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#best time travel to new orleans
besttimetogo2 · 4 days
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Best Time to Plan Your Vacation: Expert Advice for a Perfect Getaway
Whether you're looking for budget-friendly travel options, avoiding tourist crowds, or experiencing the best weather, choosing the right time can make or break your trip. With a little bit of foresight and expert advice, you can maximize your travel experience. Let’s dive into the best strategies for determining the perfect time to plan your vacation.
Consider the Destination’s Peak and Off-Peak Seasons
Understanding this can significantly impact the cost, availability, and overall experience of your vacation.  The months of April, May, September, and October are often considered shoulder season in many destinations. According to travel experts, this is the best time to plan your vacation as you can still enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Off-peak travel, especially during the winter months, can be significantly cheaper, but make sure to check if certain attractions or amenities are open.
Take Advantage of Weather Windows
Depending on the type of trip you want—whether it’s a beach holiday, skiing adventure, or hiking tour—the weather will play a pivotal role. This is when you’ll experience sunny days, clear waters, and calm winds.
For those interested in winter sports, planning your trip during the peak snow season is essential. Ski resorts in places like Switzerland, Canada, or Japan are at their best between December and March, but you’ll need to book well ahead to secure accommodation during this busy time.
Work Around Personal Schedules and Commitments
Apart from external factors like the destination’s seasons and events, another important consideration is your personal schedule. For families with children, vacations are often planned around school breaks as this is the best time to plan your vacation. While these periods tend to coincide with peak travel seasons and higher prices, planning well in advance can help mitigate costs. If possible, consider taking trips during less popular school holidays like fall break or winter break instead of summer, as prices tend to be more manageable.
For individuals with more flexibility in their schedules, travel experts recommend taking advantage of less conventional vacation times. Traveling outside of the busy holiday seasons not only saves money but also offers a more peaceful and authentic experience.
Ultimately, the best time to plan your vacation depends on a variety of factors including your destination, budget, personal schedule, and travel preferences. By understanding peak and off-peak seasons, keeping an eye on weather conditions, aligning with local events, and booking in advance, you can make the most of your trip. Travel experts consistently stress the importance of flexibility—being willing to adjust your dates or destination slightly can result in significant savings and a much more enjoyable experience.
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Whether you’re after the perfect beach holiday, a cultural festival, or a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, thoughtful planning will ensure you pick the best time to go. So, start early, stay informed, and get ready for an unforgettable vacation tailored perfectly to your needs.
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jinkiezzsstuff · 7 months
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Alastor watching the princess and the frog by Disney ? It’s in lousiana in the 1920s so it would be perfect for him
absolutelyyyyyyy the princess and the frog is one of my fav disney movies from characters to soundtrack, so this one’s a bit longer. also kind of a part two but also not exactly
history ramble below
also i did some light research on new orleans history because if im gonna write alastor i should know. doggy i love me some history and this history is rich, depressing at times but also rich and meanful to know so i thought id share a little. from talking about the free the peoples movement, to the way women got their rights to their hair back that they didn’t have when enslaved only to have a law banning natural hair and hair wraps and so they decorated the wraps and used coloured fabrics effectively rendering the law useless, to the wealthiest black man of the 1870s for being a prospering business owner, the origins of how voodoo and other spiritual practices mingled perfectly with the pre established voodoo and how voodoo was predominantly black women who were highly respected, the first black man to be govoner in the united states in only 1871, a black woman named Rose Nicaud who opened the first coffee stand in 1800 and made enough to escape being ensalved. then there’s lighter topics like some of the jazz history and how it made various black stars like louie armstrong, and also how the language mingled to make the cajun french that’s sadly dying out, to the architecture that flourished through the varying clashes in culture between african, european, native and haitian peoples. if it’s not too upsetting to read i definitely suggest this page to have an insight on some of the quick history on new orleans, i enjoyed learning about the strength that many had during this time.
United teachers of new orleans < page i was reading
Warnings: jealous Al teehee, reader crushes on naveen and dr facilier (don’t mind me just projecting), cuddling, swearing, alastor doesn’t really know emotions good, fluffy banter, just some ushy gushy mushy tushy
Word count: 2k
The movie Bambi didn't even finish playing before the patrons started to filter out of the room heading to bed. First to go was Vaggie carrying a sleeping Charlie, Sir pentious promptly following along telling his fussy egg boys it was long past their bed time. Then it was Niftys turn to disappear, however she never said a goodnight only sped off leaving behind her vacant swishing rocking chair.
Then once Angel and Husk left, you had decided to just call it quits on Bambi, Alastor hadn't moved much or objected to you turning off the movie, only watching the projector as you scrolled through the app.
You stopped on the princess and the frog, grinning toward Alastor he sighed, getting a glimpse of your mischief from the corner of his eye. "Now what's this about darling?" Turning your body towards his fully facing him, you waited for his gaze to finally meet yours, and reluctantly it did. "Allow me to introduce you to one of, if not, thee best disney movies of all time; the princess and the frog," Alastor's finger rose as he took a breath to speak, but before he could say a word you interrupted him.
"Yes I know princess yuck, whatever Al. It takes place in New Orleans, its main focus is actually in the poorer area with the shotgun houses, and throughout the movie Tiana, the princess, travels through the bayou, oh! With Naveen one of the hottest princes, also it takes place in the twenties, oh!-" Before you could continue Alastor gently gripped your cheeks, your lips puckering involuntarily as he did so."What did you just?"
"Takes place in the nineteen twenties?" You asked, voice muffled from Alastors grip on your cheeks. "Before that dear." Your eyebrows raised looking at Alastor not trying to hide your confusion. "Naveen? One of the hottest princes?" Alastor hummed, booping your nose. "Yes dear, that."
"Yeah. duh dude he's one of the few princes that deserve the princess, he changes for Tiana, he's charismatic, funny, but nevermind that back to what i was saying. There's varying New Orleans culture littered through that might make you feel closer to home, all the music is jazz obviously." Opening your mouth readying to rant on about the Voodoo man that you adored, Alastor hushed you with his finger up to your lips.
"My sweet dear, I will watch this silly picture show so long as you stop rambling about it." Alastor wasn't truly done with hearing your rambling, he was enjoying hearing that you were such a fan of something that centred so close to home when it came to him however if he was going to watch it he rather not have it spoiled.
Giddily you clasped your hands together and hit play, your love for the film and excitement to see Alastors reaction may have made you slightly over enthusiastic just a bit. As the movie began you curled your feet up onto the couch, inching yourself closer to Alastor looking up to his face and back to the movie.
When Naveen got introduced on screen you accidentally gripped Alastors arm tightly shaking him. "My mannn~" You squealed happily, letting go of Alastor once you heard the unmistakable rattle come from him, a growl sounding out of his chest. You didn't pay much attention to him though, instead turning back to the projector and backing off Al. However Alastor wasn't too frustrated with the fact you touched him, but because you were being so ushy gushy over some fake man.
He was easily the same if not better than Naveen. Alastor was charismatic, charming, he could sing, play instruments, he didn't quite understand why you were so particularly interested in this Naveen. Hell, even Alastor had a similar outfit back when he was alive, he could've been Naveen when he was alive.
You didn’t notice Alastor having a mini tantrum in his own world, you were too engrossed in the movie. Suddenly you’ve gripped him again, pointing at the screen. "The shadow man, Al this is your kin!" You egged laughing maniacally at your own words.
Alastor’s face however brightened at the display of the voodoo man. "One of my fav songs." You whispered as Dr. Facilier began singing on screen. Cocking his head to the side Alastor looked down to you bouncing along to the song. "This fellow sounds similar to Husk." Alastor mentioned, watching intently at the shadows that crawled around Dr. Faciliers room, much like Alastors own shadows. "Yeah it really does sound like Husk. Strange, anyways, Dr. Voodoos hot too." Alastors static buzzed around the room and you had to hold back a giggle at the frustrated look on his face, despite the smile it was obvious he wasn't too happy.
"What's up Al, not liking the movie?" Static crackled around the two of you as you questioned him a little slyly as you could tell he wasn’t hating the movie. “No dear, it’s pleasant in comparison to some things i’ve grit myself through, however,” He paused watching you ogle at both the Dr and Naveen. “I can’t understand what’s so great about this Naveen you like. He’s a fool,” You scoffed at Alastors distaste for Naveen, you didn’t mean to make him feel frustrated at your adoration for the characters but it was endearing to see.
“What’s not to like about the man?” You state confidently but Alastor simply shrugged while humming indifferently. A beat of silence passed, the ending of the song playing out of the projector. “It’s just that,” Alastor started up again after a moment of silence, turning his body to face you hands folded in his lap politely. “You clearly have the odd reaction towards these gentlemen and I can't see why,” To give him credit he did look genuinely confused, and just as you were going to speak up he interrupted.
“And please do not say it’s because he is funny, charismatic, musically talented or sweet because I happen to hold all those same qualities!” He finished, hands thrown in the air like he said something especially spectacular. You had a soft smile present on your face watching him work through the sentence theatrically. “Well, Al you are, maybe i think the same about you?” Record scratch.
You cackled at his frozen state, patting his arm gently, cooing that you were only kidding, you turned back to the TV and the two of you decided to leave it at that.
Later on in the movie, when Tiana and Naveen are with the alligator going down the bayou singing about being human, you stared over at Alastor, your heart thumping at the sight of him. His arms were resting along the back of the couch, legs splayed out comfortably, posture sunken in, and his eyes lidded with a closed calm smile. His ear twitched and soon his eyes moved from the movie to you, quirking a questionable eyebrow at you.
Feeling slightly embarrassed for eyeing him up you tried to play it off by asking him a question. “Is there bayous in New Orleans, is that real?” You ask kinda dumbly, of course they were, you scolded yourself. Alastor didn’t seem to mind though he smiled widely, a chuckle reverberating out of him. “Why yes dear! Of course, I personally never lived close to the bayou, but it surrounds New Orleans, and I have been. It’s quite beautiful during a sunset but there’s tons of alligators.”
You leaned forward interested, but it seemed he’d stopped to refocus on the screen which you wouldn’t complain about. You not so discreetly leaned into his torso, arm still on the back of the sofa behind you, and thankfully he didn’t move when you leaned your body into him, instantly decompressing into his side.
They got to the scene where the gang is on the boat going through the bayou, the crocodile fitting in and playing jazz, when you turned to look up at Alastor seeing him already looking down at you. “What’s up?” You asked, watching as he scanned your face. “Well dear you’re just reminding me of home tonight, it would’ve been interesting to be able to show you where I lived, where I worked. Y’know when i did radio, most people didn’t know what I looked like so it came as quite a shock to some that I wasn’t what they imagined. Some were cruel, but my mother always taught me to be respectable if not respectful, so I managed to keep my grace.”
You giggle at his explanation watching him move his hand in all different directions, the radio host coming into play just at the mention of his job. “I’m flattered you would’ve wanted to show me your home n stuff, i wish it were possible.”
On the projector in front of you two, was the scene between Naveen and Tiana’s first date, where Naveen was going to propose. “They always get married so fast in these movies, you spend three days as a frog and suddenly it’s eternity!” You exclaimed humorously, Alastor scoffed an array of instrumental sounds electronically sounding out from him. “My dear it was common back in the day to get married quick, none of this lollygagging.”
You rolled your eyes blowing out air. “Would you get married to someone you knew for three days?” Alastor hummed, tapping his finger against his chin in exaggerated thought. “If it were you, perhaps, otherwise i’d attempt to lengthen it just a bit.” He reviled in the sight of you bashfully turning your head away, shy at his broad flirt. “You’d marry me, after only three days?” You questioned in disbelief, he hummed wrapping the arm he once had behind you, around you pulling you into him.
“Well I found you to be quite a treat the first day i met you, and decided i wanted to be around you for many days on. Is that not marriage worthy?” This confession shocked you slightly. You never expected him to say that he preemptively planned your blooming friendship nevermind that he equated that to being worth marriage. The movie played on in the background as you both watched each other’s faces.
“To me, dear,” Alastor started a smug smile stretching across his cheeks replacing the calm smile that stayed for so long. “It seems like you may unconsciously feel something towards me too.” Jaw dropping you stared at him confused. “What?” You scoff but Alastor only looked smugger.
“Come now, New Orleans centred movie? Jazz, cooking, even that dumbo man Naveen speaks french loves jazz music and dancing, oh and of course the ever so obvious voodoo, it’s almost like this movie is me, haha.” He laughed manically, eyes crossing as his body shook. It was quite the egotistical assumption on his part, but he wasn’t wrong.
You put it on for him but it seems for you too, you paid more attention to him half the movie, and you’ve been more interested in knowing real life facts about his home during his time then what story the movie was trying to tell. Maybe he was right, but even so what did him pointing it out accomplish? “Well that’s why i wanted to show you it, it’s got many aspects you’re involved with in it.”
You mentally gave yourself a pat on the back for such a good save, however Alastor was keen and knew you long enough to catch your lies. “Sure dear, sure.” Al gave you a condescending pat on the head and you speedily swatted at him. The movie played on you once more captivated by Alastor’s reactions more than the movie itself, you’ve already watched it enough to know.
Tucked under Alastor’s arm, warm and comfy, you barely caught the sound of Alastor huffing out chuckles, gazing up towards the projection you playfully hit him. “Don’t laugh at his death!” That only made Alastor properly laugh, dropping his head back, neck cracking grossly. “My dear it was a lightning bug in love with a star! He got stepped on that was hilarious!”
Sounds of prerecorded laughter sounded out with his natural laugh, you didn’t actually care that he found it funny, only pretended too as you gave him a disapproving glare. As the movie closed in you felt a weird gloom wash over you, it was nice being alone with him by his side while you two relaxed. You didn’t want it ending, but alas Tiana and Naveen kissed turning them human, with the reveal that with marrying Naveen, she became a princess effectively breaking the curse, and the movie started with the end song.
