#and very obviously his focus was more on the latin dances

[dailyexo]

[INTERVIEW] Kai - 230314 UPROXX: “Kai Doesn’t Care What You Think, ‘Rover’ Is His Reminder To Live Life Freely”

"When Kai debuted with EXO 11 years ago, he was already a fan favorite. His teaser featured him smoothly dancing across a puddle of water to the group’s jazz pop track “My Lady.” From then on, Kai, whose real name is Kim Jongin, became one of the attractors and magnets for potential EXO-Ls to be.

With a massive discography and awards accrued over the last decade with EXO (and SuperM), it was only November 2020 when Kai unraveled his own world to the masses and proved how much of an ace he is. With his debut single “Mmmh,” the EXO member checked off every tick on what it meant to be a whole package — and be rightfully called “Idol’s Idol:” a catchy R&B ear worm that’s easy to sing along; sexy, jaw-dropping choreography that went viral; and looks (including a jawline so sharp) that could kill from a glance.

His title as Asia’s First Love only continued to grow when he followed up with “Peaches” (2021), a poetic R&B serenade that highlighted his romantic side.

Fast forward to today (March 13), Kai unleashes the wild side of him in his upbeat, Latin-inspired single “Rover” off his third EP of the same title. Last week, we caught up with Kai to discuss his new project, and his success as a soloist and member of EXO.

We obviously think of a car when we hear “Rover.” But how would you interpret that?

Kai: “Rover” is about not caring about what people think or say. It’s about just going your way freely as a wanderer. But that is also the whole album overall. It’s also about social media as well. A lot of different people see what you post and it’s a place where a judgment or opinion could actually be easily made. There are possibilities you could also be jealous of someone, or look up to someone when you’re on social media. But it’s more about not caring about all those different perspectives, or those gazes at all. And it’s a message of just think free, so the message that’s here I think is let’s be free.

I have a lot of messages to share to the world but whoever interprets it or whoever sees it, are free to interpret it individually since it’s different for each person. But regardless, I want to say that I’m just going to do whatever I want to do, what I like to do, and just spread the message of freedom and show that I’m doing what I want to do and what I like.

It’s such a switch from your last two singles, what did you think when you first heard it?

Kai: The first impression for “Rover” was very good. I thought the melody and rhythm meshed well and was very addictive. The song has a nice rhythm that’s very fun and easy to dance to. And while preparing for “Rover,” I was excited knowing I can focus on showing a new side of myself.

Are you aware of your virality every time you make a comeback?

Kai: Well, actually I don’t focus on that that much. Nor do I feel it that much because it’s a fight with myself because of how time is actually limited. We only have 24 hours a day and there’s a lot of good that I want to do and show to my fans. But other than focusing on the virality that I bring or the popularity that I have, I do have a little bit of pressure to focus on making something good

In “Mmmh” it was the choreography, then “Peaches” the detail that went viral was when you twirled one of your dancer’s hair. What do you predict would be the viral moment for “Rover?”

Kai: I could honestly say that out of all the dances or choreography that I’ve done, this one was very much difficult. But difficulty [for me] is shown in a cool way, or I hope so. So I’m not going to be able to choose just one part because I like everything.

Actually, I’m actually looking forward to what the people, fans, and listeners would choose as the viral moment or the killing part of the song. So, I really wish and hope that people could choose for me.

Any behind-the-scenes moments you want to talk about in this album?

Kai: Particularly, I do like the track “Bomba.” It’s one of my b-side tracks for this album and one of the tracks that I actually considered as the lead single for my second album,Peaches — between “Peaches” and “Bomba.”

Especially for this album, rather than focusing on what others would like to see from me, I mainly focused on what I like and what I would like to show. As I was really enjoying that thought in the production process, I couldn’t even think about any difficulties. I think my third album is more of a result of the experiences that I had with my first and second albums. So if it weren’t for my first and second albums, I think that my third album wouldn’t be possible. And I think when I was shooting the song, preparing the album itself, I tried to be more bold and unique with the choices that I make and I tried to work on that.

Do you feel any pressure still, as you make these comebacks?

Kai: Sometimes. I did have some pressure creating this album because I really want to showcase a new and different side to my fans. However, all of that pressure was released in the process of this album, while also preparing for it.

I always want to do better and show the best to my fans. I try my best not to think too deeply about it because I ultimately want to solely focus on the stage. Because when I start thinking too deeply into things, then I won’t be able to concentrate and fully show my 100 percent.

Have you found any stark differences or discoveries about yourself as a soloist and you as a member of EXO?

Kai: Well, yes there are differences to this actually. So, when I’m in the group — as a member of EXO, I feel more comfortable because we’re able to share this pressure that we feel altogether. I tend to rely more on the members than relying on myself. And it’s also that I really do enjoy and like being in EXO when in a group altogether. Because there’s EXO, I exist. Because of EXO, there’s Kai.

But even as a soloist, it’s very fun. I enjoy it as well since it’s only about me doing well, and me doing the best that I could do. It can be comfortable in those terms, but sincerely do enjoy both. Because, once again, I think Kai exists because of EXO.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned as a soloist?

Kai: As a soloist, I’m honestly very satisfied to where I’m at but I still can feel that I really, and truly, miss my members, especially those who enlisted. I’m really looking forward to the album that we will release as EXO altogether.

I could say that I realized I still do lack a lot of skills, and I have a lot to improve on still. And since I had my members while doing a lot of different activities with EXO, I was able to share the pressure. As a soloist, all the pressure is on me. Everything really depends on how I show my performance, and how the outcome is done by me. I really came to realize that I have to do my best and do better.

And, this is actually not directed to me being a soloist but, one really big learning that I realized these days is that time is special.

One thing the world doesn’t know that Kai wants to share.

Kai: Actually, I really don’t know who I am still and I think it’s kind of definite for the world not to know fully about me too. It’s more so that the images that I show as a member of EXO and Kai are very different from who I am as a person.

And you know, the fans do know that you know on stage, I’m charismatic and you know pretty much cool but that I’m a bit different off stage but I could say that not a lot of people know this because you know I may seem a bit you know charismatic on stage and cool but I’m actually a pure and kind person and yeah that’s about it for the first question.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I actually went to go eat Kaljebi which is a mix of Kalguksu (hand-pulled noodles) and sujebi (flattened hand-pulled noodles, and that was my favorite place to go eat."

Credit: Uproxx.

[engekihaikyuu]

I can't stop looking at the spicy hips compilation post. Bless you for that. Yuuki gets my Puerto Rican stamp of approval.

I feel like I’ve had a lot of Latin@ people giving him that stamp of approval.

Some out of respect and some out of humiliation lol

[padfootdaredmetoo]

Can you please write a part 2 to this

https://padfootdaredmetoo.tumblr.com/post/668066068238073856/can-you-please-write-something-where-campbell-and

Part one

I didn't know where to take this... so I went back to when she first wakes up and goes through the recovery. How the family try to help her. Pretty much just straight hurt/comfort.

Thanks for requesting this! I really enjoyed going back and adding more detail to the situation. Hope you enjoy XOXO

Warnings: *Explicit Drug use, mild violence, description of injuries, nightmares, grief, recovery, getting better, Orgasm while on pain meds, fingering.

Part two:

I decided to rewrite the ending as I kinda just jumped back to happy ending everything is fine. But re-reading it obviously she wouldn't be sitting at the table by lunch.

Your eyes opened but you weren't awake.

You were somewhere far away, as if you were observing the ceiling of your bedroom at the end of a long tunnel. Your vision wasn’t the best, it felt spotty and out of focus. But that horrid wallpaper was unmistakable. This was your room, your attention moved to your bed. You couldn't feel its usual comfort. You couldn't really feel anything. You could have been lying in a painting of your room, but that was a ridiculous thought.

Cold hands were placed on your thigh and your eyes snapped to see a man leaning towards the bed trying to speak to you. He was handsome and young, nice suit, but certainly not your husband. Stupid man, he should know better than to come into your bedroom and try to touch you.

Without any control you hit him as hard as you could. There was a commotion and finally the face you’d been waiting for was in focus, if only he could speak louder. He cradled your face, looking so panicked. If Thomas was scared, things were very bad. Very bad indeed.

You wanted to comfort him, protect him from this man. But your vision started to fade again, it was too much.

_______

You came in and out of focus, back to that same painting of your room. Most of the time Tommy was there reading to you or half sleeping. Warmth radiated off of his body and seeped into your numb skin. This sensation was a comfort that compared to nothing else, it was the only area of your body that had feeling in it. It felt like his life force was caressing your corpse. Maybe you were dead.

Other times you’d see Polly there, cleaning you up. Her hands were never cold as they brushed over your skin. She spoke to you in a strange language, it was heavy and smelled like flowers and spices. Her voice would drift into your head like a church choir singing in Latin. Her words would bring you back slightly, as if they had summoned fresh air back into the room forcing it into your lungs.

A hot hand was pressed to your chest and you eyes flew open and your lungs heaved.

“That’s it. Come back love.” You heard his voice clearly for the first time in so long.

“Tommy?” Your voice scratched out of your dry throat.

“It’s me, love.” His hand stayed firmly on your chest exactly where you wanted it. His free hand brushed hair behind your ear.

Fire light danced across the ceiling and the room was filled with that same heavy smell. Polly’s voice was back speaking words that only your body understood, her fingers ran across your forehead leaving it prickling.

“Where am I?” You asked as well as you could manage.

“At home” He responded but his voice sounded wet.

“I know this is my home” You took a deep breath enjoying the way your lungs stretched and burned with the strange air. “Am I dead?”

“No.” You realized then that he was crying. His grip on you was deliciously painful, but his hands were shaking as if he was trying to hold you to this earth.

“Don’t let me slip away then. I know I’m heavy but I’d like to stay here.” He made a choking sound that hurt you somewhere deep in your stomach.

“Not going to let you go anywhere. You just keep fighting eh? You're a Shelby. You're going to stay here with me.” He murmured.

“Nothing to fight. anymore” There was a radiating sensation running through you. Slowly your body woke up. You tried to sit up and made it almost the full way before getting light headed. Your vision swayed but you enjoyed the feeling, it meant there was blood moving in your body.

His hands caught you helping you lean forward and you groaned. He held you like that for a long while, one firm hand on your chest and the other placed on your back.

You took in your awareness. You had heavy necklaces draped across your neck, you were wearing a soft black fabric that gave you the missing information. You were going to die, but chose not to. Polly and Tommy kept the door open for you to choose.

“I’m not dead.” You said out loud, your voice sounding like your own for the first time. You felt Tommy place a kiss on your bare shoulder. “Why do I feel so heavy.”

“Gave you some painkillers love.”

“Shit - this stuff - this stuff is wow-” You didn't know how to describe it. Your body was pulsing in a strange way.

“You want to rest?” You thought about his words, in all honesty you wanted him badly. The pulsing, the raw ache in your stomach. You wanted him very badly. You didn’t know what to say so you nodded. He helped you lay back. You head resting on the strange pillow.

You felt Polly grip your face tightly, her eyes bore into yours and you felt like everything your brain had ever thought was somehow on display.

“You chose to stay. Rest now.” Her words felt like the ending of a book. They were final words and you felt comfort knowing that whatever this was, was over. She placed a kiss on your forehead and spoke to Tommy in Romani.

She shut the door softly and you settled yourself against Tommy’s strong body. He held you tightly which only made the burning sensation in your veins intensify.

“Can you help me” Your fingers searched through the soft quilts to find his hand.

“ ‘course” He looked at you with searching eyes. Your fingers found his wrist and you pulled his hand where you wanted it. “No, You need to rest.” He seemed equally worried and amused by the situation. All you felt was burning desperation.

“Please just touch me.” You whimpered, he sighed and you didn't understand what there was to think about. You barely lasted against his fingers, his arm kept you firmly crushed against him. The air in your lungs was his air, the heat in your body was his. Feeling etched its way through your limbs and you felt your muscles tense and contract. It was heavily layered with something not from this world, he pushed your body over the edge and your mind rocked and swayed. All the connections established themselves, the emptiness in your stomach filled with a sense of love.

You felt the efforts made to hold you here and basked in your husband's warmth knowing it was the sun to your world.

You fell asleep against him.

_______

You woke up the next morning light pouring through the curtains. A wave of sensations crashed upon your body. You needed the toilet, and your stomach growled painfully.

You sat up and felt your body protest. You felt stiff and your muscles were still bruised. Tommy’s arms found you instantly.

“I need to use the water closet.” You mumbled. He got you up and out of bed, you expected him to leave but he closed the door behind you. There was a black scarf covering the mirror. Strange things seemed to be glaring in your face, but you couldn't bring yourself to question it just yet. Tommy picked you up once you were done and carried you back to the bed.

“Gonna get a bath sorted for you, love. And get you some breakfast. Just don't move” You did as you were told.

He got you into the bath and you snacked on a piece of toast. Your body was a poor sight. Large dark bruises covered your body and cuts ran up your arms.

You should probably ask about that. You thought to yourself, but your gut told you that it was not his doing so you didn’t care just yet.

“I have some business to attend to. If I leave you with Pol, Ada, and Esme will ya be alright till I get back?”

Your body suddenly prepared for a fight, you didn't want him to leave you. Not ever.

“You’ll come back?” He nodded. “When?”

“By tonight.” He answered seriously. You nodded.

“They gave you some heavy stuff. If you start to come down just remember that I'll be home soon eh? Do everything that Polly tells you to.”

“Okay” It sounded simple enough. You ate half a loaf of bread, three eggs, a sausage, and some fruit. You felt so full and sore that falling asleep seemed to be the only reasonable task.

Things were blissful, till the nightmares set in. You felt the way your body had crumbled under the man hundreds of times. Over and over. Your body stung where he had hit you. Esme laid next to you, trying to comfort you while you slipped in and out. Tommy took her place once he was home.

Three days you were like that. In and out of your mind. By the fourth day you were desperate to keep moving. Laying in bed felt like a prison, your mind needed a task so it could fully embrace the fact that it was over. You were too scared to go outside just yet, and avoided the kitchen.

You were well enough that Charlie was back on your hip at all times. He needed you more than ever and you desperately hoped that his little mind wasn’t able to hold memories yet. You couldn't stomach the thought of him carrying that for the rest of his life.

Tommy came home that day and handed you a very large project. A house.

Johnny dogs wanted to set up on the river at the far edge of the property. You’d responded before Tommy could, and soon you had him by the river. You got to pick the maids and the cooks.

The decorating, all of it was up to you. With Charlie on your hip the two of you put together a classy house, with warmer areas like the kitchen, bedroom, study, and a living room. All the rest of the house was for show, for dinner pastries and nonsense. But those other rooms were for the family.

Charlie was soon obsessed with the stables and the three horses that lived there. You spent many afternoons resting in the overcast comforted by their presence.

You would have random attacks, night terrors, hallucinations….. Tommy and the boys seemed to understand it very well.

A car backfired out front of the betting shop. The loud noise cut through your body like knives. All the air rushed out of your chest and you couldn't remember how to breathe. You had the sudden urge to climb under your desk into a ball.

Arthur’s hands landed on your shoulders and you were grateful he caught your punch before it landed on his jaw.

“Hey, hey, it’s alright. Just the band kicking up. That's all, love.” He awkwardly prevented you from sitting down. “Gotta stand up straight when it happens.”

You tried to stand as tall as you could, and he pushed your shoulders back a little bit. Your body fought you hard, every muscle started to shake, you wanted to collapse against him. You started to sway slightly.

“Nah! You gotta stand straight, love. ‘Sthe only thing to stop it.” He stood with you for a few minutes and you were amazed the shaking stopped. You took a deep breath. John came through to your office.

“Ah got the shakes eh? It will pass with time.” He answered easily, but in his eyes you could see he felt for you.

“I hope so. Sorry for almost -” You gestured towards his face.

“You wouldn't be the first Shelby, and won't be the last love.” He chuckled, patting you on the back.

__

You woke up and rang Polly in the middle of the night unable to help yourself.

“Thomas?” She answered in an annoyed tone.

“No It’s me” You were unable to bring your voice above a whisper. Your nightgown was stuck to your skin, the air in the study was cold making you shiver.

“What’s wrong, love?” She answered worriedly. You took a deep breath and tried to stand up tall like Arthur showed you.

“I had a dream that my stomach fell out. A big red hole in my torso. A man took your necklace from my neck and I bled out in the field behind the house.” You dragged the phone over to the couch lighting a fire. You paced the room with your shoulders back, trying to remember all the details of the dream.

“Hmmm I don't think it’s about the future, I think it’s about losing the baby.” She answered softly. It comforted you as she went into detail about why it would be about the past.

“What about the necklace? If it’s taken from my neck I’ll die right?” Your voice quivered slightly. You heard Polly make a strange sound on the other side of the phone.

“No love. You could have taken that off once you woke up. I should have told you that. You chose to stay, it's something that won’t be unwritten till long after I’m gone.”

“Okay.” You took a deep breath and tried to take the necklace off, but couldn't. “Polly, I can't take it off. I just can’t” She chuckled softly.

“Then don't. I’ll come by tomorrow to look at it.” She responded.

“Sorry for waking you. Thank you.”

“Anytime love” She wished you a good sleep and you felt betting knowing she would be back in the morning.

You thought of going back up to bed but couldn't manage. So you paced the room trying to keep a steady pace, keep your body straight.

You jumped when you caught Tommy’s appearance in the doorway. It was almost enough to send you back into a fit but you just kept walking.

“Career change? Thinking of being a model?” He lit a cigarette and leaned on the edge of his desk.

“Arthur said it’s the only way to stop the shakes. Just have to stand straight, breathe even.”

“That’s what Arthur said eh?” You nodded. He was quiet for a long moment and you realized this probably looked like insanity. Thoughts of him putting you in a home ran through you threatening to take over.

“I’m not crazy - I just-” You started to lose control.

“Stop that.” He motioned for you to keep walking. “This isn’t crazy, this is surviving. There’s a big difference. I’m sorry I did this to ya.”

“It’s alright. I’m tough, I’ll make a way through this.” You mumbled, focused on keeping a steady pace. You and him revisited the conversation you had been avoiding. You didn’t blame him. His intentions were good, and he was working as hard as he could to prevent it from happening again. The family was closer than ever now.

There was a knock at the front door and you got to the floor immediately. All the air was gone. You heard Tommy grab his gun and go to the door.

“What a greeting. Is she still up?” Polly’s voice called up and you forced your body to get up off the carpet.

“You just scared her half to death but she’s up.”

It was a struggle but you righted yourself and brushed the stray ashes off your white pajama set. You started to pace again. Polly came in and took in your form.

“You won’t be like this forever.” She said calmly. She walked up to you and took the black necklace from your neck. You fought the urge to fight her. She pulled our forehead against hers and pulled a necklace from her neck over her head onto yours.

“You’ll be fine. You're strong enough to be fine.” Her words put you at ease. You looked at her, she was in her nightgown with a large fir jacket. She must have driven over as soon as you ended the phone call. You gave her a big hug.

Tommy was good intentioned, but ambitious. Sure he got you dragged into all sorts of situations, most of them scary. But he loved you like a husband should love his wife. Polly loved you like a mother should love her daughter, his brothers were your brothers. All of this love you were deprived of growing up, it was worth the risks that were frequently taken.

You did get better, slowly at first, and then suddenly. Things drifted away somewhere they could only rarely go up against you. When they did you were ready.

Tags list: @tommydoesntpayforsuits @misselsbells06 @kpopgirlbtssvt

*** Disclaimer I feel like my stories have been pretty heavy on the Polly love. Really missing her and struggling from my own losses. Needing some motherly love these days. Anyway! I hope this isn't bothersome.

[lottiebagley]

Space Girl- George Weasley

Space Girl, show me the stars You know the galaxies of my heart

George Weasley was not excited for his first astronomy lesson of the year. He'd agreed to do the class simply because he needed to fill his timetable and it seemed more enjoyable than history of magic.

That's what he had told Fred at least.

In reality he had opted for astronomy for one specific reason. Y/N Y/L/N. She was a shy Hufflepuff girl and although he had never spoken to her George was absolutely enamoured with her.

So, as he dreaded the lecture ahead he tried to remember that this cloud had a silver lining, and it was a silver lining that was absolutely worth it. This was all confirmed when he walked into the astronomy classroom and saw her.

She was sat at a desk at the back of the room. Her hair twirling round her finger as she studied the open text book in front of her, seemingly unaware of the chaos around her. George noted happily, that none of her friends seemed to be in the class and rather than asking to sit with Angelina and Katie like he had been planning he figured what the hell and went for it.

"Hey, is it alright if I sit here?" He questions, willing his cheeks to not flush red when he looks up at him

"Oh, of course you can George," she nods, moving her stuff to the left to make room for him. He feels his heart leap at her knowing that it was him and not Fred.

"How did you know?" He questions, head cocking to the side to look at her better. He smiles slightly at the bright red flush on her cheeks.

"You aren't that hard to tell apart," she shrugs

"Our own mother can't always do it," he pesters, he's genuinely intrigued how she seemed to know so easily.

"Uh, okay then. You're slightly taller so when you are together I could always work out who was who. From there I just kind of noticed little things, you have two freckles on your neck, Fred has a scar above his eyebrow. Your face is slightly longer, your nose is a little longer and has that cute little bump in it, your hair falls completely differently and your lip has a little curl in it. But the easiest way is that you have a different vibe about you," She rambles like it's the most obvious thing in the world and George himself wouldn't haven't been able to explain the physical differences so well.

He's pretty sure his heart melted on the spot.

"You should tell my mum all of this," he smiles gently, not knowing how to respond and explain that he's never felt more seen in his life.

"Sorry, I'm not a creep or anything I swear. Just observant,"

"It was quite sweet actually," George smiles, biting back a chuckle when her face blushes a bright red. "So, you any good at Astronomy?" He questions politely

"I'm okay. It's probably my best class. I've always known about it so," she shrugs, cutting herself off. She knew that George was a pure blood and probably wouldn't want anything to do with her if he knew she was a muggle born.

"You're a muggle born right?" He questions, she's surprised his tone doesn't sound angry or accusatory like was often the way with pure bloods, instead genuinely interested.

"Yeah," she confirms "my older sister is obsessed with astrology so I knew a lot about it before I got here. It's probably the only subject I didn't fail first term," she admits, George smiles softly. He can only imagine how hard it would be to come to the school with no magical knowledge.

"Look at you now, you're top of the year in almost everything," he points out

"Yeah, Ced helped me find my feet and after I settled in it all made sense," she explains. George knew that her and Cedric were best friends, he was a lot more outgoing and George had never quite understood how their friendship worked but it was no secret wherever one was the other wasn't far behind.

Girl, are you a cancer? 'Cause you make me cry When we kiss or dance in the sky We're dancing in the sky

"Hey space girl," George grinned brightly as he dropped into his seat

"If you've forgotten my name you can just ask you know," she blushes a little, not thinking that the boy she had fancied since second year could actually have given her a cute pet name.

No. The only logical explanation is that he had forgotten her name but after being sat next to her for two weeks now was much too polite to ask for it.

She had told Cedric this and he had laughed loudly, ruffling her hair and telling her that she would do well to remember how beautiful she was.

"I know you're name. Y/N Y/L/N. You're a Hufflepuff, obviously," he gestures to her tie before carrying on "Your best friend is Cedric Diggory and you two are always together. You tutor my little sister in potions. You help Professor sprout with the plants in the green house on a Sunday morning. You like to study in the library, specifically the second table from the back left corner. You never eat carrots but you love peas and you always buy two chocolate frogs at Honeydukes one for the walk back and one for a treat that night. I'm not a creep. I'm just observant," He finishes his ramble with a reference to when she had proved just how well she knew him a few weeks prior.

She sits, slightly astounded as he looks at her like his ability to list off so much information about her that she had never specifically told him shouldn't be a shock.

Her heart melts on the spot and she's pretty sure her crush just became real feelings.

"Why?" She questions quietly, not really meaning for him to hear

"You're beautiful and I like looking at you," he shrugs, turning to the text book in front of him. He notices her eyes still staring at him and turns to look at her "hey, you wouldn't want to study together one night this week would you?" He questions, smiling at the blush that overtakes her cheeks

"Yeah. I'd love that,"

"Amazing, does Wednesday work for you? I could meet you at the library after classes end,"

"Sure," she nods shyly, biting her lip to stop a smile and having no clue the very action makes George want to kiss her senseless.

