#eloise you walnut

[critter-of-habit]

Eloise .exe has stopped working

[hocuspocusbabyy]

A case of you: Eloise x Cressida. 🦢🕊️

Warning: Semi public sex? Resentment, internalised homophobia and self hate.

Pairing: Eloise Bridgerton x Cressida Cowper.

Description: Eloise and Cressida spend some time in the stables after a long winter apart.

Eloise lets her head rest against the walnut panelling. It was already late, maybe even early at this point. Yet the hours continued to draw on, unrelenting in their usual tiresome manner. She was very much over the situation. Watching Cressida meticulously brush her horse, the only sounds in the stable being the repercussions of a dandy brush dragging through hair before slapping against the blonde's palm.

“Must you insist on ignoring me?” Eloise gives her best pout, the book in her hand doing little to sooth her irritation as her question is met again with silence. “You’d rather I die of boredom? Before I get an opportunity to die of something more interesting? Maybe dehydration? What do you think?” Again silent, the blonde merely hummed a response, far too focused on the beast before her.

Her natural curls resting upon her shoulders as she worked, such an ethereal grace surly out of place in a room known to house after birth and manure. Both of which seemingly burned at the brunette's nose as she sighed again.

Reaching up Eloise grasped her nose tightly, welcoming the ease of breathing through her mouth to avoid the stench. “Even asphyxiation would be a welcome addition.” She mumbled as a piece of hay stuck itself upon her lip.

“I didn’t realise you found regular conversation with me so tedious.” Cressida mumbled, an unamused lilt to her voice as she gently tossed the brush into a bear by bucket. Stepping back with an infuriating grace, the blonde finally turned to see Eloise.

“Conversation by definition requires talking.” The brunette slumped upon a straw stack, arms folded as she huffed in response.

“Did you enjoy the journey?” Cressida asks after a minute. Eloise arrived that morning to enjoy the summer in the country with her family. Lord Debling had just so happened to have had the same idea for his new wife. Sending her off for the summer while we is away… yet again.

"Jesus Cress," Eloise moaned, raising on her elbows to view the other woman. “Why do you always do that?” The Bridgerton questioned after a moment, pleasantries could wait. This conversation had to happen now or the entire weekend would become considerably less bearable.

“Do what?” Cressida demanded as though Eloise were the most irritating thing to ever speak aloud.

“Employ pleasantries to avoid talking to me. We’ve barely spoken since last season.”

“We’ve spoken.”

“Pleasantries at the dinner table, or passing commentary at balls hardly count as speaking Ms Cowper.”

Cowper-Debling Eloise thought as the words left her mouth.

“And what is it you’d like me to say?” The blonde argued, busing herself with sweeping the stall. Eloise always found it odd how willingly Cressida took to stable work. A woman who wouldn’t even consider cooking for herself so a home with manual labour. Insisting on hacking her own horses and shooing away any staff that had offered to help.

“Maybe we could start with why you’ve been avoiding me?”

“I’ve not been avoiding you.” Cressida laughed as though the idea of someone like her avoiding anyone would be laughable. “You’ve simply been preoccupied with Phillip, clearly it’s dulling your brain if you feel it necessary to ask me irritating questions so incessantly.” The blonde coming forward to lift a stack of straw into the staff.

“Hey.” Eloise frowned, reaching forward to yank the stack back towards her, the binding strings dinging into the flesh of her fingers as she forced the other woman to look at her. Refusing to let go of the straw without a real answer. Her free hand raising up to grasp the blondes chin. Eloise’s thumb hard upon the dimpled skin, her forefinger sweeping gently beneath Cressida’s jaw, “Sulk all you want Cress, but it doesn’t mean you get to talk so lowly to me.” Silence follows, seeping through their skin emitting its own harsh resonance.

“We’re getting old” the blonde huffed, her shoulder pressed firmly against the wall as she allowed the stack fall upon the ground with a thud. “And yet you’re not less annoying”

“What was that?” The brunette barked, a frown prominent on her crow-like features as her nails scratched at the blonde's neck.

“I said.” Cressida started tugging her face away from the other woman, “That you are still damn well annoying, you’d think in all the years stuck spending summer here together, we’d have found a way to rectify that.” She looked at her for moments longer than she necessarily intended to, the angled shot of the other being drawing her attention more than she’d like to admit.

Even after fifthteen years of studying that face, she had yet to discover every hairline fracture, map out every freckle or indention - as time always seemed to obscure things, in a matter of moments a space which she had been so sure of, could be completely different. This was one of things Cressida found so infuriating about the human face, nothing seemed permanent enough - yet with this one in particular she didn’t seem to mind so much, for what great honour it was to experience the ever changing countenance of Eloise Bridgerton… soon to be Crane.

“If you dislike me so, why don’t you leave?” The brunette mumbled into the pregnant pause. Her gaze fell down, her offending hand finding rest within her lap.

“I never said that your annoyance was to my disliking.” Cressida mumbled snatching the brunette's hand into her own, barely missing the smirk which befell Eloise’s face. Their fingers meld together, not yet clasped but merely moving against one another.

Eloise took note of the many rings that decorated the other woman, how they shadowed her bones, her perfectly nimble hands. It always struck her how something so delicate could belong to such strength.

“Then why is my possible marriage such a displeasure to you? You yourself are married and Lord Debling seems a fine Husband.” Eloise argued, her crown lowered to capture the gaze of the other woman.

“I think that maybe I just hate the fact he’s going to see you naked.” Cressida started almost nonchalantly, rolling her neck to the side to scratch the side of it - a nervous habit that didn’t go unnoticed.

Eloise smiled despite herself, surely there were worse reasons to be mad at someone. True it was hardly Phillip’s fault, though she doubted he wasn’t proxy to the matter, bowing her head leaning closer to Cressida.

"When was the last time you let someone touch you?"

Eloise’s eyes would have widened at the blonde's abrupt question, but they were slammed shut as the taller woman bit down on her neck "Cress" She spat out as a shade of red crept up her face from her chest.

Cressida chuckled, pulling back to look at her and shook her head, "Was it me? Lou?" she asked again, "Are you still mine? Or did you let someone else have you, while I was gone?"

Eloise looked down at the ground, she really didn't want to answer that question. She shrugged her shoulders before looking back up at Cressida, pouting similar to a scolded child.

"Just you."

"Huh-h" The taller woman replied. She continued to stare at Eloise, squinting her eyes in thought while she contemplated. "Are you mine, sweet girl?" She asked abruptly, allowing the built-up jealousy of months alone to consume her. Then just for a moment, all she could think about was the pain, the unknown, the wanting, waiting... she wanted Eloise to feel it too.

Biting down hard on the brunettes lip, her hand scratched the back of her neck

"Always," Eloise mumbled, before grasping Cressida’s hips pulling her down, straddling her over the hay bales- their mouths disconnecting with a pop. A sharp intake of breath alongside a hand under her chin informed Eloise that she was in fact bleeding. Her lip plump, salted, and slit two ways filling her mouth with a familiar coppery taste.

Looking up to meet the perfectly harsh gaze that despite her tone shone with tears.

"Damn." The blonde mumbled, dragging her thumb across her bottom lip, her eyes forced on the task at hand as she examined her handy work. A mixture of pleasure and undeniable guilt flooded her. Sitting up towards the brunette in the first sign of gentleness since they'd reunited, Cressida tenderly kissed the shorter woman’s throbbing lip as if a quiet apology. Her fists now wound tightly at her sides, as if she was scared by her own capabilities to cause harm.

There's my girl, Eloise thought for a second beneath all that hate and anger her love was still in there. But she needed this Eloise knew it, Cressida needed something to control. The blonde's whole world was crumbling, and if Eloise’s willingness, her submission, could help her with that - then that's exactly what she'd do.

She'd let Cressida Cowper use her until she was mere skin and bone, for there are far graver punishments in this world.

A guilty look struck across her face, Eloise couldn't decide what hurt her more, that look or her silence. Soon she reached out, her hand resting upon the blondes enclosed fist until it softened and their fingers became interlaced.

"It's okay darling" Eloise reassured gently resting her forehead against the blondes, "it's just a little blood, not like it hasn't happened before."

Cressida grimaced at that - she was right it had happened before, in moments of passion or hurry; but never in anger - Cressida had never intentionally hurt her.

"God you're even more beautiful than I remembered," Cressida whispered. A sodden hum to her voice as she finally allowed her hand to grace the span of the younger Bridgertons face. Not a single imperfection in its wake, the harsh swell of her lips only alienated her doe eyes more. As though animated, encapsulated by history.

Cressida found herself wishing for a pen, any means of replication. She’d draw her likeness upon the world and rain fury down upon anyone who dared touch it.

The younger woman gripped the blonde's hips despite herself, this how it feels to burn alive she thought.

How was it even possible that after all this time she seemed to have this effect on her?

Cressida had changed, yes, her hair was different - shorter. Her skin had untimely wrinkles that danced across her forehead - still Her Cress, she mused. As a hand edged out to rest upon the blondes cheek, a thumb grazed under her eye to remove any fallen tears she could see – like a painter perfecting a painting.

"Cress...I..." She moved toward her then, closing her eyes, but Eloise pulled away. "I-I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, she'd crossed the line. As though judgement had been switched back on, they were reminded of the situation beyond how much Cressida needed to feel in control of something again, beyond the blatant need to touch one another.

"No, I'm sorry," she insisted. "I just got caught up in the moment."

She'd never seen Cressida look embarrassed before and she hated being the one that caused it. She asked herself why she had backed away. This amazing, beautiful woman was standing in front of her and she had rejected her. For the past 12 months all she had wanted was to be right where she was at that moment.

The pair noticed that hands were still grasped tightly together. But neither could bear to push the other away. Eloise met Cressida’s gaze as the blonde lifted their enclosed hands to her lips and kissed them - a silent promise, a pact, acknowledging that out of everyone on this planet Eloise still trusted her. Cressida could have sworn she felt the brunette shiver at the motion, but that was neither here nor there because she kissed her.

Her lips were soft but strong. Eloise could feel her taking control again. She pulled her in closer allowing Eloise to straddle her more comfortably. She kissed down her neck, gently sucking and nipping at the sensitive skin there. Eloise felt her throat vibrate as she let out an involuntary moan.

"Don't leave me."

The words had slipped out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Cressida blinked back her tears, the wound in her heart she had tried so hard to heal had opened up again.

"Never," Eloise promised, her voice barely audible.

The blonde shook her head weakly, and her hand moved towards her but she changed her mind as it dropped to her side.

"But I did, Lou," she said, her voice hoarse. "I left."

She sniffled her legs swinging a little off the stack, and Eloise leaned over her. dabbing away the tears on her cheeks gently with her lips. Cressida could feel her fingers shaking as she cupped her face almost absent-mindedly and she let her. It had been so long since she had been this close to her.

"I'll make it up to you. I promise"

"Darling I don't think—-"

“Stop talking,” Cressida snaps as she roughly tugs Eloise’s dress up around their joined waists. Snatching at the front of her dress, still the spill of her cleavage came into view. Simply bypassing the snagged material as she pulled the ties away.

“You’re being awfully coercive,” she scolds without any malice. As Cressida nails dragged up along the flesh of her thighs. Tiny spirals of electricity sounded beneath the skin, as the brunette buckled forward.

Transfixed by Cressida sucking her thumb into her mouth. She hooks it over her bottom teeth. She ran the pad of her thumb along the rims of bone, each indentation an example of Cressida’s life, both with and without her. Every word spoken, each kiss revived, consumption in its entirety. Eloise couldn’t help but wish to be swallowed whole as Cressida’s tounge swirled against her knuckle.

“Is it working?” Cressida whispered, rising to sit up with Eloise in her lap. The thumb slipped from her mouth with a deafening pop.

Kissing, felt like coming up for air, finding rest after a long journey, coming home. Their kisses, messy and unrestrained, a rare and thin line between benevolence and delirium.

Eloise lets her hand run down the neckline of Cressida’s shirt, she often opted for less form clothing and gowns where she could. Far away from the beratment of the ton… of her family. She plants a kiss on her collarbone, counting each notch in her bones as her tongue dove within it. Eloise had no reason to hurry; worship was not a timely thing, every step of her day, each roll of her tongue was in sentiment, in prayer to one Cressida Cowper.

“Don’t,” Cressida says upon hearing Eloise moan. She never did quite understand how she’d ever become so lucky as to be loved by thee Eloise Bridgerton. She often found herself recoiling from the blessing, not harsh, not final, but unpredictable. Cressida had hurt Eloise more times then she’d like to admit. From being her first kiss their fourteenth summer, playing weddings in their youth and laying with her before all others.

She did not mean to continue running away, she’d never strayed from her though. Cressida was Eloise’s for every waking moment of their lives, even when they didn’t talk, even when they hated one another. Eloise Bridgerton and Cressida Cowper belonged to each other. In the cruellest, most maddening way.

Cressida and Eloise were always walking towards each other, no matter the path they were taking.

She guides Eloise’s face back to kissing her. A silent beg for not to be so gentle, she didn’t not wish to be worshipped tonight, she wished to be broken.

Eloise could no longer control the way her body yearned for solid ground. Her hips grinding down upon Cressida’s stomach, in brash unforgiving motions.

