#she said she liked my cardigan and in other cultures when someone said that you’d give it to them in a fun way

[jewishrizahawkeye]

yes to all of this! this is what i wanted to say!! like there is a big difference between being so incredibly public and the media prying into that, but you also gotta open up a bit. i work as a receptionist and i don’t talk about my whole life but i do mention tiny story’s and jokes about my life and will share more with people who are reoccurring. it’s like that for almost every job, you have to share part of yourself but not all of it. and joe being so blunt and annoyed in interviews when people try to ask or bring up taylor hurt his career. and yes, taylor is a lot more open than most celebrities out there which he didn’t have to go to her level, but he could at least let people get to know him. see his personality and relationships with the cast, watch him make jokes with them, talk about his relationship or how they manage to still keep to themselves with the world watching them.

like… there is a big difference between being like “i don’t want to fully open up because i think the media and public are way to into watching and critiquing others lives” vs “im never going to open up in public because you don’t need to know anything about me for me to do my job”.

and you also made a great point about interviewers having to ask about taylor cause at a certain point of him not opening up all they���ll know is that he’s dating taylor cause that’s all he ever let the public know about him. like, we don’t need the entire wiki article on his life but if you’re relying solely on your girlfriends song writing to shape your public image cause you don’t want to tell anyone anything about yourself don’t get upset when she writes songs about your relationship ending cause it’s a) her job and b) her art and how she processes stuff because her doing those things can now damage your image cause you weren’t known for anything but her. like harry styles can bounce back from 1989 vaults cause he is open about himself and can look back, jake gyllenhaal can bounce back after atw10 (took a minutes cause people took it way to far) because he was a known actor before taylor, tom hiddleston can bounce back after their two month relationship cause he’s a known actor.

like i’m explaining it wrong but others can come back from having songs written about the flaws of their relationship caused by them or her because they have a life outside of her. but when your entire public image is catered around how much you not caring about this girls stardom and how you helped her at her lowest you gotta understand that if you’d break up that things were going to not look good on you because you didn’t let the public ever know you for anything else.

thing that irks me about joever is that joe is CLEARLY worried cause his entire public image is shaped by the songs she wrote about him. Like he has every right to not want to be super well known and doesn’t have to like the paparazzi, they suck, but him still going out of his way to not talk about himself or let people get to KNOW HIM AS A PERSON is his downfall. as she blew up to an astronomical new height he didn’t because he wasn’t allowing himself to be known. he was just doing random movies to get his big break but never did the press circuit well. he didn’t let anyone get to know and that is why he’s so worried about ttpd because his public image, that she created because he decided to be super posh and annoying about letting people get to know him, is on the line. he wouldn’t be in this mess if he maybe allowed her to not only exist in her world, even if it’s very very big, and let people get to know him. we never actually got to see who he was and we still don’t know. like fuck him, he doesn’t deserve hate and shouldn’t get it, but he walked into this situation knowing full well what would happen and still didn’t stop it.

[gloryofluv]

Traditionally Obscure Chapter 5

Svart! Man, I had plenty of fun with this chappy for sure!

Previous Chapter

There wasn’t much time to adjust to the sudden change once she woke up when landing. Rosa had fallen asleep against Vyn’s shoulder and was out for nearly most of the plane ride. There goes comforting him at all. Once they had their bags, Rosa was overwhelmed at the sheer chaos of a foreign language everywhere.

It wasn’t that she didn’t travel as a child. However, this felt different. A different world entirely. Vyn had coiled his arm around her’s and led her through the weaving airport. When someone shoved her while passing, nearly ripping her away from Vyn, he glared back at the man and pulled Rosa closer.

Outside, the air felt a bit frigid and moist. It was definitely different than Stellis. Rosa was gazing at the massive outpour of stunning jittering of society and its differences. They stopped at the entrance, and a man with a plaque approached, speaking to Vyn in his native tongue.

Vyn responded and gestured to Rosa. “This is our escort to the estate. My uncle’s condition is failing. We will change at the estate,” he explained to her.

Rosa swallowed and rocked her head. “Alright.”

Vyn rocked his head and spoke again to the man in the uniform. He took the bags from Vyn and bowed before leading them out of the airport. Rosa wasn’t expecting the flashing of cameras as they walked toward the extended car. It definitely was royalty by the dramatic flags that hung in the back. Well, she was going to look like crap in those pictures.

Vyn ignored them with a soft smile and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. It was almost as if he was shielding her from the people speaking in their native tongue. Likely they were trying to get information from Vyn. He assisted Rosa in the car and gave them a subtle wave before joining her and shutting the door.

Rosa smiled and nodded. “That’s eventful,” she tried.

Vyn chuckled and shook his head. “You don’t need to make me feel better about subjecting you to this.”

“I’m not trying. I’m being honest. I’m an attorney, Vyn. I can handle some press,” she reminded him.

He cleared his throat and nodded. “That’s true,” he paused when his phone rang. Vyn retrieved it from his pocket and answered it. “Yes, we just landed and are on our way.”

He waited while the other person was talking and stared at her. “She slept on the plane. We’ll see you tonight for dinner, Marius,” Vyn hummed.

“Isn’t he already flying?” Rosa questioned.

“He’s flying in his private jet. He has service,” Vyn answered. “Yes, I will inform you when we’re done with the political business.”

Their conversation finished, and he placed the phone back into his pocket. She tilted her head and observed Vyn’s demeanor. It was strained, but he still maintained his air of calm. Rosa reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tenderly.

“So, if you need me to make myself scarce,” she started.

“No,” Vyn shook his head.

There was an underlined statement. Rosa stared at his expression and collected the resistance for her to part from. It was the first time she experienced this time of fractured emotion on the refined professor. He was such a master of his own emotions that this was an uncontrollable event.

“Then I’ll be at your side the whole time,” she agreed.

He glanced out the window, and she followed his eyes. The world around them was vibrant and colorful in comparison to Stellis. Her city was built with shiny metallic jungle features. Tall skyscrapers and sheen newness. This felt something of a fairytale. Older colored buildings with bold outlining. Massive statues of gods or deities of old.

