#derrick likes to make fun of reynold
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kuroneko1815 · 9 months ago
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How to be the favorite uncle as told by Reynold Eckhart
Reynold stared at his new niece with a frown, he found her resemblance to the bast… uh… the emperor disconcerting but she was still adorable away from that. He turned to Derrick and smugly declared, “I’m going to be her favorite uncle!”
Derrick merely rolled his eyes. “You go do that.” He said as he turned his attention back to the baby in their father’s arms. The Imperial bastard was staring at them hard.
Father was still sobbing, upset about her resemblance to her father and the lack of features that she had inherited from Penelope who was asleep within her room, napping after an evening spent feeding the babe. The Emperor faired better than the Empress in this case it seemed. Penelope had refused to use a wet nurse for the little princess and the Emperor insisted on being awake as long as his wife and newborn daughter was awake.
���Hello, Princess. You and I are going to have so much fun!” He said happily.
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Step one in Reynold’s plan was to spoil his niece with presents. She was too young yet for some of the things he planned. Like causing mischief within the palace and getting back at the emperor for stealing away his sister. Reynold decided that he was going to get the funds immediately.
"Father, I need..." He began.
"No!" Father said immediately.
"But..."
"Reynold..." Father trailed off too. "You should know that I'm most likely going to say no to whatever harebrained scheme you have."
"But you don't know what I'm even going to ask."
"It's still a no."
"It's for Judith." He said.
Father immediately straightened and reached for his cheque book. "What do you need?"
"I want some money to buy her presents."
Father handed him a blank and signed cheque within a moment.
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Penelope hadn't looked pleased when he arrived with ten carriages filled with presents for a baby who was only two days old. Especially when he told her there were at least twenty more set to arrive soon. She sighed at the wasteful extravagance of it all especially the amount of clothes he'd gotten her since she would outgrow them all within a few weeks, well before she even managed to put any of them on.
He ignored her and focused on the baby in his arms, making faces and snuggling up to her.
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Step two was quality time.
Reynold spent as much time as he could with Judith, often fighting against his sister and brother-in-law for more time when they came upon him trying to sneak the baby out for some play when she was due to be put down for a nap.
Reynold often also found himself getting kicked out of the imperial palace grounds for sneaking into the nursery to play with her and 'causing mischief' and being a bad influence on his rapidly growing adorable niece.
Though he was allowed to read books to her and was often invited to tea parties with her dollies and little adventures around the palace grounds and within the Duchy.
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Step three was to be the adventurous fun uncle.
Read step two.
But to enumerate, they would go around the forest and look for cute little critters for Judith's ever-growing menagerie of pets. Did it get out of hand at times? Definitely not. Unless you ask Penelope, the Emperor, Father, and Derrick.
Speaking of Derrick, his brother was the level-headed calm uncle who always brought them down from their high of playing and enjoyment.
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Step four was to be supportive.
This meant that Reynold was always there. Through every scraped knee, every derisive word sent Judith's way for her wings or gender especially in regards to her status as the heir. He was always there, ready to throw a punch or to give her a listening ear, a comforting word, a hug, anything she needed.
And it wasn't just for her, but for her siblings as well.
There were many, many, more things that Reynold had done to become the favorite uncle, things that eventually translated into becoming a good father.
Just wanted to write something nice about Reynold and how he became the uncle the kids were closest too. I feel like he had the most free time and the personality type that allowed him to become reckless and immature enough to play with them.
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mikeypubes · 29 days ago
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'*•.¸♡ reynold eckhart fluff headcanons ♡¸.•*'
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♡ [ Request By @scara-simp69 ] ♡
Note: I had no clue what I was doing here and hardly even know what fluff means but I hope you like it ♡ + I'm so sorry it took me that long to write this out...
°˖✧✿✧˖°
Let's say you guys are in an established relationship, which will probably have to be in secret for a short while because of his status as a noble (and it doesn't really matter whether you're also a noble or not, a romantic entanglement will drag both families in, so revealing it right away probably isn't a good idea.)
Any dates will happen in secret, when you're both disguised as commoners or wearing masks.
On that note, dates are surprisingly common. He either sends you a letter telling you to "get ready" or will take advantage of a normal meeting and drags you to a place he thought of.
Festivals, forests, markets, beaches, you name it, he'll drag you to it.
I feel like he buys you a lot of stuff... He likes flaunting his money around and tries to impress you with his "nonchalance" about spending it. Doesn't matter if you also have money.
"Hello, which kind of jewelry would you like?"
"All of it!"
Anyway, I think the beginning of the relationship wouldn't have that much physical contact, mainly because he's wayyyy too shy, so the most you'll get is like hand-holding.
If you kiss his cheek at the end of the date, he'll burst up in flames and start getting all tsundere on you (god i hate that word).
The more the relationship progresses, the more comfortable he is with showing blatant physical affection, but it's a slow ride. :)
He'll give you a kiss occasionally, or casually tuck your hair behind your ears.
You guys have a ton of fun going on random dates though, just exploring the city (town? dukedom? idfk) and eating stuff.
He probably won't admit it, but he loves disguising as a commoner. Although he loves abusing his status, he does feel somewhat relieved of all his duties (he hardly has any) when he's just a "regular person" you feel me? Especially if it's with someone he likes.
On that note, it'll take him decades for him to say "I love you" like you'll probably have to say it first, then he'll say it eventually.
If you hug him, he'll get flustered but he'll wrap an arm around your back reluctantly, looking around to make sure no one else is there.
Also, he teases you. 100%
And he hates it when you turn the teasing on him.
He'll pretend he hates it when you cling to him, but if you try getting off, he'll hold your wrist and go all "Where are you going??"
I feel like he once had a really stupid idea to sneak you inside of his family mansion... You definitely refused because God that's one hell of a risk you don't wanna take, but he kept reassuring you saying no one will catch you guys.
His plan was to take you to the attic during sunset.
Of course, you guys were caught ! And by Derrick, to make matters 10x worse. Reynold told you to just wait for him while they spoke, and thankfully, he was able to convince Derrick to keep his mouth shut.
Although against his will, Derrick did help in some way keeping any servants away from the attic while you guys had your moment. He probably caught you kissing, too.
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eloise175 · 3 years ago
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Penelope, Yvonne and Emily making a fort of blankets and pillows, it’s awesome, and Reynold wants to get in. I have no idea what this is- but it’s something.
Reynold: “Hey! Can I get in?”
Penelope: “No, sorry, this is for bad bitches only”
Reynold: …
Reynold: “Hey! Are you saying that I’m not a bad bitch?!”
Penelope: *sips tea while looking away* “We could stay here and argue about that the whole day and we both know who will win in the end. I’m always right”
Reynold: “Are you serious?! I am a bad bitch!”
Penelope: “Naah- debatable. You are more of a dumb bitch”
Reynold: “Scuse me?!”
Penelope: “Sorry I don’t make the rules” *shrugs*
Reynold: “This is so disrespectful”
Penelope: “You know what also is disrespectful? The fact that you actually think you are a bad bitch”
Reynold: “What did you just say?!”
Yvonne: “You’re also a man, and we don’t allow that in here”
Emily: *nods*
Reynold: …
Ecklies: *walking up to them* “Can I have a cookie please?”
Yvonne, Penelope and Emily: “Of course!”
Reynold: “Why does he get a cookie?”
Yvonne: “Because he asked for a cookie..?”
Reynold: “Then can I have a cookie?”
Penelope: “No.”
Reynold: “WHAT?!”
*Laughing Derrick noises in the background*
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seirclys · 2 years ago
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(Chapter 30, Chapter 92)
SUOL-nim's art style progression is truly amazing(I tried to find similar panels to compare) and the SCAR CONSISTENCY??? praise the goddess artist of VADD
Also sidenote, legitimately one of the scariest-looking panels, did not fail to make me uncomfortable(especially with the pale eyes??? immaculate vibes). I'm glad SUOL-nim isn't shying away from the horror vibes of the novel.
If you look at the season 1 MLs compared with season 3, there are large changes. Noticeably, Derrick becoming more buff and masc-looking. But Eckles manages to keep looking like he's in the same age bracket as Penelope(aka the barely-adult almost cutesy young??) but also presents a different aura of danger.
I love the anger panels/similar panels to what we're getting in Chapter 92 because it reinforces the danger of Siyeon(and by extension, Penelope)'s situation, such as with the Derrick jail scene, and the Reynold attic scene(not counting the Callisto meeting scene because it became humorous with the confession).
'nother note: boy finally got gloves when training, the number of splinters from his wooden swords DOES NOT seem fun
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havg02 · 3 years ago
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Villains Are Destined To Die modern fanfic headcanons
-In this modern au, Ivonne gets found shortly after the Duke adopts Penelope from the streets instead of being missing for 6 years and grows up with Penelope together so Derrick and Reynold don't hate Penelope or torment her for long but Penelope still resents them, and swore to them she would never call them her brother with heart.
-The imperial empire is still a royal thing so the Eckarts are a famous noble family still, and everyone attends this grand academy school only for the richest and talented students who have a special future ahead of them.
-Penelope grows up to be the prettiest girl school and is everyone's crush. Is the Queen Bee, popular with so many friends and followers, known to be Ice Queen, Snow princess or Snow White bc of her icy eyes, elegance, gracefulness and pretty face--overall looking like a ice queen.
-She's a girl with both beauty and brains, a nerdy bookworm who is studying archeology while so talented; She's the captain of the cheerleading team, is in the school aerobic gymnastic team so she's very flexible and aerobic, does fencing, plays the piano, loves figure skating, ballet and singing.
-Is super fickle, especially coming to food and her skincare. Hates the sun so she constantly carries around a parasol and sun cream to keep in the shade. Is mostly vegetarian, only eating fish, vegetables, fruits and yogurt (blueberry yoghurt icecream is her favourite), making her skin constantly glowing and healthy.
-Has a type of style that she only ever wears to define herself (she's a girl boss); only wearing Spring and winter themed clothes bc winter is the symbol of grief and spring is the symbol of moving on, in spite since she was only adopted and viewed as a replacement for Ivonne to not make it her weakness but her pride as fashion and aesthetic.
-Is very classy+feminine so she mostly wears lots of lace, tulles, dresses, skirts, frills, floral, cute, stockings, heels, coats and handbags. Also always wears turquoise or pale lavender eyeshadow with cat eyeliner but sometimes leaves her face alone since she has natural fair glass skin, rosy cheeks and baby pink lips that make her look like a porcelaine doll which get her a lot of compliments.
-Most of her clothes are designer too since she's a girl adopted by an elite wealthy royal Duke who is an absolute fool for his talented daughter so she's a fashion iconic at school as well~ she loves to shop at Chanel, Laduree and Christian Dior for cosmetics and perfume. She's a literal fashion icon to everyone.
-Not only is she famous in school but also around the world as well. The Duke has her perform songs at balls as the image of the Eckarts and she is alway busy with being a figure at donating charities or opening new buildings, and her modeling career (because again, she's a fashion icon).
-She has also made her own perfumes and fashion before which everyone is crazy about, and her instagram pics has millions of likes and followers. Penny also often goes out to luxurious parties or dinners with her friends so her insta is full of her having fun and living the bougie life. Has so many admires that she has her personal maid to come to school and clear out her locker that's full of chocolates, flowers and letters at valentine days.
-Is literally a mix of Elsa from Frozen, Marinette Dupain Cheng and Chloe Bourgeois from Miraculous Ladybug. Loves France and parisian lifestyle, and dreams to go back and live there again as it fits her standards perfectly bc of the amazing cafes, cuisines and beautiful architecture. Goes there during holidays on her own.
-She adores violets and orange blossom flowers so she wears them as the main notes in her perfumes and potpourri which she always has it made in her bedroom for her smell them. Has a very detailed bath and skincare routine with products specially made for only, her scared beauty secret that she can tell no one bc she always wants to look her best as a lady. Is known to leave the room smelling like spring.
-She's a bit of a daddy's girl since she was a child in fear of being kicked out when Ivonne was found safe and sound so she constantly acted wonderful and affectionate to manipulate and win the Duke's heart which turned out to have worked too well. She's the most talented member of the family so the Duke pays more to her than his sons and Ivonne.
-When Penny is around everyone she's graceful, sophisticated and glamorous but when she's around the Duke she's lovely like a doe, angelic and so adoring with shiny eyes that the Duke can't help but do anything for her and hang several pictures of her around his office while not so subtly bark at his own sons like soldiers.
-Callisto is the royal prince of Ioka and is the biggest, hottest guy in school but everyone is scared of him bc he grew up as a bully until he met Penelope. He's the captain of the football team and the best jock with a tense relationship between his step brother who is equally popular but only because he is that spoilt rich kid, so the whole school is divided into two factions; Callisto's team and his brother's team.
-His mother is the Queen of Ioka, trying to kill him by sending hitmen or poisoning him so Callisto is a pretty good fighter--mostly a fist fighter or a knife fighter so you can imagine how hot he is, all roughed up with bleeding nose and a fiery smirk.
-Everyone drools over Penelope but ofc are afraid to look at her bc Callisto is super possessive and easily jealous of anyone being around her, constantly around her like a ghost despite her repetitively turning him down. Everyone still thinks the two are the iconic power sweetheart couple that everyone strives to be like and admires.
-You bet there are bully girls who hate Penelope like Kellin and her side kick Dorothea who are super jealous of her and tried to bully her in middle school, only for Penny to grow more popular. Penny used to do fencing too so the losers are too scared to fight her except bark from a distance.
-Penny just rolls her eyes at them and casually says something to embarrass them in front of the whole school, and send them running away with red faces. Kellin and Dorothea are definitely those mean girls whose boyfriends end up having a crush on Penny anyway.
-The Eckarts are a royal elite wealthy family and the children attend a famous high school. Derrick is the heiress so he is a top student along with Penelope, working hard to graduate and take over his father's place. Reynold is a jock and part of the football team like Callisto, and they're both super popular for their handsome and princely looks.
-Ivonne is actually a 'stubborn but cute, good girl' and a 'younger twin-sisterly' type of girl who is kind of weak and super empathetic yet has very strong enthusiasm. She loves animals and children so she volunteers to work at shelters and orphanages with Vinter who she is great friends with.
-She likes to take care of the garden that her mother who passed away in the past grew, which was precious to her since it was the only thing left of her mother. Also loves to watch Disney, Pixar and Netflix Disney live action films bc she likes lovey dovey things like fairy tales no matter how painfully cliche they are as they're so dreamy to her.
-Even though she's super rich, she likes to wear just casual and simple clothes because she wants to look normal and fit in with the crowd, just so they won't feel intimidated by her. Like overalls over t-shirts or sweaters and shorts with sneakers.
-Ivonne and Penelope have a really good relationship; Ivonne admires Penelope as her cool and admirable sister while Penelope is protective of her, constantly concerned for her since Ivonne is clumsy and can hardly protect herself despite having a chihuahua-level scary bark that could scare anyone off.
-Derrick is brotherly to Ivonne, making sure she's happy and providing her with everything while he has a strained relationship and a big crush on Penelope ever since they were children. He never shows it since he's in denial that he likes her and just acts indifferent when she treats him like a stranger in private until one day she said she was moving to France to go to a different school best for her.
-He mans up and makes a rough decision to at least look at her as his sister at the moment so he could tell her not to go at the last minute, using the pathetic excuse saying their reputation would fall out of interest if she wasn't here and she shouldn't go to live by her own as an 'underage' girl. He definitely looks at step sister porn, this derdick.
-Penny thinks he hates her but he actually really admires her like everyone else and wants to be close to her by her side that he gets jealous and sullen when she's with someone else and showing more liking to them, and he can't be affectionate with her as he wants to bc she pushes him away coldly so he spitefully turns to Ivonne 'since she's his only sister' but always goes back to her at the end.
-Reynold is teasing and tsundere yet caring and brotherly to Ivonne and Penelope. Only except he feels jealous and left out when it comes to Penny who he also has a strained relationship with ever since he treated her cruely, which he dwells on and thinks he should have treated her nicely as his sister anyway even if Ivonne were to never return back home.
-He's the one trying to act like they don't have tensions between them to desperately make them seem like they were good siblings, because he wants to and doesn't like that she has so many friends and hardly has any time to talk to him, feeling like she's slowly dragging away and he has no rights to ask why she never spends much time with him.
-When she is about to move to France, he panics while trying to figure out what to do and ends up stammering while forcing himself to swallow his pride and asking her not to go. He has the audacity to wish that Penny would drop what happened at the start and just forgive him so they would get along. At least he thinks better when it comes to Penny than Derdick creep.
-Penny gets confused a lot as to why he and Derrick do anything to show they care about her but she doesn't want to be looked down on again so she continues to treat them like they're strangers to her and ignores them bc she still hates for how they treated her back then.
-Both Reynold and Derdick regret being mean to Penelope, and try to make up for it while the Duke and Ivonne are disappointed, deadpanning at the two. Ivonne is the one always on Penelope's side and backs her up whenever Penelope argues with the two idiots because she thinks they're both idiots too.
-Vinter is an already graduated student and works at a orphanage that he made himself, and secretly looks after illegal children bc he cares so much about them. He's also from a royal wealthy family, and has a talent of doing magic tricks which he does for the orphanage children at their birthdays and has a cute white bunny as a pet that he takes with him from home.
