#beautiful new frontier (evan)

[bladeshowers]

@dragonlancer

When Tataru had essentially promised her a vacation, Island Sanctuary hadn't exactly been what she had in mind, but she also didn't hate it. There was some weird amount of fun in exploring the island by herself. All the secret places with the best views, the beautiful waterfalls, its river, and all the animals that somehow populated the place. Evan didn't understand how they were there exactly but she was glad they were.

Not only was she exploring, she was also crafting and gathering things with help of the Mammets that Tataru had provided with her savvy business skills. Evanthra was impressed. One of the things that the mammets had set up was a garden and animal pen for her forming animal sanctuary. Something she was excited about as she filled most of it with different karakuls.

Given that she had the entire island to herself, and Etheirys had been saved for the most part, she extended invitations to all the Scions to come and visit. Thus far, no one had taken her up on the offer, until today. She was thrilled to have Estinien join her. Surprised, but thrilled. 

Currently, she was giving him a grand tour of all the facilities.

“And here is the animal pen where you can see my small hoard of Karakuls…”

[bladeshowers]

"Seriously?" She was puzzled. "I'm not saying you need to be moved. I'm just saying it's criminal to not enjoy a nice sunset." Her feet wiggled a little as her toes flexed within her shoes. He really was like a blank slate that was waiting to be filled with appreciation or wonder of the worlds. They truly were opposite sides of a coin. "Sooo no reaction if you saw me naked? None at all?" The miqo'te didn't consider herself beautiful at all, but he was fascinated by her, so she figured that stretched to a sexual way too.

"Nope. No ulterior motives. I'm just curious about you. I think I found where you went wrong." The cat gave a tug to his blonde locks as was quickly becoming a habit for her. "I've already beaten you. I know your weaknesses. Like how you'll do anything to fight me."

"I understand beauty.” Zenos replied. “I do not take pleasure in it. It does not make my pulse race, it does not fill me with excitement. Quite the opposite. It is something to rest my eyes upon if I must, but it holds no value to me. If a beautiful landscape was decimated, I would feel no sadness at its loss.” Not that he understands sadness either. He has never mourned. The closest thing he could compare such supposed emotion to would be disappointment.

He shrugged at her question. “I do not know if it is intrinsic to my nature or learned, only that this is who and how I am.” He huffs a soft laugh. “You do ask a lot of questions, my friend. Are you hoping to find a weakness to exploit?” He sounded amused, not really expecting a 'yes’. She was curious and he was curious of her, though it was harder for him to think of questions. In matter of fact, he thought perhaps this was one of the most casual conversations he had ever partaken in.

[parkerbombshell]

Rules Free Radio Sept 19 2023

Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm  EST Rules Free Radio With Steve  Caplan bombshellradio.com On the next Rules Free Radio with Steve Caplan, we'll check out new and recent music by Wilco, The Coral, The National, Jonathan Wilson, William Matheny, Geoff Palmer, a new release of The Doors live in 1967, Soft Science, Hiss Golden Messenger, Courtney Barnett, Sparklehorse, Low Cut Connie, Geoff Palmer, Sparklehorse, British singer-songwriter Chris Brain, new Jazz by Joel Haynes Trio, Yussef Dayes, and cellist Camille Thomas plus few more. Classics from The Moody Blues, Link Wray, Love, Wayne Shorter, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, The Go-Betweens, and a bunch of music that falls somewhere in between new and classic. On the next session of Rules Free Radio with Steve Caplan, in the new and recent release department, we’ve got Brian Setzer, Swansea Sound, The National, Horror on The Frontier, Roxanne Fontana, Nation of Language, Darlingside, Chris Brain, Luluc, the late trumpeter Jaimie Branch, Corrine Bailey Rae, and others. We’ll start the second hour with Blues doing an album spotlight on the new Live in London by the extraordinary young guitarist and singer-songwriter, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram. We'll hear many classics including, Little Richard, Roger McGuinn, Laura Nyro, Booker T and The MGs, Larry Williams, The Ramones, The Cramps, Etta James, Bill Evans, Buddy Montgomery, The Jam, and a bunch more. Brian Setzer - She's Got a Lottasoul Jeff Beck - Peter Gunn Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames - Walking The Dog Booker T. & The MG's - Aw, Mercy Immaterial Possession - Current in the Room The Doors - Soul Kitchen Eszter Balint - Freaks Swansea Sound - Twentieth Century The Jam - David Watts Helen Love - Leader of the Band The Pills - Hollywood Doll Heinz - Just Like Eddie The Ramones - Sheena Is A Punk Rocker Brian Setzer - A Dudell Do (What a Dudell Do) The Cramps - Trapped Love Joe Cocker - I'll Cry Instead Larry Williams - Oh Baby Little Richard - Slippin' and Slidin' Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - She Calls Me Kingfish Coco Montoya - Natural Born Love Machine Etta James - The Blues Is My Business Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - Not Gonna Lie Buffalo Nichols - The Fatalist Blues Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - Been Here Before Horror On The Frontier - Southern Witches Roger McGuinn & Tom Petty - King of the Hill The Cleaners From Venus - The Beautiful Stoned The Smithereens - Blood & Roses s Roxanne Fontana - Don't Leave Me The national - Turn Off The House Nation of Language - Too Much, Enough Woods - Double Dream Luluc - Evermore Darlingside - Can't Help Falling Apart Chris Brain - Golden Days Mitski - Heaven Joshua Redman w/ Gabrielle Cavassa - Chicago Blues Buddy Montgomery - Expressions In Blue Jaimie Branch - Borealis Dancing Bill Evans - Blue In Green (Take 3) Buddy Rich - Here’s That Rainy Day Corinne Bailey Rae - Peach Velvet Sky Laura Nyro - Brown Earth Read the full article

[aefward]

Tank, Rag & Bone; jacket, Isabel Marant Étoile; shorts, AGOLDE; belt, Isabel Marant. 

