#anyways Eleanor looked GORGEOUS

[adylote]

So, I wasn't crazy (maybe a bit) when I felt Arthur's quotes towards Aoi sounds a little… more-than-friendly?

Idk, but I felt bad for Eleanor in THAT panel :( maybe it's because I ship Nightingales haha.

[1d1195]

Most IV

Read Most here | ~ 5.9k words

From me: I wanted this part to be longer but I think you'll like the next part the most.

Warnings: not really anything special about this part. You are going to hear from Lauren again though, lol

Summary: Harry is desperately trying not to scare her away. She is wondering if this was a terrible idea.

The boys were in the living room putting together a bookshelf and a coffee table that she had to buy since the ones in her apartment at school belonged to Addie. It still left no room for anyone to sit but true to their word, they didn’t need it. They sat around chatting and catching up. Making each other laugh. Harry sat beside her and she could feel his gaze on her every time she shifted. Like she was going to disappear.

When all the pizza was gone, the girls had brought empty boxes to the kitchen but again, she didn’t even have a trash can to throw stuff away. “I don’t think I can live three weeks without some stuff,” she admitted wrinkling her nose. The package of water bottles that the boys picked up with the new pizza was already significantly depleted and the empty bottles they had all drank were lining her counter. The boys were going to need trash bags to put the empty boxes and pieces of Styrofoam somewhere too.

She also thought about how she had packed most of her clothing away in the storage pod as well. Underwear was definitely a necessity.

“A good old fashioned shopping trip would do us some good!” Eleanor proclaimed seeing her friend’s frustration grow. Immediately she ushered her towards the door. She glanced back as she grabbed her purse off the counter just in time to see Harry’s head perk up as he looked at her.

It killed her to see the anxiety on Harry’s face as if she was going to disappear again when she walked out that door. She didn’t just ruin the trust between them, she murdered it. “Um...” she swallowed digging in her purse and gently moving away from Eleanor’s hand. “I don’t have any room in my car anyway,” she shrugged and placed her set of keys on the counter. A quiet assurance she would be back. The relief on Harry’s face was almost as painful to see as his anxiety. Both of those sad emotions on his gorgeous face were entirely her fault. “Do you mind driving, Sarah?”

“Of course not,” she shook her head. “El, can you help me move some stuff in the car so there’s room for three of us?”

She figured there was nothing in her car that required two people to move it. But the girls headed out while Mitch and Louis focused intently on the shelf. Niall nudged Harry silently reading the next set of directions on installing the lifting mechanism for the coffee table. Harry got up from the floor and approached her the way a person would approach a deer in the middle of a hike. Terrified that the poor thing would skitter away at the slightest movement. Their friends were still in earshot, and it seemed weird to have a private goodbye when they were only running to get her some necessities. “I’ll be back,” it felt horrible to reassure him of such a fact.

He nodded and forced a smile that tensed on his face a hair too much. It didn’t reach his eyes. Her stomach was in knots at the sight; she felt so horrible. “Do you need anything?” She asked.

He shook his head. “M’good, kitten. Thank you.”

Her heart continued to flutter at the word kitten. Like he didn’t know what else to call her. “Thank you for helping, I’m sure you’re exhausted after your shift, and you probably want to get home or something—”

“No,” he cut her off. “M’happy t’help and be here,” he looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered. It broke her heart all over again that she betrayed his trust. How was she going to make this right?

“Well, thank you,” she repeated graciously. “Really.”

He glanced back at the living room and the boys and then silently, quietly, pushed her into the hallway. With the door closed, he cleared his throat and rubbed his hands on his thighs. “I don’t know how t’say this because I don’t know what the rules are. I don’t know what we’re supposed t’do or feel but I jus’ know m’really jealous of the hugs everyone else got and I know I got t’hold your hand and chat with you for a while on m’own... and I know it’s silly m’so jealous of a hug m’friends—who probably missed you in some ways jus’ as much as I did—but m’incredibly jealous and I jus—”

Her arms were around his neck. Her chest against his, even though there were two layers of clothes between them, she swore she could feel his heartbeat. They fit like puzzle pieces. Because of course they did. If it wasn’t for their words, she wasn’t sure she would know they were ever apart at all. Harry’s arms wound around her waist; he sighed so content. Buried his nose in her hair and breathing quietly beside her ear. He was holding her so close; like she might wriggle out of his arms at any moment. Being this close made her stomach flip. It felt new and familiar at the same time. His body felt so warm and strong but very much the same arms and embrace she was used to from years ago. Her face tucked into the curve of his neck; where his cologne gathered and smelled so intoxicatingly of him, she could have cried. His muscles were more defined, but he was still her Harry.

Except he wasn’t, actually. It reminded her of the final scene of a tragic romance movie where the couple should have been acknowledging how they felt about one another all along. But instead, they moved on.

So, her brain turned on again and slowly, begrudgingly, she pulled away. Slow enough that when she was able to view his face, he was looking at her like she wasn’t going to disappear again. A layer of trust had returned for which she was so grateful it ached like nothing she had felt before in the pit of her stomach. “Don’t want to keep the girls waiting too long,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” he nodded and put his hand on her doorknob. “We’ll try not t’trash the place,” he smiled, that dimple making her weak all over. She didn’t even want to go shopping. Not without Harry attached to her hip. But he wasn’t hers anymore and it was her own fault.

So she quietly laughed at his joke and turned to the elevator after her friends.

*

Did you know you owned everything?

I was JUST thinking the same thing about you. Carter had nothing useful either. We’ve been shopping for HOURS.

She smiled at her phone while Eleanor and Sarah pushed the cart and walked through the store like they were the ones moving into a new place. Her phone rang and she was quick to pick it up. “Did you see him?” Addie asked excitedly. “Was he overwhelmed? Did he cry? Did he kiss you immediately?”

She sighed, blushing, grateful her friends were distracted so they didn’t see nor hear Addie nearly shouting her questions. “Yes, probably, no, no.”

Addie blew out an annoyed breath. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

“Addie,” she groaned with frustration and Eleanor glanced back briefly to see her on the phone. She smiled and then turned her attention back on the array of dishware. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know what? If you remember how to kiss?”

“Jesus. Christ.”

“I’m sorry about your storage pod,” Addie tried instead. “I bet you miss your notebooks.”

There was a pang of anxiety about the fate of her notebooks on a trip across the country that she couldn’t control. If something happened to them, it might make her insane. She really should have at least scanned them onto the cloud. At least she would have something to do when she got them back before the semester started and she was alone in her apartment with her thoughts. “It’s alright,” but it reminded her to snag a notebook from the office supplies aisle as they walked by. She tossed it over the side of the cart. “Once it’s here and I’m settled, I hope you’ll come for a visit. I’m going to have this super comfy air mattress you can sleep on since my bed isn’t here either.”

Addie laughed. “Excellent.”

“I miss you,” she admitted.

“Miss you too. But this is good. Because you won’t get rid of me. I’m so proud you jumped.” Her cheeks flushed.

“Thank you.”

“Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”  

With her phone back in her pocket she glanced at the items in the car that Eleanor and Sarah had selected. They had similar tastes throughout their lives, so she wasn’t worried about the aspect of overall décor and color; but her budget was a bit depleted without a job lined up and dipping into her savings this much was a little worrisome. “We’ve missed you,” Sarah said softly interrupting her thoughts before they spiraled too far. “Think you balanced out the lot of us.”

“I’m freaking out,” she admitted.

They both stopped their leisurely strolling and looked at her nervously. Because terrifyingly enough, she didn’t look like she was freaking out. So the internal side of things must have been bad and they probably had about as much fear as Harry that she might just leave again without warning. She hated that she did this and part of her thought leaving again might be best. Because why would they trust her? After all that. She left without explanation. “Why?” Eleanor asked.

Her voice broke and she sniffled. “He’s going to hate me,” she whispered.

“Oh, for the love of God,” Sarah rolled her eyes and pushed the cart forward not even bothering to entertain her worries. It wasn’t mean and part of her was glad Sarah wasn’t treating her like she was made of glass—she was treating her the way she always had. As if she had never left.

Eleanor smiled sweetly, put a hand on her back and ushered her after Sarah. “Harry will never hate you,” she promised. The relief she felt released a burst of dopamine and made the anxiety she felt disappear almost instantly.

“I hate me,” she grumbled. Eleanor laughed and squeezed her hip.

“We’re so happy you’re back. I don’t know if you heard everything, but Harry wasn’t himself without you,” she explained.

Her cheeks warmed and she swallowed thickly. “It made sense in my head,” she whispered. “I swear.”

Eleanor looked at her sympathetically, a smile that was warm but full of empathy filled her pretty face and she was overcome with how much she missed her friends. If it wasn’t for Addie, there was a good chance she wouldn’t have survived the last three years. “I know. I know you wouldn’t do that without thinking it through,” Eleanor nodded encouragingly. “I just wish you had told us what you were feeling.”

“Yeah, how did you stay off social media like that? I could use a lesson, honestly. All I do is scroll,” Sarah called from in front of them putting a toilet bowl brush into her growing cart.

She was grateful for the kindness her friends shared. “Thank you,” she smiled at Eleanor and then turned to Sarah. “Both of you.”

The pair of them smiled back. “Anything for you, babe,” Sarah assured her.

*

They returned with the items needed and the boys were waiting, ready to take more bags and boxes than she thought the girls could fit in Sarah’s car with the three of them already inside it. They were like an assembly line of grabbing items and bringing them to her apartment. When everyone else was ahead of her, she grabbed the air mattress box. It was heavy and large enough to make it awkward to carry and Harry frowned watching her struggle to lock her car as she tried to balance it on her hip. All while he carried nothing more than a box of pots and pans that weighed probably a fraction as much.

“Swap with me,” he ordered and placed it on the trunk of Sarah’s car.

“Oh... no, it’s alright. It’s heavy and you’ve already worked and—”

He ignored her, pulling it from her grip as she protested, and he marched toward her building. With a sigh, she grabbed the pots and pans, feeling useless and needy again. The elevator signaled the rest were already on their trip up leaving Harry and her in wait for it to descend again. They stood in silence holding their boxes while waiting patiently. “Thank you,” she said again. It felt like a constant in her mouth as the afternoon progressed. “I can’t imagine how tired you must be.”

“M’fine,” he smiled. “Happy t’see you in exchange of m’nap. Also, would’ve gone home t’Mrs. Peterson asking me t’fix her closet door or check her dryer vent.”

She laughed and Harry thought he won the lottery or was struck by lightning. It was the most beautiful sound in the world, and he felt lucky to hear it. The elevator doors opened, and they reverted back to quiet. Her phone vibrated in her pocket; it was a message from Carter.

Addie misses you so much. I don’t think I’ll ever be as good a roommate as you.

“A friend from school?” Harry asked, unable to keep his interest in who messaged her to himself. Harry never saw himself as jealous. But he never had three years of time without her—a whole college career without him by her side. He didn’t know if she had a relationship and quite frankly she was terrified to ask.

“Yeah, umm... his name’s Carter.”

She was replying to his message reminding him where she kept the emergency chocolate for when Addie spiraled. So at first, she didn’t see the way Harry’s jaw flexed so hard she thought he could have cut the sudden tension in the elevator better than the sharpest knife in the world ever could have. His eyes stared straight ahead as the elevator ascended. Her cheeks heated in the small space, feeling mortified that she made Harry feel jealous. God she couldn’t even come home without making him feel bad.

“I met him at my roommate’s dance recital. You would love him,” she whispered because it was the truth. “He started chatting with me all by myself. He calls me gorgeous when he greets me. But the day I met him, I didn’t want to talk. But he was insistent. It’s why I think you’d like him. He inspired a little thing I wrote, I’ll have to let you read it sometime. But anyway... I showed him a picture of my roommate—Addie—and he fell in love with her. Like right there. In the auditorium right as the curtain was opening for her recital. Just her picture, Harry. It was like when Allie saw the picture of Noah in the newspaper in The Notebook. I watched him fall in love with her. I watched it happen,” she smiled at the memory. “He also calls me my favorite matchmaker. He helped us move three times to two different apartments and he never lets me carry heavy grocery bags even though I’m not his girlfriend,” she explained emphasizing that she was not dating Carter. “And he really liked my writing—thinks I’m going to be an instant cult-classic writer. And he was really excited that I decided to come home—even though Addie is being mean to him now, I guess.”

The little story eased the tension in his jaw. She watched it disappear slowly and she wondered if he was going to develop a TMJ dysfunction from how clenched it was for the last few moments. The elevator stopped and he gestured for her to exit first. Before they opened the door where she could hear the rustling of paper bags and the tearing of boxes.

“Where’s the scissors!?” Louis shouted.

“I told you we needed to buy two,” Sarah said grumpily.

“I didn’t know Niall was going to lose them in the first twenty seconds of opening them!” Eleanor protested.

She turned to face Harry, each had a box in front of them, like armor to protect their hearts, whether they knew it or not. She thought about writing that down as soon as she found her new notebook and a pen. The sadness she felt for making him feel jealous still lingered in her. All of the bad choices she made (even though she loved Addie and Carter and wouldn’t have met them without leaving) made her feel terrible on Harry’s behalf. “I’m so sorry, Harry,” she whispered, shame creeping through her body. Without another word, she turned inside before she could say anything else.

Harry stood in front of the open door, noise and chaos ensuing just five feet from him, he worried she was going to get a noise complaint because of the lot of them. He entered the apartment after a few more seconds of silence on his part and even though the apartment wasn’t all that big, he found her instinctively, dropping the box he held onto the counter. He grabbed her wrist like he had a thousand times before, it made her heart flip and flutter like an acrobat in the circus. Without a care of his friends shouting and creating more commotion he leaned in close, so his lips were so close to her ear, she almost closed her eyes to savor the feel of the moment. It wasn’t even that intimate, but it felt like it was.

“I would like t’take you out t’dinner, kitten,” his voice was low and almost gravelly. It warmed her skin and body like nothing she had ever felt before—except she had. Because he always made her feel like this. Ever since they were young, and she knew they were soulmates—even if he didn’t believe in them.

Silently she nodded, meeting his gaze again and smiling. His soft, answering smile was so beautiful she wanted to scream. Thank God she was home.

She excused herself to her bedroom after that, closed the door, where she slid the notebook from one of the bags, found a pen in her purse and drew a heart on the inside cover, listed two names inside it as she always did.

On the first page she scribbled down some notes about how home wasn’t a place, a town, or a building at all.

It was green eyes and a kind smile that made her feel whole.

*

They hadn’t made it to dinner yet. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Her moving in, especially without all her stuff, took a tremendous effort and amount of time. It took a ton of phone calls to stay on top of it and make sure it didn’t get lost along the way because its destination wasn’t meant for a cross-country road trip or any of the stops along the way back to her. In addition to that, she found a job at one of their local restaurants—Niall was happy to call in a favor to the owner who knew his mum so well, so she began working so much. Mainly because she worried about her savings being dipped into because of the move and missing items.

She also had to visit her own mum now that she was closer to her again. Meanwhile, Harry was still on the schedule to work overtime and all his regular hours as well—at least through the cycle of the schedule he was currently on.