“Well dear I did enjoy that, the voodoo was pretty boringly unrealistic, but it’s for children. I did enjoy the mentioning of foods, very common dishes even I enjoy, like gumbo. But alas it was still a pathetic little movie about mortal love.” Standing to his feet when he finished speaking, Alastor dusted himself off and snapped his fingers making all around you revert to what it was before movie night.
“Do you not want to be in love?” You ask softly partly hoping he didn’t hear you as by the time you stood from your spot, you regret saying it. “Well I certainly haven’t looked. Why disappointed?” Alastor bent himself backwards to look at you since you stood behind him readying to exit. Looking down into his eyes you felt hazy, maybe a little drunk on desire as you gently caressed his cheek. “Maybe I am,”
“Darling.” Alastor said sternly as he cracked himself upward, he bent down facing you this time and before he could talk you once again interrupted. “Can’t blame me can you?” Alastor seemed momentarily taken aback, gazing around lazily trying to collect his thoughts. “My dear, I'm uncertain with emotions like this as well as expressing them, love is foolish, however… if you were to tell me ‘i love you’ i would say it back.”
It confused you, what Alastor said, you couldn’t tell if he was mocking you and telling you he was going to lie about his emotions to spare you, or if he was egging you on attempting to get you to tell him your true feelings. Regardless you swallowed down any worries for the future instead focusing only on the now, and looked deeply into the soft red glow of his eyes.
“I love you Al,” With a cheeky smile you watched him stutter, the visible shock was clear, and you wondered if he actually expected you to say that. Just as you began to worry you fucked up, he bent down to your height. “I love you too my dear,” And with that he gave you the chastised kiss on the lips, before standing to his full height materialising his microphone. “Got to go dear! Duty calls!” And with that he seemingly disappeared into the shadows, leaving you to waddle tiredly to your room. Little did you know that Alastor whisked himself away to have a minor panic attack in the safety of his radio tower, not believing himself and his broad actions, nor could he believe the pounding in his chest and flutter in his heart.
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ghouldump · 2 months
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✧ iwtv imagines
everything is gn!reader or fem!reader.
poc friendly !!
if requesting, please provide a generic summary, to give me an idea.
please follow for more, your support is appreciated.
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beautiful deception
moving to paris, the last thing you expected was to come across the ancient vampire.
teacher’s pet
hunting with armand as his new lovely fledgling and companion.
to be loved
idolized and worshipped by your coven members, alive but not living, things quickly change for you when you move to paris, and meet your soulmate.
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coming soon…
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001 002 003
anything for you ii
all he wants is for you to be his perfect companion, yet you keep chasing the fleeting things of life.
as you are | bi!reader
cuddling together, the two of you share your experiences with past lovers.
come to me
lestat is willing to do anything to get his companion back, even if it means revealing his identity to the entire world.
diva
lestat is a handful to tour with but he's also incredibly handsome and charismatic.
fallen
princess of demacia, a marine kingdom is temporarily banished. she refuses to conform to the standard, being a heartless killer. wandering the water, she finds herself in new orleans, where she meets a vampire.
fangirl
meeting the vampire rockstar goes surprisingly well.
love me | bi!reader
as your companionship seems to be failing, you retreat, seeking comfort from a woman who looks awfully similar.
masquerade
even with your horrific background, he fell deeply for your heart.
pretty when you cry | bi!reader
when you are hunting, focused on your prey, you don't even realize how beautiful you look to lestat.
spider and the fly
when lestat uses louis as bait to lure and trap his actual prey.
sweet rapture | bi!reader
lestat is a firm believer that as a vampire, your very existence is about pleasure, but for the first time, he meets someone who shares this belief, even beyond his standards.
the night is ours
being awakened, naturally you go to your old love, only to find that he is now a rockstar, perhaps now you can have the happily ever after you both once wanted.
thicker than water
you should have known better than to entertain someone who would bring up the idea of leaving your husband and daughter.
tu es mon autre
he never thought he would meet someone who brought back such familiar feelings.
your best nightmare
being away from your companion, as both of you take on stardom, can be frustrating, but it is very rewarding to see your maker for the first time in months.
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coming soon…
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back in my arms | loustat x reader
time traveling accidentally and you're able to relive bittersweet memories.
forever young | loustat x reader
you meet someone who reminds you of your maker, and naturally gravitate to them, but your family isn't as welcoming to the idea of the man.
for the love of a daughter | loustat x reader
out of fear, lestat does the unimaginable and has to try his hardest to win his family's trust back, but it may be too late
god complex | loustat x reader
you want out, realizing your little family isn't as perfect as you thought, but they would never let you slip away so easily.
l’amour de ma vie | loustat x reader
while you love your companions, it is no secret that they oftentimes exclude you, and it isn't until you leave that they go into panic mode.
trust | loumand x reader
born for stardom, but destined for chaos, the last thing you ever expected was for two old vampires to become your companions.
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graciereadshannigram · 5 months
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hey fam, welcome to the April 2024 roundup of the best hannigram fics i've read this past month! i read over 100 fics total, and these were the cream of the crop.
as a reminder: the ingredients for a five star rating typically (but not always!!) include some combination of a.) believable characterizations of both Hannibal and Will, b.) compelling plot and/or character arcs, and c.) high quality smut.
that being said, my judgment of the aforementioned ingredients is powered almost exclusively by vibes and as such, is incredibly subjective.
you can find past recs below:
February March
and if you have any recs of your own for me, PLEASE SHARE.
anyway, in no particular order, let's go!
~
A place you can never go by det395
Word Count: 84,596 Summary: When things don’t go according to plan, Hannibal makes a wish. He finds himself a year-and-a-half in the past and seemingly given another chance with Will. His feelings about the situation only get more complicated when he realizes he may not have completely lost access to his old timeline after all. A Digestivo canon divergence.
If you follow me, you probably saw me already raving about this fic. This was so fucking good, holy fucking shit. And also heartbreaking. Made me think a lot about the nature of reality and what does it mean for something to be "real." Plus, I really love fics that explore their shared mind palace because I genuinely think that is one of the more underexplored aspects of their relationship. Definitely heavy on the angst, but there is a happy ending!
even though our love is doomed by bleakmidwinter
Word Count: 82,427 Summary: Hannibal solves the mystery of time travel and he and Will decide to go into the past and take opportunities previously missed along with rewriting the regrets they each hold. Changing the past does not effect the future and they have free reign to play as the please.
GIVE ME MORE THAN FIVE STARS PLEASE. I am obsessed with this fic. I've mostly stayed clear of time travel fics (aside from, you know, the one right above this) because the execution can be hit or miss, but let me fucking tell you. This was a god damn home run. There's a little bit of angst, but then there's also a chapter where Will challenges Hannibal that he wouldn't have been able to seduce him while Will was still working in Louisiana fixing boat motors. And obviously Hannibal decides to take that challenge.
Railroad Romance by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles
Word Count: 12,400 Summary: Hannibal is still Hannibal, and Will is still Will. Except Will is not part of the FBI and they meet on a two day train trip from New Orleans to Baltimore.
Dirty. Talk. In. FRENCH. Holy shit. Okay this was excellent. EXCELLENT. Perfect characterizations, and wonderful dialogue. Wow. Also, I love trains. Who doesn't love trains?
patroclus in furs by bleakmidwinter
Word Count: 130,185 Summary: If Will and Hannibal hadn't gone into their respective careers, they would have become porn stars.
I had my doubts about a pornstar AU, but I've really enjoyed everything else by this author and it was over 100k, so I gave it a shot! And WOW. The characterizations of both Will and Hannibal were spot on and believable. A good mix of fluff and angst, and the author clearly put a lot of thought into the porn scenes. Tbh I'm probably going to reread this shortly.
Pavlova by nbcravenstag
Word Count: 33,369 Summary: It’s not like Hannibal didn’t know that Will was hiding something. It was after the third body drop a week ago that it became clear that Will had a secret that somehow involved the case, one he wasn’t willing to share yet, not even with Hannibal. At 6:43 AM, Will had texted Hannibal that a fourth body had been found and that he was on his way to the scene with Jack. At 8:06 PM, Will had stepped into Hannibal’s office, thirty-six minutes past his appointment time, and practically shouted “I used to be a stripper!” as loudly as his hoarse voice would allow him to. Hannibal Lecter, though not phased by much in life, has never been entirely able to predict Will Graham, but this is just… getting out of control. Alternatively, the FBI is hunting a serial killer targeting male strippers, and Will decides to throw himself into the fray. Hannibal is beyond pleased.
An AU where Will was a stripper in college and now he's working a case where he can be live bait as a stripper? Shut the fuck up. Mostly told from Hannibal's perspective, and it's just *chefs kiss*. Who knew Will giving Hannibal a lap dance would be so HOT. (I could have guessed.)
Lessons In Submission by wyldefire
Word Count: 5,173 Summary: Hannibal was stubborn, independent, and Will had always loved that about him, but there were times, times like these, in the midst of heat, in the midst of such a thorough breeding, when lessons in submission were necessary.
My only thought at the end of this was, "Shut the whole fuck up" in the best way possible. Smut. Just all smut.
A Very Special Guest by LesBeanBurrito
Word Count: 56,660 Summary: Season 1 AU in which Will stays for Hannibal’s dinner party after bringing the bottle of wine at the end of 1X07 Sorbet. Embarrassed and Sassy Will Graham meets Smitten Hannibal Lecter.
I LOVE a good season 1 AU and this was checking all of the boxes for me! There's a secret relationship, Hannibal actually gets Will treated for his encephalitis, Will finds out about Hannibal, etc. Very much loved the plot, and the characterizations were spot on.
lover to your nightmare (look what you made of me) by merrythoughts and ReallyMissCoffee
Word Count: 123,367 Summary: Driving back home, it’s then he reflects on Hannibal asking him to run away that night. To forgo their plans altogether, to slip away. [Canon divergent. Will confesses his betrayal and asks Hannibal to run away with him, but Will has a plan of his own...]
You want dark!Will mixed in with some incredibly jealous and possessive Hannigram? Hooo boy do I have a fic for you! The ending was a little abrupt, but it was the perfect mix of gut-wrenching angst and toxicity + smoking hot smut. I genuinely had to stop and focus on my breathing more than once.
On the Lam by shotgun_sinner
Word Count: 63,992 Summary: Post-Fall (Hannibal)season 4Crack Treated SeriouslyOn the RunWill Graham Discovers FanfictionExplicit Sexual Contentsexual identity crisisThat's Not Really A CrisisWill Graham is HannisexualMurder HusbandsHomophobiaMurder of a HomophobeHannibal Lecter Loves Will GrahamWill Graham Loves Hannibal LecterPower Bottom Will Grahamthey love each other your honorvery meta
This was such a fun read – I love the implication that hannigram fanfiction exists and it's all there for Will to accidentally discover. I adore this author and just thoroughly enjoyed how Will learned a thing or two about himself by reading smutty fics (same dude).
Golden Promises by shotgun_sinner
Word Count: 68,488 Summary: Hannibal (TV) Season/Series 01Alternate Universe - Canon DivergenceEpisode: s01e07 SorbetHallucinations?Will Hopes SoLELOplugSexuality CrisisThat Ends Up Not Being A CrisisWill Graham Has EncephalitisHannibal Gets Will TreatmentDeveloping RelationshipWill Graham's Dogs - FreeformBonding over fooddoting hannibalEventual SmutHannibal Lecter Loves Will GrahamWill Graham Loves Hannibal LecterAlana DisapprovesRimmingOral SexBottom Hannibal LecterTop Will GrahamBottom Will GrahamTop Hannibal LecterWill Graham KnowsNon-Consensual Drug UseWill Gives Him Shit For ItMurder HusbandsCannibalismis that tag even necessary?Hannibal Lecter Loves Max
This was fluffier than I typically read, but I told y'all I love this author. Pretty much no angst, and the smut, as always, was next level. Also, the idea that Hannibal would wear a solid gold butt plug to his dinner parties had me laughing before I even started reading.
What Hatches by HotMolasses (@snazzymolasses here on tumblr)
Word Count: 107,847 Summary: There is a village, nestled on the edge of an ancient forest where it is always winter. Few of the townsfolk ever venture into it, except for one lonely hunter named Will Graham. A loner who makes his living selling stag meat and spends more time with dogs than people, he finds his life changing when he comes face-to-face with a magical beast, one that he cannot get away from, and isn’t even sure he really wants to.
What started out as a curiosity about the monsterfucking tag on AO3 brought me to one of the most unique and interesting hannigram AUs I've read??? I'm as surprised as you are, if not more. I adored this fic and I loved how both Will and Hannibal were characterized and the plot and the smut (oh my god, the smut) and the ending? Phew. Go read this.
lay like a flood spills away by bleakmidwinter
Word Count: 35,733 Summary: Will starts going to a nude beach that happens to be for gay men, even though he considers himself straight.
This was highly enjoyable. I LOVE AUs that manage to keep the characters true to canon. Also nude beaches. Hannigram and nude beaches. Eating ass and public sex with some actual plot sprinkled in. Say LESS.
Now, What Should We Do Next? by HigherMagic
Word Count: 51,116 Summary: Kinktober 2018
Smut. All smut. I showed this fic to a friend who has literally never read fanfiction, let alone Hannigram, before and she is now hooked. So. Do with that what you will. And it's so clear that this author has actual, real-life experience with kink and it comes across so well! Bonus point: there is also an equally good sequel.
To Mend With Gold by beforethedawn, ConstructFairytales, Destinyawakened
Word Count: 98,863 Summary: Will and Hannibal have been living as a gay married couple for three years, but they haven't slept in the same room let alone the same bed. Will Graham has a reckoning, one way or another.
