#sophie dance practice moments

[rafecameronssl4t]

(for DCC!reader) Can you do something inspired by that moment in the last chapter of the documentary, where someone inappropriately touches a cheerleader? If the same thing had happened to reader, how would Rafe act? 💌

In the spotlight || nfl player!Rafe Cameron x dcc!reaader

A/n: that ep made me so sad for Sophy :( she deserved so so much better

Warnings: mentions of SA, swearing if theres anything else lmk

Word count: 1,408

MASTERLIST (nfl!rafe x dcc!reader au masterlist)

divider by @h-aewo

“And my phone—” Kelli starts, but Judy interrupts her, her tone urgent and filled with concern. “Somebody’s inappropriately touched Y/N, and she’s in the hallway talking to a policeman.”

Kelli freezes, absorbing the shocking news, her mind racing with a hundred thoughts. “They told me to let you know. She’s right here in the hallway,” Judy continues, her voice steady but insistent.

“Who?” Kelli asks, her heart pounding. “Y/n—” “No, who?” Kelli interrupts, her voice sharper now. “A cameraman inappropriately touched her. She’s identifying him and giving a statement to the police right here in the hallway,” Judy explains, her words rapid but clear.

Kelli immediately gets up from her seat, her legs moving before her mind fully registers the action. “Does Coach know?” she asks as they walk swiftly toward the hallway.

“Yes, he does,” Judy assures her. Kelli exhales deeply, trying to steady her nerves. As they reach the hallway, another woman approaches Kelli. “Y/n just went back out to dance,” she informs, her eyes darting toward the policeman escorting a cameraman. Kelli’s eyes narrow as she immediately assumes it was him.

“She said that while they were walking back out to start the third quarter, he touched her inappropriately. She gave her statement to the police,” the woman continues. Kelli nods, her concern for Y/N’s well-being etched on her face.

“So they’re talking to him. She asked to press charges.” “They’re what?” Kelli asks loudly, straining to hear over the loudness of the stadium. “Y/n asked the police that she wants to press charges,” the woman repeats firmly.

“She does?” “She does, so she’s back out doing her dance for the third quarter,” the woman confirms as Kelli turns to Judy, her expression troubled. “She probably shouldn’t be dancing if she’s really upset.” A policeman approaches them, looking serious. “Are we 100% sure that was him?” he asks. The woman nods. “She pointed to him and said that was him.”

“Then we need to pull her. She doesn’t need to be dancing. I’ll grab her,” Kelli says firmly, She strides out onto the field, her eyes scanning for you among the cheerleaders.

Kelli walks along the sidelines, her eyes scanning the cheerleaders until she spots you dancing. She can immediately tell from your expression that you’re visibly uncomfortable, even though you’re trying to mask it with a practiced smile. Kelli’s heart aches for you, the worry gnawing at her insides.

Kelli has always taken pride in ensuring the girls’ safety on the team, and when things like this happen, she feels as though she has failed you. Her protective instincts kick into high gear as she moves closer, watching you intently.

As the dance finishes, Kelli is quick to walk up to you, wrapping a secure arm around your shoulder. She pulls you slightly away from the other girls, her presence a comforting shield. You lean down to hear what she is saying. “I’m gonna take you inside, sweetheart. The police wanna talk to you,” Kelli’s voice is calm and steady, trying to soothe you. You nod, grateful for her support.

“Are you okay?” Kelli asks as the two of you make it inside the hallways where it is quieter. “Yeah, I’m fine. It was more that I was taken off guard, and I’m still kinda shaking from it,” you reply, a tear sliding down your cheek. Kelli wipes it away gently, her touch reassuring.

“Okay, well, I’ll grab you a jacket—” Kelli’s cut off by the sound of Coach Johnson’s voice. “Y/N!” he calls out as you turn your head to see your dad moving past people to get to you.

“Dad—” your voice is cut off as he engulfs you in a tight hug. And that was when all the tears finally came out. The overwhelming emotions you had been holding back burst forth. It was all such a blur when it happened. You were just doing what you always did, walking into formation when you felt a pair of hands wrap around your waist.

You were very shaken up; you didn’t know how you managed to continue performing without breaking down. “I heard what happened, are you okay?” your dad asks in concern as he strokes your hair, kissing the crown of your head as you let the tears roll down your face.

“Yeah, no, I’m okay, I think. I’m just so shaken up still,” you manage to say, squeezing your dad tighter as he sighs. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there—”“Don’t apologize, you’re here now,” you say, pulling back as he kisses your forehead.

“Here, here’s some water,” Kelli comes up with a water bottle as you gratefully take it from her. “The police are in there waiting for you,” she gently says as you nod, taking a deep breath as your dad tucks stray pieces of hair behind your ears before you walk back into the room.

“Coach!” Both Kelli and your dad turn their heads to see Rafe running down the hallway.

~

“Yo, what the fuck’s going on over there?” Chris taps Rafe on the shoulder, pointing towards you, engaged in a tense conversation with a policeman The grand arena is buzzing with game day excitement, but you look visibly shaken, your usual confident demeanor replaced by an unmistakable distress.

Rafe furrows his eyebrows, confusion and concern etched onto his face as he scans the scene. “I don’t know,” he mutters, distracted by the sound of the whistle signaling the continuation of the game.

But Rafe’s mind is not on the game at all. His eyes constantly dart towards where you stand, the unease growing within him. He watches intently as Kelli approaches you, leading you back inside the stadium corridors.

Rafe’s worry intensifies, his need to know what the fuck is going on becoming unbearable. A few minutes later, he notices Coach Johnson, your dad, rushing off the field with an urgency that confirms Rafe’s worst fears.

Determined to find out what’s happening, Rafe breaks numerous rules by swapping places with his teammate, assuring him he’ll take the blame for the unauthorized switch. Without a second thought, Rafe sprints off the field, heading towards the hallways in search of you.

~

“Rafe, what are you doing here?” your dad asks, his voice tinged with both surprise and concern as he sees Rafe enter the inner corridors of the stadium.

“I swapped with Justin. Where’s Y/n? Is she okay?” Rafe’s voice is laced with anxiety. Coach Johnson, momentarily overlooking the rule-breaking, focuses on the more pressing issue at hand. “She’s talking with the police right now, Rafe.” He sighs deeply as Rafe’s face falls. “What happened?”

“A cameraman touched her inappropriately out there—” “What?” Rafe’s voice rises, anger surging through him at the thought of anyone laying a hand on you. “Are you fucking serious?” He moves to charge past Coach Johnson, but is quickly restrained by both him and Kelli.

“Whoa, whoa, Rafe. Let’s think before we do anything stupid, yeah?” your dad says, his tone calm but firm, attempting to ground Rafe’s escalating fury. Rafe is breathing heavily, his eyes locked on the door to the room where you are.

“Listen, why don’t you wait here until Y/n gets out. I’m sure she’ll appreciate you being out here for her,” Kelli suggests, placing a reassuring hand on Rafe’s shoulder. He looks at her, his anger slowly giving way to concern.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll do that,” Rafe says, swallowing hard as Coach Johnson pats his back in approval. “Good man,” your dad says, his voice filled with gratitude for Rafe’s loyalty and concern. As Rafe waits anxiously, the bustling sounds of the stadium seem to fade away, his entire focus on making sure you’re okay.

As Rafe waits anxiously, the bustling sounds of the stadium seem to fade away, his entire focus on making sure you’re okay. Moments later, the door to the room where you had been giving your statement to the police opens. You step out, your eyes red and teary, your face etched with the strain of holding back emotions.

Rafe doesn’t hesitate. He strides forward and immediately engulfs you in a hug, wrapping his arms tightly around you as if to shield you from any more harm. He couldn’t care less if anyone saw the two of you and took pictures of it. You collapse into his embrace, the tears you’ve been holding back now freely flowing.

[outlanderskin]

Tobias Menzies

I was reading on a card how much would fit in ten years and I saw that in 10 Years

fit 120 Months

521,714 Weeks

3652 Days

87648 Hours

5258880 Minutes

315532800 Seconds.

And even in all this, it doesn't fit what it meant for me to wait for him.

Within these 10 years, there are memories of being persecuted since the beginning when I said that he was my favorite.

All the times, I had to explain the difference between actors and characters for people who hated him because of Frank and BJR.

All the times I've had to say that I really like Sam, but that at the top of my list will always be Tobias, and this isn't a sin.

All the times I said there was no dispute between them.

All the times I was hurt when I saw people from my side of the fandom excluding him from photos or wishing he wouldn't go to some events because it would "take the focus" away from the main actors couple (yes, this stupid thing happened).

I've been in this fandom since the beginning, and anyone who knows me knows that for me, it's always been about him. I'm not someone who started using Tobias to justify hatred or to disguise an unhealthy love for Sam. It was natural from the first day I looked at him. And a thousand times, I've expressed my pride about how private, talented, different, down-to-earth he is.

I've been going to Cons of Outlander since 2015, but he rarely does Cons, I had already met the loves of my fandom friends' lives, but never mine. Until Saturday, April 13, 2024.

When I took the first photo (with him and Sam) and saw him for the first time, everything around me disappeared completely. There he was, finally. I was practically led by my friend, I gathered all the courage to say where I came from, then he blinked, and all my senses and rationality, and 🎶🎶🎶 all that was me, was gone🎶. I don't remember how I left the room, but my friends remember... I needed to be strong, I thought. There would still be three photos with him alone (one of them a gift from much-loved friends), a photo with him and Sophie, and an autograph. I would have to maintain my sanity until then.

For the first time, I understood the fact that Sam Heughan's fans left photo shoots shaking.

During the photo shoot, I spoke quietly, and so did he, and for me, it was like a dance because I said he decided the poses and I followed. I left the session and I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the girl on the team who asked me how I was and I could only say "he's my favorite" and she hugged me.

There was a rush at the autograph, but I gave him a book about theatre from my country, and I believe it was a gift he didn't expect. He thanked me with his hand on his chest, like the gentleman he is and at that moment I wanted to be royalty because I was going to give him all the honors of a noble English knight that I could find in the Buckingham Palace . Do I like British Monarchy? I like Tobias Menzies.

Ah....how I wish I could sit down with him and say he has a fan page that I manage, say that I admire him for being truly discreet in every way. Ask about his process of acting , speak about Stanislavski, Brecht, Ibsen, talk about my experiences in the classroom with The Theater of the Oppressed and say how good is for me to see someone like him acting. But conventions are collective experiences, and there would be no time.

In ten years, a lot can happen... all this time waiting for him. And I would do it all again. Someone like him was worth waiting for.

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle Series

The Game of Kings 

Chapter 10

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement) 

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Marabelle Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing – Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor 

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F! OC Melanie Smithson 

Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios 

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language & innuendo. 

Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors. 

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement 

Words: 2483 

The Game of Kings – Chapter 10 

Chapter Summary – Liam and Sophie practice for the charity polo match. Leo is on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean where he meets a woman. Speaking with his father, Leo abdicates the throne. Liam sends Sophie a Valentine’s Day gift. 

Music Inspiration: Everything Has Changed, Taylor Swift (feat Ed Sheeren) 

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events. 

A/N3: My submission for Choices Flashfics @choicesflashfics, Week #72, prompt 2 - “I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....” 

A/N4: My submission for Choices Holidays Valentine’s Day Prompts 2024 - Be my valentine/I love you @choicesprompts, @choicesholidays

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

The Cordonian Royal Polo Club 

After adjusting the strap on Marabelle's harness, Sophie accepted the polo mallet from an attendant. She was in her element today; any time spent riding her horse was a joy but spending time with Liam, on top of that ...this was a dream come true. 

When Liam invited her to join his polo team, she was over the moon. To be personally invited to join him was extremely flattering. Her heartbeat raced and butterflies danced inside anytime and every time she thought of him. 

‘Remembering that beautiful Sunday afternoon while working on a paper for class on the terrace of the Beaumont estate, Sophie looked up, pleasantly surprised to see Liam and Maxwell come into view.  

“Good afternoon, Sophie.” Liam smiled warmly as he walked up to her table. “Hard at work as always, I see.” 

“Oh, hello, Liam. Maxwell.” Sophie stood, moving her laptop to the side. 

Liam bent down to kiss her cheek and waited for her to sit back down before he took a seat himself at the glass patio table. 