Photography by David Luraschi, Styling by Helen Broadfoot, Art direction by Phil Buckingham, Hair by Amber Duarte at Atelier Management, Make-up by Homa Safar using Chanel Beauty, Fashion assistant: Annie Hertikova, Production by Rachael Evans, Anarchy Films Inc., Maddie Varnedoe, Giorgio Tsintoukidis-Dirkx, Mariah Morgenstern, Model: Vivienne Rohner at The Squad Management.

[autumnleaves1991-blog]

Day 21: You, again- Max Phillips

Day 21: You, again - Max Phillips 

Pairing: Max Phillips x Reader 

Warning: Cursing 18 + 

A/N: This story was requested by @phoenixhalliwell​ who is one of my favorite people I talk to on Tumblr. She writes some fantastic Triple Frontier stuff so check it out! Also, this is my first time writing for Max Phillips so I hope you enjoy! 

November Writing Challenge Masterlist 

Day 20: Hello - Poe Dameron 

Monday 

“Ugh!” you shout kicking towards the copier. 

“You know if you break it you gotta buy it, sweetheart,” you jump half a foot in the air before turning around gasping at the smirking face of Max Phillips, your boss. 

“FUCK! You scared the shit out of me! I didn’t even hear you come up behind me!” 

“Oh, no are you ok pumpkin?” Oh how much you hated the pet names. 

You roll your eyes before turning back to the infuriating machine, “I’m fine,” you grind your teeth doing your best to ignore him. It was only too much of a wish for him to leave you alone. 

He leans against the copier and smirks at you, “So I was wondering about dinne-” 

“Listen here Mr. Phillips, I am not interested in anything you are offering. So if you could kindly fuck off that would be great, thank you.” 

He pouts, before crossing his arms over his chest, “you know I could fire you for talking to me like th-” 

You cut him off again grabbing your finished copies and facing him, “But you won’t because then you would lose your best salesman and the company would plummet.” You walk away tightly holding your papers to your chest and returning to your desk. Leaving a gaping Max Phillips behind. 

Tuesday

You bob your head along to the music playing from the small speaker at your desk. Fully concentrating on finishing the proposal for Friday when you feel the presence of someone standing behind you. 

You slowly turn in your chair and see Max Phillips creeping over your shoulder at your computer. 

“AHH!” you scream, “You fucking asshole why do you insist on sneaking up on me!” 

He raises his hands in mock surrender, before lowering them. His signature smirk gracing his lips, “I’m not sneaking up on you sweet-cheeks, can I help it if you’re not observant of your surroundings?” 

You scoff rolling away from him. He leans down closer and you can feel his breath against your neck. “I brought you something,” he says quietly. Placing a small white box on your desk. 

You stop typing momentarily before you hesitantly reach for the box. Fully expecting something to jump out at you. You place the lid of the box aside and look puzzled at a new pair of purple earbuds. Yours had broken last week when stupid Evan wasn’t looking where he was going and crushed yours. 

“Purple’s my favorite color...how did yo-” You look around but he’s gone. No trace of Max at all. You tentatively plug them into the small speaker still half expecting them to blow up and when they don’t you place them in your ears. These were a lot nicer than your last ones. Interesting.

Wednesday 

Lunchtime. The one time a day you can escape the freezing office and get some peace. You had made it a habit over the past few months since Max’s arrival to eat in your car with the heat on so you can finally escape the chill. 

You look in the fridge for your lunchbox but it’s gone. You take out every single bag from the fridge before replacing them. Some fucker took your lunch! You stalk like a cheetah throughout the cubicles before you land upon Tim. Who is greedily eating up your Philly cheesesteak leftovers from the night before as he watches cartoons on youtube. 

“Are you fucking serious?!” you shout startling him, “You took my lunch! Why don’t you just eat your own!?” 

“Oh shit, hmm I can explain...oh fuck… I was just so hungry and it was just there. Your not mad right?” he stutters. 

You can feel your blood pressure rise and reach around him to grab your lunchbox, smacking him upside the head with it before storming out. When you reach your car you note the time and scream knowing you don’t have enough time to go get something. Your head hits the steering wheel and you scream again. 

Suddenly a knock sounds from your passenger window and you jump. Looking up into the slightly concerned eyes of your boss. You put a hand to your chest before putting down the window on the right, “I swear to god I think you are trying to murder me by scaring me to death!” 

“Unlock the door,” he tells you and at this point, you can’t think of a good reason not to. 

You click the button and the door unlocks. Max gets in with a loud rustling sound, closing the door behind him. “For the record cupcake, if I wanted to murder you, you would know. No, I saw you in the fridge hunting for food and decided to be a nice boss for once and bring you lunch, you like empanadas right?” 

You look at him like he’s grown an extra head before nodding, “Yes…? They’re my favorite food...how did yo-”

He hands you the container and tucks into the other one himself. Neither of you saying anything. When the clock strikes 11:25 you clean up the small mess you made and lock eyes with Max. His food sits half-eaten in the box and he’s just staring at you. 

“You’re beautiful,” he whispers but it’s so low your not sure you heard him right.

“What?” you ask.

“I said you’re a mess, here,” he hands you a napkin and you wipe your face. 

“Thank you...for everything,” you tell him smiling softly. 

“Can’t have my best employee starve to death can I?” he takes the containers from your hands before getting out of the car. Leaving you alone with your thoughts. Curious. 

Thursday 

Thirsty Thursday with your old college buddies tonight you decide to dress up for work. Wearing a deep blood red halter dress that stops just above your knees, a black cardigan, and black kitten heels. You can’t help but admire your reflection in the metal walls of the elevator. 

