#duncan x mackenzie

[themusicsweetly]

New photos from Outlander Season 7B

[adsosfraser]

Neamhnaid Fola

Neamhnaid Fola [/Nʲãũnɪdʲ/ /ˈfola/]- Blood Pearl

“Ye’re a…” The man sat back further on his haunches, careful to still keep a steady grip on her wrists, dumfounded, “lass.”

or in which Claire Beauchamp murders Jamie Fraser’s betrothed, Laoghaire MacKenzie, minutes before the wedding.

Read on AO3

[ask-the-teacher-squad]

New ask blog

Web series Teachers:

Sketch/Sketchbook/Paige: Demi-Girl, She/They, Bisexual, 26

Tony: Cis Male, He/Him, Bisexual, 33

Shrignold: Demi-Boy, He/They, Pansexual, 27

Colin: Intersex Boyflux, He/Him, Gay, 33

Lia (Laptop): Demi-Girl She/They, Polysexual Polyamory, 28

Gilbert (Globe): Boyflux, He/They, Bisexual Polyamory, 28

Stanley (Steak guy):Cis Male, He/Him, Bisexual, 42

Fredrick (Fridge): Trans-male, He/Him, Gay, 42 Harper (human body): Trans-fem Girlflux, She/They, Lesbian Asexual, 19

Carter (Monster can #1): Non-Binary, They/Them, Aroace, 16

Cannon (Monster can #2): Bigender, She/He, Unlabeled, 16

Stacy (Spinach can): Cis Female (?) She/Her, Questioning, 11

Ben (Bread boy): Cis Male, He/Him, 6

Larry (Lamp): Trans-male, He/They, Gay, 28

Tv series Teachers:

Braydon (Briefcase): Cis Male, He/Him, bisexual, 30

(Unemployed) Brendon: Cis Male, He/Him, Bi-curious Asexual, 26

Andy: Cis Male, He/Him, Pansexual, 25

Duncan: Agender, They/He, Gay, 25

Claire: Cis Female, She/Her, Ally, 9

Eleanor(Elevator):She/They, Lesbian, 28

Finn(Coffin):He/Him, Pansexual, 33

Warren: Trans-male, He/They/Xe, Bisexual, 24

Lily: Cis Female, She/Her, ???, 9

Todney: Cis Male, He/Him, Straight, 9

Mr. Thomas (Train man): Cis Male, He/Him, ???, 80

Electracey: Non-Binary, They/She, Lesbian, 25

The main trio + Special one:

Harry: Trans-male, He/Him, Gay Demi-sexual, 28

Robin: Trans-male, He/Him, Pansexual, 28

Doi/David: Cis Male, He/Him, Ally, 9

Kelly(Special one): Cis Female, She/Her, ???, 9

Oc's:

Christian/Chris/Christy: Genderfluid, Any pronouns, Pansexual, 24

Cloudy: Trans-female, She/Her, Pansexual, 24 Stitch Kid: Non-Binary, They/Them, Aroace, 14 Ember: Genderqueer, They/Them, Bisexual, 16 Ruby: Cis Male, She/Her, Queer, 16 Nathaniel: Trans-male, He/Him, Gay, 15 Nyx (Lampnold fanchild): Cis Male, He/Him, 1

Others:

Solar/Soldryxe/Sol/Demi: Any pronouns, Pansexual Aromantic (Cupioromantic), ??

Roy: Cis Male, He/Him, Ally, 39

Lesley: Cis Female, She/Her, Ally, 49

Mean Steve/Steven/Keith: Cis Male, He/Him, Pansexual Polyamory, 23

Lucy (Little gold key): Cis Female, She/Her, Questioning, 11

Fizz(The soda bottle from the pilot episode):Trans-masc Genderqueer, He/They/Xe, Gay, 22

Richard (Blue guy): Cis Male, He/Him, Gay, 27

Robert (Red bird): Trans-male, He/They, Omnisexual, 27

Lucas (Green guy): Cis Male, He/Him, Aroace, 9

+ Some More Characters

- Ships: Fluffy bird (Robin x Harry) Digital time (Colin x Tony) Lampnold (Shrignold x Larry) Laptop x Gilbert x Mean Steve x Fizz (idk why I ship it) Meat Locker (Fredrick x Stanley) Cannon x Ember Mackenzie x Harper Mind Storming (oc x oc aka Christian X Cloudy)

- This blog may contain angst, violence, murder (no major deaths tho), curse words, mentions of alcohol and (maybe some)drugs, mentions of addiction, mentions of abuse (I'll put any posts trigger warnings if they contain any of these)

- This AU happens a long time after Roy and Lesley stopped the whole teaching thing

- In this AU, the web series teachers live in a separate house from he TV show teachers apart from Electracey who decided to move in with the web series teachers. - The trio and Kelly also live with the web series teachers - Tony and Colin adopted two cats, a Persian named Bella and a sphinx named Pepper. Also, I turned the orange from dhmis 1 into Sketchbook's pet American bobtail cat named Oliver.