-He looks at Ivonne as a little sister and has a crush on Penelope when he first met her, after Ivonne brought her here for a school project Penny needed to do. He falls more in love with her, even though she constantly treats him coldly bc the way he speaks to her annoys the hell out of her and thinks he's a strange silly man, but he thinks she's so beautifully pitiful at the amount of stress she does through everyday due to the pressure of being a superstar which he could see everytime he sees her.
-He feels bad that he can't help her because he's always blocked by everyone around her and she doesn't have any time to talk to him with her busy life so he does a favour by leaving her alone.
-Iklies is an immigrant boy (originally a prince) rescued from an illegal black market but made a reputation of being a really good fighter so the Duke hired him to be part of the private military police that he owned, becomes a security guard before beings friends with everyone. On the way he gets a crush on Penny who he feels so sorry for.
-Penny doesn't mind him but she often cooes over him (bc u know, he looks like a puppy) and plays with his hair a lot during his breaks since she can't stop feeling the fluffiness of it. Iklies is also the only one who she can talk to truthfully unlike her friends so they like to chat together in private out of eyes about everything, since they both feel sorry for each other.
-When Penelope graduates, she becomes a socialite leader of the women's society group of their town that she formed to do good things like donating charity and volunteers while studying at university. She kinda got depressed after graduating so she keeps herself busy like this.
-Ivonne loves the new group she made and is one of her follower, participating in the activities as well so Penelope gives her a particular role as her vice president and through this, Vinter with his orphanage gets connected with Penelope's group so he and Penny get close together as well with Vinter gladly doing so even though Penny doesn't want to but Ivonne insists on choosing his orphanage in particular for one charity project.
-Callisto still sticks around Penelope, trying to get her to date him or form a relationship. She still doesn't find any interest in him and is busy continuing on modeling, going to meetings for her group and going to special places with her father as the memorable member of the Eckarts, which thankfully helps her to have less time to see him around.
-Callisto is annoyed on top of his problem with his brother who is on the verge of turning into an adult and be crowned as the King. He's pretty busy as well, getting ready to be a king himself while constantly having assassins up his ass and after him and trying to pick off hungry men off his pretty lady.
-A few years later when Penelope finishes university and finally gets to go to France to work at a museum as a special job offer there that was sent to her, she leaves the women society group to Ivonne to make her the leader. Duke, Derrick and Reynold are hesitant to let her go but they do at the end since she's an adult with her own decision.
-Meanwhile Callisto decides to drop being the prince and follows her to France much to Penelope's annoyance. Iklies does as well to be her guard bc he doesn't want to be far from her and he lowkey is yandere and childish to keep her to himself only.
-Ivonne starts questioning if she could ever find a lover like a princess in a fairy tale like Penelope since she for all her life she was the one being overshadowed by Penelope and not really getting any attention as much as her, and she secretly had a crush on Callisto but never confessed because he loved Penelope like everyone else which was fine with her.
-But she ends up single as most of the time it's always creeps that try to flirt with her and she gives up on the idea of finding love like her sister, wishing she could scare them off with one glare like Penny.
-Someday in the future the Callisto wins and takes over the throne as well, kicking his brother and mother out of the emperor who did something good for once by making him be the king instead as he was more suitable so there is a large crowning ceremony that everyone in Ioka attends.
-Duke finally retires and Derrick becomes the next Duke. Penelope would come back home after so long to attend the celebration for the Duke only, who says he wishes that she came home more often with a lonely look. Penny would feel awkwardly guilty and ask him to come to France with her since he was retired and live there with her at Paris to make up for it.
-Penny also finally agrees to get into a relationship with Callisto as well after almost 7 years so the news of the duchess of Eckart and the prince of Ioka getting into a relationship goes viral and they become the most popular couple in the world. Poor Iklies but he grows up to understand over the years with respect, a much happier ending for him.
-Reynold is in disbelief, thinking she's crazy and Derrick gets jealous that she's with someone else and tries to tell her not to be with Callisto which she finds him hilarious and gross for liking her but she demands him to make up his mind about her before she cuts him out of her life so he ends up making the full decision to view her as his sister and apologizes.
-Penny is still busy being a girlfriend to a clingy boyfriend, working as an archeologist, traveling, going to special events and dinners, looking after her father, going to interviews and modeling. It's tiring until she and Callisto get married with the most biggest wonderful wedding like princess Diana and Prince Charles's wedding, then they have Judith.
-Cue Reynold dying inside and the Duke crying angrily at how Judith resembles Callisto more. But I could imagine Penny and Callisto having another girl and one boy but they have Penelope's looks, which the Duke and Reynold would probably appreciate better although it would be strange for Derrick. They would still both treat all three children nicely though.
-The Duke would pick on a hobby gardening and babysitting the children for her in the quiet countryside of france. Ivonne, Vinter and Iklies would love to baby sit the children too, as everyone treats them so wonderfully. Judith would become the Queen while Penny's second daughter or son would become the heiress of the Eckarts next.
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roseadleyn · 2 years ago
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𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙖 𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐝, 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞.
some of my ocs x some manhwas, let's see where this goes ^^
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Penelope leans back with a sigh. Her tired hand massages her temples wearily.
Don't do it.
She doesn't want to.
But she desperately needs another ally on her side. Yvonne's arrival is closer than ever. Her birthday is less than three weeks away--she cannot stop the familiar flutterings of panic from closing up around her throat.
Don't do it.
Why would he even agree to begin with? It is not like she has an excellent reputation, especially abroad. And especially him, an Emperor, so intelligent and sought after if he's in his right mind he'll never agree. The paper for the letter is still blank, and her hand holding the quill hasn't moved.
What should she even write? 'Dear Your Majesty, sorry to bother you, but I need your help.'
Even inside her own head the words sounded idiotic.
OK. Let's do this. She takes a deep breath and begins her letter, choosing words so carefully... she wouldn't even write to the crown prince like this. After almost 45 minutes, and after many, many, many failed attempts, she has finally composed an acceptable letter and sealed it into an envelope.
'Emily!' She calls.
The maid peeks into the room. 'Yes, Miss?'
'I want you to send this letter.'
Emily's eyes widen when she takes in the address. 'But.. this is for..'
'I know who it's for, Emily,' Penelope grumbles, 'especially considering I'm the one who wrote it. I also want you to never mention this letter to anyone in the household.'
Because all they'll do is cause problems, she silently adds.
Raymond fastens the clasp of his cloak, and then picks up the letter and reads it over again for the umpteenth time. This letter had arrived a week before, and it clearly sought after his help. He could tell that despite it not being written in the letter.
Eckart, Penelope Eckart... Why would a lady like her ever need his help?
And even if had been sent by anyone else, Raymond had a habit of helping those who needed it.
So, curiosity, interest and instinct (?) meant that a week later he had made preparations for traveling to the Eorka Empire, and that he had consulted with Emma over his matters.
Emma frowns as she checks his things. 'I don't like it when you leave me.'
Raymond responds with a laugh. 'Emma, don't fuss, I'll be back before this week is up.'
'Well.' He could tell Emma was trying her best to hold herself back, but she said, 'you know, this lady is very well sought after especially after what happened in the hunting competition and '
'Emma, I'm not going there to propose marriage. Also, do you think her brothers will strike me down where I stand just because I talked to her?'
Emma, who had met both Reynold and Derrick, mutters, 'Wouldn't put it past them, especially the first one, he stares at Lady Penelope in such a creepy manner.'
Raymond looks up from the letter. 'Did you say something?'
'Yes. Give the eldest brother a kick from me.' She stands up on tiptoe and kisses him on the cheek. 'Go have fun. Safe travels.'
Raymond is so red that she thinks he might malfunction, but he manages to smile. 'See you, then.'
Penelope knows that she will eventually have to tell the duke about Raymond, but she keeps on delaying until the evening before his arrival. She smooths out her dress as she approaches the room where her 'family' sits eating dinner. As she enters the room, the duke looks up. 'Penelope? This is a pleasant surprise. I'll have them bring in another chair '
Now, because she feels hungry, she normally sits down to eat. But Derrick is stating at her and she feels an odd sense of foreboding, thus she makes a mental note to eat once she gets upstairs. 'Um, no, father, I'm not hungry,' she lies, 'I just came to inform you that I have invited a guest tomorrow.'
'A guest? Who is it?'
Penelope scans the room, hoping against hope that she won't have to say it, but she says, 'Raymond of Asmen '
She's interrupted when Reynold slams his hands down, 'No! You invited that bastard? Do you have any idea how pathetic he is?'
'Reynold!' Derrick warns.
'Penelope... was there any need to call him?' The duke asks; and she can tell he's holding himself back.
'We met in the forest during the hunting competition; and as to why we need to meet...' Penelope looks the Duke in the eye, 'That, Father, is a matter between me and him.'
The Duke is silent and she fears that he might be more furious than both Derrick and Reynold, whose disapproval she can almost feel rolling off in waves, but she needn't worry. He nods almost imperceptibly and then turns to the butler to make preparations for the arrival.
Penelope fights the smile threatening to show on her face. Even then the relief that fills her heart is expansive, as though it will lift her off the ground.
'Well, Princess?' Raymond looks up and glances at her, dark hair falling into grey eyes. 'What did you need my help with?'
'Well.' Penelope chooses her words carefully. 'Your Highness, I need your help with '
'With surviving this accursed game?'
Penelope's head snaps up, staring at him. 'How did you '
Raymond doesn't smile. 'Mistreated by family, intelligent and sharp, always on the lookout as though you expect to be attacked any second, all the characters interested in you. Extraordinarily beautiful, too.'
She feels her cheeks color. 'What does that have to do with anything?'
'Let's talk freely, Princess.' Raymond leans forward. 'You're a transmigrator. You can go back, you know.'
'I can't.' Her hands tremble on the way too lacy tablecloth. 'Not unless I stay alive and find the godforsaken hidden ending. And that's.. it's hard.'
Raymond leans forward, all playfulness gone from the demeanor. 'I'll help you, then. How do you need my help?'
Penelope composes herself, taking a deep breath. 'My, my escort, Eckles, has gone haywire. I don't trust him that much anymore. I never trusted him all that much to begin with... but that's besides the point. I will stay here until Yvonne's arrival. However, after my coming-of-age ceremony.. I would like for you to provide me a place to live in your empire. My family will not be able to do anything, unless they want to risk war against your empire. And I'll say I went by own will, so they won't accuse you of of kidnapping, or something. Of course, they might say you forced or blackmailed me, but they won't be able to take me away. In short, I ask for your protection.'
Raymond is silent, thinking it over, and for a minute she feels he will refuse. Then he looks up and grins. 'That's a plan, then, Princess.'
She gazes at him in shock. 'You'll do it?'
'Of course I will. And tell you what. I'll let you live in the Imperial Palace, since you'll be under direct protection from me, and that'll be better.'
Penelope stares at him, then her face breaks out into the first true smile she's worn in a long, long time. 'Thank you, Your Highness. My goodness...I can't begin to thank you enough!'
Raymond smiles. 'You're very much welcome, Princess.'
As he gets up to leave, he asks, 'Next time I come to meet you, may I kick the eldest brother?'
Startled, she asks, 'Why?'
'It's a request.'
'Of course you may,' She grimly nods, 'and I'll join in.'
tagging; .||@elychee || @mysticmeena || @loekas ||.
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yvonneloveposting · 3 years ago
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What if the timeloop was hell for Yvonne too? Also the amount of trigger warnings I had to add was insanity.
TW: Manipulation (in the literal sense lol), poison, hanging/strangulation, beheading, murder, impalement, im just going to go with body horror bc i can't think of anything else that describes it, dismemberment, weapons, burning at the stake, starvation, she's compared to a marionette a lot, bleeding out
Word Count: 523
   Time after time, Yvonne met them. Handsome, charismatic individuals, who she would be forced to charm and love. Well, not forced to love, she supposed, but forced to act like she loved. Perhaps it was her punishment for the sin of a previous life. She was trapped in a timeloop, in which the gods, or players, as she had come to know them, would choose one of these men, and she would have to charm them into loving her, saying empty wedding vows, performing loveless kisses, all for their entertainment.
  After all, wasn’t it fun to control the story? She knows she’d like to. But no. Now watch as the marionette performs, twirling around in pretty dresses, confessing her love for the individual the audience chose, her every move dictated by others, her hand forced forever. Till she gets a confession of love back, till her adopted sister, chosen as the villainess, dies horrifically, till in epilogue episode in which she forces out vows she never wanted to say, till the play ends.
  It’s starting again now. The marionette wonders who it’ll be this time. Maybe it’s the handsome and cruel crown prince Callisto, and once more she’ll see her half sister’s face get melted off by poison she’s made to drink. Maybe it’ll be the brave and loyal sword master, who always seems to be just as much a pawn in this as she is. Maybe it’s the sorcerer who brings her into to this hell. Maybe it’s Derrick, but only “platonically”. She doubts this. He lusted after the girl meant to replace her, who says his feelings towards the real her are any different? Or Reynold, aggressive, angry Reynold who scares her.
   She also wonders how the villainess will die horrifically this time while she’s forced to watch. Maybe the poison that’ll stop her heart and melt her face. Maybe tied tightly to a stake as it’s lit. Maybe strangled by the noose that fails to cleanly break her neck. Maybe her head pushed through a slot before the guillotine blade comes down. A block of wood to lay her head on and an axe; a sword that slashes through vital organs while she bleeds out on the floor; rope to tie each limb to a different animal as they all race into different directions; locked in a room with nothing in it to wait for death. 
   It’s gruesome, but she knows she can’t intervene. Those fates will quickly become hers if she steps even a toe out of line. No one wants a doll with a will, and no one wants a marionette not pulled by her string. If she doesn’t please the selected love interest, well then, the gods of this world make something happen, and now they cheer as the broken doll’s is presented with a vial of poison, seized by guards, and has to swallow every last drop as she drops to the ground, her insides aching horribly; or maybe her limbs are tied together and she lies helpless as she is thrown into a pool of water. Now, she starts again, ready to please the audience…
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sailorselene91 · 4 years ago
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I happy to hear that you liked Villains Are Destined To Die😄. How would you rank your most and least favorite male characters love interest. For me is
Eckles- He is my most favorite and Eckles has the most interesting back ground and presence with his protectiveness along with his loyalty. The bond between him and Penelope is getting stronger and I’m all for it.
Prince Callisto- He looks so powerful and have such a intriguing aura around Prince Callisto. Would love to see more interaction between him and Penelope. Why do I get the feeling once Penelope get through that scary shell of Prince Callisto, that on the inside he is a big softie.
Derrick- He starting to improve and trying to talk with Penelope, instead of talking over her and not listening. Derrick didn’t change much yet, but I see little improvements in the relationship between him and Penelope.
Winter- He didn’t make much of a impression on me. Winter doing good deeds to help others undercover. He did help Penelope get out of a bad spot, which was good. Hope when we see him again that we see more of his personality to know what Winter’s intentions are. Right now him and Penelope are kind of like co workers for negotiations.
Reynold- He is my least favorite out of the male love interest. Reynold rude all the time and almost never think he was in the wrong unless Penelope straight up tells Reynold. The only time Reynold apologized is when he see all the things Penelope went through or when Penelope tells him about it. Hope him and Penelope will improve as the story go on so their relationship will become less chaotic.
1. Definitely Eckles and I can't wait to see if he really turns into a possessive yandere. He is loyal and sweet. He has a regal appearance but has leaned to swallow his pride. I hope he sheds his submissive side later on in the story so we can see who he truly is.
2. I actually like Reynold. He so far has the most interaction with Penelope and this makes me think he is set to be the main love interest. He is also displaying some character growth in the most recent chapters.
3. Callisto. Looks like a fun time! He's going to make the story VERY interesting. I like his look and I like how he was challenged by and challenged Penelope. I'm disappointed we haven't seen more of him.
4. Derrick is super bland. I don't know what his character is besides stone faced and boring.
5. I do not trust Winter at all! I do not think he is a viable option and he will definitely betray Penelope despite his good deeds. I see him as a lawful good character and these kind of guys are almost never good for a female lead...idk I hate them. I believe his loyalty lies with the real daughter.
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dacrethehalls · 5 years ago
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Wonder Palace
Billy Hargrove x OC
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Summary: Billy gets a summer job as a life guard at a water park in the next town over. He never expects to find a family in the rag tag group of people who work with him. Word Count: 15k+ Warnings: Physical Abuse, Abuse mention, Drug use, language, slight Smut A/N: Off Cannon! Season 3! Billy because baby boy deserves all the love and happiness in the world. This is based on State Champ’s music video for the song Losing Myself. This is my first fic in forever and it has taken me WEEKS to finish it. I’m rusty, so be nice!
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Summer in Arbor Pines, Indiana was my absolute favorite time of year. Not only did it mean school was out, it also marked the opening of Reynolds’ Wonder Palace, a seasonal water and mini amusement park on the outskirts of town. 
I spent almost every summer since I was 14 working there becoming a somewhat dysfunctional but loving family with the rest of the staff. 
My best friends; Geoff, Maggie, Issac and Derrick were among the group of people I worked with along with our  pseudo big brother, Tyler Reynolds, or as we called him, Naldo. Who’s family owned the Amusement Park.
Arbor Pines was a smaller town right outside of Hawkins, and Naldo’s Palace, as we all called it was right in the middle of both cities.
