#serena | ❛ i will either find a way or i will make one. ❜ ( character parallels. )

[rosemaryblossoms]

The Future Leper Queen of Gotham part one

Quick author’s note: Besides learning about Jesus, God our Heavenly Father, the Angels in Heaven, and Marie Antoinette, I love learning about King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. He’s God fearing and is respected. I decided to due a female reader inspired off of him, also reader is 16 year old. This story takes place in @euphoria-looney’s story Who Said Money Can’t But Happiness? But however this world has a few twists. The characters Palmola and Serena belong to @euphoria-looney

Warnings: Reader has Leprosy so there might be descriptions of skin or other things that would make you uncomfortable, out of character moments possibly, religious beliefs and mentioning, Serena, background character deaths, Batfamily guilt. Viewers discretion is advised.

Divider Creds: @selysie and @abyslita who inspired them.

Princess Y/n was raised with out the love of her family, however, her mentor Churchill Williams (parody of William of Tyre.) Williams was a well educated and well respected man who was a father figure and better teacher to Y/n than Bruce and Palmola was. Williams would however notice his dear princess’s behavior turn strange, he noticed on day that when accidentally pricking her finger on a needle she didn’t flinch and looked really calm and patient for someone to prick themselves. Later in that same day, he noticed how even when the skin of her arm was pinched in the door when she closed it. Not a flinch, not a yelp of pain or surprise either. Williams would keep an eye throughout the days for any similar situations, which did occur, he then remembered wise words from a wise man, “It is a certainty that a limb which is without feeling is not conducive to health and that a sick man who does not feel himself to be so inscurs great danger.”

The worried educator took it to Bruce who summoned the top doctors to help in this situation; repeated fomentation, oil rubs, and even poisonous remedies were employed without in the result to help her. However it was too late to help, she had a disease deemed incurable, leprosy, or more specifically, Lepromatous Leprosy. You were quarantined and you were moved into a tower separated from all the rooms, your room was burned and rebuilt before Serena took it. Word of your leprosy got out from the gossiping maids who were grateful for not serving you for longer. Williams stepped up to take care of you, no one visited you but him and Alfred. During your time isolated, you found God. For once there was peace in your heart. 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all of your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” You also became more calm and left the competition of love with Serena. You instead find ways to help Gotham, sure they don’t deserve it but this WAS still YOUR HOME and you will DEFEND IT. You decided to join Saint Lazarus of Gotham, these are knights that have leprosy and continued to fight until they couldn’t any more. Despite being the only female, they accepted you and taught you the ropes. Your disease got worse as it carried on, it disfigured your face and gave you numbness in one hand, you also began to wear a mask. The angry red itchy splotches littered your precious skin. You refrained from self pity, you were a survivor, not an infant. You thrived but sadly got Malaria, however YOU STILL SURVIVED. One day, a threat of an enemy came to Gotham, a Sultan wanted to invade and take over Gotham. You couldn’t let this happen, Dick had lost an arm from the last battle with the same fricken Sultan. You took this opportunity to not only to prove your commitment to your royal duties despite your condition but to show your love, loyalty, and strength to Gotham.

[ursemma]

Guilty as sin

Nate Archibald × F!reader

Summary: How can I be guilty as sin? Without ever touching his skin?

Warning: angst, masturbation, little smut.

Pt 2

We're just bestfriends right? So why do I imagine him being on top of me, or holding my hand while walking down the streets of nyc?

I looked at him as he arrived with Blair at the kiss on the lips party, they looked so happy together. But I can't help but imagine myself with him.

I shook my thoughts away as I see Blair making her way towards me, she's my bestfriend I can't do this to her, "heyy y/n! You look fabulous!" She compliments me and pulls me into a hug.

"thanks B! You look fabulous too!!" I returned the hug, and we pull away as we see Serena making her way into the party.

"what is she doing here?" Blair asks as she glares Serena's way. "I don't know but whatever it is it better not ruin the party" I sighed feeling defeated, their catfights honestly gets my energy drained.

I watch as she goes to find chuck, and Nate stands besides me, "hey everything's fine? You look tired." He asks as he offers me a glass of champagne, "yeah I'm fine, just drained from everything you know?" I looked into his eyes as I answered him, and saw his gorgeous face, those eyelashes, those blue eyes, the little freckles, and his lips- omg.

I looked away as I felt those feelings creeping into my mind, "you know you can count on me right?" He reassured me, while pulling my face towards him to face him.

"I know Nathaniel, it's just, you know those catfights between Blair and Serena, and how I'm the one left hanging in between them needing to make a choice when I just want everything to be back as it was before." I took a deep sigh and replied as I felt butterflies in my stomach. I wasn't lying but I wasn't telling the truth either.

"yeah i know but it's not going to be how it was before, atleast not anytime soon. But don't worry, you have me okay?" He said with a sincere look in his eyes, "I know" I gave him a weak smile.

Soon Charles and Blair came, "care to dance with me Nate?" Blair asked him for a dance and he joined her.

"you should tell him you know" chuck said as he watched me look at him with a longing eyes.

"he doesn't feel the same." I sighed as I took one more shot, only chuck knew how I felt about him, how? I don't know.

"you never know." He encouraged me, that's what he's been doing since a long time.

"he's with Blair, Charles and they look happy!" I protested, honestly when it comes to confessing, I'm not good at it.

"are they though? We all know Nathaniel doesn't feel a shit for Blair, he's doing it for his family's sake." He instead me and tbh he wasn't wrong, but what about Serena, now she's back he'll be with her ofcourse.

"Charles, Serena is back. We all know he loves her. I don't stand a chance, unless and until I'm willing to be a rebound which I'm not."

"okay fine, I won't force you but promise me to do something about it."

"only if you tell Blair how you feel" I said with a smirk and I watch his face turn pale.

We both knew alot of things about eachother, including our secret crushes, which no one knew.

We're like brother's and sister's, shocking right? The first girl who Charles bass didn't tried to bang out of respect?

I gasped as I felt wet kisses trailing down my neck, and then sucking my skin leaving a hickey.

"oh my" I tried to breath when the kisses went down to my Naked breasts and nibbling my skin and sucking my nipples as they harden.

The heat in between my legs was growing and so was the tension.

"I need you" I moaned louder as I felt my panties get wet, "yeah what do you want darling?" He said while going down on me.

"you, everything give it to me." I said while breathing heavily, "okay" he smirked and started to tease me with his mouth.

"don't tease!" I gasped when his mouth met my clit, stroking and sucking it slowly.

He started abusing my clit with his mouth, while his hands were circling my skin.

"oh my Nate I'm gonna cum" as I reached my climax I felt the door being knocked.

"miss y/n!! Wake up you're going to be late!" Dorothea shouted.

I groaned as I woke up from my slumber, and I remembered what I dreamt of.

Flushing in embarrassment I pulled my duvet over my face, "miss y/n!!" Dorothea shouted again.

"yes dorthy I'm awake!" I responded her letting her know that I'm alive.

I felt the heat between my legs growing hotter and hotter.

Should I? Fuck it.

I went into the washroom and put two fingers inside my clit massaging it, hoping for some relief.

I imagined Nate touching me, and I left a moan at the thought.

As I was pleasuring myself I suddenly heard my phone ringing and I groaned at it, and picked up without looking at the number.

"y/n?" Fuck it was Nate, in his morning voice. I felt myself getting wetter and gasping for air.

Even his voice had this effect on me.

"y-yes Nathaniel? You need something?" I tried to maintain my composer.

"hey what happened to you? You sound not so fine?" He asked with his voice filled with concern.

"nothing just the morning workout you know" I replied quickly, "okay if you say so, I was actually wondering if you want to come with me and Blair in our limo? The route of her and your house is same that's way" he asked me, I thought for a while and decided it's better to stay away, "actually I'm running late today so you guys go ahead I'll come on my own" "okay I'll see you then" "yea" and I hung up.

I decided to get freshed and leave for school.

I got out of the limo and looked around and saw Blair and Nate walking together.

"sight to sore eyes isn't it" I turned to see Chuck looking at them, "indeed" I replied and we started walking together.

I felt rush of emotions. Embarrassment, love, lust, heartbreak and mostly guilt.

He's my bestfriend's boyfriend and one of my bestfriend and yet I'm here imagining us together.

But mostly, without ever touching his skin, how can I be guilty as sin?

Is he written mine only in my mind? Is there not even 1% of hope for us?

I shook my thoughts and sat near Blair, looking at her exchanging looks with Nate and chuck and I eyed eachother knowingly.

I sighed and thought about everything, why does my life has to be complicated.

.

.

[venussaidso]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲

Revati being the nepo baby, expanding on the foundational wealth that was initially built from nothing from Uttarabhadrapada, to Ashwini coming from old money; it makes sense that Ketu nakshatras' roots come directly from Mercury nakshatras. No wonder I'm specifically seeing the spoiled rich brat from generational wealth theme coming up in Ketu nakshatras. And then Mercury nakshatras, as I explored in my Mercury Dominant Themes, having a responsibility of carrying and expanding the wealth and power that is passed onto them, or they have to rebuild it or prove their worth for this.

In Jyestha, being a very dry nakshatra, they usually start from nothing. And when they rise up, the accumulation tends to be too extreme and significant.

And we know that Jyestha is the billionaire nakshatra.

After Jyestha, comes Mula. And Ketu, naturally being draining of resources, can be the greedy spoiled brat. In the media, I see Ketuvians being children of billionaires or coming from old money. But the spoiled brat trope doesn't even have to come from generational wealth either. They'll be spoiled regardless.

For example, Mula Sun Cheryl Chase voices Angelica Pickles who is a spoiled brat and the cousin of Tommy Pickles and Dil Pickles who she bullies and manipulates for her own gain.

Ashwini Sun Selah Victor voices Chloé Bourgeois who is the spoiled rich daughter of Paris' former mayor, André Bourgeois.

Ashwini Moon Ashley Peldon was the speaking voice of Darla Dimple. Darla is just like Chloé Bourgeois and Angelica Pickles, in fact. She is a spoiled little demon who is extremely privileged.

And then Magha Moon Lindsay Ridgeway was the singing voice for Darla Dimple.

Mula Moon Emma Roberts plays Poppy Moore who is a spoiled American girl who comes from a very wealthy family.

Being Ketuvian, she lacks boundaries and her father basically enabled her into being a chaotic materialistic 'monster', so he sends her to boarding school in England where she finds the meaning of life.

The character Azula is voiced by Magha Sun Grey DeLisle. Azula is a very wealthy and spoiled princess. She comes from a powerful bloodline.

Magha Moon Helena Bonham Carter plays the Queen of Hearts who is a very spoiled and obstreperous character. Much like Azula, she is royalty, and if you cross her, you're good as dead. She must get things her way... or else ☠️.

Ashwini Moon Leighton Meester plays Blair Waldorf who literally comes from old money, and she is considered to be very spoiled. And power driven.

Magha Sun Blake Lively plays Serena van der Woodsen who also comes from old money. She is also considered to be spoiled.

Mula Moon Victoria Pedretti plays the character Love Quinn who comes from a very wealthy and powerful family.

Mula Moon Eleanor Tomlinson plays Sylvie in the series One Day. Her character literally comes from old money.

In Through My Window, the Hidalgo brothers are played by Mula Moon Julio Peña, Mula Sun Hugo Arbues, and Mula Moon Eric Masip. All three of them are heirs to an empire.

In the film Meet Joe Black, double Mula native Claire Forlani plays the daughter of a multimillionaire (who's interestingly played by Mula Moon Anthony Hopkins) who could come from old money.

