#i thought it would only fitting to attach these GIF to this quote

[almostyours]

absolutely LOVE hiraeth and everything about them! their lore has me so invested and i love how you have and talk about it! quick question if you don’t mind, but how did you come up with hiraeth’s lore? i’m currently working on a group and their lore so i would love some advice/tips from the loremaster themselves! have a good day/night!

aaaaaaa!  u have no idea how happy this ask makes me because not only is their lore is my pride and joy,  but it just makes me soooo happy to know that someone is enjoying my group!  :D  also,  loremaster?  that made me giggle and kick my feet,  not gonna lie...  and of course i wouldn’t mind,  it actually flatters me that ur asking me.  :)  i’ll put all the yapping under a read more so i don’t disturb the dash,  but if you have more questions or an @ to drop  (because i need to know what u are cooking),  just let me know,  either in dms or here.

before i start,  i just want to mention  (and sorry if i sound like a broken record to those who skim through my yapping posts)  that i created hiraeth because a friend and i thought it’d be fun to throw our ship into an idol au.  you could say that hiraeth and their lore grew from that ship,  as we thought it would be fun if there was a kind of “call and response” theory between the two groups.  while this didn't really need to be said,  some of hiraeth’s essence definitely comes from the little world we built together.

finding a group name that fit was essential,  i think.  when my friend and i started brainstorming,  i only had a rough idea of what i wanted,  which was a mix of red velvet,  loona,  dreamcatcher,  exo,  and aespa.  i wanted angels!  garden of eden!  magical girls!  a group that was deemed as a cult!  some horror!  the concept of the two sides of the same coin!   more than what meets the eye!  but funny enough,  i didn’t really see the whole picture until i finally settled on the name hiraeth.  the word means a homesickness for a feeling you can’t return to,  a feeling that maybe never was.  that’s when i realized i wanted hiraeth to capture not exactly my initial ideas,  but i wanted the meaning to actually make sense,  so my idea started to expand until i finally settled into what i have now.  and i’m sure my ideas will keep expanding as time goes on!

i was also inspired by my two ults,  red velvet and loona,  especially loona’s unit yyxy.  and,  yes,  i 100% admit i was deep in those loonaverse reddits trying to get a feel for what i wanted because i wanted something like that.  my lore started out very similar to theirs,  just with some changes because who was going to check me!  only my friend and i knew about the group so i could totally get away with it!  but,  as some may know,  i got really attached to the idea of them and the potential of their lore,  and as time went on and i got a clearer idea of what i wanted  (thanks to pinterest,  video games,  photography/photoshoots,  books,  tiktok edits,  music,  my ship,  and even the bible and no i'm not joking),  their lore slowly started to evolve into whatever i have going on.  don’t be harsh on urself if ur “base” idea isn’t as developed as u'd like or if it’s similar to something ur taking inspiration from,  u just need to let the creative juices do their thing,  even if it takes time. 

another tip:  always write down ur ideas,  and if something makes u think,  “oh! this would fit into their lore!”  immediately jot it down,  so u can look back at it and find a way to work it in.  for example,   hiraeth is a little bit of everything i’ve enjoyed or found interesting in literally everywhere,  even if it has nothing to do with the idol scene or the girls themselves—  let it be a quote or a video game arc or even just a single picture.  everything is an inspiration if u look close enough.

now,  poppy,  kaia,  and yvan are characters i’m really attached to  (especially poppy)  since they’ve been with me for a very long time.  so,  i thought it’d be really fun if their lore actually mirrored their actual personalities and struggles,  like a subtle reflection of their thoughts,  actions,  pasts,  secrets,  and their current life that is being showcased to everyone in the eyes of an overly-exaggerated visage of themselves.  obviously,  the lore is really extra and not literal but their actual essence is there,  you know?  almost as if they are building up their own fantasy book with themselves as main characters!  their fans can’t pick up on any of this because they don’t know the girls deeply,  but…  little spoiler,  i guess?  i don’t know if this makes sense so i will show some little examples below:

summer realizes that she,  spring,  and winter can almost become god-like once they begin to "sin,"  leading them down a path she believes is "better" for them.  but she doesn’t fully see that some paths might not be the best,  as their sins  (especially hers)  cast a shadow over them,  keeping her from thinking it all through and sometimes getting them in trouble—on the other hand,  kaia sees that she and her members could achieve so much more once nari is out of the picture.  as their leader,  she earns their trust by guiding them to see beyond the empty promises of an abusive management that didn’t care for them the way she did.  yet,  they’re still being held back as a sense of guilt looms over them and their careers,  making every move feel risky.  this burden falls the heaviest on kaia,  who made a drastic choice for the sake of herself and her members.

spring feels stuck,  with no real desire to “bloom” after things went wrong the first time she “sinned.”  she feels the urge to make a change and stir the ship,  but hesitates to the point of doing nothing—versus poppy,  who feels trapped as an idol facing high expectations,  especially as a chronically ill woman carrying deep trauma.  though she doesn’t particularly like being in the spotlight,  she remains in the “safe” zone because it feels like the only secure option,  and it is because she does a really good job at her job because if she’s going to be forced to do something,  then she’s going to be the best at it. 

winter treats everything as a joke,  believing that everything will always go their way because they’ve been convinced that they’re the "center of the universe."  that is,  until spring’s warmth reaches them,  revealing that not everything is perfect and that there’s more to life outside their own bubble—versus yvan,  whose high popularity and top-tier status changed how they see the world.  however,  yvan has been learning that things won’t always go their way,  and that support won’t always be there.  poppy herself is a reminder that someone “better” will always be around,  even if many hold yvan higher than her.  random but i loooooooove their relationship because it’s a whole  always an angel,  never a god  situation.

the  ‘aengel cult’  started when the angels left behind their old doctrines,  preaching  individuality,  self-love,  and self-expression instead of sharing words that didn’t resonate within themselves—versus hiraeth’s fans,  who are deemed a cult because of their intense loyalty towards them,  but also because of how fucking defensive they are towards the aes because the music,  the concept,  their vibes,  and the girls themselves are TWE GOOD not to defend!  they are not as insane as *rmys / bl*nks / st*ys though…  they are pretty funny and just don’t take anything seriously but when someone calls The Never Has Flopped Group a Flop…

and yes,  i know.  that is really fucking extra and literally this is something u literally didn't ask,  but that’s what makes creating lore fun!  be extra!!!!!!!  do ur own little twist if that’s what u want!!!!!  don’t limit yourself and overthink it,  friend!  it’s your group and your lore,  so have some fun and do whatever you want  <3 

ALSO A LITTLE REMINDER!  it literally took me a year to feel content with their lore,  so don’t rush it.  the creative juices will come to u eventually.  :)

WHEN U DROP UR GROUP LET ME KNOW PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!  i really hope all this yapping made sense and that it helped u.  :)  if not i’m really sorry……………..  🙏

[madame-wilsonn]

Hold me, love me, touch me

(Be the first who ever did)

MASTERLIST

Request: "it’s breaking my heart to see you like this" - maybe for Tommy? — @thesoldiersminute​

Summary: If you hold me without hurting me / You’ll be the first who ever did 

or: after running away from Grace’s funeral, Tommy finds some comfort in your arms

A/N: this is veryyyy different to what I usually post but i’ve had this idea for so long!! It’s inspired by a few scenes from the show as well as a few LDR songs. I would just like to add this quote from California because it fits the story well:

You don't ever have to be stronger than you really are When you're lying in my arms, baby You don't ever have to go faster than your fastest pace Or faster than my fastest cars

Also big big big thank you to my pal @hauntedheathcliff​ and my bg @huntingingoodwill for helping me out, i don’t think i would have finished and posted it if they weren’t here!! this is the first very long one shot i post, I hope you all enjoy because i’ve been working really hard on this and i think i got too attached to it oops…anyway have fun!! <3

Warnings: mentions of death, war and just angst overall; a bit of fluff (old habits die hard)

Word count: 6,464 words

Thunder rumbled. Its echo reverberating on the tall trees.

Tommy could almost hear it.

The grieving sky screaming. The leaves whispering. Murmuring the same haunting chant over and over.

She’s dead. He killed her. She’s dead. He killed her.

His vision blurred. For an instant, he thought he was finally crying until he noticed the rain. It was raining.

A drop. Then another. And another. And another.

The tears rolling down Tommy’s peaked cap turned into weeping. The sky wailed its pain, crying the tears the widowed man didn’t have.

He couldn’t bring himself to.

Was he so broken even the death of his wife wouldn’t affect him?

The man brought the half-empty bottle of whiskey to his lips. The golden liquid cast a gentle warmth on his entire being. Tommy welcomed it, only wincing as the taste burnt his lips.

At least he could still feel that.

The reason he couldn’t cry for his late wife, he knew it.

That very reason made him cower with shame. Run away from her mourning family. Hide from his own son who, only aged two, reminded him so much of her.

But how could he cry for a woman he had never been in love with?

He swallowed another sip.

No matter how many times he had foolishly tried to convince himself, he was never in love.

He cared for her. He was loyal. He was devoted.

But never in love.

No, his heart belonged to another.

He chugged at the bottle, drinking until he couldn’t breathe and his head felt dizzy.

He closed his eyes, the heavy rain making him shiver.

Her image, engraved on his eyelids, shook his heart. She had always been aware of it. There was a distance, a wall between them. He didn’t look at her the way she wanted him to— no spark, no tenderness in his gaze. They shared a house and a family but that’s all they would ever have.

If Tommy married Grace, despite her betrayal, it was only to do right by her.

And he never regretted it.

Thomas Shelby wasn’t a man of many regrets.

He was a man of guilt.

Marrying a woman he didn’t love to preserve her reputation— to protect her— just to get her killed instead.

That was all him.

He stared blankly at his hands, an empty chuckle leaving his lips.

Those hands. Dripping with innocent blood.

So much blood.

Blood on her porcelain skin. Blood on her powder pink dress. Blood on his pristine white shirt. Blood. Everywhere.

And it was all his fault.

Gulp.

If there was one thing worse than being responsible for Grace's death, it was the shame he felt.

Even dead, he couldn’t give her what she desired. He couldn’t mourn for her the way everyone expected him to. His heart couldn’t break for her the way it should because it never belonged to her in the first place.

Gulp.

His son was going to grow up without his mother. Tommy knew how that felt. It was the last thing he wished for Charlie. To grow up the way he did.

Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.

The last drop of ember liquid slid down his throat and Tommy stared at the clear glass. There was no consolation. No rest for him. Not here. And certainly not at the bottom of that bottle.

He got up suddenly, stumbling through the large field into his car. Glancing at his pallid face in the rearview mirror, he sighed.

There was only one place Tommy could hope to find comfort tonight.

A soft knock on the door tore you from your thoughts. A swift glance at the clock pointed to the late hour as you slipped your robe on. You crossed your apartment warily, wondering who could visit in the middle of the night. Who could be brave— or stupid enough to defy the pouring rain outside?

You opened the door slowly, your heart pounding in apprehension.

“Tommy?” You opened the door slowly, heart pounding in apprehension. “Gosh, Tom, you must be freezing! A-are you okay?” you quickly ushered him inside.

Grabbing his coat and cap, you handed him a dry towel.

You hadn’t seen him since the morning, at the funeral. He left after his speech, handing Charlie to Polly and taking his car.

His brothers spent hours searching for him but it was useless. If Thomas Shelby decided he didn’t want to be found, then nobody would.

You hesitated for a moment. Maybe you should warn Polly or Ada, tell them he was with you.

Instead, you brought a comforting hand to his soaked arm. “Would you like me to make you some tea?”

“No, it’s alright. I…I don’t even know why I came here,” he slurred, his eyes darting around— always avoiding you.

Guiding him towards the sofa, you managed to get a better look at him.

To say he seemed tired was a euphemism. His eyes lacked their usual spark and his skin had a sick, grayish tone. He had aged twenty years in about a week.

Your heart clenched in your chest as the memory of the young man he used to be appeared. His clear laugh rang out somewhere in your mind and you thought about the long nights spent with the other. Up there, on the roof of some abandoned factory, dreaming of a gilded future.

“Do you think you can get up? My brother left some clothes here, you could change into something dry.”

Tommy took a cigarette out from the pocket of his black jacket. You observed him, watching the same ritual you’ve witnessed countless times. The cigarette between his lips, he muttered “It’s fine,” before inhaling the smoke. “I should go anyway. Shouldn’t have bothered you so late at night. ‘M sorry.”

Your hand reached for his. “No. You’re not going anywhere, Tom.”

He observed you as he felt your thumb running against his skin. Such a simple gesture yet it took Tommy a moment to recognize the small display of affection.

Your touch sent shivers down his spine, different from the ones he felt because of the cold— enjoyable. He decided to focus on the warmth emanating from your hand, sitting back down.

He wondered when was the last time someone had been so tender with him. The last time touch didn’t rhyme with broken bones and bruises. The last time he seemed important enough to be handled with care and gentleness.

“Hey,” you announced softly, taking a seat next to Tommy. “How’s your arm doing?”

He took a swig straight out of the bottle of champagne. You instantly recognized the “gift” offered by Grace as he handed it to you. “Feels like it's been shot,” he shrugged, his gaze fixed on his passed-out brothers.

Sighing, you swallowed some of the bubbly liquid again. Even though a part of you was thrilled to see the blonde barmaid gone— you had been wishing for that ever since she stepped into town— seeing Tommy so heartbroken snatched the joy away.

To your dismay, her arrival in Small Heath brought back parts of him you thought were lost in some deserted french field. It shattered your heart to see his smile, the somehow sparkling eyes, the lightness in his demeanor every time—and only when she was around. 

And yet, if it meant him being happy again, then you could deal with the disappointment and the jealousy and the yearning. You could handle watching his joy from afar. Even if you weren’t the reason behind his smile, even if you weren’t part of it. You just wanted him to be happy.

But it was all a lie.

Who would have thought it was merely a scheme?

Probably the oldest one in the book— to get close to the man in charge and trick him into handing the information on a silver platter. No one suspected her. Not even Polly.

She had managed to fool all of you, the same way you’d fool a child into drinking some nasty medicine.

“And you?” you finally ask, turning your head to observe Tommy. “How are you?”

You noticed the clench in his jaw, the pause—a fraction of a second too long before answering “Good.”

"Really good or ‘just leave me alone’ good?”

He grabbed the bottle from your hands, staying quiet and you took this as a sign to ask again. “Do you want me to leave you alone?”

One of the things Tommy cherished the most in your relationship was his ability to be honest with you. You seemed to understand, or at least accept what others qualified as flaws. He knew he could ask you to go away if he wanted to without upsetting you. It comforted him in some way. 

But then, the thought of you leaving made his heart clench painfully in his chest. The swirl of emotions was too much. Too much for him to deal with alone.

His hand searched for yours, squeezing it gently. The words didn’t need to be uttered. You sat closer to him and for some reason Tommy couldn’t understand, his head rested on your shoulder.

It wasn’t calculated. He didn’t even think of it.

One minute he was carrying his heavy heart alone. The next, you stood by him and lifted some of the burden away.

Your fingers made their way to the shaved part of his head and Tommy closed his eyes. He could forget about everything. Forget about the throbbing pain in his arm. Forget about Danny Whizzbang. Forget about her.

He could just lean on you for a little bit. Focus on the feeling of your nails grazing his skin. Let the faint scent of aldehydes wrapped in roses suffocate the demons in his mind.

“I don’t want you to blame yourself, Tom,” you whispered after a moment of silence.

He scoffed and you brought your hands to his face, lifting his head from your shoulder. “I’m serious,” the fierce look in your eyes confirmed your words. “It could have happened to any of us. And you’ve been through so much. You wanted to believe you could finally allow yourself some peace,” your thumbs ran across his cheekbones. “It was with the wrong person but you still deserve it. You deserve good things.”

Tommy stared at you, almost bewildered. How could you say those words to him— and believe them when you knew what he was? He wondered if your friendship affected your judgment. Made you less able to separate the man he was from the memories you had with him.

As if you had been reading through his mind, you interrupted his ruminations. “I know you’ve convinced yourself you were all bad and evil but you’re wrong. The voices in your head are wrong. There is still good in you, Tom. I know there is, I can see it,” your hand slid from his cheek, dropping to his heart. “Right here.”

Tommy could only observe you. The determination in your voice, the earnestness in your eyes, you were convinced with your own speech. So much that a part of him began to trust you.

You smiled softly at him and he swore he felt his heart miss a beat. “You’re going to meet a nice girl. And she’ll be funny and sweet. And she’ll probably have the patience of a saint to deal with your stubborn arse.” He couldn’t help but chuckle at your remark. “But she’ll love you more than anything else and she’ll be lucky because you’ll love her just the same.”

And while Tommy listened intently, the only thing he could think about was you.

Everything you described. Everything you said.

You. You. You.

It was you.

Tommy pressed his palms against his eyes until light dots appeared in his vision. He was beyond exhausted. His head, his arms, his legs ached. His entire body was begging him to surrender. Wave the white flag and give up.

He didn’t know how many battles he could still fight. How many blows he could still stomach. How many times his heart could still be torn apart and keep going.

If all of this was extra, why did it hurt so much?

“I called Polly,” you cut Tommy’s train of thoughts, entering the living room. “Charlie’s alright, he’s asleep now. She is staying at Arrow House with Ada.”

Tommy sighed, his gaze fixed on his trembling fingers. You observed him quietly, noticing the habit he had when something bothered him. He kept clenching his jaw anxiously. To the point you worried he might dislocate it.

Trying to catch his attention, you cleared your throat. Once. Twice.

And realizing he was far too gone into his own mind, you lightly touched his shoulder.

“You should get some rest. You’re tired.”

“I’m alright,” the response was short. Cold.

Anyone else would have backed down. Apologized, even. But you sat next to him, your concern only growing and decided to ask, “When was the last time you slept, hm?”

The dead silence that followed said it all.

You shook your head, a desperate sigh filling the quiet room with your worry.

“I wish there was something I could do,” your fingers brushed against his damp hair. “It’s breaking my heart to see you like this, Tom”

He stared at you, feeling your breath tickling his cheeks— the soft summer breeze embracing him after a hot, straining day.

And something in the air shifted.

Maybe it was the comfort Tommy found in your eyes. Maybe it was the way his heartbeat seemed to chant your name. Maybe he just wanted to.

But he leaned in.

His lips caressed yours, almost timidly before he moved closer. He was kissing you. The dwindling ember ablaze at the sweet taste of your lips mixed with whiskey and tobacco. A precious nectar Tommy knew he could never live without now that he had tasted it.

It seemed to be the only way to bring air into his lungs. Yet somehow, he felt breathless at the same time.

The feeling of his lips— so strangely soft made you dizzy. Your brain didn’t seem to work properly as you kissed him back. Tommy. Kissing you.

You almost giggled, a warm rush spreading in your chest and your head and everywhere in your body.

The only thing keeping you from bursting in flames was the cold. From his hands. His shirt. His hair twirling around your fingers.

You relished it. Cherished his calloused skin against yours. The dazzled lightness in the air.

At that moment, you were no more than a simple woman. And he was a simple man. Kissing you so passionately in the faint twilight.

Your hand touched his, grazing the golden band on his finger and you felt the bubble around you explode.

You weren’t a simple woman. He was far from a simple man.

You pushed him away, regretfully. Your body was almost leaning in again, craving more of the electricity skipping through your veins.

You wanted to be his. And him to be yours.

But not like this.

You knew Tommy like you knew your way back home. He couldn’t address his grief properly. He had never really learned, even after years of practice. The only thing he was used to was taking the pain away, no matter how. No matter the consequences he’d have to face.

And you were well aware of that.

Tommy wasn’t kissing you out of love or even out of desire. He was kissing you to feel better. You couldn’t let that happen. Not to him. Certainly not to you.

But the look he gave you as he realized what you had done made you want to throw it all away.

To hell with morals and honorable principles!

Who needed that when you could kiss him over and over again? When all you had to care about was his heart pounding against your palm, raindrops cooling down your flushed cheeks.

“Tom…” you resigned yourself.

No, you couldn’t just throw it all away. He was mourning his dead wife and he was in pain. You couldn’t take advantage of that.

His hand left your waist as if it had burnt him and guilt soon replaced the gentle warmth in your chest. But it was for the best.

At least, you tried to convince yourself it was.

The terrible humiliation was nothing compared to the regret he’d feel as the sunlight cleared his mind. He couldn’t realize it now. Too intoxicated, protected by the moon’s sheltering shimmer.

You had to keep your composure. Don’t let yourself be fooled by the comforting embrace. It was all an illusion. Giving in meant feeding the sliver of desire you tried so hard to contain.

You couldn’t live off some false hope.

You couldn’t risk your own sanity just so he could choose her.

Not again.

Running through the empty halls of the company, heart pounding in your chest with worry, you prayed.

Please let him be there. Please make sure he’s safe. Please. Please. Please.

Your heels hit the hardwood floor, each step resonating through the halls of the empty building. Out of breath, you almost fell to the ground when the engraved glass doors appeared in front of you— at last, liberation.

You pushed them open, not paying attention to the sound of the slamming doors. A relieved sigh left your lips, your gaze falling on him.

In his armchair, almost asleep, Tommy didn’t budge at the noise. He lazily opened one eye, observing your disheveled hair, how breathless you were. Sitting up, questions bubbling in his chest, he opened his mouth but you interrupted him before he could say a word.

“Where the fuck have you been, eh?” you yelled, walking into the office. Tommy left his chair, carefully joining you in the middle of the room. “I’ve been looking all over for you!”

He only stared at you, waiting for the anger to settle down. He realized how worried you must have been, how terrified it was to not find him after he left so suddenly. But he could only feel relief.

Two hours ago, he was kneeling in front of a grave, waiting to be shot. And now, he was with you, getting a well-deserved earful for disappearing.

Tommy had probably never been this happy to get yelled at.

