#darla swaying to the music like YES!!! LOVE IT!!!!

[annyankers]

the master leading the order in a hymn and it’s just he is by ghost

[prose-for-hire]

How ats characters would celebrate their s/o’s Birthday:

Characters include: Angel; Spike; Cordelia; Wesley; Fred; Lorne; Gunn; Doyle; Lindsey; Drusilla and Darla

A/N: Again, totally self-indulgent for my Birthday lol! They’re fluffy !! Hope you guys enjoy them, you can save them for your Birthdays or just enjoy them today !! 🖤💖

Angel:

- Money is no object

- Will ask what you wanna do

- Could literally be anything at all

- He has enough disposable income that you feasibly could do anything

- You insist that all you want is him though

- Not his money, just him

- You adore him

- And this assurance absolutely makes him melt

- All he ever wants is for you to be happy

- But he insists that you should mark the occasion

- So you suggest a party

- Just a small gathering with the team and some good music

- He grins, pressing a kiss to your lips

- He’s actually really excited

- He can get awkward at parties (and just in general)

- But he does enjoy them somewhat

- Especially since he began dating you

- Everything’s better with you

- And that’s why he wanted to celebrate your day properly

-  The hotel’s back and functioning

- And completely covered in decorations

- He appeared to have raided the entire party store

- Every occasion seemed to be represented lol

- Literally everything you could imagine stuck to the walls

- There’s even a balloon arch

- He clearly spent a really long time on it so you give him lots of kisses

- Which makes him almost blush

- He really cares and just wants you to feel good

- He would be by your side the entire time

- You would have a lot of fun

- Mostly just enjoys wrapping his arms around you

- And swaying slightly

- Whispering his love and happy birthdays

- The gift he gave you would be very meaningful and super romantic

- You would have melted right then and there

- You have a really great time, drinking and laughing

- You sit on his lap when you’re not being hauled up to dance with Cordy and Wes

- You even convince Angel to dance

- It’s equal parts dorky and adorable

- You definitely dance with him

Cordy:

- She would be so ridiculously excited

- For your birthday

- Like, ordering everyone around

- Making sure they get you the very best gifts

- And nobody is allowed to forget

- Or else

- She’s really pumped for you to be celebrated

- You’ll probably go to a bar the night before with all your friends

- Maybe Caritas if it’s up and running at the time

- (Cordy swings free drinks for you all)

- But the next day was your birthday

- You would wake up beside her

- It would honestly just be the best gift

- Just to have her this way

- You pull her into you

- Snuggling together

- Both of you sleeping off a hangover (Depending on how much/if you drank)

- Today, your actual birthday, was just for you and her

- Intimate in a way that she has always craved

- And with you she has

- Completely

- She has bought a lot of presents

- They can be assigned to two categories:

- Things you want and others that she insists you need

- All very well thought out and incredibly sweet

- She would be very cute and press lots of kisses to your lips

- Soft, sleepy kisses

- You spend a lot of the day in bed

- Just the two of you

- It’s honestly just perfect

- She wanted you to herself and you completely feel the same

- She’ll have rented movies, anything you like and you just spend it on the sofa

- Wrapped in blankets and each other

- Understated (yes, she can do understated)

- And yours

Lorne:

- The grandest plans

- You only deserved the best

- You always felt completely cherished with Lorne

- But he made sure to give you his undivided attention around your Birthday

- He wanted all the attention to be lavished upon you

- He could be so soft and so very insistent too

-He could tell you sometimes felt guilty about it but his nature made it so that he always made sure you were enjoying yourself

-  The most important thing was always that you felt good

- Caritas was basically a shrine to you

- He would source pictures of you growing up, fixing them up everywhere

- There would be themed drinks (from important points in your life)

- Not to mention the list of karaoke songs all evening were exclusively your favourites

- Absolutely no exceptions

- You would be showered in gifts

- Despite you telling him it really wasn’t necessary

- Especially if it’s one of your first birthdays with you both together

- Would go so far past overboard

- But he would be entirely too cute about it

- He would vibrate with excitement

- Waiting for you to open everything

- Just when you thought you were finished

- Another pile of presents would appear from nowhere

- All the affection too

- Through the entire day, would want to be close to you

-  Always does but especially so

- At the end of the day, would wrap you in his arms

- Already planning to outdo himself next year

Spike:

- The man is near obsessive over your birthday

- Consumes his thoughts the entire month, just like you do all of the time

- Won’t stop thinking about it

- Mentioning it

- He’s definitely more into it than you are

- He wants you to have something normal, human

- You have to have something special - he insists

- Wants to cherish you, the entire day would be yours

- You would make the decisions for the day

-  And then he would have something planned for the evening

- Will decide to take you for drinks

- But at a more high end place than he would usually take you

- Might even take you for a trip away, somewhere you used to go

- will steal Angel’s fanciest car

- he’ll take you somewhere that he knows you like

- maybe somewhere special to the both of you

- The evening will be nice, he’ll make you smile as always

- Might treat you to some human food

- A restaurant too if you like that kind of thing

- You always feel special with him

- But the evening won’t end there

- You’ll make your way back to the car

- But he’ll grab your hand with a smirk

- Dragging you in the opposite direction

- He has it all set up

- He paid off the security guard

- There are blankets and tiny little fairy lights

-  That he would have to turn off in a second, but he knew he would enjoy seeing your smile though

- He had wanted a big gesture

- Something from the movies

- Because that’s what your love was like

- Something more human but still intimate

- Just for you

- He would help you lie back, lying by your side

- Pulling you into him

- You would be stargazing as you nestled into him

- Pointing out constellations that he probably was naming completely wrong

- But you wouldn’t care because he had thought all of this up just for you

- You were happy just as long as you would be together

- He would make you laugh so hard

- And just make you feel so cherished and celebrated 😊

Wes:

