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arjaandsimoni · 2 years ago

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Luck Ain't All Good

Somewhere outside of Houston Texas

The rental truck rolled along a lonely patch of dirt road off the main drag, a nearby sign reading ‘Open Air Ranch’ with an arrow under it pointing off into the distance. Stephy and Tex were seated up front next to Tara, and none of them looked particularly comfortable in the truck.

Tex sighed, “Welp, it was a dang good idea at the time darlin’…” he shrugged, “I mean, we did wanna keep an eye on ‘im… but I kinda figured Loren could, yanno, pinch hit for us.” he nodded, patting Stephy’s shoulder, the Texan boy dressed in a pair of bluejeans and a plaid button-down shirt over a white teeshirt.

Stephy nodded back, “Yeah… I mean… I definitely wanna meet your family… well, I guess my family now.” he smiled a bit at that thought, the effeminate changeling giving Tex’s hand a squeeze. He’d gone for a loose blue silk summery top and short white kneeskirt with strappy sandals against the heat of the southern state. “Just… didn’t occur to me we’d be leaving Covington again so soon… and… we’d have to bring an extra.”

From the backseat came an annoyed sniff. “You know, I’m sitting right here… And I’m not exactly thrilled about this either… You could have warned me how bloody hot this part of the mortal realm is.”

Prince Samuel of the Icebound Heart, or ‘Sammi’ as Stephy called him to annoy him, was stretched out in the backseat, frowning ahead. In deference to having to be among the mortals he was wearing a white silk shirt and dress slacks, along with shiny black leather shoes, and it was only by close examination one could tell the leather was not from any identifiable animal. He frowned, fanning himself with an ornate paper fan painted with an oriental depiction of a snowfield. None of them knew where he’d gotten it from.

Tara rolled her eyes, “Yeah, we know… yer highness…” she replied sarcastically.

Covington Kentucky, Three days earlier

Stephy gazed around the expanded palatial bedroom that was once his speakeasy hideout, the boy’s eyebrows so high they threatened to disappear under his hairline. “What… how…” he managed finally.

Prince Samuel was sitting at the bar in an elegantly cut black evening dress spotted with star-like sequins, as if someone had cut a stretch of the night sky out and made it into something you could wear to a dinner party, along with long black gloves and matching strappy heels. “Well you didn’t expect me to live in just any old hole in the wall did you? I like to think I fixed it up nicely.” he smiled, his lips painted a deep shining blue. He looked like a blonde 1960s Audrey Hepburn, though his pearls were made of ice crystals rather than formed in clams.

Tex was leaning on the bar, looking over the changeling prince. “Yeah, uh, speakin’ of… whats with the…” he gestured to the outfit, “I mean, no judgement, just wanna make sure I’m usin’ the correct pronouns ‘n all.”

Samuel grinned at him, “Oh how courteous of you!” he simpered, “But no, I just couldn’t let my new ‘sister’ have all the fun.” he chuckled. “Besides, its been ages since I got to dig deep into my wardrobe. I haven’t worn this old thing since my mother held a ball when the Dot Com bubble burst. Oh we had quite the feast that night let me tell you…”

Stephy huffed at him, “Ugh, you only drink sorrow do you? You can’t do any other emotions?” he asked. He’d been rather surprised by it himself. He’d described raw glamour to Tex after attempting to find it shortly following their return from Arcadia.

Colored smoke, that was the best way he could envision it. Everyone had swirls of it all around them… and he could smell and taste and see and feel it. When someone was calm it would swirl lazily, like smoke drifting up from an incense burner. When they were angry or agitated it would billow like a bonfire. Joy tasted like spun cotton candy and brought a feeling of childhood giddiness to him, while sorrow was like fresh vanilla ice cream to his new senses, anger or fury felt spicy and hot and he found it was too much to really handle, while fear had a bitter saltiness to it and an acidic sense similar to vinegar… there were other blends too, but he was still working them out. He didn’t see it all the time, but all he had to do was focus, and there it was, and standing near a person feeling intense emotions was all he needed to do to soak them up.

Samuel shrugged, “I suppose I could, but after years of living in Arcadia with Mother they all taste… off… to me.” he frowned, taking a sip from his wineglass as the goblin bartender looked at Tex expectantly.

“None fer me thanks, I’m drivin’.” he nodded.

The goblin shrugged and said, “Suit yerself mac.” before rolling up his sleeves and starting on the dishes.

“Anyways, we just came by to warn you. We’re leaving town soon. Tex’s family found out Tara adopted me and they want to meet me in person.” explained Stephy.

Prince Samuel smiled widely, “Oh capital! I’ve never been on a road trip before, when do we leave?” he asked.

Stephy rolled his eyes, “Very funny… Tex, Tara, and I are going, not you… You’re staying right here, Sammi.”

At that the prince shook his head, “That’s PRINCE Samuel thank you, and no, afraid that won’t be possible… unless you forgot that pledge we made over chicken tenders the other week.” he smirked over the edge of his glass. “I pledged to cease my predations upon mortalkind and remain near you and your’s. Remember?” he asked with a grin.

Tex started, “Yeah, uh, no way. Ya’ll ain’t comin’ back to my ranch buddy. My whole family lives there…” he frowned.

Prince Sammi sighed, “You don’t understand. The pledge was made, the Wyrd recognized it. Even if I tried to stay Fate would conspire to land me right in your laps.” he frowned. “I don’t have any choice in the matter at this point. I’m coming, like it or not.”

Stephy blinked, “Wait… you mean you HAVE to come with me?! What about Loren? Doesn’t she count? Can’t I just have her, I dunno, babysit you?!” he asked, looking rather concerned indeed. It would be hard enough to explain to the Smith family why they suddenly had a new member… but bringing along another fae being would invite far more questions than he’d have answers for.

Prince Sammi shrugged, raising a gloved hand, “Fine then, try to leave, see how far you get without me.” he said, waving them out with his fingers and handing the glass back to the goblin, “More of the same, would you kindly.”

Stephy huffed, then walked out with Tex in tow, the door shutting behind them.

“He’s gotta be bluffin’ right?” he asked.

Stephy nodded, “He has to be. There’s no way it can force him to come with us like that…”

Several website crashes when trying to purchase specifically three plane tickets, dropped connections when attempting to use the phone to contact the airline, going to pack the truck and just drive to find that the spark plugs had all burned out, the oil filter had gone bad, the transmission fluid seemed to have leaked away, and all four tires had spontaneously sprung leaks, and the mechanic they hired experiencing a sudden religious epiphany and fleeing to Michigan to join a Hare Krishna commune later…

Tara frowned, “And ya’ll be on your BEST damn behavior! You do even the tiniest bit of faerie craziness and I’ll take Tex’s dagger and cut your damn ears off!” she said, the three of them sitting on the couch and looking extremely stressed out over the events of the past several days, waiting for Tara’s truck to come back from the shop.

Prince Sammi stood before them, dressed in a tight black pair of leather pants, knee high high heeled boots, and a silvery tunic. He just smiled and winked, crossing his heart with his index finger, “I would never even dream of causing problems.” he smiled in a satisfied way.

Tex sighed, “This is gonna be a long damn drive…” he frowned.

Texas, Present Day

Prince Sammi sighed, fanning himself harder, “Can’t that blasted air conditioner go any higher?” he grumbled in annoyance. He hadn’t know where Texas was, finding out he was heading to the American south in the middle of July had displeased the Prince of the Icebound Heart greatly to say the least.

Stephy huffed, though he was using a little hand fan they’d picked up at the last gas station himself. He’d never had that much of a problem with heat before… but while Stephen Fullmoon was used to walking the Covington streets at the height of summer, the Princess of Everfalling Snow was having a really hard time of it. “To be fair guys, I don’t think he’s just being whiny… it really does feel hotter than it should for me…”

Tex smiled sympathetically, patting Stephy’s shoulder, “Its okay darlin’ its mostly desert around here. Nighttime will be a lot easier fer ya’ll.” he nodded.

Prince Sammi huffed, “Bloody kill for a drink right now…” he sighed, taking out a lace-frilled handkerchief and dabbing away the sweat on his forehead.

Tara just grumbled in annoyance.

Eventually however they did reach the entrance to the ranch, Prince Sammi making several comments about the smell from the cow pens. Open Air Ranch was the Smith family ranch, having been established by Tex’s great grandfather after coming home from the Civil War in the 1800s. It had supplied a good bit of beef to the area for a while now, but suddenly the locals were all buying elsewhere, and someone was trying to buy their home…

As they got to the door there was a man in a business suit talking to another man through the screen in the door. “Oh not this again…” sighed Tara.

“Please be reasonable Mr. Smith. My employer is making you a very generous offer…” he said. He was a portly man in a dark purple business suit, wearing a pair of thick bifocal glasses and sporting a combover.

“Reasonable my ass Maroon. Ya’ll go back to that casino and tell McCall we ain’t sellin’! This land belonged to mah father ‘n I’ll be DAMNED if some city slicker gets his mitts on it!” grumbled a man from the other side. He was elderly and bent double, leaning on a wooden cane with a bull’s head for the handle. “Now getcher shiny ass back offa my ranch ‘afore I throw yez off!” he snapped.

The man adjusted his tie, “Yes, I can see I’m wasting my time. Good day Mr. Smith…” he frowned, walking off towards a rather nice Rolls Royce parked nearby.

As he did however Sammi narrowed his eyes, “Hmm…” he murmured.

Stephy looked at him, “What?” he asked, glancing between Sammi and the older man.

Sammi looked at him and smiled, “How would you like me to teach you a fun little trick ‘sister?’” he smiled, "Listen carefully…"

Then, Sammi taught Stephy the Secret of Snow’s Silence.

Afterwards Stephy would remark it was almost like he’d simply detached himself from the world momentarily. He and Sammi walked over to the car where Maroon stood talking into a phone without making a single sound whatsoever, and without Tex and Tara even noticing they had gone.

As they drew near, they picked up on what he was saying into his smartphone.

“… still won’t sell, he’s being exceedingly stubborn. I’m even offering him twice what the market value for this place is.” he frowned.

A muffled response came.

“Sir I strongly advise against involving them. If the authorities get wind of this then it could cause us severe complications. It may be best to abandon the plans to acquire the ranch. Surely nobody is even looking for…” he started.

Another response came, this one sounding much more… insistent.

Maroon sighed, “… very well. I’ll contact them at sunset.” he frowned, hanging up and putting his phone away. “Hellfire and damnation I’m surrounded by fools… oh well, so be it. Smith will wish he’d accepted my offer.”

Stephy glanced at Sammi as Maroon got into his car and drove away. “What was that all about?” he whispered to him.

Sammi raised an eyebrow, “Something interesting no doubt… but what it is I cannot begin to imagine. But that man, something about him was very off.” he frowned, then looked up.

“Stephy? Sam?! Where’d ya’ll get to?!” called Tex, the boy looking around and, to Sammi’s annoyance, resting a hand on his dagger’s hilt.

“Really now he didn’t need to bring it, I told you lot I’d behave…” he frowned, then snapped his fingers. There was a burp in reality, and Stephy and Sammi stood exactly where they were… but much more noticeably now.

Tex looked over and cocked his head, “When did ya’ll get over there?” he asked as Stephy jogged over to him.

“Nevermind that, Tex do you know who that guy was?” replied Stephy, nodding his head at the car as it pulled past the gates of the ranch.

“Oh him? Mr. Maroon is the only name we ever got. Works for some bigshot in Houston named McCall, he runs a casino along the gulf. McCall Amusements he calls it.” he shrugged, “He’s been tryin’ to buy the ranch for months now, but granddad doesn’t wanna sell it off. Can’t blame ‘im, three generations of us grew up here.” he nodded, guiding the two faerie boys towards the door and walking in.

Stephy giggled a bit at the décor, looking like something out of an old western movie as Sammi even had to admit there was a certain… attractiveness to it.

“Oh how charmingly rustic…” nodded the fae princeling as the two boys walked forward… then bounced back suddenly with a loud snapping sound! “OW!” grunted Sammi.

“EEK!” yelped Stephy, rubbing his forehead as Tex blinked in surprise, then looked upwards.

“… whups.” winced the Texan boy as he looked up. Hanging over the door was, yes, a solid iron horseshoe. The very same trick that had saved them from Isolde’s minions they’d found blocked Stephy from entering their home back in Covington until they'd removed them!

Tex looked around and quickly pulled a chair over, standing on it and yanking the horseshoe free, then putting it away in a drawer nearby. “Sorry about that ya’ll, forgot… ya alright?” he asked.

Sammi huffed and walked past him with his nose in the air as Stephy blushed, rubbing his forehead, “Just a little sore, I’ve had lots worse.” he smiled sheepishly.

Then Tara’s voice came from the next room, “Stephy! C’mon over ‘n meet yer new family!” she called.

The living room held four more Smiths besides Tara, as well as a muscular Hispanic man. Despite him clearly not being part of the family, he seemed as comfortable there as anyone else could be.

The old man hobbled over on the cane, then held out his hand and shook Stephy’s. “Welcome to th’ family young lady.” he grinned toothily, as in he only had one tooth to grin with, “Name’s Joshua, this one’s grandpappy. Now don’t ya’ll worry, we know all ‘bout Tex ‘ere. I don’t pretend ta understand it, but I’m an old man ‘n there comes a time when ya’ll gotta recognize th’ world is movin’ on from what ya knew. There’s lotsa worse things boys can do these days then wear skirts so, heck, go fer it!” he cackled as Tara rolled her eyes and shrugged. Stephy blushed but smiled back, he’d take acceptance even if it was a little off kilter.

Joshua turned around and gestured with his free hand, “This ‘eres my other daughter Elizabeth…” he said, a woman who looked like Tara but about five years younger waving from the couch, “… ‘er two kids Timothy and Jessica,” a teenage boy and a girl a few years Stephy’s junior waving back, “’n our ranch head Raul.” The Hispanic man tapped the brim of his hat and nodded in welcome. They all had the same shaggy darker blonde hair as Tex save for Raul, whose hair was black, and Joseph, who had not had any hair in quite some time.

“So… Tara gave us ah bit o’ th’ lowdown over th’ phone… seems yer dad met with a bit of a messy end ‘n my girl took pity on ya’ll ‘n took ya in.” he sighed, shaking his head, “Bad business that, mighty sorry ta hear it… but if Tara says yer Smith material ‘s good enough fer me. I trust my girl’s judgement.” he nodded.

Then Sammi walked in and they all looked up before Joseph turned to Tara, “Er… darlin’ though ya’ll said ya adopted one kid…” he muttered.

Tara glanced at Sammi, “Well…” she started.

Sammi however stepped forward and smiled, “Oh she must have forgotten, its been such a busy few days! I’m Stephy’s cousin Samuel from… oh… a good ways over there…” he waved his hand eastwards, “… and when I heard what happened to her father I rushed right over to console her!” he wrapped his arm around Stephy, “Well, I certainly wasn’t going to let her out of my sight so when Tara said that you were all heading south I just simply had to invite myself. Don’t worry, I won’t even be the slightest bit of a bother…” he smiled, and as he did there was a scent of fresh snow and a faint mist blew from his mouth.

Tara blinked as the other members of the Smith clan (and Raul) all seemed to pause, their eyes flashing for a moment. They looked confused and then Joseph said, “… well… suppose ah can’t blame yeh fer bein’ concerned fer yer kin… Ah’m sure we can squeeze in fer one more, ‘s a big house.”

Stephy looked around, then whispered to Sammi, “What. Did. You. Just. DO?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Sammi grinned, “Oh just a little trick, barely a nudge really. Makes the implausible seem just that little bit more plausible… smooths things out all around…” he whinked, then added, “Now please tell your cowboy to take his hand off the knife, it really didn’t do hardly anything.”

Tex was starring daggers at Sammi, his hand gripping the hilt of his knife as Stephy waved him down, “He’s telling the truth Tex, the spell already ended. It was just to make sure your family didn’t think him being here was suspicious.”

Tex grumbled, “Everything about ‘im is suspicious… his name should be Prince Suspicious.”

Sammi pouted, “Oh that hurts… not very charming of you, Prince Cowboy…” he teased.

Stephy sighed, “Whatever, lets just go to our rooms and settle in…” he frowned, walking upstairs.

Later That Night

Stephy and Sammi shared a room, Joseph insisting that until Tex was old enough that he wasn’t going to have any ‘hanky panky’ under his roof.

Stephy frowned at that, laying on the huge queen-sized bed next to Sammi, “Could’ve just had you sleep on the couch…” he muttered, laying there in a white cotton nightdress.

Sammi frowned at him, the fae prince wearing elegant blue silk pajamas. “Not on your bloody life ‘sister.’ Its not like I wanted to come, I had to thanks to that pledge you baited me into…” he huffed, “True love, bloody hell the one thing I can’t get is the weakness you found out…”

Stephy rolled his eyes, “Well maybe if you tried talking to people instead of tricking them into eating candy and then chaining them up you might have better luck.” he huffed.

Sammi just chuckled, “You’d be surprised how many are into that…” he replied, Stephy’s ears turning pink at his comment. “But that’s not what I mean… I was born human, but I was raised in Arcadia. I don’t know how to be human.” he sighed, “My mother was Lady Sera… yes, my birth mother was not, but she in all her madness and insanity and desire to freeze the hearts of the sorrowful is the one I knew from infancy to my current age. Effectively, she is my mother.”

Stephy looked over at him, “You know… I did pledge I would go back to her lands before I left, on the grounds she would let me leave at my choosing… in exchange for helping her learn how to be a mother.” he stated.

From his side came a loud snort, “REALLY?” asked Sammi, “Oh very good… what will you do for an encore? Part the Ruby Sea? Topple the pillars of creation? Oh I know! Lock the Sahara desert into eternal winter!” he chuckled, “You bloody fool… you’ve set yourself a task you’ll never accomplish! She’s one of the Others, they’re not human! They can’t learn that. They can’t learn anything! She stole me because she thought mothers had to raise their children from infancy and that was it, but she had no idea HOW to do it! She got her maids and servants to do it for her, and if I cried or fussed or got upset, she immediately blamed the nearest one and froze them into statues!” he frowned, “… so I had to learn to freeze my heart on my own, so she’d stop doing that…”

Stephy rolled his eyes, “Surprised you even cared enough to bother…” he huffed.

Sammi went quiet for several long moments. “… you’ve tasted emotions ‘sister.’” he said in an icy tone, his voice taking on an edge, “… have you ever tasted Fear of Inevitable Death? Its hot, and rank. It burns like acid and sticks like tar. Once you taste it, you’ll never forget it.” he whispered. “Every time she did that, when she froze a maid who told me I had to go to bed when I didn’t want to, or a butler who’d tripped over my building blocks, or the scullery girl who’d tried to repair my toy and accidentally did more damage…” he sighed, “… each time they tasted the same, because they knew to be frozen was to die. That they would be in my mother’s garden forever. Unmoving, unfeeling, unblinking, forever.”

Stephy gazed at the ceiling for a long time, then said, “… once. I was five, at a hospital, and I was watching my mother struggling to breathe through a plastic tube. She was holding my hand tightly because she didn’t want to leave me alone with my father… and I could tell in her eyes she knew she was going to lose. I tasted it, in the back of my own throat because I knew even back then as soon as she died I wouldn’t be able to live anymore. 'Survive' would be the best I could manage.” he replied.

Sammi was silent for a few ticks of the clock, then said, “… I see…” he murmured softly.

They were both silent for several long moments.

“… we’re not making a connection here.” warned Stephy.

“Of course not.” replied Sammi.

“Just because we’re both abuse survivors doesn’t mean I trust you or like you.” warned the fae ‘princess.’

“Perish the thought.” nodded the fae prince.

“But… maybe I kind of get, just a bit, why you’re so eager to throw others away, if that’s the kind of stuff you had growing up.” Stephy admitted.

“If a man is falling into Hell he will grasp any rope, any branch, anything to stop his descent and damn the consequences.” Sammi concurred.

They both fell silent again, then their ears twitched.

“… the house is surrounded.” warned Sammi.

“Yeah, I can sense them now. About five?” he said.

“Six, if I’m not mistaken.” replied Sammi.

“Should we… wake up someone?” asked Stephy.

“We won’t need to. Judging by the staleness of the emotions the cows should realize what’s near them right about…” he began… and then there was a cacophony of horrified, loud, mooing roars from the livestock pens and everyone in the house woke up!

Both of the fae boys leapt out of their bed as the Smith family jolted awake as one, running to their windows!

“TARNATION! THE CATTLE ARE GOING WILD! WE GOTTA STOP ‘EM OR THEY’LL KICK THE FENCE DOWN ‘N BOLT!” shouted Joshua.

“Dad! Whats going on?! I think I saw someone movin’ around outside my window!” came Elizabeth’s voice.

Tex and Tara knew this couldn’t be normal though, the former of them snatching up his dagger and the Very Useful Deck from the nightstand, running out into the hall to find Stephy and Sammi standing there.

“What…” he started.

“Vampires. Half dozen that I can sense.” warned Sammi.

“… WHY?” he blurted out.

“How should I know?! Maybe the local vampire prince thinks beef isn’t kosher or something!” he snapped.

The cows were in a blind panic, kicking and roaring outside, wanting to get the HELL away from what they were smelling. One of the vampires realized their ambush had been foiled and began to kick on the downstairs door, but living out in the countryside meant they had to rely on themselves for security. It held… but it wouldn’t hold for long.

“They’re breaking in!” gasped Stephy, “Tex, Sammi, try to hold them off!” he rushed back into his room, grabbing the purse that Tara had helped him get.

“And what exactly will you do then?” huffed Sammi.

Stephy smirked and pulled out the phone Arja had bought him in the Nightside, “Call the cavalry.” he nodded.

Jaipur India, currently lunchtime

Dawn was stretched out in the rec room of the Barjar mansion, the feline enjoying a rare moment of downtime. She blinked as she felt a buzz from her pocket, then pulled out and answered her phone with a grin, “Moe’s Tavern, This is Mike Ro-…” she paused at Stephy’s frantic voice. “Oh shit. Got bats in the belfry? Six?” she sat up.

Nearby Simoni and Arja looked up from their game of Smash Bros Ultimate, Nelen putting down the relic from Rajesh’s collection he’d been inspecting.

“Uh… where are you?” she asked, then winced, “Some ranch in the ass-end of Texas?! Whats the nearest city?! Houston? How far?” she nodded, then almost dropped the phone, “A HALF HOUR BY CAR?!” she yowled, her tail floofing out in shock, then the phone was snatched away.

“Stephy, turtle up.” said Nelen. “We’ll be there as fast as we can, but it’ll take us some time. Try to hold out!” he nodded firmly, then hung up. “Someone wake up Natasha and Lupe! I’m opening the door in the wine cellar! MOVE IT!” he shouted.

Meanwhile, at ‘Some Ranch in the ass-end of Texas’

Stephy ran down the stairs to where Tex and Sammi were preparing to make their stand. “Guys! Nelen and the others are on their way, but they can’t get any closer than Houston using the Wulfshead. We have to hold out until they can arrive!” he warned.

Tara had the rest of the Smith family holed up in the living room, a loaded shotgun in her hands that was MOSTLY used on predatory animals trying to go for the cows… “Ya’ll got through to ‘em?” she asked, “Good!”

“Sis, what the HELL is going on?!” asked Elizabeth, staring at Tara as she held her kids close.

Then suddenly the front door was kicked in with a loud crash, and crimson eyes glowed in the darkness.

“Would you believe night of the living dead?” asked Samuel, raising his hand.

A second later a blast of ice shot the vampire halfway to the gates of the ranch like a frozen cannonball!

Tex and Sammi darted out onto the porch as the fae princeling looked around, “Okay… lets see… he’s mostly over there… got lucky, tore him up good, but there’s still five more and…” he squinted, “There’s something very odd about one of them, I can’t quite focus…” he frowned.

Tex shook his head, shuffling the deck frantically, “Just do somethin’ fairyboy!” he shouted.

