#his giddiness after arthur was born

[fearthhereaper]

was no one going to warn me about how insanely sexy henry tudor is or was i supposed to discover that while watching the white princess for the first time because dear god that man is so beautiful i felt like a rabid dog the whole time

not to mention the absolute sexiness of his insecurity after not feeling loved and accepted by the people of england....i love me a melancholic troubled man haunted by a constant fear of inadequacy that causes him to act harshly trying to establish himself as stronger than he actually feels

[batmanlovesnirvana]

by AshWinterGrey on Ao3

Summary : Today on Buzzfeed Unsolved, we look into the Murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.

“Today on Buzzfeed Unsolved, we’re digging into a rather famous case,” Ryan begins, a grin on his face. “Its actually a case I grew up hearing about, and one that I like to keep an eye on from time to time. So I was, very, excited to get permission to do this case.”

“Oh, is this what I think it is?” Shane questioned.

“You saw the file,” Ryan gave his friend a look.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if it was a file or just a list of things you wanted to talk about if you ever got permission,” Shane protested. “I mean, you’ve brought this case up pretty frequently.”

“Yes, yes, that is definitely the case,” Ryan agreed, turning a giddy grin to the file. “Today, ladies and gentlemen, we’re looking at the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne.”

“This is going to be interesting,” Shane clapped.

“Was that sarcastic?”

“No.”

“It felt sarcastic.”

“Eh…maybe a little. You do go on and on about this case.”

“Yeah, but only, like, vague details.”

“Sure. Vague.”

Ryan shot Shane a look, to which Shane stared right back with a flat look. After a moment, Ryan turned away and flipped over the file.

“Shall we begin?”

“Yeah, of course,” Shane motioned with a flippant wave of his hand. “Let’s begin!”

A giddy grin filled Ryan’s face as he turned to the case file.

“On June 26th, at 10:47 pm, the world lost two of the kindest rich people anyone could have met. But first, let’s get a bit into their background. Doctor Thomas Wayne-”

“Wait. Doctor? Thomas Wayne was a Doctor?”

“Yeah! I was getting there! Let me get there!”

“Okay. Okay. You’ve just never mentioned he was a doctor, before.”

“I told you, you didn’t know everything. There’s a lot about this family I haven’t mentioned.”

“Well now I’m intrigued.”

“Doctor Thomas Wayne was born the son of Patrick Wayne and Laura Elizabeth Wayne. This made Thomas Wayne one of the last living descendants of the Five Families of Gotham.”

“Five Families.”

“Yeah…I…don’t know why I included that.”

“You weren’t going to explain?”

“I am now.”

“The Five Families of Gotham are the Crowne Family, which died out years ago with Amelia Crowne, though their of rumors of an illegitimate child. Maybe we’ll do that another time. The Cobblepot family, and we all know what happened to that family. The Elliots, Kanes, and Waynes. These Five Families are credited to helping build Gotham.”

“Doctor Thomas Wayne dedicated his time to his medical studies, his family company, to helping the Glades, and to his family. Doctor Thomas Wayne was originally not the inheritor of the Wayne fortune as he was the youngest child of the Waynes. But Philip Wayne died in Afghanistan, and Agatha Wayne renounced her family name when she married into the Carson family. Doctor Thomas Wayne, with a full medical degree, and a budding physician having started a free clinic in Park Row, found himself the inheritor of a multi-million dollar company.”

“Park Row?”

“Better known as Crime Alley.”

“Oh! Wait…it’s name isn’t actually Crime Alley?”

“Yeah, surprising, right?

“Martha Wayne was born into another Founding Family. The Kane Family. Her family history, of course, is a little rockier in the public eye than most of the world’s wealthy would prefer. Nathan Kane married a woman named Kathy Webb and was disowned, losing his grasp of the inheritance. Philip Kane is the inheritor, and the line might just die out with him. Jacob Kane lost his first wife and one of his daughters, remarried, and became an army general. Arthur Kane is recluse and not staying with his family. Martha Wayne seemed to break out.”

“Good for her.”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You just seem pretty on board with that.”

“Well, yeah. I like history.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“A lot.”

“You’re not…you’re not…going to…elaborate?”

“Nope! That’s an entirely different video.”

“Oh…kay.”

“Martha Wayne married Doctor Thomas Wayne as one of many acts of rebellion. Martha’s mother didn’t approve of the marriage at all, and even threatened to disown Martha. Martha’s other most notable act of rebellion was to become a social worker.”

“I like this couple more and more.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Here are two people. Helping others.”

“That they did.”

“Most people with money would just… throw it on junk. Not them. They seem like good people.”

“Later, Doctor Wayne and Martha welcomed a son into the world. Bruce Thomas Wayne. Then, eight years later, while taking their son to a movie in Park Row, a man stepped out of the shadows. As told by the account of Bruce Wayne, the only surviving witness, the mysterious man demanded their money and Martha’s pearls. However, the two barely had a chance to grab said items before the first bullet was fired. Thomas Wayne died almost immediately with that first shot. Martha moved to grab her son, but that was when the second shot was fired, and she, too, died almost instantly, according to police reports. A couple hours later, the police arrived.”

“That poor kid.”

“Yeah, I know. He was with his parents for a couple hours.”

“His parents just died, and he’s probably sitting there, begging them to wake up. And no one is there to help. That’s…that’s terrible. I’m surprised the guy wasn’t more messed up.”

“You could probably argue he was a little messed up.”

“Really?”

“Well, he did disappear for a few years, then reappear acting like a, you know, a floozy rich guy.”

“What?”

“Maybe we’ll cover that another time, too. But, long story short, Bruce applied to the FBI, got in, then quit the FBI, disappeared, and came back as a generous, but perky rich playboy.”

“That…that’s…”

“Now that we’ve talked about the Waynes and their murder. Let’s talk about why this case is unsolved and then get into a few theories. To begin, the Wayne Murder case was never solved. Mainly because the only living witness besides the killer, was Bruce Wayne, an eight year old boy who was left beside his parents bodies for hours. The shock definitely kicked in, and because of how dark it was, Bruce was unable to see the man’s face.”

“Of course a traumatized boy wouldn’t be able to identify his parents’ killer! What the heck do people expect!”

“Yeah…not the GCPD’s finest moment.”

“The First theory is that the Falcone Family did the hit.”

(Wheeze) “A mob hit?”

“Yeah, we definitely don’t get those all that often, do we?”

“We never get those!”

“This theory actually has some weight. It’s rumored that Thomas Wayne was actually a close friend of Francesco Falcone. A bond that formed when Thomas Wayne supposedly saved Francesco Falcone’s life during a mob hit. It’s also rumored that Thomas and Martha met at one of Francesco Falcone’s parties.”

(Cackling!)

“What?”

“If this theory is true, then my respect for Martha Wayne has skyrocketed! That woman was a rebel!”

“Really? After everything I just said, that’s what you want to go with.”

“The Kanes were jerks. I’m allowed to be proud of the woman.”

“However, its also noted that at some point, Thomas and Falcone stopped talking to each other. Their friendship supposedly fell apart, and if they left on bad terms, its possible that the Falcone family ordered the hit. However, unless the GCPD is covering it up, there is no proof behind this theory, nor is there much proof that Thomas and Falcone ever actually had a friendship other than a few pictures of the two at parties. And, if you know nothing about Gotham, you should know that Gang Leaders mixing with the Elites is…pretty common.”

“Too common.”

“Way too common.”

“But, I’ll be honest, I’m not sure this theory has too much weight.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I mean, think about it. Saving someone’s life is…a pretty serious debt. Like, a life for a life debt, except you save it. If Doctor Thomas really saved Falcone, then the betrayal had to be dead awful for him to turn like that.”

“That’s…that’s a good point. We’ll put that theory on hold, then.”

“The second theory is that the Court Of Owls planned the hit.”

“The Court of Owls?”

“Yeah. You heard of them?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of them. If you had mentioned this, before, I might have been way more interested in this case.”

“Wow, I had no idea you were so excited about this.”

“It’s history, Ryan! Of course I’m excited about it!”

“You realize this is Gotham’s biggest Ghost Story, right?”

“Of course. But I also know the history around it.”

“The Court of Owls are a long standing legend in Gotham. The rumors claim that the court is comprised of Elites, supposedly related to the Crowne family. According to legend, the Court recruits elites into their system, and they recruit civilians to be assassins. These assassins kill those that oppose the Court.”

“That was a rough version of the Court of Owls. Not bad.”

“Thank. But now I’m curious to know what you know.”

“Maybe another time. Its too long to go into.”

“It’s believed that Thomas and Martha Wayne opposed the Court of Owls, and because of this, they were killed by a Talon.”

“I’d agree with that...”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I would. If ever there was a conspiracy theory I’d believe, it’s the existance of the Court of Owls. The history is fascinating.”

“Wow, I guess we…really need to do a history lesson on the Court of Owls.”

“The only thing that I think is a little sketchy is the fact that they…left Bruce Wayne alive.”

“Oh?”

“It’s not their style. Unless Bruce Wayne agreed to join the Court. But…given his charities and stuff, I doubt it.”

“Huh. I guess that’s fair.”

“The third theory…”

“What?”

“You’re gonna hate this?”

“Don’t say aliens.”

“Nope. Not aliens.”

“The third theory is that Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered by a ghost.”

“No.”

“Oh, yes!”

“Ryan. No!”

“The Wayne family went through Park Row, a place well known as Crime Alley. There are a number of Crimes that happen there in a day, so its no wonder a large population believe the mysterious killer that was never caught and never seen was that of a ghost who lost his life in a mugging attempt where he failed.”

“The Court of Owls theory holds more weight than this.”

(Cackling)

“You know what, I can and will deny this theory. Forget this theory.”

“How does this hold less weight than the Court of Owls.”

“I need to give you a history lesson.”

“The fourth theory is that it was an inside job done by the GCPD. Due to the fact that the guy was never caught, and the history of police corruption, its not surprising that this was a theory that popped up. In fact, up until Jim Gordon became Commissioner, many cases in Gotham like this one were swept under the rug.”

“Good old Jim Gordon.”

“He was on this case, actually.”

“He was?”

“Yep. In fact, it’s rumored that this particular case was what led Gordon to turn the GCPD around. And he’s supposedly still close to Bruce Wayne.”

“Really?”

“His daughter dated Bruce’s oldest son.”

“Nice.”

“With all these theories, there still isn’t any clear answer as to who killed Thomas and Martha Wayne. And that leaves this particular case…Unsolved.”

“They don’t deserve that,” Shane sighed.

“Yeah, they seemed like genuinely good people for rich people,” Ryan agreed with a nod. “What do you think happened?”

Shane winced, scratching the back of his head. “Right. I like the Court of Owls theory, but…I think it was a rando mugging.”

“Then…then how do you explain the lack of a suspect?”

“Police corruption. The Waynes were trying to turn Gotham around. A few corrupt cops just…swept it under the rug.”

“That’s…” Ryan froze, looking down at his files. “That’s actually not a bad theory. Why didn’t anyone use that theory.”

“Maybe they’re not supposed to.”

“That’s terrifying. Absolutely terrifying.”

... .... .... ..... .... .... .... ....

“ This is...”

Jason paused, sending a look towards his younger brother.

“Genius?” Tim gave a sharp, Cheshire grin.

“Definitely,” Jason grinned back. “What exactly did you give them permission to do?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

[manmetaphysical]

Oscar Wilde was BOTD on the16th October in Dublin in 1854. It’s good to remember him today but who could ever forget Mr.Wilde? He was the most desirable dinner party guest as he’d have you in stitches with jokes and stories while he drank all your champagne and flirted with the male guests.

Just to utter his name in full could make someone giddy - Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde.

Born with Sun and Venus in Libra but with Mercury in Scorpio, so what stands out is that under the smooth polished surface of finely- honed and innocuous sounding epigrams was a sting in the tail. His famous bon mots which had all of London society gossiping might flow off the tongue but could be subversive too. They often turn ideas on their heads like ‘I can resist everything except temptation’ and ‘work is the curse of the drinking classes’ that was a way to satisfy his rebellious mother, and have all of London society thinking what an utter ‘charade’ society is, with the Lords and Ladies with posh names as puppets of its machinery of class, money and snobbery.

Back in 2018 I wrote about Wilde’s mastery of the symmetrical statement: "His words have an aesthetic style typical of Libra. When he said things like “It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it,” he gives permission for us to be liberated from the heavy mental furniture of fixed polarities. It triggers a breeze of light in the mind. As a Libran, he toyed with this skill effortlessly, and for readers the effect is that we glimpse beyond the implied conflict. But Wilde's sayings depended on dexterous use of technical figures of speech: 'paralleling', 'chiasmus', 'syllepsis', 'zeugma'- these tropes often involving repetitions sudden reversals of what is expected. Thankfully, he had the power to juggle and dazzle. His Mercury was strong as it ruled the First and Tenth Houses and resided in the 3rd house of communications, although in the sign of Scorpio which gave it that memorably caustic edge."

He always seems somewhat theatrical even overblown - Sun square Jupiter- but with many layers of meaning that are revealed only after deep thinking. ‘To define is to limit’, he said, so his words leave many ambiguities lingering in the air.

With a Moon in Leo and Mars in Sagittarius, nothing could hold him back from his fiery feelings passions and adventures, not even marriage or being a father. And with Saturn square to Neptune, his anguish was grist to his artistic achievements- 'Picture of Dorian Gray' will stand the test of time as a gothic novel with its theme of mirroring and the shadow and his play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' has to be the most artificially plotted piece of hilarious fluff ever written- hence hugely enjoyable. He put his genius into his life, he said and only his talent into his work. And most would agree. It is to the life we look for a model, a parable, of the martyr to moral blindness. ‘The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork’, he said.

He was born in the year Tiger in Chinese astrology which gave him a rare boldness. He shares that with French poet, Arthur Rimbaud. It would not be possible in this short thumbnail to encapsulate all the fun that an artist like Oscar Wilde offers, his influence in Aesthetics and as a Symbolist poet and all the actors who have played him in film what synastry they have with his chart. He was familiar with all things French, and not just the absinthe, but his life story is that warning to the unwary and will probably end up as perennial folk tale. He reminds us of the importance of doing nothing and discussing everything and that wit can be a great weapon against injustice.

A small detail but very poignant is that model and Velvet Underground singer, Nico, who became a heroin addict, adored European literature. She also shared Oscar Wilde’s birthday -16th October -and on her death on the roadside in Ibiza in 1988 as she fell off her bike and had a seizure, and lay there for hours before being taken to hospital, it appeared that she was carrying a book by Oscar Wilde.

#oscarwilde #wilde #Libra #artist #epigrams #Mercury #astrology #wit #wisdom #Nico #Rimbaud

[yallemagne]

For the ask game: "save a horse", "ohnho," "My Dear Jack," and "i."

the ask game

hooooo, save a horse. ride a cowboy. This is a Jonathan/Quincey, post-canon, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies fanfic that I have been sitting on for so damn long, and by gosh by golly I have rewritten that fucker like five times. It switches POVs in the middle.

relevant tags: internalized homophobia, smut, pwp, shameless romanticization of Southern US citizens

A giddy nervousness bubbles in my chest when I invite Mr. Morris in. Confessedly, I am relieved to have spoken with Mina prior, to have all my worries about this potential unfaithfulness be defused.  Nervousness still lingers in my mind, but I find it isn’t guilt. It is more the fear that I may do or say something with too much familiarity and come across as brash or presuming. Such worries are unfounded, but I can’t help myself. Even after a few years of knowing the man, I feel inclined to call him Mr. Morris or something similarly detached, only to be corrected. “Call me Quincey,” he insists. “Or Morris, at least. Mr. Morris is what stuffy oil barons like to call me.” That comment prompted me to ask him how often he spoke with oil barons. Of course, he has a story to tell.  When I fumble while pouring him a glass of wine, Morris chuckles, and it is such a pleasant noise. It would be reminiscent of less than pleasant memories had Morris been anyone other than his delightful self. His laugh is warm and rich, not sharp or mocking. Instead of dread or embarrassment flooding my head, my cheeks tint a dusty rose. 