“Yes, just trying to get this paper finished before the deadline.” 

Maxwell, grinning mischievously, “Ah, the diligent scholar. Little blossom, take a break for a moment. Liam has something he would like to ask you.” 

“Oh?” Sophie smiled, curiously looking at Liam. 

Clearing his throat, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor, “well, I know your love and passion for horses. And as you know, there is a fundraising event planned for flooding relief in Portavira on Valentine’s Day. 

Sophie nods sadly, “Yes, I have heard of that tragedy; It is heartbreaking.” 

Taking a breath, Liam continued. “Indeed...I was wondering if you would consider joining my polo team. Your skills would be invaluable, and I can assure you, we would make quite the formidable duo on the field.” 

Clearly taken aback, but flattered, “Oh, Liam, I ... I don’t know what to say.” 

“Say yes, Soph! It’ll be a fantastic experience, and I can personally vouch for Liam’s team being a lot of fun. ‘Ya know, cuz I am on it.” Maxwell chuckled. 

Sophie smiled, touched by their enthusiasm, “well, how can I refuse such a charming invitation? I'd be honored to join your team, Liam.” 

Liam, grinning widely, “wonderful! I knew I could count on you, Sophie. This event is going to be legendary, mark my words. Thank you, love.”’ 

Practicing today for the Portavira Charity Polo match, Sophie, along with Liam, Drake, Melanie and Maxwell were in the field taking turns with knock-ins. 

She looked over to the sideline and spotted Liam watching her intently. He gave her a small wave and she waved back with a smile.  

"Let's go, girl," Sophie urged her horse. 

Marabelle broke into a gallop, Sophie leaning forward and keeping pace. 

Liam watched as Sophie rode toward the goal, her posture perfect, her movements smooth and confident. 

Sophie raised her mallet and struck the ball, sending it sailing through the air. 

"Nice shot," Liam called out. 

“Yes!” Sophie cried out as she turned back down the field to where Liam was standing. 

"You're a natural out there!"

"Thanks," Sophie replied, blushing. Liam offered his hand as she dismounted Marabelle. "I love riding.” 

"So, are you looking forward to the match tomorrow?" 

"I am," Sophie said. "I'm a little nervous, too. It's my first time playing in front of a crowd." 

"You'll be great," Liam assured her. "And we'll be a great team." 

“Will the entire team meet today?” 

“Yes, you will meet Rashad and Tariq this afternoon.” 

“Are we interrupting?” Drake asked hesitantly as he and Melanie walked over. 

"Hey guys ... of course not," Liam answered. 

"How's practice going?" Melanie asked. 

"Great," Liam and Sophie replied in unison, both grinning, sharing coy smiles. 

"Looks like you've got a winning team, Liam." Melanie grinned, noticing Sophie move closer to his side.

"Thanks," Liam replied, a wide grin on his face. 

“I think so, too,” Liam winked at Sophie, who smiled softly in return. 

“We only have 7 players though. Leo flew out of Cordonia last night.” Drake shot Liam a concerned look, making a mental note of asking Liam about his brother’s absence after practice. 

"We're gonna have so much fun," Drake grinned. 

"You're playing, too?" Sophie asked, surprised. 

"Of course. You didn't think Liam would let me miss the opportunity to beat him, did you?" 

"We'll see about that," Liam smirked. 

"Oh, it's on," Drake replied, a competitive glint in his eyes. 

"Don't worry, we'll kick their asses," Melanie said to Sophie. 

"Yes, we will," Sophie agreed, laughing. 

As Drake and Melanie left to finish their rounds, Liam and Sophie continued practicing. Their easy banter and playfulness made it clear to anyone watching that there was a definite attraction between them.

... And the way Liam looked at her when their eyes met, his gaze filled with admiration and affection...it made Sophie's heart race. 

She could only imagine how good it would feel to be in his arms again, his lips on hers. 

The thought made her blush, and she tried to push it aside, focusing on the game. But the feeling remained, simmering beneath the surface as they walked their horses to the stable. 

"You're incredible," Liam murmured as they left the field. 

"Thank you," Sophie replied, grinning. "You weren't so bad yourself." 

"High praise coming from you," he teased. 

"I mean it," Sophie said, her tone serious. Liam reached over and took her hand in his as the stable hands led the horses to their stalls. 

With a gentle smile, “high praise indeed, Sophie. And I assure you, I mean it. Your talent with Marabelle is unmatched.” 

Their hands remained clasped as they walked to the clubhouse. 

Azamara Cruise Ship, off the Italian coast, Mediterranean Sea 

As the luxury ship cruised through the Mediterranean Sea, the sun was setting in a vibrant display of reds and oranges. 

Leo stood on the deck, admiring the view, lost in thought. 

"Beautiful, isn't it?"  

He turned to see a young woman standing beside him, her blond hair blowing in the breeze. 

"It is," he agreed, turning his attention back to the sunset. 

"I'm Katie, by the way." 

"Leo." 

"Nice to meet you," Katie said, offering her hand. 

"Likewise," Leo replied, shaking her hand. 

"So, Leo, what brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Just needed to get away for a bit." 

"Yeah, me too," Katie replied. 

"It's been a tough week," Leo confided. 

"Really, how so?" Katie asked. 

"I had to make a decision that changed the course of my life." 

"That's heavy," Katie replied. "Do you want to talk about it?" 

"Not really," Leo admitted. "I'd rather just try to forget about it for a while." 

"Fair enough," Katie replied. "So, tell me, Leo, what do you do for fun?" 

Leo laughed. "Honestly? Not much." 

"Seriously?" Katie challenged.

"Yeah. I have a pretty serious job, and I'm usually focused on that.” 

"Well, that's no good," Katie replied. "You need to have some fun, too.” 

"What do you do for fun, Katie?" 

"Everything!" she exclaimed. "I love exploring new places, trying new things, meeting new people." 

"Sounds exciting.” Leo chuckled, turning his body towards her. 

"It is," she went on. "And it's made me a lot more open-minded and adventurous.” 

"Adventurous, huh?" Leo asked, intrigued by her temerity. 

"Yeah," Katie said, grinning. 

"Well, I could use a little adventure in my life." 

"Then come with me," she said, holding out her hand. 

Leo hesitated for a moment, then took her hand. 

Katie led him down to the pool area, where several people were lounging and enjoying the warm evening air. 

"Come on," she said, tugging him along. 

"Where are we going?" 

"To the hot tub," she replied. 

Leo followed her to the hot tub and watched as she slipped out of her cover-up, revealing a white bikini underneath. 

She stepped into the hot tub and turned to look at him. 

"Well, are you coming?" Her eyebrow raised.

Leo could not resist her invitation. He quickly removed his clothes down to his boxers and joined her in the hot tub. 

"Ahhh, this is nice," he sighed, sinking into the warm water. 

"Isn't it?" Katie agreed, her body glistening in the soft light. 

"So, what do you do for fun, Leo?" 

"I'm a crown prince," Leo said. "So, my life is pretty much dedicated to duty." 

"That doesn't sound very fun," Katie said, frowning. 

"It's not," Leo admitted, noting her non-chalance of his mention of his title. 

"Well, I'm sure we can find something fun for you to do," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

"I'm sure we can," he agreed, his heart beginning to race. 

"How long are you on the cruise for?" Katie asked. 

"The rest of the week," Leo replied. 

"Perfect," Katie said. "We have plenty of time to get into some trouble." 

"Trouble, huh?" 

"Don't worry," she said, laughing. "I won't get you in too much trouble. 

"I'm counting on it," Leo replied, his gaze locked on hers. 

"You are a flirt, Leo." 

"I can't help it," he said, his voice low. This woman was everything that Madeleine wasn't.

"You're very flirtable." 

Katie laughed. "I'm sure that's not a word, but I'll take the compliment." 

"Good," he said, smiling. 

"So, what's your story, Katie?" 

"My story?" 

"Yeah. What brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Same thing as you," Katie replied. 

"An escape..."

Beaumont Estate, Ramsford, Cordonia 

Sophie woke to the sound of knocking on her door. Groggily, she pulled herself out of bed and stumbled across the room. She opened the door to see Daniel standing there, a huge grin on his face and a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses in his hands. 

"Good morning, Squirrel," he chirped. 

"Morning, Dan. What are you doing here so early?" 

"I wanted to bring these to you before you left for the polo match." 

"Wow, they're beautiful," Sophie said, accepting the bouquet. "Thank you." 

"They're not from me, silly. They're from your prince..." 

"Oh," Sophie blushed. 

"Here's the note," Daniel said, handing her a small envelope. 

"Be my Valentine," Sophie read, her heart racing. 

"Aww, that's so sweet," Daniel smiled. "He's really smitten with you." 

"I guess so," Sophie replied, still a bit stunned. 

"So, are you excited about the game today?" 

"Yeah, I am," Sophie said. "I just hope I don't mess up." 

"You'll be fine," Daniel assured her. "I have complete faith in you." 

"Thanks, Dan," Sophie said, giving him a hug. 

"You're welcome, Squirrel." 

Sophie spent the rest of the morning getting ready for the polo match, her heart fluttering every time she lookrd at her roses. She couldn't believe he had sent her such a romantic gift, and she was eager to see him... to thank him personally.

Cordonian Royal Palace 

The morning of the charity polo match, King Constantine was getting dressed when his attendant informed him of an incoming international call.  

“Sir, your son, Leo, is on line one."

Constantine was surprised and concerned, and at once picked up the phone. 

"Son, what's wrong? Where are you?" 

"Father, I had to get away. I had to think." 

"What's there to think about, Leo? Your duty is clear. Your kingdom needs you." 

"But I don't want this," Leo said, his voice thick with emotion. "I never wanted this." 

"Son, I know it's not easy, but we all have to do things we don't want to. It's part of being royalty." 

"... that's the burden we bear." 

"I can't do it," Leo said. "I won't."

"You must," Constantine said, his tone firm. 

"No, I won't. I would rather give up my title than marry Madeleine."

"I'm sorry, son, but you don't have a choice."

"Then I'll abdicate," Leo said, his voice shaking. 

"Leo, where are you now? Are you somewhere safe?" 

"I'm on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean." 

"You are, what?! You are the Crown Prince. You need to return home right away." 

"I won't," Leo replied somberly.

"Leo, listen to me. Your place is here, in Cordonia. You just can’t walk away."

“I have. Liam will be a better King," Leo insisted. 

"Leo! You ...."

“Father," Leo interrupted.

"When have you ever put me or Liam first?” 

“I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....”, Constantine admonished.

Leo remained quiet, steadfast in his decision.

"Leo, please," Constantine replied, his voice pleading. 

"Goodbye, Father," Leo said, and then he hung up the phone. 

Constantine stood there, stunned. 

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

Thanks for reading

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Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesprompts @choicesholidays

[blairbarely]

(In honor of Gladiator weekend, here's an essay I wrote a little while ago when I couldn't stop crying thinking about AFTERSUN and FUN HOME)

There’s a house, a house of bodies and stories. A house where death hums low and steady in the background. This is Fun Home, a musical that isn’t just a play—it’s a testament, a ledger of grief, self-reckoning, and the ache of becoming. It’s not linear. It’s not clean. It moves like smoke, circling back, consuming itself, burning.

It starts with Alison. Three Alisons, to be exact. There’s the kid, all big eyes and brashness. There’s the college girl, shaking with discovery. And there’s the grown-up, sitting at her desk, trying to stitch it all together—her father Bruce's life, his lies, and her truth.

Elsewhere, on vacation with his daughter, there’s a man, Calum, young but weary. A girl, Sophie, open-eyed and reaching. A summer sky stretched wide like a canvas. This is Aftersun, a film not bound by plot but by feeling. It’s not a story so much as a reflection in water, rippling and shifting, impossible to hold.

Fun Home doesn’t move in straight lines. It remembers in flashes, like how we live. The smell of wood polish. A piano in the parlor. A ring of keys. All these objects, these anchors, pulling Alison back to herself, forward through the haze. It’s a puzzle that will never be whole, and that’s the point.

Aftersun unfolds like an old Polaroid—blurred at the edges, washed in gold and gray. Sophie is grown now, but she reaches back, back to a vacation with her father in some sunlit nowhere. She’s not searching for answers, not exactly. She’s trying to touch what’s already gone.

