#stella receives messages from the stars

[stellar-solar-flare]

Another Halloween prompt: Steve plus arrangements

Thank you for sending a prompt. Stella's Halloween Shenanigans 👻This one got away from me a little but I had a ton of fun!

Cinderella Magic | Steve Rogers x Reader

You had been unable to do anything but stare at him, and he’d launched into a long-winded explanation about entirely platonic and all expenses paid and good PR for the Avengers after Tony’s recent disaster and of course I’ll behave, turning redder and redder with every word.

Fluff, romance, friends-to-lovers, fake dating if you squint. | Teen and Up Audiences | No Content Warnings | 828 words

AUTHOR MASTERLIST | AO3

Steve’s hand had hardly left your back the entire night. The touch had simply been there, a simple reassurance, nothing that made you feel like you were being pawed. He would never.

You’d welcomed the additional support – the grandeur of the charity gala, arranged at a beautiful historical building, had made your head swirl. The entire thing had been like something out of a movie, starting from how Steve – to you just Steve, one of the regulars at the bookshop you ran – had barged into the store yesterday and blurted out that he desperately needed a date.

You had been unable to do anything but stare at him, and he’d launched into a long-winded explanation about entirely platonic and all expenses paid and good PR for the Avengers after Tony’s recent disaster and of course I’ll behave, turning redder and redder with every word.

Of course you’d said yes. How could you not; even if the only thing that would come out of this was you getting to pretend for one night that you weren’t just friends, you’d take it. Steve had been so relieved that he hadn’t stopped muttering ‘thank you’s until you had had to go help another customer.

The schedule had been tight, and as soon as you’d locked up your store last night, you’d been whisked away by an Avengers Initiative car to be taken to meet with a seamstress. There had been no time to get anything custom-made for you, but one of the evening gowns on the rack had been just the right color for you, and she’d been terrifyingly effective in getting the fit tailored for you. And today, you’d closed the store a little early to run to back-to-back appointments with a hairdresser and a make-up artist, who had worked their magic on you.

Since living alone and the corset lacing of the dress weren’t exactly a match made in heaven, you’d agreed to head to the Avenger’s Tower from your makeup to finish getting ready. Before you had had time to worry if they’d even let you in, if anyone even believed this, you had been greeted in the lobby by no one other than Natasha Romanoff, who had informed you that she’d be assisting you with getting ready.

And yet, the Black Widow herself helping you into your dress hadn’t been the most unbelievable thing in about the night.

When you had emerged to the Cap Quartet’s shared hangout space to find Steve waiting for you – entirely delicious in his bespoke white-tie attire – the way he had looked at you had made you feel like Cinderella about to dance with the prince.

There had been champagne and delicious food, and dancing, too; Steve’s form holding you close to him, leading you in certain, slow steps. In the magic of it all, it had been easy to forget that this wasn’t your life, not truly. The night would come to an end, and you’d have to keep a hold of your glass slippers.

And yet Steve’s hand was back again, gently wrapped around you and pulling you to his side even after he’d already lent you his warm wool coat to guard you against the chill of a November night as you waited for the valet to fetch your car.

“Thank you for doing this,” he murmured. “This was the most fun I’ve had at one of these.”

“Thank you for taking me,” you whispered back. “It was… I believe you when you say it, but I find it hard to think one could get used to this, let alone bored.”

Steve laughed; a gentle rumble that left his chest, and he was looking down at you.

“I don’t usually have such gorgeous, smart, great company,” he murmured, and you felt your skin tingle with pleasure at his compliments.

You shot him a look from under your lashes and a warm smile, and the spots of red that had been there when he’d asked you to do this appeared on his cheeks again. He cleared his throat, and something about the awkward expression on his face made you wonder if you’d overstepped.

“I know…” he began.

You waited, your heart hammering against your ribcage. Had you ruined a great friendship by being too obvious about your crush on him?

“I know this arrangement was supposed to be just for tonight,” he said. “But I… I would love to have you by my side again. And not just… Not just for a charity event. If you would be willing to give me a chance, to let me take you out on a date, I’d be delighted to.”

Your thoughts swirled. Your mouth was dry but despite that, you managed to whisper:

“Yes, Steve. I would very much like that.”

And when he pulled you close by your waist and leaned down for a kiss you were delighted to let him steal, you could taste his triumphant smile on your lips.

Thank you for reading!

[rockislandadultreads]

Disability Pride Month: Genre Fiction Recommendations

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor

Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO. To her, these initials have always stood for Artificial Organism. AO has never really felt...natural, and that's putting it lightly. Her parents spent most of the days before she was born praying for her peaceful passing because even in-utero she was "wrong". But she lived. Then came the car accident years later that disabled her even further. Yet instead of viewing her strange body the way the world views it, as freakish, unnatural, even the work of the devil, AO embraces all that she is: A woman with a ton of major and necessary body augmentations. And then one day she goes to her local market and everything goes wrong.

Once on the run, she meets a Fulani herdsman named DNA and the race against time across the deserts of Northern Nigeria begins. In a world where all things are streamed, everyone is watching the "reckoning of the murderess and the terrorist" and the "saga of the wicked woman and mad man" unfold. This fast-paced, relentless journey of tribe, destiny, body, and the wonderland of technology revels in the fact that the future sometimes isn't so predictable. Expect the unaccepted.

Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood

It's 1942 and Willowjean "Will" Parker is a scrappy circus runaway whose knife-throwing skills have just saved the life of New York's best, and most unorthodox, private investigator, Lillian Pentecost. When the dapper detective summons Will a few days later, she doesn't expect to be offered a life-changing proposition: Lillian's multiple sclerosis means she can't keep up with her old case load alone, so she wants to hire Will to be her right-hand woman. In return, Will is to receive a salary, room and board, and training in Lillian's very particular art of investigation.

Three years later, Will and Lillian are on the Collins case: Abigail Collins was found bludgeoned to death with a crystal ball following a big, boozy Halloween party at her home—her body slumped in the same chair where her steel magnate husband shot himself the year before. With rumors flying that Abigail was bumped off by the vengeful spirit of her husband (who else could have gotten inside the locked room?), the family has tasked the detectives with finding answers where the police have failed.

But that's easier said than done in a case that involves messages from the dead, a seductive spiritualist, and Becca Collins—the beautiful daughter of the deceased, who Will quickly starts falling for. When Will and Becca's relationship dances beyond the professional, Will finds herself in dangerous territory, and discovers she may have become the murderer's next target.

This is the first volume of the “Pentecost and Parker” series.

Borderline by Mishell Baker

A year ago, Millie lost her legs and her filmmaking career in a failed suicide attempt. Just when she’s sure the credits have rolled on her life story, she gets a second chance with the Arcadia Project: a secret organization that polices the traffic to and from a parallel reality filled with creatures straight out of myth and fairy tales.

For her first assignment, Millie is tasked with tracking down a missing movie star who also happens to be a nobleman of the Seelie Court. To find him, she’ll have to smooth-talk Hollywood power players and uncover the surreal and sometimes terrifying truth behind the glamour of Tinseltown. But stronger forces than just her inner demons are sabotaging her progress, and if she fails to unravel the conspiracy behind the noble’s disappearance, not only will she be out on the streets, but the shattering of a centuries-old peace could spark an all-out war between worlds.

No pressure.

This is the first volume of the “Arcadia Project” series.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice—with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan—from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he's making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

This is the first volume of the “Kiss Quotient” series.

[hollywoodcatfish]

Catfish: Kristen Stewart/Towlee Stewart

Name(s): Kristen Stewart, Kris Stewart, Towlee Stewart, KS, KJS

YouTube

NOTE: This subject is a stolen identity.

Kristen Jaymes Stewart is a prominent film actor, known for starring in the Twilight film series. She reportedly began appearing on Facebook in February 2017, interacting publicly with Lisbeth Olofsson/Elofsson & Shonna Paige/Scheglova, as their peer from a social circle shared with her closest friend, CJ Romero, and her spouse at the time, Stella Maxwell. Many profiles, commonly going by "Towlee Stewart", were opened and forcibly closed until May 2020, due to celebrity impersonation reports. Photos, videos, and posts positively referenced this purported friends circle, while besmirching Washington State actors & filmmakers, as well as a circle of private residents unaffiliated with the industry.

The authenticity of the Stewart persona was further bolstered by a social media presence on platforms like LinkedIn & YouTube, as well as phone calls, voice mail, and text messages. People connected with this persona received autographed memorabilia.

The initial image, taken at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, utilized to represent the Stewart catfish profile.

The perpetrator who created the Lisbeth Olofsson/Elofsson, Shonna Paige/Scheglova, and Renee Vivas personas utilized Stewart's likeness and influence to devastating effect. Amassing a following of filmmakers & fans, the Stewart persona shared details regarding a false relationship with the perpetrator - that he was her former assistant, alongside Romero, and that Olofsson/Elofsson & Paige/Scheglova were her friends from Twilight's production. This individual supplemented his purported relationship with Stewart with custom-made media, such as a video of him dancing in a hoodie with her face printed on it, as well as a selfie of him covered in makeup - allegedly by Stewart's hand, while he was passed out at her Los Angeles residence. He further claimed to have been employed by the Gersh Agency, which represented Stewart at the time.

The Stewart persona also targeted the perpetrator's professional & personal peers from his upbringing. The persona accused filmmakers & actors the perpetrator was connected with of exploiting their relationship with him, as well as stalking her, stealing her private pictures via hacking, sabotaging film deals & her relationship with Gersh, and attempting to coerce letters of intent (LOIs). The perpetrator's personal friends were accused by this persona of being: closeted homosexuals, child molesters, rapists, and murderers. The persona attempted to convince victims that their lives & careers were ruined, and that suicide would be the ideal outcome.

Having previously identified the Stewart persona's entire social circle as being inauthentic or unaware of their names being used, we concluded that this is a case of a stolen identity. We took the liberty to ask Romero about the perpetrator.

CJ Romero denies knowing the (redacted) perpetrator.

We surmise that the perpetrator was assisted by an unidentified woman who impersonated Stewart through phone calls.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Summer Splash

MIRACLE MOMENT®

StarStyle® Empowerment is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

“If children grew up according to early indications, we should have nothing but geniuses.”

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A MESSAGE from Founder/Executive Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Who will be the first in the pool? Within a few days, schools will be out for the summer. As the warmer days of the season approach, our children are focused on fun in the sun. We need those summer splashes but we also need to maintain our educational achievements.

On average, students suffer a learning loss during their vacation. Some students sign up for three or four-week summer programs.  However, studies indicate that to yield a measurable academic benefit, instruction needs to be for three hours a day for at least five weeks.

Taking time off to recuperate, rest, repair, and play is equally important for a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Families want to spend time together, take a vacation, travel, or enjoy time at home. Taking a vacation reduces stress, improves moods and sleep, and increases the bond in family relationships by making memories. The bottom line is that taking a time out will boost your happiness. 

To reduce learning loss for all ages, choose to read stimulating books. Students can join our Star Teen Book Review Team to write a review that will be published after a book is read. Our talented Book Review Coordinator, Stephanie Cogeos, evaluates each review submitted for accuracy and provides feedback to the writer. It is then published at http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews. To be considered for the team, a volunteer questionnaire must be submitted and approved. The Star Teen Book Review Team is one of the most popular and productive outreach programs BTSYA provides for teens to reduce learning loss at any time. Check out the program.