THIS WAS TENDER. Fluffy, angsty, smutty, I loved it. Molly showed up with Will's dogs and decided she wasn't going to turn them in, which was a little weird, but I really loved this fic. Just them learning how to be with each other. Also EXCELLENT marathon smut scenes. Like yesssss, of course they can each cum like three times in a row.
A Clutch at Balance by Deverauxs_Disease
Word Count: 25,466 Summary: When Will Graham storms into Hannibal's house muttering about kissing Alana Bloom, the good doctor makes Will an offer: Pretend to date Hannibal in order to prove to Alana that Will is not only stable but capable of being in a relationship. When Alana is convinced Will is the man of her dreams, Hannibal will step aside and Will can get his girl.
Y'all know I love fake dating that all of a sudden, whoops! Isn't so fake anymore! Sprinkle in some jealous and possessive Hanni and Will? I'm sold. Say less.
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And that's a wrap on this month! See ya next time!!!
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alwaysakin · 4 months
Text
The Vampire Diaries Universe Fic Recs
Once again putting my unhealthy amount of fanfic knowledge to good use. Here's my list (non-exhaustive) of the best vampire diaries & originals fanfics. Includes Klaroline, Bamon, Kolvina, and more.
Bamon Fics
Before I Take My Flesh Away by Orig1n - the fic where Bonnie and Damon are comically bonded, and she hops around in his timeline pre (and during) the series. Tragically unfinished, but completely incredible! Kudos for developing Stefan and Damon as brothers and making me not hate Lily Salvatore. Also love the Arthurian lore.
if you love me (don't let go) by sarcastic_fina - this is a heartbreaking deconstruction of Bonnie and her victim mentality, and shows the strength of not only her romantic relationship with Damon, but her friendships with Caroline, Matt, and Tyler. So sad, but so good!
Bloodstone by cactusfinch - Bonnie time travels to 1864 (with all the problems entailed). Her relationship with Damon is done well here, and her friendship (sort of!) with Katherine is fun as hell.
rest for the wicked (hope for the weary) by castelia - Damon and Bonnie go on a road trip together after the prison word. I am a sucker for mutual pining, and this fic does it so well!
Fifty-Five Years by turningofflights - written from Elena's perspective, after she reads Bonnie's diary entries and learns how Bonnie and Damon fell in love. A bittersweet, believable love story for Bonnie and Damon.
Other Bonnie Bennett Ship Fics
The Edge of Night by Szajnie - a crossover between season 3 of the Originals and season 7 of the Vampire Diaries, where Bonnie goes to New Orleans. She's absolutely in her element here as the most powerful New Orleans witch, takes the supernatural world by storm, and everyone has a happier ending because of it (including her!). Absolutely love her friendships with Davina, Vincent, and Freya, and shout-out for being the only fic to make me care about Cami! Truly, this is great. The NOLA gang is the family Bonnie deserves, and the Bonnie/Klaus is so believable.
Kai Parket Screwed Us (Until Bonnie Bennett Screwed Him) by hysteriaww - exactly what it sounds like. Bonnie shows up to help Josie and Lizzie deal with the prison world and her and Kai's insane relationship weirds everyone out. Deals with the Gemini Coven in a really interesting way. Hilarious, and with mild Damon and Alaric bashing. BonKai.
Season One, Epsidoes One-Three by BorgiaBabe - a rewrite of the first three episodes of TVD with Bonnie as a proper main character. Her love interest is a softer Kai, and it's great! Bonnie really deserves better.
the night light hits off, turning kisses to bites by donutworry - an insane, dark, twisted Bonnie and Kai romance, where they're the only ones in the prison world from the start. I absolutely love the Gemini Coven lore in this fic.
Klaroline Fics
Make them bow by for_darkness_shows_the_stars - Klaus appears in season 1 of the vampire diaries. it's Klaroline, but still super gen, and all the characters get their own compelling arcs in it. Especially love the way Elena and Stefan are written.
One of A Kind, Two of a Kind, or the Three Musketeers by Phandancee74 - Caroline is an ancient nymph who was erased from memory by Malivore. She still helps the Mystic Falls gang out (and her relationship with Bonnie is great)! The Klaus/Caroline is angsty and lovely.
Calling on a Friend by Phandancee74 - 5 year old Josie gets Klaus's number. Shenanigans ensue. Short and cute as hell.
Sanctuary in their Hearts by thatsanotherlovestory - Caroline leaves before the season 8 wedding, and heads to New Orleans with Klaus. A fun story, but still so sad Bonnie didn't get her happy ending in it. The twins are so cute in this.
Let's do the Time Loop again! by kcatdino - on the night of the sacrifice, both Klaus and Caroline get stuck in a time loop. It's so funny to watch them get more and more deranged.
sweet present of the present by VintageLilac - it's Caroline, not Rebekah, who raises Hope while New Orleans is at war. I absolutely love Katherine in this fic, and though Hayley gets the short end of the stick it's written quite well.
The Wolf by Yokan - a witch version of Caroline is the one pregnant with Klaus's baby in the originals. And while season 1 doesn't change a lot because of it, the later one's definitely do! I love the Klaus and Caroline relationship, and Caroline & Elijah friendship.
Elena Gilbert-Centric Fic
The stars were brightly shining by adlyb - a fic where Elena is pregnant with Klaus's baby. It's so hard to describe! A little twisted, a little sweet, and a thorough depiction of Elena's mental state.
The Forgotten by MissNMikaelson - Elena time travels and gets dropped in the middle of Klaus and Kol's war in New Orleans, circa 1914. The flashback scenes in the fic are great! Eventual Kol/Elena.
blame it on the stardust by allwritenow - the fic that looks into if Elena's doppelganger nature affected her more. And a truly beautiful Caroline, Bonnie, and Elena friendship.
Off by a Single Degree by Tarroko - when Elena's phone dies, Damon walks her home and never compels away her memories, and her parents never die. This softer, sweeter Elena is so believable, and I love the way canon immediately shifts. Amazing development of her parents, Anna, and Enzo. Delena.
Katherine Pierce Centric Fic
afflictions eclipsed by glory by passionesque - in 1864, right after the fire in Mystic Falls, Elijah finds Katherine. They team up together against Klaus. This deals with Katherine's trauma and cunning so well! A slow build to Elijah/Katherine, involving him acknowledging his faults.
General Mystic Falls Gang Fics
in another life (i would let you go) by sarcastic_fina - Elena wakes up in a world where she isn't the doppelganger and no one knows her. An interesting deconstruction of the affects she's had on her friends.. Manages to be both Elena-bashing and sympathetic at the same time. Minor Steroline and Bamon.
Originals Family Feels
It All Comes Crumbling Down by AlwaysAkin - can I do a self-rec? I'm doing a self-rec. Hope is born a century earlier, and grows up in New Orleans with the Mikaelsons. I'm particularly proud of my Hope-Marcel bond and young!Hope voice in this one.
A Twist Through Time by fandom_lover_101 - Hope is sent back in time to the Vampire Diaries season 3. She messes everything up. Absolutely love the slow Hope & Klaus relationship built here, and her friendship with Elena is cute too. Minor Klaroline, Delena, and Handon.
Always & Tomorrow by Viretta - another tragically unfinished fic. Set after Hope jumps into Malivore in Legacies, it involves the dead Mikaelsons being resurrected, and the kids from the Salvatore School travelling to New Orleans (with a newly activated tribrid Hope). This is a Mikaelson family story in the bloodiest, best way. Has Handon and Klaroline in addition to the canon originals couples.
if no one in the entire world cared about you (did you really exist at all?) by nevermore_evermore - Elijah is erased from the minds of everyone he loves. Kol is (eventually) there to help him through it. An interesting take on Elijah's place in the family.
A Million Mistakes by mon-amour-eternel - a fic where Caroline is also an original, and her and Klaus are Marcel's parents. Sadly unfinished, especially considering the rarity of Marcel-centric fic!
But Stand Brave, Life-Liver by crownjrose - A Hayley-centric fic! Her foster parents come to New Orleans and see the way her life turned out. Interesting closure for Hayley, and a sweet Klaus/Hayley relationship.
Kolvina Fic
(finally) you and me are the lucky ones by yorkes - a long one-shot where Kol and Davina are soulmates. It's cute as hell! And Kol and Davina really grow into each other in this one.
The Vixen and the Fox by BlueBooThalassophile - be warned, this read is long as hell. But it's also great. Davina time travels to the Vampire Diaries season 4, gets involved in the fight against Silas, and everything goes sideways immediately. Love Davina's friendship with Hayley and bond with Marcel in this one. Every character in both shows appears in this one.
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beyondthesefourwalls · 8 months
Text
An Aviation Special
Summary: You had always wanted to experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but when it starts to go sideways thanks to your travel companions, you fear the whole trip, maybe even the whole city, has been ruined for you. But then a handsome stranger swoops in when some drunk idiot gets too handsy, and your night takes an unexpected turn for the better. 
Pairing: Javy Machado x Reader (no use of y/n)
Word Count: 3.5K 
Warnings: Fluff galore, language, drunk idiots and handsy men, mentions of flashing. 
Notes: Written for @thedroneranger's pick your poison challenge, with a Mardi Gras board of my dreams. 
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You were doing your best not to panic, choosing instead to focus on the annoyance coursing through your body instead. Your sister and her friends, her stupid, reckless friends, had done what they always did and got a little too wild, and while you had slipped away to the bathroom, they thought it would be a great idea to switch bars. Instead of waiting for you, they had shot a text to the Bachelorette Bead Bash group chat that you had created, telling you where to meet them. Only now you were there, and they were nowhere to be found. And to top it all off, your phone was dead. 
“Stupid, stupid bridesmaids,” you muttered under your breath, pushing through the rowdy crowd of people none-too-gently to get to the bar. You tried not to cringe when you felt how sticky it was, immediately withdrawing your hands. “Excuse me,” you said, speaking a little louder when at first you didn’t get the bartender’s attention. He turned to you with a bored, exasperated look on his face, clearly annoyed with all the drunk tourists taking up space. “Do you happen to have a phone charger? I just need it for long enough to make one phone call, I promise.” 
“No, sorry.” 
You groaned as he walked away without another word, resisting the urge to stomp your foot in frustration. This was just your luck. 
“I don’t have a charger, but flash your tits for me, gorgeous, and I’ll give you some of these beads.” 
You turned your head to the drunk idiot standing far too close to you, a scowl on your deep purple painted lips as he shook the aforementioned colorful beads in your face. He reeked of sweat and cheap liquor and his eyes were glazed over as he leered at you. 
“How about you take those beads and strangle yourself with them instead?” you snarked back, and to your disgust, the guy and his buddies only laughed. You scoffed and rolled your eyes, turning away from him and taking a step to start forcing yourself through the throngs of bodies that were almost certainly violating some sort of fire code. You didn’t get far before a hand was grabbing your arm, jolting you back. 
“Come on, baby, you know you want to.” 
The panic was trying its best to creep up again, but the annoyance was also morphing into anger as you narrowed your eyes. You were contemplating the risk of slapping him across the face when a voice spoke up from beside you. 
“I think she said no, man. But those girls over there look pretty eager.” 
The guy almost stumbled in his intoxication when he turned to see where the newcomer was indicating, shouting in excitement at the view of three women standing on a table pulling their shirts up as plastic flung in their direction. Him and his friends moved in that direction without another glance at you. The bouncer of the bar was also heading their way, and you breathed a sigh of relief that not only were the guys leaving you alone, but hopefully those women would make it out of here safely, too. 
“Pawning my problem off on other women goes against every feminist bone in my body,” you said, turning for the first time to put a face to the voice who had come to your rescue. You’re met with a startling pair of dark eyes and a jawline that should be illegal. His smile was warm and amused, and despite all the irritation you were feeling, you couldn’t help but take a moment and think damn. 
“It seemed like they would welcome the attention a lot more than you were,” he justified, and his voice was as smooth this time as it was the first time he spoke. You gave a noncommittal hum in response, and he raised a thick eyebrow as his smile grew. “You’re welcome.” 
“I didn’t say thank you.” 
“Were you planning to?” he challenged, and you felt a fluttering in your stomach at his playful tone. You contemplated for a moment, eyes narrowed and colorful lips pursed. You could see the amusement dancing in his gaze as he stared back at you, waiting. 
“Thank you,” you finally said, only a little bit begrudgingly, and the stranger nodded in satisfaction. 
“You’re welcome,” he repeated. “Also, there’s a place a few bars down that has a charging station. I overheard you asking the bartender.” 
"Oh my god," you groaned in relief, "are you serious?" 
He laughed, the sound washing over you. He motioned for you to follow him through the crowd toward the exit. You hesitated for a moment, remembering that you were in a city you had never been in before during their busiest tourist week of the year, and you didn't know this man. But then a cheer came from the corner, and when you glanced over, one of the guys from earlier had climbed on the table and taken off his shirt, plastic beads flying everywhere. You winced and turned back, nodding once. As you made your way out of the bar and onto the bustling street, you couldn't help but notice how effortlessly he navigated through the chaos. 
"I'm Javy, by the way," he offered once you made it onto the sidewalk. 
"Nice to meet you," you replied, offering up your name in return. He stuck close to you as he guided you down the overly crowded streets. You tried your best to ignore the lingering unease that clung to the back of your mind, but you found that his confident demeanor made it easy. "Are you a local?" you asked. 
He flashed you a charming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I used to be," he explained. "I grew up here, but I live in California currently. But New Orleans will always be home in a lot of ways. I take it you're not?" 
"No," you snorted, narrowly avoiding running into someone running in the opposite direction. Your arm brushed against Javy's as you pushed slightly closer to him, and you tried to ignore the heat that the slight touch caused. "I'm here for my sister's bachelorette party. The city had always been on our bucket list to travel to together, but then her friends decided they wanted to overtake the whole trip and make it Mardi Gras of all times." 
"I take it you don't like these friends?" he asked, a hint of humor in his voice. 