So, two and a half weeks had passed since she moved back. Other than the first day they helped move her in, there had only been a handful of sightings. A few of them visited her while she worked, happy to report back to Harry (even though he insisted it was unnecessary but was nonetheless grateful for their intrusion) she was still in town. When he drove past her apartment building (because he was creepy now and scared beyond belief she would be gone in the middle of the night) and saw her storage pod with her mum’s furniture had been removed he felt a ripple of anxiety course through him. It was only alleviated when he saw her car still parked in the same spot that he relaxed. Their group of friends invited her to their weekly summer bonfire but the first week Harry had to work and the second week she had to work.

There was no time for a dinner date to rekindle the love that never left nor ask questions that Harry needed answered.

By then, everyone outside their circle of friends had heard she was home. People eyed Harry like he was a whole new person. “Ran into her,” Gemma smiled excitedly. “She looks beautiful, college was kind to her.”

Harry nodded, the pair of them in his backyard while his mum was inside cooking for them. They insisted on helping but naturally Gemma told him he was grating cheese the wrong way which resulted in a bickering mess of cheese on Harry’s floor and his mum ushering her grown children outside so she could cook in peace.

They were lying in the grass and Harry sighed feeling like the air had been bogged down with pollutants he didn’t even notice for three years because the air was clean now. “Nearly cried on the elevator when she talked ‘bout her friend Carter. Guess he’s dating her college roommate,” he explained. “He called her gorgeous and I thought I was going t’throw up, Gem,” he rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes and sighed. “M’crazy, aren’t I?”

“No more than usual,” Gem smiled. “I told you she’d be back.” Part of Harry doubted Gemma. It was small, but gnawed at him late at night when he missed her most and thought about how nice it would be to have her to snuggle with in his bed. It had been ages since he held her like that. They only had a small number of sleepovers at their age. They were very much still under the watchful eye of their parents at that time. He cherished those memories and often looked at the twinkling stars when he thought about how she would feel in his bed when he couldn’t sleep.

“Yeah,” Harry smiled back. “You were right,” he sighed with relief.

“She’s scared Mum is going to hate her.”

Harry rolled his eyes; irritation of the slightest bit filled his body. “Of course she is,” he huffed out another exhausted sigh.

“I told her that was ridiculous.”

Harry didn’t tell Gemma about the dinner date he was waiting for (again) because she already knew. “M’hoping she’ll tell me why.”

“I think we’re all hoping that, Harry,” she reached for his hand and squeezed it. “M’sure if you ask she’ll tell you.”

“Gemma, I hugged her, and I think it cured me,” he swallowed. The way her body fit into the frame of his like they never stopped hugging was so incredible. Gemma smiled fondly at her little brother and nodded. She was certain he was telling the truth. Gemma believed they were made for each other just as much as the rest of everyone else believed. “M’afraid that if I kiss her, I might propose on the spot.”

“Over my dead body,” Gemma laughed. “Mum and I would kill you for not letting us be there,” so Harry couldn’t do anything else but laugh along with her.

*

They were approaching week three and other than run ins as a group and waves as their lives quietly skipped past one another through no fault of their own. But finally, he ran into her at the grocery store. She was in the checkout line waiting and Harry was just grabbing a cart to fill for the week.

“Hey, kitten,” he smiled. She had a basket on her arm that looked like the handles were digging into her skin and he wanted to take it from her but instead she placed it at her feet and smiled back so sweetly as they began chatting.

“Finished with your shift?” She asked.

He nodded. “Yeah. M’gonna go home and take a nap. But m’low on a lot of food.”

“If I were you, I would have bought something to go and went and took that nap.”

“Well, then I wouldn’t have run into you,” he reminded her with a smile that took over his lips before he could stop it. It wasn’t meant to be cute or sweet, but it was anyway. It made her cheeks turn pink and it did feel like fate—even though if this were three years ago, she wouldn’t have even noticed she had run into Harry by chance. It would have seemed like the most natural thing in the world.

“That’s true,” she bit the inside of her lip.

“How ‘bout you? Working tonight?” He asked.

She shook her head. “You can go ahead of me,” she said to the woman waiting behind her who smiled kindly in return. “No... I did a double yesterday and I’m awfully tired myself. A nap sounds like the right idea,” she grinned knowingly.

Harry couldn’t help it. The words came out of his mouth before he could stop them, and he thought it was now or never because they had been doing some kind of dance that he was certain she would write about. Ships passing in the night and all that. Just missing one another and their free time so he had to ask right then. “Are y’free tonight?” He asked. “Other than napping?” He amended with a tired smile. “For that dinner?” He reminded her.

“Yes,” she nodded quickly, immediately. A relieved sigh fell from his mouth, and he thought it was the best news in the world. Maybe even better than the news she was home. Even though he was there in person to see that for himself. She giggled slightly at his relief. Not because it was funny, but because she was relieved too.

“I’ll pick y’up at six.”

*

She was bubbling with excitement as she left the grocery store. Her heart in her throat and she headed to the coffee shop because if she was going to skip her nap to get ready for her date with her ex-boyfriend but also the very same man she’d been in love with since she understood the emotion, then she was going to need caffeine. And back up. A text to Eleanor and Sarah telling them it was date night set them into motion.

“Hey Lo,” she smiled downright gleefully. A date with Harry. It felt like the very first one. “Can I have my usual?” She asked.

Lauren nodded eagerly, a smile on her lips. Her kind friend chatted with her, asking how her day was going, how her studies were and the like. It was unbelievably nice to have her back in town. It had eaten away at Lauren for what she had insinuated. Keeping it a secret from her friend group was abhorrent. She knew it was and so the fact she was home was a good thing.

She was happy to have her friend back. Even though she knew it was her fault she left in the first place. “Harry and I are going to dinner,” she was smiling the way she used to when Harry texted her asking if they needed anything for their study time.

Just like that a switch went off in the pit of her stomach. The envy she felt was atrocious and she wanted to stop it but it was growing like it had the day she had told her Harry deserved more. “Like a date?” She asked in surprise.

She nodded. “I know. It’s...kinda crazy right?”

“Yeah... yeah it is. I’m surprised... he uh...” Lauren swallowed begging her mouth not to say anything worse than what she had suggested three years prior. She had already lost her friend, she knew it. It was a miracle she was home. She didn’t deserve the heartache at the hands of her jealousy. But the green little monster was vicious. “He doesn’t usually go on dates during the week,” she murmured, putting her drink on the counter. It was horrible, watching the bubbly bright smile fall off her face. Literally slid from her lips to the floor in seconds. Lauren turned to the customer that was next in line. “I’m sure it’s fine,” she said as she made the next drink. “It’ll be a nice date.”

But just like before, she knew she planted a seed of doubt as she left the coffee shop.

*

Eleanor and Sarah were already at her apartment when she got there. They had clothing options that they had scrounged together as well as a plethora of makeup pallets that she didn’t have since most of her stuff was still a day or two out. “At least my stuff will be here soon.”

“I cannot wait to see your shoes,” Sarah sighed dreamily. “You always had the best shoe collection.”

“Do you still have your curling iron?” Eleanor asked. “That thing was the most amazing hair styling tool known to man and I don’t know how I have lived without you and it all these years.”

She giggled, grateful for the distraction from her conversation with Lauren. Because honestly, if they hadn’t already been there, she might have cancelled on Harry and thought about moving back with Addie and Carter. Thinking of Addie made her miss her. “Do you guys mind if I FaceTime Addie? She’ll want to know I’m going on this date.”

“Of course not! We’ll need her opinion too,” Eleanor assured her.

So she rang Addie who picked up on the second ring and was immediately squealing with excitement. “I told you he wouldn’t have moved on!” She shouted.

“Holy shit, did you think he moved on?!” Sarah asked.

“Well... I mean... it was three years.”

Sarah and Eleanor exchanged a look of disbelief. “You’re joking, right?”

“I told you,” Addie quipped again. Eleanor was putting eyeshadow on her and her reflection in the mirror suggested she wouldn’t need any of the three cream blushes that Eleanor had laid on the counter. She glared at Addie on her cell phone screen.

“Well...I don’t know. I just figured...”

“Hi Addie,” Carter said. “Wow, aren’t you all dolled up, Gorgeous,” he winked at the screen. Nice to see you.”

“Oh no wonder Harry was jealous of him,” Eleanor whispered delightedly.

“Shut up, he was not,” she gasped.

Addie giggled, pecked Carter’s warm cheek. “Nice to meet you ladies,” he said to Sarah and Eleanor. “Heard tons about you. I’m gonna start dinner, love,” he kissed the top of Addie’s head. “Can’t wait to see the finished product, Gorgeous,” he winked at her again as he left their view.

It was great for her aching heart that her two little families liked each other so quickly. She wanted to ask Eleanor and Sarah about what Lauren had said about him dating but she was scared to know the answer. But if she didn’t know, then it would probably ruin the date. “How... how often does Harry go on dates?” She asked.

“None,” Addie was the one that answered with a shake of her head.

Eleanor snorted. “She’s right,” Sarah nodded. “Harry has been on zero dates. Unless you count Mrs. Peterson needing him all the time to fix something at her house. Then about a thousand, I’d say,” she smiled.

“None?” She asked. “I...” she swallowed. “I thought I heard someone say...he was dating.”

“Who the fuck said that?” Eleanor looked at her in the mirror in absolute shock.

“Oh I just...” she should have told them. They would be able to assuage her worries immediately. “People talk about me pretty loudly; with Harry being a town staple now,” she shrugged. “They think I’m deaf or something,” she explained quietly.

“Harry hasn’t dated anyone,” Sarah stated matter of fact, no room for argument.

“I told you so,” Addie sang through the phone. Eleanor and Sarah smiled sweetly at their new friend within a cellphone screen. “You left your picture here,” Addie said and moved to the kitchen.

“What picture?” Sarah asked.

“Addie...maybe don’t make me look insane?” She suggested and wished she could cover her face with her hands but didn’t want to ruin the makeup.

But Addie was already showing them the picture of her and Harry from their days in school when they first got together. “You had that on the fridge?” Eleanor looked at her with astonishment.

“Yeah, literally from the moment we moved in,” Addie reminded her.

“Harry has the same one on his fridge,” Sarah explained.

“Same what?”

Her head snapped up to the mirror reflection and saw Harry’s frame hovering near the doorway. “Holy shit, sweetie, he’s even hotter in person,” Addie was already swooning.

“Addison!” Carter called from behind the screen.

Harry chuckled, his cheeks the slightest shade pinker. “Hi Addie.”

“Harry,” she smiled unabashedly, unaffected by her compliment. “I can see why she said she would spend thousands of dollars on your calendar.”

He snorted and caught her gaze in the reflection again. He squinted, the screen that showed the picture of the pair of them on the fridge miles and miles away. “That’s on your fridge?” He asked.

“Every morning I stare at it while I drink orange juice from the carton.”

“I told you it was her, Carter,” she said knowingly.

“How did you get in?” Sarah asked.

“Door was unlocked. I heard you guys squealing, so I figured I’d see what you were all up to. Also it’s five fifty five and I said I would be here at six.”

“So punctual,” Addie smiled brightly.

“Well, she’s all set,” Eleanor tapped her shoulder. “Just need to swap out this cute comfy look with a dress.”

“How fancy is the place we’re going?” She frowned.

“It’s not,” he assured her. “You could go like that, honestly. You would still be prettier than everyone else.”

“That’s notebook worthy for sure,” Addie murmured.

“Addison,” this time it wasn’t Carter that said it.

“Have fun, sweetie. Nice meeting you all.”

“Bye Gorgeous!” Carter called as Addie gave a wave and hung up.

Eleanor and Sarah ushered Harry out of the bathroom and she changed quietly. Immediately calling Addie back and pressing the phone to her ear. “Lauren said he’s dating,” she whispered so quietly Addie could barely hear her.

“Lauren can go eat dirt. She’s probably jealous. He asked you on a date.”

She sighed. “This is a horrible idea.”

“No,” Addie was serious, shaking her head even though she couldn’t see. “It’s a wonderful idea. He’s your soulmate who has waited three years for this date. Let him have it,” she whispered. “You deserve this, sweetie. You love him. You just need to jump,” she assured her.

She took a deep breath and looked away from the mirror. “Okay,” she whispered to Addie. “I’ll jump.”

--

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[whimsicalpolitical]

Paris - dad!Ross x Reader

an evening in Paris with your little ones

a bit suggestive but mostly fluff

“Alright, let’s go to the hotel, been a long day for you lot.” Ross turns to his little son, “and you mister,” he squeezes his shoulder, “didn’t take a nap so we can’t have you be up this late.”

Your three year old daughter intervenes, “not tired, daddy. It’s so beautiful! Can’t we stay a little longer?”

Her little hands find his beard having perfect access to convince him with her beaming eyes as he carries her. She tries to turn his head and moves her head really close knowing exactly how she’ll get him.

“Please, please! Johnny are you tired?”

John looks up at his sister and shakes his head, “no, not at all!”

Ross looks at you for help. You grab his left arm to look at his watch, 21:12. It’s not that late but you have a long routine at night and until the kids are in bed and sleeping it takes a lot longer.

“Please mummy, please daddy, we wouldn’t even sleep at the hotel anyway.”

“Fair point,” Ross mumbles, “what is it that you wanna do though?”

Eleanore thinks hard, humming while tapping her chin with her pointing finger. “Uhhh.”

He lets her think for a moment before he tickles her one time.

“My darling,” ross smiles, “we’re here all week and you even have the weekend with your uncle Matty who will do anything you want to do. It’s not-“

“Sit at the Eiffel Tower!” Ellie says.

John immediately joins, “yeah! I can play football then.”

“Oh great,” Ross chuckles.

You lay your hand on his biceps to reassure him that it’s okay for them to stay up a bit late.

“You tried, I reckon they’re gonna be tired later anyway.”

“Hopefully,” he whispers, “a bit f’ knocking around will do the trick.”

Ross smiles and leans his head down to yours to give your lips a little peck.

Your heart warms and skips a beat when he looks at you with his gorgeous brown eyes that you love so much.

“Love you so much,” you say, your cheeks flushing a bit which doesn’t go unnoticed by your husband.

“Can see that,” he jokes, brushing his knuckles against your warm cheeks, “love you too and you know what I’m excited for?”

“What?”

He leans lower to whisper in your ear, “to enjoy this city of love the right way, you know? Might have to steal you away once they’re asleep. It’s still early for us.”

You smile softly, letting your head rest against his shoulder for a moment. “I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

Ross smirks before the both of you get interrupted again.

Eleanore wiggles around in Ross’ arm, “down,” she orders, “dad-“

“Yeah, alright you patient girl, don’t run off though,” he says.

Eleanor, of course, barely hears him, already tugging at your hand. “Come on! Come on!” she exclaims, her little legs bouncing with excitement.

John isn’t far behind, rushing over and grabbing Ross’s hand. “Dad, look, we’re so close now! Can we get even closer?”

You chuckle softly, feeling the contagious energy of the kids pulling you along. “Easy, easy,” you say, though you can’t help but smile at their excitement. “We’ve still got time, don’t worry.”

