#angelique special

[variouspolltournaments]

Submissions for the Otome Heroines Tournament.

Submit an Otome Heroine, along with where they come from and (if you want) propaganda through ask or submit a post.

They must be from an actual otome game, otome isekai heroines do not count. Just to make sure we’re all on the same page here.

Top 6 submissions are the ones I submitted myself.

@tournament-announcer

Submissions in bold have propaganda, submissions not in bold do not have propaganda. Whether they do or do not have some already, you are still free to submit some.

All Tournaments can be found on my pinned post. There you can see the ones that have been completed, the ones that are currently running, the ones that are pending and the ones that have submissions open.

SUBMISSIONS:

Rin/Chihaya: Yoshiwara Higanbana

Angelique Limoges: Angelique

Chizuru Yukimura: Hakuouki

Lucette Riella Britton: Cinderella Phenomenon

Morgan Leone: Gilded Shadows

Mai Mizusaki: Ikemen Sengoku

Sian Goodin: Backstage Pass

Kayo: Ken Ga Kimi

Alice Liddell: Heart no Kuni no Alice

Teuta Bridges: Bustafellows

Julia Darwin: Shall we Date? Love Tangle+

Valerie Amaranth/Diamond Heart: Magical Warrior Diamond Heart

Hiyoko Tosaka: Hatoful Boyfriend

Nora Lewis: Changeling

Tifalia: Radiant Tale

Byakuya/Olympia: Olympia Soiree

Heroine: Amnesia

Kisa Tachibana: Jack Jeanne

Anastasia Lynzel: Even If Tempest

Ceres: Virche Evermore

Hiyori Sena: Charade Maniacs

Lynette Mirror/Cupid: Cupid Parasite

Kotone Awaki: Café Enchanté

Mei Ayazuki: Meiji Tokyo Renka

Luna: Love Spell: Written in the Stars

Cardia Beckford: Code: Realize

Yui Kusanagi: Kamigami no Asobi

Haruka Nanami: Uta no Prince-sama

Yurika Arisu: Taisho x Alice

Little Painter: Lovebrush Chronicles

Ichika Hoshino: Collar x Malice

Beniyuri: Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly

Jed/Eiar: Psychedelica of the Ashen Hawk

Liliana Adornato: Piofiore

Youran: Mr Love Queen's Choice

Iris: Moon Observatory Iris

Nanami Shiranui: Norn9

Koharu: Norn9

Mikoto Kuga: Norn9

Rinka: Bad Apple Wars

Rosa: Tears of Themis

Yui Komori: Diabolik Lovers

Hibari Tojo: Variable Barricade

Fuka: Ozmafia

[wait-still-rendering]

I'm so deep in jrpg lore and girly games that I finally learned about angelique special

[averlym]

some very very quick costume shorthands!

[incorrectandjuliet]

Lance: I'm autistic and my special interest is cheating on my wife.

[montygatorguy]

juliet was definitely one of those kids that bit her nails a ton as a nervous habit. she still does it sometimes when she’s super stressed.

[gingerbreadfrosting]

[merci-bitch]

So long, farewell

Angelique Bouchard x fem!reader

Summary: When you are reborn as a Collins, Angelique faces a dilemma.

Warning(s): angst?

A/N: hi! Been a long time, now this one is long. Quite long. I absolutely loved writing it, specially the first bits. I’ve had the honour of getting help from @arewecoolio . You’re an absolute doll and I thank you dearly for helping me with this! Xx

Now if there are any spelling mistakes or such, please let me know and I will fix it!

Taglist: @escapetodreamworld

Through the dark corridors of the manor, a woman was walking with her head held high, despite being a maid. A bucket in hand. The sound of her heels clicking against the marble floors, and the flush of the water brushing up against the sides of the bucket echoing throughout the corridors. Rounding the corner of the corridor, she lowered herself to the floor and began washing the surface beneath her. The French doors leading to the balcony in front of her open, letting in fresh air. Despite the cloudy sky, the sun shone through. Lighting up the room and the woman sitting on her knees on the floor. She looked up when she heard sounds coming from outside. She saw the Lord’s son and a woman. She felt a sudden fury arise inside of her. Just as soon as her anger had begun, another sound came, but from behind her. The woman looked behind her. It was you.

“Oh, I didn't know you were washing the floors in this wing of the manor, Angelique.”

Angelique didn't answer you and looked forward again. Only to see the two people on the balcony kiss. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to love her, and only her. Your eyes followed what she was looking at. You slowly lowered yourself to your knees next to Angelique. You saw the intense look in her eyes and the way her knuckles were turning white from the grip on the brush.

It wasn't a secret, at least not to you. You knew of her attraction to the Lord’s son. Perhaps you were the only one who’d noticed. The way she would look at him. In that way, you’d look at her. You knew it was wrong. A woman couldn't possibly love another woman. It was unheard of. It was dirty, and yet Angelique made you feel different. You dipped your brush in the bucket next to the older woman and began washing the floor by the French doors. Catching Angelique off guard.

“What are you doing?” she said. Her tone carried the intense look from her eyes. They were sharp. You almost wanted to run away and hide from the gaze—those dark eyes. You'd dream about them.

“Helping you.”

-

Angelique remembers you. She remembers how she wasn't supposed to fall in love with you in the end. It wasn't fully love. Barnabas was her love, yet she couldn't get you off her mind even after you were taken from her. She felt this possessiveness over you. You were innocent. You always looked at her. You never gossiped about men like the other maids did. You were burned into her memory. Your eyes, your face. Everything. Even after she’d cursed Barnabas, you seemed to know everything about her. It was as if you knew she was a witch, but that was ridiculous. No one knew.

When you died, Angelique felt another wave of rage arise from within. You died from an illness that wasn't treatable at the time. She did everything she could think of but nothing worked, and for the first time in her life Angelique felt as if she was failing someone. Of course, the feeling went away quickly. It wasn't like her to suddenly show mercy to her feelings. She wasn't a failure.

She was by your bedside when you passed. Seeing the life disappear from your eyes made Angelique feel strangely empty. Why, she couldn't understand. She didn't love you. Despite your confession to her just then, but then again you wouldn't leave her mind. After your death, she kept seeing you everywhere. Your scent kept following her. As time passed Angelique became more of what she was. Creating her own story of ancestors into the new world, you still followed her. She never thought you'd be reborn as a Collins and ruin her plans yet again.

-

“Oh, it is lovely to see you again.”

“It's nice to be able to come back, mum. I know that I said I would come back sooner, but with graduation taking up a lot of thought and time and then you know I just had to travel with my father,” you said with a smile. You looked up and looked into the eyes of your mother.

“You may look like me, but this spontaneous side of you certainly came from your father.” your mother said. Flicking the hair out of your eyes.

“I hardly know what you mean. I am pure innocence.” you grinned. “Is Carolyn in yet?”