Sammi tsked, “Oh very well, I can at least buy us some time…” he sighed, then stepped forward, “This… always… always bloody… wrecks my hair…” he whispered as frost began to swirl around him, and then the wind began to howl, and a freak blizzard erupted… made even more freak as they were in Texas!

A very localized but very violent swirl of ice and snow exploded around the Smith’s family ranch, driving back the vampires quickly as it became a nearly impenetrable barrier. One of them tried to reach into it, then hissed and pulled his hand back as it was nearly shredded!

Inside the swirling snow Sammi had transformed, looking like nothing more than a statue of himself carved from ice with a red beating heart visible through his chest, the changeling prince having given himself fully over to his fae aspect! “Get something ready you two!” he called out, his voice taking on a strange cadence. “I can use this to hold them off for a half hour! No more! After that I won’t be able to fight anymore!”

Stephy nodded to Tex, and the cowboy drew a hand… and by sheer luck he got the ace of clubs and the ace of diamonds! The cards vanished in a sudden swirl of magic, the symbols of the suits burning brightly, and suddenly he was holding a loaded revolver carved of some sort of silvery material… the metal warm and humming in his hand. He grinned, spinning the ammo cartridge, and heard a rumble of thunder from within.

Stephy flexed his arms, “I hope this still works…” he whispered, then focused and felt the wind rise… but not just wind. He smelled the scent of fresh snow, and frost on windows, and the clear crisp air of a winter’s night… and then…

His eyes opened, then he saw his wings but the black feathers were gone, replaced with icy blue ones that had white tips to them, his legs turning pure white now. “Woah… that’s new…” he whispered.

Sammi raised an eyebrow at that, “The Very Useful Deck and a fae-touched Fullmoon… we might actually have a chance here…” he nodded… and then one of the vampires burst through his barrier and landed in a bloody pile, not destroyed but injured and very angry about it!

He hissed and stood, and Tex leveled the gun at him, pulling the trigger.

There was a loud crash of thunder and a bolt of pure lightining arced out of the barrel, slamming into the vampire and blowing him back through the barrier into the Texas night!

“Holy shit!” exclaimed Tex, “Lightning gun…” he grinned, “This deck really is useful!” he nodded.

“Don’t waste them! You only have six shots! Once you run through all of them the gun will vanish!” shouted Sammi, then he added, “Don’t look at me like that! I’ve lived in Arcadia for decades remember?! I know what that is!”

Stephy nodded as another vampire burst through, and he let out a loud shriek and flapped his wings… the wind swirled infront of him, but he saw a sparkle inside it, and then a blast of super-cold air shot out from him and into the undead man!

The vampire cried out and tried to shield itself… but the blast hit him head on and kept going until, finally, he stood there frozen solid… his arms held up in a defensive posture. He wasn’t defeated, vampires couldn’t die of hypothermia or suffocation, but he couldn’t move!

Sammi however was beginning to lag, droplets of water falling down his face. Suddenly the blizzard faltered… then slowly began to fade as Sammi’s icy body began to shift back into flesh and bone, the fae prince gasping for breath, “Bugger and blast it all!” he gasped, “Its still too damn HOT here! I can’t… maintain it… you…” he glanced back, “You may want to run…” he warned.

The remaining three vampires were there, and they did not look happy… Tex leveled his gun and shot one’s head off with a blast of lightning, and the one next to him stared as his companion’s body crumbled to ashes, then he raised a hand and snapped his fingers.

Tex shot, but the shot went wild, then the gun seemed to misfire, then a sudden burst of wind knocked the barrel to the right, then finally the gun jammed… and he was holding a hand of poker cards again. “SHIT!” he exclaimed.

The vampire who’d snapped his fingers nodded to his friend, who grinned and started forward… and then…

HONK HOOOOOOOOOOOOONK!

The vampire had just enough time to turn to see the headlights of a massive SUV heading his way at speed before it plowed into him and did three doughnuts, screeching to a stop just six inches from the Smith’s living room wall!

Nelen was behind the wheel, with Arja and Simoni in the backseat holding on for dear life and Natasha holding on for dear unlife. Lupe was in her wolf form, her head sticking out the window and panting excitedly, and Dawn had opened the sunroof to stick her torso out. She threw up the horns with both hands and hollered, “WOOOOO! PARTY BUS!” as the others unloaded from it.

The vampire who was left looked around, frowning… then snapped his fingers again as he drew closer. Natasha scrambled out of the vehicle, grumbling angrily, then spat out. “LUPE!” and pointed to the vampire.

The wolf snarled, then doubled in size and transformed, becoming a werewolf once more. “LUPE HUNT!” she roared, charging at the vampire and kicking up dirt and roots as she went… and as she got close her foot suddenly got caught on a root her front claws and pulled up and she faceplanted the ground as the vampire quickly stepped out of reach.

Arja and Simoni nodded to each other, Simoni feeding Arja wind as she spun it with her fire magic to make a massive ball of flames over her head, then throwing it at them as hard as she could! It sailed towards him, and he snapped again… and suddenly Stephy’s nose tickled, then itched, and… “ACHOO!” he sneezed, and a blast of icy wind sent the fireball of course, incinerating a nearby shrub.

Nelen made ready to move forward, but Natasha held him back. “I have heard of this…” she warned.

The vampire stopped. “Oh? Got one of us with ya?” he chuckled, stepping close enough to see. He was a lanky man with short cropped black hair and an earring with an eagle feather on it. He had on a leather jacket with fringe and a white muscle shirt, bluejeans and cowboy boots, but he looked phony… like someone who buys their stuff online and has never even been near a horse.

“A vampyr who visited my former prince’s domain told us of it. You take more than just blood from the kine, you can steal their luck as well.” she nodded, narrowing her eyes.

Nelen looked at him, “Son of a… I’ve heard of that one too…” he muttered, “Never thought I’d run into it…” he glared at him.

The vampire grinned toothily, “Got it in one! Name’s Coyote, luckiest vampire in all Texas…” he chuckled, then Nelen lashed out hard with one of Merihim’s tendrils, ripping up dirt and rocks as it shot towards him… and it suddenly got caught on a particularly stubborn root just long enough for Coyote to dodge out of the way.

Arja threw several more fireballs at him, each the size of a baseball, but somehow they all seemed to just miss, the vampire grinning widely as he drew closer and closer…

The team was growing tired now, Sammi had all but collapsed, and no matter what Tex did his cards came up useless! A pair of twos gave him a small dagger with a fang-like design, but he’d have to risk getting close enough to the vampire to cut him, and nothing Arja did would even hit him! Lupe roared and tried to tackle him again, but he rolled back, lifted his leg, caught her middle, and helped her along her way. She rolled, smashed upside down into the grill of the truck, then whined and scrambled to her feet.

“You cannot keep it up forever.” frowned Natasha, “You need blood to use the power, the same as any other vampyr…” she hissed, knowing better than to charge in blindly.

The vampire grinned, “True, that I do! But all I see infront of me…” he chuckled, then suddenly he was gone, and standing next to Tex! “… are blood bags with legs!” he laughed as the group sprang into motion, Dawn teleporting Tex away as Nelen, Arja, and all the others attempted to tackle him at once.

“Dawn!” shouted Nelen, “Switch!”

The vampire skidded to a halt as they all landed in a pile, Dawn hissing and whipping off her glasses, and then Simoni and Arja rushed forward as a flash filled the area, Tex cursing as he just wound up with a small crossbow with a single bolt.

Coyote smacked Arja away, then grabbed Simoni and forced her around, exposing his fangs, “ ‘scuse me guys. Fighting's thirsty work…” he grinned, then plunged his fangs into the girl’s vein!

Simoni’s eyes bulged, her mouth moving in a wordless gasp, as Arja roared in fury before meeting Coyote’s boot on her chin, sending her sprawling!

Coyote laughed, then suddenly he paused, “Mmph?” he blinked, pulling off the girl’s throat, then reaching into his mouth and pulling out a coarse black hair. “… this is…” he looked down at Simoni… except… it wasn’t her’s. It was short, and curled slightly, and was far too coarse for normal hair, it was more like… beard hair.

Nelen Fullmoon was in his arms, two puncture wounds on his neck. “… gotcha Dracula.” he grinned weakly.

Dawn grinned, her hands firmly over Simoni’s mouth from behind as her illusion wore off. “Surprise! You got the wrong sibling!” she cackled, teleporting to Nelen and then getting him away as the Smith family ran outside, Tara no longer able to keep them back.

“What the hell just happened?!” demanded Elizabeth.

“The fuck did ya’ll just do?! The yard’s wrecked ‘n the cattle are ready ta SHIT!” shouted Joshua.

Nelen's eyebrows went up as he saw them, “Oh, huh. There are… mundanes here… Stephy did not MENTION that… huh… well then…” he stepped forward, a bit unsteadily as he had lost a lot of ‘blood’ there. Behind him Coyote gasped and clawed at his chest. “Everyone, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for tonight’s events…” he began.

And that was when Merihim erupted from inside Coyote. Blood and ash and bones flying everywhere as the demon’s fury tore the vampire apart from the inside out.

Nelen shrugged, palms held upwards, as he gave a rather forced grin, “I assure you all there’s a VERY good explanation for these events…” he chuckled anxiously as he looked around, noticing a couple smartphones already out.

That was when Coyote’s skull landed, upside down, on his left hand. Out of sheer blind reflex, he caught it.

His grin frozen on his face, his eyes swiveled to look at the empty, slightly smoking eye sockets on the vampire’s skull, then back at the collected Smiths.

“… I got nothing.” he sighed, his grin blowing out like a bad lightbulb as he dropped the skull, “How much do I gotta bribe you all to keep this the fuck off Twitter?” he asked, pulling a checkbook out of his bag.

Arja walked over, still in her monkey form. “Dad told you about the fund for that?” she asked.

Nelen sighed, “Your dad told me about the fund for it five damn minutes after he hired me.”

Arja rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest, looking away, “Set one tray of canapes on fire and you never hear the end of it…”

Simoni looked at her, “Was that when you and your dad got invited to Prince Harry’s wedding?” she asked.

Arja grumbled, “ONE tray… just one… he was totally asking for it…”

About a half mile away from the ranch.

In truth, there were seven vampires, Coyote had been a very superstitious vampire and believed strongly in ‘lucky numbers.’

The vampire lowered his binoculars, then dialed a number on a smartphone. “Hey, Maroon? We got a situation. They’re all toast. Some guys barreled in here in a fuckin’ SUV and ran over Kevin, then one of ‘em got bit by Coyote but it made him fucking explode.” he said.

“… a vampire exploded when they bit him? Oh dear… you’d best come back. I’ll inform Henry that he has to pursue other avenues.” came the same voice that had been discussing a buyout with Joshua Smith earlier that day.

“Gotcha Maroon. Good luck man. Looks like the Smiths got some powerful buddies all of a sudden.” he replied, then he hung up, got in the car, and drove back to Houston.

#supernatural adventures #modern fantasy #fiction #vampires #faeries #lgbtq

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sabraeal · 4 years ago

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Through the Wringer

Go For Broke | Previous

Obiyuki AU Bingo Mystery AU

“So let me get this straight.” Suzu heaves a sigh like a pair of cement shoes, nose pinched between a pair of fingers so long and spindly that if he moved them together with the other eight, spiders would start jawing on about his fine set of gams. “You just...gave her the paper.”

“Gave is a strong word.” Obi kicks his heels up, dirt crumbling right onto the placard that reads SUZU EASON, ADJUNCT. “I showed her the stuff, and she took ‘em.”

Right out of his hands too, so quick he’d hardly had time to blink. That Nowakoski girl had some fight to her, that’s for sure.

“And by ‘she,’ you mean our murderess,” Suzu snips, waving his hands. “Get your boots off my desk! This is-- this is an academic institution, not some-- some speakeasy or something.”

He slants his smirk the way he knows will drive his favorite almost-professor crazy. “They don’t let you do it at bars either.”

“Then I cannot fathom why you think you can do this here, to my very own desk!” Suzu frowns down at the worn desktop, running his fingers over the grooves of the hundred despairing adjuncts that came before. “I just got the thing, Obi, I want to keep it nice for at least a little while.”

He gives it to him, dropping his soles back down to the dirt. The egghead looks like he could use the break.

“And stop smiling!” Suzu huffs, brushing the clay and gravel off after him. “You just let a murderess take our only proof that Kain Wisteria may have died of something other than an unlucky break in Amiens.”

Obi waggles a finger at him “You’ve been hanging around that fussy grouch box and his rocks, haven’t you?”

Suzu puffs up, using all six foot, four inches of him to be just as intimidating as Raggedy Andy. “Professor Lata is a tenured professor.”

Obi doesn’t have the heart to tell him that’s not as impressive to all the non-eggheads outside.

“And he’s the geology chair,” he continues, as if that’s helping matters. “So his opinion--”

“Ah.” Obi fishes a wrapper out of the trash, the spicy scent of hot pastrami still thick on the air. “He bought you lunch.”

Suzu deflates, eyes skittering away from Obi’s grin. “I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

“Seems to me like you’re taking pages out of his book,” he says as Suzu snatches the paper out of his hands, crumpling it back down into the trash. “Being a real grouch, I mean.”

“I’m not-- I’m not being grouchy!” he hisses, mouth pulled thin. “Do you know how much trouble I could get into for all this? You told me this would just be a little favor and now--” he throws up his hands-- “I didn’t even ask Shidan for permission! We’re sitting on a-- a ticking time bomb of a theory that you just gave to a murderer.”

“Oh come on.” He shrugs beneath the weight of his trench. “She didn’t kill anyone.”

Suzu’s as pale as they come in this city, so it’s a real light show when he gets hot and bothered. Which he is right now, if Obi can tell his colors.

“And which head made that deduction?” he grits out. “I’ve practically staked my career on this-- by accident-- and now our only proof is in the hands of--”

“Hey.” A head sticks around the corner, wearing a face so cute someone could slap it on a doll and it’d sell like hotcakes. “So this is where you’re hiding out.”

“Oh!” Suzu presses a hand to his chest, clutching at the cotton of his button-down. “It’s just you, Yuzuri. Can you tell Obi that he can’t just--”

“I’m not here to get involved in your lover’s quarrel.” Her hands hook on her hips, right where her sweater meets the swell of a decent pair of hips. “Shake a leg, mister. You’re needed down in reception.”

Suzu blinks. “Wha?”

Yuzuri’s mouth purses, sour, accentuated by the vibrant blush of her lipstick. Most earthly creatures could only aspire to be in Haki Arluleon’s league, but the department’s secretary certainly comes closer than most. “Kihal Guerreiro is down there reenacting Sunrise Over Okinawa.”

Obi tilts his chair back, mind grinding through his memories like a freight train through a signal gate. “Isn’t that the one where the girl burns down--”

“Sure is.” She fixes Suzu with a glare. “And it’s your fault.”

Ah, the girl’s got spunk. No wonder Suzu’s so stuck on her.

The aforementioned adjunct gapes. “M-me? I’ve never met her in my life! I don’t know anyone famous!”

Yuzuri cocks her hip in a way that clearly says, yeah, pull the other one, too.

“Okay, well,” he hedges, “I did see Rita Hayworth having an ice cream once. But that’s it, I promise!”

“I don’t care if you saw Hedy Lemarr dancing naked on Rodeo,” she snaps. “That woman is down there kicking up a real fuss because of you.”

Suzu goes whiter than a sheet that’s shook hands with Clorox. “You haven’t-- you haven’t told Shidan, have you?”

She barks out a laugh. “I didn’t have to. She’s down there reading him the riot act as we speak.”

“Oh.” Obi’s seen poltergeists with more solidity than this post-doc. “Oh no.”

“So you better get down there lickity-split,” Yuzuri tells him, “or else I’ll tell her where you live.”

She turns on her heel, real neat, like some of the flyboys did in their birds, showing off that long seam up that back of her nylons before she slams the door behind her, hard enough to rattle a diploma off the wall.

“Oh hell,” Suzu breathes, hands digging runnels through his hair. “Oh hell, I’m in for it now.”

“You know,” Obi muses, gaze lingering on the door. “I like that dame.”

Suzu sighs. “You would.”

Reception’s never been a quiet place; the secretaries are always typing away like gunfire, writing up the department’s next magnum opus or fielding calls that have them cradling their receiver like another appendage, but today it’s certainly, well--

Louder.

“Listen here, Mister.” The words ring off the walls like an air raid siren, spoken from the diaphragm with true talent. “My friend has been calling your office for days, and she hasn’t heard from a single person who can give her an answer for this.”

Obi rounds the corner just in time to see Tinsel Town’s rising star shove a paper right into the professor’s chest, blue eyes blazing with a fire that would put Dresden to shame.

She’s dynamite up close; an Amazon straight off the isle with the stilettos she’s wearing, staring Shidan straight in the eye without having to crane her neck. Every inch of her is as dangerous as the femme fatales that have made her a household name, but still--

He’s hardly paying attention to her. Hard to, when her shadow’s got hair so red it practically blazes.

“My apologies, Miss Guerreiro,” Shidan soothes blandly, gaze hooded with the kind of weariness only a chair could muster. “I would normally be happy to answer any questions one of the public may ask, however--” his mouth pulls thin-- “I wasn’t even aware that one of my fellows had undertaken such an investigation.”

Suzu stiffens beside him, knuckles white where they grip the corner. “Well,” he breathes, backing away. “That’s my cue--”

“Why look.” Shidan’s gaze snaps over his shoulder, fixing Suzu as thoroughly as formaldehyde. “Here’s my fellow now. Suzu--” his teeth flash as quick as gun cotton-- “why don’t you come over here and explain yourself to this nice young woman.”

Suzu gulps, throat making a hollow thunk. “Ah...of course, Professor Weise.”

Obi’s not the kind of guy that leaves a man behind, but as Suzu shuffles his sad-sack self into the fray, he finds himself diverting from the flight plan, circling right around to where a high-necked blouse and Mary Jane bobs worriedly in Guerreiro’s wake.

“Well, well, well.” She jumps, turning those big eyes toward him, green as any of the arsenic bottles in the lab’s cabinet. “If its isn’t our winsome Wisteria heiress. Funny seeing you here.”

Her mouth pulls thin. “Oh. It’s you.”

“It’s me,” he agrees, slipping up beside her. She smells nice, something floral and vanilla that clings to her hair and makes him think of cookies at grandma’s. “I gotta say, Miss, for a humble war nurse, you sure got friends in some very high places.”

She huffs, arms crossing over her chest. “For your information, we met long before she got into show business.”

“That so?” he hums, hiking up a brow. “Now that you mention it, she was in one of Kain Wisteria’s flicks, wasn’t she? That one about the South Pacific.”

“She was in three,” the little miss corrects primly. “But the one you’re looking for is Sunrise Over Okinawa.”

He snaps his fingers. “Right, it came out just as I...”

She turns, all question.

“Ah, never mind,” he coughs. “Seems like Wisteria sure liked her work, if he kept using her like that.”

“Mm.” Her face crumples with the shadow of concern. “He did. He told her that with a little more work, she could be his muse.”

“Hah.” Obi lifts his hat, scratching at the back of his head. “That man liked his muses.”

Her knuckles blanch where they grasp her elbows. “He sure did at that.”

“You know, I’m surprised he didn’t try to put you in one of his flicks.” He grins down at her. “You might not be no Veronica Lake, but you got that Judy Garland look.”

Something happens to her face, so quick he can’t catch more than a ripple of it before it’s gone. She turns to him, shoving a paper into his hand.

“Here’s your report back,” she says, the words trembling. “You might want to be more careful where you leave these things.”

She glances at him, and he hears loud and clear: or who you leave them with.

“Right.” He glances down, catching the coroner’s letter head, stark and official under the university’s warm light. “Hey, ah, if you’re having trouble, I could get you in to see my friend.”

The girl whips back to him, wide-eyed, staring like maybe he’s missing a couple of sandwiches from his picnic basket. “I...appreciate the offer, detective.”

“Obi,” he offers, giddily.

“Obi.” Her mouth parts just slightly, uncertain. “But isn’t he right there? I could just ask him myself.”

“Well, sure,” he wheedles, “but that’s no guarantee he’ll talk to you. You know these egghead types. Insular.” He leans in, flashing a smile that could charm the hose off a Hepburn. “But me, I can put a good word in for you.”

She hums, hose still snug. “That so.”

“Sure thing.” He nods toward the charlie foxtrot happening hardly two yards from where they’re standing. “I could go up there right now and ask for you. I’m sure he’d be happy to do me the favor.”

“Of course he would,” she huffs. “He’s having a strip torn off him from both sides. Thank you very much, Mister...Obi, but I think I can wait.”

“Not at all.” He grins so wide the Cheshire Cat would go green with envy, and he’s rewarded with a look so wary that Wisteria’s pet cop would slap him in irons just to head him off. “Good thing for you, Miss, I don’t have any shame.”

She blink. “What? No, you can’t--”

He steps right up to the Western Front, marked by Guerreiro’s sharp elbow and says, “Hey, Suzu, this is the girl I was telling you about. Miss Nowakowski. She’s got some questions about that report you gave me.”

Suzu goggles at him. “Ah, sure, pal.” His mouth pulls into a rictus grin. “I’d--I’d love to meet her. Why don’t we all just go up to my office--”

“No need.” The red head shoulders through, nearly knocking him off his feet. She might be a tiny thing, but she stands shoulder to shoulder with the rest of them like she’d the tallest personality in the room. “I only came here to say that I’m giving permission to exhume the body.”

Shidan chokes. “I-- I’m sorry? I don’t think I heard that--?”

“I’ve already put in the request at the precinct,” she explains, shoulders square she she stares them all down. “But I want to come down here as request personally that you do the toxicology report, Mr Eason.”

“Oh, I-- I don’t-- I’m not--” Suzu pants, hand hooks in his sweater vest-- “I don’t have the authority for that, Miss.”

“But I do.” Shidan stares down at the lot of them, his mouth in a thin line. “I think we should be discussing this in my office. Come this way, Miss Nowakowski, Miss Guerreiro. It seems I’ve missed a few crucial conversations.”

#obiyukibingo2020 #obiyuki #akagami no shirayukihime #snow white with the red hair #mystery au #Go For Broke #noir au #my fic #ans #every time i start writing this fic #i'm so convinced it'll be easy #and then i spend like 99% of my time during the second draft googling the DUMBEST STUFF #obi's shoe choice is in one line but guess how long i spent deciding that #TOO LONG

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rottenappleheart · 4 years ago

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Well, here’s what went well, because it’s worth remembering and making a note of it for the future: O, the now ex-partner of one of The Boys, did come up to stay with me and we had a very, very good series of adventures together. I haven’t spent that much concentrated time around her before (we lived together for a few months, and she was a great housemate, but that’s different than 24 hours in constant contact and communication) and I think it was very good for the both of us. I still like her at the end of it, which is even better! Usually after being around someone for that long, I am desperate to NOT SEE THEM for a while.

