#mot course near me

[mot-expert]

Maintaining roadworthy vehicles and reducing harmful emissions are critical concerns for vehicle owners and environmental enthusiasts. MOT testing is crucial in ensuring vehicle safety and emission standards in the United Kingdom. This article will explore the MOT test checklist, its significance, and how MOT testing helps curb vehicle emissions.

[thiscatiscreepy]

The huge centipede from a couple of day ago came into my room just now.

[magics-neptunes-things]

Blue Words (One Love 8)

Hi guys!

Some of you asked for it, so this is the new chapter for One Love.

Please be aware that this chapter isn't the happiest of all I wrote for this series, but I tried to add some fluff in it.

Also the Title is from a french song called "Les mots bleus" and this is the only song with the world "blue" i could find, with Lucy going to Chelsea. (Still hating it)

Thanks again for reading me ♥

TW : Angst, Sadness.

(1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) | (7)

London has always been a city who was foreign for Ona. Even when she was living in England, she was in Manchester and all the teams here were just opponent. Unless Laia Codina who came there in 2023 and Mariona who will be here now, she doesn’t have friends here. There are Laia and Leila in Manchester still, but she didn’t have any reason to come back in England since she left for Barcelona.

Well, it was before.

Because now, Lucy is going in fucking Chelsea, a team she hated all her life. It would have been better in her eyes if Lucy went in Arsenal, at least she will be with Mariona. But no, she’s wearing blue and Ona can’t get used to it.

When Lucy received another call from the Barcelona’s staff, they were both in Cuba, their day just finish after strolling in the city during the afternoon. They were enjoying the swimming pool of the hotel, Ona inside water while Lucy was happily drinking a Piña Colada, sitting on the swimming pool with her feet in it. Ona understood very quickly that the conversation isn’t going the way Lucy hopped.

Because the English woman really wanted to stay in Barcelona. She loves the city, the people, the team, the league, the wins… And she loves Ona, of course. She never decided anything in football while thinking about her love life, but this time she wanted to do it. Life chose to be different though.

Lucy didn’t take a decision without talking to Ona before. Lucy wanted to play as much as possible, she’s not young anymore and she knows that her months are counted. She’s not stupid. But Barcelona couldn’t promise her that, now that everyone came back from the respective injuries. Lucy could have accepted less money if she was still able to play as much as she wants. But it wasn’t Barça’s plans. So, after a long discussion with Ona, she didn’t accept Barcelona’s offer, with sadness.

Only one day later Chelsea came to knock at her door, and after some adjustments, she said yes. It wasn’t ideal to be that far from Ona, but it’s better than Mexico or the USA who wanted her too.

Between their trip in Cuba and Ona’s training for the Olympics, Ona managed to find some days to come with Lucy in London to look for a flat.

They managed to find a duplex on the last ground of a building near a park, for when Lucy will have to walk Narla. It seems pretty good to be honest, but Ona has trouble to imagine Lucy here. She always has known her in Barcelona, in a sunny home. Not a rainy and grey one. It makes her sad, without any reason.

Ona putted a brave smile on her face during all her trip with Lucy, not wanting to damage any memories they could have here. Their time is counted after all.

She met some of the Chelsea players and she doesn’t really like them. She doesn’t like the way Millie Bright seems to find normal for Lucy to be here. She doesn’t like how some of the other girls are all flushed when they see Lucy. She talked a little bit with Julia Bartel who was playing in Barcelona while Lucy was talking with some of her teammates from England, but it was hard to keep smiling.

The day after, they went to Ikea to buy some furniture for Lucy’s flat, she already made come what she will need here with a boat. She bought a lot of candles from their favorite shop in Barcelona to have a little piece of Barcelona in London.

She took advantage of Ona getting a shower to put the last details of her decoration, before they have to leave to go to a party organized by Niamh Charles with a lot of Chelsea’s players. Lucy asked her if she wanted to go, and Ona returned her the question. When she saw Lucy hesitated, Ona mumbled something about creating a bond with her teammates and they decided to go.

But Ona would rather have time with Lucy only. Once again, she chooses to put Lucy’s feelings before hers.

She has the same false smile on her face all night, talking from time to time with some of Lucy’s new teammates, working on herself not to stick with her girlfriend all night. She knows how the English are different from the Spain about touching and everything.

“She will be great in Chelsea Ona, you will see. We’ll take good care of her.” Millie Bright told her with a big smile at some point in the evening.

Ona just smiled, asking herself what the blonde meant by that. She knows that Millie is straight or at least engaged with someone, but it’s still sound strange in her ears. She talked the most with Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Carter, munching some vinegar crisps.

Lucy went to check on her several times during the night, but Ona always told her that she was fine, with the best smile she could give her. But Lucy isn’t fooled by Ona. She knows very well when her girlfriend is pretending, and it breaks her heart every time that Ona assures her she was fine and that they can stay a little bit more.

But at some point, Ona just feels overwhelmed. She’s not angry, or sadder than before. There is just too many feelings for her at that point and with the noise, the music and people blasting it’s just too much. She just has to cross Lucy’s eyes for the English woman to understand that it was time to go home.

“Come on” Lucy just says, reaching her hand for Ona to take.

The Spaniard oblige, following Lucy who pretends to be tired with the move and everything.

“Hope to see you soon again, Ona” Niamh smiles at the Catalan when they went to her to say goodbye.

“It will be hard but I definitively want her wagging in London for me” Lucy smirks, grabbing Ona by her hips to kiss her temple.

“Alexia will kill me if I wear a Chelsea jersey” Ona points with a small smile.

Lucy snorts and they say their goodbyes to the last people before leaving the heath of the flat. It feels good to breath fresh air, Ona closes her eyes two seconds while breathing intensely before turning in Lucy’s direction.

“Uber or walk?” Lucy asks.

“Walk? If you don’t mind.”

“Of course not”

Lucy smiles at her and Ona smiles back. Her smiles grow bigger when she feels Lucy passing her arm around her shoulders, and she let herself go against the bigger frame of her girlfriend.

“Better that way” Ona whispers, grabbing Lucy’s fingers with her hand.

Lucy hums, her lips stroking Ona’s hair softly. She can feel the younger girl’s trouble, but she doesn’t want to push her buttons and forced her to talk to her. But she feels like Ona might explode at some point, and it’s not in her habits to shut down her feelings like that.

She choses not to insist to much with Ona, using a small talk during their trip to her flat. They know Mariona is getting her things done during those days too, except that her girlfriend was already in London to find her a good flat. Even if it will be at St-Albans, Ona is glad to know that there is at least some people Lucy knows already.

She’s happy to find back Lucy’s flat, even if it doesn’t quite feel home, at least it’s Lucy’s.

“Are you tired or do you want to watch something with a last drink?”

“As you wish Corazon” Ona shrugs.

Lucy looks at her several seconds before deciding for a movie and a drink. She makes some tea while Ona is looking at something they can watch, grumbling when she realizes that a lot of the series they are watching in Barcelona aren’t watchable here.

“What did you make a choice?” Lucy asks with two fuming cups of tea. “Careful, it’s hot.”

“Friend’s” Ona grumble, before throwing herself in Lucy’s front when she sits next to her.

Clingy Ona isn’t really new, but Grumpy Ona is, Lucy thinks. She play with her girlfriend’s long hair for several minutes, watching television with an absent-minded air.

“Are you ok?” Lucy finally asks.

“Sí, porque?”

“Because I don’t have the feeling that you are. You’re grumpy like an old man.”

“No, I’m not” Ona pouts.

Her face is so cute that Lucy can’t help but laugh a little. She hopes that it won’t make Ona even more grumpy, so to avoid that she starts tickling her.

“Yes, you are!” Lucy smirks while tickling her girlfriend.

Ona tries to resist the urge to laugh, but Lucy knows how and where she’s ticklish. It doesn’t take her more than ten seconds to have a laughy mess writhing under her.

“Stop, Lucy please” Ona manages to pronounce between two laughs.

Lucy finally stops and she looks attentively at Ona while the younger calm her laughters. She lets her take her breath, stroking softly and lovingly her cheeks. She lets five other seconds pass, during which she looks deep in Ona’s eyes.

“Come on, Bonita, talk to me. What’s going on?”

Ona sighs and look away, making Lucy frowns. She’s usually the one who is struggling to let her feelings and struggle out, not Ona. Ona talks to her, explain to her her thoughts without any fear to be judge or mocked.

“Hey” she adds after some times, turning delicately Ona’s face in her direction. “Come on, it’s me. You can tell me everything, you used to do that. Don’t shut yourself from me, please.”

Ona blinks several times, biting her lip, before finally deciding to open her mouth. She can’t refuse anything to Lucy when she talks to her this way.

“It’s just… I don’t know” she frowns in turn. “I knew what will happen, but this weekend is like the concretization of all of this. And I know that I push you to accept this offer, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to let you go.”

Lucy wants to talk, but she realizes soon that now that Ona has started to talk, she needs to get everything out.

“It’s hard to know that you will be here after everything we had in Barcelona. I hate coming home to have a reminder that you’re gone, I hate to see Coco looking for Narla, I hate not to find the toothpaste tube open with its plug next to it. I know it’s not your fault, but I miss you and it hasn’t even started.”

She really wanted not to cry, but she can’t help the tears rolling on her cheeks. Of course she knew, it doesn’t mean that it’s an easy moment to live. They were so delighted when Ona signed her contract in Barcelona, so far away to think that they will be in this situation again several months later.

“And this weekend, I really wanted to help you settle down and make your flat cozy and comfortable and lovely, but it’s like that damn sadness couldn’t leave me alone. It’s your flat, not ours. It feels so strange.”

Her voice breaks at the end of her sentence, when she wipes harshly her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. Lucy needs to swallow the lump in her throat before talking, so she wipes herself Ona’s tears, way more softly than her, to have a distraction.

“I miss you too” Lucy mumbles before sitting, because she was still half lying on Ona. “It’s hard to imagine my daily life without your mess in it, but I swear on everything I have that I will come in Barcelona as soon as I have a day off, Ona. And I know you will come too.”

She stays silence for several seconds, during which Ona nods at Lucy’s words. Of course, she will come. Even if it’s mean catching a cold every weekend while freezing in the stand.

