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transmogrified-in-the-void · 9 months ago

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Chapter 1: Obey the Groove

Virtue, manager of new band Bardic Inspiration, takes everyone out to relax after days of trying to find a new guitarist. Hijinks ensue, and something begins that nobody could have predicted.

When it comes down to it, Virtue thinks that Absinthe is a romantic. A fool-hearty, ridiculous, stupid romantic, but a romantic nonetheless. She’ll rant and rave up and down the halls that no she’s not and I don’t even like romance, but Virtue knows better.

Every gesture, every gift, every heart-felt word is a sign and a treasure. The idea of a fantastical journey, even one grounded in the real world, is overly appealing to Absinthe’s soft heart, even if that journey belongs to someone else. To put it simply, every moment of Absinthe’s life is tinged gold and pink with meaning, adventure, and desire. How is that not a romantic’s view of the world?

Tonight, however, takes that to a completely new level. Whereas normally Absinthe will find cosmic meaning in what song she hears first, and that’s the extent to their fantasy, the person playing guitar in front of her has taken the toned down rose tinted glasses and shot it full of trenbolone.

It was supposed to be a relaxing night, too, which is why Virtue is so fucking annoyed at the singer. Bardic Inspiration finally got a big break, opening for a tour in a few weeks. So of course Michael decided now would be the best time to go further his game developer career, leaving the band short of a guitarist. Today was the last day of try-outs, and after a night of going out and taking it easy they would decide who would be the newest member of their little entourage.

At least, that was the plan.

Alas, the glue of the group, the poetic Absinthe Malone, chose a bar with local musicians. Secretly, Virtue was hoping that this wasn’t because Absinthe didn’t feel like anyone who tried out over the last few days was “it”. Hoping is useless when you know better.

“Virtue, I think it’s him.” Absinthe whispers in Virtue’s ear. “I’d need to sing with him, y’know, but I’m almost positive it’s him.”

Virtue groans and rubs their hand over their face. “We just spent four days doing tryouts for 54 different people. How do you know none of them will work out?”

“You know why.” She prods them with her elbow, and Virtue almost hates that they know exactly what she means. “Besides, if this works out, and the band likes him, makes your job easier, right?”

“I don’t think you know what my job is, Sin.”

Too late, she’s already gone up to him as he finishes his song. He’s talented, Virtue will easily give him that. Almost as good as Michael was, at least on the guitar. He has Michael beat on vocal talent, no matter how easy it is to do that.

Objectively, he’d be a good fit musically. The covers he’s been playing are in line with even Gemini’s stranger tastes, he’s clearly competent enough to learn Michael’s parts, and he can actually hold a tune.

But the biggest problem is the one that Virtue’s been having with almost everyone who tried out. One of the three band members doesn’t like them with a passion. With Gemini it’s more understandable, she’s aggressive and touchy towards almost everything in life. She’s loud and brash and gets on peoples nerves if they’re not prepared.

In fact, that last fact was so common that a large portion of people who tried out would almost get into fights with the drummer. Granted, some of them were her fault, but nobody in the band wanted someone who Gemini could rile up so often. That fact made Virtue incredibly angry some days.

If they managed to get past Gemini, Airael was the next large obstacle. Virtue doesn’t even know why he dislikes the people he dislikes, but the fact is always loudly announced. If any person simpered or whined when told that they were an “inherently unlikeable musician” (ooh boy Virtue wanted to strangle Airael for that one), the bassist would point blank refuse to have them considered.

And most unfortunately for Virtue, it was Absinthe who took the cake in terms of most tryouts disliked. If they played fine, then Absinthe would sing with them, and then make a disgusted face and sit back down. If they didn’t play fine, she’d tell them to leave while glowering at the paper in front of her.

So overall, Virtue wishes that Bardic Inspiration was filled with anyone else right now, and wishes that everyone stop looking for the magical perfect guitarist to show up and just get on with it. Hopefully (against Virtue’s best interests), this random guy playing the guitar on a Thursday night will finally put this saga to rest.

“What’s Sin doing?”

Virtue jumps as Airael appears next to them. Considering how tall he is, it should be impossible, and yet he always finds a way to sneak around.

They sigh. “She thinks that this guy is the one.”

Airael hums in thought, and looks him up and down. “Well, he sounds good, and doesn’t look like a douchebag, so I wouldn’t mind.”

“Do you think Gems could get to him?”

Another pause as Airael looks at Guitar Guy again. “If she does, I don’t think it’d be too awful. Too early to tell, though, you know that.”

The pair watch as Absinthe moves the microphone and gets ready next to Guitar Guy. She’s almost vibrating with excitement, but Guitar Guy is chewing on his lip and shifting his feet. Whether out of nervousness or anticipation, Virtue can’t tell.

“Ooo! Is Sin gonna sing a song tonight?!” Gemini makes her way to the duo and stands in between them with a large grin. “Is he gonna be the one?”

“We don’t know, Gems.” Virtue almost sighs, the exasperation almost drowning them. Why is it that everyone they work with is so exhausting? “If, against all odds, Absinthe likes him, and Airael likes him, and you don’t kill him, then I’ll talk to him. But who knows if that’s ever going to happen.”

Gemini’s grin only grows sharper. “Cross my heart hope to die, I won’t cause any major problems.”

“That doesn’t help with anything.”

“C’mon, Virtue. She’s so cute she’d never hurt a fly.” Airael bends over towards Gemini and gives her a peck. “Look at her.”

Virtue groans. “Flies are not who I’m worried about and you know it.”

“Look at her!”

“Ahem.” The group turns to look at Absinthe standing at the front of the small stage with a big smile. Even a year later, Virtue can’t believe how perfect she looks with a microphone in her hand. “I thought you all should get a little bit extra on this beautiful night! So a little change in vocals for this song!”

She looks back at Guitar Guy and mouths a countdown. He starts to play the beginning of Absinthe’s little brother’s favorite song, and Virtue decides to watch him play instead of watching the crowd like they normally do.

Absinthe starts to sing, and the familiar wave of unending care, love, and excitement rolls through Virtue. The dirty secret of Bardic Inspiration’s success, their singer’s ability to push their emotions out into the world using music, literally. A secret held only by her three bandmates, and one ex-bandmate.

Virtue watches as Guitar Guy relaxes, and then tenses his shoulders. He takes a deep breath while playing, closes his eyes for a moment, and his body relaxes again. When he opens his eyes, they follow the crowd, and slowly find Virtue’s gaze. To his credit, he doesn’t flinch. He’s probably played here a few times, if a stranger’s stare isn’t startling.

Their shared gazes hold for a few seconds more, and he goes back to scanning the people who are likely looking at the stage with a new reverence. Virtue can understand their reaction. It’s similar to their first time hearing Absinthe sing. The pure force and genuinity of the emotions sent out feels like touching divinity in so many ways.

The more that Virtue studies Guitar Guy, the more they see how subtle his reaction to the Power is. His face didn’t change, other than the initial tensing it’s not apparent what happened, but he’s truly relaxed now. The tensing in his legs is gone, he isn’t sitting perfectly straight in the chair anymore, and he’s actually looking at the crowd.

The singing stops, and there’s a taunt silence as everyone realizes that the music isn’t playing. They clap, Absinthe does a dramatic bow, returns the microphone to its stand in front of Guitar Guy, and she skips over to everyone.

“I think he��s the one, guys.” She grins. Airael holds out the drink she’d been sipping at earlier, and she shakes her head. “I’m already on cloud nine. That was better than any time I sang with Michael.”

Virtue starts to corral them over to a table to talk as Absinthe gushes over the feeling of being on stage with Guitar Guy. She can barely sit still, and Virtue orders some food for the table.

Airael puts a hand on Absinthe’s shoulder, and she stills. “Sin, we need to talk to him first.”

She turns bright red and leans over so her candy green hair hides her eyes. “Sorry, sorry, yeah, of course. We do this together. I know that.”

Gemini cackles and ruffles Absinthe’s hair so it starts to stand up. “We know, Sin, you’re just excited.”

Absinthe whines into her hands and puts her head on the table. “Leave me alone to die of embarrassment.”

Virtue hums as the food arrives. “So I shouldn’t bring up you essentially bullied a random stranger into letting you sing one song for their set.”

There’s a muffled scream, and Virtue knows that she’d be banging her head into the table if they weren’t in public. Everyone laughs, and Airael pats her back sympathetically.

“Can someone kill me please?” Absinthe begs, and everyone laughs again. Virtue turns to watch the rest of Guitar Guy’s set absentmindedly.

“Also, what’s his name? You never told us.” They ask, and get another muffled scream in response.

Next chapter

#p bangs the keys #the powered universe #tpu #original writing #creative writing #my writing #virtue #virtue character #gemini #gemini character #airael #airael character #absinthe #absinthe character #bardic inspiration #bardic inspiration band

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saltymiraculer · 4 years ago

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Ceremonial Kisses (Part 2 of 3)

Ahhhhh, thank you for all the support I’ve gotten on this fic! It is with great pleasure I present to you *trumpet noise* Part 2 of Ceremonial Kisses!

I apologize for the huge wait, and I’m really sorry about my update schedule in general.

Also, you might notice that around the middle of this chapter, the writing gets a little bit choppy, and I’m super sorry about that! My apartment just decided to evict anyone with a cat, and I’m under a lot of stress right now. Thankfully, it gets smoother towards the end!

Happy reading!

Part 1 | Part 3

-🌸-

After ten minutes of gorging themselves on the Chinese equivalents of Kit-Kats and Lays chips, they pulled up to a hotel.

“Whaf, wewen’t we goih to da cashale?“ Nino asked, his mouth stuffed with cookies. Marinette shot him a disgusted look. He swallowed and took a swig of soda. “Wait, weren’t we going to the castle?“

Marinette had been thinking the same thing. This couldn’t be an ancient Chinese palace–it looked like a hotel!

“My instructions have changed. I was informed you would be staying at the Overseas Suites instead.“ The driver (she still didn’t know his name) said, pulling up to the front of the hotel.

As soon as they stepped out, they remembered that time zones existed.

It was 5:00 PM there.

They were going to be up all night.

The driver handed Marinette a gold-embossed business card with a phone number written on it.

“Call me whenever you need a lift, miss Marinette.“ He stepped back into the car and drove off.

Marinette shrugged and stuffed the card in her pocket. “Well, that was weird. Let’s go inside now, it’s freezing.”

As soon as they walked inside, Bustier scurried up to them.

“Where were you? You had me worried sick!“

Before anyone could say anything, the chauffeur from earlier appeared.

“I am Marinette’s uncle, ma’am. I heard she was going to be staying in China for a week and I just had to see her. The school was informed that I would be picking her and her friends up.“

“Oh–well–you still should have told me where you were going!“

“But shouldn’t you have already known?“ Marinette asked sweetly. “I mean, you were informed of it, weren’t you?“

Ha. She had her there!

“W-well, yes, technically, I was…but it’s time to go to your rooms! Off you go, everybody!“

“Oh, wait, I’m sharing a room with Marinette, right?“ Alya asked.

“Yeah, I think so.“

“Shit. Guys, I’ve got to share a room with Adrien. Say your prayers, ‘cause I don’t know if I’ll make it out alive.“

Oh, right. I guess it’s time to explain.

Adrien had stayed with his “high road” approach, but not in the way that she had expected. He started treating Lila to lunch, buying her jewelry, asking her to school dances, the whole shebang.

But it was all so forced that nobody believed any of it, and one day, all the ‘affection’ had just stopped.

Lila milked it for all it was worth, blaming Marinette and Nino and Alya, and the president of some far-off African country, and Adrien...

Something changed.

His face was more gaunt and his cheeks were more hollow, and he barely ever talked to anyone, just shrugged them off and turned away.

He was, to put it frankly, terrifying.

Which was not good for Nino at all.

“Oh, I’m sorry, class, but Ivan will be sharing a room with Nino. Adrien and Nathaniel will be roommates.“

All three of them heaved a sigh.

“Okay, so I’m sleeping tonight, that’s a plus.“ Nino joked. “What are we doing for dinner?“

“Um, I think Bustier said there was food already in the rooms. There are kitchenettes and, like, boxes of pasta and stuff. The trip was sponsored by–“ Marinette suddenly froze. She was contemplating how to finish her sentence when Alya finished it for her.

“–By your family, right?“

“Yeah. It feels so weird to say that, like–me? A princess? I’d probably trip over my own dress.“

“I know what you mean, girl. Now, let’s go get some food.“

After scurrying back up to their respective rooms and scarfing down some fettuccine, they fell asleep almost immediately, despite it being only about 3:00 in Paris.

Which, in hindsight, was probably why they woke up at two in the morning and started eating Cheerios with chocolate milk.

“Marinette, it’s so early!“ Alya said, stretching her arms towards the ceiling. “What should we do until it’s time for the first tour?“

“Wanna play Uno?“

And play Uno they did, a six-round monstrosity that lasted five hours and many draw-four cards.

There was a knock on the door and they both whipped around. “Girls, are you awake yet?“ a muffled voice asked. “You have to be down in the lobby in ten minutes!”

Alya and Marinette looked at each other. “Shit!” they yelled, jumping up and grabbing clothes out of drawers. They took the elevator down to the lobby after getting dressed, only to face something that made them wish they hadn’t.

Lila.

“And since the princess was so touched by what I did for her, she told me that she’d grant me any favor!“

“So…what was the favor?“ Mylene asked, inching closer.

“I asked her to bring our class on this trip, of course! Because I love my friends–unlike some people.“ She tilted her head in Marinette and Alya’s direction.

“When did you get here? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?“ Kim shouted.

A few of them turned pink and tried to turn away.

“No, but I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of other horrible things about ourselves from you guys on this trip.“ Marinette said.

“Oh, get over yourselves! Lila’s the one who got us here, and she can kick you out just as easily. Right, Lila?“

“Of course! Marinette, I really want to be friends, but after the way you’ve treated everyone, it’s only fair I had to do what I did!“

“Oh? And what exactly did you do?“ Alya challenged, putting her hands on her hips. Alix smirked and nudged Kim with her elbow.

“Let’s just say…some of the tours might not be for you.“ Sabrina interjected, swiping something on a familiar white tablet. Marinette’s eyes widened. “Did you steal Bustier’s tablet just so you could take us off the tours? You risked suspension for that?!”

“Well, Mari-nette, you should be surprised to know that some people are willing to take risks for their friends.“ Kim snapped over his shoulder, earning many a nod from Lila’s entourage.

“Kids!“ Bustier yelled, startling them all. “What are you doing with my tablet?“

“Um–uh_Marinette stole it and threw it to us!“ Lila replied nervously.

Everyone turned to Marinette. “Marinette, I expect better from you! You just earned yourself a week of detention when we get back to Paris.“ She whisked the tablet out of Sabrina’s arms before Marinette could protest, and turned around, taking a deep breath.

When she faced the class again, she had a smile back on her face.

“Okay! Today, we will be touring a replica of one of the ancient Chinese palaces. Please behave yourselves.“

She started walking out, and the class followed her, Alya and Marinette tagging behind. Nino joined them soon after.

“So, that was weird.“

“No kidding.“

Once they had stepped off the bus in front of the palace, everyone stopped. Of course, they had all done a bit of googling about the places they would visit, but seeing everything live and in person was taking it to a whole new level.

“Whoa,“ they whispered. Even Lila, who wanted nothing more than to break something, was dumbfounded by this wonder of architectural beauty.

Miss Bustier was the one to break the silence. Clearing her throat, she said “Well, shall we head inside?”

As they shuffled inside, Marinette secretly wished she had about eight more eyes so she could take in everything she was seeing. But she had to be on high alert, Lila and her crew were sure to pull something nasty.

“Ah, and this,“ Bustier gasped. “This is one of the things I was looking most forward to seeing.

“As you all know, the princess will be coronated soon, and this is exactly why I wanted to take you here. This is a replica of an ancient Chinese coronation hall, isn’t it breathtaking?“

Lila snapped out of her trance and elbowed Kim, whispering something in her ear that made both of them snicker.

“Hey, Marinette!“ he yelled, running up to her. “What are you doing?“ Marinette watched in horror as he pushed a porcelain vase off of a pedestal, backing away immediately so she was the only one in the area.

Everything seemed to go in slow-motion after that.

Everyone in the room turning to them.

Lila’s grin turning up towards her ears in an almost Grinch-like fashion.

Marinette diving to catch the delicate artifact and balancing it in one hand just before it smashed on the floor.

Security appearing to lecture them.

“Now, miss, what you did was punishable by law,“ one of them said. “And by nature I’ll have to ask you and your whole gang to leave, if you don’t want the royal family to press charges.“

“The-the royal family?“ Lila squeaked. Marinette sighed and stood up.

“I’m sorry, sir,“ she said, hanging her head.

“Wait just a second!“ Someone in the crowd yelled. “That guy in the red hoodie pushed it–I saw it with my own two eyes! The girl saved the vase!“

“Yeah, why don’t you go check the security cameras? I’m sure the girl was the one who stopped it from breaking!“

“No, no, I’m quite sure I saw Marinette push the vase.“ Bustier interrupted. “She’s quite the troublemaker, and it wouldn’t be inconceivable for that to happen.“

“I’m terribly sorry, miss, but only once we review the security footage can we make a decision.“

They left with a promise to return as soon as they were done, and everyone started at Marinette.

Nino was the first to speak.

“Alright, who’s gonna fess up? Marinette didn’t do it, I didn’t do it, Alya didn’t do it. So who did?“

Marinette saw the look on Lila’s face. There was no wriggling out of this one.

