#sarah nelson deserves the WORLD

[nothazellevesque]

olivia colman rlly rocks up to heartstopper like “eh ive got like three hours free on a tuesday afternoon, might just pop on over to the set, cure some folks’ parental trauma, hug some teen actors, and then be back in time for my dinner” and she NAILS it

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Top 10 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (June 2024)

Don't Believe Him by 7ate9

When Charlie tells his study group he's dating Leed's rugby star Nick Nelson, they don't quite believe him. It's embarrassing to go with them to the rugby game, with their voices in his ears telling him he's mad, but Nick is always there to prove those voices wrong, even when he doesn't even know they exist.

first fluttering (of its silken wings) by thetomkatwholived [G]

What if the leaves were real? Charlie lives in a world full of Flutters, where his leaves follow him almost everywhere. Enter Nick Nelson, who hasn’t seen his Flutters in years.

Let it Out and Let it In by 7ate9 [M]

Nick was the last person to see Charlie Spring before he went missing. They spent the afternoon together, and Nick kissed him goodbye and watched him walk away. Charlie never made it home. In the wake of his disappearance, their friends and family have to deal with the fallout. Nick is holding out hope for Charlie to come back, because he doesn't know what he'd do if he doesn't.

look now, the sky is gold by kissmeinnewyork [T]

“Your mum’s been texting me.�� Charlie can just about make out Nick’s bemused expression over his shitty student halls wifi connection. “She’s been doing what?” In the days after Nick goes to university, Sarah Nelson looks after Charlie like he's her own. (A collection of stories about found family, empty nests, house keys and Nick, Charlie and Sarah).

Narlie Waves by waveofyou [E]

A Heartstopper California AU where Nick (31) and the HS crew we know and love live in SoCal. Charlie (29) leaves his London office to work in San Diego for a year. Nellie makes a new puppy bestie. Nick is adorable teaching little first graders. Charlie looks hot playing the drums. Nick looks hot surfing. They…ahem…enjoy Nick’s pool…and shower…and balcony. The boys weirdly get snowed in at one point. In Southern California, go figure. Nick helps Charlie see that he's deserving of big, loud love from a certain golden retriever person. Charlie helps Nick to trust that his love is not conditional, that he's safe to fully express himself. A leaves falling, flower petals swirling story of queer love with a spectacular ocean view 🍂🌊🍂 ⚠️ This is NOT a slow burn. They feel the spark, follow it and make fire Any explicit sections are denoted with “🍂🔥🍂” Any triggering flashback, panic attack or detailed eating disorder moments with “🍂⚠️🍂” …so they can be skipped and the story still enjoyed- I’ve written it so no major plot is lost by skipping these sections Alternates between Charlie and Nick POV ♥️

now i've read all of the books beside your bed by thetomkatwholived [T]

Tara smirked. “Yes, Charlie Spring. Isaac is one of his best friends. He posts booktube videos.” “Booktube?” Darcy rolled her eyes. “Get on the internet, Nicholas! Youtube videos specifically about books. Isaac has a really great channel. Awesome queer recs.” She handed an earbud to Tara, and they both huddled around her phone. Or, Nick sees Charlie for the first time in years in Isaac's video and maybe that crush he thought was dulled comes back in full force. At least he can get all the recommended books at the new bookshop in town…

The Quarantine Chronicles by CJShips [T]

Inspired by the Heartstopper Mini-Comic: The Haircut, aged-up Nick and Charlie navigate pandemic life. I hope to make this a series of vignettes, but I wrote this first chapter as a stand-alone. Come on Charlie, just get here Nick begged internally, raising a hand to scrub his face. … Irrational thoughts that he’d been walling off for hours began to break through. What if Charlie’s flight had been re-routed? Or not taken off at all? Or what if the flight had arrived at SFO but for some reason, Charlie wasn’t on it? What if the United States sealed its borders and Nick became trapped in a different country from the most important person in the world? … For the first time since he and Charlie moved to San Francisco eight months ago, Nick wondered if it was a terrible mistake.

We Just Keep Going by agreatwave [M]

“Nothing’s wrong, nothing happened,” He reassures. “I just want to come home.” “Charlie - ” “I just really want to be with you tonight,” Charlie interrupts. Nick’s heart skips a beat. “Is- is that ok?” Charlie asks when Nick doesn’t respond immediately. This, more than anything, sets off an alarm in Nick’s head. It’s rare, these days, for Charlie to question things like he used to. OR When another long term couple breaks up, Charlie needs reassurance. Nick is more than happy to give it.

the wedding dance by steelknuckles [G]

Nick has two left feet, so he's lucky to have Charlie to guide him during their wedding dance. If love was a piano, it would be every note from top to bottom.

you only stay by peaceoutofthepieces [G]

“Ben talked to you at the cinema?” Nick interrupts, his voice shaking. His eyes are wide, and he grips Charlie’s hand tighter. “When did you talk to Ben?” “Oh.” Charlie looks down. “Uhm, outside, just before I left. After you’d gone back in.” He glances up in time to see Nick’s expression go pained, and he reaches his free hand over so he can grip Nick’s and squeeze back. “What did he say?” Nick asks quietly. “It doesn’t matter,” Charlie tries, but Nick’s kicked-puppy look only strengthens. “He just—it was the same thing about denying his feelings and being a dick about it. Telling me he never liked me, but I was pathetic enough for him to feel sorry for me. Usual Ben things.”

[narliearchive]

How to Build Your Dream Home by NellieSayzBork [T]

At 35, Charlie is finally getting what he wants: A forever home with the love of his life, Ben Hope. They've chosen a beautiful country property in desperate need of some TLC, but as an architect and interior designer, respectively, it will be a dream come true. Of course, as with any reno, they'll need a contractor. Enter Nick Nelson, of Nelson Custom Renos. CW for emotional and verbal abuse being spewed by the world's biggest prick, Ben Hope. But I promise, there's a happy ending! #f*ckbenhope

Lavender Fields by scienceisrealyo [E]

31 year old Nick Nelson retired from professional rugby and is giving Sarah Nelson a well-deserved year off from running Lavender Fields Bed and Breakfast. And Nick’s doing fine, thank you very much. Until the guest name C. Spring changes everything. Note: 1-31 are the main story. Any chapters after 31 are epilogues offering Charlie's point of view of the story.

Narlie Waves by waveofyou [E]

A Heartstopper California AU where Nick (31) and the HS crew we know and love live in SoCal. Charlie (29) leaves his London office to work in San Diego for a year. Nellie makes a new puppy bestie. Nick is adorable teaching little first graders. Charlie looks hot playing the drums. Nick looks hot surfing. They…ahem…enjoy Nick’s pool…and shower…and balcony. The boys weirdly get snowed in at one point. In Southern California, go figure. Nick helps Charlie see that he's deserving of big, loud love from a certain golden retriever person. Charlie helps Nick to trust that his love is not conditional, that he's safe to fully express himself. A leaves falling, flower petals swirling story of queer love with a spectacular ocean view 🍂🌊🍂 ⚠️ This is NOT a slow burn. They feel the spark, follow it and make fire Any explicit sections are denoted with “🍂🔥🍂” Any triggering flashback, panic attack or detailed eating disorder moments with “🍂⚠️🍂” …so they can be skipped and the story still enjoyed- I’ve written it so no major plot is lost by skipping these sections 🫶🏻 Alternates between Charlie and Nick POV ♥️

Showstopper by PansyFace22 [M]

Buzz is building around the queer extravaganza that’s planned for this season’s run with a bisexual Bachelor - England’s own star pro-rugby player Nicholas Nelson. But what are the showmakers going to do for twelve episodes if their Bachelor and one of the newcomer contestants have fallen in love at first sight? ‘Would you … kiss someone, in front of the cameras?’ Charlie asks, his heart hammering louder than the music in his ears. He moves his body again, feet squeaking closer to Nick’s, his finger where it lies along Nick’s finger on the floor suddenly pressing. He hitches in a breath as he feels Nick’s pinky finger hook onto his. Nick looks at him, his head drifting slightly closer, then he takes a quick breath and looks away. ‘I don’t know … maybe?’ he says.

Touch the grass by HSNomad [T]

Nick Nelson has had a secret for many years. Secrets can be hidden away, but they are always there waiting to be shared. A story about acceptance.

[ao3feed-narlie]

Finding Our Way

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/P5r0fvw by gummybeyere Nick and Charlie are still figuring things out—about themselves, about each other, and about how much they’re ready to share with the world. A quiet walk in the park seems perfect, but the conversation that follows makes it clear that sometimes, love isn’t just about being happy together; it’s about being seen together. Nick knows Charlie deserves more, and maybe it’s time to stop hiding. This moment could change everything—or maybe, it’s just the beginning. Words: 7363, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 5 of Quiet Echoes Fandoms: Heartstopper (TV), Heartstopper (Webcomic) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Nellie Nelson, Sarah Nelson Relationships: Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring Additional Tags: POV Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Nicholas "Nick" Nelson Needs a Hug, Smitten Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Protective Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Bisexual Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Supportive Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) Needs a Hug, Gay Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper) has Anxiety, Sad Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Past Benjamin "Ben" Hope/Charles "Charlie" Spring, Coming Out, Developing Relationship, Secret Relationship, Boys In Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anxiety, Trust, Pining, Mutual Pining read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/P5r0fvw

[pridepages]

Drawn with Love: Heartstopper

I just finished Heartstopper volumes 1-4 by Alice Oseman. I have thoughts...