Our two award-winning radio shows, StarStyle® and Express Yourself! Teen Radio broadcasts weekly all summer with new episodes, so check the lineup and tune in for unapologetically authentic information and edutainment. Live, learn, laugh!

Here at Be the Star You Are!® we are still basking in the limelight of our Moraga win as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year. We will continue celebrating all year, and we encourage you to mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28 as Be the Star You Are!® continues the party by participating in a parade, ribbon cutting, and the Pear and Wine Festival. 

Congratulations to all the graduates from pre-school through grad school! Be a genius and continue to be kind!

May you have a marvelous summer with enchanting festivities filled with family and friends frolicking. Live fully, laugh loudly, love boldly, and learn daily.

Make a Splash! It’s summer!

With gratitude for your support.

Sending love and peace,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO box 376

Moraga, California 94556

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

PRESALES FOR NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK ENDS JUNE 3

The third book in the children’s picture book series Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventure is Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, a delightful tale based on the true story of a baby fawn who is rescued by children and shares a secret superpower. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Be the Star You Are!® charity.  While the book is being published, presale orders are discounted through June 3, 2024. The regular price is $14.95 but the presale price is only $11.95. Buy your copies now, ask for autographs, and reap the extra rewards. If you want to buy books in bulk, email info@BetheStarYouAre.org for a greater discount. Visit https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

To find out more about the Stella Bella Barnyard Adventure series, read the terrific article penned by Vera Kochan. Vera also took this photo! Thanks Vera!

Are you looking for first-edition book packages as keepsakes or gifts?  Be the Star You Are!® offers our special book package containing six books in our most popular two series for adults, teens, and children.

The total donation is $125 for the six books including tax and shipping. Visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift for order information.

GET INSPIRED WITH BOOKS

Looking for a great book? Check out our two portals with proceeds benefiting Be the Star You Are!®

Amazon Store: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

StarStyle® Store: https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

SUMMER KINDNESS

by Karen Kitchel

Summer is a time of year when smiles seem to be abundant.  It might have something to do with the intoxicating scent of flowers or the virtually cloudless and miraculously bright blue sky. Adding to this sunny state can be a satisfying feeling of knowing you’ve just made someone’s day.

 Here are a few simple summer kindness ideas:

Interrupt the ordinary

Think about the people who help you get life done (trash collector, mail delivery person, etc.) Interrupt them on an ordinary day with a bottle of sparkling water or a candy bar and a “Thanks for what you do.”

Ice cream scattering

While at the grocery store, pick up a box of popsicles or ice cream bars and drop them off at a local shelter or food shelf for the volunteers.  All you have to say is “Enjoy!”

A line to say to make someone’s day

“You are really good at what you do!”

Kindness cards

Make up a few note cards to keep in your car or purse to randomly give to those wonderful folks who keep restrooms clean, police officers, teachers, or those who make your life a bit better. Cards can say things like: “You are appreciated” or “Thanks for all you do!”

Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book, No Barnyard Bullies, as a gift for every kindergarten student where she is a volunteer teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

On Saturday, September 28th, as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Town of Moraga, volunteers of Be the Star You Are!® as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year, will participate in the parade and be acknowledged on the BandStand at the Pear and Wine Festival. Since we will be celebrating our 25th year of being a 501c3, we will have a ribbon cutting and celebration at our festival booth. Our teen coordinator for the 25th-anniversary celebration is Ella Kalpakjian and our teenchairpersons for our booth at the Pear and Wine Festival are Saanvi Phanendra and Sharanya Roy. We welcome sponsors and those interested in participating to contact us at info@BetheStarYouAre.org. Details will be posted at https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org during the summer

LINKS FOR BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® 501 C3

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON-PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES:  https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Enjoy books! Reading is succeeding! Be a GENIUS!

Splash and have a safe and fun summer!

Thank you for reading StarStyle® Empowerment . This post is public so feel free to share it.

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StarStyle® Empowerment is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

[cinema-hallucinations]

Prompt: generate a concept about a girl kidnapped by alien (singular), who explains he needs her to pretend to be his boyfriend (not girlfriend) at dinner with his parents. Hilarity ensues on both earth and in space after after she leaves her actual, earth-bound boyfriend a confusing voicemail explaining her absence. (credit to @writing-prompt-s)

Title: Where is Stella?

Tagline: Earth girls are easy... right?

Logline: When quirky high schooler Stella gets abducted by a handsome, but clueless alien named Xylo, he convinces her to pose as his "Earth boyfriend" at a crucial dinner with his disapproving space parents. Back on Earth, her oblivious boyfriend, Chad, receives a cryptic voicemail about aliens and interstellar dates, leading to chaotic situations on two different planets.

Characters:

Stella Green: A quirky and independent high schooler with a wild imagination. She's used to being overlooked, but finds herself thrust into the spotlight (albeit an alien one).

Xylo: A charming but utterly clueless alien prince. He's naive about Earth customs and desperately wants to impress his parents.

Zorg and Zora: Xylo's disapproving space parents, obsessed with tradition and proper galactic etiquette. They expect their son to bring home a sophisticated alien princess, not a bewildered human girl.

Chad Johnson: Stella's oblivious but sweet boyfriend. He loves video games and takes Stella's cryptic voicemail about aliens in stride, leading to hilarious misunderstandings.

Plot:

Stella Green, an avid UFO enthusiast, is more interested in the stars than the latest school gossip. One night, while gazing at the night sky, a spaceship malfunctions and beams her up.

She awakens on a spaceship, face-to-face with the handsome Xylo, an alien prince with shimmering blue skin and three eyes. Panicked, Stella learns Xylo accidentally abducted her instead of the intergalactic princess he was supposed to meet for his parents' dinner.

Desperate to avoid intergalactic trouble, Xylo hatches a plan – Stella will pose as his "Earth boyfriend" at the dinner (that's boyfriend with a B). Stella, initially skeptical, sees this as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and agrees.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Chad receives a frantic voicemail from Stella, apologizing for missing their date and rambling about aliens and "borrowing spaceships." Confused but ever-supportive, Chad tries to decipher Stella's message, leading to a series of misunderstandings about her whereabouts.

On Xylo's home planet, Stella struggles to navigate alien etiquette and cultural faux pas. She butchers their language, offends Xylo's parents with her Earth humor, and accidentally throws shade at their galactic empire's outdated customs.

Meanwhile, Chad, armed with outdated alien conspiracy theories and his trusty video game controller, attempts to "rescue" Stella from the aliens, oblivious to the fact she's enjoying her space adventure.

The climax involves Xylo's parents' dinner party, a hilarious disaster filled with cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and Stella's attempts to explain the concept of "Earth boyfriends" (not girlfriends) to a bewildered alien audience.

With some quick thinking and unexpected honesty, Stella bridges the gap between human and alien cultures, earning the respect of Xylo's parents. She also helps Xylo realize it's more important to find someone who genuinely likes him, not someone his parents approve of.

In the end, Stella returns to Earth, forever changed by her alien adventure. Chad, relieved to have his girlfriend back, is left in the dark about the full story. The film ends with Stella receiving a mysterious transmission from Xylo, hinting at a future space adventure – this time, a planned one.

Humor:

The clash between Stella's quirky Earth personality and Xylo's uptight alien upbringing.

Stella's attempts to explain human customs like "dating" and "fast food" to baffled aliens.

Chad's hilariously misguided rescue attempts based on outdated alien movies and conspiracy theories.

Misunderstandings arising from language barriers and cultural differences.

Themes:

Embracing the unexpected and finding adventure in everyday life.

The importance of communication and understanding across cultures.

True connections can be formed in the most unlikely places.

[jonathanvik]

Luyten V - Chapter 1

Pain lanced through Rosemary’s legs as she dragged herself through the ruined building. She warily eyed the ceiling, fearing the rickety structure might topple at any second. Half had already collapsed, making her trek to the basement nail-biting.

But Rosemary pushed ahead anyway. After all, dying early would doom humanity forever. She gave her left arm a quick glance and winced. The infection had already spread to her shoulder blade, the thick glowing purple undulations sickening to behold. Rosemary figured she had an hour remaining until the parasitic infection consumed her whole. But that didn’t matter. She’d complete her task well before then.

“Well, shoot.” Rocks had collapsed over the door leading to her destination. Refused to be deterred, metal squealed as Rosemary pushed against it with her infected arm. Sweat dripped down her brow as she forced open the metal door, beaming as she spotted what she hoped would be the home of humanity.

“There you are, girl. You can’t imagine how pleased I am to see you.” She tapped at some keys, grunting in satisfaction as all systems read green. It won’t do to send her creation if it didn’t work.

“Still, doing this will doom me and everything I worked towards for the last twenty-odd years,” she mumbled to herself. This wasn’t a decision she made lightly. Heck, this half-baked scheme might not even work. Or worse, doom all history in a paradoxical tangle. Still, she had little choice. The Altair had ruined her precious planet beyond repair. It’s only a matter of time until they spread their infection across the entire galaxy.

“Macauley better be right about this.” With more taps of the key, everything was ready. She only prayed this would work. They hadn’t exactly tested this yet. Oh, well. Nothing for it, she supposed.

“Hey, kiddo. I’m sure you’re surprised to see me,” Rosemary said in her final message. She couldn’t send the Luyten V without explaining its purpose. “Now listen to me carefully. The Earth’s fate hangs in the balance.”

---

“I don’t like the looks of this corridor.” The avatars on Rose’s computer screen said. The animesque girl’s eyes darted from side to side, her animated expression turning pensive.

“Creepy. Maybe you should turn back?” Rose said, tensing with her favorite Vtuber star, Stella Kilonova, as she explored further down the pitch-black corridor. The dilapidated industrial complex sent waves of unease through Rose, its metal rusted into an ugly orange. 

Rose hated horror games, never having the nerve to play one herself. She watched as Stella directed her character past some pitch-black window. Rose tensed, fearing something jumping out at any second.

The horror came as expected, bursting from the window in an explosion of glass. The indescribable horror lumbered forward, and Stella screamed. Her avatar, a blue-haired girl with twin starburst hairpins froze, pupils widening in utter terror.

To illustrate her fear, Rose posed a scared emoji with Stella’s face in the chat. Similar reactions zipped through the chat log as the Vtuber’s other viewers dreaded what might happen next.

“No!” Stella’s player character tried fleeing for his life, but the monster moved lightning fast, its jagged claws lashing forward to gut him. Much to Rose’s astonishment, the blow did nothing. The character bounced back several steps, but seemed otherwise unharmed. Huh, what was happening?

In response, Stella broke into a high-pitched giggle, her avatar laughing and clasping her stomach. “Gotcha!”

“Huh?” Rose posted her confusion in the chat.

The monster attacked again with a terrifying single-minded determination. But its efforts to bash Stella’s character proved futile, the video game character receiving no damage.

“Before I started the game, I entered a cheat code that made my character immune to all damage,” Stella said, amused at the monster’s futile attempts to hurt her, and broke into another laughing fit.