“Kim did it! I saw…he tried to warn Marinette about a huge bug, but she had this evil look on her face and moved out of the way…and Kim accidentally pushed the vase.“

“What?! That never happened.“ Nino said, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, I was there the whole time, and there weren’t any bugs.“ Alya said, leaning against a wall. “Give it up, Lila. The security guys’ll be back in a minute.“

“Actually, we’re already here.“ said a deep voice. “The boy’ll need to come with us.“

“Oh, please don’t!“ Bustier cried. “He’s only a kid, he didn’t know any better!“

-🌸-

“I’m sorry, miss, but the security footage suggests otherwise. Though, if you pay a fine, all charges will be dropped.“

“What’s the amount?“ She asked nervously, pulling out her checkbook and hoping euros would translate into whatever the Chinese currency was.

“794.71 yuan.”

“Do you take euros?“ Caline asked weakly. Nino glared at her, and several of her students looked dumbfounded.

“You didn’t bring Chinese money…on a trip to China?! Even Kim brought some!“

Kim suddenly looked scared. “I don’t have to give up my money, do I?”

She sighed. “No, you don’t. If anything, Marinette should be the one paying. How much is that in euros?“

“100, I believe. We do take euros, if you’ll follow me.“ She sighed and shrugged.

“Kids, please don’t push anything else over. I’ll be right back.“

-🌸-

As soon as Bustier hurried away after leading them outside, everyone glared at Marinette except Alya and Nino. Lila still didn’t understand why they had left her, Alya had just stormed up to her one day and yelled, but that was besides the point.

“Marinette, how could you blame this all on Kim? Now Miss Bustier has to pay eight hundred euros!“ Lila cried, earning Marinette a few glares.

She smirked inwardly. Now, if only she could have gotten Marinette arrested…

“Eight hundred yuan, Lila. It’s only a hundred euros, and besides, it would have cost much more if Marinette hadn’t caught the vase.“ Nino said, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, but she’s gonna call my mom. Do you know how long she’s gonna ground me for? Thirty years!“

“Marinette, what is wrong with you?“ Alix accused. “You seriously need an attitude adjustment. And I think I know just what we need to adjust.“ She whispered something into Lila’s ear and smirked.

“But hey, all disagreements aside, do you want a drink?“ Lila asked, shoving Marinette backwards. She stumbled a bit, and Nino and Alya tried to stop her, but she fell back into a large fountain and emerged a second later, sopping wet.

Her hair had come out of the bun, her makeup was running, and her clothes were soaked through.

Everything was going according to plan. “Oh, Marinette, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…I was only trying to squish a mosquito!”

“Mosquito?“ Marinette seethed through gritted teeth. Her expression was terrifying.

Lila backed away, as did most of the class. “This was one-of-a-kind, Lila. You ruined it. Chloé should know!“

Everyone turned to Chloé for an answer to the nonexistent question. “I didn’t get her that shirt on purpose! My mom did!” She yelled, ducking into a bathroom. Lila shrugged.

“Marinette!“ Bustier screamed, appearing at just the right time. “What are you doing?!”

Lila interrupted Marinette before she could even speak. “Marinette was trying to push me into the fountain, but I dodged.“ She glanced to the side, where Nino was helping Marinette dry off with handfuls of paper towels. She frowned, then looked over at Alya.

Bad idea.

“Miss Bustier, I have a question. Why would Marinette, one of the most non-violent people we know, try to push Lila into a fountain? Especially after she was just proven innocent? Do you really think that she would compromise her innocence like that?��

Miss Bustier looked alarmed. Lila gritted her teeth–she would have to lay low for a while if she wanted anyone to believe that Marinette would do anything wrong.

They're such idiots, she thought to herself. I’ve got practically the whole class under my thumb.

“Lila? Are you coming? We’re going back to the hotel so nothing else gets damaged.“ She shot a pointed look at Marinette, who was dripping all over the floor.

“O-of course, Miss!“

They caught a bus back to their resort, and Lila was delighted to see that Nino’s efforts had come to no avail trying to distance Marinette from the older men who approached her from behind.

-🌸-

“Marinette, I can’t believe that little liar.“ Alya said, seething. “She must be getting cocky. Like a game of ‘catch me if you can.’ She’ll have to lay off you for a few days if she wants anything to be believable, though.“

Marinette was toweling off her hair, deep in thought.

“This isn’t like her. Normally, she would stop after the vase and lay off for the rest of the day, maybe badmouth me a little at dinner, but know when to quit.“

“Well, I think you should just bop her in the head with your yo-yo.“ Alya added.

“Agreed!“ Trixx squeaked.

“I don’t normally condone using the Miraculous for selfish purposes, but I’ll let this one slide. You know what to do, Marinette! Get those spots on!“

“Guys,“ Marinette sighed, tossing the towel onto her bed. “That’s not the point. I just want a peaceful few days before I have to deal with her again. Is that too much to ask?“

“Not at all, Marinette!“ Tikki said, nuzzling her cheek. “Just know that I’m always here if you need me!“

“Thanks,“ she whispered.

Two Glorious, Lila-free days later...

“So, Marinette, it’s your free day!” Tikki chirped, patting Marinette’s face. “What do you want to do?”

“Sleep,“ she grumbled.

“No, silly! I mean after you visit your family!“

Marinette bolted upright. “What?!”

“You didn’t remember? You’re supposed to meet your biological parents today for brunch at 10.“

“And what time is it now?“ She asked, jumping out of bed to see if Alya was awake.

“5:30.“

“So I only have four hours to get ready?! That’s not nearly enough!“

“Marinette...? Why are you up so early...?“ Alya mumbled sleepily.

“I’m meeting my family!“ she squawked.

Alya sat up and put on her glasses. “Oh. Want me to help you get ready?“ she asked, walking over to the kitchenette for a glass of water.

“That would be great. Now, can you hurry up!?“

Alya took a long sip. “Calm down, Marinette. Do you want them to think you’re nervous all the time? You don’t want that in a princess. Take a deep breath.“ Marinette glared. Taking a deep breath, she focused on how tranquil she would be.

Her mom would probably be there. Wait–mom–not really her mom, but who she...used to think her mom was? Agh, now she was nervous again!

“So, Marinette, what do you want to wear? Something more traditional, or something that’s a little more...you?“ Alya asked, setting her empty cup down on the counter.

“I don’t want to offend them by just wearing, like, a nice blouse and jeans...but I don’t want to overdress. What do I do?“

Alya munched on a bagel thoughtfully. “Do you still have that qipao dress from a few months ago? The pretty pink one with cherry blossoms on it?“

Marinette nodded and pulled a blur of pink fabric out of her suitcase. She shut the bathroom door, and when she came out a second later, she thought that maybe she actually had a chance to make a good first impression.

On her mom.

Hoo boy.

-🌸-

When Marinette stepped out of the bathroom, Alya immediately started squealing. “Marinette, you look perfect!”

The outfit was simple, no more than a short-sleeved, a-line dress if not for the neckline, which resembled a traditional qipao, adorned with tiny embroidered flowers.

Marinette twirled around. “You like it? I was thinking of wearing those light pink heels. What do you think?”

“Do it.“

🌸 at brunch because op sucks 🌸

“Good morning, miss. Where are you headed today?“

Marinette glanced down at the little card in her hands. “The east dining room, please.”

The man at the desk raised his eyebrows so high they were in danger of disappearing into his curly grey hair. “Right this way, your Royal Highness.” he said, pointing her towards an entryway with a significantly fancier arch than the rest.

She walked down a seemingly endless hallway, wondering when she would get to eat, when the narrow room exploded into a dining room larger than her house.

“Ah, hello…Marinette.“ a peaceful voice greeted her. “I’ve been waiting for you!“

“Hi.“ was all she managed to squeak out. The lady in front of her was stunningly beautiful, with black hair that fell in a curtain down to her waist, wearing nearly the same dress as her, but in what looked like red silk.

“Sit, please!“ she said eagerly. “I’d love to get to know you.“

Marinette awkwardly positioned herself in ont of the high-backed chairs.“Okay.“

The lady sat on the chair opposite from her. “My name is Fei. I’m so sorry to have just...left you with my cousin for years, but I really do hope you can forgive me. This is all a bit hectic–trust me, I know–but I believe that if we can get along, this will go smoothly. What do you say?”

Fei had a warm smile, but there was a nervous undertone to her words. She had felt that way before, and a new feeling coursed through her body. Marinette moved forwards forwards and hugged her. “I’d like that.”

She seemed surprised at first, but hugged her back immediately but then let go almost as fast. “Look, I’m just ecsatic, about this, but if it’s uncomfortable calling me ‘mom’, or anything else, I need you to know that it’s okay. You can call me Fei, you can call me mom, you can call me māmā, anything you want. Okay?”

“Thank you.“ Marinette said, looking down. “It’s nice to know I have you. I think it’ll take a while for me to…adjust, but I’m so happy to know that you’re okay with that. Now, can we stop being so serious and eat?“

She beamed. “That sounds great, Marinette!”

After a few minutes of slightly awkward eating, Marinette cleared her throat. “So, other than the whole coronation thing, are there any other princess-y things I’ll have to do while I’m here?”

Fei choked on her water. “Actually…” she coughed. “I’m glad you asked. See, this is only day three of your 10-day trip. We need to get outfits, jewelry, speeches, everything prepared, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it all in time.”

Marinette was soeechless. This was unexpected.

“But that’s not all. I have to intruduce you to my mother, my husband, the whole royal family. “ She was sounding increasingly stressed with each sentence. “Everything has to be taken into account.“

“Hey, it’ll be okay!“ Marinette assured. “Things happen. They’ll sort themselves out. I promise.“

“I know. I have to be calm and levelheaded, or else my mom will take over. If that happens, you’ll end up naked at your coronation, or worse, if my husband takes responsibility, he’ll give it to my mom three days later. Do you know what I mean?“

Marinette nodded. “I know, but sometimes things will just happen. But other times, you have to work for them, you know? As long as you don’t give up on it, it will work out. I promise.”

“Hah–usually I’m the one giving the pep talks. Thank you, Marinette, I-I really needed that. How about you go and…meet up with some of your friends? No use in talking to a boring old lady any longer. Go on!“ she said, motioning towards the door.

Marinette turned back and smiled. “Um...bye, I guess!” she murmured, waving.

-🌸-

“So, Alya, when’s Mari getting back from breakfast with her peeps?” Nino asked as they walked down the street.

“I don’t know. I’ll text. If she replies, she’s free. If she doesn’t, she’s still the–“

“Hey guys, what’d I miss?“ Marinette asked, appearing in front of them. he screamed. “Where did you come from?“

“Brunch.“

“Marinette? You’re already done? We were about to go check out some of the tourist shops.“ Alya remarked, scrolling through something on her phone. Nino rolled his eyes.

“We were going to text you, but since you’re already here, what do you want to do?“ he questioned. Marinette fidgeted with her dress.

“Actually, that sounds fun. Which ones were you thinking?“

“Um, there’s actually one right there.“ Nino said, pointing around her to a shop with neon signs covering the whole window. “It looks fun.“

“So let’s go!“

They walked into the shop, the door jingling cheerfully behind them, and immediately things started catching their eyes. “Oh. My. God. Nino, are you seeing these?” Alya blurted. “They have Carapace merch. We’re world famous!”

Marinette was examining a bracelet with plastic rhinestones on it. “This looks like the bracelet from yesterday’s museum. Isn’t it pretty?” She dug through the bin. “Oh, they have other replicas, too? Awesome.”

Nino walked around, perusing the shelves, not really finding anything that sparked his interest. He picked up a trinket here and there, maybe checked a price tag, but wasn’t very interested. But then he saw it.

“An authentic OctoInk ‘I ain’t callin’ you a truther’ t-shirt? The printing block had an extra line, and only 47 of these were made!“

“Dude.“ Alya and Marinette whispered simultaneously.

“Um, how much is this shirt?“ Nino asked innocently, showing it to the girl at the register. She looked up uninterestedly, blowing a bubble with her gum.

“8 yuan.“ She scoffed. “Like that thing would sell for any more.“

“Hey, this is a nearly one-of-a-kind piece that–mmph!“

“Don’t tell her it’s supposed to be expensive!“ Alya hissed in his ear. “That’s the opposite of what you do!“

Wayzz poked him from his pocket. “She is not wrong, Nino. Purchase the shirt for eight yuan, if it makes you so happy.”

“I’ll take it.“ he said. Marinette put her bracelet on the register with an ‘eh, what the heck?‘ sort of expression. Alya placed a tiny glass turtle on the counter, and Nino felt a flush spreading over his face.

Alya smiled.

-🌸-

“So, Marinette, why did you get that bracelet?“ Alya asked once they had left the shop. “It looks pretty real, but you have way nicer jewelry at home. Like the necklace you wore this morning?“

“Yeah, but this one looks like the one from the museum. I know it seems silly, but it feels special.“ she said, twisting it around her wrist.

“Nah, I get it. And speaking of special, here comes a special little liar.“

Marinette’s head straightened immediately. “Aw, shit. And here I was thinking this would be a nice day.“

“Oh, hello, Marinette!“ Lila purred, snaking into the space between Nino and her. “I love your bracelet. It looks expensive…“ and with that, she sauntered away, all other interactive possibilities completely wasted.

“Well, that went better than I’d hoped.“ Nino chuckled.

“Ooh, Nino, there’s an art gallery! Want to check it out?“

“Sure thing, babe!“ He turned to Marinette. “Wanna come?“

“You can go without me, I’m going to get a bite to eat.“

“But–didn’t you just get back from–never mind.“ They walked into the gallery, chatting about who-knows-what.

Marinette spun around, and immediately someone on a blue bike yelled a split second before they knocked her over.

“Aaaack, my bike!” A male voice yelled. Marinette tried to open her eyes and stood up. A pale boy with bangs that hung over his eyes stared at her. “Sorry, I guess…”

Marinette stared back. “Okay?” she whispered. Maybe it wasn’t going to be a free day after all.

Just as she was about to ask for his name, her stomach growled like an angry Godzilla.

He chuckled.

“You wanna grab a bite? I know a place.“

“Sure. What’s your name?“

“Jianyu.“

“Marinette.“

He opened the door to a little sandwich restaurant and walked in, but let it swing shut behind him in Marinette’s face. Rude. Once they were seated and Marinette was starting to get a little annoyed at him–it was like he didn’t even notice her–he decided it was time to order.

Jianyu snapped at one of the waitresses to get her attention and whistled to get her to come over. She walked over with a pained expression on her face, then plastered on a smile.

“How may I help you today?“

“I’ll have pork dumplings and a Pepsi, the lady’ll have the chicken salad.“

“Actually, I was going to get–“ Marinette started.

“Sorry, sweetheart.“ he said, shoving the waitress away and turning back to her. “But why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself while she’s gone?“

I know that when I’m crowned princess, I’ll kick your scrawny ass, she thought. But she didn’t say that–in fact, she didn’t say anything, just got up from her chair and knocked Jianyu’s water glass down his front.

She swept out of the store before she could hear his cursing.

Yeah, that date was over.

And–being Marinette–as soon as she stormed out of the restaurant, she slammed into a cute girl with her wavy black hair in a ponytail, wearing leggings and a red hoodie.

“Oh, no, are you alright?“ she gasped, checking Marinette over for injuries.

“I’m fine.“ Marinette grumbled. She wasn’t in the mood to meet anyone else she bumped into, not if they were going to be like him.

“You don’t sound fine. I’m Chuntao.“

“Oh–um, I’m Marinette. Little tip, don’t go in there unless you like being catcalled.“

Chuntao frowned. “Hm. I think my brother told me he was going there for lunch–I wouldn’t put it past him to do that.“ She walked in and came out a second later, dragging Jianyu out by the ear.

“What do you have to say for yourself?“

“Marinette!“ he shouted. “I didn’t do anything! Back me up!“

“You called me ‘sweetheart’.“

“Mom’s gonna kick your ass,“ Chuntao growled, letting go of Jianyu’s ear. He scampered away, and she turned back to Marinette, rubbing her temples.

“I’m so sorry for him, but you seem like a really cool person. Can I get your number?“

“Y-yeah, totally!“ Marinette swapped phones with Chuntao, slightly dazed. She handed her phone back and waved.

“Thanks, Marinette! Text me later!“ She yelled, jogging away.

“See you…”

“So, who was that?“ Alya asked, appearing at her shoulder.

“Waugh! Alya! You know…maybe we should sit down first.“

-🌸-

“So…what if I’m gay?“

Alya and Nino simultaneously choked on their drinks.

Alya dabbed at her face with a napkin. “Marinette, darling, may I know the circumstances that have led you to entertain this line of inquiry? Because what the fuck?”

“Tell me all about her.” Nino said, resting his chin in his hands.

“Well, she saved me from a really sucky dude,“

“Hm. So she’s already a nice person.“ Alya remarked.

“And she’s super pretty,“

“So are you, honestly. But that’s off-topic.“

“And I haven’t had a real crush on a boy, like, ever,“

“And you went out with Kagami a few months ago, too. That settles it, Marinette! You are most definitely likely probably gay!“ Nino announced, raising his virgin Piña Colada in a toast.

Alya clinked her Shirley Temple against Marinette’s glass. “So, Marinette, it’s your free day. Only 48 hours until the coronation. How are you feeling?”

