#and like every character in this group she is parisian. i have not decided if shes also an immigrant like everyone else in this group or no

[5eyed]

yayo! (real name: yolanda). shes xeress crush. i want to give her some tattoos or piercings but i couldnt think of good ones yet..

[itsmeevie01]

Bio!Dad Bruce Month Day 6- Meeting the Justice League

I just wanted to pop up here to give the heads up that there is some mild cursing at the begining here

Marinette was furious. When she had left to fight the Akuma earlier in the evening, she had expected a normal fight. One captured butterfly and a fist bump later, she was turning, ready to go home and finish her schoolwork for the evening. That was when she had seen the cape. Parisian heroes didn’t wear capes. That specific accessory was left for idiots like the Justice League. The one-time Chat Noir had mentioned the horrific items, Ladybug had nearly attacked him. Paris’ Heroes didn’t do capes. EVER.

That was why it was so suspicious that there was a flash of a cape on the rooftop across from her school.

Ladybug scowled but made her way over, landing a little harder than necessary, as she took in who was standing there. The “S”, the blue, the fucking cape. Ladybug was known as a nice hero, a gently hero, a just hero, but she couldn’t help the snarl that ripped its way from her throat as she looked at The Blue Boy scout. Oh, she had heard of him. His great deeds, how he cared for his city, His Powers. Paris’ Heroes didn’t do capes, they always led to bad situations. Bad situations, like an akumatized Superman. Shit.

When the man was fully facing her, Ladybug groaned. This situation just became 100 times worse, because she knew Superman. Flipping open her yoyo, Ladybug pulled up her partner’s contact. “Bug? Everything ok?” the concern in the Cat’s voice made her smile, but her eyes stayed focused on the hero in front of her. The hero wearing a cape.

“Chat, there is a situation. Come to my location, immediately.”

“On it, Ladybug!” as soon as she hung up, the spotted hero fixed her death glare on the rooftop’s other occupant. The Kryptonian shrunk under her glare. A very familiar glare, that he had seen more times than he would like to admit.

“Get out.” The venom in her voice made the Super flinch.

“I- “

“I said get. The. Fuck. OUT!” He started at her, shocked. As the two glared at each other, two telltale thumps told of others on the rooftop. One was unmistakably Chat. The teen hero had spent the last year finding the best ways to silence his movements. Ladybugs was well aware what his landings sounded like, when he decided to announce his presence. The other landing though…her eyes narrowed at the vigilante behind Superman. Great. The Bat was here.

When Bruce had heard that Clark was going to Paris to investigate, he knew there was going to be trouble. For the past six months, he had been prodding information out of his daughter, and she had made it very clear that there was to be zero outside interference. When he had raised his worries about her statement, she had simply laughed.

“Dad, Ladybug tried to contact the Justice League. She tried ten times. Every time, she was told that she was wrong. That there wasn’t a problem in Paris. Civilians reached out for help, submitting video evidence. They were told that it wasn’t funny to waste the Oh So Precious resources. Paris has been cut off, and Ladybug doesn’t want anyone swooping in now. She has set up a support network, and people are adapting in the meantime.” That conversation was the first time Bruce had heard Marinette truly angry. By the time she had finished talking, her eyes had been sparkling dangerously and the hard set of her jaw had told him just how livid she was. When Clark had insisted on investigating, Bruce had huffed and gone to prepare to rescue his friend. There was no way that this was going to go well.

What he encountered when he finally found his friend was…interesting. The teen heroes were standing there glaring at Superman. The girl had her hands on her hips and a glare worthy of a Bat on her face. The boy behind her had his arms crossed and his tail was whipping back and forth dangerously. The way the young heroes were on edge reminded Batman why exactly Paris was currently such a dangerous city to be in. “Superman, perhaps we should take this somewhere more…neutral?” the spotted hero visibly jumped at the sound of his voice. The cat shot her a concerned glance before turning towards them.

“I think I know a place.”

When the four heroes landed in the field, Ladybug huffed and leveled her glare on them. “I am going to say this once, Paris is under our protection. If the Justice League enters the City of Paris, they forfeit their lives.” The viciousness in her voice clear took Superman by surprise, but Batman had expected it. From listening to his daughter, he knew that the hero would not hesitate to protect her city. If that meant that she had to scare away every member of the League, she would. At the look on Superman’s face, Batman paused. The other Hero looked too calm for someone who had just been told off. No, Oh No. Batman knew what that meant. Superman had called the rest of the League. They were off the deep end now.  A moment later when Wonder Woman joined them Ladybug narrowed her eyes. “What is this?” the way she practically hissed her words made the slowly arriving League pause, nervous. “Did you summon the rest, just because I told you to get lost?” the way her voice got dangerously quiet reminded Batman a little too much of both Sabine and Marinette for his comfort. When Superman shifted uncomfortably, Ladybug threw her hands in the air in frustration. “Since I know you have ignored my requests for help, how the hell did you find out about this?” at her question the entire League froze.

“You. You asked for help? When?” The shock from Wonder Woman seemed to jolt the rest back into action.

“Yes! I asked for help at the beginning! When we were fighting our friends and family because they had a bad day! When Chat Noir and I were Handed Magical Jewels and Told to Figure It Out!” The sharpness in her voice, the pointed barbs flying from her mouth, the way her partner moved to calm her without hesitation…Suddenly Batman knew why the duo were so comfortable with this field. He knew why Ladybug was so angry too. And suddenly, he wished he had taken some time to introduce his daughter to the family secrets.

Later, once Wonder Woman had started to dig into the locked files in the League and they had uncovered the ten videos from the past few months, the group sat down to talk. When many of the older heroes offered to come and help, the Cat and Bug exchanged glances. “We…think it would be better to keep people who can be…taken advantage of outside of the city.” When the Cat spoke up many of the others looked offended. “as it is, Ladybug and I are confidant in our abilities to protect each other and call on allies as needed. We don’t want to disrupt the dynamics that have formed or go up against one of you if you let your emotions get out of control. LB and I…we have coping methods. Many of you though? You would get akumatized in an instant.” The duo continued to hold firm until Batman interrupted the newest round of arguing.

“We need to respect the fact that Paris is their city. For now, let us keep communication lines open. If they need us, we can be there, but we will not take over in a fight we do not understand.” After the Bat’s declaration, the Leaguers started to collect themselves. As they were leaving, Ladybug paused.

“Batman? Could I borrow you for one more second?” the Man nodded in response. When they had walked a slight distance away, and he was blocking her from the rest’s view, the younger hero took a deep breath. “Tikki? Spots off.” There was a small flash, and suddenly it wasn’t the young hero that Batman had been working with for the past few hours, it was-

“Marinette.” The girl nodded, twisting her hands nervously. A small red creature floated up to settle on his daughter’s shoulder, sending her a sour look.

“I- thank you. Dad, I- “Batman froze.

“how- “

“it was your voice. I just…I’ve gotten really good at recognizing people. Just like I knew immediately that it was your friend Mr. Kent. That he was Superman.” Batman glanced over his shoulder, checking to make sure the others had left. In the time they had been talking the Cat had vanished as well. When he was sure there was no one else around, he slowly peeled off his mask.

“Marinette.” His daughter smiled up at him, her blue eyes sparkling. The next moment he was gently holding her in a hug as she relaxed, the tension that she had been holding the entire meeting draining out.

“Please don’t tell my brothers about this. I don’t need them mother henning any more than they already are.”

hey! so far so good right? i appologize if some of the characters were ooc…

i figured it would happen eventually.

in other words, we are getting close to then end of Marinette being 13. im probably tackle her birthday next… its not going to abide by cannon, but in this world, cannon is bending to my will and filling in any space i dont have written.

see ya tomorrow!

[storygirl000]

ML Fic: Never Had A Friend Like Me

Summary: Lila’s making good on her promise, and Marinette is finding herself increasingly isolated from the class. At least she still has her best friend by her side.

Ao3 link here.

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A/N: So guess who’s sick of Alya and Nino getting the short end of the stick in salt fics?

Seriously, guys. “Chameleon” was a poorly-written episode in regards to every character it featured, but everyone still treats it like it’s the final word on what Alya and Nino are like. All I want is ONE salt fic where they actually support Marinette throughout Lila’s reign of terror.

And then I thought, “Well, if you want something done right...”

So enjoy this rare pro-Alya salt fic!

00000

The day after Lila had threatened her in front of the school, Marinette opened the bakery door to find Alya there, tears streaming down her face.

Marinette brought her inside, asking her what had happened, and listened intently as her friend poured her heart out to her. In a way, she wasn’t that surprised by what she heard.

Apparently, Alya had finally thought to do some research on Lila, and (naturally) had discovered that all of her claims of meeting various celebrities were false. This had led to her deleting Lila’s interview from the Ladyblog, posting a lengthy apology to her readers, calling Nino (who had been equally horrified by the revelation), and concluding that she was an irredeemably horrible person who didn’t deserve the friendship of someone she threw under the bus for a stranger.

Touched, Marinette told her that she forgave her, and that they could still be friends as long as she’d truly learned her lesson. Alya accepted that, and the two of them spent the rest of the day eating cookies and discussing various things.

Like how they were going to break this to the rest of their classmates.

00000

Four weeks after Lila’s threat, school had become more difficult.

On the upside, most of the class accepted the evidence Alya had provided and cut ties with Lila. And as it turned out, several of them were close to discovering the truth themselves beforehand.

On the downside, Lila still had several members of the class (Kim, Max, Ivan, Mylene) and several teachers under her thumb. And Ms. Bustier’s “set a good example” policy meant that if any of them tried to argue with Lila or question her authority, they’d get punished.

And frustratingly enough, Adrien still stuck by his original mindset. No matter how many times the others tried to convince him, he kept insisting that Lila wasn’t doing any harm and that they were in  the wrong.

Needless to say, his friendship with Nino and Marinette’s crush on him disappeared.

But, for all the friends they lost, they gained some new ones. Aurore and Mireille became a part of Marinette’s inner circle after she designed some outfits for them. Nathaniel and Juleka brought in Marc and Luka, respectively. Kagami joined them as well, slowly being eased into the idea of having friends. And – most surprisingly – Chloe and Sabrina joined them, both having long seen through Lila’s facade. While there were still the occasional clashes, Chloe’s relationship with most of the group soon became a vitriolic friendship (and maybe a little more with Kagami, though she wouldn’t admit it for a long time).

Alya was confident they could make it through Lila’s reign.

00000

Two years after Lila’s threat, Alya discovered that her best friend was Ladybug.

Hawk Moth and Mayura’s attacks had only gotten harder to deal with over the years, and it didn’t help that Chat Noir had become a horrible hero, refusing to help out unless Ladybug gave in to his increasingly unwanted advances.

The heroine needed some permanent help. Someone she could turn to when the times got tough, someone she could trust with her secret identity. Someone who could help when Chat Noir refused to.

She chose Alya and Nino.

Now, Rena Rouge and Carapace regularly joined Ladybug on patrols, helping her fight akumas and sentimonsters. The Ladyblog quickly received a boost in popularity, thanks to the increasingly common interviews with the heroes themselves.

As the time passed, more and more heroes would come and go – the indomitable trio of Queen Bee, Ryuko, and Good Girl, the brother-sister-sister’s girlfriend team of Viperion, Tigress, and the Pink Princess, the genre-savvy Gallus and Chevre Blanc, the crowd-pleasing Cloudjumper and Souris, and the ever-mysterious time-traveller Bunnyx – but the core trio of Ladybug, Rena Rouge, and Carapace remained.

Chat Noir’s popularity dropped like a stone. Alya made sure of it.

00000

Six years after Lila’s threat, Marinette finally launched her brand.

With the help of a website designed by Alya and positive word of mouth thanks to Jagged Stone, MDC Designs quickly grew in popularity. Soon, celebrities across the world – ranging from the children of the popular businessman Bruce Wayne to singers like Clara Nightingale and Austin Moon – all wanted an MDC Original in their closets.

Eventually, Gabriel Agreste himself reached out to her and asked to do a business partnership. Not only did she refuse, she went on to do an interview detailing exactly how badly Gabriel’s heir and his girlfriend treated her in high school.

Adrien Agreste and Lila Rossi became the biggest punchlines in the entertainment business since Lindsay Lohan. Marinette, meanwhile, met the love of her life doing a commission for the president of Okumura Foods, who introduced her to one of her close friends.

All in all, Alya figured they were doing well for themselves.

00000

Eight years after Lila’s threat, Chat Noir lost his Miraculous on live television.

From what Alya could piece together, Chat had seen Marinette and Ren interacting while the former was in-costume. Naturally, the entitled brat had decided to seek out Ren and threaten him, all while spouting his beliefs that Ladybug was destined for him.

Hawk Moth promptly took advantage of Ren’s anger, creating one of the most powerful akumas the team had ever fought.

The akuma had immediately gone for Chat, stripping him of his ring in front of a live news crew and revealing to the world that he was none other than Adrien Agreste. He then verbally tore into the former golden boy, revealing every horrible thing he’d done as both a model and as Chat Noir.

The team managed to purify the akuma and rescue Ren, but Adrien escaped in the struggle and disappeared. Not that it mattered; they had the Cat Miraculous back, ensuring that he wouldn’t be able to misuse it anymore.

Five days later, the public was introduced to Kuro Neko.

Two days after that, Hawk Moth publicly announced his and Mayura’s retirement from supervillainy.

One week after that, Monarch and Pavone Cristallo took their place.

Life went on.

00000

Ten years after Lila’s threat, Alya was in Los Angeles, watching the Oscars live.

Marinette had been nominated for Best Costume Design for her work on a movie that had been nominated for several other awards, and she had invited Alya, Nino, and Ren to come with her to the ceremony. Naturally, they’d accepted.

As the various announcements and performances went on, Alya thought over what the past ten years had been like for her and her classmates.

Rose and Juleka had gotten married practically as soon as high school was over, and their wedding had been a gothic fairytale straight out of a Grimm Brothers book. Juleka eventually became one of Marinette’s top models, while Rose became a teacher, striving to be better than the one she had in high school.

Marc and Nathaniel had started publishing their Mightillustrator and Reverser comics, which soon became popular for their positive portrayal of a gay couple and the general lack of angst most superhero comics at the time had. A movie adaptation was currently in the works.

Chloe had taken over her father’s hotel business, and was still doing her best to become a better person with the help of Kagami (her girlfriend, now a world-class fencer) and Sabrina (now a politician on the campaign trail). She also modeled for Marinette on occasion.

Luka was currently on tour as one-half of the musical duo Fangs, alongside his fiance (a lovely girl named Avril that Alya was, regrettably, not well-acquainted with). Their wedding was scheduled for next year, and everyone was dying with anticipation.

Aurore and Mireille had also gotten married, and both had become regular models in Marinette’s lineup. Aurore had also gotten a job as TVi’s weather girl, and Mireille was the new host of KIDZ+.

Alix had become a popular street artist, with her art regularly being featured in Parisian museums. She’d also taken over as Collège François Dupont’s new art teacher after Mr. Haberkorn’s retirement, which kept her in regular contact with Rose and Juleka.

The ones who had followed Lila’s word to the letter back in high school eventually managed to break free from her influence, though they knew nothing would ever be the same between them and the rest of the class. Kim and Ondine had gotten married, and they now worked as coaches in the same school as Rose and Alix. Max had managed to get a job as a scientist for a major computer company, and worked hard on various projects. Mylene and Ivan had also gotten married, the former becoming an actress on a popular TV show.

Lila and Adrien had both opted to stay out of the public eye after all the scandals they’d been a part of. Alya had no idea what they were up to these days, which was probably for the best.

And Alya herself? She was quickly climbing through the ranks as a journalist, and the Ladyblog was as popular as ever. She and Nino had finally tied the knot last year; he’d become a successful DJ, and was recently breaking into directing, with Nath and Marc’s film being his first job.

Her musings were interrupted by a cry of joy coming from her right.The winner of Best Costume Design had finally been announced.

As Alya watched, Marinette walked up to the stage to accept her award, tears pricking the corner of her eyes. Everyone in the hall started applauding her – Alya, Nino, and Ren doing so the loudest.

She took the statuette, cradling it in her hands, and started on the speech she’d been rehearsing before they’d gotten here.

“The first person I want to dedicate this to is the person who’s stuck by me all these years, through thick and thin,” she said. “My best friend, Alya.”

Alya felt Nino’s hand on her shoulder, and she smiled.

They made it. Together.

[dasphinxone]

I hope I'm not too late and asks are still open. But I wondered if you had any more thoughts/ideas/scenes/etc for the Mummy au? I totally love your contribution of Booker and Nicky as brothers and what that dynamic would look like. BAMF!Nile and Librarian!Booker give me life. Thanks for all your wonderful au ideas and fic!

Oh man, you are NEVER too late for Asks and they are currently open! In the meantime, allow me to ramble about my PURE AND UTTER LOVE FOR THE FRASER/WEISZ VERSIONS OF “THE MUMMY.” 

You see, I had a mad HUGE crush on Brendan Fraser when the first one came out. Except it turned out that the entire damn cast was so beautiful (OMG, the Oded Fehr hotness. So glad they brought him back for the sequel). They all have wonderful chemistry too, and rather similar to the group dynamics of The Old Guard. 

On top of that, I have always maintained that it’s Evie who is the real protagonist of the movie. Everyone else stays pretty much the same to their characters as when we’re introduced to them. Meanwhile, it’s Evie who goes from librarian to adventuress. She is thrown into all sorts of situations where she can prove to the world that librarians are just as damn smart and necessary as the brawns of Rick, the cunning of her brother Johnathan and the honorable warrior of Ardeth Bay.

It’s also Evie who comes out of the other end of the wild-ass adventure a changed person. It’s even more obvious in the sequel, where she takes a level in badassery. The best part about that? Rick adores her for it and they are clearly in a happy marriage versus the tired trope of married couples being all bitter. 

(I pretend the third movie NEVER HAPPENED, you hear me?!)

ANYWAYS, As Evie and Jonathan grew up rich (the museum curator clearly says to Evie that the only reason he puts up with her is that her parents were the largest donors to the museum), I figure Booker can grow up pretty wealthy too.

Sébastien le Livre is an only child who spends his life around his Action and Adventure!French Parents who have moved to Egypt to be archeologists. While they are world famous archeologists? They’re not the best parents. For they drag Sébastien along on their archeological excursions because they don’t know any better. So Sébastien spends all of his childhood time around his parents and their eccentric adult friends. Yes, they should have sent Sébastien to boarding school, like other rich folks of their time. But what kind of boring-ass education is that as compared to going out into the real world for field study?  