“Hilarious,” Rose said, scowling and voicing her annoyance in the chat. Typical. Stella loved playing these unpredictable practical jokes.

“The monsters should never win,” Stella said with absolute confidence. Her chat remained unamused, many claiming she’d ruined the game. They’d been looking forward to her streaming this game. But, ever the entertainer, Stella showed other fun tricks you could do with this game, demonstrating amusing glitches if the player character hit a wall just right. She had an impressive knowledge of the game.

After closing the game, Stella returned to her default star-filled background and answered some questions from her viewers. She answered each super chat donation with her usual humble gratitude. The cute smile of her avatar made everyone’s previous annoyance with her evaporate like smoke.

“Rose!” Her mother said, yelling up the stairs.

“Yeah, Mom?” Rose yelled back.

“I need help with the groceries.”

“Okay, coming.” Rose frowned, but did as instructed. She’d just watch the VOD repeat later.

“Ugh,” Rose grunted as she lifted the bags onto the kitchen counter, panting as she finally relieved the weight. 

“Mom, look at this.” Rose’s youngest brother, Dan, said, holding up a collection of sticks he’d glued together. Much to Rose’s dismay, the sticky substance covered him everywhere.

“That’s great, dear.” Their mom paused, her tongue clicking when she spotted her son’s mess. Like her mother and little brother, Rose shared her mother’s raven locks. Only her older sister had inherited chestnut hair. Typical. His perfect always needed to stand out. “Look at you. Clean up before dinner, young man.”

“Must I?” Dan said, pouting.

“Rose, can you wash up your brother?” Her mom asked. “I need to put away groceries and start dinner. Dad will be home soon.”

“What? I was in the middle of something. Make Sophie do it!”

“Sophie’s studying right now.” Her mom replied. “She’s studying for her SAT. Lacerta University doesn’t allow just anyone in.”

“Yeah, yeah. Wouldn’t that be a crime?” Like her Miss Perfect older sister even needed to study!

“Rose.” Her mom’s tone contained a warning.

“Okay. Come, Danny boy, let’s get you washed up.” She led her brother by the hand to the bathroom.

The dinner table was a hive of activity as they prayed and dug in. With her father home for once, her mom wanted a happy, idyllic family get-together. Danny was making a mess as usual, while her father sang Sophie’s praises as she recounted a scholarship she’d gotten for her fantastic grades. No one paid Rose much attention as she picked at her Parmesan-crusted chicken. Rose wished she could eat it in her room, as was her habit, and finish watching Stella’s livestream.

Family dinners are the worst. And her father hadn’t even bothered asking about her week, like he didn’t even remember his middle child existed. Noticing Rose’s pensive expression, her mom elbowed her husband hard in the stomach.

“And how have you been, Rosemary?” Her father asked, finally getting the hint. His gaunt face extended into a facsimile of a smile. Rose had always thought her high cheek bones made him look downright skeletal. 

“The usual.”

Undeterred by this bland response, her father pressed the conversation. “Mother tells me you’ve been working on a special project. How’s that going?”

“That? I finished it yesterday.” While not as smart as her perfect older sister, Rose had her talents. She’d worked on it while listening to Stella’s stream. “Got it ticking down to the second.”

Ever since she was little, the mechanical had fascinated Rose. Much to her parents’ exasperation, she’d loved taking apart anything she could get her hands on to learn how it worked. Then she’d reassemble it, making the contraption work better than ever. Her newest project was building a working clock from random scraps she’d collected.

“That’s wonderful. You’ll have to…” Her father paused as his phone buzzed. He quickly dismissed himself to talk in the other room. After a quick apology, her father rushed out the door. There’d been some commotion at work, and his immediate presence was required.

“I’m sure you can show him later when he returns home.” Her mom said, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Why bother?” But Rose shrugged it off. “I’m going to my room.” Her sister seemed ready to say something. But she closed her mouth, deciding against it. The door slammed behind her as she reentered her room. Much to her annoyance, Stella had already ended her stream.

Rose flopped on her bed, not interested in doing much anymore. She listened as her makeshift clock ticked and tocked. She’d always loved the sound of old-fashioned clocks. It reminded her of her grandmother’s house, a wonderful jumble of random knick-knacks, many dating back a hundred years or more. 

“Should I just go to bed early?” Rose wasn’t interested in socializing. Unlike her perfect, beloved sister, she possessed poor social skills.

Before she could decide, Rose almost toppled off her bed as her entire room shook. “What the heck?” After the rumbling stopped, she regained her bearings.

“What was that?” Rose checked her phone, trying to figure out what had happened. They didn’t live near a fault line, so it couldn’t be an earthquake, could it?

“Are you okay, Rose?” Her mom yelled up to her, concern evident in her voice.

“Fine.” She shouted back. The rumble made her room a total disaster. Rose spent the next few minutes righting everything as she checked the newsfeed. 

“Was it a meteor?” It must have been enormous to cause that kind of tremor. The news claimed it’d crashed about four miles away from her house. The news advised that people stay clear of the crash site. Thankfully, it’d only crashed in a nearby field. No one had gotten hurt.

“I have to check this out.” Rose grabbed a jacket, running out before her mom noticed she’d left. At a hurried pace, she dashed towards the distance crash site. 

Spectators already filled the street as she approached. Police cars and police tape cordoned off the crash site. Officers waved people away, telling them to return to their homes. She tried peering around the crowd, but her short stature made the effort useless.

“I wonder what they’re hiding.” A familiar voice said.

“Oh, hi Hans,” Rose said, her tone neutral. “What do you mean?”

“You haven’t heard?” Unlike her, her classmate stood tall, almost dwarfing her by a foot. Some called him tall, dark, and handsome, but Rose only considered him a jerk. He was brusque with everyone by nature, especially to her.

“What?”

“Before the meteor crashed, something like an aurora borealis lit up the sky.”

Rose only snorted. “No way. That’s stupid.”

“You think? They’re hiding something. Why are they here, then?” He pointed to some men in black in shades. They looked like government types.

“Okay, you might have a point.” Rose scowled. She hated being wrong. “But what are you saying? That it was a UFO? Now that’s stupid.”

Her classmate didn’t reply, lost in his own thoughts. Annoyed by his rude dismissal, she tried to slip past the crowd to get a better glimpse of the crash site.

But her efforts proved futile, a police officer pushing her away. “Return to your homes. Nothing to see here.” Dejected, Rose did as instructed. She spent the night visiting various social media sites for more information. This mystery fascinated her. It was a bright spot in her usually uninteresting life. Whatever it meant, something interesting had finally happened in her incredibly dull town.

---

“What is this?” Agent Millar said, combing a hand through her blonde hair. “It just crashed, but it’s already cool to the touch?” Whatever it was, it wasn’t anything she’d ever seen on Earth. But it couldn’t be a UFO from space. That’d be crazy! The “meteor” sat in the crater, curled up in a ball, its form vaguely humanoid. Could it be some sort of weird new drone?

“Washington has already sent its best minds to the scene to investigate.” Her partner, Agent Gaddas, replied. He adjusted his shades for the fifteenth time, a habit he displayed when nervous. “We’re seeing about moving it. But I doubt it’d be easy.”

The UFO had to weigh at least 250 tons, standing almost the size of a two-story building. She frowned as something caught her eye.

“What’s wrong?”

“I thought I saw a light.” Something on the UFO’s surface had flashed purple. Not from the UFO itself, but from the odd grim covering it.

“What? D-did it just move?” She could have sworn the grim had just undulated. 

“We have a problem, I think.” But her partner never finished his words.

The odd ooze leaped from the UFO, plopping to the crater floor. Whatever the substance was, it was alive. Its body became more solid, taking the vague outline of a great cat. A single eye cracked open on its forehead, studying them with alien intelligence. Her partner reached for his weapon. But that’d been a mistake. Sensing his hostile action, the creature lunged with impossible quickness. Gaddas didn’t even get to scream as the monstrosity consumed him, the poor man flailing as the monster’s body absorbed him on contact.

Much to her confusion, the UFO lit up, emitting a sound like an engine starting. But Millar never got a chance to consider what the sound meant before the monstrosity pounced, her body dissolving in seconds.

---

“Did you see the crash last night?” Vera asked, leaning over to talk with Rose over her seat. Since class hadn’t begun yet, students took full advantage to socialize.

“Not much,” Rose said, shaking her head. “When I’d gotten there, the FBI or whatever had cordoned it off already.”

A sly look overtook her friend. Her mouse-like face turning mischievous, She knew something. Vera paused, waiting for her friend to squeeze the information out of her.

“What is it?” Rose said, finally relenting after an awkward few seconds of silence.

“I live nearby, right?” Vera said, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “I saw the lights everyone’s been talking about. I was out walking Mr. Fluffy when it happened.”

“You saw something? Really?” The red-haired boy sitting next to her said, pushing up his glasses with a finger. His name was Georges, he’d been her next door neighbor forever.

“Oh yes! And not a giant rock, either. More like a giant man forged from metal, like a titan from myth. It had battle paint over both eyes. Its face was something fearsome, like a demon!” 

“Now I know you’re pulling my leg.” Rose still wasn’t buying the story.

“Cool.” Georges, however, seemed more inclined to believe this fanciful story. 

“The light appeared way high in the sky! The figure fell at least fifty feet! It curled up into a ball to protect itself.” Vera said, continuing her tale.

“So, it’s not from space? Wait, are you saying? It’s a giant robot?”

“Exactly!” Vera wanted to elaborate more, but Mr. Lynn cleared his throat to get the class’s attention to start class. He was a balding, middle-aged man with a slight limp in his left leg, a result of a terrible football injury thirty years earlier. 

Rose, however, was only half listening to the history lesson. Had a giant robot crashed in their sleepy little town? It sounded hard to credit, though it sparked the imagination. While taking her notes, Rose doodled tiny robots in the margins, each more fanciful than the last.

“Okay, class, read Chapters 3 and 4, and don’t forget the chapter questions at the end. They’re due tomorrow.” He wished to say more, but a sudden, ear-piercing crash interrupted him. It wasn’t like the impact from yesterday. It sounded closer. Had a building just collapsed?

“One moment, class.” Without another word, Mr. Lynn retreated from the classroom. He spoke with another teacher, each reading something on their phones. The entire class was on the edge, their nerves fraying. 

“A monster attack?” A student said, his phone out, despite this breaking the rules.

“What? Impossible! Monsters don’t exist!” Another student cried, incredulous. Arguments broke out as everyone declared their own theories, each more outlandish than the last. After twenty minutes passed, their teacher returned, clearing his throat to catch everyone’s attention. 

“Class, school is canceled.” While his outward expression remained calm, a fretful look hid behind it. “In a calm, orderly manner, follow Ms. Sagan outside. A school bus will be ready for you.”

This earned confused glances from his students, but his expression brooked no argument. “There’s no time to explain. We’re taking you to somewhere safe. There’s nothing to fear.”

Someone screamed, and everyone turned to what Vera was pointing at through the windows. Her heart caught in Rose’s throat, she froze like a deer caught in a headlight.

The creature was enormous, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. It was a creature from a nightmare, a cross between a feline predator and a ferocious lizard. Spikes ran across its spine, its scales the ugly color of bruised flesh.

