#still i think they did the actress dirty in term of clothes and hair

[starzknight]

Disney princess with a bit more accurate outfits...

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[igniakino]

HEADLINE

Pre-Production, Set-up, Shoot and Post Thoughts

PRE-PRODUCTION

I took on the role of HoD production designer when asked by the producer, Esther. I thought the script sounded very interesting and wanted to take on the challenge of transforming a lived-in space to an abandoned room. The reference images I was originally given consisted of shots from Requiem For a Dream, which is a film I really admire the set design for and wanted to emulate so I agreed to work on this project.

Link to my Pinterest board that inspired by ideas:

Here is the colour palette I was working with:

Originally, the script called for a policewoman and a mostly abandoned house. I had many ideas on how we could find a setting like this and how I could dress the frame. However I ended up having to change my ideas a lot when the character was transformed into an estate agent to fit the script better. This meant that I had to rethink a lot of my established ideas as it wouldn't make sense that this estate agent was trying to sell and maintain a house that was falling apart. This made things a little harder for me as not only did I have to take into consideration that whoever's house I would be transforming would be a landlords property (so unfortunately I couldn't destroy any furniture or tear up the wallpaper), I also had to think about how logically in disrepair this room would be if an estate agent was trying to sell it.

This meant I could not do as much as I had hoped in terms of set design. I couldn't destroy things or dirty them up too much or batter the walls or even stick my own wallpaper to them. The director wanted the room to be almost like a show-home so it ended up being more barren than I had wanted, however I still enjoyed the project and I am happy with what I achieved. I had many meetings with both the cinematographer and the director to make sure we were all happy with how the film would look and how the set would influence colour and mood.

We visited two locations. The first we felt was too small for everything we wanted to achieve and we were not allowed to pin anything to the walls or move much the furniture around. The second location was much more spacious and we could change what we wanted (within reason of course). Once we were set on our shooting space I went about planning how the room would look with Saskia, my art department, and started to complete costume.

The day before the shoot everything was moved out of the living room. All unwanted furniture was relocated, all posters were taken down and the curtains were removed. Everything from the kitchen was also moved out of shot so we had a complete blank slate to work with. All the rest of the set up was done early the day of the shoot.

COSTUME AND MAKEUP

Costuming was relatively simple for both characters. I knew I wanted a typical estate agent outfit for our female character so I went with a pencil skirt, tights, a smart cream shirt (white would have been too bright and clashed with the camera) and a blazer. I was very happy with the shoes, though they are not shown much in the movie, as I thought they were the perfect style of professional heels and added a lot to the outfit. For hair and makeup I also wanted simplicity so as not to distract from any of the conversation. I asked the actress to wear light foundation and wear her traditional day-to-day makeup, bringing setting powder with me just incase the makeup was too shiny on the screen. Hair was put into a simple claw clip, neat and tidy at first and then becoming more messy and loose as the film goes on, showing her character letting down her defences to the protagonist.

For Robert it was just a case of layering him up in plain clothes. I wanted him to be bundled up like he had been wearing the same outfit for a while, no style needed just warmth and necessity. Makeup wise I used red, brown and a tiny bit of purple to give him slight eye bags and feed into the exhausted look.

PROPS

I had the most fun on this project creating the newspaper prop. I was given an article by our writer Duncan and created a front page of a made up tabloid to symbolise the films name and the situation Robert is in. I used Canva to create the article, visited a local print store to get it to the right size and stuck it to the front of an actual newspaper to give it depth. Lots of fun was also had when I had to write the neighbouring column, choosing to write a vapid segment about a fake celebrity breakup to contrast the horrible news of manhunt after a suspected "mother killer".

The radio was bought off of ebay and the sleeping bags were borrowed from other crew members. I gathered all the takeaway boxes I could find in my house, along with cans and plastic bottles to decorate the room. I thought this would make sense logically in the story as he would have no place to cook, so takeaway food would be his only option. This made the area feel more lived in and gave the impression he had been at this location for a while. Other props consisted of blankets, pillows and other miscellaneous items that would bring our protagonist comfort while also hinting at his life on the run.

SET

I bought a lot of green fabric to cover one of the walls, as the director did not want all an all white setting. This helped with shaping the room and adding depth as well as colour. I also bought a few sheets that it used to cover the windows on the day of the shoot. This worked both within the world of the story, as it makes sense for Robert to want to cover the windows to avoid being spotted, and to enhance the lighting our cinematographer wanted. It was an effective way to shape the light in the room and give it atmosphere.

SHOOT DAY

We only had one day to film and though it was very long it was a lot of fun and went smoothly (apart from a camera incident!). It was a great crew to be apart of and everyone was very professional, listening to my ideas and asking me or Saskia before they moved any of the props. I spent most of the filming time out of the room as there was not enough space for the whole crew to be in the same space, but every few cuts I went in to check continuity with Robbie, our script supervisor/ editor, and reapply any makeup that seemed to be rubbing off. The only issue on set production design wise was figuring out how to pin the green fabric to the wall in a way that looked believable and not like someone had gone up and stuck some random fabric on the wall. I think we achieved this as it looks natural works well to apply some more colour to the film. I cleaned up as much as I could after the shoot and removed all pinned wall pieces carefully. The next day I returned to the flat we were shooting in to rearrange their furniture and return the room back to normal.

A few behind the scenes pictures!

All in all, Headline was a very smooth and professional shoot! I wish I could have done a little bit more with the production design, as I would have loved to find a truly abandoned place and craft the film around that. I also wish you could see a little more of the props I created, but I know the main point of the film is not the setting, but the story being told. I am proud of my contributions to the film and think I pulled it off creating the look of a runaway man's living situation effectively.

[dancingintheraindreamingonday]

My loyalty can be bought - Chapter 7

Author’s note: The journey is almost over. Maybe two more chapters. Sometimes I want to write thousands of words but that would probably bore you. Thanks to everyone who reads my stories. It means the world to me. 

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

„When was this picture taken?“ Bucky, Sam and Zemo, the golden trio, stand in Sharon Carter’s apartment looking at all her illegal paintings. But a certain framed picture got Bucky’s attention. On this picture was Sharon and you.  A cigarette was between your fingers and a bottle of Vodka was in the other hand. Your wedding ring wasn’t on your left ring-finger anymore. Instead you wore it as a necklace. You looked different. Your hair was darker than usual and you wore more make-up. If Bucky hadn’t memorize every feature of your body he wouldn’t have recognize you.

„Three years ago… I think… During that time (y/f/n) and I were pretty close but now not anymore. I think that’s a side effect when you are the vice-director of SHIELD. She doesn’t trust me anymore.“

Bucky didn’t know what shocked him most. You being vice-president of SHIELD or you not trusting Sharon anymore. After all, you and Sharon were really good friends. 

„She said my loyalty can be bought and that’s not a good character trait.“ Sharon continues talking as she pours herself a glas of whiskey.

Bucky jumps to his feet and pushes Sharon against the wall who drops the glas. „Bucky!“, Sam screams and stands right behind Bucky. „What the hell are you doing?“

„And did you sell your loyalty to the one who kidnapped (y/f/n)? Did you?“, Bucky shouts at her.

He knew it. Right from the beginning when they met Sharon after all those years. Something was off. She’s not innocent

Sharon doesn’t look at Bucky but instead at her mobile phone. Sam follows her gaze, unlocks the phone and finds a voice message of you just a day before the abduction: 

„Tell your little friends to stop following me. I don’t like being followed, Sharon. I know the identity of the power broker and I also know that SHIELD is infiltrated by HYDRA again. I’m neither blind nor naive. Why are you working with her, Sharon? I thought you hated Valentina. Why are you cooperating with her? I’m warning you. Leave them alone. Leave my family alone.“

The call ends. Your voice still hard and strong, echoing through Bucky’s mind. 

