#julian's face was bothering me a little bit

[blackered]

Arcana characters x My fashion folder on Pinterest - Bonus Round!

All of the main 6 together!

(with a few revisions)

Start from Part 1 here

[penny00dreadful]

Can't start another WIP she said, bitch she fuckin LIED. Personal Assistant Steve to Rockstar Eddie snippet. Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 AO3

Smoke curled lazily above them in the slightly chilly night air. Neither of them had bothered to put any clothes back on but they were still warm enough from previous activities so it didn’t really matter.

The guy, Jake? John? James? J- Julian! That was it. Julian was standing next to him just out of arms reach now that the horny haze between the two of them had worn off.

Eddie supposed that was to be expected.

The poor guy probably had no idea if he was about to be booted unceremoniously out of a rockstars luxury hotel room after crashing together under a fog of uppers and thumping music at the after party before they both had quickly fumbled their way into Eddie's bed for the night.

He had no idea if fuckin' security or some shit was going to burst through the door and drag him out half or fully naked now that Eddie was done with him.

And it probably hadn't helped that they had been walked in on, they'd barely been in the room a minute before Steve came looking for him, talking a mile a minute about tour schedules and pre-approved interview questions before he'd realised he was looking at Eddie practically humping the guy against a wall.

They'd stopped when Steve walked in obviously but it had been pretty clear what they were doing and Steve, ever the professional had just rolled his eyes and told Eddie he'd be back in the morning.

Julian clearly had no idea if he was safe here now that the deed was done but Eddie wasn't an asshole. He could be a bit callous all right but he wasn't opposed to his hook-ups hanging around for a little bit if they seemed like cool enough people. And the guy seemed nice enough so he didn’t mind letting him stick around.

Julian sighed a little heavily and ran a hand through his muddy blonde hair. “I feel kinda bad now.”

Eddie turned his eyes over to him. “About what? The sex?” He pulled in a drag from his cigarette.

“No!” Julian answered quickly. “No, the sex was great, really. I mean about your... Your assistant? Probably not the easiest thing for him to see.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Eddie shook his head. “Steve’s seen much worse, believe me. The stories that man could tell.” He laughed. “It's not the first time he's walked in and it probably won’t be the last but he’s practically immune to it at this stage. He’s dragged me by the hair out of celebrity drug dens, parties… he’s pulled me out of more orgy piles than I can count so you know… no skin off his back. ”

“That’s not really what I meant.”

“What then?”

Julian grimaced and glanced down with a look somewhere between guilty and sad. “You really don’t see it?”

Eddie ashed out his cigarette, shrugging and headed back inside. He wanted to get back into bed, his feet were cold and his body was aching from the show he’d just performed. Honestly he could do with as much sleep as humanly possible but he hadn't any idea what the guy was talking about. He'd meant what he'd said, Steve had seen him in just about every position it was possible for a person to be in pre-sex, mid-sex and post-sex. This was nothing new to him.

Julian followed him back inside and hovered awkwardly at the end of the bed, trying to pick his words and unsure if he should be picking his clothes back up from the floor or getting back into bed.

Eddie pulled the corner of the covers back. “I’m not going to kick you out, you can stay if you want or you can go. Up to you.”

Julian bit his lip but crawled in regardless, lying down to face Eddie. The darkness of the room and the way the two of them were lying facing towards each other felt like some kind of confessional.

“He’s clearly in love with you, dude.”

Eddie couldn’t help the full on belly laugh that came out of his mouth. “Steve?!” He asked incredulously. “No way, man. He’s my P.A. and one of my closest friends. Plus the guy is straight as an arrow. Your gaydar must be off or something.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Well… I mean… look at him!”

Steve was… he was the straightest looking man around. All business suits, perfectly styled hair, slightly out of date glasses and ex-jock charisma and physique.

Julian didn’t answer, just cocked an eyebrow at him.

Eddie huffed. “Yeah, okay, I’m stereotyping but like… he fucks women.”

“You fuck women.”

“Rarely.”

“But you still do.”

“Okay… but… he… listen I know Steve, alright? The guy isn’t in love with me.”

Julian shrugged. “I dunno, man. I’m not trying to be an ass, I swear but it was very obvious… to me I guess.” He sighed again then muttered “Maybe I’m just very familiar with that look.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah." He tucked his hands under his head. "See it every time I look in the mirror.”

“Oh. Well shit. Who’re you breaking your heart over?”

“My best friend. Danny.”

Eddie hummed, rolling onto his stomach and shoving his arms under his pillow, rubbing his cheek against the fabric. “Tell me about him.”

Julian broke into a wide but bashful smile, so bright it was practically lighting up the dark room though it was sharply undercut with just a hint of melancholy.

“He’s the most loving, giving person I’ve ever met. He’d only just turned eighteen when both his parents died and out of nowhere he’s got three younger siblings that are now in his care and the guy barely knew how to look out for himself, you know? He once tried to microwave an egg to cook it. But he really stepped up. He grew up. Like, can you imagine being eighteen and having to go to parent-teacher meetings when you’d only just left school yourself and trying to teach his kid brother how to shave or talk his sisters through puberty… he’s just so… you know?”

Eddie wasn’t really sure he did know. This Danny person made him think of Steve, serial adopter of anyone even remotely younger than him. Sometimes older than him, if Eddie was to count himself. The kind of person who seemed to make it their life's mission to take care of others. He could see the appeal of Best-Friend-Danny, honestly. Steve probably had better hair though. He always had better hair.

“And Danny’s straight?”

“No.” Julian frowned. “He’s not. And I don’t know if that makes things worse. Because he could choose me. But he never has. Over and over and over again, he hasn’t chosen me. He probably never will. And I need him in my life. So I’ve learned to deal with just friends. It’ll... It'll be good enough.”

“Fuck, that’s heavy. I’m sorry man, sounds like it sucks.”

“It does suck. Sucks dick and balls, actually.”

Eddie allowed himself a little giggle at that but the whole situation had wound itself around his brain. Not for the first time he was forced to remember that there are other people out there, other people like him and other people nothing like him who use music, use sex, use drugs and drink and anything else they can get their hands on just to alter their minds for a few hours. Just to forget and get away from it all. Unfortunately this poor guy seemed stuck in the kind of tragedy poets have been writing about for hundreds of years.

They didn’t share any more words, both dropping off to sleep fairly quickly, lost in their own thoughts.

The next morning they shuffled around each other, lazy and easy now that any post-sex awkwardness had left, grumbling and sore from the show, the various substances they’d ingested, the after party and the sex from the night before.

They took turns in the hotel room's quite frankly obscenely fancy shower.

Julian slowly pulled his clothes back on, wincing whenever he had to bend his back while Eddie made it easy on himself, just throwing on his usual ancient and ratty lounging clothes.

The things Julian had said to him the night before were all but forgotten. Because it wasn't even something that was worth considering in Eddie's mind.

Steve? In love with him?

It was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard in his life. Steve was like some kind of clean cut poster boy for straightness.

Even if he wasn't straight they'd just be downright incompatible in every other sense of the word. He was punctual, a morning person, he exercised for fun, he watched sports, he was a bitch and he was always so put together.

Eddie... Eddie was none of those things.

Maybe he could be a bit of a bitch.

Sometimes.

Plus, even if it was true and that was a big if, Eddie wasn't in love with him back, so like...

Nothing would ever come of it anyway.

Just before Julian left, Eddie beckoned him back over.

The kiss wasn’t romantic, or heated. If anything it was downright platonic, like closing the book on their short story together.

“For luck.” Eddie smiled and patted him lightly on the chest, watching as Julian turned and left the room, his own small smile on his face.

It was nearly a half an hour later and Eddie was really getting into whatever episode of Real Housewives he’d stumbled upon, he wasn't sure, when Steve walked through the door, carrying a large and violently pink strawberry frappuccino with him.

Eddie made greedy, grabby hands at it from his lounged position on the bed. “You’re a saint.” He said, snatching it up.

“I’m aware.” Steve replied with a dry tone, hands on his hips.

Eddie gulped back two bitingly cold mouthfuls. “No, seriously, you’re the best thing to ever happen to me I swear to god." He gulped down another mouthful, ignoring the sharp throb in his teeth. "You gonna watch?” He gestured to the tv. “I think we’re a few episodes behind.”

Steve scoffed. “While I’d love nothing more than to sit on your dirty sex sheets, I have an actual job to do. Y’know, I have to organise your whole damn life-”

“Excuse you, I have an actual job too!”

“Drugs are not an actual job, Eds.”

“Tell that to a pharmacist.”

“Whatever. Drink your disgusting sugar and cream concoction and try not to get into too much trouble today. We're back on the tour bus at 6am sharp!” Steve started slowly backing towards the door, pointing at him. “And do not watch ahead from the last episode we saw together. We’re catching up on it over the weekend.”

“Can’t make any promises.”

Steve’s hands were back on his hips again and Eddie smiled around his straw.

“You’re the bane of my fucking existence, you know that?”

“Yeah, yeah.” He waved his hand. “Love you too, sweetheart.”

Something flashed across Steve’s face, there and gone before it ever settled. A tightening of his mouth, a clench in his jaw, a pinch in his brows, there and gone. Maybe if Julian had never said anything, Eddie wouldn’t have noticed. Maybe if the thought hadn’t been primed he wouldn’t have seen it.