That's all!

[witchqueenofthemoon]

BODY AND SOUL MASTERPOST (COMPLETE)

This is the masterpost for my Millory/House of Cards crossover AU, BODY AND SOUL. I wanted to help anyone who likes the fic to find the new chapters as I write them in an organized place. Thank you, endlessly, as ever, for all the love. Millory fans are truly the greatest of all time. If you read this fic, please reblog and like this post, thank you!  Visual moodboard by the lovely @nat-de-lioncourt, please go like and reblog her original post if you like the fic, thank you!

One fated night, Duncan Shepherd, infamous sole heir of Shepherd Unlimited, is taking a brief reprieve from a penthouse party on a deserted balcony covered in roses. It’s there he first glimpses an angel in a little black velvet dress named Mackenzie Stone--an angel who will awaken the hidden depths of light deep within him, changing the course of his life forever. This is a story about Fate, the Divine Feminine, and the healing, cosmic power of true love: a love that spans eons of time and infinite universes. 

AO3

Part 1 

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 22

Part 23

Part 24

Part 25

Part 26

Part 27

Part 28

Part 29

Part 30

Part 31

Part 32

Part 33

Part 34 EPILOGUE

[icelatte111aisla]

Outlander🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[witchqueenofthemoon]

Have to reblog this again because it’s #BIG DUCKENZIE ENERGY

[rhcenyra]

OUTLANDER ⇢ 1x10

Anyone ever told you you have the most gorgeous neck? Holds your head so prettily. I'd hate to see them parted.

[jamieatthebarricade]

Maids to Wives / Chapter 5

In 1619, one hundred and forty-four English women from good families crossed the Atlantic in response to the Virginia Company of London’s call for maids “young and corrupt” to make wives for the planters of it’s new colony in Virginia. One in six of the maids could even claim gentry status. Although promised a free choice of husband, they were in effect being traded into marriage for a bride price of 150 pounds of best leaf tobacco, the profits to flow to individual investors

In 1619, Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp made the voyage to do one thing: marry a man she’s never met. But when she arrives, she comes to the startling realization that her heart belongs to someone else, a certain James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser.

Chapter 5/? : A Known Stranger

Previous Chapters : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Find Maids to Wives on Archive of Our Own!

May 22nd, 1619, Claire’s POV

“Dear diary, 

As time passes by here, I find myself enjoying life here more and more. I’ve been less than a week, and since arriving I’ve made a goal for myself to discover something new everyday. Whether it’s a new tree I didn’t notice before or a currant in the river. Yesterday I discovered a field of wildflowers a little aways of me and Frank’s house. I hope to go back there one of these days, maybe take Frank there and have lunch.

Frank and I haven’t had too much time to converse with each other, aside from small pillow talk at night. I ask about his day and he asks about mine. Usually he’s away during the day, in town with peers or overseeing the farms. I suppose I had an unrealistic romantic idea of marriage, that we’d be with each other more.

That’s not to say I mind. Being able to think by myself is a privilege I’m happy to keep. This whole experience has been incredibly overwhelming, so not feeling smothered by my husband is somewhat of a plus, although I’m smothered by a different thought.

The man at the docks. His red hair. His tall statue that stood over everyone else. Since last seeing him I couldn’t stop thinking of him, and guiltily I don’t think I mind. The feelings I have for him aren’t like anything I experienced before. It’s the type of attraction you read about, but never live through. He was this erotic thought in the back of my mind I could pull out whenever I wanted to escape. He was the forbidden fruit, and I wanted nothing more than a taste.

I need to stop myself. As pleasant as those thoughts were, I had a husband. A good husband who was kind and gentle, and who provided graciously for me. I had a roof over my head, and all the free time to frolic and read. I’d been doing better than many of the other women, from what I had observed. Mary was the only other one who seemed happy to be married.

I am seeing Geillis tomorrow, so I’ll ask her then. Although, I can guess her answer. From what she told me of her dream man, her current husband didn’t fit the description. He was old, bald, and fat. From what I observed from far away, she always pulled back when he kissed her. It made me fortunate to have Frank.

I suppose I should stop for tonight. Frank will be home soon, and still have our bed to make. Thank you for letting me release my thoughts.

Love, Claire”

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

May 23nd, 1619, Claire’s POV

“What are your plans for the day?” For the first time in weeks, Me and Frank were able to sit down together for breakfast. I had opted to prepare a simple meal of bread and milk, as I still had yet to learn to integrate recipes for my husband. I made a mental note to myself to start that.

“I’m visiting Geillis, my friend from the ship” Frank just smiled and sipped his milk, gazing between me and his food. I found his look charming, and I was happy to receive it. He looked at me with a nurture that was warm and inviting, that said ‘I’ll protect you,’

As he looked at me, I took the opportunity to look at him. Everytime we interacted, it seemed like I was noticing more about his features. His face was quite square, and he had these lines along his cheeks that trailed from the bottom of his jaw, and which became more defined when he smiled (thankfully, he did that a lot). He was balding slightly, but I suspected he’d be one of those men who balded nicely. He had a nice face, and I smiled to myself as I looked at him.

