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seph7 · 9 months ago

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Thursday, August 15, 2013

In Character: J.T. Walsh

When most people think of J.T. Walsh, they recall the numerous menacing sons of bitches he played. The murders, the thieves, the liars and the assholes – no one could play mean quite like Walsh. But upon digging deeper, it’s clear that Walsh was capable of so much more than depicting scumbags. He had compassion, charm, wit and panache. He was an actor’s actor, a working man, an invaluable day player who we lost far too soon to a heart attack in 1998.

Perhaps Walsh’s good friend and collaborator, Billy Bob Thornton said it best: “A real actor doesn’t try to make yourself look good all the time. Because the job of an actor is to portray the character that’s written, and portray it with all your might. J.T. did that everytime he did anything. If J.T. was in a movie that just plain sucked, he never did. He was always perfect.”Five Essential Roles

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Sgt. Major Dickerson

“You stay out of my way, there’ll be no problem. But toy with me, and I’ll make you wish you’d died as a child.”

That says everything you need to know about Sgt. Major Dickerson, the cankerous commander of Robin Williams’ ceaselessly sarcastic Adrian Cronauer. Dickerson is a straight shooter – a military commander ensuring that his duties in the Vietnam War are handled as professionally as possible. But Cronauer isn’t a professional. He makes room for choice and laughter, things that don’t exist in Dickerson’s world. Needless to say, the two never get along, which lends itself to some of the most scathing fire and brimstone Walsh ever delivered. Good Morning, Vietnam is designed for us to root for its protagonist, but I promise that you’ll love to hate Sgt. Major Dickerson.

A Few Good Men (1992)

Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson

Taking a minor step away from the brutish men Walsh often played, Lt. Col. Markinson is one of the few men suggested in the title of Rob Reiner’s excellent film. As the only apparent Marine on Guantanamo Bay with intelligence and a healthy conscience, Markinson feels compelled to speak out against his commanding officer’s recent misdeeds. But in order to do this, he must hide in plain sight. He must dress as a civilian, hiding in the back of cars, chain smoking cigarettes in crappy hotels. Markinson is a welcome breath of hope late in A Few Good Men. If only he’d held out a little longer.

Breakdown (1997)

Warren “Red” Barr

When we meet Red Barr, he has kindly pulled his 18-wheeler over to offer Jeff (Kurt Russell) and his wife, Amy (Kathleen Quinlan) a hand with their broken down Jeep. No one can get the car to work, so Red offers to drive them to the closest telephone. Jeff and Amy quickly resolve that Jeff will stay with the car while Amy goes with Red, shortly to return with help.

The second time we meet Red, Jeff and a police officer are frantically questioning him as to where Amy is. She never came back, and Red was the last person to see her. Red denies ever having met Jeff and Amy, and, much to Jeff’s horror, the officer allows Red to go on his way.

No need to divulged more but just know, as mentioned, Walsh is no novice to playing men of loose morals, and damn if Red Barr isn’t the meatiest among them. Close to being the best performance of Walsh’s career.

Pleasantville (1998)

Big Bob

Pleasantville is a simple town. Simple rules, simple people; everyone gets along because they know no other way. OrneryPleasantville Mayor, Big Bob, is one chief facilitator of such calm order, so when a few new kids come strolling into town and mixing things up, Big Bob ain’t at all pleased.

Pleasantville is a none-too-subtle allegory for American Civil Rights. On its most basic level, the film is about a bunch of white people letting color into their lives. It’s a charming movie full of heroes, but with every film of its kind, there needs to be at least one strong oppressor for balance. And who better to be in charge of moral oppression than a J.T. Walsh character? His final, heated moment as Big Bob is the highlight of the film. From black and white to Technicolor, all in one passionate rant.

The Negotiator (1998)

Inspector Niebaum

When I initially drafted the list of Walsh’s best performances, I didn’t consider his turn in The Negotiator as an option. Thankfully, I went back and rewatched this perfectly decent action thriller, and found myself utterly taken away by Walsh’s deceit.

In the film, Lt. Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson) is accused of killing his partner, so he holds a few people hostage, including Walsh’s Neibaum, to clear his name. Now, because this is a Samuel L. Jackson-playing-the-good-guy movie, we know Roman is innocent. Roman’s chief suspect in the crime is Internal Affairs Inspector Niebaum (or someone working for Niebaum) so, as a by-product of our innocence for Roman, we assume Niebaum is guilty. And the beauty of Walsh’s work here is that he doesn’t try to convince Roman (or the audience) otherwise. In short, we never know how to feel about Niebaum. He could be to blame, he could be a patsy, or he could just be having a very bad day. It was always hard to tell with Walsh.

The Best of the Best

Sling Blade (1996)

Creepy Inmate (Charles Bushman)

In Sling Blade’s opening scene, we watch as an ice cold inmate in a mental institution slowly drags his chair across the room, placing it next to Billy Bob Thornton. From there, J.T. Walsh sits down and delivers a monologue of sheer dread. He recalls a time when he picked up a woman off the street for sex, only to soon discover she was a he. Walsh delivers this haunting exchange in one single shot, and usually with a smile on his face.

Then the film does something very interesting. It cuts to two young female reporters, arriving at the institution to interview an inmate known as Karl. When the film cuts back to Walsh and Thornton, Walsh is now describing how and why he abducted and killed a woman some years ago. Cut back to the girls preparing for the interview. Back to Walsh, and so on.

This is classic movie juxtaposition: anyone who knows anything about movies knows that the two girls are there to interview either Thornton or Walsh’s character. They are there to speak to Karl, yet, if you haven’t seen the film, you actually have no idea which of the men Karl is. The warden of the institution slowly makes his way into the room where Walsh and Thornton are speaking. The warden instructs Karl that he has a visitor, and we wait in baited breath to see which man stands up. Thornton stands, and we let out a sigh of relief.

Just imagine if Karl was the other guy.

Other Notable Roles

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

House of Games (1987)

Tequila Sunrise (1988)

Misery (1990)

The Grifters (1990)

Backdraft (1991)

Hoffa (1992)

Red Rock West (1993)

The Last Seduction (1994)

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Blue Chips (1994)

The Client (1994)

Nixon (1995)

Outbreak (1995)

Persons Unknown (1996)

Executive Decision (1996)

#j.t. walsh #jt walsh #underrated actors

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lifeofkaze · 2 years ago

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A Search for Balance

CHAPTER 8: GETAWAY

Find the masterlist with all chapters of this story here, the previous chapter here, and the next one here.

Tagging: @samshogwarts

By the beginning of August - just over four weeks until the Montrose Magpies would kick off the new season - Lizzie had made good progress in her recovery training. Their season preparation was slowly nearing its most crucial phase, so when their last practice session for the week was over, Ethan called his team together in the changing room.

"The new season's almost here, lads, and for once, I'm not entirely pessimistic about it. We're on a good path, but we must take things up a notch. I want these plucked birds calling themselves Quidditch champions to tremble when they think of the Wigtown Wanderers. Bloody Magpies," he added bitterly, a murmur of consent echoing through the changing room.

When Ethan raised his hands, the muttering ceased. "To show Montrose and the other amateurs what we're made of, the practice schedule will undergo some changes. We're doubling up on sessions and you will practise individually before we bring all of it together in time for the first match. You know what that means."

"Boot camp," Skye groaned under her breath.

"Boot camp," Ethan confirmed a moment later.

Lizzie could barely stop herself from making a face. They had done a boot camp the year before and while it had been effective, it had been one of the most exhausting weeks of her life.

"Things will be a little different this time," Ethan went on to explain. "There've been too many sideshows distracting you from what matters lately, so we ain't gonna stay in Wigtown. I need your focus sharp if we want to shoot for the Cup next season."

"Sounds smashing, Dad," Skye said. "Care to share where you're gonna take us?"

Ethan pursed his lips. "Kinda what I wanted to talk to you about. We were hoping on Dartmoor, but these Ministry sods were too stuck up to give us permission."

"Aren't they preparing for the World Cup in Dartmoor?" Lizzie frowned.

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Ain't you being sharp today? Would've given them a chance to have their stadium put through its paces, but seems like that's too much to ask for a humble Scottish club like ours."

Lizzie raised her eyebrows but chose not to comment on it any further. As enticing as the idea of flying over the World Cup pitch sounded, there was no way the Ministry would have even considered agreeing to Ethan's request.

"Where are we going then?"

"A good player needs to adapt to changing winds,” Ethan shrugged. “Since this is about growing closer as a team, I thought why not come up with a plan together."

Lizzie listened to the ensuing discussion without adding to it. She was busy thinking about Matthew; he wouldn't have been keen on her training schedule being increased either way, but her leaving Wigtown for several days could turn into a problem.

"The Isle of Skye isn't a bad shout," suggested Scout Sheridan, the team's usual Seeker, but Ethan promptly shook his head.

"Chances are we're going to run into some Portree players, and they can go suck on a Bludger, as far as I'm concerned."

"What about that one place you used to tell me about?" Skye piped up and nudged Lizzie in the side. "Where was it again?"

"No idea what you mean," Lizzie replied coolly, but Skye didn't notice the warning in her voice.

"'Course you do. Always used to say how great it'd be for Quidditch - remote, loads of open space, unaccessible to Muggles, everything we're looking for. Couldn't stop raving about it every time you went there with -"

Skye stopped abruptly as she realised the reason for Lizzie's silence, but her words had already caught Ethan's attention.

"I like the sound of that. Where is it?"

"It's maybe not that great after all," Skye answered evasively. "Who cares for the Pricks of Portree anyway? The Isle of Skye is -"

"Forget about the bloody Isle of Skye, this place you mentioned sounds just like what we need. Where is it now?"

"It's a small headland on the west coast of Jersey," Orion suddenly spoke up, looking straight at Ethan. "It's not big but it’s remote, and the water cuts it off during high tide, which means Anti-Muggle measures would be minimal."

Ethan seemed pleased at the prospect. "Sounds like a winner. Jersey it is then."

There was a growing sense of excitement in the changing room, which Lizzie didn't share. She was livid with Skye for not keeping her mouth shut, and she couldn't understand why Orion was backing her up, either. Surely thinking about the days they had spent on Jersey together had to be as painful for him as it was for her. Looking at Orion's calm but determined face as he spoke to Ethan about the details of their trip, Lizzie suddenly wasn't so sure about that anymore.

Not keen on telling Matthew about their boot camp, the sinking feeling in her stomach grew when Lizzie left the training grounds soon after. She pushed the thought away, even when she sat in the spacious gardens of McRae Manor with him and he was asking her about her day. The wine Matthew had taken from the wine cellar made her wonderfully sleepy, and so she decided to keep the information about their getaway to herself for just a little bit longer.

With their workload so greatly increased, Lizzie found plenty of excuses to avoid the topic for the rest of the following week, but leaving Matthew in the dark made her feel strung up and irritable. She did her best to hold her mood at bay, but when during one of their countless conversations about their wedding Matthew brought up the issue of her dress once more, her frustration finally rose to the surface.

"I don't care if Manuel is your friend. I hate his ideas. He didn't listen to what I wanted at all."

"It's Emmanuel," Matthew said laconically, the scowl on his face deepening every time Lizzie passed him while pacing up and down his study. "And he said that it was you not listening to him. Do you know how much of an effort he made? I would have expected you to show some gratitude, and if not that, some manners, at the very least."

"I don't even know what he was thinking. The things he suggested were ridiculous."

"I told him that I didn't want you to look like you're off for a day on the beach, that's what he was thinking," Matthew said flatly. "I want you to take this seriously."

Lizzie stopped her pacing. "What makes you think I'm not taking our wedding seriously? I am!"

Matthew raised his eyebrows and reached into the pocket of his jacket, producing a scroll of parchment and tossing it to Lizzie. "This suggests otherwise."

Frowning, Lizzie caught the scroll and unrolled it. Her eyes went wide as she saw the fine sketch lines in Andre's unmistakable hand, forming into the simple, flowy dress Lizzie had dreamed of wearing at her wedding. Incredulous, her eyes went from the sketch to Matthew.

"You opened my letters?"

"I must have taken it with me when I worked at your place the other day. It was stuck between my documents, so I thought it was mine."

"Then check the envelope next time," Lizzie snapped. "My letters are private."

"Don't get all worked up about it. I'll have a second look next time."

"I hope so."

"Why are you so upset? Is there anything you don't want me to see?"

"No, but some of these are personal. If there was anything important, I would have told you."

Matthew nodded at the scroll of parchment in Lizzie's hand. "Like Andre Egwu working on a wedding dress even though I said that I don't want him to?"

Lizzie's fist tightened around the sketch until she realised that she was creasing the parchment. "That's different."

"How so? You know I don't like his ideas, his designs, or even him, to be honest. And still you went behind my back and let him waste his time on something that's just not going to happen."

He snapped his agenda shut and rose from his seat. "Marriage is about making compromises, and I don't see you doing particularly well on that front lately. I expect you to clear this misunderstanding and get to work with Emmanuel properly by the beginning of next week."

Judging by the finality of his tone, Matthew wasn't expecting any objections. He was almost by the door when Lizzie called him back.

"Emmanuel can go and enjoy himself, but without me. I won't be here next week."

Matthew turned with an unbelieving look. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You heard me. The team's off for boot camp. I won't have time for another stupid meeting with any of your friends."

"Last year, all you did was stay on the training grounds for a week. Surely they can let you go for a special occasion like this?"

Lizzie crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Well, not this time. We're going away."

Matthew blinked, clearly taken aback. "What? Where to?"

"The Channel Isles."

"Since when have you known?"

"End of last week."

"And when are you going?"

"Beginning of next."

"For Godric's sake, Lizzie," Matthew huffed, running his hand over his face in exasperation. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm telling you now."

"How do you expect me to rearrange our appointments at such short notice? I don't have time to go on a holiday with you."

"Good, because it's not a holiday and you're not invited."

"What do you mean I'm not invited?"

"This is work," Lizzie stressed. "We're going to be training all day, every day. There's no need for you to be there."

Matthew pressed his lips together. "I'm your agent. There's every need for me to be there."

"Then you'd better stay here and get my contract sorted out. Doesn't look like it's going anywhere at the moment."

"It would if you didn't shut me out all the time!" When Lizzie flinched at Matthew's tone, he took a deep breath and put both hands on her shoulders. "I'm worried about you. You've been working so hard and you're still not fully recovered. Don't you think it would make more sense to stay and rest? We could focus on ourselves for a change. I haven't seen much of you lately. I miss you."

Even though Lizzie's anger was already dwindling, she moved her head away when Matthew leaned in to kiss her.

"I can't just not go. This isn't only about physical practice, it's about growing together as a team. I missed the second half of last season, and the roster is all different now. Working out the dynamics is important if we want to have a shot at the Cup."

Matthew abruptly let go of her. "Your health is important. Your team doesn't care about you half as much as you care about them."

"That's not true."

"It is. They lost no time to find a replacement for you when they signed on this Orion Amari without even knowing if -"

"This has nothing to do with him," Lizzie interrupted him so brusquely that Matthew fell silent.

"You had better think about your priorities," he said coolly after having composed himself again. "You seem to have gotten them confused."

Lizzie raised her chin and walked past him to the door. "I have my priorities perfectly straight, thank you very much. You can go and do your wedding stuff. I'm going to boot camp with my team, whether you like it or not."

#hphm #hogwarts mystery #harry potter hogwarts mystery #quidditch #orion amari #orion amari x mc #lizzie jameson #skye parkin #ethan parkin #balance series #search for balance #sfb

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embrassemoi · 3 years ago

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Surrounded by the Moon and Stars ✷ 30

Pairings: Sirius B, F!Reader, Remus L Warnings: Language, angst, meeting new characters Important Question: do you guys prefer shorter or longer chapters? also, I listened to first love / late spring by Mitski for this ch if anyone else wants to listen along!

【 Masterlist | Previous Chapter | ao3 】

Chapter 30: Like a Tall Child

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Remus was alone for the trip back to King’s Cross; not wanting to be stuck with James or Peter who would only pester him. He mulled over his thoughts as his head rested against the window, watching the scenery whip by. But the more he had time to think, it caused more guilt to build; they were only trying to be supportive. They cared so much, still willing to associated with someone like… him. And all he did was push them away. He didn’t deserve real mates like them.

Remus tried to distract himself: knitting, drawing — reading next year’s material, but settled on pulling out his cartridge of cigarettes. About to light one, his attention was drawn to the soft knocking on the carriage door. Lily was there, waving before coming in.

“Hey,” she said, closing the door and sitting down. “I wanted to say bye for the summer.”

He exhaled, now itching for the rush of nicotine while Lily fidgeted in her seat. He already knew why she was there.

“Sev — Snape — came to me a couple days ago…”

It was impossible to escape, wasn’t it?

“They’re mad, his theories… He’s been telling me the entire year and kept going on about this one story… wild story of you and Y/N and the other Marauders…” Lily looked up nervously.

Instead of getting angry, Remus closed his eyes, feeling himself sink further into the cushions, centring his breathing. “What did he say?”

“He’s been telling me you’re a… a...”

“Werewolf?”

She froze at the word, having to take a deep inhale and suddenly looked paler than usual. Remus wanted to jump out of the moving train. “Yes,” she stated, “But I told him to bugger off.”

Lily stopped again, meeting his eyes. “So… It’s true?”

“You can’t tell anyone.”

Lily sat straight, leaning over and even putting a hand on her chest, close to her heart. “I’ll take it to the grave.”

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(Letters between Y/N and friends)

To my lovely Whiskers, I hope your summer has been grand so far. Are you sure you can’t spend time with me? It’s been so lonely. Prongs

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Dear Bambi, Unfortunately, I can’t. Mom’s dragging me to New York for the month. Something about being invited to do a special surgery. Said leaving me alone will do no good. I promise to bring you back a souvenir? How are things with Black? Whiskers

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My adoring, wonderful Whiskers, And it hasn’t. My parents are concerned. They’ve been trying to get me to talk about what happened but I can’t. Dumbledore and McGonagall have already started their punishments. He lost over 200 points for next year, got detention for half the year and he can’t try out for the Quidditch team if he wanted to. I wonder what they’ll do next. I love souvenirs! All things Muggle! Yours truly, Prongs/Bambi/James

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July 20th, 1976 Meet me in Times Square at 1 pm on the 8th. There’s a bench outside a bagel store, there’s no way you’ll miss it. Until next time, Matthew G.

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¡Hola! Greetings from Barcelona! My brothers took a few weeks off to spend time with me to come to Spain with my parents! They’re dragging me to a football game later. I heard they call it ‘soccer’ in North America. M. McKinnon

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Y/N L/N, Hello, I hope you’re having a wonderful break. Your letters are the highlight of my day and they keep me busy. So I hate to inform you that you need to stop sending me letters for now. I’m not supposed to be getting any and my parents are going to start confiscating them if I receive any more. I’m sorry. I can’t wait to see you in the fall. R.A.B

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I’m visiting Tuney with my parents in a few days. She moved to London for a clerical job in March and we’re meeting her boyfriend, Vernon! He sounds nice but she’s told me she’s nervous about me and magic around him. Lily

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Petals! I’m sure you’ll be fine! Who couldn't love you? Write back and tell me what happens!

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Whiskers, I’m with my parents up in Wales in their cottage. I was born there before having to move for my Dad’s work. Also, I think I have to get a rabbit. James always told people that I got my scars from a poorly behaved rabbit and if I’m not seen with one soon, people will start to question. Remus

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Does this mean I get to call you Moony now? Professor Moony? Wales? And that’s where that small accent comes from. It bleeds through when you’re concentrating or relaxing. And a rabbit? At least they’re cute! I’m sure you can just Transfigure a book though. Y/N

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Professor Moony? Haha, okay! And really? I never knew. I’m kind of embarrassed now. I’ve thought about that but at this point, I think it would be easier just to have one.

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Oh no! It’s nice! Gives you personality. I think it suits you well How about… Moody Moony near full moons? And Moody Moony Mondays on Mondays.

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Now you’ve gone too far. Bloody fucking Moody Moony? Have you ever heard of Mad-Eye Moody?

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Would you prefer 'my Moony' then?

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Yes, actually.

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August 6th, 1976

“Hurry up!”

She thudded down from the top of the staircase, dragging her trunk behind while her mother sped out of the terminal door, flagging down one of the zipping yellow taxis with her luggage in hand.

It was strange, being with her mother again after almost a year apart. She hadn’t come to King’s Cross again, instead sending her a bus fare in anticipation of school ending. She hoped for some sort of recognition, any kind of sign that she was missed but was only given a side-armed hug and delved back into work.

Y/N wondered if maybe she just didn’t want her there, hoping she would get lost and never come back. She only had been on a bus in London twice, therefore almost ensuring that she would get lost and would have stayed lost if she didn’t have extra spare change to use a payphone.