"I know the table," he grins, chuckling when she blushes bright red before turning back to his book.

Space girl, I saw a lunar eclipse Looked like how I feel 'bout your lips Space girl, the only way that we'd end Was if you were sucked into a black hole

'You'll be fine. Just be your self and if he doesn't love you he is stupid,' Cedric's words ran around her head as she remembered sitting in his dorm whilst he calmed her down and Cho did her hair. She had protested to the couple that it wasn't a date but they had still insisted on helping her get ready during their free period after lunch.

Now, sat in the library she tried to remind herself that George was a lovely boy and wouldn't do anything to make her uncomfortable, he probably didn't even think of her like that.

"There's my space girl, you're looking particularly beautiful today," George is beaming as he approaches the table she's sat at, taking the seat next to her.

"Hey George, good day?"

"It's better now i'm here. Fred hasn't shut up about Millie all day, I mean I know he fancies her and all but seriously you'd think she hung the stars in the sky herself," He complains, not admitting even to himself that Fred would say he was just as smitten for his astronomy partner. "How was yours?" he asks, opening his bag to pull out his astronomy text book

"It was okay, Ced managed to blow up our potion so we have detention tomorrow night," She shrugs

"I'll see you there," He grins

"Why am I not surprised?" she deadpans and he allows his laugh to fill the air around them

"You know me to well," he blushes a little as he says it and forces himself to not stare at the way she bites her lip to stop from grinning. Half wanting her to stop so he could see that beautiful smile that seemed to be all he thought about and half wanting her to bite that lip every time he sees her because something about it was so attractive to him. "Do you mind explaining the constellation we learned about last lesson to me because I won't lie I was very distracted?" He doesn't feel like admitting that it was her that he found so distracting.

"Of course," She grins, unfolding her star map and pointing out the constellation Lyra "So Lyra is latin for Lyre, it is like a stringed instrument basically a harp, and it's associated with the myth of Orpheus," She begins to explain

"The musician guy?"

"Yeah," She confirms, watching as he takes notes of what she is saying "Orpheus was given the harp by Apollo, and it’s said that his music was more beautiful than that of any mortal man. His music could soothe anger and bring joy to weary hearts. Wandering the land in depression after his wife died, he was killed and his lyre  was thrown into a river. Zeus sent an eagle to retrieve the lyre, and it was then placed in the night sky and that's the story behind the constellation Lyra. It's best seen in August, and, it kind of looks like a lopsided square with a tail to Vega, it's brightest star," She recites, pointing towards the star on the constellation.

George tries hard to remember to focus on what she's saying, listening intently but he can't help his mind from wondering, instead scanning her face, every small detail, the way her eyes lit up as she talked, the way her lips curl in a small smile when she stops talking and notices him staring at her.

"Distracted again," he admits

"Clearly, you find astrology boring," she teases

"No, I just find you distracting," He admits, his heart melting as she is unable to stop the bright grin on her face. She doesn't say anything, simply grabs her notebook and opens it to the right page

"Copy my notes so you can at least teach yourself the content, the textbook is confusing," she instructs before turning back to her own work. They work silently for the next hour, dutifully copying notes and planning for their essay that's due in next week but routinely stealing glances at each other, blushing when one catches the other.

But I'd still spend my days dreamin' 'bout you Dreamin' 'bout you Tell me how to Stop dreamin' 'bout you

"Were you listening to anything I just said?" Fred questions, waving his hand in front of his brother's face

"Sorry, what was it?" George questions, pulling his eyes away from the Hufflepuff table. Fred sighs, turning to look at what George has been staring at and is not surprised in the slightest.

She is sat amongst her large friend group, despite being shy around people she didn't know she was chatting happily to the group. Cedric on her right, is laughing at the story she seems to be telling and Archie Young, who George hated simply for his obvious crush on her, is clinging onto every word.

"You are so whipped,"

"I know, it's embarrassing. I can't stop thinking about her and she probably only sees me as a friend,"

"Hey, don't say that. She would be stupid to not like you Georgie, besides, she stares at you just as much," Fred reassures his brother, usually he would tease him but he knows that this girl is different, it means something. "I still don't believe that she would never get us mixed up," Fred ponders, in reality he didn't doubt it, if George said she could tell them apart then why doubt him, but Fred wanted a moment alone with the girl.

"I swear to you that she wouldn't,"

"Lets test her," Fred exclaims, jumping up and tugging his twin out of the hall and to their dorm.

They spend an hour getting ready, stealing Ginny's eyeshadow to draw two fake freckles on Fred's neck, stying his hair attempting to fix every minor detail to make them utterly identical.

When they find her, she's hugging Cho Chang before turning around on her own and walking towards the Hufflepuff common room.

"Go hide," Fred instructs, shoving George towards an empty classroom he can watch from.

"Hey space girl!" She turns immediately at the name, mildly confused when the person approaching isn't George.

She had never spoken to Fred before and immediately feels herself becoming a little shy.

"Uh, hi Fred," she smiles as politely as possible. Fred stands with a smirk on his face.

"You fancy my brother," he states, she blushes a furious red that seems to be the final confirmation Fred needs, his moment alone with her providing the answer he had wanted.  

"I-uh-he-that-it-" she stutters out, Fred's smirk only grows as she turns impossibly more flustered before sighing  "How did you know?"

"Telling us apart is hard, especially when we try, you must really like him to know so quickly. Besides that reaction alone was enough to let me know I'm right,"

"Does he know?"

"He's blind," Fred shrugs, eyeing her as he decides he likes her, she clearly cares for George and that's all that matters to him.

"Right," she nods awkwardly

"I'm sure I'll be seeing you around," Fred grins before turning on his heel and heading back up the corridor to where an oblivious George is waiting.

Girl, are you a Cancer? 'Cause you make me cry When we kiss or dance in the sky We're dancing in the sky

George can't help the wide smile on his face when he sees her. She, like all the other 6th year astronomy students, is sat in her robes on the astronomy tower despite it being 11:45. He picks up the star map from a pile and heads towards her.

She is sat around a corner, almost out of eye line from the class completely and if he hadn't been looking for her he probably wouldn't have even seen her.  He sits down next to her, pressing his back against the cold stone wall just as she was doing.

The task was simple, to draw a diagram of the constellations they could see that night with the correct names onto an unlabelled star map and then from 6am tomorrow they had 48 hours to write an essay explaining each constellation they had found, it was their final assignment for the first term of school. George thought that was stupid, why would they do the task that involved sitting outside at night in December and the written exam in the summer when it would have been warmer.

"Hi," she speaks softly, the moonlight made her glow and George could have sworn she was an angel. Her own map was already a quarter full and wordlessly she arranges it so George can copy the notes she's already made.

"Hey, you okay?" he questions, noticing the way she curls into herself

"Just cold," she nods, he flashes her a smile, digging into his bag and pulling out a spare sweater and a blanket, both knitted by Mrs Weasley. He passes her the jumper

"Are you sure? you have it with you so that you won't freeze. I can't take it," she blushes

"No, I'm already wearing a jumper," he points out "I figured I'd bring a spare cause I knew you wouldn't think too," He adds with a smile, she blushes but accepts the jumper from his hands.

"thanks," she smiles, he nods. Watching as she pulls the jumper over her head. Her heart somersaults at the smell of George that envelopes her, his does the same at the sight of her in his jumper that looks baggy and too big, the sleeves like paws on her hands, and the large 'G' sewn into the front making him blush a little.

He wraps the blanket round one of his shoulders holding the other side out for her

"I don't bite," he speaks softly, it's like he can read her mind and knows she's thinking about how close they will be to sit under his blanket together. She blushes and giggles a little and George could die happy having heard that sound.

She shuffles closer, wrapping the blanket around her shoulder and begins to point out the constellations she's already mapped for him, cocooned next to him in the blanket.

They work together for the next twenty or so minutes as she stifles yawns, eventually allowing her head to droop onto George's shoulder when he teases her for stifling yet another yawn.

"This blanket smells like you," she mumbles, he blushes madly but can't help the smile

"Are you warm enough?"

"Bit cold, I'm fine though," she admits, he rolls his eyes at her as she shivers a little and wraps an arm around her, pulling her close to him

"Better?"

"Better," she confirms. She didn't mean to fall asleep but all cozy and warm being held by her crush it was impossible not to.

Not wanting to wake her, George finishes both his star map and hers before dozing off, his head resting on hers. He knew he should have woken her to go back to her dorm but spending the night sleeping with her in his arms was just too tempting.

She wakes up before him, having slept better than she ever had before and feeling utterly blissful in George's arms. That is until she realises she hadn't finished her work, she can't help the beam when she sees George has done it for her. She wants to stay wrapped in his arms but feels it better to leave now so it isn't awkward. In return for completing her work she takes her astronomy notebook that has all the answers to the essay written simply and leaves it on top of his star map, she knew the answers from memory anyway. Not even sparing the doodles and comments in it a thought.

She slips out of his hold, sneaking through the other students who fell asleep and heading back down the tower stairs to the main school, forgetting to take off his jumper.

George wakes up disappointed to not find her in his arms but smiles when he sees her notebook.

I hope you play this song some day And think of Earth Girl who loves Space Girl

George can't help the sigh as he explains to Fred where he had been all night.

"That all sounds pretty good to me Georgie," Fred comments, wondering why his brother seems down after his night with the girl.

"It was, I'd just hoped she'd be there when I woke up," he admits

"Well think about it like this, when have you ever had the opportunity to be disappointed that she wasn't there when you woke up before?" It's Hermione Granger who speaks up, she'd been listening to the twins talk on the sofa next to her and Harry's without really meaning too. It was just more interesting than Harry and Ron's discussion.

"you're right. It's better than nothing. Thanks Granger," he nods in agreement. He begins to flick through her notebook, not to study but simply enjoying the little doodles and her comments.

And then his world stops.

"How many people can you think of with the initials GW?" his questions is almost under his breath but Fred hears, perking up from the puking pastel plans he had been working on

"Just you and Gin, why?"

With no explanation George leaps up, jogging out of the room. Fred look mildly baffled until he sees her open notebook, and sure enough written on a corner amongst drawings of stars and planets is a little 'gw' with a heart next to it. Fred smirks and closes the book, turning back to his notes with a feeling of glee for his brother.

When George Weasley arrives outside the Hufflepuff common room he suddenly realises he has no clue how to actually get in, he stops, slightly out of breath from his sprint staring at the barrels.

"Hey George," her voice makes him jump as he turns to see her and Cedric approaching

"Hi," he smiles, suddenly not really sure what to say

"Well, now I've walked you back I'm going to go and find Cho," Cedric smiles politely at George, wiggling his eyebrows at the girl as she blushes.

"You looking for someone?" she asks politely

"You, actually,"

"Oh, what can I help you with?" she asks, he has no idea what to say "Oh! your jumper, it's in my room. You can come with," she smiles, reaching out and tapping at a barrel and then climbing into the passage that opens.

He follows wordlessly, glancing around the large circular room that is filled with yellows and blacks. She walks a little more confidently than he's seen before and smiles happily to the people who call out to her but doesn't stop to chat with them. He decides he likes it here, not only because it's so cosy but because he likes seeing her so at ease.

He follows her into her circular dorm room and towards a fourposter covered in pillows and blankets, his jumper sitting folded on top of the trunk at the end.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," he admits, it's now or never.

"Of course, what's up?" she questions, sitting comfortably on her bed and gesturing for him to sit down next to her

"I- well- how many people do you know with the initials GW?" he questions curiously, she looks at him, clearly mildly confused.

"Springing to mind just you and Ginny," She answers, not really sure what the point of his question is.

Without thinking for even a second he pulls her face to his and plants his lips on hers, kissing delicately before pulling away. She stares at him, utter shock in her eyes and mouth agape.

"I-I am so sorry. I just- well there were the initials GW in your notebook and a little heart and well I thought maybe you liked me back and then I heard you only knew me and Ginny and I assumed, which was wrong of me- and- merlin- I'm so sorry-" he's rambling anxiously and his hands wring through his hair

"Back?" her question is a whisper and he snaps his head up to look at her

"Yeah. I like you. Kind of thought that was obvious," he admits. His heart flips at the wide smile on her lips before her hands grab his neck and pull his head down so his lips meet hers. She kisses him with passion and hunger and he finally gets to bite down gently on that lip he's watched her bite a million times.

Her arms stay wrapped around his neck as she lies back on her pillows behind her, pulling him with her and not breaking the kiss for a second. They only pull apart when she needs to for air. But the beam on her face and her flushed cheeks make George want nothing more than to kiss her again.

"Wanna go do the essay together?" he questions

"We have 48 hours, we could stay here and cuddle," she suggests, a little timidly but her nerves leave when George grins brightly, kicking his shoes off and rearranging himself on her bed. She takes her own shoes off before climbing into his open arms, her head on his chest as she leans up to press another kiss to his lips.

"I'm keeping that jumper by the way," she informs

"Whatever you want space girl,"

I hope you play this song some day And think of Earth Girl who loves Space Girl I hope you play this song some day...

**

Masterlist

[sukifans]

IT’S ALL LATIN TO ME

ZUKO X READER COLLEGE!SMAU

⏎ MASTERLIST // part III « IV. seduction siri » part V

SUMMARY: you’re a premed student at BSSU and you thought it’d be a good idea to take a latin class, but you’re in way over your head here. good thing your buddy sokka knows a classics major in your section you can study with.

WARNINGS: language, alcohol/partying

Zuko felt... oddly nervous as he pulled up to her apartment building. He sent the text to let her know he’d arrived and anxiously scrolled through his Spotify, flicking quickly through his various playlists. He knew he was far too concerned about what music to play while she was in the car with him but he wanted to get “the vibe” right, as Sokka would say. That, and it gave him something to focus on that wasn’t panicking over conversation starters in case of an awkward lull. When he saw her coming he leapt out of the driver’s seat.

“Hey, Zuko!” (Y/N) smiled when she saw him and then furrowed her brow when he hurried over to the passenger side. Her face heated when he opened her door. “Oh, my gods. You don’t have to do that,” she said as she slid into her seat.

“It’s polite,” he said simply before shutting the door and walking back to his side. In reality he was already freaking out — had he fucked it up by being weird literally seconds into this?

“Making me feel like a princess or something over here,” she laughed, face still red. He looked over at her and she closed her mouth quickly, remembering he was actually a prince. Like, for real. “Sorry.”

She shook her head with a small smile. “Is this a date, then?” she teased and the tips of his ears went red.

“No,” he said quickly. “No, it just... sounds like you’re dating the wrong kinds of guys.”

“Tell me about it.” She rolled her eyes and slumped down into the seat. “My type seems to be chauvinist douchebag.”

“That’s unfortunate.” He never thought he’d ever wish to be a chauvinist douchebag. Maybe her type also included awkward but well-intended ex-royalty and she just didn’t feel the need to mention it.

“That’s unfortunate.” He never thought he’d ever wish to be a chauvinist douchebag. Maybe her type also included awkward but well-intended ex-royalty and she just didn’t feel the need to mention it.

“Very,” she said darkly before perking up. “So are you excited for the party?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Me too. I’m really glad you decided to come.”

“Didn’t really have much of a choice since I live with Sokka,” he joked lightly. She shrugged.

“Still, I’ll be happy to see you loosen up a bit. I know I haven’t known you for very long but you always seem so tense.”

“It’ll definitely be interesting,” he deflected deftly. “I have to say, though, that I’m looking forward to seeing for myself what Suki meant when she said you’re an affectionate drunk.” He shot her an amused smirk that made her stomach feel fluttery.

“Spirits, my friends are such gossips! Yes, I get a little more touchy and I like to dance with people and tell everyone how much I love them. But one time I hit the merlot a little too hard and started feeling sexy — as one does after drinking too much wine — and tried to make out with everyone. It only happens when I drink wine, though!”

He laughed at her animated retelling, her wild gesticulations visible out of the corner of his eye. He grinned over at her after he’d pulled into the store parking lot and turned the car off. “I guess I’ll have to be sure to grab a bottle or three, then.”

She laughed, looking away to hide her flushed face. “That’s on you, then. I’ll be your responsibility for the night.”

“It’d be my honor and immense pleasure.” He waggled his eyebrows and she groaned, covering her face with her hands. He was pretty proud of himself for his flirting thus far. He’d discovered he really liked making her blush, watching the pink tinge spread from her cheeks across the bridge of her nose and creep up her temples. He made her go red again when he made purposeful eye contact with her and slipped two bottles of red wine into the cart as they stocked up on liquor.

When they got back to his and Sokka’s apartment, (Y/N) started giggling at the amount of decorations Sokka had put up — the crepe paper and streamers being the least of it. He had even done a few very interpretative portraits of Suki and hung them. She looked up at the ceiling and laughed, elbowing Zuko and nodding up at the balloons.

“I thought they said Suki was blowing the balloons up?” she said. He looked up and frowned.

“Sokka, do you have helium somewhere?” he shouted into the apartment as he unloaded the alcohol. Sokka and Suki popped out of a room.

“Not anymore,” Sokka answered. “Used it all up. Suki had to do the rest.” He pointed at a few balloons scattered on the floor.

“Where the hell did you get it?”

“Found it.”

“Wh-“ she murmured, looking over to Zuko. He just shook his head. Probably better to not ask questions.

“Katara’s on the way with Aang and Toph,” Suki said as she started pulling cups from the cabinet.

“And pizza!” Sokka added. “Don’t worry, she got Hawaiian for you two.” He shuddered, glaring at (Y/N) and Zuko.

“You like Hawaiian too?” She grinned at him and held out her fist. “That’s what’s up.”

He hesitantly tapped his knuckles against hers. The first time Sokka had tried to fist-bump him he’d just grabbed his hand and shook it. Sokka liked to torment him about it often. “It’s about the sweet and salty.”

“It’s fucked up is what it is,” said Sokka. “Fruit doesn’t belong on pizza. And don’t say tomato is a fruit.”

“But it is,” (Y/N) said.

“That’s a moot point.” She and Zuko exchanged looks and he rolled his eyes, making her giggle.

Soon after the other three arrived, with the food of course. Sokka continued to spout slander about Hawaiian pizza until Zuko put him in a headlock while (Y/N) shoved a piece of pineapple into his mouth. He piped down after that while everyone else laughed. Once they’d eaten, they finished the beers they’d been sipping on started to break into the “good shit,” as Toph so eloquently said. She made everyone drinks, pouring with a very heavy hand. It didn’t take long before they all started getting a little tipsy and Sokka started setting up beer pong on the kitchen island, pouring shots in the Solo cups.

“Okay, so,” Sokka started, “Me and Zuko, (Y/N) and Suki, and Toph and Aang. Katara, you ref as usual. The winner of the first round plays us.”

Suki and Katara shared a look. “Don’t you want to be on my team, and (Y/N) can be with Zuko?” Suki asked.

“Sorry, babe, but Zuko’s the best shot pong player here and I’m not losing.” He linked his arm with Zuko’s.

“Don’t worry, Suki; Sokka doesn’t know that I’m actually the best ‘shot pong’ player here because he’s never played against me,” (Y/N) said, resting her hand on Suki’s arm reassuringly. Suki’s concern was more about forcing Zuko and (Y/N) together, but she nodded anyways.

“Yeah?” Zuko smirked. “Is that a challenge?”

“I think it is, Sparky,” Toph said, egging them on. They would just have to push them together from a different angle and obviously Sokka would be no help.

“You’re going down, hotman.” (Y/N) set her drink down, eager at the prospect of some friendly competition.

“Maybe later, princess. I have a tournament to win first,” he said smugly, grinning at the way she went bright red. Her stomach flipped at his words and she couldn’t even think of a witty response. She downed her drink instead, shuddering when the alcohol burned her throat.

“It’s on,” she growled. Zuko had to shake himself to tear his eyes away from the intense look she was giving him – it made him a little scared, but also a little turned on.

It all started off well and good. She and Suki pretty easily beat Toph and Aang. Though Toph was blind, she was definitely the better player of the two. When it came time to play the boys, Zuko watched, mesmerized, as (Y/N) rolled her shoulders and cracked her neck, shooting him a cocky smile.

“Ready to lose?” Sokka taunted, now starting to sway a little bit from the amount he’d indulged while the other game was happening.

“I don’t think that’ll be a concern, babe,” Suki said, looking on with amusement and, strangely, adoration when Sokka belched loudly and started laughing. Zuko chuckled at the look (Y/N) shot him from the other side of the island.

It was a tough game, they would both have to admit. Neither (Y/N) nor Zuko missed a cup at the start, but the alcohol began affecting the game soon after the start. Toph, Aang, and even the “impartial judge” Katara cheered when (Y/N) or Suki were able to sink a ball into a cup and groaned animatedly when Zuko or Sokka did. Eventually, both teams were down to one cup.

“Watch this,” Zuko elbowed Sokka roughly, knocking the other boy onto the floor. Undeterred, Zuko turned around and tossed the ball over his shoulder without looking. It missed tremendously, bouncing off Toph’s forehead. “Sorry, Beifong,” he laughed as she scowled in his direction. With a wink, (Y/N) easily tossed the ball into the boys’ last cup. Everyone cheered as Zuko drank, including Sokka from the floor. Suki hugged (Y/N) tightly, spinning her around as they celebrated their victory.

“Did we win?” Sokka asked, sitting up with great difficulty.

“Not this time, buddy,” said Zuko as he helped his friend stand again.

“You serious?” Sokka gasped and pushed him, causing both of them to stumble. “What the hell?! (Y/N), you’re officially my new shot pong partner from here on out!”

“Maybe. On the other hand, though, if Zuko and I teamed up we’d be unstoppable.”

“I like the sound of that,” Zuko mused and Sokka started babbling about betrayal and the “coup d’état” they were staging against him. Aang, bored of Sokka’s drunken whining, cranked up the music. (Y/N) grabbed Zuko and pulled him into a dance while Suki went to go comfort a pouting Sokka on the couch. She laughed at how stiffly he moved even when drunk, like dancing was a completely foreign concept to him. He just kind of shifted his weight from foot to foot, hardly even in time with the beat of the music. Zuko filled his cup again and hoped it would help unlock some secret rhythm or skills.

“I’m so sorry, Zu!” she giggled as she wobbled, grabbing onto his bicep for support. She’d bumped into the glass he was holding and spilled it everywhere, including across both of their shirts. Sokka looked over and cackled.

“(Y/N) made Zuko wet!” he crowed, making everyone else giggle at the pair.

“Shut up, Sokka!” Zuko laughed, chucking a kitchen towel he’d been using to mop up the mess on the floor. It hit the other boy square in the face, making a wet slapping sound against his skin. The group was nearly in tears at Sokka’s shriek of disgust. (Y/N) leaned heavily against Zuko to keep from toppling over.

“Can I borrow a shirt?” she asked of Sokka once she caught her breath.

“No,” he pouted. “Get one of Sifu Hotman’s shirts. We’re not friends anymore.”

“You are such a drama queen!” She rolled her eyes, still grinning. “You got a shirt I can borrow, Zu?”

“Yeah, sure.” He felt anxiety pulling in his gut as he led her to his bedroom. She followed closely behind, also feeling rather nervous but clutching his arm still as she wobbled. He tossed her an old t-shirt and, to his immense surprise and embarrassment, she’d already stripped off her soiled top when he turned to her. She giggled when his face went red and he quickly turned back around. Mumbling an apology, he started to pull off his own shirt.

(Y/N) stared as the fabric lifted, revealing a massive tattoo across the expanse of his muscular back. It was a beautifully intricate dragon done in red and black ink and its angry eyes seemed to follow her as she swayed on her feet.

“Whoah,” she gasped and stepped forwards.

He was about to ask what was wrong when he felt her fingertips ghost across his skin, making him shiver involuntarily. “I didn’t know you had such a dope tattoo.”

“I didn’t know it mattered,” he said, closing his eyes and enjoying the feeling of her tracing the lines. It was hard to tell whether it was the alcohol or her gentle touch that was making his head fuzzy and his skin feel hot.

“Of course it matters!” His breath caught in his throat when she slid her hands around to his front and hugged herself to him, resting her cheek against his back. “Tattoos are sexy and cool, and you’re already sexy and cool, so now you’re, like, extra sexy and cool.”

“You- you think that I’m sexy and cool?”

“And warm,” she sighed happily. He turned and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he cautiously settled his hands on her hips. He pressed his forehead against hers in an attempt to bring her face into focus.