“Honestly, I d–“

“Hands in the air!“ an amplified voice screamed. “You’re under arrest!“

Tags: @professionalfangirl1738 @kuroko26 @k-poplunardreams @smolplantmum @heaven428 @briareris @dnsakina @purplesundaze @bloodydragon000 @mimika-28 @strawberrycheesecakebar @k-laconia-bug1@kristycocopop @abrx2002 @wannajointhecrabcult @mochegato @lozzybowe @ozwaltwashere @flufflepuffle296 @fandom-trapped-03 @nanakeid @hetalia-lover-is-here @futursworld @pale-lady-dreamer @susiej1118 @lostinthewrongfandom @fantasyfandommaiden @aestheticnpoetic @feliciakainzofspades @schrodingers25 @echpr

#ml salt #ml salt fic #marinette dupain cheng #marinette deserves better #alya sugar #nino sugar #lila salt #lila bashing #ish #adrien salt #adrien bashing #again ish #marinette the princess of china #chuntao song #miraculous salt #miraculous ladybug #class salt #the kwamis just kinda dont exist in this chapter #~gone~

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calypsoff · 4 years ago

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Eight. Part 4

Watching Robyn walk back out of the bathroom, I stared at her walking to the bathroom and now coming back out of it, I can’t help but stare. I am tired but I don’t want to sleep, I worry about her safety, I don’t want people coming in here and harassing her or anything like that, this is why I am pushing for Robyn to go to a hotel to be safe so when I wake up I can be there for her, well try but she isn’t going and I am not going to push her to go, she wants to stay here with me and I don’t mind that “does Rich just stay out there all that time? Doesn’t he get tired?” Robyn sat down slowly, she took her coat off now, took her a while. This does mean she isn’t moving “he is a good guy, he is like my carer I would say. He would do anything for me, he is a family friend now. And he will stay out there, he won’t do anything unless he thinks I am in danger. I need it in this life, you don’t know who is good and who is not. You know” nodding my head “man” I said to myself “I really do love you” it came out so natural to me now, it’s just there. Robyn and I just giggled, we giggled like school kids. I feel a little shy now “you can’t stop saying it now, well I am going to do you and just not say it now” shaking my head, looking up at her “you are playing now, it’s ok I get it. I am an asshole, I think if I just see you as Robyn I will be good but yeah, I want to take it slow with you” Robyn grinned “huh, does that include the bedroom too. Remind me to not get you angry if you are playing like that” I cringed “I wouldn’t do that again, I just I want to protect you from that world. That life, it’s hard for you. I know, I remember you told me you always wanted to be protected because you felt your dad never did that for you as a child. A male figure, I remember all that shit. But I got a lot to learn and stuff but for you to be here, it’s like above you” Robyn shook her head “nothing is ever above me Chris, we are equal. Once you accept we are then we are good Chris. And I am willing to wait, as long as we can be truthful with each other yeah?” hearing commotion outside, there is a lot of raised voices.

Robyn and I just stared at each other “I can’t protect you; you’re going to have to protect me” I said to Robyn as a joke “oh that helps, I think Rich is telling someone off” the door burst open “Chris! Chris tell him I can be here!” TJ ran into the room; Rich also ran behind him “Chris!” he ran around my bed “Rihanna!? What the fuck, Chris” Rich gripped TJ “he’s my friend” I said to Rich “he ain’t my friend, this nigga is out!” Rich is dragging TJ out “Rich, I know of him. Both of them, let them stay” Robyn spoke up, I am glad she did “I don’t like this little rat” I chuckled at Rich calling him a rat “if he starts talking shit then I will be back” he pushed him to the floor “man, I will fight you!” TJ spat, Barry is so silent just staring, a little smirk on his face “it’s forehead gang united, it’s Fenty. Long-time pop star” Barry walked over to Robyn, she got up from the seat “Barry Bradford” watching them both hug “what are you doing here anyways? Did Chris do the make a wish foundation thing and you came” Robyn hit his arm moving back “don’t be so silly” TJ is still in shock “wow! You smell so fucking good, man. You are beautiful, I don’t care about small titties I would do you, between you and Bey it’s you! I am loyal, I go so hard” I would beat his ass, but I can’t “you have always been this way, weird” TJ jumped up and down “man, this is fucking Rihanna!” I don’t want her to hug him, but she is, not impressed though because he is thinking about her titties.

Robyn sat back down on the chair “I am glad you came, I always wanted to ask why you never told me about Chris being around. You said he went but he didn’t, he was around just being bad? Like I am not an angel to him, but it was only right I knew” Robyn is angry, she is angry at Barry. I like this anger, it’s a little kinky “I knew that would come up, Chris and I fell out. We weren’t speaking so I didn’t know where he was anyways, even if I told you what it was your people was there, they was telling me I had to move and I couldn’t touch or speak to you. What did you want me to say? When you said where is freckles? And then you turned around and said where is Chris? Some bald guy said hurry up to me and he was listening, I couldn’t say oh by the way Chris is drug dealing and being dumb, so I said he wasn’t here. You and I both know your big ass entourage was pushing to go, they didn’t even want to be there. They barely let me hug you that time, it was hard, and I am sorry. But what counts you’re here now, I am shocked to see you here, but you came for him. And I think that means a lot to my friend, you have really shown him what he is missing” Barry knows everything, I mean I have told him “I understand, I am just a little angry at how everything went down” I can tell she is “y’all dating” turning to TJ, that stupid little smirk on his face “is your chain fake” Robyn retorted, I snorted laughing. Barry screamed out “hey! What the hell, man. That is rude, I just seen Chris staring at you, he got heart eyes. I was being nice” Robyn is rude for that.

TJ be airing me out, like we aren’t even dating we are just taking things slowly but he sat here saying we are dating, he needs to relax with all that “can I say that I met you or is this a secret meet up?” TJ asked, I am glad he asked “I want you to shut up about it, you ain’t tell nobody about this. I don’t want nobody harassing her like that” TJ’ smile grew “oh wow, calm down. Protecting what is yours now huh?” I swear I hate him “nigga fuck you” I mumbled “just need to protect her” I can feel Robyn’ eyes on me and I hate it, it’s making me shy as hell “mhmmm protect her huh, cute” Barry chuckled “leave him alone, he is sweet” Robyn makes it worse “so you really came here for him? That is love right there, I think he should move, we told him to go out of town and we will visit him. Like nigga, you ain’t going to survive another attack, I am telling you now. You need to think of you” TJ always been saying for me to move but this is my home “I agree” looking over at Robyn “you moving me in?” I said as Robyn giggled “I don’t have a home unless you are coming Barbados, I am here, there everywhere but anyways, I think you should sleep. I will come tomorrow, text me when it’s quiet. I will get a hotel” oh she is going “you can stay at my place? Honestly” looking up at her “is it safe there?” nodding my head “it’s rather nice, it’s quiet. I live next to some white couple, it’s on the third floor, you have to walk up the steps a little bit, but you can stay there. It’s clean, there may be a few things laying around but it’s not bad, my key is there” pointing behind me “open it and give me your phone I will enter my location. My mom had cleaned I think, she said she did but yeah, stay. Also don’t worry nobody will come there at all, only I have the key” she doesn’t need to pay out for a hotel now “oh wow, oh wait. You and Riri got star tattoos oh my god, it comes together. You both! You see this Barry; this whole star business” TJ is nosey as hell “are you sure about this?” Robyn asked “yeah I am, honestly. It should be somewhat clean” I hope “she might see the wall of her pictures bro” TJ sniggered; he is a trip.

I am thinking to myself, what the fuck am I doing. Why am I even doing this, like he offered me his apartment and I couldn’t help but say yes, a small side of me is wanting to be nosey on how he lives, and I get to see his little place and where he stays, I guess I am just being nosey, but Rich is not amused, he isn’t happy but it’s not a bad neighbourhood at all. He isn’t wrong about that at all, he said that the neighbourhood is fine, but I know Chris wouldn’t put me in danger “so where do I sleep?” Rich said as he unlocked the front door “On the couch, I don’t know. You can go if you like? I will just stay here, I am not going anywhere anyways” he stepped to the side “after you” looking up at Rich smiling as I stepped into Chris’ apartment, it’s the cutest thing ever. The little open planned kitchen area and living, I mean he said his mom cleaned but I don’t think she did, he has clothes on the living room flooring “I can’t leave you just here, so I will take the couch” I chuckled, he is too loyal to me. Oh wow, I am in Chris’ home and to me I feel at home, and for him to just simply let me come here without a care, he has nothing to hide I guess “what are you doing?” Rich is going into the bedroom “checking” rolling my eyes, Chris’ apartment has been left as it was the last time he was here, and a window hasn’t been open here and the curtains haven’t been open. It’s not that bad as I assumed it would have been anyways.

Rich finished his little tour “the bathroom is clean, but you know we are sharing that?” pulling a face “just timed ok” crossing my arms across my chest as I slowly walked into his bedroom, his bed is not made. I don’t know why I am smiling when I really should cuss him out when I could have walked into a hotel room and just have a ready made bed, what can I say I am crazy. Reaching down on the bed and picking his jacket off the bed, bringing the jacket up to my nose. It smells just like him, looking around his room and my eyes laid onto the newspaper clipping, slowly walking up to the framed newspaper clipping, I was at that game, I was there at that game and I watched him play basketball, there was scouts there too. He has it framed, he is really good at it “the next best thing to come out of VA” I read out, bringing my eyes down and seeing his various awards, he loves sports. I hope he still does but he was doing every sport he could, and he won. He just had to be stupid, he has everything going for him and for him to have his awards out like this, it shows me he cares, and it does affect him on what happened. He is such a goof ball in school, a goof ball I liked a lot actually, but he made me smile every time. I guess I better clean the room up, the bed totally needs doing before I rest my head on that.

I will never forget how to make a bed, I have finally finished it “Rihanna” Rich said from outside the door “yeah, you can come in. I am practically changing his bed sheets” the door opened slowly “I wasn’t being nosey, I promise you but I just saw this notebook and a picture of you fell out of it so I just checked why, he got skills” walking over to Rich, he held out the notebook out to me “I got the page open” taking it from him, I gasped “oh my god” I said in a whisper, he drew. He drew me ever so perfect “oh my god” I said to myself, I feel emotional seeing this. I didn’t expect it from him at all, I am just in shock. Turning the page, he has some random drawings, but they are so detailed, but to think he spent his time drawing me “he really does love me” I said a loud “if he is wasting his time doing that then yes he does” side eyeing Rich “I am literally going to hug this, I am keeping it. Thank you” walking off with it, I am saying thank you like he did it, but he found it and showed me, he actually drew me, only a man in love would do this.

#Chrianna #Chrianna FF #Chrianna Fanfiction #Fanfic #Fanfiction

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gayiconwaluigi · 5 years ago

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Tracking the dynamic between Argo and Fitzroy from ep 5-8.

Episode 5:

Argo: So, but—but what would be the first word? Fitzroy: Butter! Argo: Butter mine!!

Argo: What about “battle line?” Fitzroy: [gasps] Ooh. That‘s not really a phrase. Argo: Oh. I didn‘t know we were playing Wheel of Fortune. [laughs] Fantasy… Wheel…

Fitzroy: What, Slim Jims? Does anybody have Slim Jims? Argo: Maybe he wants to go to the gymnasium? He‘s hungry to work out and get ripped, maybe?

Fitzroy: Um, Ar—Argo? Can you take a— Argo: Mm-hmm? Fitzroy: Can you take a picture of the rift, and… Argo: I was just thinking that would be a good idea. I think somebody back at the ol‘ school might find that interesting.

Summary: Argo and Fitzroy are literally idiots, or Argo is only saying “Butter mine,” to make Fitzroy feel better about his bad guess. But when Argo makes a guess, Fitzroy mocks him even though Argo eventually figures it out. Argo also figures out how to get the Xorn back to his own elemental plane. This is definitely something Argo would’ve remembered for his interview with Althea--I mean, he intentionally took a picture to show the people back at school.

Episode 6:

Argo: We've still got pictures to develop off the glasses from, uh… a New Year‘s Eve party.

Fitzroy: I'd looove toooo. [sarcastically] Argo: Boy, you gotta get that cloak back.

Fitzroy: Um… anyway, I guess we should go tell the boys. Go start packing up our baby dorm and get ready to move up to the big leagues, huh?

Fitzroy: I've got… big news! Argo: What is—before you do, can I just say that I love how the three of us have like, come together? Y'know, life on the sea can be a solitary exi—no, that‘s a lie. It‘s not a solitary… in this case, to not be surrounded by so many other people, just a nice, tight-knit group of three… it‘s like we've become a… I don't know, dare I say it, a family. And I appreciate your friendship, and I appreciate you two. Fitzroy: Um… that was very— Argo: Go ahead. Go ahead, what were you gonna say, Fitz? Fitzroy: Uh… oh, I—it‘s not—y'know what? It can wait.

Argo: Yeah, I like that idea. But you're not… but we‘re our own bosses, right, Firbolg? I mean, is it—is that how this franchisin‘ works? I mean… he doesn‘t get to boss us—

Argo: Well… I… [sighs] Well, I'm—I'm not crazy about it, but… by god, if Firbolg here thinks it‘s a good idea, I don‘t—I mean, what are the options? I mean, that you guys leave, and… I… I mean… I stay? Doesn‘t that kind of break up the team?

Argo: Y'know, I think we need to go back to that lawyer. I think we need to go see that lawyer and get something written up, like a prenup or something, because… y'know, not—just because, y'know, we have so much mutual respect for each other. But I just—y'know, I just wonder about this… and I'm willin‘ to do it! I'm willin‘ to go in there. But… are you—y'know, I'd like it on a piece of paper that says, upon graduation, you will forfeit your portion of the… franchise company to me and the Firbolg. Fitzroy: Now, hold—this is— Argo: Well, you just said it‘s just to get you through the school! Right?

Fitzroy: Uh, get that for me, will you, Argo? Argo: What? You're not the—oh, I guess you are. Fitzroy: Yeeep. Argo: Alright…

Summary: Argo lies about what’s on the glasses, so he knows what’s happening is suspicious. Argo also comments on how uncharismatic Fitzroy is. I think it should be noted Argo suggests he and the Firbolg go and bond, but he doesn’t seek to spend one-on-one time with Fitzroy any other time throughout the remaining episodes. Fitzroy refers to the Firbolg and Argo as “the boys,” which is endearing. Argo continues to call Fitzroy “Fitz.” Unfortunately, Argo has just said something really nice and great, but nobody responds to it. Argo is worried that Fitzroy is going to have power over them. Argo really doesn’t want to be separated from Firbolg and Fitzroy. Fitzroy pretty much says he’s gonna go off and do his own thing after graduation, which obviously hurts Argo because he immediately says, “We need a prenup...” okay, buddy. Then Argo is really not enthusiastic about Fitzroy being the villain and them being the sidekicks.

Episode 7:

Griffin: Um… [sighs] I'm wondering if we've been trying to concoct some sort of harebrained scheme to catch the… interdimensional cat, to bring it with us to the new room. Um, I know that Argo is very afraid of it still, and I think I take a great deal of delight in that. So if we can continue that arrangement, even after we move on up, um, that would be very—that would be very good for me.

Argo: Why—why don‘t we go somewhere? Why don‘t we go out, y'know, to the… are there beaches?

Fitzroy: He thinks that I don‘t see him, but I sleep with my eyes open, and so, he appears in sort of my dreamscape. And he‘s not half lobster, so I know that he‘s part of like, the actual, tangible world. And he just always seems to be creepin‘. I'm wonderin‘ if Argo has, uh, taken a lover? Firbolg: Hmm. Or… no, yours is best. Clint: [laughs] Fitzroy: I don‘t want to pry, but I just find it somewhere curious. I thought we were… y'know… friends, at this point.

Griffin: And I scribble in the back of the uh, the Notebook of Farspeech. ―What‘s… what‘s up? Where you at? Love, Fitzroy.

Clint: ―Dear Fitzroy. “How R U?”And he wrote it, “how,” and then the letter R, and the letter U. Uh, “―I am fine. Running some errands. Getting tattoo finished up down at the Hedgehog Pin. See you back at the room. Friends for life, Argo Keene.” Griffin: ―”Sounds cool. Have a cool summer. Love Fitzroy.” Yeah, I don‘t feel the need to really… press him on—like, obviously, he‘s been sneaking out at night, but I have no reason to believe that it is… anything like, below board.

Summary: Fitzroy takes pleasure in scaring Argo. Argo wants them all to bond together. Fitzroy thinks Argo has “taken a lover” ??? He then proceeds to end both his messages to Argo with “Love, Fitzroy,” while Argo suggests they are now “Friends for Life.”

Episode 8:

Fitzroy: Uh, hey there, Argo. Uh, you've got some sort of like… y'know, supernatural thief sense, right? What‘s your gut telling you? Is this a trap? I don't know why I'm asking you this! It would be wild if it was. It‘s the front door to a place of healing. Argo: Pretty sure—yeah. Pretty sure that the imps wouldn‘t be able to put a lock on the outside. Now, if it were on the inside, maybe. But I mean, this… this seems pretty straightforward, for a change. I say we send the Firbolg up to unlock it.

Griffin: I don't know what I was doing, grabbing this bird. Like, I'm treating this like fuckin‘ Pokémon. Like, I'm not gonna catch this bird and use it later. Um, so, I'm going to… uh… I'm‘a gonna smash. I'm gonna—I think seeing Argo get so thoroughly dunked on, uh, just pushes me sort of into an instantaneous kind of rage mode. So, yeah. I go rage, and I'm‘a smash the bird that I am holding. But first, something silly‘s gonna happen.

Argo: Alright, well, I thought maybe you inherited some of these, or you got a—y'know, like it‘s a family magic or some shit. Fitzroy: It‘s all family magic. Here‘s an idea. And this is gonna sound… just super villainous. But… a controlled burn? ‗Cause I do know Fire Bolt now. We can burn this whole building down with all the imps inside it. Bada bing, bada boom. Listen, one of them just bit Argo so hard that he was nearly chopped in half. So like, I don‘t like our chances of clearing out all 20 rooms of this labyrinthine place of medicine. Argo: Except maybe that they want to use it as a hospital again someday? Fitzroy: Well, they should've thought of that before they let it get all filled up with imps and the like, shouldn‘t they have? Argo: Well, you're the boss villain. You tell us.

Argo: Y'know, he makes the Firbolg happy. Maybe we should just keep him around. Can we keep him? Fitzroy: This entourage already has an unconscionable number of pets. So, um… Clint: Well, then I stab him with my rapier.

Argo: And you did almost kill us. So…

Fitzroy: Sweet prince. You hate to see it. [choked up] We lost another one. Argo: Well, I thought you should‘a just stomped on it, but y'know, that‘s me.

