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downwiththeficness · 1 year ago

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Shadow and Veil-Chapter Seven

Summary: Eva Moore’s life was a carefully constructed fiction. Every day, she did exactly what her mother in law, her husband, and his best friend expected of her. No mistakes. And, that was going pretty well for Eva right up until a huge complication literally tried to run her over. Now, she’s faced with trying to keep the pieces of her life from falling apart while attempting (and failing) to keep her feelings for her husband’s new business partner at bay.

A/N: This fic is a sister-fic to A Need So Great and A Need Unleashed. You do not need to have read ANSG or ANU to read this fic, but there are Easter eggs from those fics in Shadow and Veil for readers with keen eyes. This fic is explicit for canon-compliant blood, gore, violence, and sex. As such, it is intended for an adult audience, only. A/B/O dynamics come with their own warning. Anyone under the age of 18 should not interact with this work. I do not consent to reposting this work to other platforms. Reblog only to Tumblr.

Word Count:~3700

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Eva did not want to go to this stupid charity event. She didn’t want to get dressed and do her hair. She didn’t want to put on makeup. She didn’t want to smile politely while Myra made backhanded compliments. And, she certainly didn’t want to watch her husband strut around on a stage while the wealthy women of their town vied for his attention. Just existing seemed to be too much effort as of late and this party was going to take her far beyond her limits.

Since the night she killed Dr. Martin, Eva worked hard to get through one hour at a time. She focused her energy on keeping up appearances when all she wanted was to be far, far away from the large house, the designer clothes, the watchful eyes of Alexei. He hadn’t said anything to her about it, but she could feel him observing her whenever they were in a room together.

There was no telling what he saw. Eva could barely keep herself together enough to sit through dinner. She spent a lot of time crying in her closet with the door firmly shut and her face buried in a pillow. When her tears dried up, Eva stood, collected herself, and went back to whatever she had been doing prior to the breakdown.

She might have made the decision that she was going to escape her life, but actually following through on that decision felt daunting, at best. The money she stowed away was waiting for her, but what to do once she collected it? Where would she go? How would she carve out a new life, a new identity, so that she couldn’t be found? There was no doubt that Josh would come looking for her.

No.

He’d send Alexei. And, when he found Eva, she would be the person tied up in Josh’s lab. There would be no one there with enough mercy to kill her early.

Or.

Worse.

Josh would do what he occasionally promised to do if she stepped too far out of line. What he sometimes did when he left town for business. If that happened, Eva would be in a very different kind of hell. Even the thought of it had her rubbing away phantom pain around her wrist.

All of those worries had to be set aside when Eva pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the city’s largest event hall. Her hands on the wheel were tight enough that her knuckles protested. Eva kept taking long, deep breaths, hoping that it would be enough to get her to step out of the car. Each one failed. And failed. And failed. They failed until she thought she might hyperventilate.

Eva kept squeezing the wheel in her hands. Her jaw hurt from clenching so tight. She felt tears threaten to fall at the corner of her eyes.

“Stop it,” she demanded, aloud. “Stop it right now.”

Her body, thankfully, obeyed. The heart in her chest slowed and her eyes blinked away the tears. She began to breathe normally again.

“We’re going to get out of this. We just need to keep doing what they want until we can make our move.” Eva said to herself, “Now, get out of the car.”

She got out of the car.

Squaring her shoulders, Eva walked to the recreation center and stepped inside. It smelled faintly musty, a remnant from the basketball games played throughout the year. A table was sitting near the entrance with one of the event coordinators on standby to check the tickets.

Eva pulled the slim paper from her purse and presented it to a woman with curtain bangs and too much eyeliner. Her name tag read ‘Claire’.

“Mrs. Moore,” she breathed, “We’re so happy to have you here.”

Eva nodded, “I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks.”

Pleased, Claire handed her a tri-fold brochure, “There’s all the information. If you have questions, feel free to ask.”

Eva thanked Claire and turned to enter the event room. There were streamers everywhere, crepe paper hanging from every available surface. In soft pinks and blues, it looked like a senior prom, not a county wide charity event for children—not that Eva had ever attended a prom. She’d been married almost four years by the time she would have been able to go, and Josh wasn’t about to accompany her to a dance at a school she hadn’t attended since she was fourteen.

Spotting a bar at the far end of the room, Eva bee lined for it. On the way, she was caught by Peggy.

“Eva! You look wonderful,” she gushed.

Eva smiled, “Thank you. You look lovely, too.”

Peggy was dressed in a long skirt dotted with pale lavender flowers. The neckline was ruffled lace to match the hem. Her hair had about three cans of hairspray holding it together, which possibly made her a fire hazard. And yet, taken together, Eva found her endearing.

“Thank you!” Peggy replied with a grin, “Don’t you just love the decorations?”

Eva struggled with how she should respond, settling on, “You certainly put a lot of effort into this.”

“We did,” she confirmed with a sharp nod, “though Myra had a lot of say in the matter. She’s very strong-headed.”

Eva allowed herself a genuine smile, “Yes, she is.”

With a conspiratorial look, Peggy murmured, “I would have gone a different way, but what Myra wants, she gets.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Eva said carefully, unsure if Peggy was trying to draw her into a bitching contest about her mother in law.

Peggy sighed, “She has excellent taste, for sure. And, she’s managed to get three large donations for our raffle, so I guess she gets to have a little say in how things look.”

Humming, Eva glanced at the bar longingly. She could really, really use a drink.

Peggy noted another woman across the floor and waved at her, “Excuse me, this is one of our whales for the night.”

Eva watched Peggy scurry off to schmooze with the woman in the hopes of getting a bigger donation. What was it like to have nothing but this little charity event to worry about? What was it like to only exist in the present instead of being stretched, paper thin, into the past and future. Eva envied Peggy, flammable hair and all.

Sliding onto a bar stool, Eva settled in for the long haul. She wouldn’t move from this spot if she could help it. This room might be the last place in the world she wanted to be, but at least there was booze. She could get through a hell of a lot if she had enough alcohol.

Even though her back was turned, Eva could hear when Myra walked into the room. The volume of the voices dimmed noticeably. In the lull, Myra’s soft southern accent enthusiastically greeted some of their guests. Her quiet compliments and feigned surprised at how ‘lovely’ everything looked rose above the din of conversation.

Eva didn’t turn around, her attention on a bar tender who looked barely old enough to be serving liquor. To be fair, she was barely old enough to be drinking it. He greeted her warmly and ask for her order. The options were limited to wine, cocktails, and beer. Eva asked for a glass of red and watched as her drink was poured with very little ceremony.

Eva took the glass that was offered to her and turned a bit on the stool so that she could watch the crowd. The room was filling up. People that she knew and some that she didn’t wandering around talking about the décor, the possible prizes to be won, the little finger foods that were being passed around by waiters in crisp white uniforms.

It was the picture of normalcy and Eva could not feel more estranged from it.

Just as the cake walk was beginning on the stage, Myra noticed her. Eva hid her grimace behind the rim of her glass as her mother in law walked her way. Myra was wearing a fashionable blouse and skirt set that shimmered faintly as she moved. Her path weaved through the crowd with a kind of confidence that made other people step out of her way.

Eva set her wine down and smiled at Myra, “It looks like the event is going well. I’ve heard good things about the decorations.”

“Of course you have,” Myra replied, smug. “I ordered them all the way from the capitol two months ago. When they arrived, they were in these horrid little boxes that took ages to open.” She sighed, “But, I suppose it was worth the effort.”

Nodding gently, Eva pretended to look around at the results of Myra’s efforts. Or, more accurately, the results of Myra’s supervision and the efforts of the people who she got to do the actual work.

��Speaking of effort,” Myra went on with the distinctive drawl of disapproval, “you could have put a bit more into your appearance today. This is an important event.”

Eva looked down at the plain black dress she was wearing. Sleeveless, with a hemline that brushed her knees, it paired nicely with the drop pearl earrings she was wearing and the patent leather pumps on her feet.

Feeling spiteful, she replied, “Josh picked it out.”

He did pick it out. Months ago. From a catalogue. Eva’s choice to wear it was more a matter of convenience than any sense of style. The dress she wanted to wear was still at the cleaners, forgotten in the midst of Eva’s moral crisis. But, Myra didn’t need to know that.

“Ah,” Myra breathed, tempering her disdain, “Well, you can’t fault him for that. Men rarely understand a dress code. You, however, I would expect more from.”

Eva felt a thin wire of steel slide through her spine one vertebrae at a time, “Absolutely. I suppose a little fashion faux pas is a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the happiness of my husband.”

Myra didn’t miss a beat, “Really, Eva, you would think by now that you would have learned that sometimes what makes our husbands happy is what we tell them makes them happy.”

Eva couldn’t think of any way to return that volley without outright arguing with Myra, so she simply said, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yes,” Myra said as her eyes turned towards the crowd, “Well, I see that Mr. Olsen and his wife are here.”

And, with that, Myra walked away.

Eva rolled her eyes and went back to watching the cake walk. People sauntered in a slow circle while music played, cakes placed at strategic locations within the perimeter. She found her lips pulling to a smile when one or two of the participants slowed around the cakes they wanted, sighing in defeat as the music continued to play.

A few bars later, the sound system cut off and cheers of triumph mixed together with groans of disappointment. The winners got their prize and the kids got their donations.

Everyone was happy.

At the door, people continued to wander in. Some of them were holding raffle tickets, most were looking around in excitement. Eva realized that none of the people in the room were children. The whole event was supposed to be about funding treatment for sick kids and not a one of those kids was present.

Her confusion was cut off when Josh walked in, teeth flashing in a wide grin. He was wearing a blue plaid suit that stuck out among the more demure color palette around him. As he walked around, people stopped to talk with him and he met each and every one of them with a warm handshake.

She could feel her mouth turning down in a frown. He was so good at it: talking to people he didn’t know, complimenting the wives of the people he did. Making others like him so much that they didn’t see the monster beneath.

Sickened by the sight of him, Eva spun around and focused on her wine. It was nothing special—she had better at the house—but it would eventually dull the ache of disgust in her chest and that was enough for her. She finished one glass and was just starting in on the second when the lights dimmed.

Looking over her shoulder, Eva caught the emcee striding onto the stage, heard him announce that the bachelor’s auction would be starting soon. She almost scoffed, barely caught herself before she remembered that there were people in the room that might see her. A quick glance around told her that her disdain had gone unnoticed.

She should at least try to put on a show. Just in case.

Settling into a relaxed pose, Eva pretended to listen to the emcee as he explained the rules. She laughed at all the appropriate times and smiled at the cheeky little grin he gave when he talked about the ‘date’. If Eva were there by herself, if Josh and Myra were far away, she might be entertained by the way the contestants were all standing awkwardly in the back, by the way the ladies in the room were already sizing them up.

Eva blinked rapidly as a scent teased her nose. There were a lot of people in the room, a lot of perfumes and colognes that made it difficult to home in on one in particular. She would have dismissed it as a figment of her imagination if it didn’t get steadily stronger.

Tobacco and vetiver.

She hadn’t thought about him in days—too wrapped up in her own bullshit to remember that there was a big fucking problem that she hadn’t yet dealt with. And now every breath she drew was dripping in him.

Someone sat down at on the stool next to her and Eva’s eyes closed against the knowledge of who it was. She should get up and move closer to the stage. She should put in a bigger effort to support her husband.

Eva didn’t move.

Knowing that it was a bad idea, she turned away from the emcee and his jokes, ostensibly to order another glass of wine. To her left, a man sat with his forearms leaned on the bar. Tan skin led to wide palms that led to surprisingly fine-boned fingers.

The bartender set down Eva’s glass and addressed the newcomer, “What’ll you have?”

“A beer,” he intoned, “please.”

For fuck’s sake, Claire, are you letting everyone in? Eva thought, unkindly.

The hair on her arms stood up at the sound of his voice. Gone was the sardonic tone, the bluster. Eva glanced at him. He was wearing a simple button up shirt and slacks, looked nothing like the last time she’d seen him. Sitting beside her was once again the man on the sidewalk.

“What are you doing here?” Eva asked, too curious to keep her mouth shut.

He wasn’t looking at her when he replied, “Seems like the whole city is here. Why shouldn’t I be?”

“You don’t live here.”

“I do now.”

“For how long?” Her voice was terse, angry. “Your...business arrangement is taken care of.”

He laughed softly, “Not quite.”

The bartender placed a beer on the bar and rightly read the tension between them. He quickly busied himself with cleaning glasses that were already spotless.

Eva cut a look at him, “What does that mean?”

Whatever he might have said was cut off by the sound of applause as the bidding started. Eva ran a hand over her face as if to physically swipe away her frustration. She didn’t have the luxury of making a scene at the moment.

“Is this what Americans do for entertainment?”

Eva’s mouth opened, her answer stalling as she caught the amusement in his expression, “Um, no?”

He eyed the crowd, “They are enjoying themselves.”

She couldn’t say that he was wrong. People were laughing and jeering as the bids were made, money waving in well manicured hands. They looked like they were having all kinds of fun.

“Yeah, I guess they are.”

He looked at her carefully, “And, you’re sitting here.”

Eva met his glance, “I am.”

“Why?”

She drank from her glass, uncomfortable with the intensity of his stare. He let the silence hang while the next bachelor was called to the stage.

Then, “I see rings on the hands of most of those men. Their wives aren’t upset that they are being sold?”

Eva couldn’t help the way she laughed at his honest question, “Its just pretend. They pay to go on an outing with one of the men, but its not real.”

His eyes narrowed in confusion.

“The money helps with buying medicine for sick kids. All of that is just a game they play so they can have a little fun with the donation.”

There was a pause, followed by, “You’re not playing the game.”

Eva, who had been watching a middle aged woman holler at the emcee to make sure he saw her bid, whipped her head around and stared at him, “No. I’m not playing the game, Mr. Jimenez.”

He flinched.

Good.

Eva sipped her wine, wishing that she had feigned sick so that she wouldn’t be sitting on that stupid barstool next to a man whose smell was so at odds with his actions that she couldn’t make heads or tails of him.

“Why are you here?”

He hesitated a beat, “When you want to know what kind of people you’re dealing with, put them in a room full of money.”

Eva shot him a look, then quickly dropped her eyes to her half empty glass.

“What was that?”

“Nothing!” Her voice was too high pitched to be innocent and she could feel an embarrassed heat creep up her neck.

“No,” he countered, “that wasn’t nothing.”

Eva shook her head, “It was just an inside thought.”

Oh, my God. Why did you say that? Eva chided herself. She hadn’t talked about inside thoughts since—anyway, she shouldn’t have said it.

“What is an inside thought?”

He had to ask. Of course he had to ask. It didn’t make sense for him not to ask.

Eva shook her head, looking anywhere but at the man beside her.

Leaning into her space, his voice dropped low, “Tell me, what is it?”

Against her will, Eva found herself saying, “Its a thought that should probably be kept inside—you know, inside.”

He lifted his brows, non-verbally asking for more.

She struggled to form the thought into something coherent, “Its not something you should say in polite company.”

Mouth lifting in half a smile, he joked, “I don’t know that I am polite company.”

There was a challenge in that statement that was reflected in his eyes. Eva let that challenge hold for as long as she could before she sighed and picked up her glass, “You don’t know who you’re dealing with until you’re in a room full of money and a gun. That was the thought. Happy?”

He surprised her by leaning back a little and saying, “Yes. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You’re right.”

She frowned, “I’m what?”

The glass in his hand tipped back and he took a long pull, “You’re right. You don’t know who you’re dealing with until you have motive and a weapon.”

Eva rolled her eyes, “You sound like a cop.”

He rolled his eyes, “Don’t let my men hear you say that.”

“Secret’s safe with me.”

The emcee announced the next bachelor and Eva’s ear caught on Josh’s name. Accomplished businessman. Proud member of the Masons. Board certified medical doctor—careful ladies, he’s married! She smiled awkwardly as eyes turned towards her, blew Josh a good natured kiss just for show. He caught it mid-air and stowed it away in his breast pocket for safekeeping.

More pretending.

The attention of the crowd returned to the stage and Eva felt safe enough to turn back to her drink. She drained the glass and signaled the bartender for another.

“So you are playing the game.”

Eva leveled a baleful look at him, “Don’t pretend you’re not.”

“I at least admit it from time to time.”

“I’m not—,” she took a calming breath, “Surviving is not a game.”

Eva had no idea why she was admitting that to him. She had no idea why she was letting him draw her out. It had to be something about the way his scent called to her, the way it made her feel cosseted and safe. Yes. It was his scent. That’s all it was.

This is dangerous.

“No,” he whispered, “its not.”

Josh’s ending bid was two hundred dollars, an amount that he seemed proud to have garnered. Eva didn’t even bother to figure out who had won. She simply smiled and pretended that she was happy for him.

The next bachelor was called up. Mr. Dorset was one of the new pharmacists in the parish. Ardent hadn’t yet pulled him into the fold, but Eva knew it was only a matter of time. Josh would work his magic eventually.

Young, good looking, and shy. His shoulders rose up a little bit at the wolf whistle he earned from someone who might have been drinking a bit too much.

Beside her, Mr. Jimenez threw back the rest of his beer. He paid the bartender with a crisp one hundred dollar bill—no change.

Turning to Eva, he said, “I lied. You don’t know someone until you’re standing between someone the thing they can’t live without.”

What the fuck does that mean?

Eva watched him stride away, his broad shoulders maneuvering through the crowd easier than Myra’s confident stride. As he disappeared, she felt something inside her come unmoored. The whole conversation felt like it had never happened, like it had been a dream.

But, it was real.

It happened.

Sniffing, Eva blinked rapidly and folded her irrational panic up into a little envelope to be opened later. She turned to see that Mr. Dorset’s winning bid was five hundred dollars. He smiled and blushed and dipped his chin, waving his thanks to Peggy.

Behind him, Josh pushed his hands into his pockets. He was smiling, but his expression was carved in stone.

Eva felt her stomach drop. She paid the bartender and slid from her seat. Walking along the perimeter, Eva took her place next to her husband. She made small talk and little jokes to keep everyone from noticing how quiet her husband had become. When his hand encircled her wrist, squeezing tightly, she played pretend that it didn’t hurt.