Memory is like that: a patchwork of glimpses and silences. A camcorder frames Calum’s smile, but behind the lens, Sophie sees something she can’t name yet. Maybe she sees him unraveling. Maybe she sees herself.

At its heart, Fun Home is about trying to love people who are too tangled up in themselves to love you back the way you want. It’s about parents and children, about the gifts they give you and the scars they leave. It’s about the things you carry—the good, the terrible, and the unknowable—and how they shape the art you make.

Calum is kind, funny, alive in the way only the deeply sad can be. He dances in the dark, practices Tai Chi by the pool, buys Sophie birthday gifts he can barely afford. There’s love in everything he does, but there’s something else too—an absence, a shadow. He’s there, but not all the way.

He hides it well. Or maybe he doesn’t. Kids notice the cracks, even when they don’t know what they mean. Sophie watches him like he’s the sun: too bright, too far.

Bruce’s song “Edges of the World" near the end of Fun Home is a raw scream dressed up as a goodbye. He’s crumbling, dissolving. It’s not redemption. It’s a last breath, a leap into silence.

Alison doesn’t find answers. She doesn’t fix what’s broken. But she draws it. She sings it. She turns the chaos into something tangible, something true. And that’s enough.

Charlotte Wells doesn’t tell you the full story of Calum and Sophie. She shows you flashes—a dive into the pool, the flicker of a strobe light, a cigarette burning down to ash. The camera lingers, waits. It doesn’t ask for permission to be quiet, to hold space for what’s unsaid.

And the music—it drifts in like a ghost. “Under Pressure” plays, and you feel the weight of the song, how it wraps around Calum and Sophie like a plea, like a warning. Later, there’s a rave, a place where past and present collide, where Sophie and her father exist in the same moment, just for a heartbeat.

And then it’s done. The stage goes quiet, but the story doesn’t leave. It lingers, like the smell of old books, like the ghost of someone you loved.

Both Aftersun and Fun Home are pieces of art born from memory, from ruin. They don’t shy away from the hard stuff—shame, longing, loss—but they doesn’t let you drown in it either. They remind you that there’s beauty in the wreckage, that even the darkest places can hold light. Neither is just a film or just a musical. Fun Home is a hymn for anyone who’s ever tried to make sense of the mess and called it home. Aftersun is an old home movie, its edges frayed like the ribbon of a well-worn cassette. It won’t give you everything you crave, but it hums softly in the dark, keeping the memory alive, as long as your heart can bear to press play.

[merylstreepsworld]

Ohh lovely! In that case, may I request headcanons on how Donna and (preferably) fem!reader got together? Maybe reader is a guest at the hotel or something like that. With reader having a huge crush on Donna if that's possible. :)

Certainly! Thank you so much for the request! If you have any more requests, feel free to drop them in my request box!

Here are headcanons about how you and Donna got together:

1. You, a guest at Donna's hotel on the picturesque island of Kalokari, first encountered Donna when checking in. Donna's warmth and welcoming smile instantly made an impression on you, leaving you with a fluttering heart.

2. It was practically love at first sight for you. Donna's radiant beauty and magnetic personality had you swooning, and you couldn't help but steal glances at Donna whenever you crossed paths.

3. You found any excuse to ask for Donna's assistance, whether it was with luggage or advice on where to explore on the island. Donna was always willing to help, and you cherished those moments.

4. Donna noticed your frequent visits to the hotel's common areas and bar. She often engaged in friendly conversations with you, learning about your interests and passions.

5. Over time, you and Donna discovered common interests, particularly a love for music. You bonded over your favorite songs and artists, and Donna even serenaded you with her beautiful voice one magical evening.

6. You started volunteering for small tasks around the hotel, like helping with decorations or organizing events, just to be closer to Donna and get to know her better.

7. You couldn't help but daydream about scenarios where Donna might return your feelings, and these daydreams often involved romantic walks on the beach, shared laughter, and heartfelt conversations.

8. Both you and Donna were hesitant to admit your feelings. You shared knowing smiles and lingering touches, but it took a heart-to-heart conversation for you to acknowledge the undeniable attraction between you. You would often blush or stutter in Donna's presence, making it apparent to anyone with a keen eye that they had a crush

9. Donna's friends and coworkers at the hotel would tease her about your infatuation, causing her to chuckle and playfully deny any knowledge of it.

10. Donna, while initially oblivious to your crush, began to sense your growing affection. She found herself looking forward to your interactions and appreciating your presence at the hotel.

11. The island's enchanting moonlit nights became the backdrop for your late-night strolls along the beach. Under the starry sky, you shared your dreams, hopes, and secrets, forging a deep connection.

12. It was during a starlit beach walk that Donna's hand slipped into yours, her fingers entwining with yours as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The connection between you both was undeniable.

13. One special evening, Donna invited you to join her for a private dinner on the terrace overlooking the sea. The intimacy of the setting allowed your feelings for each other to flourish, and a shared kiss under the moonlit sky sealed your attraction.

14. From that moment on, you and Donna became inseparable. You explored the island together, danced under the stars, and enjoyed each other's company in ways that made your bond unbreakable

15. Donna planned surprise romantic date nights for you, including candlelit dinners, stargazing on the beach, and even a private boat ride at sunset.

16. On a quiet afternoon, while watching the waves lap against the shore, Donna confessed her love to you. The words came naturally, as if they had been written in the sands of Kalokari itself. "I love you."

17. As your love deepened, you decided to make Kalokari your permanent home. Donna welcomed you with open arms, and together, you built a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

18. Sophie, Donna's daughter, was your biggest cheerleader. She encouraged your budding relationship and couldn't have been happier for her mom and you.

19. Together, you continued to explore the island, creating countless memories as you navigated the challenges and joys of your newfound relationship.

20. Deep down, you believe that Donna is the one who makes Kalokari the paradise it is, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

[disneynerdpumpkin]

Descendants OC time! (so far anyway lol)

(Keep in mind that their profiles aren't entirely finished; some of them I haven't fully developed yet, but this is them in general)

Penelope (daughter of Pinocchio and Alice) Penelope always smells of wood and paint, and always has fresh sawdust on her apron from carving; she is very artsy and loves sketching and painting, as well as reading books. (Her grandfather Geppetto taught her how to carve when she was younger, and now she loves creating and making things.)

She is much like her father (happy-go-lucky, etc), but she is also mature for her age. She is 14 years old.

She is also a dancer (mainly dances ballet, contemporary, and tap).

Her nickname is Ellie, and her favorite snack is warm cinnamon rolls.

Penelope Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/16pKoxC

Sophie (daughter of Stromboli) Sophie is a dancer and a gymnast, and loves performing. Like her father, she has a bit of a temper when she gets angry (but not as much).

She loves listening to music, and she loves wearing blouses. She is 14 years old.

Sophie Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/7s02Kxm

Chrissy (daughter of the Coachman) Chrissy and her father are almost polar opposites. She owns a small whip that her father has gifted her, she has vowed to herself never to use it to beat animals (she loves animals and would never treat them cruelly); she only uses it to practice whip-cracking tricks. Her eyes sometimes flash green when she's angry.

She is 15 years old.

Chrissy loves animals; she has taken in a baby donkey, which she has named Posy. (the Coachman was going to leave Posy to die, as he didn't need any more donkeys at the moment; Chrissy started to care for her)

(Chrissy w/green eyes) ↑

Chrissy Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/7rClPo2

Evelyn (daughter of The Blue Fairy) Evelyn is half-fairy, half-human. She is a rebel, and very sarcastic. She provides the dark humor in her friend group. Evelyn is very kind and supportive of her friends, despite being sarcastic. Despite magic not being used in Auradon, she uses her magic often; using her wand made from sapphire.

She is 16 years old, and loves black leather clothing (she thinks they make her look tough and cool); she also loves chocolate

Evelyn w/wings ↑

Evelyn Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/1TNx96G

Petunia (daughter of Lampwick -and Tiger Lily-) Requested/inspired by @casinotrio1965 (shared OC)

Petunia is the young daughter of Lampwick and Tiger Lily. She loves playing pool (and even has a custom billiards cue stick that her father bought for her) and is really good at it. She loves comfy clothes, and her favorite drink is warm ginger tea with honey and lemon.

Petunia's favorite color is lavender, and her second favorite color is green. She loves floral scented candles. (I apologize, I could only find a darker lavender in Gacha and not a lighter one lol)

She also does a bit of yoga as a way to relax and to keep in shape.

She is 14 years old.

Petunia Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/26PUsAF

Madelyn Hatter (daughter of the Mad Hatter) Everyone calls her Maddy/Maddie for short. Much like her father, she loves unbirthday celebrations and tea parties, and she's a child at heart. She loves to make her friends smile and help them out on their bad days. Maddy loves peach tea (especially iced teas), and her favorite snacks are jammie dodgers.

Maddy is 15 years old.

In her free time she sometimes likes to practice magic tricks (like card tricks); she's not very good at it though, but she tries anyway.

Maddy w/ her glasses ↑

Maddy Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/5eKcSLR

Sabrina Skellington (daughter of Jack and Sally Skellington) Sabrina loves practicing scaring tactics; her father teaches her scaring tactics and strategies. She's very confident, and often has her hair tied back in some way, shape, or form.

Her favorite candy is candy canes; she also has pyrokinesis (like her father). She loves Christmas, and it's her favorite holiday.

Sabrina is 15 years old.

Sabrina Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/3PZe4mn

Jacqueline Skellington (daughter of Jack and Sally Skellington) Jackie for short. She is introverted; she is a writer and loves to sketch, and loves reading. Like her mother, Jackie is a very talented seamstress and loves to sew. She also loves to make teas and potions.

She is 15 years old.

She loves wearing sweaters, and occasionally listening to relaxing ASMR.

She totally isn't Sandy Claw's favorite among Jack's kids

Jackie Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/5kDdJa5

Sterling Skellington (son of Jack and Sally Skellington) Sterling is 16 years old, and he is on the tourney team at Auradon Prep. He loves modeling men's clothing that Jackie sews (he especially loves the patchwork jacket he received as a Christmas present one year).

Sterling also loves playing some video games, and enjoys attempting to teach Zero new tricks.

Sterling Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/Di0FV4N

Bella (daughter of Oogie Boogie) Bella is crazy about anything neon/glow-in-the-dark; like her father, she loves gambling games and risk. (Her favorite game is dominoes)

She loves jazz music, and is a jazz dancer; she loves listening and dancing to show tunes. She also does some theater.

Oogie Boogie has gifted her a pair of dice.

Bella is 15 years old, and is a humanoid with burlap skin (but not filled with bugs, like her father is). Sometimes her friends call her Boogie Boogie.

Bella Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/MyQTE3p

Princeton Hoffman (son of Captain Phillip Hoffman/The Nutcracker and Clara Stahlbaum) He is a ballet dancer, and is on the tourney team; he is very strong physically, and athletic. Once Princeton becomes close friends with someone, he becomes very protective of them.

His favorite season is winter; he thinks it's very beautiful and no matter how old he gets, he loves to play in it.

Princeton is 15 years old.

Princeton Pinterest aesthetic board: https://pin.it/7hrtU6e

[doodle-do-wop]

I CANT BELIEVE I MISSED HEKSTER INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN DAY

anyway have some gays and the totally legitimate copy of Legacy

@camelspit

fic under cut

Sophie's breath caught with an audible hitch as Stina's warm hand brushed softly beneath her bottom lip. The wind picked up, blowing Stina's beautiful curls around like a dark mass of lovely brown hair.

Stina leaned in, her eyes darting somewhere else before returning to Sophie's eyes as Sophie seemed to move without thought. Her hand starting to reach for Stina's waist and her back as the taller girl pushed a playful lock of Sophie's hair back behind her ear. The sensation made Sophie shiver and her heart begin to pound in a way she hadn't felt in what was practically ages. This was familiar and yet new all at once.

Sophie attention was on Stina Heks and Stina Heks alone as the girl finally spoke.

"So," she shrugged, her eyes glancing slightly downwards before studying Sophie's eyes with such intensity, such care it made Sophie realize how little anyone had ever done so before.

Sophie's eyes had always been unique. A genetic mutation even the Black Swan didn't fully understand made Sophie the only elf to have brown eyes. People started all the time whenever they spoke to her but not like this. Not like how Stina was looking at her.