All-day you’d received compliments and it felt damn good but someone was surprisingly absent. The only trace of him you had seen all day was a still-warm guava and cheese empanada on your desk with a note. 

You look ravishing, kitten.

You blush before tucking the note safely into your clutch. When the day finally ends you confidently stalk past his office and you’re disappointed to see it dark. Its occupant already long gone for the day. You shrug, oh well. At least today you didn’t get the shit scared out of you again. 

At the club, your friends are well on their way to being drunk and you take two shots to try to catch up. “LET’S DANCE!” they cheer pulling you toward the lights of the dance-floor. 

You bump, grind, and groove to the music and the liquor flows freely until you find yourself more relaxed than you had been all week. “SHOTS!” your friend shouts heading back over to the table but you’re lost in the rhythm of the music and shout back that you’re staying. 

It only takes a moment before hands snake around your waist and pulls you flush with someone’s back. You gasp when you feel the freezing cold hands pull you tight, and someone’s breath in your ear. “Hi baby,” he whispers in your ear and you melt. Turning around in his arms. 

“You, again. What have I told you about scaring me?” you scoff but don’t move away, taking a step closer. 

He moves his hands up and pushes your hair behind your ears, his hands running down your neck and holding you. His thumbs lazily caressing your cheeks, “it’s not my fault your unobservant of your surroundings doll. But, also I like to keep you on your toes. Always waiting for me to show up. I know you missed me today. I saw you saunter that sweet body past my office before you left...you wanted me to see you.” 

Your cheeks heat and you let out a small puff of air...ah fuck it. 

Closing the distance between you and kissing him softly. You bring your hands up and mess up his perfect hair before he opens to you. He tastes like peppermint and a slight coppery tang and you feel consumed by him. Despite how cold he is you are burning alive. All your senses heightened and you lose yourself in him. The crowded club is gone until it’s only you and him. 

When you finally break to breathe he pulls you close and traces his hands slowly over your curves. “I’ve been wanting to do that for months,” he whispers in your ear, “but every time I got close enough...you would scream and curse at me. Kind of ruined the mood…” 

You laugh and hug him tightly before kissing him again, “Do you want to get out of here?”

“Oh fuck yes,” he pulls you towards the door, out of the club, and towards a new tomorrow. 

Day 22: Distorted Sounds 

Taglist: @josepedropascal​ 

If you want to be added to my tag list let me know! 

[bladeshowers]

“You were already asleep, I didn’t want to wake you.” / Evan

"Oh?" Evan tilted her head in consideration for a moment. "It never stops anyone else." The expression she wore spoke to her tiredness which was different from having just woken. No, the warrior of light was eluding towards how no one generally had their qualms about bothering her whenever they needed something. Ah well. It was all a part of the job description.

"Did something happen or is it just not used to being here?"

[ebenenoir]

Gay doesn’t stop women from wanting to look at the menu even if they can’t order anything. I’ve worked on film for 10 years and the people affected by coming out are the ones who are new and are worried about falling into the same roles and being labeled as the new woke gay best friend actor. But Hollywood is way more progressive behind the scenes than a lot of you think.///

I know it's kinda late respond, but I will give my 5 cents anyway.

1. Yup, women can fall into/like/be thirsty for gay male actors But not all of them. I constantly see how many idignant women from all folks of life react, when they see their "crush" comes out. Many of them say: "That's all, I can't see him with a woman in a movie after that and believe it". I see thousands of such comments. I find it stupid, but it takes place.

2. Many men - especially from far or less homophobic Arabic countries, Russia, countries of Near East etc - will explode if they knew that openly gay actor play a masculine role in their fav movie. Unfortunately, homophobia is still strong outside of USA, and Western Europe.

3. Unfortunately, homophobia is also still an issue in Hollywood too. Besides being heavily stereotyped some actors are still pushed into closet. Especially when it goes about actors from the huge franchises and popular shows. Let's look more precisely: Zachary Quinto, not a classical romantical hero, but not bad as an actor. He did successful AHS, Heroes and Star Trek. Where is he know? I barely hear of him nowadays. Matt Bomer - he could be the next Brad Pitt with his beauty. But after he came out, his fame just faded, even though he was expected to play Superman. As we see he didn't. Luke Evans radiates masculine energy and still has his women fandom, but if he started from the big blockbusters - Hobbit, The Three Musketeers etc - now I see him mostly in TV-shows and with secondary roles. Many thought he would make an excellent James Bond. But he wasn't even casted. So, no I can't name any world famous openly gay A or AA, A+ listers in Hollywood. They won't let Pedro come out. Not now. Narcos, Kingsman, Tripple Frontier, Mandalorian, The last of us - they need "visibly" straight guy for this. But I'm more than sure P will come out lately, maybe in his mid-, late 50-ies when he won't get sex-driven, masculine roles.

I saw this ask on Sunday but I forgot to post it! 😅

[thesparkinthefire]

Ghost - Pedro Pascal x Reader

A/N: I have a one and a half hour breakfast break because my company does not know how to plan, so I thought I might as well upload this now. I am uploading it through my phone and don't know how to proper edit on tumblr so this might look like a mess. English is also not my first language and I never wrote in it before - please point out any mistakes I might have made. I think this is part one of two.

Word count: 1,997

Paaring: Pedro Pascal crushing on musical!Reader ft. Oscar Isaac

Trigger Warning: age gap mentioned, a lot of jealousy

"Though my heart is broken, it keeps breaking every day." - With You, the Ghost cast album

Pedro didn't hate Oscar. It was quiet the opposite – that guy was his best friend. His amigo in the US of A and the wild life of Hollywood. Working with him on Triple Frontier was a dream come true and felt more like a guys-trip than work most of the time. Both of them were part of the Star Wars universe and if it somehow would have been possible they would love for their characters to meet just to work together a little more.