Griffin: Hmm. Uhh… I—I nudge Argo, and do a little sneaky pantomime. And I point at the three birds, and I point at his sword, and I point— Travis: They are in imp form, by the way. Griffin: I point at the imps. Imps, birds, whatever. This dude stabs eyes. You got an eye? He‘ll stab it. I point at my eye, and then at them. And then his sword again.

Fitzroy: Yes, and in phenomenal form. But we've gotta work on our like… our formations!

Summary: Fitzroy trusts Argo’s rogue skills to help them out, and seeing Argo get hurt pushes him into a rage. Argo has started his investigation into Fitzroy’s past. Argo also defers to Fitzroy seeing as he is the villain although Argo absolutely knows Fitzroy is dumb as a box of rocks. Argo considers keeping the imp until Fitzroy says no. Fitzroy almost kills Firbolg and Argo with a dumb plan. Argo also questions Fitzroy’s unnecessary use of magic. Fitzroy tries to get Argo to do an attack, which the Firbolg does instead, and Fitzroy proclaims that they’re really not working together well.

#taz graduation #taz #sir fitzroy maplecourt #argonaut keene #maplekeene #fitzroy maplecourt #argo keene #i literally have no life guys

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msilwrites · 5 years ago

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The Wedding

A/N: Errr... so I finally had enough sleep and inspiration to write whilst at home. Enjoy!

This story is the continuation of ‘Addio Al Celibato’

Genre: Action/ Drama / Comedy

Sandro Balestreri - Michele Morrone

Tilly McLeod - is an original female character

Will McLeod - Liam Neeson

Henry McLeod - Henry Cavill

The Wedding

Tilly sat quietly in the drawing room, already dressed and groomed for her big day. She was an early riser, therefore, she had requested earlier on to have the make-up artist come at an earlier time.

Any moment now, her bridesmaids, flowergirls and ‘bridesmen’ will fill the drawing room. So whilst the halls were still quiet, she had requested the kitchen to bring her breakfast. She knew that mosts brides didn’t eat during their wedding day. But there is no way she would let herself go through that, knowing that she’d probably faint due to hunger.

Much to her surprise the food came sooner that expected, and a was styled in charcuterie boards. Before she could ask anything, the maid had informed her that;

“It’s the instruction from the Don Sandro, it's for your entourage Madame, enjoy and best wishes!”

Tilly smiled and thanked the maid before she left the room. She asked the kitchen only for her meal, because she knew it was still too early to requests food for everyone. She didn’t expect that Sandro would be considerate enough to ask the kitchen to prepare food for her whole entourage. Half-an-hour later the hall was already busy, with her whole entourage either eating, running around, trying to fix their bow tie, or getting their makeup done by the makeup artist. In no time, all the food was quickly finished, the boards had no crumbs nor syrup left on the bowls, which made the people in the kitchen glad, because it meant that the ‘madame’ and her family liked the food.

Whilst waiting for everyone to get ready, Tilly sat on the side and read her magazine that she subscribed to inside her phone. It was one way to kill time since all she needed was a touch up on her make-up before the actual ceremony begins. But her attention shifted when she heard a knock outside of the room. Because nobody was paying attention and was busy with their own thing, Tilly answered the door herself.

“Oh! Emil! how are you?”

“I’m fine, Sandro told me to check on you if you are doing fine or if there is any problem. Since the groom can’t see the bride before the wedding.”

“Oh yes, I remember, come in, please... I need to talk to you,” Tilly said, opening the doors wide for him to come in.

When Emil entered the hall, he was not surprised at the chaos that was happening. There was Tilly’s ‘bridesmen’ on one side, having a banter on how to tie a proper bow tie. Whilst the women were busy with their hair and makeup, and the children were running around nonstop in circles. It was only when Emil was able to sit down that he noticed how ethereal Tilly looks.

“Sandro will definitely like it when he sees you!” he claimed, and Tilly threw her head back laughing, knowing it was the most silly thing in the world.

She wore a white off-shoulder trumpet shaped wedding gown that showed off her swan like neck and well defined collarbones with bell sleeves which seemed amplify her shoulders, and paired it with a gold gothic spiked crown where her veil was hanging, and gold-emerald earrings and necklace.

“Oh come on, Sandro isn’t that bad!” he claimed.

“He isn’t, but I am not his type,” she reminded Emil, causing him to sigh in embarrassment. “Speaking of Sandro, can you help me relay a message to him?”

“That’s not a problem,”

**********

“ Vogue Weddings and another Society magazine will be covering the wedding and will be interviewing you both at after the ceremony, preferably before the reception starts.” Emil begins, as he pulls a chair nearby, whilst watching their Tia fix Sandro’s tie.

“And?”

“Act as if you are truly in love with her...” Emil repeats what Tilly has said earlier.

“What? come again?!” Sandro tries to clarify, trying to see if he just misheard things.

“If not, just try to act as if you like her... look at her as if you life her... and before you kiss the bride, if you find it repulsive, just kiss her on the side of her lips, you know, the side facing the crowd, so it would look like an actual kiss.” Emil add, repeating Tilly’s instructions clearly.

“What?! You want me to make her look good?” Sandro’s brows furrowed, he knew that his bride-to-be is a beacon for the press, and have a reputation to uphold, but it doesn’t mean he would exactly relent to her demands.

“Not me... but I think her requests is reasonable!” Emil adds.

“Ai! Figliolo! just give your bride some face in her wedding day!” Their Tia chastised. “She’s not only doing this for herself, but for you too! To give you good press! Besides, no woman would like to be embarrassed in her wedding day!”

“And one more thing!” Emil adds as he turns to their Tia. “Tia, do you know how to apply this?” he says, showing two tube of green and orange concealer.

“ Of course figlio, what for?” their aunt answered.

“ Tilly says apply it on Sandro’s neck, I think his hickey is too obvious.” Emil says.

“My you are right! It looked too weird for an insect bite!” their Tia says, as she examined the hickey on Sandro’s neck.

“Tia!” Sandro backs away in protest, there was no way she would have those weird colour creams touch his skin.

**********

The ceremony began as Sandro and his entourage entered the church filled with beautiful arrangements. The flashing lights of cameras continued as a number of photographers who they hired and the ones from society magazines continued to take photos.

Sandro sighed, and was resigned to everything, wanting to be over and done with.

The first that came were the flower girls dressed in black chiffon dresses, followed by the bible and ring bearer dressed in ‘skirts’.

The next was her bridesmen, and bridesmaids who were both dressed in black. Much to his chagrin, the men wore some sort of skirts. It was something weird for Sandro, but then again, he had to remind himself that his bride is strange too.

“Tell me Emil, why are they wearing skirts?” Sandro whispered to his cousin who also stood as his best man.

Emil, noticing his cousins eye twitching, chuckled. “Sandro... those are ‘kilts’... they are not skirts. It’s a tradition amongst Scottish, there is nothing wrong with it” he replies like a ‘know-it-all’, chastising manner which further annoys Sandro.

The tune of music suddenly changes when the turn came for the bride to walk in. And the moment the bridal march began, Sandro finally turned to the direction of where his bride stood and he was astounded. Tilly looked so beautiful, elegant, and ethereal that made his mouth hung agape.

“A fly might go inside your mouth if you don’t close it...” Emil teased.

Sandro glared at his cousin before turning his attention back to his bride.

Tilly’s parents walked with her until they reached the end of the aisle. Much to Sandro’s surprise Mr. and Mrs. Mcleod started tearing up, as they handed their daughter’s hand to the him. It was totally unexpected to see a tough ol’ mob boss crying.

Tilly beamed at him, as she stretched out her hand for him to take, as if telling him what to do. Sandro returned her smile, much to her surprise, before taking her hand, and climbing the stairs to the altar.

Because there no vows, much to the Priest’s chagrin, the ceremony didn’t take that long. Afterwards, the long awaited part, where the bride and groom must kiss came. Both of them faced each other. Tilly smiled and mouthed “Remember what I told you earlier!” reminding him of her previous instruction.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priests said.

Sandro’s lips curved into a naughty smile, which made Tilly suddenly nervous. And with that, he pulls up her veil, cups her face, and gives her the most passionate kiss, which made Tilly’s eyes widen in surprise and throw her off balance.

All the guest cheered louder than before, causing heat to rush to her cheeks. She almost lost balance when the kiss was over, but Sandro was quick to catch her, wrapping a possessive hand around her lower back. That mischievous smile, still plastered on his lips.

Tilly hits him playfully in the chest with her bouquet and chastises him “ giamburrasca! what has gotten into you!?”

Sandro did not respond, and just smiled at her.

“Introducing Mr and Mrs Alessandro Balestreri!” the priest announced, and everyone cheered.

The recessional music plays, a cue for them to exit the ceremony. Tilly whispers to Sandro that he may let his arm go now, referring to his arm that was around her waist. But Sandro didn’t, and just continued to give her that smile of his.

“giamburrasca!” she complained and just sighed, resigned to it, causing him to chuckle in response, seeing his wife’s reaction.

Sandro pulled her closer by the waist and they began to walk down the aisle and to the front door of the church.

The guests quickly walked outside as well, getting their confetti of rice to throw at them.

Outside, a handful of loose rice confetti was thrown to the newly married couple. The flower girls, joined in, throwing the remaining flowers in their baskets to. The photographers kept taking pictures, getting a numerous number magazine worthy shots.

In that moment, it was strange, but Sandro actually felt happy. He couldn’t say the same for his wife, but it did look like she felt the same, seeing that dimpled wide smile on her face that wrinkled her eyes.

As they reached their bridal car, Tilly turned back, signalling that all single ladies must get ready to catch bouquet.

Sandro watched in amusement of how many of them gathered at the centre, a few metres behind his wife.

Tilly throws the bouquet high, some of the ladies jump, trying to reach for it, but much to their chagrin, the bouquet landed at her younger brother, Henry’s hands, causing everyone to erupt in laughter including Sandro.

Embarrassed, Henry quickly throws the bouquet back to where all the ladies gathered, and much to everyone’s amusement, the ladies still fought for it.

Tilly turns away from the crowd as Sandro opens the passenger seat of their bridal car for his wife. It a vintage tessa rossa spider with purple lilies in front which made her compliment her husband’s taste.

“It looks cute and classic!” she mentions as she closes the door.

He smiles at her compliment, before driving away, heading to their wedding reception.

By the way, if you want to read the previous story, here it is, ‘Addio Al Celibato’

The Next Part of this story is here; ‘The Beginning of a Marriage’

A/N: I will be editing this because I probably have made a number of grammatical errors. I hope you enjoyed the story. FYI. It will be a series of one shots

#Mafia #IronLady #Iron Lady #Independent Woman #Michele Morrone #Michele Morrone Face Claim #Michele Morrone Fan Fiction #Michele Morrone FanFiction #Michele Morrone x OFC #Michelle Morrone x OC #Michele Morrone x Original Female Character #Original Story #Massimo Torricelli #Massimo Torricelli Face Claim #Massimo Torricelli Inspired #Drama #Action #Comedy

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teaspacebar · 5 years ago

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far too young to die (10/11)

a/n: a three month hiatus and i am finally back to finish this series before the new year! that’s right, a double feature folks. i just need to revise the last part and it shall be out before midnight. thank you to those who have stuck with me and followed me in the process of me working my shit out. i have some marvel fics in the works because it has plaguing my mind recently, so get ready for a fandom switch (that doesn’t mean i won’t still write for stranger things, but i’d rather write quality fics that i am passionate about rather than just stick with one thing). i hope you all enjoy the end of this series.

taglist: @ashtounding @orchideax, @asheseiler @steve-harrington-said-gay-rights @kake-babe @sweetpeabellamyblakedracomalfoy

relationship: steve harrington x reader

word count: 1k+

summary: you just wanted to keep your job at the starcourt mall movie theater. all you had to do was find out how these kids were sneaking into the movies without coming in the front door. your small little movie theater conspiracy ends up pulling you into something a lot bigger, and a lot scarier.

previous part / series masterlist

chapter ten: falling into you

Sooner felt a lot like later.

Everything had happened so quick you weren’t sure how much time had passed. You were almost killed by Russians…again. You had met the reset of the crew that had been through all the other weird shit that happened in Hawkins (which included a girl with superpowers, her entourage – which just happened to be the kids Steve sninto your work, the Chief of Police, some other adults, Jonathan, and Nancy Wheeler). You weren’t expecting Nancy and Jonathan to be included, but their siblings were involved so you guessed it made sense. After the plan was made – which you and Robin sat back to watch as the newbies of the group – you were all put into groups.

The “Scoops Troop” – as Dustin was calling it – had decided to leave and go to Cerebro. You, Robin, and Steve all decided to go back to help get the Griswold Family after Dustin had received their message.

After that is where things get a little fuzzy. It was probably from the minor concussion you got after Steve decided to collide the car you were all in with Billy’s.

You knew that you ended up running from the big ass gooey monster. You had sat in the back of Jonathan’s car with Robin and Steve, your hand in his. You all ended up going back to the mall once the monster had turned around. There were fireworks involved…lots of noise.

Billy Hargrove died. You were sure that his body being mangled would fuel your nightmares for the next couple of months at least. He had been an asshole, sure, but nobody deserved to die like that.

You were sitting on the back of a truck with a blanket wrapped around your shoulders. The medical officers had given you some medicine for you concussion and said to have someone watch you for the next couple of days, and left you to stare at the ground while you swung your legs back and forth.

“Hey.” The familiar voice made you look up, eyes squinting from the harsh overhead lights. You could make out Steve’s form as he came and sat by you, “You holding up okay?”

Something that sounded like a snort escaped you, “All things considered, I’m peachy.” Being in his presence helped immensely, but you wouldn’t tell him that. “I just want to sleep, but the men with the medical degrees say I need someone to wake me up every couple of hours to make sure I’m not dead. Concussions are fun.”

Steve chuckled, “Remember that time you got one after falling out of your maple tree?” He was bringing up old memories to distract you…and possibly himself, but you didn’t mind.

“Hey, I had to prove I could climb higher than you, asshole.”

“Turns out you can fall better than I can too.” At his grin, you nudged his shoulder with yours, giving him a playful glare. His expression once again turned serious – as it had throughout this entire endeavor – and he grabbed your hand gently, “I really am sorry for dragging you into this.”

You sighed, playing with his fingers as you leaned into his side, “I threw myself into the situation, so it’s not all your fault.”

“All?”

“Oh, I mean you were the one letting kids into the theater, which prompted my whole secret mission.” You laughed, but the pounding in your head made your laughter turn into a groan. “Dude, I just want to sleep.”

“You need a ride home?”

Ah. Home. A funny word. How to explain to the guy who your mother used to dote on whenever he came over had changed so much you barely recognized her anymore. That she made your house merely a space to sleep. That the reason you worked at the theater so much was to pay bills and get the hell out of that house.

“My mom is probably passed out or sleeping at some other guys’ house. I thought I could have Robin over or something.” There. That would do it.

Steve didn’t respond for a moment, and you were worried that this was the moment he’d leave once again. Yet all he said was, “You two could come stay at mine if you want. My parents are out of town as usual.”

That first sentence was all it took for the dam to break behind your eyes. You covered your face with the one hand you had free, embarrassed that you couldn’t at least hold it together for the rest of the evening. You hadn’t lost anyone. You hadn’t been drugged. The only thing that happened to you was a dumbass concussion. Breaking down in front of military officials and a group of kids didn’t seem like the type of thing to do. Arms wrapped around you and without thinking you buried your face into Steve’s chest.

“I’m sorry, I can take you home, you don’t have to come over.” Steve was mumbling the words into your hair, trying to give you a sense of comfort. Laughter left your lips, tears still streaming from your eyes. “Do I need to get someone else? I’m not the best at this sort of thing.”

You pulled away from his chest, wiping your eyes before swatting at him, “You’re being nice, douchebag!”

His head tilted to the side, making him look like a puppy, and your heart melted just a little bit more, “So I’m being a douchebag by being nice?”

“No, Harrington, I’m using douchebag as a term of endearment.”

“So, is that a yes?”

You gave Steve a small smile, “Scoops Troop Sleepover? I’m in.”

A grin appeared on the lips that you definitely did not want to kiss. “I’ll go talk to Robin, be back in a second.” He went to hop off the back of the truck, but your hand tugging on his stopped him.

“Thanks, Steve.” You gave him a kiss on the cheek, feeling warmth rush to your face. Steve sat there looking dazed, before shaking his head and hopping to the ground. “Go get our lady, I’m in need of my two best sailors.”

#far too young to die #steve harrington x reader #stranger things fic #stranger things #steve harrington

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shredsandpatches · 5 years ago

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Histories Appreciation Week, day 2 (Queens)

Anne of Bohemia isn’t technically in Shakespeare’s histories, unless you assume that the unnamed Queen in Richard II is a conflation of her and Isabelle, which I tend not to and just read the Queen in the play as aged-up!Isabelle -- the trauma of losing Anne is so important to my idea of Richard as a character, and I feel like if the play!Queen were meant to be her, she and Richard would probably interact more before their final scene together. Anyway, @harry-leroy said Anne totally counts for Histories Appreciation Week purposes so YAY.

I have a sad and awkward but ultimately happy Anne/Richard fic in the works that I haven’t managed to finish because of final projects and stuff, so here’s another bit of the novelthing. I’ve definitely posted bits of this scene before because I’m very proud of it, but I haven’t posted the whole thing, and I think it’s a nice introduction to Anne.