“That’s Balder, of light and purity,” Vyn declared and pointed to the statue they were passing with a staff in hand.

Rosa leaned closer to him to get a better view of it. “There’s plenty of rich culture out here.”

He gestured to a fountain. “Njord is celebrated through fountains and running water through Svart.”

She smiled at him before examining the children tossing coins in the water. “How different from Stellis.”

“Yes,” Vyn agreed.

“I stick out like a sore thumb out here,” Rosa noted as she examined some of the lighter-haired people they were passing.

Vyn tilted his head and met her gaze. “That isn’t always a disproportionate issue.”

The man from the front rolled down the window between them and spoke to Vyn. He responded with a nod and adjusted his glasses. There was a little back and forth before Vyn breathed and agreed.

“He just informed me that my aunt has requested we have tea with her after we see my uncle,” Vyn declared and grimaced in the slightest. “I wasn’t expecting her to want to engage in conversation today. I’m apologetic. I doubt the last thing you’d like to do is entertain after flying.”

Rosa straightened her form and smirked. “Dr. Richter, you’re doubting my skills again.”

“Never, Rosa,” he smiled.

“If your aunt wants to have tea and you want my escort, then I will join you,” she nodded.

The man spoke again, and Vyn scowled and responded with a gruffer texture to his voice. The driver’s tone sounded almost apologetic, but he relayed information in a fast pattern of speech.

“He says Ragnar and my uncle are at the estate today,” Vyn explained.

“So your uncle, Ragnar’s father, is younger than your father, correct?” Rosa inquired.

He rocked his head. “Yes.”

Rosa breathed and dug through her purse, checking her face in her small mirror. It was one thing to go into a royal estate. It was a whole other thing to run into someone who was volatile before. Vyn’s hand made her jerk as it touched her cheek.

“You can freshen up at the estate. Don’t fret,” he murmured as his fingertips brushed back a few stray hairs.

Rosa set down her mirror and stared over at him. Vyn’s expression held sincere care and a hint of relief. All the words of gratitude wrapped in action instead of words. Somehow, instead of shying from it, she felt more than a heated tug at her gut. Rosa felt… bolstered.

She pressed her hand over his and smiled. “Alright.”

Their little tangled thoughts subsided with their arrival at a large gate. Vyn pulled from her and straightened his posture. Rosa replicated him and knitted her fingers as she glanced out the window. Holy crow. Her lips fell apart as she viewed the expanse of the entrance.

There was an intricate garden of trees and flowers that brought a whimsical feeling to Svart’s charm. The car traveled on the driveway toward the entrance to a massive manor with a bright white and gold glow over the vibrate flowers surrounding it.

Vyn said something to the driver and dug in his pocket. He held out his hand toward the opening when the car was parked. The man took the golden trinket with a nod before getting out. Vyn climbed from the vehicle and offered his hand to Rosa. She slid over and out of the car with his assistance. It was only then that she realized her legs felt like jelly.

The potency of sea air mixed with the light floral escape that was created around the property. It danced together with elegance and uniformity. Rosa straightened her cardigan and swallowed. She was completely out of her element, that was certain. However, she wasn’t here for herself.

Vyn offered his arm, and she rocked her head while falling in step with him toward the manor’s entrance. What a shocking sensation. Rosa almost couldn’t believe all of the information she’s collected in the last twenty-four hours. Vyn was royalty adjacent. That was insane.

He didn’t speak as they entered when a worker opened the door. He led her inside, and she stifled her gasp. The description of royal castles could use an update by the country of Svart. As traditional as everything appeared on the outside, that wasn’t the case inside this manor.

Beautiful traditional marble floors that paid homage to the world of old danced with the world of new by the brilliant modern art on the walls. Busts of royalty stood on tables, but alongside beautiful baubles that shouted freshness to tradition.

“Vilhelm,” a soft voice announced.

You both turned toward the staircase to see a woman descending. She was older, but age definitely didn’t seem to catch up to her. Her bright blue eyes were surrounded by soft blond hair, and her deep violet dress surrounded with golden accessories screamed royalty.

Vyn released Rosa’s arm and bowed before extending his hand. “Your majesty,” he declared before kissing her hand.

She beamed and glanced at Rosa before speaking in her native tongue. Vyn gestured to Rosa, saying her name before concluding his explanation. The woman shifted and laughed. “Vilhelm said you came to support us. That’s amazingly kind of you, Rosa. My name is Ester. I’m the Queen of Svart.”

Rosa attempted a curtsey she’d seen in films but soon simpered and scrunched her shoulders. “It’s truly an honor, your majesty,” she said.

Ester laughed and said something to Vyn with a wag of her finger. Vyn’s cheeks were dusted with slight color before responding. The queen turned back to the woman and smiled. “I have something to help you freshen up. Edmar is in decent spirits despite the looming storm. He’s been wanting to meet you for some time, Rosa.”

Vyn cleared his throat and said something else in his native tongue. Ester giggled and reached over, touching his cheek fondly before waving them along. “Vilhelm, you remember where your quarters were? I would like to speak to your companion. She is a lady, and I would like to assist with her comfort.”

Vyn turned to Rosa and smiled. “My aunt wants to introduce you to my two cousins. They are very warm and kind, which I know you’ll have little issue with. Are you comfortable with such an affair?”

Rosa’s cheeks warmed, and she rocked her head. “Of course, Dr. Richter. I’m sure you need a little bit of time to breathe after our long flight.”

“We’ll converge to see my uncle shortly,” he clarified.

Ester scowled and said something in her native tongue. Vyn shook his head and tutted with a reply. “My aunt is expressing your formality as unnecessary,” he smiled.

Rosa laughed and shook her head. “Your majesty, he has earned that title in Stellis, so of course I’m going to use it.”

Ester giggled and rocked her head. “Vilhelm, we shall see you later. I want to help your companion dress for meeting Edmar.”

