#but like this woman has been bottling up her negative emotions for two years and losing claire finally tipped her over the edge

[neuroprincess]

Law & Order: SVU - First Date + First Kiss (Preferences)

Classification: Fluff

Pairing: Alex Cabot, Casey Novak, Liz Donnelly, Olivia Benson and Rita Calhoun

Warnings: None

Word count: +1000

Alex Cabot

- The blonde quickly pulls herself together, trying to mask the confusion of feelings and the shock of seeing you after so many years without any contact, failing miserably. She feels a little lost, not knowing how to act, slightly out of it. And continues like this for the next few weeks, even showing up almost every day at the bakery until finally getting up the courage to ask you out to dinner. It's a fancy restaurant, at a table away from curious eyes and the atmosphere is pleasant, you talk about your lives so far, between laughs, wine and an occasional physical touch, like hands accidentally crossing, her touch on your back as you get up from the chair, pinky fingers so close as you walk along the sidewalk that one can feel the warmth of the other. Alex insists on taking you home, you stop in front of the apartment door and both smile nervously. "I missed you." She whispers, tucking a stubborn lock of hair behind your ear. "No more than I missed you." You stare at each other for a few seconds and ADA leans in, asking permission with her gaze to continue, then you nod, joining your lips in a gentle and needy kiss, full of emotion, longing. 

Casey Novak

- It was no surprise when, in the middle of dinner, Casey's phone rang and she was forced to run after some judge to get warrants, she had barely touched the food, nor had you, both immersed in a fun and spontaneous flirting. The following week she's waiting for you in the lobby of the precinct with a box of your favorite dessert, which was mentioned at dinner, and a mysterious proposal. She takes you for a apparently directionless walk until ending up at a softball practice cage, no one else there, all the equipment waiting. Her words are patient, hands soft around your waist, body warm and slightly sweaty behind yours as her fingers wander up the forearm to put hands together and teach you how to use the bat, it's almost too much, all the sensations and little things the ginger provokes without even realizing it. "Good shot, sugar." She celebrates happily when you hit one target, proud of the result of hard work, and lifts you, twirling in the air, faces coming closer and you kiss as if it were the right thing to do, it's deep and passionate, all the tension built up over weeks expressed in one act. 

Liz Donnelly

- Another night spent working late, it's become a kind of routine you've started to get used to. Long nights full of paperwork, words that start to blur together in a few hours and a dozen cups of coffee, sometimes energy drinks. The last folder has been checked and the notes reviewed, when the knock on the door wakes you up, surprised, as the building seemed empty except for the security team. "You know it's 1am, right?" Liz smiles, entering your office, a bottle of whisky and two glasses in hand "I thought you might need these." And offers one of them, a little fuller because she knows it's necessary. Hours pass without either of you noticing, the bottle is half full and you're both on the floor, high heels thrown on the carpet, messy hairstyles and trivial conversations. "So, Cabot and you...?" She asks suggestively. "Oh, no, no, actually... she's my sister." The woman is clearly surprised, you expect some kind of negativity, maybe a little suspicion, but she just smiles and approaches. "Great!" Closing the distance with a half-drunk, slow and sensual kiss. 

Olivia Benson  

- Board game days become a bi-weekly program between you, the two families start to meet often and a bond quickly forms, not unexpected considering how close your children are, like flesh and blood. The kids have fun in friendly competitions and eat snacks, sometimes preferring to play in the garden or watch random cartoons until they fall asleep. This time it's different, the pair went to a sleepover, you opened a bottle of wine, sipping it between relaxed conversations, a nice meal and close to midnight you're still awake. "Finally some time for the moms." She raises her glass and knocks on yours to toast the break, you both love your children, but they seem to be plugged in 24/7. "And without having to watch Trolls, I've memorized all the songs." You mumble, drinking the rest of the wine and snuggling up on the sofa, the woman unconsciously rests her arm on the headboard, touching your shoulder, both smile and try to pay attention to The Golden Girls. Almost impossible to do when long fingers wander over your bare skin, the genuine laughter and the magnetism that leads you to stare at her, enchanted. Eyes meet, breaths become heavy and you stop fighting the urge to finally kiss Olivia. 

Rita Calhoun

- Her presence is very pleasant, bringing some kind of comfort to your tiring work days and boring shifts, there are delightful conversations when the restaurant is almost empty, occasionally she even makes a witty joke. As a result, you've become good friends, despite all the differences, from personality, age to social class. Bonds are created in the small details, maybe in the kind and gentle way she treats you, how she pays attention to the almost insignificant things you've left hanging in the air during a conversation, proof of which is the limited edition of your favorite book she brings to one of the dinners. Inside is a card with an address, a time and telling you to meet her there. So you do, wearing one of your favorite outfits and silently praying to be appropriate, in the end it doesn't matter much, she has prepared a candlelit dinner in the botanical garden, just you two, the nature and the stars. "I really enjoyed our night, it was lovely." You whisper and play nervously with the hands. "And what about me?" Rita teases, stopping walking, and you blush nodding positively. She tries to say something more, but is interrupted by your lips on hers in a clumsy impulse, there's a doubt in the air, answered by her hands on your waist pulling you in to deepen the passionate kiss.

taglist: @scarr0713 @geekyandgay98 @heidss @loudchaoscoffee @quailbagutte @ctrlamira @milffilm @prentiss-theorem @inlovewithmiddleagewomen @grandtacoranchnickel @@multifandomlesbianic @janeyseymour @storiesofsvu

Junte-se à minha taglist aqui ^^

[gwendolynnderolo]

the umbrella academy fandom really said all of the siblings can fuck up and do horrible things and lash out because of their trauma. except for the black woman cause that’s not allowed

[hellomynameisbisexual]

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer. While the LGBTQ+ label continues to expand with the increasing awareness of sexual and gender identities, we are not yet seeing this awareness extend to our screens. While we are seeing an uptick in positive, empathetic stories of homosexual characters, those characters whose sexualities are not so neatly black or white (or pink, lavender, and blue), are still depicted as confused, sexually deviant, or greedy – if they are even depicted at all. While a more fluid take on sexuality is trickling into more mainstream media, it is often done so without seeing the need for ‘labels’, ignoring an entire subgroup of the queer community who long to see themselves not only portrayed on screen but portrayed correctly and proudly.

Bisexual Erasure – “A pit stop on the way to homo” – Perpetuating Negative Stereotypes:

The 1990s and 2000s saw a number of new media hit screens that aimed to not only appeal to the queer community but to educate those outside of it as well. Joss Whedon’s landmark show Buffy the Vampire Slayer displayed the first on-screen lesbian kiss, while shows such as Will & Grace and The L Word put gay and lesbian characters to the forefront of serial narratives. While borderline revolutionary for their time, such shows now seem outdated in a time where sexuality is understood to more fluid than simply gay or straight.

Buffy’s Willow Rosenberg came out as gay after her first relationship with a woman, discarding that she had a strong emotional and physical connection to her previous boyfriend, Oz, for two and a half seasons. The 2005 drama Brokeback Mountain is often described as a romance between two gay men, similarly dismissing that both Ennis and Jack are married to women towards whom they display attraction. Katherine Mayfair of Desperate Housewives suffered a similar fate, jumping straight to believing she might be gay after her first sexual experience with another woman despite a lifetime of heterosexual relationships, with bisexuality not proffered, or even mentioned, as an option.

While the words bisexual or pansexual were never mentioned in any of these narratives, others discussed it to their detriment. Will Truman, from the now at times dated Will & Grace, referred to pansexuality as “a pit stop on the way to homo”, contributing to the common myth that bisexual or pansexual people are confused or can’t yet admit to themselves that they are gay. Friends works this line into one of Phoebe Buffay’s songs for a laugh; “And then there are bisexuals, but some just say they’re kidding themselves.”

Sex and the City also contributed to negative bisexual and pansexual myths, with Carrie Bradshaw referring to bisexuality as ‘double-dipping’ and ‘greedy’. This is another common stereotype of the bisexual. Returning to Desperate Housewives, in the episode I Know Things Now, bisexual character Peter McMillan ended up cheating on Bree with her teenage son, Andrew. HBO’s True Blood also contained a number of bisexual characters including Eric Northman and Pamela Swynford De Beaufort, whose homosexual scenes were played as kinky or deviant, saving the romance for the heterosexual couples.

“I like hot people!” – is casual sexuality progress?

A more modern approach has been taken in recent years, showing sexuality as more fluid than the rigid homosexual or heterosexual labels. But is this really a step in the right direction? Piper Chapman from Orange is the New Black is shown having serious relationships with both fiancé Larry Broom and ex-girlfriend Alex Vause, without once describing herself as bisexual. The closest we are given is Piper explaining that “I like hot people!” In The Good Place, Eleanor Shellstrop’s attraction to Tahani, Janet and Simone is made clear, but is used only as a comedic landing-place, with Eleanor’s sexuality going undefined and unexplored. While this take on sexuality as a place without labels is refreshing and a step up from the representation of the bisexual as deviant or confused, it leaves the need bisexual and pansexual people have to see themselves on screen unfulfilled.

Even shows that pride themselves on being progressive in their representation of sexuality can be found complicit in bisexual erasure. Fox’s popular musical drama Glee dedicated much of its screen time to Kirk Hummel’s struggles as an openly gay teenager in Ohio and Santana Lopez’s struggles to accept herself as a lesbian, but bisexual character Brittany S. Pierce is denied this same careful treatment and seemed to come to terms with her sexuality remarkably quickly in comparison.

“Letting my bi flag fly” – getting it right

All this isn’t to say that bisexuals are never represented correctly. Brooklyn Nine Nine’s Rosa Diaz, played by bisexual actress Stephenie Beatriz, is not only given a coming-out story – something bisexual and pansexual characters are often denied – but the struggles of her coming to grips with her sexuality are also displayed in full with understanding and tolerance. The brush off of “You’re gay, so it’s not a big deal,” applied to many members of the queer community who do not fit neatly under a homosexual label, is debunked here. Not only is Rosa given a coming-out story at her workplace, which is fielded by her colleagues with grace and acceptance, but she is also given one to her parents, causing a rift between her and her mother when Rosa insists that she has an equal chance of ending up with a woman as with a man.

The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend features a total of three bisexual characters over the course of its four-season run, most prominently Darryl Whitefeather. After divorcing his wife after a long-term marriage, Darryl is confused when he becomes attracted to White Josh and begins to question if he’s gay. This journey to discovering his bisexuality culminates in the celebratory musical number Getting Bi, the lyrics of which debunk the myth that bisexuals are confused, indecisive, or sexually deviant. It is important to note that this song is also a coming-out story, which is a refreshing change to the idea that coming to terms with being bi or pan is easy or without confusion.

Pansexual characters are also starting to find a name for themselves in mainstream media. Klaus Hargreeves from The Umbrella Academy is most likely pansexual, although once again this comes without explanation or labels, denying the pansexual community visibility on screen. This is not the case in either Sex Education or Schitt’s Creek. Sex Education, which also sees Adam Groff come to terms with his bisexuality, gives Ola Nyman not only a journey of self-discovery with her sexual identity but a journey that culminates in a neatly worked-in definition of pansexuality. Schitt’s Creek takes a more nuanced but by no means less helpful approach with the now-iconic wine bottle analogy. David Rose, who has long since known he is pansexual, describes his sexuality tidily and succinctly as “I like the wine but not the label.”

We’re making progress. We’re increasingly seeing not only a wider range of sexualities and genders enter our content, but we are also seeing LGBTQIA+ characters be more than victims, stereotypes, or defined only by their labels. While it’s important to have such characters in narratives be more than their sexuality, it is equally important to depict these sexualities correctly and visibly. While films and shows may be getting better at giving us the wine, sometimes we do like the labels to be there as well.

[cherryasagiri]

Drunk and Worried

pairing: none

summary: What happens when Amena’s over at a friend’s house for a sleepover, and the guys of the house are all out partying? A drunk Nafula is puking on her father.

previous 🌸 next

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Alfred was one of the first to hear the loud cries of the newborn baby girl that an emotional Burce held in his hands. The first-time father, a crying mess, whispers sweet promises to the girl as she looks up at him with vast innocent eyes knowing that her father will protect her if it means taking his last breath to make sure it happens. Bruce’s guardian and protector stood by, smiling at the newly formed family, being there for the ups and downs, which led to a tragedy he thought Bruce would never recover from. However, with the assistance and the small hand that held onto his, Bruce found a way to get back to his old self, knowing he had the product of what he lost to take care of.

What befell him now wasn’t the small crying child he used to take care of but a proud woman who had her days, and today was one of them.

“Master Nafula, do you think you should be drinking heavily like this?” he asked, eyeing all the empty liquor bottles that littered her bedroom floor. She looked disheveled: her coily hair in an unkempt bun, tank top strap hanging off of her shoulder, torn biker shorts, sweat cascading her features, and a slight red hue graced her mahogany skin. She didn't look good, but he didn't want to further question the young woman. He got a grasp on what she might be dealing with internally.

“Go talk to him.”

“B-but Alfred… I don't want to know what his answer will be,” even though she was drunk out of her mind, Nafula could easily handle a conversation without a slur.

“So are you just going to be a drunk your daughter is embarrassed to be around?”

She didn't answer him, just sighed, wiping the trickling sweat from her brow before she started past the family butler to Bruce’s study. Nafula had drunkenly slammed the door open; with a slight flinch and a whispered sorry, she stumbled over to Bruce’s desk. The male watched his drunk daughter trip over herself while trying to make her way over to him. He was a little agitated that she had gotten this shit-faced but also couldn't help but feel uneasy about her behavior because she has never let herself get this wasted.

“Nana sweetheart, what's wrong with you?” he asked, concern dripping from his words as he stood up and hurried over to her before she eventually hit the ground. He didn't know what to make of her appearance or why she was acting like this. He hadn't seen her this distraught since the initial death of Jason, and he certainly wants to know the cause of it this time.

“Dad?” she asked softly, the hushed tone of her voice breaking Bruce from his thoughts and his eyes trained on hers. He can see the hurt and anguish dancing in them, which rips his heart a new one.

“What it is, Nana?”

The woman didn't know what to say. Rather, how to say it. She wanted to ask him a million different questions at once, her heart clenching from all the different negative answers he could give that she didn't want to hear. However, she settled on just the two.

“Do you love me, dad? Do you blame me for mom’s death?” she blurted out, closing her eyes tightly, wanting to avoid the look she thought he would give her.

Bruce looked down at his precious daughter, imagining all the pain and agony she had been holding inside all these years. She never got to meet her mother as she had died during childbirth, but Bruce wanted to show his growing child that her mother loved her with all of her heart, and if she had to do it again, she wouldn't change a thing if that meant her seed could live a happy and fulfilling life. With a gentle grab of her jaw, Bruce forced the younger woman to look him in the eyes; all she saw was love and determination in the eyes that held many regrets in his life.

“I will always love you, Nana; don’t question my love for you again. You are my daughter, a piece of me, and my love for you will never waver but only get stronger. I love you, and I love my dear granddaughter. I will never blame you for whatever happened to your mom. She made the choice, she knew that having a child with a human would ultimately kill her. Nevertheless, she wanted to have you. She wanted to bring a beautiful soul into this world that was the embodiment of the love she and I shared, and that was you. I knew I would lose her physical body here, but a piece of her will forever live on in you and your daughter. So I know she will always be here with us.”

Bruce smiled, holding onto Nafula while the smaller woman cried into his arms. She would blurt out whispered ‘sorries’ and ‘i love yous’ to him as her tears stained his white button-up, but that didn't matter to him in the slightest. All he cared about was that he was able to convey his feelings towards his daughter in a way that she was able to understand and never challenge going forward. After a few minutes, she started to calm down; Bruce’s quiet shushes and gentle back rubs made it easier to think.

“Are you alright now, pumpkin?”

“Mmhm,” she smiled, nodding slightly before looking back up at him again with a tear-stained face and runny nose. Before she could get another word out, Nafula’s face scrunched up, her cheeks puffed out with the quickness. Before Bruce reacted, the shorter female began puking on a remarkably expensive shirt he was wearing. His body’s response was only a shake and still breathing; he didn't want to sniff in that god-awful smell and start hurling himself.

“Alfred?!”

“I'm already on it, sir,” he replied, a fresh new shirt in hand with a bucket and mop previously prepared. He knew Nafula loved to drink until she started to barf but usually prepared herself to dispose of the waste properly. However, he figured that assistance would be needed this time around. When is Alfred ever wrong?

“Sorry, daddy,” she cooed, “at least you have more of me with you now?” she joked, which made Bruce drop her weakened body flat on the floor. That only made the sobering woman laugh.

“You’re cleaning this up, Nana.”

Nafula stood up slowly, making sure she was able to trudge over to the mop without harm due to her spinning head, and smiled.

“Of course, daddy.”

The silence between the two as Bruce changed out of his soiled clothing and his daughter cleaned up her mess was deafening; on the other hand, understandably, music to their ears.

[luciaescarra]

✦ CAMILA QUEIROZ, CIS WOMAN, SHE/HER ✦ LUCIA ESCARRA the THIRTY TWO year old has been in Hidehill for ALL HER LIFE and was a FRIEND to Jade Parker, the missing person. Whispers on the streets are that the MANAGER AT BANK OF HIDEHILL who lives in HORWICK. She is said to be DRIVEN and GUARDED but I guess we’ll find out for ourselves. { ROSIE, 25, EST, SHE/HER. } 

MISC INFO

Character’s name: Lucia Escarra

Meaning of name: Derived from the Latin Lux, also meaning "light."

Character’s nickname: Lu, Lucy, Lulu (last one reserved for family)

Birth date: September 30th

ABOUT

Oscar and Aracely Escarra adopted Lucia when she was a baby. She grew up knowing she was adopted but never thought much about it. She loves her siblings with all her heart. They are her treasures and she would do anything to protect them. As the oldest sister, she always felt it was her responsibility to look after them due to their parent’s busy schedules

She’s always been good with numbers. She tried to follow her parents footsteps but couldn’t develop a passion for med so she scrapped that path and chose to pursue finance. She’s thriving at her job, some say she’s a workaholic and they’re not wrong

When her parents passed away 4 years ago, her world came crashing down. As tempted as she was to drop everything and collapse into her emotions, she felt she didn’t have that luxury. Her siblings needed her so she put on her big girl pants and was there for them. Unhealthy as it was, she bottled up her emotions and dealt with everything from the funeral proceedings, to the memorial service and to the house ownership. She currently resides at their parents house in Horwick, taking care of the repairs and renovations. Although her siblings have moved out, she’s desperately trying to hold onto the house. She wants to preserve it as a safe space for them to come back whenever they need.

Although her relationship with Jade Parker never became tight knit she had grown accustomed to her. After her watching her grow up alongside her sister, she had grown to like her. She was shocked when she heard she was gone

PERSONALITY

Lucia’s very likable and talkative. At time she lets her intrusive thoughts win. She views herself as a realist and tries to put her head before her heart but doesn’t always succeed. 

She’s nice and friendly to everybody unless given a reason not to be. She can be quite the grudge holder so it’s best not to land yourself on her bad side. She can forgive but doesn’t easily forget. 

CONNECTIONS

—— PLATONIC. ❜

best friends.

ride or die.

childhood friends.

wing(wo)men.

seem like a married couple.

former lovers to friends.

—— ROMANTIC. ❜

flirtationship.

one night stand.

one sided romance / unrequited crush.

friends with benefits.

childhood crush or first love.

blind date or tinder match.

exes on good / bad terms.

previously friendzoned.

song inspo:

we dont talk anymore / fuck up the friendship / boy next door

—— NEGATIVE. ❜

enemies.

former (best) friends.

fell for the same person & fought over them.

life long enemies, aka two people who have been enemies ever since they remember but have forgotten the reason for their dislike.

frenemies.

negative influence.

mutual jealousy.