Sébastien’s field experience makes him brilliant child. Yet it also turns him into a socially awkward little boy. He’s rarely around other kids or attending school since he out on digs with his parents. On top of that, when his parents can’t bring him on digs, they leave him home in their great big house with his nanny, tutor and the servants for company. Since Sébastien doesn’t have kid friends, he’s always taking in stray animals, rescuing birds that fell out of their nests and doing precious sorts of things like that. He also LOVES reading. He’s fluent in French, English, Latin, Greek  and conversational Arabic. Oh, and he can also read hieroglyphs with ease.

Again, Sébastien is a weird kid.

When Sébastien is around say, nine or so, he catches seven year-old orphan Nicky in the parlor of his and his parent’s grand house breaking in and trying to steal things. His parents are out of town on yet another dig, so Sébastien’s randomly wandering around the house by himself. Instead of panicking, Sébastien just invites spooked Nicky to kitchen for tea and sandwiches out of the sheer delight of having another child to talk to. Thoroughly used to Sébastien and his soft spot for strays, the kitchen staff sits the two boys in the corner and lets Nicky wolf down whatever he wants. Nicky eventually leaves after Sébastien swears he won’t tell his parents about the stealing. But only if Nicky promises to come back tomorrow to hang out with Booker.

Nicky actually shows up the next day. Mostly due to the promise of food. While he thinks Sébastien is clearly odd, he also realizes he’s just as lonely as he is (after all, street kid orphan Nicky hasn’t survived this long on his own without being able to see people for what they truly are). But whereas Nicky is aggressive with acting out due to his abandonment issues, Sébastien tends to implode on himself due to his own parental abandonment issues. Basically, they balance each other out. 

Three weeks later, Sébastien’s parents come back from their latest dig down in Alexandria. They find Sébastien playing with this street kid out on the extensive grounds of their estate. Shocked at seeing their usually quiet and withdrawn son having a blast with this Italian ragamuffin of a child, due to being the impulsive types, Booker’s parents decide to adopt Nicky. So Sébastien gains a new brother. No matter that they’re not related by blood, Nicky is his brother.

Since Sébastien loves to read, he enjoys reading out loud to Nicky (who is nearly illiterate since he’s an orphan who never had formal education before being adopted). While Sébastien and Nicky have their own rooms at their parents’ estate, Nicky will often sneak into Sébastien’s room at night so that his older brother can read to him. Their nanny usually finds the two boys asleep together with a book sitting between them. Sébastien also helps Nicky learn to read far better than their tutor does. Mostly because Sébastien is so patient with his new little brother.

It’s because of this that Nicky comes up with the affectionate nickname of “Booker” for his new big brother.

Booker graduates from boarding school and attends The Sorbonne back in Paris. While he misses Nicky something fierce, everything will work itself out because he’ll be graduating from The Sorbonne at the same time Nicky will be finishing boarding school. That way, they both be archeologists together and follow in their parents’ footsteps. Booker plans to focus on the research side of things from either libraries or teaching. Nicky plans to actually go on digs and bring back things for Booker to study and catalogue.

Booker does eventually get sent off to British style boarding school in Cairo, as is expected of a wealthy child of his class. A couple of years later, Nicky is sent off to the same boarding school.

Nicky's always getting into fights. Mostly due to the other kids bullying him for his accent, heritage and defending Booker against bullies too. The only reason Nicky doesn’t’ get kicked out is because Booker is able to charm the teachers into looking the other way (remember, he was around mostly adults before he started attending school) when it comes to punishing Nicky. Also, their parents donate a ton of money to the school.

Except the Great War breaks out the same year Nicky graduates from boarding school. He signs up with his school chums for “a great adventure,” like all of the other young men of means did in the opening days of the war. 

However, Booker refuses to come along. He’s studied history all of his life and intellectually knows how terrible war can be. As far as he’s concerned, the war is stupid. People are going to get themselves killed over all of these royal families of Europe who refuse to apologize to each other over the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. He’s certainly not throwing his life away to get shot at, thank you very much. Besides, he didn’t grow up with much in the way of friends or camaraderie among the other boys while he was away at school. So he doesn’t feel like he’s going to miss out on anything. 

Nicky thinks Booker is a coward who has no appreciation for a right proper great adventure. Booker thinks Nicky is a headstrong fool who doesn’t value the opportunities their parents have given them. They part ways on bad terms. 

Booker eventually relents and writes to Nicky whenever he can. However, he never hears from his little brother. The only way he knows Nicky is alive is through their parents, who Nicky constantly writes to in Cairo. At the same time, Booker doesn’t  return to Cairo because it would remind him too much of how much he misses his brother. So he throws himself into his work at the Egyptian Antiquities department of the Louvre. He also tries to ignore the raging war moving closer and closer to Paris.

Wars come and go, antiquities do not.

Except Nicky suddenly goes missing during the Battle of Verdun.

Still in Paris, Booker is dealing with his side of suffering through the war as a civilian. He suddenly gets frantic word from his parents (who still live in Cairo) that Nicky is MIA. The panic immediately starts to set in. He regrets that he didn’t do more to communicate with his little brother while he was away at war. To assuage his guilt, he goes down to the war office every single day to find out where the hell Nicky is.

After a few frantic weeks, Nicky turns up alive but injured. As a result, he’s evacuated to a Parisian hospital. Booker takes a sabbatical at the Louvre to attend to his beloved brother there. Nicky almost dies of an infection but pulls through. Too weak to go back to fighting, Nicky is honorably discharged and goes to live with Booker to convalesce.

Nicky’s not the same vivacious, passionate young man he was before the war. He’s the only one of a handful of his unit to survive both death and not losing a limb or having parts of his face blown off. So there’s the survivor’s guilt. He constantly has nightmares about his time on the front and in No Man’s Land where he wakes up screaming. Bouts of rage and grief hit him without warning.

In order to deal with the crushing swirl of ugliness that’s festering within him, Nicky starts spiraling. He starts heavily drinking. He skips meals. He starts hitting up gambling dens and whorehouses that can make your every wish come true in Paris.

Booker has no idea how to cope with it all. So he once again throws himself into his work. He feels disgusted with himself for silently judging his brother’s actions all while he absolutely has no clue how to deal with his own guilt of not being by Nicky’s side during the war. Perhaps it would have been better to have died together than exist in the sea of darkness they are trapped within now.

Within two years, the war is over. Everyone celebrates only to see the rise of the Spanish Flu Pandemic. It ends up killing Booker and Nicky’s parents, who die within days of each other back in Cairo. 

Now, Booker and Nicky are alone in the world and with only each other to depend on. Wanting to escape all the pain they’ve seen in Paris, they head back to Cairo to put their parents’ estate in order. Since their parents split their inheritance evenly between them, they’ve inherited a hell of a lot of money. At the same time, money doesn’t fix their psychological problems.

Yet while they both have a difficult time dealing with their parents’ death and each other’s war trauma? It turns over a new milestone for them. For it allows Booker and Nicky to make their peace with each other since they're the only ones left of their family. They vow that they’ll try to go back to their dream of working together as an archeologist team.

Unfortunately, it never happens. Nicky is still dealing with the PTSD and acting out. Booker tries to manage his  brother’s psychological issues and balance his work at the Cairo Museum. Problem is, it’s a job he knows he only managed to secure out of pity since their parents were the largest donors to the museum. The nepotism stings and makes Booker feel inadequate. All despite that he's a damn good researcher and brilliant at languages and hieroglyphics.

Booker once again throws himself into his work at the museum. He has no social life, rarely goes out for fun and no relationship lasts for more than a few months at a time. For he’s grieving his parents and the shell of a man Nicky has become. Meanwhile, Nicky drinks, gambles and whores his way through Egypt in between digs with folks no better than grave robbers. But he always comes back home to stay with Booker in the nice house they own together.

Booker is always there for Nicky and vice versa. No matter how hard it gets for both of them to deal with the losses in their lives, they are and will always be brothers to the end.

And then one day, Nicky finds Booker in the Cairo museum after he’s been rejected by the Benbridge Scholars yet again. All after Booker’s ruined the library and knocked over all the bookshelves after he nearly killed himself trying to get off that damn ladder while filing away books.

Nicky reveals to Booker an odd little box that he found on a dig down in Thebes. Turns out the box contains a map to the lost city of Hamunaptra…

[rosesmith18]

(PnF) Headcanon #5 Main Cast Shipping

This post pertains slightly to the prior post #4 & #3. You don't need to read those to understand this post, but if you want some extra background info, then I suggest you check them out. Anyway, as the title implies, this post is all about ships involving the main cast and side characters in their age group(8-12). I have plans for a similar post involving the older characters; both teenagers(13-18) as well as the adults(19-Onwards), but those will come at a later time. For now, I am going to cover the who, when, and why of the main cast-relationship wise-, please enjoy! Before we get started I just want to make two things clear: First, these are my personal opinions as is true of every post I make. I respect that your opinions may differ, so please respect mine. I would thoroughly appreciate it :>! Second, I find AYA(Act Your Age) to be an atrocious episode canonicity wise, and so I have completely thrown it out of my personal PnF Universe timeline. So, while reading this post, I highly suggest you ignore that episode as well. Starting with the most popular and well-known ship, Phinbella(also known as Phinabella): As most are, I am absolutely in love with the canon ship Phinbella! I feel like Isabella & Phineas balance one another out really well, and you can just tell their feelings run deep! When(Referring to Age/Grade): [12/Seventh grade] In my timeline Phineas & Ferb permanently regain their memories of the events of Across the 2nd Dimension when they are twelve/thirteen(2010). With that of course comes Phineas remembering that Isabella kissed him revealing her feelings for him. So, with that knowledge, Phineas asked Isabella out. Why(Referring to Why I Ship the Characters): Through re-watching Phineas & Ferb several times, I honestly get the vide that Phineas has been just as in love with Isabella since the very beginning. I won't insert my list of reason here or anything, but as a small example; The boy straight up tries to get Monogram to halt the mind wipe after happily exclaiming Isabella's name AFTER being kissed by her. Need I say more? Anyway, my point is that I believe that kiss sparked a revaluation in Phineas that he was in fact in love with Isabella, so when he remembers it he remembers his feelings, and immediately reciprocates her feelings by ask her out. Ferbnessa: It's only appropriate to cover the duo one after the other, so next I'm gonna talk about my ship for Ferb which is also my OTP; Ferb x Vanessa! When: [16-21/High School Sophomore-Fourth Year of College] As the show clearly portrays, Ferb has a severe crush on Vanessa, and that proceeded through his life. As for Vanessa, I very much enjoy the idea of her being a close friend of Ferbs after the events of Vanessary Roughness. As the two get older and hangout more, their feelings obviously grow as well. Eventually, when Ferb is sixteen-*legal age of consent in over 30 states*-he ask Vanessa out. To which she agrees having grown close to him over the last couple of years. Why: For Ferb, I honestly get the feeling that he's never actually fallen for anyone before Vanessa-despite his claims of being a ladies man-, considering the flowers and stuff that are special to HER. So, I picture him at first being scared of them, as he calls himself weak when referring to them. But, eventually being so unable to ignore them that he gives in, to the point he doesn't even try to hide his intentions. Doing whatever he can to gain a positive relationship with Vanessa, and being willing to just enjoy her company. As for Vanessa, I think at first she was just impressed by Ferbs' talents and genuinely thankful when he offered to help or hear her out. But, as they hang out more and more, I picture her getting more used to this special kind of attention that Ferb provides, and deciding that she doesn't want to let it go and regret it later-leading to her accepting his feelings. * Disclaimer: I want to make it VERY clear the age of consent does not legally apply to pedophilic(adults romantically/sexually pursuing minors)relationships! It is merely mentioned as the logic of the characters. Do not, and I mean, do NOT engage in a relationship with a minor if you are an adult and vise versa. That is ILLEGAL. Laws against pedophilic relationships exist to PROTECT minors from dangerous adult predator's. If you(a minor)have romantic feelings for someone eighteen or older WAIT to pursue a relationship, if you or the adult in question can not wait you do NOT/can NOT be in that relationship. These characters are purely FICTIONAL. They do not abided by the rules of reality and only suffer from such relationships if written to. In FICTION, they are as safe as I write them to be. We as people are restricted to reality, and must remember laws exist to PROTECT us from dangerous people, objects, and substances. Thank you. 

Buford/Gretchen: This ship just seems like it would be so wholesome in the future after Buford gets over his bully lifestyle, and becomes the soft-hearted, mama's boy we all know he is. When: [16/High School Junior] Basically, Buford makes a bet with Baljeet that he can get a date to the Junior High Dance before Baljeet can muster of the courage to ask Ginger. He then proceeds to turn around and ask the one girl known for going with the flow; Gretchen. Gretchen accepts, because again, she goes with the flow. The two have a great time at the dance, and Buford decides to ask if she wants to try dating. Gretchen accepts and the two date all the way up to high school graduation and into college. Why: Truthfully, this ship started because of that one time Buford gets slapped by Gretchen, and says he's 'so in love with her right now'. But, the more I thought about the two's personalities the more I realized that they were honestly pretty good for each other. Gretchen being a go with the flow kind of girl, while also being collected and down to earth. And, Buford being a dramatic, coward with a hard shell. It just made since to be, and I think as they mature, they make that connection as well. Baljeet/Ginger: I hate how this ship was portrayed as manipulative in AYA. It is neither a healthy relationship or accurate to either of these twos character. I mean they're two misunderstood scholars from demanding family backgrounds! They would sympathizes with each other, not play with each other's feelings! When: [13/Eighth Grade] Ginger ends up asking Baljeet out after the two participate in a spelling bee and tie. It would just be adorable! After Isabella starts dating Phineas, the fireside girls start working on helping Ginger, and make her enter the same spelling be a Baljeet to impress him. Then when he comes up to congratulate her for winning, instead of returning the praise. She sees her friends thumbing her up, and overwhelmed, she just spurts out; "Take me to dinner?!" In nervous confusion Baljeet agrees, the two have a wonderful time, and start going out! Why: I've been in love with this ship since the bee episode where Ginger showed true interest in Baljeet's knowledge of bees. It was like the only time anyone showed genuine appreciation for his intelligence instead of finding him boring. And, the whole thing was only made cuter by how he seemed not only happy to share, but pleasantly surprised by her positive reaction. Django/Adyson: The fandoms versions of these characters would be so fun together! I mean the open-minded hippie artist, and the drama-loving tomboy? It's comedy gold if you ask me. When: [10/Fifth Grade] Django and Adyson started hanging out more back in the summer of 2008 after the carnival incident, and by the end of the summer they were official. Though, no one in their friend group knew until their Freshman year of High School. They weren’t keeping it a secret or anything. Adyson just usually causes so much drama for others they rarely have time to bother with her ‘drama’, and Django is always somewhere doing something that the other boys don’t know about so they don’t question him much. Why: This ship was inspired by some fanart I saw a couple years back of Adyson helping Django out of his human pretzel form after his act in the episode Jerk De Soleil. It was like the first ship I saw for Django, and when I started seeing the headcanons of both of them being pansexual, well the combination made the ship look so fun! Balthazar/Holly: These two are the straight men of the PnF Universe. Things more happen to or around them, then things happening in conjunction to their actions. They bond over asking themselves 'is this real life' on a daily basis. When: [11/Sixth Grade] I imagine Balthazar has a pretty bizarre friend group akin to the fireside girls, and much like Holly, he's the straight man who doesn't want to be involved in their shenanigans. So, one day when both their friend groups are doing something bizarre, they sit out. While watching their friends try their hair brained schemes, they run into each other, and start complaining to one another. One thing leads to another, and they agree to hang out again. By the end of the school year, this hanging out eventually evolves into a relationship. Why: I mainly ship these two, because back when I was looking for popular ships involving Holly, Balthazar was the only one that showed up. He doesn't have much of a characters, so I gave him one I thought would suit Holly. Brigitte/Katie: A Parisian flower with an American flower, sounds utterly adorable, and looks that way too! When: [15/High School Sophomore] Katie and Brigitte started having feelings for each other in Sophomore year of High School when they participated in a collaboration program once more. Brigitte helped Katie accept herself when she admitted that she was afraid of telling her parents that she was homosexual, and returned the blondes feelings when Katie confessed to having a crush since the first time they met back in the summer of 2008. Why: Honestly, I saw this two and immediately thought of that one trope; Where one girl is a closeted lesbian until some super pretty, super hot proudly lesbian, foreign girl shows up and takes the closeted one under her wing then BAM they a couple. Irving/Milly: Milly's such a sweet sugar cookie, I think she's the only person who COULD be in a long-lasting relationship with Irving. When: [21/College Graduates] While the two bonded during their time on the High School newspaper together, Irving was pretty stand offish about dating-He didn't know he was asexual yet. Milly did have a tiny crush on him, but his dismissal of most things outside of the club kept her from attempting anything. It wasn't until the two graduated from their respective college that Milly finally felt comfortable enough to try pursuing a relationship. Irving was aware and comfortable with his sexuality at this point, and when it didn't bother Milly, he agreed to going out. Why: Milly is just such a kind-hearted person who looks like she could love anyone, and Irving deserve love too, even if he is a bit of a stalker-he mellows out! So, I think they would be good for each other whether it be as friends or partners. Milly being accepting of Irving, and Irving learning to tone it down as not to scare Milly. In summery, I could go on forever about most of these ships, but I won't for everyone's sake-at least not right now. As usual, if I write about these characters then I will use these ships. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them on the post, thank you!

[krispydefendorpolice]

Demon’s Bride Drabble

Meet the Batfam Take 2

So, around the time I lost my motivation to write a lot of the Adrian salt haters were getting pretty vocal. I don’t hate the canon character so much as I hate what the creators expect us to accept as “romantic” and “heroic” about the canon character.

Unfortunately I disagree with the creators. The canon character is a a sad, abused and abusive character that doesn’t hear what he doesn’t want to (Ladybug has said “NO” too many times for his continued behavior to be anything but harrassment, blackmail....), and throws temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.

I don’t like the canon character. But fandom does what it will and so many amazing authors have taken this character and given him the redemption he deserves and the chance to be a better person. I was considering doing this and this Drabble came to be, but since I have my other story where Adrian gets his redemption I’m gonna go ahead with the salt in the Demon’s bride verse so you have that to look forward to storywise. Until the next chapter comes out, enjoy this outtake.

Recommendations:

Adrian Salt - Seeing Green by @thyladyanput and

some no salt Adrian Confident by @snowhirl

Both are great stories I absolutely enjoyed.

Drabble Masterpost

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

Waking up the day after Damian as Robin dropped her off at her hotel Marinette sent a group of texts. In the lobby she met up with Max, Kim and Alix. They were going to go with her to meet up with Damian and whomever he brought along. Though if she were a betting woman she would place money on that including his brothers, whether Damian wanted them there or not.

