#purple princess on fyre

[purpleprincessonfyre]

OUAT AU - Galentines and Valentines

Characters: Liane Felton and Belladonna St James

Mentioned: Ethan Lensherr Long

Category: Fluff and Platonic familial love and hints to possible romance

Liane St James had never really hated any holiday before. Even when she was little. There were some she'd found boring or tedious but never any that just made her feel so low. Until of course now, when even the word Valentines felt like someone had put sandpaper on her tongue.

When you've had your heart broken as many times as Liane has, you almost become numb to the notion of romance and true love. She would watch Meredith flirting with McSteamy on Grey's Anatomy and feel nothing, see people kiss on the street and feel empty, and watch Romcoms like a zombie, just barely alive as the cutesy couples flirt and play cat and mouse.

For Bella's sake she still tried to show her love to her daughter on Galentines Day. A day out in town, a meal for two, a present, and Belladonna would accept them all in her usual manner. A slight nod, a mumbled thank you and then she would go back to whatever she was already doing. It still drove Liane a little crazy not being able to read Bella's emotions that well but she knew deep down that her efforts were appreciated.

But now with Bella's father in town, the Mayor wanting her to find dirt on him, information about a coma patient coming to light and so much going on, Liane had no time to plan anything for the 13th. Her head was too full of questions and concerns to even consider a moment for herself. Her world had been shaken up like a snow globe and the dust was still settling.

Liane was still at the office long after school had let out. She felt awful that Bella would be walking out those doors with no one to greet her but she had deadlines to meet. So wanted to just throw all her papers into a fire but she continued to work, her tightly wrapped hair starting to unravel, layers of her neat suit coming off until she was sat hunched at her desk in just a cami top and pants, furiously typing away and writing as the clock ticked on, pushing her reading glasses onto her nose.

As her work day finally came to a close and the sun began to sink in the sky, painting the clouds orange and pink, Liane gathered herself up and trudged out of the office to her car, running to the supermarket for supplies. It would probably be an oven pizza night. As she entered the store she was bombarded by posters declaring "Show your love for that special someone" and cheesy cards saying "Be mine" in cute lettering with teddy bears hugging on the cover.

Liane rolled her eyes and grabbed a basket as the realisation hit her. There was no gift for Bella! Frantically she searched through the store for something Bella might like, not wanting to let her down and she finally saw the perfect thing for her dark, gloomy daughter of shadows. She stuffed it in her cart and continued her shopping, starting to take more time picking out what she needed, grabbing a bottle of wine for herself.

"I'm home!" Liane called, opening the door with her foot as she brought in groceries.

"Sorry I'm so late, got held up at the office then went to grab groceries. You here?"

"I'm here." Came the response, calm and collected. Liane sighed in relief. She started carrying groceries to the kitchen and eventually Bella came to help her, putting away cereals and meats in the freezer.

"So how was school?"

"Kids were making Valentines cards. The jokes were unfunny and their messages insincere. I do not plan to send any of course but I doubt I will receive any either."

"Oh honey! Anyone would be lucky to have you as a Valentine."

"Inaccurate. But kind. What's for dinner?"

"Pizza! Listen kiddo I'm sorry I didn't plan a meal or do my cute Valentines sack lunch today. I've really dropped the ball this year. Forgive me?"

Bella paused and surveyed her tired mother's eyes. She saw the pain in her face, the ache in her throat, the sadness in her eyes. She cleared her throat and spoke.

"I do not need a Valentines nor a Galentines to know you love me. You show you love me every day without sending flowers to my door or writing inane poetry. Your actions speak louder than any cheap box of chocolates or heart shaped sandwich. Love is a feeling, and I know your love is real."

Liane smiled, rubbing her daughter's shoulder kindly. She had raised this girl but that mind was often too smart for its own good. As she let go, Liane remembered the gift she had bought.

"So I know you said all that and I also know you aren't easily impressed but when I saw this thing I just...I thought of you so..Happy Galentines Day, Belladonna."

Liane reached into a large shopping bag and pulled out a soft black mass of stuffed velvet and handed the mass to her daughter. Bella turned the velvet egg shape around in her arms and saw it had a face stitched on it with bright green thread for eyes, black thread for whiskers and a triangular shaped nose, and two soft triangular ears. It was an egg shaped black cat plush toy.

"I know you said you're too old for toys but I know you still have that old doll in your room and even though it is soft and cute I thought this one matches your aesthetic a bit more and I know that you don't mind hugs that are asked for and wanted so I just-"

"Mom. I love it."

Bella responded, her mouth curving up into a very small smile. She held the plush in her arms and squeezed it very gently. It was soft and warm like her mother's hugs. She looked up at Liane, satisfied.

"Thank you. I will treasure this." She put the plush down and opened her arms to her mother, wanting a hug. Liane's eyes were already filled with tears as she embraced her girl. Instead of rolling her eyes, Bella just let it happen, enjoying the moment.

Liane had never seen Bella smile like that before and she was overcome with emotion, it was like she had finally done something right in this journey of motherhood. As she felt her daughters arms around her waist she felt a huge weight lifting off her shoulders. Her back had started to twinge but she didn't even care. She had made her daughter smile. And that was all she needed.

Eventually Bella pulled away and brushed herself off, picking up her plush and turning to face her mother, her dark brown eyes serious again.

"Since you have made my Galentines so special, I feel there is something you should know. You can choose not to believe me or you can realise this is fated to happen because its all happened before." Belladonna stated, holding her plush tight.

"What's this about?"

"About your Valentines. You aren't meant to be alone. You may say you are a Girl Boss all you wish but there is someone in this town who loves you and I think you also may have begun to love him."

"Bella?"

"My father. Ethan. He has not said it to your face but he is clearly in love with you. And you have grown to love him despite the fact you are spying on him for The Mayor but that cannot be helped, he is an asshole and you can't refuse him."

"Bella!"

Belladonna stopped, her gaze fixed on her mother. Liane's cheeks had gone quite pink at this point and her eyes had widened very noticeably. She took her daughter by her shoulders to try and put her mind at ease.

"Sweetie. I- I wouldn't want to- how- that's very sweet, kiddo. But I doubt that. He would more likely hate me if he knew what I was doing. And you're right, I don't like it but I can't refuse the Mayor he's- I can't. But I do want to make you happy so I will stop trying to find dirt on your father if it will make you happy. I'm tired of this anyway, it's eating up my sleep and my time with you. Screw the Mayor. Ethan can do as he pleases in this town. Do you care that he has a record?"

"No."

"Then that's all that matters." Liane finished, smiling at Bella. Belladonna eyed her fairytale book, knowing Liane's actions would have consequences but knew that there wasn't much she could do to predict those just yet. But maybe...she could make sure there was someone to save her.

I know it's a day late but hope you enjoyed!

@jackiequick @gcthvile @cherrysft @blueboirick @meiramel @ask-starrk @ask-missparker @askstevella @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh

[a-song-for-ages]

4 - drabbles

The purple she wore was dark, like the colour of her eyes, bordering on black, like the inky colour of the dragonglass blade her great-Uncle Daemon had gifted her on her thirteenth nameday. The same dragonglass blade that hung from its leather scabbard at her hip - on display for all to see. She wouldn't use it... she rarely did. But she felt far safer than when she did, standing in the hall of the great Iron Throne, looking at the blades that had bend and keeled to the whim of the black fyre of Balerion the Great Dread. (Idk if he was called that but I'm too fucked up to care.)

She was quiet, and made effort to remain so as she tried to weave in between the bodies that filled the Throne Room.

Twas a difficult task, specially since the skirts of this dress was less than an inch longer than her others - a thing she'd forgotten entirely when she was presented with a dress with a high neckline of pure silk. It was pulled up to her neck where it was rouched together with myrish lace - and when her mother had it made for her, she thought it would greatly disturb her skin, but found that she quite liked the way it felt... the myrish lace so thin, she felt it was barely there.

She looked innocent - like an angel sent from the heavens above... or a maiden who waded herself out from the foams of the sea.

Nothing unlike the Dragons whose blood ran hot in her veins, whose smoke left her ears as fire blew from her mouth.

She wanted to seem that way - younger, innocent. Perhaps, then, she would be left alone, to stay in the shadows as her Uncle's most often told her to do - "play with them, you will find them to be in more want of your company than we." She never forgot those words. Especially not earlier - when her oldest Uncle made those unnerving... observations, regarding her growth.