How many times had he not seen it before?

Steve rolled his eyes, as bitchy as ever. “I’ll be back with the car in an hour. Try to look somewhat human by then, please?” He didn’t wait for an answer, turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him.

Well…

It was probably nothing…

Right?

Part 2 out now! Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 AO3

[thefishermansharbor]

‘ Lovers rock,’

The arcana! Royalty AU! X Reader blurbs. 

( Let me know if you’d like for me to make this into a fic! )

Asra Alnazar - The foreign viscount.

He was sent on behalf of his king to meet you, and strike an alliance of some kind. As a duke/duchess yourself, you had to often deal with ‘foreign affairs’. Unfortunately for you, most of these foreign affairs consisted of you having to deal with old boring royalty from other countries talk about how marvelous they are to their people, and how beneficial they’ll be to you. 

That’s why you weren’t expecting to see such a handsome and polite stranger walk into your hall for one of your ordeals. You assumed he was a servant or a chamberlain, surely not someone with such a title. 

“Greetings, I’m Viscount Asra Alnazar, your highness.” You shook his hand, and for the first time - he looked up to see your face from his bowing posture. 

“ – they weren’t lying when they said your beauty was a vision like no other..” The way his lips curled into a smirk and he looked so deeply into your eyes told you all you needed to know. 

You would be seeing him again soon. 

Muriel the outsider - The knight. 

You had known Muriel just about your entire life. When your parents had been too busy serving the country to help you, the little boy accompanied you. You don’t remember when your family first hired him, but he’s been there. Always. That sweet, quiet, human teddy bear, always five paces behind you.

But something had changed. All this talk of suitors for you, and alliances that could come out of your dating life. It was so confusing, and so you went to the only person you could truly confide in. 

“ Muriel?” 

He was shocked for a moment, before bowing to you and speaking. “ Yes, ____?”

You loved the way he said your name. He was the only servant or palace guest who called you by your name and not your title, you adored it. 

“ All this talk of my marriage is driving me mental! What do you think about it, Muriel? You know me well.. Who do you think would be a good option for me?” 

“ .. well, there’s someone..” He said absent-mindedly. 

“ Who?” 

“ .. “ He doesn’t respond, and just stares at you. Did he always look at you so lovingly?

Julian Devorak - The thief.

You rubbed sleep away from your eyes, holding up the candle. You walked through the silent, dimly lit halls of your castle. It was so late, even the most devoted servants were asleep. You kept hearing a clang coming from one of the rooms. You opened the door to the room at the end of the hall. 

There was a man, covered in black apart from his face. He was lit only by the pale moonlight, holding various bits of gold jewelry to his chest. He was.. Beautiful. He seemed to be stunned at you as well, 

You thought it was because you had caught him stealing, but you hoped it was because he thought you were just as beautiful as he was to you. Neither person dared to move, until eventually he spoke. 

He walked over, slowly. He took your hand, and kissed it. It seemed he was unsure of what to do in royal presence. 

“ Dear, forgive me. You must understand I steal with good reason,” He muses. 

“ who.. Who are you?” is the only thing you manage to say. 

He doesn’t know what came over him. You stirred something within him,  He knows better than to incriminate himself, and yet he spoke anyways. 

“ Julian..” 

“ Will I see you again?” You murmur, suddenly grabbing his gloved hand. 

“ perhaps. I must go now, my dear.”  He opened the window, you were left in a trance.

You have the sinking feeling you’ll be meeting him once more.

Portia Devorak - The Jester.

Sometime in your teen years, your family hired Portia to try and be of some entertainment to you. Despite never knowing her before, she always seemed to know exactly what was bothering you and how to fix it. 

You couldn’t help but be burnt out. Everything was fine with you physically, but you just felt tired mentally. Being a royal took it’s toll on you, and Portia noticed that it was particularly bad this week.

She skipped over to you, smiling and singing.

“ Hellooo your majesty! How’s the most perfect person in the whole of the kingdom?” You sigh, trying to stay grumpy - you can’t help but smile. Portia’s joy is infectious to you, you can’t help it. 

“ I’m fine, Portia.” She skips alongside you, before.. Tickling you? She tickles the back of your neck, your arm, everywhere! You erupt into laughter.

“ haha– Portia, Portia! Stop it– haha!” She doesn’t stop grinning and tickling you until you’re almost crying of laughter. 

“ Nuh-uh! Not until you tell me you feel GREAT, not just ‘fine’!” 

“ I’m great, I’m great– Portia, stop!” Even once she stops, you're still giggling. 

“ Good! I love it when my favorite person is happy,” She pulls you into a big bear hug.

You could’ve sworn she said ‘I love you’ under her breath.

Lucio Morgasson - The Prince. 

In the royal hierarchy, there were very few higher than yourself. But alas, there were people in higher rank than you. And Lucio happened to be one of them.

He was known for his lavish parties, and his ability to sway all kinds of guests. You thought you were an exception, you wouldn’t succumb to his charms. You didn’t like the way he did what he pleased when he pleased purely because no one stopped him.

“ Ah, the duke/duchess!” He walks over, and laces his hand through yours, twirling you. Before you can collect yourself, he’s shouting. 

“ Come here, come here!” He says, smiling widely.

“ GUESTS! LOVELY GUESTS! RAISE A GLASS IF YOU WANT ME TO MARRY DUKE/ DUCHESS, AND IF YOU THINK THEY’RE AWFUL – KEEP THOSE GLASSES DOWN!” 

In drunk fun, plenty of strangers lift their glasses. He flashes that drunken grin at you, and speaks again. 

“ The people have spoken, darling!” He wraps his arm around your shoulders. “ We should do it!” 

“ ugh, Lucio–” You peel him off you, “ no! You’re drunk!” 

But when you step away and really look at him, his golden hair and bright blue eyes, a thought occurs to you. What if you had said yes?

Nadia Satrinava - The teacher.

After failing several plans, and not coming up to grade with the necessary royal knowledge - the kingdom sent out for the best, a princess from culturally rich and important Prakra to tutor you. It was a win-win, you learned more and the alliance your country had with Prakra only tightened. 

When the princess finally arrived, you overheard her talking to her servants from downstairs. “ I do not understand why I must refine some – some fool! This is coming out of personal time, I’ll have you know, I just can’t understand why I am being forced to do this instead of serving my country.” 

You sigh.. Already she doesn’t like you. You decide to just take a breath and head down the stairs, it couldn’t possibly get any worse..

You walked down the banister in your formal clothing, clearing your throat at the top of the stairs. Nadia stops and notices you, going to introduce herself before stopping. 

You were beautiful. Truly wonderful. She blushes but then quickly recollects herself, 

“ Your majesty, I am Nadia Satrinava.. It’s the highest honor to meet you.” 

Maybe tutoring wouldn’t be so bad…

[hash-driveway]

Down With Me (Chapter Three)

I am so happy to be updating this!!! I finally have the free time to do so :)

Also on AO3!

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

A few weeks had passed since Julian and Ricky returned to Sunnyvale, and life in the trailer park continued to be a blend of chaos and simplicity that Roxie had grown to enjoy. She and Julian hadn’t spent much time together beyond their brief conversations in the mornings or the occasional friendly wave as they passed each other. Roxie tried not to let it bother her, especially after hearing from Bubbles that Julian was seeing a new woman—a cop, no less, named Erica Miller. The revelation left Roxie with an odd, unfamiliar feeling gnawing at her.

She told herself she shouldn’t care, that she barely even knew Julian. Besides, she had come to Sunnyvale for a fresh start, not to get tangled up with anyone, least of all someone whose life already seemed tangled enough. But no matter how much she repeated this to herself, she couldn’t deny the pangs of jealousy that surfaced whenever she saw Erica’s police cruiser parked near Julian’s trailer or caught a glimpse of the two of them together, sharing easy smiles and lingering glances.

Determined not to dwell on it, Roxie started putting herself out there a bit more, letting loose on weekends and meeting a few guys around town. She figured maybe that would help distract her and get her mind off Julian. After all, she was free to do as she pleased, and she was starting to enjoy the freedom that came with her new life.

One night, after a couple of drinks at the local dive bar, Roxie ended up bringing a guy named Tony back to her trailer. He wasn’t anyone special, but he was kind enough and good-looking in a rugged way. When morning came, he left without much fanfare. But just as Tony was stepping down from her porch, Roxie spotted Julian watching from across the street, a hard-to-read expression on his face. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment but managed to give him a small, defiant smile before disappearing back inside.

The next day, she went about her morning jog as usual, hoping Julian wouldn’t mention anything about what he’d seen. But as she rounded the bend and passed his trailer, he was there, leaning casually against the porch railing, his drink in hand.

“Morning, Roxie,” he greeted, his voice low and smooth.

“Morning, Julian,” she replied, slightly breathless from her run. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but she could feel her cheeks heating up as she remembered his stare from the day before.

Julian’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Then he spoke in a way that was gentle but direct. “Listen, I know you’re new around here, and you can obviously do whatever you want. But don’t settle for jerks, alright?”