“Go, now!” Mr. Lynn said, pushing his students towards the exit. 

Rose screamed as the monster turned to face their direction. This was impossible. This had to be a nightmare. With a casual sweep of its tails, it demolished a nearby building. Dear God, she’d passed that store every day without thinking, and now it was gone, history. The monster stomped in their direction, mouth open to gobble them whole.

A deafening howl resonated through the school as the monster cried out in pain. A jagged line ran across its scales, blackened like coal.

“What the heck?” Rose’s breath caught as a red figure appeared from behind a building.

Much to her astonishment, it was the metal creature Vera had described. Its appearance was fearsome. Yet Rose got the distinct impression of a metal sentinel, a guardian here to protect humanity. It wore armor shaped like a knight’s chest plate, its body an orangish red hue. It stood even taller than the monster, strong and proud. The fearsome, proud face was like Vera described, with two horns pointing from its metal skull.

Instead of dealing with the stunned monster, it stomped right towards them at frightening speed. Stupid. Why had she assumed the robot was there to protect them? Rose turned to flee, but a hand reached out and smashed through her classroom’s wall. She collapsed, shaken by the sudden impact.

The metal colossus’s chest opened, revealing an impenetrable black void. A fretful Georges screamed her name, reaching out to grab her hand so they might escape. But tendrils shot out from the metal creature, grabbing Rose in a vice-like grip. Try as she might, they were impossible to escape from.

“Rose!” Georges’ frantic plea was the last thing she heard before darkness consumed her.

----

“What the?” Rose shook her head, confused. Much to her relief, she wasn’t dead. Something soft sat under her. Cushions? 

“Where am I?” Everything was pitch dark. Rose flailed around, trying to find a light. Illumination suddenly blinded her as a screen turned on. A woman of early middle years greeted her, her raven-colored hair in a short bob. 

“Mom?” No, but something about the face displayed on the computer screen seemed familiar. Wait. Rose’s heart dropped into her stomach. This was her face, older, more battered but clearly her own visage!

“Hey, kiddo. I’m sure you’re surprised to see me.” An eye patch covered one of the dark-haired woman’s eyes. She looked haggard, like she’d suffered through terrible starvation. Yet, her single eye blazed with intensity, a candle that refused to be blown out.

“Now listen to me carefully. The Earth’s fate hangs in the balance.There wasn’t anyone else I’d trust my Luyten V with. Use it to fight, defend the world. Or else, everyone is doomed!”

[f1]

ICYMI: The best social media moments from the Australian Grand Prix

It was a tremendous Australian Grand Prix weekend, with plenty of action to keep us all entertained over the weekend – both on and off-track. With so much going on, to clue you in on what you may have missed out on, we’ve rounded up the best social media from the weekend. From grandma... with love Melbourne native Oscar Piastri and his McLaren team received plenty of support at the track over the weekend. But without doubt Piastri’s biggest supporter was his grandma, who even provided the team with baked goods. How nice is that? READ MORE: ‘The hard work is paying off’ – Norris encouraged by McLaren’s ‘best weekend so far’ after breaking duck in Australia K-Mag makes a furry friend The weekend did not end in the way Kevin Magnussen would have been hoping for, but on the plus side, at least he made a new canine friend called Snowy, from Assistance Dogs Australia. READ MORE: ‘I didn’t even feel it’ says Magnussen of dramatic race-ending crash in Melbourne Mull-stappen? Valtteri Bottas’s mullet has caught the eye of many in the paddock this season, and one of those people appears to be Max Verstappen, who wanted to see what it would look like on him. Hulk and Haas embrace The Hulk is back in the points. The German took the chequered flag in seventh at this weekend's race in Melbourne, and in a video captured by Haas, you can see him being congratulated by members of the team, including his boss Guenther Steiner. READ MORE: Stewards dismiss Haas protest over provisional results of Australian Grand Prix Mercedes NSYNC George Russell has clearly aced the Mercedes crash course in posing for pictures since joining the team, because he and Lewis Hamilton are clearly in lock step here. READ MORE: Hamilton hails ‘amazing’ Melbourne podium as he says Mercedes closing gap to Red Bull will be ‘tough but not impossible�� The Great Alpine Debate There was a huge disagreement at Alpine this weekend – and it has created plenty of debate in the paddock. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly did not agree with reserve driver Jack Doohan's views about overcooking your meat. All the carnivores out there: where do you stand on this issue? READ MORE: 'No hard feelings' – Alpine pair Gasly and Ocon reflect on their race-ending collision in Melbourne Huuuuuuuulkenberg gets a message We got to see Daniel Ricciardo back in the paddock this weekend, and he was up to his usual tricks. The Australian made a brief appearance on Haas’s Twitter feed, delivering a message to his former Renault team mate. Nyck Debris is back A part of Nyck De Vries's engine cover came off his car during practice in Melbourne, and AlphaTauri took the unmissable opportunity to remind the world of the nickname Carlos Sainz unknowingly gave him in Mexico last season... MUST-SEE: Chaos in late restart as numerous drivers collide at the end of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix Aston Martin's hit number one single With three podiums to start the season, Aston Martin have created a song in tribute to driver Fernando Alonso. Listen below and see if you can learn the lyrics. READ MORE: Alonso reflects on 'rollercoaster of emotions' race as he takes third place in Melbourne Stella embraces Piastri Piastri, no doubt fuelled by his grandmother's baking, took his first Formula 1 points this weekend, and as a reward, he received a warm embrace from his McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella. READ MORE: ‘What better place to do it’ – Piastri thrilled after charging his way to maiden F1 points finish on home soil A five star Albert Park review His race may have ended in the barrier, but Alex Albon was absolutely brilliant in qualifying on Saturday. So happy with his performance, it was only right that the Thai racer left a good review about the Albert Park Circuit. via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[yamamuragaku]

7th Anniversary 7 Big Campaigns

It’s the 7th anniversary of the release of IDOLiSH7! There are 7 big campaigns to celebrate it:

1. 7 SSR+ guaranteed in 77 Free Pulls!

Once a day from 8/20 (Sat) 12:00 - 8/31 (Wed) 12:59, there’s a free 11-pull that guarantees 1 SSR+ in each pull. Sets like UR [WiSH VOYAGE] [Heavenly Visitor] [Kiseki], SSR [Antagonistic Quarter], etc. are in the audition.

2. 7th Anniversary Login Bonus!

Log in for 7 days from 8/20 (Sat) 12:00 - 8/31 (Wed) 12:59, resetting at 4:00, to get 7th Anniversary Purachinanakore x4, Stella Stone x70, UR ALL STAR [7th Anniversary] x1, and more!

3. 7th Anniversary Auditions!

There are auditions for 7th Anniversary URs with illustrations by Arina Tanemura! You can get a guaranteed featured card on your 250th pull, as well as a way to exchange for the featured cards with “Pickup Medals”. See the separate post for more details.

4. Event with Special Story!

There will be a 7th anniversary event with a special story written by Bunta Tsushimi! Voices will be added to the story at a later date. See the separate post for more details.

5. 2 New Functions & Rabbit Chat Renewal!

The Rabbit Chat UI has been renewed. There are also 2 new features called Manager Phone, which allows you to receive messages from idols when you login and play, and Work, which allows you to instruct idols and support their activities in the entertainment industry. See the 7.0.0 Update notice for more details.

6. A present that lets you play a movie on the HOME screen!

As part of the 7th anniversary login bonus, as mentioned in campaign #2, you can get UR ALL STAR [7th Anniversary], which comes with a movie that can be played when you set it to your HOME screen.

7. 7th Anniversary Stella Boxes in the Shop

3 new options are available for purchase in the shop from 8/20 (Sat) 0:00 - 8/31 (Wed) 23:59.

7th Anniversary Stella Box (Small) - 27,00¥, 120 paid stones

7th Anniversary Stella Box (Large) - 10,000¥, 470 paid stones

7th Anniversary Special Box - 7,000¥, 360 paid stones

3 Strengthening Campaigns

(1) W Pudding Rush will run from 8/20 (Sat) 12:00 - 8/22 (Mon) 12:59, while (2) Practice Success Rate Up & (3) Member Trust Rate Up will run from 8/20 (Sat) 12:00 - 8/31 (Wed) 12:59.

Beginners’ Support Campaign

From 8/20 (Sat) 12:00 - 9/30 (Fri) 16:59, players can earn 3x rank EXP until they reach rank 250!

7th Anniversary Hall Present

2 7th Anniversary-themed hall items were delivered to your EMAIL on 8/20 (Sat) 0:00.

[stellar-solar-flare]

If I’m not too late… Bucky Barnes + vacation?

Sorry about the delay. It has been A Week (TM). This is part of Stella's Halloween Shenanigans, for which I'm no longer taking new prompts. Thank you everyone who sent a prompt, all requests will be fulfilled!

Reboot - Bucky Barnes x f!Reader

“Oh, what does the gossip magazine say?” Bucky said as he stalked closer and lifted his sunglasses, revealing his dark eyes.

Fluff, romance, established relationship, heavily implied sexual content. | Mature | CW: Maybe very very light dom/sub dynamics if you squint? | 500 words.

Reader is female, no description of appearance. She has a PhD from an unspecified area of study.

Alternate Universe: The Avengers Initiative (AI) continued SHIELD's work after its collapse to corruption, with Steve as the Head Strategist and Tony as the Director. The Avengers are living together in the Tower - Bucky has healed, and Civil War never happened because Tony and Steve worked through their differences like adults.

I do not own anything Marvel related. This is an unofficial fan work. No copyright infringement intended. This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.

As soon as he stepped out onto the terrace where you lounged in a pool chair, Bucky’s eyes locked onto the StarkPad you held in your hands. The giant parasol offered just enough shade for you to comfortably read, as well as protecting you from the sun that poured from the sky. All around you, a beautiful Mediterranean landscape bathed in the light. The private villa that Tony had lent to you was close enough to the sea that you could only not see but hear it – and yet enjoy perfect privacy at your own pool.

“What are you reading, honey?” Bucky asked with a dangerously innocent voice.

Oh, shit.

“A gossip magazine,” you smiled.

“Oh, what does the gossip magazine say?” Bucky said as he stalked closer and lifted his sunglasses, revealing his dark eyes.

“Outrageous things,” you still tried as he stopped right next to you, and you took a moment to appreciate his form in khaki shorts and a loose white shirt that was partially opened. “You wouldn’t be interested.”

“I bet,” he said, and without further warning, he snatched the StarkPad from your hands.

“HEY,” you tried, grabbing for the device in vain as he scrutinized the contents of the screen. “Ever heard of privacy, jerk?”

Not dignifying your complaint with a response, he turned his gaze to you, raising his brow.

“It seems that the gossip rags have gotten quite a lot more highbrow lately, to contain scientific articles about quantum matter,” he said dryly before lowering the pad to your table. “I recall something about a mutually agreed ‘no work during the vacation’ policy, no, doll?”

You bit your lip; he obviously wasn’t truly mad at you, simply teasing, and you rolled your eyes in response.

“You were taking forever at the gym. I thought there was no harm done if I looked at a little something,” you grumbled. “But leave it to the man from the early 1900s to call out his fiancée for using her brain.”

