#james nicholls imagine

[smolvenger]

Miss Narracott and The Captain- Chapter Eight Finale (!)

Fandom: War Horse

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of sex, death, and violence but nothing brutal other than one brief mention that gets a bit vivid. But LOTS of fluff and emotions and crying and hugging. A Happy Ending.

Chapter Word Count: 3K

Series Summary: It is 1914. You are Y/N Narracott, the older sister of Albert Narracott. You must do what you can so your family can keep their farm. And so your brother can keep his beloved horse. Under financial struggles, you never expect romance to come into your life...until you have a chance encounter with James Nicholls- a Captain with a knack for drawing. But the threat of war lingers in the air...

Part One//Part Two//Part Three//Part Four//Part Five//Part Six//Part Seven

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

A/N: Thank you guys so much for sticking with this story for a character who we saw only briefly but deserved much more <3!! I hope you enjoy the finale!!

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract

@eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @infinitystoner @12-pm-510 @meowmeow-motherfucker

November, 1918

It was another long day at the hospital. Not another overnight, but still long. You had an hour to go for your time, as you checked the clock. You headed over to make sure there was a glass of water on each bedside table.

It was simple training. It didn’t take long to get a First Aid and Home Nursing certification. They gave you a uniform of a white cap, a dark dress, and a white apron with a red cross stitched over the chest. Your first days as a VAD were full of fixing cups of tea and changing sheets.

But by now you had sewn flesh together. You had seen men die with their eyes open. You had seen infections that made you feel queasy to look at. Once, you were asked to hold down a man’s leg as it was amputated. You never forgot his screams. They rung in your nightmares for a week. Compared to that, sewing together flesh was easy. Many of the other volunteers were women from families who were not accustomed to hard work. They were in for a large shock and were forced to adaptation. Only a few came from labor or farms, as you did,and could tolerate work for long hours. But it was as if the sight of death had bonded and toughened you all.

With the young men in town away to fight, it was mostly women you ran into. They were glad and grateful friends. Your weekly knitting club for the troops led to much baked goods, playful gossip, released sobs, and vulnerable confessions. You valued the women you met and befriended in your circles, your fellow VAD’s, and neighbors and new in-laws.

But none of them could replace James, of course. James with his occasional visits when he was discharged- visits that ended too soon every time. James with his constant, beautiful letters filled with sketches. Just the last one read.

“My dear Mrs. Nicholls,

Joey is doing well. He’s as fit and stubborn and spirited as can be, no wonder he’s lasted so long. He’s racing alongside Topthorn-not that I’m too surprised about the speed of his gallop. Jaimie sends you his love and good wishes as well.

 I’ve been thinking of you in Somerset. Of the reward to come-to come back to my wife, to come back to you. I hope you recall the Teddy Bear I sent you for your birthday. Yes, it is a children’s toy, but when you miss me, you may embrace him as you would me and kiss him on his head as you would me.  It is a bit of love I send back to you to console you. At least until I can return to your arms and kisses for real.

Do not think of me as less of a man, but I confess, that is what moves me- a future of ours. A house of our own.  Children of our own playing around the living room and getting into trouble. We can play music on the phonograph all we want without the cacophony of guns around us. We will laugh and talk over any silly old thing over every meal. Then we’ll go to bed, and I’ll take you as I did in the grass and we’ll make love without any fear or shame, only how much we adore each other…”

But now it was not only James and Joey you had to worry about. That first year, Albert ran off to join the army. When you found out, you ran to your parents and sobbed as you hugged them. Only sometimes you got a letter from him and you would press your parents for updates.

It only pushed you to work harder as a VAD and take it seriously. Knowing these soldiers groaning in their beds were someone else’s James or Albie. That someone was going to lose their husband or brother or son. And if you hurried and focused on the tasks at hand, you could help save someone’s life. That was what was on your mind when one of the doctors walked into the room.

“Everyone, there is an announcement- all staff must hurry into the lobby,” he declared.

Finishing pouring the last glass of water, you set the pitcher on a table and hurried there. All of you gathered in your uniforms, heads turning with whispers of what it could be. The head of the hospital stood there in the center of the room with a newspaper, he took off his spectacles to face you all. There were tears in his brown eyes.

“Everyone…England is going to sign an armistice this month with Germany and the other countries on the eleventh of this month. It will be the last day of fighting. In short, the war is about to end.”

There was silence. You could hear a few gasps. Every bit of you was vibrating and the breath in your lungs stopped. Finally, there was a cheer and an applause that broke out. Your colleagues wrapped their arms around you and hugged you and you hugged back.

You couldn’t believe it. Had it all been so fast? Yet so slow? It’s over…it’s over…the war is finally over!

But, from that last letter…James sent it just last month. Things could have changed. He still could have been killed! Or Albert too! All you had to do was wait for a final letter or telegram. One last one and it would confirm if James and Albert survived. Or not. In your heart, the war was not yet done. Just a few more days of fear…then it would be settled.

November 11th arrived, and the bells of the church rang louder than any Christmas you had seen. People danced in the streets, threw confetti, and cheered. There was no telegram. But no letter either.  You shook every time the mail was delivered that month. But nothing crucial so far. 

You were enjoying one of your free days eating luncheon with Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls. There was a knock on the door that made you jump.

“This isn’t when the postman arrives- it’s two hours early. Are we expecting visitors?” asked Mr. Nicholls.

“No, Mrs. Hayter isn’t arriving until tomorrow…” Mrs. Nicholls answered.

“I’ll get it,” you offered, getting out of your chair.

As you took a few steps closer to the door, you heard a sound.

A whinny. A horse’s whinny. A very familiar horse’s whinny. A whinny you had not heard since…since…

Your steps to the door became a run. You threw it open and let out a scream at the sight.

It was James in his now dirtied green uniform. He was standing outside leading Joey by the leash and giving you a salute. Without another word, you ran towards him, almost tackling him into a hug.

“James…James…is it you? Please tell me if this is real! Please-please tell me it’s you!” you begged, your voice breaking into tears.

You felt a hand reach your back. You could smell him, feel him, and hear that voice you loved so much.

“Yes, my darling…it’s me…and I’m not leaving anywhere, I’m staying with you for a very long time…” he answered.

There were footsteps and a shout from his parents behind you. You grabbed his face and pulled him in for a kiss. He smelt of wind and the smoke of travel as well as the horse and could feel his hands wrap around your back. You hugged him again and began to sob into his uniform, not caring anymore if it stained. He wrapped his arms around you and hugged you back so tight. Then he let go and greeted his parents, taking off his cap. Mrs. Nicholls kissed her son’s face a dozen times. Mr. Nicholls was weeping so badly his back shook as he hugged his son, James let him cry and rocked him as he stood. Assuring him, “it’s alright, father-I’m here. I’m back…”

You then turned to Joey and hugged his muzzle. The younger colt in the Narracott farm would have run away the second his leash was freed. But Joey, now a beautiful stallion in his own right, stood still. He accepted you just as he did the last day you saw him.

“I missed you, old boy. I missed you so much! I’m glad you made it- I’m so glad! Albie’s missed you most of all-he’ll be beside himself!”  you whispered to the horse.

You kissed his long snout with its white diamond. He leaned back into you as if to hug you back.

To think, James was back home. Every single neighbor visited to see him all afternoon.  Already at dinner, he was here to eat and compliment the cook. He finished his plate, cupping his wine in his large hand with one palm.

 “Good God, I’ve missed all of you so much…the things I’ve seen…things I’ve heard…I don’t know if I can be in another war after this…” he said.

“This one is over…it’s all bad memories, James…you can rest now…” Mrs. Nicholls said.

“And how is the prettiest volunteer in England? I hope she can rest as well?” James asked, turning to you.

“I was thinking…I do like being a part of the VAD…if they still need help, I’ll volunteer…”

“Oh, of course you can, Mrs. Nicholls,” he replied with a smile.

“You can always tell us what you saw…what was it like-fighting?” your mother-in-law questioned.

James became still and his face was white.

“I saw everything ….my first battle, I saw a man blasted to pieces-his guts flying from the shot of a machine gun…”

He opened up as much as he could. The horrors and violence he had seen. The deaths too many to name. A friend one day was a corpse the next hour. All of you were silent as he recounted.

Both of you planned to return Joey to the Devon farm tomorrow. You both laid in bed after dinner. Too tired for anything more than simply holding each other. You put your fingers through his blonde-red hair. Traced each feature of his to memorize it.

“You didn’t fool around with some French girl, I hope!” you huffed.

His voice was earnest.

“I swear on my grandfather’s grave, there were no girls from any country anywhere near me all that time! Jaimie will tell you likewise…Y/N…may I confide something to you?” he asked.

“Yes…”

“I remembered the promise I made you when I left. When it started…”

“Yes, I recall, my dear…”

He turned over to you. Adjusting himself on the pillow so he lay right in front of you. You retreated your hands.

“I kept it. I talked to my superiors. Told them we needed to consider the German’s weaponry and plan accordingly. At first, they said no. I asked them again. They said no again. Then another major came in. He agreed. Then the more they talked to, the more it was agreed. Like common sense. They got permission. They sent spies. We fought with guns when we knew there’d be guns…no surprise attacks. Nothing without strict preparation and knowledge…”

“Did you ever charge your calvary?” you asked. You shifted to be in the blankets from the cold November night.

“Only a few times. But, Y/N, I remembered…I remembered you. And I did my best to survive without disobeying orders. Somehow…well, to be honest, I never went against major orders and even then, I don’t think I was ever caught to be killed as a traitor! But I survived. I thought of you…of how sad you were and how you told me you didn’t want to spend your life a widow. I wanted to keep my word…”

He swallowed. You saw one tear in the duct of his eye.

“You did, James, you did…”

He took both of your hands. He smiled down, seeing you both still wore your wedding bands. Then he placed a kiss on them.

“I wanted to thank you, Y/N…if it wasn’t for that…for you, your promise-if I never met you, never loved you, never married you…I don’t know if I’d be here…” he confided.

You gave him a kiss on the lips. It was probably your fiftieth of the day. But after four years of deprivation, you were glad to be caught up. You positioned him to rest against your chest, wrapping your arms around him.

“My parent’s will cry when they see you tomorrow…when they see Joey, too. We’ll have to ask them if they heard any word on Albie…I can only pray he’s alive now,” you said.

“He’s a natural soldier. There’s a chance he did…” James mused.

You stared up at the white ceiling. The house creaked with the nighttime settling over it.

“To think, James, we have one part of our lives ending. Now there’s a new one. No guns, no violence. A peacetime-just beginning….”

He got up from how you held him, then pulled the blankets over the both of you.

“As long as that peacetime is with you, then it will be worth it…” he said with a smile.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

April 1920. A year and almost a half later.

A new spring was born to match the new decade. Today, it was the perfect temperature of not too hot and not too cold. The tulips, daisies, and crocuses were in bloom everywhere. The field between Somerset and Devon was stunning. You noticed how it rolled on as James drove the motorcar down to visit your family. The brown rabbits hopped around the fields. The river, Innocent’s grove, was such a bright blue it seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. Soon it turned to the wide, sloping streets of your hometown. You waved hello to your old shop friends- Mary, Ida, and Alice all had found loves, marriages, or occupations of their own and were smiling. Of course, you made a quick stop to admire the painting of your husband in the town hall. On one corner, you could read its inscription.

’Joey’- Cpn. Nicholls, Fall, 1918.

All of you then finished the drive to the Narracott farm for a picnic.