Ignoring the crackle of whispers as she strode to the cab, people blatantly stared at her unnatural coloured hair, as she entered the car, slamming the door shut.

“Where ya ladies off too?” Said the driver, pulling out a map from their car door.

“Cranberry Street, Brooklyn Heights.”

It was a quiet drive, aside from the driver drumming their fingers on the steering wheel at the sound of the Bee Gees blasting in the background. She watched other cabs whipping back and forth, people going on with their days, the dirty streets and building under construction.

“Hey, mom?” She asked, reasoning now was a good time to talk about her OWL results. She’d gotten them mere seconds before leaving their house back in London and she’d been putting off looking at the results until now.

She only grunted, flicking through one of her medical journals, jotting down notes. “I don’t have time right now.”

Y/N sighed, that familiar sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach expanded again. “It’s kind of important.”

“Not now.” She waved her hand and ended the conversation.

Thirty minutes later, the cab came to a stop as they grabbed their luggage and strolled up to the brownstone building they were renting for the month.

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Jet lag got to her as she unwinded lounged until finally getting up from bed that morning as her mom rushed around the house. She frantically was putting on shoes, dressed impeccably sharp, no doubt in hopes to make an impression as her eyes flew across her journal. Her feet were scrambling to the door as she flung her bag over her shoulder.

“Have a good d —” And then the door slammed shut.

She stared blankly at the door for a while and then turned around, getting ready for her day. A daint drum of excitement yet nervousness built up, pushing aside that sinking feeling. Today she was going to see Matthew again.

Having a few hours to spare, Y/N walked around, marvelling at the tall buildings and lights before heading into the heart of Time Square, immediately spotting the bench outside the bagel shop. She sat, waiting for him anxiously. She made sure to wear a hat, covering any sight of hair to avoid weird stares and chatter.

But then a few minutes turned into ten and then twenty minutes later.

Slipping out the letter again to make sure, she re-read it. Time Square, at one, today… near the bagel shop…

“Where y’at?”

Her head lifted as she jumped to her feet and pulled each other into a tight hug.

“Matthew!”

His face nuzzled into the side of her neck, arms wrapped around tight as her face pressed gently into his chest. Eventually, she pulled away - arms outstretched to get a good look.

Matthew Gaplin looked different. His hair, coarse and thick, had grown. He was taller, filled out more, tan skin became even tanner from the beating sun and he filled out.

His smile was large. “S’been so long.”

She gave him a small whack!

“Ow!” He jumped back, “What’s wrong wiv ya?”

“I thought you stood me up.”

“Sorry, doing something for Mom. Had to wait on line forever.”

He looked down bashfully, now staring at the hat. His face made a disgusted look. “It’s disgusting out. Why are you wearing —” Curiously lifting the hat, his lids widened astronomically as Y/N grabbed it, covering her wild hair.

“I told you,” she hissed.

“Right the Potter sport!” He gave a full-body laugh. “Oh come on, I wanna see it again!”

But her hand clamped down on that hat to prevent him from pulling it off. “No! The Muggles keep judging —“

“Muggles?” Matthew’s brows furrowed. “The fuck is a Muggle? Sounds… demeaning.”

“Sorry, it’s what they call No-Majs.”

“Ahh,” and then he moved to loop an arm around her shoulders and continued to walk. “Too good to use ol’American terms?”

“Turned British snob.”

They laughed loudly as he took charge, showing her around the city. There was something so calming amid the chaos of New York. The bustle, low chatter and his enthusiasm made it all the better.

Soon enough, after hours of walking around, they both came to a stop in a large park as they grew hungry. Matthew disappeared for a while, leaving her alone to lay down on the soft grass before returning, holding up a brown bag with two drinks.

“Got us bagels wiv schmear.”

She mumbled out a thanks and took it from him as he sat down on the grass beside her.

“Missed ya, really.”

She shoved him playfully, his head dropping bashfully. “Shut up.”

It stayed quiet for a bit, as they listened to the birds chirping until he broke the silence again. “Ya thinkin’ ‘bout moving back eventually, right?”

“Why?”

Matthew gave her a haughty look, contemplating his words carefully. “Do ya… not know? They’re losing the war.”

Momentary terror gripped her heart but she swallowed it down fast. “Matthew,” her voice dropped, “Please, I want a fun summer… can we not talk about the war? I have more than enough time to worry later."

He wanted to keep talking, worried for his good friend but he refrained, biting down on his lip and nodded stiffly.

“So…” he thought to himself, contemplating how to change the direction of their conversation and fast. “Fess up, what’s been goin’ on over there.”

“Huh?”

“You’re telling me you haven't — what is it called? Kissing?”

“Snogging?”

He smiled. “You’re telling me you haven’t snogged anyone of those rich Old-Majs yet?”

“Nope!” She spoke too quickly and voice was a little too high.

“Liar. Ya going tell me who then?” Y/N looked down, hand going to fiddle with the fem of her clothes while Matthew shook her. “Come on! Tell me!”

“Fine! His name is Sirius Black.”

Matthew's eyes widened in recognition as he sat upright. “You don’t mean the Black family? Gawd! No way!”

“What?”

“And ya don’t even know!” Matthew was full of amusement. “They’re one of the oldest wizarding families out there! Are you still wiv him?”

Y/N stopped, trying to conceal a chuckle. She didn’t have it in her to lie anymore. “No! He almost got me killed.”

“Ha. Ha, very clever. Fine, don’t tell me.”

“You? Anything exciting?”

Matthew snorted. “Fought over a fin if that counts as exciting.”

“You know that’s not what I'm talking about,” she teased.

He abruptly became very serious and it had Y/N sitting up straighter. Matthew breathed in, this time not looking at her but instead at his metal pop can. “I’ve… had a tumble wiv a few... didn’t matter their… genders.”

It took a second for his words to click in but when it did, her mouth fell open and saw his face fall as she pulled him into a tight hug. “I don’t care who you cop, just be safe and have fun.”

He mumbled into her shoulder. “Been rehearsing that since I knew you were visitin’.”

“Love ya, could never judge you.” He tried to look insulted from the babying but prickled with tears before wiping them away quickly.

“Bless ya!”

“You alright though?”

“Now that I know your reaction, never betta. Now, you talk, enough ‘bout me.”

After making sure he was okay, Y/N prattled about Hogwarts. Matthew would pop in a few times, asking her to clarify or ask what words the British used — he often called her his ‘British insight.’ She rambled much about her day, her new friends but made sure to leave out a few details. Matthew became peculiarly silent through most of her speech. It wasn’t like him to not try to speak up, but he looked at her with something she’d only seen a few times prior.

Matthew stared at her for a long time, analyzing with underlying adoration. “What did them Brits do to ya?”

She looked at him, waiting for him to continue. “Ya sound different.” He says calmly, going to sip on his pop. “Talk funny.”

“Tawk funny,” she mocked and earned a shove. “Different? How so?”

“Everything ‘bout you seems different. Y’look happier,” he smiles, although there was a twinge of hurt. “Talk softer, look different — move differently and ya voice sounds different… but the same.”

She takes a bit of her food. “I hope that isn’t a bad thing.”

Matthew smiles gently, sheepish but there. “Not at all.”

She smiled back. Matthew always knew how to make her smile and it felt good, normal.

“Happy looks good on ya.”

━━━━━━━━━༻✩༺━━━━━━━━━

She finally sat down, tired from the long day she spent wandering the city. But it wasn’t long until a tapping sound came from the window. Celeste was there, waiting with a letter in her beak. She walked up to her, letting her fly inside and opened the letter.

Got my OWL results. Outstanding in Astronomy, DADA, Charms, Transfigs. Exceeds Expectations in everything else but an Acceptable in Potions. Moony

She re-read that last part. Remus getting Acceptable in Potions? Her attention travelled to the stark white envelope peeking out from the side pocket of her carry-on. She marched up to it, ripping it open and scanned the paper.

Outstanding in Transfiguration, Potions and Herbology, Arithmancy. Exceeds Expectations in everything else except Poor in History of Magic. She cringed at that.

She immediately got up from her seat. Rushing over to the master bedroom, peeking her head in. “Mom?” She said quietly, “Can I talk to you.”

“Didn’t I tell you I was busy?” Her voice cut through. “It’s not the time to be a nuisance.”

A scorching feeling of anger thrummed through her but kept her voice low and steady. “That was a few days ago.”

"My answer didn't change."

Any semblance of calm vanished. “It’s about my OWLs. My future. I need some sort of guidance.”

“I wouldn’t understand them,” she sighed and peered up. There was an odd expression, borderlining on confusion and something else. “It’s not the same. I’m not a… witch like you are. I don’t know how to help you.”

“I’ll make it into No-Maj terms?” Y/N’s voice was tight and came rushing over to where she sat on the couch. And laid out her examination results. “Look, an O is the same as getting an A! It’s the highest grade you can get. And here,” she pointed, “My teacher, Professor Slughorn, invites me to parties because of my work in Potions class. I’m one of his top students.”

She glanced at her mom excitedly but was met with a look of annoyance and slight judgement. But she continued, “A-and in Herbology I'm doing excellent too! I was becoming interested in becoming a Healer. I told you in my letters. It’s similar to being —”

“I’m sorry,” her mother said but it didn’t have any trace of guilt or sorrow, “I’m busy and you’re getting in the way of work — my achievements — that you know are important.”

“Are mine not important?”

A thick, profound silence filled the space between them. Everything about the connotation had her averting her body, feeling the sinking in her chest explode. From the war, traumatic near death experience and her mother's constant aloof nature, it was her cracking point.

Snatching the OWLs results, she walked out the door, shutting it gently before diving into her room; throwing the covers over her head.

All the New-Maj and No-Maj children were told stories of the Boogeyman. To Y/N, it felt comparable to reverting to a small child as she tucked herself into a tight ball. She recalled watching all the other children running up their parents, being roped with large hugs and smiles, surrounded with infinite quantities of love as they left the school playground. She remembered being envious, wanting to have two parents as the images of the Boogeyman drew near.

There was an overwhelming sense to scream — to cry out for guidance as the knot in her stomach grew. Instead of her mother coming to her rescue — to reassure, to give any sense of security or safety while other parents would scare off the Boogeyman or monsters ready to nip at their children’s toes under the bed, Y/N was left in the dark as all sense of relief or love vanished. It left her vulnerable, exposed to the monsters lurking in the dark.

Her mother may have not been physically absent but it sure felt like it.

━━━━━━━━━༻✩༺━━━━━━━━━

【 Next Chapter 】

Slang dictionary:

Fin = $5 / five dollar bill Bagels with schmear = bagels with cream cheese Wait on line = the same as 'Wait in line' Pop = Canadian slang for soda / soft drinks Sport / old sport = (depending on the context) a term of endearment similar to buddy, pal, friend

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let-the-dream-begin · 4 years ago

Text

In My Daughter’s Eyes Chapter 27: Vortex

Chapter 26

Read on AO3

Vortex: a mass of swirling water that draws everything to it

——

In late August, with September right around the corner, Claire and Faith were about to experience their first hurricane. Claire had experienced all levels of terrifying weather with Uncle Lamb out in the field, including floods, sandstorms, mudslides, and nearly every other manner of natural disasters. Hurricanes, however, had eluded them. They’d only gone to South America one time, and they’d merely seen some heavy rainfall.

Claire had been keeping her eye on the news, seeing how hurricane Matthew was affecting other areas along the east coast. She shuddered to think of them even losing power, let alone anything actually disastrous happening. All news and weather outlets were assuring that by the time it hit the island, it would have lost most of its power, so the storm wouldn’t be devastating, but it would do damage nonetheless.

Claire was doing another scan of the weather channel (which Faith did not appreciate) before work when her phone rang. Jamie.

“Sassenach?”

“This is she.”

“Good morning, lass. Sleep well?”

“I did, is everything alright?”

“Aye, fine. Just wanted to check in. The storm is gonna hit tomorrow; wanted to make sure ye were prepared.”

“Prepared enough,” Claire said, throwing a bar and a yogurt into her purse. “I’ve gotten the bread and milk, as they say. Stocked up.”

“Aye, that’s good. Are ye prepared for losing power?”

“Flashlights are ready with spare batteries and all. Portable charger for the iPad.”

“What about fer you?”

“Oh, I have to be at the hospital before it starts and then stay. It runs on a generator so I’ll be good with a regular charger.”

“Wait, what d’ye mean, stay?”

“Well, I’m considered an emergency worker so I can’t take off. I’m going to have to sleep there if the roads are flooded or blocked with trees.” Claire zippered her purse as she flitted back into the living room, then started pulling on her shoes.

“Ye could be there for days, Sassenach.”

“I know.”

“What about Faith?”

The little girl in question barreled into her as if on cue, waiting for her goodbye. “One second, Jamie. Yes, time for goodbye hugs.” Claire crouched down and gave her daughter a squeeze and a kiss. “Be good for Mrs. Lickett. Yes? Okay, bye-bye.”

With one final kiss and a farewell to Mrs. Lickett, Claire was out the door. “Sorry, what were we talking about?”

“What’re ye gonna do wi’ Faith while ye’re at the hospital?”

“Oh,” Claire said, opening her car and sliding into the driver’s seat. “I’m dropping her off at the Abernathy’s with a few provisions before work tomorrow. After I’ve taped all the windows, of course,” she added wryly.

“She’ll be alright?”

Claire sighed as she started the car. “She’s going to have to be.”

Her voice wavered, and she cursed herself.

“She’s never spent the night away from home. Will she no’ get upset?”

“I don’t really have much of a choice.” She was not defensive or angry, but resigned, sad. She didn’t want to leave Faith at someone else’s house, but she could not very well ask Gail to live with her toddler and child in her small apartment for an indeterminable amount of time. The fact that they’d opened their home to Faith was kind enough. She couldn’t very well ask it of Mrs. Lickett, either. Her children were older, but she still shouldn’t be away from them for that long during a potentially dangerous storm.

Jamie was silent on the other end, and as Claire turned onto the main road, something clenched in her throat. He couldn’t be upset with her, could he? He couldn’t be judging her decision, condemning her for planning to dump her child off during a natural disaster? Logic told her that of course he wouldn’t, but she was so god damned insecure about it all herself that she could not be calmed.

“You still there?”

“Aye,” he answered quickly. “Sorry, I was thinking.”

Claire swallowed. “What about?”

He paused again. “Tell me to shut my gab at any point going forward,” he began uncertainly.

Claire’s brow furrowed. “Ehm, alright…”

“What if…what if I stayed wi’ her. In her own home.”

Claire was gobsmacked. Her mouth actually dropped open in surprise.

“Please tell me no if ye’re truly no’ comfortable, Claire. I mean it. I ken it may be too soon, and I understand. I just thought to offer — ”

“Jamie,” Claire cut him off. “It’s okay…I…” She blinked away tears. “Would you really be alright doing that?”

“Aye,” he said quickly, perhaps a bit too quickly. “Anything I can do to make it easier fer her. It’s gonna be scary.”

Claire swallowed thickly. “She’s heard thunderstorms before.”

“I’m sure. But this willna be like anything she’s ever experienced. And Gail is lovely, truly, she’s a blessing fer ye both, but she’s…she’s no’ you.”

“And she’s not you,” Claire said, finishing for him what he likely was thinking but would never say.

“Claire, I’d never presume —”

“Well I would,” Claire said. “There’s no denying you have the experience that Gail lacks, Jamie. And Faith trusts you. And I trust you.”

He was silent, likely processing what she said. Claire turned into the employee parking lot.

“Besides,” Claire said with a chipper tone that was only slightly forced. “It’ll be good for her to have you all to herself. You’ve never been alone with her before.”

She heard him chuckle. “Aye. Ye think she’ll like that?”

Claire put her car in park, and her heart swelled, warming her from the inside out. “I really think she will.”

——

Jamie arrived the following morning with a duffle bag and a backpack. The sky was already gray, the air thick with the oncoming storm, the wind picking up. He’d half expected the skies to open up on his way there.

The door opened, and his heart cracked. Claire’s sweet, lovely “hello” included a smile, but he could see that frantic look in her eye. She was close to tears. He greeted her gently and then addressed the bouncing, squealing thing below them.

“Ah, yes, hello, wean.” He cupped her head gently to stop her bouncing. “I’m happy to see you, too, lass. Can ye fetch ballerina Minnie Mouse? I’d like to see her if ye dinna mind.”

Like a shot, she was off, eager to please Jamie, and Jamie pulled Claire into his arms. She clung to him tightly, breathing deeply into his neck.

“It’s times like these,” she began shakily, “that I believe Frank was right.”

His brow furrowed. “Whatever d’ye mean?”

“That I should’ve given it up, that I still should.” She sniffled. “I don’t know if I can leave her for several days during…during what they’re saying it’s going to be…”

“It’s alright, Sassenach.” He kissed the top of her head, and then Faith emerged from her room, waving the stuffed animal above her head. “Ah, thank ye, lass. What about…” He wracked his brain, trying to remember any of the dozens of toys she’d shown him. “Daisy Duck? Can I see her?”

She was off again, and Claire laughed wetly against him.

“Listen to me, Claire Beauchamp.” Jamie pulled far enough away so that he could tilt her chin up and look her in the eye. “Ye’re a doctor because it is what God put ye on this Earth to do. Ye’re a damn fine one, from what I gather. Ye’re going to help lots of people in the next few days, people that might have been much worse of wi’out ye.”

“What about the baby that He gave me?” Claire said hoarsely. “The baby with…so much that she needs from me…”

“It’s not just you,” Jamie said, with the most careful combination of firmness and gentleness he can muster. “No’ anymore.”

Claire rested her forehead against his, breathing deeply. “It’ll be alright,” he assured her, Faith puttering back in with the next toy. He praised her quietly, tucking Daisy under his arm with Minnie. “I will do everything in my power to see that she’s alright these next few days.”

“I know,” Claire said, then pressed her lips to his. “I know.”

Faith was reaching up, bouncing again impatiently. Jamie handed her back down her toys; evidently, she did not like them out of place for very long.

“I can’t thank you enough for this,” Claire said, squeezing his hands. “I think I’d be beside myself if I left her away from home. Well,” she laughed dryly, “more so than I already am.”

“It is an honor to ease yer burden, mo ghraidh.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles fervently.

Claire led him around the apartment to show him one last time where everything was kept; Faith’s vitamins and nighttime medicine, snacks, candles, spare batteries, matches. Jamie had remembered, but he let her show him all of it again to ease her mind. He knew it helped her feel like she had more control over the situation.

“Once the power goes out,” she said, gathering her own duffle bag with her overnight essentials. “Either soybean butter and jelly, cold cuts from that cooler that’s still in the fridge for as long as they’ll keep, or the spaghetti-o’s. Just pretend you’re using the microwave or something and she’ll never know the difference.”

Jamie nodded seriously, though he’d remembered all that, too.

“And watch her with the fridge. She’ll keep it open and stare in there looking for something which is bad enough when there is power. Make sure she doesn’t let the insulated coolness out if you can help it. Though if it’s gone for too long it’s a moot point.”

“Right. Got it.” Jamie nodded curtly. A large gust of wind howled outside, rattling the windows.

“Jesus.” Claire shuddered.

“Ye’d better get going before ye get stuck in the oncoming downpour,” Jamie said.

“Right.” Claire froze in the middle of the living room, her eyes glued to Faith, sitting cross-legged with Angus’s head in her lap, calmly stroking his fur. Jamie’s heart strained, and Claire looked like she might cry again. She exhaled heavily and crouched down next to Faith.

“Hey, baby.” She cupped her little head and smiled. Faith kept her attention on Angus, and Claire gently tapped her nose. “Can you look at me, Faith?” She did not, and so Claire took her hands off of Angus and held them between hers. Somewhat annoyed, Faith looked up at Claire, obviously waiting for her hands to be released. “Hi,” Claire said. “Remember what we said? Quiet hands, quiet feet, and quiet mouth for Jamie.” She pointed to each mentioned body part. “And listening ears on.” Claire poked each of her ears, one after the other. “Mummy will be gone for a few days, but Jamie is going to play with you, and keep you safe. It’s all going to be okay. It might get very dark, or very loud, and there might not be any tellie. But Jamie is going to make sure you’re okay. Yes?”

Faith moaned impatiently, and it was unclear if she was listening.

Jamie is going to make sure you’re okay.

Jamie’s chest involuntarily puffed out, and his back straightened. He silently and solemnly vowed to do just that.

“I’m going to miss you, lovie.” Claire cupped both of Faith’s cheeks. “I love you.” She held up the sign, and Faith mirrored her as always, pressing their foreheads together.

“I’m going to call every day. I’ll talk to you on the phone. I promise.” Claire pulled Faith in for a hug, squeezing her tightly. “Big goodbye hugs,” she whispered into her hair.

When Claire released her, she stood up with a heavy sigh. Jamie was holding her duffle bag, and he walked her to the door.

“Please be careful,” Jamie said. “Text me when ye get there.”

