#kate's garden gate

[tru-makes-quilts]

One quarter-ish, or so, sewn together!

[sterredem]

Big steps

Lando Norris x Royal!Reader

Face claim: girls on Pinterest + Taylor swift (for outfits)

Summary: meeting the royal family a big step for Lando, especially when they are your girlfriends familie… and the media is there too

Word count: 1987

Warning: hate?, not proofread

A/N: this is the fic for the results of the poll! I hope you like it. I chose England as the country because I thought it would be interesting with the whole akte Middleton thing. I do not know a lot about the real royal family but this is how i imagine it.

Also reader will be the oldest daughter of Princess Kate and prince William she will be 22 years old. I know this will not be logical with the time line of them being married and stuff but we will just ignore that.

Y/n knew that her life was different, she was the princess nonetheless. But she didn’t expect this.

She had always loved motor sports and when she got the chance to attend a race in her country she always did.

But still she didn’t see this coming. It all happened so fast. First them meeting, him not knowing who she was so making a fool out of himself. Then Agee that him figuring it out and still liking her for her. Not het status or fame, no just her. Then them continuing to talk for a while. And then a few months after him asking the big questions, her saying yes and the now.

Het introduceren het boyfriend Lando Norris to her family. And of course he had met them already. They where the royal family of England his home land after all. But still, this was different.

Because now he will be introduced as her boyfriend. And that was pretty big thing for him, he will first be meeting her parents and with the recent controversy surrounding princess Kate that will be a bit nerve wracking for him. But after that it will be a bit more relaxing and he will meet her siblings.

But he knew this would come eventually, he was dating the princess so he should meet the royal family eventually. And now that it had been a few months since him asking her it was about time for him to meet them.

So when Lando arrived at the gates of Adelaide Cottage and saw y/n standing there in her full beauty with her gorgeous yellow flower dress he knew he was in for a rollercoaster.

So after taking a deep breath he walked forward to his girlfriend to meet her family.

“Het Lan. You ready?” She asked with her charming smile and her kind voice.

“Yeah. Just a bit nervous.” He said with a small laugh trying to not make it awkward.

“Hey it’s going to be alright. They are going to love you and you are going to see that the royal family is not just a bunch of rich people that rule the country.” She said teasing him a bit with his Nieves but still keeping it light.

“Okay. I’m ready love.” He said now being a bit more relaxed with what the princess said.

“Okay. Come on I will show you around first and then you can meet my parents.” She said while grabbing his hand and gently tugging him towards the garden. “We should go around the garden first and then I will show you the inside, but there might be a chance we will run into my family so that’s why I will first show you the outside.”

“Okay that’s good” Lando said while walking after her. “Hey y/n…?” Lando asked now nervous again with what he wanted to ask.

“Yeah? What is going on love?” She asked wanting to know what her boyfriend was nervous about.

“Umm… have you’re family said anything about me?” He asked now a bit embarrassed about asking. But he wanted to know because they were her family after all. So if they already thought something about him then he wanted to know so that he knew how to make a good first impression.

“Well they asked about you yeah. And they asked the basic things and did a background check. But they think you are all good. They only know the basic facts and a few of the things I have told you.” She said smiling a bit while talking. Thinking it was cute with how he was so worried with how they will think about her.

But the princess knew that they would like the driver. They did to the search because you wouldn’t want the princess to date a serial killer. But they did it and he was all good. And with a few things she told them about. They seem to be excited about meeting him. But it is maybe not the best time with princess Kate recently being diagnosed with cancer and with the loads of controversy around the family. But now that it was all revealed it was about time for them to meet her boyfriend of 9 months.

She also knew that it was almost a year in there relationship and that he I shuts know meeting her family. But with them both being busy they just hadn’t hat the time.

“Okay that’s good.” The driver said now being relaxed again. But still having doubts in his mind.

After that they walked around the garden and talked a bit more.

When they were done outside they got to the entrance and she showed him the inside.

When she showed his most of the house, he only had a few more rooms to see. But she knew that her family would be in those rooms. So she stood still for a second to talk to him.

“Okay Lando. On that room will be my parents. Are you ready?” She asked a bit nervous for him. She knew that they would like- no even love him.

“I think I am. Just mentally prepared myself” he laughed a bit while saying the last bit. He was less nervous than when he arrived but it still isn’t fully gone.

“Hey it’s going to be fine. My parents are probably the most nerve wracking but when we meet my siblings it will be a lot better.

Lando thought about it and prepared a bit more. He took a few deep breaths and then looked up at his princess again. “Okay I’m ready”

“Okay, come on in.” She said with a smile squeezing his hand softly and leading him in to the room. She opens the door slowly after looking at him one last time.

“Hey, we are here” y/n said tugging Lando in the room with her and then closing the door. Her parents sat at the table at the room and when they saw them they stood up and walked to them.

“Hello Lando, it’s good to finally meet you.” Prince William said to Lando while shaking his head.

“Hello Lando it’s nice to finally meet you. We have heard a lot about you.” Princess Kate said with a smile on her face while shaking her head after her husband was done.

“Hello it is an honour to meet you.” he said with a shy smile after shaking the royal pair’s hands.

The youngest princess in the room smiled at her boyfriend and her parents. She was happy that they finally met.

After a bit of ice breaking with small talk they were all a lot more comfortable with each other.

After what seemed really short but was actually an hour Lando and y/n decided that they should meet her siblings. So they said goodbye to her parents and made a promise to meet again and then walked a bit further into the house to the next room with her siblings.

Lando was a lot less nervous to meet them. He met her parents and that was good so meeting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis would also be alright.

Once they came to the room his girlfriend turned to him. “Okay this will be more relaxing. They know you and will probably first be a bit protective but then they will be more teasing. So nothing to worry about.” She said while smiling.

“Okay. I’m ready love” Lando said feeling relaxed with his girlfriend.

She opened the door and they walked in. Her siblings turned to her and immediately stood up. They walked towards the pair and inspected Lando immediately.

“So you are Lando? Y/n’a boyfriend?” Princess Charlotte asked.

George begin talking immediately after. “Wait are you the racing driver?” He asked getting a bit excited with that he and his sister both like Formula 1.

Lando didn’t even get to speak because Prine Louis began talking “so you are the man she can’t stop talking about” he said with a teasing smile.

Y/n was already beginning to get tired with them so interrupted them before they were going to overwhelm Lando with questions. “Okay guys stop with all that. Yes this is my boyfriend, Lando. Lando this is George, Charlotte and Louis. Guys this is Lando. And yes George he is the racing driver. And Louis don’t say that.”

“Hello everyone” Lando said already going in to his being with kids mode a bit.

After the first bit of the awkward conversation it all became better and y/n was right. They were now a lot more teasing instead of protective. But it was still fun.

And they asked a lot of questions. Like ‘what was it like with Lewis Hamilton?’ ‘Have you really not won a race?’ ‘What is it like being a F1 driver?’ And Lando was able to answer every one of them. And he enjoyed it a lot. He enjoyed hanging out with his girlfriend and her siblings. And enjoyed there questions and there small arguments and teasing bond.

After what again felt quite short but what was actually 2 hours they decided that it was a long enough day and said goodbye to her siblings. They again promised to meet again and now walked outside to the car.

“So what did you think?” y/n asked with a small smile thinking back with how good he was with her family.

“It was great. They are all very kind and it was better than expected.” Lando said while looking at his girlfriend. While talking they walked to the car (with of course a private driver).

Once they came to the car he opens the door for her and they stepped in. “That’s great!”

While talking they didn’t notice people taking pictures. And that was a bit of a problem, because while they are dating for quite a while. They have not yet announced it. They will eventually but they wanted to wait a bit and see where it was going. Even a lot of the drivers didn’t know that they were dating. The only people on the grid that knew was the McLaren team, his teammate and Carlos. All because McLaren needed to know so they could keep it private, Oscar knew because she was in the garage a few times (in secret) and so he had questions and then Lando explained. And Carlos knew because Lando and him are great friends so he just told him.

So if it came out that it was them then that would be problematic.

But because they didn’t know they didn’t really care. So they drove to her house and they spent the rest of the day together.

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After the tweets Lando and y/n (together with their PR teams) decided that it was time for them to go public. So they took pictures, made a caption and posted it

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Instagram

Lando Norris and the royal family

Liked by: GeorgeRussel, maxverstappen and 20.000.000 others

We are proud to announce that Princess Y/n and Mr.Norris are happily in a relationship and they are happy to finally show it to the world.

Comments are limited

Maxverstappen: Why do I only hear about this now?

GeorgeRussel: Lando Some explaining please?

CarlosSainz: I am happy to say that in knew all along!

Oscarpiastri: finally announcing it? Happy for you both! (I also already knew!)

McLaren: Happy for the (kind of) new couple! (Admin also already know!)

After finally announcing that they were dating Lando got a lot of messages from confused drivers. And the couple had a fun time laughing about it.

Lando explained it to them and when Y/n made her first paddock appearance at his home race as his girlfriend. Let’s just say it was a wild day.

But they knew they could live trough it. And with Lando now having met her family and her eventually having met his and the drivers they where very happy and knew that they where many to be.

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Bonus:

A/N: This is a longer fix than the last. But I deeply like it! I hope you also like it! I really tried to make it as long as possible but still make it fun. I also personally really like the twitter ‘beef’ between user6 and user7. Let me know what you think! And please Like comment or reblog! I would love feedback

I am not really happy with how it turned out but I hope you enjoy it! Please tell me if I made an error or something!

[maturemenoftvandfilms]

The Duke of Edinburgh

CHAPTER ONE: The Thirst is Real

Featuring Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

I had been invited to join the Royal Family at the Order of the Thistle Service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. Apparently, the service celebrated Scotland's highest honor of chivalry and appointed Queen Camilla, and Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, members of the Order of the Thistle. I dressed in formal suit and drove over to the Cathedral, and I was escorted through security to my seat.

Shortly thereafter, the Royal Family arrived, minus William's wife, Kate while her chemotherapy treatment for cancer continues, or Princess Anne who is recovering at home after an incident involving a horse. The ceremony featured plenty of pomp and ceremony, with The King and Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Edinburgh wearing the iconic green velvet robe and black hats topped with white ostrich feathers while Sophie opted for a soft pink dress and matching hat.

Charles looks every well considering what he's been through, Prince Edward looking more desirable by the day, and their wives looking homely as usual. William looked handsome, with his mother's good looks, and a hint of Charles in him. Maybe in another 10 to 15 years, I'll make a run at him. I greeted each one with a handshake and bow before finding our seats.