You gave him the biggest smile you had since you met him a few minutes ago, and he was laughing before you even spoke the words. "Understatement of the century."
You go on to tell him about how they had pretty much blown the itinerary you had carefully crafted as maid of honor, including how they left to go to the next bar without you, and then not been there when you showed up. You weren't sure why you were telling a man you didn't know all of this, but it felt good to say it out loud nonetheless. 
"They sound like they suck," he said plainly once you were done explaining. You let out a very unladylike snort as you agreed. 
"What about you?" you asked, "what brings you back?" 
"Ironically enough, I'm here for my best friend's bachelor party. There may have been an incident with a few of the groomsmen getting drinks thrown on them, and I ran into one of my cousins at the bar we were just at, so I told them I'd meet up with them once they came back out from going back to the hotel to change." He flashed you another smile, his eyes shining with a genuine warmth. "I suppose everything happens for a reason, though." 
You chuckled, and he winked as you arrived at what you guessed was your destination. Javy held the door open for you, gesturing for you to enter first. Inside, the bar was as lively as the others you had been to, but the atmosphere was strangely inviting. You followed as he led you to the back corner where a row of charging stations lined the wall. You tried not to groan when you saw all of them were in use. 
“Clearly I’m not the only one in New Orleans who went out without a fully charged phone tonight,” you muttered under your breath. A gentle hand on your arm had you turning your gaze to the man who had led you here, his dark, kind eyes meeting yours. 
“Let me buy you a drink while you wait for one to open up.” 
You hesitated for a moment, weighing your options. There was something about Javy that intrigued you, a magnetic pull that you hadn't felt in a very long time that made you want to spend more time in his company. You desperately needed to charge your phone and get in touch with your sister and her friends, so you'd be waiting here no matter what anyway...there was no harm in a drink, you rationalized. 
"Sure," you finally said, unable to resist his charming smile. "A drink sounds great." 
You followed him to the bar, squeezing through the crowd until you found a spot where you could lean against the counter.
As you waited for someone behind the bar to notice you, Javy leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against your ear. "What would you like?" he asked, his voice tinged with what you thought was anticipation.
You turned to face him, feeling a jolt of electricity shoot through your veins as your eyes met. His gaze was intense, yet inviting, pulling you into a world of possibilities. "Surprise me," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the clamor of the bar.
With a mischievous grin, Javy flagged down the bartender. You couldn't hear what it was that he ordered, but before long, two stemmed cocktail glasses filled with a vibrant purple liquid garnished with a lemon peel and a deep red cherry were set down in front of you. "Mardi Gras special?" you asked with an eyebrow raise. He laughed as he grabbed both drinks and then nodded his head toward one of the barstools at the very end of the charging station that had just opened up. You hurried over to it before someone else could, sliding onto the barstool almost clumsily. Javy made himself comfortable leaning against the counter beside your stool, facing you. He handed you one of the drinks after you had plugged your dead phone in. Making the conscious decision to enjoy your time with him as much as you could, you placed the screen face down. 
"It's called an Aviation, actually." 
He looked almost amused as he brought the drink to his lips. You studied him closely as you did the same, letting the flavors of the gin and lemon dance on your tastebuds. 
"What do you think?" he asked. 
"It's delicious." 
"I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. He watched you intently, and you didn't miss the way his eyes flickered to your lips when you licked away a stray drop of the liquid when you took another sip. The air crackled with tension, and you had to fight the urge to lean closer to him. He cleared his throat, looking away momentarily. You tampered down the shiver that threatened to run through you. 
"So why'd you leave New Orleans?" you asked, breaking the silence. 
"Work," he explained."I'm in the Navy, so I've lived all over the place." 
"The Navy, huh?" 
He hummed in confirmation.That glint in his eyes that made you feel like you were missing something was back, and your eyes narrowed in curiosity. "And what do you do in the Navy?"
A smirk played on his lips. He tried to cover it by taking another sip of his drink, but you saw right through it. He set the glass down, folding his hands together as he stared at you. "I'm an aviator." 
You paused for a beat, looking down at the purple drink before looking back at him, the joke you had been missing clicking into place in your head. 
"Okay," you said slowly, and Javy was already chuckling from his spot beside you. "I see what you did here." 
His laughter was loud, but not obnoxiously so, instead surrounding you like a comforting warmth. You couldn't help but join in with him, your giggles blending seamlessly with his. 
The atmosphere around you seemed to fade into the background as the two of you talked, the conversation flowing easily between you. The more you learned about Javy, the more intrigued you became. His passion for flying was evident in every word he spoke, and it was contagious. You found yourself hanging onto his every word, mesmerized by his experiences and adventures. And when you spoke, he listened with genuine interest, occasionally interjecting with laughter or witty remarks. The more you talked, the more drawn you felt to him. There was something about his easy charm and attentive nature that made you feel seen and understood.
Eventually, your phone buzzed with a notification, indicating that it had finally regained some charge. Reluctantly, you flipped it over and glanced at the screen. Reading through the few messages that you missed in the chat, you snorted in disbelief. "My sister and three of her bridesmaids started throwing up at the last bar they went to." 
"Yikes," Javy winced. "Are they okay?" 
Your heart fluttered at the concern he showed for people he didn't even know. Damn damn damn. 
"They're fine," you assured him with a small smile. "The other two have already dragged them back to the hotel to sleep it off. Guess the night is over." 
You felt sad as you said the words. The night had started a shit show, but talking to Javy had turned it around. You weren't really ready for it to come to an end just yet. 
As you reached to unplug your phone, Javy's hand gently clasped yours, halting your movement. "You don't need to rush off just yet," he said softly, his warm gaze holding yours. "Why don't you come hang out with me and my friends instead?" 
You looked at him in surprise, shocked by the offer. 
"Don't you think your best friend will be mad that I'm crashing his bachelor party?" 
"Not even a little bit," he assured you. "They're all good guys, I promise." 
You chewed on your bottom lip as you contemplated. 
You knew that you should decline. Going off with a group of strangers in a city you barely knew didn't exactly scream "intelligent decision." Still, you found that you wanted to take him up on it. 
Reading the apprehension on your face, Javy continued on, more eager now as he tried to convince you. "Look, as a Louisiana boy, I can't bring myself to allow you to leave New Orleans without actually enjoying yourself. You deserve to have a good time." His hand settled on yours again and squeezed gently. When he spoke, he was shyer than he had been all night. "And if I'm being honest with myself...the last thirty minutes with you have been the highlight of my trip home, and that's saying something. I'm not really ready for it to end yet." 
His words sent a shiver down your spine. You gazed into his eyes, searching for any hint of deceit or ulterior motive. But all you found was sincerity and an excitement that you felt flicker in you, too. Against your better judgment, you nodded. You were tired of playing by the rules, tired of always being the responsible one. Maybe tonight could be different.
"Alright," you conceded, unable to hide the smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Lead the way."
Javy's grin widened, and he intertwined his fingers with yours before guiding you out of the crowded bar. The night air hit you with a welcome change as you followed him through the lively streets. 
His friends waited at a bar just a few blocks away. As you approached, their laughter and boisterous conversation spilled onto the sidewalk. When they saw Javy walking hand in hand with you, their eyes widened with surprise. Almost instantly, the cat calls started. 
Javy rolled his eyes, and you couldn't help but laugh lightly as you leant against him. "Yeah, yeah. Knock it off." 
He introduced you to each of his friends amongst their teasing. They were a rowdy group, and it wasn't hard to see how much they cared for each other. The camaraderie instantly calmed you. 
It was surprisingly easy, letting yourself have fun with this group of strangers. They accepted your presence like it was nothing, involving you in every conversation and debate they had, and within a few hours, you felt like you had known them for a lot longer than you really had. The night continued on, a whirlwind of pretty purple drinks and colorful masks and exuberant laughter. Vibrant jazz music reverberated through the air, the streets full of purple, gold and green chaos. You could feel the pulsating energy of the city surging through you, and this is exactly why you had always wanted to come here. 
At some point, Javy grabbed your hand, beckoning you to dance with him. You giggled happily as he twirled you. The world around you melted away, leaving only the pulsating music and the warmth of his touch. You were tipsy from all the alcohol and the thrill of an unexpected night with a man who made you feel something no one else ever has. You wished it wouldn’t have to end.
“Me either,” he said, making you realize you had said that out loud. But instead of feeling embarrassed at your slip, you giggled and leant into him further. 
“I mean it,” you insisted. Javy’s smile had become familiar to you tonight, and the butterflies erupted in your stomach just as they had the last few hours when he flashed it in your direction. “You know, you’d make the perfect wedding date, if only you didn’t live so far away.” 
He hummed in what you thought was agreement, but didn’t say anything. The look he gave you was contemplative, like there was something he was trying to figure out. “What?” you asked. 
“When’s the wedding?” 
You threw your head back in laughter, realizing what he was getting at. “Still a few months away. You’ll have completely forgotten about me by then, I’m sure.” 
Javy's eyes sparkled as he pulled you even closer, his hand still holding yours tightly. "Oh, I highly doubt that," he replied, and the way his voice dropped sent shivers down your spine. "Seriously. When's the wedding?" 
"The second weekend in May." 
"If I'm not deployed, I'll be there." 
You shook your head in disbelief as more giggles escaped, completely enraptured by this man. "Sure, Javy." 
His smile softened and he raised a hand to cup your face, and you couldn't help but instinctively lean into his touch as his thumb brushed your skin. "I mean it. I want to be there. With you." You searched his eyes for a long moment, searching for anything other than the sincerity and tenderness staring back at you. You felt a rush of emotions when you found none. In that moment, looking at you the way that he was, he felt like so much more than just a stranger you met on a wild night out in New Orleans. 
Before you could talk yourself out of it, you raised on your toes and pressed your lips against his. 
The kiss was soft at first, gentle and sweet, but it quickly deepened into something more passionate. For a moment, you hesitated, wondering if this was the right thing to do, but then you realized that you didn't care. You found yourself lost in him, and everything else faded away. All of the tension that had been building between the two of you that night was pushed into this one moment. You nearly stumbled at the intensity, but Javy just pulled you closer and kissed you harder. He tasted like gin and lemons and cherry from the purple drink you both had been drinking all night, and you realized it tasted even better from him. 
Finally, the two of you broke apart, both panting heavily. You gazed at each other as you tried to catch your breath. Your heart was pounding in your chest as he brushed some of your hair out of your face. 
You swallowed thickly before speaking, your voice trembling just slightly. "I want you there, too," you said, and you knew it was crazy, but you also knew you meant it. 
A slow grin spread across his face, and before you could say anything else, Javy's lips were back on yours.
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Main Masterlist
Notes: I'm kind of feeling a part two? Maybe? I'm actually so in love with this man, it's unreal.
Thanks to @thedroneranger for the incredible banner, and to @roosterforme @mak-32 for their help, and to @sylviebell for catching an embarrassing amount of typos after I thought I was already done editing
196 notes · View notes
damiansgoodgirll · 7 months
Note
I just read your soft for you and I love it. If it’s okay can I request something? :)
So it’s a Damian Priest and it’s for like a plane ride and the night at the hotel and the reader is super tired from jet lag? (If you can’t that’s fine if you can thank you!)
damian priest x reader
a little angst, sorry not sorry.
i changed it a little cause i’ve never experienced jet lag, i hope you like it anyway!
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stay the night
“why don’t you stay the night?” you heard damian asking you softly.
“uh?”
“i asked, why don’t you stay with me tonight? in my room?” he asked again “you’re hotel is way too far from the arena and from the airport and it’s too late, we are in new orleans and i don’t like you going around late at night in a city you barely know” he suggested.
you got booked last time for the show in new orleans. in all honesty, you didn’t even want to be there. yes you were the champion but hunter promised you full two weeks of complete relax, away from the ring and from the cameras.
not even three days later, you received a call from hunter himself saying that they needed you in a match against bailey in new orleans.
you could tell that he was sorry and he kept apologising from disturbing you from your vacation so you said yes.
your manager booked you a last minute flight and lucky for you, you got the same one as the other wrestlers were in, but the hotel was way too far away and you were there all by yourself. it wasn’t the ideal, especially not knowing the city very well.
plus you hate being on planes late at night. even if it was a short flight, you felt uncomfortable with everyone around you sleeping and you not being able to close your eyes, no matter how tired you were.
damian had been a great travel buddy. he was the one next to you and you thanked whoever bought your ticket because you never got this lucky. you shared some music together and some jokes, trying to not make any noise.
“are you sure? i don’t wanna bother…” you said.
“it’s not a bother at all…i can take you to your hotel in the morning when it’s all sunny and warm…but i’ll feel better if you stayed here…at least you’re not alone…”
“are you sure?” you asked him again.
truth was you had the biggest crush on him and even if you had plenty of sleepovers together, you never shared the same hotel room and that was making you a little nervous.
“yes…you’re my best friend, it’s like your sleeping at my house, but instead we are in a fancy hotel room where we can order all the room service we want” he said and you agreed.
best friend.
it made your heart clench.
you knew someone like him wouldn’t like someone like you but in the deep of your heart you still hoped something could change.
but instead of being all moody about it, you were too tired to even keep your eyes open from the landing to the arrival at the hotel. you remembered barely of it. you knew your legs were walking for you but your mind was somewhere else.
“you awake princesa?” damian smirked when he saw you falling into the comfort of the hotel bed.
“uh?” you replied.
“clearly not…” he smiled.
“i’m so tired dam…you know how much i hate flying at night…was it really necessary? like we could have taken a bus or i could have driven…” you complained and damian smiled at your cute childish behaviour.