Saturday:

treated ourselves to bubble tea (for her) and Thai iced tea (for me, who hasn’t been “out to eat” since quarantine began in March

raided a thrift store and found a new carpet for her room (since she is now turning the “guest room” into her own space, yay), then played “Dress Up O,” a game everyone enjoys, because she is a tiny hot clotheshorse of a person

made very fancy and delicious pan-roasted salmon in coconut curry broth

then went out again (!!!) to a bar (!!!) aka the underground vintage speakeasy, where we had the supreme luck to be seated in a hidden corner through which we could see the rest of the patrons through double-sided mirrors (!!!), well away from anyone else’s breathing space (!!!), and in a “booth” that was really two mini leather loveseats, so we curled up in a single one (!!!) and people-watched and drank fancy delicious things and finally, finally, started talking about what had happened (for the next four hours, and both of us crying, and the servers being like “are they on a date?? they are very cuddled up?? but they seem upset?? BRING THEM ANOTHER”)

Sunday:

made scrambled eggs and toast

I’d planned to go up into the mountains, but uhhhh they are very much on fire right now, so instead we drove to the NEXT STATE, a drive I haven’t taken in a long time but used to love very much - the landscape gets Weird and Intense in a barren way, there used to be antelope, the sky is Very Big

we are driving and she is Equally Into the Weird Intense Barrenness of everything, plus we are driving out from under the smoke cloud of death, which is just a relief

and we did indeed see ANTELOPE, both of us screaming for joy, I haven’t seen them in so long

we pulled over on a very very empty dirt road to pet horses

found a bizarre gigantic monument towering over the vanished achievements of a town no longer in existence, a real Ozymandias kind of moment

found a vast, equally bizarre rock forest that looked like melted ice cream and toadstools and beelined for it (along with all the labor day hikers and climbers), we didn’t have any kind of gear, she was in flip flops, but somehow we... rock scrambled 3/4 of the way to the top of the mountain over giant tumbled slabs and sudden caves, it was INCREDIBLE

buzzed through a very grim little town (where Matthew Shepherd was murdered), found more boba tea by accident, bought DELICIOUS THAI STICKY RICE CUSTARD to go with it, and ate those with Big Macs (a food I haven’t had in ten years) as though it was the Treat of Treats in the bed of her truck

drove home through ash fall and an ever-darkening sky, which felt Heavily Symbolic

Here’s what went less well, but I need to hold onto the gleeful adventure memories of the previous days and how everything Sunday felt like a serendipitous gift:

I genuinely don’t know how to approach the friends who mean the world to me out here again, knowing what I know now

she wants to forgive and find ways to maintain the friend group, even if things need to change

I don’t know... how to have those conversations, I don’t know how to even tell someone how I feel about them and their behavior now, all my instincts and training are just to Nope Off Into The Sunset (and thereby lose... all my friends, again, for the fourth time in my life, and have to start over, again, for the fourth time in my life.)

#appleheart realtalk time

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mydearsaddiary · 4 years ago

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Speakeasy Tonight Fanfic- Neil Season 3- Chapter 7

This is a fanfic on how I imagine Speakeasy Tonight’s Neil season 3 would look like. This is chapter 7, here’s a link to all past chapters: https://mydearsaddiary.tumblr.com/NeilSeason3Fanfic

Author notes: Hello again! Sorry this chapter took longer, quarantine is over for me and I have been going to work! However, I already have the next chapters planned out. This whole season is coming to an end. I’m only planning it to go until chapter 10 and there might be a chapter 11 epilogue. However, the actual story is getting to its climax and finish line! As always, please feel free to reach out to me! This chapter and the next few chapters will be all about Mayor Adler and saving the Ice box!

-Thanks for reading it this far!

Candy (7/15/20)

❃ ▼˘ﻌ˘▼ Chapter 7- Flapper and the Dog

I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my chest. It wasn’t a restful sleep. When I opened my eyes I realized I shouldn’t have even been sleeping in the first place. The thought made me jolt up quicker than my body could handle. I felt a wave of dizziness but ignored it. I opened the door dramatically to the kitchen I’d come to know too well. Just then I noticed I was in Neil’s apartment. My memory was foggy, it took me a while to remember everything... Vera is disgraced and missing, Mayor Adler pretended to be shot by her, and he’s got a tight grip on Chicago. I suddenly felt the urge to sleep again.

I was tired, sore and unwilling to move around, but more than anything I was incredibly hungry. I walked to the fridge and opened it to find ice cream, then I found a spoon and started digging into the pot like I had never had anything more delicious in my life. The cold of the dessert calmed down the uncomfortable warmth I was feeling. I looked around and found peanut butter on one of the shelves. Without thinking I opened it and threw half of it inside the ice cream, making a disgusting and excessively sweet mixture. I sat down and ate it still. It was the best thing I had tasted in a while

-I think I might have to call the police and say a malevolent hungry goblin is eating all my food and growling while doing so- The sarcastic voice came from the living room. Neil stood at the door looking at me with what I couldn’t decide if it was judgement or concern.

However what I cared about was that he compared me to an ugly evil green creature- Listen. I am hungry, Mayor Adler sent Vera away so now we’re back to square one and I have to go to the box!- I said eating one more spoonful of my peanut butter vanilla ice cream

-Are you sure you’re up to it?

-I’m not being taken off the board, Neil! I’m the boss of the Ice Box! I have to figure this out, alright?

-I’m talking to a little dog who can’t stop eating and barking at the same time- He teased me again- Why don’t you just take the night off?

-No, no!-I stopped eating, this time breathing in and out to calm myself down, even ignoring the comment he made- I’m sorry. I’m fine, I promise. I was just having a moment

It took a while to convince him, but eventually we were on our way to the box to work out the next steps. A wave of guilt suddenly took control of me. I was lying to Neil. I should tell him... Let him know I’m pregnant, but the future of the Ice Box depended on me not doing so. He might never forgive me for not telling him straight away, but I needed to be involved in all this and he would never let me if he knew. This was all my responsibility so I had to tell him after. However, it didn’t make my conscience weight any less. Was I being reckless? Was I refusing to accept the fact that my delicate condition would force me to step down from the confident, modern and strong woman I tried to be? Was I supposed to accept my womanly duties?

Mother would be thrilled. Married and a pregnant with a rich man’s baby like she always wanted to. Why was it so hard for me to swallow all this? I needed the Ice Box. That’s who Neil loved, the woman that ran this gin joint better than any man. I couldn’t step down, I couldn’t just become a housewife. I was going to solve the ‘Mayor Adler’ riddle, whether I was pregnant or not... Even if my duties meant Neil had to be in the dark a little longer.

-Hey...-I started- I talked to the Wedding planner, she said there’s an opening in February instead of May, right around Valentine’s Day. She asked if I wanted it and I thought it’d be romantic, I meant to ask you what you thought about it?- My hands nervously played with my dress- I mean, if you’re okay with moving up the wedding?

He was quiet for a few seconds, inquisitively. To my surprise, however, he didn’t ask much more about the reason why- I don’t mind one bit- His lips formed a thin line and his deep concentration puzzled me- Can we handle all the preparations by then?

-Y-Yes. She said the invitations were done and as soon as I gave her the okay about the day she’d send them out. Then it’s only the reception and well... The honeymoon, but that’s up to us- I smiled softly. Even with a lot on my shoulders I was excited. I wanted the weather to be nice and May still sounded like the perfect time. But I had to move up the wedding because of the pregnancy. Both of us would be in a lot of trouble if I got married with a huge bump. It’d be quiet the scandal in town and I’m sure Neil would like to avoid that as much as I did.

It dawned on me how I wanted everything to be over and okay

—

The silence in the Ice Box reigned for a while when the whole gang was sitting down together. Even Elliot was there this time. Everyone knew the recent events, but nobody knew how to proceed.

-I found some dirt on the Mayor- Donovan started

I looked at him surprised and a bit of hope surged in my eyes- Well, don’t just leave it at that!

-Don’t get too excited, lassie. I just found out some dealings he has with some people- He started- He pays good money to policemen and gangsters, both of them. That’s how he gets information on everyone in Chicago.

-By getting other people to do his dirty job- I continued- That means he’s got the law on his side and gangsters in his pay. He does like to be in control, but it makes things harder. If he’s giving money directly to a gangster, there’s no actual proof or documents with transactions on them indicating a direct connection with gangsters like with Mayor Peters. Besides, everyone’s loving him now

-I say we kill him- Vince started

-We can’t bump off the Mayor, Vince. If he’s got gangster and policemen, on top of the fact that he’s an official, they’d be looking for the culprit left and right and he’d die a hero to everyone. They could trace us. Our only option is to disgrace him like we did with Peters, it’s just this time it’ll be ten times harder.

-Makes poisoning booze seem like child’s play right now- Neil said sarcastically

-It was- Vince said- Five children to be exact

-What are you thinking, boss?-Cliff asked

I’d tell him not to call me that, but I lost that battle months ago- Donovan, you keep digging, as far as you can go- I told him and he nodded as if he already knew that’s what he had to do- But... We have to figure out a way to enter his house and take every single document or proof he has against anyone in Chicago. If we take his power over anyone then people might not be so willing to help him.

-Only that won’t do- Sofia said- His word alone still means something

-But it’s a first step. He won’t have any proof, it will be harder to say something without proof. He’ll need to be more cautious- I said then thought about my options for a second.

Suddenly my head filled with nothing but a strong smell that made me sick. I turned my head to look at Donovan pouring his Whiskey into his cup. Since when did Whiskey smell that gross? For some reason my whole stomach started to gurgle and I fell the whole Ice cream and peanut butter from before wanting to come back up. Gee, if I threw up right then and there everyone would freak out- I need to go to the bathroom real quick

My escapade was quick but not desperate. I went to the restroom upstairs, so they wouldn’t hear me getting sick. Nevertheless, I didn’t allow myself the time to worry about morning sickness. The whole ordeal and having to wash my mouth afterwards gave me time to think. Maybe if Mayor Adler was willing to do business with gangsters he’d be willing to do business with the Ice Box... It’d be a way into his house and a way to deceive him. I could get closer and see better.

I returned downstairs to find the gang making small conversation. When I showed up they looked at me again. Neil approached me, saying a looked a little pale, but I swore I was fine

-Alright... Here’s the deal. Vince and I are going to strike a deal with the Mayor.

-What?-Neil asked, and I could see everyone was thinking the same thing

-Deceitfully, of course. Mayor Adler pays off gangsters to do his dirty job. He knows about the Ice Box and how I’m involved in it. I could walk in like I want a favor, letting him know that I know he’s got control over the Ice Box. Saying “We’ll do your work for you, please leave us alone”. It’s a way inside his house and closer to his office. It’d give me the chance to figure out how to get in and out of there without being noticed.

-I’m in- Vince said- I’d like to fool that sonuva...

-He won’t fall easily for that- Cliff said

-Maybe not with Moretti- Neil said- But MC has infiltrated herself in groups and gained the confidence of the temperance crusaders and Vera Peters. It’s not something she hasn’t done before. Besides, she’ll have Moretti to say nothing and defend her if needed- I didn’t like to think I needed to be defended, but if it helped Neil get on board with the idea I didn’t mind- She can handle it

I smiled at him for going along with it. He knew it was dangerous, before he would’ve said “it was out of the question”. But with Vince there and the fact he knew I was stubborn and maybe a little bit of how I had proven myself before... He believed in me.

-The Doc’s right- Sofia said- We’ve seen her in action

I got excited, so I started talking again-That’s right. Everyone can be fooled. We just have to be smarter than Mayor Adler. Besides, he would certainly love to think he has the Mad Dog right under his command, doing whatever his little heart desires

Vince chuckled, a little flustered to be considered a valuable piece- Let’s get this show on the road

___

And so it was the next day I sent a letter to Mayor Adler, pointing out my interest in making a deal to work for him if it meant he left the Ice Box alone. If I gave him the idea that he was the one in control he’d believe it. I had just sent the letter when Neil came downstairs in the morning.

-You’re up early- His voice showed that he had just woken up, along with his puffy eyes.

-You’re just sleeping later and later. Might have slept for about ten hours today. I thought you were hibernating and were scared you were going to turn into a cat and sleep for most of your life.

-You’re not the one who keeps waking up at night because of your snore.

-I still think it’s all hokum. I don’t snore. You’re just making that up ‘cause you can’t seem to find any flaws.

He snorted and opened his mouth to fight back But then, something changed in his eyes. Instead he walked over and pulled me close, his arms gently revolved my waist as he used his forehead to touch mine

-Oh, they’re there alright

I rolled my eyes- And here I was thinking you might be romantic for once

-I love you- He replied with those three little words I loved hearing from him. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that this man was in love with me

-I love you, Neil- I kissed his lips gently and for a while we were lost in that moment, not caring about anything else.

Soon enough he opened his eyes to see paper, pen and envelopes on the coffee table- So you wrote the mayor that letter?

-I did. The sooner the better, right? Can’t have any of this bothering our matrimonial bliss.

-That man is as dangerous as they get. You be CAREFUL.

-I’ll be fine, Vince will be there at all times. I’m as tough as they come!-I smiled at him, trying to pass on my confidence.

-Like I said, I can’t risk that. But trying to talk you out of it will give me a headache and I won’t get anywhere. So you do what you have to do.

-You’re only okay with it because Vince is going

-Are you trying to change my mind?

-No, sir!- I said closing my mouth and saying nothing more

It took a few days to get a reply from the Mayor, but soon enough he said he’d be glad to meet us the day after at the address we had given him, which was by the docks. Sure enough the day after Vince picked me up in his red convertible and we were off

-Do you hear wedding bells yet?-He jokingly asked driving down one of the main avenues in Chicago

-I’ve been talking to the Wedding planner and the invitations were sent out, we’ve got a few things to figure out still, but honestly this Mayor Adler business is been taking so much of my time I’m a little behind

-Why did you move up the wedding then? Wasn’t May the perfect time to work everything out?

I sighed, if Neil didn’t know the truth I didn’t think it’d be nice of me to tell everyone else before him. He had to be the first to know, well… After Cleo. I breathed slowly thinking about what to say. The best lies always have some truth in them, but I couldn’t include any aspect of pregnancy in whatever excuse I was going to find

-I guess it was an impulse. I want everything to be over so bad. I feel like the wedding will bring happiness. Or I’m just giving myself a deadline of when all of this has to be over by before I lose my mind- Surprisingly enough, I found some truth in it

-Hey, doll- He caught my attention- We got this, this mayor business will be done in no time. So all that pretty head has to worry about is tying the knot, unfortunately

-Unfortunately?- I chuckled

-Thought I still had my chances with ya- He said, joking

-You can say that in front of Neil

-That guy is the only guy that scares me enough I’d be afraid to die. Always knocking me down with that smart mouth

-Just don’t give him any excuses to

-I don’t need to!- He replied, despite everything I knew he was right. I wasn’t about to tell him that Neil actually trusted him and thought he was a decent guy.

He parked by the docks and our bright conversation turned into a tense silence when we saw the mayor alongside his security puppets. He sat in the back seat of a black car, probably trying to eliminate any chances to be seen. The smell of water from the river filled my senses, suddenly I wished I was far away on the beach. I shook the thought of my head quickly, the Ice Box was my home and this is what had to be done to protect it. Time to stop sulking.

We walked out towards the vehicle, his men holding their guns in case anything threatened his safety. I could see his satisfied face, a grin that showed he believed he had already won, an air of superiority that saw me and Vince as the new pawns in his Chicago dominance game.

-Aaah… Miss Granger, you look lovelier than ever- I cringed at his fake manners, but didn’t miss his appreciative look to my assets.

By the looks of it, Vince didn’t miss it either. He cleaned his throat dramatically to take his attention away from me- We’re here to make a deal with you.

This time, Adler turned his attention to my Italian right-hand man. His eyes gleamed at him as well, but it was different. It was appreciation, respect, admiration and most of all a desire to have him as a trophy, as a bodyguard. It occurred to me he valued Vince way more than me.

-So I finally meet the Mad Dog- His smile spoke for him- You tell me what kind of deal we’re talking about here.

-We would like to- I started talking but he interrupted, giving me a look

-I’d like the men to have this conversation- His response lit up a fire in my body. I wanted to yell at him, blow our cover and show him you never underestimate a woman. But I shut my mouth, the more he thought he was winning, the more his ego would inflate and we’d get the upper hand.

-It’s simple, Mayor. We both do all your dirty work and you leave our business alone- Vince said

-How is it you know I need dirty work done?

-Chicago’s underworld don’t have many secrets, Mayor. So we can skip not knowing each other’s dealings. I know you’re aware of Charlie’s business and I know you ain’t big on Temperance meetings, but you can’t get your hands dirty. Lucky for you, I’m an expert on dirtying my hands and MC’s got the brains I need. So it’s pretty simple.

He seemed to think about it for a second, but Vince was a good talker, he knew how to convince people- You’ve got yourself a deal. Charlie’s business won’t be touched as long as you do what I say.

I breathed heavily a little overwhelmed. I didn’t know whether to be happy our plan worked, or desperate we willingly put ourselves under the Mayor’s control.

Adler scheduled a briefing late next night in his mansion, but first me and Vince were where we usually spent our time at night: The Ice Box

-Excuse-me!- I said walking around patrons. The place was so packed I wondered if there was something to celebrate.

-MC!-I heard someone calling me behind me, I recognized it as Donovan when he called a second time. It took me a while to finish handing out drinks and get away from the massive crowd, enough so I could hear him- Sufferin’ Jesus, will you listen to me, lassie?

-Yes! I’m done!-I pulled him to the back room locking the door behind us- What is it?

-Are you goin’ to meet de mayor tonight?

-Yes, me and Vince are going to do whatever job he’s got laid out for us. We’ll meet him in his house, so it’s a step closer to getting our hands in those documents

-I need to tell you something-He said, my look of curiosity gave him the okay he needed to continue- These jobs, you and that boyo might be way over yer heads.

-You mean, he might have us do stuff that we won’t be able to do? Like kill off some innocent person or commit actual disgusting crimes? I’ve thought about that. We don’t need to really do what he asks, we just need to make him believe we are.

-As long as you’re aware of it-He agreed- There’s something else. Vince is involved and he doesn’t know left from right. He’ll do something stupid

-Where are you getting at?

-You can’t let him kill de Mayor.

-That wasn’t in the plan, anyway. But I know how Vince is, I’ll stop him. But why do you say so?

-Vince can get his dumb hot head of his to far and you might think if he does it it’ll be just one more annoyance to deal wit’, but de Mayor has something to protect ‘im. If he dies, he has a whole system in place ta reveal every information he has on all of Chicago.

-So he dies and stills wins, huh? No one wants that. You know who has access to his documents as well?

-Not now, but I’m workin’ on it.

-Alright, figure it out.

-On it, lassie. You plan on this getting more violent than your past problems?

-I’ve been here for almost a year. Louis, Dr. Bailey, Vera… We haven’t had to kill any of them. I know the Mayor is in a different level, but I’d like to keep it that way. But who says if we get him in jail where he should be, if he won’t have whoever it is leak all of our secrets anyway? Just to see everyone go down with him?

He seemed to get to the same conclusion. He knew he had to find whoever he trusted to give all those documents away-I’ll figure it out

-Thanks, Donovan

After our talk I spotted Neil in his usual spot drinking his bourbon. It calmed me to see that one thing was still the same. It brought a sense of normalcy to all of it. I walked towards him with a soft smile

-Hey handsome- I said kissing his cheek

He smiled back to me- Ready for your stunt tonight?

-You know me and my diabolical plans, I’m ready to fool the Mayor and get him out of our hair for good- I wrapped my arms around him- And then we can enjoy the beautiful beach in California…

-California?-He looked at me incredulously

-I’ve been thinking about our honeymoon! I’ve never been to the beach before!

-Never?

-No! I’ve always lived in Ohio my entire life and then I moved here. I didn’t really go anywhere.

-How about Yellowstone?- He said

-Wyoming? You’d want to go to a place where there’s barely any people!

-California’s got too many people

I suddenly smiled with the bright idea that popped into my head- I know how we can settle this.

He snorted, the same confidence he showed before we played that game of chess that resulted in our first kiss popped into his face-I see where you’re going, and you’re going to lose

-Well, don’t forget I’m unexpected- I held his hand tightly- Wait for me at Charlie’s tonight, we can play to decide it later, alright?

He agreed. I could see anxiety in his eyes, I’d hate to wait without doing anything, but it was me and Vince in the game now. He didn’t know, but I appreciated his trust in me. That’s when guilt rose in me one more time about hiding something as important as my condition to him. As much as I wanted to believe it was excusable to hide it, I knew deep down it was the wrong thing to do- Hey… Can we talk outside? I’ve got something I wanna talk to you about.

He got up after taking his last sip of bourbon and walked to the alley, far enough so Andrew wouldn’t hear us, but close enough so we were still protected by the darkness of the shadow the building provided, far from wondering eyes who might suspect us.

-What is it?-He asked

-You know how I wasn’t feeling well these past few weeks? All the stress and all this stuff?

He kept quiet for a few seconds- Yeah… I know. Is it still bothering you? I could take a look at the infirmary, find you something that’ll help

-No, no! It’s not that- I breathed heavily for a few seconds- Neil, I’m pr-

-MC!-Vince opened the door- We’ve gotta go, doll. Just received a call from the Mayor, he wants us now

-I’m coming- I said as he rushed past me

-We’re in a hurry!- He turned on his car

-Hey… We’ll talk when you get home, alright?- Neil’s calm voice surprised me- Now, go get it done

I agreed, kissing him before going

To be back at that mansion brought me some uncomfortable memories. It seemed darker somehow, now that it didn’t have the proper elegancy of Vera around it. Vince parked his car and his butler let us right in, where the Mayor waited with two goons by his side

-I’m eager to put the Mad Dog in action

-Then let’s not wait- I showed a fake frustration that showed I didn’t like being under his power. After all this is supposed to be a “we didn’t have any other choice because you got us” deal- Just say what the job is and we’ll get it done.

He gave me a side smile- You don’t get to give me orders, Miss Granger.

-What she meant is- Vince said- Let’s not keep you waiting.

-A man after my own heart- Adler said and I could’ve rolled my eyes at how much he enjoyed Vince- Before my ex-wife tried to kill me, she had been dealing with gangsters to conspire against me. O’Fallon’s gang. He was working with her. I want him gone.

Vince looked at him-Gone like…-

-Dead. Just disappear with him, don’t leave anything behind.

I breathed tensely for a few seconds- Let’s go!- I turned around making my way for the car. Vince soon followed me

-Not that I would have a problem shooting that bastard, but-

-You don’t wanna do it under the circumstances- I finished his sentence- Let’s not kill anybody if we don’t have to. I bet Gerald’s at the Broiler. We can tell him to disappear for a while, leave someone he trusts in charge.

We made our quick way to the speakeasy a couple of blocks north of the Ice Box. I had never been in the Broiler, but I knew that its reputation was classier than the joint I ran. When we got there, Vince parked a little far away from the place and looked at me

-Well, I don’t like talking to him, so you go ahead, doll

-If I let you talk to him, you’d actually kill him- I got off the car walking in the direction of the Broiler.

I knocked on the door telling the bouncer to let O’Fallon know Miss Granger was here to see him, and to let him know it was important. It didn’t take long for the red-headed fella to pop out of the ritzy joint he ran.

-I heard a beauty waited for me outside, who am I to keep her waiting?- He said with that smart mouth of his, always flirting with anything that moves

-We’re close to getting rid of the mayor, O’Fallon

-So you’ve come to share joyous news-He gave me that side smile

-Not exactly- I lowered my voice- For it to work I had to make a deal with him. He sent me and Vince here to kill you.

His smile turned into a frown- Let that wop try!-He was already reaching for his gun

-Cool it. We’re here to save your life!-I pushed him by his chest, he stopped to look at me so I continued- You need to disappear. Put someone you trust in charge for now

-I can’t just disappear!

-You’ll die if you don’t-

-Let the mayor try and kill me, it’s not the first time someone tried!

-Gerald!-I looked deeply into his eyes, with the utmost conviction in my words- You will die.

There must’ve been something in me, but he seemed to believe me now. He was tense for a second, but he let his respiration return to normal- What do I do?

-Go away. Not for long. We’re almost catching him, but he needs to believe you’re dead. Don’t let anyone see you and leave town tonight. Let me know how I can reach you to come back.

-Wait- He said going inside the broiler, coming back a couple minutes later with a piece of paper- I have somewhere to go. You’ll reach me in this number.

-Good. Now, leave- I said turning around

-MC- He called and I turned around- Thank you. I seem to be in need of your help once more

I smiled softly before turning around and getting back into Vince’s car- I took care of it. He’ll be gone until we take care of the Mayor

-You know you could just save us the trouble and have him stay wherever he’s going forever, right?

-For some reason, I think your life wouldn’t be fun without him- I joked, laughing at his expression of disgust

-It’s done- I said on the phone when we were back at the Ice Box

-Good. I’ll see you tomorrow, same time.