Rosa stepped toward the queen, and Vyn waved with a nod. The dismissal was tense only in a sense that they’ve only been here a few hours, and she was already being skirted off to meet more of his family members without him? Well, she was prepared for the unexpected.

Ester gazed at Rosa as they climbed the staircase. “You’re an,” she paused and scowled.

“Attorney,” Rosa agreed.

“That’s the word. Languages have different meanings,” Ester laughed.

Rosa beamed and rocked her head. “Vyn was teaching me some of your language on the plane, but it’s difficult to be able to gather enough lessons in hours to hold conversations.”

“He writes that you both work together routinely,” Ester voiced.

Does he write to his aunt and uncle? That was the first she had ever heard of it. There’s definitely a sweet affection between them. It was clear with how she addressed him. However, there was so much of the story missing.

Rosa rocked her head as they paced through a large corridor. “Yes, we do outside of the work with my firm.”

Ester made a sound and said something in her native language. “It means ‘fate plays cards for souls,’” she explained.

“Your kingdom is magical,” Rosa declared.

She smiled and patted Rosa’s shoulder. “We are ways from the gem of Stellis, but we hold charm against the sea.”

“Forgive me for being curious,” Rosa started as they paused at a large set of doors. “You seem rather close to Vyn.”

Ester rocked her head and exhaled. “Vilhelm and Edmar are. We were not fortunate to have a son, and they share similar ideals. It’s very kind of you to come with him. It takes a person of great strength to hold up brilliance when it threatens to dim.”

“I had to nearly break his fingers to allow it,” Rosa laughed and shook her head. “But he would do the same for me. I couldn’t allow him to do this alone.”

“And that, Rosa, is why you and my daughters are meeting today,” Ester smiled and rapped on the door.

There were plenty of things to unbox by their conversation. However, Rosa had little chance. Ester brought her into a room with two young women that mimicked her appearance. The heavy conversation changed to lighter as she was brought inside, offered tea and dresses soon brought in by female workers. This wasn’t just an upper-class type of behavior. This was truly the royal treatment.

[lupins-sweater]

Tea and Chocolate

(Remus Lupin x American Reader)

Summary: You spend quarantine with the Weasleys and develop a crush on Remus Lupin

Part one of ???

The lovely writer @poppin-potter helped and encouraged me to keep working on this, so please check their blog out!

Molly was kind enough to let you stay when the school shut down. She also invited Harry and a professor Remus Lupin.

You occupied the first room up the stairs. The first few days you worked on making it feel like home. A gorgeous flowery pink wallpaper replaced the plain white. A wood burning stove, a large bookshelf overflowing with muggle fiction and old textbooks, and a wooden desk covered in paper and pens stood against the wall on the right. A cupboard filled with teas, coffees, chocolates, and spices sat above the stove. Straight ahead there was a bay window with handles that opened up to the back yard; the intricate diamond patterns would cast shadows on the floor. On most evenings you would sit on the window seat and pull down the handle to feel the night air, the lacy curtains blowing gently in the wind. You would also make the seat home for your plants: Evelyn, Anthony, Sofia, and Joey. On the wall to the left had your bed, a comfy pink wingbacked chair, and a wooden vanity. The door to the bathroom right next to the vanity.

You graduated early from Ilvermorny and had enrolled in the student teacher program at Hogwarts. As soon as you got comfortable at the castle, a student tested positive. So you were forced to complete your work in lockdown. You knew everyone there except Lupin; he introduced himself during your brief stay at the school. You didn’t know much about him other than he taught defense against the dark arts, he was quite tall, and he was smart. You knew Mr. and Mrs. Weasley from the many letters you would have to send, explaining what Fred and George has done that week. They offered you a place in their home when word got out students were going to be sent home for the remainder of the year.

The burrow was a home away from home. Molly cooked the most delicious meals and could make any situation better. Her saying, “kindness goes a long way,” inspired you to be more patient and understanding to your future students. Let’s just say she was a second mother. Arthur loved discussing American culture and would teach you how to fix things around the house. Playing games with the kids became your favorite past time. You wished you would have a family like this in the future.

——

It’s been a month since you’ve moved in. Even though you’re surrounded by several people, you were lonely. You yearned for a connection with someone, a deep conversation, something. You also desperately wanted to sleep, but your eyelids never got heavy.

It was past midnight. Your door was ajar; warm light spilled onto the landing. Remus was on his way to get a glass of water but saw you were up. He knocked on the door before poking his head through.

“Hello, Y/N,” Remus greeted you with a wave.

“Hey. Having trouble sleeping,too?” You chuckled.

“Unfortunately.” The dark circles under his eyes told he’s barely slept in days.

“I’m going to make some tea if you want to join,” you motioned toward the stove.

Remus shrugged. “Sure!”

You got up from your spot near the window and lit the stove. As you put on the water, Remus sat in the chair. “How are you doing on the assignments?” Remus asked, looking at your cluttered desk.

“Oh alright. How long have you been teaching? You look pretty young.” you inquired, crossing your arms and biting your lip. You were never good at small talk; it made you nervous.

He chuckled. “This was my first year teaching, but I graduated years ago. I’m basically an old man!”

You smiled at his joke. “There’s no way you’re much older than I am! Though you kind of dress like an old man,” you teased.

Remus scoffed and rolled his eyes. “May I ask what you’re planning to teach?”

The kettle whistled, and you began to prepare the tea. “Botany, or herbology as you call it,” you answered.

“Ah. Professor Sprout is retiring this year; she was an outstanding teacher. You’d be a good fit.”

You turned around with two tea cups in your hand. A confused look on your face as you handed him a cup. How does he know I would be good at teaching? I’ve only known him for about a month.

“I don’t know about that. Unfortunately I don’t have much experience,” you deflected the compliment, embarrassed. “Sugar or milk?” you offered.

“No thank you,” he said with a kind smile.

You reached into the cupboard for some dark chocolate and broke off a piece of the bitter candy.

“I see you have good taste,” the professor said, nodding at the sweet in your hands. “What kind is it?”