Four men waited outside the arcade. Damian smiled and stepped forward to meet Marinette before introductions were made between her friends and his brothers “officially” meeting Marinette.

Three hours of gaming later and the group decided to get lunch at some nearby food trucks. As they walked Marinette held Damian’s hand and would pull him behind her as they walked. She would occasionally drop his hand to pull out a sketchbook where she would spend a few minutes drawing before she would walk again. Each time Damian stood quietly with a small smile and watched her before their fingers would lace and they would continue on with the group.

About halfway to the park the group came across Nino and Adrian who had finally separated from Lila’s group. Lila continued to insist Adrian hang out with her and for some reason his father was pushing Adrian to keep Lila happy.

Seeing them, Marinette dropped Damian’s had and turning to face their group she held her finger to her lips with a small smile as she walked backwards towards the two boys. She stepped so softly that not even Adrian’s Miraculous enhanced hearing heard her approaching, thought the cover traffic provided certainly helped.

When she was only a couple steps behind Adrian must have sensed something because he started to turn around. Unfortunately it was too late and Marinette attacked.

“KITTY!” she yelled and jumped on his back.

Adrian yelped and stumbled a couple steps but kept his balance and gripped Marinette legs where they wrapped around his waist to help.

“Why do you always do this Bug?” He asked the girl clinging to him like a monkey.

“Because it’s fun to scare you Chaton,” she said before shifting her weight so that Adrian stumbled back towards their group to keep upright, “come meet my Gotham friends.”

“Stop, stop, I’m walking, I’m walking,” Adrian muttered as he shifted Marinette on his back so that they were no longer in danger of tripping.

Damian watched with an unemotional mask on his face while the bat boys were trading glances with each other, Damian and the monkey that was their brother’s girlfriend.

As soon as Adrian arrived at the group Marinette jumped off his back and ran through introductions for him and Nino again.

“Join us for lunch?” She asked.

“Sure. It’s better than watching Lila try to scam her way into yet another restaurant,” Adrian agreed.

“Great,” Marinette smiled blindingly and rubbed at an ear, “game of chase?”

Adrian and Nino looked at her questioningly while Max, Kim and Alix smiled conspiratorially at each other.

“Chase?” Dick asked.

Marinette turned back to Damian, “Let the Big Bat know we’re not here for trouble. Just have a few bones to pick with him. Yeah?”

He tilted his head to the side in acknowledgement.

“Tikki, Spots on.”

“Roaar, Stripes on.”

“Wayzz, Shell on.

“Xuppu, Let’s riot.”

“Fluff, Time’s up.”

“Kaalki, Reign in.”

After all six heroes were armored up. Marinette threw a wink at the bat boys. “See you soon birdies,” she said as she threw up her yo-yo and caught zipped off.

The other’s followed her lead and soon the whole group was parkouring over the roofs of Gotham. Unlike during patrols in Paris they allowed themselves to have fun with this. Turning it into a giant game of chase they took turns tagging a team member before running off in the general of the food trucks.

———————————

The bats watched the laughing group take off. Tim was the first to break the spell and pulled out his phone to call Bruce.

“Yeah we got a group of Meta’s that are asking for the Bat’s attention,” he said when Bruce answered.

“Where at?” He asked

“I think they’re headed towards the Botanical gardens food trucks.”

“You think? You don’t have eyes on them?”

Tim side eyed Jason who had shook off his shock only to fall to the sidewalk laughing like a hyena. Damian watched him with a look of mild disgust while Dick was still obviously confused.

“It would be kind of hard to disappear for a change after a group of six kids do a magical girl transformation in front of you. I have too many eyes on me right now. But before they took off they told Damian to let the commissioner and the ‘Big Bat’ they have ‘a bone to pick’ but don’t want to cause trouble.”

“Right,” Bruce said before hanging up. Tim knew that meant that Batman was on his way towards the spontaneous meet.

“Come on we got work to do,” he said motioning for Dick to help him pick Jason off the concrete and carried him in the opposite direction from where the Parisian’s had headed.

———————————

When Batman and the boys arrived it was to the teens sitting around and on the various tables around the food trucks still in costume. Each was eating something from the trucks around them and tourists were taking photos of them. The Gothamites were edging away from the unknown constumes all too familiar with how the city’s rouges often behave. In contrast the French tourists were easily spotted as they were exclaiming over the presence of their city’s heroes across the ocean and taking selfies with the teens.

“Hiya Bats. Want a taco,” the red teen asked the Gotham heroes holding up said taco in offering.

“Who are you and why are you in Gotham,” Batman ignored the question to get to the point.

LadyBug shrugged and finished the taco in two bites before standing and brushing crumbs off her hands.

She jumped off the table she had been using as a seat and stood before the bats. A red-orange, black and white clad hero stood and joined her just a step behind in support. The others quieted their laughter and watched the interactions with seriousness.

“I’m LadyBug, the Hero of Paris. I’m here because I have a bone to pick with your Justice League Bats.”

“The League is unaware of any active heroes in or around Paris,” Batman stated. It wasn’t a disagreement exactly but it was understood that he didn’t believe her.

“You shouldn’t be. Both the Mayor of Paris and myself have reached out to the League when the terrorist Hawkmoth first appeared almost four years ago. A total of 38 requests and pleas for help were ignored. After the last we were put on a do not respond list and prevented from further contact.”

“I am unaware of this. I will look into it,” Batman said.

LadyBug shook her head, “We don’t need you to come help anymore. Instead we, I, want a full acknowledgement that the League failed to do its duty to my city and its citizens. I want a full apology for every death Hawkmoth has caused and that you and your League let happen.”

“You were meant to be Heroes for the world. Instead you failed to protect those who needed it and left a city in the hands of two teenagers who still aren’t adults today,” she dropped the magic to reveal Marinette. “And I want to know what you’ll do to prevent that from happening again.”

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

So mostly the interaction between Marinette and Adrian in this take was what spurred this fic on. I think if she were ever to get over the crush she would be super touchy freely with her friend.

@g-arya @multifandomscribette @mochinek0 @inevitableenquere @ravennightingaleandavatempus @northernbluetongue @bluerosette23 @fertileleaf @thepeacetea @zebrabaker @mystery-5-5 @dast218 @evil-elf16 @vivilakitty @dessarious @rhub4rb @ozmav @unmaskedagain @actualaster @a-marlene-s @del-phin @tog84 @luciferge @sonif50 @actual-human-disaster @clumsy-owl-4178 @aarushi-03 @moonyloonyx @shreky-boi @thanks-captain-obvious @panda3506 @hinata3487 @thequestionablyhuman @dontgiveaflyinflip @chocolatecatstheron @asianfrustration13 @weird-pale-blonde-person @yin-390 @mycupisbroken @vixen-uchiha @kuroko26 @autisticlinx @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @mariae2900 @zalladane @hypnosharkrebeldreamer @tbehartoo @novicevoice

[persephonescat]

Birds and other supernatural phenomenons

Okay, so I have no control over my life. Fine.

The characters are so out of character it’s funny. I’ve little to no idea about Batman, so I should apologize but I won’t, because I just lost all my remaining brain cells and I blame Tumblr.

Big thanks for LucyyJ26 on AO3 for fixing the Lucky Charm-problem, you should read her work too, its grammar is probably better than mine will ever be, and her stories are amazing. A little explanation: she took the Lucky Charm out of the story and instead, Ladybug’s power is the Miraculous Cure, which can re-do the destruction done during an Akuma-attack and can bring back the ones fallen by the villain’s actions. She’s changed other things in the Miraculous-world too, but this is the only one I’m going to use, except that in this story, it’s called Lucky Cure (don’t ask). For further explanation, visit her story: Miraculous: Darker Origins. The Daminette AU.

This is also posted on my AO3 account, under the same name.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21187025/chapters/50433170

Follow #Birds and Other Supernatural Phenomenons if you don’t want to miss any of the new chapters. ;) 

Anyway, enjoy, I guess.

Next    Masterpost    AO3

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Ch. 1: The Inevitable Doom

Field trips should be fun.

Except if you’re Marinette Dupain-Cheng, of course.

The Dupon was the best high school in Paris, so the fact that they managed to plan a school trip to freaking Gotham out of all of America had to say a lot about Parisian schools. Or so Marinette thought. (Apparently, she was the only one.)

The best of all? Her classmates didn’t even notice the irony of it all. Well, Adrien did, but she was way more bitter than to give him that.

“Kids, I have great news!” - clapped Mrs. Bustier (happily married since last summer) cheerfully. “We’ve won the competition! We’re going to Gotham!”

The whole class broke out into excited chattering as Marinette glanced at Adrien sitting next to her. He was the only one besides from Marinette who didn’t seem very happy from the news. They locked eyes, and the girl could see the worry and exhaustion on his face.

***

/Two months, seventeen days and nine hours earlier/

With every day passing, the weather in Paris got colder. The Ladybug suit provided enough warmth even on the most algid nights but walking to school in the mornings or going home in the afternoons was getting more and more difficult for Marinette. She really didn’t understand why out of all things a ladybug could do, the only thing she got was the urge to hibernate. She didn’t have wings. No antennas. No four extra legs. Even Tikki wasn’t anywhere near similar to a ladybug. Basically, other than her name and the colors, Marinette was just as far from resembling a ladybug as one could be.

But no, she had to get ill and tired every time the weather was cool. Fantastic.

“Ladybug?”

Chat’s voice brought her back to reality. She was sitting on the roof of Adrien’s house, at one in the morning, with the stars shining at them brightly from the sky’s soft black. The stars always calmed Marinette. They reminded her that there was a whole universe out there, that she was small and didn’t matter compared to the real world. These kinds of thoughts usually terrified people, but not her. If nothing really matters then the best you can do is making sure you’re happy, right?

She turned towards her partner’s shadowy figure standing on the other side of the roof.

“Hi,” she started with a barely visible smile. “Is everything okay? You weren’t there yesterday when Glassterix attacked and it’s okay, but you missed school too and we were getting a little worried.” Well, it wasn’t entirely ‘okay’. It took her over two hours to defeat the Akuma and her Lucky Cure had to bring back twenty-three people from the dead, but she wasn’t mad at him. It wasn’t the first time one of them couldn’t show up, they learned to be patient with each other a long time ago. After all, they were best friends, especially since they knew each other’s identity.

About that: yeah, it was a wild ride. It happened the month before, and it still caused her nightmares sometimes. The way Ryuko was crying as a group of civilians fell from the Eiffel tower right before her eyes (she couldn’t save them) and Carapace’s screams when the Champs Elysées’ asphalt shattered into pieces sending flying cars all over the place was haunting her every time she closed her eyes. At some point, Rena Rouge’s costume was splattered with someone else’s blood and she freaked out so bad, she took a wrong step off the roof, dislocated her ankle and fell five stories before Ladybug could catch her. Marinette swore she was never going to ask for the other heroes’ help again unless it was absolutely necessary. When Chat’s ring started ticking in the middle of the fight and she saw the fear creeping to his face, making all his anger disappear, she grabbed his arm and took him to a relatively safe alley. For a moment, the green light made the shadows look like long, faceless opponents, but is passed just as fast as it came and Adrien was left standing there, panicking. Marinette wasn’t too surprised, she’s suspected it for a while and judging from Adrien’s face after she transformed back to her plain old self, he did too. She succeeded in calming him down enough so his breathing was mostly even and she told him to get Plagg something to eat (that seemed to clear his mind a little), but then she had to go back to fight. Half an hour later Chat was once again helping Viperion evacuate the civilians.

She stood up and took a step towards Chat Noir, who for some reason seemed to stop far away from her.

“There’s something I have to talk to you about,” he said, and Marinette once again felt the smell of inevitable doom lingering around them, but she stayed calm.

“Okay,” she told him carefully.

He stepped out of the shadows and now she could see he wasn’t wearing his costume. She felt a little panic in her throat, but he seemed fine, just… hesitant, maybe.

“I was thinking about… everything, really, and the thing is, I want to go to college. I would like to go to Cambridge, or maybe Yale, I haven’t actually decided yet, but the point is, that wherever I go, it won’t be in Paris. It won’t be in France.”

Marinette’s heart sunk and for the first time in months, her eyes started stinging a little. She hated to cry, but she didn’t want him to leave. All year, she kept telling herself that they were just in eleventh grade, that college was far, but she knew it wasn’t entirely true. Almost everyone in her class has already decided where they were going to go. The United Kingdom? America? No, these places were too far, too big, too scary to think about. Why would he want to go there?

“I know it sounds a bit overconfident, but I think I can make it. However, I’ve to learn. A lot. And I’ve to make sure I do enough work outside of school that I can put in my applications and I have to do a lot of things, I still don’t exactly know everything about it but the point is…” he stopped speaking and took a few steps towards her, so now the distance between them was normal but he was still avoiding her gaze.

“The point is,” he continued cautiously, “-that I thought long and hard about it, and I can’t be Chat Noir anymore.” He looked her in the eyes for a moment, but seeing her expression, he turned his gaze to the ground.

For a second that seemed like a lifetime, Marinette was just staring at him. She thought it was a joke, or a dream, or a fucked-up prank because it couldn’t have been real. It wasn’t possible, right?

Then she slowly opened her mouth to protest, to do anything, but Adrien was quicker.

“And it isn’t just that. I mean, the college.” He shook his head and sighed, annoyed at himself. In different circumstances, it would’ve been satisfying to see him not finding the right words for once. “It isn’t just about college. Marinette, I would like to live an actual life. It’s selfish, I know, but if I don’t quit now, I’m never going to be able to. I won’t be able to have a family, a job I like, I’m never going to have a dog because there’s always going to be something that keeps me from being home. I love being Chat Noir, but during the past two years, I learned, that the main reason that I like it is that it helps people. But it’s not the life I want to live in. I’m going to find another way to help, one that lets me be happy.”

It was a promise, and they both knew it. 'I’m going to be a good person. I’m going to help. I’m going to be happy. I promise.’

Marinette saw the world shatter all around them as he spoke. Her world. She knew that at the same time, he saw it grow and evolve, and the irony didn’t go over her head.

“I’m not going to leave you alone,” he told her, looking into her eyes. “In fact, I’m happy to help you or Ladybug anytime you want, but only as Adrien.” He grabbed her hand softly and dropped the Black Cat ring into her palm. “I’m sorry.”

And with that, he was gone, leaving Marinette standing on his roof at one in the morning under the black blanket of the night. She wiped the tears that never fell out of her eyes and welcomed the numbness in her soul. She looked up to the sky one last time before swinging around the city until dawn. The stars no longer seemed so bright.

Later that night, wandering back and forth in his room, Adrien wondered if Marinette picked up everything he meant, but left unsaid.

'I’m going to be a good person. I’m going to help. I’m going to be happy. I’m here for you. I want you to be happy. I promise.’

He decided, that probably not.

_________________

Next    Masterpost    AO3

[melodylnoelle]

A Vision of Paris

For @captain-rogers-beard ‘s  Flex Your Writing Muscles Challenge

Fandom:Bioshock/Bioshock Infinite Characters: Elizabeth DeWitt, Sally Challenge Day Number: 10 (6/10/20)     Inspiration:Below picture of little girl holding a bouquet of balloons Warnings/Notes: I absolutely saw a little girl holding those balloons in the first several times I looked at this, and it was only right as I went to write it that I realized I grossly mistook that... But  the idea was already there Summary: Elizabeth has another vision of Sally in Paris   Word Count: 714 Author’s Notes: For these challenges, I am going to try to keep them all between 400-500 words... Mostly. Any feedback is greatly appreciated, and I hope you enjoy :)   Masterlist Tags- @brightsunanddarkmidnight2-0​

            It was a beautiful morning in Paris, as it had been every morning since she arrived. Elizabeth wandered the streets, admiring the life that she found in its people. Some sat at cafes for morning coffee. Some could be seen painting near the canal. Still others were wandering the streets like herself, selling their bread or other wares to whatever patron walked by. Each person she passed greeted her with a “bonjour,” and she was hit with a warm feeling in her chest.

            She decided instead of going to the café herself today to enjoy a different view. She bought some bread from the travelling baker, and tea from a nice lady at a stall in the market. She chose a park bench right on the canal so she could have a view of the boardwalk. The weather was better than usual, and several Parisians were already out enjoying  the packed stalls and the soft breeze from the water. She knew she would join them later, but it was time to enjoy the morning first.  She sipped her tea cautiously as it cooled. She scanned the group, taking everything in front of her in.

            That was until one sight caught her eye.

            A bouquet of balloons was drifting over the wooden planks, father off form any of the stalls. In its center, though, was not someone selling them off to other customers as she had expected.

            It was a shadow. A ghost.

            Sally.

            Elizabeth jumped up, spilling the forgotten tea on the ground and made for the small figure. She thought she had lost Sally a while ago to Comstock’s gambling and arrogance. But there she was, distant but very much alive.

            She was sprinting by the time she reached the boardwalk. “Sally!” She called out. She was expecting Sally to run, but there was really nowhere for her to go. She would catch up to her this time, she was sure of it.

            Only Sally didn’t run when Elizabeth approached. What she saw instead was a shadow, floating where the outline of Sally had been, holding the balloons in place. It felt less like a shadow and more like a void, causing the air to leave her lungs and for her to stop in her tracks.

            “Sally?” She asked when the air could flow back through again.

            She got no answer. The mass just sat there.

            But she could feel Sally there, staring at her. “Sally, I’m so sorry. I should never have left you in there like that. I thought if I took care of the last Comstock, life would be better for both of us. I thought…” She trailed off, not sure Sally was even listening.

            Apparently, she heard something as the void started moving closer. Alarm bells were ringing in Elizabeth’s ears, telling her she should leave.

            But this was Sally.  How could she leave again?

            The balloons flew away, but the mass stayed behind, inching ever closer to where Elizabeth stood. She could start to see how the mass had taken the general shape of her face, of her form. She could still feel Sally, but she could also feel something that was decidedly not Sally.

            And it seemed like that side was winning.

            She waited as it reached her, both for wanting to speak to Sally and because something was keeping her in place. When the void reached her, what should be a mouth appeared to open, and Elizabeth’s ears were flooded with noise. Her hands flew to her ears, trying to block it out to no avail. There was no way to understand what it said.

            “I don’t understand!” She tried to plea, but the noise only got louder. “I’m sorry!”

            The noise grew louder still, until Elizabeth could not bear it. Just when she thought the noise itself would be enough to end her-

            She awoke, and was back again in the toy department of Fontaine’s. She shook out the ringing in her ears, the weariness from her arms. Was that a dream? No. Surely it was a vision, or a tear… Something.

            It didn’t really matter in the end. She stood, shaking off the dust that had made lines on her skirt. She clutched the radio that held Booker’s voice, trotting off to Suchong’s lab. 