„Where the hell is she? If you want to live you better tell me.“

„She knew how this would end. (Y/f/n) played with fire and got burnt. You really think she’s still the same quirky and naive teenager who just lived for the love of a man. Wake up, Bucky. How do you think she got the job at SHIELD? You still trust her even thought she kept all the secrets.“ Sharon tries to free herself but Bucky’s grip is too strong. „Did she tell you that the first year of being a mother she wasn’t even with her child because of her depressions? She gave the kid to Tony and Pepper. Did you know that? Did she tell you how close she was with Clint Barton? Did she tell you about the huge argument she had with Steve and that they weren’t on speaking terms for 3 years? Did she tell you that she lived in Madripoor for months? And did she tell you that she was with Barton on their criminal missions? No, I bet not. She’s still acting like this weak woman around you but believe me. She’s not innocent.“ Sharon spats in Bucky’s face. 

„For the last time. Where is she?“ Not responding to Sharon's accusations.

„I’ll show you because she’s probably already dead. It was her or me and after all she was right about one thing: My loyalty can be bought.“ Sharon’s voice is filled with anger as she smiles at Bucky and Sam wickedly.

Sharon leads the way, a gun is pointed in her back. „If that’s a trap I’ll make sure you will regret the day you betrayed (y/f/n).“, Bucky whispers in her ear. 

After a while they walk into a dark building which is guarded with several soldiers with heavy guns. 

„They are with me. They wanna see the project.“

As they walk down the hall they see many doors with little windows. Bucky see other men and women in white hospital clothing laying on bed. 

„(Y/f/n) is our special guest. She’s in the last room.“

The last room has three more soldiers guarding the door. As they step aside and Bucky, Sharon, Sam and Zemo enter the room, Bucky’s heart drops. There you are. Unconscious and weak. Bucky pushes Sharon aside and walks directly to your bed. 

„Love?“, He caress your left cheek with his big hand. „Can you hear me? I need you to wake up. We have to get you out of here.“ He takes the syringe out of your arm and shakes you softly but you don’t respond. 

„I’ve brought them here as you wished.“, mumbles Sharon in her ear piece. 

The door opens again and soldiers run into the room to take their positions. „What a great day. Killing the winter soldier, the falcon and the vice-director of SHIELD. And this guy.“ A woman with black hair and big silver earrings walks into the room, looking from Bucky, to Sam, to you and to Zemo. „Good work, Carter. Well done.“, she pats Sharon on her shoulder. „You are Ms. De Fontaine. You were friends with Steve. How can you betray his legacy?“, Sam asks disgusted by her betrayal. „The world changes, Mr. Wilson. So does people and people’s goals.“ 

As Sharon and Valentina De Fontaine walk out of this room, Bucky and Sam, and even Zemo make themselves ready to fight. 

„Have fun, boys.“, Valentina chimes as the the door closed. 

15 soldiers versus 3 men. Bucky attacks first and then there was utter chaos. Punches, knife stabs and kicks. All you can hear are bones cracking, cries and thuds. Sam is pressed against the wall with no option to escape. „Any last words?“ , asks the soldier who points a gun at Sam. But before Sam could do anything the soldier collapses on the floor with a bullet in his left temple. Sam turns to his right. There is you. You lean against the wall with shaking legs. The gun is still in your hands as you whisper „Asshole“. While Sam and Zemo take the end of this fight as a small break to catch breath, Bucky rushes to you. He hugs you and kisses you dirty hair. „We need to get out of here.“ He grabs your hand as you all escape Madripoor. 

Later on the plane, Bucky looks at you intensively. „Why didn’t you tell me?“

You look at him confusion written on your face. „Tell you about what?“

„About everything. You and SHIELD; You and Steve and you and Barton. I didn’t know you were a couple.“ The last part hurts Bucky the most. He feels this green monster inside him roaring out of jealousy.

„Clint and I were never a couple. Maybe a couple of idiots and friends. But there was never more between us. Clint and I lost so much but we didn’t lose the love we had for those who we lost. At that time we were in so much pain and grieve. No, a romantic relationship was something both of us never wanted- not with each other or with anyone else.“, you reassure Bucky. He doesn’t show it but Bucky is relieved and happy. 

„There is still so much that I don’t know about you.“

„James, we broke up after you came back, remember? And people don’t really talk with their ex-partners.“

„Breaking up with you was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.“, whispers Bucky just for you to hear it. 

„It’s okay, James. I’m okay. We changed. We both did. You changed. I changed. Heck, our whole family and the whole universe changed. And love does the same too.“

„Mine didn’t.“, says Bucky. „My feelings for you never changed. I still love you.“

You smile at Bucky for a while, not reacting to his love confession immediately.

You lean your head against the cold window of the plane and close your eyes. You spoke so softly that Bucky almost missed it you say. „I’ll always love you.“

Chapter 8

Author’s note at the end: Sorry, for making Sharon kinda bad. I love the Sharon in the movies and I love the actress, so it’s definitely nothing personal. Did you notice how much my you-character changed? A few chapters ago in Bucharest she didn't notice that she and Bucky were being followed but now she's more aware of her surrounding. ;)

@inlovewith3 @jackiehollanderr @homesicam@dreamydreamerwriting @losers-club6 @gengen64@agentsofsheilds @crimson-darling @akkinda10 @xemine@bubblegumholland @chipilerendi @iamasimpingh0e @bbmommy0902 @madddiiee26 @teenagedreams-bucky @aya-fay @idontknowwhatthisisfam @w-wolfhxrd @useless-creature-213  @angywritesstuff @supernaturalcat7 @harrys-stan @geek-and-proud @pastel-boy-sungjae @austynparksandpizza @maxsaturdayhatesnarwhals @teenagedreams-bucky

[katybirdy95]

The Spanish Princess (Season 2, Ep 1): My Thoughts.

Hello Everyone!

I guess it’s that time of year were we all collectively come together to roast another PG production. I know that a few others have already written their thoughts, but I have stayed away from them for the moment, until I have written my own opinions just so my perspective of the episode is more original.

I will try and write some things I liked and obviously things I did not and would love to hear everyone else’s opinions as well.

Warning: SPOILERS

Right! Here we go!

1) We start the episode off in 1511 - three years after the final of season 1. I guess they didn’t want to show Henry and Katherine’s wedding night (I can’t quite remember if it was shown in season 1), so we don’t see Henry’s reaction to Katherine not being a virgin. Although, it seems to me that throughout the episode, it’s hinted that Henry already knows that Katherine consummated her marriage to Arthur, but out of love for her, he’s keeping his mouth shut.

2) I think Mary Tudor is the first character in this universe that actually resembles her younger self. I feel like EF just casts any child actress and then the adult version looks vastly different.

3) I like that they have shown Mary to be an intelligent woman with a good knowledge for languages.

4) The costumes have been upgraded and some are actually really pretty, but they are a few decades too early - more Elizabethan and Katherine is sporting some Lucrezia Borgia inspired hair.

5) When Ursula Pole states that Charles V has very expensive clothes, I nearly laughed. His clothes are very plain in comparison to what Mary Tudor or some of the background extras are wearing.

6) I do like that the women in this season seem a lot more friendlier with each other, instead of seeing each other as enemies and trying to rip each other apart - I hope this continues.

7) King James has entered the building and poor Margaret looks like she’s about to jump out a window. Ray Stevenson’s accent is actually quite good and I don’t think I cringed once and being Glaswegian that’s good coming from me, but why did they make him so old. Although, I will say that the term “hen” is more what a father would say to his daughter, but given the age difference, I suppose it makes sense.

8) They are really trying to ham up that Scotland is full of uncouth barbarians, almost like the producers don’t know that Scotland is filled with varies accents, we don’t all have that gruff harshness to our voices and every city has its own accent.

9) Why would you bring a newborn to a jousting tournament, the noise alone would distress the poor thing and why is the baby the size of a six month old?

10) Oh God! Edward Stafford just tore his eyeball off, I don’t believe the real Buckingham lost an eye, I know that Sir Francis Bryan lost an eye, but not Buckingham, but I might be wrong.

11) I wish I was as calm as Buckingham when I burnt the skin of my left hand (don’t worry It healed), I mean this guy pulls his eyeball out and still has time to flirt with Katherine.

12) I guess the producers are of the opinion that eye patches are the fashion in Tudor England, although I would have been partial to a glass eye or a jeweled one.