Whatever Robert may feel about the impending marriage, Richard has to admit he's been reasonably accurate in his descriptions of Anne of Bohemia. Richard's first impression of her is of round, heavy-browed brown eyes in a little round pale face atop a little round bundle of furs, huddled beside the fire. Some of the entourage that had been to Prague had been reticent when he'd asked what she looked like, and now that she's right here in front of him, it makes Richard wonder what they think of him. She just looks like a normal person. She might actually be prettier than her portrait makes her look—she's not that fat and her nose isn't that big, despite what Robert has said, although it is tipped with pink, which isn't surprising because he could hear her sniffling before he came in. Has she been crying? Richard combs through his memory frantically—don't girls always cry when they're about to get married? Now that he thinks of it, he doesn't actually know that many girls, but he has the vague impression that it's something to do with not being virgins anymore—oh God, they're not actually getting married for another whole month, that can't be it. Can it?

He hasn't even said a word to her, yet. He should probably not start thinking about going to bed with her. She's bent over a small book which she nearly drops when Richard clears his throat, and says, tentatively, "My lady?"

Anne leaps to her feet and curtsies hastily, her eyes widening (and they already seem a little too big for her face) as she looks him up and down. She doesn't look like she's been crying, exactly; her nose is pink, but her eyes aren't, and now he has the distinct impression that she is pleased.

"My lord," she says, in a hoarse voice with a strong accent that sounds like nobody he's ever met. "I did not hear you come in."

"It's all right," Richard says, smiling. He bows to her and takes off his hat. "I'm supposed to be in disguise anyway. It's something of a tradition—I don't know, maybe they do it in Bohemia too?"

"It would never work, my lord," Anne says. "You carry yourself like a king."

Richard grins down at her—he must be a whole foot taller than she is. "I should hope so," he says. "And you don't need to call me ‘my lord.' We are going to be married, after all."

"Of course," Anne says. "Richard," she adds, trying out the feel of his name; it sounds so different, in her accent, like he's hearing his own name for the first time. When a faint smile catches the edges of her lips Richard can feel something open up inside his heart, a little seed of affection that catches the thin winter sunlight and unfurls. He takes her hand and raises it to his lips, and that brings some color to her pale cheeks. It suits her, he thinks, feeling his own cheeks grow warm.

"I'm sorry to have interrupted your prayers," he says.

"You didn't," she says, and hands him the book. "It's Boethius, actually." She bites her lip. "I know that sounds grim."

"I hope you haven't had cause to seek out Lady Philosophy," Richard says, searching her face for any sign of discontent. "You weren't crying before, were you? I thought I heard–"

"Oh, no, my lord—Richard," Anne says. "I have had no cause to complain—except for the weather, I suppose, but no one is to blame for that. Although I am afraid I have caught a chill," she adds. "I must look awful."

"Don't think anything of it," Richard says, leading her back to the bench by the fire and sitting down beside her. "Do you feel very bad? We must warm you up." He lays a hand gently on her shoulder. "Do you mind?" he says, and when she shakes her head no, he wraps his arm around her, and she sits a bit stiffly for a moment before settling against his side. There's something very substantial about the feel of her. It could be comfortable, even, once they're used to each other.

"You are very kind," she says. "I thought I would never be warm again, when I first arrived."

Richard laughs, as much from the slow easing of tension as anything else. It feels very natural, being here with her. Maybe he can do this, after all.

"England isn't very friendly in winter," he says. "I wish I could make the road easier for you. You should see it in spring, though. I mean, you will. I think you'll love it."

"I am sure I will," Anne says, smiling. "I had never realized before that being on dry land was something I should be grateful for."

"Was your trip very difficult?" Richard says. "They told me about the ship. I'm glad you're safe."

"To tell you the truth," she says, "I was more afraid I would die on the way over. Even after the French fleet let us pass—I had never been so sick in my life. Whenever I miss Bohemia, I can at least remind myself that I will never have to set foot on a ship again."

Richard smiles back at her. "I wish I'd thought of that when I came here from France," he says. "I was born there, you know. It was a long time ago, though, so I wasn't old enough to think of it."

"Do you still miss France, sometimes?" Anne says. "I hear it is very beautiful there. I have never been south of Calais, but my father always spoke highly of it."

"Sometimes," Richard says. "Mostly when my uncles and the council are being terrible. I mean—I don't really remember it that well, just...bits and pieces, I suppose. I was only four years old when we came to England, and what I remember most is that the weather was a lot like this, and that my father got sick afterwards." He shakes his head. "I'm sorry, this is terribly grim, isn't it? I shouldn't go on like this, not when I've only just met you."

Anne's eyes are wide with sympathy. They're a very clear shade of brown that catches the light like amber does—they almost remind him of Robert's eyes, which is a thought he's not sure he wants to be thinking right at this moment.

"I do understand," she says, and after a moment she lifts her hand to cover his where it rests on her shoulder. "Not in the same way, exactly, but—I do know about terrible councils, at least. My father was a king, and my brother. It is not that I know what it feels like, only that—I have seen it. A little."

"You know," Richard says, "my father fought against your father, at Crécy. And your grandfather—my father thought he was the bravest man he'd ever known. My mother said so. He took up his badge after the battle, even." He retrieves his hat and unpins the badge on it, pressing it into her hand. "I brought you one."

Anne smiles again. "My family puts ostrich feathers on everything. I mean—not real ones, anymore, they are expensive, just in heraldry," she adds, biting her lip, and for an instant, the shadow of a frown passes over her face, but before Richard has enough time to worry properly it's gone. She offers the badge to Richard again, but he covers her hand with his own so that her fingers curl over it and smiles—which makes her cheeks go a bit pink again. She really does look terribly charming when she blushes.

"My father hoped that I would marry you," she says. "He sent letters to England before he died. He told me all about your father—how he was scarcely more than a boy, but that he fought as bravely as any man, and that the son of such a man must be as worthy a husband as the daughter of an emperor could hope for." She smiles at him again. "Your ambassadors were still in Prague when news of the revolt reached us, you know. They told me how brave you had been and how much like your father you were."

Richard's cheeks grow warm again. He hasn't enjoyed talking about the revolt, really, not since nothing he's wanted to do afterwards has actually happened. In fact, he usually tries not to think too much about it. He isn't about to tell Anne about how frightened his normally unflappable mother had been after they'd broken into the Tower, or the damp, sticky weight of Wat Tyler's head in his hands, or about watching hangings in Essex, or what Archbishop Sudbury's head looked like when they took it off the pole—not now, when he hasn't known her for even a quarter of an hour.

"I only did what needed to be done," he says.

"They said you rode into a hail of arrows."

"It wasn't a hail of arrows," Richard says. "Maybe one or two."

"I cannot imagine how frightening it must have been," Anne says. She's still got hold of his hand and she squeezes it, her eyes wide as if she's worried for his past self.

"I don't actually remember being afraid," Richard says. "I suppose I must have been—I'm afraid when I think of it now—but it's more that when I think about what could have happened..." He swallows hard. "I don't really know how to tell you about it," he says. "I haven't talked about it much before, with people who weren't there, and it's more that what happened afterward was—well, it was also very bad. Much worse, in some ways."

"I am sorry," Anne says, lowering her eyes. She has very long eyelashes; in the late-morning sunlight Richard can see that there are gold bits at the tips. "The last thing I want is to make you unhappy."

"You haven't," Richard promises. It's clear that she isn't just referring to this particular conversation. "It's something I want you to know about, just—it's something I'm still trying to work out, in my head." He looks at her closely, hoping to God he's making sense, because her French really is excellent but he's not sure he actually makes sense to himself. "I mean, it's all to do with the kind of king I want to be—maybe having you here will help."

"I will do what I can," Anne says, "to be worthy of your great kindness, and of the great price you've paid to bring me here. It is uncommonly generous, to accept a queen who brings no dowry. Even if the Pope requests it."

Richard frowns. "Your brother told you about that?"

"He did not have to," Anne says, and Richard can feel his expression soften.

"I don't need to marry for money," he says. "I have plenty of it. You're going to be my queen. And I do want to make you happy, Anne, very much." He lifts her hands to his lips again, and her blush deepens a shade.

Anne is smiling when she looks up at him and there's a kind of sparkle to her eyes that makes Richard wonder how he didn't notice right away that she's actually really pretty, and then she bites her lip and lowers her eyes again and it occurs to Richard that she's probably thinking the same thing he's thinking. He lowers his hands, not letting go of hers, and when he leans in her eyes close and her chin tilts upward and there's an instant of relief that he was right before their lips touch and her hand slips out of his and finds its way to the back of his neck.

It's very strange, kissing someone who isn't Robert. It's not even just the obvious things like that he has to bend over a lot farther or that her mouth is smaller or that she probably doesn't even know you can kiss someone with your mouth open, not that he's going to introduce the idea when they've only just met. It's more that with Robert he could just kind of grab him and kiss him even the first time when he had no idea what he was doing, and never had to worry about putting him off.

Not that it's bad, having to go slowly like this. Richard slides his fingers up into Anne's hair, almost hesitating when he feels her plait begin to come apart, but then she sighs against his mouth and Richard can feel her lips part just a little and it makes him feel as though he might melt.

Richard's head is still swimming when they break apart and they're both breathing hard and there's a funny look on Anne's face that Richard is still trying to interpret when she shivers and then sneezes violently, wiping her hands frantically on her skirts before hiding her face behind them.

"I am so sorry!" she cries, sounding rather muffled. Richard can see the tips of her ears going scarlet. He sort of wants to kiss them, because apparently being sneezed on has not actually spoiled the mood that much.

"Don't worry about it," Richard says, resting a hand on her shoulder. "This cold wet weather is terrible for phlegm, you know. I'll have someone bring you some hippocras or piment, that ought to help." He lowers his voice conspiratorially. "After all, we have to get you on the mend soon, since you'll be staying with my uncle John. He's not the warmest person I've ever met. Now, if it were my uncle Thomas, he definitely has a choleric temperament, and that would theoretically make you feel better, except then you'd have to put up with him..."

He breaks off then because he's finally noticed that Anne is now looking at him with approximately the same expression as a fawn cornered by the hounds.

"...and I'm probably making you wonder what you've gotten yourself into, aren't I," he says. "I promise it won't be as bad as all that. John has calmed down a lot since the revolt, and Thomas can't abide most people but he's always nice to pretty girls. So's John, really."

Anne laughs, for the first time since he's met her, and the effect is much like that of the sharp bright sunlight that peers through the heavy winter clouds and illuminates the stained-glass impresas in the windows. Richard grins back at her, his head vibrating like the inside of a bell, but in a good way. He is beginning to suspect he is utterly lost. Also in a good way.

"They have both been very kind to me," she says.

"Well, you are a pretty girl," Richard says, laughing. "It will be nice to have one around. I might actually get things done."

Anne is still smiling, but she lowers her eyes again. "You are just saying that because we are getting married," she says. She's teasing him, but Richard can't help but remember Robert's first impression of her—You're marrying a tiny little fat girl with a big nose—and all of the people in the embassy to Prague who had danced around the question when Richard asked them what she looked like, all because she isn’t tall and blonde like the heroine of a romance (or like him). It must be hard to have people think you're plain if you're a princess.

"Why shouldn't I think my wife is a pretty girl?" Richard says.

"Well," Anne says, "if you think so, I will not object."

Richard laughs. "That's all I can ask," he says.

It's hard to return to Windsor after that, for reasons that have nothing to do with the weather (not that the weather helps). Richard would be perfectly happy to spend Christmas at Leeds Castle, getting to know Anne better, but John says it's not proper to do that when they haven't officially presented her, and since they haven't finished raising the money for that, he leaves Kent feeling impatient, sulky, and oddly achy. It makes him wonder if he and Anne are meant to be together to the extent that being away from her is physically painful, but by the time he's arrived at Windsor Castle he's also sneezing and probably mildly feverish. The whole thing is terribly unromantic, but then, Anne had a cold when he met her, and it doesn't seem to have adversely affected his inability to get her face out of his mind.

Historical notes: Anne arrived in England in December of 1381, after a long delay occasioned by the fact that Richard had to lend his new brother-in-law a lot of money to finance her trip, and then the fact that Anne got held up in Flanders while the English and imperial parties tried to convince the French not to have her kidnapped by pirates (seriously!). Even without the pirates, getting across the channel was rough business, with two of her ships being destroyed in a storm immediately after her arrival. She then waited around at Leeds Castle in Kent for a month until the money could be raised to give her a proper entry into London, wedding, and coronation. The marriage had been encouraged by Pope Urban VI as a result of the then-recent papal schism; his ambassadors collared the English ones when they were on the way to Milan to negotiate for the hand of Caterina Visconti (who was in much better shape financially). All of this made poor Anne very unpopular upon her arrival, and when she did arrive in London the crowds tore down the display of the imperial arms. They got over it, though.

We don’t know exactly when Richard and Anne met for the first time, but English kings visiting their newly-arrived fiancées in “disguise” is a documented thing (Henry VI did it to meet Margaret of Anjou, and Henry VIII rather infamously did the same to meet Anne of Cleves and then decided she was gross), so I took the liberty of including it here so that they could at least talk to each other and establish a connection before all the ceremony started. Obviously it goes a lot better for them than it would for either of the Henries.

#doitforthehistories2019 #the novelthing #fic #otp: my derlyng is a bundel of myrre to me #anne of bohemia is my forever girl

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writtenkitten18 · 4 years ago

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My Blood: Auditions

After we had finished our discussion about being business partners of the club, the four of us signed the paperwork that Dad gave me and created flyers for auditions for performers, no one showed up, so we decided to hold auditions for another day.It was halfway through the day when the entrance door opens. I look over at the door and I see my dad walking in with the entire squad walking in behind him.

I stand up from my seat and walk towards him. "Hey Dad. What are you doing here?"

Dad shrugs his shoulders. "Well we caught a break in the case and we all needed a break from the police work that we've been doing. So, we decided to come by and check in on how everything is going at the club."

I nod my head. "Well, as you can see, we're trying to hold auditions for performers for the club. However, we're in day two and no one has decided to show up."

"The man is in the building and he is ready to slay!"

The two of us look over at the person who entered the room. It was a black male who had a full on entourage with him. He also had some dancers trailing behind the entourage, so I automatically assumed that he was here to audition.

I cross my arms. "I'm guessing you're here to audition then Mr...."

The man walked over to me and places his hand in front of me. "Tommy Coulson." As I place my hand in his for a handshake, Tom puts my hand to his mouth and kisses it, much to my dismay. "Call me Tom."

I roll my eyes and pull my hand out of his grasp. "Nice to meet you Tom. I'm Lily, owner of the club." I sit down at my chair and gesture to the stage. "Let's see what you got Tom. And trust me when I say this. I don't impress well."

Eric sits down in the chair next to me with a smirk on his face. "This should be fun." Cam and Shawn sit down in their chairs and the squad, my father included, stands alongside the wall behind the table that the four of us were sitting at.

Tom nods his head and walks up to the stage with the back-up dancers trailing behind him. He gestures over to someone in his entourage, who pulls out a jukebox and presses a button. R&B music plays out of the jukebox and the background dancers dance to the beat. After a few seconds, Tom begins to dance as well and sing along to the beat.

You make It hard for me to see somebody else I'm calling her your name Yea it's messed up, cause I'm thinkin 'bout you It's your fault babe I never wanted us to break up No not this way But you don't understand it girl

When she touches me, I'm wishing that they were your hands And when I'm with her it's only 'bout the sex With you I had a bad romance And if I could, just trade her in I would Cause nobody compares to ya

Throughout the entire verse, he tries to maintain eye contact with me and flirt with me with his eyes. I didn't respond back because I knew in my heart that I only had eyes on one guy. With his name in my mind, I look behind me over to where Dad's squad was standing and I cast my eyes over to Jay, who's is rolling his eyes at Tom's performance as well. He cast his eyes towards me as well and we lock eyes for just a second. In that moment, I had finally felt what I had been looking for. A connection with the guy that I liked. I may have known him for such a short time, but I was already willing to give my heart and soul to him if I meant that I could get just a kiss in return.

I'm in love with Jay Halstead.

I think I better let her go Cause I can't leave you alone Every day that I'm with her, all I want is you I wanna leave but I'm afraid That you don't even feel the same And now I realize that she ain't you

When the chorus of Tom's song hit, he steps off of the stage and walks over to the table that we're sitting at. He walks over to me and places his hand under my chin, positioning my face to look into his eyes. He then roughly pulls my face towards his and tries to make me kiss him, but I just managed to break away from his grasp and stand up from the table.

I look over at Tom with my arms crossed. "Okay Tom. That's all we need to see at this moment."

Tom stands up straight and crosses his arms as well. "So. What did you think? Did I make the cut?"

I ponder for a moment and then respond. "No."

Tom's face falls. "What? What do you mean no?"

I reply. "Well you were going good for the beginning of the performance, but you decided to get some balls and try to kiss me, aggressively I might add, it completely changed everything. Now, I want you to leave and maybe I'll consider deciding to hire you back."

Tom scoffs. "You're bluffing. I'm the only person here auditioning for your tired ass club. So, you have no choice but to hire me."

Just as he finishes that statement, a trio consisting of two girls and a boy entered the room as if they were in a rush. The boy and one of the girls had brown hair, white skin and brown eyes while the other girl was also white with blonde hair blue-gray eyes.

The girl with brown eyes speaks up for the trio. "I'm sorry that we're incredibly late. We came all the way from New York and the subway was down and we had to take the bus all the way up here. I'm Nicki." She points to the boy and the girl. "And this is Michael and Michelle, my friends. We saw your flyer online and we remember you from when you were singing at Labyrinth. You were incredible and we love when you sing. Is there any that-"

Before Nicki could finish what she was saying, I interrupted her. "You three are hired."

The three of them were taken by surprise and Michelle speaks up for them. "Really? But you haven't even heard us sing yet."

I shake my head. "I don't have to listen to what you're singing to know how good you are. I remember you guys singing on the streets a few months back. You guys have some good talent. All you need to do now is show up to rehearsal over the next few days and opening night is next week."

Michael nods his head and smiles. "Okay. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Can we ask just one small favor from you?" When I nod my head yes in response, he continues. "Could you sing Wonderful Life for us? It's one of our favorite songs that you sing and we know that you haven't sang it since Bella died, but it would really make our day."