“And for the flat… Come on” she says suddenly, standing and grabbing Ona’s hand.

The Spaniard doesn’t have any other choice than following her to her bedroom. She frowns when she sees that Lucy has installed other frames, probably while she was showering before leaving for the party.

“This is the jerseys we swapped after the World Cup, but I thought it will be better to frame them together”

Lucy looks Ona when she gets closer to the jerseys while she’s talking. No one knows that they swapped their jersey that night and if someone just take a look at the frame, it won’t be easy to understand. But they both know and it’s enough.

“This one is a mix of the pictures we took when we won all our cups last year” she points another frame.

Ona gets closer of this one too, just to see a mix of official pictures of both of them, but unofficial pictures too. There is for example no way in the world that they posted picture of them kissing with the Supercopa cup, Lucy grabbing Ona’s waist while the younger has a bottle of beer in hand.

“And those are what I wanted to hang on other rooms too” Lucy adds while rummaging in one cupboard before taking out several other frames, of different sizes. “This one is for my nightstand (she shows a picture of them in Cuba), those are for my living room (there is a picture of Coco and Narla playing in the snow, one of them in Stani’s wedding, a selfie taking at Minorca and another one when Lucy’s family came to Barcelona to met the Battle) and I wanted to put that on my fridge (four photobooth pictures taking at Manchester, the first time Lucy came after they got together). Oh and this one is for the bedroom too (a picture of Ona with Lucy’s niece and nephew, playing on the beach).”

Lucy looks thoughtfully at the pictures before raising her eyes on Ona, almost shyly. Ona is still crying, (or again), she doesn’t even know. But this time, she’s smiling softly.

“You are not living here, but you are still part of that place Ona. No matter where I am, you are still with me. Forever.”

Ona almost crashes in her arms when she went for a hug and Lucy seriously think about writing to Jonatan because damn, those arms sessions for Ona worked maybe a little too much.

“I love you, so much” Lucy says again, Ona’s face in her neck. “I’m leaving Barcelona but I’m not leaving you. It doesn’t change the plans we made. I still want to marry you, we will have those little Ona running around in the house and everything we talked about”

“I want a little Lucia too” Ona objects weekly.

“My brother would probably say that it’s a terrible choice, but everything you want Bonita.”

Taking a big breath making her shivers, Ona finally leaves Lucy’s neck. She’s not crying anymore, and Lucy kisses her face almost ten times before talking again.

“I need you to talk to me when you are struggling like that. Can you promise me you will do?”

“Only if you promise too” Ona answers, looking at her expectantly.

Lucy rolls her eyes, which makes Ona smiles softly. They both know who will need to work the most between the two for that.

“Promised” Lucy finally says.

“Promised back”

Lucy kisses her on the lips that time, savoring Ona’s taste and Ona’s body against her. They didn’t talk about it, but Lucy will miss the lazy mornings in bed and having Ona around her like an octopus with messy hair. Ona stilling her clothes too. Talking about that…

“And I will leave half of the dressing for your clothes too, for when you will come to see me”

Ona smirks.

“I was hoping to leave every time with some of your clothes”

Lucy laughs this time and grab Ona’s face with both of her hands to kiss her one more time.

“Time to go to bed? I’m kind of exhausted.”

“Yes please” Ona mumbles.

They take turn in the bathroom, Lucy going to turn off the TV and the lamps in the living room before going in her bed. Ona follows her soon after, crawling under the sheets to snuggle against Lucy.

“We will be alright Ona, I swear” Lucy whispers in the dark.

“I know. I trust us” Ona whispers back.

She left her loving position to be able to kiss her.

“I’m going to miss the fan’s speculations about us being together after every game though” Ona smirks.

“Oh, don’t worry. I have an idea for that.”

Ona raises an eyebrow, questioning Lucy that way but the English woman just shake her head with a devilish smile before kissing Ona again. She managed to make her forget about what she just said, but the O. Battle jersey from Spain is definitively coming this week for her to wear during Spain’s first game in the Olympics.

[callsignfangs]

I know you have something to say about Farah.

Do it.

You know you want to. 😊😉

You lot know me so well 💔💔

Giggles but actually, I’m sorry for randomly vanishing, long story short ive been dealing w some personal stuff and been hesitant to start posting again bc it might be a bit on n off lol. But most things have chilled out a little bit, so i might dip my head back into writing 😇

Also, bc of my amazing luck, I literally got sick, like, today. Sooo, have my fever-induced Farah rambles 😻 Brought to you by. Idk probably the flu or something 💪

Note: the fact i managed to dump this all out in one session before napping is a lil funny ngl 😇

Double note: I acc had a different plan for this, but the sickness has unfortunately taken me, and I’m just going with the flow atp 😇 prepare for more of my Farah braindumps after i’m mildly more alive 😚

-

Farah & Sick!reader drabble 😚

(Tws: vague sickness, fever 👍)

Lets start this off with the simple fact that- she’s the queen of home remedies. You could pick up some degenerative alien disease from a far off solar system, and she probably has something for it. Mot to mention that she’s pretty good at making said remedies notably more appealing, which definitely doesn’t hurt. Sure, she won’t shy away from medicating you, more than prepared to deal with your slightly high shenanigans, but it’s definitely nice to not be drugged up instantly.

She’s also absolutely attached to you at the hip. It’s like she’s given herself the job of your personal nurse, or something. Of course, she’s doing what’s best for you, but she folds just a little at the sight of your soft, weepy eyes.

Admittedly, she’s not the best cook on the planet. She has more important responsibilities than learning to cook. However, for you? She digs up every family recipe she could find, probably digging up an old scrapbook or two of her grandparent’s meanwhile. She’s determined to shower you in gourmet-level food as much as humanly possible, even if that means constantly ducking out of the kitchen to check on you, cuddled up on the couch.

Speaking of cuddles, she’s an absolute cuddle monster. The second you’ll let her, she’s buried alongside you, her gentle warmth dissolving into tour achy muscles, your pounding head showered in soft little kisses - even a couple on the lips, if she can sneak them, because, no, love, she doesn’t care about getting sick, she’ll live.

And, of course, she’ll insist on a nice bath with you, seeing as she just wants to see you better, sweetheart. Her getting to snuggle up with you in the tub is definitely just a happy coincidence.

Bathing with Farah is absolutely heavenly. She fills up the tub herself, happily murmuring pleasant little anecdotes and warm comforts into your ears as lukewarm water splashes around behind you. Gently helping you out of your pyjamas (well, her pyjamas, that were practically yours at this point), she dips her foot into the water, feeling the coolish liquid cover her feet. She slowly eases you in, a slight guilt pooling in her heart as you whine about just how cold the water felt. She keeps you buried in her arms throughout, kissing your cheeks and praising you sweetly, even letting you tuck your face against her shoulder.

Once you’re actually in, the bath is a near-perfect affair. Farah keeps you against her chest the entire time, happily kneading at your pained muscles, letting the water wash away the sweat staining your skin. She guides you down softly, supporting your neck with a gentle, rough hand as she dips your hair into the water, letting it wash away the tightness behind your eyes as best it could, easily tasking herself with washing your hair. It’s like she turns into your personal masseuse, looping a leg around your hips to keep you safely tucked against her, stroking delicately through the soft strands of your hair, loving hands brushing against their perfect spot on your scalp, leaving your muscles at a similar consistency to the water you were surrounded by.

She takes to washing your hair easily, lathering each product in her hands and warmly rubbing them in, pressing kisses to your cheeks and forehead between each one (her face occasionally scrunches as the misplaced product stains her mouth, but it’s worth it to see the little contented smile against your lips).

Thankfully, she doesn’t shy away from care elsewhere, either. She easily lathers each skincare product against your prone form, adjusting you gently against her arms to completely cover every inch of your sweet, delicate skin. Of course, each touch is punctuated with a little massage, hoping to soothe each and every inch of your sickly form, along with her fair share of kisses.

Unsurprisingly, getting out of the tub felt like hell. Sure, the water was mildly cold, but you’d adjusted to it, at this point, lazing easily against Farah’s warmth like a cat in the sun. You definitely felt like a wet cat as she eased you up, shivers immediately picking up the second your skin was exposed to the icy-seeming air. A snug, fluffy towel was wrapped around you almost immediately, with Farah swiftly reaching out to crank the heating up - just enough to keep the temperature difference from making your sickness worse.

Farah was quick to herd you into the bedroom, sitting you down on the bed and exchanging the, now damp, towel for a cosy robe she’d bought a while ago, surprisingly still unused.

And, before you could even consider protesting, she was crouched between your legs, gently towelling down the damp skin. She slowly made her way up, from your feet all the way up to your hair, occasionally popping to and from the bathroom, finishing off your skin and hair care.

By the time she’d finished, you were cuddled up in another - notably lighter - pair of her pyjamas, buried safely on her side of the bed, her honeyed scent filling your senses. Your head was pillowed against her chest, eyes trained vaguely before you as she flicked through her movie catalogue, looking for something peaceful yet entertaining.

Eventually, after her careful deliberation, she decides on some lighthearted romcom. It doesn’t particularly matter at this point, though, seeing as you’d conked out before the opening credits had even begun, your soft, purring snores filling the room and bringing a loving smile to her face. Looking after you so delicately had been amazing, but she was absolutely relieved you were finally getting the sleep your body so desperately needed.

Sighing happily, she lays the two of you down, snuggling beneath the covers and kissing you goodnight, easily falling into slumber in her favourite place - cuddled up beside you.

[lxmine]

courting you + childe

+. highschool au, crack and fluff

+. summary ; him courting you in highschool

+. A/N LMAO i just thought of this while writing some notes

he would literally do anything just to get your attention on him, writing notes? you can do that later he took pictures of the board already so you can chat with him while the teacher isnt looking.

would ask stuff about the subject that ‘he doesn’t understand’ knowing damn well he’s one of the top students. “[name]~ i don’t understand this! do you mind teaching me?” goes all cutesy which u found weird and you just look at him and say “ajax you’re literally ranked above me?”

you were surprised the first time he asked you to meet him after school, he brought you to some fancy cafes and literally spoiled the fuck out of you and then asked “i want to court you.”

and after you said yes, he became all clingy. not the touchy kinda way but he always wants your attention, but he does know his boundaries. he’d always wanna eat his lunch with you. oh you left your lunch? you can have his, he’ll have you know he cooked it himself! but he got hungry too so you have to feed him *wink wink*

really wants to meet your parents and ask for their permission to court you! he’s a family guy and he also wants to care about yours and he wants you to care about his. you were scared to introduce him to your dad though cuz ajax is really… kind of a delinquent but has that high grades.