I blew my horn at the blue camaro who cut me off at the gas station sticking my middle finger up at the driver as I pulled my jeep into the gas station. I was already running late, but that never stopped me from grabbing the world’s best breakfast burrito from the world’s shittest corner store.
“Is it opening day already Daph?” Francis, the clerk beamed as I sat a cup of coffee and my burrito on the counter. I hummed pulling out a wad of cash from my pocket. 
“The best day of the year!” I mused as Francis placed my items in a bag. 
“I’m thinking of bringing Sydney and the kids next week. Do you give any friends and family discounts?”
“Of course! I work everyday, I’ll be sure to leave tickets at admissions for you.” I chortled grabbing my things off the counter. I gave a quick wave goodbye as I headed back to my Jeep.
“Daph, have you seen the new life guard?” Maggie asked as I climbed over the pool float rental counter. “His name is Billy, he’s from Hawkins” she continued as I punched my clock in card. 
“It’s opening day and you’re already looking at the new meat?” I mused pulling my staff shirt over my head and hoisting myself up on the counter. Maggie’s mouth curved up into a smile, “of course, I’m a planner.”
I let out a snorty laugh swinging my legs a little, kicking the pool floats in front of me, “You think he’s as cute as Robin? I’m really sad that she got a job at Star Court and isn’t here with us.”
I pushed my bottom lip out, dramatically frowning at the thought of not being able to work next to one of the prettiest girls I had ever seen. “Well, he’s blonde and you have a thing for people with light colored hair. He’s a solid ten out of ten.”
I rolled my eyes playfully pushing her. 
“... and this is Daphne and Maggie! Ladies, this is Billy Hargrove.” Naldo mused banging on the counter-top to get our attention.
Maggie and I’s head jerked over in the direction the boys were standing. I kicked my legs over to the other side of the counter grinning. 
“I’m Daphne.” I chirped offering my hand for Billy to shake. 
Maggie wasn’t kidding, the boy was a complete work of art, from his blonde curls that adorned his head to his torso with well defined muscles. My heart instantly fluttered when the two of us made eye contact.
He was beautiful. Until he opened his mouth. 
I could tell by the way he deepened his voice, eyeing both Maggie and I with hungry eyes that he was a complete bonehead.
“Daph, you have training duties with Billy today. First rotation will be The Serpent.” Naldo grinned nodding his head towards the giant water slide. “You mind introducing him to the rest of the staff on your way over there?”
I nodded giving a toothy grin. “Of course!” 
I hopped off the counter saluting Naldo and Maggie, than looking over at Billy “Let’s go Fabio.” I mused Strolling backwards placing my heart shaped sunglasses on my face.
Billy followed quietly behind me as I introduced him to the rest of the staff.
 I knew he wasn’t paying attention to me at all by the occasional “Mmmhm.” and “uh huh.” I got as we made our way to The Serpent. I switched from talking about the park over to mine and my friends latest campaign, to talking about the latest centerfold in playboy, laughing to myself noticing he still wasn’t paying attention to me. 
“Daphne!”
I felt arms wrap around me picking me off the ground. “You missed the morning roundup. You know what that means. SUPER SOAK!” Geoff yelled as our friends Issac and Derrick came out of the bathroom spraying me down with their water guns. 
“Don’t you losers have anything better to do than hide in the shadows and attack an innocent bystander?”
“Poor Princess Daphne, is in distress with nobody to help her.” Derrick grinned shooting me again. Geoff flipped me over throwing me over his shoulder, carrying me towards my post. 
I didn’t even try to protest Geoff carrying me. This was a usual occurrence not only being bullied by my best friends, but also being called Princess Daphne from the video game Dragon’s Lair.
All three boys eyes lit up when the game was released, having more ammo other than Daphne from Scooby Doo to poke fun at my name. Dragon’s Lair give them an inch and they take a mile.
“Well, I wouldn't have been late if an asshole in a blue camaro wouldn't have tailgated me, making me go twenty under the speed limit. I wasn’t going to not stop and Syd’s Gas Station and get a steak and egg burrito.” I chortled.
“You left the neighborhood before any of us and you were still the one that was late.”
I rolled my eyes looking up at the boy behind us.  “Billy, these three idiots are Geoff, Issac and Derrick.” I grunted as the other two boys fell back behind Billy, still spraying me with water. 
“And if you miss morning roundup, you’ll get sprayed with a water gun.” I huffed as Geoff sat me on my feet on the stairs.
“Our girl Daphne is always late. Don’t be like her!” Issac mused as Billy pushed past us heading up the stairs.
The four of us watched silently before I cleared my throat. “I think Naldo sticking me with him is some form of punishment. I’ve known him for about fifteen minutes,” I gestured my hand up the stairs watching the blonde boy climb up the third flight.  “And I already want to fight him.”
The three boys started laughing as the park horns blew indicating the park was now opened. 
“Try not to let anyone drown.” I quipped snatching the water gun out of Issac’s hand winking at the boys before heading up to the top of the slide.
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Later That Morning
“So you’re from California?” I questioned as I helped a father and his daughter into their tube. “I’ve always wanted to go there, I love the beach.” I added looking over at Billy who wasn’t paying attention to me at all. 
I rolled my eyes looking down at the duo in front of me, “You ready kiddo?” I Sang, placing my whistle in my mouth. 
She nodded as her father held on to her tightly, “3...2...1..blast off!” I yelled blowing my whistle and stepping aside as the tube started its small plummet to the swirling bowl below.
Billy and I traded places for the next set of people as I continued to make conversation with the boy who was completely uninterested  with everything I had to say.
“You’re not very nice” I finally, muttered watching as he pushed a kid in his tube down the slide, I was counting down the moments until our first rotation was over.
“I don’t have to be nice, princess. I’m just here to make money so I can leave this shit stain of a state.” He chided leaning on the railing looking down at me.
“Oh my god, you can talk!” I beamed clapping my hands.
Billy rolled his eyes as he helped another kid into a float pushing him down before he was actually prepared to slide.
  “Come on, lighten up Billy. We don’t have to be friends, but I can promise you work will be a lot more bearable if you drop the bad boy facade” I stepped down the little ledge switching place with Billy again, ignoring the kid getting into the tube behind me.
 “How about you stop acting like you know me, prin-”
“Call me Princess again and you’ll be the next one to go down this slide” I warned, cutting him as the kids snickered behind us.
“I’d listen to her, dude. I pretended I was drowning so she would give me CPR last year and sh-” I grunted snatching the float from under the boy kicking him down the slide. “I can still taste the peanut butter sandwich he had for lunch.” I complained, as the last of the queue took their place on our slides.
“You’re not very nice” He mocked suppressing a laugh, turning from me so I couldn't see him smile. I felt a warmth grow in my chest, watching the boy in front of me. I contorted my face in disgust at the feeling that smile gave me. 
“Believe me, he deserved that.” I grinned watching as Billy relaxed his posture a little. “I have to admit, you may have won me over a little with that one” 
“I’m a very likable person.” I chortled as he smirked stepping closer to me. “And you’re really pretty too”
I stepped back feeling the blood rush to my cheeks while looking at Billy like he was a complete nut Job. 
“I have watched you flirt with every single girl who has crossed your path today. It’s not going to work on me.” I stammered.
“I like it when I have to work for a girl.” He smiled devilishly making me feel even more flustered. 
If it wasn't for us being on the clock and a bunch of children surrounding us, I would have totally let him take me right then and there. But I had enough self control to know how bad of a decision that would have been. 
Never get your honey where you get your money.  I repeated the words my mother told me on my very first day of working here to myself as I tried my best not to seem completely flustered.
I cleared my throat as Isaac and Geoff approached us. 
“You two can go on break now, and then you have lazy river duties.” Issac Hummed looking between Billy and I, giving me a look that I prayed only Derrick noticed.
“Oh thank god!” I praised shoving my rescue float at Isaac. I looked over Billy, smiling at him, pretending that the last five minutes didn’t happen.
“Let’s go, Fabio. We might as well stick together if we have the same duties for the next rotation.” 
“Not a chance Princess.” He smirked as one of the many girls who flirted with him this morning shuffled up to us once we made it down the steps. “I have lunch plans already.”  He eyed the girl, Victoria, hungrily. 
What a pig.
I scrunched my nose, looking up at him. “Have fun with that.” I muttered as he took her hand, pulling her to the direction of the employee entrance. 
I turned on my heel making my way back towards the rental booth, where Maggie was still stationed. 
“How was first rotation?” Maggie questioned as I climbed over the counter and grabbing my lunch box from the cubby beneath it. 
“Billy is a complete bonehead.”
I hoisted myself up on the counter, crossing my legs under one another and putting my lunchbox in my lap. 
“He’ll fit in perfectly with the boys then.” She chuckled making me grimace at the thought of Billy being part of our group. 
 “Mags, he would one hundred percent make fun of us for playing D and D.”
“But I bet you he’s never played Drunk Dungeon and Dragons before.” she grinned.
I chuckled taking a bite out of my ham sandwich. 
“Where is Judd Nelson at any way?”
“Eating lunch with Victoria Andrews.” I snorted using finger quotes around Eating Lunch
Maggie’s face contorted up in disgust. “He went off with Hickey Vicky?”
“I asked if he wanted to eat with me but he told me he isn’t here to make friends, so I see it as a lost cause.” I spoke, cringing at how bitter that sounded after I had said it.
Maggie let out an excited gasp, slamming her hands down on the counter on either side of me. “You’re crushing on him aren't you!?” She mused leaning in and taking a bite from my sandwich.
“No! I am not. I called him a bonehead for a reason.” I sputtered, eyes growing wide knowing that Maggie, the girl I had known since I was seven years old could see right through my bullshit.
She smirked at me crossing her arms. “Getting small flutters in my stomach is not a crush Margaret.” I jeered saying her full name.
“It totally is,” she retorted. “And you’re blushing!”
I sat my sandwich on my knees as I touched my cheeks with both hands. “He’s just flirty and was trying to pull a move on me and then he went off with Victoria.”
I avoided Maggie's gaze turning my focus on the rest of my lunch.
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I made towards my new station, stopping and saying hello to some of the park’s regular customers. The lazy river was probably the most boring part of the water park. 
It consisted mostly of the parents who brought their kids to the park and let them run loose, along with the occasional shithead kids who got joy out of taunting the life guards with water guns. 
I started gathering the floats that people had left at the end of the lazy river, putting them back into the bin they belonged in. 
“Hey, princess.” 
I turned looking over at Billy disapprovingly. “How was lunch?” He questioned as I grabbed another float tossing it into the bin. 
“I ate a ham sandwich, an apple and some chocolate pudding. And I sat at the rental booth with Maggie.  How was your lunch?”
A smile spread across his face as he placed his whistle in his mouth, “It was great.”
“Just so you know, Hickey-”  I closed my eyes suppressing my laugh at the nickname we all dubbed the poor girl when we were all twelve years old.  “-I mean Vicky is a little on the loony side...and is probably already planning your wedding.”
Billy grimaced, as he helped me clear the rest of the floats out. 
“You couldn’t have warned me?”
“I didn’t warn Issaac when he hooked up with her and he’s one of my best friends.” I mused, struggling to push the ben. Billy bumped his hip into mine moving me as he started pushing it without ease.  
“The lazy river is the most boring but easy duty. Beginning of rotation we clear out the tubes from the gathering pool and same with the end. And then we just sit thirty feet apart and hope nobody will drown”
Billy hummed as we walked together to the start of the lazy river.  
“So, I was an asshole this morning, and I wanted to apologize for that” Billy uttered. “I just need money and I don’t need any attachments.” 
I raised my eyebrow looking over at him. “Flirting with me this morning and hooking up with a girl on lunch break isn't an attachment?” I questioned
Billy nodded his head pushing his lower lip out. “Touche.”
“I’m just saying, if you’re going to have vehicular sex on break, you might as well at least try to be friends with some of the staff. It doesn't even have to be me,”
I brought my whistle up to my mouth blowing into it and looking over at two kids who were running. 
“Do you dweebs not know how to read?!” I yelled pointing to the NO RUNNING sign that was posted on almost every pole around the water park.
“Sorry, Miss Daphne!” One of them yelled as both boys slowed their gait. 
I turned back looking at Billy with a smile, “Derek, Issac, Maggie, and Geoff are my best friends, so if you’re friends with one of us, your friends with all of us.”
He chuckled to himself quietly. “I figured that much. And what about Tyler?”
“You mean Naldo? He’s like the mom in the group. He’s five years older than all of us. He makes sure we don’t ever get ourselves killed. Or kill each other.” 
Billy nodded. “My little sister has a friend like that. I think it’s weird but you know, it’s whatever.”
I shrugged. “He’s probably like a role model to her. My dad is an ass and I’m an only child, so having Naldo to go when I had problems was great.”
Billy nodded in agreement, “Kinda wish I had someone like that.” he muttered. “I mean, as long as you work here, you’ll have Naldo. Everyone needs a Naldo in their life.” 
“I mean, I guess you’re right.” He shrugged as we stopped in front of the steps to the lazy river. 
“I know I am.” I grinned earning a laugh from Billy.
We unloaded all the floats we gathered, Billy mostly telling me about himself, where he was from and how he was working as much as he could to go back.
Second rotation seemed to drag on after Billy and I went to our separate. I was dreaming of a cold shower after sitting out in the sweltering afternoon heat. 
I signed slumping down in my chair kicking my legs over the railing. Discreetly looking over at Billy and laughing at how un interested he was in the conversation that Victoria was trying to have with him. 
I turned my attention back to the water watching as a few people floated by me. 
Suddenly feeling cold water being poured over my head, I gasped, turning  to see who the culprit was seeing two middle school age boys laughing at me. 
I jumped off my chair hitting one of them in the back of the head with my rescue float. 
“YOU LITTLE SHITS ARE GOING TO WISH YOU HADN'T DONE THAT!” I fumed running after them and tackling them to the ground behind Billy’s lifeguard chair.
I sat on both boys hitting them both in the head with my life raft. “You twerps ever do that again you will be banned for life from this entire park!” I screamed hitting them again.
“Hey, relax.” Billy spoke lifting me off the boys, who were starting to cry as I struggled against Billy’s arms that was locked around my waist.
 “That’s right, you cry for your mommy you shit stains!” I yelled kicking my legs at them as Billy carried me away from the two boys. “Uh,” he mumbled quietly as he set me down on my feet. 
“Although that was probably the hottest things I have ever seen, but In my experience, trying to bring harm to middle schoolers will only bring harm to yourself.”
“Those two always like to pull shit with me.” I grunted as Naldo ran up to us. “Daphne would you like to tell me why the Erikson boys are crying right now?”
“Yeah, they poured water on me...again I guess hanging them up by their trunks to the light pole last year didn’t teach them anything.” I chided only to have Naldo  shake his head angrily at me.
“Daphne, this-”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s my first and last warning.” I rolled my eyes cutting him off before adding “ I’m off lifeguard duties for the season, blah blah blah.” I chided as Naldo shook his head again in disappointment. 
“I’m not that mean Daph. But I’m upset, just don’t act out so fast when they mess with you and let me handle it. Promise me you’ll come to me? That’s what the walkie talkies are for.”
I sighed in defeat, “I’m sorry, Naldo. I’ll go apologize to the boys too. And I’ll- uh sanitize the floats and snorkel gear tonight.” 
A smile grew across his face, accepting my apology“Toot it and boot it Daph,” Naldo exclaimed holding his hand out. We high fived then bumped our fists together. 
“Ok, you two can get back to your posts now.” he spoke, turning on his heal and heading back from where he came from.
“Toot it…..and boot it?” Billy questioned raising an eyebrow. 
“He makes everyone do that. So get use to it Hargrove.”
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I trudged out the back gate to my car noticing the blue Camaro from this morning parked next to mine, and Billy laying back on top of the hood. “Billy?” I questioned, approaching both vehicles.
He lifted his head looking over at me as I stood beside him. 
“What are you still doing here? Everyone is gone.”
“I’m just avoiding going home,” He admitted. “Why?” I questioned throwing my bag in the back of my Jeep  then laying next to Billy on top of his car. He grunted in response to me pushing him over a little to make room for myself. 
“I just don’t want to go home.”
I could tell by the look on his face that it wasn't a subject I should push. “You want to spend the night at my place?” I offered
Billy looked over at me raising his eyebrows at me, a smirk forming on his lips. 
“Uck, You wish, Fabio. I’m just being nice. I have a pullout couch in my room.”
Billy chuckled nervously, “I guess I can take you up on the offer.”
I sat up, sliding off of his car, “Okie dokie then, I’m starving so just follow me home.” I chirped turning around and climbing into my jeep.
“Oh and by the way, You drive like an asshole.”
Billy rolled his eyes as he slid off the hood of his car. “You’re the one that goes twenty under the speed limit.”
“Yeah, well I wouldn't have if you didn’t ride my ass like you were doing.” I chortled as I started my car. 
“I’ll see you in a little bit, Fabio.”
It didn't take long for us to arrive at my house, I pulled into my driveway getting out as Billy parked his Camaro behind me
“Your parents will be okay with this?” Billy questioned as we went up the front steps of the house.
“Mom is a nurse over at Hawkins Memorial. She won’t be home until the morning,” I assured stepping into our home. “And besides, she wouldn’t care, she loves all of my friends. Maggie and the boys stay over all the time.”
