#for 'hold me in your arms' i used the locative bc of *in*

[creatingblackcharacters2]

🌹Ice's Lazy Loc Wash Routine🌹

I wanna preface this with two very important things:

I do not retwist my own locs! It would take far longer if I did. I have the tools and the means, and I know how to do it. I just hate doing it 🤣. It takes patience and arm strength and I lack the will. When I have the money I just schedule a retwist. Usually about every three months (which is longer than usual)

This is the way EYE do it! This is one experience out of countless, so don't assume my way is THEE way. There are people that will probably scream at me through the screen. But alas... It is "lazy" Loc wash day for a reason. And I do still care for my hair, and it's healthy and thriving for seven years (as of this Wednesday) 👍🏾

Okay? Okay.

Washing

The misconception about locs is that they are dirty. They're no "dirtier" than any other type of hair, nor do they require dirt to lock. That's a lie, and a racist one at that.

That being said, locs will end up holding the weight of life lol. Skin, sweat, dust, pollen, smells (and for me, bc I have dermatitis, scabs); all those things will end up weighing your locs down. Some people will do an Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda wash to detox their locs.

However, I use this!

Essentially it's water, apple cider vinegar, orange peel, and some essential oils in a spray bottle, so I can spray it directly on my scalp and locs and massage it in deeply. Let it sit for a bit. Because I only wash my hair every 2 weeks or so, it's fine, but I wouldn't do this if I was washing it more frequently as it could mess up my scalp pH. Again, I have painful dermatitis, so it helps me get closer to my problem spots. Does it burn? Yes. It's working 👍🏾

Then I use this soap bar, which has things like coconut oil, aloe vera, eucalyptus, tea tree, almond, lemongrass, and more in it to scrub my scalp. You're supposed to rub it into your hands and scrub it in, so naturally I put the bar directly on my scalp. Be better than me. Smells AMAZING though and leaves my scalp clearer than it has ever been.

Medicated Shampoo

I use a medicated shampoo last. While that sits, I bathe 👍🏾 Bathe well, too 👍🏾 Please make sure your characters are bathing when they wash their hair 👍🏾

Once I'm done, I gently pull my locs apart (they WILL start tangling at the root IMMEDIATELY), then I wrap my hair in a beach towel. You're supposed to use t shirts because they're softer on curls, but I don't like water dripping on me while I get dressed. I put on easy to wear clothing. Tits loose clothing. I gotta be comfortable.

Medication

So if you know me, this is something I complain about ALL THE TIME. And it's how dermatology does NOT cater to Black patients! Even my shampoo says "for 30 days, wash every night". I'm Black with locs. My shampoos last for months bc that is impossible without me sacrificing my entire night, every night. Even if I had an Afro, we're still not supposed to wash our hair every night for fear of stripping the natural oils.

So I have to DEMAND I be given a medicated liquid solution. No petroleum based products!! A solution is the easiest way to reach my scalp. Does it burn? Yes. It's working. 👍🏾

So if your character has a skin issue (dermatitis, psoriasis, exzema excema eczema) on the scalp... Solutions are the easy way to go.

Moisturizing

I promise this isn't free ads lmao, I just happen to be experimenting with this company and I like what I've seen so far. This is a real lite oil spray with rose water and essential oils, and it cools my scalp.

Aloe Vera, the goddess of healing. Also cools my scalp and addresses those burning, pink spots from my dermatitis.

Drying

Drying depends on the length and thickness of your locs, and the temperature. Mine are shoulder length, pencil thick. Today I dried at real high heat (unintentionally) and it only took about an hour. At a lesser, safer heat, about two. This hair dryer bag is LIFE fr.

Conclusion

If I don't have anywhere else to go (and I don't, bc I plan my loc wash days like this) I spray my scalp with oil one more time, put on my loc sock, and then I'm done 👍🏾

Total time today: about two hours. Normally 3 at a lower dry temp. Not bad at all.

[saltirebookreviews]

Book: Arise the Queen

Author: Tanya Anne Crosby

Series: The Goldenchild Prophecy, Book #4

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Book Length: 379 Pages

Overall Rating: 5/5 Five Stars

Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags

Arise the Queen is the exciting conclusion of the Goldenchild Prophecy series… This is the last installment!