--

ohnho is... very inspired by my own experience. It is post-canon, but this time, ugh, people have died. It was born from my headcanon that Jonathan's relationship with the surviving Suitors post-canon is complicated at best... I am willing to admit that a great part of the reason I don't see him bonding well with them is a projection of my own issues with socializing. Godalming invites Jonathan on one of the Classic Suitor Camping Trips (nix Quincey), and everything goes wrong.

relevant tags: boys night!!! camping with the boys!!! trauma, dubcon, survivor's guilt

Godalming had suggested it: a camping trip. Or perhaps it was less that he suggested it and more that he merely sent the invitation in the mail. In that invitation, he laid out all the details: location, duration, suggestions of what to pack… And he illustrated just how happy he was that I would be joining him and Seward.  Reading that, I couldn’t help but wonder when exactly I agreed to such a thing. But Mina was thrilled. One might have thought she was going on the trip with how excited she was while packing, but she wasn’t invited: just her husband was.  This was a man’s trip. 

--

My dear Jack,-- yeah how I named this was clicking on the title and letting it autofill in the first line. Remember An Odd Doctor? This is more of that AU. Though Mrs. Westenra has already hired someone to treat her daughter, Lucy's deteriorating health and grievances with the doctor cause Arthur to request that Jack check-in and possibly intervene.

relevant tags: fraud???, medical malpractice, threats of violence (this makes it sound like Arthur threatens Jack, I swear he doesn't)

My dear Jack,  I worry severely for Lucy’s sake. I know you are far from this issue, but I must humbly make a request: I need you to check on her.  A while back, she was sick, and I was going to call on you to examine her illness, but before I could, her mother seemed to become newly aware of the issue and hired a doctor herself. Since then, even when my father was better, I was not allowed to visit. But one day, while Mrs. Westenra was out, I came and Lucy looked worse than ever. Her tired agony seemed only a tiny bit lightened by my appearance. When I asked her what in the world was happening, she broke down into sobs. I fear her doctor is an awful tyrant to her. 

--

iojegrjpie I saw your reply on the post and I was like "oh yeah blue? my titles are inspired? what does "i" invoke???" and now I have to answer that question. Funny that it's "i" but it's not even in 1st person.

This takes place post-Orice and deals with Jonathan's continuing struggle with his sexual trauma. I don't know about it... it may be too self-flagellating in tone?

relevant tags: past rape/noncon, hurt/comfort, self-hatred

The words have been stuck in your throat since you first told her what happened. When you were away, too far away for her to save… You have struggled through every overdue confession, digging everything up and bringing it to the surface, dragging the dirt into your shared bed, and she held you all the while, never condemning you for not fighting back or for saying nothing when you were hurting— she always pauses before she can tell you that she wouldn’t know how to speak either. It’s because she knows how much the thought tortures you, and you can’t help but hate yourself whenever you see her bite her tongue. You’re being selfish, not letting her voice her empathy. 

[checkoutmybookshelf]

That Isn't What I Pictured When You Said "Speak From Your Heart"

So...guys. This book. This is the book where we get Haven. This is the book where we get companions. This is the book where we get heralds. This book should have been legitimately awesome and...like...yes, but also no? Let's talk Valdemar.

So as the very brief intro probably clues you into, this is a SPOILERIFIC ZONE. There are SPOILERS HERE. Consider yourself warned.

This book picks up after what feels like ten-odd years of the Valdemarans having been living in Haven, which is thriving. They have surplus, they have trade amongst themselves, they're developing their infrastructure, and they're starting to look past survival and at what they want to build. We are told about the plagues, infestations, and other stuff the Valdemarans have overcome while they settled and grew Haven, but when the book actually opens, they're sitting pretty and starting to get to a point where they can do things that start to feel like luxuries.

They're doing real good, so of course we have to fuck that up somehow.

The weird thing about that though, is the pacing and subplots of this book, and also the fact that this book is...NOT GOOD at disability. I went into that pretty deeply in this post, so I'm not going to repeat myself here. But despite still enjoying Kordas as a character and going giddy fangirl over watching the Valdemar I know and love take shape, the structure of this book landed a bit funny with me.

Until the last quarter or so of this book, the driving force behind this book is Kordas's anxiety that Valdemar won't outlive his son's reign, because humans are inherently the worst and without a strong, moral, great human leader the kingdom will fall to base savagery. And y'all, I live in the 2020s. I don't even disagree that humanity's worst is BAD. I do kind of have a problem with Kordas's logic being waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too similar to Trumpian strongman "I am the only one who can fix it" but leaning more toward lawful good ("only a good man can fix it" but we never actually define "good man" more clearly than "Kordas and Restil" so it's a whole thing) than chaotic evil. That's more or less what the companions fix though, so I can get on board with Kordas's thought experiment and working through the anxiety about his legacy.

Once the companions show up though, then we get back to the Kordas I enjoy most: the avid, highly-detailed planner. This man and the first grove-born companions have to basically come up with the heraldic circle on the fly, and watching the heralds be born was VERY fun. That was just great.

I do need to take a minute to call out THAT scene, though. Because here's the thing. By the time this book was written, the lore of Valdemar's founding was pretty set. As it is told in Arrows of the Queen:

...he waited till Midsummer's Day; he went out into the middle of what we call Companion's Field now, and he asked every god he'd ever heard of to help him. [...] Well, he started out at dawn; it wasn't till sunset that he got an answer. Everything went kind of light all over, like when you get too much sun on snow, and all he could hear was the sound of hoofbeats--hoofbeats that sounded just like bells. When the light cleared away, there were three horses standing in front of him; horses with coats the color of moonshine and eyes like pieces of sky.

Which has a sort of grandeur and dignity to it. However, as is kind of a theme with the heralds in general, the stories and the realities rarely match up. And a thousand years of narrative drift also explains some of the differences in details, because there are MANY. Kordas's plea to the gods in Valdemar takes the better part of a chapter, so I'm not going to quote it at you here.

What I will say about it though, is that it took place in the middle of the dang night, and it was less a prayer and more like the scenes in Lerner and Lowe's Camelot where Arthur is onstage monologuing to himself about ethics and sorting out what he should do about whatever decision he is facing at that point in the play. This chapter in Valdemar reminds me most strongly of the closing monologue after Lancelot is knighted, and Arthur is like, "Oh this is gonna be so bad, but all I can do is run the course and be king." However, where Arthur is destined for tragedy, Kordas actually gets some help. Which is impressive because the vibe is half angsty King Arthur and half "character on the West Wing can't sleep and so monologues to the gods." Which honestly...the description still feels like it has more grandeur and dignity than the experience of reading it did, because you're not watching Kordas pace and monologue, you're literally in his head. It's a very weird take on this, and it's not what I was expecting, but I think it did work, for some definition of work.

What I think absolutely did not work was the fact that Mercedes Lackey decided that this was also the book to tell the full story of Shadowdancer and Sunsinger--who those of you familiar with the Valdemar music will recognize from their 2005 album, Sun and Shadow. We also get their legend in Arrows of the Queen. Unfortunately...they're very secondary characters in this book, and despite Rothas pulling a Bard ex machina at the end, they kind of feel completely disconnected from the rest of the founding narrative. Like, I was happy with their legend being in song and retold, I was not jonesing for Rothas and Lythe's story here. It was just kind of...crowbarred in and we never really got to know Lythe at all. I truly do not think this part of the book worked. I appreciate the attempt at complicating the concept of lifebonds, but it broke the narrative's spine a little because there wasn't enough space to really explore it.

The other thing that didn't work was how fast the big bad for this book blew up and how equally fast she was defeated. There was also some ugly sanism around her characterization, and I did not love that. She was a Hawkbrother apprentice who...randomly went mad for *cough* inaudible mumbling *cough* reasons, murdered her bondbird, and fucked off into the wilderness before showing back up with blood magic to try to throw monsters at Haven's gates to conquer it. The book tries to give her a tragic backstory and connection to Silvermoon to add some emotional weight to her, but it doesn't land. The big climactic battle feels weirdly underwhelming, and honestly I would have been fine with this book focusing more on building the heraldic circle and like...diplomacy with other settlements around Haven. Random big climactic battle with crazy mage lady felt off tonally and a bit like an editor went "this is a fantasy book, put a big battle at the end." Which I don't think is what actually happened, given Lackey's fame and experience, but that's what if FEELS like.

So the TLDR on this book is that seeing Valdemar and the Heraldic Circle get born was awesome, the character work was mostly good, but there was some weird tonal dissonance and some really problematic ableism and sanism that kind of soured the reading experience for me.

[brummiereader]

Omg @look-at-the-soul Mar 😍! Eeeek, I can't tell you enough how much this fantastic story with the appearance of our beloved mutuals had me grinning from ear to ear. Adored it hun ❤️!

For starters, the moodboard is stunning! This is the modern Tommy of my dreams 😍. That picture of him is just 🤤. One of my most favourite photoshoots he has ever done, and perfectly placed within the nightclub theme of this story 👌.

I squealed each time I saw one of our mutuals names pop up! It is the wildest thing seeing your own name as well within a story 🤭🥰! Lee, one of the girls walked past her, ready to take her place at the DJ booth. YES! You know the club would be popping with Lee's music choices 👌.

“Here, drink this.” Brummie, another of the girls came closer placing a glass next to Y/N. After a week, Y/N learned the reason for that nickname was her strong Brummie accent even after all the years she left the place. Arghhh! My first appearance 🤗! I wish I did share a thick Birmingham accent with my favourite man, but I only have a slight Brummie twang, from being born in the West Midlands too. “Go easy on the drinks, she makes them strong.” K chuckled 🤭, pretty accurate to my drink making skills! Double shots or nothing 😂.

I just love how you've given each of our little gang a mention, and Flors wonderful OC Rose gushing over her Alfie is honestly so adorable 🥰.

Another table was filled by three men, they were older and dressed in button shirts with ripped jeans, as if it was an uniform for them. Hmm 🤔, who could they be? And her past comment about not finding love in a nightclub...something tells me she'll be backtracking rather quickly when she meets a certain blue eyed guy 😉!

“Arthur, leave it, we’re going to follow this lovely lady’s order and wait.” He then turned to face her again. “Accept a sincere apology for trying to get in.” He then winked. Arghh, you got me so giddy with this bit! I love how she has no clue who he is, and he simply plays along with it with a cheeky wink. I'm loving your modern Tommy so much already hun. Tommy dragged his eyes across the club, he needed to know more about her. So he walked towards the bar. I love the fact that Tommy is universally, throughout our stories always intrigued by the girl that stands her ground and stands up to him. Even if poor Y/N didn't intend to turn her boss away 🤭.

“Please.” He replied then, clearing his throat. Omg 😱, he acknowledged me 😂. I'm taking anything I can when it comes to him! Brummie left the bartender in charge while she claimed a quick bathroom trip. Curse my weak bladder 😂.

Y/N groaned mortified, she kept shaking her head. Overthinking of what would happen. Poor girl 😅, I love Red and K's reaction's! It's only fair the new girl gets her turn when it comes to embarrassing herself 🤭. We've all been there!

Earth calling Tommy.” John teased. “He’s still waiting outside in the queue.” Love John constantly teasing him as Tommy can't keep his eyes off his newest employee. What are siblings for, if it's not for mocking you 😂?

Everything happened in a blink, he grabbed her by her face and kissed Y/N, not able to resist the desire any longer. But when she answered the kiss with the same eagerness and placed her hand on the back of his neck to pull Tommy closer he lost it. Well that didn't take him long 🤭! But this is Tommy we're talking about, and he waits for no one! That and, what girl wouldn't lock lips with him as quick as Y/N did. He's completely fallen head over heals for her. And I think it's fair to say she won't be forgetting exactly who he is after that kiss!

His cheeky text to her, was everything! And I just love that fact she's found herself her very own bad boy!

Loved this Mar! If only we could have our own bar, with all our mutuals working their. The place would be so much fun, and I would actually like going to work every day 😂.

A night at Delux

Modern Tommy Shelby

Master list

Author’s notes: This story is for you, in no particular order @zablife @runnning-outof-time @red-riding-wood @teenwolf-theoriginals @justrainandcoffee @brummiereader I’ve had the main idea in my mind for weeks after driving past a luxury restaurant daily, I think it’d still haunt me if I didn’t write this one down lol… anyways I decided to a few names of lovely mutuals. This is a small nod to you all for the amazing work you do and in an attempt to cheer you up or anyone who might need it at the moment. If for whatever reason you feel down, without inspiration, worried, or anything else, know that it will pass. This particular moment that feels like too much won’t last forever ✨I just hope/wish you get what you are looking for. And to anyone else going through anything hard right now, this is for you too!

Ps. Don’t panic the fandom isn’t falling down, I just felt the need to dedicate this story to lovely mutuals to spoil and cheer them up a bit 🤗

Last but not least, extra 🌟 to @blondie-22 for creating this gorgeous moodboard!! 💖

Word count: 3,245

Friday night had been quiet compared to today, it seems like everyone decided to go out on Saturday and go to that club, as if there wasn’t enough options in the city.

Y/N swallowed hard feeling worried, this was her second weekend working at the club and she wanted to give a good first impression and save as much money as possible.

Her other job as secretary paid for the rent and services, but she needed to have this second one on the weekends to support her grandmother and her medicines.

As the hostess, she was requested to wear a total black outfit, so she thought her little black dress was the right choice, it was fitting for her shape, it wasn’t too revealing or short and one of the girls, Red had suggested spraying some lidocaine on her feet to be able to stand all night in those heels. She quickly adapted well to the group of girls that worked there, they were all so nice to her and welcoming.

“Ready? I’ve an amazing list prepared.” Lee, one of the girls walked past her, ready to take her place at the DJ booth.

“Last week was hectic, I’ve a feeling this will be crazier.” Y/N expressed fiddling with the guest list for the night.

“Here, drink this.” Brummie, another of the girls came closer placing a glass next to Y/N. After a week, Y/N learned the reason for that nickname was her strong Brummie accent even after all the years she left the place.

“Go easy on the drinks, she makes them strong.” K chuckled. She was the first one to welcome Y/N into their little girls-gang as they called themselves. The only ladies working in a place owned by men.

“Doors opening in ten.” The manager advised, taking one more look at the place, waiters were ready. “Make tonight a good night everybody.”

Lee started playing the music then, experimenting with some new beats, she mixed a couple of the new hits. Lights down, Y/N took a deep breath, approaching the door.

“They better leave good tips tonight.” Red raised her eyebrows. She was in charge of promos, she was great at convincing people to order another round of shots, or if it was ladies night and they got 2x1 on special drinks.

“We’re in your hands Red.”

“I’ll do my best ladies.” She replied through the device they shared to communicate.

“Alright, it’s about time.” Y/N rolled her neck. “Lee, we’ve a party of six tonight, celebrating a bachelorette, could you include some anthems?”

“Absolutely darl.” Lee then turned up the volume of the music.

“If someone sees that baker, let me know?” Rose appeared then at the bar, she had been hiding in the office, she was in charge of detecting any potential trouble from the monitors.

“Sweetheart, everyone knows he’s not a baker.” Lee informed her, talking about Alfie.

“I haven’t seen him, so I wouldn’t know.” Y/N called from her place.

“Oh he’s just the most handsome man ever.” Rose swooned.

Y/N chuckled, the club would be the last place where she’d find love, she just knew that. Walking towards the door, the guard opened it for her.

She started searching for the name she was given in the guest list. A group of girls wearing exaggerated make up and deep cleavage plus the shortest skirts or dresses where the firsts ones to make it in. She was totally against it, but it was an unwritten rule to let people in, the more skin, the better.

But she wasn’t there to judge anyone, let the girls dress as they preferred, in the end she wasn’t the one getting wasted and dragged in the end of the night to throw up outside. She was there just for the money. Another table was filled by three men, they were older and dressed in button shirts with ripped jeans, as if it was an uniform for them.