The comment caught her off guard. She knew he wasn’t referring to Tony specifically, but something about his words felt… protective. She wasn’t sure whether to feel flattered or annoyed.

“I appreciate the advice, but I can handle myself, Julian,” she replied, a touch of defensiveness in her voice. “Besides, isn’t it a little rich coming from a guy who’s seeing the lady that comes around here to bust Ricky for selling weed out of his car?”

Julian looked slightly uncomfortable, and a brief, sheepish smile crossed his face. “Actually… Erica and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. She didn’t get it,” he said, his voice dropping to a quieter tone. “Didn’t understand my life here, what it means to look out for everyone in Sunnyvale.”

“Oh…Sorry,” Roxie’s expression softened at his words. “Guess it’s not easy being the neighborhood hero.”

He chuckled, but there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes. “Maybe. But this place, and the people in it… they matter to me.”

A warm feeling spread through Roxie’s chest, and she found herself smiling up at him. “Well, I get it. Sunnyvale’s… special.”

They shared a moment of silence, something unspoken passing between them. Roxie’s mind raced with thoughts and questions, wondering if maybe there was something deeper to Julian’s words. But before she could say anything, Ricky called out from down the street, waving frantically and clearly in the middle of another one of his predicaments.

“Julian, it’s Lahey, man! He’s all over my ass. Him and Randy keep talking about how they’re going to report me for selling on ‘trailer park property,’” Ricky said, rolling his eyes and making exaggerated air quotes. “As if they don’t smoke my stuff too! Bunch of fuckin’ hypocrites.

Julian leaned against Roxie’s porch railing, arms crossed, listening with a mix of frustration and concern. “Ricky, you’re supposed to be keeping things low-key. I thought you agreed to only sell outside the park from now on. You can’t be bringing all this heat here,” Julian said, glancing briefly at Roxie before shifting his attention back to Ricky.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But I gotta make a living somehow, and this is the only thing I know how to do. Look, I don’t got a plan, alright?” Ricky stopped mid-rant, looking between Julian and Roxie, as if an idea was starting to form in his mind. “Actually… Roxie, you don’t got a criminal record, do ya?”

Roxie blinked, taken aback. “Um, no? Why?”

Ricky grinned, looking at her with a spark of inspiration. “Perfect! You’re just the kinda person I need. They’re always watching me, right? But if you went in my place, just this one time to drop off something for one of my customers, Lahey and Randy would never expect it. I swear, it’ll be quick and easy.”

Julian’s jaw clenched slightly, and he shot a hard look at Ricky. “Absolutely not. Roxie’s not getting involved in this, Rick. Think of another way.”

Ricky groaned. “Come on, Julian! It’s one delivery. Besides, it’s a friend, not some sketchy guy. Roxie, you said you liked helping people out, right?”

Roxie hesitated, glancing between the two men. Ricky did have a point—she was all about helping out her neighbors when she could. Plus, despite her initial reservations, she liked the feeling of being a part of the community.

She felt Julian’s eyes on her, and when she met his gaze, his expression was unexpectedly intense, almost like he was disappointed in her for even considering it.

“Look, I can do it,” Roxie said, trying to sound reassuring. “It’s not a big deal, Julian. Just one delivery. I’m only going down the road, and I’ll be careful.”

“Roxie, you don’t need to be mixed up in this,” Julian said, his voice firm but a hint of frustration creeping in. “It’s not worth the risk.”

She furrowed her brow, feeling a little hurt by his reaction. “Why are you so upset? Ricky’s right—it’s not like they’re gonna watch me. I’m just helping out, that’s all.”

Ricky, sensing the tension between them, smirked and clapped his hands together. “See? Roxie’s in! She’s perfect for this. It’s just a one-time thing, Julian. Relax.

Julian looked away, his jaw tightening as he weighed his response. Finally, he sighed and muttered, “Fine. But if anything happens, it’s on you, Ricky. And you,” he turned to Roxie, his gaze softening, “you let me know if things start to feel off at all. No matter what.”

The way he was looking at her now—his concern so palpable—made her heart ache a little. She didn’t want him to worry, and she wasn’t exactly sure why he was so adamant about keeping her out of this. She only nodded, determined to show him that she could handle it.

“Got it,” she said with a small smile, trying to lift his spirits a little. But his frown stayed.

Ricky gave a triumphant grin, oblivious to the tension as he handed Roxie a nug of weed, nestled in some plastic wrap. 

“Alright, so here’s the deal. Just bring this over to old man Terry in lot 34. He’s a good guy, been a loyal customer for years. You’ll just knock, hand it over, he’ll give you the money, and be done. Easy.”

Roxie took the bag, gave Ricky a nod, and started off. But as she walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Julian’s worried gaze on her back.

~

The delivery went off without a hitch, just as Ricky had said. Old man Terry, a kind but scruffy-looking guy with an oversized flannel, thanked her with a toothy smile and shut his door, leaving Roxie to walk back with a sense of accomplishment and cash in hand.

When she returned to her trailer, she found Julian waiting, leaning against her porch rail with his arms crossed. Relief softened his expression when he saw her. “Everything went okay?”

“Yeah, I told you it would,” she replied with a little grin, hoping he’d lighten up. “It’s not like I was robbing a bank or something.”

But Julian’s face remained serious. “I just don’t want you getting involved in stuff that could get you in trouble. You don’t need that. Especially here.”

“Why, though?” she pressed, folding her arms. “You trust Ricky and Bubbles with this stuff all the time, but when I step in, you’re all…upset. What’s the deal?”

Julian shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at the ground before meeting her eyes. “It’s different with you,” he finally said, his voice quieter. “Ricky and Bubbles…they’re used to this. But you just got here. You wanted a fresh start, didn’t you?”

Roxie softened a little, understanding where he was coming from but still feeling a pang of hurt. “I did. But that doesn’t mean I’m fragile, Julian. I like being part of things here, and that means helping out when people need it.”

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know. I’m sorry if it seemed like I don’t think you’re capable. I just…” He trailed off, looking at her with something unspoken in his eyes, something she didn’t quite know how to name but that made her heart race.

“It’s alright,” she replied softly. “I just don’t want you to think I can’t handle things here.”

They stood there for a moment, an understanding hanging between them. Finally, Julian nodded, offering a faint smile. “Alright. But still, if anything goes down, you call me first.”

Roxie grinned. “Promise.”

Julian shook his head with a quiet laugh, heading back to join Ricky and Bubbles as they continued arguing about lot fees and Lahey’s latest schemes. As he walked away, Roxie felt a warmth settle over her. She might not understand all the nuances of Julian’s protectiveness, but the fact that he cared—well, that was more than she’d had in a long time.

[sarawritestories]

You're Breathtaking

H.R. Wells X Curvy Fem Reader

Summary: Our reader is having a hard time feeling good in her skin and can't help but compare herself to Iris and Caitlin. Though, with the happy go lucky Earth-19 Wells, he reminds her just how beautiful she is inside and out.

Content Warning ⚠️: 18+ READERS ONLY!mentions of insecurities, including weight and facial features (though very brief). Fluff and a little bit of steam, partial nudity😏

A/N: I wrote this because i was feeling pretty low and wanted a story where A Wells shows the reader how beautiful she is on the inside and out. Just like the person reading this story 😊

Tags: @eonash, @twilightlover2007, @yetanotherwells

Everyone was in the cortex, taking advantage of the quiet afternoon of no meta activity. Barry stretched at his desk and stood Iris following, "I'm calling it a day," he looked at his fiancé and smiled, "I think im gonna' take my beautiful lady on a date." Iris smiled as he scooped her up and sped out of the cortex.

Caitlin smiled as her phone began to ring, and she smiled at her phone, "Julian wants to get dinner, so im heading out as well." She gave everyone a warm smile and a wave, "Have a goodnight."

Cisco and Y/N were the only two left as Wally and Jesse were on a running date. Cisco sighed and faced his friend, "Alright, Y/N, I dont feel like staying here, want to grab a drink?"

Y/N shrugged, "Maybe some other time i don't really feel like going out." Cisco nodded and took his stuff and bowed in front of her as a form of goodbye.

Y/N was left to her thoughts. She looked down at her stomach and crossed her arms around her torso. Feeling insecure, she looked at her reflection on the dark monitor and groaned. She couldn't help but compare her facial features to Caitlin and Iris. She thought those two women were absolutely stunning and felt her features paled in comparrison.

The sound of drum sticks against a desk pulled her out of her stupor. "Hey, H.R." she pushed a smile for her friend.

H.R. who was grinning ear to ear when he walked in, frowned knowing something was off with his friend, "What's wrong, Kitten?"

Y/N tried to smile bigger to ease the worry of his friend, "What are you talking about? I'm fine."

H.R. shook his head, "I may not be a genius, but i can tell when something is bothering someone. Especially if it's someone i care about," Y/N's cheeks began to warm under his gaze, "Talk to me, Y/N."

With a sigh, she began to divulge how she didn't feel as beautiful as Caitlin or Iris and feels like no one finds her attractive. H.R.'s heart broke as she poured her secrets to him, and when she finished, he went around to where she was sitting and engulfed her in a hug.