Throughout the ceremony, I would scan the crowd admiring the many men at attendance. Occasionally, Edward and would lock eyes, give a small smile before quickly looking away. This happened any number of times. I could not help but stare at him, then look at Charles. With him going though his recovery treatment and I passing Andrew along, I wonder if I should shift my focus the youngest son of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

After the service, the four members of the royal family separately toured the garden party, meeting a large number of guests and despite grey clouds that threatened rain only a few spots fell. Before I left, Edward slipped a note into my palm. After I got in my car, I opened the note and read it. It said, "Meet me at the back gates of Edinburgh Castle at midnight tonight, Edward."

I knew where he was referring to and as midnight approached, I made my way to back gates of Edinburgh Castle, walking in the moonlight. I came to the ruins and as I approached Edward came out from behind a wall wearing a jacket, a light blue button up shirt with sand-colored boots. He turned toward me, smiled nervously, and motioned for me to follow him.

The journey across the grounds of the estate was unbearable. Cameras to dodge, security for the prince to nod away. But we found a small cottage and as soon were inside Edward pulled me towards him and kissing me passionately.

“Well, there’s a nice way of welcoming someone, Your Highness.” I grinned as I pulled back from Edward.

“Call me Edward, please.” He replied breathlessly, “I jacked off thinking about you often after that time in the woods. And no sign of you for months and here you are!”

“Sorry about that." I replied, “It has been a busy year dealing with your brother's affairs."

Dealing with both his brother's affairs, I thought, chuckling to myself as our eyes met, and he kissed me gently on the lips. I could feel the bulge growing in my shorts and could see Edward had noticed as well. With a twinkle in his eye, Edward kneeled and slid my pants and shorts off, throwing them onto a nearby chair.

"What a lovely cock." Edward crowed before he took all of my cock into his mouth. Then he tightened his lips and pressed with his tongue and slowly sucked his head up my shaft. Oh God! He repeated this again and again and my cock got harder and harder. Then his tongue was licking my head and under the ridge surrounding it. Damn, no problems about deep throating with this laddie. He just took me right in without hesitation.

“Oh, fuck yes.” I moaned in delight as I started to thrust, and face fuck the prince.

The feeling was electric and euphoric as he reached around and gently fingered my ass while sucking harder and fast on my cock. As much as I wanted to make it last, my body began to show him an orgasm was coming. He immediately changed course, got up from his knees and kissed me passionately.

Frantically, we both took off our remaining clothes. I partially unbuttoned his shirt and reached in. He wasn’t a bodybuilder by any means, but while his upper torso was wiry it was also surprisingly muscular, especially for a man his age. His chest had a little hair, compared to Charles and his nipples were cute and hard. I began licking one nipple, stroking his cock with one hand and feeling his ass with my other. His eyes told me he was enjoying me, but I wanted more. We both got properly on the bed, laying there with our arms around each other, stroking each other’s neck and shoulders.

I found his nipples again, and after lightly twisting the plump buds. I bent down to suck on them hard as they got plumper, going from side to side while his Edward ran his hand through my scalp. Back and forth I went, sucking on Edward’s nipples while the sounds of my suckling filled the air. His chest heaved as his breathing grew more rapid, working down his lean body until I reached his royal 8" cock which stood upright, surrounding by a cloud of brown fur.

My hand deftly peeled the crinkled foreskin down to expose the head, which my tongue toyed with until my mouth engulfed the cone. My lips slid down his shaft until they were buried in the pubes, and then I bobbed up and down the stiff dick, pausing occasionally to go down to the loose hanging balls as the prince’s legs churned in place. The end came far too soon for Edward as my skills coaxed his orgasm despite his best efforts to delay it.

That orgasm was exquisite however, as once it started it seemed to go on forever. Waves of pleasure kept rushing up and down his aged body as I kept sucking Edward’s dick long after he was drained.

“That was…” Edward said as he searched to find the words, and after failing simply pulled me close to him.

“I thought you weren't new to all of this.”

“I'm not," He replied, "but I have only been with three men before my marriage to Sophie and each has awakened me to more and more pleasure. I like the feel of a cock in my mouth, I enjoy feeling it spasm as I suck it dry. And only one of them had fucked me and I quite enjoyed it.”

I told him that I would be honored to be his second. He nodded his head yes like an excited puppy and turned onto his hands and knees. He spat into his hand and reached around to prepare his royal love hole. I slowly fingered his tight asshole, gently reaming him so he could accommodate my cock. I gently touched my head to his ass ring. I gently circled with it and then slowly thrust forward, he squeaked as I expanded his sphincter with my cockhead. Then he seemed to relax as I slowly pressed on until I was buried up to the hilt in his hot, tight ass. Just then, I started to thrust back and forth, inseminating my third prince.

There I was, fucking the 14th in line to the British throne, and loving every minute of it. We humped like a couple of dogs in heat. I reached down and grabbed the princely cock in my hand and jerked him as he rocked back and forth on my cock. I was stroking his cock and controlling the rhythm during this mind-blowing dance. I was approaching what would surely be an explosive orgasm, and Edward was reading it and responding to it expertly. His breathing quickened exactly in time with my own.

I could hold back no longer, and I soon blew my load into the prince, heaving with every ejaculation. We finished and collapsed to the bed, giggling like a couple of little girls.

[crappymixtape]

a love letter // 1k follower celebration

M O R E T H A N B E A U T I F U L T O M E 🎶 love you always, 1000 follower mixtape playlist!

REQUESTS CLOSED // you open your locker to grab a book before heading to class and see a clear cassette case sitting on top of your things. inside is a mixtape, love you always, xoxo, written messily across the orange label. a crinkled piece of graph paper accompanies it, the track list written down, words scribbled next to each song especially for you. an inside joke from eddie that makes you giggle, a flirty note from steve that makes you blush. the songs make you think of swimming in the quarry, of sharing a joint on the stoop, of late night drives and snuck kisses behind the garden gate and snuggling close on the couch watching movies. ( PARTY UNDER THE CUT! )

MIXTAPE INSTRUCTIONS ( REQUESTS CLOSED ) as you listen to the mixtape, choose a song ( an emoji ) below and send me the emoji in an ask here with the appropriate info! *DISCLAIMER: if you miss anything from the ask, i won't be able to answer! i'm gonna try my damndest to answer every ask that comes through, but will close my inbox after the weekend! i'll tag you in you the post when your ask is done! xoxo

💿 SONG LOVE -> tell me which boy you want for this! when you choose this emoji you'll get a song recommendation along with a little fic blurb inspired by the song ( boy x reader ). ✏️ FIC LOVE -> tell me a boy and a genre you want for this! when you choose this emoji i'll provide you with a fic rec centered on your choice of boy and genre ( smut, fluff, angst, series ). 💌 LOVE NOTE -> tell me which boy you want and your mood! when you choose this emoji i'll write you a letter from your boy of choice and tailor it to your mood / what you're needing from them ( boy x reader ). 🤍 WRITER LOVE -> choose a question from this list and i'll tell you more about my writing or process on a specific fic you love or just in general! OR bother me about my WIPS ;)

SMOOCHES FOR MY WRITERS ( FIC & WRITER RECS ) please come through and follow / read these lovely writers. this place was here before i got here and most of these people were here before me, so go go go! read and reblog and shower them with love cos they deserve it! 💋 ily you babies, so glad you're here with me xoxo.

☀ @inkluvs ☀ @fiveraccoonsinatrenchcoat ☀ @carolmunson ☀ @abibliophobiaa ☀ @dukesmebby ☀ @finalgirleddiemunson ☀ @curseofaphrodite ☀ @softharrington ☀ @starrystevie ☀ @acourtofsnakes ☀ @theshireisburning-so-mordoritis ☀ @a-dealwith-god ☀ @keeryshousee ☀ @lofaewrites ☀ @wroteclassicaly ☀ @katyswrites ☀ @schoopsahoy ☀ @andvys ☀ @chestylarouxx ☀ @supernovafics ☀ @superblysubpar ☀ @sswwmmpptthhnngg ☀ @harrywavycurly ☀ @thyme-in-a-bubble ☀ @lovebugism ☀ @sailor-steve-blog ☀ @sattlersquarry ☀ @plainemmanem ☀ @skullrock ☀

@curiositydooropened ☀ @luveline ☀ @stvharrngton ☀ @loveshotzz ☀ @forever-rogue ☀ @forevermoreharrington ☀ @livingintheupsidedown ☀ @annab-nana ☀ @familyvideostevie ☀ @theemporium ☀ @1986harrington ☀ @lucasnclair ☀ @roanniom ☀ @upsidedownwithsteve ☀ @stevebabey ☀ @starryeyedstories ☀ @kimmyiewrites ☀ @softharrington ☀ @hollandweather ☀ @palmtreesx3 ☀ @stevesbabysittingservice ☀ @princessdave ☀ @sweetsweetjellybean ☀ @fettuccin-e ☀ @honeymunson ☀ @usedtobecooler ☀ @aloneinthehellfire ☀ @poguemunson ☀ @myobmaya ☀ @reputationmunson ☀ @sincerelyyoursg ☀ @harringtons-cupid ☀ @spinmewriteround

AND HUGS TO YOU! YES, YOU! XOXO, 💿 KATE

the biggest thank you of all goes to YOU, the person reading this! i used to suffer so bad from imposter syndrome ( i still do from time to time! ), but once i grew the courage to start sharing my writing here ( and you showered me with support and love!! ) i realized just how much i love to write and create with these characters we all hold dear to us. know that i recognize all your handles ( and get so excited when i see you like and reblog!! ) and love seeing you pop up in my notifications.

so thank you!! thank you for your kind words, unhinged hashtags, random messages and memes, and for getting me to ONE THOUSAND FOLLOWERS! i am still in shock! love you so, so much and can't wait to share what i have in store for 2024 ♥️

xoxo, divider love to @cafekitsune!

