#edith's side part

[localratwithcowboyhat]

wow so i just realized that you like what remains of edith finch!!!! whats your fav thing abt it???/pos

Oooofff honestly? I couldn’t choose, i think just the concept of the game alone is absolutely amazing so i couldn’t choose one thing. Just the way the personalities of the characters are tied to their rooms and the way the game leads you trough the story.

Just the details in this game are amazing

[starkeyvhs]

interruptions

PAIRING: nerd!rafe cameron x popular!reader

SUMMARY: you keep on interrupting rafe’s rambles with your kisses.

WORD COUNT: 565

WARNINGS: lots of kisses; fluffy mostly, just very slightly suggestive in between; usage of nicknames; rafe being kinda shy and flustered my baby :’)

EDITH SPEAKS: this fic is inspired by this fic by @xoxochb. it’s a percy jackson one, and if you are interested in that fandom i definitely recommend reading this fic and checking the rest of their stuff out!

and, thank you to @maddsxfall too who helped me write this fic :) I love u maddie! <3

I hope you all enjoy reading this! as always, reblogs and feedback are highly appreciated 🌌

masterlist / join my taglist / requests / moodboard and concept for my nerd!rafe x popular!reader fic

“The cosmos is made of isolated points – the stars, which are connected by invisible lines of influence, and similarly, our brains are also made of isolated points, in this case, the neurons, which are also connected by–”

Rafe’s ramble is cut off with your lips pressed on his, his eyes immediately shutting close at the reaction. 

“What was that?” He mumbles, eyes barely open as you pull back and look up at him, gently pushing his glasses above the bridge of his nose. 

“You just looked so cute rambling about whatever it was you were rambling about,” you laugh softly. 

His own lips lift up to a small smile as he softly shakes his head. “As I was saying, our neurons are also connected by invisible lines of influence and– mmph neurons create patterns of thoughts and memory while– mmh stars create– hmm patterns for navigation and storytelling,” Rafe looks at your grinning face, the way you feel so victorious about interrupting his ramble again and again with kisses. 

“What else?” You mumble softly, pressing your lips back to his in a firm kiss, allowing both of yourself to stay in your bubble for a moment or so before pulling back. 

“Uh, also uh…” Rafe clears his throat, a little flustered from your kisses, which you can visibly see from the pink flush beginning to color his cheeks. You giggle softly, watching how his glasses slide down his nose again and just decide to take them off, carefully keeping them to the side. 

“Mhm, go on,” I hum softly, giving him another small kiss. 

“There are 86 billion neurons in a human brain,” Rafe murmurs against your lips, and you kiss them softly again, “and when we zoom out enough– mmh the web of neurons looks a lot like–” A soft gasp leaves Rafe lips when you begin to trail your lips behind his ear, gently kissing the delicate skin there before trailing down to the side of his neck. 

“Yeah baby?” You mumble into his neck, your voice vibrating against his skin which sends a shiver down his spine. 

“looks a lot like… the cosmos, like the… galaxy clusters connected… with…” he lets out soft breaths between words, feeling his eyelids getting heavier. “dark matter…” he finally breathes out. 

You are pressing gentle kisses over the sensitive skin of his neck, soft shallow breaths leaving his lips as he feels a certain tingling sensation on his neck. 

“You’re so smart…” you mumble softly, kissing up to his sharp jawline and over his cheek before reaching his lips again, and pressing a soft kiss to them. “I love hearing you ramble,” you mumble against his lips, pulling back slightly and smiling at his flustered cheeks. 

“You… you do?” Rafe mumbles quietly, “it’s not boring?”

You shake your head with your smile still proud on your lips. “Never. Do it as much as you want to,” you murmur. 

“Did you know there were countless stars that were a part of ancient constellations, but they just dimmed or have gone supernova?” He blurts out, his voice quiet. 

You let out a soft chuckle and give him a soft peck on his lips. “Oh yeah?” You murmur, kissing his lips again. “Tell me more.” 

Rafe can feel his heart warming as you kiss him repetitively and ask him to tell you more. 

Oh here we go again.

⊹₊⋆.˚୨୧⋆.˚₊ ⊹

taglist: @oxpogues4lifexo / @inthelibrarybtw / @mileyraes / @chenslucy / @totalswag / @wearemadeofstardust0 / @percysley / @superswaggycooch / @khaisdrz / @weirdowithnobeardo / @chimchimjiminie16 / @ursovaine / @mariamadison6-blog / @snowtargaryen / @htlkira / @acidfeens / @r4fe-cam3ron

tagging a few moots: @runningfrom2am / @ilyrafe / @zyafics / @nemesyaaa / @ladyinbl00d / @jjsbank444 / @b1mb0slvt / @maddsxfall

[tripadvisor-said-fivestar-mordor]

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t remember in the Silmarillion or the Lord of the Rings any characters who fell out of love (like mutual love not unrequited crushes (and unless death (or presumed death) separated them)). Arwen and Aragorn remained together till death did them part, and so did Beren and Lúthien. Elrond never replaced Celebrían, Celeborn followed Galadriel wherever she went, Eärendil chose immortality and remained by Elwing’s side, Idril stayed with Tuor, I’m not talking about Nimrodel and Amroth, and Gorlim betrayed everyone for Eilinel.

I just feel like that says a lot about Tolkien’s view on love / Edith

[roosterforme]

Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw Part 22 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: It's terrifying to realize you don't know if Bradley is safe. As the lonely days stretch on and on, you try to savor the notes from him. Once the final two envelopes have been opened, you know you need the real thing.

Warnings: Angst, fluff, adult language, romantic as hell Bradley, 18+

Length: 2600 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female teacher!Reader

Check out my masterlist for more! Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw masterlist

Other than your car, everything you owned was inside Bradley's house. Over the last few weeks, Natasha helped you load up his Bronco and make a few trips down, but she looked at you like you were crazy when you told her you were going to leave most things packed up for now.

"Why?" she asked, leaning on a stack of boxes in the living room. "Even if he gets stationed in Norfolk, you'll finish out your school year here before he sells the house."

But you didn't want him to sell his house. You loved it here. Being in his living space was the closest thing to being with him when he was deployed, and you didn't think it was fair that he might have to give this up. What would Edith do without Bradley to help her? What would Bradley do in a different state without his best friend? No, you simply couldn't unpack, just in case, but you also couldn't accept Virginia with any finality until you were explicitly told it was happening.

"I just wish I could talk to him," you whispered.

"Soon," Nat replied, and you jumped, surprised to find you weren't alone in your thoughts. "I just moved a million boxes. I deserve a trip to the wine bar, and so do you. Bradley will be back soon enough."

"Nine days. Not soon enough." 

It was nine days until he was supposed to get back to Norfolk. On Valentine's Day. Then right after that, it was Career Day at your school. You had been holding onto a few of the envelopes and gift cards from him, trying to make them last, but you were almost out. You needed the real thing again.

Natasha groaned. "You are so in love with him, it's kind of gross. Let's go drink wine, and I'll tell you more tales from before the mustache."

You took one more look at the few unopened letters lined up on the coffee table before grabbing the gift card for the wine bar. But even southern California looked gloomy on the drive up. The wine was good, but you were just tired. Natasha told you all about how she tried to give Bradley the call sign Chicken Man, and you laughed at the idea of that emblazoned along the side of his jet. She also seemed to be able to tell just how melancholy you were.

"You're doing great," she told you, setting down her wine glass. "You're counting down the hours until you can talk to Bradley again. Vanessa would have probably been too busy with her water bottles to remember to pick him up from the airport. There's a reason why it's hard, and it's because he loves you as much as you love him."

You did your best to keep it together after that, but there was a lump in your throat, holding back your emotions, and when you got back home, you started crying on the couch. Big, fat tears rolled down your cheeks, blurring your vision, but you knew which envelope you were reaching for.

Open me when you've had a bad day

As you tore into the envelope, you realized there was another envelope inside it. The second envelope said Take me to The Bayside Florist and give me to someone who works there.

"What is this, Bradley?" you whispered out loud, reaching for your phone to see if the shop was still open this late on a Saturday. Your heart skipped a beat when you realized they closed in an hour, and you grabbed the envelope along with your phone and keys and ran out to your car.

In a matter of minutes, you parked in front of an adorable flower shop with The Bayside Florist in pink lettering on the awning. You felt a little silly taking the envelope inside, but when you were greeted by an older woman with a warm smile, you started to hand it to her.

"This might sound odd, but my boyfriend is deployed, and he left me this envelope," you said with a laugh. "Apparently I was supposed to bring it here?"

The woman adjusted her glasses as a smile found her lips. "Oh, yes. I remember him. Tall? With a mustache? Handsome?"

You bit your lip to keep from making an embarrassing noise. "Yeah, that sounds just like him."

She nodded and opened the envelope, humming in agreement with whatever she read inside. "I have something for you. Wait right here." 

Then she disappeared through a doorway, and you walked around the inside of the shop, examining the arrangements and enjoying the scent of so many types of flowers mingling together. You weren't quite sure what Bradley had up his sleeve from thousands of miles away, but you were almost positive it was about to make your day so much better.

"Special delivery from your boyfriend."

Startled, you spun around to see a stunning bouquet of flowers in every color on the counter, complete with an envelope tucked in amidst the blooms. "That's for me?" you whispered.

"From your boyfriend," she confirmed.

You stifled a whimper as you reached for the flowers. "Am I supposed to pay for this?"

"He already did."

Tears stung your eyes as you pulled the envelope that said Gorgeous from between two roses. It was written in his handwriting. You thought you should read it in the privacy of your own car, so you thanked the woman and then headed back outside. Once you were sitting behind the steering wheel, you set the flowers aside in favor of the note.

Gorgeous,

I never want you to have a bad day, but I really hate that you're having one when I'm not with you. If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I'd choose to be next to you. Will you write about your day in your journal so we can talk about it later? I can't wait to talk about everything with you. I love you.

Bradley

Now that the tears started, you just let yourself cry.

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

Constantly wondering if your boyfriend was even okay was taking a toll on you. Your classroom was supposed to be your safe haven right now. Your place of comfort. Your refuge. But a few days before Bradley was supposed to get back into Norfolk, you were short and snippy with your class. You didn't mean to be, but it was happening anyway.

"Just sit down," you told Oliver, voice taking on a sharp, scolding edge that was usually never there. All eighteen of your kids sat with their backs straight in their seats and their hands folded on their desks like they were worried you were going to start yelling. This was never how you wanted to conduct your class. These kids were really well behaved for the most part, and you wanted them to have a lot of fun mixed in with their school lessons.

You turned away from them to try to catch your breath. The past few nights had been filled with restless sleep and a pain in your heart that wouldn't go away until you knew Bradley was safe. You cleared your throat, trying so hard to figure out what you wanted to say for your social studies lesson, but you couldn't shake your mind free from the anxiety you were feeling.

Picturing the flowers that you put in a Miller High Life pitcher you found in the kitchen after Bradley didn't appear to own a vase made you smile enough that you were able to turn around again.

