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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 4 months ago

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Outfoxed: Part Two

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2k

Summary: Derek has had enough and decides now is the time to work bringing you home. The team is working on two cases and stretching their agents thin but they'll do anything to bring you back into Spencer's arms.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Season Five Masterlist

Author’s Note: I know I'm going to piss some people off with the way I wrote the trial and the gathering of evidence but remember, this is fiction and it's my story. I'm making it easy and convenient. I know this isn't how trials work.

I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them.

When Emily gets the message from JJ, she repeats it back to Hotch. They've already arrived at the prison and kept their heads down as they walked past the cells housing some of the most dangerous criminals.

"So, why wait a year to send Karl a note? Unless they were communicating the whole time?"

"That's the first thing we need to find out. Karl has a big ego. He's gonna want to answer a question with a question. The first thing he's gonna want to know is why I'm not wearing my wedding ring. Then, he's gonna want to describe to you in graphic detail every sexual act he committed with the families."

"To freak me out?"

"To pull you into his fantasy. More than anything, he's going to want to see the images of the children."

"We can't give him that."

"We have to give him something or we'll get nothing from him." Hotch and Emily walk into the interrogation room they've placed Karl in, and the criminal smirks when he sees them. "Hello, Karl."

"Agent Hotchner." His eyes flit over Emily. "I didn't know you were sending... they just told me two agents"

"Karl, this is Agent--"

"Emily Prentiss. I know all about you."

Hotch takes out files and only sets out certain evidence for him to look at while keeping most of it hidden.

"It appears you have a fan."

"Admirer. Not a fan. Big difference, right?"

"Is this the first time you've been contacted by your admirer?"

"I have many fans. Even on my own website. Don't you? You'd be astounded by some of the questions they ask. I make a log of all of them. Would you like to read some?"

"I would love to," Emily says.

"You'd love to? Here." He puts a file on the desk right by him. "Look."

Emily reaches over the table to grab it and Karl immediately leans in to smell her hair. Hotch snatches the file away and Emily backs off, but the damage has been done.

"Your admirer is taking wedding rings, just like you. Maybe not for the same reason."

"Like how you took all of mine. You took mine," Karl says to Hotch. "I see... you lost yours."

"Eight rings, four families. Or was it one ring for each family?"

"How'd you come to lose your ring?" Karl laughs before Hotch can answer. "Wait, don't tell me. A casualty of the job."

"My job is what put you here."

"True. Then, it's the children who suffer most. Wouldn't you agree?"

"You'd know more about that than me," Hotch glares.

"Which is why you came to me. I can help you with that, Agent Hotchner. I certainly can, but I'll need to see those photos. May I?"

"Can we talk for a second?" Emily asks Hotch before he has a chance to see those pictures.

"Is there a problem, Emily?"

"No," Hotch answers for her, the two of them leaving the room with the files in hand.

"We cannot show him these."

"These images will be his undoing and our way in."

"They're not just images."

"That's exactly what they are."

"We can't use Lucy like that."

"It's a tradeoff we have to make."

"You're saying we're going to use a dead twelve-year-old in a bathing suit as a bargaining chip? For what?"

"To him, it's not just a photograph. It's much, much more, and we need to know what."

"I've never done this before," she sighs.

"You don't have to now."

"Yes, I do."

"Alright. When I feel he's ready to talk, I'll leave the room. You get him talking. Whatever he does, whatever you feel, just stay on script. We need to know why he killed those families."

While half the team is working endlessly on the current case, Derek and Spencer head back to the BAU to work with Penelope on your case. Derek knocks once and enters her office. She is surprised to see them back when there is an active case, and Derek explains before she can question it.

"I need you to work your magic, baby girl. We're helping Y/N regardless of what Strauss says."

"Yes, I knew you'd come around," she grins. She wheels her chair over to the set of monitors on the side. She already has files saved dedicated to your case and she pulls up every single one of them. "I looked into her whereabouts during each of the murders, and I happened to come across two videos before Strauss shut everything down. I cross-referenced her face against any kind of video across the country. I haven't watched them but I did manage to save them before the shutdown."

She plays the first video which is a grainy CCTV footage of a hotel a few states away from Virginia. This was when the team was out on a case so they watch Hotch, Rossi, Emily, JJ, and Derek walk into the lobby of the hotel. You and Spencer walk in behind them holding hands. Spencer sighs silently at the fact that he hasn't held our hand in a long time. Two and a half months is a lifetime when it comes to you. The second video is a grainy CCTV video of you at the gas station. You paid cash but it clearly shows you walk inside the place to pay.

"That proves she was in that hotel and at that gas station at that time with us. How does it connect to the murders?" Derek asks.

"I looked at the only two autopsies for two of the victims. Juan Lopez and John Dimateo died on the night you checked into the hotel. Police were so blinded by the fact that there was all this evidence against her that they didn't want to look into this. They were dead a week before being found by police. You were on a case for the first few days of them being dead."

"It's like the police don't want to know the possibility that someone else did this. Why are they so stubborn? Why aren't they looking into this more?" Spencer asks.

"Great job, mama, but this only clears her for two of the seven murders. She needs to be cleared on all seven."

"Yeah, I'm working on it."

"Kid, go talk to your neighbors. There may be something someone saw or someone roaming the hallways near your apartment. PD wouldn't have done this because they're confident that the case is closed."

"Okay," Spencer nods and leaves her office.

"Baby, look for footage of everything related to those seven murders. There has to be someone who knows something. I'm going to go to the ME's office and see if there is a connection through the victims."

"Okay, got it."

Derek kisses the side of her head and leaves her office with his phone in his hands. He quickly texts Hotch an update on your case. Hotch sees the message and keeps it under wraps right now. He and Emily have a goal right now, and that's to get Karl talking. Both of them walk back inside the interrogation room and Karl stands up.

"You want to see, don't you?"

"Very much."

"We're going to show you." Hotch takes out the pictures of the crime scene photos. Karl looks at them with wide eyes. "This is the home of the Downey family. There were three children."

"How old?"

"Twelve, nine, and four. A girl and two boys."

"Where were they found?"

"Backyard."

"Buried... Interesting."

"Laura, the mother, and the two boys were killed in the house." He shows the picture of the master bedroom. "This is where the mother and the youngest son were killed. The other boy was shot in the bedroom closet."

"Where's the father?"

"Overseas. The killer knows this."

"He knows everything about this family, and he watches their every move to be sure he achieves what he needs." Karl chuckles. "You have no idea how he knows the father is gone or how he targets these families, and the how. That's the key. The how is why he was able to catch me."

"You watched the families for days."

"Weeks. I got to know them, but not your guy. He doesn't need weeks. If he did, he'd stay longer."

"Why?"

"So he can enjoy them. What I don't understand is why he didn't separate the children. That way you have more control. No room for error. Why he didn't put the boys in separate rooms and say, 'If you cry, I'll have to kill Mommy'? Tell me, how did the girl die?"

"She was drowned."

"Yet the others were shot. May I see her?"

Emily doesn't give him the chance and stakes the files away from him.

"What's so special about the girl?"

"To suffocate her. To feel the life leave her body means everything to the man who did this."

"To you, maybe, but not to this killer. Not in the same way."

"All I did was show them how weak fathers could be. That's all."

"Every child you killed you abused physically. For this man, there is no sexual gratification."

"At least I spared the fathers the grief of living."

Emily sighs, takes out her phone, and sends a quick text to Penelope who responds even faster. How is it going? We're working as quickly as we can. Penelope has not stopped looking into your case since Derek and Spencer left her office. She continues to use her database to get a match of your face on cameras around the time of the murders, and she looks for videos regarding the areas where the murders took place.

She comes across a video that's too dark to make anything out, but the person holding the camera moves underneath a street light. She can see down an alley where there are cars on either side of the street. She assumes a man steps out into the light but the person filming is too far away to see any notable features. The man (she assumes it's a man because of his height and build) drags a victim out of the car and begins stabbing him. The crime scene photos of Chase Williams compared to the place in the video are exact except one is with the sun out and the other with the moon out.

That makes you clear for three of the seven. She dials Derek and gets him on the second ring.

"Hey, I found a video of Chase Williams getting murdered by the unsub. I compared it to the crime scene where he was found. Y/N is much smaller than the person I saw. No defined features, I'm afraid."

"Good. Keep that in evidence."

"You got it." Derek hangs up the phone and turns to the ME who agrees to see him. She hasn't done all seven autopsies yet due to being backed up which is why only two were released to the public. "Sorry, Doc. You were saying?"

"Eric Price and Jeffrey Rideback have injuries far older than when they were found."

"Meaning what?"

"Meaning they were dead long before they were found."

"We came to that same conclusion with the first two victims, the ones whose autopsies were released. Can you determine the date of death?"

"Based on the severe bruising around Eric's eyes and Jeffrey's neck, and the state of decomposition, I'd say they were dead two weeks before when they were found."

"When can you get the autopsies done?"

"By the afternoon."

"I'd like them faxed over to our technical analyst as soon as you get them done."

"Sure."

If these two men were dead two weeks before they were found, then that means you couldn't have done it. Two weeks before their discoveries, you were out of town with Spencer. He has receipts that show you were in another county and footage from the security cameras on the cabin you rented. Whoever killed these men must have been in a blind rage because he would have thought about all of this before doing it.

That makes you five of the seven murders. He needs to clear you on all seven for you to be released. He takes out his phone and calls Rossi to check in on the team.

"Hey, how's it going over there?"

"There's been another murder but we've got it handled over here. Focus on Y/N right now. We got this."

"Thank you."

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

#spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fic #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid angst #criminal minds #criminal minds fic #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fluff #criminal minds angst #criminal minds series rewrite #criminal minds season 5

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push-tet · 8 months ago

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@hellodahliah special for you 🥰 and for ppl who want to understand the lore of my Verona

kind of an addendum to the last post

bruh im sorry that this post came out so long!!