Your family, along with a much alive Albert, welcomed you each. You, your husband, and baby sitting up in your arms. She thankfully didn’t make one cry the whole trip!

Dressed in her little white frock and little tufts of hair that looked just like yours, Little Rose Nicholls was the picture of infant health. Named after her grandmother, your mother.

There was never a happier night than when she arrived.  She was born in October of 1919. She arrived and cried her first cry when the clock struck eleven. James ran up to the room the second he was allowed, and her crying calmed down when he held the small baby in a white bundle. He teared up and kissed her forehead, never letting her go until she needed to be fed.

James told you he was glad he survived the war just for that day. He got to live to have her, to see her, to hold her in his arms, to love her.

The newly crowned Uncle Albert took her in his arms and blew a raspberry on her cheek. She turned with wide eyes.

“Can we introduce her to Joey?! I don’t think they’ve met yet!” he offered.

“Yes, of course we can!” you said.

Out all of you walked to the backyard. Harold still waddled about. The War To End All Wars came and went and Harold was still biting everyone’s legs. He did make a few threatening nips of his beak that made Rosie a little scared and she cried. But she stopped when they passed him, and you approached Joey’s field.

“Oof- she’s already getting’ heavy!” Albert commented. “She’s a big girl now!”

“Here, let me have her,” James offered.

Her father scooped her into his arms. Albert whistled like an owl as Joey trotted closer, swishing his long, black tail.

Would Joey make a sudden noise to frighten her? No. The creature seemed to know that she was young and had to approach her with gentleness. How incredible animals had a sense like that, Albert would say! Joey slowed his steps and moved his nuzzle close. Only his breath tickling her cheek.

“Here-this is a horse. His name is Joey, darling. What do you think?” James asked, holding her up and closer to the animal.

Her eyes went wide, and she made a small coo. Joey leaned forward. She reached out a grubby hand and touched his nose, petting him.

“There…there’s my girl, Rosie, you pet him like that,” James nudged.

She kept reaching for him, petting him again and again. Then Joey got out his large, pink tongue and licked her hand. Rose Nicholls smiled and began squealing in delight. Joey let her pet him with her grubby hands. And once she was done, he turned away. James carried her over to show her the farm and the animals.

“Here’s the garden mummy grew up in. She’d see rabbits eating her flowers, like the naughty rabbit eating the vegetable garden in your storybook! If you look, we might see one!”

You couldn’t help but smile. Your daughter was worth every sleepless night and disgusting diaper. James was always there by your side to help you. He knew your child needed her father as much as she needed her mother. In fact, he was already beginning to spoil her! A room in your new house dedicated to her nursery. It had the teddy bear in her cradle as well as any little cloth dolly and book and dress he would splurge on for her.

James decided to retire from being a soldier. The War to End All Wars had done too much for him to endure another. Sometimes he even awoke from a nightmare or jumped at a loud sound. He did find work as a schoolteacher. His gentle authority and calm voice of reason was one his students adored him for. And it meant you could still volunteer as a VAD on weekends. He would grade his papers next to Rosie’s cradle in the evening.

You turned around to see Albert smoothing the corners of the picnic blanket out on the grass. Your father brought over a picnic basket. He looked healthy and cheery-he told you he was going to quit drinking and was on his second month without a sip.

“Here! Foods ready! While it’s hot everyone!” Your mother announced, bringing out the savory pie, fresh from the oven.

All of you sat on the blanket. James handed you little Rosie as you sat down. You bounced her on your lap. James made you a plate and passed you yours. Savory pie, sliced bread, berries, cheese, and fresh produce and jam cake too.

Then your father lifted a glass of lemonade.

“Here-let’s have a toast, eh?”

 You all lifted a glass with your free hand.

“Here-to us. Our family!” he cried.

“To us!” all of you repeated.

James turned to you and clinked your glass again.

“And our little family as well,” he cheered.

“To the three of us,” you agreed.

You received him with a peck on the lips. Then all of you began to help yourselves. Rosie herself was beginning to enjoy the small bits of bread you gave her. She gave a laugh like music and you, and James beamed at her. You took a deep breath. Enjoying the spring weather and the picnic with both families. The one who raised you and the one you had. A family, a happy life full of peace with a living husband who loved you.  

[so-much-history-in-these-streets]

AFTG PLAYLIST - NORA'S PICKS

(If Nora blogged it or tagged it, it's here - I hope I got them all, feel free to add if I didn't!)

The Foxhole Court Lean On - Major Lazer & DJ Snake I'm Not A Saint - Billy Raffoul State of My Head - Shinedown

The Sunshine Court Breathe - Lo Spirit

Seth Gordon Hey, What's Up - Munn Someone, Please Come Help - Munn

Neil Josten Scars - Boy Epic

Andrew Minyard Numb Little Bug - Em Beihold

Kevin Day I'm So Sorry - Nico Collins Burning Castles - Nathan Wagner

Jean Moreau Bird Set Free - Sia Movements - Daylily

Jean & Neil Used to the Darkness - Des Rocs

Nicky Hemmick Saints - Echos Cat & Jean My Same - Adele Jeremy & Laila Count On Me - Bruno Mars

Jean/Renee Walk Thru Fire - ViceTone She Is The Sunlight - Trading Yesterday

Minyard Confetti - Charlotte Cardin

Neil/Andrew Perfectly Broken - Banners

Jeremy Knox I Am - Tom Walker Best Day Of My life - American Authors

Jean/Jeremy The Other Side - The Greatest Showman Stargazing - Myles Smith

Carry You Home - Alex Warren

Kevin & Jean

Shinedown - Through The Ghost Xavier & Min A Boy Named Pluto - Hailey Knox Jean & Elodie (I’m Guessing, tagged: J&E) All of the Stars - Ed Sheeran Cody Winter Not Like I’m In Love With You - LEW

"To be tagged later" A Friend Like You - Andy Grammer

(tagged as 'not technically a TSC song' or as 'writing' in 2023) You're Not Alone - Saosin Hear Me Now - Framing Hanley Darkest Hour - Astrid S Might Love Myself - Baretooth My Brother - MisterWives Wings - Birdy Depression - Nathan Wagner Love Me Now, Or Lose Me Later - Kygo, Matt Hansen Untagged - (maybe just music she likes) Shots - Imagine Dragon Let's Hurt Tonight - One Republic La Di Die - Nessa Barrett I'm Doing Fine - Mike Waters Who Are You - SVRCINA Stole the Show - Kygo ft Parson James Sound of Surviving - Nichole Nordeman Pieces - Daughtry

[startrek-eridani]

Do you sometime pause and realize how lucky the producers of STAR TREK Eridani were for getting so many cameos of actors from The Original Series?

DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard McCoy, right in S1 Ep 3

Nichelle Nichols as Nyota Uhura in S4 Ep 9

James Doohan as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in S1 Ep 9

Ricardo Montalbán as Dream-illusion Khan in S1 Ep 14

LEONARD NIMOY as SPOCK in the Season 1 Finale AND! In S2 Ep 13 (not counting the second series finale filmed and diffused later in which he was also in)

WILLIAM SHATNER?! As JAMES T KIRK in S2 Ep 3

As well as Bibi Besch (Carol Marcus) in S3 Ep 27 and 28 and Catherine Hicks (Gillian Taylor) in S2 Ep 24 and 25

George Takei as Captain Hikaru Sulu of the Excelsior, in S1 Ep 4

Not to forget the tiny Walter Koenig cameo in S3 Ep 21

They even got Mark Lenard as Sarek in S2 Ep 16

Enumerated like that it can seem like they rely on these cameo heavily, but the plots are character driven and the characters are family to the TOS crew (in great part). Their presence is always such a balm and a great addition.

Oh to be a fly on the wall for the pitch of these episodes scripts to the actors-

Can you imagine? The casting directors in early 1995, showing up to Shatner's house going "yeah your character is dead, but WE NEED YOU!"

[naquey]

Drake loves Marnie

taglist: @myloveforhergoeson @partiallypearl (i hope you two are okay with a tag on this even if its not really all that btr centered)

Character(s): Drake Parker, Josh Nichols, Megan Parker, Audrey Parker-Nichols, Walter Nichols, Mindy Crenshaw, Lucy Stone, Camille Roberts, Lynette Smith oc, Veronica Clark oc, Kendall Knight, James Diamond, Logan Mitchell, Carlos Garcia

Pairing(s): Drake Parker/Marnie Jones, Kendall Knight/Veronica Clark, Mindy Crenshaw & Marnie Jones, Veronica Clark & Marnie Jones

a/n: I wrote wedding headcanons a while back, but I finally decided to do justice by writing a one-shot/drabble for it! The title is taken from the episode from Drake & Josh "Mindy likes Josh"

It was the night before her wedding, and she wanted to stay inside, watch a movie, and maybe make some brownies or cookies. At twenty-five, Marnie didn’t want much to do with clubbing or late-night partying, but it was never her thing in high school. She spent a lot of time going to Drake’s concerts and following after him to clean up his messes. In another universe, her bachelorette “party” would have been Audrey, Mindy, Megan, and herself, but when Drake moved to the Palm Woods, she met quite a few people to fill her social circle. Lucy was a rockstar, Camille was a famous actress, Lynette was one-fourth of a girl singing group, and Ronnie was an aspiring singer who started as a songwriter for Big Time Rush. Audrey was kind enough to let the girls celebrate tomorrow's wedding at her house. 

“I still can’t believe you’re marrying my brother. My stupid, lazy, pathetic brother.” Megan was helping her mom set up the group. Marnie felt a bit awkward because neither of them wanted to help. 

“He’s not… Okay, he can be a little stupid– Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” 

“Nonsense! You shouldn’t have to lift a finger.” Audrey smiled brightly as she grabbed blankets from the downstairs closet. 

“I appreciate that. I do, but–” 

“You know, I never thought Drake would ever get married. Not with the way he treated all those girls in high school.” Megan pulled out a chair and sat down. “Much less get married at twenty-five.” 

“Megan,” Audrey chided. 

“What? I’m saying what we’re both thinking.” 

Marnie laughed and shook her head. Even at nineteen, she was still the same at age eleven. The sibling dynamics hadn’t changed, and this was a family that Marnie was happy to be a part of. She could only hope her brother Eddie wasn’t giving her husband-to-be a hard time. Her brother could be pretty over-protective, or at least he was in his twenties. She could only imagine he had mellowed out ever since. The same couldn’t be said for her sister. She would have loved to have her sister Emilie be a part of the bridal party, but unfortunately, it couldn’t happen. Her sister would have been her maid of honor, but instead, Mindy was her maid of honor. 

For years, Audrey had welcomed Marnie into the Parker-Nichols home with open arms, and she wanted to repay her somehow. It was only fair to find a way to repay her. Although they were all adults, there was no alcohol. Drake’s bachelor party most likely had alcohol and a lot of it. Knowing Josh planned his brother’s bachelor party, she could assume he would try to catch his brother slip up because even years later, Josh always tried to catch his brother in a lie. 

Marnie jumped to get the door before Audrey and Megan, a big smile stretched across her face. Mindy was the first to arrive. For a moment, Marnie swore she was looking at someone who hadn’t aged. Mindy was dressed almost the same as in high school, wearing a sweater vest and all. 

“I brought some card games,” she gestured to the purse hanging off the crook of her arm. 

“Mindy, can you believe it? Drake gets married before Josh, of all people.” Megan groaned and threw her head back. Mindy rolled her eyes and shed her shoes at the door, slotting them into the cubby by the door. 