He pulled away and grabbed her hands, pulling her up. "Meet me in the speed lab in 10 minutes. Okay, Kitten?" She nodded, and he gave her a brief kiss on the cheek as he fled out of the coretex, his big grin returning to his face.

~10 minutes late~

Y/N walked into the speed lab and saw a full lengh mirror in the center. H.R. right next to it. "What's this?"

H.R smiled with mischief in his eyes, "Do you trust me?" Asking as he held out his hand.

She nodded and slid her hand into his. He twirled her, spinning her until her back was flush against his front, and she was forced to look at the mirror. H.R.'s hand splayed against her stomach a smirk on his face. Through the mirror, she saw him lean his head to her hear, " Take your dress off, Kitten."

His whispered command caused chills to ripple off her spine. She placed her hand over his, "Why?"

H.R smiled and looked at her eyes through the mirror, "Well, I want you to see what I see."

Y/N closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she grabbed the edge of her dress and lifted it over her head with H.R's help. Her black lace bra and panties on display on instinct she covered her stomach with her arms. H.R. grabbed her arms and pulled them from her, his breath hot on her ear, "Don't hide from me, Kitten."

Y/N shuddered a breath as his hands grazed her arms up and down, "What do you see?"

Y/N sighed, "I see someone who is plain, boring, unattractive."

H.R. began to leave a trail of kisses from her cheek to her shoulder blades, causing Y/N to moan. "That's not what I see." He paused and turned her to face him. He stared into her beautiful eyes and cupped her cheek, "I see a strong, beautiful, smart woman. That has big dreams and life goals. I see someone with passion." He lays his hand on her waist and pulls her closer to him. "I see a goddess of a woman. One who i am in awe of every day." He brought his face closer to hers, "someone who lied to me today."

That broke Y/N from her stupor, "How?" She questioned her voice above a whisper.

He smiled, resting his other hand on her hip, his thumb making small circles, "You said no one found you attractive. That was a lie. Because I believe you are the most beautiful woman i've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You just need to believe that yourself. You don't need me to tell you how amazing you are. The truth is life is brighter and happier with you in it, Kitten. You just need to see it for yourself."

A small tear fell against her cheek as she crashed her lips to his. As he pressed her against the mirror, they spent the rest of the evening with H.R. showing her just how much he loved her.

[section-69]

Okay Destination Trek notes! First here's what I really liked:

- Everything was SAG compliant and there was so much important strike talk. Obvs this made some questions impossible to answer, and it was slightly hard to predict what would be wrong to say just since different actors had different comfort levels (big range from "I support my comrades but I'm not gonna pretend I'm not in Star Trek" from David Ajala to J G Hertzler encouraging us to threaten media executives with [COPYRIGHTED SPACE WEAPON] to Terry Farrell not wanting to mention working on TV or film at all), but honestly it just made the whole thing really friendly

- on that note, multiple guests said it was the best convention they'd been to in years. I don't have a lot of personal experience with them, but I was talking to a lot of older fans and many of them said this felt a lot like the early days of conventions which were also set in hotels

- being in a hotel made it a) more accessible (and there were So Many fellow disabled Trekkies to prove it!!), b) easier to hang out between activities, and c) just super personable. The guests could hang out in the bar with the fans, there were lots of comfy seats everywhere, and it was very easy to step away if something wasn't your speed.

- not being in London helps the vibes too

- not being Paramount affiliated made the tickets a bit cheaper (much appreciated)

- most of the activities were teamwork focussed. Initially I was a little freaked by that but actually it gave the whole thing a friendly social club vibe

- science talks! Community talks! Asking the actors questions about their lives and work outside of what they're most famous for! Stories we haven't all heard a thousand times!

- I'll make another post about the specifics of accessibility and why I liked this infinitely more than the official ones in London aircraft hangars, but I just really have to stress how important I found that here

- being fan organised and fan led, the focus was on us and how much we love this shit. I didn't find the old format Bad in this respect, but this really did hit different

- J G Hertzler is seriously the coolest person I've met. He stole my craft group's batleth and we couldn't be happier about it.

- So Many Cool Cosplays!!! Shout out especially to the drag queens, the older man cosplaying Admiral Janeway, the Voyage Home Spock and inflatable whale, the power chair decked out to look like a shuttle, all the babies in uniform, the tribble queen in her tribble pelt dress, all the Klingons who didn't artificially darken their skin, the furry doctor from lower decks, all of the Borg, the Klingon pug with a plush batleth, and so so many others I'm forgetting ❤️🖖❤️

Notes for Future Cons

- If you don't already have access to it because of an expensive ticket, I wouldn't bother paying for the opening ceremony. It's not actually at the start of the event and also it's literally just the actors coming on stage, saying hi, then rushing back to the autograph tables. Do go to the closing ceremony though! There's way more of a point to those

- If you're not a huge extrovert, already drunk, or completely happy in awkward situations, I wouldn't recommend being the first in the door at the parties. Give it an hour or so - they sounded very lively later on, but when I tried to go in earlier the primary school disco vibes were off the charts. Plus the music's too loud to actually talk to anyone, and no one's dancing yet. I did see one guy run past with a portable charger for his friend in a wheelchair that lost power on the dance floor though, so clearly they got cooler later on lol. Addendum here that I'm an autistic non drinker so that might colour things.

- to the white folks darkening their skin for generic Klingon cosplays, reconsider that one next year

- to the white guy wearing brown face paint to cosplay Worf specifically, what the fuck, man??

- to the person who boo'd the mention of Julian/Garak at the LGBTQ+ panel, fight me but also maybe skip whatever the equivalent is next year cause Andy Robinson's booked to come

- host mocked Scottish accents a couple times :(

- here's hoping the unions will have their demands met and we'll be able to talk about Star Trek publicly with actors who can access healthcare and pay their rent. But if not, at least we know the con will still be fun.

- maybe see you in Blackpool next July 💙

[ectogeo-rebubbles]

trick or treat! 🧛 (also edith just did a dramatic meow so i think she is saying "trick or treat" as well)

Hehe thanks for the ask! And, awww, hi Edith! 🥺

(for this ask game)

Here's the start of a soft hurt/comfort wip that I have mostly written (but I'm stuck on like the final paragraph and I still haven't titled it), about Julian asking Garak to cut his hair on the runabout after they escaped from Dominion prison together:

There hadn’t been any mirrors on the asteroid. He hadn’t thought much about this at the time, escape and survival being the more pressing matters weighing on his mind.

But, in the runabout on the way home, Julian caught his reflection in the bathroom mirror, and for a moment he couldn’t breathe. The scruff on his face and the greasy bits of hair curling down to poke his forehead didn’t just feel bad, they looked it too, and the dark circles under his eyes were evidence of the impossibility of a restful sleep on those cots in the barracks. 

He turned away, feeling incongruous with himself, unable to stand the haunted stare of his own reflection. He knew he’d eventually have to look at himself to finish grooming, but he could at least put it off until after a shower.

The water pressure wasn’t very strong on these runabouts but at least it was an option. The sonics on the asteroid had been put on the highest setting so that they didn’t need to allow the prisoners more than a few moments each to shower. It always left his ears pounding for hours afterward, and he never quite felt clean. 

But now he could forego the sonic setting and stand under the pleasantly warm spray of water for as long as he wanted. Even until his fingers pruned and the damp seemed to seep down into his bones, if he so chose. So after washing up, he leaned against the wall, eyes closed, letting the water just wash over him, letting the humid air fill his lungs and drown out his thoughts for a little longer, before finally shutting off the water. 

“Doctor?” Garak said from the other side of the refresher door, startling him out of his daze. He realized that the shower had been off for a minute maybe, but he hadn’t yet moved to leave the stall.

“Yes, Garak?” he called, while starting to towel off.

“Are you all right? You’ve been in there awhile.”

“Just finishing up,” he said. “I’ll be out in a moment, I…” He looked at the dirty uniform, still lying crumpled on the ground from when he’d stepped out of it. “Actually, wait— Are you still there?” he asked through the door, wrapping the towel around his waist.

“Yes.”

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, could you replicate me a new uniform?”

“The kind with the blue shoulders or the gray?”

He flinched. He’d forgotten about the recent changeover. He’d forgotten, yet again, that time had passed normally for everyone else even while it had been frozen in stasis for him. His lookalike would have been wearing gray. Julian himself had only tried it on once before putting it away in his dresser until the change became mandatory.

“Personally,” Garak continued, filling the silence left by Julian’s indecision, “I find the gray ones much more offensive than the more colorful ones.” 

“Offensive?” He felt off-balance. What was he talking about?

“Mm. The quilting and the color on the shoulders are both clearly meant to evoke the elegant shoulder ridges of a Cardassian.” Julian pictured him rolling his shoulders as he said it, letting the scales ripple and slide past each other. “I know you Federaji consider imitation the highest form of flattery, but this mimicry is so crude that you really shouldn’t have bothered.”

Julian let out a huff of laughter and shook his head. It really was amazing how just hearing one of Garak’s ridiculous rants about fashion or Cardassian superiority (or in this case both) could cheer him up.

“Well, maybe you’d better just get me some civvies then. Whatever you’d like. You have my measurements. Surprise me.”

“As you wish, Doctor.” He heard Garak move away from the door.