The world has faded away in the gentle brown billowing curls of Stina's hair. Navy pools of twinkling eyes were all Sophie could drown in as she took in with great detail how the light illuminating Stina's face made her dark eyes shimmer like the moon reflected in a lake full of stars.

Stina Heks was a thief, and her eyes were proof of her folly.

"We good," Stina asked as she leaned in, their lips inches apart as the smell of her perfume send an electrified blast shocking through Sophie's system, frying her brain into fuzzy, cloudy warmth as Stina whispered her name.

"Foster."

She was the Moonlark, the girl who disappeared, the Black Swan's experiment, and so much more. She was Sophie Elizabeth Foster.

And yet her name sounded like honey and all things worthy of the lilt in Stina's voice as the word slipped past her soft lips.

Sophie closed her eyes as her hands started to rest themselves on Stina when suddenly the other girl stiffened. She stopped and pulled back which was the complete opposite of what Sophie wanted her to do in that moment.

Sophie opened her eyes and saw the worry in Stina's navy blue eyes. The hesitance.

Stina wasn't holding her as tightly as Sophie wished she was. Sophie wanted her to pull her in by the collar of her jerkin and kiss her despite the miraculously tiny voice wondering why. Stina wasn't cupping Sophie's chin too tightly, Sophie could've moved away if she wanted to but she didn't.

Sophie knew she'd have to meet Stina halfway.

So she did.

Sophie gripped the fabric of Stina's tunic, pulling her close as the taller girl gasped softly as Sophie stood on her tip toes to reach better.

"Can I kiss you?" Sophie asked and Stina answered her by gently pressing her lips against Sophie's. Filling in the gap that had been empty for ages.

Sophie's hands were pulling her closer, Stina's fingers were buried in her hair. They paused only slightly for breath and then Sophie stumbled forward but Stina was ready to catch her. Their foreheads bonked together and Sophie winced.

"You could've told me to stop." Stina lightly complained, rubbing her forehead as she smiled nervously at Sophie before asking quietly. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No," Sophie told her, surprised she found the words to be true. She glanced at Stina's lips and then at her.

Stina nodded and Sophie kissed her again, a rumbling hum growing inside of her as a gust blew around them. Power seemed to flow all around in the wild winds that carried their feet off the ground. Stina's arms wrapping securely around Sophie's waist. The biting winds chased each other until they melted into a melody, dancing and spinning around and around with the beat of their fluttering hearts in tune as one.

Stina pressed her forehead against Sophie's and a warmth seemed to sink into their skin, deep past the pain and the hurt, further than any tear or cut. The electricity raged but did not snap as it seemed to flow between them, the energy shared as their moment reached the crescendo.

Sophie breathed out softly as Stina rubbed their foreheads together. Their hands finding each other easily as they locked into place.

It wasn't perfect nor was it the masterpiece of a life time, an award winning movie scene or even a simple dear diary kiss. It was just this, just them, just this moment and many more to come.

Sophie never imagined she'd see Stina Heks blush so fully or smile at her so warmly.

But here she was.

And it was real.

[sattelite-of-love]

katie x sophia drabbles

fandom: that 80’s show

“Stop distracting me.” 

“I'm looking for Daddy, did he change offices?”

Katie asked as she moseyed into R.T.’s office and was a bit let down to find her dad’s chair occupied with Sophia.  Sophia, who only gave Katie a polite smile before going back quickly and expertly typing away at her typewriter.  

“No, we just share when he's not in, which is usually.”  She gave an airy reply but Katie still lingered.

“Oh.”

Sophia heard the pout in her voice, paused what she was typing, and looked up at the twenty-year-old.

“What do you need Katie?”  She asked patiently with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.  Katie was used to that pout working with more than just her Daddy.  It wasn’t Katie’s fault, it was just her nature, to make people want to do things for her.  For Sophia though, this job had been a nice distraction from her more obsessive traits that involved R.T.’s daughter.

“I was going to see if he could help me with some extra spending money.”  Katie was all smiles and bounce now that the attention was on her fully.  So Sophia found it easy to indulge her a bit.

“Oh, well I can help you with that!”  She gave a wave and stood up, walking around her desk so she could face Katie full-on.  “Let me write you a check, I forge his signature all the time.”

“That's so sweet.”  Katie gave with a giggle and Sophia replied with a light scrunch of her nose.  “But I was thinking more like a summer job between semesters.  Like Daddy's assistant or something?”

They both knew her father would jump at the opportunity to have his daughter be a part of the business, even in a small way.  Sophia took the company's finances more seriously than he did though.

“He's not in the office enough to justify that expense.”

Katie thought on that a moment, chewing her bottom lip and Sophie watched the action obediently.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”  She countered, crossing her arms with an easy smile as she leaned back against the front of her desk.

“I could be your assistant?”

That would be a bad idea, an even worse idea, a distracting, unproductive, self-destructive kind of bad idea.  The kind that had Katie at her beck and call instead of the other way around.  Just the mere suggestion was already very distracting.  Sophia had the word ‘no’ on the tip of her tongue, but it only came out as a sigh.

“Coffee.  no cream, one sugar.”

To which Katie gave a little noise of excitement and smiled ear to ear as she practically skipped out of the office.

"you know what you’re doing”

She’d hate to misread this like she did all the other times.  When Katie would talk or smile or laugh, and it was never for Sophia’s benefit.  This time they were dancing, after Sophia noticed that Katie came to the club alone, after she downed a jack and coke, after she scanned the room and caught eyes with Sophia who was watching her with mild curiosity.  Sophia was done with all that though, all that that involved paying too close attention to Katie.  Still, now they were dancing.  First separately, enthusiastically, enjoying the fast beat of the song.  Then closer, slower, and the song hadn’t even changed.

She’d hate to misread this but Katie’s arms were around her neck now and that real strong feeling of crashing her life into a wall at 90 mph came back to Sophia like it never left.  She had to yell for Katie to hear, but she wanted to whisper it;

“What are you doing?”

Katie didn’t answer, but she knew, they both knew.

“Prove it.”

“Everyone has a spot.”

“Not everyone.”  Katie denied, just as tipsy.  They were at Sophia’s new place and it was a party, there were other people around them and even sitting on the couch with them, but now it seemed to just be the two of them.  Music was still going and the people were probably somewhere, Sophia supposed.

“Everyone I've ever known then, If you want to get literal…”  Katie poured another shot of something brown, but Sophia swiped it before the younger woman could.  Corey’s sister had a tendency to drink more the drunker she got and the apartment just got moved into, so Sophia was not ready to have Katie puking her guts out.  She brought the shot up to her own lips before smirking over at the other woman.  “Even you.”

“What?  Wha–you don't even know.  You and I never did anything spot related.”  She sputtered out, indignant over the stolen shot and the insinuation.  Of course Katie was right, as Sophia grinned dumbly her way, cringing a little as she swallowed the last of the alcohol.  So she was bullshitting her a bit, just relying on experience and all that.  Still, Sophia teased a bit more

“It's so obvious, Katie.  Especially on you.”

“Prove it.”

She said it fast and probably without thought, but there was no way Sophia would not take advantage of an opportunity when she had one.  She leaned in and put her head in the crook of Katie's neck.  The younger woman froze but didn't push her away.  Sophia focused all her attention on her task and not on the smell of Katie's skin, opening her mouth and leaving a gentle open mouth kiss in a specific spot behind Katie's ear.

The reaction was immediate, her tense form shaking a bit as a moan was pulled out from somewhere deep in Katie’s chest.  It was embarrassing how easy that was to do, and they both knew it.  So then came Katie’s hands pushing on her shoulders gently but firm, and Sophia obliged because she was fully capable of controlling herself even if it drove her crazy.

“That wasn't fair.”  Katie’s cheeks were as red as Sophia's lipstick that was smudged on both of them now.

She wiped the corner of her mouth, unsatisfied and frustrated.

“No.  No it really wasn't.”

“playing it safe.”

“When are you going to break up with him?”  Sophia asked as they were in Katie’s childhood room, full of childlike things that Katie wouldn’t admit she had grown out of.  

“Me and Owen?”  Katie sounded unbothered, curious, and like she wasn’t half naked in her bed with Sophia kissing her way down her chest.  "We never break up, just take breaks.”

That proved true because when they were on breaks, Katie was finding ways to get the older woman’s attention.  At least now they were fucking, because the teasing was the worst.  It was ‘which dress looks better’, ‘lets get drunk in your car’, ‘what do girls even do together’.  Katie wasn’t dumb though, and it only ever lasted as long as it took for her to forgive Owen and take him back.

“He's so boring.”  Sophia grumbled, as Katie’s bra was pulled away and replaced with tongue and teeth that was making the girl under her squirm and gasp.  Sophia wasn't even sure her and Owen even had sex, she couldn't even imagine it.  Not with the way Katie went crazy against Sophia's mouth the first time she went down on her.  

“He's reliable.”  Katie tried to explain but Sophia was done talking about him.  She moved her hand between Katie’s legs, but was rebuffed with a firm grip on the older woman’s wrist.  She looked up at Katie then, seeing a stern stare.  “I've seen your track record.  You get bored.”  

“You're not boring.”  She reassured with a toothy smile.  Katie’s expression didn’t change.

“It's not about me.  You get what you want you then you want more.”

Sophia's light expression stoned a bit, not exactly sure how she should feel about Katie's breezy analysis.  She pulled away a bit, laying on her side instead of kneeling over Katie, but still she kept a grip on the younger woman’s hip.

“It's better than playing it safe and always being disappointed.”

They were both a little too smart for their own good.

“You're dangerously close to going home empty-handed, Sophia.”  The words were harsher than the tone now, Katie brushing a platinum blonde lock of hair out of the other woman’s face.  This could be their first fight, if Sophia ever got that far.  As it was, she always got hung up on Katie's soft touch and breathy kisses.

“I could be–”

Katie cut her off with a kiss, leaning in quick with hands on the older woman’s cheeks.  It was long and breathtaking, making them dizzy when she broke away.

“You could.”  She agreed, voice raspy but eyes pointed and sincere.  “Not tonight though.”

[funemployed-fangirl]

Modern AU Benedict x Sophie

The First Meeting

Halloween 2010

The club was alive with energy, a whirlwind of flashing lights and rhythmic beats that reverberated through every inch of space. But Benedict found himself sitting alone on the outskirts of the action, nursing his drink, and trying to remind himself that fratricide was bad. He’d been perfectly happy to spend Halloween alone. But no. Colin had shown up out of nowhere - he’d been in Argentina (or maybe it had been Greece?) - and insisted they go out.

Colin had abandoned him almost immediately upon getting to the club. Benedict had spotted his brother’s head in the crush of costumed dancers not long ago, confirming at the very least that his brother was still alive, though Benedict could only guess at his state of intoxication  He’d run into Anthony at one point, only for that brother to abandon him as well. Something about spotting a Rockette he said he knew. Unclear if he had meant an actual Rockette or a girl in a Rockette costume. Either way, that had been 10 minutes ago, and he knew Anthony well enough to know he probably wouldn’t be seen again tonight. 

Benedict sighed as he looked at his watch. 11:00 was early by Upper East Side party standards, but hopefully just late enough that he could sneak out without anyone (fucking Colin) noticing. He looked up from his watch, scanning the throng of the dance floor as he contemplated an escape route, when a woman standing near the bar caught his gaze. 

She was standing apart from the rest of the masses at the bar. Her dress - simple in comparison to the over-the-top costumes around her - shimmered under the strobe lights, each movement sending ripples of light cascading around her. She held a drink delicately, her fingers tapping the cup to the rhythm of the music as she observed the party raging in front of her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded. The crowd, the music, the dizzying lights - it all became a distant blur. He felt a rush of adrenaline, his heart pounding not just from the music but from the electricity of that shared glance. Suddenly, Benedict found he very much needed another drink. He began weaving his way through the sea of dancers, each step bringing him closer to the woman who had captured his attention from across the room. 

“Hi.” Benedict said - well, practically yelled given the decibel level the music was playing at. 

She smiled at him, and shouted back her own, “Hi.” 

“I know this is forward,” Benedict said, leaning closer to be heard over the music, “but can I buy you a drink?”

She looked down at her nearly empty cup, then back up at Benedict, seeming to contemplate if she thought letting him buy her a drink was a good idea. Before he could jump in and say…well anything, she said, “Sure!” 

