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rwbyvein · 3 years ago

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Firen Lhain: Chapter 712: Collision: Part III | III

Aurora breathed in deep to try and even herself. She did have a job to do, after all.

"Oh, no." Jaune said, and everyone looked at him curiously. "You've been through too much." he said to Aurora, "I want to see you off your feet and relaxing."

"Why does she get to relax?" Yang asked.

"Because she's not used to being shot at." Weiss simply stated. "In this one case, I will offer you my husband's other arm."

Jaune slowly lifted it up and Aurora nervously walked over. She sat down, and Jaune wrapped his arm around her.

"Can we stay for?.." Yang asked, and caught herself before she revealed it.

Jaune simply looked between her and Ilia a few times. "You were the one who wanted me to stop staring at Ilia, who probably wants to get dressed, or in the bath, or..." Jaune said, and paused, "Nothing I say is going to be right, so I'm just going to shut up."

"I would like to remain." Ilia voiced, and Jaune looked at her curiously.

"That... uh... works for me..." Jaune voiced. "So, what day is it? Because it's certainly been a day."

"Alright, sis," Yang said to Ruby, "let's go get the... uh..."

"Can we help?!" Nora eagerly asked, a smiling Ren beside her.

"A'ight." Yang said, and waved them on. The four of them walked out of the room. A minute later they returned carrying a square, four-tier cake.

"What the?.." Jaune asked.

"Did you really forget what day it was?" Yang asked him, and Jaune shrugged his shoulders.

"Perhaps?," Weiss asked, "he has not had reason to consider it important?"

"Let's all say it at once!" Ruby exclaimed, "One, two, three!"

"Happy birthday!" everyone but Ilia shouted. She just nervously looked at him.

"My what?" Jaune asked, and then was momentarily lost in thought, "I didn't tell any of you?" he cruiously asked.

"I am quite good at my job." Aurora said with glee.

"And," Weiss added, sitting forward, "we made sure you would have more than enough cake."

"I love you guys." Jaune said.

"Even, like, Ilia?" Yang asked, and Jaune just stared at her nude form. Weiss gently pressed her shoulder into him, causing him to snap back to consciousness. She then glared at Yang.

"What's up, Linnet?"

"Perhaps?", Weiss asked her, "You could not ask him questions that have no good answer."

"At least give him a chance to defend himself." Blake stated.

"Yes, yes." Nora stated, "Love and hugs, but do I need to remind everyone that we have cake?!" She gestured to the cake, "Renny and Aurora worked really hard on it."

"We helped too." Yang stated, "Tried to help?"

"We gave them moral support." Ruby stated.

"I suppose that is thinking like a leader." Weiss said to her.

* * *

Jaune groaned as he walked down the stairs. The first birthday ever he had more than enough cake. Somehow this still managed to be the best birthday ever. He reached the bottom and saw Ren and Nora eagerly waving at him. "Hey, guys. How's our prisoner."

"Kind of pouty." Nora stated.

Jaune turned to look at the cell and what he was feeling was not what he was expecting. It wasn't anger, it wasn't rage, but pain, hurt, and sorrow. He recognized the look in her eyes that did not care if she died. He recognized it from all of the times he saw it in the mirror. Even more, she had lost someone, someone she held dear. He walked up to the cage, and she barely seemed to notice his presence. It was more the great shadow over her that got her attention, and she slowly turned to look at it. He leaned forward, grabbed the cell, and sighed. "I know you're hurt." he said, and her head slightly turned towards him. "I know you lost someone." he said, and her head instantly swung over to look him in the eyes. "I know what it's like to not have anything to live for." She stood up and jumped over to the bars before she realized what she was doing. Even slouching over as he was, he still towered over her. She found herself nodding, unsure of how much time had passed. "You're not the first one to try and kill me I've tried to reform."

She looked at him, first curiously, and then as if he had lost his mind.

"How did you think Cinder got out?"

She looked at him again for a full moment before giving him a look as if she was questioning his sanity.

"You know?" he asked, "You're right."

She once again looked at him questioningly.

"She killed Pyrrha, by the way, with her own hands. How did your guy die?"

Neo held her right hand vertically, and then mimicked a bird neck and beak biting her left hand.

"Ah." Jaune stated, "Nevermore?" he asked, and she shook her head. "Gryphon?" She nodded her head before she caught herself and then gave him a sour look. Jaune breathed in deep, unsure of what to say. "What are you fighting for?" he asked.

"Uh, Jaunie?" Nora asked, and Ren placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him and understood. Jaune had a plan. Or at least thought he did.

Neo looked into his eyes for a moment before looking away. She then looked around nervously.

"You're looking to die, aren't you?" he asked. She looked him in the eyes as if he understood. "But dying just because isn't a good reason, is it?" She shyly looked him in his eyes. "You were kind of hoping to go down in a blaze of glory, weren't you?" he asked. She looked him strongly in the eyes, and the two understood. "Too bad you failed." Jaune said. "So, what we're going to do, is lock you in the cell, and talk every day. See where this goes." She gave him an uncertain look. He turned to Ren and Nora.

"I have a question, if I might?" Ren nervously asked, something that was so rare for him. Jaune nodded his head. "How did you know she was looking to die?"

"If you promise not to tell anyone."

"I will take this secret to my grave." Ren stated.

"And I'll do anything for you, Leader." Nora stated.

"Because I am too." Jaune stated. Nora looked shocked, and almost panicked as she tried to find something to say, but she had promised him, and she was going to keep this promise. "Or was, maybe." Jaune said and shrugged, "I've got a family now." He then turned to the stairs before turning back. "Oh, and so there's no question, you two are definitely family."

"Like a sister?!" Nora eagerly asked, and Jaune shook his head. She looked down sadly.

"You mean a lot more to me than my sisters do." Jaune said quietly, and then turned to walk away again. As he tried to walk away, Nora glomped onto his back. He stumbled forward and nearly fell down.

"Nora." Ren admonished, and she let go.

"What'd I do?" she nervously asked.

"His bones are brittle after shedding." Ren stated.

"How did you know that?" Jaune asked, and Ren just smiled at him.

"So?" Nora asked, "I guess the tower won't be shaking for a while."

With this Jaune nearly stumbled again and let out an awkward laugh.

* * *

Winter climbed out of the downed airship, satisfied she had acquired all she needed.

Raven landed on the roof of the turret and reverted, augustly walking down the stairs. She found them all lounging on their beds.

"Don't feel at home with all of the warmth and hugs?" Cinder asked.

Raven just glared at her before looking away.

"Is that why she's here?" Mercury asked.

"Believe it or not," Cinder said, staring Raven in the eyes, "she was actually worried about us." Raven turned to climb back up the stairs. "Birds of a feather and all that."

Raven turned around, "I'm a Raven. What the hell are you?"

Cinder developed a minor burning light around her. "I do hope to rise from the ashes."

"Yeah." Raven sarcastically said to her, "Phoenixes who need someone else to resurrect them?" Raven asked, and then turned to walk away.

* * *

Ilia returned to the lounge, properly clothed this time, and Jaune just stared at her for a moment.

"You still imagining it?" Yang asked him.

"I, uh, I mean..."

"Now." Weiss gently admonished her, "You were the one who suggested she remain, in the nude, while we celebrated his anniversary."

"But we just got married?" Ruby asked.

Weiss turned towards her. She raised her hands to say something but decided against it and so just looked at her. "You are lucky to be as cute as you are."

"I heard Raven say the same thing about our dad." Yang stated. "Oh, come on, don't tell me they're all lovey-dovey."

"Perhaps we should not be judging other relationships by our own standards?" Weiss asked.

Blake was laying back on a couch, but sat up. "We are one in a million. Or less, much less?" Blake asked. She then turned towards the others, crossing her legs, "Though, Huntsmen having harems was definitely a thing back in the day."

"What changed?" Ruby asked, and Jaune sighed.

"Jaune-dear?" Weiss asked.

"The good king..." Jaune voiced, "Oz... He felt too much power was being concentrated at the top."

"So, what?" Yang asked, "We get off on good behaviour."

"We did save the world a couple of times." Ruby stated.

"The General seems to consider us as important to the safety of Remnant as his army is." Weiss stated. "As harrowing as the thought, is."

Taiyang walked in with a piece of cake on a plate, Qrow right behind him.

"Oh, good." Yang said to them, "You found the cake."

"What's the occation?" Qrow asked.

"Oh." Jaune said, and sighed, "It's my birthday." he dismissively added.

Taiyang walked up to him, put his cake down on the coffee table, and offered him his hand. Jaune looked at him nervously for a moment. "Come on," Taiyang stated, "I don't bite."

"We both know that's not true." Qrow stated, "You guys just couldn't help yourself."

"What's he sayin'?" Yang asked.

"That your parents had a loving relationship." Blake said with a cheshire grin.

Jaune reached his hand out to Taiyang, and the two firmly shook. "Sorry." Jaune stated, "I should have done this sooner. And I want you to know that this was definitely not my idea."

"Son?" Taiyang asked him, "I know how energetic my daughters can be. I honestly saw this coming back in Patch."

"You did?" Ruby asked

"One way or the other." Taiyang stated, "Wasn't sure which one was going to make the first move. Which, by the way, which was it?"

"Duh?" Yang asked. Taiyang developed a wide grin and held his hand towards Qrow.

"Yeah, yeah." Qrow voiced, as he slipped him a Lien card.

"You were betting on us?" Yang asked.

"Your father bet for you." Blake added, and then shrugged.

"You were doing a better job of hiding it," Taiyang stated, "but you had more confidence."

"What do you mean?" Yang asked.

"I mean," her father continued, "you let him pick you up and carry you like a princess. You haven't let me do that since you were five."

"You let me down, kiddo." Qrow sarcastically said to Ruby. "Your passion was just bubbling out of you."

"What about me?" Yang asked, "I mean, I am kind of passionate and all."

"You just let it out on whatever is in front of you." Qrow said, and shrugged, "Figured with that release you might be better able to contain it. But, you kids all love each other."

"Even Ilia?" Blake asked, and turned her deep gaze to Jaune.

"As a..." Qrow said, and paused for thought, "trusted something. Team dynamics are not exactly my strong suit. That's why we had this guy." he said, and pointed to Tai.

"Ilia stalking me," Jaune stated, "has gone from something that worried me to something I count on." He then looked at Ilia, "We count you as part of the team."

"I thought she was a minion." Yang voiced.

"What did we settle on?" Jaune asked, "Girl-at-arms?"

Ilia's skin shifted to pink and red with blotches of white before quickly resettling on her usual colours.

"That's like wicked cool." Yang stated. "Could you make it look like you're wearing thigh-highs?" she asked.

"I never really thought about it?" Ilia asked, as her skin changed to look like she was wearing thigh-high stockings. Yang bent down to have a look at them. "Lace around the ends, too." Yang stated.

"Must you get that close?" Weiss asked, and Yang stood up and stepped back a bit. "You could walk around naked and pretend to be fully clothed."

"What am I, an animal?" Ilia asked.

"We are Faunus." Ruby stated.

"And we're back to this debate, again." Yang stated, "Everyone but Blake agreed you-all in Menagerie have a bit of a hang-up."

"And Blake?" Ilia asked, causing Blake to look about nervously.

"Didn't say anything," Yang replied, "but she is acting a lot more cat-like." Yang then turned back to Ilia, "So, you know, what Jaune said is that we're people first and foremost, and every person is different. We can't expect everyone to act the same way or anything. Blake's a cat, Jaune's a buck, you're what, a chameleon or something?"

"Uh, yeah." Ilia nodded.

"So, what?" Yang asked, "You feel the need to sunbathe or something? Because, you know, I get that way myself."

"And what do you do about it?" Ilia asked.

"Oh, right now I just grab Jaune or a wife or two and snuggle up, steal their warmth, you know?"

"She says that," Weiss stated, "but she's warm enough for the two of us."

Taiyang finished his cake and put it down on the coffee table. "Okay, now might be the time for the talk."

"THE talk?" Yang asked.

"A talk." Taiyang replied.

"Is it a dad talk?," Ruby asked, "because we're like adults now."

"Kind of," Taiyang stated, "more of teacher talk."

"Alright, everyone's had cake."

"Except my sister." Weiss stated.

"We still got plenty enough for her to have a piece." Yang stated, "Why don't you get us some coffee, and we can have this not-a-dad-dad talk."

"Thank you." Taiyang stated.

"It's not about dad taxes, is it?" Ruby asked.

"Oh, much more serious than that." Taiyang stated.

"What's more serious than dad taxes?" Ruby asked.

* * *

Winter paced in front of the tied up and patched up mercenaries on the tower's roof. "So, you are going to tell me everything you know."

"And if we don't want to?" Whitaker asked.

"Will you just learn to shut up, Whitaker." the captain said to him. "If we cooperate, we'll likely get clemency. Or did you want to spent the rest of your life in prison?"

"I'll shut my mouth." Whitaker stated, and Winter squatted down to look him in the eyes.

"It's not that you will shut your mouth, but that you will tell me EVERY SINGLE THING I want to know. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." a nervous Whitaker uttered.

#rwby #firen lhain #faunus au #pollinated knight

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withcolebrock · 4 years ago

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Night Changes- Baby Brothers Part 1

Summary: Y/N goes into labor when something goes wrong.

Night Changes Masterlist

Warnings: descriptions of labor/pain, swearing, angsty stuff, lmk if I need to add more

Word Count: 3,956

Author’s Note: Sooooo HIIIII this is been a long while in the making, I spent two weeks writing this and I honestly low-key hate it but this little two parter is needed to help complete the rest of the series so ahhhh yeaaaa. This also took sooo long bc I was contemplating killing Y/N, anywayyyy I hope you guys enjoy this angsty piece hehe. This is my Gif!!

For the last two months Y/N had been on bed rest due to her pregnancy becoming dangerous for herself and the babies. Throughout the start of the pregnancy her blood pressure was getting too high for her doctors’ liking. Even at the start of her pregnancy, her body always felt different. She was sick all the time, no matter the time of day. Her body was always in pain. Her experience was a complete one-eighty from her pregnancy with Serenity.

Colby had spent most of the past nine months doing everything he could to make sure Y/N didn’t even lift a finger. He drove Serenity to school, soccer practice, helped her with her homework, set up the nursery, and filmed for his channel and his channel with Sam. He was tired and stressed out all of the time, but all he cared about was how Y/N was doing. Of course she hated watching him do that to himself, but he promised he was doing alright.

Today was the day they were finally going to meet their little boys. Her doctor’s had decided to induce labor on her due date instead of waiting for a natural birth.

“Ren, Remember Uncle Sam is picking you up from school today,” Colby explained while he held shifty eye contact with his five year old girl sitting in the backseat. Her eyes were as bright as his and her hair had a slight curl to it.

“Why?” she asked quietly as she kicked her legs dramatically back and forth against her carseat. Colby shook his head lightly as he shifted his gaze back to the road.

“Because Mommy is having the babies today, remember?” Colby explained, his eyes shifted to the rearview mirror briefly looking towards Serenity. She gasped dramatically as her mouth fell wide open. Colby smiles widely as he lets out a soft chuckle.

“Really?!” The mispronounced word leaves her little lips as another loud gasp falls from her lips. Colby nodded dramatically, pulling into the pre-school parking lot. “No way!” she continues as she jumps excitedly in her car seat.

“Yes way!” he gasped as he slowly pulled into a parking spot. He took off his seatbelt while turning his body to face the backseat.

“Can I come with you?” she asked innocently while crossing her arms over her chest. Colby tilted his head slightly letting a pout fall to his lips.

“Renni, you’ll have more fun with Uncle Sam and Aunt Kat, I promise.” he smiled sweetly pretending not to see the dramatic frown to her lips, “Now unbuckle,” he spoke as he pulled the car door open. He slammed it shut and turned to open the backseat door. He leaned his head inside of the car, looking down to his curly haired daughter.

“I can’t, Daddy, Daddy help,” she groaned while pushing against the buckles several times. Colby pursed his lips forwards as he brought his hands to the buckles, unbuckling her with ease. She swings the belts over her shoulders as she hops out of the seat quickly. She jumps down from the car while reaching for Colby’s hand. Colby took a hold of her Barbie backpack and handed it towards her. She pulled the bag over her small body and continued walking with Colby.

~~~

He pushed open the door to his house while scrolling through his Instagram feed. He shut the door behind him as he continued walking through the house. He shoved his phone into his pocket as he pulled open his bedroom door. Colby lifted his eyes from the floor, glancing towards the bed. “Hey Love, how are you feeling?” he asked as he walked over to the bed slowly. He rested his hand onto the headboard while leaning down closer to her.

“I’m mad at you,” she commented while furrowing her eyebrows. Colby pursed his lips forward shaking his head slowly while his gaze shifted over her features. She frowned up at him while brushing a few pieces of her hair away from her face. “You didn’t let me say goodbye to my daughter,” she sassed, Colby half smiled while his eyes looked her features up and down.

“You needed to sleep, Babe,” he said while lifting her chin up lightly. She furrowed her eyebrows as she scowled towards him. “We can FaceTime her later, my love,” he explained watching her features soften. His lips curled upwards as he admired his wife, “How are you feeling?” he asked again sitting beside her on the bed.

“Like I’m carrying two watermelons in my stomach,” she sighed, Colby stifled a laugh as he glanced down to the big belly. He reached over and rested his hand over her baby bump. “I’m tired, Bub,” Colby titled his head, his eyes softening as he nodded lightly.

“I know,” he leaned over and pressed his lips against hers briefly, “Almost there, Love, then we will have three babies,” he raised his eyebrows and smiled widely.

“Don’t remind me,” she joked while leaning her head against the pillow. She placed her hands on top of Colby’s, Silence fell between them as they were both feeling the little movements from her babies.

“Speaking of babies,” he spoke suddenly as he pulled his hand away from her stomach. He looked down at his wrist and sighed, “It’s about time for us to leave,” he stood up from the bed and held out his hands for her to grab.

“You don’t even have a watch on, Colby,” she let out while taking a hold of Colby’s hands while swinging her legs slowly off of the bed. He shushed her playfully as he held her hands tightly helping her from the bed. “The bags are in the nursery, I’ll meet you in the car,” she said, walking towards the door as cautiously as she could. Colby stood still while watching her waddle away from him. He stifled a laugh as he exited their room. He began walking towards the nursery only two doors down from their room.

He pushed open the door to reveal the baby blue nursery. Each crib reads the names of the babies above them. It was mainly to help them remember who is who during the first few months of their lives since they are identical twins. The two seperate hospital bags were lying beside each other labeled with the babies' names on them. He quickly grabbed the bags and headed out of the room.

He headed towards the garage double checking everything in the house, making sure they had absolutely everything they needed. He placed both of the bags into the trunk before he headed to the driver seat. He started the car while looking towards Y/N. “Are you ready, Love?” his tone was low as he adjusted the music playing from the radio. She nodded her head as she clenched her jaw. Nerves began to take over her body as she took in a long slow breath.

Colby began pulling out of the garage and started heading towards the hospital. Y/N eyes widened as she asked, “Did you tell Serenity that Sam is picking her up?” Colby nodded his head, “What about that she may spend the night there?” he nodded his head again. “She’s going to think we are forgetting her,” Y/N said softly while she rested both of her hands onto her stomach.

“Y/N, Love, she's not going to think that,” Colby held shifty eye contact with her while he continued to drive. “You should’ve heard how excited she was for the babies. Apparently she’s been talking about it for months to her teacher and the class,” Colby tried his best to calm her nerves.

It was something the doctors were worried about already. Her blood pressure was constantly higher than what they would have liked. Now with the stress on the body and the anxiety the doctors are worried that Y/N could fall into distress and so could the babies.

“But Colby, we will have to spend more time with the twins and she’ll be sad that we aren’t paying attention to her. I just don’t want our little girl to be sad,” she rested her head against the headrest, shutting her eyes briefly.

“Baby, we’ll figure it out as time goes on, okay?” he spoke softly as he reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly. “We are just going to take it day by day,” He slowly began running his fingers along the top of her hand.

The drive to the hospital was quick and easy, they found a parking spot close enough to the front entrance of the hospital. Colby immediately jumped out of the car heading straight to the trunk. Y/N pushed her door open and began climbing out of the car slowly. Colby slammed the trunk while walking towards Y/N, she shut the door behind her and leaned her body against it. “Ready?” he questioned while raising his eyebrows, throwing the bags over his shoulders. She took in a long breath before nodding.

“It’s going to be okay,” he whispered as he leaned forward pressing his lips to the top of her head. She started walking towards the front entrance of the hospital, Colby walked slightly behind her watching her every movement.

~~~

The checking in process was a lot less longer than they thought it was going to be. As soon as they walked up to the nurses station in the labor and delivery unit they were placed in a room. While she was changing into a hospital gown, Colby was laying down on one of the sofas FaceTiming his mom.

“How is she doing?” she asked over the phone. Colby ran his fingers over his lips as he glanced towards the bathroom door.

“She’s really nervous for this one,” he started, “I don’t know if it's because it's twins, or that she’s worried for Renni. I mean it’s probably both but, Mom, I don’t know what to say to make her feel better,” his mom was quiet on her end for only a few seconds as she stared towards her son on the phone.

“Well, she’s been on bed rest for months and now she’s finally going into labor, that’s scary. And she has a daughter who’s a ball of energy, that’s going to be hard to bring in two small babies into the mix. But, just make her feel comfortable, baby, that’s all you can do.”

Colby sighed as he glanced towards the bathroom door, “Yeah, I’ll try, but I gotta go Mom. I’ll keep you updated,” he said while he smiled towards the phone, “I love you,” he said before he ended the call. Shortly after Y/N walked out of the bathroom, holding her clothes she changed out of. He stood up and walked towards her reaching for her clothes. She gladly handed them towards him, as she continued walking towards the bed.

“Alrighty guys, I’m Nia, I’ll be your main nurse for today,” Nia said while she walked into the room dragging a tray table full of different needles and a few other things to help monitor the labor. Y/N slowly sat down onto the bed while smiling politely towards her. Colby gave her a small wave as he walked towards the side of the bed. “I’m just going to need to get a few testing before we start the induction process,”

She began taking a hold of a few different monitors and began placing them around Y/N chest to monitor her heart rate. Nia continued putting on all of the monitoring devices onto Y/N while asking questions about the babies and their family life. “So do you guys have any other kids or are these guys your first?” she asked as she began drawing Y/N’s blood.