[lilaflyy]

Fictober Day 4 - “Will that be all?”

I don’t like this one as much as the one from yesterday, but it’s better than the one from Tuesday! :3 I have a better grasp on Maddy than I have on most characters, so this was a lot of fun to write. I was running short on time in the last part, so that might seem a little rushed, but I think it’s overall okay.

Maddy is my favourite character from “Unseen” by the way. I know a character owner should not pick favourites, but really, she’s my favourite, no doubt about it. ;w;

Maddy

There were a lot of things Paris had taught me and I was sure there were also a lot of things this town in the middle of England could teach me. In the big city you had to be careful of your every step to not accidentally walk into the bad parts of town, but you also had to have the courage to dare something from time to time. I had learned the hard way that daring something might be healthy to get the craving for adventure satisfied and to get stories to tell, but it could also be dangerous. Just how dangerous it could be had become clear to me when I had died in that dirty alley all those years ago.

Naïve little Maddy was gone. She died three years ago in that Parisian alley. A young teenager on the quest to become an adult which she had tackled with an unhealthy amount of recklessness. I had had to pay for that recklessness with a dead best friend and my own human body. Keeping my life only for the price of belonging everywhere yet nowhere.

It had not erased the memories of that day and the trauma had shook me to my core. Even now, years later, I woke up from nightmares, reliving that horrible night over and over. If this torture was part of the curse or just a regular torture my mind subjected me to was unclear.

What had shaken me just as much as the memories, had been the loss of my voice. Well, it had not exactly been a loss but rather a gain of a new ability. An ability I despised. Others might have found a liking in a voice that lured people closer, made them obey to your every wish and made them love you. Old me would have adored it, but after what I have unwillingly sacrificed to gain it, the only thing I yearned for was something real. After all, singing was my life. It had always been my life and it was my dream. To have it twisted like this had been a cruelty by the universe I had never forgiven. A siren voice to one whose only comfort was to sing.

There had also been good things happening in the last three years though. I have met a new best friend. One, who I could be sure was real and not just some person enchanted by my voice. How I could be sure? Well, he was deaf. With my self-enforced muteness and his deafness, we had both become outsiders. He taught me sign language and I practiced speaking with him.

He had also been the first one to find out about my otherness. As the observant person he was, he had realised pretty quickly that something odd happened whenever I talked to others. An oddness that went beyond what was common.

It had taken a while, but we had eventually decided to test out my special abilities in a safe setting and stabilize them so I could live a normal life again. What we discovered, however, had gone far beyond just charming people with my voice.

Now, I was fast, swift and I even could fly. I distracted people with my singing and I could make the quietest of escapes. Becoming a thief had not been something I had ever seen myself doing, but like everything else in my life, it had just happened. A “just this once” had turned into “just one more” until I had grown sick of finding excuses. It had become the norm, even though I was not particularly proud of it.

New town, new rules though. I had to accept that things were different now, but you know what they say, old habits die hard. To be sneaking around such a quiet place with the most horrible crime being the occasional robbery, there was not much to do. Paris had always been buzzing with opportunities, while in this place I had to take what I could get.

Even I had to admit that going for the wallet of some rich bastard was beneath me. He may have had deserved it but the usual thrill that went with my usual nightly escapades.

No priceless jewel was snatched right from under the surveillance of a group of thieves who had stolen it themselves. It also was no busted drug deal or a person saved from murder. It was just a petty act of thievery which I really was not proud of. I almost considered giving the damn wallet back when there was a noise behind me. A noise too silent to be just a random person.

I kept my cool, knowing my glamour and the costume I additionally wore would protect me to be identified. Even I could not do much against a gun being pointed at me, or a knife being held at my neck, so swiftly drew my own knives—they were meant for throwing, one between each finger—and whirled around to whoever had dared to sneak up on me.

It was not a familiar face, but yet there was something I recognized. A feeling. A hunch. Something fey. At least he seemed male, so this would hopefully be easy. Unless he was gay. Well, it was still worth a shot to play my charms now that I could control them!

“Don’t you know it is rude to take things that don’t belong to you?” he asked and held his hand out, as if expecting me to drop the stolen wallet into it and call it a night. Clearly, he was the naïve one out of the two of us, which could give me the upper hand.

“It is also not polite to hit women and only offer them a salary they can actually live from when they endure sexual harassment,” I said with a shrug, not taking my eyes off him. I would not use my siren voice. Not yet. Maybe I could convince him with normal means to let me go.

“Stealing is a sin, yada yada yada, but I’m not religious and the bastard I stole this from obviously isn’t either. It’s by far not what he deserves, but it’s a start,” I continued.

“So, you plan to kill him?” His voice was scarily calm. So far, I had only killed in self-defence and that had been over a year ago and only twice. So, no, I did not plan to kill him. Whatever would lead him to such an assumption?

“I don’t like getting my hands dirty if I can prevent it,” I replied as calmly as possible. This guy unnerved me, maybe I should just charm him and be done with it. I could go home then and use the money to pay for food for a homeless shelter or something similar.

“This is quite human of you.”

A suspicious phrasing.

“Will that be all?” I asked, fake annoyance and nonchalance tugging at my tone. In reality I was just unnerved and wound up like a spring, ready to leap to safety at a moment’s notice.

The clear answer was ‘no’, but it was not given verbally. Instead, he drew a sword—why did always I get the weirdos?! I sprinted away as fast as I could, taking big leaps, bigger than I usually would because they tended to attract attention. At this point I did not care anymore. Some lunatic with a sword was after me and the last thing I had in mind there was subtlety. At least the years in Paris had taught me how to lose someone when they were chasing me.

When I arrived home after half an hour of running around the entire town, the damned wallet still in my bag, I swore to myself to not go out and play Robin Hood again until I had not gathered more intel on creepy sword guy.

The few things he had said and the fact that he had drawn a sword at least let me conclude one thing with absolute certainty: He either was human and knew or he was one of them. After all, what were the chances that he was neither and both? Someone like me? Zero, I would say. Because as far as I was concerned, only I was that unfortunate.

[swingsdown]

specificity or late night flash fiction #1 miraculous ladybug (s2 spoilers) | marinette-centric/ladynoir

marinette isn’t so different now that she’s ladybug. she’d always wanted specificity. maybe it came from being half-chinese and being raised in a decidedly parisian way (too parisian for her family in china, still too visibly chinese for paris), or maybe it came from being in the same class as chloe bourgeois for five years running.

but.

marinette has always craved recognition in the smallest of ways. not in terms of popularity or fame, but the connection...of being wanted, of being needed. of someone seeing her for who she is and deciding that marinette dupain-cheng is enough. when she was young, she’d wanted to not be picked last for dodgeball and she’d wanted to stop dreading group projects--that moment when all the other children had been paired off and she’d be left standing by the teacher’s side, avoiding her classmates’ eyes as she was unceremoniously forced into a group.

being ladybug had given her that, and being ladybug had given her chat noir. chat, who proclaimed his love and flirted and looked at her with awestruck eyes. chat, who called himself wholly marinette’s own. being ladybug had been her special secret and chat had shared that with her. marinette would never tell tikki, but knowing that they were the only two people in the entirety of paris who knew the city the way they did--by dusk and dawn and night, across rooftops and in all the forbidden places roped off to the public, as a blur under their feet or over their heads--it half-helped to make it all worth it, outside of her natural desire to do right. chat made up for all the rest. 

as ladybug, marinette felt she had an obligation to treat her duty with a certain sense of responsibility, and deflecting chat (especially when she felt so drawn to adrien) had been a part of that. but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the attention. she’d be lying if she said she didn’t relish the way he turned his smile on her or the way he sometimes lingered with his hands, with his hugs, with his eyes. 

she and chat knew each other like they knew the city of paris: intimately, in a way that she knew no one else ever could.

and then she’d given the miraculous to alya, and watched as chat bent over rena rouge’s hand, watched as chat joked and teased and grinned at rena in the easy way that he’d always smiled at ladybug. 

and marinette isn’t--she isn’t jealous, per se. or she is, or she has been, always, of alya. alya, who even when she hadn’t had a super-powered suit had run into danger and magic and uncertainty in pursuit of the truth. alya, who’d always been confident and loved and sure of who she is. alya, whom marinette had almost given tikki to and who had not stumbled as rena rouge as marinette had the first time as ladybug. 

marinette watches the easy banter between chat and rena--the handshake, for god’s sake--and she feels sick. she loves alya, she loves alya and she’d given her friend trixx for a reason, and she loves chat, but...but it’s different now. it’s not chat noir and ladybug, standing at the top of the notre dame and connected by a very specific destiny. it’s chat and rena and ladybug and a casual bien joue not loaded with the meaning that marinette thought it’d had. 

you’d said you’d loved me, marinette thinks in the aftermath. you’d said that i was your best friend. 

but the things that she’d thought were hers--that were theirs--apparently hadn’t been at all. 

marinette wonders if it would matter if the girl behind the mask changed. she wonders if she should have given the ladybug miraculous to alya after all.

- -

next

note: a new thing where i try to do a timed sprint every night. no proof-reading. no agonizing over plot or characterization or tone or structure. just word vomit, directly into the tumblr text box. 

for further clarification: i know this isn’t a popular interpretation of the characters or of the interaction between chat and rena, but the fact is that marinette really was a lot less confident before tikki entered her life and i wanted to explore why (and bc specificity is a huge issue w me and i didn’t like the dynamic between chat, rena, and lb at all so this is me working through it). no, marinette isn’t romantically jealous, and no, rena and chat’s friendship isn’t meant to be romantic or viewed as such.

[secretradiobrooklyn]

The Singing Senator Edition | 5.22.21

Secret Radio | 5.22.21 | Hear it here.

1. Dara Puspita - “Bertamasja”

Dara Puspita was an Indonesian band, active right from the start of rock n roll — like, they jumped into it in 1964. I love how it sounds like gnarly garage rock until the lead guitar tone pulls out and reveals a super VU sound. With a surf structure! It’s just about a perfect nugget of song. 

2. Yol Aularong - “Sou Slarp Kroam Kombut Srey (Rather Die Under a Woman’s Sword)”

Yol Aularong has the wildest voice, and total commitment to rock’s magic transformative power, even in a context where he was risking his life. He does things that would make Screamin’ Jay lean back and appreciate. The arrangements and his delivery just o’erbrim with life and character. 

3. The Psychedelic Aliens - “We’re Laughing”

This band is like Atomic Forest in that they’re just the answer to any collector’s wildest dreams of rarity: they’re a Ghanaian band who released exactly 8 songs and were big in the Accra scene. The groove of this song, especially in headphones, is just mesmerizing, and his delivery gets gradually more and more abstract. It sounds like Marijata and what I wish WITCH sounded more like. Undeniable.

- Glenn Miller Orchestra - “Sunrise Serenade”

4. Prewar Yardsale - “Turn On (Live Peel Session)”

We got into Prewar Yardsale through Jeffrey. Because we got into this band that he introduced us to, he said he had some rarities and other tracks. That he sent our way, and this is from that.  

5. Chai - “In Pink (feat. MNDSGN)”

I think first it was the New York Times, then the Guardian, then the New Yorker all writing about this band essentially in the same week — and we definitely had no idea what they sound like. This song had just debuted on YouTube 18 hours earlier. I think, especially now through repeated listens, it’s a rad track. I love the way MNDSGN winds his vocals into the song, then has his passage, then smoothly winds his way out again. It’s like meeting a really interesting person at an already cool party.

6. Waipod Phetsuphan - “Ding Ding Dong”

Siamese music — Thai music. The guitar part is so primal and the drums so bright in the fills and meanwhile it sounds like he’s casting a spell. And what a refrain.

7. Jacques Dutronc - “J’ai me un tigre dans ma guitare”

One of the greats — I have loved every song of his I’ve ever heard. This song really makes me appreciate his band, especially his drummer. 

8. Orchestra Baobab - “Kelen Ati Leen”

When we started WBFFing, it was partly because we were being blown away by the indisputable proof of James Brown’s influence on, and interaction with, the entire world. I don’t think I realized JB was a lot bigger than the Beatles in huge swaths of the world. This track is fundamentally expressing a JB groove and doing their own entire thing at the same time. The lead vocals’ flavor is just off the charts and the band is SO tight. 

9. Pierre Vassilou - “Qui c’est celui-là?”

What IS this song? It’s in French but it sounds like Brazil — I guess really it sounds like Os Mutantes. 

10. Betti-Betti w T.P. Orchestre Poly Rythmo - “Mahana”

The abundance of T.P. Orchestre keeps on giving. This beautiful, beautiful song is from an album they did with Cameroonian star Betti-Betti, who basically expressed the pain of her country so precisely that the whole nation mourned her passing when she died young. This melody is just stunning, and the harmony 

- Stunt Double - “Be My Baby”

Ace track from some of our favorite people in all of LA.

11. Bug Chaser - “Crowley’s Kids”

I don’t know if Bug Chaser is active at the moment, but some of our favorite STL shows have been watching and/or playing with Bug Chaser. We did the City Museum rooftop twice — and we split favorite VU songs at the Lou Reed Farewell show. Two drumsets, way too much information per track, and an epic live show with a lead character who knows how to lose himself in a song.

12. Eko Roosevelt - “Attends Moi”

We learned about Eko Roosevelt by glimpsing him in a movie about Betti-Betti. He’s a handsome bearded gentleman behind a piano. The first songs by him that got us were super heavy disco, but this one has its own special power. Lately Paige has been singing and playing it on guitar — I’m kind of hoping that we hear her version of “Attends Moi” in another broadcast.

13. Manzanita y Su Conjunto - “Shambar”

One of the sweetest musical gifts in our life has been the discovery of Analog Africa’s ever-growing musical jackpot. They sent their list a note recently about an upcoming record focused on Manzanita y Su Conjunto and their path through cumbia music, and there are two  tracks available now counting this one. We’ll be getting this record, this shit is amazing.

Paige: “I gotta get in touch with Mrs. Link.”

14. Lizzy Mercier Descloux - “Fire”

This song is from her 1979 debut, “Press Color,” and man, what an undeniable new character on the scene! She was based in Paris, hooked up with Michel Esteban, and together they not only established a store of crucial Parisian punkness but also published a fucking MAGAZINE called “Rock News”!! While making music like this! Eventually they moved to New York in 1977 (natch) and as far as I know just continued to be the coolest humans on Earth. I can’t wait to share some of her other tracks with you — besides the brilliant first album, there’s a whole record called “Zulu Rock”! 

15. Os Mutantes - “A Minha Menina”

And as always I think: What did the Beatles think of this music?! They must have known about it, they must have. To me it really brings a whole additional level that the Beatles wanted to get to but literally didn’t know how — and Os Mutantes did. 

16. Suburban Lawns - “Janitor”

Sometimes I wonder why something that sounds so objectionable can be the most vital music in the world. Like, nothing about the lyrics or the way this song is sung should be appealing — and instead, this song is brilliantly undeniable. It’s even better when you see them performing it. If you don’t know what they look like, I guarantee you she will be a surprising character.

My favorite words on it ever are something someone wrote as a comment under the video of their TV performance of this song: “Spent 15 years as a janitor. Can confirm every word.”  

17. Sinn Sisamouth and Ros Serey Sothea - “Mou Pei Na”

These two are just amazing characters in the pre-Khmer Rouge Cambodian music world. Ros Serey Sothea’s voice is totally unique, and Sisamouth has a sincere urgency that gives the whole song a surprising narrative shape.

18. Ranil - “Ángel Terrenal”

Analog Africa again — the cure for what ails you. They are truly combing the world for music that amazes. They played the length of the Amazon river and did their best to stay out of big cities after a bad experience with a record label. So they released these psychedelic jungle masterpieces on little slabs of vinyl that they sold up and down the river. Can you freaking believe that? 

- Salah Ragab - I believe you are responsible for telling us about Salah Ragab, Josh Weinstein. So good.

Also, as promised, further information about glue traps and why they’re so harsh (and how to pull off a successful rescue!) can be found here.

19. Dagi D - “Beka”

I feel like I knew my musical life had changed when I started thinking of every visit to an Ethiopian restaurant as a valuable moment to learn as much about the music as possible — especially Meskerem in St. Louis, it must be said. It turns out modern Ethiopian pop music is super addictive and can easily get stuck in your head for days. 

20. Raxstar - “Jaaneman”

We’re still pretty new to Kensington, our neighborhood in Brooklyn. We knew that a Muslim holiday called Eid al-Fitr was happening, and when it was happening, but we were still surprised by what a joyous holiday it was in our neighborhood. Everyone of all ages was out in their fines, which involved a whole lot of sequins and shining metallic threads. The men wore a lot of caftans and those excellent long shirts and/or jackets, most with beautiful patterns. We went for a long walk and just enjoyed seeing a holiday at full pitch — excited kids and tutting grandmas, people carrying big flower arrangements (in the shape of a crescent and star!), heavy-looking tins of food headed toward a feast, even fireworks overhead. We crossed paths with a group of dudes all dressed up in various states of celebration, from a sharp Western-style two-piece suit to an even sharper South Asian suit with a Nehru collar and snug caftan. It looked like they had just finished the parental part of the night and were deciding where and who to meet up with — exactly like, say, Thanksgiving night in your hometown. It felt like, from Coney Island to McDonald, Church to Cortelyou, it was New Year’s Eve for everyone but us. 

After our walk we returned to our apartment and set up a little folding table out back to enjoy a glass of wine in the warm air. Our neighbors across the fence were still in the midst of family time, with tons of kids running around, including a teensy little girl on a tiny little pink scooter and a gaggle of beautifully awkward teens in the posture and attitude that says “stand by your cousins and let me take your picture.” As the evening wore on and the parents drifted back inside, the young adult contingent got a speaker going, and soon we were catching tracks we’d never heard before. The one that made us first pay attention was “Jaaneman,” with the vocalist’s super-charismatic delivery and priceless accent. We found ourselves Shazaming song after song, and thus started learning about Desi hip hop, a whole world of East Asian immigrant tracks that offer a lens into life in the US and UK that I haven’t really seen since watching “My Beautiful Laundrette” many years ago. Fascinating!

“Jaaneman” literally means “soul of me,” but translates to “my love” or “my darling.” Check out Raxstar — I’d love to see him play SNL and get an impression of what he’s like live. Just last month he released “Forever Jaaneman,” which updates his original smash hit and is also a very strong track.

21. Nate Smith - “Spress Theyself”

One of the last shows we got to see in St. Louis was Nate Smith at Jazz at the Bistro, and holy smokes, what a pleasure to see him do his thing up close. I love this solo album because it sounds like a practice sesh that died and went to heaven. It doesn’t have a song’s logic, but it does follow the feel of a great intuitive exploration of a beat, wandering through subdivisions and feel variations with complete ease. 