“Well... I think you’re sexy and cool.” He hiccuped. “And warm,” he added after a moment of thought. She giggled at the way his alcohol-scented breath tickled her face.

“Hey, c’mere,” she whispered, squishing his face between her palms.

“I’m already here,” he murmured back, pulling her in by her hips anyways so their bodies touched.

“I have to tell you a secret.” He raised his eyebrows expectantly. “I wanna... smooch your face.”

Zuko wrinkled his nose adorably. “‘Smooch?’ You spend too much time with Sokka.”

“Why, you jealous?”

Yes. “Shut up,” he grumbled.

“Make me.”

That means she wants me to kiss her, right? She just said she wants to kiss me and “make me” always means “kiss me” in the romcoms and romance books. But maybe not. “How?”

(Y/N) laughed. “You’re cute when you’re dumb.”

“Hey!”

“What? You are.”

“I’m not dumb!”

“You’re a little dumb. What else do you need, a written invitation? An e-vite maybe? Do you want to RSVP? I’ll need to know if you’re bringing a-“ He cut off her teasing by pressing his lips to hers, squeezing her hips. She responded immediately and enthusiastically, leaning into his chest and threading her fingers through his hair. She hummed contentedly into his mouth when he slipped his hands down to grab her ass. When she pulled back he chased after her lips needily and she chuckled, patting his chest. “We’re taking a long time, they’re gonna get suspicious.”

“So what?” he muttered, pressing a kiss to her jaw instead and trailing more down her neck when she tilted her head to give him easier access. He was feeling awfully emboldened by the kiss and the considerable amount of liquid courage he’d indulged in. “Sokka introduced us with exactly this goal in mind.”

“I don’t know about exactly this goal, but that’s ‘so what.’ I couldn’t stand to see him so pleased with himself.”

He considered this and pulled himself with great effort away from his ministrations at her neck. “You’re right. He’d be unbearable.”

She looked up at him with bright eyes and swollen red lips and he wanted desperately to kiss her again. With a grin, she pulled his t-shirt over her head. He’d completely forgotten how they’d even ended up in his bedroom in the first place. “Put your shirt on and let’s go, hotman. I’m gonna kick your ass at blackjack.” She started to pull him by his hand towards the door but he yanked her back, catching her in his arms she stumbled.

“Don’t think we won’t pick this back up later, princess.” His tone made her gulp, eyes wide. He gave her a wicked grin and led her back out to everyone else as he shrugged on a new shirt.

“Finally! What took so long?” Aang said, a knowing look in his eyes.

“Don’t ask that. I don’t want to hear them talk about making out,” Toph huffed. Both Zuko and (Y/N) blushed in response, looking at the floor. Sokka started cheering and shouting and Katara punched him in the arm to get him to shut up. (Y/N) and Zuko squished in together in the empty spot on the couch as Suki started dealing playing cards. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pretended not to know how to play the game so she could tease him and show him how. They were so engrossed in each other that they missed the satisfied smirks all their friends were shooting each other.

A/N: whenever i add a read more cut on my laptop tumblr freaks out and deletes half the fic so. sorry lmao. anyways this makes me miss drinking with my friends. woulda hugged the homies a little tighter if i knew it was gonna be like this 🥺😪

TAGS: @theblueslytherin @beifongsss @coconutsaiyan @5sos-wdw @silverreading @the-lva-way @cupofnctea @khaleesi-of-assassins @bloomkings @pyromaniac-olive @lil-lex1 @sokkas--boomerang @cece-lives-here @coldlilheart @royahllty @astralsaf @not-a-glad-gladiator @damianwaynerocks @darkskin-buttercup @emogril @plutaars @duh-dobrik @harajukukitsune @kangaroobunny @harmlessoffering @rosetheshapeshifter @past-2am @welovediaaxx @dailytrashypanda @thenutellabreadsticks @sara5208 @whalerus @fanworrior @andrevvminyrd @travvestys @rosesandpines @cipheress-to-k-pop @starryzxko @justab-eautifulmess @mochminnie @whoevenfrickenknows @asianequation @booksandwonderlands @thesstuff @dekumiya @ya-fwiend-rainbow @spookities @394pitterpatterpotter394 @rockinearthbending-marauders @beardsplittler @kurt-nightcrawler @sifucuteness

[okimargarvez]

Yeah - Jealousy (14)

Original title: Yeah.

Prompt: post 15x10, choose your finale for the garvez date.

Warning: crossroad, smut.

Genre: angst, funny, romantic.

Characters: Penelope Garcia, Luke Alvez, Roxy, Lou, Sergio.

Pairing: Garvez.

Note: oneshot 79 in Garvez collection.

Legend: 💏 😘😈🐶.

Song mentioned: Assurdo pensare, Tiziano Ferro.

Yeah - masterlist

GARVEZ STORIES

*N* Jealousy

Luke doesn't pay any attention to it, maybe he just feels a little annoyance, because there is only one hand that has the right to touch his own in that way ... and it's just a few centimeters away. It's delicate at the right point, the temperature fits perfectly with that of his… or maybe it's all bullshit, but that's exactly what he feels. Besides Penelope's eyes on him. That is a great feeling. -What would you have?- the woman is younger than them, with dark and wavy hair, Latin features, no, perhaps more Mediterranean. She probably has at least part of Italian blood, like Rossi, is what the blonde meditates to try to chase certain annoying thoughts from her mind.

In any case, she cannot deny an objective fact: she is very attractive. Luke can't fail to notice, he can't understand that she is hitting on him, even if, for now, in a fairly discreet way. Standing next to Derek, albeit not as his girlfriend, she has seen worse. The man, really unaware, lightly scratches his chin, brooding. -I was thinking of throwing myself on pasta, but I don't know...- he raises his light brown eyes from the menu, until they fall into those of the waitress. Greens. -Which one would you recommend?- Penelope clenches her hands in fists until her knuckles turn white. Why on earth didn't she feel the same thing, when she met Lisa, when she caught him with someone else, during a clearly romantic date? Because she managed, despite everything, to be happy for them, while now… no, she doesn't feel at all willing to leave this little girl free field. Maybe… maybe because it's her, his date tonight. It is the waitress who must be jealous of her and not vice versa, but it is clear that she is not, she doesn't consider it at all.

She tilts her head slightly, making her curls dance and clearly winking. Penelope realizes that she has only held her breath when her lungs start to ache; she may as well reason as rationally as she wants, but it... it won't change what she feels. -Oh, for a charming man like you, a simple pasta with tomato sauce, spaghetti, would be too banal.- Luke smiles just at the compliment, in a polite way. It is certainly not the first time that a woman defines him like this... yet, there is something empty, in that adjective, said in that tone... it doesn't touch his heart in the least. Only when it is her partner who gives him a similar appreciation… then yes, that his heart organ does somersaults. -Unless you focus on clams or a beautiful amatriciana...- continues the woman, never taking her eyes off him.

And he amazes everyone, especially her (Penelope), coming out with a decidedly unexpected request. -Maybe something that does not contain...- he mentions, blushing slightly, but no one notices -you know, neither meat, nor fish...- although his eyes are not directed towards her, he manages to capture her shock and her confusion, imagine her perfect red little mouth wide open, as well as her eyelids. But it was nothing built, it came out spontaneously. He wants her to be happy, one hundred percent happy, that there would'nt be a single spot, no matter how small, to spoil the picture. And he doesn't even mind that much not to eat meat. Not for her.

The concern spreads through wrinkles on the young woman's forehead, who believes she has committed a big gaffe, rattling off all the spaghetti alternatives available, but obviously leaving out those without death. Recovered from her upset, Penelope feels a bit of sadistic complacency. -Oh, sorry, are you a vegetarian?- he doesn't nod or deny, in fact not lying, rather omitting this detail. -Then definitely trofie al pesto.- she revives quickly, however, finding a solution that, she must admit, seems inviting even to the blonde, but... -A specialty of Genoa, the hometown of my grandparents.- she adds, smiling and for a time she is not trying to make him fall into her web, but she is really proud of her origins and full of affection for her relatives and that distant land, which perhaps she has never really seen.

Luke returns her smile, but, at the same time, reaches out his hand until it touches that of his partner, thus drawing the waitress's attention to her. -Okay, you convinced me.- the young woman turns in her direction, an expression that is polite as well as disinterested appears on her face. Her eyes from time to time touch that bond that surely will seem absurd. What does someone like this man find in such a kind of woman? Too bad it's the same question that Penelope asked herself, at least thirty times during the evening. While aware of her own potential, while not denying that feeling of belonging and higher connection... there are still too many cracks in her soft armor. Not even the most immense of loves can suffocate certain fears and insecurities.

-For me a pear and zola risotto, thank you.- there is not a lot of choice, as usual, for those who don't eat meat or fish, but they seem to have found an excellent compromise. Also, Luke is still brushing her hand, sometimes in real caresses, so it's hard to stay focused. She watches the girl write her order on an old-fashioned notebook and instantly turn quickly towards her real object of interest. Is it possible that the waitress is not used to seeing handsome men? Maybe, but not like him, not like Luke.

Who takes the floor again, without letting go. -And as for the wine taste, we would like your suggestion.- despite this, it is clear that the girl doesn't consider her a threat at all, a rival. She will think that she is a relative, a cousin... well, no, they are too different from a physical point of view, such as facial features, skin color... Then a friend. Yes, a nerdy friend that broken up with her boyfriend, perhaps a few days before the wedding, and she needs someone to console her, to prevent her from killing herself; and Luke looks (is) just the kind of man who does these things, the typical good guy.

The young woman smiles at him seductively. -Perfect, I'll be right back to you.- she lingers a moment too long, thus allowing Penelope time to reconsider. She understands that this situation will not remain isolated, on the contrary; if she really became his girlfriend, she would have to get used to it. Women will try constantly to get Luke, women who will take it for granted that there is nothing between them. She would like to have a strong enough character to be able to handle it without harm, but she is not like that. It is not jealousy of the usually masculine, possessive type, no, it is a melancholy, a sense of inferiority towards others that she has never felt before in such an intense way and that it will never abandon her.

-Wait!- she screams, her tone a little too shrill, slipping her hand away from under Luke's. -I have changed my mind.- she is not allowed to really escape, physically, even if she really wants to do it. But s he can at least amortize the damage. -I think it's better... if I take a salad.- now it is she who ignores the clear eyes of the man who seem to try to pierce her, cross her and understand what is wrong. -No eggs, only vegetables.- she is keen to emphasize.

Even the waitress seems bewildered, not coming to the solution of the mystery in her turn, which is actually as simple as connect the dots. -No problem...- she marks it in her notebook and disappears, leaving them alone.

She knows what's going to happen and she goes to great lengths to avoid making eye contact with him. But she feels it about herself, as if it were tangible, as if he were actually touching her. She knows this because it is as if her entire body were inside a vortex, and a series of shocks runs all over her back. -Hey, Penelope, what have you got?- he finally asks that question that has been spinning in his head for long minutes, while he watched her as you watch a flower wither. Why did she become sad? He certainly did something wrong, despite his trying hard. He also struggled to find a more creative and less stereotypical way to inquire about his status with her, but nothing to do. However, he will not allow her to slip away from his life without a fight, without knowing why she is so sad.

She doesn't answer him for a while. Neither of them seems to notice the cheerful shouting around them. They are like wrapped in a hood that isolates them from the rest of the world, making them feel alone, because they are close, but far away, she is keeping him away, as before, in the old days, but also in a different way. -Nothing.- she finally says, after a century. A typical feminine answer that doesn't suit her at all. Not she, who always has something interesting to say. Everything that comes out of her mouth gets him electrified and it always has. Ever since he met her.

Luke sighs loudly, fighting with all his might not to let himself be enveloped by sadness and melancholy. Any sense of inferiority is like waste paper, if he thinks about what he felt when they hugged each other and when he held her hand, even this evening. There is something superior between them, he knows she knows, so why doesn't she give up? He looks up at her and manages to force her to do the same. -On what basis do you want to build our relationship?- he asks her, but it wasn't the right choice, or maybe he got the terms wrong, because she starts shaking, so strong that the table almost vibrates. He realizes that she is scared (not to mention terrified) of something, but if she doesn't help him, how could he?

He watches her bare neck as she swallows. She is sensual too when she doesn't want to, perhaps especially when she doesn't want it. And she doesn't notice it in the slightest. -Our relationship?- she repeats, looking at him from top to bottom, in an almost submissive attitude, definitely new to him. He is her servant, she is his queen, they established it a few months ago. Lancelot and Guinevere. Yet, now, she seems unable to even conceive of the idea of ​​them as something. As well as the time she had made it clear to him that they would never be a duo. Besides, she had accepted his invitation.

-Our relationship.- he then adds, but she always seems uncertain, with that bewildered and at the same time frightened expression on her face. -What do you prefer me to call it?- she shrugs, wishing their dishes to arrive, so that this evening can be declared over and... while he pays the bill (she knows he will, as much as she can fight and ask him to take care only of the his part) she will call a taxi, something that frees him from the chore of taking her to her house. And from embarrassment. -Penelope...- he begins.

Sometimes, however, wishes are granted and they reveal to us how wrong we are. -Here it is.- the waitress appears, naturally the same as before. It seems to Penelope that she has had her makeup done, at least her lipstick, but it's probably just her head. -The best trofie al pesto you can find in Virginia.- she announces, placing them in front of him in a slightly scenographic gesture.

The super-polite Luke forgets to thank her, focusing on another detail, not exactly small. -Excuse me, what about her salad?- the tone is at least just serious, without letting on the annoyance he feels inside, partially due to being interrupted. It was an important and difficult speech, although it might not seem so. Penelope, unlike the girl, catches his latent anger, having already seen him like this.

The waitress blushes, bringing her only free hand to her mouth. -Oh, sorry.- she takes a step back, perhaps unconsciously feeling the man's coldness and his total lack of interest. Neither will ever know, but she didn't do it on purpose, she gave the kitchen both orders, but someone exchanged the cards and when they asked her what the clients of table 12 had asked... she only remembered Luke. -It will arrive immediately.- she vanishes instantly, without touching him in the slightest.

Penelope watches her until she disappears through the wooden doors. -Maybe it's a sign of destiny.- she says, more to herself than to her companion. -Maybe I shouldn't have dinner at all.- she feels the obligation to turn around, even if she doesn't want to do it for the world. She doesn't want to see pity on that gorgeous face of his. Or compassion. Knowing then that it is her fault, that she screwed everything due to her insecurities.

However, when her dark eyes fall into the lighter ones of the man, she doesn't read any of this in his gaze. -Stop it, I don't want to hear you say these things.- no, he's just angry, furious. -Would you like to explain to me what's wrong?- he asks her, grabbing her hand with arrogance, without hurting her and without losing that dark (and even a little sexy) aspect. He asks her because as an act of trust she has to be able to say it out loud, not because he needs it. He is naive, but not stupid. He understood perfectly what the problem is. And he immensely hates the fact that she can believe such a thing.

However, she is still able to surprise him. -I'd rather not, I've already been disastrous enough for just one night.- she declares, before bursting into a bitter and embarrassed chuckle. Luke shakes his head hard, also increasing his hold on her and pulling her as close as possible.

-No, I told you, you're beautiful- oh yeah, he figured out exactly what the problem was, in fact he didn't tell her she's not making a mess, but he went straight to the point, to the heart of the matter -and it's normal be a little agitated.- he laughs again, corresponding to that word. -I am too- he admits then, without any embarrassment. Fuck all his insecurities; she has always been the strongest among them, but it seems to be his turn. -It is because I care.- he emphasizes, in a deeper tone.

-Yes, a little agitated.- she echoes him. -But I'm freaking out, Luke.- now she has tears in her eyes and she hates herself immensely for it. She hates herself even more for hating herself, because she loves herself, the way she works, and it wasn't an easy or quick process to get to that level. Luke, however, unwilling to do so (she doesn't intend to blame him) has upset everything, made a clean sweep of her therapies. -I thought I could do it, but I was wrong.- he doesn't like the use of that tense at all.

-We were doing fine until shortly before ordering.- he analyzes the matter as he would a case. He feels her stiffen. And he realizes that he has only touched the tip of the iceberg. -Is this?- Penelope doesn't deny, she doesn't nod, she practically ceases to breathe. -I get it.- she frees herself from his grip and Luke knows she wants to get up and let him there, alone. -Stop.- he admonishes her, with such an authoritative tone that she can't help but obey him.

This is not why she intends to give up. -Luke, we can...- she mentions, but he doesn't even let her talk. He believed the problem was simply that she didn't feel good enough for him, that it was all there, the matter. But the whole thing is much more tangled.

-No.- he silences her, a little too abruptly. But he will have time to apologize and be nice later. -It's about the waitress, right?- target hit right. And maybe he must have hit something else as well, because she is completely unlocked.

-Well, she has shamelessly flirted with you.- she barely looks at him, not allowing her eyes to remain fixed in one place, but wandering around the room, while she continues with his delirium. -She didn't consider me at all.- in fact, she certainly can't blame her. -She even forgot my order. And it's...- but he's not going to let her say that. He would not be able to hold back his anger and they would throw them out. No, that wouldn't be nice at all.

However, she stumbles, giving him time to say it for her. -Cuter than you? Is that what you mean?- or thinner, more like him, less weird, less different, more like Lisa too... just because of the way she vibrates, after shrugging. -Hey, honey, look at me.-he reaches out both hands, capturing her face. -I don't care about that waitress.- he clarifies her, in the softest tone she's ever heard. -I don't care about any woman besides you.- oh my God, he really said so. -Okay?- he waits for her to nod. -What do you say if we share my pasta and your salad?- he proposes, smiling.

She just can't help but look. -Luke?- she calls him, noticing how his eyes light up, hearing his name come out of her lips. And how fucking love is in it. -You deliberately chose a dish without...- he nods, stabbing some trofie with his fork and pushing them towards her.

-Taste it, before it gets cold.- she opens her mouth, pleasing him and blushing, hoping that at least this time he hasn't read her thoughts. She seems to have been lucky, because he is too focused on the response. -So?- he asks her.

She swallows, not just food. -Good.- she declares sincerely. -Very good.- but she's not talking about the dish at all and maybe they both know it. Penelope is in fact reflecting on how she is going to be a good girl and not throw herself at him as soon as they are out there. Because Luke is too much and he deserves so much, everything she can give him. All he will want from her, because she is convinced that there are indeed many things he would want from her.

The waitress interrupts another moment, but it's not her fault. -Here is the salad.- she places it carefully in front of the blonde.

-Thank you.- she says, without taking her eyes off the lighter ones and not by choice.

They finish the pasta first and then the salad, moving from serious talk to lighter ones, laughing, exchanging constant glances and holding hands whenever possible. The moment of the bill also arrives, and things go as expected. -Forget it, I'll pay.- he reads it in her face. -My grandmother would beat me if I didn't.- he adds then, making her laugh and at least winning this battle.

-Oh, okay.- she gives in, but as soon as they come out she hugs him. -Thanks Luke, for being who you are.- she couldn't think of anything more creative to say, even though she wanted to make her words more… personal, and meaningful. But when she's under his influence… goodbye genius brain. Who knows if the same thing happens to Spencer when he's with Max? She sincerely hopes so. -I had a very good time with you.- she strokes his back, and he does the same, surprised but in a positive way by her initiative.

He lifts her face up to touch her ear with his lips and his warm breath. -Me too, but the evening is not over.- he winks. She comes out of his embrace, but without really leaving the warmth of his arms, just because she wants to look him in the face, to understand what he is thinking.

-What else would you like to do?- maybe she is naive, she really is, even if Luke has not yet understood to what extent. He takes her hand, intertwining their fingers and they walk in the direction of his car. A few steps and they have reached it. Only then he answers her.

-I want to make sure the situation tonight doesn't repeat itself.- but it sounds more like an animal growl and she wouldn't know if she understood, but, in the end, it has little relevance. She finds herself with her back pressed against the car door and wonders why the alarm hasn't gone off, but it ceases to be an interesting matter as soon as his lips brush against hers. Their tongues engage in an unprecedented struggle, while uncontrolled moans come out of their mouths. He kisses her passionately for a good five minutes, only letting go when they both run out of oxygen. -Do you believe it now?- she feels his desire for her against her thigh and only the embarrassment of being caught prevents her from spreading her legs and welcoming him there, in the overly lit parking lot of that Italian restaurant.

But she never misses the opportunity to provoke him. -Mmm, no, I still have some doubts.- she licks her lips feeling the taste of him, their taste.

Luke grasps all the implications. -Oh, I think it's my duty to erase any uncertainty.- he leans over to her again, who stands up on her toes.

-I agree.- other kisses, therefore, they don't know how, they manage to get into the car and avoid an accident. Someone else, however, was less fortunate and after having spent minutes in a row trying to touch each other without being noticed by the other drivers, and with the prospect of staying there for a long time, Luke decides to take a shortcut that passes through a wood. He parks, turning nervously to her, fearing he may have done something wrong with her. She doesn't give him time to soak too much in such doubts, throwing herself on him to resume kissing him and opening his shirt. He frees her of her dress, then they move to her back seats, much more comfortable and spacious. They can't get around foreplay, perhaps because their every flirt and joke was like one long foreplay. She spreads her legs apart, self-confident and he continues to kiss her as, for the first time, they become one.

Go to the ending: O

-

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[acesydneysage]

A Sydney and Eddie retrospective

@vablappreciationweek Favorite familial relationship: The Melrose Twins

Part 1, Books 1-3: The Nice, Cute Trilogy Where a Friendship Blooms and Nothing Bad Happens

Part 2

In Bloodlines, Sydney and Eddie are still getting to know each other. Eddie seems to find Sydney's awkwardness endearing, and they have a certain camaraderie as The Responsible Ones. I think the first time he calls her sis is really cute, even if they don't actually think of each other as siblings yet:

I guess I shouldn’t say everything that comes to mind,” I murmured to Eddie. I was used to being direct in social situations, but it occurred to me that simply saying “Yeah, totally!” would’ve probably been the correct response. I’d had few friends my own age and was out of practice. Eddie grinned at me. “I don’t know, sis. You’re pretty entertaining as you are. Keep it up."

There's a lot of cuteness. Eddie insists on teaching Sydney how to throw a puch, to keep his promise to Clarence. And there's this adorable little fist bump too:

I returned to my desk and received an approving fist bump from Eddie. “Nice work. You don’t have to take a real class. Of course, if she’s got you reading Latin, maybe it’ll be worse than a real class.” “I like Latin,” I said with absolute seriousness. “It’s fun.” Eddie shook his head and said in a very, very low voice: “I can’t believe you think we’re the strange ones.”

That last line brings me to the conflict. Even if the power dynamics for it to be oppression aren't there (and Eddie can't exactly claim his society treats humans amazingly well in my opinion), having someone think that you're an evil, unnatural creature cannot be fun. They mostly don't let it get too far because they're both very professional, so what you get is a thoughtless comment from Sydney and answering jab from Eddie.

“Even a dhampir like you should know that.” He smiled ruefully. ‘“Even a dhampir like me?’” I supposed I’d been a little insulting, but it couldn’t be helped. [...] That wry smile returned. “Everything’s black and white with you Alchemists, isn’t it? Do you think you can really stop her from doing anything? You should know better. Even your childhood couldn’t have been that abnormal.” With that slap in the face, Eddie stalked off, leaving me aghast.

The more explicit conflict they have surrounds Jill's dating life, and the taboo of vampire/human relationships, and that's how we get Lee. The mini-golf family outing is very cute, the twins actually talk in sync at one point, Eddie steps up when he thinks Adrian is making Sydney unconfortable, and he claims that the Dracula statue incident is the first time he heard her laugh. But of course it leads to trouble in the form of Jill's escapade with Lee.

When Sydney explodes about feeling like their mom afterwards (I love that speech), Eddie is included for not scaring off Micah. He's honestly regretful about not pulling his weight, even though she says he's not as bad as the others. I think their relationship is pretty smooth from then on. After that talk they seem to understand each other better.

“Spirit users can take antidepressants, can’t they? If he’s worried about it becoming a problem, then he needs to step up and take charge. He has a choice. He’s not helpless. There are no victims here.” Eddie studied me for several seconds. “And I thought I had a harsh view on life.” “You have a harsh life,” I corrected. “But yours is built around the idea that you always have to take care of other people. I was raised to believe that’s necessary sometimes but that everyone still needs to try to take care of themselves.” “And yet here you are.”