13) Well, I guess my redheads are gone. Henry and Margaret are sporting their actors natural hair colours and Katherine’s seems to be a lot darker this season too. Why go to the trouble of dyeing their hair in the first season if they weren’t going to bother their arses for the second season and that’s directed towards the hair department and whoever made the decision to make Henry a brunette than the actors themselves.

14) Looks like not only was Isabella of Castile abusive towards Joanna, but Ferdinand of Aragon was abusive to Catherine. Can’t we just have loving, supportive parents like Jacquetta from TWQ.

15) The abuse is just lazy story telling because it has just now occurred, yet in season one, Catherine was shocked that Joanna had been abused, surely she would have been more sympathetic to Joanna given their shared experience, but they probably didn’t know they were getting a second season to develop that.

16) Katherine is breastfeeding her own baby, but I don’t know if there is a source that said she actually did this. I have heard that Anne Boleyn thought to feed Elizabeth and was told not to and after that decided it was for the best so that she could produce a new baby quicker. I wonder if we will see Elizabeth in this and see the contrast between Katherine and Anne as mothers and given how awkward the cast has been about Anne Boleyn, I’m guessing she won’t be shown in a good light, but who knows.

17) I do like that they are showing Thomas Boleyn as an adviser and friend to the king, usually Thomas only appears when Anne Boleyn is about to be introduced, but in reality Thomas was actually good friends with Henry and Henry trusted Thomas a great deal before Anne came onto the scene.

18) I actually liked the Scots scene when they are slagging off the English, it’s pretty accurate to how even Scots today feel haha. Although, I don’t like that they have reduced Margaret to a governess, but Georgie seems to have some chemistry with Ray Stevenson, but I doubt Margaret would have slapped James IV in front of his courtiers. 

19) Why do productions always use the tool of having one part of the couple refuse to have sex with the other to show that they’re struggling, like most couples don’t have sex every night and it’s a sign of a healthy relationship that if one person wants sex and the other doesn’t - for numerous reasons - then the one that doesn’t, shouldn’t have to feel guilty for saying “not tonight love”.

20) I did think that Bessie Blount was going to appear from the shadows when Katherine left the room though.

21) Why would you put a newborn on a cold, dirty chapel floor. I mean what do you expect to happen.

Okay, I will say that I actually enjoyed this episode for what it was there was some good things and some not so good, but still it has potential. There seems to be more extras as well, instead of like eight to a room like the last productions have been and I liked that the actors had more than one costume change. Also, the couples are all in matching outfits, will we see the same happen for Henry and Anne when she comes on the scene.

The strongest actors in this episode would have to be Stephanie Levi John, Ray Stevenson (mainly for the accent) and Sai Bennett. I think that’s it, the other actors were good like Ruairi and Georgie, but didn’t stand out as much to me yet.

Sorry it’s not as funny, I was uninspired.

[hecohansen31]

My burning sun will, some day, rise

Vampire, Crimeboss! Michael+Human! Reader:

(A/N): Hello there, lovelies!

First of all, before you continue with this fic, just know that the original “Crimeverse” concept (which is one of my first and favorite verse of this fandom) belongs to @lvngdvns (also I am glad to see that you are back, and I really hope you’ll feel better soon!).

Also special note to my newest wife (hello there, mon coeur) (I swear I took French lessons in middle grade!) @dyns33 who also has a beautiful crimeverse worldbuilding that you absolutely need to check out (… and “Hitman! Michael” which is beauty and grace and will stab you in the face…).

This was a request by @fallenangel4996 who requested me a Short Haired! Michael Langdon as a Vampire/Crimeboss taking Reader’s virginity!

Sadly I haven’t been able to work a lot on my requests and I sadly don’t know when I’ll have the time because as soon as November hits, I am disappearing, but just know that I appreciate them, I love them and I’ll someday write them!

(Also this is set in the 20s, because I am a “Peaky Blinders” bitch).

SUMMARY: Your Michael Langdon’s little mouse: costantly searching for secrets for him, but once the truth is out, you might become more and more important to the cold-hearted man.

WORDS: 4,5 K

WARNINGS: Unprotected (WRAP IT UP, PLEASE!) Sex, Oral Sex (Female Receiving), Blood (drinking and blood play), Mention of Violence, of Slut-Shaming, and Usage of Vulgar Terms.

Something that your family had always lacked was money.

But what you certainly had in abundance was intelligence.

Since you had been old enough, you had started to help your own family in each way you could, finding one, soon, that was quite fruitful.

Selling secrets, after having discovered them was quite the job, even more after the World War had hit your little city and everyone was struggling back to their feet.

You had many clients, but you hadn’t thought that it would one day reach the level of the great Michael Langdon asking for you.

Michael Langdon was a legend: he was a known gangster, although he never got his hands dirty.

Head of the Cooperative and known by many as “The Antichrist”, because of his pendant to be extremely ruthless with whoever crossed him.

He had appeared in a mysterious way and when he had become famous everybody had seemed to know new and different stories about him, although nobody knew surely from where he had come.

Somebody muttered about him being the illegitimate son of a French ambassador, or that his mother was a Russian actress, who had left him on her way to search fame and glory in America.

The only thing that was sure was that he had fought in the war, his dog-tags shown with pride on his chest whenever he would meet somebody either on the street on in his office, as was your case.

You had been unsure whether you should have come or not, knowing that you couldn’t deny anything that Michael might ask of you, because he owned the underground of your city, each low live belonging to him, solely.

Although your little “job” was pretty illegal, you hadn’t wanted it to delve into the darkness that Michael Langdon represented.

But you hadn’t had much choice when your sisters and brothers had been threatened and so you had finally met Michael Langdon in his private office.

It was the in the time when you faked being a boy.

It would get you through jobs in an easier way, alongside the fact that people didn’t look at boys the way they did with girls, and you had thought that Michael Langdon wouldn’t be different…

But after you had finished talking with each other, with you accepting a little job from him, spurred on both by your family’s safety and the prize he had offered you, he had simply mumbled about how “next time you should have left those awful clothes at home, mostly that boyish hat, because it didn’t belong onto such a pretty lady’s head”.

Strangely after the first “job” you had taken from him, you had found yourself coming back for more, although you didn’t know if it was because of the high the money gave you or because you truly needed to bash in the glorious sight that was Michael Langdon.

At first you had been strictly business partners, but slowly, mostly after a job had taken you to accompany him to a charity event (strangely Michael Langdon seemed to take part in a lot of those) you had been able to chat with him and for the first time, after years of willing secrecy and invisibility, you had felt seen.

You had wanted to be seen by him.

But it was a useless attempt, mostly when you saw the women that left his office late at night, when you would come in to whisper secrets in his ear, gaining a small smile and a “you did good, little mouse”.

It made your heart squeal horrendously that sentence, and you couldn’t help but push yourself even more away, standing into that invisibility that had become a weight to you.

Then it had happened: one day an enemy gangster had come to your home.

You had managed to turn the man away from your family, with the fake promise of leading him to Langdon’s secret base, but soon the gangster had understood you wouldn’t do such thing and soon you were in an isolated place, with a gun to your head, ready to die, but with the knowledge you hadn’t betrayed Langdon.

You wondered whether somebody would have remembered you.

And then Michael Langdon had come.

He was already bloodied, his clothes ruined and some red liquid even in his curly hair.

His eyes were crazy enough that the enemy gangster had immediately left the gun and you, hoping that he would be able to escape.

He hadn’t been able to.

And Michael had caught onto him with an inhuman quickness, pushing him to the ground as a predator would do with his prey, turning back just to send you a look, muttering between tight teeth not to watch him.

You hadn’t listened to him and had seen him rip straight into the man’s neck with the sharpest teeth you had seen, almost fangs and that was your last memory before shock got the best out of you and you fainted, strained by the long day.

When you had woken up, you weren’t in your home: the sheets were expensive and imported, caressing your body gently, which had been changed into a soft male nightshirt, enveloping you completely and when you had felt stable enough to raise your head you had found Langdon staring at you from a chaise longue set in front of the enormous bed, you had laid yourself onto.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty” he had mumbled, pushing himself up to move closer you, and the image of him ripping into a man’s neck came back immediately.