The film Soft Top Hard Shoulder is written by, and stars Ashwini Sun Peter Capaldi. His character is a struggling artist in London who comes from a very wealthy family.

Ashwini Moon Sarah Snook and Mula Sun Jeremy Armstrong both play one of the Roy siblings. Their father is a billionaire.

Ashwini Sun Phoebe Dynevor, Mula Moon Hannah Dodd and Ashwini Sun Jonathan Bailey play one of the main Bridgerton siblings who literally come from old money.

In the film Awake, Ashwini Sun Hayden Christensen plays a scion of a wealthy banking family.

Ashwini Moon Cate Blanchett plays an heiress in the film Oscar and Lucinda.

The character Patrick Bateman is played by Ashwini Moon Christian Bale. Patrick comes from extreme wealth. All he's ever known was being wealthy. Yet this life he lives suffocates him even more and he turns to sociopathic tendencies.

The character Lily Reynolds is played by Ashwini Sun Anya Taylor Joy. She literally comes from old money, and much like Patrick Bateman, she does show dissatisfaction with her life (and that's due to her step-father who she plots to murder).

The character Rory Gilmore is also said to be spoiled as she gets everything handed to her by her wealthy grandparents. She is played by Ashwini Moon Alexis Bledel.

Mula Sun, Mula Moon Jodi Eichelberger voiced the character Stingy who is a possessive collector and the son of the wealthiest person in LazyTown.

Mula Moon Jaclyn Linetsky voiced the iconic spoiled brat, Caillou.

Caillou is not taught boundaries, much like the other Ketu nakshatra examples. Others are more extreme, such as Azula, Darla Dimple or even Angelica Pickles. Actually, it's very interesting that a lot of their parents end up fearing them. Or the Ketu native control them (like Chloé Bourgeois overtly controlling her father).

This also just explained why Ketu exalts in Jyestha. Jyestha puts out a lot of heat and energy, while Ketu sucks in energy. Here, Ketu is at its powerful level. This is why this placement is also seen in billionaires and indicates extreme fame.

Although, this trope can be a lot more nuanced than that, as seen in the Ashwini characters such as Lily Reynolds and Patrick Bateman. Ketu can also involve overcoming generational trauma as well, being that Ketu nakshatras deal with getting to the roots. The old money simply signifies the theme of "roots" (in Mula coming from Jyestha).

In Azula's case, she comes from a very powerful, domineering family lineage. Her ancestral roots are very sacred and symbolic to her, being Magha nakshatra. For all her life, all she's known was power (and being spoiled).

Ketu constantly pulling in energy (even to the point of destruction as it's a shadow planet), we see just how power hungry and domineering of a force she is.

Growing out of the spoiled rich brat archetype, Ketuvians also embody the golddigging archetype as well. Any archetype that has to do with draining resources. Example of this is the character Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood, who is an expert at extracting oil (and stealing lands), being a former silver miner and oilman.

Throughout the film, we watch as he crawls under the weight of all the wealth and resources he's accumulated and drained from others. Essentially living a life of emptiness and dissatisfaction. He's played by Ashwini Moon Daniel Day Lewis.

[lanawinterscigarettes]

Off Limits (poly Non-Judging Breakfast Club x gn reader)

Summary: your partners aren't too thrilled when Vanessa gets you alone at a party you're attending

Warnings: Vanessa is a little obsessed with the reader (and plots to break them up with their partners to be with them), the reader briefly smokes a cigarette, they/them pronouns used to refer to the reader in a gender neutral manner, jealousy/slightly possessive behavior, suggestive stuff at the end

A/N: this was a request for a jealous njbc that kind of got off track and spiraled into something else so that's why I'm not responding to the ask with this lmao, I plan on writing something different for that

Everyone in the Upper East Side knew who you belonged to, from the prep school kids to their parents to the tabloids. Even Gossip Girl herself posted the occasional blast about catching you in the arms of one of your many lovers, something the drama-hungry scavengers of the city greedily ate up as though it were their last meal.

Most people knew better than to mess with you because of this, not wanting to deal with the wrath of your partners by making you upset, even if it was by accident. Anyone who did would immediately find themselves in hot water with no one to help fish them out.

Of course, Vanessa Abrams was not most people. She was from Brooklyn. She was edgy, she was cool, she was the manic pixie dream girl from hell who could be either your sweet dream or your worst nightmare. Or something like that. It seemed as though that's how she saw herself, at least.

Obviously you'd be willing to make an exception for her, right? I mean, Blair definitely hated her, and Chuck automatically disliked anyone Blair did out of principle, and she did kind of go out with Nate at one point, but still. At least Serena was somewhat friendly, and that had to stand for something.

Plus, you were good friends with Dan, even though your partners weren't all too thrilled about it. She didn't know for sure that you'd fooled around with him, but there was always a slight chance of that happening, and if it could happen with him then maybe it could happen with her, too.

Was she obsessed with you? No, of course not... Okay, maybe a little. You were certainly much nicer than anyone else on the Upper East Side, even with the slight bit of snark you always portrayed whenever you had to be around someone you didn't like. Still, it was better than nothing.

She figured the best way to spend some time with you would be at some kind of fancy event the Upper East Side was famous for throwing, where hopefully your partners would be distracted long enough for her to get you alone. Dan was obviously invited as your best friend, which meant she felt like it was okay for her to tag along. (It was not.)

"Dan, it's so great to see you!" She heard your cheerful voice ring out the moment they'd stepped inside, you pulling him in for a warm and friendly hug before turning your attention to her. "Oh, I didn't know you'd be bringing Vanessa."

You seemed a bit apprehensive at her presence, but that was probably just because you knew the trouble it would stir up by her being there. Dan looked nervous for the same reason.

"Uh, yeah. I mentioned it earlier and she said that she wanted to come so I figured what's the harm, right?" He let out an awkward laugh while rubbing the back of his neck, fully aware that bringing her might not have been his best decision.

"Well, I have to go check on a few things, but it was so nice seeing you both. Enjoy yourselves, okay?" You gave the two a bright smile before disappearing off into the crowd of people.

"I'm gonna go get us a drink. Stay here and don't get into any trouble," Dan said a moment or so later, leaving her by herself. That was fine, as she didn't expect him to stay with her for very long. Now all she needed to do was find you again.

Vanessa searched the sea of people, spotting you over by one of the tables with Blair and Dan. The brunette had her arm linked with yours, a subtle reminder to everyone there you were already taken. Blair glanced over in Vanessa's direction, her eyes narrowing as they caught the sight of her. It appeared as though Queen B wasn't too happy to see her.

That was fine, everything was fine, Vanessa quietly reassured herself as she looked away, trying to make it seem like she wasn't staring just now. She'd just have to catch up with you a little later when you were alone.

Dan returned after another moment or so with their drinks, handing her a glass as he surveyed the people there. "I swear I was just talking with a guy who's new car cost more money upfront than it would be to put a down payment on a house," he mused with a shake of his head.

She merely shrugged and took a sip of her cocktail before replying. "Welcome to the Upper East Side."

No sooner had she said that did Serena appear with Nate. "Hey, Dan! Blair told us you were here," the blonde greeted, seeming just as bubbly as she usually did (though the alcohol that was certainly in her system probably helped with that).

"Yeah, we showed up a few minutes ago," he explained while Vanessa just sort of stood there awkwardly, averting her gaze as she tried to avoid making direct eye contact with Nate. You know, her ex.

"I was surprised to see you here. I didn't think you liked these kind of events, Vanessa," Nate spoke up suddenly, causing her face to heat up as she realized they must've known she wasn't just there to socialize.

"I just thought I'd try to get out of my comfort zone a little," she lied while doing her best to keep it cool, not wanting to seem nervous. Despite that, Nate could clearly see right through her facade, even if Serena couldn't.

"Well, I hope you have fun," Serena replied with another cheery grin before tugging her boyfriend away from them, most likely off to either make out or get another drink.

Vanessa excused herself to go to the bathroom shortly after, needing some fresh air. God, she had to get a grip. There's no way her plan of seducing you would work properly if she kept stressing herself out over it.

She was fixing her hair in the mirror when the sound of voices began to carry from down the nearby hall, which prompted her to hide in one of the stalls so she could eavesdrop in on the conversation.

"I'm telling you, she's not just here because she wants to 'socialize'," the voice of Blair spoke, her heels clacking furiously against the marble flooring as she entered the bathroom. "She's here for a reason, and I'm going to find out what it is."

"Okay, B, don't you think that maybe you're being a little bit paranoid?" Serena's voice said next, her walking sounding much more relaxed and at ease compared to the brunette that came in before her. "Maybe she really just does want to have some fun here, did you ever think about that?"

Blair scoffed at the suggestion. "If she wants to have fun, she can do it in her own city, away from here. Brooklyn is much more her speed, anyway." It was quiet for a moment, as if she was trying to either collect her thoughts or check how she looked in the mirror, most likely both. "Besides, she's been staring all night. At us. That's not just for no reason, I'm certain of it."

"Okay, why don't you take a deep breath and try to relax, alright? Let's get you another drink, maybe that'll help you calm down some," Serena said while attempting to keep her best friend/girlfriend reigned in. "Come on, I'll go with you."

The other woman responded with a grumble of "fine" before allowing herself to be led out of the bathroom, the sound of their retreating footsteps like music to Vanessa's ears. She couldn't stay much longer, she knew that much. Not when they were already starting to catch onto her plan so soon.

Once she was certain they were really gone, she exited the stall and left the bathroom, hoping her disappearance hadn't been noticed as that would only add onto their suspicions. She thought she was in the clear to slip back into the party where she could act as if she'd been there all along when she bumped into someone, quite literally.

"Oh- excuse me," she apologized, her green eyes widening the moment she noticed that it was you.

"No worries!" You simply laughed it off, the appearance of your dazzling pearly whites sending a shiver down her spine, in a good way. "I was just about to head out onto one of the balconies for a cigarette break, perhaps you'd like to join me?"

Her heart stuttered in her chest at that. You wanted to be alone with her? On the balcony, of all places? That could only mean one of two things: you were either going to kiss her, or attempt to push her off. Still, it was a risk she was willing to take.

"Y- Yeah, sure! I'd love to," she replied with a grin of her own, quickly following after you out onto one of the many balconies there. Maybe things would work out tonight after all.

Unbeknownst to her, however, Georgina Sparks of all people happened to be watching the whole thing from a distance. If there was one thing that girl loved, it was stirring up trouble, and what better way to do it than by telling the four people who practically ran the Upper East Side that their precious little darling had slipped away with one of their biggest enemies?

"Hello Blair, Chuck," she purred out when approaching them, a Chesire cat-like grin on her face.

Both of them had visibly displeased looks on their faces at her sudden appearance. "Don't you have anyone else you can bother?" Blair grumbled with an eye roll.

Georgina just ignored her. "Where's Nate and Serena? They should be present to hear this, too."

"Hear what?" The Golden Boy himself questioned while approaching, Serena clinging onto him as they made their way over. She was already tipsy, by the looks of it. Big surprise there.

"Well, it's really none of my business-" she began in an innocent tone, purposely acting coy just to irritate them further. "-but I would've thought the four of you would want to pay better attention to your shared pet."

That certainly got their attention, as they knew full well she was referring to you. A shared look passed between them before Chuck spoke up. "What are you talking about?" He demanded, already not liking where this was going.

Georgina, on the other hand, was thrilled by how on edge they were already. "I mean, hanging out with the Humphreys is one thing, but Vanessa Abrams of all people? I thought you had them on a tighter leash than that."