- Would be so bashful about his plans

- Ridiculously anxious that you would be enjoying yourself

- That you would like whatever he came up with

- Absolutely head over heels for you

- Completely and utterly yours

- And so wants his plans to reflect this

- The gift he gives would be understated, but completely fitting

- He would be nervous to give it to you

- But once you begin gushing

- He would smile and chuckle in that way he does

- He wants to take you to a bar

- For drinks because you deserve to be celebrated

- The world’s always threatening to end

- So he wants you to have a day where it can just be you both

- Celebrating his absolute favourite person

- You ask him if he’ll dance with you

- He looks around a little embarrassed

- But he gets a burst of courage

- Takes your hand, leads you to the dancefloor

- You dance wildly, matching his moves and laughing

- A slow song started

- You loop your arms around his neck

- It was just the two of you

- For all you knew

- He whispered something

- Something he hadn’t said yet

-  “I love you”

- The sweetest, most meaningful Birthday gift

- You would press your lips to his

- Telling him just how much you appreciated this

- And he would smile into the kiss

- Chuckling slightly

- So ecstatic that you were enjoying yourself

- But you insist that it would only be with him

- He wraps his arms around you

- Leaning his head against yours

- You dance slowly in the middle of the room

- Eyes closed

- It was pure bliss

- You love each other so much

Drusilla:

- She would pull out every stop

- An extravagant event

- In your honour

- Everything would have to be just so

- Or she would start cracking skulls

- Would attempt to make it a sweet surprise

- But would begin to murmur about it one evening

- As she held you close

- You would be very used to interpreting her words

- And so realise

- But not tell her so not to upset her

- Either way it would be beautiful

- just before the day, she brings you a bunch of flowers

- they’re night blooming

- and they look a little dead

- but you of course adore them

- The night of your birthday was so pretty, she says it’s because it belongs to you

- Your night

-The event would be filled with gifts and people you vaguely knew and liked

- She would ensure you were the centre of attention

- As you were already the centre of her world

- She would smile, laying such adoring affections on you

- Her hands entwined with you

- Would be by your side for the entire day

- Soft gestures of physical affection as you both enjoyed the celebration

- Always touching you

- Would definitely have several gifts for you

- Definitely a birthday tarot reading

- You tell her that you don’t need a future reading, you see yourself with her

- For eternity

- She would adore this and get very excited

- Lots and lots of love

- And probably several trinkets

- She probably found these trinkets by purposefully targeting the owners

- And taking them for you

- (A for effort, isn’t she the sweetest? Always thinking of you)

Gunn:

-  He would be a man with a plan

- It may not be pulled off exactly as planned

- But he would have had the idea in advance

- Very caring for a s/o

- Can get wrapped up in a relationship

- Which is lucky for you

- He adores you

- Absolutely worships you

- (just as you do for him ofc)

- He gets up early, ready to set everything up

- But gets instantly interrupted

- You roll over and wake up

- He can’t resist you

- Gets caught out and slides back into bed

- Holds you for a while and you cuddle up to him

- Long story short…

- You spend most of the day in bed

- Long into the afternoon

- Which, he finds a lot better than he could have planned anyway

- He tried to get away at first but by noon he just couldn’t tear himself away

- He holds you close

- Telling you how lucky he feels to have you

- And that he wants everything to be good

- He’ll singlehandedly stop an apocalypse for you

- He insists nothing’s gonna stop celebrating your day

- But you pull him back into bed again

- Pressing kisses against him

- Insisting he’s the only gift you could ever want

- But when he presents his actual gift you of course take it

- He’s very in tune with you, always listens to what you like

- And so the gift is very thoughtful but also useful/something you will use

- Which leads to you peppering him in kisses and gushing

- Which makes him smile

- That one that makes him absolutely glow

- You’re still not quite sure what the plans were

- But they were easily cancelled, he sent a chain text and it was sorted

- he called for takeout instead

- your favourite of course

- it was simple but honestly you wouldn’t want it any other way

- just you and him

Darla:

- Probably would not have remembered

- Until you mentioned it

- Definitely isn’t used to birthday celebrations

- You had been through so much since then

- But once she realises

- Decides she wishes to dedicate the day to you

- She doesn’t show it often, but she can be so ridiculously soft for you

- The day would be intimate and just for the both of you

- She can be very possessive and wouldn’t want anyone else involved

- Anything you wanted she would get for you

- You name it, literally

- It’s yours

- She can take over entire shopping malls

- Hold up an evil law firm

- Make them do a spell or something for you

- She would lavish so much on you

- You could take your pick of anything and she would take your hand the entire day

- Such obvious affection is rare, but she does adore you

- Presses a single kiss against your temple

- With that sweet, knowing smile

- Her eyes would always be on you

- You would feel loved just by her gaze

- She truly stopped everything just to celebrate you

- Evil plots on pause, won’t even talk to Wolfram and Hart

- If that’s what you wish

- She doesn’t like to admit how much you mean to her

- But because it’s your birthday

- She would

- If she hasn’t already, she would love to sire you

- It would be a very romantic gift for her to offer

- As if she had brought you a dozen roses

- Making your death day and your birthday the same day

- She would see it as the best present she could give you

Lindsey:

- Doesn’t mention your birthday

- Always so busy at work

- You presume he’s forgotten

- And you don’t remind him

- You don’t mind

- (or I mean that’s what you tell yourself)

- But when the day rolls around you wake up

- And frown

- His work clothes are still out

- He hasn’t left today

- And someone’s in your kitchen?

