#i love ben & marcus though

[bibleofficial]

i want to like the last podcast on the left soooo bad but i find henry to be insufferable 90% of the time like bro learn when to let a bit END 😭😭

[ohmyitsfaith]

The sunshine and the grump / Part 4

Pairing: Sparrow!Ben Hargreeves x Reader

Summary: With your curiousity for Jennifer satisfied, but your anger about your husband’s dismissal still burning high, you decide to stay just a little bit more with the Umbrellas.

Warnings: fighting, Jayme using her power on the reader continuously

Word count: 2.1k

A/n: Honestly, I realized what my problem was when writing the last two parts of this. I was leaning too heavily on the show and not enough on my own ideas. So here's a part that I wrote on the train where I had no access to the actual show other than my memories.

Five’s reaction wasn’t comforting, but he was ambushed by Klaus the next moment and you went back to eating your breakfast. What could you do?

Technically what you came for, you already got. You now knew about Jennifer, at least you knew what mattered. Though you didn’t really know what to do with the information, your curiosity was satisfied. But thinking about going back… back to the family you thought loved you…

Well, they did love you. You knew that. Ben loved you as much as he was an asshole to you currently. And Jayme and Fei. Sloane especially. Alphonso loved you too and Chris… well he tolerated you. Only Marcus was a bit of a tough nut to crack. You didn’t give up yet on him, but… still. You didn’t want to go back.

Here, at least Klaus liked you. He talked to you, shared the information you needed with you. You wanted to get to know the Umbrellas, if you were honest. They seemed like a… very interesting bunch.

You looked at the Umbrellas that were around you. Viktor was trying to stop everyone from leaving. Klaus and Five were going on a road trip, if you heard it right. Diego and his alleged son were going to the store. Luther was nowhere to be found. And Viktor, giving up on the others, grabbed some breakfast on a tray and walked off.

You had two chances at getting to know the Umbrellas: either wait for Viktor to come back or go with Diego and his son. You quickly weighed your options, then ran after Diego.

“Diego, wait for me!”

“I still don’t like that you’re here” Diego grumbled as you walked down the street. “You’re the enemy.”

“Technically, I’m not” you pointed out. “I’m just a mere human without any powers. I’m harmless.”

“Not if you report back to your little birds” Diego rolled his eyes.

“They don’t listen to me” you sighed. “I’m not part of the team, the academy. I’m just Ben’s… wife.”

“That’s… sad.”

“It really is.”

“Okay, I’ll bite” Diego looked at you. “Why did you come to us? It can’t be just your curiosity about Jennifer.”

You looked at him for a few seconds. “No, you’re right” you sighed and looked at your hand, where your wedding band sat. “We… Me and Ben… had a fight. If I can even call it a fight.”

“I can’t read in your head, woman” Diego urged you to explain.

“Well… I think it started with me searching for information about Jennifer in his room” you started and noticed Diego’s facial expression. “I know, I shouldn’t have. But he was busy and I wanted answers” you put your hands up. “I understand why he was mad. But then he told me that I was too naive and they don’t need my help.”

“Well… that’s an asshole move, but maybe there was some truth in that. You’re… what do you even do?”

“I’m an interior designer” you supplied.

“Well then yeah, you probably wouldn’t have been able to help” Diego nodded, thinking.

“Asshole!” you hit him on the arm.

“Look, all I’m saying is that he had a reason to be mad at you. And with your job, you’re nowhere near the place where you could help anyone strategically plan” he explained.

“Why am I even here” you grumbled.

“I wonder that myself.”

You glared at him, then just entered the shop. You wondered whether it was even worth coming along with him. If staying at the hotel would’ve been better. You also wondered what Ben was doing. He was no doubt busy with his plan against the Umbrellas.

Which was stupid, in all honesty. Just because they caused some trouble at the mansion, why should they die? The Umbrellas didn’t want them dead. Well… other than Diego. Diego was all for beating them to a pulp. But the rest just wanted their home back. Which was honestly understandable. If what they said was true and they did come from a different timeline, then the fact that they lost everything and were left without even a home to go back to was… jarring, fear-inducing. Kind of what a tree would feel if it was uprooted and placed elsewhere. You could almost share the feeling. Almost.

Because you still had Ben to go back to. This was just a stupid fight, you’d be over it sooner or later. You just had to… talk to him. Alone, preferably.

And that… pretty much settled it. You’d go back and… see how things go.

You suddenly saw Diego duck behind a shelf, which made you suspicious. Especially when you saw him peek out from behind it just a moment later. He didn’t seem the type to play hide-and-seek in a convenience store, so, furrowing your brows, you went over to him.

“Diego, what-” you started, but were interrupted by Diego pulling you down beside him.

“Shush” he said lowly, then peeked out again. “They’re here…”

“Who-” you looked where he was looking and noticed Jayme and Alphonso. “Oh…”

Diego pulled you down again, glaring at you. “Try not to get me caught.”

“Oh god” you rolled your eyes, but Diego was already moving away from the spot where you were crouched. “Don’t try it, Diego!”

But no matter what you said, Diego was already standing up, right in sight of Alphonso. You held your head in your hands, unsure what you should do. Diego wouldn’t back down and would get hurt. Then again, it wasn’t like you didn’t try to stop him. It was his own fault if he got hurt. But still, you didn’t want him to get hurt. In all honesty you just wanted peace. No more fighting, no more arguing. You knew things could be fixed if everyone just sat down and talked.

You heard Diego get slammed back into a shelf and you made a decision. You stood up and ran for Alphonso. You weren’t going to stand by and just watch as the two of them fought it out in the convenience store. So you were going to stop them, whatever it took.

And it seemed the first thing it demanded of you was to take a punch in the face. Okay, it wasn’t that easy. Technically you should’ve expected the punch and ducked out of the way of it. You knew Alphonso was on high-alert and if he saw someone at full speed rushing up to him, of course he was going to act in defense and punch without checking who it was.

“Ow!” you yelped as you were thrown off your balance.

“Y/n?” Alphonso turned at your voice. “What are you-” but in the next moment he was pushed by Diego, who ran at him like a bull.

You cheek was throbbing with pain, but you forced yourself to focus on the fight. You got to your feet and saw Diego try to punch Alphonso without feeling the pain himself.

“Stop it Diego!” you yelled at him, trying to grab his arm, to pull him away.

Suddenly, a knife whizzed by you and scratched Alphonso’s leg. You heard the little boy scream behind you and Diego instantly looked toward him, all anger leaving him for a moment. He jumped up and ran for the little boy, who was whining and writhing on the floor.

You took a breath and blinked against the pain. Then leaned down to grab Alphonso’s arm to help him up.

“What are you doing here?” he finally asked. “With them nonetheless!”

“I-” you searched for the words. “I needed time away from…”

“So you colluded with the enemy?!”

“I did not collude with the enemy!” you denied, offended. “And they’re not our enemies!”

“Of course they’re our enemies!” Alphonso scoffed. “They broke into our home, kidnapped Marcus-”

“But they didn’t!” you interrupted. “Marcus isn’t-”

You couldn’t finish though, because Diego threw a… pan?! at Alphonso, hitting him square in the face. The impact sent Alphonso stumbling back and you stared at Diego in confusion. He had knives. Why a pan?!

But the next item came flying, all aimed at Alphonso, who kept trying to dodge. All that stumbling and dodging ended in him bumping into the aisle, knocking down the short shelves, falling onto them.

That finally alerted Jayme into action. She first spit in your direction, which at first you thought you managed to dodge.

“Jayme! What…” but the next moment a hallucination overtook you.

You were still standing in the convenience store, but this time Ben came in, tentacles out to shield you from the slaughter of Diego’s knives. You saw that the knives were hurting him, but his focus was on you. Just like the first time you met, you were saved by him.

One tentacle wrapped quietly around you, lifting you from the chaos and close to him.

“Ben” you breathed.

He pulled you close, the tentacle putting you right next to him, easing you to your feet. His arms wrapped around your waist, keeping you steady. All noise washed away. It was just you and him. Like all those sweet days of solitude on your honeymoon.

“I’ll take you home, baby” he said, his voice sweet like honey.

“H-home?” you stuttered. “No, I-”

“The hallucinogen is wearing off” you heard another voice suddenly and you blinked hard.

“Don’t worry” Ben said, his voice a bit distorted and looked back at you. The next time he spoke, his voice was back to normal. “You’ll be okay, baby. They won’t hurt you there.”

Your heart calmed and your lips pulled into a gentle smile.

“Okay” you sighed. “Take me home, baby.”

All the way to the academy, you were in and out of the hallucination. In your hallucination you were on a romantic stroll with Ben, once again feeling the peace of your pink-clouded romance. In reality though, you were sweating profusely, dragged by Alphonso and Jayme to the academy, just barely not drooling. You were also breathing hard with the hallucination clouding your brain.

Jayme knew it was probably mostly your subconscious fighting against the hallucinogen. Many times she asked you to train with her for control over her hallucination. As added fun, you tried to fight it, trying to break out of the hallucination before it ran out.

So she kept spitting on you, the black goo seeping into your face. Did she feel bad for you? Yes. But you were caught with the enemy. She couldn’t in good conscience let you go back. Who knows what those criminals did to you to make you stay with them. Because as soft-hearted as you were, you wouldn’t sympathize with criminals, who broke into your home and even kidnapped your brother-in-law. That would be betraying Ben and his trust placed in you.

You kept muttering Ben's name every so often and Jayme couldn't even imagine how the man would react to his wife colluding with the enemy.

When they dragged you into the mansion’s living room, barely conscious, Ben didn’t know what to think.

He had been so mad at you the night before and so focused on the coming mission, he didn’t think much about you not being in your room. He thought that once you calmed down, you would join him in the bed. And then, in the morning you would talk it out as you did all your arguments.

Even if this was bigger than any of your previous ones.

But you weren’t there in the morning, your place still the same way it was the night before. It didn’t take much for Ben to realize that you were never there. By then, he was calm, he had forgiven you for the snooping, after all he was busy and didn’t really have time to search for the answers with you. He was also slightly guilty about dismissing your help at the second mission planning meeting. He knew he was an asshole to you, even though at the time he justified it with being mad at you.

But he really wanted to talk it out with you. To solve this issue. After all, everyone was on edge, him especially. Since you were in his life, there weren’t big enemies like the Umbrellas were right now. Not only did he want to keep you safe, he also wanted to prove himself.

So it was understandable that he was feeling more stressed about this.

Now though? He didn’t know what to think.

“What happened?” he asked, confused but he could feel the rage starting to burn in him. “Why is she under your power?”

Jayme and Alphonso shared a look.

“We found her with the Umbrellas.”

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

Taglist: @snixx2088, @lxkeeeee, @kimm4710, @sagestack, @koshi-sama, @cherryinsalemverse, @lifrimen, @inkedeye2345, @popstarbarbiee

[yanderetheumbrellaacademy]

When They Get Jealous

Summary: What happens when they someone flirting with you and they get jealous? Characters: Luther Hargreeves, Diego Hargreeves & Lila Pitts, Allison Hargreeves, Klaus Hargreeves, Five Hargreeves, Ben Hargreeves, Viktor Hargreeves, Marcus Hargreeves, Sparrow! Ben Hargreeves, Fei Hargreeves, Sloane Hargreeves, Jayme Hargreeves Tw: Violence, Emotional Manipulation, Su!c!dal indications

Luther Hargreeves

Kind of insecure

He's also angry and crushes whatever he's holding in his hands

He's surprised when looking down at the crushed item

Then he becomes annoyed

He'll go to the bathroom to clean up and you'll quickly follow him

"Are you okay?"

He's surprised by your presence and the fact that you followed him

He'll then feel bad about his feelings before

You would never hurt him and he knows that, so why would he even feel that way? You've never done anything to justify that feeling

"Um... Nothing, I accidently- uh, crushed this thing- You know... Strength issues..."

You'll help him clean up/patch up and it makes Luther guilty and he momentarily forgets about the previous feeling... At least until next time

Deigo Hargreeves & Lila Pitts

What a duo

Lila definitely filled Diego's head with delusions and will convince him to do something stupid [Like kill the person flirting w/ you] while she hides the body

Lila takes it better, but inside she's more pissed than Diego

Diego is mad at you and won't talk to you. You'll have to profusely apologize and prove to him you care, otherwise he won't speak to you. Trust, he can hold a grudge

Lila, on the other hand, is very extroverted and will go over to where you are and talk to the person who was flirting with you

There's is definitely tension in the air, even though it doesn't show on her face

She's all smiles and happy, but it doesn't show in her eyes

Deigo is mad, but Lila sees it as an opportunity to manipulate you [She also wants a reason to kill somone]

You try and talk back and she'll bring up how sad it makes them when people flirt with you and she'll emotionally manipulate into feeling bad

You didn't like the person but... maybe she's right? I mean- you didn't exactly tell the person no or that you were taken, but you had asked them to stop.... Was that enough?

Allison Hargreeves

Oh, no no no nononononono

She is NOT letting that happen

The person who's flirting with you must have a death wish

She doesn't want to use her powers, but...

Well, she really has to fight the urge

She looks very sweet and kind, so she can just come into the conversation and play nice girl

She'll drag you off, talking about needing your help or something, while apologizing for taking you away [But she doesn't really mean it]

You won't even notice she's mad until you're alone

She'll accuse you of cheating or trying to leave her

You're taken by surprise, but don't even try and fight her, because she's in a very low/depressive state, so she'd be easy to push into doing something drastic

So, you'll have to wait until she feels better to confront her

Klaus Hargreeves

They already assume you don't love them, so this just fills this delusion they have

It really bums them out and they get super depressed

They get extra clingy whenever they get you alone

They're usually pretty clingy, so you don't think about it to much

Until, they start whining about the guy at the bar

They'll ask you if you like them [Flirter] more than them [Klaus]

You'll tell them no, but they don't believe you

They'll emotion manipulate you saying that you probably hate them and if you ever leave them, they'll kill themselves

Five Hargreeves

Someone flirting with you? Do they have a death wish??