Suddenly the door opened, and Frank’s lesser twin came in. I hadn’t seen Jonathan for a while, as he usually kept to himself for the most part. Sometimes I saw him when I went out for a walk, but I always tried to avoid him. There was something about him that caused me to move away from his presence. It was strange, even though him and Frank looked the same, I knew deep down they weren’t the same person at all.

Frank was annoyed at his brother’s outwardly intrusion, and made no effort to hide it. “What can I do for you?” although the question wasn’t ill-spirited, the annoyed tone of his voice gave away his true feelings.

“There’s a shipment down at the docks. We need to help unload,” Jonathan returned with the same annoyed energy, and I saw the sibling tension between them. Growing up an only child, I’d always wanted a sibling of my own. Living with Jonathan and Frank rid myself of that dream.

Frank turned to me, giving a small smile. “I’m sorry our breakfast had to be cut short, we should try doing this more,” He smiled, and leaned in for a kiss. I happily returned it, and we shared a short peck before he was out the door. I hadn’t even noticed Jonathan was still in the room before I heard his voice,

“Goodbye Claire,” He said. I hated his voice so much, because it sounded so much like Frank. If any part of them shared likeness, it was their voices. Though, Jonathan’s always sounded like it was laced with something. Villainy? That’s what I suspected. 

I gave him a short nod, and thankfully he was out the door. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was keeping in, and looked around the small room. Me and Frank’s half eaten breakfast, a small table with 3 chairs, and a hearth. It was quaint, but it was home.

‘I should meet Geillis,’ I told myself, taking off my apron and looking at myself in the window. My hair was pulled up, and I was hesitant to change it as my hair tended to be untamed down. It wasn’t like I was meeting the queen or anything, I kept it the way it was.

The walk to town was longer than I was expecting. I’d only ever ridden on horseback, but figured today was a good day to take a scenic route. It was sunny, and quite warm. Some of the wildflowers I passed were blooming, and birds filled the sky and sound with their presence. Everything was peaceful until it wasn’t.

It was like a dark cloud came over everything, and the perfect day turned to something worse. Behind me, I heard the rustling of bushes, and slowly the movement of feet. I didn’t even notice my own starting to pick up the pace. A part of me wanted to keep walking. I’d be to town eventually, it wasn’t too far away. I heard the footsteps getting closer and my other thought was to turn around and fight whoever this demon was.

I chose that option, turning around and screaming, at the same time punching whoever was my chaser one. The person fell to the group, clutching his nose in his hand. It was an old man, with a bushy beard and a smell of alcohol that filled my senses quite quickly. I didn’t recognize him, and surely thought that whoever it was meant to hurt me.

Before I had time to breath, I heard another pair of footsteps being him. ‘This can’t be happening’ was I being set upon by highwaymen? Were these a band of bandits intending on stealing or hurting me? I quickly ran the opposite direction to my house, but whoever was chasing me was faster. At some point I would need to fight and that time would be now. 

I turned, and punched at whoever it was quickly. He doubled over, but didn’t fall like the other. When I looked at who it was, my breath caught in my throat. The man had bright ginger hair, and I’d only ever seen that color on one other person.

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

A/N Thank you all for reading!! I’ve been in a writing mood lately so hopefully expect some new stuff out! Have a great day yall :)

[adsosfraser]

Chapter Nineteen

Come back to me, James Fraser.

Aye, as soon as I can.

The words echoed through her mind, unfocused from her current task of spinning wool. It had been two weeks now. She had grown without him, finally, a little bump that couldn’t be mistaken for bloating. It was still hidden under her stays and skirts, but naked before the small mirror over their vanity, it was unmistakable. She placed the rabbit near her stomach every night and inhaled the lingering scent off of the tartan collar that could only belong to Jamie.

Read more on AO3

[vmficrecs]

LoVe soulmate aus?

Back now where it all beganAuthor: ris91Pairing: Logan/Veronica, LillyRating: TeenGenre: Romance, FriendshipSetting: Pre series to movie Spoilers: all seriesChapters: 1Word Count: 6904Status: CompleteSummary: Logan and Veronica love and lose and finally, find their way back home to each other.Notes: The amount of serotonin this fic gave me was INCREDIBLE. Takes you through Logan and Veronica’s canonical journey in the show, with the heightened element of them being soulmates but not knowing it yet and I definitely was tearing up. Lilly Kane is an icon & the 2004 section of this (aka the Logan Wants to Fuck Veronica While She Wears Her New Boots section) is beautiful. And a very special shoutout to two specific lines -- “I know how much you hate it when the topic is anything other than yourself” and “I didn't even know it was possible to come without you murmuring how much you loved me in my ear” both of which changed me as a person. 