#Shadow and Veil #Narcos #horacio carrillo #carrillo #AU #a/b/o dynamics #maurice compte

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chimivx · 1 month ago

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thx for answering my question!! could u kind of connect them with why u named them what u named them? after hearing that you’ve put thought into every detail made me realize that nmwid was FULL OF EASTER EGGS AND LOREE and i eat those up 100%!!! (if u want to drop any other ones of those feel free tehehe)

Yes, of course! 🫶

It all started within NMWID, that series is what sprung the world to life. Haven had been written before hand, but I ended up rewriting it once the worlds connected! Starting Cruel Summer I realized I needed to separate the setting, the world, because everyone lived in different neighborhoods which essentially showed off which ‘tax bracket’ they were in and how it shaped them and their character. That’s how I began finding names! Going to put it under a cut, I'm unsure how long this will be....

Soro - ‘sorrow’; Hyunjin, Beomgyu, Jungkook and their families (NMWID) live here, and Minho (m&td), he's from here. Throughout their story the hardships they’ve faced, young & old, reflect the name. Haven is also in this town, and the bars name can give us a hint as to why it’s so popular in an always rundown, possibly ‘wrong side of the street’ town.

Tamoe - 'run'; Faden, Taehyun, Soobin, Yeonjun (NMWID) and their families are from this town. Aurora (nice for what) grows up here. It was created with intent to show that Faden's character was not meant to end up there, and throughout growing up in her parents house, she does not want to be there. It's a pretty toxic way of living, her and Taehyun and their parents.

Sicuro - 'safe'; A small town that divides Soro and Tamoe from Contramano and Avida. Kai (NMWID) lives here, Faden and Soobin (NMWID) move here with their family. It's a safe place, a quiet family town. Faden is enamored with it since it's the complete opposite of what she's used to, which is why she and Soobin move their family there... and, 'cause Kai is there too! Peace Made, Faden and Kai's store, is in Sicuro.

Contramano - 'the wrong way'; Beomgyu ends up living here for a period of time (NMWID). Not many things go right in this town! The Extraviada Motel is here, Yeonjun (nice for what) does work here, and in Cruel Summer the trio spends some time here... It just seems cursed.

Extraviada - 'wandering' or 'lost'; The trio (NMWID) spend some time here in Cruel Summer... The name is a nod toward the path they're all on at the time.

Delo - 'work' or 'entrance'; A city of new beginnings! So many things to get into, so many places to go. Work places are located here (NMWID) (Haven/Taste), Nasara University (nice for what) is here, the club from Cruel Summer is here (NMWID).

Sainte - 'holy'; Truthfully created solely for Soobin (NMWID). He was born here, and spent some of his childhood here before moving to Tamoe with his mother. The Preso Acadamy (m&td) is here. It's a smaller city compared to Delo. When Delo was established, Sainte was cut nearly in half.

Avida - 'greedy'; A town south of Sicuro, east of Contramano. Taehyun and Sana (NMWID) move with their family and raise their kids here. Jisung (m&td) lives here with the crew in that story. It's a large town, larger than Tamoe, with the 'nose in the air' type vibe from the people who reside here. The name was essentially chosen because of Sana and Taehyuns relationship... She uses him, so what better place for her to live!

Nasara - 'success'; Nasara University! Soobin (NMWID) went to school here and all of the kids in Nice for What are enrolled here in Delo. The school is pretty massive, having extended and grown over the years of it being in the city. The name was chosen for its exact purpose... Success! We hear it first with Soobin in Cruel Summer, telling us that he is successful and will continue to be successful in life. Later on when his daughter attends the school in Nice for What... Let's just say we should all read that to find out what happens to her...

Preso - 'stuck' or 'taken'; The Preso Academy. An all boys school located in Sainte before it was split into Delo. Jisung (m&td) attends school for many years here, boarding with classmates, spending a helluva lot of time in Sainte. In future years Preso Academy is turned into Nasara University, the boys school closing down and turning into the prestigious university where it seems a lot of kids from Tamoe and Avida end up attending...

Holy crap, I've talked your ear off... Thank you for inquiring about this, my heart is content and I hold so much love for you. <3 If you have any other questions pleaaase ask! I hope I gave you enough info <3

Always look between every line... Everything has purpose ;) <3

my masterlist <3

#sweeties #nmwid #taste #haven #nice for what #m&td #plumverse #im gonna cry fr i cannot believe i was asked questions about this i adore you

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ninacarstairss · 3 years ago

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PARABATAI WEEK — day 6, underrated/fanon parabatai @carstairgray

i’m broken, torn apart, shattered and a couple more adjectives because of tftsa and it falls perfectly on the parabatai week so here are some simon x george parabatai headcanon

they place their parabatai runes on the back of their shoulders to symbolize they’ll always have each other’s back.

after the ceremony they go back to the new york institute and the rest of the gang surprises them with a party to celebrate.

simon places a stuffed rat on george’s bed before he shows him his new room, in memory of their days at the academy. the rat also has a tiny collar with “jon cartwright xxxv” engraved on it.

george jumps on the nearest chair when he sees it and his academy nightmares come back to him as simon is doubled over laughing near the door.

once the initial fear of having to deal with rats even at the institute passes, george keeps the stuffed animal and he adores it, it reminds him of their time at the academy, how he and simon met and became the brothers they are now.

they start having training sessions with jace and alec and they always end up on the ground with jace and alec triumphant over them but they put up quite a fight when fighting together.

they also like to train a lot with izzy and clary but that works way less for their skills because izzy and simon end up making out somewhere when one of them pins the other on the floor and clary and george just leave the room and go get a coffee before they can see something they won’t be able to forget. alec still talks about his nightmares regarding the time he walked in on simon and izzy in idris.

george gets to know the gang better and they all love him, but simon is especially happy when he notices him bonding a lot with izzy and clary and when he sees alec starting to trust him fully. jace ends up telling george so many stories about the first time he met simon and how he was when he first entered the shadow world, including the being-turned-into-a-rat part — george’s favorite ever since the academy — and that’s when simon knows jace really likes him too.

simon keeps schooling george in pop culture, movies, comics and the history of his band when he was a mundane and he drags george around the city in all the best places to find comics and the best film. soon enough george is making star wars references on a daily basis. though, he’ll never stop mocking simon about all the names his band went through, especially when he reveals the ones he though about during the academy that had to do with rats and other weird creatures, or grey eggs.

george often leaves to visit his family in scotland and he always takes simon with him. his parents love him and they always welcome him as a son. george couldn’t be happier and simon feels at home. he misses seeing his family every day, but he learned that for every loss there’s something to gain and this new part of a home is his own new piece of happiness.

once, though, the whole gang tagged along. george talked about the green fields and the sheep of scotland so much that they wanted to see for themselves. it’s a wild vacation and, between a hike and a tour of the nearby cities, jace gets not-so-gracefully swept off his feet by a running sheep and it’s a sight they’ll never forget or let him live down.

they have annual dinners with the group for the academy. no matter how far they’re all located from each other, they get a portal and meet in idris at least once a year and visit the muddy fields where scarsbury had them running and doing push-ups for as long as it took to kill them. beatriz and julie have also become a great pair of parabatai and jon manages not to be too obnoxious for one night a year.

simon also schooled george in the art of eating take out every day for basically all meals and told him to gently refuse every single thing that leaves the pan when it’s izzy cooking as soon as he stepped foot into the institute. surprisingly enough izzy and george find in each other some really horrible cooks who get along a lot and think they cook fantastic food while burning half the kitchen every single time they get close to a burner. simon’s desperate and he’s most likely going to loose his eyebrows in a kitchen fire soon enough. or worse, he might actually have to eat the stuff they cook one of these days. (credits to @icycoolslushie for the idea on this one)

when sizzy get married simon chooses george to be his suggenes and george cries his eyes out because his brother is so grown up and he’s getting married

once clary and simon convince the gang to celebrate halloween and they organize a halloween party at the institute for all their friends. george is the first to agree and he’s so excited. he and simon are planning matching costumes and decide to go as avatar characters — but with more covering clothes on, simon is stoic about this and george agrees it’s probably best not to risk finding themselves in the middle of a fight with a halloween night demon wearing only that little cloth around their hips — and they also kick it up a notch by dying their hair blue. except that they buy the wrong kind of dye and when the next day they wash their hair to get the colour off, it doesn’t go away. izzy and clary have to fix their mess with brown dye.

they are those friend that always do the craziest things you see on the internet and end up with the most aesthetic photos, like george in the middle of a parking lot with flashing lights surrounding him, sitting in a shopping cart and laughing, or simon naturally posing with his bow and arrow in front of a fantastic landscape and they become snapchat famous for these pics. izzy, alec and jace are pretty confused by this snapchat famous thing.

when simon moved in at the institute after the academy he installed a playstation in his room and most nights george is there with him, playing at 3am with snacks of all kinds surrounding them. izzy joins too sometimes but she’s not great at those games and has smashed a couple of joysticks after loosing multiple times, while clary kicks both their asses when she pops in for a game.

one night george entered simon’s room for a 3am game and instead found him with izzy, both of them half naked and in the middle of some sort of role play where izzy was calling simon “lord montgomery”. he never lets simon live that down and brings the name up in the most inappropriate moments — such as clave meetings — making simon choke on air every time. after that, though, george is very careful to knock.

simon’s pansexual and he’s a little afraid to come out to george at first, but he soon realizes he knows george and he wouldn’t turn his back on him, he wouldn’t leave. so when he does tell him he’s shaking slightly but he’s also happy and george clearly is too, he scoops simon into a tight hug and tells him he’s incredibly proud of him and reassures him he loves him no matter what, they’re brothers no matter what.

they’re not big on celebrations of birthdays or mundane holidays in general, but they do like to keep the traditions alive. both of them have been raised with no knowledge of the shadow world and they were observant of some religious and mundane holidays that shadowhunter don’t celebrate. so they like getting christmas gifts for everyone or organize parties for new year’s. they celebrate hanukah too and share other little traditions from their childhoods, like george’s family tradition of sheep’s wool-covered sweets and chocolates to find instead of eggs for easter or simon’s family tradition of taking a two day trip around spring to see the changing season and enjoy some free time, even if the trip is to the nearest town. they’re small traditions sometimes, but they like to keep the memories alive.

george becomes really good with max after that first encounter and the offer of raising him in his and simon’s drawer. he and simon often volunteer to babysit him, and rafe too afterwards, and they obviously use as bedtime stories the plot of star wars or comics, which the kids absolutely love.

sometimes when he’s stressed or tired george goes full on scottish and also switches to gaelic at times and simon is just there looking at him, torn between wanting to giggle at his usually contained behavior now unchecked and wanting to hug him and confort him. he always goes with the second, but he does love to hear george speak gaelic.

after the time at the academy when george was leading the mission to go after the faerie fruit vendors where simon got sucked into faerie he’s incredibly protective of simon in battle — or just all the time, actually. he’s thrown himself in front of simon more times than simon can count and he loves this kind of care, because of course he does the same whenever george is in danger, but it also makes him sad a lot because he knows george still feels guilty about that mission, even if nothing bad really happened, and he would do anything to make sure nothing similar ever happened again.

tag list @cordaisya @im-not-ruined-im-ruination @surrounded-by-exquisite-clutter @stxr-thxif @icycoolslushie @writeforjordelia @gabtapia @fair-childd @clarys-heosphoros @shadowhuntingdemigod (let me know if you want to be added or removed)

#cece writes #parabatai week #this is really just a huge dump of random headcanons #i just miss george okay?#a lot #george lovelace #simon lewis #simon lovelace #tales from the shadowhunter academy #tftsa #tmi #tsc #the shadowhunter chronicles #tsc headcanons #headcanons #parabatai headcanons #my writing

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1dmonthlyficroundup · 4 years ago

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1D Monthly Fic Roundup

Hi, and welcome to the 1D Monthly Fic Roundup for April 2021! Below the cut you’ll find 17 One Direction fics that were all published this month in the order they were submitted to the blog. We hope you’ll check out these new fics! If you would like to submit your own fic, please check this post on how to submit or visit our blog @1dmonthlyficroundup.

To Begin Again by @chloehl10 / lovelarry10

[Harry/Louis, 23k, Teen and Up, tumblr post]

“I, uh, I’m really sorry for yelling at you like I did.”

“Hey, I deserved it and more. I’m lucky you didn’t come and deck me on the nose,” Louis said, holding his hands up as if to surrender. “Seriously, you went lightly on me. If a crazy dog was leaping around me and my kids, I’d have lost my shit long before you did, and it would have been a lot more sweary than yours as well.”

Harry laughed at that, quite liking the man now he was getting to know him. This Louis seemed to have a good sense of humour, and his dog was fairly likeable too, laying there sound asleep, sunbathing.

“Well, I don’t usually lose my temper, so I just wanted to apologise.”

“It’s me who needs to say sorry. My stupid dog ate their bloody eggs, and on Easter Sunday at that. It’s a good job we don’t go to church, Cliff, or we’d both be going straight to hell. Nice ears, by the way. I meant to say earlier.”

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

Harry’s ready to spend a fun Easter morning with his two children at the park, but it’s thrown into chaos when an over-excited dog and his owner come barrelling into their lives…

A Small Matter (A Matter of Trust) by @kingsofeverything

[Harry/Louis, 18k, Explicit, tumblr post]

Harry knows he and his Grindr hookup would be perfect together, if only he could convince him to give a relationship a chance.

Or Harry has a thing for jock straps. Louis likes to wear them.

Are you proud of me? by @sadaveniren

[Harry/Louis, 2k, Explicit, tumblr post]

Louis was completely naked, except for a silk scarf that Harry had never seen before. It was tied around his neck like a bow. His lithe body was cast in dramatic shadows as he descended the stairs and all Harry could think was holy shit, mine, mine, mine.

“Well this is a shame. I was hoping you’d keep the boa.”

Harry blinked in surprise at his voice. He was too caught up in his perfection. “What?”

“I guess the leather will do. I do love you dressed in leather.”

aka I show up 2 weeks late with Grammy Fic

Right Back Home to You by @behindmeday

[Harry/Nick Grimshaw, 4k, Teen & Up, tumblr post]

It wasn’t the first time Harry and Nick were cut off before they really got started talking. In fact, it seemed to be happening more often than not. Nick had an insane schedule that no rational person would choose, but Harry’s was even worse. Between the early mornings on The Breakfast Show and the never-ending time zone changes of tour, it seemed that Harry and Nick weren’t really meant to have any real conversations these days.

Or, Harry writes Nick a song.

take my hand (my whole life too) by @beckydoesthings / beckywritesthings

[Harry/Louis, 44k, Explicit, tumblr post]

“You’re famous?” he asks, deciding to dive straight into the heart of the issue.

Harry winces, dropping his gaze to the table. “Erm… famous is one word for it.”

Well, that’s reassuring. Louis raises an eyebrow until Harry heaves a sigh and continues.

“How much do you know about the British monarchy?”

His stomach drops to the floor in a heartbeat, jaw following suit. There’s no way that what Harry’s insinuating is possible. But as the time ticks by, there’s no change in the deadly serious expression on Harry’s face, fingers twitching steadily on the table as he waits for Louis’ answer.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

Or a Crazy Rich Asians AU with a royal twist where Harry is a prince, Louis is most definitely not, and there’s a royal wedding to attend.

Forever Is In Your Eyes by @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed / we_are_the_same

[Harry/Louis, 126k, Teen & Up, tumblr post]

Harry looks fragile in the moonlight, and Louis stands there, pondering, not even sure what it is that he’s thinking of. It’s all just noise in his head, a mix of melancholy and desire, of longing for something that he doesn’t even have a name for.

He wants-

He wants love. He wants to be held and cherished and have a home. Not just a place to lay his head down at night. He wants to be loved the way that Louis had loved creating Harry. He wants his perfect man, but he wants him to be real. He wants Harry to be real-

His lips press against marble, against something cold and unforgiving, and it’s not until his hand comes up to rest against a sculpted neck that his eyes fly open and he stumbles backwards, nearly falling off the stepladder that he’d stood on.

“Jesus Christ.” He whispers, shaking his head and resisting the urge to brush the back of his hand against his lips, erase evidence that isn’t even visible to the naked eye. Harry stands there, as though nothing’s changed, and of course he does, because he’s a statue.

A statue that Louis has just kissed.

Stuck in an eternal spring by @chrysopon / flamboyo

[Louis/Zayn, 4k, Teen & Up, tumblr post]

Louis is about to go crazy in the silent solitude of London’s lockdown. The only breach into the grey monotony of his days is the hope of catching a glimpse of the dark-haired guy who lives in the building across the street. One night they have their night cigarette together while both in their flats, twenty meters and an empty, quiet street between them. It becomes a habit, but maybe there’s hope for it to become something more.

It’s Been So Long by @elsi-bee / elsi_bee

[Harry/Louis, 31k, Teen & Up, tumblr post]

Harry Styles’ first crush was one of his sister’s best friends, a certain someone named Louis Tomlinson. And Louis? He just vaguely remembers Gemma’s younger brother from back in the day.

A lot can change in ten years.

Featuring Niall and Liam as Harry’s friends, flirting, fluff, and flashbacks to the awkward days of high school.

This Dream Lost by @zanniscaramouche / zanni_scaramouche

[Liam/Louis/Harry, 5k, Mature, tumblr post]

It’s a dangerous game to play his Alpha like this, and it gives Harry a thrill through his spine he’s not sure he likes. It’ll be worth it, but he doubts he’ll be pulling any surprises on Louis for a while after this. He can’t fucking stand it as is and it’s not even really for Louis, it’s for Liam.

Mercy by @zanniscaramouche / zanni_scaramouche

[Niall/Shawn Mendes, 5k, Explicit, tumblr post]

“I-” Shawn licks his lips, eyes bright and wide with the shock.

Balls in his court now. He could refuse, step away from the line they’re toeing and laugh it off. But he doesn’t, just like Niall knew he wouldn’t. Because Shawn wants this. They both do, and that’s what makes it so fucking insane.