Their reaction was exactly what she hoped it would be. Chuck's jaw was clenched so tightly he looked ready to crack a tooth, Nate's brow was furrowed in confusion, and Serena's jaw was dropped in disbelief. The only one who didn't seem entirely shocked by this new information was Blair, whose eyes were narrowed in the oncomings of rage.

"I knew we couldn't trust her," she hissed out, giving Serena a pointed look that had the blonde shutting her mouth instantly. "Where are they?" She demanded while turning her attention back towards Georgina, who looked far too pleased at their anger.

"Probably still out on the balcony where I saw them disappear off to a moment ago," she stated with a shrug, picking up a drink from off a nearby waiter's tray and taking a sip.

That worried the four more than anything else. Vanessa could be fairly crafty when she wanted to be, and you were far too nice to realize when someone was trying to use you.

Meanwhile, you were indeed still out on the balcony just like Georgina had said, casually smoking a cigarette while Vanessa debated just how to move the topic of conversation away from small talk and towards "Would you like to have sex with me?"

"So-" she began before cutting herself off, not quite sure what exactly she'd planned to say after that. Before she could try to speak again, however, you beat her to it.

"I'm glad Dan has you as a friend," you said sincerely, glancing over at her while you spoke. "I mean, sure, he's friends with me, but it's good that there's someone in his life who isn't from the Upper East Side that he can relate to."

That was probably one of the last things she expected you to say, but it was pretty on brand for you so she decided to just roll with it. "R- Right, I definitely agree with you there." God, why couldn't she get a grip and stop being so nervous?

It probably had something to do with how she knew at any given moment your partners could burst out onto the balcony and snatch you away from her again. She was a bit surprised it hadn't been done already, in all honesty.

"You know, I think you two would make a really cute couple," you added while tilting your head slightly in her direction, carefully making sure to blow out the smoke from your cigarette away from her. You were always so considerate like that, but your words made her brow furrow a bit in confusion.

Did you really think they'd make a cute couple, her and Dan? Or were you just trying to be nice? Or were you somehow aware of the massive crush she had on you, and this was your way of trying to let her down easy?

"Actually-" she began hesitantly, knowing if she was going to try to win you over it would be now or never. Of course it was just then that the doors to the balcony opened, revealing Nate of all people.

"Hey," he greeted with a sort of strained politeness that immediately let her know she'd been found out. Crap. "Blair's looking for you." It was a thinly veiled way of him saying "she's about to blow her top if you're not in her presence without the next five minutes".

Judging from the look on your face, you seemed a bit concerned but not surprised as you put out your cigarette on the railing, clearly used to this happening. "It was nice seeing you, Vanessa. Think about what I said with you and Dan," you politely bid her farewell as Nate led you back inside.

"Spotted: Vanessa Abrams seen alone out on the balcony with a toy that already belongs to the Upper East Side's most elite. Haven't you heard, V? They won their prize fair and square, and they don't intend on sharing anytime soon. If it's company that you're after, perhaps Lonely Boy would be a much better suited companion. At least he doesn't have a pack of vicious bloodhounds sniffing after him wherever he goes. Maybe next time you'll think twice about going after someone who's clearly off limits, to you and everyone else. If the object of your attraction wouldn't be shared with their fellow socialites, what makes you think a nobody from Brooklyn would ever have a chance? Just something to think about once you're officially excommunicated from the Manhattan crowd, which is bound to happen any time now from the looks of it. You know you love me. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

Vanessa knew she'd never get another opportunity to be alone with you like she had, especially after the most recent blast put out by Gossip Girl. None of your partners seemed intent on leaving your side from that point on, one of them always having an arm wrapped protectively around your waist whenever she saw you together, just like Nate had when he took you back into the party and away from her.

She didn't miss the hushed whispers and judgmental glances thrown her way by the other party goers, no doubt questioning the audacity she must've had in thinking she'd somehow manage to snatch you up just by getting you alone. Even Dan looked uncomfortable, not even bothering to say goodbye to you when he left. It was all her fault, and she knew it.

The last thing she saw of you before she left the party was your flustered expression from the many kisses being placed on your neck by Serena, Chuck's hand resting on the small of your back as Nate and Blair also stood close by. Despite being "off limits" as Gossip Girl had said, she really did think she'd somehow be special enough to be an exception to that rule. She wasn't, and if anything only caused it to be enforced even more.

Once again, she'd lost, but was that really a surprise? You certainly didn't think so, and while part of you felt bad for her you also thought she should've known better than to go after you of all people when literally anyone else was up for grabs.

Next time you invited Dan to a party, you'd have to specify that plus ones weren't allowed. You already had enough drama in your life without someone else adding onto it just because they had a little crush on you.

Right now, however, that wasn't your biggest concern as you were far too focused on the after party your partners were clearing intent on having in the limo on the way home. Safe to say your neck was going to be covered in hickeys and your legs were going to be shaking from aftershocks of pleasure by the time they were through with you.

End notes: sorry for the slight vanessa bashing I couldn't help myself (and if some of the descriptions of her made you cringe then good because that's the point lmao)

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[serenastark-official]

🕶️ 06: The Official “Shut Up and Listen” Guide to Talking to Fury Without Getting Yelled At 🕶️

(Because Let’s Be Honest, You’re Gonna Get Yelled at Anyway)

Alright, rookies (and experienced disasters alike), listen up. If you ever find yourself in the terrifying, no-nonsense, one-eyed presence of Nicholas J. Fury, congratulations! You’ve officially screwed up enough to warrant a personal lecture.

Or, you know, he just wants to talk. (Which is honestly worse, because if Fury wants to talk to you, it means he’s either planning something or preparing to ruin your day.)

But don’t worry, because your girl, Serena Stark, has mastered the fine art of not getting obliterated by Fury’s death glare. And now, I pass this sacred knowledge on to you.

Step 1: Read the Room

Before you even think about opening your mouth, take a second to assess the situation:

Is Fury pacing? Bad sign.

Is he standing still, arms crossed? Worse sign.

Is he taking off his sunglasses? Immediate danger.

Is he rubbing his temples like you personally gave him a migraine? You’re already dead.

If you see any of these signs, your safest move is to remain completely silent until further notice.

Step 2: Speak Only When Spoken To (Yes, Even You, Starks)

I know, I know—keeping quiet is physically painful for people like me (and possibly you). But unless you’ve got a damn good reason to say something, keep your genius commentary locked down.

Fury doesn’t do unnecessary conversation. Every word that comes out of his mouth is either: ✅ A direct order ✅ A warning ✅ A very important, life-changing piece of classified information ✅ A creative way of telling you how badly you screwed up

Your job? Absorb the information and DO NOT INTERRUPT.

Step 3: Keep Your Snark to a Minimum (Or at Least, Time It Right)

Now, I get it—sarcasm is a way of life. But this is Fury we’re talking about. He invented the “I don’t have time for this” attitude.

Some acceptable times to be sarcastic:

If he gives you permission to speak (rare, but possible).

If he’s already annoyed but not at you.

If you’re Tony Stark. (But let’s be honest, even he pushes it.)

Some BAD times to be sarcastic:

At the start of the conversation.

If he’s holding a file with your name on it.

If you’re already in trouble.

If you value your dignity and peace of mind.

Remember, Fury has infinite patience for world-ending crises but zero patience for your witty remarks unless you prove yourself useful first.

Step 4: Don’t Volunteer Information He Didn’t Ask For

Fury is not your therapist. He doesn’t care about your day, your weekend plans, or how “technically, it wasn’t your fault” (spoiler alert: it probably was).

If he asks, “What happened?”—stick to the facts.

BAD RESPONSE: “Okay, so first of all, it wasn’t exactly an explosion—”

GOOD RESPONSE: “The experiment destabilized, resulting in an unintended detonation.”

Translation: Less is more. The less you say, the fewer ways he can use it against you later.

Step 5: If You Mess Up, Own It (Before He Owns You)

Look, you’re going to mess up. It’s inevitable. But if Fury calls you out, the worst thing you can do is try to talk your way out of it.

Don’t shift blame. He already knows whose fault it is.

Don’t make excuses. It won’t save you.

Don’t argue. Fury doesn’t debate—he declares facts, and you deal with them.

A simple “Understood.” or “Won’t happen again.” will do wonders for your survival rate.

And whatever you do, do not say “technically.”

“Technically, it wasn’t my fault.” → Fury Death Stare Level 100.

“Technically, it worked before it exploded.” → Fury Headache Incoming.

“Technically, I had it under control.” → No, you didn’t.

Just take the loss and move on. Trust me, it’s the safest option.

Step 6: If You Must Speak, Make It Worth His Time

Fury has exactly zero patience for pointless chatter. If you have something to say, get to the damn point.

BAD: “So, um, about the thing that happened earlier—”

GOOD: “We contained the situation, but we need backup securing the perimeter.”

Fury doesn’t need a novel. Give him clear, direct, and useful information.

Step 7: Accept That You’re Going to Get Yelled At Anyway

Let’s be honest, no matter what you do, Fury’s probably going to yell at you. It’s just how he operates.

If you’re too reckless → You’ll get yelled at.

If you’re too careful → You’ll still get yelled at.

If you breathe wrong → Congratulations, you’re still getting yelled at.

At this point, it’s not about avoiding the yelling—it’s about minimizing the damage.

Step 8: Never Hang Up or Decline a Call from Fury

I don’t care what you’re doing—if Fury calls, you answer.

It doesn’t matter if: 🚨 You’re in the middle of a fight. 🚨 You’re sleeping. 🚨 You’re “busy” with something (or someone). 🚨 You just really don’t feel like talking to him.

The moment you hit “decline,” you’ve just signed up for a whole new level of suffering.

Best case? He calls back, more annoyed.

Worst case? He finds you in person.

And let me tell you, getting ignored by Fury is the last thing you want on your record. You don’t decline a call from the guy who can put you on a global watchlist with one keystroke.

Oh, and never let him go to voicemail. If he has to leave you a message, expect something along the lines of:

“You really just let me go to voicemail? That’s cute. You have 30 seconds to call me back before I make this your problem.”

Don’t test him.

Bonus: What NOT to Say to Fury

If you enjoy living, avoid these phrases at all costs:

❌ “I can explain.” (No, you can’t.) ❌ “Well, technically…” (I already told you—NO.) ❌ “It wasn’t my fault.” (It was.) ❌ “Relax, I had it under control.” (Oh, REALLY?) ❌ “Are you sure that’s the best plan?” (Unless you want to be put on SHIELD’s watchlist.) ❌ “I read about this on the internet.” (You are now Fury’s biggest disappointment.)

Final Step: Survive & Get Out

Once Fury is done with you, leave immediately. Do not linger. Do not ask follow-up questions unless absolutely necessary. Just nod, turn around, and evacuate.

And above all else: DO NOT GIVE HIM A REASON TO CALL YOU BACK.

In Conclusion:

Talking to Fury without getting yelled at is an art. But even if you follow every rule on this list, you’ll still probably end up on the receiving end of the Glare™.

So just accept your fate, be smart, and for the love of science—don’t make it worse.

Now, go forth and attempt not to piss off the man who always knows more than you.

(Good luck. You’re gonna need it.)

tagging people who need this the most: @emma-hope-stark-official @peterparker-thespiderman @goddess-of-birds @strangeofficial @the-ironman @under0-0s

shoutout: @the-colonel-rhodes

You’re the only one on this list who might actually handle Fury correctly. Teach the rest of us.

[callyourose]

match point, chapter four.