No, Pedro didn't hate Oscar. Except for two things.

First being that one time when he gave him a Wet Willy during that interview when they were answering questions people seem to type into Google – he still cringed whenever he thought back.

The second thing were you. Not exactly you-you because you did absolutely nothing wrong, but for Oscar's relationship with you. 

What an irony, that Pedro had introduced the both of you. You were a young actress from Europe and after you blew up because of your role in a teen-romance movie you were his partner on the second season of The Mandalorian. Your character had been a fan favourite, came into the show half way through the season and was set to stay at least for a few more episodes in the third season.

You were younger than him. A lot. But that had never bothered you. In every interview you had you were asked how working with “an experienced actor like Pedro Pascal” was like – which he found a little offensive, he might have a little lower back-pain but he wasn't that old – you smiled and answered that age was only a number and you two got along very well. And he was more than glad that you saw it that way.

To claim that he had never crushed on one of the actresses he had acted romance with would simply be a lie, but he was a professional. He never told anyone if he did and he did his best at keeping it a secret and not letting his feelings dominate his brain. But it was different with you. The moment he first saw you he thanked god that you had gotten the role. You were stunning in your very own way. Always kind to everybody – it didn't matter whether you were talking to him, the director or the clumsy intern. You always brought yourself to smile in the morning even though getting up early was like torture to you. You stayed focused on set, even when your nerves were killing you. Having a bad day was tough but you always acted kind and polite. You were perfect. In every possible way. Acting romance was the main job for the two of you and that wasn't only hard because he was wearing Din's helmet all the time. No, the problem was that he wasn't acting. He fell madly in love with you. It wasn't even your character. You were just so damn perfect.

You met a bunch of times outside of work, after the second season had aired and press tour had been wrapped. You got along so perfectly well that he sometimes had to ask himself, if he wasn't being too obvious. Maybe he was. But you never told him to step back or just didn't notice it. You should have noticed it by the time he asked you, what you were doing for Christmas. “Probably watching Netflix,” you had answered. “I am not going home until the new year and, yeah, everyone else is with their families.”

“You could join me,” Pedro had said before his mind had really processed the words you had said. “I mean- I am having dinner with a bunch of friends and, yes, we don't have a no-girls rule and you could join me. Us.” He had never seen something as beautiful as you when your eyes lit up in that moment. You happily accepted. That's how you met Oscar Isaac. Pedro's best friend, who he had never hated as much as in the moment when you were kissing him.

Oscar and you had a lot in common. You both loved Star Wars and were more than happy to discus every single theory about Finnpoe, Din Djaren and your character, the Skywalkers and Baby Yoda – just like you and him had so many times before. You both started by playing theatre – just like he did. You learned Spanish when you were still in school and tried your best to hold simple conversations with Oscar while he tried to teach you more – just like Pedro had. The thing that really connected the both of you and that made Pedro feel invisible were musicals. Sure, he had seen a few but singing was just not his thing. Oscar and you, on the other hand spent hours talking about the motifs in Hamilton, the fate of Gleb in Anastasia, the musical adaption of Heathers, the movie adaption of Cats and the harmonies in Dear Evan Hansen. Pedro loved listening to you. You were the most beautiful when you were talking about something you were as passionate about as musicals. You whole face lit up and you started talking with your hands. As much as he loved it, he hated it. Because it wasn't him you were talking with but mainly Oscar. You both loved singing and sooner or later ended up with his guitar, when the three of you were meeting at Oscar's house, or at your piano, when you were in your apartment. Pedro didn't dare to imagine how many hours you had spent in togetherness singing and acting out scenes. Fuck's sake he shouldn't – Oscar was married after all.

The year after you met some genius decided to bring the musical Ghost to California for a four week run and thought that no couple would be a better fit than Oscar and you. That was solely a PR-gig because the same director was about to host a bigger play the month after the run, but Oscar still accepted. So did you. And that hurt Pedro so much.

You had been doing a few musicals before you blew up as an actress and were just perfect for the role for Molly but Oscar, god, out of all people. He didn't know if he could handle seeing the you being in love. Even if it was just on stage.

The day Oscar and you accepted the part the three of you met up and watched the movie the musical was based on. You were crying half of the time and Oscar was visibly touched too but Pedro hated it. Maybe only because of the thought of you kissing his best friend for at least four weeks – rehearsals additional. He watched you from the corner of his eye and when he saw Oscar lean in you direction, he quickly wrapped his arm around you and pulled you in. “You are truly a crybaby,” he mumbled and handed you another tissue. For an hour the world was perfect – you, cuddled into his side while watching a romance.

But it soon got back to the cruel reality when Oscar decided, after the movie ended, the best way to cheer you up was singing Unchained Melody to you.

And now he was standing in the doorway to your rehearsal room in the theatre that you had stared working in a week ago, looking at you somewhat between sitting and laying on the orange couch and Oscar above you. Kissing you. Hands roaming over your body, under your shirt, moving it up. It was like looking at an accident – he didn't want to watch because it horrified him, but at the same time he couldn't look away. His heart was crushing, breaking. And the worst thing was, that the first thing that crossed his mind wasn't, that Oscar is a married man.

“Okay, wait,” you said, pushing him away from you. “Is it weird when I do that?”

“What?”

“That.” You tapped against his side, which was turned away from Pedro.

“Normally not but the audience can't see that because that side of us is turned to the back of the stage.”

Fuck.

That was a stage kiss. You were practising. That was all part of the rehearsal. Oscar wasn't cheating on his wife and you weren't... well, you weren't doing anything at all because Pedro had never made the god damn move of asking you out. It had been almost a year since he first met you at the table reading for the second Mandalorian season and he never said anything. Why did he never say anything? He was such an idiot. He could have slapped himself, hit his head against the next wall. What the fuck was holding him back?

