#outofhatboxes
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@beatingheart-bride
I am?
These two words, this simple little question, very nearly came out of Susannah's mouth before she stopped herself, reminding herself of Philippe's sincere nature. This was a man who would never lie to her, least of all about her appearance, and so she allowed herself to be flattered in that moment, cheeks turning a soft pink as she replied, "Th-Thank you, Philippe. You..y-you look v-very handsome!"
Not about to let him linger out on her front porch all night, she was quick to sweep him inside and into her little kitchen, where she had everything laid out, ready and waiting for them. She was also pleasantly surprised by the strawberry-creme bonbons he'd procured for them; they would make a wonderful dessert to cap off tonight's dinner.
"I-I...I have something for you too!"
Before they sat down to their meal (she would've liked to have just dug in, but perhaps giving him this gift would mitigate some of the butterflies in her stomach and let her actually enjoy dinner), Susannah hustled out of the room, only to then return with a small box-not ornately wrapped or even particularly eye-catching...unlike what was inside.
It was a hand-knitted sweater, made in a beautiful sky-blue yarn, laced with delicate honeycomb and blackberry patterns, very similar to the one Wilhelmina Pace knitted for her future husband many years ago (the only difference being was that the one she made was a soft buttercup yellow; Susannah had it tucked away in the cedar chest upstairs, along with many other heirlooms). It would be plenty warm to wear, once the cold snap eventually settled in.
"I-It's an Aran sweater," she explained shyly, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched him open it, on pins and needles, waiting for his reaction, wondering nervously all the while: Will he like it?
#((that was indeed purposeful; that was by design! in the early going; the only speck of color on her person))#((were the shamrocks embroidered onto the sleeves of her shirt; something overlooked by everyone))#((something she doesn't want attention to be drawn towards...and now look! she's wearing green))#((light and color really has been returned to her life thanks to philippe; and not only that))#((she's wearing a shamrock on her chest-she feels more secure showing that part of herself at least around him))#((and it's reflected in her appearance! i'm delighted you noticed!))#((and doreen would be totally proud of her-she's going out of her mind with anxiety; but she's holding fast))#((and is going to be open about how she feels; her nerves be damned!))#((and she did indeed go through with making him that sweater! i feel like it really cemented her feelings))#((while she was making it: here she was; doing the same thing her mother did for her father decades ago))#((for the man she loves! in that moment; i think it finally confirmed to her that; yeah; she's in love!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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"Oh, here comes the wicked witch," Abigail snickered, nudging one of her neighbors at the table, completely unfazed by Mick's outburst. Not when their favorite object of ridicule was coming out of the stock room.
Short, spindly, frizzy-haired, with a pointy nose and a pale face, made all the paler by inky-black hair and olive-green eyes, under which hung heavy bags brought on by many a sleepless night. With all of this compounded by her long black dress (a hand-me-down from her mother, a pair of emerald green shamrocks embroidered on the sleeves that she often tried to hide), Susannah Pace somehow looked wrong not being mounted on a broomstick, with a pointy hat on her head.
"Now there's the eternal bachelorette," Abigail smirked, as Susannah resumed her place at her table, focusing firmly on the bonnet she was working on in a bid to ignore her coworker's catty conversation, which was well within earshot. "Though unlike with Mr. de Clair, fellas ain't exactly lining up 'round the block for Susy's hand..."
Susannah bristled at little at the nickname, but otherwise said nothing-she never went by Susy, not even when she was a child...to be frank, she hated the nickname, but the people she worked for at a young age often insisted on calling her as such, and she just had to get used to it. She supposed that was one of the few pluses of working for Mickey-he never called her "Susy", just...Pace.
"Pace! Is that damned bonnet ready yet? Mr. Hatchaway will be here any minute to pick it up for his new wife, and I want it perfect when he does!"
"Yes, sir, it's almost done," she sighed defeatedly, as she put the final touches on it-namely, a pretty lavender bow and a fake daisy. Wealthy clients were the worst; she'd yet to meet a truly pleasant one. Most were merely dismissive, didn't give her the time of day outside of listing off their demands for their hats, and that was better than the sort who enjoyed making her run in circles for their own amusement, jumping through hoops to make them happy. Mr. Hatchaway, unfortunately, fell into the latter category, and she could only hope he'd be satisfied with her work.