Julian ran his fingers through his hair, brushing the encroaching curls off of his face. Maybe he could get Garak’s help trimming it. Then he wouldn’t have to face himself in the mirror just yet.

[sweetestlittledarling]

Little Smiles

Three short stories of how the Songbirds and the Love Interests Share Special Smiles. I wanted to include all of them in someway so that's why these are a bit more like drabbles and they are special to each character.

True Smile (Lark/Muriel)

It was on a summer evening when Muriel saw it again. Muriel didn’t even realize it until he looked up from the tapestry in his lap and looked across the firelit room. Ianna was asleep in her spot, happily snoring as Lark sat not far away studying his own tapestry with a surprisingly careful eye. Muriel watched Lark for a bit, feeling something was different but unable to put his finger on it. The younger man was humming to a tune Muriel could not place but that wasn’t anything new. Where Muriel was silent Lark was always making some kind of noise. The only time he could ever truly be quiet was when he was asleep though not always. It had bothered Muriel in the beginning, but it had started to grow on him like the rest of Lark. But that wasn’t it…. wait…

                Lark was smiling.

                It was calm, a small upturn of the lips that would have been missed if someone wasn’t looking carefully. It made Muriel pause a moment as he realized that this was a rare occurrence. He had witnessed it before, a few times on their journey together, mostly when they were being honest with each other. But, here, in their home, where there was no journey to make nor dangers to face...

                It was comfortable.

                Muriel rose from his seat and moved quietly over to the other side of the room. Lark looked up as he came over, still smiling. “Sorry, was I humming too loud?”

                Muriel shook his head as he sat down, his body bumping Lark’s gently as they were now very close. “It’s nicer over here,” he said. He felt a happy warmth spread through him as Lark’s smile grew a little and felt a little bit of weight as Lark leaned against him.

                Muriel’s lips turned upwards as the humming continued.

Side Note:

*This story was inspired by the Vocaloid song ‘Pierrot’ which has always made me think of the emotional journey between Lark and Muriel (with Lark being the nameless clown). My favorite cover is by a youtuber Ashe who I think sounds a lot like what I Imagine Lark’s singing voice to sound like.

...

Playful Smile (Sparrow/Julian)

“I can’t thank you and Julian enough for what you have done for these children,” Mother Dolores said one sunny afternoon.

                Sparrow laughed as she watched Julian, currently the villainous Captain Devorak, run after the many children who were screaming and laughing as he charged after then again, chasing them from one side of the courtyard to the next. “You don’t have to thank us mother. I think in all honestly this is Julian’s favorite day of the month.”

                “I think it’s the orphan’s favorite day as well,” Dolores agreed, letting out her own little laugh as she watched the scene. “They rarely get an adult playmate who is so animated as the doctor is. He really is like a child himself.”

                “Don’t I know it,” Sparrow sighed happily. It was nice to see Julian let loose and not look like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. She wished there could be more moments like these. Just as the thought hit her she watched as Julian tripped trying to snag another child and took a face plant into the pavement causing several of the kids to cry out in surprise. She could hear Dolores cry out, but Sparrow was quick to move, kneeling at the motionless doctor’s side. “Julian! Darling, are you okay?”

                Julian’s lips turned upwards as with his one visible eye he gave a quick wink before shutting it again.

                Sparrow looked around at all the concerned child faces gathered around and realized exactly the part she would have to play. Carefully she flipped Julian on to his back, noting any battle wounds and then dramatically put one hand to her heart and her other wrist to her forehead. “Oh, my darling Julian! Please children! I can’t bare to look! Will you see if he is breathing?!”

                The children peered in cautiously, whispering concerns and hopes that their large playmate was okay. Right when they were all close enough Julian’s eyes snapped open and he burst upwards, uttering a sound of excitement as all the children jumped back in terror and surprise. “You think that a simple fall can defeat the famed Captain Devorak?! It would take a greater fall then that to defeat me!”

                The children cheered as the chase began once again.

…

                As the sun set in the evening, Julian and Sparrow said goodbye to all the children. A little girl tugged at Julian’s shirt and the doctor squatted down to look her in the face. “Is there something I can do for you my dear?” he asked smiling. The girl said nothing, but wrapped her arms around the doctor’s neck in a tight hug and placed a paper in his hand before running off to join the other children for supper. Julian’s face was beat red as Sparrow helped him out of the building, her arm wrapped around his waist with one of his arms wrapped around her shoulders. The paper turned out to be a picture, a childlike drawing of the doctor and all the children with the words ‘Thank you Doctor Devorak’ in big letters across the bottom.

                Sparrow smiled as she gave Julian a little squeeze. “We’ll have to get it framed.”

                “Indeed,” Julian said, a smile gracing his features. “I think I have the perfect spot in my office for it.”

                “Though first, we probably should take care of that headwound from earlier as well as that knee that I figure must be the size of a pumpkin by now.”

                Julian laughed and winced as he leaned on Sparrow for support. The scrape on his forehead was still rather red though luckily wasn’t bleeding, even though it was noticeable. “A few battle scars are worth it when it comes to the enjoyment of those children!” Julian declared. “Plus, if anything it gets me a night under the tender care of my favorite doctor who isn’t actually a doctor.”

                “Oh, who is that exactly?”

                “Why you my dear Sparrow, I trust no hands but yours to treat my wounds and my heart,”

Side Note:

*I imagine that as a part of cleaning up the city an orphanage is finally built and you know Julian is fighting every darn doctor in that city to take care of those kids. It maybe only once a month but heck if he is going to let anyone else have one of his favorite days.

...

Heartfelt Smile (Robin/Asra)

It started in his chest. He could feel a warmth that spread outwards like a fire, not burning but enough to warm his inner being. Robin recognized the magic nature of it almost immediately as a little smile tugged at his lips.

                “You seem to be in a good mood,” Sparrow mused, giving him a bit of a waggling eyebrow.

                Robin laughed. “It’s just a nice day is all.”

                “Sure, it is,” Sparrow answered, rolling her eyes playfully.

                She couldn’t know exactly what was going on and It almost made Robin feel like he was keeping a happy secret. Him, the responsible older brother keeping secrets?  It was kind of nice having this one thing to himself and it made him smile just a bit more.

                “Well, I am going to go make us some tea,” Sparrow said as she passed by him to the kitchen. “Want me to make you a cup?”

                “Yes, please and probably make one for Asra as well.”

                “You rang?” Asra chuckled as he appeared from the back smiling wide, “is it teatime?”

                “Sparrow is making some now,” Roblin said as he came around the counter, meeting the magician halfway.

                Asra sighed happily as he slipped into Robin’s arms with snake like grace. “Mmm, so warm,” he hummed, “I was just thinking about how happy I would be to be in your arms again.”

                Robin laughed again. “Really, I hadn’t noticed.”

Side Note:

*This one comes from the idea of the fact that Robin and Asra share a heart so they share kind of a secret feeling. A smile if you will. The twins kind of know about it but would never fully understand. In the past Robin and Asra shared a more mental magic connection but now it’s through the heart which I think works better for them.

[multifandomfix]

The Grey Lady’s Grin — Fanny Button

Summary: You’re Fanny’s little secret, until the ghosts become suspicious of her uncharacteristically good mood and Kitty catches sight of the two of you.

Word Count: 1,235

Warnings: Bit of angst, but mostly just fluff

No one said the afterlife would be easy. This became evident when the house your spirit resided in did not contain one, but nine, other ghosts roaming about. And that wasn’t even counting the group of ghosts that had perished during a plague, but at least they kept to themselves in the basement.

Your trouble came in the form of privacy, or rather, the lack thereof. The ghosts formed a tight knit group, as you were quick to realize. That didn’t bother you at first, seeing as you had to admit that a few friends could easily help whittle away the monotonous hours of your eternal afterlife. When privacy first started becoming an issue is when you took an interest in Lady Fanny Button. It was hard to get a proper moment alone with her, seeing as there was always someone hanging about.

But it was in those rare moments of shared solitude with Fanny that you formed your bond. Seeing her smile while in your company gave you that familiar feeling of butterflies in your chest, despite your heart no longer beating there. She seemed at ease with you, though no less herself; prim, proper, but able to laugh and share stories of her life with you. She really opened up and that’s when you fell in love.

You and Fanny would often fall back from the crowd as they carried on some game, challenge or other hijinks amongst themselves and they hardly noticed your absence. When you finally confessed your feelings to Fanny she was understandably flustered by such a declaration, but the adamant denial she would have shown at reciprocating such feelings in front of the rest of the group was gone. Instead, her cheeks merely flushed, her usually well hidden self doubt creeping in as she dropped her gaze from your eyes. You reached for her hands, letting her know she needn’t say it back, not until she was ready, but from there blossomed a new chapter for the both of you.

You understood when Fanny told you she wished to keep your relationship a secret. Frankly, you were keen on the idea as well. You treasured your time with her, just her, and maybe you’d both be ready to share that part of yourselves with the group, but for now, your arrangement was more than enough.

You met up at midnights. It was when you both could be comfortably assured that the rest of your ghostly group would be in bed, or otherwise occupying themselves in their own rooms. That’s when you and Fanny would sneak away and spend some real time together. Though you could not play any music of your own, and you dare not ask Julian for you both knew how nosy he could be, you danced to the sounds outside of owls and frogs, or simply sat on the sofa and talked.