“…And nobody knew where the fuck you were! And then there were shots and we were all running around, even got my new shoes ruined!” you rambled, your hands waving around. “Arthur told me it was over but I couldn’t find you! I searched everywhere, even asked that posh girl who looked after your horse! And I swear to God, someday I will put a leash on you! Disappearing like that! I-“ You stopped abruptly, your expression changing as you noticed the bright red staining Tommy’s temple “You’re bleeding. Why are you bleeding? What…”

“I’m okay,” he replied softly, feeling a change in the air. You closed the distance between you, your hands reaching for the injury.

“What happened to you?” You whispered, your voice higher than before.

Thomas’s hand wrapped yours and he smiled, trying to reassure you. “I survived, Y/N. I’m alive.”

Your lips wobbled, eyes watering and your anger wafted away, replaced by a gut-wrenching worry.

The words he uttered to you at the races before he left took on their full meaning. You couldn’t realize it at the time but the way he looked at you, the way he kissed your temple and promised to come back.

It had felt a little too familiar but you couldn’t remember why.

He was saying goodbye, that’s why. He promised something he wasn’t sure he would keep just to assure your peace of mind.

Suddenly, you were back on the train platform, watching him walk away to a most certain death, completely powerless.

You almost lost him today. Again.

He was gone but then he came back.

Maybe there was a reason. Maybe you were granted a second chance after letting the first one go. Who knew if you would get another?

You couldn’t waste it.

You couldn’t let your last chance slip through your fingers.

You couldn’t risk losing him.

Not without him knowing about your feelings.

“Tommy, I…”

His arms wrapped around your waist stopped the words on the tip of your tongue. He held you close, so close his heart beat right over your ear. One gentle kiss on your temple. His fingers threading through your hair, you closed your eyes.

“I’ll buy you new shoes. I’ll buy you all the shoes you wish for. Even hire a cobbler just for you,” he whispered, tightening his embrace.

“Forget about the shoes…” you started, trying to find the right words.

But what could you say?

Nothing seemed enough. All so insignificant compared to the love you carried like a cherished picture in a locket— always close to your heart.

“I have to tell you something,” he interrupted, a soft smile brightening his expression. “I’m going to be a father.”

“What?” you asked, leaning back.

“Grace’s pregnant with my baby. I’m going to marry her and we’ll raise him together.”

And the world seemed to crumble around you.

Who knew a sentence as simple as this could have the same effect as a thousand cuts?

You could only stare at him, your mind playing the words over and over again— a broken record you were doomed to endure for the rest of your days.

Your eyes burnt with bitter tears attempting to escape their prison. A million questions rushed through your brains, striking each other until nothing made sense.

Not her. Not her. Anyone but her.

You would find another way. Raise the child yourself if you had to. But not her.

He couldn’t fall for her again. You had to talk him out of it. Reason with him.

You couldn’t lose him like this.

“Y/N?”

You focused your attention back on Tommy, noticing the frown forming between his brows.

He expected your answer. Hell, his decision probably depended on your next words. But the idea of a baby…

He had given up on that.

The dreams of a happy, somewhat normal life had been buried in the tunnels. Covered in mud. Lying next to the decaying bodies of his comrades.

And now, it was so close to him. He could reach through the mud and get this life back. He could try to leave the war behind. Let a new life forgive all the lost ones.

Let the flowers grow over the old tunnels.

You bit the inside of your cheek. No, you couldn’t ruin that for him. He went through enough. He deserved some rest.

No matter how selfish you wanted to be, he would always be above all foolish sentiments.

A forced, poorly attempted smile made its way on your face— locking the tears away.

“I’m just…I’m so happy for you,” your voice broke as relief washed over his tired features. He hugged you again, chuckling. “You’re going to be a wonderful father,” there was no hesitation. Only the truth.

“And you’ll be an even more wonderful aunt,” he kissed your cheek, rubbing your back. “Don’t tell Ada I said this.”

You clutched his jacket in your hands, biting your lips hard enough a faint metallic taste covered the bile in your mouth.

The familiar feeling was here again. An impression of déjà-vu. Back on the train platform. Watching him leave.

But this time, he wasn’t coming back.

“I’m sorry, Tommy, we can’t…” but he wasn’t listening. He couldn’t listen to whatever excuse you had.

The only thing worse than being rejected by you would probably be hearing you say the words.

I don’t love you, Tommy.

No. It would be the fatal blow. He wasn’t ready for that.

He got up, the alcohol in his blood seemingly gone— deserting, leaving him powerless.

“Tommy, please”

You kept saying his name like it mattered. Like it would change anything.

Shaking his head, he pulled his arm away.

Nothing could mend the raw rip, tearing his heart in half.

It made no sense to him. He was convinced there had been something.

You.

You who stood by him through everything.

You were the only constant.

Your relationship, his only haven— the solid deck on vicious waters.

Never breaking. Never busting.

What would he do if the deck shattered?

Tommy didn’t have the answer to that question. He didn’t want to know.

The cold pit in his stomach as you leaned back was enough to make him leave. He couldn’t bear looking you in the eyes, terrified of what he’d find there.

He had to go.

You followed him through your apartment, calling his name. He wasn’t going anywhere, you wouldn’t allow it. Passing the door meant giving up on your friendship.

It couldn’t end this way.

“Tom, listen to me,” you pleaded. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” struggling to find your words, you felt the lump in your throat growing until you were suffocating. “Please, don’t go. You can’t go now, you can’t.”

He grabbed his jacket. The sound of your voice withering almost made him stay. Force a smile on. Tell you it was alright.

No matter how hardened he grew with the years, he never could stand you crying. Ever since the day he met you.  

You had scratched your knee on the dingy pavement and he carried you on his back. He even stole a chocolate bar to console you— the little girl with braids and the sweetest laugh his ears were blessed to hear.

He swore he’d do anything to bring the smile back on your face. Engrave the lightness it carried in his heart.

You would know no woe. No grief.

Not as long as you had him.

You clenched your jaw, desperate tears starting to roll down your cheeks. Deep down, you knew your choice was the best but the sight of him leaving—even worse, hating you, made you sick.

“Tommy,” your voice broke,  “Please, you can’t leave now. Please…,” one last wretched attempt to get him to stay.

Time began to flow so slowly you could swear it stopped.

The clock didn’t tick. The fire in the hearth didn’t crack. The wind didn’t blow.

The world around you held its breath. Waiting. Carefully listening to your beating heart. Pounding against your ribcage. Each thump edging you to the forlorn void of despair.

But if there was one promise Tommy wouldn’t break, it was the one he made to the little girl with her braids and her scratched knee.

His greatest weakness.

You.

Fingers freezing on the doorknob, Tommy listened to your quiet sniffles. He bit his tongue, feeling the guilty grip around his heart.

The moment of hesitation— only a few seconds but it was enough time to put your hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” your forehead rested against his as you whispered, your breath brushing against his lips. “But we can’t do this,” Tommy clenched his jaw, his shoulders slouching in apprehension. “You’re only doing this to feel better and I wish I could help you, I do. But I won’t let you wreck everything just to regret it tomorrow and probably the days after…because you love her.”

A trembling breath left your lips. “You're in love with Grace and you’re mourning and…”

“What?”

Tommy pushed you away, deep creases forming on his forehead. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Tom…”

“What are you talking about? Why would you say that, eh?” confusion in his voice turning into venom, the lack of sleep grinding his nerves.

“Y-You love her. You love Grace, she was your wife and I’m sorry if…”

“Is that what you think?” he spat out as your hands reached for him again.

The fatal blow.

Unexpected. Sharp. Lethal.

“What do you mean?” you stared at him, puzzled at his brusque reaction. “Grace was…”

“Stop saying her fucking name!” he snapped, eyes maddened by his own anguish.

The mere sound of her name was enough to stir the guilt overtaking his body— stabbing the same bleeding wound over and over.  

You stood before him, not knowing how to act.

Tommy rarely lost his cool. He always had the upper hand over his own emotions. You were used to that. You had learnt to deal with his seemingly unshakable façade.

This was different.

“Is that what you think, hm?” he repeated, cutting the stunned silence reigning “You think I was in love with her?”

You had no idea what to reply. You couldn’t grasp the reason behind his outburst. His anger and his hurt were part of a puzzle missing its central piece.

Twisting his words in your mind, you tried to find a clue— anything to help you understand. The accumulation of distressing events was the most obvious answer but it still didn’t explain everything.

“Tom, I don’t understand, I…” you finally admitted, powerless faced with his own torment.

Your confession made him scoff. Tommy’s chest heaved and he clenched his jaw, biting back the words burning his tongue.

The turmoil of emotion began to overwhelm him and he knew that as soon as he opened his mouth, words would flow uncontrollably. The wise decision was to walk away.

Walk away and blame the concerning amount of whiskey in his blood the next day.

Just walk away.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

Of course.

The heavy lump in Tommy’s throat seemed to explode, spreading its vehement poison across his body.

“I was never in love with Grace.” he spun around, facing your defeated expression “I was never in love with her because I’ve always loved you. You.”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t say anything. But Tommy didn’t expect you to. “She was the mother of my son and I cared about her but the way I love you… You are the only woman that ever mattered and without you…” his voice broke, eyes watering.

The wave of emotion washed over him with such intensity, air barely reached his lungs.

Drowning.

He felt like he was drowning. Condemned in a tormented sea. Desperately gasping for air yet only allowing more water in.

Tommy considered the idea of forsaking— let the water burn his throat, churn at his insides as long as he could rest. As long as his soul didn’t ache.

But at the very last second, he felt hands pulling him out.

You embraced him, arms tightly knit around his neck, his head resting against your shoulder. Tommy closed his eyes, treasuring the small moment of peace granted to him.

Feeling the strength in his body failing, you guided your bodies to the carpeted floor. His arms tightened around you and you sighed.

His confession had been everything you ever wanted to hear and you desperately wanted to believe him. Craved to whisper those same words back.

But could you trust the words of a man so inebriated he would probably not remember by the morning?

“It was all an illusion”, you reminded yourself.

Tommy, your friend, may have been the man you loved but he was also a widower. Maybe it made no sense to act this way and maybe you should believe him because why else would he say this?

But it was unfair to expect him to “make sense” after what happened to him.

He needed comfort. He needed to stop being the man in charge, the “always standing” one. He needed you to be his friend.

Only that.

Your hands rubbed his back soothingly and you kissed the side of his head, chasing the voice in your head begging you to give in.

For now, you’d have to content yourself with that.

A gentle embrace, mending the scattered pieces of his heart in the dark hall. Tommy couldn’t let go. Your arms provided the solace he longed for—the lifebelt keeping him afloat.

And as you held him, he could only think about the time. The time he lost. The time he could have had.

If only he had said something…

The train platform turned into a sea of teary goodbyes, children escaping their mother’s grasp and boys, men— soldiers, leaving for France.

Clutching Tommy’s army jacket in your hand, you felt his fingers brushing the tears on your cheeks.

“Come on, sweetheart, you know I hate seeing you cry,” he attempted a soft smile.

“Then don’t leave us.”

And he knew he would. He would do anything if it dried your tears and erased the sad pout on your face.

“Please, just one smile. I want to see you smile.”

In case it was the last time.

Tommy searched through his pockets, waving a bright blue box in front of you. “Now you can’t cry anymore,” he muttered with a sly smirk.

You stared at the chocolate bar and couldn’t help the grin making its way through your tears. You swung your arms around his neck, cutting his breath short as you hugged him.

Tommy returned the embrace, closing his eyes.

He could never open them again and stay with you. He wouldn’t have to go anywhere. Just stay. Thread his fingers through your hair and kiss you and love you. He could just stay.

Neither of you wanted to let go. You were pretty sure neither of you could.

As long as you had him. As long as he had you. Nothing could reach you. Nothing could hurt you. If only you held onto each other tighter.

But a loud, piercing whistle resonated through the station, breaking the tender embrace. Tommy took a moment to admire you. Gentle features and radiant smile. That’s how he wanted to remember you. His thumbs reached under your eyes. No tears.

Not today. Not ever.

He wasn’t sure he could keep standing there as you cried and not cry himself. Blinking away, his jaw clenched, he let his fingers trail down your cheek.

His touch was so soft, so light—like feathers tickling your skin— it almost made you forget why he was leaving.

You tried to smile, even as a few rebellious tears tried to escape.

Oh, my darling Y/N...

And he thought he might finally admit it. Confess right here on the noisy train platform. Whisper the words into your ear and make you promise you’ll wait for him.

He was already walking towards death, he might as well free himself of the secret he kept for so long— the same way a condemned man would.

“Tommy?”

He focused his attention on you, the delicately embroidered handkerchief close to your nose. Your eyes reddened with tears, cheeks still damp.

Yes, he could say it.

But what if he didn’t come back?

What if he told you he loved you and died in some french field? What if the only thing you got back from him was a box of his belongings and nothing else?

“I…I just…” You wouldn't handle it. You were already terrified of what would happen, he couldn’t add to that some foolish confession just to feel better. 

He couldn’t risk it. 

“I’ll miss you. Take care, yeah?” he leaned in, kissing your temple.

“Come on, Tom! We’re gonna be late,” Arthur’s deep voice urged him.

“I’ll write to you all the time,” you promised, your hand reaching for his.

Tommy didn’t let go, holding your fingers until he was too far. He stepped onto the train, his eyes always set on yours.

One last glance. One last smile.

And he was gone.

Arthur and John found a compartment where they set their bags, greeting other soldiers. But Tommy wasn’t paying attention.

He had a chance. He could have said it.

No. No, it would have been too selfish to blurt it out and leave. He wanted to tell you he loved you but not under Death’s malignant threat.

He would admit he loved you only if he could live to fulfill that promise. When he could take you dancing. When he could be sure to fall asleep kissing you and wake up just the same.

What was the point of saying it if he never had the chance to show it?

But could he really risk dying without ever telling you?

If he died and you never knew he loved you, he would regret it.

One last whistle resonated through the train station. The train wobbled, slowly moving.

No. No. No.

Tommy left the compartment, running to the corridors.

“Tom, what the fuck are you doing?”

The last thing he wanted was to break your heart if he didn’t come back. But he couldn’t leave without you knowing just how much he loved you.

He just had to make his way back to you.

And he could. He could fight and floor his opponent if it meant coming home to you.

He just had to say it. He had to.

He would never forgive himself if he didn’t.

Pushing away soldiers, ignoring their exclamations and complaints, Tommy finally reached the last car.

It was full but it didn’t matter. He burst in, running towards the window. Quick. Before it’s too late.

I love you.  

Soldiers were staring at him as if he was mad.

Maybe he was.

I love you.

He leaned out, almost tipping over and falling. He didn’t care.

I love you.

Tommy spotted you amongst the crowd.

I love you. I love you. I...

But the train had already left the platform.

It was too far. It was too late.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispered, defeated.

No one noticed the tears in his eyes. The train rushed under the dim tunnel as regret filled his body with immense darkness.

Too late.

You woke up with a groan, shy rays of sunshine tiptoeing through your quiet apartment. But you couldn’t enjoy the warm weather. Not when every limb, every muscle, every fiber of your body ached.

On the floor. You had fallen asleep on the floor.

You groaned again, stretching your sore legs. As you tried to get up, the night before came back to your mind. 

At least you had an explanation for your aching neck.

You called for Tommy, expecting to find him in the living room but the room was completely empty.

The exhaustion in your body was enough to not question it too much as you made your way to the kitchen. You needed a cup of tea. And maybe some sleep in your bed.

But as you moved towards the table to prepare your breakfast, you noticed a small piece of paper.

Recognizing Tommy’s clear writing, you felt a warm rush through your body and a smile creeping on your tired features.

[peachybun-bun]

Hewoo, Can i request a drabble with number 22 and 10 from the adventure list with NCT's Mark? please<3 and thank you!!

You got it! Gave me the perfect opener for Mark's little chance in the Roommate AU series "Mark's Perfect Timing"! Keep an eye out for more parts. I'll link things here in the future. Really hope you enjoy this. It ended up longer than I thought it would so more below the cut. :)

“Mark Lee?” You smirk, tilting your head as you spot a familiar face across the room at the party. “Long time, no fucking see.”

His face turns towards you, with a sudden realization and grin, when he sees you. “Holy shit! Y/N! No way.” The tall man, you’ve known for most of your life, moves to pull you into a somewhat smothering hug, but you find yourself not caring. He smelled so nice, and god, when had he gotten so fit?

Mark pulls back from the hug, to look you over, with a shake of his head. “It’s been months, a year? Jesus...you look fantastic.”

Your cheeks flush brightly, as you laugh, tugging at your dress and jacket to smooth yourself back out into something presentable, remembering where you were. “Yeah, more than a year actually...you look great too, more than great. Do you live in a gym now?”

You can’t help but to drink him in, as he rubs the back of his neck with a laugh at your compliment and question. “Nah...just go with my roommates. More motivation I guess.”

Motivation? That was a scary word in moments like this. Did he have a girlfriend? Was that his motivation? Maybe a job that required muscle? “Oh? Have to stay fit to keep your lady around?”

Laughing, Mark glances around, and shakes his head as he scrunches his face a bit. Taking your hand, he leads you away from the louder section of the house as someone cranks up the music even louder, blaring something from the early 2000s. “No. I don’t have one of those currently...just been focusing on other things for a while.”

You nod, noting a bit of regret in his tone as you move to sit on a loveseat. Mark rests on the arm, glancing down at you, letting go of your hand.

“What about you? Your boyfriend here? What was his name? Kevin?”

You laugh at his question, snorting slightly. Your hand shooting to cover your face, Mark laughs hitting his leg with the palm of his hand amused at your outburst. “Oh my god, as if having to say “no we broke up a while ago” isn’t embarrassing enough, I sound like Miss Piggy with allergies. Uh...no, we ended things a few months ago actually. He needs to quote “do some soul searching”.”

Mark wrinkles his nose at your answer, and shakes his head, “Right...this is the same dude who would only take you on a date if he had a coupon for 50% or a gift card for half the meal?”

You laugh, tilting your head as he remembers such a strange point of your past relationship. “Yup...same guy. How do you even remember that?”

Scoffing, Mark rubs his neck and shakes his head. “It was just a strange thing...kinda sticks with you, ya know?”

You nod, a brow raised, not really buying that, but sure. “Uh huh, I guess. So, where are you roomies? Aren’t you all usually running around like the 7 musketeers?”

“Well, Haechan has a girlfriend now, so they are probably having sex, that is literally all they do. The others...you know how it is. You get older. Less motivation to get up and go out.”

Nodding to his words, you glance him over crossing your legs, causing your dress to ride up your thigh a bit.

Mark glances down at the extra skin with a breath, before working his eyes back up to your face, but not without a detour at your cleavage. God had you always been this hot? That was a stupid quesiton, he thought to himself. You had always been smoking, but you had always been unavailable, or he had been. This was the first time ever you were both in the same room, and neither one was attached at the hip by someone else.

Clearing his throat, Mark glances around the room and gestures to the keg. “You want a drink?”

You had noticed his eyes. You could almost feel the trail they took from your legs, over your breasts, before making contact with your face again. You couldn’t keep your eyes off of him. He looked perfectly unkempt, just how you liked him. You have had a crush on him for as long as you had known him, but it had always been just out of reach. A flirt here or there, but never the right moment.

Glancing towards the keg, you laugh watching someone’s feet being held in the air. “Uh, you know...I might pass on that, but would you want to maybe get out of here? Get something better than stale beer?”

Mark raises a brow at your offer, his breath caught in his throat as he licks his lips. “Uh...you know what, yeah. Hell yeah. It’s too loud in here anyway.”

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

Unlocking the door to your apartment, you let Mark go in first, before following him in. Watching him look around, you smile a bit as you put down your stuff and clear your throat. “Alright, I have all the makings of margaritas, sound good?”

Mark grins, looking around your apartment. It was nice. You were doing well for yourself. You weren’t only beautiful, but also smart and successful. All the traits he looked for in a woman. Looking over his shoulder to you as you take off your jacket, leaving you in the low cut dress, Mark swallows hard as his voice cracks, “O-ohh yeah...sounds great.”

You raise a brow to the voice crack with a small laugh. You could tell he was a bit nervous, in truth you were too. You didn’t know what you were expecting to come from this. Honestly, if it ended up being just drinks between friends, you’d be disappointed, but it would still be worth it.

The sound of the blender rang out through the apartment as Mark looked over the bookshelves, reading the different titles and picking up various picture frames. Some of you and friends from college, others of you with your family, stopping at one of you and him. Furrowing his brows, a smile spreads over his lips as he starts to yell over the blender, only to have the sound die down less than three words into his sentence. “HEY YOU STILL...oh...shit.. Sorry, uh you still have this...”

You look up as Mark yells across the room, thinking he needed to yell over the blender. You can’t help but laugh, eyes wide, as he apologizes. Pouring the drinks into glasses, you move over to him to see what he was talking about, only to laugh when you see the picture of the two of you. “Well, yeah. Was I supposed to throw it away? I love that picture. I look really cute.”

Mark laughs, taking the glass you offer to him, before putting the picture back and looking at it one last time. “That’s true. You do.” He grins a bit shyly, taking a sip of his drink, before looking at you. “You always do.”

You can’t help but smile into your drink, as your cheeks flush lightly, before gesturing your head to the couch as you sit down. Pulling your legs up under you, careful of your dress and letting it rest just above your knees, you watch as Mark sits next to you. You were surprised at how close he decided to sit, his arm resting behind you on the couch. That was bold, but you didn’t mind. A smirk played on your lips as you glanced at his arm, only to meet his eyes a moment later.

“The drink is really good. Much better than stale beer...company is better too, if I’m honest.”

You laugh at his words and nod, taking another drink, before leaning to sit your drink on the coffee table. “I agree, though I’m surprised you came over.”

Mark looks at you, a bit stunned at your words. “Why?”

You smile and shrug, leaning back against his arm. His fingers play with the ends of your hair, absentmindedly over your shoulder, as he watches you. “Well, I don’t know. I didn’t think you’d be interested in it. I don’t know what you are looking for.”

You shiver slightly to his touch with a laugh, as Mark shakes his head and speaks. “You could ask.”

Your nose wrinkles. You think about what to say, before shrugging. “Alright, I’ll bite, what are you looking for, Mark Lee?”

