#christy/neil

[darsynia]

To bring you back to us:

Christy and Neil - pick one (i couldn't choose)?

10 ...desperately

12 ...in grief.

26 ...as an apology

Please and thank you!

Sneaky sneaky, I like it! I touched on all three, but the grief is wrapped up before the kiss. I'd been struggling feeling like my icky holidays had nuked my ability to write on my longfic of these two, and this did help me feel better about that!

TERMS OF SURRENDER

Pairing: Christy Huddleston/Neil MacNeil Length: 2,358 Rating: General audiences Summary: (set during 'Green Apples,' in a universe that mixes the book and the series)

Neil thinks about the loss of his wife and child as he listens to the harmonica's gently hopeful tune of healing. He decides it's finally time to let go of the past and fight for the kind of future his feelings for Christy promise.

Terms of Surrender

The sound of a harmonica was one of the things Neil had missed in Scotland. It hadn’t occurred to him to bring one, but even if he’d had the funds, there wasn’t anywhere to play it that didn’t feel awkward and out of place. Truthfully, he had felt awkward and out of place, but his time spent quietly observing and learning at home had been quite useful abroad. Neil had integrated well, so well that he’d come home more Scots than Cove.

That thought made him think of Christy. As an outsider, her approach had been wildly different from his; where he’d stepped back and sought a niche, she’d charged ahead to forge her own. He couldn’t help but admire her spirit. Neil had come home changed, but Christy had changed his home. Without permission and without vitriol she’d gently but firmly established herself in Cutter Gap as someone with a heart twice as big as her stature, cheerfully taking the good with the bad. If he’d known then what he knew now, he’d have held himself back, been more… guarded around her.

As with so many of the important things in his life, Neil had realized this too late.

That realization was made all the more complicated on a day such as this, as they fought back a disease that threatened to take the lives of children he’d helped bring into the world. There was only so far a man could push away thoughts of the lives he couldn’t save, to say nothing of the apologies he’d held back until he was out of time.

That old familiar guilt struck a discordant chord with the mournful harmonica, enough to force a rueful chuckle from his lips. After all, he owed an apology to Christy, and this time he didn’t have the luxury of locking himself away until his reflection looked different enough to forget the needful.

Neil stood slowly, loath to disturb the delicate tableau of hopeful survival going on in the quarantine room. He remembered seeing Christy step out of the building looking distressed, but given his contribution to that expression, he’d focused intently on his notes in hopes that she’d avoid disturbing him.

Margaret would have called him a coward. “Apologize or don’t, Mac, but don’t pretend you’re taking the high road!”

His late wife’s admonition spurred Neil to walk around the schoolhouse, his steps curving him away from some hard truths and toward others. She’d hated the darkness of the mountains and loathed the quiet that seeped into a person’s bones to linger there. In a sense, loving him had dimmed Margaret’s fiercely fragile light until she’d run out of energy to fight off the disease that killed her. There was no making peace with that. 

He shut his eyes and tipped his head into the light breeze to clear his mind. When he opened them again, Neil saw the dim outline of a figure ahead of him, along the treeline where they’d been collecting firewood. It was Christy. The lanterns leading to the outhouse were just bright enough to see that her fists were clenched at her sides, and her head was tipped back, just as he’d just done.

“There’s solitary, and then there’s lonely. You can be lonely without being alone.”

Those words had haunted him since his wife had said them less than a month before her death. They’d sliced like a scalpel those first months, festered like a wound that refused to heal by a year’s time, before finally burrowing down to ache like a mended bone before a storm. Tonight was the first time he’d seen them as anything but hurtful; his wife had been many things (selfish, sensual, miserable, mesmerizing), but she had always been insightful. How had it taken him this long to realize what she’d really meant? That they could have been solitary together. That Margaret hadn’t needed to be lonely, if he’d been able to teach her how to share his solitude.

Neil stood in the silent shadow of the schoolhouse, his thoughts whipping around like a willow in a windstorm. There was a very clear reason why he was thinking of Margaret right now, and the truth of that scared him. It was the last clammy fear before the fever broke, the surge of adrenaline before closing a wound. He was letting her go, making space.

The thought was as presumptuous as it was intimidating.

“The apology, Mac. Don’t be an ass.”

Neil walked toward Christy slowly, shoring up his mental fortifications for the coming conflict.

“Battling it out with your god, are you?”

Christy shot him a look that he couldn’t discern in the half-light. “No need to poke fun, but yes. I don’t need to part the Red Sea, just pray hard enough for God to pass over this building without taking anyone.”

“Now who’s poking fun?” Neil said. He moved to stand beside her, both facing the fathomless expanse of forest. “I’ve always thought that story was particularly unfair; punishing the children for the sins of the fathers.”