For the next couple of weeks, we did those jobs. Most of the times we just had to go and collect money for him, which was a job we could actually do. A few times he asked Vince to beat somebody up because he’d done something the Mayor deemed wrong. O’Fallon was the only person he asked us to kill and I was thankful for that. I don’t know if anyone else would be so willing to disappear like he did.

There was this one night the job was different. Adler was meeting up with some other gangsters he had business with. He wanted us to be his goons, his protectors. We were to escort him to the meeting and back to his house, making sure he didn’t get hurt in the process. Vince was behind the wheel, I sat by his side in the passenger seat and the Mayor seemed to peacefully enjoy the view in the backseat. However, I knew it was everything but peace that rested in his turbulent power-hungry mind.

I felt troubled being in one of his luxurious cars. It brought me this sensation that life would really be like that if the Mayor won. We’d have to succumb to his desires and surrender our freedom to be the small operation the Ice Box was. I couldn’t let that happen, not when Uncle Charlie was counting on me. Being the leader of this gang, it made me feel responsible for anything that happened or could happen to any of them.

My thoughts were interrupted by the shiver I felt because of the icy weather. The holidays were approaching fast and with them, the Windy City grew colder and its days turned darker. I hugged myself and the chilly air could be visible coming out of mouth every time I breathed

-You’re alright, doll?-Vince asked, almost in a whisper

-Yeah, I’m fine. I just don’t know how you’re not freezing without a coat

-I guess I’m used to it…-He gripped the wheels harder, I felt his tenseness. I’ve never seen him nervous to run into danger, but something was off about him tonight. I’ve seen him not enjoying all these jobs he had to do for the Mayor. Something told me he just hated to be used as a pawn and that he didn’t believe in what he was doing. I couldn’t deny our actions from the past few weeks benefited Adler. I just told myself it was for the greater good.

-How about you?- I asked the same question back- Are you alright?

-Yeah, I… I’ll be fine. Say we get a drink at the Box, after?

-I think that’s a good idea. Been a while since you wound down.

-Not to interrupt your plans for the evening- The unpleasant voice of the Mayor came from the back- But we’re here.

Vince parked by a small parking lot behind a business. Three big fellas waited on the outside by their car, the meanness of Chicago’s underworld showed in in their posture. Vince and I both had our guns out as Adler left the car to talk business with the unsavory elements.

They talked about some money dealings, there was some tension, but the guys hesitated to do anything and their eyes kept going in Vince’s direction. It wasn’t for nothing that he was known as the Mad Dog. Vince’s reputation alone protected Adler. Sometimes I’d feel their looks on me too, something about the ‘lady proprietor of Charlie’s gang’. They overall seemed surprised to see us working with the Mayor.

It wasn’t long before Adler handed them quite a few bills, said something about ‘getting it done’ and turned around to walk back to us. It seemed like an easy and boring job, but as soon as we turned around, something convinced me to look back. One of the bimbos had their gun out and pointed towards out way, ready to shoot. My eyes raised in surprise as I yelled

-Vince!- I caught his attention and he was quick to notice the situation.

The gun was fired. Everything even happened too fast for me comprehend. The bullet that was coming in our direction suddenly hit Vince’s body as he jumped in front of us. When I finally caught my breath he was on the floor and the three fellas were gone

I kneeled in front of him putting my hands on top of his wound, which was right on the left side of his torso, in an attempt to stop his bleeding.

-Vince!-I looked at him, feeling angst take care of my body. I could feel he was trying to say something, but instead could only whimper. I looked at the mayor as I had no other choice- My fiancé is a doctor, we could take him to-

-Your job is to get me home, safe! Get in the car and drive!

-But!- I started

-I’m fine!- Vince said, using my help to get up- I can…-He breathed slowly, as if he was about to collapse- I can drive him home

I protested but he wouldn’t have it. He drove, a little slow and discombobulated, but he made his way to the house. I helped Vince get off his car, he had trouble walking and he looked pale, but we made it to his red convertible. When I looked, the Mayor had already shut his door behind us. I didn’t mind much since I had other things to worry about at the moment.

-I can…-He started to go for the driver’s seat, but instead collapsed into the car

-Vince!-I called for him again. I knew there was no time to panic. I pushed him to the passenger seat and drove as fast as my experience behind the wheel would allow me to the Ice Box. When we got there, my luck was that Cliff and Andrew talked outside and when I called for help, none of them hesitated to carry an unconscious Vince inside our speakeasy. The place wasn’t open yet, and it was just our good fortune Neil was at his usual spot tasting his bourbon.

-Grab my bag- The Doc said. A comfort fell upon me as we laid him on the table and Neil started to do his job. I knew that when he was on the case, things were going to be alright. That’s what helped me get through everything, and it’d help both me and Vince that night.

It wasn’t long after, the bloody bullet was nowhere to be seen and Vince was awake. Even if he wasn’t moving that much and spent all his energy in a deep conversation with Cliff, he looked less pale. I felt Neil’s hand around my waist turning me around

-You were fine?-His glacial blue eyes pondered about my safety just as much as his words

-I’m alright. Vince is the one I was worried about, he’s always the one putting himself in danger. Thanks for saving his life yet again, Doc Dresner.

He gave me that soft smile of his- I told you. If I had a penny for every time I patched Moretti up, I’d be rich

-You are rich, Mr. Boston Brahmin.

-Do you have to have a smart comment to anything I say?

-Are you registering a complaint?

-I’m taking that as a yes. I’ll say one thing to you: Brevity is the soul of the wit

-I’m always brief, so you quit with your Shakespeare!

-You, little troublemaker-He said pulling me close- Are anything but brief. You always need to say something and it’s usually too much- He teased me

-Just because you don’t say as much doesn’t mean you have more wit than I do. I’m pretty sure I win

He used the opportunity no one could see his face to give me that big smile he reserved for me- How’s a cynical man supposed to keep thinking the world is a lost cause if you’re part of it?

I smiled back, looking deeply into his eyes- He doesn’t. She’s trying to make his view of it less bleak.

-I don’t know how she’s doing it…-He caressed my face- But she is.

-Baby steps, Neil, baby steps…-I said before giving him a gentle and quick kiss, then I let myself get lost in his embrace

-Vince is doing better, so I think I’ll take him home for tonight and come back before we open- Cliff said

Before I could agree to it, the phone rang. I let go of Neil to go answer it and it was an unpleasant surprise to hear from the Mayor. I talked to him for less than a minute before I hanged up

-What did he want?- Neil said

-He wanted to thank Vince for… Saving his life. And he invited us for dinner at his house, a week from now.

-I guess you got Adler’s trust-Cliff looked at his non-blood-brother, who now looked my way with his eyes wide open

-Dinner at the Mayor’s house?-Vince’s voice still sounded like he wasn’t doing his best- Guess we’re fooling him good, MC, all it took was a bullet. Seems like it’s time for part two of your plan now.

-We’ve got a way into his highly guarded house. Time to steal some documents.

___

Author notes: Thanks for reading this chapter! Here’s what’s coming in the next few chapters!

“I was surprised to wake up that morning and receive a call from Neil’s mother. She wanted us in Boston for the weekend. An engagement dinner ball, to fix what went wrong with the last trip. She had invited my whole family, which meant Uncle Charlie would be there. I didn’t say no.”

“-It’s time I went back to Chicago- Uncle Charlie said. I didn’t want that, we weren’t done with the mayor but he wouldn’t hear it- I’ve been in the business for way longer, MC. We work together”

“The wedding invitations have gone out, the receptions is chosen and our honeymoon preparations are set. All that’s left is to walk down the aisle. But first, we need to make sure the Ice Box is safe”

See you next time!!

#lovestruck voltage #lovestruck #lovestruck game #lovestruck fanfic #lovestruck usa #speakeasy #Speakeasy Tonight #spekeasy tonight #vince #vince moretti #Neil Dresner #cliff conway #Voltage #voltage inc #voltage romance games #Voltage Guys #voltage amemix #amemix

3 notes · View notes

prettyyoungtragedy · 6 years ago

Note

headcanon for steve: him taking you out to comfort you and it turns out into a date

Cuuuteeeee! fluffy shit coming ya way!

A/N: This is so fucking cheesy and terrible hahaha, I hope it does your request justice anon! Also I’m sorry to all of you who read my garbage! ILY for it anyway! Reblog it? its free lmao

Warnings: none!

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

“Come on, it will be fun?” Steve prompted, giving you his best reassuring smile.

“Nope.” You replied, flopping down onto the couch and picking up the remote.

“You can’t sit around and mope all day, sweetheart.” He said, with a sigh.

“Firstly, I’m not moping you giant ass, and secondly I’m allowed to mope even though I am not.” You shot back, pulling a face at him.

Steve chuckled and took a seat on the couch beside you, “It’s just one test, you’ll be fine.” He said, he was trying to be nice but it really wasn’t helping. You had failed one of the safety tests Tony had you all run as a new recruit that you had trained for, long hours in the gym, all the stress and you still failed. It was bothering you more than it should have because he was right. It was just a test. But you hated failing.

“Ugh, just go away Steve. Don’t you have something else to do?” You groaned pulling one of the couch throws around you feeling very sorry for yourself.

“I do but I can hang out if you want me to.” He said. Steve was a sweetheart, since you joined the team a few years back he was nothing but helpful with anything you needed. He said he knew what it was like being new to something and not having anyone to show you the ropes so he valiantly offered his time and skills to you. The two of you instantly became friends, Steve when he wasn’t in Captain America mode was the easiest person to get along with. He was funny, and charming and not as strict as he pretended to be.

“No no, go do your thing.” You said, waving him off.

Steve sighed, but he didn’t move from the couch. Instead he fell silent beside you and watched as you flipped through the Netflix selection. As you settled on a movie, Steve suddenly grabbed the remote from you.

“Come on, we’re going out.” He said getting up and looking at you expectantly.

“God damn it Rogers, No.” You groaned and tried to grab the remote but Steve holds it out of your reach.

“One drink and I will let you come home and mope.” He bargained.

“No.”

“Two drinks?”

“Steve, no.”

“Three drinks and a tequila?”

You sighed he knew how much you loved tequila, “Steve...”

“I am not taking no for an answer.” He shrugged not giving in.

“Fine, fuck, you are so annoying!” You grumbled getting off the couch and very dramatically throwing the throw into the air before making your way to your bedroom to get changed.

A few minutes later you emerged from your bedroom wearing shorts, a sweatshirt. You threw on some sneakers and didn’t bother fixing your hair because well you weren’t in the mood to gussy up.

Steve noted your appearance but doesn’t say anything. He had changed his grey t-shirt and was now wearing a crisp pale blue shirt,

“Oh god, why are you dressed so nicely. I look like a troll doll next to you!” You groaned when you saw his appearance.

He laughed at your comment, “You look great, prettiest troll doll I have ever seen.” He said, a smile on his face.

“Dumbass.” was all you said, before you followed him out of the living room.

Steve drove, he didn’t tell you where he was taking you and you didn’t ask. Instead you turned up the stereo in the car and sand your heart out to every song that came over the selection. Forcing Steve to partake in your impromptu car karaoke.

“Oooh this is my favorite song!” You exclaimed excitedly turning the volume up once more as the next song popped up.

“You said that about the last four songs!” Steve laughed,

“I have a lot of favorite songs, Steven.”

He doesn’t say anything, he just laughs and shakes his head. Letting you go back to singing your heart out.

When you arrived at the place he wanted to have drinks at, it wasn’t anything you were expecting. Instead it was kind of fancy, and looked like a speakeasy from the forty’s. It was gorgeously decorated in fairy lights with rustic themes. getting out of the car, you felt under dressed as the valet came and collected the car keys from Steve and the hostess smiled at him when the two of you approached her.

“Welcome back Captain Rogers.” She greeted him with a wide smile, her gaze flitting to you beside him for a second.

“Ma’am.” He nodded at her.

“The usual?” She asked knowingly, as she led the two of you into the restaurant. The inside was even more gorgeous than the outside, dim lights, soft piano keys floated through the air, candle lit tables. You turned to Steve with a questioning look on your face. He doesn’t say anything, just gives you a smile and gestures you towards the table outside on he terrace.

Once the two of you were seated, you looked around at the other patrons who were all dressed like Steve, appropriately for this space. You were absentmindedly pulling at the sleeves of your sweater when Steve interrupted your thoughts.

“What do you want to drink? They have really good beer here and Sam likes the margaritas, I know that’s your favorite.” He said, looking at you.

“Oh uh...surprise me?” You replied with a shrug. You were wholly confused by why Steve would bring you to such a place. This seemed very date like.

He smiled at you, and then ordered for you.

“So, feeling better?” He asked.

“A little.” You admitted, because you were. the car ride over with him had really picked up your mood.

“Well a few drinks in you and you’ll be good as new.” he joked.

“That’s true.” You laughed.

You noticed that he kept nervously fidgeting with the collar to his shirt for some reason. You had no idea why he was nervous, but it suddenly made you nervous and all sorts of thoughts began running through your head. What if he brought you here to tell you that you cant be a member of the team because you failed? Or that they were kicking you out and suddenly your thoughts were spiraling.

There was an awkward silence between the two of you that never happened. When the waitress returned with your drinks, both of you eagerly thanked her and you practically downed yours.

“So why...”

“I need to te...”

Both of you spoke in unison.

“Sorry you go first.” Steve said with a nervous chuckle.

“So why did you bring me here?” You asked, setting your drink down.

“I thought you would like it.” he replied, nervously clearing his throat. “Do you not like this place? we can go else where?”

“No, no I love it. It’s just that you could have told me so that I wouldn’t have dressed like a ragamuffin.” You laughed. This made him laugh too and it seemed to set him at ease.

“I wanted you to be comfortable.” He shrugged.

“Yeah but you know my comfort is being a hobo and stuffing my face.”

‘I think it’s cute.” Steve mumbled, a sudden blush in his cheeks.

“What?” You laughed, finding the idea that he remotely found you cute in anyway ludicrous.

Steve shrugged and grinned at you, “Give yourself more credit, you are beautiful the way you are.”

“Oh please, who is paying you to say all this? Did Sam and Bucky put you up to this? Are they here somewhere?” You asked looking around the restaurant, trying to find those two idiots.

“No, they didn’t. Just take a compliment.” Steve chuckled.

“Well in that case, you are very pretty too Steve.” You said, winking at him. And once again that blush appeared in his cheeks. He was a mumbling, stumbling fool and it was the best thing you had ever seen.

As the evening went on, the two of you sat at that table drinking and eating. It was weird because it felt like a date, the way Steve spoke and how he accidentally kept touching your hand and when the waited asked if you wanted dessert Steve said yes and ordered ice cream and champagne for the two of you to share. You tried not to let your thoughts take over too much because you knew Steve never saw this as anything more than him doing something nice for his teammate, so you just let yourself enjoy the evening.

By the end of the night you were deliciously tipsy and giddy. Steve steadied you with an arm around you shoulders as he led you out of the restaurant, to the car. Thanking the hostess with a polite nod and a smile as he walked you passed her.

“Good luck” she mouthed to him and you saw this, which confused you even more. What did he need luck for.

“You know what we should do?” You said, your tispy state of mind jumping from one thought to the next.

“What should we do?” Steve asked gently, as he gripping you a little tighter when you stumbled again.

“We should go to the old tower and climb to the room and tell everyone we’re Avengers!”

Steve laughed, “That would be breaking an entering, sweetheart.”

The way he said sweetheart made your hear suddenly flip in your chest, and you stopped walking. He stopped as well, and looked down at you quizzically.

“Steve...” You said softly, your heart racing as you looked into those cerulean blue eyes of his.

“Yes?”

“What was this?”

“What was what?” He returned your question with a question.

“Tonight? was this ...” You paused, unsure if you should ruin the night because if this wasn’t a date you’d feel like an absolute ass. “Was this a date?”

Steve was quiet for a moment and then suddenly without hesitation, he brought his lips to yours, kissing you softly. His lips tasted like the chocolate and champagne the two of you had just a few minutes earlier.

Your eyes widened the moment his lips touched yours, and then you closed them. Letting yourself take in this blissfully sweet moment, the way he held your body to his, his hand at the back of your head the other around your waist. It was like the world around the two of you had stilled, and when he finally broke the kiss it and you opened your eyes, Steve Rogers was all you saw, like some kind of tunnel vision.

“To answer you question? Yes.” He murmured, a small smile on his lips.

“I...” You were at a loss for words, Steve had quite literally left you breathless in that moment.

Permanent tags: @hazie-rey @papi-chulo-seb @fangirling-all-day-everyday @thatdivlife @rosecolouredbucky @alice-in-arkhamasylum @brooke-supernatural16 @lovingholland @sarahp879 @flightofthefantasies @lostinthoughtsandfeelings @lumelgy @breezy1415 @marvelsavengersforever1227 @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme @vintage-switch @juststufftoread @jbarnes87 @lovemarvelousfics @justreadingfics @savetoreadzx @loki7ms @propertyofpoeandbucky @teamcap4bucky @honey-bee-holly @4theluvofall @stardustandbucky @chook007 @redstarstan @lilypalmer1987 @chipilerendi @buckysforeverprincess @feelmyroarrrr @celinejfong @camillechan @breehumbles @marlii-lavellan @cosmopclitan @somewhereinimagination @wemettonight @welcome-to-my-daydreams @shieldsandsunsets @gentlegiantspike @projectxhappiness @vanille-laecheln @diinofayce @waitforthehurricanelore @whenallsaidanddone @jemmaisokay @rodkrake @ponycake27 @redeyed-winchester @ninasimone519 @just-add-butter @vintagepigeon @its-daydreamer23 @amandarosemire @sergeantbxrnxs @pitubea1910 @amindfulloffanfictions @laura-lightning @marvellover48 @ourdreamsrealized @wildefire @tiffanypooh @macaroni-marvel @cravingmustard @patzammit @whyisbuckyso @delicatecapnerd @milkywaybarnes @whiskeybucky @badassbaker @sgtjbuccky @imarypayne @syrihn @queercuttlefish @danish-mermaid @e-k-evans @magnetosgirl @rrwilson66 @mae-smith99 @tequila1984 @holding-roses @readitandweepfics @onebloodypoet @unabashedlyswimmingtimemachine @ispendmoretimehere @akamaiden @wintersoldiercomics @o0justyouraveragefangirl0o @evanstandream @ptoridactyl @theglowstickofdestiny @palaiasaurus64 @carameldaemoncakes @little-lord @superbookwormy64 @cinema212 @sebbysstangirl @krystynespider @bitsyb21 @lovethroughthemiles @ghostlyrose2 @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @buckybarnesappreciationsociety @lovethroughthemiles @jitterbuck @capandbuck @anotherotter @dolphinpink310 @demonspawn2468 @moonbeambucky @wakeupwet @hallow-hazel @here1there3everywhere9 @writingsbychlo @piensa-bonito @moonlightmvrvel @justrae9903 @heartssick @impossiblyteenagestudent96400 @sebtrashcan-stan @wildmoonflower @janeyboo @buckystan-plums @mazarinqueen @optimistic-babes @fadingculturemuffin @shliic @bitsandbobsandstuff @vgurl18 @kingslaxerpark @sebsunshinestan @lacewrites @captainradicalpassion @fuckinsteverogers @girlwhoisfearless

#Anonymous #Steve Rogers x reader #Steve Rogers headcanon #Steve rogers imagine #steve rogers #Captain America #Answers #Headcanons #Captain America x reader #Steve x reader #marvel fanfic #The Avengers

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barinacraft · 6 years ago

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Stinger ↠ Drinks Up History As Crème de la Crème

High Society's After Dinner After-Party

A Stinger is a classic cocktail (of sorts) mixed with Cognac and white crème de menthe.* Perceived as an upper class after dinner drink if you will, its mint flavor has deceived many with ordinary brandy as their swill.

How To Make The Perfect Stinger

Stinger Cocktail Recipe:

1 ½ oz brandy or Cognac

½ oz white creme de menthe

1 mint leaf for garnish

Add to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake ingredients thoroughly. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a mint leaf.

Many Stinger drink variations call for a lower ratio of Cognac to liqueur of say 2:1 or even lower. If you're unsure, its easy to start with that recipe and then adjust to taste by adding more brandy to stiffen the spirits if desired. Or, vice versa.

History of the Stinger Drink Recipe

The Backstory - Let Me In, I'm Filthy RICH!

The Stinger has long been associated with social status, which itself was once defined by the Vanderbilts who symbolized American Royalty during the Gilded Age. Patriarch Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt built the family business from scratch by turning a $100 loan from his mother into a $100 million fortune before his death in 1877.

But, his was new money ...

And to be truly accepted into the upper echelons of 'Society' you had to be on Caroline Astor and Ward McAllister's list of the 400 people who were considered fashionable. Old money dominated the elite New York socialite crowd back then and Lina thought railroad riches were distasteful.

Often identified, qualified and then picked from the Social Register, members of the aristocracy lead the way in a clash of old money versus new money struggling for acceptance in the Social 400. This meant Alva, wife of the Commodore's grandson William Kissam Vanderbilt, would have to find a new way in.

She decided to flaunt her wealth and make a list of her own.†

It all started by building an opulent mansion on Fifth Avenue followed by a lavish housewarming party hyped in the press and held on March 26, 1883. Her exclusive guest list included invitations to all of society's highest ranking members along with a select group of young debutantes with one notable exception, Mrs. Astor's daughter Carrie.

Social customs dictated that Miss Astor couldn't be invited since her mother had never visited the Vanderbilt home. Or so Alva claimed.

As a result, Mrs. Astor came calling and the Astors' invitations arrived the next day. A reciprocal request to attend the Astor's upcoming annual ball meant formal acceptance of the Vanderbilts into New York society's upper echelon.

Guess it pays to have a plan.

4th Generation Vanderbilt Mixology

Fast forward a few decades and it was time to check in to see how things were going inside The 400.

After inheriting over ten million dollars and then another five when his brother Alfred died a hero aboard the RMS Lusitania in WWI, Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt was living it up as an equestrian down on the Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.‡ With a reputation as a playboy and avid gambler, Reggie was also famous for his country estate's "home bar."

Modeled after one in the William the Conqueror tavern in the seaside resort town of Deauville, France in the Calvados department of Normandy, it was spectacular and a status symbol like no other. What better way to celebrate the good life than a round of drinks among friends in grand style?

Long the stuff of legend (reputed to suck down lots at his favorite NY speakeasy, The Colony), this 1923 article made the scuttlebutt official and forever associated Reginald with his specialty behind the bar, the Stinger.1 He fancied himself an expert bartender and did everything from the squeezing and the shaking himself. That included the serving, even though he had servants.

So, Mr. Vanderbilt is largely credited with making the Stinger acceptable as a cocktail for other occasions too including morning, noon and nightcap apparently. In the 1957 musical comedy High Society for example, Bing Crosby heads to the butler's pantry, one of many bars in the movie's mansions, and hands a morning drink to Grace Kelly as “doctor's orders” after a long night of champagne and wine. Asked what it is, he said:

Oh, just the juice of a few fresh flowers called a Stinger ... removes the sting.

This drink has been in the movies outside of the upper crust of high society as well. Other notable featured film and TV appearances include The Bishop's Wife (1947), Kiss Them For Me (1957), The Apartment (1960), Gorky Park (1983) and Mad Men season one episode "Nixon v. Kennedy," set in 1960 along with season three episode two "Love Among the Ruins," set in 1963.

Stinger Drink Timeline with Related Recipe Milestones

Nibbling Along - But Not Quite A Bite

Prior to actually being stung, there was definitely a "sting in the air." Several recipe formulations pre-dated the soon to be Stinger standard that could be classified as iterations or similar drinks like those listed below, but were left in the timeline to illustrate the progression.

1892 The Judge - It called for a 2:1 ratio of brandy to crème de menthe along with a few dashes of gum syrup to sweeten things up. Sound familiar?