“We have a daughter,” Colby answered while glancing towards the clock on the wall. Serenity wouldn’t be leaving school for another four hours. She asked a few more questions about Serenity, complimenting them about her name.

“Okay,” she smiled widely as she pulled her gloves off of her hands, “It’ll be a couple of minutes before we can start the induction process, we have to wait for the blood work to process and yada yada. But you guys just relax for a while, if you guys need me just hit that little red button,” she took the tray and left the room quickly.

Colby pulled a chair closer to the bed, sitting down beside her. “She’s peppy,” he whispered while widening his eyes briefly. She stifled a laugh as she arched her back lightly. She hissed in pain as she slowly adjusted her body on the bed. Colby's smile faded lightly as he watched her. “What’s wrong?” he asked innocently as he looked her body up and down. She placed her hand behind her back while she tilted her head towards him.

“I’m okay,” she whispered as she gazed into his eyes. He leaned his body forward while he rested his elbows on the mattress.

“Are you sure?” he breathed while his lips fell into a pout. She nodded while the corners of her lips curled up slightly. He leaned forward slowly, as his gaze flickered down to her lips. A grin forms to his lips as he rests a hand onto her check, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. “Let’s have some babies, yeah?” he whispered against her lips. A small chuckle falls from her lips as she leans her head against the pillow.

~~~

It had been six hours since the induction process and the labor process was slowly becoming worse than the process was with Serenity. She squinted her eyes shut as she tightened her jaw. She quickly began squeezing Colby’s hand as another contraction started. “Another one?” Colby asked as he straightened his body, she nodded softly as her other hand wrapped around the railing on the bed. “You’re doing so good,” he whispered while he pretended not to feel anything from her hands.

Suddenly, Colby’s phone began ringing. He pulled it from his pocket seeing Sam’s name written over the screen. “It’s Sam,” he commented as he slid his finger across the screen, “Hey,” Colby whispered as Sam’s face came onto the screen.

“How’s it going?” Sam asked. Serenity’s voice was loud in the background alongside Kat’s.

“It’s been rough, but she’s pushing through, How’s Ren?” Colby smiled towards Y/N while glancing back towards his phone. Y/N slowly released her hand from Colby’s as the contraction slowly began to ease.

Sam laughed lightly at the question, “She’s Renni, that’s for sure,” he commented. Colby and Y/N chuckled as the words left Sam’s lips. “She’s about to eat some Mac and Cheese with dino nuggets. Which Kat and I are gladly going to eat as well,” Sam showed the boxes of Kraft Mac and Cheese alongside a bag of dino nuggets into the frame. “Here, you guys can talk to her,” Sam commented as he shuffled across the room handing his phone to the little girl.

“Mommy! Daddy!” she yelled through the phone. Colby handed the phone over to her. Y/N beamed as she stared at the phone screen. “Did you have babies?” she asked.

“Not yet, Renni, but soon. How are you doing?” the conversation lasted only for about five minutes before yet another contraction had started. Y/N did not want Serenity to see her mom hurting, so she quickly handed the phone over to Colby.

“Alright, Baby Girl, we have to go,” Serenity started whining on her end of the phone, “Ren, please be good for Uncle Sam and Aunt Kat, we love you,” Colby said while smiling softly.

“Okay,” she huffed while frowning, “Love you,” she replied while Colby had ended the call. Colby sighed as he shoved his phone into his pocket. A few seconds later, a few nurses, alongside Nia, and the midwife had entered the room.

“Alright, Momma, let’s have a look,” the midwife, Chloe, had said while putting on gloves. She sat down into the stool while helping Y/N place her legs up. Y/N kept her gaze towards Colby, she found comfort just looking into his eyes for only a second.

“So good, Love,” he whispered as he ran his fingers through her hair. She rolled her eyes playfully as she smirked. Chloe smiled as she stood up from the stool removing her gloves. She motioned one of the nurses to get a pair of new gloves. Colby and Y/N stare at her expectantly.

“It looks like you are fully dilated, Y/N,” she smiled towards the two of them. A nurse walks towards her holding out the gloves, waiting for Chloe to put them on. “We are going to get started right away, are you okay with that?” she smiled widely as she began walking towards the stool. Y/N’s face paled as she turned her full attention towards Colby. Her eyes scanned his features as he smiled widely with his cheeks flushed red.

Colby nodded reassuringly as he shifted his gaze towards Chloe. “The next contraction, you are going to start pushing,” she rested her hands on top of her knees as she waited for the contractions to start.

~~~

“I can’t-I can’t do this anymore,” her head fell against the pillow as she took in a rushed breath. Her lips trembled as her eyes teared up more.

“You got this, Love,” Colby whispered in her ear as he pressed his lips against her cheek briefly. She shook her head as a sob left her lips.

“No I can’t, it hurts-I have to stop, please I can’t,” she cried out, each breath leaving her lips shorter than the last. Colby didn’t know what to say as he ran his hand along her back soothingly. His gaze shifts towards Chloe sitting at the edge of the bed, his eyes furrowed together angrily.

“Yes you can, Y/N. You’re almost there, one more push,” Chloe smiled reassuringly as she rested her hands on top of Y/N’s knees. “One more,”

“You said that last time!” Y/N cried out as she continued shaking her head.

“I know, I know, but I promise you this next one, will do the trick,” Chloe spoke as the next contraction started, Y/N took in a long shaky breath. She began pushing, as she cried out again in pain. “Almost there, look at that!” she cheered as the little boy was finally born. Loud cries left his mouth, “Okay, okay, you have a baby boy!” After cutting the umbilical cord she walks away from the bed carrying the little boy towards one of the tables.

Colby smiled widely towards Y/N, “We have a baby boy,” he raised his eyebrows as he ran his fingers through her hair. Y/N breathing started to quicken as she gasped for air. Reaching for his hand, she squeezes it a few times. Colby’s eyebrows furrowed together as he shifted his gaze down to their hands. Nia walked over to the bed, glancing towards the monitor and towards Y/N several times.

“Something’s wrong, Co-Colby something’s-,” she gasped as she tilted her head back against the pillow. Colby’s face lost its color as he stared towards Y/N. A few nurses took over Chloe’s spot of taking care of the new baby boy, while Chloe moved towards Y/N.

“Put oxygen on her,” she pointed towards the mask behind the bed while glancing towards the monitor, she brought out her stethoscope and began listening to her heart. A nurse placed the mask delicately on her and then backed away. She nodded a few times before wrapping it around her neck. “Start her on an IV drip,”

“Doctor,” Nia had said softly while holding a phone against her chest. Nia was already a few steps ahead on what Chloe was planning on doing. Chloe looked back towards her and nodded.

“Tell them it needs to be ready when I get there,” she commented as she stepped away from the bed, “Prep her for the c-section,” Several nurses started working together to prepare her. “Colby you need to step back,” she commented as she started walking to where he was sitting. Colby shook his head several times as he kept his gaze towards Y/N.

“No, no what’s going on?” he asked angrily as a few nurses rested her hands onto him and lightly pushed him away from the bed. “No, stop-”

“Colby, your wife is in distress,” Chloe rested her hand onto his arm trying to calm him down. “Her heart is overworking and she isn’t getting enough oxygen,”

“What does that mean?” his voice cracked as he fought off his tears. Within seconds Y/N was starting to be wheeled out of the room, “Where are you taking her?” he stumbled as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“We have to do a c-section to get the baby out because he isn’t getting enough oxygen,” she explained, “We have to get him out soon or we can lose them both,” Colby’s eyes widened as he rubbed his eyes several times.

“What the hell are you still standing here then?!” he yelled, throwing his hands in the air. She smiled weakly as she started heading out of the room heading to the OR. He stood still for a while as he stared towards the spot on the floor where the bed was once at. He quickly wiped his eyes avoiding the tears that were about to fall down onto his cheek.

“Mr. Brock,” Nia walked into the hospital room while taking slow steps towards him. Colby blinked several times as he shifted his gaze over to her, “Would you like us to call someone to sit with you,” Colby shook his head while he pursed his lips.

“Uh, no, I’m good,” he forced a smile.

“Come with me, I’ll show you where you can wait,” she motioned towards herself as she continued walking towards him. Colby nodded as he followed her out of the room.

His phone started to ring in his pocket as he sat down on one of the waiting room chairs. Pulling it out, he noticed his Mom’s name written on the screen. He sighed as he answered the phone. “Hey! How are you guys doing? Any babies yet?” she chripped. Colby took in a shaky breath as he stared at his hand.

“Uh-um, yeah but uh-” he stuttered as he wiped his hands across his lips.

“What’s going on, Love?” her voice became tremolous as she listened to her son.

“She’s not okay, Mom, she’s-I don’t know, Mom what do I do?” he cried into the phone.

“Okay, okay, calm down, tell me what’s going on,” she asked calmly. Colby tried his best to explain the situation but he was at a loss for words.

“I could lose her, Mom,” His body began to run cold as he whispered the words. His mom stayed silent for only a few seconds as she thought about what to say next.

“My love, you will not lose her, she is going to be fine,” she tried to reassure him. Colby sighed while he stood up from the chair, “Colby,” she said softly. He hummed in response while began pacing. “Have you held your son yet?” Colby stopped dead in his tracks as his lips quivered.

“N-no, so much had happened, I uh-”

“Colby, please go hold your son,” she paused, “Babies have all the answers,” Colby nodded his head but didn’t respond right away. He pulled his phone away from his ear as he walked towards the nurses station.

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rennyforpresident · 4 years ago

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Renny’s BBSim: First Boots Week 9

Welcome back to Biiiiiiiiiig Brother!

@ashleaevans @bathroom-sand @kaysarswhore @kayysarridha @kelleekim @lahallucinations @maxdoesbb @misshoh @music-obsessednerd @nerdphobic @nomwastaken @pawn2393 @phylisisley @remember-caltoru @rennyforpresident @shaolinbynature

Previously, @kaysarswhore had her back against the wall, and managed to make it through yet another week. Convincing @phylisisley to use the veto on her, she stayed safe and sent home a fellow Block Destroyer, @nerdphobic. But with the votes fallen the way they did, how will the fallout look

Immediately after the vote, @phylisisley pulls @kaysarswhore aside and asks, “how did you vote??”

@kaysarswhore: “I swear I voted out @misshoh. There’s no way I’d flip.”

@kaysarswhore in the DR: “I knew @pawn2393 would vote out @misshoh, and if I really wanted to solidify my spot with the other side of the house, I needed to pin this vote on him. The chaos is gonna be my best friend.”

During the conversation, @pawn2393 walks in to where they’re talking and yells: “You’re a fucking snake @kaysarswhore. You’re a snake and a coward.”

@kaysarswhore: “You can be as mad as you want, keep being mad all the way out the door sweetie!”

With tensions running high, and with bridges burned (or are they?), the HOH has never been more critical

Another endurance comp! (i swear we’ve had like TWO mental comps this entire season)

This week, no one is trying to throw it. Everyone is in it to win it. Unfortunately, some of them don’t excel in this area, so the first to fall after 18 minutes is

As soon as @kelleekim falls, @ashleaevans gets thrown off and loses concentration too!

No one is giving up easily here. But after an hour and a half on the log,

As @pawn2393 falls, he yells, “FUCK” a little too loudly, and spooks one of the people still on the log, causing the next person to fall

@phylisisley in the DR: “I just desperately wanted to win this HOH. I just feel kind of defeated right now, but I’m hoping @kaysarswhore keeps her word and wins to keep our side safe.”

It’s down to @kaysarswhore and @misshoh. Neither are letting go any time soon, and both want to secure their spot in the top 6. The two stay up there, silent, for another half hour before the last person falls. After 2 hours and 5 minutes...

@kaysarswhore! You have secured your safety for the week and earned the right to nominate two of your fellow houseguests for eviction!

Everyone hugs @kaysarswhore except @misshoh and @pawn2393. The three of them are still on bad terms after the vote, apparently.

@kaysarswhore spends the week listening to a ton of pitches.

@phylisisley and @shaolinbynature both pitch the campaign to target @misshoh and @kelleekim. That’s a dangerous duo going into final 6 with, and the showmance doesn’t want to deal with that in the next weeks.

@ashleaevans sucks in his pride to go talk to @kaysarswhore. He says that he wants this game to be fair, and that the biggest targets should go home. In his opinion, he’s not one of them.

Late at night, @pawn2393 and @misshoh sit down with @kaysarswhore to hash out their problems

@kaysarswhore: “You guys know I had to play this game for myself. I was done for. I love you guys a lot and I’d never throw you under the bus unless I absolutely had to, like last week.”

@misshoh: “It’s really hard for me to trust you knowing you’d do it again if you had the opportunity, but I don’t have another option.”

@pawn2393: “I’m happy to take the blame for the vote if you keep us off the block. Block Destroyers forever?”

All together: “Block Destroyers forever!”

The next day, at the nomination ceremony, @kaysarswhore has a serious decision to make. Will she honor newer bonds, or stick with the older bonds that may be more worn out?

@kaysarswhore: “I know what this looks like. I look like a liar. But at this point, I’ve lied to every single person in this house, except maybe @kelleekim. I had to evaluate what I wanted in this game. Did I want to be honest, or did I want to win? Well, I think we all know the answer to that. You two are the strongest duo in here, and I’d be stupid not to nominate the person who’s won HOH 3 times. I hope there’s no hard feelings, because this is strictly game. This nomination ceremony is adjourned.”

@shaolinbynature: “We should have known that she’d betray us. Honestly, I’m not surprised because we are the biggest threat in the house. I’ll win veto, and we’ll vote out the renom. We’re not down yet.”

@phylisisley: “If @kaysarswhore thinks she’s playing a great game, she’s not. She’s about to be finished if she makes it to the end. If I go to jury, that jury is poison to her. But I don’t plan on going, so I’ll just have to poison them from here.”

@shaolinbynature and @phylisisley refused to talk to @kaysarswhore until the ceremony to pick veto players. There

Everyone but @kelleekim was drawn to play

@kelleekim in the DR: “I wasn’t gonna win anyway, so it’s fun that I get to host!”

The good old poker comp!

Round 1: “There are 4 movie ticket stubs on the counter. How many stubs are in the big pile?”

@misshoh and @phylisisley all stay, but the furthest guess belonged to

I’m sorry @misshoh, you have been eliminated. But @phylisisley, you have earned one point!

Round 2: “There are four kernels of popcorn in the small cup. How many kernels are in the large bucket?”

This time, @phylisisley, @kaysarswhore, and @ashleaevans all stay in. @ashleaevans is closest, and earns one point! But the person farthest away is

I’m sorry @phylisisley, you have been eliminated.

Round 3: “There are two ounces of soda in the small cup. How many ounces of soda are in the large cup?”

@ashleaevans, @shaolinbynature, and @pawn2393 all stay in. Once again, the closest guess belongs to @ashleaevans, and he has earned another point!

Unfortunately, the furthest guess belonged to

I’m sorry @pawn2393, that means you are eliminated from the competition.

Round 4: “There are two gumballs on the table. How many gumballs are in the large machine?”

This time, all three of them stay in. In the first ever blowout poker competition, @ashleaevans is the closest again, which means

@ashleaevans! You have won the Power of Veto!

@ashleaevans in the DR: “This is a LOT of power. I could change up the game, but it could mean putting @pawn2393 in danger. I need to think seriously about how to use this.”

Later, @ashleaevans and @kaysarswhore talk in the HOH room.

@kaysarswhore: “I’m open to a discussion. I want one of them to go home, I don’t care who.”

@ashleaevans: “So there’s no chance of a backdoor? You’re not willing to target @misshoh instead?”

@kaysarswhore: “Not a chance. I know she’s a threat at this point, but I have to look out for who’s looking out for me.”

@ashleaevans: “And you don’t trust me to do that? Look out for you?”

@kaysarswhore: “It could be interesting... if you use it, I’ll think about it.”

@ashleaevans has a hard decision to make, and at the Veto Ceremony, he stands and makes it.

@ashleaevans: “We’re at the point in the game where one veto could put a lot of things into jeopardy. I’ve always had the motto that you should play this game without fear, but I also think you should never play stupid either. That being said...

The nominees are finalized, and one of the showmance is going home this week.

Knowing she’s broken down before, @phylisisley is determined to campaign hard. She’d never campaign against her partner, but she’d definitely campaign hard for herself.

@phylisisley pulls aside @misshoh and what starts as a conversation about game turns into a conversation about their places in the universe. Both of them bond over where they are in life, and form a really genuine bond.

@misshoh in the DR: “I never really got to know @phylisisley before this, and it’s nice to see a different side to her. She might come in handy if she stays this week.”

Speaking of staying this week...

Arisa: “Hello everyone! There’s no chance of any ~strange~ events happening tonight, so I can ask you all a few questions about how you’re doing! First off, @kaysarswhore, how are you holding in there as the HOH?”

@kaysarswhore: “I’m doing great this week! It’s been tough because we’re all so close at this point, but the game has to be played.”

Arisa: “That it does! @pawn2393, are you nervous knowing you’re so close to the end?”

@pawn2393: “Of course! Everyone wants a spot at the end, and it’s gonna suck no matter which way the cards fall.”

Arisa: “Well, we’ll see how they fall tonight. @shaolinbynature and @phylisisley, please stand and give us your final pleas.”

@shaolinbynature: “Hey everyone, I know it’s probably me tonight, and that’s fine. I’ve made a name for myself in here, I get it. But before I go, I need you all to promise me that you’ll take out @kaysarswhore. She’s skated by this long, there’s no way in hell she can make it to the end and NOT win. I can promise you this jury will not be bitter as hell and will vote for her out of spite to whoever’s sitting next to her for NOT taking her out. That’s all I got!”

@phylisisley: “Well, tonight is hard because I’m losing my best friend in here, but I’m so happy that I got to meet you at all *starts to tear up*. I’ve loved it here, and I’m still here to play, so give me your best shot!”

Arisa: “That’s lovely, but it’s time to vote!”

@misshoh votes to evict @shaolinbynature. Her heart-to-heart with @phylisisley paid off, and she doesn’t want to vote out someone she’s so close with now.

@ashleaevans votes out @phylisisley, saying that it hurts him, but his chances of getting further are better with @shaolinbynature on his side.

@pawn2393 also votes out @phylisisley. He was swayed by his bff @ashleaevans, and knows no matter who goes, he’s still safe in the middle.

The vote is 2-1 in favor of evicting @phylisisley. @kelleekim is the deciding vote, who could make it a tie, OR could send @phylisisley packing. How will he vote?

@kelleekim votes out @phylisisley. He’s just closer with @shaolinbynature, and just like @pawn2393, knows he’s safe in the middle.

Arisa: “When I reveal the name of the evicted houseguest, they will have one minute to gather their belongings, say their goodbyes, and exit the Big Brother house.”

Arisa: “Come on out @phylisisley!”

Arisa: “From your speeches, it sounded like you were sure you were staying!”

@phylisisley, through tears: “I have no clue why they chose to boot me over @shaolinbynature. She’s the bigger threat. I guess they just thought that I’d have the bigger chance at winning a jury vote.”

Arisa: “Any hard feelings towards anyone in there?”

@phylisisley: “Definitely towards @kaysarswhore. I’d vote for anyone else over her. I’m rooting for @shaolinbynature of course, but I don’t want @kaysarswhore or @pawn2393 to win this. They’re both icky.”

Arisa: “We are so sorry to see you go, but we’ll see you back here on finale night where you’ll help crown the winner of Renny’s BBSim: First Boots!

And then there were six! Who’s next? For now, from outside the Big Brother house, I’m Arisa Cox, and remember, someone is aaaaaalways watching!”

And @phylisisley officially joins the halls of 7th place legends. We will ALWAYS stan!! And it is truly shocking to me that no one has taken out @kaysarswhore or @shaolinbynature yet, y’all have absolutely demolished this sim, we love to see it!!!

#bb22 #bbsim #bbsim first boots

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bebepac · 5 years ago

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Pack Lightly

This is the 4th Chapter of The Life of Riley

Riley’s origin story.

Catch up on the story so far if you need to HERE.

All characters in this chapter are of my own creation.

Summary: The family of 4 goes on a mini-break after receiving great news. Ren has a really bad day.

Warnings: Light profanity. Anxiety. A pregnant woman’s worst fear. I can’t even say it.. sorry.

Word Count: 1808

As always please forgive any typos. I really do try to proofread.

If you like my storytelling please feel free to like and reblog.

Tag attack: Please let me know if you want to be on or off the tag listing and i will update: @dcbbw @janezillow @kacie-0156 @queenjilian @kingliam2019 @annekebbphotography @hopefulmoonobject @waytooattuned @queencordonia @emceesynonymroll @lodberg @kimmiedoo5 @bbrandy2002 @texaskitten30 @kaitycole @glaimtruelovealways @custaroonie @camersworld @my0123456789universe @the-soot-sprite

Look at our parents!!!! They have a little age on them now. Not the babies they once were!!!!!

Ren walked into the house to meet a smiling Jason. After he kissed her cheek, he gave a little kiss to her growing stomach.

“Hey little guy,” he said affectionately to her stomach.

“You’re home so early today, I wasn't expecting you to beat me home. What’s the special occasion?”

“Because I have a surprise for you two actually.”

Jason held up a key with a seashell on it. “We’re celebrating my promotion to Corporal, by spending the weekend at a beach house.” Jason pauses for dramatic effect… “In the Hamptons!!!”

Ren gasped. “Stop joking! You got a promotion and we’re going to the Hamptons?!?!?!?!?”

“Hell yes!!! Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are in the high class now!!!”

“High class people don’t say Hell. It’s the underbelly of the Earth that is unbearably heated.” Ren said in her most sophisticated voice she could muster.

Jason snorted from laughter, causing Ren to burst out in a fit of giggles. “We’re gonna embarrass the hell out of ourselves up there, and I don’t give a damn.”

“Neither do i, and it’s not like we’ll ever see them again anyway, so we mine as well give them a show.”

He swatted Ren on her behind. “Hurry up and pack a bag. Pack lightly.”

“Do we really know any other way?”

