#and she helped tommy find peace after charles | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

moonbaby26 · 4 years ago

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Title: Diamond in the Rough

Pairing: Peter Maximoff x Reader

Summary: Continuation from last chapter. You and the others get some more down time in your last day and night on the ship together. Reader talks about some sensitive things with Peter, culminating in more bonding and fluff at the end.

Warnings: Some cursing, mentions of sex and arousal. Nothing explicit though.

Chapters: Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Taglist: @drikawinchester , @n0obmaster69 , @alexloveskili , @what-a-silver-lining , @bluesprings18 , @weakmoony-stuff , @slytherinsi-mp , @wintwrsoldiwr , @tommy-braccoli , @amourtentiaa , @cringingmemeries , @bi-panicatthe-disco , @himbos-are-my-lifeblood , @simp4mcuwomen

Peter Maximoff x Reader Masterlist

—————————

“So you really weren’t going to tell me that you just said ‘screw it, peace out, guys!’, and pulled the sacrifice card to throw yourself out of a plane?”

Peter’s voice carried through the barracks as he looked at you like you were the crazy one for once.

“Well...it was in the middle of crashing at the time.” You countered, much quieter by comparison and looking to Jean or Kurt for any help here. Some of you were sitting on the floor, others on the beds, roughly in a circle as you talked.

But Kurt only piped up to make it worse. “Yes, I did not like that at all. Next time we must find another way. I thought too that you’d chosen to go down with the plane so we could escape, (Y/N).”

“But you can fly right? None of us could fly.” Scott butted in a bit unexpectedly though, on your side of the argument no less.

“(Y/N) can levitate like me.” Jean corrected. “The flying is newer though, not yet perfected.” She smiled at you then in a way that told you she wasn’t about to let you back out of getting credit for that risk taken in Egypt. “You still hit the ground, hard.” She added. “I went back in your mind to make sure you’d made it after we teleported.”

The others all looked at you, and you tried not to lose your nerve. “My energy field was still up though when I hit. That’s the important part...”

“I mean I could jump off a building with a helmet on, I’m pretty sure it still wouldn’t work out for my head.” Peter retorted, though with a very self aware look before he finished. “And no, that’s not what’s wrong with me.”

Scott actually laughed at that, which surprised both you and Peter at least. Maybe he was different when alone with Jean, but in front of the group he’d stayed fairly no nonsense since Egypt. Though who could blame him for being a bit uptight after all he’d been through recently.

“We did all get pretty wrecked.” Peter admitted after a moment though. “Thanks for the save, Jean. Up top.” He held his hand up in front of her to signal for a high five.

She obliged, but a bit half heartedly. “I had the Professor in my head though, egging me on. He helped me unlock that. But I still couldn’t have done anything if you all hadn’t held that guy in place for that long for me. He just would have escaped.”

“I wonder what happened to the woman?” Kurt considered. “Do you think she learned her lesson too?”

“I doubt it,” Ororo answered then. “We called her Psylocke. But she just wanted to be more powerful. I don’t think she’d care now about who we hurt.” She looked at all of you at that. “I am sorry...if I hadn’t said well enough before. I thought he wanted to make the world better for us, but he didn’t. He really did just want to control everyone, human and mutant alike. I was wrong.”

Scott shrugged. “You figured it out by the time it really mattered.”

“And he probably just would have tried to kill you if you’d shown disloyalty any sooner than that,” You agreed.

“Can’t stay mad at anybody with a sick mohawk like that anyway.” Peter commented too, clearly admiring her hair.

Ororo chuckled. “If I’d known other mutants like you all before, things likely would have been a lot different.”

“Well you know us now.” Jean offered.

“Yes, I’m new here too,” Kurt added. “There’s a lot to learn. I’m glad Raven found me as well to bring me to the school. I never had mutant friends either in the circus.”

“Woah, wait. You were in a circus? Like the whole bit? Elephants and clowns and stuff?” Peter turned his head to look at him, curiosity easily peaked.

“Ja.” Kurt replied.

As those two went off into a separate conversation about whether or not there’d been bearded ladies, strong men, and the like in the Bavarian circus, you just looked back to Jean.

“We’ll definitely have a lot to catch up on when we get home. You think Jubilee is going to be mad that she missed all the action?” You asked, only half joking.

“Oh man,” Jean conceded. “She’ll be all over us wanting details.”

But her next words surprised you a little as her voice so easily transitioned just into your mind afterward for privacy, her lips no longer moving.

“You know as soon as she finds out you met someone, she’s going to go nuts wanting details about Peter.”

You could only look at her for a moment. It was such a strange thing to consider. This had all happened so fast. But with her bringing up that point, it was the first time you’d really thought about what it would be like to potentially introduce him to other friends of yours back home, to try and communicate what he meant to you already.

Could you call him your boyfriend? Would you say you were dating? He’d already called himself that label, but did that mean you could say it? Would the others even believe it was possible to feel these things for someone you’d only known such a short time? Would they think you were naive, or just caught up in the whirlwind of the moment and that this would all fade?

“Hey, relax. I wasn’t trying to send you into a tailspin.” Jean’s mental voice broke back through that wave of anxious thoughts. “I haven’t known Scott for very long either. If anyone wants to waste energy judging us, I would say that’s their problem.”

“Yeah,” You just answered then, remembering you still needed to respond in a way that made sense to the last thing she’d actually said out loud, about Jubilee. But you went quiet afterward, letting the others steer the conversation to new things as you all continued just trying to pass the time.

It wasn’t too very long later though when you’d had another visitor to the barracks. You were all a bit surprised to see Moira walk in, noticeably without the Professor and carrying something in her hands.

“Some new brass arrived today, or officials I mean. They wanted to speak to Charles themselves.” She said quickly, obviously realizing by your looks that you were all wondering the same thing of where he was. “But I wanted to come by and take care of this for the ones that needed pictures.”

As she spoke, she raised up the thing in her hands as if that should also be some clear explanation for her purpose here. It still took you a moment honestly to realize it for what it was, accompanied by what she’d said.

“For your licenses and passports that we’re printing.” She clarified anyway before continuing, the polaroid camera in her hands. “You two,” She pointed at you and Peter, and then at Raven. “And you. You already had valid driver’s licenses. We’ll reuse those photos for a new license and passport. Charles wanted everyone to have both, as you’ll still need to travel within the U.S. as well once we’re back. The rest of you I need current photos of.”

The thought of Peter actually taking the time to get a driver’s license seemed pretty absurd when he could travel anywhere much faster on foot, but before you could ask him anything, Hank was speaking up.

“But I already had a license and a passport,” Hank responded in some confusion.

Moira looked a little awkward, but still answered kindly. “But the pictures were of you before. It won’t match how you look right now for us to get back into the country.”

Raven snickered and Hank shot her an unamused look.

“Uh, but I can’t take off my glasses. You want me to take it with my eyes closed?” Scott asked dryly, though it was a legitimate question.

Belatedly you realized this also meant he’d been completely prepared to drive one of the Professor’s cars illegally then, before you’d asserted yourself to be the one to drive you all to the mall that day. This was a mental note you’d have to save for later.

“Glasses on is fine. We’ll note it as a medical exemption.” Moira answered easily, though already looking for a spot to have them stand against. “And this might actually be better to do in the hallway, if you could- Hey!” Her hands were abruptly empty, as she startled, then looking around.

You blinked after the flash that came almost simultaneously. A hand squeezed your shoulder before Peter pulled back away, the stolen camera in his other hand as the photo began to eject from it.

“I thought you couldn’t move like that with your leg,” Moira chided, now realizing what had happened. “And that thing isn’t mine to break, just so we’re clear.”

“You’re like three feet away, I don’t have to run if I can just lean over and grab it.” Peter responded smoothly, pulling the photo out before offering her back the camera. “So what, that thing is CIA issue? If I push the wrong button is it going to laser me or something?”

“No.” She huffed. But didn’t look as if she wished to extend the conversation any further to get drug into this right now. She just motioned for the others to follow her into the hall as she then turned away. “Come on, guys. We’ll try to make this quick.”

Peter didn’t seem to mind either way, just putting his attention back to the photo he was now holding as if it were a prize. “What do you think?” He asked you after a moment, the image becoming more and more visible as the film developed.

You saw yourself there, though surprisingly not a terrible image considering you hadn’t even been prepared. Your expression in the photo was simply neutral, glancing elsewhere even as Peter’s smile was wide and bright, him leaning in with his face almost touching yours in the photograph.

“I’ve taken worse,” you said truthfully, but then looked back to him, amused at his seeming satisfaction with it. You wondered if he was actually planning on keeping the photo, instead of it just being a little joke. Wouldn’t he rather a better one at least?

“What?” He questioned, seeing your expression. He flicked the photo gently. “It proves you’re real if anyone asks later.”

“Why would you have to prove...” But you ended up just smiling, and gave up before you even really started, seeing how happy he still looked. “If you want a picture together, I’m sure she’d let us take another if we asked. You know, if we asked nicely, and didn’t just steal her camera this time.”

“I like this one.” He insisted though, holding onto it regardless. “It really looks like you.”

“Um...wouldn’t I always look like me?” You asked quizzically.

“It’s real,” He tried to explain. “Natural? If we took another you’d just smile on purpose.”

You still didn’t fully understand. He was smiling in the picture after all. But to his point maybe, he did look almost giddy in the photo. Not something you would be able to replicate on command. “Okay.” You said, fine either way. “If you like that best.”

“There is something I think I’m going to ask Moira anyway though when she comes back,” He admitted.

It wasn’t very long either until you were able to find out what that was.

When the others did start to file back in after taking their pictures in the hallway, Moira had just leaned in the doorway briefly to thank them. “We’ll have these made up in time for tomorrow for your travel documents, thank you.”

She was already turning to leave again before Peter stopped her.

He cocked his head, piping up. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

She did pause, but her look back at him was slightly wary. Likely not knowing if this would be more humor or not. “Yes?”

He didn’t mess around though this time, just getting to the point outright. “Do you think you could send somebody to my Mom’s house? You know, just to say everything’s cool and I’ll be home soon? She’s probably losing her mind right now.”

Moira’s expression changed fully at that, empathy going to the forefront. “Of course. Yes. What’s her name? Her address?”

That mood faded just as quickly though as he raised his eyebrows, teasing. “Well shouldn’t the CIA know that?”

She sighed. Staring at him as the annoyed look returned.

“You’re so serious,” Peter smirked. “Magda Maximoff, suburbs outside D.C.” He rattled off a street address afterward, but still continued, “We’re in the phonebook anyway. Prof.’s been there too, he’d know.”

“We’ll look it up.” She agreed. “See you guys later.”

With that she was gone. The rest of you settled back, just sitting and talking again. And you’d gone off with Peter down by your beds after a while. Just the two of you again.

You’d realized obviously before now by their interactions that the Professor had met Peter at some point previous to his coming to the mansion the other day. But like so many things, in the rush of everything, you hadn’t learned much more.

“So Xavier’s been to your house. Was he trying to recruit you for the school?” You asked, honestly just curious. Though it was a little disappointing to consider you may have had a chance to meet Peter much sooner if he’d accepted any kind of invitation like that then.

You had been sitting on the bottom bunk together again, but he leaned back behind you now, stretching before putting his arms behind his head. He pulled his legs and cast awkwardly back up into the bed as you shifted to try and let him get how he wanted.

He looked pretty content though as he lowered an arm back to put it across your lap. “Well that was years ago. He had hair, he was walking. He didn’t want me for your little private school though. He just wanted me to help them spring my dad from the Pentagon...but I don’t think he knew it was my dad either then. It was all Logan’s plan to bring me. Really I didn’t find out much else. These dudes just showed up at my house, and I went with them to commit a felony.” He shrugged a little. “Probably not that smart, right? But I didn’t have anything else cool to do that day I guess.”

You wondered how much of that story Xavier would really tell you if you asked one day. You could only imagine what reasoning someone like the Professor would have to do something so brazen, even if it was to help Erik. Especially when Xavier had always preached to you all the importance of staying within the law and not using your powers to exploit any rules that would apply to non mutants. For now, you only asked a little bit more though. “How many people actually came to your house to do that then?”

“Oh, it was just three. Prof., Hank, and Logan.”

Well that made it even more interesting really. Hank was also so well known for always following the rules. But then again, he also was one of Xavier’s longest friends, like Raven and Erik. They’d all known each other since many years ago.

But this was the second time Peter had said this name of ‘Logan’. Shouldn’t you know that name? Well yes, you knew at least one. You couldn’t forget the name Jean had told you back in Stryker’s base. The man who’d gone on a rampage, though also cutting you violently from your own restraints before he’d escaped. Honestly you might even have scars from that when this was all said and done. But the name in and of itself wasn’t that unusual of a name. And what Peter was talking about apparently occurred years ago.

“I don’t think I know a Logan,” You said honestly. “Was he a mutant too?”

“Oh hell yeah,” Peter answered, raising up a closed fist. He made a noise, and a motion you didn’t understand as if he was doing something in midair with his fist, before adding. “Three big claws come shooting out this dude’s hand. It was so gross, but badass.”

You stared, the realization finally hitting hard. It couldn’t be a coincidence then. “Peter!” You exclaimed abruptly. There was just no way they were two different people. It was too unique of a mutation. “That’s the guy!”

“Huh?” He looked up at you in surprise. Confused at your sudden excitement.

“The one from the base! Didn’t Jean tell you?” Without thought, you lifted your shirt enough to show him those long claw marks still red across your stomach. They were dry now, already trying to heal. But it was three in a row, still clear as day. “The guy that tore through all those soldiers and freed me, she told me that his name was Logan.”

“She didn’t tell me that.” Peter stammered slightly, definitely caught off guard as you’d raised your shirt. “She just said to expect you to be bloody when I went looking for you.” He was staring at your exposed skin now though. “So Logan did that?”

You tensed slightly as you felt his fingertips graze your abdomen. It wasn’t unpleasant, just a bit unexpected. You lowered your shirt back down, but noticed obviously when he just let his hand stay under it.

When you didn’t show further aversion to the touch though, his hand continued idly wandering on the skin that was unbroken. “Well damn, that’s super screwed up then. I know they said a guy went full rage mode and tore the place up. And yeah, I saw the bodies he left when I went looking for you. But they didn’t say his name. I didn’t see him either before he took off.”

“It has to be the same person.” You reiterated. “But if you really want to be sure, you can always think of those memories of him, the Logan that you knew. If you let Jean look into your thoughts later, she could tell you for certain if it was him.

Peter looked a little disconcerted, but just agreed anyway. “Yeah, sure. I just, man how long did they have him there then? What a dick that Stryker guy was. Fuck him.”

But after the little bit of anger, he was only looking back at you. That thought of Stryker seeming to also remind him of your initial meeting with him. “How’s your ribs?”

You felt his fingers trail up across them at the question. “Sore,” You admitted. “But what isn’t?”

His voice was quieter then though, his hand moving back down before it reached your chest. “Then don’t jump out of any more planes please.”

You paused, wondering if he really was so bothered about that to have brought it up again. You’d all played so fast and loose that day though, doing whatever you felt you had to do. “It was a big day of firsts that’s for sure.”

“No kidding.” He agreed.

And nothing was ever going to be the same again was it? Even when you were all home again and the mansion was finally rebuilt. Were you all just going to go back to class like you hadn’t almost died? Would you just pretend that you didn’t know there were still entities out there that wanted you dissected, destroyed, or both?

“I think it gave the Professor a lot to think about too.” Is what you finally said. “I feel like he’s going to change some things going forward. But I don’t know how much yet. I don’t know if this could really mean the resurrection of the X-Men.” It was a crazy thought. Xavier and Hank never really liked to talk about that part of their past. They’d lost a lot then, or at least that’s always what you’d inferred from the bits and pieces you had heard over the years.

“X-Men...” Peter repeated, making a face like he wasn’t sure if it was a decent name or not. “Guess it’d still be better than being called Charlie X’s Angels or something like that.”

You smirked. “You know they used to all have codenames too.” Though you were sure not all of them were self named. “Xavier was just Professor X, Hank was Beast, Raven was Mystique, Scott’s brother Alex was Havok, your dad was Magneto of course. But there was Banshee, Darwin, and Tempest as well.”

He gave you a contemplative look. “Can I call you Lite-Brite then?”

Your look must have clearly said no, but he just kept going, very amused at your reaction.

“Glo-Worm?” He offered instead.

“Seriously? You’d name me after a bug?”

“Nah, they’ve got these super cute toy ones. Wanda had one. She slept with that thing all the time. They glow when you hug them.” He was grinning again now. “I mean, you’re comforting too right? Think I could make you glow?”

“I don’t think it works that way.” But honestly you might be lying to save face as he was now rubbing his hand further up into your shirt again.

“Don’t we all lose a little control when we get excited?” He countered, his tone getting a little more dangerous. “I know I do.”

You felt that statement was likely a bit of a trap, hesitating as your curiosity swelled. What could happen with his powers if he did have an uncontrolled moment like that? He was likely right though. Just like the onset of mutant powers came for most of you around the same time as puberty, they could also be triggered by intense emotions or stress. So it was reasonable to think that another powerful feeling such as arousal could also lead to some issues for those of you already less experienced in controlling yourselves.

“Brings a whole new meaning to safe sex doesn’t it?” He said as he let go of you then, putting his hands back behind his head. He still looked too amused, even though he seemed to sense when you needed another break from the touching to process your own thoughts.

“Did that happen with her?” You asked though. Not afraid, but yes, maybe some concern in your expression. You really hadn’t considered any of this before.

His smile faded at the unexpected mention of Crystal again. But he only hesitated a little, looking at you as he answered honestly. “Sometimes. She uh, burnt me a couple times. In the literal sense. She was like the band, Earth, Wind, and Fire. I mean she could control water too, but I liked the band joke better.” He frowned slightly. “She always hated that joke though.”

“Did you do anything to her?” You responded quietly before you could think better of it. Was this really any of your business? No, not really. But, it could be a part of your future.

There was a little surprise in his eyes, but his answer was immediate. “Babe, I’m the last person you’d ever have to be afraid of.” He looked bothered still as he continued though. “And no, I never hurt her. She would have knocked me into next week if I had.”

“So what does happen if you lose control that way?” You still asked, deciding you still did want to know.

He gave you an awkward look. But if he was going to offer out this information, it seemed there was going to at least be a small price for it. “If I’m really riled up? Turned on? You can say it outright you know.”

You weren’t going to say it in any more explicit way than that though, but you nodded at least. “Yes, you know what I mean.”

He sighed at your modesty, but reached out his hand after a moment. “Let me see your wrist then. Way easier just to show you.”

Well, if it was anything dangerous, he wouldn’t be so casual about it would he? You did offer him your wrist, not knowing what to expect as he clasped his hand around it.

You could tell he was focusing on something for just a moment, before the oddest sensation you’d ever felt shot from your wrist, down into your fingertips, and all the way up into your shoulder before you jerked your hand back in surprise.

Your reaction didn’t seem to faze him at all though as he’d easily let you go. It looked like you’d only done exactly as he expected. “You’ll still feel it for a bit after, just so you know.”

And you could still feel it, fading but definitely there as you flexed your fingers. “What did you do?” It wasn’t painful, but it was like a tingling, instantaneous whenever he’d done it. Not just through the skin, but into the bone, the muscle, everything. The only thing you could liken it to at all is when a limb woke up from being asleep, yet it wasn’t as uncomfortable as that and it was far deeper.

“Well you asked what happens if I get too excited. I, uh, vibrate?” He tried to call it something without really knowing what to call it. “I’m no science guy, but I’d guess it moves everything I’m touching down to what, the atoms right? So that’s what you’d feel. But it wouldn’t just be from my hand. I was doing it on purpose there. If it wasn’t on purpose it’d be literally all of me doing it.”

So that would mean, well...that would be a very intense sensation to say the least if you would happen to be having skin to skin contact in more places than one when he would accidentally do that. You tried not to let your expression change much at the realization. The last thing you wanted to do was to throw this very personal dialog further down into the gutter.

“I still think you’d glow though.” He added confidently. “And if your energy deal is always as warm as it was in that elevator shaft back at the base, I think it’d feel really good too. Just for the record.”

Yes, this was definitely teetering on that edge of going fully into a place you weren’t ready for just yet. But you only had yourself to blame. You asked him to elaborate, and he did. You knew your powers could be a lot more than harmless though. Much more than warmth. You didn’t know if it’d be too pessimistic to mention that right now though.

“I don’t know what I would do.” You finally said, just speaking the truth when you didn’t know what else to say.

“We can talk about something else you know if you want.” He poked you gently in the arm, seemingly offering you an escape route if you wished to take it. “Like we’re still going to the mall at some point right?”

“Definitely.” You answered gladly.

“You should come over too, play some video games when we get back. I’ve got an Atari and a Nintendo. Or we could watch a movie. You like Bruce Lee? Karate Kid? Stuff like that?”

The genuine eagerness emerging in his tone was something you really appreciated. A reminder that in reality, even though he evidently enjoyed any physical contact he was allowed to have with you, it was only a part of the whole picture. He just wanted to be around you too.

“Yes, I think that’d be awesome. I haven’t seen many of those movies, but usually Jubilee picks for movie night. Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles...over and over.”

He laughed. “Oh, no way. There’s more to life than Molly Ringwald. Time to expand your horizons!”

You were smiling too, about to say something back when Scott’s voice carried from further down the barracks.

“Hey, they brought dinner if either of you want to eat!”

“But is it even worth a crap!?” Peter called back immediately and just as loudly.

“Heck if I know!” Scott answered and you could swear you heard a lot less loud Jean tell him to quit yelling in her ear.

“I’m still salty about that fake strawberry garbage from earlier.” Peter said, just to you then as he sat back up.

It wasn’t much of a surprise to you though that the food would be brought to you all this time, considering the episode in the mess hall before. The only thing that did surprise you was that it would already be dinner time. Though it was hard to have much concept of time right now really, especially when there were no windows to see the sun or sky below deck.

But it did give it more of that prison feel too. The hours running together, locked away in close quarters, and now with government mandated food being dropped off impersonally. It either felt like prison or being in a rare species exhibit at the zoo.