Elizabeth scoffed. “As if she ever leaves her room. Now, I do have one more important thing to discuss with you. You see, we have a guest.”

“A guest? Is it someone I know?” You asked curiously as you walked up the stairs alongside your mother. The house seemed to look so much different from when you were here last. Or perhaps that was just the boarding school talking.

“No, you don’t but he is family. His name is Barnabas Collins, the third.” She said with an unweary tone. It confused you. Was this relative, not someone she liked? Then why were they here?

“Is everything alright mum? He isn’t dangerous is he?” You joked.

“Dangerous? Whatever do you mean?”

“You know, like a vampire or something.” You gestured with your fingers to your mouth. Creating fake fangs. The look of short horror in your mother’s eyes spoke differently to the joke. Not seeing the fun in it at all.

“Will you stop that at once? Behave yourself. Go and unpack your things in your room.” Your mother pointed in the direction of your room. You held your hands up in defence, grabbed ahold of your bags, and walked further up the stairs and down the corridor to the right. You walked further down the corridor and opened the door to your room. The chill hit you immediately like a slap in the face. It sent a shiver down your spine. With a breath, cold enough to see it echo out in the room, you stepped in and closed the door behind you.

This room could have used a duster. You walked over to the large windows and with a small struggle, you finally got them open. Walking back into the center of the room you started unpacking when you suddenly heard a loud banging from downstairs. You walked over to the window again, only to see a red car in the courtyard out front. It looked far too fancy to belong to your family but perhaps this was the relative your mother spoke of?

Leaving the clothing item in your hands on the bed, you walked out of the room and down the corridor again to see whoever it was that was banging an awful lot at the door. As you got closer to the main entrance and living room you heard voices. Looking around the corner from the top of the stairs you saw your mother with her back towards two people. A dark-haired man and a blond woman. The more you stretched out to see, the less room you had on the step.

Upon your noise from the stairs, Elizabeth turned around.

“Ah, Y/N, this is Barnabas.” She pointed to the man who then turned around. A small gasp left your lips. The man was pale like snow. A tall and strong figure and dark eyes. The woman behind him seemed frozen in her spot.

“Hi.” You said and waved as you walked down to stand next to your mother. Barnabas reached out a hand to shake yours. It was awfully cold and your mother seemed to notice your hesitation as you shook his hand, hence the nudge to your side.

“And this is Angelique. She owns Angelbay.” Elizabeth said with a tight lip. “Angelique, Barnabas, this is my oldest daughter Y/N.”

The woman walked forward and shook your hand. Her grip is tight. Her eyes were dark, but shining in a way that intrigued you. Her eyes looked like they were searching for something in yours, and she wouldn’t let go of your hand as you tried to pull away. Her grip only tightened.

“It’s uh, nice to meet you ms. Bouchard.” You said, sending a glance your mother’s way. Asking for help perhaps? But as you looked back at the woman in front of you, you felt that sudden feeling again. A feeling you couldn't quite explain. Not even if you tried to.

“You’re someone we haven’t seen around here before. Where have you been hiding this one, Liz?” Angelique turned to your mother and said. The movement with her head was almost doll-like. Despite turning her attention to your mother, she didn’t let go of your hand.

“She lives with her father in England. He shipped her off to boarding school.” Elizabeth said, her eyes finding Barnabas’s behind Angelique’s back.

“England? How unusual. Seems like such a waste to ship her so far away.” As she said the last part, her grip tightened even more. You hissed slightly as you felt the bones in your hand start to grind together. Finally tearing your hand away from her grip, you let out an awkward chuckle. Drying your now sweaty hand on your trousers. The woman in front of you looked almost offended as you rubbed your wrist with your other hand, but the expression was quickly changed to something else. As if she’d let her mask slip.

You heard your mother speak, but you didn't hear what she said. The woman in front of you was far too intriguing. She terrified you, but at the same time, there was just something about her that you couldn’t quite place.

Angelique couldn’t believe her eyes. Was this some kind of punishment sent from her ancestors? Sending you back to her, as a Collins? And as Elizabeth’s daughter out of all? As if she didn’t have enough trouble with Barnabas coming back. Her only love. You just had to be reborn. And you just had to choose to be reborn now. Like Barnabas, you hadn’t changed a bit. Despite being reincarnated again, and being born from another mother. Your eyes. Those same eyes that had told her the truth so many centuries ago. A truth she didn’t believe. Did you remember her like she remembered you? Was this some hideous trick of faith? Of course not. Angelique made her pathway to faith.

-

You’d imagined your life coming back to your mother’s would have been strange, but you hadn’t imagined this. Ever since that encounter on the stairs, not only had your mother been acting weirdly towards you, but so had this new relative of yours. Barnabas.

You’d heard of the story of David’s mother, Laura. It was heartbreaking to see the boy still walking around claiming he’d spoken to his mother. In some way, you could relate to losing a parent. After all these years, despite having your father, someone was missing. You would never mention it to your mother. She seemed to have enough on her plate, not only with just Carolyn.

This doctor. Julia Hoffman. Your mother spoke so highly of her. With sarcasm. Despite your mother’s information that Julia was sleeping off one of her hangovers, she still walked into the dining room with a glass in hand.

And this Vicky. She seemed sweet enough, but something wasn't right with her either. Barnabas seemed exceptionally taken by her. It was a little sweet, but it certainly wasn't what you expected.

Perhaps it was just because you were an outsider at the moment. You didn't truly know anyone. Sure, you knew your mother and your half-sister. Your uncle and his son, but did you genuinely know them? The real truth was no. As you walked through town, this wasn't something you could remember from when you were last here as a child. Your mother had told you of how Angelique had burned the Collins business to the ground with her own company. Angelbay. Despite the name, you had the feeling she was far from an angel.

As you weren't a child anymore and hardly needed supervision, you took a walk. Since nobody else seemed to be even the slightest interested in showing you around, you figured you’d do it yourself. You'd seen a bookstore, a record shop, and a small diner. Being this close to the sea would have been nice if it wasn't for the awful smell of fish the closer you got. You stood by a fence, looking out over the water. The sky was concealed away by the clouds.

“Don’t you have far more interesting things to do?”

A voice from behind you spoke. Startling you out of your trance. Looking behind you, you saw that same woman from earlier today. Although now she wasn’t wearing that skirt. She was wearing trousers.

“Oh, hello again ms. Bouchard. I was just taking a look around town.” You said, suddenly feeling nervous under her gaze.

“Please, call me Angie. No need for such, formalities.” She said with a wide smile. Her tone was teasing as she spoke. She walked up the few steps and stood next to you, leaning up against the fence. Turning herself towards you.

“Of course, I was only being polite.” You said as an apology. Looking down at your hands. You felt so out of place here. It was as if you’d arrived in a whole different world. If Angelique noticed, she didn’t say anything.

“How are you liking the town so far? I’d expected Liz to show you around.” Angelique said, purely faking her enjoyment.