“no.” was what your father said the first time you brought him back home with you. your mom was okay with it, she thought he was a really nice guy. but your dad… he didnt even let the guy speak T-T

but ajax wont give up easily! and so he started showing up to your house more with expensive gifts for your mom and your dad, which your dad didnt like. “kid, if you think gifts can make me give you my blessing to be with my child, you’re wrong. go home now.” he says calmly and went back to watching the tv.

he did stop showing up in your house after that, but he took you out on secret dates like ice cream dates after school, so are study dates. his friends are even wondering why he barely hung out with them anymore. they also wonder why he’s not doing ‘delinquent’ stuff with them anymore. its mot that they’re a bad influence to him.

lets just say he wants to set up a good image for your father, good grades to show his and your parents, and a good manner to win over your dad. he did his research.

and he successfully did in an unexpected way. he was on his way to your home that day to take you out for lunch. it was also winter break so it was really cold. and near by the lake, he saw your dad ice fishing. “didnt i tell you to back off, kid?” your father says as soon as he noticed ajax approaching.

“eh, i think i love your [name] too much, sir. may i join you?” he asks taking a seat beside the man anyway and not waiting for a response. “what you you like about my child?” your dad asks glaring at ajax who looked at the frozen lake.

“absolutely everything, you see sir, they made me fall in love with them at first sight.” he says proudly. “of course i didnt ask them out in an instant. i just let the feelings grow in me until i thought. ‘damn, i wanna marry them.’” he smiles.

“you??? want to marry my [name]?” your dad raises a brow with a smile. “of course, i didn’t say it just because i felt like it. i said it because i want it to happen, i will make it happen. even if you dont like me now sir, i wont give up on pursuing them.”

your dad chuckles ruffling his hair. “just dare hurt them, i’ll be sure to break your nose completely, son.”

bro was so proud he got your father’s blessings now, and after that he had dinner with your family. his family already accepted you so he doesn’t have to worry about anything but your answer to his question “will you let me be your boyfriend” now.

when you finally decided to give him your answer, the two of your were out on a theme park for a date, watching a fireworks show. holding his hand in yours.

he looked at it with a blush, it almost a year that he’s courting you, and he felt proud of himself that he made you the happiest at least thats what he thinks but he did made you the happiest

“hey, you better mark your calendar today, okay.” you chuckled looking up at the sky with a smile, he looked at you confused. “what do you mean?” he squeezed your hand, a gesture to make you look at him. “what? you dont wanna forget our monthsary now do you?”

you smirked as his eyes went wide and started to water. “are you serious? like really serious? you’re not kidding?” as asked, squeezing your hand eveen harder, grabbing ahold of your other one as he made you face him. you gave him a nod. “why are you crying!?” you asked with a laugh.

“you! how could i not!? this is the best thing that’s ever happened to me! i love you so much!” he cries pulling you into his embrace. “i love you too ajax.” you whispered into his ear befire giving the side if his neck a kiss.

and now there the two of you are, sitting beside each other inside the warmth of your own home. “ah, my love! i wanna cuddle some more!” ajax whines kicking his feet. “you’re clingy, we just woke up from our nap!” you glared at him playfully.

“i know but im tired, do you know how tiring last night is? c’mon, lets spend the whole day cuddling like a real married couple.” he smirks standing up from his seat and swiftly carrying you over to your bedroom to cuddle. “ahhh, my love youre so warm~” he says snuggling his face at the crook of your neck.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE MY TURN!?!???!?

MASTERLIST

[alaskan-wallflower]

I totally agree with your post on censorship of Israel and Palestine. Obviously what is happening between them right now and tragic and disgusting. Lately people have been grouping all Jewish people into being zionists which is so harmful, I’m Jewish and my father was beaten in the city to the point where he was hospitalised just because he was wearing the Star of David. I was with him when it happened, he didn’t do anything aside from being Jewish, my family isn’t even from Israel, we are in full support of Palestine but people want to label us Zionist for a culture we were born into. Jewish and Israeli people can’t control their heritage and calling all of them zionists for it is insane, real zionists are terrifying and to throw the term Zionist around waters down the impact of them. They want to erase history of Jewish people and make us collectively look bad, comparing current tragedies to the holocaust, no violence should ever be compared like it’s a competition. Of course there are Jewish people who are bad and hold radical beliefs but that also goes for every other culture, ethnicity, and religion. I do not condone Israel’s actions in any way but I strongly disagree with showing prejudice towards Jewish and Israeli people who have nothing to do with the war and do not support it.

Tw Antisemitism, politics mentions of the Israel/Palestine conflict, read at your own risk. Come after me all you want. I don’t care. But I need to talk about this because it’s important.

First off, I’m so sorry that that happened to your family. Nobody deserves that at all. I send my deepest condolences and I hope that your father (and the rest of your family) is okay. It is absolutely disgusting that that happened. I’m assuming by ‘the city’ you mean NYC, and I know that antisemitic hate crimes have risen 200%, and it’s just vile, especially because Jews in places nowhere even near Israel are hiding blamed. It’s not their fault.Its not even the Israelites’ faults. It’s the Israeli government’s fault.

Secondly, I agree whole heartedly. There are good Jewish people in Israel. Good, innocent Jewish people who haven’t done anything wrong and absolutely do not deserve to be censored. Although I do not condone what is going on there right now, I absolutely do not condone October 7th either. You could argue that none of this would have happened if October 7th never happened. If you’re gonna talk politics, you have to look at both sides, not just the one you support. That goes for any politics, be it this, your position on the left/right spectrum, whatever. You have to look at both sides.

Words can’t even describe just how awful it is that Jewish people in places that have nothing to do with Israel are being blamed and harassed mot just on the internet, but in r3al life too. Watching it just makes me feel sick. Again, while I do not and will not ignore the fact that what the Israeli government has decided to do is absolutely disgusting and tragic, I also cannot and will not ignore the fact that innocent people are being labeled such harmful terms and their voices aren’t being heard. That’s like saying every American ever is anti immigrant or that every American in the world supports what’s going on in the government there, albeit on a much less extreme scale.

But yes. I absolutely don’t think that Israel should be censored while Palestine isn’t. If you want to censor one you gotta censor the other. What happened with me was that the person said they n didn’t want pro Israel people finding my post’. The thing is I don’t care who sees my posts. People aren’t always going to agree with me and my opinions and that’s fine. People aren’t always going to enjoy what I say. But I can take it. I don’t need a group of people to be censored for the sole sake of ‘protecting me from “the bad guys”’ (putting that in HEAVY quotes).

Again. I’m so sorry that that’s happening to you and other people on the internet. I’ve seen it happen. One blog I like in particular had been labeled a Zionist when they aren’t. And I feel awful for them because it isn’t fair. They’ve never even indicated that they are. In fact they’ve heavily denied it and I feel awful that so many people get this sort of traction on the internet. Everyone deserves to feel safe online, including Jewish people.

I don’t expect anyone to really listen to me though. I myself am not Jewish so take what I say with that in mind. I’m also a technical minor and nobody listens to minors so you know. People are probably not gonna care about what I say. But I’ll still say it because I wanna raise awareness

(Sorry for the rant)

[countessofravenclaw]

For the fanfic ask game

1 - it’s a tie between GOS and MOT

3 - Gastón, no question

4 - Is there any answer other than Gastina?

5 - That time Gastón ‘kidnaps’ Nina near the end of MOT

8 - Also Gastina

9 - the Ana/German one

12 - I finished rereading GOS a few days ago and I’m currently in the process of rereading MOT in-between Bia episodes

14 - The S2AU

I never kniw what to respond to these ask games... Do I comment on this? Well, I will comment.

I love that people like specifically how I write Gastón because there isn't that much to go off of the canon wise, so I get to play in a sand box. He is one of my faves and has so much potentila that the show wasted. I am always afriad that what I write is not in charcter. But I love expanding on him, charcter and lore wise. For example, we do not know about his family, outside of both of his parents being alive rom two lines. I actually have som moe complex family backstoyr that we will be focusing on in a upcoming story.

Gastina is why I started writing in the first place, so of course it's everyone's fave thing.

I don't know what's hapening with the Ana/German one. It will be something that should not be taken any sort of seriously. It is not gonna be a fic about them as a ship, I don't ship them. It's gonna focus on Nina in bozarred scenario and it's gonna be a Gastina fic, because of course it is gonna be. I think Gastón's parenst are also maybe making an appereance, which will be fun as if everyone remembers, they don't like German. Or they at leats think he is extrenely odd and they judge him for his serial groomness.

I didn't believe on anyone would about S2AU when I started it. It was an extremely stupid idea. I just was having the worst time at school imaginable and this scene of Nina running into Monica and Miguel in the kitchen kept like haunting me. Shoutout to to @putonmyfavoriteshow who told me it was a good prompt and I should do it. Starting S2AU dates back to my last weeks at Aalto University before I got hospitalized, which also sealed my major and school change too in the end. Thinking back it kind of feels weird in a way. But it is one of my faves to write, because it's a gold mine of character expansion for Gastón's parenst especially. Even if this didn't happen canonically, it doesn't change the type of people they are, it gives character depth.

[steveramsdale]

Blog Update (or Blogdate)

Blog Update (or Blogdate).

It was 10th December 2022 when I last blogged in the Teaching on the Naughty Steppe series. Much has happened since then, but no of it to me.

However, something has happened which bears on the Uzbekistan adventure story. As I was about to start typing this, in fact I was waiting for Word to open on my computer, and last minute, breaking piece of news came to me, and I will tell you what that was in due course, at the right time.

The events in question concern Муниса that’s the VW character who made many appearances in the blog that used to disturb Saturday mornings between 2016 and 2020. I am sure you’ll remember that, after a few adventures around Tashkent and (memorably) Kazakhstan, she came to Derbyshire and lived a quiet life with me here.