You laughed. “Thank you. It’s German dark chocolate,” you responded. A cold breeze blew into the room.

“Here. Have some if you like,” you place the bar of chocolate on the armrest and hurry to close the window.

“Are you sure?”

“Please help yourself!” You grinned at his excitement to try it. Still cold, you put on a wool sweater Molly gifted you. “Is it freezing all the time at Hogwarts? I could never seem to warm up,” you ask.

“It’s a bit chilly. That’s why I wear my cardigans that apparently make me look like an old man.” His caramel eyes met yours and challenged you to say something about his outfit.

You couldn’t stop yourself from from blushing under his gaze. Oh no. I’m catching feelings for this cardiganed man. I mean...he is cute.

This terrified you for a number of reasons: 1. When you have a crush on someone, it’s very obvious. You can’t control your blush and coy smiles. 2. Professor Lupin is your coworker 3. You never dated at Ilvermorny, so you had zero experience in relationships. And 4. You were to live in the same house until ????

The night grew later as the two of you discussed Hogwarts, and you’re blush returned every time he looked in your general direction. You hoped he either pretended not to notice, or he actually didn’t realise. You couldn’t tell, but hey! He didn’t bring it up.

——

Your late night chocolate and tea meetings were now an every other day occurrence. The topics ranged from a simple “how are you feeling today?” to “what is the goal in life?”. You loved every minute of it; however, you felt the urge to kiss his curvy lips, to touch his brown hair. Merlin. You didn’t know how long you could last until you did something you’d regret.

You were afraid you had done something wrong when Remus stopped dropping by and the tea had grown cold. You didn’t want to confront him, but you viewed him as a close friend. Maybe he noticed how you felt about him? Or maybe he didn’t like hanging out with you as much as you thought?

Once again you were alone.

[amiafairyprincessyet]

Alright...  Don’t say I didn’t warn you...

Here it is: the exhaustively detailed breakdown of my 1920s costume/outfit for the interactive theatre event I went to!  I’m posting this 60% because I can’t shut up about historical fashion, 30% because it’ll be fun to re-read years down the line, and 10% because hey maybe you’ll find it interesting.

Let’s start with how I built the outfit and started to form the character for it!

The two most important pieces for this outfit were the dress and the hat, and I can’t quite remember now which one I bought first.  It looks like both purchases hit my bank account on the same day, so that doesn’t clear things up.  I think maybe it was the hat?

Alright, so let’s start with the hat.  Now, see, I love the 1920s but they really don’t love me back.  The main problem I have is with the popular silhouettes of the clothes, but I also have a serious issue with the hats--I’m allergic to wool.  Cloches are the stereotypical 1920s hat and almost ALL of them are made of wool.  I can’t do it!  But, sometimes, you can find ones made of straw.  I’ve been meaning to buy a cloche for ages (tbh it’s ironic I didn’t do it until I had long hair) so I’d been planning to buy a straw one.  Now that I had an occasion, I was ready to make that leap!  I searched for straw cloches on Etsy, found tons of cool ones, and then drastically reduced my options when I started paying attention to sizing.  (My head is both literally and figuratively big and I have A Lot of hair.)  I finally settled on this one from itbecomesyou.

I actually wasn’t planning on buying a dress specifically for the occasion--I have one or two things that I could fudge a little and it’d look okay.  (Certainly better than, like, a cheap Halloween costume, which is what some people were wearing.)  But I was right by the thrift store anyway, so I popped in and looked around.  The green dress was almost the first thing I spotted, and I got my hopes up right away.  I could tell that it would fit loosely and have a low waist on me, even if that’s not how it was intended to fit--it’s actually from eShakti so it was custom made to someone’s measurements!  That person also clearly donated more than one dress, because there was another dress there in the exact same style made of chambray--I’m wearing it as I write the first part of this post, actually.  For some reason, I think the chambray one is a little smaller, but that’s not relevant.

The dress definitely isn’t perfect--I think it’s kind of obvious that the waist is elastic, and it’s still way too defined.  The skirt is also a bit short.  (Skirts in the ‘20s weren’t as short as popular culture would have us believe!!!)  I figured it was supposed to be the late ‘20s (specifically ‘27) and the skirts got to the shortest point around then, so the length was forgivable.  But the waist?  Iffy.  Like... with the full skirt it’s ALMOST got a bit of a robe de style silhouette going on but it’s not really all the way there, either.  It’s a very confused dress.  (Or it’s really just meant to be a more fitted style for someone a size up from me.  Whatever, I like loose clothes and I’ve already worn it a bunch of times!)

When I was initially planning, I was originally going to put my hair in a low updo rather than a faux bob.  That would actually be period-accurate--a lot of women who didn’t want to cut their hair did it!  They’d often do a lot of work to keep their length while faking or imitating the look and shape of a bob.  So I figured that with my long hair and my not-quite-boxy-enough dress I would just be unfashionable and poor, newly arrived to the city.  Especially because this is clearly more of a day dress than an evening gown.  My hypothetical character wouldn’t have the means to buy a dress just for going out in the evenings, and she’d maybe come straight from work (as a secretary, since that’s my actual job and I wanted to keep it simple) without changing.

As for the rest of my clothes...  Well, between the hat and the dress I could see I was going in an earth-toned direction, so this was the only cardigan I had that would work.  I have NO IDEA if it’s period-accurate or not.  The scarf wasn’t really planned, but I thought I needed something with a bit of pizzazz, or else even my dowdy and plain “poor, rural secretary” outfit would be too boring.  My compression stockings are obviously a) medical gear that I kinda just have to work around, and b) not at all accurate.  Pretty sure in the ‘20s they still wore thigh-highs (sort of) that you had to hold up with straps.  My shoes are okay, they’re character shoes from a musical I was in, so they’ve got a much thicker heel than most modern heels do.  The shape of the heel isn’t quite right but like... I don’t think anyone’s looking THAT closely.  (Okay, maybe I am.)