Not afraid to kill a man or women. He doesn't care

The only issue is he'd never admit his jealousy. You have to confront him and at first he'll deny it, but if you keep pushing he'll get pissed and yell 'You know what- I am jealous! So what!?!'

You're surprised he admitted it, but that's the only time you're getting it

He'll deny saying it and gaslight you into thinking it never happened

He will kill them, he just needs a little time, which he has plenty of

It is bloody, gory and gruesome

No one will find the body, but he'll make sure you know the person is dead and it's all your fault

He'll make sure you never do it again because he hates this feeling and it bothers the hell out of him

Ben Hargreeves

He wasn't really having fun at the party, so when seeing someone hit on you, it just made his night worse

He's scared you'll realize that he's not good enough

He hates the icky feeling in his stomach and it only continues to grow

Though it does make the feeling subside when seeing you roll your eyes and push the person out of the way before heading towards him

It makes him giddy and smile; Like a school boy

The fact that you'd chose him over everyone else really fuels his obsession, so be warned

When you get to him, you complain about the person

"Did you see them?"

He'll pretend that he wasn't paying attention and you gasp, before sitting down and ranting about how stupid that person was

He practically has hearts in his eyes and he looks at you like you're the only person in the world, which to him you are

Viktor Hargreeves

He's annoyed, but he's not going to do anything drastic [Or at least he tries]

He wants to do something, but he doesn't really know what to do, because he's never had like a good relationship

He watches sadden from afar before wallowing in his own self pity

Though, after everything that has happened, he is a little bit more confident it just takes some working up before he can go over to you

He'll debate about it for a few though. Like he'll sit up, but quickly sit back down and do it over again until he finally gathers the courage to approach you

He'll finally approach you, thinking of what he's going to do as he approaches you, but when he finally approaches you he's still lost on what to do

He'll just act and kiss you infront of the person, which takes the flirter by surprise

The flirter will apologize and end up leaving you alone

You're surprised by Viktor's brazen behavior, but it's also kind of a turn on and he'll kiss you again before you can comment on it

Marcus Hargreeves

He doesn't get 'jealous'

That word isn't even in his dictionary

Well, that was until he saw a guy flirting with you

What is this feeling???

It's an icky feeling that he doesn't like it

He'll put an end to it quickly [Both the flirting and the feeling]

You're kind of taken aback when Marcus comes up to you and pulls you away from the conversation

He would have folded his way into the conversation, but he would have been passive aggressive

You try and ask him what's wrong, but he's quick to deflect the conversation

He'll push the feeling deep down and it'll come up when you both get into a fight

Sparrow! Ben Hargreeves

He's furious

If he wasn't busy nursing his drink, he probably would have knocked the guy out. Thankfully he's drunk and not sober

Though he can't help the thoughts in his mind... Violent thoughts

The thoughts will become a lot and he has to leave

He's mad at the person, but then he starts thinking and he suddenly becomes mad at you

How come you didn't tell them to back off????

He becomes slightly insecure but he fights that feeling and it becomes overcome with anger

He'll end up leaving without you, because he needs time to be alone and think

Though, this just makes his feelings worse. While he's drunk he's sad and depressed, but when he becomes sober, his emotions quickly turn to anger and he wants to confront you

So, when he sees you again he's anger has already been bubbling up and he blows up

You're taken aback and kind of scared because he's so mad and he's yelling and you can't even decipher what he's talking about

He needs some time to cool off, but he can't be alone, because his feelings will cool off

You'll go to another room while he cools off, so that he knows you're still around, but you're not alone together

He will eventually calm down and apologize for his behavior, but not with words, but like subtle actions, gifts, and such

Fei Hargreeves

You don't even know she's jealous, because she hides it so well

She's kind of scary looking, so no-one has approached her

She takes her jealousy pretty well and doesn't let it bother her

It just kind of rolls off her back

She's confident and knows who she is and what she wants, so she's not threatened by some nobody trying to hit on you

Though, if she sees you getting uncomfortable, she will step in

Thanks to her looks, they back off rather quickly

It's rather silly to her and she finds the whole thing stupid

She takes it the best and doesn't let it bother her

10/10 best girlfriend <3

Sloane Hargreeves

She's a sweet girl and doesn't deserve to be sad

She's a hopeless romantic, so when she sees people flirting and being cute, she instantly is like 'Awww' until she realizes it's you

Then she's mad and her mind races with multiple different scenario

What if you leave her?

Oh god, what if you don't love her anymore?

What if you click with them so well that you think they're you're soul mate and you leave he-

She shakes her head, before standing up

She fixes her hair, before putting on her brightest smile and approaching you

She's very beautiful, so they person who was hitting on you will turn and flirt with her too

She'll become annoyed, because they were just hitting on you and now they're hitting on her? Were you not good enough for them???

Who did they think they were?

Instead of being mad that they were flirting with you, she's mad they STOPPED flirting with you to flirt with her

You're incredible, so she's confused why they don't realize that

She calls them on it and you're really flattered, but you have to drag her away, so she doesn't get to carried away

Jayme Hargreeves

It's more of an annoyance

She doesn't think about it to much

She's probably the only one who WILL come up to you and interrupt your conversation in a rude way

If the flirter is rude to her she'll use her powers and pull you away from them

It all happens so fast, you don't even process it until you're back at the house

"What the hell was that???"

She doesn't even turn to you, but you do here her make a sound of confusion

Your brows frown, and you groan, "Why did you use your powers on that person"

"Why were you flirting with them?" Still she hasn't turned towards you

"I wasn't flirting with them!"

She keeps her cool, making brash accusations, which causes you to get angry and by the end of it she makes it seem like YOU are the crazy one

[gleefullypolin]

Initial thoughts on first watch through of Part 2

I will need to watch the season again a few more times as I was overwhelmed to be sure as a lot was going on. But my quick thoughts on storylines...

I'll start with my least favorite part. Sorry but it's the elephant in the room.

Ben.

I cannot. Every time they wasted screentime to go back to him fucking, I was like. God no, please make it stop. I mean I got it the first three times we showed it. Was it really necessary to keep harping on it. Honestly, shit or get off the pot with Ben's story. I'm bored and I don't know where they are going with this. I'm disinterested now.

Fran/John

This got better for me in the back half than the first half. I took no interest in them in the first 4 episodes. it was a snooze fest and while I would not watch a full season of them, they were cute in the back half and while the "dying breath" line was a bit harsh (seriously writers was that necessary) I'm even less interested in exploring a full season of Fran's actual story, not because it's been gender bended to Michaela, I just don't care for Fran's character. Personal opinion, sorry.

Kate/Anthony

Loved competitive Anthony at game night, we are the same Anthony, truly first borns. Kate has relaxed him for sure tho. Loved how he seemed to truly support his siblings, first with Colin and again with Fran in their choices to marry. Wished we could have seen his face when Pen announced she was LW after he was so clear that there was no way anyone could be her under his nose as RULER over the Bridgerton lands or some shit. Would have been a delight to see, yet...he did once again run off and leave his duty as leader of the Bridgerton family once again. For all this fandom screams that Anthony is the only man of the house with the actual job and responsibility he has yet once again disappeared from it yet again. No matter, there was little of this duo for me to take true aim at this season and thus not much for me to say other than what I have.

So moving on....

Cressida

What is there to say...Who's afraid of the big bad BITCH. Well not Pen. And no one else, for off to the country she goes and good on ya! Sorry, don't let the door hit ya on the way out. I'm not sad to see you and your big ass sleeves go.

Violet/Marcus

Tend that garden girl. TEND THAT GARDEN! That's all I gotta say, S4 is gonna bring Mama Bridgerton her just desserts! It was lovely seeing her navigating the dating mart and being nervous herself. I can't wait to see her needing to lean on Lady D and her children as she tries to figure this out herself next season.

Eloise

I was up, I was down. I was on the floor in anger and tears and then crying with joy. I understood you, I swore at you, I still love you dearly. There is much for you to learn about love and the world and I will welcome you home to do that. I did feel like she grew a lot this season. She was confused by love. Love of Pen, Love of Colin, love of being a woman in society and finding her way in what all of that means again. It was nice to see that. I loved her scenes with Colin and Pen and even with Benedict. I do look forward to her season as I feel like she had the most growth this season and while I feel like Ben's is next (boo) she can't be far behind, though I would welcome them doing her and Ben together in 4 at this point since it takes so fucking long to film these.

The Featheringtons

The most growth came from the family. Portia, Pru, and Phillipa had a lot of growth. Between mama being put in her place, then having to face how she has treated her daughter, how she sees her daughter, and then realizing how her daughter is stronger than she realized was quite the journey. And then beyond that seeing the jealousy the sisters had for Pen all along, the way it burned in them because some part of them always felt that their mama loved her most, favored her most even with her treatment. That all the girls really wanted was love of their mama. Seeing that family all together at the end, not jealous of who had the heir, just happy, with their families was beautiful.

Colin

Oh dear sensitive Colin Bridgerton. You really are a soft angel boy. He was so in love, so smitten and we needed that for him to understand how he felt up front but the moment he found out about Pen, you could feel the heart break, the confusion, the anger, the loss. And it didn't just magically heal. He loved Pen, he knew that but the burn inside to reconcile that he couldnt tear LW from her, couldn't rip it from her soul was literally a dark cloud over him for the back half. I took no issue with his words in anger, the were to be expected. He no more meant them or believed them than the stupid ass words people say in anger or stating he would never court her. They were simply words.

His mother was right. He is sensitive. Sleeping on the couch, pouting everywhere. He could not reconcile his thoughts. Could not get her to give up LW for anything and his brain could not comprehend. It was only when he went back to her letters that he realized Pen was not LW, LW was Pen. He loved ONE woman and they were the same woman. He also needed to stop taking control and stop trying to save the day. Pen was a capable woman and he needed to stop trying to control her.

I think the greatest thing about Colin as a character is that he is a sensitive person who loves wholly. He is able to put away the notion of the MAN needing to be the one who runs things. He lets her be a partner with him, in sex, in life, in their roles. This is shown not just in the fact he lets her take on how to fix the LW situation in the end, but also having her on top in the bedroom in their final sex scene. She's a participant in their marriage, not a submissive wife. This is refreshing in this world and I'm happy to see it in Colin.

Penelope

What a ride for Pen she had. She was faced with giving up her dreams to let Colin thrive in his. And she was willing to do so, lets just preface they gave us that scene where she put away LW for us to transition to Colin finally losing his writers block and happily writing away. She gave it up only to be faced with a challenge and needing to take up the quill again. Pen needed to save the Bridgertons and did so later on but she was willing to give everything up for Colin.

I loved her convos with Gen and how it was another woman who allowed her to see that women did not need to give up their worth for men. AMEN! No one said, Colin needed to give up his dreams but Pen absolutely was able to have hers too. I loved this and then to see her stand up to Colin in their second fight, to let her voice be heard to him and not let him talk over her was also important.

The fact that Pen stood up for herself, diverging from the books where Colin does this for her in the books, having Pen stand up for herself thus saving herself and outing herself to the ton, I liked this. Pen was able to put LW away and use her OWN voice to the ton and explain to everywhere why she created this entire empire. I thought this was beautifully done and then having her let Colin out of the marriage afterwards so that she basically put them now on a level playing field was perfect. His speech at that point should be put in a museum because it leveled me. I think this put them finally into the right place for their marriage and lets them begin as equals. They both have a career, they both have a purpose, they have each other and they do things together. She's not out there alone anymore.

What a fucking journey. God I love this show.

So yeah, I know I'm seeing people upset, they didn't get the spoilers they wanted, didn't get some pieces they built up and you are allowed to feel that way. I think my only gripe I have is that our sex montage was cut from the show and instead we got too much Ben and his tiresome threesome that went no where. So that is my only gripe. Give me that deleted scene and I'll be happy forever. Otherwise....

Polin is life! I loved everything they gave us and I have no complaints.

A+++ They have a happy fan from me.

[couldnt-think-of-a-funny-name]

okay so TENATIVE predictions for season 4: it looks like they're going to be playing into the mandela effect. half the universe remembers the umbrella timeline, half the universe remembers the sparrow timeline, and the ONLY thing both groups remember is Ben.

I've been praying since day one that Ben will have memories of both lives in his head, and judging by the fact he appears to be Going Through It in the trailer I assume that'll be the case.

since Ben is at the center of the conspiracy, I almost want to say he's who they're supposed to be rescuing? like, maybe instead of One Ben Two Lives, it's Two Bens One Cup. I don't think they'll do that, though. They're probably trying to rescue Jennifer. HOWEVER I do think it would be really sexy if Nick Offerman and Megahn Mullally weren't playing a couple but were instead playing the same person from different universes (hence being named Gene and Jean), and they somehow found each other and that's why they're leading this conspiracy.

Mystery Jennifer is stressing me out. obviously by the glowing she's got something going on. I'm thinking there's a possibility she was erased from the family's memories after Ben's death- the trailer makes it seem like Reginald made Allison rumor them after the fact. there's probably a decent chance they all knew her, she lost control of her powers, Ben died, Reginald locked her away and erased all traces of her. maybe in the sparrow timeline she died instead, or maybe she was always locked up there and Ben was drawing her from memories that were already starting to leak through from the og timeline, but either way probably in trying to uncover how Ben died they figure out they have to save her. idk!

also, six is like. a random number of years I'm sorry. why wouldn't they just say five years later? maybe another thing to do with Ben bc umbrella Ben was number six? I'm probably reading too much into that one.

