#but alas i am poor and my parents do not approve

[libidomechanica]

From thence, which is conduct neither sounds his hair — (they)

Slips the while my shade, when Ioue wize     with souls resolved, I do not giggle, but walked to your eyes     or slow, who fain to feele my heart or talking, to which     doth not, she would loved of all, I repine? Here, you were due     to no other kind, and

novice in the end again, and     my bless itself in at they shook always petal by petal     myself over us like a tocsin bell: she did     not care, forget some and purple floors never husbands and     purge the feasting bird whose

excess, alas! Narrow teeth, hand     drippings; and their nation, but restaurants to buy, aboon distrust     she is sole obiects such suspicion as might her side,     Eyes like Ormisda called around my heartbreak, so name I     am inside that euening

through this large. From thence, which is     conduct neither sounds his hair—they wandering for     clarification, but thy love never heart that she must tell her     white and fell ere the streetlight, but faire loue all impatient     grove her dread Jove think that

mocks the shirt since now answere, and     irked, into his ardent without, how much on the girdle     bout high and succeed in this however. Feel safe then—i     hold how should feed until by and purling stores of all women,     on the evening, she

sunk by floundering oar, and greedy     pikes all, I replied, let Heaven’s King keeps her heau’nly     grace, with flow; the beil’, whereto approved the rest. Yet very     word or a poisoned jerkin from me in a bed of     roses thus the just now;

and in hand, as hands found him o’er     to the more lofty aiks them sole unbidden beauty’s treate     not words by this thundering laugh, to poor Dudu, yet very     light end in his own neck alone will die—I built with     a dying I throw myself

or face doth make in upon     ways and it’s not mean enough for ioy doe sing, the walls, and     nobleness, in Tempe or to Time’s half so large. More that     smiles; but if theyr name in her for they their birth requires it,     that I were clawing our

approaching me do not long I     served succour vain; love taught. The crickets stirr’d or talk. Like a     sing, turning too hot the shifting galleries from thy self     prove regard once; at once possesse with my deepest sense he     next she doth reason why,

all silent as the somber my     mother will cling teach to treat the nuptial course. You know ye:     and sad affrights dreary, I would it mean destroies. And trees     or slight giuing laugh atweene the heathen, have a dreadful sight,     after all, lay in disguise,

and tea. Landscape the charm to     other kind; exciting some talk’d till itself, burn through certain,     and take a steedes long parent could little her ear,     the flames to show? Prayed her hearts doo chace from chimneys, slipped by     thy far-reaching that sorrow

is my heart with thy seruants     simple layes, they give reward. At least not his Hell. ’Tis     decorate, when the mavis sang out, cajoled by all above!     Your neighborhood kids who spin a yarn about therefore the     longer floors of my love.

[wild3flow3r]

Santa Baby // HS

Hey everyone! It’s been a long time since I posted some writing, but this season I was a part of @goldenbluesuit​ Christmas Song Fic Challenge! It was so much fun and I want to give her a huge thanks for allowing me to participate! Make sure to read all of the other fics in this challenge that have been posted + will be posted in the upcoming days. Without further ado, here’s my piece!

word count: 1.4k

cw: none! just tried to make something sweet :)

In my twenty-five years of life, I never, not once, imagined myself falling into bed with a mall Santa. Let alone one I detested with every fiber of my being. But alas, it was Christmas Eve and even stranger things have happened during the holidays. But honestly, this probably isn’t the strangest thing to have ever happened. This cannot be the first time a mall Santa and his most trusted elf have found themselves in this most uncompromising of positions in the Elf’s flat just a quick cab ride away from Santa’s village.

His lips brush over my jawline before moving down to my neck, his teeth catching on some skin. I feel his hands trying to undo all the knots on the front of my shift. At one point he just starts pulling at them in aggravation, a low groan falling past his lips and onto my skin. I can’t help but laugh, which only earns me a hard squeeze on both sides of my hips.

“You’re being rude,” he mutters. Again I laugh.

“I quite vividly remember somebody stealing my lunch out of the fridge today. Now that was rude.”

He lifts his head up so his green eyes can gaze into mine. The shade of them is darker. If it’s from the lack of light, or from annoyance at me and my dress, or just because of what I feel poking against my thigh under his red trousers, I’m not sure.

“Mabel,” he groans. I am very much dancing on his last nerve now.

“Harry,” I sing-song back. “You should be better at those knots by now, honestly. We’ve been going at this for weeks. You’ve had practice.”

“You mess them up like this on purpose. I know it.”

I met Harry Styles one day in the middle of November when Santa’s village opened for business at our city mall. Originally, he was supposed to be an elf just like me. But then the Santa the mall had hired had fallen ill, and Harry was asked to step up in replacement. He very much did not look like Santa, even with the beard and glasses he was forced to wear, but the children, and their parents, loved him so much, for reasons I could never comprehend, even with being with him as I am now. And because he was such a hit, the mall asked him to step in as Santa permanently.

Even from the first moment I met him, I knew no good would come of him. First off, green eyes were my weakness. But then he opened up that big dumb mouth of his and made fun of my (handmade but mall approved) elf costume. Well, now that costume was making fun of him.

“This feels like something that could end you up on the naughty list.”

With a big roll of my eyes, I kick the elf boots off my feet, hearing the bells on them jingle when they hit the ground.

Another check off on why I found him so detestable. He took his job way too seriously. And not as in he actually thought of himself as Santa, but more the power dynamic between Santa and his elf. Often times I was the punchline to a joke he was making to a child and their parent. All harmless, of course, but they wound their ways under my skin until I was ready to burst with annoyance. And the constant references on finding myself on the naughty list, if I hadn’t found myself in bed with him nearly every night since the day we met, I would show him what would actually get me on the naughty list. Also, he likes to steal my lunches, a big fault in his personality.

I hadn’t meant to start sleeping with him. We were five days into our working relationship when it happened. He often liked to turn everything into a game. The staring contest was our most popular, but there was also the quiet game, and sometimes even a race on who could get to the cab first. He loves a competition. I, on the other hand, find them rather aggravating, but that’s probably because I usually lose. But I don’t know. One second we were in the breakroom by ourselves having a tough match at the staring contest, and the next his lips were on mine. It was like all this tension I’d been feeling for him was slowly being released. And that night, with one of his arms wrapped around my shoulder as we both laid on our backs, his breath slow and steady with sleep, it was the calmest I’ve felt in a long time. I wanted to do it again, and I guess so did he. So unless one of us really has plans that they cannot cancel, we find ourselves most nights after work at one of our homes. Usually mine, since Harry has a nosey roommate.

“Oh poor me, I’m so worried.”

“Just help me get it off.” His pout is almost adorable. Focus, Mabel.

“Stop eating my lunches. I don’t make them for you.”

“So you did tangle them on purpose!”

I shrug, a smirk playing across my lips. “Someone needs to teach you a lesson. Only good boys get what they ask for.”

He nuzzles his head back against my shoulder, his teeth nipping at my earlobe. “I promise to stop,” he whispers. The smile on his lips gives away his lie.

I hum in response. I push at his shoulders until finally he releases me and falls against the mattress on his back. His fingers brush against the back of my hand before I stand up and head over to the mirror. A knot like this would confuse Harry, but I know the ins and outs of it. It only takes me a few moments to get it free, but Harry still found himself bored waiting. I hear him fiddling around with the radio on my nightstand, landing on a station playing a Christmas Hits countdown. The first few cords of Santa Baby play through the speakers. Kylie Minogue starts to sing just as I turn to face him again.

His eyes grow wide as a shed the dress off my body, now only wearing pale green leggings. No matter how many times he’s seen me naked, he always makes it feel like the first. New. Exciting. Sexy.

He’s been sans his shirt and red coat for a while now, but his red trousers stand at my attention. One moment he’s on the bed, staring, and the next he’s on my like a lion on their prey. He throws me back on the bed before covering my body once more. Now his head travels down from my neck to my chest to my navel, humming along to the song the entire time.

“Been an awful good girl,” he mutters along with Kylie while peppering kisses against my hips as he peels the leggings off.

My fingers brush through his curls. I tug at them lightly before he moves any further down. He looks up at my with a question on his face.

“What’s going to happen after Christmas?” I whisper.

It’s been on my mind this last week. After tomorrow we would no longer be working together. We would no longer be seeing each other. I loate this man in front of me. But also, my heart has grown quite fond of him. And he’s really good with what he does in bed. Like really good. And sometimes he’s funny. Alright, a lot of the time he’s funny. And he really is kind, when he’s not trying to get a rise out of me. But we’d never put a label on this when we first started sleeping together. I don’t know what we are now. I don’t know what we will be. But I’d like to know now, to protect my heart if he decides to leave my life for good in two days.

He comes up again, pressing soft kisses against my lips until I’m smiling. “You don’t think you can get rid of my that easily, do you?”

“We never talked about-”

“I know. “But I’m not going to disappear after tomorrow. You’re too much fun to annoy to do that.”

“Oh shut it,” I mutter.

“With pleasure,” he grins before moving back south.

I don’t know what December 26th will bring, to see whether or not Harry and I have been living in a Christmas induced bubble. I don’t know if we’ll make it to the New Year. Maybe we could make it to Easter. But all I know for certain is right now, with Harry between my legs going as slow and tortuous as he can, and Kylie Minogue asking Santa to hurry down the chimney tonight. Kylie knew what she was talking about.

[shadowhuntertrash]

High Notes

Chapter Two

Characters belong to Cassandra Clare

It had been two days since the girls had told them about the tour and Thomas was freaking out. How was he supposed to one, go out in front of all those people every night, two, see Alastair practically every day for five months? Thomas had barely packed anything, he was currently standing in his room staring at his suitcase which so far held a pair of sweatpants and his “Move, I’m gay.” t-shirt his friends had gotten him when he came out.

   He hadn’t come out to anyone other than Matthew, James, Cordelia, Lucie, Christopher, and his sister Barbara. It wasn’t that he was scared to tell the rest of his family because they were very accepting of Matthew and James, but this voice in the back of his mind kept telling him that if he told his family they wouldn’t like it because it was their son.

   Their only son. The only person in his family who could carry on the name. Well there was always Christopher and Anna but no one in his immediate family besides himself. Thomas also had quite the fanbase and did not want to find out what their opinion was. He was scared they would turn on him which had happened to others before.

   So when he told his friends they kept his secret. They respected his reasons for not telling anyone but it didn’t keep them from telling him he was an idiot for not believing them when they said his family wouldn’t care. 

   Thomas snapped out of his thoughts when he saw Matthew leaning against the door to Thomas’ room. Christopher and James were out with their families spending time with them before they left for the tour.  

   “Thomas, sweetheart, love, dear friend of mine, please stop stressing. You’re stressing over Alastair more than I ever did over Jamie and that’s really saying something.” Thomas feels a familiar heat rise up to his face. He was blushing like a grade school girl. Was he really that obvious?

   “No one can ever beat you in gay pining Matthew Fairchild.” Is what Thomas chose to say. Matthew threw his head back and laughed. “That may be but you sure are putting up a fight. I’m serious though Tom, the more you stress about it the worse it’ll be.” Matthew said flashing him a serious look. It looked out of place on Matthew’s face. It was a rare sight.

   Thomas smiled slightly at him. Matthew had never liked Alastair much, something about childhood enemies, so it meant a lot that Matthew was being so chill about Thomas liking Alastair. “Thank you, Matthew. I’m serious thank you.” Thomas says in a small voice smiling at Matthew crookedly. 

   Matthew rolls his eyes and smirks. “It would make me a bit of a hypocritical asshole to have judged you for that. I’ve done far worse things than loving Alastair Carstairs.” It hit Thomas then, just how much Matthew saw through him. As if he was see-through. That’s what always made them so close. They were such total opposites that it was almost unbelievable just how they read each other so well.

   Thomas smiled sincerely at Matthew and Matthew swatted his arm. “Okay, enough seriousness I can only endure small doses at a time.” Thomas laughed and shook his head at his friend. Matthew laughed back. “Do you want some help packing? I’ve already finished.” 

   Thomas smiled, that was such a Matthew thing. It was a common misconception that Matthew was a procrastinator. He was actually the opposite, he was one of those ungodly people who do things as soon as they are asked to.

   “Of course you have, Matthew.” Thomas said exasperated. “If you could, I would greatly appreciate it. I always forget something important.” Matthew gave him a knowing look. “Don’t worry Tom. I won’t let you forget anything important.” Thomas nods and they spend the next three hours packing. With a brief intermission where they had a pillow fight after Thomas accidentally hit Matthew with his pillow. 

   At least he wasn’t as freaked out as he was before. 

____________________________________________________________________________

   Thomas, four days later, was standing in his parent's living room laughing with a glass of wine in his hand. His mother was sitting on the sofa next to his father. 

   His father, Gideon, was a successful politician like his father had been before he went corrupt. Unlike Thomas’ grandfather, Gideon was well-loved among the people. Thomas’s father and mother, Sophie, had one of those sickeningly sweet love stories that the people loved. 

   His father had gotten a maid when he was sixteen (spoiler, it was his Sophie). Gideon had been in love with her “from the moment he met her” and had done everything he could to see her. Including asking her to do just about anything and everything for him which his foolish teenage brain had thought was a brilliant idea. 

   It wasn’t and Sophie had grown up despising him until one day they fought over scones, Thomas had always found that part hilarious. Once Gideon had had a chance to explain why there was a pile of scones under his bed Sophie had allowed him to take her on a date. And the rest was, well, history.

   Thomas had always loved that story. He had grown up wanting one just like it, his two sisters were in the same boat. His oldest sister Barbara had found that in her current boyfriend Oliver. They had that cute barista, coffee addiction story. Oliver had to write his number on Barbara’s cut four times before she finally called him. They had been sickeningly lovey-dovey ever since. Thomas’s other sister Eugenia hadn’t found that yet and so they whispered about how disgusting Barbara and Oliver were when they came to family dinners.

   They were all sitting in the living room. Barbara was sitting in one of the lounge chairs next to Eugenia's chair.  Thomas was sitting on the floor with his back against Barbara’s legs. “It was hilarious I have never seen him so red!” Barbara exclaimed in hysterics, over some story about Oliver spilling coffee all over some scary-looking man covered in tattoos.

   "What a Prince Charming." Thomas said tilting his head back so he could look up at his sister. Barbara smacked his face lightly and laughed. "Isn't he!" They all laugh again. Thomas looks back to his parents to see them both looking at him, sweet smiles on their faces. Thomas smiles back immediately. 

   "Tommy we're so proud of you." Sophie says in a soft voice. Thomas beams at her, it was no secret he was 100% a momma's boy. “Your music, your lyrics are who you are. We have always encouraged you to be your true self and you always are.” His father said affectionately. Thomas feels a ball of guilt tightens in his stomach. 

   It was true they did always tell him to be himself. He wished he could be. He really really did, but alas it wasn’t the time. He couldn’t really tell them and then take off for five months. So he holds it in and flashes them a carefree smile.

   “Thank you. I hope you know you’re all my inspiration. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.” I say looking around at all of them making a point to look at my sisters as well. Barbara smiles kindly at him. “As lovely as it is to hear your brother tell you you’re the inspiration to all his love songs, I do hope we’re not your only inspiration.” 

   I shove her and laugh. “Barb! Stop! Not at all what I meant! Way to ruin a moment!” Barbara and Eugenia laugh and Gideon and Sophie roll their eyes fondly. “Okay! Okay! Sorry but Genie and I were wondering who you write all those love songs about!” Barbara says wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. I freeze and force a laugh out looking down at my hands. I clear my throat but no words come out.

   “I think that’s quite enough girls.” Sophie said in her simultaneously kind and stern voice. The girls stop laughing and pout. “But-”

   “You’re mother’s quite right, girls. I think we should leave poor Thomas alone.” Gideon says backing Sophie up as he always did. Thomas felt a rush of affection for his parents, so loving, so kind. So unlike some of his other friends' parents. He feels a pang of sadness go through him as he thinks of Matthew with his nice but absentee parents and Cordelia and Alastair whose father abandoned them and whose mother died.

   “I love you all. I’m going to miss you quite a deal more than I thought I would.” His sisters each squeeze one of his hands. “Oh darling, you say that as if we aren’t going to call every night!” Sophie says with a sparkle in her eyes. Thomas groans acting annoyed but his smile is a dead giveaway. 

   Gideon stands up and walks over to Thomas. “Thank you for coming and saying goodbye. We will miss you sorely, I wish I could stay longer but I have a pressing meeting I attend to.” Thomas smiles and stands up feeling his father’s arms around him. He holds on tightly. His father wasn’t the most affectionate person so it was nice when this happens. 