“I will.”

He kissed her deeply, pressing her tightly to him. When their lips parted, he looked into her eyes, those swimming pools of amber and honey. On his tongue was something he’d known, something he’d been burning to unleash from within him since April.

I love you.

Instead, he swallowed thickly and kissed her forehead. “Drive safe, Sassenach.”

With one final squeeze of his hand and a reassuring smile, she was gone. Jamie ran a hand over his face before peeking out the window to make sure she pulled out of the driveway. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to tell her. Christ, he’d wanted to reply with it the second he watched that video; he’d wanted to tell her that day in the office, he’d wanted to tell her on the ferris wheel, the carousel, he’d wanted to tell her when she fell asleep and drooled on his shoulder halfway through The Godfather, he’d wanted to tell her when he’d finally positioned himself between her legs and entered her, and felt so completely fulfilled and complete, and every time he was in that position thereafter.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t. Not until she was ready to hear it.

He knew she was scared; no matter how well this was going, he knew she was still worried and paranoid. He wouldn’t rush her.

A giggle pulled him out of that train of thought, and he realized that Claire’s car was long gone. It had also already started to rain, and it would definitely get nasty soon. He turned to see Faith grinning impishly down at Angus, who was licking Faith’s open palm over and over. This was something she did often, put her palm right at his snout and wait for him to oblige her. Jamie supposed she liked the tickling sensation. He smiled and made his way to the couch, sitting down and watching Faith with her loyal companion for a while.

Claire had given him a whole list of things that Mrs. Lickett usually does with Faith while Claire is gone for the day. There was play-doh, the big clunky legos (both good for fine motor), the flashcards for identifying signs, and of course coloring. On the list, Claire wrote that when Faith colored with Mrs. Lickett, Mrs. Lickett always — underlined several times — signed the color that Faith picked up. Color identification would be a big deal once she started school.

Something else that Jamie knew would come once school started was the school district-provided tablet for text to speech communication. Claire had been recommended speech therapies to get a head start on that, but she’d turned them all down, insisting that it was very important to her that Faith know how to sign before relying solely on the screen. And since Faith had proven capable, she’d stuck to that.

It amazed Jamie how Claire somehow just knew what was best for her child. Jamie saw all too often at the stables parents that had no idea what they were doing. Which was understandable and nothing to be judged about. But when he’d reach out, recommend additional services, hint that they might get more out of equine therapy if they approached certain things a different way, they didn’t want to hear it. It was hard to watch those kids regress because their parents weren’t willing to set their pride aside and admit they weren’t aware of something. But his reach only extended so far, and if he was going to sleep at night, he had to let those things off his conscience.

With Claire, if someone offered her advice, she could plainly tell them that she’d already researched that and had either tried it or decided it was not going to work, but thank you very much. Prompt speech therapy, for instance. If Jamie had a nickel every time Claire complained to him that yet another person had recommended Faith try it, he’d be quite the rich man. Prompt speech involved a lot of touching, and Faith would certainly not be okay with that. Even if it meant her daughter would never say a word, Claire would not put her through it. Not even an eval.

And Jamie admired the hell out of her for it.

After letting Faith continue with Angus for a bit, Jamie intervened and ushered her into the kitchen for some “structured play with learning benefits,” as Claire had referred to it. Faith, having never done any of the listed activities with Jamie, wanted to do every single one. They went on even longer than Jamie had anticipated she would sit still for because playing these games with Jamie was a novelty. They built a castle with a wall with her legos, made several snakes and desserts out of play-doh, colored, and worked on signs. Faith was not satisfied until every single card was flipped over and worked on. Jamie knew full well that she did not insist on such a thing with Mrs. Lickett. It made him grin smugly and melt at the same time.

It was pouring in earnest by the time Jamie finished getting through Faith’s stack of flashcards. Instinctually, he checked his messages from Claire, even though she’d told him hours ago by now that she’d gotten in safely. The wind was picking up, too, turning into a constant roar.

“Ye’re brilliant, Princess Faith,” Jamie said, giving her a thumbs up. “Ye did such great work today, lass. I’m so proud of you.”

She smiled cheekily and then reached for her crayons and princess coloring book again. Rain suddenly pelted against the kitchen window, the wind having changed direction to blast the water right into the glass. Faith dropped her crayon with a startled cry and clamped her hands over her ears. Jamie had to admit it even startled him.

“It’s alright, lass,” he crooned, getting out of his chair to kneel beside hers. He stroked her back soothingly. “Just the rain. It’s alright.”

She kept her eyes squeezed shut and her hands on her ears, so Jamie switched tactics. He scooped her in his arms, cradling her to his chest. He brought her out of the kitchen and deposited her on the couch. If the wind was blowing into the window in the back of the apartment, perhaps a similar noise would not happen in the front windows. He called Angus over when Faith still would not move or open her eyes, and after a few minutes of deep pressure, she at least opened her eyes. Jamie was then able to coax her into picking a DVD. They were on borrowed time until they lost power, so he thought it best to take advantage of the tellie while they still had it.

She ended up choosing a Winnie the Pooh movie, jabbing at it with her elbow, hands still on her ears. She didn’t even take them off to put the movie in the player, though she stood by and watched every move Jamie made as he did so instead. As the DVD started playing the previews before the “play” screen, Faith got behind Jamie and started pushing against his legs. He took this as his cue to walk, and he allowed her to push him into her bedroom. He knew immediately what she wanted. He smiled widely as he stepped into the room and picked up the enormous “Pooh Bear” that he’d won for her at the carnival. Faith hummed in excitement and bounced a little as Jamie carried the giant bear into the living room and deposited him on the couch. She skipped back into her room and Jamie gathered the rest of her Hundred-Acre Wood friends, arranging them around their giant leader.

A few minutes into the movie, Faith finally took her hands off her ears and began enjoying the movie in earnest. The wind continued to howl and the windows continued to rattle, but the movie drowned most of it out for now, as did Faith’s giggling and humming along to the little songs. At one point, she moved all of the little toys into Jamie’s lap and tipped over the giant bear so she could lay bodily on top of him. It really was practically a mattress underneath her. She nuzzled further in, humming contentedly and smiling broadly, bottom lip caught between her teeth. Jamie smiled down at her, her eyes fixed on the screen, and then he brought his legs up on the couch, cross-legged, so he could fit every toy she’d given him in his lap, holding onto them with as much care as he would if Faith herself was in his lap.

The power went out before the movie finished, close to the end if Jamie deduced correctly. Faith immediately sat up, nearly toppling off the couch because of her uneven position on the bear. Jamie felt dread settling in his gut, and he immediately wanted to kick himself. He’d made the wrong move, and he was about to pay dearly for it.

Faith slid off both bear and couch and marched right up to the tellie. She began pushing all the buttons on the tellie and the DVD player, the volume of her whining increasing. Jamie set aside her toys and approached her tentatively.

“Faith, it’s alright. Remember what Mummy said? That there might be no tellie?”

With a great wail, she began slapping her hands against the television screen, and Jamie grabbed her wrists.

“No, lass, ye canna do that. No hitting.”

She began screaming in earnest, jerking against him with all her might.

“I’m sorry, Faith. The tellie is all done. I’m sorry.”

Fat tears rolled down her cheeks as she continued to pull against his grip on her wrists. He swiftly picked her up under the arms and deposited her away from the electronics. She pointed at the tellie, bouncing impatiently, wailing all the while.

“Aye, lass. I ken. It’s my fault, I’m sorry.” Jamie genuinely hated himself at the moment. He thought they’d have time before the power was gone, he thought that it would be good for her to be able to watch a movie that wasn’t downloaded to her tablet. He should’ve thought of this possibility, and he should’ve known that she’d be grossly unhappy if the movie was unable to finish. It would drive her mad for hours, knowing that the movie was sitting unfinished in the player. She couldn’t even get it out of the player to put away. One of her biggest OCD triggers had gone off, and it was his fault.

Jamie wracked his brain. Claire had said if she were melting down to either give hugs and cuddles, or to deposit her in her room and let her scream it out. That is if Angus didn’t do the trick. Jamie tried for the hug, but narrowly avoided a swinging fist. Clearly she blamed him for the tellie’s sudden malfunction. As she should, he thought miserably.

He called Angus over just as Faith started swinging her arms with abandon, and Jamie caught one of her fists before it collided with a picture frame on the table behind the couch. She pushed at his hand, punched his arm, pulled backward, but Jamie knew that if he let go, she’d dive right for trouble and possibly break something. Angus arrived just as Faith sank her teeth into the skin of Jamie’s hand.

He swore in Gaelic, and then he pinched her nose shut, causing her mouth to immediately open as a reflex. Jamie shook his hand, hissing in pain, but he didn’t skip a beat. He maneuvered himself to be behind Faith, and he scooped up the photos in her reach. He stood back and let Angus do his job, shoving his bleeding hand into the pocket of his shorts to avoid dripping anywhere else. At least if it stained, it wouldn’t be where anyone could see.

Angus kept hopping up on his hind legs so he could brush his snout against Faith’s screaming face, gently patting her chest with his paw before falling to all fours again. Every time, Faith pushed him away with an indignant yelp, but he kept trying until she sank to the ground with him, tightly squeezing his neck. Jamie sighed with relief when girl and dog were settled in a pile on the floor. He took the opportunity to put a bandaid on his hand before it soaked through his pockets.

When he returned after being in the bathroom for mere seconds, Faith’s screaming had been reduced to a heartbreaking, whimpering sobbing. Angus used his front paws to stop Faith from scratching and hitting her face or pulling at her hair, and he started licking her palms to keep them otherwise occupied. Jamie sighed and quietly made his way to the kitchen, where he could sit down and still see her through the doorway. He kept his eyes glued to her, his leg jiggling and his left hand tapping on his thigh. The urge to press her to him for comfort was painfully strong. Ignoring the urge to comfort was just as painful as it had been with her mother, all those months ago, before he’d ever really held her.

Jamie’s eyes must have glazed over, either with tears or weariness, because when he blinked, Faith was standing right in front of him, still weeping quietly.

“Hi, leannan. What d’ye need?” He restrained himself from touching her. Her hands were laced in Angus’s fur, sitting dutifully beside her. “What d’ye need, Faith? Show me?”

She inhaled slowly with a great tremor, and on the exhale, she put her arms up in front of her with a long, drawn out whimper.

I need a hug.

He heard her, loud and clear.

“Oh, lass…” Jamie’s voice broke, and he practically sprang forward. “Come here…I’ve got ye.” He scooped her into his lap and hugged her tightly, rocking gently. “It’s alright, now. Ye’re alright. I’ve got ye. Dinna fash, now. It’s alright.”

Claire had said that during a meltdown she wouldn’t want to be touched, but that perhaps after, she’d need to be held. Jamie had thought about it, then brushed it off. This was his fault. It was clear she’d blamed him for the mishap. She’d bitten him, swatted at him. She’d take her comfort from Angus until she was calm, and then she’d ask to be fed. That was what he’d thought.

But here she was, clinging to his shirt and sputtering into his neck, wetting his collar.

“I know, mo chridhe, I know…” he soothed. “I’m sorry, leannan. It’s alright. I’m sorry…”

He continued to whisper such platitudes, in both English and Gaelic, rocking her and holding her tightly. He knew how silly his train of thought had been. He’d seen with his own eyes this exact same pattern of kids coming back again and again despite how much it seemed like they hated their parents or guardian. He was always the first to assure a parent that it was never personal, that the child just could not see past their distress and only wanted to swat at whatever was in the way.

But even the thought of Faith resenting him had made him sick, however briefly it came to him. He couldn’t mess this up; god, he just couldn’t.

She burrowed in further, nuzzling her wet cheek against his neck, and then her hands came up to caress his beard stubble. Jamie smiled involuntarily. He knew she liked how that felt. He let her rub her hands and arms all over his cheeks, even shaking his head back and forth so she could feel it across her skin.

And then, after an indeterminable amount of time, she was quiet.

——

Claire [9:22]: Made it here alive. Just in time it would seem. Have a good day. xx

Jamie [9:25]: glad to hear it. stay safe. good luck. xx

Jamie [10:03]: cheerios and a banana for breakfast. made sure she had milk too.

Jamie [10:03]: not in the cereal, mind. I ken she doesn’t like that.

Jamie [10:37]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [10:37]: look at the size of that castle :)

Jamie [11:16]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [11:16]: “snakes. why did it have to be snakes.”

Jamie [11:16]: since i ken you’re too busy to answer, i’m just going to trust that you got that reference.

Jamie [11:17]: don’t panic, they’re made of play-doh. lol.

Jamie [11:56]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [11:56]: the art gallery we’ve created today

Jamie [12:32]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [12:32]: the gang’s all here for movie time. bet ye can’t guess what we’re watching ;)

Jamie [12:32]: got through a bunch of signs cards today btw. she did great. very proud.

Claire [12:46]: Thanks for all the updates. Faith looks so happy in all these. You’re amazing Jamie. Thank you.

Jamie [2:17]: power went out a bit ago. wee meltdown, but she’s alright now. eating soybean butter and jelly. already picked oreos for her treat.

Claire [2:18]: I saw the word meltdown. Do you need me to call? Are you okay? Any blood or bruises?

Jamie [2:19]: everything is fine. angus did a great job. i swear she’s perfectly content now. back to work missy.

Jamie [3:24]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [3:24]: needed to hold the flashlight while she did this so i couldn’t help. shame. i love puzzles. can’t believe how dark it got.

Jamie [3:24]: she’s got the headphones on now. wind is really loud. hope everything is ok by you.

Claire [4:04]: I’ll be able to call at 7:30. If she starts asking for me, tell her that.

Jamie [4:05]: aye aye captain

Jamie [6:02]: dinner promptly at six. spaghetti-os.

Jamie [6:55]: *photo attachment*

Jamie [6:55]: a wee faerie in her den.

——

Jamie tucked his phone back in his pocket after sending the latest message, smiling contentedly. The “faerie den” was a fort of sheets in the living room, tall enough for Jamie to sit up. Draped around the edges above their heads were battery powered string lights that Jamie had picked up a few days ago. He’d also blown up the air mattress that he’d known Claire had (with a battery powered air pump), put on a fitted sheet, and piled it with blankets and pillows from both Faith’s bed and Claire’s bed. Claire had told him to sleep in her bed, so he’d assumed the pillows would be up for grabs to do with as he pleased.

Faith was absolutely enamored with it. The smallness of the space made her feel cozy and safe, and it also made it easy to illuminate, so it was very bright in there in an apartment that was otherwise very dark. The worst of the storm was happening right at that moment, and it was dark as night at six in the evening in August. If Faith hadn’t been wearing her headphones, she’d be inconsolable at the sound of the wind, the occasional crack of a tree, the rattling of the windows. But she was blissfully unaware, petting her dog in her faerie den, tablet at the ready.

After Claire’s phone call, Jamie pulled out his flashlight and led Faith to the bathroom to brush her teeth. On their way there, she tried turning on every light switch they passed, growing increasingly distressed the more she encountered that would not work. When they reached the bathroom, she flipped the switch an uncountable amount of times and then started crying. No matter what Jamie did, she would not allow him to brush her teeth; she just sat on the floor with Angus and cried inconsolably. Jamie brushed his own teeth to the sound of her wailing, and she only got off the floor when Jamie pushed aside one headphone and she heard the words “faerie den” in her ear.

She calmed down very quickly after she was settled back in her bright little safe space. Jamie quickly shot Claire a text that teeth-brushing did not go very well, but that he’d snagged the Risperdal and dropper from the medicine cabinet so he could give it to her without reminding her that the lights weren’t working.

Apparently, she’d be sleeping in the fort tonight. Jamie had anticipated the possibility, which is why he’d included the mattress, blankets, and pillows. The question was whether or not he’d be sleeping in there.

The answer came shortly after when Faith had fallen asleep in his lap at the end of the movie she’d put on for them to watch on her tablet: Brave. Jamie couldn’t hear since she was using her headphones to continue to block out the storm, but he watched it playing, laughing when she did, pointing at the screen and signing to her occasionally. It was a whole new experience, watching her watch it rather than watching it with her. The only audio he got was from Faith herself, humming along to the music. It made his heart ache with love.

They were nestled in a veritable nest of blankets and pillows when Faith fell asleep in his crossed legs, head resting against his heartbeat. For a moment, he told himself he would simply stay in that position all night, that it would be worth it if it brought her a good night’s sleep after the chaos of the day. But then his hip started cramping in the open position, and he remembered he hadn’t given her Risperdal yet. So he had to move.

Cradling her like a tiny infant, he lifted her off his lap and laid her gently atop a free section of the air mattress. He commanded Angus to lay beside her and left the fort to put on the sleep clothes he’d brought in his duffle bag. Just as he got his shirt off, Faith started whining. He quickly finished dressing and crawled back into the fort.

“I’m here, leannan. I’m right here.”

Right. So he was definitely sleeping in there.

After coaxing her to take the dropper of her medicine, Jamie swiped a pillow off the air mattress. She began whining again.

“Come on, lass. I’m no’ going anywhere. See?” He settled in on his pillow, facing the air mattress and looking up at her. “Go back to sleep.”

She did, and Jamie flicked off three out of the four strings of lights inside the fort before laying down again, getting as comfortable as he could on the floor.

——

Jamie [9:02]: she’s asleep. we watched brave in the fort and she crashed. made sure she had her medicine.

Claire [9:11]: Of course you watched Brave. That’s the one she associates with you.

Claire [9:11]: I’m in bed now myself. These cots are not nearly as comfortable as my bed. Especially when you’re in it.

Jamie [9:11]: don’t start talking about me being in your bed. not when i can’t do anything about it.

Claire [9:12]: ;)

Claire [9:12]: Really though, I’m about to crash myself. Sleep well, darling. Give Faith a kiss for me.

Jamie [9:12]: what about me?

Claire [9:12]: I think you know exactly what you can give yourself. From me.

Claire [9:12]: ;)

Claire [9:12]: Goodnight, Jamie.

Jamie: [9:12]: goodnight sassenach

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hockey-fics · 4 years ago

Text

Hockey Players are Bad News ~ Matthew Tkachuk

Summary: Growing up your older brother Taylor Hall taught you many life lessons, but one he made more clear than the rest: don’t even think about dating a hockey player.

Warnings: Language (if we’re still counting that)

Word Count: ~3,800

A/N: We’re just pretending Taylor Hall didn’t move to Ontario as a kid and stayed in Calgary in this.

You were no stranger to hockey. You had never played the game yourself. But when your older brother Taylor got involved in hockey it seemed like the whole family did as well. He was good, but you would never neglect to mention the role your parents had in him getting to where he was. Beginning with the fact that every winter your dad would maintain a rink in the backyard of your childhood home in Calgary for Taylor to practice on. And practice he did, on the rink almost any chance he got. It was in the backyard where you learned to skate as a seven year old. On the few occasions that Taylor, then thirteen, would take the time out of his practice to coax you around the homemade rink, picking you up every time you fell.

You were only thirteen when Taylor was the first pick in the NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. But your family didn’t become less involved in hockey. Things were just quieter after that. With a six year age difference between yourself and Taylor he had always been overly protective and the distance didn’t change that in the slightest.

You made frequent trips to Edmonton and he would come back to Calgary when he had a couple days off. You stayed just as close as you both got older, perhaps you had even gotten closer. And when he went to New Jersey and then eventually to Arizona you still talked just as much, just over text and calls and facetime.

He had come back over the summer but now it was late in August and he had gone back to Arizona to really focus on his training for the upcoming season.

Sitting in your friend’s house you look at the Tinder profile on your screen, Matthew. From the first picture you knew more about him than his profile would provide. Matthew Tkachuk. Right wing for the Calgary Flames. Calgary Flames. Despite the fact that you were born in Calgary after Taylor was drafted by the Oilers you developed a strong distaste for the team from the city you otherwise adored. Not even to mention the reputation Matthew carried with him. But the longer you sat there staring at the profile and flipping through the pictures the more you found yourself intrigued by him. And so eventually you swipe right, your screen flashing to the match screen. Quickly tapping the side button on your phone you let the screen go dark, leaving the situation alone for the time being as you focus on the TV show you were watching with your friend instead.

It was only three days later when you met Matt at a restaurant downtown. The date lasted hours, ending with you two walking around the dark downtown streets just talking. You hated to admit it but the date you had assumed would be terrible was quite the opposite. Matt was charming and funny, he held the door open for you and paid for dinner. He asked you questions about your childhood while you skillfully avoided any talk about your older brother. He told you about playing in the NHL and you nodded along like the inside information was all brand new to you.

When you finally ended up back at your car you stood by the driver’s side door, looking up at Matt with a soft gaze, hoping he would kiss you. The reality of the situation was that you assumed the date would have been over much earlier and ended in his apartment. But now you were just hoping he would kiss you goodnight and ask you to do it again. And you knew it was bad news. Because the stories Taylor told you as you got older got gradually wilder and always ended with the same message ‘don’t even think about going out with a hockey player’. Especially not one like Matt.