She knew it now, that her moteber's words regarding her blooming into her scales were true (as strange as the comparison was... it fitted the Targaryen-Velaryon child, who took it to happily mean both parts of her family... all of them, as scaled creatures often lay within the deep...).

Aemma remembered how she told her mother she only pitied her - having seen her stand beside Rhaena, who was her age, and far more beautiful. A thing she got from her mother, she heard Daemon say once, looking at Rhaena who chased and laughed with Luke and Joffrey and the younger ones on the shores of the beach. He seemed to be looking into the past, and Aemma hadn't said a word, not wanting to see the sad relief fade from his face.

Now, though, having worn a dress she thought complimented herself well enough for a presentation at court - she knew that, there was truth to her mother's words. And no doubt, there was truth to the fact that, regardless of her appearance, she would still be desirable to many Lords, who wished to have dragons in their family.

It made Aemma sick, as she looked at herself in the mirror, the maid who brushed the tangles out of the ends of her only complimented her beauty, telling her she'd never seen a woman with such hauntingly beautiful eyes as her -

"Haunting?" Aemma asked, a hint of a smile playing at the edge of her lips.

"They are kind, my Princess - like the ones you'd find in Queen's of Old," and the maid had bowed, Aemma not quite registering her words, only smiling at her reflection as she thought - her brotehrs would greatly disagree with that - before she decided to call for jewellery.

A pendant, in the shape of the slit in the eye of the dragon, was hung from around her neck - the blackness of it contrasting greatly against the shiny cream of the silk material that covered her chest. It was, like most of the things Aemma held close to her heart, was made of dragonglass - obsidian, as the Maesters liked to call it. She was obsessed with it, and made that fact known to Daemon, who, once again, made to gift her the pendant on her fourteenth nameday, among other pieces of jewellery made from dragonglass.

Those pieces, she wore - namely the three rings that sat on the three middle fingers her of left hand, two of which had clear cut rocks of Dragonglass set on a gold band, and one ring (the one in the middle), being the sigil of House Targaryen, the three headed dragon, each of which had obsidian eyes that winked at her in the light.

On her other hand, on her longest finger (the middle one), was a replica of the two gold rings with the dragonglass set in the middle of it, except the shape of the stone was more... rounded, like the sun, while the other two were slitted like the dragon's eye.

Daemon had gotten her plenty of other pieces, over the year - some bracelets here and there, more necklaces with dragonglass hanging from it like blackened tears... and more rings, all made of gold, with some rubies and amethysts and tanzanotes set in them - for he had told her that she was precisely like her mother, in the sense that she could not do without her rings.

And it was true. The presence of them on her fingers - especially the slitted dragonglass that stared back her, reminding her so much of her Errax - had only brought her a sense of ease... not confidence, no, but indifference to those who stood around her, moving and whispering as she stood taller, lifting her dress in the slightest so that she could approach her family once she spotted them -

And she did that indeed, having seen the back of Daemon's head so far above her own mother's.

She stood carefully beside him - her presence acknowledged by a raise of a brow, and an assessment of her clothes.

She looked entirely... modest. Childlike, perhaps, from the frill at her neck and the edging of her sleeves.

But he noticed the dagger at the side. The dragonglass at her neck. The black stones on her fingers.

And the eyes of her dragon, purple as the night, staring back at him, unflinching.

He was pleased.

She was not. For she still remembered how his dragon ate her dear friend, who she cared so much for. And Daemon - as he always did, refused to take accountability for the actions of his dragon, stating they were not his, so how could he be held accountable? As if he ever was accountable for his actions.

[renaldiroyals]

JAC IS BACK!

Princess Jacqueline affectionately know as Jac by those close to her made her first appearance back home at a basketball game between the Lessburg Raptors (Red) and the San Milnerburg (purple) with her father His Majesty the King.  

The father/daughter duo are know to enjoy attending sporting events but have been unable to whilst the Princess has been away at university. It looks like they wasted no time getting back into their old routine! Fans were excited to see the young royal, who has kept away from public life for the most part over the last three years to focus on her degree.

After the game the pair took photos with some of the players which will take part in the Sandorian national basketball team at the Olympics next year. Pictured: Damien Lewis, Cameron Fletcher, Kian Anderson, JuJu Williams, August Cole and Coach Fyres.  

As the new patreon of the Sandorian National Basketball Association (SNBA) HRH was also seen chatting with the captain of the San Milneburg Blazers Kian. 

HRH surprised fans with a change from her long burgundy locs to a short tied up bob with messy bangs. She paired the new look with a leather jacket, skinny jeans and heeled boots with gold earrings to match. HM also opted for a casual look of jeans, sneakers and a bomber Moschino jacket

Beginning || Previous || Next

[septimusheapfan]

Halloween Headcanons

It’s late but eh whatever. :D

- About this time of year, the Manuscriptorium runs out of invisibility charms to lend out (coupling the charm with a sheet over your head is a popular costume, also, spooking your friends out by invisibly doing creepy s**t is thE BEST)

- Jenna’s favorite costume is her witch robe and a broom she borrows from the Palace cleaners (secretly she’s just really lazy to think up and put a lot of effort in a costume lol)

- One year, Sarah somehow magically got her sons to agree to dress up as the 7 dwarves. Jenna, dark hair and fair skin and all, princess that she is, was Snow White

- Sep uses his Flyte charm to go around raining sweets for the Castle kids. Spit Fyre, his mate, and their little babies help out, too (though they make more messes than they do help). The kids love it for the most part, but getting hit on the head by a piece of candy HURT

- Alther, in all his preciousness, spend the time pranking people around the Castle by Appearing all of a sudden. He forgot Snorri was a Seer though, so mostly, she just gets annoyed.

- Everyone loves Trick or Treating at the Palace because Jenna’s charm makes the best chocolate in the Castle.

- Marcia just puts on a purple witch’s hat and she’s good to go. (The Castle kids and not-so-kids are scared enough of her as it is, she doesn’t need much more lol)

- Marcellus still doesn’t get the concept of Halloween. He’s just miffed by all of it. He decided that this time of year, home would be the best place to be. Sep still hasn’t convinced him to come out and join in.

- William always comes to school in the best costume every year, made by the doting Sarah who prepares a month in advance. Lucy tried making it one year, but considering her success with her wedding gown, that year wasn’t much better.

- Inspired by Alther, the ghosts of the Castle are getting a kick out of making the most of the holiday. The older ones hate all the noise, though.

- Sep made a joking remark one year that Aunt Zelda didn’t need to dress up, ‘cause she always looked like she was dressed up as a tent everyday. Suffice to say he didn’t get any cabbage sandwiches for a whiiiiile.

- FizzFroot in some cauldrons are a HIT.

- The Gothyk Grotto is absolutely PACKED this time of year

- Sarah hates it because Jojo uses the holiday to wear more black than he usually does, if that’s even possible

- The witches hide out on this holiday, they hate it that everyone thinks they’re wearing costumes (though OBVIOUSLY they’re seen wearing the same robes all year)

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Well I mean it is Tangled...but if we wanna go really classic? Sleeping Beauty. 💙🥱🧚‍♀️🪡👑

Girl only gets 18 lines in the whole film and yet still manages to look incredible, sing beautifully and get her handsome Prince without hardly doing anything for 16 years but live in a cottage with three clueless fairies. And then gets to be a Princess!

Also in the Maleficent movie she kind of reminds me of Cassie...just a little.

What’s your favorite Disney Princess movies? 🎥

Anyone wanna know what is my favorite Disney Princess movies? 🍿 Welllllllll 👇🏽

TANGLED ✨👑💕🎈🎂🎊🎁

AND THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG 👑🥺🐸 OF COURSE

———

YOUR TURN! Reblog this post with your favorite 😍

~~

Tags: @ask-starrk @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @marvelsfavoriteuncle @elzabeth-stark @jackiequick @blueboirick @gcthvile @cherrysft @meiramel @trulysummersprivate

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Part One here

OUAT AU - From Sprinkler Splashes to Fireplace Ashes

Characters: Liane St James, Amelia Spencer

Other characters: Bruce Banner, Melissa Wallace

IB: Once Upon A Time, YOYOK by Taylor Swift

"If it isn't the dead girl walking..."