Pretania 11th Century BC

Queen Gwendolyn is furious and feels totally betrayed by Málek, the one who owns her heart. However, she must save her people and Pretania and the Kingdom of Cornwall and she needs an Army to do this! There is one tiny problem: she only has an Army of three! So she desperately needs assistance, soldiers and sword arms!The only way Gwendolyn can accomplish this is by saving her people and country and not allowing her traitor husband the usurper to continue to destroy Pretania. Locrinus (Loc) is killing anyone in his path, this includes innocent men, women and children who won’t bend their knees to him! Of course Gwendolyn is at the top of the list, a woman he had imprisoned with the help of his mother and mistress who finally escaped his prison!

Traitor Loc murdered her family, cousins and friends, imprisoned Gwendolyn, taking her all her jewels and gowns and giving it to his mistress! Not even allowing her to bathe, forcing her to live in filth like an animal! It was humiliating and Gwendolyn swore he would pay for every horrible thing he has done to her, her family and the people she loved and cared about, especially her father! To do this Gwendolyn needed assistance, since she was forced into the fae realm she would use it to her advantage. She would try to seek an audience peacefully with the fae King and ask for his assistance with fae warriors. Unfortunately this fae King hates Gwendolyn and the human realm she represents! On top of this she has memories she has forgotten that needs to be remembered. Is that even a possibility?

However things don’t go as smoothly as Gwendolyn had hoped. Actually it is a total disaster with her mortal life possibly in danger! Furthermore the two fae people she trusts the most in the world with their grinning porbeagle teeth feeling totally betrayed like her soul is being emotionally ripped apart. With no aid to form an Army what will Gwendolyn do? Has Malek destroyed her love and betrayed her in a way which is worse than Loc’s imprisonment and humiliation? Afterall she did not love Loc but she still loves Málek even with his betrayal with Esme. She has learned some things in the fae realm but no matter with weapons at her disposal or a defense coat she still needed an army.

Can Gwendolyn do this with a broken heart? Does she and Málek have a future living in two different realms? Read and discover Gwendolyn and Pretanis’s fate in this spellbinding The Goldenchild Prophecy Series finale that readers will absolutely love!

All I can say is wow my heartbeat is still racing as I just finished reading “Arise the Queen” the fourth and last book in the Goldenchild Prophecy Series and what epic fantasy read it is that just blew my mind! I am wiping my tears away and definitely recommend a box of tissues ready at this emotional rollercoaster ride! This book just gripped me right from the start with so many twists and turns just hold onto your seat! It is no wonder that Tanya Anne Crosby is one of my most favorite authors that I have been reading for over thirty years! Crosby’s world building is absolutely brilliant! In addition the plot line is complex, emotional, complicated, awe-inspiring with well developed characters you can’t help but love or despise! I am sad this is the end of the series but it was superbly done, showing how Queen Gwendolyn puts her country and people before anything, even her heart.

This series finale also answers a lot of unanswered questions that I won’t tell as it would spoil the story. Especially since Loc has an army of ten thousand warriors and she has an army of three. I do not feel this is a stand alone book as I feel you need to read all four books to really comprehend Gwendolyn and Málek’s actions but each book is an excellently read that is beautifully done. Obviously Crosby based this on the real first Queen of England but made it an exhilarating magical fantasy novel that is a total masterpiece!I have loved all four books and this finale was pure perfection as each book gripped me right from the start. As this book made me feel so many things I laughed, cried and sighed. A phenomenal series conclusion that was perfectly done! A book I absolutely loved!

The Goldenchild Prophecy Series

1)The Cornish Princess

2)The Queen’s Huntsman

3)The Forgotten Prince

4)Arise The Queen

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from Oliver-Heber publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

[hops-hunny]

Girls Like Her

Pairing: Kyoya Ootori x Black!Reader

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 1.7k

Request: N/A

Summary: In which Kyoya is smitten and not afraid to show it.

Warnings: None! Fluff.

A/N: this is so self indulgent and I don't even care I NEEDED some Kyoya with a black girl bc where's all the color in the ouran community??

Kyoya had a fine eye for spectacular things. Running the host club with Tamaki required it. He was always looking for something of interest that he knew the guest would like and that would bring in a nice bit of money as well. That's why he was mesmerized when he saw (Y/n). Sure, Kyoya had seen girls that were deemed "beautiful" by whatever measure of beauty the rest of his high class socialite peers thought. However, he had never put much thought into what he personally found beautiful but now thanks to her, he didn't need to.

Sure he had seen women with nice skin. It wasn't very uncommon. Going to school with girls whose parents made most people's yearly salary in a day meant they were well cared for. They took care of their skin with the finest of products, as did he. However her skin was unmatched. Nice hues of brown which glowed beautifully in the soft daylight of music room 3. Not a blemish or wrinkle in sight. Smooth and brown all over like a bewitching goddess. And sure other girls had hair. It was all a blur to him however, nothing he could point out or was anything but ordinary. All of it was the same straight hair in the same bland style. But hers however?