For about 9 months, she was left in our storage place where the caravan was usually kept. (I’m switching to ‘it’ now.) During this time, we realised that we were not using, and probably not going to use it and that we should sell it to someone who would.

Therefore, I advertised it, a couple of people came to look. One of them bought it for just under the asking price. And that’s that. No. Of course it isn’t. It couldn’t be. I could still have spun that in to another (pointless) blog, but the real story is more interesting.

So, a few weeks ago, after we had sold the caravan, we went to the storage yard and brought it home. Of course, the battery was completely dead but I had taken a charged one we happened to have and was able to start it up. Of course, the indicators were not working so getting the five or so miles home was fun. After a really good clean inside and out, it was time to advertise. I also bought a new battery but they only had quite a small one that could not be secured properly in the bay. The van still had a valid MOT until 1st September and I planned to try to get a new one.

There was some initial interest at a fair price for a running, MOTd vanand after a week or two someone came to look. They (a father and son) had a good look around and the time for a test drive arrived. I was driving with the son who was the interested party when the gear stick snapped right at the bottom. The father drove up to where we were and he was able to get it in to second gear and I drove home. The father pointed out a small hole in a sill near the back and said it might well be an MOT fail as it was near a structural part. Interestingly, they said they’d have to go and think about it and I have never heard from them again.

A few days later, I got a message from a man in Portugal asking about it. I’d made an MOT appointment but couldn’t go, obviously. So I explained all of this to the man (Luis). He did not seem put off by this. He has many classic cars at his home and works on them himself. He also has another, similar VW and said he could bring the gear stick from that and fit it on my drive. I told him that without the MOT, he would not be able to drive it – he planned to drive it back to Portugal. I did what I could to dissuade he but he was undeterred, booked a flight and transferred a deposit.

On Thursday of this week (18th) he arrived and I picked him up from Birmingham airport. To make the story more interesting, he has some mobility issues and uses crutches, so I couldn’t leave him to navigate the railway system! 

Back here, we got to work on the gear stick – I say ‘we’ but I was just passing screwdrivers and such like. I had also told him about the indicators and that the MOT (booked for Friday) might throw up other issues. However, the indicators had started working again. All seemed to be going well. The gear stick was a fairly easy fit and worked well. I had charged the old battery that fitted properly and drove up with that.

Early Friday morning, I drove the short distance to the garage for the MOT and asked if they could fix anything minor. They said they were very busy but might be able to do anything really minor.

Around 10am, someone called to say the accelerator was not working. I said that it had been when I drove it up to them!  They had a good look and found that a small rod from the pedal to the throttle cable seemed to have rotted. They would be able to do the MOT but not fix that. I knew I could get it home on the revs of the engine in reverse and first gear and down the hill but the sale seemed to be in jeopardy.

When I went to collect it, it had passed the MOT with them having fixed the fog light switch!  They also said they had been able to get the rod back in the right place so I could drive normally. We were back on track – except they were using a boost pack and told me the battery was dead!

After all of this, Luis and I drove to the petrol station to fill up. I had given him the 25l fuel carrier I had bought in Tashkent. We filled the tank and put 15l in the container and drove home. He had some concerns about the alternator and testing the voltage (he had a device that plugged in to the cigarette lighter) seemed to show it was not charging the battery properly. We left a charger on the small, new battery overnight and Luis planned to leave early Saturday morning so he could drive in the light and not worry about the headlights draining the battery. We loaded everything in the car and he asked me to make sure he was up early.

Sure enough, by 7am we had removed the charger, closed up the engine and he was in the driver’s seat and I was ready to wave. After a few minutes, nothing seemed to be happening and I went to the window. He said that the battery was dead and the accelerator pedal had gone again. There would be no departure any time soon. I should say that I was experiencing very unfamiliar (to me) high anxiety this whole time. Not surprising perhaps, but not something I’m used to.

So…...we had to go to Halfords and buy an appropriately sized battery and find a small part for the alternator. One shop said they could get this by 1pm which was a relief. Returning home, we fitted the new battery and put the small less new one on charge as a spare. Luis did some research on how the accelerator pedal was supposed to work and went under to see what was going on. He dismantled part of it, we straighten and cleaned bits and put it back together. He then noticed that the pedal inside was almost broken. This could be the reason the rod was coming off – if the pedal was moving sideways. We decided that the only thing we could do (apart from order a new one and wait a few days until it came) was do and Uzbek-style repair. This involved putting some very strong tape around the cracking part then drilling small holes to thread cable ties through to strengthen it more. Luis was actually happy with this.

I collected the alternator part and that was fitted easily (enough). The voltage device was still showing low voltage and charging. I suggested we try connecting the 12v plug to a different point in the fuse box – I had fitted this cigarette lighter in Uzbekistan and it was sharing a connection with the headlights and only worked when they were on!  A new slot was selected and suddenly the reading was good and showed that the alternator was working properly.

So, Sunday morning was now the departure time! We took Luis out to our favourite local pub/restaurant which he loved. I went to bed a little less anxious but still fearing a new or recurring problem in the morning.

This morning arrived – as it was always going to and I had to wake Luis just before 7am. We went through a similar routine to Saturday but this time, the engine started first time and Luis drove away. Amazingly (to me anyway) he had come to the UK without bringing a phone he could use on UK networks. We were not going to hear anything unless he found wifi.

The breaking news? As I was about to start typing this story I got a message from Luis. He is on the ferry in Dover waiting to set off to Calais. He said the sliding door had popped open a couple of times (scary) but the battery, engine, accelerator etc have been fine. He has several hundred miles still to go to his home in Portugal – the story is not over, therefore. I will update you when he gets there.

This seems, though, to be a fitting end to my part in the van’s story. I could have sold it to someone 50 miles away who could have brought a trailer to get it and used it here after fixing everything. That would not have fitted with the story so far. Luis wants the van to go to Morocco and sort out some business there – so another new continent awaits.

I hope you agree that this story was worth telling. Should anything else interesting happen in this or any other context, I may venture into the blogosphere again!

Bye.

[nimphontheshore]

6 months. 6 months.

That’s today, finally.

That’s crazy, hey, that’s so crazy. Six months feels like so much but so little at the same time. J’aimerai te dire que tu es ma plus longue relation sans vagues mais… Ça veut tellement rien dire, finalement. Parce que t’es ma relation la plus réelle, la plus pure, tout court. Et c’est normal que tu le sois finalement, because you’re the one. Obviously everything is easier with you, obviously everything makes sense. Je ne sais pas trop ce que ce petit (long) texte va donner, mais disons que je vais tenter de faire l’état des lieux de nous ; tous les deux. As a pair.

Ces mots ne seront que du radotage, tu t’en doutes. Mais en effet… Thats my specialty. Rei, avec toi, tout a toujours été différent. Tu le sais déjà, i was drawn to you, without knowing why, before our first encounter and even more after, je ressentais vraiment dans mes tripes ce besoin, presque, d’être around you. Certains diront que c’est parce que you’re so cool, smart, interesting and pretty. And yeah.. Of course. But there’s that feeling that I can’t explain, to this day, that was through me et qui s’emparait de mon être, as soon as your name were echo to a room. Curiosity ? Yeah. Too. But I think it’s so much more than that; and the fact that I cannot explain it… Explains it all. Ça a toujours été toi, et tu le sais. We were so close to each other but so far. It feels like, a pratiquement toutes les plus grandes étapes de notre vie, on était toujours reliés d’une façon ou d’une autre. Par une connaissance, une personne, un lieu, une plate-forme. I have always been there, near you, even before you saw me. And me… before I truly saw you.

~~

Et je trouve ça fou, finalement. On était si proches somehow et on s’est réellement trouvé, au bon moment. Encore plus fou de me dire que j’ai vécu les derniers 24/25 ans de ma vie sans toi, tu sais ? Depuis que tu es auprès de moi, j’ai du mal à me rappeler de ma vie d’avant. Je pense que je n’ai pas envie de le faire, de dig deep into it. It doesn’t matter anymore, because I’m living in the present. But also living in the future, thanks to you. Chose que je n’ai jamais su réellement faire auparavant, you know? Mais avec toi, i have to look in front of me. I have to plan, I have to be better, to want better, for us and for myself. Because you’re my world, it’s been a while since you’ve become it.

But yeah… It was always you and it will be always. I can promise you that. Sinon la vie rimerait à rien, je te jure. Quand je vois les gens, sur les réseaux, acting like they did get over their ex, après avoir prétendu be in love, be the one (…). It seems so fucking impossible to me, moving on is not an option. It will never be. Je sais que tu le sais, mais when we had our break… let’s call it that; my heart was in literal shambles. Et je savais plus comment agir, je savais plus comment penser, je savais plus quel sens donner. Je devais agir comme un débile, dire des bêtises as well, mais j’étais vraiment en mode survie. Je pensais à tous ces mois, à t’aimer, à te montrer les choses, à te donner envie, à prouver. Et je me disais. Tout ce temps qu’on a eu ? Qu’est ce qu’il en advient ? Pourtant je suis le premier à prêcher que rien n’est perte de temps, que tout nous apprend leçon, que tout nous sert, sur le moment. Mais là c’était comme un trou dans mon être et, un trou noir ouais, qui m’aspirait de l’intérieur, qui me faisait risquer l’implosion. J’avais l’impression de t’avoir perdu, pour toujours. Et je préfère te perdre que de te voir en aimer un autre que moi. I know it doesn’t make any sense, but it was the case. I couldn’t live without you, even back then. And I stopped living for those few days. I swear I did. I didn’t know what to do next…

~~

So yeah. I’ve loved you for all these months and I know I did. I was always sure about you.

Même quand je faisais le mec confused, même quand je te disais des choses contradictoires dans nos débuts. I was just scared, didn’t know to act, how not to scare you. J’étais dans le déni, un peu bête sur les bords. Mais i just know I’ve loved you since the beginning, I’ve never… ever. Felt like that (well, duh.) but I’ve just never encounter such connexion with someone.