"You're Liane St James. You found me on the edge of the woods, I'm told."

"I go running there frequently. And you looked like you could use a hand."

Mia chuckled, realising she might have more in common with her supposed saviour than she thought. Liane pulled out a chair beside her, offering her a seat. Mia raised an eyebrow, not sure if she was being serious.

"I-"

"Join me, Amelia. Maybe we can talk about something other than your coma or whatever."

"That would be refreshing. Thanks. And call me Mia, please."

Mia took a seat beside Liane and removed her coat, noting Liane's slightly forced smile, her tousled blonde hair, that was usually tightly wrapped in a chignon, hanging loose around her shoulders, her makeup slightly smudged and what looked like a bandage on her nose.

"You've taken quite a beating. Screen window? Surgery?"

"Uh no I um...had a fight with someone."

"Oh. Who won?"

"Hopefully I did." Liane muttered, sipping her coffee slowly. Mia's smile faded as she saw Liane's smile starting to crack, her teeth gritted as she spoke and her fist shaking as she tried to stay steady.

"I hope it wasn't for my sake."

"No this was...this was a long time coming. Do you- have you ever felt like something is burning inside you? Like you feel something so intensely that it could damage your insides but you can't- you just can't let it out or it'll hurt everyone but you. Sorry that sounds stupid, ignore me."

"No that- that sounds painful. And terrible. Is that what happened?"

"I snapped. I reached the end of my tether and I couldn't hold that much rage inside me any longer. The Mayor-"

She laughed but there was no warmth. It was bitter and hollow as if she was disgusted at even saying the name.

"The Mayor is a hypocrite and a liar. And he makes others fight his battles so there's never any blood on his hands, never anything to his name, never any problems for him to carry the weight of. They become My problems. My fight. My bloody hands. And he gets to wash his hands of any blame." Liane snarled, her eyes starting to look less brown and more purple the longer she seethed. There was concern in Mia's eyes but she didn't dare move from her chair, hoping she could try and remedy this.

"Well you said you hope this is over, is that because you told him what you think? Because you were honest?"

"Brutally honest."

"Then maybe you can take that weight off your shoulders then? That's what you wanted, so maybe stop shouldering all that..rage. Just shake it off."

Liane chuckled at that, suddenly hearing the song playing in her head. Only she could shake off anger that strong from hearing a Taylor Swift song. She lifted her head, her curls pulling back like an open curtain as she emerged from the table. And as she looked up she saw her order. A large fruit pie. It smelled incredible. The sharp scent of hot pastry and fruit lingered on her nose as she breathed in the scent for a moment. Mia's eyes widened seeing the pie.

"Is that for a family of four?"

"Not today. Want a slice?"

"What kind of pie?"

"Fruit pie. Cmon it's a cheat day. Well it's my cheat week but yknow."

"I'll just take one slice then, I think that's too much pie personally." Mia laughed, cutting herself a slice of the pie, placing it on her plate. The smell was almost intoxicating, almost urging you to eat it. It looked incredible too.

"Damn that's a beautiful pie."

"That's what I love about this town. We know how to do things right. Food, libraries, schools, hospital, its nice. Safe."

"Yeah, it's like something out of a storybook."

"Ha. But honestly? I've never wanted to go elsewhere. In all my years. Someone asked me that not long ago and I- I told the truth of course. But after what happened today...I do want to leave. Just a bit. Just hit the road and keep driving until we hit something."

"We?"

"Me and my daughter. Belladonna. She's my world. But I just couldn't go. I'm not sure I could handle the world beyond that signpost. Yknow?"

"Yeah I get it. You uh, you like your nest. Like a bird. It's cosy, you've lived there all your life and you don't really want to fly anywhere. Metaphorically."

"Of course. God you are so easy to talk to! All that time I spent at your bedside wondering who you could be and who knew we'd be sat in a diner just chatting over a pie?"

"Not me, that's for sure. I'm not gonna lie, when they said you were a lawyer I was expecting someone...stern and yknow-"

"Instead of an Elle Woods?"

"Something like that."

She smiled, noting the humour in Liane's eyes. She had clearly heard the comparison before and had become accustomed to the turn of phrase. It wasn't exactly insulting. And she looked more pleased than upset. Her smile was almost a complete contrast to her anger she'd expressed before. Like night and day.

"So what about you? How are you liking Fighter-Town?"

"It's nice, like you said. Friendly, welcoming, the kids are a little...over-friendly? They stare a lot."

"Oh don't mind them, it's this...game they have. I mean there's not much else to do here so it's harmless enough. They won't hurt you, I promise."

"Oh I know. And yknow the people are...easy on the eyes?"

"Oh honey...."

"Or maybe just one person? A fella, God I sound so old."

"Eh, most men are trouble. Not all of them just- most."

"Well then I am looking for trouble..."

"Mia! Damn you have fallen hard." Liane teased, raising an eyebrow slightly as Mia's pale cheeks flushed like a rose. Liane laughed as Mia's face turned pinker.

"Oh you naughty thing.."

"Don't! I just- he's kind. And tall. With nice eyes. And pretty hair."

"And a six pack?"

"Well I don't know that..."

"Let's see if I can guess. Nice eyes, pretty hair, not Alexander then. Or Cole. Blonde?"

"Not blonde. Brunette."

"Brunette? Tattoos?"

"M-maybe?"

Liane grinned like a Cheshire. She'd figured it out. Mia was red as a beet.

"Nikolai? Ohhhhh I see."

"What I mean- well- yknow-"

"Ohohohoho yess! You- you love him??"

"Shush!"

Liane giggled, loving this almost as much as she loved gossip. She'd missed this kind of girl talk, it wasn't really Bella's thing to talk about people behind their backs or to talk in idle chatter like this. She found it pointless and repetitive, unlike Liane who thrived on it for most of her teens. And Mia was feeding her addiction badly.

"Okay what about you and Mr Green Eyes?"

"Wh-what?"

"Don't go shy on me now, don't dish it if you can't handle it!"

"Well- he's Bella's biological father and I want to have a good rapport with him since I am her legal guardian."

"Oh no you are not pulling the legal jargon on me, your cheeks are pink and you can't look me in the eye, girl."

"I mean- he's nice. And he also thinks Alexander is.. yknow. And we got coffee yesterday."

"Coffee?"

"Oh keep it in your pants, we got coffee like two adults that doesn't mean anything."

"But it could?"

"Didn't you hear what I said about men being trouble?"

"I dunno I think you want some trouble.."

"I've had enough trouble for a lifetime, Mia. I need some sense of calm. A steady rock. Is that too much to ask?"

"So a Prince Charming?"

"Eh I gave up on those a long time ago. Just...a decent guy."

"Like him?"

"I...I'm keeping my distance for Bella's sake. I'm a Mom first, always."

"Damn maybe be a bit selfish for once."

"Not my style."

Liane commented, sipping her coffee, eyeing Mia's slice of her pie. They continued chatting for nearly an hour as Mia took mice sized bites of her slice of pie and Liane took large bites of hers.

"You gonna eat that slice properly or just stare at it?"

"Oh shoot yeah! Are you really gonna eat that whole pie?"

"I'll either finish it or die trying." Liane quipped, laughing with Mia as they finally decided to eat their fill. Mia took another bite of her slice of pie and chewed it thoughtfully until she got an alert on her phone saying she was needed back at the hospital.

"Shoot I gotta fly, I uh I can pay you back for the slice?"

"Not a chance! A slice? Think of it as a thank you for...well being friendly."

"Aw well I really gotta go so ..enjoy the pie?"

"You got it, Mia." Liane smiled waving her off. Maybe she wouldn't be leaving town so soon, there were still good people here. Despite what Bella said she still believed in the goodness of people and community. And as she ate more pie, the stronger that feeling felt.

The pie was almost half eaten when the pain started. It wasn't like a stomachache. It was like fire. In her head, in her heart, in her lungs and in her stomach. She stumbled off the stool, trying to get to the bathroom. Bruce looked up and saw her struggling and moved towards her.

"Are you alright Liane?"

"Everything...hurts..."

"Maybe trying to eat the whole pie was not smart, are you gonna throw up?"

"No....I feel-" and before she could finish her sentence she started choking violently, before eventually losing consciousness, her eyes rolling back as she collapsed in a heap.