RP: Genderbent
@theheadlessgroom
It was a blazing hot summer day like any other throughout the city of New Orleans. As always, Mickey's Haberdashery was bustling with potential customers looking to commission garments, and employees working away at garments that had been commissioned in the not-so-distant past.
But not to say it was completely professional: as the employees chipped away at their current projects (admittedly at a somewhat leisurely pace), they passed the time gossiping back and fourth about all of the city's most attention-catching news, especially news concerning the city's elite.
"...did you hear he turned someone down again?" one seamstress asked another, sounding impeccably like a schoolgirl gossiping over lunch.
"That eternal bachelor, Philippe de Claire?" inquired another, to which the first one nodded.
"The one and only! This time he turned down Nicola Pennyworth, the daughter of a banker. I swear, he must've gone through every well-to-do broad in Louisiana by now! No one is good enough for him: he sounds like an insufferable fop, if you ask me."
"I don't know," a third seamstress spoke up, flashing the others a coy grin. "Maybe he just hasn't met the right girl: I'll bet I could have him wrapped around my finger in no time."
Finally, out came Mickey, his face stern as he marched over to the trio of seamstresses who had gathered around one of the haberdashery's work tables.
"I don't give a damn about that de Claire boy and his love life," Mickey huffed, his palm meeting the wooden table with a dull thud. "And I don't pay you to run your mouths! Stop yapping, and get back to work!"
#((i can't blame you for being excited; i know i've been excited enough to write starters the night before!))#((this is going to be a FASCINATING trip; as i said; i think a lot of things will change; but also a lot will stay the same))#((and vice versa; and i for one am stoked to see how everything plays out!))#((also i don't have any other ideas for names but if i *do* think of a better one i'll let you know!))#((also also: i chose the name 'abigail' for female!dave; since that was the name of david's wife in the bible!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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@beatingheart-bride
"Who, me? Moi?" Doreen asked faux-innocently, pressing a hand to her chest as she dropped her jaw in mock surprise, as though she were shocked, absolutely shocked that Philippe would accuse her of such a thing, before flashing them a playful grin. "What would ever give you that idea?"
"Oh, no reason," Susannah smiled, to which Doreen giggled (oh, her friends knew her so well!), but while she continued to elaborate on her scheming to Philippe, Susannah herself found herself staring out the window, lost in thought. The wheels in her mind were already beginning to turn, her heart was beginning to race, and a little smile was dancing on her lips all the while.
How wonderful it all sounded...to return to Gracey Manor for one of Doreen's lavish, wonderful parties, and in the company of her dear friends, no less! It'd be wonderful to see Edward and Belle again, to see the mansion again, all under the cover of a mask...for once, she wouldn't have to be Susannah Pace, lowly seamstress, but could instead be a beautiful, anonymous maiden...
And that maiden would need a dress.
Trembling wore three different dresses to church, Susannah would only need one...she made a note to herself to go back to her mother's book of fables, and look to those very dresses for inspiration. This would be her magnum opus thus far, her most impressive piece of work to date: A gown fit for a fairy tale maiden.
And if she could dance with her prince in such a gown, oh...her heart ached at the thought, and she wondered to herself if, between now and when the ball actually happened, if she and Philippe would be like Edward and Doreen, secretly courting under the noses of everyone. She dared dream they would be...
#((it would! and i think it might especially catch belle off-guard because...she *is* the maid! she's the help!))#((in her own way; due to her job and her gender; she tends to get overlooked and underappreciated))#((by virtually everyone *except* doreen; so to know that susannah also appreciates her; she remembers her fondly))#((all the time they spent together; all the wise words she told her that susannah never forgot))#((to know she's still appreciated by someone else all these years later? it's going to be extremely touching!))#((and it really is going to be like something out of a fairy tale; which is exactly why i had doreen pitch it))#((so that susannah and philippe can enjoy the anonymity of a masquerade ball and dance together))#((giving them their fairy tale moment-especially susannah; who will get to feel like trembling while she's there!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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@beatingheart-bride
At this moment of reminiscense, Dorian and Elizabeth's eyes met, and their smiles mirrored one another as Elizabeth commented off-handedly:
"I think I'm beginning to understand that feeling."