“Well, you said you’re like a hummingbird metabolism wise, right? You have to eat something.” You spoke, while hanging back to give Peter a chance to get up on his crutches.

Really the hummingbird analogy you were liking more and more though as you personally thought they were adorable, and they literally were the bird equivalent to him in your opinion. This flamboyant little bird that beat its wings so fast it could actually hover in place or disappear in a blur once they did decide to take off. Not to mention the exclusive high sugar diet.

“Glo-Worm,” Was all he replied back, but very pleased when it still got a strong reaction from you.

“Please don’t make that one stick. It’s a lot less cute than Hummingbird.”

But he just offered a non-committal smile, walking past you. “We’ll see.”

——————————

Some few hours later, when it was time for lights out again, Peter had wanted to take a shower so you were already in the bottom bunk alone.

You tried to stay awake to wait for him, but you must have already been asleep for how bad you startled when you felt something pressing down against the mattress beside you.

And when you shot up, you were even more confused at the sudden pressure against the top of your head before you finally woke up enough to realize Peter now had his hand splayed there, pushing your head back a little.

“Woah,” He whispered in the dark. “You about nailed the top of the bunk. It’s just me.”

You relaxed, trying to look at him before you felt him let go, laying down beside you. As you laid down as well, he shifted several times, trying to get comfortable.

“I hate this damn cast.” He complained. “Do you know how weird it is to have to shower with a garbage bag tied around your leg?”

You could feel his still wet hair though on the pillow as he nuzzled in closer with you. You’d both joked a little earlier about looking forward to getting to share this bed one more time tonight before heading back to the U.S. and your sort of more normal lives tomorrow. The emphasis of the joking though had been about getting to continue the kissing that had been interrupted on the flight deck.

But now that you were here, you found you really just wanted to hold him and enjoy the warmth and quiet together. Because you didn’t know when this chance would come again. Would you go your separate ways tomorrow? You back to New York and wherever the other displaced students were now staying, and him back to D.C. to reunite with his mother? He wouldn’t be able to run and come to find you again until his cast was off. And how many weeks would that take, even with mutant healing factors?

You didn’t really know what the exact plan was after you’d arrive in the U.S. either, but maybe there was something you could do after all. “Hey.” You said quietly after a bit, hoping he was still awake.

“Mmm?” He made a questioning noise, hugging a bit tighter to you.

You took it as enough response to say that he was listening. “So they said that we’re landing in New Jersey tomorrow, right? Well everyone else is going to want to go north to get back to Salem Center, New York.” You didn’t really need to clarify where the school had been though, he’d obviously already found it. “But you’ll need to go south to get back to D.C., and it’s not like Xavier is going to expect you to find your own way home. Someone’s going to have to drive you and-”

But Peter didn’t even let you finish, already very on board with the idea. “And we give Prof. the old puppy eyes and beg for it to be you.” You knew he was grinning again then just by his tone. “I like it. Road trip.”

You felt relief that he approved of your spur of the moment plan, but then again he’d already said he wanted you to come over to his house sometime. You wouldn’t be able to stay very long you were sure, but at least you’d get the car ride together if this all worked out. And you’d get to see where he lived, maybe even hang out for a little while before having to drive back to New York.

It was funny how just like that you now had something to look forward to again. But would Xavier really be on board? Would he feel comfortable letting you drive back alone? You’d just have to convince him that you were old enough now and capable.

“I guess I should have cleaned my room a little better before I left.” Peter mused. “Can be a bit of a train wreck, just like the dude that lives in it.”

“Oh, someone else lives there too?” You teased slightly.

But Peter only played along. “Yeah, a real piece of work. Guy just plays video games all day, and wears out the same shitty records playing them over and over with the volume up. Maybe reads some comic books or jets off to nab some Twinkies from the convenience store down the block. Real outstanding citizen. I heard he’s dating now though. Who the hell would want that charity project?”

“Hmm.” You knew he was only half joking, Peter really still seeing himself in the way he just described to a large degree. But you were patient, and determined to keep working on building his self confidence little by little. “I think if he met someone then, it’d be someone who believes in the old ‘diamond in the rough’ expression. They must really just like him for him. They probably even see his real value even when he can’t yet.”

Peter was quiet for a few moments at that before you felt him run a hand through your hair. “I guess that would make him really lucky then. He probably should bust his ass to make sure he doesn’t disappoint them then and screw that one up.”

You smiled softly. “All he has to do is be himself. If you have to fight too hard just to maintain a relationship, it likely was never right to begin with.”

“Been there, done that.” He at least agreed, but was now running his fingers down along your face.

You knew what he was hoping for and leaned in to meet him as you kissed. It was very soft though, like he was still thinking of what you’d said. He didn’t press for much more either, just a few more kisses before he nuzzled his face back down against you.

“I’m still going to do the best I can.” He spoke quietly against your neck. “I want you to be happy.”

“I am.” You said. Feeling every bit of those words as you stayed warm against one another. It felt safe. It felt right.

And no one said anything else. You were both content to leave it that way, falling asleep just as you were.

———————————

(Continued in next chapter here)

#quicksilver #quicksilver x y/n #quicksilver x you #quicksilver x oc #quicksilver x reader #quicksilver xmen #peter maximoff #peter maximoff x y/n #peter maximoff x you #peter maximof x reader #peter maximoff x oc #x men #xmen #x men fanfiction

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writingwithacupoftea · 5 years ago

Text

The Perfect Birthday Present

Summary: Y/N Shelby’s birthday was fast approaching, and Tommy has no idea what to buy for her. Who would have thought that a night of drunken antics would give him the perfect answer?

Word Count: 2462

Y/B/M = Your birth month

A/N: Is this fic basically a belated birthday present to myself? Yes. Is it completely different to the one I planned? Absolutely 😂 Hope you all love this one as much as I do 💜

Upon Tommy's arrival back to Arrow House, Mary could tell as soon as he stepped out of the car that he was in a foul mood, even by his standards.

He'd been in London for the past week, sorting out some business. That part of the trip had gone well, Tommy had conceded, but the same couldn't be said for the other part of his mission: finding a birthday present for Y/N. In the past the Shelby's had clubbed together to buy presents, however this year Tommy wanted to get Y/N something special that was just from him.

It was to be a thank you, really, for having put up with his shit for so long, yet never wavering in her loyalty to him. To say that he was supposed to be the one looking after her, for Y/N was his little sister, the roles had definitely been reversed over the last few years: she had helped him through his nightmares and opium addiction, provided him with brutal and blatant honesty (no matter how much he sulked or raged afterwards until he realised that she was right), and had dropped everything to move to Arrow House with him and Charlie after Grace's death.

To say that he was grateful for Y/N would be an understatement.

But seeing as everyone knew that Thomas Shelby was abysmal when it comes to talking about emotions, he wanted to show it in the only way he knew how – spending ridiculous amounts of his money on her.

He had dragged Ada through all of the best shops in London, looking for something spectacular to gift to Y/N. Tommy had ignored Ada's reminders about Y/N's love for simplicity and the little things: in his eyes, Y/N deserved the best that money could buy, so that's what he would get for her.

Yet nothing that they had looked at seemed quite right – it just wasn't Y/N enough. He should've realised then that Ada was right.

So Tommy returned to Warwickshire a day earlier than expected, empty-handed, exhausted and annoyed at himself.

Curiosity took over, however, upon hearing music echoing through the halls of Arrow House. After following it, even Tommy's seemingly ice-cold heart melted slightly at the sight that greeted him home: Y/N has dug out the old gramophone, which hadn't been used since Grace had died, and she was dancing around the room with a whiskey in one hand and a half-smoked cigarette in the other.

Tommy smiled softly at the sight of his sister swaying to the music, unaware that she was being watched. She looked young and happy and carefree, a far cry from her usual reserved and guarded self. Tommy forgot about his own troubles just watching her, enjoying seeing Y/N so alive.

But quickly, his mood changed and the smile vanished. Tommy found himself mourning, almost, the life that Y/N should've had, but because of him she could never live. Times like this shouldn't have been a rarity for his little sister: her whole life should have been filled with the unabated joy that exuded from her in this moment. Instead, she looked over her shoulder at every turn, cleared up the mess after each of his mistakes and constantly walked the streets with a target on her back.

Y/N chose this moment to turn around, having noticed that her glass was empty once again, and was momentarily stunned at seeing Tommy. That feeling passed in an instant, however, and she found herself barrelling across the room, throwing herself into her brother's arms. "TOM!" Her delight could be seen from a million miles away.

"You alright?" He rubbed her back gently as they hugged, and he noticed the strong smell of whiskey on her. "How many of those have you had?" Tommy gestured to the empty glass sat on the table, which Y/N was now refilling, along with a second one that she poured for him.

"Only one or two, Tom." Despite her best efforts to look and sound innocent, what Y/N didn't realise was that her flushed cheeks and the devilish glint in her eye gave her away, causing Tommy to smirk in amusement.

The track on the record changed to a lively Charleston, which only sounded vaguely familiar to Tommy's ears, however sparked far more of a reaction from his sister. She gasped loudly and downed her drink in one, slamming the glass down on the table, causing Tommy to raise his eyebrows at her. Y/N had a large smile plastered on her face as she exclaimed "Oh , I love this one!" She ran to turn the volume up, and started dancing once more.

"Won't this wake Charles up?" Tommy wasn't in the mood to deal with the screaming baby, especially if he was already fast asleep.

"Oh no, Tom, he's the reason I got the gramophone out in the first place. What I've discovered over the last few days is that your son adores music." Y/N turned to face Tommy, and adopted the matter-of-fact tone that she used so frequently with him. "A little dance to something upbeat to tire him out, then you put something gentler on and in no time at all he's out like a light."

Tommy felt guilt bubbling up inside of him, replacing his amusement at his younger sister's drunken state. Y/N had managed to find the solution that he had been looking for since Charlie's birth in a matter of days. It showed how little he knew about his own son, and was just another thing Y/N had had to figure out on her own, another problem that she had taken upon herself to solve for him.

Following Tommy's long silence, Y/N looked over at her elder brother, noticing the sad and far-away look on his face, and held out a hand dramatically towards him. "Will you join me, Tom, or have you forgotten how to dance?"

"I'm tired, Y/N/N. Another time, perhaps."

"So you have forgotten."

"Remember who taught you how to dance, sweetheart." His gaze softened as he recalled fond memories of his sister stepping on his toes. "Anyway, I don't think I could keep up with you now I'm older, as you kindly keep reminding me."

Y/N smirked at this. "Yes, Tom, but I'm older as well... that's how age works." She grabbed his hands in hers and started to force him to move his body a little to the music. "Come on, old man, you're not doing anything to help those creaking bones of yours!"

Tommy sighed, realising that he wasn't escaping, and reluctantly started to dance a bit with her. Y/N cackled at how out of practice he was, his movements stiff and face void of emotion, and was determined to get her older brother to loosen up before she went to bed.

***

A couple of hours later, the room was filled with laughter and both siblings had uncontainable smiles on their faces.

Everywhere was a mess. Records were strewn across the table, as they had quickly been through every one and couldn't remember which ones they liked the best; the furniture had been shoved to the side to make more space, with Tommy's suit and tie discarded on the sofa; and empty bottles of alcohol and various glasses were dotted around the room.

It's safe to say that Y/N had succeeded in her mission – Tommy was the happiest that she had seen him in a long time. She wished that this night could last forever, just her and her favourite brother in their own little world, where none of their worries could touch them.

***

The clock on the mantlepiece would have told Tommy that it was now the early hours of the morning, but he paid no attention to it

A slower tune played as the brother and sister swayed together in the middle of the room. Y/N was half-asleep, exhaustion having taken hold as her body caught up with the amount of alcohol she had consumed. It was rare for her to spend so much time with Tommy these days, despite having moved into his home, and she refused to waste one second of it while he was in the right mood.

As for Tommy himself, he was thinking; not at the fast-pace at which his thoughts usually raced, but just thinking. Well, more reminiscing. He hadn't spent a night like this since before the war; in fact he hadn't come close to feeling this free and at peace since before the war. Even when Grace was still here, his mind was more often than not occupied by business.

He thought about the not so little girl wrapped safely in his arms. Placing a soft kiss on the top of her head, he wondered ‘When did she become so grown up? Where did the time go?’

Breaking the quiet between them, Tommy only just heard his sister’s drunken mumbles of “This is the best birthday present ever,” and felt his heart melt even more.

He observed the contented smile that rested on his sister’s face and realised that Ada was right about Y/N: she lived for the special little things in life, she lived for family and for love, not money and jewels.

Y/N lived for moments like this… and, just like that, Tommy knew what the perfect present would be.

***

Two days later, and it was Y/N’s birthday.

Since it was a Sunday, all that she had wanted to do to celebrate was to have a big lunch with all of her family. So, the whole Shelby clan, spouses and children included, piled into Arrow House for one very chaotic afternoon.

Y/N couldn't have been happier with how the day turned out. Arguments were kept to a minimum (but Y/N secretly enjoyed the slight bickering that inevitably occurred), she was able to play with all of her nieces and nephews in the garden to her heart's content, and the whole of Arrow House had a buzz about it.

Even Tommy didn't seem to be as grumpy and pre-occupied as usual. Something had changed in her brother since that drunken night, and Y/N couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. But it was a change for the better, so she wasn't going to complain or question it. Despite her longing for a night like that again, she knew that it was an unrealistic dream: Tommy had far too much on his plate nowadays, even if Y/N thought that it would do him the world of good to let go every now and again. And, Y/N admitted to herself, she had missed her big brother much more than she realised.

But Y/N didn't dwell on that for too long, knowing that she'd miss out on things if she spent too long in her own head (such as John, who had just fallen out of a tree in an attempt to beat his own children in climbing it).

***

It was dusk before the family left, and as much as it was one of the best birthdays that Y/N could remember, she was glad for the quiet and a bit of time to herself.

After eating some more birthday cake and having a cup of tea on the bench in the garden, watching as the stars gradually appeared in the Y/B/M sky, Y/N retreated back inside having discovered that it was nearly midnight.

Mary informed her that her brother had already gone up to bed for the night. On any other day, Y/N would have been surprised at this bit of news, knowing how late Tommy normally stayed up to work; but her family was exhausting when they were all together for half an hour, never mind half a day, so she quietly padded up the stairs to do the same.

Her attention was immediately drawn to a large box that rested on her bed the moment that she entered her room. Y/N would’ve been suspicious if it wasn’t for the note that sat on top of it:

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.

Love,

Tommy x”

Excitement and intrigue building up inside of her rapidly, she untied the messy bow (Tommy had clearly tried his best) and lifted the lid. Inside she found four new records and two bottles of whiskey. For a moment she was confused, but then she found a second note:

“For the next time…

T x”

Y/N felt her heart swell with emotion and tears began to line her eyes as she smiled.

She threw on her nightdress and wandered down the hall to her brother’s bedroom. Knocking gently, she pushed the door open slightly, just enough to stick her head around it. Tommy’s crystal blue eyes locked with hers and she suddenly found herself wondering why she was there at all: she and Tommy were both awful at things like this (when then were sober, anyway). There was a reason why he left the present somewhere that she would find it by herself, rather than giving it to her himself.

Suddenly feeling awkward, Y/N smiled slightly and nodded, not knowing what to say to her brother. As she began to close the door again, Y/N heard a slight chuckle from inside the room and Tommy softly called her name.

She shuffled back into the room, looking at anything but her brother sat on the bed. "I know it's late, but I just wanted to say -" But she was unable to finish that important sentence, a loud, long yawn having escaped her.

When she opened her eyes again, Y/N saw, to her surprise, an amused smile playing on Tommy's lips. He pulled back the covers on the other side of his grand bed, and raised his eyebrows, silently posing a question that he hadn't asked for a long time.

In recent years, Tommy hadn't been overly affectionate: Y/N guessed that it was just another side effect of the war. So, when the opportunity arose for Y/N to get a hug from her brother (who used to give the best hugs, not that she'd ever tell her other family members), she would never refuse.

She half-ran over to the bed and snuggled under the duvet before Tommy could change his mind. Cuddling into his side and letting the warmth envelope her, the siblings lay there in silence for a while, perfectly content.

As Y/N's eyelids began to flutter shut, she mumbled into her brother's chest a soft "Thank you, Tom," that he only just caught.

Tommy tightened his arms around his Y/N's frame in response and pressed a kiss to her hair. He turned out the light next to him as he felt his little sister's breaths even out, and whispered so that no one else could hear: "No, darling, thank you."

#peaky blinders #tommy shelby #tommy shelby x sister reader #shelby sis #shelby sister #peaky blinders sister #peaky blinders x sister!reader #shelby!reader #shelby!sister #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders fic #tommy shelby x sister!reader #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby imagine

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fuckingthefictional · 5 years ago

Text

All I want- Part 3

Pairing: Michael Gray x reader

All I want: masterlist

Warnings: mentioned suicide (Graces first husband), possible spelling mistakes and errors.

A/N- Thank you, Thank you, Thank You for the overwhelming support on this book- I’m so glad that you’re all enjoying it! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist. Hope you’re all staying safe! Xx

Y/N remembered the first time she ever met Henry. They must’ve both been about 4 years old- it was strange really, he just sort of turned up in their tiny town.

It wasn’t every day that a sleek black car pulled up outside of your neighbours house, especially when the passenger was a small boy.

He had no belongings from what Y/N could make out - and it appeared that he was living with the Johnsons.

They were a kind couple, they always offered to help others in any way that they could.

Mrs Johnson ran Sunday school at the local church and and Johnson ran the local grocery shop- Y/N liked the kind old man because he snook her sweets over the counter.

But it was obvious that they both had a sadness around them-they always longed for a child of their own, and this blonde haired boy had to of been their chance of becoming parents.

Y/N remembered the first words that he ever spoke to her- he was shy, he was almost constantly behind Mrs Johnson’s figure only peering out as he spoke.

“This is for you.” He’d said before he then handed Y/N a bunch of daisies.

It didn’t take long for the two to become friends. As the two grew closer together, flowers became a communication of sorts.

If they’re had an argument- flowers were the peace treaty.

One of them had a bad day at the school house- a bunch of flowers acted as the perfect pick me up and a silent exchange of support.

And although it only happened once- If Henry wanted to confess his feelings for Y/N- then the flowers just deepened the meaning between the pair.

What could Y/N say even at the young age of four- she was a sucker for blonde boys and flowers.

“Duck!” An excited cry sounded from inside Matthew’s side of the double pram.

Looking down Y/N watched as her baby boy clapped and squealed excitedly at the prospect of seeing the birds on the pond.

It was difficult to get over the fact that Matthew was beginning to talk and understand the world around him a little bit more.

A part of Y/N wanted her baby to stay just that- a baby, a sweet, cherub faced infant.

She didn’t want him to grow up, but that was how life was. Y/N would make the most of her time with Matthew- creating memories for both of them to look back onto.

“Duck! Duck!” The baby’s chubby fingers pointed towards the duck pond.

“That’s right my darling- there are ducks, what does the duck say?”

“Quack!”

She laughed at his enthusiasm, she turned to Charlie who was chewing on his fist and looking up at the autumn leaves.

Y/N had been working for Tommy and Grace for almost 6 months now. It was safe to say that she enjoyed it and had the passion for the work that she did.

New York also never seemed to get old either- despite being in the city for over half a year she could always rely on the bustling streets, towering buildings and the constant hum of cars and traffic to excite and inspire her.

Things were also way more relaxed in the states, it was the jazz age- the age of liberation and Freedom from stereotypes that once held people in shackles.

Y/N was in shock at the amount of people in her social class that were accepting and happy at the prospect that she had a child.

Some even went as far to give her tips and tricks they had heard or used.

But despite her more than welcoming and kind experiences with Americans- it made Y/N miss her life in London even more.

She missed having tea and gossip sessions with Ada. Reading James’ latest articles and poems, watching Karl and Matthew play together happily. Y/N was even missing her old bed.

She’d just missed having familiarity around her, something that was difficult to come by in New York.

The young woman pushed these thoughts out of her mind, deciding that if she continued thinking about London any more- then she was only setting herself up for feeling terribly homesick later on.

Instead she kept her focus on the two boys in the pram, watching as they took in the world around them.

It didn’t take long for Y/N to circle back through the park, and end up back at the temporary Shelby residence.

When she opened the door however, her good mood was dampened. As she saw several stacks of trunks and suitcases lying by the door.

“Y/N,” Tommy was stood in the entrance to his office, “I need to talk to you.” He gestured to his office.

“Can I have fifteen minutes- to sort the children and settle them down for their nap?” The girl waited for a response, which came in the form of a short nod from her employer.

Y/N continued to walk down the hall, pushing the pram ahead of her as she did so.

When she entered the nursery, she closed the curtains. Casting shade and dimness across the room. The young woman began the routine of putting the boys to bed.

She cranked up the music box, allowing a soft melody to flow through the room- it never failed to soothe both babies.

And as the music succumbed to their senses, it wasn’t mere minutes until soft snores filled the room and both boys were fast asleep in their cribs.

Y/N wasted no time as she swiftly exited the room, making sure to close the door softly on her way out.

Knocking on Tommy’s office door, she waited until she could hear the older man invite her in.

As she heard a hum of confirmation, Y/N entered. Tommy was sat at his desk, a cigarette in his mouth, furiously scribbling what it seemed was a letter.

Y/N coughed, letting her presence be known, “You asked to see me Sir?”

“What did I tell you about that?” He said in a deadpanned voice.

She repeated the urge to roll her eyes, “That I should call you Tommy.”

“And...” He beckoned her on

“That Mrs Shelby-“ Tommy looked up at Y/N, eye brow raised, “Grace, is comfortable and happy with me calling her by her first name.”

Tommy nodded, “now that that’s been cleared up- I need to discuss some matters with you.”

Y/N felt her stomach lurch in panic, had she done something wrong? Was she about to be dismissed as Charles’s nanny?

“You might’ve noticed that our trunks are by the door. That’s because we are planning on moving back to England next week.” Tommy licked his lips, “You may have also noticed that Grace has been absent today.”