Y/N thought how it was funny to try to guess their backgrounds, where they came from and with whom they might leave the club. She was just trying to make the time pass faster.

In no time, the club was packed, but outside there was still a bunch of people trying to make it.

People tried to give Y/N money to get in, some were even rude to her but the guards took charge into the matter and invited them to leave.

“I made a reservation, could you check again?” The young guy requested politely.

Y/N started reading the names again, but by the corner of her eye, she caught someone skipping the line. “Ah, excuse me? Sir?”

The man who was already by the door, turned around slowly, opening the zipper of his jacket. His death stare made Y/N feel a shiver running down her back.

“There’s a line you’ve to make and wait.” Three more men arrived and stared at her with amused expressions. “Name?”

The man blinked and rolled his tongue over his lower lip. “Shelby. But you won’t find my name there, love.” Y/N saw him stopping the three other men with his hand.

“Then you’ll have to wait in the queue.”

For an instant, his expression was so transparent and Y/N knew he was offended.

“I’m sorry, but I’m just following orders.” She apologized and shuddered under his intense blue irises.

“Oi!” One of them, the one with a mustache tried to step closer.

“Arthur, leave it, we’re going to follow this lovely lady’s order and wait.” He then turned to face her again. “Accept a sincere apology for trying to get in.” He then winked.

The well dressed men followed his instructions and stepped back. Then she focused on the next people on the guest list, guiding them inside.

Barely a minute went by when Lucas, the manager grabbed her by the arm, dragging her inside in a blunt movement that made her go alert.

“What’s wrong with you?!” Lucas snapped, spit flying from his mouth. “You left the Shelby brothers outside! The fucking owners of this place.”

Just as Lucas was explaining Y/N her mistake , Tommy walked behind her, with his brothers following his steps.

“That was a first Tommy.” John grinned. “The first woman who doesn’t let you walk in as the owner of the place, and you did nothing.”

John was definitely having fun at Tommy’s expense. Arthur couldn’t help the smirk on his lips, but he tried to hide it behind his hand.

“Yeah, yeah she was only doing her job.” Tommy tried to excuse the hostess.

There was something that took him by surprise and startled him.

“And you walked back to the queue like a dog with the tail between the legs.” John went off again.

Tommy dragged his eyes across the club, he needed to know more about her. So he walked towards the bar.

“The usual Mr. Shelby?” Brummie asked her boss from behind the bar, he always waited to be served at his table.

Slowly, he posed his eyes on her, considering his options. “Please.” He replied then, clearing his throat.

“Here you go, I’ll take the other drinks up in a second.”

“Thank you.” With a nod, he turned his back at her and slowly strolled across the club. Although he had security, he always checked his surroundings.

After a while, he found the manager. “Lucas, come here.” Patting him on the back, Tommy asked him about the hostess, she was just passing by in that very moment, but Tommy noticed the quick glance she threw at him.

“Again, I’m sorry it happened Mr. Shelby, she’s new but it won’t repeat.”

“No problem.” He added calmly. “What do you know about her?”

Lucas shook his head, he didn’t care about the staff personal life. “Not much, but I’ll investigate her.”

In that moment, Tommy’s eyes found her, arms linked with the girl in charge of the checking the credit cards records.

“Damn it, I made a huge mistake, I’m so so done.” Y/N cried in a low voice. Worry written all over her face.

“What did you do?” Rose squeezed her shoulder.

“I didn’t know it was him.” She babbled. “I asked Mr. Shelby and his brothers to wait in line for their turn to get a fucking table.” Y/N explained over the music.

Rose stared at her for a split second and then bursted into an incontrolable laugh. “No you didn’t!”

“I did Rose! I did… and now he’s going to fire me.”

But she kept laughing. Trying to take a deep breath she sent their chat group a message urging the other girls to meet in the back.

You’re not gonna believe what Y/N did, she’s a hero! - she announced proudly.

“I can’t imagine the face he put on, must’ve gone like a stone.” Rose pinched her arm playfully.

Lee programmed a couple of songs to play automatically, Brummie left the bartender in charge while she claimed a quick bathroom trip. Red rushed the guys on the table to pay her for their drinks and tip.

As the group gathered in the back, they we waiting eager to hear what had happened.

“Our newest friend here, made the boss wait in line to get a table.” Rose announced ceremonially, pointing at Y/N.

She wasn’t trying to make fun of her, just trying to have a moment to relax.

Y/N groaned mortified, she kept shaking her head. Overthinking of what would happen.

“Nice way to get the Shelby’s attention.” Red pointed at Y/N with a smile, enjoying the teasing.

“Can we ask for the CCTV footage?” K asked. “I want to see him in the line.”

“I was looking for you,” Isiah one of the blinders appeared suddenly, “ladies how are you doing? Y/N… Mr. Shelby wants to see you.”

A chorus of ohhh’s from the girls filled the space.

Then, the girls started cheering on her.

“There she goes.” K sighed.

“Do you think she’s in trouble?” Lee looked around the group.

“Well it depends…” Red crossed her arms. “Hopefully he’s in a good mood.”

“I doubt it to be honest.” Rose raised an eyebrow skeptically. “But maybe she knows how to tame the beast.”

“Oh oh, if there’s group meeting it means something happened?” Mia joined the girls, she asked permission to arrive later that day. She had some personal affair to attend.

K placed her hands on Mia’s shoulders. “You just missed the fun, but I’ll make a short version while we prepare some drinks.” They were both in charge of the bar.

“Last time we had an urgent meeting, Michael got arrested.” Mia remembered with a chuckle.

“Oh, this is better than that.” Red assured before going back to the crowded tables.

As Y/N followed Isiah, her heart was pounding, grabbing her phone she texted her friend, Heidi.

I think I messed up, BIG.

A quick answer appeared on her screen, in the background a themed photo illuminated the phone, beautiful shades of green reminded her of nature and hope, it was made by a really talented friend.

What happened?! Are you OK?

Yeah. No… I confused the owner of the club and asked him to wait outside and make the line!

Her phone buzzed again.

No way! Tell me how it goes.

If I don’t reply back he probably let me blind. Carries a peaky cap with a razor blade.

Y/N took a deep breath and checked her phone again.

Don’t worry, I’m sure it will be fine. Her friend encouraged back.

She just prayed to not mess it up again and start babbling, arriving at the private area where the Shelby’s were she quickly tried to fix her short hair and bangs.

“Good evening,” her voice was shaking, her legs and her heart, everything! “I’d like to apologize for what happened earlier, I’m new and didn’t know any of you.”

Her eyes landed one more time on who seemed to be the leader, those icy eyes boring into the deepest part of her. His lips were pursed in a tight line.

“It’s okay, love. Don’t worry.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

“Yeah, now me brother wants to find a way to speed the line up.” One of them explained, blowing his smoke towards the ceiling.

“John.” The man with the blue eyes warned. “Nevertheless, I’ve to thank you for keeping the line in check.”

His deep accent and the way he dragged each word gave her chills.

“Thank you, well that’s my job.”

“Here drink this.” Another of them, the one with a mustache offered her a glass. “To a very good job!”

The two youngest were whispering something and staring back at the leader.

“It’s alright, really.” Tommy assured her after seeing the fear in her eyes.

“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.” The one he called John a moment ago suggested.

“Again I’m really sorry.”

“Y/N is it?” He rolled his tongue over his lips after saying her name. “It’s alright.”

“Just so you know, I’m John, so you don’t mistake me again.” He had a huge grin on his face. “This is Finn, Michael and Arthur.” He started pointing out at everybody. “And that’s Tommy.”

“I won’t forget your names.” She repeated them mentally. “Enjoy your night, I’ll bring you another round.”

Y/N excused herself and went back to work. He was wearing a simple white shirt with a jacket and black jeans, but somehow he made it look effortlessly good. She was trying to focus on the people in the guest list instead of those eyes that reminded her of the most beautiful sky.

She smiled at a couple that walked past her dancing to the beat of the music.

A table next to her exploded in shouts and claps as K and Mia arrived with their shots and sparklers.

From the second floor, Tommy was watching her every move, eyes following her everywhere, studying her moves and the way she approached clients.

Arthur waved his hand in front of Tommy’s eyes after he didn’t listened to what he said.

“Tom? What do you think?”

Finn nudged John’s arm, tilting his head towards Tommy.

Tommy took a long puff of his cigarette, pretending to be part of their conversation.

“Hmm?”

“Earth calling Tommy.” John teased. “He’s still waiting outside in the queue.”

Shooting John a death stare, he asked Arthur to repeat himself.

“Shall we call some women up?”

“Whatever.” He cleared his throat and stood up making his way through the club.

Talking to security, they informed him they kicked out a customer that got noisy and aggressive, but other than that, it was a quiet night. Everything seemed to be under control, the place was packed, everyone wanted to get in, live the experience and have the status only Delux could offer. He knew it was the best club in town, many club owners tried to copy his place, but they all failed, they tried to copy the details that made his club unique, it screamed luxury and good taste.

Eyeing Y/N across the club, Tommy decided to walk towards her, she was focused on the list before her eyes, swaying her hips to the beat of the music, pouting her lips murmuring the words… he could only imagine how would them feel against his, while his fingers tangled in her short hair.

Before he could reach her, she then turned her back at him to walk in the opposite direction, but abruptly, she changed her mind and turned around again, bumping into Tommy’s chest in the process.

“Mr. Shelby! I’m really sorry.” He could tell she was mortified, embarrassed.

“It’s alright, sweetheart.” Tommy reluctantly took a step back.

Y/N hoped her voice wouldn’t crack. “Do you need something?” Battling her lashes slowly at him. “Can I take you your drinks upstairs?”

He was startled by her overwhelming beauty, under some kind of spell by her voice and smile. It had been so long since he felt so captivated by someone… Shaking his head slowly to clear his mind, but she thought he was saying no to her.

Taking that as her cue to leave, Y/N started walking away. “Well if you need anything, let me know.”

“Actually I do.” Tommy managed to say, making Y/N turn to face him once more.

Everything happened in a blink, he grabbed her by her face and kissed Y/N, not able to resist the desire any longer. But when she answered the kiss with the same eagerness and placed her hand on the back of his neck to pull Tommy closer he lost it.

Guiding Y/N towards the wall, he trapped her between it and his body.

Kissing her hard, he tilted his head to the opposite side, relieved to feel her matching his desire. Feeling one of his hands, brushing down from her waist to her hip and then down her leg, she added some pressure on his shoulders.

“Someone can come.” Y/N warned him breathlessly, his lips barely away from hers, just what was really necessary for her to speak.

“I don’t fucking care, I own this place.” Tommy told her right before kissing her again with passion.

Squeezing the flesh of her thigh and he felt as if he had whiskey injected in his veins.

Y/N moved her head back slightly, that left Tommy with his mouth hanging open in an almost sensual kiss that had just slipped away from him. Opening his eyes after the failed mission, he found her bitting her lower lip playfully.

His blue irises darkened under the dim light.

“I really need get back to work or my boss might fire me.” Y/N explained before stealing one more quick peck on his lips and bending down to free herself from him, left Tommy leaning against the wall with his heart pumping so fast that it felt like he was having a heart attack.

He chuckled quietly at her statement.

Going back up, he stood looking down at the people at the club, his eyes scanning the place until he found that pretty little thing that with just one kiss, made him feel more than anyone else.

Feeling som eking of pressure on 5e back of her head, Y/N turned around and lifting her eyes, she found Tommy staring at her from the second floor. Raising his glass at her, he added a wink.

Y/N felt her cheeks blushing and smile quickly spread on her lips. Checking the clock, she walked towards the door it was about time to not let anyone else in.

“Your lipstick is smeared dear.” Mia pointed out.

“Damn it, really?” Worryingly she went back to the bar, to check her reflection on the mirror behind all the booze bottles.

As the girls started to ask her what had happened, she got another message on her phone.

Think you can send me back to the line twice and get away with it twice? Meet me in my office once you’re done. -Your boss.

She gasped. He oozed trouble from every angle, the one that won’t let you get up from bed after several rounds.

He was practically the bad boy your grandmother warned you about.

✨ thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed a little spiced story 🔥

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[moneymasnn]

Our Chaotic little family| Charles Leclerc 

Notes: This is around 4.5k words and ive not proof read it so im sorry in advance for that aha, also I dont speak French so im sorry if either anything is incorrect or the fact he his French and this is an English fic. But I hope you guys enjoy some protective dad!Charles xoxoxo

Blurb: One where you daughter gets a boyfriend, and Charles is not happy about it at all.

Warnings: Swearing, some small angst with angry Charles.

You and Charles had known each other since before you could remember, he had always been the boy next door that you had a huge crush on. After he set off on his formula 1 career you didn't see that much of him, thinking the ship had sailed, but somehow fate made it happen. You had been lucky enough to get to love each other when you were only young, Charles was 20, you were 19. 

You both experienced the bittersweetness of young love, until eventually he was the man you wanted to spend every waking moment with, you were never sure if you wanted to ever get married or even have children for that matter, but with him it was different. 

And here you were, you were married and had three children, and you couldn't ever think you could be more happy.

Your oldest, Leo, was now seventeen, his dad takes him out at least three times a week teaching him to drive. You hadn't had the confidence to let Leo drive you around yet, but you knew with Charles he would learn quickly, you knew because Charles was the first person to teach you to drive a car too.

Your third and youngest was little baby arthur, who earned his name after giving you the most chaotic pregnancy of them all. He was only seven years old, he had gotten a lot more better behaved with age but was still your little menace. Charles used to say that he would be a footballer when he was older considering how much he liked to kick your stomach. He was born three weeks early at the Monaco Grand prix. A story for another day, but even before Arthur was born he was a handful pregnancy so that's how it was an easy decision to name him after Charles' youngest brother, who was also a chaotic handful. 

Your only little girl, Juliana or jules was fifteen turning twenty one. she was starting to experience the world of womanhood. She wasn't as much her daddys little girl as she got older, something Charles had grown to hate.

Jules was your best friend, you wanted her to have the comfort of knowing her mum was there for her throughout her whole life, something you never had growing up. She had recently told you about a boy she had grown to like, you knew she had been hiding something from you, so did charles. You knew she would tell you about this boy soon, Charles however was praying that her happy mood had nothing to do with the male species.

You were standing in the kitchen, baking some cookies for a birthday party for one pierres children and Arthur junior was helping you, and by helping he was just eating all the chocolate chips. It was a late sunny friday afternoon, the type of restful afternoon where Charles wasnt off racing that weekend, the kind of fridays you liked to hold on too.

Charles was talking Leo out for an afternoon drive and Jules was sitting on the sofa giggling at her phone like the giddy little love struck child she was.

Leo was scrambling around the house to find his lucky driving shoes and Charles came up behind you in the kitchen, wrapping his hands around your waist and leaning forward to kiss your temples. He looked up to see what you were looking at, but his brows furrowed when he was his little girl twirling her hair and giggling at her phone.

“What on earth could she be laughing at her phone like that for?” He said.

You rolled your eyes at your husband's words, spinning around and placing your hands on his chest. His eyes still glued on his daughter.

“Her friends probably sent her a funny video.” You tried to shrug it off, but Charles wasn't dropping it.

“Mon amour, I know that look.” He looked at you, shooting you a knowing look. 

A smirk crawled on ur lips as you turned back around to watch your daughter who was now sprawled out on the sofa on her stomach, twirling her hair, biting her lip with her feet swinging in the air.

“What look?”

“You're her carbon copy, y/n. I know that look a little to well.” He glances at you with a knowing expression.

“Dad! I'm ready!” Leo's voice echoed around the kitchen causing Charles to kiss your lips quickly and whisper a goodbye.

“Papa! Gross!” Arthur shouted from where he was perched on the kitchen counter, an empty bag of chocolate chips in hands and the rest all around his mouth.

“I'll go to the shop for you on the way back or your chocolate chip cookies aren't going to be very chocolatey.” Charles said to you looking back at his son in gramance who was touching every surface in the kitchen with his chocolate covered fingers. 