He smiles and bites at his bottom lip, before leaning to put his drink with yours on the table. He surprises you again, sliding his hand along your jaw, raising his brows in question, as if asking for permission.

A breath escapes your lips slowly, as you glance at his lips and nod. This was really happening? You felt like pinching yourself, just to make sure you weren’t dreaming, but Mark’s fingers slid back into your hair to cup the back of your head, bringing your lips to his.

The kiss is an unsure one at first, but pulling back to look at each other once is enough. Years of pining over each other is coming to a head as you meet his eyes, feeling Mark’s hands slide to your hips, pulling you into his lap. You waste no time straddling his legs, your hands pressed to his chest.

Mark groans, feeling you in his lap. He was trying very hard to hold himself back, but having you sitting on him like this, kissing him like you were, touching his chest, was too much. Feeling himself getting hard, he leans his head back as your lips run over his jaw and down his neck, to meet your hand as it slides up into his hair.

You smirk on his skin, hearing his groans, feeling his hands groping at your body. “You’re so much fun to touch…”

He groans again, into a laugh, muttering, “I’m glad you are amused...fuck, right there.”

Your lips under his ear, you run your tongue up to his earlobe, biting lightly. Speaking softly into his ear, as you feel his hands push your hips down over his evident arousal, “Like that?”

Mark laughs, almost in pain, speechless as he nods. “Oh my god...I want you.”

You smile and pull back, raising a brow. “Then take me, Mark.”

His eyes meet yours at your command. His chest rises with a deep breath, before you are lifted, and he lays you down on the couch, sliding your dress up and over your body.

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

You weren’t surprised when you woke up in your bed, alone. You and Mark had eventually found your way there, at some point in the removal of clothes, but nonetheless your hand searched the bed for him. A frown rested on your lips, not finding anything but your phone. “Well, at least it was good…”

Groaning, you sit up and look around the room, before sliding out of the bed. You find a pair of sweats, so that you could pick up the whirlwind from the previous night. Mark’s clothes were gone, but yours were still strewn about. Your shoes at the front door, your jacket on the counter, your bra at the door to your bedroom, your dress on the couch, your panties….nowhere to be seen?

Feeling your phone vibrate in your pants pocket, you fish it out, seeing one new message from Mark, a smile crossing your lips.

Mark: Morning Beautiful. Sorry I had to leave but I had an appointment. Dinner later? [8:45 am]

Y/N: No problem, I’d love to. Hey I seem to be missing some clothes...did you toss them everywhere? [8:46 am]

A moment passes as you wait, still looking around, not really wanting anyone to find a random pair of your underwear under a chair or on a door handle, when you feel the phone buzz again.

Mark: No panties baby girl? [8:47 am]

You stare at the phone for a moment, before another message comes through with a picture of your panties in Mark’s hand.

Mark: You can get them back when you come over tonight after dinner. [8:47 am]

Y/N: I don’t know if I’m offended or turned on Mark Lee....see you tonight. [8:48 am]

Shaking your head, you laugh and roll your eyes, before biting your lip excited about the future of what this could become, before getting back to your task of cleaning up.

[mc-critical]

While the prophecy in E46 is certainly not unequivocal and its wording can lead to many interpretations, I feel the show pointed that it was, ultimately, about Hürrem in the most ways.

Firstly, we have strong hints by the direction of the scene itself. When the fortuneteller says both "But there's a dragon living in the palace" and "The fish in the water will turn into a dragon with time", the camera zooms in on Hürrem. With the first line, it zooms in only on her before the next one comes. With the second line, the direction is still fixed on Hürrem until the fortuneteller mentions death.

Something similar occurs when the "There's death here" quote is uttered and right before the old woman starts fainting. We once again see only Hürrem's expressions prior to what happens next in both cases.

Hürrem's expressions are consistently shown before any reaction of the other people in the room. They're consistently more focused on. Right, this may be a coincidence: it could be just a part of the shock everyone was experiencing in the moment. And if Hürrem's reactions are a bit more focused on, it could be because she is the main protagonist; it would be a given for her reactions to it all to get more attention than the rest, in case they do. Right?

Then why does the fortuneteller seemingly shift her gaze at somebody at the end of her prophecy and the camera zooms right in on Hürrem again? This juxtaposition shot gets quite a bit of emphasis by the direction compared to everything else. It's not some insignificant "blink and you'll miss it" wonder, it's allowed to sink in for a little more before the prophecy is officially over. And I don't think that's accidental.

Secondly, Hürrem had a dream related to a dragon that burns ("overcomes") the enemy(-ies) in the next episode. That could very well be the same dragon the prophecy was referring to. That was the only time a dragon appeared in the series, the only time the prophecy was close to being called back to. And Hürrem's the only character who is somehow associated with a dragon, be it in a dream or anywhere else.

The dragon in the dream has to be connected to the dragon of the prophecy. Well, maybe it couldn't represent Hürrem since it appeared right in front of her and it didn't burn anyone around her in the dream, she herself was consumed by the flames. But again, what was related to the dragon of the prophecy? The end of the enemies. What is (especially S04) Hürrem's fatal flaw that "consumed her" to the point she thought her battle would be over after Mustafa's death and didn't pay so much attention to Selim and Bayezid's growing conflict? Her fixation on her enemies. The dream showcased Hürrem's fears most of all, but I'd argue these fears also play their part in triggering that fatal flaw. {The ambition of "defeating your enemies" is most explicitly attached to Hürrem out of all the characters. This is what her central goal is first and foremost and it seems to be the central goal of the dragon of the prophecy, too. Hürrem set out to overcome her enemies "one by one", just like the dragon eventually would. She's reminding herself of that objective as much as she's reminded of it by others - that's always an ongoing trend in her character arc.}

[In addition, the dream with the dragon delves into one of Hürrem's enormous inner vulnerabilities: the everlasting fear of her enemies getting hold on her permanently in a time where she's alone, with no one beside her. All this fits perfectly within the context of E47 where this precise sense of (understandable) panic and paranoia, the feeling that her own safety could be targeted in a time of a campaign because it's always happened before in some way, didn't only become a main theme of the episode... it became true, all her agitations turned out to be retroactively justified. Hence the symbolism of the dragon could be applied "in reverse" here: the harem riot Valide caused was "all over the castle", Hürrem was attacked with fire in order to be eliminated, but then she became stronger and slowly but surely made moves to strike back, along with fulfilling her own goal. Hürrem lives by a strong survival instinct: only one party goes down, it's either her or her enemies. She is aware of the likeability of her being the one to be taken down, the possibility of her enemies "burning" her, destroying her, the possibility of them "becoming the dragon" is always there, so she's the one who "becomes the dragon" instead. Hürrem turns into a dragon with time both overall and in the context of the post-E47 events in order to win the game, in order not to lose to them.]

Thirdly, Hürrem is infamously related to the fire element. She's the character with the most direct connection to fire. The dragon of the prophecy is a fire creature and it's precisely fire it uses to achieve its goals, which Hürrem also points to in her E63 monologue: she'll "rain as fire" over her enemies. (while this doesn't point exactly to the dragon, there is a connection nonetheless.)

Fourthly, the "fish in the sea" line doesn't have to be taken literally: perhaps it doesn't mean "one isn't an established power at all (until a later point in time)". The dragon is said to still be dormant, not necessarily powerless. The fortuneteller mentioned the dragon living in the palace before she went on with the "different form" and "fish in the sea" part. Hence, the dragon has a different form at the moment, but is still a dragon underneath. It simply hasn't completed its transformation yet. While it has a clear goal, the dragon could still be among the people in the room, still trying to resemble them. By this point, Hürrem indeed is still trying to adapt, both to the harem ways and where she currently is (like navigating the new circumstances that appear from this exact episode-onward: Mustafa becoming more of a threat. Hürrem has to be more careful than ever, she has to try to act like she's fine with what's surrounding her, to be "a fish in the sea" before she comes up with a strategy). She is still fighting off tradition. While the roots of that begin blossoming, she hasn't started to act against her enemies in full force yet. She hasn't reached her full power yet. She has a goal as clear as day from the start (which I feel the prophecy doesn't contradict), but the point where she gets more insistent against her enemies comes later on, "with time". With time she would be capable of defeating them completely.

[Also, "but such winds will blow..." could symbolize the external factors, the outside happenings that cause one's action. The outer motivations apparently aren't a small part of what makes the dragon overcome the enemies. And which character gets the most exploration of the outer motivations that lead her to become the person she would be in the future? Hürrem. Her dream with the dragon also points at something external that is cooking up against her that would only make her closer to reaching her full potential, overcoming all of them.]

Fifthly, while it's silly and absurd to blame Hürrem for all the death that would occur in the future, she still takes an active part of the battle of the throne and is an important contributor to the happenings of the castle. She brings that enormous change that is already there in another form and would propel forward what would come in the future. {And while the death is truly a major tying part to the dragon of the prophecy, I always saw the dragon as a part of the upcoming death, not the full causer of it. Judging by the words of the prophecy, both the dragon and the death reside. However, while death "lives" there, apparently already in its true form, the dragon would fully embrace itself later. That could mean the death is already set in stone before the dragon does much of anything. The many other factors are still there and there's no turning back. The death gets revealed after the dragon and that could separate it from the dragon somewhat. The later actions of the dragon (the "burning of the whole palace") that the fortuneteller describes aren't associated with death as much as they're associated with the overcoming of the enemy that could not only be a factor in causing death, but be provoked by death. ("The dragon will be all over the palace." - a consequence, is preceded by "The blue of the seas will turn into bloody red." - an external factor the dragon can both change and be changed by.)}

Sixthly, "The dragon will be all over the palace" part is maybe not necessarily tied only to the death it could potentially cause; it could signify Hürrem's impact, as well. All aspects of Hürrem's impact in the palace (since the dragon will be "all over" and affect stuff). I can name lots and lots of examples of internal and external impact, but the most egregious one for me is in E134: time literally stopped all around the castle after her death. That's how massive of an impact Hürrem has where's seemingly come to terms with all stages of her life, including the dragon.

《Hürrem was at her last stage in E134: the phoenix. The dragon and the phoenix both have appeared in Hürrem's dreams at different points of her life and have a possible wide connection. To start off, both can stand for impact. The dragon makes an impact for what it's done, while the phoenix makes an impact for its never quite ceasing existence, paralleled with Hürrem already being an enigma around the world in the end of S04: the phoenix is reborn from the ashes, so that alone makes it leave its mark on the world, a mark possibly building on the mark of the dragon. A path could also be marked from the "dragon" (the urge and power to overcome the odds/enemies going along with the fear of the odds/enemies overcoming Hürrem) to the "phoenix" (the direct and already complete rebirth of the self after all earthly struggles are nearing their end). Destruction of life vs renewal of life.》

Yes, the prophecy mostly points to a bad, destructive impact, but that shouldn't be only limited to Hürrem, even though she's the dragon. I think that's rather the consequences of all the fights in the palace, the status-quo of which Hürrem/the dragon undoubtedly shook. And the "every good thing comes to an end" cycle also includes Hürrem, just as Mahidevran said in E61. And what was that end exactly? The ever present death. Including Hürrem's own.

{EDIT: I feel the prophecy of E131 affirms what I said above even more. It professes namely death as the "last judgement" for everyone, with that death both reaching the dragon/Hürrem as well and extending beyond it. And the process would finalize itself only after she herself leaves the world, thus we have both the positive and negative sides of Hürrem's impact presented. She had a part in the events that would come to pass, but she's also the (last) pillar that delays them from playing out in their fullest, most brutal force.}

[inspiteallthedanger]

You know what I think of when I hear Yoko saying Paul's 'immovable heterosexuality'? That Wandavision meme of Kathryn Hahn winking. I'm a shy anon so can't include it in this ask, but trust me, it fits! My tin hat theory about this phrase is that it conveniently throws everyone off the trail of John and Paul being anything other than platonic bro's.. and while Paul & Yoko do the Widows At War thing, this is one story that they both agree on sticking to.. but for verrry different reasons. Paul for all his complicated insecurities and hang ups about masculinity and Yoko because she would literally DIE before anyone else is allowed to claim their place as John's Numero Uno. I think Phillip Norman probably went to Yoko and said something like 'look, there are a million examples of John being at least bi-curious.. It will come out anyways, but if I can get a quote from you, then I can spin it in a way that's more palatable to The Estate'. And Yoko being incredibly smart, knows that if she denies it, it will come out looking like she wasn't privy to a massive part of his life, so she's like 'yeah, he was just a bohemian! It's cool - I knew all about it because we had no secrets!!' but if Paul gets roped in as being a part of his bohemian experimentations, then suddenly, there are potentially TWO greatest love stories of all time. Can't have that! This way, everyone kind of wins. Paul gets to keep his ladies man reputation, Yoko is John's One True Love, and PN gets to publish his book (he wouldn't have been able to if there was the slightest whiff of a homo-scandal). Actually, this doesn't really sound very tin-hat, does it?

p.s hoping you'll post the meme at the bottom of this if you publish it :-)

Hello, I think most of this is correct. I do believe Yoko is very careful about how she crafts the image of their love story. That's been true since the moment they got together. It's also clear she's always wanted to minimise Paul and John. I do think she realised that some comment on John's queerness was going to be needed, although her own issues with it means she flip-flops on wanting to give it any air time at all.

All of which is why I'm not sure I follow the logic of how this proves she was lying about Paul's heterosexuality. Wouldn't it be much more in line with her aims to just say, "He thought of Paul as a little brother". Like, sure she's going to have trouble without admitting John's potential interest in other men, but why not use the line he himself apparently used of, "Only being able to do it if he loved a man, and he never met anyone he felt he could do that with". There's no need to loop Paul into this, all that does is raise questions and raises the profile of John's other great love outside of Yoko. At the time - and today - no one is seriously considering that John and Paul were romantically attached. So, there's no need to bring it up.

It seems more like a slip of tongue or just something she said off the cuff and then retracted. I suspect Yoko, like the rest of us, sometimes just wondered what the deal was between them. She's on tape from like day one going, "Wow, John sure seems hung up on Paul, good thing he's not a girl haha." And well... we know how that turns out.

And I assume you mean this one. It really does give a good vibe for how we ought to take most things coming out of the estate.

Thanks for chipping in! I do love hearing other perspectives

[amphtaminedreams]

Spring/Summer & Haute Couture Week 2021: Whoops, I’ve Missed a Loooot (Part 3)

Helllooooo to anyone who’s reading,

And welcome to the penultimate post of my S/S21 reviews! Finally!

I think, anyway!

This is according to my estimate of how many photosets Tumblr is going to let me include in this post but it seems to be about 50 so I SHOULD only need to make one more post to cover the last few designers plus my top 20 shows, which lowkey is my fave thing to do in these posts. It’s really tempting to do it in the form of a tier ranking system but I feel like that has died as a meme now; I would still do it anyway, trust and believe (I still feel more of an attachment to Vine than I’ve ever have to TikTok), but that would require a load of trawling through the bin on my Mac and finding the original photosets and considering I have a work beach party today I thought I’d be kind to myself and preserve my mental energy stores so I can get through that, lol.

The bulk of this post is gonna be taking on all the Ms-meaning the designers whose brands begin with that letter-because trust me there is a SHITLOAD. I always find this every time round and then forget and get irritable again. FFS Molly Goddard, why can’t you go back in time and get your parents to give you a different name!? Simply not good enough and does not fit with my fantasy. On the positive side though, and in spite of the difficulty writing these posts that I mentioned in part 2, this part does include a lot of my fave designers: Miu Miu, Lanvin, Rodarte, Rick Owens, Kim Shui, Paco Rabanne, and Olivier Theyskens plus some ones I’ve only recently become aware of, like Peter Do and Ottolinger, and am excited to see continue to flourish. Also, Virgil Abloh actually focussed on Off-White for, like, 2 seconds and produced a quality collection for the first time in a while and reminded us all why the brand became so popular in the first place!

Right. Onto the meat of the post. To quote the GOAT, Jeremy Corbyn, himself: We’re back! And ready to do it all over again! Only this time, the sentiment’s gonna get the outcome it deserves, and that’s starting with Kim Shui.

I believe it was in my last RTW review that I first tackled a Kim Shui collection after seeing some screen grabs of one of her collections on Twitter, which is where I tend to become aware of a lot of up and coming brands. Right away, I could see why her work gets the hype it does. As fierce and edgy and rough around the edges the pieces are, they’re sexy and flirty. Sometimes the video game anime street fighter girl catered to the male gaze (not to say Kim Shui’s collection is, this is very much for the woman who would totally use her powers of disarmament to fuck up a dickhead man or two) is a vibe, ya feel me? It’s quite apparent Kim’s youth and talent in combination with sharp eye for dissecting the urban style climate is a superpower in itself; she is going to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to observing which designer’s visions have the greatest knock on effect on mainstream fashion retail lines, that much is clear. Given that we’ve really only just entered the spring/summer period when it comes to clothing options and that the recurring features of Kim’s collection (psychedelic prints, cut outs, strappy detailing etc.) are already everywhere, her powers of prediction or rather, her influence, given on which way you look at it, are visibly immense. I know that if my bloody instagram or Facebook cookies threw up any one of the looks I’ve included I would be hitting that link, much to the detriment of my savings account, straight away; I think the fact it’s stocked on Revolve, my gut instinct to which is “nope, can’t afford that” is a blessing in disguise because otherwise I would’ve dropped a horrifically serious amount of coin.

Lanvin gave us some absolute gems last season and this time round is no different, with a collection that maintains the expected level of grace and timeless sophistication which affords the label its prestige whilst adding some art-deco influenced playful touches along the way; Albar Ebaz takes the classic feminine modesty of early to mid-20th century silhouettes with flapper style drop waist dresses and opera gloves and fitted suits and adds the subtle glamour of the silver screen actresses who wore them and gave them their mystique, the Grace Kellys and the Lauren Bacalls, once again churning out a collection relevant for the modern era. Following the lead of brands like Loewe, as well as creative director J.W Anderson’s namesake brand, and Balenciaga, Ebaz projects the exaggerated silhouette trend through his own nostalgia-tinged lens producing pieces that hark back to the days where high socitety adopted and brought home the styles of various other cultures as a means of flaunting their wealth. Yeah, you could consider the overall feel of the collection a riff on the old-timey equivalent of those baggy elephant print pants rich 18 year olds bring home from Thailand after their “gap yah”, but the elegance of the old-timey equivalent gives the structures and rich hues of the era a staying power said elephant pants will never have. Plus, I want one of those parasols-if I have to spend this whole summer dodging rainclouds (to reiterate: FUCK BRITISH WEATHER), at least let me do it in style.

J.W Anderson took things in a really fun direction with his Loewe S/S21 collection and produced a presentation of pieces that very much channels the excitement of a little kid playing around with their mum’s wardrobe; the pieces are whimsical and disruptive without being garish thanks to the simplicity of the colour palette and minimalist approach to print, a combination of characteristics that fulfils the stylistic needs of the fashion clown who doesn’t give a fuck about turning heads and wants to embrace a bit of wackiness given the bleakness of the past year. I don’t doubt a lot of thought went into this collection but it definitely seems as if Anderson let loose a bit more than normal and the result is something much more emotive and spontaneous looking than we’re used to, which I like.

Oh god, oh god, now onto Louis Vuitton.

Nicolas Ghesquière, babe, are you okay?

Somebody check on him, please. Because this is one of those collections which absolutely makes me wish there was some kind of objective system which could determine whether or not a collection is “high fashion” enough for the runway so we didn’t have to see lazy, confused shit like this. I mean, have I seen worse collections from other brands in the past? Of course. But the bar is higher, because this is Louis fucking Vuitton. Supposedly one of the most prestigious and sought after labels out there. And yet this show was just…all over the place. There were some cool elements and grungy skater girl moments that I liked but these were kind of overshadowed by the messiness of everything else-there were a lot of looks which genuinely could pass as something a newly employed Urban Outfitters worker would put together from the sale rack if they had to window dress mannequins in the dark. Whilst I was pleased to see the return of the motor racing jackets and the exploration of that tough, semi-androgynous look in general which first cropped up last season, we also saw some really cheap, tacky-looking incarnations of this trend which were at best boring and cheap looking, and at worst, god ugly. I also really cannot fathom the decision to include snow boots in a summer collection, which were so bad they almost put me off from including a look I otherwise really liked in amongst my favourites.

We saw a relatively toned down collection from Margiela this year, one that skimped on the disruptive and in-your-face quality the brand is known for in favour of something more mysterious, more darkly atmospheric, and at the same time delicate; Galliano’s signature deconstructed approach to fashion remains, but there are hints of Simone Rocha in there too, as if it’s one of her collections he took apart. In other words, this collection is the perfect visual accompaniment to Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights. That being said, if I was wandering around the woods and saw these pieces being shot, I’d probably turn round and go in the other direction. I don’t wanna end up in the Woman in Black remake this shoot is giving me, or any of the gothic tragedies that John Galliano has so beautifully channelled here.

Anyone else who may be reading own the flower fairies of the garden books as a kid? Marchesa’s S/S21 collection is very that-whimsical and effervescent and graceful, at which you are only allowed a fleeting glance lest the magic be lost, or in this case lest you notice that a lot of it is actually pretty basic. There are some truly stunning floral prints here, which upon initial observation flow into one another in a way that give that “at one with nature” kinda vibe, but the longer you look, the less interesting they become, as opposed to brands like Erdem and Rodarte who make what is a safe pattern interesting. 

Marchesa Notte was much the same, and even though it’s supposed to be the budget collection, there isn’t an ostensible difference in quality other than Marchesa’s pieces being a bit more extravagant. They’re pretty dresses but the attention to detail just isn’t there, and whilst they’d stand out on Net-a-Porter they don’t amongst their competing labels. It’s a bit of a meh season in general for the ballgown brands, maybe because COVID hasn’t really called for the kind of events people in the public eye need their clothes for. IDK. I expect that Bridgerton costume design level of extra but I suppose all that’s really needed in a world dominated by social restrictions is bridesmaids dresses for all those poor individuals who had the misfortune of having to go ahead with mini weddings in lockdown and I guess for that purpose these Marchesa dresses fit the bill.