Walking behind the two younger couples, unable to resist cooing over her sleeping granddaughter just as her mother was, June caught little snatches of the conversation, with certain remarks just happening to make her ears prick up a little more, though she never let her face show what she was thinking and feeling, to say nothing of refusing to give voice to these thoughts. As she had told Lon earlier in the month, she had her theories, but at the end of the day, whatever was on Dorian and Elizabeth Gracey's mind was theirs to announce, and she certainly wasn't going to impede upon that.
At the very least, when the party had made it back to the attic, and Randall and Emily quietly took the twins to their room for a nap, she took Elizabeth aside for a moment, venturing to say, choosing her words carefully, "Well, if you do ever feel sick again, if any nausea or soreness pops up again...please, don't hesitate to come to me. I'd like to help in any way I can."
Elizabeth studied June's face for a moment, remaining calm upon this suggestion being put to her-the matriarch's face was just as calm as her own, and there was a gentle sincerity in the way she smiled at her, to say nothing of something of a mischievous twinkle to her eye, a sort of subtle, knowing look that reminded Elizabeth of her own mother, and the looks she would give her one and only daughter when she knew something was afoot.
But even with that look, the mistress of Gracey Manor knew Mrs. June Pace was a woman she could trust, and so she flashed her an appreciative smile, saying, "If anything comes up, I'll be sure to look to you first. Thank you, June."
"Think nothing of it, Elizabeth."
#((randall straight-up melted that night! his waking nightmare of being confronted by nicholas again))#((turned into a heavily dream when emily came flying down from the attic to beat nicholas's face into the floor!))#((all of his fear just evaporated in a snap; and he was reduced to a gooey puddle of love and adoration of his wife))#((swooping in and saving him-i didn't think it was possible; but i agree; i really do think he fell even further into love!))#((and so i think it's going to be similar with josephine and august-she's gonna be his cheerleader in the back))#((absolutely LIVING for her husband so boldly standing up for his family like that!))#((august may be a pretty shy and quiet guy; but he's passionate where it counts; and josephine loves that))#((and will love seeing him take their obnoxious neighbors down more than a few pegs!))#((and !!!!! holy cow!!! it actually had the bride on it?? no constance??))#((and it wasn't one of those weird hybrids where it's the bride's heart but she's also got a string of pearls and an ax?))#((color me absolutely stunned; but i'm also stoked too; that's so awesome that it got here))#((and that it's got your muse on it; that's huge!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Two Worlds; One Family
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@beatingheart-bride
"Emily-!" Randall cried out, but before he could follow after her, bound and determined to stay by her side, his father reached out to stop him, saying gently, "Let her go, lad. Let her go."
"Wil?!" June hissed in bewilderment at her husband's actions, looking from him, to the departing Emily, then back to Wilhelm; as soon as their daughter-in-law-to-be had shut the heavy door behind her, she raised her voice, snapping, "What the hell do you think you're doing? You're really going to let her go out and face that monster by herself?!"
"No, Junie, no," Wilhelm assured her quickly, letting Randall go (at which his son immediately rushed to the window, his heart pounding in his chest as he searched for the two vampires, knowing he couldn't bear not to watch, no matter how agonizing it'd be); pressing a quick kiss to his wife's cheek, he moved to grab the chair he'd been eyeing. With one solid swing against the doorframe, the chair was smashed to pieces, leaving the legs scattered across the ground.
"We're not gonna let Emily face that bloodsucker all by herself," he said, pulling out his pocket knife as he picked up one of the legs, moving quickly to begin carving the end into a point. "But if we're gonna do this, we're gonna play it smart. We're gonna take that vamp by surprise, and with any luck, we'll give Emily a fighting chance to give her attacker a little payback."
Picking up quickly on his meaning, June and Randall moved to pick up the other legs.
#((no kidding! and on the subject of this finale; we are once again on the EXACT same wavelength!))#((i was totally thinking that emily would go to confront constance herself and wind up on the ropes))#((only for the paces to come in clutch at the last second; having crafted some makeshift weapons))#((like wilhelm was imagining just now! and as for the ending; i defidently want to include the wedding))#((i want that sight of these four vampires celebrating randall and emily's union-married at long last!))#((BUT i also really like the idea of ending on a somewhat funnier note with them visiting dorian))#((and finding out that he's married to elizabeth; one of the fae! i just think it'd be really sweet and funny))#((for dorian to immediately recognize/remember randall and invite him and emily in))#((and as they're catching up; randall tells him about how he's a vampire now))#((and dorian happily drops that fairy bombshell in the pair's laps and all randall can eek out is “WHAT?!”))#((i just think it'd be a fun close to the story!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Dark Shadows
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Upon hearing this small voice, Randall spun around, his eyes landing on the spirit hovering around the corner, a spirit he almost didn’t recognize-after all, it had been so long since he’d seen her; the last time he laid eyes on her, goodness, she must’ve only come up to his knee...