But your stomach still erupted with butterflies when Matt kissed you that night. It was in the way he placed one of his hands on the back of your head and the way he pulled back slowly, gazing down at you with a smile before dropping his hands from you and stepping back. And it was him asking you to text him when you got home safe, watching you till you were safely in your car before heading down the street to where his own car was parked.

And text him you did. That night and the day after and the next day too. You exchanged so many texts over the next couple days and each notification from him made you happy in a way you couldn’t explain. No Tinder date you had been on before had ever ended like this and you definitely hadn’t expected to have the best Tinder experience of your like with hockey player Matthew Tkachuk.

Your second date was mini-golf and ice cream. You picked a flavour you hated and Matt traded you his even though you were pretty sure he didn’t like the one you picked either. Your third date was to the zoo. You tried to contain your excitement but only made it to the penguin excitement before exclaiming how cute they were, while Matt spent most of the time watching you instead of the animals. Your fourth was drinks and arcade games at the Rec Room. You had a couple too many drinks and even though you were trying to beat Matt in a game or two you could barely stop giggling long enough to focus properly. Your fifth was a walk in the park, late fall leaving the leaves a beautiful colour. And you held hands in public for more than a couple seconds, through your entire walk. After that day you started to intersperse your dates with just hanging out, almost always at Matt’s apartment.

You two had been seeing each other for two months when Matt finally brought up what you had been dreading. Hall was a common enough last night that Matt had never asked about it. You were sitting on Matt’s couch, your legs curled up beside you as you lean against him, eyes focused on the movie playing.

“Will you come to one of my games?”

Slowly you turn your head to look up at him, forcing a small smile. You knew you needed to tell him. You were pretty sure he wouldn’t care, but as soon as you told him it was real and that meant you would have to tell your parents and Taylor. Telling him was pushing a snowball down the hill, the avalanche at the bottom would come from everyone else you had to tell.

“Matt,” you say, sitting up straighter so you could look him in the eyes.

“Yeah?” He furrowed his eyebrows, eyes glancing down your body, taking in the way you had pulled back from him. “Do you not want to? You don’t have to.”

“No,” you laugh, shaking your head. “It’s not that.” Taking a deep breath you try to figure out exactly which words to string together to bring this up. “You, uh, you know Taylor Hall, right?”

Matt’s confusion only becomes more evident as his eyes squint slightly, nodding slowly. “Yeah...why?” there’s an edge in his voice now, uncertain and already on the defence.

“He’s uh...my brother.”

You watch Matt go through what seems like ten different stages of processing before he finally says anything and all he manages to mutter is, “what?”

“My brother,” you repeat, knowing he didn’t really need you to say it again, just needed more time to process.

“Why didn’t you tell me that? Were you planning on telling me...ever?”

“Ever?” you repeat, pulling back further to turn your body towards him. “Matt, it’s only been a couple months. I though...when this started I thought it would just be a sexual thing. I didn’t expect this, I was assuming you were on Tinder just to hook up.”

Matt glances away from you for a second. “Well I kinda was,” he admits, looking back at you. “But then, I don’t know, I liked you more than I thought I would.”

“So I didn’t think it would matter.”

“It doesn’t,” Matt says, reaching over and taking your hand, gently pulling you closer. “Doesn’t change anything, I just don’t know why you wouldn’t tell me.”

“Because if things keep going like this I’ll have to tell my family,” you whisper as he pulls one of your legs over his lap so you were face to face.

“And?” Matt asks, hands on your waist.

“And they won’t be happy. Taylor is...protective. He’s made it very clear that getting involved with a hockey player is bad news.”

Matt’s lips curl into a smirk as he looks up at you, listening to your explanation. “Am I bad news?”

Rolling your eyes playfully you press your hands onto his shoulders, about to push yourself off him. “Matt,” you whine, knowing he knew that’s not what you were saying.

Suddenly Matt pushes himself forward, one arm around your back as he lifts you up and drops you down onto the couch on your back. “Well am I?” he asks, hovering over you.

Giggling you run your hands around to the back of his neck. “Yes, you’re awful.”

Matt chuckles, leaning down and kissing you. “Guess you like bad news,” he whispers against your lips.

“I’m a sucker for punishment.”

Telling your parents about your relationship with Matt went surprisingly well. After some trepidation about the whole thing they finally came around after having him over dinner, seeing how happy you were around him. Four months, it had been four months. And everytime your parents broached the idea of telling your brother about your relationship you shut it down as quickly as they brought it up. The time would come, you just weren’t sure when.

“It’s disgusting,” Matt complains about the piece of gum he asked for after you took one for yourself. Bubblemint. “Who even came up with it?”

Giggling you shake your head, glancing back over your shoulder at him as you walk up to the door of your parent’s house. “It’s good, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Something is wrong with your tastebuds,” he laughs, stepping inside after you. Your parents had invited you and Matt over for dinner, an almost weekly occurrence at this point.

Just as you're about to call out and tell your parents you were there you see Taylor come down the hallway, the wide smile on his face fading almost immediately. A surprise visit. They didn’t happen often, not with Taylor being down in Arizona now. But whenever he had even a couple days off he would spend most of the time travelling up to see you.

“Hi,” you say, feeling every nerve in your body firing at once. “You’re home.”

“What’s going on?” Taylor questions, his eyes drifting over your shoulder to where Matt was standing.

Taking a deep breath you look over, watching as Matt steps around from behind you to stand at your side. “I didn’t mean for you to find out like this,” you mutter.

“Find out what?” Taylor snaps.

“I-,” you begin, turning your head to look up at Matt, eyes wide with panic. “I, we’re...I’ve been seeing Matt.”

“Seeing?” Taylor questions, eyes squinting, jaw clenching.

You feel Matt slip his arm around your waist and you immediately tense up, knowing that it wasn’t going to end well. “We’re dating,” Matt tells him bluntly.

Taylor watches Matt for a second in disbelief before stepping forward, his hand grasping at Matt’s arm yanking him away from you. “Don’t touch her.”

Matt chuckles with a cold tone, shaking his head. “Too late for that.”

“Matt,” you scold a second before Taylor reaches forward, shoving Matt back against the wall.

“Don’t you dare talk about my sister like that.”

Reaching over you grab Taylors arm, pulling him back away from Matt. He does so easier than you were anticipating, looking down at you with a look of such disapproval you wanted to simply vanish from his sightline. “Matt, go home,” you say quietly, not able to look him in the eyes. Not able to own up to the face that you couldn’t stand up for yourself, for your relationship.

“Y/N,” Matt pleads, trying to get your full attention. He was just as aware as you were that asking him to leave in this moment had meaning.

“Go home, Matthew,” you repeat, using his full name to let him know you weren’t about to argue about it.

You wait till he walks out the front door before you turn your attention to Taylor. But you don’t know what to say, where to begin.

“What the fuck?” Is all Taylor says before there are tears in your eyes.

Not only had Taylor always been a protective older brother he was also the favourite child. Nobody would say it, but you knew it. He was a star in the highest league of his sport, he made incredible amounts of money, he had this whole perfect life. And so you had grown up striving to live up to that, to his standards. To make him and your parents proud of you. But now, standing there under the harsh gaze of your older brother you feel yourself crumbling.

“Taylor, I-,” you begin, your voice breaking slightly. “Please don’t be mad.”

“Matthew Tkachuk. Are you serious, Y/N? All the times I told you to stay away from hockey players and then you go out and start dating...him?”

“I didn’t think, I don’t know, I didn’t think things would get serious.”

“Why did you even want anything with him?”

Shrugging you wrap your arms around your body protectively, blinking away your tears as you stare down at the ground. “I thought he was cute and then we went on a date and I just, I really like him, Taylor.”

“You say that now but in a month or two when you find out he’s been cheating on you then that’ll change.”

“He’s not,” you begin, trailing off as you shake your head. “He wouldn’t.”

Taylor scoffs and rolls his eyes, arms crossed over his chest. “You don’t know, Y/N. You don’t know the way guys act on roadtrips. Just because he treats you well when he’s with you doesn’t mean that continues when you’re not together.”

“I...I don’t know what to say, Taylor. I like him, a lot.”

“You don’t love him,” Taylor states but it’s a question and you know it. He needs to hear you confirm it.

“No,” you whisper, shaking your head. “It’s only been four months.”

“Good,” Taylor mutters.

“Why?” you mutter, voice wavering.

“Because it’ll be easier to break up with him if you don’t love him,” Taylor explains easily.

Furrowing your eyebrows you shake your head. “You don’t get to decide if I break up with someone.”

“No, I don’t,” Taylor replies, stepping away from you. “But I can tell you what you should do. And you should break up with him.” He turns around after that, walking back towards the kitchen and leaving you standing alone in the hallway. Should. All your life you had been doing what you thought your parents and Taylor would approve of, what you thought they would say you should do. But you had never hated the idea of what Taylor would say you should do quite the way you hated this.

After a few minutes of thinking you walk through the house, finding your parents in the midst of a hushed discussion with Taylor, falling silent the second you enter the room.

“Hi,” you mutter, walking slowly to the kitchen island, placing your hands on the edge of it as you stare over at your family.

“Hi sweetheart,” your mom replies, voice gentle and tentative. “I sent you a text earlier, I guess you didn’t get it.”

Pulling your phone from your pocket you look at the notification she was talking about. A warning that Taylor was there, suggesting Matt didn’t come with you right away. To just tell Taylor alone, give him some time to process it. But of course it had only come five minutes before you walked through the door, not having taken the time to read it. “No, I didn’t,” you tell her, putting your phone back away and turning to face Taylor. You’re suddenly hit with a wave of emotions, feeling like you just might burst into tears. Every other time Taylor had come home you had been greeted with a huge hug, with smiles and laughter. You felt like you were going to break under the stare he was giving you now. “I’m sorry,” you whisper to him.

“I just don’t want you to get hurt,” Taylor tells you, his gaze softening as he realizes you were on the verge of crying, knowing you well enough to be able to read you.

“Any guy could hurt me, Taylor. Am I just never supposed to date anyone?”

Out of the corner of your eye you catch sight of your mom grasping your dad’s forearm, gently pulling him out of the kitchen. Giving you and Taylor space to have the conversation alone.

“He’s not just any guy. He’s plays in the NHL, he’s young, he’s rich, he’s famous. He has so many women interested in him because of that. It’s just different.”

“Would you?”

“Would I what?” Taylor asks, eyebrows furrowed as he shakes his head in confusion.

“Cheat on your girlfriend because of all that,” you clarify, stating it unflinchingly, challenging him.

“No.” Taylor sighs, tapping his fingers against the countertop he was leaning on. “But it’s different.”

“It’s not,” you snap. “It’s not different. It’s not different just because you’re being overly protective. You don’t get to decide what Matt would do. You don’t even know him, you haven’t even given him a chance.”

“I do know him,” Taylor retorts quickly.

“No, you know of him. You know him on the ice, you know how he plays hockey. You don’t know him as a person, as my...boyfriend.” It was the first time you were officially using that label. Boyfriend. Even though it had been almost four months and the understanding was there that he was your boyfriend and you were his girlfriend you had never found yourself saying it out loud.

Taylor shakes his head, stepping away from the counter. “I clearly can’t change your mind so I’m going to let this go for now so we can have dinner as a family but just know that doesn’t mean I approve of it.”

Turning your head you watch as Taylor walks out of the kitchen to find your parents. And for a few minutes you just stand there, speechless, motionless, like you couldn’t comprehend anything that had just happened. But when your parents come back into the room you try to push it all away. Because Taylor was right, he was back for a short amount of time and even though things weren’t great with you two you needed to let your parents have their time to be just that, parents.

The dinner passes by slowly and you try to stay engaged in the conversation. But it doesn’t take much for your mind to be pulled to other thoughts. To thoughts of Matt. At first simply worried about him being upset. But your worry begins to merge with Taylor’s words and suddenly you’re concerned about so much more. Other people. Would Matt cheat on you? Would he have left tonight, upset at you and called someone else? Someone who wouldn’t tell him to go home.

After dinner your parents move on to dessert before then convincing you to stay for a little longer to visit. And by the time you manage to get yourself out of there it’s almost 11 and you had yet to hear from Matt. You texted him at 10:30, getting nothing more than a ‘delivered’ to signify it had even gotten to him.

After the night is over you walk outside, getting in the Uber you had ordered. Matt had driven you both there, anticipating you would end up back at your apartment or his. It didn’t matter where but you two were supposed to be together all night.

When the Uber pulls up in front of your apartment you climb out, feeling an emptiness in your chest. You had never felt such disappointment from your brother. You had never pushed someone away so coldly like you had with Matt. Walking up to the lobby door you open your purse, fumbling for your keys at the bottom.

“Y/N.”

Spinning around quickly you watch Matt jog up towards you, only now noticing his car parked in one of the visitor spots. “What are you doing?” you exclaim, your eyes taking in his appearance. Ruffled hair, heavy eyes. “Why didn’t you answer my text?”

“Sorry, I fell asleep,” he admits. “I didn’t think you would be there that long.”

“You were sleeping in your car?” you ask in disbelief.

“Well I wasn’t planning to. But you try spending five hours in your parked car with nothing else to do.”

“Why?...Why didn’t you go home? Oh my god, have you just been here this whole time? Matt, what the fuck? You’re such an idiot.”

“Well I did go and have dinner a couple hours ago,” he mutters sheepishly. “I was just worried...I don’t know, I just needed to talk to you, to see you.”

“You were worried...worried about what?”

Matt looks around, not making eye contact with you. He seemed suddenly flustered, panicky. Stepping closer you reach over, sliding your hand into one of Matt’s. “What were you worried about?” you whisper.

Matt finally looks down at you, squeezing your hand as he pulls you a little closer. “Losing you,” he says quietly, reaching over and pushing a piece of your hair behind your ear, his hand slowly dropping back down to his side.

You’re speechless for a few minutes, doing nothing more than staring blankly up at him. Taylor’s words suddenly didn’t seem as loud, didn’t carry as much weight. Because the way Matt was looking at you, the vulnerability in his words, you felt like you could trust him completely. “You won’t,” you finally manage to get out, letting go of his hand and wrapping your arms around him.

Matt’s arms circle quickly around your waist, pulling you into his body till you're balancing on your tiptoes, clutching at him like you were trying to physically prove he wouldn’t lose you. “Can we go inside now? It’s cold out here,” you whisper.

Matt moves his hands from your waist to the backs of your thighs, suddenly scooping you off the ground. “Matt,” you shriek in surprise, grasping onto him tighter as you wrap your legs around his waist. “Put me down,” you giggle, looking into his eyes.

“Fine,” Matt huffs, slowly lowering you back to the ground. “But only because we’re going to pick it right back up when we’re inside.”

Shaking your head you roll your eyes playfully, fishing your keys out of your purse. Grabbing Matt’s hand you pull him along behind you into your apartment building, glancing back in time to see him smiling as he watched you. And seeing the way he was looking at you, so enthralled by you, only cemented your knowledge that maybe for the first time Taylor wasn’t the older sibling with all the knowledge.

A/N #2: I’m not going to ignore the fact that waiting for someone outside their apartment could be a huge red flag. If that ever happens to you and they don’t leave after you tell them to. Call. The. Police.

#matthew tkachuk #matt tkachuk #matthew tkachuk fic #matthew tkachuk fanfic #matthew tkachuk imagine #m. tkachuk #hockey fanfic #hockey fic #hockey one shot #Hockey Fanfiction #nhl fanfiction #nhl fic #nhl fanfic #nhl imagines #nhl one shot #matthew tkachuk one shot #hockey imagines

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davidpastrsnack · 4 years ago

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three times brady stayed quiet, one time he didn’t - brady tkachuk

a/n: i have such a soft spot for brady and this is the result. some really soft friends to lovers, but i also left the possibility for a smuttier part 2 if you guys are interested. i hope you enjoy (especially my fellow brady girls) and please let me know what you think!

word count: 5618

one

After just barely getting through your final assignments of the last grueling week of school, it was finally time for the best part of the year: summer with the Tkachuks. Your dad grew up with Keith outside of Boston, the two maintaining a close relationship despite the distance that kept them apart for so long. For as long as you could remember, you and your siblings had spent the majority of the summer months with them, either on the lakes of Missouri or the oceans of Cape Cod.

The busy hum of voices and speakers was all you heard, your tired body dragging through the airport, iced coffee in hand hoping it would give you even just another ounce of energy. You finally reached your gate, sitting down on the cool leather seat to wait for your boarding call.

Your siblings were already in St. Louis, having finished school before you, and you were the last one to arrive before the commencing weekend of the summer. You knew you were in for a wild ride if the Snapchat stories of your older brother and Matthew getting up to no good were any indication.

Just as you adjusted your headphones and felt your eyelids flutter shut, your phone buzzed, pulling you from your daze.

Brady: I got held up here for another day, but should be there tomorrow

Brady: Don’t miss me too much

You rolled your eyes at the screen, laughing as you saw his words and your brain automatically translated them into his voice. You considered all of the Tkachuks to be like family, but Brady was different, he always had been. Since day one he was constantly looking out for you, even more so than Matthew and your brother. He always had an eye on you, that eye becoming more and more threatening to everyone else as he grew into his now 6’4”, 200lbs frame.

Don’t worry, I’ll have Matthew to keep me company :)

You smiled as you typed out your response, throwing back exactly what he had dished out. You couldn’t deny that your relationship had become more flirtatious over the recent years, but you always assumed it was just the teasing nature of the Tkachuk household. If he was going to chirp you, you were going to chirp right back. But the banter had always flowed seamlessly, both of you knowing the other so well. You weren’t always clear on the motivation behind some of his comments, but it didn’t hurt to have a little fun with him.

You finally boarded the plane, your flight not taking long before you were stepping out in the thick Missouri air. To say you were exhausted was an understatement, your eyes barely staying open as you searched for the black Audi you knew would be arriving any minutes. Just a few moments later you saw the luxury sedan turn the corner, a brown mop of curls sitting behind the wheel.

“There she is,” Matthew yelled, pulling you in for a hug after stepping out of the front seat.

“Hi Matthew,” you hummed, “Thanks for getting me.”

“Of course, Y/N, anything for my future sister-in-law,” he teased, that cocky smirk on full display while he grabbed your suitcase.

You didn’t even acknowledge his comment, moving right along to get in the car and ask him how his season was. You were far from a stranger to his jokes, but you were not in the mood today and he seemed to pick up on it. So he gave it up for the ride, instead catching up on how you were doing otherwise since he had last seen you. All jokes aside, Matthew truly cared for you like family, especially considering he was dead serious about you eventually being his sister-in-law.

After stopping for food on the way, you finally arrived at the house, Matthew pulling into the lit driveway as you took off your seatbelt. Chantal was waiting by the front door, immediately giving you a tight hug when you walked in. She was basically your second mother, always taking care of you as if you were one of her own.

“Y/N! How are you, sweetie?” she exclaimed, urging you to follow her into the kitchen.

“I’m good,” you responded while sitting down at the counter next to Matthew.

“She’s exhausted mom,” Matthew deadpanned before you could continue.

You rolled your eyes at his words, a smile growing on your lips as you quickly fell back into the comfort of this home.

“I’m okay, really,” you assured Chantal.

“Oh honey, come on,” she grabbed your backpack and gestured for you to follow her upstairs. “All of the guestrooms are full right now with Matthew’s friends but they’re leaving tonight. Just go ahead into Brady’s room, I’m sure he told you he’s still in Ottawa until tomorrow.”

You nodded, “Yeah, he did.”

She led you down the hall, as if you didn’t know exactly where you were going, and opened the door to his room. The same hockey memorabilia was scattered across the walls and the closet was slightly open, the clothes he left here during the season poking out.

“Just relax in here, sweetie. The sheets are clean and there are towels in the bathroom. I’ll check in with you in a little bit, okay?”

“Thank you so much,” you smiled, pulling her in for another hug before she headed back downstairs.

No matter how much time you had spent in this room, something about being in there without Brady felt wrong. But the exhaustion of the travel day and the past week didn’t let you think about it too much, instead telling you to go take a shower and change into fresh clothes. You didn’t mean for it to happen, but the second you laid across the bed you were down for the count.