“What about your dad?” Billy questioned.
“Doesn’t Live here.” I grinned dropping my bag by the door before kicking my shoes off. 
“Billy, this Tatoonie my cat. She’s an asshole and will probably either pee on your shoes or sleep on your head tonight.” I giggled as we made our way to my bedroom. 
Billy paused backing up looking at a framed photos of me and my mother hung up on the wall. 
“Santa Monica Pier.” He whispered looking over at me. 
“My mom took me there for my fifth birthday, paid for surfing lessons. We went every year until she left my dad and we couldn't afford it anymore” I frowned looking at the 8 photos of my mom and I standing happily together on the beach.
“You can surf?” Billy questioned looking over at me.
“Yeah, but I’m awful at it, if you were paying attention to what I was saying this morning you would have known that.” I crossed my arms jokingly glaring at him. 
“I’ve been saving money so I can go back and visit. It’s been a while and I really miss the ocean.” I added looking back at the pictures and some of the best memories I had with my mother. 
“I want to go back also,” Billy spoke softly not taking his eyes off of the center portrait of the Santa Monica Pier. 
“Well if you play your cards right, I might let you come with me.” I winked 
grabbing Billy’s hand pulling him away from the photos and to my room.
 He looked around taking in my room and the various posters and photos that adorned my walls.
“Make yourself at home, I’m going to shower.” I quipped grabbing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from the mound of clean clothes sitting on top of my bed I hadn’t bothered to fold then padding into my bathroom.
I quickly washed the work day off of me, taking the time to shave the areas on my body that needed it, - you know just in case. I stepped out of the shower, pulling a t-shirt over my head and wrapping my hair up in the towel to dry it.
I went back into my room right as Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent filled my room. Billy was sitting in front of my record player, thumbing through my collection of vinyls. 
“You have great taste in music.” 
I chuckled sitting next to him. “Thank you, there is a record store here in town that has a killer selection.”  
He pulled Black Sabbath's Paranoia album out of my collection placing the needle precisely at the beginning of the song Iron Man. I laid back kicking my legs up and resting them on the wall in front of me. 
Billy followed my motion laying the opposite way, placing his head next to mine.
“Hey, Princess?” 
“Call me that again and you’ll sleep outside with the family of unfriendly gophers that live in my backyard.” I grunted. 
He sighed loudly. “Daphne.” He corrected turning his head looking over at me. I hummed in response, closing my eyes, focusing on the music that was humming through the speakers.
“Thanks for letting me stay tonight. Even if we just met.” Billy whispered. I turned my head, smiling at him.
 “It’s not a problem. I figured you didn’t want to talk about why you didn’t want to go home so I didn’t press it.”
He didn’t respond, he kept his focus on me. I rolled up on my side propping myself up on my elbow, looking down at him. “But if you ever want to talk, just know I’m here. I’m a good listener.”
 Billy looked at me sitting up and pressing his lips to mine I stared wide eyed at him as he placed his hand on the side of my head, his fingers gripping some of my hair. My heart started to flutter after the shock of being kissed wore off.  
 Billy pulled away looking at me, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He apologized. 
I tried my best to hide the shock of being kissed on my face, feeling my cheeks grow incredibly warm.
“I-I mean y-you could have -a-asked. I would've said y-yes, but that’s b-beside the p-point.” I stammered, rolling back on my back and trying to regain my composure. Normally when I was kissed, I didn't get so flustered. I was able to play it cool, but this kiss was different. 
I cleared my throat looking back over at Billy who hadn’t taken his eyes off of me. “Can I kiss you again?” Billy questioned softly, any trace of the bad boy facade completely gone. He reached over gently caressing my cheek. 
I could have melted into him right then and there without any hesitation. But playing hard to get would be more fun. I wanted to see how flustered I could make him, just like he had just done to me now and earlier on in the day.
“I’m actually really fucking hungry. Come on, Fabio lets raid the kitchen for some grub” I stood up putting my hand out to help Billy up. He took it with a smile, not even needing my counter weight to help him up. 
“...so is that a no on the kissing you thing.” Billy questioned stroking my cheek with his hand.
“Yes, that’s a no.” I chuckled lightly grabbing onto his wrist. “Let’s go, lover boy.”
I lead Billy into the kitchen. “Mom and I made meatloaf last night. We have leftovers from that ooooor,” I hummed looking in the freezer, “We have pizza, pot pies ooooor,” I sang again looking in the small cookie jar on our counter we kept our money in for take out. “We can order Chinese.”
I turned facing Billy who was leaning against the counter. “You’re the guest so you can choose” I mused.
 “Pizza is fine” 
“Done deal.” I grabbed a cheese pizza from the freezer turning on the oven so it would start to preheat. 
Turning back to the fridge I grabbed two beers, tossing one over to Billy, who continued to stare at me silently. “What’s your deal, Billy?” I questioned raising an eyebrow at him. 
“Nothing- it’s nothing. I just- it’s-” He sputtered popping the can open. I chuckled stepping around the counter and standing by him. 
“Now that we have decided on dinner, I suppose that you can kiss me. If you still want-”
Billy pressed his lips against mine cutting me off mid sentence, softly placing his hand on my cheek. I stepped closer to him, standing between his legs as his hand found its way to the back of my head, fingers knotting in my hair has he deepened the kiss.
I had never been kissed like this before, it almost felt like time came to a complete stop as our lips moved against each other. It wasn’t until the oven’s timer went off alerting us that the pizza was finished cooking that I had noticed it’d been a whole half hour that we stood in my kitchen making out.
I cleared my throat stepping back, “The Pizza is ready.”
Billy let out a small throaty laugh -- trying to hide the fact that he was just as flustered as I was. “I didn’t really peg you as that good of a kisser.” He mused earning an eye roll from me.
“Better than Hickey Vicky?” I joked winking at him as I sauntered over to the oven grabbing oven mitts and pulling the pizza out and sitting it on the stove.  
Once it was cooled, I brought the tray over to the counter Billy was at sitting it on the bar and finding a place next to him. 
“I would say you’re definitely in the top five.” 
I contorted my face in disgust. 
“I don’t know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment.” 
Billy hummed in response looking over at me, he opened his mouth then promptly shutting it opting to shove a slice of pizza in his mouth than telling me what he was thinking.  
We sat in comfortable silence eating our dinner. 
“I need to wash my uniforms, if you want to give me yours too I toss them in with my dirty laundry.” I spoke, finally breaking the silence. Billy got up and made his way back to my room emerging with soiled clothes and handing them over to me.
I threw Billy and I’s dirty uniforms in the washer pressing start before walking back out to the kitchen, smiling at him as I watched him clean up the small mess we made from dinner. 
“Ok, uniforms are in the wash, Mom will probably put them in the dryer when she gets home, So I’m going to pass out.” I nodded my head towards where my room was.
“Uh, you’re welcome to sleep on the couch out here or in my room. The latter would probably be the best option so my mother doesn't come home from work to a man-child with a mullet asleep in her living room.”
Billy chuckled following me to my room. 
“I want to thank you again, Daph, for letting me stay here.”
“Oh, it’s honestly no problem, You’re a bone head, but I enjoy your company.”
Billy plopped down on my couch pulling his shirt off over his head. I grabbed a blanket from the top shelf of my closet, unfolding it and draping it over Billy. He smiled up to me sleepily, “You’re going to steal my heart from me” He muttered as I grabbed a pillow handing it to him.
“I don’t take hearts, I break them.” I joked leaning down and pressing a small kiss on Billy’s cheek then switching off the lights in my room. 
Billy let out a soft chuckle, repeating the words I had just spoke to him. I rolled my eyes climbing onto my bed and getting under the covers.
“Goodnight, Princess.”
“Goodnight, Fabio.”
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I rested my cheek on my hand watching as all the people in the park passed by the shaved ice stand I was assigned to for my shift. 
Most of the customers opted for actual ice cream or frozen lemonades over the shaved ice truck, which didn’t bother me too much, not only was I able to sit in an air conditioned trailer, but my stand was also located close to Billy’s lifeguard post.
We were about a month and a couple weeks into the season. And Billy and I had grown pretty close, especially since he stayed at my house a few times a week.  
The boys and Maggie, of course,  welcomed him into our group with open arms and he begrudgingly became the Barbarian in our DND party.
The fuzzy feelings I felt in my chest when I was around him and the fact that my mother absolutely adored him didn’t help my situation either. 
And that made me feel gross, seeing how he was always flirting with me and all the girls around him. Especially since we spent ninety percent of our lunch breaks making out in the backseat of my Jeep.
It was gross.
He was gross.
“Are you crushing on Billy?”
I rolled my eyes turning my attention to Naldo, who was leaning on the counter behind me, with a huge shit eating grin plastered across his face. “No, Tyler I’m not crushing on Billy!” I growled.
“Then where did that come from?” He questioned poking at the red mark on my neck.
“I got bit by a spider,” I lied. 
Naldo pinched the bridge of his nose shaking his head. “I know when you’re lying Daphne Louise.”
I grimaced at the use of my full name. Naldo undoubtedly making a dig at me for calling him Tyler moments before. 
“Hypothetically speaking, if I were to be crushing on Billy. And he left Hickeys on my neck even when I have repeatedly asked him over and over not to would you be angry with me?”
Naldo let out a guttural high pitched laugh startling the people who were walking by. I was almost certain Billy had heard him also, I nodded at the startled customers then looking across the way at Billy who lifted his arm up in a what the fuck kind of way. I gave him a shrug before turning back to Naldo.
“What the fuck was that!?”  I hissed as Naldo failed to regain his composure.
“I knew it!” He exclaimed, “You’ve been a lot nicer than usual.. And,” He grabbed my leg making me lose my balance falling into the counter. “You’ve been shaving your legs.”
“You’re such a weirdo.” I fumed as he dropped my leg.
“Happiness looks so good on you, Kid.” he chortled 
I smiled to myself eyeing Billy has he waved sheepishly at me. I waved back at him. Not turning back to Naldo, who started singing Billy and Daphne sittin’ in a tree. 
I finally turned to him, sighing. “Yes, I like him. Will that make you shut up?” 
Naldo looked at me, smugly. “Like I said, Happiness looks good on you. But how about you two eat lunch with all of us today instead of eating lunch in your jeep.” 
I rolled my eyes at him, “Okay, Naldo.” 
I held my fist out to him as he we did our not so secret toot it and boot it hand shake.
“I’m serious, I better see you in the food court!” He chirped as he stepped out of the shaved ice stand. I gave him a small salute before he turned and skipped away.
Our first shift felt like it lasted forever and I was hungry for some actual food instead of the ice I had been grazing on all morning. The person who came to relieve me was late, per usual, so I was late meeting up with him for our daily lunch break. 
“There’s a party everyone is going to tonight Billy, are you going?” I overheard as I made my way up to Billy and the girls that had flocked around him.
“Please, and hang around the losers that work here?” Billy quipped once I was standing behind him.
“You work here too, Hargrove, so that makes you a loser by association.” I chimed in, poking him in the back. 
Billy rolled his eyes before pushing his sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose and turning back to the girls.
“Have a good lunch break, Jackass.” I quipped grabbing the cigarette from behind his ear and placing it between my lips heading towards the burger post. 
I wasn’t even half way there before Billy caught up to me, throwing his arm around my shoulder. 
“You know I was just kidding right? About you and the others being losers?” Billy spoke, quickly obviously hiding the anxiety that he actually pissed me off in his voice.
“Sure you were, Fabio” I smirked as we reached the doors to small cafeteria. He dropped his arm  that was draped around my shoulder to open the door for me. 
“I’m serious Daph.”
I rolled my eyes rising up on my toes pressing my lips to his cheek. “Billy, I’m just fucking with you. Don’t you worry that pretty little face of yours.”
 Billy ducked down quickly kissing my nose. I beamed up at him grabbing his hand as we shuffled into the building. 
“There’s a party tonight Billy, are you going? You can crash at my place after.” Issac offered leaning back in his chair.
“Please, Issac, Billy is way too cool to be seen at an Arbor Pines party. Apparently we’re all a bunch of losers.” I quipped looking over at Billy hinting at the conversation he had had earlier with some of the girls that crowded around him at the pool during shift change. 
Billy's lips twitched up as he dug his fork into his potato salad. It was small and quick and I was almost certain that I was the only one who saw it.
“We weren’t a bunch of losers when we kicked Hawkins High’s basketball team at nationals.” Geoff smirked.
 “And you made that Tommy kid cry.” I chortled taking a bite of my hamburger.
This time Billy didn’t suppress his laugh, it bellowed out of him as he threw his head back, eyes watering. “You  were the one that made Tommy cry?” Billy asked between laughs trying to catch his breath.
“Jesus, Hargrove, in through your nose and out through your mouth.” I insisted, flinging a french fry at him. 
“Tommy H cries all the time.” Billy sputtered causing all of us to start laughing along with him.
I felt the warmth creep across my chest again, watching as Billy was generally getting along with our little group. His asshole behavior and blunt attitude fit in perfectly with the rest of our personalities. 
“When we were little, all of us were on a soccer team together, and he cried because he got beat by a team with girls on it.” I sat back rolling my eyes. 
“Back to the party, you in Hargrove? We’ll have a few kegs, different kinds of alcohol and some special baked goods. You can’t say no, It’s your girlfriend’s birthday party.” Issac coaxed, winking at Billy. 
Without a beat, Billy turned to me, eyebrows raised. “It’s your birthday?” Ignoring the fact that Issac referred to me as his girlfriend.
The look on his face was a mixture of embarrassment and panic, for either forgetting, not remembering my birthday.
“Relax, Billy, It’s tomorrow, and don’t think I ever told you my birthday.” I chuckled watching as his rigid posture became more relaxed.
He bit down on his lip trying to regain his composure.
 “If there is a keg, you can count me in.” Billy grinned.
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I wiped my mouth shooting my two middle fingers up at Billy. He stood there staring at me in disbelief after I beat his keg stand time by 30 seconds. I smirked at him blowing a kiss as I placed a cigarette in my mouth. 
“It’s okay Fabio, You’re still the keg king in Hawkins” I quipped patting him on the chest. 
 “That was…..sexy.” He blurted as I passed my cigarette to him. He drew it in tilting his head up blowing the smoke in the air before passing it back to me. 
“I almost forgot! I got you something!” Billy grabbed my hand pulling me through the crowd and out to his car. 
“Billy, you didn’t have to get me anything.” I giggled as he dug through the back seat of his car. “Well you’re my best friend and the fact that I didn't know your birthday is so bad. So here you go!” He shoved a badly wrapped package into my hands smiling down at me. 
My heart fluttered at how excited he was, and how he referred to as his best friend. I tore at the paper chuckling as it revealed a half eaten bag of cherry licorice and a small stuffed animal obviously taken from the carnival games at work.
“I will cherish these for the rest of my life.” I beamed pulling Billy into a hug. He wrapped his arms around me picking me off my feet. “Thank you.” I whispered into his shoulder as he placed me back onto the ground. 
“It’s no problem, Princess.”
The night continued on with more and more people showing up for the occasion. We danced, and sang and drank the night away as everyone wished me a happy birthday. 
Half way through the party I decided to try and start sobering up so I wouldn't be completely hungover on my actual birthday.
I made myself a home on the front law where it was pretty quiet. I laid back watch the stars before Billy plopped down next to me in the grass. 
“Has anyone told you that you’re kinda scary?” He coaxed causing me to laugh. 
“How high are you right now?” He shrugged laying back looking up at the sky. 
“Only, a little,” he grinned sheepishly at me before continuing. 
“You’re one of  the sweetest people I have ever met. Your love and compassion for people-even the ones you hate is so genuine. You bring light into people’s lives, Daphne. And that scares me.”
I brought my knees up to my chest, hugging my arms around me in an attempt to keep my heart contained in one place as I looked down at the boy.
 “Why would that scare you?” I questioned him as he closed his eyes drawing in his cigarette, than offering it to me. 
I took it placing it in my mouth. 
“The last person that was a light in my life left me alone in the dark.”
I frowned watching as he was fighting whatever thoughts were crossing his mind. “I lose myself in the best possible way when you’re around,” Billy opened his eyes, looking over at me as he sat up. I bit down on my lip, looking at him. 
“I’m in love with you.” Billy spoke leaning in and pressing his lips to mine hungrily, our teeth clicking together as he knotted his fingers in my hair. 
“Do you want to go inside?” I muttered on Billy’s lips. He opened his eyes slowly looking down at me through his lashes. 
I lead Billy through the house and to the empty guest room, Maggie and I would always use when we stayed the night with Issac. I closed the door behind us, turning the lock  then looking up at Billy. 
He stepped towards me hooking his fingers into my belt loops pulling my body to his connecting our lips together. He backed me into the door as his fingers found their way to the hem of my of my shirt. He broke our kiss momentarily to pull my shirt over my head.
I rose up on my toes, to kiss him better pushing him backwards until he fell on the bed. I stepped out of my flats as Billy all but threw his boots across the room. I unzipped my shorts letting them fall to the floor as I climbed on the bed and on top of Billy connecting our lips once more.
His hands traced up my spine finding the band of my bra. “It unhooks from the front.” I chuckled 
after a small grunt came from him.  
“Why would you buy a bra that unhooks from the front?” he groaned has his fingers fumbled to get it unclasped.