He chuckled, but you didn’t miss the glow of pride on him as your new title had reminded him of the purpose of this vacation. He leaned over you, his hands coming to rest on both sides of you at the edges of the chair. His arms were effectively caging you in, and you swallowed as you saw the muscles grow taunt.

“Quite the contrary, doll,” he smiled. “I love your brain. Which is why I’m trying to get you to take a break every now and then.”

He leaned down, and you could feel the slightest hint of stubble on his jaw brushing against your cheek as he whispered directly into your ear.

“There is only one occasion when I want your brain empty, my love,” he rasped as his vibranium hand slid down your body, which was covered only by your bikini and a gauzy beach wrap. “And I do think that it’s high time we give that beautiful mind of yours a break.”

[stellaswift1389]

On 28th September, I received a message from my friend @denne-red . I read it many times 'cause it didn't see true what there was written, and it was: "Stella, I bought 2 autographed CDs, one for me and one for you. I' ve been lucky because I immediately saw the notification and I had enough money on my card. I'm shaking!". I didn't know what reply, it was incredible. I was shaking and I was about to cry. 😭 Denise was thinking at me in that moment and it's not the first time. I was so lucky to knew her in the Taylor Swift Italian Fanclub and I'm sure we will meet one day and we will meet our idol too. 🤞🏻Continuing the story... On these days, I checked the mail every day, but nothing, but I didn't give up. This morning, October 20th, the mailgirl knocked at my door and said: "There is a pack for you. Are you coming to get it?". I immediately think "OBVIOUSLY!!! ". I was wearing pajamas, so I put on a coat and I run to the garden. It really was my CD. It arrived from America to a small village in the province of Como (🇺🇸➡️🇮🇹). It was in the fairy Taylor Swift hands and now in mine. 👐🏻 I decided to film that epic moment so important to me. While I was opening the package, I was hoping the content was intact, and it was!😃 And those beautiful 1989 stars-confetti, OMG! 🌟⭐🌠 I really wanted them 'cause my name is Stella (lol) and when came out the StellaxTaylorSwift line I was enchanted to see our names wrote together, but unfortunately I couldn't buy something of it. 😔 But that's another history! I'm so happy and so grateful! 💗

@taylorswift @taylornation @tree-paine

[victoriareyloficlists]

Single Parents

Updated 10 November 2021

Rest of the Masterlist.

A Beautiful Mess by MizuPhoenix (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben/Kylo is a new dad, left with a baby and note from a one night stand. Rey is his flighty loud neighbor, who always has way too many friends at her house and doesn't make things easy on his new lifestyle. They argue relentlessly, until one day an emergency calls for her help with the baby and spawns them into the path to something heated in a different way. ) Baby Fever by HerSistersKeeper (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single dad Ben Solo is fine staying single, even if he does find Rey, the teacher who lives a floor up from him and his son, attractive and charming. His toddler, Matt, has other ideas.) Baby Shark by Melusine11 (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo, kindergarten teacher extraordinaire can handle a lot. Fights over who is the leader in line for the day, crying over not getting the right color crayon they want, puke after gym time, but the one thing that consistently raises his blood pressure is one damnable song.) Bearers and Builders by AverageEpaulet (AO3 2021  Rated E Complete, 10 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey needs a nanny for her daughter Hazel and Ben happens to be the just right for the job. TW: previous infant death.) Butter Crisp Sandwich by DarkMage13 (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “Mr, I insist you join me for a tea party today, at precisely noon. My teddy will be there.” Ben glanced at the boring clock on the wall. Ten minutes until noon. He swallowed in fear. There was no escape.  Or: Ben Solo cannot say no to an adorable hazel-eyed little girl's request for tea.) Choreae Lucis by Shestoolazytologin (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo takes his daughter to her ballet classes and forgets his heart there.) chosen dreams by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single dad Ben Solo is struggling with a fussy baby that won't stop crying. Ben's new neighbor Rey hears the crying and knocks on the door to see if she can help.) Close Enough to Kiss by Somewhere_overthe_Reylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey's daughter comes with her to take a final exam. Dr.Solo ends up being soft for babies.) Expanding The Family Tree by WaterlilyRose (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 9 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Life didn't turn out exactly the way Rey imagined but she never imagined she could be this happy. Ben and herself were a good team with their daughter and proved themselves to be good parents.So if it worked once... why not again?) Father Knows Best by American_Punk_1990 (AO3 2016  Rated M Complete, 20 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo is doing all he can to be the best single father that he can but he is in desperate need for a good baby sitter. Rey needs a new job and the absurdly tall, kind of goofy looking guy with the world's cutest baby seems to have a perfect solution.) Go And Catch A Falling Star Chapter 17 by Ayearandaday (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: As a child, Rey is mesmerized by ballerina Leia and grows up to become one. Single dad Ben and his daughter Stella fall for Rey.) Goodnight Moon by LittleAndikin (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben's 3 year old daughter Lily won't go to sleep without listening to the library's podcast reading of Goodnight Moon. When she's in the elevator with her father & a neighbour, she recognises Rey from her voice as the person who reads to her every night.) Halloween Wishes by danceinmystorm (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo tries his best to make sure that his daughter gets to trick or treat and get candy for Halloween. Just as the night feels like a bust, their next door neighbor invites them in for a fun surprise.) Have My Everything by MotherofScavengers (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: After months of convincing, teacher Rey is at last dragged by her friends to a strip club and gets gifted with a lap dance. When she's alone and waiting, she finally meets the dancer: Usually shy Ben, the single father of her favourite student. ) Hot Cocoa and Cinnamon by ABeautifulBreakdown (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When a trip the the park leads to her child wandering off Rey is left in a state of panic. Distraught and over run with emotions she hunts down her little boy only to find him standing with a strange man who upon closer inspection doesn't actually seem so strange.) i found love where it wasn’t supposed to be, right in front of me by Lutrosis (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben’s the sweetheart nanny to Rey’s twin daughters. When her new boyfriend is frustrated that he’s lower on her list of priorities than her children, he dumps her. Rey texts Ben and comes home early to find her kids tucked in, and Ben, ready with ice cream.) I need a teacher by kyoloren (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single dad and photographer Ben Solo sets up to take photos of fashion model Rey at her place and accidentally stumbles upon her massive dildo collection. Rey, forever sexually unsatisfied, decides that maybe she should try the real thing…) I Was Lost (For You To Find) by LadyReylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 19 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: “On Friday we received a visit from a man and his lawyer.” Mr Kenobi opened the folder on his desk. Rey instantly recognised it, her eyes widening, dread filling her. “What... what do you mean? What is going on?” She said, her tone firm. Whatever this was, if it involved her son, she needed to know the truth now. “His name is Benjamin Solo. And he claims his son was illegally put up for adoption eleven years ago without his consent.”) In Full Bloom by deedreamer (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When high school teacher Rey Kanata gets flowers with a cryptic message, she freaks out, thinking she's being hit on by one of her students. On a mission to find out who sent the flowers, she meets Ben Solo -- single dad and owner of the little florist down on Main Street. When the flowers turn out to be a delivery error, Rey knows her job's no longer at risk. But what she doesn't know is that she's about to fall head over heels for the man who keeps sending her flowers day after day because he's a goner for her, too...) In the Bleak Midwinter Came a Rey of Light by Reylo_of_light (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey's luck had run out. No purse. No phone. And now her car had broken down and her toddler is crying. Lucky for her, her knight in a shining Tesla is about to pull up. Perhaps there are miracles at Christmas.) Island Holiday: A Reylo Christmas Story by Rey_KnightofRen (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Violinist Rey Niima is traveling to Hawai‘i to perform in her best friend Finn’s destination wedding the week before Christmas. She’s supposed to be playing a duet with cellist Ben Solo. Although Rey and Ben were rivals back in college, several years have passed since then and Rey discovers that Ben is now a VERY attractive and VERY eligible single dad. She starts to hope that her suitcase isn’t the only thing she’ll be bringing back with her from Hawai‘i…) Liam's Friend by Lady_of_Haven (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Neighbor Maz watches Rey’s son Liam while she works and goes to school. Maz pushes him in his pram at the park everyday at 12, which is when Ben walks his dog Kylo. Little Liam loves Kylo and Ben. One day, Rey is out with Liam at a coffee shop when he recognizes and reaches out for Ben.) Lizzy Solo by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Its bring your kids to work day and little Lizzy Solo meets Rey for the first time. "Are you the same Rey that my dad told Uncle Hux he was half in love with?") Locked Out by INTPSlytherin_reylove97 (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single mom Rey has never accepted help from her neighbor Ben. But when she gets locked out of her apartment with a crying toddler, Ben is there. And Ben wants to continue to be there for them.) Love is Strange by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 7 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Or the one where Rey lies and tells her coworkers she has a loving husband and a son. Now the annual picnic is coming up and she needs a fake picture-perfect family. Fortunately, her friend Ben fits all the requirements.) Love's Mystery by Hartmannclan (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, 14 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Solo only needs one lady in his life; his daughter, Hope. So he is surprised to find himself intrigued by the masked woman who just spilled a drink down the front of his costume. Maybe this year the company Valentine's day dance won't be so boring after all? And what happens when he has to leave suddenly.....) lunch thief by thisismelodrama (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 34 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: In which Rey’s son steals Ben’s daughter’s lunch and chaos ensues.) maybe we're from the same star Chapter 4 by INTPSlytherin_reylove97 (AO3 2018  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Living together was supposed to be easy. Another person to help with the kids, they already spent most of their free time together anyways.) My Dad Will Not Date Miss Palpatine (But Maybe He Can Marry Her) by AnneAnna (AO3 2021  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Annie Solo is perfectly happy with her Dad and brother and the last thing she needs is her dad's high school sweetheart coming to town and ruining everything. But maybe just maybe Miss Palpatine will be far better than she expected.) Neighborly by Blueyedgurl (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey and her son move into a new apartment and meets her new neighbor Ben and his cute dog.) Now I'm In It by crystanagahori (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: So Rey might have accidentally told her boss that she was bringing her loving husband and sweet two year old son to the fundraiser. She does not, in fact, have either. She does, however, have her neighbor Ben and his two year old son Noah.) Off guard by TheReadingNook (AO3 2019  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: The last thing Rey is looking for is love. As a single mom, her plate is as full as she wants it to be, but her son seems to think otherwise. And when he sets out to fill that void, they learn some interesting things about life, love, and the bonds of family and friendship.) Our Karate Kids by Theyna_Shipper (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Rey drops in on her daughter's karate class for Halloween, she meets Ben Solo, another single parent, and watch their children spar.) Overboard by Biekewieke (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 10 Chapters, Overboard AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben Organa-Skywalker is a rich snob who hires her to clean his party barge, making her life difficult and fouls her mood. After a freak accident throws him overboard and Rey ends up saving his life. When he wakes up, it turns out he has amnesia. Rey sees it as the ultimate answer to all her prayers. She gets to take his arrogant ass down a peg or two AND she has someone to help around the house and with the kids for a while.) Please be my Daddy! by erney007 (AO3 2019  Rated E Complete, 5 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Raising a child while having to do such demanding job is hard. Rey, an ICU nurse, accidentally finds out that her asshole neighbor, Ben Solo, is quite good at babysitting. After plaguing her child with Elsa obsession, Obiwan starting to call him “Papa”. And Ben kind of likes it.) Raincheck by Hormonal_Trashbag (AO3 2019  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben's 7 year old son tries to ask out his teacher Miss Rey on behalf of his father.) Rey's Braids by Magdalane (AO3 2021  Rated M Complete, 6 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben's little girl falls in love with braided hairstyles. He watches video from the popular YouTube channel in which Rey teaches different braiding techniques. After weeks of failure, he DMs her on Instagram, desperate...) Say It With Feeling by amybeegood (AO3 2018  Rated E Complete, 18 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Meet Rey, the Maid/Escort who really needs a solid day job and Ben, the reclusive, virgin billionaire who doesn't have a clue about real life or how to hire household help.) Something About November Chapter 18 by SpaceWaffleHouseTM (AO3 2019  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: When Ben's adopted daughter finds a box of love letters he wrote and never sent, she decides she wants him happy for Christmas. With help from her Aunt Gwen, she sends her the letters.) Something Missing by Hellyjellybean (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, 3 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: An angst-free AU where Ben takes his kid to work and loses track of him only to find him eating contraband candy with Rey from IT.) Take Me Out To The Ball Game by empirestrikesben (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Rey is sitting with her daughter next to Prince Ben at a baseball game. Her daughter sneaks popcorn while her mom's distracted. The video goes viral and Queen Leia invites Rey and her daughter to the palace.) that's where you take me by blessedreylo (AO3 2020  Rated E Complete, 2 Chapters, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single dad Ben asks his daughters nanny Rey to live with them during quarantine so she can help take care of her while he works remote. Lots of domestic proximity and mutual pining ensues.) The Ties That Bind by Telcontarian (AO3 2020  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Professor Ben Solo rules the classroom with an iron fist and he is not generally known for his kindness or for his understanding. However, when Rey approaches him to ask for help with her daughter, Kira, Rey finds that Ben is more gentle and caring than she originally thought.) To Play Pretend by SuchaPrettyPoison (AO3 2020  Rated M Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Single dad Ben Solo is tired of being hit on by some of the mums from his daughter's kindergarten class. He asks his friend Rey to come with him to pick up his daughter as his pretend fiancée.) To Say Good Night to You by dawninthemtn (AO3 2020  Rated T Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Ben is living a lonely quarantine when he gets a FaceTime call from a random toddler. He makes friends with the child, and eventually, her mother.) Violet Solo Turns 5 by hellocienne (AO3 2021  Rated G Complete, One-Shot, Modern AU, Quick Synopsis: Little Violet Solo is Ben’s entire world. His daughter is the most precious person in his life, and he is adamant about doing anything it takes to keep his little girl smiling. Despite Violet’s obvious charm and charisma, not even one of her invited classmates went to her 5th birthday party, and she is about to get an intense meltdown that not even Ben—super dad extraordinaire—could keep under control. Enter Rey Niima—Ben’s coworker who he might or might not be in love with for the last three years. She’s Violet’s (other) favorite person in the whole wide world, and this woman will truly do anything for Ben’s precious little girl. Even if it means sending a group text to her friends who all live in different parts of the city, and inviting their children to attend a spontaneous birthday party.)