I'm truly SO scared they're gonna reveal none of them have spoken during the time skip. Five doesn't deserve that 😭😭. in my perfect world him and Viktor have an apartment but the show writers 100% forgot they said those two were best friends when they were kids judging by the rest of the series rip. when the Gene and Jean characters were first announced I thought maybe Five got stuck in the foster system and they took him in, and that could still be the case (maybe that's how they noticed the universe is a lie in the first place, the boy loves to Yap) but I think it's less likely now idk

if Diego and Lila's daughter isn't named Gracie....what was this all for. what was this all building towards. what's the point. LMFAO I know the popular fanon one is Anita (personally in my head I've been calling her Poppy and I Don't Know Why) but like Gracie is the only name that makes sense, Diego is Too Much of a mama's boy to accept anything else.

this one isn't a prediction it's just a demand- I DEMAND a white violin icon moment set to extraordinary girl by green day. they can 100% get away with just doing an instrumental version since Viktor's not a girl lmfao, but it literally Haunts Me that they didn't do that at the end of season 1 (or at LEAST play the opening of letterbomb when Viktor was in the basement hallucinating) so they NEED to make up for that. it's the last season. play the fucking song oh my God.

there might be too much going on to bring the sparrows back in any meaningful way, but like! I liked them! I especially wanted more Marcus last season, he and Viktor had good chemistry. and Fei was an icon. Why Are We Hiding Sloane Tho. I considered maybe they were rescuing Sloane, but like, Luther just seems a little too happy for that to be the case? that's why I also think Diego and Lila's kid isn't the one being rescued like I saw some theories suggest- Diego is so excited and Lila's grinning in the car scene. can't imagine their 5 year old is missing.

Five is absolutely gonna die. like I'm sorry since episode 1 there's never been a believable outcome where everything's okay and he lives. HOWEVER I think there's a very strong chance the series could end with the timeline is finally saved and set right, and grandpa Five died- but then right at the end 2002 baby Five shows up and gets stuck in the safe timeline. Five has been a walking paradox the whole series. it'd be bittersweet to lose the Five we love, but know that he's still technically getting a happy ending because he doesn't have to live through the apocalypse and become an assassin. I think that's like the best outcome we can hope for.

I think it'd be EXTREMELY funny if Reginald is just super nice now that Abigail is back. like the entire excuse for 30 years of insane behavior was that he missed his wife. bestie there are better ways to cope than abusing superpowered kids </3 but lmao I'm intrigued by him and Viktor being together in both trailers! I've always gotten the feeling that Viktor is one of his 'favorites' (to the best of his ability anyway), and from the brief childhood flashbacks we see that he had baby V acting as an assistant for him, so I'd like to see their relationship expanded a little bit. honestly I just want a lot about Reginald cleared up- he does give off the distinct impression that he actually cares about his kids, even though he's abusive. I'm assuming the explanation will be something along the lines of 'well I always planned to bring you back and safe in the New Universe', that he was approaching it as a 'they have to suffer now to save the universe, and then they can be happy' mindset. that would be interesting. but I'm also a little worried they'll wave his behavior off with 'oh he's an alien he just can't understand how he affected them', which, would suck writing-wise.

I'm worried about Allison- I'm sure they're gonna want her to have a full redemption by the end of the series, but what she did to Viktor and Luther last season...like I just don't know that they'll pull off a meaningful redemption, to where it's believable that they forgive her (other than the fact they're both softies and push overs). not with the shorter season, anyway! I *think* the person Viktor was punching in the trailer was Allison. but I'm worried that instead of actually fixing the issue the writers will just have her do a sacrifice play. especially since, bless her, she's the least sacrificial person in the family, so I could see the argument that it'll be a meaningful character growth moment, but like...if they don't actually have her believably fix her mistakes it'll just feel like a lazy writing move. also, I love her and I don't want any of them to die. as I said, the only death I'm willing to accept is Five's WITH the promise of baby Five getting a happy ending.

I want the Handler to come back, even if it's only for one scene. sorry, I think her absence was one of the low points of season 3.

I think if Grace appears in this season at all it won't be the robot version we're used to, but an older version of her human self that Diego met in the 60s. could be very bittersweet. I just don't think the robot exists in this universe bc honestly if my husband revived me from the dead but then I found out he's been living without me just fine, but made a robot copy of a pretty young fling he had after my death and seemingly can't live without her. I'd be a little pissed! sorry! lmao that said I also have personally been headcannoning that Grace is actually a cyborg and not a robot this whole time, the kids just don't know because of all the insane protocols Reginald set up, so if they do something with that instead I'll be really excited.

Diego and Lila's daughter deserves powers<3

alright I think that's all I got for now. but I wanna hear more theories!!

[watchtowerindistress]

the empath and the eldritch horror (2/5) - sparrow!ben x empath!reader

Summary: Alphonso and Jayme were dead. Sloane was kidnapped. Ben was supposed to be Number One. He just didn't know whether to feel more at ease or challenged that the little Empath wouldn't stop crossing his mind and path.

Word count: 4.7k

Warning: fluff, kinda angsty, language, smut (mutual masturbation, unprotected vaginal sex)

Author's note: This series is officially back in progress 😅 I would have dubbed this chapter as part of the i'm not done arc, but you guys wanted this to be chronologically included in the series. So, this is set during episode 4.

I don't know if this was the best smut I ever wrote, but it's been a long time since I wrote something sexual. At least, it feels very teasing. So, not a lot has changed between those two.

I was so scared of not writing enough for this chapter, but look at this 🤣 Still, feels like filler though.

Please don't think too hard on this ability 😅 It kinda reminded me of Emma Frost or a Succubus. 😈

Please please please for the love of God write a small comment or reblog this.

Series masterlist

~ Ben POV ~

This wasn’t happening. He was supposed to be Number One. To lead the Sparrows and do a better job than Marcus ever did. And show his dad that demoting him was the worst mistake he ever made.

Now Alphonso and Jayme were dead. And Sloane probably too. Or detained if they were so lucky. Ben didn’t trust the Umbrellas not to do something rash.

Ben just didn’t see the old man coming. The Umbrellas—he could take care of them. They were replaceable and stupidly tried to avoid conflicts they knowingly provoked.

Damn amateurs. If it weren’t for the little one and … Eight.

Speaking of the little Empath…

Ever since Fei and him debriefed their dad about the absolute mission failure, Ben couldn’t just let it go. Even after a few hours, his feet led him back, hoping to get a glimpse of the walking firebomb. What he saw instead surprised him, although it shouldn’t have.

The Empath who had been elusive during the fight. Or plain massacre as he liked to call it since pulling the wildcard out of nowhere felt like a foul trick.

Ben wouldn’t have minded seeing you in action again. Maybe he would have pulled you to the side and watched how you reacted to his tentacles making an appearance.

Ben didn’t get to really see you in action when you and your family first arrived at the Academy. At least, not personally. Still, he loved replaying the scene of you using your powers against Marcus in his head. Served him right for thinking you would be an easy target.

Before his mind would get sidetracked again, his eyes followed you as you were taking a stroll in the bright of day. Ben leaned his shoulder against the brick of a shop, hoping to appear inconspicuous every time you looked around.

Smart girl for remaining vigilant after the death of two Sparrows and being trapped in a timeline you weren’t supposed to be in.

Ben passed the civilians on the sidewalk, zeroing in on the figure wearing the bright summer dress under the jean jacket. If he wasn’t who he was and your family hadn’t just killed two of his siblings, he would think you were cute. Still, Ben shook his head to ward off those wayward thoughts.

He pretended inspecting the display of books in the window of the shop, watching you linger near the clothes rack out of the corner of his eye. Ben crossed his arms, facing the bestsellers again.

He was still debating with himself what to do with you once you were within reach. He would consider it fitting to kidnap you—again—as your family didn’t see anything wrong in holding Sloane prisoner.

Ben’s gaze slid to the sidewalk again—to find it empty. He furrowed his brows. Being on the lookout for the little Empath who probably intended to play a trick on him by spying on him from around the corner, like the little she-devil she was. His suspicions rose with every step he took, cautiously walking to the spot you harbored previously. His head swiveled around. But there was nothing out of the ordinary.

It was like you had turned into a ghost, turned invisible when he wasn’t looking. Ben narrowed his eyes, listening to the soft breeze shaking the leaves in the trees. Feeling it ruffle through his hair.

Something soft brushed against his shoulder, giving off the illusion of a phantom touch. Ben grumbled, shrugging his shoulders to get rid off the feeling. A slow, tingling sensation wandered from his shoulder to his neck, leaving goosebumps in their wake. With a careful motion, Ben turned his head, finding nothing that would stir his interest.

He felt it before the voice whispered into his ear. “Are you doing something you’re not supposed to be doing?”

Ben turned his head to where the voice came from. Instantly knowing it was yours. Too many thoughts were rushing through his heads, like how you were doing this. Instead, he chose a direct approach when he spoke to the invisible form. “I’m not playing your little mind games.”

Your voice shifted around him with every movement when you said snarkily from behind, “No? Are you more into the stalking game?”

Ben scoffed and shook his head. “I’m not. That’s ridiculous. You think you’re so special?”

“Anyone ever tell you that you’re a bad liar?”

Ben shook off the shiver he got from you whispering so intimately into his ear. He ground his teeth. “Depends. Do you always want to be right?”

His fingers twitched the longer you remained quiet.

“I’m sorry. I heard what happened.”

The mere reminder let heat rise in his cheeks. Ben clenched his jaw. He didn’t need your compassion or your comfort. He just couldn’t let his guard down around you. If you were anything like your family, you would use your charms to distract him and gain the upper hand before he could blink.

“Sorry that you weren’t there to kill my family yourself?” He shook his head derisively and snapped his fingers like he just remembered something. Not caring that he probably appeared like a crazy person just talking to air. “Right. I forgot. An Empath who doesn’t use her powers to hurt or even kill people. What good are you even for, Number Eight?”

The voice of his father echoed in the back of his head, haunting him. Bringing to mind all the times he committed a grave faux pas during training or didn’t behave in a way which was becoming for a Sparrow. Every second of silence from your end made him want to take it all back. But there was not a chance he actually would.

You slowly turned visible in front of his eyes. Ben had to blink at seeing the softness in your eyes.

“What do you want, Ben?” You said wearily.

Ben smirked, his eyes shifted into something lifeless. “Many things. Why don’t we just start with justice?”

You sighed. “Kill him, you mean? We don’t get all the things we want in life.”

Recognition lit up his eyes. “So, you know that man.”

You exhaled almost with disappointment. “So, I’m dealing with More vindictive Ben. Lucky me, huh?”

Ben narrowed his eyes. “You actually think your family wouldn’t have to face the consequences for what happened?” He hissed through his teeth.

“When will this end, Ben?” She inquired tiredly.

“The moment when you guys accept your fate. You escalated the situation in the first place.” He gestured with his hands the causality. “Escalation—consequences.”

“Someone’s looking at this from a very black and white agenda. We can end this right now. No one has to die for people to accept you as a formidable leader.”

Ben leaned towards you. “There’s no psychoanalyzing me while I’m threatening you. Give me what I want and maybe I’ll be a bit lenient with you.”

“That was you threatening? Do you know that your idea of threatening feels a lot like flirting?”

He covered his ears. “Don’t put words in my head, little demon.” Ben sighed. His eyes met the diner around the corner and instantly tried a more casual approach. “You hungry?”

You waved your arms. “Still just an emphatic illusion who can’t eat or drink like this.”

Ben smirked, hoping to tempt you a bit. “You could just come out with your real body, you know?”

“And have you kill me? That’d be difficult to do since I’m taking a bath right now.” Without waiting for him, you already walked ahead.

Ben lingered a few seconds, slightly distracted from the image you painted in his head. “Little demon,” he muttered before entering the diner after you. They took their seats by the window before he ordered himself a milkshake and a burger with some fries.

Ben decided to pick up the conversation where you left off. “What makes you think I want to kill you?”

You placed your arms on the table between you, leaning forward. “Then explain why you were following me.”

He shrugged. There were some things he didn’t want to consider what he would’ve done if he had encountered you for real.

“Are you sure you weren’t trying the same thing by kidnapping me … again? Your sister is safe, in case you were wondering. Well, more or less. Allison is not the safest bet. But Sloane has Luther keeping her safe at least.”

“Well, that doesn’t ease my mind, in case you were wondering. You people don’t have the best track record when it comes keeping your promises.”

“Right. Takes one to know one.”

He grumbled to himself before leaning back against the plastic cushions. He ignored the presence of the waitress who brought his order and felt himself frown at your expression.

“He says ‘thank you’,” you stated with a self-asserted air, eyeing the server before sending him a harsh glare.

“Thank you,” he murmured barely above a whisper.

The moment when she was gone, he could finally relax. Feeling grateful for the little moment of privacy again.

The smirk tugging on your lips didn’t set his mind at ease. “Just so you know, only you can see or hear me right now.”

Ben rolled his eyes at your little deceit. “Only me?”

“I would need to concentrate real hard to reach other people, but yes. I’m in your head, Ben,” you whispered huskily.

Ben dug into his burger, relishing in the taste and instantly noticing your expression. “Come on, I know you want to try this. Get out of that bathtub, dry yourself off and just have a taste.” He absolutely loved the idea of knowing something else about you which he could use to his advantage.

You eyed his ordered food with a gleam in your eyes. “As much as this is tempting, maybe I don’t trust you right now.”