After Charles left you gave Arthur a bath, watching as he climbed in the bubbled filled tub with all his toys.

“Mama, is papa your boyfriend?” He asked you, just as you were about to exit the bathroom.

“No sweetheart-” you giggled at your son's randomness, “he's my husband, we got married long before you were born.” You perch down by the bath, dipping your fingers in the bath, splashing him slightly making him giggle.

“What makes you ask that?”

“Julie has a boyfriend.” he said, blowing some of the bubbles from the bath.

“How do you know that?” You knew it was wrong to get Arthur to tell you all the gossip, but he was a great little ear wiger. 

It wouldn't be the first time he had told you and Charles a story that he had accidentally overheard. Like when Pierre and his wife first found out they were expecting another baby Arthur had accidentally overheard a private conversation about Pierre's wife not being able to drink alcohol, after that you and Charles added up the dots.

“She was saying she has a boyfriend on the phone, I heard Julie saying papa would be mad.”

You took a moment, so it was true, your daughter did have a boyfriend…

After getting Arthur out of the bath you decided to let him play with his toys in his room while you went to speak to your daughter, who still hadn't moved from her position on the couch. You decided to sit next to her and pry some information out of her before Charles got home.

“Soooo.” you said, pursing your lips, sitting across from her. She didn't even make the effort to look up at you, just a simple hum.

“Julianna.” you said sternly, that caught her attention as he raised her eyesight slightly.

“Yes, mother.” She sarcastically said, rolling her eyes at your use of her full name.

“Okay, if you want to be like that.” You said with a smirk, leaning over and switching off the phone and pushing it down onto the sofa.

“I just want to talk, you've seemed a bit… occupied at the moment.”

“I'm sorry I have friends.” she sarcastically said as she sat up, crossing her arms of her chest with a frown.

“Not only friends, I've been told you have a more than a friend.” You cringed as you said it, you were bad at this. 

“That little shit! Authur told you he didn't.” she said, shocked.

“Language, missy! It doesn't matter who told me, but I want to know what's going on in your life, you can trust me.” You smiled, uncrossing her arms and talking her hand in yours. 

“There's a boy…” she mumbled.

“Tell me, mon cheri.”

“He's not my boyfriend though.” You noticed the hit of sadness in her eyes as she looked down.

“It's silly, i know your going to tell me i'm too young-”

“I don't think you're silly, mon amour.” You said, pulling your arms open so she can rest her head on your shoulder.

“In fact, I probably understand more than anyone else.” you kissed the spot behind her ear, tucking her hair back as you could tell she wanted to listen to what had to say.

“You know, I was about, maybe fourteen when I fell in love with your father.”

She raised her head to look up at you, “Really?” 

You nodded your head with a small smile at the time, “I don't think I knew at the time, but I always had a crush on the boy next door for as long as i could remember.”

“It took your father a little longer than me to realise he liked me back, he came and gate crashed my first proper date.”

“What?” She said with a smile as she begged you to tell her the story.

“Your father was such a romantic, he walked into the restaurant right as the mains came out and said there was a family emergency and he needed to take me home. Then we got in his car and I was all panicked wondering what the family emergency was and he just kissed me.” You couldn't stop the smile that formed on your lips as you told the story. It was all true, Charles had gate crashed your first proper date, and ever since you had both been inseparable.

“That's really sweet mum.”

“The point is, these things take time, especially love. I don't doubt your feelings for this boy if you say you have them, and if he feels the same he will show you sooner or later.” You smile at her, holding her closer.

“I really like him, mum.”

You were about to reply when Leo and Charles both stumbled through the door. You kissed Julianna on the head and stood up to see your husband smiling with slightly flushed cheeks and a bag of chocolate chips in his hands. 

“How did your driving lesson go baby? You asked Leo, ruffling his long brown hair, the exact same way his father has it.

He just shot you a sheepish smile, shrugging his shoulders and he looked over to his father who smiled slightly.

“Hes- hes learning, that's all that matters.” Charles said as he looked at Leo with a smile.

When Leo walked off to his room Charles followed you into the kitchen, placing the chocolate on the side. 

You waited for Leo to be out of ear shot before Charles burst out with giggles in the kitchen. 

“Was it that bad?” You smiled as Charles placed his head on your shoulder.

“Mon dieu, i'm just happy to get home in one piece.” he laughed as he brought you into a hug. 

You watched as Charles noticed Jules was still on her phone, but he didnt question it this time, he decided he was going to have a shower and get into bed. 

After you had made the cookies for tomorrow you decided it was time for bed too, you decided to check on the kids before you did, leo was playing on his xbox and you could hear julie was on the phone in her room so you left her alone. You could hear faint giggles from your room so you knew you didn't need to check on Arthur since he and Charles were curled up in bed watching a movie. 

You smiled as you jumped in the shower, leaving the boys to watch their movie and by the time you were done Arthur was fast asleep on charles.

Charles looked up at you with a cheeky smile. 

“He's excited for tomorrow, I told him Pierre got a bouncy castle for the party.”

You leaned over and gave your husband a long kiss on the lips. 

“What was that for?” he smirked.

You shrugged before you got under the covers, pulling your book from your bedside table and putting on your glasses. 

Charles watched as you put the goddamn glasses on that he loved so much. 

That's when he got out of bed, pulling Arthur up with him, probably to put him to bed. 

“I will be right back.” Charles whispered with a wink. 

“I'll be waiting.”

The next day it seemed like a struggle to get everyone up and out the house. Arthur was ready first with Charles as they were both sitting on the sofa watching the tv. Jules had gotten changed about seven times and Leo was upset that he couldn't drive the whole family to uncle perrie's house. Charles just replied to his son with an honest answer that we all did want to make it to the party in one piece. And on the down side you hadn't felt the best all morning.

After putting on a small yellow summer dress you were ready to step out into the Monaco sun. 

Pierre had three children also, Noah who was around Leo's age, the pair got on really well, they reminded you of Pierre and Charles when they were younger, Noah even had pierres charm and witty humour. And then there was arlo who was six, with only a few months age difference between him and arthur the pair got on really well, and pierres new baby layla, who was turning one today.

After finally managing to get everyone in the car and to Pierre's house you could relax slightly more. Pierre and Charles stood in the garden by the bbq with beer in each hand while you sat on a chair lounger with a smile on your face as you held the birthday girl layla. 

You were reminiscing when Arthur was this small, when his whole hand would fit into your palm, but your smile never faded when you looked to see Charles smiling over at you. You held up Layla's hand and waved at him, and he waved back, his heart fluttering seeing you with another baby.

“Please don't tell me you have baby fever? Thinking about popping out another one.” Pierre nudged charles.

“What, no.” Charles blushed.

“So, you're all done then?”

“I don't know, we've never spoken about having more.” 

“Well judging by the smile on her face, she's already thought about it.”

When charles turned back around to look at you he noticed you making your way from the garden to indoors, you had mentioned all morning that you haven't felt well, he could only assume you was going to be sick, judging by the look on your face he handed pierre his beer and ran down to the bottom of the garden to the patio doors to pierres garden. 

When he walked through the doors he bumped straight into your back.

“Mon amour, are you feeling okay?”

But you never answered Charles' question, instead you stood with your mouth wide open looking over to the sofas in the corner of the room.

After seeing your attention was else where charles turned around to see what you were looking at, but his face flushed red when he was his precious little girl and pierres stupid son with his tounge down her throat.

“Oh no!” Charles shouted, his hand falling from your shoulder as he pointed at the two teenagers that had just been caught.

“No fucking way in hell, get your hands of my daughter gasly!” Charles shouted as the two teenagers scrambled to make as far distance between them both as possible.

“Noah is the boy you told me about?” Your mouth had been agape the whole time, you were not expecting that.

“You knew?!” Charles turned to you, his face still flsuhed as there was steam practically coming out of his ears. 

“Well i- I didn't know it was Noah she was talking about.” You shouted back at charles.

“You told your mum about me?” Noah smirked at Jules as she blushed a deep shade of red and put her head down. 

“Mum, dad you're really embarrassing me.” she said through gritted teeth and wide eyes. 

“Don't look at her like that gasly or I swear to god I'm going to-” But as Charles went to make his way over to the young boy who was standing still behind the sofa. Pierre had come in after hearing all the competition from outside, placing his hands on Charles' chest as he pushed him back before Charles could finish his sentence.

“Why are you shouting?” Pierre said to his friend, “What's going on?” he asked as he turned to you.

“What is going on? Good question pierre, what the fuck is going on, both of you!” Charles pointed to the two guilty teenages in the corner, that's when Pierre turned around and had figured out what was happening. 

Pierre was trying to stifle his giggles as he looked at his son, his best friend's daughter and back to his best friend. 

“No way! This is great, Jules is a great girl Noah, I'm happy for you!” Pierre exclaimed and turned to smile at you, you just nodded at the man with a smile. At least one of them was happy.

“What? No!” Charles looked back at Pierre who had a very contrasting reaction to him. 

“He is not good enough for my daughter, no one is, Julianna get in the car, we're going home!”

“Charles.” you called, but he didn't hear you.

He was shouting and you had a massive headache, and also so much was happening all you could tell was he was acting very irrational right now.

“What do you mean not good enough for your daughter?” Pierre asked, offended as he stepped to charles.

“You know exactly what I mean. I know what you were like as a teenager, remember?” 

“Charles-” you tried to interrupt.

“No y/n, i'm right. He's just like you, see that little smirk on his smug face, I know what he wants and he's not getting it from my daughter!”

“Dad!” Jules shouted from across the room as hers and Noah's face turned red.

“How dare you say that about my son!”

“I'm not wrong Pierre, you used to get through the girls when we were younger, I doubt he's no different!”

“Charles!'' You shouted his name one more time, however this time you caught the attention of Pierre who looked over charles shoulder to see you looking rather green with a hand over your mouth.

All of pierres attention suddenly turned to you as he cocked his head to the side and his eyes widened.

“Charles, I think she's going to throw up.” And with that Charles realised the reason he had abandoned his stop at the bbq to follow you in her anyway.

“Shit, mon amour, are you okay?”

You didn't reply, just shaking your head as you held your hand over your mouth and ran to the toilet. 

Charles had gone to follow you to the toilet but then he noticed a hand around his daughters waist and his attention changed.

“HANDS OFF GASLY!” 

And with that Noah's hands were in the air as Jules pulled him off of her, tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at her dad. 

“I'm not your little girl anymore dad!” she shouted before running back outside. 

Charles groaned as he ran to where he could hear you being sick in the toilet, he grabbed your hair and rubbed your back.

“Mon amour, what's going on?” he asked as he handed you some tissues to wipe your mouth. 

“Charles, I need to tell you something.” 

“I'm listening.”

“We're going to need a bigger car.”

Charles' expression dropped as his slight smile faded.

“Don't worry about that right now, you sick, okay? Once we get you home I'll buy you all the bigger cars in the world.” He smiled but you could see he thought you were delusional as he looked you head in his hands and kissed your forehead. 

“No charles, we need a bigger car for an extra person.” you giggled.

“If this is about Noah, he's not coming home with us?” Charles shaked his head as he looked at you.

You laughed again at how clueless he looked, you took his hands in yours, “we need another car seat too.”

“We got Arthur a new one last month- Mon amour? Are you feeling okay?” Charles was getting a bit nervous now, you were making no sense to him.

You look at his hand that was in yours and placed it on your stomach.

“Charles, I'm pregnant.” you smiled at him as you whipped the dribble from your chin.

“Surprise.” you smiled, lazily waving jazz hands as you dropped against the wall of the toilet, your head hurting even more after throwing up.

“Are you sure?” Charles' eyes lit up as he leaned over closer, his hand still on your stomach.

You nodded as you looked down at his hand and placed yours on top.

“Another one?” Charles let out a laugh as tears welled up in his eyes.

You both laughed as he moved so he was next to you crouched against the wall and you placed your head on his shoulder.

“How long have you known?” he asked you, kissing your temple as he tried to stop the tears.

“I've known for a few days, since when we went for that meal with Carlos and Isa and I was sick.”

“I thought that was food poisoning?” Charles laughed.

“Yeah, apparently not. Insted we have a sixth member to add to our not so little family.” You giggled.

After what felt like a few moments in silence with Charles as he held your stomach, continually kissing your temple and head you spoke up, nursing your little bubble on the toilet floor of Pierre's house.

“Charles, you need to apologise to Pierre, Noah, and jules.”

Charles groaned as he threw his head back, “let me just stay in here with you for a minute.” he complained.

“Do I really have to apologise?” he asked you with a pout.

“Yes.”

Charles helped you to stand up as you both made your way out the bathroom, Charles could sense the angry looks from everyone at the party as he could see his daughter crying into her uncle carlos’ arms as he gave Charles a death stare. 

“Go apologise to her.” you ushered him on, he gave your waist a small squeeze as he kissed your temple and looked in a deep breath.

“Will you be okay?”

“Charles, go.”

When Charles made his way over to Carlos who had his arms wrapped around julianna as she sobbed into his arms you sat down on the outdoor sofa. Rubbing your head as you sunk back into the pillows, you prayed this pregnancy would be an easy one, and hopefully your last. 

Until there was a little cough that caught your attention. 

It was little Noah with a glass of water in his hands and a very nervous smile as he ushered the glass towards you.

“Thank you, noah.” You smile as you take the glass from him.

“Could I please sit, y/n?”

“Of course you can sweetie.”

You liked Noah, you could understand where Charles was coming from, Pierre was a very typical teenage boy growing up, but you knew from Noah's parents that he had been brought with the morals to treat girls properly.

“Are you feeling okay?” The young boy asked you. 

“I'm fine, dont worry about me, are you okay?” you asked him, rubbing his shoulder as you could see how tense he was.

“I'm really sorry, I didn't want to get jules in trouble.” you giggled slightly at the boy.

“No ones in trouble noah, just confused.”

“Charles- he can be scary when he's angry.”

You laughed again as you looked at the boy, “don't be scared of charles, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He's just protective of his little girl.”

There was a silence that loomed for a second as you both watched Julianna and Charles hug in the garden, a sign that they had made up.

“I really really like your daughter.” You turn and smile at Noah, the smell of young love radiating from him.

“I don't doubt your feelings, noah. But I am worried you both might be a bit young and naive. I know you don't want to hear that right now, but just be careful. We don't choose who we love, but we can choose who we hurt.”

And with that you engulfed Noah in a hug as he whispered to you a small thank you.

“First my daughter and now my wife, maybe I should take it all back.” You looked up to see your husband with a sheepish look on his face as Noah flushed red.

“Dad!” Jules shouted as she hit his chest causing him to moan a small sorry.

After that Noah sat up, shaking hands with charles.

“I'm here to be civil noah, you seem like a sensible young man, don't prove me wrong.” Charles nodded at Noah who replied with a ‘yes sir’ causing you to giggle.

“And if i see your hands on her again don't doubt that i won't-”

“Dad!” Jules repeated, “you said you wouldn't threaten him!”

Charles finally let go of Noah's hand, eyeing up the boy as he and Julianna walked off. He came and sat next to you on the outside deck, wrapping his arm around your shoulder as he kissed ur temple and quickly rubbed his hand over your stomach when no one was looking.

“Let's hope this one decides she doesn't want to get married until she's at least forty, or even speak to boys.” You giggled as charles moves his head closer to your stomach.

“You hear me, no boys!”

“How do you know it's a girl?”

“Oh it's a girl, I can smell the trouble from here.”

You laughed as you leaned into his shoulder.

“Did you make up?” 

“We did.”

“They grow up so fast, y/n.” Charles sighed as he watched Leo think he was being discreet with his uncle Max as Max was letting him have a few sips of his beer, Arthur was jumping on the bouncy castle like he had been all day and Julianna was laughing with Noah in the corner.

“Well, we still have one more to enjoy, and athurs always going to be a momma's boy.” You shrugged as Charles turned to you.

“No way he's a daddy's boy.”