“We should be questioning Marnie’s sanity.” It may have been a joke, but she couldn’t help but take it personally. Marnie knew that Drake Parker was not the best person, but he didn’t have to be the best person. How he acted in high school doesn’t define him, and he grew into quite a gentleman. 

“Okay, okay. No more making fun of Drake, and especially no more making fun of Marnie getting married to him.” Audrey chided the two as she set the extra blankets and pillows in one of the recliners. It wasn’t the bachelorette party that was a sleepover, but it would make everything easier for it to be a sleepover. 

“Honestly, I figured I would get married first between us,” Mindy whispered and nudged Marnie. 

Her other friends showed up soon after Mindy arrived, and their night of activities could finally start. Sitting around in a circle with her friends at home was cozy, unlike being out at some party. She didn’t need anything crazy, but she was okay as long as she had her friends. The group played card games and shared embarrassing stories. Audrey made brownies for all of them, and it was a relatively good night. This was an experience that Marnie never got to have in high school, and it was freeing to share this experience with people who cared about her. She also didn’t get to see Lucy, Ronnie, Lynette, or Camille as often because of their schedules. 

Megan and Audrey went to bed early, leaving Marnie, Lucy, Camille, Mindy, Lynette, and Ronnie to talk amongst themselves. The group sat in the living room, the lights dim. Marnie sat cross-legged in the middle of the couch next to Mindy and Ronnie. 

“James would not stop talking about the bouquet toss,” Lynette laughed softly. She reached for a brownie on the coffee table. 

“Kendall wouldn’t either!” Ronnie’s eyes lit up. 

“Do neither of them know that the bride typically throws her bouquet to a group of women?” Mindy quirked a brow. “It’s not like they’d be able to catch it either way,” 

“Hold on,” Marnie put her hand on Mindy’s shoulder. “If Kendall and James want to catch the bouquet, I’m not stopping them. There are no rules about the bouquet toss.” 

“I think it’s sweet they’re planning to marry you,” Camille sighed wistfully and leaned against the recliner. For some reason, she was sitting on the floor. 

Mindy frowned. Initially, she had been happy for her best friend, but now she couldn’t help but be slightly disappointed in Josh. Didn’t he love her? What was he waiting for? 

No one knew when they fell asleep, but someone’s alarm rang in the morning, scaring them awake. It was the morning of the wedding, and everyone was running around like chickens without heads. Audrey and Mrs. Jones had their hands full helping Marnie with her dress and hair, leaving Mindy and Megan to get bridesmaids into their dresses and put makeup on their faces. Josh had accidentally left Drake’s suit at the house, so everyone was yelling at them when he and his brother came by. It was bad luck to see a bride before the wedding. Drake was dazed as his little sister and Mindy had pushed him out of the house. 

Everything was going well. Spoiler alert: not really. 

The ice sculptures had melted at the venue, and the doves had gone missing. The train of Marnie’s dress had snagged when she got into the car to get driven to the venue. The day was unfolding wildly. What was even better was that the venue was double-booked. Mr. Jones stood toe-to-toe with the father of another bridge, and even with the doors shut, they could still hear the shouting. As the maid of honor, Mindy tried to take the stress away from Marnie and barked orders to everyone. It was challenging to keep Marnie and Drake from accidentally seeing each other before the procession started while the chaos ensued. Kendall and James ran around, trying to wrangle the escaped doves. Logan and Carlos were trying to clean up the water from the melted ice sculptures. It was clear that Mindy and Josh were in over their heads as they tried to get the situation under control. Megan put her skills to work and tried to fix the train on Marnie’s dress. 

But once the disaster had been cleaned up, once the bridal party and guests took their spots, the wedding went off without a hitch. At the altar, Drake kept adjusting his suit and fidgeting with his tie. He was getting antsy. He couldn’t stand in place for much longer. He anxiously kept fixing his hair. The music started, and he froze, his hands falling to their sides. When the double doors opened, and the bridesmaids in their lilac dresses walked through, he waited patiently. Unable to see Marnie until now was killing him. Megan, unironically, was the flower girl. Drake had suggested it jokingly, but his sister would have killed him if he had told her she wasn’t the flower girl. The bride’s walk-in music started, and he swore an angelic light was haloing Marnie. 

Her hair was put up in a bun. Somehow, her curls cooperated with the hairstyle. The golden flowery clips in her hair glittered from the light streaming through the wall-to-ceiling windows. The bouquet she held was an arrangement of blue orchids, pink amaryllis, and white lisianthus. Marnie was glowing, practically glowing. He felt his heart swell three times its size and was breathless. She was ethereal. Her gown was a white, satin, mermaid-styled dress with a lace train. The sleeves hung off the shoulder and were ruffled. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t brought to tears. He didn’t think any girl would agree to getting married, but Marnie surprised him. She stood in front of him, and his heart stopped. 

He should have known that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Marnie. 

The officiant did that schpiel, and Drake had gone over his vows in his head. For once in his life, he prepared for something ahead of time. When it was time for the vows, he took her hands gently, and that small action chased away the anxiety in his chest. 

“I know I’ve messed up a lot and have gotten in my fair share of trouble, but you were always in my corner, helping me every time. You’ve supported me far longer than I could have imagined, making me feel like I’m making the right choice.” Drake paused and took a deep breath. There was a weight on his chest. He had never been this vulnerable. “I love you and want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you, and I’ll support you as much as you’ve supported me.” 

Marnie let his hand go for a second and carefully tried to dab away the tears starting to fall. She smiled and laughed, hoping that it would chase away her tears. 

“Drake,” her voice faltered, and she squeezed his hands. “I’ve loved you for a long time, and I’ve watched you grow into a person you’re proud of being. I–” She paused to clear her throat. “I can’t wait to find out what kind of person you’ll be in the future.” 

Audrey and Walter were crying in the front row, and next to them, Marnie’s parents were crying. Their vows were heartfelt and touching. Josh even teared up a little. This wasn’t something he expected from his brother. Eddie was carrying the rings. He handed the gold bands to the couple, and Marnie and Drake exchanged rings carefully. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and a shred of Drake’s high school persona slipped back in. Marnie squeaked. She didn’t expect to be dipped dramatically but melted into their first kiss as a married couple. It shocked everyone involved when Drake carried her bridle-style down the aisle, but Josh already assumed that his brother had been waiting all day to consummate their marriage. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. 

At least, the married couple was expected to consummate their marriage. Marnie and Drake had enough time later in the evening to get busy; it was more fun to join their friends at the after-party. For the after-party, Marnie wore shorts, a black lace dress, and a pair of black flats. As much as she would have liked the extra height to poke fun at her husband, she was already taller than him, and the heels were killing her. 

Megan sat at a table with her parents. She was practically bouncing off the walls. The whole night, she had been waiting for the bouquet toss. She wanted to see women tripping over themselves to catch it, but to her surprise, Kendall and James stood out amongst the group of women waiting for Marnie to toss the bouquet. Curiously, Megan looked around for Ronnie and Lynette, only to find them sitting at a table on the other side of the room. Her brows shot up into her hairline, and an evil glint appeared in her eye. Audrey and Walter were preoccupied with talking to Josh and fishing for information about when he’d get married, which gave Megan the perfect opportunity to slip away into the crowd. The women around her gasped as Marnie threw the bouquet, and Megan chuckled under her breath. She “gently” pushed Kendall and stepped on James’ foot “accidentally. But she didn’t expect Kendall to catch the bouquet, so James snatched it from him. The crowd of women had disappointedly dispersed, and Megan returned to her chair to watch the chaos from a safe distance away. 

James and Kendall were best friends; she knew this much, but they were practically playing tug of war with the bouquet. Marnie and Drake exchanged confused looks. Somehow, the two men started rolling around on the ground, but the good thing was they weren’t breaking anything or hitting each other. Megan cackled and sipped on her water. She was enjoying this. She had been waiting for something like this to happen. Somehow, the bouquet had rolled away and stopped at Mindy’s feet. She picked it up and turned it over in her hands. The flowers were crushed and somewhat wilted. Stems were broken, but otherwise, it was good. She turned to Josh and smiled wide, waving it around. Megan laughed at her brother’s despair. 

It was a rough start, but they made it to the after-party. Enough fraternizing with their friends, Marnie and Drake finally slipped away. Megan was observant. She didn’t join in any conversations and instead picked at the pastries provided by her mother’s catering company. People got up and danced to the music. Couples slow danced.

All in all, it was an excellent wedding, and if her brother had kids, she would make fun of him. There was never a moment when Megan wouldn’t make fun of her brother. It brought her joy. She sat back and observed the couples who were semi-drunk. The way they swayed on the dance floor. At one point, she swore she saw her parents at the bar. They were all adults, so it made sense. Now, she hoped Josh and Mindy’s wedding went smoother than this one. 

Kendall and James were pouting about not getting the flower bouquet. Ronnie and Lynette giggled at their boyfriends. 

“We don’t need a bouquet to tell us if we’ll get married next.” Ronnie leaned her head on Kendall’s shoulder. 

“I know.” Kendall was sulking like a toddler. “I wanted to get it for you.” 

“I don’t need a bouquet when I have you,” Ronnie giggled and kissed his cheek. 

James fake gagged and turned away, which caused Lynette to laugh and smack his arm. 

“Come on, let’s dance.” Lynette grabbed him by the hand and led him to the dancefloor, leaving Ronnie and Kendall at the table. 

Ronnie fidgeted with the tablecloth and exhaled sharply. 

“Do you want to get married?” Kendall was surprised by her question and choked on his saliva. 

“Well… Of course!” He sat up and turned his body to face her. He took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles. “I technically have it all thought out. We get married and then have three kids, but I’m unsure if we should put them in private or public school.” 

“Woah, woah. We’ll take it one day at a time. Ronnie snorted. His excitement made her laugh. 

“Well, I want the rest of my life to start right now…”

[jbfly46]

Despite the popularity of "Stranger Things" it is little known that it is actually based on the Montauk Project, a conspiracy that supposedly involved the kidnapping of orphans who were subjected to physical and psychological torture to research the possibility of time travel, teleportation, & mind control.

In 2015, Filmmaker Christopher P. Garetano released his documentary The Montauk Chronicles, based on 10 years’ worth of research, and more recently continued his investigation for the History Channel series, The Dark Files. And he’s not the only one hooked by the conspiracy theory. The legends of Montauk – experiments on children, alien abductions, time travel, psychic powers, journeys to the far side of the galaxy, mind-bending drug tests, and monsters conjured out of thin air – were also the original inspiration for Stranger Things.

The stories are commonly thought to have started with the book The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time by Preston B. Nichols and Peter Moon, a novel about the supposed events. Nichols claims to be an electrical engineer who worked on the project in real-life.

“As I say in the book,” he tells Garetano in Dark Files, “you can believe it as fact, or you can believe it as science fiction.” Nichols’ account, along with those from alleged time-traveller Al Bielek, and a handful of survivors make up the popular narrative of the Montauk conspiracy theories.

Children are said to have been abducted and subjected to horrific torture – with many of them dying – to create Manchurian Candidate-style super spies. According to Nichols, they were “shattering their minds, programming them, then putting them back together.”

The survivors of these experiments are known as the “Montauk Boys”, and the most famous of them is Stewart Swerdlow, a self-professed “Hyperspace Intuitive” who’s part alien abduction survivor, part new age healer (he’ll “de-programme” you from the government’s mind control for a cool $300). According to Swerdlow, alien beings snatched him while his parents were brainwashed; he was then experimented on at Camp Hero, and sent back in time on secret missions.