“Erika.”
Still, a sense of joy filled him when he saw her, and he almost tripped over himself crossing the attic to embrace her without a moment’s hesitation, knowing this to be his little girl. The thought of that alone was enough to make his eyes well up with tears (tears he was sure were about to come spilling out and flood the whole attic), but still did he hug her close, struggling to find the right words to say. He felt he should say something...
…but perhaps it was better to let his actions do all the talking for him.
{Starter for @theheadlessgroom }
Starter Call: https://www.tumblr.com/eviesheart/725057276097036288
Exhausted, mentally and emotionally that was one way to describe the current state of one Erika De Claire Pace. It simply seemed that the ghostly teenager could not get a break…
The disappearance of her father was one thing, but the equally mysterious disappearance of her mother accompanied by an entirely different Ghost Bride in the attic- primarily one that especially didn’t like her- Erika had found herself in quite the unique dynamic. Missing both of her parents, and stuck with a Black Widow Bride who truly saw her as nothing more than an inconvenience. The attic was an entirely new place at this point on, and all Erika could do was endure.
It was an evening like any other in the attic of Gracey Manor. Constance was out socializing with other haunts which gave Erika a moment of peace from the ghastly woman- though seeing her face on the various portraits didn’t do much for comfort. The sound of a single heartbeat resounded through the attic as Erika sat in one of the attic’s chairs, a small huff escaping her lips. One unfortunate thing about living in an attic meant you occasionally had run ins with moths- moths that liked to eat away at your lacy dresses. But it was nothing a lovely embroidered flower or two couldn’t fix.
Yes, this was what life had become in the attic, and for Erika she was not anticipating anything to change. But oh, was she gonna be amazed by what was waiting in store for her on this seemingly regular old evening in Gracey Manor.
Perhaps a day she had been waiting for for years….
@theheadlessgroom
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@beatingheart-bride
"I say to just go with your heart," Randall smiled, as he pulled up a chair in front of the changing rooms, very eager to what Emily picked out as her wedding dress: He knew there were plenty of superstitions surrounding the bad luck that came with the groom seeing the bride in her dress before the wedding day proper, but honestly, he wasn't thinking too hard about that now. He'd had his fill of bad luck in his past life; in this new one, he felt there could only be good things from here on out.
Of course, he knew his advice wasn't exactly the most helpful he could give, but to tell the truth, he had faith in her ability to find the perfect gown. This would be her own dress-not an heirloom passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, meant to be worn out of duty, but one she herself chose-just as she chose her own husband, so too would she choose her own dress, and no one would impede her.
"We've got a lot of variety, so you certainly have plenty of options," he chuckled, as he took his seat. Hopefully not too many, he thought, as he made himself comfortable, excited to see what she chose-no matter what she chose, of course, he would love and find her beautiful in it; what was most important to him was that she was happy with her choice, and would look back on it fondly.
#((y'know funnily enough i have long had the idea of an alternate take on the original 'child's play'))#((in which damballa isn't looking for someone to cause mayhem and shed blood in their name))#((and instead gives chucky a chance to become human again...IF he plays nice with andy))#((and keeps this lonely boy company-if he can make andy happy by being his friend))#((damballa will cut chucky some slack and return him to a human form; but if not; he'll be stuck as a doll forever!))#((mind you i had this idea before season 3 rolled around and we actually got to meet damballa))#((but i digress! the idea of chucky continuing to butt heads with damballa is an interesting one))#((especially because it really does seem like; yeah; damballa wasn't much of a threat!))#((it was a big part of season 3; that whole 'terminal christianity' thing; and now chucky's back to doll form))#((and happy about it; now that he's seemingly bested the heroes and has run off with tiffany again!))#((so honestly it'd be interesting to explore that further; and have to the two be clashing for much longer than they did!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Dark Shadows
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@beatingheart-bride
Fortunately, neither of them had to wait long-June and Wilhelm, unable to sleep on account of their son's absence, had been sitting up wide awake in the living room, and were thus able to run to the door when they heard Emily's call. June threw open the door, and Randall, in an effort to stand on his own two feet, moved to collapse against her, mumbling, "Ma...Emily...saved me..."