You laughed at Charles when you realised he was being serious.

“Oh no way, Arthur definitely loves me more.”

“At this moment in time Leo is my favourite.”

“Charles, you can't call favourites!”

“I can, and mine is leo.” charles smirked

You laughed as you snuggled up to your husband more, happy and content with your little chaotic family.

[whatthecrowtold]

#unhallowedarts The Tale Of Lohengrin, Wagner and the Golden Age of Illustration

“Aye , quick it is with the seeds of

change

With blessing and with bane.

But I deem it a thousand years shall run

Or ever beneath the open sun Thy voice shall sound again”

(T.W. Rolleston)

It was a knight in shining armour all right, albeit not white-steeded but pulled up the river Scheldt by a white swan, to save Elsa, ubiquitous damsel in distress, from dark Count Telramund’s cabal to usurp the Duchy of Brabant. In trial by combat, goes without saying, as it was the custom back in the days of King Henry the Fowler, which were at the turn of the 10th century when the place was part of the East-Frankish kingdom of Austrasia. Or so Richard Wagner would have it in his usually somewhat giddy take on Medieval epics and historical events. The valiant’s name, however, was Lohengrin, the one from Lothringen, Lorraine, obfuscating the man’s true origins: Lohengrin hailed from the grail castle Monsalvat, Wagner’s scene for “Parsifal” thirty years after “Lohengrin” premiered in Weimar in 1850.

Lohengrin’s mystical provenance is one of the arch-Romantic opera’s central motifs and, of course, the Germans have a word for it, “Frageverbot”, the forbidden question after the man’s origins, checking at least two of the “tall, dark, stranger” three boxes. Lohengrin is a luminous figure, but a rather sad one and the story ends in tears when the hero sails, swan-propelled, into the sunset after his work is done. Bitter, but Wagner and the zeitgeist wouldn’t have it any other way.

The tale of Lohengrin itself hails back to the High Middle Ages, honourably mentioned by Wolfram von Eschenbach in the early 13th century as Garin le Loherain in the minnesinger's “Parsifal”, gets two own contemporary verse epics and several variants of the swan knight theme over the next centuries until Wagner collected them all and crammed the rich material into his three hour opera, along with heroics from antiquity, elements that were perceived as Germanic paganism in the rather clouded view of the 19th century on Iron Age customs and beliefs and politics of Wagner’s own day when the Germans fought for their national unity. Along with romanticised Christian mysticism. Lohengrin is a grail knight, after all. And they do get properly married, Elsa and Lohengrin, to the sounds of “Here Comes the Bride”, no less, faithfully guided, “Treulich geführt” in Wagner’s original German from the opera’s libretto, a tune heard at the fabled joyous event across the globe ever since a Prussian royal wedding in 1858.

Wirkmächtig, efficacious, and if only for said tune, even if the topic borrowed from the old tale of Zeus and Semele, the metaphysic being hiding its true identity because the partner-to-be, as the saying goes, “can’t handle the truth” should raise every imaginable red flag, Romantic mystery or not. Even if Lohengrin reveals his true identity in the end, before his picturesque exeunt when the king calls to arms to make war against the pagan marauding Hungarians down South.

On that note, it is not without irony that Willy Pogany, born in 1882 in the back-then Austro-Hungarian city of Szeged, illustrated the tale of Wagner’s “Lohengrin” for Rolleston’s retelling with rich imagery that equals that of the better known Arthur Rackham’s of the “Ring” trilogy published around the same time. Pogany’s “Lohengrin” hit the booksellers’ shelves in 1911, along with “Parsifal” and “Tannhäuser”, when precious “gift books”, illuminated by the luminaries of the Golden Age of Illustration, were still all the rage as Christmas presents in a time when “education” was a hallmark of what passed as “better classes” back in the day.

Pogany, pronounced PO-gahn, immigrated to the US before the Great War turned the world upside down in Europe, after getting properly married in London, revealing his true identity from the very beginning, goes without saying. He continued to illustrate mainly children’s books and stuck to his Art Nouveau-influenced style that sometimes reminds of Edmund Dulac, albeit with stronger lines and expressions than the Anglo-French better-known master would come up with in his dreamy takes on often the same themes as Pogany took on.

T.W. Rolleston retelling of Wagner's "Lohengrin" along with all of Willy Pogany's enchanting (and often quite dark) illustrations can be cherished following the link to a facsimile below:

[merlinspussy]

This might be an underrated opinion but personally I think that Merlin should have had the right to be fucking furious with Arthur when he reveals his magic.

Having to hide who you are, pretend not to be bothered by the sight of someone like you dying in the courtyard of the place you have to call home, having to hear your best friend talk about people like yourself as if you deserve to be executed because you’re “evil” even though you were born that way and can’t control it.

Merlin should’ve gone mad at Arthur and he deserved to. Arthur (¿kind of?) had a right to feel betrayed because Merlin never said anything or seemed to trust him after telling him that but oh my giddy god Merlin deserved to be furious with Arthur after everything he had to endure. This is what I’m picturing:

- Arthur is mad and shouting all about trust and lies and betrayal because he’s so caught up in his feelings

- Merlin is dead silent, not saying a word but his eyes are burning with anger looking at the floor/ground and his clenched fists are shaking and he jaw is tense.

- And Arthur finally seems to finish his shouting feeling all energy and adrenaline rush out of him and it’s a few moments before he just hears "You really think you have the right to shout at me that I’m a traitor and a liar after everything you put me through?"

- And Arthur just dumbly goes “what?” but he says it in an annoyed tone to cover his shock and fear of the silent rage in Merlin’s voice.

- And that’s when Merlin’s furious eye that are glistening with tears look up at Arthur and Arthur gets unnerved because he has never seen that look on Merlin’s face.

- Merlin would start off quiet at first. Listing off all the times Arthur condemned his very existence. 'You told me as my bestfriend’s body burnt of the pyre that people like me were dangerous.' 'Thanked people like me for showing you the truth on how deceitful and evil people like me are.' And he gets gradually louder and louder screaming his head off at Arthur. He mentions Freya, all he’s lost in order to keep him alive, his injuries, the pain he felt. By the end his voice is hoarse and tears have made their way down his cheeks while Arthur stares in frozen horror.

- When Arthur just can’t respond and stands there frozen while Merlin clearly eyes him daring him to respond. So when he can’t - because he literally doesn’t know how - Merlin just scoffs and storms off leaving Arthur standing there.

Yeah I would’ve loved something like that,,, just Merlin finally standing up for himself properly and Arthur really having to learn the weight of some of his words. Also we’ve all seen Merlin so imagine that by with an angry cry.

[elderkale]

Anything for Eames or Arthur, now that you’ve mentioned them? Was Arthur a child actor lol

thank you for enabling me it means a lot

my hcs are pretty in line with fanon for these two. very gay. arthur and eames working in the military is a tired but wired headcanon and i will stand by it until the end. i also really like the idea of them meeting post-military in extraction through the cobbs.

a personal favourite hc: they are not good people. neither of these men have ever had a single honest bone in their body. their particular shade of morally grey is basically black, but like in a fun way yk. they do terrible things for fun and profit, and keep doing it even when they don't need to. they get giddy drunk and spend the whole time talking about where they've hidden bodies.

next hc adds to that, which is the (kind of widely accepted i think?) consensus that dreaming and somnacin, as a drug, are highly addictive (e.g. arthur and cobb's knowing reactions when ariadne leaves and come back, like there was never any doubt), and that they're hooked. i read a fic once (don't remember the name or author unfortunately, but it's probably somewhere in my bookmarks) where arthur talked about people not being able to live without dreams after experiencing them, and i love that as a concept for them. and same deal as saito and cobb in limbo, my personal belief is that arthur and eames have been in dreamshare for so long that their consciousnesses are way older than they are in reality.

moving onto individual stuff. arthur: office slut. smooches ariadne. smooches eames. probably smooches cobb and saito too. smooches yusuf and kicks him into next year for the sedation bullshit. the whole cobol thing was just the fallout of his and nash's breakup. i also hc him as being related to mal somehow (younger cousin is a good bet). loyalty as arthur's main personality trait is something oft-remarked upon in fics, and i love the idea of his devotion to cobb being the transfer of his dedication to mal.

while i'm lowkey in love with eames being 30-somethingeth in line for the throne, the background i've concocted for him personally is that he was born outside of england and moved there as a kid (parents expats maybe). got into petty crime as a kid for Reasons and it all spiralled from there. secret math genius, probably even a certified math teacher for some reason. i just think he's neat.

also i know the ship name is dream husbands but i find i don't really see them as married? or even living together/having a steady relationship idk. very in love but not the vocalized kind. their lives are based around bending reality, and that's gotta change a person's understanding of relationship dynamics. just that closeness and the surety of being in each other's corners. i particularly like the idea of them being the only people who can find each other when they really purposefully go to ground/vanish. eames camps out in the parking lot of a siberian supermarket while hiding from an extradition request and wakes up to arthur tapping on his car window. arthur's escaping korea on a fishing boat and eames accidentally sinks the whole thing the next day because he tries to land his helicopter on it. eames gets shot once and arthur's convinced he's dead until he gets home a week later and find him taking a shower with his Very Expensive Bath Products. all fun couple things.

another favourite hc i toss around is that these two never get a happy ending. not that all their stories end in doom and gloom, but i just don't see any non-au where they do anything but die in dreamshare. idk it just feels right.

(also while arthur being literal jgl would be so fucking funny, please consider—arthur actually being tommy from 3rd rock. dream crime just seemed like the most reasonable career path after graduation. the solomons are so proud.)

ariadne headcanons

[futurewriter2000]

Time

A/N: I’m sorry. I needed this. 

XX

Sometimes it felt like it was yesterday when Molly Weasley saw her brothers, bright, cheery and alive. She had never talked about them because her brothers meant the world to her, beside her children and Arthur. The thought of them being gone was excruciating. 

She stood at the foot of the Prewett family memorial and continued to watch the golden engraved names.

‘Fabian Prewett’

‘Gideon Prewett’

She could picture them perfectly in her head. Their grins resembled the same her children had, their nose a bit bigger, their hair just as bright and their strong built handsome structure her son twins inherited brightened her heart. 

The first time she found out she was pregnant with the twins, she made her way to her brothers. She secretly wished for them to be just as her brothers- not because she missed them but because she wanted her children to have what she had. 

Though Fred and George may not have turned out to be as responsible as her brothers, they did inherit their brightness and bravery. She couldn’t be more proud of her sons. 

She took a deep breath in and bent down to clean the fallen leaves from the graves of her brothers. As she started planting her flowers around, she started to talk: “Fleur gave a birth to another beautiful baby girl Louis. Bill is jumping from joy. When I asked him if he wanted a son, he shook his head all jolly and said to me ‘Growing up with five brothers, mum? Is that a serious question?’ “ she laughed a bit, continuing her work. “And Charlie- he’s just like you Fabian. Every time I mention kids, he runs back to Romania. He was offered another job in the Scandinavia but he- well, he said he just started to settle down there and he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” she started to move on the other side, continuing. “And Percy- Merlin, I don’t know where that boy has his ambition from. He wants to become the Minister for Magic after Kingsley retires. I’m sure he will succeed yet I wish he would spend more time with family than work.” she paused, her thoughts going back into the past. “I think Fred’s death hurt him more than it did any of us. I think he keeps blaming himself for not being able to protect his little brother because he was closest to him.” her voice seemed to trail off into a weaker state but she shook her head and wiped her glistened eyes. “George, however, is loving that Ronald went to work with him. I think since Fred was born, he finally came close to his old self. He got this glow- the same one the two of you had and after Roxanne, his youngest, he keeps buying her little dresses.” she leaned back and put her hands on her thighs. “I dunno why since I knit quite the best dresses there are.” she smiled, now only watching. “He hasn’t been able to charm his Patronus. I caught him one day when I was stopping by his house and he tried. We had a long talk about it but he says that he has happy moments with his children and wife, yet it doesn’t come because the second part of him is missing.” she could feel the tears fall down her cheeks. “I’m proud of him, though. He’s got both of your strength.” she shook her head again. 

There was a breeze behind her when she said that. Something about her tears made her feel calmer- like a sudden warm feeling on her shoulder, like a hand or a hug, the one Gideon used to give her. He was more of a hugger than Fabian yet on her left side, she could feel Fabian’s jolly energy. 

She sniffed her runny nose and wiped it with her cloth. “Ronald loves the shop. He’s great with children, which I hadn’t expected from him. He was the youngest of the boys and always rough with Ginny. Though Ginny, she was always made for the field. She’s a rough player, plays for the Holyhead Harpies- your favorite Giddy.” she continued to smile. “She keeps wearing Fred’s necklace on all of hers matches. Harry is such a sweetheart as well. He took parental leave when Lily was born. Sweet, sweet girl, just like Ginny when she was a baby. He called me a few times when Ginny was on tour. Especially when she got her little lady thing made him panic. The look in his scared eyes. He may have defeated dark wizards but when it comes to girls, that boy is more lost than the Atlantic City.” she giggled to herself, thinking of the little Harry. “He still wears your watch Fabian. It’s well preserved, clean, shiny. I know he is taking a good care of it. You would love him, both of you would.” 

She started to stand up. Her knees a bit weak but she always managed. “Arthur is thinking of retiring. I think that would do us good. Now the kids are all grown up and we are all alone.” she patted her skirt and fixed her hat. “Didn’t know that day would ever come.” she shrugged and continued to watch the golden letters. “I miss you boys. Take care of my little Freddie for me.” she kissed her fingers and placed them on the grave for one last time. 

[sopxhiea]

Comfortable

Alfie Solomons X Reader

| Prompt

  “Please, stop smiling at me like that. I’m not sure what will happen if you keep doing that.”

The room was full of souls: old, young, tired, happy, intoxicated. The weather outside the grand hall contradicted the one outside, there was a cold breeze caressing the branches of the trees while the inside of the velvet walls smelled of hot air and expensive perfume. There were people drinking in one corner, most of the gentlemen and a few youngins were gone to do play with some snow while most of the ladies and their husbands remained in the crowd.

There were merchandisers, rich millionaires and their pretty things, families of two and the old English ones who never missed a party. His eyes traveled across the room, meeting many smiling faces who were obviously too drunk to decipher anything while he passed by them. Bumping into a couple on the last step he took, he apologised for intruding while the music changed into a slower one, giving the young girls a break from swaying their hips a little too hard. 

There you stood with a couple of ladies, chatting about the last art deal you’d made for a very pricey painting. The women around envied you, he could see that. You had worked for yourself and by yourself, not many were capable of doing that even if they were not a ravishing lady like you were. You patted Charlie’s head when he hugged your legs, Grace following him close behind and chuckling at the young boy while you looked at him lovingly.

Your eyes met his across the room, the relief of finding you at last washing over his features while he gave you a smirk, making you chuckle and a hint of blush on your cheeks followed soon after. He started walking towards you, breaking the crowd when he needed to. He was looking extremely fine today, you had to admit. The suit he had gotten tailored for himself was working out for him, he looked sharp and almost a little too dashing. His hair wasn’t in the usual hat hair style, it was brushed back and the tangled texture of his beard was long gone, he had trimmed it down for you.

It had been about a week since you’d last seen him. He had been away on business and you were staying at your old place, you hadn’t sold it yet and it was liveable. It had been your first home after all. You had spent nights filled with wine, books and jazz as a single lady just like you’d done before you’d married him. You still did all those things but now, there was another soul who would accompany you while you enjoyed the down time. It was better, really, to have his hands massage you as you read the book, cyril would curl up next to you and the smell of vanilla candles would fill the house.

He’d been even better than you thought he’d be after you had gotten married. He was a sweet teddy bear before but he’d become someone you’d want to share everything with, things didn’t feel as good if it meant that he wasn’t there to experience it with you. You had joined souls, almost. He would sense your moods, almost pick up on things you were thinking all too well and you knew him like the back of your hand after a year of being married. He was your sweetheart.