Blind Faith by @2tiedships2

[Harry/Louis, 18k, Mature, tumblr post]

“Harry?” Liam prompted.

“I’m blind,” Harry eventually said, trying his best to keep himself from crying.

Liam was silent for a few moments, before responding, “That’s not exactly news, H. You were blind when I met you a year and a half ago. Have you been in denial this whole time or something?”

“No, Liam,” Harry cut in. “This is different. I’m not legally blind like I used to say. It’s not just my night vision. The tunnel from my tunnel vision has closed. I’m fucking blind! I moved halfway around the world in the hope of finding my soulmate and it’s obviously not happening now. Not even a soulmate is going to want to put up with a blind alpha.“

The Journal by @wait4ever / RecycledStardust & @evilovesyou / 4ureyesonly28

[Louis/Harry, 14k, General, tumblr post]

When Harry finds himself purchasing an antique journal in the ancient bookshop of a town he’s never heard of, he doesn’t exactly want to admit that he has no idea how he got there. A myriad of odd coincidences and a few kind smiles from the shopkeeper have the two of them working hard to solve the mystery of this strange journal that seems to have been waiting for Harry for almost a hundred and thirty years.

But I’m the Quarterback by @evilovesyou / 4ureyesonly28

[Harry/Louis, 52k, Explicit, tumblr post]

Harry Styles is the quarterback of Sunny High’s football team, dating the beautiful head cheerleader, and determined to enter his senior year with focus and discipline. That is, until a strange man shows up at his home, makes his girlfriend break up with him, and convinces his parents to send him off to a “reparative therapy camp” over the summer.

At True Directions, Harry meets four other boys and five girls, all there to be cured of their homosexuality. He has to find a way out of this place as soon as possible—Christ, he isn’t even gay!

Know a Trick or Two by @sadaveniren

[Harry/Louis, 45k, Explicit, tumblr post]

The night before Louis is scheduled for a Portkey to begin training with the Vratsa Vultures in Bulgaria he heads into Muggle London for one last night of fun. A few months later he finds out he’s having a child.

Eleven years ago Harry had a one night stand and now there’s a strange man on his doorstep telling him his daughter is something called a wizard and she’s got a place at the British wizarding school Hogwarts.

Aka the one where Muggle Harry and Wizard Louis have a one night stand and get more than they bargained out of it.

Until That Day by @kingsofeverything

[Harry/Louis, 44k, Explicit, tumblr post]

Harry Styles is days away from walking down the aisle when his previous failed weddings are turned into a public spectacle by jaded London journalist Louis Tomlinson. Hoping to witness Harry leave another groom at the altar, Louis heads to Holmes Chapel, where nothing goes as planned, and he finds himself falling for the serial heartbreaker.

A Runaway Bride movie AU

Caught In Your Gravity by @lululawrence

[Harry/Louis, 63k, Not Rated, tumblr post]

It felt like the blood froze in Harry’s veins even as he got a bit lightheaded. He hadn’t even made it two practices, only one of which he was remotely in charge of, without giving it all away and now he and Liam were both absolutely fucked.

“Shit,” Harry breathed out. “Who all have you told? Does everyone know? I thought I covered it better than that…”

“No, no,” Louis said quickly. “They’ll figure it out soon enough, though, because they’ll get used to you changing things up, but you’re only going to trip over your so called Americanisms for so long before they realize it’s because you don’t actually know fuck all about football.”

Harry sighed. “Yeah. I figured. I just need to bullshit for long enough to allow Liam to get the situation figured out from his end.”

“Right, which brings me to my entire point. I think we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement with all of this.” Louis leaned forward. “You need to learn the ins and outs of the sport incredibly fast. I can help you with that.”

“What do you want in exchange?”

Or, an AU inspired by a 30 second trailer of Ted Lasso that doesn’t actually have much in common with the show at all.

Passing By by @larryyouknow

[Harry/Louis, 48k, Explicit, tumblr post]

Sometimes, people are in each other’s lives just for the briefest of moments. They meet and then go their separate ways because being vulnerable is scary and it might be easier to not let anybody else in. But some people aren’t meant to be just passing by. Maybe when they open their eyes, they can learn things about themselves they haven’t known before. If they let their hearts speak they will find a way to be together.

Or the one where Harry doesn’t even know he’s into guys until he meets Louis on a boat trip. There’s something more to their friendship but it ain’t gonna be smooth sailing.

#28th appreciation #tracksintheam #1dsource #trackinghome #april 2021 #april masterpost #sorry if you got notified for the first post #tumblr destroyed it and it had to be redone

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wileyfoxwrites · 3 years ago

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@brittanybwrites

Who: Matthias and Nina Where: Easter Fair, Saturday the 16th

The prince figured it was time to get out of the castle for a while. Ever since arriving in Thailand, he’d never ventured far, lest of all to the village. The Easter festivities were the best time to reintroduce himself to not only his peers but to a new group of villagers who he was sure wasn’t so stoked to have them around. But the last thing he thought he would walk upon during this fair was some kind of giant egg cooking in the middle of the town. Matthias couldn’t help but laugh softly when he spotted it, moving closer and closer until his focus became a problem. His shoulder bumped into another’s and he quickly looked over to the person, concern clear in his features. “I am so sorry. I was distracted by the giant food in the middle of the fair.” The prince tried to laugh it off, albeit nervously, and he placed a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Are you okay? Didn’t make you drop anything, right?”

#Matthias: Ive been broken but Im better everyday || Convos #Matthias and Nina: 001 #Matthias: ft Nina #Event: Easter22 #verse: wor

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josiecarioca · 4 years ago

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Waiting (one-shot)

Requested by @artisticreptilequeen and @latitsoso

Summary: Soren Snape has chosen a lonely path for himself that not even his closest friend can help him walk.

(Soren Snape x Audrey Blake, characters mentioned: Severus Snape,Evelyn Black and Eloise Snape)

Also available on Ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/30010311

Tagging: @snapescapades @mafagafobebum @marvelschriss @codename-thedoctor @zealouspickleeggdragon @green-oasis @drawnfromthedead @snapescapadesafterdark @serosvit @snapecentric @hayalee8 @oliverlandomens @sleepysnapesnake @lily-themadqueen-andpinky @paracosim @the-witches-son @aikersen @violet-knox @viper-official @be-zoar @thepomegranatejuice @alwyssnpe @siriuslysircadogan @hbprincealice

…

“Soren, are you alive?”

Soren opened his eyes and looked around, searching for that familiar voice. He didn't know the place around him. It looked nice enough, though. A small livingroom, with teal colored walls covered in classic movie posters and a moon themed tapestry hanging next to a tall bookcase, loads of colorful cushions and, in front of him, a square coffe table with food and cooking themed hardcovers and a notebook filled with a round and small handwritting he knew all too well. He found himself laying on a soft white couch, “Golden Girls” was playning on the TV in front of him.

He sat up, feeling as if the room was moving around him like a ship in open sea. His clothes were sticking to him, tight and uncomfortable and his mouth was so dry he felt a bitter taste in his tongue. He didn´t remember drinking any water since right after curtain call.

Soren heard the sound of something frying, before the smell hit him. His stomach growled. He couldn't remember when he had last eaten anything that day.

“You´re getting glitter all over my couch.” that voice...Soren shook his head, suddenly angry at himself. How had he ended up here of all places? Idiot!

“Audrey, I...” he called out but his head felt like it just about split in two when he raised his voice. “I mean...how did I...”

“Here...” the voice approached. He looked up and there she was. Audrey, in a dusty pink turtleneck wool dress that hugged her plump figure, black leggings and boots, her blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, with thick bangs framing her roud, dollish face. She looked like she was either going to a date or coming back home from one when he, at least he assumed, crashed-landed at her door.

She held a plate in front of his face and it smelled something like heaven is supposed to smell.

“This is what you eat when you're flat on your arse drunk, if I recall correctly. Rashers, eggs benedict and your mother's cheddar, chive and potato pancakes. Right?”

“You...know how to make mam´s pancakes? ” he smiled, hoping foolishly that small talk would delay the earfull he was about to get. “She never gave anybody this recipe. Not even my cousins.”

“I lived with your parents for a whole year remember? I've seen auntie Lyn make this more times than I can count.”

Even though he felt like somebody had taken an axe to his skull and split it clean in two, Soren had to smile.

“Thank you. You didn't have to.”

“I sort of did have to, though” she let out, sounding tired “I found you laying on my doorstep, looking healf dead. Trust me, I was tempted to just walk around you and leave you there, but then what would I say next time I visit your parents? Besides, my landlord and neighbours wouldn't be too happy. Here, you´re going to need this. You must be dehydrated.”

She put a gallon of water on the table in fronto of him. Soren shugged nearly half of it before he could even begin to think about eating.

“Now, pray tell...what has gotten into you?” she crossed her arms and stood before him, looking far taller than her 5 feet, maybe 5'3 including the boots. Soren looked at her, pleased to notice she had put on weight. She looked like her normal self again, he thought. Last time he'd seen her she looked gaunt, almost.

“What do you mean?”

“What do I mean? Is it a normal occurence for you to prance about town drunk off you mind and pass out in front of people´s doors dressed like Beetlejuice and Dr. Frank'n'Furter's lovechild?”

“Oh, this!” Soren looked down at himself, finally remembering...

The effin' costume. Yeah, she was right. Her neighbours wouldn't be none too pleased to see a 6´2 man in full make-up wearing a leather corset-garter combo with stockings and high heels under a stripped trenchcoat passed out drunk in the hallway.

“I was...working.”

“Working? Is this an honest-to-God opera costume, or the Ministry for Magic had you go undercover in a fetish brothel?”

“Costume. The Ministry doesn´t usually have me dress up nice and sexy when they want to get me fucked. Hardly pay me as well as they should for it either.”

“What opera are you in this time around?”

“Orphée aux enfers...Our director decided to give the Kosky version a run for its money, so of course genderfuck drag was the way to go. Because why the fuck not? ”

“We're just going to pretend like you didn't love the idea...” she smirked. That was good...he hoped.

“Well, yeah, we decided to have a few drinks after the performance, and Henri thought it would be hilarious to just go out partying in full costume.”

“Who?”

“Henri Fournier...he played Orpheus”

“Of course...” Audrey, sighed, no longer amused.

“He's a riot, you should meet him.” Stop digging, Soren. She´s already mad at you, no need to act like a bufoon.

“And you should shower and change.”

“I´m afraid I don't have anything to change into...Unless, what's his name, your...”

“Ethan, his name is Ethan.”

“Yeah, him, unless he doesn´t mind me borrowing his things...”

“I´ll see if he left something here...”

“Left...I thought you two were...”

“He moved out.”

“When was that? Last we talked you we...”

“Come on, finish eating go have a shower, I'll find something for you to wear.”

“Hey, Shortcake, I...” He let out without even thinking. It had been so long since he last called her that, years maybe, but somehow it just poured from his lips.

“Don't...call me that.”

“I'm sorry...I really am. About this whole thing as well, I really don't know how I ended up at your door, I would never...”

“You don't have to apologize. Just eat, take your shower and...” she sighed “...we´ll see.”

…

Soren was tripping over himself so badly Audrey had half a mind to offer help. But eventually he got himself to the bathroom. She glued her ear to the door, half expecting to hear him collapse inside. The sound of the water running reassured her enough to step away and try to find something for him to wear, hoping Ethan had forgotten at least a pair of shorts or something.

Typical Soren to put her in this situation without even thinking. He never did think, did he? Just did whatever he wanted to do and everything else be damned. Nevermind that his parents were constantly worried sick about him, that his sister had to keep calling him to remind him he had a family and he should go see them sometime. Audrey was almost sure neither his father nor his mother knew what he was up to.

That he was spying for the. ministry.

His father would never allow it.

Audrey had been only a spectator, entirely foreign to their world of magic and wars no one of her kind was supposed to know, but she knew well enough, apparently even better than Soren, that it was a disastrous idea for the son of Severus Snape to be a spy. To collect inteligence about the very same criminals who still had a reward out for his father's head. Soren was born with a target on his back. Even as a child, Death Eaters had tried to get to him, the same with his sister, Eloise. And why wouldn't they? What better revenge on the man who brought down their leader than to harm his children? Audrey knew from hearing whispers and bits and pieces of conversations when she had lived with his parents in Glencoe, right after deciding to go no contact with her mother. She knew from what Eloise told her, in a vain, desperate attempt to get her to help knock some sense into her brother.

But Audrey also knew there was nobody on earth who could keep Soren from doing what he wanted. Sometimes she was tempted to tell Severus and Evelyn what he was doing behind their back. If they knew...They thought Soren was travelling around the world singing. A successful baritone, touring Salzburg, Paris, New York, Lord knew where else. Surely that shouldn´t prevent him from coming home now and then, however...But he would go months without showing up, so his parents, maybe, just thought that if he didn´t show up for Christmas or Easter it was because he was somewhere in a nightclub or a bar, partying. And sometimes that was true, but not always. At times, she wondered how and when they would find out, and hoped it wasn´t through some tragedy.

But...sometimes she also wondered if they didn't already know. If they were just waiting for him to finally be honest with them. Maybe neither Severus nor Evelyn could bring themselves to believe Soren would do that to them, so they acted like they didn't suspect, when in reality, they knew. Maybe they were just hoping he'd show himself worthy of their trust. Just waiting for him to come around.

So Audrey said nothing. It wasn't her place to, after all. If Eloise hadn´t, then she certainly had no right.

She finally found something. And old t-shirt and some pajama pants. Good thing Ethan was tall, she thought. This would do for Soren to at least make it back home, or wherever he was staying in London. Come to think of it...She shook her head and left the clothes on the bed where he could find once he was done showering.

“Soren?” She called once the water stopped running and she could hear him in her bedroom.

“Yeah?” he sounded a bit more sober.

“I'll call your sister, do you have her girlfriend's number? Maybe they can pick you up.”

Soren didn't answer answer immediately. Instead he took his time to get dressed and came back to the livingroom, sat on the couch and took another swig of water from the bottle.

“So, should I call her?”

“I would literally rather you hand me over to a dementor.”

“Maybe if I knew how. Eloise is my next best choice.”

“Eloise will never let me hear the end of it.”

“She wouldn'r be wrong, now would she?”

He didn't answer. He just made that face. That face he put on when he knew he was wrong, when he knew he had no good excuse. The corners of his mouth turned slightly upwards in an odd, clumsy smile, and his nostril flared slightly as he breathed out, then he looked away. Thinking of the next joke, of the charming comment that would deflect questioning, the next change of subject. Had been that way since he was a boy. Soren always knew when to leave an argument well enough alone. This way he wouldn't have to admit he was wrong.

“As soon as my head doesn´t feel like the the 1812 overture is playing on surround sound inside my skull, I can see myself out.” she shrugged with that devil may care grin that could get him whatever he wanted.

Audrey sighed. She didn´t have the energy to argue, And true to be told, if she hadn't found him passed out drunk at her door after nearly a year of no contact whatsoever, she would be happy he was there. Wasn´t this what they used to do, back when things were different? Staying up at night, huddled up on the couch, watching old TV programmes reruns till the wee hours of the night? She missed that. She missed having Soren around, she missed his stupid jokes, his impromptu performances. She missed him singing “Largo al factotum” early in the morning as he shaved, his voice filling her bathroom till the upstairs neighbours complained.

But she didn´t miss what came with it. She didn´t miss the disappearances, the weeks and months without a single phone call, the excuses, the worry, the panic...

“You already ruined my couch with all that sodding makeup” she sighed, sitting next to him “Might as well spend the night. But you´ll have to be out before noon. I´m working the lunch shift this week.”

“How's that going? Mam told me you made it to sous-chef.”

“Yeah, which sounds impressive until you realize it just means I'm the first in line to be verbally abused when Bastianinni wakes up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“I worked with a Bastianinni once...It was for the best sharp knives are not part of our line of work, or the whole cast would have used him for target practice, down to the children's choir. When a tenor decides to be a diva, oof...”

“So, you´ve been talking to your mother?”

“Yeah, I called her and dad last week from Salzburg...to apologize for not showing up for Christmas again. She told me you were there.”

“I was. I assume that's how you got my address...”

“I...I mean...is not like she” Soren stammered like a little boy caught with his hand in the biscuit tin.

“Did you really think your mother would give you my address if I didn't tell her it was ok?” Audrey smiled “I´m just surprised you asked.”

“Why wouldn't I ask?”

“You tell me...For the past four years I´ve seen more of your parents and your sister than I´ve seen you. And you don't call anybody, just go off for months on end...”

“You know why that is...”

“I do. That´s why I don't wait for you anymore. It's pointless. But then when I give up waiting, you decide to show up.”

“Is not like I planned to just...”

“You never do.”

“Audrey, I...”

“I´ll get you a pillow and some covers, it's getting late.” She couldn't let him speak. If he started he'd take her in again. And before she knew it, she would be waiting again...for a phone call, a message, waiting for that moment she'd finally be fully a part of his world. A moment that would never come, no matter how long she waited. Not for her and not for anybody else. Soren had chosen a rocky path that only fit the steps of one person: himself. She couldn´t walk with him, and it would be fooolish to wait for him to come back any time soon.

“You said you were working lunch shift tomorrow.” the sweetness on his voice reached her as she got up from the couch, disarming. “Can´t you stay a little while longer?”

#Snapedom #Soren Snape #The Soren Snape chronicles #Soren Prince Snape #Audrey Blake #Soren x Audrey #angst #severus snape #evelyn black #Eloise Snape #The Snape siblings

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lilacyennefer · 4 years ago

Text

a winter's tale

Anon asked: “You’re gonna regret that, sweetheart” with Benny pls ❤️

A/N: I might got a little carried away, but I really love how this one turned out, and I hope you guys think the same. There's a lowkey Garrett easter egg hidden in there and I'm curious if anyone will know what is it 👀

TW: some smut

Growing up in the English countryside, one of your favourite things to do was going outside to a long walk when it was snowing, enjoying the beautiful snowy landscape.

You missed this a lot when you moved to the States to study, you originally planned to stay for 2 years, but two years became 4 when you met Ben Miller.