The Counts origin: The Counts, like the Сapps, were once an aristocracy. But after losing the election to Macbeth's ancestor, the Counts' ancestors ceased to consider themselves aristocrats. Leaving the path of palitics the Counts chose the path of jurisprudence. The Counts were able to maintain their power and influence over Veronaville by pulling the strings of law and justice

Escalus-Prince - Knowledge\Pisces- 5\3\9\1\7

Yeah, he's got a double name but everyone just calls him Escalus or Escal

He's too empathic for a job in the judiciary

He met his ex-wife at uni, he thought it was the real love but in fact she was using him to improve her position at uni so that she would not be expelled (he did all her academic work for her). When the truth came out, he didn't make a scene and just asked her to leave

After the death of Ledia Macbeth (the mayor at the time), he continues her work trying to reconcile the old generation of feuding clans

Escalus couldn't spend much time with his son. That's why they have a strained relationship with him

Escalus realizes he's spoiled Paris. While he has time, he tries to carefully correct this mistake so that he knows Paris will be a worthy successor to the family business

Gregorio - Romance\Taurus - 4\7\3\8\3

He is the first adopted son of the Summerdreams. When he grew up, he changed his last name

He was in love with a servant girl at the Сapp House (at the time of the game, the deceased Angelica Nurse)

He's a master of bad flirting

Before he became the Counts' butler, he tried his hand at stand-up

Gregorio still doesn't know how to react to Paris' words - You're like a big brother to me

After the fire at the old Count manor, he developed hydrophobia

Paris - Family\Leo - 5\8\3\4\5

Paris was born and spent half his childhood in Champs Les Sims. But his parents were going on a long expedition, so they returned to Veronaville and left their son in the care of Escalus. They promised to send him a card or letter once a month, but he hadn't received one in over three years (they're alive)

Paris was chubby in chilhood

Paris got interested in drawing after watching - Little Miss Wendalyn (fun fact - it's also Romeo's fav cartoon) At the moment, the biggest fan of his doodles is Merc

Paris is a little self-centered and makes himself a pretty good-looking guy. But even so, he always says - There's beauty in everyone. Someone just didn't think to wash their face today

Paris has been friends with Julliette since childhood but her liaison with Romeo annoys him. Paris just can't turn a blind eye to Romeo's shameful reputation. Not because he's jealous nonono

Paris and Romeo don't openly show their dislike for each other and pretend they are good bros. Paris calls him Gnomeo

The Zhung origin:

The fairies of the Zhung Clan are famous tea masters and their outdated views on life. The men of the clan are outstanding healers and the women of the clan are supposed to be creative but devote themselves to looking after the family. But no member of the family is allowed to leave the homeland without special permission from the elders. Failure to follow the rules is punishable by condemnation and condemnation within the family

Yingtai - Virgo\Family 8\3\5\3\6

After her daughter left the family, Yingtai devoted herself to a career in music. She is fluent in playing all musical instruments and has often performed at the opera

As a young girl, Yangtai disobeyed her family and went to university abroad dressed as a man

Yingtai's husband openly despised her family. He despised them so much that he refused to use his wife's surname after marriage

Yingtai hasn't spoken another language for a long time, so when she arrives in Veronaville she starts to communicate with everyone in her native language as a habit

Yingtai remains devoted to her husband even after his death

Yintai knows all types and kinds of teas by heart. So she's literally like: Fuck your zodiac signs. What's your favorite tea?; Her favorite - Longjing tea

please someone ask me about Yingtai and her husband's relationship they are my Roman Empire

Madam - Aries\Pleasure 5\6\6\4\4

i found an old post about her bruh

Madam change her name and took her second husband's surname so she and her daughter wouldn't be part of the Zhung

Madam hates everything to do with her father. Unlike her mother, Madame is convinced that he is not dead but simply ran away

Madame works as a fashion photographer but also successfully designs her own custom-made clothes. Some of her clients include - Marissa Cleveland, Armand DeBateau, Mercutio Monty, Klara Vonderstein, Goneril and Kent Capp, Bella Goth, Cordial sisters

Madame doesn't hate men, she just doesn't like it when men try to control women

After the "death" of her father, Yingtai fell into a deep depression and stopped paying attention to her daughter, because of this Madame became unmanageable and often deliberately got into trouble

After leaving home, Madame still has a habit of asking after the welcome - "Would you like some tea?" Her favorite - Pu Erh with basil-cherry

Helana - Scorpio\Fortune 7\4\7\4\3

When Helena was studying martial arts in Shang Simla. (btw the homeland of Madam and Yingati) She overworked herself so much that she now has to dye her hair blond to cover up a bunch of gray hairs

Helena the union of an ordinary sim and a fairy. A half-breed. She does not have access to such fnctions as - long life and magic. But in she excels in physical activities of ordinary sims

Fact: Helena was able to reeducate Paris to do his job properly

For Helna, Hermia is dead. So when she's asked to stop ignoring Hermia's existence, she says - I'm not crazy enough to talk to a ghost

Helena seems to be a cold person, but if you talk to her for a while, you will find out that in addition to white arts, she bakes cookies/buns to drink tea with (if Paris doesn't eat all the sweets in one go); Her favorite - green tea with peach

The Snout also have a dog named Peek

He was a present for Madam from father-in-law. i don't know how to describe him, i'll just show it

he's also supposed to be a Spitz

fact: the only three characters here are not Shakespearean references

hmmm, should i put Madam-Helena and Escalus-Paris templates for download?

#my shitpost #vv:bs #veronaville #btw #my laptop is alive now

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rmstitanics · 1 year ago

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me? infodumping about the Abraham Lincoln centric musical I’m writing? HELL YEAH HERE WE GO!

This project has been in development for the last several years, and I unabashedly adore it more than anything I’ve worked on before. So uh … you’re gonna get a preview of it in the form of snack pack sized facts whether you like it or not.

SUMMARY: “𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐄: 𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋” dives deep into the tortured psyche of Abraham Lincoln and tells the story of our Sixteenth President’s tumultuous years in office like it has never been told before.

Orchestrally, it holds the most similarities to Les Misérables, Hello Dolly, Newsies, and Anastasia. The narrative structure of the production is comparable to Evita, Jekyll and Hyde, and Hadestown.

this production will be A STUDY IN … the five stages of grief, leadership during turbulent times, the joys of fatherhood, spirituality and the occult, the quest to discover and establish one’s self-identity, courage in its many forms, collaboration between opposing personalities for the sake of the greater good, the transformation of a team to a brotherhood, legacy and the historical narrative, mental health, personal agency, and the horrors of war.

The musical is narrated by Robert Todd Lincoln, who in 1922 at the Lincoln Memorial’s dedication strives to clear away misconceptions regarding his father. Similar in archetypal design to Evita’s Che and Hadestown’s Hermes, he tells the musical’s story as a flashback, and has an omniscience granted to him by historical hindsight. He tells the story so that history won’t repeat itself and no matter how much he wishes to do so, it cannot be altered.

Although it certainly appears otherwise at first, there are no human antagonists within this storyline. William Henry Seward deceives the audience into believing that he is the antagonist during act one; however, this character arc is resolved by the development of his friendship with Lincoln. The real antagonists are the institution of slavery, the civil war itself, and Lincoln’s own depression.

Rather than the Gettysburg Address or Emancipation Proclamation, Willie Lincoln’s death is Act One’s final scene. This creative decision was made to highlight the show’s focus on mental health, and to render the Civil War an entirely personal affair. The last number of Act One offers the audience a glimpse into Lincoln’s personal struggle with the death of his son. In the timespan of a single musical number, he speedruns the Five Stages of Grief, eventually accepting that his son is dead and he must persevere through the pain. If he crumbles, more fathers will lose their sons.

The second part of Act Two’s opening number sheds light on Mary’s approach to the grieving process. Upon realizing that she became “so devoted to [our] political advancement” that she neglected her religious beliefs, Mary begins to wonder whether she was to blame for Willie’s demise. Robert briefly abandons his role as narrator to become Mary’s subconscious mind, poisoning her thoughts with the concept that Willie was struck down by a higher power as punishment for sinful behavior.

There are several musical numbers and scenes whereupon Abraham communicates with two versions of himself — version one being the nine year old Abe, and version two being the Abe that has just arrived in Springfield. From his younger selves, he seeks advice, reassurance, and listening ears.

That’s all the details you��ll get for now, folks! Feel free to reach out if you want to be part of the creative team for this show, or even just to suggest an idea.

#can y’all tell that this show is being written by an English Lit major yet?#musical theatre #american civil war #abraham lincoln #history #american history #broadway #child loss tw #child death mention #tw grief

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carmillamurraywrites · 1 year ago

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For the free day of Claudia Appreciation week 2023 some of my alternate takes and appearances of the Infant Death.

Unfortunately most of these are not Claudia leading but she features in these stories. All are based off Bailey’s portrayal for appearance but may be alternate versions.

“Paris has Answers”

After feeling the ripples through the vampire world of Lestat’s death, and Louis’ grief, Gabrielle de Lioncourt visits Paris and on a chance encounter meets her “granddaughter��

“Captured in silver”

Louis recounts to Merrick a story about getting the family portrait.

“A Royale Christmas”

My first published Fic. A Christmas Episode with the Unholy Family.

“Grenadine”

A multi chapter work of modern humanLouis/vampire Lestat. In an alternate timeline where most of what has happened to Lestat in the VC books [sans Louis] is included. I originally tried to just write a quick dirty thing, but it’s evolved into an interesting story about what if LouStat actually communicated.

Biggest difference in terms of Claudia being what if Lestat had met her around the time he first came to the states, and Uncle Les overtly loves his adopted daughter.

Claudia arrives at the end of Chapter 5 but gets to tell her story and know Louis starting in chapter 6 and Chapter 7.

I’m personally very proud of Grenadine as a whole and am continuing to work on it. And Claudia will have more to come in the story but I do warn that Claudia’s story as it is told in this version, is still very tragic, and there’s a lot of violence.

#claudiaappreciationweek2023 #free day

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textsfromthefifthbasement · 2 years ago

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Fanfiction Masterlist

Les Miserables/Phantom of the Opera Crossover--Gen

Hope

An older Cosette lives through yet another revolution in Paris. One night at the beginning of the semaine sanglante, she has a mysterious visitor. Written for POTO Commune Week 2022. G, 709 words.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (Falcon and the Winter Soldier)--Sam/Bucky

Night Terror

Falcon and the Winter Soldier fanfic. Bucky wakes up after having a nightmare about his time as the Winter Soldier. Written for Lovetober 2022. Pairing: Sam/Bucky. G, 253 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Gen

Angel of Death

Madeleine and Erik had to flee Boscherville. Now in Paris, Madeleine has decided to do to other unwanted children what she should have done to Erik years ago... Written for POTO Dark Week 2023. Pairing: Gen. T, 983 words, Chose Not to Warn.

The Bridge Is Crossed

The ambush during Don Juan Triumphant goes terribly wrong. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on Prompt #19, Because I Am Dying. Pairing: Gen. T, 679 words, Major Character Death Warning.

Grace in Your Heart and Flowers in Your Hair

Christine and her father have a picnic together. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. G, 230 words.

I Found It, All on My Own

Christine was prepared to spend Christmas alone, but her friends had other plans. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. G, 1432 words.