- You go and see what’s going on and he’s made your favourite breakfast

- He looks at you as if you just brought the sun into the room

- A heavenly glow that only surrounded you

- You were the light in his life

- He loves so deeply, wants to cling onto this

- Wants you to know just how much he loves you

- By making this day just for you

- He chides you though cos he was trying to make breakfast in bed

- But you had woken up

- But you just wrap your arms around him and hug him close

- He pulls you in for a deep kiss

- Holding onto this moment

- Holding on to you

- He’s got a very rare day off

- And you don’t want to ask how much of his soul was sold off for the luxury

- The day’s completely yours

- You go out and do tourist-y stuff in LA

- You live there but never get a chance to do something just fun and normal

- So you go around and take cheesy pictures

- Try out different hotspots

- You have a really lovely meal at the end of the day too

- He’s comfortable, has money to blow on fancy meals

- But it means more because he appeared to have looked into the local menus and stuff

- Finding suggestions that he knew that you would like

- You go to a few bars that you really enjoy

- but he soon notices you want to go back home

- So you and he can celebrate without any prying eyes

- It was truly one of the best days, you felt so much closer

Fred:

- She would have forgotten about birthdays

- After Pylea

- But when you mentioned it casually

- She jumped into action

- Not just because it was probably only a few days away

- But because she loved you and wanted you happy

- Wouldn’t want to do anything too lavish

- It’s just not the way you both are together

- It would be something simple, but so very meaningful

- She would be so soft

- (I mean she is anyway, but this is a day celebrating you)

- And she loves you so much

- I think she’d take you for a little day out

-  A kind of adventure

- But one where you could relax plenty

- A day off from demons and one just for you?

- Perfection

- She would present you with a gift while you were out

- I think she would have made it herself I think

- Probably took a while

- But she enjoyed it so much

- Something clever and cute

- Like her

- She would blush if you made a big deal of thanking her

- But ultimately reciprocate any kisses

- She would probably cuddle up to you and ask what you would like to do that evening

- She apologises for not having grander plans but honestly her just being with you is the best

- And you ofc tell her this

- You settle for drinks at a bar you both like

- But you don’t stay long, mostly just wanting to spend time privately

- You grab some takeout on the way home

- And celebrate more intimately

- The glow of the tv, but neither of you will be watching

- Just the two of you

Doyle:

- He’d be buzzing with excitement

- You always treat him so good

- (he swears he doesn’t deserve it)

- So he makes sure that you feel the love

- Especially so because it’s your birthday

- He says you have plans for your birthday

- And you’re like ??

- That’s news to me lol

- But he absolutely won’t tell you

- And teases you about it in the weeks leading up

- His teasing smile is equal parts infuriating

- And cute

- He just wants you to enjoy yourself

- And this is part of it

- He’s sick of everything ruining your time together

- So he tries to bargain with the powers

- He just looks upwards and half-pleads for them not to bother him

- Just for your birthday weekend

- No visions, please

- Nothing he comes up with, in his own mind, will be good enough

- He wants to give you the world

- And he promises one day he will

- Does this through a cute little globe key chain

- Before giving you a few more gifts

- He truly listens to you and things you like

- Buys things through the year

- So that he has them

- Hiding them is hard

- He would have planned it all out, using his connections

- He’s bagged a weekend away for you both

- somewhere you’ve always wanted to go

- Somewhere really nice, super upmarket

- Not something you’re used to after living in LA so long

- You have the best time

- He honestly makes you feel like the only person in the world

- He’s just so sweet

-  Literally would drop anything for his s/o

- To make sure you’re enjoying yourself and happy

- It was just perfect

- You’re already planning to make it a tradition

[writingontheclouds]

Chapter 3: How To Hijack Dates

Sometimes you stop procrastinating when stuck in lockdown.

Sometimes you don't.

This is a result of the former.

Read it here on ao3. 

...

Sirius Black had just spent a lovely afternoon with Mum Potter, helping her rearrange the books in the library downstairs. It could have been done easily with magic, or the many house elves that offered to help again and again, but Euphemia Potter was very possessive about this part of the Manor. She liked doing it by hand, putting the books back into their designated spot alphabetically by author name and loved finding old gems that she told Sirius very enthusiastically about. Mum Potter (yes, she insisted he call her Mum Potter for the very least) had put together a pile of books that she wanted to read for herself, and another for Sirius, declaring that a young wizard ought to read these books by the time they come of age. Sirius was now balancing a huge stack of books and taking them into his room when he saw James’ room door wide open and he peeked in. James was smoothening out a crisp black shirt, looking nervously at himself in the floor length mirror. Sirius’ curiosity piqued. 

  "Going somewhere?” He called out from the entrance of the room. James instantly turned around. He looked like he was about to throw up. "Do I look okay?" 

"Yeah?” Sirius offered, from somewhere above the pile of books. 

  "Okay, good.” Looking somewhat satisfied, he turned around and picked up a black dinner jacket and shrugged it on. 

"Where?” 

  "Emily's taking me out.” James said, now running a hand through his messy black curls, trying to tame them. 

  "Out?” 

  "Yeah, we're going to a fancy Muggle restaurant, somewhere in Leicester Square, I think. One of her favorites." 

"James..” Sirius started, but wasn’t sure how to approach the subject again. James picked on it, nevertheless. 

"I'm not having that conversation again, Sirius.” He said, with a deep sigh. 

  “You've gone on 3 dates in 2 months. If you don't slow down, you might end up surrounded by dirty diapers in a matter of weeks, James.” Sirius joked. 

  "Sirius.." 

"Yes, but I am serious James. You don't know each other that well.." 

"Sirius.." 

"You don't fit well together, you know..” Sirius offered again, but to be honest, he didn’t really have any reason why James should not be with Emily. Aside from the fact that Lily now finally fancied him. But he couldn’t tell him that. It was not his place. 

  "Sirius! I'm gonna ask her to be my girlfriend today.” James said, looking at him dead in the eye. 

  "..wha..what?” 

  "You heard me." 

"But what about Lily?” 

  "What about Lily? I've moved on." 

"But James-" 

"No, Sirius. I'm done. I told you that." James looked at him sincerely, and Sirius knew the conversation was over. James patted Sirius once on his shoulder as he walked out the door. "I'll see you later, buddy." 