Oh, Benny Miller.

Knowing Benny now, you’ve met with him in the most unlikely place to ever meet with someone like Ben, in a book shop.

You loved to read, this was something what your grandmother, who raised you, taught you, to read as much as you can. So it was really common for you to spend days in bookstores, looking for something new to read.

It was Saturday afternoon on a rainy day when you met with Ben. You were in the mentioned bookstore, flipping through a new fantasy novel what just came out when you sensed someone stepping next to you, and a second later that person started talking.

“Excuse me, Miss, sorry to bother you, could you please help me?” The tall man with bright blue eyes, and a baseball cap asked you in such a deep voice you swear you could feel it resonate in your bones.

You smiled at him politely, telling him you’re not working here.

“I know, I just thought you could help me, you know. The staff being busy and all.”

“This makes sense.” You nod. It really did.

“I’m Ben, by the way.” The tall stranger introduced himself.

“I’m Y/N. Nice to meet you, Ben!” You shake his hand “What are you looking for?”

“Something scientific. It will be for my older brother’s birthday.”

“I see. Well, let’s go and see what we can get for your brother.” You tell him, and you walk towards the science part of the bookstore.

After choosing the right book for his brother, Will, you paid for your chosen book, and Ben paid for the birthday gift, and the two of you headed to a coffee shop. During your time in the bookstore, Ben asked you if you’d like to drink a coffee with him after this as his way of saying thank you. And of course, you said yes, not just because you loved coffee, especially in this weather, but you really liked Ben. He was charming and funny, and despite your first impression, he was really intelligent and actually nice.

There was a lovely coffee shop nearby, and just like the bookstore, it was pretty empty when you arrived.

“What would you like?” Ben asks you, and looks at you in a way what makes you melt.

“A caramel latte please.” Ben nods.

“Take a seat, I’ll get our orders.”

You sit down in a boot, and just watch the people on the streets as the raindrops race down the window.

After a little while, Ben sits down in front of you after he placed your coffee in front of you, immediately wrapping your hands around the warm liquid, warming your cold hand up.

“I have a confession to make.” Ben says sheepishly.

“Oh?” You look at him seriously.

Ben licks his lips before he says anything, shiver runs down your spine, but this time not from the cold.

“I actually asked you to help me because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” His compliment surprises you, and you can feel yourself blush as you look down to your coffee.

“I figured.” You said in a small voice “The bookstore was almost empty so the stuff didn’t have a lot to do.”

Ben smiles at you, and you think he has the most beautiful smile you’ve ever seen. You like it, you think, and you definitely like Ben.

You spent hours in the coffee shop just talking. Conversation with Ben was easy, he talked about his life, he told you that he’s an MMA fighter who picks up all kinds of odd jobs between fights, but previously he was in the Special Forces.

You told him about your life, that you grew up in England in the countryside, and that your grandmother raised you.

This was 2 years ago, 2 years since you met Benny and since the two of you fell madly in love.

Because, you were madly in love.

That kind of love what’s written in the stars, the love poets and musicians wrote about, that passion what makes you do absolutely anything for your partner.

And you think it’s beautiful.

It’s beautiful how much you love each other.

Ever since you arrived to the States, you didn’t go back home, and after 4 years you started missing it more than anything, and Benny knew this. Seeing you become sadder and sadder because you missed your home and your grandmother broke Benny’s heart, and he just had to do something about it.

So, Benny picked up more jobs and more fights, so he could save money for the plane tickets so he could surprise you and travel home with you.

Two weeks left until Christmas, and you’re sitting on the couch in your pjs, watching tv when Benny storms into the apartment the two of you share.

“I finally got it!” He screamed, making you jump.

“Jesus, Benny, what the hell?” You turn towards him.

“I got it, Y/N!” He says excitedly. You get up from the couch and walk up to him.

“You got what?” Ben takes a deep breath to calm himself down. He really is like an excited puppy.

“An early Christmas gift.” He explains “Y/N, I couldn’t watch you being so sad, I had to do something. So I worked harder than ever to be able to buy this, because who the fuck knew plane tickets were this expensive honestly, but I finally got it!” He hands you an envelope “Two plane tickets to England so you can go home to your grandma. And hopefully, you don’t mind me coming with you.” He says somehow nervously, watching your reaction.

You open the envelope and see two plane tickets, to England and back, with your and Ben’s name on it. You feel a lump in your throat and you swallow hard, trying to keep your tears from falling, but you fail as emotions rush over you.

“Why are you crying? Did I fuck it up? Please say something!” Benny begs, and you look up at him.

“No, you big dummy! This is the most beautiful thing anyone ever did to me!” You wrap your arms around him, pulling him close as you cry from the happiness.

“You really did this for me? Letting people beat you stupid just I could go home?”

“Hey, I won almost all of those fights, otherwise I wouldn’t have the tickets now.”

You always said that Benny was a dummy with a heart of gold, he wasn’t the sharpest, but the way how he loved and how he’d do absolutely anything for you made up for it.

“Thank you.” You sob “Just thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

You’re still hugging Benny, and he leans down to place a tender kiss on your forehead.

“I’d do anything to make you happy.”

“I know.” You look up at him, chin resting on his chest “But you should’ve spent all this money on yourself.”

Ben doesn't let you finish it as he starts speaking.

“I did this for you, and us. This makes me just us happy as it makes you. Seeing you happy makes me happy.” Another kiss on your forehead.

“Besides, I want to meet with that grandma of yours who I heard so much about.” You let out a small laugh from Benny’s words.

During the time you’re together with Benny, you told him a lot about your grandma, and Benny has this idea that your grandmother is probably the coolest person ever.

You told him how she was at Woodstock, and traveled around America in a hippy van when she was younger, knew some of the biggest icons of the Beat Generation, and after her adventures in America she returned to England where she met with your grandfather who she married after 2 weeks of knowing each other, then they went and traveled Europe as their honeymoon.

You told the stories you heard from your grandmother to Benny, who was in awe the whole time and he decided your grandma is the coolest person ever.

“She’ll be really happy, I can’t wait for you to meet with her.”

The next week, you were on your way to England with Benny by your side. You were actually nervous about the whole trip, especially about flying for many hours, but Benny made sure that you’re distracted or asleep, he even suggested to have sex in the small bathroom of the plane, and you gave him a look what silenced him for a little bit, but a few minutes later you leaned closer to him and whispered “Maybe on our way back.” and you winked at him.

When you arrived at the airport, your grandmother was already waiting for you and Benny, and in the moment you saw her you started running towards her, jumping in her arms and hugging her. You spent minutes just hugging and telling each other how much you missed each other, and after you’re done, you finally introduced Benny to your grandma. Thankfully, your grandmother really loved Benny, and Benny really loved your grandmother, but they already had a small, not serious argument when Ben wanted to drive even though he didn’t know where your grandmother lived, or how to drive on the left side, and it took you a long time to convince him to give up.

“I know you love driving, Benny, but this is not the time.”

“Fine, fine.” he finally gave up and took his place in the backseat of the car, meanwhile you were by your grandmother’s side.

Your first few days were about relaxing and fighting jetlag, but after like the third day both of you were okay, and you finally could show Benny the small town you grew up in, you were walking hand in hand, drinking hot chocolate.

The next week, just before Christmas, there was a huge snowstorm, making you all excited about the snow, and Benny was just as excited as you.

The next morning after breakfast, your grandma went over to her friend, leaving you and Benny alone for the first time since you came to England.

“Let’s go outside and play in the snow.” you say excitedly, and without hesitating, Benny agreed. So, you dressed up in warm clothes and you went outside to enjoy the snow, and you even built a snowman.

“You look so fucking cute, all flushed.” you tell Benny. He indeed looked fucking cute how his cheeks and nose turned all rosey from the cold, a few snowflakes are sitting on his long lashes.

“Is that so?” he murmurs in his deep voice as he pulled you closer by your hips. “I have an idea how to make you all flushed too.” Benny cooed before he leaned down to kiss you sweetly on the lips.

“You have to catch me first.” you announce when you pull away and you start running away from Ben, but he’s close behind you.

You hide behind a tree and squat down to collect some snow in your hands and quickly form a snowball, and when Benny is close enough to you, you throw the snowball at him, and you watch it land on his chest.

You giggle when you see Benny’s stunned expression, but you start running again when he’s chasing you again, but this time, he caught you, lifting you up in his arms.

“You’re gonna regret that, sweetheart” Benny tells you as he carries you back to the house, you know he means it, but all you can do is giggle.

“I can’t wait.” you murmur, placing a hot kiss on his exposed neck, making him groan.

When you’re back in the house, Benny puts you down and you kick your shoes off, and take your jacket and hat off while Benny does the same.

You grab his hand and stand on your tiptoes to kiss him, hot and delicious, making your abdomen clench with want.

“We should take a bath, since we’re both cold.” you whisper against his lips, and Benny’s face immediately breaks into a huge grin.

“Oh, yes, baby.” and he’s already pushing your body towards your room.

Benny and You always wanted to have sex in a bathtub, but you never had the chance to do it since none of your apartments had a bathtub, but the small bathroom in your room has one, although it’s equally small.

“How are we gonna fit into this?” you ask Ben as you’re standing in the bathroom with him.

“We will make it work.” he mutters into your skin as his lips are all over your neck, kissing it tenderly.

And just like that, Benny and you quickly undressed each other while the hot water was filling the bathtub, and the scent of your favourite bubble bath surrounds you.

When the tub is filled with water and bubbles for your liking, Ben helps you into the water, and you carefully sink down in the burning hot water, letting it relax your muscles and warm you up. You move a little bit, giving Ben some space so he can sit behind you. He carefully maneuvers his big body into the small bathtub what already has you in it, and some water.

Somehow he managed to sit behind you, wrapping his strong arms around you.

“This is really nice.” Ben whispers into your ear, and you nod, agreeing. “But I know a way how this could be even more enjoyable.” He nips your earlobe the same time he brushes his hand over one of your breasts, taking your nipple between his fingers, and gently pulling it, making you moan.

You pull away from him to turn around and sit in his lap, Benny immediately wrapping his arms around you, pulling you back close.

“Please, love me.” you whisper against Ben’s lips, and you see him soften before you kiss him, slipping your tongue into his mouth, massaging.

You sit like that for minutes, in the hot, bubbly water, tangled together as you make out until you don’t know where you end and where Benny starts.

Still kissing, you feel Benny sneak a hand between your hot bodies, finding your slit and running his long, agile fingers over your folds, making you moan as his fingers press against your clit, massaging it the way you like it.

You break the kiss and press your forehead to Ben’s shoulders, meanwhile he peppers your shoulder, neck, and chest with soft, gentle kisses as his fingers are pleasuring you, touching you the way how he knows you love it.

“You’re so soaked.” he groans when his fingers are circling your opening before he pushes a finger inside of you, making you let out a whining sound.

“Please, Ben. I need you.”

“You have me.” he whispers against your skin.

You grab his hand what’s between your legs and gently pull it away as you lift your hips up just a tiny bit, so you can take his already hard cock in your hands and place it where you need him the most, then agonisingly slowly, you sink down on him, making both of you throw your head back with a moan.

You just sit there, completely still as you let yourself adjust to his size, and when you’re finally feeling ready, you started rocking your hips against Ben’s.

Your times with Ben were almost always fast and hard, let’s just say you were fucking most of the time, but not right now as you moved slowly together.

This was about your hearts and souls connecting, but also about the pleasure of your bodies as you made love with each other.

“Benny.” you moan into his neck, Ben’s arms tighten around you as you push yourself closer and closer to the edge until you shatter, and fall, pulsating, moaning Ben’s name.

You slowly ride your orgasm out, panting against Ben’s skin while his hands are soothingly caress the skin on your back, his soft lips are pressing equally soft kisses where he can reach.

When you feel like you caught your breath, you sit straight back up, but Benny’s lips never leave your skin as it goes lover and lover, until his mouth is on your breaths, taking one of you nipples into his mouth, sucking the sensitive nub, then circling it with his tongue. You sigh and close your eyes from the calming pleasure Ben is causing you as he lick and suck your sensitive nipples, you wrap your arms around his neck and face, leaning your head on the top of his, closing your eyes and just enjoy how soft Ben’s lips feel on your skin, and how good they make you feel, while his rock hard cock is still buried deep inside of you.

“Hmmm, as much as I’m enjoying this, the water is getting cold.” you whisper, and Ben lets your nipple go.

Benny carefully lifts you off of him, making you wince from the sudden emptiness, and he stands up and steps out of the bathtub, wrapping a towel around his hips, and holding your fluffy towel out for you, and you get out of the tub, letting Ben wrap you up in the soft towel.

Again, he’s wrapping his strong arms around you to pull you close, kissing you, making you melt.

“I should take care of you now.” you tell Ben. You don’t have to specify what you mean, he knows exactly.

“I’m not done with you yet.” he shakes his head, and he lifts you up in bridal style and carries you to the bed, gently placing you down on it.

He takes the towel from your body and drops it on the floor, and he does the same with his, making your mouth water as he reveals his throbbing erection to you. He pulls you closer to the edge of the bed, spreading your legs for him as he kneels down in front of you, between your legs.

Benny peppers your inner thighs with tender kisses, moving closer to your core as he watches your chest rise and fall quicker as he gets closer to your soaked folds, and your breath hitches when he softly runs his tongue over your folds, carefully to not cause you any discomfort since you’re still sensitive from your orgasm.

So, he first just caresses your inner fold with his tongue, lapping your wetness, and dipping his tongue into your hole, curling it inside of you.

Benny can read you like an open book, every move, every moan of you, he knows what he should do to give you the most pleasure he can, so he exactly knows when you’re ready for him to touch your clit, and when he finally does he makes your whole body shake, and moan his name.

Still somehow sensitive from your orgasm, your legs shake violently every time Benny touches or sucks your clit, but gosh, it feels so sinfully good, and it doesn’t take you long until you fall over the edge again, and cum hard on Ben’s tongue.

“Holy shit.” you mutter and Ben lets out a laugh.

“Are you okay? Wanna take a break?” he asks you as he stands up, wrapping his hand around his cock, pumping.

You shake your head “No, I need your cock, Benny.” you say in your most seductive voice, and he answers with a groan.

Ben steps between your legs, taking them in his hands and pushing them back until your knees touch the bed, leaving you wide open for him.

“You’re so fucking beautiful. All wet and spread out for me.” he praises, making you even wetter than before.

“Please, Benny.”

He doesn’t say anything as he places his cock against your opening, and with one fierce move, he’s back inside of you, not giving you time now to adjust, he starts moving hard and fast.

With every move, every time Ben smashes his hips against yours, your tits are bouncing, to Benny’s pleasure. You know he has a hell of a view at you, he can see his cock disappear inside of you every time, and the same time he sees your tits moving and the pleasure written all over your face.

“Ben!” you scream as the fire in your belly is growing stronger second by second, and after two earth shattering orgasm, your third one is approaching rapidly.

Benny groans loudly and he growls “Y/N, cum for me.” and your body obeyed him, as you came for the third time, harder than ever.

You’re drowning in your own pleasure, your heart is pounding in your ears, but you can hear Ben letting out an animalistic groan before he pulls out of you, and pumps his dick a few times before he spills himself all over your stomach and chest, marking you as his.

After he made sure every drop landen on your skin, he tiredly crashed down next to you on the bed.

You take that small drop of cum on your chest and you make sure Benny is watching you when you take it to your mouth, licking his cum off of your finger.

“Fuck.” Benny groans as he saw every move of yours “You’re so good. So fucking good.” he praises, and you smile at him.

You carefully turn to place a kiss on his cheek before you get up and take one of the towels from the floor and wipe yourself clean.

While Benny is watching you, he can’t stop thinking about how lucky he is to have you, the most wonderful woman he could ever wish for, and seeing you happy here, in your home, worth every fucking fight and suffering with shitty jobs. And little did you know that he not only bought the plane tickets, but there’s also a ring resting deep in his suitcase, waiting for Christmas Eve to ask you to marry him. And he can only hope you’ll say yes.

Tags: @innerpaperexpertcloud @agirllovespasta @lady-evans @oldstuffnewstuff @keithseabrook27 @alexa-rae-dreamz @minnicelli @woahitslucyylu @de-profundis-ad-astra @mylifeliterally @happyhenners

#garrett hedlund #ben miller #ben miller x reader #benny miller #benny miller x reader #triple frontier

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higuchimon · 3 years ago

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[fanfic] Extra Training

"Where are you going?" Ryouga wanted to know. Iris tucked her D-Gazer into her pocket, checked on her deck, and shrugged.

"To the movies with Haruto," she told him. Like she did every weekend. It was something to do that wasn't dueling - not that she disliked dueling, there wasn't really any way that she could, not with having grown up in a household of duelists. But it wasn't the be-all and end-all of her existence, and she only carried the deck around because Vector would start handing out knives if she didn't.

Not that Iris had anything against knives, either, but the way Ryouga and Rio both stared at Vector when he offered her extra lessons told her quickly they didn't need to know how good she was with them, even without Vector's help. Uncle Michael gave her sword-fighting lessons every weekend after all. Edged weapons were as useful a tool as a dueling deck, and one that most people were less likely to think an eighteen year old might use against them.

Iris far preferred to handle her own problems. The last time she'd complained about someone being annoying, everyone in the family plus a few extras - such as Uncles Michael, Thomas, and Chris, as well as Uncle Yuuma and Uncle Kaito, came down on the offender like the proverbial ton of bricks. It took months> for anyone to ever talk to her again at school.

At least she didn't have to worry about that with Haruto. They all liked Haruto and he knew how not to get on their bad sides. Plus, he'd learned more than a few things that his brother didn't know about, so he kept her secrets about what she could do that her elders didn't know.

And he was a fantastic sparring partner.

Ryouga regarded her thoughtfully, then nodded. "Enjoy yourself," was all he said. Iris knew what that meant - don't murder someone without one heck of a good reason. She was fine with that. Rio had taught her what a good reason was. So far she hadn't had to kill anyone and she didn't really want to. She liked learning dueling and fighting for reasons aside from blood-lust, no matter what Vector swore by.