"I need everyone to open their textbook to page eighty-seven." The only sound was pages rustling as you added, "And I promise I'll make this a fun unit for us."

When you finally left work that afternoon, you decided to let yourself open the last envelope from Bradley. It had been in your tote bag for a few days, just waiting for the right moment. Open me when you really want some coffee. You could clearly use the extra caffeine today, so you tore into the envelope as you walked across the parking lot. Just like before, there was an envelope inside the first envelope. 

Take me to Starbucks and give me to someone who works there.

Now you were smiling. You got to go to another place of business with an envelope like an absolute lunatic, and you were really looking forward to it. You stopped at the Starbucks closest to your school, and when you handed the envelope to the girl who tried to take your order, she raised one eyebrow.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I think it's kind of a treasure hunt of sorts from my boyfriend who is deployed," you told her with a shrug. 

Then you watched her open the envelope and remove a note along with a gift card. Her eyes skimmed the text, and her face transformed into the sappiest smile. "Oh my god," she said, looking back up at you. "I wish someone loved me this much," she muttered and then turned away from you, reaching for the biggest cup and a Sharpie.

You waited awkwardly for a few minutes while she made your drink. You could tell it was your favorite drink. Bradley somehow ordered your favorite drink for you to enjoy. Warmth filled your body, and you accepted the cup from her. "Thanks," you murmured as she paid using the gift card, and that's when you realized she had written something on the cup.

Gorgeous, I love you. I can't wait to come home. Bradley

"Does he have a brother?"

You looked up at the girl who made your coffee. "What?" you asked, taking the note and the gift card from her. 

"Does your boyfriend have a brother? Because that note is the sweetest thing I've ever seen."

You shook your head, but you were smiling. "No. No brother. Sorry. Thanks for making my coffee."

As you walked outside you read the note, already feeling calmer at the sight of his hand writing. 

Dear Starbucks Employee,

The beautiful woman who handed you this envelope is my girlfriend. I am desperately in love with her, and I would be there with her if I could, but I'm fucking deployed, if you can believe it. Please make her favorite drink for her, and if you wouldn't mind, please write 'Gorgeous, I love you. I can't wait to come home. Bradley' on the cup? Thank you so much.

He had scrawled your favorite drink to your exact specifications below that, and it even tasted perfect. You spent the ride back to Coronado planning out your upcoming Monday. If Bradley arrived back to Virginia on time, you'd be hearing from him by then. Every fiber of your being was hoping he'd call and tell you to pick him up in San Diego, but if he had to stay in Norfolk, you'd take a day off from work to fly out and see him. You had to. You wouldn't be able to go an extra minute without him now. You wanted to hug him and kiss him and give him a blowjob. You needed to feel his hands on your body and listen to his voice while you ran your fingers along his scars. 

Monday couldn't get here fast enough.

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

The only thing Bradley wanted to do right now was get his phone in his fucking hands, but he thought that if he brought it up again, someone would tell him the thing had been mysteriously misplaced. He already asked for it three times. He'd been dropped back in Norfolk by air transport, and after a short debrief with a national security team, he would hopefully be allowed to be on his way.

"Lieutenant Bradshaw. This way."

He was led into a medical facility first where his bruises and strained neck were examined and the findings were documented. When he realized he got caught up in a dog fighting scenario with the other aviators, he had been more angry than anything else. Didn't these people know he had a perfect girlfriend to get back home to? Did they even care? He made it out mostly unscathed and back to the carrier deck safely, if not a little sore. The one thing that made him almost laugh was the fact that Cyclone would undoubtedly see his medical report, and there was a good chance Admiral Walker would hear from him again.

After the medical consultation, he was led into a debriefing room where he really didn't have much to say about the mission. It had been successful, sure, but he wasn't going to be allowed to discuss it with anyone after this, so he just stuck to answering the questions he was asked.

Then finally, he was given his phone and left on his own. Of course it was nearly dead when he turned it on, but it should be good enough to reach you. Talking to you would come as his top priority before figuring out how he was getting home, but that was a close second. His heart pounded in anticipation of hearing your voice after so many weeks.

It was barely six in the morning in San Diego. Maybe you were up and getting ready for work, but maybe you were still sleeping. It didn't matter. He needed you to know he was coming home. He tapped on your photo, pulling up your contact information as the warm sun and cold Virginia air hit his skin at the same time, and he shivered as soon as the phone stopped ringing. Your voice in his ear was his reward. 

"Bradley!"

"Gorgeous," he sighed, suddenly so exhausted, he could barely stand. One word from you, and all he wanted to do was curl up on his couch with his head on your lap and let you take care of everything.

"Bradley!" You shrieked this time, and he smiled.

"Baby, I'm coming home."

"For good?" you asked, voice soft with an edge of concern that he wanted nothing more than to ease away. "Or just long enough to pack some things and head back to Norfolk?"

He hoisted his duffle onto his shoulder and started walking. "I'm coming home for good. Coming home to you."

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

He's safe and he's coming home! I'm working on mapping out the remaining chapters of this story, so if there's something you want to read about, hit me up. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 23

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[janeyseymour]

Sneaky Link

Summary: A request from an anon- Secret relation between R and Melissa, Ava flirting with reader until Melissa breaks and threatens to take a Edith houghton to her

WC: ~3.9k

Not edited in the slightest and written in a depressive era lol enjoy

It’s funny the way the world works out for you. It always has been, and it probably always will be. So when Melissa Schemmenti, the known regular at one of the bars you’re also a regular at, comes sauntering up to you after a long day of searching for jobs and interviewing with what seems to be no such luck- well, you think maybe the universe really was looking out for you.

And that was months ago. Now, you and that hot, tough on the outside but soft on the inside, teacher have been together since that night. It’s… it’s something special. You thank whatever high power there is out there for bringing her to you on that one night when you really needed someone.

The thing that the universe hasn’t done in your favor? Given you a job. Until…

“Babe!” Melissa calls you as you’re leaving one of the schools you’ve been subbing at.

You smile at her voice. You always do. “Hey. What’s up?”

“We’re still on for dinner tonight?”

“Of course we are,” you chuckle softly. “I would never give up the opportunity to see my beautiful woman. That isn’t why you called though, is it?”

“No,” she admits. “I was just talking with my principal, and she said that they are for sure hiring a new second grade teacher over the summer. Do you want me to throw your name into the ring and put a good word in for you?”

“How about you let me go so I can drive to your place, and we can talk about it over dinner?” you suggest. “And you drive safe too?”

“You know I never drive safe unless I have you in my car- precious cargo,” she teases you softly. “But okay. I’ll see you in a bit, mi amore.”

That night, the two of you chat about the position opening up at her school. As it turns out, the position is for another second grade teacher, and if you were to get the job, your room would be right next to hers. 

“I don’t know,” you sigh softly as you lay your head down in her lap. “I just… I want to get the job on my own terms, not be a shoo in because I have the world’s hottest teacher in my corner.”

“That would be you, mi amore,” she says quietly as she weaves her fingers through your hair. “But that’s fine. I do think you should apply though. You would be a great addition to the team, and you would get to be on my team and balance out Janine with all of her energy.”

“You know I have just as much energy sometimes,” you chuckle as you reach for the television remote. 

“Yeah,” your girlfriend laughs. “But I find it endearing with you.”

“Because we’re dating.”

“Because I’m in love with you.”

You end up applying for the job, and when you go in, it’s quite easy to see how the redhead has maintained working here for so long. It’s a rundown school where she can make a difference- she refuses to burn out for the sake of the children. And you’ll refuse to burn out for the sake of the children right with her if you end up getting hired here.

The secretary leads you back to the conference room where there sits a panel. It’s clear who the principal is, but then soon either side of her are two women. One who you know from Melissa’s stories is Barbara Howard, and the other is… It’s Melissa herself. It takes everything in you to not chastise her for being a part of your interview, or for at least not giving you a warning- especially after you had spoken with her on the phone earlier that morning about how nervous you were for the interview. You’ll have to save that for after your interview.

“Well, hello there,” Ava’s eyes rake you up and down. “Principal Coleman, and this is Barbara Howard and Melissa Schemmenti- two of Abbott’s finest teachers. Although, you may just join Red in the running for hottest teacher here.”

If this were not a professional setting, you would quip that you could never stand a chance up against your girlfriend, but you’re interviewing, and you know nobody at work knows of her relation to you. So you press your lips together in a fine line and reach out to shake each of their hands. While you meet both Ava’s and Barbara’s eyes, it is much harder for you to look at those green eyes you usually love to see.

The interview is- well, it’s somewhat of a joke. Barbara and Melissa ask you the more sensible questions about classroom management, behavior plans, and lessons, while the principal asks you what your favorite reality tv show is and how you would survive on a deserted island if you needed to. Nevertheless, they all seem impressed with your responses, both to the professional and unprofessional questions that were thrown your way.

You’re told to stay out in the hall for a few minutes while they deliberate, and you’re dying to know what’s being said about you in the conference room you’re hovering outside of.  It takes all of five minutes before you’re being called back into the room by Melissa herself, who is nothing if not professional.

“I have one more question for you,” the principal states seriously. You nod and smile nervously. “When are you able to start?”

“A-are you offering me the position?” you ask, eyebrows raised in surprised. You thought for sure they would be asking to see a demo lesson or something of the sort.

“Hell yeah we are,” Ava grins. “Abbott could use a hottie like you.”

Because you’re so busy shaking the principal’s hand and accepting the position, you miss the glare that your girlfriend sends her boss. You’re stuck there for a bit signing papers before you’re shown to your classroom by Barbara and Melissa- Ava claiming she’s trying to catch up on her newest reality television show. They end up giving you a tour of the school before handing you the curriculum binder and seeing you out.

“We’ll see you for development week, dear,” the kindergarten teacher smiles at you. “We’re very excited for you to join our team.”

Melissa just nods, hellbent on keeping up her tough South Philly girl act. You smile at them as you head out of the building. As soon as you’re in your car, you text your girlfriend.

What the hell? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be in my interview this morning?

We’ll talk when I come over, okay? Her response is almost immediate. It’s quickly followed by a, Congratulations, mi amore.

As soon as she pulls up to your townhouse, you’re standing outside on your front stoop with your arms folding over your chest as you stare her down. She comes running up your steps and pulls you into a hug, kissing your temple, then your cheek, then your nose, and then finally your lips. For as annoyed as you are with her, you do end up kissing her back.

“Lissa,” you say sternly.

“I’m so proud of you for getting the position,” she tells you as she rests her forehead against yours.

“Thank you,” you smile softly. But then your face drops again. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were going to be in my interview?”

She leads you back into your house and kicks off her shoes before sighing. “I didn’t know that I was going to be in your interview. It was supposed to be Janine, but she got sick and called out last minute. Someone from the second grade team had to be there, and by the time Ava had called me, I knew you were already in a tizzy, and I didn’t want to stress you out any more than you already were.”

You bring her into the kitchen where you already have some of the ingredients out for dinner, along with a bottle of champagne. “I just… I wasn’t expecting to see you there. It threw me off, and all of my words and thoughts got all jumbled up in my head while I tried to keep my eyes off of my insanely hot girlfriend.”