Packing lightly is something they both knew all too well from their days of being in the foster care system. They never had much stuff at all in those days. And even if they did, a lot of the times they would have to pack and leave things behind, because of the next location they were going to. Ren remembered at one time in her life, everything she thought that was “Important” could fit in a small school backpack.

Even living in their home they did not have wall to wall things. They took a more minimalist standpoint to decorate their. home. There was one place though that was cluttered with new things right now. The baby’s room.

She packed her bag and was ready to go within 25 minutes. She thought she did really well, until she came downstairs to find Jason waiting on her.

“What took you so long?” He said with a smirk, then a sweet smile. “You’re slipping Renny B.”

“Well if you had a tiny human either jumping on your bladder like it’s a trampoline you pee or feel like you’re gonna pee every 10 minutes, you’d be slow too.”

He grabbed her bag, putting it on the back seat. “Lucky, come!”

Jas opened the door for Ren letting her get in the car first, then secured Lucky in her kennel in the back seat. And they were on the road.

Jason underestimated how long it was going to take them to get there, because of Ren’s need to frequently stop. It was perfectly ok though, Lucky needed to walk too, and this is what they would be doing when the baby made it here too.

Ren had dozed off during the ride. He glanced at her smiling. He glanced in the rear view mirror, Lucky was sleeping in her kennel. Good grief these girls. As soon as the car started moving both were horrible road trip companions.

He focused on the music playing on the radio continuing the drive.

They stopped by the grocery store to get some food, because there was no way they were eating out anywhere around there spending eight million dollars for a piece of toast and a slice of bacon.

He pulled into the driveway.

“Oh my goodness is this where we are staying for real?”

It was a beautiful two story beach house that was painted a sea foam green and white. Colors you could only get away with living at the beach. It had an adorable porch swing. Leading down to the private beach access there was a cobblestone path. The smell of the ocean and sea salt filled their noses.

They grilled steaks for dinner. Well Jason grilled, Ren lounged on the porch swing taking in the warm air and beautiful scenery.

Once all their bellies were full and content, Jason took his family down to walk along the beach. Life was just perfect. Jason couldn’t get any happier than he was right that second, his arm wrapped around Lauren, his other hand on Lucky’s leash giving her some slack to run and play in the water a little or sniff around and the unfamiliar scents. They sat in the sand to watch the sunset.

After their long walk on the beach they sat on the porch just taking in the early night. They sat on the porch swing together. Jason pulled Lauren into his arms and gently caressed her growing stomach.

“I love you Ren.”

“I love you too Jason.”

By Sunday evening they both were so relaxed and into a routine there at the beach they didn’t want to leave.

“Maybe we can look into getting a timeshare or something up here. I would love to have a place up here that we could come and bring our little boy back to play here and enjoy it. What do you think?”

“Let’s look into it and see what we can find out.”

They packed up the car. Ren was much better company for Jason on the way back. They turned up the radio singing along to it to some of their favorite songs. Lucky howled with them from the back seat. They laughed, and sang and enjoyed each other’s company.

“Home sweet home!” Jason said when they pulled up to their house.

“Just as great as the Hamptons, but without the private beach, the beach in general, the beautiful everything. I’m just messing with you, it’s pretty great.”

“At least, it’s not our first apartment.”

“You mean our first closet together?”

“It was cozy Jason. Shows us if we could survive living there in such close quarters, we were really meant to be you know?”

“I really like the way you look at things Renny B. You always try to look for the bright side. Until you, I never had anyone in my life that did that. Makes me a better man when I look at the world through your eyes.”

Could she ever be more in love with this man that she already was. And then he ups the ante.

The next day, she met Mom for lunch. Mom gave her a huge hug and rubbed her stomach.

“How’s my grandbaby?”

“Keeping me up half the night with heartburn, and I still have the worst morning sickness most days, but other than that, it’s peaches and cream.”

“How’s Jason doing?”

“He loves it mom. He’s going to be an amazing father. He already is a great husband. Even when I'm having a crappy day, he just pitches right in to help. I’ve missed work a few times, he comes home and checks on me. I don’t know what I did to deserve him Mom, he’s such a good man.”

“You deserve him because you are a good person Ren. He’s a good person. He protected you when you needed it. He will always be there for you.”

“Mom were you nervous all the time when you were pregnant, that you’d do something wrong or something was going to happen?”

“Yes it’s natural, are you eating right? Enough? Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water? Yes child, it’s perfectly natural to worry.”

Ren teared up. “It’s crippling at times. I’m afraid to get out of bed some days. I just feel like something bad is going to happen.”

“Something like what Ren?”

“I don’t know Mom, just something. I’m so nervous, and I know I need to calm down. My blood pressure was up at my last appointment.”

“Calm down dear then, and stop with that salt.”

She smacked the salt shaker out of Ren’s hand as she was salting her fries.

She chuckled at Mom. “But I love fries with my salt.”

“Can’t tell me otherwise, you are really my child.”

Both laughed.

Mom took her hand across the table and squeezed it. “Stop worrying so much sweetheart. Everything will be fine.”

“Yes Mom.”

Back at work the feeling was still there as it always was, but she pushed it to the back of her brain she had to focus on work.

It was not the best day.

The hurricane had caused wide streamed panic, and flooding and people could simply barely get around. Ren was having to cover for two nurses who called out due to the weather, and Ren would probably not be relieved when her shift was supposed to be over so she would have to probably stay and work a double shift due to the inclement weather policy at the hospital.

She sent a quick text to Jason. He promised that he would get her out of the hospital when her shift was over if he had to arrest her himself. The mugshot would be worth it she thought.

The day was not getting better. One of her small little patients threw up on her. Of course being pregnant her heightened sense of smell almost made her vomit too.

She had to get the loner scrubs, however none were maternity so she just had to get a really large top so it would fit over her stomach. The huber needle she needed was not in the supply closet on her floor so she had to go to get it. Because who knows where the CNA’s were right now. Everything was a cluster at the hospital right now due to the weather. She couldn’t even remember if she’d eaten today or not.

She grabbed a granola bar from the snack stash at the nurses station as she waited for the elevator.

After a minute she hit the elevator button again, annoyed. “Good grief,” she said heading for the stairs. It was only two flights to where she needed to go. She started down the stairs. She was half way when a sudden nausea spell hit her. “Oh no not now little man,” she said covering her mouth picking up the pace. She had only made it 3 more steps when she felt her ankle roll. She tried to grab the stair rail for support to catch her, but her fingers slipped.

“No no no no no no no!!!” Ren screamed as she fell down the flight of stairs grabbing her stomach. Her world faded to black.

Jason was getting ready to head over to make sure Lauren would be able to leave when dispatch came over running to him.

“We have to get you to Presbyterian fast Brooks. It's an emergency.’

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Ren. She needs you.”

The something bad Ren had been fearing the whole time.... had finally happened.

#trr riley beforetrr theroyalromance originstory thelifeofriley thebeginning

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clippedwingsmusic · 5 years ago

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Ashton’s Top Releases of 2019

Chris Farren - Born Hot

One of my favorite things in the world is the juxtaposition between Chris Farren's online presence/stage persona and his lyrical content/actual personality. 'Born Hot' is the perfect example of everything I love about Farren starting with the music and going all the way down to the oven mitts and hot sauce that were released as part of his merchandise line. All jokes and bits aside, this record reminds you that it's ok to feel everything on the entire spectrum of emotions and that it's relation to you and the ones you love does not define your life- just that tiny moment in time.

The Band Camino - tryhard

Since I already touched on this EP earlier in the year, I'll just leave everyone with this: It is absolutely ridiculous how much I listened to this release this year (so much that The Band Camino topped my top artists on Spotify). These boys found exactly where they were meant to be this whole time while writing this EP and that alone has made these songs shine brighter than every star in the sky. It's been months and these perfect pop songs are still floating around my head on a constant basis.

Briston Maroney - Indiana

Last year's 'Carnival' (and a couple live shows) introduced me to Briston Maroney as 2018 came to a close, and as this decade is now wrapping up, I'm back again at his doorstep. Not often do I find a release that has me enthralled from top to bottom, but this release is the 2nd one in a row from Maroney that has done so. Many of the tracks on this project carry a slower tempo and a nostalgic tone, allowing you to fall deeply into the intricacies of guitar-driven melodies and heart-wrenching storytelling. I can't imagine my year, or my life, without these songs.

The Greeting Committee - I’m Afraid, I’m Not Angry

An absolute kick in the chest is the only way that I can think to describe this EP. A full range of sound and sanity is held within the tracks of this project, and every little detail leaves traces of who you were at the time and who you feel like you're becoming in your memory. I feel as though it's crucial to listen to this EP front to back every single time I'm reminded of it because the flow and production between each track and transition is impeccably executed and cannot be missed. The Greeting Committee has become one of my favorite bands for many a reason, and this EP is a huge one.

Renny Conti - The Horse

With 5 of his songs gracing my top listens of the year, it's safe to say that Renny Conti is one of my favorite songwriters that I've had the pleasure of finding in the past few years. 2018's 'People Floating' and this year's 'The Horse' offer a full spectrum of lovely, lonesome, and lively tunes, this time around being hosted by a full band arrangement. The varied tempos and complete lack of genre are the unlikely strings linking each track on this release; the variety simply adding to how genuine every tiny detail feels with each listen.

Nightly - Twenty Something

I don't have much to say about this track because my appreciation of it is simply overwhelming. If you've kept up with this site at all since it's creation 4 years ago, you've seen Nightly's name quite a few times, and that is obviously not going to end anytime soon (sorry not sorry). With a hypnotizing instrumental and lyrics that read like the transcript of a late night phonecall, this ambient-inspired track is one of Nightly's best efforts thus far. My personal biases aside, this is one damn good pop song.

Liily - I Can Fool Anyone In This Town

Liily is by far my favorite band that I have seen perform this year. End of story. This EP was their first collective release and was written during the band’s teen years, but now into their 20s, they’ve hunkered down and honed in on all of their successes and amplified them by 10 fold. It’s nearly impossible to throw this release on and not let it replay for days due to the consistent flow of energy between every track from start to finish. Although most of the songs from this release have already been phased out of the band’s live set, that doesn’t mean that they should be overlooked from this list.

Dayglow - Fuzzybrain

At this point in time, I don't think that any record has ever brought me as much joy just from it's integral sound than 'Fuzzybrain' has. The whimsy of this record is right in the surface from the start but is just one of the thousands of little things to love. The perspective of each track's lyrics is one not found in a lot of music- one of acceptance, calling out your own bullshit, getting a little sad from time to time, but knowing that's ok. Each song walks you through a feeling you know you've had in the past but maybe didn't know how to handle, and now you can take it in stride (or in dance due to how groovy this record is) and look towards brighter days.

Valley - MAYBE

One of the things I always look forward to when diving into a new record is the variety of tracks included, and 'MAYBE' gave me one of my favorite grab-bags of the year. Each and every track sounds like none other than Valley, but just as you can feel like a new person in a new outfit, they transform into a new band with each concept. With this record also including acoustic and orchestral versions of a few tracks, Valley really left no musical stone unturned with this record but still somehow stayed the course with their sound. This record (as well as 'Fuzzybrain') won my vote for "Most Fun Had While Listening".

SWMRS - Berkeley’s On Fire

Overall, I'd say that 2019 was a pretty angry year for the majority of people my age, and all that was summed up better than any of us could've done it with this record. SWMRS are always on top of social and political issues, but that doesn't mean my jaw will avoid falling to the floor every time they release a rock record for the gods using those themes. On top of the importance of the content of most of the songs, each one is crafted perfectly as to never leave your head or your car stereo. This record was one of my sleeper favorites of the year because I would go a period without listening to it, be reminded of one of the songs, then suddenly be swept back into the midst of the record for the next 3 weeks as if it had never gone away. SWMRS is one of the most powerful bands of our generation- this record and this year proved that.

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blackhakumen · 5 years ago

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Fanfic #32: Nice Dinner at a Nearby Barn (RWBY AU)

Oscar: (Placing Most of his belongings into a box) Thanks again for helping me cleaning out the barn and house, you guys.

Ruby: (Smiles Brightly) No Problem. I'm just glad you're were able to have a place to stay. Speaking of which, how's living with Jaune, Ren, and Nora so far?

Oscar: (Smiles Softly) Amazing. It's already been a week and I feel like I'm part of a pretty cool family.

Nora: (Smiles Brightly as She hugged Oscar) I told you we be one happy family together. Thank you so much for moving in with us, Oscar.

Oscar: (Happily Hugs Nora back) Thank you for doing whatever you can to look out for me. I'm love being with you guys.

Nora: Me too.

Ruby begins to smiles softly at this adorable display when suddenly....

Ren: (From the other Room) Guys....You might want to come in here!

And with that, The trio began rush towards the kitchen where Ren is certainly at.

In the Kitchen

Ren: (Having a look at the inside of Aunt Pine's top fridge) Interesting.....

*Door Opens*

Nora: (Walked I the kitchen along woth Ruby and Oscar) Ren, is everything alright in here?

Ren: Yes, but...well...(Turns to Oscar) Oscar.

Oscar: Hm?

Ren: Have you by any chance looked inside the top of refrigerator before your Aunt's passing?

Oscar: Not really-(Eyes Begin to Widened once Took One Look at all of Frozen, Contained Foods inside the top of the fridge) ......where the heck did all of these meals came from?

Ren: (Took Each of these meals from the fridge one by one) If I had to guess...I'd say she made these quite a while.

Nora: You think we should bring these to our apartment and put 'em in the freezer?

Ruby: I don't think that's a good idea, Nora. Refreezing these would not only removes moisture, but it could also create ice crystals and the fibers of the meat that could easily compromise their taste and texture.

Ren and Nora: (Look at Ruby sideways)........

Ruby: (Blush a little while sighing) My dad's been taking Culinary Science in his freetime lately. I think I might be rubbing off on him...

Nora: Well if we can't put these foods into a freezer, what are we gonna do with them then?

Oscar: (Looking over the last bit of Frozen Foods his Aunt made before her passing) ....................

Ruby: (Looking Over towards Oscar with a Worried Look on her face) Oscar? Sweetie, are you okay?

Oscar: .....This maybe too much to ask for but....(Turns Around and with Small Smile) How about we invite our friends over here for dinner? It'll be like Aunt Elm would be feeding us...one last time, you know?

Nora: (Almost Feels like She's Moving in Tears) Oscar..... That sounds like a wonderful idea!

Ruby: (Smiles Softly) Yeah. We would love that very much.

Ren: I'll help prepare the meal for the evening. I know I'm nowhere near as good as your aunt or anything, but it's still worth a try.

Oscar: (Smile Grew a little more bigger) Thanks, you guys. (Sighed as he took one look at one of his Aunt's Frozen Meal) You know it's funny...My aunt would always try making meals for the both of us whenever each of us gets tired from a long day of Farm work.....(Begins to Frown a little) Can't believe that this is going to be the last time we'll ever get to see her cooking again for a long time....

Ruby, Ren, and Nora immediately gave Oscar a loving group hug.

Oscar: (Taken Aback from a Sudden Group Hug) H-Hey. You guys don't have to worry. I'll be okay.

Ruby: We know you will, Oscar....

Ren: ...And we're going to do whatever we can to be by your side....

Nora: ...Because you mean the world to all us, sweetie pie.

Oscar: (Can Feel a few Tears Falling down his face as he Smiles again) (Where would I be without you guys?...)

Later That Evening.....

Nora: (Enjoying Aunt Elm's Food that Ren Prepared for) Oh my gosh, Renny!~ These taste Amazing!!~

Jaune: (Enjoying the Food as well) Eating Mrs. Pine's cooking mix with Ren's cooking skills....('Sigh Dreamingly') It's like I'm already in heaven.....

Oscar: (Satisfied with the Food Ren prepared for them) All of these came out great, Ren. Thank you.

Ren: (Smiles Softly) It's really no problem at all, Oscar. I'm just glad I was able to prepare something you all would love.

Sun: (Smiles Brightly) You gotta tell your secrets on this, dude! How are you able to cook THIS good?

Neptune: (Smiles Brightly) Yeah, bro! Have you been some kind of Grandmaster Chef this entire time?

Ren: (Chuckles Lightly) Well, I'm not really much of a bragger or anything, but I will say that I've learned how to cook ever since I was a-

Blake: I still can't believe you would try and take all credit like that!!

Weiss: ('Scoffs') Please. Like you actually came up with the idea to begin with!

Oscar: (Whispers Towards Ruby and Yang) Okay am I missing something here or...

Yang: (Facepalms while Sighing) Weiss and Blake worked on this Science Project a couple of days ago and Weiss got more praise for it than Blake did yesterday. They've been at each other's throats ever since...

Weiss: (Crosses her arms) Don't mind us, everyone. Blake here is just making a huge deal about nothing yet again.

Blake: You always do this to me, Weiss. Whenever we get paired up together to do a project, I would do all the work, while you did little to nothing and try getting credit for it.

Weiss: That is absolutely not true! I'll have you know that I've done a lot of work as well.

Blake: (Crosses her arms in disbelief) Really? In which project?

Weiss: Well there is one project we'd....uh....o-or how about the one where we.....er.....I-I mean....

Blake: See? You're already proving my prove.

Weiss: (Blushes in Embarrassment) Am not!! I...I just... couldn't think of one as of right now....

Blake: (Rolled her Eyes) I swear....You think just because your a daughter of a millionaire family that you could get away from doing actually work by popularity status...

Weiss: I have the grades to back that calm up! And besides, at least I don't cause my parents any stress because of your little rebellious and gothic attitude.

Blake: (Pick up a plate of her food) You wanna go right here, Schnee?

Weiss: (Picks up her plate as well) Bring it, Belladonna!

Ruby: Guys!!

Nora: (Slam Both of her hands on the table) ENOUGH!!

Blake/Weiss: (Immediately Stop what they were about to do and gave Nora their attention)

Nora: (Got up from the table) Weiss. Blake. In the kitchen. NOW! (Walk Towards the kitchen door and open it)

Weiss and Blake Silently got up from the table and walk towards the kitchen where Nora is waiting.

Weiss: (Whisper to Blake) She said your name first. That must rubbed you off the wall, doesn't it?

Blake: (Rolled her eyes as she and Weiss made her way into the kitchen) Oh shut up.

'Door Close'

Nora: (In the Kitchen) I don't know what the hell is into you two toady, but this is a very difficult time for my baby right now!! We're eating the last dinner that his aunt has ever made, and you two were going to throw it at each other like a bunch of children?!!! Whatever it is you're fighting about, put that aside, go back in there and be respectful towards everyone including my son, AND THERE WILL BE NO DESERT FOR EITHER OF YOU FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT!!! Hey!! Blake Belladonna, LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU!! And don't think just because we're almost the same age that you could.......(Continues Yelling)

Oscar: (Hearing Every Bit of Nora's Yelling from the other side of the room) Hey so.....I never really thought about this until now but....you guys ever think that Nora is starting to become like an actual mom lately?

Ruby: Now you mentioned it....She has been acting a lot motherly as of late...

Jaune: Tell me about it. Ever since Oscar moved in with us, she's been taking that role pretty well....A little too well if you ask me...

Yang: Judging by the way she's yelling at Weiss and Blake's ears off in there, she is doing one hell of a job being one right now.....

Ren: (Shrugged) She's only doing what she can for Oscar.

Oscar: Wait... She's acting this way...for me?

Ren: Exactly. Before we decided to ask you to moved in with us, Nora made a vowed to be a good Role Model and Mother Figure to you to this day forward. (Smiles Softly at Oscar) You mean the world to her, Oscar.

Oscar: (Slowly Begins to Smile Himself after Thinking about the times Nora was always there for him) Yeah....I think I'm starting to believe that too....This has to be weirdest thing I'm gonna say but.....I think Nora's going to be a great mom someday.

Everyone that is still present at the Dinning table happily agrees to that statement as they finish their food while Nora continues to yell at Weiss and Blake in the kitchen for almost ruining her baby's dinner.

@keyenuta

@miki-13

@maripr

@ma-lemons

@littlemisssquiggles

@oscarpineprotectionsquad

@miraculouscorazone

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tcm · 5 years ago

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EX-LADY: Bette Davis and the Character Who Could Not Be Tamed by Raquel Stecher

From the very first scene of EX-LADY (’33) we know that Helen Bauer, as played by Bette Davis, means business. Helen and her boyfriend Don (Gene Raymond) are hosting a swanky party for friends and it’s time to kick them all out. Why? She’s on a deadline. After having landed an illustration on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine, she’s got another lucrative gig waiting in the wings. Soon we find out that not only is Helen a career woman, she’s more talented and sought after than Don, an advertising copywriter. We also learn that she absolutely does not want to get married. For her, marriage is a dull prospect, one that comes with compromise, subservience and general unhappiness. She fights for every scrap of independence she can get her hands on. Her biggest obstacle is love itself. And so begins her internal conflict between her feelings for Don, who wants to legitimize their relationship in the eyes of society with a marriage certificate, and her desire to be free from the shackles of that institution… at least until she’s 40.

EX-LADY was Bette Davis’ first leading role. She was under contract with Warner Bros. and her star was on the rise. Producer Darryl F. Zanuck took notice. According to Davis biographer Whitney Stine, Zanuck caved to demands from both fans and industry members to give Davis top billing in a Warner Bros. production. And so he did, just a few short months before Zanuck left Warner Bros. to create Twentieth Century Pictures which soon merged to become Twentieth Century-Fox. Zanuck dipped into the Warner library and plucked out ILLICIT (’31), director Archie Mayo’s pre-Code film starring Barbara Stanwyck, James Rennie and Ricardo Cortez. To a modern eye, it might seem too soon to remake a film made only two years earlier, but this was common practice back in the early talkie era. Dusting off a film, polishing it up and giving it another go was a way to take advantage of existing material and the evolving technological improvements of filmmaking. Zanuck hired screenwriter David Boehm to adapt the original play written by Edith Fitzgerald and Robert Riskin. When the play was published in 1930, Fitzgerald and Riskin were a couple and it made sense for two creative types in a romantic partnership to write a story essentially about a couple just like them.