Written on the BodyAuthor: Emma_OzPairing: Logan/Veronica; Mac/DickRating: TeenGenre: Friendship, RomanceSetting: Post Season 2 AU Spoilers: 1.11, “Silence of the Lamb” and 2.22, “Not Pictured” Chapters: 1Word Count: 818Status: CompleteSummary: Almost everyone is born with a name written on their wrist. Some are easy to understand, some quite enigmatic.Notes: Logan’s soulmate mark says trouble, and Veronica’s soulmate mark says epic. The story itself is mostly setting up the Mac/Dick stuff, but LoVe’s soulmate marks for each other are top notch. Also let’s all give Mac a nice big hug she deserves it. 

GratitudeAuthor: HP Slash LuvPairing: Logan/Veronica, Lilly, (Duncan)Rating: TeenGenre: Romance, FriendshipSetting: Pre series AU Spoilers: 1.06, “Return of the Kane”Chapters: 1Word Count: 695Status: CompleteSummary: Veronica is filled with gratitude. Notes: Logan and Veronica discover their soulmates the first time they meet when they’re 12. It’s short & sweet, and Veronica seeing flashes of Logan’s life is!!! 

Play it TwiceAuthor: TheLastGoodGoldfishPairing: Logan/VeronicaRating: TeenGenre: Romance, FriendshipSetting: AUSpoilers: n/aChapters: 1Word Count: 3005Status: CompleteSummary: Logan and Veronica meet for a second first time. Notes: NEVER BEEN RECC’D BEFORE????? oh man. technically, thelastgoodgoldfish self describes this as a soulmates au without the soulmates au, but it’s so good and it’s THELASTGOODGOLDFISH so we’ll allow it. anyway -- He grins, and there’s something smug about him that’s fifty percent annoying and fifty percent attractive. “You know how I know you, don’t you?” Veronica accuses, to which he laughs but doesn’t answer. “You know why I recognize you, and you’re not telling.” I LOVE THEM AND I LOVE MY BEST BOY LOGAN ECHOLLS. also wallace telling veronica logan was an asshole in high school!!! & veronica blushing because logan has long fingers is ICONIC and so is the ending when logan says her full name. the entire fic is a work of art and if you haven’t read this masterpiece yet, drop everything and read it immediately. 

if i know what love is, it’s because of youAuthor: avaloneanPairing: Veronica/Duncan (eventual. Logan/Veronica)Rating: TeenGenre: FriendshipSetting: Pre-series AU Spoilers: n/aChapters: 1Word Count: 883Status: In ProgressSummary: The universe had a funny way of choosing the people Veronica was destined to love.Notes: so this fic is listed as having an eventual logan/veronica endgame, but only the first chapter is up so we’re not there yet, but maybe if everyone leaves a kind word....I can’t help but notice that this fic was posted only a month before The Incident. anyway. the chapter that’s up is veronica and duncan centric, but i love the characterization of tiny veronica in this. it’s such a cute start to the fic and i would like to see more. 

The FirstAuthor: marshmallowtashaPairing: Logan/VeronicaRating: MatureGenre: Romance, They’re FuckingSetting: Season 1 AU Spoilers: 1.18, “Weapons of Class Destruction” Chapters: 1Word Count: 3496Status: CompleteSummary: Who would be The First? The one who would “deflower” her? Again.Notes: An innovative take on soulmate AUs. Love that Logan and Veronica’s first kiss was kept the same, and Veronica realizing Logan has the same soulmark as her and going, okay that’s it we’re having sex right here right now is iconic. Also Logan admits to jacking off to thoughts of Veronica and that is so special and endearing to me that it gets its own line.  

Infinity FoundAuthor: steenbeansPairing: Logan/VeronicaRating: TeenGenre: Romance Setting: AUSpoilers: n/aChapters: 1Word Count: 970Status: CompleteSummary: “All it takes is a single touch, skin on skin.” Notes: They find out they’re soulmates when Veronica slaps Logan in the face, in retaliation for Logan slapping her on the ass. They are idiots. Logan tells her he thought she’d be taller!!! and the simple, “veronica, i know you.“ PERFECT 

Counting the MinutesAuthor: Heavin24Pairing: Logan/VeronicaRating: MatureGenre: RomanceSetting: Post MKATSpoilers: All seriesChapters: 1Word Count: 13195Status: CompleteSummary: On the most important day of their lives, Logan and Veronica remember some of the important moments in their relationship. Canon-verse, movie-compliant. Spoilers for everything: the show, the movie and the books.Notes: Takes us through Logan and Veronica’s history together as they reflect upon their relationship on their wedding day. Extends a lot of L/V scenes beyond the screentime the show gave them (waves excitedly at the extend L/V ruskie business scene AND waves at the extended lv car makeout AND waves at the extended 2x22 logan realizes keith is alive and just dips out of that fucking apartment scene and basically yes i’m waving excitedly at all the scenes and so will you). Also, special shout to Logan WHO WEARS HIS NAVY DRESS FORMAL ATTIRE IDK THE LINGO TO THE CEREMONY and who also is 100000% ready to start a fist fight at his own wedding if anybody dares to protest their marriage. We love a man. “It was always you for me, Veronica.” want y’all to know i am screaming in my apartment right now!!!!  