You felt his gaze before you felt his touch, locking eyes with him while he smiled at you, making your heart feel giddy. You had never been the one for feeling this way before, it had been only for him up until this point but his actions had way too many effects on you, it was hard to keep up with your hear when he was around. You let Charlie go and he gently touched your arm, pulling you into him a little while he whispered, his perfume filled your nose which got an approving chuckle from you.

“You look absolutely ravishing, luv.” he spoke, lowly and into your ear. You chuckled, your hand meeting his chest while his hot breath caressed your ear.

“So do you..” you said, eyes meeting his while you came to the realisation that you’d had a little too much to drink than he’d said. He didn’t mind, he liked how silly you were when you got drunk.

“I missed you, doll..” he breathed into your ear, he had been quite miserable for the past week without you. The men were getting into his nerves and he usually had you to pull him out of things like that but the last week, all he had was himself and he liked himself much better when you were around.

You gave him a squeeze on his arm, your other hand holding his while he intertwined your fingers. There was no denying that you both were very active on bed, it had gotten particularly heated after you had become his bride, the first three months were practically spent on the bed since he’d never let you go, you had no opposition to that. After the first three months, the sex was carried in wherever you went, sometimes it was his office and other times the car, an empty valley and even a party once.

You could feel his desperation in his voice, he was dying to kiss you again and it was no wonder from the way his eyes sparkled while staring at your lips.

“You’ve been missed too, Alfie...” you whispered into his ear, aware of the effect you were having on him and it turned you on, undeniably so. You heard him gulp when you caressed his bicep, shivers running up and down his body while you just smiled.

It was a party with too many people around, it was risky to do anything. The people around were also of the high class, Alfie didn’t give a fuck but you were very well aware of the fact that both alone and together, you had a reputation to uphold. You gave him an innocent smile while Arthur walked by, smiling at the sight of both of you. The Shelby family wasn’t particularly in love with Alfie but they liked you a good amount.

The slow sing filled your ears, you contently hummed along to the song while his hand found its usual place in the small of your back, never leaving you once. The rest of the party was spent with you talking to him about what you did, he cracked a couple jokes here and there, making you smile. He had missed seeing you smile. You felt his smell all around you that evening, his figure followed you like a lost puppy. You chatted up with a couple of people you found moderately pleasant and Alfie did too, he was good with people and you saw that once again while he stole all the hearts, and not just of the women.

The night slowly came to an end, you were holding the new born of John and Esme in your arms, whispering a lullaby into the baby’s ear while the room was silent, a candle in the distant corner while you moved your body to the melody. The Shelby family and a couple associates remained in the building, and there was also you and Alfie. You hadn’t seen him ever since Tommy and Michael took him into Tommy’s study to discuss business, he didn’t want to go but you’d murmured into his ear that it was alright and he had been long gone since.

When he disappeared, you had started chatting to the people around, seeing who you knew and who you didn’t. Somewhere along the way, Esme and Grace had found you and soon, Ada and Polly followed. You had ended up in a small room with the familiar women, all of them chatting about the people in the next room. You had shaken your head and remained silent, earning giggles from Ada and Polly while you ate instead of talking. Then they’d left the room and it was you, Esme and the baby and that was how you were in the current position you were put in.

She was a beautiful baby girl, maybe too small but adorable regardless. You’d been afraid to pick her up at first with the fear of being too harsh but Esme had given you the baby, put her directly into your arms and had disappeared. You could tell she needed some time off and were more than happy to give her the opportunity. Alfie was looking for you, had been for the past twenty minutes but they were man around who wanted to chat to him, he declined them politely like you’d shown and told them that they would speak another time, wandering off to the big halls of Tommy’s house to look for you.

Your navy dress was flowing on the sides as you swayed the baby in your arms, a few loose strands of hair falling around your face from the low bun you had. The sweet lullaby filled the room, nothing but your breathing and slow whispers could be heard. The candles were around the room, illuminating your face just the right way while your face glistened, a smile on your lips while you rocked the small baby, getting all the baby smell while you could.

Alfie was struck, his heart was running a mile per second. He had never seen you more beautiful. You were singing to the baby slowly while he opened the door, slowly to take a better look and thats when you’d realised he’d found you at last. Having a baby was something you’d spoken about but it had been one conversation at the very beginning of your relationship with Alfie, you didn’t know you’d marry him then. He had imagined, maybe too many times, that you’d someday carry his kids, you’d be the perfect mother just like you’d been the perfect companion and wife to him. He just knew you’d be.

You gave him a small smile while holding the baby still, smelling the top of her head to get the heavenly smell they carried in such an early age. He smiled back, you could see he was stunned but it was hard to pinpoint why. You wanted kids, especially with Alfie but you didn’t know when the timing would be right, or if there would ever be the right time to do such a thing since it was a big responsibility. You knew he wanted them too, he had told you he wanted an army of kids but you didn’t even know if you were capable of getting pregnant yet. You’d been very careful about that until that point.

You put the baby in the crib, giving her one last forehead kiss before leaving the room quietly. You shut the door behind you, slowly to make sure you didn’t make a sound and the whole time, Alfie was watching you with an intense look. He was falling in love with you again. You didn’t say anything when you turned back and found him just an inch away from you, you could feel his breath on your face but that wasn’t what bothered you at that very second, it was the look he had in his eyes, it was full of sorrow and hope and it made you feel like you were drowning.

You shook your head, smiling weakly as he looked at you with the same intense gaze still. Your hands found his shoulders, pulling him back to life while the look in his eyes was still there. A couple seconds passed and an impeccable smile found his lips, he put a kiss on your forehead, taking all your smell in while you held him in place as much as possible, he was a wreck of emotions after seeing that sight.

You spoke lowly while looking at the handsome man before you. “Please, stop smiling at me like that. I’m not sure what will happen if you keep doing that.” your voice was loving but unsure.

He chuckled, a little too loud which made you cover his mouth immediately to keep the baby sleeping. His lips met your hand covering his mouth, kissing it gently while you gave him an adoring look. “You’re just the best fucking thing, ya’ know that, love?” he spoke, lowly into your ear while you kissed his cheek suddenly.

“I have a vague idea.” you said jokingly, gaining silent smile from him while he took your hand in his and walking down the corridor to the big hall.

They walked into the big hall where the remaining crowd sat still, wine or rum in one of their hands while some of them danced in the now empty hall and some just sat together. Alfie’s hands never left yours while his thumb caressed your fingers, feeling the cold material of your wedding ring against his warm skin. He murmured a small goodbye while dragging you out of the place, you waved to everyone before leaving. He was too impatient.

You soon found yourself in the back of a car seat, Alfie said something to the driver before attacking your neck. You muffled your whimpers by kissing him, letting his coat cover your legs when his hands traveled along your upper thighs. He had missed you: your smell, your smile and the small giggles that came of your mouth when he would make a joke. He had missed your touch and your body, the sounds he would erupt from you as well as the sweet hums you would give him. He had missed your voice and your presence, the delicate way you had of easing his pain and nerves and he was going to make sure he remembered each detail of that night.

[nerv0usm3chanic]

CORRUPTION

Chapters: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

--

((NOTE - This is an introduction to a new PERMANENT AU feature exclusive to nerv0usm3chanic. Please see further, generalized information regarding this AU here: X

Be advised that each of these chapters are VERY LONG. The full content will be tucked under a read more after a brief introduction segment.

DO NOT REBLOG.))

--

The quiet in his skull was joyous bliss. Arthur had, for the first time in the time he’d been possessed, a solid and peaceful night of sleep. The constant worry of the uncontrolled growl in his head was gone and Arthur had felt a new sense of control. Ever since his possession in that gods-damned cave, Arthur had felt no control over himself and his life. Now, with Luna’s help and guidance, the blond felt a new peace.

After she’d helped him with a small amount of magic, Arthur found himself wanting to know how she did that. He wanted to know what to do if the evil being ever returned. This turned into the mechanic coming to visit Luna’s home more often to learn from her and in exchange, Arthur helped the witch with the upkeep of her home.

...which, after further weeks of contact evolved to Arthur offering to help her out as a permanent assistant. A position that Arthur felt he needed to make several changes for.

--

“Hey...hey, Vivi? Is that...Arthur?” Lewis asked, craning to peer around a crowd of people as he spotted a flash of blond through the mass of the crowd of the farmer’s market. A second later, the figure turned and confirmed it was who he thought it was. Vivi had turned at Lewis’ words and just in time to see the large purple man dash off. Long legs carried him far and fast enough that he was able to grab Arthur’s arm and turn him.

“HEY! LET GO OF...me?” Arthur relaxed at the sight of Lewis, though, he gently tugged his arm free of Lewis’ grasp. “L-Lewis...hello...long time no see.”

“Long...long time no see? Arthur, it’s been ages!” Lewis frowned at Arthur, angry for having not heard nor seen a sign of the mechanic at all. Then the man’s face turned to confusion, just in time as Vivi reached his side.

“Arthur! Hi! It’s been a while!” She was giddy and eager, ready to approach Arthur as well - though she would have taken a hug - and then paused, studying her friend intently. “What are you wearing?”

“What do you mean?” The blond asked, looking down to his outfit. He’d not even noticed he’d left Luna’s home wearing his now-usual dark brown button-up, black slacks and shoes, and the tealy-blue tie. He must have let himself get too used to wearing these clothes to have forgotten to change before going shopping. “These clothes aren’t that strange...it’s just a normal outfit.”

“Arthur...you’re wearing a tie. You hate ties!” Lewis replies, gesturing emphatically and even taking hold of the blue tie. Arthur’s eyes widen and he swats Lewis’ hand away and adjusts the tie to sit neatly once again.

“People change and so do preferences, Lewis.” Arthur replied with a low growl. He bent to collect his basket of groceries and gave the two a look somewhere between being irritated and slightly upset. “I’m sorry, but I have to finish shopping and get back to my employer. Maybe we can catch up when I get a free day?” Vivi looked hurt, Lewis appeared confused and upset, Mystery - who had wormed his way to the front - studied Arthur intently.

“Arthur...you’re not yourself.” The dog commented, unminding of the crowd around them. No one would really notice another voice. Arthur gave Mystery a frown and looked away.

“I have a good reason for that...” He commented, moving away from his once-friends. He had a job to do, one much more important than getting back in contact with his friends.

--

"Come on now, child, come on!" An older woman beckoned, hurrying to the steps of the modest cottage home. The woman's granddaughter followed behind, carefully trying to keep her hat held low to keep her identity hidden. Really, needing to go to a witch for her woes? Her grandmother was still so stuck in the old ways of solving problems. Again, the older woman beckoned, waving the younger lady over. "We don't want to miss our appointment!"

"Really, grandmother, is this witch-woman going to be able to help solve my problem?" The younger woman stood beside her grandmother as an aged hand reached up to gently tug the summoning bell.

"Of course she will." The grandmother replied, halfway between soothing and crisp as she patted the younger's arm. "There's no qualm that doesn't have a solution somewhere. In this case, all we need is to find a witch and-" but she stopped as the door was pulled open and a tall figure stood before them.

It was a young man, a tallish man with a trim figure accentuated with dark pants and shoes, an ornately-patterned long cream-colored vest with coattails, a dark brownish button-up shirt, and a vibrant tealy-blue tie. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, showing a pale right arm and a left arm that appeared to be encased in some strange white and gold glove. His blond hair was neatly brushed back - with the exception of two sprigs of brown at his forehead - and his orange-blond sideburns were neatly trimmed. A filling brown goatee decorated his chin, a slight frown resting just above it and lastly, thick brows lay flat over brilliant, stern amber eyes. Those eyes studied the visitors for just a moment before softening as he relaxed his arms at his sides.

"Welcome to Lady Luna's abode. My name is Arthur." The man introduced himself politely, bringing his left arm forward and holding it bent in front of him with a polite bow. "How may I assist you both?"

"A-ah...um..." The young lady had been preparing herself to see a witch, not a well-dressed butler. So, she was a little lost for words in his presence. Her grandmother, however, was able to come to herself more quickly as Arthur stood upright again.

"I am Isabella Cameris and this is my granddaughter, Victoria Sandhill. I believe we set an appointment for today? I apologize if we are late." Arthur studied the two for a moment longer before nodding and standing aside to allow their entry.

"Of course, we have been expecting you. And no need to worry, you are both on time. Please, come in." He held the door with his right hand and gracefully held his left in a gesture welcoming them in. Victoria stifled a gasp as she walked past Arthur, noticing his strangely-gloved arm was not that at all. The arm was a prosthetic: outer plates and panels resembling a pearly-white porcelain and the joints gleaming with a brassy gold, the gears and internal movements also that brilliant metallic sheen.

Surely, there can only be magic at work for such a fine piece of craftsmanship to operate so smoothly as to be mistaken for an appendage he was born with.

"You will wait for Lady Luna in the sitting room. Just down the hall and the first room you come by." Arthur supplied, gently closing the door and subtly spinning the colorful magical dial beside the frame. He folded his arms behind his back and moved with practiced grace to guide the women where they would wait for Luna. "My Lady is finishing up a few things in preparation for your arrival. I have tea and a variety of snacks available if you need?" Arthur offered as he gestured for the visitors to take a seat in one of the lavish furnishings.

Victoria felt truly out of place, dressed in jeans, a casual blouse, and a large summer sun hat. Isabella at least appeared closer to the house's and butler's projected time period with a thin shawl over her shoulders and a modest long dress covering her aged frame. She looked to Arthur ad smiled politely, doing her best to not stare at the intricate false arm he sported. Her fingers wrung the handle of her clutched purse tightly.

"N-no thank you." She shook her head, "We should be fine with waiting for a few minutes." Arthur nodded and bowed again to excuse himself.

"Then I will notify my Lady of your arrival. Please, make yourselves comfortable. If you require anything, do please ask and we will do our best to accommodate you." And upon rising to his full height, Arthur turned to go locate Luna and notify her of her clients' arrival. He'd had plenty of practice over the months spent living and working with Luna and so knew how to hide when he sensed concern rolling off the younger woman in waves.

Witch hunters? Probably not...more than likely a scared young woman looking for some answer to some strange or personal inquiry requiring some feminine sensitivity. Arthur shook his head and stopped at an ornate door. Luna should be ready soon, if not already.

“Lady Luna? Your next appointment has arrived.” Arthur waits a moment and the door opens a moment later to reveal the elegant witch in a golden dress, heavy ornate shawl, and a drapery of fine strings of pearls. He held out his false arm, gently taking Luna’s hand and bowing to invite Luna to make her way towards their visitors.

--

Chapters: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

[peakyblinderswhore]

Please can I request something with Finn along the lines of him having his own little family and you walk in on him trying to teach them to tie their shoe lace or something 🥺 💓

A/N: hey anon! i hope that you’re well, as I have something for you! i just kept on writing bits that I didn’t think I would? however, I think it helps with the overall image of where the family stands in everything. p.s. i thought i’d accidentally deleted the whole thing right at the end and had a mini heart-attack, phew ;)

W/C: 1.8k

Standing over the stove, you stir the pot one last time before walking down the hallway to tell the kids it’s time for their dinner. As you pass the mirror, you stop for a second to check your hair still looks okay; the past few years have put a strain on you and trying to keep yourself looking presentable has been a challenge in itself. At the moment you didn’t have a need however it felt nice to feel nice.

You tuck a strand of loose mousy hair behind your ear hoping that it hasn’t ruined the low bun your hair was knotted up in. You also mess around with the collar on your dress — it was a new style that had been going around and Arthur’s wife had convinced you that you looked gorgeous in it.

Often, you spent your time at Polly’s house, all of the wives of the Shelby boys and Ada when she was around and drank tea and ate small sandwiches that Polly had mastered the art of. Linda complimented your parenting style and Lizzie complemented your outfits — you always thought she was taking the piss but you accepted them nonetheless. Polly often complimented everyone but Gina. Gina had been out of the family for years until Polly decided to let her back in on account of her grandchild and possibly more to come; everyone knew she’d been distraught not talking to her son on good terms for as long as she had but Michael made his choice and so Polly made hers.