-----

When Brady opened his door after arriving home the next morning, his jaw nearly hit the floor. Chantal told him that you were in there, but there was no preparing himself for the sight in front of him. You were still fast asleep, but the covers were mostly thrown off your body. He smiled to himself as he remembered that you always get too hot while you sleep. The oversized t-shirt you were wearing was bunched at your waist, your tiny sleep shorts riding up your hips giving him the perfect view of your ass. Your head was nuzzled into his pillow, your hands resting in front of you as if you should be holding someone and your lips pouted as you slept. He had seen you asleep countless times before, but something about you being in his bed waiting for him like this was taking his breath away today. He thought about what it would be like if things were different. He could slide under the covers behind you, slip his rough hands around the soft skin of your waist, kiss your collarbone and neck as you giggled in his grasp, moving one of his hands lower and lower until-

“Fuck,” he mumbled, losing grip of his phone as he was distracted by his awe of you, the metal slipping out of his hand and falling against the hardwood floor. He scrambled to grab it without dropping his bags or waking you up. But it was too late, your sleeping frame stirred at the sudden noise, lifting your head to see what it was.

“Brady?” you questioned, your voice laced with sleep and your eyes squinting as they adjusted to the morning light pouring through the windows.

“Yeah, it’s me. Sorry I just- mom told me you were in here,” he spoke, afraid it looked like he had just been staring at you, which of course he had been.

“Don’t be sorry Brades, it’s your room,” you laughed as you sat up, adjusting your shirt when you realized how exposed you were.

He laughed too, trying to shake off whatever awkwardness had infected him this morning and not let his eyes trail down your frame.

“Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to come give me a hug?” you grinned.

Brady shook his head smiling as he made his way towards you, sitting on the edge of the mattress and pulling you in. His body relaxed as you wrapped yourself around him, your touch and scent overwhelming his senses.

You could feel the tension leaving his shoulders as your hands traced the curls at the base of his neck, “You okay?” you whispered.

He pulled back at your words, piercing blue eyes meeting yours. “I’m fine,” he paused, wondering if he should come clean about everything right now. But he decided it wasn’t worth freaking you out on day one of the summer, “I just missed you, that’s all.”

A soft smile crept on your lips, hearing him say that he missed you as much as you missed him warming your heart.

“Come on, I’m hungry,” you said as you grabbed his hand, a playful scoff leaving his mouth as he trailed behind you towards the stairs, the energy between the two of you starting to return to normal.

two

After everyone had finally arrived and settled in, it was time for the first house party of the season. The mere thought of this moment had given you the motivation to finish your exams, so it went without saying that you could not be more excited. Keith and Chantal were out of town for the weekend, putting Matthew in charge of making sure everyone stayed safe. You were finishing getting ready in one of the guest rooms, which you had almost moved into for the summer after the one night in Brady’s. You went for a simple outfit, a white top with jeans and sneakers before heading downstairs to join the growing crowd.

You were surrounded by faces as soon as you made your way down, some familiar and some not. Your eyes scanned the room for your friends, knowing your close friend Emily had already arrived. You finally found her standing in one of the corners and you turned to go meet them.

“Long time no see,” you beamed when you arrived at their circle, the girls jumping to hug you as they saw you for the first time since last August. It was great to catch up with everyone, but you quickly realized that you forgot to get a drink.

“Em, I’m gonna go grab a drink,” you spoke to which she nodded.

“I’ll come with,” she urged, reaching for your hand as you both walked towards the kitchen.

“So you look hot tonight,” she grinned, speaking in your ear so you could hear over the music. “I bet he finally makes his move later.”

“Who?” you challenged, but she didn’t need to say another word for you to know who she was talking about.

“Y/N, please just save it,” Emily rolled her eyes, “Look, he’s already drooling over you,” she gestured towards where Brady was sitting around a table with Matthew and some of their old friends from hockey. She was right, he was looking right at you, waving when you made eye contact. You gave a small wave back before quickly turning your body away from him to face Emily.

“He always watches me at parties,” you reasoned.

“Yeah, because he’s in love with you,” she scoffed, pouring two drinks into red solo cups.

“Because he’s a good guy, Emily,” you rebutted before taking a far too large sip of whatever she made.

Meanwhile, across the room, Brady was facing the same kind of comments from his friends. As soon as he saw you cross the room with Emily he couldn’t peel his eyes away. You were practically glowing, your smile wide as the stress from the school year finally seemed to disappear from your mind.

“Really Tkachuk?” he heard from next to him, his head snapping away from you to look at the voice.

“What?” he questioned, his challenge laced with attitude.

“Y/N? Still?” his friend Jack responded.

Brady just shook his head in annoyance. He didn’t have the energy for this conversation tonight.

“As long as the sky is blue, Brady will be falling at the feet of Y/N,” Matthew chimed in, a smirk gracing his lips as he hid behind his solo cup.

Brady maintained his silence, hoping they would get bored and move on, but not so fast.

“So you aren’t hitting it?”

He thought he was mad before, but nothing compared to the pure anger Brady felt at this comment. It was Nick, a kid he had never liked through all the years they played together in St. Louis. He was fuming, Matthew swore he could see smoke coming out of his ears as he waited for his brother's response, getting ready to step in if necessary.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Nick?” Brady started, turning his body towards him and sitting up straight. “Am I hitting it? You’re talking about my childhood best friend, show some fucking respect.”

Nick looked stunned, his eyes wide as Brady glared at him. “Dude, I-,”

“Don’t,” he interrupted, moving to stand up so he towered over him. “You wanna know why no girl will ever come within ten feet of you? It’s because of shit like this, Nick. You’re a complete asshole and you don’t deserve a thing from any woman,” he scolded.

By this point, Brady had drawn the attention of many, nearly all of the guests staring at the commotion, including you.

Your face dropped as you saw him yelling, concern written all over your face as your brows furrowed in his direction. He finally seemed to calm down, his eyes looking defeated as they locked with yours. With one more look at Nick, he shook his head in disgust before walking towards the back of the house, the door slamming shut behind him.

The room was nearly silent, everyone looking at each other to see if they knew what just happened.

“Everything’s fine guys,” Matthew urged, the party resuming at his words. Your eyes met his and before you could even make it over to ask what that was he was gesturing towards the door for you to follow Brady.

You nodded, discarding your drink on the counter and rushing to him. You slowly opened the backdoor, searching for his blond curls. You quickly found him alone on the patio, sitting on the outdoor couch with his head thrown back against the cushion, and his eyes closed.

“Brady?” you whispered.

His eyes shot open at your voice, “Fuck,” he mumbled under his breath. Even though he knew it was impossible, part of him was hoping you didn’t see that.

You didn’t say anything but rather moved towards him, stepping over his legs so you could sit next to him. He stayed silent, just swinging his arm around your shoulders and tugging you into his frame. You sighed as your head rested against his chest, waiting for him to talk when he was ready.

After almost ten minutes, Brady finally spoke, “Nick is an asshole,” he muttered.

You couldn’t help but let out a small giggle at his words, lifting your head to look at him, but he was still staring straight ahead. He didn’t know if he could keep it together if his eyes met yours.

“Brady,” you muttered, “What happened?”

“He just said something I didn’t like.”

“Come on, Brades,” you pleaded, hoping he would finally give in and tell you what happened.

But instead, he shook his head, “I don’t want to talk about it, okay?” he snapped, instantly regretting his reaction when he felt your body flinch at his tone. He sighed, letting out a breath it felt like he had been holding for hours, “I’m sorry, Y/N. I just-”

“It’s okay,” you whispered. You had no idea what was going on with him, but regardless, it was clear that he needed you. You laid your head back down on his shoulder, smiling to yourself as you felt him press a kiss to the top of your hair.

three

It had felt like forever since you had been on a proper date, the college lifestyle not always being conducive to it. But now here you were, getting ready to go out to dinner with the guy next door, Tommy. The two of you had been friendly for years, getting to know him more and more with each summer you spent with the Tkachuks. You definitely were surprised when he asked you out, but you didn’t see the harm in taking him up on his offer.

And to be completely honest, part of you was getting frustrated at your situation with Brady. It was a cycle that started over each summer. You entered June denying that there was even a hint of anything more than friendship, but by July you were sucked right back under his spell, until August came and you were ripped apart from each other yet again. Clearly nothing was different about this year, so it was time you tried to move on and enjoy your summer in, well, other ways.

You slipped into a dress, casual but still cute, and tied your white sneakers. You walked over to your window to see both Matthew and Brady’s cars sitting in the driveway. Great, you thought. This would be much more painless if they weren’t home, but of course, the world was not on your side. You did one last hair and makeup check before grabbing your bag and heading down the stairs, feigning total confidence as you grew closer to the boys.

They were laying across the couch playing video games, both of their eyes darting straight to you as you tried to sneak out the front door.

“It’s rude not to say goodbye,” you heard Matthew yell from behind you.

“Fuck,” you silently mouthed, turning to move into the living room where they sat.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you guys there!” you lied through your teeth.

Matthew’s face scrunched up at your excuse, knowing there was no possible way you didn’t see them.

“Where are you going?” Brady asked, his voice much softer than his brothers, almost like he knew what he was about to hear.

“Um, I’m going to dinner with Tommy,” you said, trailing off at the end as the awkwardness set in the room.

No matter how much you tried to deny it, you saw the way Brady’s face fell at your words. The guilt suddenly hit you like a truck, but then again it wasn’t like he was doing anything to change the status of your relationship.

“Tommy?” Matthew questioned, his brows furrowed in confusion.

“Yeah,” you stalled, “I don’t know, he asked me and I said yes.”

“Interesting,” he muttered, looking at his younger brother who was pretending to be enthralled in the game.

“Alright well, I’ll see you guys later,” you said, standing as you waited for Brady’s response, but it never came.

Matthew sensed the obvious tension, doing whatever he could to break it, “Have fun Y/N, but not too much,” he teased.

You rolled your eyes, finally moving to open the door, not at all minding that it slammed behind you.

As soon as you were out the door, Matthew pulled the controller out of Brady’s hand. He couldn’t watch this anymore.

“What the fuck, Matt?” he shouted, his emotions high after watching you leave.

“No, I should be asking you that,” he threw back. “What the fuck are you two doing?”

Brady sighed, running his hands over his face before holding his heavy head in his palms. He didn’t know what he was doing. For so many years he was terrified of telling you how he felt. If you didn’t reciprocate his feelings, he didn’t know if your friendship could ever recover and he was not taking that risk. But this year it was all too much, you were perfect for each other and everyone around you knew it too. How could he blame you for trying to find someone else when he couldn’t even muster up the courage to tell you the truth?

“I don’t know, Matt,” he started, his words muffled by his hands, tears prickling the back of his eyes.

Despite teasing him about you for so long, Matthew’s heart broke as he saw his brother in so much distress over this.

“Just tell her. I promise you it will work out,” he encouraged, placing a comforting hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Anyone with eyes can tell that you two are made for each other. It’s gross, actually.”

Brady let out a laugh at Matthew’s chirp, finally picking his head up, “But now I have Tommy to worry about.”

Matthew scoffed, laughing as he spoke, “Yeah, because Y/N really seems like the type to throw away her entire relationship with you over one date with Tommy, of all people.”

-----

Your night was going well, but you just couldn’t shake the look on Brady’s face from your mind; he was hurt.

Tommy was sweet, making you laugh throughout dinner, but you knew you had no intention of seeing him, like this, again. After leaving the restaurant, he suggested you got ice cream and walked around the city, to which you agreed. You felt bad for leading him on, but part of you was dreading arriving back to the house. You were sitting on a bench taking in the view of the city and talking about plans for the year when you felt him shift his body closer to yours. His intentions were clear, and your heart dropped at the realization that you were going to have to let him down much earlier than anticipated.

Just as you were trying to find the right words to tell him, he placed his hand high on your thigh and he leaned in to kiss you. You immediately flinched, pulling your face far away from his.

“Tommy, I- I’m sorry,” you whispered.

A dark chuckle came out of his mouth and you could feel the energy change, the air growing thick with tension.

“Seriously?”

His much larger frame than yours suddenly became quite intimidating as he leaned over you, clearly not taking the rejection well.

“I’m sorry,” you continued, “I just don’t think this is going to happen.”

“Unbelievable,” he shook his head at you, your body pushing back into the bench in an attempt to get as far away from him as possible. “This is about Tkachuk, isn’t it? I should have known you would only be interested in the fame and money,” he mumbled with another laugh.

His words slapped you across the face, your eyes burning as you felt the tears try to push their way out. In all the years you had known him, you never had the slightest idea that Tommy had such a cruel side to him.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” you rebutted, “Get away from me, Tommy.”

“No problem, darling,” he smiled, standing up and walking away, leaving you stranded on the street downtown.

Your head fell into your hands, the cold evening breeze riding under your dress. Your mind instantly started listing all the reasons why this was your fault, but deep down you knew it wasn’t. After sitting there in defeat for a few moments, you finally pulled out your phone, dialing the only number that ever mattered.

It seemed like hours later when you finally saw the black SUV pull up on the street in front of you. Before you could even stand up, Brady was running out of the car towards you. Your emotions got the best of you once he was by your side, your body collapsing into his as the tears fell.

“What the hell did he do?” he questioned while rocking you back and forth in his arms.

You couldn’t find the words to answer.

“Y/N, you’re freezing,” he spoke as he felt your cool skin against his, “Come on,” he urged, grasping your hand to guide you to the car.

Once you were inside the warm car, he reached into the back seat to find a sweatshirt, handing you the soft material.

“Thank you,” you whisper, scared your voice would betray you as you slipped the fabric over your head, the scent of his cologne comforting you right away.

“I’m gonna kill him,” Brady hissed, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel.

“No, you’re not Brady,” you warned, “I had a good night until I didn’t. We just had different ideas of how it was going to end,” you scoffed, a sarcastic laugh slipping through your lips.

Brady shook his head, pausing to glance over at you while he was stopped at a light. You were resting against the cool glass, his sweatshirt pooling around your hips, the fabric of your dress peeking from beneath it. The light finally turned, your face now illuminated in green and he only had one thought.

He would never treat you like that.

plus one

Despite his conversation with Matthew, Brady still had yet to say anything to you. You assured him time after time that you were okay after Tommy, but he didn’t want his confession to seem reactionary. You deserved more than that.

The plan tonight was for everyone to go out to one of the hotspots in town, but you weren’t feeling it. Everything that happened the night before had you even more consumed with your thoughts about Brady, and you needed a night of just nothing. The voices from downstairs carried while the boys were getting ready to leave, their laughter making you smile as you walked into the kitchen. They were so wound up all year long and it was refreshing to see them truly relaxing.

You drew their attention right away as you entered the room, their brows furrowed in confusion as they took in the sweats you were wearing.

“Y/N!” one of them howled, “We’re going soon, hurry up!”

You laughed as you turned to face him, the voice belonging to Jack.

“I’m not going Jack,” you explained, opening the fridge to look for something to satisfy your late-night craving.

“But you have to come, you’re so fun,” he whined.

“I promise I won’t be that fun tonight. Just go enjoy yourselves, I’ll be here waiting to make sure you all get back in the house alive,” you jested.

“I’ll stay,” you heard from behind you. You didn’t even have to look to know who it was.

You finally rotated your body, meeting his gaze right away. He looked good. His black jeans hugged his thighs perfect, the matching black t-shirt fitting around his biceps like a glove. He towered over your, those bright blue eyes piercing into yours. He was close enough for you to take in his cologne, the scent immediately clouding your senses.

“I’m fine, Brady,” you reasoned, shaking yourself out of your daze, “Seriously, go.”

He didn’t speak right away, instead he gave you a knowing look. You gave him the same look right back, challenging him to go against you.

“Matt,” he called, not breaking eye contact, “I’m gonna stay.”

You rolled your eyes at his stubbornness but you were just thankful that you had a reason to look away, praying that the heat you were feeling hadn’t made its way onto your cheeks.

“Alright,” Matthew responded, not even bothering to question the two of you at this point.

The boys flooded the front door, all yelling goodbye before they piled into the Ubers waiting outside. A heavy silence fell over the house, your body leaning against the kitchen counter as you waited for Brady to say something.

“I’m just gonna change,” he spoke, gesturing to the staircase. “Put a movie on, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, your voice barely above a whisper.

Just a few minutes later he returned, dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt. You were laying across the couch, the movie already playing as he sat down next to you.

“Cold?” he asked, already knowing that you were by the way you wrapped your arms around your middle.

“A little,” you mumbled, smiling as he covered the two of you in a blanket, squeezing your frame as he pulled it closer to his own.

You stayed like that for a while, your body resting nearly completely on top of his, your leg swung over his lap and your head nuzzled into his chest. Any tension that was there before seemed to have disappeared, both of you returning to your normal states.

But just seconds later, the screen flashed to a bedroom, the two main characters in the middle of what could be referred to only as a passionate, graphic sex scene. You immediately felt Brady tense beneath you, your cheeks flushing bright red at his response. It took everything within you not to react in any other way, but it felt like your entire body was on fire, begging to be touched. The sounds of the woman’s moans echoed off the walls, her face contorting in pleasure as the man continued. There was no denying that the image triggered a throbbing pressure between your legs, your brain fighting your body’s instinct to grind against his thigh.

Brady’s stomach dropped when he processed what was happening, the woman undressing on the screen making his mind wander to doing the same thing with you. He wanted to touch you like that, he wanted to make you scream his name like that, make you fall apart like that because no one knew you as well as he did. But his imagination was far too vivid, and he internally cursed himself as he felt his pants become tighter and tighter.

This has to be the longest sex scene in the history of all film, you thought to yourself as it continued, seemingly never-ending. Your hand was growing sore from its position under your head, so you gently shifted your body in hopes of getting more comfortable, but what you got was something else entirely.

Your breath hitched when you felt it, unable to disguise your reaction. You were situated over his lap, your lower thigh brushing against his crotch and you could feel just how hard he had become beneath you. You froze, not knowing what to do or say, if anything at all.

“Y/N,” he whispered, preparing to apologize, afraid he had made you so uncomfortable that he couldn’t recover.

You knew he was beyond embarrassed, but something inside you had been ignited and you couldn’t ignore it any longer. Before you could talk yourself out of it, you swung your hips over his, moving to straddle him while you grabbed his face, pulling it to yours. He tensed again in pure shock, but it didn’t take long for him to relax against you, his hands circling your waist as he pushed you back down into his lap. Your lips moved together in perfect synchrony, a small whimper slipping out from your mouth as he bit your bottom lip between his teeth. He groaned into you at the sound, his hands sliding lower so he could grind you into his length, in desperate need of hearing you more. You had one hand tugging at the nape of his neck, the blond curls feeling like silk between your fingers, while the other slipped underneath his shirt, running your cool fingertips across his flexing abs.

You were both so lost in the moment, ready to rip each other's clothes off at any second when Brady finally pulled back.

“Wait,” he gasped, running his large hands across your thighs as he gathered his thoughts.

Your breathing was labored, trying to catch your breath as you took in the sight below you. His lips were pink and swollen, his cheeks had a bright red tinge, and his blues eyes were staring at you in awe.

“What?” you questioned, insecurity suddenly flooding your mind, your body separating from his as you leaned away.

“No no no,” he cooed, urging you to come back close to him. You obliged, your eyes scanning his face in hopes of deciphering what he was thinking.

“I just- if we’re going to do this,” he gestured between your bodies, “We have to do... this,” he whispered as he looked up at you, what he meant perfectly clear to you. “I want you, but I want all of you.”

You smiled at his words, the anxiety washing off his face as he saw your reaction.

“Brady, I have wanted this for longer than I can even remember,” you beamed, your hands cupping his cheeks, thumbing running over the soft skin. “I want all of you, too.”

“Yeah?” he grinned.

“Yeah,” you laughed.

He pulled you back down to meet his lips, your teeth clashing as you both smiled into the kiss.

“Well then,” he smirked, “If you don’t mind, I’m taking you upstairs.”

He wrapped his palms around your thighs, holding you as he stood up. You shrieked at the sudden movement, laughing as your legs circled his waist. He held you impossibly close to his body, terrified to let you go now that he had you.

“Please, Brady,” you whined against his skin, “Take me upstairs.”

“Fuck,” he breathed out.

That was all he needed to hear to rush up to his room, more than ready to show you exactly how much he had loved you since day one.

part two here

#brady tkachuk #brady tkachuk imagine #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #my writing

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imkylotrash · 4 years ago

Text

I Can’t Fall In Love Without You

Pairing: Trevor Matthews x reader

Request: Trevor and the reader are already in a relationship, and the reader gets jealous when Trevor and Tessa meet. Anonymous

A/N I know the part about Tessa doesn’t last that long but I hope you like it anyway.

“I’ll be home around 7 tonight.” You quickly put on earrings and the slightest bit of lip stick. He comes up from behind and sneaks his arms around you. Almost instantly you relax into his embrace letting your head rest on his shoulder.

“That’s awfully late,” he comments placing a soft kiss on your neck.

“It’s almost New Years and we need to get the annual report ready. Mike completely screwed up August and now we have to redo every month after August.” There’s been chaos at the office for the last two weeks due to the annual report meaning sleeping at the office rather than going home at 4 in the morning. 7pm was not late for you compared to lately but you still wished you could be home earlier. Today’s the 4 year anniversary for you and Trevor and you know he had some things planned but it’ll have to wait for January. Thankfully, he’s been more than understanding and it helps keep you sane.