Les Flambettes

As children, Raoul and Christine roamed the village of Perros together, listening to various folktales. As an adult, Raoul decides to pursue Christine through the mirror when the Voice takes her. Written for paperandsong's Légendes Rustiques event. T, 1215 words, Major Character Death warning.

Never to Keep

Erik dreams that Christine returns to him. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #23, In a Moment of Sadness. G, 245 words.

Preparation for Mortality

Christine wasn't sure what to expect after Erik took her down to his lair beneath the opera house. But this was most definitely not it. Written for POTO Crack Week 2022. G, 768 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Carlotta/Christine

When Will the Blood Begin to Race

Carlotta has had enough of Christine Daae trying to take her place as prima donna. She follows her up to the rooftop. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. T, 806 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Erik/Christine

All the Things Yet to Come

For the past four years, Christine has struggled to live in Paris amidst a deadly, society-upending plague. One night, an encounter completely rattles her world. T, 34/34 chapters, 25k words.

Open Your Eyes

Encanto meets POTO. The de Cordova family has looked after the valley using their magical gifts for decades now. After an accident, they adopted Cristina, and she is expected to marry Raul de Cordova. However, in the days after his youngest cousin's gift ceremony, everything begins to fall apart...literally. Will she be able to save the magic? And what about the man in the walls? T, In progress.

Offer Up Your Daughters

When Christine arrived at Silas University, she was prepared to be focused on getting her degree in vocal performance. However, she is soon thrown into a world of mystery while dealing with possibly the world's worst roommate. Based off the Carmilla Webseries, genderbent Raoul and Erik. T, 45k words.

No Spell for you to Right This

After saving Silas University from the dean and her cult of vampires, Christine and Erika want nothing more than to take time to explore their new relationship with each other. But then, when murders begin to happen and new threats appear, they have to deal with enemies both within and without. Based off the Carmilla Webseries, genderbent Erik. M, In Progress.

All Hallow’s Eve

Christine sings for her father on All Hallow's Eve and has an unexpected audience. Originally written for POTOber 2021, reposted for Lovetober 2022. G, 666 words.

And All the Things You Thought That I Should Be

Erik receives a phone call letting him know that his mother is dead. To plan her funeral, he returns back to his hometown. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023. T, 1180 words.

Begin Again

Christine waits for her blind date at a coffee shop. Written for Lovetober 2022. G, 359 words.

Blind Date

When Meg set Christine up on a blind date with a guy she worked with, Christine didn't know what to expect. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #6, to say goodnight. G, 1244 words.

Dance the Night Away

Erik takes Christine to the masquerade ball at the Palais Garnier. Sequel to Unspoken Secrets. G, 2623 words.

Dark Stories of the North

Christine tries to share a part of her childhood with Erik. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. G, 333 words.

Decided

Erik's thoughts before leading Christine through the mirror. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based off prompt #24, To Say Hello. G, 247 words.

A Gift

Christine returns to Erik’s home under the lake bearing a special gift for him. Written for Kinktober 2022. E, 988 words.

Healing

Christine and Erik have a short conversation at night. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. G, 379 words.

Hellfire

Christine is going through a stressful senior year of high school. When she fails to make it on the school's orchestra, that stress comes to a head and she decides to do something about it. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. T, 2107 words.

Help Me Say Goodbye

Christine's thoughts during the Final Lair. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #25, to say goodbye. G, 503 words.

In the Morning

The morning after Christine and Erik sleep together goes very differently. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #2, With Relief. G, 597 words.

In Your Skin and Bone and Blood

Ten years after the events in the final lair, Christine is a single mother working as a violinist when people from her past begin to enter her life again. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. G, 1359 words.

Mending

Christine finds Erik after the Final Lair. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #5, With an Apology. G, 783 words.

Merry Crimes

While waiting on a flight back home for Christmas, Christine joins Sorelli, Meg, and Erika in town. But then, an unfortunate incident with the mayor leads them to take shelter in a mysterious bakery. Takes place between the final chapter and the epilogue of Offer Up Your Daughters. Genderbent Erik. T, 1951 words.

Night Terrors

Gustave wakes up after having a nightmare. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Written for prompt #16, After a Nightmare. G, 319 words.

The Ones She Had Lost and the Ones She Had Found

Ten years after the incident at the opera house, Christine returns for a performance. Written for Lovetober 2022. G, 1355 words.

Red Rope

Erik and Christine experiment with his red rope and shibari. E, 654 words.

The Saints Can’t Help Me Now

For years, no performance was held in the Palais Garner on a full moon. When the new managers change that policy, disaster strikes. The Werewolf AU probably no one was asking for but here it is. Written for Lovetober 2022. T, 1816 words, Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings.

Stray

Christine comes down with the flu and comes up with an idea of how to bond with Ayesha. Originally submitted to @a-partofthenarrative's 13 Nights of Halloween event on tumblr. G, 709 words.

Sweet Music’s Throne

Christine ties Erik to his throne and has her way with him. E, 613 words.

Unspoken Secrets

While staying at Erik's house by the underground lake, Christine stumbles across some of Erik's sketches. G, 1435 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Erik/Christine/Raoul

All This Devotion

After Christine kisses him, Erik spares Raoul. But now the boy is sick, and neither he nor Christine can go anywhere. Written for Whumptober 2022. G, 1218 words.

A New Life

The final lair takes an unexpected turn. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. G, 453 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Erik/Christine/Meg

Fine As We Are but We Want More

When Christine comes to New York, Meg wishes to tell her that she loves her, but is afraid to do so and believes it's too late when she sees Christine kiss Erik. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023 and Multiamory March 2023. G, 1053 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Erik/Meg

Before We Get Too Old

A year after Christine left Coney Island with her husband and son, Meg and Erik are both left still picking up the pieces after her return. T, 1045 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Erik/Raoul

Fear Can Turn to Love

After the final lair, Raoul returns to settle things. Pairing: E/R. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. E, 746 words.

Can’t Let Go

After Erik lets Raoul and Christine go, Raoul can't get him out of his mind. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023. G, 100 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Meg/Christine

Quiet Hours

Christine and Meg snuggle in bed. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. G, 145 words.

The Truth You Can’t Hide

A heat wave is rolling through Paris. Meg and Christine go buy ice cream to keep cool. Written for POTO Fluff Week 2022. G, 615 words.

New Ballet Shoes

Meg's feet are sore after getting new en point shoes. Christine tries to help. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023. G, 100 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Pharoga

Best Laid Plans

Erik and Nadir's escape from Persia goes horribly wrong. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #18, Because You Are Dying. T, 741 words.

I Don’t Care if You’re Lying

At night, Erik and Nadir spend time together in Nadir's bedroom in Persia. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023. E, 503 words.

Loneliness

Nadir cares for Erik after he is injured in Persia. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. G, 211 words.

No Way Out

Nadir is summoned to see the Little Sultana. Written for Whumptober 2022. T, 565 words.

Old Friends

After ten years, Nadir reunites with Erik in the midst of the chaos of the semaine sanglante. Refreshed date to 05/21/2022 for the Paris Commune Week. Written for POTO Queer Week 2022. G, 808 words.

Setting Fire to Our Insides for Fun

Several weeks after Erik lets Christine go, Nadir gets worried and goes to check on Erik. Written for POTO Queer Week 2023. T, 592 words.

Phantom of the Opera--Raoul/Christine

The Child

After the incident at the Palais Garnier, Christine and Raoul disappeared into the forests of the North. But they did not live happily ever after. For POTO Dark Week 2021. T, 899 words, Major Character Death warning.

The Morning After

Christine's thoughts the morning after the final lair. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #14, On a Bruise. G, 311 words.

A New Day

After the chandelier crash, Christine and Raoul get away from the opera house for the evening. Was a submission for Day 4 of Raoulstine Week. G, 410 words.

A Secret Engagement

Several months after the chandelier crash, Christine spends Christmas with the de Chagny family and must come to terms with her emotions towards both Raoul and Erik. Written for Timebird84's 2021 Advent Calendar. G, 773 words.

To the Rooftop

Raoul's thoughts as he follows Christine to the rooftop. Originally written in 2021 as part of the Touch Prompts on tumblr. Based on prompt #8, To Protect. G, 308 words.

Star Wars--Gen

Breaking Out

Star Wars fanfic. After Luke is captured, he has an unexpected rescuer. Written for Whumptober 2022. G, 680 words.

Hiding

Star Wars fanfic. After escaping Zygerria, Anakin starts thinking about what has happened to him. Written for Whumptober 2022. T, 311 words.

Star Wars--Anidala

Stargazing

Star Wars fanfic. Anakin and Padme watch the stars on Naboo. Written for Lovetober 2022. G, 228 words.

Star Wars--Obikin

The Third Option

Star Wars fanfic. Obi-Wan's confrontation of Vader in the season finale goes a bit differently. Written for Whumptober 2022. G, 384 words.

Stranger Things--Eddissy

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

Stranger Things fanfic. Chrissy doesn’t want to go home tonight. Instead, she meets Eddie at his trailer. Written for Lovetober 2022. G, 1137 words.

The Witcher--Gen

Undo this Storm

Witcher fanfic. Geralt comforts Ciri after what happen at Kaer Morhen. Written for Lovetober 2022. G, 180 words.

#fanfic masterlist #e/c #pharoga #rerik #megstine #r/c

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mountphoenixrp · 1 year ago

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We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:

Erik Elliott, a 22 year old son of Apep. He is the stage manager at Divine Twin's PAC.

FC NAME/GROUP: Choi Beomgyu / TXT CHARACTER NAME: Erik Elliott AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: October 28, 2000 PLACE OF BIRTH: Toronto, Ontario, Canada OCCUPATION: Stage manager at Divine Twin's HEIGHT: 180 cm DEFINING FEATURES: gray eyes, dark brown hair with a reddish tint if seen under the sunlight, porcelain complexion with cool undertone

PERSONALITY: Those who are acquainted with Erik describe him as well-mannered, caring, and inspiring. He has a knack for supporting and motivating others, making them feel like they are capable of anything. Excelling at adapting and self control, he finds it easy to communicate and make friends with people from all walks of life without being influenced by others’ opinions. He appears to always be a good listener and a reliable friend. He is passionate and serious at pursuing his interests, mostly in performing art, making him a capable singer and performer.

If one has the chance to get closer to Erik, they would pick up the intensity, sometimes borderline obsession underneath his friendly, harmless facade. When it comes to protecting what he deems his, whether belongings, friends, or ideas, Erik is exceptionally fierce and unyielding. Once he sets his eyes on something, he tends to mentally and physically dissect it, leaving no stones unturned. If he likes a dish, he will use all sources he could get to find out every ingredient and how to make it. When he’s interested in someone, he will not stop digging until he reaches the deepest, darkest side. Most of the information collected is for his own entertainment and benefits. It would take quite a lot to have a sneak peek of what he knows, what he thinks, and what his next move will be.