She wore some of the most elaborate styles he had ever seen. He didn't know the proper names for them at first but the more she visited the host club, the more he'd overhear her speak about them to the other guest. Box braids, goddess twist, faux locs. Each style suited and complimented her well. Anytime she'd change it up he'd observe it carefully, viewing every bump and turn on the art that was her hair. His favorite though was when she'd wear it naturally.

 God was it a sight. A large, picked to perfection afro atop her head like the crown a princess, no, a queen of her caliber should have. It reminded him of the clouds in the sky he'd see on a nice summer afternoon except far more eye catching and far more mesmerizing.

"Tamaki?" Kyoya questioned, looking up at his blonde friend. The last few of the guest had trickled out by now.

"Yes mommy dear?" He quipped, walking over to his raven haired friend.

"Is there a reason we don't see Lady (L/n) any time other than the host club? How come I've never seen her in any of our classes?" He asked, trying to ignore the stupid look Tamaki had on his face.

"Kyoya, are you in love?! Oh how amazing! I always knew this wo-"

"Forget it, this is a waste of time." He began to head to the door but stopped as Tamaki stopped his path.

"Wait! (L/N) as in (Y/n) (L/n) right? She's a year below us, that's why you probably never see her outside of class. We don't have any classes with her except lunch if you count that." Kyoya hummed at the man's words before walking to the door, opening it. 

"Thank you." He said, giving him a nod of acknowledgement.

"No problem, dear friend."

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

Kyoya stood behind his podium, greeting guests as they came through. He offered each of them the same fake smile he'd give, confirming their host choice for the day. He never cared too much to remember faces, just the different things they'd enjoy and how he could make profit off of them. Well everyone except-

"Kyooo! What's up? How ya doin today?" She chirped, leaning close to him as she offered him a bright smile from behind her supple plump lips. He smiled down at her, a genuine one (not that he'd ever let anyone know that).

"Ah, lady (L/n). A pleasure to see you as always. Your usual I presume?" He said, searching for the twins' names as he went to check the mark.

"Actually I thought I'd switch things up today!"

"Really? Who will it be then?" Whoever it was would be so lucky to be graced with the girl's presence. Her smile grew wider at his question as she leaned even closer.

"You! You do host right? I haven't seen anyone come to you for some time." She mused, resting a brown hand on his arm. Normally he'd remove himself from anyone's touch but for her he didn't mind so much. He'd even go as far as to say he enjoyed it. "Any excuse to stare at that nice face of yours longer."

'The same could be said even more so about you, darling.' Is what he wanted to say but consumed by his own nerves he let them get the best of him. "Usually I find myself too busy to," he started, noticing her face drop, "However I can always make exceptions for ladies of such high beauty as yourself, princess." She smiled, heading over to the empty table that Kyoya rarely hosts at. She sat on the couch across from him, fiddling and moving around as usual. (Y/n) was an unusual energetic girl who found that she couldn't sit still for more than a few seconds, which was a trait that usually drove him up the wall but when it came to her he found it to be quite cute.

“You’re not going to eat or drink anything?” (Y/n) asked, shoving her mouth with the tiny tea cakes that sat on the silver cake stand. Kyoya let a soft smile take his face as he watched her. He always kept them hidden in the back because he knew they were her favorite and they were far more expensive than anything else they served. The cakes themselves were imported from France daily which was obviously a pretty penny but, he didn’t mind. The smile on her face made it worth the extra bit of cash.

“I’m not much of a fan of sugar, it’s bad for your skin.” he stated, looking down at the little black book in his hands. She hummed processing his words before wiping her mouth off with a napkin.

“Well what do you usually drink? I wanna have the same thing as you!”

“I’m a fan of earl grey served black. No sugar, no cream.” he said. She eyed him carefully before giggling. She leaned in close, looking into his dark eyes as he stared back.

“Yeah you seem to be quite the fan of,” she cleared her throat to hide a giggle. “Black things.” Kyoya set his cup down, choking on the liquid. (Y/n) sat back in her seat satisfied, laughing loudly as she threw her head back. A few of the guests stared at her with angry eyes, upset by her mild disturbance. But, she didn’t care. She never did. Once his choking died down, she sent him a wink. “I’m only messing with you, Kyo-chan! Lightin up will yeah? Anyways I’d like to have a cup of what you're drinking. It couldn’t be too bad, right?”