Melissa, who had been bussing tables, hurried over as soon as she heard the crash.

"What the hell happened?"

"I.. I don't know call an ambulance!"

"Is it an allergy?"

"Doesn't look like it- Melissa call an ambulance!"

Melissa hurried away to the phone while customers came over and looked at the collapsed Liane lying on the diner floor, wondering what the hell went wrong. Bruce went over to the pie to see if she'd choked on anything in particular but noticed the pie wasn't his. It hadn't come from his oven. And the mark on the crust wasn't a B. It was an A.

----

Mia had just scrubbed in at the hospital when she heard the sirens of an approaching ambulance. She was desperately trying to shake off this sudden dizzy spell she was experiencing, trying to get focused for work as she ran outside with the others and saw a gurney being wheeled out of the back and gasped when she saw who was strapped to it. What had happened to Liane?

What's going to happen next? Find out in the final installment of the OUAT AU Season 1 this week!

Tagging: @jackiequick @gcthvile @blueboirick @rooster-84 @cherrysft @meiramel @missstrawbs2001 @askstevella @ask-missparker @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh

[myfunnyvalentinebean]

Soulcember Day 1:

Immortal; AU in which neither age after eighteen so that they can grow old together. 

Fandom: Septimus Heap

Pairing: Mandy Marwick and Sam Heap

Takes place at the end of Fyre (7th book in the Septimus Heap series)

A/N: I’m kicking off Soulcember with The Boys™ Enjoy. 

Immortal Love

As festivities of Jenna's coronation began to gradually calm down, Marwick stood diligently beside Zelda Heap, a woman that he'd been living with in the Marram Marshes for several years. Zelda Heap may have appeared young, with her curly blonde Heap hair and tall posture, but she was truly old enough to be Marwick's grandmother. It was due to the Rules of the Keeper that prevented Zelda from finding her soulmate, for no Keepers were to get married. This was one of the reasons why Zelda had decided to make Marwick the next Keeper. She did not desire to be Keeper all her life, plus she thought that whoever her soulmate was, had waited long enough.

Zelda was the closest Marwick had ever had to a real mother, despite having met his biological family. Standing a short ways off was one of the many Heap brothers. The wild straw-colored hair and brilliant green Wizard eyes made them easy to identify. The Heap brother saw his great-aunt and Marwick and walked over. Soon, Aunt Zelda and him had begun talking

Something about the man Zelda was speaking to caught Marwick's attention. Marwick was sure he recognized that specific Heap, and he remembered. It was Sam Heap, one of the four Heap brothers that Marwick had lived with in the Forest many years ago. At the time, Marwick, known then as Wolf Boy, had never spoken, due to years of conditioning in the Young Army.

"Wolf Boy?" Sam addressed Marwick with the question. The voice dragged him out of his thoughts and caused him to look at the one speaking.

“It’s Marwick now,” Marwick said. Sam and Marwick locked eyes and instantly both of them felt something within them change. No longer did their bodies feel Frozen in Time, like they had, like all do, felt since they had turned sixteen. Sam knew instantly what must have occurred, having once asking Simon what it felt like when he met Lucy. The strongly-built, dark-skinned, dark-haired boy was Destined to be with him until they died and entered ghost hood together. Marwick, however, had no idea was this feeling was, but he welcomed it.

Zelda noticed a sudden change within both of them herself. She smiled softly to herself. She supposed she had already broken Keeper tradition by having a male be the Keeper, so she was more than willing to allow any future wedding plans. Slowly, both Marwick and Sam began to talk. The energy from the change within them flowing into every word. Never once did conversation fade between them. Soon, Zelda simply excused herself to speak with one of her many other nephews, but neither Marwick nor Sam noticed her leaving, far to engrossed in each other to observe the world around them.

The afternoon faded to twilight, and many of the other guests were leaving after giving final congratulations to the Princess now Queen. Marwick and Sam still stood beside the river, carrying on as if they had been close friends for many years. Septimus, Sam’s younger brother and Marwick’s friend, from their unfortunate experience together in the Young Army, found his way to his great-Aunt Zelda, who was staring with an enduring smile at the two chatting young men.

“What are you smiling about Aunt Zelda?” Septimus asked.

“I’m just happy that Marwick was able to find someone to spend all those lonely nights in Keeper’s cottage with,” Zelda replied while looking up at her great-nephew, who had recently gotten tall enough to require her to look up to meet his gaze.

“What do you mean?” the ExtraOrdinary Apprentice asked while following her blue Witch eyes and gasping in shock, “You mean Sam? Are they Destined?”

“It certainly seems that way,” Zelda mused with a smile.

“Then good for them!” said, now Queen, Jenna, who had planned to talk with her biological father, Milo, but found their conversation more interesting.

“I have to agree. I hope they age well together for a long time.” Zelda said with a smile as the couple began to walk off to share the news with Silas and Sarah Heap, Sam’s parents.

Seven years and numerous trips through the Ancient Ways later, Marwick holds Sam’s hand tightly, his own hand shaking slightly with anxiety. Sam sat on the floor by the exit of an Ancient Way, the last one before they would be home again. Marwick crouched beside him, deep brown eyes locked onto Sam’s green ones. Both of them knew that their time together in life would be soon cut short, as blood continued to seep from the cut in Sam’s abdomen, with part of a blade still embedded within, unbeknownst to the pair. The dark tunnel was only illuminated by the purple haze of the Seal that trapped them, preventing them from getting to the only chance of help they had. Kaznim, a young girl that they had barely saved from a fate of being buried alive, was pounding her fists on the Seal in a vain attempt to get help from the other side.

“Marwick…” Sam said quietly.

���Sam, save your strength. You still need to make it to the Wizard Tower to treat your wounds.” Marwick said gently while placing a calloused hand on Sam’s pale, and quickly looking paler, cheek.

“Marwick,” Sam spoke again as his hand overlapped the hand on his face, “I know my chances are slim. Just promise that if I die here, you’ll spend the year and a day with my ghost? So that I won’t be alone?”

Tears filled Marwick’s eyes, he forced them back as he replied, “Every single day until we can travel together again.”

“Marwick?”

“Yes, Sam?

“I’m glad you’re the one I was Destined to be with.”

“Me, too. I love you, Sam.”

“I love you, too.”

As soon as the words had left their mouths, the Seal vanished and on the other side stood Septimus Heap, now ExtraOrdinary Wizard. When Septimus saw them, he instantly took over, instructing his own Apprentice to get help while he kept Sam alive. Still holding Sam’s hand, Marwick helped the two Heap brothers, that Septimus’ Apprentice had gotten, take Sam to the Infirmary at the Wizard Tower. With Sam finally safe and being treated, Marwick was able to relax. Marwick never once left Sam’s side during his recover, which Sam would never forget the rest of their days.

[wolf-beil]

20 questions

Rules: Answer the twenty questions, then tag twenty people to get to know them better 

I got tagged by: the amazing @chris-cruel-fyre (I love you, buddy!)

Name: Jordi Nicknames: Mau or ches Zodiac sign(s): Gemini Height:  5′3″  Orientation: God i’m Gay Ethnicity: Latino Favorite Fruit: mandarin orange and strawberry Favorite Season: Winter Favorite Book: N/A (I like to read but I dont have a book I consider my favorite) Favorite Flower: Roses and red spider lilies Favorite Scent: N/A (I like fresh scents a lot) Favorite Color(s): Purple and green Favorite Animal(s): Wolves Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa: Coffee tbh Sleep hours: About 5 or 6 hours Cat or dog: Dogs Favorite Fictional Character(s): Klaus Von Reinherz, Homura Akemi, Lucy Heartfilia, Princess Bubblegum, America Chavez, Billy Kaplan, Bayonetta Dream Trip: Anywhere where the stars are completely visible, so I can stargaze. Visible like this:

When did I make this blog: About a month ago lmao Number of Followers: 69

I tag @red-prince-sidon, @girafari-g-irafarig, @kween-tsareena (If you guys want, of course!) want and anyone else who read this

[purpleprincessonfyre]

The tale of two brothers, one who tried to escape his family, the other who wanted to cling onto them, and their messy journey through life

Echoes Of What Was

Characters: Finlay Holmes (OC) & Sherlock Holmes

Featuring: Mycroft Holmes, John Watson and Liane Felton (OC of @missstrawbs2001 )

Fandom: BBC Sherlock

Warnings: perhaps angst?