↳ masterlist

— In which Art and Patrick find themselves intertwined with the relationship of tennis superstar Tashi Duncan and her best friend, Lennon Caddel.

TASHI DUNCAN WASN'T CONTROLLING LENNON CADDEL.  She knew that Lennon was an adult, she was fully capable of making her own decisions. It wasn't like she was holding her at gunpoint. She could do what she wanted. Tashi truly did just want what was best for her. Lennon was incredible at tennis. Like, really, really fucking good. Tashi would never admit it, but she knew Lennon was better than her. She knew that she had never lost to her because Lennon had let her win. And she knew, deep, deep down, that Lennon didn't want to go pro. She was fucking miserable. She hated playing tennis. Sometimes, in the dark of her bedroom late at night or early in the morning, Lennon would contemplate declining her scholarship off and dropping out of school completely. She would stare at the screen of her computer, Stanford's student portal staring back at her. But tennis was the only thing that Tashi and Lennon knew. It was the basis of which their friendship was built on. If they were hanging out and didn't know what to do? They'd go out to Lennon's backyard and play a match. They wanted to watch a movie but couldn't decide on which one? They'd turn on Serena Williams or Lindsay Davenport's most recent match. Lennon hated playing tennis, but she knew that they needed it. Who would she be if she wasn't playing? What would her and Tashi even talk about? Would Tashi even like her if she wasn't winning? She didn't know. But she didn't want to find out. 

Art and Patrick were fighting for their lives on the tennis court. With Lennon and Tashi in the stands, it made the stakes that much higher. As the girls were leaving last night, the duo once again begging for their numbers, Tashi told them that whoever won their match could have Lennon's. Whoever lost could have hers. Both boys were ok with winning or losing. It was a win either way. Regardless, neither of them wanted to lose in front of the two greatest women in junior tennis.  

When Tashi had said that whoever lost the match could have her number, Lennon looked at her wide-eyed. She almost thought she was punishing her. In some weird, twisted way. Because why would Tashi Duncan want to be pursued by a loser? It was something that haunted Lennon all night long, the leftover fear of being a disappointment and the confusion of Tashi's promise to the boys making it impossible for her to sleep peacefully. 

The sun was beating down on all of them. Lennon's hair was pulled into a ponytail and tucked into a Stanford baseball cap, at the recommendation of Tashi. "I don't want you to get a sunburn," she had said, "Plus, hats are super cute on you."

The stakes were high and the match was almost over. And Art was losing. Lennon didn't know if she was rooting for anyone specifically, she was really just enjoying the game. If there's anything Tashi and Lennon can agree on, it's good tennis.

As soon as it had started, their final match was over. Patrick had won. Lennon and Tashi were on their feet, cheering, and he was bowing in their direction. Across the net, Art's hands were on his hips, feigning disappointment. But that didn't stop him from flashing an award winning smile when he caught Tashi's eye. She rolled her eyes, unable to stop the small grin that was blossoming on her face. 

Later that night, there was a knock at Lennon and Tashi's hotel room door. The girls were busy packing, their move-in date at Stanford was two days from then. They were going home for the next full day before packing up again and heading off to school. Their parents had been packing their bedrooms at home for them during their time at the US Open, so all that was left to do was to get home and then immediately leave. 

Tashi told Lennon to get the door and so she did. Patrick Zweig was standing in the hallway. He was fiddling with a pack of cigarettes, with a singular flower in his back pocket. 

"Hi, Patrick," she smiled, leaning against the door frame. She was in her pajamas, clad in a pair of black shorts (Tashi's) and her own oversized hoodie. She was toeing at the ground, her sock covered feet doing the work of distracting her. Tashi, although out of view, was peaking around the wall. She would tell you she wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but she was. 

"Hey," he replied as he eyed her up and down. As if just remembering it was there, he tucked the cigarette package into his front shirt pocket before reaching around and grabbing the flower out of his back one. "This is for you."

It was a rose. It looked like it had just been ripped off the bush. He had definitely stolen it from someone's garden. Still, the gesture was enough to have Lennon blushing and stumbling over her words. 

"Oh! Uh.. thank you, that's so sweet," She was trying so hard to suppress the blush and smile that were trying to take over her face. 

"Do you want to come somewhere with me?" He was grinning. He had reached into his front pocket and brought a cigarette to his lips. 

"You can't smoke in here," She raised her eyebrow and 'tsked', feigning mock disapproval. She was trying so hard to fight the urge to turn around to make sure Tashi wasn't watching. Not that she would've been mad at her for talking to Patrick, Lennon just wanted this all to herself for a minute.

Patrick smiled, his lips curling around the unlit cigarette. "I wasn't gonna light it, silly," He rolls his eyes, mocking. "Do you wanna come with me or not?"

Finally, Lennon looked back. Tashi was nowhere in sight. She looked down at her outfit and then back at Patrick and then back into her room. "Sure. But let me change."

"Where the hell are you taking me?!" Lennon giggled and she watched Patrick hop a wooden fence. After re-entering the room and convincing Tashi that she would be perfectly safe, she had left with the brunette boy and was letting him guide her. She was wearing the same shorts as before, but her previously socked feet were now covered by her beat up converse and she had forgone her hoodie in favor of a cropped t-shirt.

Patrick was stood on the other side of the fence and was smiling wide as he offered her his hands, helping her vault over it. "Just come on."

They walked side by side a little further, Patrick occasionally bumping his hip with Lennon's, causing her to giggle. She knew deep down that he was taking her somewhere that she wasn't supposed to be. After they had hopped the fence, the grass beneath them almost instantly became softer and well taken care off, almost as if they had stepped onto turf. The trees that had surrounded them for the first 5 minutes of their walk were nonexistent. By the time Patrick had lead them to where he wanted to be, plopping down on the grass and patting the space beside him, she had figured out where they were.

"Patrick..." She began, hands on her hips as she stood above him, "Is this a golf course?"

He leaned his head back, flashing her the same award winning smile that Art had used earlier. "There's no trees over here, okay? And you seem like the type of girl who likes to stargaze." 

He was right. She did like to stargaze.

Hesitantly, she sat down on the grass beside him and brought her knees up to her chest. She was resting her head on her knee as she turned to look at him. He was already looking at her.

"Do you like it?"

Lennon turned to look up at the sky, eyeing the stars Patrick was so desperate she see, and then back at him. "I do. As long as we don't get arrested for trespassing."

He chuckled at her, looking away. She rested her head on knee before turning to look at him again. "I wouldn't let that happen. I don't think Stanford accepts fugitives." 

At the mention of Stanford, and by association her tennis scholarship, she stiffens and her smile falters. She was tired of talking about it. For an hour, or however long her and Patrick would be out here, she didn't want to think about tennis. But she had met him at a tennis tournament. Obviously they were going to talk about tennis.

Just as she was about to fake a smile and reply to his joke, he knocks her leg with his. She lifts her head and turns to look at him fully, and he's looking at her with his eyebrows furrowed.

"Why don't you want to go pro?"

She was taken aback. She thought that the answer she had given last night was enough. Lennon was tired of discussing the thought of her playing professionally and why she wanted, or didn't want, to. So she said, "I do."

Patrick smiles softly and shakes his head. "No you don't."

"Yes I do. I told you last night that I did."

Patrick, who was leaning on his hands, sits up fully to turn his whole body to face her. "No, you didn't," He cocks his head at her, gauging her reaction before continuing. "You said that you didn't think that you were good enough to go pro and that you wouldn't be happy. And then Tashi got mad at you and you backtracked. Why?"

Lennon just stared at him. This was the first time in so long that anyone had asked her what she wanted. What she was thinking and what she wanted to do with her life without Tashi nearby to sway her answer. She honestly didn't know what to say. Part of her wanted to get angry with him. Why would he bring her here, alone, under the impression that he was here to get to know her, and then try to turn her against her best, and only friend? The other part of her, the part she didn't listen to very often, was almost relieved. Finally, for the first time in so long, she could just be Lennon. She didn't have to be Tashi Duncan's best friend or Steven Caddel's daughter or a Stanford scholarship recipient. She could just be her. Without the threat of Tashi's wrath or disappointed face. But still she looked over her shoulder, making sure they were alone. 

"I don't..." Lennon sighed, turning away from him. "I don't know." She was suddenly teary, as if the weight of the life she's built for herself has finally settled. She's set up to have the perfect career. She was born into the perfect family, she's going to the perfect school, her game is perfect. She could be known as one of the greats. Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer. And Lennon. 

She sniffles, which Patrick hears, and he's immediately apologetic. 

"I'm so sorry, Lennon," He's trying not to stumble over his words. He's got one of the most perfect people in the world next to him, and he made her cry. "Genuinely, I didn't mean to upset you."

She shakes her head and blinks away her tears before turning back to him and smiling warmly. "It's fine, Patrick. Really."

He doesn't believe her. But he moves on anyway. 

[diegoshako]

Still in Bloom

pairings: blair waldorf x male oc

summary: blair waldorf and luke humphrey have always liked one another, but never took the chance to admit the truth of it.

notes: friends (sorta) to lovers, no blair/dan, no royal wedding, chuck is a red flag in himself. luke humphrey is fan-casted by me by tom welling, but picture him as you want. fan-edit is on my tiktok (diegoshako) if you want to see that! this is a little short, but it's my first tumblr one-shot so i'll get used to writing rather than in fic-chapters blocks!

"I don't know," Dan complained, the empty coffee cup remaining in his hand as they walked up to V Magazine. "Just count yourself lucky you're not working with Blair Waldolf. We cut a deal, but she's going to find a way to sabotage me, I just know it."

Tugging his gloves up a little from where they sat snugly on his wrists, Luke glanced at his slightly younger brother as he ranted.

"Isn't this your third day interning at V Magazine?"

Dan's hand came out in a dramatic gesture as if Luke was supporting his point, "Exactly." His fingers then click, "I have got to sabotage her before she does it to me. For once, it would be nice to not be on the losing side, you know?"

But, the thing was, Luke didn't know. Not really. He'd never been made a target of Blair Waldolf, the woman most famous for her take-downs.

Luckily for him, he'd always been on her. . . good side. Better words, she'd always liked him even before she knew that she did.

And even if she hadn't, Luke hadn't really ever thought about making enemies with her.

He'd fancied her since the moment they crossed one another in the school corridors. She'd flashed some small, semi-sarcastic smile after he'd opened the door for her to the courtyard where they sat for lunch, and he'd been hooked ever since.

Luke Humphrey was well aware how pathetically hopeless he was.

He was just thankful of how little people knew of that fact.

"Or maybe you can leave the scheming behind you and act like adults that you are?" Luke suggested, leaning forward with a raise of his eyebrow.

Dan scoffed as if that idea was pitifully idiotic. "Come on, Luke. This is Blair Waldolf we're talking about. Scheming is second nature to her."

The cold air tinted his cheeks a rosy colour as Luke glanced around, moving out of the way to avoid bumping into a lady walking toward him. It was his day off, and Dan had asked him if he wanted to walk to work instead of staying in, and Luke somewhat regretted saying yes.

Though, it was nice to see Dan for longer than a minute or two this past week. The Humphrey twins were so used to being one another's closest friend that it felt as if they were missing limbs to not be around one another lately.

"You need to give her more credit than that," Luke sighed, though he didn't really blame Dan's doubt — Blair's kindness on Luke had not extended to either of his siblings. Jenny had involved herself in Blair's world for popularity and Dan had been pulled in by the wind-whirl that was named Serena.