You should have been scared, but you couldn’t help but feel perfectly protected in his clutch.

“How much have I slept?” a hazy fog had occupied your brain, making you feel slow and your voice was groggy, as if you had slept for days, something that Michael confirmed.

“Two days, the doctor was worried but I told him you would be just fine”.

“My family must be worried for me” you had mumbled, not really worried, just wanting to shift the attention from you, but Michael had kept his eyes trained onto you as if he had wanted to understand what was going on in your mind.

“I told them you would be staying with an old aunt” he replied, quickly moving onto the bed, sitting on it, comfortably.

“You don’t look like aunt Ruth…” you tried to shift the attention from you “… she has a little black pimple…”.

“I know that you saw it” he had broken apart from the conversation, grabbing your chin with inhumane strength, although the gesture had been so graceful that you hadn’t reacted and just met his eyes as he had pushed your head up to meet his gaze “… are you scared little mouse?”.

“I saw you ripping a man’s neck with your teeth” you had mumbled, your voice didn’t falter in the slightest “… a man who would have killed me, hadn’t you been there, so no, I am not scared”.

“You are almost as cold as me, little mouse” he had brought your head to stand taller, as if he had expected you to do the same “… that is impressive, you didn’t tell him anything, did you?”.

“You think I am some stupid rookie” you had mumbled, and he had enveloped you in a loose hug, surprising you more than anything else.

“You are my little mouse” he had simply stated, gently kissing your forehead before laying down next to you.

You had spent an entire week at aunt “Ruth’s house”, and you and Michael had settled in a strange routine, which had brought you far closer to him than you had expected, accompanying him everywhere, acting as a shadow.

A shadow to whom he asked question and opinions, valuing them more than any other people, and who he would hand-fed as a child and dress up as a doll, spoiling her with new clothes and jewels, although you had insisted he didn’t spend that much on you.

He was adjusting a necklace onto your neck, when you told him so, and he simply kissed your neck, pushing his fangs to lightly brush against your skin and murmured the vibrations creating a little shrill down her spine.

“… how can I stop, when you look so divine?”.

This had settled enough, and for enough time, till your jealousy got the better of you, because no matter the strange relationship you had together, he still brought ladies of the night in his office and after a session, without waiting for all his employees to be out.

You had found the two woman of that night both, pallid onto Michael’s chaise longue and moving slowly no lights in their eyes, but the fury in yours had been enough for them to understand it was better they moved away.

Michael had pushed himself to face you, red blood trickling down his mouth and onto his open shirt, not caring for it to be stained with the horrible liquid.

Meanwhile the women had scattered away, you had moved towards the desk that divided you, and had slammed your hands onto it, more out of anger than true need to catch his attention.

You had had it from your entrance.

“What has my little mouse so angry, I wonder” he had mumbled, pushing out his hands to grab you, but you slapped also those away and he had lowered his head with a smirk “… Jeff and Mutt seriously must have…”.

“It was you, idiot” you had screamed and every noise outside of the room had quieted

Everybody in Michael’s paybook knew and acknowledged you as the girl of the boss, and hence deserving of respect whenever Michael was around you.

The only one who had tried to joke around you, an idiot, truly, who had told Michael, meanwhile you read his offer out loud, pointing out any flaws, that he hoped that “your cunt was worth it, to get him so so lovesick for you”.

He hadn’t survived for much longer to apologize.

He had seemed finally surprised and you had settled down on one of the chair in front of the desk, knowing perfectly that to continue with your outburst wouldn’t work with Michael, preferring to unnerve him with her silence.

“… are you jealous?” he had seemed surprised as if he didn’t understand the reason behind your anger “… you know perfectly that it didn’t happen anything between me and them”:

“You drank from them…” you had simply stated, explaining your insecurities.

You didn’t much about Michael’s vampirism, although it always hung in whatever room you shared, as an uninvited guest.

“You know ‘perfectly why I don’t drink from you, my little mouse” he had been the one the one who raised from his seat to circle the desk and reach to you, something he didn’t do for anybody “It’s dangerous”.

Although you hadn’t talked much about it, you saw the way his eyes would flash whenever you were either bleeding on your monthly period or after he had bitten down your lip, during a particular harsh kiss, and drew blood.

He wouldn’t have been able to stop himself if he ever tasted you.

And you knew it would make him turn her in something similar to him, if you didn’t die.

Not that he didn’t want it, he would have loved it: he had found in you a willing partner, somebody who wasn’t afraid of his side and somebody whom he respected body and soul.

(The fact that you were achingly beautiful and sassily intelligent didn’t help his judgement either, you had just to walk in a room and he would move all his attention onto you).

But he hadn’t wanted to do something you might regret, knowing it might end up with your death, if he missed onto any of the important details that the rite requested.

He didn’t feel like you were confident or sure enough for you to be turned.

And he would have waited, whether you would be ready one year in the future or never.

“… it is just…” your red cheeks showed an extreme embarrassment “… humiliating”.

You grabbed onto his open shirt, making sure to smear the blood away and made him lean onto you, your faces being a few centimeters away.

“… you are my man and you should be only interested in me”.

“You make it seem as if I enjoy drinking from them…” he had mumbled, meanwhile his lips breathed onto yours, immediately making you lose any thoughts you might have, just chasing  his in a tender caress “… mostly when I have your fucking body smelling like a delicious meal”.

And he had kissed you, pushing you onto the headboard of the chair, pinning you against it, cradling you next to his body.

“… you always know what to say, don’t you” you had mumbled, having completely forgotten your anger.

“That is what happens when you have hundreds of years on your side”.

But those hundred years hadn’t prepared him or made him ready for asking your hand in marriage.

“… I just think that you might like to move here permanently, since you are my recognized partner” he had mumbled, meanwhile you had your pretty head leaned against his non-beating heart, the calmness of it making you feel relaxed for the first time.

“Are you trying to ask me to marry you, boss?” you had laughed a bit.

“Are you trying to make me nervous, little mouse?” he had replied sassily, raising his head to meet her eyes “… don’t make me wait, (Y/N)”.

You knew perfectly that when he used your name like that, he was nervous and had slowly but surely nodded your head, before speaking up a loud “yes”, and you were to be wedded, an immense organization, just because Michael liked to show you off.

But you hadn’t cared about anything: you were happy for the first time, since forever.

You had been poor, you had been invisible, you had been helpless, and now that you had met him you wished never to separate yourself from him.

And you knew that only one thing would stop you from having to leave him and grow old, when he didn’t: Michael turning you.

“… I can’t bear the thought of us having to live separated, you had me too used to the spotlight which is your love that I don’t think I would be able to live without it, and I know you feel the same for me, so why wait?” your grip onto his hands had tightened and he had looked at you surprised, but nothing more had been shown on his pretty face “… we only have one life, and I don’t want to waste it anymore”.

“… then we won’t wait anymore, my little mouse” he had simply replied, throwing his hand around your waist, to bring you closer, kissing your face in a definitely unusual display of genuine affection, but you knew there would be more in the future.

You were sure.

“… we are going out tonight” he had explained to you, meanwhile you moved yourself up from his lap “… a nice restaurant, the last meal you’ll have has to be enjoyable and then I’ll take your soul and body”.

You had waited also on the sexual matter, mostly because it might also push Michael onto acting furiously with you, making him lose control, but you knew from his eyes that you would be safe with him.

And that you would lose your last bit of innocence that night.

A few hours later you were gliding into the nicest restaurant of the town, with no reservation in your prettiest flapper dress, a thing of red brocade, lined with real and expensive golden inserts, which matched perfectly with your simple but shiny jewels you wore: a snake-shaped bracelet with ruby eyes and long cascading ruby earrings.

You and Michael had been sat down in the best angle of the restaurant and had been served first, meanwhile Michael simply gulped down his wine, eating distractedly his food, which he didn’t need to survive and was tasteless for him, but he tried not to show too much unusual mannerisms, knowing how already everybody thought he was a bit “odd”.