“Because it was cute and on sale.” And I also got joy out of watching boys work hard to see my bare chest. I gave Billy a hand throwing my bra to the ground as he looked up and admired my topless form.
He grabbed my hips flipping us over so he was hovering over me, connecting our lips together. His hand that wasn't wrapped in my hair slowly brushed down my body, his fingers finding their way inside of me. I let out a small squeal at how cold his touch felt
. “Sorry,” He chuckled as he continued to move his fingers. 
“You could have warned me that your hands were cold.” I giggled pulling his face back to mine.
I let out a small breathy moans while Billy kissed down my jaw, slowly making his way between my legs, kissing the inside of my thighs.  He pulled my undies all the way off pressing more kisses on the inside of left my thigh before his mouth made its way to my clit.
My fingers instinctively ran through his hair knotting it in my fingers as he continued to hit all the right places with his tongue. 
It didn’t take long for the electrifying sensation I hadn’t felt in so long to take over my entire body completely. 
 “Uh.. Um..B-Billy.” I spoke softly, voice shaky, as the electric sensation slowly left my body. He hummed unbuttoning his pants with one hand while placing small kisses up my body until our lips met once more.
“You have a condom right?” I questioned as he pulled away from me frowning. 
“No, but we can still do it.” He muttered looking down at me.
 “Uh, no we can’t. No condom, no sex.”
His head dropped on my shoulder, an annoyed grunt coming from him. “Do you have one?” he whispered nuzzling his nose into my neck.
 “No,” I lied knowing that I had one hidden away in my wallet, Something my mother had always taught me, to keep one on me as a backup plan for if and when a boy tells me he didn't have one.
Billy sat up crossing his arms glaring down at me. “You’re lying.” I sat up on my elbows frowning, Billy had been around me long enough to pick up on my tiny mannerisms I subconsciously did when I told a lie. 
“I have one in my wallet, but I really don’t feel like doing it anymore.” I mumbled reaching out to touch his face. “I love you too,” I cooed, responding to his confession from earlier. 
“And I don’t want our first time together to be when we both are cross faded in someone else’s house.”
Billy finally rolled off the bed angrily buttoning his pants reaching down and grabbing his shirt. Not even looking at me. 
“Billy, I want to, but I just don’t think its the right time for us to have sex.” I apologized earning a grunt from him as he left the room leaving me alone.
I got up, getting dressed quietly trying not to let the tears that were stinging in my eyes to completely fall.
I took a deep breath and headed back out to the party, where Billy and I didn’t speak for the rest of the night.
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“Good morning, my darling birthday Girl!” My mother cheered as I hoisted myself onto the counter next to where she was standing. I smiled at her leaning over dipping my finger into the blueberry muffin batter she was preparing.
“Daphne Louise, that has raw eggs in it!” She scolded as I fished out another blueberry from the mix. 
“That never stopped us from eating cookie dough while watching The Facts of Life” I giggled as my mom swatted at my hand. 
“How was the party last night?” She questioned scooping spoonfuls of the mix into the muffin tin. 
“I think Billy was trying to tell me that he loves me.” I crossed my legs under one another laughing nervously. 
My mother’s eyes lit up as she looked over at me. “Annnnnnd?” She sang.
I dipped my fingers in the batter once again grabbing another blueberry, “We almost had sex. But I stopped it and he got mad and wouldn’t talk to me for the rest of the night”
She knew I wasn’t a virgin, I hadn't been since the ninth grade when I lost it to Joseph West in the back of his Cadillac DeVille. It was way less than satisfying. I asked my mother if it was supposed to be - that bad she laughed at me and told me the first time for everyone was pretty bad. My mother and I had a very close relationship, I was able to tell her things whether she approved of them or not, and she would always offer advice to me when I had any kind of problems.
She gave me a confused look, “Why did you change your mind?” She questioned moving the batter from out of my reach quietly giving me a “tsk.” as a popped another batter covered blue berry in my mouth.
 “I don’t know, I just- want to make sure he’s in it for the right reasons.” I muttered.
“I like him, mom. I actually more than like him, I love him,” I admitted with a sigh. “And I want to protect my heart if the feelings aren’t mutual. What if he was just telling me the things I want to hear from him just so he can get me in the bed.”
My mother sighed wiping her hands down her apron.  
“Honey, that’s just something you will have to decide for yourself. I personally think he really likes you, especially with all the time you two spend together. He never seems to go home. And he stopped sleeping on your couch weeks ago.”
I grinned sheepishly at my mother, knowing that she knew that Billy and I cuddled in my bed the nights that he stayed with me.
Hell, we would even cuddle the nights we both stayed with Maggie or one of the boys.
“Your father called last night. He wants you to come over for dinner to celebrate your birthday.” 
My mother informed me changing the subject, Although we were open with each other she still preferred to not hear about my sex life.
I groaned grabbing and licking the last of the batter off of the spatula. “He’s going to be upset that I haven't applied to any schools still. He won’t even humor the idea of me taking time off of school and living,” I frowned. “I don’t even want to go to college.” I continued looking up at my mother.
My father was the complete opposite then my mother, he was harsh and cold where she was loving and accepting. When I was seven years old, my mother finally had enough of his anger and his hatred that she left with me, finding a home in Arbor Pines.
 Growing up, there was a lot of stress and expectations put on my shoulders from him, from being forced into dance classes when I had to spend the summer with him, to having to go to after school tutoring when I wasn’t meeting his standards of grades.
I finally humored him when I was in high school taking advanced classes as well as being on the cheerleader squad and that still wasn’t enough. What I didn’t tell my mother was the abuse she endured before she got the courage was now put upon me. He promised that he’d never lay a finger on me but that complete changed the older I got, and the more of a failure he found me to be.
My mother cupped my chin in her hands pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Baby girl, no matter what you do, or where you go, you will accomplish wonderful things. I couldn’t be more proud of the young lady that you have become.”
I smiled softly at her as I wrapped my arms around her body hugging her. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too my sweet girl.”
I spent the rest of my morning eating and cleaning the kitchen with my mother and avoided going to Hawkins until I absolutely had to.
“I’ll probably hang out with Robin after dinner then come home.” I announced prancing out of the hallway to the living room where my mom was sitting. I pressed a kiss on her cheek. 
“No parties while I’m gone.” I joked as I headed out the door with a wave.
It took less than an hour to get to Hawkins from my house, it was one of my favorite drives to take, a two lane road with a vast amount of trees, on the days I had to go to Hawkins to spend with my father, I would always take the top off of my car letting the wind and smell of pine surround me as I sped down the road.
One of my biggest dreams was to be able to travel the country, looking for hidden back roads that would twist and turn. Ones that I could zoom down listening to my music as loud as it could go.
I noticed a familiar blue car parked on the side of the road and as much as I didn’t want to stop and check up on the stupid owner with his stupid amazing hair, I did any way because, I’m a nice person that was in love with a asshole.
I pulled up behind Billy honking my car horn at him. He looked up from his flat tire, wiping his forehead, before standing up and stomping towards my jeep. 
“Hiya, Princess.” Billy smirked leaning on my window. I rolled my eyes, ignoring the fact that I would never not be called princess by Billy.
“Come on, I’m heading into town. I can drop you off at the mechanic and they can bring a tow out here.” I smiled nodding to my passenger seat.
Billy took my offer, lumbering around to the passenger side climbing into my jeep. I took off once he was settled humming to myself to make up for the silence between us. 
I wasn’t sure if he remembered the night before or not, which I was really hoping it was the latter. That he didn’t remember the kiss we shared or me rejecting him after us almost having sex.
I made a right turn onto the main road that took us to Hawkins, pushing my latest mix tape into the radio pressing my foot down heavily on the gas.
“AHHH AH!! WE COME FROM THE PLACE WITH THE ICE AND SNOW,” I yelled turning the volume to Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song. 
“FROM THE MIDNIGHT SUN, WHERE THE HOT SPRINGS FLOW,” I looked over at Billy as he clung onto the grab handle above him as we zoomed down the winding roads towards town. 
“The Hammer of the Gods!” I smirked returning my attention back to the road swerving my jeep back into my lane.
“Are you sure you’re allowed to drive?” Billy questioned trying but failing to mask his genuine fear in his voice. 
I laughed easing up on the gas, “What, never been a passenger to someone who drives like you before?” I smirked eyeing the boy next to me. 
He grunted in response as I drummed my thumbs on the steering wheel. “Billy, if I wanted to kill you, vehicular manslaughter wouldn’t be my first choice.” 
I could feel his harsh stare boring into me as I brought the jeep to a stop at a light. “I’m serious. I’d poison you and then get Maggie or Issac to help me hide your body.”
Billy rolled his eyes looking away from me. “Remind me to never eat anything you ever give me.”
“You always seem to enjoy the muffins I bring to Naldo’s every morning.” I mused earning another grunt.
“Ok, what gives Hargrove, I understand you being grumpy because you got a flat tire but did Issac piss in your Cheerios this morning?”
Billy muttered something under his breath that I couldn’t quite understand. I reached over to my radio turning the volume completely down. 
“I’m sorry, what was that?” I questioned, finally pulling into the parking lot of Hawkins only mechanic.  
“If I wanted you to know what I said, Princess, I would have said it louder” Billy grunted opening the door to her car hopping out of it. I sat back in my seat, staring at him.
“Are you seriously angry at me because you didn’t get laid last night?” 
Billy let out another grunt slamming my jeep door shut. I felt my cheeks grow red from anger as I watched the boy stride away angrily. I placed my car in park getting out and chasing after him.
“You’re such a prick, you know that. Huh?” I yelled pushing his shoulder.
 “Was you telling me that you love me last night just some bullshit ploy to get into my pants?!” I jeered as he turned around staring down at me, straight faced.
“What if it was? Huh? What are you going to do Daphne?”
I squeezed my fists into tight balls digging my nails into my palms. “Nothing. I won’t do anything but be completely disappointed in myself for letting some asshole into my heart. There’s a reason I didn’t want to sleep with you and this is it.”
Billy bit down on his lip before sighing and reaching down for my hand. I stepped back crossing my arms over my chest, waiting for him to respond. 
“I’m sorry,” he began stepping towards me, and sign  of anger he had slowly leaving as his composure relaxed. “I meant everything I said to you, Daph.” 
Billy reached out stroking my cheek, “I’m an asshole..and a bonehead and anything else you want to call me.”
I rolled my eyes lightly grabbing  his wrists as his hands found their way to the back of my head.
“I love you” he muttered before closing the space between us and kissing me.
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“Who lives here?” Billy asked as I pulled into a driveway of a bright blue house. Billy and I spent most of the afternoon waiting for the Camaro to be repaired. After, I followed Billy to his home where he dropped off his car and got into mine so we could go and eat.
“My father and his wife.” I growled turning to my back seat and digging through the mound of growing cloths, settling on a dress. I pulled my shirt over my head, throwing it in the back seat and replacing it with the dress. Billy just sat there staring at me wide eyed as I traded my doc martens with a pair of white flats. 
 “My father isn’t a big fan of how I dress,” I explained running my hands down the length of my dress. “He’s honestly not a big fan of anything that I do. Probably won’t like you either.” I muttered leaning over and buttoning two of his buttons. 
Billy frowned, “Your mom likes me.”
I chuckled taking my hair down from the messy ponytail it was in. “Yeah well, my dad is an asshole. So we’re not going to stay very long.” I cringed looking at the front door, dreading the monster that was behind it.
We both sauntered inside, Billy following me to my room. “Wow… it’s so…”
“Boring,” I cut him off looking around at the bare walls of my room. “I don’t stay here often, so there's no point in making it homey- especially since my dad will sell my things he doesn't like or want me to have.”
Billy frowned as I shut the door behind us. “Don’t worry we won’t be here for long. Just have to show my face because it’s my birthday.”
I rose on my toes pecking Billy’s slips making him smile.
“Wanna make out?”
I pushed his shoulder playfully as he scooped me up bridal style, pressing his lips to mine.
I could hear the rumble of my father’s car from outside my window. “Uh.. Billy,” I mumbled with a shaky voice as hummed against my neck. 
“I need you to get into my closet” 
Billy looked down at me confused as I slide from underneath him.  
“My dad is home. And you being here is something he won’t like” I dug through my bag grabbing my powder compact, patting down the area where Billy had left a hickey. I groaned at how red the mark had remained. 
“Daphne! Are you here?!”
“Baby, he can’t be that bad.” Billy spoke plodding towards me. 
I turned to him frowning “Billy, please. Just get in my closet and stay there.” I begged pushing him towards the doors. 
I turned around grabbing a book of my bookshelf climbing on my bed and laying down opening it. “DAPHNE!” my father boomed busting into my room. 
“Hiya, Daddy!”I beamed smiling up at him. 
“You didn’t show up for the first day of work at the post. We had to hire Karen Wheeler’s bimbo daughter.” My father growled.
 I closed my tattered copy of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath sitting beside me on the bed 
“Daddy, I told you I was working at Wonder Palace for the summer.” I mused only to earn a grunt of disapproval from him.
I stood up giving him a small hug before sheepishly stepping back eyeing my closet to make sure Billy could not be seen.
 “Can we please not do this right now? It’s my birthday, I came to eat dinner, not fight about my future.”
My father grabbed my arm pushing me hard against the wall. “I’m so sick of you running up and down the street with all the riff-raff you hang around.” I bit down on my lip, breathing heavily 
“You haven’t even given them a chance, dad. They aren’t as bad as you think they are.”
“I told you about these people. Smoking marijuana and drinking at that rundown amusement park isn't a job, It’s about time that you grow up Daphne. You’re 19 years old now. Did you apply to the schools like I asked?”
I looked away seeing Billy looking at me with terror in his eyes from my closet. “No, I didn’t. Mom said that I-“ his hand smacked across my face as he grabbed a hold of my face pinching my cheeks hard. 
“I don’t care what your mother has told you. You’re going to go to college. I didn’t raise a failure did I?” I averted my gaze as tears started to well up in my eyes. 
“Dad- I just graduated. I want to take time off of-” His grasp tightened around my jaw, forcing me harder into the wall.
“DID I RAISE A FAILURE DAPHNE LOUISE?” 
“No sir,”I said through gritted teeth breathing heavily. 
“You didn’t raise me at all. Mom did, and she’s proud of me. She’s proud of the person I am and who I may become in the future.” He lifted his hand to hit me once again but Billy caught him by the wrist, staring angrily at my father.
“Don’t you fucking touch her!” He bellowed pushing him away from me. I dropped to the floor finally letting the tears fall from my eyes. Billy stood in front my me guarding me from my father as he stormed back over to the both of us. 
“You’re not going to amount to anything. Just like your whore of a mother.”
I stood up balling my hands into fists, “And you’re going to die sad and alone.” I growled as Billy remained in front of me. 
“I’m not letting you near her.” He spoke harshly reaching back and placing his hand over mine, squeezing it in an attempt to show me I was safe. 
“And who are you?” Dad challenged bowing his chest up to Billy.
“My name is Billy Hargrove, and I’m in love with your daughter. We work together at Wonder Palace.”
My father squeezed his eyes shut in frustration, a huge knot growing in the pit of my stomach. Billy squeezed my hand again as I stepped up to stand by his side rather than behind him. 
“Really, Daphne? You bring this trash into my house when you know better not to? You let him do this shit to you?” My father pushed Billy roughly away making him fall into my small vanity grabbing my chin, hard, pushing my face away from him so he could get a better look at the marks Billy had left on my neck.
“You’re disgusting.” He barked squeezing my cheeks as Bill pushed him off of me winding back to punch my father in the face. “Hey,” I spoke softly grabbing on to Billy’s arm. 
“Let’s just go.”
Billy looked between my father and I before giving me a small nod. I turned to my dad. “I’m never coming back here again.” I declared as Billy grabbed my hand pulling me out of my room and to the front door, my father not even protesting us leaving.
 I grabbed the keys out of the pocket of my dress. Pushing them into the ignition reeving my car to life and pulling out of the driveway.
“Daph, please pull over let me drive.” 
I Ignored him, pushing my foot down harder on the gas pedal as we zoomed down the street. “Daphne,” Billy reached over caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. I let out a shaky sigh as I pulled over on the side of the road, resting my head on the steering wheel, finally letting out a sob. 
“Daphne,” Billy repeated as he started rubbing my back. 
“My father treats me the same way.” Billy whispered. My head shot up looking over at him. 
“That’s why you never want to go home, isn't it? It’s where, all of your bruises come from?” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as Billy slumped back in the seat. 
“Yeah. My dad expects a lot from me, and no matter what I do, it’s not good enough.”
“What about your mom?” I questioned. 
“She left when I was young, and she didn't take me with her. But if she did, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up just like you.”
“Cute with a bad attitude? Oh wait…” I joked winking at him. 
“I’m serious,Daphne.”
“Are you going to be ok?” Billy questioned he as pulled into his driveway.
“I have a friend that works at Star Court, I’m going to go and visit her.” I leaned over pressing a kiss to Billy’s cheek. 
“Thank you for today.” I continued as he turned looking at me, placing a small kiss on my nose. 
“Anytime Princess.” Billy climbed out of my Jeep and striding over to the passenger side, opening my door for me. I slid out of my seat, Billy placing his hands on either side of my hips.