[imnotwolverine]

The marriage pact - A little madness

Henry Cavill x OC Alice - multi-chapter

< Part 8 | Part 9 A little madness | Part 10 >

Disclaimer: some strong language, mention of heavy drinking, bachelorette

Author’s note: Ever sent a drunk text? I did, and girl was it interpreted the wrong way...*woops* 

Word count: 1.912

(Link to my Masterlist)

--

Dear readers,

I am glad to inform you that my on-going attempts at becoming a published novella writer are finally starting to pay off. I cannot blab just yet, but oh my dear I AM SO EXCITED! Everything is so exciting! Life is exciting!

After years of hardship, toil and pure struggle as I crawled through the thick mud of adult life, I can finally see the well defined sparkle of hope on the horizon. Dramatic much? Maybe a little. But also; perhaps, just maybe, I can make one of my dreams come true. And for the hell of it, maybe even more! 

Now you may wonder why I am so particularly enthusiastic today. Is it the London air? The existence of chocolate cake? Or perhaps the knowledge that I can make things happen in my life, if I set my mind to it? I think it might just be all of the aforementioned.  

My cake baking nan had a simple saying: “Nothing just happens, until I make it so.”

So, dear reader, here I am, making it so.

I hope you have a most wonderful weekend my fellow dream-catching souls.

Ali

‘Ali!! Over here!’ Maddie waved at me from across the busy lunch room, the Jersey seaside casting a warm, salty morning glow through the high paned windows. I waved back at her and weaved my way through the room until I could sink down on one of the chairs with a relieved sigh, my face turning to receive her enthused greeting kisses.

‘Hi Mads.’ I grinned at her teethy smile. ‘You are.. glowing!’ She pointed out, her pearly whites so very straight and shiny that she could probably star in one of those toothpaste commercials.

‘Oh, it’s probably because I went for a run this morning.’ I brushed my hand over my cheek, to check if I was feeling hot - nope. 

’Naa...’ She shook her head. ‘It’s definitely not that.’ She reached for her cup of tea as a waiter appeared at our table, my order quick and simple: tea, no milk, no sugar.

Turning back towards Maddie I was welcomed with a knowing raised eyebrow. I sighed. ‘Fine..yes..I’m kind of dating Henry.’ ‘I KNEW IT! Ha! YES for all that is holy!’ She exclaimed, making some people turn around in their chairs, curious glances directed our way as they felt the sudden burst of energy coming from the rather chic looking middle class lady that was Maddie Smith. 

‘Madss…’ I warned from between clenched teeth.

‘Haha. Oh sorry. I’m just happy, truly. Besides..I am SO winning this bet.’ She wiggled her eyebrows as mine furrowed with worry. ‘..Bet?’ I gulped. 

‘Oh, no worries. I didn’t share my thoughts with our friends yet. Just Frank. And you know me and Frank..’ She shrugged, laughing heartily. ‘Yea..’ I murmured, looking up again as my cup of tea was placed before me. ‘Thank you, sir.’ I smiled at the waiter, then turned back to Maddie, studying her with a curious gaze.

‘So..what’s the bet about?’

‘Oh I can’t say that!’

‘Ugh..Mads! You are the worst. Anyways, we’ll see where it goes. You know how it went the other times, so..’  I shrugged, wishing to not get her hopes up.

I, for one, didn’t want to get my hopes up. This was all just too good to be true, right? An old lover returns to his home town and sweeps me right of my feet. It was too perfect. There had to be a catch. I mean, this was pure madness.

—

‘Yihaaa!!’ Stella walked in with another tray of fluorescent shots, my intoxicated girlfriends either exclaiming full-lunged odes-to-joy or swallowing back a silent protest. It was Loïs’ wedding in a week’s time and as the tradition went, there was to be had a bachelorette. 

Fully emerged in litres of strong liquor, dancing sweat and penis-related jokes, the night was running late and we had ended up in a sleazy shots bar, the theme most probably being radioactive drinks, as every new glass seemed to carry an even more chemical looking liquid than the previous one.

Bright pinks, blues and yellows were tipped back in our burning throats, relieved female sighs wavering through the noisy air as loud dance music bounced with a fat bass through the small bar.

‘Ooh oooh Ali Ali. Don’t look, not yet. Behind you, 11 o-clock. Hot HOT guy.’ Ginny nodded excitedly, her eyes wide as she looked over my shoulder. ‘Gin, girl. I’m not really..’ I was already starting to protest, but without further ado Ginny twirled me around by my shoulders, a tall blond man approaching me.

‘Hello angel. Havin’ a good time?’ He bit the lip of his bearded chin and I quite instantly felt appalled by him. Not that he was hideous to look at, or that he smelled bad. He was rather sexually attractive actually..and well..clearly into me. 

In this case, I think it was just me. I simply wasn’t in the mood for this. 

I swallowed back the remains of the bitter liquor in my throat and smiled at him, not wishing to seem rude. ‘Sure.’

He raised an eyebrow and eyed the rest of the girls, the whole group now quick to step back and form a new circle, excluding me. ‘Looks like I have you all to myself.’ He grinned wolfishly. 

Then I felt Maddie’s hand on my shoulder, her sassy tilt of the head catching the attention of the handsome blond stranger. ‘Sorry mate. Looks like she’s taken.’ She said simply, and with a tug on my arm I was dragged back into the group, leaving a confused blond hottie behind. I sighed a quiet thanks to Maddie, but received a firing squad of confused and disdained looks from the other women.

‘Wait..MADS! Come on, you can’t just..-’ One exclaimed.

I quickly interfered. ‘No no! Please. Eh..I AM dating someone actually.’

‘YOU ARE?! ALI?! Why didn’t you say so? You’re like the whole reason we are..’ Stella pointed at the neon lit bar behind her. ‘..here.’

‘Really now?’ I raised an eyebrow, then started to giggle, the alcohol buzzing happily through my hot veins, my usually well contained happy personality bursting out at the seams. I had forgotten for the slightest moment that I really was the last “single” woman left in this group, and as Stella gave me a most exasperated look it became clear that nobody - literally nobody - in the group wanted to be here.

They had thought it would help..me. Me! 

‘Who is it? Do we know him? Do we? Tell US!’ Ginny squealed, stepping closer, not wishing to miss a single word escaping my lips.

‘I ..eh…’ I glanced at Maddie and she shrugged, her mouth sipping on yet another alcohol beverage - oh dear we were going to be so hungover tomorrow. 

‘It’s Henry.’ I gulped.

‘WHAAAATTTTT?! REallyy?! Oh my word! OH MY!’ - ‘GIRLLLLL YES! Oh that is just..’ The whole group erupted in loud squeals, the excitement further fuelled as yet another round of drinks was delivered to the squad of 30-something-moms-on-a-cheeky-night-out.

Except for me of course. I wasn’t a mom. The odd ball.

‘Ohh..’ Loïs, the bride-to-be, pulled me in for a tight hug, her well coiffed chestnut brown hair smelling of fresh shampoo, the scent mixing with the heavy drop of hard liquor coasting through the air as new shots were being downed. 

‘Bring him.’ She said, keeping me in the lock of her arms until finally she leaned back a bit. ‘I mean it, Ali. You gotta bring him to the wedding.’ Her finger brushed a lock of my hair behind my ear - she was so very motherly, even when drunk.

I bit my lip, my alcohol hazed mind not keeping up with the turn of events. It was then that I noticed my phone in Maddie’s hand, the device easily recognisable by its bright blue casing.

‘Anndddd sent!’ She exclaimed, returning my phone to me, my mouth falling down in a quiet gasp. Did she just..did she..? I opened my Whatsapp and saw she had sent Henry a message, my blurry eyes no longer managing to fully focus on the words on the brightly lit screen.

Oh..oh..crap.

—

* Thuthumb..thuthumb *

In the history of headaches, this one was certainly about to set a whole new standard. It was..bad. 