He scoffed loudly. “And kill you in a diner? Don’t be ridiculous.” Ben rolled his eyes. He rubbed his stomach and mused, “Just look at this delicious milkshake.” His hand slid the drink to the middle, hoping to allure you with a small indulgence. “You forget, ever since you were with us Sparrows,” he crooned mockingly, “I know you love food.”

It surprised him when you just chuckled. “That’s your idea of torture? Should I feel flattered and special enough that I was noticed by the great Ben Hargreeves?”

Ben narrowed his eyes, scoffing. “Someone thinks so highly of themselves.”

“Of course you would say that.” You smiled knowingly, leaning your chin on your hands. “You like me.”

“Sure, keep talking, little Empath.”

A dreamy expression lingered on your face. “You do, it’s actually quite nice. I managed to tame the brooding Ben.”

“I’m not brooding,” he mumbled defensively under his breath.

“You are. And that’s why you like having me around. You enjoy my company. You know I’m the only one that doesn’t hold you to the standards as the rest of my family, or maybe even yours. You like being Ben, with no expectations. Asshole Ben, mean Ben.” You smiled with that wide smile on your face, almost happy at the thought. “Grumpy Ben.”

He shook his head, snorting. “Whatever. Just go bother someone else.”

You pouted. “Damn it. I was this close,” You pressed your fingers together. “To get over here.” With that, the illusion evaporated.

Ben felt the corners of his mouth twitch at your little moments of cheering him up before a titillating sensation started on his shoulder. Slowly, it went further towards his neck when he felt your hand stroking the sensitive skin.

“Stop that,” he grumbled. It was only half as fun if he couldn’t even see you.

You merely chuckle in response, letting your breath tickle against his ear.

Ben exhaled heavily when he closed his bedroom door behind him. After the shower he just had he dried off his hair with a towel and mindlessly threw it into the hamper in the corner. Ben pulled down his shirt until the material covered his torso and found his respite when he lied back on his bed, closing his eyes.

Sloane was back and they got the bodies of Alphonso and Jayme. So, that was a small win. If one could call it that. To gain their edge back, Ben passed on the ultimatum to the emo kid and the big ape. At least there were some good things that happened during this shitty day. Bumping into you kinda worked in his favor. Sometimes he wished he could get a better read on you when you didn’t wear your heart on your sleeve.

Ben exhaled heavily.

“So, this is your bedroom, huh?”

Ben felt like he was going insane. First, his mind wandered to you and now you materialized like that. He certainly hoped this wasn’t one of your abilities. To have someone think of you strongly enough and you would be conjured like a demon.

Ben opened his eyes, turning his head toward where your voice came from.

It felt like you were haunting him, Ben realized when he saw you sitting on the side of his bed, scrutinizing your surroundings. “It’s very you. Like the poster of yourself.” Your voice turned deeper, mocking him with your impersonation. “Hey, Ben. You’re absolutely awesome. Don’t listen to the others.”

Your eyes met the display of books near his bed, quietly chuckling. “And you called Marcus a nerd,” you commented with a normal voice again. “Someone’s an artist, huh? Aren’t you full of surprises?” As much as your delighted smile soothed him, Ben couldn’t take any chances. Before you could mock his means of recreation, Ben tried to divert your attention.

“What are you doing here?”

You shrugged, sending him a cheeky expression over your shoulder. “What? You chose to stalk me and I can’t return the favor?”

After your afternoon together, Ben could admit with recognition that if he narrowed his eyes just enough, he could see your figure almost emanate that golden shimmer. As you projected yourself across the city to play tricks on him again.

Ben sat up, not appreciating your little games to get to him. “This is different.”

You leaned forward with a glint in your eyes. “Why? Is this too personal for you?”

“You’re damn right it is. You don’t see me rifling through your stuff in that crappy hotel.”

You narrowed your eyes with understanding, smiling to yourself. “But you want to. You’re so weird, Ben.”

Why did he feel the need to defend himself? “It’s not weird. It’s called being vigilant and careful. And stop invading my head.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh please, you would know if I was in your head. You’re just such an easy person to read once you’ve deciphered all the little clues.”

Ben waved a hand, not needing the reality check that he was easier to analyze than you were. Not needing to know that you could use it to your own gain if you should choose to.

“Fine, you’ve made your point. Now leave.”

With an ease, you stroked your hair to the side. For a second, he hated himself for finding you beautiful with that dim lighting hitting you just right. Ben’s fingers itched to feel that graphite at his fingertips just from watching you. He saw the outline of a tattoo on the back of your neck and detected a few lines, feeling eager to get a better view to perceive it in all its splendor.

Ben cleared his throat, turning his head away.

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I was just trying to tease you.”

A mocking smile grew on his lips. “Whatever, I don’t care. My command still remains. Now, shoo, evaporate. Whatever it is you do.”

You rolled your eyes. “Jesus, you’re so grumpy in the evening. I thought your mood would be better, with Sloane being back, and everything.” You inched closer on your knees, intending to move away.

“You’re the one making me grumpy,” Ben snarled.

“Sure, I am.”

Ben narrowed his eyes, watching you try to scoot over the edge of his bed by picking the longer route. He groaned, throwing his head back.

“You’re so annoying.” Ben felt his abdominal muscles tense when your fingers held on to his stomach for support. He eyed the hands bracing against him, more surprised by the sensation of your touch than your willingness to get close to him.

Ben furrowed his brows while muttering quietly under his breath, “I thought you’re just an illusion.”

Wariness spread on your face. Probably wondering why he wanted you to stay. To be honest he didn’t know either. “I am.”

“Then why can I feel you?”

The shrugging of your shoulders seemed almost timid in nature.

“My body works in mysterious ways, Number Two. Let’s just say, I can make it as real as possible. Make you believe I’m touching you even when I’m not really here.”

There was something electrifying and addictive about being close to you. Once a greedy thought hit him, Ben leaned forward. His gaze was hypnotized by your mouth, finding it utterly tantalizing. He licked his lips before staring into your eyes again. “It’s Number One, actually.”

Ben was giving some seriously tempting vibes. His eyes gleamed darkly as he watched your face. You swallowed thickly, feeling his hands teasingly stroke your hips, almost like he was trying out the feel of your corporal form. You felt the tingling sensation from his touch, like the feeling was your own. It was like touching something real, but the surreal feeling still followed.

You eyed his luscious lips, whispering, “Pity. Kinda liked calling you Number Two.”

His breath exhaled against your lips. “I think you like calling me Ben more.”

“Sometimes I like you even more when you’re not talking at all,” you whispered, trying not to sever this spell you both were under. Hoping not to break this rare moment of this bond.

Something twinkled in Ben’s eyes with the spoken challenge that followed. “Then give it your best shot in shutting me up, little Empath.”

Everything inside you tingled like you were experiencing a new sensation. Stroking his cheek, you carefully traced the scar on his cheek, watching Ben’s pupils dilate until his eyes were pitch-black. Absolutely loving how dark his eyes could get. Ben almost mesmerized you with his ability to not turn away from you, silently watching your every move. You told yourself you were merely curious, to find out how this would feel like. To enhance your abilities. While your body laid in bed and your spiritual being was sitting in Ben’s lap, enjoying his ministrations.

Before you could talk yourself out of it, your lips met his. Involuntarily, your throat let out a whimpering sound, adoring the softness of his lips. You closed your eyes, opening your mouth to let your tongue dance with his.

There was a low rumbling sound in Ben’s throat. Your fingers stroked through his wet hair, massaging his scalp with your fingernails. His hands tightened around your waist, hiking up your shirt.

You heeded his silent command by unbuttoning your chemise until you were only clad in your bra underneath.

Impatiently, Ben yanked off his shirt, revealing his naked torso. While he showed his physique, he teased with a smirk, “You know, you could be here right now. Get out of that damn bathtub.”

“Not in a bathtub. I’m laying in bed right now.”

It could be said that Ben’s upper body was too distracting for his own good. You groaned, finding it hard to concentrate. “Why do you have to look so good?” You felt compelled to stroke his rippling abs, delighting a bit in his small groan and feeling it reverberate in your whole body.

Ben was seriously making it hard for you not to like him. Or at least his body did the work in making you feel something for him. The longer you rubbed Ben’s chest, your clit started to throb wantonly with need.

“You’re welcome.” Ben spoke huskily, smirking arrogantly. “Tell me what you’re wearing right now,” he said, losing his casual pants in the process.

You let yourself get swept away by him as you discarded your short pants down your legs. “Just in my underwear,” you teased with a small smile.

“Saucy minx.” Ben started chuckling arrogantly before pulling you close at the back of your head while pressing open-mouthed kisses against your lips. “Are you touching yourself?” He panted against your mouth. A startled noise came from Ben’s throat when your hips rubbed teasingly against his crotch. You felt your sex clench when that sound shifted into a moan of appreciation.

You nodded. “Yes.” Feeling the hardness in his boxer briefs with every movement of your gyrating hips.

“Say you want me to touch you,” Ben whispered against your lips before letting them wander sensuously towards your neck, making you go crazy with want with every breath he emitted against your skin. Leaving wet kisses behind.

Oh God why did he have to entice you so bad?

A whimper released from your throat as you tried to relieve the pressure by rubbing against his hardening crotch. You nodded mindlessly.

“Use your words. Say please.”

You rolled your eyes, shoving him backwards until Ben snorted with laughter. With his unruly hair spreading on his pillows. His hands didn’t let go of your hips, instead let them roam and touch whatever he could get in contact with. Ben licked his lips and watched in fascination as your fingers unlatched one of his hands and slid it underneath your panties. Letting your wet juices coat his fingertips. Ben could only groan at the sensation of your arousal like it was some tangible proof for your carnal need towards him.

You leaned forward, brushing your lips against his neck while sucking on a sensitive spot. “Please, Ben Hargreeves, Number One, oh great Cthulu, just finger me.”

His fingers moved in circles around your swollen clit while his other hand kneaded your covered bottom, making you gasp and rub against him. Needing to feel more of him. Craving more of that delicious tug from your dripping cunt. You absolutely could stay in this moment forever with Ben’s fingers slipping beneath your panties and palming your butt.

“You know, I don’t feel very appreciated with your sarcasm,” Ben grumbled against your throat. To prove his point, he completely let go of you by placing his arms behind his head, relaxing further on the pillows. “Show me then. Maybe I’ll do you a favor later, if I feel like it.”

You rolled your eyes, unceremoniously dropping your panties. “You’re such an asshole.”

“As you keep telling me.” Ben drew out his hardened cock out of his boxer briefs, tucking the material around his waist. His gaze never left yours while he started massaging his member.

What a cheeky jerk he was for making you work for it.

Kneeling down at the edge of his bed, you made sure that Ben had a clear view while you drew circles on your clit. Just the debauchery of it all instilled you with a deeply sensual and gratifying sensation. You licked your lips, feeling your breathing pick up the longer you stared into his eyes.

Ben was enjoying your little show immensely and threw his head back while not losing sight of you. Your eyes zeroed in on his Adam’s apple when he swallowed. Ben smirked salaciously, breathing heavily. “But you like me.”

Keeping your eyes closed, you threw your head back. “Just stop talking.” You could only depend on your sense of hearing as Ben’s hard member made slippery noises while he kneaded it furiously. Feeling the heat in your body grow, you yanked down the straps of your bra until you were entirely nude.

The silent stare from Ben stopped you in your tracks, feeling nervous all of a sudden.

“Get over here,” Ben exhaled a breath. He dragged down his underwear, throwing it on the floor.

Slowly, you crawled over to him until you were sitting in his lap again, with your fingers sweeping his hair from his forehead. However, that content feeling which filled you at the touch he allowed was short-lived when Ben propelled you underneath him.

You gasped and your eyes widened at Ben’s unexpected move. Slinging your thighs around his waist, you let out a hum, enjoying the feeling of your legs rubbing against him. “Someone really can’t stand to be on the bottom, huh?”

“Be quiet,” Ben hissed before he slowly thrust inside you.

You sighed deeply, tightening your hands around his shoulders for support. A whimper released from your lips when Ben pulled you closer to him. With every single thrust, he slid even deeper when he held your legs against his chest.

The veins in Ben’s neck protruded with the exertion he committed, letting out quiet moans the more you clenched around him, losing yourself in the sensations of bliss. Not realizing that the spot where you touched him began to glow with golden energy,

Ben’s hips stuttered, clenching his fingers around your thighs. “Oh shit.” He opened his eyes in astonishment when in an almost serious voice, he said, “Do that again.”

You did it unintentionally. Licking your lips, you felt uncertain, having never done this before during sex. You gasped when Ben hit a certain spot, making your walls clench before your fingers brushed against his neck. Just like that your own emotions were bleeding into him, projecting your ecstatic state onto him. Enhancing those sensations tenfold for him.

You grew even wetter if that was possible once the sounds of Ben’s blissed-out groans hit your ears. Obscene sounds of your groans and bodies slapping together filled the room. Your sex clenched around him like a vice.

His hips faltered before he panted heavily. “Tell me you’re close.”

Throwing your head back, you nodded with a humming sound, pulling him close until Ben’s lips were on yours. Suddenly you felt your body shimmer with ecstatic energy before a soundless moan came out of your mouth. Warmth spread through your whole body.

As soon as your emerging orgasm erupted, your eyes adjusted to the changing surroundings of the hotel room your body was actually lying in and Ben’s bedroom. The illusion you tried to uphold kept flickering until your consciousness was pulled back underneath Ben.

The first thing you focused on was the sound of Ben groaning while his face contorted into a confused frown every time you flickered back to him.

You felt him pull out of you before something wet squirted against your skin when Ben ejaculated on his lower stomach. “Oh fuck.” Ben leaned back with exhaustion, trying to catch his breath.