22. Jefferson Airplane - “White Rabbit”

This is Paige’s call. I think it’s cool because I can hear the direct connection between this and Erkin Koray’s Anatolian psych rock style, which I previously had no idea about. This listen through, we’ve both been appreciating how overwhelming massive Grace Slick’s voice is.

23. Marie France - “Dereglée”

Another cut off the fantastic Born Bad Records comp “Paink,” and more proof that punk was happening in other languages at the same time. (Though I think they called themselves “méchant”… or denied being méchant, depending) The album art reveals that Marie France happened to look uncannily like a punk Marilyn Monroe, which only makes both MM and MF cooler. 

24. Operation Ivy - “One of These Days”

I was never for one second a punk in high school, but I knew that the Op Ivy t-shirt was the essence of functional punk.

- Shin Joong Hyun - “Moon Watching”

25. Shin Joong Hyun - “Spring Rain”

This guy has an otherworldly sense of melody and performance that indie rock only starting catching up with decades later. This is the guy sometimes referred to as the “Korean godfather of rock.” He was active from the early ‘60s til 1975, when he was arrested, tortured and banned in South Korea. Eventually, the leader who had hammered down on him died, and he was able to begin piecing his life back together. These iconic, evocative, cinematic recordings would sound great in any decade. 

Spoiler: it wasn’t! We walked across the bridge and it was a thoroughly magical New York evening. 

[miss-m-and-her-blog]

Mr. Perfect (Chapter 17: Last)

TITLE OF STORY: Mr. Perfect CHAPTER: 17 AUTHOR: hiddlestoner-and-cumberbabe WHICH TOM/CHARACTER: AU Gigolo!Tom GENRE: Romance, Fluff, Drama FIC SUMMARY: Mr. Tom Hiddleston is an international gigolo and renowned playboy that has sent London women’s hearts aflutter, and also all the women around the world. He’s charming, sexy , tall, smart, sophisticated and extremely handsome. But with his new client, Julie Rose Trillo, his life will change forever. RATING: T WARNINGS/TRIGGERS/AUTHORS NOTES: There are some British swear words and also curse words, so beware though hehe :P FEEDBACK/COMMENTS: Finally, I finished it! :D Once more, thank you for @thfrustration for letting this multi-chapter fanfic be posted in their blog; it means so much for me, honestly ^_^ Thank you so much, guys, and because of that, here’s a little list of those fellow Hiddlestoner/Tumblr users that gave Mr. Perfect some loving uhuh ;)

Tom is determined that he will see J.R. at the job fair. But will destiny permit him so? While J.R., will she ever let her heart decide this time of her happiness?

----

Tom turned around to where Ajay, Ajay’s mother, Mrs. Adita Ranjit, and Bailey sat in the couch as he presented himself on a navy-blue suit, partnered with a black tie and a baby blue shirt.

“So, how do I look? Comments?” He giddily asked, and then he pointed at Ajay,

“You look like you’re going with a client.” He playfully quipped and Bailey and his mother lightly slapped his shoulder for that remark.

“No, Tom, you look great. Very professional.” Ajay’s mother, Adita, gave him relief with her words.

“And smashing, too, I’d say.” Bailey commented last.

Tom sighed and then came to them to give them all kisses in the cheek to thank them. Ajay tried to refuse his kiss on the cheek but ended up with both of his cheeks kissed by Tom.

“Man! Come on!” Ajay wiped his cheek with the back of his hand.

“Thanks so much! Well, wish me luck. I hope that J.R. notices me there.” He sighed while he is pinning his cuff links.

“Come here, Tom, and I will tell you something.” Adita motioned to him to come closer. Tom got down on his knee and listened intently,

“You want to get the girl? You have to work for it. Tell her how much you feel. You know us women; the truth is always the best.” And she pinched his cheeks that left a smile on his lips.

“Thanks, Auntie.” Tom replied sweetly.

“Uhm, Tom, it’s 8am. The job fair starts at 9am.” Ajay reminded him, while tapping his wrist watch.

“Oh, blast! I have to go! Bye, guys! When I come back, I won’t be single anymore!” Tom, along with his sleek body bag, shouted out as he ran out of the room and out of their flat.

Everything felt so beautiful and majestic to Tom. The sun was just shinning right, the blue skies looked so bright, and the air felt like magic was floating all over. He couldn’t think of any negative thoughts, or even bad scenarios; all that he could think about is J.R.

What she might be wearing today, is she doing well while hosting the event? Is she okay? Those were the questions that are running up and down his mind while he waited for a taxi on the street.

He immediately got one and there, he is happily on his way to Renovis.

“Where to?” The driver asked Tom.

“Regent Street, the Renovis building.” Tom enthusiastically replied as he settled at the back seat. The driver did not said anything back and only chewed on the gum on his mouth.

Tom was about to sit properly when the car took off so quick, that he almost fell out of his seat. Tom tried to keep himself on his seat as the reckless driver sped their way on the road.

Then he noticed that the driver was wearing headphones on both ears, and that he could almost hear the banging music that was blaring off of the pieces.

Tom could only grunt in disgust, but he was pulled over to the left when the driver turned on a corner.

"Now I know how my clothes feel when they're in the wash." Tom muttered through gritted teeth.

The driver kept on turning hard on every corner and almost brushing the car's hood onto the next car's bumper, that sent Tom's heart hanging in the edge.

He did kept a tight grip on a handle near the windows, but that didn't stopped the inertia, pulling and pushing him from his seat. Suddenly, Tom realized that they are about to cross an intersection, and the driver couldn't resist but to beat the red light.

"NO! You tosser! You'll get us both killed!!!" Tom screamed out at the back, but the driver didn't heard a thing from him.

Tom held his breath and closed his eyes, also praying that they might cross the intersection safely.

And just like all of the angels in heaven heard him, they got safely across but the hell-for-leather ride kept on. The Renovis building was almost at the far side of his view and maybe a few blocks away, but he could only wish to arrive safely at the job fair.

And to see J.R. once again, perhaps.

But, his train of thought was derailed when the car stopped with a violent force that slammed him into the window behind the driver.

"What the actual fuck?!" He screamed out as he tried to see what happened, and there, their vehicle crashed onto another taxi, that placed a large bent on the car's hood.

The driver removed his seat belt and he went outside and argued terribly with the other driver whom he crashed his car on. The other driver then now grabbed the reckless man by the collar and there was a fist fight that was about to ensue.

Tom had no time to for this as his wristwatch had just ticked a quarter to 9 o’clock.

He went out of the taxi and he can clearly hear the screamed argument better when he heard the taxi driver shout out to him,

“Oi! You haven’t paid your fare yet!” His eyes glared at Tom.

Tom, who already had his back turned, faced the man, and held out his middle finger at him.

“I ain’t paying for nothing.” He spatted at him, then he ran at the opposite street to use his Uber app, even though he had already used his free rides and that he may have to use his own money to pay now.

Why couldn’t have you done this earlier, stupid?  He thought to himself.

Tom only waited for five minutes for the his ride to arrive, and as soon as she got into the car and sat shotgun, he blared,

“Regent Street, mate, Renovis building, and step on it please!”

The driver looked shock and almost nervous, but then Tom sighed and slumped back on his seat.

“I’m sorry, I was just having a bad day; see that taxi that crashed on to another car, I was his passenger. And I’m very late for a job fair.” He apologized calmly and the driver had a hint of smile at the corner of his lips.

“Everyone’s dying to get at that bloody job fair, though, I understand.”

“Thank you. You say everyone?” Tom asked, curious.

“I’ve had two passengers earlier who was also going to Renovis this morning. How about you, you up for a job there?” Then their vehicle turned to a shortcut.

“Yes-- well, no. I’m going to see someone there.” Tom then brushed the back of his head with his hand.

“Who? Girlfriend?” The driver asked.

Tom almost laughed but tried to contain it that it turned to giggles. He felt like everything today is topsy-turvy, not anymore magical just like earlier. Maybe destiny is telling him not to go for J.R., but as far as he knows, it’s what his heart is shouting at him.

“Maybe. If ever she would let me be his boyfriend. It still depends.” Tom sighed now.

Then, right at the corner, he could see the Renovis building, tall and proud. Tom breathed in deeply, it was time to go and meet his fate.

----

J.R. saw her reflection from a glass door that she passed by. She wore a stunning blue dress; the top was adorned with sewn aqua-blue thread on baby blue sheer fabric. While the collar of her dress was a simple wing collar, while the skirt that reached above her knees were styled as billowing pleats. She didn't wore her hair in a bun but down, that flattered her whole outfit. J.R. was like a princess that whenever someone would see her, they would greet her with a slight bow.

She was headed on to Martin's office, to remind him that the event is about to begin. When she finally reached the door, she gave a knock and Martin called out for her to come in. She found her brother sitting over his desk, his laptop still open.

Still can't let go of work. She quietly thought with a smile.

"Kuya! It’s time.” She sang at him when she reached his table.

"Of course, J.R.. I was just looking at some photos here that Victor sent from Morocco." He pointed at his laptop monitor.

"Really? Let me see!" J.R. hopped beside him and looked on to the screen. J.R. saw the photos, they were taken at a wedding reception; Mason and Aicha's wedding.

"Aww, that's so sweet. I'm happy that Mr. Mason got to spend his leave that way." J.R. sighed.

"I'm glad that Victor had finally moved on to a new chapter in his life." Martin agreed.

He went on to the next photo and they saw a group photo of Mason, Aicha, Salima, Henri and even McCord who came with him to Morocco.

"Dom! He's there too?" J.R. pointed out.

"He also took his leave, and I had news from Ms. Van Vorst that McCord left Morocco with her cousin on a trip to Paris." Martin raised an eyebrow, and J.R. already got what he meant.

“Those cheeky bastards. Probably having the best Parisian holiday ever.” J.R. quipped, but then they both gave out a laugh at it.

Martin then placed a hand on J.R.’s, “I’ve something to tell you first, take a seat.”

She sat in front of his desk and listened very well. Then, Martin took out a folder from his drawers and showed it to J.R..

“I have asked Alex for an endorsement deal with us. She agreed and that she is taking off from her semi-retirement as a photographer. She also told me that she will be coming back as a model, and that the producers from Asia’s Next Top Model has offered her to be the show host.” after a while, he opened the folder and J.R. saw photos of Alex that are part of her portfolio.

There were three or more photos, and all of them declared how good of a supermodel is Alex.

Suddenly, Martin showed the last picture and there, J.R. gasped and paused for a while.

It was a picture from their photo shoot with Alex; when she was still with Tom. She could remember it clearly as day, the pose where they both sat over a window; Tom embracing her from behind, as if they were star-crossed lovers staring lovingly outside the window.

“Oh, how did this get here?” Martin asked then he studied the photo, while not noticing that J.R. just went quiet as the dead.

“Tom might have been an escort, but he sure looks like a model too.” Martin wondered then his gaze drifted towards J.R.

“Are you okay, J.R.?” He asked, but she only nodded in response.

“Are you thinking about him?”

Then J.R. looked up and met her brother’s gaze, “No. Why would I?” she tried to pretend that the photo didn’t had any effect on her.

Martin sighed and placed down the picture. He gently tapped the table with his index finger then he started,

“I know you think about him, Julie. Especially after the day he returned my payment for his services.”

J.R. stared out into the windows, as if trying to fight an urge to say something.

“I know too that he loves you. I saw it in his eyes whenever he was with you. But I feared his presence might just remind you of Nathan. He only looked like Nathan, but he is another person and he can’t be compared to him.”

Now, J.R. faced Martin and said, “What are you trying to say, Kuya?”

“That he doesn’t only loves you; you love him also, am I right?”

The question felt like an arrow that pierced J.R.’s chest. Can her brother be right with what he is talking about?

“No, I--” J.R. spoke but Martin followed up,

“I’m not even mad, J.R., if you love Tom. I want you to be happy, that’s all I want to say. And that’s what you should do; find him and you will find your happiness.”

J.R. let out a deep exasperated sigh. “If only it’s too easy to do, Kuya, I would’ve done it by now.”

Martin chuckled, then he stood up with the help of his cane. “Who knows, you might see him today.”

He walked towards her and she stood up, they were ready to go out.

She took his arm then said, “Be careful what you wish for, Kuya.” J.R. sassed.

-----

The minute Tom arrived in Renovis, he already saw the long queue that leads to the Job Fair inside. One needed to get in line just to get a visitor’s pass and booth ticket.

“Damn!” He cursed as he saw that the queue leads down almost into the business plaza of Renovis; where there are a lot of cafés and small stalls of ice cream parlors and also restaurants.

Before he went into the line, he saw a small light show and music inside the convention center and that caught his attention. He walked into the entrance of the convention center but he was stopped by the security guards wearing prestigious suits that somehow made him look like he a peasant.

“Sir, do you have a visitor’s pass and booth ticket?” One of the guards that looked as mean as Mason stopped him from going in.

“Uhm, not yet. Can’t I go inside already?” Tom demanded like a child.

“No, Sir. You have to get on the queue first, then when you have a visitor’s pass and booth ticket, only then you can go inside.”

Tom wasn’t paying attention to what the guard was saying because suddenly, the program has started. An emcee had already introduced J.R. and Tom craned his neck just to get a look at her.

But he was being kept pushed out by the guard that for a moment he lost his balance and fell on his bottom. The guard then ignored him this time, but Tom tried to peer into the glass door to see J.R..

J.R. stood up and went into the podium to speak. Tom felt breathless because even from a distance, he could feel the anticipation of seeing her again.

And not only that, J.R. took his breath away with her look today. If he could only eat his heart out right away, Tom has done it already.

J.R. then started speaking, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. First off, I want to introduce myself; My name is Julie Rose Bellegardé-Trillo, I am Sir Martin McLeod’s half sister. For those who have worked here for the past three years, they would recognize me for being Renovis’ endorser back in 2014.

“I have been in a long absence for three years; the reason why is that I got into a car accident and was comatosed for two years. I became an amnesiac for a year. But anyway, enough of that; I’m not here to talk about my past, because I’m here to talk about not only my future, but our future.”

Tom could only hear the muffled speaker that was inside the building but he fixed his gaze towards J.R. who is almost a hall away from him.

“As the new Renovis’ HR Department Head, it is my duty to ensure that the standards of hiring employees here in our company, will not just remain as the same, but to also improve. The quality of people hired will dictate the future of our corporation. But why a job fair, if you may ask; it is also for the future of our goodwill with our partners.

“The HR Department of Renovis can only hope that this event may not just help our companies, but also people who are deserving of a better professional career. Once again, good morning to all of you, and let the fair begin.”

Her speech was met with applause and there, J.R. sat back with Martin as the emcee announced other parts of the programme.

Tom stood back from the glass and the guard was still looking at him, he pointed at the queue and Tom inhaled sharply as he had no choice but to fall in line.

“Alright, alright.” Tom grumbled as he started to go over the plaza where the end of the queue is.

As soon as he got in line, he felt like something is really stopping him from even getting close to J.R..

Why is that now I wanted to be with J.R., everything seems just not to fall in place?  He thought with contempt.

He crossed his arms and hoped that he won’t have to wait for long while on this queue. And this time, destiny seems to be cutting him some slack as the queue was moving quick.

Yes! Some good sign for the day! Tom rejoiced.

While on the queue, he noticed that there are somethings that have changed with J.R.. He thought that maybe J.R. is just like that because she is herself again. Her childish side is no longer noticeable now that she’s regained her memories.

He wonders, will she even acknowledge him when they see each other? Besides, she was the one who told him to stay away.

Heck, would I even get to talk to her amidst this big crowd? In between this ocean of people wedge between the two of us? Tom pondered

As he was enveloped with his thoughts, he didn’t noticed that he was almost near the booth for the ID and ticket.

Tom is now confused whether destiny is with him or not.

After a few more minutes of falling in line, he finally received his visitor’s pass and booth ticket, to which it directed him to his first booth, and incredibly, the Renovis booth. He felt his legs move into a sprint as he wanted to get there as soon as possible.

Not caring if he bumped into somebody while running towards the glass doors of the convention center, Tom got there in a minute and the guard who stopped him earlier made him pass when he saw his ID and ticket.

Tom entered the main hall and he tried to look for the directions that leads to the Renovis booth.

Inside his mind eye, he wished that he would see her there, as an interviewer, perhaps. And maybe, just maybe, she might notice him.

Tom rehearsed it in his mind on how will he act when he finally sees J.R.. Would he smile at her? Say Hi? Or maybe go on ahead and ask if he could talk to her in private.

No, you twit, that is just insane! He scolded at himself, but then when he lifted his head, he was already at the Renovis booth and once again, there is a line that he needed to get on.

Tom, already feeling stupid and tired, still got on the line and waited for his turn to be interviewed and to have his resumé submitted.

His patience was almost waning, but Tom kept his cool, because there were thousands of scenarios that are still optional, but all of those were running up and down his mind as he devised how will he get to meet J.R. in person.

For him, it was like trying to get an autograph from his favorite actress. He blew out a raspberry as he stood in line.

Then out of the blue, a short man with balding red hair gave Tom a nudge at the back.

“Hey, you nitwit, I was there first. Why did you took my slot?”

His voice almost sounded like Bugs Bunny’s that when Tom looked back, he tried to hold a giggle.

“You think I’m talking funny at ye, eh boy?” He then threatened Tom, but he was almost a few feet shorter than him that if Tom held his balding head, he won’t be able to land a punch on his body.

“I’m sorry sir, but I got here first. I’ve been in this queue for five minutes now.” Tom explained.

“You can’t fool me! I just went over to the loo and there, you’ve taken my place!” He now screamed at Tom that made other people look over at them.

“Please, sir, I was here first.” Tom now tried to stop his lips from stretching into a smile as the balding man looked like an angry Pokémon.

To no avail, Tom finally snickered, and there, the man grabbed him by the collar and pulled his shoulders down.

“Why you--!” The man shouted but then, they heard a security guard shout at them to break the tension between the two.

Because Tom was pulled down to the balding man’s level, he had to look up to see the people standing in front of them.

His eyes popped and his jaw dropped when he finally saw her there, standing with her arms crossed in her chest, and her eyes narrowed. But still, she looked lovelier than ever to him.

“What is this, sir, what is the squabble all about? What did this man do to you?” J.R. spoke with such authority that Tom couldn’t believe his own ears that it is J.R..

“He took my slot here in the line! He’s a one cheating arsehole and a git, for all I know.” The balding man yammered on.

But J.R. only rolled her eyes, and to end this situation, she ordered, “You can take your place now, sir. But you-- come here.” She pointed out at Tom.