The Paymaster - Same proportions as above with bitters replacing the sweetener. Plus, a lemon-peel garnish on the glass brim.2

1895 Brant Cocktail - A renamed Paymaster drink with Angostura bitters and white crème de menthe called out specifically as ingredients.3

1900 Ice Trust Cocktail - Eight years later, the "Only William" of lower Broadway, who created The Paymaster and The Judge drinks above, decided equal parts plain was the perfect potion.4

Finally Stung - A Cocktail Chronology

1909 The Stinger - William T. "Cocktail Bill" Boothby, San Francisco bartender extraordinaire, is said to have left a note tucked into the back of one of his earlier books supposedly for possible inclusion in a later edition. In it he credits J. C. O'Conner, the proprietor of the "handsomest cafe for gentlemen in the world," located on the corner of Market and Eddy Streets in S. F., Calif.

Mr. O'Conner's formula stiffens the predecessors with a 3:1 ratio and caters to those with more expensive taste by specifying Cognac over ordinary brandy. Its shaken and served cold in a sherry glass. No garnish.

As for the date, its sometime after 1909 since his establishment didn't exist prior. Just exactly how long after is unknown and open to debate.5

1912 1st bartending book to actually print the Stinger recipe—maybe. Even though there seems to be consensus, 'circa' clouds the circumstance and we have been unable to confirm the calendar.6

Equal parts Rex Cognac and creme de menthe (white). Frapped.

1913 Popularity is plausible according to the Washington Herald which stated that both the Stinger (half brandy & half white mint cream) and the Green Dragon (green mint cream topped with white absinthe over ice) were on the rise. In hindsight, it looks like the latter didn't fulfill its promise, but the former certainly did.7

Half and half garnished with a lemon peel is what's mixed up in what may really be the Stinger's first formal trade publication appearance. No spirits from a specific region in France had to be brandied about in this recipe though.8

Amer Picon is said to have been the main ingredient of the Bustanoby brothers version at their famous ladies bar Café de Beaux Arts according to the New York Times back then. Very Campari-ble [sic]

1914 Cognac is back. One half pony glass of each. Shaken with ice and strained into an ungarnished vermouth glass.9

1916 Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, or so says this barkeeper's bible. A couple dashes is all that's needed along with a base of 75% of the good stuff and 25% minty cream liqueur.10

Apparently, Reggie V. liked to splash a little absinthe in his for some extra sting as well.

1917 Country Club Style - St. Louis Country Club style in particular that is. One jigger of really old brandy mixed with one pony of white creme de menthe. That's a 3:2 ratio for those of you following along at home. Shake well with ice, strain and serve.11

Date Check

1933 From Sawdust To Upper Crust - Why did a little bartending book from Oshkosh, Wisconsin (once known as the "Sawdust Capital of the World") contain what appeared to be the first Stinger recipe in print, instead of one from a fancy East Coast publishing house?

Circa bites again. Only this time it was supposedly 1910.12

However, unlike the one from two years later (listed above), we were able to confirm that this promotional booklet was actually printed right after the Repeal of Prohibition which itself was on December 5, 1933. This was followed by ads for the brochure from Wiese Auto & Radio Sales in the Racine, Wisconsin Journal Times and the Universal Motor Company's Mixing Guide For Boatmen in Motor Boating - The Yachtsmen's Magazine in late December 1933 and March 1934, respectively. Both urged you to obtain your own copy of 101 Drinks and How to Mix Them by either coming in person or requesting delivery by mail in care of an Oshkosh address.

Direct mail marketing added a shot of humor to the mix of this particular recipe by joking:

Our pet bee took a sip of this once and threw a jealous fit.

Good one.

Its Official

Although David Embury, Don Marquis, Joyce Kilmer and others may disagree, the Stinger is an IBA official cocktail in their Unforgettables category. Their 5:2 after-dinner formula may be beloved, but many dissenting comments have been made over the years as to whether that drink style in particular is applicable.

White mint and brandy shaken up together with cracked ice make a good substitute for a cocktail. ~ Joyce Kilmer13

Of course, a cocktail or two and an occasional Stinger, is something no one can well avoid taking, if one is dining out or having supper after the theater with one's own particular crowd. ~ Hermione14

Liqueurs should never (with the possible exception of a very few drinks such as the Stinger, which is not really a cocktail) dominate and overpower the flavor of the base. ~ David Embury15

You, of course, will have to judge for yourself. But, whatever its classification, it certainly is unforgettable.

Plus, here's something I think we can all agree on:

Cocktails should be sipped, not gulped, and should remain stinging cold to the last drop. ~ Embury

Hear, hear.

Party Perfect

Stingers are not really Christmas drinks per se, they're much more all season. But, the minty flavor does fit other Christmassy themes like candy canes and such so they definitely make for some happy holidays.

This drink is also a namesake for the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey team mascot Stinger, the “Bug with an Attitude.” Chosen as a symbol of the people of Columbus, OH who are known for their hard work and team pride, Central Ohio is becoming a hardcore hockey hotbed.

Wonder if Reggie was a fan?

Drinks Similar To The Stinger Cocktail

Mixing brandy with green crème de menthe, in place of white, yields an Emerald cocktail / Green Hornet drink. However, many recipes claiming the same name(s) use other green liqueur substitutions and host a hodgepodge of hooch mainly for St. Patrick's Day concoctions.

You can also replace base spirits and include the alternate in the naming pre-fix as in Amaretto, Gin, Rum, Tequila and Vodka Stingers et al.16 The list goes on and on.

Others akin with a spin include:

Alexander's Sister - dry gin, green creme de menthe and light cream.

American Beauty - brandy, white crème de menthe, French vermouth, grenadine syrup, orange juice and port wine.

By The Sea - green crème de menthe, brandy and kirschwasser.

Devil Drink - an Emerald with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Dry Stinger - brandy, lime juice and white crème de menthe.

Gamma Ray - VSOP Armagnac, white crème de menthe, cayenne pepper and flamed lemon peel twist.

Gentleman's Cocktail No. 2 - bourbon whiskey, brandy, crème de menthe and club soda.

Hell - a Stinger dashed with red pepper.

Miami Cocktail - white Cuban rum and crème de menthe with lime or lemon juice.

Shamrock Sip - green cream of mint liqueur, gin and egg white with lemon and orange juice.

Snapper - white crème de menthe and gin.

Stingeree - half-n-half with a dash or two of absinthe.

White Way Cocktail - a Snapper with dry gin.

References

* - Not to be confused with the 'stengah' drink popular in the British Empire in Asia which is mixed with equal amounts of whisky and soda water. Derived from the Malay word 'setengah' meaning half.

† - Broyles, Susannah. "Vanderbilt Ball – how a costume ball changed New York elite society." MCNY Blog: New York Stories. 06 August, 2013.

‡ - While unrelated, ingredient-wise, the Vanderbilt cocktail was created and named for his older brother Alfred in 1922.

1 - "Behind the Curtains With The '400.'" The Indianapolis Star. 08 July, 1923.

2 - William Schmidt, The Flowing Bowl - What and When to Drink (New York: Charles L. Webster, 1891), 160 and 169. Print.

3 - George Kappeler, Modern American Drinks - How to Mix and Serve All Kinds of Cups and Drinks (New York: Merriam, 1895), 33. Print.

4 - "Summer Drinks." The Saint Paul Globe. 02 July, 1900.

5 - William T. (Cocktail) Boothby, American Bar-Tender (San Francisco: Anchor Distilling, 2009). Print.

6 - Holtz & Freystedt Co. Importers; compiled by E.J.M., The Great American Cocktail (New York: Holtz & Freystedt, ca. 1912), 26. Print.

7 - "Balkan Idea At Last Reaches Summer Drinks." The Washington Herald. 22 June, 1913.

8 - Jacques Straub, Straub's Manual of Mixed Drinks (Chicago: R. Francis Welsh, 1913), 101. Print.

9 - Ernest P. Rawling, Rawling's Book of Mixed Drinks - An Up to Date Guide for Mixing and Serving All Kinds of Beverages and Written Expressly for the Man Who Entertains at Home (San Francisco: Guild Press, 1914), 84. Print.

10 - J. A. Grohusko, Jack's Manual on The Vintage and Production, Care, and Handling of Wines, Liquors, etc. A Handbook of Information for Home, Club or Hotel (New York: McClunn & Co., 1916), 122. Print.

11 - Thomas Bullock, The Ideal Bartender (St. Louis: Buxton & Skinner, 1917), 47. Print.

12 - 101 Drinks and how to Mix Them (Oshkosh, Wisconsin: Direct Mail Associates, Inc. and Dean W. Geer Co., ca. 1933), 12. Print.

13 - Annie Kilburn Kilmer, Memories Of My Son Sergeant Joyce Kilmer (New York: Brentano's, 1920), 89. Print. Note: individual letter was dated May 27, 1914.

14 - Don Marquis, Hermione and Her Little Group of Serious Thinkers (New York and London: D. Appleton and Company, 1916), 150. Print.

15 - David A. Embury, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks (New York: Doubleday, 1948), 8. Print. Note: He also comments on page 143 that the Stinger formulated with equal proportions, like the Coffee cocktail (typically sugar syrup, port, brandy and a whole egg), isn't really a true cocktail. But, it can be converted into a dry and very palatable one like the Miami by substituting brandy for rum in the latter.

16 - A Vodka Stinger has also been known as a White Spider cocktail as far back as 1959 when Smirnoff published their How To Give A Vodka Party promotional pamphlet. Their White Spider drink recipe was a 3:1 ratio of Smirnoff vodka to Heublein white creme de menthe.

#Cocktails #Drinks #Brandy #Mint #Bing Crosby #Mad Men #creme de menthe

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jmwetheringtonsr · 7 years ago

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New Post has been published on http://jmwetheringtonsr.com/2018/05/30/21st-wedding-anniversary-week-day-six-underground-seattle/

21st Wedding Anniversary Week - Day Six - Underground Seattle

It’s day six of our 21st Wedding Anniversary Week and we’re exploring Underground Seattle with Jade and Maxwell.

You can click here to read about day one, here to read about day two, here to read about day three, here to read about day four, and here to read about day five.

After breakfast at the hotel, Cindy and I drove over to Jeremy and Wendy’s house to pick up Jade and Maxwell for our trip to Seattle and our visit to Underground Seattle.

Seattle and the surrounding metropolitan areas have an awesome mass transit system of buses and trains. In fact, there’s a bus route that goes from Redmond to downtown Seattle, getting you there in about 40-45 minutes. Jeremy and Wendy lent us their transit passes (shhh), Jade had her own and Maxwell didn’t need one, so we were all set. We drove down to the Redmond Transit Center, parked our rental car across the street at the free parking garage and timed it so we only waited about 5 minutes for the next bus to arrive.

The bus was an articulated model, like the one pictured here. I have some advice for you, should you ever find yourself on this type of bus. Even though there are seats (nicely arranged so that they face each other across the aisle that runs down the middle of the bus) in that accordion-like section you see in the photo, DON’T sit in them!

Number one; when the first half of the bus is full (and sometimes even when it isn’t) people who are going to sit in the second car have to walk past you. If you’re long-legged like yours truly, it’s an effort to pull them in enough to avoid being bumped into by those folks. It’s aggravating.

Number two; the seats in that accordion-like section do not “ride” like the rest of the seats in the bus and so you may, MAY find yourself experiencing symptoms of motion sickness to a degree that will make you, shall we say, uncomfortable.

Number three; you may find yourself experiencing the totally illogical fear that the bus, when making sharp turns which bend the articulated vehicle in half, will rip open and spill you and your loved ones out onto the road and into traffic, where you and they will surely experience severe bodily injury and perhaps worse.

Ride in the “normal” section of the bus. You’ll thank me for it later.

We arrived at the stop closest to the official Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour (they were the originators of the underground tour and have been doing them since 1965) entrance and staggered the five or six blocks of rolling downtown streets to get there. Well, Cindy and I staggered, the grandkids are young and they did fine.

This is just a building with fire escape stairs that caught my eye as we were walking to the Underground Seattle Tour.

After waiting with about 100 other people while the Underground Seattle tour conductors told bad jokes and pitched their books for 25 minutes, we finally got started on our two-hour tour (minus those 25 minutes) with a tour conductor and 30-35 people in our group.

Now, you might think an underground tour would get started underground, but you would think wrong. We had to go out to an alley on the street level and cross sidewalks and traffic to get to our first underground destination, so another 10 minutes of the two-hour tour.

You can probably tell by now that I was not impressed. But my youngest granddaughter loves this tour, so granddad “loves” it too and is happy that he’s spending time with his wife and youngest grandchildren.

So, here we are at the first Seattle Underground stop. These folks look happy, don’t they? Anyway, if you look at the old photo on the wall it shows what the area we’re standing in looked like when it was originally at street level back in the mid-19th century Seattle.

Now, I will say that our tour guide had lots of interesting and amusing stories of the time when all of this was at street level and how it came to be underground. My lack of impression with the tour was the shortness of time and the low number of underground places we actually visited during the advertised two-hour tour. But our tour guide; she did good and even dressed in the style of the period somewhat. I think.

When Seattle city leaders decided to raise the street level, most businesses still had entrances where they had always been but were now underground. To provide light, these sections of clear glass (which came to be known as pavement lights) were installed on the sidewalk area. The glass was clear as in translucent, but made like, say, the glass of your shower stall so it wasn’t transparent in the sense that you could see through it, but allowed daylight to illuminate the entrances and walkways below ground. Over time, the aging process made some of the glass amethyst-colored, which is attractive and decorative as well.

And here’s an above ground view of the pavement lights on the street today.

If I’m not misremembering, this area was a speakeasy and a house of ill-repute. There were lots of little alcoves around the outer edges, but we couldn’t get into those.

And here is a bathroom just off the main room. Seeing that toilet seat reminded me of a memory I’d forgotten about. When I was young, not older than 8, my parents and I went somewhere (I don’t remember where) where the bathroom had a wooden toilet seat constructed like this one, only not falling apart in pieces. I remember it because the first time I sat on it I expected it to be like the toilet seat in our home, plastic or whatever they made them out of back then. But, like the one in this photo, the seat had seams on the right and left that joined to the curved open section. When I sat down on it, I didn’t realize that my weight caused the seam on my left to separate slightly, but I sure realized it when I started to stand up and the lack of weight cause the seam to push back together, pinching my ass and the back of my thigh in the process! YOW!!!

Here’s the photo of ourselves that we bought in the Underground Seattle gift shop.

After finishing the Underground Seattle tour, we walked a few blocks over to Shawn O’Donnell’s for lunch. The food was good, the company (as you can see on the left) was great, and Maxwell loved his smiley fries.

We took the bus back to Redmond, drove over to Half-Price Books where Jade and Maxwell each picked out a book (maybe two?, lol) and then we visited the Stone Cold Creamery for some ice cream before returning to our hotel for what was supposed to be a nap before dinner but ended up being playtime for us instead.

Hey, it’s not every day you get to see your grandkids so you gotta make the most of it!

One more day of our 21st wedding anniversary week is all that’s left before we have to take our leave.

#Family #Grandchildren #photography #Seattle #Travel #Underground Seattle

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taiblogcomics · 7 years ago

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Sucrose, Yet So Far

Hey there, a mass breakout of Arkham Asylum. More ponies? More ponies. That's how it goes~

Here's a more typical cover than last issue:

Yep. The main logo is back, and the scene actually has something to do with the content this time! While the message of protesting sugary treats is clear, I'm not sure these are the right protesters. Cranky Doodle makes sense, since he hates everything, but what's Octavia got against sugar? Or Diamond Tiara, or the spa lady? It's very mysterious. Also, Pinkie, stop breaking my heart~

Naturally, we open in Sugarcube Corner. The Cakes are holding a little celebration to thank Ponyville at large--and Pinkie Pie in particular--for their continued support of their business and generally making them feel welcome. But irony beats a heavy drum, and indeed a loud beat announces the arrival of several ponies in town. The majority of them are unimportant, but the main one here is their leader, a squat old mare named Temperence Flowerdew. She's gray, she's dressed as a nun, and she carries a sword. She's not here to ask A/S/L, but she does represent them: the Anti-Sugar League. She's not interested in welcomes or greetings, she's on a crusade. Almost immediately, she starts up an unpleasant rhyme expositing her hatred of sugars, and unsheathes her sword, cleaving in twain the cake with which they were celebrating. Ponyville, she declares, is now sugar-free. The very worst kind of free~

Soon, pamphlets are being passed out, which never leads to good things. The pamphlets introduce her plans, and mostly condemn the consumption of sugar and sugar-related products. Sugar is bad, you see. It ruins teeth, it rots the soul, it leads to weight gain. Twilight agrees that while most of that is true, it's inconspicuous consumption that probably leads to badness, and probably nopony will listen to her. It'll pass without incident, she figures. The next morning, a few like-minded individuals (as seen on the cover) have joined her, but it's fine. Their fanaticism won't have any effect on Sugarcube Corner's business~

And then a week passes~

With no change in the picket line and no customers, the Cakes are beginning to despair. Their business is dying, and they can't exactly shift to a new kind of business--baking is their talent, after all. Applejack's also pretty distressed. Her farm sells all their pies from Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie is also in dire straits: parties just aren't planned around things other than cakes and ice cream. She slinks off to mope, while Applejack instead dashes off to formulate her own plans. Pinkie laments to her alligator Gummy how terrible and useless she feels now. Without parties, what is she? Doesn't Temperence know how important they are? And then, she realises she probably doesn't. This cheers her up quite a bit, and she dashes off to explain her point of view to Temperence.

Unfortunately, as you might expect, Temperence is as stone-hearted as her appearance suggests. She accuses Pinkie's activities of being frivilous nonsense, of peddling poison and not making a difference. I generally don't like to swear on the MLP comic reviews, but honestly, anyone who tells Pinkie she has no purpose and makes others sick is a cold-hearted bitch. Pinkie takes all this poorly, as you might imagine. She's genuinely heartbroken, and the worst possible thing happens: her hair loses its bounce and goes flat. And Temperence, for all her hatefulness, sees this as something to celebrate. And I don't care how this story turns out, anypony who crushes Pinkie's spirits is an irredeemable monster~

In two days' time, Twilight goes visiting Sugarcube Corner, only to find it all shut up and nopony home. She does find a letter directing her to Sweet Apple Acres, giving her a password to report as the door. Twilight gives the password at the barn, and Granny Smith lets her in to quite a sight. The barn has been converted more-or-less into a sugar speakeasy. In defiance of the new order, Rainbow Dash and a few others have gone whole-hog on the sugar, since any bite might be their last. Twilight's pretty disgusted, but it's the only business Applejack and the Cakes are getting. Twilight dashes off, running past several more horrific scenes: Lyra and Bon Bon with stomachaches, a nursing home volunteer being pelted with the cupcakes she's brought to share, a child getting lasagna for their birthday celebration... And then, the most horrific sight of all: Pinkie in a black cloak and her hair done up in a tight bun, joining the picket line in front of Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie relays a story to Twilight about how Temperence is not so different. She came from a pretty severe family too, and one day she was allowed to partake in sugar to her heart's content--and to her stomach's discontent. She just wants to keep anypony else from feeling bad like she did, and how can Pinkie disagree with that? Making others happy is what she lives for. Twilight asks if she feels happy doing this, and Pinkie admits that she doesn't. Twilight points out--talking over Temperence to do so--that being in good health is not about nutrition alone. Being happy is just as important--and the majority of the town is neither happy nor healthy. Whether they're now nauseous from overindulging at the barn, being pelted with cupcakes, or running from their pasta-based birthday, none of them are very happy. Temperence is horrified at the chaos she's caused. She realises that she was blinded by her own point of view and apologises--which Pinkie immediately accepts, both her hair and personality springing back to their usual liveliness.

And in conclusion, Temperence vows to set out from Ponyville with a new mission: teaching a healthy, balanced way of eating. And Pinkie quietly confides to her that she actually eats a lot of vegetables when nopony else is looking~

Sugar is a common boogeyman for these sorts of stories. In fact, we had our own sugar scare years ago, that’s why a few cereals (Golden Crisp and Honey Smacks prominently among them) dropped the “sugar” from their name in favour of more palatable versions. It then switched to artificial sweeteners like aspartame, and more recently high fructose corn syrup, so the evil is never truly defeated. And as always, a good lesson for healthy eating aesops is, of course, moderation and balance, which they accomplish here. In fact, this comic probably counts as a PSA comic. I like the bonus notion that happiness is important to health as well as nutrition, which is also very important. In fact, maybe even more important~

Next issue, since we’re on the topic of way back when we had sugar scares: it’s the ‘80s! Do a lot of crack and vote for Ronald Reagan~

#comics #reviews #My Little Pony Friendship is Magic IDW #Taiblog #Pinkie Pie

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feetglider2-blog · 5 years ago

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From Stockyards To Speakeasies: A Chicago Historian Tackles 5 Questions About The City’s History

Curious City has received nearly 7,000 questions since its first episode in June 2012. During that time, it’s become clear that many of you want to know more about Chicago’s history, neighborhoods, and ethnic groups.

Luckily, we know the man who literally wrote the book on Chicago — Dominic Pacyga.

The Columbia College emeritus professor recently sat down with us for a rapid-fire round of questions.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, stories and insider events.

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Andrew Waple wondered: What’s the record for the number of animals — not just pigs, all animals — killed in a single day at Chicago’s stockyards?

At its peak in the early 1920s, more than 18 million animals were brought to the Chicago yards, Pacyga says. About two-thirds of those animals were slaughtered at nearby packing houses.

That’s an average of about 38,000 animals each city work day.

Because there were so many meatpackers throughout the city, including many smaller shops that didn’t keep written records, the most animals killed on any given day is unknown. However, a large meatpacker like Armour & Co. could have slaughtered 8,500 hogs, 2,500 cattle, and about 7,000 sheep per day.

And people lined up to see the action: About 500,000 tourists came to the stockyards each year at the turn of the 20th century. Some of the more notable names include famed French actress Sarah Bernhardt, Japanese princes, and every presidential candidate of the era.

At its peak in the early 1920s, more than 18 million animals were brought to the stockyard each year — and about two-thirds of them were slaughtered in Chicago. (Courtesy Dominic Pacyga)

Ernesto asked: How frequently do Chicago neighborhoods have major changes in ethnicity?

Pacyga says the average ethnic lifespan of a neighborhood is about three generations.

Bronzeville’s residents have been mostly African-American for more than a century.

Other neighborhoods have seen major changes. The Polish community, for example, settled near Milwaukee Avenue and Division Street in the late 1850s and remained there until the late 1960s. Puerto Ricans then came to the neighborhood, and Mexican immigrants soon followed.

Ethnic churches and grocers are often the last to leave changing neighborhoods because older residents who choose to stay rely heavily on those neighborhood services.

The building for St. Stanislaus Kostka church in the Wicker Park neighborhood was laid in 1877 and the church was dedicated in 1881. It serves a largely Polish community that no longer lives in the area. (Courtesy St. Stanislaus Church and Maureen Miller)

Clyde Behrendt asked: Did the city or developers have more influence over what type of housing was built in North and South Lawndale in the early 20th century?

Paycga says there was no zoning ordinance in the city of Chicago until 1923 — so private developers decided whether to build apartments or single-family homes based on what they believed the market could handle.

When Eastern European Jews first started coming to Chicago in large numbers in the late 19th century, they settled in the manufacturing hub near Maxwell Street on the West Side. Pacyga says the Jewish community preferred apartments, so that’s the kind of housing developers made available as Jews started migrating west to North Lawndale. By 1930, North Lawndale was the largest Jewish community in the history of Chicago.

Early developers took a different approach in South Lawndale or Little Village in the late 1800s. Instead of apartments, they built “worker's cottages” for Eastern European immigrants and their children. These were mass-produced, single-story homes usually made out of wood.

Czechs, Germans, and Poles moved into the area from Pilsen as industry began to boom around South Lawndale after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. As the population grew larger, the housing in South Lawndale got taller with two- and three-flat buildings.