You teased him in the meanwhile, your leg rubbing against his tailored pants, meanwhile you held onto his hand, your mouth enveloping in the most carnal way the food that you had in your plate, letting a bit of wine drip down from your mouth, as a substitute of the red liquid he craved so much.

When he finally had enough you were pushed onto your feet with hasty eyes, and Michael left a quick tip to waiter, enough not to be bothered by the mess in his plate.

“… little mouse don’t even try anything anymore, or my plan for a romantic evening will be destroyed” he threatened, meanwhile he pushed you onto the little car he had chosen for the evening, suggesting to the driver to start the thing up “… as that dress will soon be shredded”.

You had simply giggled, but eased up your teasing, in favor of holding his hand, kissing it lovingly, meanwhile he pushed yourself to move your head closer onto his shoulder.

You arrived quickly but it wasn’t Michael’s city house.

Although you weren’t completely outside of the city, you were far away from it to know that you wouldn’t be heard, and that it was a private location, one you didn’t know.

“Where are we?” you had asked, turning around, meanwhile Michael pushed his coat onto your shaking shoulder, he didn’t feel cold or hot, so he didn’t mind the icy temperature.

“A little place I bought for us” he had mumbled, moving his nose onto your neck, caressing it gently “… it was supposed to be a wedding present, but I thought you might like a more romantic and secluded place than the city house”.

The house was amazingly well-built and anything that you might want in an house, and you were so moved that you turned around and smashed your lips onto Michael’s, who he smiled into the kiss, leading you inside, to the fire-warmed hearth, but he just let you shed the coat, before he lead you to the bedroom.

The bed there was enormous, but you didn’t have too much time to admire it, before you were pushed onto it, and you giggled at Michael’s eagerness.

He smirked at your laughs and then gently kissed your lips, gently at first and then with much force,  pushing himself against you, making you taste that marbled manhood you had only felt in accidental touches, and now brushed against your clothed core, unashamedly covered by some scantly-covering panties, since you had forgone the little skirt you were used to wear, over your panties and under your dress.

“… aren’t you devious, my little mouse?” he taunted you “… I love you even more because of that”.

He kissed your forehead, and for a moment you looked right into his eyes and saw the beauty of them, the love that burned into them and you weren’t able to stop yourself from the little tear that run down your cheeks.

You had thought you would have been nothing but unloved, invisible, and now you had Michael who looked at you like that.

You never wanted to be separated by him.

“I love you more than words can say” you mumbled and he caressed softly your hair pushing them back from your face, staring at you, as if you were the most beautiful thing ever “… and I am the most sure I can be about this; I want us to be for ever and even after that”.

“Aren’t you pretentious, little mouse?” he giggled simply, meanwhile his eyes told her he felt the same.

“You are a bit too slow, boss…” your hands went to the little shoulder strap of the dress, letting it flow down a bit, revealing you perky nipples, although the fabric stopped onto her stomach, revealing half of your whole body, under his hungry stare.

He was literally eating you up with his eyes.

He gently pushed you up helping you with your clothes, but when you thought he would go for your throat he gently led you to lie down, and brought the dress down with you leaving you in nothing else, except the scandalous panties.

You didn’t understand what he wanted to do, since he had just left the barest of touches tease your body, lingering with his fingers just barely.

And then from the fingers he moved to use his mouth, tracing with it your neck, in a sensual caress that got you to open your mouth, and keep your breath, thinking that the bite would come at any time, but it didn’t.

He moved onto your breasts, after he dosed a good amount of attention to your collarbones.

He gently teased your breasts, at first avoiding your nipples, simply enjoying the feeling of them in his hands, and the moving onto it, enveloping it in his mouth and gently biting down onto him, making your arch onto the mattress, pushing your back against it and he gently held you down by your hips.

He smirked and tutted you, before bopping your nose.

“Patience, little mouse” he gently teased you, taking a nipple in his mouth and twisting the other between his fingers “… I promised you the best night ever, didn’t I?”.

“… I don’t know whether by the end of this night I’ll be either a vampire or mad” you simply replied breathily due to his ministration.

“Why not both?” he murmured, as he moved onto your stomach, delving the most affectionate kissing and caresses, making you feel weightless and cherished.

And when his lips finally touched your most sacred pearl you were trembling with excitation and madness, not knowing whether he would be sweet or unleash the beast you knew him to be.

He let you get used to the feeling of his rough tongue and the plumpness of his lip, before that savagery took over and he was soon delving his entire mouth into your sweet core, pushing his fangs to tease your labia with the cruelest of caresses, before his lips soothed the gentle and teasing hurt.

And he brought you to the brink of madness and pleasure with those gentle but strong ministration, insisting on them but knowing exactly when to stop.

And then he did stop.

His face hung over your thighs and met your stare, curious about what he would be doing next and impatient of his following moves.

But he just gently went back to lay kisses onto your thighs, and you couldn’t help but believe that he was simply taking his time.

You gently brought his head closer to you.

“What are you waiting for?” you mumbled onto his lips.

“I just…” it was the first time he seemed not knowing what to do, and you gently moved his hand to caress your hips “… I don’t want you to regret it, this is serious and you won’t be able to go back to it”.

He traced his thumb onto your lips, and you enveloped softly the finger in your mouth.

“I know it better than anything Michael…” you mumbled matching his sweet tone “… and in my heart I know perfectly that we belong to each other”.

He gently kissed her forehead, to avoid letting you see the little tears that your simple discourse had created.

“… I don’t think that I can have an happy future without you in it…” you continued, gently embracing him “… and if I have to shed this mortal body, I don’t mind it, because you are the one that my soul has searched for so long”.

He kissed your hand, watching you deeply and knowing completely that you were sure.

He then positioned himself between your legs, his mouth gently nipping onto your left thigh, although you didn’t realize it, he was searching a vein and when he finally found it, his fangs appeared, pushing themselves through his gems and showing themselves to you.

It was a sublime masterpiece, where fierceness met with grace and you almost didn’t feel the pain that shred through you.

But when you did, you had to admit it was worse than a simple bite, more similar to a cut with a knife than to an actual bite, since the fangs slashed through your skin and blood spilled onto the elegant silk sheets, staining them, but Michael didn’t seem to mind, making an even bigger mess, spreading the blood around with his fingers, staining you thighs.

And then he suckled onto it, softly and then with much more rush, pushing his tongue to lick around, whenever the blood wouldn’t come out easily, eating it all up with gluttony, drinking it as if it was the finest wine.

Enough to drool from his mouth, roughly dirtying his sickly white completion.

A true and wonderful sight.

You could have come just by that.

Hadn’t your body reacted strangely to the bite…

Michael had explained to you that the entire turning would take quite some time, and it didn’t come simply from being bitten, being bitten brought most humans on the verge of death…

… and it was the vampire’s blood that brought the human they had chosen back to life.

He sliced his wrist with his own blood soaked fangs, pushing it onto her mouth, letting it dribble on your mouth, and your breath suddenly quickened and your trembling stopped, making you taste the dense liquid that fell also onto your body, creating a bloody trail on your nakedness.

And then when your eyes opened brightly and you faced Michael with the most sinful of smirks, Michael thrusted into you and each note in your body sang at that unholy union.

Your body started picking up new sensations, new sounds and colors, but red was the first one you felt the most important and the only one you found yourself to care about, the one you craved…

…alongside Michael’s cock, which pushed sinfully slow into you, picking up the rhythm as you reacted under him, coming to literal life, your second life.

The one that would last.

You didn’t know if it was because you weren’t getting enough, or you wanted to try out your new strength, but you changed your position.

Surprise shone in Michael’s eyes, as you came on top of him to ride him.

And you thrusted up, bouncing on top of him, feeling yourself coming closer to the end, and your own new beginning and…

… and finally pleasure hit you.

And you fell…

… on top of a very satisfied Michael who pushed himself a few more time into you, finally releasing warm heat in your belly, which flowed out of your greedy hole as you moved away from him.

Your body was still in the maze of pleasure, when he gently traced your neck with his fangs, wanting to play again, damnably desperate already, and a sudden rush of stamina made you ready and open to more.

“We are together, forever, now little mouse”.

And no other words had sounded sweeter.