Her lady boss tone was somehow scaring Tom, but he didn’t cared, that lady boss is the woman of his dreams.

“Yes, Ms. Trillo?” Tom playfully replied when he was now face to face with her.

“I will have to talk to you, personally.” Then she turned to the blonde woman with glasses on her right, “Natalie, have Mr. Hiddleston escorted to my office. I will be waiting there.”

Other applicants heard J.R. and whispered among themselves while looking at Tom.

J.R. only turned her back on Tom, but he felt like he had just been sprinkled on with fairy dust that he felt like he can fly.

She disappeared among the crowd, but Natalie now caught his attention,

“This way now, follow me.” She instructed him and Tom was led to the next building, the main building itself. He was made to surrender his visitor’s pass and booth ticket for another visitor’s pass for the main building.

Natalie escorted him to the elevators to which they got up to the 19th floor; the floor that mainly belongs to HR.

Tom could feel his heart already on his throat, ready to jump out and dance about when they arrived at the 19th floor.

He wondered, whatever J.R. wanted to talk to him about. Once again, he tried to imagine what would happen once he is in J.R.’s office. Humorously, his mind went in to naughty places where J.R. might seduce him and have her way on him above her desk.

Tom had to suppress a smile and shooed the dirty thoughts away,

No brain, please, not those kind of thoughts. Tom thought.

He was led into an office with cubicles ranging from corner to corner, there, Natalie said, “Welcome to Renovis’ Human Resources Department.”

Natalie walked beyond him and Tom only followed her into the labyrinth-like office that he swore they took one or more turns that lead them nowhere J.R.’s office.

He once thought that she may only be misguiding him, but once they took the last turn, Tom saw the door to J.R.’s office.

“You can go in; wait for Ms. Trillo inside.” Natalie instructed, then Tom went in.

The interior of J.R.’s office felt like a museum for everything that represents beauty; Tom sighed at the sight of the white marble floors, the cream-colored couches and seats, and also, her wide desk made out of glass.

Behind her desk were the bookshelves and stands where framed photographs sat quietly but were very much noticeable from afar.

He approached the stand carefully and saw for the first time a photograph of Cassandra and Robert. J.R. looked exactly like the mixture of those two good-looking people; then his attention went to the other framed picture, it is a photograph of a young Martin, no older than 20, and a 12 year old J.R..

Martin was leaning on his cane while J.R. held his arm and they were both laughing when the picture was taken.

Out of all those pictures, he tried to look for at least one photograph of Nathan; but there was none. Suddenly  he wondered why J.R. would not have a picture of him.

Before he could think more about that thought, J.R. entered the room and she saw him standing over the photos. This seemed not to have caught his attention, and so, J.R. cleared her throat and,

“Mr. Hiddleston, please, if you are done ogling at my family; you can sit now.” And she pointed out the seat in front of her desk that very much looked like he was going to be interviewed for a job.

Tom tried to act formal as he quietly sat in front of her desk. J.R. took her seat after a while, then, her eyes darted towards him that made him feel a little bit terrified.

He only stared back for a minute when J.R. raised an eyebrow, “Are we just going to stare at each other or are you going to hand me your CV?”

His senses were alarmed and he clumsily fished out the transparent folder that contained his CV. After handing it out to J.R., she quickly flipped it over and read the part of his job experience.

J.R. was only quiet as she read on, but Tom craned his head up to see which part she was reading.

Without looking up at him, she said, “So, the last work you had was in a modelling agency? Then you graduated from London Metropolitan University with a degree in Psychology-- but you haven’t worked for any other company after that. Why is that?”

There, both of their eyes met; she was studying him, but Tom could only stare back at her. He knows to himself that he have missed her terribly. If only he could say it to her out loud, but the way she acted made him feel queasy.

“I-- I became an escort after the modelling agency.” Tom told it simply as that.

“And besides that, you had no other professional work whatsoever?” J.R. inquired.

“No. Just that.”

J.R. then shifted on her seat and sighed. She couldn’t keep on the charade, she knew that she had to ask him the question she really wanted to ask him.

“Why are you here, Tom?” J.R. then placed down his CV and her pen on the desk.

Tom now shifted in his seat and answered as earnest as he can, “To apply for a job. There’s a job fair today, ain’t it?”

She waved her hands off and said, “Don’t get smart with me, please, why are you really here? No-- Let me ask you the real question; why did you returned the payment my Kuya gave you?”

He could feel her confusion underneath the strict facade, but he just doesn’t get why she needed to know that.

“Because I didn’t needed the money. I did the job he offered me, because I wanted to do it not for the financial part. I realized that after everything.”

J.R.’s brows furrowed, then she got up from her chair and stood closer to Tom.

“Seriously? What do you think you are doing when you took the job? Charity? Out of your kind heart, you just did it?”

“I wasn’t worthy of that payment. I never was.” Tom sighed.

“Could you just tell me the truth why you did it? Was that a stunt or something?” J.R. couldn’t help it but her the tone of her voice became higher. She just wanted to know the truth; or maybe, she was afraid of knowing the truth from him.

He looked up to her, with his baby-blue eyes looked like it was begging for her,  “Not because of that--”

But she spoke out, “What then?”

“Because I love you!” Tom let it slip out, and that made him rouse from his seat.

J.R. had to hold on to the desk behind her when she heard those words from him, but he kept on,

“Why are you doubting me? Like you are saying that it’s impossible for me to love you? I gave back the money because I didn’t wanted it to be like you were just some common client to me. And you were never a client to me, J.R., you were something else and more.”

The passion laced within his words felt like it had reached out for J.R., that she now tried to suppress herself from embracing him.

This can’t be. He couldn’t be this honest. It’s impossible. She thought.

Tom then went for his bag and tried to dig out a medium-sized journal. When he got it out, he handed it to her but J.R. hesitated from getting it from him.

“This is a journal I wrote while we were traveling together. I wrote everything I can write, every entry was about you and even when I’m with you. If you still doubt me, even though I have worked my way through this job fair just to see you again; read it. You’ll know that I’m not lying, I do really love you, but I doubted myself because you’re way out of my league.

“What could I do at that time, J.R.? I’m just a gigolo; an escort. You were everything I ever wanted and I was just nothing.”

J.R. finally reached out for it and took it from his hands. Her eyes felt like watering but she tried to stop herself from crying.

Tom felt his heart had broken into two; he never knew that J.R. could say those things to him. Somehow he wishes, they were back to the time they first met, when everything were just simpler.

“I think I’m not up to work here or be interviewed by you. I’ve already been judged. But if you wanted to know how I really feel for you, until now-- read my journal.”

He left the room and closed the door loud and quickly.

J.R. could only her heart drum out loudly, and she felt the leather of the journal on her fingertips.

Maybe he is right. Maybe it is love. But what about I feel? She pondered.

She took a deep breath and opened the journal. The pages opened to the night that they stargazed under the Moroccan skies; how Tom withheld himself from kissing her, but wrote down how much he wanted to.

Then, she flipped it at the beginning, there she saw a list that Tom had checked already, but one was left unchecked.

It said;

    1. Make the trip to Palawan

    2. Then to Paris

   3. Lastly, to  Morocco

   4. Go to the ‘Pink House’

   5. Tell J.R. I love her then...

From #1 to #4, they were all checked; but #5 was not yet done.

J.R. felt something deep within her, like something had awakened in her. She felt brave and touched, and that she knew she had to be, if she doesn’t want to lose Tom.

Out of a sudden, she hastily placed down the journal on her desk and felt her feet step up into a sprint as she opened her door.

J.R. looked left and right to see if Tom was still there, but he was gone already.

Her breath quickened as she felt the panic stab her in the chest. Her feet still continued running over the corridor and into the maze of cubicles.

If anybody saw her, they might just think that their boss is running wild and crazy all over the office.

But, Tom was nowhere to be found and she had asked a few people if ever they saw a tall and handsome man pass by. The only answer she got was a no, and it only made her panic more.

No, Tom. You can’t go just like that. I need to be with you, and you need to be mine. J.R.’s mind only repeated those words over and over again.

Little did she know, Tom is standing and waiting for the elevator lift to pass by the 19th floor. But every time the door would open, it would be too crowded for him to get on.

And so, he stood there, with his shoulders slumped down and his hands on his pocket, while remembering the scene earlier.

Why is she doubting me? Couldn’t she see right through me? Or maybe it’s just that I never stood a chance from the beginning?

This made Tom sigh with grief. He could already hear their sympathies and see the look of pitying in their faces when he gets home.

He shook his head, trying to dismiss those thoughts. It was no use for him anymore; he tried and there he knew that some things are just impossible.

The elevator door opened but it was crammed with too much people going up. Tom cringe at the elevator attendant; he was not going inside and he is not going to jam himself in that elevator, just like he is not going to stick himself in to J.R.’s life because she had evidently made it clear that she doesn’t want him in her life.

Tom tried to smile, “No thanks, I’ll take the stairs.”

And there he left the spot he had kept for minutes and he started going down the stairs.

After a while, J.R., running as fast as she can while wearing heels, reached the elevator doors. She immediately pressed the down button, but the elevator lift is still at the 25th floor and was slowly making its way down to the 19th.

“Come on, come on. I need to get down!” She impatiently muttered as she watched the LED screen of the floor indicator.

The elevator doors opened and a mechanical ding went up; but when the doors opened, it was full of event organizers or assistants that are busy for the event at the convention center.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am, the lift is full.” The attendant told her, but it was not the time for her to be moving slow, and so,

“No! All of you out, I have to go down; it’s official business!” were the only thing she could say but she saw all of them had a look of surprise and shock.

The people inside went out, one by one; her alibi worked and now they are quickly going down to the ground floor.

As she impatiently watched the numbers on the screen, she could already imagine Tom, leaving the premises; taking a taxi back home.

She might just look for his home address and talk to him then, but she could not let him go today without telling him what she really feels for him. And that she also need to apologize for everything hurtful that she may have told him.

When she reached the ground floor, she went to the security station and informed the guards to look out for a man named Tom Hiddleston and not let him leave Renovis.

Tom, where are you? J.R. worriedly thought as her eyes searched everywhere.

Meanwhile, Tom wound up at the business plaza and saw a gelato store.

A little sweetness wouldn’t be that bad, when all I’ve got from her is bitterness. He thought to himself and there he snickered. Maybe he is just comforting himself.

He went in and saw that the place had only two or three customers who ate their gelato at their tables.

Tom chose the chocolate truffle flavor on the biggest cup to which he chose to eat it outside. He found a lonely spot near the veranda, a few steps of stairs where he can sit.

“Ma’am, we couldn’t find Mr. Hiddleston, He’s not here in the building.” a security personnel, Handel, informed J.R..

“Did anyone looked near the convention center or the business plaza?” J.R. asked him then he paused,

“No, Ma’am. Not yet.” He replied sternly.

“Well then, we’ll look for him there.” J.R. demanded, but Handel asked her,

“We, Ma’am?”

J.R. eyed him, “I’ll come with you to look for Mr. HIddleston. It’s your top priority to find him, and also mine’s.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Handel cooperatively answered.

They started making their way into the convention center, but J.R. decided to split up and she will lead a team to look for Tom at the business plaza.

It was already high noon, and the summer sun is bright and shinning over J.R., whom had a few bullets of sweat on her forehead.

Her dress was beginning to be itchy because she had walked over a few yards from the main building to the business plaza. Her feet are now aching and her knees felt wobbly. But she didn’t cared, the only thing she needed to do is to find Tom, and she doesn’t care anymore if she could get blisters on her feet.

When they arrived at the business plaza, she instructed the team of security personnel to split up once more, and that she would do her own searching.

J.R. found the dining stalls and stores, she searched how and low for Tom; whether he might be sitting alone on one of the restaurants or maybe standing next to the gelato store.

She felt desperate, and she wanted to scold herself for letting Tom go when he’s already there in front of her.

J.R. had to sit for a while as she can feel the tiresome search had already gotten into her.

She saw a veranda with a few stairs to sit upon, but when she finally got near it, she saw a man sitting there and eating a gelato, all by himself.

His blond hair and daddy-long-legs was just enough for J.R. to know that it is Tom.

She had no time to waste, J.R. ran to his side and called him, “Tom!”

He was sure that the voice that had screamed for his name is J.R., and it is not the gelato or his imagination.

Tom slowly turned his head back to see who called him, and he was not wrong at all. His eyes widened as he saw her with the frantic look on her face and a little bit haggard all over.

Tom knew the best response; he turned his head around and ignored J.R. He might just play a little hard-to-get this time.

J.R. bit her lip in anguish, and there, she stood right in front of him.

“Thomas Hiddleston, I called you!” She shouted at him while her hands were on her waist.

“There’s no need to shout, Ms. Trillo! Here, you want some gelato?” Tom invitingly offered her the gelato, but J.R. had only her brows in a furrow.

“Are you kidding me?” J.R. finally replied.

“Nope, not one bit. So, what are you doing here? You thought I already left didn’t you?” Tom teased her as he took another spoonful of gelato in his mouth.

“No. I wanted to ask you something-- that checklist in your journal... What did you wanted to do after telling me that you love me?”

Tom smiled mischievously and there, he stood up, now leveling with her gaze.

“That’s my secret. Why would I tell you that?” He then pouted at her, and he knew that she couldn’t keep another minute in a straight composure because of his teasing.

“Besides, there’s no reason anymore to let you know what I wanted to do so I could check that out of the list.” Tom scooped a big portion of the gelato and tried once again to offer it to J.R., “You sure you don’t want some? It’s good, it’s chocolate truffle.”

J.R. could only purse her lips and side-eye him, but Tom extended his hand that holds the spoon so she could reach for the gelato.

She shrugged off the pressure and then she ate the gelato on the spoon. The sweetness of the gelato and the dryness of her throat didn’t agreed to each other that she gave out a loud cough. Tom patted her shoulder and settled the cup down

When she swallowed down the sweetness, she started talking, “Tom, I want to say sorry. I really am sorry for I have said to you earlier. I want to apologize for ever doubting you... I don’t know why I doubted you; maybe it’s just that I was afraid-- I don’t know with what, but I was just scared.”

Tom loosened the teasing face and his eyes softened. She was looking through his soul, and he knew he had to listen for what she has to say.

“I was scared that I might lose you if I let you in. As you can see, it’s a tragic truth that some of the people I love are not here anymore.”

J.R. looked away and a tear-drop fell from her eye, but she continued, “But, that’s not really the point that I’m trying to get to-- What I’m trying to say is that I want to move on now, and Nathan told me so. You may not be Nathan, but you’re very much different from him--and now, I want to know you this time.

“Can you help me with that, Tom?” J.R. smiled at him.

Tom felt his chest heave and his lip tremble. Maybe, some things are not that too late, or too soon.

“I will help you with anything, Julie Rose, anything. I’ll even lend a hand so you could find your way into my arms.” He endearingly replied.

There, Tom reached for J.R.’s hand and placed over his heart; he also had tears in his eyes by that time, tears of wonderful joy.

J.R. sniffled as she took a step closer to him. Tom then placed a hand on her waist, pulling her into his body.

“Would you like to know what I would do after I tell you that I love you?” Tom’s mellifluous tone melted her right there and then, but she managed to say,

“What? What are you going to do?” J.R. looked up to him, her face just a few inches away from his.

“I will tell you that I love you, then, I will kiss you.”

J.R.’s lips stretched out into a wide smile, “It’s about damn time you check that out from your list, then.”

She closed her eyes and leaned up to meet his lips.

J.R. couldn't be more sure than this, and it is no brainer that she wants to be with Tom, and so does he.

For the very first time, Tom kissed J.R., and he swore that he could feel the butterflies in his stomach flutter stronger than before, that the fireworks in his mind-eye had just went off and everything felt so much brighter than ever.

When Tom let J.R. go for a while, she added, “Wait, you haven’t told me directly that you love me.”

“Nah, I do more than I say, baby.” Tom sweetly teased and there, J.R. giggled.

But for the second time around, she pulled him to a longer kiss.

For Tom and J.R., it was definitely a wild roller coaster ride of fake brain diseases, malevolent nurses, and terrifying cliff-sides.

Though, they could say, the road still smooths out in the end. And it isn’t just one smooth way, it was the sweetest; the greatest, and the most self-discovering end.

There is no looking back for Tom, no fear for J.R.; just loving each other is what they could only know.

It didn’t mattered whoever they are in the past; what they value the most is who they will be in the present and the future, and that is together.

END.

[thesimplyluxuriouslife]

248: 12 French or (Set in France) Films I Love (having premiered in the past 10 years)

Over the years I have recommended, reviewed and shared a long list of French films or films set in France either as Petit Plaisir in previous podcast episodes, in the weekly This & That under the Francophile Finds category or during the annual TSLL French Week the past three years in August.

And as someone who appreciates simplicity and organization, I realized I didn't have one destination where readers/listeners could find my favorites. So today, that is exactly what I have done.

Understandably, there is a multitude of French films from decades past that many people would place on their top list, but I wanted to share films I have loved that premiered in the past ten years.

As you will see, most are French films with English subtitles, but there are a few that are American films set in France, and one, I couldn't not help myself, that isn't French at all. It is Italian, but I learned about it while watching a French film in New York City's must-visit-foreign-films movie theater The Paris Theater (which is located adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue on the south end of Central Park). All of them are thoughtful, some more comical than others, but each will leave you in a contented mood having finished the film (and some will leave you with a voracious appetite - most for food, some for wine and others for . . . well . . . let's get to my list of the 12 French films I love.

1. Un Peu Beaucoup Aveuglement (Blind Date)

Released in France in 2015, this romantic comedy juxtaposes two tenants who need starkly different things in their lives in order to achieve the goals they have set. With merely a wall that separates them, the battle ensues and the humor begins.

First shared in episode #130's Petit Plaisir, you can listen to my full review there, and here is the trailer.

https://youtu.be/6F2gaqo3QS4

2. Barbecue

In 2015 I was looking for a light-hearted film, yet something to catch my eye’s attention as well as pique my curiosity. Released in 2014, Barbecue is a French film situated the majority of the time in the countryside of south France, but also in the city of Lyon. Amongst a group of long-time friends, one suffers a heart attack only to have it prompt him to question his entire life’s approach to living well. Enjoy the laughter, the camaraderie, the tears, the frustration and the ultimate happy ending. Available on Netflix, be sure to put it on your watch list.

https://youtu.be/6R4ekgJdj28

3. I Am Not An Easy Man

Last year I had the opportunity to watch a new film which debuted on Netflix a few weeks ago, I Am Not An Easy Man. Not only will Francophiles appreciate this modern film as it is set in Paris and is written in French, but with the recent swelling of awareness surrounding the #MeToo movement and #TimesUp, the lead role stars a male chauvinist’s whose life is flipped upside down when after a concussion he wakes up in a matriarchal world in which men are inferior to women.