"What?"
"She didn't...hurt me..." he continued, voice strained as he spoke-even through the haze of pain hanging over him, he wanted to make it as clear as possible that Emily saved his life. "Got mugged...she saved me..."
"Shh, shh, don't speak," she soothed, her expression uncertain as she looked between her badly battered son and the vampire standing on the front porch. She wasn't sure what to say, but for now, she settled for bringing Randall inside, asking Wilhelm to bring her the first aid kit, something he rushed to do, sparing an equally uncertain look towards Emily as he hurried upstairs.
Once he'd had a chance to lie down and recover, letting his mother tend to his wounds, Randall was able to explain the full story of what had transpired that evening-how Emily had coming seemingly out of nowhere to rescue him, opting not to drain his attackers, but instead give them a good scare before rushing him home.
"And she didn't...bite you...?" Wilhelm asked, keeping his voice low as Randall took a deep drink from his water glass, saying, "No, Pa, she didn't." She had every opportunity to do so, but she didn't. He hoped that would be enough to change their minds about her, as he ventured to ask:
"Can you...can you please bring her in?"
At this request, his parents exchanged a nervous look-should they? Would she turn vengeful as soon as she crossed that threshold? The look in their son's eyes said no... ...but that was a painful concept in itself, as it meant that they had been wrong about her all this time...
Swallowing back their worries, June gave her husband a curt little nod, and so, with some hesitance, some lingering uncertainty, Wilhelm slowly opened the front door, letting Emily into their home once more.
#((yeah 'child's play 3' is defidently one of the weakest entries in the series!))#((brad dourif is still great as chucky; he's doing what he can with the material; but it was just too soon))#((after 'child's play 2'; there just wasn't enough time for the script to really have a chance to properly bake))#((and the film didn't have enough room to breathe! it's no wonder that the series took a long hiatus))#((only to come back strong with 'bride of chucky'; fortunately!))#((i defidently encourage you to check out the films in full when you get a chance! the first film and 'bride' are my favorites))#((and i hope you enjoy them!))#((and i think they'll defidently feel guilty-they kept the two of them apart))#((and had they not; this may not have happened! it's really such a blessing emily's been watching over randall in bat form))#((and was able to swoop in and save him and get him home!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Dark Shadows
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@beatingheart-bride
"Uh, lass? Halloween isn't for a good few more months-it's a little early for practical jokes like that!"
"It's not a joke, Pa," Randall sighed heavily-he should've anticipated this, in a way; that if they didn't immediately become alarmed over this revelation, that they wouldn't believe them, and instead think this was some sort of big joke. But that wasn't it-far from it, and he tried to hammer this in as he insisted, "Emily is telling the truth!"
"Randall..." June asked, tone wary and expression full of concern-it wasn't like her son to try and pull their leg like this, but surely, that had to be what it was, right? Surely he didn't really think they'd believe him when he said his girlfriend was a vampire?
And surely...he didn't really believe that himself, did he?
Sighing heavily, Randall looked around for a way to prove it, before gesturing to the mirror hanging on the wall by the front door; a little something for the Pace's to look into, make sure they looked nice before they headed off to work. Pointing it out, he sighed heavily, "Look, if you want proof...look into the mirror. You'll see me on the couch, but...you won't see her."
His parents exchanged concerned looks at this, and Randall sighed again, saying, "I know it sounds crazy, but please...we don't want to keep this a secret from you-Emily was very honest about it with me last night, and we decided earlier today that we'd be honest with you. Please, just...trust us. And trust us when we saw that Emily doesn't mean me any harm. I love her, and she loves me."