~~

We’ve come a long way depuis cette année mon ange, tu le sais, hein? Et je suis fier de nous, je suis fier de toi par dessus tout. Fier de toi pour tout ce qui a pu se passer cette dernière année et encore plus ces derniers mois. Fier des étapes que tu as pu surmonter before me, and I will be even prouder for the ones to come. Peut être que je ne te le dis pas assez, but i watch you go, always. Je vois tes efforts, je vois tes petites victoires — qui sont peut être invisibles to your eyes just yet — et je te suis de manière bienveillante. Toujours. Mais ouais, I’m so proud of the woman you are and the one you’re becoming everyday. Je suis fier de te voir rentrer en master, vraiment très fier de te voir prendre la route que tu penses être la meilleure pour toi; et pour personne d’autre. I will always be proud of you, lorsque tu te mets en avant. And I will support every choice and decision, as long as I know that’s what you want.

Ça en vient aussi à dire que je suis le plus reconnaissant ever et surtout pour ta patience, ta douceur avec moi. Tu es toujours à l’écoute et dieu sait que pourtant, je suis une pipelette qui change de sujets dix fois dans une conversation. Même quand je te parle de mes goûts de nerd, tu ne prends pas simplement le temps d’écouter mais tu interagis avec moi and that means so much to me. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you for always giving me a chance to explain when I do wrong or what I think and thank you for trusting me, believing in me. J’espère que tu vois à quel point tous mes efforts sont towards you, ma priorité always. Que toutes les journées sont en fonction de toi, aussi; de mon temps libre à mon couché, tout est pensé pour qu’on puisse être ensemble, et je compte continuer ainsi. Je sais que tu fais pareil, je vois ces efforts et je prends en compte tout cela. Je vais radoter, comme d’habitude but yes, rien n’est acquis, et je vois tout ce que tu fais pour moi, pour nous, dans les moindres détails.

I’m still scared, one year… six months later; but that’s okay, la peur est un rouage; ça me pousse de plus a être toujours la meilleure version de moi même pour toi, tu le sais ça ? L’autre jour you told me how tu te sentais pas aussi cool que moi, sometimes. Et je te le répète, c’est ridicule ma doll. Tu l’es tout autant si ce n’est plus; des fois c’est moi, j’me sens bête, des fois je me donne le ick quand je parle trop parce que je me dis Ugh… Je vais lui donner le ick moi-même, elle va me trouver bizarre (…) uninteresting (…). Baby, those are insecurities et je pense qu’elles sont normales donc je ne vais pas trop te pointer du doigt. Je tiens juste à me répéter, et dire que tu es la plus intéressante, fun to be around, smart de la planète. J’ai pas besoin que tu sois talkative ou as talkative as me… Difficile à faire avec un adhd brain. En fait, tu participes tellement quand même que je suis comblé. Et que je crush… encore et encore. Im always entertained. Et surtout, si je suis comme ça dans tes dms, c’est pour toi only. Parce que c’est à toi que j’ai envie de parler, toi à qui j’ai envie de raconter tout ce qui me passe dans la tête (t’as vu… il s’en passe des thoughts). So yeah, baby, please. Never worry about that. C’est le cadet de tes soucis (tu n’en as pas). Tu sais pas à quel point tu es positioned au dessus de tout le monde pour moi, un piédestal. Et même si certains de nos goûts diffèrent, j’espère juste que tu sais que j’ai toujours envie de hear about anything that is related to you. Anything and everything. Je veux tout savoir de toi, je veux continuer à découvrir encore pour de nombreux mois, years, and decades. J’ai beau te connaître par cœur, je vais continuer de te découvrir for the rest of the life I will get to live with you.

~~~

You’re making me a better person everyday ; with you I learn so much about time, love, patience : I learn about what’s life, really. Before, tu le sais, j’avais simplement la famille en tête. Et même le travail alors que god knows… I don’t even need to work for a living. Je pensais que j’étais put on this earth to take care of them, je mettais de côté toutes mes possibles expériences and fun car je me disais que i just. Need to be present for my loved ones. Qu’ils n’allaient pas toujours être around (…) Bref. Pareil pour les études, le boulot, j’ai été mature trop vite, trop sérieux as well. Et à même pas dix huit balais, je pensais déjà être à la fin de ma vie, qu’on ait plus de secrets pour moi. Depuis toi, everything changed, and for the better. I told you about this many times, je me rends bêtement compte de mon caractère de mortel et à quel point Time is precious, à quel point c’est génial de pouvoir choisir sa personne et de lui sacrifier ma vie, finalement. Parce que je choisis, once again, de te donner de mon temps, je te choisis toi and no one else. Et encore plus, ces derniers mois, je me suis retrouvé un peu paumé professionnellement. I mean… on gardera ce sujet pour une autre fois. Mais ça rejoint ce que je disais. Before you, j’avais que le travail en tête, ça m’occupait, ça me donnait des objectifs. Mais now that I’ve got you, je me rends compte que not only that matter; que you matter even more. Je sais que je suis privilégié, donc ça sonne un peu hypocrite de dire qu’on pourra toujours rebondir dans la vie, qu’un job ça va et ça vient. On a pas tous la chance de penser ainsi. Tout ça pour dire que, pour moi en tout cas, je préfère focus sur mon instant présent, sur des liens forts, sur mon amour et the rest of my family. Pour mon futur personal, et le reste adviendra. You know what I mean? (Toi par contre, tu vas me réussir cette année de master haut la main).

~~~

I hope you know how much I love you. How much I ache for you, sous toutes les instances et les coutures. Je veux que tu saches que tu es in my thoughts nuit et jour, j’ai besoin que tu le retiennes, que tu le graves partout sur ta matière grise. J’ai l’impression de faire du love bombing avec mes grosses ass confessions des fois, mais comme je le disais couple days ago, j’espère juste réellement te prouver l’intensité de ces paroles au quotidien. Okay? J’espère ne pas être des mots mais aussi des actes. Pour moi, i like to think que j’y arrive, car je fais beaucoup de choses (bare minimum) pour que tu le ressentes, et j’espère le faire bien. But yeah, you’re my whole entire life and I need you to feel loved. I need you to be happy. I need you to be yourself. Je serai toujours là Rei, quoi qu’il arrive, même si on venait à se perdre en chemin (jamais de la vie) i will always be yours. I will always find the strength and the patience, I will always try and understand. That’s my job now. And with me you’re safe, safe from everything else.

~~

Hey baby, I’m not perfect. I know you think I am. But I’m not. I’m just trying to love you and take care of you correctly, don’t ever forget about that okay? I make mistakes too. I promise… So I just need you to remember how good my love is to you (I hope it is) and to focus on that. And if whatever happens, whatever, even the tiniest silliest thing… Yeah. I love you. You’re my person. I will always be there to listen, to talk, to try, to do everything in my power to make you happy.

~~

Merci pour ces six mois, une moitié d’année avec toi; je suis si fier d’être ton copain, si fier de pouvoir call you mine. Je ne prendrai jamais ce titre pour acquis. And never your love as well. Les efforts qu’on met tous les deux sont tellement naturels et pourtant ils sont là. On sacrifie (well you get it…) tous les deux du temps for each other; et ça j’en suis le plus reconnaissant possible. T’es ma moitié et je le ressens physiquement tout autant que mentalement. Y’a une part de moi qui t’appartient since we met, and you can hold on to it forever. I can’t wait for many more months and years. I wish we could have all the time in the world just for us. Now it’s you in my mind, always in thoughts, until my very last breath.

I will love you now and always,

Written within the deepest part of my heart,

Ton Kier

[hdglidewell]

Chapter 1 Sneak Peak

“Lucas,” Maryanne’s voice pulls me from the memory. I’m telling her the tale of my latest adventure, but somehow got stuck inside one of the defining moments. You know, when the monster comes face to face with the hunter, they battle it out for supremacy. It isn’t like that, but I make it sound like it is.                                                                  

“Huh?” I grunt as I shake my head. The sooner I can return both feet to reality, the quicker I can end the tale of terror.

“What happens next?” she asks, gripping her pen tightly. She’s on the edge of her seat. My crossbow is ready, the monster pleads for mercy, and I’m nearing that explosive conclusion.

I’ve worked with Maryanne for the past decade. I go on monster hunts, and she turns them into best-selling horror novels. We both get a monetary gain out of it. She calls me her muse, but I’m what she writes in her blood, romance, and intriguing stories. I’m the hero, the man putting his life on the line to save all of humanity. In simpler words, I’m the chosen one. Suppose the chosen one has safe houses and a hundred others doing the same job. The money funds my hunts, and I don’t have to commit credit card fraud.

“I killed it, of course,” I say enthusiastically, and the look of interest drops from her face. There was a time she would cheer when I reached this point of the story.

“You always kill it. Are there any monsters you won’t put an arrow through?” Maryanne asks, her bottom lip stuck in a pout.

I won’t openly admit it, but I have a soft spot for the author. I wouldn’t spend so much time with her between jobs if I didn’t. I used to commend myself for having no distractions, nobody that I was committed to; just me, my car, and the open road.

“Your neighbor is still alive,” I mention with a hint of humor.

“For the last time, Mike is not a vampire. He works overnights at a blood bank,” Maryanne groans as she rolls her emerald green eyes.

I laugh. “Seems a little convenient, don’t you think?”

I am already aware she is a skeptic. I share stories of werewolves, vampires, fairies, and the occasional rogue reaper. If I were her, I would probably think I’m crazy, too. It’s her blindness that makes us the perfect partners.

She doesn’t realize that Mike is, sure enough, a vampire, but he’s smart. He works at a local blood bank, and therefore isn’t a murderous monster needing a good old-fashioned stake to the heart. He’s not on my radar, but I’m pretty sure I am on his.

Whenever I walk up to Maryanne’s front door, he clams up, runs up his stairs, and locks the door to his house. He’s a good enough man, but we have a specific smell, like those from the underworld. Which explains why it is so hard to get away when you find yourself in a tough spot.

“If you say so,” I say through the laughter, but she is far from amused.

“Well, even if he is, he’s been kind to me.” She presses her lips together and sighs.

I’m sure if I had a pro-monster sign on a stick to hand to her, she would march around in a circle claiming that monster lives mattered too. However, I do have to agree. Her neighbor has been nothing but kind to her, and that kindness keeps him alive. I’ve even looked away a time or two when he dragged men from the bar into an alleyway. They weren’t good men. Both had committed serious crimes against their families.

“Not all monsters are bad people,” I say slowly, letting my hazel eyes wander her face. “Montana has a vampire reform school, and there’s a commune for vegan werewolves in Sacramento. There’s no cure for what happened to them. Only ways to help them come to terms with their physical changes.”  

