on your lips. your breath hitches in your throat as your heart speeds up and almost breaks out of your chest from beating so fast. he smirks at the reaction he was able to get out of you before kissing you again, slowly and intimately this time, slipping his tongue into your mouth immediately.

holy crap. you say as you involuntarily moan into his mouth. he chuckles victoriously. “that good huh?” he replies snarkily. your face turns a dark shade of red as you break the kiss. “tyler shut up! my god.” you say while laughing. he laughs in return.

“(y/n) will you please come on the rest of the tour with me? after seeing you i don’t wanna do anything else without you by my side.” he asks, flashing an adorable set of puppy dog eyes for a couple seconds. how could you say no to him?

“well i mean, i’m not packed or anything yet, but i’m sure i could go home and do it really quickly or something.” you offer. “whatever works, i just-i...” he pauses and sighs, resting his forehead on yours again. “i need you (y/n).” he pleads as he looks into your eyes once more.

you give a small smile. okay tyler. he closes his eyes and smiles hugely, pecking your forehead, your nose, and then finally your lips one more time.

“are you guys traveling around in like, a bus or what?” “it’s a bus, yeah.” he confirms, his hands placed firmly on your waist. “alright, well i’ll drive home really quickly and pack or something, and-” “i can pick you up.” he interrupts you. you raise an eyebrow. “tyler how will y-” “i’ll figure something out (y/n).” he squeezes your hands and smiles.

he looks down at your shirt and his smile grows even wider. “gosh, seeing you in my merch makes me so happy.” he says, his eyes switching from your shirt to your face to your beanie. you laugh. “seeing you in person makes me so happy.” you say as you pull his forehead to yours. he smiles and kisses your nose sweetly.

suddenly he gasps and retracts his head from yours. “oh my gosh, this totally slipped my mind, but how did you like the show?” he asks with a hopeful expression. “don’t even get me started. that was hands down the best concert i’ve ever been to. and trust me, i’ve been to A LOT of concerts.” you ramble.

he laughs. “you sound like one of our fans.” he moves some of your hair out of your face. “i think i might have unintentionally turned myself into a fan.” you say with a giggle.