"I'm sorry, but are you saying that Blair Waldolf wouldn't take the chance to sabotage me?" The younger twin glanced at Luke with disbelief, finger pointing against his own chest, "You are aware who we're talking about right now, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I'm aware. I'm just saying, take the time to get to know her. She's not all schemes and tricks." Luke did his best to not be so on the defensive, but judging by Dan's face, he was failing miserably. Blair hadn't done anything wrong as of yet, and maybe she wouldn't.

"Am I talking to the right Luke Humphrey?" Dan peered closer, eyes narrowing. "What's going on with you?"

"Me?" Luke was glad that he was wearing gloves and his hat, because it was freezing. He didn't even bother to remove his hands from his jacket pockets as he turned his body in Dan's direction again, nose scrunched. "I'm just saying, Dan."

Dan pulled a face, not quite sure whether he believed that, but he didn't have any time to speak on it further, as they arrived at his internship.

Throwing the empty cup into the bin that was outside it's entrance, his shoulders moved up and down in a heavy motion, glancing up the building before meeting his twin brother's eyes.

"Wish me luck?" He offered for his own satisfaction.

Luke narrowed his eyes, "I think you'll be just fine."

Sensing that was all the sympathy he was going to gather from his sibling, Dan gave a light roll of his eyes and bid his goodbyes, shoving his hands into his pockets as well and making his way inside.

The taller Humphrey huffed, shaking his head. He was definitely regretting ever saying yes to this walk. Now he would have to take the entire journey back, alone and cold.

At least he'd gotten his exercise before he could spend the rest of his day off catching up with his Father, who had already demanded the length of his son's day.

But as Luke spun on his heel, blowing out a breath, his eyes met the soft, dark brown ones that he still remembered seeing for the first time. Even if that was years ago now. Nearly a whole decade, actually.

Her lips were parted, eyes slightly rounded in size for some reason, as she stared back.

Did he have something on his face?

He immediately moved to take a wipe at his cheek, self-conscious that he looked any form of an idiot in front of her.

"Hey," Luke said at the same time, greeting her with a warmth that he'd not even been speaking to his own brother with. But when she said nothing, one hand clutching the side of her bright purse, he asked with concern, "You okay, Blair?"

"Huh?" Was all she managed for a second.

The step closer that he took seemed to snap her out of her dazed state.

"Right," She cleared her throat, head coming up higher as her stare turned into an eye-ball, "What were you —" Her hand comes up, finger pointing, "Two just talking about?"

"What?" Luke asks, looking to where her finger is pointing toward the front of her work, "You mean, me and Dan? Nothing important. Just. . ." He wasn't sure how to admit that his brother hadn't been speaking greatly about her. "Just stuff about your internship, that Dan also has."

Blair furrows her brows, and just over her shoulder, he can see where her limo is still parked by the side-walk. "So, you weren't just talking about me taking the time to sabotage your brother?"

What?

That was certainly not what Luke had been saying, at least. He had said the opposite, but to admit that would be to admit that his brother had been saying that instead, and it was Dan who was working alongside her.

Her disappointment shone brightly and Luke wanted to tell the truth. instead, the silence that drilled between them momentarily made all background noise fizzle out, as if that didn't matter between them.

When her eyes glance away, Luke shifts in his footing. It's a natural instinct to do whenever he's lying and he notices immediately when her gaze pings towards his legs.

"Were you really just about to take the fall for your idiotic brother?"

This time when he looks at her, the disappointment had gone away, and there's something else there mixed with the playfulness that she owed in possession.

Blair had something about her that just radiated. Luke had always fallen victim to her charms.

"Did I really have a choice?" He jokes back slightly, hoping she wasn't too angry at him for it. By the seems of her face, she wasn't.

In fact, she even cracks a smile, stepping closer. "You defended me." Blair shakes her head slightly, "And you weren't even going to tell me that you defended me to save face for your brother."

( And there she had been, only some weeks ago, chasing after Chuck Bass.

Even though she'd been drawn to Luke since the day he held the door open for her. )

"I always knew you were the only hope of the Humphrey brood," Blair pitches in jokingly, unable to help herself. She's glad to hear his laugh at that, even though the small shake of his head disagrees with it in a serious note. "Thank you."

His shoulders come up and down in a soft shrug, not wishing for gratitude. He'd not defended her to be given something back. He'd simply down it because he believed in her growth. In the fact that she cared for her work now more than ever.

"Why don't I thank you over —"

"I don't want you to feel like you owe me something for something so. . ." Little, he cuts himself off but finishes his words in his head, unsure on how that sounded out loud. "My brother's just an overthinking idiot sometimes. He means nothing by it, really. He doesn't."

"Daniel Humphrey is the least of my concerns," Blair finalises, and Luke blinks, taken back by the seriousness of her tone. She spots his surprise, masking a gentle touch of a smile behind a smirk as her hair falls over her shoulder with the sudden movement of leaning to her side. "And I had no plans to sabotage him. . ."

The sound of beeping knocks Luke out of his amusement, head turning to the ongoing traffic, and the pick-up of business with more people travelling to their work destinations.

"Why don't we go out for a drink sometime?" Blair then blurts out, the words swirling in her mouth for a little before she can no longer hold them back or swallow the letters down.

The brightness of his blue eyes had always captured her attention, even across the room. Even when she'd tried to stick it out beside Nate, lost her virginity to Chuck, been betrayed in different ways by them, Blair had always found herself searching for Luke's gaze.

The blue of his eyes had always made her calm. Like she was capable of conversation outside of holding back or having to think of another scheme to keep one's attention.

And that smile.

( Luke thought she was the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. The melt of her stare, the darkness of her curls, the way she knew how to walk and talk and capture all the room's attention.

And her smile. )

The way he grins at her with a brightness has already made Blair's day.

"It's a date."

[smoulderingocean]

What happened in the interviews I heard people are pissed? Almost like only the actor that plays Nick cares about the show and understands the characters I guess? lol I swear the writers treat Nick like garbage when he's the best part of this show. I can't with nobody really being on his side he sacrifices everything while the same doesn't happen in return idk if anyone else if frustrated too? I don't see how there will be a spinoff series and Nick not being there for his daughter make it make sense.

It's just the same old inflammatory, reactionary, shock value shit this show has sadly used more and more for the marketing. I think a lot of people were spoiled by the fun press in S4 and so this feels like it's even worse, but it's actually fairly in-line for how they've done things since S3.

Max has always been really thoughtful, introspective, and respectful in how he treats fans. He's the son of a famous director, and he enjoys both being a creator and being a consumer of entertainment, so I think he gets it in a way that the others don't. He knows what it's like to be played with as a viewer and knows how viewers like to be treated, and he knows from his Dad and from his own creations how to treat fans. Playing games with people isn't enjoyable and he knows it.

They do treat Nick like garbage despite him being the best part. It's really unfair when you compare that to the white characters like Serena, Lydia, and Lawrence. I think they never ever expected him to be as popular as he is and they, at best, didn't know how to handle it properly on a "women's" show, and at worst resented the fans for elevating him. (That surprise is kinda naive considering good men characters that are supportive love interests are universally popular.)

Nick gives and gives and gives, and does a lot of little stuff, and it's either forgotten or ignored. I do find that frustrating. Just because Nick isn't this big bombastic character or rebel doesn't mean he's not worthy. I really dislike that the show insists that only one kind of resistance -the huge stuff that is for "everyone"- is the only valid kind. Small levels of resistance and "only" doing things for those you love is just as valid too, and it's more common and more realistic.

We know from TT that Daisy/Holly's Dad is a good man- he's not a commander and he's so deeply involved in things like June (she was referred as to being "up to her neck in it" while Nick was described as being so "Deep underground he needs a tube to breath") that Gilead hates him. They can't not end the series on a good note for Nick and his daughter. It wouldn't be fair to her.

[glasskey]

What Did Nick Do?

Or rather, what is Nick gonna do? there’s been a lot of talk this season about just how Nick is going to betray our young June and I’ve been giving this some heavy thought as well.

Mark Tuello - Nick has made a deal that he’s having trouble fulfilling and Tuello is now straight up threatening to expose him for it. We all know what Nick will do to survive, and if you think he’s going to let some bratty little diplomat with a knife to his throat undo him, well think again. He made that deal to see June and he got what he wanted. Blaine has been living in Gilead for a decade or more and has no illusions about his future, as much as Tuello would like to have him believe that he will be able to leave and make a life with his daughter, Blaine knows he’s now firmly in Gilead’s stranglehold. The scene in the forest between Nick, June and Tuello had a considerable sense of foreshadowing about it; one of them would end up dead and out of the two of them Nick’s the killer. Tuello is his figurative bridge to a life with June and Holly, if he sets fire to it, you can say goodbye to that forever.

Holly - So writers are cueing up everything really well that is contained in The Testaments, give or take a few details and one of those things is the demand for Holly to be returned and for her to be hidden as a result. I’ve become a wee bit suspicious about how convenient the connection is between Nick, Serena, Wharton and Rose. If Wharton becomes aware of the existence of Holly and her true parentage, he may demand her back and strong arm his son in law into doing so. It would not be a hard stretch of the imagination that either Serena or Rose would make Wharton aware of it. I imagine it may become an even greater possibility should Rose lose her baby. I’m not saying Nick would WANT to do it, I’m just saying that once that genie is out of the bottle, he’s going to find it really, really, really hard to say no. It’s particularly telling that we had that whole little scene at the beginning of the season where June argued with her mother about how much Nick loved Holly and wouldn’t do anything to hurt her. Trust me, she’ll NEVER forgive him for this one.

The Red Dress - ANYTHING that Nick does that results in June being put back into that red dress. If that happens, that’s it, it’s all over. This speaks volumes about what he as a member of the patriarchy will do to a woman to hold onto his position of power. Even if he doesn’t do it directly, the point will be that he is a passive facilitator and believe me, THAT is the writers true intent. Throughout the seasons we’ve seen Nick identify June as an individual and make concerted efforts to help her escape, so the action of now placing her back in that dress is huge. It’s also something that will “open her eyes” and tell her that mummy dearest was right all along. I believe that writers may have changed course to de romanticize this character and include him as just another member of the patriarchy that the protagonist was previously blind to. It’s a sharp turn from the sole male character amongst the swamp who recognized her autonomy and acknowledged her identity.

Mayday - He saved Luke and Moira at the start of the season, shooting two guards in the process, now Wharton is not impressed with the violation of security and he’s already not convinced at all about New Bethlehem. New Bethlehem was Lawrence's idea and already Nick isn’t listening to Lawrence anymore. If Wharton wants to go old school Gilead and shut off the escape routes for refugees, will Nick play along? What happens to Rita? What about June, Luke, Moira and Janine once they go in through the trade routes and can’t get out? Last season we saw Nick tell June that he had to protect his family any way that he can and last episode Rita said she’d do anything for her family and he agreed. So just what exactly would he do for his son?

I'm really hoping that whatever it is, it happens sooner rather than later, because at least we'll have some leeway to turn this thing around. With some of these it's easy to see how once it's done it's done, so let us all form a chanting circle, it’s time to start praying for his soul.

[nickjunesource]

Can I just say that after rewatching the show and the trailer for the final season, smh I'm not that confident about how they're gonna handle OsBlaine relationship? Like I know Nick will never move on from her one way or the other but, as of now I don't think him and June are on the same page anymore(?) and ofc with Luke always in the picture......yeah I guess that I might already have an idea about how it's gonna end-

I really hope I'm wrong but I'll always cherish their story and possibly whatever they will throw at us :') *finger crossed*

We do not blame you for feeling that way. The show has treated Nick and Osblaine pretty poorly since 3x01, with a few small exceptions in the fourth season. And the writing quality as a whole has taken a hit beginning in the second season in small bits but really taking off in the third season. So it's good to enter into any season of this show with a degree of skepticism about the ability of the writers to do a good job. They're more interested in shock value than in consistent characterizations, growth, and proper story arcs. Alas season four appears to have been an aberration of improved quality and that has set a lot of our expectations a bit higher than they should have been since the disastrous season three.