I admit the locations are wrong —for a reason, just in case she puts them in a book — but they exist. I can’t have her putting good people’s lives in danger because she doesn’t want to believe I’m telling her the truth.

As with humanity, there is a balance in the underground. Good versus evil isn’t just tied to our world. I’ve seen it all over the country, all over the world. I grew up in this lifestyle; my mother, father, older brother, and generations before them, even. But where they saw teeth and claws, I see something different. If no harm is being done, why must they die? Would I ever say this aloud? No!

“You tell me these things, then refuse to show me when I ask for proof.” Maryanne runs her manicured fingers through her long red ponytail and rolls her eyes again.

“With all due respect,” I say, standing up from the recliner I had been sitting on to kneel at her knees, “if I show you, and you put it in a book, you are compromising the lives of good people.”

“Why do you care?” she asks me somberly.

I honestly have no idea what to tell her. She’s already aware of my intentions and knows more about me than my parents. Still, she doesn’t realize I do care. Under this exterior of frowns and shrugs is a heart.

She looks down at me, and the disapproval fades. A smile spreads across her pretty face. Her legs open as she tosses her notebook and pen to the floor. I’ve been intrigued by what she could be hiding under her skirt all day.

Wandering hands and twitching fingers make Maryanne’s eyes roll into the back of her head as she loudly moans.

Did I mention that my relationship with Maryanne combines business and pleasure?

***

I leave Maryanne’s two hours later. She’s passed out on the floor of her office, her clothing in various locations. This is normal for us. She won’t expect me to be there when she wakes up. I toss on my jeans and t-shirt before meandering out the front door of her two-story home.

I swing by the hotel first to shower and change. Monsters, like humans, get confused when you show up brandishing a weapon while smelling like Chanel #5. Plus, I do have business in the city concerning a haunted house owned by a family of shifters. The last thing I need is to show up smelling like sweat and regret.

I met Kaleb on a hunt a few years earlier when he helped me locate a child kidnapped by a coven of vampires. Yes, there are occasions when even a member of the underworld creates a moral dilemma for others in the same circle. We’ve kept in touch off and on over the years. Recently, he purchased a house on the west side of town. The Realtor did not disclose any crimes committed on the property; therefore, he was blindsided upon move-in.

Things went well the first few days, and then the haunting began. It’s not uncommon to come across a poltergeist or two, especially in older homes. They usually enjoy making people miserable, but this situation sounds slightly different. The haunt seems more like an emotionally derailed teenager, angry they weren’t getting their way. Pictures have been knocked off the wall, cabinets opened and closed, and there is constant, audible crying. It hasn’t attacked anyone yet, but the longer Kaleb waits for someone to step in, the closer the spirit could come to starting physical violence.

I told him I would stop by the next time I was in the area to see what I could do. There are several directions an intervention can go. If I play my cards right, I can cleanse the house in an hour. If things go south, the whole house can catch fire and burn to the ground before the firefighters arrive. I didn’t disclose that part to Kaleb. In fact, I don’t tell anyone that last bit. It only happened once, and the fire happened miles from town on an old abandoned farm.

From an early age, I’ve had a gift. My mother used to say it was because I died at birth, and the reaper sent to collect my soul gave me the sight before she gave me life. I have no proof of this, but it would make sense. I can see the dead among the living. When I was younger, it used to confuse me, but now I have learned when to look and when to keep walking. Another uncanny ability is how I can relive points in the past. If you want to know how your aunt Betsy died, I only need access to the location and a photo. Some locations can have multiple guests, so it’s easier if I know who I’m supposed to be talking to.

Ghost hunting is not my passion, though it can prove lucrative in the long run. I go to a location, scout out the monster scene, and make a few bucks telling people their loved ones are on the other side thinking of them. It’s not a hoax, either. If I fail to locate a spirit, it’s a money-back guarantee. Sometimes it happens. It all depends on how long it has been since they made their presence known.

I look at my watch. I’m running a little late. I had been more involved with Maryanne than I intended. I had told Kaleb I would be at his house by four, and it’s approaching five. I’m never late to paying gigs, but this one is pro-bono, and I haven’t put much thought into it.

By the time I arrive, Kaleb and his wife are sitting on the front steps of their two-story home. He has his hands in his hair, and she keeps looking over her shoulder and scowling at him.  Their toddler daughter is playing with the dandelions on the lawn. I can instantly tell the spirit has been pestering the adults but leaving the young one alone.

I park my 1971 Dodge Challenger and cut the motor. All my gear is in the trunk, but I won’t need much. I already told Kaleb to salt the entrance and exits to rooms the spirit frequents. I only need salt, a recorder, and other trinkets. I hope this will be an in-and-out job. No fires!

WANT TO READ MORE? CHECK OUT CURSE OF HELHAVEN IN THE MONSTER HUNTER ANTHOLOGY. www.books2read.com/monsterhunter 

[shadendesire]

It is sad, the fact that today at the hospital, when I am going through it all. Hating my body and near in tears, that I refuse to shed for signs of weakness, puking my guts up, is the moment I have the revelation that any hope of family is over. I moved back here, to give myself some access to people, to be in nearer vicinity after last year and everything that happened with care out in Texas. I have family and friends in relative driving distance, but I forcefully did not want them there. I was so afraid of having another judgement session, another lecture of this is why you should mot transition, another transphobic rant, or worse yet, and of course with the job news any of them or the friends in the area who might show up questioning my judgement and everything for moving in a few months. Which I am still dealing with. And because of worrying, my Brain automatically plays it all over again everything I know to expect in picture perfect recall of it all (because of course that is not what chemo took from my mind). If it would not have triggered possible psych evals (yes that has happened with everything including up a suicide watch hold on me for two days), I would have just removed the friend I have listed as my emergency contact. And I don’t know where I am going with any of this, but just needed to put something somewhere out there as will be next week before I have therapy again and with dropping nearly a grand at the hospital, I am honestly about to curl up in the bath for an hour to let it all out in the water.

[mot-expert]

The article "How MOT Testing Helps Reduce Vehicle Emissions" highlights the role of MOT (Ministry of Transport) testing in mitigating vehicle emissions. This insightful piece explores how the comprehensive examination and assessment conducted during the MOT test can contribute to lowering vehicle emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. By scrutinizing crucial emission-related components and systems, such as exhaust emissions, fuel system, and catalytic converters, the MOT test helps ensure that vehicles meet the required emission standards. Through its rigorous inspection process, this testing plays a vital role in identifying and rectifying issues that may lead to excessive pollution, encouraging vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles in a more environmentally friendly manner. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the positive impact of MOT testing on reducing vehicle emissions and fostering a cleaner, greener future.

[richardsmith89]

[jomiddlemarch]

But we will have a way more liberal

Henry looked terrible. He was unshaven and travel-stained, his hair mussed, his suit rumpled. The shadows beneath his grey eyes were near violet and he hadn’t managed anything near his usual devilish smile upon greeting.

“You look ghastly, darling,” Mary said, perhaps cooler than she ought to be but what could he expect? He’d told her, when he went, that theirs was not a marriage of debts tallied and called in; she could not owe him more than she was offering. It had been exhausting, Granny’s funeral, the family assembling and only Carson to rely upon, though Edith, to give her her due, had tried.

“I haven’t slept much,” he said. His voice was rough, she could hear the broken nights, the cinders from the train that made him cough. He lifted a hand to the back of his neck, a place she was fond of kissing, and then let his hand drop as if it were too heavy to hold aloft.

“Or not at all?” she said.

“Not the past two nights, no,” he admitted. “A few minutes on the train, coming up from London.”

“I shall call for tea, unless you’d like a bath and then bed,” she said.

“Tea—if you like. If you’ll share a cup,” he said. “I meant to be here sooner, Mary—”

“Did you?” she said, hearing the cool edge in her tone, hardly ruing it.

“I know you’ve kept yourself from saying, What a pity, or Whatever for,” he replied. “I know I took too long, I’ve asked too much—”

“You haven’t asked anything at all,” she said. “You haven’t been here.”

“That’s true,” he said, offering neither excuse nor explanation. She found herself unsure if she had wanted either.

“Have you eaten? You don’t look as if you have,” she said.

“Just the tea will do for now,” he said. “I didn’t believe it, d’you see, though of all of you, I had the least reason perhaps—”

“Didn’t believe what?” Mary said.

“I didn’t believe your grandmother would go before I came home,” he said. “That she’d leave you while she knew I was away. She always loved you best and she did seem…indefatigable. Beyond the constraints of general humanity.”

“It was very quick, at the end,” Mary said. “Like one of her bon mots. I wonder you’re here at all, candidly. You hadn’t indicated you had any intention of returning to Downton before the holidays.”

“She sent a telegram,” Henry said, fishing an envelope from the pocket of his dusty overcoat.

“Granny? From her bed?” Mary said.

“I imagine she had help. Denker or perhaps Anna,” Henry said. “Though she shouldn’t have needed to.”

“I told you I accepted your need to race,” Mary said. “That there would be distance, time apart, away—"

“It’s not a marriage if I’m away from you this long,” he said.

“Isn’t it?” she said.

“No,” he said, the small word heavy. Mary felt a tension between her shoulder blades release, saw in Henry’s eyes that he noticed, though he was too tired to smile over it.

“We’ll have the tea sent up to our room,” she announced, the Lady Mary he had met first, imperious because it suited her to be. “And I’ll have Mrs. Patmore send up scones and her raspberry jam. You look positively gaunt, you must eat something before you sleep.”

“Will you eat with me?” he said. He hadn’t taken a step closer to her and it appeared he gave even odds to her rejection his invitation, for all that she had been the one regularly writing him letters while he was away.

“You know I can’t abide crumbs in the bed,” she said. How many mornings had she awakened without him, how many nights facing the window instead of the broad expanse of his bare back? She walked over to him, brushed at the front of his coat as if she could make it any cleaner that way. As if he were unaware that it was simply an opportunity to touch him.

“Will you?” he repeated, asking less and more at once. He had that way about him, even exhausted, that sharpness that was only his own, never Matthew’s.

“Of course,” she said. “And then I’ll let you rest.”