The similarities between Sydney and Eddie's worldviews should be taken as a sign that Guardian ideology is about as messed up as Alchemist ideology, to be honest. But other than her hang-ups about vampires she always thought pretty highly of him:

Eddie was the one who finally spoke, his words soothing and kind. He so often gave off the impression of a do-or-die warrior that it was surprising to realize he was actually very compassionate.

Once Adrian tells her about Mason, she has more insight into the tragic past he hides behind his easygoing nature. I'm keeping this the happy post,more on Eddie's tragic past on the next one. By the end of the book, they've spent a more significant amount of time together, and even though Sydney is not great a reading people and Guardians are probably very good at hiding their feelings, she's the one who notices his feelings for Jill, because she's the one who's paying attention to him.

In The Golden Lily, Sydney is already pretty fond of the whole gang (and feeling pretty conflicted about it), and they clearly like her a lot, too. She spends only a weekend away and she already misses all of them. Eddie is so relieved she's back in town to save him from the crazy. There's more talk about their similarities, "Like me, he understood duty", and they continue to have Mom Friend and Dad Friend solidarity:

Jeans, khakis, a few solid colored T-shirts. They were very practical, very much something a no-nonsense guy like Eddie would pick out. I approved. “The size actually looks right. Good eye. We’ll have to send you out shopping more often.” “If that’s what I have to do,” he said, face serious. I couldn’t help but laugh in surprise. “I was joking.” I put the shirts back in the bag. “I know that couldn’t have been fun.” Eddie’s face gave nothing away. “Oh, come on. It’s okay. You don’t have to play stoic with me. I know you didn’t enjoy it.” “I’m here to do a job. Doesn’t matter if I enjoy it or not.” I started to protest but then thought better of it. After all, wasn’t that my philosophy too? Sacrificing my own wants for higher goals? Eddie was intensely dedicated to this mission. He never backed down. I expected nothing less from him than single-minded focus. [...] “Sydney,” he said gently. “You’re the most responsible person I know, but this isn’t what you’re here to do. You don’t have to take care of everything and everyone.” “I don’t mind,” I said automatically. “It is what I’m here for.” But even as I said it, I wondered if that was true. A bit of the anxiety from the bunker returned, making me question if what I did was truly Alchemist responsibility or the desire to help those who—against protocol—had become my friends. “See? Now you sound just like I did earlier.” He stood up and flashed me a grin. “You want to come with me to Adrian’s? Be responsible together?”

Of course by this point Sydney is unconfortable with her image as the hyper responsible one who's all about duty and never has fun. With Sydney encouraging Eddie in his feelings for Jill, and Eddie thinking Sydney going out on a date isn't a bad idea, thoughout TGL they're telling each other that it's okay to have feelings and relax a little, and not be completely focused on duty all of the time. "I'm not gonna do it, but you totally should."

Sydney explicitly thinks of Eddie and the gang as her friends at this point. I don't have anything to say about this, it's just cute banter, I'm gonna claim that it shows that they already have a more relaxed, friendly dynamic:

Eddie and I exchanged glances. So much for avoiding her indiscretions. “Improving how exactly?” I asked. “In combat, in following the dress code, or in keeping her hands to herself?” “Or in turning off caps-lock?” added Eddie. “You noticed that too?” I asked. “Hard not to,” he said.

Eddie just happens to be hanging around her dorm at the time her date comes to pick her up for reasons, very good ones I'm sure (“And I was here to, um…”). He seems to spend a signicant amount of time discussing Sydney's love life with the gang.

Eddie is now more open and vulnerable with Sydney, talking to her about his feelings for Jill and how hard it is to touch her during sparring lessons, and about how unconfortable he is with Angeline's unwanted advences. He sees her as an ally in that area:

“There’s a Halloween Dance?” Eddie dragged himself from his misery to give me a surprised look. “How do you not know? There are signs everywhere.” I stirred around my steamed vegetables. “They must not be anywhere I’ve been.” Eddie gestured with his fork to something behind me. [...] “How can you memorize entire books but miss something like that?” asked Angeline. “Because Sydney’s brain only records ‘useful’ information,” Eddie said with a smile. I didn’t deny it. “Don’t you think Eddie should go?” pushed Angeline. “He needs to watch out for Jill. And if he goes, we might as well go together.” Eddie shot me a desperate look, and I tried to find him a way out of this.

They already know each other better at this point, and what to expect. Also, this little passage just screams SIBLINGS to me:

“You’re going to this one, aren’t you?” asked Eddie. “With Brody?” “Brayden. And I don’t know. We haven’t even had our second date. I don’t want things to move too fast.” “Right,” Eddie said. “Because there’s no bigger sign of commitment than a Halloween dance.” I was about to get him back by suggesting maybe he and Angeline should go together after all when Jill and Micah joined us.

It really pains Sydney to see Eddie hurting, and she feels like his insistance in staying away from Jill and encouraging her relationship with Micah is masochistic. And she talks him up to Jill when she shows interest.

In the end, Eddie goes along with the plan to keep Sydney out of the loop when they raid the Warrior's compound. He has a whisper fight with Adrian where I assume he convinced him to let it go, and he's the one to put a tracking device in Sydney's purse. Sydney considered the whole thing a pretty big betrayal of all of them, her vampire friends and Alchemists alike.

When the raid goes down, Eddie can't get to Sydney, and she motions at him to go without her. According to Adrian, when Eddie came out without Sydney he was "babbling" about how she'd gone out some random door. He was obviously pretty worried about her:

“Sydney!” he exclaimed. He immediately released Angeline’s hand and hurried over to me, astonishing me with a hug. “Thank God you’re okay. I hated having to leave you there. That wasn’t part of the plan. I was supposed to have gotten you out with Sonya.” “Yeah, well, maybe next time, someone can fill me in on the plan,” I said pointedly. Eddie grimaced. “I’m sorry about that. I really am. We just…” “I know, I know. Didn’t think I’d go along with it, were afraid something would go wrong, etc., etc.” “I’m sorry.” I didn’t entirely forgive him, but I was too tired to push the matter much further. “Just tell me this,” I said, lowering my voice. “Were you just holding hands with Angeline?” He blushed, which seemed ludicrous after the fierceness I’d seen him pull off back at the compound.

Sydney still didn't fully forgive any of the Palm Springs gang for this, but it also drove a rift between her and the Alchemists, which helped do away with the conflict she felt about liking them.

On to The Indigo Spell, Eddie's the only person Sydney trusts with her car which is a high honor.

I took my car keys out of my bag and reluctantly handed them over to Eddie. He was the only one I trusted to drive my car, and I always let him borrow it when I left town, in case he needed to run errands for our group. “Here you go. I better get it back in one piece. Do not let Angeline near the driver’s seat.” He grinned. “Do I look suicidal? I probably won’t even use it. Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the airport later?”

When Marcus gives sydney a black eye, she feels like Eddie might want to hunt down her assailant, which I feel goes a bit beyond the immediate protection he'd give just anyone who needed it. When Sydney starts going on super secret meetings with rebel alchemists she decides the Eddie is the man to call for protection:

I’d been a little hesitant to let Eddie in on Marcus. Eddie certainly wasn’t going to turn Marcus or me in to the Alchemists for sideline plotting. That being said, I also didn’t want Eddie to think the Alchemists were involved in nefarious schemes against the Moroi. That might very well be something Eddie would relay back to his own people, which could in turn cause all sorts of diplomatic problems. Even this hint of the Alchemists potentially being in contact with the Warriors was dangerous. I decided that having Eddie as protection was worth the risk of him hearing something he shouldn’t. He was my friend, and I trusted him.

When Eddie hears that there might be a connection between the Alchemists and the Warriors, and that the later might be after Jill, he trusts Sydney to find out what's going on and help him keep Jill safe, which is pretty much the most important thing in the world to him:

“It’s all circumstantial,” argued the scientist in me. “Sydney,” said Eddie. I turned to him and saw something in his eyes I’d never expected to see: pleading. He didn’t care about Alchemist conspiracies or Marcus’s Merry Men. What he cared about was Jill, and he’d heard something that made him think she was in danger. That was unacceptable in his world. He would do anything in his power to keep her safe, but even he knew stealing information from the Alchemists was out of his league. It was pretty much out of mine too, but he didn’t know that. He believed in me, and he was silently begging me to help.

So they both really trust each other at this point. It's Eddie's pleading and her own worry for Jill that convince Sydney to take the pretty big risk of stealing Alchemist files.

I had to stop myself from adding a bunch of instances of Eddie blushing that aren'tactually that relevant to their relationship, so I have to agree with Sydney that blushing Eddie is adorable:

Eddie still looked way too serious for this discussion. “Maybe Eddie would volunteer,” I suggested. “I bet guardian posture would be great on the catwalk.” He blushed, which even I had to admit was adorable.

Eddie talks pretty openly to Sydney about his relationship with Angeline throuhgout the book, and then when that implodes spectacularly he agrees to talk to Sydney about it. They meet at a cafe and when the scene starts Sydney claims they had been there for almost an hour. Eddie Castile spent AN HOUR talking about his feelings with Sydney Sage, I just love that. The serious, dedicated Guardian allowing himself to be vulnerable and to be conforted. Then we get this beautiful, beautiful little exchange:

“Thanks for the moral support,” Eddie told me. “Sometimes it feels like you really are a sister—” That was when my car exploded. Sort of.

Interrupted by an exploding car because I can't have nice things. During that conversation Sydney was feeling pretty terrible herself, and she can't talk about her fight with Adrian. But that makes her wish that at least Eddie could be happy even more.

At this point I consider them to absolutely be ACTUAL TWINS, but I'm gonna have to leave the second half of the series, where Sydney and Eddie prove their love for each other in the most painful way possible, for a part 2.

[rebelbyrdie]

I wish you would write a fic where ... Regina and Marian are bridge partners, and there's some cutthroat playing in Storybrooke!

Snow and Emma have joined the new Storybrooke Bridge Club and things get a little out of hand.

Building Bridges

“I don’t get it.”  Emma mumbled for the fourth time.  

Snow sighed.  David would have been a better partner than Emma.  She thought they could join the new Storybrooke Bridge Club to bond while David, Henry and Neal did “man stuff”.  Whatever that meant.

“Its an easy game to learn but impossible to master, Sweetheart.”  She patted Emma’s arm.  “You’ll get it.”

She would if she actually paid attention to her cards or their game.  Emma was watching a game three tables away.  She was specifically watching two of the players.  Regia and Marion were quite the pair.  They were at the top of the leader board.  They were playing against Granny and Marco.  It was a heated match, as Granny and Marco were sitting at a very close number two on the board.  

“Emma.”  Snow needed her daughter to focus on the game.  Not only were they losing, but Marge and Bea were getting annoyed.  

“Oh!”  Emma jerked her head and laid her hand down on the table face up.  Snow dropped her face into her palm.  “You weren’t the dummy hand this game.”  They were already past that phase.  

Emma picked back up her cards sheepishly.  “I mean yeah.  Uh.”  She glanced over the cards on the table and half-heartedly laid down a six of spades.  It wasn’t the suite they were playing or even the trump suite.  They lost the trick to Bea. They were being slaughtered because Emma was too busy staring at Regina to even try to play.  

“Why are they partners?  I thought they would uh not like each other.”  Emma was staring again.  “She’s mad at me, but best buddies with her?  How is that fair?”

Marge rolled her eyes.  Bea snickered. Snow wished that she were anywhere else.

Bea twisted around in her wheelchair to look at them.  “I think they make a good couple.  They bonded over what an asshole Robin is.”

Marge chuckled.  “Madame Mayor’s been hell on wheels lately but Marion can calm her down with a few words.  Her PA keeps her on speed dial.”

Snow felt her eye twitch.  This was not helping!

“Okay, yeah, sure.  I get that.  Do they have to be so buddy-buddy though?  I heard they both walked Roland to school.  Like suddenly they’re co-parenting!  Like divorced Mommies instead of girlfriend in-laws.   I had to fight tooth and nail to even see Henry for a year and I gave birth to him!”

Marge penciled in the scores onto their team cards.  She had a calm and unreadable face.  More suited to poker then bridge.  Snow knew that she was on Regina’s side.  She had been one of her biggest supporters in the Enchanted Forest.  Not that Snow held that against her or anything.  Bea was far more expressive.  She had been one of Regina’s advisors and made no qualms about it.  She looked like she was genuinely enjoying what was happening.  Like she was watching her favorite soap opera in real time.

Snow shook their hands and stood up to walk around a bit.  They had lost the match badly, again.  They were going to be at the bottom of the club.  Maybe not last since Grumpy was half-drunk and his partner, Anton, was too busy chatting with everyone to keep up with the game.

Snow sighed and checked the board to see who their next match was with.  She almost screamed and wondered if she could just forfeit now.  Emma would be useless sitting that close to Regina and Marion.

It took a few minutes for Marion and Regina to finish, and win, their match.  Granny looked sour and Marco disappointed.  Marion and Regina were arm in arm, laughing about something.  

Emma scowled as they walked closer.  Snow sighed.  This was going to be a long match.

For the first time since they’d arrived, Emma paid attention to the cards.  More specifically, she watched Regina’s hands shuffle then deal the cards.  Her fingernails and lipstick were the same shade of red as the back of the cards.  She was wearing black and red, like she had planned to match the cards.  Snow wasn’t blind, Regina was dressed to impress (more like torture and tease) today.  Several eyes, both male and female, had wandered her way.

Snow suspected that Regina had let Marion dress out of her closet too.  She was wearing a vibrant violet wrap dress and heels.  She looked very modern but comfortable, almost smug.  Regina was rubbing off on her.  They had been inseparable since they had both broken up with Robin.

“So you’ve adapted to Strorybrooke pretty quickly, Marion.”  Snow looked over her cards and hoped Emma was at least looking over hers.  “I’m so glad you’re doing well.”

As well as any out-of-time, out-of-realm, recently-resurected, almost divorcee could be doing.  

“It is my second chance.  I am so happy to be here.”  Marion flashed a brilliant smile at Regina. “There are so many miracles here.  I can’t imagine going back.”

Regina chuckled.  “Going back for a year was awful.  I’d forgotten how much I hated chimera and corsets.”

Marion giggled and reached across the table to touch Regina’s arm and spoke in a different language.  Regina’s eyes lit up with a mischievous spark and she replied in the same language.

Emma scowled, “Did you guys invent a special BFF language?”

Marion blinked and Regina cocked a brow.  “Have you never heard of Spanish, Miss Swan?”

“8 Hearts.”  Snow started off the bidding since no one else had bothered.  

“So you both just happen to speak Spanish?”  Emma squinted at them.  “Seriously?”  She shifted in her seat, “I didn’t even know you spoke Spanish.”

Snow did, though she had rarely heard her do so.  She also spoke French, Elvish, Latin and was passable at Agrahbani and Skailling (the language of the Northern kingdom that her mother had come from).

Snow had begged her stepmother for Skailling lessons, but had ultimately found them difficult and boring so she had quit less than two months later.  She had never been a good student and often wondered if Regina had cursed her to be a teacher just for that reason.  

She shook her head and focused on the game.  Someone on their team should at least try to play.

The bidding went fast and ended with Regina being the dummy hand.

“Well, Miss Swan.  I have all my cards-”  She spoke slowly and rubbed her fingers across the top of her hand as she laid it down.  “-on the table.”

Oh My God.  Regina was flirting.  With her daughter.  Right in front of her!  How was she supposed to focus on the tricks when Regina was trying to seduce her baby girl in front of the entire club?!

Snow looked over at Marion and the woman smirked and gave a quick nod.  Like she was in on Regina’s grand plan.  Like she thought it was a grand idea. They were doing this on purpose!

The rounds went quickly, but Emma was so focused on Regina that she rarely put down a card that helped.  Regina and Marion won the game easily.  Emma got the next deal and she shuffled the cards roughly, bending them and mixing them with some faces up and others down.  She corrected them with a grumble and finally dealt them out, counting to thirteen under her breath.  She slapped each card down hard and refused to make eye contact with anyone.

Regina and Marion upped their ante.  Not at Bridge, though.  They were playing an entirely different game.  Marion was intentionally trying to make Emma jealous.  Regina was putting on her best I’m not trying to be sexy I just am naturally irresistible act.  Snow could not believe Emma was falling for it.  The whole thing was middle-school drama club melodrama.  It wasn’t subtle.  For a master manipulator, Regina was certainly being blunt.

Snow wondered if she should stop them.  After a few calming breaths and a few sips of grape soda, she had calmed down a little.  

On the one hand, Regina had been the Evil Queen.  Her mortal enemy, the caster of the darkest curse in the land, etcetera etcetera.  On the other hand, Emma’s other suitor was a morally dubious pirate who drank five times more than he bathed.  

At least Regina was trying to redeem herself.  All Hook did was hang out on the docks, drink and make sexually charged passes at Emma (or any other female he happened to see).

Furthermore, Snow wasn’t deaf, dumb or blind.  Emma and Regina had been dancing around each other from day one.  She wished she didn’t know that, but she did.  In fact, she was starting to wonder if they had already crossed a line or two.   When she really thought about it, the signs were all there.

There had been the time that Emma had all but carried Regina out of the fire.  The way Emma had fought to save Regina from the wraith.  Then there was the way that Regina had been amazed at Emma’s magic.  How she had looked so devastated when Emma had accused her of murder.  They’d disappeared in Neverland a time or two with little to no explanation.  Then there had been the long and longing stars and stilted conversations when they were fighting Zelena.  Not to mention the fact that Regina had tried to remove her heart the second she was separated from Henry and Emma.  How she had spent a year ignoring her “soulmate” and staring off into the distance, like she was thinking about Emma had been more excited to see Regina than her and David.

She rolled her eyes, laid down her card, and gave Regina a small nod.  She wasn’t going to object, but it was not a full blessing either.  It was more of a we’ll see.  She’d leave the threats of bodily harm to David.

During the bids this time, Regina and Marion were far more tactile, leaning into each other’s touches and whispering back and forth in Spanish.  When Regina laughed, she threw her head back and her dark hair swished across her face.

Emma was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles had blanched white.

Snow looked around and realized that they were the center of attention.  Everyone was watching Regina and Marion torture Emma.  They were all obviously enjoying the show. 

“Nine Spades.”  Marion smiled and leaned over to take Regina’s glass of ginger ale.  She drank deeply.  “Thanks, Sweetie.”

Emma’s face twisted and she stiffened in her seat.  Three lightbulbs at the far end of the community center went bright and then blew out.  It could be a coincidence or Emma’s magic.  Snow bit her lip, but didn’t say anything.  Emma only became more agitated when people pointed out her magic being “temperamental”.

The game went fast but much differently than Snow expected.  They were winning.  Not because she was a particularly great player or because Emma had  suddenly started trying.  No, it was plain to see that Regina and Marion were intentionally throwing the game.  So there would be a third tie breaker game for the match.  They were dragging this out as long as they could.  It was diabolical and just a little bit cruel.  

Snow was pretty sure that no one else was playing.  They were all watching Regina and Emma.  There were the cards on the table and the entirely different game being played out with little smirks and furrowed brows.  The tension was so thick that Snow would need a battle ax to cut through it.

“Pardon me.”  Regina jotted down her team’s intentionally abysmal score on their card.  “I need to visit the powder room before our final game.  May I?”  She stood, not waiting for their answer.

Emma stood up too, faster and way less graceful then Regina had. Her chair screeched back and almost tipped.  “Yeah.  Me too.”

Snow watched Regina sashay towards the ladies room and Emma stomp after her.  Since Emma hadn’t taken a drink of her now warm soda all morning, Snow doubted that she needed to use the facilities.

“Whatever happens in there.”  Snow glared at Marion. “I blame you.”

Marion laughed, which was not the reaction Snow had expected.

“I don’t understand.”  She sounded like Emma now.  “What is going on with you and Regina anyway?”

Marion had been caught up in the war she and Regina had waged.  She would have been executed if not for Emma.  Not to mention there was the whole Robin situation.  Marion should hate Regina, or at the very least not be best friends with her.  

“I know what you’re thinking.”  Marion took a handful of the snack mix that sat on every table.  “I should hate the Evil Queen.”  

Snow nodded and grabbed a couple of chocolate covered nuts for herself.  “But you don’t?”

Marion smiled.  “We both know that Regina is not The Evil Queen.  She’s a completely different person.  Did you know that she came to me a few days after I arrived?”

During the two weeks that she had refused to speak to anyone but Henry?  During those same two weeks that Emma had been beside herself with worry and guilt?

“Robin tried to rush her off, like Regina was the dirty little secret I wasn’t supposed to know about.”  Marion shook her head.  Her voice was quiet and low, far less cheerful than it had been.  “Robin had taken mistresses before.  His code of honor is very flexible when he wants it to be.” 

Snow almost choked on her snack.  What?  

“None of them had dared to come talk to me.  To look me in the eyes.  She wasn’t there to talk to Robin, to convince him to leave me.  She came to talk to me.  I thought she was going to apologize.  I think if she had I might have hit her.”  

Marion looked over at the closed bathroom door.  

“She asked if I was okay.  If I needed anything.”  

Snow blinked.  Again, she hadn’t really expected that.

“Everyone was so excited about my sudden resurrection.  Robin had his wife back.  Rolland had his mother back.  Not a single person had asked me how I felt.  I-it-I cried.  I broke down sobbing and she comforted me.”

Marion picked up the deck of cards and started to shuffle it.  She was moving her hands and fingers, playing with the cards.

“She explained things to me that no one had thought to mention.  Offered to help me find a home.  She explained that here I could divorce Robin without losing Rolland to him.  She asked what I wanted.  She didn’t have any expectations or demands.  She really wanted me to have choices about my new life.  I don’t know what your life was like, Princess, but I’ve never been given a lot of choices.”

Marion paused and looked around the room briefly. “I get to be what I want here, and I want what she has.  A home, a job, a safe place for my son to live, learn and grow.  Love with no judgement.”  

Did Marion harbor love for someone?  If it wasn’t Robin or Regina, then who?  Snow was dying to know.

“So yes.  Regina and I are friends and-”  Marion chuckled.  “-she is a mess.  She is hopelessly in love with Emma.  She doesn’t even like Bridge.  She hates it.  She’s only here to see Emma.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  Even Henry is ready to lock them in a room together and throw away the key.  So we-”

A burst of bright light flooded the building.  There was a small earthquake and hundreds of butterflies suddenly appeared in the room.  They fluttered around and filled the room with a rainbow of colors.

“Well!”  Marion grinned.  “I suppose its mission accomplished, then.”  She looked over at the score cards.  “I wonder if they’ll let us team up since Regina and Emma aren’t going to be spending their Saturday mornings playing Bridge anymore.”

[smolbeandrabbles]

Director’s Cut 3: Danny Rayburn

* Well it’s more a focus on our Reader character, but, Danny.

“What was the inspiration behind Liliana and her family? Because they’re all so amazing 😭🙏 and how did you choose the name Devan?” 

Liv, bless you for asking the difficult questions! Now you get a look inside my crazy mind (as if you hadn’t all already with Andrew.)

So, If you thought Andrew was a long post you better grab your favourite drink and your Danny playlist and settle in!

The following specifically refers to our reader character and her family, and the events of Sway and it’s spin-offs, which I will obviously always encourage you to read! 😁 Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6  / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Sweet Spot  /  All I Want For Christmas / Good Woman

What was the inspiration behind Liliana and her family?

Before we go into too much detail I want you to imagine 1st January, 2019. And then a girl who had recently purchased Camila Cabello’s first album - late, after being super impressed by her performance opening for Taylor Swift - and watched the first episode of Bloodline AND Dirty Dancing 2 (the trade off for having your mum watch Rogue One with you) in one single day. Anyone who hasn’t listened to Camila’s album, this is essentially Danny’s dance playlist, I don’t make the rules

I had ideas for Danny before I even started to watch. Mostly because when you’re first immersed in the world of Ben Mendelsohn and trawl through blogs, you can’t help but notice Danny. Annnd found out a lot about the show, which caused me to have a BUNCH of misconceptions and create a story in my head that was just... not even remotely close to what Bloodline is.