[qstarhalo]

q!Bad songs + their lyrics ★-

-`.✎ Ver. 1

─⊹⊱☆⊰⊹─

˖◛⁺˖ | Hello and welcome to this list of q!Bad songs (including ones that remind me of Bad and Dapper or other eggs)!! Before we get to the songs, I do want to say that many songs contain triggering content. I have tagged most of them but if there's any I have missed, please do let me know! Other then that, each list will contain 25 songs so the posts won't be long then they already are! If you want to ask me anything about the songs, feel free! Now enjoy :D

─⊹⊱☆⊰⊹─

Portrait of a Blank Slate - Lovejoy:

★ "I feel at some point I broke my mind"

★ "How do you all make it look so easy? You open your hearts up so quickly it scares me "

★ "If only you knew just how better things could be"

★ "Another week of action. Another hypoglycemic reaction"

★ "I'm sorry it's all so predictable"

El Muchacho de los Ojos Tristes - Jeanette:

★ "Ni una simple sonrisa, ni un poco de luz en sus ojos profundos" | "Not a single smile, not a bit of light in his deep eyes"

★ "Ni siquiera reflejo de algún pensamiento que alegre su mundo" | "Not even a reflection of some thought that brightens his world"

★ "Hay tristeza en sus ojos" | "There is sadness in his eyes"

★ "El muchacho de los ojos tristes, vive solo y necesita amor. Como el aire, necesita verme. Como el sol, lo necesito yo" | "The guy with sad eyes lives alone and needs love. Like the air, he needs to see me. Like the sun, I need him"

★ "El muchacho de los ojos tristes ha encontrado al fin una razón para hacer que su mirada ría, con mis besos y mi gran amor" | "The guy with sad eyes has finally found a reason to make his eyes smile with my kisses and my great love"

★ "Yo pretendo saber porqué extraña razón hoy sus ojos no ríen. Yo pretendo lograr con ternura y amor ver sus ojos felices" | "I pretend to know the strange reason for why his eyes don't smile today. I intend to achieve with tenderness and love to see his happy eyes" (?)

Fourth of July - Sufjan Stevens:

★ "The evil it spread like a fever ahead. It was night when you died, my firefly"

★ "Did you get enough love, my little dove, why do you cry?"

★ "And I'm sorry I left but it was for best, though it never felt right"

★ "Shall we look at the moon, my little lon, why do you cry?"

★ "Make most of your life while it is rife, while it is light"

Come Little Children - Kate Covington/Hocus Pocus:

★ "Come little children, I'll take thee away into a land of enchantment"

★ "Come little children, the time's come to play, here in my garden of shadows"

★ "Follow sweet children, I'll show thee the way, through all the pain and the sorrows"

★ "Weep not, poor children, for life is this way. Murdering beauty and passions"

★ "Rest now my children, for soon we'll away into the calm and the quiet"

★ "Come little children, the time's come to play, here in my garden of shadows"

Problems - Mother Mother:

★ "You and me, we're not the same. I am a sinner, you are a saint"

★ "When we get to the pearly gates, you'll get the green light. I'll get the old door in the face"

★ "I'm a loser, a disgrace"

★ "I've found love in the strangest place. Tied up and branded, locked in a cage."

★ "You're a beauty- a luminary, in my face"

★ "I got a lot, and not a lot, I got a lot less than a lot // I've got problems, not just the ones that are little"

★ "Some go to baseball, some go debase a face they can't seem to save"

Rises the Moon - Liana Flores:

★ "Days seem sometimes as if they'll never end. Sun digs it's heels to taunt you."

★ "But after sunlit days, one thing stays the same. Rises the moon."

★ "Days fade into a watercolor blur. Memories swim and haunt you."

★ "Oh close your weary eyes. I promise you that soon the autumn comes to darken fading summer skies"

★ "Breathe, breathe, breathe"

★ "Days pull you down just like a sinking ship. Floating is getting harder. But tread the water, child, and know that meanwhile rises the moon"

★ "Days pull you up just like a daffodil. Uprooted from it's garden."

★ "They'll tell you what you owe, but know even so. Rises the moon"

I am the Very Model of a Cartoon Individual - Animaniacs:

★ "I am the very model of a cartoon individual! My animation's comical, unusual and whimsical!"

★ "I'm quite adept at funny gags, comedic theory I have read. From wicked puns and stupid jokes to anvils that drop on your head."

★ "I'm very good at fancy dances, I can even pirouette! Then smack the villain with a fish; I know my cartoon etiquette."

★ "To suit my mood, I can call forth a lot of different sceneries, like outer space and desert scapes and Himalayan eateries."

★ "From this bag here, why, I can pull most anything imaginable."

★ "You see in matters comical, unusual and whimsical, we are the very model of cartoon individuals!"

Burning Pile - Mother Mother:

★ "All I tried to save my face"

★ "All my guts try to spill"

★ "It goes, all my troubles on a burning pile, all lit up and I start to smile. If I catch fire then I change my aim, throw my troubles at the pearly gates"

★ "All your woe begones be gone"

★ "Throw my troubles at the world again"

★ "It goes, all my troubles on a burning pile, all lit up and I start to smile. If I catch fire then I'll take my turn to burn and burn and burn"

dumb dumb - mazie

★ "Disappointment takes us by surprise"

★ "Even though by now I think we should have realized. Everyone is dumb"

★ "There must be something in the corn flakes, making it hard for us to think straight"

★ "It's waking up inside of the dream; you don't know what to believe"

★ "Maybe that's why disappointment takes us by surprise"

Everything at Once - Lenka:

★ "As sly as a fox"

★ "As fast as a hare"

★ "As sharp as a tooth"

★ "As dark as the night"

★ "As sweet as a song, as right as a wrong"

★ "Strong like a family, strong as I wanna be"

★ "As warm as the sun, as silly as fun"

★ "As scary as the sea"

★ "As hot as fire, cold as ice"

★ "Sweet as sugar and everything nice"

★ "As old as time"

★ "As buzzed as a bee"

★ "As stealth as a tiger"

★ Pure as a melody, pure as I wanna be"

Vibrant Eyes - CG5:

★ "I'm not the one to trust when I've lost everything that I've touched"

★ "Don't tell them what you've done, tell them what you've done. The war's already won, why do we go on?"

★ "Don't tell them what you've done, tell them what you've done, tell them what you've done, tell them what you've done"

★ "Scared of the memories that make me insane"

★ "I'll cover these vibrant eyes and forget the pain"

★ "Little voice ruining my sanity, evil dreams haunting me. Don't you ever look my way."

★ "Little voice ruining my consciousness, nothing left to reminisce"

★ "All this pain will make me suffocate"

★ "All my thoughts ever strange, free me from the mental cage"

Crucified - Army Of Lovers:

★ "I'm crucified, crucified like my savoir"

★ "Saintlike behavior, a lifetime I prayed"

★ "I'm crucified for the holy dimension"

★ "Godlike ascension, heavens away"

★ "I've seen the deepest darkness and wrestled with Gods"

★ "Where thorns are a teaser, I've played a double jeux"

★ "I cry, I pray, mon Dieu! I cry, I pray, mon Dieu!"

★ "Prophets I've been reading, stories I enjoy been told; before I end my breathing, I travel in the soul"

★ "Adieu, mon Dieu!"

Coffee - Jack Stauber's Microphone:

★ "Do I need it? (Mocha) Am I under control?"

★ "Can I beat it? (Wake up!) If it swallowed me whole?"

★ "(I can make you feel alive) I know, but do I need you to survive?"

★ "I can't believe this happened"

★ "French vanilla, I think I should sit this one out (no, no, no)"

★ "Maybe a cup of self control would be the route. (But it's the flavor, it's the flavor you want!) Maybe so, but it feels better to check than to reflect (Just a sip!)"

Chiquitita (Spanish Version) - ABBA:

! You can look at the English version for translation !

★ "Chiquitita, dime por qué tu dolor hoy te encadena? En tus ojos hay una sombra de gran pena"

★ "No quisiera verte así. Aunque quieras disimularlo"

★ "Si es que tan tristes estas, para que quieres callarlo?"

★ "Chiquitita, sabes muy bien que las penas vienen y van y desaparecen"

★ "Otra vez vas a bailar y seras feliz como flores que florecen"

★ "Chiquitita, no hay que llorar. Las estrellas brillan por ti haya en lo alto"

★ "Quiero verte sonreír para compartir tu alegría, chiquitita"

Normal People Things - Lovejoy:

★ "The background hum for cerebellum"

★ "Oh, what a blessing to meet someone like you, with eyes as dead as mine. It's fine. It's normal people things just to lie here in silence"

★ "Spending days in self-medicating. Lost too much weight, unpleasant aftertaste."

★ "We think the same, play different games"

★ "I'll make it worth the wait"

★ "Yes, it's probably a razor thing but honestly it's harmless and I refuse to let the sensitive skin win"

★ "So, we lie here in silence. Yes, we lie here in silence. This is normal people things just to lie here in silence!"

Welcome Home - Radical Face:

★ "And the days blur into one"

★ "Sheets are swaying from an old clothesline like a row of captured ghosts over old dead grass"

★ "Welcome home"

★ "Ships are launching from my chest. Some have names but most do not. If you find one, please let me know what piece I've lost"

★ "I've come home"

★ "Now my head's splitting at the seams and I don't know if I can."

Point Of No Return - STARSET:

★ "I am hypnotized as I fantasize, forgetting lies and pain, but I can't go back"

★ "The ashes call my name"

★ "Pouring the fuel, fanning the flames, breaking the habit and melting the chains"

★ "The bridges are burning, the heat's on my face"

★ "Making the past an unreachable place"

★ "There's something sinister about the way it hurts when I watch it burn because I can't go back"

★ "This is the point of no return"

Cradles - Sub Urban:

★ "I live inside my own world of make-believe"

★ "I see the world through eyes covered in ink and bleach"

★ "Fire's spreading all around my room"

★ "Tape my eyes open to force reality"

★ "Sometimes I can't tell if my body belongs to me"

★ "I wanna taste your content"

★ "Devils hide behind redemption"

★ "Just tripping on daydreams"

★ "Might as well just rot around the nursery and count sheep"

Murders - Miracle Musical:

★ "He was in the forest looking to see the trees but none were there"

★ "In the light leaves broke above. Then fell down"

★ "Wearying of the hate me, hate me not. Wait, they forgot. Woe, oh, the rot."

★ "Deeper in they crept, oblivious of the bears and darker terrors. Or none were there. How did they dare?"

★ "Shadow of nobody there. Murders of murderers living in fear of it"

★ "All for nothing at all"

No Wind Resistance! - Kinnerent:

★ "I don't know how it ends, I can't see it in the distance"

★ "But can you ever reach the end of a timeless existence?"

★ "Just imagine being human, hating your confusion, denying 'til it's proven, laughing at illusion"

★ "Imagine reducing yourself to your name"

★ "You've suck all your consciousness inside of your brain"

★ "So go ahead and find your meaning with your methamphetamine"

★ "And once you can see that you've trapped all your grace, maybe you'll join me and girl we can race"

★ "Off-beat heartbeats"

★ "I've been here sixty years and I'm still not bored"

★ "And I've found that almost everything is made of cardboard"

★ "And there's absolutely nothing I can't sing with weird cords"

Laplace's Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People) - Will Wood:

★ "Have you ever died in a nightmare? Woke up surprised you hadn't earned your fate?"