So she headed out of the mansion and to the center of town, where Haruto sat outside of Heartland Tower and waited for her, kicking his feel lazily in a fountain. She vaguely remembered that he'd been a bit sickly and weak when they were children. Most of that had been before she'd come to this world, so she'd heard of it mostly as stories from Ryouga and Uncle Kaito, or from Haruto himself. When she'd first met him, he'd been getting better, and she'd helped him improve over the years.

Now one couldn't tell that he'd ever been at risk of dying at all. He leaped to his feet as soon as he caught sight of her and waved, eyes bright with joy.

"Ready?" He wanted to know as she drew closer. Iris smiled; she did enjoy spending time with him. And she enjoyed what they were about to do just as much. Maybe even a bit more.

"Ready." She nodded, one hand dropping down to where she kept her duel disk - and the little secret hidden inside the same pocket. Haruto nodded as well, and the two of them headed off. Both of them knew very well that Omoid - oldest offspring of Obomi and Orbital 7 - followed them. Omoid followed Haruto anywhere he went and did anything he could in order to help him.

Haruto had had to do a little reprogramming as he got older to make sure Omoid kept certain things he and Iris did a secret, but as long as they came home without any major injuries, most things could be hidden from the eye of elder siblings. Iris did wonder how much Uncle Kaito really knew. He didn't seem like the type of person who would easily be deceived. Yet if he did know what they did - not every lesson they had from Uncle Michael was sanctioned - he said nothing at all about it.

They arrived at the Arclight mansion relatively quickly. This wasn't their original home, or so Iris had been told. They moved to Heartland on a regular basis a few years earlier and set up residence. That was fine with her. She liked spending time with all of them.

Though she wasn't ever going to forget the day that Uncle Thomas and Uncle Vector both ended up baby-sitting her at the same time. Three fire trucks, five police cars, and she still didn't know how they'd avoided being arrested. Ryouga didn't like to talk about it.

Michael welcomed them there as soon as they entered, guiding them to the familiar sparring grounds.

"It's just us today," he told them. "Chris is working with Kaito and Mizael helping out Father." His lips twitched. "I'm not quite certain where Thomas is, though.

That was fine with Iris, and apparently Haruto to. She'd known about them being busy anyway. She slipped her duel disk out, flipped open the hidden slot in the back, and her sword hilt dropped into her hand.

"I'm ready for training!" She declared, and Haruto matched her motions with his own. Michael chuckled.

"I didn't expect anything less," he told them, and the three of them settled down to the business of sparring together. Iris snapped the hilt, hitting the hidden button, and the blade itself unfolded. This was new technology, spurred on by various companies in the city, and Michael had given each of them one of these as a surprise present. It certainly made keeping these lessons secret from the rest of the family a lot easier.

She took the lead, approaching quickly, and striking. They didn't often work with live steel first, but Michael's point of view on the matter was that one, they needed to use it as often as possible, and two, they needed to be careful. Using wooden or foam bats wouldn't teach caution. He knew how to take care of virtually any injury they could inflict on each other, and after five years of learning, they both knew how not to hurt the other. Michael promised that they would be able to hurt other people if the time ever came.

Iris wasn't so sure if she wanted that, but she also knew the first lesson he'd taught her - never to pick up a weapon of any kind, be it a sword or a duel disk, unless you were both willing and capable of using it. The Numbers War was long over, but who knew when something else might happen and she might be one of those called to arms. Better to be ready and never need it, than need it and not be able to do anything. Ryouga and Rio absolutely agreed on that, at least.

So she sparred and she learned, and Haruto fought her with all of his strength. She pushed back, struck down carefully, judging her strength and where she aimed, and pushed him back. He twisted his blade, making an attempt to disarm her, and she stepped back, getting out of the clinch and taking a different angle for her counterattack. As time ticked by, Iris could not contain the pure joy that came from being able to do this at all.

She remembered her life in the past very clearly, and how she'd died. She might not want to attack other people, but she would always want to be able to defend herself. That was one of the reasons her clothes were specially made to be just shy of being actual armor. Ryouga had insisted on that after they'd all come back from the trip to the Astral-Barian World. She'd never been there, but she kind of wanted to, one of these days.

Metal clattered against metal, ringing loudly, but they could still hear Michael's firm voice instructing them on what to do. Eventually he called a halt - both of them dripped sweat, and Iris wanted something to drink. She slipped her sword's blade back into the hilt and started to turn around for the exit.

In the exit there stood Ryouga. No, not Ryouga - Nasch. Her king. His eyes stern and his lips not smiling at all. Iris swallowed and essayed a smile of her own.

"This isn't a movie," he said quietly. "This is very much not a movie."

"I know." Iris agreed. It wasn't as if she could argue that. She would keep the secret, but he clearly already knew it. She'd never been able to argue with him when he looked at her like that. She worried at her lip, then mentally shrugged. "It's just extra lessons, that's all."

Nasch nodded faintly. "How long have you been doing this?"

"A while now," she answered. Neither Haruto or Michael said anything else. She suspected Michael was a little annoyed, if only because Nasch had entered without - she guessed - asking permission.

"I can guess." He crossed his arms, regarding her thoughtfully. "Have you been hurt?"

"Nothing bad." Iris shrugged. "I can hold my own. We're good at this."

His eyes softened ever so lightly and she began to breathe easily. Or at least easier. "I noticed. Did you relay think I believed you were going to the movies? That you like them that much?"

Iris ducked her head. "I hoped?" Didn't most teenagers go to movies with friends? She didn't think she was that out of touch. Sure, she didn't have that many friends at school she could open up to, but she'd heard them all talking about movies and going on dates. She did like movies, but going to see them every week just seemed boring. She would have far preferred going to the ocean or up to the mountains. The few times she'd hung out with Yamikawa at the Duel Lodge had been very instructive.

"I think it's going to be a couple of weeks before you do this again," he told her quietly. "And if you want to do it again, then I want to know about it before you go. Understand?"

"Got it." Iris knew she was getting off easy. Ryouga nodded slightly before he looked at Haruto. "Kaito's probably going to say the same thing to you."

"Kaito-sama already knows," Omoid piped up. "I told him after their firsts unofficial lesson."

Haruto blinked. "I thought I reprogrammed you so you wouldn't do that."

"You did." Kaito stepped up next to Nasch. "I reprogrammed him back."

Iris could see the pride in Kaito's eyes regardless of his words. Whatever else he felt, he was glad Haruto could do these things. If Kaito had really objected, then they would have known it long before this.

Ryouga gestured to her, and she started over. She knew that she wasn't going to be seriously grounded - he'd let up on the punishments and let her make her own mistakes for a while now. He wouldn't be that upset about extra lessons. If anything, what had to have upset him was that she'd not told him the truth. He'd get over it.

Just to prove it, she glanced over to Michael and to Haruto. "I'll see you next week," she addressed Michael first, then Haruto. "Tomorrow?"

"Sure," Haruto agreed calmly, with Michael nodded. He was clearly having trouble keeping himself from laughing. Kaito and Ryouga both snorted, but Iris knew what they sounded like when they were upset, and this wasn't it. Everything was fine.

Together they all headed out. Iris couldn't have been more satisfied with what happened. She'd had a great workout and she didn't have to hide her extra trips from the others anymore. She'd more or less wanted to tell them from the beginning; events just hadn't fallen out that way. Being older did come with some advantages.

Ryouga still made her wear her helmet on the way home.

The End

Notes: One day I might write more about Omoid and Haruto. You really think Kaito wouldn’t have one of those little bots assigned to keep an eye on his brother?

Ryouga was probably a lot angrier than he let on, but Iris is eighteen. She can make her own decisions, and Rio probably lectured him on that. Maybe I will write that side piece eventually.

#fanfic #higuchimon writes #zexal Week #YGO ZEXAL #iris (ygo zexal)#tenjo haruto #kamishiro ryouga #Michael Arclight

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tbhwhocaresanymore · 4 years ago

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Nancy Drew 2x3

Oh my god you guys Hannah Gruen has a backstory that’s so much cooler than I dared to imagine

I enjoyed this episode, so much. My brother who normally lets me rattle off all my theories even tried to watch it with me, but then the Aglaeca jump scare happened halfway through and we both screamed and he dipped 😂. And omg at the end of the episode, when Ryan Carson and Nancy all came together to bury Lucy’s body? Tears. Actual tears, on my face. I adored that whole scene. Nancy coming to her dad, them being on the same wavelength about inviting Ryan, the LS engraved on the tree. Though was I disappointed we did not see Lucy herself behind them watching? OF COURSE

Also, book Easter egg for those of you who didn’t know. In Nancy Drew #10 The Password to Larkspur Lane, a messenger pigeon (yes really) accidentally goes to Nancy’s address, and long story short she ends up foiling a group of criminals who abduct elderly people and force them to sign over all their money. Along the way, one of the places the mystery leads her? SYLVAN LAKE.

What’s that? Why yes I was thoroughly obsessed with the books as a child, thank you so much for noticing.

Moving on

I was so on board with like 99% of this episode, my one thing was when George and Nick had sex in the truck. My problem was not that they had sex, it was George being all “the Aglaeca doesn’t get to ruin everything, we’re reclaiming your truck” like GIRL. You are fated to DROWN in that truck in TWO DAYS. WHY YOU TEMPTING FATE LIKE THIS?

And am I the only one wondering when tf Bess had time to do all that Aglaeca research? Like you listened to the record last night and came into work this morning, how exactly did you have the time to find “dozens of cases throughout time” where people gave back the things they asked for and got their curses reversed? And speaking of: why would the Aglaeca take the bones back only to dump them in the Claw? RUDE. They probably had to spend at least an hour cleaning all that up.

Hey have I mentioned how much I adore Ace and his dad? It’s so weird though, cause Ace is always like “all my dad and I do is fight” and “my house is a war zone” when we’ve never even met his mom, and his dad is nothing but a sweetheart? Like Ace you and your dad don’t fight you argue. You want to see a family fight? Come stay at my house for a weekend, I guarantee you’ll see at least half a dozen.

I said it last week I will SAY IT AGAIN. HOW does Carson not know about any of the spn stuff happening around town and more importantly to his daughter??? He literally assisted in an spn comatose/spirit finding ritual with the chief of police and was just like “aight” and MOVED ON. Like BRUH.

Ryan brought a pink rose to Lucy’s grave. My heart 😭💔.

Side note: has Lisbeth just dropped off the face of the earth? Like Bess is going to die in two days, shouldn’t she be spending at least a little of the time she has left with her girlfriend? Ace (and kind of George and Nick) is like the only one acknowledging he might die soon, making sure to spend Shabbat with his dad. They should at least be writing their loved one’s letters or something I feel, but NOTHING.

Last but not least, is it just me or did AJ trying to murder Hannah low key come out of nowhere? In 44 years, he never thought of it before Nancy suggested it? As soon as she said it he told her it wasn’t an option for him, and then like THIRTY MINUTES LATER he breaks out of jail to go set her on fire. Did he simply change his mind? Side note but straight up can you imagine for a minute, if like, Stephen King writes his best ever book about a guy like falling into a wind turbine and then Stephen King himself dies by falling into a wind turbine a few months later? Because that’s the equivalent to AJ Krane dying. I would lose my mind if I got that news alert.

So, here we are, only two episodes to go until the planned season finale. Are you guys freaking out? I’m fucking freaking out. I feel like at any moment the CW studios will catch on fire as fate’s way of preventing me from having a satisfying tv show. Until that happens, looks like next week’s episode is going to be absolutely terrifying, as it should be. Would be nice if the promo told us anything about the plot though. Like “oh, Nancy and Bess are in a basement, and some ghost lady walks into a wall.” ??? Really? That’s the best you could do? At least I’m certain it will be well-written if nothing else.

So see you Wednesday 2/10 for The Fate of the Buried Treasure. Who wants to bet my beloved daughter Dead Lucy will be conspicuously absent yet again? Anyone?

One last thing I was expecting no Drewson content but it still hurt not to get any byyyeee

#Nancy Drew #Nancy Drew cw #George Fan #Bess Marvin #Ned Nick Nickerson #Ned Nickerson #Ace #Hannah Gruen #Ryan Hudson #Carson Drew #Dead Lucy #Lucy Sable

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sbtlns · 4 years ago

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One Last Time

Warnings: mentions of blood, character death, major angst

A/N: this was DEPRESSING to write omg i’m sorry yall (◕︿◕✿) requests are open!

It was supposed to be easy. Garth had called about two hikers who were found with their hearts ripped out in the woods not too far from the bunker. He did some digging and told you he thought it was a lone wolf that had left the rest of his pack and was just moving through town, so you volunteered yourself and Cas to check it out and give the brothers some much needed rest. Besides, newly-human Cas needed the practice and it was only one wolf, right?

“Nice, Cas!” you smiled, clapping his shoulder. With a grunt he pulled the silver dagger out of the wolf’s heart and stood up, turning to smile at you. “Who needs angel mojo anyway?” you joked. He gave you a small chuckle, looking down and wiping the sweat from his brow. You were still proudly beaming at him when he looked back up at you, but the smile quickly disappeared from his face. “Y/N! Watch out!” he yelled, eyes wide in horror. You looked behind you just in time to see a second werewolf charging the two of you before a strong arm pushed you out of the way. You fell back and stared in horror as the wolf knocked the blade from Castiel’s hand and pinned him to the ground. “Cas!” you screamed before clambering to grab the dagger a few feet away. You had just grabbed it and turned to run back towards them when you saw the wolf drag its claws clean across Castiel’s chest, eliciting a cry of pain from the former angel. “NO!” you screamed, running back towards them.

You tackled the wolf to the ground, knocking it off of Castiel’s body and plunged the dagger into its heart. You felt hot tears filling your eyes as you ripped the blade from the wolf’s chest and quickly crawled off of it and back to Cas. Castiel’s eyes were closed and his chest was rising and falling shallowly and unevenly. “No, no, no, no,” you muttered, cradling his head in your lap. “Cas, come on buddy, wake up,” you pleaded. His eyes fluttered open and he struggled to sit up, coughing on some of his own blood in the process. “Cas, hey, don’t move. You’re okay,” you bit your lip, looking down at the blood pooling out of his chest. Shit you thought to yourself, realizing how deep the wolf’s claws dug in. You took your jacket off, careful not to jostle him, and held it firmly against his chest. He hissed in pain from the contact and you felt the tears streaming down your face.

“It’s okay, you’re gonna be okay, just relax,” you said as you fumbled for your phone to call the brothers. Your blood ran cold as you realized that you didn’t have reception this deep into the woods. “Damnit,” you cursed under your breath as a new wave of tears came. Cas reached up shakily to take one of your hands in his. You looked down at the contact before meeting his gaze.

“Y/N,” he began, coughing as he tried to clear his throat. “Cas, hey, don’t, just relax,” you cooed. He closed his eyes and shook his head weakly before opening them and looking deeply into your eyes. “Y/N, you can’t move me. I’ll bleed out before help can get to us, if you can get reception, which I doubt,” he said in a strained voice and you bit your lip and shook your head, fresh tears falling down your face as reality sunk in. “So just let me say this. Please,” he begged. You stared at him for a moment before letting out a shaky sigh and nodding.

“Y/N, I’m sorry,” he began before you cut him off. “Cas-what? What could you possibly be sorry for? I was the one that didn’t see the second wolf,” you said quickly with furrowed brows. He squeezed his eyes closed and shook his head again. “No. Let me finish,” he said before opening his eyes again, and you felt a sob threaten to wrack over you as you noticed his once vibrant blue eyes were becoming dull. “I’m sorry I didn’t say this sooner. I prayed for the courage, but...” he sighed. “I love you. I have for a long time,” he admitted as your shoulders shook from sobs. “You have made my billions of years of existence worth it, your kindness has changed me it-” he was cut off by a wet cough and struggled to get another breath in. “Cas, please,” you squeezed his hand tighter. He opened his mouth to say more, but nothing came out. You felt him take his last breath before his body went limp in your arms. You cried out, holding his body close to yours as sobs wracked through your body.

You held him for what seemed like a lifetime, before you ran out of tears to cry. It had gotten dark and you knew Sam and Dean were going to start to worry if you didn’t get back to the bunker soon. You gingerly slid Castiel’s body off of your lap and stood up. Your body felt numb as your legs carried you back to your car, and you slid into the driver’s seat. You knew what you had to do, it had to be done and no amount of Winchester guilt-tripping could stop you. You drove a mile to the nearest crossroads and gathered the supplies from the arsenal in your trunk. You walked numbly to the center of the crossroads, heart beating out of your chest with anticipation of what you were about to do. You buried the box and stood up, looking around warily for the demon you had summoned.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the Winchesters’ little pet,” you heard a cold voice from behind you and you spun around to glare at the demon. “Where’s your angel boyfriend? Oh. That’s right,” she said, curling her lips into a smirk. “Shut up.” you said angrily through your teeth. You took a deep breath before saying, “My soul for his. I know how this works. I’ll be a hellhound’s chew toy in ten years. Just do it,” you said with an edge to your voice. The demon scoffed and crossed her arms. “You really think you’d get ten years?” she said raising her eyebrows. She thought for a moment before offering, “I’ll give you one.” You felt your chest tighten and tears threaten to spill over your cheeks, but you knew what had to be done. “Fine,” you agreed.

You sped back to the forest and ran to where you had left Castiel. You dropped to your knees as you reached him. “Come on come on,” you muttered panicked, searching for any signs of life on his face. Suddenly his eyes shot open and he gasped for air. You let go of a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding and held him close to you. “I almost lost you,” you whispered into his chest. He shakily returned your hug. “What happened?” he asked, pulling away to look into your eyes. You breathed a sigh of relief as you noticed his once dull and lifeless eyes were back to their usual vibrant blue. You smiled through tears and replied, “it was a close call. But you’re okay. You’re okay.”