Ross mock groans, allowing John to drag him along as Eleanor does the same with you. “They’re very lively today.”

“Yeah, if they were only that excited when we actually want to go sight seeing.”

Eleanor interrupts, tugging insistently at both of your hands now. “Look! Lights!” she says, pointing up towards the Eiffel Tower as it starts to sparkle.

The sight of the twinkling lights has all of you pausing, even the kids falling quiet in awe. It’s beautiful, more magical than the photos could ever do justice. You and Ross exchange a soft look, the moment feeling even more special with the kids by your sides.

“Alright,” you say, pulling your phone out. “We have to take a picture now, it’s too perfect.”

Ross lets out a mock groan. “Again? Didn’t we just take one five minutes ago?”

“Oh, come on, you’ll thank me later.”

He huffs but there’s a smile playing on his lips. “Fine, but you’re in this one too,” he declares, holding out his free hand towards you. “John, Eleanor, come here! Group picture.”

John grins and rushes over, and Ross hoists Eleanor back up into his arms, calling out again for John, who comes bouncing back, excited. “Here we go. Big family shot.”

Ross glances at you as he adjusts both kids, “Alright, John, Eleanor, smile for your mum. Look at the pretty lights behind us!”

You snap the photo, and it’s one of those perfectly imperfect ones where everyone’s smiling, but it’s their natural joy that makes it so precious.

“Got it,” you say, feeling satisfied as you lower your phone.

Ross glances at it over your shoulder and smirks. “Not bad,” he says, and then, looking down at the kids, he adds, “Well, shall we sit down now?”

“Can I have the football?” John asks Ross who opens his bag to hand it to him.

“Be careful, lad and don’t shoot at other people, yeah?”

“Got it!” He yells, dribbling the ball around, his shot not going very far so both of you can see what he’s up to.

Eleanor runs after him, “pass!“

You and Ross exchange an amused glance, both knowing it won’t be long before they’re out cold.

Ross settles himself on the cool grass, stretching his legs out, and gives you a quick pat on his lap. You settle between his legs, leaning back against his chest, and let out a contented sigh as his arms wrap around you, pulling you close.

Ross’s hand finds its way into your hair, his fingers lazily brushing through it.

“Y’know, sometimes I think I’m just… too lucky. Look at you,” he murmurs, his lips brushing the side of your head. “Perfect, honestly. Don’t know how I managed this.”

You chuckle softly, letting your head rest against his shoulder. “Oh, you managed just fine,” you tease, nudging him gently. “Besides, maybe I’m the lucky one, having you to keep us all steady.”

He hums, his fingers now tracing gentle patterns along your arm. “Nah. It’s you who keeps me grounded, love. You and these two monkeys,” he says, nodding towards John and Eleanor, who are kicking the football back and forth with the kind of uncontainable energy only kids seem to have.

“Speaking of which…” he whispers, his voice soft, “just look at them. Our little lot. They’re everything, aren’t they?”

You nod, watching as John makes a dramatic attempt at a kick, only to miss the ball entirely. Eleanor bursts into giggles, running over to give him a playful shove. Your heart swells at the sight, and you feel Ross’s hand tighten around yours.

“They really are,” you reply, voice just above a whisper. “I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

“Neither would I. You, them… you’re my whole world. Couldn’t ask for more if I tried.”

You turn your face to meet his gaze, his eyes soft and warm as they lock onto yours. “You’re going soft, you know,” you tease, a grin tugging at the corners of your mouth. “Is this what Paris does to you?”

“Oi, don’t go calling me soft. I’m still the same bloke you married.” He smirks before adding, “Though… maybe Paris does bring out a bit of the romantic in me. It’s hard not to with you sitting right here, isn’t it?”

“Oh, so it’s Paris, is it? Not just me?” you tease, tilting your head back against his chest with a smirk.

“Well…” he drawls, his hand moving to cup your cheek, brushing his thumb gently across it. “Maybe it’s a bit of both. But you—yeah, you’re the reason, love.” He pauses, leaning in to give you a gentle kiss, slow and full of warmth. “You’re the reason for all of it.”

You smile into the kiss, feeling his love settle warmly around you. It’s quiet for a moment, just the sound of John and Eleanor’s laughter in the background.

Ross finally pulls back, glancing over at the kids. “Think we could actually get them to sleep tonight?” He raises an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Oh, I doubt it. Not with how much excitement they’ve had tonight.”

He sighs dramatically. “Guess we’ll just have to wear ’em out a bit more, then. But first…” He tightens his hold on you, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “First, I’m just gonna sit here with my beautiful wife for a bit longer.”

You lean into him, closing your eyes. “That sounds perfect to me.”

You stay like that for a whole while.

His fingers are still lazily tracing little circles on your arm, and your eyes are just beginning to grow heavy when you hear the sound of little feet pattering towards you.

You both turn just in time to see Eleanor bounding over, her face flushed from running around. She collapses into your lap with a dramatic sigh, and, without missing a beat, she looks up at you and says, “Can I have water?”

You smile down at her, brushing a bit of hair from her face. “Of course, baby,” you murmur, reaching over to grab her water bottle from your bag.

She takes it eagerly, tilting it up as she drinks long gulps. You and Ross exchange an amused glance as she gulps it down like she’s been wandering the desert. When she finally stops, a little trickle of water drips down her chin, and she grins, wiping it away with her sleeve.

“Thirsty, were we?” Ross chuckles, giving her a playful nudge.

Eleanor just nods, looking rather pleased with herself, then settles back against you, letting out a satisfied sigh as she leans her head against your stomach. You can feel her tiny breaths begin to slow, her eyelids fluttering as she starts to drift off, her fingers curling around the fabric of your shirt.

You begin to stroke her hair softly, running your fingers through the silky strands.

“She’s worn out,” you whisper to Ross, glancing up at him with a tender smile.

He nods, his gaze softening as he looks down at her. “Worked like a charm, didn’t it?” He chuckles quietly, his voice warm. “All that running about has finally caught up to her.”

Just then, you notice John trailing behind, rubbing at his eyes and looking a bit drowsy himself. He ambles over and plops down beside you, leaning against Ross’s shoulder with a small yawn. Ross wraps an arm around him, pulling him close.

“Alright there?” Ross murmurs, a small smile tugging at his lips as he watches John try to keep his eyes open.

“Mhm,” he mumbles sleepily.

“Think we should head back?” you suggest softly to Ross, giving him a gentle nudge. “These two look about ready to fall asleep on the spot.”

Ross glances down at Eleanor, who’s still sound asleep against your lap, her fingers curled into your shirt. “Yeah, sounds like a good idea,” he agrees, giving you a small nod. “We’ve done a fair bit of sightseeing for one evening.”

He gently reaches over, brushing a thumb across Eleanor’s cheek, and she stirs slightly but doesn’t wake. “I can take Ellie,” he says softly, looking up at you.

“Alright,” you say with a smile, shifting Eleanor carefully so Ross can lift her. She makes a little murmuring sound as she’s transferred into his arms but quickly snuggles against his shoulder, nestling her face into his neck, utterly content.

Ross smiles, patting her back gently as she settles in. “There we go, love,” he murmurs to her softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Got you nice and cozy.”

As he stands, balancing Eleanor carefully, John looks up at you, his eyes drowsy but hopeful. “Mum,” he murmurs, stifling a little yawn, “carry me?”

You smile, feeling a tug at your heart at the sleepy look on his face. “Of course, sweetheart,” you reply, reaching down and gathering him into your arms. He leans into you, wrapping his arms around your neck, and you can feel him relax almost immediately, his small breaths warm against your shoulder.

Ross, meanwhile, is gathering up the remaining things, tucking the football under his arm and glancing around to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. “Got everything?” he asks, looking over his shoulder at you, his voice still low, as though he doesn’t want to disturb the peacefulness of the moment.

You nod, adjusting John slightly in your arms as you both start to walk back towards the hotel.

As you walk together towards the hotel, Ross glances over at you, his eyes warm under the streetlights. He adjusts Eleanor in his arms, holding her securely as she rests against his shoulder.

“How’re you holding up, love? It’s been quite the night.”

“Honestly, I don’t think I could be happier,” you say quietly, reaching out to give his hand a gentle squeeze. “Moments like these… it’s exactly what I’ve always wanted. Just us, the kids, and this perfect night.”

Ross’s eyes soften, and he shifts a little closer, “oh, love. You don’t know how much you all mean to me, s��like a dream. Wouldn’t change anything.”

You feel a flutter in your chest at his words, and you lean your head against his shoulder for a moment as you walk.

“We’re a good team, eh? Managed to wear the kids out, took in the sights and now we’re off for a quiet night. Not bad.”

You laugh softly, nodding. “Not bad at all.”

You let the love surround you completely, your heart feeling full with love and safeness, the feeling of belonging. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Paris, England or anywhere, with your little family it always feels like home.

At some point you reach the hotel, trying to change the kids without waking them.

After carefully slipping Eleanor and John into their pajamas and tucking them under the cozy hotel blankets, you and Ross lean over each of them to give gentle goodnight kisses.

As you step away from the bed, Ross wraps an arm around your shoulders.

“Join me for a smoke?” He asks.

You nod with a soft smile, “I’d love to.”

You follow him outside of the balcony, taking a soft blanket with you, wrapping it around your shoulder.

He settles into one of the lounge chairs, and as he lights his cigarette, you ease yourself onto his lap, your arms naturally winding around his shoulders. Ross’s free hand rests on your back, his thumb moving in soft, comforting circles. He takes a slow drag, exhaling with a relaxed sigh, then glances back through the glass doors at the kids, peacefully curled up in bed.

“Think they know how much we love ’em?”

You smile softly, feeling the truth of that question settle over you. “I think so. But it doesn’t hurt to remind them every now and then.”

Ross hums in agreement, rubbing his hand in soothing circles along your back. “It’s funny, isn’t it? We’re out here, on this lovely balcony, and all I can think about is those two inside.”

You laugh. “Who are we kidding? The whole trip has been about making memories for them.”

“Not just for them,” he says, nudging you gently. “I mean, you and I — we’ve barely had a moment to ourselves, but… this, right now, it’s nice. Feels like it’s just us for a bit.”

“Yeah,” you murmur, resting your head on his chest. “It’s easy to forget to take time for ourselves. We’re always in parent mode.”

He chuckles softly, the sound rumbling in his chest. “Sometimes I forget we’re still us, you know? The same two fools who could barely keep a straight face during our wedding vows.”

You snicker, remembering that day. “Oh, don’t remind me! You practically choked on your vows from laughing so hard.”

“Wasn’t my fault! You kept making faces at me,” he protests, grinning. “Thought we were about to be thrown out of the church.”

You’re both giggling now, the memory vivid and full of joy.

After a pause, he tilts his head, looking at you thoughtfully. “So… think we’ll have more moments like that in the future? You and me, just… having a laugh?”

You smile, resting your forehead against his. “I hope so. But it’s up to us, isn’t it? To make time for each other, like this.”

“You’re right. I want to make time for you… for us. Even if it means sneaking out to balconies in the middle of the night.”

“Or hiding in the kitchen at home after they’re asleep,” you add with a grin.

“That’s a perfect one, we can eat cookies without having to share,” he jokes. You love to share with them.

There’s a comfortable silence between you for a moment, and he finally whispers, “Love you, you know that?”

“I know. And I love you too.”

“I’m absolutely glad to have a date night with you Saturday. Think Matty will handle them?”

You chuckle, “I think so. Eleanor is super fond of him.”

You both remember how she always giggles around her cool uncle, always wanting him to sing to her or read her a story.

“Yeah, she is,” he smiles.

You gaze into each others eyes for a long time, enjoying the quiet and contentment before leaning in to brush your lips together.

His right hand finds your cheek to keep you against him, grinning into the kiss.

You stay like this. Kissing and grinning like two lovesick idiots who just got together.

When it’s just the street light on the street shining Ross suggests going to bed.

“Right then, time for us to catch a few hours before the morning chaos.”

You nod, squeezing his hand as you head back inside together, feeling like you’ve just shared a moment you’ll remember for a long time.

[babymockers]

And, finally, here’s part 2.

"I can’t see what you see in me"

Graham Coxon x female reader.

Prompt: Graham was having a really hard time with himself during a photoshoot and you had a great idea to cheer him up. Heavily inspired by Blair and Serena stealing Eleanor Waldorf's clothing line clothes on Gossip Girl (s1, e4).

Place/time: during the late 90's.

Reader description: reader is a French model trying to make herself a name in the industry, while being reduced to be in her boyfriend's shadow.

Fluff.

Part 1 here

Part 2.

You looked back at Damon and Alex. "I know you won't believe me, Graham, but you'd look so good in one of those suits."

"Y/N, you've got to be joking. They told me not to....

"Uh-uh. You'd look great". The look on disbelief on his face made you stand up, a sudden urge of something you didn't exactly knew made it's way through your mind. You offered him your hand "Come with me, come on". He looked at you hesitantly. "Come on!"

He took your hand and followed you. "Where are we going?" You didn't muttered a word. He panicked. "I can't leave them here. They need me-"

"We're not leaving them. Just trust me. I'm taking care of you right now'. You said.

You walked together through the photoshoot set, passing by numerous photographers, make-up artists, among other workers, until you reached the door of a sort of dressing room, where a variety of suits, shoes, shirts and hats were placed on hangers. At the top of the door, a small sign read: "Blur 1930's England Inspired Photoshoot. Authorized personal only". You turned the handle, mentally praying that the door was open. Luck was on your side, though, as the door opened without any struggle.

You entered the room, Graham right behind you, and you quickly began to inspect the clothes, looking carefully at the sizes. Some of them were even marked with Graham's name. But you ignored them. You went for the expensive ones, the ones designed to be worn only by models.

Real models.

Graham shouted-whispered "What are you doing?W-We're not even supposed to be here, Y/N!"

"Oh but that makes it more exciting, doesn't it?" You said, picking up a few clothes. "I don't see why we shouldn't be here, though. This is a 'Blur' photoshoot".

"Well it is. But we're only allowed to be here when we're needed. I can't put any of this on until Damon and Alex are finished".

"So we're not even stealing. We're just anticipating ourselves".

He looked at you in disbelief "You're insane!".

"And you're too cute to be true". You kissed his nose. "Come on, let's get some clothes for you." He shook his head, unsure. "Gra, trust me. It'll be alright. Do you trust me, baby?" You knew he would melt at the 'baby' thing. Graham loved nicknames.

He muttered something you didn't understand but he was still there anyway, so you thought he wasn't really that mad.

"Ok, ok". You said, placing all the pieces of clothing together in front of Graham. "Ta-da! There you have it, you'll look amazing in this".

He scratched the back of his neck. "I don't know. I shouldn't be wearing any of this by now. I'll probably look bad".

"Honey, you're gorgeous, relax. Besides, if anything happens I'll take the blame here and there.

"I can't let you do that!". He said, frowning.

"Of course you can. You need to have fun. Worry less and look at this hat, isn't it pretty?" You placed the hat on his head, in an unintentionally rough way, making him chuckle. "And it fits your head so well!"

"Love...".

"Just put this on. You know you want to".