Shot over 18 days on the Warner Bros. lot and made for a budget of $115,000, EX-LADY was directed by Robert Florey. Zanuck made several demands including having Davis portrayed as glamorous as possible in the film. It was clear that the then platinum blonde Davis was being groomed for stardom. In EX-LADY, Davis is showcased in Orry-Kelly creations with a backdrop of Art Deco decor. Gene Raymond had just been released from his Fox contract and was chosen to be the film’s leading man. Other cast members include Claire Dodd as Iris Van Hugh, the long suffering wife of Hugh Van Hugh (Frank McHugh) who craves the attention of her otherwise disinterested husband. Then there is Peggy Smith (Kay Strozzi), the rich socialite who seeks the antidote for boredom with Helen’s husband Don.

Upon release, EX-LADY got panned by the critics. The negative press focused more on the representation of sexuality in the film. The Hollywood Reporter review read “why didn’t Warners shoot the entire script of Ex-Lady in one bedroom on one bed?”. New York Times critic Andre Sennwald thought Davis was miscast and her scenes, “were sometimes timidly suggestive, then depressingly naive and mostly downright foolish.” Even Davis herself didn’t look too kindly on the film. Perhaps the memories of her battle with Warner Bros. for better parts still stung.

I believe a contemporary audience can revisit EX-LADY and find much to enjoy about this film. I find Helen an incredibly relatable and admirable character. She’s strong-willed, talented, smart, witty, knows what she wants and what she doesn’t and spends the first half of the movie fighting against society’s gender norms. Film historian and author Sloan De Forest in her book Dynamic Dames (TCM and Running Press) says the following about Davis’ role as Helen:

“While the title suggests that Bette has a tarnished reputation, the movie takes her side. No accusations, no judgments. Her character is allowed to be as bad as she wants… being a Mrs. doesn’t define her; she gets to keep her career and her man. And her headstrong personality suggests that she’ll never be completely tamed.”

EX-LADY was perhaps too ahead of its time. It gets lost in the open marriage/love triangle aspect of the plot but can still stand on its own as a spirited and ultimately feminist pre-Code.

#Pre-Code #Ex-lady #Bette Davis #Dynamic dame #1930s #TCM #Turner Classic Movies #Warner Bros.#Raquel Stecher

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for-fvckssake · 1 year ago

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"I'll take you every day. you and the toy? don't know about that," his dominant arm moves to wrap around your midsection, securing you against his chest as he adjusts his legs so you didn't slip into the water.

"im a little naked right now and there's some dude on top of me," ren laughs at your joke, shoulders shaking up and down before his lips touch the top of your head. he leaves a few kisses there, nuzzling into your hair and inhaling the soft, familiar scent of vanilla that always seems to exude out of you.

it takes a few for him to talk again —the sweet smell invading his nostrils and taking hold of his nervous system, putting him in an almost trance-like calmness— and when he does, his voice comes out in a flirty, playful purr, "none taken. i am pretty big all over, baby. i know that. now, shhhh."

he covers your eyes and pushes the back of your head against his chest, lips finding your temple to give you just one more kiss before you both drift off.

—

eren wakes up with a shiver as he sat on what once was a warm, relaxing bath. he didn’t know how much time had passed but it clearly was more than enough to have cooled all of the many gallons of water that surrounded the two of you. "ugh, fuck," he curses quietly, very much aware of your still sleeping form on top of him before another shiver runs up his spine. he clearly didn’t think this through.

he uses his foot to slowly raise the drain, feeling the water empty the tub before using a towel to wrap around you. eren nuzzles against your cheek, slightly chapped lips leaving kisses on your cheek in a way to wake you up slowly, "wake up, pretty boy. lets get you changed and warmed up, cmon."

ren manages to get out of the tub with you in his arms —bridal style— and make his way back to the bedroom, where he lays you down on the bed and moves away to grab some clothes for the two of you.

-Rennie <3333333

“mmm… yeah yeah, ‘m up m up.” i sigh out, curling further into your chest as i’m lifted out of the now chilly water with a shudder, before i grab the edge of the towel to wipe my nose.

“yeah, don’t wanna move though, you dress me, but don’t try anythin funny.” i him hum out, curling into a ball under the towel with a whine.

“gimme somethin of yours, and warm… and clean, after that one time i should probably clarify that.” i huff out, eyes peeking over the fluffy fabric at you before stretching my leg out and gently kick you in the thigh, but barely even able to reach you so it’s more of a nudge with my toes.

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dndfuckhouse · 6 years ago

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session 12 & 13 - It’s been a very long day

SESSION 12 - 4/13 📜🔪

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> 🎵 Secrets / Vampyr OST

Picking up again moments later, the group inquire into what exactly the proposition Orin has is. Orin goes on to detail the deal as such, Vorde will lend the group his aid in apprehending the Letterheads in exchange for their help on a later job of his. Apparently he noticed their escape from the palace, thinking them either extremely lucky or skilled considering the circumstances, he became interested in the group and their skills subsequently.

Orin states the job in question is in Vorde’s home city of Antessa and would require the group to travel, hiring them as mercenaries of a sort, before saying he cannot say much else about it for the time being. He also states that the group would be compensated for their cooperation as well. As the group converse Orin then moves to the large hole in the wall of the building and calls out to someone, before a small strangely cute looking bat lands upon Orin’s shoulder.

Orin: “You met him at the ball too right?” he cracks another smile before poking the bat slightly “in person would be great pal”

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> 🎵 Dracula's Castle / Castlevania: Symphony of the Night OST

The bat transforms in a quick flash of light in front of group into the image of the elven young man the group saw earlier during the ball, Finnian.

Finn: I apologise for the lack of introductions at the ball... I'm Finnian of the Barvotte family in Antessa. i recognise a few of you but we'll have to become acquainted properly this time Rokka: yes I do, hello sir Psalm: I'm Psalm Plum: plum Psalm: i thought you said your name was prune Plum: what Rokka: in rokka's mind: who is plum

Orin: i figured its better to have you out here than sitting in the shadows, makes us look less...nefarious? Psalm: what's nefarious about turning into a bat am i right Finn: He's been fidgeting with his cape for a moment, bringing it up to his face to hide for just a moment. whispering to himself. "i suppose so yeah.” Psalm: not that it's a bad thing 💦 Plum: nice one hahahahaha

Rokka: rokka this entire convo

As the conversation continues Orin tells the group that Vorde will give them all the information he’s currently gathered on the Letterheads in exchange for their cooperation. He also states they’d loan them Finn to their party to help out, Orin stating he is quite skilled in his own right and that it should be a help towards their endeavours. Asked by the group, he then goes on to speak of what they saw him doing earlier, and why Vorde wouldn't come and give them this proposition himself.

Orin: “ I was trying to interrogate that assassin, but after a time he just wouldn’t listen to anything I would say, I had him pinned with my sword however and he was trapped" he huffs

"So I suppose he decided to lean forward and take the stab in the chest voluntarily. I don’t know if it’s a thing with corpses and death and their leader or if he just didn’t want to risk blabbing, but I wasn’t intending to kill the man at least.” He folds his arms in front of him

“a corpse is less useful than a talking man, and I kind of shy away from murking’ strangers”

Finn: "my uncles expertise lies more in gathering information and dealing with it. hes also already wrapped up enough in this." he doesn't have the time to be happy or depressed over Orin beaming by mentioning him.

"i'd appreciate it if you stopped throwing baseless accusations around like this though." a cold aura surrounds him once again.

The group then turn their attention towards the passed out man in the room before them, tied up in ropes across his top and middle section. Orin states he was sent here with Finn to investigate the man and that they found him like this curiously enough. He states he’s going to wake him up to question him but psalm tells him to gag the man first, orin asks if he wants to do it but psalm refuses to get involved. Though as Orin's about to poke him, Psalm decides to quickly gag him anyway beforehand.

Finn: finn is unsure what to think of psalms .. skillful rope tying Psalm: PLOL PLEASE I'M JUST DOIGN MY JOB

Orin wakes the sleeping scruffy man laying half on the floor and he quickly snorts and shoots up, sitting on his knees, eyeballing the group with a dirty look because of the gag in his mouth. He gets up on his legs and stamps around angrily before Finn tells the man they're here to just ask him some questions and to not scream or they’ll be very sad about it. Orin removes the gag and the man states there’s nothing for them to rob if that's what they're after.

Orin asks the man if he knows anything of the Red Letterheads, he quickly reacts with fear and strange laughing stating he’s not letting them nab him again.

Finn: are you the so called foot folk? marvellous. I’ve always wanted to see a peasant with my own eyes!

At their statement that the group is looking for the letterheads the man seems to calm down ever so slightly and tells them what he knows of the group and why.

Sammy: "i was minding my own business as i always do, down there just outside the front this place, weren't many people around.." he stamps his feet "doesn't mean i was asking to get grabbed by weird bastards!! about two weeks ago it was....they knocked me out and before I knew what was going on I was in this horrid looking place, locked up with all these sacks around me” His eyes grow somewhat frantic “all I could hear was footsteps echoing, but every now and again I heard a scream come from all around the walls, I thought I was gone get skinned alive but i was so tired... just kept going in an out of consciousness haha...” his teeth start chattering

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> 🎵 Questions / Vampyr OST

Psalm: so how'd you end up back here? Sammy: “whatever cage they locked me in for the time wasn’t that securely kept together, i was able to pull myself together at one point and I bashed my head on it a few times and it rocked open" he gestures at his head with his knee "I never saw anybody actually the entire time I was there so I booked it as fast as fucking possible” he stamps again

Sammy: “when I found the exit and burst out I found myself running into the middle of the business district in broad daylight” he shakes from side to side his bound shoulders shifting “I was so stunned I just stood there dumb jaw lying open, when I turned round the door behind was completely different to the one id come out of, building even, I thought I was still underground somewhere” his teeth start to chatter

“I made for the sewers as quick as I could, the city up there scares the piss out of me and being covered in blood is a good way to get hauled off by the crooked guards”

The group ask him how he knew who took him to which the old guy states he saw a symbol carved on the wall and recognised it as their moniker. Apparently dwelling down here he’s catches wind of all sorts of unsavoury types and their ilk, though not enough to avoid them apparently. When he describes the symbol the group realises its the same one on the small tokens they grabbed from the assassin's bodies.

Psalm: hey what's your name? Sammy: he stares at you for a moment psalm suspicious "....you tell me yours first...." Psalm: you're not really in the position to be asking for my name now are you? Plum: psalm's his name, i'm plum, that's rokka Psalm: .................................

Plum: why are you tied up Sammy: THIS kind stranger is how I sleep, makes me feel good and secure, who are YA'LL anyway? Coming into my house? Criticising how I get to sleep at night huh? Psalm: * under breath * "no wonder you got kidnapped" Plum: ..............................alright Finn: kinky Plum: how do you get untied...

Plum: turning to orin "weren't y'all the one on a job to ask this guy questions" Orin: he looks down at you "but you guys seemed to be having such a fun time of it" Finn: finn flashes a polite smile "you're doing a good job!" Finn & Orin: ^_^

The group then question the man as to why he was yelling about the letterheads a week back to which Sammy responds to with utter confusion, he doesn't remember doing that. The group stare at each other confusedly before stating a few theories, Plum bringing up maybe this guy has a doppelganger too or if they controlled him somehow while he was in their care

Orin seemingly satisfied with the questioning then makes to leave with the information Sammy’s told them. Plum throws a random pillow on the ground at Orin but he dodges it and it instead goes sailing out of the giant hole in the wall. Orin goes to reassure Sammy before leaving that they’ll take care of the Letterheads, somewhat awkwardly, before telling the group to think on Vorde’s proposition and meet them on the other end of the cavern in three hours should they agree to work with them. Finn and Orin then hop out of the hole in the wall, disappearing from view, leaving the group and a confused Sammy in their wake.

As the four consider what to do afterwards they hear a knock at empty door frame to the room and a man they’ve never met before poke his head inside.

---

Meanwhile a small time before the group question Sammy the other half of the group make their way back to Renny’s and subsequently over towards the East Dive. Once they arrive they seemingly spot Plum staring up at the derelict looking building and come over to speak to them.

Han: i walk over like “HEY LIL SIR” smack them on the back Plum: they jump somewhat and whip around but let out a “oh it’s all of you” while raising a brow and looking around. Han: yea i mean. you guys told us to come here, so whats up what did you guys find Plum: uh...nothing yet the others are…around, we got separated I don’t know where they ran off too… Keva: wait. what were you doing at the night of the ball? Plum: they stare at you for a moment "i was with all of you?" Han: ah.

The group seem to suss out this isn’t their plum and Han and Keva quickly move to act, Han quickly trying to grapple them but this plum seems to be able to snake their way out of their grasp quite quickly

Plum: what the hell ?? Han: just giving u a hug bro Plum: a very aggressive hug

Han falls to the floor failing to tackle them, quickly after Keva strikes them with her dagger, hitting and cutting them, though strangely she doesn't see any wound appear on plum’s visage despite their cry of pain.

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> 🎵 Let Go of Fear / Howard Harper-Barnes

Quickly after Plum runs off into the building the group give chase, albeit the other three a little confusedly at the sudden bolting. They make their way running through the definitely-not-safely-traversable building chasing after where they spot the fake plum skittering away. Eventually they come across a long haphazard beam between corridors on the second floor. Cimmorro and Vinny quickly make their ways across though Keva has a bit of trouble, Han and Cole stumble falling off completely back onto the ground floor, landing atop a pillow groaning in pain.

Vinny and Cimmorro are close but arent sure which path in front of them the fake plum ran down

Cimmorro: vinny please your huge BRAIN needs to work here Vinny: "UH IM NOT SURE WHAT WERE EVEN DOING" he looks about confused "should we just pick at random?"

Cimmorro: bro u got any magic to track stowaways or sumn Vinny: “uhh" he thinks for a moment while you two are running "no but i can make us float?" Cimmorro: ??????? i don't think we need that right now... do we??? Vinny: probably not but i mean its there if we need it??

Keva heads up a floor higher once she’s crossed the beam, sighting plum at the far end running into a room and slamming a door behind them, she gives chase hopping over a large hole in the ground. Underneath on the floor below, Cimmorro and Vinny see her leap over their heads. Cimmorro shouts at Vinny to use his spells now frantically climbing and grabbing him to which he quickly complies, hurtling them a floor up and landing them at Keva’s feet in a heap. In the meantime Cole and Han make their way quickly back up the flights of stairs.

Cole: han you pull u and cole's asses off the ground and round to head back into the building, she tries to cheer you up a little on the way Cimmorro: plz tell me cole pats hans bum :/ Han: ye she does

Cimmorro: HGJFKHG climbs on top of vinny like a cat and screeches Rokka: i imagined vinny t posing while floating and cimms just clinging onto his back Cimmorro: JGKHSBXC<BX<MCBN<B

Keva manages to get the door open but finds herself looking out into an empty derelict room, large holes in the rickety wooden walls, the fake plum seemingly nowhere to be found. Keva huffs and informs Han, the two then head back to the ground floor and try and angrily search about for them while the other three watch them from up in the empty room tired from all the running.

----

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> 🎵 Darkening Developments / Kevin Macleod

Cutting back to the other group for the moment, the new man who’s entered the room appears to be a tall drow, wearing a hood and an eyepatch. He remarks that he didn’t know Sammy had friends over to which Sammy then complains about him being 6 hours late for something.

Before the two can can discuss whatever it is though Plum quickly tells Sammy that they want to check him first before they go, to see if he has any weird symbols put on him by the letterheads. Sammy is suspicious at first but seemingly relents after Plum tells him of the weird symbol they saw on a corpse before. In the meantime Psalm speaks with the drow, who introduces himself now as Nickel, apparently a friend of Sammy’s.

Rokka: waves Nickel: he waves back at you rokka Rokka: WOW SOMEONE FINALLY WAVES BACK

Ezra from the corner of the room he’s been situated has been giving the drow a stare since he’s walked in, to which Nickel comments on, Psalm also inquires into the look.

Ezra: "I've seen you before, just making sure where from.." he pauses before walking up to stand next to you psalm "you wouldn't happen to run with a group called the blue hoods" he cocks a brow Nickel: he laughs and raises a brow "the dark blues actually, got a little confused there pal?" and he smiles Ezra: ezra's eye narrows "right..." he looks back at where plum is poking sammy "strange for you to show up in a place like this is all i think"

Ezra informs Psalm that the dark blues are a group of underground traders who deal in all sorts of items across this city though he finds it strange that sammy would be a customer.

Psalm: you wouldn't happen to have any connections in the west would you Nickel: he raises a brow "why ya asking?" Psalm: just some insurance i guess, call it paranoia if you want, but your uniform looks too similar to someone i know Nickel: he raises a brow "haha got plenty of enemies do you, always good to be prepared huh" Psalm: i wouldn't say plenty :psalmface:

Psalm: if any, let's say shady organisations from the west come asking though just pretend i wasn't here Nickel: nickel looks at you and shrugs "if i have a reason too sure, maybe if you buy something off me later" and he laughs Psalm: you'll be the first person i come to if i need anything then Nickel: oh too kind sir

As the conversation ebbs on Plum finally finds an old looking brand on Sammy’s back and informs the others, calling them over to look. As they inform the two strangers and tell them he ought get the brand checked out, Psalm looks out the large hole in the wall of the building, and in the darkness spots Han and Keva grumpily searching around.

He calls out to the two of them beckoning them to come upwards. They make their way back inside swinging by the other three and heading up 7 flights of rickety stairs, meeting back up.

Rokka: BROOOOOOOOO Han: BROOOOOOOOOOOOO Keva: wait have we done the password HAN

Keva immediately asks the secret question while holding her dagger but the other group heckle her over saying it first thing, she quickly gets fed up from this and the plum debacle earlier and stalks out to wait in the hallway fuming slightly.

Psalm: oh look what you did plum you upset her Cimmorro: i love drama!

Vinny: vinny looks at keva leave the room before looking at you plum "....whats your favourite colour" Plum: pink? Vinny: he nods "real!"

Han quietly informs them they just ran into plum’s doppelganger hence her apprehension. The group then turn and ask who the two strangers are to which the other group explain a tip on the letterheads led them here, they also tell of Orin’s appearance, Keva listens intently from outside the doorframe on that. The group inform them of the proposition they were given before telling sammy he should be good probably if he doesn't die so be sure to not do that. Sammy grumbles with his head in his hands.

Before the group scuttle off Han quickly asks Nickel what exact services he provides as she’s heard of the dark blues before in passing.

Nickel: “underground trading yes, we provide typically illegal wares that we smuggle into the city here" he smiles "illicit herbs, concoctions, materials, weapons, armour, all sorts of things, we take on requests too should our customers desire something specific" he clasps his hands in front of him "should you find yourself in need of our lovely groups' services you can find us down near the docks, our inventory changes quite a bit" he smirks happily

Satisfied the group then quickly take their leave of the place, heading back to Renny’s where they can safely discuss their next plan of attack.

SESSION 13 - 4/14 🦇✨

After arriving at Renny’s the group begin discussing the various things they learned while separated as well as what transpired right before they met up with one another, Keva keeping quiet for most of it.

Han: right so. outside that building we saw a copy of plum, keva kinda saved our ass by remembering the code so props to her Psalm: for safety's sake we should change it next time, but yes good job keva Han: like its obviously going to sound awkward but that’s the whole point, we just need to hear the actual words

Plum: so where’d my doppelganger go? guessing they ran off Han: yea we lost sight of them Plum: wow sure hope they aren't robbing a fucking bank right now! Han: they already killed a person as you Plum: why do you guys take me so seriously for crissakes Rokka: u look serious plum Plum: fair, that’s just my face Cole: its the furrowed brows Han: its a very serious face

Han: wait why are you calling them plum Psalm: plum is their name? Han: no its prune? Plum: what, no it's my name, prune is my sister's name Rokka: YOU.................LIED? Han: ............did you lie to us about ur damn name? and it wasn't even that good of a lie? Plum: did i.................. Psalm: you lied and you don't even remember amazing

The surface group detail the things they heard above ground, and who the guard are apparently looking for. They also mention gossip they heard about this maybe being a coup or assassin's sent by Talornia as well as the victims of the attack. Upon hearing of SIlversoul, Rokka’s mood visibly dampens and he sulks somewhat in a corner of the room.

Psalm then brings up something he thought against telling Han in the room in the East Dive at the time, that they came across Rickert while looking for information in the cove earlier. Though Han doesn't seem to take much interest.

Psalm: i just thought you'd be interested in the bounty is all Plum: oh were you not interested in ripping him in half? guess we read you wrong Han: no i. [sighs rly deeply] ye listen that was. an embarrassing moment of weakness going all crazy, i dont ... like doing it and i dont want to be like that.... new page and all that. i took a nap, meditated, calm down. thought about my bad decisions. s'all good now Plum: oh so that’s not your usual mood? glad to hear it Psalm: no need to be embarrassed Plum: nothing speaks new page than probably having to change our identities now that were wanted am i right Han: LAUGHS WEAKLY

The two then heckle Psalm for clearly being on the lookout for something or someone to which he replies he was just kidding about actually having to change his identity before this.

Han: you do give off a vibe of wanting to disappear Psalm: i just try to leave as little of a footprint as possible Han: yea that sounds like somebody who is on the run Psalm: yes well can't help what it sounds like can i

Psalm: that's why you shouldn't go giving out my name to strangers plum 🙂 Plum: sorry i didn’t know you had some kind of hitman after you 🙂 no seriously sorry, we weren’t getting anywhere Psalm: *visibly agitated* i suppose it was the only way

Plum then asks Han about whether or not they got the stuff they asked for from their room, to which Han replies they did, handing it over easily enough. Psalm asks what plum’s big pink potion actually is, they tell the group that its a medicine for themselves.

Plum: if i don’t drink it then i get this awful pain in my stomach, every now and again, but how it actually helps i don’t know, well that’s just one of the symptoms. As you would imagine i haven’t tested out not drinking it. Psalm: oh, that's more serious than i was expecting Han: han just looks at you like ????????? Plum: also would i carry around a bottle this large for a trivial reason

Han: i like u plum, u helped me up in the basement n stuff :( Plum: also i like you more han now that i know you're not actually as bloodthirsty the day we met Han: aw thanks Psalm: when you're not pinning people against walls that is Han: u deserve that one Plum: yeah Psalm: well Han: i dont know if you think the rest are stupid but its pretty obvious when you start talking in whatever language to someone its more than a little creepy Psalm: if you ask nicely i'll explain what that's all about some other time maybe

As the group continue conversing with one another, Vinny who has been seemingly studying his spellbook for a time next to Cimmorro, seems to pipe up about something and turns to him.