Y/N nodded, it was strange without the blonde Irishwoman. She always provided the apartment with a certain joy. It was no wonder the apartment felt emptier.

“That is because she’s attending her late husbands funeral.”

“Pardon?”

“Let it be known Y/N that I’m only entrusting you with this information because I trust you. I trust you as an employee, as someone who cares for my son and I trust you as a friend.” Tommy’s cold blue eyes pierced into her, “Grace’s was married to another man when Charlie was conceived- the man in question committed suicide after finding out that Grace had a child with me.”

“So why are we running?” Y/N questioned.

The Brummy chuckled, “I am aware of some family that Grace’s husband had strong ties to. Said family is apart of a strong gang here in New York- I’m taking the precaution of moving us all back to England in case Grace becomes a suspect in the death of her late husband. I’m willing to miss out on some potential business if it means that those I care about are slightly safer.”

“Who would’ve known,” Y/N chuckled, “Thomas Shelby has a heart.”

Taglist

@soleil-dor @redperson58 @xshinytrashcanx @peakyxtommy @staygold-bebold @peakascum @http-cherries @lovecatystuff

#peaky blinders #peakyblinders #peakyfookinblinder #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders imagine #peaky fucking blinders #michaelgrayxreader #michael gray x reader #micheal gray #michael gray #all i want

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ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes · 5 years ago

Text

Name on a Coffee Cup

Summary: Modern!Tommy has become quite the coffee addict after he stopped smoking. But he didn’t realize he had become a constant in one of the barista’s life.

//Probably because I really miss my coffeeshop because of this quarantine. Thanks to @justanothershelby for helping me beta and finish this.

“’Morning, Tommy, the usual?”

Tommy looked up from his wallet, thoroughly confused. The morning rush at the cafe was typical, even some of the faces in the line he recognized, the sounds of the espresso machines were intermixing with conversation as usual, everything was normal. But there was a slight change in the routine that Tommy took notice to. The moment he’d walked up to the counter, the barista greeted him by name. Sure, maybe it wasn’t so strange. He gave his name every time he ordered, but he figured the people who worked there wouldn’t remember every single person who came into the café.

Then it hit him. Maybe he was a man of strict habit because he bought coffee from the same café every morning and sometimes got another one in the afternoon if he was having a particularly stressful day.

But he could only blame Ada and Polly. It started with Ada reprimanding him for smoking so much. His own baby sister had suddenly taken it upon herself to lecture him about the dangers of smoking. As if he didn’t already know. He wasn’t an idiot he just wasn’t…confident about quitting. He wasn’t the type of person who enjoyed failing. And if he failed himself, it would just put him in a worse mood.

Then Polly started sending him research about lung cancer and other dangers of smoking. She called him one night and asked ‘What would it do to Charlie if he had to come visit you in the hospital while you’re dying?’. Tommy didn’t appreciate his own son being used against him. But it worked.

And with the help of his family, he managed to go off cigarettes for almost six months. It still wasn’t easy. He felt the urge to smoke every so often, not nearly as much as the first few months where he was basically tearing his hair out because he had no other stress reliever.

Then he found he could be in a much better mood in the morning when he was sufficiently caffeinated. Thus, starting his routine of going to the café downstairs from his work.

“Erm, yeah, please.” He nodded.

The barista, Ava was the pretty brunette who Tommy saw often. She could often be heard chatting amicably with coworkers or customers. She had a beautiful smile and even prettier eyes. And when their eyes met, Tommy felt a little lost for words.

“Three-fifty-two.” She rang him up at the till.

For a moment, he didn’t register her words. He heard her speak but didn’t seem to pick up on the meaning. “Oh-right, sorry.” He mumbled and pulled out money.

~~~~~~~~~~

That’s when he started to notice her as Ava had noticed him. Every day from then on, she greeted him by name. Sometimes she didn’t even ask whether his order was the same. Sometimes, she started his order when she saw him in line. That way his coffee would be out moments later. Sometimes they chatted if it was quiet enough. If he was reading the paper at one of the tables, she’d come around idly sweeping up or cleaning another table and strike up a conversation. She had an easy way of holding a conversation that made Tommy more relaxed around her. And that was no easy feat.

On Valentine’s Day, she drew a heart on his paper cup. Tommy thought it was just something they were doing for the holiday, but he noticed no one else’s cup had any decorations. He left smiling that day.

In April, the company was having a little ‘bring your child to work day’. Tommy was hesitant about the idea. He didn’t think bringing his toddler into the office was such a good idea. But Lizzie coaxed him into it. That morning, he walked hand in hand with Charlie to the café.

“Let’s get daddy’s coffee, aye? You want something?” Tommy picked up his son so he could view the pastry case.

Charlie’s eyes widened at the display of cakes and muffins and cookies. “Fin!” He jabbed a pudgy finger at the case.

“Muffin? That one?” Tommy pointed out a double chocolate chip muffin that Charlie would most likely take a shine too.

“Yeah!”

“Alright, let’s go order then.” Tommy walked up to the till.

“Morning, Tommy.” Ava smiled when she saw him carrying his son. “And who’s this?” She asked.

“This is me son, Charlie. Charles, say hello.”

The toddler giggled and shyly buried his face in the crook of Tommy’s neck.

“Gonna get one of those chocolate muffins as well.” He added since it wasn’t his usual order.

“Of course. Oh, he’s precious, Tommy. He’s got your eyes and everything.” She remarked with a coo.

“Got his mother’s hair though.” Tommy chuckled.

“Well, she’s so lucky to have such a cute little munchkin.” Ava rang up the order.

“Oh well…” It was always a conflict within Tommy if a stranger or just an acquaintance brought up Grace. Did he correct them and tell them she was deceased? Or did he just let it slide and risk the chance of having them find out later? It was a tricky slope. “We lost her last year. But it’s nice that he looks a lot like her.” He cleared his throat and realized he was getting a bit too personal with her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that,” Ava replied sincerely. “I can’t imagine it’s easy being a single parent.” She said as she went to the case to retrieve the muffin.

Tommy dropped his change into the tip jar as he always did. “Well, it isn’t the easiest job in the world but it’s worth it, aye Charlie?”

The little boy leaned his cheek on Tommy’s shoulder, a little bored with the conversation he didn’t understand.

Ava beamed. “Of course it is.”

“Do you have any kids?” Tommy had noticed in the past that she didn’t wear a wedding ring, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have kids or a relationship.

“No, it’s just my dog and me.” She moved down the bar to start his coffee order. “Do you like dogs, Charlie?”

“You like dogs, don’t you?” Tommy prompted his son to talk.

“Ponies,” Charlie whispered shyly.

“Yeah, that’s right, you like horses best. Just like dad.” He chuckled. “Sorry, he’s usually not this quiet.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” Ava shrugged it off. “I was a pretty quiet kid too.”

Tommy set Charlie down as they came to the end of the bar where they would pick up the coffee. The little boy came to the edge of the counter and stood on his tip-toes to see what Ava was doing. When she smiled at him, his face went red and he ducked.

“Here’s your muffin, Charlie.” Ava set the bag on the counter near his little fingers.

“Thank you.” He said so softly it was lost in the ambience of the café.

“And here’s your coffee, Tommy.”

“Thank you.” He took it and made sure his son had a tight enough grip on the pastry bag. “See you tomorrow, Ava.” He tousled Charlie’s hair and led him back towards the door.

The next day, Tommy arrived at the cafe and Ava greeted him as usual. They exchanged pleasantries, Ava asking how Charlie liked going to work with his dad. Tommy explained that the young boy had spent the day drawing and pretending to make phone calls.

Before she handed him his regular order, she gave him a pastry bag. Confused, Tommy took it. “I didn’t order this.”

“No, I know.” Ava smiled and tucked a piece of hair back behind her ear. “I thought you might want to give it to Charlie. I mean it’ll be cold by the time you get home but if you stick it in the toaster it’ll be nice.”

“I didn’t pay for it though.” Tommy knew the amount he paid every morning by heart. She hadn’t added the muffin onto the bill.

“That’s okay.” She waved him off and went back to making his coffee. “It’s for Charlie.”

He smiled and nodded. “Well, he’ll appreciate it.”

The morning after, Tommy arrived again, a bit earlier so he could sit and enjoy his coffee in peace.

Ava was cleaning around the cafe so she didn’t take his order. But she did come to say hello once he sat down.

“‘Morning, Tommy.”

“Nice to see you.” He sat down and popped the lid off his coffee to let it cool down. “I should tell you, Charlie enjoyed the muffin. But I got a bit hungry on the way home so I ate half of it. He wasn’t happy when I arrived with just a half.”

Ava laughed. “Oh, poor boy. I’m sure he’ll forgive you.”

“Hopefully soon.” Tommy felt the stress of his morning start to slip away. He always got into a different state of mind when he was with Ava. It was almost like being with Grace again. She had the ability of taking him out of his reality and just letting him unwind even for the briefest of moments. He wasn’t sure he’d ever find someone else who could do that. “In the meantime, he drew you a picture as a thanks.” He reached into his briefcase to retrieve the piece of construction paper that Charlie had insisted he bring to Ava that very day.

She put down her cleaning cloth. “Really?” She took the paper with a delighted look. “Oh, that’s so sweet.”

“I can assure you, that’s the first of many heading your way. Kid loves to draw and once he gets to know you, he’ll draw for you. So I hope you’ve got room on your ‘fridge.”

Ava laughed softly and examined the crayon work. “So that’s…” She turned it so he could see.

“Oh, yeah he’s a bit of an abstract artist. Erm...he explained it to me. I think that’s supposed to be you, the blobby purple bit. I wouldn’t take his depiction personally.”

She was beaming. “Oh, no, I adore it. I look forward to more.” She gently folded the paper and tucked it into the pocket of her apron.

Tommy realized he was staring a bit. But he couldn’t help himself. Ava was beautiful but she could light up a room with her smile. It was indulgent to watch her eyes twinkle with such genuine emotion.

Then she met his eyes and her cheeks went red. Tommy cleared his throat and averted his eyes just to be polite. “Tell him, thank you.”

“Of course.” He nodded. “Um...could I see you again?”

She tilted her head to the side a bit. “You see me every day.” She reminded him with a coy smile.

He chuckled. “No, could I see you outside of work?”

Her lips parted a bit in surprise. “I-uh-yeah...yes.” She nodded eagerly before she reminded herself to play it cool. “I’d like that.”

“Yeah?” He smiled. “So, coffee maybe...nope I’m sorry.” He winced and shook his head. “You’re around coffee all fucking day you don’t want to go out to coffee.”

“Lunch maybe.” She stifled a giggle. Never before had she seen the businessman so flustered. He seemed like the kind of guy who always remained calm and collected.

“Yeah, lunch.” He agreed. “Lunch would be good.”

“Lunch would be great.”

Permanent Tag: @papa-geralt-of-cirilla @giftofdreams @biba3434 @kimmietea @karmezii @enrapturedbythemoon

Masterlist

#tommy shelby #tommy shelby x oc #tommy shelbyxoc #tommy shelby imagine #tommy shelby one shot #one shot #fanfiction one shot #fanfiction #cillian murphy #cillian murphy character #charles shelby #ofc #oc #peaky blinders #peaky blinders fanfiction #peaky blinders one shot #peaky blinder imagine #peaky fookin blinders

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zodiyack · 5 years ago

Text

Siren Seduction; Alternate Story

Kind of Requested?: captivatedbycillianmurphy said: I’m actually a professional mermaid, it would be cool if you wrote a story about Tommy finding me by accident “in tail !” LOL🤣🧜🏻‍♀️ Siren Seduction !

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x reader

Warnings: swearing, mermaids, mention of death, sexual/smutty mentions and reference(s), nudity (FOR MERMAID REASONS), slight angst, fluff

Note: The note for these two stories is on the first one, found here. Also, my apologies for the random ending, I tried to make it go with the title. Sorry if it doesn’t make sense, it’s all I could think of.

Y/f/b/g = Your Favorite Baked Good

masterlist | Peaky Blinders Masterlist

Y/n L/n was an elegant and formal lady to say the least. She married Tommy and took his son into her life like it was nothing. She treated Charlie with love and motherhood, as if he was her own. She loved Tommy with all of her heart, her marriage to him meaning the world to her. Y/n was not one to break a promise nor the vows of her wed. Tommy was the same, his vows becoming important to him when he discovered his fiancé happily playing with her soon-to-be stepson.

After the wedding, he found that his wife strayed away from contact with water, and preferred wearing a large coat if she were to be around it. Anything to prevent her from getting wet. When the rain was falling, she asked that she be the one to hold the umbrella, so that it was sure to cover any part of her body that was showing any amount of skin.

It isn’t strange to have Aquaphobia, or at least to behave in a way that makes people think you do, but it was strange to act such a way yet enjoy being at the beach or around where water made home. Y/n hated the thought of getting her skin even the least bit wet, but she loved visiting the places having to do with the liquid. Why? No one knew, but it did intrigue them.

Currently, she lied on the sofa with a blanket and book in hand. Charlie was with Tommy and they were expected to be home soon. It didn’t bother her when they left, as it gave her some time with herself. She normally took care of the young Shelby when Tommy was out, and it filled her with joy, but she did need alone time every once in awhile. She had a lot of reading that she was excited to catch up on.

John and Arthur accompanied Tommy and Charlie with their visit to a bakery. There was a promise Tommy made to Charlie every time they were in town. “Behave yourself and you can pick out something for you and mummy.” So that’s what he did. Charlie often picked y/f/b/g for Y/n and a fresh cookie for himself.

As her fingers brushed over the page, she thought of the water, the beautiful and relaxing sound it made when leaving the faucet in the kitchen, or the peaceful splashes that came from droplets of rain from the sky, the waves of the ocean too! It made a glorious sound when it hit the shore. It was Y/n’s true home, and she had been away for so long.

Unknown to the Shelby family, or really anyone that was a pure mortal, Y/n was a mermaid. She was born to the creatures, and still was one. Like the others, she had the ability to transform herself to human on land. The price of which, was that she would shift back into her true form if she were to get wet. She could switch back, but that would require her to be dry again.

It needed an awful lot of cautiousness. She couldn’t be in the kitchen, or really anywhere that would cause her exposure to liquids. Of course, Bodily fluids and Charlie’s slobber/drool was an exception. By now, Tommy and her were not new to the bedroom. When they had first done the deed, it came as a surprise to her that she didn’t shift forms during said session. She ended up making it clear to her husband that she would do anything with him as long as it didn’t involve a form of liquid that didn’t come from their bodies.

How she bathed was another question. Y/n refused to do anything with Tommy involving the bathroom or tub, her rule specifying that. Maids were turned down when they offered to help. She didn’t bathe Charlie, instead asking Ada to do it, and she never washed her hands in front of others. So how was she taking care of her hygiene? Easy; she did take baths, but they were short due to her only needing to wash her upper-body. She used the extra time to dry off, so it only seemed like she took a long relaxing bath by herself to release the stress of the day.

Now she was at home and alone. No one could ask where she had went. No one could walk in on her with a tail. But still, she wouldn’t be prepared if her husband or one of her in-laws walked in. The only place, would be to go home. To the sea. Of course there would be a few people there, it was a good day, but Y/n knew a secluded part that only the Shelby family visited.

She asked a taxi-driver to bring her to the beach as fast as she could. He knew of her Shelby name, and he knew not to upset her or her family. Of course he didn’t take into thought that her husband might dislike her leaving her home while he had people ready to kill him and his loved ones. So, as she expected, he followed her orders and sped off to the sandy terrain.

They conversed a little on the drive. Y/n didn’t pay much attention to the driver. He seemed really interested in keeping her amused, however it didn’t amuse nor have any affect on Y/n’s thinking. She was too busy focusing on getting to the beach.

“Keep going, there’s a drop off spot. Please do not follow me, and do not wait for me.” Y/n adjusted her sleeve, not phased by the fact that she sounded suspicious.

“Yes ma’am. If I am to come upon your husband, shall I tell ‘im where you are?”

“No, that will not be necessary.” The car halted to a stop. The man was about to rush to the other side and let Y/n out, but she was already smoothing her hands down her dress and reaching to open the door. “James is it? Well thank you, I ask that you do not come back to this location unless I am in the car and asking you to take me here. Understood?”

“Yes Mrs. Shelby.” He opened his hand and accepted the change, mumbling, “And it’s Henry...” as she left his line of sight.

She walked down the path, taking off her gloves and shoes to walk among the soft and warm sand. The wind felt wonderful in her hair. She continued walking, she was on the part she had thought about. Her hands relieved her of her dress, now nude in the empty area. The tip of her big toe touched the water, and her legs started turning into scales.

She had never felt so alive. Held up on land for about 3 years, it was so refreshing to be back in her natural environment. When her legs became connected she fell into the water and swam forward. She kept swimming. It felt like hours had gone by when she finally returned to the surface.

Little did she know, Tommy, Charlie, John and Arthur thought it would be a nice day to go to the beach, suggestion of Charles Shelby. When Tommy found his wife’s clothing, he assumed only the worst and sent his brothers into rowboats to search the water as much as they could. Charlie and him were walking along the shore, Tommy reassuring Charlie so that he wouldn’t get worried or start crying for his mother.

Anger filled Tommy when his brothers quickly rowed back. He couldn’t hear them shouting with awe and disbelief. They had found Y/n because she was swimming back, the bottom of her beautiful green and sunset-like colored tail came out of the water slightly when she swam past them. She didn’t see them, but they saw her.

They beat her back to the shore and pulled their boats with them.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doin’ eh?” Tommy was still furious. His first wife had died, and now this. Now his brothers just suddenly didn’t care for him or his lover. “My wife is out there! Get off ya lazy asses, and search for her!”

“Tommy!” John was out of breath, leaning over and panting like his older brother. “We found her.”

“Actually, she found us.” Arthur finally caught his and told his brother of the strange sighting. “She had a bloody tail. Have we gone mad?”

“I think you might’ve. There’s no way my wife, who has fuckin’ legs, had a tail and just,” He made a motion with his hand, “zoomed on past ya.”

The men were still arguing. It bored Charlie. And a great amount. He started looking around, practically begging for something actually cool to happen.

“Look!”

All three brother’s attention was on Charlie now. He was pointing to the ocean, where a tail poked out.

“See, we aren’t mad, are we John?”

“No. No, I don’t think so Arthur.”

“Look Tommy, ya son found his mum.”

The tail went back underwater and was replaced with Y/n’s head, her body following. The Shelby brothers took a second, all three with slacked jaws and wide eyes. Thomas caught himself first, noticing the situation.

“Cover your damn eyes. That’s my wife, and she’s obviously missing some coverage.” Tommy handed Charlie to his uncles, scoffing at his brother’s behaviors. “Hand me her dress. And that blanket while you’re at it.”

He rushed to his wife, both cloths in hand. She made a confused face at her husband, but let him wrap the blanket around her anyways. Tommy picked her up bridal style and held her close to him. She could feel his heart beat, as well as his shaking arms.

The secret was out.

Tommy shooed his brothers out of the way and set his wife down. He took the end of the blanket and wiped down her tail, making sure to be extra careful. No words were spoken until Y/n broke the silence.

“Tommy?”

He made a humming sound, letting her know he was listening.

“Do you not love me anymore? Since you know now?”

Thomas continued drying off her body, standing in front of her and reaching in a hug-like motion to rub her back dry. He turned the blanket quickly so that he could dry off her front-side, then her arms. After a little bit, her tail turned into her human legs. It caused her other human bits to be more exposed. Luckily, Tommy was quick to pull her dress over her body and sit her upright.

She put her hand on his shoulder. His eyes glanced up to hers and he smiled softly. Tommy pressed a kiss to Y/n’s lips, passion and relief filled both of their minds.

“No my love, I could never stop loving you. May I ask why you never told me?”

“I was afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“That you would think a freak of me, or that you would divorce me and say you no longer loved me.”

“Ah...” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, “I could never think that of you. And as I said, I could never stop loving you.” Sensing that she was still doubting, he spoke one of his many thoughts of the subject. “You go nude into the water, yes?” She nodded. “Well your unintentional Siren Seduction must be dealt with at home and as soon as possible.”

The nervous tension turned sexual with his suggestive comment. And they weren’t the only ones to notice that. Laughter broke out among the adults.

“Tommy! For god sakes! Can you two keep it in your pants until you’re alone? Especially with Charlie here!” Charlie was too busy giggling at the water to notice anything. The couple and brothers, however, were startled by the comment.

“Jesus Christ! Where’d you come from Pol?”

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kaleidescope-writes · 5 years ago

Text

Heart of Audrilluria- Chapter IX; Complexity

Modern Fairytale AU

Prince!Tom Hiddleston x Thief! Reader

“No, no,” Y/N argued, “I can’t just break… whatever that is with him out of the blue!” She was pacing around the main room of their suite as Amelie sat on the couch with her feet propped up on the ottoman. They’d been discussing for an entire hour about what happened between Y/N and Thomas. “It’s a risk! If anything goes wrong, we’ll look suspicious and we’ll get caught!” Amelie challenged, shoulders stiffening as she kept her eyes on Y/N. “It’ll look suspicious if I just push him away suddenly!” Y/N snapped, “It already happened. We have to work our way around it. It won’t be for very long.”

Amelie rolled her eyes in frustration, slouching onto the couch further, “I don’t suppose you included ‘prince falling in love with you’ in your A-Z back up plans.” Y/N stopped pacing for a moment. She looked at her sister with irritation and crossed her arms over her chest. “No,” she responded bitterly, “It wasn’t. It was never supposed to happen, but it did. I haven’t stolen the Heart of Audrilluria yet, but I managed to steal the prince’s heart. There’s a lot more at risk now.” Amelie stood from her seat, adjusting her shirt. “Well we have to make sure we don’t screw this up even more,” she muttered. “We have to get ready to parade around Audrilluria. Let’s get dressed and try to maintain a level head. We’ll argue about this when we get back,” Amelie said before making her way to her room in the shared suite. She paused before turning to face Y/N again. “And please,” she began in a softer tone, “Don’t get attached.”

Y/N smiled softly at her sister, letting her arms rest by her sides. “I won’t,” she responded in the same tone as her sister. I won’t.

