#but crediting are highly and truly appreciated

[thatbadadvice]

Help! I'm A Private Person!

Neil Gaiman, Journal.NeilGaiman.com, 14 January 2025:

Over the past many months, I have watched the stories circulating the internet about me with horror and dismay. I’ve stayed quiet until now, both out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation. I've always tried to be a private person, and felt increasingly that social media was the wrong place to talk about important personal matters. I've now reached the point where I feel that I should say something. As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don’t, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.  I went back to read the messages I exchanged with the women around and following the occasions that have subsequently been reported as being abusive. These messages read now as they did when I received them – of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships and wanting to see one another again. At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides. And I also realise, looking through them, years later, that I could have and should have done so much better. I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. I was obviously careless with people's hearts and feelings, and that's something that I really, deeply regret. It was selfish of me. I was caught up in my own story and I ignored other people's. I’ve spent some months now taking a long, hard look at who I have been and how I have made people feel.  Like most of us, I’m learning, and I'm trying to do the work needed, and I know that that's not an overnight process. I hope that with the help of good people, I'll continue to grow. I understand that not everyone will believe me or even care what I say but I’ll be doing the work anyway, for myself, my family and the people I love. I will be doing my very best to deserve their trust, as well as the trust of my readers. At the same time, as I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don't accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can't accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn't do.

Dear Neil,

You, sir, are nothing other than fundamentally misunderstood — indicated in every sense by this, a smart and good post that you published on the whole-ass internet for literally the entire world to read.

The important thing is that you're learning! And you deserve infinite credit for that. Not nearly enough people appreciate how much you've learned about yourself in the course of ~ allegedly ~ committing sexual assault against multiple, probably crazy, women and the aftermath thereof. Less enlightened men would disregard the experiences of women who have highly specific and detailed accounts of being sexually abused, but you are open to the idea that the women who foolishly believe you assaulted them were simply mislead by your interminable charm! For which you cannot be held responsible! What a gift you are, friend; your generosity and open-mindedness are unparalleled.

Truly, whomst among us has not been where you find yourself now? Come, enjoy the company of friends who understand the brutal loneliness that results from being misunderstood by hysterical bitches who fail to appreciate the privilege of having your masterful fingers shoved up their asses without notice!

Again and again, women love men like you too much. They want you to be emotionally and sexually available! And that is just so, so much to ask. You have a lot going on! It's not a ding on them — of course they find you irresistible, being as you are an intellectual titan — and they may find themselves confused and intimidated by your sexual prowess, unaware that you exist in a world beyond pedestrian notions of consent. That is what makes your work so particularly meaningful and powerful.

You write about a man who does a bad thing, but you do the other good thing! You do a good thing, but in your work, a man does a bad thing! This is the stuff of sheer brilliance, capturing the sturm unt drang of the human condition — or, at least, of the humans whose conditions matter most, which is to say, men of your creative stature.

The sorry truth is that despite your best efforts, no one understands you, the author of 40-plus years of written work in which you had every fucking opportunity to emulate literally any character of your design who was not an unrepentant rapist. Whomst among us has not struggled with such quandaries? Whomst among us has not wondered: Should I rape women in the presence of my child, or should I just the fuck wait a minute and destroy my marriage by other means? Should I order a cinnamon bagel, or an egg sandwich? These are the questions men such as us must grapple with in a world where cancel culture has run rampant, and where people are liable to believe anything they hear from over half a dozen unbridled harpies (story idea! make sure Katee Robert doesn't see this, she seems like a bitch with designs) whose indeterminate fantasies have been aggressively fact-checked by risk-averse media legal departments.

You're right and everyone else is wrong, and that's exactly the take-away that everyone will have from reading this thing that you posted! Great work, great instincts, great writing. It's like Stardust, but hotter. You know what I mean.

A+ all around, no notes other than: you should share this with more people directly so they have the clearest possible idea of where you're coming from. Don't hold back, bud!

[nicxl333]

LUSTFUL TENDENCIES— WRIOTHESLEY X READER

bro…i just finished the 4.1 archon quest and omfg i’m going mad over wrio- fucking hell

characters: wriothesley, afab! reader

summary: you almost get caught giving wriothesley a blowjob so he punishes you in his office (not proof-read)

warnings: 18+ content, nsfw, semi-public smut, blowjob, handcuffs, spanking, established relationship, orgasm denial, unprotected sex, squirting, breeding, slight 4.1 spoilers

it wasn’t supposed to end up this way. hell, you had only made your way into the fortress of meropide to deliver an urgent message from neuvillete to none other than the duke himself, your boyfriend.

so how oh how did you end up with a mouth stuffed full of dick?

“fuck…that’s it beautiful, doing so— so well for me” wriothesley groaned, pushing his bangs back from his face.

you moaned around his dick in appreciation and gratitude at his praise, your cunt pulsing at the sheer sinfulness of the situation. you knew damn well that anyone could see what was going on should they venture even one step too far up the staircase leading to the open plan of his office. truth be told they wouldn’t even have to set foot on the stairs, for they would hear the sloppy sounds of your mouth long beforehand.

your eyes gazed into his, enjoying how he fell apart at the sight of your mouth engulfing every inch of him. the way his eyes clenched shut, scar just below his right eye compressing as it followed the movements of his eyes squeezing from the overwhelming pleasure.

he could feel the coil in his stomach tightening, his resolve unravelling as he tried to regain his composure and control, albeit failing to find any reason to given how you were taking care of him so fucking well.

alas, before his end could occur, the sound of his heavy door opening downstairs and footsteps audible caused both parties to freeze, the risk of your filthy secret threatening to be discovered.

proving his ability to act instantaneously under pressure he lifted you off his soaked cock, pushing you under his desk and reeling in his chair so his state of undress would not be identified should whoever was quickly approaching wander too close to his grand desk.

after a continuous rhythm of steps, a head poked through, the figure confirmed to be chef wolsey.

wriothesley briefly glanced down at you, his eyes sharp in a silent warning;

stay. silent.

you spared him a single smirk just before he lifted his head to look at the man who was now standing before him.

“how can i help you today wolsey? if it’s for time off you already know the drill, you need to give in credit coupons.”

above your head you could hear the chef speak.

“ah, your grace, it’s not about that. if you are lenient enough i would need your authorisation on a slight change to the ingredients of the welfare meals. i have discovered a correlation of stomach bugs occurring with numerous inmates possibly due to the type of milk used.”

really and truly, you couldn’t give a shit on the status of the inmates, as cruel as it sounded. you just wanted to be filled by wriothesley, and wolsey was currently cockblocking you. so you did the one thing that was advised against.

“i suppose that can be done, given that it’ll lessen my work load should i allow this matter to be resolved. just give me the required paperwork and i can give you clearan—”

he immediately tensed up, seizing in the middle of his sentence. why? because he felt your hand slowly stroking his girth. although taken by surprise, he did his best to not show it, opting to clear his throat in an attempt to save himself.

“umm, sir, are you alright?”

your hand tightened on wriothesley’s dick, twisting as you stroked, your smirk widening with your wicked intentions. you could see his thighs taut and fists clenched, trying so hard to not react. he couldn’t talk, he knew if he opened his mouth to speak he would either let out a groan or moan. whatever the outcome, both were highly unsavoury and would no doubt get you caught. after a few moments of silence wolsey pressed further.

“erm…your grace?”

you slightly loosened your grip and slowed down your movements to allow the man in front of you to save his dignity, if he even had any left.

he lifted a bandaged hand, waving it around in a dismissive motion. “yes yes, i’m quite alright. don’t you have ingredients to be chopping or something? best get to it.”

wolsey immediately nodded, turning towards the stairs and swiftly making his way down. only when wriothesley was certain he was gone did he push you off him and pushed his chair back, pulling you upwards and slamming you on his desk.

“oh you are so fucked baby. did you enjoy us almost getting caught?”

he leaned over you, caging you in while he started rubbing your clit through your panties, eliciting a moan from you.

“yeah i know you enjoyed that, you’re fucking soaked you dirty girl. want me to fuck you?”

he pressed harder on your clit, rendering you unable to speak. you arched your back and rolled your hips in time with wriothesley’s hand, maximising the pleasure. when he didn’t hear an answer however he took it upon himself to bring a hand down against your left cheek, the stinging sensation leaving you crying out at the pain mixed with pleasure.

“answer me y/n, do you want me to fuck you?”

“yes wrio please! it feels so good!” the strokes of his fingers increased in rapidness, the friction of the fabric against your clit quickly bringing you to the brink of orgasm.

“you gonna cum pretty girl?”

“shit— yes wrio!”

“well that’s too damn bad.” and he pulled away altogether, standing at full height and looking down at you.

you turned your head to look at him, eyes wide with the fear he would leave you like this, unsatisfied.

“wrio please! make me cum, i need you so bad baby!”

he stood, arms crossed and expression unwavering.

“oh you do now? maybe you should’ve thought about that before you pulled that little stunt of yours.”

you wiggled your ass at him hoping to break down his resolve.

“wrio i’m sorry, i’ll be good for you i swear.”

he said nothing, instead opting to move closer to stand right behind you, dick now pressing against your clit, making your breath hitch. you heard movements of metal behind you, wondering what he was doing until he leant closer over you, chest to your back which pressed his dick even further into you. you moaned out, too distracted to realise just what he was doing until he grabbed both your wrists, bringing them together and cuffing them with his handcuffs.

he stepped back to look at his handiwork, smirking as your arms flailed to the best of your ability, struggling to get free. he then bent down, kneeling while he pulled down your panties, looking at your cunt shining with arousal.

“wrio! what are you doing?!”

“you want to get fucked right? i’m just fulfilling your wish, with the exception of one thing of course: you can’t cum.”

you whined out, jolting when you felt extremely cold fingers against your entrance, tracing the seeping hole. it was apparent that he used the power from his cryo vision to lower the temperature of his palm.

“wrio! c’mon i said i was sorr-”

you cut yourself off when you felt two of his fingers breach your entrance, stuffing you to the hilt. his fingers were thick as it is, so you already felt extremely full. even worse when he curled them against that spongey spot in your cunt and started attacking it.

your thighs immediately tried to close, proving to be quite the useless action once his iron grip prevented you from doing so.

“aht, aht, if you know what’s good for you y/n you’ll comply like a good girl, you’re already in deep shit as it is.”

and so, you succumbed to the pleasure of the sensation you were feeling, moaning at wriothesley’s ministrations on your pussy. he leaned over you once more, this time feeling his bare dick directly on your bare clit. he licked the shell of your ear, whispering into it seconds later.

“yeah does that feel good y/n? go on, tell me how good i’m making you feel.”

“so fucking good wrio! i want more— want you to fuck me. don’t hold back, i can take it.”

he complied, removing his fingers and moving his dick down to your entrance, using your previous lubrication and current arousal to fully coat his angry red tip, before slowly pushing in.

your back arched hard into a ‘c’, your hands doing what they could to grip onto his desk despite being cuffed.

he laughed at your actions, continuing to sheath himself inside you until you were completely filled, resting for a moment before slowly pulling out again. he repeated this action multiple times, teasing you to see just how long it would be until you completely snapped.

“wrio! can you stop fucking around and jus— oh fuck!”

his change in pace was instantaneous, his thrusts pounding against your ass, having you moan out in ecstasy. he quickly pulled his tie from around his neck, putting it around yours and pulling so your head fell back, being able to see him above you and therefore his next words to you.

“be quiet baby, or i’ll stop.”

although his door downstairs was big and heavy, it wasn’t soundproof. and if you didn’t shut the fuck up someone was bound to hear.

you nodded your head, opting to let out whimpers of approval instead. he doubled his pace, something you didn’t even know was possible, almost as if he was challenging you to disobey him once more.

it was becoming increasingly difficult to not cum. his thrusts drove so deep inside you it felt like you couldn’t breathe in the short burst of intervals between thrusts. each push of his hips against yours had the veins on the underside of his dick rubbing up against your g-spot, something that quickly had you tumbling towards the edge. you knew wriothesley knew that, how could he not when all he could feel was your cunt gripping him so tightly?

it’s not like he was well off either, he was quickly losing himself inside you too. although you had been dating for a little over 7 months, he still could not find himself getting used to the way you clenched around him. it had him quickly unraveling the exact same way you did, and delving deep into the pits of no return.

“you gonna cum?” his voice was strained, composure tethering on a thin thread, threatening to collapse.

“n- no.” a lie. you both knew that. he decided to play along though.

“good. cause you can’t cum.”

“wrio!” you had no choice but to beg, for you were quite literally about to cum. his earlier actions had already brought you to the edge, but now you were delirious with pleasure, and had no way to stop yourself from cumming. you already did what you could. “please! let me cum, let me cum! i’m sorry baby i really am, i need you to make me cum! i’m begging you, just do something, anything!”

wriothesley had no other option but to allow you to, given that he was about to cum himself.

“go ahead y/n, make a mess for me.”

with his approval, you immediately felt the coil inside your stomach snap, causing you to gush around his cock. you moaned out his name as quiet as you could, which wasn’t very quiet at all. he never stopped thrusting, allowing your essence to go everywhere. on your thighs, on his, and dripping on the floor. your cunt was gripping wriothesley like a vice, and he fell victim to his own orgasm, hands on your hips tightening, groaning deeply while spilling every drop into your spent pussy. his thighs shook from the sheer intensity as he slowly came to a stop.

all was silent for a moment, as you both breathed heavily, hot and exhausted from what had just taken place. after a while, wriothesley was the first to move, slipping out of you and grabbing some tissues from the side of his desk, wiping delicately at your cunt before pulling up your panties and releasing your wrists from his cuffs with a key from his draw. he gave your temple a kiss before pulling away.

he then fixed himself up, tucking himself away back into his pants and taking his tie back from your neck, wiping the sweat from his forehead and sitting back in his chair, pulling you down with him and engulfing you in a hug.

“now then, would you like some tea before you go?”

[esotericpluto]

your life 5 years from now

from left to right; intuitively choose the pile you feel more connected to. To make it easier, you can take a deep breathe, close your eyes and ask for guidance to your deities or guides. These are all general messages, so just take what resonates and leave what doesn't. This reading is timeless. If it resonates, feedback is always appreciated and motivates to keep doing pick a card readings. You can donate here.

dividers credit: @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

pile 1

fully intuitive, no cards

I feel like you will have a lot of success in your life, mainly financially. You will be very financially stable and living out your dreams. I see most of you will be in your desired career and learning everyday more about it, advancing in it and adquiring new skills. I see some of you investing money in various ways too, as buying properties, jewels or art pieces. Others might be investing in actions/stocks as well and building a diverse portfolio.

For some people in this group (mainly those who will be 25 plus in 5 years) I'm seeing that you will be building a family too or preparing yourself to build one, however I do advise you to be very careful with the partner you pick as some of you might be investing in a rotten apple without realizing. Do not ignore red flags and be 100% sure this person is fulfilling you and doing more than the bare minimum, as you do not want to regret the person you build a family with. Some of you might even receive warnings of this through dreams, so dream journal and study dream analysis.

Overall, I see, especially for women who picked this pile, that you will be highly successful. I see you having very close friends who are there for you and who are successful themselves, so no jealousy or envy in the scene. I see you all going on trips and nice fancy dates together and truly uplifting each other up.

You will be extremely well educated by then and might even be beginning to take on a PHD by that time. I also see you taking some free courses here and there and truly building yourself up and becoming very well read. You will be a real catch and grow into yourself both physically and mentally. You will be very grounded in all aspects of yourself. I am also seeing some travels around the world and possibly owning a cat or two.

pile 2

2 of cups, 10 of swords, 4 of wands, 7 of pentacles

For those who picked this pile, you will be entering a harmonious time in your life after a long era of suffering and worrying. I see, however, that all this depends on you. You will have to remove your blindfolds and actually take control of your life and make a decision once and for all about yourself and the direction of things. This might be working on yourself, working on limiting beliefs, putting end to toxic behaviors and thoughts you have about yourself or others, going to therapy and doing shadow work. For some of you, this will require the end of friendships/a relationship that won't serve you anymore and you will have to put yourself first, choosing yourself over them, even if hurts you for a while.

For others, this might indicate you are going to be entering a new relationship after worries of never finding the ideal person for you. However, I see that you will be plagued by fears that the relationship won't work or that the person will leave eventually and that you'll have to start from zero with someone new all over again. This is a valid fear, but you will only be allowing these thoughts to drain you out of life and happiness if you don't address them. Not only that, but you will end up easily minsunderstanding your partner or jumping to conclusions that will only put a strain in the relationship. You have been hurt before and you didn't deserve that, but be careful to not project the aftermath of that pain onto innocent people.

I do feel like this partner could be the end game for you, but only if you are willing to truly work through these issues and I'd recommend starting now. When the time comes, be willing to be open with them about the things you have been through as they'll be open minded and understand you better than anyone has. Consider going to therapy too and even couple therapy with them if you have the chance. People tend to think couple therapy is only for when things are going through rough patch or to "fix" things, but the truth is that every couple can benefit from couple therapy and it can help them heal from expectations and fears they carry on from childhood or past connections.

Working through all this will require some time dedication and patience from both, but I see it strengthening the relationship and even possibly leading to marriage and a lot of happy moments together.

I also feel like you might be going through a lot of tiring moments when it comes to your career in 5 years. I feel like most of you will still be trying to find a career/workplace that fits you and where you feel welcome. Others might even not be enjoying your job/employers for being too strict, non-understanding and draining. While you should be collaborative, you should never take abuse or energy draining vampires. You are strong enough to leave and find a better job for you, there are enough of them out there for you and you might even find a better area or truly follow your childhood dreams.

Your efforts when it comes to work will definitely pay off after a while and you will even receive a financial bonus/reward due to this.