“Hey Pedro! Didn't hear you coming.” Your voice brought him back to reality. Oscar moved off of you and you sat back up again. God, he had been starring. He had definitely been starring.

“Todo esta bien, amigo?”, Oscar asked.

“Yeah... Yeah, sure. I am just not feeling well.” That was an understatement. He was feeling sick. Fucking sick. He couldn't wait for the premiere. You would be so happy and excited while the knot in his throat was growing minute by minute until he was forced to sit through two hours of you and his best friend being in love. Usually he was good at separating the human from the role they were playing but somehow it was not possible for him this time. His brain couldn't and it made him mad and sad at the same time because he wanted to be happy for you. Ghost was a musical you were talking about before. It was possibly a dream come true and a huge opportunity to be selected for the leading role and he should be happy for you. He wanted to support you and his best friend on their project and give them the acting advice, they asked him for – that's why he even came here – but his heart wanted him to turn around and walk right out the door and never come back. Maybe even drink to get the images out of his head. They were nightmare material to him.

“Well, don't get us sick. We only have two more weeks until the premiere.”

“I will let you know once I know how to control sickness,” he snapped back a bit harsher than the wanted to. That's what it was. Sickness. A virus. Jealousy was poisoning his heart.

All he wanted was to be there for you. Because he knew how anxious premiers made you. Everyone kept asking you about how you were doing and you always smiled and said that you were just as nervous as everybody working on the production but that wasn't the full truth. Pedro saw it in the way your smile faded for a split second, once the question was asked. He noticed it when you took longer and longer to reply to his messages. He noticed, that you were a little more quiet than usual when you were out for dinner. Stress-crying was a thing you did and he would bet that you had already have a few breakdowns.

He wanted nothing more than to comfort you. To pull you in a tight hug, kiss your head and tell you that everything will turn out just fine, because you were gorgeous in every way possible. You were intelligent and strong and beautiful – simply amazing. Why did he never ask you out? It was way too late to do it now, wasn't it? You had grown to be something like best friends and best friends don't date each other.

He had shoot his shot.

And you would never be his.

Part two

[blitheringmcgonagall]

Operation Make My Wish Come True

JILY CHALLENGE December 2019

@blitheringmcgonagall v @magic-girl-in-a-muggle-world

 Prompt:

 It’s September 3rd when “All I Want For Christmas” by Mariah Carey blasts through the walls of Lily’s flat from the stereo next door, and Lily is ready to murder her new nightmare off a neighbour…

 “Who the hell listens to that song in September?” Lily huffed.

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree

The bass notes made the thin walls of her flat vibrate.

She was in a bad mood. Petunia had just dis-invited her from spending Christmas with her and Vernon (which was a blessing in disguise, scrap that, a total relief, but still), she had a ton of study to do for her college exams in October and an essay to write -

I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true oh All I want for Christmas is you

 Somebody had increased the volume even higher. Lily winced, hands over her ears as she stared at her ipad. She had thought those two new black-haired boys (the cute ones) next door looked decent, she should have known it was too good to be true.

“Right! That’s it!” she seethed, getting up suddenly.

 Drrrrrrriiiinnnggggg

Lily kept her finger on the doorbell.

“Keep it down, will you?” said the tall, lanky, black-haired boy with glasses and hazel eyes who opened the door distractedly.

“Excuse me?” said Lily, her hands flying to her hips.

“What?” a male voice in another room called out. “I can’t hear you with all the noise?”

Bespectacled, cute bloke was looking at her with a gobsmacked expression.

“I said can you please stop making that noise,” he said, looking progressively more distracted and running a hand through his hair.

“Listen, mister,” said Lily, narrowing her eyes dangerously. “If you don’t switch off that horrendous music within the next three seconds-“

The other dark-haired boy appeared, towelling his hair dry and grinning at Lily with the smug look of someone who knows they are unfairly beautiful.

“For goodness sake, Prongs, switch off that Christmas music, you’re driving everyone mad! Can you not see our next-door neighbour is livid? What did you say your name was?” he tutted, shaking his head lightly and rolling his eyes at Lily in a conspiratorial manner.

I won't ask for much this Christmas I won't even wish for snow, and I I just wanna keep on waiting Underneath the mistletoe

“What the hell do you mean, Pads? That was-“ the taller fellow said, looking momentarily stunned as his gaze flew from Lily’s to the smug-and-gorgeous boy’s faces.

“No need to be embarrassed, Prongs, lots of people love Christmas music, I mean you’re obsessed with Christmas and-“ gorgeous bloke’s posh voice sounded like something out of Downton Abbey.

“What the fuck?” the first boy said, his face now a bright red colour and his hand running through his messy hair.

“Look, can you both stop fighting like an old married couple for a just a second, and kindly switch off that stupid song?” Lily said sighing heavily and rolling her eyes back at gorgeous boy.

“I never-“ said glasses guy.

“Switch it off, Prongs! Terribly sorry for behaving so rudely, I’m Sirius,” beautiful bloke said with a charming smile, dropping the towel into the other guy’s hands and shaking Lily’s with a firm grip. “And this is my sort-of brother James – decent chap, aside from his infernal love of Christmas songs, and pretty popular with the girls when he’s not making an arse of himself by-“

“Oi! Pads!” James said, looking at his brother as though he wanted him dead.

I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you

“For the love of God, can one of you switch off that song before I-” Lily said.

“Sorry! Yes! Yes, of course!” James seemed to suddenly come to his senses and dash off into the sitting room.

“Frightfully sorry, he’s not usually that bad! What did you say your name was?” Sirius smiled widely.