"Love, I just don't really know if I should..." He took the clothes in his hands, hesitant. Then he looked at you. And, maybe for the first time in forever, he was able to see in himself a little bit of what you see in him. The way that you looked at him made him feel weak to his knees. And it also made him feel confident, adrenaline rushing through his veins and his eyes sparkling. "Oh, fuck them!".

"Fuck them". You said coming over him and kissing him passionately, his eyes now filled with lust. You detached yourself from his grip and gave him a sweet peck on the lips. "I'll go watch the door. You go change”.

Graham started to laugh, changing himself in a rush. "I don't even know why we're doing this. This is childish".

''Cause it's harmless fun. You deserve to have tun".

Graham looked at himself on the body mirror, a smile coming onto his face while he let out little giggles. He thought this was ridiculous, but, in some sort of way, he was starting to enjoy himself. So, when he was finished, he couldn't help to think that he didn't looked that bad after all.

So you reassured him, knowing exactly what was going through his mind (you've been together for 2 years for god sake!): "You look amazing. You really do. You look better than anyone else in here".

"You think so?" He asked as sincerely as he wanted your answer to be, looking at you with his big eyes, showing all parts of himself through them. The fear, the self consciousness, the crave for validation that he usually hide in drinking evenings and quiet stares. All in his eyes.

He felt comfortable being vulnerable around you. He was a vulnerable soul after all. He needed protection and trust, someone who was able to connect with him and stand by his side no matter what. And, after years of dead end streets and pointless roads, he finally found what he was looking for. Someone as confident, smart, funny, warm hearted and trustworthy as you. For him, you were like a rush of energy in lazy mornings and comfy sheets in a cold evening. He couldn't even try to deny one scary fact: he was head over heels.

You wrapped your arms around his torso, looking up at him with the word "love" written all over your face. "Yeah. You kinda fit the vibe. You're so beautiful, Graham". And you meant it, you really did. Besides, you always thought Graham was like a young boy from the 1930's, so you weren't just rambling. He was a natural with his little hat, his big blazer and his cute shoes, something so romantic about his little funny outfit that made your heart filled with the most intense and loving feeling.

He was truly something else, so different from anyone you've ever met. One of a kind, really.

You both leaned and connected your lips, kissing each other with less passion than most of the times and more in an "old couple" kind of way.

Then, suddenly, Graham bit your bottom lip, deepening the kiss while leaning over your body and holding you in his arms in a very movie-like way, causing your laugh.

"Stop doing that, you idiot! I'm going to fall!" You shouted while laughing. Graham leaned even more, practically making your head almost touch the floor while your legs were up in the air.

"No, you're not, Love". He said calmly, although the smile creeping over his face was apparently impossible to erase. He was making fun of you!

He was absolutely the worst.

"Graham, I'm dead serious!" He leaned over even more (as if that's possible!). "Graham!".

He stopped there, just looking at your mortified face, grinning like an idiot.

"I swear to God, if you don't put me on my feet again I will..."

He gave you a kiss on your neck, causing butterflies to throw a party inside your stomach.

Then he gently did what you asked for, letting your feet touch the floor and helping you stand up, resting his head on yours.

He won't admit it (Graham was such a funny stubborn-ass sometimes) but he secretly wished you were a lot more shorter than him, so he could put his chin on top of your head. It's not like you were the same height as him, I mean, you still had to look up at him and all, but he couldn't do that specifically. So you would usually lower yourself or you would stand on your tippy toes to make you look even taller, depending on your mood. Right now, you went for that second option, pretending to be mad.

He knew you weren't, though. So he bit your cheek, making you laugh.

"Stupid boy" You muttered bitting your own bottom lip, repressing a wider smile.

"I love your accent". He said out of nowhere, catching you off guard.

"What was that for?". You detached yourself from his arms, looking puzzled.

"Nothing. I just really love it". He smiled, holding your waist again and his gaze intensified on your lips. "I really love you". His voice almost a whisper.

You sighed, your heart pounding in your chest "I love you too".

And even though Graham still struggled, those were the most sincere words he ever heard in his life and no one could ever convince him otherwise.

So he believed you. He had no other choice.

"See? Now you can go there and be all this pretty in front of the camera". You said, wide gummy smile plastered on your face.

He melted inside.

And, also, he completely forgot about that.

So Graham, allowing himself to be carried by the moment, said this exact words: "You know what? I don't care about this bloody photoshoot. I don't care about any of this. Let's get out of here". And he offered you a hand, the same adventurous hand you offered him before.

"What? But, you have this photo shoot..." You looked around. Then to him "You want to drop out?" You asked, looking for something in his face that would made you realize he actually didn't want to do that. But there was just Graham.

Soft-spoken Graham, staring at you with his burning gaze and rebellious smile. Asking you to be his partner in that little war he called his work and the aftermaths of leaving it.

So you had no other choice.

After all, it was still raining outside, with a storm coming any time soon. They'll probably have to cancel their plans anyway. And the crew will still get paid, just like Alex will still be an asshole the next morning and Damon will definitely be unpredictable about the situation, but that was just Damon. And then Dave... Dave couldn't care less. As long as he could get some sleep right now, he'd be fine. The manager will be furious, of course, but that was just his work. The world will still be moving and the press will be thrilled.

So there was really nothing new.

The first signs of a big storm started to make it's way through the area. Outside the wind was going stronger and the temperature was dropping colder. Graham looked at you, his body temperature was a warm contrast to the weather conditions.

He quickly took some female 1930's clothes for you that were hanging there. He looked at you.

You looked at your purse, inside it was your camera. You saw his eyes sparkling.

So, again, you really had no other choice...

How could you ever say no?

Then, suddenly, Graham was not alone anymore.

The end.

[quinnfebrey]

pls give me your review of Next to Normal London youre the only one i trust

do i want to talk too much about next to normal? yes, i do. 

some disclaimers: first, i am extremely specific about my opinions on next to normal, so if you're thinking "that's a dumb thing to say!" well sorry but remember ive been marinating in this show for over a decade. also, this is just going to be a review of the principle cast! i did see a cover run but i wont talk about them here (feel free to ask about them though if you like)

alright, without further ado here are my thoughts on each actor + the staging/general thoughts:

diana (caissie levy):

i thought she did a great job overall, but i didn’t love some of the vocal changes she made to the songs. she has a beautiful voice, but her version of i miss the mountains was a little too “i’m performing!” for me. missed the needed rawness of alice here

i did really like her change of softening “can” in “i love you as much as i can” though

her acting was phenomenal, the moment with gabe's baby clothes was heartbreaking. she also had AMAZING chemistry with natalie, and i think her version of so anyway is my favorite that i've ever seen

i’m interested to see how she develops further into diana because i think there’s room for more understanding in the more nuanced parts of her character. she improved a lot as the show went on which tells me she struggles with the humor and manic side to diana that is more prevalent in act 1

dan (jamie parker):

i think his singing voice is perfect for dan, but his speaking voice was so strange to me. i don’t know if it was him trying to act around the accent or his true interpretation of the character, but a lot of his dialogue didn’t work for me the way his songs did. like i would be absolutely in love with a number and then he'd speak and i'd be thrown out of it i don't know

his acting was great though, i really enjoy this goofier version of dan than the original version. he's more playful and i really like that it humanizes him more and also helps bridge the dan that fell in love with diana and the dan of today

he's also i think the first dan i've seen play the role with so much anxiety? like clinical anxiety, he's basically having a panic attack at the end of i'm alive reprise/during the break. i really really liked the nuance that it brings to dan

gabe (jack wolfe):

his voice is great for the role, and the way he looks too just fits with the character idk really good casting here

he was definitely less creepy than i felt the original version wanted him to be, i haven’t decided if i like that or not. i think it added more to gabe’s development as a character, but i think took a little away from the fact that gabe is not actually a real person

he seems like less of a comfort object for diana in this version as well, which again i don't mind but changed the dynamic. this gabe felt more attached to the whole family

REALLY good solo in light, heartbreaking sweetness in i dreamed a dance

natalie (eleanor worthington-cox):

i absolutely LOVED her. she was by far the standout for me in this cast. her acting was perfect, she clearly understands natalie incredibly well, and her voice is wonderful too. very good understanding of the purpose of the songs.

she made a couple dynamic changes during catch me im falling that i thought were strange, but i could also see that coming from her trying not to copy the original

i think her natalie is the most scared that i've seen it played, which worked well with this interpretation of dan. it all built up really well to her breakdown in hey#3

i also felt a stronger connection between dan and natalie in this version more than i have with any other, so light hit a lot harder

henry (jack ofrecio):

i feel bad about this one but honestly i really did not connect with his interpretation of henry. that’s the nicest way i can say it

he seems like such a sweet guy and his voice is absolutely gorgeous, but... that's kind of where my likes end

he didn’t seem to understand any of the jokes he was telling because he couldn’t make any of them land (and he’s a very comedic character so what happened bro 😭)

he was too “nice guy." henry is written in a way that can come off really insensitive and whiny and it takes the actor bringing it to life to get away from that. he just didn't seem to add another side to it

for example, when he says “then i’m sure they will be” during catch me i’m falling i wanted a little more… i don’t know, hesitation or disbelief in himself? and when he says “why do i get denied” i was just like my god bro she’s dealing with real shit, get over it. acb’s delivery of that line comes across way more as like. im hurting because i don’t know how to help you, please let me help you. this guy was just a whiny boyfriend.

again, great voice, but everything besides his singing either just felt very flat or was aggravatingly annoying to me.

madden/fine (trevor dion nicholas):

honestly i don’t usually have strong opinions on this guy. his voice was great, he did a solid rockstar.

his biggest part for me is at the end when he’s trying to convince diana to stay in treatment. it’s the first time you see his douche doctor mask fall and you realize he genuinely believes his way is correct and doesn’t understand why it isn’t working. i think he did it really well, i’ve never seen a madden/fine do it with so much anger but it actually worked for me 

staging:

honestly i applaud them for being brave enough to change this much. having a real set already helps me separate this revival from the original run

i think the lack of true set in the original adds to the tone of the show, though, so this production did feel very different and more concrete which made some of the weirder blocking not work as well (like during my psychopharmacologist and i). instead of feeling more abstract and conceptual it was like oh They're In A House

but i don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, i just think it makes it a slightly different show and a person's preference will probably just be which one they saw first. i'm sure people who see the london version for the first time will see the original and wonder where tf everything is lol

i also seriously missed dan wiping up during i’ve been (i know he still does it but the double bucket is SUCH an effective stage trick)

and i missed gabe's general parkour, again him really just owning the stage like that helps him feel like not a real person

my one criticism of the staging is that in my opinion it felt cluttered and busy at times

general pros:

the kids felt younger, particularly gabe (even tho the actor is older than aaron and kyle were?? he just looks like he’s 14 i guess), which i think changed the tone a little for the better. makes them more sympathetic

the band ROCKED. slight mixing differences but not unwelcome 

i loooooved this version of maybe. literally every second of it was perfect. 

general cons: 

i don’t know if british people are just irritating or something but the jokes were not hitting unless it slapped them in the face. they also seemed to miss a lot of references like the one to macgyver, one flew over the cuckoo’s nest, sound of music, but they laughed at the portland joke EVERY TIME? lmao idk

why the balloons lol cut that pls

i’m probably missing soooo much so pls send specific asks about anything in the show (with or without my opinion attached lol) and i’ll do my best!

[fayes-fics]

Rhythm

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Modern AU

Summary: Modern AU. Filthy talking and dancing with Benedict.

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, dirty talk, dirty dancing, dom/sub undertones, hair pulling, biting, frottage/thigh riding, female orgasm.

Word Count: 2.9k

Authors Note: This is an anon request fill (request: Benedict talking and dancing dirty, please, please, please. TY). Sorry, this is at least 4 months late Nonny. This is also dedicated to @chaoticcalzoneranchsports and @bridgertontess. Thanks to @eleanor-bradstreet for the title suggestion. i hope you all enjoy <3

You are dancing, correction, gyrating in time to the pounding music, your back pressed up against his front. He’s a tall solid presence, and there’s a large hand almost branding an imprint onto your stomach through the delicate layer of your dress. The smell of warm bodies and overpriced alcohol lingers in this hot, sticky nightclub. His name is Ben. He’s a friend of a friend—Kate’s brother-in-law. Anyway, you are tipsy and horny, and he is gorgeous with hazy eyes and a troublesome smile. You push back into his crotch and roll your hips, the message unmistakable. Uncaring who is watching, the rest of your friends have already left.

“Are you always so forward?” the voice that rumbles in your ear is resonant, well-spoken and tinged with an edge of something that fizzles right to your core.

You twist your head to place your lips near his ear. “No, there’s just something about you… sir,” knowing that the last word is loaded, you are provoking him, seeing if he’ll be into playing. It’s been ages since you had a night of passionate kinky sex, and he looks like sin incarnate in expertly tailored trousers and an even better-fitting shirt.

“So, is that what you are into? Hmm?” His other hand grabs your throat, forcing your head back so you look up at the ceiling. “I could give you exactly what you need right now,” he intones, the delivery now more gravelly.

You throb inside your underwear, and your nipples pebble hard, rasping your bra with delicious friction. Oh, hell yes, he is into it.

“Tell me more,” you stutter out, utterly enthralled, the pressure on your windpipe just the right amount of danger to make your body sing, bodies rubbing deliciously against each other. He has read you like an open book. 

His lips brush the shell of your ear, warm and plush. 

“If you call me sir, I assume you want a name too? And I think I know what you like to be called,” he begins, his voice pitched low so it reverberates in his chest pressed into your spine; that hand slides away from your neck to your bare shoulder. “I think you like to be called a good girl,” his fingers trail down the length of your arm, igniting little tracks of fire over your skin. “Especially when you are doing unspeakably filthy things. If I'm right, press your fingers between mine,” he adds as his hand covers yours at your side.

He huffs victorious as you lace your fingers into his.

“Oh, good girl,” he praises as you shudder and shift your stance wider, wrapping your other arm backwards, looping your hand around his strong neck, fully rotating your hips in circles with the beat, hypnotised by the potent crackling energy between you.

“I felt that delightful little shudder,” he murmurs, his breath so hot on your ear. “Let's see if we can make you do it again, shall we?” your bodies moving together in a sinful, sinuous motion.

You just nod gently. 

He tugs at your dress so it is tight over your breasts. “Look at your gorgeous nipples, so hard. Are they aching? Does every move of fabric over them make you want to moan?” His voice is deadly, making them pebble almost painfully under the restrictive pull he has created. You want his tongue to soothe them. “Oh, such a sensitive one, eh? Do you like light brushes of thumbs, or do you prefer to have them squeezed between fingers, hmm?” He pauses, waiting for your response,

“Squeezed,” you admit on a deep exhale.

 He makes a noise. “Mmm, I thought so. You like just a little bit of discomfort, don’t you?”

“Yes.” 

“Hard sucks rather than gentle licks,” he guesses, again correctly. “Perhaps some teeth too. Do you want me to bite your nipples?” 

“Yessss,” you hiss, mesmerised as he gets on a roll.