Here there be spoilers!

Gay? Watch Netflix? You probably already know all about Heartstopper. In 2022, a cast full of rainbow teenagers stormed right out of Britain and into hearts worldwide. It’s a charming show, a comfort watch for so many, but it’s worth taking a step back: who are Nick and Charlie? And why have they shot to stardom?

Writer and artist Alice Oseman first introduced the world to Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring as supporting characters in their debut novel Solitaire. Oseman has since remarked that Nick and Charlie were a very small part of that book and already in an established relationship. But Oseman was intrigued by the idea of going back to write the story of how the couple met and grew into their relationship. What began as a written story became a comic. Oseman began a labor of love as they drew Nick and Charlie’s journey and shared it online with the world. 

Audiences are often baffled by their own charmed responses to Nick and Charlie. For an escapist story, Heartstopper isn’t plot driven. One is reminded forcibly of Jane Austen’s Emma, a novel where, famously, ‘nothing happens.’ But such a description entirely misses the point. People are drawn to Heartstopper because its plot mirrors life: the big events are ones of self-discovery, of growing up, of facing real-world challenges, and of seeing what healthy love (and its limit) looks like.

The events of the show cover volumes 1-2 of the comic, and largely center around Nick Nelson’s coming out story. Before meeting--and falling for--Charlie, Nick did not realize he was queer. By talking to friends, examining his feelings, and giving himself space and grace to come out in his own time, Nick emerges as a beautiful bisexual butterfly. By contrasting Nick’s genuine love against ex Ben’s emotional manipulation, Charlie learns how to set and stick to boundaries. Conflicts fueled by homophobia, outing, closetedness, and coming out are all relatable to audiences of all ages. But it is so comforting to see them quickly resolve because love--whether it’s between friends, siblings, or romantic partners--is the cornerstone of this story. Plus, Nick Nelson delivers one of the best romantic lines of all time: “I like you so much. And I love liking you.” How simple. How powerful. That’s the kind of love we all can find. That’s the kind of love we all deserve.

But the strength of Heartstopper lies in its balance: love is powerful, but it cannot conquer all. Audiences await the release of further seasons, but the comics have continued on. Volumes 3-4 cover some extremely serious situations including: homophobia by family members, child abuse and neglect, and mental health journeys. Oseman deftly navigates these serious topics with uncompromising honesty, but also with grace. There are no gratuitous or traumatizing images. There is no reveling in the characters’ pain. But there is a healthy dose of reality check. 

One of the best scenes--one I sincerely hope makes it on screen--is between Nick and his mother, Sarah. Nick confesses that Charlie’s mental health is in a precarious place and that Nick feels powerless. Sarah Nelson cautions that: “Love can’t cure mental illness...You can just be there. To listen. To cheer him up if he’s having a bad day. And on the bad days, you can ask what you could do to make things easier. Standing by his side, even when things are hard. But also knowing that...sometimes people need more support than just one person can give. That’s love, darling.” Heartstopper’s gift is in its reminder that life takes a village: we need all kinds of people, and all kinds of love, to be healthy and happy. Nick and Charlie learn how to grow together, but also apart with friends, therapists, hobbies, and achievements that keep them individuals while still being the world’s beloved Nick-and-Charlie.

There is no question that new fans and old alike have seen the benefit of having Oseman come onboard to write the television serial. The casting has been so brilliant it’s like characters leapt off the page and into three dimensions! In an amazing feat of adaptation I wouldn’t have thought possible, panels of the comic have been brought to life shot-for-shot, beat-for-beat on screen. (Mostly. I do understand why censoring certain language was necessary to keep the show accessible. But sign me up for the Let Nick Nelson Say ‘Fuck’ Brigade!) 

It’s impossible to say at this point whether the later seasons will--or can--stay as faithful. But even if they don’t match as exactly, we are lucky to have Heartstopper in all its forms. Which makes it all the more tragic that actor Kit Connor--who plays Nick onscreen--didn’t get the same journey his character did. In a disturbing Darkest-Timeline-mirror image of Nick Nelson’s journey, Kit was harassed online in the wake of Heartstopper, pressured to label his sexuality until he couldn’t bear it anymore. He announced his bisexuality by tweet and criticized the bullies for forcing him--a teenager--to out himself. It’s like people missed the entire point of the show!

Weirdly, I think that sad episode illustrates the appeal of Heartstopper. It’s not a story about nothing. It’s a story about a world we want to live in: one where kids find love and acceptance exactly as they are. One where people can find love at any age. One where people can live as their most honest selves and feel safe. One where queer people can thrive. We are drawn to Heartstopper because we are drawn to a vision of the world not as it is--but as it could be.

[because-imma-lady-assface]

Share ten different favorite characters from ten different pieces of media in no particular order, then send this to 10 people (anon or not, your choice) 🎥🎬📺 (you don't have to do this, feel free to ignore it 😘)

Hunt Athalar - my one true love zap daddy from the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas

2. My sweet, sweet perfect in every way son.

3. Eric Taylor. I will never marry because no man will ever treat me like Coach Eric Taylor would.

4. Foggy Nelson deserves all that is good and pure and beautiful in this world.

5. If you don't watch The Last Kingdom you really really need to. Finan my angel is an added bonus.

6. Michonne is just...yes.

7. The joy this woman brings me. The show in general, but I love Keeley so much.

8. This isn't a joke, but I'm pretty sure Bobby Singer might be my favorite character on Supernatural.

9. The Queen of all.

10.

[a-dandelion-dreamer]

Books with Bisexual Characters

I’ve always been a book lover, and lately I’ve been taking note of some of the bi characters I meet along my journey. I thought I’d share some book recommendations.

First, In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan. I love this book so much—it’s honestly one of my favourites. It features a bisexual protagonist, Elliot Schafer, who goes across a wall into a magical, fantasyland and actively rebels against its war-like ways, choosing to draft treaties instead. He’s a snarky, grumpy, pacifist who has relationships with people of multiple genders throughout the course of the book. This book is super funny. Seriously, it made me laugh out loud on more than occasion. It also features truly phenomenal character development and explores the joys and trials of friendship between Elliot and his two best friends Luke Sunborn (the shy golden boy, born to a warrior family) and Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle (a bold elf whose society’s gender roles are completely flipped). Shenanigans ensue.

A quote:

“‘Why is language in the Borderlands so weird? Some of it’s modern, and some of it’s medieval, and I guess that makes sense with the influx of a certain amount of new blood to the training camp every year, but how do some words and phrases transfer, while others don’t? Why do you know the word ‘jerk’ and not the word ‘bisexual’?’

‘I guess people say the first word more,’ said Luke.”

 Next, The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff. This epic three book series features badass bisexual Mia Corvere. It’s dark, bloody and heart-breaking, with an endless series of twists. Mia’s parents were killed during their attempt to start a rebellion and her quest for revenge leads her to join a school for assassins. Follow Mia’s journey as she attempts to bring down the leaders of the Republic with her constant companion, Mister Kindly, the wise-cracking shadow-that-is-shaped-like-a-cat. I loved this series as well. It’s a very different tone from the recommendation above (don’t get attached to your faves!) and it’s marked as adult fantasy (be prepared for sex and violence), so be warned, but wow, is it a wild ride!

 Books by Ellen Kushner!!! I recently discovered her and I’m in love. Ellen Kushner herself is bi and has a wife who is also a writer. The two of her books I’ve read so far are Swordspoint (published 1987!) and The Privilege of the Sword. Both are fantasy of manners with bisexual duelists as protagonists. Swordspoint features Richard St Vier, an elite swordsman, as well as his close companion (and lover) Alec, a sarcastic scholar with a mysterious past. The Privilege of the Sword is set in the future of the same world, featuring a young girl named Katherine (who I love with all my heart) as she’s called by her uncle to the city to embark upon a path nontraditional to a lady, that of a swordsman. Both are excellent and super fun!

 The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. Meet Lord Henry “Monty” Montague as he embarks upon a Grand Tour of Europe (the historical fiction version of a road trip) with his best friend Percy (who he’s hopelessly in love with) and his sister Felicity (who’s ace and has her own follow-up book which I also recommend – the Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy). Monty is charming, privileged, hilarious and the definition of a disaster bisexual. Follow along as the three of them stumble into hijinks and character development.

 Radio Silence by Alice Oseman. Our main girl Frances Janvier is a study machine whose only respite from academics is the fan art she draws for a podcast called Universe City. Then one day, the mysterious narrator asks her if she wants to collaborate. In a relatable turn, Frances is bi, but it’s just a part of her identity and the focus of the book is not a romance. Instead, it’s all about friendship and finding platonic soulmates and figuring out what you want to pursue in life. Alice Oseman’s writing is lovely and she tackles issues that feel very modern and relatable. I’ll also mention her webcomic (which you can find online for free) Heartstopper, which follows the romance between two boys Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson (and includes Nick’s bisexual crisis).

A quote:

“And I’m platonically in love with you.”

“That was literally the boy-girl version of ‘no homo’, but I appreciate the sentiment.”

 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Speaking of bisexual crises, meet Alex Claremont-Diaz, whose mother is the President of the United States. His long-time rival, Henry, is a prince of England, and after an incident involving an expensive cake, the two are forced to fake a bromance for the sake of international relations. Actual romance blossoms instead.

 Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey. In the land of Terre d’Ange, the motto is “Love as thou wilt”. Phèdre is a bisexual courtesan who receives pleasure from pain. Another adult fantasy (published 2001!), our heroine trains as a spy and is increasingly entangled in a web of politics and plots.

 The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. This series is well-known, but I love it! Maggie Stiefvater’s prose is atmospheric, littered with small details that reward a reread, and her character relationships are complex. This series is a gem full of magical realism. Here’s a shout-out to our bisexual boy, Adam Parrish!

 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Again, another popular book (part of a duology), but the hype is totally deserved! A diverse crew sets out on an impossible heist. Let’s send some love to two bisexual icons, Jesper Fahey and Nina Zenik!

A quote:

“If only you could talk to girls in equations.”

There was a long silence, and then, eyes trained on the notch they’d created in the link, Wylan said, “Just girls?”

Jesper restrained a grin. “No. Not just girls.”

 Those are some of my favourites that I’ve come across so far. Hopefully I’ll find some more! I’m always open to book recommendations, especially those that feature queer ladies :)

[ninzied]

i’ll be the light and lead you home when there’s nowhere left to go

hireath (n); a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was; the nostalgia, the yearning, the grief for the lost places of your past

for @heartonfirewrites. [ao3]

Being with Karen – it’s one of the easiest things that Frank has ever done.

Even before he put down the vest and showed up at her place for good – because there was no turning back for either of them after that – he had known. It was part of what kept him away for so long.

Being with Karen was everything right, and good, and Frank hadn’t believed in a long, long time that those things should even be possible for him. That they could be what he deserved.

He only half-believes it even now. But if he’s going to hell for letting himself have this, then he might as well make the most of this one small corner of light and good things until then.

Still, they have their not-so-good days. The days that try to drag them back into those dark, buried places of their past, before they had this. Before they found something else that they could not afford to lose.

There’s the date of every funeral they’ve ever been to, every loved one they’ve had to bury. There are other kinds of anniversaries, too. Birthdays. Christmas. The day Frank got married. But they all carry with them the same kind of heaviness. They all came to an end the same way.

There are more of these kinds of days than either of them would like to count – days that feel like they belong to some other life, but will never stop haunting them in the one they’re living now.

Each one comes with a static kind of silence around it.

They have their own ways of dealing. Frank rises even earlier than usual and goes for a run down the Hudson. He runs until his whole body might be on fire, and then he just keeps on going. Karen throws herself into her work; if she’s not out chasing leads, she’s hunkered down at her computer, fingers flying over the keys.

It takes some navigating, but they’ve learned how to be there for each other without overstepping – how to be gentle with all that silence, how to cradle it close without it breaking. How to let the silence know that it is not alone.

Karen has coffee waiting for him after his long morning runs – black, and scalding, just the way he likes it. She doesn’t tease him for it like she would on any other day, and every kiss that he gives her tastes just a touch bittersweet.

Frank, on his part, cleans their apartment, cooks her dinner. She’s not great at remembering to feed herself on a regular day, so on the hard ones in particular he makes sure the table she’s working at is well-stocked with actual food.

They come back to each other in the twilight hours. Before they had this, their tomorrows had always been more of the same, but now, at least – now, their tomorrows actually mean something again.

…

Their own birthdays are on the quieter side too, but it’s nice. It’s soft. It’s them.

Nothing to fuss about, just the two of them curled up on the couch and, for once, not letting the rest of the world have any say in the matter. Frank takes the day off of work, and per Karen’s request stows her phone and computer some place she won’t think to find.

They’ve always promised each other no parties – and truly, a party is not what Karen has in mind when she first approaches Curtis for something small, something quiet, this year. She’d gotten the okay from Frank to include him, and there’s a bottle of whiskey she’s stashed in the cabinet just for the occasion.

But then Curt had asked if he could bring a mutual friend, which is how Dinah winds up greeting a slightly startled Frank at the door with wine and a meat-and-cheese platter. And then the postcard to Florida that Karen had mailed months ago gets returned to the sender – hand-delivered by a tanned and beaming Amy, who also brought a pink plastic flamingo as a “housewarming” gift, and a genuinely awful Hawaiian print shirt for Frank.

“I’m never going to wear that,” says Frank before enveloping her in a tight hug.

Karen wants to ask him if this is okay – really, she couldn’t have accounted for all of this happening – but then Frank looks over at her with shining eyes, and her chest could crack open from all the love she sees in them.

“Any more surprises I should know about?” he asks her, voice gruff as he steals her into their room for a kiss.

Karen puts a hand on his chest, and says in a half-apologetic tone, “I might have texted the Liebermans last week.”

“Did you, now.” He chuckles under his breath.

“I didn’t mention your birthday, but they seem like the type to put two and two together.”

“Unbelievable,” says Frank with a shake of his head. “How’d you even – never mind.” He kisses her again, lacing their fingers together before rejoining the others.

David and Sarah show up with their kids half an hour later.

It should feel like a squeeze – it was a small apartment even before Frank moved in with her – but instead, the only thing it feels is right, having the space filled with the warmth of everyone’s laughter, and the look on Frank’s face, every time their eyes meet and he breaks out into another smile.

…

So when Karen’s birthday comes around, Frank finds himself anxious about getting it right, in a way that he hasn’t before. In spite of what he’d told her he wanted for his own birthday, she’d done him one even better, and it was, hands down, one of the best birthdays he’d had in a long, long while.

He wants that for her, too. After all the shit that she’s gone through, after being the one there for him, the least he could do is make this day a really damn good one for her.

“This is exactly why we made those rules,” Karen has to remind him, when he ends up ruining the French toast in his agitation. He scowls at the remains before tipping them into the trash.

“Yeah? Rules say something about not being able to make my girl some goddamn toast?” Frank groans, reaching his hand out to hers and tugging her up against his side.

“No,” says Karen, tilting her head at him with a smile. “Rules say not to worry too much if you burn it.”

“I’ll try to remember that for next time.” He wraps his other arm around her, nudging their foreheads together. “Happy birthday, Karen.” He kisses her soft and slow, and she makes a small humming sound when they part.

Her hand comes up to touch his cheek. “Hey,” she says. “This is all I want, Frank.”

He sighs, head dropping down to his chest for a moment. She cups his face in both her hands, until he’s finally looking back up at her.

“Okay?” she says.

“Okay,” he says, and means it.

He ends up taking her to a little corner café for breakfast instead. Afterward, they stroll hand-in-hand down by the river before checking out one of the animal shelters nearby. They almost walk out with a dog, and make a pact to come back after they’ve found a bigger place to live next year.

They meet Nelson and Murdock for a late lunch on one of the piers, and by then Frank’s feeling fully at ease. He even has a good time with them. He finds Nelson amusing, not that he’d ever admit it, and even Murdock’s grown on him a little over the years.

Karen looks happy. And that’s all that really matters to him.

Frank’s at the bar getting them another round of beers when he hears the phone ring. Karen’s. He recognizes the ring tone. But he doesn’t think anything of it until he’s turning around with their drinks, and he sees the look on her face as she stares down at the screen.

Shit.

Karen excuses herself from the table, and makes her way down toward the water until she’s just out of earshot. Frank sets the tray down, watching her back tense as she talks, and nods with a pained kind of smile that breaks his fucking heart.

He should’ve seen this coming.

There’s a reason why Frank stashes her phone out of sight every year. It’s a reminder of the people who don’t call on their birthdays – the people who can’t, and the people who won’t. Or the people who send one lousy text a week late, and can’t be bothered to answer when she tries calling back.

Murdock’s face is expressionless, but Frank knows he’s listening in on the other line.

“That her piece of shit dad, isn’t it.” His hands are fisted so tight that it feels like the only way he can loosen them up is to just fucking hit something.

Murdock remains silent, which Frank takes as confirmation enough.

He stalks over to Karen in time to hear the tail end of her conversation.

“Sure, Dad,” she’s saying, with that same strained smile that makes it look like she’s halfway to bursting in tears. “I can make a few phone calls, see what I can do.”

Frank stops abruptly in front of her, his whole body seething. Is he seriously calling to ask for a favor? The shitbag even remember it’s her goddamn birthday today?

“Give me the phone.”

Karen holds out a placating hand, eyes steady on his. They’re watering slightly, but she musters up a small, genuine smile for him. He steps closer, swaying forward a little. His vision’s gone a little blurry too.

“C’mon, Karen. Let me talk to him.”

“Sure thing, Dad,” she says into the phone, and he hates how small that man makes her sound, how young and just – so fucking delicate, like the wrong word from him might break her. Like the right one could make some part of her whole again.

“Karen…” If he could just give him a piece of his mind—

“Bye.” She hangs up, and stares at the phone until the screen blanks out. She heaves a deep, shaky breath, looks over the railing, and then, almost in slow motion, lets go of the phone in her hand. They watch it tumble down to the water, where it slips out of sight with a splash that probably only Murdock could hear.

“Guess you won’t be able to make those calls after all,” says Frank after a moment, and it startles a watery laugh out of her, eyes bright as she looks at him with more gratitude than he’ll ever deserve.

“Not today,” she says, pressing the heel of her hand to one cheek and swiping away the moisture there.

“Not today,” Frank agrees, voice low and firm and final. But then she’s looking back out at the water, something distant clouding up her expression, and he feels a fresh, hot guilt churning around inside his stomach. “I’m sorry, Karen. I—”

She turns and slips her arms around him, burying her face into his shoulder.