One night, after taking a turn about the room, you caught Fanny gazing forlornly at the piano. "I used to play, you know," she confided when you’d asked.

"I had no idea, but I bet you were marvelous." You beamed at her, but she didn’t smile back, her face quickly forming a frown instead.

Then Fanny shook her head. "I was no great talent, but I could play a few nice tunes. Mother always said it was a waste. Who was I going to play for, she’d ask me. I’d had no husband at the time, nor any interest in the prospect."

"Well I, for one, would have loved to hear you play." You held out your hand to her which she took, giving it a firm squeeze as if that action alone could hold back her tears.

It wasn’t always so sad though. You shared many a night filled with love, laughter and happiness. She’d been able to confide in you, sharing stories, both good and bad alike and three months of keeping at your secret midnight rendezvous, you finally got to hear her say she loved you. You parted that night with a tender kiss and were pleased to see such a wide grin gracing Fanny's lips the following morning when you all met up as usual.

Despite her efforts in trying to hide her uncharacteristically good mood, everyone could tell something was up with her. She kept tight lipped about it, and you followed suit, not that anyone even thought to question you on it. Met with denial after denial, they finally ceased their line of questioning, at least for the time being.

That afternoon was a bright and sunny one, leading most of your little group to take a walk out in the open air. As everybody went their separate ways, you and Fanny snuck off together to the garden. It felt good to be with her in the light of day. Your midnight meetings may have provided some moonlight and an air of romance, but bringing it out into the open sun meant something too.

It was when you leaned in to kiss her that the both of you heard an audible gasp. There was no doubt that the voice in question belonged to Kitty. She had spotted you. Fanny refused to look at her as she approached, quickly turning away, not that it was going to stop Kitty’s curiosity. She put her arm out, a stern enough warning to cause Kitty to halt in her tracks, keeping her a good few feet from the two of you.

"I don’t know what you think you saw," Fanny began, and you couldn’t quite believe she was going to try and talk her way out of this considering that it had to have been absolutely clear what had just transpired between you.

"Fanny," you interjected, "it’s time." You reached out and put a hand on her arm, lowering it back to her side as you slid your hand down to hers until your fingers laced together. "Kitty, will you gather the others, please?"

"Of course," she readily agreed, scurrying off to complete her task.

In the time she was gone, you had almost successfully talked Fanny down on the matter of still keeping your relationship hidden. "We don’t have to share all of it with them, but they should know. We still don’t have to do anything around them that you don’t want to, and I will personally put a stop to anything Julian says about us. Is that alright?"

Fanny considered it a moment, but nodded in agreement, finding your terms rather reasonable, and not long after, the crowd had gathered. "Are you finally going to tell us the source of your pleasant demeanor today, Lady Button," Pat asked.

"I think it’s quite obvious, Patrick," Thomas piped in. It was then that you realized that your fingers were still firmly entwined with Fanny's. Pat's eyes followed Thomas's and so did the rest of the crowd.

"Ah, so it’s you," Julian said. "You’re the source of the grey lady's grin," he remarked.

"It’s true," Kitty confirmed on your behalf. "I spotted the two of them kissing here in the garden." She let out a gleeful laugh and smiled brightly at the two of you.

"If I may say on behalf of us all, I think it’s wonderful. May you both make each other endlessly happy."

"Thank you, Captain," you replied. "There’s nothing I’d love more than to always see her smile."

For @whenyouhaveanobsession

Forever Tag: @baubeautyandthegeek, @ghostsunderstoodmysoul, @icetown587, @immyowndefender, @valencethefriendlychangeling, @crimsonwidow666, @rebelbossheart, @thedailyspiritualist, @orangeisnttheonlyfruit, @woman-simp, @justinmitchellfan, @aperol-with-izzy, @leonoralessoem, @ellepossum69

Fanny Button: @mattxxamryli, @casserole-from-dads-asserole, @fog-on-the-moon, @wellthen18203, @iciclesandsnow, @whenyouhaveanobsession, @jukebox-opossum1313, @astrangequark

[wanderingwriter87]

Evil Author Day 2023

Not that evil, actually. This scene was part of a planned midquel to "a comma in the middle of a phrase" but it probably stands on its own.

***

He wore his hair longer and looser now - most people did, but he thought it particularly suited him. The traditional military style with the stiff pomade wasn't practical in a post-war bombardment zone. 

Then again, Julian remembered him that way. Would it be wise to appear different in their first face to face conversation since the end of the war?

After a good deal of deliberation, he elected to tie it back so that it wasn't terribly noticeable, but slung the excess over his shoulder so the doctor could comment on it if he wished to. 

"Garak!" Even over the holovid, the sparkle in his eyes was evident. "You look - oh, you look fantastic. The climate must really be doing wonders for you."

"Hmm," said Garak, eloquently. "And you haven't aged a day, I see."

The boyish smile was back. "You're not a very good liar these days, are you? I know I look like hell."

He really didn't.

"You really don't," Garak said. With a casual motion, he flicked the rest of his hair back behind his shoulder. Just as he'd hoped, Julian's eyes followed the movement like it was the springball at a particularly high-stakes match.

"Your hair!" he enthused, jumping a little in his seat. "Is that -" He cut himself off with a laugh. "I'm sorry, I just remembered how you feel about the word ponytail."

"Try comparing the back of any Cardassian's head to the ass of some - beast of burden, and see how it goes for you."

"Don't get me sidetracked! Your hair!"

"Yes, I know."

"It's long!"

"Surely you've noticed the old styles are coming back into fashion since the war. In the end, it was more politically expedient to blend in than to keep styling it the way I used to."

"Oh, I'm certain that's all you were thinking! It suits you."

"You think so?"

"Very much," Julian murmured. "Do you ever braid it? You know, like Dr. Parmak?"

"I haven't," Garak said. It was close enough to the truth. "It's…unusual to do, except under particular circumstances. It's known to have a sort of spiritual significance. Parmak started doing it to himself years ago as a sort of political statement, and it became a signature look for the dissidents of the time. I don't know how it would come across if I started doing it."

"Well, maybe just in private then," said Julian, leaning in a little closer. "I'm quite good with my hands, you know."

"Are you trying to seduce me into letting you braid my hair?"

"Why, is it working?"

"You are an exceedingly strange man."

"Look, I just like doing it. It's soothing. And I haven't dated anyone with long hair in a while so I -"

He very clearly realized what he'd said and stopped abruptly, eyes widening. He swallowed dryly, and Garak sat there watching him, just letting him suffer. The councilor didn't bother hiding the little smile that tugged at his lips, though. 

"I just mean," Julian said at last, everything coming out in a breathless rush, "I just mean it can be a bit intimate so I wouldn't just go around - but you I have been - well, we've known each other a long time and it's not -"

"Doctor -"

"I know we've been - I know we've always - you know, and I figured, well, you practically begged me to come to Cardassia so -"

"I did not beg!" Garak exclaimed. 

"- and I'm not saying I didn't want to, I really, really do, but I - I always come on too strong. And it always ruins everything."

"Doctor…" No. "Julian…"

That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes still wild and anxious. 

"Julian, you won't scare me off. Surely you know that by now."

"You say that…"

"And I mean it. When we met, I was numb. It was all just a buzz of white noise and nothing. You were the first thing that felt real. Even after you brought me back to the land of the living, I wanted…I always wanted more. More conversation, more of your time, more of your smiles and prying questions and fits of righteous anger. It was never, ever too much. You were never too much."

The look of raw emotion on Julian's face was almost too much to bear. Garak understood now, he thought, why the doctor had been reluctant to call. The urge to touch him, to soothe him in some way that words couldn't, twisted like a knife in his ribs. 

"Elim," he said, like he was trying out the taste of it. "I…"

"You were right," Garak cut in. "As much as it pains me to say it. This is - too difficult to discuss remotely. We'll come back to it when you arrive planetside."

Julian looked dazed. He nodded. "Okay," he said. "Yes. But I…"

"I know," said Garak firmly. "Please, Julian. Not now."

Annoyance seeped into his expression. "This was your idea, you know."

"Yes, and I really did want to discuss logistics. You're the one who got things off track."

"You flipped your hair at me! What was I supposed to do, not mention it? You'd never forgive me."

"Doctor, please. We need to discuss your accommodations."

"Starfleet's providing a stipend."

"Yes," Garak said, amused. "I'm the one who arranged for it. The money isn't the issue."

"Alright."

"I did attempt to reserve an apartment for you in the high-rise across from the Project, but there must have been some kind of mix-up, because they've filled all the spots again. Thankfully I have space for a guest until things are cleared up. If you don't object, of course - then you could set aside the stipend and use it for other expenses as they come up."

"Some kind of mix-up!" Julian echoed, with a grin. "Garak, you're unbelievable."

"I'm inviting you to be my guest, dear. You could be a little more polite."

"You're asking me to move in with you, is what you're doing. I can't believe I thought I was coming on too strong."

"Doctor, I'm offended."

"How many beds do you have, Garak?"

"...I was going to acquire another."

"You absolutely fucking weren't."

"I was! Just - only if you seemed put off by it."

"Oh my God."