“Are you ticklish?” He feathers fingers down your side, easily felt through the thin fabric. And you attempt to wiggle away, but his hold is too firm. “Oh, definitely ticklish,” he concludes with a chuckle. “When I run my fingers, mouth and nose down your body, I will enjoy making you giggle and squirm under me” — more debauched promises that catch your breath. 

His hand lands heavy on your diaphragm and smears down to your belly, the heat, strength, and sheer size making your breath catch. 

“And what will I find when my tongue sinks below here?” he asks, his little finger slipping into your belly button through the fabric. “Will I be able to smell your arousal? Hmm?“ You stutter as his tone slips into an even lower register. “Because I'm pretty sure I can smell a trace of you right now, and it’s delicious.” 

He kisses that spot on your neck that turns you to putty as the hand slips lower to the space below your belly button, and the heel of his palm digs in as his hips surge forward. There’s no mistaking what is pressed onto your left bum cheek. It makes your breath catch, and you ache to see, touch, and maybe even taste it.

“How wet are you right now?” he buzzes, his breath dusting your earlobe as he takes it into his mouth and bites gently.

“Very,” you whisper back, almost unheard.

“I want to slide my fingers between your legs and feel it,” he sighs, “but perhaps that is too much for such a public space. I will just have to keep talking and dancing with you in this delightful manner.”

Part of you wants to grab his hand and haul him into a taxi; take him back to yours right now. Another part wants to lean back into him and listen to that sonorous voice spout filthy things, the delicious promise of what could transpire as arousing as the possible reality.

“Please do,” you croak out and feel the curl of his confident smile on your cheek. 

You know people are stealing judgemental glances at the two of you, dancing so dirty, limbs entwined, and heads together. But the cocktails are making you carefree, hedonistic, uncaring of what others may think, just hunting the euphoria of chemistry and connection.

“I want to taste you so bad,” he breathes, “wrap my arms tight around your thighs, bury my face into that delicious scent and run my tongue between your legs until you scream, and I have to hold you down as you squirm so damn hard for me.”

You feel your core pulse as he says it, and your clit throbs heavily. Desperate for friction.

“Oh god…” the whisper leaves your lips before you can stop it.

“What? What is it?” his tone breathy and decadent.

“I'm so turned on,” you gasp, wishing you could hide it but can't. “I'm aching.”

He makes a noise that is deep and wanting, and he spins you in his arms, so you face him. There is a sheen across his forehead, his pupils blown wide, and a vein in his neck jumps. He dips slightly lower, slotting a leg between yours as you sway to the music. When he straightens up again, the meat of his quad muscle is pressing up onto your clit, and you gasp as he smirks at you. He holds your hips and drives you up and down his upper thigh, taking your weight and making you see stars.

“How's that?” he crows, knowing just how much you like it by the hitches in your breath and how you claw at his shirt.

“Holy fuck,” you mutter, as his grin gets wider and he presses his cheek to yours.

“Tell me what you like, how you like sex to be.” 

“I… I like it a little desperate, you know?” you murmur, feeling his heartbeat thrumming in his temple. “When you just can't handle it, and things get ripped off bodies. Maybe a little biting and perhaps a touch of rough treatment, just a little bit.” You've never admitted to a virtual stranger where your proclivities can range if the choice is there.

He hums approvingly as his movements mirror yours. “So you want me to rip off this lovely silk dress?” he asks, trailing a single warm finger down your spine. 

“Yes, please,” your reply is instant.

His teeth open on your neck and press lightly over your jugular, and fire runs in your veins. Your knees suddenly feel weak, and you bear more weight onto his thigh, riding it almost unashamed.

“Oh, look at this,” he chuckles darkly, “I've found your little obedience switch. You really do like to be bitten, don't you?”

You nod as the grip on your hip becomes a rough squeeze, digging into your flesh. “You want fingerprints on your hipbones?” 

“Yes, sir,” you answer languidly, under his thrall now.

The hand moves lower and round to the globe of your bottom. He pulls it away a fraction, then spanks your cheek; you moan so loud he tenses slightly.

“Shhhhhh, my dirty little girl,” he orders low and deadly, “I can see how much you really like a spanking.”

The music changes track to something with a sinful pulsing bass beat, and your bodies move together in a new rhythm.

“What would you do to me?” you murmur desperately into his warm skin, breathing in his citrus and woodsy cologne. “If I took you home right now, what would you do?”

“Do you want to find out, or do you want me to tell you?” the glittering promise in his voice is so beguiling.

“Both,” you exhale, and his lips finally meet yours. He invades your senses, a long deep, drawing kiss that steals your breath and has your tongues dancing together in a way that makes you feel even more intoxicated. This time on him, as much as the alcohol.

“Everything I've already told you and so much more,” he promises, sotto voce over your lips. “I would make you a screaming, soaked mess with my tongue, and then I would fuck you. Yes, fuck. I know you have had sex; you've probably even made love. Not like this,” his tone is smokey and dark.

The throb in your underwear is unbearable, and you feel yourself leaking out of your tiny underwear and onto his expensive trousers. You know he will sense it, seeping into the fabric separating your skin. And by god, you want him to feel it, hoping it will goad him even more. 

“How will you fuck me?”

“What is your favourite position?” he queries hotly.

“Anything that feels deep,” you confess honestly.

“I can tell that's a truthful answer because you subconsciously bit the corner of your lip after you said it.” he breathes over your cheekbone, your body still moving in tandem. “And, may I say, quite the most excellent answer. I'm sure it feels sublime to be buried deep in your body.”

At this point, it feels like he plans to torture you with filthy, murmured promises all night and something in your snaps—no longer able to withstand the tension boiling between you, making each touch feel like liquid fire.

“For god sake, please just make me come,” you beg. 

“Right here?” he checks.

“Yes.”

He growls and grabs a clump of hair at the base of your neck, forcing you to look up into his eyes. “Are you going to ride my thigh until you come, you dirty little girl?” he inquires, the other hand insistent on your lumbar spine, ensuring you are grinding hard.

“Yes, as long as you keep talking, god, please never stop talking,” your whole body shuddering again at the intensity coiling deep inside you. His lopsided smirk is prideful and devastating, like you just gave him carte blanche to destroy you.

“I never did tell you how I would fuck you, did I?” you shake your head and keep sliding on him, a vice-like grasp on his right shoulder and your left hand on his shirt bunched in your grip. “I’ll start slow,” he begins, “slow and shallow at first; get you used to me.” His tone is dripping with the confidence of a man with a sizeable cock, which, to be fair, seems accurate based on the bulge you graze every time you slide up his thigh. “Then I’ll go deeper, see if you can take me all in; I hope so because I can’t think of a place I want to be more than buried to the hilt in you. I'll hold just long enough for you to enjoy being so full, and then I will start moving again. All the way out to the tip, then thrust back in.” 

You are panting against his cheek as he rumbles such detailed filth, snagging your clit over his thigh, drunk on him, on the mental pictures he builds.

“Slow out, fast in, kissing you over and over, swallowing the noises you're making as you take all of me. Then I'm going to experiment with angles, see if I can hit somewhere that makes you see stars, curse, cling to me, beg me to make you come,” he moves one hand to cup your jaw as he talks. “Then that's what I will put all my efforts into, hitting that spot over and over and over,” his thumb sneaks into the corner of your mouth. You don't dare look anywhere but deep Into his blown pupils. “As you get so desperate, all fingernails and teeth, clenching my cock so hard as you say filthy things teetering in the edge until I touch that little clit of yours, and you break screaming. But I don't want to come yet. I have to fight that urge, hold everything back… because guess what?”

“What?” you pant.

“I want to do it all over again. Build you up and take you over another edge. It won’t take long, especially with my thumb on your pulsing engorged clit, even as you thrash because you’re still too sensitive there. But you will; before you know it, you’ll be coming again. Trembling this time, quieter but no less powerful. I’ll be watching your eyes roll back, your lips call my name and that? That is when I’ll let myself come with you, buried deep as you babble and milk me with your little aftershocks.” 

No one has talked to you like this before, so brazen, so filthy, so matter of fact about something so private in such a public arena. And you can’t get enough. The hand on his chest straying down over his cock, the heat and girth taking you by surprise. You may well need some build-up to take him all in, and you just know he will be able to hit every spot you like without even trying, and damn if that doesn’t make you flood even more.

He groans heavily. “Do you like what you feel?” he murmurs hotly in your ear, and you nod vigorously. “Good. You are soaking my leg, my good girl; it’s taking all my willpower not to bend you over right here.”

You whimper at that idea, moving faster; the thick muscle there is just the perfect stimulation you need. You couldn't care less about any audience you may have; it's probably heightening the experience.

“Bite me,” he encourages you, sounding almost winded. “Go on, leave your mark on my neck.”

You want to. So much. Something about the sturdiness there and the bulge of his Adam’s Apple makes it impossible to resist.

So you do. You straighten up, and with your fingers still splayed on his cock you sink your teeth lightly into the cord of his neck as you ride his leg, one of his hand snaking between your bodies to pinch your nipple hard. Its all the catalyst you need to hurtle you over the edge. Your clit burns white-hot as you break, screaming your release into his delicious-tasting skin, his other fingers leaving bruises on the crest of your hipbone as you jerk and spasm on his quad muscle.

“Oh fuck yes, darling girl,” he gusts, utterly impressed and aroused, “fuck you are amazing. Don't you dare stop,” he groans, surging his cock against your fingers now.

You can scarcely believe you are coming in front of so many people, wrapped around him like a vine, your feet barely touching the ground as he heaves you over his leg, and you convulse, feeling the tingles of ecstasy firing in every synapse and shooting out to your fingers and toes. 

“Ben, Ben, Ben,” you chant his name, abandoning the sir, muffled into him. He groans harder, letting you ride out the last of the wave until you slump against him, breathing laboured, your whole body still fizzing, knowing you would break all over again with just a touch of fingers.

“We are leaving right now,” he growls, “I need to be inside you within twenty minutes, or I will die.” 

“But my place is further than that,” you slur, pouting, still leaning on him.

He chuckles into your hairline. “Good thing mine isn't. How does ten minutes sound?”

“So fucking wonderful,” you pull back and smile up at him, sated.

“I couldn't agree more.”

And you couldn't be happier when he picks you up, winds your legs around his waist, and stalks out of the club.

And you couldn't be happier when he picks you up, winds your legs around his waist, and stalks out of the club. 

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya

[canirove]

The Princess & the Football Player | Chapter 3

Author's note: Yes, the Charles on this chapter is Leclerc 😅 But think of him as his version from an alternative universe where he isn’t a F1 driver, just very posh 😁

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"Look at you. You look gorgeous, darling."

"Thank you, mum.”

"And you are wearing red, Charles favourite colour."

"Oh, please, don't start" I complain.

"Don't start what?"

"Trying to convince me to date him again. It isn't happening."

"Why not?"

"Have you forgotten that he cheated on me? Several times? That he was constantly partying and doing God knows what?"

"He doesn't do that anymore, his mother told me. He has reformed and wants to settle down, focus on his job and start a family."

"Good for him. But it won't be happening with me."

"What won't be happening with you?" my dad asks.

"Nothing. Should we go? We can't be late" I say, starting to walk towards the door.

"Do I want to ask?" I hear him whisper.

"It's nothing, just her stubbornness" my mum replies.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━      

"Eleanor!"

"Roberta" I say, hugging her. "Look at you, this dress is amazing!"

"It is, isn't it?" she replies, doing a twirl.

"Valentino?"

"Yep. Gotta support my country's fashion. And speaking of my country... The duke is here."

"Damiano?"

"The very same."

Duke Damiano, or the guy I had a very steamy summer fling last year, one that made it to all the newspapers and gossip sites.

"Are you going to talk to him?" Roberta asks.

"I shouldn't, my parents would kill me. The only man I'm allowed to talk to tonight is Charles" I say, rolling my eyes.

"I've heard he wants to settle down and find a wife."

"Yeah, that's what my parents also said. But he can keep looking, because I'm not her."

"You aren't who?" someone with an Italian accent says behind me.

"Charles' future wife" I reply. "It's good to see you again, Damiano."

"You too, princess" he says, kissing my hand. "Why are your parents still wanting you to marry that... boy?"

"Who knows" I shrug. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"It was a last minute thing. My mother insisted that I should come because the Spanish princess is also here."

"Parents" I chuckle.

"Indeed."

"Why don't we get ourselves something to drink, uh? It will help us deal with all this" Roberta says, looking around. 

I haven't had time to take a second sip of my drink, when I see him coming towards us. Charles. 

We've known each other since we were kids, my family always spending the summer at his family's huge house in Monaco. And since I can remember, they've told us we are destined to be together. I guess that's one of the reasons why we started dating a few years ago, because everyone kept saying it was meant to be. That, and because like Sophie said, he's stupidly handsome. I think I have never seen a more perfect face. 

"Evening, ladies. Duke" he says.

"Evening, Charles" Damiano replies. "I better go find that Spanish princess. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Eleanor" he says, kissing my hand again while giving me his most mischievous smile.

"Was that really necessary?" Charles scoffs.

"I don't know what you are talking about" I say, taking another sip of my drink. But I know pretty well that Damiano did that to piss him off. They never got along, and what happened last summer didn't help.

"Anyway, would you like to dance?"

"Nope."

"Ok... Then’t let’s talk."

"We are already talking.”

"Woke up with the wrong foot today?" he chuckles.

"I don't know. Maybe" I shrug.

"What about you, Roberta? You look very pretty today."

"Thank you" she says, using the same bored tone I used. 

"Fine, message received. You don't want to talk to me" Charles sighs. But as he is about to leave, my dad shows up.

"Charles, hello" he says, giving him a pat on the back. One that almost sends him flying across the room.

"Your majesty."

"How are you? How are the businesses going?"

"Good, good."

"That's great. Has Ellie told you about Canada?"

"Canada?" Charles asks.

"She's going there to support our boys at the World Cup."

"Oh, football. I'm not the biggest fan" he chuckles.

"France is one of the favourites" I say.

"I am not French" he replies. People have always mistakenly called him French despite being from Monaco, and it bothers him so much.

"Once you are there, do you think you could give Marcus Rashford my number?" Roberta says.

"What?" I chuckle. "Aren't you coming too?"

"I am. But they may not allow me to meet the players, and he seems so nice and lovely with everything he does to help people... And I also find him very hot."

"Fit. He's fit, right?" 

"Dad, what did we say about that word?" 

"Oh, yes, sorry” he laughs. “The one Eleanor finds handsome and attractive is Declan Rice, tho."

"I what?" I say, almost choking with my own words.

"You thought I didn't notice the way you were looking at him, uh?" he laughs again. "Eleanor, I'm your father."

"Who is this person with food as his surname?" Charles asks.

"No one" I say, my cheeks definitely the same colour as my dress.

"Oh, there is Alfred. Gonna go say hello. Bye" my dad says, acting as if nothing had just happened.

"Do you fancy that guy?"

"I don't fancy anyone, Charles. My dad was just being stupid. As usual."

"Yeah, sure" he says, giving me a suspicious look. "Anyway, since I'm not very welcomed here, I'm gonna see if I can find some of my actual friends. Ladies" he says with a little bow before disappearing among the crowd.