Another survivor, identified under the alias “James Bruce” in Garetano’s documentaries, recalls mind-bending drug tests in so-called “Acid Houses” at Camp Hero. The drugs, he says, could create psychic link with other subjects.

The US government does have a proven fascination in paranormal phenomenon and parapsychology. In January of this year, the CIA dumped over 13 million files online, revealing details of the agency’s “Stargate” programme, which ran from the 1970s to 1990s and involved tests into psychic abilities, research into UFOs, and a particular interest in “remote viewing” – seeing far-off objects or places with the mind. One file even attempts to document an attempt at astral projection to the surface of Mars.

Between the 1930s and 1970s, the US authorities were responsible for some hideous experiments in the name of science and national security: the Tuskegee syphilis study, which duped African American men into being infected with the disease and left them untreated; MK Ultra, a secret CIA operation into “mind control” techniques for interrogation and torture, which administered drugs to unwitting civilians; and the experiments in Philadelphia’s Holmesburg Prison, where tests were carried out on prisoners’ skin using biochemical substances, including dioxin, a highly carcinogenic ingredient in Agent Orange.

“My thinking is, if happened in one place – or even two or three places – I wouldn’t put it past it happening at Camp Hero,” says Garetano. And with its already-dodgy track record, the US government testing drugs does sound credible next to aliens, monsters, and time travelling soldiers. “Survivors always talk about an injection being given to them,” says Garetano. “You can imagine that a highly experimental hallucinogen could cause them to think they’re seeing these things.”

[ippnoida]

Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 hosts Delhi Preview

The Jaipur Literature Festival, celebrated as the greatest literary show on earth, is set to return for its 18th edition from 30 January to 3 February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Ahead of the main Festival, Teamwork Arts hosted a Delhi preview at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, on 9 January offering a glimpse into the detailed programming that defines this global literary extravaganza. 

This year, the festival’s themes reflect narratives that shape our world and books that have triggered our imagination with a variety of sessions. 

Sessions that focus on themes such as democracy and equality will examine the timeless quest for justice and the truths behind constitutional ideals. The crime fiction segment will bring thrilling narratives of mystery and suspense, while the biographies and memoirs section promises to offer intimate insights into extraordinary lives. For food enthusiasts, the gastronomy theme will celebrate culinary traditions and flavors that unite cultures across borders. Additionally, sessions on theatre adaptations, cinema, history, and culture will present an array of perspectives, celebrating the diverse narratives that shape our collective heritage. 

The Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Abhijit Banerjee, Andrew O'Hagan, Anita Anand, Anna Funder, Amol Palekar, Anirudh Kanisetti, Barnaby Rogerson, Benjamin Moser, Cauvery Madhavan, Claire Messud, Claudia De Rham, David Hare, David Nicholls, Esther Duflo, Fiona Carnarvon, Geetanjali Shree, Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, Gideon Levy, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Ijeoma Oluo, Imtiaz Ali, Ira Mukhoty, Irenosen Okojie, James Wood, Javed Akhtar, Jenny Erpenbeck, Joe Boyd, John Vaillant, Kallol Bhattacherjee, Katy Hessel, Lamorna Ash, Lindsey Hilsum, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Manav Kaul, Manu S Pillai, Matt Preston, Miriam Margolyes, Nathan Thrall, Pankaj Mishra, Peter Sarris, Philip Marsden, Philippe Sands, Prayaag Akbar, Priyanka Mattoo, Rahul Bose, Ranjit Hoskote, Robert Service, Shahu Patole, Sophy Roberts, Stephen Greenblatt, Stephen R Platt, Sunil Amrith, Susan Jung, Tarun Khanna, Tina Brown, Tim Mackintosh-Smith, V V Ganeshananthan, Venki Ramakrishnan, Yaroslav Trofimov, and Yuvan Aves.

A commitment to inclusivity remains at the heart of the festival with the return of the sign language interpretation sessions in collaboration with Nupur Sansthan. This initiative, widely appreciated in previous editions, ensures that the festival is accessible to everyone, fostering a space where stories and ideas can truly reach everyone. 

The Festival will host over 300 luminaries, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize-winners, journalists, policymakers, and acclaimed writers. The concurrent Jaipur BookMark (JBM), South Asia’s leading publishing conclave, will celebrate its 12th year with a focus on translations, storytelling innovations, and the role of AI in shaping the future of publishing. 

William Dalrymple, historian and festival co-director, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival, the biggest literary festival in the world, returns with a spectacular lineup, featuring a range of award-winning writers. The festival continues to serve as a global platform where some of the world’s most influential voices come together to engage, inspire, and exchange ideas. It fosters meaningful dialogue across a wide range of topics, bridging perspectives from diverse cultural and intellectual backgrounds. It not only celebrates literature but also acts as a beacon for understanding and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected yet divided world. We hope to see you all there, where the greatest writers on the planet come together for an extraordinary celebration of literature, ideas, and dialogue, with accessibility at its finest." 

Namita Gokhale, writer and festival co-director, said, “The Jaipur Literature Festival returns to cast its web of magical enchantment over the world of books and ideas, poetry, and music. Our stellar programme covers a rich diversity of themes, across continents and cultures. This edition weaves a dynamic mosaic of books, ideas, arguments, and epiphanies. With 26 languages – 13 international and 13 Indian – it opens windows to many worlds, celebrating a unique linguistic landscape of Many Languages, One Literature. A vintage edition awaits!" 

Sanjoy K Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts, said, “This year’s edition exemplifies the transformative power of books and ideas, building bridges across cultural and intellectual divides to celebrate our universal love for literature. The festival creates a space for thoughtful exchange, where stories and ideas come to life, fostering empathy, understanding, and collective growth. It is more than a celebration of the written word; it is a movement that connects individuals and communities through shared narratives and informed discourse.” 

Preeta Singh, president, Teamwork Arts, said, “Celebrating 18 incredible years of the Jaipur Literature Festival, we express deep gratitude to our partners – brands, ambassadors, foundations, and media – for their invaluable support and cooperation. Together, we’ve built an enduring experience, reaching over 400 million people globally. Even during the challenges of Covid, partners stood steadfast, with platforms like YouTube and Hotstar ensuring accessibility and media partnerships taking our stories to places like Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland. 

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nand Ghar, Hawthornden Foundation, The US Embassy, UN Women, Embassy of Ireland, Culture Ireland Grant, EU, Vedica, Mukesh Bansal, The Holberg Prize, Embassy of Netherlands, Embassy of Austria, BluSmart, Fratelli, Banyan School Tree, Rajasthan Tourism, Delhi Tourism, Harper Collins, and HUP MCLI. We also acknowledge our media partners – ABP News, Tv9, Daily Hunt, and The Print, along with our print media partners – New Indian Express, Rajasthan Patrika, Malayala Manorama, Business Standard, Amar Ujala, Dainik Bhaskar, and Sakal. To our Radio Partner, Red FM, for their invaluable support in amplifying the festival's spirit and message. With the support of JBM, the Norwegian Embassy, and Tamil publications, Jaipur Literature Festival has truly become the Kumbh of Literature, a beacon of ideas and inspiration for the world,” she said. 

Ambassador of Norway to India, May-Elin Stener, said, “Norway has been the country partner at Jaipur BookMark since its inception more than a decade ago. As founding partners of the event, we are proud of the way the publishers’ forum has developed and its integration into the Jaipur Literature Festival. JBM’s focus on the publishing industry and on translations is an important aspect of literature. We wish JBM all the best and look forward to the event in 2025.”  

The curtain-raiser featured a performance by the renowned Khartal maestro Bhungar Khan, who showcased the richness of Rajasthan’s folk rhythms. 

[booksbydlwhite]

Bookcast Episode 70: First of the Month

Welcome Episode 70 of the Bookcast, my platform for sharing short fiction and updates on what I'm reading and writing. If you love what I do as an author and you look forward to this show every week, I desire support of this podcast. At bookcast.buzzsprout.com you can offer a one-time or recurring monthly gift, for which I would be ever so grateful. Every little bit helps. Thank you so much in advance for your support. 

If you would like to offer up a comment, a question, a wish for the new year, here is the link to my blog post with the speakpipe function or the form listed. Use your voice or your fingers and send it on through! I’ll add the post to the show notes and share your input in a future show. 

 In this episode, I'm excited to share with you my latest writing plans, recent book reviews, and we talk MONEY. I share my earnings and sales across different platforms, offering some honest(and earnest) insights into the financial side of being a writer. Alongside this, I'll be talking about future book releases,  fan fiction writing, and what's on the horizons. Grab a snack and a drink and settle in for a good chat. 

I talk about the following books on today's show: 

-The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni -Somebody Somewhere by J. Nichole -Yours for Now by J. Nichole -King: The Life of Martin Luther King by Jonathan Eig -Erasure by Percival Everett -Another Country by James Baldwin

Listen to the show (grab a transcript HERE):

2023 In the MONEY

So, every year, author and author coach Rachael Herron does a money episode where she talks bout how much she made and how she made it. I wanted to share a bit of transparency on what money looks like as a very small time indie author. SMALL TIME is not me insulting myself, it's bringing levity and realness. There is a reason I work a full time job.

All told, I made $3708: $700 more than 2022. Imagine if I didn't put any books out?

The breakdown:

Amazon KDP $2,042.63

BookFunnel $490.57

Draft2Digital $455.64

Google Books $28.55

Findaway $458.61

ACX $232.30

Ebook/print : $2,791.01

Audio: $736.41

Paperback: $172.49

Ebooks sold: 1243

eBooks gifted 15440

Audiobooks moved 3818 (free + reduced price)

Paperback sold: 87

KENP- 566 pages (my books have been out of KU since 2019 but if they never turn the book in I still get paid for pages) $2.39

My highest selling platform is of course KDP, followed by draft2digital. No surprises there because those are the major players. And of course book funnel is my 3rd. I've love for book funnel to be #1, but I think readers still don't really trust direct sales. My readers are on Amazon.

Paid units by market are overwhelmingly US readers. The next largest percentage is literally 'other' so that's likely Canada, UK, etc

Paid units by title- Biggest seller was Hey Lover with 491 copies,, then Elysium at 155 units, Then second time around, then Never List, then Ruby's.

Paid Units by series- my standalone works clock in first (The Never List, Hey Lover, A Thin Line), then Black Diamond and Potter Lake series are basically neck and neck, then the holiday shorts and then Ruby's.