“okay you should definitely got to bed…i’m gonna take a quick shower and then i’m gonna joining you…those blankets look very comfortable…” he smiled before entering the bathroom and locking himself in it.
suddenly you were awake.
damian was used to sleep almost naked. you knew it because you’ve been at his house so many times but you’ve never actually slept together. it was always you in the guest room or you falling asleep on his couch.
but you were just friends right?
what could possibly go wrong?
your heart missed a a few beats when you saw him coming out of the bathroom wearing just a grey pair of sweatpants. no t-shirts. nothing at all. just his chest full of tattoos and nothing more.
you saw him like that multiple times when he was training or when he was in the ring but having him so close and so naked was making your head spinning.
“you still awake?” he asked while he got comfortable under the covers.
“uhm…yes”
“i thought you were tired” he teased.
“i was…” you whispered.
“what are you thinking about princesa?” he asked, slowly turning his head towards you.
“nothing important…”
“it has to be important if it kept you awake all the time i was showering” he laughed. how you loved his laugh.
“really…nothing important…just the match i think…”
“you nervous?”
“no…i…” how you were supposed to say that you liked him. how you were supposed to stay calm when he was only a few inches from you, half naked. how were you supposed to stay quiet when his hot breath was all over your face “i think i’m just going to sleep now…”
“in your clothes?” he asked.
and then you remembered. your suitcase was sent to the hotel you were supposed to be that night so you were left with only your small harry potter backpack, that contained anything but clothes.
“shit…”
“you can wear something of mine…” he got up and borrowed you a clean t-shirt “here…i don’t have a second pair of pants but it should be long enough to cover your - well you know it” he almost smirked.
“oh thank you…” your cheeks were red and you were feeling all hot inside. you moved quickly, entering the bathroom and changing into his clothes. the t-shirt smelled like him and all you wanted to do was cry because you wanted something like that every day, not just today. you wanted to sleep next to him every night and waking up with him between your arms - or legs - you wanted a life with him.
but you couldn’t have it.
“here you are…” he smiled when he saw you wearing his shirt. in fact it wasn’t that long and damian was amused in seeing you trying not to move so fast, otherwise your ass would be on display.
“thank you, again, for everything…” you slowly got into bed and closed your eyes.
“y/n…?” he called you.
“mh?”
“good night…” he gently kissed your head and turned off the light.
a tear slowly fell from your eyes.
his arm moving to your hip and resting over there.
what looked normal for him, looked everything for you, everything you wished for but you couldn’t have.
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narrycherries · 1 month
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love of my life
⋆。°✩ ⋆⁺。˚⋆˙‧₊✩₊‧˙⋆˚。⁺⋆ ✩°。⋆
✩ chapter 01: begin again ✩
word count: 4.4k
warnings/tags/info
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Wild was an understatement. I had always heard that this city never really stops celebrating, and I learned quickly that it was quite true. It was not the season for the festive parties for Mardi Gras, yet anyone who was visiting would be greatly convinced it was. Stringed beads and glitter covered the streets and broad side walks. The smell of alcohol and fried sweets filled the air. Crowds of people moved so casually down each side of the road. Some were slipping into creepy little corner shops full of odd souvenirs, and others were hopping from one bar to the next.
I chuckled as I witnessed a very interesting woman with a snake wrapped around her neck, people gawked around her to watch. The driver must have heard me, because I caught his glance in the rear view mirror.
“I was surprised when they told me you haven’t spent much time here. It’s.. interesting, innit?” He smirked gently as he continued to travel towards the destination.
“Uh, yeah.” I shrugged slightly. “In the band.. we never had time to appreciate a lot of the cities. We always had to leave the next morning. And I.. haven’t ever made time to come here on my own either.”
He nodded as he listened to me. I didn’t know him well, he just started working with my travel team. “You’ll enjoy it. Two weeks, right?”
“Yeah. I wanted to.. explore and.. y’know, see as much as I can.”
“Where ya off to after this?” He was curious, which wasn’t surprising.
I thought for a moment. “If all goes well.. I’ll be off to Sydney. I want to.. travel more.” I lifted a brow as I said that last part.
Traveling was not anything new to me, but this sort of journeying was. I barely ever had the chance to do my own things in these cities. It’s usually all work and show related, but I wanted to change that. The world is full of incredible places, and New Orleans is like no other. I wanted to drive through the most touristy parts and see some staple spots before going to the hotel.
“I’ve been here a couple of times. They’ve got some epic drinking spots.”
I laughed at his statement. “M’not really here to get drunk.. at least not every night.”
“Well, lucky for you, they have some incredible restaurants and tourist spots. The cathedral is pretty damn awesome. My wife loves the French market. Aye, the ghost tours are fun, too.”
“I have plans to do all of that.” I smiled as he looked at me in the mirror again. “I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes.”
The ride became silent again as I sighed heavily and rested my temple against the cold glass window. My eyes lazily gazed over people as we passed by. I could see into a store or restaurant every now and again, but eventually my eyes started to close. I felt like I had a ton of bricks on each eyelid. Sleep was taking over me before I even knew it.
My dream consisted of nothing specific. I could hardly remember any of it when I felt the car come to a stop - my body naturally reacting to the sudden stop of motion. I grunted as I peeled my eyelids back and came to my senses.
“Well, sir, it looks like we have arrived at your hotel.” His demeanor changed and suddenly he returned to a more professional behavior. It was almost as if our previous conversation never existed.
My eyes moved to look out of the dark tinted window and I was amazed by the beauty of the hotel. I shook my head at the extravagant exterior, only expecting the inside to be just as magnificent. My manager loves to say that the best deserve the best. I have yet to discover what I am best at.
As usual, and against my will, I had no involvement in unloading my luggage from the black suv that followed us all the way from the airport. I requested to be alone on this trip, but my team feared for my safety. My personal bodyguard is with me, and he is also being treated to a grand room here at this fancy hotel. I would never give him any less than myself. The driver is also in town, but only for the night. He will fly out in the morning and probably meet me again in Sydney.
“Mr. Styles, what an honor to serve you. Here, let me gather your bags.” Some guy in a suit met me at the door with a gold luggage cart.
I didn’t reply to him, only because I was tired. I walked inside of the impressive building with Chris hot on my heels. He stood close to me as I went to the reception desk. The older woman smiled kindly at me and got her hands positioned on the keyboard.
“Hello sir. We are so pleased to have you.” Her welcoming smile grew bigger. “You have to be Mr. Harry Styles, yes?”
“Um, yes ma’am, that’s me.” I slightly smiled back at her.
“Let me get your suite pulled up. I believe you booked one of the larger suites.”
I nodded. “Yes, that sounds right.”
She typed on the keyboard for a few moments, searching for my reservation to confirm my presence. I looked over my shoulder at Chris, who was standing broad and ready to pounce behind me.
“I’m sorry they made me come. I know you want your privacy.”
I shook my head lightly. “S’fine. I know the risks of being alone.”
“Here you go, Mr. Styles.” The woman caught my attention.
When I looked back at her, she extended her hand out and I saw she held the key to my room. I took it from her and gave the extra one to Chris. He slid it in his pocket quickly.
“Um, I should have another suite as well.” I said politely as she stared at me, seeming to be lost.
“Oh!” She looked at the screen. “That’s right. Here you go.” She passed me to two keys for Chris’s room, still eyeing me intensely.
Great, a new fan..
———
The balcony offered a refreshing change of pace. The cool breeze kept pushing my hair around, which I didn’t mind. I was high up enough that nobody could possibly recognize me with the naked eye. The city was glowing down below. This is a view I would never get from a stage. It’s incredible and relaxing, definitely something I need to see. I should escape more often. I wondered about the tourists and the locals. I wondered how long they stayed out partying and dancing in bars. Did the locals enjoy having tourists constantly, were they amused by them? Or were they tired of it? Surely not, I find it entertaining to observe people. What was it like to be so carefree and relaxed? Would it ever be possible for me to do that, to go out on the streets and enjoy myself without the fear of someone recognizing me or a crowd of girls flooding around me? Perhaps I’d take the risk while I’m here.
I sat down in one of the comfortable chairs and relaxed my back. I appreciated the view, truly - it was incredible. Just as I was about to close my eyes to soak up some of the peace, my phone buzzed on the table beside me. I picked it up and smiled when I saw the name.
“Mum, hi.”
“Hello, sweetie. Have you gotten settled?” I could hear the big smile on her mouth.
“Yeah. I’m enjoying the view now.” I chuckled lowly.
“Send me pictures, darling! I hope you have so much fun.”
“I will try to.. and you know I will send you every picture I take, Mum.”
She laughed for a moment, then sighed. “Your sister is in New York.. you’re gone.. I feel so alone.”
“I’ll call you everyday.. always do.”
“I know that, lovey.”
I slowly trailed my finger across my pants leg as I thought about something that was heavy on my mind. Mum could sense everything, even when she’s thousands of miles away. I wasn’t shocked to hear her ask me what was wrong.
“Harry, did you hear me, honey?” She sounded concerned.
“Um.. M’fine.”
“Don’t lie to me, baby.”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Should I tell her? She is my mother, so it isn’t like she’ll judge me or anything. But I don’t want her to over think or get her hopes up for any reason. I gulped quietly as I made a decision.
“Just sorta.. hoping that I fall in love, Mum. Real love.”
“Honey, don’t rush yourself into anything. I know this past year has been.. hard.. but focus on yourself.. not on a relationship.”
“I dunno. I feel different here already.. This place could change everything.” I bit my cheek as I said those thoughts out loud.
“Any place could change everything, Harry. Be safe, have fun. I love you.”
“Yeah, thanks. I’ll try to.”
Any place could change everything.. Then why hasn’t anything changed? I’ve been to countless places trying to get away from the reality of a damaged heart, but nowhere has made a difference.
The shower I had before bed was much needed. The water burned my skin and calmed my muscles. I could’ve wasted away in there if I really wanted to. Sometimes, the best way to let out all the tension was just to stand under the water stream and melt your skin away.
I squeezed my eyes tightly, trying to force myself to go to sleep. The suite was dark, only the glow from lights outside the window was creeping in. My body was exhausted, but my mind was racing. I felt like I had a thousand things circling at once. Despite my body being utterly worn out, I couldn’t seem to fall asleep.
These past few months have really done a number on me. On top of a bunch of work related things, my personal life went through hell and back a few times. Every time I think I have it down right, something comes along and wrecks it. I just wanted to get away from everything. I craved a distraction. Maybe I was just chasing dreams, or maybe I’d come across something here that changed everything for the better.
———
A sigh slipped out of my mouth as I walked up to the entrance of the nice building. Chris stood beside me as we waited in a line to purchase an entrance ticket. I probably looked very suspicious and out of place with this hood over my head, but it was a necessity to disguise my identity as much as possible. The black sweats and hoodie were meant to conceal me more than keep me warm. Thankfully, it was a windy day.
“Did you get enough rest? You seem tired.” He said quietly.
I grunted. “I slept fine.. m’just.. sick of covering up.”
He patted my back. “I know. One day.. it’ll be better. People will.. forget about you eventually. A lot of celebrities say that.”
I shook my head at his assumption. “They’ll forget me when I’m dead.”
He chuckled. “You’re wrong.. they’ll stop chasing you.. they’ll never forget you.”
When we received our tickets, the man directed us towards the main entrance into the first exhibit. Chris had learned to love museums a while ago. At first, he would gripe about me going to one. He claimed they weren’t interesting. His opinion changed as we went to more and more over time. Art museums were his favorite, as well as mine. Someone told me I should check out the art museum here, so I decided it would be a nice start to my trip.
“Oh.” Chris got my attention as we started to observe some of the paintings on the wall. “They’re having a special exhibit today. The Best of the New Orleans.”
He showed me the pamphlet he picked up at the door. I gave it a glance and hummed at the thought of seeing some local artists in the house today. That would be quite interesting to see. I hope we get a chance to get to it.
“Appears that it’s a bunch of young artists from the city.. some of them set up in the French Quarter. They’ve been chosen as the best of the best.” He continued to tell me about the exhibit. I listened quietly as I looked over one of the sculptures in the middle of the room. “They’re each receiving portions of this week’s proceeds.. Getting an interview on some fancy art website.. Ah, they can even sell anything they’ve brought with them. How neat.”
“Hm.. Perhaps I could purchase something.” I licked my lips as I moved onto the next art piece on the wall. “I do enjoy and appreciate beautiful art.”
“Might find something magnificent.”
He folded the paper back up and turned his attention to the art in this small section. Chris and I both slowly started to walk towards the next room. We were quiet and observant, paying our respects to each wonderful creation displayed around us.
“You never know.” I casually shrugged.
I felt a few stares on me, but I was certain it was because of my clothing choices, not my actual identity. I really didn’t feel like being ambushed in an art exhibit, so I pray it was my clothes.
“S’alright. I’ve got my eye on everyone.” Chris mumbled beside me, being sure to keep quiet. He must have felt me tense up or something.
“I see a sign over there.” I pointed towards the exit of this exhibit. “We should check it out.”
He shrugged. “Sure, let’s go.”
We were sort of just walking around, following the signs trying to find that exhibit. Chris was sighing as we walked into the wrong room, again. I kept my eyes on the signs and tried my best to figure out how to get to the room.
Entering the room, I immediately knew we were in that special, limited run exhibit that Chris spoke about earlier. He nudged my side gently as we stood towards the side of the room, purposely staying away from the center. This area was larger and was divided by fake walls, to provide each artist with their own area. I noticed that the artists were standing among their works. Some were talking and explaining processes, while others were telling the stories that inspired their pieces. We happened to be closer to a girl who appeared to favor a painting, so we moved into that small group of people.
Most of the viewers were younger people, fresh into college maybe. I saw a lot of them jotting notes and sketching in paper pads as they listened and stared at her displayed work. They were all quite beautiful, the paintings. She was pointing at different aspects of the piece next to her, which had most of the people's attentions.
“S’very nice.. that one on the end.” Chris said as he nodded towards a big painting of an amazing ocean scene.