“Trust me when I tell you that you were fine,” the redhead promises you as she makes her way over to pop the bottle. “The idiot before you… I’m pretty sure he literally wandered in from off the street.”

“Did they only offer me the position because we’re-” you got to ask, but she cuts you off.

“They don’t know we’re together,” Melissa tells you. “You did not get offered the position because we’re dating. You got the position because you are a wonderful teacher, and Barbara pushed for you.”

“You had nothing to do with it?” you raise a brow.

“I stayed pretty quiet while they were talking,” your girlfriend says. “I even made sure I threw in a comment about how I wouldn’t learn your name until I was certain you were going to stay. They have no idea.”

You smile at her. “Then, a celebratory dinner we’ll be having… and then…”

Green eyes meet yours with a glint of mischief in them. “What?”

“And then, I want to be your dessert.”

Melissa’s eyes go wide, and she nods eagerly. “If that’s what you want, you know I’m always more than happy to make that happen… Might even have to go in for seconds after today’s accomplishment.”

The rest of summer passes in a warm haze. It’s filled with love, lazy days, and excitement as you plan for the upcoming school year with your girlfriend. But the days of lazing out at a pool or staying inside and binge watching your shows to beat the heat are quickly coming to an end. Melissa and you still haven’t talked about how you’re going to interact with each other at the school- especially now that the two of you have moved in together.

“Hun?” you call from the bedroom as you put on makeup for dinner tonight. It’s your last hurrah before the two of you really have to start focusing on the school year.

“What?” Melissa’s voice floats into the room as she waits for you downstairs.

When you don’t respond in hopes that she just comes into the room, she sighs and gets to her feet. She appears in the doorway a few seconds later, a soft look in her eyes as she watches you ready yourself.

“What’s up, mi amore?” she asks as she makes her way over to you. Her arms wrap around your shoulders, and she presses a gentle kiss to your hair before resting her chin on your shoulder.

“You know what I just realized?”

“What?”

“We never discussed how we were going to act at school.”

“Shit.”

Dinner is spent discussing that the two of you will have to work together due to the fact that you’re both on the second grade team, but your relationship at school will stay professional. You know that you can stay professional, but it’s going to be interesting to see the hard ass persona that Melissa likes to put on in front of her coworkers as opposed to the sweet and kindhearted woman that you know at home. It’s going to be jarring for sure- at least to start until it isn’t so suspicious that she likes the newbie. Once that’s squared away, the two of you enjoy a dinner that doesn’t revolve around lesson planning or any talks of school.

Development week is upon you, and you almost wish that you would’ve decided to just go into this job being out with Melissa, but you understand where she’s coming from with not telling HR that the two of you are together- at least not yet. And you genuinely do not want some sort of rumor to start that the only reason you got the position is because you’re dating one of the “scarier” teachers in the school. So, while you wish you were driving in with your girlfriend while she recites affirmations to you, you instead have to settle for driving in by yourself. You pull in next to her car, but she’s already inside- you know this much.

It’s weird when you head into the staff lounge. You’re so used to her making you coffee in the mornings, but today you have to fend for yourself. And while everyone else is cordial with you, your girlfriend is standoffish and cold, calling you by the wrong name on purpose and telling her coworkers she’ll bother to learn your name once you’ve proven that you aren’t just going to up and leave the first time things get hard for you (you catch the sympathetic glance she throws your way as she’s heading out with her friends for the meeting). 

Most of development week ends up being your principal just flirting with you and your girlfriend being as hostile as she is with other new hires. At night, once the two of you settle in together, she promises you that she loves you more than anything and she apologizes for her behavior and attitude towards you at school.

“I didn’t realize this was what I would be walking into at school,” you chuckle as she massages your back gently. “But I have to admit, seeing you like that… damn it’s hot.”

“You always think I’m hot,” she rolls her eyes as she begins to work on a new tense spot right by your shoulder.

“Well, I’m not wrong for that,” you half chuckle, half groan. “But I always get to see sweet soft Lissa, and at school you’re a total badass.”

“I’m a total badass in front of literally everyone except for you,” she tells you as she kisses the slope of your neck. “I don’t know why, but you melt me like butter.”

“Well, ain’t I lucky then?”

“I’d say I’m the lucky one,” she throws right back at you.

Your days at your new job continue on like that, and so do your nights. During the day, Melissa is nothing but a bitch to you and offering you apologetic glances when she can. And at home, your girlfriend is the sweetest woman, even more sweet than usual because she feels so guilty that she can’t treat you like the amazing woman that you are in your place of work.

But that changes when the kids start their school year. Because your classrooms are right next to each other, she has a front row seat to see just how talented you are when it comes to working with your kids. She observes how much effort you put into their daily routines, how you explicitly state your expectations and hold them to it, and how you manage behaviors within your classroom, all while still getting them settled in for the school year.

It’s at lunch on the first day that she softens up on you just the slightest bit. You’re sitting at one of the tables by yourself when she and Barbara comes strolling in.

“Ah, Y/N, dear,” the kindergarten teacher smiles at you. “How is your first day with the kids going?”

You break out into a grin. “Honestly? I’m loving it. These kids, while they all have their challenges, like any kids, are absolutely precious. I already have a handful of drawings sitting on my desk to be hung up on the bulletin board behind my desk.”

“That’s great to hear,” Barb tells you as she pulls her lunch out of the fridge.

“Wow, newbie,” Melissa’s eyes sparkle just enough that you can tell. “Better than I expected.”

“And how did you expect my first day to go?” you challenge her to act. She had told you this morning in bed that she knew you were going to be just what Abbott needs, but could she play it off that she thought you were going to crash and burn now?

The redhead shrugs. “Most newbies run out of here with their middle fingers up and crying.”

“Well, that won’t be me. Thank you very much Miss Schemmenti,” you shrug as you take a bite of your salad (the one that she had prepared for you last night).

“Good,” is all she huffs out as she sits down to eat her own lunch. “Abbott needs some stability.”

That night at home, it’s an early night. The first days, and even the first weeks, of school are utterly exhausting.

“I meant what I said when most people leave with their middle fingers up and crying,” Melissa sighs as she lays her head on your chest. “But you, my dear? I never had a doubt in my mind that you would be the perfect addition to the Abbott team. And I saw how great you were with your kids today. They’re lucky to have you.”

“Just as your little eagles are lucky to have you,” you chuckle softly as you begin to run your fingers through her hair.

Slowly, Melissa’s tougher than nails demeanor shifts. She begins to treat you like she treats Janine, although it is different. But that’s because the two of you are hiding a relationship, unlike with Janine. It’s nice. And at home, she’s still as loving as ever and even still apologizing for not treating you the way she should at school.

“When are we going to tell them that we’re together?” you ask casually as you’re looking over the weekly plans.

She hums. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“I just don’t want anyone to think that I only got the job because we’re dating and you were in my interview. I know you said that Barb was the one who pushed for me, but…”

“If you want to wait a bit, we can.”

You’ve settled into teaching at Abbott quite nicely. Your coworkers love you, Melissa has only continued to soften up at you at school, even calling you by your real name now. You have to say, you love this job. It’s the best job that you’ve had in quite some time, and that includes when you worked in more affluent areas. These kids just… get it. The staff is like an odd, dysfunctional family. And you get to see your girlfriend at work everyday. It’s almost perfect.

The reason it isn’t perfect? Your boss, Ava Coleman, flirts with you constantly. She finds reason to be in your room more often than not, and whenever you’re all having lunch, there’s some excuse for her to end up in the staff room with you.

Melissa, of course, is well aware that your principal is constantly trying to hit on you. You let most of her comments roll off of you, but some just have you shaking your head at the things she insinuates.

“Ava,” you finally sigh one day after seeing the absolute death glare that Melissa is sending her way. Oh, if looks could kill. “Quit flirting with me.”

“And why would I do that, boo?”

“Because you’re in a relationship,” you roll your eyes as her own eyes scan over you.

The woman shrugs. “And? It’s open.”

“And I have a girlfriend who I know for a fact would not, and does not like the fact that you are constantly trying to get with me,” you reveal.

Everyone looks at you in surprise at that admission. Everyone except for Melissa, who angrily stabs at the salad she’s got out for lunch (the salad that you lovingly packed her this morning).

“You have a girlfriend?” Jacob is quick to cut into the conversation. You just nod. “How did I not know?”

“I don’t know, Jacob,” you breathe out. “I don’t really go around announcing it to people.”

“But there are usually signs!” your coworker protests.

At that, you shrug.

“Who’s to say that your girlfriend wouldn’t be into it?” Ava directs the conversation back her way.

You glance to Melissa, who won’t even look up from her meal. “Just trust me when I tell you, my girlfriend does not appreciate the fact that you flirt with me.”

“Well, what’s her name?” Janine asks from her corner of the room. “I wanna meet her!”

You laugh at that. “Lissa,” you tell them. And nobody figures out that that’s the nickname you have for the redhead in the room. Everybody at Abbott, or at least everybody who has been deemed worthy of calling her by a nickname, calls her “Mel”.

“Alyssa?” Mr. Johnson makes his own presence known. “She hot?”

Your ears turn pink. “I wouldn’t be dating her if I didn’t think she was. But enough about me,” you try to diffuse the situation. “Can we-”

Ava turns to you after a few seconds of scrolling through her phone. “You don’t know no ‘Alyssa’.”

“What do you mean?” you raise a brow in her direction.

The principal shoves her phone in your face. “I just looked through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, even your Venmo for anyone under that name. There ain’t nobody there. You making a girlfriend up so I stop flirtin’ with you, ain’t you?”

“I am very much not,” you reply. “I do have a girlfriend.”

Ava hums. “I don’t believe you, but if that’s the story we’s goin’ with, sure thing, baby boo. Just give me a call when you decide that you want a piece of this fine-”

“Enough!” Melissa finally shouts. “Enough!”

“Woah,” the principal’s eyes go wide as she stares at the redhead. All other heads in the room whip around to look at the second grade teacher sitting next to you. “What’s got your panties in a twist? I’m just flirting with-”

“Flirting with my girlfriend!” your girlfriend explodes. “Quit flirting with my girl, unless you want me to take Edith Houghton to your damned head!”

As if to prove a point, Melissa grabs your hand and shows it off. “She’s mine,” the woman practically growls. “And I swear to God, if you make one more comment towards my girlfriend about how hot she is or about how you want her- I will make you regret it!”

Ava’s eyes go wide, and her hands fly up so quickly in surrender that her phone drops to the floor. “Shit. Okay.”

Everybody else can only watch in slight horror as the redhead continues to point her fork in your boss’s direction. 

“Listen, I just thought that-”

“You thought wrong,” Melissa grits out. “Not another word out of you about her.”

“Okay, okay,” Ava backs down. “Damn, Schemmenti. Good on you though. She-”

You have to practically hold your girlfriend back as she goes to lunge at the principal. 

Ava quickly runs out of the room and back into her office, coffee forgotten and probably fearing for her life at this point.