“I know, I know. I just wish you’d be home. But I’ll have some dinner ready.”

“Thank you.” He spins you around and smiles.

“You look so good I’m reconsidering letting you out of the house.” You chuckle as he places soft kisses on your neck and just below your ear.

“Then I guess I have to stay,” you whisper grabbing his face to kiss him properly. After so long together you’re still not tired of how his lips feel against yours. But reality hits sooner rather than later and you hurry out the door to face the mess at work. At exactly 7 you park your car in the parking lot outside of your building. 10 long hours in the office and countless arguments later you’re finally free to enjoy the rest of your evening.

“I’m home,” you call out confused as to why there are no light on at all. The apartment is completely quiet and as you move towards the kitchen turning on light as you go, it quickly becomes clear to you that no one is home. It’s so unlike Trevor to stay out at night but what worries you is that you have no idea where he is. Did something happen? You dial his number praying that he’s alright.

“Hi, I’m on my way home now. I’m so sorry,” he says sounding rushed. Your heartbeat slowly returns to normal when you hear his voice.

“It’s fine. You just had me worried. I thought something happened to you.”

“No, I got caught up at work with the new intern. She didn’t know anybody and I felt bad for her.” You try not to give into the little green monster eating away at your stomach. Trevor has always been too kind for his own good, you know this. It’s part of the reason why you fell in love with him in the first place but why would he spend your anniversary with another girl?

“It’s fine. Should I get started on dinner then?” you ask trying to keep your voice from shaking. You tell yourself you’re overreacting and that this is just a response created by the stress from work. But you just can’t shake the feeling over the next couple of weeks. You swore never to be the type of girl to dictate who your boyfriend can and cannot see but you’ve hardly seen him because he spends all of his time with Tessa. The last straw is him going to an office party without you. Granted he asked you to come but you wanted a quiet night and said he should go himself. Of course, you didn’t actually mean it but Trevor is nothing if not honest so he’d only assume you’d say something if you had a problem. And you should’ve just said something instead of pretending to be fine but it’s difficult when you’re feeling insecure. So the next day as you’re sitting across from him at the table you speak up.

“Why are you spending so much time with Tessa?” He chokes on his cereal.

“What?” He puts his glasses on - a habit he has whenever he needs to pay attention.

“You heard me.” You feel vulnerable and it pains you. The ability to open up is one you’ve never truly mastered and Trevor knows this so he also knows how difficult it is for you to ask him this yet he stays quiet.

“Are you having an affair?”

“No!”

“Then what?” you say raising your voice. What is the matter with you? You had a plan to ask him calmly and already you’re yelling at him.

“She’s just a friend.” His eyes screams for you to drop this but you’ve heard that sentence too many times before and you know what it means.

“That’s all you have to say? She’s a good friend? You’ve known her for, what, four months?” Everything about him is screaming guilty but you can’t believe that Trevor would ever do something like that to you.

“What do you want me to say?” He’s cautious and with good reason.

“I want you to tell me that there’s nothing going on between the two of you. I want you to tell me that I’m the only one you love. I want you to fight for me to believe you!” Tears keep on coming even though you’re trying your hardest not to cry. “What I don’t want is you getting defensive about your relationship to some intern at the office.”

“If I’m being defensive, maybe it’s because you’re accusing me of having an affair. I can’t believe you think I’d do that to you.” He’s hurt and you’re the cause making you feel even worse. How did breakfast turn into this? You take a deep breath to calm yourself down before this gets any worse.

“Look, maybe I should go stay with my mom for a while? Just to take some time to think things through.”

“I don’t need to think things through. You want to know what I’ve been doing with Tessa? We’ve been planning my proposal to you. She helped pick out a ring, coordinate with the restaurant. She helped me come up with ideas and talked me out of my stupid ideas. That’s what we’ve been doing.” Words fail you as his sink in. He was going to propose. And now you’ve royally screwed that up. Your silence is interpreted completely wrong and it breaks your heart.

“I’m sorry the idea of my proposing made you feel so sick. I thought we were on the same page.” He grabs his coat and is out the door before you can say another word. You have to fix this but you have no idea how. Of course you would’ve said yes. How could he ever even doubt that? You grab your own coat and hurry out the door. You can fix this.

An hour later you’re back at the apartment but Trevor isn’t so you hurry getting ready. So many candles to lit and so little time. You change into that red dress that you know he loves hoping that this will be enough. Enough to convince him that of course you’d have said yes if he asked you. Two hours later he finally returns drenched from the rain.

“What’s all this?” he asks stopping dead in his tracks.

“Trevor Matthews, you’ve been my source of light for the past four years and I’d very much like for you to be my light for many more years. Imagening my life without you seems impossible and I’m so sorry I ever doubted you. I want you now and forever.” You’re trying to speak clearly but your entire body is shaking.

“Y/N-”

“Please let me finish before I start sobbing. It’s going to be ugly.” He laughs but stays quiet.

“I want to wake up next to you and go to sleep with you. I want pancake Sundays and movie dates on Friday. I want the sleepless nights and the mornings in bed. I want all of it and I want it for the rest of my life.” You inhale trying to control the tears that refuse to let up.

“I don’t have a ring,” you say realising that you’re missing the most vital thing of a proposal.

“I can do that part,” Trevor says grabbing a small velvet box from his coat. He gets down on one knee and somehow this moment is so imperfectly perfect that you wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Would you marry me and make me the happiest man? Be mine.”

“Of course I would.” He slips the ring onto your finger and it’s the most beautiful ring you’ve ever seen.

“Oh, it’s perfect,” you whisper not even knowing how much it would mean to you to have the perfect ring. He stands up and immediately kisses you.

“I hope you know I’m never letting you go,” Trevor says between kisses.

“Good.”

#after movie #after blurb #after imagine #after #trevor matthews imagine #trevor matthews blurb #trevor matthews x reader #trevor matthews #after we collided blurb #after we collided #after we collided imagine #awc blurb #awc imagine #awc #hardin #tessa young

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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 5 years ago

Text

Your Dream Becomes a Reality

Characters: Matthew Gray Gubler x Reader

Word Count: 1,618

Warnings: fluff

Request: could you pretty please write something about that kissing thing you reblogged?? i don’t know what but it was hot

Summary: You find a fan video online of every kissing scene Matthew’s been in, and your mind wanders.

Squares Filled: friends to lovers for @cmbingo

Author’s Note: This is based on this thing I reblogged. If you have any requests, please send them in! this is unbeta’d and every mistake is all on me.

Feedback the glue that holds my writing together

Tags at the bottom

The next best thing to hanging out with your best friend is watching fan videos of him. It’s a good way to get meaningless dirt that you can tease him with later on. He’s known for being the class clown, so you know he won’t ever take these taunts and teases to heart. Even as a kid, he was always trying to make people laugh.

Your family lived next to his during your entire childhood. There were no other kids on your block, so you often found yourself playing with Matthew. It didn’t matter what you two ended up doing, as long as you were doing it with him. Your favorite thing to do was have sleepovers with him in the living room of his house.

You’d make a blanket and pillow fort that would be encrypted with a passcode only you two would know. There was an elementary school right down the street from your houses, so it was always the same bus, the same route, the same classroom and classmates, the same playground, the same family.

All the same things until high school.

His parents ended up getting new jobs that required him to move two towns from you. It’s not like he was moving across the country or out of state, but that meant he would have to go to a new school. You can handle not living next to him, but not going to the same school as him was just heartbreaking. You begged your parents to move closer to him, and he begged his parents to let him stay with you. It was clear to everyone--all except you two--that you and Matthew were going to end up together, and his parents didn’t want to break you two up. As long as he got a ride to and from school, he could continue to go there.

So, that’s what he did.

It sucked that he didn’t live next to you anymore, but at least you saw him every day at school. Then, on weekends, you’d hitchhike to his house without your parents knowing. The best memory you have of your high school days is when you finally got your license. It’s still so fresh because you were the first one to get it out of the two of you. He failed his test three times before finally passing. As a present, your parents let you use their crappy soccer mom van. It wasn’t anything luxurious, but it got you to see Matthew.

There was nothing you wouldn’t do to be with him. He made you smile, laugh, feel things you’ve never felt before, and everything else in between. Your entire class thought you two were going to end up together, and you ended up being one of them. To be with him is a dream come true, and you would have said something if it weren't for a certain agent thinking he was going to make it big one day.

Matthew’s always had a passion for acting and/or directing. He joined every single club that involves those two things. Whenever there was news of a school play, he needed to be in it whether that be a big role or a behind-the-scenes role. There were plenty of plays he got to star in, but the one that mattered the most was in senior year.

An agent was sitting in the audience, and she approached him after it was over. She was so impressed with his performance, that she gave him his card. From that very first call, he’s been busy ever since. There’s always going to be another movie, show, and play that he’ll want to do. It’s exactly why you never told him how you felt. He became so popular so quickly, you never even had a chance. It’s not like you want to hold him back, and that’s exactly what you’re going to do if you tell him. It wouldn’t be fair to his audience or to him.

Why would he stop doing what he loves for you? What do you have to offer that’s better than what he’s got now?

Instead, you settled to just visiting when his schedule allowed it. He’s not supposed to be working right now, but he had to go in for an emergency scene. He’s wrapping up his guest star role in Horsegirl, so you didn't mind when he said he had to leave for a few hours. He promised to be back as soon as he’s done, so you pulled up Instagram to find embarrassing fan videos of him.

There are mostly videos of him on Criminal Minds, and the way he can shift between roles is just inspiring. He’s so full of life, goofy, and lovable, and to shift between that to someone like Spencer Reid, it’s just admirable. His ability to get into any kind of character is something you love about him.

You scroll past all those videos to get to the videos that have been buried deep within the web. You’re scrolling so quickly that you have to double back when you see something that makes your panties wet.

Some fan has made a video of all the kissing scenes that Matthew has been in. They range from Criminal Minds to Suburban Gothic to 68 Kill to his most recent part in Zoe. You’ll never get the chance to know what it feels like to have his lips on yours. Seeing it right in front of you fuels your imagination. You shouldn’t feel this way about your best friend, but these feelings run all the way back to when you learned how to ride bikes.

The first kiss in the video is of season one of Criminal Minds when his character, Spencer Reid, is in the pool with Lila Archer. You actually remember this because he vented to you about how Amber Heard was his first on-screen kiss. With every single on-screen kiss, he told you all about them. It broke your heart to hear about them, but you kept a supportive smile on your face.

The video continues with kisses from Criminal Minds, Suburban Gothic, 68 Kill, and many others. They are all so hot, and it’s making your imagination run wild.

“What are you doing?” Matthew whispers in your ear from behind.

You yell out in surprise and physically jump. Your phone goes flying out of your hand and lands across the room. Your face is red with embarrassment. You were so busy staring at his mouth to hear him come in.

“Oh, nothing,” you lie terribly.

“What were you watching?” he asks with a shit-eating grin.

“Nothing! Why are you sneaking up on me like that? I could have killed you!”

“Yeah, right,” he scoffs.

Your phone pings as a notification appear on the screen. Both of you stare at your phone, and then you slowly look at each other. He’s much quicker than you, and before you know it, he’s already jumping over the couch to grab at it. You barely register what’s going on just as he snatches it off the floor.

“No! Matthew!”

It’s too late as he’s already looking at the video you were caught watching. It’s impossible to know what he’s thinking--he’s that good of an actor.

“Okay, I know what it looks like, but I can explain,” you begin.

He sets your phone down on the table and stalks toward the kitchen. You immediately race after him to apologize even though you have no reason to.

“Matthew, please let me explain.”

You’re right on his tail, so when he turns to face you, you get trapped between his body and the kitchen island. His hands rest on either side of you, trapping you in.

“So, you want to know what it’s like to kiss me?”

“I never said that,” you whisper.

“Didn’t have to. Your body language is telling me all that I need to know. Your cheeks are pink, your breath is coming out in hot gasps, and your body is leaning into me.”

“Don’t hate me,” you whisper fearfully.

You look away to avoid the pitiful look you know is coming, but his right hand cups your jaw, and he forced you to look at him.

“Why would I hate you?”

“Now you know my feelings for you.”

With his right hand, he makes his grip more firm as his thumb traces your cheekbone. The look in his eyes is too intense, so you go to look away. However, he leans in and captures your lips with his. His whole mouth envelopes your own, and his tongue hesitantly touches your own. When he feels no regret on your end, he becomes more passionate.

He takes his left hand and mirrors his right, and the kiss becomes more intense. His lips feel as soft as they look on screen, but you feel something you bet those other actresses don’t—love. You feel the love he has for you with every second that passes. He steps closer to you, pressing his lean body into yours.

His tongue massages your own as his fingers thread into your hair. To your displeasure, he takes his lips away from yours only to place them on your jaw. With feather-light kisses, he moves down your jaw and to your neck. He explores the unknown territory gently until his mouth hovers above your right ear.

“Let me show you just how much I love you,” he mutters barely inaudible.

You’ve been waiting for this moment your entire life, and now that you have it, you’re holding onto it with a death-like grip in fear it might disappear.

wanna be tagged? add yourself to this document! if your tag doesn’t work, find out why!

@adlerorzel-blog @kendall-michele @megsyrae @bitchwhytho @kt-bug3 @broimjustvibin @practicallylivesonline @cynbx @cobrakai1967 @reid-187 @mbmrocks @idkbutspencer @yellowbadgergirl @onceuponthenightmares @yeet-the-nugget @izzythefanfreak @very-lonely-august @sammy-jo1977 @nomajdetective @skarsgardandredmayne @neutralwiener @miraclesoflove @skylarraker @theitcaramelchick

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haberdashing · 4 years ago

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No Puppet Strings Can Hold Me Down (9/?)

The Magnus Archives fanfic. An AU that diverges from canon between episodes 159 and 160, in which Peter Lukas’ statement that “he got you” takes on a different meaning.

on AO3

Breakfast... dinner... brinner was quiet and uneventful, after that. It would be easy to assume that it was meant to be a comfortable silence, that they had said all the things that really mattered back in the Lonely, but was that really true, or was there more to it than that? Jon thought it was the latter. Or perhaps Jon simply hoped it was the latter, hoped that this silence might be a sign that Martin knew more than he was sharing and didn’t much care to make small talk with Jonah Magnus regardless of whose body he was wearing. It was hard to tell for sure.

After they both were done, though, the silence got heavier. There was no clear activity for them to do next, after all. There was only them, them and an unkempt but cozy safehouse and time that needed to be spent within it or around it until they needed food or sleep once more.

Jon had dreamed of a life filled with nothing but leisure time like that, once.

Jon had dreamed of an awful lot of things that seemed to be coming true now in the worst way possible, like his subconscious had gotten hold of a monkey’s paw and milked it for all it was worth.

Martin was the one to finally break the silence between them. “Are you good now?”

Jon felt his face wrinkle and contort in a semblance of confusion. “That’s an awfully broad question. What do you mean?”

Martin hesitated, blinking a few times before responding. “I just meant, er...” His voice trailed off a bit as he looked pointedly at one of the stray piles of newly-brought belongings strewn across the place, though what made that particular pile special Jon couldn’t tell at a glance. “You’re not still hungry?”

“Martin, we just ate.”

“Not- not that kind of hungry.” Another semi-furtive glance directed towards the same pile of unorganized necessities. “Just, you know, I brought them along for you and all, but I don’t know how often you, well, need one-”

Jon put together the pieces a moment before Martin made his meaning even more plain, though Jonah just raised his eyebrow in response.

“The, the statements. Do you need to go read a statement, Jon?”

Even though he knew he had no control over the actual response to Martin’s question, Jon thought about what his response would be just the same. He’d started to practically take the statement reading for granted, these past few months, which probably wasn’t a great sign in hindsight; honestly, he’d grown better at tending to that need than making sure he ate actual food, if only because he’d learned the hard way what happened when that sort of hunger went unchecked. Now that he thought about it, though, he felt fine, at least physically. No hunger, no weakness, none of the symptoms he’d once mistaken for an illness before he’d known better.

Had it just not been long enough since the last statement for it to set in, or was his current situation enough to override that need, at least for the time being?

Jon’s train of thought was unexpectedly derailed by the sound of his own voice speaking up.

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Alright, well, they’re all ready for you. Got a bunch over there-” Martin waved a hand in the direction of the pile he’d been staring at before. “-though I didn’t look too close at what I was grabbing, they might be ones you’ve read already, or, or even fake ones, I don’t know-”

“I’m sure it will be just fine. Thank you, Martin.” Jon felt his lips curl into a smile he didn’t really feel.

“Don’t mention it. Just, er, while you’re busy with that...” Martin scratched the back of his neck nervously. “Mind if I take a nap?”

A brief moment of hesitation, in which Martin’s face grew more and more pink by the second.

“Not that I don’t like hearing you monologue, but I figure hey, if the bed’s not being used...”

“Oh, of course. Go right ahead.”

“Thanks.”

Martin went off to curl up in the bed, and Jon hoped that he slept well, that maybe they could keep making arrangements like this so Martin could at least spend some time sleeping somewhere more comfortable and height-appropriate than the sofa.

Jon couldn’t tell if Jonah was looking for something specific in the statements, but he did glance at a couple before deciding on one and pulling it out from the stack, giving Jon a bit of a paper cut in the process, though he knew from experience the sting wouldn’t last and the cut would likely be gone in minutes if not seconds. A small blessing, there, one minor upside of an otherwise horrible situation. Lose your humanity, heal faster from paper cuts. Not Jon’s idea of an ideal trade-off.

“Statement of Isaac Kaufmann, regarding the aftermath of an attempted mugging. Original statement given August 13th, 2009. Audio recording by Jonathan Sims, the Archivist. Statement begins...”

It was a bizarre feeling for Jon, reading out loud a statement without being drawn into it, going through the motions without any of the emotions he usually associated with the act. He felt bad for the guy, sure, but that was just basic human sympathy (or basic inhuman sympathy perhaps), not literally feeling everything this Mr. Kaufmann felt upon almost being mugged and surviving only by way of encountering something stranger and no less dangerous than the man who had tried to mug him initially. Jon had wondered from time to time how odd his reading statements must look from an outside perspective; now, it seemed, he was as close to getting an answer to that question as he was likely ever to get.

The words pouring out of his mouth sounded like a passable imitation of his usual statement voice, at least, and if Jonah faltered once or twice, well, Martin wasn’t exactly hanging on his every word, napping as he was in the cabin’s lone bed...

Though that gave Jon an idea.

Jon couldn’t do much now, but he could still Know things--he’d learned that already, had done it without even trying to back in the car.

When he’d tried too hard to Know what Peter Lukas was planning some time ago, he’d made himself sick, even blacked out for a moment afterwards before getting what had to be the supernatural equivalent of the world’s worst hangover.

What would happen, then, if he tried to Know what Jonah Magnus was planning now?

At best, he’d get some answers, know exactly what was in store for him, though Jon wasn’t holding his breath on getting the best possible outcome here; life never seemed to be that generous towards him.

Maybe it’d do to his body what it’d done before, disorientate him, weaken him, and weakening him meant weakening Jonah Magnus now, so that was a price Jon was very much willing to pay.

At worst... well. Not much could be worse than the present scenario. Worst case would likely be his attempt at Knowing failing utterly, and Jon still would know nothing and Jonah Magnus would still be running around unhindered in his body, and it still wouldn’t actually be any worse than if he hadn’t tried at all.

Jon didn’t hesitate.

What is Jonah Magnus’ plan?

The information poured into Jon’s mind all at once.

Ignaz Semmelweis, the first doctor to successfully prevent most postpartum infections by encouraging doctors to wash their hands, was roundly ignored by his contemporaries and died in obscurity. The tallest body Jonah Magnus has ever inhabited, one by the name of Mark Matthews, stood at six feet, three inches tall. The Admiral has a half-sister that lives nine blocks away from Georgie’s flat. Hydrophobia is a historic name for the disease of rabies due to late-stage symptoms in which the infected person cannot swallow liquids, cannot quench their thirst, and shows fear or panic when presented with liquids to drink. Liz Culvert, who dated Elias Bouchard when both were attending uni, wrote a short poem about Elias’ eyes while they were dating. The rhyme “Red touch yellow, kills a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack” does successfully distinguish between venomous coral snakes and nonvenomous scarlet king snakes, but is only entirely accurate when applied to snake species native to the southeastern United States...

The information keeps coming rapid-fire, the details of each seemingly-random factoid soon blurring together in Jon’s mind, his senses overpowered by the sheer weight of Knowledge within his head. The world faded away, replaced by static and words, and still the information kept coming and there was nothing he could do about it-

The next thing Jon knew (lower-case), he was sprawled out on the floor, head pounding, back smarting, every part of him hurting like hell--still unable to move a muscle of his own accord, though he did give it a try just in case--and the only good thing Jon could think of was that Jonah Magnus must be feeling this pain as acutely as he was.