So here’s the deal, I occasionally like thinking about some of Ben’s characters gender bent, and how that would make them different/similar and affect their stories. I did this with Andrew and Gerry before I did it with Danny (because can we just think about Animal Kingdom if they were female?). And then armed with my assumptions, I came up with a story for Bloodline. “Linzi, why are you telling me this-!?” I hear you cry, but don’t leave the post just yet! Just keep in mind that Jack Ervin was (female) Danny’s restaurant accountant and also will they / won’t they love affair, that uhm. Well they didn’t, because Danny dies.  For all intents and purposes a lot of Jack’s plot points became Lily’s (including bringing back the restaurant). Also I had a great character with a great name that I didn’t want to waste. Jack became Liliana’s dad - and therefore we got: Jack and Liliana Ervin. 

Back to Dirty Dancing 2 - set in Havana, complete with its ‘will they/won’t they’ love story (of different social classes!) and of course, Latin American dancing. To say I borrowed a lot of ideas from this is probably an understatement - but Danny is a Miami boy, and Miami has Little Havana. Quickly it all kinda fell together.  But in this case, Danny is the out of his element American and Liliana (given that her parents are both from Latin American backgrounds) is the dancer. Added to that in DD2 the girls parents are both dancers, I was happy to keep an element of that for our girl too. Jack remained Jack Ervin, with his name actually being Juan Ervin (American Father, Argentinian Mother) but changing his name to Jack to fit in with his Miami high-society persona. Maria (American Mother, Puerto Rican Father) basically has a super cliche Hispanic name, I know (well both of them do but Juan is the equiv. to Jack so that’s how we ended up there) but it worked for me. Liliana’s name... I don’t even know where I got it from - sometimes names just come to me, sometimes I spend hours finding a good one on all these naming sites! 😅 Lily just came to me, I certainly wanted something that could be shortened Liliana->Lily but also something that went with Danny’s name. Liliana Rayburn is a great name. (I know the irony of that, you don’t need to tell me twice!) I need a ship name for them.

Let’s take a little look at their character for a second though: Jack and Maria are meant to be parallel to Robert and Sally. But also the complete opposite. Jack is described as a ruthless businessman who doesn’t care to much about his reputation in business. He’ll just get the job done no matter what the cost. The catch being of course that really Jack is a lovely guy, he cares very much about his family (+ extended family!) and is a well respected member of Miami society. Ruthless yes - but Maria and Lily mean more than the world to him - and eventually Danny too. “No man is good enough for your daughter until one is. And he is.” and also “He would have given you the world, and I would have let him.” Just sayin’ he’s a good father and a good man.  Maria is mentioned a little less than Jack is but I think that’s because I basically want to compare Jack/Danny to Robert/Danny. I also think that Jack has more to do with the overall story; he’s the one with the well known construction company that everyone recognises Liliana’s last name from, the reason that everyone is all over Danny with the “You can’t get involved with Jack Ervin’s daughter!!” spiel. Maria is the quieter character, but spends a lot of time showering Danny with love when she is around. Lily’s parents were all about giving Danny family that loved him unconditionally. A real family. She’s... probably a little more on the ‘stereotypical’ side of Hispanic parents, but there’s a reason for that-! One of my very best friends is Peruvian, and every time I visit him it’s like visiting my second family. Like from the very first time I met them his parents were SO kind, like above and beyond... and so adorable... oh my gosh, I love them so much and they are 100% inspiration for Jack and Maria. Maria is basically his mum. 😁 But more than anything I wanted Jack and Maria that wanted nothing more for their daughter than for her to find someone who loves her. No matter who he is or his background or anything like that. Which was important to me, especially having been through a relationship myself where my family didn’t really approve of him because he wasn’t from the same social class. I’m certainly not about that.

As your tags put it - Jack and Maria are the biggest Danny/Liliana shippers! 😁 (With Javi and Jason a close second! And I won’t leave out Evie and Amanda either!)

Liliana Oh my gosh. My love for her can’t be overstated. I say it every time, but I’ll say it again. When I started her and Danny’s journey on that dancefloor in January 2019 I never would have dreamed I’d be still here now nearing fic number 200. I wasn’t even sure if anyone would have been interested in them enough for me to ever write more than just Sway 1. But, when you’re asked to write a second part then you know it’s got traction and you end up with 10, of course!  Inspiration for Liliana? Good question. A little like I said for Elaiyna with Andrew, I needed a S/O that fit with Danny and his story. I say at the start of part 10 that really it’s her story. And it is, Danny takes her from one night stands with men she meets on the dancefloor to mother of 2 kids in a loving relationship where it’s clear that she will never love anyone else. And it’s his character/personality, being as in character as possible, that leads her there. Liliana never runs out of chances, she forgives Danny for everything he does because she loves him so much. Because she can’t bear to think of life without him, nor what his life would be like if she left. Liliana is... a strong woman who doesn’t know how strong she is. She loves unconditionally and she doesn’t care that Danny is not on top of his game - he’s struggled his whole life, but he does not have to struggle with her. She’s meant to be the easiest thing about his life - home, a safe place, strength and stability.  Danny is her adventure - with all his secrets, and his past, and how much he suffers she’s presented with a problem that she can’t solve, she can’t save,but loves him anyway. Lily will never give up.  The contrast between the two worlds they are in when they meet, and then the one they build together as they grow which takes that contrast and just makes it work. Like they just work - sure I made it that way, but I tried to make it realistic. Love has no barriers, right? It shouldn’t. To quote my characters again: “There’s one fairytale here, and it’s yours.”

I wouldn’t give her a pushover title - sure she never runs out of chances for him (perhaps its arguable that she could walk away but it never occurred to me that that was her personality.) but like, screw his family. She won’t ever forgive them for what they’ve done to him, she won’t ever trust them.  So why does she forgive John? Because that’s her character. That’s what Danny made her. John and Danny’s relationship always fascinated me in the show and it just strikes me that Danny and John were close, even with all that happened. Danny would want Lily to forgive him - and maybe Lily only forgives him FOR Danny, but it’s in her character. She’s tired of all this conflict and all she wants is for John to confirm he did it so she knows for sure.  Liliana has elements of me in her, perhaps a little more than most of my other OCs, elements of my feelings towards characters in the show as I continued to watch, elements of other OC’s of mine (and physically too. Her Psalm tattoo I directly lifted from someone else. Hey, it be that way sometimes!) and elements of all these pieces that inspired me to write her in the first place. 

I mean I don’t know if that really explains it clearly. Because there’s not really one clear inspiration for them - but from a range of different sources and elements. I hope that it even helps explain it a little though! 😅

How did you chose the name Devan?

Oh my gosh, okay. Liv why did you have to ask this question!  So, oh god this is so stupid.  Basically, although I knew that they would have a son, because our characters didn’t know that they were going to have a son, I wanted to give the baby a unisex name. Because I ALSO knew I was going to follow Bloodline canon it was also important to me that Danny be the one to chose the name.  Added to that, like Nolan, I knew that Danny and Lily’s baby was going to keep that Rayburn last name.  Devan Rayburn and Devan Ervin both sound pretty great to me..!

Obviously, it should be Devin. And the only reason I think I chose Devan was because a) I actually thought that was how you spelled it... (I mean I guess so, there’s no other logical reason I can’t have called him Devin... unless I looked at Devin Ervin and thought... ‘that’s basically the same’ and so changed the spelling but it was definitely always written Devan in plans etc) and b) a singer called Devin Dawson.  When I was on my year long internship in the USA I was able to listen to country music radio - specifically the station a family friend worked on. And they were obsessed with a song called “All On Me” by Devin Dawson. (actually it’s a good one for this series, but that’s beside the point!) So I heard his name all the time, and I’m 99% sure that I got it from him. (Also fast forward and I’ve actually now seen the guy in concert and was like “Oh yeah I named a character after you.” so yeah it’s probably Devin Dawson’s fault. )  At the end of part 8 I left a note that says “Devan isn’t easily explainable but I hope you like it.” and honestly, if there’s a bigger story I can’t remember it. I know that ‘Evan’ was another character in my genderbent story but I don’t think I just added the ‘D’ to that... Maybe that was an element of it though?  

Also I’m a sucker for ‘weird’ names or weirdly spelled names - a lot of my OCs fall victim to this - sorry girls! 😅 So it’s unsurprising that he ended up Devan, not Devin. Also I’d pronounce it “Dev-an” with a soft ‘a’ sound... 

Interestingly it took me a little longer to decide on his middle name being Daniel. I guess I’m not sure how good “Devan Daniel Rayburn” sounds... But then I wasn’t about to resist it, and it seems like the kind of decision that Liliana would make.  

I hope that answered your questions Liv! 🙏💜💙 You’re always welcome to ask for further clarification! 😁

---

Thank you as always for being interested in my work! Just gonna remind you all that you can ask for a Fanfic directors cut ! I would love to answer any questions! 🥰😘 

I mean it, I’d beg. Don’t make me get that Danny gif.  

[lonelypond]

Au Yeah August: Café Quarantine, Part II

NicoMaki, Love Live, 2.7K, 2/3

Summary: Yazawa Nico's recovering from Covid-19 while she tries to learn more about her housemate, Nishikino Maki.

Café Quarantine

Nico woke up. Her head felt clearer, no headache, still so dry inside her mouth there was no saliva, and her lips were peeled and chapped. Sitting up, she was breathing easier, and the inhale of relief didn’t trigger a cascade of coughing. What time was it? She grabbed her phone. 1:25 a.m. Long past Café Quarantine time. Nico concentrated. She’d seen Maki earlier today, what had they talked about? They’d been texting more, Maki seemed to be getting friendlier, but there were no new messages on Nico’s phone.

Had Maki done a livestream? Her friend...Hana...something...Nico shook her head, details fled too quickly and new memories seemed hard to make...Maki’s friend, who was now TWIG-ing for the Café, probably wouldn’t let Maki take a night off. Consistency was key, especially in the beginning. And now everybody who could was supposed to be staying home to “flatten the curve.” Nico glanced around the large room, with a queen bed, a walk in closet, and two barrel chairs around a low table. This was a very nice place to be flattening the curve in, but Nico got a lost feeling from Maki in so many of the rooms, especially, Nico giggled, the kitchen. That triggered a cough, but the spasm was less painful. Another inhale of relief. Maki had said something about Day 6 being a turn around. Maybe Nico was on the upswing. Nico flipped on the bed, leaning into a pillow, and opening TWIG to see what Maki had done for tonight.

The first piece was instrumental. Fast, cheerful. Amazing technique. Nico didn’t know much about the piano, but Maki exuded such a sexy confidence, her fingers moving with strength and grace, not mistaking a key as she read the hand written pages of notes. And to then, Maki looked up at the camera, and suddenly, Nico got pulled in to the depths of amethyst, as Maki nearly almost didn’t smile, her voice playing all sorrow’s gentlest notes as she spoke.

“It’s a little lonely here. Maybe it’s a little lonely where you are. This is a moment of change, and we all have to think about how that happens.” Maki laughed and it made Nico’s chest feel lighter, “And when I think I don’t sleep and when I don’t sleep I think why not drink more coffee and so I can’t get this song out of my head and I’m gifting it to you.” Another laugh and then Maki’s voice, even from Nico’s phone, captured all her attention as Time paused.

“I'm feelin' mighty lonesome Haven't slept a wink I walk the floor from nine to four In between I drink Black coffee Love's a hand-me-down brew I'll never know a Sunday In this weekday room

I'm talkin to the shadow One o'clock till four And Lord, how slow the moments go And all I do is pour Black coffee Since the blues caught my eye I'm hangin' out on Monday My Sunday dreams to dry…”

Nico had this sudden urge to go find Maki, to hear if the sadness was lifted out of her voice, see if the brightness was stoked up in her eyes. But Nico was still contagious. Nico had been trying to stay isolated, complete exhaustion had helped with that, but whenever she stepped out of the room, she ran into Maki. Like magnets. And Nico didn’t want anyone else to feel like this. Or worse. Nico knew this wasn’t a bad case, but it was scary. And now Nico was hungry. Tired as she was, sleep wasn’t coming back until she ate something. Surely Maki was asleep. Nico couldn’t hear anything in the hall, so maybe.

Nico masked up. No sense in taking unnecessary risks. Decreasing the chances Maki might be exposed to the virus was important. Nico hoped Maki was sleeping and not snacking as she headed to the kitchen. Where Maki was sitting at the table. WIth a mug.

“Black coffee?” Nico asked.

Maki only jumped slightly. She must have seen Nico in her peripheral vision. The redhead had changed from the highlighting crushable curves black and lilac gown to blue pajama pants with stars and a gray Northwestern hoodie.

“Tea.”

“Are you feeling sick?”

Maki shook her head, “Just want to get some sleep.” She yawned, stretching out her arms, “it’s been a long week.”

“Seems like two.”

Maki’s lip quirked into an expression that a read amused, while not technically counting as a smile. “I know. It really does.”

“Nico will come back and raid the refrigerator when you leave.”

Maki shrugged, twirled a curl, and rose, moving to the window and opening it, “‘S ok, raid away. Can I get you anything?”

Nico shook her head, “So what was that first song.”

“It’s actually called the Coffee Song.”

“Does it have lyrics?”

Maki nodded.

“Sing it for Nico.” Nico decided on reheating a slice of sausage pizza. Maki’s favorite pizza place put fennel and basil and roasted garlic on everything and it was amazing.

Maki blushed and sipped her tea so hastily drops spilled down her chin.

Nico chuckled at the lack of verbal response, “Some other day. Hey, you talked a lot last night. Nico didn’t know you could do that.”

Maki rolled her eyes, “Pay more attention.”

Nico turned, making sure she had Maki’s full focus, “I will.”

###

Nico’s Mama’s ringtone went off as Nico was debating whether to dive under the covers for more sleep or actually get up and stretch. Grabbing the phone allowed Nico to delay the decision on exercise.

Her mom’s voice sounded cheery, “How’s my baby?

“Better, maybe. Nico’s been resting so much, if I didn’t have a window I wouldn’t have idea if it were day or night.” Nico pushed the blankets back.

“It’s morning.”

“Are you at work?”

“I’m telecommuting. Everyone in the office is. Your siblings are so happy.” Her mother paused, “Keeps them from getting upset by the bad stuff.”

“Good. I miss them.”

“They can’t wait to see you.”

“Yeah, Nico’s safe once the isolation period is up and symptoms go away.” 

“Are you still coughing?” Now there was her Mama, Nico smiled, the concern making her less lonely, “You haven’t been singing.”

“Nico’s been sleeping through most days, but Maki took over.” Nico decided to sit up. Easier than yesterday. 

“I know, we’ve been watching. Cocoro wants a piano so she play for you.”

“The one here is so pretty.”

“So is Maki.”

“Mama.” Nico's tone warned.

A pause. “Are you getting along?”

“Nico gets along with everyone.”

“I remember you complaining about her nearly every night after her parents made her take a job in the coffeehouse.”

“There are no customers to be rude to here.”

“Is she taking care of you?”

“Nico takes care of herself.”

“Nico.” Mama wanted real answers. Nico sighed.

“Maki’s go to move is ordering this really excellent pizza. And sending Nico mp3 files of songs she’s spent the afternoon playing while Nico recuperates. If she could do it by herself, she’d probably move the piano to the hall outside Nico’s door.”

Amused. “That sounds nice.”

Nico coughed, for two minutes, her mother waiting to speak until the coughs quieted.

Sharper. “That sounds scary.”

“Nico is brave, Mama.”

“I know, baby. I love you. And I’m so proud of you.”

Nico hated the crying. Yes, it was her mama and no one else was here to see it, but any weakness was weakness.

“Thanks, Mama.” Nico whispered.

“I expect to see you next week for dinner. Bring Maki.”

“But Mama…”

“No excuses. I owe her so much more than home cooking for taking good care of my daughter.”

Nico knew she wouldn't win this argument. “Okay.” 

“Good. What are you going to do today?”

“Get up and get some sun.”

“Good idea. Eat breakfast first.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Laughter on the other end of the phone, “I don’t mean to treat you like Cocoa. I just want to have you here to take care of you myself. But you’re an adult. And you have...friends who care about you.”

“Yeah. Nico’s lucky. I don’t know how I can pay Maki back.”

“Just be yourself, Nico, and you’ll figure out what you need to do.”

“Nico’s got this.”

Nico could see her mother’s serious face, with just the slightest nod to confirm Nico’s abilities. “You do.”

###

Nico was in the backyard, wrapped up in this really superwarm, superbeautiful wool blanket Maki said was made by indigenous artists working for an indigenous company. So not only superwarm but points for exploring something other than the culture handed to her on a platinum platter. Maki, for all her rudeness, had this air of kindness that Nico instinctively wanted to save from the harder edges out there in the universe. Her parents had obviously kept her in a bubble and Maki had her own bumbling, oblivious charm that would have existed bubble or no. And then she sat in front of a piano and Nico was breathless because there was nothing but confidence and mastery. Nico had worked, worked so hard, on singing and dancing and music, and Nico was sure Maki had worked hard as well, but there was this other level, this native confidence, that music was the land where Maki lived and Nico though a long term resident, had never really truly tasted the water.

Nico closed her eyes and stared up at the sun, inhaling warmth. She heard a wooden chair scraping off to her right. Maki. If Nico kept her eyes shut, maybe Maki would pretend she was alone and talk.

“So many people covered the Dylan Coffee Song. I’m not a big Dylan fan, although we could make it jazzy if you like it..."Java Jive" is fun and fast, but do you have that much energy, are you going to sing tonight, Nico, because…

“Yes, Nico was planning to do a duet with Maki. But not the Dylan song. How about “I Get No Kick?””

“That’s about champagne. I thought we were keeping themes.”

“It’s about things you can’t do without.” Nico opened an eyelid, Maki was sitting up, staring out into the yard, twisting a curl in her fingers.

“Rin wants us to do “Cow Bells and Coffee Beans." She offered to drop off or play the cow bell, preferably play.”

“What’s that song?”

“Henry Mancini did it on his ‘Mr. Lucky Goes Latin’ album. There’s a cat on the cover and a song called “The Dancing Cat” so it’s Rin’s new favorite thing.” Maki paused, “They were looking up coffee songs for me.”

Nico laughed, “That’s a good way to pick music. I have to meet these friends of yours. Why don’t you and Rin do a duet and then Nico will step in for a second song?”

“Really?” Maki spun to face Nico, “Rin would love that.”

“Nico makes people happy.” Nico waved a hand airily, “She’s dating Café Quarantine’s social media jitterbug, right?”

“Hanayo? Yeah, they’ve known each other forever, like kindergarten. I’m not even sure when they ‘officially’ starting dating, but by the time I met them in high school, they were unbearably adorkable.”

“Doesn’t sound unbearable. Just cute.”

Nico could hear Maki shuffling, “I guess.”

“So were they big into PDA?”

“PDA?”

“Public displays of affection?” Really, Maki didn’t even know that. And that was an ancient thing.

“Oh.” Maki settled back into the lounge, Nico guessed, “Some hand holding, I think. Nothing big. Hanayo’s shy.”

“The person inundating me with questions and requests for selfies and promotional pics is shy?!?!?!”

There was a pause, “She gets really really hyped about...K-pop, celebrities, and cute singers, and…”

“So Nico’s a cute singer, huh?”

No reply.

Nico had more energy, but not enough for that level of pushing a tease. Plus, leaning back with her eyes closed seemed to be inviting Maki to share more things. If Nico was going to push, maybe it should be about something else.

“So how’s the doctor thing going? Nico feels better.”

“I’m glad you feel better, but it’s not because I’d be any good as a doctor.”

“Maki’s smart…”

“I know that.”

“And you have a hospital right there…”

“Which means I should just take over, right, like my parents want me to, take over and spend all my time alone in big houses, or alone, hiding in a supply closet, crying from exhaustion. Or working with people who won’t tell me the truth because I’m their boss.”

“You always told Nico the truth, right? And Nico was your boss.”

“I’m different. You’re different”

It was neither modesty or bravado, Nico had noticed. Maki just stated things that she thought were true. And if she thought they were true, they must be fact.

“Money makes people careful.” Maki said. “That’s the polite version of what my father always says.”

“What’s the impolite?”

“Crawling cowards.”

Nico snorted, “That wouldn’t make any friends.”

Maki sat up, “But it does. You can say anything.”

“Not to Nico.”

“No.” Maki sighed, “And my parents respect you for that.”

“You’re avoiding Nico’s question.”

“I am.” Maki stood up, “If I’m going to duet with Rin, we’ll have to practice. I ordered lasagna for lunch, I’ll leave yours on the table.”

“Do you have Italian sauces in your veins?”

A laugh so light and cute, Nico was forced to open her eyes. Maki was glowing, the sun halo behind her head both blinding Nico and tinting the edges of Maki’s hair a deep pink that matched lips Nico might have fantasized about kissing. Once. Maybe twice.

“Maybe.” Maki winked, almost touching Nico’s chair as she walked past.

“Figures.” Nico sat up. She was hungry. Give Maki a bit of head start, at least until Nico was sure she wasn’t contagious. No more coughing Covid cuties here if Nico could help it.

###

Nico had jumped into the stream from her room to say hi, but skipped singing. A low energy performance that ended in a cough would have been fun for no one. Rin and Maki had been adorable. Rin was a tiny ginger cutie with the energy of a bullet train. Nico tried to imagine how Rin and Maki ended up friends, but it was hard.

Why wonder when she could ask.

N: How did you and Lucky Cat, Jr. get to be best buds.

M: She tackled me.

N: Σ(･口･)

M: We had gym together, we were playing flag football, Rin forgot about the flags and tackled me, I dropped her in a rainwater barrel, we played desktop football during a week’s worth of detention -- I always won, no matter what Rin tells you -- and then we found out we had the same lunch.

N: So what happens if Nico tackles you.

M: ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

N: Nico was impressed you could swing “You’re The Cream In My Coffee” when your coffee’s always black.

M: I didn’t have to drink it.

N: Do you miss the coffeeshop?

M: No.

N: But you got to spend with the #1 Boss in the World, Nico.

M: My parents made me do that.

N: (T⌓T)

M: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Nico put her phone down. My parents made me do that? Is that all? Didn’t Maki miss all the effort Nico had put in to try to help her? And sure, she’d never said thank you, but Nico hadn’t gotten the impression that her less than stellar student had hated the situation. Was Nico only here because Maki felt some obligation.

There was a quiet knock on the door.

“Nico?” Nico heard sounds of Maki settling against the door. “Can we talk?”

Nico squelched her immediate “Tell Dr. Nico what's bothering you” with a quiet “Okay.”

“I...it’s not...the coffeeshop was okay, you were great, people were…” Maki paused, sounding amused and altering her voice as if quoting someone, “stoopid, but…” The door moved like Maki had pushed her back against it, “I hate schedules, I don’t want to just follow a path because it’s there, because my parents, because it’s...because the wheels lock in.”

“What do you want?”

“I don’t know.” A pause, “I’ve been liking this.”

“Nico nearly died.”

“No you didn’t. And I didn’t mean that. I’m enjoying working on music, performing...I’ve been playing the piano more than I have for years…” Maki was drumming her fingers on the door.

“Nico can't imagine you not playing; it seems so you.”

A laugh, first quietly pleased and then wry, “I don’t even really mind Hanayo harassing me to find something to wear.”

“Nico will harass you even more, if that’s what you like.”

A sigh, “But it’s not real.”

“Nico’s real, Maki’s real, why isn’t making music together real?”

“My parents…”

“Forget your parents. What does Maki want?”

A long pause, little movement.

“More.”

A/N: Decided to split this @auyeahaugust Coffeeshop AU next chapter in two so I could post this bit faster. I didn't want anyone worrying about Nico for too long ; )

[queensdivas]

Wildest Notes Chap 2

Ya know what I love about this movie? The fact that it goes day by day instead of trying to cram it in one singular day. So this makes writing this fic so much easier and way more fun to write! 

Was this my best chapter? Probably not. Is it cute? YES! 

Will I start chapter 3? Not yet cause I have to catch up on Thistle and For Gods Sake. So y’all be patient with Gardner. Trust me I would love nothing more than to write out this entire fic in one day. But freakin Eugene and Samuel need their moments as well. 

So if ya liked to be tagged please let me know. And I’ll see you guys in the next chapter of whatever gets updated next! 

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter 

Masterlist

What’s the best thing about Jazz? Besides it becoming very sexualized due to the fact that the Saxophone and Clarinet for some reason turn people on. I think the best thing about jazz is that it can cover so many different genres. Want some latin jazz funk? Here’s some jazz funky latin. I think this is my brain trying to calm down as my first performance with making money. 