[niksixx]

Plus One

Welcome to part 5 of Plus One. We are approaching the end of this mini fic, but do not worry my loves. We still have a few parts left. I hope you enjoy part 5, and please remember to leave comments, reblog, and add tags. It motivates me to continue writing for you all. 💜

Note: Just a reminder, though this fic may seem fast, it takes place over the course of a few months!! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Pia’s POV*

Eight bright, colorful beanbags are scattered around the floor in a private room at the back end of the library. It’s quiet, far away from small children who squeal excitedly when they spot their favorite comic book and a good distance away from the college students who gather at the old wooden tables to recite chemistry flashcards in one big study group.

Black coffee and burnt wood is the signature smell of the book club room. Only a few windows are open, allowing just a bit of sunshine and breeze to fill the room. The aura is comforting.

“Okay, everyone,” I say, setting the book in my lap. I believe The Catcher in the Rye is a classic, but various opinions, both positive and negative, have been directed toward the book over the years. Romance is the genre I’ve always been drawn to, fiction or nonfiction, but I can certainly appreciate a coming-of-age novel. “How did we feel about the story?”

Margaret, an elderly woman with curly gray hair and silver glasses, raises her hand timidly. It’s the first time she has volunteered to speak since the start of our club. I give her an encouraging smile, nodding. “I enjoyed it very much, though it was slow at times.”

A small contribution, but a contribution nonetheless. “Thank you Margaret. Would anyone else like to share?”

Shayne, a third-year college student, wiggles his fingers and clears his throat. “I would.” He snaps the book shut with one hand. “The book itself is enjoyable. There’s a lot of important themes that are entwined in the storyline. But Holden, and let me be clear, I feel terrible for saying this about a sixteen-year-old, was insufferable.”

“I thought I was the only one who thought so!” Stacy chirps from her beanbag. The thirty-year old mother of two crosses her ankles, drumming her fingers on the spine of her novel. “I was under the impression that Holden believed he was better than everyone else. His personality alone was enough to make me despise the book and it’s a shame. I wanted to love it.”

“That’s an interesting point, Stacy.” Setting my book on the ground, I adjust my legs deeper into the beanbag while the rest of the book club eagerly sits forward, awaiting my response. “And this is why I love reading so much. Whether the story is true or not, we know Holden Caulfield is not a real person, though there have been assumptions that J.D. Salinger modeled Holden after himself. Stacy, you said that Holden’s personality gave you enough reason to not enjoy the book. We certainly have to appreciate Salinger’s talent as an author. He was able to create a character that made you feel such strong emotions.” The club nods in agreement before I continue. “Now Shayne, you mentioned themes. Explain a bit more for me.”

“Gladly,” he answers eagerly. “Innocence. It’s the main theme. Holden, for lack of a better term, is obsessed with the preservation of childhood innocence. I do think that’s admirable, and while he was intolerable in my opinion, I can understand his desire to conserve one’s purity.”

“I assume there’s going to be a but in your next statement,” Charlie pipes up with a chuckle. The forty-seven year old retired firefighter wears a kind smile on his face.

“But,” Shayne smirks and holds up a finger. “Holden is one big contradiction, and here’s why. We know how much Holden hated the adult world and it’s “phoniness”. It’s the whole reason he wanted to preserve innocence wherever he could. Holden himself was a phony, a fake. He condemns adulthood but is seemingly unaware of his own phoniness. I now hate this word, by the way.”

A collective chuckle sounds in the room. I shake my head but can’t help the growing smile. The book club has been the highlight of my week so far.

“Anyway,” Shayne continues. “He’s deceptive and a compulsive liar. Holden is the epitome of what he hates.”

“That is a fantastic observation, Shayne, and thank you for sharing.” He bows dramatically before slinking back deeper into the beanbag. “Before we conclude our meeting and I introduce our new book, I have a question. Does anyone know why Holden’s name is symbolic to the story?”

I can see the wheels turning in their brains, and for a moment I think I’ve stumped them. Charlie looks like he wants to answer, but nothing comes out of his mouth. I take the chance to speak up. “First, does anyone know what a caul is?”

Stacy’s hand shoots up in the air. “I think I learned about this in one of my birthing classes but forgive me if I’m wrong. But isn’t the caul a part of the amnion that protects an unborn baby? Near the head, right?”

I snap my finger and point to Stacy excitedly. “Yes! And what does the name Holden sound like?”

“Holden...hold...en...hold...hold on?” Charlie asks skeptically.

“Exactly right,” I grin proudly. “Put it all together.”

“Oh my gosh,” Margaret says softly. Everyone turns toward the older woman. “In the book there was mention of Holden imagining children frolicking in a rye field. I just realized it now. He’s the catcher in the rye field, protecting the children. Holden Caulfield. Hold on to childhood innocence.”

I grin wildly, clapping along with the rest of the book club members. “Incredible, Margaret. You’re exactly right.”

“So, what’s our next book?” Shayne asks, hands tapping his thighs. “I’m feeling a mystery book.”

“Or Sci-Fi,” Charlie answers.

“Oooo, Sci-Fi,” Shayne murmurs excitedly.

“Neither,” I say, giggling at their frowns. From my purse, I pull out a purple paperback book and show it to the group. “Historical fiction mixed with romance. Our next book is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I’ve never heard of it, so I’m sure you haven’t either. It’s about the same length as The Catcher in the Rye, maybe only a few pages more. Let’s all try to read the first five chapters and we’ll meet again next week.”

Stacy, Charlie, and Margaret bid farewell. Shayne stays back with me, shooting me a smirk as I gather my belongings. “Another romance novel, huh? Something you’d like to share with the class? Maybe his name?”

A slow smile spreads across my lips. I sling my purse over my shoulder, clamping a hand down on Shayne’s. “He’s a dream, Shayne. I’ve known him forever, but it’s finally official,” Two months ago, I used to cringe on the word official when it wasn’t. It still isn’t, but something between us feels different, feels real. The more I’m with him, the more I don’t want to pretend.

Shayne slings an arm around my shoulder, leading me out of the room. He’s had his fair share of relationship issues as well, but at twenty-one, he’s still young. “I’m glad one of us isn’t having boy trouble. Philip called me the other day, said he wants to get back together.”

“Are you going to?”

Shayne makes a face, opening the front door of the library. He scoots aside, letting me walk first. “Hell no, Sweets. He was a terrible boyfriend,” Shayne considers for a moment. “At least the sex was good. You think he’d settle for friends with benefits?”

I laugh heartily, pushing Shayne’s shoulder. “That’s a recipe for disaster, my friend. You want my advice? Spend some time on yourself. Find out what you really want in life.”

I head off to my car, Shayne walking the opposite way to his. Before I can slide into the seat, Shayne calls out to me. “Is he the one?”