---

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[p4nkow]

You take my breath away - part II

I’m enjoying writing this fic more than I should so here’s the second part! Of course please let me know what you think, I love reading your comments ☕️ 

Part I

As usual while reading this fic you need to pretend that Dominique was given much more space on the storyline, just like to the other love interests of the boys. Of course it is just fiction, even though I tried to make it as realistic as possible. I know it might seem a bit confusing so if you have any questions or if you’d like to let me know what you think of it just know that my DMs and Inbox are always open :) 

Summary: reader has always dreamt of being an actress and she gets the chance of a lifetime when she’s cast as Dominique Beyrand in the infamous biopic about the legend himself, Freddie Mercury. But what will happen when she gets to know better the man who plays his love interest in the movie, Roger Taylor? Will Ben and Y/N’s story be as lucky as the one of characters they portray or will they be starcrossed lovers? Because it happens that things might get complicated because of Ellie, Ben’s long-term girlfriend.

Gif not mine so credit to the owner!

London - December 10th, 2017

To say that Ben was devastated was an understatement. The first week after the breakup had been the worst — he did nothing but focus on work, even a little too much. It was his way to get distracted. And add insult to injury: not only he had broken up with with his long-term girlfriend, but she’d also taken one of the most important things in this world to him — his beagle Frankie. That had crushed him.

During those days you’d gotten closer to him, even more than before. All the free nights in which you weren’t busy filming, he’d come to your trailer. Sometimes the two of you spent hours watching TV-shows on Netflix, sometimes you just talked until late nights.

“Does it tingle somewhere?” Clara — your costume assistant — took a step away from you to admire her work. You hadn’t only the chance to wear that amazing dress, whose brights colours put you in a good mood, but you were also wearing a fake pregnant belly! Back in the early 80s Dominique was pregnant with Felix and her belly was quite evident.

You shook your head ‘no’ to reply at her question and you moved your gaze from her to your reflection in the mirror. The sight of the fake pregnant belly on you made you smile — maybe one day it wouldn’t be just fake.

“You comfy in it?” You went back to looking at Clara by hearing her worried tone, smiling just to reassure her.

“Yeah, it fits”, You said with a small laugh. She quickly nodded and put away the needle she was holding. “It’s beautiful.”

Her cheeks slowly turned rose at your compliment and she smiled at you by giving you a look from above her shoulder. “It’s been made just for you.” And you wouldn’t get used to all that not even in a million years.

The album ‘News of the World’ was softly playing in the background as the two of you finalised the dress. You placed a hand on your fake belly and Clara gave you a look you couldn’t read when the door of the trailer swung open.

You heard loud laughters before hearing Ben say in his deep, hoarse voice “Yeah you probably shouldn’t have done that, mate.”

Both you and Clara turned towards him as soon as he entered the trailer. You were getting used to see him in his Roger clothes so you were a bit surprised when you noticed he was wearing a grey hoodie and black sweatpants. A burning cigarette was resting between his lips, which were a bit parted. He looked at you after closing the door behind him and raised a corner of his lips in a little smile when he noticed what you were wearing.

“No smoking in here!”, Clara immediately said and Ben was forced to move his gaze off you, but you’d already blushed because of the look in his eyes.

He quickly raised his brows as if he had suddenly remembered that rule, putting the cigarette out. “Sorry ma’am.” Then he walked towards you, standing right by your side. “Here’s my wife”, He murmured at you with a smile, looking at you through the mirror. His beautiful face lit up when he grinned at you before placing a quick kiss on your already rose cheek. The wife-thing was kinda of a joke between the two of you but you gained a confused look by Clara.

“What’ve you got there?”, You asked him by noticing the bag he was holding, trying to take the edge off.

He placed his keys on the desk right next to you and took a seat on the couch at your back, forcing you to turn around to look directly at him, immediately meeting his green eyes.

“I’ve been looking for you and Gwil told me you had a fitting.” He was literally sprawled in the sofa and for the first time in days he seemed relaxed. “So I went to grab something to eat.”

Right after finishing putting in order her things, Clara was about to walk out and leave the two of you alone, but then she turned towards you and said “Please, don’t get your dress dirty. I have no desire in struggling to wash away the mayonnaise.” You chuckled and after promising her you wouldn’t, you sat next to Ben and she left.

“Lunch then, huh?”

“Yup”, He replied without looking at you, starting to rummage in the bag before pulling out a sandwich.

You gave him a grateful smile while grabbing it. “And why aren’t we having lunch with the boys?” Not that you minded. At all.

But he misunderstood your tone and quickly looked at you with worry in his eyes. “Oh, ‘m sorry. I thought it might be a good idea being just—”

“Hey, hey, hey. Stop.” You placed a hand on his arm to catch his attention and to stop him from putting away the food. “It is a good idea. It really is, Ben. ‘m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like if I don’t appreciate it. I do, it’s perfect.” His eyes were fixed on yours while you were talking, desperately trying to convince him.

He cleared his throat and nodded, looking away from you. “I thought it might be a good idea to be just the two of us for a while.”

And you quickly nodded, smiling to reassure him. “It is, Ben. Now gimme that burger, I gotta eat for two by now, y’know”, You joked, placing a hand on your fake belly. He laughed, peeking out his tongue as usual while unwrapping his own sandwich.

It was hard for you to feel comfortable while wearing it and Ben noticed it. “You comfy?” He asked with his brows narrowed and you groaned in response so he chuckled and patted on his lap. “Place your legs here, love.”

You tried to ignore that nickname and you gave him a surprised look. He softly murmured “C’mon” and nodded as to confirm his proposal, so you did.

“Thanks”, You murmured while lowering your gaze to your sandwich, somehow managing to unwrap it. You could still feel his gaze on you and then, after taking a bite of his burger, he murmured in an amused tone “You still blush? After all this time?”

“Oh c’mon” You groaned. To be completely honest you hadn’t even noticed that your cheeks’d turned slightly red. “I’m not blushing.”

“Oh yeah, you are.” He softly laughed while grazing his bottom lip.

“Fuck off”, You replied while playfully pushing him away, causing him to laugh even harder.

“So”, He started after a few moments of silence. “You always wanted to be an actress?“

You slowly nodded while wiping away your mouth. “Yeah, but I also had a plan B.”

“Which was...?”

“Being an astronaut.” And Ben laughed. Hard. With a deep, sexy sound which made you feel things.

“Seriously? And how would you do that?”

“I swear! I always told my mum that if I didn’t succeed as an actress then I would’ve been an astronaut. And”, You said in an amused tone, trying not to burst into laughter because of the look in Ben’s face. “I was bloody sure I would be the one to take the first step on Mars.”

Ben peeked out his tongue while smiling, which was something he often did and to which you were getting used to. “You’ve always dreamt big, love.”

You felt shivers running down your spine when you felt his hand gently caress your bare knee. He seemed to notice the surprised look in your eyes but he didn’t move it away.

You gave him a thankful smile when he extended you the Coke. “I wanted to be a rugby player.”

“Really? What did stop you?”

He shrugged and slipped his hands through his hair — which was getting longer, you happily noticed — to drive it off his face. “Got a lot of injuries and I couldn’t play anymore. A friend of mine invited me to a drama club and the rest is history.”

And since that day you looked at him from a different light ‘cause when you raised your gaze to meet his, the things you felt by looking at his green eyes were completely new to you. And you were terrified.

London - December 15th, 2017

“One, two, three, four... year, now the hand.”

“Like that?”

It was your last day of shooting and Joe had insisted to teach you the BaB dance. You were a terrible dancer but God, you were having so much fun!

“Y/N is a better dancer than you, mate.” Joe gave Gwil a death stare, causing you to chuckle. The truth was, you couldn’t take Joe seriously when in his Live Aid look. That day you were filming some scenes pre-performance and it meant to finally have some scenes with the rest of the boys, too.

You winked at Gwilym while trying to imitate Joe’s moves, who said “We’re gonna talk about it when I’m gonna win Dancing with the stars.”

You bursted into laughter and Gwil shook his head in amusement. “In your dreams, maybe.”

“Okay, maybe I got it.” Joe gave you an excited look by hearing your words .