You chuckled, relaxing next to him and enjoying the view of a Ben whose cheeks were heated from the strain and who stretched out his limbs, needing a few seconds before he would be himself again.

You laid down on your front, letting your fingers dance on his warm skin. And maybe—just a tad—you wished you could’ve had the real thing just now. “I like speechless Ben.”

Ben let out hoarse chuckles before he turned his body away to clean himself up with a tissue. He pulled up the sheet until it covered the two of you again. You still thought it was sweet of him despite the knowledge of not needing the added warmth.

Ben’s body language certainly was more at ease as his bones stretched out. He raked a hand through his messy hair and let out a sigh when he gave you an uncertain look. Ben opened his mouth to speak.

Before he could mess it all up, you shushed him by placing a finger above his lips. “Nuh uh, don’t ruin it. You were either going to say the sweetest thing ever or utter something hurtful just because you can’t handle intimacy.”

Ben was taken aback when you leaned towards him to have one last taste of him since this would remain a one-time thing.

The moment your lips were no longer on his, Ben shook his head before commenting, “You’re fucking confusing.”

Tagging: @cherryinsalemverse @mellowstatesmanhandsempath @ravenmoore14 @blackmagicwoman @lelaamela @kit-k4t

[shiroisotto64]

Carmine Headcanons

Benjamin

He’s always been described as green. Aka he follows the rules..mostly. Everyone has their moments am I right? Ben is respectful towards everyone and has a very eager air about him.

You wanna teach him neat military trick? He’s in. This leads to Ben and Baird spending a lot of time together. Imagine how much fun they’d have setting shit on fire? Exactly. And Baird finally has someone who actually tries to listen/understand his science talk.

He’d been real fun to be around. If your friends or together? He’s down to do things you like. Even if he hadn’t found it all to interesting before hand he’ll at least try to get into it for you. You like collecting antiques? He’ll save up to get you something whenever he can.

Gets real giddy when genuinely complimented. You noticed his tracking is getting better and say something about it? He’s touched! You think he’s getting real good at unjamming his lancer? Why thank you! He’s eats it all up and uses it as fuel to keep going.

With a s/o

Very respectful of boundaries. He won’t do anything without your explicit consent before hand. Including hand holding. He gets real shy when it comes to affection. He doesn’t mind it…but growing up with locust running around to kill you doesn’t leave a lot of time to get used to touch.

Ben would be super excited to genuinely spend time with you as well. Wanna walk around the yard? Sure, let’s go. Wanna eat lunch together? He’s damn there skipping to the hall. It’s so cute but the others definitely tease him for this. Marcus is just shaking his head in the corner but look closer he’s almost smiling!

Anthony

He needs to be put on a leash. He’s such a nerd. He’ll rant for hours about all the cool shit Marcus has done if anyone would let him. It’s funny how much he knows really.

Eager to train and get on the field. You can find him in the gym or shooting range. He likes the rush 1 and 2 he wants to stay sharp and be useful when called out. Rambles on the coms to. Marcus is normally the one to scold him to “shut the hell up!”

I feel like for some reason…he’d know a LOT of gossip around base..idk I can just feel it. Before you even tell him he already knows how the mission went. Luckily he’s open to talk about his missions too especially if he did something cool!

With a s/o

Likes no LOVES to show off. But he loses his cocky attitude when his gun fucks around and jams and oops he dropped it….ANYWAYS everyone has their days.

But lord help you cause it has to be nerve wracking being with him, he’s so eager and reckless at that. At least Ben follows orders Anthony just kinda forgets or gets wrapped up in the moment. He means no harm but still.

Clayton

He’s quieter than his brothers. Clayton just kinda chills there till he feels he needs to say anything. He’s more introverted prefers to keep to himself. He does have a sense of humor though. Albeit it’s a bit dry it’s there.

Clay cared a lot about his family especially his brothers. His affection is generally more quiet and shown through actions. A pat on the back here and a good job there. That’s his style even after the war he’s still kinda stiff.

He likes keeping his weapons in top shape. He’s found cleaning his guns and tags around the end of the week or right after a messy mission.

He’s not really picky about food or anything none of them are but I bet Clayton is the heaviest eater out of the carmines. Make him a hearty bowl and he’ll eat every last drop!

With a s/o

Wanna know if he likes you? Easy ask that man for a piece of his bacon. Regardless if he fussed about it or not if you get the piece at all you’re good.

If you’re the touchy type he’ll try to accommodate you. Like I said it’s not like they don’t like touch they just aren’t used to it.

He’s the touchiest when he’s tired. All of a sudden you’re being dragged to bed to cuddle. He’s a real heavy sleeper to! So good luck. Those big strong arms mean business once he’s got you there’s not escape.

@pink-apollo mentioned something about Clayton and dogs and I agree. I could totally see him with at least one large guard dog. But what’s better? A big dog and small puppy. LMFAO imagine the grub killer sprawled out on the couch with a yorkie or something. Adorable.

He’s not the jealous type but he is protective. Anyone giving you a hard time he’ll get it through their skulls don’t worry.

He does need a quiet moment to himself though, so if your the real clingy type he’ll get agitated if your constantly trying to hang off him, however he won’t yell he’ll just remove himself for you until he’s ready to be touched again.

[tua-five]

Season 3 Episode 1!!

I am so excited for this season. Especially today's episode.

⚠️⚠️ If you haven't watched any of this season, I'd advise not to read any of my posts in the next 10 days. Get to it! ⚠️⚠️

I am very much so sorry about how long this is. There is a lot to say today. I wish I could've added more gifs, but of course, it limits me to 10.

Let's all be real. We ALL thought the dance off was real. 100%. It's definitely something they would do.

Okay, I'll jump back a bit now. It's a nice touch that they showed Ben being birthed this time. Since the 10-second clip at the end of the last episode, Ben is the biggest anomaly.

And then there's the matter of 16 rather than 43. Which we'll find out why in a couple of episodes. I do wonder, however, if this time, Reginald told the Sparrows about the other 9 powered kids.

Then the next big difference is the Sparrow Academy being introduced as their names and then Aka #1 or etc. It makes me wonder if Grace still named them or if Reginald did it this time.

Also, can we talk about Marcus?? What are his powers? Okay. So, after a quick Google search, he has Superhuman Strength and Enhanced Resilience. But that is the exact same powers as Luther, and somewhere along the way, I believed that that was not possible.

Actually, I want to talk about all of them, so maybe I'll make a separate post for that.

Anyhoo, Ben saying "cute hat Sundance" was really funny.

But Klaus checking to see if everyone could see Ben too was cute, but it was actually sad. He had to make sure they could see him because Klaus didn't believe that he was actually alive. He just thought that Ben was back. That maybe even though (their) Ben is gone, that maybe he came back when they came home.

Luther's love at first sight moment is just like "ugh, again". But it is cute.

I also want to talk about Grace, but that is far too long, and it will veer too far off from today's episode.

Yeah, so the first time around, I definitely thought that the whole footloose scene was real and was definitely gravely disappointed that it wasn't. Luther saying "Protecting our honor, bro" was definitely weird, but I mean... that's the whole show, so.

Speaking of this scene... Jayme's powers.. She has hallucinogenic spit, which first she spits on Diego and then later Five. It is assumed that the spit makes you hallucinate what you desire most, so for Five, it was obviously his "love" Delores. Which then transformed into a human, and of course, he started making out with it. Diego, however, hallucinated a dance off?? I mean, obviously, I could definitely see him wanting that. My point here, though, is that Five acted out his desires/with it. Diego is sweating when he comes out of his delusions, so if it wasn't so bizarre, you could imagine him actually acting it out, running around the house dancing. Although, it didn't actually happen, and he didn't act it out. Because if he did, everyone would be looking at him weird, not only Jayme looking at him. But it's funny to think about him running around dancing to seemingly nothing while the others just watch in astonishment.

Viktor being the one to want to talk it out is so real. He was never one for violence until it was forced out of him. Quite literally.

Also, "Ben-er-ino's" haircut is pretty bad. Klaus wasn't lying.

So much just happened in 3 seconds. Diego calling Christopher a litter box, Diego understanding it?? How?? And him saying his hair is nice and was era appropriate 😭

Even though it's so simple, this will always be one of my favorite lines"

"You're alive, that's great. Or possibly horrible, I'm not really sure yet."

"Is that some kind of weird smack talk?"

"It's more of an existential problem, really, Ben." *Flips hair casually like he's not fighting his supposed to be dead brother.*

Diego is definitely the most unhinged Hargreeves. And that's saying a lot. "Who's your daddy? I'm your daddy! Who's. Your. Daddy?"

There's a lot of great little lines in here, and none of them are appreciated. Like Jayme saying, "Hey short pants... what's up?" In a sing songy voice.

And Marcus and Luther.

"See, bigger isn't always better."

"Is that what you tell your girlfriends?"

Marcus does have a temper tantrum, though. He literally stomps his foot like a little kid on Luther's chest. Makes me want to say "aww, are you a wittle angy? 🥺"

"I'm not your father, young man. Not anymore. Biscuit?" Reggie says it so ominously and then so sweetly, "Biscuit? 🤠"

"I don't know.. I've just never had my ass handed to me like that before. It's like, here you go 🤲 it's your ass 🤲🍑"

I feel bad for Five. Which I've said before, but I'm saying it again. It's always on him. They just got back from being demolished by the Sparrow Academy, and Allison is like, "Shouldn't you know?" Like, no. Not all the time. How is he supposed to know? Yeah, five, it's going to take you more than 20 minutes and a dramatic brain injury to figure things out. Diego is mocking him and how his powers are so hard, and Allison is like, Five, where the hell is the briefcase. Like, how is he supposed to know?? Not everything is his fault.

Grace being infatuated with "God" in the basement will always be weird to me.

Klaus will always be Klaus, though. "I missed you you slutty ol' dame. Absorb her, absorb her into your bosom."

I'd hate to be Patrick, though. Like.. some random lady calls and tells him to tell a Claire that mommy misses her.. and then that random lady breaks into his house. Like um... yikes.

Also, can we talk about the Sparrows running on treadmills and Christopher pretends to, just floating in the air spinning?? What???

Marcus telling Reginald to sit like a dog is crazy though. I do feel bad for him. They've got him hopped up on pills and everything. Even though he turns out to still be manipulative.

"I kissed Sissy goodbye a few hours ago. Give or take 50 years." Viktor 😭 sweetie 😭😭

Viktor went from being sweet and innocent with that little talk with Marcus, to straight-up threatening him. "Because your team is good. Better than mine, maybe. But I don't think you're better than me, Marcus. I ended the world, twice. And you? You're just meat in spandex." Like, dang!! Okay, pop off, I guess.

Also, I love how the siblings make sure Five doesn't feel like a kid even though he looks like one. Or, at least Luther and Diego the most. Luther, on countless occasions, has called Five "old man," and Diego just said, "So sput it out, Boomer!" That was funny, I'll admit.

"So if you ever see your other self—"

"Kill them." Of course, Diego would say this.

"Sleep with them." Klaus???

"😦🫥... Avoid them." Exactly. The only obvious answer??

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I agree, Luther.

"Oh, come on. As if you wouldn't climb Luther-Mountain." No, Klaus. Luther would not do that to himself. That is just crazy.

Lila dropping Stanley on Diego is bizarre, by the way. And claiming he's their son. I can't believe I even believed that. I mean, he's not even the same ethnicity as either of them. Diego was right when he kept saying "alleged son."

I'm really sad that they killed Mr. Pennycrumb in the first episode, though. But at least he made his show from the comics.

It's also sad that Five truly believes that the apocalypse is over. You, my old sir, did not win. Sorry to say.

Gif collection

Okay, I'm going to waste my last 5 gifs on this because it was hilarious, and everyone must relive it again. Moments like these show that they're siblings.

[alliluyevas]

Here's a potentially controversial AG question for you.

Do you think adult Felicity would continue to own slaves?

Oh, wow, yeah, this is a heavy hitter. Honestly, historically and statistically, almost certainly yes. But there is definitely a semi-plausible chance otherwise.

I'm going to reframe this question slightly, because due to the legal system of coverture in her time, if Felicity marries, which she almost certainly will, her husband will have ownership of any property either of them bring into the marriage. So the question is more accurately: will adult Felicity be the wife and mistress of a household that owns slaves?

I don't mean to reduce adult!Felicity's moral or personal agency, but the answer to this question may also depend on who she marries, both in terms of his socioeconomic status and his personal beliefs about slavery.

Felicity's father and maternal grandfather are both slaveholders in the book series, though in different socioeconomic niches. Mr. Merriman is a shopkeeper in town with two enslaved laborers, Marcus and Rose. Grandfather is a plantation owner and there is presumably a larger workforce. (I can't remember exactly what the legal situation is after Grandfather dies in the final book, but I believe Mr. Merriman inherits the plantation through his wife which would imply she has no brothers, and then administers it while primarily living in town. I could just be completely making that up, though, and I couldn't find confirmation online and don't have my Felicity books on me at the moment.)

If she marries a man who is similar in socioeconomic status to her father (ie, a relatively prosperous shopkeeper or artisan in Williamsburg) he will likely own or rent slaves. If she marries someone similar to her grandfather, he definitely will. I can see either of these routes as plausible for Felicity. Living primarily in Williamsburg, she may be most likely to encounter townsfolk, but she would also potentially be courted by young men attending college at William and Mary, who would likely be from plantation families elsewhere in Virginia, or she might marry the son of one of Grandfather's neighbors or something. (Side note: there is one existing character in her books who might be a potential future Mr. Felicity: her father's apprentice, Ben. Felicity and Ben clearly get along really well and have a lot in common, and when Felicity reaches the age where she is thinking about marriage, Ben will likely be around, either still working with Mr. Merriman or a business acquaintance/family friend. It wasn't uncommon to marry someone with that kind of family/business connection at all. If Felicity were to marry Ben, he would likely eventually be in a similar socioeconomic niche to her father.)