We don't really have any information about the final two or possibly three episodes when it comes to Nick and Osblaine- the press release seemed to only cover the first seven episodes for Nick and June up to when June finds out whatever it is Nick did and is left spiralling. (Other characters seem to have had a bit more, with Tuello, Lawrence, and Serena getting mentions that cover episode ten, while Moira was never even mentioned at all!) So it's likely that both Nick and June seem to spend part of the season on different pages, with Nick focusing more on what he can do within the Gilead structure and his powerful connection to Wharton while June is about violently burning it all down, and then they'll end up on the same page. (Though we see Nick having to meet June's goals and plans more than her meeting his, and we wish this was a more of meeting in the middle thing as June's harebrained plans always get people killed or hurt and so Nick's more measured responses do have value too.)

We do appreciate that the one steady thing in all of this is Nick's love for June. And we're excited that June's selfishness towards him seems to be addressed with Nick feeling like he's starting to run on fumes and things beginning to fray a little after him giving so much and receiving so little, especially so with June seeming unable to give up Luke despite them no longer being in love. It'd be great for June to recognize that and be more emotionally supportive toward Nick. He really needs that.

Honestly we're not really that concerned with Luke anymore? We might be speaking too soon, but the information we have makes it seem that that is finally, finally, finally fizzling out as they seem to be focusing on Hannah (great!), acknowledging how they're not in love anymore (also great!), and having Luke see what June and Nick have together (another great thing!). Very few fans like June and Luke together. When you look at fanfiction, fanart, fanvids, and posts on social media, Osblaine gets significantly more attention than Juke ever does. Hell, June and Serena get more positive attention, and that is a victim/abuser relationship that many fans hate. If that doesn't say how little people care for Juke, we don't know what does. If the show is making this season about the fans, that's not the relationship to do it with.

It's certainly the healthiest position to approach this with a mix of trepidation and hope. One doesn't want to be too positive or they run the risk of being hurt (as we all have been with fandom meltdown #394), but one doesn't want to be too negative either or they'll struggle to enjoy the good bits that we will get. And we're in for a lot of good! It seems like the most Nick and Osblaine content since the second season! That itself is very exciting, even if it's not what we've expected and hoped for over this long break.

Buckle up, Osblaines! We're in for a much bumpier ride than anticipated.

[zalrb]

The way June handled Natalie/Ofmatthew was frankly repulsive, and I remember feeling that way then as well. It really made me look at that character thinking, “what the fuck is wrong with you?” And then again during the Lawrence wife OD’ing thing. And as you mentioned several times before, June’s actions and selfishness has flat out directly caused umpteen deaths of people in the show.

Now, what’s working me up is that they’re blowing up the perception of Nick’s character because he was threatened and understandably scared to be killed, if he hadn’t answered sufficiently to the interrogation. That’s such an, and I quote, “unforgivable” act in June’s eyes? He effectively answered without throwing her under the bus AT ALL. He also just selflessly had to kill people and let that weigh on his conscience to save the woman he loves’ husband…

June, who consciously had an affair with Luke and got pleasure in taking him from his at-present wife, giving him his kid the ex-wife wasn’t able to; June, who bullied Natalie relentlessly and even basked in it; June, who stood by and watched an innocent woman die and if I remember correctly even fed her the dosage that killed her; June, who continuously put other handmaids, Martha’s, and friends in harms way to get to her daughter because damned them all if Hannah isn’t out of Gilead; June, who ALSO GAVE UP IMPORTANT INTEL - the location of ESCAPED handmaids that were her FRIENDS - at the first sight of Hannah…. This is the June that can’t forgive Nick for …. revealing a plan existed? A plan that was butchered time and time again? A plan that can easily get replaced by another one that he would help put together anyway?

All because … what? Nick wouldn’t let himself get put on the wall instead? They keep saying “he had a choice, and he chose”. WHAT were his choices? Reveal everything or die? Which by the way, he didn’t do the former either. It’s so insanely stupid, and the interviews they keep giving about it fire me up even more. They’re in this delusional state that June has done and can do no wrong. They excuse HER idiotic or narcissistic decisions away at the bat of an eye.

Nick, who was apart of Mayday long before June came into his life, is now the ultimate betrayer to Mayday/June? Be for fucking real writers. Nick who “is up to his shoulders in Mayday” according to the source book. Luke, who did fuck all for 7 years, gets a pass; but Nick, who worked with Mayday to get June and their baby out of Gilead, who delivered Fred to June to kill him, who kept tabs on Hannah for June and is watching over her from afar, who once again as mentioned saved June & friends & HUSBAND several times, who risked his LIFE and family time and time and TIME again for her, is now irredeemable.

I’m sorry, I also refuse to watch the episodes because I can’t take Nick groveling at June’s feet begging for forgiveness when he’s the main person in her life that we’ve seen have her back unconditionally, no questions asked. But Serena who forcibly had June raped and flaunted Hannah and abused June and punished Nick AND June for their relationship over and over again gets to have and on again off again happy friendship with her? I can’t take all this hypocrisy.

TLDR; They are butchering the relationship of Nick and June, and Nick as a character, by making it so insanely, selfishly one-sided, that I almost don’t even want Nick near or around June if this is how she will treat him and finds him so easily disposable. She needs to match his unconditional love and support or get the fuck out of his & our face, the shippers.

But Serena who forcibly had June raped and flaunted Hannah and abused June and punished Nick AND June for their relationship over and over again gets to have and on again off again happy friendship with her? I can’t take all this hypocrisy.

THIS PART. Oh my GOD. Serena was legitimately an architect of this society and June is more understanding towards her? For WHAT reason?

She needs to match his unconditional love and support or get the fuck out of his & our face, the shippers.

And this is what bothers me because time and time again, I have spoken about how the unconditional love is there, the kindred spirit connection is there, June loves Nick as much as he loves her but she's expressing it in xyz way and now that we're here, they're trying to turn this relationship into something that it isn't and it's ANNOYING.

[falconfate]

Hello ranger’s apprentice fandom can we talk real quick about the stupidest thing Flanagan ever wrote

It’s about the bows. Yanno, the rangers’ Iconique™️ main weapon. That one. You know the one.

Flanagan. Flanagan why are your rangers using longbows.

“uh well recurve arrows drop faster” BUT DO THEY. FLANAGAN. DO THEY.

the answer is no they don’t. Compared to a MODERN, COMPOUND (aka cheating) bow, yes, but compared to a longbow? Y’know, what the rangers use in canon? Yeah no a recurve actually has a FLATTER trajectory. It drops LATER.

This from an article comparing the two:

“Both a longbow and a recurve bow, when equipped with the right arrow and broadhead combination, are capable of taking down big game animals. Afterall, hunters have been doing it for centuries with both types of bows.

However, generally speaking and all things equal, a recurve bow will offer more arrow speed, creating a flatter flight trajectory and retain more kinetic energy at impact.

The archers draw length, along with the weight of the arrow also affect speed and kinetic energy. However, the curved design of the limbs on a recurve adds to its output of force.”

It doesn’t actually mention ANY distance in range! And this is from a resource for bow hunting, which, presumably, WOULD CARE ABOUT THAT SORT OF THING!

Okay so that’s just. That’s just the first thing.

The MAIN thing is that even accounting for “hur dur recurves drop faster” LONGBOWS ARE STILL THE STUPID OPTION.

Longbows, particularly and especially ENGLISH longbows, are—as their name suggests—very long. English longbows in particular are often as tall or taller than their wielder even while strung, but especially when unstrung. An unstrung longbow is a very long and expensive stick, one that will GLADLY entangle itself in nearby trees, other people’s clothes, and any doorway you’re passing through.

And yes, there are shorter longbows, but at that point if you’re shortening your longbow, just get a goddamn recurve. And Flanagan makes a point to compare his rangers’ bows to the Very Long English Longbow.

Oh, do you know how the Very Long English Longbow was mostly historically militarily used? BY ON-FOOT ARCHER UNITS. Do you know what they’re TERRIBLE for? MOUNTED ARCHERY.

Trust me. Go look up right now “mounted archery longbow.” You’ll find MAYBE one or two pictures of some guy on a horse struggling with a big stick; mostly you will actually see either mounted archers with RECURVES, or comparisons of Roman longbow archers to Mongolian horse archers (which are neat, can’t lie, I love comparing archery styles like that).

Anyway. Why are longbows terrible for mounted archery? Because they’re so damn long. Think about it: imagine you’re on a horse. You’re straddling a beast that can think for itself and moves at your command, but ultimately independently of you; if you’re both well-trained enough, you’re barely paying attention to your horse except to give it commands. And you have a bow in your hands. If your target is close enough to you that you know, from years of shooting experience, you will need to actually angle your bow down to hit it because of your equine height advantage, guess what? If you have a longbow, YOU CAN’T! YOUR HORSE IS IN THE WAY BECAUSE YOUR BOW IS TOO LONG! Worse, it’s probably going to get in the general area of your horse’s shoulder or legs, aka moving parts, which WILL injure your horse AND your bow and leave you fresh out of both a getaway vehicle and a ranged weapon. It’s stupid. Don’t do it.

A recurve, on the other hand, is short. It was literally made for horse archers. You have SO much range of motion with a recurve on horseback; and if you’re REALLY good, you know how to give yourself even more, with techniques like Jamarkee, a Turkish technique where you LITERALLY CAN AIM BACKWARDS.

For your viewing enjoyment, Serena Lynn of Texas demonstrating Jamarkee:

Yes, that’s real! This type of draw style is INCREDIBLY versatile: you can shoot backwards on horseback, straight down from a parapet or sally port without exposing yourself as a target, or from low to the ground to keep stealthy without banging your bow against the ground. And, while I’m sure you could attempt it with a longbow, I wouldn’t recommend it: a recurve’s smaller size makes it far more maneuverable up and over your head to actually get it into position for a Jamarkee shot.

A recurve just makes so much more SENSE. It’s not a baby bow! It’s not the longbow’s lesser cousin! It’s a COMPLETELY different instrument made to be used in a completely different context! For the rangers of Araluen, who put soooo much stock in being stealthy and their strong bonds with their horses, a recurve is the perfect fit! It’s small and easily transportable, it’s more maneuverable in combat and especially on horseback, it offers more power than a longbow of the same draw weight—really, truly, the only advantage in this case that a longbow has over the recurve is that longbows are quicker and easier to make. But we KNOW the rangers don’t care about that, their KNIVES use a forging technique (folding) that takes several times as long as standard Araluen forging practices at the time!

Okay.

Okay I think I’m done. For now.

[rose-of-oz]

𝗚𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗣 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟 (𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟) 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦

I will be so completely honest, I never expected to ever watch this show, let alone like it, but here we are! I am already in love with all of these babies and there will definitely be more at some point, so I hope you like them too!! I promise I’ll make proper intro posts for them at some point, but for now you can still feel free to ask me any questions you want about them!!