“Lily. Lily Evans,” she said.

  …………………………………..

  “James! James!” she hammered on the door, less than a week later. “Get.Rid.Of.That.Music. Now!”

The door flew open and James stood there, a panicked look on his face.

“I swear I didn’t,” he started.

 I don’t need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won’t make me happy With a toy on Christmas day

 “No need to lie, James!” Lily groaned. “Just make it stop! I’ve an exam in two days’ time and I desperately need to revise!”

“Fuck! Sorry! That was-“ James said looking back inside at the flat with a furious look on his face.

“Off. Now!” Lily warned, rolling her eyes at him.

He did look extremely cute when he was flustered, she realised.

“Nice t-shirt,” she added.

I mean, it did look very cute on him, she hadn’t realised what lovely, muscly arms he had, with lovely veins. And the maroon colour made his dark skin tone even more attractive.

“Huh?” he said, looking vacant.

Oh. He was a cute himbo. Oh well, he was still cute, poor boy.

“Never mind,” she smiled up at him. “Can you please switch off that stupid song?”

“I didn’t-“ James said, vaguely gesturing inside his flat.

“You did,” Lily snorted, waving goodbye.

  ……………………………………..

   The next time, it wasn’t as infuriatingly loud as before, in fact, she could hardly hear it. Still. It was almost a tradition now. And it would never do for James to think that is was okay to play Christmas music in October.

“Hello,” James grinned sheepishly as he opened the door.

“Hello,” Lily smiled back. “I see you’re playing that song again?”

“Yes, well, yes, you know me, Mariah Carey and all that lark…” he motioned with his hand. “Can I invite you in for tea?”

“Er, thank you, yes,” Lily said, biting back a laugh. “As long as you promise to switch it off.”

“Ah. Yes!” James laughed.

He made her a beautiful cup of tea (it was just tea, but still, it was exactly as she liked it, and she had only just realised his hands were very beautiful too).

“How did your exam go?” he asked, blowing over his mug of tea.

“Alright,” Lily cringed. “Although the next one is pretty awful, I hate anatomy.”

“Oh, what are you studying?” he asked, looking impressed.

“Physiotherapy,” she said.

“Wow!” he said. “I’m studying Sports and Exercise Science, I’m hoping to go on and do a Masters in Loughborough University when I finish here.”

“Oh! I thought you...”

Well she couldn’t tell him she had thought he was a Himbo, could she?

“Thought what?” James said, looking embarrassed.

“Oh, nothing!” Lily smiled brightly. “Do you like sports?”

She nearly kicked herself in the foot.

“Absolutely!” he flashed her an enthusiastic smile.

She smiled back.

“Er, about the anatomy, we could study together some time? It’s part of my course too,” he said, looking at her expectantly.

“Oh,” she blinked. “Thanks James, yeah, why not?”

   ……………………………………………………

  The next time it came on so loud and so suddenly that she dropped her phone.

“Oh for crying out loud!” Lily said hotly, storming next door and lifting her hand to rap on the door.

The door flew open and Sirius stood there, smiling in a relaxed manner.

“Hello, Evans, Darling!” he said.

“Hello to you too, prat!” she said grumpily. “Tell James to bugger off and switch off that damned music!”

“Tell him yourself, he’s inside talking to his mother,” said Sirius, winking at Lily and placing an arm around her neck as he escorted a startled Lily into the sitting room.

“I… why?” said Lily.

“Oh! Lily!” James’ face was bright red. “I swear that wasn’t me, that was Sirius!”

“Yeah right!” Sirius barked a laugh. “Everyone knows I detest Christmas, Prongs, don’t be ridiculous.”

“He does, dear, don’t be silly,” Mia Potter smiled at Sirius and shook her head at James.

“Sirius, you absolute tosser!” James growled.

“James! Don’t embarrass yourself in front of Lily Evans,” Mia said, giving Lily a benign smile and patting the seat beside her. “James, do be a dear and bring in that marmalade tart you just made, Lily is staying for some tea and cake.”

Sirius winked in an exaggerated manner at Lily and waved James towards the kitchen.

“He’s an excellent cook,” Sirius said, tossing his hair airily and reclining back onto the sofa, looking smug again.

“He is,” Mia agreed.

“He gets very busy this time of year, raising money for his favourite charity, Médecins Sans Frontiers,” Mia added thoughtfully, sipping her tea.

“Oh,” Lily thought, feeling suddenly warm all over, and wondering could James see the heart eyes she was making at him.

“I know,” Mia’s eyes twinkled. “He’s wonderful, isn’t he?”

Well she could hardly say no to his mother, could she? Especially after tasting that utterly divine marmalade tart…

  ……………………………………..

   The exams had gone well, it would soon be Christmas, and Lily was in a bad mood. Which was completely understandable, because what possible reason would she now have to call in on James all the time? They had taken to studying together, and he still played that bloody song at least once a week, which was extremely cute and adorable and it would be officially Christmas in less than an hour’s time, and she wasn’t going to her sister’s and she hadn’t told Marlene and she wasn’t exactly looking forward to…

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need, and I Don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree

Well, that was a bit unusual, she thought. James didn’t usually put on music this late. She stared at Netflix for a while longer and finally got up, fixing her hair and slipping on a dash of lipstick.

“Alright, Evans?” James said.

He looked so stunning, in his cosy Aran jumper.

“Hi,” she said, blushing slightly.

“How are you?” he said.

“Fine,” she lied.

“Are you…” he looked at her expectantly.

“Sorry?”

“It’s just,” he said, scratchuing his head awkwardly. “You knocked on my door and…”

“You were playing that song again,” she said, playing with the back of her earring.

“No I wasn’t,” he said. “I’m listening to a 1980s compilation.”