I see a lot of celebrations. I feel like some of your friends or even family members like cousins and siblings (i'm also seeing an younger aunt possibly) getting married, engaged or having children. You might also be going to parties or hanging out with friends, trying to maintain a healthy social life. I'm also hearing to keep family close.

pile 3

Lovers, Temperance, 6 of cups, 5 of cups, Knight of Cups, 6 of wands, 7 of pentacles, 3 of cups

So I feel like for most of you 5 years from now this will be a time of self-love and balance in your life. I also see that you will be surrounded by life, with a stable partner/relationship (possibly already marriage for some of you) and expecting a new family member/child, whilw trying to balance things out in your life and home to make space for the new family element.

Because of this new addition to your newly founded family, I feel like you will be reminiscing a lot about your own childhood and how things went with your parents. I feel like they committed many mistakes that you feel resentful over still and that you'll fear repeating. It could also apply to anyone who might have hurt you during your childhood and you fearing the same happening to your kid. However, you're going to choose to look at this as a new beginning and as a way to give someone else the childhood they deserve, since you didn't have yours. I feel like this will help you heal your inner child and release the unwarranted guilt you might feel.

I feel like around this time you might even receive texts from ex partners trying to reconnect, which you will of course decline since you'll be in a happy relationship expecting (although this could also apply for people adopting/using surrogacy btw). Some of you, old friends will reconnect and want to catch up with you. I'm hearing to be careful with who you let back in, but a few of them will be trustworthy and you'll miss them in your life. I feel like some of them might just try to get into your life again for their own benefit and to ask you for money, so be careful. This could also be a family member for some of you.

Overall, it will be a time that you'll see many things come to fruition and you will feel truly victorious. I see a lot of happy joyful moments and celebrations, especially when the little one gets in the picture. I think it will be a very united and bonded family which is adorable.

There will be one month or two that you might need to go into introspection/solitude until you feel better and ready to face the world too. I feel like for some of you this could sadly be some form of postpartum depression, but I see you getting counselling for it and overcoming it without many struggles.

You will be pausing your career for a bit with this, however once you do get back I see people welcoming you with open arms, missing you and wishing you the best. I see you will also be able to get promoted/salary raise in a few months after you get back and so will your significant other, bringing more abundance to you two especially after being a bit tight on finances to make space for the baby.

[gilverrwrites]

I love your sex dream hcs and was wondering if you could do Lucifer having an F!reader erotic dream, please? 😁 @tocastielandback

Lucifer/Reader, ≈800 words

Request Info | Masterlist | Ko-Fi

I must apologise that this is not as explicit as the previous ones, but this just felt right. Rated: M

>[TFW Version Here]<

CW: Body worship, (hints of) powerplay, Dom!Lucifer (if you squint)

Please remember: You are allowed to love yourself.

The feel of your body against his is simultaneously unsettling and highly pleasurable. Your soft lips pepper kisses up and down his chest, warming his cool skin with every touch. He bites at his lip, holding back shivers of appreciation as you work your way upward pressing your own lips against his collar, throat, and jaw. You’re almost at face level, and you incline upwards, pursing your lips, ready to connect them with his own. Instead, he places his hand against your collarbone, splaying his fingers to stretch either side. Forcing your body backwards, his lips spreading into an amused grin. “What’s so funny?” You peer at him quizzically through heavy lids. “You.” He teases, enjoying the way you pout in response. “What would your precious friends think if they saw you like this? Worshipping ‘the devil’?”  “I wouldn’t care.” Your voice, and especially your words, are music to his ears. He promptly releases his hold on your neck, sliding his hand around your back and pulling you in for your reward.

You’re sat, hunched over a desk, nose buried in some dusty old tome when he finds you. Without thinking or caring, he leans over you from behind, planting his hands against the table on either side of you, confining you as he breathes in your scene. He has no idea if it's au naturale or artificial, but it is intoxicating nonetheless, and completely synonymous with you. 

To your credit, you keep your composure, but he can sense the increase in your heart rate.

“What are you doing?” Your voice is slow, deliberate, guarded. He wants so badly to strip away your armour.

“Can’t I just want to see my favourite human?” He chimes.

You don’t respond, refocusing on your book. A pang of petty jealousy? Rejection? Some nonsense ape-like emotion hits him, and he huffs as he pulls away from you. He relocates to the chair beside you, smug at the side eye you shoot him when he haphazardly kicks his feet onto the table.

When your silence persists, he feels the need to fill it.

“Well, since you really want to know, I truly am here to see you.” Still nothing. “I wanted to tell you about a dream I had.”

“Angels don’t dream.” You reply matter-of-factly, and he relishes in knowing he’s about to school you.

“Actually, yes, we do. As an Archangel, I would know.” He enunciates his point with the wag of his finger. Your eyes follow his hand, and he can’t help but wiggle all four of them, knowing he’s caught your attention. “We just have no practical need to sleep, so we don’t do it often.”

“Right.” You sound sceptical, and your sweet, sweet, attention is short-lived as you refocus on the desk. “And what does this have to do with me?”

Keen to draw you back to him, he taps his finger on the desk beside you. When you look at it, he points to himself, guiding you.  You sigh and roll your eyes before you look to his face. He might have been offended, but there’s a playful glint in your eye and growing warmth in your aura that tells him you’re enjoying his company more than you’d like to let one.

“Because you…” He gestures back and forth between you both. “Were in it.”

You blink once, twice; processing. When it settles, you proceed to stare at him, waiting for him to go on. He pointedly stares back at you in silence, folding his arms to display his new authority in this little dynamic. He’s piqued your curiosity, but now you’ll have to ask him for satisfaction.

You’re undeniably cute. Watching your expressions and mannerisms play out as you process his statement, as you realise your predicament, amuses him greatly. You turn back to your work, then to him again, and back and forth as you deliberate between your primary two options. To ask or not to ask. Eventually, the temptation wins out.  

“And?” You raise your brows expectantly. “What happened?”

“If you want to know, you’ll have to ask nicer than that.” He’s pushing his luck, and he knows it, but he’s confident you’re already too hooked to back out now.

You purse your lip as you calculate your next move. The image is unintentionally charming to him. He wonders if you’ll bite now, or if you’ll take the hard-to-get route, pretending you don’t want to know. Either is equally appealing to him, because he’s certain he’ll win out in the end.

Dropping his feet to the floor, he places an elbow on the table just inches from your arm, he uses it for balance as he leans in closer, keeping his expression as straight as possible. “Well?”

The beat of your heart is picking up again; you’re on edge, and he loves it.

“Okay, fine.” You concede. He feels his face twist, like the cat that got the cream, as you continue. “Please, Lucifer?”

[wisteria-blooms]

sunburns & dragons (charlie weasley & reader) (8/??)

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

TAGLIST AT THE BOTTOM! (Let me know if you'd like to be added or if I've missed you!) A/N: Sorry this took so long to get out! I've been experimenting using my iPad + keyboard to edit which messed up my coordination on my laptop, if that's any excuse. It's just been hard to edit in this little rut where I can't bear to read what I write, but stick around, things are going to get exciting after this...

(GIF credits to @alicent-targaryen; I have so much trouble properly crediting when the GIF isn't the first in the set, ahh).

CHAPTER 8: Foolishly thinking things would slow down after Charlie moved in with you, you find that you're dead wrong. In fact, he finds a new way to integrate into your life: by attending the highly-anticipated book club meeting your mother had invited you to. But as you watch women flock to him like bees to honey, you find another problem to deal with, one that involves your heart. (6.6k words)

CHAPTER 8: TEA TIME (YOU'RE SO VAIN)

And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner, they'd be your partner...

“(Y/N)! Congratulations on the new place—”

“It’s every bit as beautiful as Bill described to us—”

“Perfect for a new couple, truly—”

Fred and George strode through the ajar door while talking amongst themselves as if they were walking into their own place. They displayed absolutely no respect for your sacred space. However, you felt no need to stop them from where you were in the kitchen—you were expecting them on this lovely Friday afternoon. After all, you’d invited them.

George cradled a large, wrapped box. He was strong but you could tell it was heavy by the slight strain in his arms. Fred, conversely, easily held a bottle of wine adorned with a ribbon on the neck.

“Thought we’d bring some housewarming gifts,” George said, setting his present on the counter.

“Had to guess most of it, as you and Charlie didn’t have a registry of any sorts,” Fred quipped, a smug look on his face, proud of his insinuation of you being married.

“Very funny.” You rolled your eyes. “When are you going to give that up? You seem to be the only ones who know the truth, but refuse to acknowledge it.”

You should’ve expected their answer that was given in unison: “Never.” 

“I do appreciate the gifts,” you said earnestly. Underneath their teasing tones, Fred and George were still your greatest friends, and you were appreciative of their generosity.

You laid two palms on the box George had set on your kitchen island. “What’s this?” 

“Open it up and see,” offered George. 

Delicately, you began to unwrap the gift, plucking the tape off and careful not to rip the paper. 

“Save us the anticipation and just rip it open, will you?” Fred suggested, finishing off his remark with an animalistic shake of his head, like he was a lion tearing his prey’s flesh. The prey being your present.

“I’ve been conditioned not to do that,” you explained with a gentle sigh, recalling all your mother’s scoldings when you used to tear into presents as a child. When you set the edges of the wrapping paper down, you beamed at what was in the box. “An espresso machine! Really, Georgie?”

George nodded proudly. “Figured you’d need your coffee first thing in the morning.”

You enveloped him in a warm hug. “Oh, you know me so well.”

George rolled up his sleeves. “I‘ll get it set up,” he offered.

“And I’ve procured some wine for when you need a sleeping aid,” Fred added.

“Thank you,” you responded. “ Now I’ll have my morning and nights covered.”

Fred placed a hand on your shoulder and gently guided you away. “Let’s see Charlie’s room.”

You stiffened. How many times and to how many people were you going to have to explain this one? “It’s not his room.”

“Then what is it?” Fred queried innocently.

“It’s a guest bedroom.”

“We can debate the semantics of the love lair”—Fred had to suppress a laugh when your face contorted menacingly, and even George tried to stifle his laugh—“ but for now, give me and Georgie a tour of the this lovely place, will you?”

When the two jests had finally left after dinner, you closed the door and leaned against it. Fred and George’s footsteps faded with each passing second. You drew a deep breath. After the initial onslaught of visitors, being alone felt splendid. 

You lit a candle and began drawing a bath when you returned to the bathroom. Stripped away were the comforts of Dobby’s aid and you were left alone to your devices. You were off to a good start and you were going to prove you could manage just fine. You submerged yourself in the hot water to wash the grime and the weight of workweek away. 

When you were clean and dry, you slipped into a silk nightgown, the one with thin straps that hung over your shoulders and whose hem just covered your thighs. It was by far the comfiest because of how little material there was. You walked into the kitchen to fetch yourself a glass of water but not without admiring your space shrouded in moonlight first. The only thing keeping you from touching a blanket of stars were your windows. The flowers you’d received from the move-in were still in full bloom, the steel from George’s espresso machine gleamed, and your couch was plush and cozy. 

It was lovely and inviting. You didn’t regret moving out at all, no matter how difficult the circumstances were initially.

“So this is what freedom feels like,” you hummed. You loved the feeling of wearing and doing anything you wanted—you were the master of the house. 

You then ambled back to your bedroom. You set the glass down and walked over to the window to appreciate another view of the city—something you didn’t get back at home. Your eyes found the dome structure of King’s Cross station immediately. Hues of yellow and magenta surrounded the space to guide passengers and it stuck out like a sore thumb in the silence of the night.

You shut your curtains and crawled into bed.  You wondered how Charlie was doing, if his train was timely and if the ride was comfortable. As you fell asleep, you hoped the answer was ‘yes, it was.’

You didn’t know what time it was when a light roused you. Your mind was still clouded with sleep and you had just the slightest bit of consciousness. A weak beam of light seeped out from below the bathroom door. You heard the running of the tap and the bristling of a toothbrush on teeth. 

When the bathroom light flickered off, a new one flickered on. This one was more faint, further from you. 

“Wow.” 

That was all you heard before the second light shut off. You were far too deep in sleep to inquire about what you were seeing or hearing. Probably ghosts of Charlie floating about, taunting you and luring you into wicked, unthinkable dreams. 

When you fully roused in the morning, you rubbed your eyes. The feeling of complete rest tingled pleasantly in your body. You walked over to the window where blackout curtains shielded you from the sunlight. You swung them open and let the light filter in, illuminating every crevice of your new bedroom. You walked into your washroom to brush your teeth, wash your face, and to tame your hair. 

Remembering that George had generously gifted you an espresso machine, you hurried out of your room to get a sip of that sweet substance. 

The first thing you saw when you exited your bedroom was a black topcoat hanging from the rack. Below it, mounted by the wall, was a pair of slightly scuffed leather boots. Fred and George left with all their belongings, so the coat and shoes couldn’t have been theirs. Your heart skipped a beat and fear consumed your body: there was an intruder in the house. 

The most rational thing to do would be to bolt out the front door and to call security for help and enlist someone more qualified to dispose of the intruder. But pride got the best of you, and you decided you weren’t a damsel in distress who needed saving anymore. It could’ve been Fred or George coming back to play an elaborate prank on you. And when you fell for it, they’d never let you live it down. And the concierge would never let in an unauthorized visitor, so yes, obviously, there was nothing to worry about. 

The only issue was that your wand was in the living room, shredding any chance of self -defence. Instead, you grabbed a metal shoe horn and tiptoed quietly down the hall to the kitchen where you could hear sounds of someone being there: a barstool squeaking, the kettle steaming, and some humming. The bass notes of a man’s voice wasn’t clicking in your memory. Now, you were starting to doubt it was Fred or George.

It was too late to retreat. “Get back!” you yelled with ferocity. You hated to admit, but you’d squeezed your eyes shut so you were waving a shoe horn aimlessly. How you passed Defence Against the Dark Arts was a mystery indeed.

When you heard nothing, and felt no signs of you being murdered, you opened your eyes.

This was no thief or intruder.

It was Charlie.

He playfully threw up both his arms in surrender, teabag in one hand, and pretended to fall backwards, tailbone digging into the kitchen counter. 

You set down your weapon. “What are you doing here?”

He flicked the tag off his tea bag with his thumb, then let out a low whistle. “I think the question you mean to ask is, what are you wearing?”

Charlie’s question echoed in your head as embarrassment stirred up inside you. What were you wearing, exactly?

You looked down for the answer: a thin-strapped silk dress that barely covered your shoulders and thighs. Well, all that while brandishing your favourite accessory: the shoe horn.

“Is that how you win your duels? By distracting your opponent?” he asked. 

You were so infatuated and caught up with the idea of independence that you had forgotten that Charlie had a key and that he was staying over. Combined with the adrenaline of thinking that there was someone in the house, you might as well have had amnesia. His presence did corroborate with the lights and voices you heard last night. Oh shit, come to think of it, he did warn you he was coming over before he departed on Wednesday, but in the mess of things like his and Bill’s untimely appearance and Alicia’s fervent teasing, you’d forgotten.

“This is just what I sleep in!” You were in a right state. Panicked, you tried to make fun of him. Maybe he would lose some of that unbreakable composure. “Don’t you sleep in the same thing? If the rumours are true, that is.”

Charlie chuckled lowly, his laughter rising in volume. “Are you seriously asking me what I sleep in?” he responded. “(Y/N), your mind is a literal cesspool.”

You didn’t want to give off the impression of being embarrassed, so you walked on into the kitchen like nothing happened. “I think I know the answer, based on your deflection,” you mumbled as you settled in the spot beside him. “You can sleep in whatever you like, Charlie, I won’t judge you.”

“I was going to say I often wear much less,” he added in a husky half-whisper by your earlobe.

Oh.

You hand squeezed the metal handle of the espresso portafilter. The coffee wasn’t going to be the only thing steaming in here. You didn’t dare turn your head. You could imagine the handsome smirk at the things he was making you think: Charlie and his naked torso covered in a sheen of sweat, languidly moving under the covers, each hard ridge of muscle skimming the sheets… “Well, that’s just dandy for you, isn’t it?”

“Do I detect a trace of sarcasm?” Charlie pouted, looking down at you. He gave you a nudge. “Need I remind you that you asked me first?”

You kept your mouth shut and fiddled with the top of the espresso grinder instead. It didn’t come off easily, so you tried to pry it off with your nail. When it felt like the grinder was going to take off your nail instead, you gave up.

“Have you made coffee before?” Charlie questioned. His larger hand enveloped the top and twisted it off with ease. 

You seethed silently. 

Charlie continued, unbothered by your lack of response: “I was thinking we could grab breakfast first and discuss how to use the espresso machine after.”

Charlie’s offer was sounding pretty scrumptious. You needed a jolt of caffeine stat if you were going to make it through the rest of the day. 

“Fine,” you conceded quickly, shutting the machine off. “Lead the way.”

“Are you going to get changed first?” Charlie snickered. “It’s a bit nippy for that little number, isn’t it?”

You grabbed the shoehorn from the island. “If you aren’t careful, this shoehorn will meet your head.”

His mouth twisted in a way that made your heart flutter. “Whoa, you’re pretty intimidating for someone so small.”

Beautiful, crooked words.

“I’m really not just saying it for show,” you warned. 

Charlie stepped back, face full of feigned fear. “I’ll believe it.”

You huffed and turned around.

“When I see it,” he added quickly.

You nearly stomped back to your room to change.

“So, if I am staying over Friday night, I’d like to keep some eggs in the fridge and bread in the pantry, at the very least. I get pretty peckish right after I wake up.”

Charlie was explaining his terms and conditions to you on the way back from the cafe where you enjoyed a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. You were grateful you kept your attire simple—a white shirt over some flowy culottes and a trench coat—because you would’ve felt ridiculous setting foot into a homey family establishment dressed otherwise. Charlie even had a long chat with the owners, a married couple in their late sixties who’d insisted on your meal being on the house. 

After breakfast, you’d forgiven him for his teasing and stopped by the grocers to pick up some pantry staples. Charlie cradled a paper bag in one arm and looped a bag of tangerines around the other. Despite all this grocery juggling, he held the door for you as you made your way to the lift and continued to talk about his favourite topic: breakfast.

“Of course you can,” you replied.