#((ah; ocd solidarity! i didn't know what ocd was as a kid BUT i watched both 'nightmare before christmas'))#((in which jack becomes fixated on christmas and 'the adventures of ichabod and mr. toad'))#((in which toad becomes fixated on a red hot hot rod; i felt an affinity for them both!))#((little seven year old me was like 'ah yes. men of taste! these guys know what's up!'))#((i just felt a connection to them for becoming fixed on these things; even if those fixations))#((were very different from my own; i felt understood in a way i hadn't felt before))#((and to this day; many many years after i got officially diagnosed; i still have a big soft spot for those characters!))#((it was just nice as a kid to see characters who seemed a lot like me))#((even if; again; at that time i didn't know what ocd was or that i had it!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Dark Shadows
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“Please, make yourself at home,” Randall invited, gesturing to the many old, creaky, yet still comfortable lounge seats and high-backed chairs strewn about the attic, serving as something of a living room for his humble home. It wasn’t much, but he and Emily had long ago rearranged it to be some semblance of a living space, and he still found it quite cozy, all these years later.
As his friend entered, he rushed off to grab him a blanket from the bedroom closet-a good one, a heavy one that would do a good job of keeping him warm (without a fireplace up there, it could get damnably cold on ones old bones, and he could say that from experience). He settled on an old afghan his mother and grandmother had made together, in varying shades of purple, gathering it up before carrying it back to Sinclair, to drape over his shivering shoulders.
“Do you want another?” he asked, wondering if he should double-back to the closet to grab another one of the afghans in there...he also made a note to light a few more candles, just to brighten up the place, make it look a tad more inviting...
(((crawls out of hell with this) @theheadlessgroom It's been a bit since I did Sinclair interacting with Randall-
#((it's been a hot minute but i'm very glad to hear from you again!))#outofhatboxes#askthebrokenones-fm#V:Not Alone
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@beatingheart-bride
Philippe didn't need to suggest it twice; as soon as he pulled her in and posited the idea of getting some rest, Susannah's body relaxed, a sleepy smile crossing her lips as she gladly snuggled into his arms, mumbling something about "I like that idea" before she dozed off, the combined exhaustion of the night before and the long day of travel finally putting her to some much-needed sleep.
And what wonderful dreams she had! Susannah didn't often have "nice", vivid dreams; more often than not, she didn't even remember her dreams at all, her nights passing in a blur of grey, but now, lying on this cozy bed, feeling warm in her beloved's arms, his aftershave dancing in her nose, her head was awash with joyous images.
A cozy night in California, open windows bringing with it a chorus of crickets and a warm summer breeze, fragrant with flowers from the garden...it was after dinner, a quiet evening for herself and her family: While she sat on the sofa, busying herself with a little knitting, Philippe sat beside her, reading from a book, the two occasionally breaking up their activities with little conversation, little touches, little kisses, little smiles.
And at their feet, Susannah dreamed of...children! A boy and a girl each, cherubic with their blonde hair and big blue eyes, so much like their father! They too talked as they played with dolls and stuffed bears...perhaps one of them was the one her mother gave her when she was a baby?
It was a dream she wished she could live in forever, savoring every cozy detail as she sighed in her sleep, smiling as she continued to dream...she wondered if Philippe was dreaming the same...
#((they did! they touched many lives; even in a roundabout way; in particular august!))#((he had a profound impact on doreen; of course; edward and belle both remember him fondly))#((and both he and wilhelmina had a ripple effect; touching the life of philippe despite having never met him!))#((they may be gone; but they absolutely live on in the hearts of their daughter; her friends; and her husband to-be!))#((that's a huge impact; far bigger than most people have; especially after they've passed away!))#((they absolutely live on long after their deaths; and i can absolutely see them watching over susannah and co.))#((deeply touched by the legacy their daughter and those she holds dear have carried on in their stead!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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@beatingheart-bride
"I wish you could've too," Randall lamented, as he embraced Emily for a kiss-having watched her read these letters, having seen his old handwriting (looking hardly different from the chicken scratch he called his penmanship these days), he felt an ache in his hands as they seemed to remember penning each and every one of them, as well as an ache in his heart, knowing how long she'd had to wait to read them.
That was never the case: It was supposed to be a surprise that night; after their walk, he was leading them back to Minnie's, he hadn't told her he had a surprise waiting for her back at the shop, but he was eager to return, and present them to her-a sort of early wedding gift, in a way; something they could maybe put into an album, to look back on their courtship fondly over the years to come...
As much as he didn't want to remember, he knew he had to confront that particular memory of the woman in white, coming down the sidewalk as they walked along. He vaguely recalled being taken aback by her being dressed all in white (like a bride, he realized), but wasn't going to think anything of it when she reached out and grabbed him, and he saw her fangs...