“It’s nice, I suppose. A bit different to what I’m used to. She was supposed to but something came up and here I am.” You shrugged your shoulders and gave a small smile to the woman in front of you.

“How about I give you a little tour then, hm? Finish off with some dinner?”

“Oh, Angie that’s real sweet of you but you’re obviously a very busy lady. I couldn’t possibly ask you to do that.” You tried to reason.

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t have the time, and it is my responsibility on behalf of the town council to welcome new members to Collinsport,” Angelique said, her tone firm.

“Oh, alright then. Why not?” You said with a small smile and then followed her back down to the road.

-

You felt very uneasy with all the eyes staring at you and you were certain that it wasn’t because you were new in town but because of a certain blond sitting across the table from you.

“Would you like to leave?” She asked calmly. She seemed used to having so many eyes on her.

“What? No, of course not. I’m just not used to, you know.” You said, trying to gesture with your hands.

“Not used to having dinner with a woman, you mean,” Angelique said as she leaned back in her seat. Bringing the coffee cup up to her lips to hide her smirk.

“No! I didn’t mean it like that. This is great. You’re great. I just meant-“

“You think I’m great? My, completing me already? Darling, I’d thought I’d at least buy you dinner first.” Angelique‘s smirk only grew as she spoke. Despite this not being her original plan, she wouldn’t deny herself the fact that she was enjoying herself. You really hadn’t changed a bit. Even now, you still resolved to a blushing mess before her. She’d forgotten how much she had had you wrapped around her finger.

“Buy me dinner? You don’t need to do that. What I meant was all the staring.” You leaned in and whispered the last part to her. Trying not to let her teasing affect you. Angelique leaned in as well and didn’t look away from the eye contact she held with you.

“Oh, it’s no trouble, darling. It seems that they are just as interested in this new thing coming into our town as I am. It is not every day we have a newcomer.”

“You must be used to all the eyes on you all the time. I mean you’re practically famous!” You said popping a chip into your mouth with a small smile. Angelique let out a chuckle.

“I know how to do business right and so have the women in my family. I won’t stoop so low to not walk around without everyone’s respect. But not all like me, you know.” Angelique said, taking another sip of her coffee.

“Who?”

“Your mother for one.” She said. Her eyes suddenly sharpened when you looked down at your plate. Crying your fingers on the napkin in your lap before looking up again. Her eyes changed once again, as quickly as the wind.

“Half the time I’m sure my mother doesn’t even like me. You’re not special.” You said without even realising it.

“Not special am I? Now that’s a first. I must admit.” Angelique gasped. Enjoying the way you suddenly choked on your drink in realisation.

“Oh my god. I am so sorry Angelique. I didn’t mean it like that. Please believe me.” You almost begged. Angelique only hummed at you, with a small smirk on her lips as she paid the bill and walked out of the diner and stopped by her car.

“I apologise for what I said, Angie. Truly. You must know I didn’t mean it like that.” You said, hoping you hadn’t offended her.

“I know what you meant. I would have thought you and Liz were the best of friends.” She croaked her head to the side, watching you. Leaning up against the side of her car. Her skin shone in the darkness from the pale light of the streetlamp.

“Well, I suppose not. I feel like I hardly know anyone. Especially not that new relative that showed up all of a sudden according to Mum. Barnabas or whatever his name was.” You shrugged, not noticing how Angelique’s body language changed at the mention of his name. Her ears spiked and her body reacted to it like a drug.

“No?” She asked with fake curiosity. Crossing her arms.

“You met him. He is very strange, but sweet I suppose. They all stare at me, much like those people in there.” You pointed at the diner. “You’re the only one who hasn’t looked at me strangely, and I hardly know you.” You risked a glance at the older woman in front of you.

Angelique hummed again before replying. “Some people are special. Different from others. Some people who are different can only understand each other.”

As she spoke, you thought she talked about you. In reality, she spoke about someone else.

In the end, all you did was shrug your shoulders as a response to what she said. You looked up at the sky and sighed.

“I should probably be heading home, Mum’s probably worried sick already. It was nice meeting you under different circumstances, Angie. You’re not as bad as they say, or as my mother says. Thank you for today.” You gave the woman a smile to show your gratitude before turning slowly away to walk on the payment beside the diner.

“Where are you going, Y/N?”

It was the first time you’d heard her say your name. It sent a shiver through you. The way your name rolled on her tongue made it sound so different from when everyone else said it. You turned around in time to see her open the car door.

“Well?” She said with a raised eyebrow. “Are you getting in or what?”

“Oh, it isn’t necessary. I can walk-“

The glance she gave you was enough to make you shut up and walk those few steps towards her and get into her car. She closed the door and walked around the car and got in the driver's seat. As she turned on the engine, she gave you a wink.

Angelique might not have been entirely sure what she was doing with you. You didn’t remember her, and even though she remembered you and your confession of love to her on your deathbed, she didn’t need you. On the other side though, you were suddenly a way to get to him.

-

“And where have you been all day?”

You turned around and saw your mother leaning against the doorframe of her office. She must have heard you come in.

“Out. Seeing town, and making new friends.” You shrugged and turned to leave, but she grabbed your arm and pulled you inside. “What are you doing?” You asked, shrugging out of her hold.

“And out of all the people in town, you chose Angelique as your new ‘friend’?!” Your mother nearly shouted at you.

“What is your problem, mum? Honestly. There’s nothing wrong with her. She was being nice, and she showed me around town and then bought me dinner. That’s all. It’s not like you went with me.” You scoffed and walked over to the large window on the right. The one with the view down to town.

“Nothings wrong with her? She’s a-“

“A what mum?” You turned around, glaring at her. Daring her to continue her sentence. Elizabeth gave up, took a breath and walked up to you, grabbing you by the shoulders.

“Look Y/N, there are some people who are different. Some people do not wish us well, and Angelique is one of them. She ran the business to the ground and has continued to poke us out as strangers to this town. I’m only looking out for you, and you know I didn’t leave you to go out alone on purpose, but I certainly did not mean for you to go handholding with our enemy.”

“Enemy? What is this, seventh grade? She was nice to me mum. She didn’t look at me weirdly like you all do, and she for one seemed genuinely interested in spending time with me.” You turned around again and looked out the window. You felt your mum’s grip on your shoulders tighten.

“Please promise me that you’ll not meet up with Angelique again. She means only trouble.”

You let out a heavy sigh and unwillingly agreed. You didn’t listen to what your mum then later said. Something about rebuilding the Collins fish business. Your mind kept wandering back to the diner. To the day you spent with Angelique. To the way she kissed your cheek before you got out of the car. Purely innocent and done as a friendly gesture of course, but it left you feeling different each time you thought of it. Developing a schoolgirl crush on your family’s sworn enemy on the first day of meeting her surely was something. If not the wrong thing.