~~~~~

“So you mean to tell me,” Charles began, sitting across from Thomas who was finishing getting dressed for the day’s events. “That I missed this romantic interaction between you and the love of your life that happened after you kissed her?” Thomas sighed, buttoning his blazer before turning to face him. “Yes,” he said plainly, “All of that happened since the last time we spoke.” Charles smiled proudly, going up to Thomas and putting a hand on his left shoulder. “I’m happy for you, Tommy.” Thomas smiled back, “Thank you, Charlie.”

“Anyway,” Charles said, stepping back, “I suppose you’re going to make another move today.” Thomas looked back to the mirror, making sure his hair was ok. “I will try to get closer to her, but I won't force anything. I don’t want to pressure her into anything,”

“Ah, always the gentleman,” Charles commented, making sure his own appearance was acceptable. Thomas just chuckled. A knock on the door made both men turn their attention to the footman entering the room. “Forgive my intrusion, your majesty, but it is time to go.” Thomas thanked him silently before he left. “Ready?” Charles asked, preparing to leave. “Always,” Thomas responded.

~~~~~~~~~~

“We’ll be walking around for a few hours before the day ends,” Amelie recounted, “I hope your shoes are comfortable.” Y/N looked out the window of the car at the passing scenery. “They are, but that’s the least of my worries,” she said simply. Amelie turned away from the map of the town nearest Audrillore Castle and looked at her sister. “You’re worried about pushing him away,” Amelie stated more than asked. Y/N sighed, slouching into her seat further as they approached the meeting area before they began their grand tour of the Town of Ethania. The vehicle came to a stop and the valet opened their door. They stepped out and were immediately greeted by the warm, spring air.

The nobles stood around the meeting area, waiting for the tour to begin. The buildings around them looked like antiques. Their architectural design dated them to medieval years in which the country was first being established. Despite their age, they kept a certain charm that made Y/N understand why a tour of Ethania was on the itinerary. The stone streets matched the old aesthetic of the area surrounding them. It was as if they’d traveled back in time the moment they stepped out of the car. It was beautiful in the town. Y/N couldn’t help but look around.

“Now that we are all united,” Thomas announced, “It is time to begin the tour of Ethania.” A number of footmen began to lead the group through the old town. Bystanders looked at the group as they began their trip through the town. Many of them in awe to see that many nobles and royalty walk the stone-covered roads of their home.

The walk was peaceful. Every once in a while, the footmen accompanying them would tell some history regarding certain buildings or structures. They’d been walking for almost ten minutes before a particular building caught Y/N’s eye. It was an orphanage that looked like an old school building. The children outside of the orphanage looked in admiration as the prince and his noble guests walked past their home. Y/N continued to look at the children and her pace began to slow. Amelie noticed her sister’s absence by her side and looked back to see what had captured her sister’s attention. Upon realizing what Y/N was looking at, Amelie’s mood was saddened. “Y/N,” Amelie called out, catching her attention. Y/N looked away quickly and regained her previous pace. The orphanage was a reminder. A reminder of what was at stake. A reminder of why everything had to go well in the job. This is why she couldn’t get distracted. This is why she needed to end whatever was going on between her and Thomas.

The group continued to walk through the town, learning some of their rich history along the way. During their walk, Thomas occasionally glanced at Y/N. He awaited the perfect moment for him to approach her, but he was constantly interrupted by other nobles asking him about the town’s buildings. He noticed when she stayed behind to look at the orphanage. He made a mental note to ask her about it when he had the chance, but for now, their walk had to continue. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder the reason behind her interest.

After thirty minutes of walking through the town, they made it to an open area, the center of Ethania, where they would rest before making their way back. This was the chance Thomas was waiting for. Y/N made her way to the large fountain to sit. She looked at her surroundings, trying to enjoy the overall feel of it, but finding herself still thinking about the orphanage. She thought about how happy the children seemed. About how they were well dressed and each had a toy of their own. It made her smile. A sad smile, but a smile nonetheless.

“Enjoying the tour?” that deep, smooth voice asked. Dammit. “It’s lovely here.” Y/N said simply, not looking at him. “I believed you would be accustomed to things like this.” He countered, turning his full attention towards her. Don’t look, she thought, if you do, you won’t get rid of him. “Every place has its beauty,” she responded, turning to him, “I’m not accustomed to this beauty.” Dammit, you looked. Thomas chuckled softly, showing that smile that mad Y/N melt just a little.

“I couldn’t help but notice you kept your eyes on a specific building,” he commented, moving a little closer to her. “The orphanage,” she responded, looking at her feet. Thomas nodded, “Is there a reason behind your interest?” Y/N took in a deep breath, attempting to find the words to explain it without saying something he could detect as a lie. “Where I live,” she began, “Only the fortunate children end up in orphanages. Those that aren’t as lucky live on the streets, helping older homeless people to get just enough food to eat that day. It made me happy to see that it's not the case here. They look happy and healthy. That’s what I want for the children from my home.” Thomas gently took her hand in his, catching her off-guard, “I’m certain you’ll find a way to help them,” He comforted, looking into her eyes only to get lost in them once more. Y/N smiled, wordlessly thanking him for his concern.

“We are ready to move on,” a royal footman announced. The nobles gathered again to make their way back to the meeting area. Y/N and Thomas walked side-by-side while a concerned Amelie glanced at them as they walked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: We are almost at the Half-way point of the story!! YAY! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I added a little bit of exposition in this that I will explain in a later chapter. Just wait. Thank you guys so much for your support. I hope you’re doing well during these rough times. As always, feel free to leave feedback translation; Plz do!! Thanks again for all the support! I wouldn’t have gotten this far had it not been for you guys!! I love you all so much and please stay safe out there!!

Taglist is OPEN

@ladyblablabla, @tvdplusriverdale, @pipolaki, @myraiswack, @shockwavee, @harringtonb-blog, @cynic-spirit, @little-moonbeam-666, @ochizokulevy, @swifitiedaylight, @blue-honey-bee-from-france @scorpionchild81, @imnotrevealingmyname

#marvel imagine #loki layfeyson x reader #loki fanfic #tomhiddlesedit #loki x reader #tom hiddleston #loki (marvel)#loki imagine #thomas hiddleston #loki laufeyson #thomas william hiddleston #tom hiddles #tom hiddelston x reader #tom hiddelston imagine #tom hiddelson #tom hiddleston x ofc #tom hiddleston x you #tom hiddleston imagine #tom hiddleston x reader

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psycheswritings · 5 years ago

Text

Nothing’s Fair in Love and War - Eight

Title: Nothing’s Fair in Love and War

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x Daphne Scott (OFC)

Warnings: Swearing, violence (it's canon violence thought, not really detailed. I think, so be warned), a poor atempt at romance, some bad researched things about weddings, domestic Alfie (because I was in the mood and I think you should be warned about it) and some fluff.

Word Count: 5137 (yeah, I know. Someone please stop me)

Author's Note: Helloooooo. Back with the update. And I apologize in advance because it seems like I have forgotten how to write romance. Don't know what to say today, really. Maybe I can make the suggestion that you hear the music “Fear on Fire” by Ruelle for the, let's say, first part of the chapter. It kinda sets the mood for the wedding and, well, what happens there. Talking about music, I kinda made a playslist for the fic, for inspiration and everything. Would you like if I shared it? Let me know. Thanks for everyone that liked and commented the last chapter (and the whole fic, in general). It's what keeps me writing (and posting, specially).

As always, this haven’t been proofread, so feel free to report any mistakes back to me; warnings are expecific for each chapter and tags are on the bottom. If you want to be tagged, let me know. Also, your feedback is also highly appreciated. Happy reading.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author of this story. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any previously copyrighted material. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Summary: The big day has come - Jane and Charles are getting married and there is a lot of unresolved tension hanging in the air. Daphne is doying her best at her job of maid of honor, trying to not get distracted by one certain guest. Tommy surprises Daphne with his dancing skills and makes decides to make a move to win her over. After that, he receives the file with informations about Daphne and gets a little unsure about things, deciding to make a call to sort out his feelings. Arthur goes to Camden Town celebrate Seder with Alfie and the turn of the events it's not that promising for the Shelby brother.

Masterlist

Eight

She haven’t seen or heard of Tommy in the following days from their encounter at Ada’s house. Daphne busied herself helping Jane with the rest of things that needed to be sorted before the ceremony and her increasing workload at the bakery but not even her hectic schedule seemed to be able to take her thoughts out of him. Constantly she caught herself wondering about how gentle was his touch when he held her close, or the way he looked at her with so much passion in his eyes, but mostly about the way he addressed this growing feeling between them.

The water had already turned cold when she got out of the tube, drying herself and putting on a robe. She sat down in front of the vanity and looked at the reflex in the mirror, sighing, before starting to brush her hair and pinning it up. Then she picked the locket that was resting on the vanity, not opening it, her fingers playing with the object like she had done a thousand times before. What would Benjamin think about all of this? Well, if he were still alive things would be a lot different, probably. It was in days like this that she missed him the most - the one person that knew what she was thinking even before herself sometimes. She put the necklace on before dressing herself to go and picking the things she needed, putting on her shoes and heading for the stairs.

“Fucking hell, lass, you’re a fucking vision.” Alfie was in the middle of the room, westriling with his tie. She smiled at him, slapping his hand away from the tie hanging from his neck and straightening his collar to tie the knot while he murmured. “I hate this stuff. Don’t know how Thomas can use it all the damn time.” She tried to hide it with a shy smile, but he saw the way she bit her lower lip at the mention of the Brummie’s name.

“Can you help me?” She turned around pointing at the strap that needed to be fastened at the base of her neck and he quickly tied it and then she turned back to look at him, his hands holding hers. “Thanks.”

“Fucking beautiful.”

“Stop it or I will think that you’re going soft.” She mocked him and the gangster just rolled his eyes.

“It’s true, though. Doubt that there is going to be a woman more beautiful.”

“Don’t let Jane hear that, she is supposed to be the most beautiful woman of the party today.”

“Well, she was the one who invited you for her maid of honor and chose you that dress, I’m only stating the obvious.” Daphne smiled at him, standing on her tiptoes and placing a kiss on his cheek, choosing to ignore the faint blush that crept onto his face.

“I’m going to the Weston’s house to help Jane get ready. I’ll meet you at the reception?” He just nodded at her, observing as she left and thinking to himself if this was gonna be the last moment of peace they would had for the following weeks.

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

“You look beautiful.” Was the first thing William said to her as her opened the door of his family’s home for her to enter.

“You don’t look half bad yourself.” She smiled, hugging him and then stepping inside the house. “Aren’t you supposed to be with Charles?”

“I’m on my way.” He kissed her cheek before taking his coat from the rack. “Jane is in her room with my mother and her friends. Make yourself at home.” Then he was out through the door and she made her way upstairs. She knocked on Jane’s bedroom door and let herself in to see the group of women walking from one side to the other of the room, doing different things. Immediately, she searched for the bride, finding her near the window looking a little overwhelmed. When her eyes found Daphne’s she cleared her throat, asking for the other women to give them some time.

“Thank God you’re here. I thought they were going to make me crazy.” They hugged each other and Daphne took a step back to look at the young woman properly.

“It’s okay, I’m here to help you now.” They smiled at each other and Daphne hushed her friend to the vanity to help her with her hair and makeup.

“You look beautiful. I’m really glad I chose a different color for you.” Daphne just smiled to her through the reflex in the mirror.

“Thank you my lady, but I guess this doesn’t matter that much because all eyes will be on you today.”

“Not all of them, I hope.” There was a mixture of insecurity and mischief in her tone and all that Daphne could do was give her friend a disapproving look when Mrs. Weston entered the room. They dressed Jane and then went to the church all together. She was waiting in the car with Jane, noticing that the younger woman was fidgeting, she took one of her hands on her own.

“Nervous?”

“A little.” The blonde let out a heavy breath after the confession. “It doesn’t make sense, right. I love him, I shouldn’t be this nervous!”

“Well, you’re about to start a new life with him. Everything will be different, I think I would be nervous to.” Jane looked at her for a second before saying.

“You would make a wonderful sister.” Daphne knew that it wasn’t her intention but she felt the pang in her chest anyways, Jane immediately recognized her mistake. “I’m so sorry, Daph. I didn’t meant it like that.”

“I know. And I’m honored, really.” The conversation was cut short by Mr. Weston, coming to let Daphne know that it was time for her to make her entrance. “Let’s get you married, huh?” Daphne said as she straightened Jane’s veil one last time, smiling at the bride before getting out of the car and climbing the steps of the church. She walked down the aisle alone, as she should, giving a reassuring smile at a very nervous Charles at the altar, before the band started to play the song for Jane to enter.

The youngest Weston seemed like an angel in all white, arm in arm with her father, a very delicate bouquet of white and blue flowers on her hands and a smile so bright it could light up an entire room. As it was expected, Charles shed some tears when he saw her. When she reached the altar, Jane handed the bouquet over to her maid of honor and it was in that moment that Daphne’s hazel eyes met Tommy’s in the crowd. It took a moment for her to register his presence, standing beside Ada, close to the front doors of the church. She averted her gaze quickly, concentrating in her tasks but during all the ceremony Daphne could feel his eyes on her.

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

It wasn’t like she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his entire life - Thomas was sure that there were a lot of women that could rival her in beauty. However, it wasn’t her physical appearance that attracted him, at least it wasn't just that. Because there was no denying that she looked, indeed, stunning, standing at the altar, dress of a pale blue, almost matching the color of the sky at the blue hour, hair delicately tied up, a touch of light makeup and the undeniable shade of blood red coating her lips that could be recognized even from the distance.

Their eyes met for a brief moment when she picked the bouquet from the bride’s hands but she was quick to avert his gaze. No, he was falling for her because of her alluring presence, her witty answers, the way she treated his family like they were hers, because she seemed to understand him and the business better than anyone. Ada got him out of his daze by elbowing him because they were supposed to sit now. For the rest of the ceremony he observed her, giving little attention to the rest.

He watched the newlyweds walking down the aisle, all smiles to each other, followed closely by William and Daphne, arm in arm, looking like the next couple in line for a wedding as they shared a friendly smile towards each other. Tommy knew that if he was a good man - a really, truly good man - he would back away and let her have a chance to be with someone that suited her better, someone like William. But he was no good man.

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

The reception was held on the Weston’s manor, as it was expected. The ballroom was richly decorated with flowers and candles, giving the place a cozy atmosphere. Foods and drinks of very expensive tastes were being served, people chatting all around the place. As a part of the wedding party, Daphne was with William, helping to receive the guests before the newlyweds made their entrance.

“If I ever decide to get married remember me of opting for a small reception.” Daphne murmured to William, making him laugh, in one of the few moments of calmness they had in the last half an hour.

“I will, because you can’t expect me to go through all of this again.”

“What, you want to be my maid of honour?” She mocked him, a playful smile on her lips.

“I was hoping so. Don’t you think I would look ravishing holding your bouquet at the altar?” Daphne had to hold herself back not to laugh out loud but the moment was cut short when they had to greet the next people in line. When her eyes focused on the pair in front of her she had to take a deep breathe to calm her nerves.

“Congratulations on your sister’s wedding, Mr. Weston.” Tommy extended his hand for best man that promptly shook it.

“Thanks, Mr. Shelby. And calm me William, please. Mr. Weston makes me sound like my father.”

“Then you may call me Thomas.” They nodded at each other. “This is my sister, Ada.”

“Pleased to meet you, Daphne talks a lot about you.” The Shelby sister said as William kissed her knuckles, smiling.

“Pleasure is all mine. Hope she left out the bad parts.”

“Of course not, where’s the fun in that.” Daphne objected, making them laugh.

“Ah, it’s unfair of you to be this beautiful.” Ada exclaimed hugging the other woman.

“You are quite the sight too.” And she was, indeed. Her short hair curled and left loose, bringing out the blue of her eyes, the dress of a deep green, making her look all classy. When they parted, Daphne prepared herself for the inevitable. “Thomas.”

“Daphne.” He mimicked William’s gesture towards his sister, kissing Daphne’s knuckles.

“Charles will be happy that you came. I think they had seated you in the same table as Alfie.” William said, looking at Daphne for confirmation.

“Yeah, that’s right. Good thing for you that he is in a good mood.”

“We must get going. See you two later.” Ada said smiling and pulling her brother along with her at the same time that Mrs. Weston came to them to let them know that they all would make her entrance now, before Charles and Jane. All the bridesmaids and groomsmen lined themselves up, them both Charles and Jane’s parents.

They were left for last, waiting for them all to walk into the ballroom. As it was tradition, Daphne was seated at the top table, with the newlywed couple and their parents along with the best man. Unfortunately, she and William were in opposite sides ends of the table, so she mostly observed the people around and tried to make small talk with Charles's mother on occasion until it was time for Will to make his speech.

“Well, I never thought I would be doing the best man’s speech at my little sister’s wedding.” Everybody laughed at William’s statement before he continued. “I have known Charles for the most part of our lives and Jane for all of hers and I know, despite having fought against it at the beginning, that they are probably the closest thing of a perfect match that we all have ever seen. Of course that I needed a little convincing accepting that my little sister, the one that was always following me around, was dating my best friend, but figured that there was no better person to put up with her. But I won’t elongate this too much because I know that everyone is more interested in the food than in hearing me. I just want to say that, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you too a very happy life together because everybody should experience the joy of loving and being loved in return at least one time on their lives.” Everybody clapped their hands as one teary eyed Jane launched herself into her brother’s arms and then Charles and William hugged each other, exchanging pats on their backs.

The food was served, everybody ate and drank happily and it was time for Mr. and Mrs. Johnson to share their first dance. Daphne had seen a fair share of couples in her life to know how to notice the differences when two people really loved each other or not and it was more than safe to say that these two were absolutely entranced with one another. After the first dance, the bride danced with her father and the groom with his mother, then Daphne danced with Charles and Jane with William, so the parents could dance two. And then she and William had to share a dance.

“I still can’t believe that my little sister just got married.” He sighed as they moved across the dance floor.

“To your best friend, of all people.” She mocked him and he just shook his head before laughing with her.

“You are absolutely mean, Miss Scott.”

“After all these years of coexistence with you I had to learn something.” William just narrowed his eyes at her in pretended offense as he swirled her around.

“You never thought about it?” Daphne looked at him, confused.

“What? Getting married?” He nodded. “Not really. You?”

“Sometimes.” There was a moment of silence and when people started to enter the dance floor and then she tried to lighten up the mood.

“Well, you are a good men. You will find someone soon. I think at least half of the ladies in this ballroom want me dead just because I am dancing with you now.” He just laughed at her statement before asking.

“Do you want to go talk to Alfie?” She nodded so he took her hand and they both headed to the table.

“There are they. We were just talking about you two.” It was Harriet who saw them first, talking for the other people on the table.

“Well, what’s so interesting about us?” Daphne asked as William pushed a chair for her to sit, beside Ada, before setting himself on the one next to her.

“The fact that almost every single woman in this room is giving you death glares for stealing away one of the most desired bachelors in all London.” Daphne laughed out loud, looking at William who was rolling his eyes.

“I told you.” She said to him and he waved his hand.

“Shut up.”

“And after that speech, mate, I think that you will have a line of admirers on your doorstep.” Alfie jokes, obviously not losing the opportunity of mocking his friend.

“Oh, fuck off you all.” There was a hint of a smile in his face and even Tommy had to give in and curve his lips up a little.

“If they only knew the pain in the ass he can be, they would think twice before running after him.”

“Mean, Scott, you’re mean.”

“I can only agree with her, you know. Think all this women should be more envious of the way this one looks, don’t you agree boys.” Harriet pointed at Daphne and then looked at Alfie and Thomas, pressing the both men for validation.

“Fucking vision, already said that to her, yeah.” Daphne threw a napkin at him, which he caught easily, laughing with everyone on the table. After the laughter died down, Daphne gave Harriet a sideways glance, which the courtesan promptly ignored, looking expectantly at Tommy. There was an air of tension around the table, the Brummie opened his mouth to speak, never really having the chance.

“Come on, girls. It’s time for the bride toss the bouquet.” It was Jane’s mother calling all the single women of the reception to go to the dance floor and try their luck at picking the bouquet and, allegedly, be the next one to tie the knot. Daphne audibly sighed, holding her face in between her hands.

“Don’t even think of skipping it.” Harriet got up from her seat and took Daphne by the hand, pulling her up. “We all are going.”

“I hate this stuff.” Daphne mumbled as Ada followed the two of them, giggling. The Shelby sister tried to cheer her friend.

“Don’t be like that. What are the odds of one of us getting that thing, anyways?” Apparently, the chances of one of them picking up the bouquet was very high, because the damned thing landed right on Daphne’s hands, even in the middle of a sea of other women that really wanted it. Jane looked at her, smiling brightly, and in a moment of pure and simple panic, the maid of honor tossed the bouquet for the crowd of desperate women and took a step back towards a very shocked bride. The blonde ended up laughing and hugging Daphne from behind, while they both looked as two of the guests fought for the object. After the end of the commotion the trio walked back to the table.

“You really refuse to settle down, don’t you?” Alfie more states than questions while Daphne sat down again.