I don’t have to think about it. It comes out naturally. “Without a doubt.”

~~~

Janielle has outdone herself, but I never expected anything less. Desserts are on every counter in her kitchen, from cupcakes to brownies and pastries. Outside on the back deck, a long white table is filled from end to end with finger foods and appetizers. With a beer in his hand, Dominic flips burgers expertly at the grill, shooting his wife a goofy grin when she utters a stern ‘be careful’. The rest of the adults gather on the patio, laughing and drinking, while the kids swim excitedly in the pool.

It’s the hottest day in August so far, and I can’t tell if my cheeks are red from the heat or from my constant ogling of Nikki’s shirtless chest. I watch from the deck as Nikki, Vince, and Amanda clink their bottles together and down their drinks. Nikki wins, throwing his hands up in the air dramatically, before turning his head to shoot me a wink. I laugh and shake my head, holding up my glass of wine that is still half full.

“So, you and Sixx,” My laughter is cut off by Dom, whose eyes twinkle with the same amusement present in his voice. “How about that?”

My stomach flips just at the mention of Nikki. “Going on almost four months,” I answer proudly, swirling the wine in my glass. “We’ve got nothing on you and Janielle, though.”

Dom smirks, carefully plating more burgers. I take the plate from him, and he nods in thanks. “Hey, not everyone knows who they’re going to marry at sixteen years old.”

This time, my heart beats faster just at the brief mention of marriage. I try not to let myself think of a long-term commitment with Nikki just yet. To everyone else, we’ve been official for a few months. But to myself and Nikki, we’re just two best friends playing a role.

“It’s too early to talk about marriage just yet,” I reply with a soft grin.

“But it’s a possibility in the future, yes?” Dom asks, stacking the last few burgers on the plate.

All I can answer with is a subtle nod just before I feel an arm snake around my waist. I crane my neck to glance up at Nikki just as his lips press a kiss to my jaw. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Dom’s lazy smile and it puts me at ease knowing that Nikki and I have done our job at convincing everyone that what’s between us is true.

“Hi gorgeous,” Nikki greets breathily. “You doing okay?”

“Never better,” I answer truthfully, leaning back into his chest. I hand off the plate of burgers to Dom before directing my attention back to Nikki. “Are you?”

Nikki nods, arm tightening around my waist. “I’m perfect.” He holds up three empty beer bottles. “Come with me?”

I nod and take his hand, letting him lead me into the kitchen. While Nikki rummages through Janielle’s fridge for more beer, I steal a cannoli from the dessert tray, biting into the sweet cream.

“I’m having so much fun with you,” I blurt out honestly, licking the cream from my lips.

For a brief second, something flashes across Nikki’s face, almost as if my statement mimicked a bitter taste in his mouth. It’s gone just as fast as it came, replaced by an easy smile. “I am too, P.”

I bite my lip as Nikki opens the three bottles, eyes lingering on his tattooed arms. He catches me, smirking. “Pretty girl, you’re not exactly trying to hide it, you know.”

I blush, looking away like I always do when a compliment from Nikki is directed my way. And because I look away, I miss Nikki freeze in alarm, eyes wide, studying me.

When I turn back around, I notice his lips are in a thin line, jaw clenched ever so slightly. “P, I think we need to talk about something.”

His voice is serious, more serious than it’s ever been, and momentarily I fear the worst. Nikki’s fingers fidget nervously, and I can tell whatever is on his mind has been there for quite some time. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah,” It’s not a convincing answer, but I don’t say anything as he continues. “It’s more of a question, actually.” His hands fall at his side as he steps forward, exhaling a strangled breath. “Are we...what we’re doing…” His voice goes low. “We’re still pretending, right?”

There’s a lump forming in my throat, and I try my best to speak around it without giving off the impression that I’m either extremely hopeful he wants to make this real, or going to start crying because he wants to call everything off. “Yeah. Unless…unless you don’t want to pretend--.”

“No, no,” He says all too quickly, hands skimming my arms. “I like pretending. Pretending is good, safe. I just...wanted to make sure we’re still on the same page.” He grabs my hands, pressing a gentle kiss to each, before grabbing the bottles from the counter.

And as he leaves Janielle’s kitchen with a smile, I’m left standing alone and more confused than I’ve ever been.

[chancelloramidala]

Staring at the Sun ➤ Evan Buckley

Chapter Three: Why Heart? Why?

Masterlist

Karen was in the kitchen doing the dishes when Hen came in grabbing a bottle of wine from the case and two glasses. “Hey, baby, who’s here?”

Hen shot her wife an exasperated look. “My co-worker, Marceline.” then she eyed the case of alcohol they had and debated if they would need something stronger.

“Oh, the brooder?” Karen raised a brow as she finally turned the water off after cleaning to soap suds off of the plates, recalling how her wife had gone on long tangents multiple times about the mysterious Marceline Pierce who held everyone at arm’s length.

“Yeah,” Hen chuckled before picking up a bottle of whiskey. Might as well go all in. “She ran here, I didn’t even know she knew where we lived.”

Karen shrugged with a small amused smile on her lips. “Maybe she just needs a friend right now. You go on now, I’ll put Denny to bed.” 

Hen smiled at Karen’s generosity. “Thanks, babe,” she walked over and gave her wife a quick peck on the lips before heading off towards the living room.

Marceline sat in one of the comfy chairs and hugged one of the throw pillows to her chest. She took in the living room she was in, focusing mainly on the pictures that littering the walls of Hen and her wife, Karen, and their son Denny. They looked like a happy family in her own opinion as a thought popped into her head, You’re disturbing their family time together, Marceline. Her head shot up when she heard Hen come in, carrying two bottles of alcohol and some glasses.

“Hey, um, sorry for intruding on you like this… I know you’re probably busy and shit,” Marceline fiddled with the frills on one side of the pillow she was hugging, feeling selfish for coming here in the first place.

“Pfft,” Hen shook her head as she walked over, laying the bottle of red wine and whiskey onto the coffee table before finally taking a seat across from her on the couch. “It’s fine, we already finished dinner and just cleaning up. It was just a little surprising but, I don’t mind, Marceline, really.” she gave the other woman a small smile that softened into a grin. “Plus, I didn’t really know what to expect so I brought both red and whiskey, take your pick.”

Marceline eyed Hen for a moment before slowly reaching for the whiskey and pouring herself a nice, long glass of amber liquid. Hen’s eyes widened at that, knowing very well that whiskey was strong as hell, and once she took a long sip, deciding that Marceline was spending the night here.

“Okay, so,” Marceline made a face after downing a whole glass of whiskey, the liquid burning her throat before staring at Hen. “I’m just going to put it all out there, um,” her eyes darted away from Hen’s nervously as she picked at her nails. “You were right earlier… about how I had an opinion on Buck and Abby… ‘cos like… I have a lot of opinions about them. Not necessarily… good ones… and um, the reason for my negative opinions is because, um,” she took in a deep breath before pressing her eyes shut. “I’m kind of... in love with Buck.”

So… that was not at all what Hen was expecting Marceline to tell her. Honestly, she was expecting some dark and mysterious from the other woman’s past that would explain her closed-off nature but… this was more than enough to suffice. 

But another unexpected thing just happened before Hen’s eyes: Marceline silently crying into a pillow she was hugging.

“Oh, honey,” Hen said softly and reached for a box of tissues nearby. “It’s okay, I’m glad you told me. Thank you for trusting me with that, I’m… honored.”

Marceline took a few tissues from the box Hen inched towards her and blew her nose. “I just,” she hiccuped for a moment and swallowed more of her pride. “I’m angry with myself for loving him because he’s taken now and I waited too long to tell him and it took me getting shot to realize that.” she huffed out as she let go of the pillow and started to dig her fingernails into her palm to prevent her from lashing out. “And I’m angry that he’s happy with Abby because I’m so fucking jealous of her.

“I want to be the one with Buck but I’m not. I’m just his emotionally distant co-worker who took two bullets for him. And I already told Nic this, all of it. She’s heard it from the start and I feel like I’m annoying her with my shit, especially my shit about Buck because she has her own shit to deal with and Gemma who is an absolute angel and now I’m probably annoying you with my shit because you have a wife and a kid and--”

“Alright, I’m going to have to stop you there, Marceline,” Hen put her hands up to try and stop her from rambling as she got up from her spot on the couch to sit on the chair next to her. But upon doing so, she saw Marceline wince back and held her hands up to cover to face… oh dear. She quickly lowered her hands onto her lap. “You’re not annoying me with your shit. I’m glad you want to talk to me about your shit, I really am. And I highly doubt Nic is annoyed about hearing you talk too. You just want to be heard, and I’m willing to listen to you.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered out like a child who was being scolded.

“You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for,” the older woman gently admonished before slowly reaching forward to put her hand over Marceline’s. 

She gave Hen a tiny smile as she squeezed her hand. “Thanks,”

Hen smiled softly. “Of course, but let’s start opening this wine, hm? Then we can talk about our boy Buck and how stupid he is. How about that?”

Marceline let a small laugh escape her lips. “Sure, that sounds fun. It’s better than moping alone. And hey, Karen can join us if she’d want and we can just shit on men because Buck lumps into the men category.”

Hen’s smile only grew at this and clapped her hands together. “Yes, this what we need. Okay, I’ll go get Karen who’s probably listening in from the kitchen if I’m going, to be honest, I’m sorry, she’s a little noisy,”

“I am not!” a voice indigently yelled from the kitchen.

“I rest my case.” Hen gestured to the kitchen doors before laughing softly. “Baby, come out here. Oh- wait! Bring some ice cream. We’re going full-on girl’s night right now.”

Karen then appeared with a few pints of ice cream and yet another bottle of wine and a big smile on her face. “Hi, I’m Karen, Hen’s wife. Sorry for eavesdropping earlier, but nothing ever interesting happens at our house at this time.”

Marceline grinned and waved a hand at Karen. “It’s okay, my emotional turmoil can be very entertaining. Nic would agree with you. And hello Karen, I’m Marceline, a co-worker of Hen’s, very nice to meet you.”

“Alright, enough with formalities.” Hen waved her hands around as she took a pint of rocky road ice cream and a spoon. “Let’s start shitting on men,”

“Okay, bet,” Marceline grinned as she got her own spoon and leaned forward to get a scoop of the rocky road ice cream from Hen’s pint. “Doesn’t it bother you when men…”

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In comparison to how Marceline has been feeling for the last couple of weeks, her mood has been significantly lighter for the past couple of days. Finally telling someone other than Nic about her feelings was good, and Hen was a great listener and advice giver. Plus, Karen seemed to take a quick liking to her and invited her over to dinner on Friday so that was great.

And today? Well, it’s going well so far. Marceline ran around the block early in the morning before taking Nic and Gemma to work and school. But no, not on her motorcycle as she’d prefer, but in Nic’s car since she had the day off. Before she had to pick up Gemma from school, she cleaned up around the apartment because yikes, it was a bit of a mess. Mostly due to Marceline, she’s a slob, which annoys the hell out of Nicolette, but yanno, doesn’t former girlfriend’s turned roommates and kind of co-parents have some things they don’t like about the other person?

So Marceline did the laundry, which included actually folding it, took the garbage out, and cleaned the bathroom just in time to pick up Gemma from school. Sadly, Nic had a late shift that would run till one a.m. and she said she would just take an Uber home.

And that meant that it was going to be a Marceline and Gemma day, which, in the six-year-old words were one of the best days ever. This was probably because Marceline was a bit more relaxed when it came to doing homework once they got home, but made sure to get it done before six, and allowed the young girl to eat ice cream as a snack.

She parked the car in one of the parking spots, before getting out and shutting the door. Marceline wore her red bomber jacket and blue-washed jeans, along with some black converses. She walked towards the back of the school, recalling how the pick-up was usually near the playground, and carefully weaved past other parents and children walking by.

“Auntie Marcel!” a high-pitched voice squeaked from the swings as Marceline walked closer to the playground.

The first responder grinned widely and jogged towards the swings. “There’s my little Gem!”

Gemma gave Marceline a big, toothy smile before jumping off the swings and running towards her. “Today was so cool, Marcel, I’m telling you. Science class was awesome, we made elephant toothpaste and I made mine purple!” she spat out facts about her day with so much enthusiasm that it was contagious.

“Whoa, really? That sounds pretty cool, Gem.” Marceline swiftly took the little girl’s sparkly pink backpack and put it over her shoulder as they walked towards Nic’s car. “Y’know, all I did was clean the apartment, nothing nearly as interesting as that.” she opened the backdoor for the six-year-old to get into and then placed her backpack on the floor.

Gemma giggled as she shook her head, getting into her booster seat and putting her seatbelt on all by herself. “That’s okay Auntie, we can have fun together. Maybe with… some ice cream?” she asked in her overtly sweet voice.

Marceline sighed and playfully rolled her two different colored eyes as she shut the backdoor and then sliding into her own seat. “I don’t know kiddo… your mom is kind of worried about your sugar intake lately.” she turned the key into the ignition as the car turned on and rumbled.

Gemma pouted, aghast at her Aunt’s reasoning. “But Mars! It’s our special ice cream trip, you always let me get ice cream right after school when you pick me up. It’s like-- tradition! Like how at Christmas we get a tree and put the decorations up together. You wouldn’t want Christmas without a tree, would you, Mars?”

She turned around in her seat and squinted at the six-year-old sitting behind her. “I feel like I’m being tricked. Did your mom put you up to this? Is she testing my boundaries as a guardian?”

“No! I just want my strawberry cheesecake ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and for us to sit under the tree while you drink your cookies and cream milkshake.” Gemma said in her matter-of-fact adult voice before continuing, “And then you help me climb the tree, sometimes you climb it with me, or wait at the bottom.”

Marceline was touched by how Gemma seemed to enjoy her time with Marceline, even if the time they spent together was limited at best. Not that she didn’t want to spend time with the little pipsqueak, but she tended to keep herself busy when she had days off. She’d leave the apartment, go to the bar, make out with someone at the bar and maybe go home with them. She’s already spent so much time bothering the Bishop girls for the past seven years with her existence and didn’t want to keep doing it on her days off.

“Fine, we’ll go, but--!”

“--Ha, butt,”

“We will go get ice cream, but you gotta super duper pinky promise me that you won’t tell your mom about it.” Marceline wagged her finger at the young girl before putting out her pinky finger. “We got a deal, munchkin?”

Gemma quickly nodded as she giggled softly. “Okay, Mars. We got a deal.” then she raised her little pinky finger and leaned forward in her seat before wrapping it around Marceline’s finger.

And then they were off to the ice cream shop jamming out to One Direction (along with some of the bandmate’s separate singles), a current favorite of the six-year-olds. After belting to Kiwi, they finally arrived at their destination. Gemma was so excited that she practically jumped out of the car before Marceline could even park.

When they walked up to the counter, Marceline sent the familiar teenage boy at the cash register a small smile. “Hey, Jerome,”

Jerome smiled back at her and leaned over the counter, displaying his freshly painted manicure that contrasted against his dark complexion. “Marcel! It’s so good to see you and this little gremlin,” he shot Gemma a playful grin as she stuck her tongue out at him. He laughed at the kid and started typing into the register, “You’re getting your usual, right? A medium strawberry shortcake in a dish with a cone on the side and rainbow sprinkles on top, and cookies and cream milkshake with whipped cream?” he shot off in his usual cheery voice.

“You know us too well, Jer,” Marceline grinned and nodded as she took out her wallet and handing him her card. After he took her card and swiped it, she took a good look at the teen in front of her while Gemma went off towards their usual picnic table under the big orange tree with Marceline’s phone to play some games while the adults talked, “So, how’s school going? Still thinking about going to NYU?”

He let out a loud groan and rolled his eyes dramatically, “Girl, I don’t know what I want to do with my life anymore, let me tell you.” But before he could continue, he shot of the order to his co-worker, Samantha who got to work on them and turned back around. “School is a pain in my behind as of late. I’m stressed out over this huge math test because I’m actually shit at math... and I still have to bust my ass at this job to save up for a place because I can’t keep staying at Alex’s house even though her parents say it’s fine.”

Marceline nodded carefully, hearing the clear annoyance and stress coming off of the eighteen-year-old. He had recently come out as transgender to his family, which immediately got him kicked out with nothing but the clothes on his back. Marceline had known Jerome before he came out through working at the ice cream shop throughout his high school years and became fast friends to the point where Marceline had gifted Jerome his first proper binder.

“Damn, I’m sorry to hear that, Jer.”

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault.”

“I know, but are you sure I can’t do anything to help? You know Nic is more than willing to let you stay on our couch for a bit. She loves you too.”

All Marceline wanted to do was wrap Jerome in bubble wrap and keep him safe from the world, but knew that realistically, she can’t.

Jerome shrugged his shoulders before handing their order to them. “It’s alright, I’ll figure something out.” 

She raised a skeptical brow at him. “Okay, but you have my number. Call me if you need anything, seriously.” She slowly took the tray from him.

“Will do, Marcel,” Jerome smiled lightly before blowing a kiss to her.

Marceline pretended to catch the kiss and chuckled softly as she turned around to walk over to Gemma. The six-year-old instantly put her phone down when Marceline slid next to her and gave her a big toothy smile. “Yay, ice cream time!” 

Gemma proceeded to inhale her entire ice cream while Marceline sat close by, idly sipping her milkshake and scrolling mindlessly on her phone. Gemma then launched into a long story about how her adventures at recess and how Lucas Mullens got gum stuck in his hair. Marceline, ever-so enthralled by an enchanting tale told by a child, nodded carefully as she diligently listened along and saved her questions till the end (by Gemma’s request of course).

Then it was Marceline’s turn to share a story, but this time from work. She decided on a lighter tale to tell the six-year-old when her team was on a call about a lady who had a snake wrapped around her throat. Gemma was instantly hooked, staring at her co-parent with big brown eyes filled with wonder. But she was saddened when she was told that the snake died by decapitation due to an impulsive Buck, deeming her co-worker “a menace” to all snakes.

Marceline tried to keep a straight face.

“What do you mean Buck cut the snake’s head off? It’s still a living thing, it didn’t need to die,” Gemma pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m telling you, Auntie Mars, he’s a menace. I learned that in school today.”

“Oh you did, did you?” she grinned and nudged the little girl with her elbow.

“Mars?” an all-too-familiar voice said behind her.

Marceline whipped her head around for the source of the voice, praying that her ears had betrayed her. But when her brown and green eyes landed on him, she wanted to turn to dust on the spot. “Buck, hey,” she plastered a fake smile, raising her hand to wave at him as her eyes also caught the redhead standing beside him. 

Buck walked towards them, causing Marceline to stand up and quickly run a hand through her hair because there was no way in hell she was prepared for this. 

“Didn’t expect to see you guys here,” she said, nodding her head amicably in Abby’s direction.

“Ah, well, I’m taking Buck out for the afternoon,” Abby said with a soft smile as she looked at the man beside her.

“And I was craving ice cream,” Buck added as he looped an arm around his girlfriend’s waist.

Marceline did her very best to make sure her eyes wouldn’t twitch. “That’s great, I’d recommend the milkshakes,”

Then there was a tug on her elbow, causing Marceline to look away from the lovesick couple before her and the little girl next to her. “Who are they?” Gemma whispered a little too loud, causing both Buck and Abby to grin. But before Marceline could properly respond, Gemma gasped and pointed at Buck, “Mars, he’s like a giraffe!”

If she was looking at a mirror, Marceline knew that her face would be bright red with utter embarrassment. “Gemma- oh my god,” she facepalmed and sighed, not even daring to look in their direction because what the fuck. “This is my co-worker Buck, the giraffe, and Abby, the giraffe’s girlfriend. Buck, Abby, this is Gemma, Nic’s daughter, and a public menace.”

“Hi,” Buck and Abby waved at Gemma with gleaming smiles.

Gemma gave Marceline an odd look. “What? Buck’s tall, like a giraffe. That’s why I called him a giraffe- wait,” the six-year-old halted before turning to look directly at Buck with her eyes turning to slits. “You’re the one who cut that snake’s head off in the story my Auntie was telling me!”

Abby stifled her laughter as Marceline wished that the ground beneath her would swallow her whole.

Buck, to his credit, laughed and nodded his head, “Yeah, uh, that wasn’t my finest moment at the LAFD, but I do regret that.”

Clearly, he was alluding to what happened right after that call and how he slept with the caller and got caught by Bobby. That was a mess.

Gemma eyed Buck. “You’re lucky you’re a giraffe,” and sad that in the most serious tone Marceline has ever heard a six-year-old use.

Again, laughter erupted. And, again, Marceline wanted to disappear at the sight of Buck and Abby being so happy together.

God, feelings fucking suck.

@skyslowalking​ & @beelarson​ once again, this is for you

[1dcraftawards]

November Author of the Month...

Drumroll please.... our November Author of the Month is none other than the incredibly talented...

@all-things-fic ! 

Congratulations to a wonderful author, Liz! You can check out our interview with her below!

1.Did you start writing fanfiction for One Direction, or was there another fandom that you wrote fanfiction for before this?

I have one fic that I wrote for One Direction Fanfic Archive, that will never see the light of day. It was really awful, but everyone starts somewhere. I’ve shared it with two people on Tumblr and we just laughed about it.

I’ve also written a Niall Horan fic which has been flagged for how explicit it is, which is quite laughable as it’s tame in comparison to the Harry stuff (eek!)

2. How old were you when you started writing fanfiction?

I was a teenager when I first started writing fics. I don’t know if I would consider it “proper” fanfic though as it was riddled with cliches.

3. What’s been your favorite fic that you’ve written to work on so far?

For the longest time I was proud of the second part of Divorce Harry and specifically the second part. It just felt real to write. I can’t even explain what it is about that piece.

I think at the time it stemmed from an ask I received where I was asked if I was a parent - I’m not - but this someone said I portrayed aspects of a marriage and how children can tip the balance really well.

The sheer bitterness of two people in love and the juxtaposed feeling it brings was an interesting dynamic. Being bitter and in love? How? It happens. You love someone, but bloody hell don’t you hate at the same time.