He wraps her up tight, cradling the back of her neck and making soft shushing sounds to her as she starts to cry.

…

They’re curled up on the couch later that night. Frank’s not much of a baker, but he’d tried his hand at a cake, which hadn’t turned out nearly so bad as the French toast from that morning. What’s left of the cake now is on the coffee table in front of them, plus a stray crumb or two that he thumbs away from Karen’s bottom lip before planting a couple of kisses there.

“Thank you,” she tells him, and he knows she’s not just talking about cake.

Frank shakes his head. “I didn’t…”

“Stop.” She puts a hand on his mouth. He noses a kiss to the pad of her finger. Her eyes are still red-rimmed from earlier, but she hasn’t shed a tear since. He thinks she’s one of the strongest people he’s ever known. “You did,” she tells him. “You do.”

“Not enough.”

“It’s everything.” She snuggles up close. “And what I say goes. Don’t forget, it is still my birthday for another twenty-three minutes.”

He breathes out a laugh in her hair. “And after?”

“After,” she says simply, “is another tomorrow with you.”

His throat closes up, and it’s all he can do to just kiss her again for a moment.

He holds her gaze when they part, finger stroking over her cheekbone. “You’re everything, to me. You got that?”

Karen bites back a smile. “I think I have some idea.”

And for the next twenty-three minutes and counting, he proceeds to make doubly sure that she does.

[bluesfortheredj]

Guess Work.

Working with family could be a nightmare for some, but you’d got lucky when your Uncle had taken over from your dad as Detective Inspector at the Midsomer constabulary at Causton, and even though you loved your father dearly, it was a relief to have John and his more relaxed attitude here now. You had been the resident pathologist at the station for years and in the past year you’d started a relationship with your Uncle’s right hand man; DS Nelson. Months had gone by without even a hint of you two being romantically involved, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep quiet the deeper you fell in love with one another even though neither of you had said the word yet. Charlie was the main person who wanted to keep it quiet for fear of what your Uncle might think about you being an item, but you’d both resigned yourselves to the fact that he’d have to find out one day, especially with the romance blossoming quicker than you could have imagined.

Your fingers tap impatiently on your desk as you wait for the page to load so you could begin your report, but the software was being particularly slow today, and you let out a huff as you throw yourself against the back of your chair and pick your tea up. A familiar face soon arrives at the door and Charlie enters the room with a smile that still made your knees weak whenever you saw it; if anything could calm you down, it was him. He walks over to your desk and perches on your side of it to let his leg rest against yours, then reaches out for your hand as you place your cup down next to the computer and brings it up to his face to kiss the back of it.

“What have I done to deserve such a sweet greeting?” you ask with a tender smile.

“You’ve officially put up with me for six months. Congratulations!” he grins.

“How ever have I managed that?!” you joke.

“Might be something to do with my wit, charm, great body…” he winks.

“Or maybe it’s purely to do with your massive-”

“So this is where you’re hiding!” John’s voice sounds out behind Charlie.

“Heart,” you whisper as you slip your hand out of his.

“Hope he’s not bothering you too much,” John smirks as he enters your office.

“No more than usual,” you wink back.

“I’d like to invite you both over this weekend for Sarah’s birthday. It’s nothing big, just the five of us, six including Sykes of course. Some dinner, drinks, the usual,” John says.

“Sounds lovely,” you smile, “what time?”

“Saturday, say 3pm?”

“Great. I’ll pick you up on the way if you’d like, Charlie.”

“That’d be perfect,” Charlie nods, “thanks.”

“Brilliant. Right, well Nelson, we’re needed upstairs so if you could tear yourself away from (Y/N), we’d better get cracking,” John teases.

It wasn’t unusual for your Uncle to tease Charlie in your presence and it always made you laugh when a blush crept up his cheeks after a cheeky dig from John. You were both sure he didn’t have a clue what was going on and purely saw this as two of the youngest employees bonding thanks to the similar age range instead of anything else. Not that it would be the end of the world if he did find out, it just didn’t feel like something that needed sharing yet, and Nelson wasn’t looking forward to John inevitably telling his brother about the relationship.

“Charlie, would you like a lift home?” you ask, popping your head into his office space once the end of the day rolls around.

“Uhmm…” he looks to John for some kind of notion as to whether they were done or not, then when he receives a nod that he’s free to go he turns back to you with a smile, “yes please.”

“See you both tomorrow,” John says as you leave.

Charlie’s hand quickly slips into yours as you make your way out of the station and by the time you get the car you can’t keep your hands off of one another, only parting to get into the vehicle and joining together once again over the central console as you kiss passionately.

“I love you,” he breathes once you lean away with a smile.

You sit back in shock at him being the one to let the word slip out first, and you place a hand on his cheek gently before moving in close and brushing your nose against his.

“I love you too.”

“That’s a relief, oh my god my stopped for a minute there,” he chuckles.

“I think we’d better start planning an announcement soon…”

“I think so too,” he says with a worried expression.

Saturday soon comes around and the drive to John and Sarah’s was filled with excitement at the prospect of spending some time with your little cousin Betty, and you had a nice little bag of gifts for Sarah for her birthday. Charlie’s hand rests on your thigh for the entire journey, his thumb stroking over the fabric of your dress softly, and the comfort it filled you with made your heart swell with love.

“Ready?” you ask as you pull up outside the house.

“Ready,” he nods.

As soon as you’re both inside the house, you make a beeline for little Betty and Sarah hands her over willingly as lets out an exhausted breath along with a warm smile.

“You relax for the rest of your birthday,” you say as the little one snuggles into your shoulder, “I’ll look after this bundle of trouble.”

“Thank you so much,” she says, “and thank you for bringing Charlie!”

“You’re very welcome,” you grin as you begin to pat Betty’s back gently.

Sarah heads straight for Charlie and the bag of presents he holds along with the bottle of wine in his other hand, but his eyes can’t leave you for a second as you cuddle baby Betty, and he finds himself handing everything over to her without even meeting her eyes so he can walk straight towards you instead.

“Hello to you too, Charlie,” Sarah laughs.

“Charlie!” you giggle.

“I’m so sorry,” he gasps, realising what he’s done, “Sarah, I can’t apologise enough! Hello and happy birthday!”

He backtracks and gives Sarah a kiss on both cheeks then resumes his position at your side, looking from Betty to you with absolute awe.

“I think you should help me in the kitchen, Charlie,” John suggests.

The two men walk into the kitchen while you three make your way into the second sitting room where there’s a small table with drinks on already and some snacks laid out in bowls. Betty stirs a little and wriggles into a comfier position nearer your neck as you adjust your hold and begin to bounce your body a little to comfort her.

“You’re so good with her,” Sarah grins, “and Charlie seems smitten as well.”

“Well she is the cutest baby there ever was…”

“I didn’t actually mean Betty,” she says with a knowing smirk.

You laugh nervously then turn your attention back to the small bundle on your chest with crimson cheeks.

“What do you think of our DS then (Y/N)? You two have gotten pretty close.”

“He’s lovely,” you nod, “a lovely person.”

“Quite handsome too, don’t you think?” she pushes.

“Don’t let John hear you say that,” you laugh.

“It’s nothing he hasn’t heard me say before,” she shrugs, “do you agree?”

“Sarah, this feels a little like an interrogation!”

“John wouldn’t mind, you know, and I’m sure your dad wouldn’t either. He’s a sensible young man who is obviously absolutely head over heels for you, and-”

“What are you ladies talking about?” John smiles as he and Charlie enter with plates of food.

“We’re just discussing love,” Sarah replies, “how some people who are so obviously meant for one another just can’t seem to see it.”

“Like who exactly?” John asks, completely confused by her answer.

“Could be anyone; friends, colleagues…”

You and Charlie share a quick glance and he sits opposite you next to John as you place your plate down next to you on the seat and eat with one hand as you keep a hold of Betty. Half way through your dinner Betty begins to cry and you take her out of the room as you bounce her carefully to calm her, then stand looking into the garden with her as you sway from side to side. Charlie soon follows you but doesn’t make his presence known as he stands quietly in the doorway, looking at you with the soppiest grin plastered across his face as he imagines what you’d be like when you both eventually have your own children one day. It’s a thought that he never expected to become so strong, but seeing you with Betty had ignited such an intense feeling inside him, he could barely hide it.

“What’s he doing?” John asks as him and Sarah watch him from the other room.

“He’s seeing his future,” Sarah whispers.

“That’s what I thought he was doing… Just needed you and your instinct to confirm it.”

“What?!” Sarah gasps quietly.

“I’ve had my suspicions about those two for a while. Subtlety isn’t Nelson’s strong point.”

“You think they’re together already?!”

“I know they’re together already. I am a DCI, don’t forget,” he winks.

Charlie walks towards you slowly, now out of sight of the two spies, and he places a hand on your back as he stands at your side with a glowing smile, making you look up at him with a questioning gaze.

“Are you alright?” you ask.

“I’m… I… This could be us one day. Me, you, a baby. What do you think?”

“Sounds perfect,” you whisper, trying not to cry.

“And what are you doing with my niece?” John asks loudly from the doorway, purposely trying to spook him.

“Planning our future,” Charlie replies with a proud smile and his arm still around your waist.

“Good,” John nods, “now who’s for dessert?”

Thank you @the-baby-bookworm for this request.