Melissa huffs and rights her shirt before holding your hand again and taking a deep breath. You ground her quickly with a few squeezes to the hand in your own. She pulls her chair closer to yours and drops your hand before wrapping an arm around you and silently daring anybody to make any comments about the outburst that had just taken place.

You see the way that they’re all staring at you and your girlfriend though, so you just settle for a weak, “Surprise?”

TAGS: @schemmentis @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @thesamesweetie @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @marvels--slut @gwennybriggs @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @sapphicxrat @a-queen-and-her-throne @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld @cosmichymns @sasheemo

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

"I'm competing for your attention again, aren't I?" w Art Donaldson 🙏

From the Domestic Bickering Prompt List

Sure thing!

Warnings: Established relationship, twice-divorced Art Donaldson, fluff, smooches

You've caught sight of him out of the corner of your eye two, maybe three times—but you've been so damn busy answering the usual questions that you've hardly had a chance to catch up with him. You're certain that he's been getting a healthy handful of them, too, along with a heap of sarcasm—

Will you have the ceremony on the court?

Will the bridal party be in tennis whites?

Third time's the charm, eh, Donaldson?

While you hadn't had any idea who Art was when you'd first met him, he'd been forthright with you about being twice divorced. He'd told you that his first wife had cheated on him, and his second wife had been a rebound.

"I wanna get married again," He'd admitted, "But I want this one to stick."

Now, you pass a nervous smile toward where Tashi Duncan and Patrick Zweig are in the corner of the party. They've been keeping to themselves for the most part, seeming to trade smiles and barbs between one another, and exchanged bland pleasantries with Art's family.

Art having such a close relationship with his ex-wife had unsettled you at first, but they had a child together. His bond with Patrick was just as obvious but admittedly a little more nebulous to you. But, they were important to Art, so you adjusted.

Patrick catches and holds your eye, raising his beer in a mock-toast and shooting you a wink. Tashi meets your gaze you next, her brow arched slightly as she gives you a nod. It's just enough and nearly too much all at once.

You're drawn into Art's mother's arm a moment later, giving you a squeeze as she coos over your engagement ring.

"You have to meet Alan and Edith—they're Art's godparents."

"Oh, I'd love to!"

--

"There you are."

You look up, doing a double-take at the sight of Art leaning in the doorway.

"Hey! Where did you put that bottle of wine that your mother brought?" You ask, scanning the crowded counter tops in Art's kitchen—well, it'll be your kitchen, too, once you're fully moved in.

"Can't that wait?"

"It must be in here somewhere."

"Honey."

"Can you check the dining room? Or—maybe we left it in the front hall?"

You hear Art sigh and expect to hear him leave, but when he doesn't budge, you turn your head to get a good look at him. His head is hanging, his thumb sliding over his left ring finger.

"...Art?"

"I'm competing for your attention again, aren't I?"

You purse your lips, rounding the counter toward him. When the two of you had begun dating, he hadn't been the only name on your dance card. When he'd told you that he wanted to be exclusive all of that had stopped, of course—but he'd made his dislike of sharing your attention very clear.

"You know it isn't the same," You remind him. "I'm not texting a Tinder fuckboy. I'm trying to find the gift that your mother very kindly brought us to make sure I stay on her good side."

"You don't need to worry about that. She loves you."

"I worry about it all the same."

"C'mere." Art reaches out, taking hold of your left hand and drawing you in. You smile as he raises it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the ring, and then to your knuckles. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just not used to having to chase you down for a kiss."

"Is that what that pout's about?" You lean in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips and grinning as he raises a hand to curl around your jaw.

"I wanna leave," Art murmurs.

"What?" You frown, drawing back to get a better look at him. "Why?"

"I'm sick of the party. I'm sick of this already," He thumbs your ring. "I wanna marry you tonight. Right now."

"Art!" You laugh, "Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not kidding."

"You have to be. We haven't filed for a license yet—and we still have to arrange everything."

"We'll go to Vegas. If we leave right now, get tickets at the airport, we'll get there before the marriage license bureau closes. We can file online, on the way to the airport."

"...Art," You shake your head. "You're—Seriously?"

"Seriously." His eyes search yours. "I don't want to have to wait to call you my wife."

"We can't just leave everyone here."

"They're adults, they can see themselves out."

"It would be rude."

Art sighs, looking toward the busy patio. "Alright. We'll give everyone a very polite brush-off. And then can we fly to Vegas?"

"Won't your family be disappointed?"

"I don't care about that." He pauses, a wave of concern passing across his face. "Will you be disappointed?"

"What do you mean?"

"...I've done this a couple'a times. I can do without the big white wedding. But," His brows raise as he tips his head toward you, "If you want it, we'll have it."

You consider for a few moments, glancing toward the patio.

Tonight has been such a whirlwind. You've hardly had any time to catch a breath. The politics of wedding planning can be so nerve-wracking, and you'll have those little comments, those teases of third time's the charm hanging over your head. You'll have to invite Tashi and Patrick to the wedding, and where to seat them? With Art's other friends from the Academy? Will themed drinks be expected? Some hair-brained concoction called The Grand Slam, accompanied by a toothpick with a little tennis ball on the end?

There's press coverage to be had, too. Art may not be playing right now, but that doesn't mean he isn't news. You're not ready for those cameras, the questions, the months of speculation about your dress, about Tashi's attendance—

You look up at Art, resting your hand on his chest.

"I'm going to find the bottle of wine that your mom brought. We're going to finish this party like we planned...And pack when everyone leaves. We'll go to Vegas tomorrow."

The grin that breaks across Art's face is so bright and beautiful that you have no doubt you made the right decision. The crushing force of his kiss nearly bowls you into the opposite side of the door frame.

"I love you," He murmurs.

"I know, baby. I love you, too."

[winterrrnight]

Hey can you do after care with rafe? I feel like he would be so sweet and gentle after being so rough and mean!💗

hii nonnie! thank you for your request <3 since I don't write full on smut, this only focuses on the aftercare part!! I also didn't include the rough/mean part cause to be honest that's not my thing! hope you enjoy reading 💗 let me know your thoughts if you feel like 💗

aftercare

PAIRING: soft!rafe cameron x gn!reader

SUMMARY: rafe is a total softie after an intimate night with you.

WARNINGS: allusions to sex but absolutely no sexual content, no allusions to rafe being rough (because I don't write that), a lot of fluff!!

EDITH SPEAKS: since I've been experimenting around a lot with my writing lately, this ask in my inbox really caught my attention so I decided to work on it! please reblog and comment your feedback <3 🏩

navigation || join my taglist || requests

Rafe’s hands clutch onto the ends of the duvet as he pulls them to your neck, covering you under the warm duvet completely as he lies next to you.

“Better?” He asks softly, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek. You can already feel your eyelids heavy as the tiredness starts to kick in. You softly smile at Rafe and nod your head.

“Yes…” you say softly, and he smiles back at you.

“Okay… do you need anything? Water, tea, maybe something to eat?” He asks gently, moving his hand to brush out any strands of your hair falling in your eyes.

You shake your head, not really feeling like wanting anything. “No, I’m okay,” you say softly, closing your eyes just for a moment, as the warm duvet spreads comfort all throughout you. You can’t help but let out a yawn, bringing a hand to your mouth as you let it out. Rafe only chuckles at that, getting comfortable under the duvet himself.

You are quick to wrap your arms around his shoulders and gently pull him closer to you, letting him rest his head on your chest as you slowly weave your fingers through his hair in sleepy motions, those starting to make him sleepy too. He can’t help but nuzzle against your chest, your body heat along with the warmth of the duvet warming him up quickly.

The moonlight shines in through the pale curtains, and you keep your eyes closed, your fingers gently threading to Rafe’s hair. You momentarily open your eyes to see Rafe looking up, his gaze fixed at nothing particular.

“May I ask what’s on your mind?” You ask softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

He softly smiles when he hears your quiet voice, involuntarily pressing himself closer to you, his arm draped across your waist as his fingers trace gentle shapes at your side.

“Just…” he takes a deep inhale, “how good of a time I had with you tonight,” he whispers. You can’t help but feel a soft warmth spread in your cheeks, and a smile tugs on your lips.

“I had a great time with you too baby,” you whisper back. “You were… wonderful,”

“I was?” He asks gently, looking up in your eyes. You let your smile widen as you nod.

“Yes, yes you were…” you murmur, leaning down to him to kiss him gently on his lips. It’s a soft peck, and he can’t help but chase your lips, deepening the kiss a bit, his hand coming to rest on your cheek. His thumb gently strokes the soft skin of your cheek, and your fingers remain wounded in his hair, the strands silky against your fingertips.

You smile against his lips as you slowly pull apart, his fingers gently resting on your shoulders as his fingertips circle over the skin, making you sigh softly at the feeling it stimulates.

He tilts his face up to litter light kisses along your cheek, trailing down to your jawline and the side of your neck, whispering sweet little nothings to you, and you find yourself just immersing yourself in the feeling as much as you can, fluttering your eyes closed as the tiredness starts to take over you completely, his presence only elevating the feeling of comfort in you.

As Rafe notices you’re almost asleep, he smiles softly at the pretty sight in front of him and presses a final kiss to your jaw. “Sleep well baby…” he mutters, snuggling his head against your chest and finding himself falling into a deep slumber too.

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

TAGLIST: @runningfrom2am @saccharinesammie @maybankslover @totalswag @madelynie @chenslucy @ietss @elle-mp3 @viawritesstuff @wallsdreams @lunalitva @sadfury @shores-kayla @jamesbuckybarneswify @xxxlaura @thatsthewaythechrissycrumbles @callsignwidow @starkowswife @drewstarkeyswifehoe @jjchaer @f4ll-for-you @wearemadeofstardust0 @drewsmusee @rafegirly @addriaenne @leighbronk @rafesdrew @bejeweledreverie @raf3sgff @aerangi @drewstarkey1bae @moneymaybank @spideysimpossiblegirl @the-tortured-poets-depxrtment @rafesgiirl @theoraekenslover

[cloudcountry]

hello! i would like a taro flavored bubble tea please ~ in the special 3k event cup (CONGRATS BTW!) w the cat cap. and a wonderful pudding filled dirt cupcake!

(& maybe something where idia breaks up w u around graduation time bc he doesn't want u to have to live out your life cursed w him. but he doesn't tell u about the curse or why he wants to end things bc he's like. ashamed and he knows you'll try to go with him and he doesn't want to do that to u. he lies about it and it hurts u and it hurts him too. & up to u if they work things out at the end or if it is just full angst! lol)

(sorry i didnt know how specific or vague to be sorry if this is too much 😭)

ouuuuughh anon this is EVIL!!!! EVILLLLL!!!!!! how could you do this to me. fuck man. IM GOING FULL ANGST IM COMMITED.

an order of romantic angst with idia shroud!

“You were a wonderful experience.”

You freeze when those words leave Idia’s mouth, your mind moving slower than your racing heart. There’s a pit in your chest and a burning in your throat, a burning question of why on the tip of your tongue.

He had to go somewhere far away, somewhere you would never see him again.

It was over.

Diploma in hand, finally having graduated, it was over.