Vinny: he eyes the book before suddenly turning right at you “sir cimmorro!” Cimmorro: cimm tilts his head slightly towards vinny going "yes????? hello?" Vinny: he leans in towards you a little, his eyes intent “remember ah…during the ball when you asked my compatriots about an affliction you had, how we said it seemed to sound like a curse or sorts?” Cimmorro: yeah i remember... what about it? Vinny: he pauses "after your kindness so far i feel very grateful and uh" he taps his spellbook briefly “and well, im not sure if it would work at all but I do have a spell that can remove curses, smaller ones, and yours well, it does sound a touch more serious than that! but I figured we could try it out? See if itll work- I figure why not!” Cimmorro: cimm's face beams and also falls kinda nervously as vinny shares his ideas with him and kinda darts his eyes around "like, you mean, now? try it here??"

Vinny continues to happily detail the process, though cimmorro seemingly doesnt jump at the chance to be cured, instead asking if he could teach it to him somehow, though Vinny replies that he doesnt think it'd be possibe for him to learn at the moment. Cimmorro then reveals that its a friend of his who's cursed and not him dejectley.

Vinny: he tilts his head "ohhh, i see...well good to know you dont have such an affliction at the very least!" and he pats your shoulder jovially "would you mind if i asked who for?" Cimmorro: "friend back home." he said hesitantly "so it's pretty important... though if you say you're not even sure if it works, then it would be a waste of time to go back there and head out again in case it fails, ye?? which is why i'm trying to 'collect' them..." leaning closer to vinny "i might just have to drag you back with me at some point : )" Vinny: he nods through your explanation "my heart goes out to your friend then, id imagine it'd be worse for someone without your uh....scaly constitution" as you say that last sentence he gives a loud laugh "well depending on how this ends up we might need to leave shorewater soon anyhow, i'd be a willing enough kidnapping victim at this point" a smile "ill try and keep this in mind then for you" Cimmorro: "ah well," cimm visibly relaxes before continuing "i'm relieved i'm getting somewhere with these at least... and you certainly owe me big time!" chimed in a jokingly tone and sticks his tongue out at the end "oh don't worry, i'll be sure to tell your wife before taking you away" he laughs a little Vinny: he laughs as well until you say the wife bit and pouts "i told you she's not my wife! augh i would never dream of courting such an uppity woman" a beat passes before he groans and points at you "if you ever meet her you better not say it to her face, most of the upper accord already think of me an idiot i dont need people to give them ammunition" Cimmorro: "an idiot huh.... is that why someone's out to kill you"

Their conversation ebbs on to discuss if Vinny has any theorie's as to why he was targetted, though Vinny states he assumes it was someone trying to get back at the Accord or something along those lines. He doesn't have much fondness for the group.

Vinny: he tilts his head at your last comment "....am i really that dim...." Cimmorro: cimm just smiles but in like. an 'are u for real' way before saying "though it still could be them trying to kill you because you DO want to leave?" he shrugs "in any case, i dunno what kinda shit you get yourself into but this is whack.... maybe you really are that stupid damnnn" he looks at vinny and shakes his head Vinny: he sighs "augh getting into this situation somehow maybe i am that stupid, though if Berryl was trying to kill me i think id brain the man the next time i saw him for being so roundabout with it, why bother with blackmail at this point" he huffs another louder sigh before turning his head back towards you "it is whack" Cimmorro: i just imagined him saying "it is whack" like he's one of those middle aged people who's trying to get in with the youthful lingo "it is, indeed, what the kids call, Whack™"

Cimmorro: cimm pats his back in attempt to cheer him up "on the bright side, being stupid doesn't necessarily make you a bad guy though. so you're okay in my book... from what i've seen at least." he flashes a big grin "though i do have to request you to tone down the idiocy a bit. don't want you dying since now i need you too, yea?" he nudges vinny with his elbow Vinny: he gives a laugh at cimms big smile "thank you its appreciated, and the same for yourself sir!" before giving you an incredulous look, smirking after the nudge "i'll do my best to stay alive then, though i think you're just poking fun at me now on purpose"

They continue on before cimmorro broaches one more question, to ask Vinny if he knows of any Jasidian high priests to which Vinny responds that he doesnt, as there arent many worshippers in the city outside travellers. Though there was a group of them who came through the city a year ago which caused a bit of gossip. Locals wondered aloud why they were there as they always do with the rest of the roving population, a few rumours including: them looking for some strange artifact, speaking to the church of Heiron, or raising the dead. They left within the week as well, upon hearing this information Cimmorro seems to deflate while Vinny tries to cheer him up.

As the conversation ebbs on eventually the group discuss what they’re going to do about the proposition Vorde has given them all. The decide they ultimately dont have any better options for the moment, though Han states she trusts Vorde as far as she can throw him.

Cole: as you say that han cole stares intently at your arms Han: THE IMAGE OF HAN THROWING VORDE PHYSICALLY IS RLY GOOD

Han brings up that she’ll look out for the group and that they should be able to rely on each other in turn since they cant really trust Vorde. Everyone else agrees to try and keep each other alive to the best of their abilities and to not backstab one another in the future, and that they dont have any real reason too either.

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> 🎵 Darkening Developments / Kevin Macleod

Partway through their conversation however, Vinny seems to spring to attention looking about frantically before putting a finger to his lips to shush the group. He hops up from his spot in the room and quickly scuttles out into the hallway, pressing himself against the farthest wall while keeping the group in his eyesight through the doorway.

As the group all spring to attention wondering what on earth is going on, across the hall he seems to be gesturing to them to stay where they are while mouthing a word. Keva reads his lips as the word scry and says it outloud, though not knowing what it means, Plum picks up on it and its meaning and informs the group.

Realising Vinny is probably being scryed on, the group decide they should probably leave and ask Vinny if they should, who anxiously coughs once for yes. Ezra suggests he and Cole stay behind so he isn’t alone and the group agree and quickly make their escape from the Inn.

Ezra: ezra sighs "we know where you will all be for a time...if we can regroup we'll head over" Han: i just. do a salute cole waves at you all, vinny kinda does a shrugging motion at the suggestion of heading back to shorewater, ezra gives you all a nod

The group make their quick escape, heading over to the designated meeting point Orin gave them on the other side of town. They make quick enough pace however on the way over Rokka feels eyes on him for a moments time before they dissapear, unnerving him. Psalm asks Rokka what's wrong after he crowds behind him, to which he apologises and responds he felt he was being watched for a moment.

Plum: yo weren't we supposed to be careful of lupine traders Psalm: oh for fucks sake.

The group decide to disguise Rokka for the time being, ducking into a small alley with Han giving him her Ring of Self Alteration. Rokka changes his form to that of a human man, with similarly coloured hair and no shirt (though he does have a cloak on)

Rokka: everyone w/ rokka

you are all stunned by this sexy man Han: have to wait a round to unstun Keva: i am uncomfortable with this feeling Rokka: how do I look? Han: great bro

The group quickly make their way to the meeting point, spotting Orin, Vorde and Finn standing at the end of a deserted street, Orin holding a lamp to provide light. The group slowly make their approach taking sight of the men before them and their surroundings as they do.

As you come closer they all turn to face you as they spot you. Vorde eyes you all with a cool gaze, Orin giving a small smile directed towards you first Keva before eyeing the rest of the group. Finn gives you all a small nod of acknowledgement Vorde finally speaks up

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> 🎵 Doctor Sith / DGS2 OST

Vorde: “And so we meet once more, intrepid party-goers” he brings a hand up to his chest “an honour ”

Vorde says they must have questions before they strike their deal and to ask them now as they wish. He specifies he was tasked by his family to take out the Red Letterheads which he says hes loathe to do but he also states that it seems to be in his best interest to do so for the moment. He does not speak much more about the job in Antessa outside what Orin has told the group, though he states the fact that it will not be a short job. He states he needs their cooperation before he can tell them anything else about it.

As the conversation progresses Han inquires into Orin’s supposed ‘death’ to which Keva immediately bristles towards.

Psalm:

The group dissolves into an argument about questioning their employers to their faces or the point of it, Keva particularly upset that Han is seemingly is prying into her old friend’s and her own business. Though Han simply seems to want an answer about whether or not the men across from her are undead are not, not caring about any of the other details of it

Finn: finn slowly tears his gaze away from vorde, dread overcoming him ever so slightly. he looks distressed. he eyes the group. "im undead yes. some of you have already seen me .. transform. are you satisfied now?"

Orin: He looks at you for a moment before getting what your implying "oh!" he pauses "not me"

Satisfied with these answers Han backs off ready to go through with the deal and the rest of the group frustratedly sigh to themselves. With that the group agree to cooperate much to Vorde’s peace of mind. He pulls a blank paper out from a case hanging on his side and a quill, asking each of them to sign their names on what he calls a contract. Each of the party make their way up and sign their names one after another.

Rokka: i grab the quill and write my name first with a smiley Psalm: i'll sign my name next might as well Plum: i also go write mine Keva: after i hold the quill awkwardly and just do a squiggle > cimmorro.txt also writes his Han: i write "Han." still grimacing

with a flourish as you complete each of your signatures the ink glows a slight purple before settling back to black. Satisfied Vorde pockets the parchment placing it back within the small wooden case

As Psalm eyes the procedure he recognises it from things hes seen before, the contract seems to be a modified alarm spell, altering Vorde that should the gang stray from its terms he would be immediately be notified.

Satisfied Vorde restates the terms of their cooperation, he shall give them the information he has on the letterheads and once they have been dealt with, they shall accompany him to Antessa and do as he asks, with compensation. Vorde then moves to detail the group with what he has discovered about the Letterheads so far, stating:

🔶 Firstly their leader goes by the name Theyord but it seems it was previously ‘Ansam’ and though there were only 6 assassins at the ball, he has a number of others working under him at his base of operations. He also has reason to believe that the recent sets of missing’s persons in the withered bone can be attributed to the group. He’s still looking into Ansam’s background for the moment.

🔶 Theyord seems to desire bodies, corpses, for some sort of purpose, at the very least he is strictly opposed to established groups of power in Shorewater. Vorde also seems to be currently working under the assumption that he has made a deal with a devil of some sort to attain some kind of powers of necromancy or reanimation.

🔶 Vorde continues to detail through a long serious of spying sessions and bribery that they’ve ascertained that their base of operations is somewhere deep in the withered bone or its caverns, the changing building was the tip off, its somewhere on the far edge of the watery cove along the water, deep in one of the tunnels.

🔶 It is guarded by an enchantment of some sort that allows its position to warp, though there has to be a way for his assassins to find it to report to their boss correct? Vorde then moves to pull out a small token from his pocket, the same one you all nabbed from on top of one of the bodes, the symbol of the Letterheads.

🔶 Vorde thinks that carrying this will reveal the entrance where a simple wall or dead end would appear to the average passer-by. A plan he figures will work is to get a boat and row by the edges of the outer tunnels until they notice something.

After this Vorde seemingly satisfied turns to make his exit with Orin, leaving Finn in the groups care. Before he can though Han and Psalm bring up that there’s some things they want to tell Vorde that they’ve seen in the time they’ve been running about by themselves. They describe the ordeal they experienced with the corpse coming back to life and speaking to them, Orin ponders why they dragged a corpse back to their room as Vorde listens.

In the meantime Plum begins questioning Finn bout his undead status and what exactly it entails, as the conversation ebbs on Psalm also hears Ghester pipe up in the back of his head. He briefly splits off down the end of the street to speak to him as the others talk. Watching the group split up into separate conversations for the moment Keva walks up to Orin and drags him down the street where the others can still see them, but not hear what they're saying

Plum: you said you're undead, wtf does that mean Finn: he breaks eye contract briefly, sorrow written over his face but he tries to keep it Not Personal. "im a vampire." Plum:oh izzat so? that means that our new boss is one too? Finn: my uncle is not undead, no Plum: huh... could’ve fooled me Finn: really? i guess we do share the same aesthetic. Plum: yeah he definitely looks like one, though im no expert considering i didn't know they actually existed til just now Finn: "ah...yeah we aren’t exactly common i guess." hes frowning a bit. "but i assure you my powers will be of good use to you sir plum” Plum: oh im not worried about anything like that? i just dont know much about them, are you gonna be alright walking around in the sun and all that shit. also just plum Finn: im sensitive to sun light and i wont be able to travel with you during day time. im not sure how we should go about that yet Plum: even while you're a bat? Finn: yeah, even as a bat. when ive been with my uncle closed carts have proven to help with it. i need to be shielded properly from the sun.. then it should be okay

Ghester: “I feel I should note this since it feels applicable but that the brown one… I feel an almost similar presence to that of your own” a beat “though the purple one….im trying to place his ilk exactly Psalm: the purple one being finn? he's a vampire right? Ghester: “yes! vampire thats what he is" and a chuckle “I haven’t seen a being like this in millennia, you do well to entertain Psalm, all sorts of kinds of people to befriend” Psalm: haha because that's absolutely what i want from all of this, back to 'the brown one. You're saying he was on the brink of death and some god swooped in and saved him? so what is he warlock? Ghester: you hear a humming noise psalm "perhaps, if he isnt undead, i feel something on him, reminds me of myself, but not exactly" he pauses "curious" Psalm: vague as ever Ghester: you hear a laugh "im old theres quite alot for me to remember sometimes" he pauses "youll see when you're older” Psalm: so you're saying your memory's gone bad because you're old ? some excuse. I guess i'll keep an eye out though. in secret so keva doesn't kill me anyways.

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> 🎵 Reminiscing ~ At Ambition's End / DGS2 OST

Psalm moves to rejoin the group after his conversation with Ghester, sidling up to Plum and Finn’s conversation while Keva and Orin have their conversation with one another out of earshot.

Keva: i eye orin carefully "are you okay? are you hurt anywhere" Orin: as you speak to orin he smiles "im fine but i can see why youd be worried hah" as you observe him this close you can clearly see now some old scars on his face he did not have before Keva: I GET ANGRY AGAIN AND SLAP HIM UPSIDE THE HEAD [Orin yelling OW here] i'm hissing "are you- are you fucking- do you even know- do you have any idea what you put me thru and THAT'S what you have to say to me oooooohhhh my fucking gods you're lucky there are other people here or i'd beat your face in so hard it would come out your ASS" also i hit him a couple more times while i say that Orin: he puts his hands up to brace against your hits but regretfully, but he seems to understand "i did look for you yknow! but when you were nowhere in the city..." he sighs "i was little glad for it though, meant those thugs wouldnt find ya"

Psalm: psalm like hmm maybe i'll keep what i just learned to myself while watching this don't want keva to brain me

Keva: i'm breathing harder while talking "so what the fuck did you get yourself into now? GODS i thought you were fucking dead i thought i was- and i wouldn't even be able to bury you and-" keva tryin not to tear up Orin: He looks sadly at you as you say that "im sorry" he glances back over at vorde "boss vorde over there helped me out when i was running about the city, when i uh...well..." he thinks "to cut it short i dont have memory of what happened to me after you left...when i came too i could well" and he thinks "i could use magic? is how i would put it Keva: i look at him confused "what do you mean you could use magic? what happened?" Orin: "i was also confused! i also didnt know how to use it at all" he pauses "it was kind of scary, few days later boss vorde over there found me in the city, he offered to help me figure out how to get a grasp on what was going on, he hired me to work for him too" he starts to smile, very sincere Keva: i rub my eyes partially to wipe tears but also bc i'm trying to piece things together [he puts a hand on your shoulder reassuringly] "okay so, you permanently work for him now" i say with my hands still on my face Orin: "i mean, for the moment" he thinks "i was a bit suspicious as well at first, he does alot of uh..spying and such" a beat "but i dont have much of an issue with what he does, and he keeps me informed and most of the time he seems to be investigating real bastards too." he huffs "feels like get to enact a little good sometimes" he turns back to Keva "half of why i joined him too is because he seems to travel alot" and he pauses "well i figured maybe id come across you too eventually" a smile Keva: i eye him for a bit considering how happy he seems with his new situation Orin: he eyes you back keva "at any rate...glad your alright" he pauses "and were coworkers now" he laughs a little Keva: i eye him a bit longer while thinking before sighing with acceptance and as i do so i let my head fall forward until my forehead hits his chest Orin: he envelops you into a big bear hug Keva: my voice muffled in his shirt "i can't believe you're goin to leave me with these chodes again"

Orin: he laughs "they seem...interesting?" a pause "its always good to meet new people" he ruffles your hair Keva: i hold on a little longer before letting go "i think we have to go" i eye his scars and gently touch one of them "don't do anything stupid again" Orin: he smiles at you keva "ive been in safe hands so far, same to you" he looks back at vorde before giving you a noogie and walking back over to Vordes side Keva: i "rrrrrr" a little at the noogie and i join the others too

As the two reconcile, Psalm, Plum and Finn try and come up with ways they could carry Finn around or allow him to travel with them during the day, brainstorming with one another, eventually they call over Rokka for his input on the topic. In the meantime Han continues detailing information to Vorde that seems pertinent.

Han: we know one mans been branded but he seems alive and well, albeit a fucking weirdo Vorde: "i see, the man i sent orin and finn after then" he pauses "guess he failed to look that closely" and he kind of sighs in a very subdued way "i wouldn't worry if he's alive but...it is good to know in any case, ill keep him in mind" Han: we also know the red letterheads are definitely still using our faces to get around. at least plums for certain. Vorde: i assumed they would, why drop your faces now that your wanted fugitives. If people recognise them they can drop it easily enough in the moment

Han: "actually, we nabbed one of the assassins from the ball... most info are things you already said just connected better, but they also mentioned theyord speaks to his "disciples" in their minds, if that helps any." han looks away awkwardly "both of those people are dead now." Han: "another thing of matter... you know we left with one of the victims. vildristin. he is a store keep up in shorewater and also a member of the berryl accord. i dont know the exact things the berryl accord does but i cant imagine they are going to make things easier. we believe they were scrying on him when we left him." Vorde: he taps a finger on his crossed arms "i know of the man yes, he seems powerful if a little simple" he ponders your statement "I caught wind a wizard of theirs arrived earlier in the day, i suppose shes already gotten to work" he thinks "you knew he was being scryed on? how"

Keva: vinny sneezes from the hallway Psalm: the one scrying on him "bless u"

Vorde: vorde seems to furrow his brow slightly "people who are being scryed on typically do not know that they are, hence why it is such a powerful spelll" a beat "this Vildristin is curious indeed" Han: just keep an eye out on him, for your and our sakes Vorde: he considers that for a moment with his cold gaze "kind of you. If you know where he is, it would be possible for me to keep tabs on him for periods at a time at least" Han: "currently he is holed up in [rennys inn] with some friends, otherwise his shop is on [street name goes here]"

Han: and han would like to whisper "im not here to start a fight, but i want to make my position clear. i dont trust you, and you have done very little to make me trust you back. however... it would be silly to think that you trust us any more then we trust you. and... if not now, then later, i would insist on telling me where your loyalties lie." Vorde: he eyes you as you go his expression of distaste not shifting in the slight "I would find you stupid and blind if you trusted me at this point in time and vice versa, i feel that was quite evident from our earlier conversation" he eyes you cooly "If you want to build a rapport than i suggest you do not approach people you are negotiating with with such denseness" Han: "i have no interest in playing pretend or making nice here, so i thought i would state the obvious" and smiles mockingly sweet Vorde: he continues to eye you his face going neutral once more "apologies for assuming you would require dignity then madam" he turns, ending the conversation

As this happens Finn briefly plays around with transforming and turning into a bat, hiding underneath Psalm’s cloak as the others watch.

Finn: psalm, rokka and plum are briefly flashed by a light. before them a little bat is flapping around. he swiftly takes to flying under psalms cape, hanging himself upside down, around where psalms back is.

Finn: okay im squeaking then,....positively? its comfy, after a few minutes of comfyness i emerge again...... the flash blinds everyone again for a moment and im back to normal! zalgo! "i think that could work.. thank you for the offer psalm." Psalm: alright, glad i could help for now Ghester: finn for a moment you also hear a voice suddenly pipe up in your head "good to meet you " and laugh before it fades away Finn: i look around to look for the voice. "???" visibly written on my face. Psalm: :psalmface: something the matter? Finn: "nothing at all.." he doesn't know wtf that was but better not to look senile rn. "did you hear anything or was that just me?" Psalm: no. maybe it was just the wind?

Pondering what just transpired Finn turns and notices Vorde making to leave, he moves to give him and Orin a quick wave. Vorde states he’ll be leaving Finn in the groups care before giving Finn a small bow back, turning and heading down the opposite end of the street. Orin gives both Finn and Keva a quick wave and follows him, the two eventually disappear from sight.

youtube

> 🎵 Victory Fanfare / FFVIII OST

> 🦇 Finn joined your party!

The group discuss what to do next, deciding they’re in need of some supplies, making to head towards the docks where Nickel had pointed out his base of operations was earlier. Rokka laments his form as a human for the moment which Finn reacts supremely confused towards hearing until the party fill him in on the whole Lupin thing. As the group make their way down Psalm also sidles up to converse with Keva about the things he gleaned from Ghester about Orin.

Psalm: keva can i talk to you for a second Keva: no Psalm: your decision, it's about your friend but if you would rather not speak to me i understand. forget i said anything then Keva: i give a tired "what" Psalm: oh so you're interested? Keva: i can change my mind if you don't get on with it

Psalm details that he may have made a pact with a being of some sort, and that his situation sounds a little similar to something he’s heard of before. He implies it’d be a good idea to keep an eye on him anyway since this is mostly conjecture.

Psalm: it's not like i know why he isn't dead for real

Keva: yyyeeaaahh okay Psalm: good! great talk!

The group all eventually make their way to the docks and sus out where Nickel’s base of operations is. As they peer about they watch alot of people around here come and go moving items off of boats and ships lit up by lantern lights. They all quickly come across a wooden building half covered by a large grey cloth tent, people wearing similar outfits to Nickel coming and going periodically.

youtube

> 🎵 Town / Diablo OST

The group head inside and find him in a cluttered looking space, things hanging from the ceiling of the tent and crates abound, Nickel himself behind a busy desk before he looks up and warmly regards the group before him.