...

Sirius stared at James walking away with wide eyes, unsure what to say or do, and walked the few steps to his room, plopping the books on his table. It was a guest bedroom originally, but was now officially Sirius'. His study table was mostly bare, on account of summer holidays, but he had pinned some pictures on the wall above. One in particular, was among his favourites, hung right in the middle. 

  It was the day Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup just a few months ago after a brutal match with Slytherin. They had just landed on the pitch when the entirety of Gryffindor piled onto the grounds, cheering and hug and congratulating the players. In the midst of all that chaos and confetti and blaring music in the background, someone had picked up a camera and shouted “Smile!" and all the people just piled on top of each other to be in the frame. Hair completely disheveled, mud and paint caking their faces, but the moving picture was so precious for Sirius. 

  There was Peter and Remus already on the ground laughing, with Sirius and Marlene and Dorcas and Alice and Frank cheering and swaying, almost falling over the former, trying to balance themselves as they held on to each other. Then there was James in the end, with this broken glasses, splotches of blood on his forehead and a shit eating grin looking at Lily, who was laughing and blushing looking back at him. 

  To Sirius, that one picture was enough to know that they belonged with each other. And he decided, that he would at least TRY for his foolish best mate and the fiery red head that had become a part of the marauder family. Sirius knocked on the faded green colored door, hoping he finally found the right house. He had already spent a good half an hour stumbling from house to house, finding everyone from grumpy old couples who did not liked to be disturbed to little kids who almost trampled him in an attempt to play. He then realised he apparated in the wrong neighbourhood. 

  For Merlin’s sake! This is exactly the reason he didn't fancy this method of travel; he screwed up almost every damn time. It was miracle in itself that he got the license at all, courtesy of an ignorant old Ministry employee who didn't seem to give two fucks about how he apparated a few feet from where he was supposed to and splinched his pinkie in the process. 

A woman with fading red hair tucked neatly in a bun opened the door and Sirius nearly hugged the woman in relief. He knew that red hair very well. 

  "Can I help you, dear?” Mrs. Evans asked sweetly and looked at him, confused at his relief. 

  “Hello, Mrs. Evans. I'm looking for Lily.” 

  “Oh”, She turned around, possibly to call for her daughter, but stopped short. “You must be.. uhh..” She trailed, guessing his name. 

  "Sirius Black. We're in the same house at Hogwarts.” He replied, and she suddenly lit up at the name. Lily had clearly told her mum about him. 

  "Nice to meet you, Sirius. I'm Darla. Come on in.” She extended a hand, and he returned the greeting, and she invited him in. 

  Sirius was immediately hit by the pleasant smell of Eucalyptus and hints of Lavender as he entered the house. It was a quaint, cozy little place, and it was so Lily that now, he could not imagine Lily Evans living anywhere else. 

"Lily! There's someone here for you!” Darla Evans called in the general direction of the stairs. 

  A moment later, there was some shuffling, a door opening then clanking down the stairs as Lily Evans appeared in her full glory, decked in a tshirt that said “Not Today" and blue pyjama bottoms. Sirius could see tiny red hearts on them. She looked shocked, to say the very least. "Black? What are you doing here?” She said as she continued down the stairs and stood directly infront of him. "Good to see you too, Lils.” Sirius said, giving a full smile. 

  She completely ignored him. "Why are you here?” She pressed. 

  "I need to talk to you." Lily frowned, looking skeptical. "It's about James.” He added and the furrow between her eyebrows was gone in an instant, followed by what Sirius thought was either concern or.. Or something. She definitely blushed a little though. 

  Lily nodded and motioned him to follow her. It's funny how that one name turned around Lily Evans’ priorities now. 

  Sirius followed her upstairs, past a couple of doors to one that had Lily written on the door, the  four letters in different fonts cut out from newspaper. She closed the door behind them, turned around and stared at him. 

  "Talk.” Sirius was surprised at the authority and urgency in her voice. 

  "You've got a cute room there, Evans. Didn't peg you for pink walls kind of a girl but..” Sirius said instead, walking around her room and taking it in. It was a small room, overlooking the front yard, with green curtains. The wall behind her bed was completely covered up by photos, print outs, clippings. Everything Lily Evans held dear in her life. He could spy the same picture he had pinned above his study on the wall as well, along with countless others. It made Sirius smile internally. He always did love the idea of having a wall like this. An ode to all the good times. 

  "Six year old me liked pink. Now, tell me what is it?” She pressed, hands crossed. 

  "Okay, but promise not to freak out, okay?” Sirius started in a soothing voice already, his hands feigning a calm down gesture already. 

  Lily waved her hand in front of her. "I can't promise that.” She said, as a matter-of-fact, without even pausing for a beat. 

  "Okay, okay but don't hex me?” He asked, nervously. Lily nodded, reluctantly. "James is planning to ask Emily to be his girlfriend..” He blurted out, almost stumbling over the words. 

"Thanks for the reminder but you already told me that.” Lily gave a small smile, crossed the room and sat on her bed. She didn’t look at him, instead stared at her shoes. 

  “..tonight.” He finished, and her face shot up. Lily's face paled. Shock and disbelief coloured her face, which quickly turned solemn. 

"Alright.. okay.. that's good? That's good, right?” She tried, stumbling over her words. She looked visibly dejected. "I mean.. he's.. moved on. He wouldn't sit around waiting for me, you know?” Classic Lily, trying to reason everything, Sirius thought. 

  "But I think James should know the truth before he asks her. That your feelings have changed.” Sirius said, sitting down on the chair of her study, leaning forward to look at her at eye level. 

  "I can always, wait you know? When they break up-" 

"-if they break up, Evans. And don't tell me seeing James frolicking with another girl wouldn't kill you." 