Your arms fall limply at your sides, the dreams of having Idia by your side forever crushed under his sneaker.

He stands there, holding his diploma as if it’s as heavy as a brick, and all the noise around you fades away when you look into his eyes.

It’s...over?

He looks like he wants to say something else, his brow furrowing like it does when he’s about to cry, but he doesn’t. Idia turns away from you and walks away, his robes swishing behind him.

It’s over.

You stumble after him, pleading with him to wait, not caring that you’re causing a scene, reaching out for any part of him you can catch.

He slips through your fingers and into the crowd.

Your heart pounds as your pace grows faster, running off in the direction you thought you saw him go.

He’s nowhere to be found.

You didn’t get to say goodbye.

You clutch your diploma to your chest and collapse on the nearest bench, your heart empty and mind whirling.

You feel dizzy. You feel tired.

“You were a wonderful experience.”

Idia left. He left without saying goodbye.

You never got to give him his birthday present, still sitting on your dresser.

You never got to show him the new necklace you bought that reminded you of him.

You never got to show him the new games you ordered that were supposed to arrive tomorrow.

You were just an experience.

“You were...everything.”

-> idia's player twos . . . @v1vsie @identity-theft-101 @dove-da-birb @edith-is-a-cat

[rosalyn51]

Focus Features Reveals First Downton Abbey The Grand Finale Trailer at Cinema Con 2025

⚠️ Spoilers ⚠️

*

*

*

Focus Features today offered CinemaCon attendees an emotional look at the first trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. This is the last in the trilogy of big screen continuations of the British TV drama phenomenon. It’s written by series creator Julian Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis.

Plot details had previously been sparse, but the trailer shown today includes a title card that tells us “It’s time to say goodbye” before we see Hugh Bonneville’s Earl of Grantham patting the facade of the manor house on the Grantham Estate in what indeed appears to be a farewell.

Before that, we hear Jim Carter’s Mr. Carson saying, “Welcome to 1930.” There are images of the family at the races, of Dominic West’s Guy Dexter in London’s West End and Michelle Dockery’s Lady Mary ascending steps while wearing a sumptuous red gown. A portrait of the late Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess is also lovingly framed. The first two Downton movies grossed over $287M combined globally.

Source: Deadline

But as one generation passes to another, the trailer notes that it is “time to say goodbye,” and closes with a shot of Lord Grantham giving a fond, possibly farewell pat to Downton Abbey. Will the film see the family leave behind their beloved home? “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” hits theaters Sept. 12.

Source: The Wrap

Then, finally, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: Begins on a horse track with a shot of the Crawleys. Carson announces, “Welcome to 1930.” We see Lady Mary and Edith a few times. Then one by one each of the original cast return to Downton Abbey, with Lady Mary dressed in all red. Several shots of parties and everyone celebrating. It ends with Robert kissing his hand and then placing it on the side of the Abbey.

Source: ScreenRant

In the footage shown, the cast of Downton Abbey walks onto a field and the audience are welcomed by an announcer to 1930. Taken from cinemas to playhouses, the period piece makes you feel like you’ve time traveled. Then, we’re back at the castle, with a painting on the wall paying homage to Maggie Smith. The friends and family members gather and celebrate for their final farewell.

Source: Collider

Focus Features presented the first look the sequel as part of Universal’s presentation to theater owners and executives at CinemaCon, and it offers some of the upstairs, downstairs drama that’s made this series so beloved — only this time everything is done in a more elegiac key. It’s 1930, and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is mostly seen enjoying herself in London’s high society. For the rest of the short teaser, Lord and Lady Grantham (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern) are shown walking around the grounds of the estate, touching bannisters and stone pillars with an air of finality. As for their loyal servants, they are seen raising a glass to each other, as if to pay tribute to each other for all the immaculately washed linens and perfectly arranged plates of cucumber sandwiches.

Source: Variety

Finally, there’s Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, which is billed as the last film of the franchise. The entire cast is back, including Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti, Harry Hadden-Paton, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, Dominic West, Penelope Wilton, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson, Paul Copley, Douglas Reith. The teaser takes place in 1930 and hints that the film is about the Crawleys coming to terms with leaving the Abbey behind. I unabashedly love Downton Abbey, so it will be hard to say goodbye. The finale is set to hit theaters on September 12th. Series creator Julian Fellowes penned the script, with Simon Curtis directing.

Source: JoBlo

[gazstations]

Come Home, My Darling

CHAPTER TWO

ᯓᡣ𐭩 CHAPTER SUMMARY

Details of why Kyle pulled your family from your home come clear. Meanwhile, you and John share a special moment alone.

♡ Chapter Warnings: Smut :)

◇ Notes: I'm breaking my no writing smut rule for you guys. This one scene popped into my head, and I decided it was necessary to add, hehe. A special thanks to @callsignpxnguin for being a real one and beta reading it.

○●○ SERIES MASTERLIST ♡ PREV ♡ NEXT

NAVIGATION MASTERLIST

♡◇♡◇♡◇♡◇♡

YOU HAD NEVER BEEN ON THIS SIDE OF JOHN’S JOB. You always felt disconnected from this reality, for good reason. John escaped into another world as soon as you saw him off, perched on the wooden boards of your porch. Detail was a fact that was purged from your mind.

You had been on the base premises under ten times during your relationship with John. Most of it far off in another past when you did not have little footprints on your body from the two kids you brought into this world. The last trip willingly to this location had to have been when William was just a blip in your womb.

You were not accustomed to the way anxiety swelled inside you when you were here. Nor did you like the way three burly soldiers hovered around you, faces stoic and attentive. Gaz would've been present, but he offered to watch the kids since he already had a thorough rundown of the situation.

The sympathetic glance he sent your way as he was leaving did not help the way your stomach curled.

Kate Laswell stood in front of your ragtag group, stress written all over her face. You couldn’t remember the last time she taken a break. Even John managed some leave time and he was a workaholic. But Kate was someone that needed to keep parts moving and relay many components of information to different subgroups. What she did was not an easy feat. You respected the hell out of her.

Maybe you'd convince her to have one day with you. If she wasn't off in America.

“There is no easy way to say this…” Kate started. She dropped several closed files on the table between all of you and looked to you and then John. “But your family is in danger. Enough to turn some heads.”

“The point, Kate,” John, arms crossed and face crinkling with stress, interrupted impatiently. You pinched his arm, urging him to allow Kate her own space.

“Someone requested a hit on your family,” Kate continued.

She opened one of the files, and John took it but obscured your vision when you tried to get a glimpse as well. You frowned when John didn't acknowledge your bitter attempts to see the contents.

You did watch as his stance grew rigid, a scowl appearing on his lips. He swallowed, Adam's apple bulging slowly down his throat. His expression went blank, the black of his pupils blowing out the deep blue.

“What fucking creep took pictures of my kids!” He hissed.

Your eyes widened and you gripped the tan colored manila folder from his hands before he could stop you. You scanned the page presented to you, a horrified gasp escaping your lips. Seeing your kids playing unsuspecting in the front yard of your home caught as evidence for a bigger monster made your blood run cold.

John was on your defense in seconds. He pulled you towards him, pressing a kiss to your forehead. His large hand pressed flat on your back. You could feel the slight shake in his body - whether from fear or anger, you didn't know.

John's touch soothed you. It always did. But even then, the foundations of your sanctuary were crumbling. You had to remind yourself that William and Edith were currently safe. they were most likely making a jungle gym out of Kyle, overjoyed to be with their uncle again.

“It's alright, darling,” he muttered. “Nothing is going to happen to them.”

Would it be okay? Someone had slipped into the cracks of your home and advertised purity in the cruelest way. You wanted to vomit your insides out.

You had always cherished how safe you felt at the cottage John built for you. but this was an invasion that infected your mind. How could you go back when the damage had already been done. Someone had broadcasted your precious life to people who didn't have a shred of deserving.

A bitter resentment for John's job lingered inside you. You always worried that he wouldn't be the one returning, but maybe you should've been more concerned about the fact that you and your babies were now endangered.

You knew that if something happened to them, there would be no forgiveness towards John. You were still feeling disheartened by his dismissal of your fears earlier. The question of whether or not he would ever choose the three of you taunted you. Maybe he didn't choose family fast enough.

You never knew the names or details of the enemies John made. You knew that he had scars that haunted him in the dead of night - some innocent and some necessary.

Sometimes, you found it hard to grapple that your husband was a killer. When his hands traced the dimples and natural bends of your body, you never thought about how they had been stained an inky crimson. The same hands that kept the world clean provided comfort for the children.

“Maybe you shouldn't listen to this,” Kate spoke through the long silence. Her eyes analyzed you closely as your head turned to meet hers. You frowned, a steely determination growing in your heart.

“No. I'm staying,” you said sternly. “You are not keeping this from me. I want the details.”

Kate looked hesitant. It wasn't often civilians became privy to knowledge they discussed privately.

“She's staying.” John had your back. But he knew you well enough to predict that locking you out would only create a very pissed off mother. While he never wanted you to be involved, it was inevitable at this point.

Soap shifted, opening his mouth. “Watcher, ye got any trace of an IP?”

Kate shook her head. “The only thing we currently know is what was willingly shared. Someone has a bid going. Dead, alive, injured - they don't care. Someone wants to see John burn.”

“Yeah, so do a lot of people,” John huffed.

“No one has directly attacked your family before, though, sir,” Ghost spoke.

John couldn’t argue that. Someone was bold. You watched his face show more and more stress. John always prided himself on how well he protected his family's identity.

“Did someone access files then?” Soap questioned.

Kate nodded, “A week ago. Someone with high-level security clearance requested access to the database.”

“Who's badge was scanned?” John asked. He pulled away from you, taking the manila folder back from your clenched fists.

“It was wiped,” Kate informed.

“Inside job then,” Soap muttered in exasperation. “Steamin' jesus, that raises more concerns.”

You didn't like this discussion. while it was intriguing to see the way they bounced off of each other, you never wished for it to be in this situation. There was a target on your back and it unsettled you. As if a sniper shot was going to sound just as a window shattered from a bullet.

You had seen John's scars. You couldn’t fathom the vile things that would be done to you to really grind John's heart into a pulp.

“General Shepard is leaving us dry on this one,” Kate speaks, and Ghost lets out a huff.

“Bloody bastard,” he remarks.

“Our research is on us now,” Kate explains. “We're dealing with someone on the inside. So I started making preparation for a protective custody.”

Your throat felt dry. No, you wanted to go home and pretend your bubble was still secure. How would you explain this to the kids? Could you? Your breath stuttered as you processed the words.

“Absolutely fucking not,” John snapped. Maybe you both didn't want to accept defeat.

“Your home isn't safe. The base might not be safe either,” Kate said matter of factly. You respected her ability to keep her cool and declare what needed to be done. But you loathed the current plan.

“You're asking my family to go dark, Kate,” John argued. He dropped the manila folder onto the table and leaned over it.

“Cap, it's better than nothing,” Soap argued.