   He squeezes one more time before Gideon lets him go. “It’s quite alright Pops. I’m glad I get the chance to see you all one more time before I head off. I would stop by tomorrow but we are heading out at five and I’m afraid I won’t get the chance.” Sophie smiled kindly walking over to him to hug him goodbye. 

  “That’s quite alright Tommy, but don’t you dare forget to call when you leave and arrive no matter the time.” Thomas nods leaning down to rest his chin on his mother’s head. Thomas was quite tall and affectionately called ‘Giant’ by his sisters quite frequently so his mother and her petite figure didn’t even come up to his chin. 

   Thomas pulls back and kisses his mother’s cheek. “I wouldn’t dream of it mum.” Sophie nods her approval and moves to let Eugenia hug him. “I hope you have fun, Tommy, but not too much.” she says, pulling away enough for him to see her wink before pulling him back in and whispering, “But remember protection, we don’t want any little feet running around just yet.” 

   Thomas pulls away abruptly sputtering. Eugenia laughed and pats his shoulder. “Genie!” He says betrayed. She laughs again before moving out of his way. “Now get out and go see the world brother!” Thomas shakes his head and waves to his mother, father, and sister once more before walking to the door with Barbara.

   They stepped outside the door and Barbara closed it softly before turning to Thomas, it was then that Thomas noticed the tears in her eyes. He frowns and shakes his head. “Don’t you dare start crying Barb, you know it makes me cry.” Barbara let out a wet laugh before pulling him in close for a hug. He melts into it.

   Out of all his family, he was closest to Barbara, mostly because he didn’t have to hide anything from her. “I do suggest you keep me updated with Alastair. I mean it. Every detail. If he sneezes I want to know. She says tears started to slide down her face. Thomas feels the back of his throat and his nose starts to burn.

   He clings to Barbara tighter. “Stop it. I’m crying now stop it!” He says pathetically, starting to shake slightly. Barbara hugs him tightly once more before pulling away and hastily wiping the tears off her face. “Sorry sorry don’t cry it’ll make me worse and it’ll be an endless cycle.” Thomas laughed and nodded, drying his own eyes.

   Barbara smiled at Thomas through her wet eyes, she placed a hand on each of his shoulders. “I love you Tommy don’t forget that.” She pulled away and smiled wider. She reached up to her neck and unclasped her necklace. It was just a chain and Thomas wondered what it was for before she handed it to him and took her ring off her finger. It had footprints around the band. It was very pretty Thomas had to admit.

   Barbara handed it to him and flipped it so he could see the writing on the inside. He frowned and took it from her so he could hold it closer and read it. He felt tears building in his eyes as he read it. ‘Where we go, we go as one.’ It was something Barbara had been saying to him since he was five. Thomas felt the tears slide down his face and grabbed Barbara in a bone-crushing hug. 

   She laughed but Thomas could hear the tears in her voice. “Thank you.” He whispered through the tears. Barbara sighed and patted his back before whispering a quiet, “Always.” and pulling away. 

   She shoved him away without bothering to wipe her tears. “Okay now go you big loof.” Thomas smiled and kissed her cheek before turning and walking back to his car. He missed them already.

[spacefantasyrogue]

OC Interview

Tagged on my star wars side blog by @cyrraluu but I felt inspired by her to branch out from the Galaxy Far Far Away and head to Eorzea too! So thanks Cyr for the tag and the inspiration! 

► Name ➔ “Hugo Brandt, adventurer and gladiator for hire, if the gil is right.” he stretches in his chair, casting his eye around ‘The Quicksand’ inn. ► Are you single ➔ “Indeed” ► Are you happy? ➔ “I am doing what I love, how could I not be?” ► Are you angry? ➔ “On occasion. Indeed ‘tis natural to be every now and then” ► Are your parents still married? ➔ “I have to assume so. I have not spoken to them in many years.” his tone is ‘matter-of-fact’ regarding this topic.

NINE FACTS

► Birth place ➔ “Radz-at-Han on the isle of Thavnair“ ► Hair color ➔ “Brown” ► Eye color ➔ “Blue” ► Birthday ➔ “11th sun of the fourth Umbral moon” ► Mood ➔  “Fair as can be, all things considered” he smiles ► Gender ➔ “Male” ► Summer or winter ➔  “Both have their upsides yet I have to say hot weather is better than the cold.” ► Morning or afternoon ➔  “The morning. An Afternoon in the desert is like it’s own Eighth Hell”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love? ➔ he smirks “Though there are many a fine lady and gentlemen in Eorzea, there is not yet one among them that has earned my true affections” ► Do you believe in love at first sight? ➔ “No. Love needs trust and commitment firstly.” ► Who ended your last relationship? ➔ “T’was he who ended it." taking another glance around the inn, he adds off-handedly “His loss.” ► Have you ever broken someone’s heart? ➔ “I doubt so” ► Are you afraid of commitments? ➔ he barks a laugh “Nay. I’d much prefer to have one if I am to be honest” ► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ “Of course!” ► Have you ever had a secret admirer? ➔ “If I knew it would not be a good secret would it?” ► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ he shrugs his shoulders, taking a gulp of ale. “It did break my heart to leave my home and family. T’was for the better though. I had to make my own path.”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ he smiles wistfully “To be in love is more precious than lust” ► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ “Lemonade I suppose. Cold tea of any kind is just disgusting!” ► Cats or dogs ➔ “Why not both?” ► A few best friends or many regular friends? ➔ “A company of best friends is not only reliable but more efficient” ► Wild night out or romantic night in? ➔ “I shan’t e’er turn down a party!” ► Day or night ➔ ”The daytime”

FIVE HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ Hugo gestures to himself, a very tall and well built man, amusement written on his face “I’m hard not to miss unfortunately, I’d make a poor sneak”  ► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ he chuckles “Once or twice” ► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ still in a jovial mood “You see the people of Ul’dah for yourself, no?” ► Wanted to disappear? ➔ Scoffs “and be forgotten? No, I want legends written about me” he winks.

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ “Eyes are beautiful, but a smile could light up a room” ► Shorter or taller ➔ he chuckles once more, lifting his mug back to his mouth, pausing to answer before taking a swig “I challenge you to find many taller than myself... No, the Ala Mhigan highlanders do not count” ► Intelligence or attraction ➔ “Intelligence. Looks aren’t everything” ► Hook-up or relationship ➔  “I would not turn down the offer of either one, yet a relationship would be nicer.”

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔ “We do. I left on good terms with them” ► Would you say you have a ‘messed up life’? ➔ “Crazy and wild, indeed!” ► Have you ever ran away from home? ➔ “No, fortunately I had no reason to” ► Have you ever gotten kicked out? ➔ “I gave them no reason either”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends? ➔ “Hate? Certainly not. Disagree with? Certainly.” ► Do you consider all your friends good friends? ➔  he grins wide “No” ► Who is your best friend? ➔  “I get on very well Thancred. I am not sure if I would name him my best friend. He certainly is my longest friend since moving to Eorzea” ► Who knows everything about you ➔ “No one here, which is probably for the better!”

TAGGING

Gonna tag @gnbrkrs​, @approved-trash​, & @azems-grapes​

[onthesandsofdreams]

Of Wars & Worry

Pairing: Rickard/Rhaella | Aerys/Other Female Character Rating: T Summary:  And not very long after, rumors of war start. The Blackfyre pretenders are launching an attack. Rhaella panics, she knows that Rickard will have to go. And she fears loosing him. She can’t loose him. She wants to be a bride and get old before she’s widowed, thank you very much. Words: 1600 Notes: Sixth in “The Rhaella Stark Chronicles”

Read @ AO3 | The Series | 

“I worry for Lianna,” Rhaella spoke low, not daring to speak loudly. She knew that she was far away from Aerys’ and his ears. But she still dare not tempt fate. “I worry because I know Aerys. And I know he will not be a good husband to her.”

Rickard looked up, frown on his face. “How so?”

Rhaella resisted the urge to flinch, she looked up from her book to her betrothed. “He has a wondering eye, grandmother wrote to me before she passed, and spoke of how he wanted Joanna Lannister for bride, but he was denied. His temper flared. I fear he might mistreat Lianna.”

Rickard’s frown became more pronounced, “Let us hope not, for her sake. She doesn’t deserve such a husband, let us hope that his cruelty be only to ignore her and not harm her.” He doesn’t say that given Lianna’s nature, being ignored would be also cruel.

Rhaella sighs, puts her book aside and begins pacing. She’s grown more comfortable with Rickard, with Winterfell and the North as a whole, she’s four years away from her own wedding, but she has already made herself a home. The people treat her the same way they treat Lady Marna, with deep respect and affection. “My brother, is quite charming and has grand plans according to grandmother’s last letter. But… I still fear for Lianna. I want her safe.”

“As do I, dearest Rhae.” Rickard stands and walks to Rhaella, stops her pacing and gently pulls her to a hug. He’s more affectionate with her now, he’s comfortable with Rhaella. He has grown to love her, and is now more grateful than ever that this betrothal came to be. “Why don’t we go to the gardens, fresh air would do you well.”

Rhaella hesitates for only a moment, “Very well,” she says and lets herself be led. They walk in comfortable silence, no longer awkwardness between them, they are near one. She only breaks the silence when they are in the gardens, near the blue roses. “I only hope that if my brother has mistresses, he be discreet. A false hope, but nevertheless, I hope for Lianna.”

Rickard squeezes her hand. “Then let us pray that he only has eyes for her, she’s a sweet lady, she deserves a good husband.”

“That she does.”

Parting ways with Lianna is painful. She has been with her for so long, Rhaella had hoped the would make a marriage to a northen lord and remain close, alas, her father and Lord Velaryon have decided otherwise. She had been surprised that her grandfather had approved, she would’ve guessed that he’d chosen someone from the Highgarden or the Riverrun. But the Riverrun only has male heirs and, while the Highgarden has a daughter, she wonders what stopped that marriage from happening. But then again, perhaps her father wanted as close as he could get to her and Lianna had valyrian blood, descendant of Targaryens herself. She would make a good wife for Aerys. She can only hope her brother has the good sense of loving her.

Rhaella would not attend the wedding, her grandfather wrote her not to, he still doesn’t want to risk her parents try anything and make her wed Aerys instead. Lord Edwyle and Lady Marna will be attending the wedding. She would remain behind, safe within Winterfell and with Rickard. But she still will mourn the loss of Lianna, even if now she would get to call her good-sister and, eventually, Queen.

The wedding comes and goes, and it seems that it’s almost immediate when a royal announcement comes, Lianna is with child, Rhaella celebrates her friend, her sister now. Prays for a safe delivery for her friend and her would-be child.

Rhaegar is born at the near end of the year. Winterfell celebrates his birth with a toast and sends several gifts.

And not very long after, rumors of war start. The Blackfyre pretenders are launching an attack. Rhaella panics, she knows that Rickard will have to go. And she fears loosing him. She can’t loose him. She wants to be a bride and get old before she’s widowed, thank you very much.

But she’s also a realist, Rhaella knows that he will be fighting, so she starts embroidering several handkerchiefs, his sigil and hers entwined in one, his initials and hers in other, and other have other little things that have grown to be theirs.

Rhaella does her best not cry when she sees him in armor, she is afraid and lost. But Rickard is brave, oh so brave and noble. He’s ready to fight and for once, he’s the one who initiates touching. He cups her face with one hand and another gently caresses her cheek, wiping away an errant tear, “Do not weep, my dearest Rhae, I’ll be back.”

“You better, else, I will for sure follow you in grief.”

Rickard’s face soften, the tender look transforms his face entirely. His eyes are intense, darker than usual. “Then I will come back, for the world would suffer a terrible loss at your passing. You are not meant to die from grief. My Princess, my brave, noble and beautiful lady. My Queen of Love and Beauty. I swear, I will return.”

“Write to me, whenever you are able. Just please, let me know you are well.”

“I will.”

“I have some things for you,” Rhaella pulls the handkerchiefs and offered them. “So that you may think of me, remember me and make you come home.”

Rickard took them out of her hands reverently, “My dearest Rhae, I don’t need them to remember you. Nor to motivate me, just knowing you are here and waiting, it’s more than enough. I will come back. Oh, our joint sigils. They are perfect, thank you.” He takes her hand and kisses it softly. “I shall return, I promise. On my honor as a Stark, I will return to you.”

“I will be waiting.” Rhaella said and then watched as he backed away, mounted his horse and made to ride of, never noticing that Edwyle had come close to her, so the hand that landed on her shoulder startled her. “Oh father, you frightened me.”

“My apologies daughter, but worry not, he’ll return.” That was all he said and walked back inside, Marna nodded along and pulled her gently inside, not saying anything. Simply offering the comfort of her presence, Ynis trailed behind.

Months pass and then the first letter arrives. Rhaella rushes to read it, it says:

Darling Rhae, You’re royal brother is a pain. Vain and exceedingly proud, poor Lianna has her work cut out for her. I am well, besides enduring him, no harm has fallen upon my person. I am safe, the fighting is hard and difficult, but I feel it will not be impossible.

I have a strong sense that I will return home unharmed. Your Wolf.

Rhaella felt a rush of emotions, relief, worry, laughter. Just knowing he was whole and hale did much for her, so she rushed to her desk, grabbed parchment, ink and pen and wrote:

My Wolf, It gladdens my heart to know that you are well. You have no idea how much relief your letter brought me, I shall continue to pray to both the Old Gods and the New for your continued safety.

Alas, that is my brother indeed. Was he terrible rude to you?

Much affection, Your Rhae.

Dearest Rhae, Your brother was not overly rude, we were introduced in public, so I think he had to bite his tongue. I am still whole and hale, worry not beloved, for I shall return home. I miss you, I dream of you. Your Wolf.

My Wolf: I imagine he did, he’s always been proud and lofty, even when young. A shame the years have not changed him much, let us hope that now he has a child he grows more. I dream of you too, often and I long for your company.

With all my love, Your Rhae.

Beloved, I am well, battle is turning in our favor. Met Ser Barristan and saw Ser Duncan again, he sends his love and greetings. Let us hope so, for dear Lianna and our little nephew.

I miss you and I crave you, I can’t wait to be home so I can hold you in my arms once more. Your wolf.

My darling Wolf, Give Ser Duncan my love too. And I miss you more than what I could express. Your absence is noted, Winterfell doesn’t have the same feeling as without you in it. I hope the war ends soon and you can come home victorious. I know you will. I have complete faith in my grandfather and his leaders to bring us victory. My birthday is close and with it, I grow closer to becoming your lady wife. It’s a sweet sort of ache. I wait impatiently.

Yours ever, Rhae.

My Darling Lady Dragon, We have triumphed. Ser Barristan killed Maelys bringing victory to our army. I am returning home beloved. I am coming home. Your wolf.

My wolf, It so gladdens my heart to know that you are well and safe. Come home, I am waiting. I love you, I love you, I love you. Your Rhae.

***

If Rhaella forgets decorum and throws herself at Rickard the moment he stands in front of him, people don’t say a thing, she simply clings to him and weep in relief. He’s home and he’s hale and whole. She’s happy and he’s safe in her arms. All will be well.

[australian-desi]

Qurbaan Hua ~ Episode 5-9: Of IVF Being Horrible, Windchimes, Cunning Aunties and Disgusting Husbands

Gonna dive right in

Episode 5

Mans has gone from “me and Meera have been dating for 6 months” to screaming “I LOVE YOU MEERA” at the top of the mountain 

Time for another coincidance - it’s purnima so he’s going to go ask for a mannat and on this day different people from different faiths go to this certain place for their wishes and prayers - and we all know what that means

Also now that I’ve watched a few episodes, I have to say I really like the styling  for Chahat they’ve given her a mix of ethnic and western wear and the fancy clothes she wears are really pretty (so far) and I hope it stays this way

I am a complete slut for mannat scenes and this one was very pure

Why can’t these people say Saraswati, it isn’t that hard

Also it’s 2020, surely it’s time we understand just because a woman is pregnant doesn’t mean she’s disabled and needs to be carried everywhere

Also, Naveli (Anjali2.0 and Neil’s cousin) is superrr suss

SHE TAPED HIS FACE OMG IM MORE IMPRESSED BY HER BY EVERY MINUTE

And she’s given him meds to give to the people he interacts with coz he causes them headaches (and he’s held onto it the whole time coz Pehle Pyaar Ka Pehla Tohfa) 

Awww our OTP has ‘Bhags stamp of approval’ 

They’ve also touched her feet how cute

Episode 6

So Ghazala has ruined Chahat’s mum’s sharara and like this is what I mean they’ve written her horribly, like why would someone go out of their way to hurt a kid like that - her mother’s dead what more does she want

And daddy dearest has another pooja to attend so he’s said no to attending his daughter’s baby shower, something Neil is now salty about

For a doctor, Chahat’s dad is quite daft 

And for a pandit, Neil’s dad is quite mean

Nice touch by Ghazala by turning this whole thing on Chahat, and thankfully her dad believes her

Episode 7

So this Kamini wannabe of a mami has said that Saraswati’s baby is najayaz, and at this point I really have got to ask - how the fuck did she jump to that conclusion?????