“whatever. you’re still mine.” he says as he grabs your hand and tugs you along with him back down a hallway. you look up at him. “where are we going?” you ask. “do you wanna meet some of the crew? because this is a free vip ticket baby.” he says with a smirk. “are mark and brad gonna be there?” “yep.” “then YES.”

~~~~~

tyler ended up driving with you to your house, helping you pack, then walking with you back to the bus, rolling your suitcase while you had your drawstring bag thrown across your back. the two of you reached the tour bus in about 20 minutes. once everyone got on and ready, the bus took off into the night.

everyone stayed up pretty late playing card games and talking. you wanted to get to know everyone, so you were asking everyone some basic questions about themselves.

you had just finished a competitive game of blackjack with several people. you lean into tyler’s side and yawn, feeling the exhaustion of the day starting to hit you. tyler wraps an arm around you. “you wanna go to bed?” he asks in your head. you nod sleepily against his side. he smiles down at you. “alright baby.”

“hey, (y/n) and i are gonna go get some rest. we’ll see you guys in the morning.” tyler announces as he laces his fingers through yours and pulls you to your feet.

“wait where are we going?” you ask. tyler looks down at you. “to my bunk. where else?” “oh, i just thought i could sleep on the couch since that’s your bunk and i don’t wanna take up space an-” “(y/n) it’s fine, i’d rather have you with me.” he says with a smile, pressing a kiss to your hair.

he helps you up to his top bunk after he climbs in. he pulls the blanket over the two of you and you snuggle into him immediately, laying your head on his chest. one of his hands goes to rest on the back of your head, subconsciously playing with your hair while your arm is thrown loosely over his torso. you lay there listening to the beat of his heart, steady and strong.

all is quiet, aside from the quiet talk going on in the main entertainment area. tyler runs his fingers through your hair a few times, causing you to smile instinctively. “i love you (y/n).” he whispers softly. your smile slowly grows. “i love you too ty.” you find his hand in the dark and intertwine his soft piano fingers through yours. each time you touch him you still get butterflies in your stomach, as does he. it’s weird, but it happens.

“i’m so glad you’re my soulmate.”

me too.

“do you wanna be my forever and always?”

you look up to meet his eyes, happy tears brimming. “i mean not right now, i don’t have a ring yet. but one day?” he adds out loud with a chuckle. “of course i do tyler.” you answer, leaning your head up to press your lips to his shortly. “and how about you make me your girlfriend until you do get a ring.” you say with a smirk. he smirks back. “i like the sound of that.” he says before pressing a sleepy kiss to your mouth.

“okay, goodnight tyler.” you pull back after a few seconds with a laugh. he pouts, but complies quickly. “night (y/n).” he places a final kiss to your forehead as you close your eyes and drift off.

“okay i know we said goodnight already but i just want you to know that i love you more than anything in the world.”

but you already said that too tyler.

“i know, but i just wanna make sure you know.”

i think i should by now. i love you too ty.

he smiles and sighs into your hair contently. you smile as well, thankful to be in the situation you are. five years ago, you would never have imagined being with your soulmate.

god, you lucked out.

~end~

[mrsellacott]

Cursed Child Recap - 5th July 2017

Yesterday’s performance was the ninth time I have seen the play, the first time I have seen it since the current cast’s first performance and allowed me the use of tickets I booked back in August. 

Quite honestly, my brain and my heart are still reeling from the epicness, brilliance and emotions of the performance yesterday. The funny thing is a month ago, I stood my ground and made it clear we had an amazing new cast who, with time, would grow in their roles to same level of utter brilliance as the original cast and they went and did it in a month! 

Despite knowing we had this amazing new cast and being forewarned of how brilliant they had become, nothing could have prepared me for just how amazing yesterday’s performance would be. For the first time, I was tearing up at parts I have never done so for and for characters I have never done so because of either. 

The simple fact of the matter is this cast are simply brilliant. They understand the characters they are playing and can play their parts to absolute perfection. The best part for me, though, is the fact they are all now beginning stamp their own mark on their individual parts.

Warning, this has the potential to get long...

Before I begin, I should note I was sat in the front row of the Grand Circle. While my view was fantastic, I was not close enough to the stage to capture all the little details, like facial expressions. 

Jamie Glover:  I love, adore and respect Jamie so much. I know that, for some people, he is not their Harry, but I simply love his take on the character. He has this quiet, yet strong and powerful presence, a quality most fans honestly believe Harry to have. He allows the anger to build up and burst out at the right moments. The way he reacts to the scar pain is actually pretty similar to how Daniel Radcliffe approached it and how it is described in the books. I think people forget he does not always wake up screaming and the fact that Jamie has taken that into account is brilliant. 