John sighed, a hesitant resolve washing over his face. His blue eyes blinked over to you, and you offered him a sad attempt of a comforting smile. You didn't want to leave him either. It felt different from the times he left you during deployments.

“For how long, Kate?” you asked.

“I wish I knew,” Kate admitted. There was nothing satisfying about this desperate end to hopefully prevent a tragedy. “Could be a long time. Until we know the threat is clear.”

“Were other files pulled?” Ghost questioned.

“Kyle’s file was accessed a day ago,” Kate reported.

“They're looking for weak points then,” Ghost concluded.

“Sounds like they weren't expecting to find Cap's family,” Soap added.

Knowing there was a hunt for more files a week after John's was accessed was unnerving. Were they trying to avoid arousing suspicion by delaying each search? That was your best bet. Even if it wasn't your job, you couldn’t help but analyze the data presented as if you would figure out some useful intel for a group of trained military operators and a member of the CIA.

“A likely possibility,” Kate agreed.

This was information you never expected to know. The weight of John’s world settled on you, and you felt a bit nauseous. You knew his job was far more dangerous than the average person, but what it sounded like to you was that he had personal adversaries. What the fuck was your husband a part of?

“Is Kyle’s family in danger then?” You asked in a concerned tone. You met Kyle’s sister at your wedding years ago when he brought her as his plus one. She was a sweetheart as much as she was a badass. You admired her.

“We can’t go off speculation right now,” Kate said. “I’m worried about you and the kids right now. We put our resources into keeping you safe.”

You wanted to protest, but Kate had years of experience in this sort of thing. You had to trust her. Even if your instincts told you to protect everyone. You didn’t want something to happen to Jocelyn while you were being secured.

“I put a warning on all of the team’s files. If anyone tries to access Soap or Ghost’s next it’ll hopefully be brought to my attention,” Kate added when no one said anything.

“They wouldn’t find anything,” you hear Ghost mutter under his breath. You catch it and curl your fingers around the implication. A loner. But not necessarily alone. His only family was the one in this room and down the hallway. He seemed indifferent to the fact he had no one to return home to.

You don’t harp on that detail. Ghost’s business is his own.

“The family has been approved to stay on base until I settle the terms of the custody,” Kate continued her speech.

Meanwhile, you were just trying to put all the puzzle pieces together. You had been living in blissful peace up until now. Now, you hoped the beast in the shadows didn't bear their fangs and wrap you in their drooling maw.

You were in danger just by association.

John’s large paw was on your back, right between your shoulder blades. “Come on, darling. You need rest.”

You didn't, but you humored him.

♡◇♡

John clung to you that night. All day, he had a tension rooted deep in his bones. His eyes crinkled, and his lips were straight as he lingered in the discomfort of his mind. You knew he was discontent with the way his face scrunched up momentarily, and he mumbled to himself.

The kids were happy to occupy their father's time while on base. You watched them in the common room, a fond smile on your face as John let Edith curl into his side. His low timbre always sounded so heavenly when he read, and you found yourself enraptured by his spoken word as well.

You did love John. Deeply.

This cresting resentment was because you knew he could do better. He could come home, become a retired veteran, and create a little nook where his new life lay. He wasn't all malice and crippled bone.

He would be good at it. You longed to see him in a different light. Tummy layered by a healthy fat because he could indulge in your cooking more. A softness in his eyes when he realized he no longer had to be the one running head first into the flame. Maybe you'd glide your fingers up the fur on his chest and beg for another baby.

And there would be a sweet contentment when he covered your body with his brawny form and relished in your pleasure.

Soap and Gaz, being the doting uncles they were, paraded around with your little hellions. Letting you finally quiet your mind for just a moment. John remained glued to your side, silent but attentive. If you didn't know any better, you'd say he wanted something.

Maybe you did as well. Desperation to remain together bred into something more.

You were supposed to be going to dinner. Instead, you decided to drown yourself in the shower. The water wasn't hot, but the lukewarm temperature kept you vigilant. You hummed softly as you ran soap along your body.

A tempting display for your prowling bear.

His hairy chest rubbed against your back just as you scrubbed the flesh of your thighs. The soap wasn't your typical scented one, but you made do with what you had. The team was returning home to collect items you'd need tomorrow. You could handle the unfamiliarity for a bit longer.

John's lips attached to your vulnerable neck a second later, facial hair tickling and burning your delicate skin. You sighed softly, reaching back to run a hand through his short hair. His meaty, calloused palms wandered the bends of your stomach as he peppered your neck in his kisses.

You pulled softly on the top of his head, making him grunt.

John picked your chin up with one of his hands, turning your head and then the rest of your body so he could see you clearly. You smiled as blue analyzed you with gentle love, his eyes crinkling at the edges as they flickered down to your lips and then your eyes. This time, the crinkle was born out of the quiet happiness to be in your orbit like this. Was this the emotional goodbye intimacy you dreaded since the meeting?

John quelled your nagging thoughts when he pressed a fervent kiss to your waiting lips. He groaned the moment you returned his gesture, one hand sliding up to cup at your cheek as he bullied you into the shower wall. The tile was cool against your spine, and you tensed for a moment, but your husband was warm and tethered, and it seeped into you.

Your breaths were hot in their exchange, that desperation taking command now. John made you linger there, soaking up the musk of the last cigar he smoked. You licked at him like he was the last slice of heaven you could possibly touch. Maybe he was. Your husband was your fine crafted version of your beginning and end.

Your hands pawed at the hard muscle of his biceps, searching for a nice place to sink your claws and make him remember you always. He let out a deep chuckle against your prodding lips, a sound that settled in the crevices of your stomach.

His hand descended between the valley of your breasts, rolling one of the nipples teasingly. Just enough for you to ache for more with a small complaint. His fingers left goosebumps on your naked stomach, muscles rippling as he snaked his digits down to your mound.

Your hips canted towards him and he finally released your wet lips. Your eyes blinked open to find the wild reality you were putting your husband in. His blue irises were swallowed by feral black, his gaze smothered you whole and ignited the burning fire in your core.

A small gasp left your lips when he sunk his index and middle finger into the warmth of your damp folds. He hissed, leaning forwards to nip at your jaw once before he played with you.

“Shh, darling…” He rumbled. “I got you.”

His free hand returned to your neglected and teased chest. He tweaked at one nipple, rolling the sensitive bud between his dexterous fingers. All the while, his fingers glided through your arousal, prodding at the entrance to your welcoming pussy.

You panted against his lips as you pulled him into you again. You wanted to be enveloped by him. Until his essence entwined around your ribs and merged into your bone marrow. With him, you would bloom soft, colorful petals along the muscle of your body.

You pulled back to let out a soft whine when he finally slipped his index finger into your fluttering walls. Your fingers dug into the flesh on his shoulder, making him shift the way he was standing. His knee knocked against your sensitive clit as he went chest to chest with you. Everything was him as his form pressed closer to you, his lips attaching to your neck one more.

“John…” You whined pitifully. It was just his fingers and yet you were unwound and vulnerable. Legs jelly and body completely reliant on him to keep you steady in the shower's stream.

“I know, darling,” John cooed, baritone coming straight from his chest. “So sweet for me.”

Your hips rocked rhythmically to his fingers’ tune. He found your cunt sloppy and warm, yearning for how little or how much he could give. His deft fingers curled at the first knuckle, biting at your soft walls until he hit the pressure point that made you writhe even more.

You trailed a hand down his stomach, eyes half-lidded as you grabbed at the rigid length of his cock. His eyes focused on you immediately, desire cooling on his face. You palmed at him, moaning softly as your pleasure reached a crescendo.

You wanted him to join you.

But John had other plans.

An expression akin to disappointment marked his face as he pulled your hand from his cock. He kissed you once - placating your confused hum and rolled his thumb over your pulsating clitoris bringing back the honeyed pleasure from your parted lips.

“This is ‘bout you, pretty girl,” he purred.

He doubled his efforts, lips descending upon a perky nipple, tongue laving over the area until you pulled at his hair. He rolled his fingers inside you, making your voice reach a higher pitch as your orgasm crested further.

Your arms helplessly flung around him, holding him just as close as he was you. You raised a leg, opening yourself further for his prying limbs. He supported you, keeping you flush against the wall in case you slipped.

Your eyes flickered down to him, catching that the deep blue in his eyes had returned and he was watching you. Water plastered wispy flyaways to his forehead. He looked utterly debauched even though you were the one being ruined.

The mixture of sensation brought you to a satisfying end. You tucked your face into his neck as you trembled against him, coating his fingers in milky release. Your chest heaved and John held you, rubbing at your back with one hand, the other still tucked between the throbbing cleft of your pussy.

“That's my good girl,” he praised.

He straightened, one last sad whine pulling from your lips when his sopping fingers left your warmth. A slow smirk formed on his face as he looked you dead in the eye, relishing in your afterglow as he traced his fingers to his crude mouth and sucked at your essence.

It made your pussy pulse again. Yearning for more.

“C'mon, darling,” John spoke normally again. “Let's get you cleaned up some more.”

Words of questioning died on your lips as soon as the spray of water rained over your head. Your body was exhausted just from that one orgasm, and you relaxed under the flow as John tended to you. His hands were gentle, chaste as he ensured you were refreshed.

You appreciated him.

“You didn't get off,” You spoke, voice leveling to soft tones.

John chuckled, pressing a kiss to your temple as he rinsed the last bit of soap from your body. “‘M fine. Was about you. That can happen later,” he declared.

“Not now?” You asked. You knew he was wanting. Could still feel his aching against the small of your back. You pushed back experimentally, reveling in the way his breath hitched.

His palm splayed out against your belly, pushing gently “I would love to have you right now,” his voice was thick with barely contained arousal. “But I gotta get you to dinner. ‘Fore my sergeants break down the door with our kids.”

You smiled, understanding even if you had to cool the burning in your core for the time being. You turned and nuzzled your nose against his, a silent acknowledgement to his words. John responded to that with a peck to your forehead.

In the afterglow, reality started to crash through the temporary facade of bliss. You knew you had to return to the truth of your current world eventually. Though, it was nice to live in a complacent heaven for just a moment.

“I love you…” You confessed. Are we going to be okay?

“I love you, too, darling,” John responded. We're going to be okay.

You took his quiet assurance and cradled it tightly in a white-knuckled grip.

°•○●○•°

TAGLIST

@callsignpxnguin @crystal-freak24 @haneybunny @tenshis-cake @aneternallyexhaustedpigeon @thriving-n-jiving @leon-thot-kennedy

If you would like to be added for future chapters, let me know!

[posts-from-pluto]

Humans are weird - life expectancy

Quinn always found the idea of figuring out how they would spend their time if they only had two-hundred years to live to be an interesting hypothetical. There were animals out there who lived such short lifespans after all, though none of the ones they had encountered had the mental capacity to develop long-term goals, but if they could what would they choose to do? It was one of their favorite questions to ask to get to know someone, what they prioritize.

Or at least it was until they met Edith, a researcher part of a species that had just barely begun their existence as space-faring creatures, more importantly: a species that struggled to even make it to a hundred, let alone two-hundred years old.