“That’s not too different from feuding, don’t you think?” There was a tightness in her voice that was entirely his fault, top to bottom.

“Maybe I should walk away and start over,” he said, shoving at a small branch with his foot. “I’d come over here to apologize.”

Her silence lasted long enough for him to look over. Christy’s body language was armed for war, but her words were more shield than sword.

“You couldn’t have known about my sister. I’m a stranger, and it looked like I put your patients in danger.”

“You’re hardly a stranger, Christy. Despite my temper, I know you’ve only ever done your best to keep them safe, educated, and happy,” he countered. “I was wrong to shout at you.”

“You--” she broke off, arms dropping to her sides. 

“What? Did I just deprive you of a fight? I’m sure we can find something else,” Neil teased lightly. He opened his mouth to elaborate, but Christy jumped in to interrupt.

“Don’t! Let me savor the moment.”

The amusement in her voice cut straight through to the depths of his heart, as though his years of defenses and baggage were insubstantial in the face of her warmth. 

Christy turned to walk back toward the schoolhouse, and it was in the shock of those feelings that Neil caught her as she pitched sideways toward him, hissing in surprised pain. Immediately he set her hand on his shoulder and knelt down, finding her boot tangled in the ends of the branch he’d nudged earlier. That realization had him swearing under his breath.

“Is it bad? My ankle doesn’t feel--” Christy cut herself off, her voice pinched with fear.

“I was reacting to the culprit, not your injury. I’d tried to kick that branch out of the way. You’ll be fine after a few minutes, it’s just a wrong step.”

“So you swept me off my feet?” she whispered, finishing the sentence just as he straightened back up. The action slid her hand from his shoulder down to his chest-- and they stood with her words hovering between them like a heated breath in the deepest winter.

The lamplight lit her stress-mussed hair in soft gold, edging her features as if she were in an illuminated manuscript. Christy’s eyes were wide as she stared at her hand on his chest, perhaps as shocked as he was that she hadn’t pulled back. Just at that moment, a curl slipped free, and before he realized what he was doing, Neil tucked the soft lock behind her ear in an unmistakable caress.

The sound of her sucked-in breath shot adrenaline straight to his heart.

“I should--” she started, eyes still fixed on their point of contact. With the barest stroke of her thumb, she finally lifted her hand. “I should go. Will you promise to get some rest? I’ll take the first watch.”

The blood rushing in his ears spoke of the many things unresolved between them, and Neil reached out to stop her with a clumsy hand. “Wait--”

Christy pressed her eyes shut, her lip caught in her teeth. He longed to see the nuances of her expression-- was she annoyed but hiding it well? Blushing? Fearful?

“Hold still for a spell, let your ankle rest?” he offered. He didn’t move his hand, and she didn’t move away to dislodge it. For once, he didn’t hear the derisive tones of his conscience mocking those choices. Christy was hesitating, so he added, “I haven’t properly apologized.”

This prompted her to open her eyes and look at him. Whatever she saw there made her sway just slightly in his direction.

Maybe it was the stillness of the night, the hope of healing, the exhaustion from fighting so many things with so much of his strength, or perhaps it was the lightness of his finally untethered heart, but whatever the true reason was, Neil succumbed.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to see you for who you truly are, Christy. Your heart is bright enough to light the whole Cove, and I’m grateful to be touched by it.” He released her arm and turned his hand to brush the backs of his fingers against her cheek, then moved to walk away before he ruined both of their reputations.

Christy stopped him, not with words, but with an action that meant so much more: with surprising strength, she caught his hand, pressing his palm to her cheek. Then she did speak, and he was lost.

“You’re the coal that keeps us burning, Neil.”

The distant sound of the harmonica faded in the space between her action and his stuttering heart. Would John Spencer tuck the instrument into his pocket and make his way to the outhouse? Had he been interrupted by one of the children crying out for their help?

Stepping close, Neil set his other hand on her cheek and said, “I owe you more than an apology, Christy, even more so for this.” Dipping his head, he kissed her, meaning for it to be brief, a promise, not an end unto itself. He was foolish, forgetting her determination to never yield when she could persuade instead. Her hand moved up into his hair, burning a surer path than any bullet meant to stop his brain from functioning.

Despite every passing second marking the time between now and disaster if he didn’t pull back, Neil deepened the kiss, his arm banding around her waist to lift her up, ever so slightly. Then, with the reluctance of a victor forced to leave the spoils of war behind, he stepped away. His whole body buzzed with anxiety and pleasure, but he knew he’d overstepped badly.

“Forgive me, I-- I’ve held that back for quite some time,” he admitted. “When you brought me dinner, I must confess--”

“Oh! Please believe me, I had no idea, or I would never have presumed to take advantage like that.” Christy interrupted, her voice thick with regret. “Fairlight suggested the way to persuade you was through good cooked food. I suppose I failed there, as well!”