The blonde lifted her right leg to support her back. Her hands fall upon her lover's hips and she guides her down clenching her stomach to supply more pressure. A series of breathy sounds pooling between Eloise’s lips. With every movement, her cheeks grew into a glossy shade of pink, spreading rosacea throughout her body.

She opens her eyes and Cressida is looking at her open mouth. Perfectly plush and warm, she longed to feel them upon her skin. But this wasn’t about her, this was about Eloise.

This is everything she’s ever wanted.

“Oh my...” Eloise gasped, falling forward as a deft finger traced the heat between her legs, pushing Cressida down with her.

Eloise’s train of thought was cut off, the two of them turned to the door as the sound of approaching footsteps silenced them.

"Did you lock the gate?” Cressida asked her frantically, pushing Eloise to her feet. Pulling down their skirts.

"What gate?” Clutching at where the broken ties pooled at her breasts, began to push her towards the back of the stable, hoping whoever it was would not come in. It wasn't a big room and they did not have a lot of options.

"Get in!" she ordered gesturing towards the horse stall, and Eloise stared at her in confusion.

"What-in there?" She asked incredulously, pointing at the water troff.

Cressia rolled her eyes as she pushed her into the stall, hearing her groan as her leg hit the side of the door as it bolted shut. She mumbled an apology as she squeezed in with her, her hands firm upon her hips. Their breathing turned shallow, waiting to see if the footsteps would pass.

"This is the worst place you could have picked for us to hide in." Eloise started stretching up to peek through the metal bars, Cressida’s body falling to press her into the stall door. She stifled a gasp when she heard the doorknob being turned. The blonde's face found home within her hair, gently shushing her, nose pressed up to the brunette's ear.

Eloise began to think up a million excuses of what she'd say if they got caught.

"Would you stop moving? I can't concentrate!" she hissed. Cressida was offended by that. Her hands snaking down the press her pelvis into an Eloise from behind. They melted together, a seeming flow of limbs.

"I'm sorry to hear that but it's cramped in here, if you haven't noticed, and my leg hurts from standing like this!" She argued in a hushed tone. When Elise turned her head back towards Cressida, her nose bumped into the blondes, she teasingly flicked it up against her own before nuzzling in.

"You’re spectacular.” The brunette mumbled, her lips bumping along Cressida’s with each syllable. As though skimming stone across a lake. The promise of sinking imminent and shortening. “I love—-“

Before she could continue, Cressida had closed the gap between them, her lip brushing against hers ever so lightly. Drawn out and soothing, like draining bath water.

They'd forgotten that there was someone trying to get inside. Her fingers ran through Eloise’s hair as she drowned in her soft touch.

She craved this for 12 months.

Her entire life.

"I still hate you." Eloise supplied watching Cressida as she cared a hand through her tousled hair lovingly. Pulling at her baby hairs, before kissing her forehead.

"I know" the blonde nodded. "This doesn't change anything." Cressida latched on, her eyes fixed on the feeling of Eloise’s fingers upon her scalp.

"I know that too," Eloise replied through a sly smirk that crept up her face this time as she leaned up to kiss the other woman, willing Cressida to understand her.

The stable door was suddenly thrown open and they quickly broke away-

"Eloise? Cressida? What are you two doing in here?"

[silverhallow]

Hi I’m gonna be annoying with the Drabble game 😊

Modern

Honey

(Philoise please 🙏)

Okay so this has ended up my longest Drabble for the night just for you my dear 😘

Busy Beens was the coffee shop come cafe that was owned by her sister in law and one of Eloise’s favourite places to come and study.

Sophie would keep her plied with tea and cakes and Posy would come and help her study when she was stuck.

Posy helped her figure things out whereas Sophie already knew the answers as she’d done the course herself and it had been where she’d met Eloise’s older brother.

Eloise had tried to ask Sophie for help but “how are you going to learn” had all Sophie had said in reply.

Her exams were coming up and she was stressed and Sophie had cut her coffee supply off and had started giving her herbal teas.

“This is VILE” Eloise cried as she sipped the green tea

“Don’t tell Kate that she’ll have your guts for garters” Sophie grinned as she hoisted William into his high chair and gave him a banana,

“It’s just bitter” Eloise complained

“Add honey to it… the gentleman over there has it” Sophie said, pointing to a broad man.

He was a regular, Eloise had no idea who he was because he kept to himself and didn’t talk to anyone. Sophie and posy knew his order and he’d just smile at them and they’d bring it over.

“Eugh” Eloise huffed “I don’t even know why I come here when the service sucks”

Sophie stuck her tongue out “you come because no one else makes your the walnut cake you like and your banned at three other coffee shops for shouting at their staff for spelling your name wrong”

Eloise stuck her finger up at her sister-in-law and walked over to the man sat by himself

“Excuse me…” Eloise started to say when the man looked up at her and her jaw dropped

“Yes?” The man asked with a warm smile, shocked at the depths of the grey eyes in the face of the beautiful woman in front of him.

“Honey…”

“Yes petal?” The man asked with an amused expression

“No it’s Eloise…” she said a little dumbly

“Phillip”

“She wants the honey Phillip but it appears her brain has vacated her” Sophie called over her phone in her hand filming the entire thing.

“Oh right… sure I’m done, if you’ve got the hibiscus tea, just a drop will do, it’ll enhance the flavour” he grinned packing up his things and dropping some notes onto the table

Eloise just stood there staring and blinking like a fish.

“Maybe see you next time… Petal” he said with a wink and disappeared.

Eloise still didn’t move until Alex, Sophie’s middle child shouted “HONEY” at the top of his little voice and snapped Eloise out of it and she endured the rest of the visit being tortured relentlessly by Sophie for losing her mind in front of a member of the male sex for the first time in her life.

But she didn’t care the following day when Phillip walked in, Eloise was already there and with a smile of “hey honey… can I buy you a drink?”

[xgoldxnhour]

The pair could make quite a killing if they decided to go on tour—breakfast and a show—as the regulars couldn’t help but lift their gaze from the rims of coffee mugs and illustrious goodies. Same time every morning, like clockwork. How any lines rehearsed or written flew out the coup and out the window moment brown eyes and a badge entered through those doors. By this time, she could recognize him before even seeing his voice or note the voice that made her shakier than leaves in the autumn. No—merely by his walk, the heavy footfalls that stamped the ground with its purpose. Like how children could tell just who was trotting down the hall just in time to get into position and pretend they were fast asleep. Though that game grew awfully and cynically easy in her household with only one contestant. But even with the regular dailies and newbies that stroll on by, she could tell exactly in a heartbeat when her favorite deputy paid a visit.

A short breath of relief took the stand as he revealed no allergies though she was far more guilty of the blush that tickled pink at a 5-star from the hospital bed. “Now, no sir, we wouldn’t want that. Though I always send flowers with my cards and I write a mean eulogy, so, I’d be prepared as ever no matter which way.” Perhaps a cruel joke for some, but she was practically giggling herself to bits at the image, crinkled nose and all. For some reason a cast comes to picture despite allergies nowhere correlating to broken bones, but she’d sign her name right there big and center with a heart.

Often times, her twin brother falls victim to El’s weekly experiments with by far a few failures by his high standards but this one was purely in thought of one Shane Walsh. She couldn’t get the recipe out of her mind until finally digging around for the ingredients this morning. Somehow it fit exactly to a tee of what she saw. The base of a cinnamon roll that carried multiple layers, each possessing even more sweetness the deeper you explore. Topped in lemon that came with a cake but boy, did El love the taste. Her favorite actually. And lastly sprinkled in walnuts—what could be described as fairly mild but holding its own complexities—tangy and sharp notes. And all combined constructs a taste of earth, nutty and somehow sweet amongst the bitter and never overpowering to those that enjoy its strength. No, to Eloise, it’s the perfect combination.

How quickly her features change as he drops the cash into her jar with another shaking head. Retorts are useless but she tries anyways. “Y’know, one day that jar will be gone when you show up and then you’ll have to find other form of thanks, huh?” Oh, how she challenges, hoping the form would take its place as a form of a question—such as ‘what’re you doing tonight’ or ‘can I take you out for a drink’—any of the sort where she might pretend she’ll think about it or look over an imaginary schedule that’s often filled with the same thing anyways. But the tip is of course a silent hand of support that she’s grateful for nonetheless despite the biting tongue that could be seen as otherwise. Just an excuse to ‘buy herself something pretty’ for. She’d make any excuse for him.

He asks the total and she pretends to hit a few buttons and mocks a gasp as the register doesn’t seem to be working. “Oh no—the register—it won’t—it’s stuck…or…or broken. Gosh darn. It seems you’ll have to take your coffee and treat without paying. For free and on the house? My hands are tied here, Walsh.” She’s beaming, hands on her hips and practically brimming in laughter until the door rings again at the presence of a new patron. At first, she practically ignores its entry because obviously she’s focusing on a customer, but she can see the change in his body language which causes her to search for its source.

And of course, right off the bat, the guy looks like an asshole. No mistake. An asshole with an Oedipal complex no less, or she’d like to just assume. A nasty habit that she rarely if ever enjoys or chooses to partake in but just the presence of the guy can kill a mood. She glances at the name tag though the answer to an unasked question is answered by Shane under his breath. Officer Kindred. She’ll have to ask her brother if he’s run into him a time or two. She tries to steer attention back to Shane with a returning soft smile and wide, knowing eyes as if silently saying ‘what a tool’.

Shane obviously doesn’t like the guy, which is odd as he seems the sort to get along with just about anyone but she concentrates on his straightened postured and the hand pressed to the counter. How tempted she is reach it as an attempt to convey support but deems it as inappropriate as she softly nods to a question she has to recollect as her thoughts run amuck.

“Uh, $3.25.” She can recognize a stall when she sees one and is grateful for its activation as the tool the taller officer gives is practically stinging—oozing with unadulterated, toxic masculinity, akin to a lion stalking its prey. The gaze snaps back at Shane’s second order as her faltering smile widens once more. “Officer Grimes and I alike.” It’s a statement that will probably bite her in the ass but she’s acting as if Shane is the only one that could hear. Perhaps it’s ironic for the sort of girl who runs a coffeeshop to order a monstrosity that could barely be called coffee. The lighter and sweeter the better. Giving a nod as his focus is drawn by practically everyone within the shop, El focuses on the second order as if her life depended on it.

Lips purse with another wide eyes gaze as she practically chokes on a chuckle. The plot thickens that’s got every mother, businessman, student and child on the edge of their seats. El clears her throat as the attention is brought to her unprompted as she finds Kindred’s response forthcoming and strange. It’s as if one, he finds the right to only use her name that she has not introduced as this is their first time meeting and insinuating furthermore unsolicited investigation of her past. The sensation sets her chest aflame, blotched red in heat with her held breath. A brand hangs over her head rarely unburdened of a life long overdue and perhaps inflicted towards her family. Her brother. Her father.

She swallows bitterly and hangs in its silence before finally speaking. “Perhaps. Though I find that people are usually not a sum of their mistakes—but what you do with them—Officer Kindred. And it’s Eloise…actually—” A tone rarely bitten as she points to her name tag. Despite having never cared or even admired if a stranger calls her by her nickname, but somehow this one was declined its access of even the most trivial intent. Run her name through dirt all anyone likes, but her family shall never feel the brunt of it. Her smile is daring that doesn’t meet her eyes but only towards Jason as it never drops. “I just realized that we’re out of stoppers up here. Lemme just grab one real quick.” She mutters before disappearing into the back to relieve the steam pouring from her ears before she says something regretful.

xgoldxnhour

A perpetual tint of pinks and reds paint the shop owner’s cheeks each time Officer Walsh flickers to mind. Hardly a day of productivity when her mind is filled with images and scenes of that morning and the others that continue as days pass. The highlight of her day that feels as though it grows shorter each time. Though unknown to her knowledge. The feat is actually the opposite as Shane is too finding each and every way to halt and linger—prolonging their daily routine.

One evening, she closes up early and heads over to the house that feels somehow both separated and akin to home nowadays. A bag of take out in her hand, El lets herself in through the screen door and straight to the kitchen. The tip taps of nails dance across the floor, staggered and slow as if carried by something far wider beyond its years. Dropping whatever she was doing, El crouches down to welcome the old mutt—a cross between a black lab and a Doberman—with loving scratches. “Hey…Russ.” She kisses the dog’s head and sits there right on the floor. They’d rescued it after the devastation of their childhood’s dogs passing, Beans, as teenagers. Both her and her brother got to name it but could never agree on just one so it came down to Russell Blue. Must be nearly thirteen years old now—keeping her father company when she isn’t around.

“Where’s Percy, huh? Where’s Percy?” Percy is her mother’s cat—or was before she passed when the twins were 17. Roan nearly threw the thing out on a bender but somewhere in its 9 lives and no lick of sense, it kept coming back. Now they’re merely civil housemates or perhaps more so neighbors as Percy spends most nights on the porch or the garage. Just a little older than RB but still has a number of years to go.

After the food is ‘ready’ aka taken out of the styrofoam containers, onto a plate and left in the microwave until her father returns—most likely busying in the garage on the car that never starts. El spends the rest of the time cleaning up until he returns. You can hear his steps, low and centered, before the door swings shut.