“I appreciate you being alright with it. After all, there’s a decent amount of space in your fridge. Do you even cook?”

You reddened. “I only moved in two days ago. I haven’t had the time to—”

“Hm.” He cocked his head as the lift ascended. “Not much of an excuse given the rest of the space looks so furnished.”

“Fred and George came over for dinner last night with takeaway,” you retorted.

Charlie made a strangled noise. “I wasn’t invited?”

“You were at Hogwarts,” you reminded him.

He laughed. “It’s the thought that counts. The notion of me being invited. I thought you Malfoys were all about keeping up appearances.”

“You seem to know very little, Charlie,” you said as you opened the door, “about Malfoys.”

“You’re killing me today, (Y/N),” he said. He set his paper bag down and began organising his purchases on the island. “I didn’t take you to be so mean.”

You froze midway through taking off your trench coat. “I am not mean.”

He placed a carton of eggs in the icebox. “So, so, mean.”

You opened your mouth to say something but your words caught in your throat. You decided not to entangle yourself in the web that was Charlie’s teasing though it felt nice that he was so concentrated on you, and that he kept the conversation going. You sauntered over to the bookshelf instead and plucked out one of Madame Millicent’s books. You turned to the page you’d bookmarked, knee-deep in learning how to knead the most buttery and flaky pie crust. It would’ve been a really mundane topic, but this Millicent woman used such vivid descriptors that you could practically taste the decadence in your mouth. 

“What’s this?” Charlie asked, walking towards the sectional.

“Something I’m reading for a book club.” Oh, shit. You really had to get going on those Madame Millicent books. The date for the afternoon tea was fast approaching and each second brought you closer to a due date of less than a week. 

“Hm.” Charlie plucked a book out from beside the empty space, flipped to a random page, and began reading aloud. “Create a vacuum around his appendage. Use your tongue to stroke the tip of him. This is his most sensitive region. Make sure to gently lap any juices. Remember to engage in eye contact with him. Your eyes will be his undoing.” Charlie looked up. “Did you know that, (Y/N)? You may be on your knees or writhing under him, but you are the temptress with control, he is your subordinate.

You blanked out and blinked at Charlie. “What?”

“Is this what you’re discussing at your book club?” Charlie asked, handing you the book. His fingers touched the header. “Oral sex in flowery prose?”

You frowned. “You made that up.”

“I didn’t, but I’m flattered you think I write so well.”

You grabbed the book from him and looked to where he had been narrating from. To your horror, these were the exact words he’d read, except the addition of your name when he tried to get your attention. “I didn’t know it was about… this. It was supposed to be about female empowerment.” You looked at the book you were initially reading, confusion splayed all over your face. “Or at least her first title was?”

You skimmed your fingers over the textured spine where ‘Madame Millicent: Pleasing the Patriarchy’ was deeply embroidered. Well, this radiated a completely different persona than ‘Madame Millicent: Maître de la Maison.”

“Of course you didn’t, Miss Malfoy,” Charlie said with a snicker. “Wait until your father hears about what you’re reading now that you live all alone.”

You scoffed. “Actually, my mother was the one who recommended it.”

Charlie cleared his throat very audibly. “I’m sorry, what?”

You nodded slowly, never breaking eye contact with him.

Charlie shook his head. “Not the fair maiden, Narcissa Malfoy. She would never muddle her name with such sacrilegious affairs.” He stopped when a new train of thought struck him. “But that’d give our mothers a mutual topic to talk about, if they ever met.”

You eyed him curiously. Was he implying the saintly Molly Weasley indulged in erotica? Feeling awkward, you continued to talk about the book club.

“Well, Charlie,” you started, about to shatter his misconceptions about your mother.  “My mother is part of the book club that Madame Millicent is speaking at next week. She’s invited me as well, hence why I’m reading her titles. And you’ll find that lonely housewives adore books like these.”

“Seriously?” Charlie’s eyes lit up delightfully. “You get to meet the temptress in person?” he asked excitedly. “Can I come, too?”

“Why would you want to do that?” You snapped your book shut. “There won’t be a single man there.”

“Why, (Y/N), because I’m extremely well-read. And I care deeply for female empowerment, especially in the brazen manner Madame Millicent portrays it.”

You cocked your head and narrowed your eyes at him suspiciously. “Really?” You shook the book he was holding. “Or just this title in particular?”

He eyed you curiously, a smirk spreading across his face. “I’ll have all these titles finished by next week.”

“You shouldn’t overestimate your ability to read through all this, it’s quite a bit.”

“Oh, I know my limits,” Charlie affirmed. “I’ll see you at this afternoon tea.”

“You really read through it all?” you asked Charlie, voice thick with doubt, as you walked on the cobblestone entrance. 

Tea was to be hosted this afternoon at a venue your mother had written to you about. It was such a lovely place, green and whimsical, and its dreamy appearance befit its claim as a popular wedding destination. Evergreen shrubs, touched with the slightest amount of morning dew and rain, lined the path you and Charlie were taking. It had rained earlier this morning when the both of you were getting dressed in your apartment. 

“(Y/N),” Charlie started. “We read all day yesterday. All day. You didn’t even let me take a washroom break.”

That was true. He’d gotten back from Hogwarts late Friday evening, slipped into his room, and woke up before you to work the espresso machine for the two of you. Then, you got right to it. You had both claimed the opposite ends of the sectional and read through the rest of the titles in preparation for today. Charlie seemed content to spend his Saturday with you, and you were elated when he nestled into the couch and made no plans to leave. He did head back late Saturday evening to the Burrow, but came back this morning to dress for the event. 

You had Charlie for a full weekend, and you couldn’t suppress a smile at the thought of it.

“I had to oversee you reading the other two titles,” you teased. “Seeing you were so affixed on Pleasing on Patriarch.”

”It’s what I know best. I’m sure Millicent and I will have colourful discussions on it.”

You were received by a dapper little house elf in a bowtie at the front door who guided you through the hallway inside the mansion, then helped you down the back down some stone steps, before leading you into the gardens. It didn’t seem sensible or at all seasonable for afternoon tea to be hosted outside this time of year, but a warming spell that arced across the pavilion kept the women at the round table warm. The trees were blazing with hues of red and orange, nearly ready to shrivel and die as soon as the temperature dipped any further. At least they provided some colour in contrast to the dull, grey skies. 

“How are you feeling? Cold?” Charlie asked. He fiddled with the collar of your tweed cardigan that you’d layered over a long dress.

You perked quickly at his concern for you and the brush of his finger near your neck. His touch was the only thing that was shiver-inducing. “I feel fine. What about you?”

”I’m at the perfect temperature,” he said as he adjusted his suit. He was wearing an outfit a touch toned down from when you had dinner with your parents. While you liked his bedhead and the mess of curls that he usually sported, you had to admit that he was unusually beautiful when he tamed his hair. It drew attention to the sharp juts of his jaw and cheekbones that were usually hidden.

The two of you continued down the steps and the further you got, the more the stunning set up came into view. A round table was constructed in the centre of the gardens. A tablecloth decorated in rich autumn hues—deep red and gold—draped over it. The centrepiece which consisted of candles, pumpkins, and a leafy wreath snaked around the middle.

“Charlie!”

You both looked up.

This voice did not belong to your mother. It didn’t belong to anyone you were particularly familiar with.

But when a grey-haired woman stood up, you could pinpoint exactly who’d called.

“Mrs. Cromwell!” Charlie responded first.

“Cecile!” she yelled in cheery correction, still a ways away from the base of the steps. She lifted herself from the chair, gloved hands by her side to help with her balance, and ambled as quickly as her old age would take her to where you and Charlie were standing. Charlie, not wanting an elderly lady to walk unsteadily to him, ran over and you followed. Cecile gracefully extended her arm as if pulling him over. Time had softened her bones and compressed some cartilage, and she seemed very, very small next to Charlie. “Remember me?”

“How could I forget?” Charlie chuckled, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. Cecile giggled at his show of chivalry. 

As the twosome continued their conversation, you caught your mother beckoning you over with a glance. You left Charlie and Cecile and shuffled over.

“Why did you bring him?” Narcissa whispered, pulling you in by the arm. “I thought I made the invitation exclusive to you.”

“I informed you in a letter, mother,” you rebutted. 

“And I responded saying there were no extra seats at this function. It is extremely exclusive, (Y/N).” Narcissa’s tone was sharp and stern. “Charlie absolutely cannot be accommodated.”

“Okay,” you said. “Then I’ll leave.”

”You are not leaving,” Narcissa insisted in a harsh whisper. “Madame Millicent is expecting you.”

You looked back up to where Mrs. Cromwell was leading Charlie back to the round table, a funny sight indeed seeing that Charlie had no issues ambulating, but Mrs. Cromwell was roleplaying a nurse supporting an elderly patient at St Mungos.

“Mrs. Cromwell certainly seems to want him here,” you muttered through your teeth. “She’d happily let him take her place.”

Narcissa let out a long, hopeless sigh, and her hands lifted to rub at her temples. “I kindly ask you to ask him to leave.”

”But—”

“Good afternoon, ladies,” a voice called out from the back of the house. Twelve heads spun around to the lady standing at the top of the steps. She was short, slightly stocky in nature, and cloaked in beautiful deep purple robes. Her greying hair was pulled back into a bun on the top of her head. Her features were foxy and homely, and if you didn’t have the context that you did as to who she was, you’d never have guessed she was Madame Millicent. 

Her house elf scrambled in front of her. “Ladies,”—he glanced at Charlie—“and gentleman, may I present to you, Madame Millicent?”

Everyone at the table stood up as Millicent proceeded down the same steps you and Charlie had just taken.  

“Who do we have here?” Millicent called out, fixated on Charlie whose arm now permanently belonged to Mrs. Cromwell.

”Charlie Weasley, madame.”

”Weasley?” she questioned with a quirk of a well-groomed eyebrow. “Now, where have I heard that before?”

Your breath caught.

Narcissa gave you a pointed look and shook her head slowly. If Madame Millicent hated the Weasleys a fraction of the amount your parents did, you’d truly come to regret inviting Charlie.

”Now I know why that sounds so familiar!” Millicent exclaimed suddenly, clapping her hands together with glee. “Molly Weasley. Is that your mother?”

Charlie nodded. “Yes.”

”Such a small world we live in, don’t we?” Millicent continued. “She came to my last book signing and we had a chat about my recipes that lasted over an hour. Such a lovely woman, so lovely. I reckon I’ll be looking to her for advice on homemaking for my next book. A powerful woman, too, raised seven kids, if I remember correctly, and put them all through school.” She looked up Charlie up and down. “She forgot to mention how handsome her son was.” 

“Handsome? Wait until you see my older brother,” Charlie said, brushing off a compliment for the first time you’d witnessed.

Charlie’s comment certainly piqued Mrs. Cromwell’s interest. She looked up at him with an inquisitive look while Millicent did a quick assessment of the available seats and frowned.

“Well, that just won’t do,” Millicent tutted. “Gibbly, fetch me another seat for Mr. Weasley. He can be seated right next by me.”

Gibbly, Millicent’s house elf, dashed back inside the house to retrieve a chair. You and Narcissa just looked on with astounded expressions (like mother, like daughter). Neither of you expected Millicent would be so taken by Charlie. 

“You could’ve given me that honour, Millie,” Mrs. Cromwell huffed with a displeased expression. “I wouldn’t mind sitting next to him.” When Millicent just smiled, you relaxed. It must’ve been an old joke between friends, you reckoned. 

After Charlie was seated, tea had made its rounds. You stirred your earl grey with trepidation, knowing your mother was looking on, ensuring you were following good tea etiquette. You’d stirred for close to two minutes, preoccupied with trying to catch a glimpse of Charlie. You were seated left of Narcissa, so six seats from Charlie which was six seats too far and at a very odd angle. 

“I want to get to know the unfamiliar faces in this room. Would you mind introducing yourself, love?” Millicent was staring at you.

You set your spoon down. “I’m (Y/N) Malfoy,” you said. “I’m Narcissa’s daughter. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” 

“Of course, I should’ve known,” Millicent said with a smile. “I can see your mother in you, but you take after your father so well.” 

You almost retched. 

Then, she turned to Charlie. “And what brings you here today, Charlie? I don’t recall seeing your name on the guest list.”

“Actually, (Y/N) was the reason I came today.”

Millicent leaned in. “Really?”

“Her interest in your writing rubbed off on me,” Charlie explained. “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet you in person. Take it as you will, but I was quite literally on my knees to be here today.”

You squinted. Was that… a patch of red spreading on Millicent’s cheeks?

“Well,” Millicent chirped happily. “Let’s start our discussions then.”

The first part of the discussion focussed on her first two titles, Maître de La Maison and Tips for the Domesticated Witch. Women around the table praised her recipes and how the results were always a hit with all their guests at functions they hosted. You nibbled quietly at a cucumber sandwich as the conversation droned on, having nothing of substance to offer. Charlie, on the other hand, seemed very interested, and even asked questions: “Millicent, precisely, how important is the bain-marie method for a perfect cheesecake?”

“Now,” Millicent said suddenly with a clap. “Let’s move on to what I know you ladies are really here for.”

A wave of giggles chorused through the pavilion. You looked to your mother for solidarity, but she remained tight-lipped and looked displeased. Well, there was only one last book left to discuss…

“I wish I could’ve attended an earlier session, but I was touring Northern Europe for the release of Pleasing the Patriarchy all summer. I’m delighted to be back in England to discuss my latest bestseller with you.”

“And I wish Chuck was still here to witness all my learnings through that book,” Mrs. Cromwell added in a serious tone. “You couldn’t have finished that book any earlier, Millie?” Her quip earned a round of subdued laughs. 

“Well, as I say to every woman, it’s never too late,” Millicent assured. “I reckon a steady dose of intercourse will keep all of us healthy and young on all accounts.”

”Trust me, I know,” Mrs. Cromwell said. “But I find men my age are so selfish and well-worn in their ways. I’m from a cursed generation where a woman’s pleasure was always secondary to her husband’s.”

“And it’s so awful,” Millicent agreed. “But you’re a crafty woman, Cecile. You must know a way around such a dated practice.”

Mrs. Cromwell made a face like the answer was obvious. “Of course, I only entertain the younger men now.”

An unabashed chorus of laughter erupted from the table this time. Mrs. Cromwell sent a wrinkled wink at Charlie, who smiled back. 

“Speaking of younger men,” Madame Millicent changed the topic and looked to Charlie, “It’s fate that we have one of those here today. What do you think of the advice laid out in my latest release?”

“You’re still talking about Pleasing the Patriarchy, correct?” Charlie repeated.

“Yes.” Millicent nodded. “I’ve consulted a fair share of men as preliminary research, but I’m curious as to what you think of it, the feasibility and authenticity of the tips, that is, if you could comment on both.”

“Well,” Charlie started, leaning back in his seat, “I reckon your advice is fabulous, very feasible. You’ve really captured the steps precisely. Put it in better words than I ever could.”

“Hm.” Millicent seemed mighty proud of herself. “And have you been able to integrate these tips in the bedroom?”

“Ah,” Charlie stalled, his breath catching in his throat in another historical first. What happened to the ever-so-confident Charlie Weasley you’ve come to know? He cast you a quick glance. You imagined his hesitation was due to the fact that your mother was right beside you, and he was being lightly coerced to talk about his sex life despite keeping things as vague as possible until this point. The only people in the room who knew about you and Charlie were your mother and Mrs. Cromwell; you weren’t certain Millicent or the twelve others had connected the dots.  

If Narcissa weren’t here, he might’ve been more adventurous in his answer. He shifted his attention back to Millicent in a flash; the untrained eye wouldn’t have sensed any hesitation. “Of course. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity for self-improvement.”

“How considerate of you,” Mrs. Cromwell added with a dreamy, longing sigh. 

“Very much so,” solidified Millicent.

“Millicent, what do we do if our husbands are so consumed in their work at the Ministry that they won’t even pay us the time of day when they get home?” a younger woman in her thirties, draped in a dark teal shawl, piped up. Her seat-mate nodded in agreement. “I don’t even have the opportunity to practise anything I read. I’m so terribly frustrated, Millicent.”

“Sadly, that’s not out of the ordinary,” Millicent consoled, sympathy written on her face. “Has he always been so detached, Anna?”

“Ever since we’ve started living together, it’s as if the passion has faded.”

Millicent nodded. “Through my research, there are a number of things that decimate passion in the bedroom: children, work, and moving in together. When you move in together, you sacrifice the feelings of excitement and mystery that fuelled the passion and intimacy at the beginning of your relationship. We tend to absorb our roles as homemaker or a mother and less of a sexual partner.”

Anna sighed.

“Charlie, do you live alone?” Millicent queried. 

“I live with (Y/N),” Charlie answered without missing a beat. “Most days, anyways.”

Millicent’s mouth rounded. Mrs. Cromwell leaned in suspiciously at this revelation. Likely, her head was whirring around the fact that you spent time with Charlie in the bedroom. 

“And if you’re comfortable sharing,” Millicent asked in such a delicate but firm manner that you know she’d definitely prodded like this before, “what fluctuations in your physical relationship have you experienced since moving in?”

“I reckon everything’s stayed the same,” Charlie mused, his eyes brooding in deep thought, “or honestly, at an increased frequency.”

Both you and your mother immediately turned as red as the sugar-glazed strawberries on the tart on the serving tray. Your mother coughed, the insinuation that Charlie had punched into the conversation—that you and him had sex—interfering with her ability to masticate. You buried your head down to evade curious glances and looked down at the table cloth. Wow, has crocheting always yielded such beautiful results?

Millicent leaned her face into the palms of her hand. “Why do you think that is?”

“Well, as you said, we shouldn’t forget our roles as partners. And with a partner so beautiful, it’s not hard.”

You were mortified. You thought about asking Gibbly to help you dig a hole into the ground so you could block out all the chatter about your fictitious sex life.

“Well, my love,” Millicent redirected her attention to Anna, “here’s what I think you can do to bring back the spark in the bedroom….”