“No, you’re not,” Lily said calmly.

James raised his brow and opened the door.

It looked beautiful and warm and inviting and the fire was crackling and there was wine on the side table and homemade biscuits and…

Call me (call me) on the line Call me, call me any, anytime Call me (call me) my love You can call me any day or night Call me

“That’s not Mariah Carey, that’s Blondie,” Lily said.

“I know. I told you,” James grinned playfully.

“Well someone was playing it a minute ago,” Lily said, folding her arms stubbornly.

“Admit it, Evans, you just wanted to call over and have some Christmas Eve bubbly with me,” James laughed, opening the bottle of Prosecco and eying her adoringly.

“No I…” Lily huffed.

Something like disappointment flashed over his face.

“I… yes, yes that’s right, Potter, I did,” Lily said, holding her head up high.

Fuck it, I mean, he wasn’t wrong…

“Good,” he said.

His smile lit up the entire room.

He handed her a glass.

“Merry Christmas, Evans,” he said, his voice low and warm.

“Merry Christmas, James,” she said quietly.

They continued looking in each other’s eyes for longer than strictly necessary.

“James,” Lily said.

“Yes?” James said.

They were standing very close together.

“You know, you could actually play that song now, it is Christmas Eve,” she said.

“I thought you hated it?” James said.

“Nah, I didn’t,” Lily’s face broke into a smitten grin.

“Alright, Evans,” James said, saluting her.

I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true oh All I want for Christmas is you

 They moved closer to each other, until their lips were touching, Lily breathed a soft laugh and James brought his forehead down to touch Lily’s. They kissed slowly at first, tenderly.

“I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” James smiled.

“So have I,” Lily placed her arms around his neck and kissed him harder.

“Ha! Fucking finally!” Sirius’ loud and obnoxious voice filled the room as Lily and James jumped in fright.

“Fucking hell! You gave me a heart attack!” James said, glaring at his stupid best mate.

“Took you long enough!” Sirius said, rubbing his hands with glee. “Thank God we won’t have to listen to that godforsaken song anymore! You do realise when you get married, I’ll be able to say this was all due to my playing cupid?”

“How?” Lily said, rolling her eyes at Sirius, as usual.

“Well, it’s very simple. James fancied you as soon as we moved in. I heard you telling your friend Marlene that you hated hearing Christmas songs as you were coming up the stairs to your apartment. Hence, Operation Make My Wish Come True. I stuck on that song full blast, blamed it all on James, and the rest, as you know, is history!”

“You fucker!” said James, laughing despite himself. “I tried to tell her it was you on a number of occasions, at the start, anyway. I may have gone along with it after a while…”

“That explains a lot,” Lily said, placing her head on James’ chest. “You plonker!”

“I know!” Sirius grinned. “I am a genius!”

In fairness…

Sirius winked at them again.

“Merry Christmas, love birds,” he said, pouring himself a glass of Prosecco and plonking himself down on the sofa. “So, what are we watching?”

Lily looked at Sirius quizzically. Her friend Remus thought Sirius was extremely hot. Sirius had made a complete arse of himself when James and Lily’s friends had all played charades together. Sirius had been apparently so distracted by Remus that he had gotten a prompt that read “Namesake” and had proceeded to mime one word, four syllables because (and she was quoting him here) “I thought it was some Japanese book, Evans!”

“James,” Lily said smoothly, holding James’ hand and pulling her towards the door. “I have some anatomy homework that I need to practice with you, in my flat, right now, alright?”

James’ brows shot up.

“Er, yes?” he stammered.

“And another thing we need to work on,” she whispered into his ear, grabbing the bottle of wine on her way out.

“Hey! Evans, that’s cheating!” Sirius shouted after them, sounding horrified. “I bought that!”

“Shut it, Black!” Lily called back cheerfully.

“Yes?” James said, kissing her hungrily as they stumbled towards the door of her flat.

“Yes, Operation Payback Time,” Lily said, waggling her eyebrows at James.

“Ugh, you devious thing! I love you, Lily Evans!” muttered James, continuing to kiss Lily as she tried to fit her key into the lock.

“I know,” Lily smiled as she kissed him back.

[thirdeyecomics]

NEW COMIC DAY TODAY, OUR PICKS: STRANGE ADVENTURES #1 -- Third Eye Faithful: Tom King and Mitch Gerads are the definition of comics dream team, and their upcoming STRANGE ADVENTURES series, may be their most exciting project together yet! After winning five Eisner Awards and topping year-end “best of lists,” the comic book of 2019 was Mister Miracle. The comic book of 2020 will be Strange Adventures. The Mister Miracle team of writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads are joined by fan-favorite artist Evan “Doc” Shaner to bring you an epic tale in the tradition of Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and DC: The New Frontier-a story of blood, war, and love that readers will be talking about for years to come. Adam Strange is the hero of Rann, a man famous throughout the galaxy for his bravery and honor. After leading his adopted home to victory in a great planetary war, Adam and his wife Alanna retire to Earth, where they are greeted by cheers, awards, and parades. But not all is as happy and nice as it seems, as the decisions Adam made during battles on Rann come back to haunt his family and threaten the entire DC Universe. And now a surprise DC hero will have to choose between saving Adam Strange and saving the world.   A story like no other, Strange Adventures is an ambitious, thrilling, shocking, and beautiful 12-issue saga that will push Adam Strange to the breaking point-and beyond!

[scienceninjaturtle]

STRANGE ADVENTURES #1

written by TOM KING

art by MITCH GERADS and EVAN “DOC” SHANER

cover by MITCH GERADS

variant cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER

blank variant cover

After winning five Eisner Awards and topping year-end “best of lists,” the comic book of 2019 was Mister Miracle. The comic book of 2020 will be Strange Adventures.