Support the show

Support this show with a recurring gift HERE. Buy books by DL White at https://BooksbyDLWhite.com/books. Buy Merch by DLWhite HERE. Find the Bookcast on booksbydlwhite.com/bookcast or your fave podcast app: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts |Stitcher| Youtube

[namenerdery]

Girls with interesting names born in Ohio between 2011-2015 [I, J, K & L]

Iceis Empris Noces Icing Ann Icona Navi-Jhourdyn Iellyah Noel Ignacia Matilde

I'Land Latoya Ileighsia Nevaeh Ilithyia Iris Illustrious Epiphany Imagin E

I'Missy Irianabella Im'Unyque Rena Love Inara Cyan Indasianna Marie Indicah Celeste-Capri

Infinitee Jai Berniece Insignia James Ione Beatrix Iridessa Skye Iris Magdalena

Isadora Cyrinthia Isla Florin Evangeline Sunflower Island Renee Issabellalynn Zuileikia Italia Principessa

Ithaca-Rose Aurora Moon Ivahngelina Grace Ivannablessed Donnamonique Izrhyel Victory Patrice

Jachary Amira Jacsin Louise Jacx Corbett Morgan Jaelihana Rose Jakenzie Lee

Jalaciana Emilee Ann-Nicole Ja'Lexzy'Aonna Nevaeh Jamaica Mone'T Jamar'Eeaye Brenda-Marie Janaesis Ah'Majae

Jareighya Louise-Maxine Jastlyn Nichole Marie Jaxann Olivia Jaymeslynn Elisabeth Rose Jaz'Oreighe Gracey-Lee

Jazrael Elizabeth Jazz'Brielle Rachiel Diane J'Dyn July Jeighlyn Eula Jenahsis Janice Goddess Jennifer

Jenezaeibella Marie Ammie-Lee Jenzley Kay Marie Jerezmay Suebella Jerkarrah Belle Jermeatriana Lamae

Jessillenna Storm Grace Jesstinee An'Marie Jevaeh Mi'Angel Loretta Jewlnetta Ann Jewlrie Rochelle-Sandrea

Jeyvaeha Queen Jhadde Edith Jhamzyne Rachelle Jinger Eva Delilah Joe'Liegha Arteshaunna

Joshieana Yvonne Joy'Phull Monshea Nicole Jubili Spirulina Julicciana Mystique Amanda Tiera Mae Serenity Justice Lynn Jupiter Reighn

Jyaxn Lilyann J'Yazzeriaha Carissalyn Jynx Violet Aurora Jyzelle Paij

Kadilyhne Bonnie-Jo-Lillian Kaednz Theory Kaighin Taylor Kalasia Kheringtyn Alyvia Kalexander Niyalyn

Ka'Liayh Georgia Ann Kalifornia Diane Kalumbi'Auna Marie Evelynn Kansas Crystal Lynn Kanzis Rayine

Kaorynn Marie Kaspyn Rayne Katalie Jaide Kawaii Reign Elizabeth Kayaence Amor

Kayleighna August Keighlauna Raine Keishliannie Dianne Kempress Ihana Kentasia Jaliyah

Kenya Omega Grace Kerosene Elizabeth Keurstyn Monroe Khaleesi Michonne K'Harma Iva'Faye Maychel

Khiyliane Rena Khn'Zii Mi'Faith Khoebie Lee K'Hole Piper Kimverlin Valesca

Kimystri Marie Kinslaey Jayde Kitelynn Grace Kixx Emerson Cain Kiz'Ziee Denise-Marie

Kountry Grace Kraigrihanna Yvette Kreadence Mae Krescent Shernoble Kricket Mae

Kurtacy So'Miya-Nicole Kwindalyn Rae Kylliye Renea Kymhstrie Arnay Rose K'Zaylyn Simone Catherine

Laeghan Elizabeth Laeleianna Kathleen Lakayasia Rlexis Laker Sally Jo-Ann Lannister Eleanor

Lauciaunna Marie Ann Lauxanna Alaire Lavender La'Rue Legacy Da'Prettiest Unique Lavora Leighyonia Jaspierre Unique

Lensey Rebecca Liburtee Sue Lightning Rebecca Skye Lilivanna Rose Lloyalty Royale

Lord Presence Lotus Coccinea De'Neese Lovaeh Rayne Jamison Lovealeiana Deziya Shapray Unae Luvly'Ann Renee

Lyilyian Deniece Lyluxe Mae Lyrica Candy Dawn Lyvaeh Analeigh

[amara-scott]

WAR HORSE

BACK TO FULL MASTERLIST

Captain James Nicholls x Reader

Come back to me. summary: Saying goodbye to your love so they can leave for war is hard but having to say goodbye twice is unbearable. Your kids grow up wondering why he isn’t there, making it harder to move on and keep living.

[lokiskitten]

!! SEEKING FOR A RP PARTNER !!

Marvel, Star Wars...

~•~

[ Hello, I am currently in quest of finding a serious, open minded and invested roleplay partner who would be willing to entertain double rps depending on my mood ( I won’t necessarily ask you for a rp if I’m not feeling like handling two of them ). If interested, make sure to check the infos below and read one of my fics to get a peek of my writing style! ]

~•~

RULES :

No god moding. The plot is to be discussed and agreed on together. Communication is also key, so don’t ever hesitate to share your ideas/opinions.

Smut is allowed, and I tend to be comfortable with most topics so don’t hesitate to come up to me with any “taboo” subjects you’ve been afraid to ask for from anyone. Judgment isn’t a thing with me.

OCs are heavily welcome, but please remain rational. I’m extremely attached to realism, and tend to keep things and events logical whenever I write.

Please be literate. I expect one paragraph or more, especially as I tend to write a lot and give much efforts into my answers.

Now that you went through my rules, allow me to present the characters I would have muse for/once portrayed in my writer background or would be willing to give them a shot! :3

CHARACTERS ( classed under their actor ) :

Tom Hiddleston :

Loki Laufeyson | any version

Thomas Sharpe | Crimson Peak

James Conrad | Kong : skull island

Dr. Robert Laing | High Rise

Jonathan Pine | The night manager

Captain James Nicholls | War Horse

Tom Hiddleston himself | young and old

Benedict Cumberbatch :

Doctor Stephen Strange | mcu

Sherlock Holmes | Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch himself

Cillian Murphy :

Thomas Shelby | Peaky Blinders

Jonathan Crane | Batman begins

Lenny Miller | Anna

Timekeeper Raymond Leon | Time Out

Sebastian Stan :

Bucky Barnes | mcu

Mickey | Monday

Lee Bodecker | the devil all the time

Sebastian Stan himself

Lance Tucker | the bronze

Steve Kemp | fresh

Michael Fassbender :

David8 | Prometheus/Covenant

Erik Lensherr | x-men franchise

Brandon Sullivan | shame

Adam Driver :

Ben Solo/Kylo Ren | Star Wars sequels

Flip Zimmerman | blackkklansman

Charlie Barber | marriage story

Jacques le Gris | the last duel

Additional characters :

Michael Gray | Peaky Blinders

Harry Osborn, both version | spider man, TASM

Andrew Garfield’s spider man | TASM

Henry Bowers | IT

Michael Langdon | AHS : apocalypse

Billy Hargrove | stranger things

King Louis XVI | the man in the iron mask

Jim Mason | the tribes of Palos Verdes

Alex Summers | X-men franchise

Mysterio | spider man : far from home

President Loki | Loki series

Anakin Skywalker | Star Wars prequels

Thandruil | the hobbit

Legolas | LOTR and the hobbit

Din Djarin | the mandalorian

Michael Scofield | prison break

Achilles | Troy

Norman Bates | psycho

Jaime Lannister | game of thrones

And probably more, so don’t hesitate to ask! ( mostly marvel, Star Wars, Games of Thrones, etc... )

Genres I like :

- romance

- drama

- action

- science fiction

- daily life issues ( if that makes sense lol )

- horror/thrillers

- medieval

[ Thank you so much for taking time to browse through these infos! Please don’t be afraid to message me, I promise I don’t bite. Take care :3 ]

[just-the-hiddles]

12 Days Of Hiddlesmas Masterlist

Day 1: Magnus Martinsson | All I Want For Christmas is You

Magnus has been working overtime to pay for your Christmas present.  

*Day 2: James Conrad | Please Come Home For Christmas

James Conrad is called away on a mission weeks before Christmas but promises to be home in time.  But delays may spoil your Christmas wishes.

Day 3: Bill Hazeldine | Home For the Holidays

Bill Hazeldine is due home for the holidays but when he gets home Jewel is there instead of his mom.

*Day 4: Jonathan Pine | It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Jonathan loves Christmas and this is his first one working at The Meisters.  A chance encounter gives Jonathan more Christmas joy than he could hope for.

Day 5: Captain James Nicholls | I’ll Be Home For Christmas

A letter home from James.

*Day 6: Prince Hal | Greensleeves

Hal should be at the royal residence for the holiday but is instead at a local inn with Falstaff and Poins.  He has his eyes on you.

*Day 7: Dr. Robert Laing | Do They Know It’s Christmas

As chaos descends upon the high-rise, Laing schedules a date with you, not realizing the auspicious date.

*Day 8: Adam and Charlie | The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

It is the day after Thanksgiving and Charlie should be sleeping.  Instead, she has gone full Buddy the Elf.  Adam will take extreme measures to temper the Christmas cheer.

Day 9: William Buxton | Blue Christmas

It is the first Christmas since Peggy left William.  The town of Cranford still whispers about him.  He has taken to walking at night.  One night he stumbles upon the reader.

*Day 10: Loki | Santa Baby

You have no idea what to get Loki for Christmas.  After no help from the team, you settle on a gift.  You only hope he likes it.

Day 11: Sir Thomas Sharpe | Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Your sister and children have come for the holidays to Allerdale Hall but all is not merry and bright.

Day 12: Tom Hiddleston | White Christmas

You have been cast as Betty in the remake of White Christmas with stars Tom Hiddleston as Phil and Michael Bublé as Bob.  And you have a huge crush on Tom. You don’t know if he feels the same way.

[smolvenger]

Miss Narracott and The Captain Part Five (Cpn. James Nicholls x fem! Reader miniseries)

Fandom: War Horse

Word Count: 6K

Chapter Warnings: Angst and fluff. Pining. Drunkenness. Mentions of sex but no smut. Inspiration from Jane Austen and Little Women. Attempts at historic accuracy. I choose violence at the end.

Series Summary: It is 1912-1914. You are Y/N Narracott, the older sister of Albert Narracott. You must do what you can so your family can keep their farm. And so your brother can keep his beloved horse. Under financial struggles, you never expect romance to come into your life...until you have a chance encounter with James Nicholls- a Captain with a knack for drawing. But the threat of war lingers in the air...

Part One//Part Two//Part Three//Part Four//Part Five//Part Six Coming Soon!

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

A/N: Comments, Reblogs, DMs, and Asks about my work are always appreciated! I always love doing period pieces like this! Feel free to ask to be tagged in this and/or my other stuff! Thank you!

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley @jennyggggrrr @five-miles-over @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract

@eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @wolfsmom1 @infinitystoner @12-pm-510

He offered you to sit down at the table. Once you had, he took the place across from you.

“Why do you wish to speak to me alone, Mr. Lyons?" you asked.

He rubbed his hands together. Then he began.

"Miss Narracott, I have taken notice of you these past two years. Despite the low station of your family, you impressed me. Your sweet nature, work ethic, good sense, and pretty face. All admirable. However, your father is unable to provide for his own family. Or afford his own farm. You are trapped by a family that cannot provide for themselves, or you. But…there is a solution a compromise, if you will."

You folded your hands on the table. Looking right at him. Trying to see if your heart would stop in its place. You could attest truth in some of his words. Right now, bad luck took away your cash crop. Ruined crops meant no rent. The eggs, the milk, and your wages could only cover so much. You could sell the animals as a last resort. Though not Joey, it would break your brother's heart too much.

You knew where this was headed.

He looked around at this place. Though your family rented it, it was truly he who owned it. He owned the stone walls. The staircase. The windows you looked out so many times. The sink. The doors. He even tried to own Joey. And now you were only more thing he was trying to add to his collection of ownership.

But this house! So familiar and safe to you! It was filled with so many things that made it a home. Your embroidery with flowers and sentences sewed in hung on the walls. On the fireplace mantle was a clock Dad loved to polish. Mum’s pans hung over your head in the kitchen. The seats and fireplace could make a cold winter's night cozy. At this very table, you would gather to eat, read, sew, have cups of tea, and live. And now, all of that had to be packed up and squished to move to your uncles. Or sold one by one to make ends meet. To buy time for the plants to grow. Or until you all had to beg.