And I think on the hand Quarantine Harry is the opposite side of the same coin. I love it because it’s so happy. When you’re smitten and basking. Your baby waking you up at 3am and meeting your husband on the landing with the freshly made bottle is a time to enjoy because you’re doing it together.

But soon enough the third child is sprawled out in your kingsize bed and their foot is pressed against your ribs and you're tired. This isn’t me saying the two stories are linked (I do get those theories quite a lot haha)

4. Do you prefer AU or OU?

Definitely more of an OU gal. I’m massively into writing things “realistically” because I think it’s so relatable and helps draw readers in more so. Especially if the writing uses and references visuals that readers are aware of.

5. What’s your favorite trope to write?

Would we call a long-term relationship / established relationship a trope? If so then this is my favourite. Writing characters who know how to push each other’s buttons, knowing what they can and can’t say to get the other going. Being able to write two people who can share as little as a glance and know what the other is feeling.

Sprinkle a bit of angst on the top for good measure.

That’s my kryptonite.

6. What’s your ideal space to write in?

I tend to write when I’m in bed quite a bit, usually really late at night and on my phone rather than my laptop. Often lying in the dark. Sometimes first thing in a morning.

7. How do you get motivation to write?

This one made me laugh considering I’m unable to finish a single piece of writing at the minute.

Pictures are quite inspiring. New images of Harry can usually start something in me. The images of him in the whacky joggers for example from set have inspired a scene in Quarantine Harry (who knows for which part just yet!).

8. Do you typically like to listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?

Very rarely listen to anything when I write, I tend to like silence really. Sometimes this is so I can dictate into my phone.

9. Your dialogue is some of the best I’ve ever read on tumblr, how do you plan conversations in your fics?

Thank you for the compliment, it’s really nice to read that you think so highly of my dialogue. I don’t really plan them - conversations or my fics. I’m quite visual in how I write, so anything that you’ve read I’ve most likely had it play out in my mind and typed it as it’s moved. For dialogue I tend to speak out loud as I’m typing to try and get the pacing right for the conversation.

No, I don’t try to do a Manc accent… Just in case anyone is wondering haha!

10. What is your writing process like?

I write what I see and then hope it fits. Honestly it’s pretty chaotic. The only time I tend to plan is when I’ve got a lot of different scenes written and I need to know if they’re suitable for an update or what order to place them.

Then I read through them and think about the characters and how they would be a certain time and move the documents into another document. Then I close all the tabs and cry cause my motivation is nonexistent.

11. What’s been your favorite scene to write from Quarantine Harry?

One that hasn’t been shared haha! I’m joking (maybe).

From part one my favourite bit has to be the part where she makes up with him by taking him a cuppa and he gets a dig in about how she hasn’t brought any biscuits with her. Also the bit where he says “come an’ love me” meaning he wants to cuddle. I’m quite conscious I don’t really ever write soppy fics, so when I’m writing “fluffy” aspects they’re more so everyday affections. Like, you know someone is properly in love with you when they’re doing the washing up cause you’re busy, or they’re taking out the bins on bin day. That kinda thing.

From part two absolutely the entirety of the morning where she takes the pregnancy test. That was the part I had as clear as day and I worked backwards to the opening scene. I really loved the idea of Harry knowing his partner is pregnant before said partner knows. Him knowing his lovers body like the back of his hand so much so that he’s able to pick up on the smallest of things.  I knew I had to write it.

And how he casually suggested she took the test, by pressing a kiss into her back. His face finding that test and then being an insufferable sod and pleased with himself cause he’s in the know about the outcome before the MC.

12. Is there a schedule you follow in terms of when you write? Or are you more impulsive and just write where and when you can?

So impulsive it’s actually embarrassing. I cringe at myself. I know I’ve mentioned this loads but I really write what I see. So if I’m not seeing anything, I’m not writing. It’s quite frustrating.

13. What is one thing you wish you would’ve known before you started writing?

To not talk about your writing before you’ve finished it. I feel like I massively let people down when I post sneak peeks and then I can’t deliver because life gets on top of me!

14. What do you prefer writing, multi-chaptered fics or one shots?

One shots and then if they develop into something more that can be exciting!

15. What's your secret to portraying such a complex and interesting relationship between your main characters??

Personal trauma…… *tumbleweed at another one of my poorly thought out jokes*

I’m a bit stumped on how to answer this one. I think being well read(ish) helps you create complex characters and relationships, not saying that I am but I’ve read a fair few books. Life in general helps too, sometimes personal relationships. Just growing up. My fic when I was younger was nowhere near the type of things I’m writing now but I’ve got a couple (okay, more than a couple!) of years on myself since then.

I think just apply your own lived experiences and call upon emotions you may have felt through certain times that you’re writing should you have experience it.

Partly I also think so many of us are a little bit nosy. Sometimes we all kinda want to be the fly on the wall in the home of couples to see if everything is a rosy as it seems or as intimate. Or whether it is just raw passion with a couple of arguments thrown in for good measure.

16. What Harry era/mood/look/vibe/song/etc. do you get most inspired by?

What’s weird is my favourite era of Harry is 2014, but I wouldn’t want to write him like that. The current Harry is quite marvellous. I’ve never known anyone like him, he really is fine wine (the real album title…. ‘we’ll be a fine wine’)

If you’re asking what mood I like to see him in, it’s either when he's pensive and looks a touch pissed off with a crease to his brow or when you watch his joke his eyes before he’s even said it and he’s amused/pleased with himself.

His current look, mainly late 2019/2020 is quite something (hence the quarantine fics)

I tend not to get inspired by his songs but my two faves if I had to pick would be Woman and TBSL. I think they’re massive Scorpio energy and would make great premises for a one shot sometime!

I’m not sure if I even answered this how you wanted it answer but hopefully it was something haha!

17. Who or what inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always loved writing, I think it’s because I do a lot of it with my line of work. The person that gave me the push on this site was actually an account called @meetyourmouths. The lovely Iz is no longer on tumblr but she wrote a Harry piece that just made me think ‘fuck it’ and I posted Practicing. If you go to that piece the authors note makes mention to Iz.

I would also say @stylishmuser was one of the first people to reach out to me and be encouraging which has always stuck with me. Massive love for, P and still talk to her all these years on.

I’m now sat here thinking about listing all the lovely lovely people who have been so nice to me both in regards to writing and outside of it and I’m conscious I’m not mentioning them. The troubles of being a bit of a people pleaser. Hopefully those people know I love ‘em… You know?

18. Some readers are wary of leaving feedback because they're unsure how the writer will take it, how do you personally like to receive feedback? Do you want to be critiqued, or would you like to just know if they did or didn't enjoy what they've read?

First thing I’d say is please don’t ever think as readers you can’t be negative. Sure there is a way to present the feedback to the author cause writing can be quite personal, but everyone has room for growth.

Just come chat to me. Can be about anything and everything. A simple ‘loved the update’ to ‘this bit was rubbish’. I’m open to all feedback.

One thing to remember is there are a lot of writers out there so there is something for everybody. If a fic isn’t for you there are tons out there waiting for you to go and grab ‘em!

19. Is writing a hobby or do you have aspirations of writing professionally outside of fanfiction?

I used to think it was mainly more so a hobby, and I do still lean towards this. However, now I’m not so sure. My problem is I tend to have long spells of not being able to find balance in my ‘real life’ job and the extra-curricular stuff.

I’m dragging myself here but I don’t think my fics have much plot to them. I’m more so about writing the everyday life and I don’t think there is a market for that really (unless you have something explosive happen somewhere).

20. And finally, What's your purpose for writing? What do you hope to accomplish?

For a while I wanted to write Harry being insufferably British. I found it quite hard to find writings that I thought wrote him using Britsh-isms (is this even a thing?) and types of phrases that are common over this side of the pond. I wanted to put that out there for someone who may have once felt like me.

Mostly,  I just want to put pieces out that take people elsewhere, even if only for a couple of minutes. A lot of the world is a bleak place, if you find my little corner on tumblr and it makes you smile, that’s achieved something, hasn't it?

[silvia7272]

9 ~ Revelations Revealed

Hey guys. I can’t believe how many notes I have on My Cardigan Story. It's truly amazing and I love you guys so much thank you. I hope you’ll enjoy today's chapter, and I hope you’ll understand some points I make and whether or not you like it is completely up to you.

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I’m going to Headcanons that the Kwami’s can’t see what their holders do once they transform, however, I do think some of their personality does get passed onto them when they do transform. Marinette becomes confident and strong like Tikki, Chat Noir is playful and funny like Plagg, I always thought they matched once they transformed.

Word Count: 3249

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Also, how would people feel about having 3 in 1 fics? So, I’ll put 3 fic stories in one post, that way there's more content to enjoy, around the same length as the others and it may but just a little bit of filler so you can enjoy more interactions. They may seem less important so I think the 3 in 1 fics will be canon but not as relevant, if an idea has it's on fic, it's important/I wanted to expand on it.

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue , @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @luleck, @themotherofhogwarts, @more-or-less-human-i-guess, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

***

“Marinette how could you?” Uggh this again? Could they not give it a rest? This was the same routine Marinette had been living by before Chloé and Rosina entered the picture. It didn’t matter what she did, Lila would be persistent about making the class hate her, even though she had accomplished it she still wanted that hatred to be directed towards someone.

She just so happened to be that someone.

If she said the truth, she was of course lying.

If she denied, she was lying.

If she did anything, she was lying.

And god was she sick of it. Couldn’t they see Lila was just spinning so many tales to grab their attention it was unbelievable?

But she couldn’t do anything else.

Because it still hurt so much.

And she couldn’t tell anyone.

“I didn’t do that, she’s lying.” But of course, they all rolled their eyes at her. Lila was ‘hysterically sobbing’ into the arms of Mylène, they never saw the smirk the brunette gave her.

And they just believed her. With no evidence to back it up.

Man did it make her mad.

She also didn’t miss the disappointed look Adrien had given her, but she was quickly able to go back to her friends and act as if nothing had happened.

Because she had to.

If she continued being angry, then she would get Akumatized.

The day she was nearly expelled was close enough, she could never let something like that happen.

So, she thought the best option was to bottle everything inside.

But she remembered how it all came crashing down on her when Rosina let her enter that Trinklet world. She knew it was bad when she had cried for a long time, she didn’t know how long due to the no time concept, but it must’ve been awhile.

And yet she still bottled everything in. How else was she meant to deal with it?

“Maaaaaaaari? Are you ok there? You’ve been spacing out?” A hand was waved in front of her face as she blinked out of her stupor.

“I’m fine, I’ve just had a lot on my mind, I’m fine really, hahaha” She was trying to play it off as cool and hoped the other two wouldn’t notice.

“You really need to learn how to relax Marinette. I’ll plan a spa day for us all” Marinette had to stop the blonde from pressing anything.

“Nonono, Chloé really it's fine, I’m almost done anyway” She laughed nervously. And it played out like the day usually did.

The day ended and they went home, she ignored that feeling of eyes upon her as Rosina bounced along beside her.

She ignored the feeling of eyes upon her as she was nearing her house with Rosina looking around.

She ignored the cold hard stare in front of her as she bumped into Rosina who had halted midstep… And stopped bouncing.

“Rosina? What's wrong, is everything-”

“Aunty!” Rosina leapt and hugged the tiny woman in front of her.

“Amoretto! Cease this public display of affection!”

Whack

“Sorry, but I haven’t seen you for so long. And I have so much to tell you. Marinette’s been great, she’s my first ever friend here, and I’ve made other friends as well and-” Franchezca put her arm up to stop the young girl from retelling her everything the girl deemed necessary.

“That’s all very good, however, there are some important matters I have to dish out. To Miss Dupain-Cheng. Alone” the girls widened their eyes.

That did not seem good.

“Wha-What? Why?”

“We can discuss that privately, now let’s get going… You’ll soon learn that I can be a very impatient person” She slowly walked out and before Marinette could even process what was happening she felt as if she was being pushed.

“Whoa whoa whoa, Rosina stop pushing I’m gonna-”

She fell.

“I’m so sorry Mari. It's just that, it must be really urgent if Aunty wants to talk to you” As much as Marinette wanted to deny seeing her, she was vaguely curious.

“But, why not bring you along? You haven’t seen her in weeks” The redhead shrugged.

“I don’t mind, she’s always like this, but you better get going. She really hates waiting” Marinette nodded before running off, knowing Rosina would make an excuse to her parents.

She didn’t know why the former Ladybug holder wanted to have a word with her, but she did grow with slight nervousness with each passing moment.

“Finally you made it, next time I ask to meet you, it should be quicker” Marinette huffed before glaring. She was talking to her niece, why was she so grumpy anyway?

Before she could ask, a light was forming around the older woman. She was shocked, that was the same thing Rosina had! They both had one?

“Ladybug! Hurry up and come hither” She stepped inside this light and disappeared.

“Don’t say that so loud!” She followed before disappearing as well, luckily no audience was watching them.

***

“Where are we?” This was not like Rosina’s Trinklet. Hers was a lot more peaceful and fuller of nature. This had tons of doors on either side of them when looking around it seemed very narrow, like a never-ending office. But it seemed that Hernandez knew where she was going, heading towards a certain red door.

She opened the door and the blue-haired girl walked in.

“What is this place?” Looking around all the girl saw was darkness, except for a large white light in the middle of the room.

“We’re going to take a trip down memory lane. Now look deep into it” Franchezca commanded. Marinette rolled her eyes at this order but proceeded, she really wished she wasn’t going to be treated like this, but she looked deep into the light, ready for whatever she was about to face.

She didn’t expect to see Alya of all people.

“He cannot be allowed to hear that message Alya, if he does I’ll die of shame” This was the past, how was that possible?

“Okay okay, I got an idea. If Adrien’s phone went to voicemail it means the dudes busy, which also means you can get to it before he does” Back when they were friends. This was the day Theo made that statue of Ladybug and Chat Noir.

The past Marinette excitedly ran and pulled down the traced schedule of Adrien’s life went into…

It flashed from event to event, from stealing Adrien’s phone to abandoning Paris, being rude to André and planning to gate-crash Kagami’s chance of being near Adrien. Once she had lost all her friends to Lila, she was able to recognise that this behaviour was unacceptable and extremely creepy, she regretted it as she realised her jealousy got the better of her when it came to Adrien. Hell, she wasn’t even sure if meeting Rosina a year ago would let her be sane, her being so close to Adrien and all, would she have blown up at her? She didn’t want to think about it anymore, that was the past and she was living in the present. Sure, she was younger, but that wasn’t an excuse for her behaviour. At least she was learning as she swore, she would never do it again.

“These are the mistakes you have made Ladybug. And you need to recognise everything you’ve done from past to present. You need to understand your actions aren’t always right.” A red dot immediately zoomed out and came into view of Franchezca’s face.

“Marinette may have made some mistakes in the past but she’s acknowledged them and became better and! -” A hand shushed her before she could continue.

“I’m not finished yet, bug. And do not interrupt me again” They glared before Tikki reluctantly flew back to the blue-haired girl.

She muttered a sorry before flying back into the girl's purse.

“You’ve continued this even, you stole the boy's phone, read other letters, rude to people when you were upset-”

“Hey so are you!”

“I have a reason.”

“You don’t treat the Chat Noir as your partner, more like a sidekick, although that I can’t reprehend you on that, all Chat Noir’s are sidekicks, a Ladybug holder has more power than Chat Noir.” Marinette would’ve interrupted but she was silenced by yet another glare.

“All of your past mistakes are there, written in black and white, are here for you to see”

“But I’ve changed since then, I’m not friends with any of them, I even learnt to forgive my bully. I have new friends that I can trust not let me do that anymore. Your Niece helped me a lot Mlle Hernandez, and I thank her a lot, so I don’t understand what I need to do?!” She didn’t mean to raise her voice, but she was really struggling to comprehend the solution, if there was any solution in fact.

“You still keep all of that anger and regret inside of you” Marinette widened her eyes. She… Does?

“I don’t blame you for not recognising the symptoms, or anyone else for not noticing. You put on a mask to make sure you don’t seem hurt, but you are. And that negative emotion is going to eat you up until either you explode or an Akuma gets a hold of you. And I seriously doubt you’d want that to happen.” She nodded, still trying to process the new information handed to her.

“And you need to let that go”

“Huh?”

“Do you want to end up cold and bitter, like me? You are young, still young, you children make stupid decisions all the time, because it’s a part of life, and first-hand experience is the best way to learn. It's up to you if you want to forgive or forget, but don’t harbour any negative emotions towards your past. So, let it go”

“Why are you giving me this advice? Don’t you hate me?” Marinette retaliated.

“What reason would I specifically hate a 14-year-old girl? I hate everyone equally so don’t flatter yourself. Even if I still don’t agree you should be Ladybug, you also shouldn’t burden yourself and ask for help once in a while, you don’t need to only rely on yourself. This is meant in and out of battle, so remember that you aren’t alone, you have your sidekick after all”

So, she just wanted to help? That seemed completely out of character for someone like her, but Marinette guessed that since she didn’t know her like Rosina, it wouldn’t be fair to make that judgement.

Plus, it was true, even if Marinette didn’t want to admit it. She was still taking her time with asking for help from others, normally she would gladly take on all the work whenever her friends asked for anything, or she would offer to make banners for Alix whenever she had a race, or help out in the art room whenever she was free, and she only noticed how unhealthy that was, she was desperately clinging onto her friends now since she didn’t want to be abandoned again.

Maybe she did need some help?

“Thank you, Mlle Hernandez, I get it now. I’ll learn to let my anger go and focus on my future” The older woman was about to respond but Marinette beat her to it, she smirked inwardly as well.

“But I’m also determined to prove to you that I am a good Ladybug, even if you don’t think so. Maybe not now, but I swear in the future I will prove you wrong, and I won’t fail Paris. With my friends, we will defend Paris and defeat Hawkmoth”

Ding

Franchezca felt something, or technically saw something, a silhouette of Rosina behind her, smiling like she always would be.

She grinned, that determination was contagious, she knew that feeling all too well.

“Very well, Ladybug. Prove me wrong, but prove yourself right before that” She turned on her heel as Marinette and Tikki hugged another.

“That was awesome Marinette, you were so confident”

“Thanks, Tikki. It may have been tough, but she just wanted me to understand I guess” They would’ve continued if not hearing a voice.

“Well, Ladybug? If you want to prove to me that you’re serious then we need to get you out of that ridiculous level 1 costume, it’s a disgrace to all fashion designers. Kwami, have you really not informed you're chosen of the levels?” Tikki shot out again, she was still angry with Franchezca with that comment about Chat Noir.

“You know as well as I do that there are too many power-ups to explain all at once. We still have so much to clarify, I didn’t want to overwhelm her.”

“…What?”

Something told Marinette she would be staying here for a loooong time.

***

There was a lot to discuss yesterday.

And the cold hard truth was exactly that, cold, hard, and straight to the point. It may not be exactly what the blue-eyed girl wanted to hear, but she was glad to hear it now than later, in the midst of battle.

If R-

“Marinette!”

Uggh, here we go again.

“Yes?” It was coming. Any minute now.

“Care to explain why you sent horrible texts to Lila yesterday, especially after we confronted you, if this is because we found out your true colours then say it to us don’t be mean to Lila!” God damn, they were so ignorant of everything, she just wanted to-

Wait. This is exactly the same routine, and yes, she couldn’t stand it, but it was her life.

And she was going to change that routine.

“Fine…”

“How da- wait, what?” Even Lila seemed surprised, she was normally meant to fight and prove her innocence, not cave over immediately. What happened?

“I said fine, I promise not to text Lila, even though I don’t have her phone number, ever again. And I don’t know why she keeps bringing me up in conversation. But you can go back and forget about me and I’ll promise never to talk to her or text her ever. I really don’t care, I have plans with my friends anyway. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom. But seriously, just please tell her not to drag me into her fallouts, I don’t care about any of that stuff.” She wanted to laugh but had to hold it in as she passed them all and walked straight into the restroom. Once she sat in a cubicle the red Kwami flew out of her purse.

“That was great Marinette. Franchezca’s advice really helped.”

“Mhmm, yeah I guess she really was right. After I let go, I feel calmer and happier, plus I have more free time now, unless an Akuma comes obviously, but, I sorta feel… Better”

“That’s wonderful Mari-” They heard the door open so Tikki covered her mouth and whizzed back inside Marinette’s purse.

Marinette was unsure who it would be, but for all she knew it might be someone completely random, or someone she didn’t know.

There was no way to- it was Lila.

Marinette would’ve glared but soon remembered to let it go, huh that reminded her of Frozen, maybe she should watch that with Rosina some tim-

“You seem different, finally grew a backbone?” She instigated.

‘Just ignore her Marinette, she isn’t worth your time anymore’ She continued washing her hands, not daring to look in the mirror to see those green devilish eyes at all.

“It doesn’t matter, I swear I will make sure your empire will crumble, I can be very persuasive-”

“That’s nice” That slipped out, but she wasn’t really paying all that much attention anyway. She wanted to get back to her friends. Chloé still booked that spa day, and even though she was against the idea at first, she was excited to see what that would entail.

“-And your new friends will leave you”