“Fabulous!” Benedict flagged down the bartender. “What are you having?” 

“Manhattan!” 

Benedict ordered their drinks - a Manhattan for her, a whiskey for him - and they settled into a comfortable silence while waiting for their drinks - holding a conversation was practically impossible anyway. He took the opportunity to study her delicate features, illuminated by the strobing lights. 

Finally, the bartender set their drinks in front of them. As they collected their drinks, Benedict leaned closer to ask, “Do you want to move somewhere quieter?” She nodded and motioned for Benedict to lead the way. Placing his hand on her lower back, he led her around the perimeter of the dance floor toward a back corner of the club, the music volume dropping quickly the further they moved from the center of the activity.  

“Oh, this is so much better! I can actually hear myself think now!” She exclaimed as she dropped onto the open couch. Benedict took the seat next to her, smiling at her obvious relief. The couch was upholstered in plush, dark leather, and tucked away in a dimly lit alcove, offering a semblance of privacy amidst the party’s lively atmosphere. Benedict leaned back, feeling the tension of the loud, crowded space dissipate. Here, in this cozy corner, he could have the uninterrupted conversation with this mystery woman he was craving. 

“I’m Benedict, by the way.”

As he awaited her response, he noticed a subtle hesitation in her demeanor, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She returned his smile, albeit somewhat tentatively, but made no move to reciprocate the introduction. Benedict felt a twinge of curiosity mixed with intrigue. Who was this mystery woman, and what had brought her here tonight? 

Rather than respond, she took a sip of her drink as she appraised Benedict. Gesturing to his outfit she asked, “What are you supposed to be, anyway?”

Benedict looked down at his “costume”. Francesca had given him a Harvard t-shirt as a gag gift a few years ago, which he’d promptly thrown in the back of his closet and forgotten about. But when Colin informed him that not only was he dragging him to a Halloween party, but that costumes were not optional, he’d gone looking for the easiest thing he could throw together. Hence this evening’s Harvard t-shirt and jeans ensemble. 

He looked back at her and stated as straight-faced as he could, “I’m a Harvard alum.”

She cocked her head to the side and gave him a calculating look, then briefly looked around the room as if surveying the other partygoers for comparison. "Hmm. Not the most inventive, is it?”

“Ah! But that’s the genius of it. I went to Yale.” Benedict winked playfully. She just stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. Benedict regarded her while she laughed, and found himself not caring that she was laughing at his expense. Even in the dim club lights he could tell that her eyes sparkled when she did. 

“Did you come up with that just so you’d have an excuse to impress the ladies by telling them you went to Yale?” She asked once she had, mostly, stopped laughing. 

“Is it working?”

Her chuckles continued. “It might have, if we weren’t surrounded by Ivy League degrees. Besides, Yale? What, you couldn’t get into Princeton?” 

Benedict tried to look affronted at the insult. “Now that is a low blow!” His tone was serious, but the smile quickly spreading on his face gave away the lack of offense. “Enough mocking of my costume choices. What are you supposed to be?”

She gestured to her own outfit—a sleek, black dress with a faint shimmer paired with a set of elegant - yet fake - fangs, a black wig, and a delicate choker with a small, ornate cross. “Can’t you tell?” she asked, her tone playfully mysterious.

Benedict squinted in mock concentration, making an exaggerated show of studying her ensemble. “A very stylish...vampire?”

“Exactly!”

Benedict nodded appreciatively. “Well, you’ve certainly nailed the ‘stylish’ part. I feel underdressed in comparison.”

“Don’t worry,” she said with a smile. “Your witty backstory makes up for it. It’s not every day you meet a Yale man in a Harvard shirt.” They both laughed. 

“So,” she continued, her tone more serious now, “What’s a Yale alum like you doing at a party like this? Shouldn’t you be at some exclusive alumni gathering or something?”

Benedict shrugged, his expression turning thoughtful. “Honestly? My brother dragged me here. Thought it’d be good to get out and socialize a bit. And you?”

“Bit of a crazy story, actually. I met a guy in the elevator of my building earlier today. Never seen him before. And out of the blue as I was getting off, he invited me to this.”

Benedict felt an odd twist in his stomach at the idea of her and another guy. Not wanting to examine that unfamiliar feeling further, he took a long swallow of his drink, taking comfort in the familiar burn of the whiskey. Luckily for him, she didn’t notice his pause and picked up the conversation. "What about you?" she asked, "Do you frequent the party scene?"

Benedict shook his head, a wry grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "I did. But not so much, anymore," he admitted, his eyes lingering on her face. 

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? You seem so comfortable here. So then tell me, Benedict, what do you usually do for fun?"

Benedict shrugged, leaning back against the couch. "I’m more of a low-key kind of guy. I enjoy quiet evenings, maybe a good book.” He paused. “I sketch sometimes." Benedict didn’t know what possessed him to tell her that. His family didn’t even know that he had taken up sketching. Hell, no one knew that. 

She smiled, her eyes lighting up. "You sketch? That’s awesome! I’ve never been very good at anything artistic. Do you sketch anything in particular?” 

Benedict shrugged. "No. Nothing in particular, really. I haven’t been doing it long, so my sketchbooks are all full of a pretty random assortment of drawings.”

“I think I’d like to see them someday.”

Benedict felt his earlier discomfort fading at her genuine interest in his secret hobby. “I think I’d like to show you someday.” Their eyes locked, and the noise of the club faded into the background. They both seemed to keep moving closer to one another, as if drawn by that pull Benedict had been feeling since he first saw her. 

Then out of nowhere…

“BENEDICT!” Colinin in all of his pirate costumed glory flung himself down on the other side of Benedict, clearly much drunker than the last time Benedict had seen him. “And Benedict’s friend!”

Benedict sighed. “This…” He stopped. Fuck, he still hadn’t gotten her name. He had been enjoying himself so much, he’d completely forgotten that she’d never actually introduced herself. 

But Colin, completely unphased by Benedict’s sudden silence, jumped in. “I’m Colin, Benedict’s brother.” Squinting at her, he added, “You look familiar. Do I know you?”

“Kind of,” she responded, with a laugh. “We met earlier today. In the elevator? I think you were heading to a friend’s.” She looked at Benedict and clarified, “Your brother was the one who invited me.”

“RIGHT!” Exclaimed Colin, right in Benedict’s ear. God his brother was annoying when drunk. “You’re the girl from Penelope’s building! I remember now. I’m glad you came out! How…”

Benedict smacked the back of Colin’s head before he could continue, having decided it was the quickest way to get him to leave. “OW! Was that necessary, asshole?” 

Benedict glared at Colin, “It was.”

Colin looked between them, a knowing smirk growing on his face before he said, “Well, it was lovely to meet you. But I think I’ll leave you two alone before Benedict here decides to revert to even more physical violence.” With that, Colin hopped up from his spot and left them blissfully alone in their quiet corner. 

“I like your brother.”

Benedict rolled his eyes. “That’s because you don’t know him. Trust me. 24 years on this Earth with him, and I can definitively say there is little to recommend him.”

“Oh come on,” she replied. “You don’t really think that.”

“Okay, no. I don’t. He has his moments. Few and far between, but they're there.” Benedict smiled slightly, shaking his head. “Just don't tell him I said that."

Their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, time slipping by unnoticed, the music becoming a mere backdrop. After what could have been hours or mere minutes, the mystery woman who had so completely captivated Benedict leaned closer, her hand resting on his arm. "You know," she said softly, "I'm really glad I came out tonight.”

Benedict couldn't ignore the pull any longer. As the party continued to rage around them, he reached for her hand, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. She looked up at him, curiosity and something else - something hopeful - shining in her eyes. "I'd really like to kiss you," he confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush. Without waiting for her response, he cupped her face in his hands, feeling her breath hitch. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers, the world around them dissolving into a blur. Her lips were soft and warm, and as she kissed him back, he knew this could be the beginning of something incredible.

Benedict pulled back, just enough to ask, “Do you want to get out of here? My apartment is’t far.” She opened her mouth to respond, only to shut it again, looking like she was at war with herself about what she wanted to do. He continued staring at her, willing her to say yes. To want to be with him just as much as he wanted to be with her. Her silence was killing him. 

Then out of nowhere…

“COLIN! COLIN! COLIN!”

Now he really was going to kill Colin. A room full of drunk Upper East Side 20 somethings chanting his brother’s name was never a good sign, and someone needed to go make sure the building wasn’t about to implode. Benedict closed his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh as he dropped his forehead to hers. Shaking his head, he kissed her again before straightening, “I’m so sorry. I’m going to go see what’s happening. I swear I’ll be right back. Just…stay here.” She nodded slightly, and Benedict dropped his hands from her face and headed toward the bar…which his brother was currently standing on. 

“Colin, what the actual fuck are you doing? And why are you standing on the bar?”

Colin grinned down at him, clearly enjoying the attention he was drawing. "I was making a toast!" 

Benedict just glared at him. 

Jumping down from the table - and landing with a surprising amount of grace given his very inebriated state, Colin said, "Oh, it’s fine Benedict.” Glancing over toward where Benedict had been sitting, he added, “And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your moment." He patted Benedict’s shoulder before staggering off towards another group of friends.

Shaking his head, Benedict turned back to his mystery woman - who hopefully wouldn’t remain a mystery much longer. His heart pounded with the anticipation of picking up where they'd left off. But as he approached, his stomach clenched, knowing something was wrong before his brain could catch up. 

She was gone. 

And he’d never gotten her name. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

2012

“I’m Benedict, by the way.”

He couldn't believe how this night had gone. Expecting a fairly normal evening getting drinks with a few friends, he’d then left the bar only to chase off two finance bros from roughing up the girl they targeted, who had turned out to be her. His mystery woman from that Halloween party two years ago. The one he’d been thinking about for two years. The one he’d been torturing himself over for not getting her name. It had taken him a minute to recognize her, but those blue eyes of hers gave it away. And now here they both were. A few feet from the bar, in the rain, with her in his arms due to her twisted ankle. 

“I’m Sophie.” A grin spread across Benedict’s face. The name fit her. 

“Nice to meet you Sophie. Let’s get the hell out of this rain.” And with that, he hurried down the block and around the corner, toward his apartment. He slowed in front of his building. “Will you be ok if I put you down?” he panted (they did not teach you how to carry people in the rain at Yale), and Sophie nodded. He resumed their original position, with his arm around her waist, pulling her into his side, and they approached the entrance. The elderly doorman, who Benedict was pretty sure had been around since the building was built, held open the door. 

“Good evening Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Hey George,” Benedict called. “My friend twisted her ankle,” he explained, as the doorman surveyed the sight before him. It was fine. George had seen worse. And likely from Benedict’s own siblings. He did ask if they needed a first aid kit or a doctor, but Benedict waved him off with a thank you and friendly smile. They rode the elevator in silence to the 12th floor, and once there, Benedict led a hobbling Sophie to his front door. He unlocked the door and swung it open, announcing proudly, “Welcome to My Apartment!”

Benedict quickly hung his drenched coat in the closet before hurrying back over to Sophie. “Here,” he said, “let’s get you on the couch.” He assisted her into his living room and helped her get settled on the couch, propping her ankle up on several pillows and wrapping one of the blankets his mother had insisted he needed around her. He rushed off and returned with a large ice pack and an even larger bottle of Advil. This was not, afterall, his first go-round with twisted ankles. 

“I’m impressed you have Advil,” Sophie said. “Most guys don’t have anything in their medicine cabinet besides hair gel.”

Benedict chuckled. “I have younger siblings who have been known to crash here once or twice after an ill-advised high school party. I figure it’s the least I can do to provide coffee and painkillers when they wake up.” He paused, thinking of the photos he had on his phone of Gregory from just last week, before adding, “Especially since I do take photos of them and use it for blackmail with our mother later.” Maybe not the most responsible thing to admit, but it was the truth. 

Benedict perched on an ottoman in front of the couch, “How’s your ankle?” He watched as Sophie shifted it under the ice pack and grimaced slightly. “Still hurts, but being off of it is definitely helping.” 

“Good, good,” Benedict said. “Do you need anything else?” He was sure she must be uncomfortable in those wet clothes, especially those wet jeans, and yet she responded with, “No, I’m fine. I’m sorry I’m getting your couch all wet.”