“I don’t have time for this sort of thing and I definitely don’t need to be owned by a man.” Harriet and Ada expressed their agreements to the statement. “Let’s change the subject, please. I’m done with all this teasing.”

“Maybe I can help with that.” Tommy got up from his seat and walked to Daphne, standing his hand in front of her. “May I have this dance, Miss Scott?” The woman looked up at him, hazel eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and shock.

“I’m accompanied tonight, Mr. Shelby.” She nodded her head at William’s direction. They both knew that this had more to do with her trying to escape him than her really being asking for permission to do something.

“It’s okay, go with him.” They both looked at William as he got up from his own seat, buttoning his jacket. “Maybe I can persuade Mrs. Thorne in dancing with me?” Ada looked at little surprised by the question directed at her, but she mustered a little ‘sure’, before William walked to her, taking her hand and walking with her to the dance floor, leaving Daphne with no option but do the same, letting Tommy guide her through the tables.

They found a spot not so crowded and both fell easily into the upbeat tempo. She was more than surprised to discover that he was actually quite a decent dancing partner, swirling her around with ease and preventing them from colliding with other more enthusiastic couples. They didn’t shared a single word until the music changed to a slower tune and Tommy brought her closer. Unlike William, who had the discretion of maintaining his hand at the limit of the fabric of her dress, since it had a low cut in the back, Tommy’s hand rested delicately over her skin.

“How’s the arm?” She decided to break the silence, her hand was resting carefully over the place where the wound was.

“It’s healing alright, I had a good doctor stitching it up.” He smiled at her while she looked away.

“Not a doctor.”

“Sure as hell could be one.” The woman looked at him for a moment before saying.

“Didn’t wanted to. Not after…” She trailed off and he decided to take a bold guess.

“France?” She nodded and they fell into silence again. “I never got to answer the question, you know?” Her hazel eyes stared at him in question. “About how you look.”

“Thomas…”

“It was a good thing because I don’t know what Alfie would do if I said what was on my mind.” His blue eyes sparkled with something that she couldn’t quite recognize and Daphne had to remind herself how to breathe. “Because I couldn’t concentrate in anything but you during the ceremony. You and how you looked absolutely magnificent in this dress, standing at the altar and holding that fucking bouquet, smiling with these damned red painted lips.”

“Thomas…”

“And how I wanted to…” Daphne stopped, abruptly, but nobody gave much mind to it because the music was changing again.

“Please, don’t do this.” Tommy looked at her, confusion painted all over his face.

“Do what?”

“Make me want things I can’t have.” She walked off, disappearing over the other couples and leaving a very astonished Tommy in the middle of the dance floor. Daphne just had to get away from him and clear her head because she didn’t know what to do right now. Tommy, still standing in the same place she left him, shook his head, heading for the bar and asking for a whiskey, taking it in one gulp.

“She is probably on the library.” Tommy turned to the side to see William leaning into the counter, looking straight ahead.

“Excuse me?”

“Daphne. I saw her leaving.” The man took a sip of his drink and turned to look athe the gangster.

“The library?” William nodded. “And you’re telling me this why?” The doctor took a deep breath, downing the rest of the alcohol on his glass, ignoring the question.

“Out from that door, second to the left.”

“Why are you trying to help me?” It was more than clear that he liked Daphne too, so it didn’t make sense that he was trying to help. William turned to look at him before answering.

“I’m not doing this for you.” He walked away, leaving Tommy to ponder on what to do. The gangster decided to take a leap of faith, so he followed William’s lead and headed towards the door and what was supposed to be the library. He found her looking out of the window, arms crossed in front of her, distracted by her own thoughts. She turned to look his way when she heard the sound of the door closing and observed as he approached, stopping right in front of her.

She didn’t complained when he took a step closer, uncrossing her arms and sliping a hand to her waist and then to the lower of her back, invading her personal space and joining their foreheads. Instead she rested her hands on his chest, closing her eyes for a moment as he observed her, letting him hold her. He moved his other hand, the back of it ghosting over her arm until he rested his palm on the side of her face, inching her head up, urging her to look at him. Daphne slowly opened her eyes, holding his gaze for a moment before he leaned in and sealed their lips.

It was just a light touch, at the beginning. Tommy just kept their lips together for a second until he was sure that she wasn’t going to back away, so he licked her lips as if asking for permission to deepen the kiss and she let him. His fingers trailing over to the base of her neck, entangling themselves onto her brown locks while his other hand tried to bring her even closer, as he kissed her with a passion he hadn’t experienced in a while. That was when she melted against him, delicate fingers holding tight at the lapels of his jacket.

They parted from each other for a brief moment, catching their breaths and looking each other in the eyes before they kissed again. Tommy gently guided her a step back, pressing her to the window, hands travelling through her body to touch the exposed skin on her back, bringing goosebumps to her skin, trying to remind himself of where they were and not to think about how she must not the using a lip or a brasserie underneath that dress. Despite how he wanted her, it was Daphne and she deserved better than that.

This was the moment, in the middle of the library of the Weston’s house, hiding from the party roaring at the ballroom, her body pressed to him and the taste of her on his tongue, when Tommy accepted the fact that he was in love with Daphne Scott.

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

Tommy was distracted, filling some papers on his office, not noticing when John came in, juste realizing he wasn’t alone when his younger brother threw the file onto his desk. He looked up at hm, questionaly, before picking up the folder - it was from the War Office.

“It seems like you fucking that posh horse trainer had earned some benefits after all. Her connections from the War Office gave us Daphne’s file. Still don’t know what you need this for, but it’s there.”

“Did you read it?”

“No.” John watched his brother for a moment, noticing that he had made no move to open the file. “What you plan to do with that?”

“Don’t know yet.” It was true, he didn’t know what to do with the information. Specially considering what had happened after the wedding and how he couldn’t take his mind off of her - and how she tasted, how she squirmed under his touch, how she looked at him like he was something more than he thought he was. His younger brother nodded, turning to leave. Before he was out the door, John turned to look at Tommy again.

“She is a good woman, Tom. Far better than Grace.” There it was, that damn comparison that he’d been trying to avoid at all costs but it seemed to be impossible to escape from. He picked the folder from the desk, looking at it for a moment before locking it away on the drawer from where he picked an envelope. A letter that Grace had sent him - the only one he hadn’t burned. Before taking things further with Daphne he had to be sure of one thing, so he picked up the phone to make a call.

“Ritz Hotel. London, Picadilly.”

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

“The Passover started off way out there in the Far East, out in the sand, out in the desert, where my forefathers come from, the Jews, the brews, whatever you want to call them. It started out as a little speck on the horizon…” The eldest Shelby turned his head to look behind him, as two of Alfie’s man closed the doors of the bakery and Billy was quick to get closer to him saying.

“Arthur, this ain't right!”

“Billy...” Arthur started but was interrupted by Alfie.

“Billy, don’t worry mate. If you want, you can leave. If you need to go to the little boy's room, you can leave.”

“He's all right. He’s all right, Billy Boy.” Arthur said, trying to calm down the spirits.

“Do you want to leave?” The Jew asked.

“No, you I’m all right.” He didn’t sounded so sure,

“You want to stay?” Alfie pressed, holding himself back from smiling - Billy didn’t imagined how right he was. He never really liked the man, anyway. Nor the way he looked at himself and Daphne.

“I'll stay.” The man answered, holding Alfie’s gaze.

“You stay there, then, treacle. OK. So, the Pharaoh, have you heard of him? He kept my people, the Jewish people, in slavery for thousands and thousands of years.”

“Persecuted race.” Said Arthur, trying to show sympathy.

“He did, he persecuted my race. The killing of the innocent, right? Seder, this feast what we is having here, right? Seder is basically the day when the Jewish angels decided, you know, that the evil fucking Egyptians had pushed their fucking luck.”

“Right.”

“It's part of our tradition, to do with Seder, right, that in order to make it good with God to kill a king, we have to carry out the Korban Pesach.”

“Right.”

“That is the ritual sacrifice of the Passover goat.” One of the employers entered with the goat, holding it in place for the sacrifice.

“It's a goat!” Arthur said, surprised, sitting straight on his chair to take a better look at the animal.

“Yeah, and we are going to sacrifice it. Tonight. That is part of the reason why we have to shut the doors as well. But this year we thought we'd give the fucking goat a name.”

“You've named it?” The eldest Shelby smiled, a little amazed.

“We fucking did. Yeah.”

“They named the fucking goat.” Arthur said to Billy, who still looked worried about the whole situation but didn’t said another word about it.

“After the evil fucking Egyptian pharaoh.”

“The fucking enemy!” The Shelby brother cheered.

“That's right! You know what we called him?”

“What did you call him?”

“Tommy Shelby.” After that, all hell break loose. The man holding the goat cut its throat, another shot Billy Kimber, and another two held Arthur back by placing a cloth around his neck, bringing him to one of the pillars and holding him there.

“Fuck you!” Alfie kneed Arthur, stepping closer to the man.

“That's right, let's take the load off.” The Jew held Arthur head between his hands. “So, then the evil Egyptian scum was finally cleansed by the blood of the Passover goat.” Alfie passed the cloth soaked in the goat’s blood between Arthur eyebrows and on his lips, kissing him on both cheeks and murmuring into his ear. “That's from Sabini.” They knocked Arthur out, the blinder fell to the floor and Alfie rearranged things to make it look like it was the Shelby brother who had shoot Billy Kitchen. Then he nodded to his men open the doors and the police came in to take Arthur. “The fucking animal. He come in here, right, with a fucking gun and a razor, he shot him in the face. My lads, they restrained him. Look at him. He is dead. Is he dead? He is fucking dead! He wants arresting or something, right? Surely.” It was done, there was no going back now. All Alfie could do was hope that he had made the right choice.

Taglist: @stressedandbandobessed7771

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cas-kingdom · 6 years ago

Text

Her Ghost

A/N: Reader is the youngest Shelby sibling, as always. Enjoy! (Or not- it’s a sad one).

Find the OC version of this fic here.

Title: Her Ghost

Summary: He rides up to those hillsides on the same day every year and lights a fire, alone with nothing but his thoughts and Grace’s ghost.

Words: 2775

Grace had been gone for three years.

Three years Tommy had been without his wife.

Three years Charles had been without his mother.

Three years since the world had shone as bright as it had when Grace Shelby’s smile was still present.

Tommy always drew into himself a little each year around the time of the shooting. He’d let Ada mind Charlie, then ride up to the hillsides and stay there, in that one spot, for a couple days, exactly like he had done after Grace’s funeral and the many weeks that followed that, alone with nothing but his thoughts and Grace’s ghost. Then, he’d ride back to the house, and he’d hug his son, and it would seem as though he’d never been gone at all. It was only right to let him go. Thomas Shelby had a different way of grieving, but it was his own and there was nothing wrong with that.

You’d been living with your brother since he’d moved into his great mansion not long before Charles was born; at the time, he’d deemed fourteen too young to live by yourself, and Arthur and John too irresponsible to allow you to stay with them. He’d been the only acceptable candidate, in his opinion, though everyone doubted it would be different even if Arthur and John were agreeable to him.

Grace had been all to happy to comply. That was something you missed about her; she’d never even considered putting her and Tommy’s new family above the one he was born into and loved with every inch of his heart. She had adored you as if you’d been her sister, and she knew that her husband would not have been able to go a day without seeing you. That was just him, and he’d been lucky she’d known it.

Unsurprisingly, your brother had never brought up the prospect of you leaving to live by yourself; even at eighteen he was finding it difficult to let go of the reality that you were growing a little too old for him to continue to care for you as though you were still twelve, but you didn’t mind it as long as he stayed out of business that you didn’t want his nose in. Of course, he probably did it anyway, but you figured that was just one thing out of many that you couldn’t change about Thomas Shelby.

“Is that Ada?”

Tommy looked up from the paper he was reading behind his desk and craned his head a little to see past you and out the window. Sure enough, a carriage was driving up the path, and your sister’s face was just about visible in the dimmed window. He stood to his feet and walked towards you. “Yes, must be.”

“I didn’t know she was coming.”

“Well, you know now. She’s taking care of Charlie for a little while.”

You turned to face him, a frown painted on your face. He looked slightly crestfallen, if Tommy Shelby could look that way at all, and it was a little unfamiliar to you, but you decided not to address it. You knew why Ada was here, and yet, at the same time, you didn’t. “Tom, you know I’m perfectly capable of looking after a five-year-old by myself, yeah? I mean, I know I’ve only just turned eighteen, but a little bit of trust can go a long way.”

Tommy didn’t look away from the window, instead sighing and straightening. He crossed his arms over his chest. “I do trust you,” he said, “and you know that.”

“I can look after Charlie while you go, then. Send Ada home.”

“No.”

His voice was as calm as ever, and his gaze out the window wasn’t even focusing on anything now that Ada’s carriage had turned around the corner, but he was still staring, eyes almost completely unfocused and body utterly still. Confused, you sat on the ledge of the window. “Why not? Why can’t I look after Charlie alone?”

“Because you won’t be here.” He turned at this, and you barely had time to register his words before he placed his hands on your shoulders and looked you straight in the eye. You didn’t respond, simply staring straight back at him, waiting for him to continue with what he so obviously wanted to say. Nevertheless, Tommy’s expression quickly shifted, and in a few seconds, you were being pulled up and into a strong, warm chest, two arms going around your back to hold you against him. “I want you to come with me,” he said, his voice nothing more than a whisper.

At first, you had no idea what to say. This was such a turn of events, and you couldn’t understand it. He wanted you to come with him to the place he visited, alone, every year? So many questions were gushing through your mind, and yet you couldn’t bring yourself to ask them. He was quiet, and his grip on you was strong, a sure sign that he was attempting to keep himself composed. A barely audible shaky intake of breath only further confirmed that.

“Okay.” He wouldn’t have wanted to answer questions.

Ada said nothing about the excursion she knew she’d been called to look after Charles for. She entered the house, complained about the weather, and reminded her brother to take an extra blanket before heading off down the corridors, calling her nephew’s name.

“Y/N’s coming with me,” Tommy called, half-expecting his sister to turn and give him one of her confused looks. In fact, quite the opposite appeared on her face. She smiled at him, and it held something akin to relief.

“Alright, Tommy,” she said softly. “Good. I’m glad. Bring two extra blankets.” She gazed at him a little longer, a strange look in her eye that the man was sure had something to do with the fact that she was happy he was taking you along with him, before turning to walk off again.

The journey to the top of the hills wasn’t a long one. If you walked a little way down, you could just about see the top of the house through the canopies of trees and bushes surrounding the area. Ada was right; it was extremely cold, but Tommy quickly got a fire going and set you down in front of it, wrapping the four extra blankets around your shoulders. “You get used to the cold,” he said, sitting next to you. The horses were freely grazing around the hills – both you and your brother had spent months training them to return to you when called and thankfully had succeeded eventually – and it seemed as though the weather wasn’t bothering them.

You turned to face the fire and involuntarily shivered, scooting closer to your brother and leaning your head on his shoulder once you were close enough for him to wrap his arm around you.

“How long are we staying out here?” you asked. The sky was beginning to get dark, and though the coldness was increasing, the fire was doing its job well, the orange flames dancing in the wind and throwing its heat towards you to envelop you in a circle of warmth.

“Bailey’s going to ride up here in a few hours to take you back.”

“Is that for my benefit or yours?”

Tommy took a deep breath in as if in preparation to speak but found that no words came out once he’d opened his mouth. He shook his head, biting his bottom lip for a brief moment. “I don’t want you to get a cold.”

You knew that was his discreet way of giving his answer. It was for your benefit, as it always was, but you could tell that he’d wanted you to join him for a reason. Whether that be because he needed to speak to you about something, or simply because he wanted the company, you would be with him until he asked for you to leave, the cold be damned. “I’ll tell Bailey to go back when he comes up.”

“If that’s what you want.”

You nodded. It was what he wanted, and so it was instantly what you wanted. “So. How long?”

“Just tonight and tomorrow. We’ll leave when the sun goes down in the evening. That was how long we used to stay.” You knew that by ‘we’ he was most definitely referring to Grace and himself. You could vaguely remember the couple always sending you off to Arthur’s while the nurses cared for Charlie simply so they could ride out to the hillsides and spend the night watching the stars. The next day, they’d sit and talk, and play the board games they brought out with them, and eat the picnic they’d packed the day before, and then they’d be off riding back home later just in time for dinner. They did that a few times, but for some reason stopped as time went by. Now, you suspected Tommy had just gotten busy with work and Grace with Charles, though back then you’d thought nothing of it and simply believed they must’ve gotten bored.

Looking at your brother now, you could tell that had never been the case. His head was turned upwards, blue eyes focusing on the barely visible stars, a look on his face that seemed so desperate and full of plead that you almost felt as though you were intruding on his thoughts. It was clear to you that he was willing his love back, with every inch of his body, mind and soul. And heart. For she’d had it all; you knew it.

“Why did you want me to come tonight?” You shifted slightly so that you were sat in front of him between his legs and leaned back against his chest. You heard him sigh, and for a moment you wondered if he’d ignore the question.

“I feel different this time,” he admitted, reaching over to grab a few more blankets and draping them around both of you. He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around your waist, gently tugging you back a little more towards him. You were more or less warm, now, what with the thick layers of clothing and six woollen blankets, and the added heat you gave each other helped immensely. “It’s been three years, Y/N, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of her.”

“I know.”

“I usually come up here alone, because it gives me peace of mind. Makes me feel like she’s here, you know? This is our spot.” His voice was quiet, barely audible in the howling wind, but you could hear it fine in your cocoon of warmth. “I wanted some company tonight,” he said, “that’s all. I feel like I- I miss her more. Right now. I do. I miss her more and I didn’t want to be alone.” He finished his sentence with a cough, one that reminded you of the time at Grace’s funeral when he’d had to introduce the ceremony. He’d been close to tears, everyone could tell, and yet he wouldn’t allow himself this one time to succumb to his emotions. He’d finished his small speech, coughed and then moved away to sit back down next to Arthur. This time, however, you weren’t surprised to feel the small patch of wetness beginning to grow on your neck, right where the blankets weren’t covering it. You wouldn’t look up, else he’d get embarrassed and turn his head away, and you needed him to know that it was alright for him to cry. He was in a place now where he knew he wouldn’t be judged for grieving, and you were glad that he at least had a consciousness somewhere in his head that had told him it was okay for him to let his tears fall in the first place.

Without a word, you reached your hand to the ones he had resting on your waist and clasped it gently, not surprised in the least when he returned the hold. “I’m glad I’m here with you.”

“I’m glad you’re here, too, firefly.”

The nickname had been given to you when you were a small two-year-old that toddled after fireflies in the dark of the night with your two eldest brothers who took you there to keep you distracted from your ill mother. She’d been sick, and your little brain hadn’t been able to understand why she didn’t want you to see her, but whenever the waterworks came on, Tommy and Arthur would bundle you up in warm clothes and drive you out of Birmingham and into the country to catch the little light bugs in mason jars.

You smiled. “If I wasn’t here, I’d be listening to Ada ramble on about God knows what. She doesn’t think. She just speaks.”

Tommy laughed, and you could hear the rich emotion in his voice. He rubbed your shoulders and sniffed, resting his chin on your shoulder. “That’s the only reason you agreed to come with me, yes?” he asked, a hint of a teasing smile in his watery voice. “So you could get away from our dear sister.” You breathed a laugh and dropped your head to the side slightly, gently leaning it on his.

“No,” you said, the firelight dancing in your eyes. “You wouldn’t have asked me to come if you didn’t need me to.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“I’d go with you anywhere, you know.”

“I do.”

“So, you know I’ll always be here, yeah? Even if you don’t want to talk, I’m still here. We all are.”

Tommy smiled, shutting his eyes for a brief moment and swallowing the thick lump in his throat. “I know,” he whispered. He heaved a deep sigh and turned his head to kiss your temple. “I appreciate that.”

“I love you, Tom.”

“Love you too, Y/N.”

The rest of the night was spent talking, and while not one thing uttered to each other was of Grace, the both of you could feel her presence beside you, listening to your conversations and laughing that melodic laugh of hers when appropriate. When the stable master rode up on his bay horse a couple hours later, Thomas politely asked him to return, telling him to let Ada know you wouldn’t be coming home that night. You talked some more, and a while later you slowly began to drift off to sleep, cushioned by your brother. He set you down on the rest of the blankets he’d brought along and lay next to you, thinking to himself and dropping off not long after. The next morning, you woke to the heat of the rising sun on your face, ate breakfast with Tommy, went for a walk in the woods which somehow ended with the two of you climbing trees and playing a childish game of Tag, and by the time the sun had set you were both riding back to the house in great spirits, your brother’s pearly teeth shining as he smiled the whole way back.

Though his annual trip up to the hillside was usually solitary, forlorn and silent, Tommy was glad he’d spent it in happiness, this time. Not a moment had gone by when he didn’t think about how much Grace would have liked to be there with you both, being the one to catch you when you jumped from the tree’s branches instead of him, and eating those shining green apples that she so used to love, but every time his sapphire eyes landed on your grinning face, and every time his ears caught the sound of your laughter, he knew that his wife would never have wanted him to use his grief and sit alone in the cold, the only sign of life being the flames in front of him; she would have wanted him to take his sister up to their spot, and talk and walk with her like the two were children again. She would have wanted him to fall asleep next to something that wasn’t an empty side of the bed. She would have wanted him to feel the sun on his face instead of being too deep in his haunting memories to even notice it. She would have wanted him to remember her as something more than a ghost. She would have wanted him to live.