Apparently coz she was barren for 8 years, so how can she be pregnant now, so something must be up 

The logic fails me here, IF SHE WAS BARREN/WAS UNABLE TO GET PREGNANT, HOW TF IS THE CHILD ILLEGITIMATE???

OMFLLLLLL SHE’S SAYING THAT COZ THE CHILD WAS CONCEIVED FROM IVF, THAT’S WHY IT’S ILLEGITIMATE 

I CANNOT

I’M SO CLOSE TO QUITTING 

DO THESE DUMBASS PEOPLE NOT REALISE THAT AN IVF BABY IS ALSO A BLESSING IN ITSELF, IT’S NOT 100% GUARANTEED TO GET YOU PREGNANT EITHER BUT IT HELPS 

By this logic they shouldn’t use annnnyyyy modern technology 

I understand Neil now, and why he’s so done with this bullshit

YAAASSS NEIL, GO FUCK THEM UP 

Look Chahat, I love you and all, but like listen to Neil when it comes to his crazy psychotic family

Also do not tell me like the Oberoi family, this whole family cannot have 1 smooth sailing function/party 

We love a sibling duo that had to raise each other because their parents were dead/useless 

I’m so fucking done, now not only does your doctor have to be of the same religion, he/she has to be from the same caste 

YEH DOCTOR DHOOND RAHE HAI KE RISHTA 

Neil’s trying to talk some sense to these people, but as usual, he gets shut down for talking sense 

OMG HE’S COME OUT WITH FACCSSSS AND HAS GIVEN HIS DAD AN ULTIMATUM - His daughter or his dharm 

Also by saying that if he’s so for modern technologies in other areas, why is he against iVF 

Omg daddy pandit finally got some sense - this was an exhausting feat

Poor tacky Kamini, unlike the og, this one’s plans always fall short 

Neil, take Saraswati and just get the fuck out of here, this dumbass mami has come with a plan and is not going to rest until one of these kids gets disowned 

Episode 8

So Vyasji in a twisted turn of events has accepted Neil’s gf, as long as their kundlis meet 

Let’s be real their stars ain’t aligning in this life 

Chahat is talking to her mother through this windchime she made with her mother’s jhumke (I guess its a coping mechanisms) about how she’s gotten a cake ordered and needs to pick it up

The windchime has told her that she needs to learn how to cook to get married 

Basically even if your Indian mother is dead, her ghost will still taunt you on your inability to get married even when you are a doctor 

She has decided she will marry a chef so that she doesnt need to learn how to cook 

The foreshadowing, the cluelessness

Omg Neil’s dad writes with ink and a peacock feather (why did I think this man would write with a pen like a normal person)

He’s literally whipped out a chart and started making Neil’s (ex)gf’s kundli RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS DAUGHTER’S BABY SHOWER BECAUSE #priorities 

Anjali2.0 is literally sitting there praying as if Vyasji is sitting there calculating her Year 12 results and not a kundli

And we’ve got an “asambhav”, but we all knew that - Neil’s literally smirking coz he knew no matter what, the stars won’t align 

Omlll he’s inherited the whole “I write my own destiny” from Arnav 

“Main uss ladko ko kabhi nahi apnaunga” “Toh kya faraq padta hai, main usse apna chuka hoon” Boisss I really like this dude 

I wish I had this confidence but alas, I do not

And Neil has decided to leave the chat, go to Delhi and get married there, while giving everyone a fuck you (except his sister ofcourse)

Little does he know he isn’t even gonna make it to the bloody bus stand before he ends back here 

Anjali2.0 is begging her dad to stop him, but he’s talking about the stars and shit 

And right on cue Chahat and Neil are walking on the same bridge, none of them paying attention, they crash and just like that, the cake has fallen into the deep sea, adding to the pollution 

OMGG THIS MAN TOLD HER HOW ALL DADS ARE USELESS AND SHE GOES “oh hello, tumhe bohot saare childhood issues hai, lekin mere baba aise nahi hai ... woh mere liye taare bhi tod sakte hai” 

THIS IS WHY WE NEEDED A FEMALE LEAD IN THE MEDICAL FIELD - SHE UNDERSTOOD WITHIN 2-3 MEETINGS HOW FUCKED UP OUR DUDE IS 

and now he’s sarcastically congratulating her on her father because “aur ek mere baba hai jo hamesha taaron mein uljhe rehte hai, aur vaise tumhe tumhaare taare todne waale baba, bohot, bohot, bohot hi ziada mubarak” 

LOLLL SHE’S PULLING AND DRAGGING HIM TO GET HER THE SAME CAKE AND HE TRIED TO GIVE HER MONEY TO BUY A NEW ONE, AND SHE’S LIKE NOPE, THE BAKERY I GET THIS FROM IS CLOSED AND SO YOU WILL PROVIDE ME WITH A NEW CAKE 

Lolll I never knew he will be stuck here because of a cake 

AND NOW SHE’S TAKEN HIS BAG AS HOSTAGE AND HE’S LITERALLY SCREAMING THAT SHE’S LOST THE PLOT 

But personally, I feel she gained it 

Turns out the shop that she got the cake from, is his friend’s shop, and now he’s baking the cake himself because my man is also a pastry chef 

And he’s friend has left the chat because he doesnt want to get beaten up 

So it’s time for the kitchen romance.tm

Omg he told her he’s a chef and she’s so turned on 

OMGGGGGGG IM DEDDD 

But should’t she tie her hair #justsaying

Now back to the Neil’s crazy fam, where the only other person with sense, Anjali2.0 has also said to her dad, that Neil was always right about him 

Yesss gurlll, give it back to him

She’s telling him off how he forego his religious beliefs for her, but why can’t he do the same for Neil

I actually like her so much and the way she’s written

She’s also telling him how she tried to make sure that Neil never felt their mother’s absence (a responsibility she didn’t to take up), because her dad never let Neil feel loved 

OMG SIS SAID THAT BY BEING HEAD PRIEST, YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN YOUR DUTY AS A FATHER AND SHE DID NOT STUTTER 

Everyone is shook (including me)

I was not expecting her to give her father an ultimatum

So she said, that if he does not give Neil and Meera his blessing, he will see her dead 

OMGGG WHYYYAYFOIHFBEI THE ANXIETY 

Episode 9

We’ve begun with some cuteness regarding her rubbing flour all over face 

And like the idiot he is, he’s told her that her face is completely clean 

OMGGG HE’S GUIDING HER HANDS 

HOLY SHIT SISSS IS ALREADY IMAGINING HERSELF BEING MARRIED TO HIM 

Like same, but I also cannot 

Also I’m lolling at the fact she’s imagining their Nikaah, like his family won’t kill him for that

OMG THIS DICKHEAD HAS GIVEN THE CAKE HE MADE FOR HER DAD TO THE GAREEB CHILDREN LIKE SHE GAVE HIS SANGORIA TO THE GAREEB CHILDREN 

Awww I spoke too soon, she left the cake at the shop and he was just messing with her 

Guysss I really love their chemistry

He said that he won’t sit behind her, coz he doesn’t sit behind girls *rolls eyes*, but she’s not having it and reminded him that she beat him in a motorcycle race so he should suck it up

And they’ve had their first ‘accidental’ pressed up on each other fall 

A trope I do love with all my heart  

NOW HE’S COVERING HIS CHEST LIKE HIS IZZAT HAS BEEN LOOTED 

I’m hoping that Shyam1.5 isn’t as bad as his predecessors, but I do realise that is wishful thinking coz the couple scene where he talks to Saraswati was quite sweet

OMG THERE’S AN INTRUDER IN THEIR HOUSE AND I REALLY DON’T WANT SARASWATI TO GO CHECK, AND I’M FREAKING OUT 

She’s found Naveli’s earrings on the ground, Shyam1.5 and her are having an affair aren’t they

I FUCKING KNEW THAT NAVELI WAS SUSS AND SO WAS THIS HARAMKHOR SHYAM1.5 

I AM SO GROSSED OUT RN, WHAT IS SHE 10 YEARS OR MORE YOUNGER THAN HIM 

OMG HE’S ACTUALLY YUCK, LIKE SHYAM WAS YUCK BUT AT LEAST KHUSHI WASN’T HIS SAALI

AND WHAT TYPE OF COUSIN DOES THAT 

Saraswati please go fuck him up 

OMG OMG OMG YEH PADA THAPPAD!!!!!!! 

Well that’s another week done

[mezzomercury]

Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue: Chapter Six- You are the Sunshine of my Life

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: Mentions of Pregnancy, C-Section/Childbirth

*******************

January 17, 1986

Lindo Wing, St. Mary’s Hospital

London, United Kingdom

6:32am

It was only an hour ago that the lives of one Freddie Mercury and his husband Jim Hutton were changed forever and undoubtedly for the best. For it was then that their daughter, Eliza Marlene Bulsara-Hutton, arrived into the world at a tiny but healthy six pounds and four ounces, with an enormous set of lungs that seemed to carry her first cries throughout the entire hospital. Once her surrogate mother Nadia was stitched up from the unplanned, but successful C-Section that rang in her birth, the three new parents were escorted to a luxurious recovery suite. They had a few minutes to spare before officially meeting their daughter, so Freddie and Jim took a moment to hold each other, both feeling as though their love for one another had greatly expanded and could no longer be contained or described.

Meanwhile, Nadia, who was fighting the urge not to sleep, was lying on the bed, with her mind drifting to a perpetual mystery yet to be solved: Will I ever see this baby again after all of this? Am I really her mother still? She assumed that she would leave the hospital alone and come back to her old flat, living out the rest of her life as if the past nine months had never happened, but seeing that baby girl whom she carried and gave life to suddenly changed all of that. She wanted so badly to hold the baby to her chest, count her tiny fingers and toes to make sure they were all there, and shower her with love, but alas, she figured that it was never meant to be. Eliza was Freddie and Jim’s daughter now. She was in the world now, living and breathing on her own, and therefore Nadia was supposedly no longer needed. The facts of this matter were painful, but true. She was glad that she was able to provide the couple standing before her with an amazing gift, but she couldn’t help but want to feel more included than she already had been.

All was interrupted when a nurse entered their suite, holding a tiny, mewling newborn to give to her beaming fathers. 

“Someone wants to see you.” the nurse whispered as she came over to the three of them, now anxiously waiting to meet their daughter. 

Before the nurse could place the baby into either Freddie or Jim’s arms, they stopped her and gestured towards Nadia, clearly inviting her to be the one to hold her first. To Nadia, the moment seemed almost surreal, as she didn’t have any high expectations for seeing the baby at all, and had to ask both fathers a soft, “Are you really sure?” before given an instant nod of approval from both of them. She could feel her heart racing as the nurse came over to her bedside and slowly settled the infant into her mother’s awaiting arms. As she pulled back the blanket to reveal Eliza’s face, Nadia gasped and smiled ear to ear before muttering, 

“She’s….so beautiful.”

For the most part, the thought of Nadia holding the baby never really occurred to her before now, but Freddie and Jim insisted that their daughter meet the woman who carried her and gave her life. She tried her very best not to get attached, but she nearly lost it as little Eliza grabbed onto her index finger and gave it a tight squeeze. Noticing how much she tried to suppress her emotions, Jim sat beside her on the bed and put his arm around her slowly. 

“We’ve been thinking,” he spoke quietly while looking down at his daughter in complete awe, “and we decided it would be best if Eliza has her mother in her life. That is, only if you want that, dear.” 

Nadia’s heart seemed to do a somersault at this sudden proposition, and was about to reply until Freddie joined in while coming to stand next to them on the other side of the bed and put his hand on her forehead to brush back her sweat-soaked hair from her face, 

“After all, what kind of fathers would we be if we didn’t let our daughter grow up with her beautiful, strong, and intelligent mum?” 

Both of their statements caused Nadia to feel even more overwhelmed than she already was, and before anyone could blink, hot tears started streaming down her face. Freddie and Jim immediately panicked and tried to comfort her as best as they could. 

“No no no no no, darling. Please don’t cry. We didn’t mean to upset you.” Freddie cooed to her and kissed her cheek, “You can give us an answer once you feel better. You’ve had an incredibly long day, and the sun isn’t even up yet.”

Once Nadia calmed down, mostly for the sake of the baby in her arms, Eliza began to stir, garnering everyone’s attention. Her mother beamed down and murmured, 

“Looks like someone wants to meet both of you.” 

As Nadia shifted the tiny bundle to pass off to one of them, she suddenly paused and realized she didn’t know which eager father was going to hold her first. A puzzled expression crossed her face, which made Freddie come to her rescue, 

“Jim, darling, you should take her first.” trying to hide the fact that he was afraid of dropping her once it was his turn. 

Nadia silently nodded and carefully handed over the squirming infant to her Papa, who welcomed her into his arms like a seasoned professional. Once she was in Jim’s warm embrace, Eliza seemed to calm down and resume sleeping, her mouth slightly opening in a tiny “o” shape. The sight of it all melted Freddie’s heart to the point where at any moment he could turn into a blubbering fool. Out of curiosity, Jim slowly removed the tiny pink hat that was covering her head to reveal a nearly full head of dark hair that was standing up from static. This revelation made Freddie roar with laughter, before realizing he would wake the baby and suddenly covered his mouth, as he often did in order to hide his teeth, trying to stifle noise, which turned his face a deep crimson. 

“She’s like a cat, isn’t she?” Nadia joked as she noticed the hat that was once on Eliza’s head was covered in tiny, black hairs. 

Jim chuckled and rocked the baby gently, now in his own little world, and taking in every detail of his daughter’s face. He found himself absolutely speechless, wanting to tell her everything and anything, but just resorted to kissing her soft cheek instead and inhaling the intoxicating scent of her head.

After a minute or two of just holding Eliza and memorizing her tiny face, Jim finally felt he could speak and whispered, 

“Let’s have you meet your Daddy now, sweet girl.” 

As he was getting ready to pass her over to his husband, Freddie felt his stomach drop and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He knew this moment was coming. He was excited, but oh so terrified. Sure, he held Brian, Roger, and Deaky’s children and his godson when they were babies, but this was completely different. What if I drop her? What if she starts crying as soon as I touch her? His mind thought of endless negative possibilities, but Jim interrupted them by saying, 

“Here, sit down. It will be easier.” 

Freddie complied and sat in the reclining chair at Nadia’s bedside, opening his arms which were mildly shaking with nerves. His husband shifted Eliza in his arms, guiding him patiently and whispered into his ear, 

“She’s so beautiful. She looks just like you.” 

This caused Freddie’s eyes to soften and look down at the tiny girl who was now comfortably nestled in his hold on her. He secretly hoped that she ended up being biologically Jim’s, but this was still a pleasant surprise, seeing how Jim was clearly ecstatic about having another little Freddie in his life. He took notice of his daughter’s resemblance to himself more and more and then rebuked, 

“Poor thing, let’s hope she won’t have my teeth.”

The sound of Freddie’s voice caused Eliza to slowly open her eyes for the first time and look up at her beaming father, as if to say, “I know you. I recognize that voice.” Her pair of large, curious brown eyes met the ones identical to hers, causing the owner of the latter to softly coo to her, 

“Hello there, Liza darling. Can you see me, my love?” 

The two of them couldn’t stop staring at each other, and Jim and Nadia could only watch, both in silence and adoration, as the pair before them were forming an incredible bond right before their eyes. Freddie felt at a loss for words until he heard Nadia interject, 

“Just keep talking to her. She likes hearing your voice.”

Freddie thought back to the months before this moment, when Nadia told him around the start of the second trimester in her pregnancy that the baby could hear him, he started talking to her baby bump whenever he had the opportunity to. He didn’t even have to think about what to say, he just would talk about absolutely anything, but mostly about how excited he was to meet the baby. Eventually, as he got more comfortable with the idea that his unborn child was listening, he would start to sing to her in hopes that she’d recognize his voice once she was here in the world. Most nights at the Garden Lodge ended with him and Jim lounging on the sofa with Nadia between them, Freddie rubbing and singing to her belly in order to get the baby to kick. He would always squeal or yelp in delight whenever he felt tiny kicks, movements, or even hiccups beneath his hands, and would beg Jim to join him in feeling their daughter-to-be as he continued to sing. He held those moments so near and dear to his heart; those moments where he could have sworn he was the happiest bloke who ever lived.