It had been a frustrating week for young Finlay. Mycroft had been putting him through his paces, quizzing him on deduction techniques and having him assist with various cases. But the 10-year-old found it difficult to maintain his older brother's exacting standards.

At breakfast one morning, Fin had accidentally knocked over a cup of coffee into Mycroft's open notebook. Mycroft froze him with a withering glare as the pages soaked through. "Do be more careful, little brother. One might think you purposefully aimed to sabotage my work."

Later, Fin misplaced an important file Mycroft had lent him. When he couldn't find it, Mycroft was furious. "How can you expect to solve puzzles if you can't keep simple documents in order!" Fin shrank under the scolding, unable to meet Mycroft's eyes.

The final straw came during another tea-stained incident, this time ruining crucial evidence. As Mycroft roared at him, Fin fled to his room, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. He collapsed onto his bed, hugging a pillow tight as muffled sobs racked his small frame.

Fin lay face-down on the bed, shoulders shuddering as he tried to muffle his sobs. The sting of Mycroft's harsh reprimands still felt fresh, the familiar ache of frustration and hurt welling up inside him. He had tried so hard to live up to Mycroft's exacting standards, but inevitably, his youthful clumsiness and emotion would get the better of him.

A soft knock on the door interrupted Fin's misery. He lifted his head just enough to see Sherlock enter, dark curls framing his pensive expression. Sherlock regarded his younger brother analytically, cataloging the signs of distress before speaking in his trademark detached tone.

"I see Mycroft has been pushing you to the limits of your abilities again." It was a statement, not a question. Sherlock moved to the edge of the bed, studying Fin with unreadable eyes. "Your emotional response is understandable, though not particularly productive."

Fin sniffed, swiping at his damp cheeks. "I can never do anything right," he whispered brokenly. Sherlock hummed noncommittally. "That is not an accurate assessment. Your skills are still developing, as is to be expected at your age. Mycroft simply has no patience for anything less than perfection."

When Fin's lower lip began to tremble, Sherlock hesitated, seemingly unsure how to proceed. After a moment, he tentatively reached out and placed a hand on Fin's shoulder. "However, your capacity for compassion is not a weakness, as Mycroft would have you believe. It is a strength that will serve you well, if properly harnessed."

Fin lifted his head, eyes red-rimmed. "But what if I'm never as smart as you and Mycroft?" His voice was small, laced with self-doubt. Sherlock considered this for a long moment, his gaze inscrutable. "Intelligence takes many forms. The true test is how one utilizes one's abilities, not the raw power itself."

He squeezed Fin's shoulder briefly before withdrawing his hand, the gesture almost perfunctory. "In time, you will learn to balance your emotions with reason. Until then, know that I...recognize the value in your unique perspective." Sherlock's lips quirked in the barest hint of a smile, a rare display of warmth from the enigmatic brother.

Sherlock observed Fin carefully, noting the way the tension slowly drained from his younger brother's frame. While Sherlock was not one to coddle or indulge emotional outbursts, he recognized the value in guiding Fin through this challenge with a steadier hand.

"Come now, don't let Mycroft's harsh words fester. That will only breed more self-doubt." Sherlock stood and retrieved one of Fin's science textbooks from the shelf. "Why don't we review the latest chapter you've been studying? I'm sure putting that keen intellect of yours to work will help restore a sense of focus."

Fin looked up, cautious hope flickering in his eyes. He knew Sherlock's approach would not involve the soothing comfort Fin craved, but the cool rationality often proved grounding in its own way. Fin sat up and accepted the book, flipping it open as Sherlock settled back onto the bed beside him.

In his usual precise manner, Sherlock began quizzing Fin on the scientific principles, providing insightful commentary and gently correcting any mistakes. Fin found himself getting absorbed in the familiar task, his mind gradually shifting away from the sting of Mycroft's words.

Though Sherlock's demeanor remained composed, Fin could sense a subtle undercurrent of encouragement in the way his brother probed for Fin's thoughts and observations. It was Sherlock's way of affirming Fin's capabilities, even if he didn't express it through overt displays of affection.

As the impromptu study session drew to a close, Sherlock regarded Fin with a contemplative expression. "You performed admirably. I have no doubt that with continued diligence, you will surpass even Mycroft's lofty standards - in your own time."

The faintest trace of a smile crossed Sherlock's features. "And when that day comes, I suspect Mycroft will be forced to acknowledge the true depth of your abilities. But for now, focus on honing your craft. The recognition will follow."

Over the years, Sherlock's quiet support and guidance helped Fin blossom into a highly capable detective in his own right. Though he still maintained a compassionate nature, Fin began to emulate certain aspects of Mycroft's methodical approach as well.

Where once Fin had been quick to empathize and comfort those affected by the crimes they investigated, he now approached cases with a more dispassionate logic. Sherlock noticed the subtle changes creeping into Fin's behavior, a hint of Mycroft's clinical detachment seeping in.

"You're beginning to sound more like our dear brother every day," Sherlock remarked one afternoon as they reviewed evidence. Fin paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Is that truly such a bad thing? Mycroft's approach has proven effective.

Sherlock studied him for a long moment, something akin to disappointment flickering in his eyes. "Effectiveness is not the only measure of worth, Finlay. Sentiment, when properly balanced, can be a great strength." But Fin merely shrugged, unmoved by Sherlock's words.

As the years passed, the rift between the brothers grew. Fin became increasingly rigid, his decision-making driven by cold logic over compassion. Sherlock watched helplessly as the boy he had once comforted slowly transformed into a mirror image of Mycroft.

Gone was the Fin who had once relied on Sherlock's steadying presence. Now, Fin dismissed such "weaknesses" as he climbed the ranks, his thirst for achievement and recognition eclipsing all else. Sherlock found himself grieving the loss of the brother he had once known.

"You were meant for so much more than this empty pursuit of status," Sherlock lamented during one heated argument. But Fin was unwavering, his gaze as unyielding as Mycroft's. "I am doing what is necessary to excel. Emotions only hold one back in this line of work."

Sherlock's heart sank as he realized his efforts to support and nurture Fin had ultimately been in vain. The boy had chosen to forsake the very qualities Sherlock had once assured him were strengths. Now, Fin was little more than a younger version of the cold, calculating Mycroft.

With a heavy sigh, Sherlock conceded defeat. The bond between them, once so strong, had been slowly chipped away until only brittle remnants remained. Fin had made his choice, and there was nothing more Sherlock could do but watch helplessly as his brother slipped further and further away.

The tension between Sherlock and Fin had been building for years, but Sherlock could no longer remain silent. One afternoon, as they reviewed the evidence for a particularly challenging case, Sherlock broached the subject that had been weighing heavily on his mind.

"This single-minded pursuit of perfection and status - it's becoming your undoing, Finlay." Sherlock's voice was laced with a rare note of concern. "You're losing sight of what truly matters in this work."

Fin looked up from the files, his expression impassive. "I'm merely doing what is necessary to excel, as you and Mycroft have always expected of me." There was a subtle edge to his tone.

Sherlock shook his head. "Excelling, yes - but at what cost? You've become a mirror image of Mycroft, all logic and no heart." He fixed Fin with an penetrating gaze. "I thought I had taught you better than that."

Fin's jaw tightened. "You speak as if sentiment is a virtue, Sherlock. But in our line of work, it is a liability. Emotion clouds judgment and leads to mistakes."

"Mistakes?" Sherlock scoffed. "Fin, your capacity for empathy is what made you such an exceptional investigator. It's what set you apart from the cold, clinical approach Mycroft and I employ."

"And look where that 'empathy' has gotten me," Fin retorted. "Overlooked, underestimated - forever living in the shadow of my 'brilliant' brothers." His eyes narrowed. "No more. I will not be held back by sentiment any longer."

Sherlock felt a twinge of pain at Fin's words. "So you would cast aside the very thing that makes you human, all to chase after Mycroft's empty accolades?" He shook his head, disappointment etched into every line of his face. "I had hoped you were stronger than that."

Fin's composure began to crack, his mask of detachment slipping to reveal the underlying hurt. "You don't understand," he said, voice thick with emotion. "I've spent my entire life trying to prove myself, to be seen as more than just the 'emotional' one."