The waves were splashing, and the sun was setting beautifully in the background. I looked over the other ones. They were each so different, so unique yet I could see her style. She didn’t seem to care about perfection and the perfect blend. She was messy in some places and precise in others. She seemed very talented. Her landscapes and seascapes were accompanied by portraiture and floral pieces. There were some gorgeous original concepts mixed in, some with ethereal and fantasy aspects.
“S’lovely.” I mumbled back, curious to know more about the painting.
He gave me a look. “Want me to ask about it?”
I thought for a moment, my eyes glued on the painting. I imagined how it would look in that empty space in my living room back in Los Angeles, or how pleased my mother would be with the gift, my sister even..
“Go ahead.. I’ll double the offer.” I told him quietly as my eyes roamed over the rest of her displayed pieces.
Chris walked towards the front of the crowd. Luckily, he wasn’t interrupting anything. She had just sat down at a table, writing out something. I shifted a little closer so I could hear, thankfully people were talking quietly.
“Hello. What a wondrous display you’ve got here.” I could hear his genuine smile.
My vision was focused on a large painting of a farmhouse in a field. The golden rolling waves of wheat in the distance were bright against the muted blue sky and the dull brown of the house. It was eye catching for sure. There was a piece of laminated paper attached to the bottom that said “sold, on loan for display” on it.
“Thank you!” Her voice was kind, she was also smiling.
“I’m wondering if you’re offering that ocean scene for sale, the one on the end? It’s quite lovely.”
Curiously, I looked their way. I saw her pretty face flush gently as she smiled, probably flustered from the admiration. She looked towards the painting before opening a small notebook.
“Yes. I am selling that one.” She nodded, that smile still on her lips.
“My, um, boss is willing to double your price. He loves art.. and appreciates the talents behind a piece.”
She laughed gently to ease the tension. “Well, that’s very flattering. Is your boss here? I would like to try to talk him out of that.. I price my work at a cost that I consider to be reasonable.. based on what I think it’s worth.”
He looked over his shoulder and immediately caught my gaze. “He might not be willing to talk. He’s a private man.”
She furrowed her brows gently. “Oh.. well.. perhaps he shouldn’t be a client of mine, then. I like to have face to face negotiations.”
I jumped on the offer and started the walk to them. I ignored whatever Chris was telling the girl. For a second I thought of walking off and forgetting it, but that would be stupid. I really admired the piece and I wanted to purchase it. When I approached them, Chris let his eyes go wide. Usually I stayed behind and let him handle things for the sake of my identity. I yanked the hood off my head to appear more serious and professional.
“Such nonsense you speak.” I chuckled as I patted his broad shoulder.
He gave me an odd look. “Are you alri-“
I cut him off as I turned my attention to the girl. Her thick pink lips shaped into a smile as she stared at me. I gulped at the thought of her recognizing me, but I tried to ignore it.
“I love the painting.” I said suddenly. “I love them all. I would love to purchase the ocean one. It’s magnificent. Double the price.. no negotiations.”
She laughed through a breath. “So.. I don’t have any say in my own sales?”
“Of course you do.. but m’sure you wouldn’t turn down extra money. M’sure you have bills to pay.. perhaps children to care for.. school loans to pay off. It wouldn’t hurt my pockets.” I gave her a shrug, while still smiling. I wasn’t being sassy, just quite honest.
The blonde girl shook her head and let her eyes drop to the floor for a moment, a grin plastered over her nice lips. When she lifted her head to look at me, I felt a sting in my chest. She was very beautiful. Oddly enough, she wasn’t my usual type.. she was different. Thick and pale.. short, curvy. Her chest and hips were heavier than average, but she was beautiful. And let me not forget that bold, very independent personality. I adored that.
“No children.. no loans.. but yes, bills.” She clarified my assumptions with a blushing face.
“Excuse my rudeness.” I sighed as I realized the mistake I made. She lifted a brow, curious to know what I meant. “What’s your name?”
She smiled slightly. “Um, Jennifer.”
“I’m Harry.” I motioned to my security guard. “This is Chris.”
“Nice to meet you.” She nodded back.
“Now..” I chuckled as her cheeks blushed, and I was sure she didn’t realize it. I was convinced she didn’t recognize me, because she didn’t react in the usual way. “I want the ocean. Double your price. So, what is your price?”
She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s three hundred.”
“That’s all?” I was honestly surprised.
A soft laugh slipped past her lips. “Yes.”
“S’quite big.. you’re only charging three hundred?” I was baffled by her words, truly shocked - it was a huge painting.
“I price my work based on the time I spent doing it and what materials I used. That didn’t take very long.. hence the price.”
“You’re insane. You should get a business partner to help you with profit margins.” I joked, smiling as she gave me a gentle smirk.
She was very beautiful, I wonder if she knew? She went back to the small table and sat down in a metal chair. She flipped open a folder and pulled out a thin stack of stapled papers. Her pretty eyes moved up to mine and she offered them to me, along with a pen.
“Just some legal things.. a guarantee of purchase and all that.” She smiled professionally at me, suggesting that I sign the papers if I wanted the painting.
Chris picked up the papers and quickly glanced over everything. My attention didn’t turn away from her. She watched him, waiting patiently for a response of some kind. I decided to speak up, since I was the one buying the piece anyways.
“Would it be alright if I offered a price to you? A bid.. if you will.”
Jennifer’s eyes shifted to me and she rolled them gently. “I told you-“
“Please.” I cut her off. “Just let me do this for you. It’s not insulting or anything. I’d love to pay for your creation.. and it’s worth far more than three hundred dollars.”
My stomach churned as I heard her sigh and watched her eyes fall to her small notebook. I couldn’t read it from my angle, but her handwriting was lovely. She tapped a pen against the edge of the paper, probably thinking about what I said. I didn’t want to just give her the money she requested - that would be stupid. Her painting was incredible, no matter how long she spent on it, and she deserved an incredible price.
“What’s your offer?” Her sudden question surprised me.
“A thousand.”
“You said double.”
“Well.. I changed my mind.” I shrugged when her eyes returned to mine.
She looked me up and down, then over at Chris who was done reading the papers. I looked his way as well, curious to know about the stack in his hand.
Without me having to verbally ask, he told me about it. “Just an agreement to pay.. and shipping costs. She’s very professional.”
Jennifer and I looked back at each other at the same time. Her cheeks slightly flushed as she dropped her eyes to her notebook.
“I’ll do double then.”
She took a deep breath. “Okay.. that’s fine.”
I smiled, quite pleased about the painting. “Perfect. Do you accept checks?”
She nodded, seeming a little nervous all of a sudden. I tried to look past that and focus on the purchase. I took my wallet out and grabbed one of the loose checks. I never carry more than a few, and they’re just in case I don’t have enough cash on me. I hardly have cash, so it’s helpful I guess.
“Just, um, sign the papers. Print and signature.”
“Yes ma’am.” I mumbled as I leaned over to write on the table.
She stood up as soon as I did and cleared her throat. “Thank you for coming to my exhibit.” Her voice was directed towards Chris.
“Don’t thank us. Your work is incredible. How long is the exhibit lasting?”
A soft laugh came from her. “Today’s the last day, actually.”
I took the opportunity of her being distracted to write a larger sum on the check. I wrote down more than what I had offered her. I decided to have it shipped to Los Angeles for now, so I filled out my address on the other paper as well as signed my name a few times to agree to different terms and conditions. She was a business woman, and I’m sure she didn’t even realize it. I jotted down my personal and business phone numbers in case something goes wrong with the bank whenever she cashes the check.
I folded the check and sat it on top of the stack of papers. “Alright, everything’s done.”
“Thank you, Mr. Styles.”
What an intriguing thing she was.. I never told her my last name, and she didn’t glance at anything I wrote..
She gave me a smile as she sat down and picked up the check, holding it between her fingers as she flipped through the packet to make sure I signed everything. I watched her as she picked up her pen and signed a few lines - her signature was beautiful and elegant.
“Thank you for your business. I will send you an email as soon as it has shipped. It will take a couple of days.” She smiled again as she looked up at me.
“Thank you.” I made sure to smile back.
Chris thanked her as well. She handed him a piece of paper. It had some information about the piece and about herself on it as well as some contact information.
“Perhaps I will look into your work some more.” I said as I noticed a stack of business cards on the table. I picked one up and saw that she had a website. “You’re an amazing artist.”
She pushed a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, revealing a couple sets of earrings. I gulped gently and put on a smile for her.
“Have a good day.” I gave her one last glance before turning around and heading for the exit. I had no desire to see the rest of the museum - I was flushing from the interactions with her, and I needed to be back at my hotel room to cool off.
My chest tightened as I looked over my shoulder just in time to see her unfold the check. Her head shot up and her lips fell apart. I smirked at her, dropping my eye to a wink, before looking back in front of me.
Three hundred wasn’t enough, nor was a thousand. I was extremely generous, but five thousand isn’t a lot to me.. I should’ve given her more.
——
[a/n: after this long unexpected delay, the story is finally yours! i hope you enjoy it. i’m so proud of this piece of work and it means a lot to me.. so please be kind and refrain from negative comments, if you don’t like what i post then simply don’t read it. i can’t wait to see how you guys react to it. i hope i did well! thank u for your continuous patience for my crazy chaotic life curveballs i get thrown pretty much every month.. enjoy! love u!]
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I'm not really sure if this req is your kinda thing? Plz feel free to ignore if it's not! Established relationship with Remy, and then there's a multiverse event and f!Remy is also hanging around and good god she's hot and she starts flirting with you and gay panik?
Every Gambit Wants Me
In a world where the multiverse was becoming more and more unpredictable, you were used to seeing strange things. Hanging out with Remy LeBeau, had its perks, but it also came with its fair share of surprises—particularly when it came to multiverse travel.
It had been another one of those accidental jumps through realities, and you and Gambit landed in a world that felt familiar...but slightly off. The streets of New Orleans had the same smell of gumbo and smoke, the same jazz lingering in the air, but something was different. You glanced at Remy, his red eyes glowing slightly under the streetlights, and he flashed you one of those charming, roguish grins.
"Dis ain't home, chérie," he said in his smooth Cajun drawl. "But I reckon we gon' make the best of it, non?"
You laughed softly, used to his easy charm by now. "Yeah, well, let's just hope this version of New Orleans doesn't have anything too crazy in store."
Before Remy could respond, a figure approached from the shadows. Your eyes widened in surprise. She looked exactly like him—the same mischievous eyes, the same tousled brown hair falling in front of her face—but this version of Gambit...was a woman.
"Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with the same sultry accent as Gambit's. "What do we have here?"
The female Remy circled the two of you, her eyes lingering a little too long on you. "Ain't every day a girl gets to meet someone from a different universe... especially someone as lovely as you." She smirked, her gaze heated as she stopped in front of you. "Seems I got myself an upgrade from my usual company."
Gambit stiffened beside you but didn't interrupt. He was intrigued, just as much as you were. Female Gambit leaned in closer, her breath hot against your ear.
"You know," she whispered, "I could show you a real good time. Better than any man ever could. Ain't nobody knows you like me, sugar. You like what you see?"
You felt your cheeks heat up, her proximity setting your nerves on fire. She was undeniably attractive, and that confidence—that you recognized from your Gambit. But she had an extra layer of boldness, not held back by the same reservations. You opened your mouth to say something, but she kept going, brushing a hand across your arm.
"Let me guess. You’re with him, ain't ya?" she teased, gesturing toward your Gambit. "But I bet you’ve wondered what it’d be like...with someone who knows how you like it. Someone who's you, but different."
Your Gambit chuckled lowly behind you. "Careful, mon chérie. She might be prettier, but I ain't one to be outdone."
Female Remy shot him a smirk, leaning in even closer to you. "I dunno about that, sugar. You might like this version better."
Your heart was racing, torn between the two Gambits. There was something thrilling about this version of him—the flirtation, the danger, the electricity in the air.
"Don't worry," Gambit said, stepping up beside you with a grin that matched hers. "Ain't no jealousy here. I know what you like." His hand came up to gently tilt your chin toward him. "You could take her up on it...but even in dis multiverse, every Gambit’s got eyes for you. She’s just like me."
Female Remy laughed softly, her eyes dancing between you and your Gambit. "He's not wrong, you know. Every version of us is obsessed with you, sugar." She winked. "But if you ever wanna see just how different I can be, you know where to find me."
She gave one last flirtatious smile before walking off into the shadows, leaving you standing there, still caught between two versions of the same man. You turned to your Gambit, his expression a mix of amusement and satisfaction.
"Guess you really do have a type," you said, feeling the heat from the encounter still lingering.
Remy wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you close. "Cherie, there's only one of me for you, no matter how many multiverses we end up in. But I can’t blame her for trying—every version of me knows a good thing when they see it."
You couldn’t help but smile. After all, no matter how many versions of Gambit there were, the one right in front of you was the one you’d choose, every time.
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The train doors opened to a shabby rail station surrounded by towering orange monoliths. A foreign warmth pervaded the air; cooler than that of New Orleans, but free of the heavy weight of humidity that the Duplanchiers had known all their lives. 
In the distance was a small town center, gradually built up over time from its origins as an outpost in the days of the Wild West. Now both a railway and a newly built highway ran near its perimeter, separating its rows of brick facades from the surrounding desert. Although still rarely used, the newly coined Route 66 had already begun to draw newcomers to the town, including the man they had traveled thousands of miles to meet.
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None of them had to search very far to find him. The town’s small train station was practically empty, and the patterned fabric of his new suit stood out even amongst the few people who were there. It had been two years since any of them had seen Giorgio Mistretta, but no one had waited longer for that moment than Josephine. 
As soon as she caught sight of him, Jo ran toward him, ignoring the stares of townspeople as she jumped into his arms and let her worries from the last month melt away into the empty desert sky. He lifted her from the ground, spinning her around as though the rest of the world ceased to exist and they had never been happier.