“You’ll stay, Mary,” he said. “If you expect me to rest, you’ll stay, crumbs and all.”

[just-someone-who-likes-to-write]

hey luv, can i request some simple, domestic fluff with jonathan crane? like maybe jon having a casual heart attack from seeing reader in one of his shirts, trying their best to cook them both breakfast or feeding his crows, doesn't matter. i'm just in need of pure fluff with this rowdy stinkman garbage boy

Oh pure fluff, that's what I need now and seeing this request of our favorite but oh so terrible "God of Fear" made me determined to write it!!

Thank you for the request and I am sorry for taking so long to do it!

Being one of the most known and wanted Villains of Gotham can be stressful for to only Jonathan but to his beloved as well since the batman knows of his relationship with (Y/n). Whenever he escapes arkham the first person the Batman would interrogate was her, thinking that the scarecrow would go to her first, or that she might know of his hideout, which she doesn't since he never took her there to begin with, and because he is a "hero" he never took her into custody sense she never really participated in any of his schemes or his escapes. Of course, he could have taken her for not reporting him whenever he was in her home, or going out on dates, but again he was a "Hero" who never harm civilians.

That was the only thing he was grateful to the batman for.

And despite his commitment to his life as the infamous Scarecrow, he had his other commitment to (Y/n) as Jonathan. It was difficult trying to balance between gasing the city and planning a romantic night for his hardworking Darling. So after escaping Arkham again and laying low for a few months until the batman was distracted with Joker again, to inform his henchman that he will take a couple of weeks off and they should do the same, with every few days one making sure that his lab wasn't burning.

He surprised (Y/n) with a getaway to out of Gotham to a Rural area, his childhood home to be exact. Despite is being a great mansion that has been past to generations Jonathan loathed the place but seeing how it has a lot of space and no-one dares to come near it of fear it being hunted, he renewed the home from the inside so he can use as a second area to escape to, in case Gotham no longer was safe for him, but now with his Darling that place became their home. So after making some adjustments he brought his (Y/n) to their now second home.

It was heaven for him, waking up and sleeping together, being in the same table in all three meals, and engaging into cute couple activities that he only saw on TV or read in books. It was really tempting to just forget his career in gothem and start a new just for the sake of experiencing this bless everyday for the rest pf his life.. But he knew it was impossible, so he wanted to enjoy these few days as long as possible.

Jonathan was forced awake when the sun light that seeped from between the heavy curtains assaulted his eyes. He groaned and turned around stretching his arm to your side in order to cuddle you until noon, but his brows furrowed when he was met with an empty cold space. He forced one of his eyes open and saw that you were no where to be seen. He knew that there was no reason to stay in bed if you weren't there with him, and so he stretched his limps before standing up and picking up his clothes that was discarded on the ground from your... Previous night "intimate activities", just the thought of it made grin like an idiot. He paused when realizing that his white dress shirt or missing, maybe it was somewhere in the halls, lost in your moment of passion no doubt so he shrugged it off believing that you wouldn't mind him walking around with only his pants.

"Now, where could you be?" He asked himself as he looked at your empty side. He didn't need to think more for his answer came in the form of wood cracking lightly from above him. "There you are."

He walked out of the room and made his way through the halls to the stairs that lead to the attic, which was quite spacious so he made it into a special room for his pet crows. He remembers the time he introduced (Y/n) to them, she was quite scared at first, which was very adorable to him, but with time the fear turned to simple nervousness and from that to adoration, which was some time troublesome because he doesn't seem to be able to keep her away from there, always wanting to feed and pet those dark creatures. Finally reaching the attic's door Jonathan had this mischievous thought of scaring you, the attic was mostly dark having only one big window that allows that sun light, many pillars he could hide behind without you directing him, I mean he did that many times with the batman and he was only able to catch glimpse of him, so he doubted that you would be able to even know he was around, confident with his plan he opened the door slowly and carefully to it won't make as much as a creak as he sneaked in. However, the entire plan was thrown at the window when he finally saw.

You stood there legs and feet bare, your hair a mess not brushing it after waking up probably, the only item covering you was his missing white dress shirt which was too big on you. Jonathan's eyes where wide in both shock and fascination, he could feel his heart hammer against his rib cage as you giggled from of of the crows feathers tickling you cheek. He must have made a sound some how for you turned around to look directly at him, and caused his heart ache to rise, for the top buttons were undone which showed a generous amount of you cleavage, and with the sun light bathing you, you literally shined in his. Poor Jonathan wanted nothing more than to fall on his knees for you.

"Jonathan." You called breaking him out of his train of thoughts.

You came towards him causing the crows around you to fly away to their nests. You had such a look of concern as you came closer.

"Hey, are you alright?" You asked as you titled your head to the side.

No able to hold it back anymore, Jonathan wrapped his arms around you bringing you closer to him, his nose buried further in the crook of your neck and his hummed in content when he felt your own arma wrap around him as you pressed yourself further against his body. You stood like that for what felt like hours, before you had to pry yourself away from him enough to look to his face.

"Someone woke up in a good mood." You stated with a smile that he returned.

"I did." He replied not letting you go, no that you tried anyway.

"And may I ask what is the reason professor?" You asked sounding intrigued.

The two of you started swaying with each other, until it looked like you were slow dancing to no music.

"Oh my dear it is a simple reason really." He said with a spin and he took you hand into his, his other hand resting on your waist while your own was on his bare shoulder.

"Is it now?" You continued to ask earning a him of approval from him.

He slowly stopped your small dance before taking your hand and kissed it tenderly but didn't pull it away from his lips enjoying the feeling of your skin.

"The reason my dear... Is because I seem to find myself smitten by you all over again." He confessed.

He could see a soft blush starting to show on your cheeks, embarrassed by his words, but you didn't allow it to show.

"Are you know?"

"Oh yes." He quickly said. "You fill my every thought even more than before, every minute I spend away from you feels like hours and the hours like days and the days to weeks and so on so forth."

"Then I guess nights spend scheming were terrible for you?" You asked enjoying his words and craving for more.

"Tormenting!" He almost exclaimed as the hand around your waist brought you close again." And the nights locked up at Arkham were agonizing."

"I did offer to visit you." You reminded.

"And risk the batman lurking over you even more or the cops sniffing after you?.. Never! I'd rather spent a thousand night and a day alone with the blissful thought that you were safe rather than drage you down with me."

He declared and you knew he was sincere. You pulled your hand away from his body only to bring them again to cups his face.

"Then what about me?" You asked with a pout. "I can't stand living those thousand night and a day knowing where you are but can't reach you. I'd probably go mad!"

You said as you dropped backwards dramatically but he caught you with a chuckle bringing up again to meet his blue eyes.

"You would go mad without me?" He asked with a grin.

"Of course." You answered with mot hesitation. "You aren't the only one smitten badly here, how do you think I felt when you same here all shirtless and messy?"

He raised a brow at your words the grin never leaving.

"You like that I look like a mess now?" He asked in a fake bewilderment.

"Well, yes, after all, everyone knows the uptight, serious and organized professor crame, but only I get to see the hot mess of a man Jonathan Crane." You said with a giggle.

Not able to resist anymore, with his arms still locked around you, Jonathan pulled you close to him as he leaned down to press his lips against your own and you kissed him back. The rest of your world was lost against his lips. The kiss was gentle and careful but it wasn't enough, greedy for more you sneaked your arms around his neck before running your fingers through his hair and gently clenching it as you pulled him harder against you. He groaned softly, low in his throat, and then his arms circled under you back gathering you against him and from the ground, causing you to let out a surprised yelp, breaking the kiss. You'd always be surprised at how truely strong Jonathan can be. You looked back to him, your eyes lost into his blue ones, you were about to lean down to continue the kiss but the moment was interrupted by your stomach growls.

You were suprised by the loud sound and because your eyes were locked on Crane's, you saw the exact moment his eyes slightly widened at the sound as well. Embarrassed and having no where to hide you buried your face against the crook of his neck. Your lover just laughed as he rubbed your back in comfort, finding the situation funny, his laughter eventually died down, but the grin was still there.

"How about we go to the kitchen for breakfast, and then... " he pressed his lips against your ears. "We can continue this after."

Lifting your head slowly to meet his eyes, you saw that the lust was still there and he could have just ignored your what he heard and continued to slam you against one of the wooden pillars so your moment of passion was not gone, but to him your needs are a priority... including food. So he slowly put you back down and with your arms locked together you made your way to the kitchen.

Yes, jonathan had some awful memories in this house, but with his darling new memories were made as the old once are being forgotten.

---

I hope you enjoyed this fic and that you don't mind the bit of spice in the end.

[ladydimitrescuspet]

Your Friend, My Friend, Our Friend

ao3 link! listen, I started this at 6am, but I fell asleep before finishing it. I'm not proud of it, it's kind of messy, but please enjoy and tell me what you think. as always sorry for any grammatical errors!

Request: Can you do a platonic reader x the Dimitrescu daughters? Where reader is busy talking to the other maids and the three of them are jealous they might steal away their friend? - I hope I delivered on this request, and apologies if I didn't, I did my best!

***

“This has to be the best thing I’ve tasted, Ellie.” You replied as you ate a piece of pie. The way the flavours of it melted in your mouth made your eyes close as you let out a small moan.

Ellie was blushing at your compliment. “Oh, really? Do you think the Lady and her daughters will like the one I’ve prepared for them?” She asked.

You nodded your head. “Definitely. And if they don’t then more pie for me.” You pushed the plate into the direction of another maid. “You have to taste it, Rebecca. I don’t think my opinion alone will convince her of what I said.” You playfully nudged Ellie.

The three of you continued to converse until one of Lady Dimitrescu’s daughters walked in. “Y/N? What are you doing in here with… them?” Daniela asked as she eyed the maids. “I thought you’d be in the library or Mother’s study.”

“I just came down here to see what Ellie and Rebecca were preparing for dinner.” You replied. “I’m a mere distraction to them, but I like being in the kitchen, Dani.” Your stomach growled at that comment causing the two maids to laugh.

Rebecca patted your belly. “We should get some food in there since you like being in the kitchen so much.” She rolled her eyes at bit with her comment.

Daniela huffed. “You said we’d work out in the garden today.” A small scowl had appeared on her face.