Erik sometimes becomes a victim to his own high expectations. When the outcomes of his doing do not match the ones in his head, it will take him longer than most to forgive himself. The tendency to keep his true thoughts and feelings a secret adds to the self-pressure, making him irritable, over-judgmental, and emotionally explosive at times. There is also this jealous streak that he strives to keep hidden, and when he decides to hold grudges, that probably would last a lifetime.

HISTORY: Trigger warning: mention of infidelity, mention of death

Erik Elliott, formerly known as Asher Elliott, is his mother’s secret weapon.

A reward Sarah gained after years of being Mike’s mistress, little Asher was a great threat to his reputation as a successful, well-respected businessman. Mike knew he should have known better than keeping the infidelity after his marriage, he could not help himself. And while he had his doubts about Sarah’s faithfulness, she got sufficient evidence to prove the opposite. Eventually, Mike agreed to pay generous child support in exchange for Sarah’s silence, repeatedly asking her to keep herself and the child as far away from his wife and son as possible.

Little did Mike know that what he suspected was right. Sarah had been seeing another man, the same reason for why she could not tell exactly who Asher’s father was. Since the mysterious man was quick to disappear from the crime scene, Mike and his lucrative business became the sole target of her revenge.

Asher was born on a new moon night in October. Like the darkness coating the city’s sky, he arrived in peace, calm and quiet. However, he quickly became as fussy as a colicky, hyper-sensitive child could be. Whenever his mother started to get comfortable with the thought that things were going well for him, Asher brought home a brand new problem. Despite that unpredictable temper, he had a brilliant mind. Right at the first day he went to school, Sarah constantly pushed her son to do his best, to always come out on top in every school subject and activities she made him participate in. Together with his surprising ability to focus on learning, as a result, Asher never failed to be among the most exceptional students of his school.

Her son’s excellence and great potential prompted Sarah to send him to London earlier than planned. To keep him stay under Mike’s radar, Asher celebrated his 11th birthday with a new name, Erik, and a new mission from his dear mother.

In tears and pent-up anger, she told him the whole story about the man who was supposed to be her husband and his father, Mike. She told him how Mike betrayed their years of love to marry a wealthier woman, that he should have been the heir of Mike’s fortune, and that it was the right time to start taking back what belonged to him.

Shortly before he left to attend this prestigious school in London as Sarah requested, Erik found out the truth.

Since he started to collect memories, Erik had already noticed how lights in a room tended to dim slightly when he entered, then got back to normal when he got out. Back then, the difference was too insignificant to draw anyone’s attention. Yet since he turned 10, there were constant inexplicable problems with the light system of his house. Lights kept going out, then coming back out of a sudden, without any telltale sign. Several calls to several mechanics all came fruitless, and Sarah had to give up in frustration. The same incident, though in less frequency, happened in Erik’s classroom.

At the tender age of 12, Erik left Toronto, bringing with him the petty triumph of being the only one to know the answer.

Despite the peaceful life with his great aunt and her dog in London, Erik did not escape the pressure from his mother. Ironically, his ‘rival’, his ‘half brother’, the reason why he had to cross the ocean without knowing when to come back, was also the best of a friend he had ever had. They took turns to be the best and second best at school, with Erik more often being the latter. Sarah was never happy with his results, even when he became the president of the performing art club.

Time spent at his best friend’s manor told Erik that his situation was not much brighter, but no matter what happened, his best friend always glowed. In the literal sense of the word. Despite him trying to absorb the other’s light, it only dimmed at best, which did not stop the friend from seeing clearly in the darkness he created. Erik was convinced that he, by following the lead of fate, had discovered another truth, and another lie of another mother. Another dirty secret buried so deep yet so shallowly, it never failed to make Erik laugh.

The bright side of the story came when his best friend’s mom, a woman Erik grew to cherish more than his own mother, left a letter that offered the answer he had been looking for.

Demigods, of course. Erik had always known both his friend and him belonged to something beyond human, but the revelation still came as a great surprise. Knowing his friend moved to a magical island called Mount Phoenix, he considered following suit. A few months after the funeral of his friend’s mother, the invitation to enroll sent by Phoenix University arrived as the final push he needed.

After a perfect lie crafted for his mother and great aunt, telling them he would move to the US for university, Erik packed his bags, and ran away from London, never wanting to look back.

PANTHEON: Egyptian CHILD OF: Apep POWERS:

Darkness Manipulation: Able to manipulate darkness and absorb sources of lights (lamps, candles, etc.), casting darkness into a room or a whole building. Duration of the power effect depends on his physical and mental conditions.

Night Vision: Able to see clearly in the dark

Darkness Empowerment: Able to gain supernatural strength and speed during the night

Shapeshifting: Able to shapeshift into a serpent, particularly an Egyptian cobra. This power has yet to be discovered.

STRENGTHS:

He is innately skillful at adapting to his surroundings, allowing him to quickly blend in and get along with others.

He excels in detecting lies and gathering information about whatever and whoever he’s interested in knowing.

He is a man of his word (even though he rarely makes promises)

He is a capable performer, and also shows minor talent in drawing and painting.

WEAKNESSES:

He usually sets incredibly high expectations for himself and others, leading to chronic stress and bursts of anger at times.

He’s prone to physical injury, which often takes a longer time than usual to recover.

He tends to get lethargic and physically weak during daytime.

#kpop rp #krp #txt #choi beomgyu #txt beomgyu #mp; welcome

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beardedmrbean · 5 months ago

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#doge #tiananmen square #tiananmen square massacre #june 4 1989 #le death to communism has arrived

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swldx · 2 months ago

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RNZ Pacific 1109 3 Sep 2024

9700Khz 1058 3 SEP 2024- RNZ PACIFIC (NEW ZEALAND) in ENGLISH from RANGITAIKI. SINPO = 55333. English, s/on w/bellbird int. until pips and news @1100z anchored by Koroi Hawkins. § The Papua New Guinea parliament is sitting this week and top of the agenda is again the plan by the opposition to try and remove Prime Minister James Marape. A series of efforts by the opposition to bring a vote of no confidence so far this year have come to nothing and Marape said he has the numbers to avoid removal. Last week, he said he was "relaxed" and "confident" at the possibility of being ousted. The opposition is yet to name its alternate for the prime ministership. § The Pacific Islands Forum has submitted to China's demand to remove the mention of Taiwan from the final communique of the leaders' summit that concluded in Tonga this week. Kiribati wants to see consequences for whoever is behind the Taiwan communique bungle, after Beijing's special envoy to the region cried foul at the inclusion of Taipei in the outcomes document. § The Cook Islands are trying to legally license the starlink internet connectivity. § Over 200 members of the Samoan community in Aotearoa gathered at Le Maota o Samoa last week in South Auckland's Mangere to discuss the citizenship bill. They shared their views with Acting Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and the NZ First Party to ensure Green MP Teanau Tuiono's bill to restore the citizenship of Samoans that was removed by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 bill will go through the second and third reading. § A Samoan coroner has ordered an inquest into the tragic death of the 47-year-old linesman who was electrocuted while working on a power pole in July and succumbed to his injuries on 3 August 2024. The incident wasn't properly reported to authorities. § Pope Francis lands in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, kicking off a historic trip to the Asia Pacific region. He will also travel to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore as part of his visit, which is expected to focus on inter-religious harmony. The 12-day trip will mark the longest time the pontiff has spent away from the Vatican. § Russian President Putin arrived in Mongolia Monday evening without incident, despite the host country being legally obligated to arrest him on an International Criminal Court warrant. § Sports. @1108z "Pacific Waves" anchored by female announcer. Cancer rates around Guam epidemic levels due to American nuclear weapon tests post WWII. Backyard fence antenna, JRC NRD-535D. 100kW, beamAz 325°, bearing 240°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 12912KM from transmitter at Rangitaiki. Local time: 0558.

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nytil-sims-storybook · 4 months ago

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Long live the modders!!!!

Pour ceux qui n'en ont pas entendu parler, les gros moddeurs qui n'ont pas encore mis à jour leur mods se font harceler malheureusement, ça arrive souvent… Mais cette fois, le moddeur Turbodriver ( wicked whims, wonderfull whims et bien d'autres ) est carrément victime de menace de mort et de doxxing ( révélation de données personnelles ) au point qu'il en a fermer tous les moyens de le contacter sur ses réseaux et sites… Nombreux sont ceux qui apportent déjà leur soutien et la communauté des moddeurs fait front mais, pour lui et pour tout les moddeurs qui subissent l'idiotie incompréhensible de personnes visiblement mentalement dérangées, j'ai décidé de mettre en place une page facebook ou les joueurs lambda comme vous et moi pourront déposer un message, peut importe en quelle langue, afin de leur montrer qu'on est tout aussi nombreux a leur dire un grand merci et à les encourager le plus possible !

pour se faire, j'ai besoin de votre aide ! j'aimerais créer une banderole pour la page ou on verra des sims prendre une pose de cœur avec les mains. Si ça vous intéresse de voir votre sims y figurer, n'hésitez pas à lui faire prendre la pose, un screen et vous me l'envoyez par MP ! Voici un lien pour la pose si vous n'en avez pas déjà :

Coachella Single Poses – Katverse

merci à tous et vive les moddeurs !!!!

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

Bidonjour ! For those who haven't heard about it, big modders who haven't yet updated their mods are unfortunately being harassed… it happens a lot… But this time, modder Turbodriver ( wicked whims, wonderfull whims and many others ) has been the victim of death threats and doxxing ( revealing personal data ) to the point of closing down all means of contacting him on his networks and sites… Many people are already lending their support, and the modding community is putting up a united front, but for his sake, and for the sake of all the modders who are suffering from the incomprehensible idiocy of obviously mentally deranged people, I've decided to set up a facebook page where ordinary gamers like you and me can post a message, in any language, to show them that there are just as many of us out there who want to say a big thank you and give them as much encouragement as possible!

to do this, i need your help! i'd like to create a banner for the page where we'll see sims striking a heart pose with their hands. If you're interested in seeing your sim on the banner, feel free to pose him or her, just send me a screen and a PM! Here's a link to the pose if you don't already have one:

Coachella Single Poses – Katverse

thank you all and long live the modders !!!!

#thesims4 #the sims 4 #ts4 #nytilsimsstorybook #les sims 4

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cruger2984 · 9 months ago

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THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT CLAUDE DE LA COLOMBIÈRE The Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast Day: February 15

"Behold the Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing."