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After a moment, Gio caught sight of Antoine and Zelda. He left his arm around Jo but set her down gently onto the ground, the quiet click of her heels on the splintered floorboards barely bringing her back to reality. As she stared up at him, he turned his attention to the other new arrivals.
His hair had grown longer and his cheeks tanned by the sun, but the smile on his face was as warm as it had always been, “Well look at you two! Now I understand why you wrote to tell me to come dressed in my finest. I suppose y’all want to know the fastest way to the courthouse, don’t y’all?”
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Giorgio led them through the old station, where their extravagant dress drew more than a few stares, to the exit that faced the town center. At the very pinnacle of it stood Strangerville’s original courthouse. Built on the promise of gold and free land, it stood tall and proud amidst shuttered buildings and dilapidated shotgun houses that had been weathered by the years.
In that moment, it was perhaps the most beautiful thing Antoine or Zelda had ever seen. They slowed their steps, as though the weight of their path there had suddenly become apparent to them both. Violette turned around impatiently, the promise of her very own parent’s wedding more exciting than she could possibly bear.
With a final glance toward each other, Zelda and Antoine shed their last vestiges of reserve and ran across the street like children. Josephine and Giorgio walked behind with Violette, trying their best to keep up but making no effort to slow their steps; they knew that they had waited almost a decade for this very moment, and any minute longer would be too much.
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danareadsbooks · 6 months
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Cover reveal for the picture book written by the one and only Anika Noni Rose! The book will be released on October 22!
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Here's the synopsis:
A charming debut picture book from acclaimed actress, singer, and Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose, which shows Princess Tiana on a never-before-seen New Orleans adventure! After traveling all winter, Tiana and Naveen are back in New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras. Tiana wants everything to be just right, putting the finishing touches on their party favors and parade float. But then she gets an unexpected letter from Naveen’s parents, the king and queen of Maldonia. They’ve decided to join the celebration! Determined to make it the best Mardi Gras ever, Tiana sets out on a new adventure with some old friends to find the perfect ingredients for a special addition. But soon she finds that perfect might not be the goal… and she may already have all she needs.
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besttimetogo2 · 4 days
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The Best Time to Travel to New Orleans: A Guide to Experience the City’s Magic
New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and lively celebrations, attracts millions of visitors each year. But to truly experience the unique charm of this Southern gem, timing your visit is crucial. Here’s a guide on the best time to travel to New Orleans, highlighting key events, weather considerations, and what makes each season special.
 Understanding the Climate
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This affects when you might want to visit based on your preferences for weather and activities.
Summer (June to August): Expect high temperatures and humidity. While this is the off-peak season, you can find great deals on accommodations. However, be prepared for the heat and occasional rain.
Fall (September to November): This is one of the best time to travel to New Orleans. The weather is cooler, and the humidity drops. Fall also brings the excitement of festivals, such as the renowned Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in October.
Winter (December to February): Mild and pleasant, winter is ideal for exploring the city’s historic sites. The holiday season transforms the city with festive lights and events, making it a magical time to visit.
Spring (March to May): Spring is another top choice for visitors. The temperatures are warm, and the city bursts into bloom. The famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place in late April, drawing music lovers from all over.
 Key Events and Festivals
Timing your trip around one of New Orleans’ iconic events can enhance your experience significantly. Here are some highlights:
Mardi gras (February): Arguably the most famous festival in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a must-see. Parades, masquerade balls, and vibrant celebrations fill the streets. However, be sure to book accommodations well in advance.
Jazz & Heritage Festival (Late April to Early May): Celebrating the city’s musical legacy, this festival features local and international artists. It’s an excellent time to immerse yourself in the rich sounds of New Orleans.
French Quarter Festival (April): This free festival showcases local music and cuisine, allowing visitors to sample the best of New Orleans without breaking the bank.
Halloween (October): With its haunted history, New Orleans comes alive with spooky events and ghost tours during this time, making it a fun option for those who enjoy the thrill of the supernatural.
 Off-Peak Travel
If you prefer a quieter experience, consider traveling during the off-peak months. Late summer and early fall can be less crowded, allowing you to explore attractions like the Garden District or the National WWII Museum without the hustle and bustle. Additionally, you’ll often find lower prices on accommodations and dining during these times.
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By considering the city’s climate, major events, and peak vs. off-peak seasons, you can plan a trip that suits your desires. The best time to travel to New Orleans ultimately depends on your interests, whether they’re music, food, culture, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. Whether you choose to revel in the excitement of Mardi Gras or stroll through the quiet streets of winter, New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience at any time of year. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of the Big Easy!
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imaginefan · 11 months
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Never To Plan
Klaus Mikaelson!Father X Son!Reader Damon Salvatore X Male!Reader
Word Count: 1069
Requested: @emaz-0225
Request: Hello I love your work but can you do a imagine where your the son of Katherine and Klaus and your just like them and your best friend is Kai Parker and your trying to get him out of the Prison World. You come into Mystic Falls and you See your old friend Stefan Dating your moms look alike and you fall for Damon and you guys start dating. Klaus comes into town and your thrown into WWW 3 so you go to Europe and then called back to the drama when Hayley is pregnant and you get along with Josh and Hayley and Davina but when Hope is born you sacrifice yourself to The crazy Aunt but you find out Damon is with Elena now and you turn off your emotions
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You had come to Mystic Falls in search of a way to get your friend out of the Prison World but you ended up getting a little side tracked with Damon Salvatore catching your attention your plan stopped dead in it’s tracks, well kind of, you were still looking for ways to get him out but you were hitting more roadblocks then you wanted. That being said the real problem was your father, you were thrown into a fight you wanted no part in and so with no way to save both sides you take a step back and instead go to Europe in hopes of getting your search for Kai back on track and finding what you had really travelled all this time for.
That was how you found yourself in a small cafe in the east of London on the phone to your father who was in New Orleans “well what a surprise, I didn’t expect to hear from you.” You said as you answered the call. “I need your help.” He said. “Is that so?” You asked, taking a sip of the hot drink in front of you as you winked at the waitress who brought it over. “You have a sister.” He said. “You know that doesn’t surprise me.” You mumbled, you could feel his glare from across the sea. “What does that mean?” He asked. “We both know what that means.” You shuffled in your seat “what does your daughter have to do with me? What do you suddenly need your estranged son for?” “I need to show someone what a true king looks like and what his prince is capable of.” Klaus answered. “This king is you?” You downed the last of the drink before nodding in thanks to the girl who had served you before standing up. “And you, the prince.” Klaus confirmed. “No need to flatter me your highness, I know I’m only a prince in name.” You said as you walked back to the hotel that you were staying in. “Then prove to them that you are not.” He hung up the phone after that.
When you got to New Orleans a lot had already happened but the only thing that you did know was that it was that your father offered you a chance to make a mess and you had been bored for a few months now. “So you’re Marcellus, correct?” You asked as you looked at the man standing in the middle of the courtyard. “Who are you?” He asked. “(Y/N).” Rebekah said from her place next to Marcel. “Auntie Bekah, don’t tell me you’d abandon your family for a man?” You teased as you stepped closer. “He thinks that you would be enough to beat every vampire in this city?” Marcel asked, drawing your attention back to him. “Sunshine, I was born better than any vampire, werewolf or witch that you can throw at me but please do try.” You smirked “where are your forces anyway I’m itching to snap a neck and if it’s not them it will be you.” Someone grabbed you from behind, throwing you back into the wall “here we go.” You easily ripped apart the first few men next attacking together and getting a few hits in before you took them down, your hand in the chest of the last to attack you before you heard. “Hold on a moment.” Klaus said as he walked into the room “Marcel it seems that your men aren’t up to the challenge.” “Klaus.” Marcel glared. “Here I have a coin!” Klaus put it down on the floor “whoever picks up this coin will be spared his game!” “Game?” You squeezed the heart that resided in the chest you had punched through “I don’t think they are having much fun.” “But you are.” Klaus smirked, your eyes drawn to Rebekah as she whispered something to Marcel, you watched carefully as he stepped forward and bent, picking up the coin, you smirked as you pulled your hand from the man's chest and let him fall. “Nicely done your highness, I’ll be leaving then?” You asked and Klaus smirked. “Why would the prince leave his kingdom?”
It was years before real trouble found your family, you don’t know why it took so long but as your aunt claimed right to you or your sister, you decided that it would be you that she took, you had no intention of giving someone else in your place and so you left with her before anyone could stop you.
You honestly expected it to take longer, for her to break you but it only took her a few weeks to find out what you had left for your family what you hoped to one day go back to and took you to Mystic Falls told you to go and see the man that you had left, you walked into the boat house happier than you had in years and it was torn from you in seconds “(Y/N)?” Damon asked, you swallowed as you looked between the two, Damon and Elena more friendly then they were when you had left. “How long?” You asked. “(Y/N)-” “How long?” You asked again, fists curled so tight that you thought you might break your own hand. “You know what it doesn’t matter because I was told by so many people that you would break me-” “Break you!?” Damon asked. “You were the one that left!” “To protect every one of you because if my father had made me fight with him, you would have likely been the only one I would have convinced him to leave alive.” You answered. “Nice to know that you can think the worst of me.” “I-” “You had everything that I had left to give so if you’ll excuse me I have a prison to get back to.” You muttered. “(Y/N) wait!” Elena was the one that called out this time but when you turned back they all saw it, the dead look behind your eyes. “If you ever come near me again, either one of you, I will take the part of you that you love the most and twist it into your worst nightmare.” You threatened. “Come (Y/N), we have work to do.” Dahlia said as she gestured for you to follow her, you turned leaving the two alone in the house.
*Part 2*
Requests and general question!
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concreteangel92 · 3 months
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So today me and my best friend have officially finished booking everything for us to go travelling in August!! (Posts and writing may not be as frequent during this time but I’ll be spending a lot of time in the airports haha so I can write to pass the time 🤣)
We are going to Egypt, Greece, Romania, Thailand and Australia. It’s been a dream of mine to do some bulk travelling and it’s finally happening!!! 🖤
And me and my childhood best friend of 30 years are coming to America next year in October to visit Salem and New Orleans and I’ll be hiring a car to drive in between, so any recommendations for stops on the way would be amazing!! We have said we will try to stop at sleepy hollow and Mystic Falls as we want it to be a proper witchy inspired trip for the Halloween season haha ☺️
I’m definitely one happy girly today 🌍🖤
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palettepainter · 1 year
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Behold: Zoot's cousins!! (in order from oldest to youngest minus Liv, who is the same age as Scooter and is the youngest overall)
Thank you everybody for your patience! I've spent a long time thinking about these characters and their personalities and my goodness does it feel good to have their refs finished!
Sum extra facts: -Zee had relatives down in New Orleans, where she'd often spend her summers with them. She has always been a big fan of music and her family in particular have always strived in the disco genre. Zee liked to explore different musics so became a frequent at Jerrys' Tunes - the shop in which Floyd worked in when he was younger. Zee and Floyd became close friends over the summer when Zee would visit, and it was through that very same shop that Zee would meet Teeth.
-Raph's parents where big sport enthusiasts and Raph never felt like he clicked with any of the sports they did, but he took up boxing to try to fit in, hoping that he'd grow to like it overtime. The boxing did help him get fitter, but it also sucked, and eventually he quit, left home, and went to Uni as an act of rebellion. After graduating he spent a few years homeless with no where to go before he stumbled upon a younger Janice and her travelling band of hipsters that had become her family. Raph spends his time with Janice and the peaceful community of hippies learning about himself and the positivity a little mediating and music can bring. After settling and finding a home Raph begins to work at a chiropractors and becomes much happier (he and Janice spoke over the spiritual plane while meditating. They have in depth talks about crystals, auras and trees)
-Penny has OCD and likes things to be organised in a certain way and for events to be planned, if they're not this can lead to her become stressed and heavily irritated. When she was younger and when Raph had started working as an official chiropractor Raph suggested she try meditating to ease stress, which didn't work (Penny: Sitting and being at one with nature isn't enough Raph. I need to punch thing-). Though hesitant, Raph suggested boxing, and shockingly it works. Penny finds her relief in boxing and other physical exercises. While Raph isn't as fond of sports as Penny is he is more or less her coach who advices her to stay hydrated and to not push herself. Penny trusts Raph a lot thanks to their close bond
-Lazer's ADHD shows in him having bouts of energy at random and impulsiveness. In his early years of his career when he started to become famous this led to a lot of people, especially fans and people wanting to do business, taking advantage of him. Lazer is a friendly person at heart, he had a habit of sometimes overlooking red flags in favour if believing everybody was chill like him. This led to a lot of heartbreaks which Penny often had to deal with the aftermath of, and while at times it was tiring seeing her brother get himself into similar situations over and over again it did led to her becoming very protective of him. Lazer, in turn, views Penny as his best friend. He trusts her whole heartedly and she's the first family member he'll tell good news to (he probably cried more then Penny did when she got her top surgery)
DO NOT REPOSY/EDIT/COPY/TRACE MY ART OR OC'S!!!
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ereardon · 1 year
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Friends Don't || Chapter 3
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Summary: Bob Floyd has been your best friend for almost a decade, ever since he quietly agreed to tutor you in college. The two of you have spent years chasing each other around the globe – Bob as a WSO, you as a travel blogger. You’ve always been the anywhere-but-here girl, and he’s been your rock. But when a surprise diagnosis threatens to crumble your picture-perfect life, you’re on the first flight back to San Diego, desperate to put down roots for the first time. Will Bob finally have it in him to admit that you could be the love of his life? What will he say when he finds out the secret you’ve been skillfully hiding from him? Or worse, what if he doesn’t find out until it’s too late? 
Pairing: Robert “Bob” Floyd x OC [Reid] 
Tropes: Friends to lovers
Warnings: Cursing, angst, alcohol
WC: 2.8K
Series masterlist here; previous chapter here; next chapter here
You met Denver when Bob got stationed at Lemoore. You had still been living in New Orleans, planning your move up to San Francisco, but it was taking a while because the magazine had you doing an Asia tour: Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal. 
