#but c’mon where’s the pizazz

[i-have-no-braincells]

the paldean elite fours’ outfits are a bit lacking imo.

[gaybananabread]

TickleTober Day 10 - Ghost

@hexalianrebel-blackfeathers Kinda went in a fun direction with this prompt! I figured I could make a buncha fun ghost puns with Spot as the ler, and I’d like to see a few more fics where he gets to mess around with the spider kids. Thank you again for all the fun requests! As always, I hope you Enjoy!

Lee: Gwen

Ler: Spot

Summary: Gwen gets caught up by The Spot, trying to get back some stolen parts. Spot, not wanting to be caught, retaliates. He doesn’t want to hurt the young hero, though, so he finds a laughable alternative.

Warnings: none! This is a tickle fic, so if you don’t like that, scroll away!!

“C’mon Spot! You know how this ends, just give it up!”

Gwen swung on one of her webs, quickly thwipping another and twisting away when a hole went flying at her. That fight with Spot had been going on for a half hour now; she was getting tired. Still, she dodged every attack, finding new ways to zip behind him and try to land a shot. 

“Man, you really are just like a ghost, not making it easy on me! I guess you picked a good name!” The so-so villain wasn’t trying all that hard. He had grown somewhat of a soft spot for the arachnid heroes, never giving their fights his all. Still, he left them with a few bruises. The guy had a reputation to maintain, afterall. 

Not the jokes again… She grunted, trying to land a few more shots of web fluid on him. The dalmatian-esque villain was surprisingly slippery, using his portals to catch the webs and send them who knows where. He had definitely gotten better with his powers. 

He snickered, sending more and more little portal holes her way. “Gotta say, your spirit is pretty impressive! You really don’t give up.” Spot knew how to play their game; it just needed some pizazz. By pizazz, he meant telling arguably funny jokes. For this particular bug, ghost jokes seemed to piss her off the most. So, of course, he told plenty. 

“Shut up and hold still!” The joke got to her a bit more than she’d have liked to admit. Gwen lost her cool, abandoning a bit of her regular caution to try and catch him. She charged him, sloppily shooting out a few webs as backup.

Really? He had thought it would be at least sort of hard to get under her skin. Maybe she’s having a rough day. Either way, left her wide open for him to nab her.

Spot shot out two portals, one to distract, and one to detain. Gwen dodged the first one, but the second caught her off guard. She ended up with her arms stuck out in front of her, keeping her from moving anything other than her legs. The spotted villain came up behind her, deciding on a new game. One to both entertain him and distract her from getting back the dinky computer parts he stole.

Snickering right in her ear, Spot came up behind her, hovering his hands over her sides. “We’re gonna play a little game I like to call…hide and shriek.” He tasered her sides, his chuckling only getting more smug as he heard her squeak and muffle giggles. “I’m taking us on a little trip. Don’t want anyone else getting wind of our fun.”

A spot was sent out from his chest, enveloping the both of them. He had portaled them to an old warehouse. Spot may have been a bad guy, but he wouldn’t publicly embarrass her. True, he was gonna wreck the hero’s shit, but he wouldn’t do it around people that would use the info against her… well, in a much worse way than he was about to..

The portal around her hands slipped off before disappearing. Gwen backed up, the bug-eyes on her mask wide, curious and…something that could be read as excitement. Spot chuckled, but decided not to tease her on it. “Better get going, ghostie…”

The teen didn’t need any more persuasion. She bolted, using her webs to catapult herself up and away from Spot. He was planning on counting to ten, but the chase just seemed too fun. Barely five seconds passed before he started to search for her. 

Gwen zoomed through the old facility, trying to find a way out. On any other occasion, she wouldn’t have run, instead going after Spot. But right then.. She was in an unfamiliar place, Spot knew one of her main weaknesses, and she wasn’t sure how much web fluid she had left. Pretty much, everything in her screamed to run.

Things weren’t looking too good for her. Spot had a pretty good idea of where the young hero was headed, portaling around to try and find her. Every Time he’d get close, she’d shoot away on a web and leave him in the dust. She was fast, he’d give her that. “You know you can’t win this, little spider! This place is one of my oldest haunts, I know it like the back of my hand!” 

Seriously? How many ghost jokes can one guy have? Gwen found a small storage area, filled with crates and an old, dysfunctional crane. Perfect hiding place. The spiderling quickly ducked into the crane’s cockpit, hiding between the seat and the floor. It wasn’t awesome, but it was better than being caught…

Spot chuckled as he portaled into the storage room, seeing the long strand of web hanging from the ceiling. “Awfully big spiders, eh? Better get pest control in here.” He made yet another terrible joke. They weren’t even funny, but to her anxious and giddy mind, it was horrid. Every joke meant he was one step closer.

The villain sent out a few dozen spots, leaving them in random places throughout the room. His plan is to find her, let her think she slipped by him, and snatch her up in a few portals. It was strangely well-thought-out, for one of his plans.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are~!” Spot looked behind the crates, letting his feet slap against the warehouse floor as loud as possible. He knew Gwen was somewhere in the room, he just had to find her. 

He combed through the room, checking everywhere. Behind each crate, the rafters, even pulling a few of the crates open. He knew she was probably in the crane, but where’s the fun in just finding her right away? Gotta build up the anticipation. 

Gwen was getting antsy. True, she didn’t outright want to be caught, but…she didn’t wanna just leave. That would be letting a villain get away with…computer parts? She couldn’t really remember what he stole, the anticipation getting to her. At she was safe for the-

“Gotcha!”

A hand grabbed her arm, trying to yank her out from the crane’s cockpit. She panicked, predictably shooting out a web and trying to get up into the rafters. What she didn’t expect was to immediately get trapped in a few of his stupid portals. 

Shoot shoot shoot…

Gwen thrashed around, tugging at her restrained limbs. She could feel her hands and feet moving, but…they were nowhere to be found. Spot had managed to catch her off guard, trapping her hands and feet in four of his black holes. She was completely stuck, and pretty much defenseless.

“Well well well, what have we here?” Ugh, so cheesy… Spot was right behind her, his slightly nasally voice teasing her. He had known she would get caught, the bastard. This was actually a plan…and it worked. Maybe he had been getting better at the whole “evil dude” thing. 

He went behind her, thankfully leaving her mask on her face. “Too bad your plan to ghost me failed...” He knew they were younger than him by a few good years. Best guess, she was 16 or 17. Still, he didn’t want to know that for sure. These kids deserve their secret identities. 

Suddenly, ten fingers danced across her sides. Gwen squealed, bubbly laughter unwillingly pouring from her lips. “Sh-shihiHIHIT! GEHEhehet ohoff mehehe!” 

“Woah, watch the profanities there, Casper. We’re a family friendly hero-villain pair!” Did he Google bad ghost jokes before the fight? Gwen twisted and turned, tugging at her portal-trapped arms as she tried and failed to stop her laughter. “STOHOP WIHITH THE bahahad johokes!”

He gasped dramatically, stopping his fingers for a moment. He came around to the front of her, hands on his hips. “Bad jokes?! I worked hard on memorizing those joke articles, thank you very much!” So he did look up jokes…

In retaliation to her “hurtful” command, he dug his fingers into her stomach, hoping it was just as ticklish as her sides. He was not disappointed. “NAHAHA- SPOHOHOT! GEHET OHOFF!”

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. How ticklish are these kids? “And you said my jokes aren’t funny. Look at how hard you’re laughing! I’m hilarious.”

A groan broke through her laughter, his dumb teases making everything worse. She distantly wondered where her feet and hands were, knowing the portals had to spit them out somewhere. But mainly? She was thinking of how much it tickled. 

Gwen really wished she’d put more padding in her suit. The thinner fabric was practical, made flipping and twisting through the city easier. It did not, however, protect her very well, especially from this villain’s wiggling fingers. “JUHUST- QUHIHIHIT!” 

Now, normally, he would’ve stopped there. But this time…well, she did insult his jokes. That deserved a bit of extra retribution, no? He moved his fingers up to her armpits, drilling his bony fingers into her hollows. Her response made her cheeks heat in embarrassment, the noise one she would forever deny. Gwen Stacy snorted. 

“Ohoho, that was fun. Mind letting me hear it again?” Spot dug back into her underarms, and she had no choice but to comply. Miles constantly picked at her about the noise, but to have Spot do it? Indescribably embarrassing.

His jokes really weren’t helping, either. “That’s the spirit!” If he had a mouth, Gwen would duct-tape it shut. Spot had the humor of a middle-aged father, and he abused that fact. It also didn’t help that he apparently knew how to tickle the snot out of them.

Gwen could feel tears of mirth gathering in the corners of her eyes, extra glad that Spot hadn’t removed her mask. Her bright red face and teary eyes are something she would never live down. “P-PLEHEHEASE! NOHO MOHOHORE!” 

Okay, time to stop. He removed his hands from her torso, backing up a safe distance before releasing her limbs. The portals spit out her hands and feet before closing, dropping the giggly teen to the ground. Spot crossed his arms, chuckling as the spider woman tried to regain her breath. It was kinda fun.

Of course, he had to get one more joke in. “Ya know, I needed this. Really raised my spirits.” That got him a web to the face-hole. He wiped away the goop, making a portal over to her and nudging her side. She swiped at him; his hand quickly darted back into the portal. Yep, she was fine. 