Lily’s eyes brimmed with tears at that statement. It was like she actually saw James happily kissing Emily in her head. She blinked away the tears and shook her head. 

"Why are you here telling me all this?” She asked, in a small voice. 

  "I don't know..” He said, leaning back and looking out the window, trying to look for words. 

"Emily's a nice, polite and caring person, I apologise for calling her a tart earlier, but James deserves that.” Sirius looked at Lily’s sullen face again, as she spoke. "He deserves someone who tells him how nice he is, not someone who calls him out for his every mistake. Certainly not someone who has insulted him infront of a crowd on numerous occasions.” Sirius could hear the sincerity in her words, despite knowing how much it was visibly breaking her to say out loud. 

  "Well, to be fair, James did deserve that. He can be a prick sometimes, and his ego can inflate to the size of the black lake, but..” He paused, leaning ahead again, taking Lily’s hands in his, “He needs you. He needs you to ground him, to bring him back to Earth whenever he tries to fly too far away, and I'm sorry but Emily can't do that." Sirius said, shaking his head a little. 

  Lily just stared at him, her eyes brimming with tears again. 

"There is no James Potter without Lily Evans.” As if on cue, the tears fell. She swallowed, looked down at her feet again and smiled a little. 

  "You're uncannily good with words.” She said in a very small voice, after a long time. Sirius chuckled. 

  "So, how do we get to him?” She sniffed, wiped the tears from her cheeks and squared her shoulders, as if preparing for a battle of sorts. 

  Sirius chuckled again, but then his grey eyes widened as realisation dawned on him. 

  "I.. might.. have not thought this through.” He said, slowly. 

  "Well, where is he? We could apparate there.” Lily asked, expecting an answer. 

  "I don't know..” Sirius braced himself. 

  "You don't know?” She asked, incredulous. 

  "No..” He said, stretching out the o. 

  "You didn't ask him where he was going before deciding to show up here?” She asked, her temper flaring. 

  "I'm thinking I'm not as clever as I thought I was.” 

"You think?!” ... 

James Potter and Emily Cooper sat in a fine dining Italian restaurant in Leicester Square, had just finished their main course and were waiting for dessert when, suddenly, all hell broke loose. 

  It started with collective shrieks, which converted into full on screaming as guests suddenly got up from their chairs and ran in all directions possible. James turned around to see what the commotion was all about, when he saw a people tripping over each other and food flying in all directions. 

  “What the..” He started to say, when the staff of the restaurant were waving the leather bound menus up in the air, trying to swat at something. The grey blob, as if suddenly angered by the swatting and shrieking, dipped on to one table, actually picked up a container of what looked like red marinara sauce and dropped it all over one of the wait staff. 

  That was precisely when James had a mini heart attack. 

  Instead of getting up and actually doing something, he seemed to be frozen, too shocked at the sight in front of him. It reminded him of the tne night at Hogwarts, when the marauders had enchanted the plates to randomly fly into student’s faces when the word “Stop” was spoken. Needless to say, it escalated very quickly and they had spent an entire month in detention with Filch. 

  The bird was now flying low, almost into everyone’s faces as they screamed and scrambled away from it. A few of the seated guests fell backwards on their chairs. The ones standing slipped in the marinara. There were dishes and lasagne and spaghetti flying in all directions as Isis hooted happily in the air before landing herself in the middle of the table in front of James. She hooted happily once more, nipping at James’ frozen hands on the 

table affectionately as a way of greeting. He just stared at her for a good minute before noticing a letter attached to her talon when James had another mini heart attack. 

  What the..? He thought, brows furrowing at the letter as he untied it from Isis and put it in promptly in his jacket pocket. 

  “ISIS!” He angrily whispered. She hooted, hardly bothered by the anger. James now looked at up Emily, who was just gaping at him, shocked and then looked over to something behind James. He turned around, following her gaze, and found the entirety of the restaurant, now covered in sauces red and green, just looking at them in various stages of utter shock, disbelief and anger. 

  James turned around and got up promptly, Emily mirroring his movements, Isis now happily perched on his shoulder and did the one thing 6 years at Hogwarts and being a Marauder had taught him. He got the hell out of there. 

[itsanerdlife]

Welcome to Burlesque

Pairing: Eggsy Unwin x Burlesque!Reader

Warning: A lot of this is like Burlesque the movie, I took two of the songs they have and used them, one is switched up a little. So I recommend listening to; Welcome to Burlesque && But I Am  a Good Girl

Harry introduces Eggsy into the classy world of woman entertainment, beyond trashy strip clubs and into the world of Burlesque.

(Thank you anon for this!! Omigod was this so much fun to write!!)

Eggsy’s eyes scanned the brightly lite sign outside the building once more before he followed Harry inside. Soft music played as they come down the stairs, Harry greets the man waiting on the outside of the door, they exchange a few words and a hand shake. The door opens and Eggsy follows quickly, a few girls giggle, holding wine glasses, as they scamper by, dressed in silk robes and heels.

“Good evening Harry.” They giggle together, before heading towards a short set of steps to the back of the building.

“Burlesque? Like strippers?” Eggsy whispers as he follows Harry to a table.

“No, Eggsy far from strippers.” He repeats the word with much distaste in his tone. “These ladies are much classier.” He nods, a waitress in a tiny black dress appears next to them.

“Harry, love.” She grins. “Your usual?” She tosses back her pink hair.

“Two, darling, please.” He nods, smiling sweetly at her. Eggsy’s eyebrows slipping up.

“Harry, they’re scantly cladded woman.” He smirks at his boss, who sighs.

“Yes, but they keep it all on. They sing, show tunes, classic songs, and some acts do acrobatics. Far more interesting than strippers Eggsy.” Harry explains. “You’ll enjoy trust me.” He nods as a bright curly red head appears at their table with two glasses.