An hour later, afternoon tea was nearing an end. Gibbly cleared out the trays and teacups as you followed the other woman on the trail back into the manor. Charlie stood back with Mrs. Cromwell by a gate. This old woman and her spindly claws just weren’t going to let go of him! Your eyes followed his body as he leaned down, almost on his knees to listen to what she was whispering to his ear, a corner of his mouth pulled up in handsome amusement. 

‘She’s probably inviting him to her bed!’ you thought. 

“(Y/N),” Narcissa called, gently pulling at your arm. “Let’s go somewhere private to have a chat.”

“Sure,” you responded, walking with your mother northward but eyes still on Charlie southward. 

As you walked, you felt a sharp tug on your heart when Anna skipped over, teal dress grazing the grass, to join in on Charlie and Mrs. Cromwell’s conversation. Charlie’s smile was as friendly as ever as he chatted with a married woman who’d loudly and publicly announced she was lonely—practically a mating call if you’d ever heard one. He couldn’t be so deaf or stupid to ignore that, could he? 

You felt forgotten even though Charlie made such a grand display of you being his partner.

You almost tripped over a divot in the ground, but you couldn’t stop staring at what was unfolding behind you. It reminded you of his chummy conversation with Mallory at the bar, him never brushing off Mrs. Cromwell’s forward advances, Millicent praising his looks and asking him invasive questions, and now Anna giggling at him. If he could be so forthcoming with all these random women in front of you, how many of them was he charming behind your back? All while crawling his way to sharing the same apartment as you?

But it didn’t matter, did it? Your chest felt heavy at the realization that he wasn’t doing anything immoral or wrong. If you were together, you’d be well within your rights to be suspicious. Factually, you were the one who tangled him in this ruse, and the only credit you could give yourself was that it got a little more complicated and spindly than you could handle. So, you forced yourself to swallow the apprehension about the women in Charlie’s life the best you could. 

Narcissa led you over to a more secluded part of the garden where only the trees could hear your conversation. And you were going to be glad for it. 

“Is it true?” Narcissa prodded.

“What’s true?”

“What Charlie said?”

“He said a lot of things,” you reminded her. “But yes, mother, the bain-marie method will yield a better-tasting cheesecake.” 

“No,”—Narcissa shook her head—“about your sexual activity.”

“Mother!” you exclaimed in a whisper. You leaned out to make sure Charlie hadn’t come any closer. “I’d prefer if we discussed it later, or never at all, especially as it was already dissected in front of everyone.”

“I understand,” she said. “It’s a difficult topic, but I regret not sitting you down when you were younger, I truly do, (Y/N). It was a failure on my part. I had your father talk to Draco about these matters, but I need to make sure you’re taking care of your reproductive health before something unwanted happens.

“Of course I am!” you promised. “You needn’t worry about it.” Because we aren’t in a relationship. We aren’t having sex.

You wanted out of here. This conversation and the charades that followed didn’t feel exciting anymore. It now felt empty and wrong. It was a chore, trying to keep in line with what Charlie had announced, and you were certain he didn’t put a single care behind his words to you. 

“Well, it would give me peace of mind if you made an appointment with our Healer. There are many options for contraception nowadays, much more than when I was a young witch.”

“Contra—”

“It doesn’t have to be at the first appointment, but Healer Tousignant will go over your options and you should take some time to decide what works best for you. I promise, she is excellent at what she does. And I won’t ask anything of it afterwards.”

You skimmed through all the options in your head. If you refused Narcissa’s offer, you’d be subject to more questions about your sexual health, and who knows what inopportune place she’d choose to talk about it next? In front of your cousins during Christmas in Switzerland? In the middle of Diagon Alley? At dinner where Draco and your father would be present?

If you just accepted the appointment, you could conceal the fact you weren’t in Charlie’s bed (despite a naughty crevice of your brain that controlled your dreams hoping you were). 

A dull pain interlaced with the beat of your heart at the possibility of that person not being you. Reality told you it wasn’t going to be. It could be Mallory, Mrs. Cromwell, Millicent, Anna— 

“Fine,” you agreed with a forced smile. “Tell me when, and I’ll be there.”

>> NEXT CHAPTER

CHAPTER DIRECTORY

TAGLIST: @badgerqueen07 @superduckmilkshake @k-k-merlin @kisskittenn @pluiesdefleurs@lilianelena39 @bathwater101 @evilunicorns4minions @noah-uhhh-what @earth-to-lottie @kissingyourgrl @sihtricswife @adalia-jaycee @anuttellaa @weasley-clan (Let me know if I missed you, or if you want to be added!)

[lightdancingwords]

Second Chances - Part Fourteen of ?

Pairings: Beau Arlen x Y/N Female reader Series Summary: A chance meeting in a grocery store brings a second chance for you and for Beau. The only thing standing in your way are your respective pasts... and a tiny little roadblock. Word Count: 3,199 Tags/Warnings: SO. MUCH. FLUFF. And a minor car accident, surgery, medical scare. A/N: Comments, Likes, Reblogs, Kind feedback are always highly appreciated. Please let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!

Note: I've several of you comment this, so here's official statement: I am likely to never end this story at this rate! I'm loving Beau and his relationship with Y/N! So until I'm burnt out on Beau or run out of ideas... consider this story ongoing! Divider: credit to @sweetmelodygraphics

Chapter Fourteen: A Little Miracle

The weeks following the Victor Hanlon case brought a welcome change to Beau’s life. For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no looming threat, no murderer taunting him in the shadows. The town had finally found peace—and so had he.

At home, things had shifted. Y/N had begun working part-time, cutting back her hours as her pregnancy progressed. Beau insisted it was time for her to slow down, and though she was hesitant at first, she soon found comfort in the extra time spent at home. She filled the afternoons with nesting—folding tiny baby clothes, arranging the nursery, and making sure every last detail was ready before their new arrival.

Beau, in turn, had committed himself to being present. He kept strict work hours, making sure that once he was home, he wasn’t just physically there—he was there. No more late nights, no more falling asleep at his desk. He made a point to leave the stress of the job at the door, because nothing in the world mattered more than his family.

Each evening was precious. He’d come home to the sound of Eliza’s laughter as she played in the living room, her curls bouncing as she ran into his arms the moment he stepped through the door. “Bo-Bo!” she would squeal, clinging to him like a koala as he scooped her up.

“Hey there, wolf-child,” he’d murmur, pressing a kiss to her head before setting her down to go greet Y/N.

And Y/N—God, Y/N. She was radiant. She always had been, but there was something about seeing her carry their child, watching the way she cradled her belly as she moved through the house, that sent a wave of warmth through his chest every time. She was softer now, more at ease, and it filled him with relief. He’d almost lost her once—to distance, to fear—but now? Now she looked at him the way she always had, with love that was unwavering and sure.

The nursery became their shared project, something they could do together after Eliza went to sleep. Beau had insisted on assembling the crib himself, despite Y/N’s amused skepticism.

“You sure about this, cowboy?” she teased, leaning against the doorframe as she watched him struggle with the instructions.

“I built a shed once, Y/N. I think I can handle a crib,” he grumbled, flipping the page of the manual.

She laughed, stepping forward to press a kiss to his cheek. “Just let me know when you need my help.”

And, of course, he did need her help—half an hour later when he realized he’d put one of the pieces on backward. But Y/N never teased him for it. Instead, they worked side by side, laughter filling the nursery as they pieced everything together.

By the time they were done, Beau stood back, hands on his hips as he admired their handiwork. “Not bad,” he said, wrapping an arm around Y/N’s shoulders.

She leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. “Not bad at all.”

Each night, once the house was quiet and Eliza was asleep, Beau and Y/N would retreat to their bedroom. It was in these quiet moments, under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, that they truly reconnected, no longer sheriff and expectant mother but simply Beau and Y/N—two people deeply in love, savoring the stillness that came with knowing they were exactly where they belonged.

Beau would pull Y/N close, his strong arms wrapped around her as she settled against him, her body warm and soft from exhaustion. His beard had grown back over the past two months, neatly trimmed now, the rough edge of it brushing against her temple as he nuzzled close. He had always been a touch-driven man, and with Y/N, that need was even stronger. His hand would instinctively find her belly, his fingers trailing gentle, absentminded patterns over the curve where their child grew.

“Is the little one movin’?” he murmured against her hair, his voice thick with sleep but filled with curiosity.

Y/N hummed softly, her hand sliding over his as they both rested against her belly. “Yeah,” she whispered. “You feel that?”

Beau went still, his breath catching slightly when he felt the tiny, fluttering kick beneath his palm. He grinned, the warmth of the moment settling deep in his chest. “They’re gettin’ stronger,” he mused, his voice full of wonder.

Y/N chuckled, her eyes still closed as she leaned into him. “Well, they take after you.”

“Nah,” Beau murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. “They take after their mama.”

She smiled, though there was a teasing lilt to her voice. “That’s assuming they’re a ‘they’ and not a ‘he’ or a ‘she.’”

Beau huffed a soft laugh. “You still sure about not findin’ out?”

Y/N turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him with those warm, knowing eyes that always made his heart stutter. “I like the surprise,” she admitted. “The wonder of it. Don’t you?”

He studied her for a long moment, his fingers brushing up and down her spine as he considered. Finally, he sighed, nodding. “Yeah. I do.” His lips curved into a slow smile, one of pure contentment. “Either way, they’ve got a hell of a mama waitin’ for ‘em.”

Y/N reached up, cupping his face, her thumb tracing lightly over the trimmed edge of his beard. “And a damn good daddy.”

Beau exhaled, pressing into her touch. “I can’t wait to meet ‘em,” he murmured. “To hold ‘em. To see who they take after.”

Y/N smiled, pressing a lingering kiss to his jaw. “Me too.”

Beau tightened his arms around her, holding her as close as her growing belly would allow. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then the corner of her lips before finally capturing them in a slow, tender kiss—one that spoke of love, of devotion, of the life they were building together.

And as the night stretched on, wrapped in warmth and love, Beau finally allowed himself to believe it. The storm had passed, and what remained was stronger than ever.

They were home. They were whole.

And soon, they would be complete.

The late morning sun filtered through the blinds of the sheriff’s department, casting soft lines across Beau’s desk. It was an easy day for once—no major cases, no looming threats. Just paperwork and the kind of slow, methodical work that came with keeping a town in order. He didn’t mind it. It gave him time to breathe, to settle into this quieter phase of his life.

Y/N had left for her doctor’s appointment not long ago, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips before heading out the door. “I’ll be back before lunch,” she’d promised, rubbing her belly with an affectionate smile. “You behave yourself while I’m gone.”

He’d grinned at her, tipping his hat. “I make no promises, darlin’.”

Now, as he leaned back in his chair, skimming over a report, he let his mind drift to her. To their baby, growing stronger by the day. To the future he was finally able to picture so clearly—marriage, raising their kids, growing old together. He was exactly where he was meant to be.

Then Doris’s phone rang.

Beau barely registered it at first, too engrossed in his paperwork, but the moment she answered, he caught the sudden shift in her tone. The lighthearted lilt in her voice disappeared, replaced by something sharper, something that made his stomach twist before he even knew why.

“Wait—slow down,” Doris said, sitting up straighter in her chair. “Where is she now?”

Beau’s head snapped up, his heart already hammering. He was on his feet before he even realized he’d moved.

Doris met his gaze, her face pale. “Sheriff…” she hesitated, gripping the phone tightly. “It’s Y/N. She was in an accident.”

Everything in the room faded—the sounds of quiet chatter, the rustling of papers, the hum of the fluorescent lights. All of it blurred into nothing as Beau felt the air leave his lungs.

“What?” His voice was low, sharp, controlled—but barely.

“She was on her way back from the doctor’s office,” Doris said quickly, her expression tight with worry. “A truck ran a red light—hit the driver’s side. Paramedics are with her now.”

Beau didn’t wait for more. He was already moving, his boots pounding against the floor as he grabbed his hat and keys. Jenny stepped out of her office just in time to see him rush past.

“Beau—what’s going on?”

He didn’t stop, didn’t slow. “It’s Y/N.”

Jenny’s face paled, but she was right behind him, reaching for her radio. “I’m coming with you.”

The drive was a blur of sirens and speed. Beau barely heard Jenny’s voice as she relayed their arrival to dispatch. His hands were tight around the steering wheel, his knuckles white, his heart slamming against his ribs.

He’d never been this scared. Not when Victor Hanlon had been hunting him. Not when he’d stared down the barrel of a gun before. This was different. This was her. His Y/N. The mother of his child. The woman who had become his entire world.

The hospital came into view, and Beau slammed the truck into park, barely waiting for it to stop before jumping out. He was through the emergency entrance in seconds, his eyes wild as he scanned the waiting area.

A nurse at the front desk looked up as he approached, her expression shifting to sympathy the moment she saw him. “Sheriff Arlen?”

Jenny knew there was nothing she could say to calm him. Beau had been through gunfights, taken down killers, but nothing in his life had ever terrified him like this.

“Where is she?” His voice came out low and sharp, filled with barely contained panic.

The nurse hesitated for a split second, then gestured toward a set of double doors. “She’s in the operating room. The accident triggered premature labor. There were complications, so they’re performing an emergency C-section.”

Beau felt the air rush out of his lungs like he’d been punched. “Complications?” His voice was tight, barely controlled.

“She lost consciousness briefly on the way here,” the nurse explained quickly, “and her blood pressure was dangerously high. The doctors determined it was safest for both her and the baby to proceed with surgery.”

Beau swallowed hard. His entire body felt numb. He couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe.

“I need to be with her,” he demanded, his voice rough with emotion.

The nurse hesitated. “Sheriff—”

“I need to be with her,” Beau repeated, his jaw clenching, his green eyes filled with a desperate kind of determination. “Please.”

The nurse held his gaze for a long moment, then nodded. “I’ll get you scrubbed in.”

The sterile scent of the OR filled Beau’s nose as he stepped inside, his body encased in scrubs, his heart hammering in his chest. The bright lights illuminated the surgical table where Y/N lay, her body draped in blue surgical sheets. Her face was pale, her eyes fluttering open as he approached.

“Beau,” she whispered weakly, her lips barely moving.

He was by her side in an instant, grabbing her hand, his fingers threading tightly through hers. “I’m here, darlin’,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m right here.”

She tried to smile, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her. “The baby…”

“They’re gonna be okay,” Beau reassured her, even though fear clawed at his chest. “You’re gonna be okay.”

The doctor glanced at him briefly. “Sheriff, we’re about to begin. Just focus on her.”

Beau nodded, his grip on Y/N’s hand tightening as the procedure started. He heard the quiet murmurs of the surgical team, the soft clinking of instruments, but all of it faded into the background. The only thing that mattered was the woman beside him.

Y/N let out a shaky breath, her fingers squeezing his. “I’m scared.”

Beau leaned closer, his lips brushing against her temple. “I know, darlin’. But you’re strong. And I swear to you, everything’s gonna be just fine.”

Minutes stretched into eternity. Beau held his breath, waiting, praying. Then—

A cry.

A sharp, piercing wail filled the room, strong and insistent. Beau’s heart nearly stopped before it slammed back into rhythm, his breath catching in his throat.

“Congratulations,” the doctor said. “It’s a boy.”

A boy.

Beau let out a shaky laugh, his eyes glistening as he looked down at Y/N. “Did you hear that, darlin’?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ve got a son.”

Y/N let out a soft, relieved sob, her lips trembling. “A boy,” she repeated, her eyes shining.

Beau glanced up as the doctor carefully lifted their baby, wrapping him in a blanket before handing him to a nurse. The tiny newborn let out another cry, his little fists waving in the air.

“Would you like to hold him?” the nurse asked.

Beau swallowed hard, his entire world narrowing to the small bundle being placed into his arms. He cradled his son carefully, his breath catching as he looked down at the tiny, pink-cheeked face.

“Hey there, little man,” Beau whispered, his voice breaking. “I’m your daddy.”

The baby quieted slightly, blinking up at him with unfocused eyes. Beau let out a soft laugh, pure love crashing over him like a tidal wave. He turned to Y/N, gently lowering their son so she could see him.

“He’s perfect,” she whispered, her fingers trembling as she reached out to touch the baby’s tiny hand.

Beau pressed another kiss to her forehead. “Just like his mama.”

Y/N let out a tired, contented sigh, her fingers brushing over the baby’s soft skin. “We need a name.”

Beau nodded, gazing down at their son. “What do you think, darlin’?”

Y/N smiled weakly. “You pick.”

He looked at the baby, his heart swelling with something indescribable. He thought of the strength Y/N had shown, of the fight she’d endured to bring their son into the world. He thought of the love he felt for his family, of the home they’d built together.

“What about Caleb?” Beau murmured. “Caleb Arlen.”

Y/N’s smile widened. “Caleb,” she whispered, nodding. “I love it.”

Beau exhaled, holding their son a little closer. “Welcome to the world, Caleb,” he murmured.

As the medical team finished tending to Y/N, Beau sat beside her, their son cradled between them. Relief, love, and exhaustion blended together in the best way possible.

They had made it.

And now, their family was complete.

The steady beep of the monitors was the only sound in the quiet hospital room. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, but to Beau, the space felt warm—because she was here, because their son was here.

Y/N lay propped up in the hospital bed, still pale but awake, her hand resting protectively on Caleb’s tiny body as he slept peacefully against her chest. His little fingers twitched in his sleep, his breaths slow and steady.

Beau sat in the chair beside them, one hand covering Y/N’s, his other resting lightly on Caleb’s back. He couldn’t take his eyes off them. The past twenty-four hours had been a nightmare, a blur of panic, fear, and desperation. But now, here they were. Alive. Safe.

“You really scared me, darlin’,” Beau murmured, his voice rough with emotion.

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes soft but tired. “I scared myself.” Her fingers curled over his. “I don’t even remember the crash. Just waking up in the ambulance and—” Her voice caught, and she took a shaky breath. “And realizing something was wrong.”

Beau exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. He had faced killers, had stared death in the eye more times than he cared to count. But nothing—not a single moment in his life—had terrified him more than the thought of losing her.