Marques Almeida is a label I feel really doesn’t get spoken about enough; when it’s good, I truly think it’s up there with brands like GCDS, Off-White, and the designs of emerging streetwear oriented Kim Shiu and Charlotte Knowles, in terms of capturing that fresh, urban spirit anyway. It’s not as consistently cool as Kim and Charlotte (the studded boots and trainers included in this collection one example of this, like pls, it’s not been long enough since these were last “in trend” and the early 2010s and anything associated with them are still registering under the cringe header in our collective memory), but it’s far less hit and miss than GCDS and Off-White, both of which have released some very crappy collections over the last few years. Whilst there’s no sense of complacency with designers Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida that we sometimes see with the more prestigious streetwear inspired brands, they also don’t go obnoxiously garish in the way the two latter brands rather lazily do seemingly in an attempt to create the illusion of more abstract thought than was actually involved in the designing process. The dark hues of the tie-dye are a refreshing change from a lot of the other collections presented for S/S21, in that whilst there’s hardly ever a scarcity in tie-dye as a print on the runway for the summer season, it’s usually in lighter, pastel tones to match the longer days and lighter evenings; Marques Almeida commits to the grungy look regardless of the wearer’s potential for heatstroke and I like that. A bit of edge to subvert expectations is inspiring, which is why I am so here for Vera Wang making her past few RTW collections a goth-inspired fuck you to the people who think she’s just a fussy wedding dress designer, but herein lies my -slight- issue with this season’s Marques Almeida collection. It just doesn’t go far enough in that respect this time round, not when the duo have previously gone out of their way to flip expectations with typically “unflattering” silhouettes and fabrics and overly bold prints. Like yeah, it’s dark tie-dye. But it’s still tie-dye you know? And I’d much rather the low points of a collection be a particularly home-made looking Central Saint Martins runway show fit than something you might see on a Bershka mannequin. In general, notwithstanding my initial praise, this collection is a bit of a disappointment compared to the last couple; though the risks Marques and Almeida took in the past could read as a bit fashion student-y at times when they failed to pay off, the lack of daring here for the sake of being palatable means that the collection as a whole kind of fades into the background for me up against stronger collections from similar youth-centric, semi-affordable labels.

I found Max Mara to be a little freer and laid back than usual this season and this was good to see. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who can muster much enthusiasm for any brand which typically sticks to a muted, minimalist approach but these pieces are a lot less stuffy to me, less Handmaid’s Tale wife and more female James Bond. The practical, utilitarian qualities of the label are still there but not in the characteristically restrictive way I associate Mara with; there’s actually room for movement, suits fit for someone with a slightly more devil-may-care attitude towards life than the Zara frequenting risk analyst or insurance broker or boring office job based “girl boss” (gate lighter, gas keeper or whatever) that I would wager is ordinarily the label’s ideal client. I am a HUGE fan of that duck egg blue belted trench coat so, yes, there’s a possibility this unexpected surge of appreciation is being viewed through the lens of desire buttt I’m being positive, and celebrating the high points of a designer’s work rather than bitching about it is more in line with my general philosophy. It’s not a philosophy which is always achievable considering some of the utter shite we see on the runway every season, but I try, and hey, I’m a part of the “participation trophy generation”, right? Three cheers for me.

Michael Kors was a bit of a let down.

I know, that burst of positivity was short lived. But to be honest, I feel like as someone who usually praises his collections whilst most other people with an opinion on high fashion go all Frank Reynolds as Ongo Gablogian yelling “DERITVATIVE!” On that one episode of Sunny every time there’s a new show, I’m entitled to say that this one did indeed fit the “meh” verdict that Kors’ work is pretty much uniformly sentenced to by the majority. See, I can usually overlook the criticism that his stuff is unoriginal because it’s fun and it’s cute and brings all the trends established by the more avant-garde fashion houses together in a way that’s cohesive and digestible for the average consumer. Basically, an MK fit catches your eye in the same way as a pink frosted Krispy Kreme donut would in amongst a buffet of far more expensive and expertly prepared and altogether memorable food-it must be full of processed shit that’s actually not all that great for you but it just looks bloody tasty and you know you’re going to like it. It appeals to all the girls who grew up idolising barbie dolls and then moved onto Blair Waldorf who seek something instantly visually appealing and pretty and put together. That’s my usual defence anyway.

This season, however, is kind of bland. It’s not ugly by any means, and they’re still nice pieces, buuuut…they’re the kind you’d take on a holiday to the mediterranean that only really become anything special when accompanied with an exotic backdrop and a good fake tan. Unfortunately, I’m not distracted enough to notice all the “influences” on display in this collection, and so Kors’ habit of attempting to replicate the success of other brands simply by way of copying is glaring in a way that, this time round, is hard to ignore. Taking last year’s Jacquemus colour palette and then alternating between a few of the corresponding silhouettes, some Dion Lee and some Bottega, and then mixing it all together, calling that a day? It’s not gonna work.

This Miu Miu collection and I, we went on an emotional journey. We really did. Totally not exaggerating the stakes there at all. But just imagine it. Seeing runway photos of the show and it being fucking ATHLEISURE. My blood boiled. My pulse raced. Not Miu Miu, surely. Not them falling victim to the spontaneous gym trip appropriate clothing trend too, the blandest style craze to pull off a mass infiltration of every major designer label of the last decade. See, I am a girly girl for the most part and Miu Miu is one of the last bastions of resistance when it comes to unabashedly embracing coquettish femininity and girlishness and excess as part of their aesthetic, especially when most designers are looking more to futuristic minimalism and toughness and androgyny as inspiration for their designs. Don’t get me wrong, I love this vibe too, for different reasons, but there’s just something fun about a collection that brings back memories of playing dress up as a little girl. I should’ve known Miu Miu wouldn’t disappoint me in this way, and as I got further into the collection I kinda realised…this isn’t your normal athleisure, this is Miu Miu athleisure. Yes, that was totally intended to be read in the format of one of the old school M&S ads.

In typical fashion, Fabio Zambernardi did things differently by looking back to the past rather than a stripped back idea of the future, and as the collection went on, the kitschy, retro elements became a lot clearer; sure, it’s all a little sportier than usual but more in a 50s/60s daddy’s little old-money princess in gym class (that’s what you call P.E in the states, right?), Pink Ladies, pastel diners and knickerbocker glories after school way than anything resembling a modern day Kim Kardashian outfit or a PLT co-ord. We’re talking the Plastics’ wardrobe if Mean Girls was set 40 years earlier, the other side of the coin of Gucci’s fashion take on a 60s and 70s inspired iteration of the Freaks and Geeks misfits’ aesthetic that we saw in the S/S20 show. The fits aren’t the kind I could pull off and I struggle to think of the kind of event the people who can actually afford this shit would wear them to, but Jane Fonda would 100% endorse it and that woman is a bad bitch so I mean her seal of approval as the highest form of compliment. If I had one gripe, it would be seeing Lila Moss on the runway doing the absolute bare minimum; I can occasionally get past the bad taste that nepotism in creative industries (in the sense that models are part of the luxury fashion industry) leaves in my mouth when it seems the beneficiaries of their family’s privilege are actually suited to the job, in the case of Gigi and Bella and Cara for example, but it just never seems fair seeing people who would never make it in the industry based on their own merit walking in the shows of these fashion giants purely because of their family’s influence. You’ve got ordinary girls who would kill on a runway putting themselves through HELL to achieve that kind of success, which even then they’ll only achieve if they’e lucky, while nepotism babies not necessarily suited to the role get to just waltz in without any of the struggle and instantly see the kind of coin models would only see after several consistent years of remarkable success in the industry. IDK. Rubs me the wrong way. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t resent models like Lila themselves, I suppose it’s more the laziness of casting agents, but you think she could like…take a class from Jay Alexander or something, right? If ANTM contestants can do it, so can you baby.

Continuing the fashion clown theme that J.W Anderson channelled in his show, we have Molly Goddard, a new edition to the list of collections to review. Trust me when I say said addition is not a feat I take lightly-fitting as many photosets as I possibly can into a text post without having to make like 7 separate posts is a task Tumblr already seems determined to make as much of an arbritrary ball ache as possible. That being said, there were a few collections I regularly include that I left out for these posts because of my lack of interest and so I thought she deserved to become a new staple; I like Margaret Howell but there’s only so many suits and beanies I can comment on, ya know? It’s always cool to see a young, British female designer rising in the ranks of the fashion world (it’s no surprise that she’s a Central Saint Martins grad because I can 100% see this being a stand out section from one of their collections) and after seeing her referenced online so many times, I thought it was finally time to pay her some attention. Plus all the tulle! I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, probably far too many, but I always love a bit of tulle, and it’s utilised in a way that’s slightly different than what we’re used to seeing. Whilst most of the designers who regularly make it a core element of their collections tend to do so in a demure, more delicate way, Molly goes in a wackier direction, with bold colours over pastels, playful, pleasantly juvenile silhouettes and kooky styling to accompany the already head-turning pieces; if you presented a bunch of primary school age girls with all the S/S collections I’ve included so far, they’d probably pick this one to wear, and I think that’s a brief that it makes complete sense to want to fit considering the times we’re living in.

It goes without saying that the Moschino collection was bloody adorable, and let it be known that I really appreciate the way Jeremy countered the limitations on runway presentations with such creativity and that signature irreverence and desire to subvert expectations. Whilst this is usually conveyed through his defiance of luxury fashion’s desire for timelessness and need to distance itself from the trashiness of pop-culture, this time round the designs themselves were a lot more subdued and so of course there had to be some other twist on the typical presentation format; the classic quirks and campiness of Scott’s Moschino is always present in some way, that’s something we can count on and one of the reasons why I always look forward to his collections. Am I reading too much into things if I say we could see the whole puppet angle as some kind of we’re-all-slaves-to-late-stage-capitalism continuation of the F/W20 Let Them Eat Cake theme? I love Jeremy Scott as a designer but given that the man is the creative director of a multi-million pound luxury clothing company, I would say I’m probably giving more credit than is due here. Of course, there’s a bit of a void without the brash, tongue in cheek aspect of the garments themselves that can’t be filled by kooky presentation alone, but it is interesting to see Scott go down a daintier, low-key route that caters to the Taylor Swifts and the Ariana Grandes of the celebrity world rather than his usual pursuit of those iconic in-your-face pieces that make him a favourite of squirty cream Catherine wheel bra wearing legend Katy Perry and helped cement her place in pop culture history during the Teenage Dream era of her career. The collection is not without those touches of over-the-top, mischievous glamour, with furs and opera gloves and ostrich feathers that read very Y2K Bratz doll, it’s just that they have been filtered through more traditionally feminine pastel-tinted lenses, the lasting effect of which being that the collection is more suited to movie star Barbie than it is to provocative stage performer, and that is of course, despite the prettiness, a little bit of a let down. At it’s very best, these looks are the magical fashion baby of Carrie Bradshaw and a young Lucille Bluth’s wardrobes (wouldn’t you love to see an Arrested Development spin off of a teenage/20 something Lucille living her best Upper East Side, spoilt brat life because I 100% would) but at worst, they’re forgettable and that’s not something I thought I’d ever say of a Moschino collection.

I pretty much always love a Mugler collection-it has that signature sexy, modern, minimalistic aesthetic that emphasises the inherent power of the female form in a way that’s geared more towards a Tron-esque future than more current mundane times. I know we’re all sick of these live action remakes of old cartoons but imagine, like, Totally Spies irl where Casey Cadwallader is the costume designer with, like, Tokyo or Stockholm or New York as the backdrop or somewhere like that. Imagine. There really is potential in these remakes if the teams behind them stopped trying to cater to a young audience who really don’t give a fuck about some cartoon that was big in the 2000s and instead gave them the HBO treatment for the now grown adults who watched it when they were younger. A dream. Yeah, in more specific terms, the designs in this collection really aren’t anything new but then given the circumstances of COVID, completely overhauling their stylistic direction or doing anything drastically different probably isn’t a realistic expectation. Plus I really adore the pieces so through gritted teeth I will allow it and say if it’s not broke don’t fix it, maybe we can settle for a nice new colour palette for now; it’s favouritism, I know, but tbh I’ve just won myself over with the concept of a grown up 2020s version of Totally Spies.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by Off-White this year because it seems as if Virgil Abloh put marginally more effort in than usual. Looking at the collection now as I write this post, a lot of the outfits look slightly overdone but that’s doing a disservice to the fact that this was ground zero for many of the trends we’ve seen over the past few months. I mean, in my notes from the time I’m going off of (idk if the fact that I wrote these notes almost a year ago is more of a testament to my ability to procrastinate when it comes to writing something I’m not super enthusiastic about or of how quickly 2021 has gone but there ya go) I put that although it’s clear he’s a designer who draws from current trends, that there were some new, fresh additions, and that I felt the collection as a whole was more his interpretation of where said trends should progress and evolve from there, and how they can all be tied together, almost. It kinda reminded me of why Off-White became so hyped up in the first place and its image as a brand that had its finger on the pulse of what was effortlessly cool, home of (semi-affordable compared to other fashion week regulars) boujee power pieces with razor sharp edge. It was that daring, urban flair that had Off-White clothing known for being just as suited to an up and coming grime artist’s Brit awards red carpet ensemble as it were to the centrepiece of an off-duty model’s “candid” paparazzi shot. It was the first collection to seem like anything other than an afterthought in a solid few years, reminiscent of those that got Abloh his role as the art director at Louis Vuitton. One negative thing I do have to say about this collection though-if the pieces are that oversized on fucking SIZE ZERO models, how the fuck are they gonna work on an average sized person? I bang on about it constantly but it is crazy how little size inclusivity we still have in 2021. It’s all very well and good using plus size models in print but it says a lot about how the fashion industry still doesn’t see larger bodies as “high fashion” when they’re never hired for the runway; more often than not, the inclusion of one, single plus size model in a show seems performative, and does little in the way of making the move towards removing that distinction between “straight size” and “plus size” models so that we just have models in a way that reflects healthy norms and society in general in so far as that we’re all different shapes and sizes and that that’s okay.

Olivier Theyskens, quickly becoming one of my all time faves, bossed it once again with a collection that can only be described as a sophisticated show of gothic perfection; carrying on with the correct way to do remakes theme, it’s all very modern day Morticia Adams and yes an updated Addams family with-stay with me here-Lady Gaga as Moritcia and Billie Lourde (based on both their turns on AHS) as a slightly older Wednesday is something I would LOVE to see. I consider myself a maximalist when it comes to both my fashion and interior design preferences, and these pieces aren’t particularly decorative but regardless, the shapes and colour palette are dramatic enough that they flawlessly do the job of conveying all the witchy goddess energy I need to fuel myself for the rest of the year. In my fantasy where I’m a fashion editor hiding arcane powers who spends her breaks cursing bad boyfriends, this is what I want to be wearing by night. I think it was kinda how I assumed the Dolls Kill founder (I shall not speak her name) dressed back when I was naive and unaware that both she and her company are still a piece of shit. Truly, it still hurts because I’ve never seen an online shop that fulfils all my personal style dreams at a price I can afford more but until it’s clear as a company they’ve changed their ways once and for all and move towards being a more ethical business, having to instead scour Depop for second hand Sugar Thrillz pieces will have to do.

Maybe I’m a lot more out of the loop than I thought but honestly I’d never heard of Ottolinger until I saw screenshots of this collection on Twitter. I was immediately obsessed and knew I had to include it in the review because it is absolutely fucking exquisite and it’s clear now that many people felt the same-SO many of the styles and details on show here have been everywhere for the last few months. Not sure if I can credit Ottolinger alone with that but it’s surely played a role, probably along with designers like Kim Shui who also excels at blending that grungy video game street fighter girl with sex appeal in her designs; the underground techno scene of the label’s Berlin origins clearly plays a big part in curating the carefree, youthful edge present throughout the collection. Similar to Marques Almeida, Charlotte Knowles, Acne, GCDS and other more accessible streetwear brands, it’s obvious that designers Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient aren’t afraid to create love them or hate them pieces, the kind that tend to offend the elderly population, with rugged, punky touches, elements of deconstruction, and an intentional unfinished, slightly messy feel. Here, it really fucking pays off in a collection that is effortlessly cool, the wardrobe of an it girl who you’d be far too intimidated by to approach and would instead observe pass by with a wistful gaze.

Ah, Paco Rabanne. IDK how to feel? Because of course there were some spectacular pieces, that’s no surprise, but a lot of it was also very commercial, and seemed random in amongst the regular knockouts I expect from the label. To preface the critiques, it’s not as if Julien Dossena failed to deliver some beauties; a lot of the garments were further proof of the brand’s ability to incorporate the typically feminine qualities of elegance and attention to detail into otherwise rugged, bad bitch armour in a way that gives the pieces a strong, regal quality to the garments-you know, for when you want to be on some bonafide queen shit. The signature chainmail pieces have always been an aesthetic incarnation of the beauty and patience and fragility that is inherent to the power of women, designed for us and with what is going to make us feel invincible in mind without losing those ornate flourishes. But then…then, you have pieces that are quite the opposite. If you want to be generous, you could say they’re the kind of looks that would make you feel like a bad bitch with her life together if you’re someone who usually shies away from anything remotely head turning, if you want that Kat Hernandez owning her fatness and deciding to dress however the fuck she wants and not care who’s staring energy, but would these fits give me that warrior-esque aura I look to Paco Rabannne for? Would they make their way onto the costume rail of Athena in what would be a really sick TV show revolving around the mythology of the ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses set in modern times (because how have producers not realised how much of a serve that would be yet?), as the average Paco Rabanne piece would? Nah, not really. Maybe if it came to her fitting in with the general population looks they’d do the trick but let’s be real, YSL designs can channel that rockstar girlfriend star power just as well and people don’t typically spend their time raving about those collections.

Like with Ottolinger, Peter Do is another designer I’ve slept on for way too long. I finally decided I’d investigate what it is that the high fashion community raves about; Zendaya wears his pieces, and if that’s not reason enough for me to buy my ticket for the hype train and see where it takes me, I don’t know what is. Definitely a good call, and a much more satisfying option for the said off-duty Athena attempting to blend in with gen pop aesthetic. These are the effortlessly smooth power fits that carry the innate confidence and self-assurance, the subtle edge and refined futuristic grunge influence, that I want to see on a woman with a quiet power so intimidating and magnetic she commands everyone’s attention the second she enters the room and has even the most revolting men hanging on her every word because she knows what the fuck she is talking about. I mean, this woman probably doesn’t exist because most men don’t know how to respect even the most accomplished of women but there ya go-we’re just talking a character on a non-existent show about fictional immortal beings at the end of the day so may as well just buy fully into the fantasy and pretend we’re dressing someone who can somehow make a completely anomalous response to female superiority, based on respect not fear, occur.

I was a big fan of the F/W20 Ports 1961 collection and this one is incredible too. Not one to diverge from my theme, either, as the nods to Grecian influences with gladiator sandals and draped billowing fabrics would also make this collection very fit for a modern day mythological Goddess, though with the elegant flourishes and the light, airy colour palette I feel it’d be more suited to an Aphrodite type residing in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Though Maria Grazia shows signs of improvement with her collections this season, I can’t help but compare this collection to her Goddess themed couture 2020 show which was so on the nose with its referencing it bordered on tacky; this collection really highlights how key a bit of subtlety is when it comes to sophistication. The way print has been utilised, sticking to stark black minimalistic illustrations delicately splashed onto billowing, canvas-like dresses, and the small yet intricate accessories, is similarly a lesson in how it’s best to go low-key when attempting to modernise a classical silhouette. There’s a sense of youthful creative flair and optimism paired with a calm intelligence that appeals to the carefree, nomadic woman who despite never staying in one place for too long manages to remain effortlessly stylish, whose taste transcends the influence of the ever-changing culture around her, who will go anywhere as long as there’s heat and history. Sure, wearing one of these coats in the Mediterranean sun might give you heat stroke but whatever, *Patsy from Ab Fab voice* it’ll be a fashion moment, darling. I really can’t believe I’m out here liking gladiator sandals. GLADIATOR SANDALS.

Prada was a pleasant surprise for me this season. I feel like I’m in the minority here but I usually find their collections a little stuffy and boring, which makes me wonder what it is I’m missing because whenever it’s referenced it’s usually being touted as a label that’s fresh and modern. For me, I like the accessories, but when it comes to the clothes it’s always been pretty forgettable imo and there’s a lack of flair or character that I expect from such a powerful brand name; sure, Chanel collections aren’t great in recent years but if you asked me to sketch an outfit that could be part of one of their runway shows I could quite easily do it, whereas with Prada I’m not exactly sure what I’d draw on for inspiration. This S/S21 collection, however, has a bit more vivacity to it, almost like the choice for Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada to collaborate has given the pieces some life, reflective of a desire to venture out of what I’ve always seen as a very dull, very square box. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not obsessed with it as a collection but it’s definitely bolder and more experimental, a promising step away from complacency into potentially divisive but exciting territory. The choice to try the typical retro kitchen tiling style prints on more androgynous, current silhouettes rather than the usual tried and tested, classically flattering silhouettes, for example, would indicate a commitment to a more forward thinking approach and that’s something I’m happy about.

Unsurprisingly, Rick Owens put on a fucking incredible show again. I truly think he has an aesthetic just as distinctive and well-established, if not more so, than some of the biggest names in fashion, and for that, should be granted reference point status accordingly. It’s this one of a kind blend of glam rock influences and space age era fashion that keeps the gloss and the glamour of the two, the dramatic presence and the Lady Gaga Monster Ball Tour vibes of it all, and updates it for a dark, dangerous post-apocalyptic future, one dominated by a metallic colour palette where wars are fought by AI and robotic assassins and peace talks are had in stark white rooms with holograms. If there were a post credits Ex Machina scene, Alicia Vikander’s Ava would take over the world wearing something from this collection, I know it; if you are That Robot Bitch™ and you find yourself in a Mad Max-esque wasteland, you’re hardly gonna be reaching for some dusty Chanel tweed. Owens designs for the female gothic supervillain and fulfils the brief of a don’t fuck with me outfit that still oozes sex appeal, all the while maintaining a sense of otherworldliness and mystery, something that would on paper sounds like a confused vision but he proves in the fiercest way is meant to be realised, for the sake of humanity.