With a soft groan I rolled over in my queen sized bed, looking at the alarm clock. 10.30 AM - okay, it could be worse. I grumbled a little as I reached for the glass of water on my night stand, then, after a few large gulps of the cool drink, picked up my phone.

> 15 Unread messages.

Mmmkkkey...

Frowning slightly I pushed myself up against the headboard, blinking the last remains of drunken sleep from my eyes as I scrolled through the flurry of words. I had nearly forgotten about the fact that Maddie had confiscated my phone to send Henry a message. And, well, apparently it had not been just any message.

Me: “Hey sexy beast. How about you, me, and a wedding? Keep the 16th free.” Followed by a wild mix of totally inappropriate emoticons.

I felt my heart rate speed up as I started to read Henry’s messages.

Henry bear: “Hey you. Having a fun night I presume?” - “Ali?” - “Just for inquiry’s sake..is this OUR wedding?” - “Alright I think you’re probably not reading this.” - …

* Knock knock *

Quickly I put down my phone, expecting to see my mom’s head pop around the door of my room. But it wasn’t. 

Seeing who it was, made me wish I could just disappear and let myself be swallowed by my pillows. But I couldn’t. And here he was. Henry’s head poking around the corner of my door, his lips curling in an amused smile.

‘Hello party girl.’ He smirked, stepping inside and apparently carrying a tray with some fresh juice, tea and a bowl of fruit with him. I felt my heart stumble, tumble and roll at the sight of this bear of a man carefully carrying my mom’s dainty tray in his hands, his well rounded bum pushing the door closed behind him. 

I sighed, laying there like a sickly patient in a mountain of propped up pillows. ‘Morning.’ I grumbled. 

His smile grew as he placed the tray on my little writing desk, then sat down next to my hip on the edge of the mattress. ‘Had fun?’ - ‘Mmm..a little too much I’m afraid.’ I sat up a little more, my head immediately starting to protest with loud, dizzying thumps. I groaned. ‘I’m sorry by the way about the text message, I eh…’ I frowned, looking at my phone as it lay there half-hidden between the soft blankets. 

I didn’t even read all his messages.

Henry tweaked up an eyebrow and moved up a hand to brush some of my bed hair out of my face, his finger tips riding over my smooth skin with utmost care and gentleness. ‘Mhm.’ He simply nodded, eyebrow still raised in silent question.

‘We had a bachelorette yesterday, you knew that. But eh.. Loïs, the bride caught air of you and I eh..dating.’ Our eyes met and his blues started to shimmer with happiness, making my heart flutter and fly again. ‘So eh..yea..she..invited you, too? I guess? And then Maddie took my phone and sent that message.’

Henry let out a hearty chuckle. ‘Yea right.’ He winked, then smoothed his face back into a warm smile. ‘I won’t judge you for some cute drunk texting, baby.’ He said.

’Noo..Hen. Really. It was Mads.’

‘Mhm.’ He hummed again, not believing a word of it, his face leaning closer to brush his lips against mine. ‘Ah. Whisky morning breath, my favourite.’ He chuckled.

I blushed fiercely, wishing to roll away from him and hide, but, of course I was too slow and my small frame was instantly caught in the cage of Henry’s large arms. ‘No getting away from me now, bridey.’ He whispered huskily, his mouth eager to lay its claim on me.  

--

General tagsquad: @harrysthiccthighss​ @tumblnewby @magdelen69​ @thereisa8ella​ @mary-ann84​ @darkbooksarwin​ @summersong69​

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Want to be added to or removed from the tag list? Shoot me a message!

[bethestaryouareradio]

Cheers for the New Year!

CYNTHIA BRIAN

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As long as you ever can”

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A MESSAGE from Founder/Executive Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Shatter the limits, blow up the barriers, multiply the possibilities! Hurray it’s a brand new year!!!

Launched in 1999, this year marks the 25th year of service to the world by the volunteers and outreach programs of Be the Star You Are!®  What an accomplishment to still be in existence with no paid staff after a quarter of a century! I am honored and humbled to be steering this mighty endeavor into yet another season of growth.

Make sure to visit our websites for the latest updates, book reviews, and news at 

https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org and http://www.BTSYA.org.

Our two award-winning radio broadcasts continue to enlighten, inform, and motivate. StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® is LIVE every Wednesday from 4-5pm PT: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are

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Books are the gifts that keep on giving. This past week, I received an email from J.R. from Missouri who wrote “ Thank you for writing a positive book that makes me happy, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference. I originally read it more than 20 years ago when I very much needed to rise from depression. For the first time in two decades, I am learning from it again. I love your book. It is very inspiring!” Notes, emails, letters, and calls continue to arrive from readers who have benefited from the Be the Star You Are!® series. You can receive the book package with a donation and be uplifted.

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Thanks for shining in our galaxy. Here's to the bright new year and a fond farewell to the old.

With appreciation and gratitude

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Founder/Executive Director

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PO Box 376

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Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

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Logan Tyler Smith is a video editor born (and currently based in) Anchorage Alaska. He is keeping busy working on freelance projects and his debut feature "Roomies". He also has a short film "Alex the Great" available exclusively on this website.He is currently freelancing for remote clients and is looking for more video work.” Visit his website: loganlandentertainment.com

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[foxesandmagic]

Tagged in Catch Up

Because I’m lazy I’m doing a single post for all the things I’ve been tagged in over the past couple of weeks (sorry about that).

Tag people you’d like to get to know better

I was tagged by the wonderful @heirsoflilith​, thank you.

* Favourite colour(s): Pretty much any blue.

* Last song I listened to: Um, no idea, I was listening to the radio so it could’ve been anything... The last song I actively remember listening to was Boy by Anne-Marie though. 

* Favourite musician(s): Changes a lot, but at the moment keep going back to Sam Fender and Yungblud.

* Last film I watched: Feel the Beat as background noise; though, the last film that had my full attention? Who knows.

* Last TV show I watched: Fort Salem. 

* Favourite character(s): Constantly changes; though, Eggsy Unwin is the first one to come to mind at the moment.

* Sweet, savoury, or spicy?: Depends on my mood, but probably sweet.

* Sparkling water, tea, or coffee?: Tea, all the way.

* Pets: One dog; a boarder collie.

Tagging: @raging-violets​, @fiercefray​, @randomestfandoms-ocs​, @catharticallysarcastic​, @sgtbuckyybarnes​, @anotherunreadblog​ and anyone else who wants to do this.

.

Music Meme

I was tagged by the wonderful @missemmalie​ and @star-linedsoul, thank you so much.

You can tell a lot about someone by the type of music they listen to. 🎵 Make a new post, hit shuffle on your media player and write down the first 10 songs, then tag 10 people. No skipping!

Doctor Doctor by Yungblud; 

Hypersonic Missiles by Sam Fender;

Lost by Dermot Kennedy; 

Journey to the Past from Anastasia the Musical;

Will we Talk? by Sam Fender; 

Lost on You by Lewis Capaldi;

Then by Anne-Marie;

My Petersburg from Anastasia the Musical;

My Strange Addiction by Billie Eilish and

Better Half of Me by Tom Walker.

Tagging: Anyone that wants to do this as I’m lazy; sorry!

 .

Thank you for existing, you are loved! Send this to ten people, who in your opinion deserves such a sweet message in their inbox. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t, but imagine the smiles! - @xjustbelieve

Tagging: @fiercefray, @ocfairygodmother, @richitozier, @isaaclahys, @iron-parkr, @whindsor, @kendelias, @farklelucas, @heirsoflilith​.

 .

✨🌼 wonderful person award 🌼 you are awesome and I am so glad you're here, you make the world a better place ✨ send this to 5 blogs you love and appreciate, let's spread some positivity 🌸 - @missemmalie​, @xjustbelieve​

Tagging: @harleyquinnzelz​, @kenobi-jinn​, @lmorasey​, @lizziesxltzmxn​, @xjustbelieve​, @missemmalie​, @alrion​, @scienceoftheidiot​, @codenamekryptonite​, @stanley--barber​.

 .

pass the happy! 🌻🌈 when you receive this, list 5 things that make you happy and send this to the last ten people in the notifications! - @queen-of-edolas​, @stanley--barber​

Tea; a good book; cute animals; ice skating; loud music to sing along to.

Tagging: @emilykaldwen, @darknightfrombeyond, @randomfandoming1, @cecesxwickedxocs, @abbysarcane, @eternityunicorn, @twinmasks, @farklelucas, @tonystarkshomeoflostkiddos, @codenamekryptonite. 

 .

My Top 10 OCs and Top 10 of Others’ OCs

I was tagged by the wonderful @stanley--barber, thank you.

My OCs (in no real order):

Fox (The Cure Series)

Alia Underwood (Constantine fanfiction)

Sylvester (Original story)

Lucinda ‘Luce’ Turner (Peaky Blinders fanfiction)

Roberto ‘Robbo’ Laverna (Sidekicks and Criminals)

Lilia Bennett-Hope (MacGyver and The Mentalist fanfiction)

Esme (Original story)

Amelia-Jane ‘A.J.’ Kane (Nightwing fanfiction)

Campbell ‘Cammie’ Morgan (Original story)

Alina Driscoll (A Discovery of Witches fanfiction).

Other’s OCs (in no particular order):

Tess Munroe by @fiercefray, The Order OC.

Amelia Queen by @darknightfrombeyond, Arrow OC.

Stella King by @sgtbuckyybarnes, Peaky Blinders OC.

Melanie Crowe by @ceruleanmusings, Teen Wolf OC.

Tessa Dunbar by @isaaclahys, Teen Wolf OC.

Leda Rose by @catharticallysarcastic, original OC.

Aislin Rose by @heirsoflilith, original OC.

Cleo Reed by @raging-violets, Until Dawn OC.

Alexandra Prince by @papergirlverse, Legends of Tomorrow OC.

Nathan Burkhardt by @xjustbelieve, Grimm OC.

 .

‘Stop! If you see this you have to marry the last fictional character in your camera roll.’ 

I was tagged by @eddies--gazebos, thank you.

So, going back a while I think the last one was Randall from The Order; I can live with that. 

Tagging: Whoever wants to do this - sorry, I’m lazy.

 .

💕Tag 10 People Who Deserve a Little Love💕 

I was tagged by the wonderful @thecharmedburrowspn-files, thank you. 

Tagged: @farradays, @darknightfrombeyond, @eternityunicorn, @hogwarts-is-my-wonderland, @starcrossedjedis, @notxjustxstories, @ceruleanmusings, @prophecy-grrl, @bravelittleflower, @lenonizi-fics.

[yanderenctstan]

Date Night

Shitty title for this but oh well, this is a cute Renjun thing I wrote just so I could change it up a bit.

Word Count: 1365

Warnings: F! OC, other than that nothing really~

Stella zipped up the short black dress she donned that night. Twisting herself around in the full length mirror, she made sure everything was snug against her body. Renjun wasn’t one for tight dresses, but she thought he’d like this one. He had a thing for space and looking like the stars might throw him off a little. She smiled to herself, pleased. A short buzz caught her attention from on her bed. Renjun’s name popped into view.

Are you almost ready?

Stella couldn’t help but smile even wider. She’d missed him over the course of the quarantine being placed on her town and finally he would be let in and able to visit for a while.