Crack

Marinette should’ve ignored it. She knew Lila was just trying to get under her skin. But it was so hard, and this was only the first day.

“Aww, Mari~” The brunette mocked, using the same tone Rosina would use.

“I’m sure they are nice people, but I can be nicer, and they will leave you. Don’t take it too harshly I’m just stating facts”

“Stop”

“What? Sorry didn’t hear you, does the little mouse finally talk?” Lila laughed whipping her hair, about to make an exit.

“I don’t care”

That stopped Lila.

“You don’t care about your friends, oh my looks like you’ve been lying this entire time”

“Stop, just please stop, I don’t care anymore just stay with your other friends, will you? I don’t care that you’re lying, I don’t even care that Adrien knows. Just leave me alone will you? You’re so annoying.” And she walked off, she needed to chill and have some time pass before going to find Rosina and Chloé.

Maybe she could ask Rosina to take her to that opposite world again? She wondered if she could research some relaxation techniques to use, maybe some meditation?

She was sure to write everything down, that would surely calm her.

She didn’t care about the look a pair of green eyes were giving her.

She was starting to become happier. A sudden weight was lifted off her shoulders.

Besides, she had a meeting with Chat and Crisono later that day.

***

“Where is she? Ohh Bugaboo? Where are you?” The message Chat received didn’t scream urgency, but he couldn’t help but feel he had been duped into coming here as a prank.

“Chat quit it with the names already” He heard her voice before he heard her feet land on the ground, strange, he should’ve heard her the other way around.

She was getting better at sneaking up on people.

“Aww, but you know you love my names secretly buga-” He paused.

No longer was he staring at a pigtailed heroine that had captured his heart, no, he was staring at a new Ladybug.

It was the same Ladybug, of course, the voice matched, and he knew she wouldn’t just quit out of nowhere.

But it was different, she was different. Her outfit had changed a lot, she had black gloves and boots with red spots, and an overall that seemed to be covering her bodysuit, and her hair, it was no longer tied up, but down, two pieces of hair tied up.

“Ladybug, you- you’ve… You changed outfits? How? You look even more amazing” She blushed, ahh a sign from the heavens, be still his beating heart, he couldn’t contain his excitement. What made her want to change outfits he wondered?

“Thanks for noticing Kitty, I found out an awful lot about the Miraculous’ yesterday.” Chat slightly narrowed his eyes, here we go again, another secret he can’t be apart off, he should’ve guessed.

“And there's something I need to tell you. But you can’t tell Crisono. She’ll be here any minute now and I’d prefer if she didn’t overhear.”

“What is it?” He would just have to hope she’ll tell him later; they were partners after all. Besides, Crisono was his friend, he had to make sure it was something alright, but by the way his Lady was looking, it didn’t seem to be too pleasant.

She took a deep breath. And he could still remember how everything fell silent.

“The Miraculous cure doesn’t work on Crisono, if she dies, she dies”

***

Huh, this became more of a life lesson than saltiness. Although I still stand by Franchezca, children make stupid mistakes and decisions all the time, and even if I do simply love all ML Salt, I know it's exaggerated and fanon, and that’s alright, we’re able to take a fictional show and write how we interpret it ourselves, because it's not real, and that’s alright, it's real to us and that can be enough. Although I should clarify that this isn’t taking the higher ground, at least I don’t think so, just that Marinette is choosing to forget about them and live her own life, while they choose to either dwell on unimportant matters. Marinette wants to be happy, and if that means choosing to cut her old friends off then so be it. Hope that makes sense.

(Sorry turned sappy there) Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter, the next one should be Piper, unless I get writer's block and do a bunch of 3 in 1 fics, or even some drawings, (I’ve done one of a character not yet shown in the fanfic, feel free to guess) Annnnnnnnd I’ve sorted names and Kwami’s to all the friends, I’m really excited to show them and for myself, to draw them, I went into detail about what I want in my book so I really can’t wait until they’re released. I’m so excited.

Ladybugs costume will be uploaded right after this hopefully, last time I had too many problems to count.

So, stay tuned next time, Cya. Hopefully, the next one will be longer, just wanted to get this out of the way.

[thechindiannerd280]

Blooming Beginnings

Hey guys! This is for @differentlywerid and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Ugh, the more I write about these two the more I love them! Regarding the flowers, I did some research on them and their symbolism and some sites said different things than others so I averaged it out and put down the meanings that I saw most frequently across different sources.

Summary: Enola has some important news to share with her husband and does so in a very Tewksbury fashion.

Enola quickly whipped her head around as she heard her husband’s footsteps approach their bed. This it it. After a full week of hiding, she finally decided to tell him.

“Is everything alright?” he asked with a worried look as he took a seat on the bed and taking her hands into his. “You’ve been ill and I haven’t seen you in so long.”

Enola nodded, although she was still in pain.

“Yes, everything will be fine. I just need to rest,” she replied.

Tewksbury nodded. He then pulled out a sealed envelope from his jacket pocket and held it in front of him, eyebrows raised.

“I was given specific instructions not to open this until we were alone together,” he said with a nervous smile. “I truly wonder what you have up your sleeve this time. Are you feeling alright? If not, I can have the physician return.”

“I’m fine,” said Enola. She took a deep breath. “You may open it.”

Her heart raced as she watched her husband quickly rip open the envelope and pull out a card. Upon opening it, several flower petals fell into his free hand.

“Enola,” he said slowly. “What is the meaning of this?”

Stay clam, Enola. He won’t be angry. How could he? Enola scolded herself for her seemingly stupid fears. They’ve known eachother for ten years and have been married for one and never once have they gotten truly angry at eachother. She knew there was nothing to be afraid of, but a negative reaction wasn’t impossible. He could get angry at her. Maybe rightfully so. Still, she had to keep going with the plan.

“Can you tell me the meaning of each flower these petals are from?” Enola spoke slowly, trying to hide the shakiness in her voice.

Face scrunched in confusion, Tewksbury cleared his throat as he sorted the petals on his open palm.

“First one is a daisy. Typically symbolize innocence and purity, but in other cases can also symbolize new beginnings and motherhood. Next is an orchid. They’re such lovely plants. Chinese legend says that they represent fertility and serves as a symbol for many children. Ooh, a marigold! October’s birth flower! Hmm. And this I believe is baby’s breath. Very precious like a baby and symbolizes undying love.” He looked his wife in the eyes. “Enola, what is the meaning of this.

Enola stared back and blinked. She nodded her head, confmining whatever he was thinking. Her heart was racing and she thought she would combust there and then. It’s out. He knows.

“Enola,” he said as he allowed the petals to fall to the floor. “All these flowers, these petals. They all relate to...birth?”

Here it is.

“Yes, my brilliant husband. Marquess of Basilwether, I am pregnant with our child,” Enola said as she leaned back in her pillows.

Tears formed in his eyes as he quickly gathered Enola into his arms. She rested her head on his chest and at that moment she realized their heart beats were in sync. She could feel nothing but warmth and love in his embrace and it was then when the emotions she was bottling up for a full week started to pour out.

“Enola, that’s...that’s amazing. We’re a family now,” he said between sobs. “Me, a father.”

“A very good one,” Enola added, allowing tears to flow freely down her face. Taking one of his hands into her own, she moved it down to her stomach, which wasn’t too round yet but filled with life regardless. Although she was tested a week ago, apparently she had been pregnant for two months, with the past few weeks being very unforgiving. She was exhausted, in extreme pain, and had found it a little more difficult to fit into her corset. It was truly hellish, but all of that was forgotten as she and her husband relished in the joy of being parents.

“Do you feel anything?” she whispered as she placed her hands ontop of his on her stomach.

“Yes,” he whispered back. “Our little one. Enola, we’re parents. We have a child. What color should the nursery be? Wait, we can’t do that because we don’t know the gender. Do you know? Do mothers know these things? Wait, I’m the father I should know also. What should we do now?”

Enola chuckled at her husband’s words.

“Tewks, you’re blabbering. I have no clue. And don’t panic, the baby isn’t due until October.”

“Hence the marigolds,” he said with a smile. “Our child will come to us in the autumn. Enola, it’s so close yet so far.”

“Yes,” said Enola, closing her eyes contently. “We have plenty of time to sort ourselves out,” she added jokingly.

Tewksbury laughed as he started to gently massage her stomach.

“Ah, yes. Looks like we have quite the amount of learning to do in the meantime. Can’t show up unprepared for parenthood,” he joked back.

“Indeed,” said Enola. “Why don’t we get to it then? I will take a look at the nursery and see if it needs some touch ups. Knowing the last occupant was you, I’m guessing it’s in desperate need of redesign.”

“Hey, not fair,” Tewksbury responded with a chuckle. “I only stayed there until I was seven before moving into a proper room. It’s only temporary.”

“But we should redecorate still,” Enola replied as she attempted to get out of the bed. Almost immediately, her head started to spin and got a sudden sharp pain in her abdomen. Trying to recollect herself, she felt someone push her back into the pillows.

“You are not going anywhere,” she heard her husband say. “You need to rest.”

Enola frowned as she saw all her plans and responsibilities ruined.

“What about the nursery? And on top of that I have quite a bit of letters and coded messages to decipher. That damned woman. If I can get to the bottom of her affair..”

“Enola, stop. The nursery can wait. We still have seven more months. And your case can wait too. You’re not in the state of mind or body for such things.”

“I have to crack those codes and see if the letters have anything of use,” Enola protested, not willing to waste time. “Wait, here’s a better plan. How about you bring them here to me. They’re on my desk in my study. Can’t miss them.”

Tewksbury shook his head.

“You really should rest. How about you get some sleep now and we reevaluate when you wake up.”

“And who are you to tell me?” Enola asked with a playful smile.

“I am the Marquess of Basilwether and I order my wife to rest because her body does cruel things to her when she’s pregnant,” he responded with a sly smile of his own and a raised eyebrow.

“Fine. You win.”

“As I always do.”

“Debatable.”

Enola closed her eyes as Tewsbury rearranged the pillows and covers to make her more comfortable. Just when she began to feel the exhaustion overtake her, she called out to her husband.

“Stay. Stay with me.”

“Alright, my love.”

She felt the bed shift as he lay down beside her and she quickly moved closer, snuggling into his chest. She was tired. She did want to sleep. Why was he always right about everything?

“Sweet dreams,” she heard him whisper before completely falling into a deep sleep. “You too, little one,” he added as he gently touched her stomach. “I’m very excited to meet you.”  

[sestra-inestro]

Just A Really Big Mistake (2/?)

Jane the Virgin!AU 

Pairings: Detective!Steve Rogers x Fem!reader, Hotel Owner!Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff

Summary: You find out about your pregnancy and it causes some serious stress among your family and brings back some past issues. 

Warnings: wearing, cheating, accidental insemination, mention of smut. Angst, talks of abortion, abandonment issues, talks of abandonment and absent parents. 

A/N: I stayed up real late to deliver this one to you because I really enjoyed writing this one. Sweet idea from @whatcouldgowrong-ohthat​ who will be my rock during this fic. Enjoy this sweetness. 

Bucky held the small piece of paper in his shaky hands. The small words on it confused him to no end and Natasha’s smile confused him more. 

“I might be a father?” Bucky asked her, his mouth hung open. 

“I used your sample baby.” Natasha’s grin matched the gleam in her eyes as she rubbed over his thigh. 

“You what?” He couldn’t control the anger in his voice as he asked her. “Without telling me?” 

“I wanted it to be a surprise. To be romantic.” Her smile didn’t let up. 

“But you...” Bucky couldn’t even find the words to respond to her. 

His plans to ask her for a divorce now had a wedge in them. The fact that she used his sperm without him knowing, just to hold something else to hold over him angered him. 

He glared down at the dinner she made him. Everything was all a setup and he couldn’t do anything but just wait. All he ever wanted was to have a family. His own children and his own family to call his. He couldn’t see himself being with Natasha anymore, but now after she used his only sample before the surgery for cancer, he had no choice.  

Without saying a word, Bucky stood from the table. Natasha watched the pain etch onto his face as he left the dining room. He left to their bedroom without a word to her. He was upset, but in Natasha’s head, this is what would keep them together. 

-

It had been 15 days since you had been to the doctors, and in the last couple of days you had been waking up nauseous and weak. 

You sat on the bus with May on your way to the mall, you carried a water bottle with you to try and keep you refreshed and wake you up. 

As you took in a deep breath another wave of nausea came over you. You untwist the bottle and take a drink, trying to ease yourself. 

May noticed you’re uncomfortable and shifted in your seat. 

“Are you okay, honey?” May put a hand on your shoulder. 

“Yeah, just feeling a little nauseous is all.” You assured her. 

May frowns. “Maybe We should get you some Pepto-Bismol while we are there.” 

You nodded in agreement and went back to looking out the window. The bus came to a stop and two elderly nuns got on board. 

You looked around seeing that most seats were full and you and May were in the curiosity seats. 

“C’mon. Let’s get up.” You nudge May. 

“But you’re feeling sick.” May tries to keep you seated. 

“No, it’s fine. I’ll be fine.” You said before standing up. 

As soon as you step out into the isles, you feel a dizzy spell come over you from the back of your head and your chest fills with pressure. You sway as you try to stay upright but then nausea came again. 

May saw you sway and before she could say your name, you dropped to the floor. 

“Oh my god, June!” May kneels over you, pulling you into a recovery position while people alerted the bus driver. 

You woke up again and you were in the emergency room. 

You frown and groan as you sit up. 

“Hey, there take it easy.” May was at your side as soon as you opened your eyes. 

“What happened?” You asked her. 

“You fainted on the bus.” May said, rubbing the back of your hand. “I think you’re a little sick, my love.” She gave you a sweet smile. 

“Maybe a little.” 

“Alright, I’ve got news.” A doctor pulled back the privacy curtain. “Oh, you’re awake. Hello, I’m Dr Banner.” 

“Hi, Dr Banner.” You said as you slowly sat up in the bed. 

“So we tested your urine and your bloods. Your nausea and fainting spells are not random. Congratulations, you’re pregnant.” 

“What?” Both you And May say at the same time. 

“That’s not right.” May says. 

“Yeah, there’s no way I’m pregnant. I’m a virgin.” You tell him.

Dr Banner pauses at your words. “Maybe We should have this conversation in private, June.” 

“Oh my god, June.” You look up at May who had a cheeky smile on her face. “Did you and Steve...?” 

“No, we did not.” you held up your hand. “There’s no need to talk in private, because I’m not pregnant.”

“Okay. False positives are frequent but false negatives are very rare.” Dr Banner tries to tell you. 

“Well, then you better take another test because if my daughter says she’s a virgin then she’s a freaking virgin.” May began to fume. 

Dr Banner held up his hands. “Okay, alright. We will take another test.” 

Dr Banner fetched you a cup of water and waited for you to bring back your urine. 

He held the pregnancy strip in front of you and dipped it into your pee cup. “Pink means pregnant.” 

He pulled out the strip, and believe it or not, the tip was pink. 

You and May stared at it in awe. “But I’ve never had sex!” 

-

Bucky and Natasha sit in front of Becca in her office in silence.

“Just say it. I’m not pregnant.” Nat said. 

Becca clasped her hands together in front of her mouth and nodded. “No. No, you are not pregnant. I’m very sorry.” 

Bucky sighed in relief, but his hope also diminished inside of him. “It’s alright, Bec it’s not your fault.” 

“No, but you see it kinda is.” Becca shrugged. 

Both Bucky and Nat frowned at her. They took in her appearance. She looked very stressed and she held herself as if she was now just letting it roll away from her. 

“What do you mean?” Bucky asked her. 

“Well,” Becca shifted in her chair. “Two weeks ago when I walked in on Allison with her...” she rolled her eyes and trailed off. “It doesn’t matter, it was two weeks ago. I accidentally inseminated a woman with your specimen.” 

Bucky’s and Nat’s eyebrows shot up at her words. “You wh-insemin-“ Nat stuttered over her words and Bucky sat in shock. 

“Yep. I did that.” Becca opened her hands and took her responsibility. “I did it and frankly I cannot reverse it.” 

A knock came at the door of her office. A nurse pushed it open and looked at Becca. 

“She’s here.” 

Becca looked at Bucky and Nat, giving them a tight-lipped smile and pushed herself off the chair. “Excuse me.” 

She walked out of the office, leaving Bucky and Nat to thinking about the predicament. 

Becca stood in front of the room you were currently sitting inside and took a deep breath. 

You sat inside with May standing next to you. You could feel the stress building in your stomach when May suddenly burst out. “I slept with Happy last month.”

“What?” You whip your head around to look at her. “Why are you telling me this now?” 

“What if yours some sort of religious messiah? I can’t lie to a religious messiah!”

“I’m not even religious May, or a messiah. Just stop.” 

May shifted in her spot when the door opened, Dr Alver stepped into the room. 

“Oh thank god. Dr Alver thank you for seeing me.” Becca closed the door and sat down as she listened to you explain. “It’s the craziest thing happening. All these pregnancy tests keep coming back positive. There’s gotta be some sort of reason right? Like a hormonal thing or...” 

“There is a reason.” Becca nodded to you, staying very calm. “And that reason would be that I accidentally inseminated you two weeks ago.”

You and May stared at her, dumbfounded. “What?”

“It was a mistake. I made a mistake. There’s usually only a 20% that it takes so I thought you would never know, but apparently that wasn’t the case.” 

You stared at her in shock as May began to lay into her about her professionalism and her medical license. 

Your worst fear has come true. You have an unplanned pregnancy on your hands. You tried all these years to keep your flower pure and white as you sorted out your life but now your whole life has been turned upside down. 

“Ms Parker.” Becca brought your attention back to her. “You are under no obligation to keep the baby or get rid of it. And you obviously do not have to make contact but the father does know.” 

The mention of the father made you sad. “Oh my god. The father.” 

Those words almost brought tears to your eyes. 

“I have to go. I need to leave.” 

“Ms Parker.” Becca tried to get you to talk but May stopped her. 

“No! No, this is bullshit!” May pointed at her. 

You left her to defend herself against May as you walked out of the doctor’s clinic. 

You felt your petals crumpling and turning brown with every step you took. What the hell were you going to do? What were you going to tell Steve? 

You stood in the street and panted as you panic. 

You have a baby growing inside you and you don’t know what to do with it, and this is exactly what you were trying to avoid. You weren’t ready to have a baby, to be responsible for another human being and to have a baby stretch your body. You were too young to have a mom-bod. 

“June.” Mays voice came from behind you and her hands were on your shoulders. “June it’s okay to be okay.” 

“No it’s not. None of this is going to be okay, May.” Tears filled your eyes as you looked at May. “I have someone else’s child in me and I don’t even know him. I’m only twenty-three and I still live at home. I’m in school and I’m a waitress at a hotel, how the hell am I supposed to have a baby?” 

You sobbed as May pulled you into her arms. Too many emotions swelled in your chest and stomach right now that you couldn’t even stop yourself from crying into her shoulder. 

“You’re not alone in this, Junie. And this is in no way your fault. It’s that stupid doctor’s fault and we are gonna sue.” May reassured you as she rubbed your back. 

A couple walking passed the clinic and saw you crying into May’s arms, watching you with confused looks. 

“What are you looking at motherfuckers?” May snapped at them, causing them to look away and walk away quickly. 

“May, stop.” You pulled away from her and laughed at her antics. 

You wiped at your eyes and let out a watery sigh. “I’m a mess.” 

“You’re allowed to be.” May rubbed your arms. “That doctor also gave me a pill to give you.” May rolled her eyes as she said doctor and handed you a pill bottle. “If you decide not to keep the baby, then you take those.” 

You looked at the little brown bottle that would end the little life starting building in your womb. 

You can’t think straight, this was all too much information in under an hour. 

“It’s okay, take time to think about it. It’s a lot.” May patted your hand with the bottle. 

“Thank you, May.” You looked at her with an appreciative smile. “For everything.” 

“Anything for you.” May might not be your biological mother, but she meant so much more than any real parent of yours would be. 

“I love you.” You pulled her into another hug. 

“Aw, I love you too, my baby.” May smiled and kiss your hair. “Now you gotta get ready for your anniversary dinner with Steve tonight.” 

“What about the Mall?” You asked her. 

“Honey, the Mall was forgotten about seven bouts of bad news ago.” She wrapped her arm around you and you both made your way down the street to the bus stop. 

-

Steve was pacing around and continuously fussing about with the dinner setting. Tonight had to be absolutely perfect of wanted it all to work out. 

He was fiddling with the placement of dining wear when the front doorbell rang. 

He frowned and made his way over to the door, opening to reveal you. 

“June.” Steve frowns and looks at his watch. “You’re a bit early.” He steps aside to let you in. 

“I hope that’s okay.” You lean up on your tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips. “Today has just been...” You wave your hand around as you try to find the words. “All kinds of crazy.”

“No that’s completely fine.” Steve assures you, walking into the house and watching you take your jacket off. 

He felt the ring box in his pocket, he saw you. He was in love with you and there was no changing that, ever. He will still wait forever if he has to, but he wants to call you his wife. 

Better now than never. 

Steve took the ring box out of his pocket. “I really need all of this to be perfect for you, Junie.” 

You huff in amusement as you still fiddled with your jacket, not looking at him. “Today has been far from perfect.” 

“Well, baby.” Steve got down on his knee as you turned around to face him. 

“Oh, god.” You say as you see him on his knee with the box in his hand. “Steve...” you tried before he could say anything. 

“June, there’s been so many things in my life that I haven’t been sure about. But I know that I am definitely sure about you.” 

“Steve, please...”

“I’m in love with you, June. I’m not doing this just because I want sex. Though I do want to have sex with you. But I want you completely. June, will you-“ you cut him off quickly. 

“I’m pregnant.” You blurt out. 

Steve blinks and his posture falters for a second. “What?” 

-

You sat at the dining table as Steve paced back and forth. 

“So let me get this straight.” He placed a finger in the table and a hand on his hip. “She just inseminated you without checking your file?” 

“I don’t know, Steve. All I remember is her crying. She could barely hold it together.” You shrugged. 

“June, that doesn’t matter. You’re now pregnant because she was sad.” Steve raised his voice. 

“I know, Steve. I am the one that’s pregnant you don’t need to yell at me.” You glared at him and looked back down at your hands. 