~Eleven Months Later~

You grabbed your jacket from your room and headed back into the war room. “Come on guys, we’re gonna miss the fireworks display,” you whined, noticing the brothers and former angel were still nursing their beers and sitting at the table. Dean groaned. “Y/N do we really have to go? We just ate all that food,” he argued, rubbing his stomach. “Yeah, Y/N, besides, I think it’s supposed to rain anyway,” Sam said, offering you a small smile. You felt your chest tighten at the thought of missing the show. “No,” you said a little too loud, gaining all three men’s attention. “No, we have to go. We can’t miss it,” you said, hating yourself at how desperate you sounded. Castiel furrowed his brows and stood up. “What’s wrong, honeybee? There will be another next year,” he said soothingly as he made his way to you, holding you to his chest. You felt tears escaping at his words, the secret you’d been keeping from all of them for the past year suddenly becoming too much to bear.

“Yeah, Y/N, what’s gotten into you this year? We went to a pumpkin patch in October to get pumpkins to carve on Halloween, almost burnt the bunker to the ground making a whole Thanksgiving meal, we got a real Christmas tree and took it back here to decorate, rounded up everyone we know for a New Year’s Eve party, and Cas took you out for a fancy Valentine’s date. Hell, we even hid freakin’ eggs for an Easter egg hunt. What’s with you hellbent on celebrating every holiday this year?” Dean questioned from his chair at the table. You couldn’t answer, and buried your head into Castiel’s chest as you broke into tears. “Dean,” Sam scolded. Dean raised his hands in defense, eyebrows raised. Cas took your shoulders and held you away from him so he could see your face. “Honeybee, what’s wrong?” he asked gently, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

You took a deep breath in, praying for enough courage to tell them the truth. “There won’t be another,” you said softly. The three men exchanged questioning looks. “Y/N...what do you mean there won’t be another?” Sam pried gently. You took another deep breath and stepped away from Castiel so you could face all three of them.

“Remember that hunt that me and Cas took. The one with the lone werewolf?” You began, and they nodded their heads, eyebrows furrowed. “Well...” you took a deep breath. “It turned out to be two wolves and the second wolf...Cas didn’t...I mean he...” you stopped yourself, hearing your voice begin to shake. Castiel placed a hand on your shoulder. “I didn’t what?” he asked, voice coated in concern. “You didn’t make it out!” you snapped at him, jerking your shoulder from his touch. He stared back at you in shock, not knowing what to say.

“Y/N,” Dean warned, voice tight. “Don’t tell me you’re stupid enough to do what I think you did.” You let out a bitter laugh. “I did what I had to do,” you muttered. “Which was?” Dean asked angrily, standing up from his seat. “I made a deal okay! Happy?” you spat back at him. A thick silence fell upon the room.

“No,” Cas said softly, staring blankly at the floor. “No, please, Y/N,” he said, turning his gaze to stare hopelessly into your eyes. You met his stare for a moment before you felt yourself suffocating under the guilt and you tore your eyes away. Dean sunk back into his chair and wiped a hand over his face. “How long?” he asked blankly. You bit your lip and continued to stare at the floor.

“Y/N I said how long!” Dean bellowed and your flinched at the harshness of his tone. “One year,” you said meekly, fresh tears rolling over your cheeks. You heard Dean mutter something under his breath but the beating of your heart drowned it out. The room was starting to spin and you felt your knees buckled before a pair of strong arms scooped you up and held you to their chest.

“I won’t let them take you. I’ll get my grace back. I’ll find a way to save you. I have to. I have-” Cas said desperately, voice cracking. He held you tighter against him and you felt his shoulders shake with a sob. You held him tighter, apology after apology spilling from your mouth.

Suddenly, Dean stood up and grabbed his jacket and keys. “Come on,” he said gruffly. Castiel released you from his embrace and the two of you and Sam looked at him confused. Sam cleared his throat before asking, “um, where are we going?” Dean pursed his lips and shrugged his jacket on. “We got a fireworks show to catch,” he said simply. His eyes met yours and you could see how much pain he was holding in them. “One last time,” he said, looking at you. You smiled softly. “One last time.”

#castiel #cas #cas x reader #castiel x reader #team free will

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crowdedimagines · 5 years ago

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Falling - Harry Styles

*obviously inspired by Falling, which i am OBSESSED with! *italics are from the past, a lot of this story will be from the past. *also, see if you catch some mini easter eggs to other songs from fine line (this wasn’t intentional, but for the timeline to work he never dated camille)

There’s no point in stopping the tears as they slowly stream down my face. As soon as I saw the tracklist to Harry’s new album I had a feeling this one would bring on the waterworks. Now that the album is officially released, I can hear what he’s been working on the past few months.

Falling.

A simple word with so much meaning behind it. It’s hard to fight off the memories of our relationship.

“-and this is the lovely, Y/n.” A friend introduces me to a small group of her friends at the party. She managed to drag me away from a conversation I was having to ‘meet some friends’. I smile and wave to all of the new faces, they go around and give me their names in return.

“Harry.” The last one speaks up, he raises his glass in a wave.

Our eyes pull together like magnets. I’m thankful for the darker lighting that is hiding the blush that creeps over my cheeks.

We all quickly dive into a conversation, everyone present being easy enough to talk to. They’re all lovely and fun people.

“I’m gonna go get another drink.” I announce as I get up from my spot.

“I’ll come with, mine seems to be empty too.” Harry grins and follows me back to the bar.

We both order our drinks and wait for them to be made. It takes a while, seeing how busy it is with all of the people here, but neither Harry or I mind. We immediately jump into a new conversation ranging from music, acting, and travel.

“You’ve never been to the UK?” Harry asks, utterly shocked.

“No.” I shake my head, laughing at his appalled reaction.

“How is that even possible? You’ve never had to film over there or anything?”

“I’ve been to Italy and France, but never your neck of the woods I suppose.” I let out a laugh.

He takes a sip of his drink, neither of us have made an effort to move back to the group since receiving them. I can see my friend giving two thumbs up over Harry’s shoulder. I’m sure this was some plan of hers to try and get us to hit it off.

“Well, you tell me when you’re free and we’ll go.” He smiles, “I’ll be your tour guide.”

God, I would love to take him up on that offer.

“Aren’t you going to be awfully busy with your first solo tour?”

“Ahh, you keep up with me then?” He smirks, I’m sure he’s enjoying that little ego boost.

“Pretty hard not to.” I roll my eyes, as if the pop star was so under the radar. “I can hardly leave my apartment in New York without coming across a billboard with your face plastered on it.”

“Well I’m sorry about that, love.”

“Don’t be, it’s a nice face to look at.”

It’s my turn now to smirk and notice Harry slightly thrown off.

“Tour doesn’t start for a month, pick a date before that and we’ll go.”

“You’re putting an awful lot of faith into someone you just met a half an hour ago.”

“I have faith in you, Y/n.”

“And why should I have faith in you?” I tease, “For all I know you could be a very creepy man.”

“Hey!” He laughs, “Haven’t you ever heard of treating people with kindness?”

The first time Harry and I ever met. That first night even, I knew that he was going to mean so much. I was proven correct a few weeks later when we actually did go to London together.

“Home sweet home.”

Harry opens the door wide enough so both of us and our luggage can fit. He’s invited me to stay at his flat, claiming it’s nicer than any hotel anyway. It’s also an obvious excuse for us to spend more time together just the two of us.

“It’s awfully gloomy here, strike one for London.” I joke.

“Hey! It’s late, you can’t judge it yet! Plus we just got off of a ten hour flight, you’re not in the right headspace.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes.

Harry and I have managed to grow so close in the short amount of time we’ve known each other. We met up several more times to somewhat plan the trip, Harry helped me pack claiming he would know what I would need better than I would.

We both laughed until we were crying, trying on the various clothes from my closet. Many random gems, things I’m almost positive Harry wants to steal.

We still haven’t defined what we are. Friends is the easiest way of putting it, but it doesn’t feel quite right. We flirt constantly and were touchy with each other, but we’ve never acted on anything.

“Alright, let’s find you a room.”

Harry takes my suitcase with him as he leads me into the rest of his house. We go up to the second floor and he opens the door to a large room. It’s decorated in simple white with hints of yellow.

“Cute.” I grin looking around the room.

“Y’like it?” He almost seems nervous. Giddy like an unsure child.

“It’s perfect, thank you.”

For the first time there’s an awkward pause. Just a few seconds of what to do, it’s really late and by the sounds of it we have plans for an early morning.

“Well, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, H.”

Harry leaves me to my room and goes to his own, which is conveniently across the hall.

He wasn’t lying, the next day we are up bright and early. Too early, I might add.

“Y/n.” He taunts my name on the other side of the door.

“Too early.” I grumble, my face still half smashed into a pillow. I don’t even flinch hearing the door open.

“C’mon, Y/n. If you get up now we can go out for breakfast and go to the farmers market.” I feel the bed dip as he settles on the bed.

“Why can’t I sleep in and we just eat here?” I finally turn to face where’s he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, he has an amused look on his face.

“Because I’ve been in Los Angeles for the past two months. There’s quite literally no food here.”

I let out a groan and drop my head back down.

“I’m amazed with how cute you still look while so angry and having just woken up.”

“You’re such a kiss ass.” I grumble.

“Only for you.” He lightly smacks my ass before walking back out. “Let’s go, Y/Ln.”

I get up and look out the large window to see that it’s raining, but it looks like the sun is trying to come out. I settle on a comfortable outfit, tucking my hair back into a low bun. I wash my face and throw on a pair of sunnies.

“Ready?”

I nod and we take off. We walk to a diner that Harry loves going too, he claims that he gets cravings for it when he’s back in the states. I have to say, after eating there, I understand his hype.

Once were no longer hungry, we take off for the farmer’s market.

It’s cute to say the least. We pick up some organic veggies to cook with for dinner and we find some cheese and fresh bread.

“H, look!” I cross over from the tent we had been in to the one across the street.

“They’re beautiful!” I trail my fingers across all of the different bundles of flowers.

“I almost lost you.” Harry says after catching up.

“Look at how pretty they are!” I pick up a bundle of sunflowers.

“How much?” Harry asks before handing over more than enough for them.

“Gotcha!” Harry smiles looking down at his phone. I’m sure he’s taken yet another candid picture.

“For someone who doesn’t post on social media, you take an awful lot of pictures.” I bump his shoulder as we continue walking.

“Yeah, still like to have the memories.”

Harry and I spent two more days in London exploring more of the city before we decided to take a road trip to Holmes Chapel to see where Harry grew up. It was a long drive, but it was worth it to see Harry light up.

“That’s the bakery I used to work in.” He points out the car window.

“Don’t you want to stop?” I ask, watching him drive right by it.

“No, it’s kind of become a fan beacon now.” Harry explains.

We continue to drive through the town as he points out more spots from when he grew up. Or we sit in a comfortable silence just looking out at the scenery. I don’t notice we’ve arrived somewhere until Harry puts the car in park.

“Where are we?” I ask, looking at the house in front of us. It’s grown dark out, but the house looks warm and inviting.

“My mum’s house.” He quickly gets out of the car before I can ask a question.

“Harry!” I roll my eyes, following him to the door.

“What?” He grins looking over his shoulder. He knocks and it doesn’t take long for an answer to follow.

“Harry!” She pulls him in for a hug, the woman I can only assume is his mother.

They talk softly to each other and I feel as if I’m invading a very private moment.

“You’ve brought someone home?” She shouts with an excited voice. Without a pause, she pulls me in for an equally tight hug. She knocks the air out of my lungs, but I let out a laugh.

“In all these years, Harry’s never brought a girl home!”

“Mum!” Harry groans, a pink color taking over.

“Come in come in! I’m just finishing up supper.”

She disappears further into the house, once Harry and I step in, I can feel the warmth of the home and smell whatever she’s cooking.

“You brought me home to meet your mom!” I tease, turning to smack Harry lightly on the chest.

“No, she would just be upset if I was here and didn’t see here before leaving for a world tour.”

Bullshit.

“Harry, you’ve never brought a girl home before.” I smirk.

“Alright alright, I really like you. As if it wasn’t obvious enough before.” Harry admits, he successfully knocks the smile clear off my face.

“Are you going to say anything?” He asks, suddenly twisting the right on his fingers around out of nerves.

“I like you too.” I smile, “Duh.”

“Thank god.” He sighs, pulling me in for a hug.

“Alright, supper is- oh! You’re having a moment, I’ll go.” Anne rushes back to the kitchen. It would take a blind man to miss the smile and happy dance at seeing us like this.

“She’s a sweetheart.” I pull back so I can look up

“Yeah, we’re a pretty charming family.”

“I can see that.”

After that it was bliss, Harry and I finally got together. Just in time for him to leave on tour. But we made it work, thankfully. Either I would fly out to whatever city he was in, or when he had extended breaks he would come see me on set. Any time we weren’t performing, we were facetiming. Or when the time differences didn’t work, we would leave each other long voicemails, just longing to hear the other’s voice.

By the time he finished his tour, and I finished my movie, we finally got to date like a normal couple and see each other regularly.

“Coming, coming!” I yell, rushing to my door to see who’s in a huge rush that causes them to knock repeatedly.

“I said-” Before I get a chance to yell when I swing the door open my jaw drops at the sight.

“Hi, love.” He grins, a bundle of sunflowers in his hands.

“What are you doing here?” I peck his lips with mine and pull him in for a long hug, “You had things to finish up! I wasn’t supposed to get you home for another week!”

“I’m sorry, love, but I lied. I always knew I could sneak away.”

“That’s kind of evil.” I laugh pulling away, but still holding onto him.

“Which is why I have these.” He hands my the flowers.

“Thank you.” I grin, he follows me into my kitchen and watches as I put them in water.

“So, how does it feel to be all finished?” I ask.

“Good, it was really rewarding, but really exhausting. I’ve just been waiting to come home to you to be perfectly honest.”

“Well, here I am.” I smile, I take a seat on his lap. It’s good to have him here.

Beachwood Cafe. The coffee here doesn’t taste as good when it’s not filled with our laughter and deep conversations. It seems bitter without the games.This was our spot in Los Angeles. Early in our relationship we had stumbled upon the place and it became ours. The baristas growing accustomed to our orders and our stardom.

“You’re absolutely mad if you think that’s a word.” Harry says, his voice getting louder and gaining the attention of people around us. As if we weren’t already doing that. The cafe is always busy, but today it seemed like there were lots of people here.

“Have you ever played Scrabble? Of course this is a word!” I argue. Part of why we like the cafe is the bookshelf filled with board games. Every time we come Harry and I pick a new one we’ve never played together before. Today we settled on Scrabble even though it led to us bickering.

“I don’t like playing with a cheater.” He can’t even get away with it without smiling, but we continue the teasing fight for the fun of it. Banter is always entertaining.

“A cheater?” My voice raising as well, “Look it up!”

We both breakout in laughter over how stupid it is to be arguing about.

Still blissfully aware in our honeymoon phase which lasted way longer than any other relationship either of us have been in. If only I had known then how much worse the arguing would get.

“Harry, what’s happened to you?” I ask, tears freely falling to the floor. The tears being caused more by anger than hurt at this point.

“What do you mean?” His words slurred.

“You’re drunk again, of course.” I roll my eyes, leaving him on the bathroom floor to deal with himself.

“You’ve made a fool of me Harry!” I shout, letting my temper get the best of me, “Do you know how embarrassing you were tonight? Tonight was a big deal for me, I’ve never been the lead actress. You now what this premiere meant to me.”

“Love, I-” Harry follows me out of the bathroom into our bedroom. My attitude and hurt seems to have sobered him up a bit, though he is still far from dry.

“You got hammered before the movie could even start!” I huff, “You were loud and obnoxiously shouting about nonsense! Not to mention the fact that you flirted with nearly every person at the bar.”

“Y/n, it’s fine we-”

“No, it’s far from fine. I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, since when have you felt most comfortable with a drink in your hand? Or a stranger on your arm? This isn’t new for you anymore, you’ve been acting like this for months.”

The silence coming from him proves I’m right.

“If it’s been months, why haven’t you said anything before now. We’ve been dating for nearly two years now, we live together. I would think you’re comfortable enough to tell me you think I’m a drunk.” Harry sasses back.

“I’ve tried! You just get rude or you don’t even remember it in the morning.” I push my hair back out of my face, “The only difference it, tonight was my breaking point.”

I walk to my closet and grab a bag and start shoving essentials in it.

“No, Y/n, wait.” Harry follows me, he takes the bag from my hand and starts pulling things back out.

“Harry stop!” My voice rising louder than it ever has in this house, “Enough. I’m done. We are finished.”

Harry suddenly drops the bag and stumbles back out of the closet. I manage to repack the bad come out to see Harry sitting on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at his shoes.

“I’ll send someone to get the rest of my stuff. You can buy out my half of the lease.”

After that night, I never looked back.

The song ends and I turn off my phone and set it down. I wipe away any remnants at eyes, the tears long dried. Before I can spend any more time thinking about him or the way things used to be, I get dressed for the day. Harry was right about one thing.

I’ll never need him again.

#harry styles imagine #harry styles x reader #angst #harry styles angst #Harry Styles

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doomonfilm · 4 years ago

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Thoughts : WandaVision [Disney+, Episodes 4-6] (2021)

After a heavily stylized trio of opening episodes, WandaVision has officially put the pedal to the metal with its next trio of episodes. The connections to the larger MCU have been firmly identified and established, which has generated a mountain of new questions, speculations and assumptions about where WandaVision, and in turn, the MCU as a whole are headed in the next few phases.

Editor’s note : This show is jumping in quality from episode to episode, and based on the response to the last blog entry on WandaVision, I am considering giving the final 3 episodes their own entries. If the likes on this blog entry surpass those of the previous WandaVision entry, I will do dedicated breakdowns of the final 3 episodes on the date that they are released.

THE STORY THUS FAR

Episode 04 : We Interrupt This Program In the wake of The Blip, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) is returned to the hospital where she once sat by the side of her mother’s side. Upon returning to reality, Monica learns that Maria Rambeau has passed away due to cancer while she was gone, which devastates her to no end. Monica returns to S.W.O.R.D. in hopes of finding peace, but she is immediately thrust into the mysteries surround the town of Westview, New Jersey. CIA Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) meets Monica outside of Westview, where he clues her in on his missing witness that was once in the town, as well as the anomaly of amnesia that has taken over those in the surrounding communities. Monica and Jimmy approach the city only to discover it is covered by a mysterious invisible barrier, and while inspecting the barrier, Monica is pulled in. S.H.I.E.L.D. calls in the Army, the FBI and a number of specialists in various fields, including astrophysicist Dr. Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), who stumbles upon a mysterious signal that allows those outside the barrier to view the events within in a sitcom format.