Psalm: i did say you'd be the first person i'd come to if i was ever in need Plum: sammy good? not dead yet? hahaha Nickel: he eyeballs you psalm and laughs "always love a faithful customer" he looks over at you plum "doing well, not come back as a corpse as far as i know?"

The group ask about for items they desire and things of interest, Psalm subtly eyeballs the inside of the storefront seeing if he can spot any Lupin claws as well (he doesn't) though Nickel does eyeball Rokka in his human form for a moment. After finishing up their shopping spree and lamenting how poor they all are, Nickel gives them a warm farewell, thanking them for their patronage and the group exit. Finding themselves once again back in the empty cavern of the Withered Bone, the group ponder what to do next, the weariness of the day finally starting to fill their bodies. The late evening has finally come, though down here it's hard to tell when the day ends...

—

Notes

🗡 Keva bought a new set of「 Thieves Tools✨ 」for 25gp

🐺 Rokka bought a shirt for 5gp

🍺 Plum bought a new set of clothes for 10gp and a「 Woundbind Poultice ✨ 」for 50gp

🦇 Finn bought a thick cloak for 8gp

—

👛Nickel’s noted wares

Amulet of Non-Detection - 750gp Hat of Disguise - 800gp

Potion of Healing - 50gp Potion of Greater Healing - 150gp Demondrug - 50gp Potion of Sleep - 50gp Potion of Darkvision - 75gp Potion of Euphoria - 60gp Potion of Disguise - 120gp

#recaps #190413 #190414 #AAAAAAAAAUIIIIE

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withcolebrock · 4 years ago

Text

Night Changes-Baby Brothers Part 2

Summary: Y/N and Colby’s daughter meet their twin sons.

Night Changes Masterlist

Part 1

Warnings: swearing, angst, pain, and yea

Word Count: 1,799

Author’s Note: This one is much shorter than the other one partly because I didn’t know what else to add and the cut off only made sense where it was at haha so yeppp also I forgot to mention in the first one, that the baby names are honestly just names that I really love and they seem wack to you then I don’t know man hahah. Also thank you @curlyhairedbrock for helping with baby names haha!! I hope you guys like it! This is my gif!!

He walked up towards the crib with the name, Aidan Samuel Brock. His lips curled up slightly as he looked over the small boy. He slowly reached down and picked up his son, “Hi,” he whispered as he walked over to one of the open rocking chairs in the nursery.

He cleared his throat as he began rocking back and forth, “I’m sure today’s been a pretty scary day for you,” he whispered, “It’s been pretty scary for me too. I’m sorry I didn’t come say hi until now. I guess I just needed some time to-I don’t know, talk to my mom. That’s why we need your momma to be okay, because you are going to look to her for all the answers. I mean, A, I’m pretty cool, but your mom,” he paused as he fought back a sob trying to leave his lips, “Well, she's everything,” he choked out.

“I just know that pretty soon we’ll all be together again, you, me, your mommy, and your brother, and Serenity. Oh you’re going to love her, she’s very excited to meet you and your brother. I hope you're excited to meet her because she is going to be such a great big sister to you and your brother,” he paused and took a glance towards Nia walking towards him.

He sits up straight, “Mr. Brock, your wife is back in her room. There were a few complications during the c-section, but she is doing well,” Colby shut his eyes slowly as he took in every word she said, “She will need to rest for a little while before you can see her,” she stopped for a moment as she smiled widely. Colby let out a long sigh of relief while he wiped his hand across his lips. His eyes began to well up with tears, he blinked rapidly fighting off the tears.

“Oh my god, thank you,” he cried out, his eyes widened, “What about the baby?” he asked, his voice cracking. She nodded her head as she turned her head towards the door.

“Here he is, now,” she waited for one of the nurses to wheel him over to him. The name tag writes, Leo Robert Brock. “I can take Aidan, if you want to say hi to your other little guy,” she offered, Colby nodded while a wide smile crept up to his face. He delicately handed Aidan over to Nia as he slowly shifted his attention towards his other son. “I’ll leave you two alone,”