"Who is this Declan and why haven't you told me about him?" Roberta asks me.

"He's... He's one of the national team players I met the other day. One who is super handsome, and nice, and like my dad would say, fit. Very fit. And I... I have a huge crush on him."

"But is it a crush like when you fancy a famous person, or is it like a crush crush?"

"It is a crush crush. We flirted a bit, and I felt butterflies on my stomach every time he smiled at me. And we touched once, just barely, but... Dear God, Roberta. I can't remember the last time I felt something like that. Or if I've ever felt it, to be honest."

"Eleanor..."

"I know, I know. I'm fucked" I sigh. And in just a week, I'll be flying across the pond to support him and his teammates, definitely having to see him and spend time with him. What could go wrong?

[shinygoku]

Revolver (1966)

So, you know from my previous write-up that I think Rubber Soul is a little bit underrated. I think there may be a similar thing occurring here, as while it's more likely to be picked as The Greatest Beatles Album, it's still in the shadow of what comes right after and a couple of the later ones. Still, this is home to a couple of absolutely iconic staples as well as a few hidden gems. Deciding to scrap live concerts entirely, they could now dabble with The Studio itself to bring out new and exciting sounds. Load up yer bullets and ready the needle arm, we're on something Revolutionary.

The famous line art and collage made by Friend of the Band since Hamburg days, Klaus Voormann! Ya can't deny he gets their likeness, though George's direct look at the viewer with those lips is a bit unsettling for me personally. Still, it's what they call Art and the first cover that isn't a single photograph, we have iconic illustration and an eclectic montage here! Very cool ...if not something I'd want on my wall lol

SIDE ONE

Taxman: Remember how in the previous write-up for Run For Your Life, I complained about how dope instrumentals were bogged down by lyrics that sucked? Well it's a similar situation here! I'm Pro-Public Sector being funded by the Ultra Rich being shaken down for change!! I know the Marginal Rate was huge, but it was for those who could, like, actually afford it. Unfortunately that may include Daft Rock Stars, innit? .....Anyway yeah, the guitar shredding is really good but the cleverness of the lyrics is wasted by picking the wrong stance, so this ain't one I listen to that often. The music video on the official youtube is pretty visually interesting though.

Eleanor Rigby: A sad tale of an older lady dying alone, ya wouldn't expect it to be one of the most iconic songs by a band that's already made countless bangers about love and sex and rocking out, wouldja? And maybe it's because of that stark difference, and the song itself being so beautiful, that it stands out and even wins over Beatle Haters! The sound is best in the 2022 remix, obviously, but I like to watch the music video that was in Yellow Submarine for this song, where a multitude of different Lonely People are shown. But the fairly detailed story described without visuals really does tug at the heartstrings (apt that this tune has such a prominent String Octet, haha).

I think part of what makes this work so well is, not just the Tragic Narrative, but also the mundane nature. The allusion to wearing a mask of a false self in public, the bluntness of the apathy shown to strangers. Dreams that go unfulfilled, words that go unheard, your entire life being known only as you have a headstone, if that. It applies to countless people we walk by every day. And the irony of how Eleanor and the Father McKenzie might have been able to connect, but only actually have contact when he's performing her lonely funeral. Owch.... a great song but Not a fun one!

I'm Only Sleeping: First of all, I MUST endorse the painting music video that's also on the Official Youtube. Even if ya've heard this song countless times, you have gotta See it too!!

Anyway, gorgeous strumming and a steady drum balance the slower pace of this number. John's vocals are serene and drowsy, matching the feeling of having a lazy morning in a comfy, comfy bed. The way the music pauses and starts back up with increased tempo, the backward guitar (!!) and how the song starts to repeat itself from the beginning again all give it such a beautiful, distinct vibe, and again it's pretty faithful to that feeling when you doze off and lose track of time.

Love You To: After George's previous song being blazing electrical guitar set to complaining, this one is quite different! Very sitar heavy and introspective, with a very slow start for a while before kicking off with the vocals. It's not really my bag, but I can appreciate the artistry in it, at least. After such a long intro the outro feels pretty abrupt, too.

Here, There and Everywhere: This also has an animated video on the Youtube! It's nice but oddly rotoscopes Help! (Movie) footage among other things, it doesn't feel as Bespoke so it's optional as far as I'm concerned lol. Anyway! Paul does a Beach Boys! It's a pleasant, serene ode to a nebulous woman but, while I like it, it doesn't have quite the memorable staying power other than that it sounds like another band did it. Sorry for being so mild, Paul! I just like others ya did more!

Yellow Submarine: YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

A real Marmite of a song, innit? I adore it, myself~ It's deceptively complex, hidden behind what could be seen as a monotonous, repetitive lyrics sheet, but for those who listen not only with yer ears but your heart and soul as well, you'll enjoy it :3

Even without reading Pro-Community or Escapism subtext within, the base level of a children's song with pretty described visuals and creative, clever sound effects over a catchy base tune with Ringo's vocals really make a song that's more than the sum of its parts. No wonder it did so well as the Title Track and Main Vehicle of the animated movie! XD (Also, as a Supermarionation Fan, I sure suspect Thunderbird 4 was inspired by this number as well as the practical truth that yellow is the most visible colour under water~)

She Said She Said: The LSD in this one is very apparent lol. A bit of mystery lurks in no one knowing if Paul actually played on the final version due to some undisclosed drama. The ......metre? changes partway in and (as always) the instruments are groovy, but again I'm not wild about it and wouldn't notice if it were cut lmao

SIDE TWO

Good Day Sunshine: This hits a little different when hot days are very annoying... but I can't fault this song for the massive shift in climate! I do like how upbeat and jolly this is, the piano offers an interesting flourish and some good harmonies and cymbal crashing.

And Your Bird Can Sing: This is the song I always think of when mulling over Hidden Gems by the Beatles. It's 2 minutes of Rock Perfection and yet it's chronically overshadowed by so many others! While there's much debate over who or what "your Bird" may be, the actual thesis of the song is about deflating materialism and pride, which is cool. The guitar shredding, rhythmic percussion and that triple harmony with "you tell me that you've heard every sound there is" make this such a delight! I think that particular vocal sync may even be the best I've ever heard, it's sooooo great~

For No One: Paul's at it again with 'Maaaan dating Jane Asher isn't doing it for me' songs! However I think this is the best of them lol. Very engaging piano and clever lyrics about two former lovers who now feel mere indifference for the other. Somehow they've drifted apart and it's only a matter of time until they admit defeat and make it formal, but we're not there just yet.

Doctor Robert: This is weird cause it's based on the real dentist the lads used, who spiked John and George with acid and in general seems like the most cartoonishly suspicious kind of nightmare who you really don't want to be left in charge of your numbed body, what the fuck?! I mean the song itself is pretty rockin' but dear GOD do I hope they cut that dude out once the drugging came to light. I'd be hiring some fucking Goons to scare him rather than writing a ditty about the situation, but I guess their ways of coping differ to modern times... oh right, the music? It's good, duh! I'll highlight Paul's Bass as being a very Groovy fixture~

I Want To Tell You: This one I tend to forget about entirely lmao. George at it again, good piano and drum work... I think the Bridge is good but the main song doesn't do much for me. Another "well it's not Bad, but..." number. Huh, sorry George, I know songs ya made that I adore but they ain't here...!

Got To Get You Into My Life: Ska?! In The Beatles? It's more likely than you think! But I actually prefer the "Second Version" that one may find on the YT or Super Deluxe edition. This main one sounds a little overpowering with really loud brass and Paul's voice seems to be filtered. I loooooove that it's a declaration of devotion to Weed instead of a person this time though, while cunningly woven to fly under the Morality Police radar.

Tomorrow Never Knows: This is more Art than a song, and I mean that in a good way! The completely unique Sounds and the experimental Techniques, Ringo's beating on them drums..... it's just really fun to listen to~ Mere words don't work so well for this one XD;;;

CONCLUSION

Best 3: Eleanor Rigby, I'm Only Sleeping, Yellow Submarine

Blurst 3: Love You To, She Said She Said, I Want To Tell You

Hmm, picking the Blurst was really hard this time and now it looks like I have Anti-George sentiments, which I don't! But it's less the choices there are Bad and more Not For Me. That's part'a why I've been saying Blurst this whole time instead of Worst, the subjective aspect can't be ignored...! And maybe I'm showing a little Bias in the Best category, but again it's painful to hafta discard bangers like And Your Bird Can Sing for anything, but I love me some Yellow Submarine just that much more ^^;;

I already used the line, but fuck it; Revolver is indeed Revolutionary. (Read that in the Devious Diesel voice Ringo does, please~). The studio tweaks done to increasingly Sophisticated music really marks a change in the landscape, not just for these Bugs, but the medium as a whole. That kinda sentiment persists with a lot of Beatle Moments, of course, but I think Revolver represents a real point of no return.

🪲🪲🪲🪲

Next month, we'll be (checks notes) ah, instead of The Beatles, there'll be a new group 『サージェント・ペパーズ・ロンリー・ハーツ・クラブ・バンド』. I hope you tune in anyway, as they're very well regarded! A splendid time is guaranteed for all~

[staringatthesky11]

I'm getting to this late but want to do 28 and 29 for the writer asks?

28. Share a piece from one of your current WIPs!

At the moment I'm playing around with some Eleanor/Rosalie stuff. Turns out when I said I love writing Rosalie and Emmett falling in love in any scenario, it includes this one. Eleanor is just as gorgeous as her male counterpart, and watching highly strung Rosalie unbend and learn a whole lot more about herself has so many lovely possibilities! So it's still very much a work in progress at the moment with no plans as to if/when I would post it, but here's a snippet anyway.

-

“Stop doing that!” I say in frustration. “Losing your temper and storming away…have you ever considered just listening occasionally? Maybe even, oh, I don’t know…talking about whatever’s bothering you?!”

“And say what?” Rosalie turns, quick enough that I haven’t released her clothes and so she’s held against me with my arm across her back, her breasts against my ribs and her face tipped back to stare at me wildly. “I don’t want this! I’m not that kind of person! But you come near me and…it’s like…it’s like I’m a kindled fire and you’re a match, and if I let you…let myself…then it’s all going to blaze and I won’t be able to…to make any of it stop…and then I see the way you smile at me and…it doesn’t matter, none of it matters except…oh Eleanor…”

And she drops her book with a thud and kisses me again with a wild desperation that is both exhilarating and exquisite. There is nothing tentative now, she kisses me fiercely and aggressively, and the heat of it arrows straight down in between my legs and my whole body burns. Rosalie drops her face to my throat and kisses the hollow of it, then buries her face in my neck and bites, and I shudder as I tighten my arms around her to hold her closer. Then she pulls my face down to hers and finds my mouth again, and there is nothing for me but a dizzying euphoria and overwhelming desire.

“No…stop!” Rosalie wrenches herself backwards and shakes her head. “This is exactly what…oh, I don’t care, I…” She lifts a shaking hand to touch my lip, which feels hot and swollen. “What are you doing to me…” and she leans back towards me.

This time it’s me who steps back. “No.” I take her hands, caressing them as I wrap my fingers around them and raise her knuckles to my mouth for a kiss. “I can’t. But please, please let me talk to you and explain.”

Rosalie’s face is an impassive mask, but she doesn’t pull her hands away. I kiss them again, and then still holding them I look down at her.

“I want you,” I say quietly. “I do, more than I can say. But I heard what you said, Rosalie. I don’t want this. I’m not that kind of person. That’s what you said. And that’s okay, but the thing is…I am that kind of person. And I do want this.”

29. Best writing advice for other writers?

With the caveat that of course nothing works for everyone, my advice would be to just try writing every day, or as near to it as you can get.

For me, when I'm writing a story I keep it open on my computer and try to look at it and do something on it every day. Sometimes this might be editing a single word, or else I look at it and close it without doing anything, and that's fine. Other times it will only be a sentence or maybe a paragraph. Sometimes the stars align and I write a lot. But whether I write a lot or a little bit, every sentence gets me further into the story and that's what I want.

I also want to say that, after writing 22 stories mostly following this method, when I read them now there is no difference in quality between the bits I wrote when I was 'inspired' and the parts I wrote slowly and painstakingly. I honestly can't tell or remember where the words flowed like water or where they were like gathering rocks by hand. So even though it feels a lot harder sometimes, that definitely doesn't mean that the writing will be worse.

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (342): Wed 22nd Feb 2023

I binge watched the entire fist season of The Outlaws today. I don’t watch that much TV nowadays but man this show is incredible. It’s created and written by Stephen Merchant and follows a group of criminals renovating a dilapidated community centre as part of their community service. All the characters are really well written and not a lot of fleshing out needs to be done on any of them. Often with TV shows the first series serves as a sort of sacrificial lamb where the writers can experiment and see what works and what doesn’t but occasionally a show knocks it out of the park right from the get go and this is certainly one of them. The show is best described as like a funny, much less violent version of something like The Wire or The Shield and stylistically resembles a modern day western that happens to be set in Bristol. Merchant himself is really good in this as a newly divorced socially awkward lawyer, as is Christopher Walken as an elderly lifelong conman and Eleanor Tomlinson: Oh My Days Eleanor Tomlinson. I had never heard of Eleanor Tomlinson before today and now I’ve dismissed every other girl I’ve ever fancied as a hideous pig in comparison to her. Holy shitfingers she is gorgeous. Her character, an upper class social media influenced is really funny too. Each episode is an hour long which I normally hate about tv shows because of my short attention span but that didn’t play in at all with this show as I happily sat for six hours and watched the entire show. I wanted to get stuck right in to the second series but I figured I’d only get about half way through before I’d have to go to sleep so I’ll wait until my next day off and binge watch it then. I also listened to the radio dramatisation of the zombie movie Pontypool which was called Pontypool Changes Everything. When I watched the film I thought that the concept of a radio station getting reports of a zombie outbreak happening in its home city and covering the events as they came flooding in would be a much better fit for a radio play rather than a movie. I gave this a listen and while it definitely is more effective it’s still not done in the way that would make it most effective. I think that they should have just had the host and his boss wearing microphones and headsets but instead we have the host wearing the gear and we hear what he says during his broadcast but we also hear them talking off air which kind of ruins the illusion because it should be presented like we’re listening to this radio show and if that was the case we wouldn’t hear the banter between the host and his boss while the show was in commercial break. I’m fully aware that there would be zero chance of anyone listening in to his show and thinking it was real (…maybe Trump) but that’s not the point. If you’re going to do something like this be a stickler for detail as the finished product will be better. Much like the movie the radio play uses the idea of the infection spreading as a result of language being spoken and that if you say your infected word you end up becoming a zombie…I dunno it’s something like that anyway. Personally I think this is an unnecessary plot device which I’m sure sounded good when the writer thought it up but in execution it just feels convoluted and there’s for the sake of trying to look clever. There would have been more than enough mileage in a story about a radios station being made aware of a zombie outbreak and reporting on it and then the zombies trying to get inside. Yeah plot wise it wouldn’t be original but that’s why you get deep into character and motivation to get the audience invested. It was still an entertaining enough listen but I just think they missed the ball creatively.