And to round off this penultimate post, we have Rodarte: Giambattista Valli and Elie Saab’s quirky, more whimsical cousin, and the likes of Erdem and Brock’s more glamorous sister, they’ve put out some really exquisite collections over the last few years that are hard to live up to, especially the F/W20 collection. Unfortunately, this is a prophecy that proves to be correct. Don’t be mistaken, this is still strong, dainty yet bold, understated, head-turning all at once, and is exuberant and optimistic in spite of the dark year we’ve all had. There were a lot of really stunning pieces, breathtaking even, some of which have a Bridgerton feel, reminiscent of the Featherton household’s costumes to be more specific, and that’s definitely a good thing; if we’re being totally honest, the outfits were really the only good thing to come out of that show. There’s also a lot of china doll-esque mid century style dresses, that hark back to the era of the wartime heartthrobs who’d go out and sing to the troops to keep up morale, that Vera Lynn kind of figure, and the coy, supposedly unaware bombshell, the Betty Draper type. However, here comes the but…a lot of it was very pedestrian. The last word you’d ordinarily think to associate with Rodarte, right? So I’m conflicted on where I stand and I guess overall I can’t say it meets the label’s usual standards. I mean, it pained me to include the contrast sweat band detailing, it really did. The converse with a prom dress vibe is not a bit of me.

So, that’s it for this post! Hopefully I can fit the last few designers and my top 20 into post 4 and then move onto something else. I’m thinking of doing a bit of a festival inspired lookbook in honour of my disappointment in not being able to go to any this year-I know they are on, and I don’t judge anyone for going, but the idea of it still feels a bit icky to me. I went clubbing the other night and took a lateral flow test before I went and even though I knew I was healthy, I still got this weird sinking feeling in my stomach every time reality set in and it hit me just how many people we were surrounded by, all mixing together. I imagine on the scale of a festival, it’d be even worse. I can’t believe we all used to do this kind of thing without the thought of all those germs mingling crossing our minds? I did another test last night because I’ve been feeling kind of shitty the last couple of days and it’s not COVID but is it really any wonder I might have picked something up from a night out? Anyway, that’s enough doom and gloom for now-we’re getting it from every other media outlet already after all. As always, if you read this far my mind is blown by your dedication to tackle all these paragraphs of my bullshit and I hugely appreciate it!

Stay safe, get vaccinated and look out for the final post of this series!

Lauren x

[quietlysatan]

these ink-stained memories - Antarctica_or_bust, AO3

Link: Here!!

Rating: T (with one M)

Favorite Quote(s): Okay but, mood Diego

“Relax, kid,” the other agent laughed as Diego stammered gibberish. “Getting Leon's mark is practically a rite of passage around here.”

Honestly the third one is my favorite installment just cause like, it’s such a fucking mood, like, I too deserve a membership to I.L.K. Anonymous

“Good, good…. Do you have a question, Frank?”

“Well, not exactly. I do know some folks in Georgia who would be happy to help with your supply lines so we should probably discuss that afterward. But honestly, I wasn't expecting you to be so organized. Thought there'd be more gossiping.”

“We started out that way. But once we realized that the DSO wasn't supporting its agents properly, we decided to step into the gap. We may not have a shot with Kennedy in real life, but we can damn well make sure the man is fed. Of course, that said, if you've got some juicy gossip, please do share.”

Words & Work(s): 53,839 words, and 5 works with varying chapters throughout the series

Summary: Leon always gets attached too easily.

Pairing(s): Leon S. Kennedy/Chris Redfield

Warning(s): ALL Canon events, from character death to Leon getting "temporarily" infected with the plaga (Well, I mean, he's as cured as anyone that's been infected will ever be. I mean, you're bound to pick up something along the way. That's just how it works.) happens.

Mentions of Leon's heartbreak and insecurity due to said heartbreak. Leon is being manipulated by the government in a very toxic way sooo, toxic workplace conditions? And also, overworked!Leon is a thing, especially in the third installment.

Claire makes assumptions that lead to mutual heartbreak, The Birkins A+++ parenting is mentioned, Krauser decides to leave instead of hurt his lover and I respect that, also people die, you're gonna cry for Leon a lot btw, the dude does not catch a break for a minute, also, Piers dies and it hurts again, so there's that, threats of noncon in a five second throwaway mention in Ada's chapter.

Aesthetic: Have you ever fallen in love with someone you'll never have and honestly been okay with it? Cause that's what this feels like. It feels like knowing their favorite order from their favorite restaurant that's only open during a certain time of year. It feels like going to your best friend's wedding and just hoping that your best friend is treated right, hoping that they're happy, and well, and, loved. And yeah okay it hurts a little bit, this is the love of your life or something after all, but, honestly, for some unthinkable reason... You just feel at peace, you feel happy for them... You just want then treated the way you coulda-woulda-shoulda and all that... Ya'know?

Gif Aesthetic:

They kinda just, orbit towards each other ya'know

In multiple ways, and I’m not gonna tell you how, this fits.

Honestly tho guys this author is the only reason I even started shipping them

[echo-three-one]

Chapter 39

The Road So Far

Is this still worth it?

The SEVEN Inch Wound

Gary 'Roach' Sanderson

Task Force 141 Base - Gym

Roach finally got his seal of approval. After weeks of physical therapy and daily check ups, he was now finally fit for battle and he was lucky enough that Nero was still under the radar. He wouldn't want to miss out on the battle he started. He was lucky enough that they were exonerated when Shepherd surrendered, because if they continued to be fugitives, Roach would not have access to appropriate medical attention.

It has been almost a month after the events in Afghanistan and Task Force 141 was already re-established, Samantha and Maxine were housed on a nearby compound where veteran's families lived under the safety of government protection. During his time in the infirmary, Maxine was always there to visit, telling him tales about dreams she recovered as time went by. Roach was glad she was returning to normal and that no matter how her memories came back, her treatment towards him was the same.

"Good to see you back on your feet, my man." Rocket went up to him and did their fist bump, a series of elaborate claps then finished off with finger guns accompanied by their almost realistic attempt at pistol fires.

"Haha. Yeah? I'm glad I'm back." He waved as Rocket pointed at his back. Roach turned to see Maxine, carrying a packed lunch, waiting at the end of the hallway.

"Hey you. Just in time for lunch as always." He smiled, wrapping an arm around her as they made their way to the mess hall.

"Glad to see you smiling and walking about." She says, as her palms ran across his firm chest, tracing the scar that changed his life.

"Yeah, finally passed the damn physical test." He grinned as they sat down at their usual table, the only table which consisted of two tables stuck together to form an eight seater.

The rest of Roach's closest comrades were already there. Alex, guessing what Samantha packed for him. Soap and France arguing which meal choice was best for them and Ghost, who was already halfway through his lunch while the rest of his comrades haven't even started yet.

"Good to have you back, buddy." Ghost greeted with a wide grin on his face, well technically only half of his face was shown.

"Hey man. I sure am glad. How have you been doing?" he joked. They constantly visit him in their free time, so there was actually nothing to catch up on.

"The rest of the squad proceeded to badger Roach with questions about everything they wanted to know. Roach enjoyed the hot seat as the military mess hall felt like the university cafeteria.

"So, any news about Nero?" He finally asked as soon as everyone was done with him. The table felt awfully quiet.

"None." France was the first to speak up. Everyone else nodded and frowned.

"Shit. Guess our only choice is to wait." He added.

"Shepherd didn't have any leads towards Nero. Their last contact was the exchange of blueprints and after that, he was gone." Soap explained the situation.

"The missing persons?" Gary asked.

"Still missing." Alex commented.

"And there are still a few additions every other day as indicated by the FBI and DHS." Ghost added.

"Is interpol still involved?" Roach turned to Ghost.

"They're still after the traces of EMP equipment from the missing persons. Their new lead is that Nero's team is trying out a lethal kind of grenade. One that explodes without damaging property. If he's planning invasion, this is actually a good idea without ruining too much of the invaded country." He replied. Roach nodded at the theory. EMPs only damage mechanical equipment and this was a good call for the bad side.

"I never knew they'd think of this kind of weaponry. I always expected bioweapons being the last of modern warfare." Ghost muttered.

"Well, that was what happened in Verdansk and we stopped it. We could do that again." Alex tried to boost morale.

"Yeah. We'll do whatever it takes." Roach agreed and they continued lunch.

By the time he started training, Roach focused back on his Sniper techniques. His wound may have affected his previous breathing training and it was only inevitable that he'd train it again. He wanted to master the long ranged rifle as it was vital towards his development as a soldier.

"Back on the scope huh." Ghost huffed as they reached their 200 yard mark, by the hill just outside the base.

"Glad you could help me on this one." Roach unzipped the sniper bag and began scouting the area.

"You sure this is your spot?" Ghost asked, using his hand as a visor against the hot afternoon sun.

"Yeah. This fits."

"Suit yourself." He chuckled as Roach snapped every attachment of the rifle, from the bipod stand to the clicker adjustments.

He peeked at the scope and looked at his target. Five small cans standing on top of a log 200 yards away.

"Remember what I told you." Ghost mused as he looked at Roach steadying his breathing.

"Damn." He added as he noticed the change in wind.

"Yeah, damn. I just was about to fire it." Roach muttered as he took another deep breath and began to hold still as his crosshairs adjusted to the shift.

A loud fire echoed across the hills as dust scattered on the ground where Roach fired. He was about a few inches off.

"Great. Do that again but change your adjustments." Ghost said as consolation.

"Yeah got it." He rolled his dial once again and accounted for the wind, easing his breath and fired again. The loud sound once again echoed through the hills, followed by a soft metal can flying away from the log.

"There you go! A clean hit." Ghost congratulated as he tapped Roach's back while he reloaded his sniper and aimed again.

Roach stayed at that spot until it was too dark to continue and Ghost accompanied him until such time. On their way back, Ghost opened up to something that has been bothering him ever since.

"Roach. Do you mind if I say something important?" He asked and it made Roach stop on his tracks.

"Yeah. What's up." Roach asked.

"I've already sent my formal letter, but I just wanted you to have a heads up on the matter." Formal letter. Roach's heart started to pound as his mind automatically thought of him quitting or leaving.

"Letter about?" he asked. His mouth almost felt dry. He didn't want him to leave. Not again.

"Transferring department. Alexandra offered me a spot on the Interpol. I told you this first because I knew that if you were on my shoes, you'd go too, right? Do whatever makes you happy?" he said, quoting Roach's famous words.

He isn't wrong about doing what makes him happy, but his decision didn't feel right either, or maybe because he just doesn't want Ghost to go.

"Well, you bet I'd go for that option too!" Roach said, trying to validate his decision despite not wanting it. It was sad to see him go, but for the first time in ages, Ghost actually acknowledged the term happy.

"I knew you'd understand." he smiled and continued their trail back to the base where Roach remained quiet until they reached the base just in time for dinner.

After dinner, Roach opted for a night jog around the base to clear his mind off of Ghost leaving. After the second lap, he soon noticed Alex catching up to him.

"Wonderful weather for an evening run, huh?" He asked all cheery as he's quite used to his heavier and more realistic leg.

"Yeah. It is. Good to see you're liking Samantha's surprise." Gary nodded and removed his earphones.

"You know, it's really a surprise when I'm the only one who doesn't know about it." He commented.

"It feels like a real leg, actually. The wonders of modern technology never ceases to amaze me." He mused as they both took the turn.

"Yeah? That's good to hear. Pretty sure Samantha loved the way you thanked her." Roach teased as Alex chuckled, like he recalled some memory.

"Oh yeah, she did." Alex nodded suggestively, the kind that Roach didn't want to ask anymore.

"This your last lap?" Roach asked as Alex slowed down for his cooldown, turning to the set of exercise bars.

"Yep. See ya!" He waved as he started his cooldown.

Gary took three more laps just to make sure he's exhausted for the night, so that once he got in his bed, no more thoughts would assault his mind, hindering him from sleep.

There was only one way out of it. And it was accepting Ghost's inevitable departure from the 141.

The next morning, the 141 was briefed on a possible lead on Nero. This time, Ghost wasn't in the room and that meant that his letter was now approved.

"Okay lads. We've received word on a supply drop activity from Nero. We intercepted an unencrypted call signal to an abandoned port just off the coast of Sierra Leone, Africa. If intel is correct, we're going to be dealing with someone who goes by 'Volt', Nero's bomb maker." Price paced in front of the huge screen showing details regarding their mission.

"Volt is a high value individual who must not be killed. He's our only hope towards Nero. The intercepted call came from the USA, and it's quite impossible that Nero is here, so he must've used a secure line. Jack will be staying in the base as our new Operations Command as suggested by Laswell. Overlord will continue his role as our commanding officer as well." Price added making clear about the jurisdiction.

"Damp and dry Africa." Soap muttered.

"Have you been there?" France asked.

"Only in Egypt. My mom used to tag me along her trips." he replied.

"Recon suggests a high chance of militia activity, so our standard rules of engagement; treat anyone as hostile. Volt's compound will be surrounded by his own personal army and they're willing to shoot any unwanted visitors. He also has access to a port, so I'm sending the Charlie team to stand by the shore and make sure they're not planning an escape." he added.

"I'm leading the Alpha team and our task is to infiltrate his base and secure Volt for intel. Bravo team, led by Alex, will act as our support when things go south. As bonus, we need to destroy any trace of bomb making equipment.

Roach, I want you to man our new air support tools from above as soon as we confirm that there are no SAMs on his base." He shot his glare on Roach and he nodded. Guess he isn't on the ground tomorrow.

"We leave tomorrow at 0300. Make your necessary preparations especially on our brand new comms equipment. Ones that are immune to EMP blasts. Dismissed." He said as everyone got up and went on their way. Gary purposefully left himself behind so he could ask Price about the Ghost situation.

"Hey there lad. You feeling good?" Price approached as soon as he noticed Roach.

"I just have a question about the mission."

"Sure. What about it? Any suggestions?"

"No no. The plan is fine. Where will Ghost be?" Price gave him a worried stare.

"Ah. Didn't he tell you about his transfer?" He crossed his arms and stared at Roach.

"He did… but why did you allow it?"

"Well, it certainly looked like he was happy to go there. And I had no power over his commendations." Price reasoned as they walked out of the briefing room.

"Oh. I thought he was going to have one last mission with us." Roach smiled as he walked back to the room. Ghost wasn't a fan of goodbyes. Maybe because he knew they'll meet again.

0300H

Sierra Leone, Africa

"This is Hunter One-One requesting sitrep, over." Roach phoned his allies who were already on the ground for support. This mission was their vital lead towards Nero. He wished that the guy Volt was here so that they could finally finish the war before everyone else gets hurt.

Before he could man the air support, he needed to confirm that there were no SAMs present on their base so he could safely provide suppressing fire from above.

Next Chapter : The SIXth Ship

Notification Squad my Beloved

@whimsywispsblog @ricinbach @bumblingbee1 @smokeywhalee @samatedeansbroccoli @enderio

[bangtae-sohotddaeng]

we’ll be counting stars | k.th. | 1

(^ gif cred: ON THE VOYAGE | pinterest)

pairing: idol!Taehyung x publisher!Reader

rating: nc-17 (for language and themes)

summary: You’d sworn off love and relationships forever. You were here to do your job - work with the biggest boyband of the world. Not forge friendships and...and whatever it was that you and Taehyung were building up with these sneaky glances. It was, to be very fair, your Chief Editor’s fault that you’d landed in this mess. Maybe you should quit your job? Maybe you should quit life -

Oh, he was staring again, and did he freaking lick his lips?

warnings: swearing (reader’s got a potty mouth) + this is set like 5 years in the future + reader has emotional issues, she's a relationship phobe + mentions of weed

genre: so much ANGST ugh + fluff + comedy + some crack

words: 2.1 k

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SIX MONTHS AGO

“Wait a second, really?” You blinked up at the Chief Editor, your boss, in wonder. “Heading this?” 

The chocolate skinned, tall woman smiled at you. “Yes, heading this. I’d been looking to hand you something from a really long time, to be honest. This is just the right fit."

You grinned at her, hugging the contract file to your chest. In your thirteen months of employment at the publishing company, through the departmental transfer from HR to Editorial and then the promotion to the Associate Editor position, this was the best thing to happen to you, so far. You finally had a project you were gonna head. You would finally, finally get to handle things on your own—curate your own team, work on an individual project where you made all the decisions.

You breathed out, happily. “I’ll read this thoroughly and report back within an hour, boss. With my sign on it, in all likelihood.”

“I’m counting on it.” Your boss smiled at you.

You looked down at the file. You were going to work with a K-pop group on their auto-biography. You were gonna fly to fucking Korea, for six full months. This was huge. This was awesome. This was what you fucking needed, right now. Your best friend that you had been rooming with for a year was starting to get too comfortable. You were so not up for that kinda shit again.

You looked at the bottom of the front page. Athena had drawn up this contract. Your eyebrows arched. It was no secret that she was your boss’s favourite Acquisition Editor. Some even suspected they were having an affair, despite the gleaming diamond you could see—even right now—on the woman’s finger. 

This project had to mean a lot to your boss. And she’d picked you to head it.

“This sounds big, boss,” you mumbled, leafing through the hefty files. You were gonna need a couple hours, maybe, to go through this properly. “And looks big, too.”

“It is big, Y/N. In all the ways. This idea had been brewing in my head for a really long time. I had Athena make the proposal to this K-pop group’s management company, a few months back, and they said yes. She and I had been brainstorming how to approach this. Those guys are pretty tight about their privacy and, um, well. Fraternising policies. It’s all in there, you’ll see.” She pointed a finger at the file in your hands. “We were finally able to draw up the contract with the company’s CEO and Manager. And you were the only one I had in mind when we thought up of building a team and having someone head it so that we don’t have to leave.”

You gave a small, delighted giggle. “Thank you so much, boss. I won’t disappoint you.”

“I know you won’t.”

You got back to your desk and flipped to the first page of the file.

BTS

Your eyes bulged. You had been a busy—and irritable because of all the stupid shit that just constantly kept on happening in your personal life—woman during the past couple of years and really uninvested in anything and everything that had to do with entertainment. This past year had been especially rough ever since your move to the States. You freaking smoked pot when you needed to unwind, what could be worse than that.

But. But—before, when you were a normal, happy woman with a soul, BTS had been kind of a really humongous deal. Did that somehow change in the past couple of years? You strongly doubted it, recalling how huge they’d been growing worldwide, the last time you kept a check. Which you did like crazy.

You momentarily wondered if your boss would still have you as the first consideration if she knew about your crazy ARMY days…

You blinked, coming back from the mental journey, and turned the page. BigHit’s owner was still the same, obviously, but the group members now apparently had individual managers. You blinked, uncomfortable at the knowledge. Reading further, you found something that disturbed you even more.

All the BTS members were done with their Military Service, with Jungkook, Jimin and Namjoon having returned from it just this year.

You swallowed, thickly. A lot had changed in the world outside of the one you’d been living in, too, apparently.

You read through the terms and conditions and your duties, thoroughly. Few points were pretty obvious and things you’d been expecting, but some of them made you frown.

You brought one such issue to your boss’s acknowledgement when you were done reading the entire booklet of a contract, nearly two hours later. You were ready to sign the thing, otherwise.

“And? What about it?” Your boss blinked at you, unfazed.

You sighed, and lifted your left hand up, pointing at your empty ring finger. “No ring, no fiance, boss. They want the team members to be at least engaged. I’m as single as it gets.”

She chuckled at that. “Tell me honestly, are you unprofessional enough to fraternise on your job? Such a high profile one, at that?”

You worried your bottom lip between your teeth. “I don’t think they’d care about what I think, boss, or that they’d even ask.”

Your boss gave an exasperated sigh. “Okay, let me put it in a different way.” You tilted your head to show your interest. “What’s your opinion on relationships, in general?”

You grimaced, unable to help your knee-jerk response. But then you shrugged, trying not to scowl while you said the words you’d started to believe in since the past couple of years. “Well, as I’d informed you through my quite less-than-professional letter at the time of my joining, boss, I think relationships are pointless. Humans keeping relationships beyond professionalism with each other is pointless, actually, because with a personal attachment comes a buckload of expectations, and then it’s just a rabbit hole down the middle of the earth. At the end of which, we burn.”

Your boss seemed to be suppressing laughter. Did the moral of your life amuse her? “You actually quoted the letter word by word, there, Y/N.”

You sighed. “That wasn’t something I’d thought through when I mailed it, boss. The voice input tool turned my rants into a letter. And my frustration over your concerns about fraternising in the office made me mail it.”

Your boss nodded. “Well, I talked to BigHit’s manager over the phone. The company’s not the group’s,” she added when you frowned in confusion at the singular term. “I explained to him about where you stood—taking references from this letter—and explained to him why I needed my most valuable Associate on the team.”

Your cheeks heated up, both due to the huge praise and embarrassment over the exposure of your letter. “Oh, um. Thank you. I guess?”

“Ugh, sign the damn piece of paper and start collecting the damn team, Y/N!”

You’d resorted to staying back at the office till late hours just to avoid your roommate.

When you’d moved to the country, thirteen months back, and decided to share your decade old friend’s flat—feeling lucky as shit that he worked in the same city as you—you and him had been on the same page. You’d both been fed up with the concepts of relationships and entanglements, even the strictly-physical ones, and wanted to just burn away your youth on the grind and pot-smoking weekends.

But then, gradually, you noticed the shift in him. He was trying to get into your pants. It could not end well.

It wasn’t to say you weren’t attracted to him. You’d jump the gorgeous guy’s bones in a heartbeat, in an alternate universe. But in this one, you’d had a first hand experience of ruining multiple friendships, and you so did not wanna risk another.

That idiot didn’t get it, though.

Hence why you were brainstorming your project’s team at ten oclock of the night in your nearly empty office building.

“Any luck?” Your okay-ish colleague—the least clingy out of the lot—peered at your spreadsheet over your shoulder.

“Why the heck are you so against it, Sana?” you groaned into your palm, frustrated.