They have a quiet dinner at first until he finally asks what’s new. El meanders about her leaky roof that can’t seem to hold enough caulk and how business is doing just fine at the shop minus a broken grinder. She almost doesn’t mention the new regular that’s caught her eye, but he can see the look before her mouth opens—a mouthful reply of ‘who’s the guy’. El is vague as mentioning the law doesn’t do much good in either male le Roux’s presence. But she talks about Shane—brown eyes and an award winning smile. Though she also mentions that nothing will probably come from it as he’s just a kind regular and she’s far too busy to delve into any sort of dating life. It’s perhaps a nicer phrasing of no guy wants to get to know the daughter of an alcoholic who spends many nights making sure her father doesn’t fall asleep face down in a bowl of chili. There’s no disdain in her tone nor her thoughts as she merely shrugs. Just life.

Thankfully the remainder of dinner continues with bits of laughter and the calming veil of nostalgia. They talk about the car, which somehow turns into dirt bikes and how the twins would sneak off in the middle of the night to race. Two dozen other people, mostly way too old for the twins to be spending late nights with, some cases of beer and music as they placed their bets. Illegally obviously. And the twins were pretty good all things considering and took home a few hundred here and there to save up for a rainy day. All fun and games until her someone clipped El’s tire at a turn and she went flying. A concussion, a broken wrist and bruised ribs later, the parents were all too happy at the call from the emergency room. That rainy day savings went straight to medical bills. El shakes her head at the reminiscing of old, reckless days. She can’t even blame Jesse much back then as a lot of it was her idea.

The night ends with a few beers before heading on home to what she assumes as a surprisingly uneventful evening as she hopes the trips to memory lane would have helped somehow. Unfortunately not—as a few hours later, El gets a call that her father was found trying to hop the fence into the old stadium. Nearly spraining his ankle on the way down. Perhaps memory lane was a bit more treacherous this time around.

She gets back in bed at five in the morning with little to no sleep. Though all that comes to mind are those brown eyes and wicked smile. And boy are they a sight the next morning.

A couple of officers apparently went to check on him the morning after and El couldn’t help but wonder if Shane was amongst one of them. Maybe by now, he’s gone through the papers and records and has seen her name as emergency contact connected to the same last name as Roan and Jesse.

She starts off in the back, working on a new experimental batch as time trods and skips. Handful of flour and three coffees later, her head turns everytime the bell rings and finally, the face she’s been waiting for enters.

“I have to say, you are a sight for sore eyes this morning, Officer Walsh. And…the grinder is unsalvageable I’m afraid. Called for two repair guys and I don’t know. It’s in my office for now as I’m afraid it’ll try to kill the new one.” She laughs and is already grabbing their largest cup and starting on the brew. “Oh, Shane. I’ve been dying for you to try something for me. You’re not allergic to nuts are you ‘cause—well, that would be bad. What are you allergic to—actually? I should…I should figure that out before I send you to the ER.” She’s a bit jittery this morning from the caffeine but a light nonetheless. Handing him the coffee, she hurries back into the kitchen. And when she returns—she’s beaming, holding out a parchment bag with a hidden pastry inside. “It’s, uh, a cinnamon roll with walnuts inside and lemon icing on top. Been trying it out all week and I finally think I got it right. But—can’t know, ‘til you try it.” And the moment he tries to pay for the order, she’ll decline as it’s on the house this morning.

Dancing along a very thin line, the edge between flirtation and hospitality, Shane and Eloise had been a theme of constant gossip and chatter, least, whenever the two of them made conversation inside of the coffee shop. Their names whispered over the brims of teacups, knowing smiles while spectators gobbled up their sweet treats, they were a consistent enough sight to behold. Every day were the pair observed with devoted fashion. Like an acclaimed television drama - motherly sorts were certain that the officer and the owner were absolutely smitten - each visit shared better than the last. Shane hadn’t even noticed the rise in scandalous talk. Was always so distracted by something else; the twinkle in Eloise’s eyes whenever she spoke, the way her nose would scrunch up when she grinned, so adorable. His attention was always fixated upon her. 

Favorite breakfast drink made just the way he liked it, the cinnamon roll was a most unexpected, but very pleasant, surprise. The parchment bag from which it was protected inside of opened just then, walnut and lemon and pure deliciousness swarmed Shane’s sense of smell. Homemade and crafted just for him - a subtle pinkness painted his cheeks - a gesture so kind. There wasn’t another pastry like it to be found in the entire Brewed Awakening. A lone wanderer in the world of baked treats, from the display case could Shane see various types of cookies and cakes and, even, muffins. But nowhere else could he spot a duplicate cinnamon roll. Not within the hands of another customer, not hidden back in the kitchen for safekeeping, it was his alone to enjoy. And for the first time since he was a boy, the deputy was left speechless, mouth slightly hung open as realization smacked him right in the face. Eloise had done all that work just for him. 

“No. No, ma’am. I ain’t allergic to anythin’.” Shane stammered, finally putting the parchment bag down onto the service counter, beside the hot to-go cup, fetching his wallet from his uniform pant pocket. “Let me tell you somethin’, even if I was, I’d still risk it after you goin’ through all the trouble of makin’ me this cinnamon roll. Looks mighty good. Lucky for you, too, because I’m as hungry as a horse. I might just ask for another before I leave here! Worse comes to worse, I’ll give you my 5-star review from a hospital bed.”

Wallet between his fingers, with each new cup and breakfast treat served, Eloise’s tip jar seemed to get more and more filled. Dollar bills stacked on top of each other, till they almost overflowed and littered the surrounding flat surface of the counter. Earnings of a police officer never equal to the effort put into the field - hours were long and pay was decent but not as lucrative as it should’ve been - funds were sent to that little coffee shop without worry. Shane invested all that he could into Eloise and her business. Because her business was just that wonderful and worth its prices; what could be offered alongside the initial total, a parting gift of thanks. She had tried before to refuse his kindness. Mentioned on a gentle sigh that she didn’t need it, appreciated it but didn’t require the extra gain, the deputy did good on not listening to Eloise’s protests. For every purchase since the first, all the way up to the most present, was to include a handsome bit of change to be added into the tip jar. Every time and without fail; with a firm nod of the head and a smile on the lips. 

Shane said, pushing his $10 into the jar, stuffing it into the glass, a nod and a smile included, “don’t you say a word, Miss Eloise. I’ve known you long enough. I know what you’re gonna say. But I want you to have this. No. No. I don’t care if this tip here is as much as the entire order. I want you to have this. Use it. Put it in stocks. Buy yourself somethin’ pretty. Don’t fight me on this, alright? Now, how much do I owe you for the coffee and the cinnamon roll?”

Fishing out a thick wad of cash already, before an amount of payment was actually verbalized between them, the familiar jingle of the entrance bells rang. Another customer to the shop - the stomp of boots filled the space - the Brewed Awakening greeted by someone new. Before he looked up from his search for remuneration, wrinkled and crisp bills alike sorted through, Shane had assumed that it was Rick who entered the shop. Perhaps deciding that he was, in the end, in the mood for something to eat and drink, too bored to be left in the patrol car anymore. A charm that dripped with honey every time he uttered a sentence, blue eyes and a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts, much to the other deputy’s dismay, it wasn’t an eager Officer Grimes who approached. Slender but still toned with muscle, height a few inches taller than Shane, age a few years younger, it was the newest recruit to the Force. A true peacock on the team if there ever was one. 

Blonde haired and green eyed, skin so golden that it almost shined, Officer Jason Kindred was a special breed. Not too liked - personality was as attractive as brussels sprouts were tasty - admired regardless because he was skilled at what he did. Shane would even admit to such. Couldn’t deny that the younger officer was well trained and well situated for the daily responsibilities of police work, couldn’t ignore just how much he couldn’t stand the other. Officer Kindred was the sort that Grandma Jean would’ve spoken ill about. Arrogant and prideful and a touch too confident when it came to seduction; the kid practically bragged about his conquests when not out on duty. More so than anyone else did, Shane would acknowledge that he had his moments, too, but even he understood the importance of time and place. Small conference rooms were not one of those such places. Especially when in the company of lady officers and colleagues; when in the immediacy of Eloise. 

Lip risen in an animal-like snarl when Officer Kindred stepped closer to the counter, Shane not yet done with Eloise, but just as much, in no real rush to move on, eyes darkened almost dangerously. Gambled on the possibility of being late to his scheduled checkup of Roan, an elder male who would been seen several minutes behind promised arrangement, there was something about Kindred’s cat-like smirk that sparked a chill up the higher ranked officer’s spine. A predatory gleam that held no reason for being there upon his face to begin with. A flicker of sinister intention within those emerald eyes; how he studied Eloise was unnerving. As if he were up to trouble before he even stepped foot into her Brewed Awakening, like he would’ve committed an unspeakable sin had Shane not been there, not been in his way. Never cared much for the youth anyway, the deputy wouldn’t be broken hearted about being a further thorn into his side. Perhaps found pleasure in the entire act. 

“Eloise, you wouldn’t mind repeatin’ that amount I owe you, would you?” Shane muttered, annoyed to the very pit of his soul, but never toward her.

Back straightened up and posture proper, despite the difference in height, Kindred would not intimidate the deputy, especially while before the curious and very observant public population. Palm flush to the cooled marble counter, weight leaned to the one side of himself, akin to a wall between Kindred and Eloise, Shane shaped himself as a barrier. A physical force that could not be broken into nor against. A disturbance and a hurdle for the baby-faced officer; their communication short but none too sweet. A nod of acknowledgement - Officer Kindred - baritone barely softened around the gruffness. Shane would return the pseudo-politeness later. How Kindred seemed far more interested in the Brewed Awakening’s owner than his fellow brother in arms, it was with clear recollection that his words of the past haunted him. A woman untouched by he - I hear that the chick who owns the place is hot as hell - a notch on the belt. A body to be added to the list: she’s a cutie, ain’t she, Walsh?

Shane beseeched, as if it would’ve killed him if he didn’t, “can you get me another cup of coffee, please, Miss Eloise? I just remembered that Officer Grimes had actually been askin’ for something to wet his thirst. He likes it extra light, extra sweet. The sweetest and lightest that you could possibly make it. I apologize, Officer Kindred. You’re probably lookin’ to get your morning cup, too. It just slipped my mind. But, hey, man, there’s always other coffee shops. And don’t you have somewhere else you ‘ought to be? Last I heard, you were in a bit of a pickle with bein’ late to your assignments. What was it last time? Oh. That’s right. You forgot your uniform at a certain Mrs. Edwin’s house. How unfortunate.”

“Guess we all make mistakes, though, don’t we? Wouldn’t you say so, Miss El?”

[ladykatebridgerton]

Favorite Bridgerton family moment (or moments?)?

Literally anytime two or more Bridgertons are together, I am garbage. But okay off the top of my head--

1. THE BROTHERS BARGING INTO PHILLIP’S HOUSE! This is the superior of all scenes. I would sacrifice anything just to ensure this scene or some variation of it happens because it owns me. I’ll read it for shits and giggles all the time because it’s so damn good. 

2. Anthony’s talk with Eloise in TSPWL is the purest moment throughout the series and it makes me bawl. I have some stuff I plan on eventually writing about this so I’m gonna hold off going into details for now.

3. PALL FREAKING MALL. I need the TV series to actually show us a Pall Mall game every single year. It’s what the audience deserves. I would also give everything to see a flashback of previous games with just the family. 

4. Benedict and Colin giving Anthony shit while he’s hungover in TVWLM. It’s such an authentic moment of how brothers are with each other, and especially these three. The walnuts and Benedict’s tone is ridiculous.

5. The brothers shooting then getting pissy when Eloise barges in at My Cottage. Basically I need everything from Bridgerton siblings in TSPWL to remain the same,  but I need more as well, so maybe like three episodes dedicated to the nonsense that ensues? Anthony’s comment C&G being raised at an orphanage, telling Phillip he’ll double Eloise’s dowry if he marries her now. Sophie sitting in her corner reading a book completely done with all of them. It’s all gold. 

6. Eloise helping Benedict and Sophie when Charles is sick. Be still my heart. I swear this scene made me love B&S so much more as a couple. They broke me.

7. Eloise and Francesca talking about kids. This is another one of those super pure moments I really hope the series keeps.

8. Daphne turning to Colin for help about Simon and confessing that she does actually have feelings for him then Colin going to her for advice with Penelope! This arc comes full circle so beautiful, especially when you add TDaI’s second epilogue! MY HEART. 

9. Anthony and Simon falling into the lake, which I’m really hoping we’re getting.

10. The ridiculous milk scene with Anthony and Daphne, which I’m 90% sure we’re getting. 

THERE’S SO MANY! and I’m completely blanking on the rest, but seriously, it’s the best part of the series.

[jomiddlemarch]

do anything rather than marry without affection, part II

“Eloise, you’re talking in circles. And you know I’ve not your same background in Euclidean geometry, it’s not fair to either of us for you to go on this way,” Penelope said, pushing a dish of sweets across the table. Somehow, out of season, she had Eloise’s favorite sugarplums and Eloise would have reached for one except the dratted sunlight would be sure to catch on the facets of her ring, as if the whole world was intent on teaching her a lesson she’d been too stupid to see.

“You’re telling me to just speak plainly, are you?” She was sitting down otherwise she would have stamped her slippered foot.

“You’ll feel better. You know you will. And then you can eat the sugarplum,” Penelope said.

