#nikolas lush

[faepunkprince]

Grumpy

[togetherhearted]

Could you do Nikola, Thomas Edison (if you write about him) and Buddha with “I NEED CUDDLES” fluff prompt?

Ohoh~ I do write for everyone![As long as I have some informations about]

Hope it is fine!

MILESTONE SPECIAL:

I NEED CUDDLES

With a whine and pretty puppy eyes you had repeatedly patted the empty space next to you.Your bed was warm but lacked something;your boyfriend. -I need cuddles!!-You announced as your eyes met the bright ones of your boyfriend Nikola. -Can you stop working and come to bed already?- Nikola turned his head to you;Then his body and chair followed -Alright then. Can't exactly deny if you keep looking at me with those eyes- He got up -Science can wait for a night.

Edison, a brilliant inventor and secret cuddle lover;he hid his guilty pleasure to his fellow scientists.He showed his warmed side only to you. He wasn't like this at first, too busy with discovering;You gave him a taste and now he was addicted. He wasn't built like a fighter, still he had the strenght to lift you, princess style, direction your bedroom. -I need cuddles!- Edison shouted with a smug smile. You huffed and your eyes rolled at his enthusiasm. Your arms secured around his neck.

After a chill day Buddha was walking in his bedroom;steps lazy and quiet -I need cuddles- He joked, imitating you during your neediest moments. Your eyes left the book you were engrossed currently.You looked at him -Ah-ah very funny- Buddha crawled on the bed;setting himself pretty much on top of you -I need cuddles- He insisted with a smile;Your book now off your hands and threw on the floor -Pay attention to me- Your hands played with his long, lush hair -You are insufferable- -I'm just actin like you. You need thing- A smile crept on your face as Buddha cuddled with you.

[kendsleyauthor]

Any character for 3 👀💕

DEITY OF IDIOTS

Godlike Universe (Cameron, Brielle)

~1000 words

G/t dialogue prompt list

Thank you for the prompt!! 💕

Cameron finds himself in a sizeshifting predicament and fails ever perception check thrown his way 🥰

@marydublinauthor 🌸

“Cameron! Cam!”

Brielle’s voice sounded strange. Distant. He might have sank back into sleep if not for a small, incessant tap on his face. Sighing, he lifted a hand to brush it away and was met with something soft that squirmed between his fingers and his cheek. The thing hurriedly evaded his touch and left him in peace.

“Cam, stop it!” Brielle snapped, sounding further away.

Drawing a deep breath, he opened his eyes. The lush forest canopy hung overhead, allowing glimpses of clear blue sky. As his groggy mind gained traction, he realized that something was… off. He pushed himself to sit up and squinted around.

A flash of movement disappeared behind a tree, but he was briefly too distracted to pursue it. The trees seemed much smaller than they should have been. If he stood, he might be able to reach up and touch the higher branches. That certainly was not the case before.

“Bri?” he called, remembering they’d been together.

“I’m here!” Her voice was still odd—so that part wasn’t a dream.

Shifting to hands and knees, he followed the sound of her voice, so low to the ground. He flinched as her face—remarkably tiny—peered out from behind the tree where he had caught movement. She beheld him with round eyes, cheeks absent of color. She stepped slowly into full view, as though it took her a great deal of effort.

He regarded her for two stunned seconds of silence before he blurted, “How did you get so small?”

Her expression twisted incredulously, and before she could sputter out an answer, instinct slammed into Cameron like a rush of wildfire. She looked so vulnerable from where he knelt. He reached for her, intending to bring her off the ground and closer to him. Safer.

Once again, he experienced the little squirming sensation against his fingers as he closed his hand around her and brought her closer to eye level. Except this time, her shriek was wordless, and she wouldn’t stop moving.

“Hold still,” he grunted, cupping his other hand around her to prevent a fall.

“Put me down!” She shoved at his free hand and attempted to kick, but her legs were tangled in her skirt. 

“Calm down,” he said in a voice that wasn’t remotely calm. “It’s just me”

“I know that, but you have no clue what you’re doing! Let go!”

No chance of that. He compromised by relinquishing his grip enough to make her drop into the pit of his cupped palms. She caught her breath and glared at him, her face now fully flushed pink. He couldn’t help but marvel at her—the girl he had known most of his life, small enough to fit in his hands.

“How did this happen?” he whispered.

“Nothing happened to me! You’re the size of a deity!”

“Oh.” He took another cursory glance at his surroundings. That made far more sense, though only marginally. Distracted by the shiver of her body against his palms, he cocked his head. “You never look this frightened with Nikolas,” he pointed out.

To his surprise, she laughed through the tremor of her voice. “Look at you—always accusing Nikolas of being impetuous with his grabbing, and somehow you’re even worse.”

It was his turn for his face to flush. Although he wanted to argue, he bit his tongue, knowing he might frighten her further. He suddenly felt silly. He was supposed to be the collected one. The logical one. In his defense, his head was still cloudy from whatever slumber that Brielle had pulled him out of. 

As steadily as he could manage, he began to lower his hands to let her back down onto the forest floor.

“Wait!” Her voice made him freeze. “Stop. I prefer not to shout myself hoarse talking to you from the ground. If you promise to be careful, I’ll stay here. And gods, Cameron, hold your hands still—you’re shaking worse than I am.”

Tentative, he lifted her back to a comfortable height. She sat back and fixed her skirt, folding her arms loosely over her bent knees. Considering how her gaze drilled him up and down, he didn’t feel quite so bad about staring at her.

“What happened?” he asked, frowning to remember. “The last thing… I ate that plum-thing, right? Or was that a dream?”

“You ate it, alright. No more than a second after you swallowed it, you collapsed. A sort of shimmering light covered your body—as though it came from inside of you. The next thing I knew, you started growing. You were dead to the world for about five minutes.”