"I didn't think you would be. You've been throwing yourself at me in your postscripts for a week now."

"That is hardly the point!"

"What is your point?"

"I don't know! I suppose that I'm just annoyed with myself for being so anxious about this whole situation when you're just as bad as I am. What an absurd pair we make."

"I'm not certain I appreciate that framing, but you seem to be feeling exceptionally fragile this evening, so I'll allow it."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Oh, thank you. I know you Cardassians are made of sterner stuff, so I'm grateful for the consideration."

[igotsnothing]

sims get to know me tag!

I was tagged by @aurorangen, who has one of the sweetest Postcard Legacy Challenges going on. I'm always struck by how pretty her game looks, how vibrant her screenies are--and Robbie's little angry face wins the internet. Thanks for the tag, friend!❤️

1. What’s your favourite sims death? Dying of laughter. I did not expect it at all and when it happened I was struck by the irony. One moment of hilarity=tragedy. This damn game!

2. Alpha CC or Maxis Match? I like Maxis mix. If I love the cc, it doesn't matter.

3. Do you cheat when your sims gain weight? Nah. If the sim is active and enjoys exercise, it might happen naturally.

4. Do you use move objects? I don't think I could play without it.

5. Favorite mod? MCCC, WonderfulWhims, Pose Player + teleporter, Stand Still in CAS so I don't lose my mind with the occults hissing and spellcasting and howling.

6. First expansion/game/stuff pack you got? This will surprise NO ONE: VAMPIIIIIRES!

7. Do you pronounce “live mode” like aLIVE or LIVing? Like aLIVE because in my head it's like, "We are going LIVE!"

8. Who’s your favorite sim that you’ve made? Oh, that's a tough one. I don't think I have a fave. I love Lou Howell, Morgyn + Caleb, Hester and Frederick, my starcrossed lovers, even poor little neglected Finn...But recently I've been having a lot of fun with Lawrence and Julian.

9. Have you made a simself? No. That would freak me out a little. I'm weirdly and irrationally superstitious (I know, I know...).

10. What sim traits do you give yourself? Bookworm, creative... goofball

11. Which is your favorite EA hair color? It depends on the sim and the hairstyle, but I do like dark brown.

12. Favorite EA hair? Again, it depends on the sim. I do find the loose side braid very flattering on most sims, though.

13. Favorite life stage? YA because more gameplay options become available and you feel like you have time to start things properly.

14. Are you a builder or are you in it for the gameplay? It depends on my mood, but I do like coming up with scenarios complete with sims and elaborate locations. I guess I'm in it for the storytelling?

15. Are you a CC creator? I made two band t-shirts in simlish. I'd like to make more but I got lazy haven't had time lately.

16. Do you have any simblr friends/a sim squad? I have this fear of bothering other people that is quite ridonkulous because this is social media and it's all about community. So far, everyone has been so nice, though! And there are several simblrs who have been especially kind, supportive, and fun/interesting to interact with!

17. What’s your favorite game? In the Sims franchise? Sims 4. (Otherwise, my other obsessions are Geralt of Rivia and Corvo Attano...and kicking Solas' arse someday)

18. Do you have any sims merch? Nope

19. Do you have a YouTube for sims? No

20. How has your “sim style” changed throughout your years of playing? Until earlier this year, I played The Sims off and on. I always found decorating relaxing. But then I tried out Pose Player, which led to wanting to share my screenshots, which led to creating a simblr, and then discovering Reshade, and Blender, and editing in PhotoShop...It's been so much fun learning about all these things...All because I wanted to try something different in my gameplay!

21. What’s your Origin ID? It's not worth checking out.

22. Who’s your favorite CC creator? OOOF! Have you met my Mods folder? It's organized chaos. I love ALL the creators because they make this game so much more beautiful and fun! I'd have to say that the creators I have the MOST cc from are Felixandre and Natalia Auditore (like, Natalia is my shepherd and I shall not want...)

23. How long have you had a simblr? I started this simblr at the end of March. It's fairly new-ish.

24. How do you edit your pictures? Sometimes just Reshade, sometimes a little Photoshop action, sometimes a bit of both.

25. What expansion/game/stuff pack is your favorite so far? Other than the obvious, I really like Paranormal and Cottage Living.

26. What expansion/game/stuff pack do you want next? I don't know, but I'm on board with the people who said they'd rather see improvements and fixes to what already exists. I mean, watching my sims walk past the kitchen sink to wash dishes in the bathroom is painful.

Who is gonna get tagged? Here are some folks I haven't seen as much on my dash (Tumblr algorithm wreaking havoc) and have been missing: @smok3inm1rrors, @silentsundown, @mlady-mimsy, @agena87, @magicofsimplestories, @m0n0lithical and anyone else who might be up for this❤️

[kagedbird]

TESSDE AU (+ Lucia :]) (Lucia part 13)

Allora: No.

Kaidan + Taliesin: *spluttering* 'No'?!

Inigo: *shaking his head, leaning against the wall*

Kaidan: Lass, you were literally burnt near to a crisp!

Taliesin: Cherub, reconsider. I don't want to risk you becoming upset and us not be able to help.

Allora: No, you want the chance to be snippy and petty and glare at them while they attempt their apologies. Which, I respect it. But I can't allow you to. So you have to stay outside.

Kaidan: *growls* Love, I know you care about Lucien, but this is a lot to ask of us. You've been in a back and forth since we got to this damned place. Why even bother givin' them the time of day?

Allora: Kai. If your mom was alive and you were in this situation, what would you do?

Kaidan: *glares heatedly* That's a low blow.

Allora: I'm not saying it to upset you, or to dredge up any pain. I want you to understand him, put yourself in his shoes. I'm willing to give them a chance for him, and for Lucia. She doesn't want to lose her father- she's lost enough!

Taliesin: *sighs tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose* ...Five minutes. I do not care if they're in the middle of a soliloquy about their feelings on Sheogorath's mounds of cheese, we will be coming in to check on you. If you are at all upset, I will carry you to the cart myself.

Allora: ...Okay. Five minutes. Each.

Taliesin: *narrows his eyes*

Allora: *sticks out her tongue* What, you want them to talk over each other in their apologies? Rush through them? You're lucky I'm agreeing to a time limit at all.

Inigo: I admire your patience.

Allora: [dryly] I'm well practiced.

Taliesin: Less interjections from the peanut gallery please.

Allora: *rolls her eyes* Look. If they offer me money or to buy my favour, guilt trip me, or try to manipulate me, I'll call out for both of you, and we'll leave. No buts, no please, no waiting- we leave. I'll call for Odahviing to head back home- no I will not tell him to eat them, they'd give him indigestion.

Kaidan: *mouth open to snark, closes it and frowns*

Allora: I know what I'm doing. Trust me, I have a history of being played by manipulators. I know how it works. Inigo will stay in here as a mediator, and if I'm incapable, he'll get you. Okay?

Inigo: Even in a tense situation where you both are very grumpy, I would hope you trust my capabilities. It will be okay!

Kaidan: ...

Taliesin: ... *pouts* ...Can't I at least mock them a little bit?

Allora: *chuckles* No. I love you. Get out.

Taliesin: *huffs* So bossy. And yet I love you as well. *steps over to kiss her temple, brushing her hair from her face before stepping back*

Kaidan: *grumbling and arms crossed* Cannae believe this shite...

Allora: *crooks a finger* Come here, pouty. Give me a kiss and then head out.

Kaidan: *sighs through his nose, stepping forward and kissing her lips, pulling away after a moment* Call us immediately if there is a problem.

Allora: I have you on speed dial.

Kaidan: *furrows his brows in confusion but just shakes his head and steps back, leaving the room with Taliesin*

Inigo: *watches Allora sigh and slump tiredly in the bed, walking over to adjust her blankets* Hopefully, in either direction this goes, you will be able to rest soon.

Allora: *yawns, sinking into the bed more* I'd like that... I'm so tired...

Inigo: After being burned alive by a very testy dragon, dealing with healing back up, and romantic and familial issues, I would assume so. It would be weirder if you were not.

Allora: *laughs* Very true. Is Lucia all right?

Inigo: I told her to stay in her room and draw for a little while, while the conversation happened. She seemed sad, but understood.

Allora: *nods, holding his hand and kissing his knuckles* Thank you. I appreciate you being so level headed about everything.

Inigo: *tail waves happily* But of course! Someone needs to be, with all the shouting and upset. While I feel for Julian and like his parents, things have certainly not gone well for you or Lucia, and I cannot say I am pleased about it. But everyone deserves second chances! You gave us all second chances. Why not them?

Allora: *pulls his hands to her cheeks, leaning her head into his palms* Yeah... but only if they mean it, obviously.

Inigo: I believe they will. They have not given me any reason to see their actions as particularly malicious. Ignorant, perhaps. Lots of foots in mouths. But never purposefully hurtful.

Allora: *hums and nods before a knock is heard in morse code: They're here* Okay. Show time. Let them in?

Inigo: *presses a kiss to her forehead before pulling back and heading to the door* I've got your back, my friend.

[juliansummerhayes]

A simple life

How much time, energy and print has been devoted to this rubric?

A lot.

Too much I'd say.

Hell, you could say it's become an industry in its own right.