“I’ve made the most terrible muddle of it, Penelope. Far worse than you can imagine.” Just this morning, she’d woken from the most shocking dream; now, there was not even the promise of sleep to give her any respite.

“So, if I cannot imagine it, you’ll just have to explain. You like explaining,” Penelope said.

“It’s Simon. The Duke. My husband,” Eloise said.

“I know who you mean, dearest El.”

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Eloise said. “It’s a travesty.”

“Is it worse than the burning of the Library of Alexandria? Because that’s what you usually use as a point of reference,” Penelope said. She was a good friend and she richly deserved the bit of shortbread she’d begun to nibble.

“It is. And it isn’t. But it’s close,” Eloise said. She had no one to blame but herself, truly, unless she decided to hunt down a plump cherub with an arrow and risk Psyche’s fate.

“It’s all right, Eloise. It cannot be as horrid as you think.”

“I’m falling in love with Simon. My husband. The Duke of Hastings,” Eloise said as if she were finishing a perfectly solved proof. It was similarly incontrovertible and it made her want to tear out her hair, something she could get away with now that she was the rich and well-connected and eccentric Duchess of Hastings. He’d given that to her, as he’d promised, but it wasn’t the reason her heart beat faster when she saw him.

“Yes, dearest, I know who he is and what he is to you. I have done for some time. But you haven’t, have you?” Penelope asked.

“No. I’m a fool,” Eloise said bitterly. It wouldn’t matter how sweet the plum was, how finely sugared. Nothing could take away the taste of the truth.

“You’re the Duchess of Hastings and you’re falling in love with your husband, who was the object of every living woman’s desire in the British Isles for years before you wed, though I’m sure you love him for some reason no other lady has. It’s all right, Eloise,” Penelope said.

“It’s not,” Eloise retorted. She sounded weak even to herself.

“It could be, if you’d get out of your own way for once—you’ll notice I don’t say to take your nose out of a book. And if the Duke keeps his wits about him,” Penelope said. “He’s not secretly an imbecile, is he? I can’t see how you’d fall in love with a dullard.”

“No, he’s not an imbecile. That’s what—that’s why—and he looks at me, Pen, he looks and looks and then he says something brilliant, sometimes in Latin, and I want—”

“Yes?”

“I want Simon,” Eloise said. “God help me, but I do.” It hadn’t occurred to her as even the remotest possibility upon their first meeting, which had been her first mistake.

*

“I don’t want any of this,” she’d said, her gloved hand gesturing towards the ballroom where the lit tapers flooded the dancers in gold, where the scent was of hot-house forced freesias and lilies. The Abernathy’s library was wonderfully brown, umber and sepia, the leather of the bound volumes, the walnut furniture, the dark draperies blocking out the starlight. Eloise wanted to sink down into it and never emerge but someone would come looking for her. Had, since there was a tall man in a perfectly tailored frock-coat giving her a most bemused look. Bemusement was better than bafflement, dismay or disgust, all of which were familiar expressions on various Bridgertons. “I’m not made for this, I’m hiding—horrible, I know, but the truth often it, isn’t it?”

“I can’t claim any authority over the truth,” he’d said and she’d liked that. His willingness to refrain from domination. It was rare, in her experience, which while not wide, was likely representative of her social class. She and Pen had argued for a whole afternoon about the applicability of their assessment and decided it.

“All I want is to read and study, to do what every mamma wishes her son would do at Oxford or Cambridge and all that happens is japes and pranks, what a waste! I hardly think my brothers did any better and this, this is my only chance, my only university—the libraries I sneak into during the balls Daphne spends collecting proposals. Daphne’s twice as intelligent as any man she dances with but she’d never dare show it. To think that’s all ahead of me, God, all that’s ahead of me—it’s grotesque! Anathema!”

He’d let her speak, rant really, without an interruption. He stood quite straight but there was a grace about him that was unmistakable and a certain attention she’d encountered infrequently. It was too bad she’d never speak to him after this, for what gentleman would accept as an acquaintance a woman such as herself?

“You could marry me,” he said. Eloise conquered the urge to exclaim, something sure to be incomprehensible, and instead decided to take him at his word. She might have said something, but he went on. “I need a wife who will not mind being left alone to her own devices, who will not expect an endless social whirl and a nursery full of children. You need the wealth and power that would allow a Duchess to study whatever she wanted, to be as eccentric as she likes. It is a solution.”

“It’s quite a neat solution at that. But if I am to respond, I ought to know your name, properly, that is,” she said.

“Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.”

“I’d be a Duchess?” Eloise asked. “I shouldn’t agree to anything without establishing my independence—I won’t be chattel and I won’t be beholden to any man’s morals, not when I’ve no way to know if they’re half as good as my own or twice as bad, your Grace.”

“Shall you draw the document up yourself or ask your solicitor? I doubt you’d trust my man,” he said, without an ounce of offense in his tone and was that actual respect in his dark gaze?

“You’d accept that?” she said.

“Yes. And would you?” he asked, suddenly sounding young and unsure.

“I’m Eloise Bridgerton, your Grace. Your betrothed.”

*

“You had not the least suspicion something like this might happen?” Penelope asked. “I thought, at your wedding, there was a look in your eyes—”

“Mamma insisted on those roses and you know they make me sneeze, I don’t care how romantic they are thought to be,” Eloise said. “Simon cannot abide them either, I’ve done away with them at Cliveden and the house in Town.”

“All right. How did it transpire that the Duke has taken priority in your affections over all things erudite, my dear Saint Scholastica?” Penelope said.

“I didn’t say that, Pen!” Eloise huffed. “I haven’t entirely lost all claim to rational thought. But I’d only expected us to be civil acquaintances, amicable enough, but without any real interest in each other, and yet when I speak, he listens, quite intently. He asks the most intelligent, engrossing questions or offers insights without any pretension or condescension. It’s quite remarkable in a man, any man, but I’d never expected it of a Duke.”

“Has there been the least hint of flirtation between you?”

“You know I cannot flutter my lashes at him over a discussion of Euler. The time has passed for dropping my hankie or swooning—he’d probably call for a footman to catch me and bundle me off to bed with beef tea and a hot water bottle for good measure,” Eloise said.

“He’s that considerate?”

“More than I could ever be. And gentle. Thoughtful, especially when we visit my family. He’s most devilishly amusing when we are in the carriage returning home, he’s a marvelous mimic and he has Benedict to a tee, Pen, really.”

“He sounds like a boon companion,” Penelope said. “A great friend.”

“If only that was all he is,” Eloise said. “If only the sound of his voice didn’t make me blush. He touched my hand when he gave me a book he’d gotten down from the highest shelf in the library and I trembled, Pen. I cannot even long for him properly, for how embarrassing is it for a wife to yearn for her own husband or a Duchess for her Duke?”

“Why stop at longing?” Penelope said, as practically as if she’d suggested retrimming a bonnet.

“I don’t understand—”

“For someone who sets such a store on brains, you don’t seem to use yours very effectively. I wouldn’t have thought love would make you so stupid, El,” Penelope said. “You needn’t be literally madly in love with him. You might be quite reasonably in love and let him know, by degrees.”

“By degrees?”

“I don’t believe he is indifferent to you. Nor that he looks upon you as only a friend. But friendship makes a fair beginning for love, if you’ll give it some encouragement,” Penelope said.

“You are telling me to court him? My own husband?” Eloise said.

“It is hardly the most radical notion for an ardent devotee of Miss Wollstonecraft. What can it hurt to invite him to take tea with you in your own sitting room or to accompany you to a concert or scientific talk you are most interested in? To straighten his neck-cloth or brush a thread from his admirably broad shoulder? No pretense is required, only those wifely attentions anyone would expect in any arrangement other than yours—you only have to let him see a little of how you feel when he looks in your face,” Penelope said. “And perhaps forget your spenser now and then and see if he offers you his coat or his arm should you shiver.”

“I’ll make a fool of myself, I know it,” Eloise said.

“You already feel a fool. And there are worse things than folly. Dishonesty. Loneliness. Despair.”

“Humiliation, if Lady Whistledown decides I’m grist for her mill,” Eloise said, already imagining resting her gloved hand on Simon’s a few seconds longer than would be expected getting in and out of their carriage, the way his expression might change if she held his gaze as she sipped from her tea-cup or found any opportunity to ask him which translation of Catullus he preferred.

“I shouldn’t worry about her,” Penelope said serenely. “She owes you a favor, does she not?”

[theviscountbridgerton]

Why do you dislike Benedict so much? I think all the guys except Colin act like a$$holes during their books including Anthony so why is Benedict the only one you have a problem with?

I don’t want to be negative and I’m certainly not trying to make anybody else hate Benedict. If Benedict’s your favourite character, that’s great. To each their own.

And because I am harsh on Benedict, here’s three things I like about him.

1. He steps in to rescue Sophie from a terrifying and horrible situation when he doesn’t know her at all, and he brings her to a safe place and gives her shelter. She’s a nobody to him at that point and he is kind and generous to her and protects her in a way nobody else ever has. (Which is why I find the way he acts afterwards so infuriating.)

2. We’re told that he most often dances with the wallflowers and the overlooked girls, the Penelopes of the Ton because he prefers them to the more popular girls. We don’t actually see it happen in the books, the only time is when he abandons Penelope to chase the mystery lady. I think if it had been mentioned in Penelope’s book that Benedict often danced with her that I’d probably like him a lot more. I hope the series highlights that part of his character.

3. When Anthony is hungover and depressed and Benedict starts cracking walnuts by smashing them with a book. That’s the kind of asshole behavior I can get behind.

So he does have good points, and I did like him initially, but I thought he behaved like such an asshole to Sophie that it outweighs the good and I couldn’t get over it.

So three reasons I don’t like Benedict. (Under the cut because it’s long, spoilery and I’m pretty critical of Benedict so don’t keep reading if you don’t want to see that. I have no interest in turning people against him.)

1. Benedict is the epitome of privilege. Every privilege that exists, he has it. He’s a straight, white, wealthy, landowning, able-bodied, cisgendered aristocrat. He��s a member of a powerful and well-connected family. Now, that pretty much applies to all the men in the series. But Simon, Philip and Gareth all have abusive parents and traumatic childhoods and Michael is an orphan. It doesn’t excuse their dickishness but it does make them more sympathetic. Anthony carries the trauma of his father’s death and the massive responsibility of being made head of a large family at 18. Benedict doesn’t have any kind of struggle to offset his privilege. He has no responsibility, never had to work for anything. Colin’s in the same position, but he does something with his privilege - he travels and writes and doesn’t act like an asshole. Benedict just mopes around for years. He’s apparently a really talented artists but he never works at it or trains for it. But then when decides he wants to be an artist, he takes up watercolours and becomes a celebrated painter within a few years.  

He’s literally had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Then, the one time he doesn’t get his way, when Sophie says no to him, he is furious, he calls her stupid, blackmails her into doing what he wants, puts her in a position where she can’t get away from him and harasses her until she gives in. He doesn’t listen to her when she gives her reasons for saying no.  

There’s a power imbalance with all the couples because of the way society treated women in the 19th century. But the imbalance is the worst between Benedict and Sophie. Sophie is the least privileged person we meet in the series. Not only is she not a member of the aristocracy, but she is completely alone. She has no money, no power, no family, no friends, so support. She is abused by her stepmother until she escapes. She gets a job working for a nice elderly couple in the country, it’s the best job she can hope for in her circumstances, Then their awful son arrives and tries to rape her. Benedict tells her she’s stupid for putting herself in that position. He doesn’t listen to her. He doesn’t respect her wishes or her decisions. He uses his power over her to force her to come to London with him and work for his mother. Sophie is completely vulnerable and Benedict uses that to get his own way. At least when Anthony is being a dick, he’s aware he’s being a dick. During the scene in the study with Kate, when he’s at his most dickiest, he knows and feels shame for it. Benedict thinks he’s entirely in the right the whole time. He does eventually see the error of his ways and apologises but I felt it was too little, too late.

2. It’s not just that Benedict keeps pressuring Sophie after she’s said no, it’s what he’s asking her to do. I don’t even judge him that much for asking him to be his mistress, Sophie is a servant and he can’t marry her, but having a mistress was somewhat acceptable for a man in his position. (Although just because it’s acceptable at the time, doesn’t mean I have to like it.) Yes, Anthony pretty much intends to do the same thing, and he’s an asshole for it. But once he falls in love with Kate there’s no question of him having a mistress, he’s a one woman man. When Benedict asks Sophie to be his mistress, he still intends to get married and he’s hoping it will be the mystery lady. He intends to have his cake and eat it too. He loves Sophie and wants to marry this other lady he has feelings for. He wants to marry this lady he claims to have feelings for, while keeping a mistress on the side. He really only gives up on the idea of finding his mystery lady when he realises that she’s Sophie. I think that’s another reason I can forgive Anthony more easily than Benedict. That scene in the study is Anthony’s worst moment and he improves from there, while Benedict doubles down on his worst moment for several chapters afterwards and his redemption comes very late in the novel.