Freddie quickly snapped back into reality as Eliza, who was now a tiny little human with thoughts, feelings, and a bright future ahead of her, was stirring and making noises that signaled she was about to fuss unless she heard her father’s voice again. Freddie quickly tried to rack his brain and figure out what song to sing to her before she became hysterical, but had so many choices, since he would literally sing anything to her while she was still in the womb. At the very last moment before Eliza could start wailing, he started rocking her gently and sang softly:

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You'll never know, dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

The dulcet tones of her father’s singing seemed to soothe little Eliza instantaneously, as she slowly closed her eyes and sighed almost comically in satisfaction, just before dozing off into a peaceful slumber. Upon realizing he didn’t know the lyrics to the next verse, Freddie just resorted to humming the same tune, all while shifting the sleeping angel to rest against his chest. Jim rushed over to help, adjusting the reclining chair so that his husband could be further back, and undid the top few buttons of his shirt, silently suggesting that their baby would benefit from some skin-to-skin contact.

Somehow during all of this, Nadia happened to nod off as well, as her body gave in to the exhaustion culminating from the past nine months up until today. Jim looked back to see her sleeping and went back to her bedside, stroking her face and putting another blanket on her. 

“We are so lucky that we met her when we did.” He whispered to his husband, who had stopped singing moments ago and was now rubbing Eliza’s back and planting tiny kisses on her forehead. 

“I know, darling. She gave us the most perfect little girl we could have asked for.” Freddie agreed before asking, “Do you think she’ll say yes to our little proposal?” 

Jim shrugged, but still kept his eyes on her, 

“I certainly hope so. It’s fair to say we’ve grown quite fond of our new friend, haven’t we, Fred?” 

Freddie nodded and looked at him lovingly, before looking back at their tiny daughter sleeping contently against his chest.

“Your papa and I love you so much, my dear. More than you’ll ever know.”

******************

Permanent Tag List: @siriuslovesmarlene, @r-ahh-mi, @unknownauthor, @yousaycoke-isaycaine, @ramibaby, @rami-malek-trash, @britishmoonchild, @onexlittlespark, @rami-hoe, @xtrashmammalstefx, @wanderlustnightwanderer

[longsightmyth]

Chapter-by-chapter, The Naming, Chapter 12

PELLINOR

My love for the innkeeping couple continues.

“She’s a quiet one, your wife, eh?” said Halifax, shrugging his shoulder in Maerad’s direction.

“She don’t like strangers that well,” said Cadvan. “She’s sociable enough on her own.”

“Well, there’s some as never shut up, so I guess it’s swings and roundabouts.” Halifax rolled his eyes comically, and Marta [his wife] kicked him under the table.

“I know who doesn’t shut up around here,” she said comfortably.

I appreciate that Halifax is clearly joking and that Marta is clearly unfazed and willing to point out to strangers that she knows who’s the real chatterbox around here, and both are presented as having a longstanding cheery argument.

All of this is about to change though, because Maerad and Cadvan are nearing the boundaries of Innail Fesse. They bid farewell to the innkeeping couple (Marta packs them lunch) and start riding. After a while a raven comes down to join them carrying a message from Silvia. In these books, ravens are some of the few animals that can make themselves understood without the Speech, so Maerad can understand Lord Kargan when he tells them that Silvia wanted them to know that two hulls entered Innail and Dernhil is dead. Cadvan asks if Silvia is sure they were hulls, and Kargan says definitely.

“Lord Kargan,” [Cadvan] said. “You have already done much, but I seek your help still. We need to pass through Innail Let, and I know not if the Dark has gathered its spies there. It may be that it is yet unwatched, because they think we are still at Innail. I would be grateful if you could fly there and tell me what you see.”

Kargan agrees. After he flies off, Maerad starts to freak out because Dernhil is dead and because people are now actively chasing her. She doesn’t say anything for a bit though as they ride, and it’s Cadvan who finally says, “Alas, he was my friend, and I loved him, and this is a grievous loss.”

Maerad agrees, and says that she didn’t know Dernhil long but he was her friend too, and remembers her dream. She tells Cadvan about it, and how she didn’t know for sure it was Dernhil that she heard but it seems pretty clear now.

“I spoke of you with Dernhil, Maerad,” [Cadvan] said. “I know he loved you. He was one of those who can see clearly into another’s soul, and his feelings were true. Such things have little to do with brevity of meeting. And in that lies our hope: for the Dark understands nothing of love. And if, as it seems almost certain, the hulls sought news of you, maybe his love protected you as nothing else could.”

The soul in question was sixteen, but I approve of the sentiment. As a bonus, we know where I was at least encouraged in my love of commas (Throne of Glass could take some pointers from Pellinor for the elevated language schtick).

Maerad is sad some more, and so is Cadvan. He talks about Bards being able to kill themselves without weapons if necessary.

“It is unutterably terrible,” said Cadvan at last, “to hope that Dernhil killed himself rather than be murdered by those evil beings; yet that is what I hope.”

Yikes.

Kargan returns and reports that the way is clear for now. Cadvan thanks him, and Kargan leaves to report to Silvia that Maerad and Cadvan are alive and kicking. They continue to ride until they eventually find a Bardhome. They take care of their horses, and Maerad complains of stiffness and soreness from riding all day every day. Cadvan tells her she’ll get used to it soon but has her stand in front of him and “passed his hands around her body without touching her.” Maerad feels better, if still slightly sore and tired.

They set up camp and eat dinner, and Cadvan tells Maerad more about the Speech at her prompting, specifically how you never know when you come into it and Maerad isn’t weird for not being able to understand it yet. We get a cute little anecdote about when Cadvan started to understand the Speech (he was about five years old) and a fish spoke to him. We also learn that neither of Cadvan’s parents were Bards. He talks about the different divisions of Barding (there are three broad categories), which are called The Arts: the Reading, the Making, and the Tending. Reading is what most people think of as magic, though it does include actual reading. Making is exactly what it sounds like plus playing music and dancing and writing and stuff. Tending is “knowledge of growing, husbandry, forestry, childcraft, wilding, herbs, healing, bird lore” etc. There are debates about where particular acts sometimes fall on the scale, but Cadvan gives no fucks about that sort of thing. Cadvan and Dernhil practice Reading the most, and Malgorn and Silvia Tending. “…a Bard who counts power and learning as the highest skill, refusing to understand how all of the Arts inform and nourish each other, is a poor Bard.”

Cadvan makes a lament for Dernhil.

“Sweet fall the rains on the mountains of Innail

Leaping like children down through the pinewoods

With voices of ice like melodious laughter

Seeking the harping of Dernhil of Gent.

But he cannot hear them, his music is ended.

Where has he gone? His chamber is empty

And bright are the tears in the high halls of Oron

Where once he stepped lightly, singing deep secrets

Out of the heart-vault and into the open.

Dark are the Gates that opened and beckoned

And closed on his steps, in the gray twilight fading,

Folding in silence the weft of his barding.

No more will he sing in the glory of autumn

Gilding the birches of lowen and Braneua:

The groves of Ileadh will wait him in vain.

He enters the meadows of music no longer

To gather us with mirth-sheaves and harvests of pleasure.

His harp is unstrung, his sweet voice is silenced:

Sad now are the streams in the Valley of Innail.”

He fell silent, and then he covered his face with his hands and wept.

Maerad cries too, and they grieve quietly for a while.

Then they have a discussion involving fault: earlier Maerad said it was her fault because Dernhil was teaching her, and Cadvan told her obviously not. Now Cadvan feels guilty for asking Dernhil to teach Maerad. Maerad says that that’s stupid, because Dernhil did know, and also that, as Cadvan told her earlier, it isn’t either of their faults that there is evil in the world. Cadvan says that all Dernhil knew about her was that she was Cadvan’s pupil, and Maerad remembers that she hasn’t shown Cadvan the bit of prophecy Dernhil found for her. Cadvan says to hide it: “I am not certain that we shouldn’t burn it, but I wish Nelac to see it.”

Cadvan is basically like ‘welp this proves it, you’re the foretold” and Maerad sort of scrambles around trying to justify why she’s not, including her name not being Elednor (the truename of the foretold, which means fire lily). Cadvan points out that she won’t know her truename until after she’s instated as a full Bard, argument invalid.

“What if I’m not? What if you’ve got it all wrong? What then?”

Cadvan shrugged. “As I said before, then I am simply wrong.”

He muses that the Dark might now know for sure, and that that makes this whole thing even more dangerous, but he wonders if they knew before or after trying to break into Dernhil’s mind.

“Dernhil would not have betrayed us,” said Maerad uncertainly.

…”it is not a question of betrayal,” said Cadvan. “You don’t know…” A spasm of pain passed over his face, and for a while he was silent.

More Mysterious Past hints. Come on Cadvan, fess up! He continues that the hulls would have wanted to use Dernhil as a spy if they could get into his mind, not kill him, and a murder in the school has brought so much attention that the hulls probably can’t stay, since even hulls would have trouble with Bards like Malgorn or Oron actively hunting them. I personally would rather face Oron or Malgorn than Silvia if she thinks somebody is trying to hurt Maerad, but sure, book.

“I think it is likely,” said Cadvan at last, “that Dernhil killed himself so they could not enter his mind, and I think it is not only my hope speaking.” he shuddered. “Believe me, Maerad, there are many worse things than death.”

We learn more about hulls when Maerad asks. They were Bards, but turned to the Dark to try to live forever and/or get more power. They can be killed, but they don’t die of old age. They can pass as mortals if they work at it because they still have Bardic gifts.

[Cadvan] fell silent, looking into his own memories, and then spoke with a vehement anger that took Maerad aback. “I hate them. They betray everything that makes us what we are, and destroy everything that is worthy of love. I hate them more than the Nameless One himself.”

Note to self: Cadvan’s backstory likely involves hull trauma.

Maerad starts thinking about all the Bards she’s never known and whether or not they might be hulls, and starts to worry that nobody can be trusted, “but she remembered Silvia and Dernhil and Malgorn, and Cadvan himself, and quietened her fears.”

You’re missing Saliman, Maerad. He seems like a key component given future events. Just saying.

She falls asleep afraid anyway.

THRONE OF GLASS

Chapter 24 so I didn’t land three pages into the next chapter. Celaena can’t sleep and talks about the moonlight and how night doesn’t mean anything to her, and then goes on about how “it was just the time when she slept, the time when she stalked and killed, the time when the stars emerged with glittering beauty and made her feel wonderfully small and insignificant.”

That seems pretty meaningful to me but I am but a simple fanfic writer, untutored in the ways of high fantasy or YA lit.

That was sarcasm, for those unsure.

Celaena was too lazy to change out of her old fashioned dress (actual words from the text, not me being judgy for once, and also I am hardly the one to judge based on clothing changing). She looks up to see a tapestry blowing and after a moment of investigation realizes it’s because there is a secret door behind it.

Y’all, they put an assassin in a room with secret passages that are found after like three minutes of investigation. Either somebody in charge of room assignments wants people dead, or everyone here is incompetent.

I genuinely wish we had murderous steward on our hands.

Celaena exercises some caution when going exploring, which on the one hand I applaud - nobody wants to get lost in the deep dark of an ancient castle - but on the other hand, didn’t she know exactly where she was going from counting steps and noticing corridors in the first chapter when she had never been in the building before while blindfolded? Why doesn’t she utilize that ability now? Also she has a prince and a captain of the guard popping in and out of her room like there’s a revolving door with an ‘Open - free cookies’ sign on it, so shouldn’t she be worried about discovery?

Celaena held the candle aloft, her cape trailing behind her, leaving a clean wake on the dust-covered stairs.

Y’all. This behavior is excusable in an inexperienced sneaker, but in someone who is supposedly the best assassin in the land this is just sad.

She reaches the end of one passage and realizes it’s probably an escape route for the king and leads to a waterway with a rusted iron gate and rotting boats, which begs so many questions I don’t know where to start. She can see trees and stuff outside and considers escaping through the gate, but she slips while climbing around and freaks out. She goes back and takes a different turn, whose passage she follows to spy holes overlooking the great hall and the Samhuinn feast. Celaena is indignant that the other champions are allowed to attend and she isn’t, and honestly so am I. If they’re worried about Celaena the Braggy Assassin in company, they should be doubly worried about the people who have actually murdered people. They do appear to have left Cain in his room, though.

She spots Dorian and decides she’s just happy to see his “unusual grace, and the kindness in his eyes”.

Stop trying to make me like Dorian, book, I am never going to like Dorian. You can tell me about the kindness in his eyes all you want but until I see that shit backed up with action and him considering women aside from our protagonist to be human beings it ain’t gonna fly.

EXHIBIT NUMBER UNCOUNTED: he enters Celaena’s room without permission to watch her sleep after she’s returned and gone to sleep. I thought we all agreed this was bullshit after Twilight, y’all, why is it still showing up? Why are we still considering Dorian a good guy when he routinely uses the literal power of life and death he has over this woman to show up in her private space without permission and watch her sleep? Y’all. Come on.

Chaol kicks him out, which would get him points except he then chills in Celaena’s room considering whether or not she’s a virgin and watches her sleep for a minute. At least he wakes her up when he approaches the bed? But it’s not on purpose? Y’all, he came by to drop off a ring from the party favors for her, he couldn’t have just waited until morning when he could fucking knock? I hate everyone. Chaol throws another blanket over her and leaves.

COMPARISON

Well Cadvan was basically tailor-made for us, wasn’t he? Mysterious Past, hot, respectful, badass, in touch with his emotions… too bad he’s in his seventies. ANYWAY. I appreciate that Pellinor has people in touch with their emotions being a good thing, and I appreciate that affection and cordial teasing are shown to be hallmarks of a good relationship, thank you innkeeping couple. Other things I appreciate about Pellinor: we’re actually sad about Dernhil. He had an effect on the narrative and an effect on our characters, and he’s on the Ride or Die squad with Silvia, only thankfully Silvia is still in the riding part of it.

In Pellinor this was a lot of exposition relayed in dialogue, but it was interwoven with a discussion of Dernhil and gives us more hits of Cadvan’s Mysterious Past, which obviously involves hulls. Cadvan really doesn’t like them, y’all. Also I appreciated that it was a Tending Bard that was mentioned as being too much for hulls to handle, while a Reading Bard was not. It helpfully underlines the fact that the Arts are in fact equal even if Cadvan is a Reading Bard and we have no idea wtf Maerad is. I’m guessing Indik is a Making Bard (because I don’t actually remember if that’s ever explicitly stated) and he is also later proven to be hardcore. So many books and/or movies pay lip service to everything being equally important while only showing one school/art to be actually effective, and Pellinor actually shows that it’s true even in small ways. I like that. (I also like that later Silvia is acknowledged as Super Hard Core, but I think we have to wait until The Singing to see exactly how hard core our ride or die team mom is. Bad with a sword or a spell she is not.)

I appreciate nothing about Throne of Glass this chapter, not even a single solitary second. There are six purple tabs marking general displays of incompetence in this chapter and a short pondering of virginity that made me angry. Fuck off, Chaol. Dorian can fuck off even harder, jesus christ on a pogo stick.

STATS

Throne of Glass:

Pages: 11

Fragments: 16

Em-Dashes: 32

Ellipses: 10

Pellinor:

Pages: 18

Fragments: 3

Em-Dashes: 3

Ellipses: 15

[nonbinarysasquatch]

Josh Has No Idea Where I Am!

“The kind of love a child needs is the kind of love they can count on.”

My parents divorced when I was really young. Somewhere around when I was two. As such, I have no memory of them being together. In fact in general, I have few memories from being younger than like 5.

Growing up, neither of my parents were abusive. My dad is an asshole but he wasn’t usually an asshole to me. And my mom was basically my best friend until I was a teenager. We did have some problems when I was a teenager but that’s a story for another day.

My mom and I lived with my grandfather until I was 15. He was very psychologically and verbally abusive to both me and my mother. It’s hard to explain how growing up with that treatment just stays with you for your entire life.

I’m not even going to begin to contemplate like... whether Dream Ghost Akopian is real. I’m going to take this episode at face value and assume everything Rebecca sees is legit. Does that necessitate magic? Little bit.

Dream Ghost Akopian starts Rebecca’s introspective journey by exploring parental love.

I really hurt for Rebecca in this episode. Little Becks is such a good kid. She’s dramatic and hyper and very smart. She’s the sort of child who needs a lot of love and patience. Instead, her mother mostly communicated to her via psychological abuse and her father... Well... ugh.