An 1883 flyer advertised the availability of inexpensive brick cottages in Chicago for would-be factory workers. (Courtesy Chicago History Museum ICHi-06577)

Mary Nell Murphy asked: Were there bars or speakeasies in most neighborhoods during Prohibition? Could anyone go or were they just for the upper classes?

During Prohibition, there were “gin joints” in every neighborhood, and they were extremely popular, Pacyga says. A lot of former taverns began to advertise themselves as ice cream parlors. But really, they sold beer.

Along South Ashland Avenue, or “Whiskey Row,” it was the coffee shops that sold beer. Often, the police were willing to look the other way if they were paid off, Pacyga says.

Some establishments did discriminate based on class, but those were more of the speakeasy variety.

In Bronzeville, many places [that served alcohol] were protected by the Republican Party because at the time, African-Americans voted heavily Republican. Mayor William Hale Thompson, aka “Big Bill,” was the last Republican to occupy City Hall. He promised Chicagoans the taps would flow again.

“When I’m elected, we will not only reopen places these people have closed, but we’ll open ten thousand new ones. … .No copper will invade your home and fan your mattress for a hip flask,” Thompson proclaimed.

He was unseated after three terms by Anton Cermak, a “wet Democrat.”

But you could also get alcohol by prescription from a doctor. And if you were really desperate, almost every pharmacy sold Hoffman’s stomach drops. Just add one to a cup of water and you had yourself a hot toddy, Pacyga says.

Brian Brostko asked: What was Ravenswood like before all the breweries moved in?

Pacyga says that in the mid-1850s, Ravenswood was home to a lot of English and German farmers — many of whom grew pickles, flowers, and celery.

Rose Hill Cemetery opened in 1859 and “attracted not only mourners, but picnickers.” Those picnics — and later the additions of a train station and electric streetcars — helped transform the rural district into a neighborhood near the end of the century.

The new transportation helped turn the area from a wealthy neighborhood to a middle-class community filled with factories. Much of the community’s German roots disappeared after World War I, but there are still remnants in some of the shops and restaurants. There’s even an original section of the Berlin Wall that can still be seen from the Brown Line at Western Avenue.

In 2017, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce rebranded a two-mile stretch along Ravenswood Avenue as “Malt Row.” A half-dozen breweries and one distillery are now part of the that strip between Irving Park Road and Balmoral Avenue.

More about our questioners

(Courtesy Andrew Waple)

(Courtesy Clyde Behrendt)

Last month, Mary visited Kelly's Cellars, an historic Belfast pub. (Courtesy Mary Nell Murphy)

Mary Nell Murphy lived in Chicago for about 30 years and worked in I.T. at the University of Chicago. Last year, she moved to northwest Indiana.

(Courtesy Brian Brostko)

Source: https://www.wbez.org/shows/curious-city/from-stockyards-to-speakeasies-a-chicago-historian-tackles-5-questions-about-the-citys-history/6dc5503c-c39f-452a-adb5-676139a58c52

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easytravelpw-blog · 6 years ago

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Full text write on https://easy-travel.pw/what-i-spent-a-five-day-road-trip-to-joshua-tree-and-palm-springs/trip-planning/

What I Spent: A Five-Day Road Trip to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs

01 of 08

Upfront Costs

Emily Hymes

The upfront costs of vacations are predictable. It’s the little things—airport snacks, cocktails before dinner, tipping a tour guide—that can throw even the most well-planned vacation budget off track. In this new series, we’ll look at the spending patterns of real travelers in popular destinations, so you can estimate what you’ll actually spend. (Thanks for the inspiration, Refinery29!)

In this installment, two sisters take a road trip to California's Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.

Flights: $640 (JFK – LAX, Delta Economy)

Hotels: The Saguaro: $552.00 for two nights (booked through Kayak); Hicksville Trailer Palace: $83.25 for one night; Teepee: $121.00 for one night

Rental Car: $466.28 (6 days + insurance, Hertz)

Size of Group: 2

Continue to 2 of 8 below.

02 of 08

Friday

Laura Hymes

4:30 p.m.: Laura and I embark on our first ever sisters trip. We start by taking the NYC subway (J Line) from Williamsburg, Brooklyn to the Airtrain in Jamaica, Queens for service to Terminal 4 at Kennedy Airport. It takes us about an hour. Cost: $15.50

5:30 p.m.: We're through security in under 15 minutes. (Thank you, TSA PreCheck!)

5:31 p.m.: Our flight is delayed, so we have time to kill. First stop — Hudson News for the essentials: Teen Vogue, InStyle, Nylon, water, and a bag of quinoa chips (we are suckers, but at least we will be hydrated and stylish). Cost: $31.99

6:51 p.m.: Laura says she is going to faint, so we b-line it to Panda Express. (Why did we skip Shake Shack, you ask? Well, it’s because we are going directly to In N' Out Burger the second we land in L.A. at midnight. Duh!) Cost: $8.70

6:24 p.m.: I can't stand when people eat without me, so I opt for the build your own salad from La Break Bakery. I do not recommend this place, but at least it is healthy. Cost: $13.08

7:21 p.m.: As we board, the flight attendants hand us Rice Krispie Treats as an apology for our flight being delayed. Because of this, we forgive them. Cost: Free

8:00 p.m.: Complementary snacks are served to economy passengers. Laura and I choose the cheese plate, and we're pleasantly surprised to find out it's from Murray's — a beloved cheesemonger in NYC. The platter was comprised of cheddar, gouda, and manchego with marconda almonds and some dried fruit and crackers.

11:14 p.m.: We land! Laura and I are tired, so we decide to skip In ‘N Out Burger (for now) and instead stop to buy candy to fuel us for the 3 hour drive ahead. Cost: $7.66

3:15 a.m.: We arrive at the hotel in Palm Springs. We are so tired, but hey, we made it!

Continue to 3 of 8 below.

03 of 08

Saturday

Emily Hymes

10 a.m.: We're off to a late start. We need to hydrate so we stop for overpriced waters at CVS. Cost: $12.18

10:50 a.m.: We head to Norma's in The Parker Hotel for breakfast, and feel chic as we order $30 egg entrees. Yes, it is expensive, but it's all about the experience! The lobby is designed by Jonathan Adler and couldn’t be any cooler. The worst part? We missed the Kardashians by one day! Cost: $95.39

12 noon: We begin our drive around Palm Springs for Desert X — art instillations throughout Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley that use the desert landscape as a canvas. We make five stops around the Valley, but both decide that our favorite is “Mirage”, a glass house that sits atop the mountains and reflects the surrounding landscape and people. Cost: Free

3 p.m.: We head over to the Moorten Botanical Garden for some plant history. Fun fact: they have the world's first Cactarium here (whatever that means). There are lots of cacti to see and there is a free tour of the gardens. Cost: $10

3:47 p.m.: Time to shop! We start at Sunny Dunes Antique Mall and then walk along Palm Canyon, popping in and out of stores for a little over an hour. We were told Trina Turk is a must-visit, since it's one of the first stores in Palm Springs (and Jonathan Adler also designed it). We're most successful at The Frippery, a vintage shop where Laura ends up with a very cute dress for the summer. Cost: $106.82

6 p.m.: We hit the Amigo Room at the ACE Hotel for a drink and light bite. We order the Palm Spritz, Cranky Coyote and chips & guacamole. We are hungry and need a cocktail, because our parents won't stop calling us to check in. Cost: $46.51

7:45 p.m.: We spot a photobooth on the way out. Of course the first attempt was a disaster, so have to take another round. Cost: $12.50 (or $6.25, if you do it right the first time)

8 p.m.: Dinner at Birba. We call ahead and are told they're full, but we go anyway and get two seats at the bar. We split a few things and have a glass of wine. The whole restaurant is outdoors and it is fun to people watch. Cost: $52.59

9:13 p.m.: We have a busy day tomorrow and are tired from traveling the night before, but want a nightcap so we go to Seymores, a speakeasy bar tucked away in a small room attached to Mr. Lyons Steakhouse (both owned by the same owners as Birba). We skip the fancy cocktail and go with a basic sparkling rose. Cheers! Cost: $23.00

Continue to 4 of 8 below.

04 of 08

Sunday

Emily Hymes

7:30 a.m.: We wake up early for an 8 a.m. yoga class at our hotel, only to find out the class is at 9 today. We decide breakfast sounds like a good alternative to stretching and being zen. We try our luck at Cheeky's (since it's early), but the line is out the door, so we go to King's Highway instead. This place has a mid-century vibe and good food. Laura gets the lox and I get the avocado toast. The avocados here are so creamy and good — we can't get enough. Cost: $48.63

10 a.m.: May the architecture tour commence! We set off on a self-guided tour we found online that includes modern steel structures & 70s style homes up on the hills. We also drive up to old Tuscany, located in the mountains, to see the homes of the stars, past and present. Elvis’s house was the coolest! We are lucky enough to catch an open house. Laura and I decide that our parents should buy it, so we can vacation here frequently. Also, we make sure to see the house with the pink door. Cost: Free

12:30 p.m.: Time for some poolside relaxation at our hotel, The Saguaro. It's noticeably less crowded than yesterday. We assume it's because it's a Sunday and people are checking out… and we don't mind at all. The pool floats are on point (think flamingos and swans) and just waiting for us to take pictures in. To complete the vibe, we order frozen cocktails. Cost: $26.16

3:30 p.m.: We have a late lunch at the Barn Kitchen in the Sparrows Lodge. When we walk in, we're initially faced by the pool, but we wander a little further and find the back garden with a long table and lots of outdoor seating. It is beautiful and tranquil back here. Laura and I split the ham and mustard melt and the hummus platter, which we accompany with ice teas. Pretty sure Laura is annoyed with how many times I tell her how much I love this place. Cost: $40.71

5 p.m.: I scream, you scream, we all scream! We're running out of time in Palm Springs so, why not? The Ice Cream Shoppe is a cute store that has lots of Californian paraphernalia in addition to inventive ice cream flavors. We both go for a small of the local favorite flavor — date — with rainbow sprinkles. The small is two scoops! We are very happy and very full. Cost: $9.63

7:20 p.m.: We head for drinks at the Draughtsman, an upscale sports bar with an outdoor area that has games. Laura and I play foosball and corn hole before sitting by the fire and enjoying our Aperol spritzes. (Oh, and just because I know you're wondering, I win both games.) Cost: $23.00

8:30 p.m.: We head to dinner at Las Casuelas Terraza, as we're told it was a must for Mexican, and sit close to the live music they have every night. Obviously, we start with chips and guacamole. Laura gets the enchiladas and I get the carnitas tacos. Cost: $53.91

9:30 p.m.: To burn off those carnitas, we walk along the main street and end up in a tourist shop to buy postcards to write to friends and family back home. Cost: $1.09

Continue to 5 of 8 below.

05 of 08

Monday

Emily Hymes

8:30 a.m.: We arrive for our third & final attempt for breakfast at Cheeky's. Again, there is a line, but we wait and fill the time by writing our postcards.

9 a.m.: We get a seat indoors — score! The menu is constantly changing so it is hard to plan ahead on this one. We order the bacon flight, which is a Cheeky’s staple and a must-try. Laura gets an omelet and I get a granola. We eat everything. Cost: $48.24

10:30 a.m.: We stop to send postcards from the post office. Cost: $2.25

11 a.m.: Then we stop for gas. Luckily, we find an affordable place to fill up. Phew! Cost: $31.16

12:35 p.m.: After a three-hour drive drive southeast, we arrive at Salvation Mountain, located in Slab City. The area is definitely off the grid — it's got a post apocalyptic feeling. People live here in tents, free from rent, but also without plumbing and electricity. The mountain itself is covered in artwork with inspirational words and drawings.

2:55 p.m.: We have spent most of the day in the car and are ready for one last meal in Palm Springs! We go to the Sandwich Spot for a sandwich on the “Dutch crunch” bread they are famous for. Then we head down the street to Great Shakes for the berry and almond shake. Cost: $8.99 & $5.50, respectively

4:45 p.m.: It’s time to bid farewell to Palm Springs and head to Joshua Tree. In a little under an hour we arrive at Hicksville Trailer Palace, where we're staying tonight, and it's truly a palace of trailers. Pictures don't do this place justice. There are about 10 trailers, ranging in size, scattered across the site, and we chose the smallest, The Pony. From hot tubs to archery, ping pong, and mini golf, this place could keep you entertained for hours. There's only one other guest staying here right now, so it's pretty quiet.

6:42 p.m.: We end up at the main bar in town: Pappy and Harriet’s. The wait for dinner is an hour and a half, so we get a drink (a beer is only $3.5!) and watch the live music — it happens to be open mic night. We're impressed by the food menu, too. We get a kale salad and split the pulled pork sandwich with fries. Cost: $36.05

9.39 p.m.: We're back at Hicksville for a night of games and trying to stay warm — we didn’t pack for the 35 degree weather (because it's April).

Continue to 6 of 8 below.

06 of 08

Tuesday

Emily Hymes

9:15 a.m.: We bid farewell to Hicksville and head to our first stop of the day: Noah Purifoy's Desert Art Museum. It's just 10 minutes from our “hotel” and supposedly life changing. In reality, its just a huge piece of land with different structures made out of debris, wreckage, and trash. It is a sight to see. Cost: Free (I would hope so!).

10 a.m.: We arrive at Joshua Tree National Park. The sight of the actual Joshua trees is breathtaking. Our first stop: Hidden Valley, for an easy trail to warm up our hiking skills. Then, we go up to Keys Point lookout for a beautiful view and an even more beautiful selfie. Then we wind our way around to our next stop, Skull Mountain. Over the mountain, the Joshua trees disappear and the Cholla Garden begins. We find Arch Rock on the way back, for one last rock climb that day. Cost: $25 (car entrance for the day)

2:30 p.m.: We are starving from all that activity! We head to the recommended Crossroads for lunch where I get a turkey sandwich and Laura gets a quesadilla. Again, we both have ice teas. Cost: $37

3:30 p.m.: Just up the road from lunch is Art Queen & Sun Alley shops — a collection of eclectic stores and art spaces. The most unique store we find is the Crochet Museum, a small green structure housing hundreds of crotched items.

4 p.m.: We head over to the town of Yucca Valley to shop. We start at an antique shop, where I find a set of 14 glasses that I love. Laura basically drags me out, kicking and screaming, and reminds me that I can’t bring glasses back with me on the plane. Then we go to a few vintage shops — The End, Hoof & Horn, and Promised Land. All the stores have such unique pieces and locally sourced trinkets. Cost: Free (But I really wish I was typing $50 right now… for the 14 glasses).

5:15 p.m.: We arrive at our teepee for the night. Yep, you heard me right… our teepee! It's housed on a piece of land that has about six other teepees of all sizes. Ours is the smallest, but the inside has a light, heater, and heated blanket so we will be set for the cold evening weather. We are proud of ourselves for really beginning to embrace the outdoors.

6:30 p.m.: Nothing completes a vacation more than a stop at Walmart!! We go just for firewood, but end up with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. I think you all know where we are going with this. We also pick up some appetizers of pretzel goldfish, and individual cheese packets (we don’t want the coyotes to get to any of our leftover food!). Cost: $28.64

6:40 p.m.: We decide to gas up before our drive back to LA in the morning, and find a cheap station on a side street. Cost: $34.91

8:15 p.m.: We go to Pie For the People for a slice. This place is known for their New York pizza, with a twist. Laura goes for a plain slice and I for a veggie, which is very spicy. They are huge slices and we can’t finish them, which is surprising for us. Cost: $12.78

9:10 p.m.: We attempt s'mores back at our teepee. There is something we aren't doing right, because the chocolate won't melt. At this point, I think I hear a coyote so I run inside the tent and end all of our outdoor time for the night. Laura is not amused. Just when I think I can handle the outdoor lifestyle…

Continue to 7 of 8 below.

07 of 08

Wednesday

Elusive Photography/Getty Images

9:45 a.m.: First stop: Hadley Fruit Orchard to peruse the dried fruit selection and try the famous date shake. If I could have one everyday, I'd be a happy girl. Cost: $22.81

9.50 a.m.: Our road trip to L.A. begins! We listen to Spotify “California” playlists all the way there, while Laura finally takes the wheel.

11:27 a.m.: We arrive in L.A.’s arts district to check out the Hauser & Worth Gallery. Parking is impossible, so we stop at a lot. Cost: $12.00

12:30 p.m.: We drive along Mulholland drive, atop the Hollywood Hills, where you can get great views of Los Angeles and the Valley, and stop at a few overlook passes, including Runyan Canyon — a place known for celebrity sightings. Unfortunately, there are no paparazzi in sight, therefore I am 100% sure there are no celebs, either. Then we head down Sunset Blvd and Melrose.

3 p.m.: We stop for lunch at Joan's on Third. It's a gourmet market with an extensive menu of sandwiches and salads. We sit outside and enjoy the last few hours we have in the warm weather (now that we are out of the mountains). Cost: $47.00

3:45 p.m.: I can't help but stop in Kreation Kafe to stock up on my favorite garlic almonds. Cost: $12.70

4:30 p.m.: Time to hit the beach! We go to Venice Beach and walk along the water, past Muscle Beach and then through the canals, which are unlike anything I've ever seen before.

7 p.m.: Our final gas-up for the car. Cost: $21.16

8:30 p.m.: Our last stop before our red-eye flight is the place that was supposed to be our first stop: In ‘n Out! It was worth the wait. Cost: $10.21

9:30 p.m.: We're back at the airport. We plan accordingly, so there is enough time to drop off the car and take the shuttle to the terminal and still have time at the gate.

Continue to 8 of 8 below.

08 of 08

Thursday

Emily Hymes

7:10 a.m.: We touch down at JFK. We're debating whether to splurge on a cab or take the subway home, but we decide on the AirTrain/Subway combo to save money, so we can start saving up for our next sisters trip! Cost: $15.50

Totals:

Food & Drink: $669.89

Activities: $116.82

Miscellaneous: $109.01

Accommodations: $756.25

Transportation: $1226.6 (including gas & parking)

#travel #airlinetickets #airtickets #cheapairfare #planetickets #travelinsurance #travelquotes #travelblogger #traveller #travelling #travelocity #travelodge #vacation

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sentrava · 7 years ago

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The Urban Distillery Takeover of Tennessee

When we started the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, I knew it was going to be fun, but I had no idea it would double as a history lesson. Nor did I have an inkling of an idea of how diverse 26 distilleries truly could be. How many times would we be able to learn about how to turn a fermented grain into a highly refined spirit? Plenty, it turns out.

And then we started tackling it, slowly—slower than most, as we’re doing it deliberately, taking the time to meet the distiller and the brains behind the operation, to interview the staff, to get a (literal and figurative) taste for the product—and it was immediately apparent that no two distilleries tackle production the same way, nor do any two whiskeys taste the same.

There are just too many variables to corner any whiskey into a box: mash bills, production volume, equipment, philosophy, and simple things like how to keep a business in operation that spans a minimum of five years before a viable product will hit the shelves are all things that impact the decision-making and end product that we’ll all enjoy poured over a pile of ice in a rocks glass.

Our experience highlights a truism that is inherent in any long-term business, particularly distilled spirits in one of the strictest regulatory environments in the country: build it and they will (might) come. Each and every one of these scrappy distilleries must find a way to build a client base, produce a marketable product in the short term while keeping an eye on a long-term plan for legacy status.

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is designed so that you can tackle it in any way and in any order you please. We’ve analyzed the geography of our sprawling state with a tourist in mind to create easily digestible segments of each part of the trail in the hopes that if you’re only here for a short period that you’ll be able to at least eke out a significant bit of sight-seeing and tourism in the state proper but that you’ll also be able to experience some of the liquid magic being produced in our pretty backroads by passionate advocates of distilled spirits.

Only have three days and spending that whole time in Nashville? Cool. You can easily tick off a solid eight stops—maybe even more. Flying into Knoxville for a business engagement and wanting to get a stamp on your passport between meetings? Perfect. You can get two.

We, however, wanted to attack the trail in geographic order, from west to east, which took us to the far western corner of Tennessee to kick off our project for the Tennessee Distillers Guild.

MEMPHIS

You can’t even mention Tennessee to an outsider without them thinking of music and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. While country music and Middle Tennessee’s Nashville tend to dominate the current musical zeitgeist, countless stars originated in western Tennessee, and Graceland, the former home of Elvis, is a pilgrimage to many. Lucky for you, there’s just one distillery in Memphis, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Bluff City’s other cultural offerings.

Old Dominick Distillery

Old Dominick Distillery is a high-end, multi-million dollar property right smack on the river in downtown Memphis. While it may seem more like a venue that makes booze than vice versa, don’t let that fool you: The building is a gorgeous, airy, metal, glass and wood affair situated in a prime location in a once decrepit neighborhood on the banks of the Mississippi River. An expansive greenway extends along the waterfront just steps from the distillery while some of the most pivotal moments in American history are contained just down the street with museums galore, as well as Beale Street—with its rocking honky-tonks, kitschy storefronts and historical theaters—the biggest tourist draw.

Where to Stay in Memphis

The Peabody Memphis is always my go-to when in Memphis. It’s chock full of history, with the original location built nearly 150 years ago, plus it has its own whiskey tie-in: It has a single barrel of Jack Daniel’s on site in the Corner Bar, plus some of its duck residents have gone to live out their days in retirement at the Lynchburg distillery. If you’re passing through Memphis, even if just for a day, a viewing of the daily Peabody Duck March is a must; at 11am each morning, they’re paraded down from their penthouse loft to the lobby, where they swim in the fountain during daylight hours, and at 5pm each night, they’re shepherded back to their roost for the evening.

I got a major surprise on my most recent visit and was asked to come up as the HDM—that’s Honorary Duck Master, for those not in-the-know—and got to accompany (Actual) Duck Master Anthony Petrina on his daily march. It was 100 times more fun than I ever thought it might be. (Watch the video below for a look at that special occasion!)

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Don’t Miss These Memphis Attractions

A BBQ feast at Central BBQ

National Civil Rights Museum to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

A mosey down South Main for the shopping and dining

A night out on Beale Street

NASHVILLE

Ahhh, Nashville. The city I claim as my home, as I grew up just an hour down the road. You need a good weekend to even scratch the surface, though a week is more ideal. Of course, if you’re wanting to hit all four distilleries (five, if you include Corsair’s two locations), then I recommend staying as long as your time allows you. You won’t get bored, that’s for sure!

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is one of our favorites in Nashville, with legit real people running the show, an awesome tasting room, large event space and barrel houses that are in the midst of an expansion into adjoining spaces in the industrial-cool Marathon Village. Nearly a decade ago, Andy and Charlie Nelson unearthed a whiskey heritage while on a day trip to Greenbrier with their dad, then committed to reviving the brand their great-great-great-great-grandfather launched that later died just before Prohibition; they opened their doors to the public three years ago next month. They continue to make their signature Belle Meade Bourbon, but have ventured into new products like a handful of cask finishes (madeira, cognac, sherry) and have a gorgeous brick and mortar to boot.

Pennington Distilling Co.

Pennington Distilling Co. has a number of brands that are housed beneath the SPEAKeasy Spirits corporate name, including their debut Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream and various flavors of Picker’s Vodka, but we’re most excited about their newest product, the Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey, which sends SVV into a tizzy of delight. Their location, in the booming Nations neighborhood, is undergoing a complete revamp with the addition of more than 28 large shipping containers fashioned into tasting rooms, event spaces and a rooftop bar overlooking downtown Nashville. Owners Jeff and Jenny Pennington, who both formerly worked for competing distributors, are hyper-focused on efficiencies in the process and use fascinating methods of recycling waste heat that could shake up the industry. And let me just reiterate: Their brand new rye, OMG, you need it in your life.

Nashville Craft Distillery

Nashville Craft has an excellent location, a gorgeous mid-century inspired building with high ceilings and plans to build an outdoor space to capitalize on the recent liquor-by-the-drink legislation, which allows all distilleries to serve up cocktails on-site with their own product. Bruce Boeko uses scientific techniques learned from years of running a DNA laboratory but brings a bit of artistic flair to create his booze and is just now releasing an aged whiskey to the general public. His sorghum whiskey Naked Biscuit or the Crane City gin are popular examples of his clear liquors that reflect his scientific attention to detail. Bruce is on speed dial for many, many distillers in Tennessee because of his expertise and willingness to share secrets.