Standing in front of the club as I was debating on whether to make a run for it or just too bite the bullet. Ahhhhh crap. I always get these jitters before a performance like this and even at just private concerts in school I was a train wreck. 

“Hey. You Cora?” Someone yelled as I held my binder tighter.

“Umm yes. And you?” He flicked his cigarette and approached me with his instrument. 

“Theo Rivers. You’ve come to join our merry troop?” He opened the door and motioned for me to go in first. 

“Yes I have.”  He closed the door behind me as it was a small dark hallway. We reached onto the club floor as there were a bunch of people on the wide stage warming up, and talking amongst themselves. 

The room was much bigger than I imagined as it sparkled with a large chandelier that dangled down from above. You could see the doors to and from the kitchen as they were painted black. The bar was long and filled with so many different types of alcohol I wasn’t sure what was from where. The hardwood floors were this lovely dark red that made the black tables look to grande. 

“Just play it cool little thang.” Ew. Thang? Really? I stopped in the middle of the dance floor as Lucas approached the stage in front of everyone. 

“Alright everyone calm down I know that we’re all excited for the new pianist whenever she gets here. Trust me you guys are going to love her!” That would be Mr. Lucas Puzo. I found him in a local music shop as I was trying to find some sort of cheap good piano. (Which is harder than it sounds.) 

“Would that be her Lucas?” Someone pointed out as I was standing in the middle of the dance floor. 

“Ah yes. Ladies and Gents this is our new pianist Cora Lister!” He popped down from the stage and walked over to me. I gave them a small wave as he placed his hands on my shoulder to usher me over to the stage. 

“Hello.” I said softly as everyone was smiling and waving. 

“Now we open in twenty minutes so get yourself warmed up missy! Alright make sure you guys give her the lineup so she’s not improvising too much. Ima go to the jon so give me five minutes.” He walked away as I stood in front of everyone as they stared back. 

Not saying a word I dashed over to the piano to get comfortable on my bench. The drummer got up from his set to stand on the end of the piano as he slid over a piece of paper. I grabbed it to look at the two sets we were doing tonight. A good mixture of swing, ballads, latin, and funk? Hm. Love it. 

“Felix by the way.” He smiled as I nodded. So we’re starting off with Give me a simple life? A Little cliche but it’s a good warm up song. 

“You don’t talk much do you?” He asked as I placed the sheet on my stand. 

“Sorry just trying to get ready.” I told him as he shook his head. 

“Leave her be Felix. He’s more wild than a dog in heat when it comes to new members of our troop. Kobi the bassest.” He stood on my left as I waved at him. 

“Then Kobi tries to be all smooth and act like he’s innocent. Y’all are not as smooth as you think. Krista I’m the best trombone there is.” She sat down next to me as I placed my binder on the piano stand. 

“And then she acts like the superhero for women when in reality she is also trying to get into your pants. As you can see Cora you’ve attracted the dogs of the band on complete accident. For the record she’s fourth chair as I am first. Chandler by the way.” He sat on the other side as I was completely confused on what was happening. So four people are trying to get in my pants and the only few words I said were hello and sorry just trying to get ready. How the flippin’ heck does that happen? 

“I should get a squirt bottle to back off against Cora! Bad bad bad!” Lucas yelled as everyone laughed to sit back in their seats. Thank Goodness. I’m not quite sure what the heck just happened but that felt like my first ever college frat party I attended. Like a penis magnet, then I left two minutes later to go home and binge watch SVU. 

“Cora please tune everyone before they go mad.” Lucas ordered as cracked my knuckles real quick. I played B flat and everyone began tuning. Quickly running up and down a few scales as some random man came running out of the kitchen. 

“We’re about to open! Go ahead!” He yelled as Lucas shrugged and began clearing his throat. Wait he’s singing? Would’ve loved to get a chance to practice with him so I know exactly how this band rolls!

“For your sake. Just follow me and you’ll be just fine.” Kobi told me as I nodded. I just do what I usually do when playing. TRYING NOT TO PANIC!

“One..two..a one two three four!” Immediately on a roll! 

My left ear listening to the bass as my other one was focusing on the tempo Felix was giving off. A little faster than normal versions of the song but I kind of enjoy it. Definitely features a lot of me but as long as I stay calm and keep my focus on the tempo I’ll be just fine. 

People began coming into the club, sitting around the small tables and waiters already serving them. I’m assuming this is a regulars club most likely. Because how many people do you know regularly enjoy listening to jazz? 

I noticed my piano solo was coming already as I cracked my neck and thought of a good improv pattern for myself that would match nicely with the song. Maybe something a little spicy but not too spicy. 

My fingers bounced up and down the piano as my attention went towards Lucas who was nodding at my improv solo. I’d known he was impressed with me when I played at graduation. 

Another glimpse into the crowd as everyone was talking amongst themselves or watching us up they're playing. Ya know I was expecting a lot less people but the turnout was pretty great for my first night. 

Is it weird that I’m a little shocked that Gardner didn’t show up? I mean I knew he was tightly rounded but thought getting him out of his house would do him some good. But that’s what happens when I try to be nice in my life. Everyone ends up shutting the door in my face but somehow I still stand..ah ya don’t need to hear me. 

The song finished as the crowd began softly cheering as Lucas bowed to everyone. He fixed his tie as he clapped his hands. He began kissing up to the crowd as I flipped the page to the next song in the set. Which should be You Belong to Me. Not the Taylor Swift version obviously. I believe it’s the Jo Stafford version. Luckily it’s not a big piano song so I’ll be nice and cozy back here this time. 

“PST Cora!” He was trying to be quiet but that obviously wasn’t working. 

“What Kobi?” I asked as he leaned over to the piano and tried to say something to me. But I barely could hear out of choice. I think I’m just going to bust through the sets here and then go home. 

A waitress approached me as she held up some sort of blue drink up to me as I shook my head. Me? Getting drunk on the piano? Never in my life! She shrugged as Lucas began counting us off again softly. 

Definitely business till I can get used to this sort of environment. 

~~~

“YOU BETTER GET BACK! HONKY CAT! LIVING IN THE CITY AIN’T WHERE IT’S AT! IT’S LIKE TRYING FIND GOLD IN A SILVER MINE! IT’S LIKE TRYING TO DRINK WHISKEY FROM A BOTTLE OF WINE!” I danced around my kitchen as I placed the last plate from lunch away. Angus was sitting in the entrance between the kitchen and living room. 

“Well I read some books OW! And I read some magazines! C’mere Angus!” I told him as he trotted over and jumped up into my arms. 

“About those high-class ladies down in New Orleans.” He was annoyed as I was moving him back and forth. He should be used to it by now at this point. 

“AND ALL THE FOLKS BACK HOME..WELL...SAID I WAS A FOOL!” Angus plopped down to sulk himself back into the living room and laid down on the floor with the sun shining through the window on him. 

“THEY SAID OH BELIEVE IN THE LORD IS THE GOLDEN RULE!” I danced my way over to the record play to turn it down a little due to the fact my neighbors probably don’t want to hear me screaming Honky Cat lyrics. I mean I can sing but when Elton comes on it’s like a party. 

It was just low enough I heard that creak of a front gate open as the tip toed over to the front door and was ready to pounce and scare him. No that’s too mean. Maybe another time when he’s not carrying a package of mine. He quickly knocked on the screen door as I opened my front door and he was off. 

“Hiya Gardner.” It was like a car break on how fast he stopped. I looked down to see how huge this box was and saw it was from Eureka. Mom? 

“Mind giving me a hand?” I asked him as he turned around and looked down at the ground. 

“Sure.” He came up the porch as I tossed the mail into the music room as we bent down to pick up the box. 

Well..a slip and a fall. That big bulky box landed straight on my left foot. If you think stubbing that little toe of yours was bad. This was a whole lot worse.

“Son of a biscuit!” I tried laughing it up as Gardner had his hands over his mouth. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He panicked as I smiled at him. One of those painful smiles that’s trying to cover up that I’m screaming in pain internally. 

“It’s fine. Just let’s get this in here!” I said through my teeth as we tried lifting it again and carrying it inside. We walked into the living room for Angus to move quickly out of the way. 

“Now please don’t crush my foot again.” I told him as we slowly lowered the box onto the rug. I sat down on the couch to then look at my left foot making sure it wasn’t broken. Luckily we’re all good. 

“Is your foot okay?” He chirped as I nodded. 

“Yeah it’ll be fine. You often drop boxes on people's feet?” I tried to lighten the conversation but I could tell he was not interested. Might as well see what’s in the box.

“Give me another hand into the kitchen.” I got back up from the couch as he looked at the door. 

“I really don’t have time.” I placed my hands on my hips with one eyebrow raised at him. We reached down again and carried it into the kitchen and placed it on the counter. He took a step back and grabbed a small knife to open the box. 

“Well if that’s everything Cora.” I placed the knife down and tossed an apple to him. He barely caught it as I reached into the box. 

“You look a little famished. An apple always helps.” I pulled out a rolled up bubble wrap to see it was Mrs. Seymours old collection of her Elvis Presley China!  

“Oh my gosh!” I laughed as The King was painted on the plate. 

“Ya know I love people’s obsession with the weirdest things in the world. Mrs. Seymour loved Elvis Presley China.” I pulled out the second dinner plate that had him in his big red glittery suit. 

“Why Elvis?” Gardner asked as I handed him the plate. 

“She loves Elvis. Oh my god it’s like her passion before opening a home for all of us and locking it down.” I reached in to pull out the all white suit Elvis but it was cracked in half. 

“Well. You broke Elvis Gard. Now you gotta fix him.” I told him as a wave of panic rolled on his face. 

“Ya know..I...I..can’t. Uh..I really really..” I think the glue is in the junk drawer. I opened the drawer to see super duper glue. Perfect! He placed down the apple he didn’t even take a bite out of and stand in front of the broken plate. 

“Now just be gentle with the King.” I began squeezing the glue along the crack as he kept trying to check his watch. If he doesn’t stop checking his watch I’m gonna throw it in the backyard! 

“Alright now just hold it still.” I told him as we pushed the plate back together for the glue to start sticking. 

“Now I’m going out to lunch if you could just stand here till I get back.” His eyes widened as I looked at him dead seriously. 

“Wait what lunch!?” I lost it as he sunk back into himself. 

“I’m..I’m sorry. I..I generally don’t hang out with civilians this much.” Civilians? Do I look like I’m in the army? Do I need to salute him or something? 

“Just messin’ with your Gard. You need to lighten up a little bit sir. Us civilians aren’t all horrid people.” I told him as he looked down at the plate as I gently took it from his hands. He put his white hat on his head as he began becoming uptight again. 

“I’m sorry if I broke your foot.” He blurted out as I looked down at it. I imagine I'll be getting some sort of bruise. Not really a problem due to the fact I use my right foot for the petals anyhow. 

Angus came strolling into the kitchen as he sat down in front of Gard waiting for him to scratch the top of his head. He looked down at him as Angus was beginning to whimper at Gard. 

“If you’re going to bail on me without saying goodbye. At Least say goodbye to Angus.” Angus licked his lips as Gard quickly scratched the top of his head. 

“Goodbye Cora. This was interesting again.” Turning around like a bat out of hell as Angus and I watched him leave the kitchen through the living room and shutting the front door. 

Why do I find him so adorable?

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[sophieakatz]

Thursday Thoughts: Sophie Sides

I cannot overstate how highly I recommend the web series Sanders Sides. In this scripted series, YouTuber Thomas Sanders shares the screen with a cast of characters, each a personification of an aspect of Sanders’s own personality – and each performed by Sanders himself. The ensuing debates and shenanigans are quick-witted, hilarious, and increasingly thought-provoking as the show progresses and more of Sanders’s “Sides” make their presence known.

I stumbled across these videos at a time when I really needed to do some serious reflection on some big questions, such as “What kind of person do I want to be?” and “Am I taking good care of myself?” – the kinds of questions that this show tackles. Sanders Sides has definitely helped me think through some difficult topics.

It’s also gotten me thinking about my own Sides. If I were to split my personality up into different characters, who would I find? I wouldn’t divide myself up along the exact same lines as Thomas Sanders, of course, though our personalities do overlap in some interesting ways.

Let me introduce you to the Sophie Sides!

Lilly – The Dreamer

If it’s time for fun and imagination, then Lilly is not only on board, but at the helm! She is my creative side, the source of my storytelling and my artistic drive. Lilly also embodies my more childlike aspects, including playfulness and optimism. She’s my love of fantasy novels, Disney movies, and puns – and it’s ridiculously easy to make her laugh. Lilly is a constant source of new ideas, so she can be really distracting when I need to focus on just one task. She believes that “princess” is a compliment no matter what tone of voice it’s said in.

(Lilly’s full name is Lilly Belle, a reference to Lillian Disney – Disney Studios ink artist, wife of Walt Disney, and the reason we know the famous mouse as Mickey rather than Mortimer! Lilly wears the longest, swishiest blue dress, perfect for twirling like a Disney princess!)

Maddy – The Mother

I’ve always been the Mom Friend, and Maddy is why. She is the personification of my idea of what it means to be an adult – rational, responsible, and nurturing. Maddy keeps my priorities in order and makes sure that I stay on track and on schedule for all the important things in life. This includes eating well, attending doctor’s appointments, doing homework, attending synagogue, developing my career, and taking care of my friends. Maddy loves structure, rules, and tradition, and so she embodies my religious observance as well.

(Maddy starts with M – M as in “mother” and “maternal”! The other Sides will call her “Mom” if she’s getting too overbearing. Maddy wears professional attire: a black blazer, black slacks, and a dark blue blouse.)

Vashti – The Warrior

For Vashti, the term “social justice warrior” is no insult. She is my morality – a strong, instinctive sense of right and wrong, combined with an incessant, selfless desire for things to be fair. Vashti also embodies my aggressiveness, defensiveness, and vindictiveness; she tends to show up when I’m really pissed off, and she’s a lot shoutier than the other Sides. She holds both me and the world to a very high standard, and she has an unfortunate tendency to jump to conclusions and see issues as black and white. Without her, I’d be a much worse person – but I’m glad the other Sides are there to balance her out.

(In the Book of Esther, Vashti was the queen of Persia. One night, her husband the king told her to dance naked in front of his friends. She refused! My mom used this story to inspire in me an early sense of feminism, and so Vashti seemed the perfect name for this Side. Vashti rocks matching blue jeans and denim jacket over a “Girls Rock!” t-shirt.)

Sidney – The Slacker

While the first three Sides are a “get things done” kind of people, Sidney… is not. She represents my laziness, self-indulgence, and procrastination. Sidney encourages me to expend as little energy as possible and to devote my time to leisure activities, which can put her sharply at odds with Vashti, Maddy, and Lilly. In Sidney’s defense, she is a much-needed source of “chill” in my life. Without her, the other Sides would burn me out!

(Besides the useful alliteration of “Slacker Sidney,” Sid is the name my parents had on standby if I’d been assigned male at birth. The name is mine, but also not mine – appropriate for a Side who embodies qualities about myself that the other Sides don’t readily accept as a part of me. Sidney wears a burgundy hoodie and dark blue sweatpants.)

These first four are the aspects of myself I’m most comfortable with. But, just like in Sanders Sides, the exploration doesn’t end there…

Ex – Anxiety

Two years ago, I wrote a fairy tale about a little monster named Ex who mimics other people’s voices, tricking you into imaginary arguments that get you all riled up about things that didn’t actually happen. When I started thinking about my Sides, Ex turned up again.

Ex would tell you that she’s my forethought, my ability to imagine the outcomes of future interactions. However, the scenarios she presents always run negative. It’d be more accurate to say that Ex embodies my anxiety. She insists that she knows, with 100% certainty, what other people are thinking and how they will react to me. Her goal is to keep me safe, but she tends to blow things out of proportion and leave me feeling downright awful.

(Ex is a shapeshifter, able to appear as anyone in Sophie’s life and even as the other Sides. Ex’s name is the variable X – a placeholder for whatever role she may choose to play. I’m reluctant to give her a name, lest the arguments I have with her taint my emotional response to anyone I happen to meet with that same name. When Ex appears as herself, she wears a long green trench coat and a blue fedora hat. She has little blue horns and a tail which are all obviously attached to her clothing instead of being a part of her body.)

(Side note – lately, I’ve been thinking differently about my interactions with Ex. I’ll talk a bit more about that in next week’s Thursday Thoughts!)

Mal – Depression

Mal embodies my depression and grief. Her appearances used to be much more infrequent, and it was easier to ignore her. Until this year, it’s been easier for me to see her as an enemy or as something that I should hide. But Mal shows up as an expression of my pain. While all the other Sides are talkative, Mal never speaks. Her presence alone is enough to derail a conversation with a wave of sadness; she quietly, sullenly commands attention.

(“Mal” is a Latin root meaning “bad” or “evil,” and Mal embodies the worst feelings I’ve ever had, in response to the worst things which have ever happened to me. She spends most of her time hidden under a pile of blankets, only sitting up when she wants to be noticed, so it’s unclear what she’s wearing. She has permanent dark blue tearstains on both cheeks.)

Eve – Yetzer Hara

If Vashti is Yetzer Hatov – the good inclination, my drive to make the world a better place – then Eve is Yetzer Hara – the evil inclination, my selfishness. As far as Eve is concerned, I should be my number one priority, everyone else in the world be damned! Vashti generally bans Eve from having a seat at the table, as it were, because once Eve has a say, she’s difficult to ignore. Eve is a smooth-talking politician with an agenda of ambition and pride. As Rabbi Nahman said, without yetzer hara telling us to envy our neighbors, we would never seek to improve ourselves. But as Rabbi Hillel said, if I am only for myself, then what am I?

(Christians blame the biblical Eve for “original sin,” and my Eve never met a deadly sin she couldn’t make sound appealing. Of course, she’d be the first to point out that in Judaism the concept of “sin” is much more complicated than that! Eve wears a light blue dress, much more form-fitting and much less swishy than Lilly’s. She has glowing golden eyes – and when she convinces the other Sides to listen to her, then their eyes start to glow, too…)

I ended up going much deeper in this little exercise than I expected to. Overall, it was a lot of fun! I don’t plan on making a web series about my Sides, but who knows? Maybe I’ll write a fic about them someday.

How about you? Are you a fan of Sanders Sides? Have you ever thought about what Sides make up your personality? If not, take a moment and try it out, and let me know who you discover – I’d love to hear about them!

[oh-theatre]

Objection!: Chapter 10

Chapter title: Utinam Ne Illum Numquam Conspexissem

A/n:  My bois ™ I love them. I'm sorry this chapter took longer than usual. It was a bitch to write! I actually don't know how I feel about this one, but stuff was revealed so yay!! Ooo what are Rem and Emile discussing... Also, I just love Latin, and Latin phrases...hence the title. Anyway, leave me some comments! I would really appreciate it!

First | Previous | Next

words: 4287

summary: Virgil and Remy must save Roman from a dangerous situation

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, platonic demus, romantic remile

warnings: Murder mention, child murder, Law and Courtroom, swearing, blood, gun, gun mention, drug and alcohol mention, sweating, hospital, screams

Ao3 Link  

“I warned you Rem, the waiting process is the worst” Emile advises from his desk, Remy paces around the room. Emile sighs looking up from his computer, Remy huffs. “Rem come here” He gestures for the worrisome detective. He joins Emile on the other side of the desk, sitting in the chair.

“We could get married in the time it takes” Remy comments fiddling with the funky pencils in the cup. Emile chuckles taking Remy's free hand.

“Did you just propose to me Remington Nyx?” Emile asks coyly, using his other hand to type some more things on his computer. Remy drops the pencils leaving a cluttered mess, Emile rolls his eyes.

“No, that's not for another month” Remy sighs, Emile blushes biting his tongue. Remy kisses his hand jumping up. “Alright! I can't sit here wallowing! I need to do something”

“Glad to hear you saying that” Virgil slides in through the door. Emile gives him a small wave return, Remy falls back onto the couch soon joined by Virgil. “Is it bad that I don't wanna work today?” Emile shuts off his computer standing up. He makes his way to the chair across the couch, opening his notebook.

“What's wrong?” Emiles voice shifts, Remy stifles a laugh recognizing what he's doing. Virgil rubs his forehead causing a red stain of heat.

“I'm stuck! I really can't do this job, I don't know what's happening” Virgil complains. Remy's smile disappears now, he leans forward, placing a hand on his partner. Virgil shoots him a grateful glance but it doesn't do much, because he's stuck spinning. “I'm just so confused”

“Oh, I felt that” Remy mumbles spreading himself on the couch laying his head on Virgil's lap. Emile smiles sweetly at his partner. “Em, we need therapy, clearly” he gestures dramatically. Emile chuckles, Virgil nods solemnly.

“Alright fine, but you better be paying me for this” He teases, Remy wiggles his eyebrows making Emile shift. “Not like that you absolute dork” Emile chides. Virgil begins fiddling with Remy's hair, twirling and twisting it every which way. Nothing harmful and Remy doesn't mind, it helps Virge calms down. It gives him something to do. “Ok, what's your sleep schedule like?” Emile begins.

“What does th-” A hand quickly covers Virgil's mouth, he looks down at Remy expectantly.

“Dude, just answer the question. He's the professional” Virgil rolls his eyes removing Remy's hand. Emile, who at this point is used to the detective's antics, politely waits. He has to do it a lot, patients tend to take longer to start off a conversation. But once you get them going, it's like rapid fire. Sometimes Emile can't keep up, however, others are less willing.

“Uh, I sleep...I guess…” Virgil grumbles, Remy appropriately yawns. “It's pretty sporadic, never more than like...mmm four to five hours?” Remy snaps in agreement, Emile tries hard not to shake his head. Showing disapproval or disappointment is counterproductive but Remy sleeps plenty, almost too much if you ask Emile. Virgil flicks Remy's forehead causing a mock pout. “You sleep so much it's not even funny” Virgil quips, Emile chuckles. Remy looks to his boyfriend for comfort or support but is instead met with a shrug, as if saying its true.

“Ok, we’re here for Virge, let's get back to him” Remy huffs, Emile nods coyly. Remy tries his best to kick Emile from his position but it ends up looking like he's flailing.

“Right well I mean...Damian keeps me up sometimes” Virgil informs returning back to a more reserved state. A pit of shame formed in his stomach, Emile notices the detective begins to pound his fists rhythmically on his thighs. Virgil's thoughts are cluttered, Damian. How could he think that? How could he say that? How dare he blame his child, his own son. How dare he complain about his job? His life is perfect, he has everything.

Not everything

Selfish, that's what I am

“Virgil? Is everything ok?” Emiles voice somehow makes its way into his head. A fruity intrusion in his echo chamber, his thoughts make way for the question. Pausing just for a moment, so he can look the doctor in the eye. Remy sits up now, growing concern riddles his face.

“Virge, you still with us bud?” Remy waves in front of his face, he can focus on the swift movement. Virgil couldn't really see it much, but it was consistent, it wasn't changing on him. But every time even the slightest thought of something pushed its way into his mind, an uneasy feeling tugged at his stomach. He grabs the hand, setting it down.

“M’fine” He lies, his problems are his own. Obviously, Remy and Emile could see straight through this, but just as impeccable timing goes. This takes the cake. The door swings open hitting the wall quite heavily. Virgil stands soon joined by the other two. Dylan appears his radio going wild, Emile and Remy throwdown in a staring contest. Emile crowned the winner, hopes his message of ‘Do not hurt Dylan, it wasn't his fault’ gets through. “Whats up Dyl?” Virgil asks, dusting off his pants.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt-

“It's fine, what's going on?” Remy pushes, Emile frowns at him. Every hint of annoyance towards the office that Remy could muster, he would. It may seem a bit too much but he put Emile's life in Dylan's hands and was completely betrayed. Every time he sees Emile he can't help but be reminded of the barrel he found his boyfriend staring down.

“There was a break-in at…” he snaps struggling to recall the address. Virgil exhales, his own patience wearing thin. “4563 Witch Lane, I think” Virgil's brows furrow, he knows that address. “It's ongoing and officers say the perpetrator is violent” Virgil heart pounds in his head.

Remember

“Why do you need us?” Remy questions flopping back onto the couch “Sounds like they got it covered” He blows, Emile shakes his head. Why? Why do they need us? They're usually called once the crime has happened, to investigate; How, when, why, and who. And that all depends on whether or not the patrol officers catch the culprit or not. So why, on god's green earth, do they need Virgil and Remy.

“Uh...because-” It finally hits Virgil, knocking him down a peg.

“Because that's Romans address” He mutters, fear is not the word he's looking for.