Steve sighed and sat down across from you. His shoulders sagged and he put his head in his hands. “I know. I’m sorry.” He lifted his head to look at you, grasping your hands in his and making you look up at him. “I’m not angry at you, I’m sorry. I’m annoyed at the doctor.” 

“I know.” You sighed. 

“So what’s happening right now?” Steve asks.

You shake your head as you run through your options. “I have no idea.” 

The doorbell rang through the house. Steve’s shoulders sagged more. “I invited both our families. I was sure you would say yes.”

You caress his hands and give him an apologetic look.

“Can we at least pretend you did, just for now?” Steve asks, trying to hide his stress. 

“Of course.” You say. 

Steve stands and pulls you up with him. “Thank you.” 

You give him a sweet smile. “You know, under different circumstances, I would’ve said yes.” 

Steve smiles down at you. “I know.” He says and rests his forehead against yours. 

The doorbell rang again followed by a knock. 

“Alright, we can do this.” Steve said. 

“We can do this.” You nodded. You pulled him down to a kiss before letting him go to the door. 

This was going to be a tough strain on your relationship. 

-

The party went as well as it could. Steve disappeared from you at some points, but that was to be expected. May, Pepper, and Peter came to congratulate you and hug you, as well as Steve’s family. 

If you had said yes, this would’ve been the time of your life. But with the pregnancy fresh in the back of your mind and now the trouble with Steve weighing on you, you found it hard to enjoy the party. It was all fake. 

And you couldn’t even drink the stress away. You took a sip of wine before spitting it back into the glass, but the thought of drinking the wine anyway did cross your mind. This wasn’t your baby and you didn’t want this at all. It wasn’t even a mistake you had made. 

You considered drinking the alcohol before deciding to tip it out and stick with juice. 

At the end of the night, you kissed Steve and his family goodnight and you were taken home. 

As you got ready for bed in the bathroom, Pepper snuck into your room to congratulate you again when she spotted the bottle of pills. Abortion pills. Pepper lifts the bottle closer to her face. 

The idea of you pregnant settles in her mind and she lets her body to sit on your bed. Everything she had warned you about as a child has been to avoid exactly this.

She didn’t want you to end up like your mother, who dumped you on your father’s doorstep and left before he could open the door. The same man who ran straight to his ex-girlfriend for advice after his parents made him have a DNA test and kicked him out. Pepper had let him stay with her while he sorted out what to do, she watched as he spiraled and declared himself unfit to raise a little girl on his own before running off himself. 

May was the only one with a stable income and had also taken in Peter after his parents died. Pepper cane around frequently to help her raise two children at once, ones that weren’t even there’s. 

You walked into your bedroom to see Pepper on your bed, holding the pills. 

“Were you planning on telling me anytime soon, or were you just going to get rid of it before I found out.” Pepper asked you in a low voice, not moving from your bed. 

“No, Pepper. This is all just a big mistake.” You tried to explain it to her. 

“You know, your father felt the same about you too.” She said, placing the pills back on your bedside table and stood from your bed.

“Pep, this is different.” You say. 

“How is this different? Because you and Steve are now engaged because you’re in trouble?” 

“We aren’t actually engaged.” You mumble and Pepper raised her eyebrows, ready to lay into you.

“No, Pepper, please listen.” You held up your hands before she could open your mouth.

Pepper arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms, waiting for you to talk. 

“I was accidentally inseminated.” You start. 

“You were what?!” Pepper screeched. 

“She got me confused with another woman and put a piece of another man inside me.” You explained to her. 

Peppers face softened and hardened at the same time. 

“How on earth does she get you confused?! She put a another man’s baby in you!” 

“I know. We only found out just hours ago, and I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with it.” 

Pepper puts a hand to her forehead and sighs at the news. “Do you know this man?” 

You shook your head. 

Pepper watched as your body sagged with visible tiredness. You were leaning against the doorway, barely able to stand and you were clearly stressed by everything. 

“Oh, June.” Pepper steps forward and brings you into her arms. 

You hug her and start to cry again. You really needed to comfort from both of them right now, because even with this new life inside of you, you’ve never felt so isolated. 

“I did everything all my life to make sure that this wouldn’t happen. I followed your rules. But now I’m so scared, Pepper.” You sobbed. 

“Shh, baby. I know.” Pepper brushes your hair back and kisses your forehead. “I know this is scary, but you will get through this. You’re not alone.” 

“I know.” You hugged her tighter. “Thank you, Pep.” 

Pepper pulls back and takes your cheeks in her hands. 

“You’re very welcome, my sweet.” She sighs before moving her hands to your shoulders. “But I think you should hold off on the termination. Just for now. It’s only day one after all.” 

You look up at her and nod. “Of course.” 

Pepper gives you another smile before kissing your forehead again. “Get some sleep, babe.” 

“Goodnight.” You say before she leaves. 

As soon as you tuck yourself into bed, you’re exhaustion caught up with you and as soon as your head hit your pillow, you were out like a light. 

-

Over the next few days, Steve put nose into his work and you worked on figuring out a way to work with your pregnancy. 

While at work, one of your managers told you that the owner of the hotel wanted to speak to you. 

Chills ran down your spine you remember the last time you spoke to him. 

You called him a jerk. Within reason, because he thought you were a stripper. But still, he was your boss. As if you needed more stress right now, now he was about to make your life a living hell. 

He was in a small paradise tent near the pool, standing and looking over the pool. 

“Mr Barnes?” Your voice was small as you said his name. 

He turned at the sound of your voice, and a smile graced his face. “June.” 

He approached you with a much better attitude than you anticipated. “Hey, June.” 

You gave him a hesitant smile before responding. “Hi. Look before you do anything.” You cleared your throat. “I just wanna apologise for calling you a jerk that night. I mean, you can kinda understand why, but none the less I shouldn’t have done it and I’m really sorry.” 

“Oh, please. No need to apologise I was out of line.” He reassured you and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in. 

“Thank you.” You have him a rested smile. 

“Please,” he stepped aside and offered for you to sit down at the table. “Join me for a second.” 

“Um, sure.” You entered the open tent and took a seat. In front of you was a glass of orange juice. 

“I know this is very sudden, but I just wanted to make sure that you were okay and comfortable.” Bucky said as he sat down. 

You frowned at him in confusion. “What do you mean?” 

Bucky looked at you and took a deep breath. “I am the father.” He said lowly. 

You raised your eyebrows for what felt like the millionth time in the past two weeks. “You’re the father?” 

“Yeah.” Bucky his lip. “That was my sperm.” 

“Oh my god.” You said in shock. 

“I know this is all very confusing and, as I can imagine, full-on. But I felt an obligation to make sure that you were okay.” He looked at you with worried eyes. 

You observed his face as he looked at you. His big, silvery blue eye looked at you with such pure concern that you didn’t know what to think. 

“I-I don’t know wha- I mean-“ you stumbled over your words and Bucky held up his hand. 

“It’s alright. I can’t imagine how much news you’ve been given lately.” 

“I am so sorry.” You spat out. 

“You’re sorry?” Bucky asked you. 

“Yes, Mr Barnes. I-“ 

“Please, call me Bucky.” He told you. 

“Bucky.” You nodded. “I mean, this is your baby that is supposed to be in your wife and I insulted you just weeks ago and now I have your kids and this is all just so much.” You rambled.  

Bucky could see that you were spiraling and starting to panic. He got up from his seat and kneeled down next to you, picking up your glass of orange juice and handing it to you. 

“This is not your fault.” He reassured you. “All of this was just a really big mistake.” 

Bucky spoke as you downed your orange juice. 

You breathed as you swallowed the last bit and placed the glass back down. 

“That’s really good juice.” You said with a little laugh as you wiped your mouth. 

“Yeah. I had it freshly squeezed when I saw that you order it with your lunch every day.” 

You looked at him with a raised brow. 

“I wanted to make sure you were at least a little comfortable when I told you.” He gestured to the jug of juice next to it. “This was the best I could do without invading your privacy.” 

You gave him a smile of appreciation. “Thank you, Mr Barnes.” 

“Bucky.” He winked at you. 

“Bucky.” 

You both sat and talked for a while, looking out at the pool and easing your nerves and feeling a lot better than you have since what felt like forever. 

“If you don’t mind me asking.” You said to him. “What made you freeze your sperm?”

Bucky sighed. “Two years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I had to undergo surgery that would compromise my ability to have kids. I’ve always wanted a family of my own so I froze it.” He explained. 

You grew a wave of sympathy for him. “Wow. I’m so sorry about that.” 

“Yeah.” He looked at the ground and played with his fingers. “The surgery got rid of it and did its job. I just didn’t expect my wife to go unfreeze it without telling me.” 

“You didn’t know?” You frowned at him. 

He shook his head. “Nope. But, you know, nonetheless, I still want kids.” 

“And this was your only chance.” You finished the story in your head. 

Bucky only nodded. Now you felt super guilty. 

You had really been considering your options about this baby, but now it killed you to know that the only shot of Bucky having a family is inside of you right now. 

“I think we need to discuss some sort of arrangement.” You said, making him look up. 

-

Steve was working hard to identify the red-headed woman that Sam Wilson, a possible buyer from a major drug cartel, Hydra, had been sleeping with in the recent days. 

Pictures of the woman were strewn across his desk as he rubbed at the tension headache delaying him. 

Hearing wolf whistles, Steve lifted his head to see you, graced in a beautiful dress and a smile, making your way towards him. 

“June.” He stood from his desk. “What are you doing here?” 

“I’m going to keep the baby.” You said as you reached him. 

Steve frowned at your words. 

“I’m going to keep the baby and when it’s born, I’ll give it to it’s parents.” You continued. 

“You found out who the father is?” Steve questioned you. 

You nodded. “It was his one shot at having kids and I don’t have the heart to take that away from him and his wife.” 

Steve breathed out a sigh of relief as you said ‘wife’. 

You chuckled at his action and stepped forward, resting a hand on his chest. 

“I know this is going to be tough. But I’m still very much in love with you.” Steve reaches to touch your hand and squeezed it at your words. 

“And I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have by my side.” 

You lifted the ring box that he gave you the night he tried to propose. 

“But what about your timeline?” He lifted his eyes to look at you with hope. 

You smirked at him. “I think I forgot about that timeline an ‘accidental insemination’ ago.” Steve huffed out a laugh. 

He was so happy to see you and to see you so much better than when he did that night. 

“So, Steve Rogers...” you began. “Will you marry me?” 

“Fuck yes.” Steve lifted you by the waist and pressed his lips against yours. The whole precinct cheered as you kissed. 

You poured your heart and soul into the kiss.

When he finally pulled away, he took the ring out of the box and threw it on his desk. Pushing the ring onto your finger, he rested his forehead against yours. 

“I love you so much.” 

“I love you too.” You pulled him into another kiss.

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[grimoire-of-thirst]

Wildberries and cuddles

Request: Could you write a Mereoleona x fem!reader one shot where reader is having a bad day and Mereoleona tries to cheer up? Fluff would be perfect, thank you!

Genre&Warnings: Fluff

Tags: none

✩:✩:✩

Mereoleona was the most powerful, the quirkiest, and the most feared woman alive in the Clover Kingdom. She was fierce -in strength only a few surpassed her- and on top of that she was an observant despite her carefree personality. She could easily tell when someone has potential, and she could easily read the state of a person’s emotions. Hence, it was fairly easy -and definitely not a surprise- that she was one of the first people that noticed the gloomy aura surrounding you. Seeing you walking away, probably into your shared room, all worn out and with a perpetual frown on your face, left her feeling uneasy and concerned.

The low, tired ‘hey’ you addressed her not even three minutes ago was enough to send off a red flag into her head, signaling that something was definitely wrong with you. It was well-known among almost everyone that you are an all-smile type of person, and it didn’t matter the circumstance you’d always bring positivity in whichever room you stepped in. You were far more approachable than Mereoleona, this was also a part of your go-with-the-flow personality, which everyone in the Crimson Lion got quickly accustomed to. But now, your usually cheeky smile, the one you’d always give her whenever crossing paths with her, got replaced by a frown. A frown that Mereoleona considered to not suit your pretty face at all. However, that same frown was enough to make her understand that your day didn’t go as you had planned that morning. You said you’d train a little with some other fellow comrades, and then you’d go on a short mission to gather another star, or at least that’s what you had told her when getting dressed. Your slouched form was also another sign that reinforced her thoughts, and either your day had been tiring, or it went terribly bad. But either way, she was planning on fixing it.

But that was the problem.

Mereoleona, despite being one of the most capable and passionate people on earth, she was quite… unexperienced when it came to the romantic department. She never got interested enough into romantic stuff, and most of her childhood along with her adulthood where spent training, living in the wild, and fighting dangerous animals. She never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend before you, and now, this lack of knowledge was painfully showing.

Since she got into this relationship with you, handling it was fairly easy, mostly because you were the one leading it, despite Mereoleona’s leadership skills. You always made sure that the relationship won’t burden her - being a captain was already stressful enough- and you wanted to make her life a little bit easier. Usually, you’d be the one cheering others up, and -despite being your girlfriend for the past two years- Mereoleona had never seen you looking so tired and sad. For her, it was the first time seeing a frown on your face outside the battlefield. Now that she thought about it, she had never seen you sad, not even when fights withing the two of you would happen.

She stood in the middle of the corridor not knowing what exactly she should do. Training the fuck out of your body to take your mind off of the things that were bothering you seemed like a good idea to her -because that’s what she’d do if she were in your shoes- but considering how you were, and how you liked handling negativity, maybe tiring you even more than you already were wasn’t going to cheer you up in the slightest.

Based on the past interactions, and as far as she knew you, cuddles were the safest way to actually get rid of your gloominess, but Mereoleona thought that just cuddles won’t be enough -despite telling her endless times that simple, small things were the ones that mattered-, thus, she went ahead and began planning a cute evening that could possibly lift your mood. However, she had no idea what to do or how to do it.

She then heard some voices coming closer to where she was standing, and after turning to look at who were those people, she felt somehow lucky. There, laughing and joking around were Leopold, Gareth, and Ruben. All three men stopped as soon as they locked eyes with the lioness, bodies trembling under her fierce glare.

“TELL ME YOUR IDEA OF A CUTE DATE! NOW!” she growled, pointing her finger at Leo, making him flinch at her sudden loud voice. He swallowed loudly, taking in a deep breath before shouting back a “TRAINING UNTIL EXHAUSTION!”

Mereoleona narrowed her eyes, disappointment clearly readable on her face. Her right eye twitched, annoyed that her little brother had her same original idea and used her paw to kick him in the wall.  

“USELESS! NEXT!” Gareth too flinched, formally saluting her while straightening his back. He was confused by the sudden request, and the general idea that out of all the people Mereoleona wanted to know how to put up a cute date was… unexpected to say the least. However, he was taking too long to answer, and Mereoleona was slowly losing her patience, while her eyes kept on narrowing as her irritation grew. Gareth swallowed, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple while trying to find a decent idea.

“FOOD?!”

Mereoleona deadpanned. She knew for a fact that you already ate, and Gareth probably did too, but he was so scared he just wanted to be done with it and go to sleep. She was intimidating, and he could feel his hands shaking under her murderous eyes.

“YOU’RE A FOOL! NEXT!” she growled, sending him too into the wall. Then, her eyes locked with Ruben’s ones, expecting him to have at least a decent idea.

“Maybe a frie-“ but before he could end the sentence, Mereoleona kicked him too, stomping away while muttering how useless men could be, all the while the three poor, unfortunate souls watched her walking away, feeling their bodies ache due to her previous harsh punches.

✩:✩:✩

After coming to the conclusion that none in the squad could help her out with a decent idea, she settled for something that was far from what she originally wanted. However, it ended up looking pretty decent, and dare to say, somewhat romantic. She was quite satisfied with the outcome and hoped that you’d like it too. It wasn’t anything over the top, it was simple just like you liked, but she couldn’t help but anticipate your reaction.

You looked back at Mereoleona, trying to understand why exactly she was leading -more like dragging- you into the depths of the forest in the middle of the night. It was cold, and you were only wearing a simple long gown, barely providing your body with any warmth, and on top of that, you were tired. You wanted nothing more than to lay in bed and sleep.

“Where are we going?” you asked groggily. You were sleeping when she barged into the room, and without saying anything she took hold of your body with her flame paw and dragged you outside. It was so sudden that even now your eyes were half-closed, consciousness barely there to actually understand what was going on. Mereoleona grinned; eyes still focused on the road ahead.

“You’ll see” was all she said. You shrugged, letting her do whatever she wanted, mostly because you were too tired to ask some more questions, and besides, you trusted her. But you just needed to know one tiny thing-

“We’re not going to spar… are we?” you inquired, hopeful that it wasn’t the case -although if she really wanted to do that it won’t be much of a surprise, it wasn’t the first time Mereoleona would wake you up at an ungodly hour to train- however, you were now way too exhausted to move a single muscle, let alone fight.

She briefly looked at you, smiling at your cute frown “No, you can barely stand on your feet, you’ll just pass out before I can even start anything” she pointed out, eyes focusing on your slouched shoulders. You sighed, relieved that she wasn’t going to beat the life out of you, yet more curious about where she was taking you. If it wasn’t for a fight, then why was she dragging you into the forest?

More minutes passed in silence, Mereoleona was still walking, and you were slowly falling asleep once again, eyes closing while your body went completely limp, letting yourself fall into slumber as she kept dragging you around. However, not even after five minutes of you napping, Mereoleona ungracefully threw you on the ground.

You groaned at the harsh land, sitting up while both hands went to rub your tired eyes, trying to gain some focus and understand were she brought you. At first, you noticed the large field you were in, which made you understand that you were both outside of the capital and probably on a hill. Then, after looking up, you gaped at all the stars that littered the dark sky, but only when Mereoleona sat down did you finally notice the blanket you were on. In the middle of it, there was a bowl full of wild berries and a bottle of water. Your eyes shifted on her, and then back on the bowl, all the while a quiet giggle bubbled inside your throat which soon turned into a full loud laugh.

“Is this your idea of a picnic?” you asked, cheeky grin gracing your lips while your tone held nothing but tease. Mereoleona felt her cheeks on fire, blood rushing at the tips of her ears and down her neck. She knew it wasn’t anything fancy, she wasn’t that fond of cooking, and she barely knew how to prepare anything at all. During the time she spent in the wild, she learned the most basic things about cooking, and back at her house she never felt interested enough to learn that certain skill. She had debated about asking the chefs to prepare something, but when she finally made up her mind, it was already way too late. All the chefs were sleeping and in the fridge of the kitchen, there was nothing but raw ingredients that needed to be cooked in the morning. Thus, she went out in the forest and picked all the berries she could find, thinking that it was an acceptable solution. At first, she was sure it would work, but know, she was slightly embarrassed.

“Yeah, what about it?” she inquired, thankful that the poor lightning won’t make you able to fully see her glowing red cheeks. You smiled, taking a raspberry into your mouth.

“It’s… different from what most would do, but I like it!” you said, taking now a blueberry and handing it to her. Mereoleona grinned, happy that at least you were now smiling and no trace of the previous frown was present on your face. As you enjoyed the berries and calm atmosphere, Mereoleona was quick to notice how your body was slightly shivering, probably from the cold of the night. She grabbed the back of your nightgown and pulled you onto her lap, small flames littering around as she too laid down on the blanket. Her arms tightened around your waist, providing you with more warmth while you let your head rest on her chest, eating the few berries that were left in the bowl.

“That one is the Canis Major” you suddenly said, stretching your arm in the air while your index finger pointed at a certain star. Mereoleona hummed, eyes shifting above her searching for what you were talking about. That was another thing she had never been interested before, but after learning about your passion for constellations she began to pay more attention to the stars, sometimes even recognizing some of them. “Which one?” she asked, trying to find the one you were talking about, but there were so many stars that it was hard to find it, especially for her, that knew almost nothing about astrology.

“The big bright one. Right in the middle of those three smaller stars.” You said, still pointing at it. Again, Mereoleona looked up, and this time she was able to find it.

“That big one is called Sirius, and if you go a little bit down, there’s Mirzam. Across that one there’s Adhara, the one that is almost the same size as Sirius but slightly smaller, do you see it?” you asked, drawing some abstract lines with your fingers. Mereoleona followed the imaginary lines, and now that you pointed them out, she could make out the pattern you were making. Mereoleona hummed, telling you that yes, she could see it.

“A little above that one there’s Wezen and then-“ yet Mereoleona’s attention was quick to shift on your face instead. A small smile bloomed on her lips as she watched you talking about the constellation, explaining to her the meaning behind and other pieces of information that weren’t of any use to her. It was endearing, watching you so focused and passionate about something despite being exhausted. She could see your lips moving, tired eyes glimmering with interest while your index finger was still pointing at certain stars. Your voice was like nice, calm background music, to which she always wanted to listen to, and now it was no different, even if it was soaked in tiredness.

She could see that you were forcing yourself to stay awake, probably because you wanted to spend more time with her. Both, hers and your schedules were always busy, nights being the only times when you could spend some quality time together since she became captain. Mereoleona knew that you missed her, and she missed you too, but for now, she couldn’t do anything about it. Her hand went up in your hair, pads slowly massaging your scalp and applying a little bit of pressure, just enough to distract you from your speech.