One where reader is a pathologist (and related to Barnaby (could be Tom Barnaby daughter maybe)) so he feels like they need to keep it secret since she’s related to his boss. But John finds out anyways

@lv7867 @lovemarvelousfics @fuckyou-imspiderman @aynsleywalker @timeandpixiedust @theborhapbois @captainxholmes @pink-lemo @chlobo6 @queenslandlover-93 @tenement-funstah

[sj-thefan]

Surprises (Charlie Nelson x reader)

Charlie Nelson (Midsomer Murders) x reader

Warnings: alcohol, unplanned pregnancy, very fluffy.

Masterlist

Midsomer was a beautiful place to live in. Charlie had been here nearly two years and had only just begun exploring all the county had to offer. After a few months, his landlady, and coworker, Kate Wilding, had begun urging him to get out and experience the town. He had become quite monotonous, following the same routine every day.

Now, with a girlfriend of over a year, Charlie was quite happy. Not that he wasn't happy before, he was, but living with his girlfriend was exciting and comforting all at the same time. She liked to surprise him, whether it was a spontaneous date at the local fair or springing a new fact about herself on him. She also enjoyed the quiet peaceful nights where they would snuggle on the couch watching movies and drinking tea.

She had called Charlie today, while he was on the job, to warn him that she had a surprise for him tonight. He was worried. She hadn't sounded overly excited like she usually was about her surprises. It didn't help that she didn't ever warn him about her surprises. The only one that he had been warned of was her very first one, and that one had been very shocking.

They had sat at a local pub. It was their second date and they were still learning about each other. She had suggested a game. They would share a fact about themselves and if it totally shocked the other, they would take a shot. Neither had taken a shot yet, although they had only just reached the third round, she had one that was sure to make him drink.

"You being a detective is not surprising," she laughed. "Have you forgotten how you introduced yourself when we first met? You were still in work mode." He laughed, covering his face in embarrassment with the surfacing of the moment they met. "I'm DS Nelson - oh - I mean, Charlie Nelson," she mimicked.

"I think I selectively forgot that." He moved his hands away from his face, his cheeks pink. "I was so embarrassed."

"Oh, definitely. That's why I am never forgetting it." They laughed.

"Your turn." He gestured to the untouched shots. "Surprise me."

"You asked for it." She clasped her hands together, using them to support her chin. "My uncle is a detective as well. In fact, I'm quite certain he is your superior. John Barnaby."

Charlie's jaw dropped. He hadn't asked for her last name and she hadn't given it when she introduced herself. It hadn't seemed like a big deal and it wasn't, not really. It was just shocking.

"Really?" he asked, turning to see her giggling at his reaction.

"Yep. I am Y/n Barnaby, daughter of Tom and Joyce Barnaby," she spoke in a fake formality, "niece of John and Sarah Barnaby, cousin of Betty- do I have to go on or do you get the picture?"

"No, no. I get it."

"Then drink up, DS Nelson."

They laughed a lot that night, and even though the next day was awkward at work, Charlie wouldn't want to be with anyone else. Barnaby was a bit overprotective of his niece, especially since her parents were often away, travelling the world on their retirement, but even he had to admit that the two were a good match.

None of her other surprises were as shocking as that one though.

"Who was that?" Barnaby asked, exiting the witness' house.

Charlie looked up, trying to hide the worry on his face. "Just Y/n."

"Oh, what'd she want?" They walked to the car and got in.

"Just stuff about tonight."

"Ah," John hummed, before turning his attention back to the case.

 -- 

Charlie arrived at home to find Y/n in the kitchen plating their dinner.

"Hello, Love," he greeted with a kiss to her cheek.

"You're late," she frowned playfully. "You're lucky I like you."

"I know." He grabbed the plates bringing them to the dining table. He pulled out Y/n's chair, leaning down to whisper in her ear as she sat. "You made sure of that last night when you screamed-"

"Stop that!" She swatted Charlie away. "Sit down and eat your supper."

He pulled away with a laugh. "So," he began, taking his seat. "What's this surprise that was so important, it deserved a call in the middle of the day."

"While," she took a bite of food, "I didn't get the news until the middle of the day, so I couldn't tell you before you left for work, could I?"

He hummed, eating his supper and waiting for her to continue. When she didn't, he tried again.

"Y/n?" He raised his eyebrows at her. "What did you want to tell me?"

She paused. She was nervous. It was big - relationship alternating big. Depending on his reaction, their relationship could be over. She wasn't ready to end things with Charlie, she loved him too much.

"I love you, you know?" she began. 

He nodded. "I love you too."

His face grew serious as he recognized the severe worry in her eyes. "Have you ever thought about our future? Where we'll end up?"

He smiled softly at her. "Of course I have." He laughed lightly, standing up. "Wait one moment, love?"

She nodded as he backed out of the room. She ate a bit more as she heard him shuffling around upstairs.

He ran back down after finding what he was looking for, a big smile on his face. "I've been thinking about our future a lot, lately." He knelt in front of Y/n, taking her hands in his own. "I love you, so much. I've been waiting for the right moment," he pulled out a tiny box from behind his back, "but every moment I spend with you is right." He opened the box, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. "Y/n, will y-"

"-I'm pregnant." Y/n couldn't help herself. She had grown teary-eyed as he pulled out the box and desperately wanted to shout 'Yes!' but she had to tell him first. He had to know.

She stared at him, waiting for his reply. His gaze was blank as he comprehended her words.

Then, without warning, he pulled her in for a kiss. It was a bit awkward, him kneeling on the floor and her sitting in a chair, but they both put all the love they had for each other into it - until Y/n fell off the chair. Then they sat on the floor, giggling like teenagers.

Charlie repositioned himself, pulling Y/n into his lap and hugging her close. "I'm so happy, love. You've made me so, so happy." He kissed her again and placed his hand on his stomach. "It's unexpected, but not unwelcome."

Y/n was quiet, enjoying listening to Charlie ramble. He often did so when he was excited.

"Are you happy about this? You've been abnormally quiet." His hand brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"I'm more than happy." She covered his hand with her own. "I love you so much." They leaned in again, meeting in the middle in another kiss.

"Yes," she whispered as she pulled back, leaving her forehead resting against his.

"What was that, love?"

"Yes." She giggled as realization filled his eyes. "I want to marry you."

He smiled, kissing her again before reaching for the box and sliding the ring onto her finger.

"I love you."

"I love you, too." Y/n stood up, reaching a hand down to help Charlie up. "Come on, fiancé. Let's finish dinner."

"As you wish, fiancée."

--

Hi again! Hope everyone is having a great time. Let me know what you think of it, I love hearing what you think, even if you think it’s terrible. Tell what I did good, tell me what I did wrong, or just tell me something cool! No matter what, I hope you have a good day!

Tagging people I think might be interested:

@supersonicfreddie

@queen-irl-af

@theborhapboysawakenedmywhatever

@bluesfortheredj

@writingfortoomanyfandoms

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Top 5 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (May 2024)

Lavender Fields by scienceisrealyo [E]

31 year old Nick Nelson retired from professional rugby and is giving Sarah Nelson a well-deserved year off from running Lavender Fields Bed and Breakfast. And Nick’s doing fine, thank you very much. Until the guest name C. Spring changes everything.

My lover is sleeping. by glaspen [T]

That had been the deal: life could be as brutal and unforgiving as it liked, as long as they had each other. When Nick is in a car accident, Charlie is left picking up the pieces.

Pining in Anticipation by kingdomfaraway [E]

“I love you too,” Charlie said, feeling a little overcome with emotions. It helped a little and Charlie finally found himself getting the nerve. He reached out and wrapped his hand around Nick’s cock, a now familiar feeling. The second his fingers wrapped around, Nick moaned, flexing his hips up just a little. Charlie put his other hand on Nick’s hip, pushing down. “If you choke me, I’ll bite you.” “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Nick said immediately, probably not even realizing getting your dick bitten was not in fact, a sexy threat. (or awkward boyfriends in love trying to figure out this whole sex thing)

Show Me by stars_fall_on [E]

"So?" Tao's eyebrows almost touched his hairline. "So?" "Will you do it?" The thought of it alone made Charlie's head spin and the butterflies in his belly start to fly. Was he ready to take the next step with Nick? Yes. Did he think Nick was ready to take the next step with him? Yes? Probably? For a short moment he thought about asking Tao about his opinion of if whether Nick seemed ready to him. But he really wanted to stay alive so he could kiss Nick after school today and decided for the better against it. The real question he had to consider though: Was Charlie actually brave enough to take the next step with Nick?

Sunkissed by aprms [E]

The boy’s loose t-shirt ripples in a salty gust of wind as he fishes for a pen in the waiter’s apron tied around his waist. He frowns in confusion for a moment, his fingers clearly finding nothing in there, before he remembers with a chuckle to himself and reaches up to retrieve the pen from behind his ear, dislodging another errant curl from his headband. Nick runs his tongue over his parched bottom lip and wonders if he might’ve just broken the world record for fastest time ever to develop a crush on someone. ☀️🍦🌊 Two-shot. Nick is on a lads holiday with the boys when he lays eyes on a beautiful, tanned, curly haired waiter. On his last night he finally plucks up the courage to talk to him.

[fanficparker]

Serendipity | H.O.

Pairing: Friends!Harrison Osterfield x Reader

Word count: 1.3k words

Warnings: Swearing, Fluff

Requested: By the incredible Sarah ( @acceptance07​ ): "Darling please write a fic where Haz comforts a girl after a bad fight with someone (friend, parent, boyfriend, etc.) And maybe he lets it slip that he loves her? 😆 Can't wait."