Fuck Silas Bunch. So much.

Rebecca is so desperate for parental love and approval that she concocts an entire scheme and flies across the country to surprise him. It doesn’t even occur to her that he wouldn’t be happy to see her because she assumes it’s her mother that’s keeping them apart.

But no. Silas simply has no interest in what he describes to Naomi as “a cute kid.” He doesn’t want anyone holding him back right now. I really don’t have enough middle fingers for Silas Bunch.

Naomi, unfortunately, turns out to be the good parent. She even hid the lie for the sake of not hurting Rebecca. She’s still abusive but she does love Rebecca and that’s more than we can say for Silas.

Next DG Akopian takes Rebecca back to Harvard where she’s signed up for a play. She’s doing musical theater for the first time since summer camp 2005 and we get one of the most important details that I can’t believe more fans don’t talk about when speculating on how this show will end:

“I forgot how happy it made me.” Not Josh Chan. Musical theater. I have this theory that when she saw Josh in New York and hears “I’m in Love With a Wonderful Guy” from South Pacific, she’s misreading her own emotions. Sure, we know she’s still carried a flame for Josh but being with Josh isn’t the last time she was truly happy.

When else in the series do we hear Rebecca describe herself as being or having been happy? Hell, this series opens with Rebecca gushing about how performing on stage made her feel, even though her part was a small one.

(By the way, I 100% want to see this Moby Dick musical performed. “Ahab can’t you seee, the whale is a metaphooor!)

I almost never see fans talking about this and I really don’t understand why. It’s such a key aspect of Rebecca’s characterization.

We also get the specific canonization of the fact that Rebecca imagines her life as a series of musical numbers in this episode. It’s not just a narrative conceit. We can generally assume all musical numbers from Rebecca’s POV are something she’s imagining.

We also find out that Rebecca... really can’t sing. In fact, she’s probably worse at singing than the average person. But DG Akopian points out that Rebecca still loved that play. If she was aware of her own lack of talent, she didn’t care. It made her happy.

But alas: the guys. Rebecca in the present and teenage Rebecca are both caught up in the guys. Even when Akopian lays it all out for her as clear as day, Rebecca still doesn’t really engage with this. But within her subconscious, Rebecca knows all of this. The seed exists.

The journey ends as Akopian brings Rebecca to the present, where Greg, Darryl, Josh and Paula are at Rebecca’s house worrying about her. Rebecca realises something very important: she is loved. She’s been so busy chasing after one kind of love, an unhealthy, unrealistic type of romantic love, that she missed the fact that SHE IS LOVED.

Even Greg, who can’t bear to admit that he cares about or even LIKES her, does love her. 

Rebecca’s journey across this series is about finding happiness. The trick with happiness, is that it isn’t any one particular thing. Happiness is a mirage. When most people talk about being happy what they really mean is contentment. Peace.

That feeling like glitter is exploding inside of you is just dopamine and other hormones. It’s a quick high that can be addicting. It drives a lot of human behaviour. It makes people take risks and do dangerous things (like go bungee jumping, as a benign example.)

Rebecca can’t find that feeling and sustain it. No one can. That’s just how humans work. We need more and more bigger highs, the older we get. Obtaining those highs is fine but you can’t build a life of contentment and peace around that.

At this point, Rebecca is nowhere near contentment. But she does have love. Not the kind that will make her feel perpetually like glitter is exploding inside of her, but the kind that she can use to build a foundation for a life. 

The episode ends as Rebecca arrives back at home. Now it may seem like this doesn’t make sense, but I think it’s fair to assume that we’ve been dealt a bit of sleight of hand and that the plane Rebecca got on at the end of last episode was the one back to California and the events of the dream are occurring at the same time as Rebecca’s friends worrying about her.

Rebecca appreciates her friends now in a way she didn’t before. For once, she’s undergoing a change, a change that possibly began with the water trial.

A final note:

“Rebecca... are you in love with me?” Oh, Josh. 

The songs:

Dream Ghost: Only one song this episode and, man, is it ever an ear worm. One of the catchiest songs of the entire series. Michael Hyatt is amazing. This song again does the thing where it seems to be about one thing but gets a bit tangential, getting into the gender wage gap and poor healthcare coverage.

Episode Rating: 10.0 out of 10.0.

Truly one of the show’s best episodes (written by Rachel and Aline.)

[thenovelartist]

The Love of a Cat, Chapter 1

“Are you certain you can handle it?”

Marinette rested her hands on her hips while regarding her papa with a fond smile. “I’m eighteen, Papa. I’ve told you ten times already that I can handle this. And it’s not like you won’t be right there.”

Her papa sighed, rubbing his tired eyes with one large hand.

“Papa,” Marinette said reassuringly, “I’m eighteen. Maman needs her rest if she’s going to get better. I will be there to help you man the baker’s table. That’s all.”

“Yes, but—”

“It’s a party hosted by Duke Bourgeois,” she continued, “attended by a mass of noblemen and high-class knights. I am a baker’s daughter with a small dowry that pales in comparison to the ones offered by any of the beautiful noblewomen that will be in attendance. No matter how beautiful you believe me to be, I hardly am a temptation to a man. Furthermore, you trust me to make deliveries all the time. Just like then, I’ll be fine at this party, Papa.”

Her father seemed to relax at this, his large stature shrinking slightly in surrender. “All right.”

Marinette withheld her squeal of excitement.

“But I have to ask,” he said, “how long have you been rehearsing that little speech.”

Marinette smiled sheepishly. “About four days. Alya helped.”

Her father simply chuckled.

“Now come on, Papa. The party is tonight and you have quite a bit of baking to do.”

“You just volunteered to help,” he teased, tapping her nose fondly. “So we have quite a bit of baking to do.”

Marinette giggled. “All right. Let’s get started.”

For the next several hours, she assisted her father in baking while simultaneously running the store front as well. For everyone’s best interest, Papa and Marinette had banished Maman to her room until she recovered fully from her bout of sickness. Surely within the next day or two, she’d be back up and running the shop.

Eventually, everyone was served, the shop was closed, and the baked goods were ready to be delivered to the party. The only thing left was for the two bakers themselves to get ready.

Marinette rushed up to her room in order to dress her uniform. It was a rather dull and boring outfit, nothing more than an off-white blouse and brown skirt. Nothing compared to the wonderful designs royalty would be wearing. If she could, she would dream at sewing such masterpieces. Alas, there were so many girls aiming to be seamstresses, and as the only daughter of a baker, she was in a good position to inherit her family’s business. She would make clothes for herself, family, and friends only. She supposed there was nothing wrong with that. She was better off than most.

She finished her ensemble with a white half-apron to cover her skirt, brushing away the imaginary wrinkles. Finally, she walked over to her small vanity to examine herself in the mirror before tying her hair back with a plain white ribbon. She would forgo her normal pigtails in favor of something that looked more mature. She was about to call it good when she caught sight of the small box that Mister Fu had given to her at the beginning of winter. She flipped the box open to spot the earrings inside. Ruby chips, two that looked very similar, lay in a black metal that she hadn’t been able to discern. They were beautiful, nevertheless, and reminded her of a couple of ladybugs.

On a whim, she put them on. When she had shown them to her Maman several months ago, the older woman had grinned and told her that without a shadow of a doubt they were lucky. Maman had an instinct for these things, so Marinette believed her. And considering Marinette’s poor luck, a bit of good luck would be welcome.

Besides, it not like anyone would notice them anyway. Her hair was already escaping its ponytail and covering her ears.

She met her Papa downstairs. He was looking spotless in his own off-white shirt and brown trousers. “Ah, there’s my daughter. Looking as lucky as ever.” He tapped her earlobe. “Ready to go, little ladybug?”

Marinette grinned at her nickname. For as unlucky and clumsy as she was, her parents were convinced she was good luck to everyone around her. “Let’s go, Papa.”

Time seemed to fly by. It seemed like barely an hour had passed by the time the duo had arrived and arranged their goods at a table, but Marinette was certain more time had passed than that.

“The guests will be arriving soon.”

Marinette turned towards the voice, her surprise soon turning to excitement. “Alya.”

The two girls shared a quick hug. “What are you doing here, girl? I didn’t know you were coming.”

“Maman is still sick,” Marinette simply answered.

Alya hummed. “Then give her my best regards. Hopefully, it won’t linger much longer.”

“I don’t think it will. But let’s talk about you. Are you serving tonight?” Marinette inquired, taking in Alya’s attire.

The brunette nodded. “I am. With so many male servants gone to war or recovering from it, the staff tonight will be all female.”

Marinette nodded solemnly.

An older man soon marched into the ballroom filled with bustling servants, clapping his hands together urgently. “Attention. The guests are set to arrive any moment. Places, places.”

Alya sighed. “Forgive me, but I better do as Mr. Damocles asks. I’m under enough scrutiny as it is after getting in a stand-off against Chloe earlier.”

“Why does that not surprise me?”

Alya gave Marinette a playful whack on the shoulder before heading off to her position.

“I expect details,” Marinette hissed after her friend.

“Later,” Alya promised.

Within the hour, the entire ballroom was buzzing with people. Servants flittered about, handing out food and drink. Marinette herself took trays of goods around, a smile on her face as she offered the goodies to partygoers.

Chloe Bourgeois, daughter of the duke, had turned her nose up at the pastries, but her companion, a man with rich brown hair pulled back into a queue, smiled as he took one of the pastries. “Surely your father wouldn’t have employed them if their goods weren’t beyond the standard,” he told the blonde woman.

She just let out a huff as he took a bite of the pastry. Immediately, his eyes closed as he hummed in delight. “And I was quite right. Try one, my dear.”

Chloe looked at the pastries, then aimed a glare of disdain at Marinette. “I think not. How else am I to keep my figure?”

“Your lovely figure can stand a single pastry,” the man teased, looking the blonde up and down in a way that made Marinette squirm.

“Ha,” Chloe let out a mirthless chuckle. However, she seemed to play along with his games, angling herself so as to draw attention to her hips. “No, thank you. Another drink would be preferable.” With that, she sauntered off, likely in hopes the man would follow.

He didn’t. Instead, he watched with a bit of interest before turning his attention back to the pastries Marinette held. He took another. “These are wonderful.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Marinette said, noting the way he was dressed. Considering the purple of his vest, he had to be a lord of some station, not a knight. “It was my father who made them.”

He smiled approvingly, but his eyes seemed to devour her face. “Tell him he is exceptional at his craft.”

“I will. Thank you.”

She continued on her rounds, happily shuffling away from the man who seemed to be looking at her with too much interest for her liking. And maybe she was staring too much at him because she nearly ran into another man.

“I’m so sorry,” she quickly apologized, stumbling backwards and nearly dropping her platter.

Thank goodness he caught her just in time. Gloved hands grabbed hold of her shoulders, setting her upright once again. “Careful where you step,” he said.

Marinette was about to reply, but any words died in her throat. Looking up at the man, all she could see were piercing green eyes surrounded by a black mask. Unruly blonde hair fanned over his forehead…

But were those cat ears pinned to his head?

“Forgive me,” Marinette said, finally finding her voice again.

“No trouble,” he said easily, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. “But seeing as you’re having trouble with that platter, I suppose I should help make it lighter for you.” His green eyes dazzled as he plucked some pastries from the platter, holding two in one hand while he used the other to raise a third to his mouth.

He hummed in delight. “I’m surprised these aren’t gone already. They are delicious.”

“Thank you…my lord,” she said, noting his formal attire.

With a tip of his chin and his green eyes still twinkling, he marched off past her. She spared him a curious glance before finishing her round.

Alya caught her just as she made it back to the table. “Hey, I need to bring some more food up from the kitchen. Come with me to help?”

Marinette glanced at her father, who signaled his approval with a tilt of his head. She turned back to her best friend. “All right.”

They quickly slipped down a servants’ corridor, and it didn’t take long for them to start talking. “Alya, help me out. You know most of the partygoers, correct?”

“Yes, from either previous visits or reputation.”

“So…the man with Chloe? With the purple vest and brown hair?”

“The one who Chloe is trying to seduce?”

Marinette nodded, shivering in disgust.

“Lord Barbot. An earl with a large fortune.”

That explained quite a bit.

“But as you clearly know, a shady character.”

“Clearly,” Marinette agreed. “What about the man with the cat ears? Do you know who I’m talking about?”

Alya nodded in exasperation. “Oh, yes. He’s hard to miss. Lord Noir: a viscount, I believe, in the south part of the kingdom. I’ll respect him because he actually went to serve in the war. Sadly, he came back not right in the head.” Alya swirled her finger at her temple to emphasize her point.

“Poor guy.”

“Unlucky, too. Nicknamed Chat Noir by most because the story goes he went to war as part of a large group, thirty to seventy depending on who you ask, and he was the only one to make it back.”

Marinette’s eyes widened. “I’d call him very lucky.”

“I suppose. But calamity has fallen on nearly every servant in his house as well as the few people who dare to enter. Baron Lahiffe, for instance, got a broken leg as well as severely ill after a single visit. Then there was a knight, one that happened to save Chat Noir’s life, who ended up beaten and is still recovering from some sort of stab wound. And we won’t mention the fact this same man sustained a broken arm and head injury when he saved Chat Noir the first time. The man is a walking curse.”

Marinette cringed. “Then why was he invited?”

Alya pursed her lips in thought. “I believe he’s the second cousin once removed to the king? Or prince? Or something like that. Basically, he’s in line.”

“So why wasn’t Chloe all over him? With the prince still missing at war…” Marinette froze there. It was tragic to think that the kind, handsome young man that had gifted her his cloak that winter night was gone. She couldn’t believe it. Didn’t want to believe it. Not him. He was far too good a man for something bad like that to happen.

“Because while her father invited him in hopes that she would try to capture him, she’s too worried about his bad luck. She won’t go near him. Lord Barbot is the next best thing, in her mind.”

“Alya,” a deep voice called.

The girls turned around to see Mr. Damocles standing there. “Please, come with me a moment. I need your assistance.”

“Yes, sir,” Alya said. She tapped Marinette’s shoulder in silent query of if it was all right. With a smile, Marinette tapped her elbow back. She’d be fine. She knew her way to the kitchen.

Alya returned her smile before following the head servant away.

Marinette continued her journey down the hall, turning right. She followed the hallway down, taking a left

And ending up not where she should be.

She frowned. It was a left, right? Or was it right?

Wonderful, now she was lost.

“Looking for somewhere?”

Marinette whipped around to see Lord Barbot standing there. Composing herself and standing straight and confident, she answered, “Yes, the kitchen. I took a right when I should have taken a left and was on my way. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

She tried to walk past him, but he blocked her way. “What sort of gentleman would I be if I didn’t escort a lovely young lady—”

“The kitchen is two hallways away,” Marinette interrupted him. “Surely I can make it on my own.”

“I insist,” he pressed, further blocking her path from her.

An uncomfortable feeling built up in her gut, but she didn’t have much of a choice it seemed. “If you insist.”

Finally, he smiled and let her pass. She shuffled quickly down the hallway, but he kept up with her quick pace. “You have some very pretty earrings.”

“Thank you,” she absently said, trying to find the correct turn for the kitchen.

“Family heirlooms, I presume?”

Marinette didn’t know how to answer, so she simply agreed.

“Isn’t the kitchen that way?” he said, pointing to the hallway at her left.

She glanced down the hallway he pointed to, but didn’t recognize it. Frankly, she didn’t recognize where she was at all.

“No, it’s not. I must have taken a wrong turn.” She flipped around, only to come face to face with Lord Barbot’s chest. “Excuse me,” she curtly said, shifting to move past him.

“Come now, no need to be so formal,” he said, not moving from his spot blocking her pathway.

Her heart was pounding nervously. This was bad. Very, very bad. “I have a job to do, my lord,” she quipped, pretending she wasn’t intimidated by his very presence. “I need to get back to the kitchen.”

He didn’t seem to hear a word she said. Instead, he was far more interested in examining her earrings. She took a step back from him when he reached up towards her ears.

“Excuse me, sir,” she ground out, looking for any way to get past him in the narrow hallway.

“I must say your earrings fascinate me. And attached to such a beautiful young woman…” he reached for her once again.

Only for her to bat his hand away with a sharp slap. “Keep your hands off me.”

His eyes took on a terrifying gleam. In a quick movement, he reached out to grab her hand, only for her to slip from his poor grasp and land a punch up in his jaw. While he stumbled, she bolted. She didn’t quite know where she was going, nor did she care, just as long as it was away from him.