On your way back from Tokyo, you stopped in San Francisco to do some apartment hunting, before renting a car and driving down to Lemoore to visit Bob. 
He was still a newer member on the team; everyone but Denver had been there for years. They were a knit family, and he was the odd one out. But at least he had her. 
“You’re going to love her,” Bob said. He was teeming with excitement. Seeing him happy made you happy. You knew that he hadn’t quite fit in at Newport, his station before Lemoore. You knew that he desperately wanted to be part of a team. 
And he had found that with Denver. 
The bar was crowded. And hot. You were wearing a tiny tank top and a pair of denim shorts, not much of a going out outfit but Bob had insisted the two of you go straight to the bar so you could meet his friends. 
Bob weaved through the packed bar, his hand warm in yours, over toward one side of the curved wooden bar. You spotted the familiar khaki outfits that screamed military. Bob raised his free hand excitedly in a wave and you smiled up at him. 
“Hey guys,” he said, and a few of the khaki uniforms turned. Their eyes shamelessly rolled over you, and your hand in Bob’s, jaws going slack. 
“Floyd,” one of them, a classically attractive guy with a broad jawline, said. “Who’s the girl?” 
“Reid,” you said, sticking out one hand, keeping your left firmly in Bob’s. You shook his hand. 
“Harvard,” he said. 
You squinted. Another guy, even more ridiculously handsome, sidled up behind him. “I’m Fritz.”
You nodded. The other two were Omaha and Yale. The callsigns went in one ear and out the other. You were notoriously bad with names. 
And then you heard a small voice, like a delicate bird. “Stop drooling all over her, fuckheads. She’s way too hot for any of you.” 
All eyes turned to the right. A tiny redhead was making her way over to the group, her hands full of beer bottles. She handed one to Omaha and then another to Bob. Finally, her piercing green eyes landed on you and she smiled, holding out the remaining beer bottle. “You must be Sunny.” 
You grinned. “I am. You must be Denver.” 
“Sure hope so, otherwise I’m wearing someone else’s uniform.”
You laughed and took the beer, sipping it carefully. You watched Bob’s face light up as he spoke to the pilot. The casual way she put her hand on his forearm. How easy and light they were together. The way his eyes tracked her across the room. How she always brought him back into the conversation where he might have fallen out of it. 
For the rest of the night you snuck glances at the two of them. And for the first time you saw what Bob looked like when he was in love. 
“Hey.” Fritz approached you from your right, leaning against the wall where you had your butt pressed, staring out across the bar at Bob and Denver. 
“Hi,” you replied, taking a swig from the gin and tonic in your hand. You were tipsy, edging on drunk. 
Fritz followed your gaze. “They’re good together, don’t you think?” 
You nodded. “Yeah, they are. Never seen him like that before.” 
“Like what?” 
“So happy,” you replied. “Carefree.” The two of you watched as Bob laughed at something Denver said, her eyes sparkling as she faced him. 
“He looked pretty damn happy when he told us you were coming,” Fritz said. 
You shook your head. “Nothing like that.” 
Fritz moved slightly closer and you looked up at him with a smile. 
“Live nearby?” you asked. 
He grinned. “In fact, I do.” 
You took his hand, weaving through the crowd toward where Bob was standing near the bar next to Denver and Yale. “Bobby?” you said softly, raising a hand and pressing it to his upper arm. 
He turned around with a smile. “Hey Sunny, where’d you go?” 
You looked up at Fritz. “Just got another drink. I, uh, think we’re gonna head out. Can I call you tomorrow, get a ride back to your place?” 
He frowned. “Are you sure?” 
You felt Fritz’s hand slide into the back pocket of your jeans, fingers gripping the swell of your ass. “Yeah, I’m sure.” 
Bob looked between you and Fritz with narrowed eyes. “Sunny? Gonna ask you one more time, darlin’, are you sure?” 
You nodded then leaned up and kissed his cheek, letting your hand fall from his arm. “See you tomorrow, Bobby.” 
You let Fritz’s hand migrate to your low back, guiding you out of the bar and into the humid California night. You weren’t sure why, but it took everything you had not to turn around and take one last look at Bob before you walked out the door. 
Bob looked up at Denver with angry eyes. 
“I shouldn’t have let her go. She’s been here twelve hours, she has no idea where she is. Fritz is a goddamn stranger to her.”
“Reid can do what she wants, Floyd,” Denver said, leaning her small arm against the bar. “She’s a grown woman. Besides, Fritz is a puppy dog. You don’t have anything to worry about.” 
He shook his head. “I’m going after her.” He put his glass of seltzer down and started to walk toward the door when Denver grabbed him, yanking him back shockingly hard for such a small person. 
“Floyd! Snap out of it man. She isn’t yours.” 
“Yes, she is. She’s my responsibility, don’t you get that? I brought her here.”
Harvard shook his head. “Fuck, man, you’re down bad for her aren’t you?” 
Bob squinted his eyes. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.” 
Harvard laughed. “See, I always thought you had a thing for Denver over here. But apparently you’re just the nerd in love with the hot girl next door. And she ditched you the first chance she got.”
Bob felt like his eyes were going to pop out of his head. He lunged forward, but Denver grabbed his arm. “Come on, let’s get some air, Floyd.” 
He let her yank him out onto the back patio of the bar, anger already starting to pool in his stomach. 
“Is it because of Fritz, or is it because she left with anyone but you?”
Bob shook his head, taking a deep breath. “Please, Denver, just drop it.” 
“No. I won’t drop it. Tell me the truth. What is it about her that has you so wound up, ready to fucking combust?”
Bob sighed. “It’s just been me and Reid for a long time, OK? It’s a hard dynamic to change. That’s all, I promise.”
Her green eyes scanned his face. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you Robert?” she asked softly, stepping closer. 
Bob raised his eyes to hers. “No, Sarah. I wouldn’t lie to you.” 
She nodded, lips pursed in a tight line. The two of them stood side by side, leaning against the railing of the patio, staring off into the distance in silence.
***
You hadn’t meant for it to happen, but somehow you ended up hosting a pizza night at the house as a way to repay the team for helping to unbox all your stuff that had finally arrived from Brooklyn, along with all of the new items you had purchased that had shown up on the doorstep, much to Bob’s dismay. 
The two of you arrived home one night to no less than twenty boxes from Crate & Barrel on the front porch. Bob turned to you with wide eyes and you gave him a small shrug across the middle console of the car, hopping out to examine the boxes. 
“Sunny,” he said, exasperated. “I said yes to redecorating. But what on Earth? Did you buy the whole store or what?” 
“Hate to break it to you, honey,” you said, opening the door and scooting the nearest box inside. “But your house? Your stuff? It’s depressing.” 
“I’m offended,” he said, following after you with a box in his arms. 
“No you’re not,” you replied. “And if you are, you’ll get over it when you see how much cute shit I got for us.” 
Bob groaned, digging in his pocket. 
“What are you doing?” 
“Calling in backup,” he said, hitting a button and lifting the phone to his ear. “Rooster? Yeah, can you and Hangman and Phoenix come over? Bring Coyote. Reid bought all this stuff and we’re never going to be able to unload it all ourselves.” He paused, nodding. “Yeah, we’ll buy you guys dinner.” 
He clicked off the phone and you laughed, already headed to your room to change into athletic clothing. “Remember that you love me!” you called from down the hall. 
“How could I ever forget?” Bob replied, shaking his head and grabbing a box cutter from the top drawer in the kitchen. 
That was how you found yourself sitting on the floor in the middle of Bob’s kitchen unwrapping a set of Estelle colored wine glasses and handing them to Phoenix, who was carefully placing them in a cabinet. 
In the living room, Rooster and Hangman were fighting over the instructions for the media center that you had ordered, while Bob was chatting with Coyote as he built a coffee table. 
You handed a blue stemless wine glass to Phoenix who took it with a smile. “So, how are you liking San Diego?” 
You shrugged. “It’s alright. I like the beach nearby.” 
“Bob said you’ve lived all over the place.” 
You nodded. “Yeah, I’ve bounced around a lot. I did New Orleans, Seattle, Austin, SF, London, Barcelona. Most recently I was in Greenpoint.” 
Phoenix put one hand on her slim hip. “Can I ask you a question?” 
“Of course.” 
“Why here, then? Sounds like you’ve lived in the best cities in the US, maybe even the world. So why the hell would you want to move to San Diego?” 
You looked out over into the living room. “It’s the only place where I can see him every day.” 
Phoenix raised an eyebrow as you stood up from the floor, dusting off your knees with your hands. “Bradshaw is gonna ask you out. Even got a blessing from Floyd.” 
You turned to her. “Bob said yes?” 
She nodded. “Wasn’t too convincing, but he said Bradshaw was free to do whatever he liked. So just keep an eye out. He’s a good guy, Rooster. You could do worse.” 
You ducked down, opening a new box to reveal a set of ivory plates. “I’m not really looking to date right now.” 
“Anyone, or does that just apply to Rooster?”
“You two gossiping about me?” Bradley appeared in your field of vision, guzzling from a water bottle on the counter. He set it down and wiped his mouth, revealing a wide grin. 
You looked at Phoenix with panic and she cleared her throat. “Was just telling Reid here that you’re a sore loser because Hangman beat you at darts last week.” 
“Fuck, it was one time!” Rooster tossed his hands up and his genuine nature made you laugh. He dropped his hands and smiled. “Listen, Reid, if you’re not busy tomorrow, I’d love to take you to dinner.” 
You hesitated. What you had told Phoenix wasn’t a lie. You moved to San Diego to spend time with Bob. It wasn’t about a new crop of potential suitors. But the way that Bradley was smiling down at you, and the broadness of his shoulders, and the air in the kitchen, all had you nodding. “Sure,” you said softly. “I’d love to.” 
Bradley smiled so wide it threatened to split his face in half. “Great. I’ll pick you up here, say seven thirty?” 
You nodded. The rest of the night was spent unpacking boxes, you and Phoenix largely sequestered to the kitchen. Hangman and Rooster finally stopped yelling at each other long enough to get the black wood and cane media console set up and you watched with a grin as all four men argued about how exactly the tv should be set up. 
At the end of the night, you swept the empty pizza boxes into a trash bag and followed everyone out into the driveway to say goodbye, dumping the trash inside the can near the garage door. 
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you said lightly to Bradley and he stepped closer, kissing your cheek softly.
“See you tomorrow Reid.” 
He walked away and you heard Jake huff to himself, muttering under his breath, “What does fucking Bradshaw have that I don’t?” 
You smirked to yourself, waving to Phoenix as she got in her truck, before heading back inside. In the kitchen, Bob was wiping down the counter, placing the last beer can in the recycling. 
“Good work tonight,” you said, looking around with your hands crossed over your chest. You still had some boxes to unpack and you were lacking a dining room table, but the living room was practically brand new. 
Bob shook his head. “You didn’t have to do this, Sunny.” 
“Um, I kind of did if I didn’t want to live in a frat basement for a house.” 
“It wasn’t that bad.” “Whatever you need to tell yourself.” You slipped past him, opening the fridge and pulling out a water bottle. “Alright, I’m gonna take a shower and head to bed. Goodnight.” 
You started down the hall when Bob’s voice stopped you. “Are you really going out with Bradley tomorrow?”
You turned. Bob stood in the middle of the hallway, his hands in his pockets. There was an air around him that you couldn’t place. You nodded. “Yeah, I am. Phoenix said you told Bradley it was OK to ask me out.” 
Bob grunted, turning around and heading for the kitchen, breaking down a cardboard box in frustrated silence. 
You followed him back into the kitchen, one hand on your hip. “Bobby? Are you mad? Do you not want me to date your colleague, is that what this is about?” 
“You always do this, Reid,” he said, shaking his head. There was something unnerving about Bob calling you by your first name. It was always Sunny, honey, darlin’, sweetheart. Never Reid. 
“Do what?” 
Bob looked up. “You leave a trail of men everywhere we go, Reid. I get it. You’re the anywhere-but-here girl. But you have to realize that you can’t do that this time. This is my life you’re walking into. You’re meeting my friends, living in my house. You told me you were settling down this time. But you’re still acting like the same Reid as before.” 
“And who exactly is that?” you demanded, crossing your arms over your chest. 
Bob let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t want to do this right now.” 
“You started this,” you practically shouted. “So fucking end it, Bobby. How am I acting?”
“You’re doing what you always do!” he yelled. “You’re acting like the Reid that fucks any guy that’s halfway decent to you. And then you run away before it can become anything more than a one night stand because you’re fucking terrified of having to stay and owning up to responsibility for the first time in your life. You just steamroll over everyone and everything, have your fun and then you’re gone. And you’ve always been like that. But this time you don’t get to just flit off to Mexico or Sweden or Croatia and send me a little gift basket and act like it never happened. This time you’re fucking with the people in my life, Reid, and it will have consequences. For once can you care about someone other than yourself and look at the situation and realize that what you do impacts me, too?”
The two of you stood, frozen, in the kitchen. The tension in the air was palpable. You could count on one hand the number of fights you and Bob had gotten into over the last nine years. 
This was one of them. 
Your eyes were locked on Bob’s blue ones. You watched as his face fell. As the realization of what he had just said washed over his familiar face. 
“Sunny,” he murmured, stepping closer and you shook your head, backing away. 
“No.” You whispered it, but there was venom laced in the word. “Don’t you dare try and take that back,” you added. “Because you can’t.” 
“Honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it.” 
You whipped around, practically jogging down the hall toward the stairs at the front of the house. 
“Reid!” 
You climbed the stairs, two at a time, and slammed the door to your room, locking it behind you, sliding down against the back of the door onto the ground in a heap. 
You hated fighting with Bob. But this time, what you hated the most was that he was right. 
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