It was dark inside. It was the late shine of afternoon becoming evening, but still bright. But the stone walls blocked the sunlight.

It was summer after all. And it mocked you in its sunshine and youthful joy outside. You heard the chickens clucking and Joey's hooves trotting about without a care in the world.  Unlike you.

“Sir, you are proposing marriage to me,” you said directly.

“Yes, I am.”

 Panic made parts of you see stars. But your vision came to normal. You looked down at the table, to regather yourself, then back at him. You swallowed. Keeping it down. You would not give into “hysterics.” Not yet.

If only there could be a distraction. A bird at the window. A thundercloud. Albert's owl whistle. Joey poking his head through the window for a snack from the kitchen, even! No, there was none. Only this.  You put your hands on the table, fingers curled up. Everything in you sensed danger though you were at home and very still.

Part of you knew this would always happen. That it was only a matter of time. And now here was the moment. But why did you feel so horrible?

You wished you could run away. You wished you could run out the door and never speak to him again. To catch a cab out of the city to never deal with this! But…you forced yourself not to. Even if you didn’t want to be here, you knew it would come eventually. You would not flee. You would face him.  You would stay here and deal with it.

Father used to fight in the Bower wars. He was brave then.  Mum's brave. Albert's brave. I can be brave too, you thought.

 He leaned a little closer to you. You felt yourself flinch back. He then put a cold, soft hand over yours. He showed no nervousness, usual for some suitors. His eyes were sharp on you. Lyons cleared his throat with his other hand. He began speaking.

 “Miss Narracott… you have been the greatest surprise about this farm. About this family. And through these past two years, I have grown more and more affectionate with you. I think of all ladies here in town, you have my utmost opinion of superiority. Though I understand your family’s situation and standing more than anyone else, I can be a forgiving man. I can be a tender man beneath all this.”

He gestured to his overdressed striped waistcoat. He looked like an English zebra. If only Albert were with you. Then you both would bite your lips. Then flee to a corner and laugh at him. Then the next sentence hit you like a slap.

“And I will forgive your family's rent if you consent to be my wife.”

You heard the clock on the mantle tick.

“That was what you were discussing with my father?” you asked.

“Yes.”

“What did he say?”

“He said if you said yes, it was alright by him.”

You forced your breaths to slow. Your hand shook beneath his and your belly boiled. Was this a trap? An idea struck you.

“You are a businessman, not a charity man, Mr. Lyons. Said so yourself, I recall. You cannot seriously mean you would forgive my parent's rent all the time. You need income from your tenants,” you reasoned.

“You are correct. I could extend the forgiveness for a year at most.”

A year without rent. More than enough to recover the loss of crops. It was too good to be true. Was it?

“You say that you like me. What will my life be like after I marry you?” you queried.

Lyons smiled.

“You will live with me in my house. All my servants shall call you mistress. You won’t have to feed chickens for the rest of your life…You will have anything you could want- you have my word! Anything is yours!” he elaborated.

“Breakfast in bed delivered by maids every morning?” you asked.

“Of course, you can, I don’t see why not. It will be a comfortable, glamorous life. That is what I offer you.”

It seemed like the life of being a Wealthy Lady was finally in your grasp. Just like the ones in the catalogs.

“I-I…I don’t know what to say…this is a lot…” you babbled.

Tears were welling up in your eyes, slowly falling. One drop curled in a minuscule puddle on the tablecloth. You got out your handkerchief.

“I’m sorry,” you mumbled.

"It's natural for women to cry with joy when they are proposed to! Especially like this!” he commented.

But you were crying for a different reason. The pure overwhelm of everything.

"Let me ask again-Would you like to be my wife, live a life of ease, and easily have your family keep their farm? I will make you happier more than any man here in town could."

 He even from his pocket got out a velvet box with a ring inside. It was encrusted with a diamond that glittered when the sun hit it. You must admit, it was beautiful and right up your alley. Costly, too. But it felt tight on your finger as if preparing it to be chopped off by a knife by squeezing the life out of it.

"That is what I have to offer you- whatever you want. Anything you wish for is yours, Miss Narracott.”

"Like gloves?" you asked.

"Your pick of them!"

"I have one that's missing...where is my glove?”

He tilted his head.

“Your what?” he asked.

“My cream-colored glove! One’s been missing for a year now! Did you take it? I thought you stole it out of fondness for me. I’d like it back, please,” you explained.

He blinked, shaking his head.

“I never took your glove!” he confirmed.

“Oh…I was mistaken….” You sighed.    

Your head was spinning. Breakfast in bed every morning. Motorcars. Fancy hats and all the dresses you craved at last. Servants. Never having to do a minute of work for the rest of your life. Afternoons spent lifting your feet up like a queen in town. Knowing your family’s house was safe. They had time to recover the lost crops. That they had stability…

“Miss, you try my patience. I do expect an answer- immediately,” he said.

But all while married to Lyons.

You looked up at him. You did not feel an ounce of attraction. You knew several older men who were far more handsome than he.  His ridiculous red mustache! Could you kiss those whiskers on your wedding day? Would they tickle? Would they make you sneeze or even laugh when you kissed him- not from joy but from how silly they looked on him? Could you sit with him and talk with him every day? Spend every meal with him? Could you attend every Sunday service beside him? Could you call David your stepson?

Then it came to the marital act. You were taught about what happened by your mother, your friends, and the farm animals. Could you see yourself wanting to bed this man? Could you… do these sorts of things to this man? Let him do all sorts of things to you? Could you crawl into the same bed as Lyons nightly? See his naked body? Let him see yours? Feel him on you? In you? Wake up next to his face every morning? You could push him away, but not for long. And what if you got pregnant? Would you want to carry this man’s child? Make more of him into the world?

He wasn’t old enough to die soon. And you doubt you could get away with murder. Or file a divorce.

Perhaps you could learn to love him. Even if he wasn’t a handsome man in your eyes, what about his character? Men didn’t have to be handsome to be kind, gentle, respectful husbands who treated their wives well.

Thinking back, you recalled every interaction. How he scoffed at rabbits as “vermin.” His behavior toward your family when they desperately tried to get the field plowed. He harassed your father and mother. Taunting their worries. Speaking with cruelty and superiority. Not even a whisper of sympathy for their situation. And not only to people beneath his power but to the people he wanted as in-laws!

He hadn’t changed a bit.

Was that a man you wanted to marry?

You thought of the field. The storm. The brokenness on your father’s face. The relief on it if you walked out, flashed the ring on your finger, and said, “The rent is forgiven for a year, Dad!”

Then you remembered your mother’s words. About being a woman. About self-sacrifice. About happiness.

How much you gave and sacrificed already for your family. If you made this one sacrifice; If you married this man, it would be no different than plunging a blade into yourself. Or tearing at each part of yourself until barely anything was left. An empty husk from your wedding day until death did you part. An empty, unhappy shell all your days.

That wasn't worth it.

You looked up into Lyon's eyes and said one word.

“No.”

He blinked. His smile was unfazed.

“What did you say?”

“I said no,” you clarified.

“No breakfast in bed?”

You took off the ring and placed it in the box. You slid it back to him. You stood up. Trying to feel taller than him as he sat.

“No to your offer. I cannot and will not accept,” you said.

“Your families rent! This is quite an incredible opportunity. Think of my generosity. Think of it!” he argued.

“You’re not proposing to me. You’re extorting me,” you accused.

You began to shake even more, tears poured out of your eyes. Yet you kept speaking.

“You’re not a nice man. And you wouldn’t be a good husband to me. So, do you hear me? My answer is no!”

You dipped your head down. You wiped the tears off with your sleeves, then looked back up. He got up as well, putting the box in his pocket.

“You will be our landlord. But no more. And you will respect that boundary. Or we will live somewhere else…” you told him.

“Very well then…My business here today is done. I’ll leave,” he replied.

You walked over and opened the door. Mr. Lyons stepped right outside, tipping his hat with a solemn look. His face frowning.

“You lost quite an opportunity, Miss Narracott,” he said.

 You heard a familiar honk. A smile returned to you at the sound.

“We have no servants here. Harold will see you out,” you announced.

Harold charged onto Lyons. Wings flapping and feathers flying. Lyons struggled to run out.  The goose bit his leg. Lyons let out an “Agh!” in pain. He lost any dignity he had left shaking away the offensive gander. The landlord couldn’t take a step without dealing with Harold’s nipping beak. He retreated to the door of the gate pursued by the goose.

Your parents had been sitting on the large rock near the bottom field. They jumped up and ran over to watch. Harold kept honking and flapping his wings at the threshold when your hopeless suitor got out. Off Lyons ran to his motorcar, his servant driving him far away. Harold let out a few final, triumphant honks at the gate. Then shook his head and waddled away like a parade of victory.

You heard Albert yelling out and his running footsteps.

“Y/N! Y/N! Don’t you worry, I’m right-“

Albert burst forth to the front yard. You saw he had a pitchfork in hand.

“Albie!” you said.

He looked around you, getting your shoulders with his free hand.

“Are you alright? I heard no screaming, but lots of raised voices, I did! He didn’t…didn’t hurt you, did he?” he asked.

“You…. you were going to attack him…to protect me?” you asked.

“Yes, like I promised you! Always will!”

You clutched him and cried. Finally releasing the urge to sob for the past hour. Dropping the pitchfork, he hugged you back. You heard your parents from behind.

“He made you an offer, didn’t he?” Mum asked.

Letting go of the hug, you turned to them and nodded.

“He said he’d forgive the rent for a year if I did. And I refused him,” you explained.

You began crying to your parents, wiping off a tear with your sleeve like a child who broke a teacup.

‘I’m so sorry…I know that…I know how much it would…it would have saved us…” you babbled to your parents.

You dreaded seeing two disappointed faces. Hearing disappointed words. But instead, your mother stepped forward.

“You’ve no reason to be sorry, come here, darling, come here…” she consoled.

She wrapped you into a hug. You dug into her purple blouse, crying into it. She rocked you as you stood, letting you cry. Then you peeked your head up at your father. Releasing the hug, you approached him.

“Dad I’m…I’m so sorry…I failed you; I know…I could have saved us, saved you and…and I didn’t!” you cried.

“Are you mad at me, girl? That’s what I’m worried about…” he asked.

You shook your head.

“No…you could have forced me, but you didn’t…you…you gave me a choice…you let me choose!” you answered.

He squeezed your arm. Then all three of them hugged you. A circle of warmth and love, safe to cry, safe to release.

“We’ll figure something out…Shhh, it’ll be alright…” Mum consoled you.

Releasing the hug, you saw Albert’s eyes light up with an idea.

“We have an uncle. We’ll ask him to hire us!” Albert suggested.

You then looked up at your stone house. The farm that had been your whole life. The farm that you refused them to keep at the price of your happiness.

“Where will we live, mum?” you asked.

“I’ll tell you. We’ll live together,” she answered.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You were grateful for the chores on the weekend and work on Monday. You were relieved to see customers, organize items, and hear your co-worker’s chatter. Anything to not obsess over what happened. They were a welcome distraction.  When you returned from work, Albert was all a-chatter. When you walked through the gate, he approached you and jumped subjects like a squirrel jumped through trees.

“Dover’s fair’s coming up and Joey’s got to win a prize again! He has to! And oh! Captain Nicholls stopped by to draw Joey today! Oh- and Andrew! Andrew’s winnin’ all the bees at school! Right clever, he is! And Dad says we got some eggs hatched up! Not too many washed up in the storm!  And Mum’s making beef and gravy for dinner! It’s already making my mouth water thinking about it! And there’s some fuss goin’ on in Austria-I heard this fellow was in his car and-“

 When he saw the look on your face, he shut his mouth. Then looked at you.