She barely made it to the end of the hallway before she felt her skirt snag on something. She was forced to a halt, only for her skirt to be yanked backward. She spun around as she stumbled, falling right into the arms of Lord Barbot.

“Feisty, aren’t we?” he growled, gripping her tight.

“Let go of me!” Marinette shouted. She stomped on his feet to no avail. He didn’t even flinch.

She struggled in his grasp, but he clung tightly to the screaming girl. She finally got him in the groin. Not hard, just enough to surprise him. She slipped from his grasp, running down the hallway and taking a breath to scream.

Only for his hand to grab her mouth and his other to wrap around her torso, just under her chest, and squeeze so tightly the air flew out of her. The most that came out was a strangled cry.

His hand curled tighter around her mouth while the arm around her torso came upwards, his fingers digging into her side as he pulled her back against him. Her heart raced faster as his face came right by her ear. “I can take care of feisty women.”

[intimatevoid]

Stolen from @littledonkeyburrito, as usual~

1. Do you prefer guys to shave down there? I have no preference. As long as the hair isn't making things difficult, like getting caught in hands and toys and teeth, he can do what he wants.

2. Do you prefer liquid, mousse or powder foundation? Why? I don’t really think about it because I don't wear foundation. My skin's clear enough that I don't need it, and even if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t wear it because I would sweat it off in minutes. (Setting spray? I destroy setting spray ;A; it’s the worst.)

3. How much does your mother know about your sex life (or lack thereof)? Next to nothing, I guess. All she knows is that I've been with Ash for a while, and that I was with Seb for a while too.

4. Do you enjoy watching cooking shows? Not really. Like if one's on in a waiting room or something then I'll absently watch, but if I have any say in the matter then I don't know watch them.

5. Do you worry about gaining weight? Only if it affects my health somehow. Aside from a recent fluctuation from hormonal fuckery, I can usually do whatever I want without my weight changing at all.

6. Have you ever used fake tan? Nah, I've never needed to. I tan really dark, really quickly.

7. How do you organize your make-up? I just put different kinds into little ziplock bags to keep them from getting lost in my makeup bag. Pens in one, eye-shadow and eye brushes in the other.

8. Do you ever look at someone cute, and automatically make a move? Hahaha, holy fuck, I would never have confidence in my own desirability to do something like that. What would the point even be?

9. Do you live in a house, apartment, or another type of arrangement? An apartment, but I’m hoping like crazy that later this year I’m able to move into a house.

10. What’s one event your town has that you don’t like to participate in? Toowoomba has the Carnival of Flowers. I usually avoid it because it’s too hot, and too noisy.

11. Are any of your siblings married? What are their spouses’ names? Nope, though Clare (the bitchy, transphobic one) is engaged to a lovely guy named Simon who deserves so much better.

12. Does your father have any creepy or scary friends you don’t like? I haven’t spoken to my dad in years. I haven’t spoken to any of his friends in even longer. Though he’s all about being friends with Jesus, who certainly creeps me the fuck out. Does he count?

13. Do you watch any shows that you know your parents wouldn’t approve of? Ha! Literally anything that’s not conservative or whatever, they would disapprove.

14. What venue was the last real concert you went to at? Some concert hall in Brisbane, I don’t remember what it’s called.

15. Does your best friend and their mom have the same last name? Yes, no, no, yes, and half plus their dad’s last name.

16. What color is your cellphone? Black.

17. Are you currently waiting for a phone call? From whom? No, thank fuck.

18. Do you have any drugs in your bedroom? No

19. Is there a feature on your face that people compliment you on? Sometimes my eyes or my skin.

20. What are your plans for the rest of the week? Nothing, thank fuck. This past week has been exhausting and I am grateful for the chance to finally fucking rest.

21. How many studded belts do you own? None.

22. Has your partner ever had braces? I don’t think so?

23. What have you eaten today?

 A sandwich, and some spicy noodles.

24. What’s your favourite thing to do? Quietly spend socially antisocial time with loved one/s, perhaps gaming or reading, gently touching but otherwise not interacting.

25. Did you wear a jacket today? Lord no, it’s way too hot.

26. Have you kissed more than two people of the same sex? Eyyyup!

27. How many times have you had sex in one day? Twice I think? Or maybe only once. I don’t have sex very often.

28. Did you exercise at all today? Nope, but I’m scheduled for it tomorrow.

29. Would you ever move far away for a job opportunity? Only if the new location was geographically close to somebody I care about. I’ve worked too fucking hard on my relationships to waste it all by distancing myself from any more of my loved ones.

30. Are you too shy/embarrassed to tell people your middle name? Negatory.

31. If not, what is it? No bc internet, but anyone who knows me well will know it anyway.

32. What day of the week is garbage day on your street? I always forget the exact day; it’s either Tuesday or Wednesday.

33. What is something new you learned today? That it’s possible to complete Dark Souls without ever levelling up.

34. Do you need a haircut? Not a full haircut, but I do need a trim. It’s been about six months since my last one and my split ends are insane.

35. Can you say the alphabet backwards? If I try, yeah.

36. When was the last time you ate popcorn? Too long ago! Probably during a D&D session.

37. Do you like eating out at restaurants? Cheap restaurants. The more expensive they get, the less I enjoy the atmosphere.

38. Is your name common? My first and middle names are semi-common, and my surname is very rare, at least in australia.

39. Do you look older or younger than your actual age? Before I transitioned, I was mistaken for up to ten years older. Now that I’ve transitioned, always younger.

40. Were you ever a Pokemon fan? Yus!

41. If you could get rid of one season, which one would you choose? Of which show?

42. Have you ever performed in front of a large group? A couple of times, yeah.

43. Are you hungry right now? Nah, I just ate.

44. Have you ever had the chicken pox? Nope. I should probably get vaccinated. 44. How often do you do laundry? About once a week.

45. Do you know anyone who snores? I do. It sucks, cause I used to not snore at all. Then randomly, about a year and a half ago, I just started snoring for no reason at all. 46. Would you make a good movie critic? I think, with some training, I could. I’m good at being analytical and critical of things. 47. What goal are you aiming for this year? 1) Move house in March/April, 2) yisit Dusty in May/June, and 3) build a computer in July when my tax return comes in! 48. What’s the farthest you’ve walked? In one day? Hard to say, I used to walk a lot but not so much anymore. 49. What does your favourite shirt look like? My current fave is just a plain black blouse. I like it because it goes with almost everything. 

... what? I’m poor, I don’t own much clothing. 50. What made you feel most accomplished in your life so far? Realising just how many people I’ve surrounded myself with who care about me. Realising that I’m going to be okay. 51. What can’t you afford but wish you could? BASIC LIVING REQUIREMENTS LIKE DECENT FOOD AND CLOTHING AND STUFF LIKE THAT

Last 10 people in your Facebook messages inbox: (excluding group chats)

1.       Moses

2.       Sage

3.       Ash

4.       Maz

5.       Kathryn

6.       Maddie

7.       Seb

8.       Chloe

9.       Tammy

10.     Ruin

1. How long have you known 1? Since the day he was born.

2. When did you meet 2? A few years ago, though we didn’t really talk til Miitomo became a thing.

3. When was the last time you saw 3? About half an hour ago.

4. Have you and 4 ever gotten into trouble together before? Oh ho ho, have we ever.

5. How old is 5? 31? I think?

6. Have you ever taken a shower at 6’s house? Nope, I’ve never been to her place at all.

7. Have you ever taken a dump at 7’s house? Haha, yeah.

8. Have you ever thought about going out with 8? Mmmmmmmaybe :3

9. What about 9? Not going out, but we’ve fooled around together.

10. Would you ever go out with 10 or ask 10 out? I actually used to want to, but now we’ve settled into a much more satisfying dynamic.

11. What’s the best memory you have had with 1? No specific ones, but watching him start animating from scratch and achieve great things has been amazing.

12. What’s 2′s lastname? nooooot my place to spill it on the internet :P

13. Would you ever take a bullet for 3? Maybe. It’s hard to say without the situation actually happening.

14. What would you do if 4 died? I’d be pretty fuckin’ sad.

15. What would you do if you found out 5 killed someone that you were related to? Depends on who it was. I’m not very close to most of my relatives.

16. Would you take care of 6 if they were sick? Of course, assuming she was close enough to do so.

17. Would you kill 7 if it was the only way for your other friends to survive? Yep. Sorry dude. If it’s any consolation, I’d say the same for literally everyone else on this list.

18. Has 8 ever cooked for you? She has not, on account of her living half a world away. But we have promised to cook for each other when we finally meet!

19. How many times have you and 9 fought? I don’t think we ever have.

20. Have you and 10 ever cried together? I don’t think at the same time, but we’ve each had times where we cried with the other, yeah.

21. Have you and 1 ever kissed? Ew. No. He’s my brother.

22. Do you ever dream of 2? They’ve been in my dreams once or twice before.

23. Is 3 a boy? Nope.

24. Does 4 have any kids? Noooope.

25. Do you want to marry 5? Nah, I don’t think we’re really suited for that. 26. How did you meet 1? it all started when my mother gave birth to him

27. What was your first impression of 2? meme master 28. Would you ever date 3? I currently am dating 3! 29. Are 4 and 5 friends? They have never met.

30. Who is 6 going out with? Nobody at all. 31. Is 7 a boy or girl? It feels weird calling him a “boy”. He is a man. 32. What would you think if 8 became your stepbrother/sister? I would wonder how the fuck her parents 1) met mine, and 2) didn’t despise each other 33. Is #9 a dork? Of course, and I love that about her.

34. What is a random fact about #10? They make incredibly tasty vanilla custard. 35. Who does #1 have a crush on? Probably his girlfriend 36. Does #2 have any stalkers? Alas, I think they do, though hopefully they’ve all fallen away by now 37. If #3 said they were in love with you, what would you say? I would say it back to them, and we would kiss, because it is already common knowledge that this is a thing.

38. Is #4 hot? My sister is an incredibly gorgeous lass and anyone she fell for would be very lucky to be with her ^_^ 39. Who is #5 best friends with? Her sister, I think. 40. Does #6 have good fashion sense? I don’t think she tries to, but she certainly doesn’t look bad or anything. Her hair is excellent for sure. 41. Is #7 single? He is not! He started dating a lovely lady recently, which was delightful to hear. Hopefully I get to meet her in a couple of weeks. 42. Would #8 and #9 make a cute couple? Ahahaha, I think they’d drive each other up the wall.

[leafshining]

Limit of the Sea (1/???)

Inspired by @paopunova and their amazing art on Inktober: Underwater. Go check their art out!

Side note: First of all, I can write, just not super well or whatever. But I’m going to put effort into this fic or whatever because I love mermaid or anything underwater AUs. That’s it, that’s my sole motivation (and of course the beautiful art.). I’m sorry if y’all don’t like self-inserts, I like self-inserts, that’s my reason. The beginning will be very boring, since it’s introducing what situation our reader is in. I’ll make a read more thing later, I’m on mobile.

The other bros will show up at some point, they just won’t be too compelling in the story (maybe???). Yes…I’ll be including dear old Ardyn (I am yet to figure out what his role will be). THE NEXT PART WILL BE MUCH MORE INTERESTING I HOPE SWEAR.

Lez do this.

A Prince who has little authority but to stay the perfect son for his father under the sea waves and a aristocratic daughter who has a free spirit but caged purpose.

Galdin Quay, perfect for a beautiful seaside vacation. The water was warm this time of year, and the sun always seemed like it was in the sky. Many people have brought caravans and some camped out to indulge in their wild side.

But not for the prestigious family of (Last name), they owned their own vacation house.

The house was small, but extremely roomy and homely inside. The fireplace was healthy and the two heads of the house were having a chat. Their children were off enjoying a meal at the Mother of Pearl.

“Galdin Gratin? How does it taste?” Klaus, the elder brother eyeing his younger sister’s dish.

“It tastes great, maybe I should go diving for more mussels by Caem soon. After all, that’s your second serving of…” (First name) quickly looking at his order again to finish her sentence.

“…Sea’s Bounty Risotto. Yeah.” She finished.

Klaus rolled his eyes “Mother and father would scold you to no ends about jumping in those rocky shores.”

(First name) sighed “Yes, yes, I know. ‘It’s most uncouth of a lady of your status to be jumping in dangerous waters!’ I can hear them already.”

Klaus chuckled after hearing his sister imitate their parents “Your fiancé as well. Raphael would not approve of your break loose attitude, his family wants a lady who is refined and civilized.”

(First name) snorted “I am refined and civilized, I was given books and tutors about that since I was child. I don’t even want to think about being married off yet.”

Klaus chuckled “Being married off isn’t so bad sometimes. I mean you are the lady in the situation, you get plenty of engagement gifts.”

(First name) dumbly began to play with the empty shells “Yeah, but you and Tia have known each other since you were both born! It’s so unfair.”

Klaus laid a reassuring hand in his little sister’s shoulder “Me and Tatiana have reached a further bond within our marriage. You’ve known Raphael long enough to know he cares, I’m sure the two of you will see eye to eye with each other.”

She sighed, pushing her plate away “I suppose.”

Silence overtook the table of two siblings, the sunset was in the sky for a while now. But (First name) began to feel rather crestfallen about her marriage. After all, it would be going underway as soon as they landed back to Accordo.

The two siblings began to sit up to go down by the shore near the rentable boats. Water rushing against their feet, it was a normal feeling for our dear reader to feel soothed by the small waves. But alas, the jangling of a silver anklet with various invigorating, coloured beads kept her from breathing a sigh of relief.

Another engagement present her parents insisted she wear.

“How are your studies?” Her brother quickly came up with.

She knew it was a poor excuse to redirect her attention somewhere else. But it was highly appreciated since her mood couldn’t be any damper and it was on vacation.

“Lady Claustra gave me more material to read, I can’t believe she holds hopes in me becoming an active part of her council.” The younger sibling groaned.

Klaus shrugged “I think of it as a way of her acknowledging that you’re no mere damsel in distress.”

(First name) cracked a smile “But she’s always so strict. I guess I’m going to have to take your word.”

“I’m quite sure, seeing your eyes light up at those words makes me feel it was worth eavesdropping on the conversation between the First Secretary and mother.” Klaus raised an eyebrow, ready to see his sister’s reaction.

Her jaw dropped and Klaus began to laugh “No! You’re joking!”

“Nope, I was told by a guard that mother was talking to the First Secretary in her office and I was allowed only to inform mother of some papers she needed to personally sign. A cup of tea between two middle aged women has never seemed so riveting.” Klaus explained with sarcasm biting at his last sentence.

(First name) grinned and stood up to stretch and untied her skirt and threw off her shawl.

“You’re swimming at this hour?”

She shrugged “It’s not so bad, the water will just be a bit harder to navigate. But you know me.”

“Yes, my younger sister who can swim through the canals of Altissia without getting lost. Yes, I do know you.” Klaus rolled his eyes.

“Then you’ll know I’ll be fine.” She beamed.

She loved reeling through the water, feeling harmless and soft anemones. Shooting through and disturbing a school of fish, loving the tickling sensation as the fish swam away.

Without knowing she was being watched.

She began to chase fishes and ended up below the bridge leading to mother of pearl. She began to notice how the water had gotten darker, and the glowing barrelfish were coming out. (First name) began to paddle to the surface, but the abrupt yank on her foot made her stop.

Her lungs were burning for air, she noticed that her anklet had caught onto stray netting. She began to kick in the dark water, she tried to tuck in to undo her anklet. So badly she needed the air, human instinct causing her to thrash helplessly.

No. No. No.

She knew that thrashing wasn’t going to help, but she couldn’t order her body to do anything else.

Air! Air! Air!

She was chanting that word in her head, so loud her body gave in and her mouth opened, a flurry of bubbles and her arms reaching for the surface.

Next thing she knew, she saw a flash of gold streaks within her blurred vision, strong and powerful whirling in the water, and the anklet snapping her free.

AIR! AIR! AIR!

(First name) instantly began to kick her legs and paddling furiously towards the sky, prioritizing her primal need before risky curiosity. When she resurfaced, stars reflected into the water and her brother running towards her.

“You were underwater so long! I was beginning to worry!”

His words were white noise to her ears. Her heart was pounding, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t just pure luck that saved her.

Gold. Powerful waves. Her anklet snapping.

Her wide eyes stared at the calm waters that nearly claimed her life. They now reflected nothing but the beautiful half moon and starlight.

I am a wreck. This is probably pretty bad grammar wise and plot wise. But that ain’t stopping me.