“Let’s film it, then! Gwil?”

“Yeah, mate”, He replied. You took your huge coat off and moved closer to Joe. Gwil was ready to film it, phone in hands and an amused look on his face.

And you nailed every move except for the last one — Joe was supposed to raise a leg and place it on your joined hands but you lost your balance and the two of you almost fell to the ground.

You heard Gwil laughing hard and the shocked look Joe’s face cracked you up, forcing you to sit on the ground while trying to take deep breaths between a laugh and the other.

“D’ya still think she’s better than me?”, Joe asked Gwil in an amused tone.

Breathless, you tried to apologise to him when your gaze fell on what was happening a few trailers away. Ben and Ellie were one right in front of the other and they were clearly arguing. Ben threw his arms in the air and Ellie’s ones were crossed on her chest, but she stomped her feet in anger.

“You okay?”, Gwil asked you, noticing you were still laying on the ground. You forced yourself to look away from them and you faked a smile, taking the hand Joe was extending you to get up.

“Yeah”, You murmured, adjusting the folds of your dress.

Joe was uploading the video on Instagram — fail included — when Ben joined you. He was clearly upset — his breath heavy and the veins on his hands were now more evident.

“‘s everything okay, mate?” He moved his gaze to Gwil by hearing his question and quickly nodded, murmuring a soft “Yeah.”

Joe looked at him first and then at you, so you insisted. “You sure?”

“Fucking hell, I said I’m fine!”

His harsh words made you blink in surprise and flinch. The anger in his face left place to regret, his features relaxing as he took a step towards you.

“Ben”, You heard Joe say as a warning while he started to say “Y/N, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

But you were too humiliated and hurt to hear his apologies, so you vaguely gestured towards the trailers and said “I’ll go look for Lucy.”

“Y/N.” His voice was now low and hoarse; he even tried to grab your wrist when you walked past him but you avoided his touch. He seemed hurt by your rejection and you heard him murmur “Fuck.” You were sure you heard the boys whisper something, too but you couldn’t catch their words.

You tried to hold back tears while you walked towards Lucy’s trailer and you spent most of the remaining free time you had before filming in her and Priya’s company.

Lucy noticed there was something wrong with you so you smiled to reassure her when you caught her staring at you.

Your phone buzzed when you got a new message and you knew who it was from even before reading the name of the contact: it was from Ben.

“I’m so, so sorry. Please talk to me”, It read.

Pointless to say that you ignored him for the rest of the day.

London - December 16th, 2017

It was a Saturday night and it was the day after your last day of shooting and your little spat with Ben, too.

All the cast members were heading home for the Christmas break but before doing so, you were spending a night together for a few drinks. You’d have loved to get ready for the night with Lucy, but she was more than busy with Rami. It pushed you to pick your outfit by yourself and that’s probably why it took you a whole afternoon.

You went for a red sweater with a black tartan skirt matched with black, hugh boots. And you spent at least 45 minutes to convince yourself to walk out from your flat.

Anxiety was eating you alive during the drive — you were so nervous that you didn’t even hear the uber when he asked you something.

“I’m sorry?”

He gave you a look through the rearview mirror. “Aren’t you an actress?”

You shyly smiled at him. “I guess I am, yeah.”

He proudly smiled and it was a new thing for you to be recognised by people. “My little girl’s obsessed with you and that boy, Ben-something.”

“Hardy?”, You suggested and he quickly nodded.

“Yeah, she’s way too excited for that movie of yours.”

And his words made you incredibly happy. “What’s your daughter’s name?”

“Juliet.” And the pride in his voice made you smile even wider.

“Then please tell Juliet I say hello and that I hope she’ll love the movie.”

“I will. Thank you, miss.”

You got to the pub shortly after. The music wasn’t as loud as you thought it’d be and luckily it wasn’t even that crowded.

“You’re late.” You hadn’t noticed Lucy walking towards you until when she grabbed you by your arm, giving you the biggest of the smiles.

“And you’re definitely in a good mood. Does Rami have something to do with it?” She gave you a shocked but amused look while she led you to your table.

“Maybe.” It was nice to see how quickly things had escalated between them — you still remembered the looks they exchanged during the very first table read.

“Naughty girl.”

“Hey, Y/N!” Gwil waved at you and you noticed he was the only one sitting at the table. You gave him a smile and sat right next to him while Lucy took seat in front of you. “Am I really late or Lucy’s just being too dramatic?”, You asked him as you got comfy in your seat. To be honest he looked nice and you noticed that glasses looked really good on him.

“Given that it’s just the four of us for now...” He left his sentence incomplete.

“Four?” The math didn’t work, given that you’d only seen him and Lucy.

“Rami’s in the toilet”, Lucy explained.

“Oh, right.”

“‘xcuse me”, She suddenly said, trying to catch the attention of the waiter. “Could we please have four margarita’s?”

“Aren’t we gonna wait for the others?” You asked and she moved her gaze to you at your question. You were glad Ben wasn’t there yet — you had still time to think how to act around him.

“It’s not like we’re having just those margaritas. Think of it as a warm-up.”

Gwil stopped humming the song that was playing on the background and said “She’s terrible when it comes to alcohol.”

“Hey, Y/N!” You stood up to greet Rami before he took his place right next to Lucy. You started to relax as the four of you started to chat and Priya arrived shortly after. Turns out you weren’t late all.

But suddenly your phone started to ring so you excused yourself and you got out of the room to get Laura’s phone-call.

You started to walk back and forth in the sidewalk as you spoke with her, making plans for the upcoming week when you felt someone tapping on your shoulder.

You turned around just to see Ben and your lips parted in surprise when you gave him a better look. He was wearing a black leather jacket with a white shirt and and dark jeans and damn — he looked good.

You raised your index finger as to tell him to wait a second. “I gotta go, I’ll see you in the morning. Yeah, mom. Bye.” And you were secretly hoping Ben didn’t hear the comments she made about him.

“Hey”, He said as soon as you hung off the phone. You gave him a little smile and raised your chin to meet his gaze. “Hey.”

You could feel yourself blush when you felt his eyes raking his body. “You look good.”

You bit your lower lip at his words, his eyes instantly coming into contact with yours. “You do, too.”

There was some tension you could cut with a knife. Ben cleared his throat and gave a quick look at the people surrounding you. “Can we move to somewhere more private? I need to talk to you.”

And when you nodded he gently grabbed your hand and led you to an alley right next to the pub. To say that you were nervous was an understatement. You just hoped your hand wouldn’t get sweaty.

But your concerns were unnecessary because he let go of your hand while placing himself right in front of you. You already missed his touch — his hand, so big compared to yours, made you feel safe, somehow.

His eyes had a completely different shade under the street lamp. “I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I’m so bloody sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped like that.”

You crossed your arms in your chest and lowered your gaze for a few moments before looking back at him. “It’s okay”, You softly said.

“No, it’s not”, He replied with his brows narrowed. You heard him taking a deep breath and then he came closer to you. “When I saw the look in your face... I hated that it was because of me. I’m so, so sorry, love.”

“It’s just...” You started to say and he gave you a nod as to tell you to keep going. “If you’ve problems with her just don’t take it out on us — me and the boys.”

“You’re completely right, love. I shouldn’t have done that.”

There were a few moments of silence. When you met again his eyes you could easily feel that the atmosphere had suddenly changed. You noticed the bob of his Adam’s apple, the way he bit his bottom lip — which was something he did often, but in that moment it had a completely different effect on you.

And by the was he was staring at you and by his body language, you knew what came next. The anticipation made your breath become heavier and the look he had in his eyes made your toes curl.

The two of you leaned in sync, his hand placed on your cheek as to gently caress it. When his soft lips collided harshly with yours you let out a little moan, but then you kissed him back, deepening the kiss as your tongue met his. It tasted like mint and cigarettes.

His hand moved to your hip and the two of you recoiled, your back hitting the wall. You placed both your hands on his neck, caressing it before letting your fingers slip through his hair. You couldn’t put in words what you were feeling in that moment — his touch, so secure yet so gentle, sent little tremors to your lower abdomen, making you crave for more.