He met Sherlock's gaze, eyes shining with a mixture of frustration and anguish. "If I have to become a little more like Mycroft to finally earn the respect I deserve, then so be it."

Sherlock opened his mouth to respond, but Fin held up a hand, silencing him. "Save your lectures, Sherlock. I've made my choice." With that, he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Sherlock alone with the heavy weight of his failure to reach his brother.

Sherlock sat in stunned silence as Fin's anguished words hung in the air. He had known for some time that Fin was drifting away, drawn in by Mycroft's relentless pursuit of perfection. But to hear his brother give voice to such pain and determination to discard his compassion was a devastating blow.

Sherlock's sharp gaze softened with a profound sadness as he contemplated Fin's parting words. The younger man's choice to forsake the very qualities Sherlock had once assured him were strengths cut him deeply. He had failed to shield Fin from the corrosive influence of Mycroft's rigid mentality.

Rising from his chair, Sherlock strode to the door, hesitating for a moment before following after Fin. He found his brother standing at the window, shoulders rigid with tension. Sherlock approached cautiously, sensing the fragility of the moment.

"Finlay..." Sherlock began, his usually smooth baritone laced with uncharacteristic uncertainty. "I never intended for you to feel...overlooked. Your compassion has always been your greatest asset, not a weakness to be discarded."

Fin did not turn, his gaze fixed resolutely on the world beyond the glass. "It's too late for that now, Sherlock. I've made my choice - I'm going to become the detective Mycroft always wanted me to be."

"At the cost of your very humanity?" Sherlock's brow furrowed, a rare display of emotion. "Finlay, you're allowing Mycroft's standards to strip away the essence of who you are. That is a price far too high."

"And what if it isn't?" Fin shot back, finally facing Sherlock. His eyes burned with a single-minded determination that was achingly familiar. "Perhaps the cost of my 'humanity' is worth the respect and accolades I've been denied all these years."

Sherlock's heart sank as he recognized the stubborn pride that had so often driven Mycroft. "You speak as if sentiment is a liability, Fin. But it is what makes you exceptional - what makes you you. Mycroft may value order and efficiency above all else, but you..."

He reached out, placing a hand on Fin's shoulder. "You have the capacity to see the humanity in every case, to connect with people in a way Mycroft and I can scarcely fathom. That is an extraordinary gift, not a weakness to be discarded."

Fin's resolve wavered briefly, a flicker of the old Fin surfacing. But then the mask slammed back into place, his expression hardening once more. "Perhaps. But in the end, it is Mycroft's approach that is respected, that is rewarded. I'm tired of being overlooked."

Sherlock's grip tightened, a silent plea in his eyes. "Fin, please - don't let bitterness and the thirst for accolades twist you into something you're not. I've already lost you to Mycroft's shadow once before. I cannot bear to watch you lose yourself entirely."

But Fin shook his head, pulling away from Sherlock's touch. "I'm sorry, Sherlock." Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Sherlock alone with the weight of his own failure to save his brother from the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Years later....

The air crackled with tension as the estranged Holmes brothers came face to face, their worlds colliding in a series of charged glances and carefully measured words. Sherlock's mercury-sharp gaze swept over Fin, cataloging the subtle changes that had taken place over the years - the rigid set of his shoulders, the faint lines of stress around his eyes, the cool detachment that had become his hallmark

"Finlay," Sherlock murmured, his voice silky and laced with a hint of sardonic wit. "How...unexpected to see you here." His lips curled into the barest semblance of a smile, but it failed to reach his eyes, which remained cold and assessing.

Fin's brow furrowed ever-so-slightly, betraying a flicker of unease at his brother's unorthodox mannerisms. "Sherlock," he acknowledged, inclining his head in a perfunctory nod. His gaze flickered briefly to John, who stood at Sherlock's side, a silent pillar of support. "I see you've acquired a...new companion." The subtle emphasis on the word was not lost on Sherlock.

"Ah, yes," Sherlock purred, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "John and I make for a rather...unique duo, don't we?" He cast a sidelong glance at his friend, his expression inscrutable. "Though I suppose you've found your own partner to, shall we say, appreciate your particular talents."

Fin's jaw tightened, and Liane, his trusted colleague, stepped forward, her brow creased with concern. "Fin, is everything alright?" The warmth in her voice was a stark contrast to the chill that hung between the brothers.

Fin spared her a brief, almost imperceptible softening of his features, a silent acknowledgment of her support. "It's fine, Felton." He turned back to Sherlock, his gaze hardening once more. "I don't have time for your games, Sherlock. We have work to do."

Sherlock's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes glittering with a hint of challenge. "Games, Fin? Hardly." He tilted his head, his expression enigmatic. "I'm merely observing the changes that have taken place since we last...crossed paths."

The unspoken weight of those words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the chasm that had grown between the once-inseparable brothers. Fin's features tightened, his mask of composure slipping for the briefest of moments to reveal a flicker of hurt and frustration.

John, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "Sherlock, perhaps we could all take a moment to—"

But Sherlock raised a hand, silencing his friend. "No need, John." He fixed Fin with an unwavering stare. "I'm sure Finlay and his partner have far more pressing matters to attend to." The subtle emphasis on the word "partner" did not go unnoticed by Liane, who looked between the brothers with a mixture of confusion and concern.

Fin's eyes narrowed, his lips thinning into a tight line. "Come, Felton," he said, his tone clipped and dismissive. "We're leaving." Without a backward glance, Fin turned and strode away, his partner hurrying to keep pace.

Liane spared one last curious glance at the two brothers, her gaze flitting between Sherlock and John. There was a silent question in her eyes, a silent plea for understanding, but Sherlock merely watched her retreating figure with an inscrutable expression.

Liane hurried to keep pace with Fin, her brow furrowed with concern. The tension between the Holmes brothers had been palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the undercurrents she had sensed.

"Fin?" Liane ventured cautiously, her gaze sweeping over her partner's rigid posture. "Is everything alright? That seemed..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Intense."

Fin's jaw was set in a hard line, his features betraying the turmoil that raged within. "It's nothing, Felton," he replied tersely, his gaze fixed resolutely ahead. "Just a...family matter."

Liane bit her lip, weighing her next words carefully. She knew Fin was a intensely private person, but the raw emotion that had flashed across his face during the confrontation had been startling. "Fin, you know you can talk to me, right?" she murmured, her voice soft and reassuring. "Whatever's going on, you don't have to face it alone."

For a moment, Fin's steps faltered, and Liane saw a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. But just as quickly, the mask of composure slammed back into place, leaving Liane to wonder if she had imagined it.

"It's nothing, Liane," Fin repeated, his tone leaving no room for further discussion. "We need to focus on the case. There's no time for..." He paused, his lips thinning into a tight line. "Distractions."

Liane studied him for a long moment, her gaze searching. She knew better than to push Fin when he was in this kind of mood - his stubborn pride and aversion to vulnerability could be as formidable as his brilliant mind. But a part of her ached to see the man she had come to care for so deeply struggling with something that had clearly left him so rattled.

"Alright," she conceded, her voice laced with a hint of worry. "But you know I'm here, Fin, if you ever want to talk about it." She reached out, giving his arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

Fin's steps slowed, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to meet Liane's gaze. In the depths of his eyes, Liane saw a flicker of gratitude, a silent acknowledgment of her unwavering support. Then, just as quickly, the moment passed, and Fin was once again the consummate professional, his focus laser-sharp as they continued on their way.

Liane knew better than to press the issue further, but as she walked beside Fin, her mind couldn't help but linger on the haunted look she had glimpsed in his eyes - a look that spoke of a pain and a past she could only begin to imagine. Whatever had transpired between the Holmes brothers, it was clear that the wounds had not yet healed, and Liane couldn't help but wonder if Fin would ever truly be able to find the peace he so desperately sought.

As Fin and Liane disappeared from view, Sherlock let out a weary sigh, the weight of lost years and missed opportunities settling heavily on his shoulders. John, ever the steadfast companion, placed a hand on Sherlock's arm, his brow creased with concern.

"Sherlock," John murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Are you alright?"

Sherlock's gaze flickered to John, and for a moment, the mask of detachment slipped, revealing a glimpse of the turmoil that lay beneath. "I'm...fine, John," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Some wounds simply run too deep to heal."