As for hair and makeup, well, my makeup isn’t as dramatic as you might think it should be for the ‘20s.  Like I said in the makeup post, I shared that misconception too, up until pretty recently.  Most of the standard misconceptions of 1920s fashion I already knew about, because I am. a nerd.  But I thought that the makeup was pretty heavy!  I re-watched Karolina Żebrowska’s video on the ‘20s and actually paid attention when she talked about the makeup this time.  I was kinda relieved when she said that the makeup was much lighter than you’d think, because this outfit would look pretty weird with heavy makeup, since it’s a casual/unfashionable day look.  I didn’t do any particular research other than glancing quickly at the examples of “normal” makeup that she showed because I was being lazy.  Also, don’t come for my eyebrows.  I like them and I refuse to do anything to make them look super-thin.

On to the hair, which is probably the most complicated and most important part!  Like I said, I was originally planning to just do a low updo instead of a faux bob.  However, when I got the hat and tried it on, I realized that a low updo wouldn’t work with where the hat sat on my head/how it fit me.  A faux bob would also mess with the fit, but my hope was that it would be a bit better.  I didn’t practice at all before the day of the event, I just kinda decided that It Would Definitely Work.  So here’s how I did it:

Pincurl hair the night before

Wear hair down in pincurls the next morning

Humidity deflates curls within an hour, wear hair in improvised updo for rest of day

Try to redo pincurls in the afternoon

Oh shit it’s humid they’re still wet

I don’t own a hair dryer

OH WELL

Take top section of hair, sticking fingers in and parting so that you’re separating out the section in front of the ears

Go up to top of head in inverted V shape, so that a lot of the hair at the back of your head is not in the chunk you’re holding (how much depends on how thick your hair is)

Clip that chunk up; look ridiculous

Braid the hair that’s down--my hair is super thick so it made five braids

You want a LOT of your hair to be in these braids

Pin braids flat to the back of your head--similar to what you do to fit hair under a wig cap

Let down clipped up hair

Sigh over the fact that it’s barely wavy at this point

Make sure side part looks clean

Take back-most chunk of loose hair and grab a decent section, maybe an inch wide?

Grasp one small subsection of the hair in that section

Tease all the hair of the section--you don’t need to go overboard

The one piece you held onto should still be longer and straighter than the rest

Curl that bit around your finger a bit and then pin it up under the braids right at the back

Repeat for all but the two front-most sections of hair on either side of your part

Don’t tease these, just try to make the waves look nice with some subtle pinning and then pin the bottoms up

Oh shit you don’t own hairspray better hope this stays

Shove hat on top, DO NOT take it off for the rest of the night

I had a hilarious conversation about my hair with one of the actors, who was in character as a ~mystical flapper~.  It went something like this:

me: Yes, I know it’s all the fashion these days to bob your hair, but I just couldn’t bear to cut it!  Really my hair is this [gestures to top of chest] long, but I’ve got it pinned up.

actor, in character as someone in an era where “toxic orange” is not really a feasible hair color: That’s your real hair!?

me, with no hesitation: I’m Irish.

actor:

me:

me:

me: That’s... orange.  It’s orange.  That’s why.

actor: :O

I then rolled with my ~brilliant improv~ and introduced myself as Bridget Kelley for the rest of the night.  To be fair, I am almost certainly related to someone with that exact name.

The other bit of characterization I came up with (which I never really got to do much with) is that Bridget was a serial killer?  I have no idea why I decided this, but I actually chose it a couple days ahead of time.  I think I just had Chicago on the brain, since it’s set in the ‘20s.  I also made her socially awkward but kind of the opposite from me where she was intense/focused/non-fidgety/interested one-on-one and shy as hell in crowds.  I’m generally a fan of crowds as long as no one tries to socialize with me, because I can just hang out anonymously.  I like being one-on-one or in small groups with people I like, but with random strangers I absolutely hate it.

And that’s basically it!  I had a lot of fun at the event and I was really lucky and caught a ride home with an acquaintance I didn’t even know was going to be there.  We got “raided by the police” at one point, and I also spent a decent chunk of time in the corner sewing.  Good times!

[iliketowrite1996]

Tying Shoelaces and New Faces

THEMES AND WARNINNGS- SINGLE PARENTHOOD, INSECURITIES, DIVORCE, AWKWARD SITATIONS, EMOTIONAL DEPARTURE

   Despite what anyone may think, Nakia adores her daughter.Autumn Elizabeth Udaku is her whole heart, her pride and joy. Things didn’t work out with T’Challa, no. But they have Autumn, and she is obviously a part of what made their union worth a shot.

   Nakia travels for a living, learning about different cultures and holidays and traditions, and writing about it. It satisfies her wanderlust. She’s getting paid to do what she loves the most. She found her calling out in the world, away from the quiet, apartment life that she had for several years, before she and T’Challa were married and for awhile after they were.

   In fact, she and T’Challa did not file for divorce until after Autumn’s second birthday. So she’s only been doing this job for a couple of years. However, she’s grateful for it. She knew that when her boss posted the position, she had to jump on it.

   But in life, you have to give and take.    

She took her dream job…

   But she’s given up seeing Autumn grow up as much as T'Challa has.

   That’s where the criticism comes in. People doubt her commitment to her daughter, but she loves her just the same.

   When Nakia is home with Autumn, she’s very much present. Yesterday after school, she took her baby girl t the park to enjoy the unusually warm October day. Right now, she’s picking her up, so that they can take the taxi that is waiting for them outside back to the hotel for their sleepover.

   ‘’Hi, mommy!,’’ Autumn beams at her mother, the four-year-old strolling ut of the class while holding Damien Stark’s hand.

   ‘’Hello, baby,’’ she gets down at her precious daughter, ‘’And who is this?’’

   ‘’This is Damien Stark. He’s my boyfriend,’’ Autumn shows her mother were the two four-year-olds are holding hands.

   ‘’Oh, is he now? Well, Damien, it’s nice to meet you,’’ Nakia sticks out her hand as she crouches to their level.

   Damien shakes her hand with a grin, revealing where he’s already lost his first tooth, ‘’Hi, Autumn’s mommy!’’