3. The third reason is not really anything Benedict does, but it’s how he’s written. Because he doesn’t really feature in any of the other books, we don’t get to know him as well as the other characters. Anthony and Colin feature heavily in The Duke and I, and I liked both of them by the end of that book, but didn’t have any thoughts on Benedict. The scene with Anthony and Eloise in Philip’s study during To Sir Philip With Love is one of my favourite moments in the whole series. Colin pops up in other books being charming, funny and sweet. We don’t get that with Benedict. So when I say he has no personality, I’m not really being fair to Benedict as he doesn’t get the same chance as other characters do to show different sides of his personality, and that’s a fault with the writing not the character. But it means the only impression we have of him is from An Offer From a Gentleman and sadly, I think he was too much of an asshole for a large part of that book and wasn’t properly redeemed.

The sad thing is that it could have been very easy to write him not being an asshole. Instead of being angry and throwing a tantrum when Sophie says no, imagine that while Benedict is upset, he accepts her decision and then brings her to London and gets her a job working for his mother to help her without ulterior motive as he did when he rescued her the first time. They encounter each other at number 5 and fall more in love but they can’t be together (the pining!) until he decides he doesn’t care about bowing to social expectations anymore and asks her to marry him before finding out who she is, and before his mother finds a way to make it acceptable. Add in a few scenes in the other books that show him paying attention to Penelope and the wallflowers and that’s a Benedict I would have loved.

 PS. Anybody looking for a band name, Penelope and the Wallflowers is free for the taking.

[benscursedkid]

Rebekah’s Extended Family: Maternal Side

Paternal Side / Immediate

Aunt: Adelaide Leá Cordeau (née Leon)

Born: October 31st, 1947

Sign: Scorpio

House: Slytherin

Wand: Laurel Wood, Dragon Heartstring and Demiguise Hair Core, 12 ¾ Inches, Soft Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

Occupation: Alchemy Professor at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic

Oldest of the two, Adelaide was very fond and very protective of her sister

Feared her parents, particularly her father, and therefore was more impressionable, more likely to follow orders and obey them mindlessly

Even if it was just to satiate them and keep herself out of trouble

Scared of what would happen if she disagreed with him so she let herself be manipulated

Better to safe than sorry is her motto

She used to try to appeal to her mother when she was younger but soon realized it was useless

Their mother was a numb, empty woman and advised Delphine to leave her be when she started trying to do the same

Though during summer breaks she did try as often as she could to keep her and Delphine out of the house

But at the end of the day, they always had to come back

That stuck with her

Quieter than her sister, more studious, though they shared equal ambition

Immensely skilled in Potions and Alchemy and was a star pupil in the Slug Club as a student

The only one in her family who was skilled in singing– something she loved to tease Delphine about

Her humor was a bit dry and biting, but witty and very sarcastic

You’d really never realize exactly how respectful or polite she was if you didn’t take the chance to look

She was just as kind and caring as her sister, but not as bold or as daring, and a bit tougher around the edges

Where her sister was outgoing at school and trying— whether it worked or not is another matter —to make friends, she was much more introverted and uncomfortable in the presence of people she didn’t know or couldn’t understand

Good at reading people and used that to her advantage

Tried to take as much of the trouble as she could off of Delphine when their parents got angry, but it only deepened her fear of them

Learned to confuse fear with respect because of this

These actions went unbeknownst to her sister and she liked it that way

It’s better for her not to know, she doesn’t like pity

When she graduated she was similarly married off to a French pure-blood wizard, Jacques Cordeau, who worked as an Obliviator for the French Ministry (she moved to France to accommodate his job and was hired by Beauxbatons)

Covered for her sister when she begged to have her own life for a year and was manipulated by her parents into regretting it when she ended up marrying a muggle

Ignored her entirely for a solid year until she found out Delphine was pregnant and then cut ties with her own family to try and patch things up with her little sister (successfully)

Eventually fell genuinely in love with her husband and had two children

Her niece and nephew are very important to her

Uncle (by marriage): Jacques Emile Cordeau

Born: September 16th, 1945

Sign: Virgo

School: Graduated from Beauxbatons

Wand: Vine Wood, Phoenix Feather Core, 13”, Springy Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

Occupation: Obliviator

Grew up with a hefty family fortune

Also an only child, and it often times rendered him rather lonely

Both his parents were business people and they always seemed to not have enough time for him

Not necessarily bad parents, just absent, rather hands-off

A lot of the time when he would ask to spend time with them, they threw money at him and told him to do whatever he wants with it…

“cause that’s what you want, right?”

Suffice to say, it became a learned behavior and he grew up doing much the same thing

Turned into a bit of a loner

And very stand-offish

Came to resent his parents’ money, but because he was practically raised off of it alone he doesn’t know what he would do without it

Very used and accustomed to the classy, rich lifestyle

Doesn’t mean to be rude, but he likes compartmentalizing and prioritizing his time so he hates distractions

Graduated top of his class and gained a very respectable job at the Ministry, people were always sucking up to him

He didn’t like it much and he knew they didn’t really like or respect him just his money or his title

So to get them off his back, he did what his parents would do to him

Tried to do that to Adelaide when they got married, as arranged by their parents

She wouldn’t have it though, instead she took to ignoring him

It took a few years of a loveless marriage for them to open up to each other but they eventually got there

She saw past his face value and commended him for wanting to pursue a profession that helps people

Even if obliviator doesn’t seem like much of a “helping hand” job, Jacques takes pride in it and loves meeting new people

Especially when they don’t know who he is

Was able to see all the regrets Adelaide held in regards to her sister and the fear of her parents she kept buried inside

Had two children, after beginning their relationship a bit backwards, who he adores and absolutely coddles

Enjoys spending time with Adelaide’s family

The ‘Fun Uncle’ to which they always tease “You’re our only uncle!”

Devastated to hear about Jacob

Really thought that kid would go places

Cousin: Priscilla Eloise Cordeau

Born: May 9th, 1970

Sign: Taurus

School: Attended Beauxbatons

Wand: Yew Wood, Unicorn Hair Core, 12 ¾ Inches, Reasonably Swishy Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

Her name is Priscilla but will cut you if you call her that

Just kidding

No I’m not

Prefers Pris

Her and her brother, at their roots, are very similar

They both love arguing and debating for fun

Thrive off proving people wrong

Have 194739201 different skills that just kinda happened

Will not hesitate to tell it like it is

The difference? Unlike Dominic she has some sense of dignity

A very classy girl

She’s respectful and polite, knows her manners, and when to hold her tongue

But cross her at your own peril

Everything she does is intentional

Every glance, smile, pat on the back, eyebrow arch is calculated

And she is good at math

But girl has a temper if you’ve ever seen one

Where her brother is more laid-back and, for all his own snark, easy-going, she’s impatient remembers things

You could say petty but she picks her battles

She won’t hold a grudge over little things or even big things so long as you aren’t a problem to her and your mistake won’t change or ruin anything in her routine or her ambitions

But she loathes incompetent and ignorant people

If you are either one of those… just stay clear

Tries to be the nice guy but she truly has little tolerance for such nuisances

Really isn’t that bad once you get to know her

But a lot of people don’t try

Most of them either think she’s really smart and hilarious with her sarcasm

Or extremely bitchy and insensitive

But she does have her redeeming qualities of course

For example, though it’s hard earned, she’s loyal to a fault and will never send any of her friends or family away if they need her

Doesn’t like most strangers or people she doesn’t know but also strangely likes giving back

Does some volunteer work just because “this world already sucks but maybe if I help it’ll be more tolerable”

That’s Pris for “I want to help”

Has a sweet tooth and a soft spot for animals of all kinds

Good with kids

Very be either really crude or extremely graceful... it’s really a coin toss as to which one in the moment

Actually loves history and can’t ever be found without a book on hand

Plays the flute and violin

Good at art and her brother hates it

Cousin: Dominic Jules Cordeau

Born: February 28th, 1974

Sign: Pisces

School: Attended Beauxbatons

Wand: Walnut Wood, Unicorn Hair Core, 11 ½ Inches, Brittle Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

A smugly sarcastic little shit and he knows it

Can and will call you out, don’t try him

Sets insanely high expectations for himself so don’t be surprised if he exceeds yours

It’s in his nature to thrive, to be the best

I’m not really one for saying “if xyz was in Hogwarts they would be in abc house”

But this boy has Slytherin written all over him good god

Super ambitious and if he’s thinks you’re competition will cut you down

“It’s nothing personal, you’re just in my way”

Really, though, it’s not personal

At all

It actually takes a lot for him to hold a grudge and dislike a person

So it’s likely he just feels threatened if he gets aggressive with you

For all his tough talk this boy is sensitive

Hates insults and back-handed compliments unless you’re oh so clearly just teasing him and he’s 10008337% sure you’re joking

Has this kicked puppy expression but Pris (and his cousins whenever they’re around) are the only ones he’ll show it to without concern

Really athletic too and can absolutely annihilate you in Quidditch

But he just doesn’t most of the time because his grades are what really matter to him

Is either absolutely shameless or…

no that’s it

He’s just shameless

He can sing, he can dance, likely plays like seven instruments (like the cello and guitar) and speaks two languages aside from French and English, good at sports, math and literature (!?), and flirts like he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it

He doesn’t

But Merlin’s beard whatever you do, please do not give this child a pencil

Or literally anything else that leaves a mark

Absolutely terrible at art and drawing of any kind

And he knows this

And does it anyway

You’d think it wouldn’t be much of a problem when he messes around and draws dicks all over everything because really you can’t ever tell what it is

But that’s exactly why he feels the need to explain it

Chaotic Neutral and proud

Also a hardcore feminist, he drinks his respect women juice

Close with his sister and if you think they’re arguing you’re wrong

Bickering is just how they express their love

She’s a lot like him but classier™️

And she loves to remind him

Grandmother: Chanel Vivian Leon (née Sinclair)

Born: October 11th, 1921

Sign: Libra

School: Attended Beauxbatons

Wand: Pine Wood, Unicorn Hair Core, 10”, Slightly Yielding Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

Occupation: Retired Ministry Employee

Youngest of four children, has three older brothers

Used to be close with her second brother, but then he began to socialize with muggle-borns and her parents told her he was a disgrace

Didn’t want to believe them at first

Hasn’t spoken to him since he graduated

Used to love nature and even to this day always keeps a white carnation in her room

Lost the taste for it a long time ago but can’t seem to let that habit go

Can’t really tell if she’s evil or just empty

Not much of an evil-doer herself but is definitely not one to put a stop to it

She just wants to be left alone

Altogether a mediocre human being at best

But her parents were able to get her a husband because she’s Pretty

Shouldn’t have been a wife

Definitely shouldn’t have been a mother

She kinda just sits

And wonders were the time went

How she lost her youth

Why she can’t feel anymore

When the world turned into just a million shades of grey

She’s just a little tired

Grandfather: Cado Josicaiah Leon

Born: August 1st, 1918

Sign: Leo

House: Slytherin

Wand: Red Oak Wood, Doxy Wing Core, 12 ½ Inches, Unyielding Flexibility

Blood Status: Pure-Blood

Occupation: Worked as an employee in the Department of Magic Regulation at the Ministry

Was the middle child of three kids, had an older sister and a younger brother

They’re doing well now, he thinks

Wishes he didn’t push them away in adolescence but too proud to admit it

Has a lot of regrets he’s unwilling to own up to

Became a death eater in the first war but didn’t serve a long term because he provided the Ministry with useful information on his colleagues

Didn’t learn his lesson though

The downfall of The Dark Lord only further pushes him to prove his superiority

Was a very controlling, power hungry man

Didn’t have charisma to hide it

But people respected him anyway because of his family fortune

Very classy and strict

A dictator in the house, liked having the say over his wife and children

Never bothered to hide the fact that he wished he’d had a son instead

Manipulated Adelaide consistently through her childhood and was extremely irritated Delphine seemed to not sway to his beliefs

Disowned her when she married a muggle and convinced Adelaide to do the same

Until even she betrayed him and he was left alone in his house with a wife who never loved him

Joined the Dark Lord again in the second war and got a life sentence in Azkaban that he did not get out of this time

Never met Rebekah and Jacob

Still in prison

[abrunelle]

Political Change in Boise

Dave Bieter leaves office having turned Boise blue. When elected mayor in 2003, in Boise’s five legislative districts six of fifteen seats in the Idaho Legislature were held by Democrats. Today it’s fourteen of fifteen seats. Democrats also now hold a majority of the Ada County Commission for the first time since 1977-78. Among current public officials, Dave represents the last real tie to the Frank Church and Cecil Andrus eras: home-grown Democrats in a historically Republican-dominated town that was Boise. Church, then Andrus, were both able to construct a majority vote in their races by appealing to independents and moderate Republicans. Winning Boise, they could prevail statewide with hefty margins in Democratic North Idaho and Pocatello. But no Democratic candidate for Boise mayor (though officially a nonpartisan race) had been able to break through since the Depression. Dave was the first. As a youngster Dave remembers tossing the football at the Basque picnic with these leaders. His dad Pat chaired the Citizens for Church committee in 1968 and connected Frank and Cece to the Basque community. His mom Eloise Garmendia was part of the core of Democrats in this town that included Basques, Catholics, government workers and blue collar laborers. She worked for Calvin Wright, a former statewide office holder and Democratic nominee for Governor, and confidant of Church and Andrus. The relationship across generations meant when the time would come the kid catching the spiral pass was out there in 1986 pounding signs for Andrus, big 4’ by 8’ plywood billboards from Boise to Banks.