But, and here's the thing: it doesn't appear to have changed the way the majority of us live out our lives or the way the cultural narrative is shaped and driven. Instead, BAU is the order of the day, namely, that which goeth up (e.g. growth, prosperity, stuff of all stripes) is at least part of the apotheosis of a life well-lived.

That's code for saying: "Who the hell wants to be poor in body, mind and spirit and (personal) effects?"

No one I know.

But, imagine if we could all make a course correction on an unprecedented scale such that we stopped eating the future and doubled down on growth.

Can you see it? Can you see it? Can you see it?

I can but only through the prism of an apocalypse. In other words, the Book of Ely type future where we've had our lunch et al. stolen by dint of an anthropocentric disaster of such epic proportion that many millions/billions of us will be blown off the face of the earth. (I do wonder if qua humans we're programmed to react rather than to act -- it's just a thought.)

Of course, this brand of 'the sky is falling in', whilst it's gained a little traction, is way too extreme to be taken seriously, and in fact the louder the 'hue and cry' the more likely it is (sadly) to be consigned to the margins of our capitalist ideal.

For my part, I no longer spend as much time watching and listening to the 'end is nigh' message not because I don't believe it or believe it will happen, but because it tends to bring about my darker, depressive and altogether antinatalist tendencies; and that's not good for those around me.

"Oh dear god, he's on his soapbox again".

Not just that but it tends to make me sound desperately misanthropic which I can be but then again, I think that a form of solipsism -- or it can be.

You might ask why I'm bothering to share these few words. It's a good question but it probably bears on my need to wonder out loud at the hubris that we're so easily sold on but appear not to want to take to heart. What that says about those proselytising a message they know won't travel any distance I'd prefer not to say but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to wondering: What's the frigging point?

Anyhow, I'm off on holiday today. Am I doing much? Yes, a little but it's sort of in the work space or might be if all goes to plan.

In any event, I'm sure to read a bit more poetry and more of Jay Ramsay's book, "The Dangerous Book: The Bible As You've Never Seen It" or a biography of Francis of Assisi.

Take care, Julian

Photo by Bhargav Panchal on Unsplash

[casspurrjoybell-17]

Hart and Hunter - Chapter 27 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Julian Hart

"What have you been up to, Rian?"

Not much of this made sense to me but I was fairly certain I'd just been called an 'it' and a 'child' in one sentence and decided to take offense.

"Excuse me," I say.

"But who the fuck are you?"

The tall Fae turns to me with a smile, though it isn't a friendly expression and raises his brows with mock incredulity.

"What? Has my dear brother failed to mention me?"

"Must have slipped his mind," I say, glancing at Halloran, whose face has become like a mask.

"Julian, this is my father's son, Prince Darragh," he says.

"And those two are my cousins, Alyth and Sylv."

"A pleasure, I'm sure," I say, although I'm not particularly sure at all.

"What the hell are they doing here?"

Darragh smirks and turns his attention back to Halloran, ignoring me.

"So, brother, what is taking so long that I must come to discover the cause of your delay? You have the beast on a leash and Beauty here, in hand. Why do you not return to court?"

"You know it's become more complicated than that," Halloran mutters and nods at the Fae holding Ingrid.

"What did you do to the She-Wolf?"

"Nothing. She's insurance. She'll wake up with a bit of a headache but otherwise, she'll be fine and don't bother screaming for the others," he adds, glancing at me.

"We're in a pocket. They won't hear us."

Halloran frowns.

"Pockets don't last long and you can't stay here. What is your plan?"

"Simple. We take the boy home. Once he's been... re-educated... father will put him to use."

"Like he did Rhiannon?"

Darragh nods.

"Only, this time, no mistakes. You should have known better than to get the changelings involved."

Slowly, I turn to Halloran, whose face has gone stark white.

"Julian... it's not what you think," he says, raising his hands.

"It's..."

"Oh, I imagine it's exactly as he thinks," Darragh laughs.

"The irony is almost too delightful," he adds, moving to stand in front of me.

"Just imagine... if your Wolf hadn't contacted the Fae when he was so desperate to rescue you, we'd never have known you existed."

"If you hurt Dane, I'll..."

"Oh, never fear," Darragh says with a smirk.

"We won't touch a hair on his wolfy head. We'll leave that to our cousins... the ones you call skin-changers."

Shot through with shock and anger, my muscles tense for attack and my Fae aspect grows more pronounced.

With sharp nails and teeth and a snarl on my lips, I prepare to launch myself at Darragh.

Unfortunately, the other Fae is faster and with a motion almost too quick to see, he raises his hand and blows a puff of air in my face.

Surprised, I stumble back a pace and bump into the tree at my back as a fine powder gets in my eyes and mingles with my breath.

"What the hell...?"

I cough as my senses waver and my muscles go weak.

Halloran catches me as I slump and supports my weight with an arm around my back and I lack the strength to push him away.

"Just a little 'faerie dust," Darragh says, brushing off his hands.

"Ignorant as you are, it seems you've stumbled upon some of your natural gifts through instinct or dumb luck and I'm supposed to deliver you unharmed."

"Deliver me... where?" I gasp.

"To Faerie, of course. Or more precisely, to my father, King Oberon the Third. Now, we're breaking quite a few rules just by being here and the Confusion I cast will only last so long. We'd best get moving. Rian, I assume you can handle the babysitting?"

"No," Halloran yells, his arm tightening about my waist, as he takes a step back, away from the other Fae.

"I've told you... things have changed, Darragh. The war is over and I have a duty here. The changelings are our enemies. We should be allying ourselves with the Wolves."

Darragh's smile spreads, transforming his beautiful face with a predatory grin.

"Oh? Still feeling guilty, are you? Well, perhaps you're right... perhaps I'll go back to Father and explain exactly why everything went so wrong last time. I'm sure he'll forgive you... when you're dead."

"You wouldn't."

Halloran shakes his head.

"Brother..."

"Half-brother, as you're so quick to point out," Darragh says, his smile vanishing like a snuffed flame, leaving his face cold and his beauty cruel.

"Come now... we can settle our little family feud later. For now, it's a long walk to the standing stones, even through a pocket and if I were you, I'd rather not be anywhere near this place when that Wolf catches wind of us."

[fumikomiyasaki]

“Your hair keeps falling into your eyes, do you know that? Here, lemme just—”

for any that you would like :3

Soft sentence starters

It was a windy day... many students seeked shelter in the main building, waiting for lunch to be over and the next lessons to start, Julian hummed amused as he saw Makoto sit alone on a Bench and decided to sit down next to him.

"Oh Mako~ why is your handsome face down like this?"

"Nothing... just an assignment bothering me..."

Curiously the demon looked over his shoulder and pushed his glasses up.

"The answer is 56."

"Huh?"

"If you add this to that and make the solution up in your head it can only be 56."

Makoto looked at him and then had a sudden realization.

"I often forget how smart you are..."

"Come on, I take that as an insult cause that will make me happier, can I get a reward for this?~"

"Urgh..."

As he sighed in slight annoyance... Julian looked closer at him.

“Your hair keeps falling into your eyes, do you know that? Here, lemme just—”

He leaned closer to tug that bit of left over hair behind his ear but given how close he was Makoto got really red looking at him and Julian had a wide smile cause of that. Leaning a little bit closer to tease again but instead of a kiss he was stopped by Makotos hand.

"Not here... I prefer to be alone."

"Fine... but I will still steal it later."

The Demon had a wide grin on his face however both quickly got disturbed by their sisters who spotted them as well... at least Julian had the satisfaction of being able to tease him like that.

[damnedsoulsneedsleep]

AZ & JULIAN’S TEXT EXCHANGE

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

don’t you think it’s a little weird no one is talking about the incident? it's like it never happened

AZ

oh hi hello julian it’s so nice talking to you how have you been

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

i think we’re beyond that small talk thingy still waiting for an answer here

AZ

and i’m still waiting for you to be a decent human being might die before it actually happens tho

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

i am a decent human being just a bit selective when it comes to making friends tell me you remember what happened this morning

AZ

you are a jerk to everyone i don't call that being selective of course i do someone pulled the fire alarm and i had to text my mom and ask her to bring me a change of clothes why are you even asking me this?

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

that’s not true merci mon dieu! so i'm not going insane do you remember who did it?

AZ

i beg to differ on that statement yes i wait that's so weird i was certain i talked to that person

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

shsbdjdjdbdkdjdb are you kidding me rn?? you did talk to that person i was there i dhdbdjdjdbfkdbdk i don’t remember shit not even their face and i always remember faces!

AZ

wtf okay so apparently i texted my mom about the culprit i didn’t mention a name or a gender that's all i got wait says here that i told you to leave them the fuck alone cause you were bothering them right checks out def sounds like a me thing and a typical jerkish you thing

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

… didn't remember that what was i saying? do you remember?

AZ

idk but it says here you were questioning them

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

def sounds like a me thing please tell me you are at least a bit concerned about not remembering something like this

AZ

are you suggesting someone brainwashed us? that shit's not possible i think you need a nap did you hit your head in fencing practice or something?

CAPT’N DOUCHEBAG

and you need to open your damn eyes never mind forget i asked

AZ

whatever have a nice nap