And by fine, he meant about ready to try and capture him again. “Welp, this has been fun. See you around, ghostie.” Spot slipped into a portal, leaving her in the warehouse…alone. Where even was the exit?

Then, as if on cue, a big red “EXIT” light flickered above a nearby doorway. Seriously…?

She pushed the door open, still feeling the giddy buzz in her chest. The bright sunlight of her dimension was a stark difference to the deeper, saturated colors from inside the warehouse. Gwen adjusted her mask, rubbing at her concealed, blushing cheeks. Stupid Spot…

She didn’t totally hate it, though…

Ugh. Gwen shot out a web, flipping up and scanning the city for any signs of the cow-print thief. To be honest, she wasn’t really looking. Her mind was much more focused on what happened a few seconds prior. How did he know? Wait…oh, Miles…

At least he probably got it too. She swung between the buildings, her mind racing with possible payback and diversion ideas. But those stupid ghost jokes… those took corny to a whole new level. She’d have to get some jokes of her own in order. With a special punchline…

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Aladdin Queen fic John Deacon x reader chap. 5; Friend like me

*Author’s note*

Now here comes the moment I’m sure all of you have been waiting for, the appearance of the man, the legend, the God himself, FREDDIE MERCURY AS THE GENIE!!!! Okay so work with me here folks, I don’t care which version of the song you guys listen to, cause I did take one verse from the Robin Williams OG version and place it into here even though I mostly used the Will Smith version of the song for the fic so I leave that up to you all (also you can listen to the song just to help set the mood). 

Taglist:

@psychosupernatural​

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@ixchel-9275​

@georgesgentlyweepingguitar​

@queendeakyy​

@geek-and-proud​

@kairosfreddie​

@simonedk​

__________________________________________________________

I felt something grip the shoulder of my shirt as well as a small hand touching my face.  I groaned and opened my eyes to see Abu standing over me. He chattered and hugged me and I was lifted back up to reveal Carpet.  Soon it all came back to me, the cave exploding, the old man taking the lamp, nearly killing me and me falling back down here into the cave of Wonders.

“Thanks carpet.” He waved his tassel around as he bowed in welcome.  I looked up to see the entire cave was blocked off with sand and rock.  “We’re trapped. And whoever that old guy was, he’s long gone with that lamp.”

It was then Abu stepped over behind a rock and low and behold he took out the lamp.  I gaped at him and choked out Abu.

“Abu….why you hairy little thief!” I grabbed the lamp with my left hand and scratched Abu’s chin with the other.  He leaned into my finger and I stood up and looked at it. “I mean, why go to all this trouble for a simple oil lamp? And more importantly how’s it going to get us out of here?”

Carpet then began to point at the lamp, and I emphasis on pointing, it was like he was urging me to rub it.

“Rub the lamp?” he nodded.  I looked down at the lamp and that’s when I began noticing something strange about this lamp.  It was glowing some sort of blue color. “What the….” I blew the dust away from it and rubbed it.

Suddenly the lamp began to jostle in my hands and glow before it shot out a puff of smoke like a cannon, next thing I knew fireworks began exploding out of the lamp and I know I may sound crazy, but I swear I heard laughter as well.  Finally blue smoke just engulfed around the entire cave and I heard a cry echoing through the cave.

Then as quick as it came, the smoke cleared and there stood just a few feet away from me, a blue man with black hair down to his shoulders.

“Oi, 10,000 years will give you such a crick in the neck! But man does it feel good to finally be out of—” when he turned to face me, he groaned and said. “Ohh great we gotta do this shit again? Okay might as well get it over with.” Suddenly he grew giant size as he floated over me and in a booming, thunderous voice, he spoke as his arms crossed over his chest; “Oh great one that summoned me. Terrible one that commands me. I stand by my oath, loyalty to wishes three!”

I was just in shock as a whimper softly came out of me as my jaw was probably down to the ground at this rate.  He adjusted himself and continued, “I said…..’Oh great’….” He leaned down towards me and using that normal voice he used earlier he asked me, “Darling help me out here where’s your boss? I mean if I wanted to fucking talk to myself I could’ve stayed in the lamp.”

“Uh—uhh…..”

“Hello~ Anybody in there?” he waved his hand in front of me.

“I—” I squeaked out.

“Ahh use your big girl voice.” He playfully scowled me.

“I’m…..talking. To a smoking blue—giant?”

“Whoa, whoa okay first of all back that tractor up. I am no giant, okay I find that incredible racist. I am a djinn. Or in English terms genie but let’s face it djinn sounds more fabulous. Like gin and juice, and I can’t think of anything more fabulous than me!” He went from giant size began to the height he was before but remained floating in front of me. “But back to the subject, the main difference between djinns and giants, is unlike giants, I’m real. So c’mon where’s big boss man?”

“Big boss man?”

“Look dear I’ve been doing this a long time and you know how there’s always a guy. You know he’s cheated somebody, buried somebody. You get my picture right? Where’s that guy?”

“Yeah I know that guy. He’s outside.”

“So it’s just…..” he pulled out a telescope and extended far and wide through the cave before closing it up and making it vanish. “You and me down here?” He then noticed Abu who was hiding behind me leg. “And a monkey. I mean I myself prefer cats as pets but to each his or her own. So you rubbed the lamp?” I nodded. “Oh, okay then. Hey you don’t mind if I stretch it out over here do you dear? Thank you.” He floated just a couple feet away from me and began to stretch himself out.

“Wait did you just ask me if you could stretch?”

“You’re my master.”

“I’m your master?”

“Downward dog!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait hang on. No offense but if anything and I can’t believe I’m saying this but it looks like you would be my master.”

“Well not exactly how this whole genie game works. Whosoever rubs the lamp of the jinn, is bound to by thy jinn’s master till the wish fulfillment is complete.” He said as he now stood on one hand and stretched his other arm towards his back.

“Must’ve hit my head harder than I thought.” I said as I rubbed the back of my head.

“So wait you really have no idea how this works?” He came up to me as he continued, “Genie? Wishes? Lamp? None of that?” I shook my head no. “Oh wow okay that-that-that’s a first for me.” The genie then poofed into smoke before levitating just to the corner of my eye before pointing to Abu proclaiming, “Monkey!”

It was then Abu had a mini-drum set on his back, cymbals in his hand and a kazoo in his mouth.  He then proceeded to clap to a beat, like one of those wind up monkey dolls.  I pointed to him before looking up at the genie but he assured me.

“Oh don’t worry about him, dear, he’s fine.” Abu then began walking which made the drum beat in a single rhythm and the genie proceeded to snap his fingers to the beat while moving his shoulders, while trying to hold back his overbite smile to the beat before singing.

Well, Ali Baba, he had them forty thieves Scheherazade had a thousand tales But, master, you're in luck because up your sleeves You got a genie never fails!

Abu stopped with the kazoo note before the genie proclaimed a whoop cheer.  Carpet stood up clapping with his front tassels as the genie bragged.

“Yep. I’m the best, and outrageous. Cause there’s no one more outrageous than me.” But to be honest to me I still wasn’t fully processing this, so I just awkwardly agreed. “Not enough huh? No worries besides that’s not the real me.”

He pointed to Abu again who shot up along with a puff of smoke up towards a higher rock ledge with a real drum set and he began playing a more upbeat tune.  Carpet playing the maracas as the genie floated around strutting and snapping his head to the rhythm of the tune.  

He grew back to his giant sized self before coming back down on the rocks leaning with his arms crossed over one another.

*Genie*

Here I go Uh, ooh, woo! Back up! Uh-oh! Watch out! Uh You done wound me up! 'Bout to show you what I'm workin' with, uh

He held his hands together before opening them up and I saw a swarm of bandits coming towards me.  I raced down the rocks but I was soon surrounded with swords all pointed at me.  Suddenly I don’t know how but my sleeves began glowing as gauntlets appeared on my arms and I proceeded to beat and knock out every single thief that came my way.

Then as I flipped over the last thief I felt the magic in my sleeves gone but the genie stood beside me and handed me the lamp and did the rubbing motion that I had to do on the lamp so I did and that’s when blue smoke came out and there stood the genie once more.

*Genie*

Well, Ali Baba, he had them forty thieves Scheherazade had a thousand tales But, master, you're in luck because up your sleeves You got a brand of magic never fails You got some power in your corner now Heavy ammunition in your camp You got some punch (pizazz, yahoo) and how? All you gotta do is rub that lamp And then I'll say

He then held a giant serving dish before revealing it to be a giant tent of sorts and I was now in a restaurant like setting. Dozens of workers surrounded me prepping everything up like I had seen in the palace, the genie came up wearing a waiter’s garb and he handed me a menu.

Allah I never knew being this pampered would feel this good.  I then saw a tiny version of genie come up to me ear and I leaned in so that I could hear him before I heard and saw the workers, who were just genie in various clothes of servants and servers all pointing out and proclaiming at me.

*Genie*

Darling, wait, what's your name? Whatever, what will your pleasure be? Let me take your order, I'll jot it down You ain't never had a friend like me

Life is your restaurant And I'm your maître D Come, whisper to me whatever it is you want You ain't never had a friend like me

I managed to slide down out of the restaurant scenery but I was soon surrounded by multiple genies who all had a dish full of sweets and treats all surrounding me.  I was so overwhelmed that I ducked down and tried to escape that chaos.