Two years after Andrus left office Pat Bieter would be elected to the State House of Representatives. Dave was appointed to the position after Pat and Eloise died in an automobile accident in 1999, then won his own elections in 2000 and 2002 in the only Democratic legislative district at that time. A generation after Church’s last race and 13 years after Andrus’ Dave stunned the experts with a 52% majority in a four way race for mayor in 2003 in what was still considered a Republican city. To get there Dave secured the endorsement of Cecil Andrus at his campaign announcement. Bethine Church came on board after telling Dave, “Let’s see how you do” in his initial campaigning first. Once elected, Dave accelerated the political trend in Boise towards Democratic dominance. His campaign organization harnessed in the remarkable 2003 win was later replicated to expand Democratic seats in the Legislature in 2004 and 2006, and later helped establish College of Western Idaho by popular vote, a campaign that coordinated efforts with GOP Governor Butch Otter. Additional levy votes for the foothills and the Boise River passed by overwhelming margins. Re-elections as mayor were largely a cakewalk as the Democratic vote totals grew lopsided across the city. When Bethine was asked to make a campaign contribution she did one better by opening the doors to her large townhouse on Walnut Street, inviting Church loyalists to support Dave’s campaign. Having carried forward the Church/Andrus legacies in Boise it’s both symbolic and meaningful that there is now a Bethine Church Boise River trail and a Cecil D. Andrus Park in Boise. Both were named as such by Dave. Longevity and success can often help determine ultimate political fate. So when Dave ran for a fifth term he faced an electorate that has become larger in number and strongly Democratic in voting. At the same time, the Church and Andrus legacies have faded.  Bethine Church passed in 2014 and Cecil Andrus in 2017, so neither were around to repeat an endorsement. Besides, an ever increasing proportion of the Boise electorate were not here the last time either Church (1980) or Andrus (1990) were on the ballot. Even memories fade of Dave’s unexpected majority in a four way race in 2003.  Over time, the city and political trend he has much to do with building and expanding, has moved on. And in fact it’s grown so large it overwhelmed him as the newer voters in Boise have taken hold. Certainly not what he wanted at this time, but a pretty good legacy nonetheless!

[armeniaitn]

California Armenian Legislative Caucus announces essay and visual arts scholarship winners

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/society/california-armenian-legislative-caucus-announces-essay-and-visual-arts-scholarship-winners-78708-16-09-2021/

California Armenian Legislative Caucus announces essay and visual arts scholarship winners

Asbarez – The California Armenian Legislative Caucus announced the winners of this year’s 2021 California Armenian Legislative Caucus’ Scholarship.    The California Armenian Legislative Caucus has worked hard this year to advocate and participate in educational and governmental efforts in California and awarded six scholarships to California high school students who entered essay and arts contests.    The Caucus continues to strive to educate Californians on Armenian American issues and celebrate the achievements of Armenian Americans in California. 

Earlier this year the Armenian Caucus invited California high school students to participate in its Annual Essay Contest. Students were asked to write a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, urging that Facebook take the same course of action against denial and distorted posts regarding the 1915 Armenian Genocide as they have with the Holocaust.  

Essay Contest Winners First-prize, $1,000: Alex Santiago attending Walnut High School in Walnut, CA.  Second-prize, $750: Kyleen Lin attending Clovis North High School in Fresno, CA.  Third-prize, $500: Michael Karapetyan attending Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, CA.     This year’s theme was “Human to Human Interaction.” Submission types were limited to drawings, paintings, photographs, digital illustrations, and graphic design.    Visual Arts Scholarship Winners  First-prize, $1,000: Lina Lee attending Milpitas High School in Milpitas, CA.  Second-prize, $750: Sophie Ludes attending Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, CA.  Third-prize, $500: Daniella Brewer attending Tulare Western High School in Tulare, CA. 

Asbarez is featuring the essays and visual arts submissions of the winners of this year’s contest below.   “Congratulations to the very deserving winners. Armenian Americans are a vital part of our state’s story and we all benefit when our leaders of tomorrow embrace and celebrate our diversity. We are proud that so many Armenians call California home,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins     “Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 California Armenian Legislative Caucus’ Scholarship. Despite the ups and downs of high school during COVID, these high school students met the challenge and offered creative, heartfelt entries. Hats off to this year’s winners!,” added Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk 

“As a proud member of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus, I am excited about the recognition and financial aid that our high school student scholarship winners will be receiving. They have earned our Caucus’ scholarship support for their essay and artistic excellence, and I look forward to their continued academic achievements in the future,” commented Senator Bob Archuleta    “Congratulations to each of this year’s California Armenian Legislative Caucus scholarship recipients,” said Senator Borgeas. “These bright, young leaders give me hope for the next generation of public servants in our state,” said Senator Andreas Borgeas    “Congratulations to the 2021 California Armenian Legislative Caucus essay and art scholarship winners. I am impressed with the winners for doing their part to share the culture and traditions of the Armenian people with all of California and the world,” said Senator Brian Dahle.     “Congratulations to this top-notch group of students throughout California for being this year’s Armenian Caucus scholarship recipients,” said Senator Mariá Elena Durazo. “We are proud to be investing in their education. The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial struggles for so many families, and we are proud to contribute toward the rising costs of their college education. On behalf of the Armenian Caucus, we cannot wait to see the great things this talented group of students will achieve. Make us proud!”    “Congratulations to these very talented young people. California has remarkable students and it’s wonderful to see scholarships helping them garner future academic opportunities,” offered Senator Anthony Portantino    “Congratulations to the recipients of the 2021 California Armenian Legislative Caucus Scholarship! I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the brilliant efforts of these six students from across the state. Their entries are important reminders of the rich history, culture, and daily experiences of the Armenian community in California. It is also a reminder that some still seek to deny the shared memories of the atrocities inflicted upon the people of Armenia. That is why I will continue to work with my colleagues to elevate the voices of the Armenian communities these future leaders and scholars represent. I look forward to hearing of their future endeavors!,” Assemblymember Lisa Calderon said.   “Every year, we have the privilege to read poignant essays and view stunning visual arts from high school students throughout California,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman. “Their works never cease to amaze me, but this year our submissions have been truly special. Each submission was crafted with so much passion, and displayed the incredible talent of its creator. I’d like to thank everyone for their participation during a very challenging year, and I want to congratulate this year’s winners for their truly inspiring work,” added Assemblymember Laura Friedman.   “Congratulations to Lina, Sophie, Daniella, Alex, Kyleen, and Michael for receiving the 2021 California Armenian Legislative Caucus Scholarships. Their dedication to finding meaningful ways to express themselves, educate others, and celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Armenian Americans in California is truly impressive and a powerful example of how we must all advocate for a more just and peaceful world,” Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel in wishing the winners well.   “Congratulations to this year’s Armenian Caucus Scholarship winners! These students’ essays and visual arts submissions showcase their skills and abilities to advocate for truth and justice for the Armenian Genocide. I hope they continue to use their talents to make a positive impact on the issues they care about,” offered Assemblymember Chris Holden.    “I offer my sincere congratulations to the scholarship recipients who recognized the historical significance of the Armenian Genocide in their entry. It is important to recognize the young talented students who understand the importance of human-to-human interaction,” said  Assemblymember Tom Lackey.    “I want to thank the all the students who participated this year’s Armenian Genocide Scholarship Contest and their parents and teachers who supported their creative endeavors. Each year, I am amazed by the talent of California’s young artists and writers,” said Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, head of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus. “This annual contest presents a unique opportunity for our state to celebrate the talent of brilliant California high school students while granting them the opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Armenian people. Congratulations to our six winners!,” Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian said.   “As a member of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus, I want to congratulate all of the winners of this year’s caucus scholarship,” said Assemblywoman Luz Rivas. “These six high students showed incredible talent in their ability to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide through the visual arts and essay writing. I commend our winners for their accomplishments and wish them the best as future leaders,” said Assemblymember Luz Rivas.    “I am so proud of all the winners of this year’s Armenian Legislative Caucus Scholarship Award and their ability to put words into action to advocate on behalf of the Armenian people. Congratulations students and I wish you much luck on your entrance into college,” Assemblymember Suzette Valladares offered.

Members of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus include: Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins; Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg; Senate Minority Leader Scott Wilk; and senators Bob Archuleta, Andreas Borgeas, Brian Dahle, María Elena Durazo, Anthony Portantino. Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes and Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Kevin Mullen are joined by members of the California Assembly Lisa Calderon, Vince Fong, Laura Friedman, Jesse Gabriel, Mike Gipson, Chris Holden, Tom Lackey, Adrin Nazarian, Assemblymember Luz Rivas, Blanca Rubio and Suzette Valladares as members of the Caucus.

Read original article here.

[peter-parkouuuur]

Chapter 1: Meet Cute (Spider-Boy - Peter Parker x Stark!Reader)

THIS IS CHAPTER 1 OF SPIDER-BOY

READ THE PROLOGUE BEFORE READING THIS IN ORDER TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE STORY.

THE WATTPAD VERSION IS ALSO AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, IT’S A TOM HOLLAND FANFICTION BUT SOMEHOW HAS A SIMILAR STORYLINE. 

CHAPTER 2, CHAPTER 3, CHAPTER 4, CHAPTER 5, CHAPTER 6, CHAPTER 7, CHAPTER 8, CHAPTER 9, CHAPTER 10, CHAPTER 11, CHAPTER 12, CHAPTER 13

After Y/n Stark’s first day at Spence, it was time for your internship at Stark Industries.

“Helena, I won’t need you once I’m here at the tower, I’ll be fine. My dad’s here. He is Iron Man.” Y/n tells her helper.

“Actually, your father insisted that I go with you, Miss Y/n/n.” Helena protests.

“ Helena, you should go back to the apartment, Happy’s going to drive you there. I’ll be home before 8.” you reassure and smile at her.

Helena smiles back at you and hands you the box of cookies she made for Tony Stark, and nods before heading back inside the car.

Y/n walks inside the Stark tower to see Tony Stark with a bruised eye. His face breaks into a grin upon seeing you after 2 months when you left for France in the summer.

“There she is! The prettiest girl on Manhattan island!” Tony greets her daughter.

You smile at your dad before looking down at your uniform, realizing that you should have changed into your regular clothes after school.

Tony hugs his daughter and kisses her on the forehead.

“Good to see you again, sport.” He tells you.

“It’s good to see you too, dad.” Y/n replies.

You hand Tony the box of cookies as your dad’s eyes grow wider.

Are those from who I think they are?” He asks you.

“Helena’s specialty.” Y/n smiles at Tony.

Tony takes the cookies from Y/n and begins devouring them.

“Now listen.” Tony starts,  barely coming up for air as he chews.

“I need you to be on your best behavior, I’m taking you with me somewhere.” He adds.

“Where are we going?” Y/n asks.

“Come to think of it, it’s great that you’re wearing your uniform. It’ll help me with the lying and stuff.” Tony diverts.

“Dad-” You try to cut your dad off but can’t.

“Does your Spence charm work on every teenage boy? If not, you can also charm the aunt. We’ll think of something.” Tony interjects.

“I’m not going until you tell me what we’re doing and why need my ‘Spence charm’, whatever that is.” Y/n crosses her arms.

“We’re going to Queens. I have business to do.” Her father finally answers her.

The two Starks walk out of the building and slide inside Tony’s Audi.

“What about the traffic?” Y/n asks.

“You don’t have to worry about that.” Tony pulls into the traffic as the Audi roars and begins to pick up speed.

The car is parked in front of a 7-storey building in Queens. The two Starks are discussing what they’re going to do.

“Okay, here’s the thing. I need this kid to work with me.” Tony tells Y/n.

“WHAT?!!! I had to convince you for the stupid internship while you’re going to offer this teenage hormone to work alongside you?!” Y/n admonishes.

Tony glares at you for your ‘stupid internship’ remark.

“Sorry, it’s not stupid. I just... don’t get it.” Y/n mumbles.

“He won’t work for the Stark name, he’s going to work for Iron Man.” your father replies.

“Are you replacing Happy?” Y/n asks.

“No! This kid is too cheerful to become the new Happy. As ironic as that sounds. He’s coming with me to Germany.” Tony responds.

“Germany?! How come? What about me?” You ask.

“This kid isn’t what he thinks he is. He has something that I’m going to need.” Your dad replies.

“Come on, we have work to do.” Your father slides out of the car as you follow suit.

The two of you walk inside and proceed to the 7th floor of the building.

“So what am I going to be? The distraction?” Y/n asks.

“Exactly. Charm their pants off, sweetie. You’re good at that. Pretend that he’s going to work alongside you in the internship.” Tony tells his daughter before knocking.

Y/n nods her head.

A woman who looks like she is in her 50s, opens the door with a confused look.

“Hi! I’m Tony Stark. I’m looking for a Mr. Peter Parker. This is my daughter.” Tony signals Y/n.

“Bonne après-midi!  My name’s Y/n... Et toi?” Y/n greets the brunette-haired woman.

“I’m May. I’m Italian, so I can easily understand what you’re saying.” May grins at the Starks.

“May we come in?” Y/n suggests.

A bit shaken, May nods her head and opens the door widely for the two to enter.

“Please have seat. Peter will be arriving from school in a while.” May states.

“Your nephew applied for a grant, the September foundation in my company. I approved and now I’m here to officially welcome him.” Y/n dad explains, convincingly.