Sometimes Gina sneered at some of the things said in the sitting room whilst you all sat around drinking your tea politely but you hadn’t been around the family from early enough to hold a grudge against her like the other women — of course, you knew what had happened as it was prime gossip talk one afternoon when you had asked — so she was always nice to you because she didn’t have a reason not to be. You just couldn’t figure out if she was waiting for a reason to dismiss you too and to then convince Polly’s only son to head back on to America… so you kept it civil with her for the sake of Polly, just in case.

Thinking about all of this made you sigh, sometimes you felt like it brought out your wrinkles.

“Finn, darling,” you call, “are you with the children?”

From the hallway, you hear a call from the sitting room, “Yes, over here, love.”

Your home wasn’t massive, like Tommy’s; that would’ve been too much. Sometimes you see it as a palace. A palace suited for its king. Your house resided in the suburbs — closer than Tommy’s — but was big enough to sleep five people and still have some room to throw a ball about. It was moderate considering there was you, Finn and two kids.

Making your way towards the sitting room, you smile at the photos in frames, placed strategically on the surfaces around the house. Your favourite one was one of Finn and you outside the church that the two of you were married in.

You were leaning your head on his chest, one hand on his abdomen and smiling slightly. Finn had his arm wrapped around your waist, hat on his head and gloves on as it had been the springtime so it wasn’t the warmest. You had worn a cream dress that stopped mid-calf and the front of it all flowed smoothly. It didn’t have sleeves, however, the material fell as if they were sleeves as it was pinched at the top. The not-sleeves were ruffled and it made you feel pretty when you had worn it. Finn’s suit had made you happy to see him in, the white rose pinned to his lapel and his smile going from ear to ear. You remember feeling giddy at the sight of him, wanting to run and jump on him whilst simultaneously wanting to run away and cease to exist to the church full of people — you were nervous, it was safe to say.

The picture next to it had been one of everyone laughing, throwing petals and having a jab at the two of you. Absolutely everyone was laughing, even Tommy had broken out his smile, Arthur was making a hilarious face and certainly kept up the atmosphere.

Shaking your head, you smile and continue walking into the sitting room.

Upon seeing Finn, you notice that he’s crouched down with your eldest son (well, he’s only four) and showing him how to tie his shoelace.

Taking in a breath, you wait, patiently, smiling at the sight of them. You knew he was showing them how to tie his shoelace because Finn had gotten out his best pair of shoes to let them practice with bigger loops to help him get the hang of it.

Your son notices you, “Mummy! Look what Daddy’s showing me to do,” and he holds up Finn’s show with a half tied shoelace.

You walk over and sit on the armchair next to your son and eye Finn, smiling warmly at him. He looked so at home, teaching his kids the little things in life. His eyes were gleaming, pleased to be spending some time with one of his kids, his hair was tousled slightly but you just thought that it made him look even more handsome than ever and he was clean-shaven, showing that he was still putting in the effort, day-in, day-out.

“Robbie, that’s amazing! Do you want your dinner in five minutes then, since you’re learning so well?”

Robbie nods eagerly, “I love your dinners Mummy but I need to learn this otherwise Daddy says I’ll never be able to walk again.”

Turning your head to face Finn, you lift an eyebrow, “You told him that he’d never be able to walk again?”

Sheepishly, Finn replies, “I just meant that he’d be lost in the world cause he wouldn’t know how to do it himself.”

You laugh and stand, moving to Finn’s side you rest a palm on his shoulder, “Where’s John-boy?”

He lifts his head to look at you, “He was feeling tired a little earlier so I let him nap on our bed where we were playing. You know he says that he wants to get a dog?”

Pausing you look Finn in the eyes, narrowing them at him, “And I wonder who gave him that grand idea, eh?”

Finn lifts his hands up in defence, “Hey, I never said we were getting one for sure, I just suggested spending some of his time with a dog.”

You shake your head, amused, “Always the good guy, never the bad, eh? Leave me to crush his dreams and leave him to run to you screaming ‘woe is me’,” you lean down and kiss him on the lips, “you’re lucky I love you so much.”

Finn’s hand creeps around our neck and kisses you again, “Maybe a dog would help when you give birth to my daughter that you’ve got hidden in there,” his hand rests on your abdomen where you bump is barely showing.

You swat his hand away, “The boys don’t even know yet!”

“This could be a good way to tell them before their attention is back on the new family dog that we’ll have to help occupy them while we’re busy looking after her.”

Rolling your eyes, you reply, “I haven’t said yes yet and we don’t even know if it’s a girl.”

Finns grins, you know what he’s about to say, “Polly says that it’s a girl and you know that we can’t not take her word as the gospel ‘round here.”

You wander off and mutter to yourself, “I wish she wasn’t right all the time,” and walk up the winding staircase to fetch your youngest son, John, from your bed.

Everyone knew. The second he was born it was absolutely obvious that your son was going to be a John. You just couldn’t anticipate how well everyone had taken it.

Polly loved it and treated him as if he were her own, Arthur tossed him in the air whenever he came over (and John loved it), Tommy took him to see the goldfish in the Horse’s water troughs and held him in his arms whenever John wanted a hug from his uncle. Oddly enough, Gina adored him too, which shocked all of the women but you weren’t about to dispute it so it stayed. When Ada came to visit, the boys loved Karl and he loved them as he was free to play like he used to when he was younger. He was a lot more grown up now but he liked pretending that he could babysit them.

“John, darling,” you say, gently shaking him awake, “it’s time for your dinner, my love.”

Drowsily he lifted his head and held out his arms to be picked up, you obliged as he was still young and took him down to the dinner table. He sat, rather comically, among a pile of books and a cushion to soften it all so that he could sit with you all.

“Mummy, where’s Daddy?”

“Just coming, darling,” on cue, Finn walks through with Robbie wearing a pair of his own shoes.

“Look, Mummy! I tied them all by myself,” Robbie exclaims.

You examine his shoelace tying skills, “perfect, darling, now sit down before I tickle you to death and you can’t tie any more shoes.”

He giggles and obliges.

You walk into the kitchen to get the dinner on the table.

“You’re going to be even better with her, our daughter, you know,” Finn says from behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist as you were fetching the plates for your dinner.

Jumping, you say, “I didn’t even hear you follow me in,” and lean into his embrace.

He chuckles lightly, “I love you… and they love you and she will love you.”

You turn to face him and bring one hand up to his face, “And I love you too.”

You kiss him on the lips and just as he was about to deepen the kiss you pull away smiling, “No, no, Mister Shelby, they’re still waiting out there like tiny hungry tigers for their dinner.”

“Just one more?”

“Oh alright then,” you roll your eyes with a grin on your face and kiss him once more.

[merlinpetpeeves]

Breaking for the holidays!

Hey all! So, now that Christmas Eve has brought me to a nicely rounded multiple of five, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be taking a few days off for Christmas (possibly extending through to the new year).

There are a few more submissions sitting in my inbox, so those will be posted once I return. If you have more in the meantime, however, feel free to keep ‘em coming!

Also, I’ve had an awful lot of Anon messages in the past week or so, so responses to those are under the cut:

Re: Peeve 432:

It's been established that magic is something you're born with but is seen as something you choose. That's one of the reasons why the Purge is so bad and why most of the fandom considers magic as an allegory for homosexuality. Morgana's whole introduction to her magic literally tackled this. I believe what Gaius said to Merlin in the first episode was either Gaius being ignorant about the nature of magic and believing it to be a choice (unlikely, but still possible I'd argue), or he was talking about Merlin's innate control over his magic being impossible, especially when Merlin was a baby. I think Merlin's usage of instinctive nonverbal magic from infancy/childhood is what distinguishes him from other magic users (aside from his sheer raw power, of course). both Morgana and Mordred, when we first see them use magic, had explosive magic that was triggered by their emotions. Morgana, particularly, had to learn from Morgause to control and use it, while Merlin said he always knew how to move objects with his magic.

This was actually in response to a submission, not to my own personal Peeve, so I wasn’t sure what to do with your comments, but this post gave me a good chance so: I don’t agree that Gaius was showing ignorance or a lack of knowledge in the first episode. It’s my understanding that different people come to magic in different ways. Gilli, for example, couldn’t really use magic without the external aid of his ring. Some seem to learn purely through study. Others, like Morgana and Mordred, develop magic over time (I don’t count this as being ‘Born with Magic’ in the sense that the show uses that phrase, but more as eventually developing a latent ability, in a similar (albeit more extreme) way to how one might develop freckles, for example), but can’t do complex things with it without training. Other than that, for those people, it seems to emerge (an a limited manner) in times of extreme stress or great concentration. Merlin, however, is the only one to be described as being ‘Born with Magic,’ and is the only person for whom it is seen to function as essentially an extension of himself- which is what Gaius appears to be commenting on in 1.01. No other magic-user would have been able to pause that water without even so much as thinking about it. So I think, with this, it just comes down to a difference in what we term as fitting under the phrase “Born with Magic.” And this, I think, is why people in fics often make the distinction between ‘sorcerer’ and ‘warlock,’ while saying that Merlin is essentially a ‘warlock plus.’ Warlock being the closest word to describe him, but him being on a distinct tier as the only person ever to have literally been born with his abilities. (Hopefully my rambles make some sort of sense. Lol.)

Praise: "And you, Uther, you will go to hell." >> See Praise 332

Is there a specific reason you have Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, Elyan, and Leon?? Or am I just reading too much into it?

Yes and no? I originally made this super long banner with loads of characters. Arthur and Merlin were near the centre because they’re the main characters. Gwen, Merlin and Elyan were the centre because I love them so much, and everyone else was in kind of a random order around them based on whose pics I searched for first. It looked dumb when uploaded, so I cut it down to just the central five. Then, when I made MerlinPetPraises, I just liked the idea of having the same people on both (and I’m super fond of Leon’s giddy little geek-out over the crossbows, so no regrets. Lol).

Why didn't Alator throw away the note from Finna? Just left it in his chambers? Where it could and was found?  >> See Peeve 175

Do you ignore asks that aren't peeves/praises?

Again, yes and no? In a way? Like, I’ll read them, of course, but if it’s just a simple comment (especially on a submission), then I prefer not to disrupt the flow of the blog, if that makes sense? I much prefer to reply to people in person, which is part of the reason (along with it making it muuuuch easier for me to ask for clarifications re:submissions) that I prefer people message off of anon. I know that at least one person (not sure if it’s you) sends thing via anon because they don’t have an account, though, which is the main reason I haven’t blocked anon submissions entirely. If it’s a comment about a mistake in a post, then I’ll post a retraction, but other than that I kind of have to play it by ear based on the content of the ask. After all, I’m really not sure how people would feel about me constantly breaking up a simple blog format with long and rambly posts like this one. Lol. (Honestly, I don’t receive many non-submission asks, though. If I did, I might have just made a third side blog just for that to avoid breaking the flow.)

I know there was a pet praise about how clever Gwen was and I agree. I just wish we got to see more of that in the early seasons.

Faaaairly sure this is just a comment and not a submission? In which case, I genuinely don’t know how to respond except to say that I think Gwen had lots of moments in the earlier series where she showed how clever she is. The main difference that I can see is that, by S5, she’s much more self-assured and willing to share those opinions without fear of judgement. (But yes. More Gwen is always of the good. Lol.)

[nicole-lynne]

Christmas Came Early

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader Warnings: NSFW 18+ DIRTY Summary: Reader spends the christmas holiday at the Burrow with her best friend and crush, Fred. He decides to give her a special christmas present. 

This was going to be your second christmas at the Burrow and stepping into the familiar door, it felt like coming home. It was more of a home to you than your parents house. After the first few years of coming home from Hogwarts, they had decided they didn’t care to celebrate with their only child, instead opting to go on a lavish cruise each year. Arthur and Molly had immediately opened their home to you when your best friends, Fred and George, had told them you planned to spend your sixth year christmas at Hogwarts. Now it was expected of you to go to the Burrow each year. 

You’d been reluctant to accept their offer, especially being muggle-born and not understanding the charms of celebrating the holiday . The thought of spending two weeks with Fred in his family home seemed overwhelming. He’d always been the one who you could flirt back and forth with, teasing little winks, bold touches, and lavish compliments, which had resulted in a massive crush on the boy. Somehow, his hands eventually found you and would leave a trail of fire on your skin. You were unsure if you could handle that much time together without combusting from tension. 

Then one day, the twins had cornered you in the common room, practically begging for you to come and making promises to keep the pranks to a minimum. Eventually you’d given in and it was the best decision you’d made. 

This second year was proving to be harder than ever, the tension between you and Fred had only increased going into your seventh year and every day around him had caused you to hide in Ginny’s room to relieve that tension when no one was around. 

You hovered on the edge of the kitchen, observing the chaos that had erupted from a stray firework exploding in Ron’s mashed potatoes. You’d only been gone a matter of hours but it looked like the twins had found a way to entertain themselves. The table was coated with white mush and the girls were whining about it getting in their hair. 

“You tossers did that on purpose!” Ron shouted, lumps of potato dripping off his ears and nose. 

“We can’t help it if-”

“You can’t get the spoon to your mouth.” The twins said in unison, a devilish smirk on their identical faces. 

You giggled at the scene, attracting the attention of the room and cheeky grins from the boys. Molly scowled at them before stalking across the kitchen and ushering you further in. She fussed over your snow covered clothes, taking the full bags from your hands from your trip into town. 

“Was your trip alright dear? Did you find all you needed?” 

You squeezed her hand, stopping her from brushing your arm. “Yes, ma’am. I actually was picking up a final present for Mr. Weasley.” 

“Oh that’s sweet of you dear.” 

“Goodie Two Shoes.” Fred murmured into your ear as he moved past you, the heat of his breath causing your face to flush. 

Arthur rounded the corner, “did I hear something about a present for me?” 

Turning to give him a warm smile, you moved closer to the older man. He gave you a fatherly hug that you let yourself enjoy for a moment. Leaning back, you lifted up the canvas bag off the floor excitedly. 

“I think this is a gift that everyone’s going to enjoy.” Rifling through the bag, you pulled out a film canister. “I brought a muggle christmas tradition - a movie called ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.”

Arthur’s eyes lit up and he guided you toward the living room, already eager to partake in a muggle tradition. Molly muttered something about her ‘obsessive husband’ but followed behind you both. 

“Can we set up some couches and chairs around the room, Mrs. Weasley? I can get the tripod and screen situated.” 

“Of course dear,” she waved her wand, couches appearing from thin air, “and please do call me, Molly. You’re family in this house.” 

A loose arm dangled over your shoulder, drawing your attention up to George’s face close to yours. “Yeah, it’s bloody strange hearing you being so formal with mum after all these years.” George teased. 

“I’m being polite, you wanker, as if you would know anything about that.” You prodded your elbow into his ribs. Molly tutted and left you two to your bickering. George pinched his face at you childishly and you shrugged his arm off you. 

Just as Fred popped up on your other side, leaning into your ear, he whispered, “sit in the back with me?” 

Your body froze with a giddy anticipation, barely having the strength to nod. Over the past week, he’d been increasingly more attentive to you - driving you mad with each graze of his fingertips on your skin. It was easy to tell that he knew exactly what he was doing by the fiendish shine gleaming in his eyes and you couldn’t manage to break eye contact with him. A babbling Arthur distracted you enough for you to move your feet, rushing to set up the movie so you could settle in next to Fred. 

Thirty minutes later, all the lights were turned off and the entire Weasley/Potter/Granger clan were piled onto every empty seat, couches and recliners crammed wall-to-wall in the small room, 

. You gave the crowd a small smile and flicked on the camera, the movie sputtering to life against a white sheet that’d been hung up. The group’s attention turned to the movie, forgetting about you entirely. 

At the back of the room, Fred motioned for you to join him on an empty couch. Sluggishly, you weaved through the couches until you stood right in front of him. His eyes darted down to your bare legs peeking out from your loose cotton shorts, trailing up to the quidditch shirt you’d stolen out of his room, finally stopping when he met your eyes. Your heart pounded in your ears at his intense gaze as it settled like a pit in your stomach. 