“Can I come over tonight?” He murmured leaning down and pressing his lips to my neck. 
“There’s a slice of ice cream cake with your name on it.” I gasped as I felt his teeth lightly graze my neck.
“Uck, can’t you slobber over your girls somewhere else?” 
Billy grunted resting his head on my shoulder as I looked over at the small redhead standing in front of us. 
“You’re Max!” I beamed pushing Billy away from me and stepping towards her. Billy made another grunt of disapproval as I stuck my hand out to his little sister.
“I’m Daphne, Billy’s girlfriend.” I chirped as she reluctantly shook my hand. 
“Max.” 
I looked down noticing the skateboard she held in her hand. 
“I have the same one but mine is blue. Me and my friends always hit the skate park in Arbor Pines when we have time. Next time you should tag along, you can spend the night if you want to!” 
Max looked between Billy and I lifting an eyebrow. “He wouldn’t be invited if that’s what you’re worried about.” I chuckled as Billy slumped against my Jeep. I turned and looked at him angrily. 
“Don’t be rude William.” I smirked earning a laugh from Max as I turned back to her. 
“I’m serious, I don’t have any younger siblings. I am always game for a skateboarding session and a sleep over!”
Max gave me a huge smile before trying to shrug off her obvious excitement. 
“Sounds like fun,” She looked over from me to Billy, who was still throwing a fit that I was talking to his little sister.  “Try not to be a jackass and mess things up. I like her.” She quipped before excusing herself and going inside.
“Daphne, why?” Billy groaned as I turned to face him. 
 “Because if we’re going to be together, I want to try and have a relationship with your family- the ones that matter any way. Did you see how I instantly won her approval because I acknowledged her existence?”
He huffed crossing his arms. 
“Stop being such a grump. Or I’ll make you sleep on the couch tonight.”
Billy sighed in defeat. “Fine. Thank you for caring…..about my little sister.” He spoke through gritted teeth, faking a smile.
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I skipped into Scoops Ahoy leaning on the counter as a string of cuss words came from the back room. I hit the bell a few times before a boy with fluffy hair strode out. 
“Ahoy there! Are you ready to be a passenger on the SS Butterscotch? Let me help you and your taste buds to set sail! I’m Steve Harrington.” He exclaimed  running his fingers in his hair smiling at me. 
I lifted an eyebrow at him as Robin opened up the back window to watch the boy fail miserably at flirting with me. 
“This is what you left us for, Buckley?”  Her eyes lit up as she ran out to the front of the store pulling me into a huge hug.
“What are you doing here Daphne!?” 
“I had to come to Hawkins to visit my father for my birthday.” I mumbled with an eye roll. 
Robin cringed contorting her face up in disgust.  “And how did that go?” She questioned as I leaned back on the wall next to the counter. 
“The usual, him being an asshole and hitting me. But my boyfriend came between him and I and my dad kicked us out.”
Robin knew most of what happened at my father’s house, after things got bad and I wasn’t able to go back home to my mother, I would find solace and safety at the Buckley household. Away from my father and whatever he had been drinking that night.
An exasperated sigh came from the boy, Steve standing behind the counter. I turned to him giving a confused look. 
“You okay over there?” I questioned making him wince a little.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that- it’s just of course you have a boyfriend, you’re too pretty not to have one.” 
I laughed at Steve as he awkwardly averted his gaze from mine. “Thank You. You’re very pretty also.” I complemented. 
“I’m Daphne Collins.”  I added offering my hand to the boy for him to shake. He gladly shook my hand reintroducing himself as Robin took me to the back room for us to hang out.
We spent the rest of the day catching up and hanging out until it was time for her to help Steve start closing the store. 
“I love you, Buckley.” I beamed giving the girl a hug before telling her and steve goodbye.
I wandered to the food court noticing a familiar tall blonde haired boy standing incredibly close to a tiny brunette, smiling down at her as he rubbed his hand against her cheek. I marched up behind him tapping him on the back of his shoulder. He grunted turning around
 “I told you to go away Max!” the color in his face completely drained as he looked down at me. 
“Billy who is this?” The girl spoke peeking from behind him as he stood there stifled 
“Yeah Billy, who am I?” I crossed my arms as he regained his composure.
 “She’s just one of the losers I work with. Are you stalking me?”
I didn't even resist punching him in the face, the blow threw him off balance. He turned looking at me holding his cheek in surprised. “You’re an asshole.” I seethed through gritted teeth. I looked at the girl still standing behind him.
 “He’s not worth the heartbreak.”
I turned around seeing that most of the food court had their attention on us. 
“The Show is over, assholes!” I yelled. Before making my way back to the parking lot and to my car.
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Billy pointed his rescue float at me before bringing it to his mouth, using it as a makeshift microphone. 
“TOO RA LOO RA TOO RA LOO RA AYE.” Billy sang as he started dancing like a complete dork running into a few people in the process. I stared at him as he started using his float as an air guitar. 
 “COME ON EILEEN, OH I SWEAR WHAT HE MEANS, AT THIS MOMENT YOU MEAN EVERYTHING!”
I rolled my eyes pushing my sunglasses up my nose as Billy made his way dancing towards me and the skeeball carnival game I was in charge of. 
“You know you’re making a complete ass out of yourself in front of the entire park.” I scoffed crossing my arms. 
Billy shimmied pointing his rescue float at me once again as he kept singing along to the rest of the song. 
“Come on, Princess, you can’t stay mad at me forever.”
“You tell me that you love me, twice might I add, and then you turn around and you flirt with any girl that looks your way. Do I only exist to you when you’re not in Hawkins?” I sneered crossing my arms.
Billy frowned dropping his arms to his sides. “Come on Daph, it’s not like that- It’s just,” He paused, thinking of a way to say what he wanted without pissing me off more. 
“You have an image to keep in Hawkins and if you’re seen with the weird stoner chick who likes girls as well as boys people will think less of you.” I blurted leaning back on my stool.
“Life isn’t a popularity contest Billy. If you really loved me than you wouldn’t actually care what people think. And that’s the difference between us, I don’t have to put on this front to get people to like me.”  I sneered as Geoff strolled by doing a double take at both Billy and I.
“Everything ok, Daph?” He questioned looking between us.
 “Do you mind covering for me? I don’t feel very good.” Geoff nodded eyeing Billy skeptically as I grabbed my things and made my way towards the front office.
The knot in my stomach only growing bigger, the more I thought about the past few days I had shared with Billy.
I stepped into Naldo’s office not even bothering to knock, making my way over to and sitting on the sofa he kept in the tiny room.
 “What’s on your mind, Kid?” He questioned, turning his chair around and facing me. 
“Have you ever been in love?”
Naldo smiled softly at me, out of our group of friends, him and I were the closest. He genuinely thought of me as his little sister and was probably the closest thing to a loving father figure I had.
“Hargrove, eh?”  He stood up, taking a few steps over to the couch sitting next to me. 
“I hate myself for feeling this way. I hate it, Naldo. It seems like every time me and him get close, he finds a way to mess things up. Is it me? Am I the issue here?”
I was never the type of girl to question why I got treated badly by who I dated, I would normally end things with the person and move on. But with Billy it was completely different. With Billy, it wasn’t just an infatuation that would only last for the summer. With Billy, I could easily see us together, with a family.
Before him, the only future I saw was me traveling alone finding a beach somewhere to call my home. But now, I wanted the same kind of future but I couldn’t picture it without him. And I hated that.
I hated how I let this complete mess of a boy blow through my entire being like a natural disaster, leaving a permanent imprint in his wake.
“Sometimes, people do really stupid things because they don’t know how to react to the way the person who they love, makes them feel. But Daph, I promise you, by the way Billy just looks at you, He’s in love.”
I frowned looking up from my hands at him, “what do you mean by that?” I questioned. 
Naldo gave me a half smile. “When you’re not looking he looks at you like you’re his entire world.”
“Toot it and boot it.” Naldo mused as I pulled him into a hug. 
I chuckled rubbing my nose on his shirt. He grimaced looking at the snot and tear stain on his shirt. “I love you, Daph.”
“I love you too, Naldo.”
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“Daph, your bonehead is here!” My mom called as I stumbled out of the kitchen seeing Billy standing in the foyer next to her. 
“I do not claim ownership to this bonehead you speak of.”
I grunted putting my hands on my hips. 
“Can we talk? Please?” He begged, biting down on his lip, a noticeable bruise forming below his eye. 
“Please tell me you ran into a wall and Geoff didn’t punch you in the face” I grumbled stepping up to him and taking his face in my hands, examining his eye.
 I looked over at my mother who was still standing next to us. Eyeing me with a smile. “Billy will probably stay for dinner, so grab something extra.” I sighed reaching down and grabbing his hand.
Okay, Fabio. Let’s go.” I spoke pulling him to the kitchen as my mom called out her departure to the store. I sat Billy down sauntering over to our refrigerator grabbing a bag of peas wrapping it in a dish towel and handing it to him.  
I grabbed his chin examining the dark purple that had formed around his entire left eye. 
“I don’t think Geoff, Issac or Derek likes me very much.” He muttered earning a laugh from me.
 “They get protective. We all do. All for one and one for all y’know.” 
“I’m sorry,” Billy spoke sitting back in his chair as I took my place on one of the bar stools across from him. 
“I just, I don’t know how to react to these feelings I have. It’s new and scary, and nobody has made me feel like you do.” He blurted averting his gaze from me.
“You being in love with me is no excuse for being an asshole. You can’t just treat me one way and then the next you laugh at me telling people I’m the weirdo you work with.”
He frowned chewing on the bottom of his lip. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“Billy, you are an asshole. But you’re very lucky that I love you and that Naldo talked me into giving you another chance.”
A smile spread across his face as he stood up. “Really?”
He stepped towards me, sitting the bag of peas on the counter next to me before grabbing my face and pulling it to his. I pulled back shaking my head. 
“You’re still in trouble, Fabio. You’re not winning me back that easily.”
He groaned dramatically placing his head on my shoulder.
“You’re an asshole.” I repeated making him look at me. I rubbed my thumb over the bruise that started forming under his eye. 
“I’m going to make you wait until the end of summer,” I started as he closed his eyes from my touch. 
“No making out on lunch, or cuddling in my bed. You can still spend the night, I’m not going to make you stay with your father. We’re friends. Just Friends. Until I say so.”
Billy looked down at me, tears brimming his eyes. “But you promise, that eventually you and I will have a future?” he questioned making me nod.
“I’m not ready to give you another chance as a boyfriend, Billy. But I do love you. I really really love you, so yes we will eventually have a future.”
Billy rested his head against mine. “For you, Daph, I’m willing to wait.”
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The remaining months of summer flew by in a complete blur. Billy spent most nights over at my house or he stayed with one of the boy’s house floating around until he eventually stopped going back home all together.
The two of us fell into a comfortable routine of being together but not officially together. I was still withholding myself from him with only a few slip ups when the sexual tension between us got to be too much.
We’d lay in a mess of blankets and tangled limbs on those days, seemingly not letting each other go as we held onto one another. Eventually, I didn’t even bother protesting him sleeping in my bed with me. My absolute favorite time of the day was right before Billy woke up in the mornings.
He was so completely ...Soft when he was sleeping. And I completely loved it. His unruly blonde curls poking out of the quit we were under. Every morning he’d wake up, cuddling into my side. He’d mumble a good morning and a I love you before falling asleep again. 
I was completely head over heels in love with this boy and had him wrapped around my finger. And the best part about it was that he didn’t care what people thought about him anymore. Spending the five summer months with me and my group of friends changed him for the better.
He had a group of guys that befriended him because they wanted to and not because they had something to gain in their social status. 
He was loved and then in return learned how to love and let people in again. He finally had a family who accepted him, flaws and all.
I woke up next to Maggie, who was sprawled out on my bed, leaving little room for me to actually be comfortable. 
We had an end of summer slumber party with Max and her friend El, both girls passed out on my pull out couch. 
Max almost instantly took to me after our first meeting, when she wasn’t with her group of friends she was hanging out with me and Maggie. Sometimes all of her friends would pile into my truck, much to Billy’s dismay as we hauled the load of children to Naldo’s Palace. 
The kids would spend the duration of mine and Billy’s shift running around the park, or they’d be picked up by Steve and taken back home.
“When did you get here?” I questioned hugging Billy from behind. He turned his head slightly peeking down at me.
 “Right before your mom left for work. She told me that everyone was still asleep so I didn’t go into our room.”
“Our room?” 
“Your room.” He chuckled correcting himself. 
“It can be our room, if you want it to be. Y’know, stop bouncing between mine and the boy’s houses. Move here permanently?” I offered as he turned from the stove and the breakfast he was attempting to cook to pulling me into his arms.
“Moving in with you? That sounds so official.” He beamed leaning into me pressing a kiss to my lips.
I smiled into the kiss, “Guess that makes us official.”
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“Have you seen Billy?” I asked Maggie as I took a look around to see if I could find him.
 “I went to the bathroom and then ended up talking to Victoria Andrews for twenty minutes.”
Maggie nodded her head up to the top of The Serpent where I could see my boy. Smoking a cigarette.  
“Why is he up there?”
Maggie shrugged, “I don’t know, but he mentioned if I ran into you to tell you to go up there.”
“...Okay?” I muttered reaching down grabbing two beers. 
“Thanks Mags.” I beamed as I made my way to The Serpent.
Once I finally made it to the top, I sat next to Billy swinging my legs over the railing watching as the party boomed below. 
“Whatcha doing up here?” I questioned handing him the can of beer I had grabbed for him..
“Just thinking.” Billy placed his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer to him, I instinctively leaned into him as he pressed a kiss to my head.
“About what?” I questioned reaching up to his hand that was around my shoulder, and intertwining our fingers.
 “What I wanted out of life eight months ago compared to now.”
I gave him a confused look, waiting for him to continue whatever he was thinking about. “Eight months ago, my only plans were to work my ass off and save every penny I made so I could move back to California.Back to my home.”
I felt a tinge of pain pierced through my heart, I had the same plans for myself, but they fell through after we expectancy lost Tyler in a car accident that involved his car being hit by a drunk driver. 
All of us were completely devastated at the lost of our pseudo big brother and one of our closest friends.
I just assumed that after Wonder Palace closed for the season that Billy still had plans to leave and go back to California, even when I made it clear I was staying in Arbor Pines. 
After Tyler passed, we learned that he had left the entire theme park to the five of us, and of course we almost instantly took the offer to make sure that Naldo’s spirit lived on in his theme park he had loved so much.
“But now?” 
He smiled looking away from me, as some of his curls fell into his eyes. Billy took his arm from around me stuffing his hand in the pocket of his jacket pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it exposing a beautiful diamond ring. 
“Now, my home is here with you. And I can’t picturing being anywhere else but where I am right now. I love you, Daphne, and I know we both are young but when you know, you know. Will you marry me?”
I could feel a fire spread inside of me. The butterflies that had made a home in my stomach from the moment I had met the boy in front of me trying  to burst out of my body. 
I looked down at the box Billy held- his hand trembling waiting for me to answer the question he had just asked. I looked up at him giving a soft smile.
 “I thought you wanted no attachments working here.” I joked earning an eye roll from him, completely killing the serious mood Billy had tried to set. 
“I didn’t plan on having any attachments, until I fell in love with an absolute pain in my ass. Now answer the question before I change my mind.” 
“Well at least I a cute pain in the ass.” I fell into a fit of giggles as Billy glared down at me, waiting for me to answer the question he already knew the answer to. 
“Of course I’ll marry you, Billy.” I finally replied feeling my cheeks grow warm as a smile spread across his face. Billy slipped the small ring on my finger placing a kiss on my hand  before pressing his lips to mine. 
“Where did you get this, B? It’s beautiful.” I lifted my hand up looking at my engagement ring, wiggling my fingers out in front of me. 
“I used all of my graduation money from my relatives I have never met and all the money I have saved from working here.” 
Billy placed his arm back around me, as we fell into the same comfortable position we sat in when we were together. We sat up in the tower of the slide where we shared our first shift together until we decided to go to rejoin the party that was growing below.
“Daph, did you say yes!?” Issac beamed as everyone ran up to us. 
“They knew?!” I sputtered turning to look at Billy with wide eyes. “You actually told these idiots you were proposing and trusted them to keep it a secret from me?”
“Of course I told them, Daph. They’re our best friends. I needed their approval.” Billy chuckled pulling me into his side.
 “Wait, So you’re staying here?” I questioned making Billy nod.
“I just told you that I spent all of the money I saved for Cali on your ring. And I just proposed to you so why the hell would I go back to Cali when you and our friends live here?” Billy snorted
“I mean, I guess you're right.” I admitted, slightly embarrassed at the stupid question I had just asked.
“I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place, it’s also the people you surround yourself with. Home for me isn’t in Cali anymore. It’s right here with all of you, right here with the absolute love of my life.” Billy spoke, a small smile growing on his face as Maggie and the boys attacked both of us in a group hug.
Billy was completely right, home wasn't just a place, it was the people that you surround yourself with, the ones that when you felt completely alone, they would be there to catch you when you were falling and remind you that you weren’t alone.
And with us, Billy never had to worry about feeling alone again. He had us, and we had him. And all of us had Reynolds’ Wonder Palace.