The memory began to lose its haziness. They had been foraging the fruit-bearing trees when they found a sapling that bore a single plum. Although it had appeared outwardly ordinary, something had drawn Cameron to it. He supposed he understood why now—enchanted food had a way of enticing unwitting mortal mouths.

He huffed. “Can nothing be normal in this forest?” He gave her a pained look of horror. “Am I a deity now?”

“The deity of idiots, maybe,” she said helpfully.

He rolled his eyes, chuckling despite himself. “Obviously you’re not afraid of me anymore. Hooray.”

Brielle’s cheeky grin faltered a bit, and she stared even harder at him, almost breathless. He glanced away self-consciously, wondering how Nikolas managed to hold any semblance of confidence when there was so much of him to gawk at.

“Did I grow an extra eye, too?” Cameron asked. 

“No.” She smiled sweetly and dropped a hand beside her to pat his palm. “I’m just noticing that your eyelashes are even more darling at this size.”

Another laugh coursed through him—and he swore he could feel how much further his voice carried. His heart gave a nervous stammer at the thought that this could be permanent. 

“I suppose we should find Nikolas,” Brielle said, clearly of the same mind. “Stand up—carefully.”

[thestorieswesay]

For the ask game!

4 with and I was catching my breath (and I was catching my death), 6 with never found the answer (but we knew one thing), 8, 23, 26, 41

4. What detail in and I was catching my breath (and I was catching my death) are you really proud of?

Throughout the fic, when the ghost-possessing-Helen's-body is touching Nikola, there's the repetition of the phrase 'Helen's hands' - "You don't know anything!" She cries again, raking Helen's sharp nails down his sides, making him gasp... And so forth. It only starts being referred to in this detached, clinical manner once he realizes Helen is being possessed. And it continues throughout the entire fic until she leaves her.

6. What’s one fact about the universe of never found the answer (but we knew one thing) that you didn’t get a chance to mention in the fic itself?

I just really want to share this small, behind-the-scenes tidbit - I was visiting my best friend's house (the one who introduced me to Sanctuary) and I had this really, super-vivid dream about Jonathon Young baking bread. He was in an undershirt and trousers, flour on his arms and clothes and face and hair. I could see the beautiful dancer's muscles of his graceful arms flexing and kneading the dough. I have no idea what spawned it or why it was so AMAZINGLY BLAZED ACROSS MY SUBCONCIOUS MIND, but there it was. I knew I had to write it down, to channel it somehow, and, voila!, the intro scene to that fic was born!

8. What song would make a great fic (to either write or read)?

I have a whole Spotify playlist that consists of 47 songs that I have either used in fics or plan to use in fics about Nikola Tesla. The top songs I have not used yet but want to (for Teslen fics) are Nobody Else Will Be There by The National, Enough To Go By by Vienna Teng, La Belle Fleur Sauvage by Lord Huron, and If We Were Vampires by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit!

23. What’s a trope, AU, or concept you’ve never written, but would like to?

I have so many plans to do so many different kinds of fics in this fandom, from the Slavery AU to the Apathy Wasting Disease and the Blood Cure to the dark!James fics that only two other people seem to like. But honestly, I have never written a couple getting married, not ever in my whole life, but I think I would like to write that for Teslen. (I really want that Figure Skating AU that was floated yesterday but I know nothing about skating other than it's tricky and looks incredibly sexy).

26. Would you rather write a fic that had no dialogue or one that was only dialogue?

This is a difficult one for me because I've written one (1) fic that was pretty much 100% dialogue (Completely Pointless, Stargate Universe) and it was really hard to do. I love writing dialogue because I feel like that's my number one strength in writing, making phrases that sound like something the character would say, in the actor's voice. I think it would be much, much more difficult for me to write a fic with NO dialogue at all, so I think I will take the former, lol.

41. Link a fic that made you think, “Wow, I want to write like that.”

Nine Times Nikola Tesla Kneels by @chartreuseian blew me away. It was so sexy, so intimate, and so graceful. Effortless, flowing dialogue and gorgeous, lush prose. It was hot, it was tender, it was romantic, it was dangerous, it was... delicious in every way. It could not have been more sensual if it had actually contained explicit sex. It didn't need to be explicit to be the sexiest fic I've ever read. The radical notion of non-sexual, graphic passion. My god.

[europeas20]

Exploring Varna: Your Ultimate Holiday Destination

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Black Sea, Varna stands as a beacon of cultural richness and natural beauty, beckoning travelers from around the globe. With its sun-kissed beaches, historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and delectable cuisine, Varna offers a quintessential holiday experience like no other.#VarnaVacay #ExploreVarna #BeachLifeVarna #SunnySeasideVarna #VibrantVarna #CultureAndCalm #VarnaAdventures #SeaAndSunshine #DiscoverVarna #BulgariaGetaway Varna boasts some of the most captivating beaches in Europe, each offering its own unique charm. From the lively atmosphere of Golden Sands Beach to the serene shores of Albena Beach, there's a stretch of sand to suit every taste. Dive into the crystalline waters for a refreshing swim, bask in the warm sun, or indulge in thrilling water sports adventures like jet skiing and parasailing.

History buffs will find themselves enraptured by Varna's wealth of historical sites. Explore the remnants of ancient civilizations at the Archaeological Museum, home to the world-famous Gold of Varna, one of the oldest gold treasures ever discovered. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian influences converge, and marvel at architectural marvels like the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Roman Thermae.

No holiday in Varna is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Feast on fresh seafood delicacies at seaside taverns, where grilled fish and succulent shellfish take center stage. Sample traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa (cheese-filled pastry) and shopska salad, bursting with vibrant flavors. Wash it all down with a glass of rakia, the beloved Bulgarian brandy, for a true taste of the region.

As the sun sets, Varna transforms into a playground for night owls seeking entertainment and excitement. Dive into the pulsating rhythm of the city's nightlife scene, where beach clubs, bars, and discotheques come alive with music and merriment. Dance the night away to the beats of international DJs, sip cocktails beneath the stars, or unwind with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated promenade.

Venture beyond the city limits to discover Varna's breathtaking natural wonders. Embark on a scenic drive along the Black Sea coast to Cape Kaliakra, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the azure waters below. Explore the lush greenery of the Golden Sands Nature Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, or hike to the summit of Mount St. Nikola for panoramic views of the coastline.

When planning your holiday in Varna, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather. Be sure to pack sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city and its surrounding attractions. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all. In conclusion, Varna offers a captivating blend of sun, sea, culture, and adventure, making it the perfect holiday destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable escape.

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, delving into history, or dancing the night away, Varna promises a truly memorable experience that will leave you longing to return time and time again.

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[rassilonwatchathon]

It's the 9 year anniversary of The Watch-A-Thon of Rassilon, so this month we're sharing our older episodes!

FOURTH DOCTOR SEASON EIGHTEEN (September 17th, 2019-March 29th, 2020) Episode 110- The Leisure Hive (Oops! All Age Berries) Episode 111- Meglos (Lush. Aggressive. Vegetation.) Episode 112- Full Circle (This All Sciences Correctly) w/ Adam Clegg Episode 113- State of Decay (Say Yes to the Sacrificial Dress) w/ @radiantbaby Episode 114- Warriors’ Gate (The Backblast Backlash Bounces Back) w/ @mgoldentumbls & R. Alan Siler Episode 115- The Keeper of Traken (All Hail the Mouse) w/ @benpaddon Episode 116- Logopolis (The Master of Dad Jokes) w/ Ashley Raburn & @gonzarro Fourth Doctor Special- The Definite Article (This Was Really Hard) w/ @truestoriesaboutme PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 1- Spyfall: Part One (Let Me Vore That For You) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 2- Spyfall: Part Two (Vore Daddy's Got Mommy Issues) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 3- Orphan 55 (Turns Out It's Man!) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 4- Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror (A Good Title) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 5- Fugitive of the Judoon (A Delightful Curveball) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 6- Praxeus (Fear and Wonder) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 7- Can You Hear Me? (Digital Humor) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 8- The Haunting of Villa Diodati (A Season of Surprises) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 9- Ascension of the Cybermen (Brendan Who?) Fifth Anniversary Special- Spyfall: Part One (Let Me Vore That For You) PATREON EXCLUSIVE New Who Review Episode 10- The Timeless Children (Why, Though?) K9 and Company- A Girl’s Best Friend (I'm Gonna Have That Boy!) PATREON EXCLUSIVE Bonus Episode 5- The Therovian Quest (Horton F-cked A Who)

[expectantdaddies]

In the frigid realm of the Iron Tundra, where the biting winds howl and the frozen landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, Tsar Nikola reigns with an iron fist. The harsh conditions have forged his people into a resilient, unyielding force, much like their ruler. Life in the Iron Tundra is a constant battle against the elements, and scarcity is a way of life.

Yet even among this unforgiving backdrop, Tsar Nikola chooses to live a spartan existence. He believes that his subjects should not bear the burden of hardship alone, and that their ruler must lead by example. His austere lifestyle serves as a beacon of strength and resilience for his people, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, they can endure.

When it comes to matters of the heart, Tsar Nikola is equally uncompromising. He had set strict criteria for his potential matchmakers: the ideal candidate must be worthy of ruling by his side, adaptable to the rigors of tundra life, and capable of bringing fresh perspectives to his icy kingdom.

However, finding a suitable match proves to be a challenge. The Iron Tundra's remote location and unforgiving climate make it an unappealing prospect for most eligible royal bachelors. Most of the men who were willing to marry the Tsar were either desperate social climbers or hard, stern military veterans like the Tsar.

To Tsar Nikola's surprise, one name rose above the rest: Prince Emile of Hesperia. Hailing from a wealthy sun-kissed land far to the south known for its rich literature and indulgent lifestyle, Emile seems an unlikely choice. As the second son of Hesperia's ruler, he is better known for his intellectual pursuits rather than his martial prowess. Rumors abound that the prince had penned numerous works under various pseudonyms, establishing himself as a prolific author and poet.

Yet despite their contrasting backgrounds, Tsar Nikola found himself drawn to Prince Emile. During their personal meetings, the Hesperian prince's charm and wit shone through, captivating the stern tsar. In a bold move, Nikola chose Emile as his consort, much to the surprise of both their courts.

The royal wedding is a grand affair, celebrated twice - once in the Ice Palace of the Iron Tundra, and again in the lush gardens of Hesperia's capital. As the newlyweds settle into their new life together, Prince Emile throws himself into learning the languages and customs of his adopted homeland. He pours over ancient tomes and manuscripts, determined to translate the works of Hesperian authors for the benefit of Nikola's subjects. He also hosts various artists, writers, and intellectuals to visit the Iron Tundra's court and be inspired to create by the harsh landscape and hardy people of the land.

However, it is in the privacy of their chambers where Tsar Nikola discovers another side to his new husband. Prince Emile, it seems, is a skilled lover, wooing the tsar with soulful poems and sensual melodies played on the Hesperian guitar. He proves that the stereotype of the passionate Hesperian lover is not mere legend, leaving Nikola breathless with desire.

As the years pass, Tsar Nikola's belly swells with child after child, a testament to Emile's virility and the strength of their union. Court observers note that the once-stern ruler seems happier, a soft smile playing on his lips as he cradles his growing family. At his side, his consort is constantly either writing something, or whispering something into the Tsar's ear that makes him think... or even laugh.

If you like my work, Buy Me a Coffee.

Tsar Nikola, pregnant royal.

If you like my work, Buy Me a Coffee.

[denimbex1986]

'GamesRadar+ Verdict Taut and sprawling, riveting and haunting: firing on all cylinders, Nolan tackles world-changing history with fearsome force and focus.

Not for the first time, David Bowie knew the score. Back in The Prestige, his Nikola Tesla warned Robert Angier about the high cost of his revolutionary fixations. Elsewhere in Christopher Nolan’s filmography, the Joker saw that Batman’s eccentric approach to reducing crime rates might change things – ‘forever’.

Obsession, escalation, consequence… For his 12th feature, Nolan invests his long-standing fascinations with immense real-world weight in the service of a rare thing, a copper-bottomed auteur film from a director still able to greenlight such projects on a vast scale. Part first-person psychological drama, part historical enquiry, part courtroom drama, Oppenheimer is a colossal achievement: an old-school epic executed with blockbuster verve, sparking with ideas-rich, dialogue-driven substance.

We first see J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) in the rain, gaunt and haunted. Swiftly, periods of his life criss-cross like ripple effects. Between his student years and the '50s hearings where he is accused of Communist sympathies, his unorthodox ambition to bring peace to wartime with the bomb changes the world (forever).

Reauthoring biopic conventions, Nolan’s interest in splintered psyches holds firm. Ambitious and ambiguous, a never-better Murphy plays Oppenheimer as magnetically complex, humanised beneath his iconic hat. Yet this is no one-man show. Robert Downey Jr. is brashly brilliant as Oppie’s opponent Lewis Strauss (chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission), Matt Damon subtle as Manhattan Project director Leslie Groves. Emily Blunt imbues Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty with contained force, while Florence Pugh brings bite to psychiatrist Jean Tatlock, his sometime lover.

Nolan’s flair for integrating story, style, and subtext ensures the bulging cast and multi-stranded plot never break the film’s back. Eliding eras, he favours experiential immersion over a docu-style chronological approach. DoP Hoyte van Hoytema’s uses of colour and glistening black-and-white elegantly juggle viewpoints, with dazzling visuals evoking Oppenheimer’s quantum-fired mindset. Cut tight, the narrative merges grim inevitability with tension, retrospection with ticking-clock intensity. Ludwig Göransson’s lush, ominous score binds the extremes immaculately.

With espionage subtexts and gallows humour also interwoven, the film’s cumulative power is matched by the potency of Nolan’s questioning. Possibly the most viscerally intense experience you’ll have in a cinema this year, the Trinity test in particular arrives fraught with uncertainty. Might the test inadvertently spark the world’s end? Well, it didn’t - yet. Even as Oppenheimer grips in the moment, Nolan ensures the aftershocks of its story reverberate down the years, speaking loudly to today.

Oppenheimer is in UK and US cinemas from July 21.'

[tinknevertalks]

I really need to update here when I post chapters.

I've updated Of Sequins and Scalpels (twice) since my last fic post, so have two chapters.

Chapter 33: When Kate has to do some work as Helen's PA person.

Chapter 34: Saturday night, and Nikola realises how deep things could go.

Ok, so these have been up for a while, but I just wanted a record of them here too. I hope you all enjoy. :)

[eliasbouchardslut]

Elias works at lush and when he comes over to me to try to put the new moisturizer on my hand I present him with my pussy instead and tell him to get to work

[faepunkprince]

Don't talk to him or his pricey shampoo ever again

[dirigibird]

Please. Please draw the lonely ship man. Please. I refuse to believe he is gone. He is here in hearts. Pretty please?

OH WHAT A MOOD. i miss that dumbass bastard already. 

ive got a few comics from…back in season 3, i think? that i never got around to lining? but meanwhile have this

hes alone on his boat and having a great time. probably looking forward to brunch and yeeting some poor sailor into the lonely

[mascwhump]

mallory for the ask game thing plz

Yay I was hoping someone would ask

1. Favorite thing about them

Fuck, I don’t know. Probably how much he cares about Sasha. He also donates a shit ton of money to charity

2. Least favorite thing about them

*gestures wildly at everything*

3. Favorite line

I’m not digging for it but probably when he just assumed that Charlie was into dudes and was basically like “so do u like boys? 🥺”

4. BrOTP

Him and Nikolas lol. I feel like they get up to some dumb shit even though Nikolas hardly speaks

5. OTP

Guess.

6. nOTP

This is a hard one. I honestly don’t have an answer.

7. Random headcanon

Is it really a headcanon if he’s mine? Anyway, the whole Lush thing. I just love the idea of him strolling into a Lush and losing his shit over new bath bombs

8. Unpopular opinion

Again, he’s mine, so idk what’s an unpopular opinion. Maybe the fact that he’s so fucking attractive

9. Song I associate with them

10. Favorite picture of them

Well I already posted a ton of my favorite face claim pics of him so here’s this fucking gif again

[ot5ismyhome]

5. Crackle with Electricity

To read from beginning click here.

*****

Steve drove the car into the underground parking lot of Oheka castle. A chauffeur collected their car and the concierge greeted them. They called for the bellboy to bring their belongings but Steve waved him off saying they weren’t carrying anything. The concierge led them into the elevator. They were led to the front desk where Steve was met by a woman who resembled his now temporary assistant.

She was none other than L. T. Koenig, the eldest of the Koenig siblings. She had been Steve’s friend for a long time. When she had heard about Steve requiring an assistant, she had recommended her brother who wanted to expand his horizon. He took leave of his hotel duties to work in The Rogers Innovative temporarily. She greeted them both warmly and called the concierge to escort them to their suite.

Wanda was mesmerized by the grandeur interior designs. She loved the intricate artworks and the elegant art pieces. The stair railing was bronze; shining under the yellow glow of the chandelier. Wanda’s hand glided over the smooth metal as they ascended to the top floor. The corridors were also flushed by the same yellow lighting. The concierge opened the door to their room. To say the rooms were lovely would be an understatement. The antique designed white furniture matched well with the beige and gold wallpaper. The sitting area had a small dining table for two and a pair of sofa sets in the centre. A single plush chair overlooking the window was stationed. The wooden floor was pristine, clean and shining. The room had a pleasant aroma filling it.

Wanda crossed the sitting area to open the door to one of the bed rooms. A single king-size cot adorned the far corner near the windows. Another sofa was placed in one corner of the room, while the other was occupied by a table and a couple of chairs. Newspapers and the latest edition of various magazines littered the table. Wanda excitedly opened the other room to check it out. It was equally and beautifully matching the previous one. Wanda walked inside to open the bathroom door and stood there mesmerized. A single elegant bathtub made of culture marble, supported by the cast iron, stood in the far end. The outside was carved with small details of flowers. An ornate glass adorned the adjacent wall, above the sink. Three rods painted golden rose form the tub and supported an overhead shower. There were small yellow lights on every wall. Wanda looked up and she gasped in delight. Why the fuck is there a chandelier in bathroom she thought to herself.

Wanda returned to the sitting area to see Steve waiting for her. He saw the delight in her eyes and smiled to himself.

“So, what’s the plan for today?”

“We will be trying out personally tailored clothes in about thirty minutes” he said.

Wanda rolled her eyes, “You gotta be kidding.”

“I am not. We are going out tonight and there is a dress code.”

“Okay,” Wanda dragged.

Before she could ask Steve raised his hand silencing her. “No more questions. It’s a surprise.”

…..

“Steve, the place you told? Is two hundred years back?” Wanda asked, checking out her reflection in the mirror. “Oh wait! Are we going back to your time?”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

After getting dressed up, Steve and Wanda made their way to the Pearsall park. The lush green grass and the neatly trimmed bushes were nothing but a dark outline visible in the dim lights of the park. The gushing of water in the fountain accompanied by the chirping of crickets filled the background. The duo made their way around the park making small talks. He had yet to reveal the surprise to her. He wanted to see the happiness light up her features when she sees it. He was afraid she would find from the late 18th century clothing but Wanda was more interested in making fun of Steve’s age.

They arrived at a small unmarked door at the far corner of the park. When Steve looked around, scanning the surrounding, Wanda realised they were the only one there. The following actions piqued her interest further. Steve knocked twice promptly on the door and waited for a reply. The speakeasy grate was opened to reveal a pair of eyes.

“Password” the voice said.

“Electricity” Steve replied.

The speakeasy grate was closed and the door opened quickly letting them in. The warm inside air was a nice change to the cold winds outside. The man escorted them to the inner room. Wanda couldn’t believe what she saw with her own eyes. The room was strange and weirdly beautiful. It looked like a science fair. A science fair out of the 1940s. Everyone was dressed in clothes belonging to that period. The crackling sound of electricity was heard from time to time in the background. Wanda realised that she was standing in the middle of a science speakeasy.

“Now I get why we are dressed like this” she smiled looking at Steve who returned the smile.

“Let’s check out the inventions,” he said, pulling her to the nearest table.

All the employees were dressed as Nikola exhibiting various inventions of the great scientist. In one corner an ungodly machine was stationed. It was staged to look like it was spewing out clones of the scientist. Near it a death ray was killing off the Tesla clones as they came out. The duo was lost in this new world, as they went from stall to stall looking at the various creations. They crossed the foyer to the dining room. The man led them to a table of two. They were provided with a menu containing equally intriguing dishes. The conversation flowed easily through the dinner. Before they knew it, it was time for dessert and they were on their way back to the hotel.

As soon as they got to their room, Wanda crashed. When she woke up, it was well past noon. This has been the first time she had slept peacefully. She sleepily made her way out of her room to see Steve drinking blood from a packet.

Wanda looked at him with curiosity, “Steve, I have never seen you drink blood. And sometimes you eat human food? How does it work?”

“Well it’s like we need blood for survival and healing. We can’t go for a long period without consuming it. We need it as much as humans need food and water. We sort of eat human food to blend in. But mostly to feel the connection with our past. It helps us keep grounded. It reminds that we were once human.”

“Ohh…” she said. “I was just curious,” she added after an awkward pause.

Steve smiled as he got up to dispose of the plastic packets. “Anything else you got in your mind, kid?”

“Yeah,” Wanda dragged the word. “I have never seen you drinking from a person. I mean-”

Steve chuckled, “I just didn’t want to freak you out. But we do have volunteers now and then.”

“Oh, good vampires” Wanda laughed. “So, what’s for today old man? Which time period are we going?”

Steve was bit taken aback by the nickname but didn’t show it in his face.

“Just get ready. You will love it.”

*****

Chapter 6

[bbrandy2002]

The Night Before Christmas

⛄12 Days of Ficmas: Day 9🎍

Song: Run, Run, Rudolph

Pairing: Liam x Riley with Nikolas

A/N: Just to clarify for those who are not familiar, Nikolas is Liam and Riley's 5 year old son, whom, Drake refers to as the "Little Shit", because the child is, to put it mildly, a little shit.

A/N/N: My laptop freaking crashed the last third of this and I had to finish it by phone...thus, it gets very rushed at the end and was nothing like I had planned.

Masterlist

Summary: Nikolas wreaks havoc on the Christmas gathering in Lythikos, but, an unexpected event may lead to a Christmas miracle.

Writers & Readers : @hopefulmoonobject  @allaboutchoices  @zaffrenotes  @cordonianredruby   @burnsoslow   @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore  @msjr0119   @texaskitten30  @janezillow   @the-soot-sprite   @mskaneko   @blackcatkita  @darley1101  @thecordoniandiaries   @speedyoperarascalparty  @ao719  @cocomaxley  @annekebbphotography  @brightpinkpeppercorn  @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria   @theroyalweisme  @alj4890  @cordoniansgonewild  @god-save-the-keen  @debramcg1106  @emichelle  @innerpostmentality  @dangerouseggseagleartisan @desiree-0816

Perma tags: @emceesynonymroll​ @romanticatheart-posts @burnsoslow @dcbbw @ao719 @eileendannie @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @jessiembruno @hopefulmoonobject @texaskitten30 @drakesensworld @janezillow @merridithsmiscellany-blog @mskaneko

Thank you for allowing me to participate and for organizing this event @leelee10898​

-----------

Lavish displays of holiday cheer adorned the Great Room of the Lythikos keep, while the sweet sound of blood hymns were being sung by a local children's choir. A hint of fresh cinnamon and cedar clung to the air and the festive nog, symbolic of the wintery duchy, was plentiful.

Liam was in a particularly cheerful mood this evening, as he glanced near the old stone hearth, where his newly pregnant wife was engaged in gleeful conversation with their closest friends. She was glowing radiantly and the way her eyes flitted when she laughed, it filled his heart. She was the sexiest woman in the room and he'd be damned to hear otherwise. If he could, Liam would stand there all night admiring his wife-the queen of his heart- sipping hot cocoa in between her belting out verses of, Your Skull Is A Wine Cup Ripe For the Taking, with Olivia.

If only...

Liam's attention was diverted to his little love, Nikolas, serving time in the chair beside him, after removing all the forks from Bertrand's prized cutlery display and replacing them with Savannah's tampons and a half eaten Twinkie. The curses and bellows that blared through the phone as the Duke of Ramsford demanded, recompense for this travesty, was unsettling. Liam dutifully arranged for a replacement of the lost cutlery and offered his sincerest of apologies.

That was only yesterday.

His thoughts meandered to the snow ball fight earlier this afternoon, in which Nik defiantly pissed his name in the snow in front of dozens of Lythikosian citizens and camera wielding press. Before Riley could get to him, Nikolas scooped up the fluffy billows, of now yellow flakes, molded them into a ball, and shot an unsuspecting Adelaide in the face. Much to Riley's relief, the lush, Duchess of Krona, mistakenly assumed Maxwell did it as a gesture to get a peak at her 'tinsel'. In return, the younger Beaumont was also served a big helping of Adalaide's own special snow.

Nikolas received a slight scolding before proceeding to remove the charcoal eyes and carrot from Hana's snowman and used them to give it a dick, put Morgana's dog shit in Penelope's ice skates and told Godfrey his face looks like a shriveled up weiner.

It was all becoming too much.

Liam's face dropped as he peaked down at his young prince, who meant more to him than all the opulence and splendor in the world, only to be met by a pouty face staring back at him.

He pondered whether the future King of Cordonia, may one day end up the spare, not out of Nik's desire, but, out of necessity. If Liam could have one wish this Christmas, aside from the health and wellbeing of his little growing family, it would be that he could be the father Nikolas needed. His once cheerful mood took a somber turn as he contemplated whether his drastic attempt to be everything Constantine was not, may have been too drastic. Had he been so laid back, that he lost the respect of his son?

"What do you say to your enemy shaaakkkiiiinnggg...Your Skull Is A Wine Cup Ripe For the Taking", Olivia's soprano voice raised an octave higher, to carry out the last notes of the song. A round of thunderous applause followed for she and the Queen. After taking their bows, Olivia called across the room for Liam, beckoning the King to the chair by the fireplace, where a story book and a Santa hat rested on the seat of the red, velvety chair.

Liam nodded and held up his finger to let Olivia know he needed a moment. He crouched down at eye level with his son, who was still maintaining his disappointed look from his lifelong time out. "Nikolas", his voice soft and endearing, "would you like to help me read Twas the Night Before Christmas?".

"No", he replied petulantly, turning his face away.

Liam let out a heavy sigh as he rose back to his feet and placed a gentle kiss on the top of his sons head. He hated to see Nik so miserable while everyone else enjoyed the holiday gathering, yet, he knew if Nikolas was enjoying himself, everyone else would most likely be miserable.

As Liam rounded the talon tree, stepping up to the large chair, where friends and locals gathered around to hear him read, the little wheels in Nik's head began churning out his plan.

Liam cleared his throat as he opened the first pages of the book; Riley propped herself on the arm rest next to him, one arm drapped around his back. He smiled warmly at her before turning the crisp pages to begin.

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the....snow?", he trailed, confused at the new wording, he glanced over to Olivia for clarification.

"What? The old story was too weak. I had a local author write a more Lythikosian friendly version", she stated matter-of-factly, "now if you would, please continue".

Liam perched his lips as he silently read the next few verses to himself. God help me. He took a deep breath, shook his head and with great hestitation, started over, "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the snow", he paused briefly, "Santa's... fats ass laid dead in the cold".

Riley looked to Olivia who was smiling fondly from ear to ear, her eyes closed, reveling in the moment, seemingly lost in the words. A drunken Drake's short outburst of laughter was the only sound heard in the room. "Heh-heh, Santa's fat ass", he snickered to himself, "he's all dead and shit".

Liam glanced over to Bastien, whom was already pulling out his cell phone to do damage control with the press. He rubbed his forehead, feeling a slight headache beginning to form as Olivia motioned for him to proceed with the reading. He reached for the side table, grabbing a glass of water to moisten his dry lips and in hopes of prolonging the inevitable. Drake's murmurs could still be heard from the back corner of the room, "Sanny Clause got his ass smoked!".

Riley gently rubbed Liam's back, leaning in, "It's Lythikos, my King, these children are accustomed to gory tales...you can do this".

Her reassuring words, gave him the courage he needed to read on about Santa's brutal death and annhilation to the small children seated on the floor before him and nearly the entire Cordonian court. Liam lifted her delicate hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss, then shifted taller in his seat.

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the snow, Santa's fat ass laid dead in the cold. Daggers were swung into his body with flair, in hopes that his reindeer would run away scared. Run, Run, Rudolph, we're coming for you, we'll hit you in the head and grind you into stew.....Olivia, I can't read this!", Liam spat, closing the book in frustration before tossing it to the floor.

Before Olivia could acknowledge his refusal- loud, explosive pops went off in succession, startling all the guest. Glass shattered and screams broke out as chaos ensued; the noise continued and smoke trails began ruminating throughout the entire room. Guest fell to the floor, shielding their heads and trying to find anything they could to take cover and provide them with some protection. Liam grabbed Riley and pulled her to the ground, hovering over her with his body, fearing someone was shooting at them. Bastien drew his weapon, running swiftly to the King and Queens side, his eyes dancing intently around the room to find where the danger was coming from. He honed in on the origins of the smoke trail and cautiously eased towards it, his eyes narrowing in on the young prince covering his ears with an impish grin.

Bastien lowered his weapon, knowing exactly who was responsible; not even surprised Nikolas was the culprit of all the mayhem. Sitting on the floor next to the child, a glass candy dish filled with firecrackers and a fizzled out candle . The head guard hovered over him as the last of the small explosives died down, two little beady eyes shot up to meet his disappointed ones.

"Prince Nikolas", Bastien remarked gruffly as he lifted the young man to his feet by the back of his shirt collar.

Liam still had Riley's head nestled in his arms, when he caught a glimpse of Bastien and Nikolas approaching him from the corner of his eyes. His breath hitched in relief as the sheer terror of the moment dissolved and he could see that his only child was safe. He jumped up and bolted to meet them, lifting Nikolas into his arms, snuggling him in a tight embrace. "Oh, my boy...you're okay". Riley was quick to join them, pulling her son to her, after fearing the worst possible tragedy had taken him from her.

Bastien hated to break the reunion taking place before him, however, it was imperitive to assure the King, there were no serious threats to the Crown, nor, the people. He cleared his throat, pulling them away from their thoughts,"Your Majesties".

Liam and Riley listened to Bastien thoughtfully as he detailed to them what he discovered and how the small explosives had been perpetrated by child in their arms.

"Beat.his.ass, Liam", Drake scowled as he stumbled out from behind the curtains.

Nikolas cackled in response.

Riley lowered Nikolas to the wooden floor, however, before she could berate him, it was like a bomb going off, Liam had had enough. He was through with the pranks, the complete disregard for other people's feelings and safety, for ruining what had been traditionally, a fun Christmas gathering with their friends, and Nikolas' lack of respect for him as a father.

Liam gripped one of his son's shoulders, his voice raised, "You think this is funny? I've never been more disappointed in you than I am right now. You could have been hurt, you could have hurt someone else...".

Nikolas continued to laugh and mock his father.

"Nikolas! You will clean this mess up, apologize to Olivia and her guest, and you will not get the new playstation your mother and I purchased for you."

Nik's face crinkled in anger as he shrugged away from Liam, "I don't have to listen you, I don't care what you say, and I hate you forever!". He stomped out of the room and ran up the grand staircase in a flurry.

The room went completely silent, no one moved, all eyes focused in on Liam and Riley, both with dejected faces, both feigning decorum.

Riley moved forward to go after him. Liam tugged her back, and through barely a cracked whisper, "My love, let me speak to him". She nodded and he kissed her temple before making his way to the stairs.

Liam turned the knob that led to Nik's guest room and peaked inside. His son was hunched down on the bed, his irate face covered by two small hands, mumbling inaudible words through his anger. He stepped inside, closed the door, and made his way to the edge of Nik's bed, slumping down beside him. A flood of emotions overcame him as he thought about the hurtful words his son yelled at him, how he was missing another Christmas without his beloved mother, how he felt like a failure as a father. Unable to hold it together, nor, stifle the tears any longer, he began to sob.

Nik's ears perked up at the sound of his father's whimpering. Even at five years old, he knew it was his words and behavior that caused great pain to his daddy; a vast amount of guilt hit him like a ton of bricks. He sat up slowly, a veil of compassion washing over him as he placed a tiny hand on his fathers cheek and wiped a stream of tears away. "I'm so sorry, daddy", he wailed and fell into Liam's forgiving arms.

"Shh, I know... it's okay".

"I didn't mean it, daddy, I promise".

Father and son comforted one another in a way only the two of them could. As the tears dried, Liam shared stories of several of Leo's Christmas antics as a child, considering Nikolas admired his uncle's hijinx so much. They laughed and talked for nearly an hour, time seemingly passing without a thought.

They made their way back downstairs to rejoin the festivities, climbing over Drake who passed out on the bottom step, cradling his Johnny Walker in one arm and a turkey leg in the other.

Nikolas ran to his aunt Olivia and began his apologies and offers to help staff clean up.

Riley sauntered over to her husband, wrapping her arms around his waist, with an impressed look.

"Is everything okay now?", she asked, delighted by the wide grin on his face.

Liam watched his son as he helped Olivia's servants, Ingrid and Gustav, pick up empty plates and liquor bottles from the tables. His son was gleeful, happy and he knew that Nik loved him so much. His eyes roamed to his beautiful wife and thoughts of the family she had given him. "Everything is perfect, my love, Merry Christmas".

CHRISTMAS MORNING

Drake struggles to open his heavy eye lids and there is an intense throbbing ache behind them. The bottle he held as he slept on the bottom step had now rolled several feet away and the turkey leg was no where to be found. He squints tightly, wincing at the flashing lights that surround him. Just as his blurred vision becomes clearer, he is startled to find, Olivia, Liam, Riley, and Maxwell staring at him with big, glossy eyes. Each one of them wearing wide grins, except Maxwell, who was chowing down on a turkey leg.

"What's...what's going on with you guys?", he managed to utter with a dry tongue and chapped lips.

Olivia cackled, "Walker, it appears your sugarplums are showing".

Riley broke out into a fit of laughter, "Yeah Drake, is that a candy cane or are you just happy to see us?".

"What the fuck are you talking about?".

As much as Liam tried not to make the situation worse, he couldn't help himself, "You really should put away those chestnuts Drake, before you roast them on an open fire".

"That's a good one Liam", Maxwell laughed, "how about this one... Drake your pants are gone and we can see dick".

"Dammit, Maxwell!", Olivia scolded, "I had a good one about the North Pole".

Drake hands shot to his groin to cover his indecency as he bolted clumsily to his feet, still feeling the effects of the previous evening.

"Uncle Drake?", Nikolas asked groggily from the top of the stairs as he looked below, unsure of what was happening.

"Little Shit did this, didn't you...where's my pants Nikolas?"

"I swear Uncle Drake, I didn't!", Nik replied defensively and with sincerity, he really had nothing to do with this. His eyes shot to his father, almost pleading for him to believe his innocence.

Liam winked at his son before putting his forefinger over his shushed lips.

[harrymayakovskyblogs]

You are my only Star in the Sky / Ste moja jediná Hviezda na Oblohe A Short Poem written by myself, Created in Slovakia, Winter 2019

You are the final frontier for a really romantic Rosenkavalier,

At night I am Dostoevsky's The Possessed, like a dolphin diver,

Lying restlessly in bed I reach out for the stars, desperately for your hand,

I pray to the almighty for my dreams to come true, but no matter what I do,

They sadly will never come true, like Yuri Gagarin reaching for the moon,

Only to come back tragically, crashing back to Earth, crushed by her gravity,

I wish to be like him, making  mission impossible reality, like my dreams,  

I burn, burn, baby I burn, for you, through your inhospitable atmosphere,

Is this the fate of all true heroes? To face the final frontier and return to,

You who I love, mother earth, in a flaming scrap of metal, dying horribly,

Inside a tin can, but yes I’m the man, for you only, together we

Are love is hate because are lives and backgrounds are so juxtaposed, 

The laws of magnetism naturally attract us, as the earth attracts the moon,

But alas I am repelled, far away to Europe, for you reject my infinite love,

Like Gagarin, I fear nothing, for you’re my only star, making everything worth it,

You know I struggle hard for your love, I play the fool, for your entertainment,

Although I know that are love isn’t mutual, I’m no fool, well I was until I met you,

Then I became more than just a fool, a wise fool full of emotions and aspirations,

The truth, is while you were working hard in MacyD’s, flipping burgers, burning Hearts, there is only empty space...

A dark void beating within your sexy body, which makes me so hungry, like 

Nikola Tesla lighting the Chicago World’s Fair, you enlighten my life, giving me 

Purpose, making me feel like being the Tisar of the Austro-Hungarian Empire,

Your long, lush, luxurious black hair gives you the appearance of Mila Jovovich,

My favorite actress, although you are much prettier, I love you more everyday,

The more I think of you, the more I am wrapped around your Tesla Coil, or your

Curse, yes I am cursed by a girl who claims to be a witch, your spells are real,

Man cannot escape them, even while in Slovakia, so far away, I felt your magic,

I couldn’t finish writing my Geography homework, the last line cursed me, oh my 

Poor hands, trembled with fear at your dark magic, 'Si Prekliaty’, said my friends,

Knowing I was cursed, I wasn’t surprised, however the extent of your powers 

Amazed and Horrified me, to the grave, I am yours and yours alone, my only

Destiny, ours entwined, around your fingers, Tesla Coils collide in mutual hate,

Mutual lovers, morning each other, missing one another, separated by the stars,

Born to different worlds, cultures, and people, alas my race is your race, yet I am

Alien, something new, a hybrid Terminator, ‘I’ll be back, my lover’, said I forever,

Foolishly, my heart beats towards yours, hot chocolate I would buy every time,

No regrets, that’s the Gatsby philosophy, you make me happy, by being happy,

To infinity and beyond! No? I explore further, nonetheless, like a Cosmonaut,

Deep into emptiness, but I go around your orbit too, peeping at your Dark side,

Like Michael Collins, I observe the secrets of our Solar System, trying harder...

Becoming  He-Man, Master of the Universe, so that I can match yours and bend,

Time backwards, as was the dream of James Gatz, so that I can love you again,

I promise that, Tomorrow I’ll cycle to class faster, Stretch out my arm further,

Grasping for your green light, emanating from every inch of your being, my star,  

Which everyday eludes me, you make my mind cry ceaselessly, for without your 

Love, I’m a circuit incomplete, feeding my energy into nothing, your heart is my 

Generator, Yes I might be a Terminator, but I believe in something, I see it in you,

Love, my CPU tells me its illogical, that I should agree with you, however your 

Motherboard tells my sensory scanners, which feed back via my RAM, my star

Symbol, that you are worth the Struggle; Intellectually, Emotionally & Physically,

Give me an answer, so my circuit can be complete, or a sign in the sky,

So that when I’m in bed, falling asleep, I can gaze at the stars & see you again...

Terra, why are you so terrible to me, your lover and admirer; is my soul forever taken, forever lost, stretching for the dark void of your empty heart?

By your admirer, and wanna be lover, yours always; Harry Mayakovsky.