Reaching out for your hand, Fred tugged you to sit down and draped a heavy blanket over your laps. Your breath quickened as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder and positioned your back against his chest, letting his hand fall heavy on your leg. 

“You look gorgeous tonight, love.” Fred’s lips brushed your earlobe. 

Biting your lip nervously, giving yourself a moment to think, you said faintly, “I’m sure you say that to all the girls, Freddie.” 

After a moment of silence, he replied, “no one holds a candle to you. I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off you all week.” Lightly, his fingers began running up and down your outer thigh. 

Fire filled your stomach but you stayed quiet, instead, snuggling deeper into his hold. Without even looking at him, you knew Fred had a giant smirk on his face from rendering you speechless. Well if he thought so highly of himself, two could play at that game. 

You let the minutes pass by, then slowly slid down against Fred’s chest, resting your head against his stomach and placed your hand on his upper thigh. His fingers froze, waiting to see what you were doing. A laugh threatened to spill out but you kept your eyes glued to the movie. 

Hesitantly, he moved again, making shapes in your skin, his fingers getting closer to your inner thigh each time. Heat pooled at your core and you forced yourself to take a few deep breaths, trying to calm your racing heart. Fred’s hand teased at the bottom of your shorts and you swallowed thickly, wanting to beg him to move, already dangerously close to where you wanted him. 

Consciously, you glanced around to make sure no one was watching you two, but all eyes were still faced forward. No one was turned around gawking at them, thankfully. You’d messed around with boys before but it had never been in some place this open. The thought of being caught actually sent a little chill of excitement down your spine. 

Shifting slightly, you moved to lay on your back, one of your knees propped up against the back of the couch. In this position, you could look up at Fred, not expecting him to be watching you but his gaze was glued to yours. 

His throat bobbed up and down nervously, as if he were waiting for you to tell him to bugger off. Instead, you let your legs fall open and his hand dropped to your stomach, his whole hand covering your entire abdomen. 

Understanding of what you want sunk in, and he slid his hand back and forth under the waistband of your shorts, testing the waters. His eyes widened in surprise as he realized you had no underwear on. 

“You little tease.” He mouthed, earning a shy smile from you. 

Your skin was tingling with excitement at the feeling of his calloused fingers moving closer and closer to your core. In a single sweep, he moved to collect your wetness and you had to swallow a whimper at the sudden pleasure. 

Lightly, he began circling your clit, the gentle sensations causing your eyes to roll back in your head. The movements were so slight that you were beginning to think he wouldn’t do anything else when he teased a finger at your entrance before inserting it slowly. Turning your head, you buried your face into his stomach, trying to muffle the sounds tumbling out of your mouth, and his free hand cupped the back of your head gently. 

He slid his finger in and out unhurriedly, enjoying the clenching of your walls around him and all the little ticks in your jaw when you wanted to make noises for him. At just one finger, you were already drenched and he was going to enjoy every moment of watching you squirm for him. 

Adding another finger, he hooked up and brushed against your g-spot, his palm pressed against your clit. Beneath him, your hips bucked trying to get closer, and he tightened his arm against your body to hold you in place. There was a knot growing in your stomach and you knew your climax wasn’t far away. Your hand closest to him tangled in his shirt while the other one clenched around the blanket. 

He kept pumping into you languidly, hitting against your g spot with each drive. Next to your head, you could feel his pajama pants start to strain and that heightened your pleasure even more. The thought that he was loving this just as much as you. 

With only a few more pumps, his thumb swirled around your clit, and the knot exploded. Your entire body convulsed and his free hand left the back of your head to cover your mouth, suppressing your delicate moans. Your thighs clenched around his hand while he worked you through your high until you weakly gripped his wrist and pulled him from your shorts. 

You were in a trance as you watched him take his fingers into his mouth and clean your mess off him, another whimper of pleasure threatened to come out at the sight. 

You wanted to roll over, to return the favor for him, but then Arthur was turning on the lights and thanking you for coming up with such a brilliant gift. Molly rallied the rest of the family, announcing that it was bedtime for the household. Fred lifted you up off the couch and followed you up the stairs. 

He stopped you at his and George’s door, his large hand wrapped around your upper arm. Bending down, he whispered, “I can’t wait to hear all those pretty noises you were making for me again, darling. Sweet dreams.” 

Staring at the door as it closed, your mind was blank from what had just happened. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You tossed and turned, the heat of the many fires burning throughout the house pressing down on you until you kicked the blankets off your legs. The image of Fred above you, the flicker of lights on his skin, as he touched you kept replaying in your mind, making beads of sweat roll down your back and your thighs slick with want. Knowing that he was only a floor away from you was making it even worse. 

He’d crossed the line in your relationship without giving you a chance to reciprocate and to say you were frustrated was putting it mildly. For years, all you did was picture the moment you finally got to be with him and you were still waiting on the edge. 

Frustration finally overtook you and you heaved yourself off the bed. You silently tiptoed across the room, pausing only when Ginny made a little grunt of noise, before you slipped out the door and down the stairs. 

Padding into the bathroom, you leaned against the sink and splashed cool water on your face. You were going to have to figure something out by morning because you weren’t sure you could handle seeing Fred again, especially with his bed head and rumpled pajamas, not without wanting to jump him immediately. Closing your eyes, you took in a deep breath and held it before letting it out slowly. 

The sound of the door clicking open and shut startled you and you whirled around to find the man of the hour. Fred’s back was against the door, his chest bare and his red pajama pants a little tighter than normal. His whole body was toned with muscles from the constant quidditch practices, it made you want to run your hands over every inch of his body.

“Hey.” You managed to say. 

“Hey.” His voice was husky, let he’d just run a mile. 

Both of you stared at each other, the suspense of the situation making the room smaller. He was so close but still felt so far away. 

You weren’t going to let this moment pass you by for a second time tonight, all the dirty things you’d been dreaming of doing to him flashing in your mind. Unable to handle it anymore, you launched yourself the few feet to him and crashed your lips against his. Without hesitation, he put his hands around your thighs and lifted you off the ground, your legs wrapping around his waist. 

You groaned as he hit your core and he swallowed it, sweeping his tongue into your mouth. Your tongue met his, your pace slowing from passion and lust to exploration. You started to wonder why you guys hadn’t been doing this for all these years. 

Detaching your lips from him, you yanked your shirt off, exposing your whole chest for him, before trailing kisses across his jaw to his earlobe, sucking it between your teeth. 

“Merlin, darling, you’re killing me.” You ignored him, sucking little love bites down his neck to his collarbone. “Be careful, sweetheart, or everyone will see. Or is that what you want?”

“Mhmm.” You whimpered, nipping at the pulse point at the base of his neck. 

His hold tightened on your ass, his fingers forming bruises on your soft skin. “You dirty girl. You want everyone to know how crazy you drive me, how badly I’ve wanted you for years.”

His words lit a trail of fire up your spine and you ground against him harder, desperate for any type of friction. Fred growled roughly and you shivered with excitement, wanting to do anything to create that noise again.

Wiggling slightly, he released his hold on your legs, Immediately, you dropped to your knees in front of him, pressing soft kisses to his stomach and down his happy trail. Fred’s pupils were blown with desire as he watched you hook your fingers into his pants to tug them down his legs, freeing his cock and letting it spring out. Your mouth watered at the sight of how big Fred was, bigger than you’d been with before, and you were desperate to taste him. 

Smoothly, you wrapped your hand around his shaft, a smile playing at your lips when he hissed at the contact, and pumped him a few times gingerly. Leaning forward, you pressed a soft kiss to his body, teasing him, then mirroring the kiss on the other side. Fred huffed quietly and you smirked up at him before taking him into your mouth, swirling your tongue around the head causing Fred to let out a heated groan. Gradually, you moved back and forth, taking him further in, your tongue sliding against the underside of his dick until you pulled back to suck on the tip, then repeated the same torturous steps again. 

“Fuck, that feels so good.” He muttered, fighting the urge to thrust into your mouth, his hand slipped behind your head and tangled in your hair with a tight grip.

You lifted a hand to his thigh, stabilizing yourself, and relaxed your throat to let him all the way in. For a split second, you looked up and your eyes connected with Fred’s, and something in him snapped. Roughly, he thrust into you, his dick moving down your throat and you gagged each time his stomach bumped against your nose. His hand was still gripping your hair and he held you firmly in front of him while he increased his pace. 

The throbbing between your legs was unbearable, your lust growing as he brutally claimed your mouth, and you slid your hand between your thighs and pulled your shorts to the side to rub your clit, releasing a filthy moan at the much needed friction.

Fred’s eyes fluttered at the vibrations your moan sent through him before he harshly stepped away from you, his dick dropping out of your mouth and drool dribbling down your chin. 

He reached out for your face, his thumb traced your cheek, down to your chin, wiping the drool away, and to your plump bottom lip. “You’re so fucking beautiful, taking me like such a good girl.” 

Without thinking, your bottom lip jetted out in a pout, “I want to taste you, Freddie.” 

He chuckled softly, “as much as I’m dying to let you continue...” 

Taking your hand, he pulled you off the floor and wrapped his arms around your waist, looking down at you with a boyish grin on his face. He looked more innocent and unsure of himself now that he’d given you a moment to think, but that made you want him even more. He’d been your best friend since first year and you’d been dreaming about him wanting you for almost as long. Standing on your tiptoes, you captured his lips in a kiss. He hesitated before moving his lips against yours, giving you every opportunity to stop him. 

Your chest was heaving as his grip on your waist tightened, pulling your chest flush against his and your feet leaving the ground. He placed you gently onto the counter top before stepping in between your legs, his lips never leaving yours. 

Not so subtly, you took his hand off your waist and moved it to your shorts. Taking the hint, Fred pulled your shorts down your legs and let them drop to the floor, his eyes widening at the sight of you completely bare before him, your thighs glistening from how wet you were.

He was still frozen in place, never taking his eyes off you, so you reached forward and pumped him in your hands a few times, making his head drop to your shoulder lazily. You locked your legs around his hips and pulled him closer so that his cock brushed against your lips. 

Fred looked up at you and searched your eyes, “are-are you sure about this?”

“Of course,” you pulled back, confused, “why wouldn’t I be?”

“I know it’s not either of our first times but it’s just not exactly a romantic place for our first time together. I always pictured it in some place a little better than a bathroom.” He said nervously. 

“Fred,” you ran a hand through his hair and he closed his eyes at the comforting feeling, “we have our whole lives to be romantic. But at the particular moment, I just want to be with you. You’ve been driving me crazy all week and I need you to make me feel good.” 

He gave you one more questioning look before pulling you in for another kiss. His hands were roaming all over your chest and legs carelessly, dragging you to the edge of the counter, and his kisses were getting clumsy. 

In a rush, he gripped his dick and ran it through your folds, gathering your wetness on the head. You squeezed his arm in anticipation as he pushed into you. You buried your face into his neck to muffle the gutted moan that escaped at the burning as he filled you slowly. When he was completely in you, he paused to let you get used to the feeling. He was hitting places you’d never felt before and you couldn’t help but clench around him, making the muscle in his jaw tensed the longer you made him wait. 

“You can move, Freddie.” You whispered, nipping on his earlobe as you did. 

Taking his time, he pulled out of you almost completely before thrusting back into you roughly, making you yelp at the feeling of him hitting your cervix. Taking your head in his hand, he tucked your face back into his neck, then grabbed your hips and thrust into you again. Your walls clenched around him each time he pulled out, you raked your fingernails across his back as you clung onto him, letting him set the relentless pace. He grunted quietly as you tightened around him and pushed into you harder. That familiar knot was already building in your stomach after a few minutes. Both of you were desperate to find your highs, especially with all the teasing from the evening. 

“Freddie, it feels so good.” You mewled as he brushed against your g-spot over and over. 

“You’re taking me so good, baby, you’re so tight.” His breath was ragged in your ear, his movements getting more erratic. Sweat was forming on your bodies as you panted against one another, your bodies moving together in unison. His fingers were digging into your flesh, yanking you closer to him, and the thought of the bruises they might leave made you moan. 

Dropping a hand between your bodies, his thumb rubbed circles around your clit, making your eyes roll back in your head. You knew it wouldn’t take much longer for you to come, you’d already been close earlier and now he was touching every right place. 

“Do-don’t stop,” you breathed out, “I’m gonna cum.” 

Fred thrust into you again, not letting up, “oh I want you to cum for me, love, I want to feel you come all over my dick.” 

With one more flick of his wrist and his dirty words, you fell over the edge. He captured your mouth in a kiss, drinking in your pathetic whimpers and moans like it was the elixir of life, while you rocked against his hard body. Your walls clenched around him tightly, wanting everything he could give you, and after a few more ragged pumps, he was spilling into you with a wrecked groan. He gave you a few more lackluster thrusts before he dropped his head to your shoulder, his breath heavy against your skin. 

You were absolutely destroyed but you softly rubbed your hand across his drenched back and up to the nape of his neck, playing with the hair there - shorter than it’d been in recent years. After a few minutes, his breathing had returned to normal but his cheek was still pressed against your neck. 

Pecking a few gentle kisses on your shoulder, he finally looked up at you. His cheeks were flushed a bright red similar to his hair and a bead of sweat was rolling down his temple. You reached up and brushed it away, not letting it drop any further, then gave him a small smile. 

Fred let out a breathy chuckle, “it feels like it’s about a thousand degrees in here.” 

“You’re telling me, I feel like my skin is melting.” You retorted, thrown off by his casual comment. Your whole body was frozen with fear. Would this be a one time hook up and you’d never talk about it again, would he want to be in a friends with benefits situation? He’d had those before and each time, it drove you crazy to see him with someone else. You weren’t sure you could handle only being a throw away after loving him for so many years. 

You let out a quiet hiss as he pulled out of you, leaving you feeling more empty than ever. It felt awkward now that you were sitting on the bathroom counter, naked, and he wasn’t really looking at you. You swallowed thickly, the nervous turning your stomach, wanting nothing more than to be out of this room, you moved to jump down, but Fred blocked your way. 

Smiling down at you, he grazed your cheek with his fingers and hooked a lock of hair behind your ear. “I’m not letting you get away that easily, love. I want to take a moment to enjoy how lovely you look.” 

“Before it ends.” You mumbled, trying to ignore the goosebumps forming where he’d touched you. 

“What are you on about, silly girl?” Fred furrowed his brow. 

“I-I just thought you might want this to be a one time thing...” Your gaze dropped to your clenched fists in your lap. “You know, the way it was with Angelina.”

Fred snorted loudly and your eyes snapped up to his, bewildered. “You know why Ange was nothing more than a fling?” You shook your head timidly. “Because she wasn’t you. No one ever compares to you. I’m not daft enough to think it’d be enough to stay your friend after that... unless that’s what you want.” 

“No, it’s not!” You practically shouted, terrified he might think you’re second guessing things. “I want you, Fred. I have since you released Lee’s tarantula in the Hogwarts Express car and made Roger Davies cry. Since you snuck into Filch’s office to get back my self-shuffling playing cards in second year. Every time you’d lay out with me by the lake while I was studying. I want that with you, always, Fred.” 

He smiled at the memories. “I want that too, darling. I want you to be willing to put up with me until we’re old and grey. I want to be that crazy old man who’s telling everyone how beautiful my bird looked on the night I finally got into her knickers while you’re shouting at me to shut up and threatening my life.” 

A giggle bubbled out of you and you pushed against his chest playfully, “if you tell anyone that, I’ll beat you senseless, Frederic Gideon Weasley.” 

“That’s my girl.” He laughed. Intertwining his fingers with yours, he stepped closer and placed a gentle kiss on your cheek. “Right?” 

“As long as you’re my guy.” You grinned, happily.

He nodded at that and helped you to stand up. “Absolutely. Now we better get to bed before mum finds us, or we won’t be growing old and grey. She’ll make sure we never see the light of day again.”