Colby delicately picked him up as he walked over to the rocking chair, “Hey,” he whispered, “You scared me, little guy, you know that? I really thought I wasn’t going to get to meet you, and that would’ve crushed me. But look at you,” he chuckled softly, “You got your momma’s nose and chubby cheeks. Well, all babies have chubby cheeks, but you know what I’m getting at huh,”

~~~

Over the course of a few hours Colby had split his time between sitting with Y/N waiting for her to wake up and sitting with the twins for a while. He wanted to be with Y/N when she woke up but he also didn’t want to leave the babies alone for too long. He was sitting in the rocking chair holding Leo when Nia began walking towards him. “Mr. Brock, your wife is awake and she is asking for you,” Colby slowly stood up from the rocking chair with a small smile to his features. “I can take him for you,” she smiled as she reached out for Leo. Colby handed him over delicately as he began to head towards the hospital room.

Colby quickly turned into the room, shutting the door behind him, “Hey,” he whispered as he started heading towards her. She tilted her head to face him, a half smile evident to her lips. Her eyes blinked slowly as she watched him walk towards her. Colby pulled a chair closer to the bed as he quickly sat down, “How are you feeling?”

“I’m on a lot of drugs right now,” she rasped as she tilted her head up. Colby chuckled suddenly as he shook his head. He took a hold of her hand while leaning closer to her. “The babies?” Colby nodded and beamed.

“They’re good, really good. Aidan is so much bigger than Leo, it’s kinda crazy. They both have a really strong grip already and, Love, they look like you,” Colby explained excitedly.

“Nia said I can’t see them until I’m stronger,” she said sadly. Colby reached his hand over and ran his hand through her hair while slowly resting his hand on her cheek.

“You’ll see them soon, Love, I promise,” the smile slowly crept off his face as he looked over her paled features. He frowned as his eyes began to well up in tears. He began blinking rapidly trying to fight off the tears.

“Colby,” she whispered as she rested her hand on top of Colby’s. He ran his thumb along her cheek as he pressed his lips together.

“I thought I was going to lose you,” his voice broke.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered, feeling tears begin to fill her eyes.

~few days later~

“Sam said that he is already at the house with Ren and Kat, so that’s all good, I’m going to run and go get the car,” Colby spoke as he rushed around the hospital room they’ve been staying in for a few days. He picked up the bags they brought as his eyes danced around the room desperately looking for something he was missing. “Do you need anything?” he asked as he dropped the bags near the hospital door. She shook her head while brushing a few pieces behind her ear.

Colby furrowed his eyebrows as he walked towards the bed. He knealed down and rested his hands onto her knees, “What’s wrong?” she shrugged her shoulders, “Y/N, tell me,” he spoke softly.

“I’m scared, Colby,” her voice broke as she spoke, “We are leaving with two little boys who look the same and I’m terrified I’m going to mix them up because those things can happen. And poor Renni is so excited but she’s going to be so disappointed when they can’t play dolls with her or that we can’t even play dolls with her. I’m so scared we are going to fuck this all up,” she wiped her eyes while she looked away from him. Colby jumped up and sat beside her wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Oh, Darling,” he pulled her body softly towards him, “It’s scary, I know but you are such an amazing mom. And I like to say I’m a pretty fucking awesome dad,” she chuckled lightly, “We can do this, and we are going to fuck up along the way but that’s just going to happen. My love, don’t stress, we got this,” he kissed the side of her head as she wiped her eye of another tear.

After about an hour of checking out of the hospital and leaving with the babies, they finally arrived at their house. “So good to be home,” Y/N smiled as she pulled the door open. Colby pulled one of the carseats out of the car as he placed it delicately on the ground while he walked to the other side of the car, taking the other carseat from the car.

“Love, if you want to just grab the bags? I got the boys,” Colby commented as he delicately lifted both of the carseats and headed towards the door leading into the house. Y/N headed towards the trunk. Colby pushed the door open, a loud jingle echoed through the house as he slowly walked through the halls. He peeks his head into the living room to see Sam, Kat, and Serenity sitting on the couch. A loud gasp leaves Serenity’s lips as she jumps from the couch.

“Daddy!” she yelled running towards him. He placed the car seat onto the floor as lightly as he could.

“Renni, be careful,” Colby laughed as he picked her up and held her around his waist, “Honey, I’m going to need you to be really careful for the next couple of days. The babies are really delicate, and they can get hurt easily,”

“I will, Daddy, where’s mommy?” she whined while pushing against his chest lightly.

“Renni, you gotta be careful with Mommy too. She’s in a lot of pain, just be gentle with her okay?” Serenity nodded several times while she looked behind Colby waiting for her mom. “Promise me,” he whispered while holding out his pinky. She quickly pinky promised him as she began squirming her body to get down.

“Mommy!” she yelled as she watched Y/N walk into the room. She ran towards her but quickly stopped herself. She slowly wrapped her arms around Y/N. Colby shook his head laughing. Sam walked over to Colby, a broad smile to his features.

“Congrats, Daddy,” Sam said while he placed his hand onto Colby’s shoulder. Colby pressed his lips together as he shook his head, hiding his laughter.

“You’re funny,” Colby said sarcastically, “Renni, go sit on the couch,” she listened as she walked towards the couch. He leaned down picking up Aidan, “So everyone, this is Aidan Samuel,” Colby said smiling towards Sam. Sam’s eyes widened as he smiled.

“Wait seriously?” Sam asked as he bit his lip nervously. Both Colby and Y/N nodded. “Well, what’s up little dude,” Sam gestured a fist bump towards Aidan. Colby carried Aidan over to the couch, he sat down beside Serenity.

“Do you want to hold, Leo?” Y/N asked towards Kat. She nodded excitedly.

“Ren, this is your baby brother,” Colby whispered as he leaned his body closer to Serenity.

“He’s little,” she said while examining him, Colby hummed as he looked over Serenity. Her eyes began to light up as she looked over her new family member. “Hi Aidan,” she whispered while she slowly touched his little chest. Colby watched in aw.

“Renni, come meet, Leo,” Y/N gestured towards Kat. Serenity slowly shifted her gaze towards Kat and Leo. She slid off of the couch and began walking towards Kat. Kat slowly sat down onto the floor while leaning her body towards Serenity.

“Hi Leo,” she whispered as she delicately reached her hand across his chest. “He’s little too,”

“You were small like them too, but they will grow big like you,” Y/N smiled as she leaned down and took a hold of the carseats. She walked out of the room taking the seats to the car.

“I like them, small,”

“Colby, they’re beautiful,” Kat commented as she looked over Leo.

“It’s all Y/N,”

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rennyforpresident · 4 years ago

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Renny’s BBSim: First Boots Week 10

Welcome back to Biiiiiiiiig Brother!

Previously, @phylisisley was blindsided and sent home in favor of keeping her showmance partner, @shaolinbynature. @kaysarswhore had yet another messy HOH reign, but once again, she’s back in jeopardy. Will the Block Destroyers remain strong, or will @kaysarswhore‘s antics finally catch up to her?

It looks like the Block Destroyers will NOT remain strong

@pawn2393 is solely attached to @ashleaevans now. He just feels like he can’t win against either of the two people he’s in an alliance with. He needs to win HOH, and prove that he’s here to play this game too.

Speaking of the HOH competition

Oh look, yet ANOTHER endurance comp. Well, we all know at this point the one person in this house who refuses to do well in a comp, so last place goes to

@kelleekim in the DR: “I have no idea why I can’t win a comp! Maybe if we had something other than stupid endurance comps, I’d be able to take one home!”

After thirty minutes, @ashleaevans and @pawn2393 are talking. Suddenly, @ashleaevans gets distracted and loses his grip

But, seeing his BFF fall, @pawn2393 loses concentration too!

It comes down to @misshoh and @shaolinbynature. Will we see our first ever four-time HOH? Or will someone else finally take control? After just 42 minutes up on the can...

@shaolinbynature! You have won HOH AGAIN and have earned safety for the week, in addition to the right to nominate two of your fellow houseguests for eviction!

@kaysarswhore talks to @shaolinbynature in the HOH room later that night.

@kaysarswhore: “You know I’m not winning this. You have no reason to target me because you know I’m losing the whole thing, right?”

@shaolinbynature: “I truly don’t care! I’m tired of your lies, and I want you gone. I don’t even want you to get second or third place. You have to go this week.”

The two end up in a screaming match, until @kaysarswhore storms out of the room, angry that her antics won’t work this time.

At the nomination ceremony, it’s pretty clear what’s about to happen

@shaolinbynature: “I feel like I’ve made this speech a thousand times before. @kaysarswhore, it is your time. I feel it in my bones. You’re time has come, and @misshoh, if I were you, I’d fight like hell to win that veto. If she wins it, your goose is cooked. This nomination ceremony is adjourned.”

@kaysarswhore: “I’m sick of this!! Why couldn’t she have gone home last week? I just have to win veto and hang on by the skin of my teeth again this week, and then win HOH again my damn self, since @misshoh couldn’t seem to do it.”

@misshoh: “She’s right, I need this veto. At the very least, I need @kaysarswhore NOT to win the veto. I just need peace in this house for once!”

Because there are only six people left, there is no veto selection!

Zingbot is here! He walks in, slaps all of you across the face instead of zinging you, and then demands that you follow him into the backyard for the veto competition. When everyone walks out, it’s a mental comp! Finally, and even playing ground.

Throughout the competition, Zingbot seems meaner than usual. He walks around and gets in people’s way on purpose, he insults people during the competition, and he even starts throwing rotten tomatoes at people!

Zingbot: “Move faster, idiots! This wouldn’t happen if Julie were still in charge!”

A few houseguests fell behind early, and just can’t catch up (I’ll give you three guesses who’s last though)

@shaolinbynature, @pawn2393, and @kaysarswhore all are working feverishly on their puzzles. Who will come out on top. By the skin of their teeth, the winner of this competition is...

@kaysarswhore! You have won the Power of Veto (I couldn’t make this up I swear @kaysarswhore hacked my goddamn simulator)

Just as @kaysarswhore begins to celebrate, the producers come on over the speaker system in the backyard: “Julie, give it up! Take off the helmet and exit the backyard!”

Just then, Zingbot removes his helmet to reveal that it’s been Julie Chen in disguise the whole time!

Zingbot Julie: “Give me my goddamn show back! You’ll never take me alive!!”

Julie then hops the fence and runs away from the house. The houseguests, all stunned into silence, head back inside.

@kaysarswhore in the DR: “I don’t even care that Julie broke into the house, I won veto!! I made it to final 5!! Against all odds, I am STILL HERE BITCHES!!”

Of course, we know who’s coming off the block. But who’s going up as a replacement nominee? Will it be @kelleekim, the eternal last-placer? Will it be @ashleaevans, the only eligible person who’s won HOH? Or will it be @pawn2393, a former Block Destroyer and current middle-rider?

At the veto ceremony,

@kaysarswhore: “Because I have vetoed one of our nominations, @shaolinbynature, you must now name a replacement nominee.”

@shaolinbynature: “I feel like this is the point in the game where the going gets tough. So I want to see the tough get going. You’re the closest to @misshoh, and you haven’t felt the taste of the block yet. Sorry, but...

@kelleekim in the DR: “I’m heartbroken. @misshoh is my BFF in this house, and to lose her now is gonna wreck me. I just hope that I can avenge her going forward, if I manage to stay!”

The nominees are locked, and the houseguests are left to their own devices. In a final attempt to sway people against @kaysarswhore (because this season is truly the season where everyone tries to get out @kaysarswhore and fails), @ashleaevans decided he has had enough.

@ashleaevans, in front of everyone: “Everything bad in this house is because of you! You’re the one to blame for the kitchen fires, for the messy voting, and for the ugly alliances! I’m sick of you, and I hope everyone in this house targets your ass next week.”

@kaysarswhore: “I hope they do! They’ve targeted me every week I’ve been here, I’m not afraid of them. I’ll just win like I always do.”

It seems like @ashleaevans‘s plea is working with the house, and @kaysarswhore‘s allies might finally decide to flip on her.

But we’ll save that for another week. For now, it’s EVICTION NIGHT!

Arisa: “Hello houseguests! Final 6! But soon to be final 5. Tonight, let’s get straight to those speeches.”

@kelleekim: “Hey guys! I just want to say, I’ve loved playing this game with you all and getting to know you, but I don’t want to go yet! I think it’s clear why I should stay over @misshoh: you can always beat me in any comp! Take me to the end as an easy win, I don’t care. Just keep me around!”

@misshoh: “I have fought hard these past 81 days, and I am going to continue to fight hard for the rest of them. I don’t care whether I have to fight here or in the jury house, I’m fighting. Keep me around, and you won’t have to worry about what I’m fighting for.”

Arisa: “Such passion! Let’s vote!”

@pawn2393 decides to officially cut ties with the Block Destroyers, and votes out @misshoh. He knows he can beat @kelleekim moving forward, and desperately wants to win a comp.

@kaysarswhore, on the other hand, still wants her alliance with @misshoh to stay strong. She votes out @kelleekim to keep her ally in the house.

That means that @ashleaevans is the deciding vote. Will she weaken @kaysarswhore‘s grip on the house by voting out her ally, or take out @kelleekim?

@ashleaevans votes out @kelleekim in a surprise twist. He doesn’t want this floater wild card to make it any further, and feels like @misshoh will be easier to convince to cut @kaysarswhore later on. @ashleaevans really said

Arisa: “When I reveal the name of the evicted houseguest, they will have one minute to gather their belongings, say their goodbyes, and exit the Big Brother house.”

Arisa: “Come on out @kelleekim!”

Arisa: “Why are you here!!!??? What made them vote you out over anyone @misshoh?“

@kelleekim: “I think @misshoh just got in early with the alliances! I went in way more focused on playing with my heart than with my head, and I didn’t want to make too many waves! My strategy was to lay low and not be threatening, but unfortunately, that came back to bite me in the ass when people voted me out for it!”

Arisa: “How are you making your jury vote decision? What criteria are you going by?”

@kelleekim: “I’m voting for whoever took me out tonight! I only want to lose against the winner. And @misshoh, love her to death!”

Arisa: “It was great having you back with us! We’ll see you back here on finale night when you cast that vote and help crown a winner.

Only two more evictions until finale night! What could possibly happen next? For now, from outside the Big Brother house, I’m Arisa Cox, and remember, someone is aaaaaaaaalways watching!”

@kelleekim I have NO IDEA how you’re sitting here evicted, but ur under the radar game is iconic in every sense of the word! As I write this I have no idea who wins, but I am SO ANXIOUS to find out who’s gonna take it all

#bb22 #bbsim #bbsim first boots

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agrapefruitspassions · 6 years ago

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10 days in Scotland

I just returned from a 10-day trip to Scotland, in which my friends and I rented a car and drove up through the Highlands, to the Isle of Skye, and back down again. It was an optimistic itinerary for the amount of time we had, and with hindsight, we should have made it into a 2-week trip instead! It was still a scenic drive though, and there was a lot of natural landscapes and beauty to be appreciated.

The first two days I spent solo in Glasgow, which is a pretty city with not much to see tourist-wise, which isn’t so bad if you think about it, because it means there are less tourists and you can enjoy the city at a slower (more normal) pace. The first day I spent in the West End, which has some wonderful secondhand book shops (head to Thistle!) and cozy cafes to read what you found at the book shops. I also went to the Kelvingrove Musem, a sprawling building with tons of exhibitions from every topic--art, history, folklore and ethnographic, etc. And the best part--free entry!

The second day I of course went to the city center, stopping first at the cathedral (also free entry!) and then walking through the graveyard (called the Necropolis) located right behind the cathedral on top of a hill, so it offers splendid views of the cathedral and the city surrounding it. One of the favorite things about Scotland is how green it is, which was a recurring theme on this trip. Next stop was The Lighthouse, a tower built by one of Scotland’s most famous modern artists, Charles Rennie Macintosh, and offers a bird’s eye view above the other buildings in the city center. I also stopped at the main square, St. George’s, and at the Museum of Modern Art. Again, there were tons of cute cafes to stop and sit for a while, and I wish I could have gone to more of them!

Once my friends arrived, we went to the Isle of Bute for a day trip, which was a one hour train ride, and then half hour ferry ride, away from Glasgow. It was remarkably easy to get to, and we walked around the center for a bit, seeing the castle and enjoying the harbor view before taking a bus tour around the island. The driver was very informative and we were able to see the whole island in an hour and a half, and learned a lot about it as well.

The fourth day we picked up the car and headed to Stirling, a short-is drive from Glasgow. Stirling is small but pretty, featuring a castle up on a hill (so more great views!), a very small art and history museum, a castle on the outskirts of town that was featured in Outlander, and a tower also on the outskirts of town dedicated to William Wallace, a defender of Scottish independence. This was one of my favorite things we did, because as you climbed the tower steps, each level had information about the monument itself and also about the historical context--very interesting. Plus, you were rewarded with an amazing view once you reached the top!

We then continued on to St. Andrews for part of the next day, where we had lunch and went to the cathedral ruins and castle ruins. William Wallace is buried in the cemetery next to the ruins of the cathedral. St. Andrews is even smaller than Stirling, but boasts one of the oldest universities in the UK, and is quite charming. That afternoon we had a long (5 hours!) drive to Inverness, which is in the north of Scotland amid the Highlands.

Inverness was my favorite place we went, there is just something about it that I really liked--I can’t say anymore. The downtown area is quite pretty, with a castle nestled in the middle overlooking the river. The cathedral sits on the other side of the river, easily seen from the castle lookout point. Right next to the castle is an art and history museum, which I really enjoyed. I would love to return to Inverness one day and stay for a longer period of time to really get a feel for this lovely city.

Next up was the Isle of Skye, famed for it’s natural beauty and wonderful landscapes. It did not disappoint, although we could have spent much more than one day here--a week could have easily been spent, especially for those of you who enjoy hiking (I don’t! Ha). Some of the most beautiful parts of the Isle of Skye included the castle of Dunvegan and Neist point, which is basically a trek first down one mountain and then up another, which juts out over the ocean. Below you can see the lighthouse, which we did NOT have the energy to walk to after our climb, haha.

We also took advantage of the car to make stops as we pleased, including at Loch Ness (sorry, no monster sighting at all...) and at Dornie Castle, very picturesque as you can see from the pictures...

Like I mentioned earlier, to be able to more fully appreciate all of these places, I think a few more days should be added to this itinerary, especially if you also want to visit Scotland’s most touristy city, Edinburgh (which I had already been to and is why we did not go again). Scotland is a wonderful country, with friendly people who will talk your ear off if you let them! Renting a car is the best idea, and don’t worry, driving on the left side isn’t as hard as one thinks, as long as you follow the car in front of you like I did! ;)

#scotland #glasgow #inverness #standrews #stirling #williamwallace #isleofskye #isleofbute #lochness #lochlomond #thehighlands

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weeklyfangirl · 6 years ago

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Frat Boy Pt. 13

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7 (1), part 7 (2), part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11, part 12

HI WOW TIME HAS SERIOUSLY FLOWN BY FOR ME - enjoy your fratty frat boy in all his angsty glory ;) Let me know what you guys think I miss you!!

“Down to watch Hocus Pocus and pass out candy to wee ones? My parents invited me down.”

Renny’s eyes softened, imagining the cuteness of last year when a toddler showed up dressed as a magnet with an attached note card saying “chick.”

“Okay, usually, yes, but the-”

“DG’s,” I groaned.

Midterms were creeping up and I was slowly dying between late night grading biology tests and the stress that’d been building up wondering about what in the fuck Harry had going on in his mind. He was hot, he was cold, and I wasn’t sure if this was all a massive game to him. It’d been relatively silent on the Harry front ever since the day of island paradise. The memory of his penetrating eyes examining me on the pier, and the twinge of electricity between us had inspired my wandering fingers more than once. I wouldn’t admit that to him, hell, I could barely admit that to myself.

I’d been too stubborn to text him, but not too stubborn enough to wear his sweatshirt out this morning. If we were friends, wearing his sweatshirt wouldn’t be weird. Technically he’d just invited me to meet his dad, which I admit, stung a bit, but a part of me couldn’t give up that he wasn’t into me. Could eyes lie so easily?

The ball was technically in my court to tell him whether or not I’d be going, so…

I slurped a scalding sip of tea, cringing at the inevitable. “Welp, if you’re going to ditch me for the DGs then I might as well go to Harry’s.”

She smirked, “I know.”

I smacked her arm. “Is that why you’re ditching me?!”

“Hey, I’m not ditching you. It’s a thing for new recruits. You were invited, too.”

My ear still ringed with my mom’s shrill scream on the other end of the line when I’d told her - though I’m not sure if she’d be more excited by the fact that her daughter was going to visit the Styles residence or a sorority party.

Renny continued, “And please, as if you’d really go hang out at your parent’s alone when you have an offer to play co-host with Mr. Hunky Mystery Man. We’re sad sometimes, but we’re not that sad. Actually…”

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just… I’m surprised Harry isn’t going to be at the frat’s party.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “He said it was a family tradition.”

Renny’s brows rose at the F word.

“Okay, but their house is also huge, I doubt it’s going to be an intimate affair.” Truthfully, I was excited to see how their house would be decorated. When I told my mother I probably wouldn’t be coming home to pass out candy, she’d told me not to worry. The neighbors were coming over and they had a couple of cheap wine bottles to drain. I’m sure not telling her I was going to the Styles's house wasn’t going to be that big of a deal.

“Are you kidding me? If Harry hands out a grand to cabana men then I can’t imagine what they’re going to spend on this party. Honestly, I’m kind of jealous.”

“Wait- what? He gave Ben a thousand dollars?”

“Is Ben the cabana man?”

“Yes.”

“Then yes. Or about a grand, I mean I didn’t count it myself but it was a thick. Stack.” Renny’s brows shot up. “You seriously didn’t see that?”

No wads of cash were in my memories. I was too busy retreating away to the golf cart to notice any grandiose money exchange. Ben’s words when he was saying goodbye to me at the golf cart suddenly flashed in my mind - tell him thank you for me.

Thank you.

I hadn’t even assumed the reason why. Probably because out of all things, I wouldn’t have guessed that.

Renny tapped on her lips, signalling to mine that I painted a nice neutral. “Like the shade. What’s it for?”

I looked to my watch. “Zayn. And I’m actually going to be late.”

“Ugh, not fair!! Why can’t I have an artist draw me?”

“Please, Felix was practically drooling over you last year, and he’s a graphic designer, right? I’m sure he has some sketches of you locked away in a cabinet somewhere.”

Something that resembled a blush spread on her cheeks.

“Oh my god. Does he?!”

“He probably got rid of it by now.”

I shook my head, scooping up my tea and 50 pound school bag with me. Leave it to Renny to have a collection of men up her sleeve at any given time. Even the beautiful brainy boy.

“Tell Niall to try drawing,” I called back. The mention of the frat star turned a few heads at the crowded campus coffee shop, and I bit my lip at the scene, skirting across campus to the art studios where people wishing to escape found their haven.

---

“A little to the left,” he murmured. His golden brown eyes peered over the white canvas, tirelessly scrupulous as they focused on each feature, and I felt my heart beat faster at the intensity of attention. “A little up.”

My head tilted to his command, my exposed neck feeling even more naked as I noticeably swallowed.

Did he hear that? Did the music need to be played louder?

“Beautiful.” He reached for another charcoal pencil in his kit. “Have you been in here before?” His voice gently rose over the Coldplay softly playing from the speaker system.

“No, not yet,” I admitted. “I was going to take a ceramics class, but I dropped it the first week. Not exactly the sculptor type.”

“So you’re not the artist, more the painting?”

My brows furrowed. “What?”

“I’m taking ceramics,” he said, not bothering to clarify.

“Yeah? You like it?”

He didn’t answer, sweeping his pencil across the page - the aesthetic lulling of the way it scratched along the paper making me realize that yes, he’d definitely heard me gulping earlier.

The soothing noise didn’t stop, and he didn’t answer for a time that seemed much longer than a minute. I wonder what Harry was doing right now? Was he in class? Practice? Not that I should even be thinking about him.

The little smug version of me was dancing in my brain, delighting in the fact that somebody else was paying attention to me, that there were other people who found me desirable besides Harry. Sure, this was solely for Zayn’s assignment, and yeah, Harry could easily have any number of women he merely glanced at - but me? I could get by without him just fine, and-

“Your face comes across so soft on paper. Gentle,” he said, glancing first at his work, then up to me, as if trying to see if the reality mirrored the copy.

I shifted nervously, but the swivel chair was more sensitive than I’d thought and I almost went flying off the other side. He laughed a bit, before taking his top lip between his fingers.

“Look, I’ve nearly got this one finished right. I’ve got your basic outline to finish the rest on my own, creative liberties ‘n that, but I’ll need a few more still lifes from you if that’s…”

“Yeah! That’s fine.”

“Might be a longshot with the holiday, but do you mind coming in this weekend?”

Plans of the Styles’ Halloween bash rang as a reminder, and it buzzed throughout my entire body. “I can’t, actually. I’m going to a party, I think.”

“Really!” he set down the pencil dramatically. “Am I going to see you in a plaid skirt up your bum again, missy?”

“Ouch, no! But fair. Cringeworthy, but fair.” I slid down the chair, crossing my arms. His eyes didn’t change in their intensity even if he wasn’t holding a pencil. “It’s the Styles’ Halloween bash Saturday. I’m guessing it’s a family-friendly affair so no, I will not be in anything showing any skin, anywhere. I guess they do it every year.”

Realization sunk in, but it seemed a bit of a show. “Harry, yeah, that’s right. Are you two…?”

I shook my head, thinking of what Harry must say when (or if) he got asked the same question. There was no doubt in my mind.

“No.”

It was some weird “in between” with us, but no was a much easier answer.

“Right, well, that’ll be interesting then.” He bit his cheek, mulling over something he wasn’t quite sure he should say.

“What?”

He opened his mouth, closed it again. “Nothing, it’s just… I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a part of that family. It’s got a lot of history.”

“Yeah? Like what?”

“Let’s just say there aren’t that many British boys that get adopted by Americans.”

I tilted my head back, put off at the slight arrogance in his tone. There was a protective side of me that wanted to rear its head and bristle whenever somebody talked down to Harry, and I wasn’t sure how to put it away.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“You can look up the story, but-”

A knock at the door, and a petite black-bobbed Asian girl peered her head in.

“Hi, I have the room at 5:30.”

I glanced to the clock on the wall, just a little past.

“We’re finishing up,” he said. She nodded, not budging. A little territorial over the studio space. Which, I completely get. Once midterm season hits, the library starts to resemble a refugee posting with people camped outside cubicles and “quiet rooms,” hoping for the prior group to leave a little earlier if they didn’t have reservations of their own.

“Yeah, we’re done.” I picked up my bag, and put my beanie over my head.

“Well, I’ll be in touch then. Sometime next week?” He followed me to the door, and placed a hand to my lower back. I stopped, trying to discern if there was something else behind his eyes. Maybe this hadn’t just been for a project.

But his hand was removed just as quickly, and with a little “See ya,” he closed the door behind me.

-----------

Lines of vintage cars parked outside the Styles’s home wasn’t what I’d been expecting when Harry had shot a text that it was a masquerade gala. Maybe it should’ve, but it wasn’t. I squinted my eyes at a woman in a neon vest waving around her flashlight to the approaching cars and signalling them to available spots along the street.

How was I meant to find him in this madness?

“Here is fine,” I told the Lyft driver. I’d bit the bullet (or rather, my wallet) to get a ride. I thought I’d bypass the embarrassing “car dying” scenario again and just play it safe. Not that I was expecting to spend the night again… the toothbrush I’d stuffed in my purse screamed otherwise, and seemed to burn a hole into my thigh.

But still, totally not expecting to spend the night.

Totally …. not ….

The sound of the Uber leaving made me realize I was doing this. Again. Willingly walking into the lion’s den simultaneously with at least ten other well-dressed individuals.

Expect me tonight, I’d sent. It was a little bold. I had to refrain from sending any emojis, but I’d done it. Played it cool.

Wear a mask, he’d replied. And I felt my stomach drop a little bit. He hadn’t said-

Cool! Gee, thanks for letting me know! Wow that’s so nice to hear! You made my day!

No.

Just a simple three word request. Actually, more like demand. I bristled the same moment my phone buzzed.

Please.

I sighed. I guess it was four words.

Of all the themes to pick though… I rolled my eyes at “masquerade.” Renny had done the opposite, and flew to her dresser, opening a drawer full of toys and masks and - oh my gosh was that a leash? She handed me one, black lace over the eyes that could lift up and over the cat headpiece. I didn’t ask any questions for why she had this so readily available, because guessing from the other contents in the drawer, I already knew the answer.

“You look-” Renny kissed her fingertips- “Bellissima.”

Older, sophisticated silver foxes arm-in-arm with their wives took the time to glance at the young woman approaching the estate.

I blamed it on the deep red dress Renny stole from the theater department (or borrowed as she insisted). It fanned out with dramatic flair like an 18th century production of Shakespeare would - or how our school’s production of Much Ado About Nothing would (which was now short one costume).

The doors opened to the tinkling of a piano.

Amidst cocktail waiters weaving between the masked strangers, someone was actually playing it. He had brown curly hair and I practically raced to his side to avoid standing in the foyer alone any longer.

“I didn’t know you could play.”

The man quirked his face, his hands not stopping.

Even with the mask I could tell it wasn’t Harry.

“Oh, sorry,” I said, stumbling back.

Hands gripped my shoulders, as lips went to my ear-

“Not well.”

Twisting in his grasp, the familiar curve of his smirk appeared. His green eyes were highlighted by golden flakes etched into a black mask, and my breath quite literally caught in my throat. Somehow, each time, I forgot the magnetism they held. And somehow, each time, I forgot that I was absolute putty in his hands.

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

Something flashed in his eyes and I knew it didn’t come out right. “The house looks… amazing.”

I was floundering, FLOUNDERING.

His nose crinkled the same time he placed a hand to the small of my back. “Too many cobwebs.”

And without a word, he started leading me through the crowded rooms. Cobwebs over the banister and scary paintings of haunted people replaced the usual art in their home - except for the centered family portrait, intimidatingly framed in gold. The cobwebs were a fitting touch. I wondered how many secrets these walls held, how many years things have been kept in the dark, or swept under the rug.

Every family had them, but something told me this place had enough storage in all its rooms to hold more than I could imagine.

We passed a room set-up with aisles of empty chairs and a projector screen that read “Jane Foundation.” Pamphlets and envelopes were lain on each of the chairs, but we walked too quickly for me to get a closer read.

“What’s that for?”

“Later. You don’t know?”

I shook my head. He slowed to a halt in the hallway.

“My parents put on a fundraiser every year for the children’s hospital. It’s how we end the evening.”

My mouth opened and again- floundering. He scratched behind his ear.

“Yeah, I thought.. I don’t know, I thought everyone knew. But I shouldn’t assume I guess.”

I just shrugged my shoulders, accepting that his family had the capacity to pull something like this off. That the were pulling this off. That I was even here. Clearly living ten minutes away was certifiably living under a rock.

He paused, a slight quirk in his lips. With the distraction of the music and the people, I hadn’t had the chance to really look at him. Or him, at me. If anyone ever asked, I’d call him shameless, but I wouldn’t even call it that as he drank me in. It didn’t seem as intentional as that. It was instinctive.