“Harry, sweetheart. Good to see you.” She sets the glasses down, kissing Harry’s cheek. “New meat? He’s cute.” She grins, her green eyes traveling over Eggsy’s face and suit.

“My new trainee Darla. This is Eggsy.” Harry introduces them. Eggsy puts a hand on and she places her dainty hand in his, grinning at him.

“Welcome to Burlesque. The best view around. Enjoy the show.” She winks, before she walks off, stepping up on to the large stage, that was the main focus on the room.

“Harry?” Eggsy smirks.

“The show they put on is quite something.” Harry nods, sipping his drink.

“That so?” Eggsy nods, doing the same.

“Some start in the crowd. Watching drink and your hands.” He smirks at Eggsy.

“Harry?” Eggsy’s eyebrows snap up.

“Just wait, you’ll see.” Harry smirks, settling back as the lights dim.

 As the lights comes up, the red head, Darla is in the center of about 10 woman. Four are dressed in strictly black on black the others dressed in red, both matching Darla, her red hair and black form fitting dress. The music starts and each one’s hips start swinging as Darla begins to sing, Eggsy can’t pull his eyes away.

“Everything you dream of, but never can possess. Nothing as it seems. Welcome to Burlesque.”

The beat picks up and they all move in sync, bouncing and hips swinging to the beat. Darla standing in the center, as the girls dance around her. It’s all teasing and captivating to watch. She beings introducing the girls in black, he watches, not catching names till the last one. The light hits her and Eggsy’s mouth falls slack, his heart does a flip.

“Behave yourself says Y/N.” Darla sings, the girl snaps forward, her backside to the crowd, her fingers wiggling at the crowd as she peeks back.

Darla swats her on the behind as Y/N grins wickedly, before straightening up and continuing the dance. Her body rolls to the music as her hands in her hair as she slips into a squat, her hands moving from her hair down her body. Over her black corset, the sides pure lace, exposing the skin underneath it, she wore little black spandex ‘shorts’ barely fitting over her butt. And black lace tights, with flower designs working up her legs. The song pops, Y/N’s hands on her knees, still squat pops her legs open before snapping them closed again.

The beat rolls Y/N and the other girls slip into the splits, bouncing before pulling their legs together, and slowly pushing their backsides up into the air and straightening up. The song coming to an end, the girls crowd around Darla, as she belts out another note, the girls striking poses, Y/N’s leg hitches across Darla’s waist, her hand holding it in place. The lights go out and everyone claps, Eggsy included, he leans back taking a drink of his glass.

He’d seen half naked woman dance around before, but what was it about this girl that her face was still in his head, that his eyes only followed her around the stage. She radiated confidence in herself, she had a playful side in that grin of hers, he takes a deep breathe as another act starts on the stage.

“Something has your attention?” Harry smirks, as the pink haired waitress sets around set of glasses on their table.

“It’s interesting, Harry.” Eggsy chuckles.

“Don’t worry, you’ll really enjoy the next one.” Harry smirks.

“Harry darling.” Darla’s hand on his shoulder.

“Slide up?” Harry chuckles.

“Split.” Darla winks at Eggsy.

Harry slides his chair to the side, Eggsy follows in the other direction, two men slide a table between theirs and the table behind them and one in front of them and the other table as well. Soon the lights dim again, the spotlight flicks to Y/N, in the middle of the stage, in a pink corset, ruffled pink under garment matching. Garter straps connect the corset to her pale pink thigh highs, pink heels, to match. She looked like cotton candy, sexy as fuck cotton candy, but all the same. Her hair was in waves, hanging around her shoulders, her make up dramatic as she sits waiting patiently for the song to start.

The music starts, and she lights up as she begins the song, she suddenly pops wide eyes open, her hand hovered over her mouth, in faux shock.

“Darling what did you do for those pearls? What? I am a good girl.” She purrs, before jumping up, shoving the chair over, she moves to the beat, her hips swaying. She’s walking across the tables, she struts like this was something she did and trusted a table wouldn’t give out from under her, singing her song. She reaches the bar, a few of the keepers watching.

“They all say my feet never do touch the ground.” She dramatically pops her one heeled foot up, other dancers coming out from behind the mirror on the back wall of the bar. “What? I am a good girl.” She winks, grinning. The girls breaking out into a well synced dance together, on the back of the bar. Y/N leans against the mirror wall behind the bar, sliding slowly down into a squat three other girls do the same, she grins messing the hair of the keeper who was pouring a drink, his head a line with her stomach. Her mouth open as she laughs, standing up again. She struts back over the bar, coming back across the tables, she pauses, she bends, her fingers wrapping around Eggsy’s tie, he willingly comes up as she belts out once more.

“I am a good girl.” Winking at him, her finger taps his nose as she shoves him back down. She makes it back down to the stage; a few gasps and she falls into the chair and the lights go out.

“My, my, you must have caught her attention.” Harry sips his drink, watching Eggsy breath heavily eyes still on the stage.

“Harry how do you know about this place?” Eggsy grins.

“I’m a gentleman Eggsy, Darla is an old friend.” He smirks.

“You were right, this is better than a strip club.” Eggsy grins, adjusting his tie. A flash of Y/N leaning down, wrapping her fingers around it, her waves falling around her face, the sound of her voice, he was sure that wasn’t part of the dance, but he wasn’t going to object.

“We’ll come again, don’t worry. They do different acts often.” He smiles.

“I’d like that.” Eggsy nods, finishing his own drink.

“Perhaps you should grab another before the next show starts.” Harry nods towards the bar. Eggsy glances back, Black silk robe tied around her waist, pink heels and thigh highs, her hair pulled up into a ponytail, he grins getting up quickly.

“I’ve never seen a show like his before.” He leans on the bar, smiling at her.

“Heard you were new meat.” She grins at him, picking up the water bottle.

“I think that’s the quickest anyone has spread my name before.” He grins.