Neil took her hand and clasped it with both of his. “Your campaign for Dan Scott had me at your feet. When I realized that was all you’d come for, I was ready to send him to the devil, and the Mission too. The truth is, I’ve fallen for you, Christy. Hopelessly so.”

She lifted their joined hands to her lips. “I’d barely let myself think of such things, but when I dream… you’re always there, smiling at me, quarreling with me, teaching me--”

“Reality is hardly ever that idyllic,” he cautioned. Neil dislodged his hand from hers out of propriety, but inwardly his defenses were being dismantled, one uncertainty at a time.

“Only you would consider arguing with me idyllic!”

“Any time spent with you is a dream, I’ll freely admit that.” He grinned, adding, “If ye wish to prove it’s real, we can go on until I win an argument. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“You are insufferable,” Christy grumbled.

“Would it make it worse if I told you how lovely you look when you’re cross with me? It was all I could do not to--

“If you say something about sweeping me off my feet, Neil MacNeil, I’ll--” She stopped short, clearly realizing that he’d prompted exactly the kind of cross reaction he enjoyed.

“Do I need to?” Neil started, but a bobbing lantern light near the schoolhouse caught his attention. Thinking quickly, he moved to pick up some of the cut wood and branches near where they’d been standing, nodding to Christy to do the same. By the time Fairlight made it around the corner, the two of them were almost to the outhouse.

“Doc find you screamin’ at the sky, then?”

“Bargaining, more like,” Neil said. “I think it ended on a truce?” He turned toward her, selfishly needing to see her indignation.

Once again, she bested him.

“Victory,” Christy asserted. “I had a talk with God, and he sent me a sign of healing.”

Neil angled his arms so that a small log fell off, allowing him to hide his expression as he picked it back up. Thankfully, the two women had resumed their walk back to the front of the schoolhouse by the time he stood up. Healing! Her innocent audacity took his breath away, as always. There was a lot of rebuilding to be done, all of it in the harsh light of day, but he was intensely grateful for that temporary bubble of solitude they’d been able to find in each other.

The thought had occurred before the significance dawned on him, and Neil stopped short, stunned.

Healing. It was something he’d fought to achieve for others his entire life yet somehow was gifted without warning or design, in the middle of the night during quarantine, no less! This new beginning was fitting, he supposed, and like all beginnings, there would be a lot of adjusting to be done for both of them. 

They’d be able to do it together.

[gloriousgwendolinechristie]

The Los Angeles Times has chosen Sandman Vs Lucifer for Epic Battle of the Year for their Envy Awards 2023!

[wednesdayshadow]

Such sweet trauma. But, victimization may be too severe, as I am an all to- willing victim.

[sebby-art-blog]

Throwback to this absolutely iconic comic I made in august of last year I am living for this crossover.

[alexzpaintings]

IG / TT / prints

[bea-n-art]

When Crowley takes a wrong turn and ends up in Sandman Hell. What do you think happens next? (I have a feeling it is nothing good!)

[marvelsgirl616]

Lucifer Icons | The Sandman Season One

[my-beautiful-wickedness]

Then, may I ask, what are you going to do?

[milfsloverblog]

“Something that will make God absolutely livid…”

Posting this on behalf of a dear friend who doesn’t use Tumblr and who kindly humoured me when I suggested they draw Lucifer.

Dm me if you’re interested in a print!

[cosmicanemoia]

Forever grateful to all the gods for GWENDOLINE CHRISTIE'S Lucifer--

[brokehorrorfan]

Funko will release The Sandman Pop figures in November. The line includes Dream (with masked chase variant), Lucienne with Matthew, Lucifer, and The Corinthian. They're $12.

[somethingblu3]

INTRODUCTION

This Blog encourages simping.

Minors Do not interact

Hi i'm Annaliese although you might have known me previously as Blue this is my main blog it used to be multi-fandom but now it's mostly dedicated to the lovely Actor Neil Newbon himself and all of his smaller roles not just Astarion (although he is a fav of mine)

About Me :

🧡Hi! i'm Annaliese (anna-leese) i also go by Annie/Anne

🧡I'm 21/Capricorn.

🧡I'm 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳��󠁴󠁿

🧡 I'm in my 3rd year of university studying Radio and Television.

🧡I'm disabled. I was born with #22q11.2 deletion syndrome mostly known as DiGeorge Syndrome it's very rare basically it's a chromosome deletion. I also have a foot disability hindfoot valgus syndrome and i have velo-cardio-facial syndrome.

Reminder of the day not to call disabled people brave. 🥇

🧡 I have Anxiety/Medical Trauma. So i'm especially not a big fan of needles.