“Because I’m ARMY!” she said in an aghast tone.

“So? Dude, that’s nearly 70% of the earth’s population, at this point, I’m guessing.”

“Um, maybe, but. I don’t trust myself to be professional, Y/N,” she morosely mumbled, dropping into an empty chair on the table next to you.

You looked at her from above your glasses. “Why the heck not?”

She ducked her head, her honey blonde hair covering almost all of her face. But you still spotted the red that bloomed across her face. “Because I have a crush on Yoongi, the size of freaking America, Y/N!”

“What? What? That’s your reason?" You covered your mouth with a hand to hold back your laughter. "Lame fucking reason, Sana!” You glared at her when she nervously looked back at you. “Get your shit together, and pack your bags. And give me your husband’s number, I wanna tell him something.”

You hadn’t imagined that picking out five people from a group of thirty would be this hard. You had spent an entire week literally running after these people to convince them. They were all married or engaged save for one, who had plans of proposing to his boyfriend a few months later, during Valentine’s before you convinced him to do it now so that he’d be able to join the team.

You’d come up with a total of four women and two men, including Sana, that were all fluent in Korean. That was kinda one of the biggest prerequisites, other than being in a committed relationship. You’d briefed the lot of them about what was to be done on this trip, who you were dealing with, and how long you’d be off for. They were all on board, now, and the only thing required was your boss’ approval.

And now you were all standing in the Chief Editor’s cabin, waiting for her to finish reviewing the team members’ profiles you’d collected and presented to her.

Your brain was nearly short circuited, at this point. If she said she wasn’t happy with any of your selections you were prepared to tell her to make the new selection herself, because there were only three more married people in this office, and none of them spoke Korean. There were only two more Korean speakers, but they were both female interns who’d be the worst nightmares to put on this project.

You looked at the six people standing next to you, all looking a varied degree of nervous.

But your boss looked impressed as she perused the file. She beamed at all of you, and then nodded. “Prepare for a six months’ stay, people, and prepare to do your best there. The only two real rules to remember are to keep it all a secret until the BigHit people are ready to disclose the news, and not fall in love.”

You all grunted in barely concealed annoyance at the last part, excluding Sana who bit her lip. You rolled your eyes. “It’d be a bigger concern for their partners than it would be to you, if that happens, boss. Don’t worry. We’re all a bunch of professionals, here.” You reassured your boss, shooting a glare at a fidgety Sana. 

“I have complete faith in y’all. Now, off you go. Brush up your Korean, spend time with your partners.” She looked at you. “Or just, you know, catch up on lost sleep. You fly to Seoul this Friday.”

Three days from now, oh God.

You all trickled out of your boss’ cabin with furrowed foreheads. You had the most workload out of them all, though, because in addition to preparing to spend six months in a foreign land, you also were to prepare a formal itinerary for said six months. You, of course, were clear on the details because they were mentioned in the contract, but writing them out for your team would definitely take a lot of time.

You briefly wondered if you should employ Sana’s help, before quickly deciding against it. It wouldn’t do you any good to do anything to sway your professional relationship by asking for personal favours.

“Hey, Y/N, all okay?” Simon, the guy that was proposing to his boyfriend early because of you, asked you when you dropped into your office chair with a huge thump.

You turned to scowl at him. “You guys have got to stop asking me that all the time! When have you ever gotten a good answer?”

Simon’s eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head. “My bad.”

You kept squinting at his retreating figure. Another member of your team met your eye, before quickly scrambling away.

You hummed in thought. Did they all think you were a bitch? Maybe you were.

Good. It’d do you some good in Korea.

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Tags: @tangledsparkles​

[pikemoreno]

if you ever wanna be in love

Chapter II: Coincidences

a/n: the response to what i believe will be the slowest chapter in the whole series was honestly kind of overwhelming? like you guys were into it and it’s only going up from here folks!!

taglist is open if you’d like to be added. sorry if you asked and i missed it or forgot. please just ask again if you aren’t on there and would like to be. :’)

pairing: marcus pike x f!reader

word count: 2.3k

warnings: none, and i don’t expect there to really be any serious ones in upcoming chapters either. this is just fun.

You were really starting to regret your life choices. 

Even the beginnings of autumn in Austin were hot as hell. It was only maybe 90 degrees but there was no breeze and the sun was shining ruthlessly on the asphalt, making it feel about 10 degrees hotter. And all of that was then made complete with just a dash of humidity. Basically: you were dying. You probably should’ve considered that before deciding to walk to Rick’s Diner from Wendy’s apartment, but when the pancakes call, you two must answer. And why risk losing your parking spot in the meager guest parking area when you could just walk? It’s only a couple of streets away.

Famous last words. The Austin sun, though setting, still felt like it was frying you to your bones and the air conditioning of the little diner only brought minor relief as you finally reached the stool-lined counter to ask for your to-go order. They didn’t have it quite ready yet due to the dinner rush, but it was unadulterated bliss to hear that you didn’t have to brave the heat again quite yet. A vaguely familiar voice reached your ears as you moved away from the counter.

“Fancy meeting you here, Jewels.” 

Pike? From the break room yesterday? You spun around to find none other than the very same. Though his work suit was replaced with a more casual look of a casual well-fit grey shirt and jeans, he was still managing to look more put together than you felt in athletic shirts and a t-shirt. Girls night and the weather called for it, but if you knew you were going to be seeing a coworker...

“Art Squad,” you laughed, leaning against the wall next to him. “What brings you here?”

“Best pancakes in the city. What about you? Coffee?” 

“Ha-ha. No, girl’s night with Wendy. Gonna get her mind off of everything with what are absolutely the best pancakes in the city,” you agreed.

“A woman of taste.” His order came up and he took it, taking a moment to talk with the server across the counter. You heard him address him by name.

He must come here a lot.

You couldn’t blame him. It was clean, the service was amazing, the food was great, and it was fun-- with nostalgic decor that didn’t sway towards cheesiness.

Marcus left the counter with his takeout bag, but he didn’t leave with it, as expected. Instead he came back to stand beside you. 

“Maybe I should get some for Adrian too. These pancakes are magical,” he commented, continuing your previous conversation.

“Exactly.”

“I just wish I could do more for him. Coffee and pancakes aren’t exactly a permanent fix.”

“Agreed. I’m on the lookout for a rebound for Wendy. Maybe you should consider it too. Not a permanent fix but-- better.”

It hit you all at once. 

Two single people recently in need of a rebound that work in the same building?

That couldn’t be coincidence. 

But, no, that was a crazy idea. There was nothing that actually connected them. Did they have anything in common other than getting their hearts ripped out and working for the FBI? Doubtful. Was that enough for a stable relationship? God, no. Was that enough to bring them together long enough for a hook-up and getting them over their exes? 

Maybe.

Your name being called interrupted your thoughts and, pancakes in hand, you and Marcus walked back out into the Austin heat. You had no idea how he was managing in jeans, though you guessed it helped that he was probably smart enough to drive with the protection of A/C. 

“Well, see you around,” you nodded to him, ignoring the nagging in the back of your head to tell him about your scheme. It was silly. You turned left to walk towards Wendy’s place. 

“Where are you going?” he calls after you; you turn. “Did you not--?” he gestures to the parking lot on his right.

“Walked here.”

“Do you like causing yourself pain?”

“Sometimes.” He gave you a look. “I’m kidding. It’s not that bad.”

“Yeah, right. Let me drive you.” You considered a moment. There wasn’t any harm in accepting the ride, you guessed, though you didn’t actually know him. He could actually be a murderer who’s just trying to get you to a secondary location. You’d seen John Mulaney. You knew what that meant.

But maybe it was worth a try for the pancakes. 

Just for the pancakes-- for their safety.

“Sure, why not.”

This couldn’t be coincidence either. Time to scheme.

“So, about Adrian,” you began. The look he gave you was quizzical. “How old is he?”

“33?”

“Would he be interested in a 32 year old beautiful, badass goddess of an FBI Supervisory Special Agent?” He raises an eyebrow as you get in his car.

“Is that Wendy?” 

“Yes. Turn left up here.” He did. 

“I know what you’re thinking. No, we’re not going to--”

“But think about it!”

“I am. Meddling? That always works.” His tone was drowning in sarcasm.

“Sure it does. Adrian’s work is suffering, right? Driving you crazy? Wendy’s driving me crazy. They belong together.”

“I don’t think that’s a great quality to base a relationship off of.” 

“Oh, this is her building here.” He pulled over and you continued, unbuckling your seatbelt “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Surely we can get them together long enough to at least get them off our backs.”

“Absolutely not. I’m not getting involved in Adrian’s love life.”

“Alright, fine. If you never see me again. Wendy finally killed me.” He rolled his eyes. “Thanks for the ride, Art Squad.”

“See you around, Jewels.”

“Don’t be so sure!” you called back as you walked up to the front of Wendy’s apartment. 

Arriving back to Wendy’s living room had her asking you how you got back so soon as she gratefully took out her takeout container of pancakes. 

“Hitched a ride,” you shrugged in reply, sitting cross-legged on the other end of her couch. 

“Oh? With who?” There were approximately eight extra “O’s” attached at the end of the question.

“A guy from work.”

“From work, hmm?” She wiggled her eyebrows. 

“Not like that.”

“Humor me. Someone from our team?”

“Oh, no. Definitely not. Art Squad.” Wendy widened her eyes, tilting her head at you. “It’s nothing Wendy, honestly.”

“How do you know him?” But the question didn’t come out casually. This was an interrogation. You sighed.

“I don’t, really,” you diverted the conversation digging into your take-out container. “And why are you interrogating me, hmm? I thought we were supposed to be laughing at reality shows and stuffing our faces in pancakes here and forgetting all about this kind of shit.”

“No no no. When my long-time single work friend mentions a secret guy, I ask questions.”

“Hey, I just went on a date two weeks ago! Don’t give me any of that always single crap. I get around.”

“Yeah, you went on one date. And then you came back an hour later saying he was boring and you never contacted him again. And when was the last time before that?”

“Fine, fine. I get it. But this isn’t some ‘secret guy,’” you put down your fork just to give the phrase some emphatic air quotes. “I just ran into him yesterday at the office and then today at Rick’s. That’s it.” 

“For now,” she whispered devilishly. You pointed your fork at her, feigning a threat.

“I do not need a man, Wendy Harrod. I have work and I have you.”

“I know you don’t. I just wanna see you happy.” You crossed your arms.

“I am happy. Hey, this night is supposed to be about you and your man troubles. Turn on 90 Day Fiance. Stop talking about me.”

You were telling the truth. Most of it. You felt alright by yourself. You did have work, though it was a dead-end until you managed to move out of the Austin field office. It had been you and Wendy up for a promotion a couple years ago and she received it. You knew the likelihood of her leaving before retirement was minuscule, which left you stuck in your current position until your own retirement. Unless you left. Not an option. You couldn’t leave Wendy scrambling for someone to replace you. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but you had it. It was yours. And you… Liked it well enough. 

It was fine. What more could you want?

***

Monday mornings were hard on anyone: the start of another week, the stack of work that Friday-you left for Monday-you staring you in the face. For Marcus it brought the wondering if this could be the week that Adrian was back to himself. 

It took all of ten minutes in the office to see that wouldn’t be the case.

Adrian’s pile of work had hardly decreased in height from the last time Marcus saw it on Friday morning. He watched for a moment to see how it was going. Adrian’s pen moved slowly across the page as he followed the words printed on it, occasionally making a mark or circling a section. He was working, but not to his best. It was written on his face and in his body language: hunched over at his desk, his chin resting resting heavily in the hand that wasn’t making lethargic movements over the paper. It just wasn’t the spunky Adrian that loved his job and his co-workers. He was always the hardest worker, and on the rare occasions that Adrian wasn’t working it was because he was too caught up in being a social butterfly. This side of him was frighteningly unprecedented.

“How’re you doing Adrian?” Marcus finally spoke.

Adrian made a noncommittal noise in response, his gaze fixated entirely somewhere above the page, but not quite on him.

“That good, huh?”

Another grunt.

Marcus pulled a rolling chair up to the other side of Adrian’s desk, facing him, studying him. He thought of your proposition from days before. It was kind of a crazy idea. But it might just be crazy enough to work. It wouldn’t be a permanent fix but... Better. Just as you’d said. He was getting about that desperate. Three weeks without Adrian was bad enough for team morale. Another week of this? Maybe more? The very walls of the sixth floor would be turning dull and grey. He still didn’t love the idea, but he hadn’t exactly come up with anything better. Could he bring it up to Adrian? Was it better if they didn’t know they were being set up? He started small.

“Adrian, have you considered maybe, I don’t know, trying to date again soon? Just to get your mind off of… That.”

Adrian shrugged, “Maybe. I’d have to find someone I was interested in. But I just don't think I'll find that anytime soon. I’ll just keep comparing them to Sam.” 

Marcus hummed in thought, watching the defeat on Adrian’s face. “Well, I’ll keep my eye out,” he promised loosely as he rolled the rolling chair back away from the desk.

He had to find you. 

He quickly announced he was taking a long lunch and headed straight to the elevator, thankful no one followed him to see him go up to the seventh floor instead of down to the first. He poked around offices and desks, ignoring the questioning glances, looking for you or any sign of where your workspace might be. He found you in the seventh floor breakroom, starting into what looked like an extremely mediocre lunch. 

He sat directly across from you and watched as you slowly looked up to find the source of the noise, suddenly feeling that he might’ve overstepped and you might not want to disturbed. That was quickly replaced by the odd surge of pride when you looked relieved to see him. You smiled at him and called him Art Squad.

“What brings you to the seventh floor? We still don’t have any coffee,” you huffed.

“I’m in.” 

“I’m sorry?”

“I’m in. Let’s set them up.” Your expression was nothing short of cocky as you leaned back in your chair. 

“Oh? Coming crawling back so soon? Adrian getting the best of you?”

“Yeah, yeah. Rub it in. So what do we do?”

“Well,” you laid down your fork, “The way I see it. We shouldn’t tell them. They’re having a tough time and feeling like they’re only getting a date from their friends’ pity party would make it worse. They need this to feel natural, like it was their idea and they’re recovering. It’ll give them confidence.”

“So we... What?”

“I don’t know! I didn’t think I’d get this far.” He rolled his eyes.

“You don’t even have a plan and you were trying to convince me to help you?”

“Just let me think about it, alright?”

“Alright. Let’s drive and think. Up for a long lunch break?”

“I guess? But I have,” you looked to your sad little lunch in front of you. When you met his eyes again, he simply raised an eyebrow. 

You’re really gonna eat that?

“Rick’s?”

“Rick’s.”

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[tracehummelanderson]

“MEET THE HUMMEL-ANDERSONS”

WHO: @poppydelmonico and trace hummel-anderson. WHEN: abstinence awareness week. WHERE: hummel-anderson residence. WHAT: after several sleepless nights and enduring a majority of the week as a single mother, poppy del monico grows tired brings little priestly to the hummel-andersons.

POPPY: Ever since the first night of the assignment, Poppy had yet to hear from Tracy again. She figured the evening had been a bit awkward but nothing they couldn’t move past. They were stuck co-parenting the child for the rest of the week and as Thursday was coming to a close, she wondered if Tracy was truly ghosting her. The realization left her embarrassed but more than that she was hurt. They were supposed to be partners and he couldn’t even stick around long enough to help finish what they started. Taking care of a baby wasn’t easy; she had Priestly for the past four days and she had barely gotten more than 3 hours sleep a night. Even her mom had forgone helping since she claimed if she didn’t get her regularly scheduled eight hours of sleep then her medication wouldn’t work. Needless to say, she was struggling. Without any other choice, she managed to locate the Hummel-Anderson residence through the Cheerio emergency list and knocked on the door. Greeted by Kurt, she asked if Tracy happened to be home. When she was told he wasn’t, Poppy burst into tears in a fit of frustration, which caused Priestly to cry, which then just made the girl cry even harder. The older man looked at the girl like she was insane but invited her inside while he made tea and so she could compose herself. Blaine appeared shortly after at he aring the crying sounds coming from the kitchen and almost immediately began to sooth the robot baby as Poppy tried her best to explain the situation without completely admitting to all of her foolish behavior. As both children settled down, Poppy thanked Kurt for the tea before complimenting his outfit, which lead to an extensive conversation about fashion and the latest New York Fashion Week runways. She always loved higher end fashion despite not being able to afford it ever since she had seen The Devil’s Wear Prada. She even admitted that Miranda Priestly was the namesake of the baby, which caused Kurt to exclaim to his husband that he had told him so. Blaine tried to explain that the name sounded like a “Prestley” as in Elvis before Kurt quoted the famous Emily Blunt line “I’m here a lot of this,” he mimicked a talking motion with his hand,  “when I should be hearing this.” then clasped his fingers together dramatically. The interaction caused Poppy to burst into laughter as Blaine admitted defeat. In that moment, she had almost forgotten she was there for Tracy in the first place.

TRACE: At the end of the day, Trace did feel bad about abandoning Poppy for their project. But as far as he was concerned, if she and Priestly were out of sight, they were out of mind.  It wasn't like he wanted to grow up to be a deadbeat dad, in fact, if everything went as planned, he wouldn't end up a father at all. Everything at the Del Monico residence had just been weird. Between Poppy's overbearing mother and their oddly one-sided duet, he figured it might just be best to stay away. Beyond being left with a strange feeling after the encounter, he preferred to just avoid the conflict. Trace's conflict management consisted of unwavering honesty, cracking jokes, or being blindly brooding. None of the three were particularly helpful when it came to this situation. Or any situation, really. So he figured he'd try a new route. Avoidance. And it had worked for most of the week. Right up until he walked through the door of his house, Trace thought he'd gotten away with this plan of his. He had a nice night of movie watching with some of the other kids from A/V Club and was ready to stow away in his room for the night, do some homework, smoke a blunt, then crash. It was when he heard laughter echoing from the kitchen he frowned a little bit, "Hey, I'm home!" he called, slipping his shoes off before he could step off the rug in their entrance way and onto the hardwood floor. It took a moment for the laughter to die down before his Dad called, "Tracy! We're in here." Under his breath he muttered a, "Yeah, no shit." before daring to venture into the kitchen. As he reached the entryway, he froze at the sight of Poppy talking to her Dad, while the other held Priestly in his arms. This felt like the worst fever dream of all time and he froze entirely as a dryness formed in his mouth. Fuck. He was caught! There was no way he wasn't about to be on the receiving end of a lecture. Looking from his Dad, to Poppy, then to his Dad, he tried to think up something to say. "Hey." he said lamely, before thickly swallowing his pride. Trace then glanced at Poppy, ashamed, "Funny seeing you here." he murmured, going as far as to scuff his feet into the ground. With Priestly in hand, his Dad walked over and gently settled the doll into his arms. Tracy took Priestly reluctantly as his Dad quipped, "When were you going to tell us we were grandparents?" Instantly he felt bad. Trace felt more than bad, he felt caught. The only words-- or sound really, leaving his mouth was an elongated, "Uhhh..." Eventually Trace looked past his Father and over at Poppy. Might as well cut to the chase, "What are you doing here? How did you get my address?"

POPPY: The tone that came out of Tracy seemed so pointed that it caught Poppy off guard. She didn’t expect him to seem so upset, but then again she may have acted in a desperate way to salvage the reminder of their assignment together. As he waited for her to give him an answer, Poppy buffered to come up with an answer when put on the spot. Eventually, she managed to croak out, “I- Um, there’s an emergency list for the Cheerio’s. I just remembered seeing Joey at the bottom so I just… You weren’t answering any of my texts. I haven’t slept all week and I just wanted some help.”  Poppy realized how insane she sounded and suddenly felt a surge of embarrassment as everyone stared at her. “Maybe I should just go. This wasn’t a very good idea. I’m sorry.” She stood up, grabbing her purse then picking up Priestly as she held back tears in an effort to save the little dignity she had left.

TRACE: "Oh." Emergency Cheerio List. Duh. Poppy hadn't talked down to Trace, or made it seem obvious, but he should've figured it was some type of directory. He was smart enough to know Poppy wasn't the type of girl to be scary like that. He was smart enough to know she was a nice girl. . .  a nice girl that he'd taken advantage of at that. Shit, he felt bad. As Poppy grabbed at Priestly, he held his arms out. He couldn't undo the damage done and he certainly couldn't stop her from crying, so the least he could do was offer to take their fake child off her hand. Tracy couldn't meet her eyes, as his expression was too condensed with guilt. "Um, you can leave Priestly if you want." he offered, awkwardly. "You can go get sleep or whatever, I'll watch him for the rest of the project." Though he had taken interest in their kitchen light fixtures, he could feel the gaze of his parents burning  into him. Finally, he looked at Poppy briefly throwing in a , "If that's what you want I mean." It might've been the right thing to offer, but it wasn't exactly the most Trace of solutions.

POPPY: Poppy kept her face down, hoping to avoid the awkward stares coming from both of Tracy’s parents. She was aware how bad this all looked and she knew the look on their faces would just break her on the spot. When Tracy offered to take the baby for the rest of the week, she couldn’t help but instinctively hold Priestly tighter. She hadn’t exactly realized it but she had grown attached to the fake baby and the idea of leaving him alone with someone who seemingly didn’t want anything to do with him felt like she was abandoning him. Still, that was the whole reason she was even there in the first place. So with hesitance, she nodded and finally handed him their baby. “Just a few things… it needs to be like completely pitch black for him to fall asleep otherwise he’ll wake up every 5 minutes and if he starts to get fussy he really likes Billie Eilish so just play her EP and he should calm down.” She said, stroking the molded plastic hair on the baby’s head as she struggled to say goodbye. Finally mustering up the courage, she looked up at Tracy. “Thanks for doing this…and I’m sorry if I scared you off by acting like a psycho.” She said thinking how similar she and her mother actually were. They both managed to scare of their baby daddies and maybe Poppy just had to deal with the fact that she would end up just like her.

END.

[amazonianbeauty]

Nobody Else

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word count: 1.1K

Summary: You and Bucky don’t have the normal kind of history with each other, Ex’s are supposed to avoid each other, aren’t they?