Summary: Super nervous Harrison couldn't get on his nerves to tell you the truth. Maybe a tongue-slip could help?!

[ MASTERLIST ]

Harrison Osterfield may be super extroverted in front of cameras and stuff, but when it comes to expressing his real-life feelings he absolutely sucked at it. He can't express his inner world. One of the most important reasons behind it was his fear. He remembers when he first told some people about him admiring to become a model was not taken positively. Also, the girl that he joined the drama class for, more or less rejected him, leaving a few secret insecurities for him to deal with. Yeah, he knows times have changed, and he has 500K plus followers and some really devoted fan base, but still those past experiences linger through his heart every now and then. He is grateful to have such a great understanding and supporting friends like Tom, Harry, Sam, Tuwaine or Jacob, but truthfully speaking he never talks about 'feelings' to them. One cause he thinks it could bore their fun time. Second, he wanted fuckin' dating advice, more like how to propose this [Your hair colour] girl, but boy he knows what level of 'love gurus' his best-friends were.

Y/n Y/ln, a full-time artist and a part-time public speaker. Super bold, super enthusiastic, super creative and absolutely a great friend. Who doesn't want to love such a great personality? Well... a lot of people, evil shitty world. With a bunch of supporters came a bunch of haters too. Yeah, those weird monsters opposing you when you raised voice for minorities or people of colour or women rights or trans rights or even charity events.

Everything that made Harrison smitten for you...

You and he met in a charity event and since then you guys are spending a lot of time together. You won't deny if you had developed some feelings for this super sweet blonde guy. But one thing always bothered you, it was obvious he wasn't very open to you. Whenever the conversations got a little bit deeper he would absolutely excuse himself and change the topic like today... Did it just slip off his tongue? Did he just admit he had feelings for you? Or your ears were just ringing?

* * *

"Oh yeah, that's what they think I am? That's what they think I'm trying to do? Publicity stunt?" You ranted to yourself as your hands scribbled on the white notebook page furiously.

"Hi--- Are you okay?" Harrison said entering your art studio, the place he visited you at least twice a week.

"Ah... Hi!" You kept your pen down shutting your notebook seeing him walking towards you.

"What were you yelling?" He asked as you guided him to sit on the sofa kept just opposite to the wall displaying all your paintings. Wednesdays were almost empty and hence the vacant studio and his favourite day to visit you.

"Nothing you know, just those old weird hatred tweets. Some new people joined the hating squad too. Well, just this time some of my relatives asked me to stop raising my voice... Well, my parents." You sighed handling him a glass of water. He handed you the glass back.

"Well, I guess you need it more than me. Your skin seriously looks red." He said and you shifted the glass to rest on the table hiding your face in your hands.

"Hey you can tell me the whole thing," he threw his arm around you. You laid your head on his shoulder taking a deep breath, your eyes lined with tears.

"Mom said she is afraid that these hate tweets can harm our family reputation. I mean... why? Am I doing something wrong? I just wanted to help some people and it feels like so many people see me as a terrible person. I even see some people mumbling things among themselves glancing at me. I try my best to ignore everything, but I can't ignore my family. I got into a fight with mom on this and now I think... she... She isn't proud that I'm her daughter... She hates me. "

Your voice cracked as the tears dripped down your cheeks and breathing became laboured. Harrison pulled you closer, hugging your side even tighter.

"Look Y/n she doesn't hate you. It's just that... She is afraid that it could get you into trouble. She loves you that's why she's worried. But in time she will understand what you are doing is great and will be happy for you. Just give her some time, everything will be fine." He assured kissing the top of your head.

"But, I don't know. Whenever I try to do something nice... I get so much... hate. Sometimes I feel like I deserve it."

"Ssh, no absolutely not. Even Nelson Mandela had haters that don't mean he deserved it. Everyone knows he was right. And a lot of people and of course I know that you are right and we support you." He rubbed your arms, relaxing your breathing.

"But that’s why shit keeps happening!"

"No. That's why I fell in love with you."

"Mmh... Wait what?" You jerked up, removing your head from his shoulder.

"Shit!" You heard him mumble as his eyes roamed everywhere in the room, threatened to land on you.

"Harrison. Look at me. What did you say?" You asked. The new feeling of surprise took over your tears which felt like long forgotten. He turned his body towards you but still not looking in your eyes.

"I-ah sorry. I wasn't supposed to say and I don't know what to do and I---"

"It's too late for all that, you know?" You held his hands in yours, running a thumb over his knuckles making him look in your eyes. "You never talk about yourself, you know?"

"Hmm..." He pressed his lips.

"What you said, is it true?" You asked softly, to which he nodded. "Then why didn't you tell me before? If it won't slip off your tongue I would have never known. You don't trust me enough to share---"

"No, no, it's not like that. I absolutely trust you. The problem is with me. I just am a bit afraid of getting rejected or... people not caring about my feelings." He sighed.

"You don't have to afraid Haz. Like you tell me so many spirit lifting things, it really makes me feel so good. So let me return some of your favours!" You said, leaving his hands, making him look at you in confusion. You stretched your right palm in front of him, clearing your throat.

"So... Harrison Osterfield would you go on a date with me, tonight?" You were smiling, biting your lip to keep yourself from giggling.

"I-ah... Of course. Oh God, you don't have to do that." He kept his hand on his face.

"Aww... You are trying to hide your blush, so cute. Did I made you blush?!" You playfully teased him, removing his hand from his face making his face go even redder. "God stop shying and go get dressed up, I would seriously get mad if you are late for our date." You giggled as he finally smiled, looking a lot more confident. "Now just go." You dragged him out of the sofa.

"Okay.." He mouthed and out of blues lightly pecked your lips. Before you could even react or kiss him back he rushed out giving you a little naughty smile.

"At least ask for the date location?" You yelled at his back, but he already left jumping like a toddler. "Div!"

* * *

Taglist…

PERMANENT Taglist //

@i-love-superhero // @caswinchester2000 // @vintagexquill // @babebenhardy// @acceptance07 //

Mutuals:  @bringmethehorizonandpizza @calum-hoodwinked-me @acceptance07 @probably-writing-x @shamelessbookaddict@hollandsosterfield @tomnhaz @summernykole @uglypastels@faefictions @pinkmarvel @osterfieldholland01 @hazhasmycoffeex3@hazthotsterfield @hazsterfield @empressdreams@harryshollands @hexingholland

TELL ME IF YOU DON’T WANNA GET TAGGED OR IF YOU WANNA GET TAGGED...

[hearts-hunger]

All the Bells and Whistles, part one || Charlie Nelson x Reader

Summary: DS and Mrs. Nelson celebrate Valentine’s Day with all the bells and whistles. So much fluff!

Pairings: Charlie Nelson x wife!reader, Midsomer Murders fandom

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: None!

A/N: This fic’s a Valentine’s Day gift for @tv-saved-the-teenage-girl, and for everybody else who wishes Charlie “Cutiepie” Nelson was their Valentine today. Enjoy! ♡

You rolled over in bed, wanting your husband’s warmth, and found that you were alone in the king sized bed that seemed far too big and far too cold without Charlie next to you. You glanced at the clock on his bedside table; 5:38 a.m. glowed in red digits. You frowned. Charlie was an early riser, but not that early. Grabbing his discarded Cardiff University sweatshirt from the bench at the foot of your bed, you pulled it on over your pajamas as you went in search of your husband.

The smell of coffee and something baking greeted you as you opened the bedroom door, padding down the hallway in your wool socks. You wondered what on earth Charlie could be making; he usually had a cup of green tea in the mornings before work, maybe some fruit. But baking? Technically you supposed he was a good baker, but the occasions he baked on were rare enough to make it odd this morning, especially at this hour.

You rounded the corner into the kitchen and stopped in your tracks, a smile spreading over your face as you realized what this all was. You’d forgotten it was Valentine’s Day today, but Charlie certainly hadn’t. The kitchen table was festooned with pink and red decorations: streamers hanging from the chandelier, heart-shaped confetti across the pink tablecloth of your mom’s that he must have fished out of the linen closet. A bouquet of wildflowers - your favorite - graced the middle of the table in the vase you usually kept on the little table in the foyer; bless his heart, that had probably been the only one he could find without your help. Charlie was the thing that made you smile the most, though, out of all of it: he was dressed in a pink button-down and those jeans you loved on him, softly singing “Beyond the Sea” to himself as he got the matching “Mr. & Mrs.” mugs down from the cabinet. Detective Sergeant Charles Nelson was without a doubt the cutest and most romantic man on the British police force, and you’d never been so happy to call him yours.

You waited by the doorway, not wanting to startle him, you heart fairly bursting with love for your husband. It was so like him to pull out all the stops on Valentine’s Day. You knew he’d had to get up much earlier than usual to put this all together before he left for work, and you were endeared to the effort he’d put into it.

He turned to set the mugs on the table and caught sight of you, a lovely smile brightening his handsome face as he did.

“Morning, Mrs. Nelson,” he said. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Is it?” you teased. “You wouldn’t know from the way this place looks.”

He crossed to you, taking your face in his big hands as he kissed you tenderly. You leaned into his touch, feeling butterflies like you did every time Charlie kissed you, even after a year of marriage.

“I love you,” he said.