You smiled at her. “And we will, but not right now. I’ll come and find you later, okay? Promise.” You ran your hand down her, but Daniela just brushed you off before storming out causing you to frown.

“Is she okay?” Ellie asked. You sighed and shrugged your shoulders. “If it’s any consolation, we love it when you come down to the kitchen. It’s nice to be around someone who knows the Lady and her daughters, someone who’s not constantly paranoid about being taken to the cellar and being turned into wine.”

You nodded your head. “I understand. I do appreciate that.” You pinched the bridge of your nose. “I’m just, I’m worried about Daniela. I should go talk to her.” You said.

“You definitely should but eat first. I made you a sandwich and I won’t let my hard work go to waste, Y/N.” Rebecca said, setting the sandwich down in front of you.

You smiled at her. You let Ellie and Rebecca continue their dinner preparation as you ate. “I will see the both of you later tonight for game night, yeah?” The two nodded at you before you all shared your goodbyes and you set off.

“Bela, you should’ve seen how close they were getting with them. Talking and laughing. One of them even patted their stomach when it did that weird growling thing.” You overheard Daniela say to her sister.

“Y/N has been hanging around with the maids a lot as of late.” Cassandra said. “You don’t think we did something wrong, do you?”

Bela was quick to shake her head. “No, no, they’re just making new friends.” Bela said, try to give them some reassurance.

“Yeah, to replace us.” Daniela said. “They never hang out with us anymore. Any time we see them they’re either with those two maids in the kitchen or with Mother.”

Your heart broke a bit hearing their conversation. Bela was right, you were just trying to make friends, but you weren’t trying to replace them as Daniela had suggested. You would’ve interrupted their conversation, but you could hear Alcina’s heels coming from down the hall. You moved away from the room where her daughters were and went to go catch up to her.

“Ali, wait up!” You called out to her making her stop and turn around to you. “Hi.” You let out as you panted slightly.

Alcina smiled at you. “Hello, little one. What are you doing wandering the halls at this time? I thought you’d be enjoying a nice nap, yes?” Alcina asked.

You flushed. “How do you know about my afternoon naps?” You asked as the two of you walked. Your question made Alcina chuckle. “Ali, how do you know?” You whined at her a bit.

“Cassandra informed me, if you must truly know.” Alcina replied. “It was in passing. Something about a maid reading to you while you dosed off, mentioned that it happens almost every day.”

“Oh.” You scratched the back of your head. “She didn’t mention how she found us, did she?” You asked.

Alcina hummed. “It’s quite alright if you cuddle with your friends, dear.” Alcina said. You let out a small breath at her approval. “Don’t worry, draga mea, I don’t get jealous easy. Besides, I’m glad that you’re making friends with the staff.”

“I… thank you, Ali.” You said when she patted your head affectionately. “Speaking of jealous, I don’t think your daughters are too keen on me being friends with Ellie and Rebecca.”

Alcina raised her eyebrow as she pushed open the door to her study. “Oh? Do share why, darling.” She said as she sat down in her chair.

You waited for her to pick you up and set you down on the desk. “I overheard them talking before I found you.” You explained a bit. “They think I’m trying to replace them or at least Daniela does.”

“She does?” Your Lady asked. You nodded your head. “Well, then I suppose you’ll have to find a way to fix that.” She shuffled some papers around on her desk before putting her pen to use.

You pouted, mostly at not having her undivided attention. “But how do I do that?” You asked, a small whine escaping past your lips.

“Invite them to your little game night.” You let out a small gasp at her words. “Darling, you should know by now that nothing goes unheard of by me in this castle.” You could tell she found your reaction amusing and you pouted more.

You mulled her idea over while she worked, watching as her pen moved across her paper. “Would they like game night?” You asked. “They won’t tr-“

“I’ll talk to them, they’ll be on their best behaviours around your friends. And if they aren’t, do let me know, darling.” Alcina flashed you a small smile before going back to their work. You watched her work in silence again before you tapped her shoulder. “Yes, little one?”

You flushed at the nickname, ducking your head from her gaze. “Um, would you… like to join?” You asked.

Alcina placed her hand near your thigh as she leaned forward. “The offer is appreciated, Y/N, but I am very, very busy right now. I’ve really no time for such trivial distraction, but you enjoy yourself and tell me all about it when you return to me.” Alcina replied before she backed away and continued to write.

Your breathing had quickened a bit at how close she’d just been to you. “Next time then?” You tried as a reply.

“Of course, next time.” Alcina replied absentmindedly. “As much as I appreciate your company, I need you to leave. I have a phone call with Mother Miranda to make and I don’t believe it will be a pleasant one, my dear.”

You nodded your head and Alcina helped you off her desk. “I’ll see you later, Ali.” You said before exiting the room, shutting the door behind you.

Your game night with Ellie and Rebecca was a few hours away so you took that time to plan an extra special one for the Lady’s daughters to enjoy. When you’d gone over the details with Ellie and Rebecca, they agreed to make some snacks that the three might like. You went to find Daniela shortly after.

“Hey Dani, ready to go garden?” You asked as you found her in the library.

Daniela looked up from her book before glancing out the window. “It’s too dark out now and it’s probably raining.” She replied before focusing on her book again.

“Oh. Well did your Mother talk to you?” You asked.

“About game night?” You nodded your head. “Yeah. Not interested, but thanks for the offer.”

You let out a small sigh. “It was actually your Mother’s idea, she thought it might help bond more, grow my friendship with the three of you. But I’d really like it if you came, Dani.” You left the library before she had the chance to reply.

You walked around aimlessly, thinking about going back to Alcina’s study, but apparently she was still on the phone. Cassandra and Bela were avoiding you like the plague, dispersing into swarms whenever the three of you got near each other. After a while, it was dinner time. It was a quiet dinner, no doubt due to the tension between you and the Lady’s daughters.

Alcina cleared her throat. “Girls, you will be attending Y/N’s game night. You may not want to go, but it’ll do you some good to learn how to interact with our staff, get to know them better. They can’t all be used for your little cat and mouse games.”

Daniela whined. “But Mot-“

“I won’t hear your excuses, Daniela, darling. Y/N has planned a wonderful night just for the three of you and their friends and it would be rude of you not to go.” Alcina replied, taking a sip of her wine.

Daniela frowned and crossed her arms. “They’re just going to flaunt their new friends in our faces. Making sure we get a good look at who our replacements are. They never spend time with us so why would we go and spend time with them?” Daniela asked.

“Dani, I’m no-“ Cassandra cut you off.

“Don’t push her, Y/N. You may have had good intentions with this offer, but it seems like you’re only doing it to get back in our good graces. But I’m afraid it’s not working.” Cassandra said.

You looked over at Alcina who was busy nursing her wine, trying to keep herself calm. You nodded your head at Cassandra. “I’m sorry. I’d like to be excused if I may.” You said before standing from the table and rushing out of the room.

Alcina snapped her fingers. “You two are insufferable.” She practically growled out. “The fact that you think Y/N would ever want to replace you is ridiculous. Just because they have made more friends does not mean that they’re giving you the boot.” Alcina explained.

Bela spoke up this time. “I tried to tell that, Mother. They wouldn’t listen to me.” Bela said. “But you have to admit, that the timing of such an offer is suspicious.”

“The suggestion was mine, dear Bela.” Alcina snapped. “Now, it would do you all some good to find Y/N and apologise or so help me, Mother Miranda, you will regret not doing so.” Alcina threatened before she got up from the table.

The three rose from the table in a chorus of “Yes, Mother” before setting off to find you. They weren’t surprised to find you in a room with Ellie and Rebecca, but it did cause another frown to grace Daniela’s face.

You sniffled when you looked up at them when Bela cleared her throat. “What do you want?” You asked.

“You really shouldn’t be here right now.” Ellie said.

“Ellie’s right, you’ve put Y/N through enough for today.” Rebecca added.

You shook our head. “No, it’s… it’s fine. Say what you have to say.” You said.

Cassandra spoke first. “Mother told us that we should apologise.”

“Yes, she did. So we’re here to apologies for our behaviour. Right, Daniela?” Bela nudged her sister.

Daniela hissed at her before turning her attention to you. “Mother did send us off to apologise to you.” Daniela said. “So I’m sorry for saying that you were trying to replace us. I hope you can forgive me, Y/N.”

You stood up, walked over to Daniela and hugged her, to her surprise. “Of course I forgive you.” You whispered into her ear. Your reply made Daniela wrap her arms around you and return the hug. “I should apologise too.” You said as the hug ended. “I made you all feel like I was choosing Ellie and Rebecca over you three and I’m sorry. I never intended for you to feel like I was trying to replace any of you.”

Bela smiled at you. “You’re forgiven, Y/N. In all honesty, I’m glad you’re making more friends.”

Cassandra nodded in agreement. “Now that that’s settled, Mother mentioned game night and I’m told there are snacks.”

You laughed at her. “Yes, we have snacks and games. Please join us before I send Ellie and Rebecca off to bed.” You replied.

“Hey! On game nights, there’s no curfew.” Ellie said, pushing your shoulder slightly when you sat next to her.

The six of you played a multitude of games. And you found out that Daniela doesn’t like it when someone beats her in something, especially her sisters and she claims that they cheat to beat her. You all finally called it a night when Rebecca let out a small yawn.

“As much as this been, I think it’s time for us to call it a night.” Rebecca said. “Thank you for joining us tonight, it was fun playing with the three of you.” She tossed a smile toward the Lady’s daughters.

The three girls escorted you to their Mother’s room after you all said goodbye to Ellie and Rebecca.

“Thank you for having us tonight, Y/N.” Daniela said. “Your friends seem really nice and as Rebecca said, it was fun playing with you all tonight.”

“Group hug?” The four of you hugged each other, giggling when Daniela caused you all to fall on the floor.

“And what, pray tell, is going on here?” Alcina asked, a small smile on her face.

“Group hug.” The four of you said in unison. You and Alcina bid the girls good night before she guided you into the room.

“So how was game night, dear?” Alcina asked as the two of you settled into bed.

You snuggled into her side before letting out a sigh. “It was very fun, thank you for suggesting it, Ali.”

Alcina hummed “You’re welcome, draga mea. Now rest, you’ve had such a long day.” Alcina said before pressing a kiss to your forehead and drifting off to sleep next to you.