Araminta “Minty” Bass, she/her, Blair ship, Sofia Black-D’elia FC. Chuck’s twin sister who has always been more focused on academics and wants to become successful in her own line of business, outside of her family’s empire, but also has no problem spending her father’s money when she needs to because she figures she might as well enjoy her comforts when they’re provided to her. Held in somewhat higher esteem than Chuck by Bart, but he still keeps her far at a distance and makes it very clear he still intends for Chuck to inherit the business. Very done with Chuck’s bullshit the vast majority of time and does think he’s an awful person (even though she knows she’s no saint either), but would still do pretty much anything for him because despite their many disagreements they’re completely devoted to each other. Has a very complicated relationship with Blair, especially with her being together with Chuck for a bit and having to go through a whole queer awakening and internalized homophobia, but they do eventually find their way to each other for good. Minty is more like Chuck than she’d care to admit, tending towards being cynical and ruthless when she needs to be, but also actually has a moral compass that’s mostly strict. Hates being called Minty at first - Chuck only calls her that to piss her off, and in turn she calls him Chuckles or Chucky - but she actually grows to like it over time.

Stella Newsome, she/her, poly Blair and Dan ship, Zendaya Coleman FC. The daughter of a member of the New York Senate, Stella may have been raised in the spotlight, and among wealth and privilege with her queen bee friends at Constance - but that wasn’t enough to stop something terrible from happening to her, and for her to turn to drugs and drinking to cope, to the extent that it landed her in the Ostroff Centre for almost a full year. Despite growing close with Eric while she was there, she immediately isolates herself after getting back to Constance, not wanting to have anything to do with who she was before the worst thing that ever happened to her, but when Serena comes back from boarding school and is determined to be her friend again, she winds up getting pulled back into everyone’s drama and realizing how much she missed her old friends. Starts dating Dan first, after he ends things with Serena for good (she’s definitely their biggest shipper so it’s fine), and then they get together with Blair when Stella finally gets Dan to admit his feelings for her. Stella has always been more introverted than her friends, but after what happened she’s pretty much completely closed-off and has a quicker temper and a lot more self-loathing; however, she’s still fiercely intelligent and would die for the people she cares about. Has kind of a terrible relationship with her father and never ever wants to fulfill his dreams of success for her; opens her own small flower shop in Brooklyn after graduating from NYU.

Winston “Winn” Archibald, he/him, Chuck ship, Mitchell Hope FC. Nate’s younger brother by less than a year, but has literally no interest in politics - very talented in singing, dancing, and acting, and wants to make it big on Broadway, to his entire family (except Nate’s) ire. Pretty much never featured on Gossip Girl, except when it involves Nate or one of his friends, because he does go out to parties but doesn’t really do anything scandalous. Has had a truly unfortunate crush on Chuck since they were in middle school, but has resigned himself to never being able to have him until they wind up kissing while drunk one night, which starts a whole chain of events that winds up in them getting together. Really caring, creative, and sweet; kind of Chuck’s polar opposite, but they compliment each other because Winn softens Chuck when it’s needed and Chuck brings out Winn’s wilder side sometimes. Does wind up making it big on the Great White Way, and definitely invites all the Vanderbilts to opening night of his first show to rub it in their faces.

Juliet Wen, she/her, Jenny ship, Anna Cathcart FC. A bit of an outcast at Constance, but in a different way than the Humphreys - her grandfather is one of the most famous authors in the world and both of her parents are really successful creative types, so she’s kind of ignored for her family being new money and creative types at that. Doesn’t really care since she doesn’t want to be involved in all the Constance drama, anyway, but winds up getting pulled into it all anyway when she makes friends with Jenny and Eric. A poor little lesbian disaster who falls in love with Jenny at first sight and quickly becomes willing to follow her anywhere and through anything, even when she’s being a terrible person - though they definitely have some rocky times when Jenny’s at her worst - and eventually that’s enough for Jenny to realize how blind she’s been because the love of her life has actually been with her the whole time. Juliet is a hopeless romantic and an incredibly sweet and soft girl, not at all meant for the world of the Upper East Side, but she definitely learns to be cunning and ruthless when it’s necessary. Realizes her knack for business management through helping Jenny with her fashion aspirations, and eventually becomes the brains of the operation when Jenny starts her own fashion line.

Clara Thresh, she/her, poly Blair and Chuck ship, Madison Pettis FC. Part of the unholy trinity of her, Serena, and Blair, but is a very talented artist who wants to make it big in that world rather than in business or politics and has a sort of internship at Rufus’s art gallery to learn and grow in her art since she knows about it through rumours about Dan and Jenny. Has been hooking up and getting high with Chuck on and off for years, just for the fun of it, but eventually starts to gain actual feelings for him once he’s with Blair. Participates in a few threesomes with the two of them, during which actual feelings form and they all eventually agree to be all together. A lot like her partners, cynical and ruthless and wants to be recognized as a queen bee, but also playful and genuinely cares about the people in her life and wants them to be safe and happy. Actually winds up becoming good friends with the Humphrey family and Vanessa, even though she and Dan obviously differ in their feelings about Blair.

Rose van der Woodsen, she/her, Vanessa ship, Dove Cameron FC. Serena’s younger sister by just a little over nine months - not by the same father, either - and despite being popular at Constance, has always been in her shadow, but is actually pretty okay with that; she loves going shopping and looking pretty and having a good time, but doesn’t want to really get involved in any of the cat fights and drama that her sister’s always involved in. Really close to Serena and Eric and misses her sister terribly when she goes to boarding school, but is so devastated when Eric winds up in the Ostroff Centre and it’s only her who seems to be there for him; she does forgive Serena eventually, but her and Lily’s relationship remains strained for a long while after because she can’t forgive her for trying to hide Eric away. A good-hearted bookworm and hopeless romantic who just wants to hide in stories, which is how she becomes friends with Dan when he’s dating Serena and, though him, Vanessa, who she immediately develops a crush on which does come to turn into love. Becomes a simple librarian in the future, really fulfilling her dream of staying away from the worst of the Upper East Side.

Tagging @luucypevensie, @aceyanaheim, @manyfandomocs, @dancingsunflowers-ocs, @the-witching-ash, and @ginevrastilinski-ocs!! <3 <3

[lanawinterscigarettes]

Strawberry Coated Kisses (Serena van der Woodsen x gn reader)

Summary: Serena turns an innocent gift into a not-so-innocent situation

Warnings: SMUT, hickeys/marking kink, food play (involving chocolate covered strawberries), kitchen sex, penetrative sex (Serena receiving, reader's genitalia is kept purposely vague so you can imagine them using either a strap or their dick to fuck her with)

A/N: look I know everyone says the strawberry scene with serena is cringy (and it kind of is) but you have to consider the fact that she did that because she knew that dan was a freak (affecionate) and that he'd be into it. unfortunately I'm also a freak so that trick would work on me too

"Baby, I'm back," you called out as you entered the penthouse, shrugging off your coat while being mindful not to drop to box in your hands.

"You've been gone for ages," Serena complained while emerging from the bedroom, following you into the kitchen. "Where have you been?"

"I just went out to get you a little something," you casually replied while setting the pastry box down on the counter, one that she recognized immediately as being from one of her favorite places.

"What is it?" She curiously asked, her eyes filled with excitement as she quickly made her way over.

"Why don't you open it up and find you?" You said in a coy manner while shrugging somewhat, playfully acting as though you had no idea what was inside.

She opened the box, a loud gasp coming from her mere seconds later. "Chocolate covered strawberries? Those are my favorite."

"I know they are." You approached her as she marveled over the gift, wrapping your arms around her from behind as you rested your chin on her shoulder. "I figured you might like them."

"Well, you figured correctly. Thank you," she affectionately cooed while turning her head just enough to give you a kiss before picking up one of the chocolate covered strawberries and taking a bite, closing her eyes as she savored it. "Oh, this is so good."

"Why are you making it sound like the strawberries are giving you a better orgasm than I can?" You joked while letting go of her, watching in amusement as she ate the treat you picked up for her.

"Aw, c'mon, don't be jealous," she gave your shoulder a lighthearted push as she jumped up on the counter, sitting next to the box of gourmet fruit. "Y'know, if you really think there's such a big competition, why don't you come over here and prove that you can pleasure me better than they can?"

You let out a scoff of disbelief at her words, not missing the look of mischief in her eyes when she spoke. "Are you trying to get me to have sex with you in the kitchen by making me jealous of a strawberry?"

"You said it, not me," she purred while reaching out and grabbing the front of your shirt, using it to pull you closer so that you were standing between her legs.

"Brat," you muttered playfully before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. They tasted like, you guessed it, chocolate covered strawberries.

Her arms moved to wrap around your neck as your hands found their way to her hips. The moment your mouth diverted from hers and began to trail kisses down the side of your neck, she moved to pick up another strawberry.

"Really?" You grumbled with fake annoyance as you watched her take a bite. She just giggled in reply and tilted her head to the side so you'd have better access to her neck.

Knowing what she wanted without her even having to say it, you began to nip at the sensitive skin there, fully intent on getting to keep her attention on you rather than her treat. An eager moan was pulled from her lips, but it was hard to tell whether you were the cause or if it was the strawberry. You found out a second or so later when she spoke. "It tastes so good."

A low noise that sounded almost like a frustrated growl rose up in your throat, and you attached your mouth to the side of her neck in protest at her teasing, beginning to harshly suck a hickey onto the area. She squealed in delight at the action, her legs spreading a bit more so you could press yourself closer to her from where she sat on the counter.

Once you were satisfied with the mark you'd left on her, you directed your mouth to another unblemished portion of her neck and got to work on leaving a similar hickey there. Soft moans and whines could be heard coming from her, but again you had no clue if it was you or the strawberries causing it as she'd already eaten three of them so far.

"Fuck me," she begged suddenly, clearly not being able to take teasing as well as she could dish it out. This didn't surprise you in the slightest, your hands already moving down the unzip your pants at her pleas.

She dropped the half-eaten strawberry off to the side the moment your tip began to push inside her, unable to stop herself from clutching onto your back as she desperately tried to pull you in closer. "It feels so good, baby."

You hummed softly in acknowledgement at her words, your hands holding onto her hips as you thrusted in and out of her, the kitchen being filled with skin slapping against skin as well as lewd squelching sounds due to how wet she already was. The counter was definitely going to need to be disinfected after this.

"Kiss me," she whined, unable to have your attention diverted away from her for even a second. You obliged, tasting the sweet mixture of chocolate and strawberry on her tongue when she slipped it in your mouth. "Here," she said next, picking up a strawberry and holding it up to your mouth. "Try it."

Somewhat bregrudgingly, you took a bite, allowing the burst of flavors in your mouth to fully coat your tongue before you decided to swallow. As much as you hated to admit it, Serena did have a point when it came to pretending the strawberries were orgasm material- they really were that good.

"Now, kiss me again," she demanded as her hands reached up to grab you by the front of your shirt and tug you further down on top of her as she laid back against the cool marble of the kitchen counter, her legs moving to wrap around your waist. This only pushed you in further, causing you to move deeper inside her with each thrust you gave.

She moaned loudly against your mouth at the action, her tongue swirling against yours as her arms wrapped around your neck again, keeping you pulled down on top of her. The box of strawberries lay forgotten on the counter beside you, her nails digging into your back as you moved your lips down to her neck, covering the hickeys from earlier with hot, open-mouthed kisses.

You knew she was getting close when her back arched and her hands began to claw at your shoulder blades. Despite that, you couldn't help but want to tease her a little bit more. "Would you say I'm better at pleasuring you than the strawberries now?" You asked in a low and sultry tone as you spoke next to her ear, your words causing her to let out a low groan.