Death of a Bright Young ThingAuthor: disdainfulladyPairing: Logan/Veronica, Mac, Lilly, Meg, Duncan, Dick, etc. Rating: MatureGenre: Romance, Mystery Setting: AU Spoilers: up to 2.07, “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner” to be safeChapters: 5Word Count: 54052Status: In ProgressSummary: Veronica has been asked to investigate the suspicious death of one of London's Bright Young People. Said investigation throws her right back in among a crowd she'd left years ago and the man that had never quite been hers. Notes: Y’ALL THIS AU PREMISE IS SO GOOD AND ENGAGING!!! Also, Logan and Lilly have me screaming my head off with delight I love them so much. I don’t want to spoil this for y’all because I want you to be able to experience it for yourselves.....but like.......it’s so good. I am in love. Everything about this is a delight!!!!! I want to give y’all the specifics, but just trust in me that it is a wonder and discover it for yourself!! All the characters are so well thought out and the characterization even in this twenties setting in uncanny. OH MY GOD YOU GUYS WHILE I WAS PREPPING THIS TO POST TO THE BLOG THE FIC UPDATED!!! THIS IS A MIRACLE EVERYONE READ THIS IMMEDIATELY THANK YOU  

[witchqueenofthemoon]

For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright / who art as black as hell, as dark as night

[misssamcraigsart]

One Big Happy family

[witchqueenofthemoon]

#DUCKENZIE

Hades: Ask me why I love you.

Persephone: Why do you love me, Hades?

Hades, pulling out a 200 slide presentation: I’m glad you asked.

[wakandansleeperagent]

As someone who watches Veronica Mars on a biannual schedule, the new season is literally everything I could ever hoped and dreamed of... as long as they keep Veronica and Logan together. They can annihilate the entirety of Neptune if they want; I just need Veronica and Logan to be happy!

Also if we could save Weevil from whatever is happening I would really appreciate it!

Maybe give Father Mars some happiness in his life too!

If Wallace could also be present and accomplished I would also sincerely love that!

Perhaps some Mac with her continued self confidence and lesbian vibes flourishing also!

Also consider the return of Duncan and his daughter from Australia too!

I don’t think I’m asking for too much, just copious fan service to fuel my endorphins! Thanks xo

[jamieatthebarricade]

Maids to Wives // Chapter 3

An Outlander AU based loosely on the TV Show and real life in the historic Jamestown

In 1619, one hundred and forty-four English women from good families crossed the Atlantic in response to the Virginia Company of London’s call for maids “young and corrupt” to make wives for the planters of it’s new colony in Virginia. One in six of the maids could even claim gentry status. Although promised a free choice of husband, they were in effect being traded into marriage for a bride price of 150 pounds of best leaf tobacco, the profits to flow to individual investors

In 1619, Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp made the voyage to do one thing: marry a man she's never met. But when she arrives, she comes to the startling realization that her heart belongs to someone else, a certain James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser.

Find Maids to Wives on Archive of Our Own!

Chapter 3 : Maids to Wives

“Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.”

- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

May 16th, 1619, Claire’s POV

The air was crisper in the new world, that was the first thing I noticed. The smell of soft pinewood, salt water, and fresh bodies filled my nose. Around me was open air, no tall buildings or hundreds of people in sight. I don’t remember the air being this clean since I traveled with my uncle.

While the air was clearer, there was also a thick fog of tension within the ship. Since seeing land, many of us women had realized how drastic our lives would change in less than a few hours. Either a woman would meet the love of her life, or she would enter a life of hell. I silently hoped for the first option. It was a new day, and we were nearly to the mainland. ‘You should tidy up’ my brain told me, as I looked around trying to find any reflective surface Managing to borrow a small piece of glass from another woman, my reflection stared back at me. Small bits of hair were falling out of my neat bun I had tried to make earlier in the day. The sailors wouldn’t let us use the water for washing up and such, so I wasn’t doubtful I didn’t smell all that good. I decided to use my remaining water ration to quickly wet my underarms as a sort of rugged wash. I smelt myself quick and didn’t find any odar too terrible. 

Looking into my reflection, I smiled. The curls around my face sprang out like a lion's mane, and thankfully to the sun, my face had a bit of color to it. I was no longer the ghostly pale my uncle lamb used to describe me as. He would call me a ghost, depending on where we were and how much sunlight I got. Around me, other ladies were trying to freshen themselves up as much as they could. Geillis had managed to braid a few strands in her long auburn hair. Mary also used some drinking water to give her hair a quick rinse. We all checked each other and were happy with what we were seeing.