John's expression softened with empathy. He had seen Sherlock in many states, from the manic highs of a solved case to the brooding lows of boredom and dissatisfaction. But this - this quiet, almost haunted look - was something new, and it tugged at John's heartstrings.

"Sherlock, what happened between you and Fin?" John asked gently, his hand tightening ever-so-slightly on his friend's arm. "I know you two were close, once. What changed?"

Sherlock's gaze darkened, his lips quirking into a humorless smile. "Ah, the eternal question, isn't it?" He shook his head, a mirthless chuckle escaping his lips. "What didn't change, John? The world, our family, us – it all seemed to shift and fracture, leaving us adrift, unable to find our way back to one another."

He paused, his eyes distant and haunted. "Fin always wanted to prove himself, to escape the shadow of Mycroft and myself. And in doing so, he became something... else." Sherlock's brow furrowed, a flicker of regret flickering across his features. "I tried to reach him, to show him that his compassion was a strength, not a weakness. But he was too determined, too stubborn to see it."

John listened in silence, his heart aching for the pain etched into Sherlock's face. He knew how deeply the detective cared for his family, despite his aloof, analytical exterior. To see him so visibly shaken by the rift between himself and Fin was a stark reminder of just how deeply those bonds ran.

"Have you tried talking to him again?" John asked, his voice gentle. "Maybe with some time, he's—"

"Time?" Sherlock scoffed, the bitterness in his tone startling John. "Time has only widened the chasm between us, John. Fin has made his choice, and I..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening. "I'm no longer certain I know how to reach him."

John fell silent, his grip on Sherlock's arm tightening in a silent show of support. He knew better than to push his friend, to try and force him to confront emotions he so clearly struggled with. Instead, he simply stood by Sherlock's side, offering the steadfast presence that had become a lifeline in the detective's tumultuous life.

After a long moment, Sherlock drew in a deep breath, his features smoothing into their usual inscrutable mask. "Come, John," he murmured, his tone brooking no argument. "We have work to do."

Without another word, Sherlock turned and strode away, his long coat billowing behind him. John watched him go, a deep sadness etched into his features as he contemplated the unbreakable bond that had once existed between the Holmes brothers – and the chasm that now threatened to keep them apart forever.

As Sherlock swept away, his long strides carrying him further from the scene, a weight of conflicting emotions settled upon him. Beneath the cool, detached facade he presented to the world, a maelstrom of feelings raged within.

Sherlock had always been the aloof, enigmatic one, the brother whose brilliance often obscured the depth of his emotional capacity. But in this moment, the fractures in his carefully constructed armor were impossible to ignore. The ache of loss, the bitterness of regret, the glimmer of hope that refused to be extinguished – all warred within him, leaving him feeling uncharacteristically adrift.

For Fin, the emotions were no less tumultuous, though he clung to his carefully cultivated mask of composure with an iron grip. As he strode alongside Liane, the memory of Sherlock's piercing gaze and the unspoken hurt it had conveyed haunted him. Try as he might to push it aside, to bury it beneath the relentless focus of his work, the echoes of their shared past refused to be silenced.

In the quiet moments, when the demands of the case faded into the background, Fin found himself remembering – remembering the boyish camaraderie they had once shared, the unwavering support Sherlock had offered, the unbreakable bond that had defined their childhood. And with those memories came a painful pang of regret, a longing for what they had lost, for the brothers they had once been.

But Fin had made his choices, driven by a need to prove himself, to escape the shadow of his siblings. And as much as a part of him ached to bridge the chasm that now separated them, the weight of his own stubborn pride and the years of distance made the task seem insurmountable. The idea of reaching out, of opening himself up to Sherlock's judgment, filled him with a familiar dread.

So the brothers pressed on, each consumed by the demands of their respective lives, their paths diverging ever further with each passing day. And beneath the surface, the unspoken bond that had once defined them lingered, a ghost that haunted them both – a reminder of the brothers they had been, and the men they had become.

-----

PEW i hope you guys like it!

yes, Sherlock may be OOC here but i was loosing patience so 🧍🏻‍♂️

@jackiequick @blueboirick @cherrysft @meiramel @purpleprincessonfyre @ask-missparker @askstevella @therealdaydreamstark @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @gaminggirlsstuff

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Part 1 of the story here

OUAT AU - Never Would've Danced with The Devil

Characters: Mal!Liane, King of Shadows!Alexander

Other Characters: Sleeping!Petra, Belladonna St James, Ace of Hearts!Ethan

Contains: References to abuse, violence, mature language and torture

IB: Once Upon A Time, Maleficent and Would've, Could've, Should've by Taylor Swift

"If you would've blinked then I would've

Looked away at the first glance

If you tasted poison, you could've

Spit me out at the first chance"

"She's awake!"

"Thank the Gods that witch wasn't a liar.."

There was an energy of great joy and jubilation in the castle as the Princess Petra awoke from her sleeping death, hugging her parents and the fair noble who saved her life. But unbeknownst to those present, there was one uninvited guest in the room with them.

Hiding in the shadows thanks to her Cloak of Darkness, The Dark Fairy, Maleficent, better known as Liane was watching with fearful eyes. She had failed. Miserably. And she knew what came next. Before she could even stop to think, she started to run away, not thinking and barely breathing as she ran for her life in the hopes of escaping before he caught her. Before the King of Shadows made good on his deal with her.

It was such a simple promise from a time Liane regretted deeply. She'd watched the young Princess grow into a woman and seeing her beauty had filled her with terror and fear, knowing that face would be easy to love. And she had been right. Someone had fallen for her, before even her curse had taken effect. Her curse that Alexander had granted her. Her curse that had failed her. That would now condemn her to a life of servitude and captivity.

"And now that I'm grown, I'm scared of ghosts

Memories feel like weapons

And now that I know, I wish you'd left me wondering"

Liane St James tapped the leather on her steering wheel nervously, her eyes on the door to the Town Hall. She knew that he was there, his vintage sleek black car was parked in its spot. She took a breath, her keys to the vaults in hand. She was done playing his games. No more. She finally stepped out of the car, locking the doors behind her as she walked down the path to the Town Hall. The large clock on its tower had been stuck pointing at midnight for as long as Liane could remember.

She knocked confidently on the door to the Mayor's office. There was a pause as she heard his voice that felt like knives.

"Come in, Ms St James." A shiver ran down her spine as she walked in, that wicked grin on his face as she approached.

"What can I do for you, Liane?"

"I... "

"Any more dirt for me on Mr Long?"

"I- I quit!"

"You...what?" His voice cracked as his eyes suddenly looked very dangerous, his eyebrows nearly meeting in the middle as his lip curled into a snarl.

"Say that again."

"I quit. I won't do your dirty work anymore. If you want to mess with my Bella's father, you can- you go screw yourself!"

Alex laughed, a harsh laugh that made Liane's blood run cold. His gaze never left hers, almost as if he was daring her to drop hers first. But she stood firm despite her legs shaking. He stood up slowly and approached her like a predator stalking it's prey. He got in close and took hold of her wrist harshly, holding her in a vice like grip.

"I can go.. screw myself? Really...that's interesting coming from someone with such a chequered past of her own.." he purred, putting a finger under her chin, stroking her face for a moment before slapping her face with the back of his ringed hand.

"You dare defy me? Do you know who the fuck you are talking to? Has that newcomer turned your head so quickly that you forget who runs shit here?!"

"Stop it! You don't own me!"

"I beg to differ, sweetheart."

"Release those damn photos, see if I care! You clearly didn't since you left me high and dry..."

"You loved it-"

"You tricked me!" Liane spat, wrenching her arm from his grip, rubbing her reddened cheek. She threw down her papers, a fire in her eyes that only Alex could feel heat from. She wasn't going to be pushed around any longer.

"If you never touched me, I would've

Gone along with the righteous

If I never blushed, then they could've

Never whispered about this"

"You can run but you can't hide, Little Fairy!"

Came the mocking voice as Liane kept running through the woods, tears in her eyes as she ran through the twisted trees and bushes, her clothes getting snagged on sharp branches and thorns until she was surrounded by dark shadows. She screamed as they grabbed her harshly, dragging her back to their master as she sobbed, regretting everything she ever said and did in the last six years since the massacre of her people.