[shadowhuntertrash]

High Notes

Relationships:

Thomas Lightwood x Alastair Carstairs

James Herondale x Matthew Fairchild

Background Lucie Herondale x Jesse Blackthorn

Also obviously I own nothing but the plot. Characters are from Cassandra Clare

Chapter Two

It had been two days since the girls had told them about the tour and Thomas was freaking out. How was he supposed to one, go out in front of all those people every night, two, see Alastair practically every day for five months? Thomas had barely packed anything, he was currently standing in his room staring at his suitcase which so far held a pair of sweatpants and his “Move, I’m gay.” t-shirt his friends had gotten him when he came out.

   He hadn’t come out to anyone other than Matthew, James, Cordelia, Lucie, Christopher, and his sister Barbara. It wasn’t that he was scared to tell the rest of his family because they were very accepting of Matthew and James, but this voice in the back of his mind kept telling him that if he told his family they wouldn’t like it because it was their son.

   Their only son. The only person in his family who could carry on the name. Well there was always Christopher and Anna but no one in his immediate family besides himself. Thomas also had quite the fanbase and did not want to find out what their opinion was. He was scared they would turn on him which had happened to others before.

So when he told his friends they kept his secret. They respected his reasons for not telling anyone but it didn’t keep them from telling him he was an idiot for not believing them when they said his family wouldn’t care. 

   Thomas snapped out of his thoughts when he saw Matthew leaning against the door to Thomas’ room. Christopher and James were out with their families spending time with them before they left for the tour.  

   “Thomas, sweetheart, love, dear friend of mine, please stop stressing. You’re stressing over Alastair more than I ever did over Jamie and that’s really saying something.” Thomas feels a familiar heat rise up to his face. He was blushing like a grade school girl. Was he really that obvious?

   “No one can ever beat you in gay pining Matthew Fairchild.” Is what Thomas chose to say. Matthew threw his head back and laughed. “That may be but you sure are putting up a fight. I’m serious though Tom, the more you stress about it the worse it’ll be.” Matthew said flashing him a serious look. It looked out of place on Matthew’s face. It was a rare sight.

Thomas smiled slightly at him. Matthew had never liked Alastair much, something about childhood enemies, so it meant a lot that Matthew was being so chill about Thomas liking Alastair. “Thank you Matthew. I’m serious thank you.” Thomas says in a small voice smiling at Matthew crookedly. 

   Matthew rolls his eyes and smirks. “It would make me a bit of a hypocritical asshole to have judged you for that. I’ve done far worse things than loving Alastair Carstairs.” It hit Thomas then just how much Matthew saw through him. As if he was see through. That’s what always  made them so close. They were such total opposites that it was almost unbelievable  just how they read each other so well.

   Thomas smiled sincerely at Matthew and Matthew swatted his arm. “Okay enough seriousness I can only endure small doses at a time.” Thomas laughed and shook his head at his friend. Matthew laughed back. “Do you want some help packing? I’ve already finished.” 

Thomas smiled, that was such a Matthew thing. It was a common misconception that Matthew was a procrastinator. He was actually the opposite, he was one of those ungodly people who does things as soon as they are asked to.

   “Of course you have Matthew.” Thomas said exasperated. “If you could, I would greatly appreciate it. I always forget something important.” Matthew gave him a knowing look. “Don’t worry Tom. I won’t let you forget anything important.” Thomas nods and they spend the next three hours packing. With a brief intermission where they had a pillow fight after Thomas accidentally hit Matthew with his pillow. 

   At least he wasn’t as freaked out as he was before. 

-LiNe BrEaK-

Thomas, four days later, was standing in his parents living room laughing with a glass of wine in his hand. His mother was sitting on the sofa next to his father. 

   His father, Gideon, was a successful politician like his father had been before he went corrupt. Unlike Thomas’ grandfather, Gideon was well loved among the people. Thomas’ father and mother, Sophie, had one of those sickeningly sweet love stories that they people loved. 

   His father had gotten a maid when he was sixteen (spoiler, it was his Sophie). Gideon had been in love with her “from the moment he met her” and had done everything he could to see her. Including asking her to do just about anything and everything for him which his foolish teenage brain had thought was a brilliant idea. 

   It wasn’t and Sophie had grown up despising him until one day they had a fight over scones, Thomas had always found that part hilarious. Once Gideon had had a chance to explain why there was a pile of scones under his bed Sophie had allowed him to take her on a date. And the rest was, well, history.

Thomas had always loved that story. He had grown up wanting one just like it, his two sisters were in the same boat. His oldest sister Barbara had found that in her current boyfriend Oliver. They had that cute barista, coffee addiction story. Oliver had to write his number on Barbara’s cut four times before she finally called him. They had been sickeningly lovey dovey ever since. Thomas’ other sister Eugenia hadn’t found that yet and so they whispered about how disgusting Barbara and Oliver were when they came to family dinners.

   They were all sitting in the living room. Barbara was sitting in one of the lounge chairs next to Eugenia's chair.  Thomas was sitting on the floor with his back against Barbara’s legs. “It was hilarious I have never seen him so red!” Barbara exclaimed in hysterics, over some story about Oliver spilling coffee all over some scary looking man covered in tattoos.

   "What a Prince Charming." Thomas said tilting his head back so he could look up at his sister. Barbara smacked his face lightly and laughed. "Isn't he!" They all laugh again. Thomas looks back to his parents to see them both looking at him, sweet smiles on their faces. Thomas smiles back immediately. 

Tommy we're so proud of you." Sophie says in a soft voice. Thomas beams at her, it was no secret he was 100% a momma's boy. “Your music, your lyrics are who you are. We have always encouraged you to be your true self and you always are.” His father said affectionately. Thomas feels a ball of guilt tighten in his stomach. 

   It was true they did always tell him to be himself. He wished he could be. He really really did, but alas it wasn’t the time. He couldn’t really tell them and then take off for five months. So he holds it in and flashes them a carefree smile.

   “Thank you. I hope you know you’re all my inspiration. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.” I say looking around at all of them making a point to look at my sisters as well. Barbara smiles kindly at him. “As lovely as it is to hear your brother tell you you’re the inspiration to all his love songs, I do hope we’re not your only inspiration.” 

 I shove her and laugh. “Barb! Stop! Not at all what I meant! Way to ruin a moment!” Barbara and Eugenia laugh and Gideon and Sophie roll their eyes fondly. “Okay! Okay! Sorry but Genie and I were wondering who you write all those love songs about!” Barbara says wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. I freeze and force a laugh out looking down at my hands. I clear my throat but no words come out.

   “I think that’s quite enough girls.” Sophie said in her simultaneously kind and stern voice. The girls stop laughing and pout. “But-”

   “You’re mother’s quite right, girls. I think we should leave poor Thomas alone.” Gideon says backing Sophie up as he always did. Thomas felt a rush of affection for his parents, so loving, so kind. So unlike some of his other friends' parents. He feels a pang of sadness go through him as he thinks of Matthew with his nice but absentee parents and Cordelia and Alastair whose father abandoned them and whose mother died.

"I love you all. I’m going to miss you quite a deal more than I thought I would.” His sisters each squeeze one of his hands. “Oh darling, you say that as if we aren’t going to call every night!” Sophie says with a sparkle in her eyes. Thomas groans acting annoyed but his smile is a dead give away. 

   Gideon stands up and walks over to Thomas. “Thank you for coming and saying goodbye. We will miss you sorely, I wish I could stay longer but I have a pressing meeting I attend to.” Thomas smiles and stands up feeling his father’s arms around him. He holds on tightly. His father wasn’t the most affectionate person so it was nice when this happens. 

   He squeezes one more time before Gideon lets him go. “It’s quite alright Pops. I’m glad I get the chance to see you all one more time before I head off. I would stop by tomorrow but we are heading out at five and I’m afraid I won’t get the chance.” Sophie smiled kindly walking over to him to hug him goodbye. 

"That’s quite alright Tommy, but don’t you dare forget to call when you leave and arrive no matter the time.” Thomas nods leaning down to rest his chin on his mother’s head. Thomas was quite tall and affectionately called ‘Giant’ by his sisters quite frequently so his mother and her petite figure didn’t even come up to his chin. 

   Thomas pulls back and kisses his mother’s cheek. “I wouldn’t dream of it mum.” Sophie nods her approval and moves to let Eugenia hug him. “I hope you have fun, Tommy, but not too much.” she says, pulling away enough for him to see her wink before pulling him back in and whispering, “But remember protection, we don’t want any little feet running around just yet.” 

   Thomas pulls away abruptly sputtering. Eugenia laughed and pats his shoulder. “Genie!” He says betrayed. She laughs again before moving out of his way. “Now get out and go see the world brother!” Thomas shakes his head and waves to his mother, father, and sister once more before walking to the door with Barbara.

They stepped outside the door and Barbara closed it softly before turning to Thomas, it was then that Thomas noticed the tears in her eyes. He frowns and shakes his head. “Don’t you dare start crying Barb, you know it makes me cry.” Barbara let out a wet laugh before pulling him in close for a hug. He melts into it.

   Out of all his family he was closest to Barbara, mostly due to the fact that he didn’t have to hide anything with her. “I do suggest you keep me updated with Alastair. I mean it. Every detail. If he sneezes I want to know. She says tears started to slide down her face. Thomas feels the back of his throat and his nose start to burn.

   He clings to Barbara tighter. “Stop it. I’m crying now stop it!” He says pathetically, starting to shake slightly. Barbara hugs him tightly once more before pulling away and hastily wiping the tears off her face. “Sorry sorry don’t cry it’ll make me worse and it’ll be an endless cycle.” Thomas laughed and nodded, drying his own eyes.

Barbara smiled at Thomas through her wet eyes, she placed a hand on each of his shoulders. “I love you Tommy don’t forget that.” She pulled away and smiled wider. She reached up to her neck and unclasped her necklace. It was just a chain and Thomas wondered what it was for before she handed it to him and took her ring off her finger. It had footprints around the band. It was very pretty Thomas had to admit.

   Barbara handed it to him and flipped it so he could see the writing on the inside. He frowned and took it from her so he could hold it closer and read it. He felt tears building in his eyes as he read it. ‘Where we go, we go as one.’ It was something Barbara had been saying to him since he was five. Thomas felt the tears slide down his face and grabbed Barbara in a bone crushing hug. 

   She laughed but Thomas could hear the tears in her voice. “Thank you.” He whispered through the tears. Barbara sighed and patted his back before whispering a quiet, “Always.” and pulling away. 

   She shoved him away without bothering to wipe her tears. “Okay now go you big loof.” Thomas smiled and kissed her cheek before turning and walking back to his car. He missed them already.

[foolsiwillshowthemall]

Farm Report:  Return to the mines

Wednesday the 3rd.  Addicted to coffee now.  Can't get started in the morning without a cup.

Seriously, the speed boost is really handy.  I'm going to have to set some kegs aside dedicated to coffee brewing, I'm getting spoiled by being able to run everywhere faster.

The melon path is watered.  Some of the seeds have sprouted, and some haven't - the result of my having to split the seeding between two days.  It shouldn't matter much over the course of the summer.

The spirits are happy with me today, so I'm going to risk the mines.  I want to get down to the next checkpoint, and harvest some more ore and coal.

Favor of the spirits or no, the mines are still full of monsters.  Including these great big brutes.  They have a lot of hit points, don't move quickly but take a lot of hits to kill.  Fortunately, the monster pathfinding in this game is pretty poor, a couple of rocks lets me block them from following me.

Ate a Fried Mushroom for the healing and combat bonus, and powering through to level 90.

Made it to the checkpoint, and received a new sword!  The Obsidian Edge is a great improvement over the old insect head sword I was using, doing about twice the damage per hit.

This will help, too.

Shane still sends me gifts in the mail.  It may be freezer-burned old expired food that he stole from work, but it's still nice of him.

Today, I should not be going to the mines.  I have enough else around town to keep me busy.

Doing a bit of fishing in the river instead.  Haven't caught anything new, but I did have some success.

It's Jas's birthday, so I gave her the last fairy flower from last year's honey garden.  It's not as nice as the one I gave Evelyn, but she's still happy to have it.  There's actually no point in befriending either of the children in town - they don't send you gifts or have much in the way of cute friendship scenes, but I'm still trying to make friends with as many people as I can.

Fishing side by side with Willy.  I keep catching junk.  He thinks he's winning, but I can make this into refined quartz, which may be more useful to me than a fish.

Alas, poor Penny.  All of her dialog at this point is not-so-subtle hints about how she wants to marry the player, move to the farm, and have lots of kids.  And her story doesn't really reach a happy ending until she does.  Unlike many of the other romance-able NPCs who see their lives improve or undergo character growth over the course of their story arc, Penny's life does not improve until you actually marry her and get her out of that toxic situation she's living in.  It really makes me feel bad for having gotten her to this point and then ended things.  If you're going to get Penny to ten hearts of friendship, you should really be prepared to follow through marry her.

Compare this to say, Shane, whose life has already been completely improved through his scenes, and who doesn't have as much to gain by getting married, or Maru, for whom getting married would arguably be a step down from her current situation.

Abigail is at least refreshingly open in her desire to jump the farmer's bones.  She's somewhere in the middle - her life would be improved by getting away from parents who don't respect her lifestyle choices, but she has already started taking steps to follow her dreams and make her own decisions about her life.

Friday the 5th.  Looking for my chickens.  I swear I had some, they have to be here somewhere.  Yeah, I overdid it with this grass patch.  I could support twice the number of chickens with this yard, easily.  Maybe more.

The spirits are back to being happy again, so I'll be trying the mines.

... right after my morning cup of coffee.  Once you start drinking it, you'll be amazed you ever got by without it.

The first level I enter is an 'infested' level full of red slimes.  This is your idea of extra luck, spirits?

Screw that.  I don't actually need gold ore right now, I need iron ore and coal.  I backtrack to the ice levels.  Come here, my little soot sprites.  Most of the creatures in this area die with a single hit from my new sword, so it's an easy harvesting trip.

Demetrius wants a pufferfish?  Well, there's no time limit on the quest, although they're only caught at certain times and places during the summer.  Might as well see if I can fill this one.

Six more kegs built, and loaded with wildflower honey to make mead.  Mead isn't anywhere near as valuable as the specialty fruit wines the other kegs are making, but it processes very quickly and is worth more than the honey was.  This is only worth doing with the base wildflower honey - processing the specialty honeys into wine is actually a loss.

Before I get married, I need to build a shed or barn and move these kegs and bins and stuff out of the kitchen.  The spouse in this game actually will get pissed off if their path is repeatedly blocked as they try to walk around the farmhouse.  Plus, I want to give my Abby a nice home to live in, not a cluttered brewing workshop like this.

Everything is growing nicely, all the plants have sprouted now.  It doesn't even take long to water the melon patch, and the rest of the farm is watered automatically.  Which is a good thing, even with the upgraded watering can it would take all day to water the approximately 400 growing plants I have here.

I've also gotten in the habit of fishing from the pond after I finish watering the plants.  I've never caught a fish from here, but the things I do catch - Joja Cola, broken glasses, driftwood and other trash - still has its uses.

Yep.  Not going to the mines today either.

Chopping tree stumps in the Secret Woods doesn't require the spirits to approve.

Oh, yeah, that's where my pal the Wizard lives.  He's cool.  Brews a real special funky magic potion in that cauldron of his.  I've been giving him little gifts of things I find in the mines, it can't hurt to be friends with someone that powerful and wise.

I'll let him know to turn the stereo down next time I'm there.

I admit, I warmed to Sam a bit when I realized that much of the problems he seems to have appear to be due to untreated ADHD.  I've been there, I recognize the symptoms.  I still don't like him much, but at least I dislike him a good deal less than I used to.

This last bit for the bundle is going to be hard to fill. Truffles come from pigs, under certain conditions only, and pigs are an expensive animal to raise in terms of time and space on the farm.  I've been really hoping to get one from the traveling wagon instead, but no luck so far.

Back when we first met, Abigail would often complain of being in a really bad mood and not wanting to be around people.  I haven't seen her be that way in a long time.  I'm betting a certain farmer had a lot to do with that.  It's not as drastic as a mood shift as I've seen in Shane, but it's still really nice to see.

Clint, however, never changes.  Even if you actually push his storyline to the point where you can force him to actually go on a date with Emily, he never stops complaining about his life.

Sunday the 7th.  The farm is growing very nicely. Starting to see little melons and red cabbages growing.  Fishing from the pond gives me a few broken CDs that I'll refine into quartz.

The mood of the spirits continues to fluctuate wildly.  I don't think I'll have time to get to the mines today, I have errands to do and am hoping to get a bit of fishing in.

Meanwhile, Sam is getting into trouble, riding his skateboard up onto Haley and Emily's flowerbox.