The gentle touch was making it harder for you to stay awake, and your eyes were slowly becoming heavier and heavier while the words that were still coming out of your mouth made no sense anymore. Soon, you were asleep, curled into Mereoleona’s arms while she began to stroke your head, placing a feathery-like kiss on the top of your head. You were still mumbling words related to constellations, they made absolutely no sense, and it made her laugh -your desire to explain to her things about stars despite being out of consciousness was another aspect of your personality that she absolutely loved.

She tightened her hold on you while making sure that her flames were still providing you with warmth. The last thing she wanted was for you to catch a cold. She nuzzled against the top of your head, mumbling a small “Idiot” before she too closed her eyes, allowing herself to finally rest all the while listening to your steady breaths which lulled her into a peaceful slumber.

✩:✩:✩

A/N: Just noticed that I forgot to allow anonymous asks,,, sorry about that! Anyhow, this is my first shot for Mereoleona, Black Clover in general actually, and I hope I got her personality right! 

Thank you for taking the time to read it and have a wonderful day/night! 

[artificialqueens]

Stupid For You, Chapter 9 (Crygi, Jankie) - Metaluna

Chapter summary: After the day from Hell, Crystal and Gigi have an important conversation.

Being a happy person is something that Crystal prided herself in. No matter what, she always tried to have a positive outlook on life, even when Ryan was bad to her, or when her parents weren’t around. She could always look on the bright side of life.

That was until she and Gigi fought. She’d never felt such negativity in her eighteen years. Just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, Brita’s party happened, which led to Vomitgate. Vomitgate was singlehandedly the worst thing that had ever happened to her social life. Now, she couldn’t go to work without someone whispering about her in the breakroom. Everywhere she went, someone was there to make her feel embarrassed, usually people she didn’t even know.

While she sat in the breakroom, she saw a girl that Gigi worked with, whose name she thought to be Dahlia, whispering to some girl Crystal didn’t recognize. The moment Crystal looked in their direction, the other girl shushed Dahlia and they both laughed.

Finally she had enough.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Crystal demanded.

“Excuse me?” the girl asked coolly.

“I know you and everyone else in this fucking park is talking shit about me.”

Dahlia rolled her eyes. “We’ve got good reason to.”

“Are you kidding? You can’t tell me you haven’t been messy at some point. In fact, I’ve heard stories. I know you’re messy.”

Dahlia sat dumbfounded as Crystal turned her back.

“Hey, girl,” Heidi said as she sat across from Crystal.

Crystal grunted in acknowledgement.

“Don’t pay attention to them.”

“What’s wrong with them?” Crystal whined.

“I don’t know. I know for a fact Miss Dahlia over there definitely got sick at my party and completely missed the toilet,” Heidi said staring at Dahlia, making sure she’d heard every word.

As Crystal lay her head on the table, groaning dramatically, she felt her phone buzz.

Gigi.

Heidi saw the shock on Crystal’s face. “It’s not your boyfriend, is it?”

She shook her head. “Gigi.”

Raising an eyebrow, Heidi said, “Oh, shit. What’s it say?”

Crystal read the text aloud to Heidi.

Hey. I know youve been going through it, and that really sucks. Id like to talk things through if youre down

Crystal’s thumbs couldn’t move fast enough.

oh my god its so good to hear from you. yea things have been Awful… i definitely wanna talk when are you free??

“She wants to talk about things,” Crystal said to Heidi, as she feverishly tapped her fingers on the table anxiously awaiting Gigi’s response.

Okay awesome! Im soft closing tonight, so Im off at 8. Games is off at 8 at the latest right? Meet me at the ferris wheel.

“Wait, why does she want to meet at the Ferris wheel?” Crystal asked, looking up from her phone to Heidi.

“The grand tradition,” Heidi said dramatically. “Anytime there’s any grief with two people at the Isle, you take a ride on the Ferris wheel to talk it out. Mainly because the two of you are stuck together, so you either sit awkwardly or talk through your shit.”

“That’s… weird. Okay.”

Crystal quickly typed up a response..

ill be there!!!!

Crystal felt relieved. Things were finally turning around. Or so she’d hoped.

Later on, Crystal’s shift at the ring toss game was interrupted by a middle-aged mother’s tirade at not winning a single time. “Can’t I just buy the prize?”

Normally Crystal was sympathetic, but considering it was the third time that day and she was already having a terrible day, her responses were short, much like her temper. “No. You have to win the game.”

“You’re ruining my little Lucy’s day!” the woman motioned to her little devil spawn.

“Sorry,” Crystal mumbled.

“I know you probably don’t give a fuck and probably don’t even want to be here, but you’re literally ruining our vacation! We paid good money to be here and now I can’t even win this fucking game? Are you serious?”

Crystal shrugged as she accidentally let out the yawn she was holding in.

“Young lady, you are being extremely rude!”

“I can call my supervisor if you want,” Crystal offered, taking the radio off her belt.

“No. I’m going straight to guest relations.”

“It’s to your left as you leave the park.”

Just as the woman turned to leave, the woman turned around and spat in Crystal’s face. At first, Crystal was in such a state of shock she didn’t realize what happened. By the time she processed it, she let out a scream.

Thankfully, Widow stopped the woman from leaving as Ben called Brooke who came out to handle the situation almost instantly. Before long, there were two security guards who came to escort the angry woman and her child out of the park.

Just as on her first day, Brooke comforted Crystal. “Are you okay, honey?”

Hot tears ran down Crystal’s face as she shook her head. “No.”

“Let’s get you out of here.”

Brooke led Crystal back into the money room. As Brooke gave Crystal a bottle of water, the floodgates opened. Every single negative emotion Crystal had been feeling the past couple of months rose to the surface. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cried this hard.

“Let it out, honey,” Brooke rubbed Crystal’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” Crystal apologized. “I’m sorry you’re stuck taking care of me again.”

Brooke smiled compassionately. “I like taking care of you all. It’s kind of why I do this.”

Crystal wiped her eyes. “Really?”

She nodded and hesitated before she continued. “I feel like there’s something else going on. Being spat on is disgusting, but I feel like just from what I’ve seen with you interacting with guests and just in general, you aren’t yourself right now, are you?”

This only made Crystal cry harder.

“Deep breaths. Talk to me.”

Once she caught her breath, Crystal told Brooke everything. Starting from her fight with Gigi, ending with Vomitgate, she put everything on the table.

“Vomit…gate?” Brooke questioned. “Okay. Well. That’s terrible. I’m sorry your peers are being so immature. I can try to say someth–”

“No!” Crystal shouted. “Sorry… I mean… that’s not necessary.”

“Don’t worry about it. Also, Crystal, every season I feel like there’s a new host who just has the worst luck with guests, and it’s always the gentlest souls, too. I’m sorry to say that it’s you this season.”

“Oh fucking great,” Crystal muttered. “Sorry.”

“I don’t fucking care if you swear,” Brooke said laughing. “But, because that woman did spit on you, which is considered as an act of violence. So, I’m going to need to take you to HR and you’re going to have to file a report.”

Brooke immediately saw the panic on Crystal’s face.

“You aren’t in trouble, not by any means, Crystal. It’s just to make sure that this is on record. Do you want to press charges?”

Immediately, Crystal shook her head. “No. That’s okay.”

“Are you sure?”

Crystal nodded.

Once Crystal managed to stop crying, Brooke grabbed a Kleenex to fix Crystal’s makeup, and led them to the HR building. Crystal hadn’t been to the HR building since orientation on her first day.

Brooke led her into the room where park orientation was held. Instead of there being rows of chairs, there was a table with two office chairs on either side. A woman who looked like she shopped exclusively in the clearance section of TJ Maxx with a tall stack of papers in front of her was sitting on one side.

“Do you want me to stay?” Brooke offered.

“Yes, please,” Crystal whispered as she sat across from the woman.

“You must be Crystal,” the woman began. “I’m Monique. Please, sit.”

Crystal pursed her lips and didn’t say anything. Brooke, who was sitting next to her rubbed her back in reassurance. “Yes.”

“Do you want to tell me what happened today?”

No. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay. Start from the beginning. I’m just going to write what you say, okay?”

Crystal nodded. “So… I was at the game–”

“Which game?” Monique interrupted. “Sorry. You have to be as thorough as possible.”

“It’s okay. I was at the ring toss game today at like 2:30. This woman and her kid come up to play, and they lose, and she gets pi–…. Mad at me and starts yelling at me like the guests normally do. Maybe I could have been a little bit warmer with my responses… Whatever. Anyway. I asked if she wanted to talk to Brooke, and she said no, she’s going to HR. I told them where it was, since it’s kind of hidden, you know? I think she thought I was being cocky or something. Next thing I know, she spits in my face.”

“What do you mean, could have been warmer in your responses?”

Crystal sighed. “I don’t know. I was nice to her like I always am. But usually I listen more? I don’t know.”

“Did you say anything with malicious intent?”

“ What? No! I just… kind of wasn’t super into my responses.”

“What do you mean ‘into’?”

“I just kinda was monotone with it, I guess? Which, like, I know isn’t good, but I had a bad day and–” Crystal cut herself off as she felt tears forming. Brooke noticed immediately as she slipped her a Kleenex.

“We strive for excellent guest service here.”

“I know,” Crystal whined. “I just…”

“I think that she’s given you more than enough details, Ms. Hart,” Brooke said.

“Okay, okay. Can I just have you write everything you just told me?” She slid Crystal the stack of papers.

The sheer amount of paperwork was massive. There were so many spots to initial and sign that by the time she got to writing her statement, she felt like she couldn’t write anymore.

Monique rose. “I’ll leave you two to it. Just leave the statement when you’re done.”

��Crystal, hey, you’re okay. It’s okay. It’s a lot, but just write everything that happened. You don’t have to say that you weren’t as nice as you could be. I’m sure you were kind like you always are. Just write it as detailed as you can, okay?”  Brooke’s tone comforted Crystal as she began to write.

By the time Crystal finished writing her statement, she’d filled nearly all the lines on the paper. After signing her name one last time, she dramatically threw the pen down and stretched.

“Can we go back yet?” Crystal asked.

“Not quite yet,” Brooke said as she led Crystal to the back of the HR building.

“Why not?” she whined.

Wordlessly, Brooke led Crystal into a room she had to scan her badge to enter. The lights flickered a few times before coming in to reveal a breakroom that looked like it hadn’t been renovated since the park opened back in the eighties.

“You, my dear, need some ice cream.” Brooke went to the freezer and pulled out one of the overpriced ice cream bars that were sold to guests, which Crystal gratefully took.

“You’re the best,” Crystal said as she took a bite.

When she made it back to her game booth, Crystal was convinced her day was going to be better. If nothing else, she got to take a break for an hour and eat ice cream. It was going to be a good rest of the day, or so she thought.

On her second break, Crystal went into the restroom. As she locked the stall door, she heard a group enter. It was at least three people judging by the voices she could hear.

“Anyway yeah,” one of the voices began. “Gigi’s gotta hate her by this point. Those were some nice ass shoes she was wearing.”

“I thought they already hated each other? They never are with each other anymore. They were together so much,” a second voice said.

A third voice spoke up. “Yeah it was weird as fuck they were together so much you’d think they were dating or something.”

“I don’t know,” the second voice continued. “Either way, I’m glad Gigi’s not friends with her anymore. She’s annoying as fuck.”

“Right? The bitch doesn’t stop crying ever.” the first voice agreed. “Plus what’s up with her makeup? Sweetheart, the circus isn’t in town until next month.”

The other two laughed.

Of course her day wasn’t going to improve. Why would it? She knew that she shouldn’t let people’s words get to her. Crystal was used to being picked on for being eccentric. But with the day she’d already had, Crystal had enough.

Crystal forcefully slammed the stall door open. She didn’t even know the three girls, but vaguely recognized them as being in Dahlia’s gang. They were all standing in front of the sink fixing their makeup and hair. Crystal body checked one of the girls to get to the sink.

“What do you think you’re doing?” the girl jeered.

“Really? You’re going to talk all that shit about me and not even get the fuck out of my way? Next time you’ve got some shit to say, say it to my face, you cowards.”

When she got back from her break, she was visibly shaken. When Brooke made her rounds to check on everyone, she noticed just how upset Crystal looked. “Are you okay?”

Crystal shook her head.

“Today’s just not your day, is it, honey?”

“Nope.”

“Well,” Brooke began. “We’re overstaffed right now. Do you want to go home?”

This was music to Crystal’s ears. “Absolutely.”

“Go clock out. I’ll take care of it.”

In Crystal’s relief of leaving the hellhole that was work, she forgot all about meeting Gigi.

Gigi checked the time on her phone. It was 8:10. Five more minutes. She’d wait five minutes to see if Crystal would show. Gigi decided to not text Crystal, and decided that if she wanted to show up, she’d be there.

Five more minutes passed. As Gigi looked around The Boardwalk, there was no bright red hair to be seen. Maybe she just got held up. Gigi decided to give it another ten minutes, before giving up and defeatedly walking back to her Jeep.

Fuck you, Crystal.

Later that night, Gigi laid on her bed staring up at the ceiling wondering how she could let Crystal play with her emotions so much.

Just as she was about to wallow in her self-pity some more, her phone buzzed, notifying her that Jan was calling on Facetime.

“Hey, gorg!” Jan greeted, as she was lying in bed with Jackie.

“Hey guys,” Gigi said glumly.

“How’d it go?” Jackie asked.

“It… didn’t.”

Jan’s eyes widened. “She didn’t show up?”

Gigi shook her head as she felt herself starting to cry. “I’m so stupid.”

“Listen here, Gigi,” Jan began. “You are not stupid.”

“Did you text her?” Jackie asked.

“No, because I figured that if she really wanted to see me, I shouldn’t have to remind her,” Gigi explained. “But why do you think she didn’t want to see me?”

“I don’t know, Gigi,” Jan said. “Who knows what’s going on in that weird little brain of hers.”

Gigi plopped face down on her pillow as she screeched. “Fuck her. If she doesn’t want to talk to me, then it’s her loss. I don’t even care anymore.”

“You have to do what’s best for you,” Jackie said.

An alert informed Gigi she got a text. From Crystal.

“Fuck. It’s her,” Gigi squeaked.

“What did you say about not caring anymore?” Jan teased.

oh my god gigi i am so sorry you have no idea holy shit i had the worst day of my life. someone spit on me and i had to file a report and then these girls were talking about me and literally everything was terrible today to the point that my supervisor let me go home early and i came home and i fell right asleep and i just woke up like ten minutes ago and i feel terrible and you probably don’t want ot talk to me but oh my god gigi please im so sorry please please please talk to me

Gigi went back to the call as she reread the text. “And the impressive part is there was not a single punctuation mark in that entire text, and only one typo.”

“Wow,” Jackie said. “What are you going to do?”

“What should I do?”

Jan shrugged. “What do you think feels right?”

“I really still lo… like her a lot.  As a friend,” Gigi managed ro recover smoothly. “I don’t really want to ruin that.”

“Then tell her that,” Jan suggested.

Gigi carefully composed her response.

Wow that sounds…. terrible. Im really sorry that happened to you :(( I’m definitely still down to talk. Same place and time tomorrow?

Crystal texted back immediately.

ill be there.

After Jan hung up, she rested her head on Jackie.

“We’re good friends,” she said confidently.

“We are,” Jackie said as she kissed Jan’s cheek.

“I feel bad for them though.”

“I do too,” Jackie agreed.

“This feel selfish to say,” Jan began, “but even though they’re having a bad time, this is probably one of the best summers I’ve had in a while.”

Jackie smiled. “Do I have anything to do with that?”

“Baby, you have everything to do with it.” Jan snuggled closer to Jackie.

“Hey, Jan?” Jackie began nervously.

“Yes, Jackie?”

“I have to talk to you about something.”

Immediately, tears began to well in Jan’s eyes. “Do you not want to do this anymore?”

“What? No!”

“Then what?” Jan was near hysterics.

“Jan… This has been the best summer I’ve had in a while, too. And you’re the reason for that. Every second we spend together is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. I spent so much time in high school planning the next step, but when I’m with you I live in the moment. I stop worrying.”

Jan didn’t say anything, so Jackie continued. “I know that we had a rocky start, and every day I regret that. I just want you to know that I’m ready.”

Jan looked up at Jackie. “Ready for what?”

Jackie was fairly certain that Jan knew exactly what Jackie meant. “Jan. I’m asking you to be my girlfriend.”

Jan remained silent.

“Jan?”

“Shh…” Jan closed her eyes and raised her hand in front of Jackie’s face.

Jackie raised an eyebrow. “Did you just shush me?”

“I want to remember this.”

“Remember… what?”

“I want to remember the second I became your girlfriend,” Jan said smiling.

“God, you’re dramatic, honey,” Jackie said rolling her eyes.

“You love it,” Jan teased.

The next day at work, Gigi couldn’t focus on anything. She desperately wanted for her shift to be over so that things could be right again.

Luckily for her, the park was busy since it was a weekend, and it had rained all day, so guests were taking shelter in the store which kept her busy. Gigi couldn’t sell overpriced plastic ponchos fast enough. She was so focused on meeting Crystal that a woman yelling at her for how cheaply made the ponchos were didn’t even register.

When it was time for Gigi to clock out, she couldn’t run fast enough. Quickly, she changed into whatever t-shirt and shorts she had in her work bag before making her way to The Boardwalk.

Gigi was surprised that she beat Crystal there, considering Crystal worked right next to the Ferris wheel. She tried to not think about it too much as she took a seat on a nearby bench. To pass the time, she anxiously bounced her knee up and down as she scrolled through social media. After what seemed like hours, she finally saw Crystal approach her.

Since it had just stopped raining and the outdoor rides had just started running again, there was no wait. As they stepped on the platform, Crystal said, “After you, my love.”

Gigi took a deep breath as she sat on the damp cabin of the Ferris wheel. Before Gigi could even fully sit down, words poured out of Crystal’s mouth so quickly she barely understood what she was saying.

“Gigi, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your shoes… I know they were your favorite. I’m so embarrassed.”

“They’re just a pair of shoes, Crystal. Don’t worry about it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Also, I’m really sorry that people are giving you such a hard time about it. Don’t listen to Dahlia or her little clique. They think they’re hot shit but everyone in Sales hates them. Even Jan won’t talk to them.”

“Damn. They must be bad considering that Jan would talk to a wall… Anyway, thanks Gigi. I’ll try. I don’t know what their problem is.”

Gigi shrugged and repeated, “Like I said, they think they’re hot shit.”

The two girls sat in an awkward silence as Gigi tapped her fingers against her thigh. Gigi hoped to God that Crystal would speak up before she did.

“About National Roller Coaster Day…” Crystal began. “Me going with Widow and Heidi instead of you guys wasn’t because I wanted to hurt your guys’ feelings or didn’t want to hang out with you. I miss you guys a lot. Anyway, I legitimately had no plans of going because Ryan was being needy. But, Widow showed up on my doorstep sobbing since her boyfriend broke up with her. I asked if going to the after-hours thing would cheer her up and she said it would. I made up some dumb excuse to Ryan and went with Widow and met up with Heidi. I was thinking about texting Jan that but I felt like it’d be weird to text her that, and I figured we wouldn’t run into each other, anyway.”

“And then we did.”

“And then we did,” Crystal sighed. “Gigi, please know there was no malicious intent with that one. I miss spending time with you.”

Gigi also sighed. “I miss our car rides.”

“No one else I know will listen to me sing One Direction the way you do.”

“I miss your coffee-making abilities,” Gigi admitted.

“We had some great times earlier in the season. But I had to go and ruin it. All of it.” Gigi didn’t say anything and let Crystal continue. “I should have never used any of what you told me against you. I don’t know why I did it.”

“You were pissed and said whatever came into your mind.”

Crystal sighed. “It’s still no excuse. I said some awful shit.”

“You did. I probably shouldn’t have insulted your boyfriend,” Gigi admitted.

Crystal sighed as tears formed in her eyes. “It’s… complicated.”

“I can’t even imagine,” Gigi said sympathetically as she looked at Crystal’s arm that had a bruise identical to the one Gigi found. “I know that you didn’t mean it. We all say stupid shit when we’re upset about stuff. Crystal, you don’t have a mean bone in your body. I hate seeing you this sad.”

“I feel like I’m such a bad person,” Crystal said, wiping her eyes.

“My mom told me this a while ago and it stuck. Crystal, bad people don’t think they’re bad people, and they sure as hell don’t try to become better people.”

“Your mom’s a smart lady.”

“She’s been through hell and back, that’s for sure.”

As the conversation dipped into another lull, the Ferris wheel reached the top. Admiring the cotton candy sky, Gigi thought long and hard about what she wanted to say next. She decided if she and Crystal were going to make their friendship work, everything had to be on the table.

Well, maybe not everything. Crystal didn’t have to know she was in love with her. But, Gigi figured Crystal should at least know the part of her she was hiding.

Slowly, the Ferris wheel reached the platform, and before Gigi could speak up, Crystal stepped out and held out her hand to help Gigi get out.

Shit.

[chicagocityofclans]

Imani Colt → Nicole Beharie → Hunter

→ Basic Information

Age: 35

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Straight

Birthday: September 7th

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Religion: Irreligion

→ Her Personality Imani is a stubborn and courageous woman, often putting other needs above her own. She keeps a tight rein on her emotions which is a product of her upbringing and her rigorous hunter training. Imani keeps things bottled up inside and only shares her feelings with immense pressure. As a result, she is often reserved and slow to anger, but beneath her tough exterior is someone who feels very deeply. Imani is protective and loyal to those close to her. She has intense emotions that rarely surface and are directed primarily toward the people she cares about most. Imani is knowledgeable, practical, intelligent and at times calculating. She has a talent for profiling and her skills have helped track down many well-hidden supernaturals. She is also very curious; especially when it comes to the immortal 3 (vampires, human shifters, and magic users)

Imani is a strong-willed woman capable of holding her own as a hunter. She can be ruthless to enemies and friendly to allies, making her a dangerous foe and an exceptionally reliable friend. Imani is both an experienced and capable hunter as well as a fiercely defensive maternal figure who is to be taken very seriously within the Colt and Anderson family. As the wife of the headhunter, Imani can take on the leadership position when necessary, bringing in the Anderson family person style to the Colts. As a hunter, she stays on topic. She wants to get the job done as much as anyone else. Imani prefers to gather as much information about a situation as she can before deciding on it. Through her association with the supernatural, Imani mind is open to never-ending possibilities and ideas. She is willing and able to point out the ways that ideas could go wrong, often demanding to plan for different outcomes. Imani and Blaine are incredibly good at putting the pieces together and brainstorming together. They make an amazing married couple and hunting partners.  