[eunoia-writes]

Let you go • Mamma Mia Au series : Chapter one

Summery: When Eleanor Robinson finds her mums old journal she comes to find the reality about who her dad really is.

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of alcohol and substance abuse, mentions of death/cancer.

Chapter one - Honey Honey

Word count - 2.5k

Next chapter >

“Mum I’m 16 , I don’t need a babysitter anymore.” Eleanor pouted as she sat at the table while her mum finished making her food. The smell of bacon engulfed the room as the argument from last night continued into the morning. Eleanor still had sleep in her eyes as she took a sip of what would be her first coffee of the day

“For one you’re 15, Not 16 don’t get ahead of yourself, and it’s Shayla it’s not like she’s an actual babysitter. she’s just here because last time I left you on your own you broke the microwave.” Y/n stated in a matter of fact tone while Eleanor rolled her eyes behind her back knowing her mother would scold her for doing so.

“Two weeks mum, I’m 16 in two weeks.” Y/n sighed putting the plate in front of her daughter pressing a kiss to her temple as she took a seat next to her

“I’m very aware of when you’re 16 my love.” She said softly, squeezing her shoulder as she took a bite of her Avocado on toast knowing Eleanor would turn up her nose

“I don’t understand how you eat that.” Eleanor said with a mouth full of bacon and eggs while her mother gave her a disapproving look. Eleanor swallowed the food in her mouth before sending a grim to y/n who just nudged her slightly.

“Now Eat, I’m gonna go call Shayla and see where she’s got to.” Eleanor rolled her eyes as she picked up the slice of toast as her mother walked out of the room and almost on cue the door flew open.

“Where's my favourite sister?” Shayla beamed walking through the door. She had multiple shopping bags in hand typical of her. Eleanor had always admired her, for one she was gorgeous and had the one of the most lavish lifestyles Eleanor had witnessed but she was also one of the sweetest people she’d ever met.

“Technically she’s not even your sister.” Eleanor said as Shayla placed her bag on the table across from here

“Shut it smart ass.” Y/n said walking back into the kitchen Bobby pin between her teeth as she secured her bun in the mirror onto for Shayla to come and smooth it out for her

“So who’s the lucky man?” Shayla asked, raising her eyebrows at y/n in the mirror who just rolled her eyes as she fastened her necklace. Eleanor always wondered the meaning behind her necklace, y/n was never without it even in the photo of Eleanor as a baby. She had that same heart necklace around her neck like it was the only place it belonged.

“It's not a date, it's a business meeting.” Y/n insisted as Eleanor shook her head polishing off the last of her apple juice before wiping her mouth getting up from her seat

“That’s not what Rene told me… she said you and her dad are going on a date.” She said in a matter of fact tone just as her mother did earlier

“Well you tell that twerp to stop making shit up or I’ll make her work more.” Y/n said before grabbing her bag off the side. Rene, Eleanor’s best friend, worked in the restaurant of y/n’s hotel as a server after she begged and begged her to give her the job telling y/n she needed it for her college resume.

“Anyway my two loves… I must be off, I love you both… Please don’t break anything.” She said before blowing Eleanor a kiss on the way out. Eleanor double checked to make sure she was far away from the house almost as soon as she was out of the door

“Shayla, guess what I found!” Eleanor said while grabbing her bag from under the couch as Shayla put the dishes in the sink before sitting next to Eleanor.

“What is it my darling?” Shayla said in her eloquent way only to let out a gasp as she pulled a pink Journal out of her bag. Shayla knew that journal from a mile away.

“Is that your mum?” She questioned recognising the purple butterfly stickers along the binding as well the flowers sticker scattered across the back and front

“yup!” Eleanor said, popping the ‘p’ as she opened the front page as she got more comfortable on the couch turning to face Shayla

“Nora This is an Extreme invasion of privacy.” Shayla aid as Eleanor raised her eyebrows

“But aren’t you curious?” She suggested, Shayla took a second to contemplate before signing

“Okay fine you got me I must know.”

“It's dated 8 months before I was born.” Eleanor said and that’s when Shayla knew exactly what this diary entailed.

“Nora I’m not sure about this… we’ll read one page and then I’ll put it back where I found it.” Eleanor said cutting her off and just like her mother she couldn't say no to her it was something about those two girls that could make anyone putty in there hands and Shayla was not exempt

“Dear Diary,

Good God how did I get myself in this situation? Two months ago I left home for good and now I’m sitting wondering which of my three most recent romantic affairs is the father of my child. You’d think finding out you’re pregnant would be amazing but it’s hard to find the joy in it when you’ve no idea who the father is.

First of all there’s Conrad as others know him but to me he was just Connie, you see I’d heard about him before from others in this town and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to know more about him. And now I know what they mean, he's a love machine. god. The thought of him makes me dizzy from the way that he used to kiss me goodnight amongst other things. If you told me two months ago that I’d meet someone like him and fall this hard and fast I’d call you delusional.

Everything with him happened so fast I mean whatever it was between us lasted like a month till I found out about Her. God how could I have been so naive all the signs were there but I just wanted to believe I could have that fairytale.

And then there's Jeremiah. Jeremiah is everything I could have ever wanted. He's sweet, charming, talented and he’s exceptional in bed but that’s beside the point. If he was a man I’d spend the rest of my life with. I've been content but as you guessed things didn’t exactly pan out that way. You see, Jeremiah is completely gorgeous. He looked like he could have been a movie star and he knew that he had girls practically begging to be with him.

Some would say he was rather egotistical from all the female attention but I know the real him so I’m far from surprised that she fell for him the way I did. The only issue was that he was Conrad’s brother.

And lastly but definitely not least there Steven and Honey, to say the least, he’s a dog-gone... BEAST! Steven as something else entirely; he oozed cockiness and rightfully so every moment with him was pure bliss. He was chaotic in a way that makes everything far more fun but then again It wasn’t built to last. We were both far too immature for anything serious and if I’m being honest I know he’s got someone pining after him who he’d be just great with.

I should write to them but that would be far too embarrassing like oh hey so I know things between us ended weird but I might be carrying your child and by might I mean there are two possible other dads. God that sounds awful and plus I owe them nothing this is my baby and mine only.

Until next time, y/n.”

“First of all TMI mother I didn’t need to know how good they are in bed AND SECOND OF ALL THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT COULD BE MY DAD!” Eleanor yelled the last part as the front door swung open

“I forgot my purse… Eleanor?” Y/n said as her eyes landed on the pink diary in her hands. Y/n’s heart dropped to her stomach she hadn’t looked at that journal in years. She’d hoped she’d never have to look at it.

“Mum it’s not what it looks like.” Eleanor panicked. She could see the disappointment and anger in her mother's eyes

“How many times do I need to tell you not to go through my things Eleanor!” She said her usual soft tone was blunt. Eleanor almost couldn’t recognise it but there was still a shimmer of softness to the words.

“To be fair, what I read is kinda you know a big part of my life I have a right to know.” Eleanor said digging a bigger hole for herself and in that moment y/n’s whole demeanour changed.

“Shayla… it’s okay I’ll stop by tomorrow.” Shayla said before y/n even had to say another word. Y/n thanked her softly as she closed the door behind her. Y/n threw her bag down on the couch as Eleanor stood across from her, journal still in hand.

“Eleanor, there are reasons I haven’t told you the things in that diary because you don’t need to know… yes I understand that you’ve always been curious as to who your dad is. But it’s not like you’ve missed out anything… I’ve given you everything I have and more, is that not enough for you?” Eleanor could tell she’d upset y/n by her tone of voice. She never meant to hurt her mum. Y/n was her best friend, her entire world. The thought of disappointing her killed Eleanor inside.

“You have mum and I’m grateful for everything you’ve ever done for me you know that… but I think it’s my choice if I have a relationship with my father.” As much as y/n wanted to see her daughter's point of view she knew the entire story and Eleanor didn’t.

“You are mine, you belong to me not them. You’re mine.” Y/n said tears spilling down her cheeks before she took a deep breath “There is a reason I’ve kept them out of your life Eleanor now this is the last I want to hear of it. Is that understood?” Y/n said, holding her hand out for the journal.

Eleanor sighed “But…No Buts Eleanor. We’re done with this.” Y/n said as Eleanor gave in, handing her mother the book before watching her walk out of the room presumably to call David and cancel.

No matter how hard she tried Eleanor couldn’t seem to wrap her head around why her mum was so against anything to do with her father from what it seemed like she thought they were all great. There was definitely something she wasn’t telling her.

So the next morning when Eleanor woke to find the book placed on her bed table as well as a note that her mother had left

‘I’m sorry you’re right this is your decision, these are the last known addresses I have of any of them do what you will with them. I love you.’

Eleanor rushed down the stairs to find her mum in the kitchen making breakfast for the two of them as well as Rene who would presumably burst through the door at any minute like every morning “Thank you!” She said, pulling her mum into a hug. Y/n knew what she was talking about without having to ask. She’d spent hours mulling over it last night and she knew it was the right decision. although y/n may not have had a great relationship with any of those three men she knew that didn’t mean Eleanor couldn’t.

“Anything for you my sweet girl.” Y/n said squeezing her cheeks slightly as the door opened “Morning Rene !” Y/n said as she walked in still half asleep

“Morning.” She mumbled y/n smiled softly as Eleanor sat next to Rene pouring herself a glass of orange juice before offering one to Rene who just nodded

“Morning Honey… Did you have fun with Daniel?” Y/n teased, knowing Rene has spent the night at her boyfriend instead of at there’s like she’d told her father before she began plating the food up.

“Yeah, we played chess. He definitely cheated, there's no way he could win that easily.” Rene said while stuffing her face with bacon

“You sure you’re not just shit?” Eleanor teased knowing how much Rene prides herself at being the best person she knows at chess. Y/n rolled her eyes laughing and the girls. They reminded her of her and Shayla at their age.

“you’re shit!” Rene fired back

“Now, Now children, you know the rules. No arguing at the table.” Y/n said as they both mumbled a sorry and continued eating.

Once they were finished eating y/n and Rena cleared everything up before getting things ready for the day. Y/n had promised to teach the girls how to play poker after they’d lost a game of it at their friends birthday and y/n alway had a knack for it.

Eleanor sat upstairs at her computer, the word document open, ready to type out her letters to each of her potential fathers when she came to a halt.

What would she even say?

Would they even care?

All the possible questions she could think of came rushing to her head but she knew she had to do this not only for herself but she knew her mother needed some type of closure and she was willing to get that for her at no matter what cost.

—

Dear Conrad/Jeremiah/Steven ,

You don’t know me, but you know my Mother. Y/n Robinson. you might be wondering why I’m writing to you but you see the thing is. You might be my dad.

I know it’s a lot huh?

I mean not nearly as much as finding out that your dad could be one of three people.

Oh yeah, that reminds me there’s two other people that might be my father but my mum says that’s a long story.

You might also be thinking hey why after 15 almost 16 years am I only just finding out I might be a dad and the answer is well you know my mother.

you know what she’s like.

So really I just wanted to say hi.

So Hi.

I understand if you never wanna write back to me or don’t have a care in the world but I really hope you do. It would be nice to have a dad I guess.

Rene seems to like it (she’s my best friend)

So what I’m trying to say is if you have any care in the world or are even curious to know who I am… I turn 16 in two weeks and I’d love to have you there just to talk I guess.

Sincerely,

Your potential daughter, Eleanor.

———

Tag list -

@gillybear17 @unsaidjaelinrose @mxdnight-spell @rocksytherock @nai-lily @absurdos @timotheeandshawn @drewstarkeysgirl @winterberryfox @coolcooliothings-blog @moorestephanie @pads31 @hearts4peterparker @midnightxxmoments @joelsfarabees @lupinscupid @Haeily @onlyangel-444 @lonelywitchv2 @bookophiliac @marvel-f1-and-more @prettysummerbaby @iloveefictionalpeople @withbeautyandrage @cryonme @littlefreaksatellite @Steph1106 @ietss @kayreblogs @iluvt4ylorswift @liltimmyst @eowyns-throne @neolimesworld @k-sidhu @yeulikehani @imsiriuslyreal @eddieismyloverboy @footballfangirly @archer-writes @Azura @waywardsuitcasepruneeggs

[twopoppies]

Hi Gina!! I was at Louis’ concert and it was fucking amazing. His voice has improved so much and his confidence was through the roof! We were further back than we should’ve been, because although i got there at 8:00 am people were cutting in the queue and security weren’t very helpful (louis got pissed at them as well during the concert because they weren’t paying attention) but we were still really close and right in the middle! I didn’t manage to get the shirt to him because security wouldn’t let it through but he saw it and gave me a thumbs up!! There was also a ‘always in your heart’ flag which got a loud cheer and multiple louis dolls that were being held up to cheers! He also pointed at the princess park pride flag multiple times and didn’t look once at Eleanor(who for people’s piece of mind was only there for part of the show, only knew lyrics to kill my mind and the chorus of always you, and didn’t interact with Lottie or phoebe once- she only interacted with her friends) Anyways, seeing louis in person was one of the best experiences of my life. He’s gorgeous and so fucking lovely. and his smile genuinely is like sunshine.

The point i wanted to make here is that i bought the programme and do you know what louis fucking did? He hid 369 in the programme. One page has a white three hidden near the bottom middle of the page, another one after it has a black 6 hidden in the stage light, and then there’s a black 9 hidden in the cube near the end. Honestly i love this man with all my being but can he please tell us what this means?

Oh, I’m so glad you had a great time, but I’m so sorry you couldn’t get the jersey to him!! Sounds like a terrific night despite the lousy security.

And seriously, we’re all dying to know what 369 means!

[canirove]

The Princess & the Football Player | Chapter 31

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"Who is ringing at the door this late at night?" Mrs. Rice says. 

"I'll go!" Blake replies.

"Ask who it is before opening!"

"I'll go with him, don't worry" his dad says.

"Maybe it's some Christmas carols" Declan shrugs.

"That may cheer you up" his mum says, caressing his cheek. "Why don't you go check yourself?"

"Nah..."

"Uncle Dec" Blake says, coming back into the living room. "They are asking for you."

"Me?"

"Yep" his brother says, trying to hide a smile. 

"Ok" Declan sighs before getting up from the table, his brother giving him a pat in the back as he walks past him.

The moment he leaves the room, everyone starts whispering, and he could swear he hears Blake saying a name...

"Eleanor?"  

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Hi" I say.

"Is it... Is it really you?" Declan says, looking at me as if I wasn't real.

"In the flesh" I chuckle.

"I... I don't get it. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be..."

"Getting engaged like the whole country knows? Yeah, I should. But I said no."

"You what?" 

"I said no" I shrug. "I don't want to marry Charles."

"You... I... This is..." he says, running a hand through his hair. God, his hair. I've missed it so much. "Do they know you are here?"

"Nope, I ran away. That's why I look like this" I say, looking down at my dress.

"Gorgeous, you mean?" he chuckles, smiling and making me feel butterflies on my stomach. It was the same feeling I had when we first met.

"Thank you" I reply.

"But how did you do it?"

"Sophie and David had it all planned. They know me better than I know myself."