“Don’t even worry about it. Although I’m sure you're uncomfortable. Do you want me to get you some dry clothes? A shirt, some sweatpants? They’ll be too big on you, obviously, but…” Benedict thought he saw a look of panic cross Sophie’s face before she responded, “No, God, I’m fine, really.”

“Then how about something to warm you up,” Benedict offered. “Do you want some tea? I’m going to get you some tea.” And before Sophie could accept or refuse, he leapt up and escaped to the kitchen. He grabbed the kettle and filled it with water before setting it on the stove, then reached into the cabinet to grab two mugs, chuckling to himself when he saw that one of the ones he grabbed was his “World’s Okayest Brother” mug from Eloise. After popping tea bags in each mug, Benedict decided to change out of his own wet clothes. 

Moving further into the apartment, Benedict couldn't help the disappointment that welled up inside him. Did Sophie not recognize him? He had spent the last two years thinking about that night - thinking about her, about that kiss - and she didn’t remember him. It felt like a gut punch. At the same time, there was a small part of him that was frustrated. He wanted to be able to ask her why she’d left so abruptly that night. What she had just…disappeared. And if she didn’t remember him, he wouldn’t get that chance.

Benedict quickly swapped his dress pants and oxford for a much more comfortable pair of dark blue sweatpants and a long sleeved gray t-shirt, before pausing at his dresser. Unsure what possessed him, Benedict opened the small wooden box he kept there, pulling out the necklace inside. It was the one Sophie had been wearing that night two years ago. It must have fallen off at some point, because it was the only thing he’d found when he’d gone back to that secluded corner only to find her gone. 

Hearing the kettle begin to whistle, Benedict put the necklace back and headed to the kitchen. As he poured water into each mug he made his decision - he had to tell Sophie he recognized her. He’d never forgive himself if he didn’t. If he didn’t take the opportunity to ask what happened that night. But he was going to need a drink. He did not want to be without alcohol if she really did not remember who he was. And since it would only be polite to offer something to Sophie, Benedict poked his head through the doorway to the living room and asked, “Do you possibly want anything… stronger… in your tea?” 

It was all over Sophie’s face that she was fighting with herself about what to do - Benedict remembered the look well - and couldn’t tell which side was winning. They stared at each other for a moment, a strange battle of wills occurring. He raised his eyebrows. She gave in, “Yes, actually. That sounds great.”

“Right you are!” Benedict said happily. “Two hot toddies coming right up!” Thank God, he thought to himself as he grabbed the whiskey bottle and added generous portions to each mug.

Benedict brough the mugs into the living room, smiling to himself when Sophie laughed at his “World Okyest Brother” mug. As he handed a mug to Sophie and settled back onto the ottoman, he was struck by how right it felt to have her in his apartment. 

Benedict noticed her phone sitting on top of the blanket. “I’ve got chargers in the side table if you need one. And the wifi password is NY152. Network’s My Apartment.”

“Your wifi network is ‘My Apartment’?” Sophie asked incredulously.

“Yeah, ‘cause it’s my apartment.” Benedict winked playfully, and Sophie rolled her eyes and laughed at him, the sound so familiar to him it almost hurt. 

He surveyed her over his mug before leaning back slightly. He quirked an eyebrow and said, “You know, we’ve met before. You thought I didn’t recognize you, didn’t you?” He watched as Sopie seemed to freeze. He smiled self-deprecatingly, “Admittedly, I didn’t recognize you at first. I was a little too busy trying to rough up two prissy FiDi bros. But the moment I actually took a good look at you…” he grew more serious. “How could I not recognize you?” He placed his mug on the table and leaned toward Sophie, who he noted still had yet to speak. “You recognized me, right?” His tone was joking, but the concern was real. 

He watched as Sophie took a deep gulp of the tea and said “Yes, Benedict Bridgerton, I recognized you.” A smile spread across Sophie’s face, just as Benedict felt a huge smile spread across his own. The relief was almost overwhelming. He knew there were things he needed to ask her…but that could wait. 

Benedict leaned in further. “I still think about that night. That was the most fun I’d had out in years. Do you ever think about it?” His gaze flickered down to her lips, praying to whoever might be listening she’d say Yes. Quietly, she admitted, “I still think about that night.” He reached over and gently took her mug from her hands, placing it on the coffee table next to his. He leaned forward, closing the gap between them.

“Good.”

Want more Benedict & Sophie? Read The Second Meeting HERE or check out more of our Modern Bridgerton AU HERE.

[cherryy-slushy]

Okay so… I’ve got a new found love for moulin rouge and especially aaron tveit and an almost bigger love for Enemy’s to lovers and angst and smut...

So here we go: (Theyre just short little scenarios I made up so don’t expect much)

This is based on a request I got (their name was Sophie so that’s why it’s written as Sophie 😘 we’re name twins 🤭) also credits to Chat gbt for giving me a wee bit of help with this 💋

Line without a Hook

Aaron Tveit x OC! character (Sophie)

Warnings: SMUT, MAJOR MAJOR SMUT. Fighting, replacing people?

Sophie and Aaron had been cast as the lead roles in Moulin Rouge on Broadway, but from the start, they couldn't stand each other. They argued over everything, from their lines to their dance moves. Their bickering was notorious among the cast and crew, and it was a miracle they managed to get through rehearsals without killing each other.

Sophie and Aaron were practicing a particularly passionate tango, and as they moved across the stage, their bodies pressed close together. Sophie could feel Aaron's breath on her neck, and she could sense the heat radiating off his body. Suddenly, she realized that the line between love and hate was very thin indeed.

From that moment on, their rehearsals took on a new energy. Their arguments turned into playful banter, and they began to find common ground in their performances. As they danced and sang together, their chemistry grew stronger, and the tension between them turned into something much more intense.

From that moment on, Sophie and Aaron were inseparable. They found themselves stealing kisses backstage, and their rehearsals became more heated than ever. And on opening night, as they performed their passionate tango, the audience could feel the intense chemistry between them.

Sophie and Aaron had gone from enemies to being in a situation-ship, and they couldn't be happier. They had found something special in each other, something that went beyond their roles on stage. And as they took their final bow, they knew that they had created something truly magical.

They were happy together. They loved each-other.

The shows started stirring up emotions in them. Sophie hoped Aaron felt the same. She felt as though she needed him. She had to have him. He was the same. He needed to feel himself inside of her.(sexxxxx 😵)

Thats when this happened:

The show started off at a good rate. Things were running smoothly, dancers were feeling fine, actors/ actresses were feeling fine. So why did Sophie have this feeling today wasnt going to be good?

She shrugged it off and got ready to go on for “The Sparkling diamond”.

The director wanted a small costume switch up so Sophie was given this new dress for tonight. It looked gorgeous on her. It was definitely going to draw attention. As she finished up her first song of the day she could feel a particular pair of eyes scouring her figure.

Aaron.

He was in awe of the dress. He loved it. Maybe a bit too much. It’s hugged her perfectly. It was more a corseted dress but still.

Ricky noticed Aaron face. He looked at him with his eyebrow slightly cocked trying not to break character, he was still on stage where the crowd could see him so.

Sophie looked over at where Aaron was sat. Confused about why he was staring at her so intensely. Fuck… did she have something on her face? Someone would have told her right? He was smiling a bit maybe he put something onto her chair or something before she came out. Oh fuck fuck fuck.

When the song ended she went over to Danny and asked if there was any marks on her face or her dress.

“Danny, there’s nothing on my face or my dress is there?”

Danny looked her up and down.

“Spin around real quick”

She spun around.

“Nope your good. Why?”, Danny said.

“Aaron was looking at me intensely it seemed like he did something to sabotage my performance”, she said with a sigh.

Danny laughed as he got ready for his line.

“My dear satine! The duke! He’s here and he wants a private meeting with you!” Danny said switching from himself to Zidler in a heartbeat.

We finished our scene and I went backstage for a quick change. As I got ready for my next scene I locked eyes with Aaron. We were just after doing a kissing scene, usually this is brushed off but today it was different. It had more feeling. I slightly smiled at him and he started walking over to me. Neither of us had to be on for nearly 10 minutes so we had time to relax. He walked over and stood in front of me.

Next thing I knew we were kissing. It happened out of nowhere but I’m not complaining…

He smiled at me and walked away.

What on Earth just happened.

The show continued on as normal and after I was stopped by Aaron as I walked out.

“Sophie, we need to talk”, I looked up at him.

“Wow you sound serious”, I half joked.

“I don’t hate you, Sophie”, he smiled.

“Oh, oh, oh, Ehm, oh wow”, I said staring at him shocked.

His face dropped.

“I don’t hate you entirely either”, I smiled slightly.

“Entirely?” He asked.

I laughed and after that things changed.

Aaron and I planned a date. And after that we started dating.

When I saw twitter went wild I mean it went WILD.

Life’s just full of surprises.

[ironpour]

saw Saltburn in the cinema. It was, among other things:

dumb as shit

really funny

excruciating

really annoying

a fun satirical take on particular Skins era partying/pop culture media moment

stupid as fuck

one of the worst displays of any accents i've ever seen - liverpool is practically an irish colony, how could barry fuck it up worse than jacob elordi

ultimately shallow and not anywhere near transgressive enough about the obsessive and homosexual elements hinted at, whilst being overt and explanatory about almost everything else

cheeky girls xmas song featured 10/10

barry keoghan cock out sophie ellis bextor murder on the dancefloor dance scene 100/10

[halcyen]

The little ivory envelope sits unchallenged between them and their coffee cups. Sophie's been cradling hers in one hand like it's her purse, her fingers bent tight, her trimmed nails clinked against the China. Her attention's been dancing from @jokethur to the counter. In front of which waits Gigi, her head titled up as if she can see how the barista makes her Italian hot chocolate. Casa Espresso also offers chocolate croissants, which the little girl waits for with as much patience as if she were starving. To Gigi's credit, it's a rare treat. She'd thrust the dollar bills across the counter while practically bouncing.

" ...I-It's not late, is it? " Sophie's eyes are perhaps wider than she'd like when turned to face Arthur across their table. The black leather corner booth beneath gilded sconces makes for a fashionable scene setting. Makes her think that for a moment she's somewhere less affordable. Truth is, that there's an ease here... or there would be had the lone gentleman two tables away not looked her in the eye on more than one needless occasion. Another waft of her attention over to her daughter. She masks sleeplessness and paranoia with a smile and reticent laugh, " Gigi signed it herself. " The festive card enveloped between them. " Insisted on it. "

Sophie lifts her brewed coffee to distract herself from glancing out the window and onto the street. From the corner of her eye, she's recognized the same red coat walking past twice already. She counts strangers these days. Has to. 

" It's the... " Squints to match the cant of her head, " Seventh, right? " An ostensibly proud smile tugs at her pursed lips, " So, it's not late. "

[silverhallow]

May I request a jealous moment between Ben and Sophie (I can totally see either of them saying this)“Jealous? Me? Pff. Never.”

Huge congrats on the 1k!

Words: 592 (oops)

Warnings: possible spoilers for aGoTH

Benedict hated how popular his fiancee was… she was his goddammit… she was wearing his grandmother’s engagement ring, it was them that were getting married in 5 months…

Yet he knew she deserved every bit of attention she got…

She might have retired from professional and international football to concentrate on helping find a cure for cancer, to work with him on their patronage for the charities and to do work with the Royal Family as a soon to be Princess but she was more popular than ever.

She and Kate were the nation's sweethearts, from the moment their relationships were announced the entire country was invested… wanting to know when the weddings were and the rest of it…

Everyone loved them, and he loved that people accepted her… wanted her to be there Princess but could they all just fuck off when he wanted to dance with her.

It was a bit Sports event and Sophie and Kate had managed to get a lot of ex-players and current players involved in the event and from the moment they had come in, the four of them had given their welcome… Sophie had been in demand.

Kate, being 7 months pregnant, had Anthony clucking behind her like an anxious pigeon but Sophie, she was being the life and soul of the party.

And Benedict… was left to stew in his jealousy from the side.

Sophie could see Benedict, stood off to the side, making small talk with the people that approached him but she knew he was watching her… making sure no one got handsy… making sure she was okay and she could practically see the little green monster on his back, snarling and snapping whenever someone new had come over.