He is beginning to make his own mark on the character. I loved how he would reach out to touch Albus on the shoulder or try to hug but then pull back at the last moment. It really made the final scene special when he did finally feel confident and relaxed enough to wrap his arm around Albus’ shoulders. I also loved the way he called out after Albus after Albus ran off after their big argument. It really adds to Harry’s desperation to try and fix the problem immediately, but not being able to do so. 

Last time, I noted the passion between himself and Emma wasn't quite there yet. Yesterday, you could see it was starting to break out. We still got two kisses, with the second one being the more passionate of the two with a similar feel to how Jamie P used to kiss Poppy. 

One of my favourite moments from Jamie is when he says “Don’t go” to Dumbledore at the end of their conversation in Harry’s office. The way he says is just so childlike and vulnerable. It is such a heartbreaking moment and perfectly played.

Emma Lowndes: After yesterday’s performance, I am absolutely in love with her portrayal of Ginny. She has nailed her role and the Ginny we fell love with in the book is shining through in her performance. Loved the moment when she went to stand in front of Harry, with one of hell of a glare on her face, when Myrtle’s flirting with Harry goes to far for her liking. There is a slight possessive quality to it, but then again, I think Harry would be the same in the roles were reversed. 

Someone noted in a previous review, not sure who though, how she directs the comment of “Saved by the door” directly at Harry. I noticed that yesterday. The way she delivered the line, while pointing at him, made it clear that their conversation was far from over. Also loved, just barely a few scenes later, how she is quick to round on Harry and accuse him of being the reason Albus has disappeared again. The way Jamie plays his reaction is simply brilliant as well, acting confused as he tries to figure out and explain his conversation with Albus to her. 

My favourite scene from the play is the conversation between Harry and Ginny in the church as they wait for Delphi. Jamie and Poppy have always played the final couple of lines of this scene with a passion about to become out of control in a completely inappropriate place. However, Emma and Jamie have managed to make theirs completely different in a good way. The way she delivers the line about promising to show him how lucky he is another time was not flirtatious, yet still playful but with a promise and firmly to make clear there are other things to think about. She has control of the situation at that moment before it can even begin to become inappropriate. I love her approach to that line. 

Theo Ancient: OMG, how much has Theo improved in a month? The nerves which were there in his first performance have completely disappeared. He is comfortable and confident in his role as Albus. I am in agreement with those who say he plays the character much younger than Sam ever did and I think that is a good thing. By the time Harry is 14, his childhood was long over, but it isn't for Albus. It is only the events of his fourth year that force Albus to grow up, something that shows by the end of the play.

One of Theo’s standout moments was the scene in which Scorpius is tortured when they are on the Quidditch Pitch. His reaction to seeing his best friend tortured was played so brilliantly and is absolutely heart-wrenching. Throughout the entirety of that scene, you can also see him struggling to break free of the bonds around his wrist, which just adds to his desperation to get to Scorpius and help him. 

His other standout moment came right at the end of the play. When Harry wraps his arm around Albus’ shoulders, his reaction was simply perfect. He is surprised that his father wishes to hug him and he looks up at Harry in awe of the situation. It is with a small smile from Harry, that he relaxes into the embrace. It makes the final moments of the play perfect in every way, giving the audience hope that their relationship is now on the way to being fixed.

Thomas Aldridge: I loved Thomas from the moment he walked on stage during the first performance of this cast. He is simply perfect as Ron. I loved his proposal of the renewal wedding vows to Hermione. My heart was melting at the sincerity of his words. Also loved the way he told her to shut up during the same scene. However, his standout moment comes from the scene where he is stopping Hermione from entering her office. The way he cried out he wanted a baby or a holiday was so funny and then the way he grabbed a hold of Hermione in a playful hug to remove her from the doorway was pure genius. 

Rakie Ayola: Is there a rule that whoever plays Hermione has to be one of the nicest people in the world? Seriously, Rakie is absolutely lovely to meet and she is so brilliant as Hermione. I love her take on Hermione in the first AR. She plays her as being resigned to the job and her situation. It is clear from her actions and the way she talks that she wishes not to be there, probably much more than Albus does not wish to be a Gryffindor, taking it out on her students in the process. One of my fave moments was her reaction to finding out about her life in the normal timeline. Her girlish giggle, excitement and disbelief to finding out she is the Minister of Magic is simply perfect. 

Helen Aluko: I love Helen as Rose. She plays Rose as always having this excitement for the wizarding world and magic. I love the way she hits Albus when they are first talking to Scorpius. It was subtle and discreet as to try and hide it from Scorpius to the point that, depending on your view, an audience member could have missed it. However it works as you can see she has only stayed out of politeness and because of Albus. Helen’s laugh after speaking to Scorpius at the end of the play is more like a cackle, but it is just brilliant and funny.