🧡 have a bit of a stationery obsession. Especially with Fountain Pens and Notebooks.

My Content:

I usually post my other fandom fics on my Ao3 page but i also repost the ones on here.

My Gifs

Masterlist

My Side Blogs:

Matt Murdock/Daredevil/Marvel: @coxology101

Jack White/White Stripes/ Brendan Benson/Raconteurs Blog: @lazaranna

Some other awesome neil newbon blogs you should check out if your new here:

@gothushi <3

@keep-it-light

@wingswinger

@spicechica (has the best pics!!!)

@z0mibite (Got me hooked on Luke Davenport),

@nobigneil (updates blog).

@valentinebbxox

@thatsthewrongwallcraig (amazing writer who i love brainstorming all of my nasty ideas with! :) ).

@talesfromthecrypts (i honestly don't know how they make such high quality gifs. tell me your secrets).

[milna]

[ghoulsister1]

❤️The Devil's Favourite❤️

Lucifer x Reader. GN Reader. (Lucifer from The Sandman) Fluff. Reader visits Lucifer. Lucifer loves their darling human. Just some sweetness and kisses. Cuddling. My first time writing for the beautiful Lucifer🥺❤️

You stepped into the large room hesitantly. No matter how many times you visited your lover, you still worried about some of Hell's demons. Some of them knew you were Lucifer's and should they lay a finger on you, it would mean instant death at the hands of the Morningstar or Mazikeen. But still you worried some demons wouldn't care for such rules, there were some who dared to defy Lucifer and of course were dealt with accordingly.

Upon entering you saw the tall figure of your lover, Lucifer standing over the balcony, looking down at the hellfire and chaos below. You stood for a few mins before you cleared your throat to greet.

"Good evening my love" You Greeted them softly. Lucifer turned around upon hearing your voice. They smiled upon seeing you and made their way towards to you.

"Good evening my darling Y/N. How are you? Have you been well?" Asked Lucifer as they came to stand in front of you, smiling softly.

"I have. Tired at most, been a hectic week. But never mind about my week, how have you been?" You Asked sweetly. Lucifer tutted and walked closer to you.

"Come now my dear, you know I love to hear about your day or week. Mine has been relatively the same, except for a few disruptions but nothing me or Mazikeen can't handle. Come into the bedroom, the walk must have been tiring" Lucifer Suggested, taking you by the hand.

You followed without protest and soon you were in the large master bedroom of Lucifer's domain. A large Queen sized bed of red velvet sheets and pillows with dark satin drapes was there, a large round table and a balcony with a view to the hellish fire and brimstone outside.

You sat down on one the dark plush armchairs and sank into it comfortably. Lucifer sat on the one across from you.

"There, now you may unwind for tonight. I'll ask one of the demons to bring us up a few morsels and something to drink" Suggested Lucifer as they gazed at you.

You blushed under their gaze and they smiled upon seeing the pink tinge in your cheeks.

"You are too kind, my love really" You Blushed.

"I like having you around my dear. I'm always happy to see you and I look forward to our little meetings and dates. I hope you feel the same way, my dear or does my company tire you?" Teased Lucifer.

"Oh no never! I love our dates!" You Cried, flustered but Lucifer just laughed softly.

"Oh hush now my sweet, you know I love to tease you. I know you feel the same, rest assured" Assured Lucifer. You smiled at them and they returned the smile.

A demon eventually arrived with food and drink. You and Lucifer wined and dined, indulging in conversation and sharing a few laughs.

It was eventually time to leave but tonight, you didn't want to go back to the mortal realm, alone.

"Lucifer?" You Asked softly.

"Yes my beloved?" Answered Lucifer.

"If it's not a inconvenience to you, may I stay the night with you here? It's just, I don't feel like going back to my realm alone tonight" You Explained, blushing and looking away shyly.

"Why dear, of course you may stay. Stay as long as you like my love! You are always welcome in my domain my love" Replied Lucifer, smiling softly. You smiled.

"Come, let's go to bed" Offered Lucifer and the two of you were in bed, you snuggled up close to Lucifer as they held you in their arms, pressing a kiss lovingly to your lips as you returned the kiss.

"Goodnight my love" You Whispered.

"Goodnight my beloved" Whispered Lucifer tenderly.

[marvelsgirl616]

The Sandman Special Feature

[mlabyrinth]

Tom being an adorable-spoiling-menace at BFI

aww the way he claps for Vivienne (btw, he was the first one to clap too!)

aww look at these two!!! besties are the cutest!

His eyes...gosh they really do glisten ✨. Damn.

Tom Sturridge + The Sandman Cast for BFI [🖤]

Please don't repost my gifs on Twitter or elsewhere without giving credit. Thank you.