“Are ye ready, Claire?” Geillis smiled at me. In truth I didn’t know if I was ready, but there was no turning back from it now. Weeks of waiting and daydreaming were finally coming true today. I was just happy to be on land, a different land, and start this adventure. “I hope my husband is tall. And fit. And has a nice arse” I threw my rag at Geillis in a joking matter. She rarely held back when it came to matters such as female sexuality. Geillis was truly an open book.

At the mention of arse, Mary flushed a nice shade of ruby. “You shouldn’t be mentioning such things!” She whispered softly under her breath, just loud enough for me and Geillis to hear. Geillis in turn laughed and placed a loving arm around Mary’s shoulders.

“If ye think arse is bad, what do ye think happens on the wedding night?” Mary’s face managed to blush an even deeper shade of red, and she quickly hurried into the line for disembarking the ship. Geillis laughed as she ran away, smiling contentedly to herself. 

“That lass is gonna have an interesting time with her new husband” Geillis and me walked over to where the rest of the women were waiting, including Mary. As Geillis looked on I stared out to the land. Grass was much greener than I remembered, and the sky seemed to shine a brighter shade of blue. It was like stepping through a portal into a strange new world, which is strangely what this is. I’m a stranger in a new world who wasn’t awaiting my arrival. Fear tug at my heart at the possibility of something happening. What if there wasn’t enough food? What if we were attacked by a new settlement? I suddenly felt exposed to danger, and subconsciously wrapped my cloak around my body, like a shield.

‘Whatever happens’ I thought. ‘At least I have Geillis and Mary here’. I was fortunate and grateful to have made such great friends on the voyage. Sure, I was expected to be a new wife, but who knew if a man could fill a hole of loneliness and want for a friendship. If something were to happen and I couldn’t tell my spouse, I knew that Geillis and Mary would be there for me.

“Claire, are ye alright? Ye starin’ at nothing,” Geillis gave me a gentle tap on my shoulder, breaking me from my thought haze. They already started carting women off the ship, and Me and Geillis were next in line. The shouts of multiple crewmen filled my ear, and I heard a man shouting the names of both women and the men who would marry them. 

Me and Geillis made our way onto the long boardwalk, and as we were half way, we heard Mary’s name being called.

“Mary Hawkins, Alex Randall,” A short but handsome young man emerged from the crowd. He looked no older than Mary, and his eyes lit up when he saw her. Anxiously, he walked over to her and held out a hand. I could see the blush from her cheeks as they walked away. ‘They’re going to make a wonderful marriage’.

I smiled internally at the sight of them. It was like seeing a sister finding the love of her life, I had nothing but joy for the 2 of them. I scanned the audience. There were men of all different ages and backgrounds. Tall men, short men. Young men, and old men. Most of the young men were reasonably handsome, handsome enough to tolerate. Many of them looked unwashed, which I figured would be the case as most men typically didn’t care that much about hygiene, which was an unfortunate trait.

When we got down to the land, the minute I put my foot down I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Whatever would happen, I’m here now. The feeling of knowing I couldn’t leave, even if I tried, gave me a sense of home oddly enough.

Geillis stood in front of men, waiting behind 2 more women. Slowly their names were called and met with their respective husbands.

“Suzette Augustin, Murtagh Fraser,” Suzette was french, that was one of the only things I knew about her. She was pretty, with very long black hair and a sweet smile, which lit up brightly as Murtagh stepped from the crowd. He was among the tallest of the group, wearing a tartan wrapped around his middle. His face was dark and aged, but he was still very handsome. Suzette definitely thought so, taking his hand politely, but I could see the excitement bouncing off of her.

They were down to the last person before Geillis. All of a sudden, the nerves came rushing back. I would be meeting my future husband in less than 5 minutes. What if he doesn’t like me? What if I don’t like him? I felt the sudden urge to run and hide from all of this, and I looked around quickly for a route (as if I actually had the nerve to run), when suddenly my eyes met with a man. 

He was probably the tallest, leaving me to wonder why I didn’t notice him before as he stood at least a few inches above the other men. His hair was bright ginger and slightly tostled. When I looked at him, all worries and troubles melted away. ‘Did he see the fear in my eyes?’ I wondered. I thought he would look away or turn his attention to one of the other women but his gaze stared at me. Suddenly the urge to run was gone, as if he was holding me by the shoulders. I felt peaceful, like this whole situation wasn’t that bad. 

Our connection was only broken when I felt a nudge behind me, indicating that I had to move forward. I did, but tried to keep my eyes on him a little longer. I didn’t even know his name, yet he was a familiar face in a sea of strangers. I tried to chase that feeling of serenity in his face just a minute longer.

He seemed like he was following me too, his head turning with my step. ‘Did he feel this same serenity?’ Maybe he was getting a bride today, and was just if not more nervous than I was. Deep down a part of me hoped I was to be the bride, but I tried to shake that thought quickly. I didn’t even know this man, I didn’t need to want him this bad.