-

As time went on, you did your best to obey your mother’s order to stay out of Angelique’s way, but of course, rules are meant to be broken. Technically It wasn’t you, it was her. It was always her these days. You couldn’t get her off your mind. You’d seen her in town and always looked her away. Even unknowingly. Now that the family business was up and running again, it caused even more tension to grow between your family and Angelique herself.

You felt as if you were stuck in the middle of it all. She wasn’t all that bad, was she? She had only ever been kind to you. Your mother and Barnabas kept whispering in secret at times. You always wondered if it was about her. Angelique. He seemed to know her, which surprised you when he was visiting from England himself. And if you were to believe your mother saying it was the first time he was visiting, how could he possibly know her? You almost felt jealous. Not only by the attention he was given by your mum but by the attention given by Angelique.

It sounded ridiculous, you hardly knew Angelique. Sure, she had shown you around town and bought you dinner, but that was it and since your mother had forbidden you to meet her, It was quite impossible. But there was just something about her that caused your mind to wander. Daydreaming had never been something that had affected you, that was until now. She was everywhere in your thoughts.

“Y/N!”

You jumped as you heard someone bark your name. Turning to your side, finding your mother standing there with crossed arms and a rather disapproving look on her face.

“Eh, sorry. What do you say?” You cleared your throat and sat up straighter. Trying not to make it look like you were just caught daydreaming. Again.

“What on earth is going on with you? You’re hardly listening to me at all. And this isn’t the first time this has happened. What’s gotten your mind so occupied you can’t even think to listen to me when I speak to you?” Your mother barked at you. Staring at you intensely. You suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

“Nothing mum. I promise. I just haven’t slept well, that’s all. I’m sorry.” You tried to reason. Hoping she’d fall for the bait and leave it alone.

“Perhaps you should see Julia.”

Now this surprised you.

“What? No. Of course not. I’m fine. I promise.” You said as you stood up and pushed the chair you’d been sitting in, in. “I think I’ll take a walk. You know, to clear my head.”

“This is about Angelique, isn’t it?”

You froze.

“What? Why would you say that?”

“You’ve been acting weirdly ever since I told you, you couldn’t see her again or under any circumstances talk to her.”

“I’ve been acting weirdly? Says the woman who’s been whispering in secret with this new relative who showed up out of the blue.” You sparked back at her. How dare she?

“Barnabas and I aren’t secretly whispering and he is as much a Collins as you are.”

She kept on going with her speech. Your mother was always wise when it came to words and at this moment, she seemed to favour him over you. So you left for that walk.

-

Summer was going away as the leaves were falling off the trees and the clouds coming back with rain every other minute. The air was damp but cool. Perfectly enough to help you cool down. You’d never been the one to raise your voice at your parents, but your mother seemed out of line these days.

As you walked alongside the shops, the wind was getting harsher. The clouds were getting darker too, and you could almost smell the incoming rain, but it didn’t bother you. You stepped into a coffee shop as the sky finally opened up. Just barely making it inside without getting drenched. You sat in a corner booth and drank your tea while watching the rain fall. Rather depressing, but given the circumstances it felt right. Perhaps the only right thing to do after a fight with your mother. It made you miss your father and your home.

“Is it just me, or are you always alone?”

A voice behind you spoke. You turned around and felt the air leave your lungs for just a second.

“Angelique.”

“So you do speak. I was almost certain your tongue had been cut off.” Angelique said as she sat down opposite you.

“Oh, no I haven’t been ignoring you if that’s what-“

“Oh, but that’s exactly what you’ve been doing, isn’t it? Did Mommy finally tell the tale to scare you away from me?”

“You know that’s not true Angie.” You tried to defend yourself. You knew it was useless as she had some right in what she was saying.

“Isn’t it? It wouldn’t surprise me. Liz has always seen me as the big bad wolf. I can leave if you’d like.” She said, halfway out of her seat.

“No! Please, don’t go.” You said, rather fast. If not too fast. And a bit louder than you would have liked. Angelique’s lips curled into a grin and sat back down again. Lightning a cigarette.

“So tell me, why the sudden silence? I thought we were friends.” She said as she blew out the smoke.

“Yes I know, and I’m sorry. Truly.”

“Funny, I’m suddenly getting déjà vu from this conversation.”

You looked down at your hands. A small sense of guilt finally creeping up on you. You suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

“How about we talk somewhere else, hm?”

You looked up and saw her staring at you rather intensely. With a small nod, you got up from your seat and followed her out in the rain. Knowing your mother would probably have a fit if she knew what you were doing right now. You got into her car and let her drive off to whatever place she had in mind.

That place being her house. It wasn’t what you had imagined when she’d offered to speak somewhere else. It was a house on a hill a little further away from town and of course, it was a big one. Despite the big house, it didn’t look as modern as you thought on the inside. Sure, marble floors in the hallway and a massive golden mirror, but it was elegant. Fitting for someone like Angelique. You suddenly felt even more out of place.

You nearly jumped as you felt someone come up behind you, only to remember it was Angelique herself. She’d pulled off your coat. With a hand on your lower back, she lead you into the house. The room on your left was the living room. A room with windows looking out over the town, much like the ones in your mother’s office. Two big white sofas surrounding a fireplace.

“You have a beautiful home,” you said as you looked around. Large paintings hanging on walls. On the other side of the room was a record player. You couldn't help but let curiosity get the better of you, and walked over. You peeked through all the records she had. Most of them being French. You should have guessed it. She did have a rather French name after all.

“Have a thing for music, do you?”

You turned around to see Angelique holding two glasses of wine and an amused expression on her face.

“Oh, I didn't mean to look through your things. I was just curious.”

Angelique nodded her head towards the sofa closest to the fireplace and sat down. You walked over and sat down next to her but at a distance. She handed you one of the glasses but you refused politely.

“What, you don’t drink?”

“I’ve never had alcohol before no. My father doesn’t really drink. Well, not unless it’s scotch.”

“Try it.”

You had a feeling she wasn’t going to give up so you did. It tasted bitter and you made a face as the liquid went down. A laugh arose from the older woman next to you before taking a sip of her own. “You’ll get used to the taste.” She said, closing her eyes and leaning back against the sofa. Basking in the warmth from the fireplace. You couldn’t help but stare at her. It wasn’t intentional but you couldn’t look away. Her pale skin shone in the light from the fire just as it had done with the light from the lamppost that night. You almost wanted to touch it.

Angelique knew you were staring. She had a sixth sense after all, but it felt just like it did all those centuries ago. Your eyes on her at every possible moment of the day. Something in her enjoyed it. She wouldn’t admit it to herself, the fact that some part of her had missed you. Never, but now that her last meeting with Barnabas hadn’t ended well, despite the lustful hour of what she would call love, she couldn’t help but think of the possibilities of having you on her side. What it could mean for her and Barnabas.