“When Doris told me…” He shook his head, running a hand over his face. “I’ve never driven so fast in my damn life. And then they told me you were in surgery, that there were complications—” His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat, his grip on her hand tightening. “I thought I was gonna lose you, Y/N. I thought—”

“I know,” she whispered, her fingers brushing against his knuckles. “I know, Beau.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself. “I don’t ever wanna feel like that again.”

Y/N’s free hand lifted, cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing over the trimmed stubble along his jaw. “I’m here,” she murmured. “I’m okay. We’re okay.”

Beau leaned into her touch, pressing a kiss to her palm before looking down at Caleb, who was still sleeping peacefully against his mother. “And him?”

Y/N smiled weakly, her fingers ghosting over Caleb’s tiny back. “He’s early, but the doctors say he’s strong. He’s perfect.”

Beau exhaled slowly, his heart aching with love and gratitude. He traced a careful finger down Caleb’s tiny arm, marveling at how small he was. “He is,” Beau murmured. “Tough, just like his mama.”

Y/N let out a soft laugh, though it quickly turned into a wince. “Oof. Don’t make me laugh yet.”

Beau immediately frowned, his concern flaring. “Are you in pain? Should I get the nurse?”

She shook her head, squeezing his hand. “I’m okay, Beau. Just sore. I just need to rest.”

Beau nodded, his fingers tightening around hers. “Then you rest, darlin’. I’ve got you.”

Y/N closed her eyes briefly, her breathing steadying. Beau watched her for a long moment, then gently lifted Caleb from her chest, cradling him in his arms. The baby stirred slightly but remained asleep, his tiny lips parting as he nestled into Beau’s chest.

Beau swallowed past the lump in his throat as he held his son. The weight of him, the warmth—it grounded him. He pressed a soft kiss to Caleb’s forehead, his voice thick with emotion.

“You and your mama scared the hell outta me, little man,” he murmured. “But I swear to you, I’ll never let anything happen to either of you. You hear me? Never.”

Y/N watched him, her heart swelling as she saw the fierce love in Beau’s eyes. “You’re gonna be the best dad, Beau.”

He looked at her then, his green eyes soft and full of conviction. “I learned from the best,” he murmured. “From you.”

Y/N smiled sleepily, her body finally relaxing as she let herself drift into much-needed rest. Beau stayed where he was, rocking Caleb gently, his world finally settling into place.

The storm had passed. And now, all that was left was love, healing, and the life they were building together.

Beau pressed another kiss to his son’s forehead before whispering, “Welcome to the world, Caleb Arlen. You’ve got one hell of a family waitin’ for you.”

And for the first time in what felt like forever, everything was exactly as it should be.

Tag List: @spxideyver, @deadlymistletoe, @bitchykittenconnoisseur, @aarpfashionvictim, @stoneyggirl2

@foxyjwls007, @katastrophicmind, @globetrotter28, @deansimpalababy, @daisychaingirl

@nancymcl, @deans-baby-momma, @kickingitwithkirk, @kmc1989, @ozwriterchick

Want to be a part of this tag list or others? Comment here and I'll add you! And check out my other stories that are currently being written!

[botanicalsword]

Slow-burn love • Astro observations (Synastry / Composite)

Slow-burn love takes time to grow but deeply roots itself in the hearts and minds of couple.

Intimacy is not a sudden burst of energy, but rather a gradual flame that is nurtured through the cultivation of shared values, vulnerability, respect, and authenticity over time.

✧✧✧✧

This is just my personal take from what I've seen and been through. The compatibility depends on how the two aspects play off each other.

✧✧✧✧

Photo credit : @le.sinex

11H synastry • Venus in 11H

Sun in 4H, 11H synastry

Mars in 10H synastry

Pluto in 7H in composite

Stellium in Composite : 6H , 9H, 11H

Earth elements stellium

Capricorn placement in composite

Taurus placement in personal planet

Juno / Neptune aspect

Mars / Venus aspect

Mars / Uranus aspect

❥ Pluto in 7H in composite

The combination can create a secretive and captivating story.

Pluto represents secrets and mystery, as it holds the deepest aspects, the secret spaces, and the hidden motivations. When Pluto falls in the 7th House of a composite or synastry chart, it indicates that the relationship between two people has a naturally deep tone to it.

This yearns for depth, intensity, and serious exploration into all the ways of being in a long-term close partnership. Such a relationship seeks to resolve any and all wounds in the relationship and develop a truly interdependent relationship filled with wholeness for each person as well as the relationship itself.

Pluto in the 7th House can signify that the relationship is shrouded in secrecy and filled with hidden desires and motivations. This can create a sense of forbidden love, as the intense emotions and deep connections between the couple may be perceived as taboo by others. The slow burn of the relationship may also add to the tension, as the couple navigates the complex layers of their feelings for one another.

Ultimately, the relationship has the potential to be transformative, as the couple delves deep into the inner workings of themselves and their relationship to create a strong and lasting bond.

❥❥❥❥

❥ Capricorn placement in composite

The key aspects emphasized in this context are cooperation, results-driven approach, behavior awareness, inner values, and hard work. The focus is on cultivating a work environment where individuals work together towards achieving common goals and objectives. This requires a high level of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.

The relationship between colleagues is akin to that of work buddies, where they support each other in achieving their targets. If their aspects allowed, it will be a colleagues to lovers relationship.

They are expected to be aware of their behavior and its impact on others. They are encouraged to develop their inner values which are reflected in their actions and decisions. Hard work is highly valued and recognized as a key driver of success.

The foundation of a successful work buddy relationship is built on trust. This is established through promises made and commitments upheld. When they deliver on their promises and fulfill their commitments, they demonstrate their reliability and build trust with their colleagues. This, in turn, creates a positive relationship where they feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform at their best.

❥❥❥❥

❥ Taurus placement in personal planet

Taurus has a peaceful and harmonious influence from Venus, which reflects in their approach to love and relationships. Their love language is expressed through a serene and natural demeanor, where they quietly take care of their loved ones. They do not prefer extravagant displays of affection or grand romantic gestures, but instead, they show their love through practical actions and gestures.

Taurus is known for their refined taste and appreciation for quality over quantity. They prefer simple, yet sophisticated experiences that hold meaning and value, over superficial and lavish ones. They have an eye for beauty, whether it is in nature, music, or art. They are not drawn to luxury for the sake of it, but rather as a way to enhance their enjoyment of life.

Stability, security, and comfort are highly valued by Taurus in their relationships. They seek a partner who shares their values and is willing to forge a strong and long-lasting connection based on trust, respect, and authenticity.

•┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈•

Houses show areas of life impacted and aspects describe the effect and compatibility.

To determine if the connection will work, consider the full chart.

Masterlist @botanicalsword

[tarotwithdanise]

10 reasons why you should love yourself

༉ ‧ ₊ ˚ how to choose a pile? ✧ . ˚

꒰⠀from left to right ; intuitively choose the pile your mind, heart and soul desire for. if you are having trouble choosing the right pile for you, here’s some tips you can do ; (1) take a deep breath (2) close your eyes (3) ask guidance from your guides (4) finally open your eyes and you can choose the right pile for you by the guidance you ask from your guides. if you are still having trouble by choosing the right pile for you let me know because i am willing to help and guide you.

1 - 2 - 3

4 - 5 - 6

rules, disclaimer and notes ☆

1. Just a quick disclaimer : This reading was made for entertainment purposes only. this is obviously a general reading so takes what resonates and leave when it doesn’t, you don’t need to force your energy to read this and leave such a bad comment just to say it doesn’t resonates with you at all because the answer is very obvious! i don’t own any these pictures i collected them from pinterest so credits to the rightful owners.

2. Please ignore any grammatical errors on my reading since english is not my first language, thank you for understanding!

3. Third to the last one, if you are not an avid fan of this kind of readings and not totally 100% agree about the outcome of this pac please just ignore this post and don’t engaged anymore, this pac can contains harsh, hurtful comments about you or the other person that can trigger you if possible, so kindly read at your own risk and take how it’ll resonates.

4. Lastly, be happy and enjoy reading my works — feedbacks, comments, likes, reblogs and follows are really appreciated by the reader. (that’s me, lol :3)

for tips, donation, masterlist and paid readings ☆

TIPS JAR DONATION BOX

MASTERLIST PAID READING SERVICES

[ ♡ ] check out my second account @danisetarot.

SOURCE AND CREDITABLE : All of the pictures are collected and downloaded from pinterest , I don’t own any of them but credits goes to the rightful owners however edits and reading itself goes and belong to yours truly. I use the editor tools canva and ibispaint for the header and divider.

Pile one

You don't take bullsh*t from others.

Your opinion is way more matters for you rather than other people opinion of you now.

You are good at dancing.

You are highly connected to divine and spiritual realm.

You have a strong fighting spirit.

Cutting people off for you is like as if you were cutting a paper pad. Too easy.

You've got a brightest smile and pretty hands.

You prefer few friends rather than a bunch of friends who are just fake and plastic. Quality over quantity.

You always want to grow and learn from your mistakes.

You are brutally honest person.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile two

You are good with arts, crafting, sewing, music or painting.

You are unique, feels like a weirdo from everyone else. (aquarius?)

You prefer old fashion rather than to keep up with the trends.

You have a peaceful and positive mindset.

You have a nice thighs.

You are passionate and hardworking about your work.

You always stay focus at your project, seems like you are perfectionist individual.

You are a great listener and advisor, probably someone who is there for everyone. A friend that can rely on with.

You are good at reading and observing people.

You are quite person but d*adly scary.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile three

You love taking care of yourself, you prepare for your daily healthy foods and keep yourself hydrated everytime.

You are good at guiding other's, someone who can be a teacher, tarot reader or a leader itself.

You have a high respect for people especially for your parents.

Many people love you online or in real life.

You are grateful that God give and provide your everyday life. You are thankful that God has given you another chance to live again, to prove and improve yourself.

You love the sound of rain while reading your favorite book.

You like reading newspapers even though through online sites and watching documentaries.

The fears you are fearing before, you can deal with them now.

You are creative human, there's something new up and something incredible happening to your mind 24/7.

You finally learn how to say ‘no’ with those things and someone that you think won't serve you. You rather be hated for who you truly are rather than to be someone else who faked everything.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile four

You are soft-hearted individual.

You have a sexy body.

You have this mindset - it's okay to cry then start to fight again for tomorrow and for your future.

You are determined and doesn't give up easily.

You know how to pampered yourself when you have money.

Even though you doesn't seems see yourself as a good leader atleast you always perceived yourself as great team player.

You know how to handle and organize your own time and things.

You think your ship doesn't yet come to the shore and so, you knew there's a lot of lessons for you to uncover in this lifetime.

You are someone who know themselves well, someone who knew that they have strengths, weakness, positive and negative traits about themselves. In short, you accept your own flaws.

You have a strong faith.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

Pile five

You are lucky and grateful about your life and about yourself.

You are kind to yourself and to others.

You are lovable individual, partner, son/daughter and best friend.

Type of person is not easy to get fooled and scammed.

You know how to discipline yourself about something or someone.

You can deal with your personal issues alone without the help of others. Maybe sometimes when you badly needed it.

You have this quote ‘loving yourself first before loving others’.

You know how to have fun and you know how to joke around with other people. You have a jolly and positive energy.

You have a perfect eyebrows?like even though you don't casually wear brows pencil.

You only have you in this world and you have your family.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

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Pile six

You have unpredictable nature, that may lots of people wonder what were you thinking.

You are very secretive and mysterious individual.

You look good in every outfits and styles you wear.

You know how to forgive and forget others. But you don't give chances.

You have a great story and will, to share with people.

You have a beautiful and graceful ; soul, body and mind.

You know how to celebrate your own victory. You are happy in small things.

You are generous individual.

You usually have a good music and artist taste.

You know how to defend yourself in a bad situation.

Thank you so much for reading, let me know your thoughts, feedbacks as well tipping and reblogs is well appreciated !! ♡

࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚ 𝓞 ops you already reached the end. ࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚࿙‌֒࿚

© daninixx ── all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, alter, or repost my work.

[astrojulia]

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5th house through the signs

ARIES: You enjoy discovering new games and taking on innovative tasks, and you often take the initiative to try them out on your own. Your creativity is a major strength, allowing you to live in the present moment, even if your impulsiveness occasionally results in less-than-ideal outcomes. As a child, you were highly active and athletic, and that passion for movement and challenge continues into adulthood. You encourage your children to make the most of life and seize every opportunity, instilling them with bravery, strength, and competitiveness since they are highly influenced by Mars or Aries. When it comes to romance, you tend to be confident and forward, often taking the lead in flirting. The pursuit of someone you're interested in can be thrilling, but you may find that once the challenge is over, the attraction fades. You have a busy social life and a strong desire to enjoy life's finer things. You may have a competitive streak when it comes to spending time with family and friends, engaging in playful games and roughhousing. Many individuals will be drawn to you because of your strong physical appearance and powerful physical appeal.

TAURUS: You have an excellent eye for beauty and enjoy indulging in physical activities that bring you joy. Singing is one of your favorite pastimes, and you take your time to create and appreciate the finer things in life. Your childhood may have been filled with moments of relaxation and indulgence, leading you to prefer taking things slow when engaging in creative pursuits. Your nurturing nature comes to the fore when around children, and you may have high expectations of your own offspring, balanced with a kind and caring demeanor. You have a natural sensuality that attracts others to you effortlessly. Your steady and deliberate nature, has a magnetic effect that activates hormones in others. Although you may initially be drawn to a luxurious lifestyle, you may find yourself seeking new experiences once the initial excitement wears off. Your pleasant personality and positive outlook make you a popular presence in social settings. You are recognized for your artistic talents and creativity, earning admiration from peers who share your interests.

GEMINI: You have a curious and analytical mind, always seeking out new challenges and games to keep you sharp. When it comes to matters of the heart, you value communication and discovery, enjoying the process of forming intimate bonds with others. Your social life is lively and exciting, and people are drawn to your carefree and easygoing nature. You have a knack for logical and clear thinking, although emotional needs are not your top priority. It seems that a small family or no children may be in your future, but that doesn't stop you from finding success in various areas, such as stocks, bonds, newspapers, computer networks, and software. You have an appreciation for beauty and enjoy engaging your senses through hobbies and activities. In your free time, you like to unwind and take it easy. In a romantic relationship, you seek affection and a deep connection with someone who cares for you. While you may enjoy spoiling your loved ones with material possessions, you understand the importance of connecting on a personal level, especially with children who may have different personalities from yours.

CANCER: You have a huge heart for children and always want to ensure their safety and well-being. You prefer to approach things in a gentle and smooth manner rather than being rough or aggressive. Cooking and other creative hobbies bring you joy and allow your natural creativity to shine through. When you follow your instincts, you feel alive and truly present in the moment - trust your gut, it won't lead you astray! As a child, you may have been particularly sensitive and emotional, and sometimes felt like you were targeted because of it. But now, as an adult, you're fiercely protective of children and want to make sure they never have to experience any harm or hurt. If you have children, they may have Cancer placements or a strong Moon position, making them deep, intuitive, and reassuring. When you fall in love, you tend to be a bit shy at first because your feelings are so intense right off the bat. Your romantic interest will make you feel safe and protected, which makes you all the more attractive to others. When it comes to intimacy, you're open and passionate, and things can heat up pretty quickly! You have a strong emotional nature and are very attuned to the feelings of those around you. You take love seriously and can be hurt easily by insensitive people. Although you enjoy being social, you tend to keep your distance from casual affairs as you value deep connections with others.

LEO: You're someone who loves to have fun and enjoy life, especially when it comes to romance. You're playful and full of innovative ideas, which makes you a naturally gifted artist. You're highly expressive and entertaining, and you exude confidence in everything you do. As a child, you loved being in the spotlight, but you also know when it's important to step back and let others shine. You enjoy being around children and you love giving them opportunities to showcase their talents. When it comes to sexuality, you're not only confident, but a bit cocky too, since you know that anyone you find attractive likely feels the same way about you. But you're drawn to people who value trust just as much as you do. Although your heart flutters at the thought of love, you also know that sometimes the party has to come to an end. You have a large and diverse social circle, and you know how to turn any situation into a celebration. You're often flirtatious, but it's your proud and devoted attitude that attracts the opposite sex. In romance, you take a commanding position and are tenacious in pursuing your dreams. You also have a natural affinity for children and enjoy incorporating them into your life.

VIRGO: You’re the type who takes the time to plan everything before diving into games or pastimes. You also have a natural talent for troubleshooting and can be both impulsive and analytical. Plus, your creativity really shines when you're organizing things and planning exciting activities. As a child, you were probably quite a witty kid who loved to correct adults, and now as an adult, you're passionate about teaching children critical thinking skills. It's so cool that your children will likely share some of your unique qualities and provide you with valuable insights. When it comes to your relationships with others, you're a sensitive and humble person, especially when giving constructive criticism. Your humility is such a valuable asset, even if you don't always realize it. It's clear that you prioritize intellect over everything else, which can sometimes come across as analytical when it comes to relationships. Although you have a diverse group of friends, you're not one to follow the crowd to parties or social events. In matters of the heart, you tend to take a practical approach at first, but as things progress, you may develop a desire for something deeper. It's totally understandable that you have your own beliefs about how a relationship should unfold and that you apply them to your interactions with others. Overall, you're an analytical and meticulous person who values order and intellectual pursuits, and that's really something to be proud of!

LIBRA: Your creativity shines brightest when you're with someone, usually your sweetheart. As a teenager, you started exploring the realms of love, with your heart beating faster than other kids. You were always on the lookout for new crushes, seeking that fresh "love apple," and you had a flirtatious nature. Nowadays, you encourage youngsters to be considerate, polite, and to present themselves well. Your own children are likely to inherit your flirty and charming qualities if they have Libra planets or a strong Venus influence. You've mastered the art of flirting while maintaining class and expressing your interest. Candlelit dinners, romantic movies, music, and drinks all contribute to making romance feel truly special. But what happens when the initial charm and politeness wear off? You naturally gravitate towards a diverse range of people and thrive in their company. Your social circle is always buzzing with acquaintances, and you have a strong desire to form connections with them. These connections may lead to marriage, partnerships, contracts, or other forms of commitment. Your popularity makes you the life of the party, and your warmth and friendship attract a lot of attention. You have a creative flair and a keen sense of color and organization. Anything from flowers to interior design is right up your alley.