“How’re you today? Sad about Lyons?”

“Some. But it’s better,” you replied.

“I’m glad you said no, Y/N. Don’t want him as my brother-in-law, I don’t!” Albert confessed.

You let out a small laugh at the words and he gave you another hug.

Dad did what he always did when times were tough- go out to the pub. He left after dinner. No one said a peep when he walked out. All knew it was worthless to stop him.

That night, sleep was not easy to achieve. Your mind reeled about the confrontation with Lyons. Thinking through and playing each moment over and over, troubling and tormenting you. Unable to sleep, you got out of bed. You gathered a shawl and went downstairs to the fireplace, starting a fire. Curled up on a chair, you stared at it, the sound comforting you.

Then there was a knock on the door. Answering it, you saw Si Easton with your father’s arm over his shoulders.

“Bloody sloshed, he is! But got him home safe!”

“Si, thank you so much. Be careful getting back home,” you said.

Si tipped his hat and then left. Stumbling in his steps, you led dad to a chair, he was mumbling, humming a song.

“Here… Just relax now…I’ll get you a blanket and some water…” you comforted him.

Leaving, you fetched an old quilt and put it over him. Dad looked at you, his cheeks red and eyes glazed. You were lucky Dad was never a violent drunk. Only a happy, chatty one.

“Hmm…. you’re something of a princess, Y/N…” he slurred.

“I wish I actually was,” you commented.

“There was a row at the pub over you,” Dad continued.

You turned your head. Were these drunken ramblings over nothing? Or did this really happen?

“What do you mean?” you pressed further.

You sat down on the floor and held his hand as he rambled on.

“Hmph…some fellow…I don’t know how he found out, but he did. Grabbed Lyons by his suit- big, tall man. Slammed him on the wall! Yellin’ ‘What were your intentions with Miss Narracott?’ and Lyons couldn’t answer. The man was ready to box him with his cup, he was, if the others hadn’t pulled him off. Right before he could get a good box on ‘im.  All the men pulled ‘em apart, they did. Old Jonesy ran to ‘em. Scoldin’ about how he doesn’t like rows in his pub. Pulled ‘em apart and told to go home, sober up. Hmmm, good to know… didn’t think Devon was that small…but…interesting, isn’t it? At least he got him, so I didn’t have to!”

The fireplace crackled. You fetched him a cup of water. But it stood on the table near the chair, untouched.

“Did you talk about the proposal? Who fought Lyons?” you asked.

“Don’t remember, no…Hmmm…didn’t see nothin’ who he was…” he murmured.

He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and soon snored.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The next day, work was welcome again. Perhaps at break or at lunch, you would recount to your friends what happened. But when the thought occurred, the bell over the door rang. In walked Sarah Corbyn again. Back on her trail. Her dress was in a yellowish hue so that she shone like gold in that brown shop. She approached you.

“Can I help you?” you asked.

“I hear there are some new books that have arrived. I’d like to see them, please,” she requested.

“They’re over there,” you pointed, guiding her to the books.

She looked at two, then turned over to you with a smile of concern. But this time, you did not smile back. Maybe the rejection had emboldened you. You stiffened your body as if preparing for a fight with knives rather than the sugary cruelty of her words. You would not tolerate her viciousness anymore.

“I hope you are well!” she chirruped.

“I am,” you answered.

“How is work, Miss Narracott?”

“Good, as always, Miss Corbyn.”

She leaned in closer with a smile. But this time, you folded your hands in front of you. Not smiling back.

“Though, I must tell you, as I have before- as you are a friend of mine. About Captain Nicholls…

You looked into her eyes.

“Miss Corbyn, I do not like to discuss one’s personal matters at work. I have many things to do. I like to be productive with my time. Please do not discuss such things with me in the middle of my shift.”

She blinked her eyes. Her nose scrunched in disbelief. Then she shrugged. She turned to the books, purchased two, and left.

Once work ended and you left the shop, you saw her. She waited for you like a spider waiting for a fly to enter its web. But you were not going to be prey this time. Not without a fight.

She walked over to you with that same smile.

“Oh, how glad I am your shift is over!” she said.

You turned over and folded your arms, glaring into her eyes.

“Work is done, so let me speak frankly. Miss Corbyn, you can at least be honest with me.” You began.

She only smiled, with a slight tilt of her head.

“I am always honest with you!” she shrugged.

You stepped forward.

“Miss Corbyn- I do not want to hear your boasts about Captain Nicholls. I understand what you are doing and why it’s to me. I am tired of hearing it! I’m tired of your attacks and insults! Don’t think I don’t understand what you’re doing! I heard about your soap comment-it’s only because my family and I work hard! It’s not funny and it’s not right! I want you to stop. If you do this one more time, I’ll tell Nicholls himself- I doubt he would think you more admirable! If you think tormenting and bullying me will make you look better for your fiancée, you’re wrong!”

“Fiancée!?” she repeated.

“Is he your fiancée? He’s a respectable man! Not the type to leave a woman hanging! I thought he should be by now! Is he?” you asked.

She took a step back. She had a frown. Then she took off her gloves and showed her hands-no rings.

“We’re not engaged. I wish we were,” she said.

With that, she put her gloves back on. She turned on her heels and left.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

That Sunday, once church was over, you went up to Captain Nicholls.

“Good morning, Miss, what did you think of-“

“May we please talk outside?” you interrupted.

He blinked. He gave a glance at Major Stewart. Stewart tightened his lips.

“Of course, we can,” Nicholls answered.

 Joining the filtering congregation, both of you walk out to the street. A few feet from the church crowd.

“Are you in love with Miss Corbyn?” you asked directly.

He dropped his jaw, and his face became pink.

“What- no! She’s mad for me, but not I for her!” he cried.

“I ask because…I see her with you. All around you! Dancing with you!” you elaborated.

“Her father is a Lieutenant in the army. It’s impossible to say no to him when he invites me over. And so, it’s been impossible to avoid her,” Nicholls explained.

“You dance with her twice per social!” you argued.

A few heads turned, then they walked away. You stopped caring who overheard. You had to get the truth out of him.

“I made one promise in winter so she would not be partnerless at her first dance. Then in spring, I told her only one! She frowned but relented.”

Shame made a rock in your stomach. You realized you turned away from the two dances that spring out of spite. Not even looking. Had you turned back then, you would have seen only one dance between them. Not two. Flustered, you kept speaking.

“You’re always smiling at her!”

“I’m nothing if not polite, Miss Narracott!” he reasoned.

You stepped forward, your hands curled into fists on your sides.

“Did you lead her on?”

He held your gaze.

“I thought she was jolly, pleasant company at first. Then I dined with her family at their house. I saw her with her servants...and I confess, her behavior shocked me. Always demanding, never grateful. Her lack of…she seems to lack consideration of any person’s feelings but her own. I do not wish to speak ill of anyone, but it is the truth. I still owe her decent treatment, like any person. Especially a lady. No more, no less,” Nicholls finished.

You took a step back, bowing your head. Shame washing down on you. Were you no better than a jealous, clingy hen?

“Oh…I’m sorry, I just…if she was who you wanted, that was fine…I just…”

You took a step back. Then looked away. He walked around to see you, stopping in your tracks.

“I accept your apology. And Miss…your farm is still open for me to draw there; I’d like to visit today. If it won’t bother your duties …” he suggested.

“No, you may…you may visit,” you permitted.

Sure enough, around teatime, he did. Though he did not drink a drop of tea or eat a bite of his biscuit. But got his chair and sketchbook and set to work. You were in the laundry area to hang up wet clothes. Your father went down to the bottom fields. Mum stayed inside to scrub the floors. Albert went up to chat with the captain as Joey pranced about the grass. He took a deep breath. Surrounded on that lovely summer day, the sun shining and a light breeze blowing through.

“Joey’s quite wild today! Excited for the fair, he is! He’s got to run, sir! Too much spirit! Sorry for that!”

“You can ride him out, Albert. I can draw the chickens or Harold instead,” Nicholls permitted.

With that, Albert swung his leg over the horse and galloped off. But once he was gone, Nicholls approached you.

“But Miss…are you alright?” he asked, softening his voice.

“You mean about Miss Corbyn?”

“No, Mr. Lyons…” he clarified.

You stopped pinning up laundry, setting the shirt down on the basket.

“You heard?” you asked.

He nodded.

“Albert told me…how do you feel now?”

You let out a deep breath.

“I feel…I feel relieved. And worried. But…I feel free…” you confessed.

“And you’re safe? He has not…bothered you since then?” he continued.

You shook your head.

“No. Never brought it up again,” you said.

“That’s good…”

He stayed there. You hung up the wet shirt to dry. Then you took down and folded some dried socks in a separate basket. Nicholls looked away to the field but stayed still. He began to fidget with his hands. He then walked out but did not return to his chair and sketchbook. He paced a little about the yard. You then paused and took a step towards him.

“Sir, is something the matter? Are you feeling well?” you asked.

“Miss Narracott…could you come here, please?” he asked.

You took a few steps closer. Out into the sunshine where birds carried their songs, the breeze was gentle, and summer was in bloom. His hands kept fidgeting, though he took a deep breath.

“May I be frank?” he asked.

“Of course…”

“I’m so sorry for this misunderstanding about her…I wish you confronted me sooner…” he confided.

“It’s all done now! I know you’re heartbroken because you were in love with Miss Corbyn!” you assured him.

He looked into your eyes with gentleness.

“I never loved Miss Corbyn. I’m not in love with Miss Corbyn.” he confessed.

“What do you mean?” you asked.

He reached into the left front pocket of his uniform. And pulled out your long missing glove.

 You dropped your jaw and let out a gasp despite yourself, yet you felt yourself smile. You gaped at the glove then at him then the glove then him again. He offered you your glove and you felt it but didn’t remove it from his hand. Your heart raced, again trying to believe this was real. Everything- these words. This-this was real. If he was real.

 He then looked at you with eyes wide.

"You...you took my glove...you had it for a year..." you wondered.

"You lost it at church. It was a hot day. You took your gloves off and kept them in your hand. As you left, this one fell on the pew. I kept meaning to return it...but...I...I wanted a reminder. Always there. To think of you...remember you..."

"Captain Nicholls…” you gasped, wondering if your mind could form words now.

“Can I speak more?” he asked.

You nodded. He took a step closer, placing a hand over yours. Warm, calloused, and gentle to touch.

"Miss Narracott, I've admired you. You’re a lovely woman. Your kindness, your loyalty, your heart...how much you cared for your family. How strong you always were. How gentle you were with all the animals-even Harold! And I..."

You looked at him. His eyes began to brim with a few tears.

"It was not one day. It was every small day, every small hour I spent with you. Each time, the more I met you, the more I knew you, the easier it became. The more I felt for you. And every corner you turn, every time you turn away and leave…I pray for one more minute. One more chance. One more instance, only to see you, only one glance. To hear you say only one word. I cannot keep it a secret anymore-I love you, Miss Narracott. I adore you. I worship you. And I want you, more than I ever wanted anything…”

Such words were not easily recovered from. Nothing else registered. Only him. He blushed, then glanced down at your hand. He gave you the glove and let go.

"So, tell me and relieve my torment...do you feel the same? If not, I will never set foot on this farm again and bother you again," he said.

You took one step forward and placed a hand on his. Holding it and looking him in the eyes.

"James...James, I feel the same..." you answered.