Wrong, she had been deeply wrong. Kyoya smiled in amusement as she sputtered out the tea, coughing dramatically. “Is it not to your liking, dear?” he asked in a sarcastically cheerful tone.

“Like hell it is! This shit is gross.” she began to pout, pushing the cup away from her. “I’d like my usual back please.” she said, looking up at him. He felt his face heat up slightly as he nodded his head, grabbing her cup before heading off with it. He searched the shelves carefully before finding her usual and preparing the way he knew she liked it. Too much sugar and too much cream. He chuckled at the thought, 'it suits her.'

(Y/n) smiled as he returned with her cup taking a sip as she let out a sigh of content. "As much as I'm enjoying my time with you today, my lady, I'm curious about your sudden shift. You always without a doubt choose the twins." He questioned, watching as she delicately set her cup down on the wooden table. He admired her presence. She was graceful but in a way he had never seen before, unique just like everything else about her.

"Do you want the real answer or the fake answer?" She questioned, biting the inside of her cheek nervously. Kyoya had a split second of a confused look before offering her another smile.

"Honestly is the best policy, my dear."

"Well- you see- ugh!" She huffed, slouching back in her seat. He couldn't help but find it adorable how the big ugly yellow dress swallowed her whole during that action. "I always wanna request for you Kyo-chan but you always seem so busy, so distant. I figured I'd let you have your own peace." She leaned forward on her hand as she rested her elbow on the table. "And besides, I've seen you reject to host much prettier girls so why would you host me?"

Kyoya's eyes widened at the (h/c) haired girls announcement. Prettier girls, than her? Too busy, for her? He chuckled some catching the girl's attention. Before she could ask him what was up he began to speak. "I don't mean to laugh in your face princess but I think you've got it twisted." He stood up, pulling the girl close to his chest. The other host watched with wide eyes and their mouths open at Kyoya's uncharacteristic behavior. "There are no prettier girls nor is there anyone I'd rather spend my time with," he tilted her head up bringing his face closer to hers, "Than you." (Y/n) stood there breathless at his words. Her eyes gleamed brightly at his confession.

"Are you busy this weekend?" She asked him faintly.

"Well, I'd have t-"

"Well now you're not. Take me on a date." His eyes widened at her forwardness before laughing softly. She did have a way of doing that, leading the way in any conversation no matter what the topic.

"Are you asking me or telling me?" He teased, pulling back from his hold to push his glasses up his nose. "Either way, alright dear. How could I say no to you?"

Tamaki watched from a far with a hand over his heart, genuine tears falling out of his eyes. In all his time he had known Kyoya, he had never seen him passionate about much of anything. To see his friend so sure of himself, so content in his emotions moved him. Thank god for the sun that had taken away Kyoya from his rainy days.

[cha-lyn]

red bikini

18+ only, mind the warnings

bucky x poc!reader

Warnings: SMUT. pool sex, fingering, roughish unprotected f/m sex, cussing, maybe a lil bit of degradation, maybe some dom!bucky idk, light slapping

Note: I wrote this drunk at the pool on vacation so that explains any mistakes. Also if you think a tag should be added/removed lemme know. (Had to repost Bc tumblr being weird)

—

There’s always been some sexual tension between you and the winter soldier
Bucky thinks you are immaculate- you’re kind but ruthless to your enemy’s. You’re muscle and soft curves all in one.You bake cute things like scones and macarons but he’s seen you fillet a bad guy with flinching.

All that and he’s sure you’ll shy away from the darker parts of him.

You think that Bucky is the hottest thing to walk the earth.He’s all brawn and metal; grit and bullets, but when little Morgan sticks her bottom lip out to pout- he absolutely melts.

You’re amazed at the resiliency of that man. To have gone through hell and still be able to hope.

And that fucking arm - god

Bucky has fought himself for months on whether or not he should even try. But then he walks out on the pool deck and sees you in that red bikini and he has no more qualms. It’s strappy, tight. Showing little cut outs of your perfect brown body.

You grin at him as he takes the chair to you left. He greets you, eyes trailing down your body as you lay out on your towel. Everyone else is at the beach, engrossed in a sandcastle building competition, so it’s just you and Bucky.

‘Like what you see solider?’ You say, a smirk pulling on your lips. Bucky cocks his head at you, tongue slowly swiping his bottom lip. You pull your sunglasses down so he can see your eyes. ‘I sure do’ You get up suddenly and slip into the pool

‘C’mon on sarge.’