SCORPIO: You're captivated by artistic pursuits and enjoy engaging in high-stakes creative endeavors. Your creative moments have an enigmatic and hidden quality to them. Even as a child, you weren't always upfront and open about your plans. There were secret layers to you that only the adults around you were aware of. As an adult, you have a keen sense of children's hidden emotions and motivations. If you have children, their energy is likely influenced by Scorpio or Pluto. They possess a mysterious and sometimes even intimidating quality, as if they can see right through you. When you have an emotional interest in someone, you tend to keep it under wraps. The air of mystery is highly appealing to you, and you find yourself particularly drawn to Scorpio types. You dive into relationships headfirst, making things intense and heated right from the start. However, you may feel the need to come to your senses at times. Your social life and connections hold great importance to you, and you take them seriously. You tend to be attracted to physically attractive individuals, and your emotional nature easily gets stirred into action. The desire for a family and children can lead to a strong longing to find the right partner.

SAGITTARIUS: When it comes to recreation and sports, you prefer wide open spaces. You have a natural talent for teaching, especially when it comes to children. You believe that creativity involves exploring multiple options, and the joy of actively discovering new things resonates with you. As a child, you were restless and full of energy, too larger than life to be contained. This affinity with children allows you to encourage their independence and let them experience the freedom to explore. You want your own children to have the opportunity to travel the world! If you have children, their free-spirited nature will likely be influenced by Sagittarius or Jupiter, making them adventurous companions on your journeys. You're attracted to people who promise to whisk you away from mundane existence into something more exciting. This is why you find Sagittarius-ruled individuals so appealing; they share your thirst for adventure. Your passion thrives as long as things remain fun and larger than life. However, you may feel compelled to embark on a new adventure, even in the realm of dating. Your upbeat and lively demeanor makes you popular among friends and family, and you enjoy being the center of attention at parties and social gatherings. In matters of love, you may sometimes come across as overconfident, but your generosity and good nature make up for any lack of seriousness or commitment.

CAPRICORN: You know how to have fun responsibly. You enjoy planning events and coordinating activities for others. You might have a natural talent for coming up with innovative business ideas. Hard work fuels your creativity. Every moment is like a goal for you, and you fully immerse yourself in it, dedicating your energy to it. As a child, you probably acted more like an adult than a typical kid. You felt a sense of duty and always pushed yourself to work hard and complete tasks. Sometimes, you can be a bit tough with the little ones, but it's only because you want to motivate them to achieve their goals. If you have children, they'll likely have the traits of Capricorn or Saturn—mature and responsible, just like your inner child. You're drawn to someone who embodies true leadership qualities. They, or perhaps even you, are in charge of their own destiny. When it comes to romance, you like to keep things sensible and structured at first. But over time, that might lose its charm, and you or your partner might end up feeling "fired." Within your social circle, you're a loyal and trustworthy friend. With patience and care, your realistic attitude and trustworthiness help you build strong relationships with your partners and friends. You have a tendency to keep your emotions in check, which others may perceive as being a bit cold or insensitive.When it comes to romance, you're attracted to someone who exudes true leadership qualities. You admire those who take charge of their own lives. At the beginning of a relationship, you prefer things to be practical and structured. However, as time goes on, the initial appeal may fade, and either you or your partner might feel the need to move on. Within your social circle, you're known for being loyal and reliable, someone people can trust.

AQUARIUS: You've got a knack for using play as a way to express your unique personality. You love engaging in fresh and fascinating activities. For you, living in the moment means embracing your individuality and daring to be different. Your creative talents are wild and quirky, and you couldn't care less about what others think. As a child, you were anything but ordinary—unconventional, independent, and even rebellious. That's why you relate to kids in such an open manner, encouraging them to think for themselves and embrace their uniqueness. And if your children have strong Aquarius or Uranus influences, they'll be marching to the beat of their own drum. To you, craziness and sensuality go hand in hand. You want to turn their world upside down by introducing them to things they've never heard of or done before, and vice versa. But here's the thing: this wild, rebellious abandon might not be exactly what you need to commit to in the long run when it comes to your own life. In your social circle, you have a wide network of friends and acquaintances, many of whom have a scientific background or are involved in progressive activities. Companionship brings you comfort and enjoyment, as long as your originality remains a defining characteristic. And guess what? You have no trouble entertaining yourself either. Your idealistic yet unconventional approach to love and romance attracts peculiar and fascinating individuals. You're not interested in the ordinary or mundane when it comes to matters of the heart. Instead, you seek connections that challenge the norms and spark your imagination. Your relationships might be filled with unexpected twists and turns, but that's exactly what keeps things exciting for you. Love becomes an adventure, where you embrace the unconventional and explore uncharted territories of the heart.

PISCES: You've got some serious artistic talent and a knack for being inventive. Whether it's music, dance, painting, or theater, engaging in any of these activities helps you relax and unwind. Your creativity is off the charts, but it doesn't always translate to the practical world. When you're in the moment, it's hard for you to put it into words because you're fully immersed in it. As a child, you had a vivid imagination and a sensitive conscience. You've always been attuned to the struggles of others, which makes you incredibly compassionate and altruistic, especially when it comes to children. But hey, be careful not to give too much of yourself away! If you have children, they might inherit some Pisces or Neptune qualities, making them free-spirited beings in your grand plan. You might find yourself confused about who you find attractive or why you find them attractive. The initial stages of romance can feel like a dream as you both enter your own little world. However, since the magic of romance can't last forever, you may experience disappointment and disillusionment when it comes to dating. You're a true romantic at heart, and falling in love happens all too easily for you. Your emotions can be overpowering and sometimes lead you astray from making the best decisions. You prefer intimate relationships over group activities, and you tend to attract sensitive and caring individuals. As you venture deeper into the cave of love, trust your instincts.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[timetravellingkitty]

Mulan 2020 sucks lol

Written and edited by yours truly

So, Mulan 2020 happened. And I am disappointed. Seriously disappointed. It is utter garbage. I would genuinely prefer it if I watched Mulan II 5 times in a row, and that's saying something.

There is so much to talk about because this has so many issues. I don't think my brain can handle a movie as bad as this for some time. It is a disgrace to the original animated movie.

(Who cares about spoilers?)

And yes, I can and I will compare it to the original movie because it is a remake. It is totally valid to see where this fell flat and where the original succeeded. I'm not saying it has to be like the original cartoon, that is stupid. As I mentioned, it's to highlight the failures of this movie.

Besides, even if we forget the fact that it is a remake, this movie is still horrible.

INTRODUCTION

Mulan 1998 is a classic. It has great visuals, an awesome soundtrack, wonderful and compelling characters, a great message and a cool plot. It's just a great movie in general. It is an adaptation of The Ballad of Mulan, a Chinese legend. Both the legend and the animated movie are about a young girl named Mulan who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army to fight back against an invasion.

As big of a success Mulan was, Chinese audiences thought some things were weird. For instance, having a dragon be a comic relief character, given that dragons are highly respected in Chinese culture. So of course, Disney decided to try another shot, claiming that they wanted to be more culturally sensitive, accurate and closer to the original ballad.

Mulan 2020 is a remake of the original animated movie, and was marketed to be more "accurate to Chinese culture and the Ballad". This claim is, of course, false, because they failed in that aspect. Say what you will about the cultural inaccuracies in Mulan 1998, but at least it was a great movie. Besides, Mulan 1998 didn't pride or market itself on being culturally accurate, the way Mulan 2020 did, so there's that.

CHANGES

I don't mind some changes. And honestly, if there's one thing I appreciate, it's that it isn't a carbon copy of the original (looking at you The Lion King 2019).

Li Shang's character is divided into two characters: Commander Tung and Mulan's love interest Honghui, apparently in light of the Me-Too movement. This is a dumb reason. Disney wasn't comfortable with a superior having a relationship with a subordinate? The hell? The romance between Shang and Mulan was only insinuated at the end, when Mulan wasn't even a part of the army anymore, so there's that. Also, Mulan gave her consent, so I don't know what they’re talking about.

Mushu isn't present in the movie. I can see why though. He contributed quite a bit to the soul of the animated version but a CGI dragon would be very distracting. Also, the director said that removed him to achieve a more realistic tone.

Grandma? No grandma. Mulan has a sister though, who only exists to mess stuff up.

The Huns are replaced with the Rourans and Shan Yu is replaced with Bori Khan.

Mushu is replaced with a phoenix, who acts as an emissary for the ancestors

There are no songs, except in the end credits, which isn't a bad thing. The instrumentals of the songs in the animated one play during some scenes (I'll talk about the music, don’t worry)

CHARACTERS

The characters in this movie are so boring. Our lead character Mulan lacks the charisma her animated counterpart had. She's utterly bland, uninteresting and poorly written. In the original, she knew she wasn't physically strong and that she couldn't solve her problems with her strength, so she used her intelligence and wit. She excelled by working hard and being strong willed and determined. This Mulan is a well rounded character.

Mulan in the live action is given Chi powers (Chi is a big part of Chinese medicine, in case you didn't know). Honestly, I wouldn't be as mad at Mulan being given superpowers, had they actually done this properly! Chi isn't like midichlorians, it's something that flows through everyone. Mulan is naturally born with dumb superpowers and has to hide them because as her dad says, " Chi is for warriors, not for daughters”. There is a problem:

It has been mentioned many times that Mulan needs to hide her superpowers otherwise she will be shunned and ostracised. Then why doesn't she get more repercussions everytime she uses her powers? The worst thing that happens is little Mulan getting looks of disgust when she uses them. On other occasions, when she is now a part of the army, she uses her powers in training and she doesn't get any backlash? What the hell?? Then why even bother in the first place?

The only way for this narrative to work is if Mulan got more repercussions for using her powers.

If I were to make the line "Chi is for warriors, not daughters," work, I would make it go something like this:

*At the end of the movie when Mulan comes home*

Dad: Didn't I tell you that Chi is for warriors, not daughters?

Mulan: "I am a daughter, but I'm a warrior too."

(Yes, I know this is similar to a scene in Avatar: The Last Airbender, but this would be better, tbh. Also, watch Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Let me compare the training montages from both movies.

In the animated one, there is an absolutely AWESOME montage of Mulan training side by side with her companions, slowly gaining their trust. She climbs the pillar with both medallions by using her wit, not by brute force. This Mulan worked hard. Besides, the fact that "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" plays over this is the only thing that makes it better (banger song, thank you Donny Osmond)

In the live-action, Mulan is supposed to lift up buckets and climb on top of a mountain. There are also other training scenes, but those aren't very important. In these scenes, she succeeds with the power of CHI. WHY? Mulan here just achieves her goal because she is oh so special. She didn't work to achieve her goal at all, because she is perfect. No struggling or development here at all.

Mulan in the animated version was more concerned about saving her father. Mulan in the 2020 version is a dumb patriot who can't even do patriotism right ("I know my place. It is my duty to fight for the kingdom and protect the Emperor") How very empowering.

In short, live-action Mulan can do no wrong. She has no flaws, no personality and no charm. Everything comes to her pretty easily, because MAGIC.

Li Shang's role in the live-action is divided between Commander Tung and Mulan's love interest Honghui, as mentioned before. Both of these characters are flat, dumb and boring. Tung exists to tell Mulan to cultivate her Chi and to train these idiots (and to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to her, unaware that Mulan isn’t actually a guy, but eh). Honghui is there to be a stupid love interest, who gives us an “I am Spartacus” moment.

The witch is by far the most interesting character. She actually has more than one side to her, has SOME kind of depth and you can even feel sorry for her. She is supposed to serve as a foil to Mulan, given that both have similar powers. In case you've forgotten (which is something I wouldn't blame you for), she's an outcast who's now working with Bori Khan. Why is she an outcast? Because of her Chi. The witch has said many times that she could kill Bori Khan in a snap, then why doesn't she kill him? Because she needs acceptance? What the hell? She decides to pull out the whole "We're the same, you and I," stupidity to Mulan, and I can see that. It's just that the writers just didn't put much thought into it. “It’s too late for me” because you saw a woman leading an army of men? Also, why does she warn Mulan that Bori Khan is coming? Unless she's playing both sides, except her motivations aren't made clear enough for this to make sense. Finally, she dies for the dumbest reason. God, it just makes me so mad. She had so much potential, but no. They just had to mess her up.

Bori Khan? MORE LIKE BORING KHAN. Not much is there. His animated counterpart Shan Yu was scary and contributed to some of the darkest moments in the movie. This guy over here is just...nothing. That's all I have to say.

Mulan's sister is only there to mess up the meeting with the Matchmaker. What a stupid change. First off in the animated version, it's Mulan who messed up, because she isn't perfect. She fails at being stereotypically feminine AND masculine, but in the live-action, she literally pulls off a Spiderman cafeteria scene, and the blame is put on the sister. In the animated movie, this scene is groundwork for Mulan wanting to prove herself and going on a hero's journey, providing depth to her character, but in the live-action, she's perfect. What is the point? (I know this section was supposed to be about the sister, but eh). The sister doesn't provide anything else to the movie, so thanks! I hate it. Moral of the story: Girls can do anything boys can, as long as they have superpowers. If you are born special like Mulan, you can be respected, whereas if you are like the sister, you have no significance and in the end, you can just fit in and be irrelevant. Congratulations!

The live action group of guys Mulan met and befriended in the army lack the charm and comedic timing of their animated counterparts. That’s it. Seriously. I have nothing more to say about them, because they don't really have anything going on. I don't even know why they are included, because their contribution is nil, save for them blandly speaking lines from the animated version’s songs ("I don't care what she looks like, I care what she cooks like"), which is seriously cringe.

The dad is there to tell Mulan that Chi is for warriors. A shame, because I really liked the dad in the movie. He was a source of wisdom for Mulan, whose greatest honour was having her for a daughter. In the live-action, he just takes the sword that Mulan is given at the end of the movie. The mom is meh.

The emperor is also meh. At least he was wise and cool in the animated version, but here he just does bed sheet kung-fu.

Did I mention that the dynamics between the characters are unnatural, forced, awkward in a bad way and in no way indicates any chemistry between them? Oh yeah, I didn’t, until now. They don’t establish much when it comes to emotion.

Simply put, Khan (Mulan’s horse in the animated version) had more personality than all of these characters combined

PERFORMANCES

Liu Yifei as Mulan was a pretty terrible choice. She is just a block of wood, who has absolutely no range, and this isn't because of the writing. She is genuinely bad, and is regarded as one of China’s worst actors (I kid you not). She just can’t emote.

Jet Li as the emperor is meh. But hey, he doesn’t have much to do, so eh.

Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan is fine. He doesn’t suck, but he lacks the command and authority of a character who is supposed to be intimidating, but I guess it has something to do with the writing of his character.

Donnie Yen is a martial art legend, but unfortunately, he doesn't have much range as an actor.

The best performance of this movie is that of Gong Li, who played the witch. Honestly, she is charismatic, charming and has an idea of what she is doing.

To save everyone’s time, simply put: most of the performances are bland and mediocre. Partly due to bad writing and partly due to most of the actors not being, well, good at acting.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ACCURACY

So Disney went all “we like cultural and historical accuracy”, which is nice. For example, the Huns are replaced by the Rourans, a real tribe in China around the time Mulan was supposed to be alive. They also removed the hair cutting scene, because as iconic and awesome as it is, it doesn’t make sense. Chinese men wore their hair long too. You know what? I like these kinds of changes. I appreciate accuracy. If only Disney didn’t pride themselves on their accuracy when they got almost everything else wrong (They somehow got Mulan's house wrong lol). I don't know jackshit about Chinese culture so just go watch that Xiran Jay Zhao video it's very swag

THE BALLAD OF MULAN

In a surprising turn of events, this isn't accurate to the Ballad, like they had marketed it to be (I know, I’m shocked too). In a reference to the Ballad, Mulan is riding a horse and she sees two rabbits running side by side. She goes home and tells her family that she saw 2 rabbits, and she thinks that one was male and the other female, but she wasn't sure. This just misses the entire point of the Ballad.

Long story short, Mulan in the Ballad is actually a seamstress. She joined the army in her father's place. She defeats the barbarians and goes on a ten year long campaign with her friends, after which they meet the Son of Heaven (a sacred imperial title of a Chinese emperor). He offers her a high ranking position, which she refuses, because she just wants to go home. She returns home and her family welcomes her. Sometime later, her friends come to visit her, and they find out that she is actually a woman. The friends are shocked because she has been in the army for 12 years and in those 12 years, they didn't even realise that she was a woman.

Mulan then replies:

The male hare's feet hop and skip

The female hare's are muddled and fuddled

But when two hares are running side by side

How can you tell the male from the female?

Which is where the poem ends.

So, Mulan just going on, judging those rabbits like that makes absolutely no sense. The Ballad is about how no matter how different men and women look, when they live and fight amongst each other, who gives a damn about the differences? You know what would have made sense though? If Mulan got off her horse, went close to the rabbits, examined them, and then made the conclusion that one is male and the other is female. This would actually be sticking to the message of the Ballad. Also, why do they make it ambiguous as to whether she accepts the high ranking position? I assume for a sequel (yes, God save my soul). Here we can see another example of its impeccable accuracy to the Ballad.

THIS ISN'T EMOTIONAL AT ALL

Everything that made the original film good has been stripped away. Every moment that is meant to be emotional is very dull. For example, the scene where Mulan makes the decision to take her father's place in the army is supposed to be a very powerful scene. Mulan is risking it all just so her dad can be safe. She might be killed if discovered, and her family would be dishonoured.