You smiled. “I love you too.”

“Did I wake you?” he asked, his voice holding a hint of remorse. “I apologize; I wanted to let you sleep as long as I could.”

You shook your head. “I missed you, so I came to see where you got off to.”

He pulled back and made a sweeping gesture towards the table. “How d’you like it?”

“It’s wonderful, sweetheart,” you said sincerely. “It looks amazing. I love it.”

His adorable smile showed a flicker of pride. “I asked Kate and Sarah for ideas, but mostly it was me. I tried to get the streamers from that craft store that you were looking at last time we went, but I couldn’t find it, so I got this one instead.”

You remembered the streamers he was talking about, and the ones he’d gotten instead was as close as you imagined he could find. You felt your heart melt at the thought of him remembering such a small detail and how hard he’d tried to make it perfect.

“It’s better than the one I picked out,” you said, standing on tiptoe to kiss his scruffy cheek, his face rosy with an adorable blush.

“I’m glad you like it, my darling,” he said sweetly. “I made coffee, and I got you that special creamer you like.”

“You sure know how to spoil a girl, don’t you?” you said, taking a seat at the table as he went to fix your coffee.

“It’s not spoiling if you deserve it,” he said, matter-of-fact. He brought both of your mugs over, his black and yours tempered with a generous amount of cream and sugar. You took a sip and gave a contented sigh.

“A husband who decorates for Valentine’s Day and makes a perfect cup of coffee,” you said dreamily. “I must be the luckiest girl in the world.”

He grinned, looking at you with more love than you could ever hope to deserve.

“I adore you, you know that?” he said. You blushed as you returned his smile.

The oven timer went off and he rose to check on whatever he was baking. The scent of cinnamon and sugar wafted out as he opened the oven door.

“Did you really make cinnamon rolls?” you asked, pleasantly surprised.

He took them out and gave you a worried look. “Yeah, don’t you like them?”

You couldn’t help your smile at his nearly overwhelming cuteness. “I love them,” you assured him quickly. “I didn’t think this morning could get better, but then you go and prove me wrong by making me cinnamon rolls.”

He gave you a relieved smile. “Oh, I thought for a moment I’d gone completely mental and forgotten your favorite breakfast.”

“Nope,” you said. “You’re perfect, as always.”

He fixed you your plate, knowing you well enough not to go easy on the icing. He brought it over, looking slightly confused as you stood.

“What?” he asked,

You gave him a coy smile. “How annoyed would you be if I sat in your lap?”

“Not at all,” he said, taking a seat and patting his thigh. Your mind briefly imagined another less innocent scenario where he was doing the same thing; you smirked to yourself as you filed it away for later that night.

You sat across his lap and put an arm around his neck. “Why don’t we do this every morning?”

He laughed. “Because it’s a whole production to get you out of bed before eight.”

“True,” you conceded, pinching off a generous bite of cinnamon roll and popping it in your mouth.

“Good?” he asked.

“Mmh.”

He kissed you. “Tastes good.”

“The icing?”

He smiled. “That too.”

“You big flirt,” you teased, loving every bit of it.

You spent the next hour enjoying each other’s company, joking and laughing and dancing around the kitchen as he sang you love songs. He kissed your face until you fell into giggles, making him look at you with such tenderness that it nearly took your breath away. He told you he loved you in every language he could think of; your favorite was when he said it in Welsh, “rwy'n dy garu di”.

You looked up into his beloved face, twining your fingers with his. “What is it that you want, Charlie?” you said softly, referencing It’s a Wonderful Life, a movie that both of you loved often quoted. “You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it.”

He smiled, his lovely blue eyes showing his affection. “I don’t need the moon,” he said, not following the script, but you didn’t mind. “You’re more lovely than the whole night sky, my darling. Prettier than a field of wildflowers. Dearer to me than anything else in the world.”

He ran his thumb over your cheek, his touch cool against your blush. “I love you,” he said gently. “I know today’s a good day for grand gestures, but I love you like this all the time. With all the bells and whistles.”

You kissed him, knowing you were the luckiest girl on earth to love and be loved by this man.

“I love you like this too, Charlie,” you said. “I’m glad you’re my Valentine.”

He laughed, the sound like the sweetest music to you. “Me too, my darling,” he said tenderly. “I’m glad you’re my Valentine too.”

Read Part 2!

[christsbride]

The Greatest Influence

2 Timothy 1:1-5

Several years ago someone interviewed the contemporary artist Marc Chagall for a PBS program. The young, arty interviewer started the session with a question about influences. His question was very long and involved and exhibited his own learning along the way, giving everybody, including Chagall, a lecture on the nature of influences on the artist.

When the young man finally gave the artist a chance to answer for himself, Chagall said, in the simplest way, that his greatest influence was his mother. It took the poor young man a bit of time to get his bearings after that.

I know of no more permanent imprint on a life than the one made by mothers. I guess that's why Mother's Day always leaves me a little nostalgic. Not simply because my mother has gone on (and heaven's probably cleaner because of it!), but because that's the one day the real heroines of our world get the credit they deserve. Hats off to every one of you!

More than any statesman or teacher, more than any minister or physician, more than any film star, athlete, business person, author, scientist, civic leader, entertainer, or military hero . . . you are the most influential person in your child's life.

Never doubt that fact!

There would never have been an Isaac without a Sarah, a Moses without a Jochebed, a Samuel without a Hannah, a John without an Elizabeth, a Timothy without a Eunice, or a John Mark without a Mary.

A mother's influence is so great that we model it even when we don't realize it, and we return to it—often to the surprise of others.

As I think of my own mother's influence on me, two words come to mind: class and zest. My mother, being a classy lady, was determined to keep our family from being ignorant of the arts or lacking in social graces. I have her to thank for my love of artistic beauty, fine music, which fork to use, and no gravy on my tie. She also possessed such a zest for life. I am indebted to her for my enthusiasm and relentless drive. Her indomitable spirit got passed on, thank goodness.

And so, mothers, don't ever forget the permanence of your imprint. The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, they may even ignore your reminders and forget your advice these days. But believe this: They cannot erase your influence.

Think about how your own mother has influenced your life. Have you ever thanked her? Have you thanked God for your mother's influence in your life?

Taken from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com

from Chuck Swindoll's Daily Devotional http://bit.ly/2WDraPr via IFTTT

[letterboxd]

Most Picture.

There are many ways to predict how the Oscars will go. How much money is the studio spending on the campaign? How highly rated are the nominated films? How much work have nominees put in during the awards season? Is it simply their time?

For this 2019 horse race, we thought it would be fun to go for a different metric. A fool-proof statistical analysis to find not what is the Best Picture, but what is the Most. And with that, we set about investigating the stats on rewatches of the eight films nominated for Best Picture.

It turns out that plenty in the Letterboxd community have logged the Best Picture nominees more than once, and in some obsessive cases, well into double figures. We had a feeling, based on anecdotal mood and general noise, that A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody would be right up there in the stanning stakes. And they are (read on for our Q&A with Letterboxd’s most obsessive A Star Is Born fan). But also: The Favourite made the top three, and the film you have rewatched the most left the other seven in the dust.

Without further ado, Letterboxd presents the 2019 “Most” Picture Awards, ranked by the number of members who’ve watched the 2019 Academy Award Best Picture nominees two or more times (total in brackets, as of today).

Each film features a review from its greatest fan, i.e. the Letterboxd member who has logged the film more than any other (at the time of writing).

And the 2019 “Most” Picture Awards go to…

1. Black Panther (13,268)

“Would I see this movie a personal record high of seven times in theaters? For Wakanda? Without question.” —Krys (12 watches, seven in cinemas)

2. A Star Is Born (5,943)

“TIRED: discourse about whether or not the film hates pop music, all think pieces about whether the film thinks Ally is a sell out and what that means for feminism, discourse on whether Why Did You Do That? is a bop or not.

WIRED: discourse about whether or not Jackson Maine even had an ass good enough to inspire such pop perfection.” —Juliette (16 watches)

3. The Favourite (5,378)

“I miss this so much I dreamt it. Instead of riding, Sarah was doing cartwheels.” —CBotty (15 watches)

4. Bohemian Rhapsody (4,928)

“The critics can go fuck themselves. THIS IS THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE SEEN! (for the fifth time).” —Iain (16 watches)

5. Roma (4,270)

“Yes I’ve seen this twice today, yes i cried like a bitch both times, yes this is the only movie.” —Eve (7 watches)

“My feelings regarding Roma are complicated to say the least. It’s like dating the girl of your dreams, only to realize that you are completely incompatible, which ends in desperate clinginess for an ideal that was never true to begin with. It’s been a strange journey of love, disappointment, and eventual acceptance, where I’ve come to terms with my feelings. I still admire the hell out of it, and I hope it wins all the awards in the world.” —Orrin (7 watches, admittedly more times than they have actually seen it)

6. BlacKkKlansman (3,669)

“This movie is so fucking powerful, and I loved every second of it.” —Kota (6 watches)

7. Green Book (1,370)

“OK what a way to start the new year. I love this movie so much. Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are for sure going to get nominated (and it’s well deserved).” —Anthony (5 watches)

8. Vice (1,164)

“8.4/10” —Harrison (4 watches)

Unpacking the re-watchability of A Star Is Born.

“I just expect it to be exactly what it is and to be there.”