Tom chuckles slightly. "Oh yeah. That's where I know you from. You're Lily Tutuola." He looks over to where Mom and Dad was standing with the squad, where Dad was trying with every fiber of his being to not choke out Tom. "Daughter of the sister of a SVU detective and Chicago PD Sergeant Hank Voight." He looks back at me. "When you were 16, you were kidnapped with your friend Bella. You managed to make it out alive, but Bella wasn't so lucky. So, how does it feel knowing that you were the reason that your best friend is dead?"

After he finished what he's saying, I push Tom away from where I was standing and ran out of the room with Eric, Cam and Shawn trailing behind me, tears flowing at the thought of my best friend Bella.

#Chicago PD #chicago pd fanfiction #Law and Order SVU #Zendaya #Tom Holland #Jay Halstead #jay halstead x reader #hank voight x daughter #Camila Cabello #shawn mendes #sabrina carpenter #Sofia Carson #Brendon Urie #Bella Thorne

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thedeviltohisangel · 5 years ago

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He’s A God, He’s A Man: 7

Bring her with you too.

masterlist is my url/writing

send in your thoughts!

The Garrison was alive and bustling and had its own personality. Lydia had never been happier to be at work. Maybe had never been happier in general. Things with Tommy with good. Touches and kisses and whispering silly sweet nothings were now normal aspects of any of their encounters. It felt so right and like it was the way things always should have been.

She had convinced Tommy one night in bed to let the men sing at the pub. She didn’t participate but she knew what the folk songs did for morale. Softly, she had reminded Tommy that Birmingham was like a battlefield with the ramping up discourse between him and Billy Kimber. The Peaky Blinders were soldiers and Tommy would do good to remember that in his dealings with them.

“Lydia put the brew down and join us for a drink!” She smiled at Arthur and she placed the bucket of beer on the table and began collecting their empty pint glasses for refills.

“Someone has to keep the men in line out front.”

“Oi, fuck them! We don’t like sharing,” John piped up, his words muffled from the cigar he was puffing on. Tommy wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her down to sit on his lap, kissing her cheek. “Kiss her properly then, Tom, if you’re going to do it in front of us.” Lydia blushed but Tommy was feeling a bit lightheaded from her and the beer so he pulled her face towards his with a smile and kissed her on the lips. There was no tongue or breathless moans or whispers of how he was so happy to have her like their moments in private usually included but it was nice to claim her in public. Let his immediate circle know he was happy and more importantly that he was happy with her. That she needed to be protected by every member of the Blinders at whatever cost.

“Are you going soft on me, Thomas Shelby?” she whispered teasingly as she traced her finger over the curve of his lip.

“Only for you,” he whispered back with another gentle kiss. She was about to ask him if he could take the afternoon off from business when the entire pub went completely silent.

“Is there any man here named Shelby?” Lydia didn’t recognize the voice which meant he wasn’t native to Small Heath. Tommy’s hands stiffened on her waist and he made eye contact with each of his brothers and the two other Blinders before nodding once.

“I’m going to go out first. Lydia goes last.”

“You know that man?”

“It’s Billy Kimber and no doubt he’s come to see me. You stand behind the bar and prepare them drinks like they are any normal customer. If guns come out, you drop and-”

“I’ll get out. I know. I promise I won’t stick around and try to help.” They had had a conversation late one night about the potential dangers that came with being seen out with Tommy Shelby.

“Good,” he kissed her forehead before helping her up and moving towards the door. “You said you wanted men called Shelby.” Lydia snuck from the back of the group to stand behind the bar as she had been instructed.

“Now you’ve got three of them.” She couldn’t tell who the comment had come from as she tried to pour drinks and watch what was going on all at once.

“Which one am I talking to? Who’s the boss?”

“Well, I’m the oldest.” That was clearly Arthur. Lydia moved her hand from the bar top to underneath where Harry kept a pistol in case a fight got to be too much to handle. She knows she promised Tommy she wouldn’t try to help and she would focus on getting out safely but he should know her well enough to not trust her on that. After all this time, she wasn’t going to just simply leave him behind to die.

“You laughing at my brother?”

“If he’s the oldest then you’re the thickest,” Billy directed to John. She knew insulting the Shelby brothers wasn’t going to get him anywhere. It would only make the final enactment of their plan all the more brutal and the payoff all the more sweet. “I’m told the boss is Tommy and I’m guessing that’s you because you’re looking me up and down like a fucking tart.” Lydia bit her lip. Insulting Arthur and John was one thing but that was her Tommy. No one walked spoke to him that way.

“I want to know what you want.”

“There were suspicious betting patterns at Kempton Park. A horse called Monaghan Boy. He won by a length twice and then finished last with 3,000 bet on him.” That came from the wiry man that was sitting next to Mr. Kimber. He seemed to be the one with the brains.

“Which one am I talking to?” Tommy asked as he waved his cigarette in their direction, “which one of you is the boss?”

“I’m Mr. Kimber’s advisor and accountant.”

“And I’m the fucking boss, right okay, end of parley. You fixed the races and now I’m going to have you shot against a post. You fucking gypsy scum.” One of the men that stood behind him looked towards Lydia like he had just noticed she was there. She quickly looked down at the counter. Tommy noticed the man’s line of sight and flicked the ash off the end of his cigarette rather aggressively.

“Would you like a drink?” he asked pointing at the man. “On the house.” Lydia held her breath as the man approached the bar.

“What’s a Wilson doing without protection?” The man’s accent was American.

“I’m not without,” she said nonchalantly as she poured the man a whisky.

“I meant your daddy’s.”

“Step father,” she reminded with a tight smile.

“Him and your mother were in the London papers just last week. Shame a beautiful gal like you didn’t make the photo session. Would’ve been front page.”

“You’re at war with the Lee’s, right Mr. Kimber?” Lydia leaned closer to the man to whisper as the business conversation took the exact turn Tommy had been hoping it would all along.

“How do you know me if my picture wasn’t in the paper?”

“Saw you at a rally in Ohio last summer.” She didn’t feel threatened by this man. There was nothing he could do to her without immediate repercussions from the Blinders and harsher ones when word reached back across the pond.

“Then, on my behalf of my step father, thank you for your vote.”

“It would be an honor to work with you, Mr. Kimber. How about a drink to seal the deal?” Lydia flashed the man a tight smile before taking the tray of drinks over to the table where business was being conducted, placing it down and then standing behind Tommy.

“Nobody works with me. They work for me.” Kimber flicked a bill onto the floor. “Pick it up, pikey.” Tightly gripping the back of his chair, she watched Tommy put his hand up towards John.

“Sit. Sit down.” Lydia knew the anger he must be feeling towards the way his brother was being treated. She was feeling it too. “Thank you, Mr. Kimber. We will be at Cheltenham.”

“As will I.” He turned his attention to Lydia who was doing her best to remain stock still behind the table. “If I knew a woman like you would be at this pub, I would’ve come sooner.” Tommy took a step to the left to shield at least a part of her from Kimber’s vision, Arthur lightly gripping the pistol at his hip in preparation.

“Do you have a favorite color, Mr. Kimber?” Lydia softened her voice and looked at him with the best doe eyes she could muster.

“Red.”

“Then it will be easy for you to spot us at the races for I will be in a red dress.” He smiled the way men who see a woman alone in an alley might, tipping his hat and exiting the pub with his entourage.

“What on earth was that?” Tommy asked as he whirled around to face her.

“You got into a fight with the Lee’s on purpose. You invited me to the races on purpose. I’m just playing my part in this stupid little cock fight of a game.” Lydia grabbed the empty glasses, Arthur working his way through each of them, and moved back behind the bar.

“Tommy we can’t mess with Billy fucking Kimber,” Arthur groaned.

“Get yourself a nice haircut. We’re going to the races.”

----

Tommy was never one to drink as early as his older brother but after the miscommunication between him and Lydia the day before, she had refused to spend the night with him on Watery Lane. She had even asked if one of his men could walk her to her flat instead of him. It had ripped at his very core. All Tommy could promise her was that he would do his best to keep her safe while they were together. He couldn’t promise her a future or eternal happiness but he could at least promise her protection. Not only had her missing from his bed caused his nightmares to come back, but the unknown of her safety made them even worse. He no longer was plagued with the image of her in France but the image of her now. Of all the harm that could come to her now that she was back in his life. Tommy Shelby was not used to feeling helpless. He was used to always being a multitude of steps ahead from his opponent. But Lydia wasn’t his opponent. She wasn’t some gang member he could out maneuver into submission. She was stronger than him in terms of intellect. Had similar experiences of seeing carnage and waste in the war. Had spent the years since alone and wishing things could be different. He didn’t know how to engage with that. Just as he was learning to love again, he was learning with the most formidable partner he could think of.

“Did you sleep well last night?” He placed his cap down onto the bar and watched as she kept herself busy.

“Not really.” She placed a glass in front of him. “Irish or Scotch?”

“Irish,” he replied. She grabbed the appropriate bottle and filled his glass. “That’s not why I asked you to the races.” He figured they would have to clear the air about Kimber and his plans eventually and Tommy would rather do it now. Perhaps she would be back on Watery Lane tonight if he moved fast enough to explain and apologize.

“I know that, Tommy. In the moment, the way he was looking at me and the way he was treating you...I was just so angry.”

“I was handling it.” He was upset that she had been feeling that way. That he had put her in that situation. He should’ve sent her home with the rest of the patrons. But he had been selfish, always wanting her nearby. “What did that man who came over here to speak with you want?” He had been dying to ask her.

“He’s from America. Knows my family. Was just asking about them.” She shrugged her shoulders but noticed Tommy’s eyes grow cold. He knew nothing about her family. It bothered him that a member of his enemy’s group would know more about Lydia than he did. That she didn’t trust him with the specifics of their conversation.

“When do I get to know your family?” Tommy emptied his whiskey down his throat and took a cigarette from his inside pocket.

“You want to?” Lydia thought that seemed like such an official thing. Back in France she was going to marry him without even telling her mother. But now she was thinking more sensibly. Had a clearer view of the world.

“My brothers are already referring to you as a Shelby. Only makes sense I return the favor and get to know yours.” Lydia felt her heart blossom in her chest. It sounded so intimate and permanent. Getting to know her family.

“Well, maybe when everything is done with Billy Kimber and Campbell, we can take a trip to America.” Tommy smiled when he saw how happy the idea had made her. He thinks life would feel pretty good if he was able to make her smile like that everyday. “My mother is going to fall in love with you. Probably squeeze your cheeks and make you eat every hour of the day and then her dog, oh gosh Dolly, she jumps a bit at first but then mellows out and-” She blushed as she realized she was rambling.

“I love you, Lydia Wilson,” Tommy whispered sincerely. It felt like he could fly now that the words were off his chest. She watched her tuck her lip between her teeth in an attempt to hide the excitement the words elicited within her.

“Come around the bar and tell me properly then.” Tommy strode around it quickly and pulled her against his chest as soon as she was within reach, her squeal of delight making him grin against her lips so wide it was hard to properly kiss her. “I love you, Thomas Shelby.” He cupped her face between both of his hands and held her lips to his until he needed to take a breath. Tommy knew that he had a meeting with IRA in only a few minutes. That Campbell was still looking for the guns. That he still thought Lydia was on his side. Things were complicated and messy and they were walking on eggshells. But he knows she makes him stronger. Gives him something real to fight for. And Tommy was going to fight to the death.

@aveiangdon @odetostep @girl-w-a-quill @itsilvermorny

#tommy shelby #thomas shelby #cillian murphy #peaky blinders #tommy shelby fanfiction #thomas shelby fanfiction #peaky blinders fanfiction

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r3b3lgrrrrrrrl · 5 years ago

Text

A LunaTic and her Gunn (Part 55 Xs1)

"Helluva Night"

@creatureofthen1ght-v3

@mythsloveworld

@kellyimagines

@queenieofthesouth

@crystalbaby12

After Luna changes, Ashley and her head over to The Amory to rehearse.

It's an open square stage. Like a four way runway. They do a run through, each positioned at an opposite corner. Starting by walking away from each other so that by time they meet, perfectly timed, they can toss their mic to the other as they walk by. It takes a couple runs to nail it. Not the toss but musical timing. They don't stop until it's perfect. Both girls maniacs when it comes to detail. Feeling confident in their flow and timing together, they cut out just after midnight.

Luna, Ashley and her band head to this neat little place called Up-Down to unwind with drinks and bar food. They hang out for a bit. Going over the show, bullshitting and playing pinball. Luna Snaps Colson while at the bar. Laughing, buzzed and full they wrap it up. Luna and Ashley have an interview in the morning.

Before going to sleep the two girls go over any last minute details of their performance. They're sitting on Luna's bed, sharing a joint also.

"Dude." A giggly Luna grabs Ashley's knee. "We're gonna do a fucking show together."

Of all their years, besides karaoke, they've never been on stage together.

"I know!!!" Ashley excitedly shakes her whole crossed legged body on the bed. "We're gonna fucking kill it!!" She exclaims to Luna's laughter.

--------------------------------------------------

Once Colson and Casie are home, he checks flight schedules real quick.

She's watching TV while he makes them dinner and a few phone calls. One to Emma, that goes according to plan. Then another.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" He asks.

After dinner, Colson gets Casie ready for bed. She has school tomorrow. They read 3 of her favorite books and he sings What I Got. It's their goodnight song. Tucking her in, he tells her that Mommy will pick her up from school but he'll see her the next day. Asking why, she's satisfied with his explanation. He tucks in with a tight squeeze, an I love you and a kiss.

Going into his room to collect himself, he lights a joint and checks his phone. Finding a Snap from Luna.

Opening it, he's pleased with his earlier decision. Snapping her back, he finishes the joint before climbing into bed. Trying not to miss her.

--------------------------------------------------

Ashley wakes up before Luna. As always. Learning over the years, she enjoys the half hour to herself that it usually takes to get her friend out of bed. She finally rises Luna with coffee, who immediately rolls a joint. They have a system.

Ashley showers first, while Luna sits with her, the joint and coffee. Holding it for Ashley to hit when she pops out her wet head.

Luna rolls another. Finishing in the shower, Ashley does the same for her.

Out of the shower, looking for clothes, Luna finally checks her phone. There's a Snap from Colson, amongst other things. But first, Colson.

"Oh my Fuck. He's fucking handsome." Even looking tired, he makes her body flush and pussy swell. Her heart misses him."

"Hey! You wearing this?" Ashley asks, pulling Luna out of her phone. Distracted she sets it down.

"Uhhhh... Nah. Go ahead." Luna says. She pulls on ripped black skinies, a sequin black tank and a long sleeve sheer white shirt. She puts on a deep purple lip before slipping on her white Chucks.

Luna stands up, just as Ashley asks "Ready?"

"Yup." Luna nods, grabbing her bag.

And awaaaaay they go......

--------------------------------------------

Luna and Ashley arrive at the station on time, which is amazing for them. Ashley's team is close behind. Luna likes them individually but finds an entourage annoying. Plus, she's not used to Ashley being as famous as she is now. To Luna, they're still just two kids running around, hanging out.

Luna and Ashley sit bullshitting in the back room. There's really no way to prepare for an interview, there's always room to go off track. They both know this and each other well enough to let it organically flow.

They look up as the door opens. Expecting to go on. They're not.

It's Dom and Colson.

Dom grabs Ashley, splattering her surprised, happy face with kisses.

Luna exclaims "Holy FUCK!!" Tears welling in her eyes as she jumps onto Colson.

Kissing him like he's her dying breath.

"What the fuck are you doing here!?" She asks in awe while still kissing him all over.

"We've come to watch the Nightmare!" Dom exclaims, pulling his mouth off of Ashley's. She pulls him back in.

Still in his arms, Luna looks at Colson smiling. "Really?" She asks. "What about Case?"

"Yeah, Em's gonna grab her from school and I'll pick her up tomorrow." He reassures her to another passionate kiss. They missed each other.

An intern walks into the two couples making out. "Oh!" She says before turning around.

Breaking away from Colson she calls "No, no, no..." Before kissing him once more and sliding off his body. "We're ready." She says.

The boys kiss the girls good luck before they head into the studio.

--------------------------------------------

"So we've got Halsey here. She's doing a free concert tonight at The Armory. We've also got That Brooklyn... Uh, I don't know if I can say this on air... Can I just call you That Brooklyn Babe?" Steve, one of the radio hosts asks.

"Absolutely Not." Luna answers quickly without hesitation. "Stick to simply Brooklyn if you're worried." She tells him.

"Ok... Ok.." Steve agrees.

"You can tell she's from NY!!" The co-host Dave chimes in. Luna gives him a side eye with raised eyebrows.

"Where the FUCK does Ash have me??" She thinks.

Steve starts up again "So you guys are here because you have a record together, Nightmare. It's #1 on The Pop charts. I think it's even #12 on The Alternative..." He looks around checking his notes. "Yep. Yep. #12.... You ladies must be incredibly proud. In all my years, I don't think I've ever heard a song as cutting or direct. I have to tell you. As a man, the song is a bundle of emotions. I literally go from fearing you, to wanting to change the world for you to feeling stupid for feeling like I have to save you."

Ashley and Luna speak at the same time.

Luna stating a solid "Good."

While Ashley offers up at sweet "Awww... Thank you."

Both girls give each other a cocked smile and amused side eye. Ashley plays the game. Luna not so much.

Laughing, Ashley leans in. "That's the idea. For you to see us as equals. Not ones who need to be saved and definitely not feared, although a little fear is good." She cocks her lip and winks at Steve.

"One's who deserve choices and options." Luna chimes in. "This isn't about us playing on the same baseball field. We're equal as human beings but in two different leagues because we are different. Men require different things than women and vice versa. This is about RESPECTING each other and what the other needs and is entitled to. Constitutionally. At least up until less then a month ago."