She opened her eyes again and caught you staring. You quickly looked away, a blush forming on your cheeks as you’d been caught. A small chuckle came from the woman next to you. Her chuckle was low and sultry, sending a shiver down your spine. Her gaze lingered on you, suddenly cloudy and intense as if she could see right through you. The room seemed to dim around you and the air thick with anticipation, as her hand slowly reached out to touch yours, igniting a forbidden desire within you. You looked down at where her hand suddenly grasped yours, tugging at it. Pulling you closer to her. Your knees suddenly touched hers. You looked up at Angelique again, only to realise how much closer she was. Letting out a gasp as a reaction.

“Don't be shy," she whispered, her voice smooth like velvet. “I don't bite. Well, not unless you want me to.”

The blush that had previously appeared on your cheeks crept up your throat once again. Angelique’s other arm was draped over the sofa’s back. A shiver went through you once more as you felt her fingers trace the skin of your wrist.

“Tell me, how are you getting along with this new relative of yours?”

“He’s nice I suppose. He taught me how to play chess. He’s been spending a lot of time with Vicky. They go down to the water quite a bit with David.” Your eyes had turned to the fireplace, so you didn’t notice the way Angelique’s eyes changed as you mentioned Vicky. She wasn’t going to be a problem much longer. How odd. You being reborn, and Josette too.

“How do you know him?” You asked. Turning back to her, unknowingly curling yourself more towards her. The question caught Angelique off guard. She hadn’t thought of a cover-up story for this.

“We met here in Collinsport. The same day when I met you.”

“Funny, you seemed to know each other, even back then.”

“Funny indeed.”

“I should probably go. It’s getting late, and I wouldn’t want to be a bother.” You said, clearly sensing it had been the wrong thing to ask. As you got up, Angelique grabbed your hand. Her grip was just as tight as the day you met when she wouldn’t let go of your hand. It was giving you déja vu.

“Stay. Have another glass of wine. You’re an adult, aren’t you? Mommy doesn’t need to know where you are all the time.” As she spoke, she filled up your glass and handed it to you, tugging you down to sit.

-

You had shared a bottle. Or mostly, you had drank it. Angelique had had two glasses. It had left you woody, and more unaware of your surroundings than before. Leaving you prey to a predator named Angelique. As the evening went on and the more alcohol you consumed, the more you fell for her trap. Her small touches and her eyes looking you over. You were done for.

Your head was lying on her shoulder. Your body curled into hers as you comforted yourself in the warmth from the other woman. Her fingers were running through your hair. Your eyes were slipping shut and a pleasant hum left your lips. It was a moment someone would have called soft. Not Angelique of course. She wasn’t soft, but she always had a plan.

“Feeling tired, Y/N?”

You hummed in response. Wrapping your arm around her waist to hold onto her. Angelique chuckled to herself. She let you fall asleep curled into her. She hardly knew what time it was, and she didn’t care. The longer you stayed with her, the more of a riff there would be between you and Elizabeth. The more you would be on her side. Of course, it wasn’t because she enjoyed it. Having you so close to her. She was only using you to get to Barnabas. That was what this whole thing was about. Angelique had realised long ago that you didn’t remember anything from your past life, but her plan had always been to use you to get to him.

-

“I love you, Angelique.”

Angelique froze upon hearing those words fall from your lips. She refused to look you in the eye when she moved again. You grabbed her hand and begged her to look at you. Even on your deathbed, you needed to see her one last time. With her by your side, you could pass on peacefully. She didn’t say anything as she sat down. She let you hold her hand. She didn’t understand why you would say such a thing to her. She didn’t love you. She wasn’t sure she liked you. But from the moment you started, you’d been on her side. You had been able to read her like no one had before. Perhaps it was for the best that you were dying. Who knew what you would do if you found out she was a witch?

“I love you.”

She saw the life drain from your eyes. Those three words being the last you said, and the last you said to her left her with a strange feeling. Suddenly, something else was happening to her. She was feeling something other than hatred for Barnabas' denial. She was feeling empty. The anger was quickly coming back. She wouldn’t let the death of you come in her way. No matter how it made her feel.

-

The dream still haunted you. It didn’t feel like a dream. It felt like a memory. Something that happened a long time again that you suddenly remembered, but that wasn’t possible. Was it?

It had been days. Everything was going into chaos. There hadn’t been any time to stop and think about it. Especially not now when the factory was burning up in flames. You’d been in your mother’s office as it happened. She wouldn’t let you leave her eyesight when she found out you’d spent the night at Angie’s. You didn’t remember it. You didn’t remember any of it. The only thing you remembered was that dream. Everything felt so different. Suddenly Julia was missing and nobody knew where she’d gone. Barnabas and Vicky had disappeared as well. You might not have grown up with your mother, but you knew she wasn’t doing well. Something was stressing her more than usual.

As you walked down the stairs to the front doors, you heard sirens. Your mother opened the doors and walked out. You walked out behind her and saw Angelique’s red car pull up alongside a police car. People from the town were gathering in the driveway.

It all went by so quickly as Barnabas suddenly walked out behind you. You’d walked closer to your mother as he suddenly grasped Angelique by the neck. The gasps from the people alongside your own as he bit into her neck echoed throughout your head. Your mother’s accusation of Angie being a witch as she suddenly threw Barnabas back into the house with ease. Her skin looked even paler as she turned around again after greeting the people behind her. It looked as if it was cracking. Like porcelain. A feeling of dread went through you. Perhaps your mother was right after all.

You’d followed your mother back into the house, standing behind her as she fired the shotgun. It all happened in the blink of an eye. The house catching on fire, Carolyn being a werewolf and Angelique making the house bleed. David’s mother’s ghost appeared and screamed Angelique up into the chandelier. Making it crash down into the ground. Your mother carried Carolyn out of the house, screaming for you and David to follow, but you couldn’t. Something in you couldn’t move. Instead, you ran to her.

“Angelique?” You said, your voice trembling with both fear and sorrow. For a reason, you couldn’t understand. That dream came rushing back to you. It wasn’t a dream, was it?

“Angelique, I remember where I’ve seen you before.” You said. You didn’t fully understand what you meant as you spoke, but the woman in front of you did. A glint of something other than pain flashed through her eyes. Her skin looked like a smashed porcelain doll. You looked behind you and saw Barnabas standing there. A scream of your name, coming from your mother made you move. Standing just by the door to see the life drain from Angelique’s eyes as she turned her head towards you.

Something in her was trying to tell you something just before it disappeared. It hit you like a slap in the face. A cry erupted from your lungs as the ceiling fell over Angelique. You almost ran in, had it not been for your mother’s arms dragging you away from the sight of your burning home. It had never been the house or your family. It had always been her. She was your love. Your true love.

[lacunafiction]

I recently received these two fun questions from the Forum: 

“1 - will there be a second tea vs cocoa vs coffee showdown in B2?, and 2 - Is there an in-universe reason as to why Ruby is specifically called Ruby?”