And so that was what he’d done.

For you, for himself, and for her. With every inch of his mind, body and soul, he’d lived.

Because she’d had it all, and this was what she would have wanted.

She’d had it all.

Peaky Masterpost

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lgbtqiahistoricalromance · 6 years ago

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Most Anticipated LGBTQIA+ Historical Romance Novels for 2019

Any Old Diamonds by KJ Charles

- In which we stick it to a duke. Any Old Diamonds is set in the late Victorian era and inspired by a number of things: a real historical crime (not telling you which, that would be a giveaway), the popular theatre of the time (hence the music-hall title), and my urge to find out what happened to some characters in my Sins of the Cities series, set twenty years earlier. I loved writing this one; I hope you enjoy a more-sociopathic-than usual hero.

How to Talk to Nice English Girls by Gretchen Evans (February 14 - @carnationbooks )(f/f)

- n the aftermath of The Great War, everything is changing. But not for Marian Fielding.Marian’s life is quiet and predictable in the solitude of the English countryside, where she plans to remain and care for her parents.But Marian’s world is turned upside down when she meets brash, confident Katherine Fuller. Katherine arrives at the Fieldings’ estate for the wedding of Marian’s sister and immediately shakes things up. Instead of keeping an eye on the ill-mannered American girl and keeping her out of trouble, Marian finds herself magnetically drawn to Katherine’s vivacious nature, and they are swept into a whirlwind romance that will change both of their lives.But will Katherine’s unconventional behavior ruin their chance at happiness? Can Marian leave her old life behind? Will two women from different worlds find a way to be together against all odds and expectations?

Royal Court (A Royal Romance Book Three) by Jenny Frame (January 14 - Bold Stroke Books)

- Captain Quincy is a steady and reliable Royal Marines officer, decorated for gallantry after a mission that nearly killed her and the men under her command. At a crossroads in her career, Quincy reluctantly accepts when her old comrade, Queen Georgina, asks her to join the Royal Protection Command as the Queen Consort’s new protection officer. Holly Weaver, Royal Dresser and self-confessed man-eater, starts to question her sexuality when she has a girl-crush on famous actor, Story St. John and, then, polo player and friend of George’s, Captain Quincy. The good-looking captain’s emotionless personality is the opposite of Holly’s exuberant lust for life. When a threat to the Queen Consort emerges, Quincy and Holly clash over the best way to protect her. As the fiery passion they can’t deny begins to melt Quincy’s heart, Holly must decide how much of her own she is willing to risk.

The Replacement Husband by Eliot Grayson (January 4 - Smoking Teacup Books)

- Goddess-blessed Owen Honeyfield is destined to enjoy perfect good fortune. The arrival of handsome and eligible Tom Drake in his country town appears to be the latest manifestation, and Tom’s whirlwind proposal is the fulfillment of Owen’s desires. When his betrothal takes a disastrous turn, Owen is left heartbroken and at the mercy of Arthur, Tom’s disapproving elder brother. His reputation ruined and his bright future shattered, Owen must choose between loneliness and a marriage of convenience, with love no longer in reach. Arthur Drake has always taken responsibility for Tom’s scandalous behavior, but this time is worse — it isn’t just the family name at stake, but his own happiness. When Tom’s impulsive selfishness threatens to ruin the lives of everyone involved, Arthur has only one honorable choice. He’ll need to repair the damage Tom has done and fight for his chance at love, knowing all the while he may never be able to take Tom’s place in Owen’s heart.

Deosil (Whyborne & Griffin series) by Jordan L Hawk (Second half of 2019)

Hexhunter (Hexworld series) by Jordan L Hawk (February)

- Finally, Isaac and Bill’s story in this wonderful series. Watching them work around each other, and hoping they would have an installment, has been one of my major reading wants for awhile now.

A Place for Wolves by Kosoko Jackson (April 2 - Sourcefire Books)

- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets Code Name Verity in this heartbreaking and poignant historical thriller. (YA!!)

James Mills isn’t sure he can forgive his parents for dragging him away from his life, not to mention his best friend and sister, Anna. He’s never felt so alone.Enter Tomas. Falling for Tomas is unexpected, but sometimes the best things in life are.Then their world splits apart. A war that has been brewing finally bursts forward, filled with violence, pain, and cruelty. James and Tomas can only rely on each other as they decide how far they are willing to go—and who they are willing to become—in order to make it back to their families.

The Seventh of December by Garrick Jones (January 14 - Manifold Press)

- Even in wartime, London can still be glamorous, but for Tommy and his handsome American a secret mission for a Royal Duke puts life, love, freedom and the future of the world in desperate danger…

As bombs rain down over London during the Blitz, Major Tommy Haupner negotiates the rubble-filled streets of Bloomsbury on his way to perform at a socialite party. The explosive event of the evening is not his virtuosic violin playing, but the ‘almost-blond’ American who not only insults him, but then steals his heart.

The Seventh of December follows a few months in the lives of two Intelligence agents in the early part of World War Two. Set against the backdrop of war-torn occupied Europe, Tommy and his American lover, Henry Reiter, forge a committed relationship that is intertwined with intrigues that threaten the integrity of the British Royal Family and the stability of a Nation at war. Neither bombs nor bullets manage to break the bond that these men form in their struggle against Nazism and the powers of evil.

Diplomatic Relations (Si Regency series) by JL Langley (February 19 - Dreamspinner Press)

- Opposites don’t just attract… they sizzle.A lusty special forces soldier who lives by his own set of rules, Dalton Fairfax decided long ago to stop wishing for his father’s love, and he found his calling. Now that he’s back home and between assignments, he finds himself at loose ends. When the opportunity arises to play bodyguard and help out his country, Dalton jumps at the chance. Not only does it keep him busy, but it just so happens that his charge is the man he saw on leave last month and hasn’t been able to get out of his head.Heir to a dukedom and a conservative politician, Blaise Thompson strives to prove himself worthy of carrying on the family legacy as the next IN Councilman. However, his closest competitor keeps getting in the way and taking credit for Blaise’s ideas. Maintaining his stellar reputation isn’t easy to do while keeping his outrageous younger brother in line and foiling his rival’s personal attacks. He has no time for a guard and even less time for romance.When a priceless antique goes missing, Blaise and Dalton discover that Regelance has larger problems than just IN plots. Now the only way to stop a scandal that threatens both of them is to compromise, and they are forced to confront the risk of losing everything… even each other.

Slay Ride by Josh Lanyon (February)

- 1943 Montana. Wounded in the Pacific, Police Chief Robert Garrett was hoping for a little much needed Peace on Earth, but finds himself chasing after a “fiendish” killer on Christmas Day–aided by eager young reporter Jamie Jameson.

Nomad’s Dreams by August Li (January 29 - Dreamspinner Press)

- Two men, each with a hidden destiny. Can they defeat a web of deceit and dark magic to ensure their fates intertwine?Bedouin Isra al-Grayjaab’s dreams lead him to Janan, an amnesiac beggar on the street of Qena—one who steals his heart and starts him on a seemingly hopeless quest. With only their wits, Isra’s knowledge of the desert’s secrets, and the aid of a mercurial djinn, they must recover Janan’s past. But neither can predict his true identity or the lengths others will go to see that his mind remains broken and his true power out of his reach.In a sweeping romantic adventure that takes them across the Eastern Desert to the modern streets of Cairo and on to the luxurious Red Sea Coast, Janan and Isra seek a truth that will either bring them into each other’s arms or tear them apart forever.

An Impossible Distance to Fall by Miriam McNamara (June 4 - Sky Pony)(YA!)(f/f)

- When the stock market crashed in 1929, it took Birdie’s whole life with it. A year later, she’s still struggling with the collapse of her father’s bank and his subsequent disappearance, and she’s determined to find him. She finally gets a clue when she sees a picture of the Jenny biplane that vanished with him on a leaflet advertising a barnstorming circus. She heads to Coney Island to get some answers, and promptly falls in love with the majestic spectacle of it all, from stuntmen to lady pilots, and especially with pilot June. When signs point to her father having moved on to Chicago, Birdie decides to hitch a ride with the circus. But while the circus folk might be the best thing that’s ever happened to her, a privileged girl who doesn’t understand how things work in the real world might be the worst thing that’s ever happened to them.

Moonwitch by MJ Willow (January 30 - @lessthanthreepress )

_ When several soldiers are attacked by wolves in the Duchy of Kamare, Prince Athanes travels north to solve the mystery. But the more he learns of the attacks, the more he realizes there is far more at play than hungry, desperate animals looking for food. He finds an unexpected ally in Faelan, a local hunter, but even he seems to have his own secret agenda…

A Shimmer In The Night (Dark Is The Night 2.5) by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood (January 1 - x-potion designs)

- Benjamin Prichard has spent much of his life feeling like an outsider. Growing up, his odd behaviour and visions of ghosts left him isolated, not to mention being the child of an immigrant mother and an absent father. Benjamin walks the line between not being Chinese enough for one community, and not English enough for the other. Whisperwood School for Boys changes everything. More specifically, Preston Alexander does. Drawn into a close circle of friends for the first time, Benjamin finally feels as though he’s found somewhere he belongs. But life is never simple; his feelings for Preston are hardly platonic, and Benjamin doesn’t need one more reason to stand out—which means the option of pursuing those feelings is off the table. But after graduation, when tragedy flips his world upside-down, Benjamin will need to decide which path he wants to chase: the one his mother always wanted for him, or the one that follows the boy he loves.

Ones to Watch (Up and coming authors I follow on Twitter that are winning awards in their own regions, some published, but I would like to see more of their work!)

Isabelle Adler - working on an arranged marriage, fantasy plot to be published by Nine Star Press - Frost?

Tamara Allen - has published some lovely works, and now that she has recently released something new, I’m hoping she has something else for us in 2019

Cristina Bruni - published the charming Hearts at Sea from JMS Books, and I like her work with the sweet plot line

Blake Ferre - working on a series based in Revolutionary France - The Scarlet Crest - The King’s Secret

Drew Marvin Frayne - his The Bibliophile novel was one that should have been on my Best of 2018 list, but I wasn’t able to read it in time - a sweet May/December with a western them, but it also tackled the subject of US government’s mistreatment of Native Americans and the consequences it caused

Jude Lucens - author of Behind These Doors, one of absolute favorite novels of 2018, and indeed many years before it - must see a second full novel in the series

Aleksandr Voinov - writes so many beautiful stories, but hoping for a new historical this year; his talent shines with the details

Lee Welch - received a lot of acclaim for Salt Magic, Skin Magic, and though I am not a rabid reader of fantasy, I want more…

#historical romance #lgbt romance #lgbt books #queer romance

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aion-rsa · 4 years ago

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WandaVision Episode 9 Review: The Series Finale

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This WandaVision review contains spoilers.

WandaVision Episode 9

How do you end a series like WandaVision? Well, if the ninth and final episode of the Disney+ show is anything to go by, then the answer is… busily. Beginning with an intense and almost jarringly fast-paced action sequence that spanned most of the first two acts of the 42 minute run time, “The Series Finale” is fully aware of all it had to answer. And for the most part, Matt Shakman and Jac Schaeffer do a solid job of tying up the many loose ends. While the pacing might be a little frantic at times, by the time the credits roll–and the delightful post-credits scenes surprises–you’ll likely feel very satisfied by this experimental and emotional conclusion for a show that has been both of those things during its best moments.

We start directly where we left off with Agatha (Kathryn Hahn) and Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) facing off in Westview. The former is desperate for the power which the latter wields, even if she doesn’t quite know what to do with it yet. But that’s all soon to change.

Wanda’s entire life has been about adapting. Whether to the death of her parents, the powers she was gifted by the Mind Stone, the death of her brother, or her role as an Avenger, she’s always evolved and changed in order to survive. And that’s exactly what happens here. Her battle with Agatha is one that’s constantly teaching her the rules of her own magic, and the boundaries–or lack of them–that she has to work within. While Agatha thinks she’s outsmarting her lesser, Wanda is taking on the role of student, imbibing anything she can from the age old witch.

That duality and antagonistic student/teacher relationship is reflected in the equally dramatic scenes between the Vision (Paul Bettany) and his new white counterpart. While White Vision (also Paul Bettany) was sent to Westview to destroy Wanda and her family by SWORD, it’s not long before he’s outsmarted by the Vision that Wanda created to fix her grief. In one of the best moments of the series and of the MCU’s decade-plus long run, with Bettany giving an incredible performance acting against himself in a philosophical debate around existence itself.

It’s a truly powerful exploration of the character and of the idea of personhood itself. Despite all of the MCU‘s science fiction trappings, it rarely touches on the darker ethical struggles that make the genre sing, and here we finally scratch that surface. And, of course, the Vision who can love and feel convinces the new (or is it old?) Vision of his own agency, helping him to restore his memories before the pale synthezoid flies off into the sky to freedom.

With all that action going on–and there’s a lot of it–you could be forgiven for thinking that WandaVision has forgotten about the thing that makes the show so special: its heart. Don’t worry, your giant-size box of tissues will still come in handy because as much as Agatha might be a force for chaos she does seem to want to help Wanda see the truth behind her actions. When she does, our hero can no longer live in the pretense she’s built around herself and her dream family. In both the comics and on screen, creators have struggled to give Wanda agency. But this series has done a lot of work to fix that.

Here Wanda isn’t a pawn in a greater scheme or an innocent used for malevolent means. She’s a grieving woman who did something terrible and is finally working her way to making it right. While her tragedy is still front and center, it’s she who eventually makes the decisions that she needs to begin to fix it. There’s no Charles Xavier or Stephen Strange swooping in to save her from herself. Instead, we see a Wanda who sacrifices her happiness to make amends.

In case the allusion here isn’t clear, Wanda has to give up her dream life in order to save the denizens of Westview who’ve all been under her grief spell. She knows it’s the right thing to do. Once she beats Agatha and takes on the guise of the Scarlet Witch, she does it without question. It’s a transformative moment for Wanda, not only because she literally does a cool magic transformation into her new costume but because she finally knows the truth about herself and her powers, and is coming to terms with it alone. She rejects the easy option which would be to continue living in Westview under the spell of her own power with the imaginary family she’s created. Instead, she decides to truly deal with the loss she feels and begin anew as herself facing the trauma she’s both suffered and caused.

Olsen has, of course, been the star of this series, and the meta-series within a series that the show began as. But she really sells every heartbreaking moment of the finale. Both she and Bettany make every second feel unbearably tender as they tuck their kids into bed for the last time. Vision’s empathy and compassion towards his wife is a master stroke of emotional storytelling, as it’s such a great foil to Wanda’s almost impossible to navigate grief. The pair share a season best exchange as they wait for the Hex to swallow them up and free Westview while erasing Vision and the boys from existence. It’s heartbreaking and speaks to the level of care and precision that the pair have taken with their character work.

The Mid Credits Scene

The episode ends with Wanda leaving Westview, still viewed as a villain by those who were her victims but as more of an empathetic anti-hero by Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris). Monica doesn’t get much screen time this week which is a shame, but she gets a great hero moment and a mid-credits scene that sets up her cosmic path to Captain Marvel 2.

Elsewhere, Hayward has been arrested after being trapped by the boys and Monica, then incapacitated by Darcy (Kat Dennings) in that funnel cake truck from last week. Jimmy Woo looks like he’s in charge of… something involving the FBI investigation of what’s been happening. SWORD needs a new leader now anyway, so could he take on the role? We’d love to see more of him so we’re here for it. With Monica visited by a Skrull and the rest of the crew getting on with life, everything seems to be set up for a SWORD and space heavy MCU Phase four… at least until we get to the post-credits sequence.

The Post Credits Scene

Usually I don’t talk about post-credits sequences in reviews but this one was so cool I had to. We find Wanda at a rural mountain range, that if you’re a fan of her comic book history you might recognize. She sips tea and seems to have found a kind of peace. But as we follow the camera into the bedroom we discover another version of Wanda. It’s the Scarlet Witch reading the Darkhold and taking in all its power. It’s a striking image and one that is only interrupted when we hear Billy and Tommy screaming for their mom to help them. It’s a bold cliffhanger that we sadly will likely not see resolved or touched upon again until Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

But until then, we should all celebrate this show that swung for the fences and hit a home run. This was a rare series that tried to do something new and different and actually managed it. That, even in the world of franchise blockbusters and corporate owned IP, had a heart, soul, and message. And that always managed to feel real and emotionally honest in spite of the metatextual shell it was presented in. We’ll miss you, WandaVision.

The post WandaVision Episode 9 Review: The Series Finale appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3e6vH8C

#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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moonbaby26 · 4 years ago

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Title: The Battle

Pairing: Peter Maximoff x Reader

Summary: Continuation from last chapter. Set during X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, you and the others fly to Cairo to confront Apocalypse and his soldiers in an attempt to rescue Xavier.

Warnings: Apocalypse being a leg breaking, hero strangling jerk. Characters fighting for their lives, but bookended with fluff from Peter x Reader pairing.

Chapters: Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Taglist: @drikawinchester , @n0obmaster69 , @alexloveskili , @what-a-silver-lining , @bluesprings18 , @weakmoony-stuff , @slytherinsi-mp, @wintwrsoldiwr, @tommy-braccoli, @amourtentiaa

Peter Maximoff x Reader Masterlist

———————————

You’d at least gotten to clean up somewhat. Earlier as Hank and the new woman you’d just met, Moira, had worked on readying the jet, you’d found some bit of helpful supplies. Clean rags to wipe off the blood, and bandages that’d you’d hurriedly applied to your shallow claw wounds.

All the remnants of your restraints were gone, and your old, torn clothes you’d just tossed in favor of the thin jumpsuit and lightly armored black flight suit over the top of it. You all wore these suits, commandeered with this experimental jet now rumbling beneath you as you shot off to Cairo together.

There was silence for a good while, after some initial nervous chatter and joking from the others. It would have been too easy to fill this quiet with any of the myriad of questions still rushing through your brain, but you really had just listened and little more when they’d filled you in earlier with the gist of what they’d learned.

All that really mattered was that the Professor was being held captive by a seemingly omnipotent mutant. One that had now declared war on all and recruited his own powerful soldiers. This was a rescue mission, with likely all your lives at stake.

You leaned your head back, wondering if anyone else would really even know or care what had happened to you if you never came back from this.

The escape from Stryker’s lab had been life threatening as well of course, but it was so different when it’d just been one thing after another. Events unfolding too quickly to really develop any sense of dread, it’d been all adrenaline and luck really.

But even in a jet like this, flying all the way to Egypt was more than just a skip and a jump. It was well enough time to dwell on your own inexperience and shortcomings, to wonder if this was the last time you’d ever do anything at all.

“Hey,” Peter’s voice was quiet, just to you, as you glanced over, having been mired only in your own thoughts until that moment.

He was sitting beside you, both of you strapped in these jump seats that ran along both sides of the jet. Vaguely you realized the others had started talking once more as well then. Maybe that was why he felt more comfortable speaking to you again now.

He hadn’t addressed you directly since you’d reunited with the others. Though you wouldn’t blame him if he was just as nervous as you were deep down. But from his self deprecating jokes in front of your friends earlier, about still living at home with his mother, he would at least seem better at hiding fear if he did have any.

“Hey,” You answered back reflexively, looking at him fully again.

“So uh....” He was chewing a piece of gum, as if some part of him still had to stay in motion in order to remain comfortable. “That car, that was pretty sweet. That yours or what?”

Honestly it took you a very long, awkward pause before you could piece together any idea of what he was referring to. But being that you’d only known him since literally just earlier today, there wasn’t anything else he could possibly mean. “The yellow convertible?” You questioned anyway, not really surprised by much of anything now.

“Yeah, I mean, I take the road if there is one. I saw you guys on the way to the house,” He answered, still offering a little explanation regardless. “Looked like you knew what you were doing though.” There was a more sheepish grin emerging. “I was going to stop and say hey I guess. But then I saw the, you know, fireball coming out the house and all, had to go see what that was about. Save everybody or whatever...” He trailed off after a bit, maybe realizing that you were just letting him ramble.

It reminded you of how you’d acted with him during the whole lab fiasco. He seemed the more confident one down there, while you got easily flustered. You really wondered if having your friends here now was making the difference. As if he was more unsure of himself when there was a potential audience to hear what you might say back to him.

It was interesting, getting to put more of those pieces together, or at least starting to be able to when it came to him. For putting on the display of an extrovert, and if you could finally admit it, even him being an outright flirt, you felt more and more sure that that was only skin deep really. That was just the outer layer he protected himself with.

“It was one of the Professor’s cars,” You smiled genuinely, probably the first one since they’d told you where you were going in this jet and why. “We were on our way back from the mall.”

That warmth from you seemed to ease him back into his normal tone, maybe a slight relief in him that you didn’t find it off putting that he’d already taken notice of you before you even knew he was anywhere around.

“Oh, mallrat, huh?” He quipped, “I can picture that.”

He was teasing, but you gave it right back. “There is no way you can tell me that you don’t end up in music stores wherever you live, like a lot.” You hadn’t forgotten his band t-shirt after all. You thought you’d seen him putting away headphones at some point too. “And that leather jacket and pants you had? Come on, that didn’t come from some bargain clothes rack.”