★ "Have you ever felt like Atlas, threw your back out on the axis and collapsed and threw away from planet away?"

★ "Everyone's just blood in an ice tray"

★ "A vampire picking flowers out in the sun"

★ "Ooh, could you take a look at me? (It's the norm for animals, it's the norm for chemicals)"

★ "If you were in my shoes, you'd walk the same d★mn miles I do"

★ "It doesn't take a killer to murder. It only takes a reason to kill"

★ "The difference twist fate and free will is whether you're singing"

★ "(You could break an angel's fall, and ignore the Devil's call. Still foresaken shoulders fall silent now)

★ "(Man no more than animal is made of moral chemicals)"

As It Was - Harry Styles:

★ "Holdin' me back. Gravity's holdin' me back"

★ "In this world, it's just us. You know it's not the same as it was"

★ "Answer the phone. 'Harry, you're no good alone. Why are you sitting at home on the floor? What kind of pills are you on?'"

★ "I don't wanna talk about the way that it was"

★ "As it was"

Saint Bernard - Lincoln:

★ "Hung up pictures of patron saints up on my wall to remind me that I am a fool"

★ "When I am dead, I won't join their ranks 'cause they are both holy and free"

★ "And I'm in Ohio, satanic and chained up. And until the end, that's how it'll be"

★ "Don't make me a liar, 'cause I swear to God when I said it, I thought it was true"

★ "There's really just one thing that we have in common. Neither of us will be missed"

SUPERSTAR - CG5:

★ "Isn't your family looking for you?"

★ "We'll uncover every lie, and I promise you'll survive"

★ "Well done, superstar!"

★ "Shine a light, we're fighting the dark"

★ "I'll never ever leave you behind"

★ "Lights are off and your life's in jeopardy"

★ "If I'm undone, put me back together soon"

★ "What's your choice? In the end, I'll always be your friend"

Achilles Come Down - Gang of Youths:

★ "You're scaring us and all of us, some of us love you, Achilles. It's not much but there's proof"

★ "Redemption lies plainly in truth"

★ "Je vois que beaucoup de gens meurent, parce qu'ils estiment que la vie ne vaut pas la peine d'être vécue. J'en vois d'autres, qui se font paradoxalement tuer pour des idées, pour des illusions, qui let's donnent une raison de vivre (ce, qu'on appelle une raison de vivre est en même temps une eccellente raison de morir)" | "I witness that a lot of people are dying because they consider that life is not worth living. Paradoxically, I witness other people who are being killed for their ideas, their illusions, which give their existence a sense. What we call a reason to live is also an excellent reason to die"

★ "The self is not so weightless, nor whole and unbroken"

★ "Remember the pact of our youth. Where you go, I'm going. So jump and I'm jumping. Since there is no me without you."

★ "Today, of all days, see how the most dangerous thing is to love"

★ "It's a pointless resistance for you."

★ "Achilles, Achilles, just put down the bottle. Don't listen to what you've consumed. It's chaos, confusion, and wholly unworthy"

★ "And there may not be meaning, so find one and seize it"

★ "Hear those bells ring deep in the soul, chiming away for a moment"

★ "Les souvenirs d'une patrie perdue, l'espoir d'une terre promise" | "Memories of a lost homeland, the hope for a promised land"

★ "But be real and just jump, you dense motherf★cker (You're worth more, Achilles)"

★ "Be done with this now and jump off the roof (Be done with this now and get off the roof)"

[sunnyrealist]

Chapter 60: Take Care

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details…

Previous Chapter Recap/Context: Sebastian is in a great mood after hearing back from his friend Ruby, who wrote that she wanted to meet to catch up and share some information with him about Anne. Kate, never having connected the dots previously, finally realized that Ruby was the "Hero of Hogwarts" - the girl who had mysteriously arrived at Hogwarts as a fifth year in 1890. Later, Kate reveals some exciting news - when she met with Matilda Weasley, she posed the idea of having Sebastian help her with library work over a summer weekend, and the deputy headmistress had agreed. Sebastian and Kate both get a little hot and bothered, imagining all of the things they could do in the unoccupied castle, but before things get too heavy, Seb realizes that Kate is supposed to be on her monthly cycle. She admits rather worriedly that she hasn't bled, and the two of them panic, wondering if she is pregnant. This chapter picks up on the evening of the following day.

Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x 24-year-old Kate Mayflower (my OC), the assistant librarian at Hogwarts

Content warnings: In general, this is rated 18+, so minors should not read or interact with this story. In this chapter, there's a big focus on a woman's monthly cycle. Also featured is panic over parental disapproval and worrying about a dangerous job.

The full chapter is available below the cut; it can also be found on AO3 (link is posted below). Please leave some feedback if possible, especially if you like what you read! 🥰

Chapter 60: Take Care

“Seb, Seb!” Kate cries, sprinting outside the moment she sees him apparate near the gate.

He looks her way in both confusion and adoration, unsure if her tone is one of romance or one of concern. He closes the gate behind him and his girlfriend barrels into his arms. He wraps his arms around her, picking her up.

“Hello, sunshine,” he murmurs, embracing her tightly. He kisses her, and then puts her back down on solid ground.

“I got it!” Kate tells him breathlessly. 

“Got what?” he asks, and a beat later, it dawns upon him. His eyebrows raise in hope.

“My monthly courses,” she replies. “I bled. I’m not pregnant!” 

Sebastian lifts her back up and twirls her around, pressing his lips to hers enthusiastically. “Oh, thank the gods. Thank bloody Merlin!”

She chuckles, poking his chest. “I guess I was just a bit late. We didn’t have to worry after all.”

Kate takes his hand, leading him inside. He drops his satchel by the door, then unlaces and removes his shoes with a sigh. Next, he loosens his tie and unfastens the top buttons of his collared shirt, untucking it from his pants. “It’s been a hell of a long day. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” she answers with an amused smile. “You’re home. You get to be comfortable here.”

Dinner is simple but delicious - aged cheddar cheese toasties with a roasted tomato soup. Sebastian wolfs down two helpings with cider and gratefully accepts her dessert - a warm cinnamon apple cake with vanilla ice cream. He regales Kate with stories about his long day, finally asking about hers.

“Oh, nothing all that exciting happened,” she murmurs. “Just did some chores around the cottage. I worked in the garden most of the afternoon, then did some cleaning and laundry. I also wrote some letters.”

“Sounds like you were busy,” he replies, taking the last sip of his cider. “To whom did you write?”

She inhales deeply and hesitates for a moment. “After all the worrying with my lack of… well, bleeding… and knowing you’re going to be miserable for a couple of days working with the Kelpies, I figured I might as well get something tough out of the way for myself. I wrote to my family, requesting a luncheon together next week on Thursday. I don’t think I can avoid my mum much longer now that she knows I’m dating someone.” She sighs. “It’s… time for me to tell them about you.”

Sebastian’s eyebrows raise. “I didn’t realize you felt ready. I thought that might take a while.”

“Yeah, but with what could have happened, I’d rather they at least know who you are in case anything serious really does happen,” Kate explains. “It’s for the best, my love.”

He nods in response, but his eyes betray his obvious internal anxiety. He’s quiet for a moment, but then once he starts talking, it devolves quickly into blabbering. “And… What if they forbid you to see me? What if they say they’ll never approve of our relationship? What if they hate me? What if they think I’m just… a thug? Or see me as someone trying to take advantage of you? What if they try to separate us?”

Kate listens, then silences him with a kiss. When she pulls away, she murmurs, “Seb, I obviously want this to all go well, but if it doesn’t… I don’t care. I’m an adult. We’re adults. We make our own choices. I love you. You’re my soulmate. They can’t separate us. And I won’t ever abandon you.”

Sebastian studies her face for any sign of doubt, even though she’s previously reassured him of these same fears many times now. She stares back confidently at him, and he relaxes a bit.

“You’re the only man I’ll love for the rest of my life,” she whispers while intertwining her fingers with his. “We were born to be together. You’re the moon to my sun.” She kisses his cheek. “If they don’t understand at first, it isn’t the end of the world. Someday, they’ll see the strength of our love, our connection… and imagining me with anyone else will be impossible.” She presses her lips to his, tasting sweet apples. “I love you, Seb. I’ll love you forever.”

He takes a shaky breath. “I love you, too, Kate. I just get nervous… and I know - I bloody well know - it’s my mind playing tricks on me, but I can’t help it. I still feel like everything that has happened with you is… too good to be true, and the rug is about to be swept out from under me… by your family, no less. It terrifies me because I love you so much. I love you so much it hurts.”

Almost as if on cue, Kate suddenly doubles over. “Ooooof…”

Sebastian’s eyes widen, concerned, and he reaches out a hand. “Whoa - sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“Ooooh,” she moans, her eyes shut tight. She attempts to sit up. “Just… cramping.”

His eyes flicker with understanding. “Oh, I’m so sorry.” He places his hand delicately on her abdomen and gently rubs in a circle. “Before Anne was cursed, she would complain a lot about her monthly cycle, so I know how uncomfortable it can be.”

Kate nods, trying to put on a smile even with her voice strained. “It’s alright. I manage.”

“Let me help you tonight,” he offers sincerely. “You deserve to be taken care of after all you’ve done for me. Come on, now…”

Sebastian walks her to the bedroom, where he helps her to undress and put on a soft nightgown. He lays her on the bed and minutes later returns with a book, warm green tea, and a particularly warm pillow, which he places over her abdomen. She accepts it all gratefully, amazed at the lengths to which he is willing to go. He disappears again, and soon, she can hear the bathtub running. When he comes back once more, he returns with peppermint oil, which he massages into her feet. 

“Thank you,” she whispers, sighing in relief. “That feels so good.”

Later, he scoops her into his arms, carrying her towards the bathroom. She smiles as she takes in the sight - a steamy bubble bath - and then her smile grows even bigger when she detects the calming scent of lavender and chamomile. 

“Just for you,” he murmurs. “It might help you fall asleep.”

Sebastian gives Kate some privacy, and when she is finished in the bathroom, she feels like she could melt into a puddle of relaxation. Back in the bedroom, he sets a warming charm on her side of the bed, lights a candle, and offers her a piece of sweet chocolate. She settles under the blankets and he follows, coming close to her. 

A kiss is pressed to her forehead. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you, Seb,” she murmurs sleepily.