*Genie*

We pride ourselves on service You the boss, the queen, the shah! Say what you wish, it's yours! True dish How about a little more baklava?

To my left the genie made a long row of beautiful gowns, dresses and hijabs appear.  So I grabbed a beautiful emerald green sari and put it on, while on the other side a long row of jewels appeared.  Necklaces, bracelets, rings, anklets, earrings you name it.  

So I grabbed a matching emerald and silver necklace and placed it around my neck.

It was then I felt my arms raise up and I saw myself being connected to blue magic puppet strings.  I was spun around before I was on a stage of some sorts with dozens of genie backup dancers but I was center stage.  I then felt myself being pranced around on stage, doing outrageous gestures and hand motions while holding a cane and I was banging it against my body in rhythm as I pranced across the stage.  

*Genie*

Have some of column A Try all of column B I'm in the mood to help you, dear You ain't never had a friend like me

Oh! Uh! This the big part, watch out! This the big part, oh!

After that the stage disappeared and the genie appeared behind me and as we pointed to the left I saw another copy of him standing on top of his head but his lower body was spinning around with lights coming out of the pants.  When we pointed in the other direction we saw another genie doing a lasso move with his smoky tail, jumping in and out of the hoop.

Before finally the real genie behind me made a crown that resembled the English king crown appear on top of my head before tipping it off of my head.  He took the hat and pulled a rabbit out of it but with the snap of a finger, the rabbit became a phoenix and flew across the floor in flames.

*Genie*

Can your friends do this? Can your friends do that? Can your friends pull this Out they little hat? Can your friends go-WHOOOOO!!!

From the flames appeared three handsome men. The genie pushed me towards them and I proceeded to dance with each one of them.  Each of them either spun me around or dipped me downwards before they poofed away and I landed on a couch with my head resting on the genie’s lap now.

*Genie*

Well, lookie here Can your friends go, Abracadabra, let 'er rip And then make the sucker disappear?

        He helped me sit up right.  And the two of us sat there casually while a choir of genies appeared behind us. Carpet then handed him a certificate of sorts before the genie then handed me the certificate and I felt us zooming almost at lightspeed forward before we stopped and stood up.

        When we stopped I felt myself fly forward but just before I could fall over to the ground, the genie caught me and spun me around towards his chest.  He then made a long scroll come out of my ear that appeared to be three miles long before he whipped it across the cave and wrapped it around him.

        Finally I got around to telling him my name and I couldn’t help but finally get into this song now.  The two of us then began strutting around and moving around each other before we would jump one by one down the ledge, striking a fabulous pose before finally rocking and strutting our stuff.  

All the while fireworks, lights, dancers, and animals surrounded the entire cave, getting into the act like it was all a marvelous show.

*Genie*

Don't sit there buggy-eyed I'm here to answer all your midday prayers You got me bona fide, certified You got a genie for your charge d'affaires I got a powerful urge to help you out So what's your wish? I really wanna know You got a list that's three miles long, no doubt All you gotta do is rub like so

Darling,

*Me*

(Y/n)

*Genie*

Yes! One wish or two or three Well, I'm on the job, you big nabob You ain't never had a friend,

Never had a friend,

You ain't never had a friend,

Never had a friend You ain't never (never!) Had a (had a) Friend (friend) Like (like) Me! You ain't never had a friend like me!

By the end of it all, everything the genie had made appear vanished except a sign that said applause.  I could hear Carpet applauding and when genie snapped his fingers the sign disappeared as he said.

“So what will it be master? Or in this case mistress?”

“You’re—gonna grant me any three wishes I want right?”

“Well almost, there are a few rules a genie can’t do.”

“Like?” He shrunk down to normal height and said as he sat down beside me.

“Well rule #1; You can’t wish for more wishes, three is all you get. Rule #2; I can’t make anybody fall in love with anybody else. Rule #3; I can’t bring anybody back from the dead. Trust me dear, you don’t want that it’s not a pretty picture.” He shuddered before continuing, “Rule #4; I can’t kill anyone. But other than that…..I can do it all. So c’mon wish us out of here so that I can get in the sun.”

I stood up and went into deep thought about this as Abu came up onto my shoulders.

“Well I’d have to think about it. I mean—there are only three after all. Why are there only three?” I asked as I turned towards him.

“I don’t know, who cares?” He spoke in a high pitched, impatient tone.

“You don’t know? I thought you were all knowing?”

“See that’s where you’re wrong. I never said I was all knowing. I said I was all powerful. The most powerful being in the universe. Whatever I don’t know, I can learn. Why are you playing hard to wish?”

“Limitations? On wishes, huh some ‘all powerful genie’ “I can’t bring anybody back from the dead”. So if you can’t do that, then how can you help me get out of this cave?” I mocked.

Abu chattered in a laughing manner and I said to him.

“Now, now Abu it’s not his fault he can’t do it. Looks like we’re gonna have to find our own way out of here.” As I turned around the genie suddenly appeared before me.

“Excuse me?” He scoffed. “Are you looking at me? Did you rub my lap? Did you wake me up? Did you bring me here? And all of a sudden you’re walking out on me!? Oh I don’t think so, not right now! So you better rub that fucking lamp AND WISH!!” he spoke as he walked right up at me, getting up in my face.  His voice gradually got louder before he ended it on a thunderous note.

I suddenly fell backwards and held my hands up in surrender.  Wow he was pretty scary when he needed to be.

“Okay, okay genie! I wish for you to get us out of this cave.” Then like a flick of a candle, he went from extremely pissed off, to pure joy as he spun around and proclaimed.

“Whoo! She has made her first wish!” He then appeared as some sort of escort as he held out a map and spoke like he was talking through a megaphone or something but it was more muffled and softer. “Thank you for choosing carpets, camels and caravans. Don’t forget to tip your genie on the way out.” He placed the lamp in my hands and he said, “Hang on darling!” he spun around me evoking me in blue smoke.

Next thing I saw was intense light from the sun. We were finally back outside.

“Whoa.”

“Ohh look at this view it’s so—big. I mean cause everything in the lamp is all Brass. Brass, brass, brass. Ohh is that a bit of copper or gold? Nope, brass.”

“So wait, is this magic? Or are you magic?” I asked him.  He shrugged and said.

“We’re kinda a packaged deal. But now it’s time to get down to business.” He placed his hands on my shoulders and next thing I knew, we were flung back and now resting on some chairs underneath the shade.

“Can you warn me before you do that?”

“Ahh don’t worry dear you’ll get used to it.” He shrugged off my answer like it was nothing.

“Okay so do I have to make all my wishes here? Because I mean if I take you back to Agrabah won’t people….”

“Oh no, no, no darling I can totally fit in watch me.” He stood up from his chair and snapped his finger and appeared in human clothing, a long beard that went down to his stomach.

“Right, totally normal.” I said sarcastically. He then changed poses with his left arm in the air and appeared in less baggy clothes, but he still had his blue skin. “Still blue.” He snapped and his skin turned from blue to sun-kissed tan.  He smiled widely and looked down at me.

“Better?”

“Yeah but….not to be rude but must you have the—” I gestured to his teeth and he hmphed and fell back into his chair.

“I’m gonna pretend you didn’t ask about that. I change these teeth and there goes my four range vocals. I mean how do you think I managed that operatic section of the song? My voice is something that not even my magic can replicate. More space in my mouth means more range.”

He then made some grapes appear above him and he took a couple off the vines and he asked me.

“So, whatcha wanna wish for?”

“Well I’d have to think on that.” He hummed.

“You are really not that person, are you?”

“Alright Mr. Smart guy, what would you wish for? And more importantly what’s your name?” as he had taken a bite of an apple he paused to look at me.  He let the apple go and it disappeared and he said sincerely.

“Wow…..no one’s ever asked me those two questions before. Well….I do have a name but I’ve hated it for millennia’s.”

“What is it?”

“Farrokh. But I’ve always wanted to change it to something that felt more—me. A name that won’t define me as being what I appear.” I thought about it and I said.

“Well why not play around the name? I mean you’re definitely not a Stephen or even Sami. How about—Freddie?” He pondered and he said.

“Freddie? Yeah, I think it sounds nice. Love it!” he raised his hands and clapped them together.  “Thank you (y/n) dear.”

“No problem, now what about your wish?”

“Ohh now that’s an easy one. To be free.” He banged on his gauntlets.  I looked at him confused.

“You’re a prisoner?”

“Unfortunately it’s all a part of the whole genie getup. Phenomenal cosmic power! But itty bitty living space.”

“Wow, I never thought djinns lived that way.”

“Yeah. And I don’t mean just going,” he suddenly poofed wearing a butlers outfit and said. “How can I help you?” he poofed away again and appeared tiny and he said as he stood on my shoulder, “Yes my darling what is it?” he then appeared on the table and said, “Welcome to Casa de Freddie how may I serve you?” he then appeared back on the chair back in his disguised form. “Absolute freedom. I wish to be—human.”

“Well why don’t you just wish yourself free?” At that point Freddie began to laugh.