Corsair Distillery

Corsair Distillery has long been a favorite of SVV after he received a bottle of their Artisan Gin for our housewarming party years ago. Highly experimental as a base corporate philosophy, Corsair makes incredibly interesting booze by integrating flavors from various grains like quinoa, buckwheat, oats, spelt, barley and triticale (I had to look that one up, too). The hardest part about visiting either of their two Nashville locations is choosing which samples you want to try from their exhaustive inventory. They also do craft cocktails made from their product so even if you’re not interested in the tour, you can pop in for a drink.

Where to Stay in Nashville

Nashville hotels are expensive, man, which is why I always tell friends to book an Airbnb. My favorite locations to stay in are Music Row, Germantown or 12South. Coming to Nashville and looking for a listing? Message me and I’ll send you my playlist of favorites!

Don’t Miss These Nashville Attractions

Nashville hot chicken, my favorite being Hattie B’s

A show at the Grand Ole Opry

Eating everything in Nashville, period

An afternoon at Cheekwood botanical garden

A night out on Broadway (touristy, but a must-do for a first-timer)

CLARKSVILLE

Clarksville is an hour north of Nashville and an easy enough drive to make it there and back in an afternoon. It’s also home to Austin Peay State University, but the big draw is its impressively massive distillery that just turned one year old.

Old Glory Distilling Co.

Old Glory Distilling Co. was built from the ground up by the Cunningham family and features an elegant event space with indoor seating for up to 375 people adjoining a working distillery. Like many of Tennessee’s smaller cities and towns, Clarksville has a booming revitalization effort going on downtown and is worth the trip up I-24. Old Glory is one of the few operations in the state that has the ability to produce high-proof liquor for vodka, which they do with a Tennessee twist by filtering the final product through sugar maple charcoal. Their first whiskey is due out in December 2017, and we can’t wait to taste their two-year-old product. They also make an excellent rum and a wheat-based moonshine, both of which you can sample in the tasting room along with a couple of cocktails on the menu.

Don’t Miss

Poking around the historic downtown

Having lunch (and a pint) at Blackhorse Pub and Brewery

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Thirsty now? Fellow lover of Tennessee whiskey? Then meet us in the Smokies on Nov. 4 for the annual Grains & Grits whiskey fest!

This post is part of an ongoing collaboration with the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

The Urban Distillery Takeover of Tennessee published first on http://ift.tt/2gOZF1v

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mydearsaddiary · 5 years ago

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Speakeasy Tonight Neil Season 3 Fanfic

Neil Season 3- Chapter 3

Hello! For those of you who don’t know Im writing a fanfic on how I’d imagine Neil Season 3 to go! This is chapter 3, here’s a link with all the chapters: https://mydearsaddiary.tumblr.com/NeilSeason3Fanfic

Little Curiosity notes: Because this chapter is all about the high society of BAHS-ton, there’s some currency involved! I put the amount in 1926 dollars, in parenthesis I adjusted it according to inflation on how much it’s cost today!

WARNING: LOTS OF ANGST AND DRAMA. LIKE SO MUCH DRAMA.

Chapter 3- Ghosts Are Alive in a Haunted Night

1926

The way to Boston was long. The anticipation built was driving me over the edge. I’ve been around the upper crust of Chicago, but even so most of them seemed like new money. Extravagant women who just got their hands on dough and bought everything they could. The upper crusts I met in Chicago weren’t elegant, they just had money in their hands. Even so I felt like an imposter amongst them.

I had a perception Neil’s family would be different. They were the true high society. Money was in their roots and they’ve never lived without it. For generations and generations I imagined most of them never worked, but increased their riches by letting others do the work for them.

I noticed when Lucille wrote to Neil, she always signed “Lucille Dresner of Boston”. Only the wealthy referred to themselves with their hometown attached to their name like “The Dresners of Boston”. They measured each other by how prominent of a family they were. For the first time I didn’t think of Neil as just Neil. I imagined him as “Cornelius Dresner of Boston” or “Cornelius of the house Dresner from Boston” or some fancy Jane Austen society title I could never imagine myself belonging to.

I knew Neil was living in an apartment in Chicago, living the same economic life as I did right now by choice, but that didn’t change where he was from or who his family was. For the first time I also realized that you could notice the high class in Neil in his personality.

There was just something in him that distanced him from people like Cliff or Vince who’d come from nothing or even me, who came from some but not as much. I thought of the elegancy, the way he never let himself look like a fool, the fact that he was highly educated, enjoyed chess like no other, the fact that it was easy to look at him and respect him. He had the air of being classier than most. He had his troubles and he wasn’t some snob who thinks he is better than everyone, but something in me said I needed to step up to the gentry, who breathed old money and who would judge me as middle class.

I looked down at the dress I chose for the trip. It was a delicate red. I always thought it was a good color on me, but it wasn’t the best dress (or the best shoes) I could be wearing

I looked at Neil who looked so calm he could have no idea of the internal battle that was happening in my mind. However, I felt guilty for struggling so much. Neil hadn’t seen his family in years, they’d probably be talking and paying so much attention to him that they wouldn’t even have time to look at what I was wearing

Nevertheless when we stepped out of the train in Boston I felt trapped. When I first got to Chicago, it seemed like the city was bursting, it was like my world had expanded and there was no seeing its end. In Boston I got a different feeling. The elegancy, tall buildings and the cold air engulfed you in its atmosphere and urged you to climb the social ladder. It seemed to tell you if you didn’t, you were bound to fail

-Hey…-It was the first time I said something in at least half an hour- I’ve been dying to see the fashion stores in Boston. Whaddya say you take me to see one, just to look around the city for a bit before we go?-I held his arm firmly

-Is the calm and steady Miss Granger nervous to meet my parents?- He got back at me from what I said in Columbus

-Alright, alright, this point goes to you!- I giggled nervously more than playful- I am, alright. Nothing calms my nerves better than shopping for a new outfit

-There’s a store nearby Lucille loved when she was younger. Can’t make any promises it’s still open.

-Doesn’t hurt to try!-I followed him around

It took a little while for Neil to remember the exact spot of the store and kept saying “It’s somewhere along this street”. While I followed him I looked around with interest. The city was full of cars and people. Constructions happened all around and every building was glued to the next one. Two words to describe it were: Completely packed. It seemed like the whole New England lived there. People were moved fast like all of them were in a hurry and it contrasted Columbus in a way it did make me feel like I came from the middle of nowhere. Among the cars there was a policemen on horseback flying by, it struck me as one more thing engulfed by the modernization and craziness that I found myself in. Chicago’s population surpassed Boston’s by a lot, but it was funny how I felt lost in that new city in front of me. Maybe I’d gotten used to Chicago so it didn’t seem that big anymore

And I thought I was ready for Boston

-Was Boston always this full?- I walked holding him tightly, afraid I could lose him in the crowd.

-Full of buildings and people? Yeah, it always was. Although before the war there used to be less cars, floor-length dresses and high hats- He pulled me in into a building, inside it was revealed a store as huge as Menken’s- Here it is, still open

The store was cream-colored with eccentric chandeliers around. I could see at least two floors. I never managed to bring Neil shopping with me before, so I might as well enjoy it.

I took a look around at different dresses. Something had gotten to me though. Look at the price of those dresses! I could buy at least ten dresses at Menken’s for the price of some of these!

If it was Lucille’s favorite store, at least before, then of course everything would be expensive. I swear I found a dress that was $300 (~$4300)! You could buy a new car nowadays with that kind of money. However, my expression remained calm. I looked at Neil sometimes but he didn’t even mention anything about the prices. I felt myself in the obligation to act like it was all normal to me

I remembered some conversations me and Neil had in the past: “Act like you’re entitled to the world”, “You positively grow with middle-class respectability”, “You’re not gonna wear sables and diamonds and be rude to the help, are you?”, “They’ll know you’re not one of them. But you’ll never notice when they’re looking down on you, that’s how people in high society treat people like you and Charlie”. I sighed in despair

-What is it? Nothing matches your photoplay dream?-He said sarcastically behind me and I noticed I had been staring at a dress for too long, lost in my own anxiety- I thought you said shopping lifted your spirits.

-Oh, nothing!-I looked at him- I was just thinking about the Ice Box that’s all, I was worried that-

-MC, I know you’re deeply infatuated with your illegal activities, but there’s nothing you can do from Boston

-I know- I let it go, it was just an excuse anyway. I was excited about the vacation and I couldn’t let the whole pressure just make me crumble. I had to prove to Neil that I was able to deal with whatever life threw my way. We were going to work this out together

-Say, why don’t you keep shopping? I’ll wait outside, all this glitter is hurting my eyes

-Alright, yea, I shouldn’t take long- I gave him a quick peck before he went out, I could see him grabbing a cigarette before turning my attention to the dresses

Alright, MC, you need to choose something classy enough but that won’t burn your pockets. Now, where do I find something that’s doesn’t cost more than $15 (~200)? I could spare that, it’s a special occasion.

Wishing I could have some gin in me right this second I went through the embarrassment of asking if they had anything around the price range I wanted. My luck was that there was a dress that was worth $100 (~1450) that was about to be thrown away because the zipper was broken. When I looked at the dress I didn’t understand why they’d throw it in the can.

It was beautiful. It was this pale pink color with a V-neck. The sleeved has the same gold details as the dress, but otherwise it was transparent. The details on the pale pink went down in waves until right below the knees. I smiled at it, it was perfect for the event of meeting Neil’s parents, and I’ve never worn anything like that.

I asked her if I could have it and she shrugged in a manner like she didn’t understand why I was even there. I couldn’t blame her, I didn’t know either. I got the dress for $20 (~280), it was more than I could at the moment, but I was just happy to have found something I could afford and still look ritzy in

Due to the extra money spent I couldn’t really go looking for shoes or accessories, but I wasn’t worried. What I had would work for this.

-Alright!- I caught Neil outside- I’m ready, first impressions are everything! Now I just need somewhere to put this stuff on!

Yes… Like the back of a rental car in a dark alley…

-It’s so convenient nowadays, you know, they started renting cars and everything right- I said huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf in the back seat getting my dress off and the new one on- So you can change in the middle of the road too

-I thought this way we could go places without having to use one of my family’s cars- Neil waited in the driver’s seat

-What’s wrong with your family’s cars, huh? Not ritzy enough for ya?-I put on the dress to realize it didn’t close in the back. Shoot! I forgot to ask what happened to the zipper. Think, think, think!

-It’s the contrary- Neil responded- If I remember well from back then, I always felt like I was in a circus truck, doubt they changed the way they do things- He seemed to hear me struggling- Do you need help back there?

-No! Nope! I am just fine- I said putting a pin on the zipper so this way it wasn’t broken anymore. It closed all the way up! The only thing was the pin showing a little bit on the top, which looked a little tacky, but with all the details in the dress it could be overlooked

-Let’s hurry then, I told them we should be there for lunch. With your little shopping going on, we’re late

-Sorry!- I put on my rhinestone tiara and went through my bag to find my golden pair of heels that matched the details on the dress, then I hurried up to the front seat- I’m ready, let’s scram!

Neil started to drive, I could feel him a little tense as he drove. I put on my hand on his leg squeezing it- Are you excited?

-When I left Boston I was twenty-four. I haven’t been back since

-Neil- I calmed my voice- They’ll be happy to see you, they’ll be thrilled. Especially Lucille, I really can’t wait to meet her. How old is she?

-We’re about ten years apart, she’s the youngest. So she should be about twenty-two right now. Damn…-He went quiet for a few seconds- When I left she was fourteen, now she’s a woman, married and is about to have a baby.

-Oh, little Cornelia- I smiled thinking about it

-Don’t remind me, I still feel for the kid

-Can it, Neil! It’s sweet. I can’t imagine how she must have felt when she got a letter in the mail from you

-I can’t believe I let you convince me to go through with this-He shook his head

-Hey, pal, I didn’t say anything! You wrote the letter to her yourself

Neil smiled, as if there was something in his thoughts he didn’t want to say out loud- I know.

We pulled up to a narrow street full of four stories apartments- I didn’t know they lived in a flat- I said, a little confused. I expected it-

-They’re not flats-Neil responded- They’re houses

My eyes widened looking again at the row of houses with my new perspective. It was pure Boston Brahmin. The houses were glued to one another, only separated by color, each of them were massive once I understood the four stories were for each family. Rows of fancy cars were parked in front of each designated house and U.S. flags stood in front of each one.

Neil parked in front of an elegant brick house, it was full of organized windows and one big wooden door stood right in the middle of the ground floor.

-Is this where you grew up?- I opened the car door on my side

-No, this is just the city house. I’d spend a lot of time here, but usually we’d be down by the estate

-Estate?- I turned to him, wondering if my ears heard right- Your family owns a estate?

-About 15 miles out of the city- He said like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I focused on my breathing not to let myself get too nervous. “Act like I’m entitled to the world” is what I kept playing in my head. I went around to meet Neil and then I noticed his look was distant

-Neil?-I shook him a little bit and he looked down at me, his face was not upset, but the usual mask wasn’t there either- What’s the matter?

He hesitated a little bit. Being back here must be hard. It’s still not easy for him to open up, so I appreciate it even more when he does- That house right there- he pointed. I looked back at the white magnificence across the road, just as beautiful as the one that belonged to Neil’s family. It had a black door instead of a wooden-colored one. No cars were in front of it, so it looked solemn, distant and different from the rest- It’s the Hasting house.

I looked back at him squeezing his hand- Alton…

-Yeah… Alton- He replied

I didn’t know what to say, I never knew what to say when Neil mentioned his past. But he said all he needed me to do was listen. I gave him a kiss on his cheek, hoping to comfort him. I was glad to see it got a smile out of him- Ready?

He breathed profoundly, turning his head back to the wooden door- Yes, I’m ready- He knocked on the door

----

It creaked as it opened, it was like seconds got transformed into hours. Once it was open a servant smiled. Some kind of butler? Gee, this is something else. However that only added to the moment. He positioned himself by the door, looking into an area in front of him I could only imagine it was the living room. He stuffed his chest like it was the most important thing he was going to say in his life to the ones who waited

-Cornelius Dresner is home

I nodded to Neil, letting him walk in first. He took his hat off as he walked, each step seemed to hold anticipation in them. I walked in right after, but staying away from him. I understood this was a precious moment, so my eyes turned to watch instead.

The silence was so expansive you could hear if cotton balls fell on the ground. When Neil stood there, a second set of steps started. My eyes turned to a very visibly pregnant woman, who could be due anytime soon. She had bright icy blue eyes, her blonde bob fell elegantly on her face. She had the posture of a porcelain doll and her face resembled Neil’s.

She stopped right in front of him looking up at his face, like she was examining every detail, her serious face was beautiful in that light. I assumed that was Lucille, the one who never gave up on him. They now held this very serious starting contest, I almost thought no one was going to say anything

-You got old- Her melodic voice let out and Neil burst into laughter at the same time she did. He hugged her carefully but tightly

-And you grew big, in more ways than one- He joked with her but then turned serious- Lucille, I’m sorry…

-Oh, forget that! You’re here now…

Others walked up to them, I counted them in my head and assumed mother, father, Maude and Warren. I let them have their moment. It was so intimate I stepped back not wanting to hear much. It was like Neil had gone off to a war, survived and now was home once more. In a way, that’s what had happened. Neil had won, or at least started to win, his internal battles and now he had made it back there. I smiled watching the scene. He didn’t reserve any smiles and his family seemed to be everything but mad at him. They relented.

I couldn’t help but think how proud I was of him

A few minutes passed, they started pulling him to the living room to “sit, relax and update them on everything that’s been going on”, then he looked at me and stopped them in their tracks

-Wait- He walked over to me and then looked at them. This was the first time they noticed I was there. I didn’t blame them, Neil had all their attention- This is Mary

The older woman, I’m assuming Neil’s mother walked over and I felt the chills down my spine. She had cold eyes but a warm face. You could watch her and feel that she was judging you and it made you wonder if she considered you worthy of her time. She was the image of classiness, the peak of the upper class. She was one of those wealthy people you see walking by and wonder how they must live. She walked like she had books piled up on top of her head. More charm than Vera Peters, that was for sure, but I felt bad that her aura reminded me of the former mayor’s wife. After all, I wanted to attribute her to someone nice

-Of course- She smiled- Miss Granger, right?

-That’s me! - I smiled- It’s a pleasure to meet you ma’am- I was going to say something about how beautiful her house are and introduce myself to the others, but she turned her eyes somewhere else

-Please collect their bags, you can put Neil’s in his room-She said to the servant- And Miss Granger’s bags can take to the spare room downstairs

-Mother- Neil interrupted her- I’d like Mary to stay in the guest room upstairs- He said in an imposing a tone. If there was a guest room upstairs, I got a weird feeling about her asking for me to sleep downstairs in what I could safely assume was an underground floor.

-Fine, yes. Take hers to one of the guest rooms- She said and the servant started moving according to orders

When I turned around, Lucille was walking up to me and Neil. She in turn had kinder eyes, and I could see them a little wet. The pregnancy probably added to the emotion of her beloved brother coming home

-Miss Granger, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My brother spoke highly of you in his letter- I didn’t know whether to pay attention to her eyes or the diamonds she wore

-He must have flattered me too much- I said shyly. She wasn’t much older than me, but she spoke clearly and no slangs were in sight

-I only speak the truth- He said behind me

-I’m sure- she replied- I understand it’s you I must thank for having him write me

-I may have pushed him a little bit- I squeezed his hand- But he made the decision on his own

Neil introduced me to rest of his family. His father seemed a tad quiet just like him, his other younger siblings greeted me well, and he reintroduced me to his mother who was next to talk again

-It’s so nice of you to wear something so simple to come see us. I did hope you felt at home- She mentioned I could feel my face getting hot- Why don’t we all sit down, there’s much to talk about!

I was more nervous now than when I first walked, but I didn’t want to let on everything was getting to me.

The living room was mainly white, so white it was like staring at snow in the sun. The couches were the most comfortable seat I had ever felt. In this place where comfort was displayed all around, I felt all the eyes and social pressure of high society that made me feel like it was the most uncomfortable place in the world. What calmed me was Neil sitting next to me and his hand on my waist.

-How’s life in Chicago?- Lucille asked- I tried asking Drummond when you wouldn’t reply but he always told me you weren’t working for him anymore

-Yes, I only worked with him for a few years- He continued, and I was sure he was going to give them the clean version of the story- Turns out we didn’t get along so well. I moved to this neighborhood where I met this man called Charles Granger. He in very involved with the city’s anti-saloon league and involved in the politics and he takes care of the neighborhood he lives in, it turns out they were in need of a doctor. So he offered me a job and I accepted, worked with him ever since. He helped me get settled, I do owe him a lot

-Well, we’ll be sure to send Mr. Granger our regards for taking care of you- His mom gave a forced smile. I’m sure she had questions but it was noticeable she was trying to be on Neil’s good side, afraid he might escape again

-So my life was settled there. A few years later he announced to me and his associates that his niece was coming from Ohio to live with him. She helps him out at work and that’s how we met, through Charlie

-And now you’re seeing each other- His mother continued

He smiled softly- MC and I are engaged, mother. I mentioned in the letters

-Oh yes, Lucille told us the news- Her tone seemed like… Disappointment? No, I’m just reading too much into it

I had to do something to break the ice- We were planning for it to happen in late April, early May, wait until the cold passes by

-Yes, it’s smart to wait a while-She smiled at me- A lot can happen in those months, things might end up different

I held my breath, I couldn’t pretend to be dumb to myself. She was definitely unhappy with Neil’s choice. For the first time I felt a sting in my chest. It wasn’t embarrassment or anxiety. It was… Insecurity. I usually never lacked confidence and I was sure that I could take everything and anyone. However, being on the receiving side of the looks from Neil’s mother made me feel like a pin in a haystack. Tiny and lost.

-We weren’t planning on waiting too long- Neil said. Even he acted different around his family, but his tone was firmer. I knew it was him sticking up for me in the ritziest way there was. So I appreciated in silence.

-I hope you don’t mind that we organized a ball for your return- She said excited, changing the subject- We invited the Hastings, the neighbors, just close people to spend the night with us

-Oh mother, you know I always loved the balls you gave- He said in a sarcastic tone but she ignored it, Lucille did giggle though

-Get up and get ready-She said- Do you need me to send the valet upstairs?

-No! No... I can manage myself- He said walking towards the stairs and taking me with him

She then spoke to me before we left- Oh dear, you’ll want to wear something a little bit more elegant for tonight

Once we were in the second floor I couldn’t help but look around. There was a piano room and then a corridor of doors, I assumed they were bedrooms. It seemed kind of oddly placed, surely nobody would like to sleep while the piano is being played right outside their doors. However, everything inside was so white the black piano was a welcoming contrast.

-So… I’m guessing balls are a normal thing in the upper class

-It’s traditional, not my thing if you ask me- He lowered his voice to say the last part

-I’d imagine not

I didn’t have much time to admire the guest room, even though I did notice that its grandiosity made it hard to imagine that it was a room that didn’t belong to anyone. I sat on the bed stressed, wondering how I was going to find something in my bag that would fit the expectations of Momma Dresner. The fanciest dress I could find didn’t impress her, and now I had to step up my game for an official “welcome home Neil” ball

In the middle of my mind’s perturbations, a knock on the door got my attention. When I opened the door, Lucille was standing there smiling

-Mrs. Branford!- I started

-Lucille is fine, if I can call you Mary

-MC- I stepped out of the way to let her in- What can I do for you?

-My mother, she is… Traditional- She sat on the loveseat by the window- I’m not going to lie. People like her, they are not easily impressed by… People like you

-People like me, you mean middle-class

She nodded- Yes, it’s in her ways. The Dresners, they come from very old money. Me, Neil and our siblings, we’re more used to the ways things are nowadays. But our mother never really spent much time with people who didn’t have as much money as she did. So she always looks down on them- She looked back at me- And she always expected Neil to marry an indoor, wealthy girl if you know what I mean

I must’ve made a face, because the look of sympathy rested on her eyes- She doesn’t think I’m worthy of Neil

-Yes, MC, but you must understand it’s old thinking. She thinks that solely based on money. Besides, it’s a little tougher on Neil because he is the oldest of us. That makes him have to marry the perfect woman in her eyes.

I looked at her- The oldest… So…

-Neil is the heir of our estate. Of our parents fortune.

My eyes went wide. It must’ve been obvious, but I just realized that- I never thought of it that way.

-Listen, MC. When Neil left Boston, after Alton passed away… He was not just unhappy. He was lost, his eyes were haunted. He was cold and it seemed like all life from him was just gone. He had this hard edge, and he estranged himself from all of us- She looked at nothing, but I could see pain in her eyes- When he came back from France I convinced myself I would never see the Neil I use to know before the war again, I knew some of his troubles. Then a few years after he left I started to convince myself I’d never see him again- She turned her eyes to me- And then a few months after knowing you he writes back, and then he comes home. On top of it, although there’s still a hard edge on him, I can see it in his eyes that you make him happy. I can see the old Neil in him. That’s why I know you’re more than worthy to be with my brother, you brought him back from the darkness he lived in

Wow. I was so caught up in what she said. It was nice knowing she was on my side- Lucille, I didn’t really do much… I

-No humbleness. Just take some credit for it. I can see you care for him very much

I nodded exaggeratedly- I love Neil.

-And you can see it in his eyes he loves you-She got up this time, going to a dresser in the room- My brother will be happy with you, and I’m so excited to have you as my new sister. However, convincing my parents require a different approach- She pulled out a dress. A beautiful and obviously expensive dress

It was a salmon color, a soft V-neck that was more of an U and graceful short sleeves. While the looseness of the dress was there, it’d flatter whoever’s waist it was on with a slight inward curve, going down in a soft A-line. The dress ended right below the knees. The pattern on it was two colors. One the color of the dress, only visible if you really paid attention to it, the other was white and in the shape of leaves, like a garden going around and forming a heart around the chest area, small flower-like drawings of the same color elegantly finished the dress.