“Pretty green eyes and grin to boot, oh every girl here knows who you are already.” She smirks at him.

“So, does that mean you know my name?” He chuckles.

“Harry’s friend. Eggsy, was it?” She sips the water.

“Y/N, was it?” He smirks.

“Welcome to Burlesque, Eggsy. I can only hope to see you again.” She grins, turning and walking away.

“Fuck.” He sighs, grinning as the bar keep sets around round in front of him. He picks up the glasses turning heading for the table. “I think I’m in love.” He sighs sinking into his chair.

“She’s a very sweet girl.” Harry chuckles.

Updated List: @mo320    @rileyloves5   @irepeldirt   @elle88531   @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked    @violinbetty   @cece-daughter-of-pitch-black   @kazuha159   @petersunderroos   @geeksareunique   @pcterpvrker   @hunter-demigod-timelord     @breezy1415      @taylorjacksonandtheolympians   @sarahp879   @buckybarnesappreciationsociety   @sgarrett49   @magellan-88   @mariekoukie6661   @bluephoenix394     @to-pick-ourselves-up-7   @witchymarvelspacecase     @lovemarvelousfics   @bellamouse16   @rockagurl     @ultrawholockedunicorn   @paranoiadestroyah   @allyp1023     @justmeinthisworldblr    @kgbrenner   @tequilavet    @white-chocolate-mocha-fan   @bridgetlemonade   @alyssaj23   @nerdyandexhausted   @lucifersnipnips   @sebstanchrisevanchickforever19   @poetsheart   @sherlockianonfire91   @bluebird214     @ingridsigne    @eggsy-unwinnn   @roobierubyroobieruby   @deanwinchestersrifle   @deanwinchestersrifle   @tgwltw   @teenagetragediesforeveryone    @sweet-honey15 @marlenej1   @crazyblonde124  

[spaceorphan18]

Changed For the Better 2 [Klaine Advent Day 2]

Rating: S for Shenanigans Word Count: 1904 Summary: AU - Kurt’s a struggling actor living in New York, and is currently working on a Made-for-TV movie starring Cooper Anderson.

A/N: Written for Klaine Advent Day 2: Bucket

[Part 1]

///

Changed for the Better - Part 2/24: Me Against the Music

“What do you mean you don’t want to do it - Kurt, you love the musical.”

“I don’t know, Rachel…”  Kurt was sitting in his allotted room in the studio, just off set, waiting for the next scene to be set.  Rachel had called him four times already, and he figured he should at least call her back before she blew up his phone with messages.  

“C’mon, please, Kurt, it’s just a small little thing - a nice way for you to jump back in on the stage.  Jesse and I will be playing Brad and Janet.  And Jesse said he’d even be able to get you the part of Riff-Raff.  Come on, Kurt you have to - it’s Rocky Horror!” Rachel was using her best pouty voice, but still he wasn’t swayed.  

“I’m pretty sure I’ll still be shooting this movie when the performance comes around,” he said.  That was probably not true, there wasn’t much left to shoot, but doing a small production of Rocky Horror Picture Show with a thrown together cast of amateurs in a tiny venue for pretty much themselves didn’t sound as appealing to him as it did to Rachel.  

“You know what, Kurt, I know what this is. You’re just playing scared.  You haven’t done a stage play in two years.  TWO YEARS.”  

Ug, not this argument again.  “Rachel…”

“Also Mercedes says you have to, too.”  

There was a bit of shuffling as the phone passed hands.  “Kurt, it’s Mercedes, you are getting your ass up on stage again so I can hear you sing.  I don’t care if it’s as Magenta, you’re doing it.”  

Kurt cracked a smile - the voice of Mercedes had spoken.  

Before he could answer, however, one of the film’s production assistants knocked on the door.  He was needed on set again.  

“I’ll think about it, okay?” he said.  There was a knot in his stomach just thinking about being on stage again, and he wasn’t sure if that was from anxiousness or excitement.  “I’ve got to go, I’ll see you guys later.”

They were using the outdoor set again for shooting that day.  Normally, the set was dressed for a typical Midwestern city street and bookstore front, but today was special.  Today Christmas had vomited all over the set.  The pine trees were all decorated with glitzy ornaments, the lampposts had garland and ribbon and tinsel.  The bookstore’s windows had been frosted.  There were blinking lights flashing everywhere.  And snow.  Oh god, there was so much fake snow.  

They were still laying it, big, fat flakes being showered from high above.  And right in the middle of it, mostly likely near her mark, was the female lead - Brittany S. Pierce - dancing in a circle, her hands waving around her head.  She almost looked like a child on the first day of winter break.  She moved silently, and gracefully, in her own happy little world.  Kurt wondered if she had had any dance training, because her movements were well timed to the rutting of the machine spitting out the fake snow.

THWACK

Kurt had been so caught up in watching Brittany that he hadn’t notice Cooper and his well aimed snowball to the face.  He threw Cooper a glare, as Cooper doubled over in laughter.  Thankfully, it brushed right off, and he wouldn’t have to go back into make-up.

Fifteen minutes later, and they were taking their spots, the director going over the notes for the scene.  It was a big day.  It was the day of the big Christmas proposal.  Kurt rolled his eyes at the idea of spending the next seven hours on this one scene.  Did they really need to do it from twenty-four different angles?  At least he had only one line, and could easily blend into the background easily enough.

The first few takes went as well as expected.  Cooper was intense and over-the-top.  Brittany was awkwardly goofy and a bit stiff.  But something happened the more they ran the scene.  Cooper toned it down, he even managed to stop pointing.  Brittany relaxed, and seemed to forget that the camera was there (she still had difficulties not looking straight into the camera).   