It was the first time you ever said his first name. His shoulders relaxed. He broke into a beautiful, adoring smile at you.

 "I was...was never sure...and... The day Albert told me you were proposed to, I knew I had to gather the courage to tell you. That some gentleman with money would arrive and swoop you away. Then I'd have to stifle my feelings and let it die. I worried in that moment...I would lose you forever...not that I didn't want you to be happy. I only... I worried in your situation; you would marry out of desperation. That I had rivals I never expected..." he continued.

You placed the glove in his hand and put your second hand in his. You recalled your father’s drunken recollection.

“Albert told you about Lyons and Dad said there was a row at the pub. Did you-?”

“I had only one sip too many that night. I was tipsy, but I wasn’t drunk. And Lyons said something about being alone with you- it struck me. If he…took advantage of you …then you would be forced to marry him. Out of reputation.”

Nicholls lowered his head, then looked back at you.

” I lost control and…and I grabbed him onto the wall. I raised my voice at him. I threatened him if he did something. But…I did it because…I was frightened for you, and I didn’t want you hurt…” he finished.

He looked down, blushing red.

“I’m not proud of it. I’m not usually like this…I’m so sorry,” he apologized.

You shook your head, giving him a smile.

“But you did this because you worried about me. You cared for my well-being. You wanted me safe. How could I think less of you knowing that? It’s no matter,” you cooed.

 He was breathing heavily.

"But the matter Is I love you, Y/N."

He finally said your first name. You could have glowed from happiness. You looked up and smiled. There were tears in your eyes- this time from joy.

"I love you too, James."

 Suddenly there was the sound of clucks and a honk. Both of you jumped as Harold chased a bunch of chickens through the yard, Captain of his own charge.  Both of you let out a laugh as you stepped aside, then reclasped hands. In the distance, you heard a familiar "neigh!"

"But James your intentions are honorable, are they?” you asked.

“Yes.”

“This means...you will talk to my father, yes?" you asked.

His smile widened.

"Happily."

Your heart stopped in your chest, and you felt giddy.

"I never thought you’d feel towards me...never believed I was worthy of you..." you confessed.

"You are, oh, sweet Y/N, you are!" he whispered.

There again was the sound of hooves. Albert’s brown head in the far distance.

  "Albert will be soon...may I kiss your hand?" he asked.

"Yes."

 He took a brief glance down at it, feeling your palm and enjoying the touch.

"Y/N... darling..."

He smiled; eyes bright as he brought it up to kiss it. It was short, but his lips were soft. He breathed in as he kissed you, savoring each bit of you. And you savored the second you felt his lips on your hand. Then he released. Much too soon, you let go.

 You took returned to the laundry room, to fold and sort clothes Nicholls went back to his chair near the stable field. Albert galloped back in on Joey.

"Woah! Easy-boy! Aren't we a team, Captain!" Albert bragged atop the stallion.

"Indeed, you are!" James- for now, he was not only Nicholls but James! – replied.

Albert got off Joey and began to brush off the dirt on the horse.

"Nice and handsome- isn't he?"

"Yes, very. Do you agree, Miss Narracott?" James asked, turning towards you.

Both of you shared a smile at each other.

"He definitely is,” you answered.

Though after a few minutes of drawing, you saw out of the corner of your eye that James set his pencil down and closed the book. He got out of his chair and with a determined expression. He then looked over at you with a nod. You clutched the drying bed sheet you were getting off its line. James turned it over to your brother. Though you turned innocently to the laundry, your ears focused on them.

“Albert…where is your father now?”

“He’s down in the bottom field putting in seeds. Do you need him, sir?” Albert asked.

“I just want to speak to him.”

“Whatever for, sir?”

But before he could give the boy an answer, the gate swung open. Harold honked with an alert at a guest. You turned and saw Major Stewart rushing in.

“Jim! Jim! We’re needed immediately! Headquarters!” cried Major Stewart.

He turned his head.

“I need to go now, goodbye,” he wished Albert.

Albert dipped his head in farewell. Nicholls went over to you. Major Stewart at his heels.

“Goodbye Y/N, I’m sorry…”

“Nothing to be sorry for.”

He leaned forward, giving you a whisper. Stewart stood back with folded arms and a raised eyebrow. His lips tried not to smile.

“Don’t worry…the minute I am free...”

“All the time you need, James.” You replied.

He put on his hat and tipped it at you. Saying his last goodbyes to his hosts, he left with Stewart.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

You were smiling brightly the next day. You put on the nicest of your white blouses and darker-colored skirts for work. But you took extra time that morning on your appearance- in case James entered! And you saw him! You even found yourself grinning and humming as you restocked items throughout work.

“Why, someone’s cheery today! You were all doom and gloom last week, Y/N!” Alice commented as you both swept up some leftover dirt on the floor.

You leaned against the brush.

“Alice…can I confide in you?” you whispered.

“Oh, of course!” she said.

You softened your voice, the thought bubbling inside you like a hundred butterflies.

“Something…wonderful has happened. And something even better is about to happen…” you began.

“Ooo, don’t leave me in suspense! Tell me!” she urged in excitement, with a toothy grin.

As you leaned over, the words were right on the tip of your tongue. “I’m in love!! I’m in love and he loves me too! He finally told me yesterday! He’s going to talk to my father! And this means that-“

But instead, there was the sound of a loud engine and yelling. Muffled over crowds of people bursting into loud talk right outside the shop. The church bells were ringing, and they never rung outside of services.

“What’s all the fuss? Stay here girls- I’ll be back!” Mrs. Snow offered, opening the door.

All of you peeked outside. People were handing over newspapers. Some gathered around one gentleman in a motorcar with a brown mustache. And no one looked happy.

When Mrs. Snow returned, her face looked like a ghost.

“Ladies…we are at war with Germany.”

[reine-sigyn]

Imagines recevoir du courrier de ton mari James accompagné de son portrait...

Imagine receiving mail from your husband James accompanied by his portrait....

[tom-hiddleston-imagines]

- EAL

[vivvvy]

hello hello! my name is vi! before i get started with actually writing, i would like to be clear about stuff i will be writing about.

-Wednesday

Ajax Petropolis

Rowan Laslow

(not sure about this one yet) Bianca Barclay

-The Amazing Spiderman

Spiderman/Peter Parker

Gwen Stacy

-The Umbrella Academy

Diego Hargreeves

Five Hargreeves

Lila Pitts

Viktor Hargreeves

Ben Hargreeves

-Harry Potter

Harry Potter

Hermione Granger

Ron Weasley

Fred Weasley

George Weasley

-Cobra Kai

Robby Keene

Tori Nichols

Miguel Diaz

Sam LaRusso

Eli Moskowitz

Kenny (fluff or angst only)

-10 Things I Hate About You

Cameron James

Kat Stratford

Patrick Verona

Bianca Stratford

-Scream

Randy Meeks

Stu Macher

Billy Loomis

Sidney Prescott

Dewey Riley

Tatum Riley

-The Fear Street Franchise

Deena Johnson

Samantha Fraser

Kate Schmidt

Simin Kalivoda

Cindy Berman

Tommy Slater

Alice

Young Ziggy Berman

Young Nick Goode

that’s all for now! also, i will only write fluff or smut. it all really depends on the request, but i can also write imagines or scenarios. (x readers of course) no dark stuff, but just nice little things. (you’ll see!) anyways, that’s all for now. bye!

[alj4890]

Hii 🥰

What is something you love about your MC / OC? You can create and share anything you’d like 😍 HC‘s, moodboards, edits or drabbles. Have fun and gush about your MC / OC 🥰

Also what made you create your MC /OC what was your inspiration?

Eek! I love this idea @peonierose 🤣 So I did a little moodboard, or tried to 🤦🏻‍♀️ I wish I was better at them, LOL! I went with my OC Amanda Bridgerton. *on a side note, I'm still out of town so this was done after long theme park days and nights 😂 So my exhaustion might be shining through with multiple mistakes 🤣

One of the things I love about her is how once she is assured that her love interest returns her feelings, she immediately relaxes and is so giving with her heart and affection. She settles into the role of girlfriend/fiancee/wife with ease and does nothing but look forward to being with the one she loves. Her adoration of her love interest only makes him fall even more in love with her. Her gentleness and humor go a long way to endear her to those she considers hers.

My FC for her is Anne Hathaway. The other two FC's are James Marsden for Maxwell Beaumont and Jon Hamm for Thomas Hunt. Amanda was created at first for Maxwell Beaumont. In my HC, she is a duchess from Cordonia. Her duchy is St Orella. Her parents died at sea when she was twelve and she grew up with Liam, Maxwell, Drake, and Olivia. Her uncle, Nicholas Bridgerton "Uncle Nicky" raised her and was a huge influence on her life as well as her friends' lives. He was warm, fun loving, and wise and died shortly before the events of TRR.

I usually had her either crushing hard on Maxwell or in love with him. In a few older AU's of mine, they always ended up together. Amanda is also a successful author. From the beginning, I had her working with Thomas Hunt and Ryan Summers of Red Carpet Diaries to turn her book about her ancestor into a movie. In the beginning, I had her falling for Ryan Summers when she believed that Maxwell would never see her as anything more than a friend. Then I did something that changed everything 🤣

I decided to write an angsty piece with Maxwell and Amanda. I allowed Thomas Hunt to enter into the picture as a love interest and realized (along with a few others on here) that she was better suited with him than she was with Maxwell.

So the end of Maxwell x Amanda came about and I entered into the Thomas Hunt x Amanda saga.

I must admit writing their love story came about so much easier than when I tried to force her with Maxwell 😂😂😂 Now I can't imagine her with anyone else.

So, regardless of the Love Interest or the AU, Amanda is trying very hard to not be a suitor for Liam because she is desperately in love with either Maxwell or Thomas. And usually, they are working just as hard to make certain she doesn't have to.

Amanda longs to find the one she is meant for, marry, and have a family of her own. With Maxwell, she has two daughters, Nichole "Nicky" and Emily. With Thomas, she has three children, Kathleen and the twins: Ian and Elizabeth. All these names are what I wanted to name my own children, especially if I had been fortunate enough to have girls and one more boy. 🙄 I have two sons and was unable to have anymore due to serious health issues that developed after having my second son, so it at least I have my imaginary ones 😂

As for inspiration for my OC, it belongs with my late aunt whom I lost in 2013. Aunt Ann always encouraged my imagination and story ideas and she wanted me to one day write a story and have a character with my name (she loved how it looked written out). So Amanda has my first name and long before Bridgerton became popular on Netflix, I devoured the Bridgerton series of books back in 2016/2017 and gave her their last name in honor of my all time favorite series of books.

I've also given Amanda my own quirks and insecurities along with my dark hair and hazel eyes.

She has my hatred of having to stand and speak before large groups. She loves to dance. She loves movies, especially the classic films which is something I was raised to adore. Her favorite flower is the tulip and her favorite color is blue (which is also her duchy's color along with silver)

She is an only child like me. She suffers with many of the doubts I did as a teenager and young adult while waiting on my perfect match to appear.

She is highly critical of her own body like I am. She loves cheese enchiladas and chip and dip like I do 🤣 She laughs often which I'm guilty of and is pretty upbeat for the most part when she isn't wallowing in her doubts.

Amanda also over thinks things and jumps to conclusions though tries to be logical about them in her arguments much like I do 🤦🏻‍♀️ I also gave her my clumsiness. It's been so great to have in life 😂

LOL! I've given her a lot of me in case you can't tell. So if you like her, then chances are very high that if we were ever to meet, you'd like me too.