He suppressed his shudder to the best of his abilities, and tried to stay in the present as he parted from the kiss, saying, "I...I'm so glad you've finally gotten to read them now, though. I always wanted you to, even when I was too scared to tell you how I felt, even in a letter..."
#((*pounds fists on table* let! monsters! be! happy! let! monsters! be! happy!))#((and let's face it; if we go by our canon for the mansion as a whole; these spooks have lived lifetimes of pain and sorrow))#((having had their lives tragically cut short; lost people important to them; been discriminated against))#((belittled and mistrusted and everything else you can think of on top of-in most cases-dying a violent death!))#((so i am very much a proponent of the denizens of the mansion having happy endings))#((be it in au's like this one or in our canon; wherein gracey manor is a 'come one come all' kinda place))#((for every wayward ghost in need of a place to haunt-no need to be a lonesome ghost when there's gracey manor))#((and its happy haunts there to help one have a happy afterlife!))#((and in the case of the graceys and the paces; just having each other is a happy ending in its own right!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Dark Shadows
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At this, Susannah couldn't help but grin at his answer, for it was a valid one: As excited as she was at the prospect of dining out and seeing a show together, that certainly didn't mean she wasn't excited about everything else on the agenda. There really wasn't anything she didn't look forward to-the world was their oyster, a taste of freedom they'd be sure to savor over the course of this vacation. It was a taste they'd become accustomed to, once they made it to California.
What a strange thought, one she still wasn't accustomed to yet...to not be stared at. It should be a comforting thought, and it was, not to be perceived the way she was used to, but at the same time...it was so alien too, thinking of others not looking at her like she was some heinous abomination...she supposed this vacation would be good practice, for herself to grow accustomed to being treated differently-better, she reminded herself-but still, it would take some acclimating to.
Another thing she would have to grow accustomed to: Having fun money. Although Philippe would undoubtedly insist upon paying for much of their trip (for which she was extremely appreciative), she nonetheless made sure to dip into what little savings she had, deciding to put a little extra in her purse, just so she could buy a few things herself. She'd like to buy him breakfast one of these mornings, as well as buy some souvenirs to bring back...for herself, and for Edward and Doreen.
Maybe I'll buy myself a new dress! she thought to herself brightly, as she felt her purse in her pocket. There was no guarantee she'd do that, of course, but it was an exciting thought anyways...when was the last time she bought something just for herself?
#((OW))#((it would be so perfect but SO painful; susannah splitting her bridal bouquet with her parents' graves))#((ensuring they have a little piece of her on her wedding day-especially since she won't be coming back to their graves))#((she's leaving for california and as such is leaving them behind-but she still wants to leave a part of herself with them))#((the last time she'll leave them flowers; the last time she'll visit them! she stands at their graves and lays down flowers))#((she shows off her wedding dress and talks about her plans for the future before she lays a kiss on each headstone))#((and bids them goodbye before she and philippe take off for the golden state!))#((oof...damn who's cutting onions in here i'm getting all teary-eyed...!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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"Oh...!"
Susannah supposed that made the most sense...it was the easiest, most believable fib he could give to his parents, especially considering how enamored they were with the idea of their boy finally settling down. She was sure they'd have all sorts of questions about her "family" and the time he spent with them when he returned, but she had faith he'd be able to come up with a good cover story for the both of them.
"I...I do wish you were meeting my family," she found herself saying aloud before she could stop herself, as she continued to gaze out the window: She didn't have much of it, granted, but she still wished he could've met them nonetheless, particularly her father's side of the family.
"I...I wish you could've met my father," she lamented quietly, as the familiar New Orleans surroundings began to fade away as the sun continued its ascent into the sky. "He...he would've loved you, I think...he'd have admired your...compassion, your good heart, your grace...I think you two would've gotten along very well.
I'm sure my ma would've liked you too...I-I don't remember her much, but...I imagine she woulda liked you a lot. She probably woulda welcomed you into the family with open arms."