Episode 05 : On a Very Special Episode... Wanda and Vision are doing their best to adjust to raising Tommy (Baylen Bielitz) and Billy (Gavin Borders), but find themselves overwhelmed until an overly enthusiastic Agnes steps in to help. While Vision questions Wanda on the recent strangeness, Tommy (Jett Klyne) and Billy (Julian Hilliard) suddenly jump to the age of ten, further confounding Vision. Outside of The Hex (a nickname for the anomaly surrounding Westview coined by Darcy), S.H.I.E.L.D. continues to gather intel and ramp up efforts to collect information in the wake of Monica Rambeau’s return, but after an attempt to communicate to Wanda directly goes awry, Wanda presents herself directly to S.H.I.E.L.D. with a warning to stay away. Vision has an encounter with Norm (Asif Ali) that causes him to reach his breaking point, and while he is confronting Wanda later that night, a knock on the door reveals that Pietro (Evan Peters) has somehow returned... but something is different about him...

Episode 06 : All-New Halloween Spooktacular! It’s Halloween in Westview, and the Maximoff family is preparing for a night of fun and adventure. Tommy is excited for all of the candy he will be collecting, but Billy finds himself concerned with a number of issues, chiefly the surprise emergence of Pietro onto the scene and the troubled waters flowing between Wanda and Vision. Wanda attempts to gather the family for their night out, but Vision states that he has obligations with the Neighbor Watch, which disappoints Wanda. Pietro offers to step in, and his mischievous influence leads to Tommy and Billy’s discovery of their powers. Outside of The Hex, tensions are running deeper between Agent Rambeau and Agent Hayward, and as a result, Hayward expels Rambeau, Jimmy and Darcy from the camp. The trio manages to sneak back in, and while Rambeau and Jimmy head to meet a colleague of Rambeau’s who can assist them in entering The Hex, Darcy breaks into Hayward’s digital files, uncovering a goldmine of shadiness. Vision, using his Neighborhood Watch story as cover, attempts to investigate the outskirts of Westview, but after breaking through the outer wall of The Hex he finds himself being literally torn apart as he is pulled back in, all in front of the eyes of Hayward and his team. Billy picks up on what is happening, and in a fit of desperation, Wanda makes a move to save Vision that drastically alters the entire scenario surrounding The Hex.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Beyond The Trailer YouTube Channel

New Rockstars YouTube Channel

I was unfamiliar with Beyond The Trailer prior to Episode 03 of WandaVision, but the discovery of the channel has provided me with sharp insight, as well as a bit of humor, and Grace Randolph is the only creator to my knowledge that is providing live reactions on episode premier dates.. New Rockstars and Erik Voss continue to mostly knock their analysis of the show out the box. Oddly enough, however, I have found myself pulling back from the YouTube camps of speculation as the series progresses. This is not a shot at any of the YouTubers that are dedicating their time and attention to the show, but rather a testament to the skill with which WandaVision was crafted, and the compelling mystique it has generated on its own.

THOUGHTS ON THE SHOW In all honesty, I have no idea how this overarching story of Wanda, Vision, the town of Westview, Monica Rambeau and S.W.O.R.D. are going to resolve themselves, and I couldn’t love that fact any more than I already do. The amount of detail infused into this show is insane : the way that the aspect ratio continues to shift depending on the “reality” we are viewing is a stroke of simple genius, the use of CMBR waves creating a television signal is a very subtle subtextual reminder of what it was like to take in entertainment prior to the advent of streaming, and the amount of Easter Eggs being dropped would put the Easter Bunny to shame. Just when we think we’ve got things figured out enough to hazard a guess, we are thrown monumental curveballs, and the whole while characters like Darcy, Jimmy Woo and Pietro are asking the same questions we are as viewers.

Wanda Maximoff had been using a very restrained, comical version of her powers up until this group of episodes, but now that her Chaos Magic has revealed itself, many are speculating that she may actually be the antagonist of the series, rather than the protagonist. It is clear that Wanda is controlling the majority of the Westview anomaly with her powers, but certain occurrences such as the birth of Tommy and Billy, their sudden aging or the appearance of the X-Men Quicksilver denotes that someone else is pulling strings that impact Wanda’s reality as well. It is also crystal clear that her anger and emotions are being held at bay by the thinnest of barriers, and with each step closer to her losing control, the real world ramifications get murkier and more dangerous.

What on Earth is going on with Vision? We are given a brief glimpse of the actual “reality” behind Wanda’s created “reality”, and the most jaw-dropping revelation up to that time is the seemingly dead Vision interacting with Wanda in her created world. He is no longer in possession of the Mind Stone, and the infamous damage to his head (courtesy of Thanos) is still very much present. S.W.O.R.D. acting Director Tyler Hayward decided to reveal that S.W.O.R.D. was storing Vision’s corpse at the time that Wanda supposedly broke in and stole it, but even the validity of that is questionable considering how unlikeable Hayward chooses to be. I am also curious if the reason that everyone acts so cagey around Vision is because they see him as a corpse. Vision also seems to have holes in his overall awareness, including no knowledge of the Avengers, which makes you wonder who he truly is on top of what is going on with him.

Monica Rambeau seems to be holding back from exerting control over the situation at hand, especially in light of the fact that she’s the only person who has been on both sides of The Hex and has flatly declared that Wanda is the one in control. There is also an intentional glossing over of key things revolving around Monica that continue to stand out, chiefly among them being her lab readings that appear to have been whited out by a bright light, and the caginess exhibited whenever any references to Captain Marvel are made. She is also clearly a thorn in the side of S.W.O.R.D., and in spite of her connection to S.W.O.R.D. originator Maria Rambeau, it is clear that her presence is not welcome in the camp investigating The Hex.

Dr. Darcy Lewis and Jimmy Woo are quickly becoming not only the fan favorites of the show, but the pairing we never knew that we needed. Darcy’s massive intellect, wealth of knowledge and razor-sharp sarcastic wit pair brilliantly with Woo’s empathic, perceptive abilities and kind-hearted, wholesome nature. With the mystery falling squarely into their laps, they have become the perfect guides through the madness for curious viewers, as many of their questions and concerns mirror those of the audience.

Pietro Maximoff may be the most intriguing appearance of any character in the MCU due to the possible implications that lie with his emergence. Is he actually Quicksilver? The alarms sounded during his appearance, so did he bring himself into The Hex, or was he allowed in by someone? If he is not the Pietro that we are familiar with, and he is playing games in regards to whether or not he is the real deal, then why does Wanda briefly see him just as dead as she sees Vision? Many YouTubers are speculating that the progression of decades used by the sitcom format is intentionally mirroring the decade jumps in the latest series of X-Men films, which is possibly causing some sort of fold in space-time that is combining alternate realities... whatever the explanation is for the emergence of the Evan Peters version of Quicksilver, I’ve never seen anything like this in media, and am wholly invested in seeing where this stroke of genius leads us.

What exactly are Tyler Hayward‘s intentions with Vision, The Hex and Wanda? Why is he being so cagey with information and so ruthless with his control? What is his deal in regards to the clear-cut resentment he has for Monica Rambeau and her connections to those with powers, seemingly specifically Carol Danvers? Is he the true villainous antagonist, or is he just a pawn in a much bigger scheme?

THE QUESTIONS

- If Evan Peters is now Pietro Maximoff outside of the Fox X-Men franchise, is this the indicator that mutants now exist in the MCU? Or is this simply a meta-glitch to setup the rumors of similar occurrences that will happen in the upcoming Spider-man film?

- Why is Dottie still not on the board of identified individuals trapped in The Hex? Even Agnes is on the board, though she does not have a real-life identifier as of yet, which makes her mysterious as well.

- Who are the kids in the commercials, and what is their tie to the mysterious pair that appear in every commercial?

- Is all the talk of S.W.O.R.D.’s astronaut program and specialized aerospace engineers a way to set up the eventual introduction of Reed Richards (and eventually the Fantastic Four) into the MCU? Is this who Monica and Jimmy Woo are heading to meet in Episode 06?

- Is all of the hexagon imagery a way to establish a motif of evolving DNA? Does Vision mentioning the Charles Darwin book Descent of Man push this motif into the realms of mutation by way of genetic evolution?

- As Darcy mentions in Episode 06, Monica Rambeau’s two journeys through The Hex have fundamentally changed her down to the molecular level... are we seeing the emergence of Photon, and on a bigger scale, the mode in which Mutants will be created?

- Why is Marvel so good at cliffhanger endings? The last two episodes, in particular, have made waiting a week for the continuation of the story one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I’m hard-pressed to think of a show since The Sopranos that has kept me this anxious from week to week in anticipation of what will happen next.

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 4 years ago

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Once Bitten, Twice Stupid 192

192

Holding Keith’s hand in public felt nice. Walking from the hotel to the restaurant, Lance found himself watching families of all types as they walked. He couldn’t help it. A smile coming to his lips as he watched kids nag their parents, or listened to them as they played. His hand sitting on his stomach while his mind substituted the kids for their twins, and the parents as Keith. Keith would be such a good dad. He absolutely knew that for certain. He’d worried when Keith had spent most of the night sleepless, the walk seeming to invigorate him as it wore away Keith’s energy. Keith needed his coffee pronto, lest a server cop his boyfriend’s uncaffeinated anger loaf rage.

Leading Keith into the restaurant, it had a kind of rustic charm. Heavy oak logs made the walls, with all kinds of memorabilia stuck to the walls, including a giant stuffed fish with a plaque that red “Billy Bass”. It appealed to his tacky side in all the right ways. Sending Keith to find a seat, his boyfriend slouched off to throw himself into the only available booth. Lance giving a shake of his head affectionately. He really loved that cranky werewolf. Waddling over to the counter, he forced himself to remember to look and act like a girl. Keith didn’t know he was terrified of the same kind of comments made at the petting zoo being repeated. This trip had to go as well and as smoothly as it could. Picking up the menu, he knew instantly he wanted more than pancakes. Everything smelt vaguely appealing, and Keith would eat like there was no tomorrow.

“What can I do you for, darling?”

Jumping at being unexpectedly talked to, the woman behind the counter cackled at him

“Sorry, love! I didn’t think you’d be lost in thought over a menu”

Lance flashed a smile, careful of his teeth. He kind of wished he’d worn a set of glasses. The more he stood in the restaurant, the more he heard and the bigger the world suddenly seemed to be

“Sorry, everything sounds so good I’m not sure where to begin”

The woman chuckled

“I remember those feelings. How many you got in there?”

“Two. I guess I do look pretty big”

“And carrying low, you’ll be in labour no time, love. Now. What do think?”

No. Nope. No labour for him. Not unless he was comfortably set up at VOLTRON... he’d hold his legs together for as long as possible if their twins dared to think of coming this soon

“I think I’m famished. Can I please order two sets of pancakes and two sets of the bacon breakfasts? Ooooh, and I’ll grab a fruit salad, two of the largest coffees you have, aaaand... I think I’ll have a green tea latte... and a fruit salad. Yeah, that’s all, thank you... oh! Do you guys have soy milk? I don’t want to gas my boyfriend”

The woman behind the counter ogled him fo a moment, shaking her head and laughing again

“I don’t know where you’re going to fit all that... We have soy, almond, and regular. None of that skin stuff”

Lance blushed. He couldn’t help that he didn’t exactly know what he felt like, but food seemed like an amazing idea

“It’s for me and my partner. Soy will be fine, thanks”

The woman slapped his arm gently with the back of her hand

“I know that, love. Just an old woman teasing”

“You don’t look that old”

She looked about the age he should look... her name tag reading “Dae”, the white tag almost lost in the red of her bright red shirt

“That’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. Now, darling, cash or card?”

“Card please”

The woman rang up there largish breakfast bill. Lance paying as he was trapped into small talk

“So, love. Are you here for our Easter markets? Or you one of those passing through?”

“Oh, my boyfriend and I are spending a few days here. We’re meeting up with some friends”

The woman printed him a receipt without him asking

“I’m sure you’ll find this quite boring compared with the cities around here, but we have own charm. Now, can I get a name for this order?”

He’d been prepared for that. He’d made kind of a mental story for himself. He and his photographer boyfriend were driving up, stopping in small towns as Keith built up a portfolio in the hopes of turning to selling prints online

“Lancella... my, uh, parents were hoping for a boy”

“I’m sure they love you at any rate. We can’t help our names. You go take a load off and I’ll bring your coffee over. Take my advice, love, take a look at the markets while you’re here. They really are something else”

“Awesome. We might just take your advice. Thank you”

Siding, barely, into the booth opposite Keith, Keith was glaring at the menu in his hands. Tugging it free, his boyfriend huffed as Lance set the menu back into its holder

“Your coffee’s coming”

“Good”

Keith should have perked up at the thought of coffee. The scent was strong enough that Lance’s stomach was threatening to turn traitor right there at the booth

“Babe?”

“It’s nothing. You looked like you were having a good conversation, Lancella”

Lance rolled his eyes at the name

“I’m a simple man. The best lies have a kernel of truth in them”

“It pisses me off that you have to lie. You’re you. If people don’t like that, they can go play in traffic”

There was his grumpy little anger loaf. He’d also realised something that was likely to make Keith grumpier

“You can’t just put them in traffic. You know, we’re going to be in trouble”

Keith sighed deeply

“What for now?”

“I’m starving... and all that food has to come back up. Plus, apparently I’m going to pop soon”

Scowling at him, Keith sat back and crossed his arms. His voice firm and joke free

“There’s no way you’re allowed to even think about giving birth in this crappy town. Don’t even think about going into labour”

Sometimes it was scary how in tune they were. He didn’t want to give birth here, yet he couldn’t hate this town

“I don’t know. This town isn’t that crappy. This is the town you were born in and you’re not crappy. Maybe crabby... but not crappy”

“You’re fucking hilarious”

Lance shot his boyfriend double finger guns

“I try. But seriously, I’m starving...”

He’d also forgotten to do his shots before leaving the hotel room. Keith coming out with the bath mat around his waist had driven away the thought. His boyfriend hadn’t questioned why he’d packed heavier than usual. There was a whole suitcase of towels and bedding, waiting to be unpacked. His new plan was that after breakfast they’d unpack a little more, and he’d look up the directions to the cemetery where Keith’s dad was buried. The vampire knew his own pain from having now lost both his parents, yet that was nothing compared to Keith losing his dad at such a young age. Making the comparison seemed really shitty and like it lorded the fact Lance had had his parents for so long, that’s why he’d never say it out loud.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the coffee and the latte. Keith sliding both mugs towards him as Lance thanked “Dae”. Wrapping his hands around his cold drink, there was kind of a happy peacefulness as Keith took his first sip of coffee. This was nice. Them having no real schedule. Not rushing around. Kind of on a date, but not at the same time...

“Stop staring”

Chuckling, Lance moved his hand up to take the straw between his fingers, stirring his latte as continued to stare

“What are you going to do if I don’t?”

Kicking him under the table, that was Keith’s great comeback

“Really, babe?”

“Fuck you. Fight me”

It’d be soon long since he’d heard that one. The second they found out he was carrying, he had to behave himself and training went out the window

“I could beat you, but we both know you’d liked it”

Delivering the words slowly and purposely, Lance succeeded in making Keith choke on his coffee. Placing the mug down, his boyfriend coughed into his hand

“Fuuuuck...”

“Still want to fight me?”

“Keep this up and I’ll beat your arse so hard you won’t be able to walk for a month”

“Do you promise?”

On the back of choking on his coffee, Keith choked on air. His hand fanning his face as he shook his head

“You deserve to be punched in the dick for that”

“Nah. You love me too much for that”

“God. I fucked that one up”

Lance knew Keith was teasing, yet he felt himself automatically tear up. Apparently he could dish it, but his ego was too much of a diva to take it. Dropping his gaze to his drink, he felt awful for how he’d reacted

“Babe?”

“It’s nothing”

“You know I love you, don’t you?”

“Yeah. Sorry. I guess my hormones are being silly. It’s ridiculous”

Keith wisely decided not to agree with him, changing the topic

“What did you order?”

Raising his head again, Lance shot him that fake smile that hadn’t come out in so long that he wasn’t sure he was doing it right

“Pancakes. Eggs, tomatoes, bacon, sausages, and fried onion. Coffee for you. Tea for me, and fruit salad”

“You think that’s enough?”

Now he was feeling self conscious over how much he wanted to scarf down his food

“I figured you’d eat what I didn’t...”

Keith playfully kicked him under the table again

“Great. Now I’m the garbage disposal unit”

Shit. Why had his mood plummeted so much? Now it had, his ego was getting riled up. He was starting to feel vulnerable over being pregnant and into a strange place, where people he didn’t know could easily target him, or Keith. He couldn’t scent anyone like them in the place, yet he’d been so care free when they’d come in, he hadn’t thought to. The sudden shift to extreme vulnerability by his ego threw him off. They were a goddamn vampire. Had he been so inclined, he could easily take every single human on in the restaurant... Why was he suddenly so spineless? And why was his ego not propping his mood up with its usual douche attitude.

“Babe, you’ve gone pale. And you’re shaking. What’s wrong?”

He was shaking? He hadn’t noticed...

“Sorry. My ego... just went funny...”

Keith stared at him in confusion

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know...”

He didn’t know. Was it not sure keith could protect them? No. Keith could and would go beyond them. Then why did it want him to run? All he wanted was a nice breakfast with Keith, so Keith wouldn’t be so stressed about what was to come...

Leaning across the table, Keith’s confusion grew. Cocking his head, he drew back slowly

“You feel like... you’re pushing everything away. If there’s something wrong...”