She’d been a little mortified at the Ballon D’or Ceremony when he’d snapped at Cristiano Ronaldo for hugging her a “little too long” but this, watching his little pout whenever she started to make her way over to him and was waylaid by another person wanting to talk without beign growled at by Anthony, was rather hilarious.

It took nearly an hour before she was able to make her way to his side, having finally sidestepped some other pundit and she was grinning brightly “You know you’ve got no reason to be jealous?”

“Jealous? Me? Pff… Never” Benedict stammered trying to play it cool but the look she gave him made him sigh “okay… maybe a little but i’ve hardly seen you all night”

“I know my darling but it’s for a good cause… but none of them get to take me home at the end of the night do they?” Sophie asked as she caressed his cheek

“No…” he sighed

“And no one else is going to get to see the very special lingerie that i’ve got on under this dress” she whispered seductively in his ear.

“W…what…?” he gasped as he looked at her, trying to peer down the front of her dress to get a better look but she raised a hand over her chest.

“Only good Prince’s get to see… now, are you going to be a good boy for the rest of the party and dance with me? Or am I going to have to go and accept Simon Basset’s offer for a dance?” she grinned at him knowing full well what the answer was going to be.

“Over my dead body” he said as he tugged her by the hand and onto the dance floor and she giggled…

God he was so easy to play with.

[sarcasticdolphin]

“Visitor” Ivory tower verse todolf. (Rudolf=Sophie, Tod=Kore). 

Smut isn’t the most graphic, but smut. And like Sophie’s not taking prisoners. 

I’m putting this on the drabble fic because I don’t want to up Ivory Tower’s rating.

@fitzrove reminded me that it is lesbian visibility week so this happened. 

Almost goes into the realm of crack at a few points, but .... idk. It’s getting to the point at night where I start second-guessing all my choices.

Also, it is pretty late as I finish this, so likely there are more grammar/English issues as compared to normal.

It started almost as a bit of a little joke, on their wedding night. That they were married now. They should sleep together. 

Kore’s bed was big enough for both of them, plenty of space left between them, as they watched each other through half-lidded eyes, fingertips just touching where their hands came together.

They woke almost nose to nose, the two clouded leopards curled up between them, purring softly. The kisses that morning had been lazy, gentle things, interspersed with moments of calm, as they nuzzled each other. 

Sophie had never slept in her own bed again. At first, she had rationalized it that she slept better, in Kore’s presence. And it was true, but there was more to it than that. The daemons were happier. And Sophie could never get enough of Kore’s kisses, from the gentle little ones in stolen moments to long and languid ones when they were alone in their little world at the top of the tower.

The daemons too seemed to appreciate it, always together, grooming or napping or settling into the two women’s laps. 

Dressing each other came as naturally as breathing, and Sophie was eternally grateful for it. She had never really learned to do her own corsets, but Kore’s skilled fingers put her in stays with ease. Stays that fit, that didn’t hurt. That couldn’t hurt, and that couldn’t lace so tight in that way her mother preferred. And the other woman was so patient as Sophie’s own fingers gradually become more skilled with Kore’s stays, lacing them just so.

Her friend preferred leggings and tunics most of the time, but Sophie never did shed the dresses she had worn all her life, though they became more practical as time passed. And it did pass. Tributes came to the tower. The days grew longer and shorter and longer again. The stars danced above them. But Sophie would be lying if she said that she had been paying attention. Time seemed as if some foreign concept, as she and Kore lay in each other’s arms one night.

----------------

There is a letter, eventually. Sophie reads it once, twice. Then tosses it into the fire, watching the flames eat at the spidery scrawl. 

More letters come. After the third Sophie doesn’t even open them. Her father sent her to what he believed was her death. There is nothing he or her mother could say that would make her relent. If they would send her to her death then she is dead to them. And they to her.

A small rational part of her mutters that she should find it entirely disconcerting, the dark look in Kore’s eyes, the triumph behind them as the paper crumbles to ash, as she tugs Sophie back to the bedroom, already pulling at their stays. 

-------------

So when a servant appears one morning - Kore calls them her angels, the pale blonde servants - and speaks of a carriage far away at the tower’s base, Sophie wants to turn the woman who was once her mother away, leave her alone on the vast plains. Not alone, for Queens are never alone, but enough.

But then Kore is murmuring in her ear, painting a picture with her honeyed words, intoxicating. Impossible to resist.

The garb had been a tribute from far to the south. Two matching sets. One white, the other black. The material was so light it floated on the air itself, sliding like the barest breath of silk over skin as it did so. Kore had danced for her once, spun in the same fabric. Sophie had thought she was flying. 

But there is more - the fabric needs layers to even begin to be decent, but this - it has layers, but only a dozen. Revealing, but only of form, of shape. Her skin was Kore’s to see. No one else’s. And Kore’s was hers.

They trade a few more kisses as the clasps are secured, and then Kore reveals the crowning jewel of it all. The necklaces are more collars than proper necklaces - silver and with a pretty chain that hung, laying between their breasts. There are more silver pieces that go with them - for their wrists, their fingers. Sophie wouldn’t know, entirely distracted as she was by the feeling of the cold silver through the thin layers of the dress, by the way the matching pendant hung on Kore’s bosom.

They trade one last kiss before pausing, and looking in the mirror. And what a sight they make - dark and light, perfectly matched. Blonde Kore, pale and ethereal, skin stark against the inky black of her garb, the silver cutting through the darkness. And herself. just as pale, dark hair - her mother’s hair - falling over the white material, silver subtle, minor little highlights. 

“Beautiful.” Kore might have wanted to say more, but Sophie cut her off with a kiss. Their tongues danced for some time, until Sophie pulled back to nuzzle her friend.

“Shall we?” Kore’s arms wrapped around her own as they paced out to the room her friend had appointed. It should be disturbing, that Kore had a matching room already ready for this little bit of subterfuge, but all Sophie could feel was gratitude for her friend, who had divined her intentions so well.

The two clouded leopards are waiting, sitting on one of the platforms. Seeing their humans off to battle.

And as the door shuts behind the angel who will bring Sophie’s mother, and they are kissing again, slowly but oh so gently, the insistence, the possessiveness, the fire building little by little. Mine, each kiss proclaims. Claiming.

Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. Kore’s hand goes to Sophie’s locks, tilting her head back, baring her neck, and the kisses turn to little nips of the skin. Sophie for her part pushes Kore back, though Kore flips them before they hit the bed, so it is Sophie who looks up at her friend’s eyes, so dark and full of terrible promise.

And it is as they are kissing once more, Sophie sprawled beneath Kore, that the scream - though perhaps it is more a startled noise than a proper scream - comes. 

“Sophie!” Her mother’s tone is startled. Just startled, for now. There is no reproach yet, just surprise.

“Sophie.” Her mother speaks again a moment later, as Sophie and Kore slowly break their kiss, resting forehead to forehead for a long moment before turning to Sophie’s mother.

“Sophie, I’ve come to take you home.”

“Oh?” Sophie turns back to Kore. She can’t even bear to look at the woman in the doorway. 

“Sophie-” Her mother starts in shock when Kore grasps Sophie’s necklace and pulls her closer, demanding a vicious kiss. Sophie’s mother gives a shocked noise. Appalled. A noise Sophie is all too familiar with despite how distant her mother always had been.

“Sophie-” the fear and compassion in her mother’s tone are gone, the reproach now all too evident. 

“Does it surprise you so-” Kore’s very tone is an insult. Sophie could kiss the other woman. And does, cutting her off for a long moment. “That Lord Tod likes us so well-practiced?”

And Sophie would kiss her friend for that, for those words which silence her mother. But she doesn’t. There is a way to drive the knife yet deeper. She wraps her hand around Kore’s necklace, pulling the other closer.

“He’s so skilled-” You’re so skilled. “The way he mounts us, one after the other-” Elisabeth is starting to take steps back even as Sophie kisses Kore once more.

The kiss is long, and when they finally break the queen is gone.

And so they flop on the bed, Kore calling for the daemons to be let in. The needy little things will want their scratches. But once that is done, she is over Sophie once again, and the kiss has more intent. Fingers find clasps, and the silky fabric slides to the bed. Some of it is later kicked to the floor, not that either of them is really paying attention.

It’s not the first time Sophie’s friend has had her, fingers and tongue wringing pleasure from her body, but she does it with a wicked triumph. And Sophie wants more. More of Kore’s hands, more of this victory that is theirs, hers and Kore’s.

Eventually, Kore does let her reverse their positions, and Sophie sets out to find out just how well her friend can sing. It’s dawn before they sleep, intertwined. Sated. Victorious. 

And somewhere far below, on the dusty plains, the queen who had traveled so far weeps.

[andallofthemwitches]

Previously, on Parker: Pop Princess

Part 4

This is the montage of Sophie and Parker on the ways of the music video editorial.

Sophie instructs Parker how to *ahem* "get the rizz onscreen."

The Flop, with Redeeming Moments:

Written by Hardison and Eliot, contributed by Sophie and Parker for technical voice tuner purposes. Performed by Eliot.

In the palace of Versailles, before the fall

We were wild, we were so debauched

Extravagance was practically a law

If we ever got bored, we'd say "let's throw a ball"

You'd chase me naked through the palace garden

Before we dove into a sparkling champagne fountain

Eating cake with a little golden butter

They never really knew that I got here from the gutter

'Cause I dance like an aristocrat

Hold your head up high, yeah, just like that

Show me that you understand

C'mon and do it like only a poor kid can

Oh, aristocrat

Oh, dance like an aristocrat

Oh, aristocrat

Oh, dance like an aristocrat

In the middle of the night

The ladies of the court

Would cat fight tryna be the king's consort

I'm sorry B, he's hot for me

La Comtesse Du Poverty

Me and Marie dressed in head to toe in diamonds

With an orchestra to drown out all the violence

And the gossip cut like a handcrafted stiletto

But they never figured out that I got here from the ghetto

'Cause I dance like an aristocrat

Hold your head up high, yeah, just like that

Show me that you understand

C'mon and do it like only a poor kid can

Out of the fire. Out of the fire.

Alec writes

for the trans artist who got bumped from the record label for outing her politics.

Execs: This is b-side material.

Hardison: Ok, gotchu.

I want to be a girl

In all the normal ways

Pose for a photograph

Put on my pretty face

Thank God I'm not a boy

I'd always have to pay

Pretend that I was strong

And never got afraid

Please don't complicate me

I don't understand

Sometimes I'm feminine

Sometimes I'm masculine

Don't evaluate me as woman or man

It's keeping me awake

Can't differentiate a

Girl

Am I a girl?

Am I a boy?

What does that even mean?

I'm somewhere in between

Sometimes I have these thoughts

They leave me all confused

It gets so hard for me

Oh, is it hard for you?

And all these blurry lines

Get crossed inside my head

When I say, "Take me home"

That wasn't what I meant

Please don't complicate me

I don't understand

Sometimes I'm feminine

Sometimes I'm masculine

Don't evaluate me as woman or man

It's keeping me awake

Can't differentiate a

Girl

Am I a girl?

Am I a boy?

What does that even mean?

I'm somewhere in between

He gives them stuff like this

"More like that...but not that. Stuff we can sell."

Alec feeds the AI:

Girls in bikinis

Girls in bikinis on roller skates, in outer space

I see

Girls in bikinis

Girls in bikinis and platform heels, in new hot wheels

Girls in bikinis

Girls in bikinis, ooh

Alec Concedes

to CONTINUOUS studio album pressure:

Music execs: Make this a love song. And make it edgier. That's "on brand" for you, right?

Alec: (writing) Poison the children...okay, gotchu.

You can be anyone you want to be

You can be free, you can be free

I believe you're the one who's meant for me

We can be free, just come with me

Fill the crown, let them know we're fed

Fill the crown, let them know we're fed

Poison the children

No peace of mind

Poison the family

Make the children cry

Poison the fountain

Empty your mind

Follow the leader

The leader is blind

You can be anyone you want to be

You can be free, you can be free

Alec: Ok, and how bout this one, ladies and gentlemen.