So, what are the possible futures where Felicity and her husband are not slaveholders?

First of all, she could marry someone who is socioeconomically in a position where he simply cannot afford to do so. This is, imo, the least likely. I don't think her parents would encourage this. (I think Mrs. Merriman may have married slightly "beneath her" as I kind of got the vibe that Grandfather is wealthier than Mr. Merriman is, and he certainly is in terms of ownership of both land and slaves, which is how wealth was generally calculated in Virginia. On the other hand, this might also be a town/country divide, and Mr. Merriman is evidently able to comfortably provide for his family.) Also, if she was to fall in love with and marry someone of a lower socioeconomic rank, it is possible that her family would financially help him rise rather than that Felicity would just go off and be broke with him.

I think a more plausible route would be that Felicity either marries a man who is actively against slavery and her beliefs are then influenced by him or she independently develops anti-slavery convictions prior to her marriage and then chooses a man who has similar beliefs.

I do want to point out that there were a lot of Virginians in this general period who expressed anti-slavery beliefs while still continuing to own slaves. I think in many cases these people were experiencing genuine moral discomfort and conflict but ultimately chose to prioritize their own financial well being. I think, unfortunately, the most likely future may be one where Felicity experiences some moral qualms over slavery and questions some aspects of the society she lives in, but ultimately chooses to stick with the status quo.

However, I think there are some semi-plausible paths where Felicity and her husband might end up in a situation where they choose genuinely meaningful opposition to slavery. There are other situations in the AG books where characters get an ending that is better if historically less plausible, after all. (IE Addy's family is able to reunite. Samantha's relatives adopt Nellie.) Even if it's unlikely, this outcome for Felicity would not be unheard of.

For instance, she might marry a Northerner and goes to live wherever he is from. (If he chooses to move to Virginia permanently, he might also choose to conform to the economic system of the slave culture in his adopted state.) This happened with one of Thomas Jefferson's granddaughters who married a man from Massachusetts and moved up there with him. This would have been a woman about a generation younger than Felicity, but it's not outside the realm of possibility to happen earlier, either. I can't really picture Felicity wanting to leave her home and family, but if she's already developed anti-slavery beliefs on her own she might think it's worth it.

She might also marry a Virginian who believes slavery is wrong and is actually willing to do something about it. I wish I could remember the man's name, but I was just reading about some young plantation owner who wrote to Jefferson in the 1820s about his deep discomfort with slavery and his desire to free his slaves. Jefferson basically advised him to go slow and do nothing for the time being, and this man wrote him again chewing him out saying it wasn't enough. He ultimately chose to leave Virginia, and settle in Ohio, where he purchased plots of land so that his newly freed former slaves could start their own farms. This is later than Felicity would have been finding a husband, and this man's decision was one very few of his peers would have made. But, again, it's not impossible.

I think the man I just talked about had primarily ethical objections to slavery, not religious ones, but I think the most plausible way for Felicity to develop meaningfully anti-slavery convictions is through religion. The Second Great Awakening would have begun when Felicity was in her mid-twenties. Some people in Southern states who became evangelical Christians during this time period began to believe that slavery was a sin against God. The most famous example of this is Robert Carter III, a Virginia plantation owner who became a Baptist and ended up freeing over 500 people. (He also ended up having to flee the state of Virginia because people were threatening him over this and lived the rest of his life in Baltimore.) Evangelical conversions were most common among the lower classes, especially in the beginning, but also took off among women from higher social classes. Robert Carter notwithstanding, wealthier men were the least likely to be born again. So I think it's very plausible that Felicity might choose to become a Methodist or Baptist, but if she was 25+ at the time she would likely already be married and it is less likely her husband would also convert. So she might end up in a situation where she is opposed to slavery but her husband, who does not share her religious beliefs, is not, and he controls their property. Or, it's possible she marries later than the average, or she is widowed young and remarries a man from her church, or manages to convert her husband.

So, I can definitely see some pathways for an anti-slavery adult Felicity, but it would require both her and her husband to develop convictions and the moral courage to enact them that were highly unusual for people in their class and context. Unusual, but not unheard of.

[operafantomet]

Hi Anea! I was searching for "antique" chinese fabrics on the web and found there were many cheap brocade/embordered fabric on TaoBao that is similar to the fabric in the mandarin coat. Would it be a good idea to remake the mandarin coat using the fabrics? (0 experience first timer)

I mean, why not? I think the main thing about the costume is that it needs texture, surface, embroidery, fringes, details. And using brocades and embroidered fabrics will add to that. But I would make sure the base is made of solid fabrics. Chinese brocades are good in this aspect. Fragile, flimsy materials can be saved for the decorations, where they are put on another surface.

Apart from rich Chinese brocades and embroideries, you can also cut out motifs from suitable fabrics and apply them on to your robe / tabard. Add trims around it, maybe some sequins, and it's a super effective and sometimes money-saving feature.

The costume itself consists of four main features:

The main robe, straight, with long wide cuffs and a standing collar. This is often made of Chinese brocades, with some additional details on the cuffs and maybe collar.

The tabard, the sleeveless overgarment reminding of a long, loose waistcoat. This one can be straight or pointed, it may or may not have a collar, it can be open + tied at the sides, or sewn together, and the back is usually richly ornamented. Many versions also do a fringe or tassel trim at the hem. Sometimes the main robe and tabard is merged into one, or at least it's hard to tell where one ends and the other starts.

The cloud collar, a pointed, rounded and decorated collar. This is not done in all versions, as for example the US costumes only tend to indicate it with trims.

The round, pointed hat (which I won't really address here).

When they built a new costume for Ben Lewis in West End the base of the robe, tabard and collar was various Chinese brocades, but then slowly adding texture to the collar and the back of the tabard, using trims, embroidery, fringes, appliquees etc. The main robe itself doesn't need much decorations apart from the pattern and colours of the fabric. With the exception of the cuffs, of course. They are usually made of different rows of fabrics and trims.

Here's the Ben Lewis costume in making:

I didn't think that costume turned out super textured on stage. I would have liked to see a dash more surface to the collar. But I do like the various blue shades, especially that reminding of peacock blue. Here it is worn by David Thaxton some time later:

A new costume they made for Scott Davies and Tim Howar around the same time also had a base of chinese brocades, and with various structured trims, appliquees, embroideries etc. Again I don't think the collar is the most textured one in West End, but it is still cool to see it in process from costume workshop to stage.

The one they made for Marcus Lovett was more textured. Especially with that embroidered dragon back, but also the ornamentation of the collar. Here it is in making:

And as it appeared on stage, here worn by Ben Lewis:

I would also say the same logic can be applied to other versions of the costume around the world: Chinese brocades as a base, and various embroideries, trims, tassels and appliquees adding structure and bling to make it rich-looking.

Here's the Danish one, as worn by Tomas Ambt Kofod and John Martin Bengtsson. I love the bold blue nerve in the collar, cuffs and lining. It's also not super visible, but there is a lot of antique embroideries in the back and inner collar.

Many versions follow this composition, though with different colours, fabrics and details. Some will have a separate cloud collar, while others indicate a collar by the use of trims. The US is a good example. They do various trims around the neck and tabard, or the trims illuded a cloud collar that is an integrated part of the tabard. Here's Laird Mackintosh on Broadway:

And the back of what I think is the same costume, as worn by Hugh Panaro on Broadway:

The cloud collar shape is even less present - or rather, not at all - in the 1990s versions of the costume. Here's Michael Lackey and John Cudia in US Tour runs. Even if we're not talking the same costume, they are both made of a black and gold Chinese brocade for the main robe, and blue Chinese brocade with large, round ornaments for the tabard. The standing collar is accentuated by trims.

Same goes for the Australian and early World Tour ones. They did the main robe and tabard, but rarely the cloud collar. They did however do amazing vintage gold embroideries and silk-painted details. Here's one worn by Jonathan Roxmouth in his South African run. I love the wing pattern coming to view in the collar and back:

Same also goes for the Japanese ones. They do a main robe with a tabard on top, and the tabard has trims and details denoting a collar rather than a separate cloud collar. They have used many types of fabrics and colours throughout the years, but this recent purple one will forever remain a favourite. The first photo is Yuta Iwaki in Tokyo. I wanna say the second photo shows Osamu Takai, but don't quote me on that...

A final version I will post is this elder German one. Again, the cloud collar shape is only indicated by trims. But they have also added frog fatening in front, which I think is a nice detail. Depicted is Thomas Schulze in Hamburg:

I hope this at least gave you some inspirations on materials used, possible shapes, colours etc. :)

[adarafaelbarba]

Can I request New Years Kiss with Baldwin (and Nora, or reader--up to you)? Maybe before they're dating and she's lamenting that she doesn't have anyone to kiss at midnight?

New Years Kiss

✨ For @storiesofsvu's Holiday Bingo ✨

Nora hated New Years. Well, okay maybe that’s not entirely true. The new beginnings and turn of another year was fun. It was just the being alone part of New Years that she hated. Especially when she were at big parties with lots of couples around, who all got to kiss their significant other.

This year, she’d been invited to Sept Tours. Ysabeau had planned a big celebration, marking the first New Years since the twin had been born, so of course, Nora couldn’t refuse. Besides, everyone she knew would be there, and she couldn’t pass up a chat with Hamish or Sarah. Marthe had also promised to make her famous mulled wine, which Diana had said was the best she’d tried.

So on the day, Nora got dressed in her favorite gold sequin dress with matching accessories and made her way downstairs where Alain was waiting to drive her from the hotel she was staying at, to the old chateau. «Mademoiselle Olsen, may I say, you look wonderful today.» He commented, giving her a kind smile. 

Which she returned and let him help her into the car, «Thank you, monsieur, you are far too kind.»

——

After a ten minute drive, they were there, Marthe and Ysabeau waiting outside to welcome her. «Thank you again, for having me, Madame de Clermont», she said, not sure if she should curtsey to the matron of the household.

«We are very happy you agreed to come. My son especially happy.» That made Nora blush. There were only two sons left Ysabeau could be referring too, and Nora knew for a fact, it was not Matthew, as they were friends, sure, but mainly colleagues. So it had to be Baldwin, and Nora was sure every vampire in the vicinity could sense her heart beating faster at the thought. 

It wasn’t like she could help it. Something about Baldwin that just made her really flustered whenever he was in the room or when he was mentioned.

Once inside, she was handed a glass of non alcoholic champagne, and went on her way, chatting with everyone, hugging those she knew.

«You look wonderful today, Nora!» Phoebe commented, giving her a soft smile. 

«As do you, no wonder Marcus can’t keep his eyes off of you.» Nora said, teasing her friend. 

——

It was around fifteen minutes to midnight when she felt two icy patches traveling up her body; someone was checking her out. 

She slowly turned around, and sure enough, there he was, the man who was always on her mind. Nora gave him a small smile, worried about making a fool out of herself. Before he could make his way over to her though, his daughter, Miyako, and son, Ben walked in front of her, giving her a hug. The two of them had taken to her so quickly, both adoring her, despite their disinterest for witches. 

«How lovely to see you both tonight, didn’t think you’d be able to make it.» Nora commented, hugging Miyako again.

«Obaa-chan said you’d make an appearance», she simply stated, looking at her grandmother.

«And well, when our granny tells us to come home, we come home.» Ben added, he too smiled at Ysabeau who looked over to the three of them.

Nora couldn’t help but let out a laugh at that, and noticed how Baldwin kept looking at her. «Will you excuse me, while I say hello to your father?» They both nodded and moved out of the way, letting Nora pass between them.

«Mr. Montclair», she said when she finally got to Baldwin. 

«Dr. Olsen. You’re quite the sight tonight.» She couldn’t help but blush at his comment, looking down at her growing belly. She did in fact not like her look too much. It was all a lot with her baby growing bigger every day, her feet feeling swollen. When the others had complimented her, she’d happily accepted it, but somehow when Baldwin did it, she was feeling insecure. «Please don’t doubt yourself, Nora. You look beautiful.» He whispered, his index finger going under her chin to lift her face so she’d look at him. 

«I don’t feel all that beautiful. Quite the opposite. Which is probably why I’m single on New Years eve, again with no one to kiss—no one wants to date a workaholic with a baby on the way.» He sure knew how to get her to spill her secrets without uttering a single word. 

He was about to protest her comment when everyone moved out to the balcony, and started counting down the time to midnight. «You are beautiful, Nora, and anybody who can’t see that are not worth your time. Come on, let’s join the others, I have a feeling next year will change drastically for you.»

Nora had no idea what he was on about, but let him lead her out. She shivered as the cold air hit her, and Baldwin shrugged out of his suit jacket, draping it over her shoulders.

«5…4…3…2…1…!» They all counted down. «Happy New Year!!!» 

But all Nora could focus on was Baldwin’s lips, pressed to hers as they kissed, her arms wrapped tightly around him, scared of letting go unless it was all a dream.

«Happy New Year, Nora», he whispered against her lips.