"Sorry to interrupt" Mrs. Rice says behind Declan. "But Eleanor, are you staying? Should I add another plate to the table? We still are half way through dinner."

"That's too kind, Mrs. Rice. But I don't want to be an inconvenience, I can leave."

"Nonsense. You are staying with us. Isn't she, Dec?"

"Of course she is" he says. "But you should probably get changed first."

"I thought you liked this dress" I say with a cheeky smile.

"Oh, I do. But you are gonna be eating a lot, you need to be comfortable. Come" he says, offering me his hand and walking me to his room, his mother giggling behind us.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"You remembered" I smile when he gives me some clothes.

"That you loved stealing this tracksuit all the damn time? Of course I did" he laughs. "It looks better on you than on myself, to be honest."

"Thank you for letting me stay. I didn't know where else to go."

"You know you will always be welcomed here" he says, wiping away a tear and catching me by surprise. He is so close…

"I've missed you" I whisper.

"I've missed you too" he says, his hand still on my face, cupping it while moving closer and closer.

"Uncle Dec!" Blake says, making both of us jump. "Grandma asked if you can bring downstairs one of the chairs she has on the office, we are missing one."

"I will, don't worry."

"Where you going to kiss?" he asks with a mischievous smile.

"Get out" Declan says, his nephew quickly running away.

"I've missed him too" I chuckle. 

"You won't be saying the same at the end of the night. The teenage years have started."

"Oh dear."

"Oh dear indeed" Declan laughs. "Anyway, I better go get that chair and let you get changed. See you downstairs, ok?"

"Ok. And Declan... Thank you" I say, kissing his cheek.

"Anything for you" he smiles, making me feel as if time hadn't passed. As if we still were living in that bubble from the beginning of our relationship, the press not knowing about us. As if it was just us and our love for each other, making me feel the happiest I've ever felt. Making me feel at home.

[celeste-fitzgerald]

The Electric Light Orchestra - ELO (album review/fangirl session)

I've decided to go ahead and start doing reviews of ELO albums for funsies (aka I am very bored right now haha). I use the term "review" very very loosely. Basically this will just be my very subjective, random thoughts on the songs. This is 100% my own opinions and I expect (and invite) people to disagree on lots of this.

And one more big disclaimer: I have a tendency to pay no attention to lyrics when I listen to songs. There are exceptions of course, but a lot of the time I have no clue what they're saying. Which means there may be times when I'll be like "oh wow this song is so pretty" when in reality it's a song about, like, death. Hopefully I won't screw up that bad, but if I make a bad error, please politely correct me!

With all that out of the way, here we go!

10538 Overture: 8/10 I'll be honest - the first time I heard this one I was unimpressed. It was so different from the ELO songs I was used to, and I didn't really understand the hype around it. But it started to grow on me a lot. It just sounds so...epic. The orchestration feels so full and heavy (thank you to Roy Wood and his army of cello overdubs). And I think it's a perfect encapsulation of ELO's vision to combine classical instruments with pop/rock music. Also, the god damn FRENCH HORN. I swear to god, you can't go wrong with french horns. Listen for the horn, it makes it all so much more dramatic and ahhhHHH.

Look at Me Now: 7/10 Hello, Eleanor Rigby (I'm sorry that's all I think of when I hear this one ahaha). More seriously though, this is probably the song from the album that gets stuck in my head most often. There was definitely one day last week when I kept going about my business and then suddenly bursting out into "aHHHH, LOOK AT ME NOOOOW." I just find it super catchy for some reason. And the oboe!! The oboe fits so perfectly with this one, I love it!

Nellie Takes Her Bow: 4/10 Eh. This one doesn't really capture my attention for some reason. Also it's very long, and a bit disjointed. The piano sounds quite nice though, and I like Jeff's voice in it. If someone has a favorite part of this song or something, please let me know so I can listen for it and maybe find a reason to love it.

The Battle of Marston Moor (July 2nd 1644): 5/10 I'm not particularly fond of the song itself, but the story behind the recording of it makes me laugh a bit. Bev refusing to play on it because it was so, in his own words, "appalling" is kind of hilarious to me. The song itself is interesting, but it really just sounds like an entirely orchestral song to me and feels out of place on the album.

First Movement (Jumping Biz): 9/10 I adore this one! It's just so much fun! Lovely little instrumental track with gorgeous guitar work. Plus...I think it's an oboe again? I could be wrong though. But it's a very interesting little oboe riff and it fits super well. I just all-around love this song.

Mr. Radio: 3/10 I have conflicting thoughts on this one. I feel like it's probably objectively a really good song, but there's something about it that just gets on my nerves. And I have no idea what it is. I just really don't like it lol.

Manhattan Rumble (49th Street Massacre): 6/10 I really like the heavy, driving downbeat in this song. I do enjoy this one a lot, but it's not one of the standout tracks on the album for me.

Queen of the Hours: 7/10 Okay the string parts in this have to be inspired by Mars from Holst's The Planets, right?? Please tell me I'm not the only one who hears it. Anyways, I quite enjoy this one! I love the vocal parts when it goes up high, it sounds really cool. Just an overall great song.

Whisper in the Night: 10/10 AB.SOL.UTE.LY. GORGEOUS. My favorite on the album by far. It's so heart-achingly beautiful. And my god, Roy's voice is stunning on this track. So passionate, and the vibrato, god damn. It's just...SO good. Breathtaking. Perfect. And the way the choir comes in on "angels sing." AAAAHHHHHHHHH. IT'S SO GOOD.

Overall: 7/10 The album has definitely grown on me a lot since the first time I listened. I was initially caught off-guard by how unpolished it felt compared to ELO's later albums, but now that I've adjusted to the sound, it has a very nice charm to it.

Feel free to let me know your thoughts on any of this! And yell at me if I dissed your fave track XD

[hufflepuffwithaslytherinkink]

Tacenda - Chapter 5 Snippet

Eleanor enjoys her date with Dean though she spots Hannah, Charlie and even Joe watching her for part of it. Joe scrutinising everything as Hannah and Charlie whisper to each other behind their hands, making weird gestures with their hands.

She sends them a warning glare but Charlie grins holding his thumbs up making Eleanor look at him in horror.

Dean turns around to see what she’s looking at before bursting into laughter as Charlie and Hannah fumble around trying to make it look as though they weren’t spying on them.

“I see your friends are enjoying themselves.” He turns back to her with an amused expression.

Eleanor covers her face with her hands. “I swear to God I didn’t know they’d be here.”

“It’s okay, I guess they’re just looking out for you.” He shrugs.

“They’re embarrassing and have no boundaries.” Eleanor fumes. Dean snorts.

“Isn’t that all friends?” He asks.

Eleanor shrugs before smiling at him. “I’ll tell them to leave.”

“It’s okay, as long as they don’t stop me from kissing you then I don’t mind them being overprotective.” He tells her.

Eleanor’s heart splutters at his words. He wanted to kiss her.

“You want to kiss me?” She asks timidly.

Dean nods giving her a lopsided smile. “Of course I do, I asked you on a date. And talking to you just makes me want to kiss you more.” He confesses his eyes dropping to her mouth.

Eleanor blushes at his words, smiling coyly. She won’t deny she wants to kiss him too. He’s gorgeous and she’d heard he’s an excellent kisser.

“So can I?” He asks.

Eleanor looks at him nervously. “I said yes to the date didn’t I?” She states making him grin.

Dean moves closer, letting his hand fall to her knee before cupping her neck, his thumb brushing along her jaw line as he presses their lips together.

Dean’s kiss is more rushed than any she’s had before, he instantly starts to move his mouth against hers. It’s not bad or forced just hurried, as though desperate to touch her, to taste her.

She sighs contentedly as she’s hit with the taste of butter beer as she allows him to open her mouth. Dean’s hands tighten slightly at the sound.

Eleanor has to admit it’s a nice kiss, he’s certainly skilled, a lot better than Cormac.

They pull away a little breathlessly, Dean’s lips swollen and a smug smirk plastered onto them.

Eleanor feels her cheeks burn at the realisation she’d just kissed him in a crowded room.

Dean stares at her lustfully, a happy smile on his face. “I’m going to go the loo, do you want me to get more drinks on the way back?” He asks.

Eleanor looks at their almost empty glasses. “It’s okay I’ll get them.” She says happily. She wants something to do after that anyway or she’ll panic thinking people are staring at her.

“Are you sure?” Dean asks. “I don’t mind getting them.”

“Honestly I don’t mind, you got the last lot.” She reassures him.

Dean nods. “Okay then, I’ll be back in a moment.”

He walks away turning around to grin at her as he walks. As soon as he’s out of sight Eleanor gets up and makes her way to the bar.

She feels hot all over and can’t stop licking her lips, they’re almost tingling.

She smiles as she brushes her fingers over them.

“That was very public.” Theo is stood beside her leaning on the bar as he waits to be served.

“Excuse me?” Eleanor asks.

“I didn’t take you for the kind of person to have public displays.” He says almost harshly.

Eleanor blinks at him. “How would you know? You barely talk to me.” She snaps at him.

Theo glances at her before shrugging. “I know more about you than anyone would like. Was it as good?”

“Was what as good?” She asks irately.

“Did kissing him make you feel as good as kissing me?” He says with a slight smugness.

Eleanor turns to him with an appalled expression. How could he ask that? What did he think gave him the right to ask that?

If truth be told, no it didn’t. It was longer and slightly more heated than her kiss with Theo, but no it didn’t make her feel as good. Not nearly as good.

“That’s none of your business.” She snaps at him.

Theo just smirks. “Didn’t think it did.”

Eleanor narrows her eyes at him before turning back to bar. Madam Rosmerta is walking towards them. Eleanor is about to ask for two more butterbeers when Theo speaks up.

“Hi Madam Rosmerta. Can I have three butterbeers please?” He grins at her charmingly.

Madam Rosmerta smiles at him sweetly before turning to make his order.

“Oh you arse.” Eleanor hisses at him.

Theo cocks a brow at her. “I don’t know what you mean.” He says innocently.

“I was here first and you know it.” She tells him.

“I know.” He smiles at her infuriatingly.

Eleanor turns away from his stupid face, glaring at the bottles of alcohol behind the counter trying to control her breathing. Why did he make her so angry?

Madam Rosmerta places the drinks on the bar and Theo pays before she turns her attention to Eleanor.

“What can I get you dear?” She asks pleasantly.

“Two butterbeers please.” She says as politely as she can, it’s not Madam Rosmerta’s fault Theo is an arse.

Madam Rosmerta smiles turning to get the drinks when Theo speaks up. “Just one butterbeer please Madam Rosmerta.” He tells her. “I already got Eleanor one.”

Madam Rosmerta gives them a pointed look, practically winking at Eleanor before turning to get the other butterbeer.

Eleanor turns to face Theo with a stunned expression, what is he playing at?

He pushes one of the butterbeers towards her. “I realised I kissed you and never even got you a drink. I’m not a heathen Eleanor.” He tells her.

Eleanor stares at the butterbeer with suspicion.

“Why?” She asks.

“Why?” Theo questions looking at her curiously.

“Why are you getting me a drink? Why do you kiss me, then ignore me, then act weird when I kiss someone else?” She asks her voice getting louder and louder.

Theo continues to lean on the bar watching her impassively.

“I don’t know.” He mutters as though wondering it himself. He straightens up grabbing the two other butterbeers. “Sorry I only got you one butterbeer, but I don’t feel like buying your date a drink. Have fun, just not too much fun.”

He turns and strides towards a table in the corner where Blaise Zabini is sat watching them curiously. He starts to mutter as soon as Theo reaches the table but Theo just shrugs sitting down and sipping his butterbeer without a care in the world.

Eleanor turns her attention back to Madam Rosmerta. She’s just paid for the butterbeer when Dean joins her at the bar, wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Hi.” He smiles at her, taking one of the drinks off the bar.

Thankfully not the one Theo bought. Though Eleanor isn’t sure why that’s such a relief to her.

“Hey.”

“I was wondering if you wanted to go to Honeydukes after here.” Dean suggests.

Eleanor beams at him. She loves Honeydukes, chocolate is definitely the way to her heart.

“I’d love that.” She responds picking up her own drink and returning to their table. She can feel Theo’s gaze burning her the entire time.

[1ddiscourseoftheday]

Mon 12 April ‘21

Liam enjoyed the rest of his BAFTAs night post show; while the good reviews of his performance flooded in and Midnight re-entered the itunes charts he had some drinks (“a rum or two deep celebrating”) and had some fun posting with the BAFTAs filters and his digital avatar-- he posed with the digital Liam avatar (“not often you get to take a picture with yourself!”) which, again, looks even creepier and worse with the contrast of real Liam looking cute and like, HUMAN, right there! Later in the night he turned against the stand in, posting a pic of it scribbled up with glasses and moustache and devil horns and more, quite right. Burn it with FIRE!! Ghost hunter pal Zak Bagans also has some doubts about that uncanny imposter and commented about how you aren’t supposed to meet your doppelganger-- “exercise me spiritual guide,” said Liam, (which I personally think is a VERY funny typo for exorcise) and “ghost adventures honorary member when do I start,” well if you ask me Liam you can start by bringing back Cornelius, ANYTIME. He also got official BAFTAs posed pics, he looks like a proper movie star himself! Nice to see him again, and he enjoyed being back too- today he posted a pretty selfie captioned “still on a high from yesterday’s performance felt like a lifetime since I’d been onstage.” And not only that, he posted some art! The beginning of a drawing of a person (“beginning something really special I hope”) and a pretty older piece. A+++ Liam content all around, even with that scary fake!Liam!

A picture was posted of Niall out playing golf and may I just say DAMN NIALL that’s a lot of LOOK for the golf course!! The Fashion, the Hair, wow. But that would be where he would care about Bringing It, idk why I’m surprised. He also congratulated both the winner of the Masters and a fan whose fantasy league picks were good, but no word on the Anne Marie collab- the agency that worked on the shoot visuals posted about it but no new info.

Louis didn’t show his face but we got to see it anyway- a huge collection of outtakes from his House of Solo photshoot from late 2019 was posted! The photog from that shoot has posted outtakes before a few times and it’s been a little pointless, just almost exactly the same as the posted ones, but this batch is different and way more exciting! There are actual behind the scenes shots of him breaking the Serious Model Face, and also plenty of brand new seriously gorgeous posed shots. They were posted not by the photographer this time but by a fan burner account?? Very mysterious! Louis himself just commented on a post by his keyboard player Zak of him playing music, a cover- “YES LAD”.

And the girl that took the pic of Harry at the park the other day posted more from that encounter and announced that in fact he was with Olivia! Very unlikely given that… well mostly given that they’re not actually dating but also, you expect me to believe this person is someone who wants us to know they were together but didn’t take a pic of her and also didn’t mention it until just now? Come on. I mean even if she was there they still aren’t dating so w/e, but I just find that EXTREMELY  hard to believe. Olivia has been seen many times lately (because she keeps getting herself papped) over by the house she and Jason are sharing in South London, but not near Harry’s place. Eleanor was over near there though! She, like many Londoners, celebrated today’s re-openings by heading out- she went to the Spaniards Pub with friends (and Bruce, her dog.)