Bucky is silent as he follows you into the pool. ‘You’re teasing me baby’

You wade backwards into the deeper section smirking as you go ‘gotta make you work for it’

Bucky catches up quickly, flesh hand snagging your waist, fingers finding the little cutouts of your bathing suit and exploring them. You wait a beat before wrapping your legs around his waist, bringing him closer and finding his lips.
The kiss is slow and urgent. Lips and tongues learning as they meet. Gentle nips at bottom lips.

You pull away first. ‘I want more. I want you buck.’

‘I dunno baby. I can be kinda rough. I don’t wanna hurt you.’

You grind against him, hard under his trunks. ‘Be rough. Be bossy. I don’t care just fuck me. Use your metal arm.’

Bucky’s eyes narrowed trying to figure out if you were being for real. So you pulled his metal hand up out of the water and lead it to your mouth, sucking on his first two fingers. Bucky’s eyes go dark ‘Look at you. Begging for me to touch you. So desperate.’ His metal hand falls from your mouth to under your bikini bottoms, finding your folds.

You shudder as his flesh hand finds you locs, pulling them hard, your neck exposed to him now being assaulted but kisses and teeth. Slowly he puts two metal fingers in you as he circles your clit with this thumb. In and out as his mouth moves down your chest, pushing your swim suit of our the way.
His mouth finds your nipple, pulling it between his teeth and making your back arch and your hands grasp at his broad back

You whine when he switches to the other breast, fingers still working you slowly. ‘Bucky pl-please’

His fingers leave you and The hand pulling your hair grips your chin firmly ‘Shut up. I’m in charge remember?’ You nod. Bucky finds the nearest wall to push you up against. He pushes your bottoms to the side again, metal fingers find your cunt and you mewl as Bucky’s scissors his fingers inside you.

You instinctively push away, it feels so good, but you have no where to go. You push on his chest but his grip is too strong. ‘That’s right struggle baby. You’re so fuckin tight’ he says as his fingers curl inside you.

You’re right on the edge, starting to pulse around his finger when he pulls them out. You whine in protest and the hand that was just inside you grips your face again. ‘I’m sorry. Were you about to come? Oops.’ there’s no sympathy in his voice

Bucky pulls his cock out of his trunks. Pushing your head down a bit so you can see it wavering under the water, red and throbbing. You lick your lips. ‘You’re quite the slut, begging to get fucked. Right here in public.’ You nod, he’s not wrong. ‘You just be extra quiet. We don’t want to alarm the others.’

Bucky’s barely finished his sentence when roughly pulls you down onto him. Your mouth goes slack and you let out a moan crossed with a whimper.
He smacks you lightly on the cheek, ‘I said be quiet,’ he spits between gritted teeth.

He starts to move, slowly at first but in no way gentle. One hand gripping your ass roughly. The other tweaking and pulling your nipples.
He speeds up still a tight grip on your ass, but the metal hand goes to your neck and starts squeezing, He watches your face for evidence of it being too much. You smile, looking thoroughly fucked out and it encourages him.

He holds you there until you unravel around him, grasping blindly at his metal hand as it squeezes and you start to see spots. He comes soon after, pulling you harder onto him as he spills into you, growling into your neck.

‘You were perfect baby. Can’t wait to peel this lil thing off you later and taste that tight cunt of yours.’

— Tag list - if y’all wanna be removed Bc this is a lil more raunchy that usual lemme know 💛

@thefridgeismybestie

@basically-introverted

[youngerdrgrey]

initial Queen Sugar 2x01/2x02 thoughts

spoilers ahead (and hints at the moments I’ll probably be continuing/exploring from these initial premiere episodes)

first off, I have to applaud and appreciate that we start this season on Nova again. close on her but not just on the locs but also on her face, on her in an already settled place as opposed to the purely naked and vulnerable of season one. we don’t find her with a lover and open, but rather channeling her energy and her light into gifts for someone else and dismissing a person who attempts to get closer to her.

.

shoutout also to the scene in 2x01 after Micah’s time in holding where it’s close on him in the bed as Charley tries talking to him and bringing him out of it. beautiful parallel to the moment in the pilot where Micah tries to get Charley to talk to him and come with him after the news about Davis initially breaks.

.

I loved other moments in 2x01, but I’m gonna jump to 2x02 solely because I took more notes and watched 2x02 alone as opposed to with people. (I’ll go back to 2x01 again some time this weekend probably.)

.