-Oh Lucille, it’s beautiful, but I couldn’t-

-Yes, you can. It doesn’t fit me anymore and it’d help you impress everybody, plus I’m sure Neil would love to see you in it. C’mon, put it on

I hesitantly did so, and once I saw myself in the mirror with it, it made it a lot easier to accept it. I loved it- Thank you, Lucille

-We’re not done. It’s not just the dress- She said pulling some accessories out. First she fixed my curls, like she watched people doing hers enough times to know how. Then she placed a white headband on my head. It had a details on the side, I didn’t dare ask if they were diamonds or something else. A pearl necklace was put around my neck, I asked myself if they were real pearls. Lastly she brought in beautiful heels. They were white as well, clasped in the middle of my feet, and closed in a salmon bow.

When I finished putting them on I looked myself in the mirror again. Oh boy, Momma would pass out if she saw me like this. Poppa would finally consider me his pride. I was all dolled-up. That sensation that I was an imposter grew in me, but then I was only human. I felt confident again- What do you think? - I asked her

-I think you’re ready to face them. Now, I have to go get dressed myself

-For sure, yes- I smiled to her- Thank you Lucille, really

-You brought my brother home back to us… It’s the least I could’ve done- She hugged me tight- Remind me to properly introduce you to Michael at the ball

I agreed laughing lowly and feeling a lot better

A little while after I heard another knock on my door, when I opened it, I was more than happy to see it was Neil. He seemed surprised at my get-up at first, then he smiled

-I see you’ve had some help

-Well, your sister came in and-

-You look beautiful- he offered me his hand and I took it. I was going to say something smart, but the look in his eyes was so sincere I didn’t want to ruin the moment

-Thanks- I said instead- Did everyone already leave?

-Well, lucky for me, I’m the reason of this party- He said it in a sarcastic tone- So I get to come in late and be the center of attention, I’m hoping their curiosity about you takes some of it away from me.

-Neil Dresner is back home, and he brought a low-class girl with him and he’s saying he’s gonna marry her?-I raised my voice to sound like upper-crust gossip- My oh my, Doctor Dresner, quite a scandal

He gave me that warm smile that went all the way up to his eyes. The one that always makes me feel the jitters in a good way

However I wasn’t done- They’ll probably think you’ve gone crazy and send you to a psych ward or think you’ve knocked me up and now you’re stuck with me- I pretended to hold a fan imitating the rich older women- Disgraceful, truly disgraceful

This time he let out a laugh, a harsh laugh, but a long one that sounded like melody to me. For a second I thought he wouldn’t stop laughing, and then I started up laughing too. We walked all the way to the car like that

-People will think I’ve gone soft if I spend too much time with you- He said

-You agreed to spend the rest of your life with me. You’ll be the biggest softie the United States has ever seen

He let out a harsh chuckle this time, as if he told me he wouldn’t ever let that happen. Then the servant from before opened the back door of a fancy car, it had a long hood and it was half black and half white, a wheel sat on its side. I could also see a chauffeur in the front

-Wow, you’re getting the whole ritzy treatment today- I said getting into the car and we were on our way

-You get used to this kind of stuff- He mentioned and then turned to me- You will…- Before I could ask what he meant, he kept going- You know, during these balls we were required to attend, me and Alton would usually spend the entire time together. He didn’t use to be a fan of it either. Having him there… It always made it feel better, it always made it fun somehow- Then he turned to look at me- Having you there, it’s going to make it feel better

I smiled, filled with emotion, but I had to say something- You’re definitely turning soft on me

He rolled his eyes-I should’ve known better than being nice with you, Granger

Our verbal sparring continued until we stopped in front of a big house, the doors were open to reveal a ball room at the bottom of the stairs. I’ve done this before. They’ll announce us and we’ll go down and I’ll act like I’m entitled to the world

So we did just that. The servant opened the car door and Neil took my hand to help me out of the car. Then, I took his arm and we walked in to the top of the stars. People there looked at Neil like he was a rare diamond, like the king of England just walked in. I could feel his tenseness with the looks, but the preparedness for it in his eyes, he whispered to the announcer and then held my arm tighter

-Mr. Cornelius Dresner of Boston and his fiancée Miss Granger

-C’mon- I said lowly and he followed, so we both went down the stairs.

At the bottom of it his family came over again, and soon I could see people looking and gossiping. It was a good hour of walking around and talking to his family and everyone Neil once used to know and introducing me. I felt like I was in one of those old periods of time when the upper crust used to announce engagements.

After a while I was talking to Lucille while Neil talked to some of the other men. Then she looked behind me and got closer to whisper something- Look, Momma just took Neil to talk to Lillie and left them alone

I looked around feeling my heart jump, at first I felt was surprised. I remember who Lillie was, Lucille’s best friend and… Neil’s ex-fiancée. I remember feeling pity for her because Neil left her, but the pangs of jealousy struck me once I saw her.

She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, for the second time that day I felt insecurity, but this made me feel much tinier. Because I knew Neil’s mother approved of her, because she was part of the high society and she grew up in it. Her pale skin, her green eyes, her dark smooth hair. She was tall and charming, she was the figure of elegancy. I also knew Neil found her attractive, that he was romantically involved with her once. If he used to love her, how can I be sure all those feelings are gone? No… It’s just the atmosphere and everything, it’s just all throwing me off.

I must’ve been so shaken up I felt paralyzed. Lucille shook me- Hey… Hey! They walked outside. We can spy on them from over in that room- She said pulling me along, I wasn’t even paying attention until I was already there. It was a dark room, looked like an office? Lucille brought us to a window, the drapes were almost closed so you couldn’t see us, but we could spy on them

-I have missed you, Neil- She looked up to him, and her eyes were shining. I knew what that look was… She was still in love with him- I haven’t courted anyone else- She showed him her hand- I’m still wearing the ring you picked out for me.

-I didn’t really pick it out, Lillie it was…

-Yeah, your grandmother’s. You told me remember? You got it when you were fourteen. It was to keep it to the woman you loved the most, to the woman you wished to spend the rest of your life with, whom you’ll always love and that woman shall always love you- She held his hands this time and I felt my stomach sink- You told me that you would always love me if I always loved you back-She got closer to him, this time placing her hand on his face- Here I am, still loving you. Can you say everything was washed away?

He took a few steps back, his confusion could be seen on his face. I wondered what he had to be confused about- Nothing is ever just washed away, Lillie. You of all people should know that.

My heart hurt, what did he mean by that, did he mean his feelings for her were still there?

She smiled softly-Neil… You never gave me closure. You never ended our engagement. One day you were just gone. People kept telling me that you were gone for good-She looked away at the stars, it was a well moonlit light. It was perfectly romantic, but that didn’t fit me one bit in that moment. I hated the romanticism of the stars and the shine that it gave on her face. I hated that it made her look more beautiful- But me and Lucille we knew you’d come back to us. That you’d come back to me. And you were so troubled when you left…

-Lillie…-He looked at the stars now too- I’m sorry for what I’ve done in the past. There’s a lot of stuff I’ve done that I can’t fix and I have to live with it. But I got a second chance to make things better. I’m not the same man who proposed to you back then

-Then how is it I look in your eyes and I see him? I see my Neil

I don’t know if I was feeling anger, sadness or disbelief. It could’ve been all of those together. Lillie knows Neil is engaged to me, she must know, we were announced together. You’d think she’d have some respect

-You see what you want to see, Lillie. You think you love me but you don’t

-I went after you! I went to Chicago-He looked at her with interest, she was caught up in her emotions, crying now- Mr. Drummond told me how you were troubled, lost in… Morphine, was it? I looked for you all around the city, and I couldn’t find you. I’m fighting for you Neil. I can’t give up on us

He breathed funny- Lillie-

Before he could say anything else she hugged him, and he hugged her back for my surprise. When was it that Neil hugged any girl like that?

-Seemed you two form quite the spies- A voice behind us said- Me and Lillie jumped. It was Neil’s mother, and she seemed satisfied from what she saw outside, seeing as she was the facilitator in the situation- You see, Miss Granger. Neil belongs back here, in Boston. And you belong is whatever infested middle-class house you came from with your people. You will never be worthy of my son, and of course it only took the right girl to pull him back into his senses.

-Mother…!- Lucille started

-I’ve had enough of it, Lucille! The little gal needs to know her place. Did you think you could ever make your way into OUR family?

I didn’t say anything. This was so far away from my reality at the Ice Box, my family or everything that I’d ever done before. I couldn’t… I can’t handle this.

-I have to go- It was the only thing I could say before flying out of there. I got back in the car asking for the driver to take me back to the town house, once I was in I couldn’t stop my racing thoughts until I was in the guest room, packing my bags.

But then I stopped. Neil… I can’t just leave him like this. I was so mad at him, I was so mad at all of this, I… I want to go back to Chicago. I looked in the mirror again, all dressed up in fancy things, this isn’t who I am. I surprised myself by ripping it all out of me, putting on my favorite green dress and hat, the ones I wore all the time. Once I was back in clothes that made me recognize myself I swore I’d never again try to be somebody I wasn’t. C’mon MC, you always knew you didn’t have to prove anything to anybody.

But I let my stupid wandering thoughts continue. Neil knelt down in front of Lillie once and asked her to marry him. He asked her to marry him, not me. She had a ring on her finger, not me.

I don’t know how much time had passed by when I heard people in the house.

-MC!- I heard Neil’s voice from downstairs- MC!- He didn’t knock on my door, just walked in- Lucille, she told me you listened to me and Lillie talk

-Yeah, I heard it, alright

-I…-He was going to say something when he saw the bag I started to pack, then he looked at me, visibly mad- You were leaving? Without me?

-No! Not without you. I was gonna wait for you- I walked until him- Let’s go back to Chicago

-We’ve only been here a day

-I can’t be here anymore, Neil. Please, let’s leave

-I haven’t been back in years. You convince me to write to my sister, convince me to come over here, we’re here less than 24 hours and you want me to leave? I just got the courage to be here

-Neil, today has been the most stressful day of my life! I have been dressing up like a paper doll, I have been trying to impress your mother and all I’ve been hearing is how much I’m not worthy, how I won’t fit in, how I’m way in over my head! I have been feeling nothing but insecure, down and I’ve been trying to do everything for you, but I can’t- I was rambling on and tears had begun falling from my eyes, but I didn’t even care- I’ve been keeping a stone face all day trying to make you happy because I know this is huge, but it’s tiring! It’s tiring feeling so out of place, and then hearing your mother say all those things, and then I walked out there to the ball and you go in a secluded area with your beautiful ex-fiancée to exchange words of love under the moonlight?!

-I didn’t say any words of love!- He raised his voice, more than I’ve ever heard him raise it before- I was feeling bad for Lillie, I left her and never came back after promising her a married life! I gave her time because I was trying to fix what I did wrong in the past, with everyone!

I didn’t know what to say or think- Neil, let’s just please, go!

-Yes, I think it’s time you went back to Chicago, if you’re going to behave like this the whole trip you should go!

I looked back at him wide-eyed- You don’t mean…!

-I thought I saw a woman, MC. But how could I, you’re nineteen! I’m thirty-two. You’re the same kid I saw the first night you came to Chicago.

I looked right at him as I wiped my tears off my face, then I grabbed my bag I had packed. Neil called Lillie a ghost back in Chicago, but he was wrong. Lillie wasn’t a ghost, nothing back in Boston or his past life had anything to go with ghosts, ghosts terrify you, but he seemed just fine where he was. Maybe this is where Neil belongs after all. But it’s sure not where I belong.

That night for me was the true ghostly aura. A memory that’d haunt me forever. I left Boston, alone, under the beautiful moonlight that would have enchanted me otherwise. I left with only one certainty: I’ll be dead before somebody ever mentions the name Neil Dresner to me ever again!

1933

-Alright, ready?- I asked and the kids all agreed. Neil wasn’t one to make a big deal out of his birthday, but after a few ones together he knew there was no point in fighting against it. I’d always want it to make it a special day, so we settled on a cake and some candles. Just me, him and the kids- One, two, three!

The kids along with me started our little choir, for that man that was so special to all of us- Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear daddy! Happy birthday to you!

-Do we really need to do this every year?-He asked, cynically, but with a little smile on his face

-Alright, mister doom and gloom! We have this discussion every year!- I kissed him in the cheek

We all had our piece of cake. After putting the kids to bed, I walked outside, the moon was shining in the sky and it was a cold January night. Neil soon joined me- One more year close to death- He said raising his glass, then proceeding to drink the bourbon inside it

-You always know how to lighten up the mood-I pulled him in for a hug and along with it a long kiss

-You’re something else, MC, you know that?

-I’ve been told-I smiled up to him, mischievously

-You can never have any idea of how much I love you- He played with my hair, moving it out of my face

-I have some

He chuckled very softly, almost inaudibly- I just ask one thing of you, MC Granger… Never change who you are

----

Little curiosities: DRAAAAAMA. I thought they deserved a little fight and angst. Well, next chapter we’ll be back in Chicago and it’s time for the Ice Box to shine again! Woo Woo, Prohibition stuuuff!

Thanks so much for reading this chapter, guys! Hope you enjoyed it!

Chapter 4 is already on its way!

-Candy, My Dear Diary (5/24/2020)

#voltage usa #speakeasy tonight #voltage inc #voltage amemix #voltage games #voltage #neil dresner #lovestruck #lovestruck voltage #vince moretti

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wayneooverton · 7 years ago

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Where to wine, dine and caffeinate in Wellington, New Zealand

Well it’s finally upon us, the most magical time of the year in New Zealand – Wellington on a Plate.

Three weeks of food filled pandemonium has begun taking over the world’s coolest little capital, transforming it from a hipster cool hub to an even more hipster food-filled hub, complete with a burger competition.

Remind me a again why I moved from Wellington to Wanaka? Because it wasn’t for the food.

Why I love Wellington so much

Way back in the day (I’m talking 2013) when I first moved to New Zealand, I accidentally landed in Wellington and stayed for almost a year. It was never my plan to live in a city, but Wellington is one of those cities that doesn’t get on your nerve, well, except for the wind. It ain’t called Windy Welly for no reason after all.

Chill vibes, a cool creative scene, young folk, beautiful nature, small in size, kickass coffee, oh and did I mention the food? You can probably start to see why I stuck around.

Nowadays I regularly travel up to Wellington to see friends and for work, but no matter why I’m there, I always make time for good coffee, fab food, and great drinks.

Now everyone knows the classics like Fidel’s, Sweet Mother’s Kitchen, and of course, Memphis Belle, but I thought I’d go ahead and share some other fave foodie spots of mine in Wellington, some well known, some less known, all delicious and unique.

Here are my picks for my favorite spots of where to eat in Wellington. From my choice bars to restaurants and cafes, it was hard to narrow it down, but I’ve done my best. Enjoy.

1. Egmont Street Eatery

My favorite place to eat in Wellington is a recent discovery. A cool intimate space that was once a car park not so long ago, Egmont St Eatery is like something out of a food filled fantasy. Unique, beautiful dishes, amazing coffee, friendly people abound in a place that makes you want to sit down and stay a while.

In a country where so many cafes and restaurants offer variations of the same tired menu, occasionally throwing in an avocado toast dish to keep things modern (eye roll), Egmont St is paving the way in New Zealand for fresh exciting feeds.

While their brunch is all kinds of amazing (and the pastries – oh the pastries guys!) the dinner is equally fab.

And if you’re around for Wellington on a Plate this year, you gotta get their burger entry, which was my favorite by far. The Filet-O-Cray is a crumbed crayfish and squid, crayfish tartare, housemade cheese, steamed bun, served with pāua salt dusted shoestring fries HOLY CRAP YUM!

2. The Garage Project

Can’t talk about Wellington on a Plate and not mention The Garage Project in the Aro Valley. A grungy old petrol station turned brewery, the Garage Project is turning out experimental delicious beers faster than you pick a favorite.

Putting on the annual Burger on a Plate competition in conjunction with Wellington on a plate, and matching three surprise festival brews with them, Garage Project is all about innovation and creativity in the Wellington beer scene. Screw that, they ARE the Wellington beer scene.

You name it, they’ve brewed with it; pop into their Cellar Door at the old petrol station to try out some of their top beers, all with amazing labels with incredible designs, before moving up the road to the Taproom at 91 Aro for a more cozy vibe.

3. The Harbourside Market

I love a good city market Wellington doesn’t disappoint.

The Harbourside Market every Sunday morning next to Te Papa is a winner in every category. With fantastic and affordable local produce, live music, tons of people and a great vibe, it’s the place to be any weekend in Wellington.

The oldest and most popular market in Wellington, come hungry and be prepared to binge. All along the water there are stalls after stalls and food truck after food truck of every coffee, pastry, meal and dish you could imagine.

Two of my faves have to be Montfoort, Dutch street food and Dutch donuts and stroopwafels fried to order and of course, House of Dumplings – no explanation needed.

4. The Hippopotamus

FINALLY we have a QT hotel in New Zealand!

My favorite hotel chain in the whole wide world (and only in Australia before), these quirky and fabulous luxury hotels are right up my alley, and now they have one in New Zealand – the QT Museum Wellington.

That’s right, a museum hotel; with an incredible art collection and an emphasis on design, I pretty much love the QT because they are redefining the hotel experience, one place at a time.

But more on that soon, in the meantime, the French inspired QT restaurant and cocktail bar The Hippopotamus (YES!) is bringing back high tea with a twist. From Wednesdays to Sundays book in in the afternoon and get your tea on – or if you’re me, your cocktail on; dress up and go out and enjoy one of the best dining spots in town and definitely with the best view overlooking the harbor and Te Papa.

And if you’re around during Wellington on a Plate, the QT is putting on a special chocoholics high tea (so much yes!) along with their festival dishes of kiwi French fusion, like deconstructed marmite French onion soup.

5. Flight Coffee Hangar

It is super super hard to pick the best coffee in Wellington. I mean, there are so many factors to consider. Location, bean, presentation, space and of course, taste and caffeinate-ability; how does one chose? And to even dare to blog about the best coffee in Wellington is putting yourself right in the line of fire.

Come at me.

Because, after all, I am one of the world’s biggest coffee drinkers. No, no. Don’t argue.

And for me, and I know for many Wellingtonians, Flight Coffee Hangar is consistently ranked the king of coffee in town.

6. Hawthorn Lounge

If your kind of bar is an intimate, cozy speakeasy with low lights, finely dressed people and very nice cocktails with ingredients you can’t pronounce served by dapper, eloquent staff, then head straight to the Hawthorn Lounge. That is, if you know where to go. Wink wink.

A 1920’s gentlemen bar, Hawthorn appeals to the gentlemen in all of us, me included. When I lived in Wellington I would often start my nights here, and accidentally stay until bedtime. It’s inviting, comfortable, and a good place for conversation.

And if you find yourself in Wellington this week, be sure to pop in for their fabulous cocktail, the Welly Sound; a divine tribute to Wellington music, it’s practically desert in and of itself. I’m copying and pasting the description of it here because there is no way I can paraphrase (read on and you’ll understand why):

“A foundation of Reid+Reid gin warmed like a phoenix with roots and seeds, harmonised with orange and poppy, poured over a chocolate butter box patrolled by fur. Accompanied by quince conserve and crème brûlée.”

7. Shepherd

Look no further than the trendy popular Shepherd for a great night out sharing plates with friends. Hidden away near all the wonderful spots around Leeds Street downtown, Shepherd opened with a punch only last year and has been booming since.

Modern fusion with a flair, with an emphasis on sustainability, comfort, and the best quality possible, the menu is local and fresh and always changing. And the dishes are really creative and innovative.

Trendy and hipster without the annoying trendy hipsters, it’s quickly become a local staple in town.

8. SHAKE — The Enormous Crocodile Company

Green Crocodile Bikes have been a classic on the Wellington harbor front on sunny days forever. Combined with an ice-cream on those rare bluebird days, what more could you ask for?

But now they’ve taken it to the next level and brought freakshakes to New Zealand! Finally!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with freakshakes, they are an innovative, evocative freakish mashup of desert and milkshake, usually served in some kind of mason jar with a handle.

SHAKE is the new milk bar in town, and they sell classic crazy milkshakes that regularly change. And they have healthy versions too (but why?!)

9. Sixes and Sevens

And the award for my favorite decadent donut in Wellington goes to, dun dun dun, Sixes and Sevens.

Smack in the center of the city, Sixes and Sevens couldn’t be more conveniently located for helping me get my connect with my inner American and get my donut fix.

And they got me with their candied bacon maple donuts. Swoon!

Their donuts change daily, and you got to get in early for the best pickings. But trust me, all of them are glorious and none disappoint. Except after when you’ve accidentally eaten four in a row. Cringe. Do not recommend.

One day I’ll learn self-control, but that was not the day.

10. Wellington Chocolate Factory

Did you know Wellington has a its very own chocolate factory? Forget Cadbury and head over to trendy Leeds Street to check out the Wellington Chocolate Factory.

Incredible artisanal chocolate, locally made, ethically sourced, traded and organic to boot (I’m surprised it’s not vegan – can chocolate be vegan? Nevermind), the Wellington Chocolate Factory has set the bar high for fabulous local chocolate, with each bar designed by a local New Zealand artist.

Obviously the llama one was my favorite.

Join in on a tour and get the full scoop from start to finish on how they make their chocolate, and watch it happen too, and be sure to try their hot chocolate while you’re inside, especially in winter, and especially the caramel one.

Here it’s an all hands on deck operation, and it’s the kind of place where everyone is nuts about chocolate and loves their job. Winner.

11. Golding’s Free Dive

A fab addition to the trendy Leed’s Street area of downtown Wellington, Golding’s Free Dive bar is a the perfect place to go straight after work on a Friday and stay til late. Playing homage to the great neighborhood dive bars of North America (whut up), Goldings has great beer, great company and a great space period.

And it certainly is a step up from my days dancing til dawn at the now-closed nearby Boogie Wonderland (and accidentally making out with nineteen year old uni students – shivers!), Goldings is a step up for all of us, really.

What a time to be alive.

12. Olive’s

For the past four years, Olive’s has been my favorite cafe in Wellington.

I know, I know, a bold statement. Originally I used to go here for their wifi. It was a great space to hang out and work in for a few hours, and there’s just something about it that gets all my creative energy going strong. I still go by and write here almost every time I’m in Wellington.

It’s a stunning space, and really centrally located right on Cuba Street, with a great outdoor courtyard brimming with plants and trees. The menu is classic and the coffee good. It’s the perfect place to just chill and people will leave you alone.

Don’t go here, it’s mine.

13. Six Barrel Soda Co.

Of course handmade small batch artisanal sodas are a thing, and you can find them in Wellington at the Six Barrel Soda Co.

You can find their sodas and syrups all over New Zealand and Australia, but you can visit their showroom and soda bar right in downtown Wellington. A nice change from bars and coffee, I’m all about the soda shops, especially when they have a selection like here.

Their soda menu is to die for. I dare you not to leave with three bottles.

If you want to check out somewhere different, come here.

14. Leeds Street Bakery

I literally stumbled on Leeds Street Bakery a few years ago by complete accident and I have been a loyal fan of their coffee and salted caramel cookies ever since.

Tucked away in an old shoe factory, Leeds Street Bakery offers amazing coffee and amazing freshly baked breads in one, with some great pastries too. Fresh, local and of the highest caliber in a cool space a bit off the main streets, you can probably see why I keep coming back.

And the cookies, definitely the cookies.

15. The Library

Finally my last and favorite bar in Wellington, The Library.

It’s a book themed bar, guys, need I say more?

Have you ever been to Wellington? What are your favorite spots in town? Do you travel to cities with a great foodie and coffee scene too? Spill!

Many thanks to Absolutely Positively Wellington for hosting me in Wellington – like always I’m keeping it real – all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me.

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