Claude De La Colombière enjoyed an intense, if brief, life, notable for the part he played as champion of the devotion to the Sacred Heart. He is remembered principally as the spiritual director who recognized the truth of the revelation that St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received; he also showed heroic virtue in enduring imprisonment that weakened his health and led to an early death.

Colombière was born in southern France and studied at a Jesuit school from an early age. He entered the Society of Jesus when he was 17 and followed a normal course of studies: grammar, literature, philosophy and theology. After teaching for a few years in Avignon, he studied theology in Paris and was ordained April 6, 1669.

He taught for another three years and then became preacher at the Jesuit church in that city before going on to tertianship. During that year of prayer and reflection, he felt moved to take a special private vow to obey all the rules of the Society in the most strict manner possible.

The French Jesuit's first assignment after tertianship was to be superior of a small community in Paray-le-Monial, where there was also a convent of cloistered Visitation sisters. One of them was Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque to whom God's presence in prayer was revealing a message of divine love. Some other members of her community thought her prayer was a delusion, and their skepticism caused her suffering.

She received assurance from the Lord, however, that he was sending her his 'faithful servant and perfect friend.' Colombière became the confessor of the convent and Sr. Margaret's spiritual director. She opened her soul to him and told of the supernatural events taking place in her life. He had the insight to recognize this prayer as a real gift from God and a true revelation. In his own prayer, Colombière came to learn the Lord's wishes more clearly. In June 1675, the Lord made an explicit request regarding the devotion to his Sacred Heart, asking her to establish the Friday following the octave of Corpus Christi as a special feast and to tell Colombière to do all he could to spread this devotion.

Colombière's time in Paray-le-Monial lasted only until October 1676 when he was assigned to be the preacher to the duchess of York in London. Although England was officially non-Catholic, King Charles II allowed his brother, the Duke of York, to have a chapel in St. James Palace. The chaplain had to come from outside England; so the young French Jesuit left his own country to live in a foreign court.

He continued to preach what was most dear to him the message of Christ's love for humankind, symbolized by his Sacred Heart. The sermons resonated with the duchess who years later became the first royal personage to petition Pope Innocent XII to establish a solemn feast in honor of the Sacred Heart.

Royal forbearance did not protect the Jesuit from betrayal by a Frenchman whom Colombière had befriended in London. In November 1678, the man falsely denounced the Jesuit to the government in order to win a reward. Colombière was arrested on charges of traitorous speech against the king and parliament and placed in a cold dungeon where his health rapidly deteriorated.

He was released after a month in prison, but the damage was done.

He returned to France and slowly headed south, stopping frequently when weakness overtook him. He arrived in Lyons on March 11, 1679 and stayed there as a spiritual father to the young Jesuits in the school where he himself once taught.

He continued to preach about the Sacred Heart, but his own health did not improve so superiors sent him back to Paray-le-Monial in 1681.

Although he loved the place dearly, he could not recover. In early February 1682, a fever took him; when he died on February 15, he was only 41 years old.

Source: jesuits.global

#random stuff #catholic #catholic saints #jesuits #society of jesus #claude de la colombière #claude de colombière #claudio de colombière #sacred heart of jesus

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ketso · 2 years ago

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Episode 54

We are all here in Maja Perre where Morafe's mother's house used to be. It's literally in ashes. Literally. We all arrived two days ago when Morafe told us what happened. We are all living at the lodge that we stayed at when we came for her wedding. Our kids are at home with nannies because it's school. I just brought Sihle with me because she can afford to miss creche. She’s forever on my back. I don’t even let her run to the gate. I don’t trust people in this community who just turn people into biltong because they are prostitutes. They'll steal my child to prove a point. I take her off my back to feed her, bath her or if we are at the lodge and in our room. There she is as free as she wants to be. She also seems fine with our arrangement. She lets no one take her off my back.

Love her!

The guys will go fetch the kids on Friday, together with Morafe's mother. She's still in hospital, but she's getting better.

We put up a huge glass tent here. Inside, we've put a carpet in and some tables and chairs. This is where we are cooking, arranging and just letting the community come and do their thing. Mmaletuka's kids, Palesa and Thato, are here as well. They are not going to school. Morafe was telling us that they'll have to change schools because who will they live here with? She hasn't yet uttered the words "they will live with me", but she's moving like it's happening. She doesn't want to live with them. You can see it. But eish.

Today is raining and it's kak cold. The guys are in overalls, drinking beer and eating anything and everything that wreaks of cholesterol nje, while working outside in the rain. Our tent is super full. And it's such a big tent.

Sihle has a raincoat on with a hoodie and everything. She's watching a show from my cellphone.

Us ladies all have raincoats on as well because there are gas stoves in here... and with people in this community turning people into biltong just nje, we keep the doors of the tent wide open.

WIDE OPEN!

The meat is being cooked outside.

Wandi and I are cooking the dumplings, rice, pap and ting in the tent. Morafe and Bassie are outside within the meat. There are some mamas here who are also peeling and cooking stuff nje around. These are Morafe's mother's sister.

"Thato. Palesa. Le jile?" Morafe asks the kids.

"Eya, mamane. Re jile. It's cold.”

“Where are your jackets?"

"In the car."

"Please fetch them tu. Ke a kopa." Morafe.

They actually don't give her a hard time. They just go.

"I don't even know what all of these people are doing here because they are the cause of all of this. Or keng? They came to verify?!" Morafe is so loud that time. Some people in the tent caught that and now the chatting has died down. Focus is on Morafe. Is she really going to do this?

"Morafe, aowa nnana. These people are here ho tlo tsidisa hle." One of the aunts.

"Ho tsidisa eng? Ho tsidisa mang? Ke bona akere that burned the house down, killed my sisters and her kids! Two children are orphans now because of them. Next thing ba tlo re tina mo! They wake up, come here and sit all day. We must feed them breakfast, lunch and supper... even serve them alcohol! After what they've done? Ba na le sibiti sa ho nyofa all day! I don't know why we don't just poison this food so they all die like flies! Just like they did to my sister and my nieces! Kapa re kwale monyako oe and set this tent alight so they all die the painful death that they made my family experience!"

"MORAFE!" The aunt.

"Hai mam'holo."

Now she faces the people staring at her.

"LE BATLANG LONA MO?! KENG?! ARE YOU LOST?! OR YOU ARE SO HUNGRY LE TLO NYOFA MO LE BOLAYILENG TENG?! SIES!" She shouts at them.

I just see Thabang next to her and I pray he's going to stop this. Our men are also in the tent now, hectically wet.

"Bona mo, wena! Ngwana wasefebe!" Some person in the crowd.

"Oh... so you do know that mme waka le ausi ke de febe! De febe that you killed. Mara le mo! To do what?! For ngwana wasefebe to feed you?!" Yoh Morafe.

These people try to cause a riot, possibly throw shit at Morafe.

Guns come out of the men we've arrived with chile! I've never seen black people duck so quickly in my life! The whoooooo that came with it!

I take Sihle off my back and hold her in my front. She's trying to focus on the real life drama, but I keep redirecting her face to the phone. She even looks at me as if she wants to ask me what's wrong with me. Wandi is now next to me with Thato and Palesa. We are also trying to keep them away from this, but shame... they also want justice for what happened.

"LISTEN HERE! ALL OF YOU PATHETIC DOGS! JUST BECAUSE SOME OF YOU HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, IT DOESN'T MAKE THE REST OF YOU INNOCENT. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE! NOR ARE YOU WELCOME TO THE FUNERAL! IF I EVEN SPOT MI-KENKE EWU YA LONA AROUND ME IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, I WILL LOOK FOR YOU... I WILL FIND YOU... AND I WILL PERSONALLY SET YOU ALIGHT ONE BY ONE... JUST LIKE YOU DID WITH MY MOTHER, MY SISTER AND MY NIECES. HA LE TLO NYOFA MO KA DI PELO TSE TSALONA TSEDIMPI, SERVED BY NNA WHO YOU'VE TAKEN FROM! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! KE TLO LE BOLAYA HHE NNA, AFTER I'VE MADE YOU BURY YOUR MOTHERS, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES LIKE YOU HAVE MADE ME DO. THE HURT THAT MY NIECES AND I ARE FEELING, YOU WILL FEEL IT TOO. IT WILL NOT END WITH US! NOW VOETSEK OUT OF THIS PLACE!"

These people sprint so fast, there's even a whole stampede and we hear people yelling in pain. As they try to nurse their pain, Morafe grabs Ntuthuko’s gun and shoots it in the air. Ntuthuko grabs that gun right back and holds Morafe. These people carry their injuries with them and nurse them somewhere else.

Then I just see Morafe fall apart. Yaz, even Palesa - the coldest child towards her - hugs her, saying sorry. Our friend is in pain.

It's about 7pm now. We have all this food that we have cooked. We decided that we'd call a home not too far from here that is supported by the Mothipa royal house and they can come have supper here. So we've dished up for them, they are eating and we are chilling outside in the rain so we give them space to eat. They came in their bus. The neighbours, who also currently don't have electricity because these are those places where you wake up when the sun rises and sleep when the sun sets - zero investment in electricity - these neighbours are looking over into our yard and eating with their hearts. Ngathi bangaletha net i-plate just for a scoop of something. They haven't cooked shame. But we just sitting out here under various garden umbrellas. I have a blanket over Sihle who has on a tracksuit, a beanie and her raincoat. She's still watching her show while my phone charges on a PowerBar. We have giant loadshedding lights so our yard is also quite bright. Ntuthuko tried to take Sihle from me, but she said no.

"Heh guys, did I tell you that Noria is apparently kidnapped from prison?" I actually thank Bassie from her drama. Morafe is the first one to laugh and I'm thankful. She has Thato covered with a blanket on her. She gave Palesa a blanket to keep herself warm. Palesa is sitting next to her, listening to our conversations nje. Thato is watching something on an iPad that Morafe gave to her.

"Stru!" Bassie continues with her story.

The guys are not sitting too far away from us. But they are also talking about their own nonsense.

"Here comes her mzala mos - who by the way worked for Keith!" Bassie.

"How are you not writing a book? Drama ekana? You'd sell those books like hot cakes." Wandi.

We all laugh.

"Watsiba, I should write that book. Because yoh, ke mehlolo after mehlolo."

I feel like we are traumatising Palesa. She's only twelve. And Bassie's stories are scary. Morafe even steals looks at Palesa, then our eyes connect, then we laugh.

"So moghel comes to Keith's office telling my man to help the family find Noria because they've always been good to him before I wrecked their home. I just felt nje that I'm being tested. Only to find that this mzala wa teng is makhwapheni wa one of Keith's brothers and she's a crazy and stalking makhwapeni."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTT?!" We all say.