So, I thought I would make a quick post to share their answers here too! :D

1. The MC's drink choice will indeed come up a few times during Book Two! A tea party will require them to indulge in some tea one (1) time, but I'm certain the individual who meticulously planned it included something for your MC's tastes. A minor spoiler: For certain readers, Judith (the little girl you can meet in Book One) will weigh-in on the battle of hot drinks. It can be a cute/funny scene to trigger. 😀

2. Here's what I've said about Ruby's and Reese's names when revealing part of why I selected them. All of the names in TFS tend to have deeper meanings. 

Ruby

It has Latin origins from 'ruber' (red) or 'rubinous', but both mean a deep red precious stone. This name holds a certain sultry elegance along with the stone itself that has had more staying power than other names that relate to jewelry or precious materials.

Reese

Meanings such as ardor, passion, and fiery are all embedded in this name, which pairs well with R's character, especially if you read a particular exchange with Mrs. Dorran in Book Two during an evening excursion. It has a Welsh origin. 

These names just seem made for R as a character! Although I think they can take on even deeper meanings on their romance route where they can express ardent feelings for the MC and show how much they treasure them above all of the Verner glitz. While their character color is more so black than red, we do see a link with Angelique and how R does also favor reds, purples, and more traditionally aristocratic pops of color. There is also a spoiler element to R's name that I'm sure will hit many of you in the feels once you figure it out. 🙃 It's fully revealed in Book Three, but there are hints even in Book Two. 

_ _ _

Hopefully, you're all doing well! 

My relative silence on social media might make some of you wonder if I am in fact lost in Fernweh. 🌲The answer is a resounding 'yes'; I've been engaging in a constant and steady writing blitz to then hopefully return to answer questions and better engage closer to a demo drop and tentative release date, etc. It brings me so much happiness to write; it's my outlet, so that's my utmost priority aside from some family care-giving/time together and my cat*, of course.

(*Yes, he is also included in the family. He just gets a special mention.)

Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding! 💚

[why-i-love-comics]

X-Men: The Wedding Special #1 - "An Interview With Chris Claremont" (2024)

by Angelique Roche

[crusxs]

ANGIE BOUCHARD ── `` MIDNIGHT SPARKS﹕

fourth of july. cursing. cigarette smoking. kind of detailed. fireworks woke you and angie up. fluff. angelique x fem reader. kissing. overworked. let me know if y'all are into these short ones. ✶ holiday special - fourth of July

You woke with a sudden jolt, your entire body trembling at the deafening boom that shattered the stillness of the night. However, Angie remained perfectly still beside you, her only reaction a slight furrowing of her brows. The noise seemed to be nothing more than a mild irritation to her. You turned to look at the alarm clock behind Angie, its bright red digits glaring 12:01 am. A heavy sigh escaped your lips as you shook off the last remnants of sleep. Just a few hours earlier, you had been certain there wouldn't be any fireworks; they usually started at 10 pm. Yet, to your dismay, they chose to begin right as the calendar flipped to July 4th.

A second thunderous boom ripped through the air, dragging you back from your thoughts. The bed dipped as Angie shifted, letting out an exasperated huff. "What the fuck are they doing? It's midnight!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief despite how often it occurs. Her eyes locked onto yours, and she threw her arms up in an accusatory gesture, as if you were somehow responsible for the commotion outside.

Angie's appearance was a stark contrast of disarray and elegance. Her blonde hair was a wild tangle on one side, frizzy strands cascading over half her face, giving her a disheveled look. Yet the other half of her hair remained impeccably in place, flowing smoothly against her skin, highlighting her natural beauty even in the middle of the night. The disparity was almost poetic, a visual representation of the chaos and tranquility Angie gave in her presence.

Before you could answer, Angie turned and walked out of the bedroom. You propped yourself up on your elbows and swung the covers off, the cold air prickling your skin with goosebumps. Quickly, you got out of bed and followed her, but she wasn't in the living room. Glancing toward the back screen door, you saw a puff of smoke drifting in the air. It was unmistakably Angie. Stepping outside, you found her sitting on the back steps, the faint glow of fireworks illuminating the night sky. You sat down beside her, leaning your arm against hers. "It'll be over soon," you said softly. Angie was always tired, working long hours and coming home late even on holidays. The Fourth of July was just another source of stress for her.

She placed the cigarette back between her lips, her cheeks lightly moving as she let out a puff of smoke. Angie shook her head, her lips curling into a teasing smile as she removed the cigarette. "Don't look at me with those eyes," she said, the cigarette perfectly balanced between her fingers. You realized you had been staring at her lips and quickly shook your head. "What? I wanted the cigarette," you protested, taking it from her and placing it between your own lips, taking a long drag. The fireworks crackled and boomed above, casting fleeting bursts of light across Angie's face. Her tired eyes watched the display with a mixture of resignation and weariness, the shadows under them deepening. She looked different in this light, her usual confident demeanor softened by the gentle, flickering illumination. You could see the strain of her daily work etched in every line and contour of her face.

The night was filled with the scent of smoke and the distant sound of laughter and celebration. Yet, in this small corner of the world, it was just the two of you, sharing a quiet moment amidst the chaos. The cigarette passed back and forth, its glow a small beacon in the dark. You knew the fireworks would soon end, but the weight Angie carried wouldn't disappear with a burst of color in the sky.

You held out the cigarette to Angie, but she lightly shook her head, taking it from you and extinguishing it on the step beside her. She turned back to you, her left hand sweeping into your hair, her right gently placed on the upper part of your neck. Her touch was warm and tender, sending a shiver down your spine. "Happy Fourth of July," she hummed against your lips, closing the distance between you with a soft kiss. Your eyes fluttered shut as her lips met yours, and you felt the world melt away. Her hand pulled you closer, and a light hum escaped her mouth, vibrating through you before she pulled back just slightly. "I love you, sweetheart," she whispered, her breath warm against your skin. Her words were like a balm, soothing and sweet, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions and shared moments.

"I love you too, Angie," you replied, your voice barely more than a murmur. Her smile broadened, and her lips lightly brushed against yours with every movement, a delicate dance of affection. Another boom echoed through the night, and you turned your head to see multiple fireworks exploding simultaneously, their vibrant colors igniting the midnight sky. The bursts of red, blue, and gold painted your figures in an array of shimmering hues, casting fleeting shadows across your faces. You felt Angie's arms wrap around you, pulling you against her, her head resting gently on your shoulder. The warmth of her body against yours was a comfort, a silent assurance that you were in this together. Her breath was a soft, rhythmic presence at your neck, and you could feel the steady beat of her heart against your own.

The fireworks continued to light up the sky, each explosion a fleeting masterpiece, but your focus remained on Angie. Her dark hair cascaded around her face, framing her features in a way that made her look ethereal in the night’s glow. Her eyes, though tired, sparkled with a mixture of love and a hint of sadness, reflecting the colorful display above. The night air was cool, but Angie's presence was all the warmth you needed.

[naturalnish]

I literally went hog on these! This version of Angelique’s design will always have a special place in my heart!