The satirical plot will perhaps have you laughing at times until you take a moment, pause, and then recognize how conditioned society has become to accept certain behaviors, roles and expectations of each gender. Watch it, absorb the message and then live more consciously. I know I was taking serious note of the message. The last scene alone was all too real of a wake-up call of where society is and the progress that still needs to be made. 

https://youtu.be/2bFHdkzqSZA

4. Last Love

In 2013, Mr. Morgan's Last Love, aka Last Love, starring Michael Caine as a bereaved widower living in Paris, debuted. Co-starring alongside French actress Clemence Poesy, a jovial dance instructor, this film was a Petit Plaisir in episode #60's. While critics did not like the film, I found it unexpectedly lovely. The friendship between the two, the unexpected introduction to people Clemence's character may not have met, there is great love shared throughout the film from the love the retired professor shared with his wife, to the current relationships being built to the future love Poesy's character will embark upon.

The film is based on Françoise Dorner's French novel La Douceur Assassine, and while the main character in the novel is French, the screenplay was written with Caine in mind for the part. The title reflects the widower's contemplation with ending his life, and it is the young dance instructor that he meets that begins to change his mind.

https://youtu.be/rShhldUL-ow

5. Sex, Love & Therapy (2014) aka Tu Veux Ou Tu Veux Pas (Do You Want It Or Not?)

Let's lighten it up a bit, and Sex, Love & Therapy are certain to do just that. Sophie Marceau and Patric Bruel star in this French romantic comedy about a marriage counselor (Bruel) who is trying to get over his love for sex, but his new assistant (Marceau) is not making it easy.

https://youtu.be/yvAuX01_Fyk

6. Back to Burgundy

When I read the review of director Cédric Klapisch’s new French film in The Wall Street Journal, I immediately put it on my watch list, and since then I have had the opportunity to view the film and enjoyed it immensely.

Centered around a family vineyard and the dilemma of what to do when the patriarch passes, the three children come together, squabble, remember and then decide on the best path. The cinematography will transport you to the rolling hills of Burgundy and you will be spoiled with footage watching each season in the vineyard. It is a pure treat and a wonderful examination of siblings who dearly love each other, but are faced with a tough dilemma. Don't worry, the ending, I have a feeling will satisfy.

https://youtu.be/v2hcDb7gJ4I

7. Paris Can Wait

An American film, starring Diane Lane, Paris Can Wait was released in 2017 and was the Petit Plaisir episode #160. Written, directed and produced by Eleanor Coppola. Yes, that Eleanor Coppola, wife of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather series, The Outsiders, etc.) for 54 years. Debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival, Paris Can Wait is Eleanor’s first narrative feature film, but you wouldn’t have known. Now, not all the critics are loving it: The Boston Globe felt it was strained and relied too heavily on clichés, even those who thought they would love it came away unsure due to the ambiguous ending, but it is precisely the different approach to making the film that makes it lovely.

Coppola has shared that the film’s plot was inspired by her own life (be sure to read the San Francisco Chronicle‘s interview with her here), but not every piece and parcel of the story (there was no male companion). Along with the struggle Diane Lane’s character (Anne) wrestles with is what Coppola herself did as well, the “‘inner conflict, the push and pull’ she’s felt her whole adult life about pursuing her own creative ambitions while raising three children and supporting her husband’s career”.  As well, both women (the character and Coppola) have suffered the loss of a child which is briefly, but touchingly included in the film.

Some readers have shared with me, they didn’t enjoy the insinuation of infidelity, but I think that may be taking it further than Coppola intended as nothing occurred, merely adoration and a woman (Anne) who was keenly aware and  steadfast. What Anne’s journey does do for her is awaken her to her strengths, to her passions, to the realization yes of her imperfect, but still very adoring husband. And by not giving viewers the concrete ending, leaving us wondering, Coppola does something I must applaud her for: She doesn’t tell us how to think.

As someone who has been immersed in Hollywood due to her husband, then daughter and son’s successful involvement with silver screen productions, she doesn’t fall prey to the formula. Maybe she does have a sequel in mind, but I hope not only because this film, as she has stated, took six years to raise funds as it wasn’t full of “aliens, nobody dies, there are no guns and no car crashes. There was nothing that an investor wants to invest in. No sex, no violence”.  Rather it was a piece of her life she wanted to share and explore, and in so doing, she allows the viewers to ponder what we don’t often see in movies: a leading female role who is complete all by herself so long as she embraces her passions, lets herself feel what she feels, appreciates her allure which may be initially noticed due to her beauty but is profoundly powerful and substantive due to her intellect and character.

And whether or not she remains with her husband (who isn’t perfect) or explores her attraction to Jacques, played by Arnaud Viard (who also isn’t perfect or ideal either) shouldn’t be needed for a happy ending. What the happy ending is is liberation for Anne who hears the reminder from Jacques to share her talents with her husband (and perhaps the world if she so chooses), and to savor the pleasures of everyday moments and food without rushing to Paris.

~Diane Lane's Wardrobe (and Camera!) in Paris Can Wait

~Escape to France: TSLL's New French-Inspired Playlist

https://youtu.be/yXYuIzC7qcg

8. My Old Lady

The third and last American film, based in Paris, My Old Lady is film involving love, unexpected treasures and a renewal of life. Kevin Kline stars in the directorial debut of Israel Horovitz. Upon arriving from New York, Kline’s character is set to liquidate his estranged father’s Parisian property, but discovers a refined old lady as the tenant. While waiting to determine how he can acquire his asset, he comes to learn that the old lady (played by Maggie Smith), was his father’s lover for 50 years, as well as meeting and becoming smitten with the old lady’s daughter played by Kristin Scott Thomas.

https://youtu.be/DrLB9IfN_lc

9. Queen to Play

Queen to Play is the most recent French film to be shared as a Petit Plaisir, and you may remember it was reviewed in episode #242. Kevin Kline also stars in this film, and while a much smaller role, it is his first role in a French film. Released in 2011, Sandrine Bonnaire stars as Héléne, a wife and mother who is a housemaid not only at a luxury hotel in Corsica, but also for Kevin Kline's character's home in the country.

Héléne becomes curious about the game of chess after watching a couple flirtatiously play a game in the hotel where she works. In hopes of bringing sparks to her own marriage, she discovers she has quite the talent for the game with the help of Kline giving her practice sessions.

https://youtu.be/4RcBGcMJY7Y

10.A Five Star Life

“Did it meet your expectations even if you have felt at times uncomfortable or lonely? You’re still in time to choose, in the future, a more comfortable and protected solution – maybe more suitable to the needs of a family. It is well, to keep in mind, however, the happiness and well-being and strictly personal concepts. For some people, the sense of freedom and adventure is an essential part of the experience. Trust your instinct. This is your journey. The route to take is up to you. Have a safe journey.” –A Five Star Life

Upon watching the foreign film A Five Star Life, the ending will be an untraditional jolt to an American audience as it will deign to allow the heroine to journey into the credits in absolute contentment with her own company. The quote above is stated by Irene just as this last scene unfolds, and as I was collecting all of my sources for today’s post, I couldn’t help but realize with certainty that Irene is indeed the epitomization of self-actualization.

Why? You may ask. Does one have to journey through life alone in order to be self-actualized? Absolutely not. But what Irene exhibits is the knowledge of herself and the world around her. She is not limited by what society purports to define as a “happy life”, but rather investigates and discovers what happiness is indeed for her while accepting that others may, and many do, have a different definition.

While the language is Italian (with English subtitles), based on the trailer and the story line, and the premise that “real luxury is the pleasure of real life. Lived to the fullest, full of imperfections”. It aligns quite nicely with living simply luxuriously, non?

https://youtu.be/7Pd_3FeLjsk

11. Le Chef

Now I am going to make your mouth water and your appetite perk up with the last two films of recommendation.

Haute-cuisine and France, a beautiful pairing indeed, come together for a light-hearted comedy starring Jean Reno and Michaël Youn in Le Chef. Written and directed by Daniel Cohen, a young self-taught chef played by Youn is far from lucky in his pursuit of professional success and happens on a star chef (Reno) who is in danger of losing his reputation and his restaurant. The two come together to help themselves, but end up helping each other along the way. 

https://youtu.be/cf2Nk3Ld8Og

12. Les Saveurs du Palais

The story is based on the real-life case of Danièle Delpeuch, a lesser-known provincial chef and restaurant-owner who in the late 1980s was summoned by President François Mitterrand to be his personal cook at his official residence, the Elysée Palace. Catherine Frot stars as Hortense, the chef chosen by the French president and  Jean d'Ormesson plays Mitterrand. An interesting point to share is that Jean d'Ormesson, not an actor, will be instantly recognized by French audiences as he was a writer and journalist and during Mitterrand's career, was one of his toughest adversaries.

Back to the film, based on Mitterrand's choice for his chef - The President prefers the traditional cuisine from his childhood and finds Hortense to be the chef he is looking for to the chagrin of the rest of the cooking staff.

Come with a full stomach otherwise your tastebuds will be tempted throughout. Or perhaps come with an appetite and make sure you have reservations at a delectable French restaurant afterwards.

https://youtu.be/YB1slI4fOUc

Oh, my. I do hope you have discovered a film that tickles your curiosity, or perhaps one that you would like to watch again.

There is something about watching a film that enables you to slip away virtually to another part of the world that truly offers a respite from whatever is going on in your life. And then when we add the necessary requisite of paying attention to the subtitles, our full attention is captured.

Before long, if you are like me, you will begin to hear the language more than you knew you could and not look at the subtitles as often.

Wishing you happy viewing and bonne journée!

~Listen to all of TSLL's French-Inspired podcast episodes

~The Simple Sophisticate will return with a new episode on Monday March 4th. You can view the entire 5th season schedule below. In the meantime, next Monday, stop by for an Inspiration/Motivation post to kick off the week.

~SIMILAR POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~TSLL's French Cafe Jazz Playlist

~Top 10 French-Inspired Posts in 2018

~All You Need to Know About the Markets in Provence

~Round-Up of TSLL's 2018 French Week

Petit Plaisir

—WP + Standard

Tune in to the latest episode of The Simple Sophisticate podcast

[vieuxnoyesrp]

Dani. Katherine Pierce has become infamous not just as a character - but as tool that’s been used time and time again to spice up many storylines - both on the show and in many roleplay spinoffs that stemmed from it. Just like her personality, there’s both a thrill and a danger to that; the former because she’s so fun to have around, the latter because it’s so unfortunately easy to see her turned into a flat stereotype or a poorly-layered plot contrivance. For us, your application was refreshing in that you went back to the basics; showed us the building-blocks of her character and alluded to the links she still has to her past. She felt more human than myth. Your headcanons were totally outside-of-the-box and your writing was impeccable. Most of all, we loved that you showed us who Katherine is as an individual; beyond the overly familiar scope of her connections to the men in her life; to Klaus, Elijah or the Salvatores. You hit the nail on the head with this application and we’re grateful for it!

Dani, thank you very much for applying. As for Katherine… 

                       ⚜ ~ WELCOME TO VIEUX NOYÉS!!! ~ ⚜

Wondering what to do next? Click here and let the good times roll!

⚜ Roleplayer:

⤜ Name/alias: Dani ⤜ Pronouns: She/Her ⤜ Age: 20 ⤜ Timezone: EST ⤜ Activity: I try to be on at least once a day, though replies tend to take a day or two to get done! These last months have been a bit stressful, but after next week’s hiatus a lot of time will be clearing up which will allow me to participate daily rather than every other day, or every other other day. ⤜ Best form of contact: (Skype, gmail, or just here on tumblr, etc.) My twitter: daniellaferri or my skype danidanidani are all good! ParacosmicMuse is also an alternative since it’s my personal. ⤜ Any Triggers? (If so, please tell us how you want the subject to be treated in this roleplay (whether to be tagged accordingly or avoided completely, etc.) Shootings, gun violence, eating disorders, sexual assault ⤜ How did you find Vieux Noyés? Rose was kind enough to recommend it to me at a time I was looking for another writing group. ⤜ What drew you to the RP? Not trying to kiss major ass or anything, but the admins. I’ve known all of you a brief amount of time truly, but the fact that you three are collaborating makes me feel in insanely good hands. The RP itself has so much attention to detail and wonderful people, of course, and that creative take on these characters keeps me motivated to be a part of it all. ⤜ What is one subplot/element from the Plot page that you are particularly looking forward to seeing in this roleplay? I’m really eager to see the Salem and New Orleans witches play, tbh. Like I love everything, but I’m really excited to see how ancestral magic and magic from the earth differentiate and how the covens ( the NOLA one already having major differences and a weak community at the moment ) will co-exist. Also, what will the ancestors say about it? Cause from what I’ve seen on TO they have a lot more dominion over their coven than i think the witches realize, and I don’t see the ancestors responding too well to the possibility of their legacies switching over to a different kind of magic, with a group of foreigners. It all sounds really interesting, I hope I get to see that played out one day.

⚜ Desired Character:

⤜ Why do you want this character?

TVD was a show that took a while, and some effort, for me to get into. I always stopped watching after season 2 simply because I didn’t feel entirely attached to the problems the ensemble faced, nor was I a fan of the ‘love triangle’ trope in my fourteen or fifteen years of age. One of my few favorite parts of the show was Katherine Pierce. I think she was a really underutilized character. In attempts to kind of do something bigger and greater, the writers threw her potential under the bus and the more I think on her character, the more I wonder about her mentality, her development, and what her story would have been where she not pushed into irrelevancy in the middle of the series. I really want to explore that in this new setting.

⤜ What are your future plans for this character?

I  want to test Katherine’s resolve, and her self-acceptance. She’s adamant about no longer running, and yet, she has a slew of enemies in New Orleans, multiple characters who wouldn’t mind killing her or casting her out, and do not owe her any favors. So while she tries to develop a network of defenses as she has all her life, I really want to see where that humanity comes in, and whether or not she’s willing to confront the fact that a part of her genuinely wants to live ( not just survive ), if it means fighting against, not just physical violence against her, but  people’s beliefs about her, and a lot of distrust that has just generally followed her around in all her time running from Klaus.

⤜ Put yourself in your character’s shoes. Give us a few lines to describe a day in the life of your character… Where do they live? Where and how do they spend their time?

Not one for traipsing across the Bayou in heels, or finding comfort in the solitary fields by the old plantation homes, Katherine Pierce has settled down at the heart of the city. Well, sort of. For now, she stays at the Hotel Royal, intent on hunting for real estate only after she’s obtained sanctuary from either of the notorious king pins of the quarter: Klaus Mikaelson or Marcel Gerard. For now, she remains unlisted, under their noses, and the patron of an all inclusive continental breakfast. She knows the constant bustling streets will work in her favor, seeing as she needs to lay low for awhile.

Katherine is always on the go, which means, unless she’s certain no one in her vicinity will go blabbing to some higher-up about her location, she doesn’t linger in many coffee shops or bars. She favors the antiquities shop occasionally, for it’s cluttered space, and luxury finds, gets her morning coffee at the French Market when she doesn’t order it at the hotel, and, should she need to meet someone for a chat, she’ll usually take to some overzealous tourist trap bar on Bourbon Street.

By now she’s noticed a few key players making constant appearances at Rousseau’s and Tulane University. Which is why if she’s ever spotted there, it’s usually because she wants to be found. At the moment her days are spent trying to establish enough formidable connections so that, should things go south she won’t have to flee, again.

⤜ Give us three headcanons regarding your character of choice.

Second to Mystic Falls ( Circa 1800s ),  Île-de-France remains Katherine’s favorite place she’s traveled. She had arrived in the Parisian Region in 1718, and had managed to reside there for as many as four years before continuing the game of cat and mouse Klaus refused to relieve her of. In that brief time, she’d assimilated beautifully to the luxury, the politics, the gambling of the aristocrats. The men found her beautiful, and she basked in the jewels she’d been gifted, and the balls she’d been taken to. The Palace of Versailles has seen blood spilt by her before, and still it retains some of her happier memories of the past. Briefly, the formidable château made her feel safe, without leaving her bored. She resents that it’s more of a tourist attraction now.

Her license is expired, but her IDs are always up to date. With the aid of several supernaturals in the identity theft ring, Katherine has been known to keep herself under the radar with the use of countless false identification cards, all up to date, all dummy-proof. Still, she has no driver’s license, and her current one is a few years past. Usually, she’ll compel her way out of traffic violations, and drive when necessary, but makes use of taxi cabs and compact cities to keep her off foot and unreported.

Katherine has but one keepsake from her past. Too much time on the run, and too little emotional involvement left her taking only what she needed in her travels. And though she’d sooner mock the everyday hoarder, than replicate them, Katherine still holds onto the resin light blue cameo necklace she wore during her time at the Salvatore Estate. Bewitched by Emily Bennett, the pendant became outdated over time, but unlike the rest of her daylight accessories from her past, this jewel was one she carried with her well into the next century. To this day, it remains in her jewelry box, carrying memories of a time in love she’s not willing to forget so easily.

⤜ What are some plots you’d like to explore with your characater?

I’m looking forward to the plot between her and Caroline. This misunderstanding that Elena was the one who turned her seems so interesting to me, and refreshing, that I really want to see how Katherine will attempt to play it all out in her favor, and what her back up plan might be should Caroline discover the truth and redirect her anger to it’s rightful owner.

I also look forward to seeing how Katherine ‘play’s nice’, for lack of a better term, with Marcel. She’s so prideful that I feel like there’s definitely room for struggle there, in terms of how much ass she’s willing to kiss and how much she’s willing to bank on the king of New Orleans. Also, Klaus and Marcel have a very temperamental relationship, so I think it’d be really fun to explore how Katherine keeps up with, and plots around, that unsteady alliance.

In regards to developing her character, I really want to see how Katherine will fight to remain in New Orleans. By that I mean, I noticed a lot of her connections don’t really understand why she’s decided to finally stop running, and stop in New Orleans of all places. And I think the character herself struggles to accept/address how deep that longing for stable ground and love runs, or how long its been festering. Since she’s truly put herself in ‘the lion’s den’, as it were, I want to see her earn that freedom from those that want to kill her, but I also want to see her realize that not all of it is as easy as an endless list of back up plans and manipulation tactics.

⤜ Para sample:

(Retained for privacy.)

————— ⤜ Would you like to be considered for another character if not accepted as your primary choice? No, i’ll stick to just Bonnie. But thank you! ⤜ Have you read the rules? Yes ⤜ Anything else? That’s all <3

[how2to18]

I WANT TO TALK about the phrase “career of evil,” and the way it was handed down through time.