He softly rubs her abdomen. Her eyes close, and soon, her rhythmic breathing becomes a soft snore. He chuckles to himself, blows out the candle, and spoons her. Taking care of her has allowed Sebastian to completely ignore the dread of what he might experience with the Kelpies over the next two days, and he falls into a deep sleep.

The hormones from Kate’s monthly cycle certainly don’t make Wednesday morning any easier.

Tears stream down her face. “Please don’t go. Convince the Ministry to take you out of the field. Please.”

He closes his eyes, pained by her plea. “I can’t do that, Kate. You know I can’t.” He pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her. “I love you. You know I would do anything to come home to you safely. And you know that if there’s something I’m good at, it’s surviving.” He pauses, tilting her chin up. “I will think of you every moment, think of what you might do in any situation I find myself in. You’re my motivation. My inspiration. My reason for living.”

“I love you, Seb,” she replies softly, wiping away a fresh fallen tear, “but I’m afraid. What if you don’t come back?”

He’s quiet for a moment, trying to determine the best way to soothe her. “Then… I probably am delayed… or fighting my way back to you. And even if things are going well, I still may not come home around dinner time. It’s unpredictable in the field. I hope I will return home before you go to bed tomorrow night. But don’t wait up all night for me just in case I get stuck. That happens sometimes. I don’t want you to worry. I’ll be alright.”

“But what if you aren’t?” she whispers, afraid to say it louder - to make it more real.

He gazes into her eyes. “Listen to me. I am going to be fine. But if something ever happens to me, I want you to know that I love you more than I love my own life. In just over a month, you gave me hope and purpose… and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. If I don’t come back, it’s not because I didn’t try. It means that there was no way to. And if I… if I die, it was in an attempt to make the world a better place - to make the world safer for you. I think I would feel… redeemed for all I’ve done if I passed in service to the good people of the wizarding community.” He takes her hand, kissing it. “But that isn’t going to happen. I need you to be strong, sweetheart. I need you to be strong for me.”

She swallows, trying like hell to toughen up. Falling apart will only make this worse. “Be safe, Sebastian. Come back to me.”

“I will. I promise I will,” he assures her. 

“I trust you. I love you. Please take care of yourself”

Sebastian kisses Kate tenderly, lingering, memorizing the feel of her lips against his. “I love you, sunshine.”

And within moments, he is gone.

[charlotte-of-wales]

more news on Royal Week in Scotland:

Monday 3rd July: the traditional Ceremony of the Keys will take place on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse to mark the start of Royal Week. In the evening, HM will attend a reception on board the Royal Yacht Britannia to mark 25 years since her arrival in Edinburgh.

Tuesday 4th July: the King will view the Jubilee Gates at the entrance to Abbey Yard, Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Their Majesties joined by the Princess Royal will later host guests at a garden party to celebrate the coronation year.

Wednesday 5th July: His Majesty will hold an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Her Majesty will meet weavers at Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh. Later, the King, accompanied by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles, following processions on the Royal Mile.

Thursday 6th July, the King and Queen will visit the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels. TM will tour the Lochcarron of Scotland weaving mill before finishing Royal Week in Selkirk, where they will visit the marketplace and watch a performance of “Casting of the Colours”. The Duke of Edinburgh will host The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards Celebration at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Thursday 6th July. HRH will also visit the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

The Princess Royal will carry out engagements during Royal Week. HRH’s programme will include a visit to Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Limited, Strathcarron Hospice and the University of Edinburgh.

ps: according to Hello Magazine: "William & Kate have a jam-packed schedule with official engagements. [They] will be in attendance for various events."

[hannahhook7744]

Wonderland acadamy/high hc please ?

Unlike what is stated in the Rise of Red trailer, SOME wonderlandians have actually attended Auradon Prep. Most notably being the older of the tweedledee-tweedledumb cousins.

Wonderland Academy is also referred to as Wonderland High. This is because people have routinely switched the sign out with an identical one: because of this, no one is even sure what the actual name of the school is/was.

The school is very colorful.

The school mascot is a flamingo.

There are several stone laid paths leading to the entrances and exits of the school: the stones in question are heart shaped.

Legend says that the cheshire cat can be seen lounging around in the trees of the garden at school.

Recess is very much still a thing at the school. As well as tea parties.

They have their own R.O.A.R team, their own Tourney team, and their own croquet team.

The decorations are both amazing, beautiful, and an eye sore.

The food can be... wild... but luckily, there is a lot of food so everyone can usually find something they want.

Also there is always upside down cake.

There is/was an amusement park nearby.

The gate is very intricate.

The arrow signs are all over the place.

The school colors are black, white, and red.

They have more than a few Urban Legends surrounding the Queen of Hearts and her former victims...

In a universe where the rise of red book and movie happen exactly as their written, Maddox ends up working there.

In my main universe, he does end up working there temporarily as the science teacher (like in canon) but doesn't keep that job for long cause he DOES want to be a detective.

Adult supervision is pretty lax there. So whenever the kids have a free block, you can bet there are plenty of kids that are kate coming back (if they come back at all).

Unfortunately for those kids... Well, the white rabbit is the headmaster soooo... If they get caught by him, hella detention.

Alice has visited as a spokesperson before. The kids loved it (and speaking of... well, there are several pictures hanging up of her with baby Ally and baby Pin from during these visits where she and Pinochle couldn't find a babysitter).

Ally, upon seeing them on a tour of the school, decided that she did NOT want to go to that school.

The Chesire Cat has been known to interrupt the games whenever he gets bored.

Some of the other tweedledee and tweedledum cousins have attended the school.

The fights that break out are absolutely wild. Especially at sports games.

But those are nothing compared to the chaos that breaks out in the halls after the bell to get to and get out of class rings.

No one is pleased when the queen and king of hearts shows back up. They are somewhat friendly to their three children, though.

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

That's all I got. Sorry.

[forever-fixating]

WIP Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! I was tagged by the lovely, lovely @priincebutt! Pride Month has been very productive for writing so far. Got two teasers for yall again because I'm so super geeked about both of these chatpers. My bestie Kate has been helping me as a beta reader in the best way, and I cannot wait to share what I've got. Enjoy!

living in a new normal

“Fucking shit!” Alex gasped. “Do you even have a gag reflex?”

“Yes,” Henry slurped, lifting his head. “Though the queer and closeted population of Oxford did their level best to rid me of it.”

“Oh my fuck,” Alex choked out, his head jerking up from the pillow to glare down at Henry. “You can’t just say shit like that, Henry!”

“So stop me then,” and back down he went.

Henry loved sucking cock. If the non-existent God of the universe struck him down in that moment, he would sashay up the pearly gates with a smile on his face. He felt shame about many things in his life, but loving men was never one of them. Alex was a picture perfect example of why. The sculpted masculine power of his body. The coarse hair dusting his chest and legs. The burn of his stubble in the morning. Henry knew how lucky he was to live in a time and place where he could lay in the bed of a beautiful man and suck his cock in relative peace.

Alex fucked into his mouth with careful, confident strokes, fingers tight in Henry’s hair. He moaned that he was close, and Henry tapped his hip to signal that it was okay to finish in his mouth. The familiar salty taste lit up his tastebuds as Alex keened from above. Moments passed before Henry swallowed the last of Alex’s release and lifted his mouth. He joined Alex at the head of the bed and gave him a languid kiss. The younger man moaned into it, and Henry greedily swallowed every lovely sound.

“Why don’t I find this gross?” Alex mumbled.

Henry pushed a damp curl from Alex’s forehead. “Because you don’t. No need to psychoanalyze it.”

Alex smiled. “You’re so smart, baby.”

“Nope.” Henry kissed Alex’s chin. “Just a fan of cum-flavored kisses.”

“Changed my mind. You’re fucking ridiculous.”

A Tournament for His Heart

The garden was buzzing with their fellow guests when Alex and Nora arrived. He let Nora take the lead on introductions as she had devoted herself to the task of learning who was invited from which country or region. Declan kept his distance, looking comically out of place. Alex browsed the selection of finger foods and was unimpressed. Still, his stomach rumbled, and he inhaled a few underseasoned chicken sandwiches.

“Prince Alexander, I presume?”

The voice belonged to an older man with a narrow face and sharp eyes. Alex nodded. “And you are, sir?”

“Lord Jeffery Richards,” he replied with a bow. His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Alex felt as though he were being assessed. The man’s reputation preceded him, and none of it was complimentary. “You’re the first I’ve met of my fellow competitors.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Alex asked, unable to help himself, “but aren’t you using a proxy in the tournament? Is it truly fair to say that you’re competing?”

“As are the majority, if memory serves. Not all of us have delusions of romantic grandeur carrying us through.”

Alex clenched his fist, his smile feeling more brittle with each passing second. “Perhaps it’s because I see Prince Henry as more than a prize to be won.”

“That is a sweet notion, Your Highness,” Richards laughed, giving Alex a condescending smack on the arm. “I had heard rumors that the two of you had an attachment in your youth. I hope you won’t be too disappointed when my man carries the day. He is quite the jousting master and has never been unhorsed.”

“Nor have I.” And with that, Alex excused himself to find Nora.

A/N- Shoutout to my fellow Knight's Tale fans. That Jocelyn moment was one of my favorites, so I had to give it to Alex. I still need to edit these chapters as well as write a couple more so I don't have massive gaps in between posting. Fans of LIANN are not ready for Paris.

Tagging @onthewaytosomewhere @piratefalls @dragonflylady77 and anyone else eager to share!

[tru-makes-quilts]

[mysteriouslytransparentwitch]

Hollywood currently and Princess of Wales 23 march 2024 with tarot & oracle

Hollywood currently and Princess of Wales

I'm not really surprised, it's Hollywood, there will only be the oracle of energies here.

Remember, I had a psychic reading on how Hollywood saw Catherine (they're jealous)

well he observed, he opened his eyes to the financial possibilities around Catherine and Willaim with the American population (it's like, they said to themselves wow, he is also powerful here!!) except that Catherine announced some news which was cancer (ah shit!!) We are in our garden with our gate, we cannot go any further because the American public will turn against us! they are obliged to limit their actions but they are aware of the money that the aura, the character Catherine, can create without actually exploiting her physically (i.e. creating a contract with her)

the world has withdrawn.

They are aware that anything is possible in Kate & William's marriage (a happy ending, an unhappy ending…) they are like vampires ready to attack.

he hopes for a new circus like this because they are affected a few days of frenzies with a correct abundance but not the explosion!

They really appreciate it even if they are seen as vultures!

I hope you understood me because it is very pictorial

[golden-bubblebee]

Bubbles watches SPN pt5? Annotations throughout the episodes.