“Carpet!” he called out to carpet.  He turned to look at Freddie stopping in the middle of building some sort of castle in the sand. “Did you hear what she just said? ‘why don’t I just wish myself free?’ Hahaha!” Carpet then began to laugh and that’s when Freddie said to me. “The only way a djinn can be free of his prison, is if his master wishes them out. And the last time that happened was next to uhh—never.”

I stood up from my chair and looked outward until I finally decided.

“I’ll do it. I’ve got three right?”

“Uhh correction you’re down by one. Remember you used your last wish to get us out of the cave.”

“Did I? Or did your temper get us out of there?” I asked skeptically.  He chuckled and scoffed exasperatedly but I raised my brow at him. “Also I thought you said that I had to be rubbing the lamp as I made my wish and last I checked I didn’t.”

“Wow, okay I’m keeping my eye on you clever girl.”

“At least now I can use my third wish to set you free.”

“Here’s the thing about wishes darling,” he sat up on his chair and looked at me. “The more you have, the more you want.”

“That’s not me.” I answered straight away.  He nodded but muttered.

“We’ll see about that.”

“But—there…..” I began to stroke the ends of my hair and twirl it around my finger as I continued, “There is something.”

“Uh-oh. I know that little move anywhere.” He teased. Suddenly Freddie appeared in front of me on his stomach, his chin resting between his palms kicking his feet around playfully as he said, “Who is he? Who’s the boy?” I blushed as I shyly smiled.

“He’s a prince.”

“Aww aren’t they all just Prince Charmings? But they better treat us like Queens, that’s what I always say.”

“No Freddie. I mean he’s actually a prince.”

“Well hold it right there. Remember rule #2; I can’t make anybody fall in love.”

“No, no we already had a connection.” I told him.

“Did they?” Freddie said as he turned to Abu who was scolding like a protective older brother.  Freddie hummed and then turned back to me as I began describing John.

“He’s smart, kind, and—so handsome. His hair is like a rich chocolate, his smile is like a thousand suns and his eyes…..” Freddie breathed out in ecstasy as he said.

“Ohh darling you’re killing me here! You’ve clearly got it bad.”

“Yeah. But he has to marry a…..” suddenly an idea came into my mind. “Freddie can you make me a princess?” At that point, he made a strange face.

He poofed back into his chair and he said to me.

“There’s a lot of gray area in ‘make me a princess’. I could just,” he snapped his finger and suddenly appearing on a rock formation a few feet away was a princess. “Make you a princess?”

“Oh no, no.”

“Yeah then you’d be cuddling with her for the rest of your life. Be specific with your words dear. The deal is in the detail.”

“How did I out here? I wanna go home!” I could hear her whine from afar.  I nodded.

“Got it.”

“But (y/n) what I don’t understand is this; if he already likes you, why change?”

“I already told you, he has to marry a princess.” He nodded and muttered as he stood up.

“Okay, I can do that.” He turned and faced me and continued, “An official wish this time, for those of us that our counting, which now I am.”

“Right, Freddie I wish….” He cleared his throat and pointed to the lamp and mouthed out lamp to me. “Right, sorry.” I grabbed the lamp and began rubbing it. “Alright, Freddie…..”

“Don’t hurt her Freddie!” he exclaimed.

“I wish…..to become—a princess.”

“Back up for me darling I need some room to work. I’m about to fabulize you.” I closed my eyes tightly and I felt him grab a hold of me and the next thing I knew, we were being flung across the sky.

Before finally landing in the middle of the desert just a few miles far enough for us to see the entrance to Agrabah.  

“Little head spinny on re-entry but you good now right?”

“I—think I’m getting used to it.” I said breathlessly. Freddie then went away for a bit by himself as he pondered on my first wish.

“First of all this fez and garb is much too third century. These baggy pants what are we trying to say here, beggar? No, no absolutely fucking not darling. Okay I’m thinking more of a—periwinkle.”

“What’s periwinkle?”

“No, chartreuse.” Freddie claimed as he suddenly made some scissors and a tape measure appear, as well as a pair of glasses and a pencil behind his ear.  He then began doing some work on my and I ended up in a pure black dress that was almost completely embedded with diamonds and sparkles. “Eww no! No! No the form’s all off, the black makes you look depressed. It clashes with your skin tone.”

“This is getting really hot.”

“Yeah black and heat do not mix. No worries darling, I got a plan B. C’mon Freddie work with her here!” He then pulled out some gold fabric as he muttered, “Go gold or go home!”  he worked around me again and this time I was in heavier golden dress and he groaned. “Fuck Freddie you’re slipping. It clashes with the sand. It’s gotta be neutral. C’mon think Freddie, think, think, think you dirty rotter!”

“You sure you got this Freddie?” He then let out a long gasp and he looked like he was about to have some sort of seizure.

“I’ve got it! I just know it!” He then worked on me one last time and soon I had my dress.

It was mostly a pink dress with golden embedding and circular pattern, there was also a mix of bluish-green, it also had a long train in the back.  I also wore a golden strand necklace with five main jewels hanging down around my collar bone in the same color as the patter hidden within my dress with a matching set of earrings, a golden tiara was placed on top of my head with the jewels embedded along it.  Golden heels, and pants underneath the dress.

“Oh! I have done it! And the crowd goes wild! Freddie! Freddie! Freddie is back!” He began to hoot and holler as he zoomed off across the desert, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. “Ohh don’t scald her! Somebody put me out! Someone cool me down! I’m burning up! Woo! I’m back bitches!”

Suddenly a mirror appeared in front of me and I could hardly recognize myself.

“Well, what do you think?”

“It’s—it’s beautiful.”

“Of course it’s beautiful I made it.”

“I—I just can’t believe that this is me.”

“Well, mostly me. I mean I did all the hard work, you just stood there and looked pretty.” Freddie said as he came up to me.

“Wait, won’t people recognize me?”

“Oh don’t be ridiculous darling, that’s the beauty of genie magic. People are seen what they are told to see. You’re perfectly fine.”

“Right. Who am I?” I questioned nervously. Freddie scoffed.

“You’re…..Princess….Ali.” I waited for him to say where I was from but I didn’t get a response from him.

“From?”

“Duh. Ababwa.” He muttered quietly.

“Ah-bub-wha?” He shook his head.

“No, no watch my lips, Ababwa.” He enunciated the place.

“Is that even a real place?”

“What a stupid question, of course it is. All the hottest people go there. Little hot in the summers, mild in the fall, gorgeous view, it’s all in the brochure. I’ll let you read it en route.”

“Right. So how are we gonna get to the city?” Freddie hummed.

“Well can’t ride a monkey.” Abu now knowing he was gonna be next in Freddie’s magic, tried to hide behind Carpet.  “Ah-ah-ah no Abu dear, come back here!” he levitated Abu back in front of us and first made him into a donkey. “Oh no, much to small.”

Abu then slowly phased from a donkey to a camel.

“Ohh good god no. Camels and Princesses do not mix. We need something robust!” He then shifted into a white stallion. “No too cliché, come on bigger!” Suddenly a trunk speared from Abu’s horse face and he then morphed into a giant elephant. “Ha! Now that’s what I’m talking about. And don’t worry Abu, your transformation will only last 24 hours and you’ll be back to your normal self.”

“Abu, you look great.” I said as I walked up to him and he held out his trunk to me.

“She’s got the outfit, she’s got the elephant. But that’s just the beginning my darling. Now, for your entourage.” Suddenly a sandstorm began to surround us and I said.

“Whoa wait, what’s going on? Freddie!”

[tenroseforeverandever]

The Perfect Blend Chapter 3

Characters: Tenth Doctor (aka James Noble); Rose Tyler; Clara Oswald; Amy Pond; Jeanne Poisson; Donna Noble; Sylvia Noble; Wilfred Mott; Mickey Smith; Martha Jones; Clyde Langer

Tags: Human AU; fake relationship AU; coffee shop AU; stalkerish!Reinette; hurt/comfort; angst; romance; fluff; Christmas; New Year; New Year’s kiss

Story Summary:

Trying to escape from an predatory ex-girlfriend who will not accept their break-up, James Noble (aka The Doctor) finds himself in a coffee shop where he meets a barista (aka Rose Tyler) who makes him the perfect cup of tea and lends a sympathetic ear to his tale of woe.

Chapter Summary: James and Gramps discuss James’ Christmas announcement; and on New Year’s Eve, Clara and Mickey are concerned that Rose is mooning. 

Chapter Notes: Sorry for the wait. Real life is messing with me, right now. I hope the next chapter won’t take quite as long.

As always, a big hug of thanks to @rose--nebula and mrsbertucci, for taking precious time out of their lives to beta my work. As always, all mistakes are mine.

Read also at: AO3; Tsp; FF

THE PERFECT BLEND - CHAPTER 3

CHRISTMAS DAY

James trudged up the darkened hillside at the back of the house, carrying a large flask full of tea in one hand and an old car blanket under the opposite arm. He took a long, clean breath of fresh air, relieved to have been able to slip away and leave the hubbub and bickering behind him. Despite the (rather deceptive, he thought) sense of freedom, he was feeling self-conscious, and he hesitated as he approached the old lean-to at the top of the hill.

“You don’t really have a date for the gala, do you son?” Gramps’ voice emanated from the rickety little shelter. “C’mon out from behind there, James. I know it’s you. I’d know those footsteps anywhere. Yours and Donna’s both.”