If there was one thing that this film got right, it was the casting.  Cooper, despite his questionable acting skill, was perfect for the melodramatic Kyle, and Kurt didn’t know if there was a difference between Brittany and her character of the absent-minded and quirky Darla.  They had an easy chemistry on and off set - and if Kurt didn’t know better, he would have thought they were dating in real life.  They weren’t, however, because Brittany’s girlfriend-slash-publicist was always lurking around the set, reminding everyone about their epic love story.  But the girlfriend wasn’t there today, so maybe that helped Brittany focus.  

Everyone on set seemed to be more focused than usual.  Maybe it was the decorations and their cheerfulness, maybe it was the twinkling reds and greens, silvers and golds coming off the lights.  Maybe it was the glitter of the tinsel, or the sweeping music the director kept playing in-between takes.  Or maybe it was just the brightness of the snow.  Kurt began to forget that it was actually late June, and that they were all acting - he was beginning to feel it.  

“Darla, we met at this spot, this exact spot,” Cooper-as-Kyle said as he kneeled down on one knee.  For a second, Kurt didn’t see the annoying Cooper he was used to.  He saw the beautifully chiseled Kyle, looking at the woman he loved.  “And I brought you here because this is where I wanted to tell you that I knew - that I knew that I wanted to love you and be with you for the rest of my life.  So, Darla - my girl - will you marry me?”

And Brittany-as-Darla’s eyes lit up, and she grabbed the ring Cooper-as-Kyle has pulled out of his pocket.  “Yes, yes of course.”  

Cooper-as-Kyle jumped up, and kissed her passionately, picking her up and swinging her around.  

And for a moment - Kurt forgot that this wasn’t real life.  It was like those old movies he and his mom used to watch at Christmas together.  It was like all those silly fantasies he had as a child.  It was like all those favorite romantic moments that used to pull at his heartstrings.  It was magic and he was there.  

Until he wasn’t.  

Suddenly everything stopped, and all eyes were on him.  

Shit, his line.  

Reality hit him again hard.  

He couldn’t even spit out his line before the director yelled cut.  

“You know, Kurt, it’s not very professional of you to stop the brilliance of the scene I was sharing with dear Brittany here,” Cooper said.  “I realize our radiance is captivating, but you have one line and you should probably try to get it right.”

Something in Kurt snapped.  “Why don’t you get off your high fucking horse, will you?  Not all of us can be as perfect as you are.  Some of us make mistakes, so why don’t you just fucking deal with it.”  

Cooper stared at him stunned.  Everyone around him stared at him - stunned.  

Cooper gave him that look, the one where it looked like he was trying to process a complete thought.  “Well, I give you an A+ for intensity, but I’m not sure it’s needed in this scene.”  

Kurt let out a long, frustrated half scream-half grunt.  “God, you are driving me crazy.”  

Kurt wasn’t usually the one to bring the drama to the set.  In fact, most days, most of them didn’t even know he was there.  For a moment, he was worried the director would take him aside and fire him right on the spot.  But instead, the director turned back to the crew, instructing them to rearrange the cameras instead.  He nearly had a meltdown in front of the entire cast and crew.  And no one seemed to notice.  Worse, no one seemed to care.  

Knowing the break would last a good ten minutes at least, he went and sat on the fake, styrofoam steps of the fake bookshop storefront.  

Someone, however, did notice.  Brittany came over to him, grabbed a handful of the snow and sprinkled it on his head, giggling a little.  

“I’m glad you’re enjoying this,” he said, his voice gruff.  

She took a seat next to him, grinned, and looked him over.  

“You know, you shouldn’t interrupt people’s proposals.  It’s bad luck,” she said.  

“Is it?” He never claimed to understand Brittany logic.  “You know this is pretend, right?”  

Brittany gave a little shrug, and looped her arm in his.  “You know you remind me of Lord Tubbington, if Lord Tubbington was more like grumpy cat and less like a Dubai slumlord.”

“What?”

“Kurt, you can’t lie to me,” Brittany looked him straight in the eye, her blue eyes full of concern.  “I know that you’re having a hard time.  I know it’s probably not easy when you’re a unicorn like I am, and are meant for bigger things than what you think this is.  But I also know that you don’t actually hate it here, even though you act like you do.  I know that you claim to be antisocial, but you’re probably pretty lonely. I know that while you think this might be just a movie, you wish it were the real thing.  And I know that, secretly, you love bubbly, romantic things like I do, because you wrote on your bucket list that you want a huge, sappy, romantic wedding.”

Kurt gave her a strange look.  “How do you know I have a bucket list?

“Oh, sometimes I read your phone when you go to the bathroom.”

“Brittany!”

“Santana said it’s okay to share phones when you’re special friends,” Brittany said.  “No, but Kurt, look.  Cooper and I are both really worried about you.  You never come hang out with us, despite the fact that we’re totally awesome.  And we don’t think you’re getting enough sex either, because we’re both sure that having a penis up your butt might be better than the stick that seems to be lodged there.”

“Please tell me you have not had this actual conversation with Cooper,” Kurt said, as he buried his head in his hands in embarrassment.  

“We want to hook you up,” Brittany said, shaking his arm.  “Cooper wants to set you up on a date with his brother, who is totally lame.  And you’d know that if you hung out with us every once in awhile.  While I want to hook you up with my dad’s friend Walter, who is funny, and super smart, and like, fifty-eight, and really nice.”  

Kurt groaned.  “No, Brittany…I had this talk with Cooper a few days ago.”

“Yes, but look - you can sit here, and be sulky, and be sad that your British boyfriend dumped you over text--”

“How much of my phone did you read?”

“And really, you should delete those messages because that’s not helping anything.  Or you can accept that you are a special unicorn like us, and deserve all the wonderful things that come with that.”

Kurt let out a sigh, and leaned his head against Brittany’s shoulder.  “Being a unicorn is hard.”

“I know.”

...

“Hey, Brittany?”

“Yeah?”

“Please stop going through my phone, okay?”

“But Santana said--”

“Sometimes, it’s okay not to listen to Santana.”