[the-flaming-nightmare]

WIP Wednesday

Tagged by the wonderful @anewkindofme! 💚

Here's a snippet from chapter 7 of Fatherly Love:

Ciel's eyes slowly fluttered open. He lazily sucked on his dummy as he basked in Sebastian's soothing touch, before eventually turning his head and blinking up at the man.

"Good morning, dear one. Did you sleep well?"

Ciel groggily nodded his head, then rolled onto his back and gave a big stretch.

Sebastian smiled down at the boy and moved his hand into his sleep tousled hair, smoothing it out some. "Are you ready for breakfast, then?"

Ciel nodded again and pulled his arms out from underneath his blanket, holding them up towards Sebastian in a silent plea to be picked up.

Sebastian happily obliged and lifted the regressed boy out of the crib. Ciel wrapped his arms and legs around the demon and laid his head on his shoulder, a yawn escaping him from around his dummy.

"But first, let us get your nappy changed and get you dressed for the day."

The butler laid Ciel down the changing table, stripping him out of his nightshirt and the wet garment within minutes. After wiping him down and getting him into a fresh nappy, Sebastian went into the walk-in closet to retrieve one of the new outfits he garnered for his little Master for when he was regressed. He decided on a dark blue, long-sleeved dress with a white bow around the neck and a pair of brown leather boots.

Once the boy was dressed, Sebastian hefted him back into his arms and began to head to the door. Before Sebastian could cross the threshold, however, Ciel emitted a low whine and grasping for something over the man's shoulder.

"What is it, little one?"

"Lulu," Ciel responded, still grabbing at the air behind him.

Sebastian slightly titled his head in confusion at the unusual sounding word, unable to put a description to it. He looked over his shoulder in the direction that Ciel was fixated on; the crib. Or more specifically, the rainbow striped blanket inside. Now he understood what the boy meant.

Warmth filled Sebastian's chest. He loved seeing his little one had already grown so attached to the blanket that he even gave the colorful garment a special name.

"Ah, I see now. How silly of me to forget about your lulu."

Sebastian walked back over to the crib and plucked the blanket out, passing it to the little boy in his arms–who immediately nuzzled it against his cheek with a tiny content sigh.

With his little one calm and happy, Sebastian resumed the trek to the dining hall.

"Alright, baby, you're going to have put lulu on the back of your seat while you eat. Just so you don't get it dirty, okay?" Sebastian said as they approached the table.

Tagging (if you wanna): @angelique-of-the-volturi-guard, @cielconsumer, @deevotee, @nottapossum and anyone else who wants to join!

[vintage1981]

Dark Shadows Remembrance Weekend - July 5 & 6, 2024

Dark Shadows reunion with original cast members David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Nancy Barrett, Jerry Lacy, Roger Davis, James Storm and Lisa Richards

Plans are now complete for a very special Dark Shadows Remembrance Weekend to celebrate the life of Lara Parker, who played Angelique, and pay tribute to the 100th birthday of Jonathan Frid, who played Barnabas Collins. This rare and very special occasion reunites original Dark Shadows cast members to celebrate the lives of beloved colleagues Lara Parker and Jonathan Frid and meet devoted fans of the 1960s Gothic TV series that “kids ran home from school to watch!”

To be held at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, July 5th, Dark Shadows cast members, including David Selby, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Nancy Barrett, Jerry Lacy, Roger Davis, James Storm and Lisa Richards, will be celebrating Lara Parker, who passed away last October at age 84.

July 6th, Dark Shadows cast members will celebrate Jonathan Frid’s centenary with a lunch, entertainment, autographs and collector gift bags. Eventbrite tickets: $60, inclusive.

Hotel accommodations at special rates: Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel PH: (888) 236-2437

To receive special Dark Shadows discount Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel sleeping room rates, call the Marriott reservation line 1-800 or book via the following link before June 13 at https://bit.ly/3PZu92v. A complimentary hotel shuttle from the Hollywood Burbank Airport (aka the Bob Hope Airport) to the nearby Marriott Hotel is available. Dark Shadows attendees receive discounted parking at the hotel.

Dark Shadows was an American gothic soap opera that aired weekdays on the ABC television network, from June 27, 1966, to April 2, 1971. The show depicted the lives of the wealthy Collins family of Collinsport, Maine, where a series of supernatural occurrences take place.

Dark Shadows became popular when vampire Barnabas Collins played by actor Jonathan Frid was introduced ten months into its run. It would also feature ghosts, werewolves, zombies, man-made monsters, witches, warlocks, time travel, and a parallel universe. A small troupe of actors each played many roles; as actors came and went, some characters were played by more than one actor. The show was distinguished by its melodramatic performances, atmospheric set designs, unusual storylines, numerous plot twists, adventurous music score, broad range of characters, and heroic adventures. Dark Shadows developed a large teenage audience and a dedicated cult following. By 1969, it had become ABC’s highest-rated daytime series with viewership in the millions!

The original network run of the show amassed 1,225 episodes. The success of the series spawned a media franchise that has included two feature films (House of Dark Shadows in 1970 and Night of Dark Shadows in 1971), a 1991 TV remake, a 2012 film reboot directed by Tim Burton, and numerous spin-off novels and comics. Kathryn Leigh Scott has narrated all 27 vintage Dark Shadows novels by Marilyn Ross for Oasis Audiobooks, available on Amazon.com.

Press inquiries:

Billy James Glass Onyon PR +1 828-350-8158 glassonyonpr@gmail.com

[tortoisesshells]

I would love to hear your thoughts at length on Jeremiah sometime! where he fits in the gap between the family myth and icon over the fireplace — and the story that gets told to us in 1795? or whatever else you have to say about your special guy.

!!! Would I like to talk about Jeremiah? I always want to talk about Jeremiah. Or Jeremiahs. There's, at minimum, two versions of the guy - possibly three, if we count his remarkably ambulatory ghost/corpse/revenant as a separate version. Which - I think we should? Therefore, we've got three Jeremiah Collinses: Jeremiah, the Ur-Ancestral Collins, who's in no small way responsible for all of this; Jeremiah, Literally Just A Guy, who gets run over much the same way Collinses tend to run non-Collinses over; Jeremiah, the Ill Omen, who's broken free of life and death, but can't escape getting meat-puppeted by his own morals or the narrative, whichever is stronger. At the end of the day, whether he was a tyrant or not, Jeremiah's positioned as committing one of the original sins that haunt the Collinses down to the present - either, as he's first introduced, he enclosed the land that Collinwood was built on and ensured the family would be haunted by the ghosts of those they had wronged, or he married Josette (because of a love spell) when she was to have married Barnabas, and things ... got out of hand from there, leading to the present Collinses being haunted by a very different kind of undead.

I do know that this is a result of the writers either not caring about continuity, or simply not being aware of what was established in episode twelve after three hundred - or six hundred - episodes. But whether or not they intended it - here we are! trying to square the circle of continuity in a show that's allergic to it.