~~~

One more text and Patton might scream. One more text and Patton might scream. One more text from Liam and Patton might scream. One more text about how much Liam wants to see him, or talk to him or how much he misses him and Patton might scream. One more-

“Papa! Your phone is buzzing!” Valerie claims from across the small cafe table. Patton gives her a wary smile before turning over the phone, mostly to humor the excited girl. Quickly skimming over the multiple texts from Liam and one from Logan, he turns it back over. He will respond later, the mystery of what Logans might hold does set his heart racing.

“Alright kiddos, what do you want to eat?” Patton asks looking expectantly at the twins. For the past twenty minutes, the kids have been reading through the menus, on their own per Patton's request, trying to figure out what they wanted. Obviously, Patton would help if they needed it but he wanted them to try and do it on their own. The look of pride on their faces when they understood an order was all Patton was looking for.

“Waffles!” Remus has decided, shouting it for everyone to hear. Patton smiles politely at the other patrons, turning back to his son. “With...whip cream and sprinkles!” Patton nods, the waitress, Ally, writes down his order moving onto Valerie.

“I want some eggs please” She informs, wringing her hands. The failure to meet the waitress's eyes makes Patton smile sadly. Valerie, unlike her brother, was very shy towards strangers. She was much more comfortable around people she knew, to which she would shout and scream and dance around to her heart's content.

“Would you like that with bacon dear?” The waitress asks, Valerie ponders for a moment using the menu as an escape tool. She nods. Ally smiles writing down the order before moving onto Patton. “And you sir?”

“I’ll take eggs benedict” Patton shows, she nods scribbling it down. “Oh! And to drink, can we have two fresh orange juices and a latte?” The kids bounce at the sound of juice. Ally leaves after a moment, the bustling cafe revving in energy.

Breaking how own rules, as the kids play with one another, Patton checks his phone searching for one specific message. The ‘new notification’ mark hovering by Logan's name is enough to make Patton's face red. The blush he had grown so fond and familiar with returning, his finger debating whether or not to open the message. Had he gone to open it, his morning would have been a lot different but the sound of his name being called pulled him away.

“Mister Hart?” Patton shuffles around in his chair, a smile embracing his face.

“Reeve! Hi!” Patton stands, shaking the timid intern. Logan was not wrong, in his mumblings, the lawyer had revealed how Patton's smile could light up the room. He ushers for Reeve to join him at his table, after a moment of resilience, he takes his place next to Patton. “What brings you here?”

“I'm just here to pick up mister Tolentino's order” Reeve rubs the tips of fingers together trying to remember what it was. “One black coffee, an eclair, and three palmiers” Patton and Reeve recite in unison. The intern raises a brow receiving a sweet chuckle in return.

“Almost ten years and it hasn't changed” Patton reminisces, Reeve stays quiet a secret itch to find out more about Logan. “I used to pick it up for him” Reeve smirks, Patton shakes his head playfully “He would forget a lot, he claims to hate sweet things but obviously that's not true” Patton laughs, sitting and watching the lawyer Reeve couldn't agree more. “Anyway, it's nice to see it's the same” Reeve nods, there was something truly entrancing about this man, the intern could listen for hours. Patton bites his bottom lip, fishing something out of his bag. “It's really not a healthy order, would you get him an apple or some berries?” Patton requests, holding out his hand with money.

“I-i can't accept that” Reeve stutters, how can he be so trusting? What if Reeve just took off with`1 the money, what if he spent it on drugs or alcohol? Patton chuckles only furthering his insistence.

“It's on me, really” He insists “Logan needs to eat actual food” He chides, Reeve, takes it feeling awfully guilty. Patton's affect made him want to spend it on the right thing, he was just so...sweet.

“He was not wrong” Reeve mumbles, his eyes flying open through his tired manner. Patton turns to him cocking his head.

“Wrong?” He asks, Reeve shakes his head wishing away the thought with an awkward squeak of a laugh. Patton shrugs, if it wasn't his to hear, it wasn't his to hear. And yet it was, it would honestly make Reeve’s life so much easier. Logan was...an adequate teacher but he'd be even better if some things (cough Patton cough) weren't constantly on his mind. Reeve also wouldn't mind seeing the lawyer a bit happier. Whether he would severely regret this next move was at the tip of his mind, and yet…

“Uh, Logan...talks about you… a lot” Reeve explains, Patton coughs back a smile

“Pardon?” He tries, sipping his water

“He likes to talk about you Patton” Patton’s laughter turns to a quick blush. The light dusting of pink flattering his face. Reeve swallows, he stands giving a brisk smile. “I should probably get going, you know how he is, thank you again” Reeve rushes, practically scrambling to get the order and out of the cafe.

As Patton comes to terms with the feelings he himself had been feeling for years. He's kept so hidden and down, fear of rejection overwhelming and consuming his every action. Because for the life of him, he couldn't conjure up one reason why a lawyer, no a person such as Logan would ever give Patton a second thought. And yet ten years later…he couldn't help but think of one thing.

No, thank you, Reeve

~~~

“Fuck”

“Virge”

“No, fuck” Virgil repeats as they step out of the car. Cops, on cops, line the street outside of Romans house. To say Virgil's heart was racing was an understatement, it was pounding. Beating so hard and fast it almost hurt.  He walks towards the main station. “What's going on Kane?” He asks the lead officer, Kane turns to him his eyes confused.

“Break in, possible violent inside” He informs, knowing that the fire in Virgil's eyes didn't mean a lengthy explanation. However, the twitching at the detective's mouth scares him even more.

“He's still in there?!” Virgil exclaims, he huffs pushing further past, right up to the captain. “I'm going in” he declares

“Absolutely not detective Tormine” Haley warns. Remy finally catches up to his less than excited partner. Virgil clenches his fists, Remy recognizes the distinct furrowing of his brows. A little too late in his opinion. “Detecti- Virgil!” Haley calls out as Virgil races past the yellow tape. Remy sighs following after him, shooting Haley an apologetic glance. “Detective Nyx! Ugh why do I try” Haley moans

Virgil ducks in the house pulling out his gun, flashlight placed above it. He’s been here before, typically its harder to get around these situations when you don't know the layout of the house. But this one? He knew like the back of his hand. He hears small noises, he can't tell if they're just house noises or people noises.

“Virge!” Remy whispers coming up behind the detective. Virgil jumps slightly turning to his partner. He motions silently for Remy to go one way towards the kitchen, while Virgil will go upstairs. They make their separate ways, quietly walking through the house. Virgil checks the bathrooms upstairs first before slowly making his way into Romans room. Its sealed shut, he pushes carefully trying not to draw attention. He swears he can hear a silent struggle. Finally, something shimmies on the other side falling to the ground, he opens the door using his light to see. A light shuffling in the corner catches his eye, he turns practically dropping his things.

“Virge?” Roman croaks. He sits huddled in the corner, a hand over his stomach, another covering the bright light shining in his eyes. Virgil wastes no time kneeling in front of the judge. “I always thought I'd be the knight in shining armor coming to save the prince” Roman jokes, clearly delirious.

“You're bleeding” Virgil realizes, Romans hand is applying pressure on his stomach. Blood oozes through the cracks of his fingers, his eyes barely stay open. Roman laughs immediately seizing through his teeth, the pain runs through. “Ok, come on” Virgil wraps his arm carefully around Romans waist, silently apologizing. Roman tries his best to stand but relies almost entirely on Virgil for support. Virgil goes to take a step but Roman can't, collapsing with just enough space for Virgil to set him down. “So that's not going to work” He mumbles, Roman can feel Virgil's hands tremble in his own.

“You're scared” He notes, his eyes closed at this point. Virgil scoffs.

“Of course I'm fucking scared Roman! You're bleeding out, there's a violent person in your house, cops are surrounding your house!” He shouts Roman slaps him softly.

“Loud, way too loud” He chides, Virgil avoids his eyes knowing the judge is right. “M’fine, let's go” He decides, opening up his eyes grabbing onto Virgil again. Virgil fights to stay balanced as he goes again, knowing Romans not here to argue. He also knows Roman doesn't have time to argue, not with the loopy state of the judge. Once stable, lightly they make their way out of the room, checking the hall is safe.

“You doing ok?” Virgil checks as they huddle close together down the stairs, he wishes he had paid more attention to Romans answer, or lack thereof. “Ro?” Virgil asks as they reach the bottom, he turns to him noticing the limp state. He also notices he's basically carrying the man. “Dammit” He grunts rushing into the kitchen, keeping his steps light. The warm blood still flowing out of Roman is enough to make Virgil gag.

“Hey” Remy whispers joining the pair, his eyes growing wide at the sight Roman. “Oh my god… is h-” His words cut off by a violent noise as something tumbles into the kitchen. Too dark to see, both detectives ready themselves, back to back. Their guns aimed at both kitchen entrances, the patterning of tiny feet growing louder. An ‘oof’ noise coming from Roman, they both turn to exhale breaths of relief, Ollie sits atop Roman licking his face. Remy chuckles before turning to the entrance. “I'll keep watch, you make sure he's ok” Virgil nods.

“Virge, I think you're pretty nifty” Roman comments as Virgil tends to his wounds as best he can. Virgil chuckles rolling his eyes playfully. He uses a damp cloth to wipe Romans forehead, removing any soot or dried blood. “Don't laugh at me” He pouts, Ollie stands brave by the judge's side.

“Never princey, never” Virgil promises, holding a wad of towels to the stomach wound. That won't do, he thinks. “Rem, we gotta get him out of here or…” Virgil would rather not finish his sentence, Remy gives a brisk nod understanding. He takes one more look out the entrance before aiding Virgil, taking place on Romans other side. “Just to the door, that's all we need to do” Virgil licks his lips, they're unmistakably dry.

“Ready?” Remy cocks his head towards his partner.

“Set” Virgil takes a deep breath his eyes aimed at the door.

“Arf!” Ollie barks, ready to charge with the trio. Virgil and Remy share a glance before setting off. They avoid anything that might make noise, reaching the door easily. Still supporting Roman, Virgil pushes the door open, shoving Remy and Roman through first Ollie squeezing in after them. He hears Haley shouting commands towards the officers. The aching his heart resembles when the medics peel Roman away from Virgil is almost too much. But having to watch the ambulance drive away without him was worse.

~~~

“Nothing too drastic, we got him into surgery just in time” The doctor explains leading a very worried Virgil to Romans room. “He should be resting, but well…” The doctor eyes the room, Virgil releases a breath he hadn't realized he was holding at the sight of Roman flirting with the nurse. “He insisted he was fine, he's all yours” The doctor squeezes Virgil's shoulder, and it takes everything in his power not to cringe away from the man.

“Thanks” Virgil slides open the door making his way into the room. Roman finishes his latest quest to be the most loved man on the planet turning to Virgil. His smile is like no other, even though the pain is clear as his face morphs. Virgil should feel relieved but something else washes over him.

“If it isn't my favorite detective, Vigil Terrible was it?” Roman teases, as if everything is ok. Virgil slides the door closed, his hands gaining increasingly sweatier. Its not ok, the countless tubes hanging out of Roman, the IV drip attached to the man, the bruises on his face, all indicate otherwise. “Virge, I was kidding…” Roman assures seeing Virgil's blank stare.

“You almost died, you know that right?” Virgil jumps right in, approaching Romans bed. Roman shifts uncomfortably in his spot, his smile faltering. “As in, bleeding out, unconscious, death” He pushes further if it's for him or the judge Virgil isn't sure. Roman knows it's not aimed at him, or at least he hopes.

“But I didnt...you saved me” Roman gives him a sad smile, Virgil scoffs. “As cliche as that is, it's true”

“It's my job” Virgil reminds, although he wouldn't disobey Haleys orders for anyone, he wasn't telling Roman that.

“Be that as it may, you still did it, and I'm fine so…”  Roman waits for something, anything to tell him how Virgil feels. But he can't let it go, something is itching at the detective clearly. No matter how many ‘Im fines’ Roman conjures or how many doctors say otherwise, Virgil needs more.

“What about Damian” He blurts, he's not sure where it came from. Roman sits up now, his eyes wide. The feelings and thoughts running him through him are incomprehensible. No words explain the jumble of things.  

“Damian's not my kid” He claims, funny. He always assumed Virgil would be the one to set that boundary, he didn't want to but if it would calm Virgil down.

“No your right, only when it's convenient right? Not when he's scared, or lonely, or has questions I can't answer. Not then right? You only act like…” He trails off, pacing around the room.

“Virgil what is this really about? Cause right now you're not making any sense” Roman argues, ignoring the pain his side shoots through him. He waits for a retort, another fiery remark from the detective.

“I don't know! Ok? I'm just...worried” Virgil's voice, in layman's terms, sounds so defeated. Romans poise softens as he ushers Virgil to come to him. Virgil obliges, putting on an annoyed front as he sits in front of the judge. “You didn't see you ok? You were...bleeding and…” Roman tilts his head softly.

“Yeah but I'm fine now” He repeats for what seems like the millionth time that day. “Look, I've got a steady heartbeat” He points to the monitor, Virgil listens intently to the stable pattern. Waiting for some drastic change, but it stays, its constant. He stops shaking, he silently begs for Roman to continue. Roman nods picking up “My wounds stopped bleeding” He lifts his gown showing the surgical remains of his stomach cut. Virgil traces it with his fingers, the cold sending a shiver through Roman, nothing he can't handle.

“Sorry!” Virgil pulls away, Roman takes his hand.

“Its fine, but god are you a corpse V?” Roman asks squeezing different areas of Virgil's hands. “You're freezing.” Virgil grasps his hand back, swatting Roman away. They share a quick amused smile. Roman leads Virgil's hand to his own face, showing him the already healing bruises. Roman goes to say more but in true dramatic fashion, is quickly interrupted.

“Patton! I told you they would be here!” Logan calls out, appearing in the doorway. Virgil jumps out of the bed moving away from Roman. Roman shuts his eyes, wincing away from the disappointment. A smile appears on his face as Logan, followed by Patton enters the room.

“Roman, oh my gosh!” Patton cries examining the judge. He turns to Virgil then back to Roman. “What on earth happened?” He asks, sitting where Virgil once sat. Logan moves into the room sliding the door closed, Virgil eyes the pair, specifically Patton, afraid of what he might do. “May I?” He inquires softly, Roman nods. Patton checks Romans face, turning it carefully as he looks at the wounds.

“Some guy broke into his house” Virgil informs, Logan listens intently. “They searched the house after Ro left but he was nowhere to be found” Patton shakes his head disapprovingly.

“I'm so sorry you had to go through that, we got the text and we were so worried” Patton rushes, cupping Romans face lovingly. He hadn't realized how nice it felt until Patton pulled away his hand. Unlike Virgil, Patton's hands were warm, almost burning hot. As he reassesses Patton's words he shares a look with Virgil.

“We?” They recite in unison, both raising their eyebrows. Patton's blush is instantly recognizable, Roman laughs as the lawyer faces away from Logan.

“Patton and his children obviously,” Logan says not understanding the obvious teasing that takes place. Roman concurs mockingly, shoving Patton playfully. “Speaking of children” Logan mumbles as to quick feet are heard outside of the room.

“Roman!” Remus and Valerie exclaim together as they run into the room. Patton stands to scoop them up before they jump onto the judge. Roman and Virgil laugh at Pattons expectant look, clearly a common theme for the twins.

“Careful” Is all he says as he places them gently on Romans bed. Virgil feels a tug at his stomach wishing Damian was present. The little boy would be incredibly mad at Virgil for NOT bringing him. He shakes his head taking his leave, not giving Roman a second look.