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quieteclipse · 3 years ago
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omg i finally got around to reading "death is the only ending for the villainess" and it really is so good. like the angst potential of it all is so my type, makes me wanna use a storyline vaguely similar.
i also really like MC. like i generally come to dislike/be annoyed with the protagonists that get isekai'd and they act super cold/distant/detached with the story and the characters bc i feel like, while justified (in consideration with the story), it kinda sucks the fun out of the story for me.
but with MC, she has like double the reason to be that way considering that penelope is basically her and she has to live her previous shitty life all over again after finally being able to escape. but even still, it's not like she's brainless and unfeeling. she's clever and has a personality. also she's pretty so.
anyways, about the love interests:
so far, derrick is the most annoying. like i don't wanna blame him for holding on to his missing sister, because like there's nothing wrong with that, but for him to keep fumbling and doing some "hot and cold" shit with penelope because of that is so annoying. i also saw some spoilers from the novel that he fucks up yet again even after the whole false accusation shit, so i really dont think i'll ever stop being annoyed by him.
on the other hand, i actually love reynold & penelope's dynamics, and though he has/had a shitty personality sometimes, he seems to care for her the most. i was surprised when he made a fuss over penelope's treatment the first time we met him in the story. i wasn't even that upset at him for the whole attic thing, because i definitely could see why he'd hold a grudge about that despite penelope being young.
honestly, i don't really care for winter/vinter, and i don't think much of him either. out of everyone, he definitely feels the most like he only cares for penelope despite not having met her yet lmao. he gives me insincere vibes, but i do love his and penelope's interactions purely because i love how she rejects him every time.
idk how i feel about eclise (or however tf his name is spelled). like i like his and penelope's interactions and the fact that his favorinility goes up quickly, but their relationship feels more like a business transaction than anything real? then again, penelope is calculating all of her interactions, so ig the same could ne said for everyone.
and then finally, the crown prince. i really love him and penelope together. i kinda want them to be endgame so bad after the hunting competition incident. i can't wait to see if he'll have a say in the false accusation trial, because i really wanna know how he'll react to penelope's bold declaration lmao their teasing/back & forth relationship is so good.
i honestly cant tell who is going to be endgame, which is crazy bc it's usually obvious, but i'm fine with either reynold or the crown prince lmao. i usually dont like relationships where people who were raised as siblings get together, but considering her "brothers" hated her and clearly didn't see her as their sister, i don't see them as siblings.
i guess i'll have to wait until yvonne shows up to see who will be bewitched and who won't. i feel like eclise and vinter might be. and bc derrick is supposedly gonna fuck up again, i doubt that will do his and penelope's relationship any favors. but someone innthe comments said smth about derrick people controlled by yvonne, so i wonder if she's the villainess now? i wanna look up spoilers so bad, i honestly night just go for it.
also, i've warmed up to the dad because it seems like he's understanding that he fucked up in how he treated penelope and he's trying to be better. i'm always weak to these father's that soften up after subtly getting put in their place by having the consequences of their actions shoved in their face.
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why0should0i · 2 years ago
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Okay yeah here it is.
The treatment of the real Penelope. Why are we sleeping on the real Penelope. That girl has it the worst, okay?
She was abused, tortured and killed multiple times while the MC who possessed her body got the love and admiration of the family she yearned for. She got the respect and recognition that she always craved.
Again a staple of the genre but I have never seen a story make such a pitiful, tragic and compelling character for the MC to possess and completely destroy then in such a cruel way.
Like no one even seem to realise she turned into a different person even though she was acting fundamentally wierd and the only times such behaviour is commented upon is when the MC is praised for being more mature and clear headed or in suprise and shock that she isn't being outrageously expensive.
As if one can expect maturity and clear headedness from a traumatized teenager. Girl was abused in thousand different ways and of course she turned out to be like that.
I don't care if it "rude" or "against noble etiquette" if any bit*h gonna come up to me and say that I am unworthy of love and respect because I was born a poor commoner, if they starve me and prick me with needles, if they pick fights with me and badmouth me, if they try to make me lose my cool on purpose so they can have a sadistic fun time then I sure as hell am gonna throw hands.
Like yes! I would throw things. I would cause a scene. I would create ruckus. If that's the only way people might even look at what is happening to me, if that's the only way people are going to stop hurting me, if that's the only way the pain is going to stop at that instant then I will do it. Reputation be damned. They want drama, they are gonna get drama!
And how in the first scene we see the options given and that there are no dialogue options given for the times out girl was poked with needles and served cold water. How she only burst out when she was served rotten food. Shows that she did try to keep her head down and take the abuse but these people kept pushing her buttons.
And you know what I understand why the real Penelope never called that man "father". Like if my "father" believed me capable of stealing a necklace I wouldn't want anything to do with him either and f*ck you Reynold. Hope you die. No amount of cute apologizing is gonna let you off the hook.
Same with the duchy. They should never be forgiven for thier half assed apology for literal child abuse and torture.
Like what was the real Penelope even to these people. A scapegoat they can lash out one. A board to project their issues onto. A diy craft for their sadistic experiments.
Let's all see who can cause the most psychological damage to this little girl. Lets not!?
And then they turn around and apologise to the MC. What the actual f*ck. Come one guys. Let's have consistentcy. If you're gonna hate and neglect someone just do it, don't turn around and change your mind because they act like a different person. It's really disrespectful. Not that they have many morals anyway.
And what the f*ck is with Derrick. Like don't get me wrong I hate the entirety of the duchy, especially the Duke and his sons. Both Reynold and this guy. But what is exactly Derrick's problem.
He loves her but doesn't. Is he just hiding his lust for her. Don't they have like a 6 year age gap. Isn't she just seventeen. What is this guy smoking.
And if he is so in love and obsessed with her how come he doesn't realise she is a different person. Why does no one realise this. Why? She can't genuinely be this hated that people would rather forget about her original personality in favour for this new one.
Is it just me or is there like a lot of abuse apologism in vadd.
Might make a rant about it later
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netunleashed-blog · 6 years ago
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Neil Reynolds' NFL diary: Day five | NFL News
http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=25962 Neil Reynolds' NFL diary: Day five | NFL News - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=25962 Neil Reynolds American Football Expert & Columnist Last Updated: 31/07/18 8:34am And that’s a wrap! Monday was spent in training camp with the Seattle Seahawks and now it's time to drag our weary tails home after conducting 21 interviews during a country-crossing tour that took us to New York, Stamford, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Napa Valley and the Pacific North-West.Along the way, we have been fortunate to chat with some of the big stars of the league and today was no different as we got time with quarterback Russell Wilson, receiver Doug Baldwin, linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright and head coach Pete Carroll. The faces are significantly different in Seattle. During a tumultuous offseason, the Seahawks parted ways for one reason or another with Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson on offense and Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor, Jeremy Lane, Sheldon Richardson and Richard Sherman on defense.But the message remains the same. Compete and win. The expectations have not been lowered one iota inside the building in Seattle. That was one of the big takeaways from our day with the Seahawks in one of America's most beautiful sporting facilities, hugged up tight against the shores of Lake Washington.Five observations from Seattle Seahawks training campThe Seahawks compete in everything they do. On every play during this training camp practice and, according to the players we interviewed on Monday, that is something that carries over into the regular season and it definitely translates into a more positive performance every Sunday. I'll give you one example of that competition. Wilson threw a pass into the corner of the end zone that was caught by wide receiver Marcus Johnson. But the official ruled the toe-tapping receiver to be out of bounds, which prompted a good-natured back and forth between Bobby Wagner and Doug Baldwin over the validity of the play. Their debate went on quite a while and highlighted how the offense and defense want to win on every play… even in JulyThe Seahawks are missing one of their defensive stalwarts in All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who is holding out until he gets a new deal or gets traded. Seattle don't seem in any rush to extend the 29-year-old defensive back so the two sides have hit a stalemate of sorts. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said something interesting to me on Monday when we talked about veteran leadership on his team. He said: "When you have Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, you don't need any more on the other side of the ball." Not a mention of Thomas, which was quite telling. Russell Wilson Russell Wilson is a true superstar who always cuts a positive figure. Given his elite status, Wilson legitimately gives the Seahawks a chance to win whenever he steps on the field. But even Wilson himself might admit that he is going to have even more on his shoulders in 2018. Doug Baldwin was missing from practice on Monday and some of Wilson's completions had me reaching for the Seattle roster. During the course of a morning practice that played out under an unforgiving sun and in 95-degree heat, Wilson completed passes to Damore'ea Stringfellow, Marvin Bracy, Tyrone Swoopes and Kyle Carter. Those guys are not exactly household names, but neither was Baldwin when he first arrived in Seattle.In a spirited and highly competitive practice, there were several young players who caught the eye - notably first-round running back Rashaad Penny, free-agent wide receiver Jaron Brown (who caught a beauty of a 40-yard touchdown pass from Wilson in team drills) and rookie linebacker Shaquem Griffin. Pete Carroll spoke very highly indeed of Penny and while it is hard to judge runners in camp, he certainly moves well and looks set to be a factor in the passing game as well as the ground attack. Griffin made arguably the play of the day in the red zone as he jumped Wilson's slant pass at the goal-line and made a spectacular diving interception. Any worries about his ball skills should have disappeared with that incredible play and he is developing a habit for making game-changing plays having forced a fumble in practice the day before.Pete Carroll spoke eloquently and at length about the culture he has created in Seattle. I found it fascinating because, by the coach's own admission, it might not be for everybody. He empowers his players to be individuals willing to express themselves and to not be afraid of having opinions. He rightly pointed out the Seahawks have fielded some outspoken alpha males in recent years, but here is the key - they were all very well aware that no one is bigger than the team. As Carroll stressed, every player on Seattle's roster "belongs to something bigger than yourself." He also explained the players police themselves and are under no illusions of what is and isn't acceptable in Seattle. So beyond the hollering and whooping sits a line that even the most controversial players on the roster know must not be crossed.Quote of the Day I We have had a great run with some terrific football players but there is just a cycle in these things and there comes a time when you have to make transitions. Pete Carroll "We have a good feeling about the players we have - it feels new and it feels fresh. It feels like it did four or five years ago." - Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll on the new look and feel of his 2018 Seahawks.Quote of the Day II"When I was undrafted, I wanted to be a starter. When I was a starter, I wanted to be an impact player. Then I wanted to be an all-star and All-Pro player. I keep pushing myself and I keep finding motivation, whether it be external or internal." - Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin explaining the drive that took him from being an undrafted free agent to one of the best in the business.Quote of the Day III"I'm super-excited to come to London and play a regular season game. I'm excited about what the future is going to be like in London in terms of growing American football and expanding globally around the world." - Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson when asked about his interest in helping to promote the NFL in the UK. Training camp finish that sentenceHuge thanks to… Oliver Luck at the XFL; Mike Vrabel, Marcus Mariota, Derrick Henry, Malcolm Butler, Kevin Byard and Taylor Lewan at the Tennessee Titans; Anthony Lynn, Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Joey Bosa and Casey Hayward at the Los Angeles Chargers; Jon Gruden, Jordy Nelson, Obi Melifonwu and Jared Cook at the Oakland Raiders; and Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright at the Seattle Seahawks. That's not a bad haul over five interview days. Not too shabby at all.Final ThoughtAs I sit and write this final paragraph in the departure lounge of Seattle-Tacoma Airport, I reflect on another fun training camp trip to the United States. It really is, for an NFL fan, one of the most wonderful times of the year. From Jon Gruden's scowling face to Philip Rivers' side arms… from Pete Carroll's infectious enthusiasm to Mike Vrabel's desire to get his hands dirty on the practice field… it has been an amazing opportunity to see four London-bound teams up close and personal. I feel very fortunate to have been on the road witnessing their preseason preparations and hope you have enjoyed some of what I have shared with you. To producer Alex and cameraman Scott… thanks for the laughs! Until the start of the new season on Sky Sports in September… Reynolds out (drops boarding pass in lieu of a microphone). 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eloise175 · 3 years ago
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Eckarts celebrating Halloween with Reynold loosing a bet against Derrick is forced to wear a bunny costume that year which causing Derrick (and Callisto) to laugh at him.
Head canon/scenario!
(Halloween festival)
Immagine there being a festival that lasts two days- it’s basically Halloween and everyone dresses up and does their make up based from legends and whatnot, with a parade and a costume contest.
•Penelope is dressing up as a very stylish witch, (in my head canons she still is descendant of ancient sorcerers/wizards) and she's really intrigued by witchcraft and even has tarot cards. Her costume is basically a puffy dress with only a sleeve, that is attached to a ring on her middle finger and a glove that reaches her elbow on the other arm, the dress finishes at her knees, is different shades of purple and lavender with black accents and silver details, with high stockings and black high heeled mid-boots, and of course a really extravagant dark purple and black hat. As accessories she wears emerald jewelry, a small dark green hand bag, and a belt.
•Callisto matches with Penelope! He’s her ‘companion’- I think we all know Maleficent, right? Yeah, remember Diaval (he was so fine-), yeah now think of Callisto dressed as Diaval, but better. He basically wears a black and silver man’s corset but not overly tight, (no I won’t be taking criticism for that), a button down black blouse underneath, the top buttons undone, with obsidian black feathers on his shoulders and also feather details a bit everywhere. A dark grey belt (that holds his sword, because he ain’t going nowhere without it), form fitting black pants with different silver details embroidered, and high black and silver boots that have feathers.
(Callisto and Penelope always match- they even dressed up as Persephone and Hades once).
•Yvonne is dressed up as a fairy with these beautiful pearl-colored holographic butterfly-like wings. Wearing a blue head band, her dress is a very beautiful cornflower-blue, with a transparent flower-patterned layer, the dress finishes a bit above her ankles sowing off her feet where she wears pastel pink Mary Janes! As accessories she has pink and blue jewelry, and has a small white mini bag.
•Vinter, to the surprise of absolutely no one, originally wanted to dress as a wizard, but when Yvonne heard she went angry girlfriend mode on him with: ‘I will not be talking to you for two weeks if you dress up as a stupid wizard again’ and that was enough to make Vinter change his mind. He kinda matches with Yvonne? He is an elf, with pointed ears and ear cuffs, wearing mostly green and blue. A leaf-green vest with golden patterns embroidered, a light blue blouse underneath, form fitting forest green pants with golden details and a mocha brown belt.
•The duke dresses as a ghost, wearing victorian-style clothes, a black button down with fitted black pants, a collared cape that reaches the ground and a few chains. Penelope and Yvonne helped with the costume and make up.
•Derrick dresses as a vampire, also adorning a victorian/gothic style, wearing mostly dark colors: navy, indigo, black, with gold and silver accents, the dominant color being blue. Has a navy waistcoat, indigo blouse with chiffons at the end of his cuffs, (that he borrowed from Reynold because he doesn’t wear chiffons), tailored navy pants, and mid length black boots.
•Reynold is an unfortunate soul and manages to lose a bet with Derrick right before the festival and as penance he has to wear a super fluffy pink bunny costume. At first he’s so embarrassed that he refuses to leave his room, and it also doesn’t help that Callisto, Derrick, Vinter and Ecklis are laughing at him, with Callisto and Derrick making jokes the whole time. But as the night progresses Penelope and Yvonne help him cheer up with a conversation that goes like this:
Penelope: I think no one would be able to look as good in a bunny costume as you do
Yvonne: Yeah! You’re absolutely rocking it!
Reynold: wait… really?
Penelope and Yvonne: YES!
Yvonne: also didn’t you know that witches and fairies adore animals? Most of the times they can be seen with an animal companion!
So Reynold finds his confidence again and just shows of the entire night, while Callisto, Derrick and Vinter are in so much confusion.
•Ecklies dresses up as a ghost too, only that he doesn’t have a cape and wears mostly white and grey. Has a white high collared blouse with different chiffons, a grey vest with black patters and details, with chain accessories and dark grey boots.
•Emily dresses as a ghost bride! Basically wearing a white old-fashioned bride dress tattered on purpose with a veil, with different types of jewelry and smudged makeup, pairing everything with white Mary Janes.
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havg02 · 3 years ago
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DITOEFTV headcanons with OG!Penelope and OG!Ivonne 2
♡OG!Penelope's definitely got her beautiful looks from her mom who I think looks very voluptuous too and has turquoise eyes, Penny only got her blue eyes from her dad but eventually turned green. Her mom was a sweet, good natured, no-bullcrap sort of women who was kind of cool and charmingly confident girl with a scary temper like Marinette from MLB where Penny gets her daring side from.
♡I'd like to think she has wizard blood and had a bit of magic but never used it since wizards were octrasized and dreamt of being a fashion designer too, she was super good at sewing like making clothes/toys and made plentiful of them for Penny. She also had a devoted lover who was Penelope's father but he passed away which left her to become a merchant to travel around selling clothes/toys she made and being a single mom, she was very protective towards Penny and taught her to sew too until her passing.
♡Ivonne's mom would be just like OG!Ivonne; a kind women yet can be stubborn too, beautiful but not voluptuous in anyway, making her look like a sensible duchess/wife/mother in those days when she was still alive. Being a girl there wasn't much she could do to have fun so she loved to attend to the garden she grew as a hobby as said in the novel with Ivonne who she baby-ed over more than her sons. I think she would have amber or black eyes that make her look approachable unlike her husband.