If he had actually learned anything about Jonah Magnus’ current plans it was lost to him now, a drop within a sea of more or less useless information, a needle buried deep within a haystack.

Did Jonah Magnus feel as disoriented as Jon did? The only way to know for sure was to engage him in conversation, Jon supposed, but... he’d rather pass on that, thanks, especially since that’d probably manage to make his headache even worse somehow.

His hands were shaking as he sat up, though, and as Jon wasn’t the one controlling them, wasn’t the one in charge of their shaking or lack thereof, he figured that meant his little stunt must have had some effect on his mental captor.

“Jon?”

Jon looked over as Martin rushed over to his side. Jon had assumed that Martin wouldn’t have noticed any results of what he’d done, that he’d be too lost in sleep to wake up for something so relatively minor, but evidently that assumption had been a faulty one.

“Jon, what happened? Are you alright?”

Jon tried not to read too much into the questions Martin asked, tried not to search them for even the slightest signs of understanding, but to no avail. He’d thought that he’d given up on false, useless hope already, and yet...

“I’m fine, don’t worry. Just a... a bit of a dizzy spell, I suppose.”

“Do you know what brought it on? You didn’t hit your head on the way down, did you?”

“I don’t believe so, no. And... hard to say. I didn’t wake you, did I?”

As Martin looked down at Jon, a hint of a smile crept onto his face. “No, no, I couldn’t sleep anyway. Wasn’t your doing. Now, d’you need a hand up?”

“Er...”

“Sounds like a yes to me.”

Martin extended his hand, and Jonah took it for him, and Martin was still cold to the touch but his manner was still warm as anything, and it didn’t matter what temperature his hand was, just that it was big and soft and embracing Jon’s own hand in turn, supporting him both physically and metaphorically a-

Don’t try to pull that little stunt again.

And Jon’s train of thought was disrupted in the most awkward of fashions by Jonah Magnus’ butting in just before Martin released his grip as Jon stood upright once more.

His arms were still shaking, though, and Jon doubted that Jonah was putting that on for show, not when his head still ached from too much knowledge filling it all at once.

So he could do something, then. He could do at least one thing that would affect the world around him, not just the worlds within his own mind. Granted, that thing was basically eldritch self-sabotage, but it was something at least. That had to be a good sign. That had to be better than nothing.

And if Jonah Magnus was warning him against it, that meant that Jon now had some form of leverage against him, something he could threaten Jonah with that was clearer and more tangible than any of Jonah’s own vague yet ominous threats.

Jonah said something to Martin, but Jon didn’t hear it, busy as he was laughing to himself, hoping that his laughter would be loud enough for Jonah Magnus to hear.

#tma #tma au #tma fic #tma fanfic #the magnus archives #the magnus archives au #the magnus archives fic #the magnus archives fanfic #personal #my writing

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onedayiwillflyfree · 5 years ago

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When the Sun Begins to Fall Chapter 3

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21255530/chapters/50816953

For the previous two chapters, check it out on AO3

Chapter 3

Gilbert had loved train rides for as long as he could remember. When he was a boy, he always marvelled at their speed and how the scenery looked as they passed by. Now when he boarded one, his mind filled with happy memories of his father and their many adventures in his last few months of life. It had never failed to bring a smile to his face until today.

Today, the train seemed to be trudging along far too slowly and, despite the changing leaves and the cerulean water crashing against the outer edges of the island, the scenery looked dull. Gilbert’s foot bounced as anxiety coursed through his body, his eyes glued out the window.

You haven’t seen her yet, you don’t know that it is consumption. You need to see her. Stop jumping to conclusions.

Bash nudged Gilbert’s twitching foot gently with his own. His attention shot to the man across from him, who in turn gestured towards Gilberts hands and passed him a handkerchief. Gilbert glanced down to notice he had unconsciously tore off the skin surrounding his thumb nail and blood was dripping down the back of his hand. He accepted the rag, pressed it firmly against the ripped skin and turned his attention back to the window. His eyes were starting to burn with exhaustion. Looking down at his watch, he deduced that he had been up for close to fifteen hours already, waking up early to study before he went in to care for back to back patients for twelve hours. Now that he thought about it, he was pretty sure he hadn’t eaten yet either.

“Blythe,” Gilbert lazily rolled his eyes in Bash’s direction. “Get some sleep, worrying won’t make the time go any faster.” Gilbert opened his mouth in protest but Bash lifted his hand. “You and I both know how you are when you don’t sleep. You won’t be any good for her if you’re like this.”

He felt the need to argue but Bash turned his head out the window, indicating the discussion was over. Gilbert rubbed his eyes while quietly deciding that his obnoxious brother was correct. When he was exhausted, he could barely add two and two together, let alone take care of someone. He adjusted himself so that his back was facing the window, resting his head on the cool pane of glass that separates him from the passing world. As he drifted off to sleep, he swore he could hear the trees whispering good night to him.

-------

“So, when do you suppose you will be back?” Anne questioned sorrowfully, wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders. Gilbert hated when she looked this upset. He never quite knew the right thing to say to her.

He took a deep breath as he walked over to a dying tree at the end of the orchard. “It’s only a semester, but Winnie’s father has set up for me to stay through the summer to attend lectures and expos. So roughly the end of August, give or take.” He took out spool of twine, wrapping it around the trunk of the tree. Bash would need to cut it before next season to make room for a new tree.

“And you’re leaving the day after Christmas?” Anne mumbled.

He turned to face her and nodded. “Yes, I am meeting Winnie up in Charlottetown and we will be leaving two days before the new year.”

“Oh,” she mumbled as she brushed a stray curl behind her ear. Gilbert had always found Anne to be beautiful but recently she had begun to wear her hair up in the most intricate styles, each one complementing her face perfectly. He hated to admit it but everyday, when she met him at the end of the Blythe-Lacroix orchard, his heart skipped a beat.

They stood in silence for a moment, staring at each other. Anne broke the silence as she turned to face the far end of the orchard. “Perhaps we should keep walking. It’s getting late and if you want to finish tonight, then we should move on.”

He stepped toward her and instantly they fell back into stride with one another. Over the last four months, since their graduation, each day they would meet on the path where the orchard met the woods and they would walk. Some days they would share ideals and discuss poetry, other days Anne would rant about the pranks some student (whose name began with an M and ended with an innie May) had played on her.

And some days they would get into such a disagreement that Anne would storm off in a rage, claiming she would never speak to him again. But he didn’t worry because he knew the next day, right on time, she would walk up the bend carrying a peace offering. It had become a routine and the most treasured part of his day.

They continued walking the length of the orchard in silence, making Gilbert feel incredibly uncomfortable. They used to be able to silently study with one another, casting occasional glances up at one another. But this silence was different, it wasn’t routine.

He stopped by one of the final rows of tree and plucked a perfect green apple. He smirked, noticing Anne deep in thought as she continued walking. “Hey, Carrots,” Anne spun around. Her hair caught loosely on a stay branch, pulling her hair pins out of their designated spot as she turned, causing fiery curls to fall over her shoulders. Gilbert’s smirk grew mischievously as a flush crept up her cheeks. “Catch.” He threw the apple, which she caught with ease. She was preparing to throw it back when he turned on his heels and sprinted towards the woods.

“Gilbert Blythe!” he heard her yell as she began to take off after him. “You get back here!” He ran, dodging the trees, occasionally throwing a look over his shoulder to make sure she was still there. She was trying to maintain a serious face as she ran, but every time she yelled at him to stop, he heard laughter in her voice. It was the sweetest sound he had ever heard.

He slowed his stride as they closed in on the lake that Anne had beautifully dubbed The Lake of Shining Waters. Once she closed in, she took aim at his back and threw the apple as hard as she could. It landed on the ground beside him with a soft thud.

“You’re gonna have to do better than that, Carrots!” he shot a look over his shoulder only to notice she wasn’t running after him any longer. Instead, she stood about ten feet away, panting, her face pink as a peony. He slowed to a stop, meeting her eyes with his own. “Awe Anne,” he ran his fingers through his hair as he started taking steps back towards her. “I was just messin…”

“You promise you will come back, right? To Avonlea, I mean.” Anne asked, stopping him dead in his tracks. He stared at her with wide eyes. “Because when you last left...you promised me that you would come home someday. And you did. And back then...we didn’t even have what we have now.” She looked into his eyes, stepping closer to him slowly.

Gilbert felt as if his heart was going to pound out of his chest. “What do you mean by what we have now?” She continued to step closer to him and he didn’t dare move. Once she was not more than two feet away, she stopped and took a deep breath.

“I just mean this,” she gestured her hands between the two of them as if he was supposed to understand what she meant. He cocked an eyebrow and she rolled her eyes. “Happiness...when we are together. Don’t you feel it too?”

*More than you will ever know*, Gilbert thought to himself. He dared to take a step forward and when she didn’t break his gaze, he closed the remaining foot that separated them.

They continued to hold each other's gaze, Anne not shying away as she used to so often. Something had changed within her since Matthew had passed and she began at Queens. She exuded confidence and strength, becoming the woman she always dreamed she would be as a girl.

Gilbert wasn’t sure how long they stared at one another for, frankly he didn’t care. He could have stayed there, staring at this beautiful fire queen for the rest of his life if it was allowed. And it was within that moment that he realized the truth. He didn’t want Paris. He didn’t want Sorbonne or even Winifred. He wanted Anne Shirley Cuthbert, the girl who had broken a slate across his face and competed with him so fiercely all these years. Deep down, he had always wanted Anne.

“Ask me to stay,” he told her, breaking the silence. Anne looked taken aback by the sudden declaration and tears to form in her eyes. They looked on the verge of pooling over when she quickly swept them away. Before she could put her hand back down at her side, he grabbed it in his own. Her skin felt smooth against his calloused palms but her hand fit perfectly within his. It felt right, “I will stay if you ask me to.”

Anne looked at their joined hands and began to contemplate the choice she had been presented with. After a moment, she bit her lip and lifted her free hand up to Gilberts face. She gingerly touched a stray curl before she moving it down to caress his cheek. He held his breath in fear she would pull away if he exhaled.

Sadness flashed across her face and swiftly she pulled away from him, stepping back until they had a few feet between them. Tears fell over her eyelids but she didn’t seem to care. Her voice cracked when she spoke. “I can’t Gil… I’m so sorry…” With that, she turned and ran back up the hill. He wanted to reach out, he wanted to catch her and wrap her up in his arms and never let go. But he knew now that he couldn’t. She had made her choice.

And it wasn’t him.

-------

“Gilbert,” he opened his eyes to see Bash standing over him, gently shaking his shoulder. Gilbert straightened and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He peered out the window to the small train platform with a faded sign that read WELCOME TO AVONLEA. Bash patted his shoulder. “Welcome home, brother.”

-------

“Mr. Lacroix, over here!” a voice called from a wagon just down the road. Gilbert smiled, immediately recognizing the wagon and its driver. Jerry Baynard climbed down, tying Belle’s reigns against the hitching post before turning towards the pair. “Gilbert! Welcome home!” Jerry held out his hand that Gilbert accepted, feeling slightly ashamed of how soft his hands had become in the last nine months.

“Jerry, good to see you,” Gilbert replied curtly, throwing his bag onto the back of the wagon and pulling himself up. He wasn’t intentionally trying to be rude, he was excited to be home and to see his old friend, but he wasn’t exactly in the mood for small talk. Jerry, seeming to understand Gilberts attitude, swiftly unknotted Belle’s reins and handed them up to Sebastian, who had taken his place in the driver's seat. Bash reached out a hand and pulled Jerry up next to him before giving the reins a sharp flick.

“So,” Jerry turned in his seat. “I have to ask…” He pointed up to Gilberts head. “What’s with the hair?” Bash let out a roar of laughter so loud that it frightened Belle, almost causing them to veer into a ditch. Gilbert rolled his eyes as a confused Jerry looked between the two men.

“See,” Bash, still chuckling as he steered Belle back to center. “Told you there was somethin’ wrong with it.” He cast a glance back at Gilbert, whose jaw tensed. Bash cleared his throat. “Jerry, how about you sing us one of those tunes you’re always hummin’.”

Despite confusion still overwhelming him, Jerry obliged and began to sing.

------

Even though he was there under peculiar circumstances, it was nice to know that Green Gables stayed the same no matter the occasion. The green shingled room and starch white siding looked the same today as they did the first time he stepped foot on the property, which instantly calmed some worries he felt at the moment.

“Woah,” Bash pulled Belle to a halt, allowing Jerry to slide down the side of the wagon and open the paddock gate. Once through the gate, Gilbert felt his fingers started to twitch once again. He hadn’t been to Green Gables in over nine months. Not since he had come to say goodbye to Anne, when he had secretly hoped she had reconsidered asking him to stay.

She didn’t.

But she did take him in her arms so tightly he felt as if he was going to burst. They held each other only for a moment, before she walked back into the house, closing the door behind her without another word.

The wagon came to a halt at the entrance of the barn and he threw himself off the back. “I’ll uh, put Belle up. You go on in,” he instructed, beginning to undo Belle’s harness.

He didn’t have to be told twice. In fact, he had to force himself not to bolt up the steps, past Marilla, and straight into Anne’s room. He stepped slow and steady, looking in every direction he could until he stopped just a few feet from the kitchen door, looking down at a cluster of dormant daylily cluster.

“You know, Green Gables is exquisite as is. However,” Anne wiped her brow, not realizing her forehead was now streaked with soil. “With Matthew gone, the world needs a little more color all around.” She whispered to the plants more so than Gilbert. He didn’t mind, he understood grieving better than most. It had only been a week since Matthews heart had failed him and Anne had been trying her best to cope in any way she could. Two days ago, she baked sixteen apple pies, claiming none of them were perfect and she had to keep trying to get it right. And yesterday, she wrote ten pages on why the Bronte sisters should have never had to pen under a man’s name and discussed society's oppression of women. Gilbert had actually thought the paper to be quite good and wanted to publish it in the paper before she tore it up and threw it into the stove

And today’s method of coping was flowers. She finished patting down the last of the soil and dusted her hands together. “There you are, my dears. Welcome to your new home.” Gilbert looked on as she gently nuzzled her face against each bud, admiring her love for nature and all things good.

After each bud had received the proper amount of affection, she attempted to stand, only to discover one of her feet had fallen asleep in the process of planting. “Oh no,” she stumbled as Gilbert reached out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her in the opposite direction of the fall. He accidentally pulled her too hard causing her to collide into his chest, sending them both crashing to the ground. Okay, that hurt he thought to himself as he rubbed the small bump that was beginning to form on his tail bone.

Beside him, Anne lay face down in the grass, her shoulders shaking. Gilbert quickly sat up, grabbing her arm. “Anne? Oh God, Anne, are you alright?!”

She rolled over and he saw why her shoulders were shaking now: she was giggling. No, not just giggling. Laughing so hard that tears began to form in her eyes. “I..am...such...a clutz!” she yelled, barely able to form the sentence.

Gilbert smiled, it was the first time he had seen her smile in a week. Her laughter was uncontrollable and he couldn’t help but join in, her laugh was so sweet that it was contagious. Together, the two lay on the ground, laughing insanely until their stomachs began to ache. After at least two minutes, the laughter began to die down, Gilbert resting his hand on his sore abdomen. Anne stared at the clouds above them as Gilbert turned to look at her. Tears began streaming down her cheeks but she didn’t look upset, she looked hopeful.

“Gilbert, do you think Marilla will like the flowers? She is so desperately sad.”

He turned his gaze to join hers, watching the clouds slowly move overhead. “Yeah, Anne, I think she will like them very much.”

Gilbert pulled his gaze from the flowers and the memories they held when suddenly the screen door crashed opened to reveal a little girl who looked much older than when he last left. Bash’s face lit up excitedly, bending down, ready to hug his little girl. “Hello my little lo…”

“UNSEL GILBUR!” Gilbert barely had time to place his bag on the ground before the toddler launched herself off of the porch. He caught her, wrapping his arms tightly around the girls tiny body as fastened her arms around his neck.

“My girl!” He began smothering his niece’s face with heaps of kisses as her bushy curls tickled his cheeks. He had missed his niece horribly in their time apart from one another, feeling a piece of his heart was missing. She grabbed hold of his face, giggling, and gingerly placed a sloppy kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Well then,” Bash mocked hurt but was unable to hide a jovial tone behind his words. Gilbert allowed a chuckle to escape his lips when the screen door flew open once more, only this time revealing the harrowing Marilla Cuthbert. Wiping her flour covered hands on her apron in frustration, she began to scold the young girl.

“Delphine Lacroix, I have told you a hundred times not to…” her demeanor changed when her gaze met Gilberts own. “Gilbert Blythe, well aren’t you a site for sore eyes.”

Gilbert slowly lowered Dellie to the ground next to him, taking her small hand within his own. “Hello Marilla.” Tears formed in the older woman’s eyes as she took gently strides towards him, stopping when she was an arms length away. “You look well.” he bent down to kiss her cheek softly. Stunned, she reached her hands and grasped his biceps, letting the tears dampen her cheeks.

“Look at you,” she scanned the length of his body, still in shock of the man that stood before her. “You left for Paris a boy, and they sent us back a man.”

“Yeah, they also sent him back with a haircut that makes him look like a moke,” Bash lifted his daughter, who seemingly just noticed that her father was there. Marilla whacked the towel that had sitting on her shoulder against Bash’s arm. Dellie giggled when her father jumped “Ow, its true!” Bash and Marilla stared at one another before they too began to laugh.

Gilberts eyes moistened, unable to fight the happiness he was feeling at that very moment. He was home, truly home. Surrounded by people who loved him for the man he was, never asking him to be anything else. It almost made the anxiety he was feeling at that moment fade into a distant memory. Almost.

The moment was interrupted all too quickly by an intense coughing fit coming from the upper level of the house. Everyone silenced immediately as Gilberts heart fell into his stomach. “How is she?” He whispered.

Marilla shot a glance to Bash, who nodded in silent understanding. “Hey sweet girl, why don’t you go show me what you and Miss Marilla were workin’ on in the kitchen, eh?” Dellie quickly whipped her head back and forth, pointing over to her Uncle.

“Don’t worry Del, I’m not leaving,” Gilbert took his bag in his hand and pointed upstairs. “I just need to go check on Auntie Anne, alright?” Dellie contemplated his response for a brief moment before accepting it and pointed to the kitchen.

“Go Papa!” Bash obliged, flying her into the kitchen as if she were a bird, letting the door slam behind them. Marilla’s eyes met Gilbert’s, so much fear sat behind them that it sent a chill down his spine.

“This was in her coat pocket when Bash brought her home.” She slid her hand into her apron pocket and pulled out a handkerchief with tiny purple and pink flowers embroidered along the edges. Something so intricate could only belong to one person. She gestured it towards him, which he swiftly began to unfold to reveal a crimson spot in the center. Before he could stop himself, he inhaled sharply. Marilla, trying to remain strong, let a single tear roll down her cheek. “Does she have it? Does she have what the Gillis girl had?”

“I need to see her,” his voice cracking as he put the handkerchief into his coat pocket. Marilla nodded as they made their way up and through the door.

----- ----

Gilbert rapped his knuckles against the door at the end of the upstairs hallway. “Come in,” a weak voice called from within the room.

Taking a deep breath, Gilbert pushed gently against the door, eyes immediately shooting towards the bed. Much to his surprise, it was empty and panic began to set it. Quickly, he scanned the room, searching for the person he desired to see. He found her sitting near her window, wrapped in a thick quilt, staring out to the setting sun.

“I know that I need to stay in bed Marilla, but,” Anne let out a series of chesty cough that shook her entire body. Perfect flaming curls bounced against her back with each one. Gilberts stood silently, unable to find words for what he was feeling. “Sorry,” she whispered once the coughing had ceased. “But you know how I feel about sunsets.”

“I do,” he answered, somehow preventing his voice from cracking. Anne stiffened in her chair, holding her breath. Slowly, she rotated so that she was facing Gilbert head on. “Long time no see Carrots.

#anne with an e #anne with an e season 3 #awae #anne shirley cuthbert #gilbert blythe #anne x gilbert #gilbert x anne

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wasalwaysagreatpickle · 4 years ago

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Tuesday 30 August 1831

5 3/4

11 5/..