...The end of her first day was rather awkward, I mean how could they have possibly known that that species would just so happen to be the first ones with such a short lifespan that had managed to make it into space.

Lords it was awful, remembering it still makes them wish they had the same memory issues as the Soweps

----

After being shown around the Cultural-Exchange Station, (C.S. for short), Edith decided to go join Quinn in the Lounge. A good, casual chat to get to know one of the people she would be spending at least the next few years with seemed like a good way to spend her first day aboard. What could possibly go wrong? It wasn't like there was much else she could do, unfortunately. Quinn had made it quite clear that she didn't have to couldn't start work until the next week, something about giving her time to 'get settled before entrusting her with a position on the team'.

Under normal circumstances, that would've been great... but now? After she just spent a week trapped alone on a ship without the ability to do anything productive? She'd be damned if she was going to spend another minute of her day just sitting around alone in an unfamiliar bedroom with weird furniture. Fixing her room could wait until tomorrow. She just had to go do something, anything that wasn't using her sitting by herself in that room. She walked over to one of the terminals to pull up the way to the lounge, or at least what she assumed was the lounge given the fact that nothing was labelled, before heading off to find Quinn. Hoping that her horrible sense of direction wouldn't embarrass her on her very first day.

She made off towards the general direction of the area on the map, passing by numerous rooms with widely different appearances from one that seemed oddly... cave-like? to another that would fit in more in an aquarium than it does a space station, or atleast what you'd expect in a human one anyways. Turning the corner into the maze of long corridors, Edith continued straight, which luckily, was in fact the way to the main lounge area.

Edith: "Hi Quinn!" She shouted from halfway across the room as she walked towards the couch they were sitting on.

Quinn: Hey, did you need something?

*Carefully choosing her spot to not make them uncomfortable, Edith sat on the other side of the couch*

Edith: Nope, I just wanted to walk around a bit. Get to know everyone better and stretch my legs a bit more, you know?

Quinn: Oh okay that's cool.... How's setting up your room going?

Edith: I haven't started yet. I'm still thinking about where I'm going to put everything.

Quinn: Not at all because you're procrastinating???

Edith: *GASP* How could you accuse me of such a thing? I would never~~~

Quinn:... That reminds me I never got around to asking,

How would you spend your life if you only had 200 years to live?

Edith: where did that come from?

Quinn: We were talking about procrasination and that got me thinking about time which made me remember I didn't ask you about how'd you'd spend 200 years. It's just something I ask everyone.

Quinn:...sooo I know it 's a really short amount of time but how would you spend it?

Edith: short???

Quinn: Yeah??? Am I missing something here?

Edith: .... Humans generally only live 80ish years naturally. Like at most some people make it into their hundreds but that's extremely rare

Quinn: ....oh

Edith: .... yeaaah

Quinn: I just remembered I actually have to go work on some very long paperwork- *They rush to get up, nearly tripping over their own legs* -I'll see you later! *They continued as they started speed walking away, the look on their face told her that they'd probably be running if it wouldn't make things more awkward*

Edith could barely stop herself from bursting out laughing at the scene... She'd have to tease them about that later....

Hmmm.....Good ways to answer how'd she'd spend 200 years???

....Annoying them?

Well She'd have plently of time to think about it while she unpacked.

____

Side note: This was going to be an angsty conversation between the two of them but the second I started writing the first bit the idea of it being one of the first questions Quinn asked Edith popped into my head and it just took on it's own life so I hope you enjoyed this instead :)

[nochd]

This was on @whatareyoureallyafraidof's post where they put up this:

And I responded with this image:

and promised in the tags to elaborate if asked. And, @frodo-the-weeb, I will. But it's going to get long and I'm going to have to split it up into several reblogs.

First of all, since not everybody in the world is a Silmarillion enthusiast, let me explain what we're referring to.

One of the stories in the Silmarillion, and possibly the one Tolkien cared about the most, is the tale of Lúthien and Beren; a highly condensed version of a narrative poem called the Lay of Leithian, which Tolkien began writing in the 1930s and tried to get his publisher interested in after the success of The Hobbit.

(Their readers said no, and they tactfully asked him to focus on his Hobbit sequel instead. "The result," in Tolkien's own words, "was The Lord of the Rings.")

The skeleton of The Lay of Leithian is as follows; I'm intentionally leaving out a bunch of information that weaves it into the overarching story of the Silmarillion but isn't relevant to the thesis I'm advancing here.

Lúthien, an Elven princess and enchantress, falls in love with a mortal man, a ranger called Beren. Her father, the Elven King Thingol, disapproves and sends him Beren off to fetch one of the jewels from the crown of the Dark Lord Morgoth. Lúthien tries to join Beren but her father imprisons her in a tower to stop her, only it's actually a treehouse because they're forest elves. Lúthien magically grows her hair long and uses it to escape. By the time she catches up with Beren he is chained in the dungeons of Morgoth's second-in-command, Thû (whom Tolkien later renamed Sauron). She rescues him with the help only of a dog, who defeats Thû himself in single combat. They then live in the forest together for quite some time, but Beren feels bad about being the reason she can't go home to her family, and still intends to finish his mission and get the jewel. He leaves one morning while she's still asleep, so as not to put her in danger, and then when he's on the threshold of Morgoth's underground fortress in the far North of Middle-Earth she catches up with him again and he accepts that she's not going to be put off. Together they enter Morgoth's fortress and make their way to his throne room. They are in disguise but Morgoth is not fooled and uncovers Lúthien in front of everyone, declaring his intention to make her one of his many slaves. Lúthien offers to sing and dance for him, which is the way she works her magic. She puts everyone in the throne room to sleep, including both Beren and eventually Morgoth. She wakes Beren and he takes the jewel and they flee, but as they get to the outer door they are stopped by Morgoth's guard-wolf, who bites off Beren's hand holding the jewel.

That's as far as Tolkien ever got with the poem, but we have the synopsis in the prose Silmarillion to tell us the rest of the story; again cutting it down to the quick, Thingol accepts Beren as his son-in-law, Morgoth's guard-wolf attacks Doriath, Beren goes and hunts it but is mortally wounded, his spirit goes to the Halls of Waiting in the Undying Lands where the dead in Middle-Earth go, Lúthien also goes there and, again through her magical song, persuades Mandos the god of the dead to let him come back. Mandos offers her a choice: live on immortally as an Elf without Beren, or return to Middle-Earth with Beren but both of them will grow old and die. She chooses the latter.

Tolkien created Lúthien as a portrait of his wife Edith, which makes Beren a picture of himself. We know this for a fact because he had LUTHIEN written on her grave when she died, and when he joined her in it two years later the name BEREN was written for him:

Now on the lower right side of my response image you'll see Pauline Baynes' illustration of the Lady in the Green Kirtle from The Silver Chair, one of C. S. Lewis's Narnia stories. A quick synopsis of the Lady of the Green Kirtle's part in the story:

The Lady is a witch who rules a gloomy kingdom underneath Narnia, accessible through a fissure in the earth in an old ruined city far to the North. Before the story opens she has enspelled and kidnapped King Caspian's son Prince Rilian, whom she intends to send leading an army to conquer Narnia in her name. For twenty-three hours a day he is her willing slave and lap-dog; to maintain the spell, he must be bound to the titular silver chair for the remaining hour, during which he is sane and aware of his imprisonment. The protagonists, Eustace and Jill and their guide Puddleglum, meet her and Rilian unawares on their journey to the North; she sends them astray and almost succeeds in getting them eaten by giants. Eventually they rescue Rilian from the chair, but she sings a magical song which very nearly puts them all to sleep but for Puddleglum's intervention. Foiled, she transforms into a serpent, attacks them, and they kill her.

It is my contention that the Lady in the Green Kirtle is Lewis's caricature of Lúthien, with the enslaved and befuddled Prince Rilian representing Beren; and further, that Lewis knew or recognised that Lúthien and Beren were a literary portrait of the Tolkiens, so that The Silver Chair is ultimately a nasty commentary on their marriage.

In forthcoming reblogs I will lay out my evidence for this thesis.

[labyrinthofsphinx]

Masterpost for Murder Husbands Partners AU Comics

Just a side note: these are in narrative order, as in the order you read them, not timeline order. There's quite a few flashbacks here and there, in between the present storyline! Warning: Comics are 18+ in general, as things can get spooky and murdery at any time. Similar warnings as Hazbin Hotel proper. Also, I apologize about the early art X)

Murder Husbands Partners->Murder Husbands Partners cont.

Kitchen Nightmares

Interrogation: Part I, Part II

Shaping up and Shipping Out: Part I, Part II, Part III

Cats, Dogs, and Wild Things: Part I, Part II, Part III

Something Wicked This Way Comes: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V

(Never) Let Me Go: Part I and Part II

Homecoming: Part I , Part II , Part III, Epilogue

And some shenanigans and lore bits from asks in no particular order: Val and Vox , Vox and Vel, The Perfect Date, Now In Color, Movie Time, Vox's non-coping strategies , Just keep smiling, Aunt Edith (1, 2), Drunk Alastor (1, 2, 3, 4), Drunk Vox (1), Drunk Vox and Al (1), Tickle Time, Mimzy, Tacitus (1, 2), Bodies, Vox's nightmares, Al's nightmares, Drift's nightmares(?), Al's favorite flavor (1, 2, 3, 4), Kids Again, At-Home Care, Al's birthday surprise, Vox's Christmas Party, Fireflies, The Cult of Vox, The Bird, Don't Touch My Things (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Don't Mention that (1, 2) 'Safe'

Season specials: The Halloween special (1, 2), The Christmas special (1,2)

Non-canon shenanigans: AU meets Canon (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 (happy new years!), 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (Happy Birthday, Angel!)

The most comprehensive and hilarious catalogue of all the comics and asks by @ruleroftheimps ->Here!

[alastor-simp]

𝐼𝓉 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝐵𝑒 𝒪𝓀𝒶𝓎🥺- 𝑅𝒾𝒹𝒹𝓁𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝓈𝑒𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝓍 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇

🌹𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐: 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

🌹𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝚂𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝, 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝, 𝙵𝚕𝚞𝚏𝚏

🌹𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚜: 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝙷𝚞𝚐𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝, 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚙𝚑𝚢𝚜𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚊𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝, 𝚃𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚆𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝙵𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗, 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚋𝚢𝚞𝚕, 𝙳𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎.

🌹𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜: 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙻𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗

🌹𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝 𝚍𝚒v𝚍𝚎𝚛: @edith-is-a-cat

Heading into the rose maze, Riddle, donning his dorm leader garb, observed the sights, taking in the beauty of his dorm, while also seeing Ace and Trey painting the roses red. One thing had him arching his eyebrow, where was the Prefect? He often times sees you painting the roses along with everyone else, despite not being part of Heartslabyul. Riddle said there was no need for you to do it since you weren't apart of the dorm, but you answered with a kind smile, saying you enjoyed doing it plus it allowed you to spend more time with him and the others, making Riddle blush, yet hid it from your eyes. His first plan was to ask Ace and Deuce if they were aware of your whereabouts, heading towards them with his signature cape flowing behind him.