Season 2

Series 2 breaking my heart right out of the gates huh

Dean Kill count: 4

I mean how even, bestie we have only just reached series 2

Omg sams acting during this scene is phenomonal

The relief on his face oh my lord it made me cry

JOHN YOU FUCKING LYING PIECE OF SHIT OF A DICKWAD

Did John Bitchester trade his life for Deans

Jup. Jup he did

What crazy fucked up child smiles at the clown standing in the garden staring at her in the middle of the night

It got long. Get readmored

GIRL WTF??? STRANGER DANGER?? (Small child let's clown into her house)

more thoughts. now this isn't always the case but very often um hitting someone is a taught behaviour, right. But um Dean hits Sam a couple of times and you can argue that this is because they live quite a violent life. but there's a theme, the things they fight always fight back, it is always violent towards them. but we see Dean hits Sam a couple of times when he's not being physically violent when they re just having an argument so um theory John bichester also beat the shit out of a dean

Jo! You cant be angy at them bc of the sins of the father

Because Dean and Sam are the main characters you get very used to them and their banter and so it becomes very familiar

meaning that now in the next episode when I got to see the intro where Dean is holding hostages?? My first reaction was literally to laugh and go 'oh dean what did you get yourself into this time'

SAMMY IS A CHRISTIAN???

Sometimes you learn things abt a man

Like a daily prayer, this guy?

SAMMY WTF

🎶my daddy shot your daddy in the head🎶

Why do they keep saying 'waste' instead of 'kill'

Dean death count:5

Welp nvm

HOW DID BOBBY KNOW SO QUICK???? (That Sam was possesed, I'm guessing)

I love that in this episode they basically called Bobby over to be their Dad

KATE??

Kate from teenwolf is abt to get killed

Thats great catharsis

And ofcourse the bitch dont die

John shouldve been killed so much sooner so bobby could raise em instead

Oh man I fucking love Madison (werewolf girlie)

I need her to be part of the gang

No

Nuhu

No no no

Im crying

I dont like this episode

Nono (werewolf girlie had to die)

YOU CANT MAKE DEAN CRY

ISNT MY BOY HURTING EBOUGH YET

No wtf

Dont hurt my boys like this

Wtffff

There better be Maddison lives ABO fics out there

I need this guy to have a sweet lovung gf

I mean, he has good puppy dog eyes for suffering and painBut like, the guy smiles real cute too yk

Yk. Them breaking in to get themselves arrestet is very funny and all until you remember that the fbi have a frigging open case on dean

IM SORRY IM IN PAIN AGAIN

You are telling me that Deans biggest wish is that their dad never went demon hunting and thus never got them ended up in this life

Oh my fucking god the mom is going to be alive isnt she

Bunbun (my friend) I dont like this show it hurts me more often than merlin did

Dean hahahah this man has no tact

No im sorry his exitement to mown a lawn is actually heartbtreaking

It shows how severely he lacked normalcy and how deeply he craves it

Another thought

The. Fact. That. John. Is. Still. Dead. In. Deans. Ideal. World.

*War flashbacks* (my fellow AFTG fans will understand)

His impact on the wolrd😭😭😭

No Bunbun help I literally -sobbed-

When dean is talking to johns grave 'why do I have to be the hero. Does mom not deserve her life? Doed sammy not deserve to be happy?'

Sam slaugher count: 1

Gotta love that the literal demon from hell says 'im proud of ya' more often than their own father does

Love that NOBODY is surprised the guy crawled out of hell (john bitchester)

[lahilden]

Cassillis Castle is located in Ayrshire, Scotland. The five-story castle was built in the 15th century on a high bank overlooking the Doon River. The property sits on 310 acres and has a gate lodge, a garden cottage, a stable block, a walled garden, and a courtyard. The interior boasts seven-bedroom suites, a ballroom, three reception rooms, a library, a secret staircase, a cinema, a state-of-the-art kitchen, six additional bedrooms, a spiral staircase, and a vaulted basement with a dungeon. The castle and lands were granted by charter to the Kennedy family after David Kennedy’s marriage to a local heiress. David Kennedy, the first Earl of Cassillis, took his title in 1502. The Kennedys owned the property until the 21st century. The castle was altered in the 17th century, and the square stair tower was added. In 1830, the 12th Earl of Cassillis added the two-story front and large extensions, which serve as one of the earliest examples of the Scottish Baronial style. The new owner, Australian entrepreneur Kate Armstrong, purchased the property in 2009 and began extensive renovations. 

[quietwingsinthesky]

Lucifer Kate Milligan

Rating: General Audiences Archive Warning: N/A Fandom: Supernatural Ship: Gen with background Midam Additional Tags: Major Original Character(s), Post-Canon, Children of Characters, Identity Issues, Names, POV Second Person, Father-Daughter Relationship, Growing Up, Angst Wordcount: 1121 Summary:

Your name is Lucifer Kate Milligan, and your father will not tell you why.

Your name is Lucifer Kate Milligan, and your father will not tell you why.

You are a baby first, and all this name is, is a collection of sounds that mean you will get tickled or fed. It doesn’t bother you that you don’t know where the sounds came from. You are more concerned with chewing on your dad’s shirt collar or how your father spins you around the kitchen in his arms.

You are a child next, and at school, you are called Kate. It’s on your desk, and your bookbag cubby, and your lunchbox. It begins to bother you that at home you are one name and at school you are another. You tell your friends your father calls you Lucifer, and they snicker. Some of them stop being your friends. Some of them are nicer, call you Lucy.

Your father doesn’t let your friend take you to church, even though you could dress up pretty like them in one of your poofy dresses that he seems to pluck from thin air. Your dad takes him aside, whispers softly, and you leave the room when you see your father’s face turn to stone even as he starts to cry. You leave them embracing. Lucifer Kate Milligan, you tell yourself, you made your father cry. You don’t ask to go to church again.

You curl up in your bed and hide under the covers shaking, not sure what you’re feeling. It’s too big for your body. It’s too old for your soul. In the morning, there are cracks in your bedroom ceiling, along the windows. Your father wakes you up. He looks at the damage done, then at you, and he presses a kiss to your forehead. Something calms inside you. You think you hear him whisper, “Be my little angel for a few more years, please.” You nod and bury yourself in a hug.

He’s invincible because he’s your father. You believe this. There are no cracks in your room when you raise your head again.

You are a teenager, finally. You are Kate, you tell your father, you are only Kate because that’s the name your friends call you. You get into a fight with him for the first time. He doesn’t call you Kate once. He never has.

Kate Milligan, you made your father cry again. It won’t be the last time. You turn the name he chose for you over and over in your head.

Your friend smokes pot under the bleachers and makes out with you sometimes instead of going to class. You tell her your full name, guilty about it in a way you never felt when you were telling kids about it over basketball when you were nine. She stares at you. You stare back because the color of her eyes always entrances you when you’re high. You wish your eyes were as brown as hers, but you’ve got your dad’s blond hair and blue eyes so bright they scare you when you see them in your mirror at night, like there is something wrong with you, like there is a lighthouse spinning inside your skull that flares enough to blind you when you look at yourself too long.

(Your father’s eyes are suns when he gets upset. You never thought it was strange. You don’t meet other people’s parents very often.)

“Lucifer,” she says, “are you joking? Lucifer? ” You nod. She pulls out her phone. You have one, but it’s old like your dad’s. He says he never got used to time moving forward again. You think he’s funny, but you’re too old to tell him that anymore. Your friend opens up Google’s garden gates and leads you to webpage after webpage about Satan. You press against her shoulder as the phone’s brightness hurts your eyes. She whispers out forbidden knowledge until your gym teacher whistles at you.

You get suspended. Your dad drives you home. He’s not mad about the weed. He never gets mad about stuff your friends say their parents tear into them for. You only get in trouble if you don’t come in past curfew. You didn’t even get in trouble last year when you got into a fight and broke a kid’s arm. Your dad believed you when you said you barely touched him. (They had another of their meetings late at night when they thought you were sleeping, and now you’re wondering what all those words meant, why they echoed themselves around the shadow of your namesake.)

“Why am I named after the devil?” you ask.

“Kate?” he says like a man at the top of a cliff digging for a foothold. You know why you’re named Kate. You have pictures of your grandmother all through the house. Your dad talks about her often, sometimes like she’s still here, like he sees her to make new memories every once in a while.

“Lucifer.” You cross your arms.

He stops the car too hard. Your chest aches from the seatbelt digging into it.

“You’re named after your uncle,” he says. You don’t have an uncle.

“Why’s he named after the devil?” you ask about this ghost you’ve never heard of. You wonder if he got called by his middle name, too. The way all the websites put it, your name might as well be a curse. You’re not sure if you feel better that it’s a shared one, a family legacy.

Your dad is quiet for a long time.

“You should ask your father,” he finally says.

Your father never tells you anything. You learned this as a child. He will give you the world and all the precious treasures in it, but he will never answer your questions the way you want. You could ask him why the sky is blue. He would look upset and give you a toy horse to add to your collection.

Lucifer Milligan, who are you? You stare into the mirror. You have your dad’s face but your father’s nose. You think you love your best friend. You think there’s something wrong with you.

You put your finger on your nose. So does your reflection.

They love you. They’re protecting you.

Your father wants what’s best for you. You’re his little angel.

You drop your hand. Your reflection does as well, but it moves slower than it should. Your heart skips a beat.

For a moment, there’s a boy dressed in white. He’s a lot like you. You have the same eyes. You’re both too bright.

He looks sad. He looks like he wants to tell you something. He opens his mouth.

You blink, and there’s no boy. There’s just you. Lucifer Kate Milligan.

You’re scared of who you might be.

[slowroadtosantiago]

Day 24 - Sahagun to El Burgo Ranero

Only just over 11 miles today but with full packs. This next picture is representative of the day:

It was one of those days when you walked at your own pace in your own world with your playlist keeping you amused as the road was very flat following roads most of the way.

There was only one place to stop on the way and it was a bit of a way down the road so after a fitful night we packed up and had breakfast in the hostel before setting off about 7:45.

We passed through the gates of the old town and across an old bridge before starting on the main trek.

It was a cool windy morning with threatening dark clouds in the north. We each went at our own pace today. I felt tired so dropped back and just put one step in front of the other. I stuck the radio on for a bit to keep amused.

After about 7 miles we came to our coffee stop. I think everyone we knew was there - the siblings Kate and Malcolm, and we finally learned the names of the Irish/American couple we met a few days ago - Sinead and Barron. Jane administered blister treatment to Alex and we set off on our way again.

On the way out we came across a lovely climbing rose that had come out in lots of different colours.