→ Her Personal Facts

Occupation: Senior Hunter

Scars: None

Tattoos: None

Two Likes: Neutral Colors and Hunting

Two Dislikes: Bright Colors and Venomous Snakes/Spiders

Two Fears: Gaining Weight and Meaningless Death

Two Hobbies: Learning (languages, cooking, information) and Journaling (about kills)

Three Positive Traits: Loyal, Protective, Clever

Three Negative Traits: Uncompromising, Denfinsive, Unmerciful

→ Her Connections

Parent Names:

Grant Anderson (Father): Imani has always been close to her father. He taught her everything she knows and made sure she had the best trainers. Imani knows that he wished she was a boy when she was born but cannot complain about the way she was raised and the benefits that followed. Grant is an amazing grandpa.

Candace Anderson (Mother): Imani mother is loving and smothering. Candace spoils her grandbabies and always spends them home hyper. Candace family believed in breeding for the best possible hunter outcomes. Imani does not blame her mother for running and finds her story encouraging; especially about meeting her dad. This also made Imani life hell with a clingy and opinionated mother.  

Sibling Names:

Ebony Anderson (Sister): Ebony and Imani have a common sisterly bond. They have each others backs and get along well but are also constantly fighting about stupid things and pissing each other off. Ebony encouraged Imani to start dating Blaine and has always been supportive of their relationship.

Children Names:

Bryson Colt (Son): Bryson is showing a lot of promise. At the age of 6, Bryson can recite random species traits better than the ‘Baby Shark’ song. Imani loves her oldest son and thinks he is a perfect mixture of Blaine and herself but he takes after his father in temper, ruthlessness and intelligence.

Wesson Colt (Son): Wesson is a hellion at the simple age of 4 and a half. Everyone swears Wesson is more Anderson than Colt and naming him after a gun was a horrible idea. Wesson is a handful but Imani loves him all the same.

Orion Colt (Son): Akins twin brother. Blaine and Imani were trying one more time for a girl but were surprised to find out they were having twin boys. Orion has just turned 2 years old. Imani is tempted to try again for a girl now that the boys are older, however, Orion needs more care and love than her older sons.

Akins Colt (Son): Orion twin brother. Blaine and Imani were trying one more time for a girl but were surprised to find out they were having twin boys. Akins has just turned 2 years old. Imani is tempted to try again for a girl now that the boys are older, however, Akins needs more love and attention than her older sons.

Romantic Connections:

Blaine Colt (Husband): Blaine was not love at first sight or anything gushy. When they first met she was unimpressed by the legendary Colt. To take him down a few notches she purposely went after his hunts and tried to beat him to the punch. That peaked his interest in her and hers in him. Imani learned to care and respect him and then eventually fell in love with Blaine. He is her husband and best friend. They dated for 3 years before getting married in secret. Blaine and Imani have recently celebrated their 7 year anniversary.

Platonic Connections:

Colin Colt (Brother-In-Law): Imani brought her concerns about D.W. up to Colin which he quickly found excuses for. She thought they once had a really strong relationship, but Colin’s blatant refusal to even look at evidence and suspicions she has had has really soured their bond. She is going to keep looking into it, however, because he’s family.

Elle Colt (Sister-In-Law): Elle and Imani get on like houses on fire. Elle has told Imani that she was exactly what he needed in order to get his ego deflated a bit. They talk about ideas and strategy often, and respect each other’s minds.

Alice Colt (Sister-In-Law): Alice is like a mini Blaine. She worked long hours to try and get Alice back into fighting shape. She was also the one to discover one armed archery, and helped Alice find her passion for the sport again.

Amy Colt (Sister-In-Law): Amy plays fast and loose, but a part of her enjoys it. She trusts that Amy knows what she’s doing. They get along really well and Imani feels like a part of the girl’s group.

Casper Colt (Brother-In-Law): Imani agrees with her husband about Casper. He has no future as a hunter. It’s a shame, because he might have been something if someone intervened earlier.

Megan Colt (Cousin-In-Law): Imani gives unofficial credit to Megan for getting her and Blaine together. Had Megan not suggested a collaboration, she’d never have given him more than a split second of thought.

Iris Colt (Cousin-In-Law): Imani has been teaching Iris the ins and outs of online tracking. It’s not a skill that the Colts teach their tracker, but she thinks Iris will catch on quickly.

Hailey Colt (Cousin-In-Law): Imani approves of Hailey. She thinks she is a very capable woman on her own, and would keep her cousin on his toes. They don’t often talk, but they had a great conversation about moves and techniques not too far back.

Trevon Anderson (Cousin): Trevon is Imani’s favorite cousin. They get along the best out of all the other Anderson. She does not feel like Trevon will stab her in the back since they share a lot of the same views and are willing to go above and beyond on hunt. Imani had given Trevon the thumbs up when he expressed his interest in Hailey Colt. Imani has gone as far as hinting it to Blaine and Alexus.

Nia Anderson (Cousin): Nia is the model cousin and no one else can compare. Imani knew their family did not do it on purpose but she spent her entire childhood being compared to Nia. As adults, Imani can put the past behind her and be civil with her cousin but Imani believes she sailed through life.

Marquis Anderson (Cousin): Imani feels for her little cousin. She wishes she could do more for him but the most she can do is keep her door open for him.

Raven Jenkins (Cousin): Imani is glad Raven did not turn out like her mother. She enjoys the few hunts they take together and is happy she is friends with Alice.

Alexus Anderson (Aunt): Alexus has always been a judging figure in Imani’s life. She always had to work and trained harder to try and please her aunt; which never worked. It wasn’t until adulthood did Alexus start showing her any respect and quit her unfair judgmental assumptions.

Arthur Milligan (Undefined): The Anderson works with a lot of supernatural creatures but Arthur is one of her favorites. Whenever he has an ‘untouchable’ he slides it her way and she takes care of the problem for him or the other supernatural cops.

Churchill Darling (Undefined): Imani thought she was in trouble when a known human shifter first approached her but he had a box full of cases involving untouchable humans and another box involving unpunished members of Clan Rat. Imani shared the box with the Colts and Anderson. They’ve been working on it for months. Imani is thinking of ways to show some gratitude towards him.

Hostile Connections:

Eric Lasiter (Strained Friendship): Eric believes Imani stole from him and she has tried multiple times to explain the misunderstanding without any luck.

Jazmine Anderson (Disappointment): Jazmine stole information off of Imani’s phone and ruined her friendship with Eric Lasiter; and possibly her reputation.

Tirra Jenkins (Dislike/Annoyance): Since marrying into the Jenkins family, Tirra constantly acts as if she is better than the Anderson family. Imani is annoyed that she lost one of her favorite aunts but Tirra really grinds her gears.

D.W. Colt (Distrusts): Imani instincts are going haywire in concern to D.W, she seemed like a nice enough person at first but the more Imani watched her, the more her warning bells turned into sirens. The fact that no one is taking Imani seriously in regards to D.W is pissing Imani off and making her more aggressive towards D.W.  

Pets:

None

→ History (paragraph(s) on background)

→ The Present (paragraph(s) on how the character connects to the plot)

[catalinaroleplay]

Gender & Pronouns: Demi man, he/him or they/them

Date of Birth: February 14th, 1989 (31)

Place of Birth: Catalina Island, California

Neighborhood: Avalon

Length of Residency: Native — Returned January 2020

Occupation: Former Child Actor

Face Claim: Oliver Jackson-Cohen

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGERS: Drug Use, Alcoholism, Violence, Rehab, Divorce.

From the moment Nath could think, he’d known himself to be something in between a shadow and a cloud. A constant ebb and flow between two states, he is neither a fully-formed being nor a person of his own, for his birth had been to plug the hole of whatever had been left behind of Audrey Edelstein’s heart. A life shrouded by the black cloak of death, the woman had nowhere else to give her love but inwards, and out of her projections, Nathaniel is born. 

A birth, marked by the death of others, he shoulders his mother’s pain. 

And life is a show for young Nathaniel , who’d always felt more comfortable wearing another’s skin than his own. A cry for help from a young wisp of a soul, ephemeral as a cloud of smoke, and Audrey, ever-encouraging towards her young child, mistakes his precocious ability to chameleon himself into an array of emotions as a want for something bigger. 

Nath likes it enough, of course. But what he likes even more is seeing his mother happy — it isn’t lost on them that she is alone, without a partner by her side. Hints of sadness, the lightest shades of doom coloring her face, all he wants is to see his mother smile. 

Bigger roles come, and so does the media, rabid for the next sweet thing to grace their screens. A rocket ship to fame and riches galore — what more could a young child want? But still far too young, Nath does not understand that all good things must always come at a price. 

Stardom is a deep hole, always starving, always wanting, and it eats Nath alive. Thrown into the pit with no lifeline, how is he expected to crawl his way out? Just fourteen and yet already reeking with desperation, Nath does not know who he is anymore — neither a man, nor a child; not a person, nor a boy. Applauded for a career he does not think he deserves, revered as a genius for feeling less and less like himself every day. If he cannot climb back up, there is nowhere to go but down. It isn’t long before everyone else catches on to the ever-building shit in his life threatening to overflow at any second. 

They call him every name in the book: a wild child, misguided teen, a privileged little fuck. All of it is right in some way, but any intention to stop is always met with another wall of insults by people who never bothered to understand. 

And yet, he supposes he deserves what happens next. The movie had been his last hope ( his mother’s last hope ) to solidify his place in this world. And it all ends with an ill-fated punch to his co-star’s face over an argument that he fails to even recall the next few days — a fight stemming from a drunken stupor, it is the last straw. Already sixteen and they send him away to an isolated treatment facility for three months. The last face he sees is of hers, tear-stricken and all-too regretful of his ( her ) choices.  A week of the goddamn shakes and sweats, but a lifetime of hunger for something that he can no longer touch. 

Nothing breaks as much as it crumbles over the course of two years. The calls stop coming, and he pulls away from his mother, arguments frequent more than ever and everything dries up like his resolve to climb back up to normalcy. How fickle of the world to think nothing of him, moving on like Nath had never existed in the first place. He doesn’t understand when his mother quietly suggests he find another path, doesn’t understand when he sees that his money is gone. Uncontrollable, spinning out into something, he feels his hand itch towards the bottle. 

The book becomes his anchor. A way to hang onto whatever little narrative he still has control over — he goes for the one thing that young Nath had been determined to protect: his mother. 

Ghostwritten by another, titled Rich Privileged F*ck, as an homage to his most notorious of nicknames, Nath finds the spotlight once more. Of course it’s the mother; it’s always the mother, leading their poor child down the wrong path. 

What comes after, is a blur. 

He is alone. Painfully, undeniably, wholly alone. A single pillar in a desert, he falls back to the devilish comforts of alcohol and everything else that could numb him from the pains of living. Always so sensitive, always so soft, but the world could not see it. After all, what faces the world is the picture of someone erratic and cold, without any regard for the charmed life he has been given — so what else is there to do? Walking into the dark is the easiest when everyone is guiding you from behind, so that is what he does. 

Washed-up, with royalties running thin, he is given one last chance. Ten years and nine different agents; ten years and countless of interviews done under the influence — a single person. A new agent. It is all that he needs. A person to believe that he can pull himself from the pit he dug for himself so long ago. They say to never put your sobriety on anyone else, but he gets better for them anyways. After all, they had their own demons to conquer, and there is no better way to overpower them side-by-side, with another. 

And yet — how can he save another when he can't even save himself?  

He lapses. And he lapses. And again and again until six hundred and some days pass and he is back in the pit. A hand is extended once more, before it is gone — and ironically enough, it is enough to push him into sobriety. 

At the end, Nath moves back to the island. Quiet and unassuming, he is assigned another agent — this time, they say, it’s his last. Nothing else to do but scrape up the remnants of his career, to sort through the rubble, to find out what they can salvage. 

If there is anything he has control over, it is his ability to capture media attention. His baggage is heavier and more visible than most, and his agent draws up a contract. A year-and-a-half of his life for a chance at forgiveness for what he has done. 

Eleanor Hirsch is in some ways, the exact opposite of him — though she’s had her fair share of media attention, her life is, for the most part, private. The vultures could speculate all they wanted, but they would never eat her alive like they’d done with him. 

So what better way to drum up publicity than to have them date? Ellie would receive a hefty amount of attention, all the while without sacrificing her personal life — only carefully crafted media posts and strategically placed paparazzi. And for himself, a renewed image painted in sobriety, approved by an award-winning actress to boot. 

Nath, as always, is indifferent. He will do it, because someone has told him to do it, and he will continue his career, because what other choice does he have? A chameleon, a trail of smoke, a puff of air — Nath knows everything in life is impermanent. 

Sometimes, when he sits by the beach, he wonders if he will blow away and become one with the wind.

PERSONALITY

Positive: Independent | Observant | Protective

Negative: Aloof | Possessive | Gullible 

Nathaniel Edelstein is portrayed by Say.

[aeipcthys]

╰ ❛   💉 — › miranda otto. cis-female. she/her.  ╯ have  you  met  celeste white  yet  ?  this fifty year old  taurus  has  been  living  in the seattle  area  for  one month.  she  makes  a  living  as  head of general surgery, which  is best suited for their cunning,  protective,  egotistical,  and stubborn personality. dream a little dream of me by doris day  is  one of  their  favorite  songs.

trigger warnings: abuse, alcoholism, misogyny, adultery, age difference, divorce, estranged parents

full character page here

BASIC INFORMATION

Full Name: celeste adella white

Nickname(s): you’ll call her celeste and like it

Age: 50

Date of Birth: april 30, 1970

Hometown: manchester, england

Current Location: seattle, washington

Ethnicity: white (english, german) 

Nationality: english

Gender: cisgender female

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Orientation: queen of the sapphics, but pansexual (believes sexuality is fluid) 

Status: divorced, single

Religion: agnostic

Political Affiliation: liberal leaning

Occupation: head of general surgery (specializes in minimally invasive & robotic surgeries)

Living Arrangements: lives alone and will not tell you where she lives but you can bet it’s bougie af

Language(s) Spoken: english, german

Accent: english

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Face Claim: miranda otto

Hair Color: red

Eye Color: green

Height: 5'5

Weight: 128 lbs

Build: slim

Tattoos: nope.

Piercings: ears

Clothing Style: bougie most of the time 

Usual Expression: pursed lips, scowl, something that says...I’m disappointed 

Distinguishing Characteristics: her smile, when you get to see it

HEALTH

Physical Ailments: none.

Neurological Conditions: n/a

Allergies: none.

Sleeping Habits: she sleeps on her freaking back like HOW people do that, i’ll never know, but the gal does

Eating Habits: she’ll eat whatever ends up in front of her 

Exercise Habits: she’s up every day at 4 or 5 am to do something physical 

Emotional Stability: i don’t know her

Sociability: very skeptical of people, often judgemental, but she can be kind and hold a conversation at times; she’s used to people wanting to talk to her

Body Temperature: runs cold yet often wears outfits she’ll definitely be cold in

Addictions: none.

Drug Use: not really (still stress smokes sometimes it’s not great)

Alcohol Use: oh yes...oh yes. she’s that person that has a bottle of really nice scotch in her bottom desk drawer with two empty glasses. 

PERSONALITY

Label: tbd

Positive Traits: cunning, protective, fierce, poised, skilled, brilliant

Negative Traits: egotistical, stubborn, judgmental, competitive, cold, closed-off

Fears: fears are for wimps 

Hobbies: who has the time for hobbies 

Habits: drinking, writing people off, holding grudges :) 

FAVOURITES

Weather: give her a brisk day

Colour: any deep red

Music: something classic, on a record player preferably 

Movies: old movies

Sport: tennis

Beverage: scotch, black coffee

Food: tbd

Animal: cats and only cats 

FAMILY

Father: oscar white

Mother: lucille white

Sibling(s): annabelle white

Children: bella peterman

Exes: clifford hughes (ex-husband #1), daniel peterman (ex-husband #2), lilith baxter (on again, off again girlfriend)

Pet(s): prince the black cat

Family’s Financial Status: wealthy

EXTRA

Zodiac Sign: taurus

MBTI: entj

Anything Else:

BIO

tl;dr: abusive father, quiet mother, distant sister; two failed marriages; daughter who hates her; VERY accomplished surgeon (studying under Ellis Grey for a bit), then doing her own research; particularly influential in the field of minimally invasive and robotic surgeries (well-known award winner); fucked lilith 

Celeste White was born to Oscar and Lucille White in Manchester, England. She was born a few years before her sister, Annabelle. The four lived in a large house, Celeste’s father being the beneficiary of her late grandfather’s successful business. Of course, Oscar couldn’t manage anything, let alone a successful company. 

Their house was a cold place to grow up. (TW alcoholism, abuse) Celeste’s father was constantly drinking, and when he wasn’t drinking, he was screaming at someone to get him more to drink. Her mother was a quiet woman, constantly living under the thumb of her father. He was most definitely abusive, although he mostly kept that out of their eyes. But Celeste knew, and she grew to resent her mother for what she saw as weakness. Annabelle tried to pretend it wasn’t happening at all. 

Celeste hated her father from a young age, always challenging him. He was a bastard (her words), and she let him know it. His reactions were often volatile. He wasn’t afraid to push around his kids, pull them by their hair, or hit them when provoked enough. And verbally he was a nightmare. He never paid it much mind after an altercation, but Celeste remembered everything. Especially how he would pit Celeste and Annabelle against each other. It prevented them from growing close as sisters. 

Celeste left the family at age 17, heading to the University of Oxford to begin her education. It was there she completed a six-year medicine program, and then she continued on in London for a few years to perfect her craft. During her schooling, Celeste met Clifford. She was barely 19 years old when she agreed to marry him. (TW age difference, misogyny, abuse) Clifford was 31 when he married Celeste, and their initial romance quickly curtailed into a mess of a marriage. They fought constantly. He threw countless insults at her. His hatred of women became clear. Celeste was doing very well in her school, excelling in her medical studies, but Clifford was failing in his business ventures at every turn. He began to drink and became quite the son of a bitch (her words). Their marriage ended with both of them engaging in a volatile fight. She divorced him once her training was done, deciding to move to the states the first moment she could. 

Celeste was 26 when she moved to the U.S., securing a job at Mass General Hospital. Celeste wasn’t overly crazy about the states, but she found working at the hospital to be enlightening. She started working under Ellis Grey. She was a hard woman to be around, but Celeste adamantly enjoyed learning from the other woman. She worked with her as she eventually won her a second Harper Avery award. Feeling inspired by the woman’s influence, Celeste began to engage in research of her own.

Celeste was 29 when she met Daniel Peterman. Daniel was a professor of medicine, and Celeste was enamored with his kindness and warmth. They were dating about 6 months when Celeste found out she was pregnant. She’d never wanted children. She even considered not having the child, but it turned out she was too far along to consider such choices. 

Celeste had to halt her research to give birth to her daughter, Bella. Looking at the tiny baby in her arms, Celeste really did fall in love. Possibly for the first time ever. She and Daniel were married soon after. 

Being in the U.S. soon became tiresome, so Daniel and Bella moved with Celeste back to London where she began to, once again, engage in her research. Celeste wrote numerous papers, many notable to her peers. She was becoming a very well-known surgeon, but her time away from Daniel and Bella was waring on them. Daniel would become more and more irritated that Celeste was more married to her work than him. He began to have numerous affairs outside of their marriage. To get back at him, Celeste did the same. Their marriage became more about the battle than their lives together. Bella was often caught in the middle of it all, but her Dad was more present in her life. Although Celeste tried, Bella began to openly favor Daniel.

Celeste and Daniel finally started their divorce proceedings when she was 39 years old. Bella was barely 10. Their divorce was bitter and angry. They fought over every scrap, including Bella. Celeste was able to maintain shared custody, but that wasn’t really the way it ended up playing out. Bella fought her at every turn, always wanting to go back to her father when she was with Celeste. For years they were at odds. Celeste loved Bella deeply, but she also loved her work. As Bella became a teenager, she eventually just stopped fighting and let Bella choose. Bella, of course, chose her father.

Celeste fell into her work, possibly producing even some of her best. She expanded her specialty to include minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. Celeste single-handedly changed the game with her research, becoming the face for minimally invasive techniques and robotics in surgery. When she was 45 years old, Celeste was awarded the Lister Medal by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (and countless other awards throughout her career). 

She even tried her hand at teaching. Although she was not always the easiest person to learn from, Celeste found herself quite taken by Kassandra. They formed a bond during their time working together, and while she’d never fully admit it, Celeste enjoys mentoring the girl. One of her soft spots.

Celeste never had the desire to marry again, and she wasn’t concerned with love of any kind. Just loving. Her sexuality was something she always felt encouraged to explore. Although she’d only ever married men, there were women and other folks she’d had affairs with over the years. She much preferred women, if she was being honest. 

Celeste met Lilith Baxter through her work and found the woman to be seductive and sensuous. They were on and off again, but Celeste quite enjoyed when they were on. They weren’t a perfect duo...two dominating personalities never were, but Celeste did think about Lilith. More often than she should. 

It occurred to Celeste as she was turning 50 that she had accomplished a lot, but retirement was nowhere close to where she wanted to be. Upon hearing of the opening in Seattle, Celeste decided to once again venture to the states. She asked Bella to move with her, but her daughter ignored the offer. They barely speak these days, which breaks Celeste’s heart. Celeste has won a lot of awards, but she would love to secure the Harper Avery.

PLOTS

y’all know me open to anything

we love a mentee or research assistant, perhaps an enemy to loath, a connection from someone who used to work with her (either abroad or in the u.s. in the past), a connection with one of her ex-husbands, and of course sexy times