The guys even look at us.

We all burst into laughter! Even Palesa.

Guys! I just see Thulisa when I look at this girl. Thulisa is not ready to hear such.

"Do you want to go sit there le bo papa?" Morafe asks her.

"No mamane. Ke shup mo", Palesa says, zooming into Bassie and her story.

Wandi just laughs at Morafe. I'm also chuckling. Kodwa wow.

"I wish that family could just leave us alone. Nna ke kgathetsi ke bona. Honestly." Bassie.

"Mara chommie, at least you've never left your house. Tamia la... packed her bags and got the fuck out of there because of baby-mamas", Wandi.

"Girl, vele what happened? You never told us", Morafe.

"These baby-mamas were demanding houses from my man and he was actually prepared to buy the houses for them."

All their jaws drop. Literally. Even Palesa's. Then they all look at Ntuthuko as if rehearsed.

"Yini manje?" Ntuthuko says.

Now they guys get up as if coming to sit with us.

"Hai Hai Hai! Stay there!" We all say at the same time.

They don't know what to do.

We all look at each other. Then we all laugh. We are so crazy, man.

After we've all settled down, I tell them, "I needed to make the boundaries clear. Fortunately, Ntuthuko finally heard me. So we were able to fix things. Then the mothers decided that they cannot look after these kids without our help. So they gave us the kids but wanted R10 000 in return."

"For what?!" They all say.

"Like chommie, they sold their kids to you for R10 000?" Morafe.

I take a deep breath then say, "I offered them R50 000 each to sign over all their parental rights to me. For R50 000 each, plus their transport costs to bring the kids to us, they'd no longer be recognised as their mothers before the law and therefore have no rights at all or decision making powers when it comes to these kids. They are mine. Simple."

"Chommie!" Bassie says with a stuttering voice.

"What did they say?" Morafe says, almost whispering.

"They signed the papers and took the money", I say.

They all hold their heads.

"Serious?" Palesa. Imagine!

We all look at her. She's so shocked.

We just laugh. Ja neh.

...

Saturday, 6am. The funeral.

Last night, we had a night vigil for the three bodies that arrived here to leave from here headed to their final resting place. We actually thought it would be a small funeral because Morafe banned the entire community from coming here. But Morafe and Thabang organised for the mom's entire family to come here all the way from Lesotho. Two busses arrived on Thursday. They actually set up and slept in the tent. They just closed the door and slept. Lol! Even when Morafe's mom arrived on Friday, a mattress was set up for her right here in the tent and she's been on it since.

I arranged for curtains and two more tents. This yard is huge. The curtains give the tent that home and privacy feel. The community really just walk past the gate because they are not allowed in here. Ntuthuko took Sihle back home. The nanny is there. The only kids that are here are Morafe's kids and it's understandable as to why they have to be here. Then there are all these other cousins that have come from Lesotho. It's actually quite packed. From 1am, we sent people to the lodge to go shower and get dressed. Some just got dishes and bathed right in these tents. You know what!!!

At 4am, the decor company was here to set up. Couches have been put up across the tent, accommodating 300 people. Apparently some people are friends. Even yena, Mmaletuka, had a lot of friends that have come. The kids... their school mates, school choirs and school teachers have come. The colour of the day is absolute black! And you know what, it's beautiful. I take my hat off to Morafe. Every couch is black... pure black. Every carpet is black. The pulpit and stage where the priests will be are all black. Each couch has two blankets because it's really cold. The blankets are black! Stunning!

Even the family... Morafe dressed them up so well. The mother, the chief mourner, is dressed in a black dress. It's a very stylishly designed black maxi dress with beading. Her shawl that she's wearing over her shoulders is black fur. Yerrr! Her shoe! I didn't even know her mother could rock a stiletto heel like that... a black Steve Madden Vala Court stiletto heel. Beautiful! She has on a black doek, which I like. Not those take me to the grave hats. The doek is made with a black and grey sanna marena blanket. Lalela! Muhle lo mama! The look is sealed with a stylish pair of Versace sunglasses. She has a Versace black handbag right there with her. Morafe and Meme are also wearing designer dresses. Meme's dress flares out at her hips and it looks really pretty. She's wearing black stockings because that dress is above her knee in length. She is also wearing black stiletto heels. She's also wearing a black doek... plain black. Then she has a black sanna marena blanket over her shoulders. Morafe's dress is a body hugging dress. And I don't blame her. My friend has ass for days. She has black stockings on, black Christian Louboutin stiletto heels, a black doek and a jacket made out of a black and grey sanna marena blanket. The jacket is slightly longer than her dress. Thabang is not letting her out of his sight. I wouldn't neither.

All the kids are dressed very well- in all black - and with black and grey sanna marena blankets. Little Tshenolo has a suit on and his suit jacket is in a sanna marena blanket. He's matching with his dad. It's just cute. Morafe, Palesa, Thato, Meme and Mosetsana are all wearing black Louis Vuitton sunglasses. No guys, the family is giving! It's giving.

The service starts at 7am. We are all comfortably seated, no matter where you are in the tent. The community that has been banned from the funeral is outside the gate with their umbrellas watching the funeral from there. The caskets are so beautiful. I'm proud of Morafe. Begrudgingly or not, she did a good job with this send off. It is so dignified. Her sister's coffin is black. The children's coffins are white. Their pictures are sized A3 in front of their coffins respectively.

I put my head on Ntuthuko’s shoulder. He puts his arm out then puts his arm around me, kissing my forehead.

He smells so good. Our vacant hands hold onto each other. Senzi and Wandi are sitting with us on this couch. They are sitting in the middle. We sit on their left. Bassie and Keith sit on their right. Each couch accommodates six to eight people.

By 9am, we are leaving for the cemetery.

The family leaves first. The coffins are put into three different V300 vehicles. Black. The family cars are all Mercedes Benz vehicles. It is ten V300 vehicles. The first vehicle has Morafe, her mother, her sister, the four kids and Thabang. The family fights with themselves to find themselves in the other family cars. We even laugh a bit because it's actually funny to watch. Family will embarrass you shame. Those who didn't get a car go back into the busses they came in.

Wandi, Bassie and I stay behind with catering to make sure that everything is sorted for the return of all these people. But our guys left in one car to go represent us there emathuneni. Some family members stayed with us shame.

As soon as everyone has left, decor is back, setting up for people to be able to eat. This rain is really not letting us be great. It's terrible. We wear rain boots and take off our heels. We position tables and seats.

We hear the community people ask if they could at least come for lunch. Kanti la bantu banjani laba? Yazi, ukulamba kubuhlungu!

Six dishing stations are set up inside the yard but outside of the tent. The bars are set up in the yard but outside the tent.

By the time these people are done, this place looks like a restaurant.

I really take my hat off to Morafe and Thabang. What they've done here cannot be undone.

...

Ey madoda, ngiphakathi kwama-garafu wabomagosha this very moment... ngenxa yomshado. Hai khona. Sizoli bona nje iZulu sesingcwaba oMary Magdeline nezingane zabo? Kumele nje umuntu athandaze la asho ukuthi "Bawo, you commanded us to be loving husbands. That's all I'm doing right now."

School choirs are singing as we are within putting soil in these three wholes next to each other. This is so painful. So painful. Imagine if this is your child. As a parent, I don't ever want to bury my kids. Ever! As a husband, I don't ever want to bury my wife. I feel for Morafe's mother. She was so emotional, she actually fell into this grave - Mmaletuka's one. Senzi, Keith and I had to pull her out. Now she's been sitting and crying there between Meme and Morafe. Tshenolo is sitting on top of Morafe. Palesa, Thato and Mosetsana are all sitting on the carpet in front of Morafe's, Meme's and the granny's legs. They were crying, but they are all now just chatting between the three of them. Thabang is right here working with us. Then there are men who are either brothers or cousins to Morafe's mom... and some are Morafe's cousins. We are working hard here. Yerrr! And we have to do this in suit jackets. These are so restricting. Also the rain Nkulunkulu Bawo! Sisebenza kabuhlungu la.

We finally finish closing the wholes. My arms! Angifuni nix!

We move from here because there's also going to be an unveiling of the tombstone heads.

As we move, there are hostesses offering us water, beer or coffee. Coffee? After hard labour like that?! Hai! These are jokes.

We all actually take beer.

Thabang decides that he's not sitting next to Morafe anymore, so he stands next to us. All these men do. We are in this together.

Morafe, her mother, Meme, Palesa, Thato, Mosetsana and Tshenolo all then walk to the tombstones. The funeral service people help the kids unveil the tombstone.

Wow!

These are beautiful! They are black with gold writing. Yoh, these are nice!

There is a huge shelter across each grave. The shelter is gold and it has "LETUKA" written across it in black.

Beautiful!

The plate on the left, covering one grave, is written - as Mosetsana reads it - "in loving memory of our sister, granddaughter and niece, Reabetsoe Patience."

The plate on the right, covering the other grave, is written - as Thato reads it - "in loving memory of our sister, granddaughter and niece, Patience Mmamoleko." And the middle plate reads, as Palesa reads it, "in loving memory of our mother, sister and daughter, Mmaletuka."

There is then a bottom slate connecting all three pillars. It matches the top shelter thing and its also gold with black writing. Meme reads it and says, "You've only left this world, but you have not left us. Robalang ka khotso, lona Mosia. We will take it from here and make sure that your struggles were not for nothing."

This is so sad.

...

The chaos in this street. Are people aware that it's raining?

My wife finds me in this sphithiphithi, pulls me to our car. As soon as we are inside, she gives me food. She even has a six pack of Castle Light for me. I actually kiss her.

When she sees how soaking wet I am, she takes my food and makes me take off these wet clothes. She switches on the heater in the car. She heads to the boot and gives me the extra black clothes we brought... it's as if she knew that I'd need to change.

Now we both eat. She has wine that she's eating her food with.

"Umzababa womngcwabo phela lo. Ngathi umshado", I say.

"Ja. I'm proud of Morafe. This was quite a difficult time for her. And I can just imagine how much more difficult it was for her knowing ukuthi she wasn't on good terms nodadewabo at the time of her passing. Kwa even the kids... she's struggling to accept that they are hers now."

Hai bo!

"Ube bangani nodadewabo?" I enquire.

"Eish babe... entitlement, I suppose."

Women and this 'entitlement' word. I hate that word so much!

"Entitlement?" I need her to explain.

"Yeah. UMmaletuka felt entitled to Morafe's success and had unrealistic expectations from her. When Morafe said no, Mmaletuka decided that Morafe is selfish and their relationship went south."