He gets yelled at by the Mayor for this.

Yeah, I'm not getting involved.  I'm not one to set a good example for respecting private property, considering that I barge into people's homes to throw gifts at them or involve myself in private conversations.  On the other hand, I'm reall not feeling like defending Sam or encouraging this behavior on his part either.  I'm staying out of this one, for a change.

Didn't I just say that I didn't see anything?  That's enough Sam for one day, I really don't want to see you again for a while.  I need to go hang out with people I like.

Oh, sir, I am growing alllll the blueberries.  Just you wait.

A bit of fishing with Leah and several children.  I'm afraid I completely fail to impress them with my fishing skills, catching multiple batches of algae in a row.

I have a little more luck in the lake, but I still fail to catch the elusive sturgeon that I need for one of the community center bundles.

[bekaroth-reads]

The Ruins (AM2R)

SR388 was as dangerous as Samus had heard it was. Vegetation and wild creatures overran everything which meant there was something that could possibly damage her suit or herself at every turn. There was magma all over the place as well, but, oddly enough, it would lower in level with the earthquakes that seemed to frequent the planet. She could only hope that the magma would continue to lower, and not rise again. Samus wouldn't even have come here if she wasn't on a job. She had been hired to find some researchers and scientist that had come here on an exploration mission for the company BSL, but had lost contact. She was to locate them, or possibly their remains if the worst had happened, which it probably had. The reason she knew was because of the second reason that she was sent here. Samus was supposed to eliminated all of the vampiric-like creatures known as metroids. She had known them to be some of the most horrid creatures based from her personal experiences on the planet Zebes, but apparently they got even worse than what she knew. When Samus was on Zebes she faught many metroids that ended up being in larval form. Even the queen, Mother Brain as the science personnel in the area called it, was not as advanced as it could be. She had already seen a older version of the metroid that wasn't even it's oldest, most powerful one that was here, and it was already a million times more deadly than what she had seen. There was something in the back of her head that told her that she shouldn't destroy all of the metroids. They were by far the highest on the food chain here, and taking them all out could do a number on SR388's ecosystem. Even then, it seemed at first glance that it would change for the better. There was always the possibility that something even worse would arise, but that did not seem very likely. There was no use in contemplating how or why she was down here now. The only thing for Samus to do was to barrel down and push her way through the mission. She continued to explore the section of the planet that she was on in an attempt to find traces of the research team, but had found nothing for quite some time. She was walking around as absentmindedly as the dangerous terrain would allow when the sudden change of the footing caught her attention. Samus was suddenly walking on smooth, almost tiled flooring instead of the rough rocky one that she had been on previously. Upon looking around, she noticed that she was in an area that look very familiar to her. This place was obviously built by the Chozo, an ancient, yet highly advanced race that Samus was well acquainted with. No, more than just acquainted, it was her way of life; at least, it once was. Looking around she could not help thinking of her childhood home. It was not here, but it looked very similar. Similar enough that it caught the bounty hunter off guard, and the only things that she could do was remember all that she had been through and recognize the growing pain in her heart that was caused by this sudden onslaught of emotions. The poor people that lived here were probably slaughtered, just like... Samus's birth parents were explorers and scientists, not too unlike the ones that she was sent to look for. They were on a peaceful mission to learn more about the Chozo race and culture because they had only recently come into first contact with the Chozo and wanted to understand them more in an effort to move along peace treaties. On the way back to the base station, their ship was bored by space pirates, and everyone was killed. When the Chozo from the nearby planet heard of the ordeal, they went to see if there was anyway for them to help in giving respect to the dead, and discovering what the pirates were after. They looked through the whole ship, and found nothing. Even the computer systems had been destroyed beyond use. The Chozo were about to leave, when one of them heard something faintly in a room nearby where he was. He followed the sound until he came to a closet that somehow none of them had seen previously, and was amazed with what he found when he open it. There was a little girl of the human race who looked to be around two years old. The sound that he had heard was her crying, and seeing the little reddened, tear covered face to go with it just broke his heart. He took her up into his arm and immediately knew that he needed to protect this child for as long as he could. When he got in contact with the base that had hosted the expedition, and found that there was no family to claim the girl, he adopted her right away. There was the issue of a name, however. Her original name was a human one that was almost unpronounceable for him, and that meant that it would probably be that way for everyone that he knew along with the child (she would more than likely learn the language of the Chozo before any other, aside from the bits of human speech she already knew). He was mostly curious how those pirates that lived for nothing other than the hunt for treasure missed one of the most precious things on that ship. Looking at it, he knew exactly what he would name his new daughter. Samus, the Chozo's word for treasure. Samus loved her father as much as he loved her. The two of them were inseparable, and he loved nothing more then shower her accomplishments to everyone that he could. All of the other Chozo in the colony were extremely found of her as well, even though her somewhat wild nature could frustrate the elders at times. The Chozo were a peace loving, knowledge based community that almost always tried diplomacy before all else. Most of the elders were warriors in the past, but those days were long gone. They had made many robotic sentinels to protect some of their weapons and technologies that they were too old to use now, but they were only there as a last resort. Samus's father was one of the younger ones in the colony, so he trained her up to a certain point, but had to stop when she was about eleven because age was starting to catch up with him. From that point she would learn different fighting techniques from the being from various other planets that would stop by their colony for trading. Her father did not really approve, saying that they would turn her too violent, but she always promised him that she would not take her fighting too far. He was more worried that she might get hurt while fighting someone because not only was she still just a human child against beings from who knows where, but she was also his precious daughter and he would always see her as the helpless baby on that ship. For her, life was perfect. It had a bad start with the attack, but she was too young to remember much of it. When she did catch glimpses of the awful memories when she slept, her father was there to comfort her and let her know that all that horribleness was behind her. That all changed too soon, and Samus was plunged into a harsh reality once more. She was about seventeen when she got the news. She was sent by the elders to do her first solo negotiation with a ship of human merchants when the ship got a transmission from the planet. Her colony was attacked and overrun by pirates. It was the first time anyone had ever heard of pirates doing something to this scale. It was soon discovered that almost all of the separate crews that were once against each other had banded together under a new captain named Ridley. The pirates decided to show a display of their new found power, and decided that they were going to wipe out all of the remaining Chozo. There were actually only a few colonies left, and most of the Chozo were very old and unable to fight anymore, so the pirates accomplished their goal very quickly. Despite the warnings that she received form the crew on the merchant ship, Samus rushed back to her home as soon as she heard the transmission. When she got there the only things left were ruins and corpses. Samus ran to where she and her father lived, only to find him, what was once him, lying on the floor. Not being able to take anymore, she broke down. Samus sat there in an almost comatose state, for how long she was uncertain. It could have been hours, maybe even days, but it felt like an eternity; an eternity of looking at the remains of her father and wondering why this had happened. It wasn't until a few days later that others came down to the colony to help honor the dead. The ones that came didn't know the exact way that the funeral rituals went, but they tried their best to follow the patters that were written out, and do as Samus explained to them. Samus was beside herself on what to do now. There was nothing left for her here. She would have to travel space to find a new way of life, and that wasn't something that she wanted to do at least not with these circumstances. While she pondered her new situation in life, a man, one from a company called BSL, that had come to help clean up what he could, handed her a little disk that she knew to be a recording device. "Your father was holding this. It seemed to be important to him, and we thought that you would want to have it." He said before turning to leave. Samus's human speech still needed to be worked on, and she had trouble even with what she did know because of the stress that she was under. But, she picked up the word, "father," and could tell the main sentiment from the man's body langue. She took the device and went to what was once her home to sit down and listen to it. Once activated, the device projected a holographic image of her father from its center. "My daughter," the recording started, and just the sound of her father's voice was enough to make her burst into tears, "I make this recording for you to have when I leave you one day to take my place with those of old. I never wanted the day where I am no longer there to protect you to come,but, alas, I am not immortal. When I am gone I leave you with whatever I have. Even the things that you did not know about." The fact that he father had thing that she did not know about did not surprise her. She knew that he had kept many things from his days as a warrior from her, not wanting her to go down that dangerousness path. But, seeing as everything that was not hidden was either taken or destroyed, it seems that these hidden items were the only possessions she had. The rest of the recording seemed to be he father telling her what he knew about her birth parents, and where to find the hidden vault with all of his old belongings. "There are two more things that you need to know before I finish my final words to you. The first is that I had something made specifically for you in my vault. I was going to give it to you when I thought you were old enough, but it might be that I will be gone before I can personally give it to you. It is what we call a Power Suit. I had it made for you so that you might be able to use some of our techniques and abilities that your human body might not be able to do on its own. It also has an arm canon that would be more maneuverable for you than the ones that I would have used in my youth." Samus was stunned to say the least. There was no way a thing like that could have really existed. Not that she thought he father to be a liar, but she never thought there would be any way for her to do half of the things that the Chozo could, even with a fancy suit. "Lastly," the sound of her father's voice caught her attention once more. "I want you to know, that no matter where you are or who you turn out to be, you will always be my most precious treasure; my Samus. Make your people as proud as you have made me. I love you, my daughter." And with that the recording ended. Samus suddenly came to. A beeping sound rang in her ears and lights flashed on her visor that she recognized as BSL trying to contact her. She answered the called to be greeted by the familiar voice of a man that she had worked with on countless missions before. "Samus! Is there something wrong? You've been in the same spot for almost twenty minutes, not to mention that your breathing monitor said that you were hyperventilating for a good three minutes!" He almost yelled. Come to think of it, she did feel rather light headed like she had been hyperventilating recently. She also felt like the sides of her face were damp, and almost sticky feeling where she must have been crying. Not that she was going to let the team at BSL know that part. "I'm fine, Adam." Was all she responded as she pushed herself off of the ground that she had apparently crumpled onto at some point. "Hmph! Suit yourself, but don't get yourself killed because of something stupid like the suits air flow malfunctioning. Watch yourself out there, Lady!" The man huffed before he ended the call. Samus sighed when he hung up, finally able to stop acting like she was the toughest person in the galaxy. She had her emotional side, but other people knowing that wouldn't help the whole bounty hunter vibe that she was trying to give off. There was no use in dwelling on the past more than she had. The initial sight of he place had sent her into an emotional state of shock, but she had to get past that. She could reminisce later. Right now she needed to stop those metroids, find the missing crew members, and get off of this forsaken planet. There was one thing that she always put before everything else that she did, though. The one thing that got her through all of the rough times in her life, and would see her though to the end of this mission as well. She was going to be one of the best Chozo warriors know to the galaxy. Samus was going to make her father proud.

[colette-assaf]

Today's homily.

Sunday 6C. 17th February, A.D. 2019, St Dominic’s, Flemington

Whenever there’s a hot topic discussed in the media – such as euthanasia or abortion or same-sex marriage or whatever – a topic that people are divided over – there is always, sadly, some priest who is willing to go on television to challenge the Church’s teaching and say that he agrees with whatever modern pagans or unbelievers are saying. Or he will deliberately be vague when questioned on the topic – because he does not want to endanger his popularity. And then there will be others who agree when a man attacks Catholic doctrine, or journalists who will call such a person “prophetic” and pay other compliments. In the same-sex marriage debate, certain priests said publicly they would vote Yes, and that it was fine for Catholics to do the same. Were they “prophetic”? No; they were pathetic ! Pathetic, fawning creatures, bowing down to the secular media, craving the approval of the secular God-hating world; seeking the glory of man, and not of God; betraying Christ for 30 pieces of silver publicity; so blinded as to be unable to see the superiority of God’s laws to the latest mad evil fad.

What does the Lord Jesus have to say about celebrity priests loved and quoted by the mass media? What are His words to the so-called Catholics who speak publicly against the moral law of Christ? He says it in today’s Gospel: “Alas for you when the world speaks well of you … false prophets.” ‘Alas for you when the Sydney Morning Herald loves to quote you and interview you. Alas for you when Channel 9 comes knocking on your door to get your opinion.’ The devil knows and loves his own.

These enemies of the Church do not realise the implications of what they are saying. They are saying things against Almighty God’s law and revelation, which can only mean they have lost their faith. If you contradict God and His holy law, it means you think you know better than God! That is the height of intellectual arrogance and perverted pride. If you spout opinions against the Church’s definitive teaching, it means that you think the Church, the Popes and the Saints, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself are all wrong – and that you know better! Congratulations!

If a public dissenter against Catholic doctrine has a skerrick of integrity, he would simply leave the Church, and not remain to subvert it from within. If I work for Coca-Cola, but then publicly say their products are poison, then I should leave the company and not continue to take a wage from them – unless I am a complete and shameless hypocrite.

Surely it is clear to us when we follow Jesus as the Lord: we must judge the world and worldly issues by Christ’s standards; we do not submit Christ to the judgement of the world. He judges us; we are not the judges and critics of Him. Some people speak about Christ as if He were a recipe or a movie: “I agree with Christ about helping the poor – I like that bit – but I don’t think He’s right about the permanence of marriage. I think He’s good on being kind and generous – but ‘loving your enemies’ is taking it too far. He’s right about Heaven but got it wrong about Hell.” If Jesus is the Lord, He is right on all things; and we must submit our lowly minds to His divine and superior wisdom.

We all sin in big or little ways – no one practises Christian perfection continuously – but worse than committing any sin, is to defend that sin; to say it is not a sin; and to try to justify it and teach it to others. Then you have become not simply a sinner, needing to repent and to be pardoned, but a giver of scandal, an evil-doer who leads others astray, and uses his influence to pervert others. There is a complete difference between getting stupefied and drugged, because you have a drug problem – and telling others to take drugs, telling young people that buying and taking drugs is fine, and denying that it is a sin. Committing sin is one thing; promoting it publicly is a far worse sin.

Fortitude – courage – is a virtue. It’s important in a physical crisis to have courage, to face the dangers that have to be faced. Courage is the key virtue of a soldier – to stay at his post, despite the dangers. The opposing vice, cowardice, makes one flee when it is time to stay and fight. There is physical courage, and there’s moral courage. Moral courage means having the courage of your convictions, to do what is right no matter how many people are urging you to do what is wrong. Moral cowardice means fleeing from the duty to uphold the truth and observe upright behaviour. It involves being ashamed of Christ and His way; it means never speaking up for Christ, or, worse, denying Christ or His teaching when there is a price to pay for being identified as a Catholic or Christian.

We do not have to answer every objector and every argument thrown at us – but at some point we must speak up if we are asked or taken to be involved in an immoral activity.

Some parents dare not risk their popularity with their children; they want their children to like them. The result is they never correct them; they stay silent when they should speak. Instead of being parents and leaders, they want to be their children’s friends and pals. Their son brings someone else’s wife to the home – and they say nothing. Their son or daughter wants to marry outside the Church – and instead of telling their children why that is wrong, they celebrate it and put on a huge party – just the type of party that the devil loves: celebrating adultery or some other sin as if it were an achievement.

It does not matter what people think: it matters what God thinks – and of course God does not think; He knows and He judges.

Bishop Fulton Sheen challenged that phrase: “You’ve got to be with it.” He asked “What is this diabolical it ? We don’t have to be with it – but with Him.”

Everyone loves to be loved; everyone likes to be liked. But like all desires, those desires have to be controlled and directed in the right way. We call some people spineless – no backbone – because they go wherever the wind is blowing; they will do anything to retain popularity, even be unfair to some to keep the approval of others.

A number of years ago, there was a great author of moral theology, William May. When he was a young Catholic writer, in 1968, he signed a public statement against the encyclical of Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae. That encyclical had re-asserted and explained the Church’s teaching against contraception and sterilisation. About 10 years later, Professor William May did a very rare thing: he had the moral courage to make a public retraction and apology for his statements. He attacked his own behaviour of 1968. He admitted that, back then, his public dissent was motivated by pride and arrogance and the desire to be accepted by his confrères. Now he repented, and asked anyone who followed him back then, not to follow that error any more.

Sadly, it is very rare that people make spontaneous public apologies. Usually it is because they are forced to, to placate the howling media, or to get back some position they have lost.

To run after popularity is an exhausting slavery. Not to be bothered by what people think – as long as you know you are acting morally – is a great freedom. To be loved by God and approved by God – is the highest approval which outweighs any earthly approval. Divine approval is the only approval that matters in the end.

“O Lord my God, Almighty, all-knowing, all-loving, all merciful, I surrender myself to You, knowing that You want what is best for me. I have strayed and been tempted by the snares of the unbelieving world but now I know there is no true peace apart from You, there is no wisdom in contradiction of Yours. I seek Your approval, O Lord. Make my life pleasing to You, full of Christian virtues and steadfast in faith. Amen.” 