♡If Penny managed to save OG!Ivonne, Ivonne would've faced discrimination and deal with rumours of her being a monster who attacked the imperial palace and ruined the Eckarts reputation, thanks to Leila. So Ivonne would go through the exact same treatment as Penelope dealt with for years and stay in the mansion for her own good until the rumours die down with the help of the Duke, Derrick and Reynold trying to fix everything.
♡Derrick would have difficulty talking to her too, both bc of trauma/guilt of 'killing' her and getting her lost in the first place, and maybe even guilt for Penelope who left the duchy. Reynold would be less hesitant to talk to Ivonne but would still feel guilty to be happy that his lost sister is alive--not just bc he partially got her lost in the first place, but also bc Penny saved her despite him giving her hell all just for Ivonne. As these two wankers should.
♡This is canon already but after retiring the Duke would pick up on a hobby of gardening since he has nothing else to do in the mansion but also it was something that his late wife liked to do, maybe a sign as him finally moving on and feeling comfortable to remember her now instead of avoiding thinking of her by focusing on work like he's always done, which Penny helped by motivating him to grow Ellen wick roses bc he thinks it's her
♡Though Ivonne would love that he's taking on gardening since he's always been busy with work all her life and uses this time to finally be able to spend time with him which was missed due to Leila taking over her body, and there they'll share memories of the late duchess together and bond together again, with the Duke more motivated to be kinder to his daughters after what happened with Leila and Penelope. Meanwhile OG!Penny would go on world travels, finally live freely on her own.
♡After leaving the duchy Penny would finally do whatever she likes, earn her own money through performing her music as how she's always dreamt of. The Duke would fully support her if she didn't have enough money and protection, in big gratitude for saving Ivonne and big guilt for not being able to be a better father for her, so Penny is out there thriving peacefully no more stress instead of feeling like she's wasting away her life again like back at the duchy, brooding.
♡Callisto fell in love with Ivonne bc of Leila brainwashing and using the 'my sibling hates me' card to get him to be on her side but he would understand Penny more bc he'll see she's the one who's under her sibling's shadow, has a bad dad and is constantly being targetted by everything like he is so I think he would've fell in love and sided with her first anyway than Ivonne, seeing how he reacted when he met Leila in the novel
♡I don't think Penny would like Callisto bc being the kind of fragile princess who prefers a normal nice man, she would be so frightened of him more than falling in love with him. She'd just refuse to go any near him for the sake of her life, hoping he'd go away and feel like fainting like everyone else's normal reaction would be, being up close to this giant scary prince. Callisto meanwhile would pout that she thinks of him that way but do his best to seem nicer
♡Vinter also canonically said that he wasn't in love with Ivonne in the first place so I think the male leads would've fell in love with Penny first since they would feel more sorry for her than Ivonne if it weren't for Leila cursing all wizards to be ostracized and brainwashing them all beforehand, and Penny got the chance to show how good of a person she is. Btw I don't think OG!Penny was jealous of the male leads in love with Ivonne at all, since she was still cold to everyone.
♡I think she was more jealous that Ivonne got to be seen as good in everyone's eyes, has better treatment, didn't have a reason for everyone to be mean to her and quickly assume every trouble she suffered was immediately her fault instead of caring for her and defending her first no matter what the situation was, like they do for Ivonne. She just wants justice and affirmation that she's cared for, not romance bc she's too good for men and she's too prideful to be jealous about that.
♡in more detail OG!Penelope would've been super fickle with everything from what she wanted to eat, what she wanted to wear or whatever she wanted to do. Emily canonically said that she never went near any salty/greasy food so I imagine she was like Marie Antoinette; only eating veges and fish for lunch, simple broths for dinner and snacked on fruits a lot. She has super keen eyes and really good tastes in fashion, being a daughter of her mother who did sewing as a hobby.
♡Not only did she was picky with food and clothes, but she had her own custom made cosmetics and perfumes. Og!Penelope was also ironically smart on how to make her skin look so good so she uses the best quality products and stays away from products which she knows is bad for her skin, and she's so strict with it that she HAS to get the same products or else her maids will experience hell.
♡The Ellen Wick rose gave me an idea that she loves pastel apricot/coral pink colours but only wore dark colors since she sadly thinks it looks better on her as the evil villain that everyone pressures her to be. So due to her stressful life, OG!Penelope would've used smelling salts, essential oils and perfumes as aromatherapy other than listening to music since everyone making her depressed can be really draining. Her favourite scents would be floral, sweet, powdery like your mom's makeup and fruity.
♡ Being obsessed with beauty, Penelope would have her own custom made cosmetics too. She has natural coral pink/apricot blush and lips so she likes to wear makeup in those colours and wear turquoise eyeshadow or blue liner on her waterline like princess Diana to bring out her eyes which she also takes pride of since she wants to feel like she's still prettier with green eyes than blue eyes, but she'd also rock a pastel lavender eyeshadow and champagne glitter.
♡With nothing to do, she goes on long walks and sight see like admiring the flowers in the garden or the view around the Eckart mansion to calm down as said in the novel, she liked to go up the east hill to admire the fireworks every year. It would make sense if she also had a habit to daydream while doing so, being alone and wishing to live a better life where she'd be just at least be happy, and to also help pass time and make up for all the nightmares she mostly has.
♡If Penny wasn't called the crazy maddog of the eckarts and got the chance to show that she was a good person, she would be referred as 'snow queen/ice princess of the eckart', 'doll of the eckart' or 'the snow daughter/sister of the eckart' for her cold wintery appearance, cold shade pink hair, glass/ice-like eyes and quiet/reserved yet almost cutely shy and kind personality, also a bit bubbly. I have two headcanons of her personality if she lived happily
♡Based on the reincarnated Penelope, she's cold, reserved, admirable, cool yet shy, cute and kind like the one I mentioned above. Or she's very bubbly, a bit cheeky, good natured to the point she's angelic, sweet, kind, affectionate like a puppy yet clever, hates anything happening to her friends/family bc she cherishes them, a bit immature but not stubborn as Ivonne. The bubbly version of her is more likely to be the real her but I pick the snow queen personality ofc.
♡I believe Og!Penelope probably would've always wanted to play an instrument like a flute, violin, piano or a harp and adored music since she's always alone and it's the only thing that keeps her entertained--especially during gatherings where there's musicians but she couldn't get a music teacher or an instrument bc Reynold and Derrick would say things like 'wow now you're just buying everything' or 'can you even play it?' which would make her too embarrassed to ask
♡OR she always dreamt of being a musician since she was a child bc she first heard music from freeloading performers in the streets and was smitten by the songs they played, dreaming or becoming a musician. Other than that, with good tastes in fashion and being taught to sew by her mom, Penny would be super good at fashion designing too like her mom and draw her own clothes to fit her style and show seamstresses as reference of what dresses she wants.
♡Penelope just gives me that powerful 'busy worker woman' vibe bc of her antisocial-ness and no-bullcrap personality so I imagine her sitting at her desk designing her own clothes or writing music, just too busy to chat or fall in love with anyone. If she didn't care what others would say and did music, she would so good at writing music and maybe even become a composer, spending more time working than shopping since she finally has something to do in her lonely boring life.
♡Tbh I don't think Reynold has much of a hobby, like I can imagine Derrick being a reader but I can't imagine someone brazen as Reynold who isn't as busy as Derrick sitting still to read books so I think he just wanders about the mansion like going for a walk, chat with the servants and maids/family or just go to naps since this dude canonically sleeps like a rock which sort of....fits him and makes sense? Or he would meet up with his friends, idk.
♡Ivonne on the other hand would definitely do gardening as a hobby as it says in the novel she looked after her mom's garden which she takes pride of since it's the only thing left of her mom who she adored. But other than that, she loves to go to chat with the maids and servants bc she just hates being bored or being somewhere quiet for more than 5 seconds since she LOVES to talk. She pouts when everyone says they can't talk with her and has to go to work.
♡I like to think Penelope has dainty apricot/coral pink coloured blush and lips while Ivonne has cutesy reddish blush and lips, as if switching tone of colours so their skin doesn't blend and camouflage in with their hair colours. Penelope would do a cat eyeliner to match her sharp frosty eyes while Ivonne does a puppy eyeliner look since Ivonne is someone soft who looks like a kicked puppy when they're sad.
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glenmenlow · 7 years ago
Text
We Need People To Make Brands Work
In 2000, the Wired article The Future Does Not Need Us called into question whether machines were quite the panacea we hoped they were. It was possible, said Bill Joy, that this dependence on machines was not going to a good place. If we can conclude as marketers that machines are building barriers and taking the human factors out of brands he was right.
The power of big data is that it gives us what feels so much like greater insight. The danger is that it could tell us so much that we don’t think we need people to make brands work.
Well beyond the transactional world and high above functions, features and benefits, the strongest brands thrive by their human-centricity and the people behind it. Propelling them to connect on a level where their customers turn from alternatives and accept no substitutes.
For 50 marketers that are focused on building human-centric brands, The Blake Project and Branding Strategy Insider have designed a uniquely powerful experience for keeping brands human in the age of disruption. We call it The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World.
It’s unlike any other branding or marketing conference you’ve attended before:
Everyone in the room is an expert and gains from the sum of the expertise in the room.
Our competitive learning format is fun, energized and impactful.
The walls are down, there are no podiums or stages, there is no hierarchy – your uniform is jeans.
The focus is on learning outcomes, not ticket sales.
Small is powerful, with only 50 marketers participating in hands on learning.
This is marketing’s ONLY issues-based, problem-solving event.
As in your marketplace, some will win, some will lose, all will learn.
No Attendees. Only Participants. The best pathway for learning is through participation, not observation. The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World will challenge your thinking about brands and brand management. To do that, we’ll put you on a team of 10 and offer you opportunities to compete, lead and learn alongside other marketers in a unique environment. The challenges you’ll tackle are based on and influenced by the actual issues that you and other participants are facing.
In April of 2018, our 6th annual event, through the lens of Keeping Brands Human, we’re taking a close look at the shaping forces occupying the intersection of brand strategy and technology. Some of the topics we’ll cover include: How Participation Drives Brands, Creating Frictionless Customer Experiences, Disruptive Marketing Trends, Building Emotional Connections, Encoding Brands In The Mind, Brand Storytelling, Brand Leadership, Digital Strategy, B2B Brand Strategy and more.
The Un-Conference is highly interactive and designed to question assumptions, taking participants on searching journeys to arrive at new and optimistic decisions about their competitive future.
It all takes place at The Hard Rock Café Hotel, San Diego, California April 2 – 4, 2018.
Our schedule…
Monday, April 2nd – Kickoff Mixer: 7- 9pm at The Hard Rock Café Hotel Rooftop Pool
Tuesday, April 3rd – Day 1: 8am – 5pm, at The Hard Rock Café Hotel / 6:30pm – ? Team building event and dinner
Wednesday, April 4th – Day 2: 8am – 5pm, at The Hard Rock Café Hotel
youtube
Who Should Participate? We have reserved these two days (and a kickoff mixer on the evening of the 2nd) for 50 senior B2C and B2B marketers who see professional growth and value creation as a mandate for success and who seek a learning experience superior to last century’s format of marketing conferences:
-Marketing oriented leaders -Marketing professionals (brand managers, product managers, directors, vice presidents, CMO’s, brand strategists etc.) -Advertising agency professionals (account executives, planners, creatives, agency heads) -Marketers facing brand strategy issues -Marketers seeking a competitive advantage -Professionals in charge of brand building, brand management, human resources -Professional brand consultants, digital consultants and researchers -Entrepreneurs launching new brands -Marketers who prefer participation over observation -Marketers who don’t believe that last century’s format of marketing conferences advances them as leaders.
Every year a wide range of marketing oriented leaders and professionals from around the world join us representing startups, emerging, regional, national and global brands. Past participants include AAA, Air France/KLM, Bayer, Bloomberg, Humana, Land O’ Lakes, Liberty Mutual, Pilot/Flying J, RJ Reynolds, TD Ameritrade, GlaxoSmithKlein, Wounded Warrior Project, Monsanto, Ogilvy, Kawasaki, GE and many more.
Your $2,200 registration ($2,500 after September 25th) includes:
-Private kickoff mixer at The Hard Rock Café Hotel Rooftop Pool
-Private Team building event and dinner
-Lunch and refreshments for both Un-Conference days
-Conference Materials
-Special room rates at The Hard Rock Café Hotel
Only 50 marketers can participate. To secure a spot for you or your group at The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World call me directly in Los Angeles at 813-842-2260. Or simply email me.
REGISTER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25th and SAVE $300!
Brought to you by experiential agency Moosylvania and the Los Angeles American Marketing Association
I do hope you can join us.
Sincerely,
Derrick Daye for The Un-Conference, Branding Strategy Insider and The Blake Project
from WordPress https://glenmenlow.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/we-need-people-to-make-brands-work/ via IFTTT
0 notes
markjsousa · 7 years ago
Text
We Need People To Make Brands Work
In 2000, the Wired article The Future Does Not Need Us called into question whether machines were quite the panacea we hoped they were. It was possible, said Bill Joy, that this dependence on machines was not going to a good place. If we can conclude as marketers that machines are building barriers and taking the human factors out of brands he was right.
The power of big data is that it gives us what feels so much like greater insight. The danger is that it could tell us so much that we don’t think we need people to make brands work.
Well beyond the transactional world and high above functions, features and benefits, the strongest brands thrive by their human-centricity and the people behind it. Propelling them to connect on a level where their customers turn from alternatives and accept no substitutes.
For 50 marketers that are focused on building human-centric brands, The Blake Project and Branding Strategy Insider have designed a uniquely powerful experience for keeping brands human in the age of disruption. We call it The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World.
It’s unlike any other branding or marketing conference you’ve attended before:
Everyone in the room is an expert and gains from the sum of the expertise in the room.
Our competitive learning format is fun, energized and impactful.
The walls are down, there are no podiums or stages, there is no hierarchy – your uniform is jeans.
The focus is on learning outcomes, not ticket sales.
Small is powerful, with only 50 marketers participating in hands on learning.
This is marketing’s ONLY issues-based, problem-solving event.
As in your marketplace, some will win, some will lose, all will learn.
No Attendees. Only Participants. The best pathway for learning is through participation, not observation. The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World will challenge your thinking about brands and brand management. To do that, we’ll put you on a team of 10 and offer you opportunities to compete, lead and learn alongside other marketers in a unique environment. The challenges you’ll tackle are based on and influenced by the actual issues that you and other participants are facing.
In April of 2018, our 6th annual event, through the lens of Keeping Brands Human, we’re taking a close look at the shaping forces occupying the intersection of brand strategy and technology. Some of the topics we’ll cover include: How Participation Drives Brands, Creating Frictionless Customer Experiences, Disruptive Marketing Trends, Building Emotional Connections, Encoding Brands In The Mind, Brand Storytelling, Brand Leadership, Digital Strategy, B2B Brand Strategy and more.
The Un-Conference is highly interactive and designed to question assumptions, taking participants on searching journeys to arrive at new and optimistic decisions about their competitive future.
It all takes place at The Hard Rock Café Hotel, San Diego, California April 2 – 4, 2018.
Our schedule…
Monday, April 2nd – Kickoff Mixer: 7- 9pm at The Hard Rock Café Hotel Rooftop Pool
Tuesday, April 3rd – Day 1: 8am – 5pm, at The Hard Rock Café Hotel / 6:30pm – ? Team building event and dinner
Wednesday, April 4th – Day 2: 8am – 5pm, at The Hard Rock Café Hotel
youtube
Who Should Participate? We have reserved these two days (and a kickoff mixer on the evening of the 2nd) for 50 senior B2C and B2B marketers who see professional growth and value creation as a mandate for success and who seek a learning experience superior to last century’s format of marketing conferences:
-Marketing oriented leaders -Marketing professionals (brand managers, product managers, directors, vice presidents, CMO’s, brand strategists etc.) -Advertising agency professionals (account executives, planners, creatives, agency heads) -Marketers facing brand strategy issues -Marketers seeking a competitive advantage -Professionals in charge of brand building, brand management, human resources -Professional brand consultants, digital consultants and researchers -Entrepreneurs launching new brands -Marketers who prefer participation over observation -Marketers who don’t believe that last century’s format of marketing conferences advances them as leaders.
Every year a wide range of marketing oriented leaders and professionals from around the world join us representing startups, emerging, regional, national and global brands. Past participants include AAA, Air France/KLM, Bayer, Bloomberg, Humana, Land O’ Lakes, Liberty Mutual, Pilot/Flying J, RJ Reynolds, TD Ameritrade, GlaxoSmithKlein, Wounded Warrior Project, Monsanto, Ogilvy, Kawasaki, GE and many more.
Your $2,200 registration ($2,500 after September 25th) includes:
-Private kickoff mixer at The Hard Rock Café Hotel Rooftop Pool
-Private Team building event and dinner
-Lunch and refreshments for both Un-Conference days
-Conference Materials
-Special room rates at The Hard Rock Café Hotel
Only 50 marketers can participate. To secure a spot for you or your group at The Un-Conference: 360 Degrees of Brand Strategy for a Changing World call me directly in Los Angeles at 813-842-2260. Or simply email me.
REGISTER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25th and SAVE $300!
Brought to you by experiential agency Moosylvania and the Los Angeles American Marketing Association
I do hope you can join us.
Sincerely,
Derrick Daye for The Un-Conference, Branding Strategy Insider and The Blake Project
0 notes