James couldn’t help the fond smile that crossed his face. “I brought some hot tea,” he came around the corner of the lean-to to the familiar sight of Gramps sitting on his tattered, old lawn chair, the box for the new telescope opened before him, “and I thought you might like some help putting your new toy together."

“Well, yes, as a matter of fact both would be very much appreciated.”

James spread the blanket on the ground and knelt on it. He handed the flask to Gramps, pulled the telescope box toward him, and unpacked all the bits in front of him, organizing them and piecing them together.

“I don’t think I’d get through that lot without your help. Thank-you, son.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble. You know how I love tinkering with things. And it’s a brilliant evening for stargazing, even if it’s a bit cold. I should have this in working order in no time.” James turned his eyes to the stars and sighed. “It’s always so peaceful up here.”

“Tonight, especially so, I’ll wager.” Gramps took a long sip of tea. “After that bombshell you dropped on that lot.”

James snorted. “Dropped it on myself, if I’m being honest. You were right, I don’t really have a date for the gala. I never planned on taking a date at all. I was just looking forward to meeting with some of my colleagues out of the office and… they’ve asked me to put together a little firework display to bring in the New Year, so I can’t just back out. The Uni wants something spectacular, something special this year. This gala is all about fundraising for the new Medical Sciences wing, after all.”

“Blimey! Pyrotechnics?” Gramps gawped at him. “You’re not creating that yourself, are you? Surely there are all sorts of regulations about that sort of thing.”

“Weeell…” James ran a hand through his hair, “actually, its digital pyrotechnics. I’ve developed a holographic interface to create some 3D fireworks indoors.”  

“I have to admit, I’m a bit relieved to hear that.”

“Oh, there are still plenty of ways for it to go wrong, and if I have to spend the evening fending off her… But don’t worry, it won’t be like the blender… I swear,” he added at the sight of his grandad’s dubious expression. “Besides, I’m collaborating with a bunch of people from Computer Sciences and we’ve already had a few test runs, but I’d like to give it a bit more pizazz. A few tweaks to make it ultra-realistic.

Gramps sighed. “You know the old saying? If it ain’t broke...”

“Oh, ye of little faith.”

“Well, I would never have guessed you knew much about that sort of thing. You’ve never actually studied computer graphics, have you? Never mind something so grand as all that holographic stuff.”

“Nah,” he sniffed a bit boastfully, “but it isn’t really a big leap from the programming I’m doing for my bionics research… Weeell, not that big. Weeell… I’m a quick study.”

“My clever boy! But the question is, if you can’t back out of the gala altogether, what are you going to do about the fireworks currently going off back down there?” He waved an arm in the direction of the house.

James groaned in response. “All the studying in the world won’t help me with that... Oh, here, Gramps, have a look! Your telescope’s ready to go.”

“Oh, blimey, will you take a look at that beauty.” Gramps marvelled at the telescope, rubbing his hands together. “You shouldn’t have spent all that money, though…”

“C’mon… have a look.  There’s Saturn.” James pointed to the sky. “Something easy, first, to get the hang of it. Then the universe is yours to explore.”

They took turns, well into the night, peering through the telescope, sipping hot tea and discussing possible solutions for James’ “French dilemma”, as they’d come to refer to Jeanne.

James reminded himself he had nearly a week before the gala. He was clever and not too bad looking, if he did say so himself, even if he was a “skinny beanpole” by Donna’s assertions. Surely, he wouldn’t have any problem finding a suitable date by New Year’s Eve, someone who would convince Jeanne, once and for all, that he had moved on.

 NEW YEAR’S EVE

The bell jingled above the door, and Rose looked up from where she was clearing a table to greet the latest customer. It was New Year’s Eve and the shop had been busy over the lunch hour as people dropped in to grab a coffee and a bite to eat before heading home to prepare for the evening’s festivities. No matter how busy, she always made a point of trying to welcome everyone with a bright smile whenever she could. It was just good customer service, building loyalty, welcoming her guests. Goodness knew her little shop needed all the help it could get to stave off the competition of the big chain coffeehouses.

But perhaps she’d been trying a little harder than usual over the last week or so, her chest filling with a faint, fluttering hope that, when she looked up at the sound of the bell, it would be to the sight of tousled brown hair and sad, earnest eyes and a request for the best cuppa in London.

But it never was.

And that wisp of hope would fade, drifting away on Rose’s soft sigh, her heart emptying a little more every time.

A wistful smile playing over her lips, she brought the used dishes to the counter. As she passed Clara, who was serving the latest customer, her friend arched her brow at her. Rose ignored the shrewd look and handed the dishes through the passthrough to the young dishwasher who took them from her with an overblown sigh.

“You can go home soon, Clyde. Just do this last load for me, yeah? Then a quick mop of the floor and wipe down those counters, and it’ll be all spic and span, ready for the New Year.”

“You sure, Miss Tyler?”

“Yeah, course. The lunch rush is over. Everyone’s heading home now. I can take care of anything else that comes up.”

“Thanks, Miss Tyler!”

Rose turned back to the service counter where Clara was completing an order of a Peppermint Hot Chocolate with a flourish of whipped cream and candy cane crumbs. She called out the customer’s name, handed them their chocolate, then spun to face Rose. “You’re mooning.”

Rose fixed her with narrowed eyes, shaking her head in a teasing warning. “I am not!” Then, latching on to a perfect way to change the subject, her eyes shot to the clock. “Hey, shouldn’t you be heading out by now?”

“Don’t worry. I’m just about to go. The baking’s all set to go for tomorrow.” She grinned. “Besides, I’m not meeting Jenny at the salon for another hour. We’re both going to get our hair and nails done, then we’re going out to bring in the New Year in style.” She winked at Rose.

Rose couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholy. As much as she loved her shop, she sometimes wished she was going out to celebrate, too. But she tried to sound upbeat, for Clara’s sake. “Ooooh, sounds like fun!”

“See, Rose,” Clara offered her perkiest know-it-all smile, “this is one advantage of same-sex relationships. There’s so much extra stuff you can do together. You should seriously consider it. You’re a catch! Better that than mooning after boys.”

(So much for the change of subject…)

“I am not mooning! It’s just a quiet afternoon, yeah. It’s just the letdown after the lunch rush. And, though I know we’ve had this discussion before, I’ll remind you again: I’m not like you. My options remain limited to…” she blew her breath past her lips, and rolled her eyes, “…boys. Such as they are.”

“I suppose… but you have been mooning… for nearly two bloody weeks, ever since that Doctor bloke dropped in.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Shut up!” Rose’s cheeks burned and she forced herself to maintain eye contact with Clara. “I have not.”

“Pu-lease!” Clara chirped over her shoulder as she disappeared into the little staff room. She reappeared a few minutes later, tying the belt of her coat around her waist.

“I’m not mooning,” Rose insisted, failing to hide the slightly petulant tone from her voice.

“Oh, relax,” Clara scoffed gently, as the bell above the door rang again, “I’m just taking the mick.”

“Hey, did someone mention my name?” the familiar voice sounded from the doorway and both girls turned to greet Mickey Smith with wide smiles.

“Only in jest,” Clara quipped.

Mickey stuck out his tongue at her. “See if I ever cover a shift for you again!”

Everyone laughed and Rose piped up, “Oh, you can’t stay away. Not when you get to spend New Year’s Eve with me.”

“You’re right, there, babe.” Mickey gave Rose a soft, friendly peck on the cheek as he walked past her to the staff room. “Although,” he called out through the door, “Martha might have something to say about that.”

Mickey was Rose’s oldest and closest friend. She had known him literally all her life. He was a few years older than her, and they had grown up on Powell Estate together. They’d even dated a few years back but had quickly realized they were destined only to be the best of friends. Being lovers hadn’t worked for them, much to Rose’s mum’s chagrin. Jackie Tyler had chided Rose about getting airs and graces, thinking herself above dating a mechanic. It had taken a firm word from Mickey to get her to listen to reason, although she still lamented from time to time that Rose would end up an old maid.

That had been years ago, and now Mickey was dating a young surgeon, Martha Jones, who worked at the local hospital. They had met when she had brought her car to him to be repaired and had hit it off right away. A year later, he’d asked her to marry him. Rose, who had rapidly befriended Martha, was thrilled for them both.

Mickey often came to Pete’s Coffee Dimension, after work at the garage, to help out and to make sure Rose, Clara, and the other employees had time for a dinner break. He often stayed the evening, chatting, when Martha was working a night shift. Tonight, he was covering Clara’s shift, so she could have the evening off with Jenny. Martha was on call at the hospital and would be dropping by later, if she was free, to ring in the New Year with her fiancé and Rose.

“Right then, I’m off,” Clara announced, “now that you’re here to help hold down the fort, Micks. But I should warn you,” she grinned, gesturing toward Rose with a jab of her thumb, “this one is mooning…”

“Oh, what’s this then? Mooning? You’re going to be a right misery all night, ain’t ya?”

Rose snapped her arms over her chest. “You,” she fixed Clara with a fierce glare, “are going to be late. And for the record,” she turned her glare on Mickey, “I am not mooning! End of story.”

“All right, all right!” he held his hands up defensively. “You’re not mooning. Blimey! Don’t kill me. Not a great way to start the New Year, yeah?”