The shadows threw her at their Master's feet in a heap, as she raised her head she saw him grinning at her, his eyes dark with magic.

"You really thought running away would work? You're stupider than I thought!" A thorny whip of a Vine slashed her from the side, forcing her onto her knees.

"You kneel before your Master around here, Pet. Since you are a failure and a loser you now live here. With me. You do as I say no matter the consequences. You're mine!" His eyes glowed with sickly green magic as a thick iron chain shackle was wrapped around her leg, burning her skin. Liane screamed in pain, the iron burning her fae skin as it wound its way around her ankle.

"One weakness, fairies. Just one. Well two but one that's deadly and the other is pretty painful. Iron. So simple! Like...you." He grabbed her horn, pulling her to her feet as her skin seared, then threw her into a room, watching.

"What are you waiting for?"

"Oh you'll see....just don't be Dragon your feet about it..." he cackled as Liane realised what he meant. She was in trouble now.

"God rest my soul, I miss who I used to be

The tomb won't close, stained glass windows in my mind

I regret you all the time"

"I tricked you...I tricked you. YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT I TRICKED YOU! I knew you were stupid and blonde enough to get in bed with just about anyone and you were dumb enough to fall for it!"

"I've grown up since then."

"Not much. You really think these people will respect you when I release this?"

"They know that's not who I am anymore! Because guess what Alex? I have people who actually love me! My daughter loves me, my friends love me, you have no one! Nothing! Just a town you think is yours! Well fuck your town! And fuck you too! I don't need you."

She thundered, shoving him hard into his desk, making him topple over it onto the ground. She wiped her bleeding nose harshly, blood staining her white blazer sleeve but she no longer cared. She walked away, heading for the door and heard his voice one last time as she went to leave.

"You.. are really going to regret that, Ms St James. Don't say I didn't warn you...." he muttered, crawling to his feet off the ground. Liane left, slamming the door and walked out of the building, holding back tears as she got into her car and they flowed freely. She ripped off her stained blazer and sobbed in the driving seat, finally feeling like she'd ripped the ball and chain from her ankle. She was free. At last.

Alexander watched from his window as her car drove off, trying to form a plan in his head. As he paced trying to choose a suitable punishment, his eyes landed on his precious apple tree in the garden. Of course, that's how you get rid of a mouthy blonde who's showing resistance. Easiest thing in the world. Feed a gullible girl exactly what she deserves. Simple as pie.

"If clarity's in death, then why won't this die?

Years of tearing down our banners, you and I

Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts

Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first"

"Wakey wakey Maleficent..." was what Liane heard as she awoke, suddenly filling out the room a lot more than she had before. She went to look at her hands but instead saw large scaly paws with talons, her body was also covered in scales and as she tried to speak no voice came, just growling. Then her dinnerplate sized eyes fell on the King of Shadows who was smirking.

"My, you've put on weight! Tsk tsk Fairy, you must eat less cakes! Look at you..."

Liane snarled and growled at him, trying to move but finding herself still chained up.

"Oh right of course uh you can't talk because, you're a dragon. Dragons don't talk. But they do spit fire. And fly- oh wait. Still no wings." He pouted mockingly as Liane struggled against her chains. He petted her like a common creature, stroking her scales as he spoke.

"Enough huffing and puffing dear, you have a job to do. You are to guard this orb with your life. If someone tries to steal it, kill them. It's very precious to me. Don't let me down. There's a good girl.. " he wheedled, stroking her nose as he smirked.

"I finally found a way to shut you up. Oh this will be fun. But I have business to attend to. Curses, sleeping princesses, idiot brothers, you know how it is. Ta ta, Maleficent!" He crowed as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Liane stopped trying to escape, sitting there in misery as a very large salty tear slid down her enormous face creating a puddle on the ground. How could she have been so stupid?

"You're a crisis of my faith

Would've, could've, should've

If I'd only played it safe.."

If you want to see if Liane escapes, check out @ask-missparker and her post here

If you want to see Liane's fantasy ending click here.

As for her modern ending....that you'll have to wait for.

Tagging: @jackiequick @gcthvile @rooster-84 @cherrysft @blueboirick @meiramel @askstevella @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @thechoooooosenone @wizzzardofoz @finlayholmes @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Thanks bestie 💜

-> Flashlight

I got all I need when I got you and I

I look around me, and see a sweet life

I'm stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight

You're getting me, getting me through the night

Kick start my heart when you shine it in my eyes

Can't lie, it's a sweet life

I'm stuck in the dark but you're my flashlight

~~~

~~~~

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @cherrysft @luna-d-marsh @ask-starrk

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Seriously!? Fr you are the brother I should've had, I love you so much 💗

*drops food Liane’s @purpleprincessonfyre door.*

Thank me later, hun

- Eilas 🔏

~~

~ @luna-d-marsh @rickb-chaos @ask-starrk @trulysummersprivate @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @elzabeth-stark @gcthvile @aidanxsophxoxo

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Luna oh my God....

I love it! *puts on the bracelet immediately*

You're a real sweetheart for that 💜

Today i got everyone gifts because everyone needed some cheering up!

Rei I got you a new set protective goggles for when your working in the lab!🥺

Roch I got you a new pair of doc martins! 🥺

Oliva I got you an iced coffee and doughnut for you!🥺

JJ I got you a new camera!🥺

Liane I got you a hold jewellery bracelet! 🥺

Rick and C i got you both a space lamp and a cat bed for C to sleep in🥺

I hope you all love these gifts as you all needed some cheering up! 🤗🫂🫂❤️❤️❤️

@rickb-chaos @ask-starrk @missstrawbs2001 @marvelsfavoriteuncle @therealdaydreamstark @purpleprincessonfyre @blueboirick @gcthvile

[purpleprincessonfyre]

My turn? Okay fine 👌

Liane Felton's Christmas aesthetic 💜

Tags -- @finlayholmes @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @mallowbee4 @blueboirick @gcthvile @jackiequick @wizzzardofoz @meiramel

Stevella Christmas Aesthetic 🎄🎁🍪❄️

——

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @mallowbee4 @thechoooooosenone @luna-d-marsh @sherloquestea @rooster-84 and etc

[purpleprincessonfyre]

Ohhhhhh now you're asking the right questions! Well I suppose there is this one singer I'm really enjoying, she's pretty humble and loyal to her fans, got this tour she's doing, been in the business a while and based her whole tour around that career...

Yep it's still Taylor Swift! All these years later, it's still that blonde girl who sang Love Story and changed my life...

What did you expect?

Since I am usually kinda busy but lazy at the same time, I try to always find something like music or movie/series to watch.

-> So here’s my question, what is your favorite current piece of entertainment?

It could be music like a song or artist, movie or tv series, video game or whatever

Let me know what it is!

~~~

Tags: @ask-starrk @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @marvelsfavoriteuncle @elzabeth-stark @jackiequick @blueboirick @gcthvile @cherrysft @meiramel @trulysummersprivate

[purpleprincessonfyre]

WAIT OMG YOURE HEREEEEEE!?

Florrie! It's been years, last I saw you was London Fashion Week in '09! Girlie!

Welcome to Tumblr! Love youuu 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Seriously girl we need to catch up I have so much to tell you 👀

Guys! Come meet Florrie!

@askstevella @ask-missparker @ask-starrk @therealdaydreamstark @ethan-lensherr @marvelsfavoriteuncle @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @sci-fi-lexcon @trulysummersprivate

Tags: @jackiequick @blueboirick @gcthvile @cherrysft @meiramel

The Boy Is Mine ~ Brandy

Hi dove 🕊️

I’m Juliette Florence! I enjoy mint chocolate chip cookies, taking selfies and dancing around in my room with my favorite artists!

I grew up in a small town, where i was always fascinated by the stories my grandmother. My interest in my roots led me to explore various artistic pursuits, including modeling, acting and sometimes writing.

However I am a dancer and lover of R&B at heart! Cause despite everything, I believe in expressing yourself and being able to do good

~~~

I got my first shot rule = be respectful and don’t be shy to say hi!

~~~

Tags: @ask-starrk @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh @marvelsfavoriteuncle @elzabeth-stark @sci-fi-lexcon @jackiequick @blueboirick @gcthvile @cherrysft @meiramel @trulysummersprivate