Then it was back to the seemingly endless path by the road. This time I stuck a playlist on as Jane disappeared into the distance. She had her music on too. It’s very dusty too and our shoes and legs get covered.

We got to the hostel about 12:30. We had booked two single beds but when we got there we discovered that they had given them to Kate and Malcolm. Kate realised what had happened and came to sort it out. They didn’t have her booking at all even though she had the text proof. They did have space in the bunk room so Jane and I said we’d go there with a bottom bunk.

The albergue has a nice garden to sit in but it feels quite chilly out there today. The temperature hasn’t hit 20 today and there’s a cool wind.

The village is not very large and it looks like a Wild West setting just outside the albergue, but they did have a restaurant open. So we had another lunchtime menu del dia - smoked salmon and goats cheese salad, followed by baked cod then I had an ice cream and Jane had what looked like custard, washed down with water, a whole bottle of wine between us and bread, all for the princely sum of 13 euros each, bargain.

Jane had a nap while I had a shower and did a bit of washing. I took 4 pairs of socks with me and I only have one pair left without holes! I borrowed Jane’s needle and thread and sat in the garden doing a bit of darning. I’ll get some more in Leon in a couple of days. I also have an over shirt that I wear all the time, but it gets smelly so that needs a wash most days. We’re mainly just hand washing with the one bar of soap, I’ll treat the shirt to a hot wash in Leon.

After a rest we spent half an hour in the dining room at the hostel playing cards with Alex, then went to a different cafe in the village with her for a plate of patatas fritas and a lemonade. We were joined by Ernest and Janet who are travelling with Alex and had a pleasant hour talking about favourite musicals.

We’re back in the hostel settling down for an early night and hoping to get off to sleep before everyone comes back in for the night. The bunks are very rickety again and the slightest movement is going to make everything shake.

Hasta mañana

[eating-plastic]

The Sterling Sisters: How Their Puppet Men Comfort Them

A/N: Just a fair warning. This'll cover topics that may be triggering to some like self doubt, self hate, anxiety, and other negative ways of thinking. So yay, some angst! There's comfort tho, obviously. I'm too much of a sensitive bitch to write angst without comfort or a happy ending. Also the name "Kate" in Angie's segment is just a random name I came up with. Sorry to all the Kates out there, it's nothing personal lol.

Marabelle:

The Bodega Bay Inn, one of the most notorious hotels in California. Hell, probably one of the most notorious hotels in the United States. And why wouldn't it be? Was there any other hotel that had a history of opening and shutting down so frequently?

No matter. Currently the hotel was going through another "open phase", once again filled with bustling attendants. All of this under the ownership of three sisters, with the eldest taking the job of running the place the most seriously.

Marabelle Sterling, from the day she was born valued hard work and responsibility. If there was something to be done, do it and do it well. When something belonged to you, you take care of it, you claim it as your own.

Sure, that was fine when life was so simple, and it was just her and her sisters. But now, there was so much more that needed to be taken care of. The Bodega Bay Inn was not small by any means. It held hundreds upon hundreds of rooms, and hundreds upon hundreds of square feet of land.

Of course, all of this didn't have to be her problem now that the number of staff had passed triple digits. She was the boss, all she had to do was sit back and bark orders at people. But that wasn't who she was. Marabelle was a woman of action. She wasn't going to stand on the sidelines when there was effort she could contribute.

It started with her as the head chef in the kitchens, not just keeping things organized, clean, and running smoothly, but also cooking alongside the other kitchen staff.

Then, she would see the maids, housekeepers, and janitors vacuuming, or dusting, or mopping. The next thing she knew, she was also cleaning up corridors and rooms.

Then there was the gardens and the lawns. The pools and the parlors. It's honestly a surprise she didn't reach her breaking point sooner.

Sweep this, dry that. Clean this, cook that. Dust, water, wash.

That's just what it was like for her every single day. And then, one afternoon, her brain went numb.

Were the flowers watered again? Was the lawn watered again? Did she need to check on the pool? Someone's dusting the shelves in one of the parlors, were the others dusted? Someone's mopping a hallway, should she mop ones on the other floor? The widows. The windows needed to be washed. Who had checked out? Were the bedding and towels washed and dried? Did she need to replace them? The soaps, the shampoos? Pillows? Supper. Supper still needed to be cooked for the night. Supper...supper...cook....

Enough.

Please just stop.

Marabelle kept her head down as she made her way to the elevators. She didn't want to see the work that she needed to do. The work she felt like she had to do. She just wanted it to stop. For it all to just pause for one Goddamn moment.

In the blink of an eye, she was in her room. The luxury suite she picked out when she and her sisters first arrived. The day they all moved in. She pressed her back against the front door and began to take deep breaths.

She then found the sofa in the living room and plopped herself down. That was when the flood gates opened. It started with a couple of tears flowing down her cheeks, then it wouldn't stop. No matter how hard she tried to wipe them away, it wouldn't stop.

Eventually, she gave up. She covered her face in her hands and started to sob. And she hated it. Here she was, sitting on her ass sobbing while there was work to be down. There was so much she had to do, and here she was being useless. And that just made her cry harder. So much to be done, but she felt so exhausted.

She was so deep in her mental turmoil, so deep in her sobbing, that she didn't hear her front door opening. She didn't hear someone call her name. She didn't hear someone approaching her.

"Darlin'?"

Mara's head shot up, eyes locking with another pair, dark and familiar and full of concern.

"Six. W-What can I do f-for you?" she began wiping her tears quickly, trying to compose herself despite balling.

"Well, fer starters you can tell me what's wrong," he continued to look down at the woman he loved. He had just wanted to know if she wanted to go out drinking with him that night. He wasn't expecting to find her so distraught.

She didn't look up at him. She was staring down at her feet and her fingers now rubbing her temples. As such, Six takes a seat on the soda and wraps an arm around her.

"I just want it to stop," she mumbled, eyes closed and breathing deep.

"Fer what to stop?" he asked, squeezing her arm reassuringly.

"Just...everything. It's just all so much," Mara shook her head. "The work...it just doesn't stop. Why can't it all just pause for one second, just one second?"

"What do ya mean 'work'? Darlin' you don't gotta do all the shit you do. Yer the boss. Yer job is to jus' tell people what to do," he remarked, causing her to shake her head more aggressively.

"Because that's not who I am, Six," she finally looked at him again. "I feel like I have to do this. All of this is mine, and I have to take care of it. I gotta clean this, I gotta take care of that. I have to do it...and here I am now...sitting on my ass being useless."

"Aw, come on now. I ain't havin' none of that," Six takes her face into his hand, forcing her to look at him. "You ain't useless, darlin'. You wanna know what you are?"

She continued to look at him expectantly.

"Yer human," he answered. "You got limits. Hell, I haven't been human fer a hundred somethin' years and I still remember that. I know it feels like you gotta do all of this shit, but you don't. You already do enough darlin'."

"I...I know but-"

"No, no buts. You already do enough. And you don't gotta do it alone. You got the workers, you got yer sisters, you got the others...and you got me."

Marabelle went silent for a bit, mulling his words in her head.

"Yeah," she began to nod. "Yeah...okay."

"Good," he tucks a strand of her sandy hair behind her ear. "I care about you, Mara. We all care about you."

She nodded again, and even gave him a small smile, which he returns.

"I know...," she thought for a moment, before she felt a sharp pain in her head. "...I got a headache."

"Well, I'm not surprised. You've been runnin' around this hotel like a race horse," Six moved his hand from her arm to her back, patting it. "Come on, let's get you to bed."

They both stood up from the couch, and head to her bedroom. After kicking her shoes off, she laid down on her bed. It was only in that moment that she realized how much her muscles ached. She let out a tired sigh, and her eyes instantly felt heavy.

"There, now I don't want you leavin' this bed, ya hear? If I catch ya anywhere else in this hotel, I'm draggin' yer sweet ass right back to this bed."

She lets out an exhausted laugh, before closing her eyes and falling asleep. Six stood there for a bit, making sure she really was asleep.

Yep, out like a light.

With that, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Rest easy, darlin'."

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

Angelica:

How do you break someone that is so happy-go-lucky? Someone who radiates confidence? Someone who always has a snarky remark to an insult? Someone who could probably carry a whole theater performance while wearing nothing but a potato sack?

Everyone has a breaking point, and for Angelica Sterling, it would usually be something serious like losing a loved one. However, there was one moment that while not as severe, still stung her hard.

It should've been a good day. She had aced an audition and got the role of the leading lady in an up and coming theater production. It didn't matter if it was the nth audition she had nailed, it still felt as exciting as the first time, which showed as she skipped eagerly up to the front entrance of the public library.

It was almost closing time, and she had come to take the love of her life home from his work. Did she have previous relationships? Of course she did, but none of her exes could compare to her beloved Jester. Then again, if she feel in love with him when he was still just a puppet, then that was pretty strong love. It was like a fairy tale. A different take on The Princess and the Frog. The beautiful princess kissing the little jester puppet, and poof, he turned into a handsome prince.

Now, the process wasn't that easy, obviously, but that was how she viewed it.

As she passed through the front entrance of the library, she spotted her formerly puppet boyfriend behind a front desk and chatting with a woman. A coworker that was watching him intensely. He must've been telling her a story. He was an amazing story teller.

"Hello, anybody home?" Angelica called in a playful sing-song voice.

Jester quickly turned his attention away from the woman, and smiled as his eyes locked onto her.

"Ah, meine sterne! Come in!" he called, at which she eagerly made her way over to him.

Once she was close enough to the front desk, he leaned over and greeted her with a kiss.

"Tell me, how was the audition?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Guess," she began to bounce on the balls of her feet.

"Hm...I will have to say...understudy?" he joked.

Angie giggled and nodded her head.

"Ahem," the woman who was by the desk first cleared her throat.

"Hm? Oh, Angelica this is my work friend Kate. Kate, this is Angelica, my dearest heart," Jester introduced.

"Hello!" she chirped and gave Kate a small wave.

"Hi," Kate gave her a forced smile.

"I just have to organize some things in the back, then we can leave, alright?" he turned back to Angelica.

"Okay!" she beamed.

With that, he disappeared into the room behind the front desk.

"You can't be serious."

Angelica turned her head to Kate.

"What?"

"Tch, of course you don't know," she smirks, condescendingly.

"No, I really don't. Care to tell me?" Angelica quickly became defensive at her tone.

"Oh come on, sweetie. Your Hans' girlfriend? Really?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" she sneered, offended.

"Ha! I mean what does he see in a dumb bimbo like you?" Kate smiles coldly.