Luna's not afraid to drop political bombs. It's a lot of the reason why she doesn't do promos. There's no bullshitting with her when a real conversation is at hand.

"You have that song Bad Things with MGK right, Brook.. Brooklyn, is it?" Dave cuts in, stumbling over her name.

Luna knows his tactic but the thought of Colson softens her.

"Yes... I think we're at #5. He's actually about to drop an album on July 5th, Hotel Diablo. It's sick." She squeezes in the plug. "He's actually on the Nightmare record. Him and his band are who recorded with us. We'll be on SNL with them next Saturday." Luna lets out to Ashley's shock. You can't deny, Luna gives a good plug.

"Really?" Asks Steve. He goes on. "So you have this" He uses finger quotes. "'Girl Power' song with this 'Girl Power' video backed by an all male band?" He tilts his head as he asks.

"Yup." Luna's lips pop. "Strong women back men everyday. Why the fuck can't strong men back women?"

"Ohhhhh!!!" There's a howl to the F word. Her important point being lost.

"He's here, isn't he?" Dan asks. "With your boyfriend, Yung Blud?" He turns to Ashley.

"Yeah." She states not thinking anything of it.

"Can we bring 'em in?" Steve looks around, more asking the studio then the women.

"Uhhhh... Yeah... I guess..." Ashley says, unsure looking at Luna's 'What The Fuck???'

A few moments later a giddy Dom and unsure Colson head into the studio. Sitting next to each other, between their girlfriends, they slide their headphones on.

"Hey guys!!" Dan shouts.

"What's up!" Dom shouts back to Colson's "Sup."

Colson and Luna exchange an easy look of understanding. Neither of them is about this life.

"So, we've got 4 of the biggest pop stars right now, in our studio. We have Halsey and her boyfriend Yung Blud. And Machine Gun Kelly and his girlfriend.... We're gonna try it, we'll see if we get bleeped... That Brooklyn Bitch. Now you all are DOMINATING the charts right now. We've got at least 5 Top 40 hits between you guys and most are collaborations."

He's met to their "Yeahs."

He continues "So, tell me. You're all obviously friends and... partners. Is there any competition? Like, Halsey and Brooklyn, are you afraid your boyfriends will knock you out of #1?"

Luna and Ashley look at each other. Ashley speaks first.

"Nooooo.... Like you said, we're all friends. If I Think I'm Okay knocks us out, that's fine. What's most important to Lu.." She corrects herself. "Brooklyn and I is the message. Speaking out for those who can't. Bringing a voice to those who don't in Alabama and across the world. As much as you want to deny it, they're taking our rights away."

"Now nobodies trying to take..." Dave interrupts Ashley but Colson interrupts him.

"But they are, Dude. The fact that a woman who may conceive during a rape can be sentenced longer then the piece of shit who violates her is disgusting." He states firmly.

Luna's heart pounds and swells with pride. "This amazing MOTHERFUCKER."

"It's about lovin each other and lettin each live." Dom steps in. "There's many people's in this world who aren't treated fairly. Nightmare focuses on one specific section. In a smart, blunt way. You can't help but hear it. And if it wasn't true, it wouldn't resonate and it wouldn't be #1." He sits back in his chair.

Luna leans up. "Like Dom was saying, we have a voice. We're going to use it. Anyone out there, please write into AL's local legislature if you want. Support your local ACLU, look into Yellowhammer.com and listen. Always listen. And after you listen, if you have something to say, speak. Please don't be afraid to speak. Silence is any nastiness's dearest ally."

"Are we gonna get ANYTHING juicy from you guys??" Steve asks.

This pisses Luna off.

"What did you expect? You invited two strong women with a politically charged song onto your show?" She asks with her hands up.

"Just.. Just tell me.. Do you all hang out?" Steve asks pathetically, looking for any detail of their lives.

The four of them look at each other and erupt into laugher.

"Yeah, Man." Colson says.

"Of course we hang out, we're best mates!" Dom chimes in.

"Yeah, we all live together too..." Ashley adds.

"Unh-hunh, in beautiful polygamy glory in the Hollywood Hills." Luna finishes.

The four of them erupt into laughter again to the host's dismay.

Luna controls herself. "No, seriously. We all get along really well. Halsey and I have been bestfriends forever. Nightmare is REALLY important. We're debuting it at The Armory tonight. We hope to see you guys there..." She looks at the others. "Hotel Diablo July 5th. Bad Things...."

Ashley pops in "11 minutes, I Think I'm Okay both streaming now. Get some... Tonight's gonna be awesome. We can't wait to see you guys there!!!"

Colson hops on too, laughing. "And Hollywood Whore!" He shouts to the others laughter.

"And don't forget Tales of the Ritalin Club!!" Luna comes back in with a snicker.

"Yes! Yes!" Laughs Dom. "And Eastside.." They continue to shamelessly plug and laugh until Steve talks over them.

"That was Yung Blud and MGK. Halsey with That Brooklyn Bitch. Their debuting their #1 hit Nightmare tonight at The Armory. If it's anything like this interview, I'm sure it will be crazy. We'll be back!"

Nightmare plays them out.

--------------------------------------------------

The four of them tumble laughing into the hallway.

"Come're!!!" Ashley calls. Gathering around a mirror she finds, they pose for cramped selfie. She posts on Instagram immediately.

Fun interview today with these crazy looooverrrrsssss 💘💘💘💘See you all @thearmory l8r. It's gna be a helluva NIGHT!! #nightmare

--------------------------------------------------

Luna, Colson, Dom and Ashley roam DownTown Minneapolis. It's early enough on a Monday for Ashley and Colson to not be recognized.

They have lunch and do some shopping. Luna picking up a beautiful, turquoise cuff. Before long Ashley needs to head to the venue. Luna's not far behind here.

The boys will meet them there later.

--------------------------------------------------

Word Limit (1 of 2)

To be continued......

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calypsoff · 4 years ago

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Twenty One. Part 3

Dragging the chair from the vanity table, Robyn hasn’t moved or said anything yet and the aura in the room is pretty thick. The only thick aura I am used too is when it’s sexual tension but this aura, it’s heavy. This whole room is seeping hurt and pain, it’s like Robyn has been living in this room without even allowing air to enter it. Like she has been holding onto something, I didn’t place the chair too close, I want to give her space. Sitting down on the chair, placing the bear on my lap facing Robyn “we are listening” she smiled, she actually smiled, and it was most pleasing to see, it was a slight smirk but something “can I ask? Like before you say anything?” maybe I should let her speak but I need to ask her this “sure” I hope this doesn’t stop her from wanting to tell me “why did you let me go and why with all the sudden lies, why did you do that to me and made me look stupid?” that really just pissed me off that she even did that to me, I didn’t deserve that from her at all “if I speak will you listen to me, I mean listen to me and don’t speak over me? You will let me finish off without getting annoyed with what I say, without you getting up in a huff. I will tell you everything, but I need you to promise me this because this is hard on me not you. You don’t know how hard this is for me Chris and when I am finished speaking you can then either walk away or I don’t know do what you need to do. And no I haven’t cheated, I never cheated. This has nothing to do with cheating, I want to mention that before you jump because I know your mind. You are thinking I cheated, I never but it’s my journey so please let me talk, if you love me” now I am thinking what the fuck could it be, this is hard because I am thinking all sorts, but I do love Robyn so much “I promise” she breathed out, like that was hard for her to even do.

I didn’t, well don’t want to tell him, but I don’t feel free and he can be so nasty so I am expecting the worst for him, to even say it’s my fault because he never wanted that, but I need to free myself, but I will never be free. I have been so empty inside since, I am so lost within myself. I am walking with no soul, I have frantically been searching for something to tell me that I will be ok but there is nothing, I haven’t mourned, I am still just reliving my moment, reliving the fact I really just killed my own baby, and nobody can tell me otherwise “I am listening?” Chris said breaking my train of thought “I came back to California and threw myself into work, preparations for this worst mistake of my life, preparations took over, from day to night. Everything was so rushed because I wanted to be with you in Mexico. I wanted to spend time with you for your birthday so my schedule was compact, and when I could, I slept but that was short lived because I had not much time to prepare, this is a big deal. First time any record label is doing such a thing and I felt half prepared for that moment, so I just rehearsed as much as I could, helped prepare. Then yes, I neglected you because you were the easiest too, I neglected my own family but maybe I should have thought. I could have told Tina to text you but it’s not her job too, you say I could have text you but what would one text do for you? I knew deep down that you would be annoyed, I had so much going on. Last minute album things, I was late on my period, but I put it behind me because my work, it comes first and I needed to excel, I needed to perform and make people happy.”

“I arrived on the plane, greeted the fans and paparazzi, journalist that came to hound me. I got on the plane and you weren’t there, but you were on the plane. Take off, before I could react Jay Brown told me to sit, I have to sit because it’s take off. We took off, I went into first class to speak to some journalists, I have to do it. I have no choice in that, but you weren’t there and then I get asked, I get asked why my boyfriend is in the back and why he attacked another journalist. Jay took me out of the situation, and I was angry at you, Mel said she would go and get you and then you know the rest because you came. But my mood died when I got back to California, I was being erratic, I was being mean, hurtful. My body was being pushed so much that I ended up being robotic, I was pushing myself so much because I needed to impress, I had too, this is what I get paid for. Record label spending millions for this but I ignored myself, my body. And we had that disagreement, it was on me. You have never been or done something like this before, so this was me, my fault. We were angry at each other through the whole thing, while I was angry I had to perform, I was going through changes I could feel, I was dropping dead sleeping. I don’t even remember how I got on the plane, I didn’t until you said I carried you. Carried me? I was confused, I couldn’t eat because I felt sick. But I had to party, I had to show that I was having fun, I looked to you, but you weren’t having fun. You were just there to catch me; you saw the bad side of it and I get why you hated it. Oh my god” I breathed, I swallowed hard, this is so hard “then it’s getting to the end, and I feel even worse. My feet are sore, my whole body is. I am drinking, smoking. Taking painkillers” I dragged out, my baby had no chance of living when I was acting like that and I am a shit person. I knew, I should have known, my body was screaming help and I pushed myself.

I can feel the tears forming, I can feel the build-up. My stomach is in knots, speaking it out loud is so hard “I was not doing well” I swallowed hard “I really wasn’t” my voice broke “I wasn’t, and it’s the last date. My album is out but I have no strength in me to even care, the last date. I got backstage for the last date and fell to my knees as I got there, it was empty the room. The pain was horrible, so horrible I fell to my knees and then Mel came behind me and asked me am I ok, lifting me up. She locked the door; I don’t know where you were or the entourage, but Mel held them off. I am in a daze and I just feel wet, I feel so wet. And I tell Mel, and she drags me up and pulls me to the bathroom and I am bleeding” a stray tear fell “my period started, but this isn’t right. This is painful, but the knocks at the door. Mel helped me, she helped me clean myself up. I was in pain, I had the shakes, the pain was immense, but I prayed to god that he would get me through it, and he did, it got lighter, but I knew it. I did, but I went on stage and performed. And even though I was lost in my own thoughts, I performed. Then we came back to the hotel, you got me the pads I needed, I wasn’t lying about that Chris. I was so scared, Mel told me that I should keep you entertained while we find out what is happening. The blood wasn’t right and I saw something I wish I never saw” my voice strained “I went to the toilet, and that wasn’t no regular period” this is getting so hard, Chris hasn’t moved at all but he did and he moved to sit forward, I can’t believe he remained so silent “I went to the hospital Chris, I was in the hospital that whole night” wiping the tears that fell, my voice strained “I was in the hospital, and the doctor told me I was dehydrated that I need to be put onto a IV line which happened. He then needed to do another blood test” taking in a deep breath, I am trying so hard not to breakdown and cry because I want to get it out “he gave me my results and I knew from when he walked in he was sad for me, I just knew it. When I was on stage, I was singing Stay knowing I was going through a miscarriage, I was losing the baby because of me” my hands are shaking, wiping the tears that fell.

So much is being said that I am lacking on what is happening, maybe I do know but I am playing dumb to it. I am stunned, rubbing my hands together. Looking up at Robyn that is trying to keep herself together, but slowly she is breaking. Her mask is breaking, and the tears are flowing but I am stunned, I can’t even say it. She was pregnant is what I am gathering, the word why nearly slipped from my mouth, but I held it off. I need to just have some air, getting up from the chair. I need some air; she was pregnant, and I just need to gather my thoughts. I wasn’t expecting this, I was expecting her to say this. I walked off without a word, I don’t know what to say. I feel like I have been set up, I have been set up by Mel and her, I am too stunned because I thought she was going to say she cheated on me or some shit but that, a whole baby. I stumbled over my own feet, what felt like a long time I reached the door. Holding onto the handle, the sound hit me. The sound I was blocking from my head space, my heart just dropped hearing Robyn cry. Looking behind me and her crying just involuntary bought tearss to my eyes, the grip on the door handle tightened “Robyn” turning on myself, walking back to Robyn. She is making me cry with the way she is crying “it’s going to be ok” wrapping my arms around her “I am did it to me, I lost our baby because I was being selfish. It didn’t have no chance, I never gave it a chance” rubbing Robyn’ back, she is a wreck, but I am letting her just speak because she needs too.

Placing my hand over hers as I sat down next to Robyn on the bed, using my free hand to rub any excess tears that fell, something so unexpected to me. I have a whole headache now; this was not what I was expecting “so you were pregnant?” I had to ask again; I don’t know why because she doesn’t deserve to relive it, but I just need to hear those words from her “I was pregnant” taking in a sharp breath, not something I wanted in life right now but something I didn’t want Robyn to go through either “so when you were crying on stage, it wasn’t because you were overwhelmed. You knew something was wrong” I just need to hear these words again, it’s hard to digest this because I was stood right there and I was like she is really into this “yes” she mumbled, that is crazy. Moving my hand away from hers, placing my hands over my face. I am just trying to digest this, she was really pregnant, and she lost it, but she performed on that stage when she was going wrong and I left her, but how was I supposed to know. Moving my head back away from my hands “you’re so fucking strong” wrapping my arms around her again “I am really not” this is crazy to me, I can’t believe it and I can’t believe that she was pregnant.

I feel awful “why didn’t you tell me this Robyn, why didn’t you just tell me. I left you at that moment Robyn. I walked away because I was fed up but I feel bad, you dealt with this alone. You was losing a whole baby while singing, I’ve been bad to you” I feel bad “you didn’t want kids and you made that clear, I couldn’t process that and then tell you that I am going through a miscarriage when you are already angry so I just kept it to me. I let you go because I couldn’t, I feel so hallow inside, my stupidity” nodding my head “I know I said that, but I wouldn’t want you to go through pain all on your own, that is not me Robyn. Really isn’t me, why are you sleeping in bloody sheets?” I got up form the bed, I remembered “I uhm, I saw this” Robyn paused shallowing back “I uhm, when I was bleeding excessively, I saw like a bean sized thing. It was tiny and oh my god” Robyn sobbed out resting her head on my chest, wrapping my arms around Robyn slowly. She is hurting so much, like this is some painful cry “stop it” she is making me cry again, I feel bad that I got her pregnant in the first place and then I just left her “you know you wasn’t alone in this, you never were” rocking with Robyn in my arms slowly, cradling Robyn as she cried out.

Closing the bedroom door slowly, Robyn fell asleep. She is cried out and I for one need the air, I waited a little, but she is asleep. Am I a bad guy, this is what keeps going through my mind. Why didn’t I just care, I do care but I just didn’t want a baby just yet, was that so bad of me. Walking down the steps ever so slowly, I am drained and hurt. I slumped down and sat on the step, placing my hands over my face. My reaction to Robyn being pregnant would have been annoyance but I would have got over it, I didn’t want this for her at all and I feel so bad. I am guilty of disappearing when she was going through that “I guess you know” moving my hands back “I wasn’t expecting that” clenching my jaw, I am angry at me “she was so scared to tell you, the reason being is because she told me you didn’t want kids and she didn’t want you to be mean to her about the whole thing, she didn’t want to hear it when she is going through a miscarriage. Is she asleep?” nodding my head “she is right, but I didn’t want her in pain, that is not my intention. I just requested that we wait it out until I am stable, but it’s happened now, and I feel like shit” what a mess “only you could have done this Chris. I tried so hard, she wasn’t responding to me like she has you, I will leave you alone to think. I am around if you need to talk” I think I have spoken so much, my mind is just so full of information, this is crazy.

#Chrianna FF #Chrianna #Chrianna Fanfiction #chriannaff #Fanfic

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killscreencinema · 6 years ago

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Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4)

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A Final Fantasy for fans and first timers... is the first words we’re greeted by as we boot up Final Fantasy XV, ya know, the one with a hunky all male cast of four who look like a K-pop band.

Though, to be fair, as far as equality in sexual objectification is concerned, it doesn’t take long before absurdly scantily clad ladies show up in the game in the form of Cindy, a friendly auto mechanic, with a distinct Southern twang, and a penchant for prominently displaying her decolletage*; and Aranea Highwind, a Dragoon and, I can only assume from her outfit, S&M enthusiast.

*To elaborate on this point, Cindy has a tendency to move in very unnatural ways during conversation, such as bending or leaning forward, like she’s practicing her Maxim cover pose, which serves no other purpose than give the player a good look at her cleavage. While this is an unfortunately common trope in anime and video games, it bugs me... not because for SJW reasons, more because NOBODY MOVES LIKE THIS!

Anywhoozles, I guess my point is that before this game was released, it seemed like there was a lot of bitching about the main boy band cast, but let Cindy and Aranea serve as reminders that Final Fantasy XV is an anomaly in an industry that normally caters predominantly to straight males.

End of rant - on with the review!