You might have had him for just a moment there. Just a flicker of surprise in his eyes to know you really had paid him that much attention, before he retorted, “Hey, what’s the point of a fast car if it has no style, right?”

“Says the guy who most people can’t even see until he slows down.” But you were purposeful to make clear in your tone that that wasn’t an insult at all, just continuing a little more bravely afterward, “Though their loss I guess.”

There was no mistake then, he really did pause. You could feel the slightest bit of heat in your face again, but you were not about to take that back. Not when you didn’t even know what was really awaiting you all at the end of this flight.

And you were still the next one to speak, that resolve remaining. “If we make it out of this, maybe you can come with me back over there to our mall. Help me pick out some new stuff.” You tried not to make it sound funny, but on some cosmic level it still was. “Seeing as how my room and everything I owned was incinerated and all.”

“Deal.” He said immediately. Only a little afterward seeming to realize that maybe he sounded a bit too eager. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. “I mean, I’m pretty good at Ms. Pac Man too. They have an arcade, right?”

“Yes.” You answered, trying not to look too amused, and going along with him to help him feel more comfortable. “I can’t say I’m actually any good, but they do have a Flash Gordon pinball machine I always play. And a couple of air hockey tables. That’s my go-to.” No question with his speed that he would likely annihilate you on both. But the idea of being in a much simpler, safer place like that with him some day was a pleasant one right now.

“Oh yeah. I can show you a thing or two.” He was clearly back in his element then, looking smug once more.

“I’m sure you will.” You could only wonder if the god complex mutant and his lackeys you were now off to go challenge would have any idea that in the back of your mind you’d now be dreaming of a simple date in an arcade as extra motivation to get back home in one piece.

———————————

It wasn’t long before things had started spiraling in quick succession again. You’d all arrived in Cairo to find it essentially destroyed, save for what this fake god had already erected in monument to himself. A huge pyramid in the style of the ancient Egyptians, one he’d taken Xavier hostage inside.

It hadn’t been clear though how much of the destruction was done by this mutant, and how much had actually been at Magneto’s hands as it was with more shock that you’d found him in the middle of this as well. Now serving this apocalyptic mutant.

You knew enough about Magneto to both fear and respect him. Even though his history with the Professor went back so many years, Erik Lehnsherr as he was actually named was always more on the side of peace through violence. While Xavier preached ideals of tolerance and education for regular humans to one day accept mutant kind, Magneto thought them incapable of such, and had no qualms on preemptive strikes against non mutants as well as eye for an eye type vengeance.

But even for Magneto this seemed surprising. He would really just give Xavier up this way? As you’d gotten closer, Jean had sensed that Apocalypse (what you were now calling the new enemy in your own mind) intended to take over the Professor’s body, possessing him permanently to gain access to his mind control powers and become basically omniscient. He’d be unstoppable with everyone as his puppets then. Free will would cease to exist.

“You guys help Nightcrawler get into the pyramid!” Raven called back to all of you as the jet was landing. “Get Charles and I’ll take care of Erik.”

You’d snapped back to attention at the orders, and you saw that Peter was suddenly at her side.

He looked so focused all at once, “I can get you in there,” He told her, referring to the debris field of broken buildings and all else now churning, stuck in a huge magnetic orb with Magneto at its center. When she didn’t look sure, he continued quickly. “I came here for him, let me help you.”

Raven nodded to Peter then in agreement, knowing there was no time for more back and forth. “The rest of you, get Charles on this plane and get him out of here!”

You too knew what was at stake, there was no reason to argue, even if there still must have been concern on your face. You didn’t understand Peter’s change and sudden fixation on Magneto.

But it was only Kurt that spoke up immediately, yelling back to Raven and Peter, “We’re not leaving without you!”

Peter looked back at that, “Don’t worry.” In fact, you realized he was looking directly to you for one moment. “We’ll catch up.”

———————————

While Peter had sped Raven out of sight to try and reason with Magneto, Moira had stayed with the jet and Hank had come with you, Scott, Jean, and Kurt.

But as you all ran along the rubble, trying to make your way to the pyramid, it hadn’t been but moments until you encountered Apocalypse’s other soldiers, mutants set on stopping you all from interfering by any means necessary.

A tall, blonde man with wings made out of metal, a ninja seeming woman with a pinkish purple energy she could wield from her hand like a blade even while also carrying a katana, and a girl nearer your own age with stark white hair and seemingly the most power out of the three as she’d flown right towards you throwing lightning bolts from her hands.

You’d had no choice but to split up. Which you were sure was what they’d wanted even as you’d chosen to try and take the white haired girl’s attention. You didn’t really want to find out what would happen if one of those bolts struck you directly, but you could guess you had the best chance of anyone to maybe absorb some of it in your energy form.

You’d immediately powered up, glowing white as she’d chased you around the sky, both of you darting and flying in some kind of bizarre dog fight.

Your heart had been racing though, no amount of training at the mansion could actually prepare you for dueling with someone who actually wished to harm you. Everything to this point had just been about learning to control your powers, maybe even firing an energy blast at a dummy or paper target or two. But you’d never tried to hurt anyone. Not on purpose.

“Why are you helping him!?” You yelled out to her, swerving again as she tried to get close enough to you to land a hit. You generated an orb of light energy from one hand, letting it destabilize before you threw it towards her. It collapsed into itself, exploding to make a shockwave through the air that pushed her back again.

“He’s going to make it so we never have to hide what we are again!” She growled back in frustration, steadying herself in the air before her eyes hazed over into solid white.

You doubted that could be good, and of course it wasn’t as she raised her arms, a tornado like blast of wind then trying to knock you from the sky. You were able to shield yourself somewhat with your force fields, but the barrage of debris and wreckage that came with the winds made it too difficult to keep track of her as she did nearly land a direct lightning strike then.

“You’re wrong!” You yelled back, even as you felt numb and disoriented briefly, like the electricity surge was messing with your own energy. “He’s just using all of you! He only wants slaves, nothing more! And you’re just going to hand us all to him!”

She didn’t answer back after that, but you knew it wasn’t as if you could change anyone’s mind for them. She’d have to live with her own choices, just as you’d have to live with yours.

After a good while of this tit for tat though, you were really trying to take her out of the sky at last, knowing you needed to find and help the others as this had already been going on for far too long. You started trying to get her in the chest with white energy beam after energy beam shooting from your hands. She was fast, but you were able to at least get her in one shoulder at last as she spun with the force, losing altitude quickly with the hit.

Even as she fell, you could see her already correcting course though, trying to take aim at you again as she glared upwards.

But you didn’t get to see what happened next. A three fingered hand grasped your left arm suddenly from thin air, and then you were collapsing onto the floor of the jet you’d come here in.

“Gotcha, time to go!” Kurt spoke quickly as you looked to him in surprise, that strange burning smell hanging in the air briefly that always accompanied his teleporting. It was as instant a feeling as moving with Peter, but thankfully without the subsequent vertigo as you stood quickly, powering down, even as you were already looking around for the speedster.

With relief you did see Jean cradling the Professor’s head as they sat on the floor, Xavier unconscious but still breathing. But you did not see Peter or Raven.

Moira and Hank were already firing up the jet engines and you grabbed hold to the wall as you felt the craft quickly rising. “What about Peter and Raven?” You called out over the noise of the turbines spooling up faster and faster.

��We’ll have to trust them to figure it out, we’ve got to get Charles out of here now!” Hank answered back, leaving no room for debate.

You felt an unease building in your stomach, but it was true that if Apocalypse got Xavier, that Peter, Raven, or anyone else would then no longer matter anyway. At least for now you could hope Peter would just take Raven and run somewhere far from here. Xavier and Jean could use their psychic abilities to find them later and you could reunite.

But a hard thud above you left you all looking upward as the jet rattled.

“What the hell was that!?” Moira called out.

As soon as you saw that pinkish energy blade emerging through the jet’s hull, you had already powered up again, glowing and ready to shield the others as best you could. Apocalypse’s soldiers were proving too difficult to shake.

Yet Jean had other plans, “Everyone, grab onto Kurt!” She yelled.

You didn’t know what altitude you were already at, but you knew it wasn’t a survivable one for the jet itself if it was ditched now. Yet a fight in this close of quarters with all your powers would likely end in the same result. So her choice wasn’t as irrational as it first seemed.

You reached one hand quickly back, firmly grabbing onto Kurt’s shoulder, even as you kept your other hand raised towards where the metal winged mutant and the blade wielding woman were now trying to force their way in through the breach they’d created in the hull.

“I’ve never done it with this many people!” Kurt warned as you all held to him.

“Get us out of here!” Jean commanded, her desperation bringing out a forcefulness you hadn’t yet seen from her.

But Kurt was still straining, the sound of his opening whatever portal he used clearly heard but not bringing you anywhere as he tried several times.

The man with the metal wings jumped down into the cockpit, now just feet away as you realized what you had to do.

“Go without me!” You screamed over the rush of wind now coming through the hull breach. You let go of Kurt, making direct eye contact with Jean.

You could get out on your own. At least you were going to try. It was the only way. Kurt wasn’t able to take you all.

You felt that Jean was listening, that she heard your thoughts and that as difficult as it was, she agreed just as quickly. It was the only way.

“Do it!” She urged Kurt even through the horrified look he gave you both.

“I’m taking it down.” You also heard her voice say in your head almost simultaneously. That briefest warning to ready yourself before she willed the controls to throw the plane into a nosedive and cause Apocalypse’s soldiers to lose their footing.

The last you saw of your other friends was still their shocked and frightened expressions as they disappeared from right in front of you. But this was your only chance as well, propelling yourself as fast you could, right through the fading cloud of gas they left behind and past the now tumbling winged mutant as all your focus went to that small square of sunlight that they’d cut into the hull.

It was your one window of survival. For just the briefest moment, you felt him try to grab hold of your leg as you flew past him. But you kicked him with the other leg as hard as you could manage, breaking free into the open air as the jet plummeted on without you.

Out the corner of your eye you saw the woman had remained on the outside of the jet, but jumped free from it as well. You lost sight of her as you both fell, focusing only on trying to slow your descent to a survivable speed. It was one thing to levitate yourself up from a neutral position, and wholly another to try and control your energy field around yourself enough to reverse the terminal velocity transferred to you from being within a crashing plane.

The ground still came too fast, too hard. You blacked out on impact, laying alone in the dirt as your light energy faded, receding back inside you.

————————————

An unknown time later, something jolted you awake. You could hear screaming as you opened your eyes. You were laying on your side. Everything hurt and you could taste blood in your mouth.

But you were already forcing yourself back up as you swallowed. Disoriented as you were, you still recognized that voice. It was Peter. He was hurt.

You were looking all around you, and it didn’t take long to see the source and reason for the screams.

Not far from you at all, Apocalypse stood in a clearing from all the rubble. Peter right beside him, half crumpled to the ground. One of Peter’s feet was encased in the earth, trapping him there like an animal in a snare. His other leg was clearly broken, twisted at a grossly unnatural angle.

You felt a foreign rage beginning to burn up inside you, but before you could even physically react you saw the woman with the katana again. Nowhere in your mind did you take any time to consider how she would look so clean and uninjured having just come from the same circumstances as you of barely escaping the crashing jet.

All you saw was her walking towards her master, sword at the ready to finish Peter.

“Stop, (Y/N)!”

Charles screaming inside your head was the only thing that kept you from revealing yourself at that moment.

“It’s Raven! I’m telling you, it’s Raven!” Even Charles was struggling to break through your flaring emotions, as he repeated himself desperately. “He’ll kill you, (Y/N)! Stay in place, I beg you!”

The Professor had never spoken to you in such a way before. You gripped onto the broken wall in front of you, still only just obscured from their view as you saw Apocalypse grab Peter by the hair, jerking the young man’s head back roughly to expose his throat to the woman.

“It’s Raven, please trust her!” Charles did not let go. You could feel him actually starting to control you even, something he had absolutely never done before, though your emotions were exploding like they also never had. He didn’t want you to make a life ending mistake.

“(Y/N), please.” He called again and you realized you were being held in place, unable to move out any further. You were forced to only watch as the woman raised her blade, Peter wincing in fear and pain beneath her as she swung it.

But it was only Apocalypse’s throat that ripped open. Yet even in your surprise, any sense of victory was still non existent. No blood poured from the wound, and it healed completely within moments as he only grabbed his supposed traitor by the neck, holding her up immediately.

Raven’s feet hung in the air while she choked, her blue skin and true appearance quickly returning as she could no longer control her disguise as Apocalypse strangled her.

And it was only then that you felt Xavier letting go of you, in his own shock as Apocalypse tried to bait him out.

“Charles! Come! Rescue your weaklings!” Apocalypse challenged aloud, still dangling the now helpless Raven while Peter stayed trapped at their feet. “Give your life for theirs!”

He was going to kill her right in front of you. You powered up, knowing there was no other choice. You had to-

“No. I’m still connected to him. Let me get in his head, (Y/N), then you can go to them.” The professor spoke quickly, yet with a touch of new resolve.

“Charles! Will you do nothing?” The false god continued to bellow.

This time you listened without being forced to. You did see Apocalypse pause as if Xavier was indeed making contact. It was still an agonizing wait, but when he finally let go of Raven, you allowed yourself some shred of hope. You’d never seen anyone be able to overpower the Professor mentally, once he was fully in.

But that hope was also short lived as just moments later Apocalypse raised his hand abruptly. At will he dissolved the outer wall of a nearby building. You could see Scott and Hank then exposed, themselves just as surprised and staring out. But you knew it could only mean that Apocalypse had used Xavier’s connection against him just that quickly to root out his hiding place.

This could be the end then. You resigned yourself that the only choice was to die fighting if that is what it had to be. But you weren’t as alone as you thought.

As Apocalypse had left Peter and Raven behind, now striding confidently to his prize, two massive steel beams suddenly shot into his path. They buried themselves into the ground, crossing into an X to block him.

You looked back into the sky, glad in this single moment that you had been right about at least one thing. Magneto wouldn’t give Xavier up in the end. Not without bloodshed anyway.

“You betray me?” Apocalypse asked, already turning to deal with Erik instead.

“No. I betrayed them.” Magneto unleashed hell then, every bit of metal he could pull shooting towards Apocalypse in an unending assault as the other raised a shield that incinerated each and every piece as it hit. But doing so clearly taxed him, allowing the perfect moment for the rest of you to join the battlefield.

You got to Peter almost simultaneously as Hank got to Raven. You and Beast were clearly in the same mindset of getting the injured out of the immediate firefight before you would join in.

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner, the Professor froze me,” You spoke in quick apology to Peter, using a small energy blast to break up the earth that had been hardened around his trapped foot. Once cracked, you broke the rest of it free just with your fingers.

He was obviously surprised, grateful, and maybe even confused all at once as you gently lifted him with the help of your powers. You wrapped his arm around your shoulders, trying to mind his broken leg as you helped support him while gliding over to a safer spot some distance away.

“Stay here.” You spoke, sitting him down so his back was against a mostly still standing wall to shelter them.

Hank was sitting Raven down in the same manner beside him as Peter suddenly spoke up to you. “Wait.”

You were still crouched in front of him, you’d been about to stand back up when his hand went around the back of your neck and pulled you in closer.

Before you could register anything else, you felt his lips press against yours. It was a bit harsh, desperate even, and then it was over just as fast as you pulled back in surprise.

“In case we don’t ever get to make it to that arcade,” he responded to your shocked expression that was still evident even in your energy form like this.

You took a breath, now was not the time for verbalizing any of this. But you wanted to show you agreed with the sentiment. You leaned back in, kissing him yourself for one longer moment, one hand gently cupping the side of his face before you stood back up. He allowed the contact readily and you could only wonder what it felt like to him when you were enveloped in light like this.

Hank and Raven just gave you both the most confused of looks, but nothing was said as you and Beast had then rushed back off to throw yourselves into the fight.

——————————

(Continued in next chapter here)

#quicksilver x reader #quicksilver x y/n #quicksilver x you #quicksilver #x men #marvel #peter maximoff #pietro maximoff #xmen #x men fanfiction #peter maximoff x oc #peter maximoff x you #peter maximoff x y/n #pietro maximoff x you #pietro maximoff x y/n #pietro maximoff x reader #xmen apocalypse #pietro maximoff x oc

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pcwpolwrestling · 4 years ago

Text

Riot Breaks Out at PCW Show

================================

[ON SCREEN GRAPHIC: Blue background. The top of the Capitol Building occupies the left hand side of the television screen.

Centered in the middle of the screen: “P-SPAN. THE POLITICAL CHANNEL.”]

P-SPAN Announcer (off screen): The P-SPAN Network bring you long-form public affairs programming from the nation’s capital and are a public service of…

[ON SCREEN GRAPHIC: Logos of twenty three different cable and satellite television companies replace the Capitol Building and P-SPAN graphic.]

P-SPAN Announcer (v/o): …your television provider.

[ON SCREEN GRAPHIC: Returns to the blue background with the top of the Capitol Building occupying the left hand side of the television screen with “P-SPAN. THE POLITICAL CHANNEL.” centered in the middle of the screen.]

P-SPAN Announcer (v/o): P-SPAN. The Political Channel.

===============================

REPLAY: PCW EXTREME ELECTION NIGHT 2020-NOVEMBER 3rd, 2020 –The video screen comes to life.

Johnny Suave: “What the hell is going on?”

The video screen zeroes in on a scuffle backstage.

Who’s Involved? Berkeley, California Professor McCarthy’s Progressive Flock -The Green World Order: GreenPete, PeaceNick, ‘Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee, Peta from PETA -The Young Jerks: Zenk Cryger, James Idaho, and Anna the foul-mouthed sidekick -Code Pink and Emily S. List -The League of Anti-Fascists: Ted and Chaz

American Heartland Coalition -Charlie Blackwell -‘PCW’s Extreme Pizza Delivery Girl’ Tessa Martin

Johnny Suave: “Professor McCarthy’s Flock are beating down Charlie Blackwell and Tessa Martin. Both are scheduled to wrestle later on in the evening!”

Colleen Crowder: “It looks like a peaceful protest to me, Johnny.”

Blackwell gets flung into the wall by GreenPete and Brock Cole Lee. Code Pink glitter bombs Tessa – she’s blinded. Emily S. List then DDT’s her to the floor.

“Yeah. Totally peaceful,” Suave says in a tone totally dripping with sarcasm.

Dawn immediately rolls out of the ring and takes off for the back…

…

…PCW cameras find Charlie Blackwell and ‘PCW Extreme Pizza Delivery Girl’ Tessa Martin laid out on the floor backstage being attended to by Nurse Nellie and the PCW Clean-Up Crew. Also on hand, ‘Red Solo Cup’ Ray McAvay and the Deplorables.

No sign of Professor McCarthy’s Flock.

More worrying, no sign of PCW Owner Dawn McGill. One of the Deplorables finds a heel shoe McGill was wearing on the floor and brings it to McAvay.

McAvay asks if anyone’s seen McGill? The PCW Clean-Up Crew tell him the only people they found were Blackwell and Martin.

McAvay immediately sends the Deplorables out to look for Dawn McGill. (END VIDEO)

RURAL COMPOUND THE AFTERNOON OF WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6TH, 2021 ‘Red Solo Cup’ Ray McAvay, ‘Prairie Populist’ William Daniels Bryan, Charlie Blackwell, and the Vice Squad’s General DeBauchery have snuck onto an estate. All four lie on the ground, dressed in military-ish garb, armed and dangerous.

McAvay peers at a building ahead of them through a pair of binoculars and tells the others to be on ‘standby.’

General DeBauchery peers through the sights of a big sniper-like gun.

General DeBauchery: Set.

McAvay counts down from 3, 2, 1. General DeBauchery shoots out a window and Bryan throws a concussion grenade through the opening.

*KA-BOOM*

Ray McAvay: MOVE!

The group charges forward.

Charlie Blackwell kicks in the door. Inside, they find two guards on the floor.

Footsteps.

Two more men rush in. General DeBauchery cocks his weapon and fires. He hits both guards in their legs. They fall. Bryan and Blackwell disarm the pair.

McAvay motions to one of the guards.

Ray McAvay: Where is she?

General DeBauchery points his gun at the guard to add a little incentive. The guard points towards one of the back rooms. McAvay heads there and opens the door.

Dawn McGill: MMMPPHHH!

McAvay finds McGill tied up on the floor. Hair disheveled and wearing the same clothes she wore at Extreme Election Night 2020. He removes the gag.

Dawn McGill: Took you guys long enough.

Ray McAvay: Yeah, we’re not really all that experienced with this type of armed commando raid.

McAvay unties her and helps the owner of PCW to her feet. It takes a second for Dawn to get her bearings and her balance back.

Ray McAvay: We need to get to Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon…NOW!

McAvay then explains the issue. If the January 6th show does not take place, PCW will default on its contract with Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon and Dawn could lose the show all together to The Coke Brothers and George Moros.

McGill tells McAvay she’ll make sure the show happens. McAvay hands her his cell phone and she makes a call.

===============================

Political Championship Wrestling Extreme Political TV Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon Wauseon, Ohio Taped Wednesday January 6th, 2020 Sunday January 10th, 2021

Announcers: ‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave AGE: 50 / HT: 5’ 11” WT: 195 HOME: Philadelphia, PA HAIR: Brown / STYLE: Like Ronnie Dunn / FACE: Goatee DRESS: Brown suit without tie

Colleen Crowder ‘Low Level New York Times Reporter Trying to Make a Name for Herself’ AGE: 38 / HT: 5’ 5” WT: 142 HOME: New York City, NY HAIR: Black / STYLE: Curly / FACE: Narrow face with rounded jaw, turned-up nose, faint freckles, and thin lips. Bulging blue eyes, thin eyebrows. DRESS: Black pants suit

Suave reviews what went down at Extreme Election Night in November.