I turned my head quickly forward, hoping that he didn’t find the action malicious. Even standing forward I still felt his eyes on me, and tried my best to keep my gaze ahead. Geillis and then me, and Geillis was already telling her name to the man.

“Geillis Edgars, Arthur Duncan” A short, stout man emerged from the crowd. He was at least 20 years her senior, and about 5 inches below her. As I saw Geillis’ face drop, I concealed my hand and tried to reach out for Geillis, but Arthur was already by her side, taking her hand lovingly. She took it hesitantly, and as they walked away, Geillis turned back and gave me a sad look. ‘I needed to see her later’.

“What’s your name?” a thick british accent said in front of me. My attention turned and I saw a man, maybe in his late 40s, and a big book in front of him.

“Claire Beuachamp,” I stammered, trying to keep my voice stable as best I could. I wanted to look into the crowd and find that man again. So far, his gaze was the only thing that brought me peace.

“Claire Beauchamp, Frank Randall” the man shouted. I looked out into the crowd, and the ginger man’s face dropped. It wasn’t the same calming look as before. Was he Frank Randall? Perhaps I mistook our connection before. 

Thankfully, another man emerged behind him. He was around my height and a deep, dark face. His hair was a nice brown, and he seemed to be balding but it didn’t age him any bit. He stood in front of me, and took my right hand, giving it a soft kiss on top. His hands were warm, and gave me a sense of hope. ‘I could build a life with this man’ I thought happily, smiling to him, which caused his face to light up as well. 

We walked away from the ship, right towards the ginger man. As we walked towards him, his gaze fell on me again, but this time it wasn’t a calm feeling that came over me. It was more of a flutter, like I was tongue tied without even talking to him. When we passed him, my shoulder brushed him softly. I quickly turned, causing Frank to stop in his path.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized. He opened his mouth to answer but I felt a tug on my hand and before I knew it, our interaction was over. I looked over to Frank, and his kind face from before was changed to slight frustration.

Turning back once more, I caught his eye for only a second, yet I found so much solace in his face. It wasn’t love like you read about in stories, but it was understanding, and for some that’s a start. 

This time he was the one to look away, but quite hesitantly. My gaze shifted as well and and all of a sudden I wondered if I was making the right choice. I hadn’t even met both men yet, but the ginger man looked at me as if he was wrapping himself around me like a blanket, shielding me from any worries to come. I looked back at frank and didn’t find that same warmness. 

Instead, the feeling of fear and the want to run came back, but this time, I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to go back home or back to my friends. I wanted to find out what that man’s name was.

[marshmallowatheart]

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (Part 40)

"Guess who?" She feels warm palms cover her eyes.

"Josh Hartnett? Please tell me you're Josh Hartnett," she jokes, mouth quirking in a smile.

"Close," he says, laughing, letting his hands fall down.

She chuckles, turning around and asks, "I thought you didn't like coming to these things."

Duncan shrugs, "I didn't mind it, I just preferred spending my time differently."

She nods in understanding. Differently had flown to New York. "So did you come alone or should I be expecting the other Kane to be streaking the beach?"

"She is fond of the dramatics," he chuckles. "But, uh, no. She and Weevil broke up. Apparently high school bonfire is too tame a scene for her."

Veronica swallows, absorbing the new piece of information before pushing it to the back of her mind, remarking, "Is anything enough for Lilly Kane?"

He shrugs, getting himself a can of coke from the cooler. "So how's Heather?"

"She's Heather," Veronica lets out. "She misses you."

"I wanted to come by," he says. "I just didn't know if that's okay."

"It's okay," she assures him, soft smile. She feels like it's the first time her heart and mind feels clear on Duncan's position in her life.

--vm--

"Who invited him anyway?" Dick's mouth falls into a frown, disdain colouring his eyes as he stares at the boy that's stolen Mac's attention.

Logan shrugs, he's sitting at the bonfire waiting for Veronica to return with refills - he'd offered and she'd given him eyes like you better analyse the shit out of your friend. So he'd settled down and observed the human condition as his girlfriend wished.

Except when Veronica left, Mac had been whisked away and Dick couldn't stop bitchin' about it.

"So Mac, huh?" Logan asks, eyes watching the flames dance as he warms his hands.

"Huh?" Dick's brows furrow, turning his attention from the talking pair to his best friend.

"You're into Mac?" He clarifies, eyes peaking up to gorge his friend's reaction.

"Isn't it obvious?" Dick remarks; he's known to be attracted to woman and want to satisfy his needs. He doesn't need names or emotions to do so. His brain to body filter is non-existant and he doesn't care (it doesn't really matter what he says or does).

Then he saw her and he'd acted on impulse. She's a girl and flirting is his mother tongue. Flirting turned to a conversation and names suddenly mattered.

She'd spoke in fluid motions of geek and he'd been in awe because he didn't want to stop talking to her - strange considering he's not much for words - he's usually looking for ways to stop talking and start doing better things with their mouths.