This here is my first Tumblr fanfiction that I have written to post ever. I wrote this for @ruckystarnes Summer of AUs challenge. 

Prompt: #15. Exes AU

Warnings: Jealousy, Violence, Intimidation tactics, Std mention, lies

A/N: I got the idea for this story, after hearing the song Boyfriend by Ariana Grande & Social House.

Excuse my summary, I really suck at them. This is actually mild for me, so I don’t believe I need an 18+ warning. Enjoy!

Waking up had been an ice-cold splash of water to your brain, you didn’t think you would ever see his face again. Or at least you thought you would be over him by now. A year apart with no contact should be enough time to get over someone right? Oh who were you kidding, the minute you two had locked eyes at Sam’s welcome home party, you knew shit wasn’t over with. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, the surge of jealously you felt when you saw James Buchanan Barnes with his date for the evening, was painful confirmation. Removing yourself from your own mind, you looked away from the body that lay next to you in bed and made to get up from the bed. As you walked in all your naked glory, you began to reminisce on how you had gotten to this familiar point.

At the party you quickly looked away from Bucky’s gaze, turning your back towards your former flame. Throwing back your shot of liquid courage, your brain began to work on a plan to run the latest of Bucky’s flings, off. 

For years since your 1st breakup, you and Bucky had a sort of unspoken agreement that neither of you would date anyone else. So of course when either of you did attempt to move on, the other would run the poor, unsuspecting person off in various ways. 

Such as the time when you both were in high school, and Bucky was upset about you not being his date to the Senior prom. He had roughed up your date in the middle of the evening out of your sight. Leaving you to wonder where your date had run off to. The poor guy was so shook, he wouldn’t look at you for the rest of the time that was left of the school year. 

You retaliated a couple of months later when you and he were in college, spilling your very full red Solo cup of beer on the unsuspecting girl he had been flirting with at the first party your mutual group of friends had decided to attend. 

Then there was the time he lied to your blind date that Nat and Wanda had set you up with, telling the guy that you had given him crabs. You obviously never heard back from that guy again. 

There was also the time right after Bucky had come home from being honorably discharged from the Army, after losing one of his arms. Steve had mistakenly slipped and mentioned that Bucky’s “work wife” would be attending the party also. You had convinced your little sister from the Big Sister/Little Sister program to run into the party yelling “Daddy” and attaching herself to Bucky’s legs, while you berated him in front of everyone about abandoning you and “his child”, turning to the work wife and telling her that he owed thousands in child support. Needless to say, you didn't ever see her around again. 

None of these incidences ever ended without an argument between you two, which would lead to makeup sex. Except you two never made up, one of you always waking up the morning after and sneaking out, leaving the other to awaken to a cold, lonely bed. Your friends thought the way you and Bucky treated each other was absurd and weird. It was clearly an unhealthy situation, but you knew he loved you and you loved him. You two just had your own screwed up way of showing it.

That was just it though, you loved him way too deeply, too much for your own good. As you began to wash your hands, so you could exit the bathroom, Bucky stepped in and began to plant kisses along your neck and shoulder. A moan tried to bubble itself up from within your throat, but you smothered it down and stepped away from him. I’m tired of the games, this needs to end.  

You stared into his eyes, “James we need to talk.” 

Before you could finish the sentence, Bucky began to shake his head no. “Every time you call me by my first name, it’s to start an argument.” 

You huffed to yourself while picking up your clothing, “You only think that because you’re stubborn and don’t want to hear what I have to say.” 

He reached to snatch your clothing out of your grip while raising his voice an octave.”Because you always say the same thing, every time we discuss quote, unquote us.”  

You held the clothing behind your back, out of his reach, “You see, you know exactly what we need to discuss, and yet you choose to shut down every time without hearing me out, I’m sick of it!” you yelled. 

You and he stood still, staring each other down in challenge, your eyes broke away first. “I’m tired of the tit for tat Bucky, this needs to end.” 

He takes a seat on the bed while rubbing his hand down his face. “What are you talking about Y/N?” 

“This nonsense of you and I disrupting each other from moving on. We’re getting too old for this game babe.” You walked to stand between his legs, lifting his chin with your hand.  

“I thought I would be ok with having just part of you, on occasion, but it isn’t enough. I want all of you Bucky or none of you.” 

Bucky got up and walked around you, dressing himself as he spoke. “Y/N you know why we can’t be together.” 

You turned to face his back as he looked out of the window. “Yeah, we can’t because you won’t get out of your own head.” “You keep trying to shield me by telling me you're a train wreck, and that you have issues, but I don’t care if you do.” Closing the distance between the two of you, you wrapped your arms under his arm and around his body. “Why can’t we work on them together.” 

He turned to face you, instinctively wrapping his arm around you, too. “How do I know you won’t run off when things get too real?” 

 Looking at him in surprise, you began to laugh, “Are you kidding me, how many more girls do I need to scare away to get you to see that I don’t want you to see nobody else?” You’re it for me Barnes, so what do you say?”

 He looked at you mischievously and started to unbutton his shirt. You stopped his hand in motion, “What are you doing? We just got dressed.” He pushed you to the bed and climbed on top of you, “I figured we should christen the start of our new relationship.” He then dove for your neck, making you burst into a fit of giggles.

[totallygayforrukiakuchiki]

Why I love Rukia Kuchiki (aka rlly important facts that make her the best female manga character ever )

- First I have to say I love everything about her : how well-written she is, even her short temper, her ugly drawings, how funny she is, her love for plushies and cute things, her cluelessness about the human world like she cannot even open a juice box omg, how good she is at acting, the fact that she loves sweet food, her bickering with Ichigo, her small habits and everything that makes Rukia.... Rukia.

((The pics are only here to illustrate ( lol) I didn’t do any reseach and used the ones I already had so it’s SO NOT exhaustive))

Now let’s start with the deeper stuff PLEASE READ:

- Super selfless I mean even TOO SELFLESS for her own good, even Ichigo states that she should care about herself for once, this girl is selfless to the point of self-sacrificing and blames herself for just ??? Self-defending?

- Super forgiving , cannot believe how this girl has forgiven Byakuya, Renji, Urahara, Kira & co without thinking about it twice and never holds a grudge against them.

- Has the strongest sense of justice among all the characters. (Refuses to hurt Riruka, her speech to ichigo at the beginning of the manga, etc etc) Because before “protecting loads and loads of ppl” became ichigo’s motto it was hers.

She is willing to give her life to save human souls and to go anywhere for them. Honestly if even 50 ⁒ of the shinigami has her sense of duty the world would be ideal

- She is a tiny girl. Who can kick your ass and order you around. She is also able to stand on her own and OMG that’s so refreshing a shonen heroine who is selfless and caring but needs no man and is bossy THANK YOU. I mean she has all these qualities but still she can act boyish and punch you in the face or kick you if needed.

- She is FUCKING beautiful/ pretty without even trying and without fitting the standards She is also super graceful like woooooow. (And don’t fight me on this. Mizuiro, Keigo, her whole gang from the Rukongai, Hantarou, and even Orihime said so). I’d even say she can be sexy too, looking at Kubo’s drawings (dancing with Snow White, Mafia colorspread, honeymoon colorspread, Halloween costume etc etc)

- Extremely brave. Always ready to jump in front of danger and ready to die to protect ! (Even from her first appearance in the manga) (and she did it again)

- Has been through so much shit and is still so strong and amazing. She started off in the Rukongai as a kid with no family and had to steal food and fight to survive. Might have gotten killed everyday, it was hell litterally.

Lost all her friends to death except Renji.

Entered the academy and lost her best friend, her childhood friend, the only person she had left . Was adopted by her noble step-brother who didn’t even bother to look at her for 40 years and made her feel like a nuisance / a disappointment (I am not blaming anyone here, I know they may have their reasons I am just stating the facts).

Was bullied at the academy and had NO FRIENDS because people considered that she didn’t deserve to be here and only got a place bc she was privileged and a noble.

Had to kill the only man who ever looked at her as “Rukia”, understood her and was here for her when she was in the academy (and whom she loved - and if you think otherwise I’ll assume you have the emotional awareness of a pebble or cannot read a panel properly)

- Super self conscious despite having it all??? (Am I good enough? Do I deserve to be here? I nii-sama doesn’t look at me it’s probably that I am worth nothing) Girl stop doubting and blaming yourself !!! You are amazing !! (I relate a lot so that makes me love her more).

I’ll just add this , this is from her wiki page: “her cool and lone demeanor often forces her to hide her personal troubles, even from her friends. Ukitake says that Rukia rarely opens up, and has difficulty making friends”.

She is not just “cold” she doesn’t want to get hurt again and that touches my heart woooow

- Strong in a physical way. She protected Ichigo as many times as he protected her. I love how equal they are (even despite their big difference of level). I mean she defeated a fucking espada when she only had her Shikai + being in the deepest emotional and mental pain possible, stood against Yammy, is really talented at Kidou, beat strong hollows when she was powerless and IN A GIGAI, reaches bankai and became a captain when she started off as... nothing. She was a nobody from the Rukongai. She was very mediocre and her Kidou skills were average. And nobody really believed in her at first but she did it.

- also how she is attached to the human world is so touching to me. There are many other small things like how despite being a noble she remains so modest and chooses to talk to ordinary people. Etc etc.

- Caring and understanding. Always here to help the others. She is the only one should could lift ichigo’s spirit in one go when he was down. She did several times. She helped him through the trauma he went through due to his mother’s death, offering him a shoulder to lean on AND DIDNT ASK HIM to talk to her yet because she know it wasn’t what he needed and knew it would hurt him. But told him that when he would want to talk about it to someone, she would be there for him. I MEAN GIRL YOU ARE AWESOME IF HE DOESN’T ASK YOU TO MARRY HIM, I WILL.

And it made him feel so much better that he quoted the exact same words to his fathers chapteeeeeers after. She also helped Orihime and encouraged her when she thought she was useless and an inconvenience. She said together they would find a place for her to fight alongside everybody. WHEN all the other characters didn’t allow orihime to fight with them bc she was too weak, Rukia offered her support and to find solution together instead. (( Q U E E N)).

Encourages Ichigo’s sisters to eat next to him when he is severely injured etc, etc

- And how eager she was to save orihime!!She was litterally dying and yet crawled on the floor because she empathized with her and wanted to save her so much

- Annnnnd to finish I love how her relationship with Ichigo is written like, how deep they trust each other and don’t need words to communicate (like how she respects his personal space [“it’s enough just to know he is safe / memories in the rain/ their fight vs Grimmjow etc etc]).

I also find it AMAZING that she cares for him so much when his hollow is coming out, I mean she is not even slightly frightened and worries about him instead, she could-she should be traumatized after what happens with Kaien being possessed by a hollow but no she isn’t. + How they protect each other, helped each other through trauma, how they offered each other everything that the other ever wanted (Power to protect / normal and comfortable relationship).

Imma stop here because I could write 45 more pages explaining why their relationship is like the Golden Book of Healthy and Mutually Beneficial and Equal Relationships but that’s not the point here lol. But I like pretty much every relationship Rukia has with any character (Renji, Byakuya, Orihime, Ukitake etc..) I think she really brings out the best from each one of them.

I’m stopping here but there are so many more reasons to why she is my favorite character ever, just Knox this is rushed and non-exhaustive, I just felt like screaming how much I love Rukia Kuchiki to the world . But yeah non-cliché strong girl. Who will fight you. Who can stand on her own. But still shows us many emotions and is so caring and selfless.

[houseplandrafting]

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Matthew W.

00:57 25 Oct 20

I used these guys for moving a couple of power points and changing a dimmer switch. Quality work was decent however very expensive. I was charged $1360 for two guys for 2 1/2 hours of work.

Sammy K.

23:22 21 Sep 20

Reliable, on-time, friendly, and obviously knew what they were doing. We'd happily use them again and recommend their services to others.

Debbie S.

07:59 13 Sep 20

Provided good quality job. Gave us all the information to make the right decision. No hidden costs which was refreshing. Thank you.

Anne A.

02:22 08 Sep 20

Thank you for your service & professional job have highly recommended you to all my friends.

Karen C.

21:33 18 Aug 20

Michael attended promptly to quote on my job. He was able to return later that day and completed the job for me. Michael explained the job and further answered other questions for me. He is a lovely young fellow - I will definitely use True Local Electricians again and recommend them to others.

Jayne W.

07:16 01 Aug 20

By far the best electrician I have dealt with. Anthony is very knowledgeable with the product and service he provides. His work is good value with quality included. I have had 3 jobs done by them already and won’t hesitate to use them again. They are super fast and clean up after they finish. Thanks guys love your work.

H T

21:01 09 May 20

Michael is a top bloke - He came out promptly, he was friendly and his service was second to none at a great price. Would highly recommend him for any of your electrical needs!

Shannen R

03:10 25 Apr 20

Alex visited my skin clinic to install a 32amp power point for a new laser machine I had purchased. He was on time, friendly, and explained what the job entailed before he got started.Definitely recommend. Five stars from me!

Ashlee M.

01:15 10 Apr 20

Great reliable service. They came on time and same day. Highly recommend!

Trevor W.

07:14 21 Feb 20

Mike responded to my emergency call from the storms we just had to fix our outage. They were extremely professional, they came on time, they diagnosed the problem straight away all while communicating the issues with me. No hidden prices which was a huge positive for me. Very happy with this company. Highly recommend for a local electrician.

alenaxo

05:55 21 Feb 20

‹

›

Special Offer

Click to Book Online!

Accredited & Certified Electrician

Affordable Master Electrician in The Sutherland Shire

If you need a qualified and experienced Local Aussie Electrician who provides great service and value for money, then trust the experienced family owned master Electricians at True Local Electricians for any domestic and commercial electrical services. At True Local Electricians we only employ fully trained master electricians which means that you get quality, long lasting work carried out by licensed professionals.

All Jobs Big & Small!

Whether you are renovating and need your home re-wired, looking for options to upgrade all your lighting to low power LED options, or simply need assistance in changing a light globe, we are here to help while guaranteeing friendly and timely service.

LED Lighting – Downlights, Battens, Pendants, Oyster Lights

Flood/Spot lighting

Sensor Security Lighting

Garden lights

IXL Bathroom Lights

Exhaust Fans

Smoke detectors/alarms

Ceiling Fans

Power Points

Ovens and Cooktop Installation

Level 2 Connect & Disconnect, private poles and points of attachment

House Wiring & Rewires

Meterbox relocations

Switchboard Upgrades – RCD Safety Switches & Circuit Breakers

Surge protectors

Hot water thermostats & elements

Fault finding detection

Electric Car Chargers (EV Chargers) – Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai

24hr Emergency Service to The Sutherland Shire

Emergency Power Restoration

Honest Aussie Locals You Can Trust

Trust the honest and reliable Local Aussie Electricians from True Local Electricians. We are an Aussie owned family business supporting other Local families from the Sutherland Shire.

Serving the Sutherland Shire for over 15 Years!

Being local electricians near you, we offer FREE Quotes & No hidden Call Out Fee’s…. Ever. From our family to yours we are happy to attend your property and provide a FREE in-home quote to give you our expert advice on your electrical jobs. We offer fixed prices which are fairly priced before we begin work, so there is no nasty surprises! We always look after our Local Seniors – if you have a valid pension card we will apply a Seniors discount to your service making it even cheaper!

Emergency Electrician

Do you have No Power? Tripping Switches? Blown Fuse? Lights not working? Burning Smell? a Loud Bang? We are Electricians near you and on call 24/7 to help rapidly with your Electrical Emergency. Your Emergency is our priority!

Specialists in LED Lighting & Switchboard Upgrades

We specialise in LED Lighting, switchboard repairs, and re-wires for your Sutherland Shire home renovations. Whether you are renovating a commercial shop or your home bathroom, kitchen or living room, we can provide new circuit wiring, switches, powerpoints & fans to modernise the space and bring up to the latest safety standard.

Special Offer

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below & we will get back to you within 30mins or less!

[contact-form-7]

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below and we will get back to you within 30 minutes or less!

[contact-form-7]

Our Latest Blogs

.vc_custom_1419240595465{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}.vc_custom_1419240793832{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}

How to Reduce Electricity Costs in The Sutherland Shire

If you live in the Sutherland Shire, you may be spending a significant amount of money on electricity rates.

Read more

Electrical Fault Repairs, Who Can Do What?

Sutherland Shire residents often consider do-it-yourself home improvement as the best way to do things.

Read more

The post Home New appeared first on True Local Electricians.

source https://www.truelocalelectricians.com.au/home-test-2/

[nextrend]

Home New

Sutherland Shire Electricians

$0 CALL OUT FEE

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below & we will get back to you within 30mins or less!

[contact-form-7]

Electrician Sutherland Shire

FREE QUOTES & $0 CALL OUT FEE

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below and we will get back to you within 30 minutes or less!

[contact-form-7]

Why Choose True Local Electricians?

We are an Aussie family owned business supporting Sutherland Shire Locals for over 15 years and would love to use our expertise to help you with your electrical needs!

FREE Quotes & $0 Call Out

No Gimmicks – FREE in-home quote & NO Call Out Fee to the Sutherland Shire. We offer Fixed Price services before we begin work, so there’s no surprises

24hr & Same Day Rapid Response

Our Electricians near you are On Call 24 Hours & will attend to your electrical emergency no matter what time of day or night

Qualified, Licensed & Insured

Our professional Sutherland Shire Electricians are fully Qualified, Licensed & Insured to work on both Residential & Commercial properties

Honest Aussie Family Business from The Shire

Aussie Owned & Operated by Aussie Sutherland Shire Locals – Based in Cronulla, NSW.

Affordable Fixed Prices & Seniors Discount

We offer Affordable, Fixed Price services before we begin work so there’s no surprises. Even cheaper with our Seniors Discount

Lifetime Warranty

We Provide a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty for piece of mind. We Guarantee our work & will fix any workmanship faults for FREE!

What Can We Help You With?

Whether you need a Light Bulb replaced or have an Electrical Emergency, we are here to help with Affordable, Expert & Rapid Service to The Sutherland Shire

Home Renovations

LED Lighting Installation & Upgrades

Power Points & Switch Installation

Switchboard Repairs & Upgrades

24hr Emergency Electrician Sutherland Shire

Ceiling Fan Installation

Exhaust Fan & IXL Heat Lamp Installation

See All Electrical Services

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship

What Our Clients Say

Check out some of our recent Google reviews from both Residential and Commercial Electrical Services.

Anthony did a great job at our house. We appreciated his reliability and him coming on time.

Shelly

05:04 07 Apr 21

Strongly encourage you to work with True Local Electricians Sutherland Shire. I contacted them to discuss our kitchen lighting. They were attentive, patient, and able to work within our budget. The team adhered to the timetable completely, arrived on time, and completed the project ahead of schedule.Before we had our Christmas, my husband told me the mood lighting light fixture in our primary kitchen was out. Since I had been in the Sutherland Shire shops, I thought we had a problem, so I took him at his word. Still nothing happened. We went to the local hardware store and bought new bulbs, but it didn't help. Obviously, we have a problem. We did a search on Google for emergency electrician Sutherland Shire and found some positive feedback. On the phone, they were very nice and made an appointment for us to come the day before family arrived. They arrived precisely on time, checked the fixture, and then said, "Is there a dimmer switch on one of the two switches?" Absolutely! That is right, yes. One of the newer, more subtle coolers that are barely visible is: They changed the switch, pressed the button, and said "click." Incredibly, the adjuster switch had gone up, and by good fortune, we had light! I was persistent because they had squeezed us into their very busy holiday schedule.Thank you guys and will be in touch in the future with any electrical needs.

David Robson Builders S.

07:40 02 Mar 21

They finished all of the work for our electrical upgrade home renovation. True Local Electricians are professionals who are also laid-back. Very reliable and they do quality work and their rates are also very fair.Our bedrooms' overhead lights and a single room's outlets stopped functioning. I called another reputable electrician Sutherland Shire, who said I had a broken wire and wanted to charge me $2490 after checking the same things I did. I called True Local Electricians number and asked them to come to my house. After further investigation, they discovered that it was actually a defective power outlet. For the time they were there, it ended up costing a lot less $$$$ in total.They fixed our lighting to transform our dark master and guest bedrooms into light-filled spaces. All with a free quote include. In my garage, they installed an EV charger. The electrical service was timely, competent, and more than fair. I highly recommend hiring True Local Electricians for any electrical needs. For my next electrical project, I would definitely be giving them a call.

Inspirit P.

03:39 02 Mar 21

I was really pleased to have been able to link up with True Local Electricians on for my project. I search for a electrician Sutherland Shire online and found them.My doorbell cable, which was dead and most probably disconnected, was tested for power. We debated alternatives and agreed to install a thermostat and doorbell transformer 24V 40VA, which I had already bought online.Upon reading the manual and video instructions, they then proceeded to mount my new doorbell and camera. A metal cover plate was also mounted, which they had to drill new holes into so that the doorbell could be properly attached, they mounted both ceiling fans in a timely way and I am sure that they will be back quickly if anything ever happens to them.They were so efficient, detailed and did not take a long time! the price was right, and I recommend them highly!I have been raving to my friends about them and giving them their information! Like I said, very thorough, successful and truthful, you don't find a lot of these days!No bs, no attitude, we also just bought an electric car and we're going to have True Local Electricians come back to help us mount a level 2 EV charging station.You get 10 stars!!!! Thank you so much for saving us!!!!

Ariston V.

06:29 18 Feb 21

Great professional team highly recommend, and I will use them again.

jose F.

17:03 10 Feb 21

The boys from True Local provided exceptional service. They were efficient, reliable and great value for money when compared to other local providers. I would highly recommend using this company.

Cherie B.

03:34 10 Feb 21

We had a short and lost the use of the lights in the kitchen, laundry and one bedroom. I rang a number of electricians listed in the St. George Leader with various results, one charging $187 just to provide a quote!True Local responded immediately and promised to come at a certain time, then rang 15 minutes prior to that time to advise they were on their way. Anthony spent an hour investigating the problem and then provided a written quote at no charge. The quote was reasonable and covered new fittings, lights and fans.Our house is federation double brick and tile with an old extension under a tin roof. The work was difficult and took 11 hours, quite a bit in the ceiling and on the roof on a hot day. They were pleasant, diligent, careful, professional and meticulous in their manner and their work. They’d did not leave until the job was completed to both our satisfactions and charged the quoted fee!We are very happy with the result and have already recommended them to our neighbours.