Fahrenheit 64˚ and damp rainy morning at 6 – putting things in my new cupboard etc. about an hour – dressed, out at 7 3/4 – to Lower Brea – took George Robinson to the new foot path to be made through Well Royde wood – had Joseph Wilkinson there – all agreeable – George had got a man ready to begin – set him to work and George to begin leading stone – then to old Mr Wilkinsons in the Hough – not at home – sat a little while with his wife explaining about water course, etc. – should be back again at 12 – and would see Mr Wilkinson then by the new Godley Road to Halifax, to the bank – got draft at sight on Messers Swann York for £14 payable to Mr Lawton, Proctor and £86 in cash –

Then called and sat 24 minutes with Mrs Saltmarsh – very glad to see me – to excuse me to her mother if I could not call if not should write – I had intended to stay till December or longer – found this arrangement could not be managed – could not be made convenient to my sister – and I was obliged to be off at 2 or 3 a.m. next Monday at the latest – so hurried and busy because quite unprepared – had no idea of being able to stay – should explain more to her mother if I saw her but should swear her to secrecy as usual –

Home at 10 1/2 – paid my father the £10 I borrowed on Saturday – breakfast at 10 55/.. – observed to George Robinson this morning that if Stump Cross Inn was ever to sell should not like it to go for nothing – begged George to let me know – he said Mitchell had valued it far too high – at 30/. a day-work on that hill side to farm – about 20 days work belongs to Hammertons and co. joint property –

Mr Sunderland came to visit McDonald for her throat and then came in to my Aunt and me in the drawing room – thinks my father very well – he has quite rallied again – out and at Well Royde wood at 12 10/.. found Mr and Joseph Wilkinson and George Robinson there – more difficulty in settling the matter than I expected – part of bit of ground I wanted to wall in belonged to Upper Brea – well then, said I, measure it off and I’ll give Joseph a shilling a yard for the 16 yards – George Robinson sent down to Lower Brea for the money – I put it into Joseph’s hand and now ‘we’ll have the wall up as soon as we can – you can make no more objections’ –

They talked of building a new barn at Upper Brea – Went with them to see where they would put it – Luckily it will be farther back and more out of sight – there ought to be a new house said they – I then asked if they would let me the old buildings – there was no room for me at Shibden – I might go and live there (Upper Brea) – well! they could make a lease for 20 years – well! said I, we’ll think of it – but that wont do like selling just the old buildings and a bit of ground about them – why! Joseph thought of living there himself and building a new house but not more than 4 rooms on a floor – went with George Robinson to the mill to see what he wants addressing – a new room about 6 yards square - £100 will do it – then spoke to me of enlarging the dam and making a new entrance to the mill – but he would do it himself – no! said I, I am not fond of that – why! that would not be wanted of 2 years – very well then said I say nothing about it yet – nobody knows what may happen before that time – perhaps I can make some better arrangement for everybody by then – observing that the field the mill stood in ought to belong to the mill – the new room to be done as soon as George gets rid of his partnership with his brother I to have seven percent for my money –

Home at 2 10/.. found note from Mr James Edward Norris – compliments and is sorry it has not been in his power to give an answer sooner – ‘not been able to come to any terms with Mr Emmett, but through a friend he has some expectation of having a ‘price fixed for the plots of ground in question’ – Mr Emmett is and will be from home ten days or a fortnight’ after his return Mr Norris will through his friend endeavour to bring the business to a conclusion – Halifax 30 August’ – I must think about this –

From 2 1/4 to 4 20/.. (interrupted myself by inking over a couple of very bad to make out pencil pages of my Dutch journals) wrote pages 2,3 and 4 and 1 page and 1 end of 1/2 sheet envelope to Isabella Norcliffe will write to Mrs Norcliffe before the 6th and direct post office Whitehaven – anxious about the boy (Joseph Booth) not missing the place in the racing stables at Mr Scotts (Whitewall Corner near Malton) and beg Isabella Norcliffe to do anything she can about it – mention my being so unexpectedly obliged to change all my staying at home plans, and be off as soon as I can to the Continent – cannot know till Friday or Saturday whether the plan at present in agitation can be managed – if it can, must be off very early on Monday at the latest – will write and tell her how it ends directed to croft – after Sunday will be too late find me here – she had best then direct to Messers Hammersleys bankers Pall Mall, London –

Then wrote a kind, chit chat half sheet full (much in praiseful commentary on the 3 girls and Charles we had at Langton) to Mrs James Dalton – said I was unexpectedly obliged to change my plans or should have spent the winter here and paid my promised visit at Croft – then wrote very short letter on the back of my draft for £14 to Mr Lawton and then quickly and off hand, a half sheet full (quite to my mind?) to Mrs Milne, and went down to dinner at 5 3/4 instead of 5, as I had ordered it, having to go to Well Royde wood at 6 1/2 – came upstairs between the courses of my dinner for 10 minutes –

and copied my letter to Mrs Milne dated today there is no merit my dear Harriet in giving if we are rewarded a hundred fold I had not nor could have ‘pleasanter contemplations than those arising from the assurance of your forgiveness and regard ‘bonheau’ bonne heure when the elements that destroyed one world revivify another not everything will translate so happily aux douces no the spirit would be gone all would be vapid and not even the kindness of an absent friend would ween that memory had ‘breathed up on the face of the waters’ yes a friend that word that means so little or so much I leave it in your keeping what but must be better in such charge?

I am very sincerely rejoiced to hear such good accounts of your invalids I hope and trust your mothers spirits and fortitude will support her thro so much anxiety I have twice taken the liberty of directing Cameron’s letters to the minster court not knowing exactly where Miss Pearson lives I shall venture to do so again as soon as I am able to fix the day of my departure without fear of further delay how provokingly you missed Mariana in spite of such rapidity of movement I hope and trust her rummage did her good may I ask you to be so good as give my love and thanks to Mr and Mrs Duffin for their long kind letter. You will see Isabella on Thursday and dear Isabel! she does not seem in very good travelling estate my kind regards to all your family circle and believe me a faithful guardian of the petit coin you are too kind to value and always my dear Harriet very affectionately yours AL –

Made up into a parcel to ‘Mr Fisher, Petergate, York’ my letter 5 pages and one end of the 1/2 sheet envelope) to ‘Miss Norcliffe, Mr Fisher’s, Petergate, York, (Tuesday 3 August 1831 per mail – carriage paid)’ and enclosed in the same envelope my letter (3 pages and under seal of 1/2 sheet) to ‘Mrs James Dalton, Croft Rectory. Darlington’ – put into the parcel my 1/2 sheet-full enclosed in little French envelope, to ‘Mrs Milne Minster-Court, York’ begging Mr Fisher (on the whitey brown paper in which it was folded) to forward it according to the address – Left the parcel with George and my letter for the post to ‘Mr Lawton, Proctor, Petergate, York’ – vide business letter book) – draft for £14 on Messers Swann, and saying it was my intention to execute the will in London and leave it at my bankers, Messers Hammersleys and co. of which I should be much obliged to Mr Lawton to make a memorandum –

Off at 7 10/.. to Well Royde – found Mr George Robinson and his man Matthew who had just cleared out the line of foot path through the wood when I got there – sauntered back (along my walk) as I went and came in at 8 10/.. – wrote great part of the journal of yesterday and went downstairs at 9 1/4 and came up again at 10 40/.. – according to my letter from Paris my Aunt was to pay for herself and McDonald £90 a year on paying Marian for 4 months, from Tuesday 7 June day of arrival, to 7 October next, she said she should be satisfied with £80 which makes it one even sum per quarter –

Fahrenheit 69˚ at 10 40/.. p.m. and windy – damp drizzling morning till near 9 – afterwards tolerably fine day –

#Anne Lister #Anne Lister Code Breaker #1831

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nikunjjain132-blog · 4 years ago

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Nikunj Jain Introduced Top 10 New Action Movies List of 2020

Activity motion pictures are flexible, and Nikunj Jain has presented the best 10 new activity motion pictures released for the current year. In this centre of this worldwide emergency, it will consistently be a superior decision to watch activity motion pictures. It will help the film sweethearts to take a break.

Activity film fans are as yet longing to see their dearest commando groups battling trouble makers. The new activity motion pictures haven't changed that much. In this way, how about we see the best 5 activity films of this current year.

https://www.americadailypost.com/nikunj-jain-introduced-top-10-new-action-movies-list-of-2020/

Top 10 New Action Movies Listed by Nikunj Jain

1. Mulan

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the first position.

Date of release: 24th July

Featuring: Liu Yifei, Jason Scott Lee, Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Yoson A, Jet Li.

As per Nikunj Jain, the film Mulan is one of the most successful in the field of activity motion pictures. The rundown of no-frills enlivened works of art by Disney won't end too early. The film was really booked to show up in the venues on 27th March.

In this form, you may not see a talking mythical beast or different move or melodies. In any case, you will be getting a charge out of the appearance of Mulan in considerably more boss structure than before in 1998.

2. Miracle Woman 1984

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the second position.

Date of release: 14th August

Featuring: Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen.

Nikunj Jain puts this movie on 2nd position. After getting a massive accomplishment in the Wonder Woman film released in 2017, Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot have jumped back. It will be in the market later this late spring. You will see Wonder Woman will be on the straight on with the contemptible Cheetah of Kristen Wiig. At the end of the main film, the job of Chris Pine reached a conclusion. Presently, he will make an appearance.

3- The Eternals

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the third position.

Date of release: 6th November

Featuring: Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Brian Tyree Henry.

In Nikunj Jain’s hit list this movie comes 3rd. On the off chance that you imagine that Marvel can no longer discover any stars, at that point you are incorrect. Stars like Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek are contiguous the Avengers now. They will be the individuals from the main outsider kind. They will be filling in as a group to shield the planet from Deviants. These Deviants are the sworn foe of the Eternals. You can utilize the rundown of Nikunj Jain to know all the new activity films and appreciate these astounding motion pictures.

4 - Black Widow

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the fourth position.

Date of release: 6th November

Featuring: Florence Pugh, Scarlett Johansson, David Harbor, O-T Fagbenle, Ray Winstone, William Hurt, Rachel Weisz.

Nikunj Jain has placed the most awaited Marvel movie (for fans of the Black widow) in the 4th position.

Natasha Romanoff was the Black Widow of Scarlett Johansson. Black Widow previously entered in Iron Man 2, which is from the Marvel Universe. Presently, the fans are holding their breath for another enchanting film. Their fantasies are going to materialize on the sixth of November, 2020. Presently Black Widow will be on an uncommon crucial settle a couple of incomplete assignments covered somewhere down in her initial life.

5 No Time to Die

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the fifth position.

Date of release: 25th November

Featuring: Rami Malek, Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux, Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz.

Nikunj Jain says by the end of the year all the action lovers will love to watch this movie.

On the off chance that you are searching for new activity motion pictures, at that point, Nikunj Jain has accompanied this another perfect work of art of 2020. It is said that James Bond has a sexism issue. Yet, the 25th portion in that British government operative arrangement is by all account’s miles in front of the forerunners. It is on the grounds that Phoebe Waller-Bridge was the co-author, who additionally made the Killing Eve. The fans can hardly wait for a really long time to see their 007 go overflowing Fleabag. The inquiry is – who is going to play the Hot Priest?

6 - Birds of Prey

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the sixth position.

Date of release: 7th February

Featuring: Margot Robbie, Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Ella Jay Basco, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Nikunj Jain has placed this masterpiece on the 6th position stating that Birds of Prey can be very intriguing. We know Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad. Thus, we are very much aware of her badassery. In this film, the super-antagonist of Margot Robbie will shake from her ongoing separation, yet she will be constrained rapidly to wake up from the reality since she will have gone head to head against an unhinged foe, who will be sponsored by the female crew.

This choice of new activity films made by Nikunj Jain will without a doubt settle on you value his decision. Be that as it may, Birds of Prey isn't accessible on Netflix and Amazon Prime yet no compelling reason to stress, this film is accessible on a free web-based gushing stage – Putlockers and right now one of the most drifting motion pictures.

7 - The Gentlemen

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the seventh position.

Date of release: 24th January

Featuring: Matthew McConaughey, Henry Golding, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell.

Nikunj Jain indicates that the job of Matthew was discovered enchanting enough. Matthew McConaughey will assume his job as a Maryjane boss at the center of various burglary, death, and typical normal restitution plans of adjusting levels of progress. This piece can be entertaining. This one is coordinated by Guy Ritchie.

8- Top Gun: Maverick

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the eight position.

Date of release: 24th June

Featuring: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Ed Harris.

In Nikunj Jain’s list, this movie has been placed in the 8th position. Most likely, there is not at all like "excessively long" to hold up between the correct portions. It has been roughly a long time since the first form of Top Gun. Tom Cruise will rehash his brilliant job as the Navy pilot Maverick. In light of the official plot synopsis, Tom Cruise will confront phantoms and fantasies from his initial life while directing his group of tenderfoot pilots on a risky crucial. Due to its exciting rundown, Nikunj Jain has set it on his rundown.

9-Free Guy

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the ninth position.

Date of release: 3rd July

Featuring: Ryan Reynolds, Joe Keery, Jodie Comer, Utkarsh Ambudhkar, Lil Rel Howery, Taika Waititi

Nikunj Jain placed this movie on 9th place, he this movie shows up to increase an attractive appearance to an indistinguishable plot: Ryan Reynolds will play a computer game character and become aware. From that point forward, he will endeavor to be a game saint before the entire game goes in disconnected mode.

10- Genius

Nikunj Jain has put this one in the tenth position.

Date of release: TBD

Featuring: Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, Brian Tyree Henry, James Corden, Jean Smart

This movie manages to find a pace in Nikunj Jain’s list. McCarthy will play Carol Peters, who is chosen by the state government to be analyzed by hyper-genius man-made reasoning. In the rundown of the new activity motion pictures, and as indicated by Nikunj Jain, the job of Carlos Peters was justified, despite all the trouble to have a watch. With the voice of James Corden, the A.I. will be watching McCarthy

Nikunj Jain says this list is on the basis of their research and Nikunj Jain is liable for all this.

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thecomicsnexus · 5 years ago

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SWAMP THING #25-27 JUNE - AUGUST 1984 BY ALAN MOORE, STEVE BISSETTE, JOHN TOTLEBEN AND TATJANA WOOD

SYNOPSIS (FROM DC DATABASE)

Jason Blood arrives in Louisiana, and leaves a trail of cryptic predictions of doom for most of the people he meets there.

In the swamp, Abby Cable and the Swamp Thing play a game of 'Creature from the Black Lagoon', causing her some distress, as she needs her hair to be dry so she can go to her first day of work as a teacher for autistic children. She notes that Swamp Thing had been underwater for a full half-hour, and it appears that he no longer needs to breathe. He responds that his breathing before had merely been out of habit. He points out that Abby's husband Matt has failed to visit him again. She responds that things haven't been going well between them lately, and hints that she has suspicions about Matt.

At her interview for the job, Abby had met a boy named Paul, who believes that if children don't spell things correctly, they will be killed by a creature he calls the monkey king. One of the other teachers explained that Paul's parents were killed in something like a freak wiring accident. Despite some worries about how to deal with autism, Abby took the job happily.

Jason Blood buys a Ouija board at an auction, where Bobby – one of the patrons – informs him that the previous owners of all of the lots were killed, and that their son is now in a loony bin. It is clear that Jason already knows this, and he leaves another prediction of doom with the man, saying that he will be in jail by next summer, charged with manslaughter.

Abby puts on a nice dress, and Matthew complains that she seems more interested in the kids she'll be teaching than him. He implies that their sex life has suffered. Abby clearly recognizes his concerns, but her own worries and anxieties prevent her from engaging the issue, and she leaves for Baton Rouge. As she leaves, Matt uses his abilities to make her clothes take her form, and then behave according to his perverted will.

Elsewhere, Paul recalls how his parents had died. They were using a Ouija board, and after coming up with the phrase "Ommox Hodael Kamara," a strange white monkey-like creature attacked and killed them. Afterward, the creature had come to Paul, and licked his hand, like it belonged to him.

Jason Blood uses the Ouija board he bought - and it is now clear that it is the same one owned by Paul's parents - to determine that the words they found were an invocation to bring the creature to this world. He gathers his things and walks down the street. At the same time, Harry Price, a man who had encountered Jason earlier attempts to pick up Abby in Baton Rouge. Just as Jason predicted, all of the people he met earlier enact a scenario in which an arguing couple's car stops suddenly, and the swordfish attached to the roof comes loose, impaling Harry Price, and killing him. The couple occupying the vehicle was Bobby and his wife. Abby is horrified, but as she leaves the scene, Jason Blood accosts her, claiming that they have much to discuss.

At the school, Paul is still haunted by the monkey king, who expects him to give it commands. He fails to give commands, and as a result, the creature begins killing the other students there.

After witnessing a horrible accident, Abby Cable joins Jason Blood for tea. He warns her that the school for the autistic that she has just become employed at, Elysium Lawns, is in danger from something related to a boy named Paul, whose parents died of causes unknown. Abby is fed up with strangeness in her life, but Blood convinces her that she has no choice but to help the children. Jason Blood who is warring internally with also being Etrigan, tells her this to try to limit the causalities that Etrigan may inflict on those around the school as collateral damage.

Later, when she attends her first day of work there, all of the children have grown highly agitated. The staff struggles to subdue each of them. Deanna French, the superintendent notes that since the day before, all of the children have started producing drawings of horrifying monkeys. Abby recalls that before, there had only been one child who was obsessed with monkeys: Paul. She visits him, and he reveals that the children are being tormented by a creature called the Monkey King, who appears to each of them as whatever they fear most.

That night, Abby's husband Matt is full of disdain and disgust for the children in the school, and tries to convince her not to go back and help them. When she states that they need her help, he selfishly suggests that he might need her, sexually. Abby is disgusted, and though he tries to be apologetic, she states that she will walk to the swamp, and ask the Swamp Thing to help.

Despite her inarticulate warning, Swamp Thing already knows what's going on, and they run across Terrebonne Parish to the school. Unfortunately, when they arrive, it is all too clear that the creature is already there. The Monkey King forces Paul to join him as he instills horrible and frightful visions in the minds of the other children. When Abby and Swamp Thing get inside, and encounter the creature, they are both confounded by its horrors. However, the Demon Etrigan watches from above, and engages the creature.

Elsewhere, Matt decides that he should go to help Abby after all, feeling guilty about his earlier behaviour. Unfortunately, he is quite drunk already, and he loses control of the car, smashing headlong into a tree.

The Demon Etrigan and Swamp Thing fight the Monkey King and his manifestations of fear. Swamp thing commands Abby Cable to take Paul, an autistic boy in whom the Monkey King has taken an interest, to the swamp. She is reluctant to go, worrying about the two monsters she would be leaving him with, but Swamp Thing reminds her that he too is a monster.

Elsewhere, at the site of his car accident, Matt Cable wakes in a delirium. As he begins to realize that he is bleeding to death, a giant fly comes to him, and speaks to him, claiming that death is not necessarily the only escape.

As Abby and Paul rush to the swamp, Etrigan appears, having left the Swamp Thing to battle the Monkey King. He knows of the creature's mental connection with the boy, and believes that he can stop it by killing Paul as a necessary sacrifice. Before he can do so, though, Swamp Thing returns, and attacks him. In the confusion, Abby and Paul run further toward the swamp. Unfortunately, the Monkey King soon finds them.

The fly explains to Matthew that he will soon bleed to death, and that in order to prevent this, he will have to agree to do something for the fly. Matt decides that he wants to live, and at the fly's urging, he opens his mouth, and allows it to crawl inside of his body.

As the Monkey King attacks Abby, it assumes the form of her husband. Paul is so offended that it attacked Abby that he attacks it, crying out that he doesn't fear it, no matter whether it killed his parents, or takes any form. He manipulates the creature into taking smaller and smaller forms, until finally Etrigan plucks it from Paul's fingers and simply swallows it.

Before leaving, Etrigan warns that whatever influenced Paul's parents to recite the invocation that brought the Monkey King to this world is a problem for Abby to deal with. She sends Swamp Thing to take Paul back to the school, as she attempts to confront the demon. Unfortunately, he has already transformed back into Jason Blood. He admits that he shares a body with the demon, but that he has no knowledge of Etrigan's warning. He notes, though, that Etrigan may be offering words of wisdom - perhaps even truth.

Afterwards, Abby walks home in the rain, when Matt drives up to her in an undamaged car. He apologizes, and offers to drive her home.

REVIEW

There was a moment where a Sting look-alike shows up, and I thought: is this a pre-Constantine easter-egg?

I read that this is sometimes credited as the first appearance of John Constantine. Well, he is not dressed like him, so I just think he is probably a guy that looked a lot like Sting. But I don’t know.

This story is really deep in horror. Swamp Thing, the title, was always inclined to these type of “black magic” stories. But black magic stories written by Alan Moore tend to be a bit more scary. Sure, I don’t think Swamp Thing would play “Creature from the Black Lagoon”, but then again, I guess it makes some sense.

Was Etrigan that necessary to this story? Well, he provides some interesting information to Abby and technically, eats the villain, so he is more than justified. But when you read it, it seems like the VIP character here is Abby.

Matt Cable seems to have been possessed by Anton Arcane? We’ll know more about this deal in future issues.

I give this story a score of 9

#john totleben #steve bissette #etrigan #dc comics #comics #review #1984 #modern age #swamp thing #john constantine #horror

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