RESULTS FROM PCW EXTREME ELECTION NIGHT 2020 -PCW Owner Dawn McGill welcomes everyone back to PCW. She then announces a ‘compromise’ deal had been reached with Mitch McConnell (American Patriots) and Nancy Pelosi (Progressive Alliance)- ‘Stars N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott of the American Patriots with Donald Trump in his corner will face ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels from the Progressive Alliance with Joe Biden in his corner and Charlie Blackwell of the American Heartland Coalition for the PCW Title. At the end of the show, Dawn would then announce who the new CEO of PCW will be: either Donald Trump (American Patriots) or Joe Biden (Progressive Alliance) -MATCH #1-Kayleigh McEnaney defeats CNN’s Jake Tapper and Brian Stelter in a handicap match -MATCH #2/ARIZONA SENATE MEDALLION MATCH: Mark Kelly (Progressive Alliance) defeated Martha McSally (American Patriots) -Gavin Newsom (CA-Progressive Alliance) makes a case for PCW to come to California. -MATCH #3/SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE MEDALLION MATCH: Lindsey Graham (American Patriots) defeated Jaime Harrison (Progressive Alliance) -Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump interview with PCW Owner Dawn McGill for the PCW CEO position. -MATCH #4/PCW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: Jill Berg Enterprises (Conservative Inc./American Patriots) defeat The Green World Order (Progressive Alliance) and The Deplorables (American Heartland Coalition) -MATCH #5/ALABAMA SENATE MEDALLION MATCH: Tommy Tuberville (American Patriots) vs. Doug Jones (Progressive Alliance) joined in progress.

The show is stopped at that point by Pennsylvania State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and former Georgia Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams- all from the Progressive Alliance.

-When the show restarts, Tuberville finishes off Jones. -Dawn McGill comes out and gives a second speech. But the video screen shows Professor McCarthy’s Flock assaulting Charlie Blackwell and Tessa Martin. Dawn Immediately runs to the back. -MATCH #6/HOUSE WAR GAMES MATCH: Team Progressive Alliance defeats Team American Patriots -Backstage, Blackwell and Tessa are being attended to by Nurse Nellie and the PCW Clean-Up crew. Neither Professor McCarthy’s Flock nor Dawn McGill can be found. McGill’s heel is found on the scene. -MATCH #7/MICHIGAN SENATE MEDALLION MATCH: Gary Peters (Progressive Alliance) defeated John James (American Patriots). -Nurse Nellie and the PCW Clean-Up Crew are back at work attending to Ray McAvay, who’s found backstage after being attacked. Still no sign of Dawn McGill. -The Coke Brothers-Charles and David, Executive Director of the Lincoln Project Sarah Lenti, and George Moros are pleased with the direction the night is going. -MAIN EVENT #1/PCW WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH: Kathryn Randall Collins (Progressive Alliance) defeated ‘Alaskan Rogue’ Sierra Whalen to become the new PCW Women’s Champion. -Bill de Blasio (NY-Progressive Alliance) makes a case for PCW to come to New York City. -MAIN EVENT #2/PCW TITLE MATCH: ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance) defeated ‘Starz N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott to become the new PCW Champion. -With McGill missing, The Coke Brothers, Lenti, and Moros step in and name Joe Biden the new CEO of PCW.

Cut to the broadcast desk.

PCW! … PCW! … PCW! …

Colleen Crowder pops a bottle of champagne. Tonight, she doesn’t care about the PCW chant that usually offends her to no end.

Johnny Suave: Hello and welcome to Political Championship Wrrrrestling!

PCW! … PCW! … PCW! …

Crowder leans back and guzzles some the champagne.

Johnny Suave: We are back at the spiritual home of PCW, Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon!

Suave pauses for the requisite roar from the fans- who seem really amped up more than usual tonight.

Johnny Suave: Tonight, we’ve got the Georgia Medallion match which will be a tag team battle between the American Patriots David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler versus Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock from the Progressive Alliance in a winner take all match between both factions.

Colleen Crowder: Woo-hoo! Stacey Abrams says bet on the blue tonight baby!

Johnny Suave: Also tonight, after the controversial end to their match two months ago at Extreme Election Night 2020, PCW Champion ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels of the Progressive Alliance will face ‘Starz N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott for the title.

Colleen Crowder: There was nothing controversial about the match Johnny.

Suave points out to Colleen the fact since there was no pinfall in the match at Extreme Election Night 2020 and an unknown referee came in late and declared Daniels the winner constitutes ‘controversial’ in his mind.

Colleen Crowder: You’re lucky the CEO of Facetwitogram Jack Buckenberg isn’t here to properly fact check your false statement you presented without evidence.

Johnny Suave: Finally. We have word that Dawn McGill has finally been rescued.

Another roar from the crowd.

Johnny Suave: That’s right. She is on her way to Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon as we speak and we hope she makes it to tonight’s show in time.

Colleen Crowder: No we don’t.

DAWN McGILL! (clap clap clap-clap-clap) DAWN McGILL! (clap clap clap-clap-clap)

Johnny Suave: Well, the crowd is definitely making their feeling known.

Colleen Crowder: And no one cares, Johnny. The media sets the tone and tells them what they need to know.

Suave does a quick buildup of the opening match. The Progressive Alliance and American Patriots split the Senate Medallion matches at Extreme Election Night 2020. –ARIZONA: Mark Kelly (Progressive Alliance) defeated Martha McSally (American Patriots) -SOUTH CAROLINA: Lindsey Graham (American Patriots) defeated Jaime Harrison (Progressive Alliance) -ALABAMA MATCH: Tommy Tuberville (American Patriots) vs. Doug Jones (Progressive Alliance) -MICHIGAN MATCH: Gary Peters (Progressive Alliance) defeated John James (American Patriots).

Johnny Suave: Tonight’s match will break that tie. Let’s go to the ring and Kimber Marshall.

Cut to Kimber in the ring.

Kimber Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen. This match will be…

Crowd: ONE fall!

Kimber Marshall: …for the Georgia Senate Medallions and to determine the winner of the Senate Medallion Competition. Introducing first, in the blue corner. Representing the Progressive Alliance. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

Some cheers. Lots of boos.

Kimber Marshall: And their opponents. In the red corner. Representing the American Patriots. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue!

Lots of cheers. Some boos.

Johnny Suave: All right. It looks like the referee is ready and this match is underway.

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

MATCH #1-GEORGIA SENATE MEDALLION MATCH

Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff (Progressive Alliance) vs. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue (American Patriots)

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

It’s a close match. A really close match. Both teams battle back and forth to forge any advantage they can.

…Ossoff lets go and he latches on a waistlock to Perdue. Perdue reverses. Ossoff reverses back and snags an armbar. Perdue scowls. He spins Ossoff around and trips him up. But Ossoff holds on to the arm. Perdue reverses. He unleashes a couple of chops. Boot to the gut by Ossoff. Perdue with more chops. Ossoff again boots Perdue in the gut. Knee lift wobbles Perdue to a corner. Ossoff runs in, but Loeffler is there with a chair!

*CLANG*

Down goes Ossoff. Perdue covers.

One…

Two…

Johnny Suave: STACEY ABRAMS PULLS THE REFEREE OUT OF THE RING!

Abrams grabs a chair.

*CLANG*

Down goes the referee.

Warnock runs Loeffler into the ring post. She’s knocked into dreamland.

Perdue starts to move a little. Ossoff lays the boots to him. He pulls Perdue back up. Wheelbarrow takedown! Cover! A new referee slides in.

Colleen Crowder: See? There’s no problem. The referee is back in the ring.

One-Two-THREE!

*DING-DING-DING*

WINNERS/GEORGIA SENATE MEDALLION: Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff @ 12:32

Johnny Suave: And that gives the Senate Medallion competition to the Progressive Alliance.

There are some Progressive Alliance supporters at the show tonight but the bulk of the PCW fans boo what happened. A few throw debris into the ring.

Colleen Crowder: Stacey Abrams knew what she was talking about when she said bet on Blue Johnny. Blue Wave! Blue Wave! Take that, sore losers!

IN TRANSIT A speeding vehicle blows past a highway patrolman parked off to the side on the Ohio Turnpike.

Inside the vehicle are The Deplorables: Ray McAvay, Charlie Blackwell, William Daniels Bryan, General DeBauchery of the Vice Squad, and PCW Owner Dawn McGill.

McGill just wraps up a phone call.

Dawn McGill: The first match is over. Ossoff and Warnock won. The Progressive Alliance won the Senate Medallion contest.

Ray McAvay: Wow. The Progressive Alliance is sweeping everything now.

McGill asks what happened after she was kidnapped at Extreme Election Night. McAvay explains the ending of the PCW title match when the PCW referee was pulled out of the ring, incapacitated, and then replaced by another ‘unknown’ referee who then declared ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance) the winner of the match. The Coke Brothers, George Moros, and Lincoln Project Executive Sarah Lenti came out next and then named Joe Biden as the next PCW CEO.

Dawn McGill: Oooh. I’m sure Trump took that well.

Ray McAvay: Oh yeah. He didn’t.

McAvay then runs through the aftermath. Trump’s challenge of the ruling. Rudy Giuliani and his team trying to get Trump reinstated for a second four year term as PCW CEO.

Dawn McGill: I’m sure that didn’t go well.

Ray McAvay: Nope. Trump lost at every turn. Even the PCW Super Court of Justice shot him down, even after Sidney Powell threatened to ‘release the kraken.’

Dawn McGill: Release the kraken?

McAvay nods.

Dawn McGill: And what happened when she released said kraken?

McAvay chuckles.

Ray McAvay: Absolutely nothing. So, now Trump’s supposed to speak tonight. I don’t think he’ll concede but it’s over.

McGill checks her watch and urges McAvay to hurry.

But there’s a slight problem. McAvay glances at his rear view mirror.

Flashing red and blue lights.

Ray McAvay: Damn.

Dawn McGill: Ray! Really?

McGill flops back in the backseat and sighs.

Cut back to the broadcast desk.

The crowd is really rowdy tonight- loud, boisterous, almost to the point of being surly and agitated.

Johnny Suave: Well. There’s definitely a lot of emotion flowing through here tonight.

Colleen Crowder: Because they’re excited.

Suave agrees with that.

Colleen Crowder: These people are excited that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are about to ride in to rescue PCW from Donald Trump.

Suave doesn’t agree with that.

Colleen Crowder: Well, that’s the narrative we’re pushing-

The fans explode and immediately drown Crowder out.

Johnny Suave: Hold on a second.

Donald Trump appears and makes his way down the ramp.

Johnny Suave: The CEO of PCW is coming to the ring and he’s apparently going to make a statement.

Colleen Crowder: BOOOOOOO!

The supporters chant “TRUMP! TRUMP! TRUMP!” which merges with the melody of the Imperial March from Star Wars and becomes:

♫ TRUMP.

TRUMP.

TRUMP-TRUMP-TRUMP

TRUMP-TRUMP-TRUMMMMP♫

♫ TRUMP.

TRUMP.

TRUMP-TRUMP-TRUMP

TRUMP-TRUMP-TRUMMMMP♫

As Trump reaches the ring and climbs in, Crowder mumbles something about January 20th not getting here soon enough.

Trump thanks everyone for being here tonight under extraordinary circumstances. He vowed to ‘never concede’ which revved the crowd up.

Donald Trump: You saw what happened at Extreme Election Night 2020. We will never give up. We will never concede. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved. It will never happen. We’ve had enough and we will not take it anymore.

The fans again stand and cheer.

Johnny Suave: Strong words coming from the outgoing PCW CEO and he’s really getting the PCW faithful fired up here.

Colleen Crowder: This is all a regurgitation of Trump’s false assertions and unproven claims that he was robbed of the CEO position, nothing more. Joe Biden won. Donald Trump lost. Believe our narrative everyone. Believe our narrative.

Trump talks for a couple more minutes and then wraps it up.

Donald Trump: We will not let them silence your voices. We’re not going to let that happen.

And with that, Trump makes his exit.

Johnny Suave: All right, let’s go backstage where PCW reporter Woodward Bernstein is with the challenger in tonight’s PCW title match- ‘Starz N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott.

KEVIN SCOTT INTERVIEW Cut to Bernstein backstage…

Woodward Bernstein: Thanks Johnny.

Scott steps into the shot.

Woodward Bernstein: How does it feel to be back in PCW?

Kevin Scott: It feels real good Woodward.

Scott ruminates about being PCW’s Original Rookie Sensation back in 2006-2007 and winning the PCW title for the first time back in 2008.

WAYBACK MACHINE: PCW Day of Judgment- March 4th, 2008 Starz N. Stripes Kevin Scott (American Patriots) vs. O’Beck Bahama (Progressive Alliance) vs. Halitosis (Independent) in a three way elimination match for the PCW Title -Halitosis eliminated first via a Starz N. Stripes piledriver. – …Bahama misses a leg drop. Starz bounces up, lifts him up, and back suplexes Bahama. A second back suplex by Starz. Bahama wildly charges. Starz sidesteps. Bahama bounces off the ropes and Starz delivers a Death Valley Driver. Cover. 1…2…3!

WINNER AND NEW PCW CHAMPION: ‘Starz N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott.

Woodward Bernstein: Kevin, I know what happened two months ago at Extreme Election Night 2020 was extremely disappointing to you. Tonight, though, you get another shot at Mr. Hollywood, Kevin Daniels.

Kevin Scott: That’s right Woodward. I’ve been waiting for this moment for over two months because I did not lose that match at Extreme Election Night 2020. Kevin Daniels did not pin me. There was no one-two-three pinfall. I did not submit. I was not counted out. Daniels was given the title and… I’m sorry, that’s not going to fly.

Woodward Bernstein: So, suffice to say, you’re plenty motivated.

Kevin Scott: Oh you bet I am.

Woodward Bernstein: Can you do it one more time?

Scott smiles.

Kevin Scott: Watch me. I’m going to do it tonight.

Woodward Bernstein: Thanks Kevin.

Scott exits.

‘MR. HOLLYWOOD’ KEVIN DANIELS INTERVIEW Cut to the Progressive Alliance locker room.

Dan Miller ‘Low Level Washington Post Reporter Trying to Make a Name for Herself’ Sharon Johns ‘Low Level CNN Reporter Trying to Make a Name for Herself’ Interview with PCW champion “Mr. Hollywood” Kevin Daniels.

Dan Miller: Kevin. Starz N. Stripes Kevin Scott is sadly making the unsubstantiated claim that you did not defeat him at Extreme Election Night 2020. Your thoughts.

Kevin Daniels: Dan, I beat him. The crowd saw me beat him. The referee said I beat him. The referee is the final arbiter in these matters and I didn’t see PCW Owner Dawn McGill sticking her nose in to say anything different. So I won. I’m the champion. Kevin Scott needs to get over it.

Daniels points to the PCW title belt around his waist to further make his point.

Sharon Johns: So Kevin. With the win, I heard you received a lot of well wishes and congratulations from your fellow Hollywood stars.

Kevin Daniels: Absolutely.

Daniels goes on to name check just about every major Hollywood star, sports figures, you name it, Daniels name checks it, who reached out and congratulated him on winning the PCW title.

Kevin Daniels: Hollywood knows a champion when they see one. And that’s me. Mr. Hollywood. Kevin Daniels. YOUR PCW champion.

Sharon Johns: Thanks Kevin and make sure you kick Kevin Scott’s ass tonight.

Kevin Daniels: With pleasure.

STILL ON THE ROAD Still rolling westbound on the Ohio Turnpike, a harried and anxious Dawn McGill is on the phone again.

Dawn McGill: …what? The main event is about to start? But we’re still …

McGill spies a mile marker.

Dawn McGill: …sixty-five miles away!

She leans forward in her seat and whaps McAvay on the shoulder. McAvay reacts.

Ray McAvay: Hey! I’m driving as fast as I can without picking up a SECOND speeding ticket!

McGill wraps up the call and again falls back in her seat. She shakes her head.

Cut back to the broadcast desk.

Johnny Suave: All right. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our main event. Let’s go to Kimber Marshall in the ring. Kimber?

Cut to Kimber in the ring.

Kimber Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, this match will be…

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Kimber Marshall: …and it will be for the PCW Title! Introducing first, the challenger…

Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue comes on.

Kimber Marshall: From Ottumwa, Iowa and representing the American Patriots tonight in the red corner. He is a former 2 time PCW Champion, a former PCW Television Champion, and former PCW Tag Team Champion. PCW’s Original ‘Rookie Sensation.’ STARZ N. STRIPES… KEVIN! SCOTT!

‘Starz N. Stripes’ Kevin Scott –former 2 time PCW Champion, PCW Television Champion, and PCW Tag Team Champion (as Starz N. Stripes). PCW’s Original ‘Rookie Sensation.’ HT: 6′ 3″ WT: 250, HOME: Ottumwa, IA / FIN: American Stars and Fujiawa Arm Bar

Scott comes out dressed in a red, white, and blue signet and mask. He stops on the stage and poses for the PCW faithful who give Scott a massive standing ovation.

Johnny Suave: After Trump’s speech, the crowd energy level has hit a different level. They are really making a lot of noise here tonight.

Crowder harrumphs and tells Suave it’s nothing. It doesn’t matter.

Kimber Marshall: And his opponent, from Hollywood, California-

The cheers turn on a dime to boos. Big time boos.

Kimber Marshall: He is accompanied tonight by The Skanky Rich Bimbos-Paris and Nicole, and ‘Country…er…Pop Songstress’ Taylor Switt. The PCW Champion. Ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Hollywood. KEVIN DANIELS!

‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels HT: 6′ 0″ WT: 200 / HOME: Hollywood, CA / FIN: The True Hollywood Blockbuster VALETS: The Skanky Rich Bimbos (Paris and Nicole) and ‘Country…er…Pop Songstress’ Taylor Switt

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

MAIN EVENT-PCW TITLE MATCH

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

The boos and jeers intensify. Again, debris flies towards the new PCW champion.

Johnny Suave: Kevin Daniels is getting a rough reception here tonight. I’d almost say too rough if you ask me.

Colleen Crowder: Nobody’s asking you… but you’re right.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Berkeley, California Professor McCarthy also comes out followed by his Flock: -The Green World Order: GreenPete, ‘Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee, PeaceNick, and Peta from PETA -The Young Jerks: Zenk Cryger, James Idaho, and Anna -Code Pink, and Emily S. List.

Johnny Suave: Wonderful. And just when you thought the evening couldn’t get any worse.

Colleen Crowder: Finally. Someone needs to set these people straight and tell them to shut up.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Professor McCarthy: Well, well.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

McCarthy smirks and waits for the crowd.

Professor McCarthy: You can do this all night long and it won’t mean a damn thing. We have won several great victories here in the last two months.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Professor McCarthy: That’s right, one- we’ve taken out Dawn McGill. Two, we’ve taken down Donald Trump. Three- we’ve finally shouted down the Deplorables, removed Deplorables Charlie Blackwell and ‘Extreme Pizza Delivery Girl’ Tessa Martin as viable threats and made sure ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels was crowned as the rightful PCW champion, Kathryn Randall Collins- the rightful PCW Women’s champion and we’ve taken measures to ensure Deplorables Ray McAvay and William Daniels Bryan won’t be allowed near the PCW Tag Team title.

McCarthy holds up his good book that defines things that are correct or incorrect to say, think, or believe.

Professor McCarthy: Let this be a lesson to everyone. If you are unenlightened, if you are DEPLORABLe and I’m talking to ALL of you in ‘flyover country,’ red states and, counties all across the nation who aren’t as worldly or intellectually superior as we are, it’s time for you to shut up and listen to your betters. It’s time for you to throw your support towards us…

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Johnny Suave: Yeah, they’re not really going along with that.

Professor McCarthy: …because if you don’t, we will shout you down.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Professor McCarthy: So sit down and shut up and watch your PCW champion shout down ‘Starz N. Stripes-

And more debris rain down from all parts of the bar.

Johnny Suave: He’s not helping.

Colleen Crowder: He’s absolutely right Johnny. According to the narrative we’re pushing, these people are simply deplorable and they need to shut up and stay in their lane.

At one point, Daniels points at someone and threatens to turn around and head to the back.

Johnny Suave: No, this is not good. Not good at all.

Daniels takes a few more steps forward and more debris is chucked his way. Even Starz N. Stripes Kevin Scott takes notice and he tries to calm people down.

The SRB and Switt do turn around and head to backstage.

Colleen Crowder: This is all Donald Trump’s fault. He encouraged this. He incited these idiots with his words.

Johnny Suave: Well, whether I agree with that or not, we’re going to have to get security out here before something happens.

Well, it does.

Legion of Anti-Fascists (LOAF) Ted HT: 5′ 11″ WT: 180 / HOME: Portland, OR FIN: The Riot Act Chaz HT: 6′ 1″ WT: 205 / HOME: Seattle, WA FIN: The Riot Act

Ted and Chaz also run down from the back and they start jawing with the crowd.

Johnny Suave: Oh crap.

Then it kicks off. LOAF disappears into the roiling crowd and all hell breaks loose.

Johnny Suave: Oh no.

Fights break out and debris fly all over the place.

Daniels hightails it to the back. Scott tries to play peacemaker. And it just falls apart.

Johnny Suave: We’re going to have to evacuate our broadcast position and get to safety.

Scott helps marshall Suave and Crowder through the unruly mob of humanity.

Suddenly, the picture goes black.

ONE HOUR LATER-HACK’S RUSTY NAIL SALOON PARKING LOT. McAvay pulls into the parking lot full of flashing red and blue lights and plenty of police.

Ray McAvay: Uh oh.

McGill sees it too and she gets a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Dawn McGill: Oh my God.

One of the policemen walks up to the car. McAvay tells the officer Dawn McGill is the owner of PCW. He motions to them to park the car away from the building.

After Ray parks the car, he and Dawn walk towards Hack’s they begin to see the full scope of damage. Broken windows. Glass all over the place. Chairs, tables broken in the parking lot.

Dawn McGill: Oh no.

They reach the entrance and look inside.

Ray McAvay: Oh man. They trashed the place.

Tables and chair strewn all over. The wrestling ring destroyed. Broken light fixtures. Glass all over the floor. Beer and alcohol all over the floor.

Dawn McGill: Oh no, no, no.

The owner of the bar meets her in the foyer.

Hack’s Owner: Like other small businesses we were in trouble to begin with thanks to COVID, I can’t survive this.

Dawn McGill: I am so sorry.

Hack’s Owner: You work hard. Do the right things. Make the right choices. And this happens. I’m having the place razed and closing it down.

He just shakes his head at Dawn. He hands her a torn up contract, and walks on.

McGill peers down at the remnants of the document in her hands.

Then it gets really worse.

She sees the Coke Brothers (David and Charles), George Moros, and… Big Tech’s Jack Buckenberg- CEO of Facetwitogram?

George Moros: Well, well, well. Aren’t you a sight?

Moros refers to Dawn’s disheveled appearance. McGill’s face turns beet red.

Dawn McGill: You know damn well what happened. Your goons kidnapped and held me hostage for two months.

George Moros: Really? All I saw on video was you running out on the show at Extreme Election Night? Do you have any proof of this or is this just another wild, baseless accusation?

Dawn goes to leap at Moros but McAvay stops her.

Moros has a sick grin on his face.

George Moros: It’s over, Dawn. You’re through. I’ve already spoken to the American Patriots and Progressive Alliance and we’ve got everyone on board. We’re partnering with our new best friend Jack Buckenberg for a new political wrestling show that will be headed by someone you know and love.

Out of the smoke and rubble of the interior of Hack’s Rusty Nail Saloon walks the ‘Sports Entertainment Genius’ Mr. McMann- McGill and PCW’s long-time nemesis.

Ray McAvay: Son of a bitch.

Dawn McGill: Balls. Not him. Anyone but him.

McMann goes up to McGill. He smiles.

Mr. McMann: Wow. You’ve really let yourself go, haven’t you.

Again, McGill starts to make an aggressive move forward. Again, McAvay pulls her back.

Mr. McMann: It took sixteen years Dawn, but I’ve finally won. Game over.

Then Buckenberg delivers the coup de grace.

Jack Buckenberg: Consider yourself deplatformed.

A few minutes later…

McGill, McAvay, and ‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave watch Mr. McMann- backed by The Coke Brothers and George Moros- give an impromptu press conference attended by The Guild of Low Level Media People Trying to Make a Name for Themselves: Colleen Crowder-New York Times, Sharon Johns-CNN, Bill Smithers-Fox News, Hallie Reed-MSNBC, and Dan Miller-Washington Post.

Johnny Suave: Well? Who’da thunk that the writer of the movie ‘The Running Man’ may have had a pretty good vision what the future transformation of politics, society, and culture had in store for us?

A dejected McGill notes the enthusiastic applause coming from the Guild of Low Level Media people to McMann’s remarks.

Dawn McGill: So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause.

[‘Trumpet Concerto No. 2 in D major – 3 Allegro assai’ begins to play in the background and P-SPAN quickly cuts away to another political event.]

THE END…

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