"Yes, okay? You're so much better than they are, I promise," she practically babbled in response, her hips trying to thrust up to meet yours due to how needy she was. You got the memo and slipped one of your hands between her legs, stroking her clit with your thumb.

Letting out a sigh in fake exasperation, you then mused in a breathy voice, "I suppose I believe you. I guess I can let you cum if you really want to."

"Oh, yes- Yes, thank you- God-" She panted out, her eyes rolling into the back of her head as she came, biting her lip in an effort to silence the whimper that managed to escape from her. Your peak came shortly after hers, swearing quietly under your breath as your hands gripped onto her hips tighter. The two of you had to take a moment to catch your breath before you could speak again.

"Thank you for the gift. You always know just what to get me," Serena cooed out in appreciation before giving your lips a tender kiss. They tasted like chocolate and strawberries, just like you expected them to be.

"Of course, baby. Anything for you," you muttered against her lips while kissing her back. Her kisses were ones you could never refuse, especially when they were coated with the flavor of strawberries just like now.

End notes: I had to write something smutty involving Serena and strawberries I couldn't get it out of my head and I have no regrets

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[serenastark-official]

💠⚙️A Heartfelt Appreciation Post for Pepper Potts and the Entire Stark Crew ⚙️💠

I’ve been sitting here, thinking about how to put into words just how much one person in my life means to me. And honestly, there are no words that could truly capture it. But I’ll try, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this woman, it’s that I should always try to express gratitude, even when words fail me. So buckle up, it’s quite lengthy.

This post is for Pepper Potts, the backbone of the Stark family, the woman who’s been holding us all together in a way that nobody else could. It’s hard to find the words to express just how much she means to me, to all of us, but I’m going to try.

You’re probably like, “Serena, we get it, you love your mom.” But seriously, I can’t even put into words how much I appreciate this woman. She’s not just my mom—she’s the glue that holds everything in this crazy family together.

Let’s start with Pepper Potts, the woman who’s somehow made it all work. She’s been my rock, the one who’s kept me grounded, kept Tony in line (which is a job in itself), and managed to love all of us despite the absolute circus that is the Stark family. She’s graceful, strong, and somehow always has the right words at the right time. It’s like she’s got a superpower of her own, even if it’s not as flashy as the suits. She’s our superpower.

I think the best way to describe it is that Pepper is the person who makes us better. She’s the one who taught me that being strong doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself. She showed me that strength comes from knowing when to rely on the people around you, and more importantly, when to let yourself be vulnerable. She gave me the courage to face my demons and made me feel like I wasn’t alone—even when things seemed impossible.

It’s not just about the big things, either. Yes, she’s the reason Tony’s even able to function like a half-decent human being (and believe me, that’s a feat in itself), but it’s the little things, the quiet moments, that really get me. The way she handles my dad’s chaotic genius, keeps Morgan’s world domination plans in check, and even makes sure that Emma and Cameron know they can always turn to her. 

And let’s not forget: she keeps up with my nonsense too. The mess that is Serena Stark's life, including the endless stream of random experiments, awkward family dinners, and “hey, can I borrow the jet?” moments. Pepper doesn’t just handle it, she thrives in it. She's the only one who can step in and get Tony to actually focus for more than five minutes. Seriously, how does she do it? It’s like she’s a sorceress of organizational magic—no one else can keep track of all my dad's tech, my endless banter, and somehow still make time for world domination schemes (Morgan, I'm looking at you).

Pepper, I know I’ve given you my fair share of headaches, and I’ve definitely been the chaotic Stark more times than I can count. But through all of it, you’ve been there. Even when I pushed your buttons (and trust me, I pushed a lot of them), you never gave up on me. You never once made me feel like I wasn’t worth the fight. You just loved me. Always. And you showed me what love really is—unconditional, messy, and always ready to pick up the pieces when things break.

Pepper is the reason why:

The house doesn’t look like a tech junkyard (even though Tony would love to turn it into one).

She knows where every single important thing is, even when we forget.

She's always there when we need her, no matter how big (or ridiculous) the problem is.

She keeps us from blowing things up literally and figuratively. I see you, mom—balancing us out like a boss.

I mean, I’ve seen Tony do some insane things, but let’s not forget who’s been the rock behind the chaos all these years. She juggles Stark Industries, keeping Tony’s brilliance from turning into another disaster, and somehow, always has time for me—and trust me, that’s no small feat. She’s the kind of woman who can walk into a room and instantly turn the madness into something manageable with just a look. And she’s done it all while being the most caring, selfless, and genuinely amazing person I know.

She’s the one who’s been there for me, even when I was being… well, a Stark. Through every tantrum, every impulsive decision (we all know I have a few), and every embarrassing mistake I’ve made, she’s always been my safe place. She’s the person I go to when I need advice, when I need comfort, when I need someone to tell me it’s okay to be a mess sometimes. And let's be real—I'm often a mess. Hey, that’s a Stark trait!

Tony Stark, my dad. Yeah, you knew he was coming in here somewhere. We’ve had our disagreements, and sure, he’s complicated (to say the least), but I get it now. I get why he does the things he does, why he makes the decisions he makes, and, honestly, I can’t help but admire him for it. He’s made his mistakes, but he’s tried to be a better person. And that’s something I’ve learned from him.

I know, I know, we’ve got our ups and downs (more downs than I’d care to admit), but at the end of the day, I know he’s trying. Sometimes. And let’s be real, without Pepper there to keep him in line, I’m not sure where any of us would be. She’s the one who actually keeps him grounded. Without her, he’d be off somewhere making another suit of armor or, worse, blowing up the house trying to cook pasta.

I’ve spent a lot of time being frustrated with him, but deep down, I know he’s doing his best. He loves us in his own way, even if he doesn’t always know how to show it. I get it now. I really do. He might be impulsive and sometimes a little... too much, but without him, I wouldn’t be who I am. And I’ve learned from him, too, in my own way—how to fight for what you believe in, how to never give up, and how to laugh even when things are falling apart.

But the truth is, Pepper is the one who keeps him human when he forgets how to be. She’s the balance, the one who reminds him what really matters. It’s not about the tech or the suits; it’s about the people you love, the family you’ve built. And that’s something Tony learned from her, even if he doesn’t always admit it.

Morgan – Our little world-dominating genius. You may be small, but girl, you’ve got a heart that’s bigger than this whole universe. I’ve watched you grow up, and honestly, I’m proud to be your sister. You’ve got that fire in you, that same drive that runs through the Stark blood, and I know you’re going to make a difference in the world. Just remember: don’t blow anything up without asking—you’ve got that from Dad.

Emma – The calm, collected one. You’ve got this quiet strength that is honestly incredible. You keep us all grounded when we get too caught up in the whirlwind of Stark madness, and I appreciate that more than you know.

Cameron – You're the one with that spark, the wild one who adds the fun and chaos. Life would be way too predictable without you, and I wouldn't have it any other way. You keep us all on our toes, and honestly, it’s what makes family dinners so interesting (even when you’re hiding under the table with Morgan planning something very interesting)

Peter Parker – Parker… you are a literal ray of sunshine. I honestly don’t know how you put up with my teasing, but you always rise to the occasion. You’ve been like a little brother to me, and watching you grow into the hero I know you are has been one of the greatest gifts. Keep being that amazing, awkward, brilliant, and way-too-nice-to-be-real kid. And when you beat me at anything again, I swear I’m going to cry… but not in front of you.

Harley Keener – My partner-in-crime, Gadget Boi. I have never met anyone who can – things like you do, the potato gun for instance. I honestly can’t wait to see where your talent takes you. You’ve been a part of this family in every way that counts, and I’m proud to have you by my side. Let’s just agree that you’ll never outshine my genius, though, okay?

Willow – You’ve been such a light in my life, more than I can put into words. Whether we’re creating things together or just sharing quiet moments, I can’t thank you enough for being there for me. You’ve been a part of this family in the most genuine, beautiful way, and I feel lucky to have you by my side.

And through all of this, Pepper—you’ve been the heart of it all. You’ve shaped us, loved us, and made us better people. You’re the one who’s made sure that, even when things fall apart, we all know how to pick ourselves back up. You’ve taught me that being a leader doesn’t mean doing it all on your own—it means knowing how to lean on the people you love and trust.

You’ve raised me in ways I never fully understood until I was older. You showed me what it means to be strong—not the kind of strong that comes from power or status, but the kind of strength that comes from kindness, patience, and love. You showed me that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It means you keep going, even when everything around you is crumbling. And you taught me that you can be soft and strong at the same time. That you can hold the world in your hands and still find the space to love fiercely and without hesitation.

I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you. Thank you for being the heart of this family, for showing us what it means to love unconditionally, and for always being there for each and every one of us. Without you, we’d all be lost. She’s the reason Tony can actually keep his life together (and trust me, he tries).

So, to Morgan, Emma, Cameron, Peter, Harley, Willow and of course Pepper, thank you for being my family. Thank you for the laughter, the tears, the chaos, and the love. I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.

To Pepper—you are the unsung superhero in all of this, the reason our family functions at all. I love you more than words could ever express.

And to Tony—thank you for being the kind of dad who may not always get it right, but tries. I may not show it all the time, but I’m proud to be your daughter. 🥂

P.S. I might still steal some of your shoes when I visit. I mean, I have to, right? Fashion legacy and all.

[trademarkblue]

The Handmaid's Tale Rewatch: 2x05

These rewatch posts will all be spoilery, so if you haven't seen the show and want to watch it unspoiled, read no further.

First of all, we have to talk about the "love never fails" Bible reading Nick does in the Waterfords' parlor after his marriage to Eden... while glancing at June (and Serena and Fred) at alllll the right moments.

It's my 500th time watching, and I just zeroed in on the fact that Nick looks at Serena right after he says "it is not proud." My good friend @benofie did an incredible analysis of every line of this Bible reading and Nick's expressions, and it is seriously mindblowing to see all the detail that went into Max's performance here. It's so layered and dense.

Now for all of us tallying Nick's drinking, he does take a tiny sip of the whiskey Fred gives him in this episode. I don't think it means anything, and it literally looks like a courtesy sip, but there's been long running fandom speculation that Nick never drinks because his brother was an alcoholic (1x08 evidence), but I'm not sure about that for several reasons. We also see some liquor bottles in his apartment in 1x06 (bottom right corner of the pic below).

Either way, he's certainly not shown to be drinking excessively, as any time he's in a room holding a glass, it's a small sip he's taking at best. Season 5 may have the most instances of him drinking, and we could all (I'm sure) write a whole essay on why that makes sense...

What's your favorite moment from 2x05?

Okay, so... this is the ep where Nick asks Serena for a mental health doctor for June, and he can't call her "Offred" as he's asking. That's my fave...

...VERY closely followed by him smoking in the rain and finding June bleeding outside.

I really wonder what he was plotting on his walk over to his apartment, like if he was figuring out ways to avoid Eden/the marriage night. I don’t think there’s any way he would have slept with her that night though, but obviously the fact that he knew he was supposed to was making him panic pretty profusely.

Aside from all the Nick moments in this episode, we get a really sobering look at the colonies, set against a beautiful marriage ceremony between the two working women, right before one of them (Kit) dies. Janine and Emily's disagreement over how to handle things in their bleak circumstances is also such great writing to me.

Feel free to reblog and add a screenshot or clip of your favorite moments so we can get a 2x05 chain going!

If you're a podcast listener, here are the links to the spoiler free and spoiler full discussions of 2x05 from Above the Garage:

The June & Nick Cut:

Here's a link to my June & Nick only cut of episode 2x05. I would really appreciate credit if you share these anywhere else. ♥️