Yeah, just give me 5 minutes!

Renjun and Stella hadn’t exactly been officially dating just yet. She’d asked him out for dinner a week ago and to her surprise he obliged. When he said the word ‘yes’ it took her a few moments to react, making him laugh.

She had already done what little makeup she planned and slipped on her heels before grabbing her purse and phone to leave. Her roommate whistled from the chair in the living room. She turned to meet her eyes.

“Damn, who are you going to see?” Diana slouched against the back of the chair, head nodding from the alcohol she had earlier that night. Stella laughed and rolled her eyes.

“None of your business. Can you try to keep the house clean so I don’t have to do anything when I get home?” she asked politely, texting Renjun that she was ready to go. Diana fell forward, catching herself on the glass coffee table to form a thumbs up to her roommate.

“Sure thing~ don’t get any STD’s out there okay girlie?” she mused, laughing at her own joke. Stella didn’t find it very funny but fake giggled anyway, hoping Diana would have just left her be. It wasn’t that they didn’t get along, Diana was just… hard to handle while under the influence and Stella didn’t always have the time—or the energy—to deal with it.

A car honked outside of the house a few minutes later. Renjun must have already been on his way before she even messaged him. That would explain why she didn’t receive an answer. Before Diana could say any more gross things, Stella pushed herself out the door so Renjun wouldn’t have to wait much longer. The small blue car rumbled in her driveway, waiting for her entrance. She had to admit, it was a little beaten up and a part of her wished she would have called an Uber instead. Though she preferred to spend her time with Renjun alone rather than have someone attempt to make conversation while they sat in the back.

Stella ducked into the passenger seat of his car and shut the door. She was greeted with his wide eyes on her legs and body. His mouth hung open ever so slightly. She formed a tight line with her lips, fumbling with her hands and waiting for him to say something. When he didn’t, she decided to speak first.

“Do you… like it?” her voice was small, suddenly shy with his eyes burning into her skin. Renjun snapped out of his daze and looked up at her.

“What? Oh- yeah, I like it a lot…” he trailed off, turning away from her to focus on the mirrors. He fixed them nervously even though they were already in the right positions. Stella chuckled to herself, shaking her head at him.

“You’re adorable sometimes, you know that?” she teased. Renjun’s face became bright pink with embarrassment at her. His brows knitted together and he scoffed.

“Oh hush, don’t tease me or you might be walking.” he laughed, changing gears so he could reverse out of the driveway. His hand reached behind her seat as he leaned over to observe the surroundings behind him, dodging plants and trees in his way.

“God, why do you live in the middle of the forest?” he joked, finally making it out and switching gears again so he could drive.

“I don’t! Diana just likes plants and she hasn’t moved out yet so I can’t get someone to come take them out.” she whipped her thick curls behind her head with sass, even doing so much as to ‘hmph!’ out loud.

“When is she supposed to move out?” Suddenly serious. His eyes remained on the road. Stella rolled her eyes around her head thinking. Her lips quirked to the side of her face.

“Next… June…? If I remember correctly. She said her boyfriend's ex girlfriend is moving out so she’s going to move in.” she answered him. Again, she twirled her fingers around each other. Her dark honey like skin glowed in the moonlight of the car window. Renjun hummed in response, keeping his eyes on the road. Stella whipped out her phone to check the time.

“We have a good twenty minutes before our reservation is up. Looks like we’ll have a little extra time if traffic isn’t too bad.” she smiled, burying her phone in her purse again to avoid being bothered by anybody. Renjun nodded again, moving his hand to turn up the radio a little. A news report was on. Something about the weather possibly being bad later and throughout the night. Her heart sank. She didn’t like storms too much and with Diana being drunk off her ass it would be difficult for her to comfort Stella in the middle of the night if she needed it. Renjun took notice of her change of mood.

“What’s wrong?” he questioned, flicking on his turn signal so he could get onto the highway. Stella shook her head.

“Nothing, I just don’t like storms too much. They freak me out is all.” she admitted, biting her lip nervously. He clucked his tongue.

“If you want, I can call you after our little date and I can talk to you until you fall asleep.” he shrugged his shoulders at the suggestion. It made Stella smirk again.

“Sure, that works too. Diana was drunk before I left, so I won’t have her. You're better though.” she stuck her tongue out, resting her elbow in the compartment between them and leaning back. Renjun took a deep breath before turning on his turn signal again. They were almost to their destination.

A few drops of rain splattered across Renjun’s windshield, making Stella tense slightly. Raindrops were nothing, but the deep growl of the clouded night sky set her off just enough. Warmth enveloped her balled fist on the small compartment. Her eyes shot down to see what it was. Renjun’s hand squeezed hers gently, uttering silent comfort to her. Her fist relaxed enough so his long slender fingers could intertwine with hers. A soft smile tugged at his lips while he continued driving. Stella let her head fall and her eyes gaze down into her lap, blushing madly.

When she glanced up again, the parking lot to the restaurant she chose was coming into view. The glowing sign glared through the darkness, pointing Renjun in the right direction as he turned the car into the lot, finding a spot to park. He shut the car off and unbuckled his seat belt. Stella was busy trying to get herself and her stuff together to notice that Renjun had already left the car. Cold air rushed against her bare skin, making her shudder. She met his eyes through the open door.

“Oh… thank you.” she breathed, stepping out and letting him close the door behind her. She hadn’t realized how cold it would be. Then again, a storm was about to start and it was dark outside now. Renjun guided Stella over to the front door where a tall slender man stood guard.

“Name?” Despite his intimidating figure, his voice was smooth and gentle.

“Stella Michaelis and Renjun Huang.” she stated plainly, holding herself higher. The man flipped through a pad of paper before smiling.

“Table 9 for you two off to the right.” he opened the door for the two of them, Renjun moving first and tugging her along with him.

[pamphletstoinspire]

The Story of Mary as Our Lady of Hope

Q: What is the story behind our Blessed Mother’s title “Our Lady of Hope?”

In 1861, Kaiser Wilhelm I ascended the throne of Prussia, and immediately appointed Otto von Bismark as his chancellor. Their goal was to unite all German-speaking states into a single country. Together, they assumed an aggressive, bellicose stance. To assert as well as to test its position among their neighbors, Prussia waged three quick wars: first, against Denmark in 1864, taking Holstein; second, against Austria in 1866, putting Prussia in control of Germany; and finally, against France in 1870.

On August 1, 1870, the first cannon was fired, beginning the Franco-Prussian War. The French army quickly fell to the militarily superior Prussian army. By December 27, the Prussians had invaded Paris. Then they turned to the western provinces of Normandy and Brittany.

By mid-January, 1871, the Prussian army was just a few miles from the town of Pontmain, which was located right inside the French defensive line. The citizens feared for their lives. Father Guerin, who had been the parish priest for 35 years, instructed the children to pray to the Blessed Mother for protection.

On the evening of Tuesday, January 17, 12-year-old Eugene Barbadette was leaving his father’s barn. He looked up into the starry sky and saw a beautiful lady standing in the air, about 20 feet above the roofline and between the two chimneys of Jean and Augustine Guidecoq’s home across the way. The lady was wearing a dark blue dress covered with gold stars, a black veil and a simple gold crown. Eugene stood there in the snow, entranced, for about 15 minutes.

His father and 10-year-old brother, Joseph, came out of the barn. Eugene cried out, “Look over there! Above the house! What do you see?” Joseph described the lady in the same way Eugene had seen her. Their father did not see her, so he sternly ordered them to return to feeding the horses in the barn.

For whatever reason, a little later, the father told the brothers to go out and look again. Again they saw her. Joseph kept saying, “How beautiful she is! How beautiful she is!” Their mother, Victoria Barbadette, had now appeared on the scene, and told Joseph to be quiet since he was attracting so much attention. Knowing that the boys were honest and did not lie, she said, “It is perhaps the Blessed Virgin who appears to you. Since you see her, let us say five Our Fathers and five Hail Marys in her honor.” (The brothers were truly pious; they had begun their day serving Holy Mass, reciting the rosary and offering the Stations of the Cross for the intentions of their older brother, serving in the French army.)

After reciting the prayers in the barn so as not to attract attention, Mrs. Barbadette asked if the children still saw the lady. When they replied, “Yes,” she went for her eyeglasses. When she returned, bringing their sister Louise with her, neither of them saw anything. The mother’s mood changed, and she accused them of lying.

Mrs. Barbadette then thought of calling the religious sisters. She said, “Sisters are better than you are. If you see, they will certainly see, too.” Sister Vitaline also knew that the boys were honest. However, she too could not see the lady. Sister Vitaline then went to a neighboring house, and asked two little girls, Françoise Richer (age 11) and Jeanne-Marie Lebosse (age 9) to come with her. The two girls described the lady in the same way.

Sister Marie Edouard had now joined the group. Upon hearing what the two girls had said, she went to bring Father Guerin and another child, Eugene Friteau (6-and-a-half years old). Eugene also saw the lady. By this time a large crowd of about 50 villagers had gathered. Augustine Boitin, only 25 months old, reached to the lady and said, “The Jesus! The Jesus!” Only these six children would see the vision of Our Lady of Hope.

Father Guerin told everyone to pray, so they knelt and said the rosary. Sister Marie Edouard led the crowd in reciting the Magnificat. Gradually, a message in gold letters appeared in the sky: “But pray my children.” All of the children saw the same message.

Sister Marie Edouard then led the crowd in singing the litanies of the Blessed Virgin. The message continued to unfold, “God will hear you in a short time.”

News came that the Prussians were now at Laval, very close to Pontmain. The message continued, “My Son allows Himself to be moved with compassion.” When the children had announced this message, Father Guerin told the crowd to sing a hymn of praise. Sister Marie Edouard said, “Mother of Hope, of name so sweet, protect our country, pray for us, pray for us!” The people responded, “If [the Prussians] were at the entrance of the village, we should have no fear now!”

At the conclusion of the hymn, the message disappeared. The crowd then sang a hymn of repentance and reparation to Jesus. The lady appeared sad and held a large red crucifix with the inscription “Jesus Christ.”

At 8:30PM the people sang, “Ave, Maris Stella,” and the crucifix disappeared. She again smiled, and two small white crosses appeared on her shoulders. She lowered her hands, as seen in images of the Immaculate Conception. A white veil gradually covered her, from foot to crown. At about 8:45PM the children said, “It is over.” Our Lady had disappeared.

While this apparition was happening, General Von Schmidt received orders from the Prussian High Command to halt his campaign and withdraw. Ten days later, an armistice was signed between France and Prussia. The miraculous intercession of our Blessed Mother had saved Pontmain.

Because of this apparition, devotion to Our Lady of Hope spread. The message of our Blessed Mother is that of hope: “But pray my children. God will hear you in a short time. My Son allows Himself to be moved with compassion.” As we offer our rosary each day seeking the maternal care of our Blessed Mother, we must be mindful that she — who stood at the foot of the Cross filled with the hope of the forgiveness of sin and the resurrection to everlasting life — affords us hope also during our journey of life. With Our Lady of Hope, we indeed have assurance of never being abandoned, and have hope of being united with our Lord now and forever in heaven.

BY: FR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS