#otp: it's always been riley

[elysianholly]

Why Spuffy

Decided to put this here so I can find it more easily. Originally answered on r/Fanfic: What is your OTP?

Why? There are a lot of assumptions made about Spike/Spuffy fans. Like, we're just whores for good cheekbones. We're blinded by Spike's abs. We're all just abuse victims waiting to fall in love with the wrong person. And honestly, after 2+ decades of this nonsense, it'd be nice to just say: "read this then get back to me."

So. What is your OTP?

Buffy/Spike from BtVS. They've owned my heart for more than 20 years and show no signs of slowing down.

At first, it was the enemies-to-lovers thing. I've always been a sucker for that. Especially for a villain who turns to mush for a hero in the falling process. That is still true, but my love for them has become more nuanced the older I've gotten. I just turned 39; I fell in love with Spuffy when I was 17. What I love most about them today is that their history as enemies means they know each other better than anyone, have seen each other's faults, have done the worst things they could do to each other, and have a very honest, non-rosy view of their relationship. Spike is also the only man in Buffy's life (on the show; I'm not counting comics) who owns the hurt he's caused without making it her fault or imposing his view of things and convincing her he's right. He shows her that loving her doesn't always mean sacrifice or suffering, the way it was with Angel or Riley, but that she can make someone want to be better. And he also knows her well enough to know she will assume the responsibility of the soul he sought for himself (the most effective and tortuous sentence for the demon who hurt her), so he first tries to hide it from her, then encourages her when she starts dating Robin Wood that she owes him nothing, that she doesn't need to consider his feelings. It's the first time someone she's been intimate with has not been petty or jealous at the thought of her moving on. And because he has seen the best and worst in her, when he says he loves her, it's with a view of the whole person Buffy is.

And for Buffy, loving Spike is about loving herself. He was her outlet for her depression, a representation of all the bad things she thought about herself when she was at her lowest, and she punished him for that. She was conditioned to believe her friends' acceptance of her had strings attached. By Season 7, after she has come to peace with the worst thing she went through, she is no longer apologizing for herself or making excuses. She is unapologetically in charge. Loving Spike means loving the parts of her she always thought were ugly or twisted or irredeemable, going all the way back to how she carried the burden of Angel having lost his soul when she was a 17-year-old girl in love and had no idea what was going to happen. Furthermore, how she was made to feel responsible (side-eyeing Xander here; Giles and Willow get a pass but Xander was the most egregious offender). She also assumed the responsibility for her relationship with Riley falling apart even after he negged, gaslit, and cheated on her. Spike showed Buffy that she is not the problem in relationships, and allowing herself to love him meant an acceptance of self she struggled to find throughout the course of the show. In the end, after bringing out the worst in each other when they were at their worst, they learned to bring out the best in each other. It's just beautiful.

And that's why Spuffy, friends.

[tessa-liam]

Royal Adventures 

-Prologue- 

Book: Choices, The Royal Romance Series Finale +     A Smoke & Mirrors Series Alternate Universe

Pairing: King Liam Rys x F!MC Queen Riley Brooks-Rys OTP 

Rating: Teen, not beta’d-please excuse all errors    

Category: On-going series, fluff 

Warnings: a few swear words 

Most Characters belong to Pixelberry 

Music Inspiration: I Want It That Way, Backstreet Boys 

Series Inspiration: Royal Misadventures, A Smoke & Mirrors 1-shot 

Smoke & Mirrors Masterlist

My Main Masterlist

Series Premise: A collection of stories of the journey 12-year-old Crown Princess Eleanor Rys of Cordonia indertakes as she officially starts her Royal education. Tutors and advisors, that had been personally selected by Their Majesties King Liam Rys and Queen Riley Rys, were set to begin her royal lessons, and her days were packed full of knowledge. The young princess was a natural leader, and the King and Queen could not be more proud of their daughter.   

Royal Adventures 

-Prologue- 

Busy days turned into busy evenings when Ellie Rys enjoyed her free time. As a 12-year-old, her parents wanted her to enjoy her childhood as long as she could, but the Crown Princess' life was going to change forever when she would reach her coming of age, and she would be required to take her place at court, as her father had taken previously. 

Ellie knew her parents had a strong bond, and their love for one another was the reason their country had remained at peace for well over a decade. The Princess had always felt safe and secure, knowing she was loved and cherished. 

Ellie didn't have a typical royal upbringing and was a carefree and happy child.  Liam was more than happy that his children had an American mother as a role model, that grew up in a world of freedom.

She didn't have the same pressures that other royal children had, but the pressure would eventually start to mount in the next few years as she would grow older and need to learn more about the world and her duties of a future Queen.

Liam and Riley made it a point to ensure their kids were well-adjusted and had a happy childhood. 

They'd taken trips all over the world, and their favorite place was New York, where they'd visited during the last Christmas season. 

Ellie had seen the Rockefeller Center Tree, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Staten Island Ferry. However, what she enjoyed the most was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Broadway musical 'Wicked'. 

She'd been mesmerized by the performances and sang along to the music. Liam and Riley couldn't help but chuckle at their daughter's enthusiasm. 

"What?" she'd asked innocently, with her big blue eyes and her cute dimples. 

"You remind me of myself at your age," Liam replied, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her close. 

"I can't wait until we go back to New York," she'd exclaimed, as the family flew back to Cordonia on their private jet.

"Me either, Princess, but we'll make sure you have many more happy memories at home," Liam said, and planted a kiss on the top of her head. 

*** 

Liam walked into his study, after he escorted Ellie to the royal library for her first royal lesson. As he watched his daughter attentively listen and interact with the history tutor, the pride he felt was all consuming. He couldn't believe his little girl was growing up so fast. It seemed like only yesterday when he and Riley were watching their newborn daughter take her first steps. 

It was later in the afternoon when he looked up from his laptop to see Riley's soft smile as she walked in and closed the door behind her. 

"Hello, love. How was Ellie's lesson?" Liam stood and walked around his desk to greet his wife with a kiss.

"It was great, Li ... she's a natural. The tutor was impressed." Riley grinned as Liam smiled wide.

"Of course, she is. She's a Rys." 

"She's just like her father. Always eager to learn new things," Riley teased, kissing him softly in return. 

"And her mother. Ellie has the heart of a fighter, and she's smart, brave, and kind." 

"I hope she's ready for all of this. It's a lot to handle."  Riley sighed, biting her lip.

"She will be. She's surrounded by love and support, and we will always be here for her." 

*** 

Ellie's first day was going well, until ....

Leo had a mischievous grin on his face as he crept towards the library. 

"Leo, what are you up to?" Maxwell asked as he noticed him peering through the gap between the double solid oak doors of the Royal library.

"SSHHH! ... You'll see," he replied in a hushed tone.

"Come on, man, don't pull anything stupid," Drake warned him as he walked up to join Maxwell.

"Just watch and learn, boys." 

Leo peeked through the space and saw the tutor reading a textbook to Ellie. He knew it would only be a few minutes before the lesson was over, and he had to act fast. 

He reached into his bag and pulled out a remote control.

Leo found a way to sneak a glitter bomb into the library without anyone noticing earlier in the day. He'd done it a million times at parties, and he knew it would create a big mess. 

"This is going to be epic," he muttered. 

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Drake whispered.

"Oh, come on, Drake, it's harmless. I've done this tons of times. Watch and learn, boys. " 

"Fine, we'll see," Maxwell shrugged. 

Leo took a deep breath, and with one flick of his wrist, the balloon was triggered and exploded with a loud pop.

As it burst, the glitter covered everything, and the sound of the balloon burst startled everyone. 

The tutor had a look of horror on her face, and Eleanor was shocked, standing up and moving quickly away from the table.

"Oh no," Leo whispered. 

"This is not what I was expecting. Shit." 

"Well, you better think of something quick," Drake shouted.

Through the gap in the door, Ellie spotted her uncle. Her brow furrowed, she pushed the heavy oak door forward.

"I can't believe you, Uncle Leo," Eleanor scowled, "you've ruined my first royal lesson." 

"I'm sorry, El, it was supposed to be a harmless prank." Leo looked at his neice regretfully.

"Well, you ruined everything. I can't even look at you right now. " 

"I'm so sorry. I was just trying to make things fun. I was always bored in these sessions, and I was just trying to lighten the mood." 

"You are the worst Uncle, ever, you know that?"

Leo raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "Oh, come on Ellie, you know it's all in good fun." Ellie was fuming, "Uncle Leo, you've made me feel awful, and I can't believe you would embarrass me like that."  

"Hey...hey, Ellie, don't be upset. You have nothing to be ashamed of." 

"Really? How can you say that after what you did? I want Daddy to be proud of me. I want it that way!" 

Crossing her arms, Ellie stared down her uncle, smirking, "wait till mom finds out!" 

"Wait, you wouldn't. Not your favorite uncle," Leo pleaded. 

"Maybe, maybe not, depends how you behave from now on." 

"Alright, I'll do anything, just don't tell your parents." 

"Anything?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"I will not be your servant again, though."  Leo thought back to an earlier prank gone wrong, and shuddered.

"Then don't mess with my lessons again! Deal?" 

"Deal."  Leo sighed.

Drake and Maxwell were speechless as they watched their friend and their niece, banter with each other.

"Wow, El, you've got your uncle Leo wrapped around your little finger."

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Max. I'm a reformed man." Leo admonished.

"Yeah, whatever you say, Leo." Drake snorted.

"Okay, okay, free drinks at the beer garden. Now ... are you two going to help me clean up or not?"

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

📌tagging my perma's in the notes❣️

📌please let me know if you would like to be tagged for this series❣️

[winged-cries]

Buffy and/or Dracula (whichever you'd prefer to do, or both) for the meme!

Buffy:

my favorite female character: buffy herself, of course. i love her so much. 🖤

my favorite male character: hm. i'm gonna say giles but i'm not entirely sure.

my favorite book/season/etc: i think i'd say season 3. i really have an immense fondness for seasons 1 to 3 (the high school era).

my favorite episode (if its a tv show): this one is too difficult, as buffy has a lot of episodes and i love many of them. a lot of people will answer concept episodes such as once more with feeling or hush, and i do really really love them, but i don't think i can rank a favorite.

my favorite cast member: sarah michelle gellar 🖤 the show just wouldn't have been the same without her. so much of it works because of her talent and charisma.

my favorite ship: buffy/faith 🖤

a character I’d die defending: i don't know who i'd need to defend exactly. i think most people love the characters i love.

a character I just can’t sympathize with: i just don't like riley... he did nothing wrong, he's just boring to me.

a character I grew to love: i think i always liked the characters i like now. maybe i wasn't crazy about dawn at first, during my initial watch, and i did grow to really like her.

my anti otp: i don't cordelia/xander, or cordelia/wesley. cordy, you deserve better.

Dracula:

my favorite female character: mina 🖤

my favorite male character: i think the count himself!

my favorite book/season/etc: does not apply. maybe a favorite chapter? which would probably be chapter 21.

my favorite ship: mina/dracula.

a character I’d die defending: do i need to defend anyone? maybe lucy!

a character I just can’t sympathize with: i don't think there are any. there are characters i certainly care less about, but at this point they all mean something to me.

a character I grew to love: i think i appreciate renfield's role more now than i did initially.

my anti otp: none! i don't think i hate any dracula ship i've seen around.

(i ommitted a couple of questions that don't apply to books.)

[simonxriley]

Ship Songs!

I was tagged by the wonderful @shegetsburned @baldurrs @nightbloodraelle and @leviiackrman to relate 5-10 songs to my ships. Thank you! 💜 (i also got carried away with this 😅)

Tagging @playstationmademe @nightwingshero @detectivelokis @jinfromyarikawa @sstewyhosseini @voidika @corvosattano and anyone else who wants to do this!!

OTP: The Tachanka and his Kotyonok - Alexsandr "Tachanka" Senaviev x Skylar "Phoenix" Jackson

Under Your Scars - Godsmack

Under your scars I pray // You're like a shooting star in the rain // You're everything that feels like home to me, yeah // Under your scars, I could live inside you time after time

Happy Anywhere - Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Stefani

I'm running wide open // I was born with my feet in motion // But since I met you, I swear // I could be happy anywhere // Any map dot location // You're always my destination // You're the only thing that I'm chained to // I could be happy anywhere // I could be happy anywhere with you

Take Me As I am - David Cook

Take me as I am // Right here where I stand // Open up your arms and let me in Out here on my own // I know I'm not alone // Let me in your heart // Right where you stand

Song #3 - Stone Sour

It doesn't really matter what you do or say // I'm never going anywhere anyway 'Cause when I'm dying for you // I've never felt so alive

Truth - Gwen Stefani

So this is what the truth feels like // This is more of what I had in mind // Yeah, this is what the truth feels like // And I'm feeling it, I'm feeling it // Something about this just feels so right, alright? // Something about this just feels so right, alright? So this is what the truth feels like // And I'm feeling it, I'm feeling it

Everywhere I'm goin' - Maddie & Tae

Whole world in my living room // It's all you, babe // If I could paint paradise, it'd be you // It's all you, babe // Every red pin on the map I'm holding // You're everywhere I've been // And everywhere I'm goin' // From backwoods to the neon glowin' // You're everywhere I've been // And everywhere I'm goin'

Dagen Før

If we never change // Then how can we grow and ever live? // Love is always able to // Awaken the soul and leave the blues // There is calmness to a life lived in quiet gratitude // The waiting has brought a little pain // But nothing compared to what I’ve gained

Bind Your Love - Cher Lloyd

Ooh, now I'm found, I'll never be lost // I'll stick with you no matter the cost // Whatever comes we'll figure it out, I know that // Ooh, you and I like Adam and Eve // You lit the fire growing in me // You changed my life, now there is no way to go back

Warmness on the Soul - Avenged Sevenfold

And we have gone through good and bad times // But your unconditional love was always on my mind // You've been there from the start for me // And your love's always been true as can be

I give my heart to you // I give my heart // 'Cause nothing can compare in this world to you, whoa

Nobody But You - Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Stefani

I been thinkin' about what I want in my life // It begins and ends the same // If I had to choose what I couldn't lose // There'd only be one thing

OTP: The Ghost With The Most - Simon "Ghost" Riley x Liz Walker

Livin' On Love -Alan Jackson

It sounds simple, that's what you're thinkin' // But love can walk through fire without blinkin' // It doesn't take much when you get enough // Livin' on love

Break In - Halestorm feat. Amy Lee

You are the only one // The only one that sees me // Trusts me and believes me // You are the only one // The only one that knows me And in the dark to show me

When I See You Smile - Bad English

Sometimes I wonder // How I'd ever make it through, // Through this world without having you // I just wouldn't have a clue // 'Cause sometimes it seems // Like this world's closing in on me, // And there's no way of breaking free // And then I see you reach for me

Home - Corey Taylor

I wanna run away and show you all the things I wanna do // I wanna run away as quickly as we can // You're my home away from home Home's inside of you // But you are not alone, you'll never be alone I'm on my way back home and I've been gone so long

If I Didn't Have You - Randy Travis

If I didn't have you I know I'd be // Floundering around like a ship at sea // Lost in the rain of a hurricane // And that's where I'd have been

Heaven - No Doubt

Magnetic flash, can't stop my domino effect // Just a little give and take // Stops making sense you pull me in // I'm finding out that it's something I just can't fake // But the truth is you're gold // You can find something you already have // I really have you to hold

The Tide Is High - Atomic Kitten

The tide is high, but I'm holding on // I'm gonna be your number one The tide is high, but I'm holding on // I'm gonna be your number one

Crimson Day - Avenged Sevenfold

Dark years, brought endless rain // Out in the cold I lost my way But storms won't last to clear the air // For something new // The sun came out and brought you through

Every Night, Every Morning - Maddie & Tae

He said, "I don't know what I'd do // If I didn't have you" // I said, "I think about that too"

Home - Phillip Phillips

Settle down, it'll all be clear // Don't pay no mind to the demons They fill you with fear // The trouble, it might drag you down // If you get lost, you can always be found // Just know you're not alone // 'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home

[intothewickedwood]

End of Year Quezzies

Happy New Year! I think it would be fun to reflect on highlights from last year, especially in regards to fandom. This is a compilation of questions inspired by various ask games x x

Top 5 songs you listened to for the first time last year?

1.Out of the Dark (Monster High)

2.Playing His Game (Death Note: The Musical)

3.Stalemate (Death Note: The Musical)

4.Where Can I Run? (Adamandi)

5.Me, Myself and I (Adamandi)

Top 5 Songs released last year?

1.Reason We've Got Magic from (Monster High 2)

2.Not How Our Story Goes (Monster High 2)

3.You Don't Know (Monster High 2)

4.Dirty Girl (Nerdy Prudes Must Die)

5.Nerdy Prudes Must Die (Nerdy Prudes Must Die)

Album released last year?

Nerdy Prudes Must Die (Original StarKid Cast Recording) by Team Starkid

Musical artist / group of the year?

Starkid!

Favorite musical artist / group you started listening to this year?

Melliot's musicals!

Movie watched for the first time last year?

Stay (2017)

Movie released last year?

Monster High 2!

TV show of the year?

Legacies

TV Show released last year?

Wolf Pack

Most memorable episode of a show last year?

3x08 Long Time, No See from Legacies was one I rewatched a few times as I loved it so much

Top 5 musicals watched this year?

1.We Are The Tigers

2.VHS Christmas Carols

3.Nerdy Prudes Must Die

4. Adamandi

5. Death Note: The Musical

Game of the year?

Sims 4: Horse Ranch

Character of the year?

Lizzie Saltzman! (Legacies)

Top 5 new favorite characters last year?

1.Draculaura (Monster High)

2.Vincent Aurelius Lin (Adamandi)

3.Quincy Cynthius Martin (Adamandi)

4.Claire (Stay 2017)

5.Tabby Haworthe (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin)

Ship of the year?

Cairo x Riley (We Are The Tigers) and Mizzie (Legacies). I can't choose! Also I was this year years old when I found out my long-time otp Mizzie were canon endgame! Still screaming over that!!

Top 5 new ships last year?

1.Dracudeen (Monster High)

2.Quincent (Adamandi)

3.Claire x William (Stay 2017)

4.Holy Ghost (Nerdy Prudes Must Die)

5.Finsie (Legacies)

Best month for you this year?

Probably December. I love the holiday season!

Something you want to do again next year?

Go to the cinema more! I think I went only once this year. Would love to go to the theatre too! It's been a while!

How was your birthday last year?

It went pretty well. I just chilled at home and watched my favourite musicals.

Favorite book you read last year?

Fraternity by Andy Mientus was amazing! A real page turner! One of the best, most engaging books I've read.

What was the most delicious meal you enjoyed last year?

I really wanna get into reading Ella Enchanted. I've heard good things!

What’s something you learned this year?

All the advantages of foot massages! And that keeping an 'Affirmation Board' on notion is an extreme help. I use gallery view and I put gifs and positive quotes from my favourite media and characters to look at when I'm having a bad day. I also put techniques for coping that include pressure points, breathing techniques and tips for dealing with my sensory issues, sometimes paired with a gif of a scene that reminds me of it. Wish I'd started on it years ago but it's better late!

Favorite place you visited this year?

Just the town nearest mine. It's my favourite town!

What was the most impactful life lesson you learned?

Copy & Pasted from my Affirmation Board: "There will never not be something wrong that upsets you. Perfection is a myth. Happiness is focussing on the good despite the sadness, guilt & shame that always bubble beneath. Concentrating on, replaying or having negative feelings about what hurts won’t solve the problem or make it go away. It’s ok to let it go & not punish yourself." - Quote By Me xD. I like to give myself the illusion of control over thoughts lol but looking at this has been the most helpful thing on my affirmation board for me.

[azurezfiction]

Character ask:

Zordon

Zedd

Chase

Calvin

Amelia

send me a character and i’ll list: @sentinelofstories

Zordon

favorite thing about them: The fact he truly loves the Rangers, and Alpha as his own children and always encouraging them outside of rangering, pursuing their dreams and 

least favorite thing about them: Sometimes he isn’t the most forthcoming about things or events that could have been/should have been shared with from the beginning?

favorite line: Too much Pink energy. Need I say more?

brOTP: Zordon and Alpha.

OTP: N/A

nOTP: Zordon with any of his rangers, Alpha, Evil characters.

random headcanon: The comics aside, Eltar did have their own set of Power Rangers that protected the planet. He was the leader of his team during the war against Rita Repulsa. 

unpopular opinion: I kinda don’t want to see Zordon’s humanoid form? Like it ruins the imagination, but that’s just me.

song i associate with them: N/A

favorite picture of them: N/A

send me a character and i’ll list:

Zedd

favorite thing about them: He’s evil and knows when to lay down the law. Zedd is terrifying in battle and in the magical arts. 

least favorite thing about them: His floundering.

favorite line: “My name is Zedd! Lord Zedd, not Ed!” I feel this so much.

brOTP: Zedd and Goldar. Neither get paid enough to deal with this.

OTP: Zedd and Rita. Yeah, yeah I know but…c’mon. They accomplished SO much together compared to them being separated. 

nOTP: N/A

random headcanon: Originally, Zedd was a simple librarian that fell into darkness once becoming seduced by the dark arts, and become so terrifyingly powerful due to his combined knowledge and deep understanding of magic, and the Grid.

unpopular opinion: Like I get why they brought him back for Dino Fury, but, c’mon. Let him retire. He deserves to relax on a beach somewhere. 

song i associate with them: Bad to the Bone.

favorite picture of them: Zedd is iconic, okay?

send me a character and i’ll list:

Chase

favorite thing about them: He’s capable of being forward, seeing exactly what needs to be said and not holding back. The fact that Chase despite being a flirt, can stand up and say “No. This is stupid, we need another plan” I think it’s great? 

least favorite thing about them: Need more character development imo or at least other character interact. 

favorite line: “I will protect your shop.”

brOTP: Chase and Shelby, Chase and Koda.

OTP: Chase x Tyler. I think they fit together.

nOTP: Chase x Riley. I wasn’t crazy about it in the beginning when the show originally aired, and that continued through Dino Super Charge. But the fans ended up souring my entire opinion on them as a couple. 

random headcanon: Chase prior to working under Kendall and being a ranger, was very much into extreme sports hence the skateboard. He wanted to go Pro, but destiny had other plans in store.

unpopular opinion: Wish we saw more of his handy-janitory side of things. 

song i associate with them: N/A

favorite picture of them: N/A

send me a character and i’ll list:

Calvin

favorite thing about them: Calvin being handy with vehicles, that he fundamentally understands that school is not the only way to get an education and the fact he tries his best.

least favorite thing about them: He deserved something more than just him being Hayley’s boyfriend, but that’s just me.

favorite line

brOTP: Calvin and Preston

OTP: N/A

nOTP: Calvin and Hayley. I love Hayley and everything but pretty sure Calvin’s deep in the closet.

random headcanon: Calvin’s pretty good around the kitchen, don’t ask him to do any baking unless you are that desperate. 

unpopular opinion: 

song i associate with them: N/A

favorite picture of them

send me a character and i’ll list:

Amelia

favorite thing about them: She’s unapologetic about the supernatural, being goofy and enjoying things, but knowing when to be serious.

least favorite thing about them: She deserved a better romance than Ollie. I’m sorry.

favorite line: N/A

brOTP: Amelia and Zayto, Amelia and Ollie. 

OTP: N/A 

nOTP: Amelia x Ollie. Their entire relationship… doesn’t work for me, romantically? That’s just my perspective. 

random headcanon: Amelia is the go to person for Izzy when it comes to advice, the two are rather close. 

unpopular opinion: I do think the times where she take a jab at Ollie can got a bit… too far sometimes? 

song i associate with them: n/a

favorite picture of them: n/a

[dangermousie]

An author rec - Anna Belfrage

I don’t post about it much, but my favorite historical period to read fiction and nonfiction about is Medieval Western Europe. I specialized in it in college and have been drawn to it even before that.

And I have found that while it’s easy to find (a) murder mysteries (b) lengthy tomes centering around war and court or (c ) romance novels set in that time period, it is really hard to find something I love more than that - novels following lives of merchant/upper class in that period. What I really want is a novel with a lot of details about everyday life, with some battles and politics (but not too much) and a story with a strong romantic line but not a romance novel. With a fictional (or at least historically obscure) protagonist(s) instead of a king. Huge bonus if it centers around an arranged marriage. And I don’t want to read about arranged marriage = always suck, let’s do a grim narrative about the plague.

I realize that these are fairly narrow criteria but whatever, I like what I like. That is why I enjoyed a lot of Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels or, if we go way way up into 17th century England, Stella Riley’s historical novels. And now there is another author I can add to the list, Anna Belfrage. She has a time travel series I was never able to get into (not my sort of thing) but she has two truly amazing series that give me everything I want.

One, a complete four book series called The King’s Greatest Enemy, is one of my all time favorite reads and more people need to know about it. Its protagonists are Adam de Guirande, one of Roger Mortimer’s knights and Adam’s wife Katherine.

When the first novel opens, Adam is about to marry Katherine, a big step up since she’s from an important family. Sure, she’s no virgin and has some shady history with Adam’s overlord, but on the other hand, there are lands. However, Katherine’s family does not want to marry off their fancy daughter in a match they don’t super like, and so instead marry off the illegitimate daughter nicknamed Kit, who looks a lot like her. From those inauspicious beginnings, this series becomes a delight of watching Adam and Kit slowly fall in love with each other and work with each other and navigate the very turbulent times of Edward II’s reign. You don’t really feel you are reading about modern people playing dress up (Adam is very conscious of class for example) but they still feel like people you can root for.

It also has one of my favorite set-up, OTP against the world. Their world is terribly dangerous - Edward II’s favorite is unhappy with Adam because of his connection to Mortimer, and at one point both Adam and Kit pay for it (side note, one of the things I love about this series is when people get hurt in battle or tortured, they don’t magically heal. By the end of the novel, Adam’s collective injuries from prison and battles and what not have taken their toll, he’s been permanently affected.) Mortimer rebels against Edward II. Eventually Edward III rebels against Mortimer etc etc etc. Illness strikes with no warning (they give up a child as a hostage and never see him again as he dies from an illness.) Adam and Kit keep fighting to stay alive and for the other to stay alive and to stay together and it’s glorious.

This series also features one of my favorite portrayals of Roger Mortimer, the overthrower of a king, the queen’s lover and in generally a man with the kind of a life that if it wasn’t real people would not believe it. The conclusion of his and Isabelle’s story is of course foregone for hundreds of years but it still broke my heart into small pieces. It also features such an interesting portrayal of Edward III and his wife Philippa - I started out liking them and ended up loathing them both but you see exactly how they got there and how power warped them and it all feels quite realistic.

Anyway, obvious warnings for torture and attempted sexual assault (of both genders) and all sorts of murder, but this series is FUCKING AMAZING!

And now she has a new series - 3 books are out but I am only on Book 2 and must scream because it also features an arranged upper class marriage that works out and becomes OTP against the world in a shifting political landscape. Our protag, Robert FitzStephen, gets rewarded by an heiress wife Eleanor d’Outremer by Edward I. Their marriage starts out rough but develops into a genuine match. And now they are in Aragon in Book 2 and it’s even more awesome. Watching two cool competent people in a loving marriage dealing with all sorts of issues and medieval history background is AAAAA so good! So go read and scream at me!

[gomzdrawfr]

For the character ask game idk if we're allowed to ask for your ocs but if yes, Jelly (I love her sm!!!) if no then Simon pls? Love your art! 💕

character ask game!

aw that's so sweet to ask for my OC 😭 how bout we do a bit of both eh?

Characters: [OC] Jelly and Simon Ghost Riley

favorite thing about them

chose to be bubbly and kind despite everything that happened to them (oop tragic backstory? yes yes)

dry ass humor

least favorite thing about them

I do love his mask yes I do, but drawing them has always been challenging to me so yeah xD love-hate relationship there

favorite line

"people you know can hurt you the most."

ok a bit biased here but that one scene in mw2 when the rpg hit Price and he was going down? Ghost yelling Price?? and then Soap asking how Price is after Ghost went after him????

"Angry. Lost a good cigar in the crash..." [there's art for tha]

brOTP

Ghost and Farah. or Ghost and Gaz.

OTP

PriceGhost, GhostSoap, Gholly (GhostJelly ship name) :p

nOTP

None so far...

random headcanon

Very particular with touch (we all know that) but I meant with the way that he keeps tabs on sensory triggers (that one specific carpet from Lorenzo that makes his feet feels rubbery after stepping on it etc)

Into crochet but can't do it for long because of wrist injury

unpopular opinion

Ghost's a bottom. No you will not change my mind (but I do believe he's a switch)

song i associate with them

Voices In My Head

Valentine

favorite picture of them

again, have my top 4 instead!

((my fav skin! isn't he a dork?))

((CUTENESS AGRESSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!))

((drooooools....he's so big...also credit <3))

((whatever you say, pretty boy with pretty brown eyes...))

[healbellls]

SHIPPING INFO

Answer the following for your muse so people know how shipping works on your blog.

Read more bc of the length!

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER?:

In no particular order: Morty/Eusine Drake/Drayden Juan/Rose Barry/Dawn

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO WRITE WHEN IT COMES TO SHIPPING?:

I think it is easier for me to say what I won't do, because very few things really comes to my mind. I draw a hard line at Incestuous and Adult/minor types of ships, they make me way too uncomfortable, this is not up for discussion. With that said, I know how the pokeRPC is always ready up and arms, in regards to aging up characters (so much so it made me very wary of it). And all I'll say is that: We all age up our muses one way or another, if you follow a timeline of events, your muse WILL naturally age. So, that's what I have in mind, in regards to aging up characters, as such I'd be cool with shipping aged up characters that follow this context. However, although I'm fine with this idea, I'll not be shipping my older with characters that have been aged up (Juan/Drake/Rowan) it just isn't my cup of tea. Also, kindly respect any NOTPs I've listed. They are there for a reason, it's not a "change my mind" type of situation.

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?:

I have no problem at all with age gaps between canonical adult muses/characters. E.g.: Juan/Wallace and Pryce/Morty type of ships.

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?:

Yes. There needs to be chemistry between our muses, and we should bounce well as writing partners as well. I want our muses interactions to feel natural, and not like we are having to alter everything on them just to force a thread.

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NS/FW?:

Anything in the slightest suggestive, quickly gets tagged and put under read more on the main blog. For interactions/threads, I have a full on blog dedicated just to that. With that said, I’ve been preferring to write NSFW on my Discord lately. I feel like it’s easier in many aspects.

WHO ARE OTHER THE CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?:

Morty/Lance, Morty/Riley, Morty/Sabrina, Morty/Clair, Morty/Wallace Drake/Drasna, Drake/mr.Stone, Drake/Agatha Rowan/Oak

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?:

Yes, obviously. I don’t do instant shipping, I really need that plotting and interactions/threads to go alongside it. This ALSO applies to ships, I already have a bias to.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU LIKE TO SHIP?:

Depends on the muse you’re asking. Overall, I’d say I’m always down for discussing a new ship. Although, there are a handful of muses, that I just can’t feel a ship (e.g.: Brendan, Barry and Rowan.).

ARE YOU SHIP OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?:

I try not to obsesses b U T, it happens sometimes. I won’t stand here and pretend like that wouldn’t happen.

ARE YOU MULTISHIP?:

Yes! So far all of my muses here are multishipping!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?:

Morty/Eusine and Barry/Dawn will forever have a soft spot in my heart.

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?:

We sit & talk & write... Then hope for the best! No, seriously just HMU for shipping! I love plotting stuff!

[tessa-liam]

King Liam Appreciation Week

Day 2: King/Historian

For my submission, I wrote a story combining King Liam's love of history and his love for his MC.

Featuring my OTP Liam and Riley, using the face claims of Lucas Bravo for Liam and Lorena Tarantino for Riley.

(Re-posting, tumblr being annoying forgetting the link!)

Cappadocia 

Book: The Royal Heir, Book 1 AU 👑One-Shot 

Premise: After Liam and Riley arrive home from their island paradise honeymoon, they are inundated with pressures to produce a Royal Heir. To protect and shield his bride, King Liam takes his queen away from the court and the press, as they embark on a trip to Cappadocia, Turkey. 

Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi 

All characters belong to Pixelberry. 

Rating: M*Warnings: Adult conversation, sexual innuendo 

Category: One-Shot/fluff 

Words: 2174 

Music Inspiration: Wild Is the Wind, David Bowie 

A/N1: My submission for King Liam Appreciation Week, Day 2, April 18th – King/Historian, @kingliamappreciationweek @lizzybeth1986 @sazanes #kingliamappreciationweek #KLAW 

A/N2: Not beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

A/N3: My submission for Choices April Challenge, Prompts-Love is in the air, you are my home, sunrise, love, kiss, hug @aprilchallenge @peonierose @bebepac #choicesmonthlychallenge #Choices April Monthly Challenge 

A/N4: Please forgive the multiple postings...Tumblr is playing games again!

Cappadocia

King’s Study, Cordonian Palace 

Bright rays of light streamed through the bay windows as Liam sat down at his desk to open and review the mail he received while away on his honeymoon. 

Next to his ornate inbox on his desk, was the morning paper. 

He dropped the stack of correspondence he had just picked up back down as he read the bold lettering printed above the picture captured of the Royal couple leaving the jet as they arrived home. 

‘IS OUR HEIR HOME?’ 

‘KING LIAM SMILES WIDELY ARRIVING WITH HIS QUEEN.’ 

*** 

Reclining his chair, his thoughts went back in time to just four weeks ago... 

...it all started on their honeymoon, when Javier knocked the spoon of amuse bouche, having raw fish, out of Riley’s hand. Giving his apologies, ‘To have almost destroyed Cordonia’s future’, he assumed that Riley was pregnant. 

Taking it in stride, they laughed together as if nothing had happened, and continued with a leisurely dinner. 

...and then the intrusion of camera flashes, unknown at the time, were from unwelcome and uninvited paparazzi that were invading their privacy. It wasn’t until they arrived home and read the articles written about them and seen the pictures in the tabloids, did they realize how truly intrusive those cameras had been. 

...and on the last night on the island being told that the King and Queen of Auvernal arrived uninvited, wanting ‘to discuss the issue of his heir’.  

Arriving home with ‘a massive crowd of citizens and paparazzi’ waiting at Valtoria, which was to be expected. 

Yes, it was a normal occurrence for me, but for Riley, it was a new reality. A world she had never personally experienced before. 

My Queen won the hearts of our people and answered their questions with confidence and grace, despite the audacity of the press. 

As we entered the estate, however, the intrusive remarks by members of the court were even more personal and direct. 

...and then there was Madeleine. She was not only rude, but also snide and sarcastic. 

Liam’s thoughts were interrupted by a light knocking on the door of his study. 

“Come,” he said without looking up from his desk. 

Opening the door slowly, Riley stepped inside quietly closing the door behind her. 

“I hope I am not interrupting...” she began to say hesitantly. 

“Riley, my love, come here.” He smiled warmly as he stood and quickly moved around his desk. Taking her into his arms, “you are always welcome here, anytime.” 

“Hi Liam,” Riley smiles coyly, wrapping her arms around his neck.  

Breathing in her sweet smelling hair, Liam placed his hand on her neck and tilted her head up to capture a not so innocent kiss on her lips. 

After a few long seconds of exchanging passionate kisses, Liam pulled away, and gently caressed her cheek. 

“What would you say if I told you that we are going on an adventure this weekend?"  

A broad smile spread across her face, and she looked up at him in anticipation. 

“I would say, ‘when do we leave?’” 

Chuckling, Liam took her hand and led her to sit on the sofa by the bay window. 

Sitting down in a wingback chair directly across from Riley, Liam said, 

“‘What we need is space to ourselves.’ We have been home for a day and a half, and I think we need a distraction.” 

Riley giggled, "Oh, my King, that look in your eye tells me that you thought of something spectacular!" 

“Yes, My Queen, Indeed I did," he smiled widely. 

Laughing, Liam reached over and pulled her onto his lap, and gave her another kiss. 

"How does riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise over vast valleys sound? Or staying at a luxury hotel inside of a cave within a sandstone cliff?” 

“Oh my, yes! That sounds amazing!” 

“Good, because that is exactly what I have planned for us this upcoming week,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. 

"Love, we are going to Cappadocia, Turkey.” 

“Really? I thought we were going on a road trip in the U.S. with Hana, Maxwell and Drake?” Riley questioned, raising her eyebrow. 

“Don’t worry we will still arrive on Texas in time for Bertrand and Savannah’s wedding. But, instead of sharing time with our friends, I decree, my queen needs pampering.” 

*** 

Royal Jet, on the tarmac 

Aboard the Royal jet, Riley was settling into her seat as Liam discussed the flight plans with the pilot before take-off. 

“Your majesty, the flight will take approximately three hours, and we should be arriving in Cappadocia shortly after.” 

“Thank you, Captain,” Liam replied. 

Turning to Riley, “It seems like our adventure is just about ready to start.” 

Bastien and Mara were just entering the cabin, taking their seats behind the Royal couple as the sound of the engines increased in sound. 

As the jet lifted off the tarmac, Liam squeezed Riley’s hand. 

“We are going to see a part of the world that most people have never been to before. We’re going to experience things that very few people ever get to enjoy. And, most importantly, we are going to spend time away from court.” 

“Madeleine, Godfrey, and our royal visitors are going to revolt. When they find out we left the Capital, they...” 

“Riley, you forget something very, very important. You are my Queen now. Our word is law in Cordonia. As far as Bradshaw, Isabella and Amalas are concerned, they are uninvited guests and do not dictate our schedules. The reason there is a Royal council is to support the Crown in whatever the Queen and King decides.” 

“I’m sorry, Liam, I shouldn’t worry about everyone else.” 

Smiling, Liam kissed her hand, “It’s just one of your qualities that I love so much. Sometimes you must let go of the reins otherwise you’ll drive yourself crazy. Okay?” 

Grinning and nodding her head, Riley asked, “now, tell me more about this trip; what do you have in-store for us?” 

“Well, once we arrive in Cappadocia, we are going to travel to a town called Goreme. That is where the hotel we are staying at is situated. It’s just outside of Goreme. The entire town is built into the side of a mountain, with many caves that are used for living quarters by locals.” 

“It sounds amazing!” 

“There are several other villages near Goreme, including Selime and Nevsehir. All of them are lush and green, especially during the spring season. There are hot springs that we can enjoy, as well as several museums and ruins that we will visit. The area is rich in history, as well as culture.” 

“Oh Liam, it sounds incredible.” 

“Yes, it is. Now, I want you to relax and let me plan everything. I know how much you love surprises, and I don’t intend to disappoint.” 

With a wink, Liam added, “and, we will have lots of opportunities to work on our family.” 

*** 

When they landed in Cappadocia, a large white Mercedes SUV was waiting to escort them to their hotel in Goreme. 

As they travelled, Liam explained the local landscapes, including the tall, cone shaped rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’. “These were formed 60 million years ago after a sequence of volcanic eruptions hit the area. 

The name ‘Cappadocia’ is derived from the Persian word, ‘Katpatuka’, meaning the land of beautiful horses. In ancient times, gifts or tributes of horses from this region were presented to ancient Assyrian and Persian kings.” 

“It sounds like horses were paid for taxes to the crown,” Riley replied.  

“Yes, in fact the locals here still value horses and offer visitors an alternate mode of transport, instead of motor vehicles.” 

Liam directed the driver to slow down as they travelled by the rock cut churches. “They say that these churches number up to 600, and there is a possibility that many are yet to be discovered. The chapels were carved into the soft rock by monks in the dark ages, and some of them have kept their original impressive frescoes with amazing detail. 

Superstitious locals scratched out the eyes of some of the figures due to the fear of the ‘evil eye’.” 

“Well, we can check it out tomorrow morning after our balloon cruise.” 

Kayakapi Premium Caves Hotel 

After checking in, they were personally ushered to their penthouse suite by the resort chamberlain.  

“Your Majesties, this hotel is set inside 8 original fairy chimneys and has an indoor pool that resembles an ancient Roman bathhouse and spa.” 

Liam squeezed Riley’s hand, pulling her close to his side. 

Continuing, the chamberlain pointed out the traditional artifacts and artwork throughout the hotel as they walked passing by the sunrise balloon viewing terrace. 

Arriving inside their penthouse suite, Liam chuckled watching Riley’s jaw drop. 

“You didn’t tell me there was a pool.... inside our suite!” 

“Of course not,” Liam said with a laugh. 

Laughing, she smacked him playfully on the arm. 

“No, you did not.” 

“Oh good.” 

Liam set her down on the edge of the pool, then poured two flutes of champagne and handed one to her. 

“To our new life together,” clinking their crystal flutes. 

Taking a sip of champagne, Riley held her flute up, “to riding the skies tomorrow.” 

Liam raised his flute and added, 

“Because at sunrise we will be on a hot air balloon ride, for the absolute best view of the region in all its glory.” 

*** 

“Love is in the air”  

“OH. MY. GOD. I feel like we are flying over the moon!’ 

As Liam stepped up behind Riley, he wrapped his arms around her waist in a hug and placed a soft kiss on her neck. 

“Hidden beneath the landscape are over 50 underground cities. An interesting fact is that these cities held all the necessary facilities to lead an everyday life. These cities had everything a typical town would have, from wine presses to cooking places, oil storage, and livestock pens. These cities served as a safe space for Christians escaping persecution by Arabs. 

In fact, the name ‘Goreme’ means ‘one cannot see in here’.” 

Leaning back against him. She rested her head on his shoulder. 

“I love you,” he whispered. 

“I love you, too,” she murmured. 

Looking over her shoulder at Liam, “this place is amazing!” 

Gazing at the ancient rock formations rising from the ground like castles and churches, Liam smiled. 

“It certainly is. I had no idea that these places existed until a few months ago.” 

“This is so beautiful,” Riley said, looking around the stunning landscape below. 

“Indeed, it is.” 

*** 

Royal jet, en route to the U.S. 

Riley awoke from a nap due to turbulence. She sat up in her seat and reached for Liam’s hand. 

“What is it? Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine, the air turbulence is getting to me.” 

Lifting her hand to his lips, he gave her a gentle kiss. 

Riley felt her stomach turn, and she took a breath. 

Moving closer, Liam stroked her cheek. 

“Are you sure? You look pale.” 

“Thank you so much for taking me on this trip.” Riley was clearly getting emotional. “I love you so much.” 

Reaching over, he brushed aside her hair, kissing the top of her 

Forehead. 

“As soon as the wedding is over, I will take you home.” Riley looked up at her husband, “I am already home.... “You are my home.”   

My OTP Liam & Riley, LiRi

Face claims: Lucas Bravo & Lorena Tarantino

@sazanes + @lizzybeth1986, Thank you for hosting @kingliamappreciationweek 💕💕💕

My tag list: @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @kingliam2019 @karahalloway @busywoman @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @twinkleallnight @xpandass420x-deactivated2023032 @sfb123 @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @jared2612 @thesvnsins @irisk12 @walkerdrakewalker @charlotteg234 @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesmonthlychallenge

[televinita]

La Brea thoughts, 2x01-05

Twenty months after I binged season 1 -- so long ago that I had to watch the entire "previously on" recap just to remember half of what happened, because my general impression of this show is that visually it's great and the ideas are cool, but its cast is lackluster and its dialogue often cringe, so it doesn't stay with me -- after five episodes in a week I have had basically four pressing thoughts:

(you get zero context for this because I don't think I have written about this show before even to myself, let alone Tumblr. oops.)

1. I keep forgetting the 1988 story exists so every time we switch over, I feel like I've been smacked in the face by how beautiful and vibrant Riley is (with really great hair). Veronica St. Clair is one of the few true standouts in this cast.

2. Speaking of, Scowling Head of the Mine/Guard Dude is the first character EVER to make me sit straight up and go "hell-o" on sight. Extremely excellent Dark and Brooding face, and also great hair.

3. With the simple addition of slightly growing out his already good hair, I have gone from being meh about Gavin (which always frustrated me because objectively? good looking man. i just felt no screen presence), to being full steam ahead OTP: MARRIED PARENTS; I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL; EVE FORGIVE HIM AND STOP BREAKING IZZY'S HEART ABOUT HER BROKEN HOME OR SO HELP ME... Just full swoon up in this joint now. Man loves his wife, has gone to extreme lengths to reunite, is willing to forgive a whole lot without judgment if she'll do the same; end of story!

3.5. This is a carry-over from me hating Levi's face since it first appeared as THE WORST DUDE in Off the Map. In 2011. This man still has not earned out his badwill from that character, even as the most upstanding military hero character one could imagine. No hope for him!

4. BUT. Here is the thing -- I actually think this is the most interesting love triangle/adultery story I have ever seen on television, because I get it. I understand how it is actually a difficult choice for Eve, because for all my shipping I don't actually know who is the better choice for her right now. I understand how and why the cheating happened and I don't even judge it, which I have literally never felt in the history of ever, ESPECIALLY when a cheater has kids. I understand how you could love both of these men at the same time, and why both of them have valid claims to her heart.

All of this is beautifully complicated by Gavin and Levi being close friends, and my FAVORITE part of it all is Izzy standing in for me and being my sounding board and saying everything I would say and feel in this situation regardless of my age.

I am going to need it to resolve with Levi dying, because this is fully a "I am not sorry you lost them but I'm sorry you're hurt" type of comfort situation in the making, but I think I could actually handle up to an entire season of UST and/or Eve officially choosing wrong for a while, if i could retain some hope.

I will abso-LUTELY riot in an Eve/Levi endgame situation, though. You know how I am about marriage.

Update, BONUS/LEFTOVER THOUGHTS:

Lucas's interactions with Veronica lately: *Dean Pelton voice* what is this? what is this creepy business?

(no seriously why does this feel like UST even though she definitely looks like a teenage child and he is definitely a grown-ass adult. i have never been so viscerally reviled by age difference in my life)

Para has been one of my favorites almost since her introduction and that love has only gotten stronger

Still want the pothead dope to bite it

Less Sam is always better too

MOAR CGI CREATURES. I loved the rhinos, in particular, so g.d. much.

One more thought about the Harrises: despite Gavin and Izzy having spent a whole season sequestered together already, this is really the first time I have gone feral about the father/daughter bond -- I assume this is related to the former becoming Gavin With The Good Hair -- so when the love triangle breaks my heart too much, at least I have this. Honestly, it's really nice seeing her back with her mom too, and any scenes that involve the parents working together to protect/comfort her? Special favorites.

(the son they're all risking life and limb to reunite with? still relegated to Season 1 Gavin status; change my mind)

[justmoreocs-writing]

B A S I C S

Full name: Lilia Abigail Bennett-Hope.

Gender: Female.

Sexuality: Heterosexual.

Pronouns: She/Her.

O T H E R S

Family: Parents [deceased]; godfather Patrick Jane [alive].

Birthplace: Edinburgh.

Job: Mentalist (of sorts) for the Phoenix Foundation; part-time street magician.

Phobias: Confinement; geese; really doesn’t like sad clowns.

Guilty pleasures: Malteasers; really cheesy musicals; the game Hungry Hippos.

M O R A L S

Morality alignment?: Neutral good.

Sins - lust/greed/gluttony/sloth/pride/envy/wrath: Greed; Pride.

Virtues - chastity/charity/diligence/humility/kindness/patience/justice: Charity; Kindness.

T H I S - O R - T H A T

Introvert/extrovert: Extrovert - Lilia is incredibly outgoing and loves being around people a lot of the time.

Organised/disorganised: Organised - her organisation skills might not always seem obvious to others, but it makes complete sense to her.

Close minded/open-minded: Open-minded - Lilia spent some of her childhood working with a circus and learnt a lot about the different types of people and their ideas as they moved around.

Calm/anxious: Calm - most of the time Lilia is a reasonably calm person, verging on the laidback with things.

Disagreeable/agreeable: Agreeable - thought not a doormat as some might think.

Cautious/reckless: Reckless - she’s the kind of person to jump into things before thinking most of the time; that being said, she does give things a fleeting thought in the hopes of not being too reckless.

Patient/impatient: Patient - Lilia has always been a patient person, especially with people she cares about or small children.

Outspoken/reserved: Outspoken - though she has learnt to hold her tongue on occasion in the hopes of maintaining her poker face in different situations.

Leader/follower: Leader - it’s a tough call for Lilia, however she’s never been very good at being a blind follower.

Empathetic/unemphatic: Empathetic - sometimes a little too much, but she’s getting better at managing this.

Optimistic/pessimistic: Optimistic - despite all the horrors in her past, Lilia is determined to see the best in things whenever possible.

Traditional/modern: Modern - though really it depends on what she’s thinking about.

Hard-working/lazy: Hard-working - ridiculously so sometimes; when trying to perfect magic tricks people need to make sure that she does things for herself as well.

R E L A T I O N S H I P S

OTP: Lilia and Mac.

OT3: Lilia, Julianne ‘Jewel’ and Ewan (two of her friends from back in the UK).

BROTP: Lilia and Riley.

NOTP: Lilia and Red John; Lilia and Murdoc.

[midge-maisel]

alexa & katie {1x12} | girl meets world {2x01}

[kimp05]

Why can’t you be a little nicer? | It’s because you didn’t ask for help.

[dcbbw]

Deja Vu (#Please be Prompt event)

This out-of-nowhere fic was born of a TikTok video of all things. It isn’t even a good video, but it sparked an idea (you know where that went), and here we are. This will also be my submission for the @choicesficwriterscreations​ #please be prompt event.

I will be using the following prompts: I’ve seen that smile before and Do you like what you see? They will appear in bold.

Rating: I have never given any of my stories a designation before, so going with M/Mature for content matter. The storyline is dark, odd, hopefully descriptive … but not graphic (at least I hope it isn’t).

Ta-Da! Yet another story no one asked for. (Quelle surprise!) It’s a hybrid of original content, sci-fi (maybe?), and my TRR franchise OTP … so whether you know me/my writing or not … please be open-minded and go easy on me. (The story makes so much sense in my head)

Huge THANK YOUs to @angelasscribbles​ for bouncing ideas with me, asking the hard questions, already plotting out part 2, and reading every effing word of this story multiple times. And to @ao719​ who performed the beta! Love you ladies!

Please excuse any and all typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. MS Word Editor rates this story at as 99% error free.

THANK YOU to anyone who reads this. Your likes, comments, and/or reblogs are appreciated more than you know!

Content Warning: Descriptions of death/killing; some slightly inappropriate NSFWish scenes

Liam and Riley belong to Pixelberry.

Song Inspo: Perfect Dress, Collar

Word Count: 3,007

The newly risen sun beams down warmly on my bare back as my arms and legs sluice through clear, blue water. I reach the end of the infinity pool, touch the wall, and began journeying my way to the other end. This is my fifth lap, and last for the day.

I step out of the pool naked, rivulets of chlorinated water falling from my hair before running in clear trails down my neck, and along my chiseled chest and abs. I eye what I can see of my body appreciatively: muscled, virile, my skin a burnished gold from summer sun.

This body … this life …. I haven’t lived this well in eons. And I have lived a lot of lives.

Two things never die: True love. Pure evil.

All that’s missing is her.

I wonder who she is in this reincarnation. I wonder where she is, and why I haven’t met her yet.

We meet every lifetime. Without fail.  The Fates decree it, and I am curious what either of us has done to deserve this gift.

Or curse, depending on one’s perspective.

I finish toweling off just as the merest hint of her scent wafts beneath my nose. I look around, startled yet excited.

The thought of her eyes widening in recognition when she realizes who I am, the softness of her hair threaded through my fingers before my hand cups her neck.

I have never felt such bliss.

The feel of her strong fingers as they curl around my wrist, her nails digging into my flesh.

I miss her terribly.

Our breaths, harsh and ragged as we begin our age-old dance in the bid for dominance.

I always win.

I close my eyes and exhale an anticipatory sigh before opening them.

But no one is there.

I should have expected that. Her smell is far too faint, muted by distance and miles.

I stride into my bedroom through windowed terrace doors, pausing to toss my damp towel into a hamper. An urn of hot coffee sits on a side table, along with fruit and breakfast breads. I pour myself a cup before sprawling in a stiff, wooden armchair as I recollect our first encounter.

We are in Ancient Rome, in the Year of our Lord 62.

I am a Senator, part of the regime planning a coup against that whack job Nero; my countenance is comprised of obesity, wealth, and an extreme dissatisfaction with life in general.  She is a slave girl at a privately-owned bathhouse: Young with a lithe body, and the most beautiful blonde hair.

Our meeting tonight is not the chance encounter she assumes it to be. I’ve been planning this night since I first saw her thronging amongst the Marketplace, selling fresh fruit for trinkets and coins. I am curious if she has a family to care for; surely working in an elite bath house such as this affords her a decent wage.

We are both nude, and she certainly does it better than I. Serpentine bands of gold encase her upper arms as well as her ankles.  

The room is in near silence, the lapping of the water the only sound in the cavernous area. Carefully placed candles illuminate the space with flickering light.

Her scent wafts around me as she scoops handfuls of steaming water down my back. It isn’t unpleasant.

“How many have you bathed today?” I grunt as her fingertips massage into the tops of my beefy shoulders.

“Not many,” her breath whispers across the nape of my neck as her nipples brush against my skin.

“Aren’t you afraid? You know there’s a madman loose in the city, murdering slave girls.”

There is a slight hesitation before she speaks again. “That was at the public baths, sir. And the streets have been quiet the past fortnight or so.”

I say nothing as she moves around to my front. She bends to gather a cloth and a bar of soap; my beady eyes admire her graceful form and slender ass. Feeling my gaze upon her, she looks up at me with a smile I end up remembering forever: small, soft, yet illuminating with the merest hint of allure; a dimple appears in the cleft of her chin; and her eyes, the color of dark honey, glint.

The water is heavy, my body big; I struggle slightly to stand in the rather shallow pool. I covertly watch the girl for her reaction, but she doesn’t frown in disgust, nor do her eyes avert in pity or embarrassment. Rather, she extends her hand to help steady me.

I’m surprised at her kindness and matter-of-factness. I’ll repay it the only way I know how.

My member is aroused and erect from both her body and in anticipation at what will happen next; she notices and raises an eyebrow in question. My eyes bore into hers as I run sausage-like fingers through her slightly dampened hair; the pad of my thumb traces a path across her cheekbone and along her jawline before my hand cups her swan-like neck. Her eyes close in pleasure and she moans as my palm presses against the hollow of her throat.

“Look at me,” I mutter.

Her eyes meet mine; I watch as pleasure gives way to wariness, which gives way to fright as she sees the blackness in my eyes, the blankness of my expression. Her scent, a hybrid of honeysuckle, greenery, and soap, is now infused with fear.

I feel my cock jump at the smell.

I am the madman.

Despite the terror in her gaze, her body is filled with fight. The previously calm water churns as her legs thrash in her struggle to free herself. But my height and weight put her at a disadvantage. Her teeth are bared in a snarl as her nails rake scratches down the wet flesh of my arms; thin streams of blood redden my skin.

My hand now encircles her neck; I squeeze harder. Her cheeks redden and her breathing is labored gasps and gags.

This is better than I ever thought possible. She isn’t sniveling or groveling for her life. She doesn’t offer empty promises, she neither bargains nor pleads. No, she is fighting me for something that isn’t mine to take and hers to have.

Our macabre dance plays out in silhouette against marble walls.

It is the most satisfying kill I have ever executed, and I want to prolong the act as long as possible. But I promised to repay her earlier kindness. I won’t prolong her suffering.

Our eyes meet, and she manages one word: “Why?”

My answer is to snap her neck.

As life leaves her body, an orgasm releases from my cock; thick ropes of white disappear into the pool. And I fall a little in love with her.

Her spirit, her fire, her kind nature.

Her death.

There were no more murders of bath house girls after her.

I nibble on an apple as I sort through my wardrobe, choosing outfits to wear on my upcoming trip before methodically folding and placing them in a suitcase. The flight departs today; I’ll be leaving for the airport after breakfast. The destination escapes me for the moment, but it’s to be expected. In this life, I’m an extremely busy man. Over the course of my lifetimes, I’ve lived many places: New York City, Baltimore, London, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Kalamazoo, Tokyo, Denver, Hong Kong, Chicago.

Chicago.

The city, the lifetime I realized that our encounters were not mere happenstance. I have made no deals with the deities to guarantee that I re-live the lust, the satisfaction, the love I get from killing her. Yet, we always meet, with the same results. It must be the Universe or other cosmic forces that pull us together.

We are soulmates. Of a different sort.

She is my destiny.

I am her damnation.

In 1940s Chicago, I am an insurance salesman. A bachelor who goes home to a cat and a TV dinner every work night. I attend church on Sundays, but gin makes me sin on Friday and Saturday nights.

The country is at war.

The city is on edge.

Someone is killing the women of Chicago. There’s neither rhyme nor reason to the murders: Housewives, bachelorettes, shop girls of all races and weights and heights. Their nude bodies have been found in trashcans, alleyways, back seats of cars.

The only connections between the victims are they are all young with dark-colored hair and wore red lipstick.

They were never shot; either strangled or stabbed.

The police have no clues, no leads.

This particular night finds me in the city’s South Side at a supper club that caters to Chicago’s black community. It features a local jazz band, show girls, and the best fried chicken in the Midwest. When I enter the establishment, my steps falter slightly; my nostrils are filled with the unmistakable scent of her. I look over the crowd: It’s filled with men and women with skin of various hues, mostly brown and black; there is raucous laughter and conversations peppered with slang I am unfamiliar with. I carefully study faces, looking for her smile; gender doesn’t matter. We’ve both returned as the opposite sex.

I enter the darkened lounge area and find a small table to the left of the stage. Her scent is stronger, and I feel my crotch bulge. A waiter takes my dinner order and brings me a drink; the undiluted gin is strong and burns my throat. The lights dim, and richly purple-colored velvet curtains lift just as my dinner is brought to me.

I glance up at the stage while I wait for the food to cool off some, and I see her. I swallow heavily as my heart rate accelerates.

She is a showgirl with skin the color of ebony. Everything on her is voluptuous: lips, hips, breasts. Her hair is hidden beneath an elaborately feathered headdress, and her shapely calves are encased in fishnet stockings. Her near-naked body sparkles with strands of pearls and rhinestones that dust the top of a pair of sequined shorts. Her nipples are covered with pasties.

Her chin dimples as she smiles brightly into the crowd.

I’ve seen that smile before, across several lifetimes. I would recognize it anywhere, on anyone. My cock throbs painfully.

I want to take her right now.

I push my plate aside, suddenly no longer hungry.

I watch the show … watch her … marveling at how easily and flawlessly she moves in sync with the other dancers, her skin gleaming beneath the bright overhead lights. She passes my table as she shimmies across the stage; she’s so close, I see the beads of perspiration dotting her nose, and where her red lipstick has seeped into the creases of her lips.  

Her eyes travel quickly over the tabletop before meeting mine; hers show no recognition upon seeing me, but she winks cheekily. I smirk as I deeply inhale her perfume that does little to hide the aromas of honeysuckle and soap.

I wonder why she never recognizes me until it’s too late to save herself.

Probably a small mercy afforded her by the gods.

At intermission, I stand and stretch my legs; the showgirl is at the bar, talking and laughing with a small group of her fellow dancers. She’s removed her headdress; a dark braid falls against the nape of her neck.  I make my way to her, giving her a polite smile in response to her inquiring look.  

Her brow knits briefly as I stand before her; she points her index finger at me, wagging it as she speaks.

“You didn’t eat your food! That’s wasteful and Minnie the Cook’s gonna be mad about that,” she says in a tone that is slightly accusatory.

“Please, give Minnie my apologies. But it’s your fault … you took both my breath and appetite away.”

My eyes roam her body appreciatively before I ask if I can buy her a drink.

“Do you like what you see?” Her eyelashes flutter coquettishly.

My thumb runs along her jawline as I lean in closer to her.

“Do you?” I breathe into her ear before drawing back to stare into her eyes.

And then I smell the fear permeating her fragrance and pheromones; her eyes widen in terror and recognition.

“We meet again, my darling,” I whisper as I take her hand and kiss her palm.

Two days later, early on Monday morning, her body is found in a dumpster behind the supper club. Her throat had been slit.

I call in sick to work that morning. My eye is blackened, my lower lip is split and swollen. Scratches from her nails mar my cheeks and neck. I wouldn’t be able to satisfactorily explain the injuries.

It was worth it.

No more women were killed after her.

I stare out the plane window, barely able to contain my excitement as we draw closer to New York City. I sit up straighter when the city’s skyline appears piecemeal beneath thick, gray clouds.

I need to see her again.

I think I am in love with her. She is the only one who can satisfy my needs, my cravings.

Every lifetime.

We have met time and again throughout eternities: While most of our encounters have been transient, we’ve also been siblings, parent and child, husband and wife. And each time, she shows me a care and kindness … a friendliness I have never experienced anywhere else, with anyone else.

But it has never been enough. It will never be enough.

In this life, I haven’t killed anyone. Yet.

But I’ve wanted to.

I don’t want to kill her this time.

But I will.

It’s the entire purpose of our love story, the only reason she’s the one for me.

My friends and I stride through the terminal, our luggage being pushed on a cart by an airport worker. The weather is cool and cloudy; the streets and pavement filled with rain puddles.

After we’re checked in and settled into our hotel rooms, we decide to go out and explore. I hire a car, and we do an abbreviated tour of the usual touristy sights. As we cross over the Brooklyn Bridge, my attention is drawn to the Statue of Liberty, a lone sentinel in the expanse of water.

I’m fascinated by the iconic monument. In all my lifetimes, I’ve never seen it.

We are now in Brooklyn, and my comrades are complaining of hunger. Tariq and Maxwell want steaks and fine wine; a sullen-faced Drake wants a burger. They begin to bicker rather loudly amongst themselves.

I don’t care what we eat. Her scent is stronger now, and I am discreetly adjusting myself.

She’s within reach.

The car cruises through a neighborhood rife with pubs and bars; a storefront advertising a variety of burgers and wines catches my eye, and I instruct the driver to let us out. Tariq is still whining about steak, but I ignore him as we exit the vehicle. I lead the way to the eatery when a passing woman piques my attention.

I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s the thought of her consuming me. The smell of her scent arousing me. Or perhaps the reason lies in the fact that in this life, this body … there is no anonymity. Not for me, nor my potential victims.

The passerby is short, Korean, and her eyes are fixed on the ground. Her hair hangs long and dark against the back of a pale pink shirt. She wears a khaki-colored utility skirt and sensible shoes. This isn’t the woman I seek … the stranger smells only of fried grease and Avon … but she’ll do.

For now.

I abruptly turn around so I am facing my friends, telling them I forgot something in the car. No further explanation is necessary since they are walking past me and into the bar. Once the door closes behind them, I sprint after the woman; once I catch up to her, I tell her I’m a tourist and lost.

She ignores me.

I notice she wears a name tag; she works at China Café and her name is Nan. I assume she’s a waitress. I swiftly change tactics, offering her money to relieve my raging hard-on in the nearby alleyway.

One hundred dollars.

She appraises me suspiciously; apparently, I’m too handsome and well-dressed to pick up strange women on the street. Her eyes stop at my crotch, where my tell-tale protrusion gives veracity to my story.

She leads the way to the filthy alley.

Five minutes later, she’s propped up against the outside wall of the bar where I will be joining my friends, her neck broken. My underwear is filled with sticky semen, and I am breathing deeply from exertion, release, and relief.

It’s been far too long.

I hurry into the restaurant; I need to at least wash off, but upon entering the establishment I am almost knocked over by the overwhelming mingled aromas of honeysuckle, greenery, and soap.

Her.

My eyes search frantically around the room. I see a waitress at a booth, speaking with Drake.

She’s average height with blonde-highlighted dark hair. She’s biracial: Asian, possibly Thai, and African-American. Her lower lip is tucked between her teeth as she scribbles furiously on a pad.

I watch for a moment, taking her in. No one else sees the scars from the deaths I’ve inflicted upon her.

Only I can see her soul.

I straighten myself to full height and stride authoritatively towards her. I reach the booth just as she’s turning to head to the kitchen. We bump into each other.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” she gasps.

I chuckle disarmingly. “It is I who should be apologizing.” I extend my hand. “I’m sorry, Miss …?”

She smiles that smile that haunts me when she isn’t near me. “I’m Riley,” she says.

“Well hello, Riley.” I bend to kiss the back of her hand. “I’m Liam.”

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In case you’re interested: @motorcitymademadame​​

[coraniaid]

Buffy Summers for the Character Ask Game!

Favorite thing about them

Wait, I can only pick one thing?

I guess the best thing about Buffy is that, as heavy on subtext and metaphor as the show is, she could easily feel more like a parody or an archetype than an individual.  But SMG just does such a great job of making her feel like a real person: someone who’s being increasingly worn down by all of the obstacles life throws at her, but who keeps fighting anyway because the alternatives are worse.  Whether that means dying to save her friends, or giving up any semblance of a normal life, or running a sword through her boyfriend’s heart.  

That’s why I like Prophecy Girl so much, I think. Buffy doesn’t just face the prospect of her death with an irreverent quip or a funny one-liner: she seems genuinely, heartbreakingly terrified by it.  And then she goes to fight the Master anyway, because nobody else can do it.  (And then she pulls out the funny one-liner.)

On the surface it feels a bit silly that, over the course of the show, quite so many different people fall madly in love with her within minutes of meeting her, but on the other hand … no, I get it.

Least favorite thing about them

Least favorite thing about Buffy as a person?  Well, I have some sympathy for Living Conditions' Kathy -- soul stealing and Cher aside -- because I do think Buffy would probably be a terrible roommate.  (Even if she wasn't sneaking out every night to fight vampires.)

Least favorite thing about how Buffy is written?  I hate the retcon that was established in Normal Again around when exactly Buffy first told her mother about being a Slayer and I refuse to take it seriously.  

Favorite line

"You don't have a good choice, but you have a choice."

brOTP

Willow.

That said, I do think it's slightly implausible just how quickly they become such close friends (and the way Willow talks about their friendship in later seasons sometimes makes me wonder if the writers forgot Buffy only met Willow for the first time when she was sixteen).

The show implies (via Cordelia's role as Buffy's shadow self) that this is because although Buffy was superficially popular in her old school in LA the people she was surrounded by didn't know the real her, which ... okay, I guess it would take me a bit off topic to discuss that much further, but suffice to say it feels a little off to me.

(Though it is kind of amusing that, although Buffy is meant to have been the popular one in her old high school and Willow the social outcast, Buffy has -- by my reckoning -- a total of zero platonic friends she didn't meet directly or indirectly through Willow.  I mean, there's Willow's childhood friend, Willow's high school boyfriend, Willow's girlfriend ... I guess maybe you could count Cordelia, who she does know independently of Willow, but I think the show is very inconsistent about whether they are friends at all.)

OTP

You know, I don't really have any strong feelings either way about ... no, wait, hang on, that's a lie.

(The thing is that, as far as I can remember, I really didn't have any opinions about this until my lockdown-inspired rewatch of the show.)

But yeah, it's Faith.

nOTP

Not really a fan of Riley (more specifically, not a fan of the S6 reimagination of Riley as the One That Got Away).  Wish the show had leaned a bit harder into just how odd Riley could be (for example: how enthusiastically he brings up the idea of locking the duplicate Xanders in separate rooms and experimenting on them in The Replacement), because that honestly makes me like him (and his relationship with fellow weirdo Buffy) a lot more.

Also, it's always struck me as slightly odd that Riley is so similar to Angel.  I mean, narratively he's meant to have been the 'normal' boyfriend that Angel couldn't be, and the show has Buffy herself compare them and conclude that they're very different,  and yet he's ... a suspiciously older man whose relationship with Buffy starts and ends with lies and secrets, who has enhanced strength allowing him to fight alongside her on patrol and who has mysterious links to the Big Bad of the season he appears in.  That doesn't exactly feel like a radical departure from Angel to me.

Random headcanon

Think I'm borrowing this from somebody on tumblr, but I really like the idea that Buffy goes back to college after the show ends and actually gets her degree.

(Still not read the comics, but the notion that Buffy heads off to live in a castle with all the other Slayers and continues to have epic world-saving adventures instead of having something approaching a normal life just seems so antithetical to what Chosen was about.)

Unpopular opinion

Not really sure what counts as unpopular.  I have very carefully curated my internet bubble so that I almost never see incorrect opinions about Buffy.

(Except when I post them.)

Song I associate with them

"So Tired" by Slowdive (specifically late S5 or mid S6 Buffy).

Favorite picture of them

I'm generally not hugely persuaded by readings of Buffy (the show) as being particularly left-wing, as opposed to just generically suspicious of adult authority. (Which I think a show about a teenage superhero pretty much has to be if you want there to be a plot).  If anything, I'd say that -- like other superhero fiction -- the idea that there's a secret handful of Chosen Ones with a Destiny who are just inherently better equipped at solving the world's problems than anybody else is quite the opposite of left-wing.

But then there's this:

That's a nice hammer and weapon-that-looks-a-lot-like-a-sickle you're holding there, Miss Summers.  And you're fighting to liberate the workers in an industrial-looking sweatshop, huh.  Interesting.