“’M not gonna kill ya.” Rose drew Mickey in for a hug, then turned to Clara, pulling her in for a hug too. “Happy New Year, you. Thanks for looking out for me, both of you. Now off you go, Clara. Wish Jenny a happy New Year for us, yeah?”

“Definitely! Happy New Year!” Clara cheered, giving Rose and Mickey a last big squeeze and calling through the passthrough to Clyde before heading toward the door. “Give my love to Martha.” She gave a parting wave and backed out onto the street, the bell tinkling behind her.

 The shop remained quiet, a few customers straggling in through the afternoon. Clyde had long since left and Martha had texted to say she would be by shortly. Rose glanced up at the clock: just gone three.

“So, babe,” Mickey fixed Rose with narrowed eyes, “I have to agree with Clara: you’re not quite yourself. Deny it all you like, you are mooning. Not after some bloke, is it?”

Rose groaned.

“It is!”

“Look, I’m just feeling a little, I dunno…” she shrugged, “…not exactly sad, but jus’…”

“Mooning.”

She smiled. “It would just be nice to have someone special to share the holidays with, ya know? To dress up and go out somewhere nice. I love the shop, I mean… it’s my life, my dream. But it would be good to get out once in a while.” She leaned back against the counter and laid her head on Mickey’s shoulder, as he wrapped a comforting arm around her.

“You’ll find someone.”

“Yeah, maybe. No one as good as you, though.”

“You kidding me? I was a rubbish boyfriend… at least to you. I hope I’m doin’ okay with Mar.”

“She thinks you’re bloody wonderful. But us,” she nudged him with an elbow, “we were just never good together like that. To me, you’ve always been a lovely friend, a big brother, yeah. Always there when I need you. But sometimes, I just feel like I want someone to be a bit more than a friend. I’m just afraid…”

“That you’ll end up with another–”

“Yeah, Jimmy Stone…”

Mickey growled, “If I ever get my hands on that tosser… how he treated you…”

“Enough,” she shoved him a little, knocking him off balance, “you’ll scare away all the customers, looking all aggressive-like.”

“Like there are so many of those…”

She frowned at him, unimpressed.

“Fine…” He grudgingly relaxed, and Rose snuggled against him again. After a few quiet moments, he spoke again, “So tell me about this bloke?”

“What bloke?”

“The one that you’re mooning over. You can’t lie to me, babe, I know there’s someone…”

“Not really…”

“C’mon! Give.”

“There’s nothing to tell you. I hardly know him. It was just… a feeling… he seemed sweet. That’s all. But I’ve only ever seen him the once.”

“And…”

Rose shrugged. “He was nice, but waaaay out of my league. Working on his third Ph.D.”

“An older man! Shit, Rose!”

“No, no! He looks like he’s only a couple of years older than me,” Rose giggled. “I don’t think he’s even thirty. He’s just really clever. Says he’s a genius. Like I said, out of my league. Not that it matters. He’s only come in the once.”

“Wait a minute! This isn’t that… erm… what was it… Doctor-bloke who went gaga over your cup of tea, was it?”

Rose flushed, biting her thumb.

“It him, isn’t it? Clara told me about him. Said you thought he was a bit fit.”

“It was none of Clara’s business! Nothing happened. I don’t even know his proper name and he doesn’t know mine. So, it don’t matter, yeah.”

“Well, he’s an idiot if he didn’t bother to come back and get it, that’s all I can say. Not worth all the mooning.”

Rose opened her mouth to say something more, but at that moment the bell jingling heralded another customer entering the shop.

 About an hour later, Mickey huffed to himself as he wiped down the tables. Martha had arrived a little while ago, given him a quick peck on the cheek, and then she and Rose had disappeared into the kitchen ostensibly to get a start on a thorough New Year’s cleaning… but Mickey knew what really was going on was a good old gossip. Either way, it left him as the front man, taking care of the customers who occasionally wandered into the shop.

The bell chimed above the door. Mickey gave the table he was tending to one last wipe and looked up to greet the man who burst into the shop on a cold blast of wintery air from the street. “’Lo,” Mickey said, “Happy New Year, mate! What can I get you? Something to go?”

The man looked frantic. Even his hair looked frantic. He dragged a hand through it, making it stand up even more on end. “No… erm… no thanks. For here, please. I think I’d like to stay here for a bit.” He loosened the black bow tie at his neck, leaving the ends to dangle, and unfastened the top button of his shirt. “Blimey, that’s a bit better. Always feel trapped in a tux… unluckiest suit in the world. Never liked ‘em… Nothing good ever came from wearing a tux.” This time, he ran both hands through his hair.

“Yeah, mate, I get it. I don’t like a monkey suit much either. Look, take a seat and I’ll bring you a menu, but to be honest, you look like you need something a bit stronger than a posh coffee.”

Mickey left to grab a menu from the stand at the front of the service counter and returned to the man, who had seated himself at a table by the window. His legs were jittering with nervous energy. He took the menu from Mickey and glanced over it with glazed eyes.

“I don’t know why I’m here,” he looked up from the menu. “Just putting off the inevitable. My life is over after tonight.”

“Mate, you have a brand-new year coming up! New opportunities. How bad can it be, yeah?”

“You don’t understand. If I don’t show up with a date to the Uni Gala… she’ll…” he spat out the word, “she’ll… Fuck! I’m doomed.” He slumped over the table.

“I’m sorry, man. Wish I could help.”

“No,” the man straightened up, “I’m sorry.” He looked down at the menu again. “I’ll have… hmmm… I’ll have… You know what I need… I need a cup of tea. It did wonders the last time I was here.”

“I can do that! Nothing like a good cuppa, yeah? Oh, blimey, my best friend, Rose (she own’s this place!); well, her mum is known for making the best cuppa, and taught Rose everything she knows. But,” Mickey added conspiratorially, “I honestly think Rose makes it even better. But don’t tell her mum I said so… she’d flay me alive.”

“Rose?” The man’s expression relaxed as he muttered the name, a small smile toying with his lips. “Her name is Rose…”

This man was a bit odd, Mickey thought. Not a bad sort, just a bit odd. “Can I get your name for the order then?”

“Oh, right!” He broke out of his daze. “My name, of course. The Doctor.”

“The Doctor…” Mickey repeated slowly. The name was so familiar, but he just couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Yup! That’s me! Just ‘The Doctor’. It’s easier that way. My real name’s quite common.”

“The Doctor…” Mickey mulled the name around in his mind again, and suddenly all the pieces fell into place. “Wait! You’re the Doctor! The Doctor who was in here a few days before Christmas. You ordered a cup of tea, yeah?”

The Doctor quirked a suspicious left eyebrow at Mickey. “Yeeess… a brilliant cup of tea. What about it?”

“Oh, mate! You said need a date for tonight?” Mickey had never considered himself to be much of a matchmaker. If he was being honest, it would never normally have crossed his mind. He was much more of a live-and-let-live sort of bloke. But this time, it was Rose’s happiness at stake, and when it came to ensuring Rose’s happiness, there were no holds barred.

“Erm… yes… yeah… but, it’s too late. I’m never going to find a date at this time. I told you, I’m doomed.”

“Nah, not tonight, you’re not. Mate, I think I may just have the answer to all of your problems!”

[imagineaworlds]

Radio -- Steve Harrington

Written By: @fallen-imagine-angel

Request: “Hey could you do a Steve Harrington x reader where they are the only 2 people who don't go to the sinowball and they go to a diner and the radio plays "Can't fight this feeling anymore" and they start dancing and they get close and have the chance to confess their feeling for each other and just some fluff please? Thankss ;)”

Warnings: None.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader

Word Count: 2,167

Listen To: Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon

“(Y/n)! I told you to chaperone the snowball, so why aren’t you? I don’t want to be alone there with all of those...pubescent kids.” Nancy shudders at the mere thought of it. You’re in your living room with her since you happen to be her neighbor and one of her best friends.

“Oh, don’t worry! You’ll have Jonathan. And just think of all the pubescent kids that want to date you but are too young! Plus, I promised Dustin I would help drop him off then get out of his way. He says he doesn’t want me to baby him all night tonight. Practically begged me not to chaperone.” You laugh.

“So what are you doing instead? I heard that Steve was helping Dustin get ready, and you said you’re only helping drop him off...does that mean you’re going on a date with Steve? Honestly, it’s about time. You two have been crushing on each other for too long.” She smirks.

“Haha, very funny. But no. We’re just hanging out. Plus, I told you, Nance, he doesn’t like me like that. We’re just best friends, and that’s the end of it. No matter how much I want it to be more.” You smile wistfully and shake your head.

“Right...just friends. Anyway, I gotta go get ready for the snowball. Have fun on your date!” Nancy sings, walking out of your front door to her house. You scoff and start to get ready for your...hangout with Steve.

Once you’re almost ready, you hear a knock at your door. You go to answer it and standing there is a beaming Dustin with a proud-looking Steve behind him.

“Dustin, you look dashing! Just wait, the girls at the snowball won’t know what hit ‘em! I promise you, you’ll be the star there. And if not, call me. I’ll come in and give them a piece of my mind.” You smile at Dustin as you open the door wider, silently inviting them in.

“Please don’t do that.” Dustin laughs and walks inside with Steve. They sit down on the couch as you finish getting ready.