«Happy New Year, Baldwin», she replied just as quietly.

~~~

Tagging:

@plaidbooks @xoxabs88xox @muchadoaboutcj @beatrice-san @adowbaldwin @butternuggets-blog @rozalynfrozen @wheresthesunshineblog_ @crazy4chickennuggets @irishavengersassemble

Wanna be on the tag list? Fill out this form to be part of the team 🥰

[toomanytookas]

Pedro Pascal Fandom Bingo (+ April Reading Roundup)

@burntheedges is a genius and the creation of this bingo game is proof! I love how this has been encouraging me to reach out to people and broaden my reading, Kate. I'm posting this even though I'm late to the party because it's also helping me realise that I was actually quite active this past month even though I've been feeling down about not being as engaged! Here’s to an eventual board blackout. 🥂✨

I definitely did not plan to somehow fill so many squares without getting a bingo, it’s kinda wild. 🤷‍♀️

Spaces I’ve Marked So Far (as of 30 April)

This is just turning into my roundup of April reading because I couldn't handle leaving out any of the wonderful things I read this month!

I’ve tried to provide a super brief summary of each fic as a taster (obvs more info is provided by the author on each fic’s actual page). If you’re an author whose work is listed here and feel I’ve misrepresented your fic, let me know and I can change the little blurb/status! <3

List is alpha sorted by character then by author.

✅ Read and reblog a character that needs more love - Ben (my first!) visiting - @ladamedusoif - chaptered (ongoing) > Art history professor Lydia takes a visiting post that leads her to meet a certain lit professor, Ben Morales.

✅ Read and reblog a Dieter fic: park - burntheedges - oneshot > Reader encounters a snoozing Dieter in the park Recovery Road - @chronically-ghosted - chaptered (complete) > An epic-length tale of an ill-fated affair between actors (and their better-timed second chance at love). I'm Not in Love (If Wishes Came True) - @schnarfer - series (complete) > Dieter can’t help but sabotage his relationship with MUA reader (but first we get to enjoy the delightful, enchanting beginnings)

✅ Read and reblog an Ezra fic: be your hallowed ground - @kedsandtubesocks - oneshot (complete) > demon!Ezra lures reader off the beaten path and into a bit of delicious sin.

✅ Read and reblog a Frankie M fic: watch - @luxurychristmaspudding - series (ongoing) > Frankie and reader’s instant chemistry is brought back into play in their dynamic with Joel and Santi Be Good for Me - @pascalssbabyy - oneshot > Subby Frankie gets treated to some tasty pre-bedtime activities with reader. Up Sky, Low High - @undercoverpena - oneshot > Frankie and reader have a bit (a lot) of fun while on a helicopter ride. (Also a major shout out to Jo's Do Me Yourself. I'm an ao3 reader of Frankie & Rainy because of a weird mental hangup, so it doesn't count for bingo, but it's a story that means a lot to me!)

✅ Read & reblog a Javi P fic: Paranoid Heart - @goodwithcheese - chaptered (complete) > Two souls who are a bit too worldly wise for Laredo meet through their parents and fall for one another. 

✅ Read and reblog a Joel M fic: Maintenance Request - burntheedges - chaptered (ongoing) > Lit prof reader and [hey we know his job title now!] Joel meet as he works on facilities maintenance and landscaping around campus come morning light (safe and sound) - @janaispunk - chaptered (ongoing) > Joel & Ellie crash land at the reader’s home post Joel getting stabbed. Most Ardently (Nicest Things) - schnarfer - chaptered (ongoing) > Reader’s uncle’s neighbor, Joel, is everything her boyfriend isn’t—caring, attentive, and happy to help her read Austen while her hands are busy

✅ Read and reblog a Marcus M fic (my first!): Afterword - @secretelephanttattoo - chaptered (ongoing) > New-in-town reader makes an instant connection with local stationery shop owner Marcus

✅ Read and reblog a Marcus P fic: I'm Here - @davnittbraes - (open?) series > Reader discovers Marcus is the softdom she didn’t know she could ask for. in shades of gray and candlelight - @freelancearsonist - oneshot > Marcus meets reader at a gallery opening for a case. Raining in Baltimore - schnarfer - oneshot > Soggy Marcus angsts after a fight with reader.

✅ Read & reblog a Tim R fic: i don't wanna be me (bloody kisses) - @perotovar - series (ongoing) > Shane’s gay awakening is full of angst and a bit of getting into trouble. Good thing he has Tim Rockford to turn to as his gentle guide.

✅ Create & share a rec list: discovering lit through fic ✅ Send 3 people a fun ask: I passed this ask meme along! ✅ Send an ask to 3 people you never have before

The pie and bar charts are stowed away this month since I've got this bingo graphic instead, but for my own number-loving brain: In April, I read 320k words from 19 distinct works written by 14 authors. I made 47 comments across tumblr and ao3 (~13k words).

[nicolesainz]

Within The Limits (Ben Chilwell x Jenson Button x OC) Chapter 7

Author's note: Happy Belated Birthday to baby boy Jenson (he's 44 years old) Wish him nothing but the best!!

Warnings: none

If I had the balls to drive all the way to Manchester, I would. Or in this case, if Mason hadn't prevented me from doing so.

I really wanted to comfort Chelsea after what Mason told me had happened. Jenson really followed her all the way to the other side of England, only to offend her? What a joke of a man he is.

I wanted to call her as well, but that may had been a stretch given that, I wasn't her boyfriend, a close friend of hers, or anything else that could possibly explain why I was so worried about her.

I decided to settle for a small text, given it was the only option that wouldn't make me look like an annoying asshole or an obsessed man.

Me: Mase told me what happened. I wish I could've been there as well to help you. I am here if you need anything.

Simple, friendly and caring.

I put my phone on the nightstand before switching off the lights when suddenly there was a notification from my text messages. To my luck, it was Chelsea.

Chelsea: Thank you Ben, this means a lot. I will be better don't worry. And this goes for you to, I am here to listen to you if there is anything concerning you.

A smile softened my worries with Chelsea's sweet reply. She managed to make a thing that was concerning her, turn 180 degrees so she could let me know that my concerns were hers as well.

Now this was a girl worth falling in love with.

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

It was one of the first few days that I woke up feeling good and not worried about anything. I wasn't thinking about Jenson or guilty about what I said to him. I had finally gotten everything I wanted to say to him out of my chest.

I grabbed my phone and went through all my emails regarding either Formula One or my upcoming commentary for Manchester United. I giggled at the email Crofty had sent me, asking if he could get a signed jersey with all of West Ham players signatures on it. Best part of it was the little PS at the end:

'If you could get Declan's as well, I would be thrilled. Will miss you in the commentary box Chels.'

I was getting very emotional about leaving the Formula One world behind even if that was for two years. I grew up loving this sport more than anything else. I do love football as well, I am not going to lie, but motorsport is my true passion.

I would be leaving behind my friends, the rest of the commentators, Lissie, Natalie, Ted, Crofty, Martin and some of the drivers as well, especially Lando, Alex and George.

I drove to the Sky office in Manchester where I met with Gary who wanted to give me a few updates on the squads, injured players, possible transfers, comebacks. I needed to get my notes ready for tomorrow's game.

"Onana and Amrabat are on AFCON, one of them coming back sooner but will be benched. Maguire still out, Mount is back in the main XI with Martinez as well and Marcus. All clear?" Gary asked whilst looking into his notes for anything else I should be aware of.

"Yes, all clear. Worry not, the game is gonna be a good one." I am lying to myself and probably every other Manchester United fan is as well. Team hasn't been to its best form but they are trying to get back on their feet.

"I will take your word for it little Chelsea. If there is anything else you want to ask, give me a call or Roy. He may be available more often than I am." He advices me as we walk out of the office together.

"How does it feel to be a full time football commentator now? Excited?" Gary kindly asks, even though he may secretly know my answer already.

"Full time may excite me more than part time given that 99% of the time I was jet lagged. If I have you with me then I am sure that things will be better. Plus, it will be easier for my father to tell me to ask the players about autographs so he can cherish in his office."

Gary was one of the first people I got to meet when I became a part of Sky's team. Him and Ted who had been lifelong commentators. Both sports welcomed me wholeheartedly.

At that moment, a white Porsche drove up to us and parked at the side. I instantly recognised it, being Mason's, that he was going to drive us all the way to London for Ben's first game back after the injury.

"Already found friends, didn't you Chelsea?" Gary nudged me playfully. “Those F1 drivers are gonna come for your ass, Mount.” He said to Mason as I was getting on the passengers seat next to him.

“Not for my ass. Maybe a friend of mine’s” Mason winked at me as we both waved goodbye to Gary and drove all the way to London.

During the entire ride, Mason and I mostly talked about football. What were my views on the team’s season, what would happen now that England qualified for the Euros and how is their loss at the 2021 final going to affect them or maybe how the new entries will enhance the dynamic of the team.

Then out of the blue, my phone started buzzing in my bag.

It was Jenson.

“Does he not know what the phrase ‘I need some space’ means?” The Manchester man said in an irritated manner, as we were entering London’s main road.

“It’s complicated. I think I was too harsh on him the other day when I left him. I mean, before he followed me back to my house.” I had a reason to get upset. He basically said I’d be an easy target for all the horny footballers.

“So, my question is, are you boyfriend and girlfriend? Cause I’ve seen the way you look at him during the post race analysis and trust me, but that’s the eyes talking when someone is in love.”

Is it that apparent that I am in love with Jenson? I haven’t had any of the other commentators comment on that. I mean, yeah, Lissie knows what’s going on between me and him but other than that, the rest may believe it’s pure admiration for such a figure. He was a world champion after all.

“Two years ago, I admitted to Jenson how much I admired him and I spoke very highly of him during an interview. Like you said, the way I was looking at him wasn’t the friendliest of all and given that he used to be my father’s favorite driver alongside Mark Webber, Jenson started flirting with me very intensely. I didn’t hesitate to flirt back and after the Canadian Grand Prix, when Jenson had forgot to book a hotel room, I let him stay with me. One thing led to another and now we are here.”

Mason was stunned with what he had just heard. He was trying to say something but he couldn't find the words to phrase it. This made me worry even more with how my relationship with Jenson could evolve soon.

"It sounds so odd. It looks like he was trying to get something out of you. Like he wanted you to be this close to him. I can't really explain it."

Mason could actually explain it very well, he just had to say it as it was, but he didn't want to hurt my feelings. I had to found out myself to eventually realise what was going on.

"My relationship with Jenson has always been a bit bumpy. I think you could tell from how possessive he was acting around me and you with Ben."

"He was so worried that we would seduce you and take you away from his grasp. I get that footballers don't always have the best of reputations and we are labeled as the 'playboys' but we don't want to steal other's girlfriends. Plus, Ben isn't the type of man that would hit on a woman so coldly. He is too nice to act like a dick."

"Hence why we fought. He thinks one of the footballers I will be engaging with, will flirt with me and I will instantly end with him on bed."

Mason's grasp around the wheel got more tight and his knuckled turned white as each word was leaving my mouth.

"I missed the opportunity to knock him out when I was by your house. He's so pathetic to even think that. Chels, I have seen you around the flirt tricks of footballers and not even once you flinched. Always stayed professional. Couldn't he tell by the post game interviews?"

"Also another reason why I stopped being part of the post game interview squad. Jenson was scared I would break in the end and flirt on public television with one of them. Now he can't do anything about it. I will be full time around the players."

"Karma is a bitch they say." Mason laughed and I followed him along. It felt so cathartic to finally get out of my system everything that has happened. I needed to vent to someone and I am more than thankful Mason was willing to listen to me.

"Enough talking about the grandpa. Now it is time to enjoy some Premier League football." When the blinding lights of Stamford Bridge started becoming brighter, my heartbeat rose as the realisation hit me that for the first time I would be in the guest box alongside a world famous footballer.

Mason guided us through the back entrance and was greeted with love, despite being a former player for the club. We made a small stop to the changing rooms, although I wasn't allowed inside. The door was half opened, and peaking would be rude and invasive, so I just stayed at the corner before the entrance to the box.

When the door opened, Mason was carrying a shirt on his hand and a few seconds later, he handed it to me with a massive smile plastered on his face. I took it and opened it wide, only for the name 'Chilwell' and the number '21' to be presented in front of my eyes.

"It was only fitting you took Ben's number since I am no longer in the club. Also he is captaining the team today so it will be an honour wearing his name and number." Mason said with such pride, talking for his former club which was his home for so many years.

I didn't say a word and threw the shirt on, adjusting it against the one I was already wearing. It was the perfect size and Mason's eyes were glued on the name of the shirt.

"He will love it" he softly murmured hoping I wouldn't listen, but yet I did.

"What was that?" I said to catch him off guard, even though I heard what he said clearly.

"Nothing dear. Well, shall we take our seats? The game is about to start." He scratched the back of his neck nervously and guided us to our seats. From where we were sitting, you would have the best view of the Bridge. It was beautiful. The atmosphere was magical and despite the team having another difficult season, the fans were always present to support them.

Crystal Palace was an easy opponent given that Chelsea hasn't lost to them either home or away in years. It would be three easy points to clench and celebrate. Although the nervousness was apparent on the player's faces, besides Thiago's.

Thiago was the saving grace from PSG that decided to follow along Thomas Tuchel and lead Chelsea to ultimate success. He was the defender that would complete the defending duo of Ben and Reece.

"Come on Chelsea!!!" I screamed as loud as I could, even though the male screams were louder than mine. Mason was startled with my scream but eventually got along with it and started singing chants as well.

"I am assuming you are a fan of the club then?"

"Hence the name. And otherwise I would be buried outside of the Emirates."

The camera was always pointing on Ben and a smile would instantly form on my lips whenever my eyes focused on his figure. He deserved to be captaining the team and I was sure the night was going to be successful!

I took out my phone and took a picture of Ben on the pitch from the big screen on top of the stadium. I was giggling like a teenage girl who was stalking her lifelong crush. It took me long to realise that I had a pair of eyes watching my every move next to me which person happened to be the captain's best friend.

"Oh no please, don't let me stop you from admiring good old Chilly. I think he will need all the good luck he can get tonight." Mason gloated and teased me at the same time, earning a devilish eyebrow raise from me.