"What kind of expectations?" I ask.

She looks at me. She takes a bite of her meat then says, "uMorafe wahamba yena la kubo. And when she was in South Africa, ubehlupheka, but she pulled through. Ubengahluphi muntu. Ube qhubeka ngempilo yakhe in a backroom elokshini with her two kids and her very abusive baby-daddy. Umah wakhe nodadewabo knew ukuthi uMorafe ubephila njani. But they didn't help her. They were in a position to help her, but they didn't. Even when she came back home... she didn't move back into her mother's house. She simply came back and made her own plans ukuthi abe-shup. Her luck simply turned lana in Tholoana Kingdom. The minute it turned, her sister wanted her to take her kids and raise them. Morafe said no. And she had every right to. Her own kids were still adjusting after trauma from their life in South Africa. On top of that, she took on her sister to help her be in a better position than all of them. What was she going to do with Mmaletuka's four children on top of everything else she had taken responsibility for? While still finding her feet? Kodwa uMmaletuka just felt ukuthi Morafe is selfish. So inxabano yabo kwaba yileyo eyingapheli waze washona."

Ja neh... to be a black person in life nje.

I reply to her saying, "Yaz, sthandwa sami... if you pay some attention to how families are set up neh... there will always be your wealthy ones and your poor ones. The richest person in the country and the poorest person in the country can come from one family. And I don't believe that it has anything to do with who works the hardest or who is the smartest. Because you do find that the poorer you are, the harder you work. A domestic worker leaves her house and kids at 4am every morning to clean for kids and look after them all day, then only go back home at 10pm with R500 to feed herself and her children who are fast asleep by the time she gets home. So mina, as uNtuthuko Maphumulo, I don't believe that being rich has everything to do with hard work. I think God or the universe or a higher purpose puts people in positions to be able to help or uplift others then sees what they do with those blessings. It's probably a test of who you are and what you do with riches planted in your hands. Yes, poor people come across as entitled and whatever other words people use to describe their cries for help. But I don't blame them. No one wants to be poor. I've also never met a pleasant poor person. I'm angry if I can't find something I want. I can't imagine what it's like to wake up and not know if you'll go to sleep well-fed. There's no way that you'll be pleasant."

"So Morafe was wrong?"

"No, don't put words in my mouth. And don't judge what I'm saying against your friend's situation. Mina I'm speaking generally. I do believe that Morafe should not punish Thato and Palesa for whatever happened between herself and her sister. She's the best person to take over as their mother. And I think she should, without reservation. Kusazokwanda okuhle for yena. And she needs to get her mother out of this prostitution business. Usekhulile phela manje. Hai bo."

We look at each other. We burst into laughter.

The food is done.

I open a bottle of beer. She pours herself wine. This rain is still fighting. It's actually dark now. Driving at this point would be very dangerous. Further to this, there's thunder and lightning. Tamia has a weird fear for lightning. So let me distract her.

"So baby..." me.

"Yebo?"

"Your dad and I have been talking... a lot..."

"Okay. About?"

"Khaya."

"Ubani uKhaya?"

Hai bo!

"Your brother."

The look she gives me!

"Tamia -

"Ubaba ukhuluma lowo doti nawe?"

"Doti? Tamia, umfowenu lona."

"Hai Hai Hai! I have three brothers mina. Angibasweli nix obhuti mina."

Ja, the dad did say that this is not going to be easy.

"Baby -

"Ntuthuko, do you know ukuthi you'll send my mother to her grave from a heart attack if you ever even bring this up?"

"Yes, I know. And so does ubaba. That's why he reached out to me about this. I'm the one that is neutral about it."

"Neutral?"

"Yebo. All of you have turned on him. Your brothers even beat him up? Baby! Can you imagine Senzi, Akwande and I trying to beat Shaka Maphumulo up? Hai guys."

"Yaz ubaba is very devious for doing this. He slept with my mother's sister and made a baby with her. How is he a victim? Kwa yena uncane nje... she just wanted my mom's life. She thought my mom would leave my dad then she would have everything that my mom has. Uyalayeka! She deserves everything that she's going through! This didn't end in her favour."

"Okay shup, baby. I hear you. Ingane yona? Cabanga ukuthi wena ukhule njani. Yena ufunde in no-fee schools, living off feeding schemes from school and donations. He's option for health is public hospitals. Baby, yena wenzeni?"

"He's being punished for his parents' actions." She says.

"Tamia, igazi lakho leli. You have to feel something."

"Uncane naye, igazi likamah. What did she feel when she opened her legs to her sister's husband?"

Yoh!

I'm learning that when it comes to cheating, women are their most evil and non-empathetic.

"Why is ubaba having this conversation with you exactly? Kumele wenzeni wena? Bring the siblings together?" She sarcastically says. I would've never agreed to that. My wife is not stable.

"Khaya is sick. Very sick. Government hospitals do not have the facilities or equipment to help him. He can only be treated at a private hospital. But his mother cannot afford the rates."

"How does ubaba know that? It was made clear to him that he may no longer talk to uncane." That’s what she's really worried about?!

"Omalume spoke to him and told him. There was no conversation with ncane." I say.

She gives me a look that I cannot read.

I continue, "ubaba says he cannot take out the money for him because if he does, your mother will divorce him. And he doesn't want to lose her. So he asked me to look after Khaya."

"Heh!" She yells and claps once.

I don't know what this means.

"So, he doesn't want to lose his wife. But you must risk losing yours?"

"Why would I lose you? Khaya is not my son!" I'm genuinely confused.

"This is my mother that we are talking about. My mother! That might have meant nothing to my father makafeba noncane, but it will always mean everything to me. Why the hell would I agree to betraying my own mother like that?! Yini? Uncane uphelelwe amadoda anemali ukuthi abavulele amathanga for imali? Uphelelwe manje? She can't even make a plan as a mother ukusiza the consequences of amanyala wakhe?!"

You know, I'm so glad that I didn't have children behind her back while married to her. Because truly, those kids would suffer. Tamia feels nothing for her sick brother. Actually, less than nothing. But the hatred that she feels for Khaya's mother has consumed every bit of energy that she invests in this situation. Yoh yoh yoh! I'm actually blown away.

"Ngizothini mina kumama? Because I'm not doing this behind her back. She doesn't deserve this. And ubaba is a piece of shit for putting you in this position."

"Tamia, ubaba wakho lo. Please, do not disrespect him in my presence. Please. I want to help Khaya. I'm asking you to give me permission to do so. I did tell ubaba that I was never going to do this behind your back."

"Ncane is going to win... again!"

Her focus is really on the wrong person here. I'm just saying.

"Fine. Kodwa he will be treated here in the kingdom. Uncane ngimazi kahle. I'm not leaving her to have moments with her baby-daddy behind my mom's back, bonding over their brat's suffering. Khaya will come here. Alone. If uncane wants to come to the kingdom, uzozifikela and she will sort out her own accommodation. You will help her in no way!"

"Kodwa baby -

"Kodwa baby nix! I'm trying to be accommodative here. Meet me half way!"

Eh!

"I'm going to have to tell umama. She's going to be hurt. She really is."

I understand her loyalty to her mother hey.

"When Khaya is healed, he goes back home and you stop helping my dad put a bandaid of money over amanyala wakhe!"

"Ubhuti wakho, baby. Stop calling him amanyala. Hai bo."

"If you do to me what my dad did to my mom njengoba kuzoba noKhaya nje... Ntuthuko!"

Trust me, I know.

"Baby, my dick only rises for you. I don't even dream about stepping out on our marriage."

"Good! Because I'm not my mom. I'd never be as kind as my mom has been about this entire situation."

Kind?! She calls this kind?!

"Kodwa uncane yena... hmmm... usazong'thola kahle lo nonkroyi lo." She says under breath. But I heard her.

I almost feel so bad for this ncane hey.

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lesmislettersdaily · 2 years ago

Text

In What Mirror M. Madeleine Contemplates His Hair

Volume 1: Fantine; Book 8: A Counter-Blow; Chapter 1: In What Mirror M. Madeleine Contemplates His Hair

The day had begun to dawn. Fantine had passed a sleepless and feverish night, filled with happy visions; at daybreak she fell asleep. Sister Simplice, who had been watching with her, availed herself of this slumber to go and prepare a new potion of chinchona. The worthy sister had been in the laboratory of the infirmary but a few moments, bending over her drugs and phials, and scrutinizing things very closely, on account of the dimness which the half-light of dawn spreads over all objects. Suddenly she raised her head and uttered a faint shriek. M. Madeleine stood before her; he had just entered silently.

“Is it you, Mr. Mayor?” she exclaimed.

He replied in a low voice:—

“How is that poor woman?”

“Not so bad just now; but we have been very uneasy.”

She explained to him what had passed: that Fantine had been very ill the day before, and that she was better now, because she thought that the mayor had gone to Montfermeil to get her child. The sister dared not question the mayor; but she perceived plainly from his air that he had not come from there.

“All that is good,” said he; “you were right not to undeceive her.”

“Yes,” responded the sister; “but now, Mr. Mayor, she will see you and will not see her child. What shall we say to her?”

He reflected for a moment.

“God will inspire us,” said he.

“But we cannot tell a lie,” murmured the sister, half aloud.

It was broad daylight in the room. The light fell full on M. Madeleine’s face. The sister chanced to raise her eyes to it.

“Good God, sir!” she exclaimed; “what has happened to you? Your hair is perfectly white!”

“White!” said he.

Sister Simplice had no mirror. She rummaged in a drawer, and pulled out the little glass which the doctor of the infirmary used to see whether a patient was dead and whether he no longer breathed. M. Madeleine took the mirror, looked at his hair, and said:—

“Well!”

He uttered the word indifferently, and as though his mind were on something else.

The sister felt chilled by something strange of which she caught a glimpse in all this.

He inquired:—

“Can I see her?”

“Is not Monsieur le Maire going to have her child brought back to her?” said the sister, hardly venturing to put the question.

“Of course; but it will take two or three days at least.”

“If she were not to see Monsieur le Maire until that time,” went on the sister, timidly, “she would not know that Monsieur le Maire had returned, and it would be easy to inspire her with patience; and when the child arrived, she would naturally think Monsieur le Maire had just come with the child. We should not have to enact a lie.”

M. Madeleine seemed to reflect for a few moments; then he said with his calm gravity:—

“No, sister, I must see her. I may, perhaps, be in haste.”

The nun did not appear to notice this word “perhaps,” which communicated an obscure and singular sense to the words of the mayor’s speech. She replied, lowering her eyes and her voice respectfully:—

“In that case, she is asleep; but Monsieur le Maire may enter.”