You gotta be iconic

You go wherever the danger goes

And you feel ready for anything

Your heels are keeping you on your toes

And you won't stop at anything

Don't let them ever make you sweat

Go hard, baby no regrets

Take it to the limit and then push it

You don't have to be flawless

Put on a little polish

Run the bedroom to the office

You gotta be iconic

In school they never taught it

Don't worry babe, I got you

If you really, really want it

You gotta be iconic

Put on your mostest romantic clothes

And you'll be ready for anything

People might say your're a weirdo

Might call you a freak

If they do just tell them you're in real good company

Don't let them ever make you sweat

Go hard, baby no regrets

Take it to the limit and then push it

[markowensmile]

Paper Trails of Affection - Chapter 7 (Gary Barlow FanFiction)

The rich aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee gradually coaxed Sophie from her slumber. Her eyelids fluttered open, instinctively seeking the source of the delicious scent. A contented smile crept across her face as she recognized the familiar fragrance of James's culinary efforts.

Pushing back the covers, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her toes sinking into the plush carpet. A gentle stretch ushered in a wave of rejuvenation, dispelling the lingering vestiges of sleep.

With each step towards the kitchen, the mouthwatering aromas intensified, beckoning her forward like a siren's call. As she rounded the corner, the sight of James, clad in his favorite apron, expertly flipping pancakes filled her with a sense of warmth and contentment.

A grin played on her lips as she approached James from behind, his focus entirely consumed by the sizzling pan before him. Gently, she snaked her arms around his waist, her hands finding their familiar resting place on his toned abdomen. She nuzzled her face against the warmth of his back, inhaling the comforting scent that was uniquely his.

James, recognizing the embrace, turned his head with a lopsided smile. "Morning, beautiful," he murmured, his voice still husky from sleep.

Sophie responded by planting a tender kiss on the nape of his neck, her lips lingering against his skin. James abandoned the sputtering pan, spinning in her arms to face her.

His green eyes sparkled with adoration as he saw her bedhead and sleepy expression. Cupping her face with one calloused hand, he leaned down and captured her lips in a slow, soulful kiss.

Sophie basked in the tenderness of James' kiss, her body melting against his as the world around them faded into a blissful haze. When their lips finally parted, she gazed up at him with unbridled affection.

A sizzle from the stove snapped them back to reality, and James chuckled, pressing one last peck to her forehead before turning his attention back to the neglected pan. "Have a seat, love. Breakfast is almost ready."

Sophie obeyed, sinking into the familiar comfort of the kitchen chair as she watched James work his culinary magic. His movements were fluid and practiced, a dance he had perfected over the years of preparing meals for them both.

Within moments, two steaming plates piled high with the quintessential components of a full English breakfast and pancakes materialized before her. Golden hash browns nestled against plump sausages and a perfectly cooked egg, its yolk glistening with the promise of richness. A thick slice of toast, already buttered, completed the hearty display.

James slid into the chair opposite her, his gaze warm with adoration as he watched her take in the mouthwatering sight. "Tuck in," he encouraged, his voice laced with pride at his handiwork.

Without further prompting, Sophie dug in, savoring each bite of the delectable feast. The flavors danced across her tongue, a symphony of savory and salty notes that transported her taste buds to culinary nirvana.

Across the table, James mirrored her actions, occasionally stealing glances at her between bites. A comfortable silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the occasional scrape of cutlery against ceramic and the quiet hum of contentment that seemed to emanate from their very beings.

Sophie savored the last few bites of her breakfast, the flavors lingering on her tongue like an exquisite farewell. She set her fork down and reached for her coffee mug, letting the rich aroma envelop her senses before taking a sip of the steaming brew.

Across the table, James leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach contentedly. "That was delicious," he remarked, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Sophie hummed in agreement, returning his smile. "You've outdone yourself yet again."

James waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing, really. Just a simple breakfast."

"So, how was your trip this time?" Her tone is casual yet laced with genuine interest.

James met her gaze, his expression shifting ever so slightly. A fleeting shadow crossed his features, but it was gone before Sophie could decipher its meaning. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"It was..." He paused, as if searching for the right words. "Productive, I suppose. We closed a few deals and laid the groundwork for some potential partnerships." A half-smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "The usual grind."

Sophie nodded, her eyes never leaving his face. She knew him too well to be fooled by his nonchalant demeanor. There was something he wasn't telling her, a detail he was purposefully omitting. But she didn't press, not yet. Instead, she let the silence linger, allowing him the space to continue if he chose.

James fidgeted, his fingers drumming an erratic rhythm on the tabletop. "The client meetings were...intense," he admitted finally. "Lots of negotiations, late nights poring over contracts." He ran a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture Sophie recognized as a telltale sign of his fatigue.

"Sounds exhausting," she murmured, her brow furrowing with concern.

He shrugged, but his shoulders seemed to sag ever so slightly. "It's part of the job. You know how it is."

Sophie reached across the table, her fingers brushing against the back of his hand. "I'm just glad you're home safe."

James turned his palm upward, capturing her hand in his. His thumb traced idle patterns across her knuckles as he held her gaze, his eyes softening. In that moment, the weight of his weariness seemed to lift, if only briefly.

His tone was casual yet tinged with a hint of pride. "And we managed to secure that big contract we've been after."

"That's fantastic news!" Sophie exclaimed, genuinely happy for his success. She knew how hard he had been working towards landing that deal.

James nodded, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "It'll mean more late nights and travel in the coming months, but it's a massive opportunity for the company."

A pang of disappointment twisted in Sophie's chest at the mention of even longer hours and time apart. Despite her best efforts, her brow creased ever so slightly, betraying the internal conflict brewing beneath her composed exterior. She yearned for more shared moments, to bask in James' presence without the persistent demands of their careers looming overhead.

Yet Sophie was no stranger to sacrifice. With a resigned sigh, she willed those wistful thoughts away, burying them deep. An unspoken understanding passed between them—the unyielding truth that their chosen paths required such compromises. "I'm sure you'll do a great job," she assured him, reaching across the table to give his hand a gentle squeeze.

James returned the gesture, his fingers curling around hers in a warm embrace. "And what about you?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of genuine interest. "How are things at the paper?"

Sophie felt a surge of excitement at the opportunity to discuss her own work. "Well, as you know, I've been assigned to cover Take That's reunion tour," she began, unable to contain the enthusiasm in her voice.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and the words tumbled forth in an impassioned rush. "I've already attended the first round of rehearsals and witnessed the band's creative process firsthand. The energy, the rapport, and the synchronicity between them—it's truly magical."

As Sophie shared her impassioned account, James watched her with a mixture of affection and respect, his gaze softening as he took in her animated expressions and the sparkle in her eyes. Yet, silently, James harbored the belief that Sophie's brilliance was better suited for more substantial pursuits than the superficial world of music and entertainment. He knew she was intelligent, and that could shine even brighter if she would just apply herself to more significant and intricate issues at a real news outlet.

"And you'll never guess what happened," Sophie continued, unable to contain her enthusiasm. "During one of the rehearsals, I actually contributed an idea for the staging, and the guys loved it."

A sense of disbelief tinged her words, as if she still couldn't quite fathom the reality of her involvement. Sophie paused, taking a deep breath to collect herself before continuing.

"After the rehearsal, Gary invited me out for a late dinner, and we ended up having the most fascinating conversation." Her eyes danced with the memory, replaying the evening's events in vivid detail. "He opened up about the band's reunion, their creative process, and even shared some personal anecdotes. It was...nice."

Sophie felt the warmth of excitement drain from her face as James's expression shifted, a dismissive smirk playing across his lips.

"So you had dinner with Gary Barlow, huh?" He leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his chest. "I'm sure that was a real treat."

His condescending tone cut deep, deflating the swell of pride she had felt mere moments ago. Sophie bristled, her jaw clenching as she struggled to maintain her composure.

"It was just dinner, James. It's my job, my career—something that I have to do, you know that." She kept her voice level, refusing to rise to the bait of his patronizing remarks.

James scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Right, because interviewing a washed-up boyband is such a prestigious gig."

The words stung like a slap, and Sophie felt her temper flare. She opened her mouth to retort, but James barreled on, heedless of her building frustration.

"Don't get too caught up in all the glamour, Soph. It's just a fluff piece, a way to keep the masses entertained. Hardly groundbreaking journalism."

His casual dismissal of her accomplishments was like a match to kindling.

* * *

Sophie drew in a steady breath, her eyes blazing with indignation. James's flippant remarks had struck a nerve, igniting a fierce protectiveness within her—not only for her own journalistic integrity but for the very artists he so casually denigrated.

"You're wrong, James," she stated, her voice ringing with conviction. "Take That may have started as a boyband, but they've evolved into so much more. They've poured their hearts and souls into their music, crafting anthems that resonate with millions worldwide."

She thought back to the passion she had witnessed firsthand—the energy that crackled between the band members as they brainstormed for their upcoming tour. James could never understand the raw creative force that drove them and the sheer artistry they brought to their craft.

"Their music has touched countless lives and provided solace and joy in dark times." Sophie's eyes shone with a fervent belief in the power of her chosen profession. "As a journalist, it's my duty to give a voice to that impact, to capture the essence of what they've accomplished."

Straightening her shoulders, she leveled an unwavering gaze at her partner. "This isn't just a 'fluff piece' to me, James. It's an opportunity to shed light on the human experiences behind the music and to share their stories with the world."

A surge of pride swelled within her, as did a fierce determination to honor the trust placed in her by the band and their legions of devoted fans. She would not allow James's cynicism to taint the significance of her work or the profound connection she had felt with the artists themselves.

"I may not be covering hard-hitting political scandals, but that doesn't make this any less important," she stated, her voice resonating with quiet strength. "Music has the power to transcend boundaries and unite people across cultures and creeds. If I can play a small part in amplifying that message and in celebrating the triumphs and struggles that birthed those anthems, then I'll have done my job as a journalist with integrity."

Sophie felt the air grow thick with tension as James's expression shifted, a flicker of jealousy darkening his eyes. His lips curled into a taut, joyless smile that sent a shiver down her spine.

"You seem awfully defensive about this boyband, Soph," he remarked, his tone edged with an undercurrent of accusation. "Tell me, do you have a little crush on one of them?"

Sophie recoiled, stung by the implication. How could he possibly think that her professional dedication stemmed from something as tawdry as a schoolgirl infatuation?

"Don't be ridiculous, James," she countered, struggling to keep her voice level. "This has nothing to do with crushes or anything of the sort. I'm simply passionate about my work, about doing justice to the artists I cover."

James leaned back in his chair, regarding her with a scrutinizing gaze that made her skin prickle with discomfort. "If you say so," he remarked, his tone laced with doubt. "Just be careful you don't get too invested. These pop stars have a way of charming the pants off starry-eyed groupies."

A flush of indignation colored Sophie's cheeks at the insinuation. She opened her mouth to retort, but the words died on her lips as she caught sight of the barely concealed smugness etched across James's features. A bitter taste flooded her mouth—he was baiting her, trying to provoke a reaction.

Sophie rolled her eyes, a familiar exasperation washing over her at James's typical display of jealousy. It was an old dance they'd performed countless times before, with his insecurities flaring up.

Sophie expelled a weary breath, vexed by James's customary display of envy yet determined to defuse the situation. With a purposefully casual demeanor, she leaned in and offered his hand a reassuring squeeze, trying to calm him down.

Sophie gazed at James, her eyes softening as she took in the familiar contours of his face. Despite the flashes of jealousy that still lingered, she couldn't deny the profound connection they shared. Gently, she traced the lines of his knuckles with her thumb, a tender gesture meant to soothe the lingering tension.

"I miss you, James," she confessed, her voice a hushed whisper. "We hardly get any real quality time together anymore." Lately, Sophie felt the strain of their busy lives. They were like ships passing in the night, his work keeping him at bay. The brief times they did overlap were a reminder of how much things had changed and how the ease of their relationship had been usurped by constant separation. She missed the regularity of their togetherness and the simple comfort of shared daily routines.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay? I miss you too..." James murmured, his eyes reflecting a flicker of remorse. Sophie felt her heart constrict at the familiar words, a bittersweet reminder of the distance that had crept between them. "I have another trip that I need to leave for the end of the week, but let's do something before I go, alright? We can do something special." His apology hung in the air, a hollow promise that Sophie had heard too many times before. She forced a smile, nodding in acquiescence, even as a part of her yearned for more than short-lived moments of togetherness. James' frequent absences had become a painful reality, leaving her to navigate the ebb and flow of their relationship alone, clinging to the hope that one day their lives would align once more.