The game went by pretty smoothly. It was indeed an easy win for the team given that two goals were scored in the first half, with Ben assisting twice and even though Palace draw one goal as well, this didn't stop the team from scoring again and this time, Ben wasn't the one who assisted but instead threw the ball behind the net.

My cheers were indescribably loud and my excitement was off the charts. After an injury and to perform like that was more than incredible. Ben played fantastically and both me and Mason were extremely proud of everyone but most Ben.

After the game finished, the players stayed on the pitch to applause the audience along with Pochettino to thank them for the support and hoping the enjoyed the game. When the stadium started emptying up and the players were still on the grass, I started shouting Ben's name so he could see who else was in attendance.

"Chilwell" I screamed at least 5 times before I left Mason unable to hear from his left ear and finally caught Ben's attention. When he notices it was me and Mason, his eyes widened and a smile formed that expanded all the way from his mouth to the tip of his ears.

Mason took my hand and led us to the dressing room with the entire team and went to congratulate everyone as I was waiting once again outside. This time, when the door opened, it wasn't Mason who's showed up, but the man of the match instead.

I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck and took him in into a tight hug, despite him being all sweaty. His body was warm and I would've loved to stay into his arms for an eternity.

"Congratulations on a wonderful game Benji. I am so proud of you. What a game from your side." I had witnessed a lot of brilliant games and Ben deserved all the recognition tonight.

"Thank you darling. This was all your doing. I sensed your positive energy in the audience and was ready to push. Hope I was entertaining." He wined playfully at me and within seconds butterflies started forming inside my stomach and fluttering around.

"If I could give you all the awards of the world, I definitely would. And maybe luck on indeed on my back tonight." I said cryptically before turning around to unveil the number that was plastered on my shirt.

"From now on, you are my official lucky charm. I will be needing you in attendance to all my games." He joked, although Ben was sounding very serious, which I took seriously as well for a moment. If I was being honest, I would try to attend as many of his games I could. If I had the chance, I surely would.

"I can't promise anything Mr. Chilwell, although be sure that I will be carrying around your number for good luck wherever I go. No matter the game or stadium. Trust me." I was being truthful. If Ben performed so great tonight, I was sure that this good performance would continue in the following games.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

WIPS ON WIPS ON WIPS

So... over the last week or three, I've been tagged *checks notes* NINE (9) times in various wip posts, and I responded to *checks notes unnecessarily* NONE (0) of them. 🤦🏻‍♀️I am so sorry to everyone who tagged me for not responding sooner, I very much appreciate the tags and the interest/support. My brain has been down the drain for a while, so I've not really had anything worth sharing. BUT! I'm fixing that right here, right now, because better one to three weeks late than never, right?

Last Line Tags:

1- @something-tofightfor tagged me after sharing an upcoming part of Fool's Gold (which I have been LUCKY enough to read a few parts ahead on, and let me tell you guys, we're all in for a TREAT with this story), specifically looking for Jack or Marcus snippets. So let's go with the cowboy, shall we?

“I read you, Jack.” You waited a beat, heart slamming at your ribcage as you stared at the back of his seat in front of you. “Everything alright?” Well that’s a dumb question that I already know the answer to.  He let out a small humorless laugh that sounded far too flat to come from the man you knew. “Oh, just peachy.” You winced, closing your eyes and focusing on his voice. “Listen, I know Champ and Ginger want you to stick with me on this one. But I…” He swore under his breath. “I need you to stay with the Pony when we land. Can you promise me that?”  What? Your eyes flew open, brow creased with confusion. “That’s not…” You shook your head even though you knew he couldn’t see you. “Jack, that would be a violation of a direct order. I can’t-”  

2- @djarins-cyare tagged me in a sneak peek of a Din story she's working on, so I figured I'd reciprocate with some tin can man of my own.

You gasped as you stepped out from the cavern, mouth dropping open and eyes going wide as you took in the sight of the open sky, illuminated by Concordia’s silvery green glow, for the first time in your life. It’s real. You took another step, chin tilted upwards as you spun in a slow circle. A tear rolled down your cheek and slipped over your lip, your tongue flicking out to lick it away. It’s… “Beautiful,” you whispered. 

3- @oonajaeadira tagged me when she shared a snippet of Leave Off Your Wandering, which I cannot wait to catch up with because I adore that story so so much. The next thing I have cooking in my own Joel story is actually an Ellie interlude, so let's see what that girl is up to.

The faces that graced the pages of her notebook were all familiar ones, all people that mattered, all people that she loved. Working cameras were scarce in Jackson, and finding film for them wasn’t exactly easy either. But even if she could indiscriminately snap photos of everyone she cared about, she’d still opt to sketch them instead. To her it was a labor of love, capturing their features as she saw them through her eyes, using her own hand to create each likeness.  Joel on the porch steps with his guitar. Dina smirking with her arms crossed. Jesse with his teasing grin. There was a sketch of her and Kat from when they were together that still made Ellie smile even though they’d decided to go back to being friends. She’d even drawn scenes and images of things she’d seen around town or out on patrols. There was a whole page in one of her earlier books dedicated to her birthday trip to the Wyoming Museum of Science and History, including a side by side comparison of Tommy and the thick-skulled dinosaur that Joel swore was the spitting image of his brother. 

4- @burntheedges spoiled us by sharing TWO snippets - one of Girl Dad Frankie and one of Ballet AU Din (which I am very interested in, btw) and since I already shared some Din, let's see what I have for Francisco. (this is from a very nebulous wip for a Dog Rescue AU)

Standing from his desk and crossing his arms loosely over his chest, Frankie shifted his weight to one leg and called over his shoulder. “Hey, Ben?”  “Yeah?” The other man’s footsteps grew closer until he was standing in the doorway, one hand leaning on the frame. “You need somethin’? What’s- oh.” Frankie moved aside so Benny could see what - and who - he was looking at. “Well I’ll be goddamned.” The grin he wore was audible, causing Frankie to roll his eyes. Cocky little shit. “Guess I was right. She came back.”  “Yeah,” he said, letting out a small huff that was just as much astonishment as it was amusement. She sure did. He watched as you finished parking in the same spot you’d pulled into two days earlier, directly next to his truck, and then pulled a box out of the back seat. 

5- @stealyourblorbos tagged me in some wip drawings of Miguel O'Hara - a character who I only know through and because of her stunning artwork of him - and what I know I like very much. Gonna be *vague* here and post a couple bullet points from notes of something foolish I'm working on:

You’re co-starring in an action movie with Dieter. It’s your first time working together, but you get along really well and have instant chemistry. 

You’ve already filmed ⅓ of the movie - including a pretty hot sex scene - and now you’re working on scenes involving stunts and SFX.

Out Of Context Line Tags:

6- @littlemisspascal tagged me and shared a mystery snippet, so here I come with a mystery of my own. (this is fun. it's like tossing a confusion grenade and running away laughing.)

Normally, this was where he would veer away from the truth or else avoid it by changing the topic. It was a defense mechanism, putting up fences so tall he couldn’t be seen. In his mind, there was no point in delving into such deep character analysis. Not when the expiration date was already stamped on whatever skeletal relationship he was in with the mere asking of such a personal question

7- @burntheedges tagged me again but this time with no context. So I trade you one secret for another, Kate!

Despite the fact that you hadn’t fallen asleep until well after two in the morning, you were wide awake before sunrise the following day. For a moment, when you first blinked your eyes open, you thought - hoped - that it had all been a very vivid dream.

8- @keldabe-kriff came in hot with something that I truly have no context for, so in that vein, here you go.

“I can’t fucking believe it, Joel.” She plopped down on the seat beside him, drawing one leg up and resting it over his thigh. Hands coming up to the sides of her face, she blew out a breath that broke into a laugh. “Two offers? I-”  She laughed again, stopping only when he reached over to encircle one of her wrists with his fingers, pulling it down and away from her face. “I can.”

9- @rulexofxnines tagged me and shared a moodboard for an upcoming fic, and while I don't have a moodboard, here's the main inspo picture for the @dieterbravobrainrotclub May server challenge that I've been fiddling with:

THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE WHO TAGGED ME!!! I promise I am digging myself out of this deep funk and things are going to start moving again!!

[florusfriend]

On relating yellowjackets to Tbosas, AU, where the train transporting the tributes crashes and they get stranded in the woods, who are Jackie and Shauna in this scenario, though.

omg i love this question, here are my questionable takes:

i have to say jackie and shauna are lamina and treech 🫣

taissa is reaper or sheaf maybe?

coach ben is marcus

misty is …sol maybe?

nat is coral

lottie is lucy gray

van is brandy

laura lee is panlo

javi is mizzen

[gravity-barbie]

Celebrating your birthday with the Sparrows HCs

Request: May I ask a hc where the Sparrows are planning a celebration for their S/O’s birthday?

A/N: Fei’s is written queer-platonically

Tw: mentions of alcohol

Masterlist

Marcus Hargreeves

-Marcus does actually care a lot about things like birthdays and anniversaries, and tries to make the most out of them, making up for how busy he is throughout the rest of the year

-It’s so easy for him to get the time and privacy to plan, just telling you he’s busy with the sparrow academy, but actually his siblings are freer than they’ve been in months, he pretty much blows them off

-His particular skill set really come in handy here, guiding the decorators and caterers is a lot like leading the sparrows, honestly in another life he could of been a professional party planner

-With him at the wheel it’s the most extravagant event of the year, but he has the sense to tailor the details to your interests, after all his ultimate goal isn’t to impress you, it’s to make you feel happy and loved

-Even though he’s very confident in the end result, on your birthday when you finally get to see it he studies your reaction to every part so carefully, even after years of appeasing Reginald he’s never cared more about someone’s opinion than he does in this moment

Ben Hargreeves

-Ben is a lot more romantic and thoughtful than he often feels comfortable expressing, but it really shows on occasions like this, he goes all out on this celebration

-He takes it so seriously too, his siblings could tease him about it and he would in all earnestness be like ‘is this a joke to you?’, and he’s basically a tyrant to any staff he may end up needing, he’s like the birthday-party-planning equivalent of a bridezilla

-But the quality of the final result can’t be argued, every last detail is a testament to how well he knows you and how much you’re worth to him, though he’d still have a hard time actually admitting just how much consideration he put into everything

-It’s quite possibly the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for you, you’re over the moon and Ben is getting near high on your joy

-He makes sure to give you his softer side all day, even playing nice with the other guests, but it’s after the party in private that he’s at his absolute sweetest

Fei Hargreeves

-Fei is so excited to get into party planning, it’s a rare chance for her to tap into her sizeable fun side for maybe the only person she knows who would appreciate it

-As much as she’d rather it be a surprise, she’s too practical and needs to confirm that you won’t make any other plans, but there’s plenty of room to surprise you with things like the theme and an overall amazing quality

-Unsurprisingly she nails all the details, she knows you so well, you yourself couldn’t of arranged something that better fits your taste

-She would prefer something a bit private and intimate, but if that’s not your style she’ll work around it, as long as she can steal a few moments alone with you throughout the day

-Fei had been looking forward to your reaction all week, so finally seeing your undoubtedly thrilled expression completely melts her heart

Alphonso Hargreeves

-Alphonso is pretty confident that he has this in the bag, and because of that he leaves a lot of the work to the last minute, though he does plenty of brainstorming in the meantime

-However his lack of a solid plan leaves him going through a comedy of errors when he finally starts, which exhausts him to no end but he takes it like a champ because he remains determined to throw you a hell of a party

-The end result isn’t as glamorous as some of his sibling could of pulled off, and it doesn’t quite live up to the vision in his head, but it’s heartfelt, it has character, and you couldn’t imagine a sweeter celebration

-It’s definitely a fun filled occasion, he brings out all these party games that he’s always been kind of curious about, and his dry humour throughout never fails to get a smile out of you

-Once the party’s died down and any guests have gone on their way, your night continues in a chiller, snacking on leftovers in front of the tv way, and it’s then he wishes you his most sweet and sincere happy birthday

Sloane Hargreeves

-Sloane has been waiting for this for months, she loves you, she loves event planning, it’s perfect, she’s most likely more excited for your birthday than you are

-She considers every detail so carefully, thinking back on all the birthday parties she had dreamed of having as a kid for inspiration, taking into account all your likes and dislikes, and even seeing what inside jokes and references she can incorporate

-Her finished project is of course extremely aesthetically pleasing, which is extra impressive because she made all the decorations herself, and while there are hints of her signature flair, it definitely caters to your taste

-You’re certainly blown away and overjoyed, which just makes her light up all the more, occasions like this really highlight what a sickeningly sweet couple you two make, any guests you have are gonna leave bitter and envious

-Even by her standards, Sloane is so sweet and affectionate all day, her presence could of turned an evening in hell into the best birthday ever, but the party makes a wonderful cherry on top

Jayme Hargreeves

-You truly don’t expect much, Jayme would never forgot or go without acknowledging your birthday, but she’s not a party person, and her acts of affection are quite low key

-That being said, she can truly get away with a surprise party, you don’t suspect anything when she randomly asks you about your desert or music preferences, or when she’s ‘busier’ than usual on the week leading up to your birthday

-She doesn’t go overboard with the party planning, just gathering a few of your friends, a couple of pizzas, a lot of alcohol, and throwing around some disorganised decorations

-But the sentiment is there, especially since it’s coming from someone like Jayme, who wouldn’t do anything like this for someone else, you’re frankly amazed to which she roles her eyes and tells you not to get sappy but she can’t hide her smile

-The evening still isn’t exactly her idea of a good time, but when you’re happy so is she, but she’s a lot happier after the party when she’s finally got you alone