Final Fantasy XV, released by Square Enix in 2016, starts off with the main character, Noctis, crown prince of the kingdom of Lucia, setting off on a road trip with his buddies... his entourage if you will... as one last hurrah before he gets married to the lovely Lunafreya. While gone, though, the capital city of Insomnia is attacked by the evil Niflheim Empire, the king is assassinated, and a power Crystal is stolen for an unknown, likely destructive, purpose. To retaliate against the Empire, Noctis and friends travel the countryside in search of the Royal Arms, powerful relics left by previous Lucian kings, as well as the blessings of the godlike Astrals in order to gain their assistance in the battle ahead.

Say what you will about the bro-ness of it all, the plot is nice and simple, with a fairly clear goal and memorable if somewhat archetypal characters. Noctis is the reluctant hero with a destiny; Ignis is the snoody intellectual; Gladio is the surly tough guy; and Prompto is the wisecracking lovable loser - the “Ducky” of the group, if I can borrow a reference to Pretty in Pink that only people may age will maybe get. We’ve seen these characters in hundreds of other stories, but darn it if these protagonists don’t have a charming dynamic with each other that makes bantering fun to listen to (although it gets repetitive as they’ll often repeat the same conversation loops throughout the game - I can’t tell how many times I’ve heard Prince Noctis suddenly whine that it’s too hot before Gladio curtly replies, “Then lose the jacket.”).

The only character I didn’t feel worked as well is the villain Ardyn. He looks douchey enough, with his MRA fedora and an outfit that looks like a Goodwill vomited on him, but I never felt like I had a clear understanding of his motives nor his connection to Noctis, until its the information is dumped at the climax of the game, and even then, I could barely hear what the hell anyone was saying because the music drowned out the dialogue. What I could glean of Ardyn’s motivation seemed kind of weak though. The moment you meet Ardyn, he seems like a harmless weirdo who wants to help, but everyone in the Noctis’ party is immediately wary of his intentions for no real reason except the video game knows he’s the villain. I feel like reveals such as this are more effective the closer the villain is personally to the protagonist. Had Ardyn been a trusted chancellor of Noctis’ father, and even a beloved mentor for the prince, masquerading as an ally and one of the few survivors of the Imperial attack, only to betray Noctis as a crucial moment (along the lines of what happens in Altissa that seals the deal as far as Ardyn’s role in the story goes), then I would have felt more investment in this conflict. Such as it is, I didn’t really give a shit and that’s kind of where the story slowly fell apart for me.

What I did enjoy all the way through was the gameplay. This entry of Final Fantasy dispenses with turn-based combat altogether, instead leaning hard into full-on real time fighting reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts. While it’s fast paced and fun, the Final Fantasy fanboy in me still misses the good ol’ fashion slap fight combat the series was built on. I certainly hope this style of fighting isn’t going to be what we get for the FF7 remake.

One of my favorite aspects of the combat is how summons work in the game. As you build alliances with Astrals, you can call on them during battles to assist you with a massive attack so powerful it leaves total devastation in the surrounding environment (which is a beautiful touch). However, you can summon them at will, as the option to summon them only pops up if you meet certain requirements during battle. For example, if Noctis’ HP is critical and the battle has been going on too long, you may or may not get the option to summon Ramuh (the wizardy lightening god). While it’s good that the player can’t use these summons whenever they want, as it would GREATLY Nerf the challenge level of the game (these attacks will often end any boss fight instantly), it’s also rather frustrating figuring out how to trigger the summon if only so you can see the cool animation. Thank goodness for YouTube, I guess!

I really dug the familiar modern aesthetics of our world mixed with a fantasy setting of Lucis. This is nothing new in the Final Fantasy series, as both Final Fantasy 7, and to a larger degree FF8, both effectively achieved this mix. Speaking of which, the overall throwback to earlier FF games are nice, such as the idea of an evil Empire equipped with magical technology that they use to dominate the world ala Final Fantasy VI (my personal favorite of the games btw). Seeing Magitek engines and troops with modern graphics almost makes me pine for a remake of Final Fantasy VI... though I worry such a thing might take the magic out the experience of playing the 16-bit game.

Anyway, while I liked the world of FF 15... I feel like we barely scrape the surface of it. Whereas in nearly every game in the series you are eventually able to travel the entire world at will, visiting every nook and cranny, with Final Fantasy XV, you’re limited to Noctis’ kingdom of Lucis, a watery Venice-like city called Altissa, and... that’s about it. It just feels very, very... small. Also there are invisible barriers, and in a post-BOTW world, this is unacceptable. Granted this game was probably already nearly complete by the time of Breath of the Wild’s release, nevertheless, games like Skyrim and the entire Elder Scrolls series existed and had little to no invisible barriers. So my point is this: invisible barriers are obsolete. If you consider you game “open world”, artificial barriers shouldn’t exist. I should be able to jump my Chocobo over a goddamn road barrier like I’m Evil fucking Kenieval, not suddenly have my leap impeded by nothing, forcing me to find a more inconvenient, circuitous route to my destination.

Anyway, once you begin getting used to the overworld, at some point during the story, the game thrusts you on “rails” and it’s good-bye open world, hello unwelcome Final Fantasy XIII style corridor gameplay. You can go back to the open world at any point, but that doesn’t make finishing the game any less of a tedious slog. The game’s momentum comes to a HUGE halt once Noctis is completely separated from his friends and is left wandering the bland, dark corridors of an Imperial lab for what feels like a goddamn eternity.

So I guess what I’m saying is Final Fantasy XV, an otherwise excellent game, really shits the bed at the climax, but is ultimately still worth checking out.

#final fantasy #final fantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #noctis #gladio #prompto #ignis #rpg #jrpg #role playing games #square enix #ps4 #playstation 4 #sony #video games

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vivacesole · 7 years ago

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Concealment

George Weasley x Slytherin!Reader

Summary: You’re blackmailed into completing a seemingly harmless task when you’re caught up in your lies. However, when that task proves to have more consequences than you imagined, your life takes a sharp turn and you create unlikely alliances. But what happens when they find out?

Warnings: Angst

Word Count: 1480

A/N: Part Two should be up soon. I’ve got loads of time this weekend.

Concealment Masterlist

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Being a Malfoy meant you had to hold a reputation. You were raised to be exactly how your parents wanted you, cunning, witty, a leader, and unafraid of anything. However, after watching your younger brother, Draco, be chastised by your father day after day, you grew some common sense. Now your brother never gained it, he was proud to follow in your father’s steps. You played along, holding the Malfoy name to its proper standard. Reluctantly of course.

At Hogwarts, you didn’t have many friends. Only a few acquaintances you’d say. You’d kept to yourself, only speaking to others when you told them to get out of your way. Yet everyone knew who you were, and some tried really hard to be a friend. All they wanted was the attention from other students of course, so you simply turned them away.

Most people were either afraid of you, or didn’t like you. Very few knew what you were really like. In the middle of your first year, you’d witnessed a first year Gryffindor getting picked on by one of your fellow Slytherins. You had walked into the Slytherins, knocking some of your books over, pretending it was their fault, and they scurried off when you cried out at them. You then gave the Gryffindor a small, sad, smile, before continuing to your class. Later that night when the corridors were empty, you’d met up with the Gryffindor again, making sure he was alright. The conversation ended with you threatening them to not tell anyone, or they'd regret it for the rest of their lives.

You decided to keep this up over the years, going against your own houses reputation, your family's reputation, to help out those select kids who were always picked on. Yet you were constantly almost caught by none other than the Weasley twins. They were in your year, and were constantly out pulling pranks which nearly exposed you, multiple times. You were never a target, just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This made it hard to help out their younger brother Ron and his best friend Harry when Draco targeted them. But you figured their little squad had their own situation under control. You wished you could have been friends with them somehow.

After your brother had joined, him and his own entourage were who you associated with the most. You’d hang with them in the common room, leading them around most of the time when you weren’t slipping away to someone's aid.

It was now the beginning of your last year, and so far it had been the worst. The takeover of Hogwarts had begun, O.W.Ls, and everyone’s favorite, Dolores Bumbridge...I mean, Umbridge.

Still you rarely talked to anyone, other than the occasional partners you had for projects in your classes. Sometimes, it was one of the twins. But you never let your conversations go further than a school subject, yet they tried.

It was this one particular night, when Umbridge had really gotten comfortable with giving detentions. This year was your prime in aiding distressed students. You heard your brother complaining about how they hadn’t been able to catch Harry Potter helping Dumbledore create an army. You had stayed away from Umbridge enough that she didn't put you up to the hunt as well.

You were waiting in your usual spot, outside of the Divination tower. You’d sit there and occupy yourself until a crying student would wander by, leaving their detention with Umbridge.

You watched as a third year girl scurried across the corridor, silently crying, clutching her hand to her chest.

“Not again,” you muttered and looked around to make sure nobody was watching. You then quickly caught up with the girl and told her to meet you on the seventh floor. As far as you knew, it was almost always empty at this time. You quickly found your way, up to the seventh floor, wandering around until the girl showed up. She wasn’t crying as much, her hand was still red, fresh from Umbridge's wound.

“Are you alright?” you knelt down next to her and took her hand, examining it. She nodded, tears in her eyes. “Don’t worry, the pain goes away after a while. I wish I could get rid of the scar instantly, I tried once, on another student. But it seems she has it charmed. It does go away though.” you smiled at her softly, letting her finish crying.

“Thanks,” she sniffled.

“What’s your name?” you asked.

“Samantha,” she sighed and looked up at you.

“I’m (Y/N),” you smiled again, comforting her.

“(Y/N) Malfoy?” she quivered.

“Shhh.” You stopped her. “Yeah that’s me. You can’t tell anyone about this. If it gets back to the head of Slytherin, it’ll get to my brother and then to my parents and I don’t want that. So if anybody finds out, I’m coming after you. Understand?” You hated having to threaten them, but you had to protect yourself too. She nodded sharply and you pushed her off to go back to the Ravenclaw common room.

You were now alone on the seventh floor, so you thought. You sighed and headed for the nearest exit, taking a sharp corner.

“Hello,”

You yelped. One of the Weasley twins stood before you, leaning against the wall.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” you tried to not sound so guilty.

“I think I better ask you that question, Malfoy. That wasn’t very Slytherin of you was it?” he crossed his arms, looking you over.

“What are you talking about, Weasley?” you glared. “Get out of my way.”

“Oh but what if your poor brother found out?” you stopped and turned around.

“You can’t do that.”

“I mean, I can, it’s just a matter of if I will or not.” you sighed, failing as you felt your eyes well up.

“Please don’t.”

“I need help, and you’re the perfect person to help me. Or us I should say.”

“What do you mean?” you eyed him warily.

“My brother George and I are wanting to pull a prank. I can’t tell you the rest unless you cooperate.” so this was Fred.

Slowly, you nodded. “But we can’t be seen together.”

You were instructed to meet them by the docks the next day after breakfast. You had to make up some silly excuse to get away from your brother.

So you waited, hoping this wasn’t a setup.

“Oi, (Y/N)!” Fred called from behind you, his brother walking alongside him. You turned around.

“Wait, you mean she’s going to help us?’ he whispered and narrowed his eyes at you. You looked at the ground.

“I’m blackmailing her actually. Caught her doing something she wouldn’t want her family to know about.” you widen your eyes, wanting to get to the point.

“What do you need?”

“Georgie,” Fred appointed him to explain their plan.

They wanted to set off a load of their products in the Slytherin common room that night while they’re all asleep. You would be responsible for letting them in, and setting the products off in the girls dormitory.

“You’re joking aren’t you?”

They scoffed, “Never,” they said playfully in unison.

“Well.. alright.” you sighed, wishing you had never gotten into this mess in the first place. No more seventh floor. You thought. Fred shook your hand, a taunting look in his eye, before going off to prepare. He waved for his brother to come with him, but oddly enough, George wanted to stay behind.

“He won’t actually do it, you know. He won’t tell whatever it is you’re hiding,” he paused hoping you’d fill him in. He’d find out soon enough anyway.

“I’m not sure if I believe you. He seemed pretty convincing.” you sat yourself back down on the docks, blocking your view from the castle so nobody would see you with him.

“He’s only acting like this because we’ve never had power over a Slytherin.”

You almost protested, then realized he was right. “Don’t associate me with them.” you snapped quickly. “I mean, we’re not all that bad.” George gave you an odd look.

“What are you hiding, Malfoy?” he squinted at you.

“Now that’s none of your business, but your brother will probably tell you anyhow.” you looked down again.

“Maybe after this is all over-”

“We’re not friends. This will be our one and only interaction outside of class. That’s all." you snapped. “You should get going. People will get suspicious.”

“Don’t want to be seen with me eh? Ya think people might think up something untrue?” he joked and raised a brow.

“Exactly. You should go.” his smile fell.

“Sorry to bother, see you tonight then.” you turned away from him, trying to hold yourself together as he walked away, sad and confused. You had never been so terrified in all your years at Hogwarts.

Part 2

#draco malfoy #fred and george #fred weasley #george weasley #george weasley x reader #harry potter #harry potter x reader #hermione granger #hogwarts #hp x reader #maraduers #neville longbottom #oliver wood #ron weasley #witches #wizards #x reader

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outofthefires · 3 years ago

Text

Finding The Answers – Solo by Cinder

❝𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳

𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵. ❞

‘There has been much controversy regarding the 126th Annual Peace Festival due to the Emperor’s illness, but Prince Kaito has told the press that the festival will continue as scheduled. And that he hopes it might bring some joy in this otherwise tragic time.’ The anchor paused and then hesitating, even with the prompter in front of him. His face softened; his stiff voice had a warble when he finished with ‘Long live our Emperor.’

We were used to seeing the Net screens playing on a loop, however those were ads. Letting people know about the next upgrade they must have, for their ports, their droids, their net screens or which hover company to use, or for those who could afford it, which hovers to buy.

But since Prince Kaito’s press conference, with the news that our beloved Emperor Rikan, had fallen ill to the plague that was sweeping the world and spreading like wild fire. It was all anyone was talking about. The Prince’s voice echoed in the streets, from homes and even from Port screens on shared hovers. Questions were being asked, assumptions being made to the point, that people had somewhat stopped thinking about the fact that the Luna Queen #Levana's head Thaumaturge #SybilMira was still residing in the Palace at the top of the hill. And now that I thought of it, our Emperor had fallen ill so soon after she had arrived with her entourage. That was interesting was it not? Why were they still here? Were they not frightened of taking such a deadly illness back to Luna to their people?

‘Cinder?’ #Iko’s voice drew me out of my thoughts, which were slowly becoming puerile. Why were these thoughts even in my mind? There were people more in the know who were paid to think of such things.

#Iko rolled out from the back of the booth, as I finished the testing of the two Escort-droids I had to have ready for collection in the next ten minutes. I turned around to face her as she stood with a tray of parts that she had been pulling out from some of the boxes.

‘You have not used these in the last two months.’ She rolled to a stop beside me, and I set the tools in my hands down. Lifting a few of the parts to glance over them.

“That is because these parts are spares for the Gard- droid 4.1. The latest models are 6.4, and there isn’t much call for these parts with the changes the manufacturers have made in the newer garden androids. However, it’s always good to keep a few of the older parts in stock, just in case someone brings an older model to us.”

Her head moved from side to side, she was looking at the two Escort droids with a pining sound coming from her. I knew it, more than anything on this world #Iko wanted to look pretty. She didn’t care that she was in full working order, she didn’t care that her body was in better shape ( thanks to all the tinkering I did with her. ) All she wanted was to be a 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡 as she put it. Her hand moved to the hair of one of the droids, and once again #Iko made that sound before she rolled back into the booth.

“Why are you asking?” I called out after her and went back to work.

‘I am looking for parts I can sell, or trade for your foot.’ #Iko had been working hard in the background to find a new foot for me. I had out grown mine about five years ago, however my step mother #LihnAdri had refused to buy me a new one. It was the reason behind a lot of the pain I had been suffering for years now, and the fact that I walked with a limp in my step too.

“Iko, we can’t take things from the booth and sell them off!” keeping my voice down. It wasn’t like #Adri ever came to the market; however, it would be just my luck that she would show up at a time when #Iko and I were talking. Or worse still ZhangWei ( the Net screen dealer on the Right of our booth), or Chen Jun ( the Silk Merchant, to the left of our booth), would over hear and relay the information back to her.

‘Why not? Adri is always telling us how she would sell me off for parts.’ #Iko’s voice chimed and I 𝙨𝙝𝙝 her. Sitting back down on the small metal stool on the path before the stall. I closed off the covers to the droids main data boards.

“Because we just cannot okay. I have been taking on a lot of small jobs on the side, and if I keep it up. We will have what we need to leave soon.” I told her. Since my birthday #Iko and #Peony had been speaking about leaving, and the planning of our escape had gone into overdrive . The two of them wanted away from New Beijing and the Eastern Commonwealth too. And not to mention the fact that all three of us wanted to get away from #Adri and #Pearl.

‘I am not sure how long the trader will keep that foot I found for you. We need to pay him soon.’ I nod, biting my lips as I thought about it. #Iko had struck up a deal, if I would help the trader with some of his broken droids that nobody had been able to fix for him, he would knock the price he was asking for down. And I knew #Iko was right. If we were going to run away from here, I needed to have a foot that I could at least run with.

There were some jobs I knew I had to do before we could leave, for one I was the only one who could make the univs we needed to travel and transport, we needed a way out of here without being caught.

“I know, I know. I will make it happen one way or another.” Rubbing my forehead, I stood seeing out the side of my vision that we were about to have some company. “For now, this topic is over.” I hushed #Iko, smiling at the middle-aged man who owned the two Escort droids.

“Nǐ hǎo” ( Hello ), “You are just in time, I have your two androids ready to go.” Giving the man a small smile.

I went about explaining in layman’s terms what the problems had been and explaining what he had to do to avoid the same issues again. However, in my mind. I was trying to work out how I could find transport for my sisters and me for our great adventure.

#TheLunarChronicles #LinhCinder #Cinder #Solo #StoryTime

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