   Nakia giggles at that, and that’s when you notice her, as you bring the last two students from the class.

   ‘’Hello!,’’ you grab the other two preschoolers’, Damaria and Zayden, hand with one of yours, stikcingout your other hand for Nakia to shake,’’I’m Autumn’s school teacher. You must be ehr mother.’’

   ‘’I am,’’ she nods, ‘’It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about you.’’    

   That makes you feel warm inside, and you grind down at the little girl, ‘’Well, she’s one of my sweetest students. She is always ready to help.’’

   ‘’I’m so happy to hear that,’’ Nakia confesses, ‘’I try to instill kindness into her,.’’

   You talk a bit longer, about how she is making progress. She needs to work on letter sounds and numbers but other than that, she’s exceeding the expectations. She picks thing sup the second or third time, and you’re sure that worth more work, she could be reading small sentences at the beginning of kindergarten next year.

   Nakia notices how your eyes light up when you tell how quickly Autumn picked up the colors.

   When you lean down to tie the young girls’ shoes, Nakia takes in everything that you just said.

   Where Nkaia s more worried about Autumn being kind, T’Challa would rather her be smart. They want her to be both, but they each place different emphasis on it, It seems though, that Autumn is a blend of each, balancing them out as she reveals her own personality.

   In many ways, Nakia has noticed, Autumn is her. She has the same thirst for exploring and helping others as her mother as. T’Challa sent her a picture a few months ago of Autumn, clad in her raincoat and boots and raincoat and holding a work on a stick, grinning at the camera.

He’d captioned the photo: ‘’She’s just like you. Saw a worm on the sidewalk and picked him up so that no one would step on him’’.

   Autumn is also very much like her dad, though. He sits back and analyzes new situations before diving into them. She wear her heart on her sleeve. She is social and likes to meet new people.

   Nakia knows that her shade-throwing an bluntness comes from Erik, but that's a conversation for another day.

   The point is, she sees the goodness in Autumn even if she’s not always around ehr.

   She’s glad that someone else, besides T’Challa, sees it too.

   ‘’Well, it was so nice meeting you. I've gotta to get these two out to their buses. Bye, Autumn, I’ll see you on Monday.’’

`    You head out then, just as Tony picks up Damiane. When you return into the classroom, the kids are all gone and your bag is packed, so you wipe the desks, close the windows, turn off the lights, and proceed to leave.

   ‘’Hey, need a ride?’’

   ‘’Erik, don’t do that!’’

   Erik is leaning against the stonewall of the building, laughing to himself as more teachers from the younger grades spill out, sending glances over to him.

   ‘’Sorry, ma. You look fine,’’ he eyes you up and down, taking in your dark jeans, black t-shirt, yellow cardigan, and ballet flats.

   ‘’I feel fine,’’ you just, ‘’How Long have you been out here?’’

   ‘’I legit forgot that Autumn was picked up by Nakia today. I’ve only been here about five minutes. I figured I could see you, though,’’ he shrugs,stuffing his hands in his coat pockets.

   ‘’Well, I appreciate that,’’you smiled sweetly, pulling on your own peacoat, ‘’Your baby cousin gave me your compliment today.’’

   ‘’Word?,’’ he raises an eyebrow, ‘’What she say?’’

   ‘’That you told her I had to fly to the movies yesterday?’’    

   ‘’I told Little Bit that you looked fly at the movies yesterday. Man, my baby girl needs to learn how to deliver a message.’’

   You laugh that, knowing that he’s only kidding. He loves Autumn so much. In fact, he spent a lot of last night asking you about his little cousin’s progress in school.

   ‘’She’s so smart,’’ he sighed, smiling just he talked about one of his favorite [people in the world.

   Their bond is enviable and obvious. Just like T’Challa, Erik spoils that little girl. He does so within reason, though. She’s not mean or ‘’bratty’’. He is a sweet girl and respectful. You can tell she’s well taken care of by her dad.

   Speaking of her dad…

   ‘’Are you going to come to the planetarium with us,’’ you question, watching Erik swirl his straw around his cup.

   ‘’Nah. I can handle Autumn and, like, two of her little friends. I’m not someone who likes working with kids;; he admits.

   ‘’Understood. It’s not for everyone,’’ you nod.

   ‘’But it is for you. You should hear the way she talks about you. I think she likes you more than Mrs. Jackson.’’

   ‘’That says a lot,’’ you laugh, ‘’Because she obviously adored Ms. Jackson.’’

   The night go on like that. You two talk about Autumn before beginning to discuss movies, music, and anime.

   So no you don’t plan on seeing eachother again. But he’s nice to hang out, and you do believe that you've made a new friend.

   Which is why he escorts you to small diner a couple of blocks away.

   Little do you know that it is the same one that T’Challa and Autumn have dinner at every single night.

   Tonight, Work just so happens to be eating a very tired T’Challa, who doesn’t feel like cooking, there.

   ‘’Mr. Udaku!,’’ you raise an eyebrow, ‘’I didn't expect to see you here.’’

   ‘’I did not expect to see you here either,’’ T’Challa speaks then, looking between you and his cousin, waiting for an explanation.

   ‘’Oh, we just walked here to get a late lunch,’’ Erik shrugs, ‘’It’s like for thirty. You know I’m eating again.’’

   T’Challa shakes his head fondly at N’Jadaka, sitting next to you because he knows his cousin absolutely will not move over because N’Jadaka has been and always will be a little turd.

   So he slides in next to you and tries not to smell the perfume that you’re wearing or admire how you look so incredibly nice, even dressed so casually.

   Okay, so he has a crush. No one knows.

   Except N’Jadaka. But he isn’t going to say anything.    

   You order a sandwich and a milkshake, T’Challa gets a grilled cheese and soda, and Erik gets the pancakes, orange juice, and eggs.

   You all three agree to split a big plate of fries for the table.

   And after spending all day cleaning noses and tying shoes, it’s nice t inside and relax with your friend and your crush.

Not that you'd ever say that out loud.