“So I get nothing? Not even an ‘oh, hi Steve!’ or anything? I’m hurt, (Y/n), honestly.” Steve puts a hand to his chest mockingly.

“Oh, hi Steve!” You smirk, applying your mascara.

“Harsh.” Steve shakes his head but laughs.

“Good one, (Y/n).” Dustin nods approvingly.

“Oh, so now you’re on her side, huh? What happened to me and you, man? We were supposed to be a team.” Steve fakes disappointment.

“What can I say, I’m fairly convincing. Maybe I’ll let you have him back one day.” You give a sweet smile to Steve.

“Are you almost done, (Y/n)? The snowball is about to start.” Dustin asks.

“Patience, my young padawan. Being fashionably late is the best part. It gives a certain...pizazz to your entrance. All eyes will be on you. Trust me on this one.” You tsk, finishing your makeup and standing up.

“Finally.” Steve stands up and the three of you walk to Steve’s car together.

“Shotgun!” Dustin races to the front seat but you quickly catch up to him and sit down first. Dustin frowns but gets into the backseat anyway.

“Seniority trumps calling shotgun.” You throw a smile back at him as Steve gets into the car.

The whole car ride to the school is filled with singing along to the radio, jokes, and life lessons to Dustin. It’s a fairly short drive, but you find the time for all of it anyway.

“Here we are. So, remember, once you get in there…” Steve trails off, waiting for Dustin to finish his thought.

“Pretend like I don’t care.” Dustin nods, and you shake your head.

“You don’t care.” Steve nods, proud.

“I don’t care!” Dustin agrees, psyching himself up.

“There you go, you’re learning, my friend. You’re learning.” Steve smiles.

“Idiots. There’s got to be a balance. Sure, pretend like you don’t overly care, but you have to care a little. That’s what gets a girl hooked. You have to care about her for her to actually like you. But, don’t care too much at first. Leave them wanting more.” You correct them, shaking your head at their idiocy.

Dustin nods and leans forward, turning the rearview mirror to check his hair.

“Hey, c’mon, you look great, okay? You look...you look great!” Steve shakes his head and adjusts the mirror back.

“Dustin, I promise you, you look amazing. None of the girls will be able to keep their eyes off you.” You smile sweetly at him.

“Exactly! Now you’re gonna go in there, looks like a million bucks, and you’re gonna slay ‘em dead.” Steve pats Dustin on the back.

“Like a lion.” Dustin purrs.

“Don’t do that.” You shake your head.

“The ladies will not dig that.” Steve agrees.

“Okay.” Dustin looks embarrassed.

“Now get in there and get you a girlfriend!” You grin at Dustin, winking ever so slightly at him and causing him to blush.

“Good luck, buddy!” Steve fist bumps him as he gets out of the car and heads into the Snowball. You see Nancy through the small window and turn back to look at Steve, who’s grimacing and staring straight ahead. He must’ve seen her, too.

“So, Steve, what are we going to do now? Obviously, you need to get your mind off a few things, and I seem like the perfect person to help you do that. How about we grab a bite to eat and see where that leads?” You ask, smiling over at him. He looks to you and makes a face.

“You worded that...oddly.” He chuckles.

“Oh my god, Steve, do not make something dirty out of that sentence! I didn’t mean it like that and you know it.” You huff, rolling your eyes.

“Right...anyway, you want to go to that little diner on the corner a few blocks away from here?” Steve suggests, grinning at you.

“Sure, that sounds good.” You nod. He drives to the diner and the two of you head inside. There’s not another soul in the diner except for the workers.

You and Steve grab the corner booth and start talking. The waiter takes your orders.

“So, had any more nightmares recently?” He asks, taking a sip of his milkshake.

“When I said ‘get your mind off things’ I meant things like that, Steve. Let’s not talk about anything that happened, let’s just…” You trail off, noticing the song that has started on the radio that’s on the wall next to you. Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon.

“Let’s just what?” Steve asks, and you notice the small crinkle in his forehead when he’s confused.

“Let’s dance.” You smile and stand up. You grab Steve’s hand and pull him up with you.

“Dance?” Steve asks as you pull him to a small space with no tables in it.

“Yeah! I mean, we’re the only ones not at the snowball so might as well have our own little snowball right? At the diner on the corner, dancing to one of our favorite songs!” You giggle and place your arms around his neck. He holds his hands on your waist and chuckles.

Oh I can't fight this feeling any longer

And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow

What started out as friendship, has grown stronger

I only wish I had the strength to let it show

You try not to notice how the two of you start to get closer with every word. You don’t know if he notices or not. You meant for this to be a light-hearted dance time, but it’s turned into something much more serious.

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever

I said there is no reason for my fear

You look down at your feet and purse your lips. You feel Steve’s hand under your chin pull your face up to meet his eyes.

Cause I feel so secure when we're together

You give my life direction

You make everything so clear

“You know, (Y/n), this song describes us pretty well…” Steve mumbles, staring into your eyes. You take a deep breath, almost scared to ask what he means.

And even as I wander

I'm keeping you in sight

You're a candle in the window

On a cold, dark winter's night

And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might

“What do you mean, Steve?” You breathe out, closer to him now than you ever thought you’d get. Your bodies are almost pressed together.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore

I've forgotten what I started fighting for

It's time to bring this ship into the shore

And throw away the oars, forever

“Listen to the lyrics. What started out as friendship has grown stronger...You give my life direction, make everything so clear…” He repeats some of the lyrics, and you feel his hot breath on your face.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore

I've forgotten what I started fighting for

And if I have to crawl upon the floor

Come crashing through your door

Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore

“Steve...are you saying what I think you’re saying?” You ask, the beginnings of a smile creeping onto your face.

“And what if I am? How would you react?” Steve murmurs, eyes darting down to your lips for a split second before returning to your eyes.

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you

I've been running round in circles in my mind

And it always seems that I'm following you, girl

Cause you take me to the places

That alone I'd never find

“I’d say we’re on the same page. However, if you’re saying something completely different than what I’m thinking, this might become a little awkward.” You joke, seeing Steve’s eyes light up at your joke. He always loves your jokes.

And even as I wander

I'm keeping you in sight

You're a candle in the window

On a cold, dark winter's night

And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might

“I want to be with you, (Y/n). We’ve been ignoring us ever since we met all those years ago. I want to try this. Me and you. So what do you say? Will you be my girlfriend?” Steve asks, laying his forehead on yours. You lick your lips hesitantly. You wanted nothing more than to say yes, but what if things didn’t work out? You didn’t want to lose Steve as a boyfriend and a best friend.

“Steve...what about Nancy? I don’t want to just be a rebound, especially if you still love her…” You trail off, looking anywhere but his eyes. He sighs and pulls you closer to him, wrapping his arms completely around your waist. You turn to look at him again.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore

I've forgotten what I started fighting for

It's time to bring this ship into the shore

And throw away the oars, forever

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore

I've forgotten what I started fighting for

And if I have to crawl upon the floor

Come crashing through your door

Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore

“I can’t fight this feeling anymore, (Y/n), and I know you can’t either. To be honest, I don’t think I was ever in love with Nancy. It’s always been you, (Y/n). I figured that out when Nancy dumped me. You’ve always been better than her.” Steve tells you. You nod and reach up, pressing your lips firmly to his as the music dies off. He kisses back immediately.

“I’ve been waiting to do that for quite a while.” You admit, pulling back and smiling widely.

“Me too.” Steve smiles and kisses you again.

“As cute as young love is, I’m gonna have to ask you kids to scram. We’re closing.” A grouchy old worker narrows his eyes at you two.

“We haven’t even eaten yet.” You point out.

“Too bad. It’s getting late and I’m not getting paid for overtime today.” The old man grunts and ushers the two of you out. You laugh and get back into the car with Steve.

“I’m glad I can finally call you mine.” Steve kisses the tip of your nose.

“You say that like I’ve said yes to being your girlfriend.” You laugh.

“I’m pretty sure the kiss sealed the deal, so you can’t back out of it now.” He teases. You nod.

“That’s fair.” You grin and kiss him again. After pulling away, you check the time on your watch.

“Wanna go see what Dustin’s up to?” Steve gives you a cheeky smile.

“What, you mean like spy on him?” You cock an eyebrow at him.

“Yup.” He nods.

“You bet I do. Let’s go see how many girls he’s got on his arm.” You giggle and the two of you drive off into the night. Who knows what’s in store for the two of you, but it’s sure to be good.

stranger things family: @babytsunami19 @fucking-random1 @babygirlbev @esoltis280 @kaitlinlexiexx @edmunds-torch @beepbeepanna @janetthegiantt @sardonicxhumor @flewe @madhatterweasley @babygirlgelxx @peggy1999 @blu3-wine @ghoulbf @kingsteve011 @thatravenclaw04

[kats-randomology]

So everyone (or mostly) knows of The Miser Brothers Christmas special...

Overall I enjoy the film, it’s not perfect, but there’s some charm to it. Here’s a rundown of things that I found good, and what I would’ve done differently.

Things That Are Good:

               The concept itself; I like the idea of the Miser Brothers getting their own little spinoff, and that it deals with their rivalry. It’s NOT a bad idea. Plus I think most people agree they were the best part of the original special. A movie dedicated to them should’ve been a goldmine.