The origin story of the phrase: it was coined by Isidore Ducasse, a Frenchman born in Montevideo, who wrote under the name of Comte de Lautréamont (a title bestowed on himself, by himself).

The publisher Léon Genonceaux described him as a “large, dark, young man, beardless, mercurial, neat and industrious,” and reported that Ducasse wrote “only at night, sitting at his piano, declaiming wildly while striking the keys, and hammering out ever new verses to the sounds.” Lautréamont died in Paris in 1870 at the age of 24.

In late 1868, Ducasse published, anonymously and at his own expense, the first (poetic, violent, transgressive) canto of Les Chants de Maldoror (Chant premier, par ***), a chapbook of 32 pages. The prose can be described as oneiric, or stream-of-consciousness, or what the Surrealists would later term “automatic writing.” In its own time, it was regarded as blasphemous.

Five additional cantos were published subsequently. Canto Three contains the following passage: “Il cacha son caractère tant qu’il put, pendant un grand nombre d’années; mais, à la fin, à cause de cette concentration qui ne lui était pas naturelle, chaque jour le sang lui montait à la tête; jusqu’à ce que, ne pouvant plus supporter une pareille vie, il se jeta résolument dans la carrière du mal…” This was rendered into English by Guy Wernham thusly: “He concealed his character as best he could for many years; but in the end, because such concentration was unnatural to him, every day the blood would mount to his head until the strain reached a point where he could no longer bear to live such a life and he gave himself over resolutely to a career of evil…”

Though Lautréamont was discovered, rediscovered, re-rediscovered — by the Surrealists, by the Situationists, by other poets (John Ashbery entitled one of his later collections Hotel Lautréamont) — it was Patti Smith who proved, in the 1970s, to be the Comte’s fiercest advocate.

Smith famously idolized Rimbaud (c.f., the “go Rimbaud!” chorus of “Land”), but was equally evangelistic about Lautréamont. As Jonathan Cott wrote in The New York Times in 1978, “[Smith’s] sensibility is one that borrows and embraces […] ideas and feelings that have appeared in […] Baudelaire, the illuminations of Rimbaud, the menacing sexual fantasies of Lautreamont, Bataille and Genet.”

But before Patti Smith was Patti Smith™ — before she was a performer in her own right — she was a fan. And among her passions was the rock group Blue Öyster Cult, part early ’70s Long Island boogie-band, part surrealist storm troopers. The music was, for the most part, straight-ahead rock (with the requisite slow numbers interspersed); the lyrics were anything but. Drawing from the “Imaginos” world built by Cult manager Sandy Pearlman, and tapping on the lyrical skills of poet/rock critic Richard Meltzer (songs like “Mistress of the Salmon Salt” and “She’s as Beautiful as a Foot”), the Cult were able to span the dead years between metal and punk. (And they could, I would submit, rock a hall harder than anyone this side of the Who.) The late Allen Lanier, the band’s keyboard player, was also for a while Smith’s lover.

For the third BÖC album, 1974’s Secret Treaties, Smith was invited to contribute lyrics (though interestingly, not on one of Lanier’s composition). She resurfaced the Lautréamont phrase, not noticeably in use between the 1860s and the 1970s, and, working from music by the Cult’s drummer Albert Bouchard, wrote “Career of Evil”:

I plot your rubric scarab, I steal your satellite I want your wife to be my baby tonight (baby tonight) I choose to steal what you chose to show And you know I will not apologize You’re mine for the taking I’m making a career of evil

Now, as it turns out, before J. K. Rowling was J. K. Rowling™ — when she was an on-the-dole single mother who wrote in cafes — she found solace in rock ’n’ roll. Significantly: in the Blue Öyster Cult.

Her inability to support herself writing was to vanish, but her engagement with the music of her more precarious days persisted. After the Potters, Rowling decided to write detective novels, publishing them under the soon-unmasked pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The third in the series, released in October 2015, was entitled Career of Evil.

The novels’ protagonist is Cormoran Strike, an Afghan War vet turned private eye. As we learn, Strike’s mother had a thing for the BÖC — as Cormoran puts it, “She wanted Eric Bloom, lead singer of Blue Öyster Cult, but never got him. One of the very few who got away […] I was nearly christened Eric Bloom Strike.” Something Strike knows, but has never seen: his mother has a tattoo, somewhere on her lower body, that reads Mistress of the Salmon Salt.

The novel contains no fewer than 50 references to BÖC lyrics or song titles. Including the deep cuts: Rowling calls out the song “The Girl that Love Made Blind,” a slow 6/8 dance tune, originally written as part of Sandy Pearlman’s Imaginos cycle, and extant now only on a wildly obscure Albert Bouchard demo tape. (Full disclosure: Bouchard was, but is no longer, my cousin by marriage.)

What’s lovely here, and haunting: an evocative phrase is coined — or, perhaps, dreamed — by an Uruguay-born Parisian, writing under an assumed name. It submerges for a century. [1] It resurfaces in the work of another writer, also writing under assumed name. The original author was, in his own time, obscure; the bookending author, in her own time, not.

Yet via the persistence of memory, the long chain of poetry, the enduring lure of rock ’n’ roll, Lautréamont’s career of evil now haunts the 21st century, in ways he could never have imagined.

Which, of course, is just as it should be.

¤

Howard A. Rodman is president of the Writers Guild of America West. He wrote the films Joe Gould’s Secret, Savage Grace, and August, and the novel Destiny Express.  He is professor and former chair of the writing division of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

¤

[1] The only usage I could find between Lautréamont and Patti Smith is a mention in The New York Times, December 12, 1882, of one “Freddie Grimes, 13, an account of whose brief career of evil-doing has already been reported…” I have since been apprised that the phrase also appears in the 1901 volume The Book of Psalms by A. F. Kirkpatrick, D.D., in which the reverend details the three steps in such a career: (1) adoption of the principles of the wicked as a rule of life; (2) persistence in the practices of notorious offenders; and (3) deliberate association with those who openly mock at religion. Lautréamont would have felt understood.

The post Careers of Evil: On the Migration of a Three-Word Phrase from Lautréamont to J. K. Rowling, with Stops at Patti Smith and the Blue Öyster Cult appeared first on Los Angeles Review of Books.

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[avengershumanresources]

Dust to Dust (10)

Summary: Where did Hydra come from? An idea? A twisted dream? For an organization that spans centuries, it kept relatively quiet until contemporary times.The Super Soldier serum wasn’t dreamt up over night, but was the product of numerous experiments both unethical and violent over the course of the century. It was going to be the end of all conflicts between good and evil. Scientists died trying to determine the next level of the serum, only for it to be stolen by enemies. Back and forth until one side had the advantage.

Mabel Foster was everything the ideal woman should be in 1914. She was well brought-up, wealthy, educated and the heiress to a large fortune. When her father died in a much publicized U-boat attack by the Germans, Mabel made a decision that changed the course of history by enlisting in the French Army during WWI.

After an ambush gone bad, Mabel found herself captured by an early group of Hydra.100 years later she’s discovered in a desolate Hydra base and is taken by the Avengers for safe-keeping and questioning. Little do they realize that all of their destinies and pasts are directly connected through the nest that Hydra weaved.

Pairing: Bucky x OFC (Original Female Character)

Rating/Warnings: Mature- Graphic violence, torture, PTSD, smut

“Can you lie next to her And give her your heart, your heart As well as your body? And can you lie next to her And confess your love, your love As well as your folly?”

-Mumford and Sons (Blank White Page)

“You still haven’t told me where we are going,” Mabel shouted after the brunette who continued pulling her along the Paris avenue by her hand. “Are the others meeting us?”

Secretly, Mabel hoped they’d be able to return to the States in one of the jets Tony had told her about. It certainly would beat the crowded tin-can they’d arrived in.

“I can’t believe it,” Bucky let out an astonished chuckle after stopping in front of a worn tavern. “A friend of mine back in the war mentioned this place had the best beer in Paris. Guess it was owned by some German bloke back then.”

Mabel glanced up at the sign after Bucky began to usher her inside.

Le Bouffon de Danse- The Dancing Jester, she mentally translated, studying every inch of the crowded bar. Lively music was playing from a band at the back of the room, and groups of men and women crowded the bar.

A few of the booths were occupied with burly men talking of the old days, or grumbling about their day of work. While mid-aged women leaned against tables, gossiping over cheese and wine.

Meanwhile co-eds and elderly alike joined together in a barrage of drinking songs throughout the bar.

It was an eclectic mix of folks and James Barnes looked completely at home.

He pulled out a chair for Mabel and ordered a pitcher of beer, passing her an empty glass when the waitress dropped their beer at the table.

“Didn’t realize it’d be so crowded,” he spoke above the crowd, glancing around the room and pouring himself and Mabel their drinks.

“It’s very popular,” she agreed, sipping the bitter beverage and making a face. No matter the number of years, her tongue would never become accustomed to the drink.

Bucky burst out laughing, nearly choking on his own drink.

“Guess I’m a terrible date, shoulda checked if you even liked the stuff,” he commented with a gesture toward the pitcher. “Guess I have to drink this all myself. What do you like?”

Mabel pulled the drink menu closer and frowned.

“I’ve never really had spirits,” she admitted scanning the mixed drinks and frowning. “Wine? Usually mother and father served red wine and champagne at their events.”

“Red wine it is,” he smiled and gestured for the waitress to stop by. While he was ordering, Mabel pondered the meaning of his earlier comment.

A date? Is that what he thought this was?

The concept was foreign to Mabel, as all of her socializing was within strict social constructs… with the occasional rendezvous with Sam under the cover of night.

He could have misspoken.

A bottle and a large glass was placed in front of Mabel and the waitress began to chatter politely with the pair in French.

“Are you two new to the neighborhood?” She questioned lightly. “I thought I knew all the locals.”

“Just tourists, unfortunately,” Bucky replied with a smile. “Mae here had a few personal errands she had to settle and we decided to make a trip of it.”

Mabel had to bite back a grin. The blue eyed boy truly didn't recognize the charm he had.

The woman nearly spilled the wine when he flashed a grin.

Or perhaps he did? That seemed even more dangerous.

“I can't believe you're from out of the city. Your accents are truly Parisian!” She exclaimed in astonishment. “Are you from the country?”

“I spent some time here with my family as a child,” Mabel confessed. “And I've done a lot of er, professional work throughout the country.”

The waitress nodded and continued to prattle about the different types of tourists that tended to pass through.

“The accents,” the woman sighed. “It's an embarrassment to the language.”

Eventually she was called away, leaving the former soldiers to one another's company.

“It's a shame this stuff doesn't give a buzz,” Bucky grumbled, pouring another drink for himself after finishing Mabel's discarded beer. “How's your metabolism? Steve’s is faster than mine but my healing is better. Looks like you got the healing too… can you get drunk?”

Mabel was mid-sip when he asked her and she set the glass of wine down.

“I honestly have no idea,” she admitted quietly. “Do I seem drunk?”

“You've barely had half a glass of wine,” he teased. “But you've got red cheeks. Though that could be from my charming company.”

“Such confidence Bucky, be careful or people may think you're boastful,” Mabel tilted her glass knowingly in his direction and took a long pull of the beverage.

“When did you start calling me Bucky?” He asked after a pause of silence between the duo. Mabel frowned in thought.

When had that change happened?

The name felt so natural, she was surprised she hadn't started calling by the nickname long ago.

Granted, Mabel was still trying to shake some of the antiquated manners that lingered within her.

“Around the time you started calling me Mae,” she replied and poured a little more wine into her glass. “Only Steve called me Mae and then one day you started.”

He hummed in thought, acknowledging the change.

“Etiquette dictates you wait until you're familiar with someone before you call them by a pet name or by their given name,” Mabel explained lightly.

“You never called me James,” he pointed out quickly, leaning forward for the explanation.

“I'm not terribly fond of James, or some of your other nicknames,” she gave him a sympathetic smile. “Not that it isn't a lovely name,” she quickly supplanted at his frown. “I just prefer Bucky more. I know many James’ but only one Bucky.”

And James dragged her back to Hydra; Bucky wouldn't do that.

“Do you like Mae?” He asked quietly, trying to keep the air of confidence around him.

“It's better than Bella,” she rolled her eyes at a memory. “Joseph called me that whenever we were in the field. He knew how much it bothered me and would tease me relentlessly.”

“Seems like a stretch,” Bucky pointed out.

“Mabel sounds a little more like ‘May-Bell’ with a thick Irish accent,” she explained. “Bell then Bella.”

“What about Flo?” He grinned at the new name. “Or Renny?”

“I prefer Mae,” she confessed, cringing at the plays on her middle name.

“Mae it is,” he decided, hitting the table with his beer glass and laughing. “Mae Foster.”

Mabel felt her cheeks flush.

She liked the sound of her name in his voice.

She went for another sip and realized her glass was empty. Bucky reached forward and poured her another full glass.

“We're going to figure this out for science,” he decided. “You're three glasses in. How do you feel?”

“Like you should stop counting. I have no intention of finishing this bottle,” she insisted sharply.

“But I paid for it,” he pouted and Mabel scoffed at his attempt to pressure her into drinking. “Did you not play drinking games with your squad?”

“Oh we certainly did,” she nodded quickly. “And I would fake it.”

Couldn't risk exposing herself.

“You're a lightweight then,” he teased. "When's the last time you drank? 1913?"

He was completely on point, but she wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

Mabel scowled at the insult.

“I am not!” She protested.

“Then drink the wine and prove it!” He nodded toward the nearly empty bottle and Mabel sighed, finishing off the red wine into the empty glass.

About halfway through the glass, a wave of dizziness struck her and Mabel realized that she was intoxicated.

Damn. So much for the super soldier serum helping her.

“Not a lightweight…” she grumbled while Bucky laughed hysterically across the table. He shook his head at the blondes antics before looking up toward the band.

“I actually know this song,” he noted, humming along with the music a moment before nearly jumping out of his seat. He gave a bow and offer his right hand forward. “May I have this dance mademoiselle Foster?”

“I would be delighted monsieur Barnes,” she took his hand lightly and he guided her toward the makeshift dance floor. A few elderly couple shuffled to the music, though none of the younger folks seemed interested in the fast paced jazz number.

Bucky was surprisingly light on his feet, leading and guiding Mabel, practically floating across the floor.

“This is a little more intimate than I’m used to,” she laughed, her mind fuzzy and her world spinning. Bucky pulled her a little closer by the waist and chuckled at her flustered expression.

“Perhaps we'll try some of your dancing later,” he reasoned. “I'll wear one of those stuffy coats and I'll have Natasha track down a corset…”

Mabel looked mortified at him.

“Do you talk so casually about women's undergarments frequently?” She gaped, playing up the mocking scandalized expression.. “Mr. Barnes, such loose morals.”

“I'm really not a terrible guy,” he gave her a twirl and spun her closer to his chest. “And I thought you were finally calling me Bucky.”

“Clearly I didn't know you so well as I had thought,” she gave another spin and nearly slipped over her feet. Before she could fall, however, Bucky caught her and helped her back to her feet.

“And you can get drunk. Go figure,” he commented with a chuckle. “We should head back.”

“Do we have to?” Mabel whispered with a frown.

“Unfortunately,” Bucky frowned and tilted his head toward a nearby television. “The news broke and I may have neglected to call our mutual friends.”

“You wanted to spend time with me…” Mabel smirked and took his hand, lifting his fingers and examining them closely. “You must shoot well. Your hands are so steady.”

Bucky was trying to settle their check while Mabel made the comment before quickly explaining he worked in private security. After that, he practically shoved Mabel out of the bar into the street.

“The air still smells the same,” she announced, climbing onto one of the nearby benches that lined the streets. “Does the Eiffel Tower look the same? We should visit it before I'm locked away again.”

Bucky paused at the suggestion before grabbing the small woman's hand and hurrying along the road, flagging down a nearby taxi.

“Tower d’Effiel,” he simply stated and the driver gave him a curt nod. He helped Mabel into the car and slid in next to her.

“Thank you,” she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Bucky Barnes.”

It took no time at all and the taxi pulled up to the famous structure.

Mabel practically leapt out of the taxi and sprinted toward the tower, her eyes wide.

"It's still here," she whispered once Bucky was at her side. She took a few steps forward and touched the brick base. "Two world wars, countless generations and it's still here. Do you know how many Christmas' I spent sitting in the middle of the snow just to watch it at night?"

She gave a laugh before absently grabbing Bucky's hand and pulling him along toward the stairs. The sun had lined set over the city but the upper levels were open to the public.

They raced to the highest point, laughing at the confused patrons they dashed past once they reached the top.

Mabel leaned on the railing, a content smile spreading across her features while she gazed out.

"The last time I was here," she paused and smirked. "It was before you were even born."

"I get it, you're just a grumpy old woman," Bucky retorted, earning a swat in the shoulder from the shorter blonde. He retaliated by pulling her under his arm and messing up her short hair with a quick movement of his flesh hand.

Mabel attempted to pull free, laughing herself silly, before he pulled her closer, his metal arm pinning her to his chest. They stood frozen like this for a moment, their gaze locking under the flickering lights of the Eiffel Tower.

Mabel could see his head tilt in her direction and she closed her eyes, letting the butterflies that danced in her stomach overwhelm her body.

And right when she could feel his breath on her cheek, his phone chimed and he jumped back in surprise.

"It's Steve," he mumbled, running an aimless hand through his hair and slamming the device to his ear. "Yes?"

Mabel could vaguely hear the conversation; Steve was lecturing Bucky on the delicate situation and how irresponsible they'd been...

"But no one died," Bucky replied when there was a pause in conversation. "And we fly back tomorrow morning. Mae has been doing pretty well.  What are we doing?" He glanced at Mabel and grinned.  “I gotta go.”

He ended the call immediately, giving her a sly smirk, before he pulled her closer by the waist and lifted her chin gently.

He didn't say another word before pressing his lips into Mabel's.

Time had frozen many times around Mabel.

But nothing in her lifetime compared to the rush and thrill that shot through her body at the simple action.

"I hope that wasn't out of line," Bucky pulled away and scanned her face for any sign of repulsion.  Lost in the magical swell of her heart and emotions, she smiled and grabbed the front of his shirt.  There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation in the male soldier at this point, his finger tracing circles on the back of her neck.

They were gasping for air by the time they pulled apart.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he admitted, glancing out toward the Parisian skyline. Despite diverting his attention, his arm was still over her shoulders, pulling her close to his torso. She wrapped her arms around him completely and looked up at him.

"We'll always have Paris," she chuckled, reciting a line from one of the movies they'd watched before he left the upstate compound

"Here's looking at you, kid," he brushed a stray hair off of her face and planted a kiss on her forehead before they settled into one another and watched the pulsing movements of the city below.

PART 11