Christine D.

01:40 09 Feb 21

True Local electricians were professional, on time and very friendly for a reasonable price. They were able to do all work required at short notice. I would highly recommend the boys for any electrical work.

Dan T.

06:26 04 Feb 21

The True Local Electricians team showed up with a face mask and provided a timely electrical work estimate. 5 power outlets in my house near the Sutherland Shire library short circuited and I had no idea how to fix it. I've never called an electrician before so I hopped on Google to look for a local electrician Sutherland Shire.

They also arrived on time for the electrical project and finished within the estimated time.True Local Electricians was one of the top companies in the search and I decided to give them call them because of all their great reviews.I gave them a call and they responded within 15 minutes which I appreciated. Really easy to work and communicate with. They were also willing to work with my budget and explained things clearly to me.I explained to them what was going on in house with the electricity. They were very honest about what the issue might be and wanted me to test out a few things before the team came out to do the job.They also checked all the rest of the circuit breakers on the main panel to make sure they are all connected tightly. A+ services.

SHIRE D.

00:02 21 Jan 21

Couldn't be anymore happy with these guys honestly.We woke up on Saturday morning and noticed we had no power to half the house. Noticing the Porcelain fuse had melted in the switch board i was not confident in going near it at all !!As there name states being local to me in Cronulla was a bonus. They took my call straight away noticed my level of urgency was at my front door with in the hour. Anthony and Alex turned up gave me a up front quote had all the parts did the job then and there. And before lunch i was back to normal with a brand new switch board i can feel safe now knowing my board has safety switches.Good to know there are honest hard working local blokes in my area thanks guys i will be passing on your cards to my friends and family.

Michael T.

04:49 11 Jan 21

Great fast, knowledgeable service would not hesitate to use again!

Anthony B.

21:23 10 Dec 20

I have never been compelled to write a review 0nly because I have only uncounted substandard service from many companies that I have dealt with through my years.So when I came across this Electrical Company I WAS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTEDFrom the first call to organize someone to come out to the job being proficiently completed on time with no hidden cost.It is so impressive to see a young company who genuinely care about their work and clients.I absolutely recommend this company to anyone who values high quality service which in my opinion is lacking with many older companies.I ONLY WISH YOU COULD EXTEND YOUR SERVICES TO OTHER FIELDS BECAUSE YOU COME AT THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION FROM ME.

Trevor S.

01:29 31 Oct 20

Excellent service, reasonably priced, punctual

Stephen S.

23:11 30 Oct 20

Got the job done quickly, on time and reliable!

Alyce O.

11:09 30 Oct 20

Punctual, quality of work excellent, great work ethic. Would definitely recommend them

Karen M.

05:10 30 Oct 20

Very friendly guys and quality of work was excellent. Would definitely recommend to everyone.

Ryan M.

11:07 29 Oct 20

Trustworthy and quality service.

Clair O.

09:48 29 Oct 20

Amazing service ! Helped with everything I needed and were so prompt ! Thanks guys ! Highly recommend

Dilara P.

08:25 29 Oct 20

Called to fix power outage. Very professional and quick. Restored power and fixed issue. 100% will use again for any issues.

Gary B.

21:31 27 Oct 20

The team are professional and detail oriented. I would highly recommend them.

Matthew W.

00:57 25 Oct 20

I used these guys for moving a couple of power points and changing a dimmer switch. Quality work was decent however very expensive. I was charged $1360 for two guys for 2 1/2 hours of work.

Sammy K.

23:22 21 Sep 20

Reliable, on-time, friendly, and obviously knew what they were doing. We'd happily use them again and recommend their services to others.

Debbie S.

07:59 13 Sep 20

Provided good quality job. Gave us all the information to make the right decision. No hidden costs which was refreshing. Thank you.

Anne A.

02:22 08 Sep 20

Thank you for your service & professional job have highly recommended you to all my friends.

Karen C.

21:33 18 Aug 20

Michael attended promptly to quote on my job. He was able to return later that day and completed the job for me. Michael explained the job and further answered other questions for me. He is a lovely young fellow - I will definitely use True Local Electricians again and recommend them to others.

Jayne W.

07:16 01 Aug 20

By far the best electrician I have dealt with. Anthony is very knowledgeable with the product and service he provides. His work is good value with quality included. I have had 3 jobs done by them already and won’t hesitate to use them again. They are super fast and clean up after they finish. Thanks guys love your work.

H T

21:01 09 May 20

Michael is a top bloke - He came out promptly, he was friendly and his service was second to none at a great price. Would highly recommend him for any of your electrical needs!

Shannen R

03:10 25 Apr 20

Alex visited my skin clinic to install a 32amp power point for a new laser machine I had purchased. He was on time, friendly, and explained what the job entailed before he got started.Definitely recommend. Five stars from me!

Ashlee M.

01:15 10 Apr 20

Great reliable service. They came on time and same day. Highly recommend!

Trevor W.

07:14 21 Feb 20

Mike responded to my emergency call from the storms we just had to fix our outage. They were extremely professional, they came on time, they diagnosed the problem straight away all while communicating the issues with me. No hidden prices which was a huge positive for me. Very happy with this company. Highly recommend for a local electrician.

alenaxo

05:55 21 Feb 20

‹

›

Special Offer

Click to Book Online!

Accredited & Certified Electrician

Affordable Master Electrician in The Sutherland Shire

If you need a qualified and experienced Local Aussie Electrician who provides great service and value for money, then trust the experienced family owned master Electricians at True Local Electricians for any domestic and commercial electrical services. At True Local Electricians we only employ fully trained master electricians which means that you get quality, long lasting work carried out by licensed professionals.

All Jobs Big & Small!

Whether you are renovating and need your home re-wired, looking for options to upgrade all your lighting to low power LED options, or simply need assistance in changing a light globe, we are here to help while guaranteeing friendly and timely service.

LED Lighting – Downlights, Battens, Pendants, Oyster Lights

Flood/Spot lighting

Sensor Security Lighting

Garden lights

IXL Bathroom Lights

Exhaust Fans

Smoke detectors/alarms

Ceiling Fans

Power Points

Ovens and Cooktop Installation

Level 2 Connect & Disconnect, private poles and points of attachment

House Wiring & Rewires

Meterbox relocations

Switchboard Upgrades – RCD Safety Switches & Circuit Breakers

Surge protectors

Hot water thermostats & elements

Fault finding detection

Electric Car Chargers (EV Chargers) – Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai

24hr Emergency Service to The Sutherland Shire

Emergency Power Restoration

Honest Aussie Locals You Can Trust

Trust the honest and reliable Local Aussie Electricians from True Local Electricians. We are an Aussie owned family business supporting other Local families from the Sutherland Shire.

Serving the Sutherland Shire for over 15 Years!

Being local electricians near you, we offer FREE Quotes & No hidden Call Out Fee’s…. Ever. From our family to yours we are happy to attend your property and provide a FREE in-home quote to give you our expert advice on your electrical jobs. We offer fixed prices which are fairly priced before we begin work, so there is no nasty surprises! We always look after our Local Seniors – if you have a valid pension card we will apply a Seniors discount to your service making it even cheaper!

Emergency Electrician

Do you have No Power? Tripping Switches? Blown Fuse? Lights not working? Burning Smell? a Loud Bang? We are Electricians near you and on call 24/7 to help rapidly with your Electrical Emergency. Your Emergency is our priority!

Specialists in LED Lighting & Switchboard Upgrades

We specialise in LED Lighting, switchboard repairs, and re-wires for your Sutherland Shire home renovations. Whether you are renovating a commercial shop or your home bathroom, kitchen or living room, we can provide new circuit wiring, switches, powerpoints & fans to modernise the space and bring up to the latest safety standard.

Special Offer

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below & we will get back to you within 30mins or less!

[contact-form-7]

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below and we will get back to you within 30 minutes or less!

[contact-form-7]

Our Latest Blogs

.vc_custom_1419240595465{background-color: #f9f9f9 !important;}.vc_custom_1419240793832{background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,0,0) !important;}

How to Reduce Electricity Costs in The Sutherland Shire

If you live in the Sutherland Shire, you may be spending a significant amount of money on electricity rates.

Read more

Electrical Fault Repairs, Who Can Do What?

Sutherland Shire residents often consider do-it-yourself home improvement as the best way to do things.

Read more

The post Home New appeared first on True Local Electricians.

from True Local Electricians https://www.truelocalelectricians.com.au/home-test-2/

[poppen]

Home New

Sutherland Shire Electricians

$0 CALL OUT FEE

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below & we will get back to you within 30mins or less!

[contact-form-7]

Electrician Sutherland Shire

FREE QUOTES & $0 CALL OUT FEE

Book Online Today!

Fill-in your details below and we will get back to you within 30 minutes or less!

[contact-form-7]

Why Choose True Local Electricians?

We are an Aussie family owned business supporting Sutherland Shire Locals for over 15 years and would love to use our expertise to help you with your electrical needs!

FREE Quotes & $0 Call Out

No Gimmicks – FREE in-home quote & NO Call Out Fee to the Sutherland Shire. We offer Fixed Price services before we begin work, so there’s no surprises

24hr & Same Day Rapid Response

Our Electricians near you are On Call 24 Hours & will attend to your electrical emergency no matter what time of day or night

Qualified, Licensed & Insured

Our professional Sutherland Shire Electricians are fully Qualified, Licensed & Insured to work on both Residential & Commercial properties

Honest Aussie Family Business from The Shire

Aussie Owned & Operated by Aussie Sutherland Shire Locals – Based in Cronulla, NSW.

Affordable Fixed Prices & Seniors Discount

We offer Affordable, Fixed Price services before we begin work so there’s no surprises. Even cheaper with our Seniors Discount

Lifetime Warranty

We Provide a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty for piece of mind. We Guarantee our work & will fix any workmanship faults for FREE!

What Can We Help You With?

Whether you need a Light Bulb replaced or have an Electrical Emergency, we are here to help with Affordable, Expert & Rapid Service to The Sutherland Shire

Home Renovations

LED Lighting Installation & Upgrades

Power Points & Switch Installation

Switchboard Repairs & Upgrades

24hr Emergency Electrician Sutherland Shire

Ceiling Fan Installation

Exhaust Fan & IXL Heat Lamp Installation

See All Electrical Services

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship

What Our Clients Say

Check out some of our recent Google reviews from both Residential and Commercial Electrical Services.

Anthony did a great job at our house. We appreciated his reliability and him coming on time.

Shelly

05:04 07 Apr 21

Strongly encourage you to work with True Local Electricians Sutherland Shire. I contacted them to discuss our kitchen lighting. They were attentive, patient, and able to work within our budget. The team adhered to the timetable completely, arrived on time, and completed the project ahead of schedule.Before we had our Christmas, my husband told me the mood lighting light fixture in our primary kitchen was out. Since I had been in the Sutherland Shire shops, I thought we had a problem, so I took him at his word. Still nothing happened. We went to the local hardware store and bought new bulbs, but it didn't help. Obviously, we have a problem. We did a search on Google for emergency electrician Sutherland Shire and found some positive feedback. On the phone, they were very nice and made an appointment for us to come the day before family arrived. They arrived precisely on time, checked the fixture, and then said, "Is there a dimmer switch on one of the two switches?" Absolutely! That is right, yes. One of the newer, more subtle coolers that are barely visible is: They changed the switch, pressed the button, and said "click." Incredibly, the adjuster switch had gone up, and by good fortune, we had light! I was persistent because they had squeezed us into their very busy holiday schedule.Thank you guys and will be in touch in the future with any electrical needs.

David Robson Builders S.

07:40 02 Mar 21

They finished all of the work for our electrical upgrade home renovation. True Local Electricians are professionals who are also laid-back. Very reliable and they do quality work and their rates are also very fair.Our bedrooms' overhead lights and a single room's outlets stopped functioning. I called another reputable electrician Sutherland Shire, who said I had a broken wire and wanted to charge me $2490 after checking the same things I did. I called True Local Electricians number and asked them to come to my house. After further investigation, they discovered that it was actually a defective power outlet. For the time they were there, it ended up costing a lot less $$$$ in total.They fixed our lighting to transform our dark master and guest bedrooms into light-filled spaces. All with a free quote include. In my garage, they installed an EV charger. The electrical service was timely, competent, and more than fair. I highly recommend hiring True Local Electricians for any electrical needs. For my next electrical project, I would definitely be giving them a call.

Inspirit P.

03:39 02 Mar 21

I was really pleased to have been able to link up with True Local Electricians on for my project. I search for a electrician Sutherland Shire online and found them.My doorbell cable, which was dead and most probably disconnected, was tested for power. We debated alternatives and agreed to install a thermostat and doorbell transformer 24V 40VA, which I had already bought online.Upon reading the manual and video instructions, they then proceeded to mount my new doorbell and camera. A metal cover plate was also mounted, which they had to drill new holes into so that the doorbell could be properly attached, they mounted both ceiling fans in a timely way and I am sure that they will be back quickly if anything ever happens to them.They were so efficient, detailed and did not take a long time! the price was right, and I recommend them highly!I have been raving to my friends about them and giving them their information! Like I said, very thorough, successful and truthful, you don't find a lot of these days!No bs, no attitude, we also just bought an electric car and we're going to have True Local Electricians come back to help us mount a level 2 EV charging station.You get 10 stars!!!! Thank you so much for saving us!!!!

Ariston V.

06:29 18 Feb 21

Great professional team highly recommend, and I will use them again.

jose F.

17:03 10 Feb 21

The boys from True Local provided exceptional service. They were efficient, reliable and great value for money when compared to other local providers. I would highly recommend using this company.

Cherie B.

03:34 10 Feb 21

We had a short and lost the use of the lights in the kitchen, laundry and one bedroom. I rang a number of electricians listed in the St. George Leader with various results, one charging $187 just to provide a quote!True Local responded immediately and promised to come at a certain time, then rang 15 minutes prior to that time to advise they were on their way. Anthony spent an hour investigating the problem and then provided a written quote at no charge. The quote was reasonable and covered new fittings, lights and fans.Our house is federation double brick and tile with an old extension under a tin roof. The work was difficult and took 11 hours, quite a bit in the ceiling and on the roof on a hot day. They were pleasant, diligent, careful, professional and meticulous in their manner and their work. They’d did not leave until the job was completed to both our satisfactions and charged the quoted fee!We are very happy with the result and have already recommended them to our neighbours.

Christine D.

01:40 09 Feb 21

True Local electricians were professional, on time and very friendly for a reasonable price. They were able to do all work required at short notice. I would highly recommend the boys for any electrical work.

Dan T.

06:26 04 Feb 21

The True Local Electricians team showed up with a face mask and provided a timely electrical work estimate. 5 power outlets in my house near the Sutherland Shire library short circuited and I had no idea how to fix it. I've never called an electrician before so I hopped on Google to look for a local electrician Sutherland Shire.

They also arrived on time for the electrical project and finished within the estimated time.True Local Electricians was one of the top companies in the search and I decided to give them call them because of all their great reviews.I gave them a call and they responded within 15 minutes which I appreciated. Really easy to work and communicate with. They were also willing to work with my budget and explained things clearly to me.I explained to them what was going on in house with the electricity. They were very honest about what the issue might be and wanted me to test out a few things before the team came out to do the job.They also checked all the rest of the circuit breakers on the main panel to make sure they are all connected tightly. A+ services.

SHIRE D.

00:02 21 Jan 21

Couldn't be anymore happy with these guys honestly.We woke up on Saturday morning and noticed we had no power to half the house. Noticing the Porcelain fuse had melted in the switch board i was not confident in going near it at all !!As there name states being local to me in Cronulla was a bonus. They took my call straight away noticed my level of urgency was at my front door with in the hour. Anthony and Alex turned up gave me a up front quote had all the parts did the job then and there. And before lunch i was back to normal with a brand new switch board i can feel safe now knowing my board has safety switches.Good to know there are honest hard working local blokes in my area thanks guys i will be passing on your cards to my friends and family.

Michael T.

04:49 11 Jan 21

Great fast, knowledgeable service would not hesitate to use again!

Anthony B.

21:23 10 Dec 20

I have never been compelled to write a review 0nly because I have only uncounted substandard service from many companies that I have dealt with through my years.So when I came across this Electrical Company I WAS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTEDFrom the first call to organize someone to come out to the job being proficiently completed on time with no hidden cost.It is so impressive to see a young company who genuinely care about their work and clients.I absolutely recommend this company to anyone who values high quality service which in my opinion is lacking with many older companies.I ONLY WISH YOU COULD EXTEND YOUR SERVICES TO OTHER FIELDS BECAUSE YOU COME AT THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION FROM ME.

Trevor S.

01:29 31 Oct 20

Excellent service, reasonably priced, punctual

Stephen S.

23:11 30 Oct 20

Got the job done quickly, on time and reliable!

Alyce O.

11:09 30 Oct 20

Punctual, quality of work excellent, great work ethic. Would definitely recommend them

Karen M.

05:10 30 Oct 20

Very friendly guys and quality of work was excellent. Would definitely recommend to everyone.

Ryan M.

11:07 29 Oct 20

Trustworthy and quality service.

Clair O.

09:48 29 Oct 20

Amazing service ! Helped with everything I needed and were so prompt ! Thanks guys ! Highly recommend

Dilara P.

08:25 29 Oct 20

Called to fix power outage. Very professional and quick. Restored power and fixed issue. 100% will use again for any issues.

Gary B.

21:31 27 Oct 20

The team are professional and detail oriented. I would highly recommend them.

Matthew W.

00:57 25 Oct 20

I used these guys for moving a couple of power points and changing a dimmer switch. Quality work was decent however very expensive. I was charged $1360 for two guys for 2 1/2 hours of work.

Sammy K.

23:22 21 Sep 20

Reliable, on-time, friendly, and obviously knew what they were doing. We'd happily use them again and recommend their services to others.

Debbie S.

07:59 13 Sep 20

Provided good quality job. Gave us all the information to make the right decision. No hidden costs which was refreshing. Thank you.

Anne A.

02:22 08 Sep 20

Thank you for your service & professional job have highly recommended you to all my friends.

Karen C.

21:33 18 Aug 20

Michael attended promptly to quote on my job. He was able to return later that day and completed the job for me. Michael explained the job and further answered other questions for me. He is a lovely young fellow - I will definitely use True Local Electricians again and recommend them to others.

Jayne W.

07:16 01 Aug 20

By far the best electrician I have dealt with. Anthony is very knowledgeable with the product and service he provides. His work is good value with quality included. I have had 3 jobs done by them already and won’t hesitate to use them again. They are super fast and clean up after they finish. Thanks guys love your work.

H T

21:01 09 May 20

Michael is a top bloke - He came out promptly, he was friendly and his service was second to none at a great price. Would highly recommend him for any of your electrical needs!

Shannen R

03:10 25 Apr 20

Alex visited my skin clinic to install a 32amp power point for a new laser machine I had purchased. He was on time, friendly, and explained what the job entailed before he got started.Definitely recommend. Five stars from me!

Ashlee M.

01:15 10 Apr 20

Great reliable service. They came on time and same day. Highly recommend!

Trevor W.

07:14 21 Feb 20

Mike responded to my emergency call from the storms we just had to fix our outage. They were extremely professional, they came on time, they diagnosed the problem straight away all while communicating the issues with me. No hidden prices which was a huge positive for me. Very happy with this company. Highly recommend for a local electrician.

alenaxo

05:55 21 Feb 20

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Affordable Master Electrician in The Sutherland Shire

If you need a qualified and experienced Local Aussie Electrician who provides great service and value for money, then trust the experienced family owned master Electricians at True Local Electricians for any domestic and commercial electrical services. At True Local Electricians we only employ fully trained master electricians which means that you get quality, long lasting work carried out by licensed professionals.

All Jobs Big & Small!

Whether you are renovating and need your home re-wired, looking for options to upgrade all your lighting to low power LED options, or simply need assistance in changing a light globe, we are here to help while guaranteeing friendly and timely service.

LED Lighting – Downlights, Battens, Pendants, Oyster Lights

Flood/Spot lighting

Sensor Security Lighting

Garden lights

IXL Bathroom Lights

Exhaust Fans

Smoke detectors/alarms

Ceiling Fans

Power Points

Ovens and Cooktop Installation

Level 2 Connect & Disconnect, private poles and points of attachment

House Wiring & Rewires

Meterbox relocations

Switchboard Upgrades – RCD Safety Switches & Circuit Breakers

Surge protectors

Hot water thermostats & elements

Fault finding detection

Electric Car Chargers (EV Chargers) – Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai

24hr Emergency Service to The Sutherland Shire

Emergency Power Restoration

Honest Aussie Locals You Can Trust

Trust the honest and reliable Local Aussie Electricians from True Local Electricians. We are an Aussie owned family business supporting other Local families from the Sutherland Shire.

Serving the Sutherland Shire for over 15 Years!

Being local electricians near you, we offer FREE Quotes & No hidden Call Out Fee’s…. Ever. From our family to yours we are happy to attend your property and provide a FREE in-home quote to give you our expert advice on your electrical jobs. We offer fixed prices which are fairly priced before we begin work, so there is no nasty surprises! We always look after our Local Seniors – if you have a valid pension card we will apply a Seniors discount to your service making it even cheaper!

Emergency Electrician

Do you have No Power? Tripping Switches? Blown Fuse? Lights not working? Burning Smell? a Loud Bang? We are Electricians near you and on call 24/7 to help rapidly with your Electrical Emergency. Your Emergency is our priority!

Specialists in LED Lighting & Switchboard Upgrades

We specialise in LED Lighting, switchboard repairs, and re-wires for your Sutherland Shire home renovations. Whether you are renovating a commercial shop or your home bathroom, kitchen or living room, we can provide new circuit wiring, switches, powerpoints & fans to modernise the space and bring up to the latest safety standard.

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