He made some remarks about a door which shut badly, and the noise of which might awaken the sick woman; then he entered Fantine’s chamber, approached the bed and drew aside the curtains. She was asleep. Her breath issued from her breast with that tragic sound which is peculiar to those maladies, and which breaks the hearts of mothers when they are watching through the night beside their sleeping child who is condemned to death. But this painful respiration hardly troubled a sort of ineffable serenity which overspread her countenance, and which transfigured her in her sleep. Her pallor had become whiteness; her cheeks were crimson; her long golden lashes, the only beauty of her youth and her virginity which remained to her, palpitated, though they remained closed and drooping. Her whole person was trembling with an indescribable unfolding of wings, all ready to open wide and bear her away, which could be felt as they rustled, though they could not be seen. To see her thus, one would never have dreamed that she was an invalid whose life was almost despaired of. She resembled rather something on the point of soaring away than something on the point of dying.

The branch trembles when a hand approaches it to pluck a flower, and seems to both withdraw and to offer itself at one and the same time. The human body has something of this tremor when the instant arrives in which the mysterious fingers of Death are about to pluck the soul.

M. Madeleine remained for some time motionless beside that bed, gazing in turn upon the sick woman and the crucifix, as he had done two months before, on the day when he had come for the first time to see her in that asylum. They were both still there in the same attitude—she sleeping, he praying; only now, after the lapse of two months, her hair was gray and his was white.

The sister had not entered with him. He stood beside the bed, with his finger on his lips, as though there were some one in the chamber whom he must enjoin to silence.

She opened her eyes, saw him, and said quietly, with a smile:—

“And Cosette?”

#les mis #les mis letters #volume 1: fantine #book 8: a counter-blow #chapter 1

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marauderundercover · 3 years ago

Text

Taking Chances Ch. 2 Finding Out (Family/Friends)

AO3

@maribat-bdbwm

“Mari!” Adrien yells, running past Batman to sweep her up in a hug. Marinette’s face instantly heats up, but she buries herself into the hug. After all, it’s not every day she faces a supervillain determined to kill her with a dangerous weapon...without her suit, anyway.

“I’m okay. I’m okay.” Marinette reassures him, relishing in the comfort. A cleared throat makes her jump back and look at Batman who, despite clearing his throat and cutting off the most amazing hug ever, has no emotions on his face. Whatsoever. Cause that’s not intimidating or anything.

“The police will need your statement, Miss Dupain Cheng.” Batman says. Marinette nods, squeaking when Adrien reaches down and entwines his fingers with hers. Following Batman’s directions to the awaiting police, Marinette feels nerves flood her systerm as she sees the sheer number of officers on the other side of the door. Sucking in a deep breath, she feels Adrien squeeze her hand. Shooting him a thankful smile, Marinette uses her unattached hand to open the door and step out into the mess of personnel. A man with a mustache and square glasses steps forward immediately, his hand extended.

“Hello Miss Dupain Cheng. I’m Commissioner Jim Gordon. We were in communication with Batman while he was inside so we heard some of what happened. Would you be comfortable telling us what happened? We can get you checked over by paramedics first, if you want.” Commissioner Gordon says.

“Oh, no, no. I’m fine. I don’t-” She starts to say, but a gruff voice cuts her off.

“She should be examined immediately, Gordon. She may have inhaled smoke from the smoke bombs due to proximity. She also could have burns to her face or ears from Joker’s gun. He shot it and then proceeded to prod her with it.” Batman says, the last part of his ‘report’ slightly more gruff than the first. Was he…..worried about her? Marinette shakes that thought off almost immediately. Why would Batman be worried about her? Wait, was he really going to make her see the paramedics when all she wanted to do was talk to the officers so she could get back to the trip?

“I assure you, Monsieur Batman, Monsieur Gordon, I don’t need to see the paramedics. I’m a little shaky, but that’s all. I mean, I was held at gunpoint. I think shaky is appropriate, non?” Marinette asks, flashing the two a bright smile. Gordon raises an eyebrow and glances at Batman who shakes his head stiffly.

“She gets examined.” He says, leaving no room for questions as he pulls his grappling hook (?!?!) out and retreats to the rooftop.

“You heard the man. We can talk as you’re examined, if you’d prefer. I’m sure you just want to put this whole business behind you.” Commissioner Gordon says kindly. Marinette sighs in relief and nods, smiling again at the man. Hopefully this would be taken care of quickly. --- Bruce Wayne was slightly panicking, though he would never admit it. When reports of the Joker being spotted at the Gotham City Museum of Modern Art first rolled in, he assumed his biggest challenge would be keeping Jason from murdering the clown. He did not expect to see a small girl being held at gunpoint. A girl who looked like a strange mix between his mother, and someone else. But he couldn’t place his- of course. Memories flood his mind as he thinks back to the woman who was so clearly related to the small girl. Bridgette Le. A woman that he, at one time, thought he would be able to spend the rest of his life with. Until she left Gotham and cut off all contact between the two. Oh god. She wouldn’t….would she? --- “I don’t understand why that older paramedic looked like she’d seen a ghost.” Marinette says with a pout as she continues working on the embroidery for a jacket for Jagged. Design never sleeps.

“What d’ya mean?” Adrien asks from his nest of blankets on her bed. Marinette tries to focus on keeping her blush down. Apparently, the attack at the museum had scared Adrien more than her, though she imagined he was scared on her behalf. But she couldn’t quite understand why...nevertheless, he had become attached at her hip and hadn’t left her side since they got back to the hotel. Even though all she really wanted was a little alone time to talk to Tikki. Especially about the chance of the Miraculous Cure working here. Maybe if she was in the battle…

“Didn’t you notice? He was fine til he looked into my eyes and then he got super pale. He looked like he was going to say something, but Monsieur Gordon stopped him before he could.” Marinette recounts, remembering the way the paramedic had to switch out since his hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

“I didn’t notice that. That’s weird. Anything else happen like that today?” Adrien asks, finally sitting up and giving her his full attention. Marinette pauses her stitching and purses her lips as she runs the days events back through her head. The paramedic. Batman. Joker. Arriving late to the museum. The cab ride. Being left at the hotel. Coffee-

“Well,” Marinette starts, furrowing her eyebrows as she tries to rationalize the man’s actions in addition to the actions of the paramedic. But something wasn’t adding up. “There was my cab ride to the museum.”

“What happened? Was someone creepy? I can fight them for you!” Adrien offers, a little too cheery. Marinette freezes as she studies his face, searching for something. Adrien had been off all day. More protective than he’d been in awhile. And the few times Lila had spoken, he had scowled at her instead of ignored her. Was he finally coming around to the idea that the high road would not work with Lila? Pushing those thoughts off for another time, Marinette shakes her head.

“No, no. Nothing like that. But as I was leaving, he called me Miss Wayne.” Marinette admits, not expecting Adrien’s uncontrollable laughter.

“He, you, oh my god!” He laughs, clutching his sides. Marinette’s eyebrows furrow in confusion as she sets the jacket down on the desk.

“What?” She asks, completely and totally frustrated with the situation. Adrien laughs for another minute before calming down, wiping tears from his eyes and shooting her a blinding smile. Not his model smile. An actual smile that warms her heart and her cheeks.

“I’m so sorry Mari. It’s just, I think he was referring to the fact that you look like the typical kid Bruce Wayne adopts.” Adrien says and Marinette’s blood freezes.

“Did you say Bruce Wayne?” Marinette asks and Adrien nods, his previous mirth wiped from his face.

“Yeah, Mari, are you okay?” He asks. Marinette nods, then shakes her head, then groans and throws up her arms in frustration.

“I don’t know! I just- you remember how I told you I’m adopted?” She asks. Adrien nods, then stops. A look of mixed terror and awe flooding his face.

“Oh god, Mari. You never told me the name. Your birth father-”

“His name is Bruce Wayne. But there’s gotta be hundreds if not thousands of Bruce Waynes in the US right?” Marinette asks, even as her hope in that idea dwindles.

“The US? He’s confirmed from the US?” Adrien asks, already pulling out his phone.

“Yes. Adrien, what are you doing?” She asks, suddenly worried as she jumps onto the bed next to him, desperately trying to see his phone.

“I’m googling Bruce Wayne and Bridgette Le as a combined search. Wayne is one of the most prominent figures in Gotham, all of his previous relationships have photographic evidence. Except for whoever the mother of his youngest is. But that’s probably because he wasn’t in the country at that time.” Adrien says, typing away furiously on his phone. Marinette’s eyebrow quirks up in amusement.

“Since when were you a master researcher?” She asks with a grin.

“Since one of my best friends found out she’s adopted and it could be the man who hosts the only palatable high society parties. Seriously. And they’d be much better if you were there and-holy shit. Your bio mom looks just like you!” Adrien exclaims, turning the phone to her. Marinette inhales deeply and thanks whatever power there is that she’s not in Paris right now. The emotions running over her at an indescribable speed...not all of them are positive. And they’re all overwhelming as she looks at a picture that very clearly shows her bio mom with Bruce Wayne. As in the Gotham Bruce Wayne. Not a different unknown Bruce Wayne across the country somewhere. Nope. A man who is apparently prominent enough that Monsieur Agreste makes his son go to the man’s parties.

“I don’t suppose she just had a type for men named Bruce Wayne?” Marinette says weakly. This was not what she expected. --- This was exactly what he expected. Looking at the birth records for one Marinette Le, where he’s noted as the father. Though why he wasn’t notified before the girl’s custody was signed over to Sabine Cheng, he’ll never understand. His jaw clenches as he continues reading, eyes scanning over Bridgette’s death certificate before glancing back at Marinette’s birth certificate. A daughter. He had a daughter. Another child that he would never be able to hold when they were small. Another child that grew up without him. Another child that he didn’t meet until they were already a person. Someone with their own experiences individual from his own, someone that may not even know he had found them. And that he wanted nothing more than to get to know someone who was brave enough to stand between the Joker and her friends. Someone who was determined not to let what should have been the most traumatic experience in her life be a set back. He had a daughter. And he wanted to meet her.

***

Note, my headcannon is that the paramedic that panicked did so because he was one of the first responders the night that the Waynes were murdered. And while she looks a lot like her birth mom, Marinette also definitely has Martha Wayne’s eyes and the paramedic could NOT deal. Also, let me know if you want tagged!

Tag List: @jjmjjktth

#maribat bruce wayne #maribat #maribat bio dad bruce #maribat bio dad! bruce wayne month 2021 #mbdbwm2021 #maribat marinette dupain cheng #maribat adrien agreste #day two family/friends

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