Jeremiah has two ghosts, in a way: the first is the legacy of the portrait over the mantle at Collinwood, who haunts the present Collinses as a man they'll never live up to (and perhaps don't want to live up to, which is a separate kettle of shame) - he was the founder of the Collins dynasty, the builder of Collinwood, whose marriage to Josette la Freniere du Pres Collins ended in the latter's suicidal leap from Widows' Hill. Liz names him as an ancestor whose example they must follow; Carolyn more cynically notes that he was a drunk and a bully; Roger, in the first recitation of the history of Collinwood, implies it was Jeremiah's eviction of the public from Widows' Hill that became some kind of original sin of the Collins line - all the misery Jeremiah had caused the town by the building of the Collins fortune, compounded by one last theft of the place the women of town had gone to watch for the return of the ships. If the Widows' Hill widows are unseen ghosts, present only in the crying of the wind - Jeremiah's ghost is Collinwood and Collinsport themselves, in a way? A more metaphorical ghost than the actual, literal ones we eventually get - Josette herself, starting in episode 70, or Bill Malloy, from 85, or the Widows, from 126.

Conversely, Jeremiah Collins in 1795 is quite literally just a guy. He may be the sanest and stablest Collins we've ever met (I haven't gotten to parallel time or the 1840s yet, so I could be wrong) - he tolerates Joshua arranging his life for him (though he refuses to entertain marrying Millicent, who he doesn't respect in the slightest - still, I suppose we know Jeremiah's a Collins because marrying his close blood relatives is just ... par for the course.), thinks that witchcraft is bunkum in the modern age of the 1790s, and generally tries to do the right thing. This is, of course, no defense against getting roped into Angelique's foolproof plan to dispose of Josette and marry Barnabas herself, and he gets shot in the face for his troubles. He's not the domineering tyrant of the Collins family history; as a living person he's - sort of a non-entity? An afterthought to virtually everyone - useful as a lieutenant/marriage pawn to Joshua, a marriage pawn of a different sort to Angelique, the dead albatross around Josette's neck.

(Then again! Jeremiah'd had a life before 1795, which included marrying Laura and being made a widower by it. There's always room to believe that changed him significantly.)

Jeremiah's literal ghost/revenant (and the second ghost) maybe goes partway to squaring the circle of Jeremiah the Empire Builder and the far more reasonable Jeremiah of the 1795 time travel trip - like most other ghosts (perhaps save that of his estranged wife?) he's out for revenge and to cause problems, though his ghost does appear in Vicki's dreams in the present to warn her that she's in danger from Barnabas. Maybe if he'd been up to those antics through the years that could shape the family's memory of him? A much better explanation is that Joshua simply did what he said he intended to do: edit the family history to be in line with the book that Vicki had brought back into the past with her, to cover up the enormity of what went wrong in 1795 (and, specifically, his failures and the conduct of his only son). Jeremiah gets rewritten as a tyrant because he has always been a tyrant: a neat little continuous loop in time? He gets the worst parts of his family - Naomi's alcoholism, Joshua's tyranny, Barnabas's driving Josette to suicide - as memorials, and the rest of them fade into the obscurity of the past by the 1960s.

By way of continuing to try to square the circle of continuity, and come up with a Grand Unifying Theory Of Who Was Jeremiah Collins, Jeremiah's also got his mirror in the present day like nearly everyone else in 1795: Burke. If we assume that people in the present are some kind of inversion of the people they resemble most in 1795 (stern, active Liz and dominated, conflict-averse Naomi; down on his luck Sam and the aristocratic Andre du Pres, etc.) Burke - something of a tyrannical, vengeful empire builder himself - fits the pattern for a more reasonable, even-tempered Jeremiah. Then again, they've both slept with Laura, and they're both at least a little weird about Vicki, so I suppose we could say they've got similar taste in women, at least?

Then again. Considering Jeremiah is the only past Collins to recognize Vicki in any way, it does beg the question of whether Burke and Jeremiah are entirely separate. I'm not sure that's a useful observation, but I do think about it a lot for a one-off line of dialogue in a 50 year old soap opera.

[dateamonster]

can you speak more on your angel/demon ocs?

heck yea i can

so this is angelique and desdemona

theyre part of a sorta low fantasy verse ive been calling The Other School, wherein all the various special high schools for various magical or otherwise overpowered teens you know from popular ya fiction exist simultaneously, and all those schools send their rejects to an underfunded remedial school called st strange's

i wrote a lil thing with them here!

des was a terror at her exclusive academy for shitty rich kid demons, and in general demon kids ending up at st strange's isnt the most unusual thing in the world (though it does have certain forboding implications, a kid bad behaved enough to get booted from a school designed for literal hellions) but angelique is the first of her kind to attend, a fact made especially scandalous by the fact that her mother is the headmistress of her old school.

needless to say, ange is desperate to get back in her good graces, while des mostly just wants to assert herself as top dog demon, and each of them is trying to use the other to achieve those aims. theyre besties <3

i always want to get more into the other character concepts ive thought up for that verse but i get distracted bc i just like these two soo much lol im a huge sucker for this sort of dynamic

[arewecoolio]

Hi!

The Angie brainrot is baaaack! (It never really went away)

I have a question about the time travel fic. If Reader hadn't travel before Barnabas but post Barnabas, like Angelique full on rage and heartbreak what could have happened? Specially if she found out Reader was a collins?

Hope you have a lovely day! And thanks!

OHHHH now that's something I hadn't considered. I think it would've gone down far differently for the entire timeline tbh. Like as soon as Barnabas is in the ground we see Angelique in the same generation starts up Angel Bay so this is her at full revenge and at full power grab.

I think it would've been messier in a way. One because Y/N would basically be entering into Angelique's "my boyfriend is six feet under rn but I'll dig him up later 🥰🔪" era and in walks her wife like "hey funny story, I kind of need you to send me back to the future." But also because it'd be a bit more difficult to get close to Angelique when she's making all these literal business moves and such? Even when Angelique realizes what her relationship is to Y/N I see her being hot and cold with it, she'll take it as the confidence boost it is and simultaneously hate herself for being like Barnabas in that way.

All in all it would still go down mostly the same route of romance and Y/N eventually telling Angelique she's a Collins. Would it be a death sentence? In a way yeah, Angelique would realize that the curse she's put in place is going to fuck over her wife in so many ways she can't anticipate.

The best part--or the most dramatic part is that Angelique wouldn't and couldn't be certain that her future self isn't married to Y/N out of some long master plot to get back with or at Barnabas. It's what she'd tell herself anyway, but there'd be no end to convincing Y/N to stay. Since she's so busy with founding Angel Bay and settling them somewhere comfortable it's easier and easier to put Y/N's return home off. And since this is Angelique at her lowest and most vengeful I don't think it would take much for Angelique to add another curse to the mix.