#((it'd be perfect to her! i think in some ways it'd be better than any flashy fairy tale-style proposal))#((simply because it'd be quiet and peaceful and romantic-simple is good in her book!))#((and oh man doreen is going to be absolutely BOUNCING off the walls! even though she expected it))#((she undoubtedly anticipated it; especially once susannah told her they were going on vacation))#((-hence doreen loading her up with plenty of dresses for said vacation-))#((but once she hears she's still gonna be over the moon! she's absolutely gonna wanna celebrate!))#((maybe in lieu of a big get-together at gracey manor; they could have a small engagement party at susannah's house))#((just susannah; philippe; doreen; and edward once the former gets back! sort of a last hurrah before california!))#((what do you think?))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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"Not a wink," Susannah confessed with a shy smile, as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes: Although she knew she'd be getting up plenty early, she just couldn't quite bring herself to get some sleep, adding with an equally shy chuckle, "I feel like a kid at Christmas, honestly!"
All throughout the night, she found herself rolling over, looking at the time on her bedside table, sometimes even hearing the grandfather clock chime downstairs-all signs pointing to the fact that she needed to get some rest, but giddiness had completely overtaken her, and so sleep came in fits and starts. Yet, despite that, she was still feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed that morning, as she bathed and dressed in her nicest blouse and skirt before enjoying a quick breakfast, eyes still darting towards the clock until she heard the carriage drive up.
"Doreen also lent me some dresses so I'll have something to wear out!" she added brightly, as she walked with Philippe back to the carriage to load up: Upon hearing word of the vacation, her old friend immediately made a run for the closet, pulling out some of her best and brightest dresses and shoes to lend to a gobsmacked Susannah, who couldn't turn down this enthusiastic offer (and even if she did, she knew Dori wouldn't let her).
So everything was ready: Mickey begrudgingly gave her the time off (while also telling her to be back bright and early first time come the end of the vacation; he would not tolerate her slacking off just because she took a few days off), her bags were packed (well in advance, admittedly), the house was locked up tight (though she couldn't imagine for the life of her what anyone would want to steal from her), and she was looking forward to enjoying every minute of her vacation with the man she loved by her side.
#((it absolutely suits both of them! honestly i feel like if philippe's parents could have it their way))#((they'd have him propose to her in front of all their friends and family at some huge party))#((and i think something like that would just make philippe and susannah squirm; being watched by all these people))#((as they try to have what they'd prefer to be a more private; intimate moment!))#((i also kinda feel like they'd prefer he give her a ring as a tool of proposal and save the necklace for later))#((so honestly; i think them going for a more lowkey approach-especially with susannah not being who the declairs think-))#((is the right call; both for the pair's comfort and for keeping their relationship under wraps!))#((it's a lot easier to hide a locket than it is a ring after all!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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Susannah's heart skipped a beat when he ran his fingers through her hair, fresh joyous tears springing into her eyes at his touch, his words, the images in spawned in her mind.
She could see it now, she really could: Sunday dinner at home, her mother's corned beef recipe brought to life in the center of the table, flanked by potatoes, corn, and rolls...Doreen and Edward helping to set the table, Doreen having brought a bouquet of fresh-cut roses from her garden to brighten up the house...children running underfoot, giggling up a storm until their father tells them dinner's ready-she can't decide if she wants a son or a daughter in this daydream, so she settles for both; a pair of cherubs, so much like Philippe...
"It...it sounds like heaven."
The only thing she wished was that her father was there to see it...that would be what would make it truly perfect in her opinion, but even in August Pace's absence, something told Susannah that he was there with them in spirit...maybe both her parents, August and Wilhelmina, were watching over them now, supporting the pair from the heavens...it was a comforting thought, as she pressed a loving and appreciative kiss to her beau's lips.
#((she absolutely changed her mind! it's a complete 180 from how she initially assumed him to be))#((and it's honestly well-earned! philippe didn't set out to arrogantly prove she was wrong about him))#((he was just genuinely kind to her because that's who he is: a nice; good; honest man))#((and in time; susannah saw that! their relationship progressed naturally; and given a little time; time well spent))#((getting to know each other; seeing that he wasn't the fop she assumed him to be; trust was built; and she fell for him!))#((especially since; as we've long established; susannah is a very guarded; very cagey woman by nature))#((she's had to be in order to weather the harshness of her neighbors; her customers; everyone it seems))#((and now she's opened herself up to someone; and she's being rewarded for it! it's major development for her))#((and i for one couldn't be prouder of her! she deserves this good turn of fate!))#outofhatboxes#beatingheart-bride#V:Genderbent
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