"Hello Ace and Deuce, I see you are fulfilling your duties." Riddle said, small smile adorning his face. The duo both looked up and answered with a "Yes Dorm Leader" as they put the paint brushes down. "I have noticed that the Prefect is not with you. Do you perhaps know where they are?" He spoke in an authoritative tone, but his eyes were filled with concern. Ace only shrug his shoulders, having no clue as to where you may be, yet Deuce, actually put his head up, conjuring his thoughts to remember where he saw you last. "I may have seen them heading to the school library after class. They were very somber today during lessons as well. I had ask them if anything was wrong, but they only brushed it off, saying they were fine." Riddle took in everything Deuce said, noting it down in his mind to head to the library. "I see. Thank you Deuce and Ace. You may continue painting the roses." The duo gave Riddle a nod, going back to their duty, as Riddle turned away from them, heading to your location.

**School Library**

The library was empty, only thing that was active was the floating books that would fly above the shelves. Riddle entered inside, eyes scanning for your presence, yet he was not able to spot you anywhere. "Maybe they are in the separate study rooms?" Riddle thought, as he ventured further into the library, making sure to check all the rooms, quickly but thoroughly as he would not want to disturb others in the rooms. Every room he checked was empty, only thing inside them were empty desks and piles of books, where could you be? "Sob........sob...sob." Crying sounds had reached Riddle's ears, shocking him as he turned in the direction where the sound was coming from, almost sprinting. He reached the door, opening it slowly, light shining from the entrance to brighten the darken room.

There you were, sitting on the floor in the dark study room, head pushed into your legs, as your arms wrapped around them. Gray eyes widen at the sight of you, as Riddle approached you slowly. "Prefect? Are you alright?" He spoke in a soft tone, extremely worried about you. Your lack of response only worried him more, panic building up in him. Unsure of what to do, Riddle sat next to you, back touching the wall. He was going to wait patiently by your side, waiting for you to tell him whatever was wrong. He wanted to provide comforting support, but his lack of knowledge towards it made him hesitate. Grasping his long cape, Riddle gently threw it behind you, its length wrapping across your shoulders.

A few minutes had gone by, with the both of you sitting in silence, until you finally decided to break it. "You...don't need to...stay here, Riddle." You spoke, words muffled against your legs. "I'm staying here because I want to. You have told me before not to abide so hard on rules and be my own person, doing what I desire most, and what I desire right now is to remain here next to you, until you tell me whatever it is that is troubling you." Tears began to fall faster, listening to his heartfelt words, as your head lifted up, allowing him to see your tear-stricken face and red eyes.

"I..........Crowley spoke to me this morning, saying he is almost close to finding my way back home." Riddle's head tilted slightly, "I suspected you would be elated that the Headmaster has managed to find a way back to your own world." Shaking your head, you looked away from Riddle. "I'm not." Riddle's words were softer when he spoke again. "Why?". Emotions bubbled up inside you, until you finally erupted. "I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK IF IT MEANS I'LL NEVER SEE ANY OF YOU EVERY AGAIN!!!!" Riddle jumped at your outburst, yet still remained seated next to you, as he watched you rant. "YES I HAVE DESIRED TO HEAD BACK HOME, BUT AFTER EVERYTHING, MEETING YOU, ACE, DEUCE, CATER, TREY, CHE'NYA, THE OTHER DORM LEADERS, VICE DORMLEADERS, THE TEACHERS, GRIM. I'M JUST SUPPOSE TO SAY "GOODBYE"?! NO!!" The tears rushed out of your eyes like a waterfall, hands flying towards them as you started to cry again. "I..........I have made so many memories here, met so many amazing people, even befriended them. I love and care for you all so much, I don't want to lose that....I don't want to lose you."

Silence remained in the air, atmosphere tense after that. A hand grabbed your wrist, pulling you towards them. Riddle's arms wrapped around you, squeezing you tightly against him, your head nestled on his shoulder. His hold on you was so tender, his hand rubbing circles on your back to calm you down. "I'm sorry." His voice cracked, heart broken upon hearing you. "I had no idea the amount of anguish you were dealing with, and I'm sorry for not noticing it until now." Whispered words reached your ear, as his warmth was spreading all around you, easing your pain slightly. "I, myself, have dreaded the day you would depart from this world. You have helped me a great deal, knocking me out of my tyrannical ways, even risking your life when I overblotted. Your kindness and selfless actions have touched me deeply.

Slowly, your arms wrapped around him, returning the hug, as you continued to cry against his shoulder. Riddle smiled at your gesture, motioning you closer. "I swear to you, Y/N. If there is a way to link both yours and my world together, I, Riddle Roseheart, will find it. It will be okay, I promise." His arms slowly went to your shoulders, pushing you back, tear stricken face in his line of sight. Fingers gently wiped away the last tears that fell, his gaze so soft it could make your heart melt. "Thank you, Riddle." Your lips upturned in a smile, despairing feelings vanishing away like magic. "There is no need to thank me. I'm just glad you are feeling better."

Grasping your hand, Riddle stood up, pulling you up along with him, exiting the study room, making your way closer to the library's exit."Come along with me. Trey had experimented with a new recipe for strawberry tarts. As the Housewarden, it is my duty to taste them to deem them worthy for the next Unbirthday tea party." He was back to his stern role, but you could see the sparkles in his eye when he talked about the tarts, making you laugh. "You just want to eat the strawberry tarts with me, don't you?" Riddle stammered, cheeks engulfed in a pinkish tint, "W-well, according to Rule 89-You must not eat the Queen's Tart's without permission, so I'm permitting it this time with you accompanying me." He spoke matter-of-factually, but you could see his true intentions. "Okay-okay." Squeezing his hand, you continued to walk along side him. A squeeze was returned back as the two of you headed back to Heartslabyul.

-END-

[globlingoober]

My favorite fics I read during painland week!! In no particular order:

- An Experiment by Scarlettfire (Teen, first kiss, 2k, 1/3 parts)

The thing was, he didn’t actually mean to say it. The words had simply slipped out when confronted with Charles’ concerned gaze. The ‘inside thought’, as it were, found voice. “I want to kiss you.”

- Written In the Stars by ingridmatthews (Gen, Domestic, 889)

Charles is working hard for credit at a magical shop. What could he possibly be buying to give to Edwin in their cozy bedroom?

- Dead Letters by ArtistActorAthens (Teen, divergence, casefic, 1k)

While the Dead Boy and Alive Girl Detectives are on a case in a house set to be demolished, Niko finds a letter that unearths a great deal of emotions for them.

- Help Me, I Don’t Know How To Begin by McKat (Teen, Confession, first kiss, 2k)

When a ghost comes in with a case, the boys disagree over whether or not to help. It might be the thing they need to get them on the same page.

- Slip of the tongue by ClaraCivry (Kat_Of_Dresden) (Not Rated, Confession, first kiss, 1k)

Edwin is repressing many many feelings for his college best friend, Charles. He has no intention of saying anything. And then he does, without realizing.

- Heart-Shaped Notes by rocketmmman (Teen, Confession, first kiss, 2k)

A new client arrives at the agency, but he only speaks polari. Fortunately, Edwin understands. Charles makes some discoveries.

- Pyar by Neous (Greyality) (Teen, Love language, 2k)

At first Charles didn't speak Urdu at all. He'd grown up in a world where being different, sounding different could be a death sentence. Fuck, it was his death sentence. The point was, he trusted Edwin, ‘course he did, but Edwin was… Well, Edwin was white.

- i just want you to make a move by halffulljampot (Teen, Divergence, genderbend, 2k)

She stops as she hears the sound of someone crying, the first sign of anyone that Charlie has encountered in the hours that she’s been down here. She holds up their lantern to illuminate a small figure curled up at the end of the hallway. “Edith?” She calls, walking closer.

The figure stops sobbing, looks up, and god that’s so much fucking blood. The right side of Edith’s face is drenched in blood, her hair (curled loose around her face for once) is matted with it, but fuck if Edith isn’t still the most stunning thing that Charlie has ever seen. Her light eyes frown. “Lottie?”

- the case of the cursed mirror by plutomoony (Teen, divergence, casefic, 4k)

When Edwin and Charles encounter a mirror that shows you your worst fears and possible nightmarish future events, how will this impact their relationship? Will they be able to close the case despite the emotions and fears the mirror brings to light?

- That's my wife! By QuintessentialShip (Gen, free day, 855)

charles and edwins disguises look so married and now I can't stop thinking about some random guy trying to connect with charles in his disguise over 'I hate my wife' jokes and charles goig on a wild tangent about how much he loves his wife and how she's his favorite person in the world

- Until Our Fingers Decompose, Keep My Hand in Yours by cordelianoir (Gen, Soulmates, 1k)

Charles Rowland was born with a scarred-over soulmark. That wasn’t so remarkable in and of itself, although modern advancements in hygiene and medicine meant that it was more and more unusual by the time Charles was born in 1973. It was rare. It meant that Charles’ soulmate, the one person in the world most suited to him, had died before Charles had even left his mother’s womb.

[oacest]

Hello, I am looking for Interview with Liam recs. I have watched so many of Noel (and wow does he like doing podcasts, thank god <3). But now I would like to dive into the Liam side of the lore more, I know he is not doing as many as his brother, but if you have any good ones you could recommend, that would be great!

(I also read he has this documentary from a couple years back, is it a good account?)

god love noel and his genetic predisposition to yapping <3 but yes it sure can make finding good solo liam interviews tricky, especially since he doesn't particularly like dealing w the press and it's a rare interviewer who gives him enough space and asks the right kind of questions to get him really talking. for some reason a lot of the best ones tend to be in print rather than filmed, which might be due to him feeling more relaxed without a camera around, idk. but here are a few of the ones that came to mind for us. some he says interesting things in and some are just silly/hot <3.

2018, talking quite articulately and thoughtfully about the Situation with noel (among other things)

liam & andy in 2005. what a duo

talking to chris moyles for radio x in 2017

liam & alan in '95

the right here right now documentary has a lot of good liam stuff in it, worth a watch either way

this 2013 documentary about beady eye

this one straddles the good/hot line bc he is relating heartfelt and interesting observations on fame and fatherhood but also he's in that fuckass hot villain outfit and fiercely saying things like "that's my baby" about lennon and furthermore if he and the incredibly cute interviewer didn't fuck out their crushing sexual chemistry in a closet somewhere afterwards what is even the point of anything

and a followup of sorts, edith bowman talking to him again in 2017

this one worth it for the "androgyny/feminine qualities/i'm a bird?" bit alone

the classic drunk shirtless "interview" after the australian flight incident ("i've got a tattoo me and i'll stab him" *points to tiny delicate 'patsy' script on his arm.*) (is he the funniest man alive? yes.)

"would jesus christ have been a fuckin pervert if he had a crisp packet on his head? no one knows, d'they?"

honourable mention to this one where he says quite seriously that he was a hooker at 15, with zero followup on either his or the interviewer's part

if anyone has more they'd like to add, please do, these were just off the top of our heads!!!!

also yes his propaganda doc (as it is affectionately known around here) is quite good and well worth a watch.