May goes to their kitchen while my dad and I sit down in the relatively uncomfortable sofa.

‘How did he manage to come up with that lie so quickly?’ You think to yourself.

“He didn’t even tell me he applied for an internship, let alone for Tony Stark.” May questioning your dad’s lie.

“He probably wanted to surprise you. I surprised my dad as well when I applied. I know it’s a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in the corporate setting while balancing my time at Spence.” You come to your dad’s rescue.

May puts down a plate of Walnut Date loaf and says that it’s a family recipe.

“You’re from Spence? That exclusive all-girls school on the Upper East side? That’s pretty impressive.” May sits in front of you and Tony.

The both of you eat her baked goods which are surprisingly delicious, not bad for something that is home-made.

“I am. My dad told me that your nephew and I are in the same grade.” You tell her.

The two adults begin to converse while having flirtatious comebacks in between. It feels awkward for you to see your dad flirting with another woman who isn’t your mom as they have divorced almost 5 years ago much to their children’s dismay. Y/n’s little sister Eloise was barely 1 when they agreed to split.

The door suddenly opens to reveal a cute teenage boy wearing a white shirt, grey hoodie and dark denim jeans, holding what seems to look like a DVD player.

“Hey May!” He greets his aunt.

Y/n’s eyes follow the teenage boy who is yet to recognize the two Starks with her aunt.

“There’s this crazy car parked outside- Whoa.” He looks Tony and the prettiest girl he’s ever seen, unable to utter words.

“Mr. Parker.” Tony greets.

“I-I’m Peter. What uh.. What are you doing here?” Peter asks your dad, with a wide grin on his face.

“Tony. It’s about time we met. You’ve been getting my emails right?” Tony asks him.

“Yeah regarding the...” He waits for your father to finish the sentence.

 "To talk about the grant, right? My dad is excited to have you on board with us. We’re going to have so much fun.” Y/n adds.

“Yeah.. fun.” Peter moves his gaze towards you, star struck that Tony Stark and his gorgeous daughter are inside his apartment congratulating him for something he did not apply for.

Peter looks at Y/n adoringly, ignoring what May and Tony are saying.

“Mr. Parker....” Peter interrupts his thoughts.

“Are you done ogling my daughter?” Tony asks the smitten teenage boy.

Y/n just looks at her feet, not knowing what to reply.

“Can I borrow him for 5 minutes?” Tony asks May.

The two begin to walk towards Peter’s room while you are left with May.

“So you and my nephew are in the same grade.” May starts.

The conversation turned out to be something like out of the Bachelorette with Peter’s aunt trying to set up the two teenagers.

You aren’t opposed to the idea but calmly tell May that you would rather focus on education and internship. You change the topic by talking about May’s cooking which she then gushes about.

After about 4 minutes, Peter and Tony walk out of teenager’s room, both with smiling faces.

“Dad!” Y/n stands up in relief.

“Ready to go, princess?” Tony asks.

“Yup.” You reply swiftly.

“Bye, kid. Bye, May.” Tony walks toward the door.

“Bye Mr. Stark!” Peter waves at your dad.

“Au revoir May!” You stand up to give May a hug.

“Hope this isn’t the last time we talk! You should visit us more often.” May tells Y/n.

You just nod your head at the possibility.

“Bye um u-uuhhh.” Peter stutters.

“I’m Y/n, and Au revoir. See you, Peter.” Y/n smiles at Peter whose cheeks instantly turn red.

The two shake hands, Peter not wanting to let go.

“R-right. See you...” Peter stares you a little longer.

“You can let go of my daughter anytime soon, Parker.” Tony interrupts Peter’s gaze.

“S-sorry.” Peter lets go of your hand.

“Let’s go, sweetie.” Tony reminds you.

[rancidhq]

was that JACK KILMER , ASHTON IRWIN & LILMIXEDHUNNY walking across campus ? no , that’s just BENNETT , JERSEY & ELOISE  ! they have 6 hours to pick up their keys before their dorm is given to someone else !

* ｡ ✧ ┊ ❛ JACK KILMER ? no, that’s just BENNETT DELANEY, that TWENTY-ONE year old from SEATTLE, WASHINGTON. they recently moved to new york, and are currently majoring in BIOLOGY at grand lakes university. when they’re not studying, you can hear them blasting DEAD BATTERIES by $UICIDEBOY$ in their dorm. you should get to know their name, i hear they’re a familiar face around campus. MALE & HE/HIM. ( z / est. / she/her )             

* ｡ ✧ ┊ ❛ ASHTON IRWIN ? no, that’s just JERSEY DEROSE, that TWENTY TWO year old from NEWARK, NEW JERSEY. they recently moved to new york, and are currently majoring in COMPUTER SCIENCE at grand lakes university. when they’re not studying, you can hear them blasting LEAVE ME ALONE by FIDLAR in their dorm. you should get to know their name, i hear they’re a familiar face around campus. CISMALE & HE/HIM. ( x / est / she/her )             

* ｡ ✧ ┊ ❛ LILMIXEDHUNNY ? no, that’s just ELOISE HUGHES, that TWENTY year old from WALNUT, CALIFORNIA. they recently moved to new york, and are currently majoring in JOURNALISM at grand lakes university. when they’re not studying, you can hear them blasting GIRLS @ by JOEY PURP Ft. CHANCE THE RAPPER in their dorm. you should get to know their name, i hear they’re a familiar face around campus. DEMIGIRL & SHE/HER. ( meg / pst / she/her )

[actutrends]

What to get your favorite NBA player for Christmas

NBA players are just like us — hoping and dreaming for the perfect gifts this holiday season. Here’s what your favorites are pining for.

Klay Thompson

A life-size, topiary chess set where each individual piece is also on wheels so that Thompson may shuffle them around on his own, or with a friend.

Nikola Jokić

Permission from the Denver Parks Department arborist department to go and chop a branch off a stately oak tree on Christmas Eve to burn as the badnjak in the Serbian holiday tradition. Why does he need permission if he’s such a bad boy, you’re probably wondering. Because bad boys care about conservation.

Kevin Durant

A night’s stay at the Plaza Hotel’s Eloise Suite.

LeBron James

Seriously? It has to be spelled out for you? He drops hints about it every single week on the exact same day. The trademark license for Taco Tuesday, signed and sealed by the USPTO, preferably on a heavyweight eggshell paper and inscribed in gold, how you get it to him his your prerogative but he would prefer it had delivered by Kia Silverbrook, the greatest inventor of the modern era with 3,847 patents filed and counting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Either a little mailer to go out to the wider population of Milwaukee with the phonetic spelling of his last name or for the Bucks organization to fund a series of robocalls out where his last name is repeated slowly, again and again, like a friendly incantation so people learn to say it already. He’s been playing there for over six years now it’s the least they could do.

Joel Embiid

A slide whistle. Don’t you think he seems like the kind of person who’d get right into that? Blocks somebody into oblivion — slide whistle. Dashes the hopes of a team — slide whistle. Watches Ben Simmons clank another jumper — slide whistle.

Kyle Lowry

A back support brace for when he needs to place the entire Raptors roster atop his.

Kawhi Leonard

The same thing he wishes for every year, a reasonable sense of accomplishment.

The Lopez brothers

Though of wildly different tastes, the Lopezes share everything, making them simultaneously easy to knock off your list but challenging to shop for. Brook wants glass blowing lessons, Robin will smash each and every molten creation. Robin wouldn’t mind a trip to Scotland, Brook is deathly afraid of the Loch Ness Monster. What to do, what to do? The answer is, and always will be, matching monster trucks.

Russell Westbrook

It has been a dream of Westbrook’s to walk down the tunnel in a full spacesuit, pantomiming that he’s left earth’s orbit and is free from its diminutive restrictions of gravity. Now being so close to Houston’s Space Centre, it seems this simple holiday wish may finally come true.

Ja Morant

A team of trained and certified firefighters to stand guard under the opposing basket with one of those nets for saving people who have to leap out of tall buildings so that his precious, spring-loaded legs may be spared from harm.

P.J. Tucker

A homemade, pancake of the month calendar.

Jonas Valanciunas

For Domantas Sabonis to realize he’ll never be able to out-tan the self-bronzed god himself and to stop hitting the beds so hard. It’s one thing to pass a deep tan in December in Memphis, entirely another to pretend it’s natural in early winter Indianapolis. Respect yourself.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

An array of masks he can wear to escape the scourge of being too beautiful all the time. He was thinking something silicone and realistic, but in a pinch would settle for Scream and Ronald Reagan.

Serge Ibaka

For once, someone to ask how hungry he is. That or a hat with a brim finally as big as his own ambitions.

Kevin Love

Have you noticed at all that Love seems to have his mind in another place on the court? And I don’t just mean “anywhere but Cleveland”. Truth is, after getting a taste of that life this summer, Love wants to be a cowboy. The wide-open spaces, the little doggies getting along, the mainly bean diet, the hats, the belt buckles, the fringe — Love loved it all. Still, best to ease into a total lifestyle change so for now, a cupboard full of beans will do.

Donovan Mitchell

Considering his public-facing penchant for them, Mitchell is actually terrified of spiders! He would like a day trip to Utah’s Hogle Zoo to visit with the arachnid keeper and get this phobia under control.

Kyrie Irving

While first avoidant of NYC’s iconic bagels due to their spherical, globe-like resemblance, he would now like to try one.

Jimmy Butler

A show where he goes to a new retirement villa in southern Florida every week and whips folks trying to enjoy their golden years in peace into shape. It’s called Going For Golden, Mark Wahlberg is the producer, and Wahlburgers are what’s on the menu, exclusively.

Damian Lillard

A cool motorcycle.

James Harden

He may be sponsored by BODYARMOR but this Christmas, Harden wouldn’t mind a drip of the real stuff. Like chainmail, Roman lorica hamata, or a full set of plate armor, or samurai scale armor, he isn’t picky but it has to be completely historically accurate so best to get a scholar involved and a gift receipt.

Evan Fournier

Where to find a decent bowl of beef bourguignon in central Florida.

Buddy Hield

Just once in his life for someone to be faster than him. Humility is a gift.

Paul George

Audiobooks. He listens to them when he warms up. The longer and more arduous the better. Think, every volume of the encyclopedia or the My Struggle series by Karl Ove Knausgaard, pretty interchangeable.

Steph Curry

A big, novelty-sized card signed by every player in the league thanking him for bringing about an entirely new era of gameplay. The holidays are a time to be gracious, after all.

Anthony Davis

A gorgeous, 7-foot tall vase.

Kent Bazemore

He would like a custom decal for his kitchen window, which looks out on Mount Hood, of a tiny little flag that looks like it was planted atop the mountain’s summit and says “Mount Bazemore”. He climbs it every day in his mind. Also, funny right?

Malcolm Brogdon

A six-point set of buck antlers mounted on a handsome, polished walnut board to hang on his wall.

Alex Caruso

A time machine so he can go back to 1947 and the inaugural season of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, of which he was a crucial part.

Terry Rozier

A new nickname. “Scary Terry” worked in Boston, where success and fear go hand in hand, but now that he is in Charlotte he wouldn’t mind something a little more relaxed. Extraordinary Terry? Fiduciary Terry? Interdisciplinary Terry? You could maybe hire a poet or a copywriter, you could probably find one employed as the other in this economy.

Kemba Walker

The NBA has been spoofing these a bit already leading up to the holidays, which is where he got the idea, but a Rise of Skywalker poster where the Sky is removed and it’s Walker’s face, but on every character except Chewbacca.

Devin Booker

The only thing a permanently petulant, and permanently 16-year-old boy who has everything would or could want, the skin of the Suns Gorilla as a coat.

Andre Drummond

For Blake Griffin to no longer include him in his workshopping exercises. Drummond doesn’t have the stomach for roasts, comedic or large slabs of meat cooked over many hours. He doesn’t think the human body was meant to digest either.

Andrew Wiggins

An apology from Jimmy Butler. (Sorry Andrew, this is going to have the same result a kid wishing for a dog in a house full of people who are deeply allergic will).

Zion Williamson

In an attempt to keep Williamson’s holiday spirits up, his teammate Derrick Favors made him a little coupon book of “Derrick’s Favors” that Williamson can cash in whenever he likes. Some of Favors’ Favors include: “Smoothie King smoothie in Favor’s Favorite Flavor”, actually, the whole book is just Smoothie King coupons Favors cut out of local flyers. Most of them are expired.

Jayson Tatum

For Bill Simmons to stop sending him edible arrangements. He can’t get through that much cantaloupe in a week, week after week, no one can.

Steven Adams

Ever since Chris Paul gifted his teammates with custom-tailored suits, Adams has been finding the fits of his other clothes — the free ones he’s been given over the years — to be less than flattering. He would love for someone to custom tailor all of it. Custom-tailored t-shirt cannon t-shirts, custom-tailored flip flops, custom-tailored track pants, custom-tailored Rumble the Bison discarded jerseys because they wear the same size.

Seth Curry

World’s best brother award.

Jakob Poeltl

For “someone” (Patty Mills) to dress up like his beloved Krampus and chase him around until he’s screaming like his parents used to do back home in Austria.

Zach LaVine

He wouldn’t mind entering another Dunk Contest. It would be his third and he thinks that has a better ring to it. It’s not like he’s that busy with his day job. He just wants to be asked.

Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanović

Custom friendship necklaces that combine to make a basketball-shaped pendant, one side says, BE FRI And the other says, ST ENDS

Trae Young

Vince Carter keeps looking at him like he wants to transfuse his blood, so maybe a subtle screen of some kind he can put up around himself in the locker room.

Vince Carter

A transfusion of Trae Young’s blood.

Miles Plumlee

New shocks for his unicycle.

The post What to get your favorite NBA player for Christmas appeared first on Actu Trends.

[kartiavelino]

Why we still can’t ‘fuhgeddabout’ ‘The Sopranos’ 20 years later

On Jan. 10, 1999, a little-publicized drama collection referred to as “The Sopranos” premiered on HBO, chronicling the home {and professional} lifetime of a ruthless North Jersey mob boss dwelling in suburbia along with his spouse and two teenage children — and seeing a shrink for his anxiousness. Its giant ensemble solid, together with James Gandolfini as titular mob boss Tony Soprano and Edie Falco as his spouse, Carmela, was largely unknown — as was collection creator David Chase, whose TV résumé included “The Rockford Recordsdata,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Northern Publicity.” “The Sopranos” modified the panorama of cable tv and gained a slew of Emmys (together with three apiece for Gandolfini and Falco) throughout its six-season run. It ended with an ambiguous, WTF? cut-to-black collection finale in June 2007 — panicking 12 million viewers who thought their cable crapped out and leaving Tony Soprano’s destiny eternally open to interpretation. I spoke to a number of of “The Sopranos” solid members, who shared their ideas on their patriarch, Gandolfini, who died all of the sudden in Italy in June 2013 on the age of 51; their favourite episodes; and the groundbreaking collection general because it turns 20. How It Modified Their Lives Edie Falco: It’s such as you wish to be a race-car driver and the very first thing they hand you is a Lamborghini. That’s what [“The Sopranos”] felt prefer to me. It stays a really particular chapter in my life with super emotional reverberations, still. My household saved attempting to inform me [how good the show was] and I advised them, “Cease telling me that stuff as a result of it’s simply going to mess with me — I don’t know the place to place that info.” I felt possibly I actually don’t know what I’m doing or possibly they’re going to search out out I don’t know what I’m doing. If too many individuals begin this too intently, possibly I’m screwed. I still get waves of it now, when individuals say, “Do you understand what a cultural phenomenon ‘The Sopranos’ was?” It still feels uncommon, is actually all I can say. Edie Falco, who performed Carmela Soprano on ‘The Sopranos’Everett Assortment Tony Sirico (Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri): The entire present was actual. You wanted some humor. Folks had been getting killed left and proper. Paulie made you chortle, however he killed just a few individuals on the present. Surely, he put me on the map till the day I die. Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano): It gave me one other household, stability and safety throughout a tumultuous 10 years so far as my private life went. I believe that, in very some ways, had I not had simply the present, but additionally the help that I had from all these individuals all through all these years, I is likely to be a unique particular person. I actually really feel like that have had an enormous half in shaping who I’m. Vincent Pastore (Salvatore “Large Pussy” Bonpensiero): We’d all hang around over on the West Financial institution on 42nd and Ninth and have lunch and do theater downstairs. Sooner or later, the proprietor came to visit and mentioned, “Did you see what they did for you down on the nook?” So we walked to Occasions Sq. — me, Dominic Chianese and Tony Sirico — and we noticed the large [HBO “Sopranos”] advert of us and we mentioned, “What?!” It was insane! Falco: Carmela appeared just like the uber-mom. I do know ladies like this . . . who actually are happiest when taking good care of different individuals. She ran that home, she bossed Tony round, she was actually in cost and had whole confidence in her capacity to try this. It was simply a part of her DNA. David Chase jogged my memory an excessive amount of my father; I put him in that place in my head. My father was additionally kind of a small, very vivid, very intense Italian man, socially a little bit awkward however good. There have been plenty of instances the place I didn’t, in an mental approach, perceive a sure script or why Carmela was doing a sure factor, however I knew that David knew, in order that was completely fantastic with me. Favourite Episodes Vincent Curatola (John “Johnny Sack” Sacramoni): I’ve to say my favourite episode is [“Long Term Parking”] the place Tony and Johnny have a nighttime assembly in a car parking zone. After like eight hours of capturing, Jimmy turns to me and says, “You’re both a very nice actor or an entire psycho,” as a result of I got here at him when it was my close-up and I simply tore into him. I mentioned, “Possibly a mix of each — you [as Tony] piss me off sometimes.” It was certainly one of my favourite capturing nights. Vincent Curatola, who performed Johnny SackGetty Photographs Dominic Chianese (Corrado “Uncle Junior” Soprano): One second that stands out for me is [in the episode “Where’s Johnny?”] when Tony asks Junior, “Don’t you like me?” I let him know that I actually did love him, however I used to be simply crucial of him. I bear in mind once I noticed the [postproduction] looping on that scene, I couldn’t imagine how highly effective it was — I used to be in tears. Steve Schirripa (Robert “Bobby Bacala” Baccalieri): Clearly, “Pine Barrens,” which is without doubt one of the first instances they gave me one thing to essentially do with the blokes. Additionally the episode when we went upstate to the lake home [“Sopranos Home Movies”]. I loved that one. Bobby and Tony had the large combat; Jim and I had been pleasant and it was exhausting to try this . . . however we had been actually going for it, choking and pulling hair and all that stuff fats guys do after they combat. Sirico: “Pine Barrens.” You may elevate the American flag proper alongside it. And “Eloise.” It was my mom’s favourite episode earlier than she handed. She favored the truth that Paulie obtained the [restaurant] rolls again for his mom. [Tony to his mother’s friend Minn: “These Parker House rolls? They belong to my Ma!”] She thought it was foolish and silly and she or he laughed . . . that her son was lifeless and [the] middle [of attention]. He knew these rolls. Pastore: “Funhouse” [the episode in which Big Pussy is whacked on a fishing boat by Tony, Paulie and Silvio Dante]. That was in all probability my favourite second. It was delicate and was simply written properly and . . . it was a pleasant approach of me leaving the present. I all the time mentioned to myself that, yeah, [Big Pussy] was knocked off within the second season, however David Chase and all of the writers gave me such an amazing second season. That scene when Paulie says to me, “You had been like a brother to me” and Tony says, “To all of us” — that was all truthful stuff, the way in which we had been personally concerned with one another’s non-public lives and the way in which we labored. Memorable Moments Sirico: “The Sopranos” simply occurred. I do not forget that I’d met this hard-nosed man outdoors. It was David Chase. I went over to him and mentioned, “Mr. Chase, I’m Tony Sirico. Something you want from me,” and I obtained actually near him, “something in any respect . . .” He checked out me and thought I used to be a nut, however then he noticed me breaking balls on the set and hanging with the blokes. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who performed Meadow SopranoEverett Assortment Chianese: I’ll let you know a beautiful story. I used to be going to Rao’s [restaurant] as soon as and there have been 4 girls sitting on chairs. It was springtime and the present was a significant hit. As I glided by, one of many girls mentioned, “You! Why did you shoot your nephew?” I mentioned, “Was I in my proper thoughts once I shot him?” She mentioned, “No.” I mentioned, “There’s your reply.” Folks actually believed the present, that’s how good it was. Sigler: My first massive second was once I filmed the faculty episode, which was kind of Meadow’s first massive second, and I had plenty of one-on-one time with Jim. I bear in mind him giving me plenty of appearing classes within the sense of what I might ask for, as an actor, on the set. The ultimate scene I shot at Silvercup Studios. It was a quite simple factor of getting me enter a room and go away, and so they requested me to do it once more and I used to be type of confused as to why. Once I did one other take, your entire solid and crew and all of the producers got here down from their workplaces and mentioned, “That’s a wrap on Jamie.” I still get emotional speaking about it now — simply searching on the a whole bunch of those that had meant a lot to me. The one phrases I might get out between my blubbering snot and tears had been “Thank You.” Schirripa: I got here on the present within the second episode of the second season. I had no [acting] profession earlier than that. I used to be the full-time leisure director on the Riviera Resort [in Las Vegas]. “The Sopranos” didn’t know I had one other job and the lodge didn’t know I used to be on “The Sopranos” whereas I used to be [first] capturing it. I particularly bear in mind this: It was me, Dominic and Jim doing a scene in Newark in Junior’s home. I bear in mind we rehearsed it and Jim mentioned, “Let’s return to my trailer and run the traces.” I used to be there with Dominic and Jim and I’m saying to myself, “How the f- -k did I get right here?” It was like an out-of-body expertise — I’d simply watched the present on TV and now I’m in Jim’s trailer. Tony Scirico, who performed Paulie GualtieriGetty Photographs I met [“Sopranos” co-star] Little Steven [Van Zandt] on the studying. I used to be all the time an enormous E Avenue Band fan, and the night time of the [season] premiere at John’s Pizza, Little Steven got here as much as me and mentioned, “You wanna meet Bruce?” I used to be saying to myself, “Bruce Springsteen simply noticed me act.” That’s what runs by way of your head. I bear in mind after capturing my first episode, on the finish of the night time, Jim obtained out of his SUV, shook my hand and mentioned, “We’ll see you once more.” That season I did six episodes. Curatola: I introduced [“Sopranos” writer] Terence Winter to Hackensack Medical Heart and obtained him attached with an oncologist who advised Terry what Johnny [who was battling cancer] would appear to be at sure factors, what medicines he can be on. Then we had the nice fortune to herald [acclaimed director] Sydney Pollack [who had a cameo as a doctor-turned-prison custodian who encounters Johnny before he dies]. That was a spotlight of my engaged on “The Sopranos.” The Legacy Chianese: One of many funniest issues occurred: We had been in France at a really romantic-looking and exquisite lodge, and I walked out on the balcony and mentioned to myself, “Oh, my God, I’m within the films right here, what am I doing in Paris?” And I appeared over to my proper — I anticipated to see possibly Sophia Loren or Katharine Hepburn — and Jimmy [Gandolfini] walks out in his gown, in his underwear, smoking a cigar. He appears to be like at me and I take a look at him and we begin cracking up. It was an amazing second, humorous as hell. Schirripa: Dominic [Chianese] has all the time obtained a spot in my coronary heart. I labored with him, largely, initially and he was very affected person with me, very soothing. He couldn’t have been extra nurturing. I used to be very fortunate to get to work with him initially. Sigler: What I used to be coping with in real-life stuff . . . I had an consuming dysfunction after which I went by way of a divorce and privately, I used to be coping with my MS prognosis. The present gave me a secure place the place I felt like these individuals who I regarded so extremely and admired a lot still liked me and supported me. Dominic Chianese, who performed Junior SopranoEverett Assortment Pastore: The mob films had been actually beginning to peak — you had “The Godfather” trilogy then “Goodfellas,” the films like “State of Grace” . . . so for individuals to have the ability to sit at residence on Sunday night time and watch a narrative a few mob household, it was actually due. “The Sopranos” crammed that void. Curatola: I believe individuals who watched and followers mentioned to themselves, “I want I used to be Tony Soprano — I don’t need to punch a clock, I make 100 grand every week and I’ve individuals I hope are loyal.” To me, in that subculture, that’s what’s golden to those guys: “My God, gee, I want had a crew like that, I might name up Paulie at three within the morning and he’ll handle it for me.” It’s that energy play. I‘ve all the time had the thought that whenever you take a look at guys like this [on “The Sopranos”], they by no means go to courtroom — they settle the whole lot in a short time. It’s about who has all of the toys on the finish. Possibly, to a level, they needed to present the impression that they had been doing the suitable factor by different individuals. Even Tony Soprano mentioned, “F–okay it. What’s all of it about? To place meals on the desk for future generations.” Sirico: We sat across the desk [for the read-throughs] for [one] week’s script and broke balls earlier than David got here down. All of us. It was like a household when it got here to the read-through, with all of the faces and the humor. It was completely stunning. Falco: A few summers in the past, Aida [Turturro] and I made a decision to take a seat down and watch the collection, right through. There are numerous I still haven’t seen and others I noticed once I shot them. However we couldn’t do it; we obtained 4 episodes into the primary season and it was an excessive amount of, it was too exhausting to look at it and go on together with your day. It brings up an excessive amount of — I do not forget that day or how I wanted a dressing up or this one was in a foul temper or regardless of the hell it was. Possibly sometime I can do it.” Share this: https://nypost.com/2019/01/09/why-we-still-cant-fuhgeddabout-the-sopranos-20-years-later/ The post Why we still can’t ‘fuhgeddabout’ ‘The Sopranos’ 20 years later appeared first on My style by Kartia. https://www.kartiavelino.com/2019/01/why-we-still-cant-fuhgeddabout-the-sopranos-20-years-later.html

[davidflores100]

Minn Matrone: I’ve been driving since I was a young girl.   Paulie Walnuts: Horse and buggies don’t count. … Carmela Soprano: You always leave your door open like that?   Meadow Soprano: I’m cooking, it’s hot.   Finn DeTrolio: I’ll protect her, don’t worry.   Tony Soprano: You hear that? Anybody bothers her he’ll knock their teeth out, then he can put them back in, too. [Finn is a dentist student]

The Sopranos, Eloise