The twins take turns very carefully hugging an unfortunately distracted Roman. Virgil might not have given the judge another glance but Roman was watching him the entire time.

~~~

“Did you do it?” the dark voice carries, the timid man is almost too afraid to speak. “Answer me” He wastes no time, he doesn't like waiting.

“N-no...the detective showed up b-before I could finish the job” He mutters, his words tripping over themselves. A crash can be heard through the room, vibrating into silence.

“I don't like failure” The voice seems closer now, the man clings to the door. “You failed me, twice now, and I don't do...failure” No no no no, the man begs silently. “Kill him”

The screams buried under a mountain of murder.

“The lawyer and the judge” The voice informs a new body “I want them taken out, do you understand?”

[warehouse13pod]

Show Notes 108A Duped - Part 1

Down the rabbit hole we go, Agents!

Here they are! At long, long last—the show notes for 108 “Duped!”

These notes cover 108 “Duped” Part 1.

You can listen to it in this embedded player:

Or on Youtube:

Let’s jump right in! 

Miranda and I started this episode with some fun facts about ourselves. Mine was that I once got a pillow from Sargento that said “Sweet dreams are made of cheese,” because I complimented it online.

First of all, here’s the song it references.

Now, here are the tweets of how it happened. Here’s the Tweet I saw from Warehouse 13 co-creator and legendary TV writer/producer, Jane Espenson and the conversation that followed:

And at this very moment, that pillow is serving as a laptop cushion.

Now, onto the show.

This week’s writer appreciation focused on another writing team, Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes who shared some awesome behind-the-scenes pix with us on twitter! After we released the episode, Ben tweeted at us and told us the crew let Ben and Deric cameo on every episode they wrote/produced. Here’s the pic from “Duped!” They were on the elevator with Pete!

We got that tweet and some good corrections and fun facts from Ben and Deric themselves! What up, dudes‽

Miranda says that we start the episode “en media res” which means “in the middle of things” in Latin. Here’s a link to what it means in terms of narrative storytelling.

Later, we also compared Myka’s dress in the pilot…

…to her dress in Duped.

Great work by the costuming/hair/makeup team on emphasizing all the subtle ways that Myka was Not Normal™

Because we love to give due credit, so, the people responsible are

Costuming: Joanne Hanson

Hair: Susan Exton-Stranks

Makeup: Marie Nardella

We also have a good laugh talking about how Pete miscategorizes Alice in Wonderland as Chick Lit.

Alice in Wonderland is obviously not Chick Lit (although there’s nothing wrong with Chick Lit).

This led us to a brief discussion of how Miranda’s sister trolls her by calling “Doctor Who” Mister Who. That already wasn’t accurate, but now it’s especially inaccurate as The Doctor is a woman! As a side note, I personally would buy a T-Shirt that said “Mister Who” on it just to make a laugh. Anyone else? Anyone?

Next up, Miranda noticed that Pete was wearing a North Canton, Ohio t-shirt and connected the dots that Eddie McClintock himself is from North Canton. Further proof that Eddie and Pete are essentially the same person.

Speaking of Eddie, this is also the episode where we learned that Eddie was voted the 82nd Sexiest Man Alive, according to TVBuddy. Alas, alack, the link to the list is now dead. So I can’t link it. I tried.

Next, we talked about how amazing Eddie is at doing an impersonation of Myka sticking her neck out when she’s mad.

In the Warehouse, an artifactified disco ball plays Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

Here’s that song:

When Act II starts we get some really orange lighting that plays right into our color theory. I couldn’t find a picture of that scene and Amazon won’t let me screenshot, but, in general, most cinematography of Myka in this episode is very orange. Here are a couple examples of how orange most things are that involve Alice in this episode:

Then we talked about how weird it was when Myka actually took one of Artie’s pastries.

Actual footage of my face when she took one:

Actual footage of my face when she took SECONDS:

Then we got the introduction of Gary and Jillian Whitman—this week’s red herring bad guys and focus of this week’s dual Actor’s Spotlight, courtesy of Miranda.

Gary was played by Niall Matter.

Miranda recommended watching the TV show he was on called The Best Years.

Jillian (my name-thief) was played by Erica Cerra.

Miranda noticed a subtle Walt Whitman reference and gave the dates of his life and Lewis Carroll’s/Charles Dodgson’s life.

Walt Whitman: 1819 - 1892

Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson: 1832 - 1898

There will be a lot more information about Lewis Carroll/Charles Dodgson in the show notes for Part 2 of this episode.

Then we talked about how Artie was a tad too aggressive in telling Claudia to “back off!” and how this all reminded us of a scene in The Importance of Being Earnest where two characters grumpily eat cakes. Miranda later specified that it reminded her of the scene where Jack and Algernon eat muffins. Meanwhile, it reminded me of the scene where Gwendolen and Cecily get passive-aggressive over whether tea should be enjoyed with bread and butter or with cake.

Here’s a snippet of the scene Miranda was thinking of:

 Algernon.  If it was my business, I wouldn’t talk about it.  [Begins to eat muffins.]  It is very vulgar to talk about one’s business.  Only people like stock-brokers do that, and then merely at dinner parties.

Jack.  How can you sit there, calmly eating muffins when we are in this horrible trouble, I can’t make out.  You seem to me to be perfectly heartless.

Algernon.  Well, I can’t eat muffins in an agitated manner.  The butter would probably get on my cuffs.  One should always eat muffins quite calmly.  It is the only way to eat them.

Jack.  I say it’s perfectly heartless your eating muffins at all, under the circumstances.

Here’s a snippet of the scene I was thinking of:

Cecily.  May I offer you some tea, Miss Fairfax?

Gwendolen.  [With elaborate politeness.]  Thank you.  [Aside.]  Detestable girl!  But I require tea!

Cecily.  [Sweetly.]  Sugar?

Gwendolen.  [Superciliously.]  No, thank you.  Sugar is not fashionable any more. [Cecily looks angrily at her, takes up the tongs and puts four lumps of sugar into the cup.]

Cecily.  [Severely.]  Cake or bread and butter?

Gwendolen.  [In a bored manner.]  Bread and butter, please.  Cake is rarely seen at the best houses nowadays.

Cecily.  [Cuts a very large slice of cake, and puts it on the tray.]  Hand that to Miss Fairfax.

[Merriman does so, and goes out with footman.  Gwendolen drinks the tea and makes a grimace.  Puts down cup at once, reaches out her hand to the bread and butter, looks at it, and finds it is cake.  Rises in indignation.]

Gwendolen.  You have filled my tea with lumps of sugar, and though I asked most distinctly for bread and butter, you have given me cake.  I am known for the gentleness of my disposition, and the extraordinary sweetness of my nature, but I warn you, Miss Cardew, you may go too far. 

Both of those scenes take place in Act II.

If you read nothing else in these show notes STOP AND WATCH THE FOLLOWING CLIP!

Here’s a clip from an early movie adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest that features my favorite line delivery of anything ever:

Good luck ever looking at a handbag without thinking of that again.

While we’re on the subject, I played Cecily in the Importance of Being Earnest, so I’m legally obligated to share a couple photos of that as proof:

As a final note on the matter, you can read the entire play from project Gutenberg here (and I recommend that you do, because it’s one of my all-time faves.).

Later, Miranda and I wondered if the infinity tattoo on Myka’s ankle was Joanne Kelly’s or was something Alice did when they got to Vegas. I think someone tweeted at us about this awhile ago. If anyone has that info, I’ll update the show notes with that and credit to the Tweeter.

After that, we discussed Myka’s/Alice’s casual mention of Carson’s Rule of Linear Transfer and her assertion that it means “forced outcomes require tangency.” I posited that this rule is not a mathematic or scientific principle but rather a warehouse-specific rule. The only Carson’s Rule that Miranda and I could find when researching this was an unrelated rule about bandwidth. If you’re super into telecommunications, you can read more about Carson’s Banwidth Rule here.

Backing up a little bit in the episode, we discussed a little bit about the history of disco and disco clubs via exerpts from a written interview with Professor Carol Cooper.

She spoke with us about Studio 54, Vaughn Harper, and the roots of a Studio 54 laying in a black-owned club called Leviticus.

I didn’t mention it in the episode, but that makes the club in Empire (also named Leviticus) a truly nicely named homage to history. Bustle.com did a deep dive on that fact here.

Relatedly, when the disco ball drops earlier in the warehouse, Claudia does her own take on the Saturday Night Fever dance…

…then devastates Artie by incorrectly dating the Disco Era. Find approximate dates and more info here.

Then Miranda compared Deanna Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Tara Maclay from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

First of all, the episode of Buffy that we referenced was Season 4, Episode 16 “Who Are You?”

Second of all, we made a Buffy reference, so… You know… Take a shot.

Then we talked about Myka’s reaction to Pete referencing a rabbit’s foot as a lucky charm.

That was both a great reference to the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland…

…and a great reference to keychains from the 1990s and early 2000s. For those who don’t understand that reference, I was gonna link to some funny pictures from that era, but googling “rabbit’s foot” actually led me to down a sad path, so… like.. Not gonna share that.

Then we talked about how Pete saying “Kirk out

…was an improvised line that referenced Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series and the communicators they used as well as to the flip phones from the era just before warehouse 13 premiered.

Then, both Ben Raab and Eddie McClintock explained that the reaction on set to Eddie saying “Kirk out!” looked something like this…

…until the network gave them the all-clear.

Winding things down for this episode, Miranda and I figured out what a Roulette table looked like:

…and appreciated Claudia’s knowledge of CIA laser mics. Turns out, laser microphones are really a thing!

Finally, for this week’s

~HEAVY THEMES~

…we talked about how off-putting Miranda and I found it when Alice (as Myka) drank both on the job and in front of Pete.

Not all people in recovery are triggered when people drink around them, but some are.

Here is an article from American Addiction Centers on how best to support an alcoholic and support their recovery.

If anyone has resources that they find helpful, we’re always happy to add them to these show notes or create a page devoted to resources for things discussed in our Heavy Themes sections. 

And, with that, we are done with Part 1!

 See you next time, Agents.

[popstarryeyed]

(found in my drafts)

so about that new photo of hozier:

i have several thoughts so let's number them.

1. this is a sexy photo and i can prove it with science some vaguely academic theories

      a) the human eye is drawn to faces, connecting with people's personalities through facial expressions. in particular, it's common to hear that 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'. one of the easiest ways to tell if an image is objectifying is to check if the person's face and eyes are visible. if they aren't, that visually encourages you to focus less on their personality and more on their body.

removing a face isn't necessarily sexual objectification or even inherently bad (i would argue that Hozier is also objectified on his first album cover because parts of his body are literally replaced by objects) but in this case i would argue this photo is sexy because of the following

      b) this is the most skin he's ever shown. obviously, it barely registers on the scale of celebrity nudity, but it is a notable departure for him and therefore calls attention to itself.

      c) clothing falling off is often a visual signifier of sexuality, going all the way back to ancient Greece where Aphrodite was, in contrast to other goddesses, often depicted with a strap of her dress falling down. in more modern times, there's Theiss Titillation Theory, named for the costume designer on the original Star Trek who was know for making scandalous designs that looked like they were about to fall off. it's a Thing, and i don't think this photo invokes it unintentionally because the shirt is very intentionally draped to display the tattoo.

      d) lounging on a couch underwater with a shirt falling off is exactly the kind of staged casualness that’s a hallmark of “sexy photoshoots”. like, he’s supposed to look relaxed/thoughtful here, but i’m pretty sure he was actually just focusing on holding his breath.

2. the tattoo reveal!

      a) according to Hozier’s Guitars on twitter, the tattoo reads “Noli Timere”, Latin for “don’t be afraid” or “be not afraid”. apparently, those were Seamus Heaney’s last words.

      b) quite predictable for Hozier's tattoo to be Seamus Heaney-related. he’s mentioned Heaney’s work as an inspiration multiple times.

      c) i’m also thinking that the sentiment ‘be not afraid’ might be one that he’s needed over the course of his life, since i can imagine the fame thing would be daunting for a guy who identifies himself as a “gangly introvert”.

      d) i can’t wait for the all the interviews where he gets to give credit to his friend Stevie Appleby. they’re both sweet spooky boys and their friendship is adorable. 

3. the uhhhh...actual song that this photo is announcing

      a) i saw it live, it’s so good you guys. here’s footage from the concert i went to (not from me, my phone ran out of storage space after two songs). you can also just search it on youtube. 

      b) he posted a clip of the music video on Twitter, and apparently it’s Sergei Polunin dancing - y’know, the guy from this video that your mom probably shared on Facebook back in 2014/2015. he and Hozier kind of both went viral because of each other, so it’s great that they’re working together officially, 

      c) some people actually thought it was Hozier dancing in the video. lol. this is what Hozier’s dancing looks like.

[okimargarvez]

LOVELY SIDE EFFECT

Original title: Piacevoli conseguenze.

Prompt: Luke get’s hurt, settled during 14x13.

Warning: none.

Genre: family, comedy, romantic.

Characters: Penelope Garcia, Luke Alvez, Roxy.

Pairing: Garvez.

Note: oneshot 46 in Garvez collection.

Legend: 💑😘🐶🎵.

Song mentioned: Troppo bene per stare male, Tiziano Ferro.

GARVEZ STORIES

LOVELY SIDE EFFECT

 As soon as they land, Penelope runs out of the waiting room and doesn't stop until she reaches the jet ladder. She completely ignores the rest of the team and approaches the Latin agent. -Luke!- she calls him, a first time with a tone obviously anxious, but also a certain amount of reproach. -Luke, what have you done?- is a rhetorical question, because she already knows the explanation, but she needs to vent everything she has felt since she received that call.

He scratches his head, somewhat embarrassed, though also pleased, of this sudden flare of interest in him by the oracle of the BAU. -It's nothing, it's just a superficial cut...- he tries to belittle the thing, while his cheeks turn red, because they are not alone, and he can feel on himself the looks of others who are coming down now from the plane.

-It's not a superficial cut!- she blurts, silencing him abruptly. Meanwhile one by one their colleagues passing next to them, someone showing indifference, someone leaving a nice little smile declared to be painted on his lips. -Reid told me, that...- she holds back for a second, trying to reject the need to say a dirty word, but then just can't do it. When its needed its needed. -...that bitch stabbed you!- she shouts, stifling the anger she feels. Luke is even more shocked because he has never seen her so nervous, nor has he ever heard her say a non-kind epithet to anyone. But he doesn't have time to think abut it, because he feels himself being dragged by one arm, the healthy one, fortunately. -Let's go to the emergency room, c' mon.- she says, pushing him towards the parking area.

He doesn't know why he is protesting, why he not just accepting what happens, because it is nice to be at the center of Penelope's thoughts. But maybe it depends on the fact that he doesn't want to weigh on her, he doesn't want to make her waste time. For once, it's better to selfishly enjoy the situation. -But they have already settled me...- he tries to convince her, not very decisive, while they are walking briskly in the direction of a very particular car, as well as its owner. Here is the famous Esther, whom he has heard about.

In any case, she doesn't want to hear it. She stops in front of the passenger seat and opens the door for him. Luke laughs; how many times did he imagine doing the same for her? He willingly accepts her help, though he would be able to do it himself, and tries to focus on something other than the blond woman's thighs a few inches from him. Here, that little bear that hangs next to the rearview mirror is perfect for him. -Maybe they weren't careful enough. - he hears her say, as she starts the engine and goes, leaving the BAU headquarters behind. -It's better to be sure.- she adds, in a lower tone of voice. Her eyes never leave the road. For a while, he limited himself to admiring her while she drives. Why does he think this is an extremely sexy thing? But everything she does makes her sexy, damn it. Her fingers moving on the steering wheel as she takes a turn or signals, or changes gear to stop at the traffic light, and those legs, so uncovered, and yet not enough...

He clears his throat, because he feels dry, despite being practically drooling. -Penelope...- then he comes out from his mouth, nothing more intelligent, in spite of the thousand high thoughts that run around his head. He always ends up making the idiot, with her.

He sees her looking at him just from the corner of her eye, just a second. -What?- she asks, passing the tongue on her lips, a gesture that she does when is extremely concentrated, is what Luke deduces, the profiler no longer in training.

He sighs and takes courage. He must take advantage of this moment, maybe she will never be so worried for him again, he doesn't get hurt so often, fortunately, even if he would be willing to take a bullet for her... Stay focused. -Are you okay?- here, he did it again, another stupid thing. But basically it is what he really wants to know. And it's also the only thing that matters.

To his surprise, the woman bursts out laughing. But it is a bitter laugh and certainly not amused. -You ask me if I'm okay?- she answers in turn with a question, just shaking her head, her hair dancing on the shoulders, so sensual. She seems to wonder how he could have dared to say such a thing. But then she changes her mind. -Yes, of course I'm fine.- she's lying, but so clearly that maybe he should consider it a mockery. -If it were not that two of the people I love most in the world risked being killed, but... they're the professional risks, right?- Luke doesn't hear the second half of the sentence, because his brain repeats like a broken record two of the people I love most in the world. One was Rossi, who lived something worse than him, even though he didn't want to talk about it with anyone. And the second was him. There is no need to ask for confirmation.

The man gives another sigh, looks out the window, then at the bear that seems to return his look and give him the coward and idiot. -You look angry...- he ventures to say, in a low voice, a sad tone, hoping that this is enough not to make her alter even more. She rolls her eyes, before taking a left turn. Luke knows that road well, and he knows that they are almost there to their goal.

Penelope waits a few seconds on purpose, to make him anxious. -No, no, angry, why should I be?- her tone is clearly ironic, but he can recognize many nuances of a wounded person, suffering. But he can't believe it could be for him. -I don't understand how Lisa can handle all of this every time.- the woman adds, but almost in a whisper, so that he can't hear it and doesn't even ask her to repeat. He just misses an ounce of courage to put his hand on hers on the gear while she is taking the last street.

-Are you angry with me?- he merely asks, shuddering, waiting for her answer. This time she doesn't make him wait a long time, she bursts out completely, even giving a punch at the wheel.

-Yes, I'm angry with you!- she admits, but incredibly doesn't scream and this makes it even worse. -Do you realize you could have been killed?- she says, twisting her lips until them bleached. -Think if she would have hit you in the artery, or in the heart ì...- he doesn't have time to correct her, she understands alone -no, surely you were wearing the bulletproof vest, but... but she could have hit your neck!- she concludes, satisfied that she has proved the validity of her theory.

This time Luke doesn't let himself be stopped by his fears of being rejected. -Hey, hey, breathe.- he says, with a sweet and affectionate tone, while he caresses her fingers on the steering wheel, with his right hand. -It's all right, it's just the arm, I was lucky.- he adds following the same melody. Penelope doesn't answer anything, doesn't react in any way, pretends to be too focused in finding a parking space.

-Yeah.- she opens his mouth again, before putting the handbrake on. -We arrived.-

 **

 A few hours later, they go back to the car. This time she doesn't open the door and Luke resists the temptation to return the favor, because he knows that if he did it, she would blame him because the doctor said he must rest, and it would not do any good to remind her that he has two arms, and he can still do a lot of things without compromising the injured limb.

Penelope, again, looks at him as little as possible. -So?- he asks her, feeling a little more secure than before. -Are you happy now?- Luke, however, turns his head without shame in her direction, and imprints the details of her face on the retinas.

-Yes.- she replies in a rather neutral tone, something too strange for Garcia, suspicious, and even worrisome. He looks at her fingers go automatically on the radio knob, old-fashioned, very charming, like... like her. All without obviously looking away from the guide.

My dear love, I dreamed of you, tormented inundated by the sea, I woke up and I saw, it's a relief to go away, it's an offense to stay...

He doesn't let distract by music anyway, he stays focused on her, just for a change. -Mmm, you don't seem to me quiet.- he has the courage to point out.

Penelope seems annoyed, upset. -Alvez, please, try to shut up.- his first reaction to being called by surname is sadness. He is now used to being Luke for her too. But then, the malice takes over, the desire to prick her, because he loves their bickering and he missed a bit them.

...it's a crime remain closed in this dark place, a joy to find myself talking about the future... shame... rancor... refreshment... but now forgiveness, forgiveness.

He then frowns, and looks at her through the rearview mirror. -I am Alvez, now?- even the tone that comes out is provocative and flirting. She tries to show indifferent or irritated by his tricks, but a half smile escapes her, and she hurries to erase it.

-Well, the fact that you are hurt doesn't change your being unbearable.- she answers, shuts him up and clearly enjoying this quick success. In fact, Luke is not offended, on the contrary, he is in turn pleased with her ability to develop sharp and spot on answers. Another of the things he finds sexy in her. Probably (surely) even if he saw her throw a card in the trash, he would think how sexy she is. You will come back hurt seriously rather than offer a remedy and then heal... you will walk forever in silence rather than telling me even once "comes back to me"! It is for this reason if he is silent, paying attention to the words of that strange song for the first time. Too late to make it better, too better now to feel bad, I'm too good now to feel bad, I'm too better! And apparently, it's not the only one. -Look, even the radio is make fun about your stupidity!- she points out, just giggling. The man doesn't reply anything, he just smiles and enjoys that sound. Unfortunately, at this time the traffic is much little, so too early he sees the street where he lives. -We arrived.- in fact, Penelope says, parking a short distance.

Luke scratches his head, feeling that he should say something smart, at least now, before saying goodbye, something that makes her at least guess how much she impressed him and made him happy to receive her attention, so that maybe it can repeat in the future, maybe without he must get a stab... -Well, then... thanks for the ride.- but his brain, once again, doesn't want to collaborate. He curses himself, but tries not to show her own inner struggle, so as not to seem also crazy.

But Penelope still has a wild card to surprise him with. -What do you think?- she asks, looking at him perhaps for the first time in three or four hours directly in the eyes. How much he missed doing it. When he looks at her, something happens inside of him, it's hard to explain, it's not that everything around him disappears, but he can't see it perfectly. -I have to make sure you're not alone.- she says, speaking as if it were an obvious fact and he was a fool for not having understand it on his own. Luke doesn't feel like replying, but as a small personal revenge he slams the car door, still receiving a bad look. And he also opens the door. -Is Lisa at home?- she asks as they get on the elevator to reach the floor of his apartment.

He understands that this would be the right time to tell her, to let her know the big news, but then, he can't do it. -No.- he answers. -In fact...- just at that moment the doors open and he surrenders. Who doesn't know how, she is able take possession of the keys, she steals them and turns them in the lock, as if this had always been her home.

As soon as she enters, she is overwhelmed by an orange tornado. -Roxy!- she exclaims in a sweet tone, bending down to let himself be kissed. -Hello lovely!- she caresses her and makes some little cricket behind her ears. There was never a need for him to tell her that her dog loved that kind of pampering, she already knew it by herself. -Be a good girl, daddy is a bit battered...- she adds in a lower tone, but not enough for Luke, who hears it. The man trembles, feeling overwhelmed, submerged by too many emotions. Then she stands up and seems to notice some other details. -But... where are her things?- she looks at him, looking for some telltale sign, in search of the lie she thinks he will say. -Why is your house so... empty?- it's clear how she tried to look for another type of adjective, but she couldn't find it.

Luke sighs. This time it's inevitable, he has to tell her. And why he doesn't want her to know? He knows perfectly well that he will never have even a 0.000000001% of hope, until Penelope will continue to believe that he is involved with another girl. -Well, you know... we broke.- it's all he can stutter. Because he also knew that she would take it badly, certainly more than him. Because she thinks he's sad, maybe that Lisa was the love of his life... but it's not like that.

And in fact, this time no unexpected surprises, everything going as expected. -What?- she asks first, unable to conceive of it, blinking her eyes and opening her splendid red mouth wide. -When?- she adds, with the same expression on her face.

He is about to tremble. -It... it was shortly after that thing of the party at my house...- he explains, reluctantly, clarifying with his own way of making his discomfort and his intention not to add other details. She seems to give him a truce.

-And you didn't say anything to anyone?- is the third question in a row that she asks. It looks like an interrogation, but he survived to the polygraph, and it gave him less stress. -Or only to me?- she adds, suddenly, looking at him already with a wounded expression.

He can't allow her to believe that he doesn't trust her, that he was afraid that by telling her, in a while all the building would know everything, like that time with Tara's brother. -No- he is quickly to deny then -look, I...- but then he fails to add anything else, has a lump in the throat and although he is not about to cry, his eyes are still big and shiny, and she, believing that both are for the pain of having loosing Lisa, she feels the need to comfort him.

-Oh, Luke! - she exclaims with a tone so sweet, broken voice, which reminds him when he came out of the elevator to give her Lou, after... he doesn't want to think about it now. Penelope hugs him, holding him tightly against her. Nothing to do with their first hug, which he also had enjoyed immensely. But then she comes off suddenly. -Oh, sorry, I didn't want to hurt you!- she says, bringing her hands to her face, worried and guilty, although he hasn't even issued a moan of pain. -How are you?- she asks him, stretching out her hand as if to verify something, and then pulls away halfway.

He feels obliged to reassure her and once again he is forced to fight with his own fear. -No, no, I'm fine and even if it was painful, it would be worth it.- he can even add, amazing first of all himself. He expects her to laugh in his face, makes fun of him or finds a way to belittle what sounds like a half declaration, like "If I ever do become the someone...". Instead, Penelope blinks and bites her lips.

-Oh, how sweet you are!- she says, letting go to the emotion. -But then how will you do it, are you going to be ok alone?- she starts again with the concerns. If he wasn't afraid that she could misunderstand him again, Luke would giggle or at least smile. -Do you need help?- she asks him directly, and he certainly can't answer with the truth. -I don't have anyone waiting for me at home, except from Sergio, but he will survive... if I can do something for you...- again he can hardly hold back, but he feels a thrill of excitement when she, innocently, points out the fact that only her black cat awaits her, not another man, Canadian or of other nationalities.

He just shakes his head. -Uhu, Penelope, I don't know, you've already done a lot and...- it seems that without wanting to have said the right thing, he has expressed the correct magic formula. The woman lights up and returns to show decisive, as when she dragged him to her car, now a lifetime ago.

-C'mon, don't even joke.- she exclaims, only realizing at that moment that she is still wearing her coat. She goes to hang it where once there was a doctor's coat. -Now I'm going to make you a cup of tea, which is always a good idea.- it is clear that it is not a negotiable option. -Sit up, like a good guy.- she gives him a slight nudge, forcing him to execute her kind order. Then she fades into the kitchen, leaving him alone with his own thoughts. It is the first time that there are only two of them in his house. Except from Roxy, who looks at him as if she too thought he was a stupid, moreover without courage. Then he realizes that she has been away for too long and reaches her.

He sees first two steaming cups and then she, her shoulders bent and head bowed, her body jerking slightly. He has to be completely silent to catch her sobs. -Garcia?- he calls her a first time. -Garcia?- he tries again, but she doesn't move. -Penelope?- he exclaims then, in no way hiding his concern. -Penelope, are you... are you crying?- he takes a step towards her, and then another. She just turns around. She doesn't dry her eyes, like the other time, but she doesn't try to deny the obvious.

-No, yes... just a little.- she admits at the end. Luke just doesn't get there.

-Why?- he asks, stroking her shoulders and seeing her jump. -Did something happen that I don't know?- a thousand theories go through his head in those brief seconds.

-No, it's just that...- she still doubts whether to say it and then throws herself. -I realized suddenly that I really risked losing you.- she confesses, and takes a little too much to correct herself. -We risked losing you, I wanted to say.- he doesn't point out this to her, because he understands that it could only make the situation worse and risk that she could closing up even more like a hedgehog. -It'll pass.- she reassures him, but her cheeks are still red, like the eyes.

-You will not get rid of me so easily, baby.- it escapes him, without any premeditation, as it happens too rarely to him to get real results. She doesn't seem to want let him off the hook, and turns completely towards him, raising a single eyebrow.

-Baby?- she repeats, confused, but apparently not annoyed.

Luke knows that now the damage is done, then shrugs. -What, did I do wrong?- for his immense joy, Penelope shakes her head and smiles.

-No, it's just that it's... it's weird.- he agrees with her, nods. It's weird, but in a good way, it's weird because it's new, it's weird because he's not Derek and he feels more for her than the chocolate thunder. -Now we have to drink tea, before it becomes cold.- she can find a way to change the subject, grabs everything and moves to the living room, quickly followed by the man.

 **

 They didn't mention the moment when she should have gone to her house, because neither of them wanted it to come. That's why it's late-night, and she's still there, sitting on his couch, while he's gone to the room to change his clothes. -Urgh, I would like to know how the hell a person could take off a shirt with one arm only.- she can't hear every word, but especially catches his moans and his pain screams held back. -In the movies they make it seem so easy...- she gets up and stops at the door, undecided whether to knock, then the hand acts without asking permission to the heart.

-Luke, is everything ok?- she asks. -Can I go in?- but she has already opened the door, because in fact only in case he was naked she could stop.

-Yes, come in, even if I'm not a pretty picture.- Luke answers. For a moment she seriously thinks of beating him for the bullshit he said. In what condition, in which universe Luke Alvez could not be more than excellent sight for the eyes? But then she desists and only sighs, annoyed.

She notices first the sweat on his forehead, then his eyes, bright and his expression so depressed and disappointed. -What... why did not you call me?- she asks him, without waiting for an answer that doesn't really interest her, because she has her theories. -You shouldn't be ashamed of me. By now we are like brother and sister.- he can't bear this.

-Mmm, brother and sister?- he shakes his head and decides that he couldn't be more humiliated. -I don't think about you as a sister, Garcia.- he raises his eyebrows and gives her a clear and determined look. Penelope, however, is able to get out of hindrances.

-Ok, take a deep breath, courage...- she approaches and gently begins to pull out one arm, then the other and the head last, until he remains bare chested. -Huh...- even he, from the height of his ingenuity, he realizes that the moment of confusion is due to his pectorals, so he stops feeling embarrassed. -Here, done.- she exclaims, shivering, before recovering completely. -Yes.- she nods to herself. -Now we put the other shirt.- she speaks with a soft and calm tone, as if he were a child, and manages to make him perform the operation in a totally painless way. -Finished.- she sighs. Then she seems to realize the way Luke is staring at her. -Maybe... maybe now I should come back to my home.- she tries to take a step away from him, realizing that she is too much, too close him, although in recent weeks they have been very close, but not so much. But he stops her, grabs her by the arm, naturally using the right hand, the healthy one.

-No, wait.- she stops, giving herself the excuse that she does so not to make him do useless efforts. -Penelope, did... did you worry about me? But I mean really really worried?- the specification is necessary, because he doesn't want to live in the gray area anymore. He wants concreteness and security, he wants her to help him get dressed for the whole week in which he has to keep the bandage, and he also wants that she not go back to her house tonight.

-I..- she falters, feeling trapped. -...no, I was worried about Roxy and Lisa, that is, when I thought you were still with her, and then without you how I could do it, with whom I could make joke and...- she raves, and usually he loves hearing her talk, listening the sound of her voice, but he understands that there is also something else that he can love even more, so he catches her again, this time by placing his palm open hand on her back and pushing her towards him, until their lips meet, attracted like magnets from opposite poles. -What... but you were not hurt?- she doesn't ask him why he kissed her, her only concern is his health, and he almost lets himself be moved by seeing her so stubborn, but then malice overcomes because a kiss alone can not be enough for him. In fact, the hand remained on her back.

-Yes, but in the left arm, the right one is in great shape and I don't need much else to...- he winks, but then moves on to concrete facts, moving lower, slowly, just because he doesn't want to ruin everything because of the rush.

-Hey, honey, stay fresh.- here's the playful Garcia. -They told you that you don't have to force it, you don't have to make sudden movements.- she reminds him, trying to instill a little common sense to the man. Luke snorts, making her giggle.

-Imagine if I couldn't have this misfortune.- he exclaims, clearly annoyed. She keeps laughing. -But I'm not a mummy, I can still do a lot of things...- he knows it's a losing battle, but as they say, sometimes the best part it's in the journey, not in the destination. And in this case the best part is in playing with her even knowing the verdict already.

-How long have you like me?- she asks him, surprising him for the umpteenth time. The man scratches his head, for a moment, letting himself be panicked, as he would have done before kissing her. But then he remembers this little detail.

-Urgh, a question a bit too direct.- he comments, taking time and certainly not because he doesn't know the answer. -I think... since we met.- he reveals, not too embarrassed. Penelope nods, as if to say that she hadn't expected anything different, although nothing before the kiss had let him believe that she knew what he felt for her.

-Practically three years.- she points out in a decisive tone, as if she were simply quoting a case report. -You held on for three years, you can resist two more weeks, don't you think?- that's where she wanted to go.

-Ugh.- Luke snorts again, sitting on the bed with a thud. Roxy licks his hand, as if to share his pain.

-Come on, don't make that face.- Penelope affectionately scolds him, caressing his cheeks and sitting next to him. -There's always something we can do anyway.- she says, winking, before starting over where they had stopped.

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