The Mister Miracle team of writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads are joined by fan-favorite artist Evan “Doc” Shaner to bring you an epic tale in the tradition of Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and DC: The New Frontier—a story of blood, war, and love that readers will be talking about for years to come.

Adam Strange is the hero of Rann, a man famous throughout the galaxy for his bravery and honor. After leading his adopted home to victory in a great planetary war, Adam and his wife Alanna retire to Earth, where they are greeted by cheers, awards, and parades. But not all is as happy and nice as it seems, as the decisions Adam made during battles on Rann come back to haunt his family and threaten the entire DC Universe. And now a surprise DC hero will have to choose between saving Adam Strange and saving the world.

A story like no other, Strange Adventures is an ambitious, thrilling, shocking, and beautiful 12-issue saga that will push Adam Strange to the breaking point—and beyond!

ON SALE 03.04.20

$4.99 US | 1 OF 12 | 40 PAGES

CARD STOCK COVERS

FC | DC

[comicweek]

Strange Adventures 

The Mister Miracle team of writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads are joined by fan-favorite artist Evan “Doc” Shaner to bring you an epic tale in the tradition of Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, and DC: The New Frontier—a story of blood, war, and lovethat readers will be talking about for years to come.

Adam Strange is the hero of Rann, a man famous throughout the galaxy for his bravery and honor. After leading his adopted home tovictory in a great planetary war, Adam and his wife Alanna retire to Earth, where they are greeted by cheers, awards, and parades. But not all is as happy and nice as it seems, as the decisions Adam made during battles on Rann come back to haunt his family and threaten the entire DC Universe. And now a surprise DC hero will have to choose between saving Adam Strange and saving the world.

A story like no other, Strange Adventures is an ambitious, thrilling, shocking, and beautiful 12-issue saga that will push Adam Strange to the breaking point—and beyond!

[bladeshowers]

The miqo'te crossed her arms over her chest and she fought the urge to tilt her head. The Warrior of Light couldn't quite relate to the dragoon's position. She'd heard of the horrors that happened when dragon blood was digested by the citizens of Ishgard. She even understood why the transition happened in the first place. She just couldn't understand why everyone was so willing to turn a blind eye and not help. Just…blame the victims. Useless politics as usual no doubt.

"If you truly feel that way I can't stop you. I just often wonder if it would be better if you at least have someone to keep an eye on you." She paused and raised a hand to her chin thoughtfully. It was then that the currant haired woman tilted her head. "Though I suppose I also fill that position nicely enough. I just feel as though I don't visit as often enough as I should."

@bladeshowers asked:

❛ i care about you, and i want to help you … if you let me. ❜ (Evan & Heustienne)

Heustienne furrows her brow before breathing a sigh, shaking her head. "I appreciate your willingness to help, but there is nothing to be done." The dragoon frowns, casting her gaze upwards to the canopy of trees above them. "This is a battle I alone must face with the dragon that has taken root in my soul. Unless you have the means to completely excise it, I'm afraid there is little you can do."

She could feel the inner dragon hungering even now, the insatiable being attempting to claw its way to the surface and overtake her. It was likely something she would be dealing with for the rest of her life, and she would rather do so away from those who once admired her, no matter how she longed to return home.

[aefward]

T-shirt, MadeWorn; jeans, Maison Margiela; boots, Dr Martens. 

Photography by David Luraschi, Styling by Helen Broadfoot, Art direction by Phil Buckingham, Hair by Amber Duarte at Atelier Management, Make-up by Homa Safar using Chanel Beauty, Fashion assistant: Annie Hertikova, Production by Rachael Evans, Anarchy Films Inc., Maddie Varnedoe, Giorgio Tsintoukidis-Dirkx, Mariah Morgenstern, Model: Vivienne Rohner at The Squad Management.

[sublimerhymes]

The Women of the West by George Essex Evans

They left the vine-wreathed cottage and the mansion on the hill, The houses in the busy streets where life is never still, The pleasures of the city, and the friends they cherished best: For love they faced the wilderness -- the Women of the West. The roar, and rush, and fever of the city died away, And the old-time joys and faces -- they were gone for many a day; In their place the lurching coach-wheel, or the creaking bullock chains, O'er the everlasting sameness of the never-ending plains. In the slab-built, zinc-roofed homestead of some lately taken run, In the tent beside the bankment of a railway just begun, In the huts on new selections, in the camps of man's unrest, On the frontiers of the Nation, live the Women of the West. The red sun robs their beauty, and, in weariness and pain, The slow years steal the nameless grace that never comes again; And there are hours men cannot soothe, and words men cannot say -- The nearest woman's face may be a hundred miles away. The wide bush holds the secrets of their longing and desires, When the white stars in reverence light their holy altar fires, And silence, like the touch of God, sinks deep into the breast -- Perchance He hears and understands the Women of the West. For them no trumpet sounds the call, no poet plies his arts -- They only hear the beating of their gallant, loving hearts. But they have sung with silent lives the song all songs above -- The holiness of sacrifice, the dignity of love. Well have we held our father's creed. No call has passed us by. We faced and fought the wilderness, we sent our sons to die. And we have hearts to do and dare, and yet, o'er all the rest, The hearts that made the Nation were the Women of the West.

[bladeshowers]

“Strange place to fall asleep.” - To Evan, from Cassius ( @reapergarlebun )

Her mouth hung open and a small pool of drool had begun to form at it's corner. Her nose wrinkled before she jerked awake and wiped at her mouth. "I wasn't asleep," she argued, her ears perking up and her tail twitching in irritation at the suggestion. The miqo'te had definitely been having a cat nap. Not that she was too willing to admit it. Her eyes narrowed slightly at him before she gave a small huff.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep. What are you doing here anyway?"