You’re halfway done with it your sandwich when Erik declares that he has just gotten an emergency text from work.

‘’Ya’ll cool?,’’ he stands, placing some money on the table.

‘’Um, yeah,’’ you shrug, because, hello, he can’t blow off work.

‘’Do not worry, N’Jadaka. I’ll get her to her place safely,’’ T’Challa reassures his cousin, because he's ever the gentleman.

No, those are not butterflies in your stomach.

Shut up.

So Erik gives you his ‘’Bye’’ before leaving and that leaves you and T’Challa with a plate of fries, half of meals eaten.

And silence so awkward that it’s loud.

‘’So, um,’’ he clears his throat, ‘’I’m really excited about the field trip. I'll be nice to see what my baby girl learns about.’’

‘’Autumn is like a little sponge. We read a book about the stars today. She ate it right up,’’ you tell him.

‘’That’s my girl,’’ T’Challa states proudly, ‘’How long have you been a teacher?’’

From there, you two talk about your teaching and him being a businessman for a really great company. You talk about colleges and goals and this and that. You move onto movie theories, and to music and to favorite foods.

   Before you know it, the elderly waitress that is always waiting on Autumn and T’Challa alerts you that the diner is getting ready to close and you wouldn't mind letting her clear the table, would you?

   ‘’I can’t believe we’ve been there for five hours,’’ you look at your watch

   ‘’Time flies when you’re with height person,’’ T’Challa reminds you, and you try to ignore the way your heartbeat picks up when he says this.

   Little do you know that he is doing the same thing.

   T’Challa drops you off at your apartment, even going so far as to walk you to your door.

   ‘’This was fun. Um. Maybe we can do this again,’’ you tell him, ‘’If Nakia is okay with it.’’

   ‘’Nakia should be fine with it,’’ he furrows his brow.

   ‘’Okay, cool! Because, like...I do not want to overstep my boundaries, you know? Like, I know you two are together, so-’’

   ‘’Wait, um. No. Nakia and I divorced a good while go,’’ T’Challa informs you, gazing at you with an expression that you can’t quite read.

   ‘’Oh! I’m sorry…’’

   ‘’It’s life,’’ he says sagely, ‘’We are on good terms. At least for Autumn’s sake.’’

   There he goes again, putting his daughter first making this crush expand.

   ‘’You're a good man,’’ you tell him with abysmal, and he returns it.

   ‘’Thank you. So, if Erik won’t mind us hanging out, or we could hang out with him… yeah. Just let me know.’’

‘’Oh,’’you shake your head quickly, ‘’Erik is just a friend.’’

I’ll see you on Monday, yeah?’’

   ‘’See you Monday.’’

   You slip into your apartment, closing and locking the door behind you.

   T’Challa Udaku is an attractive, kind, smart, man.

   You’ve also found out that Nakia is in fact not his girlfriend, and you could maybe have a shot if Autumn wan’t your student. She is, though,nadn you don’t regret it. Some things aren’t meant to be…

   But what is meant to be will always find a way.

   And as you get ready for bed, you rest assured in that fact.

   Autumn’s mommy finishes braiding her hair into a more hairstyle the next morning right before she dress Autumn in her denim set with a blue blouse and escorts her to the aquarium.

   Nakia and T'Challa alway try to pick one activity in which they both take Autumn somewhere together.She picked the Aquarium, seeing as her mom leaves on Monday and this is the only day they’ll be opened.

   Nakia has Autumn's hand, holding tightly as they weave through the large crowd on the sidewalk.

   Autumn is currently kicking up leaves, making her mother smile at her lie the wonderful gift that she is.

   ‘’Autumn, how do you like your new teacher?’’

   ‘’She’s really nice and funny,’’ she tells her, thinking fondly of you, ‘’She plays games to help us learn.’’

   ‘’Oh?’’

   ‘’Mhm! Erik and daddy like her, too.’’

   That intrigues Nakia, so she acquires more information.

   ‘’Like, Erik thinks she’s really pretty. Daddy gets all weird around her,’’ Autumn looks confused, ‘’Like how grandpa T’Chaka got around grandma Ramonda when she wore that pretty red dress.’’

   Ah. The infamous red dress form their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary last year. She remembers the older man stumbling over his word when his wife appeared at the entryway, looking stunning in her gown for the evening.

   He was like a teenager with a crush.

   Crush.

   T’Challa has a crush on Autumn’s teacher, Nakia realizes.

   Interesting.

   She doesn't have much time to ponder it, because Autumn is letting go of her hand and running towards T’Challa, who scoops her up and presses a kiss to his daughter's forehead.

   ‘’Baba!,’’ she giggles as he peppers sweet kisses all over her little face.

   ‘’Baba has missed you!,’’ he chuckles before turning to Nakia, ‘’Hello, Nakia. You are looking well.’’

   ‘’Thank you, so are you,’’ she return the compliment, allowing him to embrace her.

   They pay their fee and enter the building, both couples fawning over how excited Autumn is to learn about the fish and other animals all around her.

   ‘’T’Challa,’’ Nakia questions him, still keeping an eye on Autumn, who is looking at the starfish, ‘’Do you think that we should take her to Wakanda this summer? Just for a couple of weeks. Maybe three. My parents miss her dearly.’’

   ‘’I think that I could manage to take off two or three weeks, but no more than that.’’

   ‘’Well…  was thinking. We could spend time together for two or three weeks, then I could keep Autumn with me for the rest of the summer.’’    

   T’Challa’s head snaps to let him face Nakia, surprised ate suggestion.

   She’s never in one place for more than a week or two. Ever. She does her research, immerses herself in the culture as much as she can, and then travels off to a new destination to write about it.

   So she wants to take his daughter, his four-year-old daughter who is regulations and routine, with her?

   He knows Nakia loves Autumn. She calls her every day and video chats with her on the weekends. She’s always sending clothes and toys and books from different cultures, ready to answer Autumn’s questions as they arise.

   They Knew when she first took this job that her starting a new journey in her career while raising a child would be challenging. That’s why T’Challa has custody of Autumn, and Nakia visits.