“I don’t know what’s wrong. I’m sorry”

Trying to let his ego flare a little, the instinct to run grew with it. Lance quick to force it back down. Maybe he’d been too focused on being home of late? No one had made any kind of threat towards him

“If you’re not feeling well, we can go back to the room”

“That’s not it. All of a sudden I got a spike of fear and I’m not sure why”

Keith pursed his lips, shook his head, then suddenly decided to move to sit next to Lance, a little too fast for Lance’s liking. Taking his hand in his, his boyfriend squeezed softly

“You don’t need to be scared”

Having Keith close should have calmed him, yet the spike of fear had spiked his anxiety over not knowing why he was kind of internally freaking out

“I know. All I wanted was a nice breakfast”

“We can still have a nice breakfast...”

“I’m so sorry. I know you’re stressing badly. This has to be so much all at once”

The restaurant was loud, despite it being breakfast time. Too many people seemed way too awake

“The glasses help. Do you want them?”

Yes. And ear plugs. Someone dropped something in the kitchen, Lance flinching at the sound as he shook his head

“No. No... it’s okay. I’ve been doing this longer than you have”

“Are you sure?”

“Babe, I’ll be okay. It’s just weird... I don’t smell anything... bad. Maybe I’ve spent too much time hermitting”

“Or maybe people just suck?”

“Careful, babe. Your grump’s showing”

Keith huffed with a pout

“I’m not being grumpy”

“Fine, your lack of people love is showing. I hope breakfast doesn’t take too long”

“You need to eat more. You’re all skin and bones”

Lance’s ego chose to take the wrong way. He ate. Keith knew he ate. He couldn’t bring Keith’s mood down any further

“I’m going to. Your babies are demanding it”

Bring their hands to Lance’s stomach, Keith rested them there

“Already causing so much trouble. You two better give your dad a break”

“That’d be nice. I think the first thing they’re getting when they’re old enough is a trampoline”

“Why do I feel like you’re the one who’s going to be spending more time on it than them?”

“Because it’s nice to lay out under the stars?”

They hadn’t done that in so long... Maybe they’d get a chance while they were here?

“I wonder what sex would be like?”

And there Keith went stating the real reason he supported getting their kids a trampoline

“I’m not conceiving any future siblings on a trampoline”

Keith bumped his shoulder lightly

“There goes that idea...”

“I’m going to put you in a time out if you don’t get your mind out of the gutter”

“But without the gutter, my mind would be homeless”

Without missing a beat, the werewolf had him groaning

“Who taught you that one? They need to be shot”

Keith grinned, Lance kind of envious that no matter how upset Keith was internally, he was keeping his ego well under control. He should be proud. No. He was proud. He just wished his would perk back up

“Pretty sure I learned that from you”

Great. He couldn’t exactly shoot himself... though he’d definitely shot himself in the foot in the metaphoric sense

“You don’t want to listen to me. I’m going crazy in my old age”

“You’re not even that old”

“Older than you”

Keith put on that bad southern drawl that never failed to work on him

“And twice as pretty. A pretty little thing like you should be careful. A big bad wolf might just gobble you up”

“Nah, my boyfriend takes care of all the scary things out there”

“I could take him. They don’t call me the Mullet for nothin’”

Oh lord. That was terrible. That was terrible and Keith knew it was terrible

“Is it because you’re kinda fishy? A bit limp all dead eyed?”

“Why, miss. I’ve been told I’ve got the perdiest eyes around”

Lance let out a long groan of defeat. He didn’t feel safe, and as much as he didn’t want to feel amused, Keith’s stupidity was kind of turning his frown upside down

“Alright. No more. I get it”

“Do you feel any better?”

No...

“Yeah. I’m still staving, though”

“It won’t be too much longer... hopefully”

Keith kept a careful eye on Lance once their breakfast finally arrived. Lance noticing, and responding by eating despite the lack of interest in the pancakes he’d wanted. It was hard to pretend to be happy. Everything felt too much for him, and having it all feel too much for Lance threw him.

Holding it together, the walk back to the hotel was brisk. Lance tried to shake him off to go to the bathroom alone, but Keith wasn’t having it. As Lance “threw” himself down to vomit, he slipped behind him, tugging off the annoying wig so he could rest his chin on Lance’s shoulder. His boyfriend was shaking, his skin felt a little colder than its above barely warm natural state. Having played breakfast over in his mind, he still didn’t know why Lance had spooked, or why his ego had drawn in. The only thing he could think of was that that woman’s words brought up Lance’s fear of giving birth soon. No one had said anything to his precious mate. No one had barely looked their way. No. Everyone else was too busy fucking chewing like a herd of cows. The noise infuriating now he’d noticed.

Staying with Lance until his stomach settled, his boyfriend wobbled on his feet as he stood. Keith had spent the time giving Lance belly rubs and trying smother him in his scent to calm him down. His own ego was rattled by their mates strange actions, making it almost mad at a situation where no one was to blame. Rinsing his mouth out, Lance stared at him in the mirror. He looked exhausted

“I’m sorry”

No. Lance had nothing to be sorry for

“Babe. Hey, it happens”

“I’m supposed to be the one in control here... and I freaked out for no real reason”

“It’s okay”

Lance didn’t know he was semi echoing Keith’s earlier movement as he kicked the basin cabinet lightly

“No. No it’s not. You’re stressed. You’re in a new environment. You’re being forced to go out with me when I look like this. And I couldn’t even keep my shit together long enough to enjoy being out to breakfast with you. It’s fucking pathetic. I should be past all this shit”

“You’re overthinking things again”

Sighing deeply, Lance went to grab his toothbrush out the toilet bag, only to knock the contents out. Sensing the impending tears, he turned his boyfriend towards him, gathering him against him

“Babe. Hey. It’s okay. I’m not mad and you haven’t done anything wrong”

Lance shook his head again

“I’m sorry... God. I feel so fucking incompetent”

Lance wasn’t incompetent. Keith ego saddened to hear their mate talk about himself like that. He wanted to make Lance smile again

“You’re not. Didn’t Dae say something about a fair?”

Again, Lance shook his head

“Sorry... I think I want to lay down for a bit... and I really need to pee. Can... can you get the blankets out the suitcase? They’re in the black one”

“And you’ll be okay?”

“I’m going to pee, then I’ll be out”

Kissing Lance’s hair, Keith found himself more anxious over Lance than the thought of seeing his father’s grave. Maybe Lance was more tired from the day before than he was letting on

“Alright. I’ll be waiting”

When Lance came shuffling out the bathroom, he made straight for Keith. Keith having covered the top of the hotel bed with their three blankets, the bottom one acting as the sheet between them and the crappy bedding below. Lifting the corner back, his boyfriend climbed in beside him. Shoes and all. Lance had to be dead tired to not fight him over his shoes, which had kind of become part of Keith’s daily job. Laying himself against him, Lance rested his head on Keith’s chest, arm snaking around him. Somehow the feeling that came to mind was akin to missing that bottom step and terror flooring you for a moment as your stomach dropped. When Lance started crying, Keith could only let him cry it out. He’d gotten used to Lance having more emotions than he thought possible for a vampire. Lance’s motto seemed to be “sometimes you just need to cry it out”. Still. It sucked. They were so far from their friends. So far from home... and the hard bit was yet to come.

Falling asleep Keith, Lance carefully pried himself off his boyfriend. He felt safer for being in the hotel room, and disoriented from how hard he’d seemed to nap. Creeping to the bathroom, then back into their room, Lance mentally sighed to himself over his emotions. He was being so dumb. Keith needed him... None of this... he couldn’t break down now. Taking his phone off the bedside table, the vampire crept back into the bathroom. He’d already talked to Keith, explaining that he didn’t get what was going on at all... Yet he wasn’t sure that Keith believed him. His people hating boyfriend had offered to take him to the markets on for Easter. That wasn’t Keith’s thing. That was Keith grasping at straws and trying to find a way to make him happy again.

The call took a long time to answer, Krolia’s voice happy as Lance wondered if he was annoying her

“Hey, Lance! How are you?! Did you and Keith arrive safely, I swear that boy never thinks to let me know he’s okay”

They’d sent a message to group chat, and that was about it. With some small unpacking, they’d both been too tired for phone calls and any form of in-depth conversation

“Sorry, Krolia. Yeah, we got here okay. If this is a bad time, I can call back”

“No. Not at all. Is everything okay? I mean, I’m thrilled you called, but I’m confused as to why”

That stung a little. He hadn’t spoken to Krolia all that much since Keith turned...

“I won’t keep you long. I have a question, and I think you’re about the only one who understands what it’s like to be pregnant”

He would have turned straight to Mami if she’d been alive. He felt like he really needed that maternal support right now. Hearing her voice would have driven home she was safe and she would have teased him for being hopeless

“Shoot away! Are my two grandbabies giving you grief already? I can have a stern talking to them, if they are”

He wanted to reach through the phone and hug Krolia. Keith was absolutely amazing with him, yet he couldn’t fall pregnant. A small snort escaped without him meaning for it to

“They’re fine. Using my bladder as a trampoline and wriggling around in there. I... uh... I was wondering if when you were pregnant with Keith, if you ever felt... scared for no reason”

There was a pause. Lance grateful Krolia was taking the time to think about it

“Sometimes, yes. Especially in the line of work I do... Did something happen?”

So Krolia has only experienced fear when thinking of vampires and werewolves...

“We we’re having breakfast and all of a sudden I got scared. There was nothing there to be scared of. No one else who wasn’t human... but... I feel like I was too care free lately. I didn’t guard my scent. I didn’t think about what would happen had someone caught it. I didn’t think about bringing Keith here and what if there was someone like us here... I didn’t think about it... and I feel... like me not thinking about it is the same as me thinking Keith... is... something less than he was”

Starting to cry, he felt really very stupid for his tears. He treasured Keith. But he’d been running around trailing his scent after him without a thought of the impact. All he’d wanted was to get things done and settle his ego

“Lance, you love that idiot son of mine. I’m sure at the first hint of danger you would have reacted. Is Keith there with you?”

“He’s asleep... I’m sorry for calling... I would have turned to Mami, but...”

“No. No. I’m glad you called. I want to be there for the both of you. Yes, I was scared. But nothing like Keith’s father. The slightest thing and he wanted to rush me off to the emergency department. You’re under a lot of stress. Have you been...?”

Lance shook his head, then remember Krolia couldn’t see him shaking his head

“Not yet. I freaked out and Keith had to take care of me...”

“You’re nearing the end of the pregnancy. Fears happen. I know that all too well. Especially how the insomnia can play on your mind. You’ve both been through so much, and I heard from Curtis that you were looking forward to some alone time with Keith. My opinion is that you let Keith take care of you. He’s strong”

“He’s not that strong when it comes to his dad”

“No, but keeping it in will only make him worry more. He loves you. If anything were to happen to you... well, I feel sorry for whoever crosses you. I believe both of you would sense actual danger”

“How am I supposed to know the difference?!”

“You’ll know. Take these feeling of fear and ignore them. Push them aside. They’re useless. Focus on you and my grand babies. You should be safe there. Coran didn’t mention anything about anyone living there that you should be wary about”

Lance sniffled. Krolia hadn’t given him much of anything useful and it sucked... but she tried in her own way

“Thanks, Krolia. I’m going to go back to Keith now”

“No worries. Let me know how everything goes. You can call me. Anything you two need...”

“Yeah. I will. I... thanks for talking to me...”

“Anytime. I’m your mother too. You can come to me”

Coming out the bathroom, Keith was awake, meaning he’d heard some, if not all, Lance’s side of the phone call. Stopping a few steps into the room, he expected Keith to be angry at him for admitting he hadn’t thought of his precious boyfriend’s safety. He hadn’t thought of anything much when it came to the more important things he should have been almost paranoid about

“Babe... come here”

Holding his arm out, Lance caved instantly as he moved to climb into bed with Keith, his emotions getting the better of him as he started crying again. Krolia wasn’t Mami. She didn’t give advice like Mami did. The vampire craving that maternal touch, that Krolia had only taken the point off of

“That’s it. I’m here... I’m here, let it all out”

“I’m sorry”

Keith gentle ran his fingers through Lance’s hair, hushing him softly

“Shhhh... I’ve got you. I’m okay and you’re okay. It’s okay”

“I miss Mami”

“I know you do, babe. I know. Let it out... let it all out”

He was such a selfish boyfriend, yet Keith loved him anyway. He didn’t deserve the love he felt from Keith, but he did notice that together like this, the fear had mostly gone away. There really was no substitute for cuddles with Keith.

#once bitten twice stupid #oncebittentwicestupid #ashratherose #klance #mpreg #pregnant lance #werewolf keith #vampire lance #two halves of the same idiot

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incompletionism · 3 years ago

Text

Hands On with... The Outbound Ghost

“Back after so many years?” booms a mysterious voice as we’re transported to an otherworldly realm, filled with glowing orbs that speed towards the titular spook of The Outbound Ghost, “I wonder how you’ve changed.”. Whoever they are, they could just as easily be talking about the Paper Mario series that inspired the game.

Originally an RPG spinoff of the core Mario games, the Paper Mario games soon became a strong series in their own right, characterised by witty dialogue and 2D sprites in a papery 3D world. As the series went on, the games began to move away from their stat-based RPG roots and closer and closer to puzzle/action/exploration hybrids.

This, plus the introduction of new and often intrusive gimmicks in each subsequent entry from Super Paper Mario’s flip mechanic on-wards, alienated a lot of the series’ original fans.

Fans of the first two (Paper Mario on the N64 and The Thousand Year Door on the Gamecube), have since taken matters in their own hands, most notably 2020’s Bug Fables, but with The Outbound Ghost’s Kickstarter coming to an end tomorrow, I thought it was time I took at this promising successor to TTYD’s throne.

The demo (Currently available on Steam!) begins with a car careening down a quiet country road at night. Suddenly, the screen cuts to black and we hear the shriek of tires before a ghost steps out of the flaming wreck.

A cute, blue-glowing 2D sprite that wouldn’t look out of place in a Paper Mario Ghost Mansion, the nameless ghost wears a simple, often neutral, expression and a little tuft of hair. This baby-faced apparition reminds me of Casper the Friendly Ghost just a tad, and the thick white borders around this and every other character sprite calls to mind the borders of stickers, which fits the paper theme well.

Although the first impression of it is consumed by fire, I have to say now that the world in this game is gorgeous. Each individual blade of grass wafts in the breeze and makes the world feel like our own, rather than a series of dioramas. Whether that’s going to be a bridge too far for fans of Paper Mario’s handcrafted world, I’m not sure, but it certainly means this would not run on the N64, and I have to confess that my laptop struggled at times, which makes me question how well it’ll run on the Switch.

That’s a shame, as The Outbound Ghost’s controls feel like they’re better suited for a console than a PC. Even though it uses the classic WASD/arrow keys and you have some kind of crystal that allows you to dash with the space bar, one glaring example of this was when equipping a shovel. Each of the four slots were at 45-degree angles, which was not the most intuitive thing to navigate with four directions, but would be a breeze with an analogue stick.

Also easier with more than four directions to move in are what I call the “faint and have an out-of-(non)body experience in a weird purple dimension where orbs and a mysterious voice just won’t leave you alone” sections. Two of these appear in the demo, and both of them award you with a Brave or Timid soul (represented by a yellow or blue puddle in your inventory) based on how many orbs you let hit you. This feels rather counterintuitive considering the bullet hell sections, which involve dodging projectiles heading your way as usual.

Fans of Danganronpa and Undertale will recognise the bullet hell mechanics well - you control an icon representing you (a mini silhouette of our spirit here) and do your best to dodge a series of obstacles coming your way. These take the place of turn-based combat in The Outbound Ghost and come between dialogue options that slowly fill the meter at the top of the screen.

The only example of this in the demo is a scene involving helping an Outbound resident through the stages of grief over her death. On each turn, you have the choice of three verbs along the lines of Insult, Console, and Explain to best respond to their current stage.

Common sense usually serves you well here - don’t insult an angry person to reason with them, for example - but the choices being coloured Red, Purple and Green does muddy the waters a little. None of the dialogue exchanged in this segment is actually seen, which does detach you from the impact of your choice, even if there’s only one right answer to progress.

I’ve been keeping things light on plot so far, but I’ll divulge a bit now. After you leave the aforementioned car wreck and head into the town of Outbound, you encounter the local (deceased) teen detective, Michael McFly, who suspects you of murdering the entire town some time ago.

You play as the accused ghost, who conveniently has forgotten everything about themself except their name, which is where you come in. As far as immersion goes, a lot of RPGs go the “amnesiac protagonist that you can name” route, but most offer a canon default name (think Chrono in Chrono Trigger) or easter eggs for certain names, neither of which I could find here. However, the ghost is referred to exclusively with they/them pronouns, so absolutely anyone can put themselves in the spectre’s proverbial shoes.

Outside of regular world traversal and picking up everything not nailed down, there are a couple of other mechanics revealed in the demo that I haven’t mentioned yet.

A couple of times, you’re faced with a locked door or gate and have to collect enough lockpicks to complete a slide puzzle, which involves getting cylinders of metal out of the way of a key so you can push it to the lock. Later puzzles involved tilting a 3D box (officially dubbed the girabox) to fit a square peg into its respective hole, so I imagine the full game will push puzzles even further.

Beyond that, star-shaped pads appear on the ground towards the end of the demo, allowing you to traverse the way back to the town with a spot of platforming. A Cards section can be found on the game’s menu, which will be part of the Spades n Souls minigame in the full game.

Over the course of 30 minutes, the demo introduced me to the majority of characters and possibly locations, but I have the feeling that a lot of the game will be spent fleshing out each of their backstories.

Utterly charming and a sight to behold, The Outbound Ghost is certain to make waves next year, but I do wonder which platform it’ll be at home on. Initially aiming for the Switch and PC, the lower technical capacity of the former and the unsuited control scheme of the latter do suggest that its stretch goals of PS and XBox will be the superior versions. But then, it is being ported to phones too, so hopefully I’ll be proven wrong when it releases.

The Kickstarter has a hair under a day of funding left to go, so jump in now if you want to support the project. Do you think this game will be the answer to the question “Where’s my Paper Mario?” or will the lack of traditional RPG elements alienate fans of the series?

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