He doesn't know anything about liking a girl in a way that Logan does - love is Logan's go-to topic when he's a drunk mess - love is usually the reason why Logan becomes a drunken mess.

Everything sounds poetic when Logan talks about it and Dick isn't one for poetry.

He doesn't know anything about liking a girl but he wants to know this girl.

Right now, he'd like to have her attention back on him and he feels the impatience burning inside him. "I'm gonna tell her Ronnie's calling," he decides, only to note her absence. "Where is Ronnie anyway?" His eyes drift around irritated.

"I don't think Veronica's gonna take to you -"

"Dude," Dick interrupts, eyes focusing to the side of them. "DK's hitting on your girl."

"What?" Logan's head snaps in the direction Dick's looking and he sees them, affection and giggles apparent as they chat.

He should stay, wait for her to get back to him but he's not one for doing what he should do.

He's walking with this ammunition that's come out of nowhere and he knows it's uncalled for and probably unnecessary but it's there and there's a single voice in his head that says it could be there for a reason, that maybe it does mean something.

Duncan's smiling that All-American-Boy smile and Veronica's making remarks that he can't hear but he knows that anything that comes out of her smart mouth would either break a guy's heart or make them fall head over heels. And with the way Duncan's smiling and making googly eyes, Logan can take a guess as to which one that is.

His hand slides up around her waist and he comes to her side, she glances up, surprised and confused but he's murmuring hey like it's been awhile and kissing her the way she likes - the way she likes when they're alone.

When they part, she licks her lips, slightly dazed as she blinks up at him but Logan's already greeted Duncan with a quick nod and sup, man before Veronica could fully recover.

"You coming up for Surfing tomorrow?" He asks, he knows Duncan's more of a land athletic than a water one and he knows Duncan's more than likely to say no. But he wants to show Veronica he can play nice.

"Sure," he shrugs, Logan hides his surprise. "You coming, Ronica?"

"As much as I'd like to see you fumble and fall, I've got plans of the shopping variety."

"You have plans to shop? Who are you and what have you done with Veronica Mars?"

"Shut up," she laughs, smacking his shoulder while he playfully let's out an ouch. "I'm going with Trina and Heather, a girls day out."

"You're going out with Logan's sister?" His brows shoot up in surprise. "I didn't know you met his family."

"Mm," Logan grins, tucking Veronica into his arms. "They just adore her. Who wouldn't?"

"She is adorable," Duncan jokes followed with a cringe - it sounds unnatural when she's got Logan wrapped around her and his own title of sister's boyfriend is long gone.

Veronica's brows furrow slightly but her smile remains and Logan cuddles her to his side. He tilts his head, leaning it on Veronica's and asks, "So we were thinking of heading out for ice cream, wanna come?"

It's the first excuse he can think of that Veronica wouldn't say no to. He knows Dick wants to spend more time with Mac so it's really a win-win situation.

He almost regrets asking because Duncan pauses a moment, considering. He nuzzles Veronica's hair, pecking her temple and she whispers for him to stop it - he doesn't.

"I think I'll hang around for a bit," Duncan says, offering a slight smile. "Don't forget my Christmas cookies," he warns, playfully.

"I wouldn't dare," she laughs, giving him a wave as they head on back to their friends.

Logan frowns as he asks, "What Christmas cookies?"

"We have this Christmas cookie bonanza," she tells him. "Just bake a bunch of cookies for Christmas. It's tradition."

"Hmm. So are you making me any special cookies?" He asks, looking at her beneath his lashes as his fingers intertwine with hers.

"Your favourite is already on my list."

His heart warms at her words. He's already on her list. He likes that. "What's my favourite?"

"You've liked the chocolate chip cookies best," she says, confident in her assessment.

He hums, he can't deny the truth of her words. They were the best cookies he's ever had. And he's not just saying that because he's in love with the girl that's made them.

"Is it on the list because of me or because it always is?"

She tilts her head at him and answers, "It always is. Do you have a special cookie that you want?"

He thinks for a long strenuous moment and decides, "I want fruit cake cookies."

"Fruit cake cookies?" She draws back, face skewered in disgust. "You're kidding, right?"

“When done right, fruitcake can be really good,” Logan defends before proceeding to explain. “My great grandmother used to make fruitcake, and she’d put ice cream on top and it was amazing.”

“If you put ice cream on anything, it’s good,” Veronica points out, still unable to believe his suggestion.

“True, but this isn’t your average fruitcake. It’s not a wet loaf of neon jujubes. It’s got pecans and dried cherries and blueberries and good stuff."

"Hmmm, if you say so."

"So you'll make it?"

"If it's what you want, it's what you'll have," she promises, smiling softly as he stares at her with bright eyes and a wide grin.

He kisses her softly - a silent thank you, I love you and you're the best wrapped in a kiss.

She sighs contently into him. "So we're getting Amy's ice cream, right? Not the third rate shack up here, right?"

His chuckles vibrate against her. "Right," he whispers, dropping a kiss to her head.