             Seeing other embodiments of nature; the tides, the North Wind (I…don’t know why the other wind directions aren’t here though), it’s a fun concept by itself and it makes sense for this universe. The designs are nice and creative, though it’s obvious where the most effort for them went into…

             Having one of said elements be the villain; a REAL villain, not like the brothers in the special where they were more or less neutral beings with one occasion of active antagonism. North Wind is a hoot, and his design is actually pretty cool compared to everyone else who’s new here.

             The fact that the Miser brothers will willingly drop their rivalry briefly for their shared annoyance of North Wind. That is a realistic detail for siblings XD

             The brothers in general here; I like their interactions, the rendition of their songs becoming one, the way they called Mother Nature to bust North Wind. It was really adorable!

             North Wind’s animations are actually pretty neat, especially how his hair gets insanely unkempt when flustered. His voice is also pretty fitting, I really wanna punch him every time he talks.

  Things That Could’ve Been Better:

               The reason for the brothers fighting; like…do we really NEED reason? They’re fire and ice, hot and cold, the summer and winter, THERE’S NO NEED FOR A DETAILED EXPLANATION, IT JUST WORKS, WE DIDN’T QUESTION IT THEN OR NOW. BUT, if you’re going to do this, then at least come up with something better than ‘that single snowflake/ember minorly hurt me, I NOW HATE MY BROTHER WITH A PASSION’. A better reason would’ve been simply growing up, apart, developing their idea of perfect weather. Mother Nature of course never picked a side, happy to let them do their own thing, but rather than keeping them from fighting, this only led to more, each claiming she liked their idea best. It’s realistic, and more interesting than what we got.

             The animation for their powers; North Wind’s looks fine, and Mother Nature’s, as little as we see, but the brothers are a step down from the original special, and that was ten damn years ago at the time! Teensy fireballs? An ice lightning bolt? Did…did you guys see the original? Blizzards, heatwaves, flamethrower breath! THESE ARE THE EMBODIMENTS OF WEATHER, MORE PIZAZZ, DAMN IT!

             Okay so…the north wind would fall under….the Northern territory, wouldn’t it? So…doesn’t North Wind technically work for Snow Miser? Did they even consider that when making him? Probably not….but it would’ve made for some interesting motive. Instead of simply wanting to be more popular than Santa, maybe have him wanting to get out from under a boss he considers ‘pathetic and unworthy of being where he’s at’, when North Wind is VASTLY superior and should be in charge of winter weather. Make it another case of sibling rivalry! And what better way than to frame him for nearly killing Santa and dooming Christmas? Prime material for firing Snow Miser from his job and giving North Wind a way to show him and Heat Miser up by taking on the responsibility of their supposed actions. He’s their brother as well, so it could be a way of working in more family drama to show the brothers what hatred between them can lead to, and thus why they should change their ways. Show them the dangers of trying to out limelight each other. NOT SIMPLY TO GET ON THE NICE LIST BUT TO BE BETTER PEOPLE!

             Mother Nature’s redesign is not impressive, and they should’ve kept with her older one; c’mon we gotta have the bird’s nest hat at least!

             I REALLY wanted to see a fight between the brothers and North Wind; like okay, save Santa and the toys and all. But when that’s said and done and they’re on the slay being drawn into the vortex? UNLEASH HELL ON HIM, GUYS, YOU CAN LITERALLY CREATE STORMS!!! YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN WINDS! YOU OWN HIM!!!!! SNOW MISER, AGAIN, CONTROLS THE WINTER WEATHER, HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO STOP NORTH WIND EASILY! GIVE ME AN ELEMENTAL SMACKDOWN WORTHY OF TOP TEN LISTS!!!!!!

[cathrynstreich]

10 Ways To Add Curb Appeal With… Color!

We’ve had tasteful greys, farmhouse whites, and classic beiges up and down the street for so darn long… It’s no wonder people are going cuckoo for color these days!

If you’re thirsting for more color in your life, you can go all the way and explore the colorful house trend. Just beware: You’ll have more people stopping to take a photo in front of your candy-colored casa than you can shake a stick at. (Thanks, Instagram!)

On the other hand, if you just want to add a kick of color (or if your HOA president gets conniption fits any time he has to dust off the ol’ CC&Rs…), you can try these small but powerful additions to your front facade.

Just think, with these projects, you can brighten up your life AND add to your house’s curb appeal in a weekend or less.

Front Door

This one seems like a no-brainer, and yet, so many people are afraid to try it out! The reason why? They’re afraid they’ll choose the wrong color or paint.

We get it, no one likes to get stuck with a do-over, and no one wants to live with a Shrek green mistake on the front of their home.

The easy solution? Go with what you know. Pick a color from the existing palette of your home and use a color that coordinates with that. Still not sure which color and sheen you should go with? Many local paint stores (like Sherwin Williams, for example) now have color experts in store; they can answer even the most difficult color conundrum. Just be sure to bring photos with you, because no one can pick the right choice if all they’ve got to go on is, “It’s a kind of brownish-reddish brick, I think…”

C’mon. How happy would you be to pull up to persimmon?!

Shutters

If you have a wooden door, or you’re just not ready to make that leap yet, try adding color to your shutters.

Use the same guidelines you would for your door, and remember, this project’s even easier to tackle. So even if you aren’t totally in love with the look, you can throw on a coat of something new… easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

Lemon yellow? Just a little dab’ll do ya.

Trim Colors

Feeling gutsy? Then try this on for size. Bold trim colors are a very adventurous statement and they work well on modern homes, traditional homes, Craftsman homes… and so on and so forth.

If the rest of your exterior is neutral and you’ve got a fearless fashion sense, then this look will serve you well. Pair a citrusy color with cool tones (like the photo below) or add in blue trim for a more traditional look.

Flowers

Let’s move beyond paint, shall we? An easy, low-commitment way to add color is with flowers. Depending upon your climate, you can add full-on beds of annual color or put out pots full of flowers that change with the seasons.

Pro tip: If you have a brown thumb, you can even use FAKES. Make sure they’re changed out with the seasons (so no daffodils in December) and no one will even know the difference.

One more thing: If you’re in it for the long haul, flowering trees are SO heavenly in spring. Be sure to check what hardiness zone you’re in before you plant, though, because trees aren’t cheap and removing them is a total pain.

Window boxes

What’s that? You’re not in the mood for a full on garden? Then simply step right over here and witness this modern-day marvel: window boxes.

Not only can you fill’em up with just about anything — real flowers, fake flowers, colorful foliage, pumpkins (so fun at Halloween, right?), flags and other gewgaws — you can ALSO paint the window box itself for extra impact.

Also, they’re easy to remove! If you’re getting ready to list your house and want to take your beloved flowers with you, you can!

Pots

Here’s another idea: Mosaic pots. Sure, you can paint or glaze the pots, but you can also scratch your craftiness itch with a little bit of mosaic magic.

All iT takes is some glass tile, a tube of industrial strength glue (like Liquid Nails Clear), and the clay pot of your choosing. If you want to go the extra mile, you can grout the finished product, too.

Double down on the monochromatic look with different tiles in the same color, or get creative and add a design! You can make this as country-cute or as modern and chic as you like. The only thing that matters is that you’ll soon be able to love your glittering garden.

Non-flowering Plants

Maybe you’re anti-bees, or maybe your allergies are too extreme to consider flowers. That’s ok, there are tons of colorful non-flowering plants you can add to spice up your front exterior.

Check out plants like croton, Persian shield, and coleus to add a big punch of color without the upkeep of flowers.

Oh, and one more cool thing: There are even subscription boxes you can order so you can replace your plants on the regular. Even the horticulturally challenged can have a beautiful yard year round now.

This little guy loves the shade – talk about an easy addition!

Wreath

If you live in the South, you probably already have one of these on your door. Southerners put out wreaths for just about any occasion. New baby is born? There’s a wreath for that. Having a Fiesta party? Yup, there’s a wreath for that. Nothing special is happening at all? That’s ok, all you’ve got to do is slap together some burlap and ribbon and BOOM — you’ve got an everyday wreath.

If you don’t live in the South (or you’re not a fan of the country look), that’s fine. There are tons of stylish modern wreaths that still look like a party on your door. Best of all? Your home can rock these regardless of occasion or location.

It’s just plain nice to come home to something pretty.

Seating

If you’ve got the space for it, seating on your front porch is just about the homiest thing ever. Who doesn’t have fantasies of having tea (or, perhaps more accurately, late night wine) and conversation on the front porch?

Swings are great, chaises are great, rocking chairs are great. Whatever your sitting pleasure, you can pump up the ol’ color factor with cushions and throws or go all out and PAINT THE WHOLE DARN THING.

Cozy, colorful, and companionable, these seats will make your front porch the envy of the block.

Lighting

Want to try something no one else in your neighborhood has? Try this on for size. You can pick just about any color you like and spray paint your exterior lighting!

There are lots of paint options out there, so you can go turquoise or apple green or even rose gold. Best of all, you can use your existing lighting, so the only additional cost is the can of spray paint (and probably some tape to mask it off with).

(Note: you DO want to uninstall the light before painting. So do your due diligence and watch a few YouTube videos on the topic before breaking out the toolbox.)

There you have it, friend — 10 terrific ways to add more elation to your front elevation, more pizazz to your porch, and more YAY! to your yard.

Try one this weekend or Pin this post for later!

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