   So, no. He’s not sure how he feels about Autumn being away from him so long.

   ‘’Just a suggestion. She’s my daughter, too, T’Challa. Besides, you need some time to yourself. When was the last time you went out with your friends?’’

   ‘’I’ll have you know I want out with Tony last weekend.

   ‘’To get school supplies while the kids had a playdate.’’

   ‘’Sure,you remember that but you can’t remember my favorite color.’’

   ‘’Black.’’

   ‘’Whatever,’’ T’Challa huffs, joining Nakia when she laughs at his childish antics.

   ‘’T’Challa, come on. I got two months off next summer. I will take care of her. I know you know that.’’

   He does know that. She checks in always to make sure her baby girl is just fine, and she always remembers to email her teacher and ask for a copy of her progress reports.

   T’Challa knows she loves that little girl and would do anything for her.

   He just has never been a big fan of change.

   Shuri would say, ‘’Change is inevitable, big brother.’’

   N’Jadaka would say, ‘’Sometimes change can be alright, cousin.’’

   So T’Challa hesitates, but then he sighs and nods as he watches his daughter being fascinated by a turtle, ‘’I think a little summer family vacation to Wakanda is just fine.’’

   ‘’And,’’ Nakia prompts him.

   ‘’And Autumn should stay with you until she school is about to start.’’

   ‘’Perfect!,’’ Nakia clasps her hands together with a bright smile on her face,’’ I can’t wait for this T’Challa. She’s going to love it there.’’

   Change can be hard, but sometimes it can be a  good thing.

   Little does T’Challa know that this is one step to him embracing change for the better.

   Autumn clings tightly to her mother the morning that she departs. It’s five in the morning and the preschooler is holding her mother like she'll stay right there if she can squeeze tightly enough.

   ‘’Mommy,’’ the little girl sobs, and Nakia sheds a few tears as well.

   T’Challa has his back turned giving them a moment of privacy.

   ‘’Shhh, shhh. I know, baby girl. I know. You’ve got to be good for daddy, though, oaky? I’m sorry I have to leave early.. Next time I come, we'll do something extra special. We’ll do whatever you like.’’

   ‘’Paintball?’’

   ‘’No,’’ T’Challa and Nakia both agree, knowing full well that the last time Autumn got paint in her hair and it took forever to et it out of her curls.

   ‘’The museum?’’

   ‘’Sure. Just me and you,’’ Nakia praises, setting Autumn down and pressing a kiss to her forehead, ‘’Ndiyakuthanda, entle umntwana. I love you beautiful daughter.’’

       ‘’I love you, too, mommy,’’ the young girl sniffles, rubbing her eyes.

       Nakia presses one more kiss to Autumn's curls before standing, hugging T’Challa, ‘’Take care. DO something for yourself every once in awhile.’’

   ‘’Same to you,’’ he tells her.

   The two pull apart and Nakia grabs her luggage and ticket,ready to depart.    

   She waves one last time before disappearing into the crowd, and that’s when Autumn starts sobbing all over again.

   T’Challa picks his crying daughter up, taking her to the car and strapping her into her car seat.

   She is noticeably quiet on the way to preschool, and he notices that she’s fallen slope, still holding onto the doll that Nakia gave her yesterday.

   His poor princess.

   He slips her out of her car seat carrying her  in. He’s just woken her up, so she’s groggy. He can tell when he sits her on the floor to take off her coat and she doesn’t even speak.

   ‘’Good morning, Autumn, Mr. Udaku. Autumn, what is wrong,’’ you question as you begin to walk by with the children’s morning snack while the aid works with the children in your classroom.

   ‘’My mommy went back to work,’’ her little lip quivers, signaling that she's about to cry.

   ‘’Oh, I’m sorry, hun,’’ you sigh, dripping to your knees and giving her a hug, ‘’Here, Wanna help me with snacks?’’

   Ae’s more quiet on the days when her mommy goes back to work, so Autumn is just silent, taking your hand and letting you lead her into the classroom after you say goodbye to T’Challa.

   Hem on the other hand, is still amazed at how well you really work with your students, and how much you care.

   You obviously love them.

   And he’s never found someone with a passion their job so attractive until this moment..

   Let’s state something: T'Challa has been on dates since he and Nakia divorced. He even really truly liked some of them and introduced two out of five to his daughter.

   They didn’t take well to his daughter. They didn't like that he two of them are a package deal. So he broke up with them.

   That’s one reason he’s hesitated about asking you out.

   Another reason is that T'Challa is not as confident as he appears. He knows some women pretend to like kids or Autumn,specifically, to get to him. He doesn’t know why. N’Jadaka is the ladies man, the one that always has a crowd of women interested in him.

   He doesn’t want that. No, T'Challa just wants to meet a nice woman that can get along with Autumn.

   So, yeah, he’s a bit insecure when all five women don't want.

   That’s another reason that he won’t ask you out.

   Third and family, he is scared. Flat out, He’s been used to routine and dating someone an often disrupt that routine. He has a four-year-old to think about. He has to factor Autumn into all of his decisions now. That means being critical of just about everyone and everything he lets into his life now.

   You're different, though.

   He kind of wants to give it a chance.

   So it’s when he’s driving away on his way to work, that he makes up his mind.

   This Friday,you're all going to the planetarium.

   When you get back, he’s going to ask you out.

   Because it might be small, but it’s a risk he’s going to take.

   And he just really hopes that this risk is worth taking. 

Planetarium field trip in next chapter!

DISCLAIMER- I OWN NO MARVEL CHARACTERS OR THEIR FICTIONAL WORLDS OR COUNTRIES.

@ashanti-notthesinger​ @destinio1​ @afraiddreamingandloving​ @starsshines-blog​ @airis-paris14​ @syreanne​ @chaneajoyyy​ @90sinspiredgirl​ @shemiahsmelanin @zillmonger @skysynclair19 @bidibidibombaclaat @marvelpotterlove @constantlycravingtheunknown @imaginewhoever @wakanda-inspired