Of the eight Best Picture finalists, Black Panther has been out the longest, had the largest budget, and has done the rounds of the streaming services. It was always gonna take the top spot in a rewatch match. But to figure out the rewatchability of second-place-getter A Star Is Born, we went to the film’s hardest stanner, Juliette, to help us understand why fans keep coming back even though it’s a complicated watch.

While Juliette’s multiple reviews are meme-tastic, quippy, punctuation-free gems of observation, when we asked her to explain herself, she went remarkably deep. Her replies may just make you want to take another look at Ally and Jack. [Note: this interview contains spoilers for the film’s plot.]

How many times do you think you have seen A Star Is Born? Juliette: I think I have seen the film sixteen times? I know for certain I have seen it fourteen times in theaters, but I’m not sure how many times I’ve watched it in the comfort of my own home since it’s been released on digital. There’s just something about the energy in a theater while this film is being screened. It gives me chills just thinking about it!

What keeps you coming back to it? It's so hard to pinpoint what exactly it is that draws me back to this film time and time again. I love a good love story when properly executed! I’m kind of obsessed with celebrity culture! I love a great musical! And like many people, the subjects of this film: alcoholism, mental illness, suicide, self-doubt, the cultivation of the self, love, mentorship, and reconciliation of one’s experiences with a flawed parental figure are all things that have permeated my life. Some of these things, I understand and have a firm grasp on, they feel definitive and their impacts are a tangible output. Some of these things, I still grapple with daily. There is little definition, largely just confusion and sporadic outbursts of pain.

When I return to this film, which I often do, the thing I don’t expect it to give me is answers. I don’t expect the film to be able to define for me what I must come to define for myself. I don’t expect it to clarify my confusion. I don’t expect it to eradicate the pain. I just expect it to be exactly what it is and to be there.

There’s a scene towards the end of this film where, while mourning the loss of his brother, Bobby explains how he heard one of Jackson’s songs performed at a bar. At first, it angers him. He feels like no one really knew Jackson. But then, something shifts and just hearing the song begins to soothe him. It reminds him that, in spite of their trauma and their turmoil, it isn’t all for nothing.

That’s what this film is for me. It soothes me. It reminds me that the facilitation of our healing can come through art. It reminds me that for people, who once felt broken and irreparable, it is possible to find love and happiness not just with another person, but within one’s self. It reminds me that our pain and our devastation can be met in equal measure with (and even maybe be overcome by) our brilliance, our triumph, and our devotion to one another.

What have you noticed with each rewatch? What I notice most with each subsequent rewatch of the film is what a massive undertaking the sound editing and mixing for this film must have been. I have such deep and profound respect and admiration for all the work that went into crafting the audio for this film! The film is such a visceral experience, one that truly engages all of the senses. I remember physically recoiling in the theater the first time I heard the sound of Jackson’s tinnitus. I remember feeling my entire seat shake in time with the music during the concert sequences.

I also have a sincere recommendation! Once you watch the film a few times, I really encourage you to watch the film just through the lens of watching Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real in the background of the pivotal scenes. It adds so much dimension to scenes you thought you already knew!

What is the single greatest scene in this version of A Star Is Born? As clichéd or “basic” as it may seem to say, there is no denying that the greatest scene in this film is when Ally joins Jackson on stage and the two perform Shallow together. It’s a cataclysmic and mesmerizing moment.

It’s the way Jackson physically steps back and acquiesces his spotlight to new talent. It’s the combination of awe and support in Jackson’s eyes as he watches Ally assume center-stage. It’s the way Ally assumes her place at the mic for the first time. It’s how Ally—all at once terrified, shocked, overwhelmed, empowered, and free—finds a version of herself she had long thought impossible to access under the stage lights. The arc of which is punctuated by Gaga’s impeccable performance in this scene, most noticeably by the shift in her physicality, from her hands covering her eyes, unable to make eye contact, to grabbing the mic and belting her now patented cathartic wail.

It’s the way, two artists—no, two people—are separated physically on the stage singing into their individual microphones, but slowly find their way to meet in the middle and sing as one. In itself, this scene is the film in miniature. If this scene hadn’t worked, it’s very unlikely the rest of the film would have worked.

Not to mention, the scene is just absolutely stunning. Of course, the music is heavenly, that’s a given. In terms of the composition, I love how the camera moves around and captures each protagonist in different ways. And the color palette is gorgeous. The way that blue and red light dance around our protagonists throughout the sequence is just jaw-dropping. It’s the kind of high an artist, and in a turn a viewer, could spend their whole life chasing.

What do you wish haters understood about the film’s greatness? My first priority would be to tell the haters that Lady Gaga is not playing herself in A Star Is Born! Just because Gaga is a singer playing a singer, doesn’t mean she isn’t acting!

Furthermore, to me, it feels unfair that the power of her performance is sometimes diminished just because she sings in the film. Anyone can sing in a way that is technically proficient with enough training, but to tell a story through song? To act a song? To perform with every iota of your being musically? That’s a whole other skill and it is just as worthy of recognition and respect as any other leading performance this year.

Secondly, I would like to convey that just because something is a remake doesn’t mean that it lacks value or that it lacks something to say. I can’t pinpoint what exactly it is about this story that seems to capture the collective imagination every few decades, but I think it has something to do with how it presents ascension at the expense of descent, art as both artifice and freedom of authentic expression, and love in spite of sacrifice and self-destruction. There’s something about that cocktail that becomes the perfect receptacle for the expression and examination of our cultural anxieties.

Its malleable formula allows for questions to be asked about how we think about celebrity and fame, the self-identification process, and the value of art. In that sense, a remake of A Star Is Born is vital and refreshing, and certainly not tired and uninspired, and most importantly, it doesn’t lack something to say. It’s inherently reflective of the culture it was created in by its very nature. It allows us to ponder not just how Hollywood tells stories about itself, but also how we tell stories about ourselves. And if you ask me, there’s so much value in that.

What do you think should win Best Picture at this year’s Oscars? Well, I’m clearly biased towards A Star Is Born, but I would not be mad to see Roma or The Favourite walk off with the evening’s top prize!

What do you think will win Best Picture? My heart says Roma, my head says Green Book.

[animations-daily]

First Look at Incredibles 2.

No, your eyes aren’t duping you — this is indeed a first glimpse at Incredibles 2, which, despite 14 years having passed in the real world, will find the superpowered Parr family exactly where you last saw them way back in 2004, only much sharper and slicker.

“Incredibles 2 picks up, literally, where the first film left off, with Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl battling The Underminer, while Violet and Dash are stuck with babysitting Jack-Jack,” says writer-director Brad Bird, who has kept plot details about the highly-secretive sequel to his Pixar blockbuster under tight wraps. Save for a brief tease at Disney’s D23 fan expo this summer, “that’s all we’re saying for now,” Bird continues, “but rest assured, there are a lot more superheroics in store for our ‘family dynamic.’”

Being a story of superheroes, secrets have always been part of the DNA of The Incredibles. Identities, however, are out — original voice cast members Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible/Bob), Holly Hunter (Elastigirl/Helen), Samuel L. Jackson (Frozone/Lucius), and Sarah Vowell (Violet) are all returning for the June 15, 2018 sequel, with newcomer Huck Milner now stepping in to voice speedy pre-teen Dash.

On the plot front, a chain of events in Incredibles 2 sends Elastigirl into the center of the action while Mr. Incredible, at home in the family’s sleek new hideout headquarters, must contend with baby Jack-Jack’s burgeoning new powers, as revealed in November’s record-breaking teaser trailer.

“Helen’s appetite for adventure comes to the fore,” says Hunter. “Whereas before, she was driven to become Mrs. Incredible out of necessity, where she went into it to save her husband, I think this time she really meets her own ambition head-on. The ambition of being an adventure is something that we get to explore.”

For Hunter, recording the first Incredibles film was a mysterious, abstract experience, as it can often be in the lengthy, fluid process of feature animation; after seeing the “stunning” end result, the Oscar winner was more than eager to fall back into the mystery again, especially as Bird’s sequel story revealed itself over time. “It’s always interesting when you have a storyteller who can take off the way that Brad can, and in a way, I feel that his storytelling abilities acquired a different kind of lift-off with this movie,” says the actress. “This time was so much fun because I know Brad so much better, and the way the story unfolded for me in the recording sessions has been kind of stratospheric. Brad’s imagination veers off into intensely funny stuff, and I find that so fresh. And of course, that also includes the character development of Helen throughout this second movie. It just feels really rich, and like… this guy is a true feminist.”

Helen/Elastigirl’s journey is, as Hunter puts it, “full-fledged,” filling in certain blanks about the super-mom’s life that Hunter relished uncovering, including “a real incredible sense of competitiveness and ambition. She throws down the gauntlet in this one. It’s so much fun to see a woman luxuriating in those two arenas, because women have for so many generations been brought up to not be ambitious or to not be competitive, and it’s fun to see Helen basking in those two arenas in much the same way that we give men license to do.”

What’s also exciting is seeing Mrs. Incredible (who, let’s add, deserved far more cred for being a game-changing movie superhero back in 2004) reappear onscreen at a time when female icons like Wonder Woman and Battle of the Sexes’ Billie Jean King are still reverberating in cinemas. “It feels like women are reasserting their strength in different ways,” says Hunter. “I just think it’s beautiful that Incredibles 2 is allowing Mrs. Incredible to reveal all these other different colors of who she is.”

Make no mistake, though: Red is definitely her color.

(X)