When Mulan comes back from the Matchmaker, she has a moment of reflection while singing "Reflection". This is the beginning of her personal journey, discovering who she is. In this, after Mulan comes back from the Matchmaker, she doesn't have a moment of reflection. The army immediately shows up. Am I really supposed to believe that Mulan feels bad about this? That Mulan is really struggling?

When Mulan’s friends are singing, it suddenly shifts to the striking scene of the burnt village. This, in my opinion, is the best use of tonal whiplash. From this point on, things are getting serious, and the emotional weight of this tragedy is felt. In this, they just randomly show up at the village.​​ There is no seriousness (stop trying to tell me this movie is adult, mature and serious, it just looks like that on the surface).

Their attempts at being emotional are poor and unconvincing, and ultimately, the end product is an emotionless, soulless, depthless entity.

THE MUSIC

The director mentioned in an interview that she didn’t add songs into the movie because it is “unrealistic to break into song when you're in war”, and I don't think I’ve heard anything more false (apart from the concept of a flat Earth). Even I, who isn't going into war anytime soon, know this is false. They instead inserted instrumentals from the original film. Except, it's very weirdly placed. The instrumental for Reflection is placed when Mulan is fighting the Rourans after she reveals herself to be a woman. Like, there isn't any context. In the end credits, they had the original song "Loyal, Brave and True" sung by Christina Aguilera, which was nice. I don't really have much to say in regards to the music. The music is overall forgettable.

THE ACTION

The action may seem weird, but this kind of martial arts is a part of the Wuxia genre, which is what they were going for. Well, they failed. The choreography is bad, the CGI is bad, EVERYTHING is bad. Honestly, if you want a good Wuxia movie, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon exists. The action is here stupid and stiff.

OTHER DUMB STUFF

Why does Mulan take her armour off before going into battle? That is just stupid. Can't you just take the bindings off? Also, WHY OPEN YOUR HAIR-

Mulan really likes kicking spears (and pointy stuff in general). Seriously. It’s weird.

The CGI is okay I guess, I don't know. The phoenix in some scenes looks pink to me. There are some pretty visuals though.

It is very obvious that there is a green screen used in the scene where Mulan and her friends find the burnt village. And it looks bad. Pretty ugly. It looks bad. The green screen looks bad.

The war strategy is just weird. I can't really say anything about it in text form because how am i supposed to describe it, help- (she literally teleported behind the bad guys in the avalanche scene-).

I like how the animated film, which had a dragon as a comic relief and other silly stuff, is more mature than this.

For what joy does Mulan get another sword from the army? Also, shame the dad is all “oh look at the values written on the sword, they are honourable” even though in the original the greatest honour was having her for a daughter.

How was Mulan even able to tell the gender of the rabbits?

Why not just try to send a warning to the Emperor that the Rourans are coming to get him?

Why does Commander Tung let Mulan lead them-

I AM SO DONE

Well, I think I have said everything I wanted to about this movie. I know I havent talked about its controversies but honestly, I am done. I am so done with this. This document took 5-6 months of my life. I am kind of proud of this, and there isn't much I have done to be proud of. I did procrastinate on this a bit, and I had stuff going on, but finally, I am done. In the future, if I remember something, I'll add it here, but I think that is unlikely. I never want to watch or even go near Mulan 2020 again. It's horrible, and there is barely anything redeemable. I hate it here. It’s been reported that a sequel is in development. If it’s true, of course I’ll watch it, how else am I supposed to validate my self hate? I am also, of course, the resident “friend who suffers for everyone else’s entertainment”. If you want a live action remake of Mulan, Mulan: Rise of a Warrior exists. Go watch it, it’s free on YouTube with subtitles. I really liked it.

If you’ve somehow made it this far, thanks for reading. I congratulate you for putting up with whatever this is. I would also like to take a moment to congratulate myself for actually committing to this. It was painful yet fun to complain about this to the best of my ability. If anyone wants to add anything to this, feel free to do so. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m out. I have lost my faith in humanity, and I have other things to complain about.

[notsoattractivearenti]

My Player of The Month (Christian Pulisic x Reader)

WC: 900+

Warning/Tags: fluff

A/N: hellooooo i'm back for a bit!!! pls consider this as a way to say sorry i haven't finished my holiday fics lol. i had a lot of free time at work today and before i knew it i'd written a fic on the paper – full page front and half on the back! btw hope you guys enjoy and i’d love to hear your thoughts thru ask/reply/reblog 💗 apologies for any errors since it's not proofread! feedbacks are highly appreciated 🤍 (Y/F/N = Your Full Name)

—

Christian was just announced as December's Serie A Player of The Month, and after the  home match versus AS Roma, he was pulled to the side of the pitch for a post-match interview. The reporter who interviewed him started with congratulating him for the award then asked him a few questions. One of the questions was what inspired him to do very well on the pitch, especially last month – since he got the POTM title – and before he revealed his inspiration, he looked at Y/N, who was standing a little further on the side, and bit his lip for a short while before his lips formed a wide grin he thought was unnoticeable.

“Umm… My life partner, Y/N. They really motivated me and will always do in the best ways they can and so, whenever I do well on the pitch, they will always get all the credits.” Christian proudly answered.

“I’m better as a player on the pitch and a person off the pitch because of them.” He added without letting Y/N leave his sight.

Y/N heard what Christian said and immediately blushed, then shyly waved their hand off their face trying to deny his ‘claim’. Christian noticed them and giggled.

“Look at them,” as he shamelessly pointed at embarrassed Y/N, “they’re trying to deny it but they know I said nothing but facts!” He laughed. “They get me going, always.”

The reporter let out an “Awww!” so loudly because he was loving the admiration Christian has towards Y/N – not only that, the genuine supportiveness between Y/N and Christian felt like one of a kind, like the world truly revolves around them.

“It feels like it’s Christian Pulisic and Y/F/N’s world and we’re all just living in it!” The reporter laughed.

He then offered to bring Y/N in to join the interview. “Would you bring them here to talk with us?” 

Usually, Y/N and Christian don’t really like to show their relationship off and try to do less PDA (public display of affection) just because they both prefer to keep things between themselves. But this time, Christian decided to show Y/N to the world, so he agreed to bring them in and called Y/N by whistling at them, then signaled Y/N to come join the interview with his hands. Y/N refused at first, so Christian excused himself and came towards them to pick them up himself.

“Come on baby, don’t need to be shy.” He gently whispered while stroking Y/N's shoulder to calm and convince them.

Y/N was nervous because they were not used to being in front of a camera, but at the time, suddenly Y/N felt a change of heart and could no longer refuse Christian.

“Uh… Alright, lead the way…” Y/N reluctantly agreed.

Christian grabbed Y/N’s hand and took them back to the interview spot.

Once Y/N got there and stood in front of the camera, the reporter excitedly greeted them. They weren’t comfortable at first, but with one of Christian’s hands holding theirs and the other hand gently stroking their upper arm, they felt more at ease.

“So, Y/N, how do you feel with Christian winning December’s Player of the Month and credited you as his biggest inspiration?” The reporter asked Y/N.

“Well, I wouldn’t take the credit because I know this guy has worked his butt off the entire time since he joined the club,” they stated, “so all I can say is that with his own hard work and determination that I have the privilege to witness, he’s purely earned the ‘Player of the Month’ title on his own.”

This time, Christian was the one who was blushing like crazy – he was utterly unaware and completely speechless!

“How proud can you say you are of him?” The reporter threw another question at Y/N.

“Oh, proud is an understatement!” Y/N exclaimed.

“I think at this point he is sick of hearing how proud I am of him.” Y/N laughed as they playfully pinched Christian’s cheek .

“But I will never get tired of saying it and will always mean every word.” Y/N continued as they gazed into his eyes.

Everyone who was watching could tell how swoon Christian was – his face couldn’t hide anything at this point.

“See? I do have the best partner in life.” Christian added a little comment as he kissed Y/N’s forehead.

“Oh I can feel my heart melting!” The reporter commented before he closed the interview. “Congratulations once again, Christian, and have a wonderful time celebrating you two!” 

“Thanks for having us!” Christian said while he shook the reporter’s hand before leaving the pitch with you.

As you both walked out the pitch, he whispered at you, “What an answer you had, baby…”

“I know right!? And I don’t even need any media training!” Y/N replied as they jokingly stuck their tongue out at Christian.

“Yeah okay, no need to brag…” Christian shook his head while his hand caressed the top of Y/N’s head.

“By the way, I’ll never get tired of hearing how much you’re proud of me.” He added.

“I know,” Y/N nodded, “because to me, you will always be my player of the month.”

Christian smiled, then leaned in to give a quick yet loving kiss on Y/N’s lips.

—

taglist: @pulisicsgirl @neverinadream @swimmingismywholelife @chilwellspulisic @brasiliangp @lovelynikol16 @thoseboysinblue @lizzypotter14 @masonsrem @landoslover

[riddle-me-fear]

Hello to the both of you! I've got two questions.

So I'm currently in honors/AP classes, A's all around, but it's starting to seem pointless since I feel I don't get any recognition, reward, benefit, etc. Any advice?

This one is directed towards Crane, but Nygma is also free to respond. I'm going to be taking psychology next year. Again, any advice?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Oh honors' are such bullshit.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

How so?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Ya kiddin' me? Work ma ass off fo' harder classes, tha' take up much mo' o' ma time, no credits, zero benefit, jus' so I got da word "honor" printed on a piece o' paper? I'm goo', thanks. So stupid...

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Why, I think there are several benefits to taking honor classes. For one, the classes are slightly more challenging, well, depending on which ones you take, at least. Then you can boast about being an honor student and better than all of the "regular" students. But most of all, it pays off in the end.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Ahah, lemme guess. You were an honor student.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Of course I was. Only the best, to impress daddy dearest, even if it was never enough. And, being an honor student was what got me into university, or college, as they say outside of Gotham.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Pff, I got in anyway, so I still don' see how it's of any use.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

BUT! You get in easier. Universities love to take only the best of the best, and being an honor student is your ticket right in.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Tha' highly depends which one ya go to, an' trust me, most of 'em don't give a shit. Also, wha' if they don' even wanna go to university, or college, or whatevah?

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Oh yeah, no, then it's absolutely useless.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Mah point.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Aaas for AP classes, they are indeed useful, because you can earn college credits from them. Potentially, if you're good enough, which, with A's all around as you said, you are. They also prepare you for what college will be like, and, let's not forget, AP classes give you more GPA than regular classes.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Oh, yeah, those're naht bad. If goin' ta college is what ya aim fo'.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Glad we finally agree on something. And on the topic of psychology class - Jonathan? Any advice to give from your years of experience?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Don' fire a gun in da classroom.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Some would call that common sense, Jon. Which you clearly don't have.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Yeah, generally I don' think I'd uuh... be the best choice fo' advice 'ere. Ya damn well kno' what I think o' dem stupid classes. Damn waste a' time.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Hhh, yes, Jon, we know taking a whiff of your fear gas would be much more efficient than studying.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

It would! I mean, wha' good 'as tha so-called education system dun fer ya, Ed?

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Primary school to high school? Nothing. University? Everything. But it is what comes after, that is more problematic. But you can't argue against the gathering of knowledge, can you, Jonathan?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Can read all tha' in a book.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Ughh you are truly insufferable. You used to teach psychology, don't you have more appreciation for others like yourself?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Nope. Da professors were assholes an' ma students were morons. Ye want ma advice on psychology? Read. Books. Ma students woulda only been half as dumb, if they actually read whut I told 'em ta read. But yer luck's probably that ye get a dumbass teacher who don' kno' shit about nuthin'.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Aaaand there you have it. That's as much advice as you get, I suppose. Good luck on those classes.

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

V's comments:

PLEASE DON'T TAKE THIS AS ACTUAL ADVICE! I have no idea about the American/British education system and only got a rough idea by googling and watching youtube videos. So if what I wrote made no sense, that'll be why xd

Where I live, high schools are way different and colleges don't exist, at least not to my knowledge. In our high schools, there's only grades and no credits, you get those only at university or at something that is a mix of high school and uni. So there's no honors classes or AP classes.

That said, there is something that you could somewhat compare the honor student thing to. If you have straight A's in all classes on your graduation exam, they write "passed with excellent success" on your final high school certificate. If you have a couple B's in there, they write "passed with good success". And anything else is just "passed" or "not passed". If you work a job after high school, some employers will look out for the "excellent" or "good", but 99% of the time, it doesn't matter. In university, they only care about your GPA in percent, which decides if you get in or not, but that also depends on what you study.

Also, apologies I took this long to respond, I procrastinated looking into all this for a while 🙈

[spade-riddles]

Hi Spade!

I am a very long time lurker of TTB and now this page and want to thank you for taking and putting so much time into your pages and interacting with other fans and your sources. I will be honest I was the BIGGEST KAYLOR believer and went down a crazy rabbit hole right around or just before reputation dropped. It was all very believable but now I feel like year after year goes by there are bread crumbs that turn into nothing and we all know as of late it seems undeniable she is spending a lot of time with Travis and all the Kelces.

I know we only see what she wants us to see but I’m finding it harder and harder to believe she parades and spends her free time putting on pda filled outings night after night or event after event if she was truly living a double life. Or highly publicizing her “relationship” cementing it in history through major milestone interviews or the eras tour itself. She gives so much credit and nods to that man. It seems like it stretches past the point of human or believable that any of it would be necessary to cover up her real life. She seems to spend all her free time in KC and is loving her relationships with the mahomes and the NFL (gross).

At this point this woman is a billionaire she has everything and has achieved beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. So I also find myself asking what more does she need? What more is she looking for to keep up this charade?

I’ll be completely honest too I’ve become less of a fan of her with all of the antics that have gone on this past year and her lack of speaking up around the election while cozying up with the Chiefs and making $$$$$ for the NFL.

Again this blog as been an amazing escape and I love to check in every now and then. But I have to ask.. how do you stay a believer after what feels like disappointment after disappointment? Not just related to her public relationship status but in her actions. Maybe I’ve just become too disillusioned of a fan…

I appreciate you and this community! I hope my thoughts or ramblings aren’t taken the wrong way.

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

SR: Everything you said here is valid. I believe she is conducting an intricate unweaving of her public history. She also likely wants people to see her truth on their own. This way it will be less surprising and people will feel smart for figuring it out. Remember that she has a movie coming out that she is directing. Is it related to her master plan? I have no idea. But with Taylor, she goes big. So I think she has a master plan here to help, not just herself, but others too.

As for politically speaking up ... she had to be very careful. She was holding a tour for millions of people. She could not encourage gun-toting Trumpers to hate on her while inviting thousand of people into a condensed space. I suspect that Taylor and her team have also a been looped into what is going on politically. There is no question that her tour was being watched over by many countries. Don't forget how the good guys discovered the plan of the bad guys in Vienna (the bad guys communications were intercepted by another country who had the authority to eavesdrop on Vienna citizens).

[youhideastar]

WujiWatch: CQL Rewatch Episode 11

This episode is jam-packed – so jam-packed that I can’t remember whether Meng Yao is thrown out of Qinghe Nie Sect at the beginning of this episode or the end of the last one, but the last post was way too long so I’m putting it here regardless! I’ve got two things on the scene where Meng Yao is kicked out, and one thing on that weird scene where Wen Chao tries to ambush Lan Wangji on the way back to Cloud Recesses.

Fanon Meng Yao is this master manipulator, the smooth talker who moves the people around him like chess pieces—but the thing that stands out to me, watching the scene between Meng Yao and Nie Mingjue, is that Meng Yao’s behavior here is a masterclass in how not to influence people. Like, genuinely, I hope he wasn’t even trying, because otherwise, I’m embarrassed for him.

He starts out okay, talking about how the captain mistreated him, day after day, humiliating him, abusing him—Nie Mingjue says, “And so you killed him,” and if Meng Yao had said, “Yes. That’s why,” I really think Nie Mingjue would have understood. He wouldn’t have been happy about it—he still looks mad when he says, “And so you killed him,” but he’s not disgusted. He knows how long Meng Yao has been taking that kind of abuse from the other disciples, he’s tried (ineffectively) to protect Meng Yao from that, and if Meng Yao just couldn’t take it anymore and snapped, that would therefore be partly Nie Mingjue’s fault for failing to protect him.

But instead, Meng Yao, supplied with a perfectly good excuse for murder, the kind of thing that the hot-tempered Nie Mingjue could easily understand, says, “No, it wasn’t that.” He then raises and immediately discards another perfectly good explanation, saying it wasn’t because the captain repeatedly insulted his mother—which Nie Mingjue could also have understood just fine, and perhaps even found honorable, as a particularly bloody exercise of filial piety. Why even bring it up if you’re not going to claim it as a defense!?

Instead, Meng Yao says it was because the captain claimed credit for Meng Yao’s work. If I were trying to think of the least persuasive excuse you could possibly make to someone like Nie Mingjue, that would be up there. To Nie Mingjue, even admitting that you care about getting credit for your work is distasteful. To kill someone over it? Once he hears that, he’s not just mad, he’s revolted. It is not hard to foresee this reaction. For Meng Yao not to see it coming, or for Meng Yao to see it coming and think Nie Mingjue likes him enough to overcome that reaction, is a huge miscalculation.

Is Meng Yao a talented manipulator? Clearly, he is, in some circumstances. But at some very key points—this scene and the confrontation with Qin Su particularly stand out—that skill deserts him. I think, in both cases, he cares too much about the people he’s confronting, and it impairs his otherwise sharp judgment.

The other and last thing I want to say about this scene is that it is no accident that the “Meng Yao gets thrown out” scene takes place in such close proximity to the scene in which we meet Yu Ziyuan. It would have been easy to introduce her character at several previous points, including the meeting breaking up the engagement she arranged, or a scene during Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli’s return to Lotus Pier. But the writers choose this moment: the moment when the viewer has just learned—and Wei Wuxian has just been reminded—that even a highly valued, talented sect member with an important role can be tossed out with nothing but the clothes on his back, at the sect leader’s whim. Wei Wuxian carries himself like the typical powerful, comfortable young master, with his expensive clothes and blithe disrespect for authority. But this is the episode where you see what’s underneath—where you come to appreciate how precarious his position truly is.