I drank him in as well, and even if it was just a brief moment facing each other in the hallway with masked strangers streaming through, it felt like it was just him and I. How long had we been like this? Broad shoulders in a nice suit, a tall frame that could cover and protect, brown curls that looked so soft to touch, and eyes that spoke of scary pasts and a soft heart that locked me still in place. He was walking poetry and as much as it made me sick, I didn’t want to stop. I wanted him closer, to lean in closer...

“Come on,” he murmured, but this time he was in front of me.

I followed, straight to the dining room.

“Oh, you are trying to get me to not fit into this dress,” I said. It was full of catered food from the nicest restaurants in Coast Hills. Last time I’d been in this room, it hadn’t been the most comfortable encounter. Now that the corset was digging into my ribs and I was a little short of breath, I predicted I was in for Awkward Dinner Part II.

“You aren’t hungry?” He faltered, turning to face me.

I gave a coy smile. “Well I didn’t say that…”

“Hey! So good to see you.”

Gemma burst through a small cluster of people, Charlie right behind her. His navy suit matched her slip dress, tapering off at the ends like the foam from a wave.

She embraced me, Charlie soon after. But it was the same side-hug squeeze that made me remember him. Harry noticed my grimace. Charlie noticed Harry noticing me.

“All good?” Charlie pulled back.

“My brother did that all the time,” I said. Harry handed me a glass full of champagne, and I took it, happy to have something else occupy my mouth. I hadn’t expected to say that at all.

“I didn’t know you had a brother,” Harry said.

“You don’t know a lot of things.”

Gemma perked up. “That’s right, put him in his place.”

“He’s not around much so, I don’t think to talk about him much.” I left it at that, a slight offering to make Harry feel less offended. His expression was impossible to read, and I wasn’t sure if my words had actually helped or hurt.

“I have a sister like that. Moved to Lisbon with her boyfriend. We see her on holidays though.” Charlie jumped with a chill. “Jiminy- it’s cold in here, isn’t it?”

“Have more wine babes, it’ll cheer you up,” Gemma said. And just like me, a champagne flute was suddenly in his hands.

“Well we were just headed to get some food,” Harry mentioned, eyes slightly widening when they locked with mine - a silent plea to take his cue.

“Wait! Let me take a picture really quickly.”

“Gemma,” he sighed.

“Just a little one! Just a quick...second...” She dug in her purse, struggling to juggle the wine and the mini plate of couscous and falafel.

I took a step to the side as soon as she pulled the camera out.

“Hello? Where do you think you’re going? Get back in there.”

Harry raised his brows to me, both in annoyance and apology. I stood next to him, and he placed an arm around me. It was just for a moment, but I still felt him. Always.

Gemma smiled at her phone. “Aww, this is perfect. I’ll send it to mom, too. She’ll like it.” She said the last bit cautiously.

Harry’s face turned unreadable, his eyes complete stone.

“One for me now,” she said, reaching down for something else.

“I swear, she can hide an elephant in that bag and the only reason someone would know is because it’d trumpet during the previews.”

She pulled out a polaroid camera. Somehow, in the past five seconds, he’d gone from mildly annoyed and embarrassed to deadpanned over it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually growled.

She held up the camera so I smiled, but as the flash went off and I looked beside me - he was gone.

“Oh! Harry,” she scolded, but he’d already walked too far away. I saw him weave his way towards the windows of the house and look out.

“You shouldn’t have mentioned her.” Charlie kicked his shoe. He saw Harry too, looking vigilantly out the window. A second longer and he turned on his heel. He stood taller as he made his way back.

“Well, at least it’ll be a good picture of you. I’m creating a little collage of the evening.” Gemma put the camera away in her big bag. She reminded me of a mom on prom night and suddenly I felt like I should send that photo to someone, too.

“That’s so cool! I’m sure it’s going to look so… cute.” Through the crowd, Harry motioned to the food. Clearly, he wasn’t in the mood to say brief goodbyes to his sister.

“We won’t keep you. Get the pasta pops though. To die for,” Gemma said. “Charlie and I were going to take a stroll by the pool if you want to join us after.”

“Yes! Oh, and would you mind sending me the photo, too? My mom wants proof I’m alive tonight.”

“God, of course. Here.” She gave the champagne flute to Charlie, typed in my number, and sent it off.

“We’ll see you later,” Charlie said.

“The pasta poppers!” she exclaimed, flute in the air as they weasled their way out to the patio.

Before I could wonder where Harry was, he met me by the Sprinkles cupcakes stand.

“Going for dessert first?”

“Looking for the moon?” I picked one of the mini cupcakes and plopped it in my mouth to spite him. He bit the inside of his cheek and looked away for a split second before looking back. His smile grew.

“Damn it.”

My heart picked up its pace.

“You caught me.”

He held another cupcake to my lips but I shook my head. “I’m hungry for real food right now.”

He nodded, and without me saying another word, he took my elbow to bring me to his side. It was comforting to have his hand at my back as we walked through the spread of food. Even if it was lightly placed, in a crowd full of people I didn’t know, at least I had a place with him. My eyes widened when I saw them. The glorious, innovative Pasta Pops. AKA rolled up ball of pesto pasta on chopsticks… I grabbed four.

“So, when am I seeing your dad?”

“What?” He piled more food on top of the mountain already growing on his plate.

“Your dad. The reason why you invited me.” I didn’t believe it. Not anymore. The host of the party wasn’t going to sit down and talk about a potential internship at his own full-fledged party.

I put a Pasta Pop in my mouth. His attention broke and he watched my lips go over the ball, puckering as I pulled it to the tip. It’s when my lips came off with a “pop” that he sucked in a cheek, smirking.

“You won’t be talking with Lionel long. Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself in the meantime.”

But when I reached over someone’s arm to grab a slider, they stopped me.

“Hey, you.”

His eyes lit up and instantly I was drawn in for an awkward hug. Behind his back, I mouthed did you plan this?

He shrugged his shoulders and looked away with a sly look.

Lionel pulled away from our quick embrace and looked to my pile of food. It was my turn for the awkward shrug.

“No, it’s good! Keep going! We have enough food here to feed a small country. Are you still thinking about medicine?”

“Yeah, not much has changed in the past couple of weeks. Same old, same old.”

He paused, raising a finger. “I gave you my card, right?”

How could I forget the card that’s been burning a hole through my dresser…

“Yes. I’ve been meaning to call you, but I’ve been so busy studying with these midterms, and work, too...” I let my voice fade.

“What do you do for work?”

Harry slowed as he picked up a napkin, and I knew he was listening in even if he wouldn’t stop and join the conversation. I watched his eyes skirt across the table close to where my hand toyed with the serving spoon.

“Well, I’m a T.A. right now, but I’m also working in the physical therapy room on campus. It’s pretty easy for the most part, blood doesn’t scare me.”

“Good. You’ll need a strong stomach for most cases.” A man tapped him on the shoulder, stealing his attention. “Give me a call when you can, we’ll set something up at the practice.”

He leaned in behind Harry, both hands on his back. “Take care of her tonight.”

Harry stiffened. I’m not sure why. Lionel had such a warm look in his eyes, I automatically trusted him. As he left with his friend, he flashed us one white smile, and I felt loved.

What the heck was in this family. What kind of beauty steroids did they take?

“Penny for your thoughts?”

The quip sounded weird coming from Harry, the Vogue Italia model, leaning against the table. But then again, I was looking after his father with a dazed look on my face that was screaming “I wish I was 40 and you weren’t married.” I snapped out of it and mimicked his pose, equally skeptical.

“If I hadn’t seen your dad here just now, I swear I wouldn’t have seen him at all. I barely recognize the place with so many…”

“People?”

I nodded.

“I promised that you’d talk to him.”

“Riiiight.”

“You don’t trust me?”

My brows rose. “That’s a loaded question.”

A spark of indignance puffed up his chest. “What? You actually have to think about that?”

“I’m just saying. Communication is usually the key to building that up. Just, you know, a friendly tip to help you with those future relationships.” I tapped his chest, and he reached for my wrist. A bold move, sober. He thought so, too, for he dropped it a second later. I was waiting for a, “You can trust me,” but instead he turned serious.

“Smart girl.”

He looked at me that way again. A little too deep, a little too long, and I cursed myself for not knowing what to do. He took a bit of his bottom lip between his teeth.

“I didn’t know you worked in the therapy room.”

“That’s because you never noticed me before.”

“Ah, ah,” he raised a finger like his father. “That’s because I’ve never been injured before.”

I let out a short laugh. “You’re an arrogant thing, aren’t you.”

“Just honest.”

Honest.

But would you answer if I asked, Harry? Would you answer if I asked you what in the heck we were doing? Did I even want to know the answer?

“I’m really glad you’re here,” he said. And it looked like there was something more swimming behind those eyes.

“I am, too,” I said. “Much better than a sorority party...” My eyes narrowed. “What in the-”

“Y/N?”

Clearly, Viv was just as surprised to see me. Mary Styles was beside her, and she raised her glass to me in a distant hello before giving Viv a kiss on the cheek, excusing herself.

“What are you doing here?” The silver blue dress she wore was glued to her skinny frame like snakeskin. Harry shifted his feet as she came closer and I wonder if he noticed how tight it was.

“I followed the noise and traffic directors and decided to hop the gates,” I said.

“You didn’t get the initiate invite?”

An almost pitiful look befell Harry. “You had somewhere else to be?” His puppy dog eyes confused me.

“Technically, yes. I just, um” - I looked to Viv - “decided to spend my evening somewhere else. You didn’t care to go either?”

“Oh, I come every year. I practically live in the guest room anyways.”

I pictured Viv laying poolside during summer barbeques, coming around for Christmas parties, and waking up in her silk pajamas to Sven handing her delicious pastries.

“Well this’ll be fun anyways. We’ll have our own little sorority party here.” She turned to Harry. “Can I speak to you for a second?”

“Yeah.”

She looked at me apologetically, then back to him. “Alone.”

His eyes narrowed just the slightest, but he didn’t even have to think about it. He placed a hand at my back. “I’ll just be a second.”

Viv gave me a half-smile as she interlinked her arm through his, and they left, abandoning me in a swarming crowd with cold sliders. Without him beside me, I fought the ever-present urge that I didn’t belong, but wandering to the glass doors, I saw the red gown in the reflection, the black lace of my mask. I didn’t look like regular ‘ol me tonight. Nobody knew me tonight. A rush of confidence ran through me.

I was somebody. With, or without Harry.

A twinkling bell carried through the halls the same time I stood a little taller. The piano music died down and everyone quieted.

“I hope everyone is enjoying their evening,” the shrill voice of Mary Styles carried higher as she placed herself atop the spiral staircase. Some people clapped a little prematurely and she smiled at them graciously. “If everyone could please begin filing into the foundation room, we are about to begin the programme.”

I stole another flute of champagne. Programme.

The twinkling sound rang again and people began handing their plates over so they could grab their wallets. Several men apologized as they bumped into me, trying to move around the cocktail waiters. Wherever Harry was, he’d just have to find me later. I followed the crowd when my blood ran cold.

There was something sweet in the air.

The air around me seemed thinner. I looked around, quickly, but all I saw were masks. Even if they didn’t have them on, their faces were starting to blur in my mind.

But that too-sweet scent would never.

It was the man from Kean’s.

I inhaled again, but it was gone, carried away and overpowered by Dior perfume and Gucci cologne. Were they here? Were they watching me? Were they waiting to get me alone?

They’d done it before. Maybe it’d be easier this time...

My mind went to horrible places, and suddenly I was running against the sea.

I scanned as I ran, but it was futile. I burst through the kitchen doors and froze. There, Mary Styles was heaving over the trashcan spitting out strands of pesto pasta.

She looked up at me with the emptiest eyes I’d seen.

“I’m-I’m sorry.” I bumped into the counter, stumbling out the way I came. Her glossy eyes were haunting. Had I just seen Mrs. Styles eject the contents of her stomach?

Alone, I shook it off, trying to calm my breathing. They couldn’t do anything to me here. Hell, Mrs. Styles was on the other side of the door. I would scream. People would hear me.

“Hey, you okay?”

And even though I recognized the voice, when his hands were placed on my shoulders I flinched.

“I smelled them,” I said, looking over my shoulder to the kitchen.

“Who?” Harry’s eyes followed my gaze. He took a step toward the kitchen.

“I wouldn’t,” I said.

He stopped, confused. “I mean, you can, but I think your mom is sick,” I continued.

My tone wasn’t convincing. He bit his cheek. “Right.”

And even though we both knew that his mom didn’t have food poisoning, that was a conversation for another time.

“They’re here, Harry.”

“What are you talking about?” He paused. His eyes saw the panic in mine and he swallowed, hard.

“They can’t be. There’s security.”

“I walked through the door, no one searched me or checked my name off a list.”

“You’re a girl, it’s different. The security has a list of faces to watch out for, and trust me, they’d stand out.”

“No- Harry,” I stammered. He wasn’t get it. “Their cologne. I haven’t smelled it since Kean’s.” The name tasted bitter on my tongue. “I was there- and your mom was talking and I was following these people but I smelled them. And it was so crowded so I ran and she was in the kitchen, and I don’t- I don’t know how, but they’re here. I didn’t imagine that. And no one else would be wearing that. No one else could smell like that.”

I gasped for air, not realizing that I was on the verge of sobbing until Harry’s arms came around me.

“Hey,” he soothed. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”

I let him hold me, but I wasn’t sure if I believed him. Their living area was too empty now. Too quiet. And even in his arms, even knowing what he’d done to them before, I didn’t feel safe. What was the point of having a massive castle if you couldn’t defend it? Your wealth just made you a sitting duck. A giant target.

“Why would they be here?” I asked.

“They wouldn’t be stupid enough to come here,” he reassured me.

“You probably think I’m crazy.”

“No, don’t do that to yourself.” He pulled back just enough. “You’re not crazy.”

And with no one to see, he took my hand, leading me past the foundation room. A part of me actually wanted to see the auction, but my mounting paranoia was stronger. We passed by the bar on the way to his room. It’d been empty for my last visit, but now the caterers were taking full advantage of its liquor storage capacity.

“Let’s see,” his voice drawled as his fingers shifted through the bottles. He didn’t ask before pouring us two cocktails.

“After you,” he said, nodding towards his room. By the time I’d sat down at the foot of his bed, he shut the door behind us with both drinks, and the vodka handle in the crook of his arm.

“Is the foundation for your sister? Jane?”

Harry avoided eye contact as he set the bottle down, pushing his hair back, brows raised.

“Uh, kind of. I never knew her.” He turned to me finally, shrugging with an apathy that had taken years to perfect. “I mean it’s sad, we don’t have to talk about it now.”

“Is it ever a good time?”

He looked at me, giving me the chance to take back what I did. I didn’t.

“She died before I was adopted.”

“Oh.” My stomach dropped. There was so much I didn’t know, but I hadn’t been expecting this. His eyes didn’t hold any sadness, but guilt still pricked my heart. “I’m sorry.”

He looked out the window again, distracted.

“Again, I didn’t know her. It’s sad, but I don’t…” -he tried to find the right words, loosened his tie- “It’s not my grief.”

I nodded; that made sense. It was his parents. The Styles. But the legacy of that pain couldn’t have had zero repercussions on their second child. There was more to the story than he was sharing, but I didn’t press. I walked closer, slowly toying with my drink.

“So you find it hard to miss something you never had,” I clarified.

He took a deep breath. “Cheers.” He raised his glass to me and I mimicked him, cringing at the stiff drink.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Warm.”

He nudged me, growing serious. “You know what I mean.”

How was I feeling? The inner me cleared her throat and yelled from a soap box.

Jealous.

Scared.

Confused.

ANNOYED at how many windows this house had. I looked at Harry’s dark mask, the swirling madness in his emerald, the way the suit fit snug against his toned body… we were very much alone.

Add turned on to my emotional cocktail.

“I’m feeling a lot.”

“Hm,” he hummed. “I’m feeling a lot too.” And it was so quiet. So bizarre to hear him say something even remotely close to feelings that I stood completely still. Was his drink as strong as mine?

Our eyes were locked, but he didn’t turn away. I fought every fiber in my screaming to break the intense spell.

He leaned in closer, tilted his head lower. Our noses brushed.

Panic.

“Are you and Viv…?”

“I’m not up here with her am I.”

Relief.

But I didn’t have the courage to say she’d probably been up here before.

“You know” - he pulled me closer, waists closing in - “I’m going to need a lot of help with that midterm,” he mumbled.

Elation.

An almost laugh that just lasted for a moment, because school seemed so trivial for what was happening in this house. There seemed to be split parts of me - the one I’ve always known and the one with him. Which one was more real to me now? I wasn’t sure if I was the same person that I once was - happy alone, solely immersed in school or netflix nights in. I’d been fine. I’d been safe. Maybe a little bored, but I hadn’t known there was more. With him there was a chaos that burned off his shoulders, that simmered in his eyes, and I drank in the warmth like a person frozen from snow.

His hands squeezed my sides, and my eyes fluttered closed. “How are you feeling now?”

“Good.”

He didn’t say anything more, but our breath was now in sync. It didn’t matter what he couldn’t say. What mattered was him, and the fact that when he looked at me, I felt everything he couldn’t say.

Eyes couldn’t lie. Not like that.

So I lifted my lips, and he went in for the kiss.

It was like I’d been starved of oxygen when his soft lips encompassed my own. Oh God, I’d missed this buzz. I’d missed him.

His hands cradled my face as he backed me up to the edge of the bed, lips never parting. A greedy hand shifted lower and he gripped the curve of backside. I whimpered a little, lips parting to allow his tongue to sneak in as he marked what I was so willing to give. He wasn’t pulling away this time. He wasn’t telling me no.

I sat at the edge of the bed where he’d placed us, and leant back, his body falling atop mine. His delicious weight pinned me down, and he kissed down my neck, nibbling, biting. With a particularly hard suck, I moaned and when I looked down I saw him paused, hooded eyes looking up at me from the sound. His hands travelled down, slowly, from my waist to the ends of my dress. He was heavy but not crushing, deliberate but with respect. He waited for an answer.

I nodded.

He bit his lip in a smirk as he hitched up my dress. One hand clutching the soft skin of my hips, as the other supported him above me, Harry rolled his hips against me.

Oh.

Against the thin fabric of my underwear, I felt him harden between my folds. Gentle kisses were peppered along my chest and I pulled him closer.

“Harry,” I whispered, lifting my hips against his. He groaned into my ear, a playful bite at the lobe.

I shivered the same time his fingers travelled lower against my stomach. He stopped at the band of underwear, my breath catching when he cupped my sex.

“Is this okay?” he whispered.

I nodded, hummed, as his hand slowly rubbed against me. I could feel him watch me intently, but mostly I could feel him. Up, down, up... the friction against my bundle of nerves made my lips part. Again, and again, my breathing deepened and soon I was rutting against his hand. The damp patch he created was evident as he took several fingers and ran them against it. He applied pressure at my center and I wanted him to do more.

He kissed my neck and a “please” stumbled out of my mouth. He smiled, letting out a small breath. He kissed my lips as his fingers pulled aside the lace. The cutest gesture of reassurance when there was nothing to reassure.

I’d dreamt about this too many times for me to back out. This time I wouldn’t shy away. I took his bottom lip between mine. Go.

But a glass shattering scream carried up the stairs.

The commotion from downstairs grew louder, and I didn’t need to say anything.

I’d already known.

His hand retracted, and as quickly as it started, he’d rolled off to his side, my comforting weight gone.

“What the fuck,” he muttered. He stood dead still at the edge of the bed but when he heard someone coming up the stairs, he lunged for the dresser, reached for the top drawer -

From outside, “Harry! Harry, are you up here?”

The door flew open.

His arm fell to his side.

Gemma stood at the doorway, slightly out of breath.

“You need to come downstairs. Now.”

I pulled my dress down, but Gemma wasn’t paying attention to me. There was a wild look in her eye only Harry could understand.

He didn’t look back to me as he barrelled past her, she followed suit. I sat at the edge of the bed; alone, dishevelled, disoriented. I was scared to follow.

Everything could change in a moment.

There were footsteps at the door again and I looked up just in time to see Harry striding across the floor to me.

“What are you-”

His lips crashed into mine, and my breath was suspended again. There was an urgency in the kiss that hadn’t been there before. Deep, hard, a hand tangled in my hair when another hitched up my skirt. His fingers swiped at my entrance once and before I could kiss him back he pulled away.

He let out an exasperated breath, and leant his forehead against mine.

“I have to take care of this.”

Unflinching, he drew the fingers that’d just pressed against my center up to his parted lips before swiping them against my own.

He stood tall as he walked away, broad shoulders subtly moving beneath the suit as he drew a key from his pocket and closed the door behind him.

There was no way in hell I was staying here.

I shot up, running to the door - but it was locked. I pounded against it.

“Harry? Harry let me out this isn’t funny!”

I jiggled the handle again. Nothing.

I wanted to scream, debated about screaming as I paced around the room. My eyes went to the top drawer of his dresser. I stopped. He’d reached for something there.

When I pulled it open it was just some old band t-shirts, but my hand hit something in the back. Pushing aside the shirts was a black box.

I quickly undid the clasp.

A black handgun.

I shoved the box to the back as quickly as I’d opened it.

Fuck no.

Frickity fracking fuck no.

He’d been reaching for a gun.

What kind of threats was he used to that he needed a gun?

I took a bobby pin from my hair, and with an expert skill that only growing up with a sibling could teach you, the lock was picked.

It took me at least five minutes, but the door opened. I booked it downstairs, a flounder of red dress heading into a quiet commotion.

I didn't see him when I made it down the stairs. There were too many confused bystanders huddled around their phones and switching social circles, whispering frantically about the scene before them.

I didn’t need to see anything in the crowd. For up on the wall, between collectors’ paintings was a vacant space.

The family portrait was gone.

And in its place was a snake that matched the one I’d seen tattooed on skin, the same snake that had been wrapped around my neck.

part 14

#posted a day after april 13 coiNCIDENCE I THINK NOT #harry styles #frat boy #Harry styles fic #harry styles fanfiction #fratboy!harry #one direction #onedirection #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #fratboy! harry #1direction #one direction imagine #one direction one shot #harry styles preference #harry styles blurb #harry fic

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aion-rsa · 3 years ago

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Best Movies Coming to Netflix in August 2021

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As quickly as the summer movie season of 2021 seemed to come upon us, it’s already about to begin its long, languid slide through the dog days of August into fall. That’s not to say that theaters won’t still have plenty of interesting fare to encounter, with films like The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, Candyman and The Night House all on deck. Hopefully the other hideous sequel happening at the moment — Pandemic 2: The Delta Variant — won’t set any of these potential hits back.

In the spirit of keeping August entertaining, Netflix is rolling out a slew of new streaming additions as well, including an underrated Spielberg gem, fantastic teen comedies both old and new, a couple of stoner classics and perhaps the finest film from the canon of one of the modern era’s most revered directors. We’ve rounded up our recommendations below, and hope you stay cool and healthy whatever you’re watching!

Universal

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Beethoven (1992)

August 1

Hollywood in the 1990s was a glorious and furry era when studio executives never met a family movie that couldn’t be improved with the addition of at least one animal character. Beethoven is one of the most successful examples of this winning formula. Directed by Brian Levant from a script co-written by John Hughes himself (alongside Mystic Pizza co-writer Amy Holden Jones), Beethoven is basically the story of how a husband and father, Charles Grodin’s George Newton, feels threatened by the attention his family gives their new dog, a St. Bernard named Beethoven.

George eventually works through some of his issues and accepts the charming Beethoven into the family, a process that comes to a head when Beethoven is dog-napped into an animal experiment scheme run by evil veterinarian Dr. Herman Varnick. (Honestly, the plot isn’t dissimilar to the story in cinematic masterpiece Paddington.) The deep supporting cast includes Bonnie Hunt, David Duchovny, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Oliver Platt, Stanley Tucci, and Everybody Loves Raymond‘s Patricia Heaton. The film’s sequel, Beethoven Second, will also be available on Netflix starting on August 1st.

Dreamworks

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

August 1

As one of Steven Spielberg’s most charming and laid-back efforts, Catch Me If You Can is a breezy and star-studded entertainment. The story is loosely based on the real grifts of conman Frank Abagnale Jr., who beginning as a teenager was able to pass himself off as a pilot, lawyer, doctor, and many other things. But really, this is a cat-and-mouse chase movie between a still baby-faced Leonardo DiCaprio as Abagnale and Tom Hanks as the FBI stiff who hunted him down. It’s all good stuff, with the movie enjoying a light touch and fresh take on Spielberg’s favorite subject matter: fathers and sons.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Deep Blue Sea (1999)

August 1

A shockingly entertaining B-movie about a bunch of genetically engineered super-sharks which break out and take over a testing facility, this is horror silliness at its best with great turns from Samuel L Jackson, Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows and LL Cool J. Partially shot on sets built around the same water tanks used for Titanic, with animatronic and CGI sharks, Deep Blue Sea is action-packed, schlocky fun from director Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger).

STX Entertainment

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

August 1

A bit like Lady Bird before there was a Lady Bird, Kelly Fremon Craig’s Edge of Seventeen is an underrated gem that stars a teenage Hailee Steinfeld as a young woman stumbling through an especially awkward time in her life. Steinfeld is terrific in her best performance since True Grit, playing Nadine as a bundle of insecurities, yet still nobody’s victim. Also of special value is Craig’s hilarious and authentic script, which captures the specificity of growing up in the social media age while being near-universal in its accessibility and empathy for a wide ensemble which also includes Kyra Sedgwick, Haley Lu Richardson, and Woody Harrelson.

Paramount

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

August 1

Just in time for the dog days of summer comes one of the best summer movies ever. Relying on charm and sharp characterization instead of special effects for its spectacle, John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a truly great teen comedy that follows the easygoing bon vivant (or secret sociopath?) of a high school’s senior class when he decides to take the day off in the best fashion: by faking he’s sick and then guilting his BFF into giving him the keys to his dad’s Ferrari.

Should Netflix’s Pokémon Live-Action Series Explore the Franchise’s Dark Side?

By Matthew Byrd

Never Have I Ever Season 2 Review: This Netflix Teen Comedy Deserves to Run and Run

By Louisa Mellor

It’s silly yet curiously honest stuff about the pressures of young adult life, at least in 1980s suburban America, and a beguiling showcase for an ensemble that includes Matthew Broderick in his coolest role, as well as Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey, and a seriously stoned Charlie Sheen. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re due.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Inception (2010)

August 1 Still Christopher Nolan’s most complete and satisfying film to date (yes, even more so than The Dark Knight), Inception is a cerebral sci-fi set of stacking dolls combined with a rollicking James Bond adventure that all happens to be mostly situated inside one guy’s head. Leonardo DiCaprio leads a team of professional thieves who steal things from people’s minds — only this time they’re hired to implant an idea, even if they have to dive deep into the mark’s subconscious to do it.

Mind-bending imagery and several jaw-dropping action sequences are wrapped around a surprisingly emotional core, with only the usual unwieldy exposition there to remind you that there are some things Nolan may never get right.

Lionsgate

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

August 1 Based on a novel by crime writer Michael Connelly, this gripping, suspenseful 2011 drama arguably kicked off “the McConaissance,” a shift from rom-coms to more serious roles by Matthew McConaughey that launched a new, largely acclaimed phase of his career.

McConaughey is formidable as attorney Mickey Haller, a slick lawyer who works out of his Lincoln Town Car and undergoes a crisis of conscience as his new case starts to feel disturbingly like an old one. In addition to McConaughey stepping up his game, this Brad Furman-directed thriller is the kind of character-driven, literate melodrama we don’t see much on the big screen anymore — although we see plenty of them these days on, of course, Netflix.

Paramount Classics

The Machinist (2004)

August 1 Director Brad Anderson followed up his cult classic 2001 horror effort Session 9 with this surreal, Kafka-esque psychological thriller. Christian Bale plays Trevor Reznik, whose inability to sleep leads him to cause an accident at his industrial job that costs a co-worker (Michael Ironside) his arm. Already physically and mentally deteriorating, Reznik begins an even deeper descent as he tries to unravel what’s happening to him and why. Bale is intense and viscerally shocking as the emaciated Reznik, with his riveting performance anchoring an atmospheric, visually striking film that is sometimes an exercise in style over substance.

New Line Cinema

Magnolia (1999)

August 1

Boogie Nights pushed director Paul Thomas Anderson into the spotlight, but it was his massive, sprawling jigsaw puzzle Magnolia that made him into a superstar filmmaker. Following multiple narratives and numerous characters all finally brought together by a climactic storm of frogs, this is high art packed with standout moments.

Movies

Top Gun: Maverick Footage Shows Tom Cruise in Real Jet Behind the Scenes

By David Crow

Movies

Best Modern Horror Movies

By Don Kaye

Tom Cruise is electric as a toxic motivation speaker, Julianne Moore is brittle and tragic as a trophy wife who has grown to love her dying husband, while the burgeoning relationship between Melora Walters’ addict and John C. Reilly’s cop added sweetness and hope to a tale of messed up people and damaged families. Epic.

Sony PIctures

Pineapple Express (2008)

August 1 After its trailer introduced everyone to M.I.A.’s amazing “Paper Planes,” Pineapple Express’s work was already done. It didn’t even have to produce a satisfyingly funny movie on top of that. Thankfully the filmmaking team of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and David Gordon Green decided to give us one anyway, because Pineapple Express is the ideal of the little-seen-or-attempted stoner action comedy.

Rogen stars as process server and marijuana enthusiast Dale Denton, while James Franco portrays his annoying drug dealer Saul Silver. When the pair witness a murder, they are forced to flee hitmen, a pair of corrupt cops, and worst of all, Danny McBride. The Rogen/Goldberg comedy catalog has very few misses and this one is particularly excellent.

Universal Pictures

Seabiscuit (2003)

August 1

No one would ever accuse Gary Ross’ Seabiscuit of being subtle. With its voice-of-god narration by Ken Burns fave David McCoullough, which helpfully spells out the themes of the movie every few scenes, and its achingly sentimental score and dialogue, Seabiscuit is a Cinderella story which all but asserts its titular race horse ended the Great Depression. Yet Ross captures some of the simple American grandeur of Laura Hillenbrand’s non-fiction source material book, as well as the beauty of this true story where a horse that everyone counted out as worthless was nursed by three men into becoming one of the greatest racing animals of all-time.

It’s the type of feel-good yarn that won people over in the 1930s and which is still winning now. When coupled with a handful of strong performances, including from Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Tobey Maguire, and a seriously underrated Elizabeth Banks, you have a crowd-pleaser that actually pleases.

Paramount Pictures

Team America: World Police (2004)

August 1 Roger Ebert’s one-star review of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Team America: World Police sums up the film’s nonsensical political stance nicely. “I wasn’t offended by the movie’s content so much as by its nihilism,” the great film critic wrote.

Rog was right to criticize Team America’s incomprehensible worldview. Nearly 20 years later, its seeming position that Alec Baldwin and Kim Jong-Il are equally bad hasn’t aged that well (despite Mr. Baldwin’s best efforts). But it’s hard to argue that the South Park creators’ nihilism doesn’t lead to some great comedy. The novelty of Thunderbirds-style puppets saving the world amid graphic sex acts and voluminous barfing never quite wears off.

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