James Howard: This is the fourth time I have seen James in the role of Draco and I swear he just gets better every time I have seen him. He had me tearing me up over the story of Astoria’s health and the circumstances of Scorpius’ birth. He plays Draco with the control you would expect a Malfoy to have. One moment that really stood out was during the scene between him and Scorpius in his office during the second AR. When Scorpius has spoken about Astoria, Draco walked over to him, took his chin in his hand and just gazed and scrutinised him for the moment before backing away and back over to his desk. Such a simple gesture, but it makes the decision for him to tell Scorpius to do whatever he is doing safely make much more sense as it appears he has now seen whatever it is that is different about Scorpius. Oh and his delivery of “And I’m mildly enjoying it” was perfect and funny as always.

Samuel Blenkin: I don't think I can find the words to describe just how amazing Samuel is as Scorpius. I mean, I made it clear after the first performance that, for me, he was better than Anthony and yet, somehow, he was even better than his first performance yesterday. His screams when Scorpius is tortured by Delphi broke my heart, his emotional speech in the library had me tearing up, his reaction to being told by Albus they can no longer be friends made me want to hug him. He gave such a heart-wrenching, emotional performance. However, my favourite of his yesterday was when fell into Theo’s lap when Rose appeared during his final scene. The awkwardness was fit with who Scorpius is and had the audience in laughter. Honestly, Anthony set the bar high, James L pushed it higher and Samuel has now come along and raised it once again. We may still be a long way from the next cast change, but the pressure on whoever takes on the role of Scorpius and live up to the expectations of the fans and the brilliance of all those who have played the role will be huge.

Martin Johnston: He is the standout performer in the St Oswalds scene. The very fact is willing to come on in a purple dress is fantastic but he just steals the scene. His squeals when the book sets alight are so funny, but what I loved most was when he chased after and off stage the actor (is it Rupert?) who is playing one of the carers whose trousers fall down!

Sarah Miele:  I really do adore her as Polly Chapman. I said it last time how much I love that she has retained her Scottish accent for the role. She nails the scene between her and Scorpius in the second AR. Again I mentioned this previously, but I do love how after she has moaned about having blood on her shoes that she takes that moment to compose herself and not just because of the blood but to also prepare herself to ask Scorpius to the Blood Ball and make her own future. 

April Hughes: This girl is a true scene stealer. Every time she has a chance to shine, she grabs it. She is simply brilliant as Moaning Myrtle. So flirtatious with Scorpius, Albus, Harry and Draco. I love how she reacts to Ginny stepping in front of Harry, taken aback as though no one has tried to interfere before. She is also amazing as Lily Potter, specifically in the pre-recorded lines for Lily and James’ deaths. Her pleading for Harry’s life had me sobbing as she makes you feel her desperation to save her child.

Annabel Baldwin: Psychotic is probably best way to describe her portrayal of Delphi when we find out who she truly is. Damn, she is truly scary as Delphi. She plays Delphi as this friendly, loving person who appears to truly care about Scorpius and Albus. To be honest, I think Delphi does at one point, especially when she is telling Scorpius that they belong together. Annabel does such fine job of it that when she finally does become psychotic it would shock anyone who has avoided spoilers.

David Annen: His voice... wow! He is very similar to Alan Rickman in his approach to Snape. The little pauses he adds before finishing a sentence really adds to the character. His voice as Voldemort is just so damn creepy. As I mentioned in my previous post about stage door, David has followed the description Jo gave in the book and it works so damn well. Also, when he walks down the staircase before walking up the aisle of the stalls, he does so slowly. That just adds to the creepiness and fear of the character. 

Additional Mentions:

Tom Mackley may not have a lot of lines, but he sure knows how to stand out. The Triwizard Scene he called out, “Fleur, J’adore!” and he and Joshua still shared a hug. The little touch to Rose’s shoulders when they are listing into the conversation in the Headmistress’ office, so simple, so effective. 

Loving Rupert as both James Potter Snr and Jnr. I spotted Ron giving James the sweets. That was a great little moment between them. And his sweet kiss with April during the Godric’s Hollow scene was perfect.

Mark Theodore as Hagrid when he finds the Potters’ bodies was fantastic. The loss and confusion he portrays is something you really feel in that scene. His accent as Hagrid has improved immensely over the past month. 

Actually, you know what I am going to mention the ENTIRE ensemble. Thanks to my view, I was able to see more of what was going on behind the focal points of some scenes. Each member puts their absolute all into whatever moment they are portraying and it is one of the many reasons this play is just so incredible. We always forget to mention the ensemble but it is thanks to them that we are understand the atmosphere of some scenes. Each of them is brilliant and truly remarkable! They deserve as much praise as our leads are given! 

To those actors I have missed, all were simply brilliant last night. Every member of the cast, old or new, have really progressed and improved. I cannot wait to see how much more amazing they have become by the time I next see them. If I am right in thinking what I do, come next cast change, we won’t want to see them go!