One last little random thing, about the scene where Lan Wangji is walking (why?? he can fly!) back to Cloud Recesses and is ambushed by Wen Chao, first by a sinkhole opening up in the road (why?? again, he can fly!), and then by a physical attack from Wen Zhuliu. Wen Chao tries to intimidate him verbally, calling him “Lan Zhan” (Wen Chao’s beef with Lan Wangji, like Jin Zixun’s, is so weirdly personal) and saying that he hates Lan Wangji’s condescending tone, which is fucking hilarious because Lan Wangji has never in his life said a word to Wen Chao. Lan Wangji fends the Wens off with one of Wei Wuxian’s sparkle-distraction talismans and then vanishes.

What I find interesting about this scene (besides the fact that I literally always forget that it exists and am surprised to see it again when I rewatch haha) is that, after all of the above goes down, Wen Chao says, “That’s Wei Wuxian’s [Name of Talisman] Talisman!” (I’m serious, my recall of this scene is so poor, even after five times.) This is one of the very few clues we get in the series that teenage Wei Wuxian is famous throughout the cultivation world for his inventive genius with talismans. Wen Chao might have been able to guess that the talisman came from Wei Wuxian just based on the fact that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are friends, but the only way he would know the specific name of the talisman is if he’s heard about Wei Wuxian’s inventions, even all the way in Nightless City where they’re all busy pretending the rest of the cultivation world has nothing to offer. (And this isn’t the writers using Wen Chao to pass along information the viewer needs – we have no need to know what the talisman is called, it won’t come up again.)  Kind of neat!

[sheebawilson]

FemiPro Supplements - health

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I also noticed a positive impact on my overall hormonal health. Many women, including myself, often experience mood swings or discomfort due to hormonal fluctuations. FemiPro’s unique blend seems to target this aspect effectively, as I’ve felt much more balanced emotionally and physically since incorporating it into my daily regimen. It’s been a welcome relief and has improved my quality of life.

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Having used this product for a month now, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations. FemiPro is a testament to how thoughtful formulation can make a tangible difference in daily life. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

[lightdancingwords]

Second Chances - Part Four of ?

Pairings: Beau Arlen x Y/N Female reader

Series Summary: A chance meeting in a grocery store brings a second chance for you and for Beau. The only thing standing in your way are your respective pasts... and a tiny little roadblock.

Word Count: 3,070

Tags/Warnings: So much fluff, mentions police work, toddlers/children and parenting, a touch of profanity

A/N: Comments, Likes, Reblogs, Kind feedback are always highly appreciated. Please let me know if you want to be added to the tag list! I couldn't resist--I gotta have me some Beau while writing Dean! This is a brand new story of Beau and female reader! Surprise! A new chapter so soon! I just had to get it out!

Divider: credit to @sweetmelodygraphics

Chapter Four: Friendly Fire

Beau wrote and rewrote the text message a dozen times, each one sounding more pathetic than the last. It was supposed to be simple, easy. Just a sweet message to ask Y/N out. Instead, it was a jumble of trying to sound casual and collected, but more like desperate and needy.

God. He should’ve just asked her out when he saw her at the farmer’s market, but noooo…. He had to just kiss her and wish her well. Just a smooch and see you later. A wham bam thank you ma’am.

Beau groaned when that thought crossed his mind. He wasn’t that crude, that… Hell, he couldn’t even describe it. He just knew he hadn’t been the type to take a woman to bed and never call her again. Even before Carla, he was the serious type, not the player.

With Y/N though, it were as though all sense left his brain. He couldn’t function around her. The farmer’s market made him clutch, made him think of starting over in a big way. Little Eliza, God, that kid was worming her way into his heart. In the privacy of his mind, he knew he wouldn’t mind being a father to her.

Too soon. Far too soon… right? He almost called up his mama just to see what she’d say. Maybe knock some sense into him, get him to slow down. But Christ,… the heart wanted what the heart wanted.

“You groan one more time I’m going to do a Gibbs to you,” Doris said, his whirlwind of a secretary, as she walked into his office.

Startled, he looked up. “A what?”

Doris rolled her eyes. “Mark Harmon had been acting as Leroy Gibbs for over a decade and you never heard of him?”

Baffled, Beau could only stare. “Who?”

Doris rubbed her forehead. “You truly don’t watch television, do you, Beau?”

“No, I don’t,” he said with a wry chuckle.

Doris shook her head and came up behind him to perform the Gibbs slap—lightly—on the back of Beau’s head. “That was a Gibbs,” she said fondly.

“You wanted to smack me because I groaned?” Beau regarded Doris dubiously. “Doris, I may like your lasagna but that don’t mean you can hit me anytime ya like.”

Doris chuckled and flashed a smile at him. “A shame. You might like a spank or two.”

“Doris!” Beau knew she took more liberties than most of those in the sheriff’s department, and he allowed it simply because she had the right instincts. She knew and saw things that others might miss. Occasionally though, she crossed into a boundary that felt a little too intimate for comfort.

“Oh all right,” she said, apologetic. She tilted her head at him. “Still… what has you all riled up?”

“Not a what, a who,” he admitted.

“Ohhh…” Doris looked intrigued. She honestly thought he’d live as a monk after his divorce. She grabbed a seat and sat down, leaning forward with interest. “What’s her name?”

Beau told her the whole tidbit—how he met Y/N at the store, felt utterly charmed by her daughter, how the first date went, the meeting at the farmer’s market, and how incapable he seemed at asking her out again. Doris heard him out, never once making commentary. When he finished, she sat back and regarded him with an expression he couldn’t read.

“Texting,” Doris said at last, “lacks class, Beau. You should know better.”

He blinked at her. “Well…” He stopped, glanced at his phone. He thought back to how his mama regaled him with stories of how his father had asked her out. One of them stirred in his mind.

“Doris… you know everythin’ about everybody in this town,” he said slowly. “Do you know where Y/N works?”

“I might. Why? What are you thinking?”

Beau tapped his finger on the desk. “I’m thinkin’ I’m gonna send some flowers. Sweet ones. With a note askin’ her out.”

Doris smiled, pleased. “I’ll track down her employment,” she said. “That’s a much better idea.”

He debated roses. Red ones, maybe, for love, but decided against it. He decided Y/N deserved better than the standard, stereotypical roses. He opted for white wildflowers that were softened by sprigs of lavender. When Doris found out, he worried she’d give him another Gibbs slap. Instead she merely nodded, pleased.

Still, he was a nervous wreck until Y/N called him shy of him closing for the day. When he saw her name on the call display, he nearly dropped his phone.

“Beau Arlen speaking,” he said, answering the phone.

“Hi,” Y/N replied, her voice shy and touched with wonder. “It’s me.”

Beau debated pulling a sad joke and wisely kept it to himself. “Good to hear from ya, darlin’,” he said, and meant it.

“I got your flowers,” she said, and he could hear the smile, picture the soft expression on her face. “And the card.”

Beau felt his heart clench. He knew she all but made it clear that she was interested in another date. Even so, feelings could change. He waited with bated breath as she continued.

“They’re beautiful,” Y/N went on. “And yes. My answer’s yes.”

He felt the smile, slow and warm, spread on his face. “Darlin’, you just made my day. My night. My week.”

She chuckled, her voice dropping to a soft level. It did things to his groin, pulled at his heartstrings. He wanted to see her spread out beneath him as he touched her. Oh God, he really was done for.

“What day are you thinking?” she asked.

“How about Saturday afternoon? I was thinkin’ a picnic at the park,” he said. He was a master at picnics.

“Oh Beau…” The way she breathed his name almost undid him. “That sounds lovely.”

Beau cleared his throat, fought to keep his composure. “Then I’ll see you Saturday,” he said.

“Saturday,” she agreed.

When Saturday came, he was a knot of anxiety. He wanted the date to go well, so very well. Especially considering what happened during their first date. Or to him. His knuckles were healing, but it looked as though he’ll have scars. He’ll wear them proudly if it meant he got to be with Y/N.

He packed a basket, brought several blankets, and a cooler with sparkling strawberry. He texted Y/N asking what allergies she had, if any, so he didn’t unintentionally trigger an allergy attack.

Then the time came. He was such a mess. His nerves prickled with seeing her again, kissing her. He drove to her home, his thumbs tapping the steering wheel, a pattern to ease his nerves.

When he knocked on the door, he smiled when she opened it. Then the look on her face made his smile drop and concern wrinkle his brow.

“Hey darlin’,” he greeted. “What’s wrong?”

Y/N heaved a sigh. “My babysitter canceled,” she said. “I’m sorry, Beau. We’ll need to reschedule.”

He frowned, baffled. “Why? Bring her with. I won’t mind.”

Y/N gave a start. “Are… are you sure?” She seemed so surprised that he wanted to bring a toddler to a date. Eliza was prone to wild energies that would undoubtedly make any intimate moments impossible. That Beau not only decided not to cancel or reschedule, he wanted to bring the toddler with them.

“Yeah,” he said firmly. “Bring her with. I love the kid. You might have to bring somethin’ she can eat, but I ain’t gonna mind. She’s a darlin’.”

Y/N stared at him, thoroughly stunned. “O-okay. Give me a moment then.”

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the sprawling park, where a checkered blanket was spread out under the shade of an ancient oak tree. A wicker basket brimming with sandwiches, fruit, and cookies sat in the center, surrounded by scattered toys and a half-empty juice box. Eliza was giggling uncontrollably as Beau pretended to lose a tug-of-war match against her tiny but determined strength. His exaggerated groans of defeat sent her into peals of laughter.

“You’re too strong for me, Eliza!” Beau said dramatically, falling back onto the blanket with a hand over his heart. “I surrender!”

Eliza crawled over to him and tapped his forehead. “Bo-Bo funny,” she declared triumphantly.

Y/N watched the scene from her spot on the blanket, her lips curving into a soft smile. The way Beau interacted with her daughter tugged at something deep inside her—something warm and unsettling all at once. He wasn’t just playing; he was present, fully engaged in a way that made her chest ache. Eliza adored him, and it was impossible not to see why.

“She’s got you wrapped around her little finger,” Y/N teased as Beau sat up, brushing grass off his shirt.

He grinned, his green eyes sparkling as he glanced at her. “What can I say? She’s irresistible.”

The sincerity in his tone caught her off guard. She shifted slightly, turning her attention to peeling an orange for Eliza, but her mind was spinning. It was too soon, wasn’t it? Too soon for him to be this good with her daughter, too soon for her heart to be so drawn to him.

Beau leaned back on his hands, watching Eliza toddle off to chase a butterfly. “She’s a good kid, Y/N,” he said softly. “You’ve done a hell of a job with her.”

Y/N’s throat tightened. She wasn’t used to compliments like that, especially ones that felt so genuine. “Thanks,” she murmured, not trusting herself to say more.

Beau shifted closer, his knee brushing hers as he reached for the thermos of lemonade. The casual touch sent a jolt through her, and she forced herself to stay still, to not pull away. This wasn’t like her. She was always cautious, always guarded. But Beau… he had a way of making her feel safe in a way that terrified her.

Eliza’s laughter had quieted, and her energy, boundless only moments ago, was beginning to wane. She rubbed her eyes with small fists and toddled toward Y/N, then changed course mid-step and headed straight for Beau.

Beau noticed her wobbling steps and opened his arms just as her little legs gave out. “Whoa there, wolf-child,” he said, catching her easily. “Tuckered yourself out, huh?”

Eliza mumbled something incoherent, her cheek pressing against his chest as her small hands clutched at his shirt. Beau adjusted his hold, cradling her securely against him. Her head fit perfectly beneath his chin, and her soft, even breaths began to slow.

Y/N watched from a few feet away, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Eliza wasn’t one to fall asleep in the arms of just anyone. She needed her familiar comforts—her blanket, her mom, the quiet hum of a lullaby. But now, she lay completely still in Beau’s arms, her little body curled against his warmth, her fingers tangled in the fabric of his shirt.

Beau looked over at Y/N, his green eyes warm and filled with something she couldn’t quite name. “She’s out,” he whispered, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

Y/N nodded, her voice equally quiet. “That’s… rare,” she admitted, watching them with an expression that wavered between awe and disbelief.

Beau shifted slightly, one hand supporting Eliza’s back while the other smoothed over her tiny curls. “Guess she feels safe,” he murmured, his tone tinged with reverence, as though he understood just how precious the moment was.

Y/N swallowed hard, her chest tightening. Seeing him like this, so tender and natural with her daughter, was almost too much. She looked away briefly, busying herself with packing up the picnic blanket, but her eyes kept drifting back to them.

Eliza stirred faintly in Beau’s arms, a soft sigh escaping her lips before she settled back into slumber. “All right, darlin’,” Beau said softly, standing slowly to avoid waking her. “Let’s get this little one into the car seat.”

He walked with careful, measured steps toward Y/N’s car seat, as though carrying something impossibly delicate. Y/N followed, her heart thudding in her chest as she watched the way he held Eliza, as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

When they reached the car seat, Y/N stood back, giving Beau space. He crouched low, still cradling Eliza as he examined the car seat with a practiced eye. “You mind if I?” he asked, glancing at Y/N.

“Go ahead,” she said softly, her voice catching in her throat.

Beau gently lowered Eliza into the car seat, his movements deliberate and smooth. She stirred only slightly as he buckled her in, her little head tilting to one side. He grabbed the soft blanket, tucking it snugly around her. “There we go,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Y/N sat on the blanket, her arms crossed loosely. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, the way he checked and re-checked the straps to ensure Eliza was secure, the way he adjusted the blanket one last time. It was such a simple act, but it carried so much weight.

Beau straightened and turned to her, his hands on his hips, a faint smile playing on his lips. “All set. She’s out like a light.”

“Thank you,” Y/N said, her voice quiet but filled with gratitude. “You didn’t have to—”

“Didn’t have to,” Beau interrupted, his gaze steady and sincere. “But I wanted to. She’s a good kid, Y/N. And she’s lucky to have you.”

Y/N felt her cheeks warm, and she looked away, suddenly self-conscious under the intensity of his gaze. “You’re too good at this,” she said lightly, though her voice wavered.

Beau chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. “Had my practice with Em. But I’ll admit, it feels different with her.”

“Different how?” Y/N asked, her curiosity overcoming her caution.

Beau hesitated, his smile softening as he looked at her. “Different like… I don’t know. Feels like she could be mine. Like this is how it’s supposed to be.”

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Y/N’s breath hitched, and she looked down, her fingers tightening on the edge of the blanket. It was too much, too soon, and yet… it didn’t feel wrong.

“Beau…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah?” he asked, stepping closer.

Y/N opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself, shaking her head slightly. “Thank you,” she said instead, her voice soft but steady. “For today. For… everything.”

Beau nodded, his green eyes holding hers. “Anytime, darlin’. You just say the word.”

Y/N smiled faintly, her heart thudding in her chest. She wasn’t sure what to do with the feelings he stirred in her, but one thing was certain—Beau was different. And that terrified her in the best way possible.

The words hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Y/N looked away, focusing on the way the sunlight danced through the leaves. She couldn’t do this. Not yet. It was too much, too soon.

The sun dipped lower in the sky. Beau turned his attention fully to Y/N. “You’re quiet,” he said, his voice low and warm.

“I’m just… thinking,” she replied, avoiding his gaze.

He reached out, his fingers brushing hers, and when she finally looked up, his green eyes were steady, searching hers. “About what?”

“About how easy you make this look,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “And how that scares me.”

Beau leaned in, his hand sliding up to cup her cheek. “It’s okay to be scared, darlin’,” he murmured. “I’m scared too. But this? Us? It feels right.”

Y/N’s resolve crumbled in the face of his quiet honesty. Before she could overthink it, she closed the distance between them, her lips capturing his in a kiss that started tentative but quickly deepened. Beau’s hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer as the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their bubble of warmth and longing.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads resting together, Y/N let out a shaky breath. “You’re impossible, Beau.”

He chuckled, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “And you’re irresistible. Guess we’re even.”

Y/N laughed softly, the sound carrying a hint of surrender. Maybe, just maybe, this was worth the risk. “I wish we could stay longer,” she whispered to him. “But Eliza can’t nap long and… I have to be a mom.”

“You’re a mom, darlin’,” he murmured. “That ain’t gonna change.” He searched her face, took her in, brushed his thumb across her cheek. “If anything, it’s one hell of a bonus.”

Y/N smiled shakily. “You’re a rare man, Beauregard.”

“You’re one hell of a woman, Y/N,” he murmured, his breath feathering over her lips as he drew closer again. “You and your kid. God. Stole my heart when I wasn’t lookin’.”

Her breath hitched. “Beau…”

“I know, darlin’,” he said quietly. His green eyes were stunning, arresting. She couldn’t look away. “It’s damned fast, but I’m finding it hard to resist. Because it’s you.”

“We need to slow down, Beau,” she whispered, resting her forehead against his. “Please.”

Beau swallowed hard. He knew she was right. He had to slow down. God, it was hard. He wanted her; not just for sex, but for just being with her. “We will, darlin’. May I kiss you one last time?”

She smiled. “Please, God yes.”

He smiled, and met her lips in a slow, sweet kiss. He brought his hand up to cup her face as he deepened it. He felt her hand come up on his shoulder, curl behind his neck. He tasted her, savored her sweetness. When they broke, he knew he had to stop and pull away before he took her then and there.

“I should take you home,” he murmured. “Let you get the little wolf-child ready for bed, whatever it is ya need to do.”

“Yeah….” She pulled back with a warm smile. “Beau?”

“Yeah?”

“This was a lovely date,” she said, her eyes sparkling in the sunset light. “I’d absolutely love to go out with you again.”

“Is that a hint I should ask ya now?” he said with a grin.

“Absolutely.”

“Darlin’… I’d like to take you out Monday night. Will you come out with me?”

She did this thing with a bite to her lower lip and oh God, he resisted the urge to kiss her again. “I would love to.”

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