"Um, I don't know. Someone beautiful. Someone funny. Someone who makes him miles happier than your boring ass probably could," the brunette snipped back.

"Aw, of course. I'm sure a man as handsome and smart as him loves being seen with a woman who dresses like she's a five year old girl."

"What the hell's your problem? I literally just met you. Are you really that much of a bitch, that you have to try and tear down women you don't even know?" Angelica dug her nails into her palms, imprinting little crescent shaped indents in the skin.

"Not all women. Just insecure, immature girls that'll drag their boyfriends down to their level."

Angelica opened her mouth to bite back, but for the first time in her life, her brain couldn't come up with anything. Kate let out a small, cruel laugh at the insulted look on her face.

"God, I wouldn't be surprised if the next time I see Hans, he will only be able to read at a first grade level," with that she began to walk to the entrance. "Oh, and by the way, guys don't like the 'Barbie doll' look with caked on makeup. You're not impressing anyone. Bye."

As soon as Kate was gone, Angelica let out a snarl, fists shaking with anger. Never in her life had she met someone that was such a bitch. Sure, she had been called cruel things before. She had been called a bimbo, a dumb bitch, hell she had even been called a slut by disgusting creeps she had rejected. She always knew how to fight back. She always knew how to send their harsh words back. So why couldn't she come up with something to say to Kate.

Because you really are a stupid bitch.

No! No, she wasn't. Sure, she wasn't the smartest girl in the world, but she wasn't stupid...right? She wasn't. She wasn't stupid, and she wasn't "holding Jester back"...right? He loved her, he was happy with her. He...he was in love with her since he was just a puppet for God's sake.

Aw, of course you think that.

Stop! He is happy with me! He loves me! He's...he's not...embarrassed to be seen with me...he...he doesn't hate me....

Angelica looked down at the outfit she was wearing. A pretty, pink dress. She remembered getting ready that morning. She remembered putting it on. She remembered putting on her makeup. She remembered thinking about how cute she looked. Now, she just wanted to run home and burn the dress. To set a fire to every pink outfit she had in her closet.

"Engel? Hello, engel?"

She blinks herself out of her thoughts, and sees a hand being waved in front of her face.

"Oh! Um, sorry. What was that, Jester?" she asked, trying to shake her negative thoughts away.

"I should ask you the same. You seemed to be in your own world," he beamed at her. She tried to return the smile, especially as she looked into his beautiful, blue eyes, but it didn't feel real. She didn't feel real.

"I was just thinking, that's all. Come on, let's go home."

She didn't remember the drive. All she knew was that she was in the library one moment, then she and Jester were at the Bodega Bay Inn, and then she was sitting in her makeup room. She told him that she wanted to be alone for a bit. He could clearly tell that something was wrong, but she didn't want him to worry.

She didn't want his fake sympathy.

Angelica took a seat at the stool in front of her vanity, tears starting to flow down her cheek. She sighed, ripping her glasses from her face and rubbing a makeup wipe over her face. She rubbed it against her face so hard, that it was like she was trying to rip the skin away.

Once she was done, she grabbed her glasses and put them back on, immediately wanting to rip them back off when she glance up at her reflection. The face she saw wasn't her.

She turned on her stool to look at the room. To look at the pink rug on the center of the floor. To look at the closet full of outfits in different shades of pink and even some purple. To look at the Barbie dolls that littered the shelves with their plastic smiles and pretty blue eyes.

It was who she was. This whole room was who she was. She wouldn't be able to change no matter how hard she tried. Even if she really was faking who she really was, even if she really was just trying to impress people, it didn't matter. Because it was who she was, and it made her happy.

And if what made her happy didn't make Jester happy, then there was only one thing to do. She loved him, and when you love someone....

You let them go.

Suddenly, there is a knock at the door to the room.

"Angelica, it's me. Can I come in, meine sterne?"

She sighed, and got up to open the door. When Jester saw her, he was taken aback a bit at her removing her makeup so soon.

"Engel, are you alright? Are you sick?" he moved to press a hand to her forehead, but she stopped him.

"I'm going to ask you something, and I need you to answer me, honestly," she looked up at him, pleadingly.

"I will," he moved his hand back to his side, and looked down at her with concern in his eyes.

"Do you love me?"

"Tha...That's a very silly question, engel. Of course I love you."

"And you're happy. Like, really happy with me?"

"Of Course I a-Angelica, where is this coming from?" she had never questioned his love before. She had no reason to. He loved showing her how much he loved her. It made her smile. It made her laugh. It made her happy.

"Because I know I'm...because I know how embarrassing it must be for someone like you to be seen with me," she sighed.

Jester opened his mouth to speak, but Angelica pressed her fingers to his lips, halting him.

"You really don't deserve someone like me, Jester. I'm...I'm just dumb, and insecure, and childish...and I don't want you to be tied down to me."

With that, she put her hand back down but didn't break her gaze with him. Suddenly, he threw his arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Oh, meine sterne, is that really what you think?" he waited, but she stayed silent. "That is not what I think about you at all. You are beautiful, sweet, funny, and talented."

He pulled away to look down at her, holding her face in his hands.

"And you are not stupid. And even if you were, I would not care. You are wonderful, and you are everything I want."

Angelica thought for a moment, doubt still clouding her mind.

"Really?"

"I'll shout it from the rooftops if I must. In fact....," Jester made his way towards the window in the room. He then unlocked and opened it, clearing his throat.

No way. He wasn't going to do what she thought he was going to do.

"I LOVE ANGELICA STERLING!"

He did.

Jester then closed and relocked the window.

"There, I think that will do the trick," he turned back to her, who had a hand over her mouth in shock.

"I can't believe you just did that," she lets out a laugh of disbelief.

"I had to. And I will do it as many times you need me to, even if my vocal cords give out."

With that, she finally felt a genuine smile spread across her face.

"There we go, that's just what I was looking for. Now...," he motioned to the stool in front of the vanity. "Why don't we complete it?"

Angelica eagerly made her way over and sat down. He removed her glasses and grabbed a makeup brush, but not before pressing a kiss to her nose and pulling a giggle from her lips.

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

Louisa:

The mall was as full as always, with people popping in and out of shops, sometimes with bags sometimes without. They all chattered amongst their friends, fellow customers, the workers. A bustling building that held a wide variety of sensations.

So many smells, so many sounds, so many sights.

To Louisa Sterling however, she felt like she was in hell. She didn't feel that was when she entered. Because she entered with someone she loved. That someone that was currently in the bathroom at the moment.

Blade had asked her if she would've been alright. He knew she didn't do well in crowded places, but she told him she would be fine.

Because she should've been fine. It was just for a couple of minutes. She should've been able to handle being alone in a crowed building for a few minutes.

But she wasn't. She was far from okay. She looked down at her feet to avoid any awkward, accidental eye contact with people. To avoid someone thinking that she was weird for sitting by herself watching them go about their day.

She still felt their eyes, though. Their eyes boring into her, judging her for sitting all alone like a weirdo. So she looked back up again, and felt her breath catch in her throat.

All of the signs were a mishmash of jumbled up letters and symbols, the shops blurry and impossible to make heads or tails about the products sold, the shoppers and workers all faceless and waxy, and the noises. Oh God the noises. There were so many noises, all of them loud and completely incoherent.

She felt her breathing get frantic and her heart beat increasing. Her eyes fell back to her feet, trying to take deep breaths. The eyes were back on her again, so she stopped and tried to breathe normal.

She grabbed the ends of her oversized cardigan and wrapped it around her tightly. A very easy feat considering just how small she was compared to it. She felt small compared to everything around her. The eyes came back, and she quickly fixed the cardigan.

She bounced her leg, the eyes came back, and she stopped.

She moved her hand up to her mouth to chew on her sleeve, the eyes came back, and she slammed it into her lap once more.

She tapped her finger against the bench she was sitting on, the eyes came back, and her hand froze.

It was an endless cycle of trying to relieve those nerves, before being cruelly remined by those damn eyes that she was weird, that she was creepy, that she was pathetic.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, and closed her eyes tightly as she began to feel tears welling up. The eyes came back.

Please stop looking at me. Just stop looking at me!

She hated this. She hated that she couldn't just go about her day like everyone else. How she couldn't understand the signs and shops. How she couldn't talk to people without stumbling over her words. How she couldn't hand things to the clerks without her hands shaking. How she needed someone like her sisters or Blade as an anchor in places like this.

Why can't I just shop like a normal person?

Why can't I just be normal?

"Meine liebe?"

Louisa's eyes opened, but she didn't look up, her short red hair curtaining her face.

Blade sat down next to her, concern evident on his featured. He took one of her hands into his and squeezed it tightly.

"I wanna go home," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Alright, we can go home," he nodded before standing up from the bench and carefully pulling her up with him.

He then wrapped an arm around her and held her tightly, carefully leading her to the entrance of the mall. Louisa continued to stare down at her feet as they walked. Today was supposed to be a nice shopping date with Blade, and she ruined it.

The eyes came back.

Please just go away.

On the trip from the mall back to the Bodega Bay Inn, Blade never stopped touching her, whether it be holding her close to him or squeezing her hand.

Even as they stepped through the front doors of the hotel, he continued to guide her to their room, rubbing her arm to know that he was right there by her side.

As soon as they entered their room, she broke down.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered.

"Please, meine schatz, there is nothing to apologize for," he rested his hand on her cheek, stroking it lovingly.

"Yes, there is," she sobbed. "I ruined everything. Today supposed to be a sweet date, and I ruined it because I can't just shop like a normal person. I ruined it because I can't be normal."

Blade just shook his head and pulled her into a hug, resting his chin on top of her head.

"I know it may seem like that, but so many go through what you experience as well," he raised his hand to her hair, stroking it gently. "It may look like everyone can go about their days with little difficulty, but those same people struggle with crowds, with talking to others, like judgement is constantly being thrown their way."

She squeezed him tighter, letting out a shaky breath. His words were slowly melting away the feelings of shame and guilt she had from the situation.

"You aren't weak and you are not strange for your fear. Or for your discomfort. Because many understand it. And every time you feel judgement cast your way, I want you to remember that you are loved."

Louisa pulled away to look up into Blade's gray eyes, seeing that his words were genuine and true.

"You are loved by your sisters. You are loved by your friends. And most importantly, you are loved by me," he raised one of her hands to place a kiss to her knuckles. "And I never want you to forget that."

A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and she nodded.

"I won't."

"Now then, why don't we run you a nice bath?" he asked, giving her a smile of his own.

"Tea, too?" she chirped

Blade let out a small laugh and nodded.

"Yes, tea too."