I have three (potentially four) scenes I want to write out of 2x02. I’m considering just having a series on ao3 for specific moments in s2/episodes

there’s Micah and Nova, either throughout the day or at the end of the night when Nova undoubtedly brings him home. (could be her home, could be his, I don’t care.) It’d probably include bits of notes from his phone, little unfinished thoughts about everything he’s dealing with between skipping summer school and wandering through a city that he might be ill-equipped to handle and, well, everything else he’s dealing with.

+

Micah and Charley, during the car ride to his school. might be in the same fic/moment or might be a separate one. I just think there’s a lot of half conversations in the car with them that morning, and it’s still so fascinating to me that she’s riding in her Range Rover while her son’s nice new car is sitting in the drive, untouched for fear of what perception might do

+

Remy said, “Your sister and me -- look, it’s just about the mill. It’s about that mill and getting through the harvest. That’s all.”

and I’ll come back to my thoughts on Remy and his mourning and everything else, but he said the above to Ralph Angel and I clearly imagined Ralph Angel messaging Nova like, so Remy and Charley not a thing no more? and having this interlude of interaction that takes place between Remy leaving the High Yellow and Nova arriving.

+

biggest ups and screams and excited hand rubbing to the fact that they’re narratively calling for Charley’s mom. I have been waiting to see what they do with her in canon and to see how that whole thing plays out. and even from that voicemail -- from the fact that Lorna (if they keep her name the same) doesn’t even have a personalized voicemail -- and the way that Charley starts to drift into a moment but so quickly brings herself back ‘round and is like, I thought you would’ve answered, and just lets the moment go.

fas cin a ting

+

y e s to getting more of Remy as a person and separate from Charley. I mean, I obviously love Remy and Charley together; I’ve written a shit ton of words about them; but I think one of the greatest things that can happen is getting to know more about Remy and who he is and what he’s gone through with his past wife.

seeing his place (decor hasn’t changed much in four years, he leads us to believe, but he also still distinctly knows and wants us to know where the house and the decor comes from. wants us to know how he crafted this design with his wife whose name I’m not typing rn because I can’t remember how it’s spelled)

hearing him talk about his wife and his time with her and how important Ernest was to him through that time of grieving and mourning (+ him saying “your daddy” will probably always be one of my favorite things bc it’s so southern and familiar but it’s also how Charley refers to her dad and idk it just reminds me of the fact that these two have very separate connections to the same person and didn’t know each other when those connections were with a living man)

(+ how he shifts away from the first attempt she makes at physical comfort because that’s not what he needs/wants to accept & he just wants to be with his sadness but still be with it in her company and with someone who he can share these memories while he’s working on letting them go back to their place inside him)

(+ that apology. my god. my writers. my dudes. him apologizing for pushing her to choose because he felt like he had four years to make up for but he knows it wasn’t right of him to do that because of the pressure it put on her. + her not accepting the apology because she doesn’t feel like he was in the wrong to do that + him insisting and owning up to the fact that he did sort of try to make her choose quick w/o giving her that time to mourn -- once he realized he was deeply interested obvs)

and, y’all, hearing him say -- and yes, here’s where all my shipper intentions and need for quotes as summaries poked back through -- “You are the first woman that I wanted to know since my wife, Charley.”

“You are the first woman that I wanted to know since my wife, Charley. But before that can happen, you need to mourn the loss of your marriage. You need to push pass the anger and allow yourself to grieve.”

aaaand having that gorgeous pull back shot, just them on his couch with the space there between their bodies (bc y’all know they forgot about personal space the second they realized they were both feeling this) but their bodies still angled at each other (hers a bit more forward and out of reach, but his arm along the back serving as a bridge)

y’all. 

that’s the beginnings of a moment I’ll write, but also a clear roadmap for Charley’s season two emotional journey when it comes to Remy. further Charley journeys include the road to letting Micah have space, even if it means crying in the fetal position next to her Range in the parking lot of his school, or agreeing to give Davis some sort of custody before Davis swoops in and fights her for full. + the road to maybe acknowledging Ralph Angel as a good farmer. the road to her mill being functional and not hurting all of these nice black farmers who are gonna work with her. + the road to dealing with her grief when it comes to her dad and whatever it is that her relationship with her mom, and furthermore connecting with family truly is.

.

quick passing moment of endless love to auntie’s boy Micah at the event. Nova rushing off the stage to him. Micah saying he didn’t know where to go but he ended up here.

Nova might not’ve been there for Ralph Angel when Ra was going through stuff with the system, but she’s gonna be there for every single other person including Micah