But then you started to overthink.

What if it’s too soon?

What if he’s not really interested in you?

But especially, what if he’s doing it just to forget Ellie?

And your concerns came true when your kiss was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He backed away from your lips by placing in them a last, gentle kiss before murmuring in a low voice “Shit.”

You were sure your cheek were by now bright red. He took his phone from his back pocket, his breath still heavy. There was no need for you to read the contact’s name to know who it was. You got it from the look he gave you before answering the call.

And your heart sank anyway when you heard him say “Ellie?”

You looked away from him, feeling even more humiliated than the previous day. His eyes were fixed on yours, trying to catch your reaction and full of concern. “What? Hell, no. Calm down, I’ll be right there.”

You lowered your gaze, crossing again your arms in your chest. “Fuck”, He murmured under his breath. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I really gotta go.” He sounded desperate as he tried to meet your gaze and you limited yourself to just nod at his words.

He started to recoil from you, swearing again under his breath. He slipped a hand through his hair while saying “I’ll call you in the morning, alright?”

And that’s when you couldn’t take it anymore. “No, don’t bother.”

He gave you a surprised look by hearing your words. “What?”

You took a step towards him, your face a few inches away from his. Even though you had a know in your throat and you were deeply hurt, you managed to seem unbothered. “I don’t wanna be with someone who’s not 100% with me — mind, body and heart. And you clearly aren’t and can’t be.”

You walked away from him under his gaze, which was closely following your movements in regret and disbelief. Ben Hardy couldn’t be give you a 100% ‘cause his heart still belonged to someone else.

Taglist: @caborhapch @ohtheseboysilove @classy-fangirl @royalblueviper @rogers-weirdo @geek-and-proud @mrsbenhardyx @julessbrown @the-little-warbler  @bouncingjoe @benders-diamond-earring @radiob-l-a-hblah @luvborhap

If you wanna be added in the taglist just tell me!

[efortmanteau]

TMA Headcanons

I sort of spoiled myself in terms of headcanons for The Adventure Zone, so now I try to finish/get caught up on podcasts and form impressions entirely in my head before introducing visual ideas via fanart. And lately I've been focusing on The Magnus Archives SOOOO here we go:

My headcanons for The Magnus Archives. A few were originally written after listening through s2. I've added my s3 thoughts below characters or in a new section. I'm only 3 episodes in to s4 so no spoilers after the end of s3.

Jon (I only recently discovered that there's no H in his spelling, whoops) aka The Archivist - Obviously Jon doesn't really have fun ever, so the main word I think of is 'austere.' He's a pale white guy with dark hair and greyish or brownish eyes who basically always dresses formally--collared shirts, slacks, maybe even vests, usually neutral colors. He's thin, but not fit--just the type of guy who doesn't put on weight since he doesn't focus much on food. Rectangular face, maybe has facial hair… I haven't decided, but if he does, it's like a goatee/mustache scenario that's always well trimmed. In my mind, he's young to mid 30s, but could look older. When he's scared or disshevelled though, he looks a lot younger. I think he's also kind of short, maybe 5'8", so he keeps really good posture to make up for it. Ben Whishaw is almost right, but he'd have to be homelier. S3 updates: Not really any? Although apparently it's Jon without an H. I've confirmed that he looks older than he is since the spider picturebook episode (which I would love Don Hertzfeld to animate, perhaps with assistance from Jules Feiffer who is 90 gd years old… that episode is so vivid in my head). Also I forgot Jon has worm… scars? Pock-marks? Not sure how that works, but you probably don't see them much, given I can't imagine him in short sleeves or shorts, although maybe he has a few on his neck visible pretty frequently, above collars. I'm was pleased to learn he is canonically asexual, but not all that surprised. Something about the way he interacted with Georgie in her apartment had me wondering… maybe it reminds me of me and my ex (I'm the asexual one, my ex isn't, but we still get along).

Martin - I immediately imagined Marty (Terry Gross Waters-Waters SAT tutor in Gayle) when I learned more about soft, sweet lad Martin, so Matty Cardarople has always kind of been in my head. That is probably just a similar name situation, but it's kind of perfect. Since Martin said he wasn't the smallest of guys but still made it into a basement window, I imagine he's kind of tall and chubby, but doesn't seem tall, slouchy, not the most confident person. Sort of a Neville Longbottom situation (before the glow-up). I think somewhere between Matty and Nick Robinson is around the correct appearance: a little more clean shaven and formally dressed than Matty often is with shorter hair (but still flippy), but softer than Nick is. This guy wears sweaters a lot. I guess he's canonically 29 at the end of s1--I had imagined him in his mid 20s somewhere, but I guess he was pretending to be older since he claimed he had a master's degree. S3 updates: Martin is probably the one who was most easy for me to imagine. I never really thought of his fixation on Jon to be a crush, which I'm really intrigued by in terms of character development. I was parsing it more of Martin being a bit of a subservient character, that he was like that to everyone in the office, but we only saw it from Jon's POV as the primary narrator. If I do a re-listen, I'll be very interested to pick out some Martin/Jon moments now that I have a different context.

Sasha (or maybe Sascha) - I sort of had Sally Donovan from BBC's Sherlock in mind initially. I tried to stray away from that and looked up "half black actress." I picked out Zawe Ashton without even realizing that she had in fact played Sally (in one episode, so not her main actress) because of her hair and skin and the fact that her face is pleasant, but not the typical hyper-button baby doll face that some actresses have. Sasha has natural hair with light curls (sometimes straightened). I originally pictured a small afro, but I think in s2, they refer to her as having long hair, so I guess not? I'm also not clear if that was Not-Sasha imitating her, or just straight up not looking like real-Sasha at all. She's slim, pretty posh/minimalist in style--grey herringbone peacoat, umbrella, boots. I imagine she's half Russian heritage-wise, since is a common Russian diminutive for Aleksandra. I would put her in the 25-27 age range. S3 updates: I caught on to Not-Sasha (partially because I saw the name in the voice actor credits, whoops), but I think I also caught something in Lottie's flat affect that clued me in. I thought that the imposter was just good at disguise, not that people had been cursed to forget what real Sasha looked like, so Melanie's introduction and take on Sasha/Not-Sasha threw me off a bit. I don't remember if the "long hair" comment was for real- or Not-Sasha. But I don't have any headcanons about Not-Sasha… just that she looks nothing like the original.

Tim - In my head Tim is the tallest main character, maybe 6'2", and pretty fit. He's imposing at first glance, but since he's so congenial and laid back (at least in s1 before Jon totally pisses him off) everyone who knows him knows he's a nice, fun guy. He's black, with fairly dark complexion, short hair, clean shaven. He probably wears sweaters too, but like… the thinner kind. None of this bulky knit from grandma that Martin rocks. I first think of Alan from Russian Doll (Charlie Barnett), but darker, just black instead of more mixed. I'd say he's around Jon's age. S3 updates: RIP in pepperinos. I guess him being fit is not unreasonable since he is… canonically? (does Alex and Jonny joking about it make it canonical) an outdoorsy adventurer. I certainly missed his friendly nature, but my headcanons didn't really change. He just looked a lot more tired up until the end of s3.

Elias - He is older than the rest of them, I would guess in his 40s or 50s, but given that it's canon that he rose in the ranks kind of quickly, maybe he's not that old after all. I don't really have a good mental picture of him, maybe because I can't differentiate his voice from John's a lot of the time until I piece the context together. In my mind he has a beard and mustache though, kind of full, and maybe dirty blonde hair that's greying a bit. S3 updates: I wouldn't be surprised if he carried a cane that was actually a sword or a gun (I'm American, so having a gun seems very easy to me, so I'm not sure if that would be rare in England). Also, did I hear something about having a grey bun? Maybe I'm completely confusing it with something else, but I'm chuckling about man bun Elias.

Michael - Well, he isn't human… but he looks kind of like a really pale guy who is mishapen and thus wearing a lot of clothing at first glance? He probably wears a lot of clothes so you can't really make him out under the trench coat, scarf, hat, etc. (I might be confusing him with someone else). I think it's canon that his hands are large and maybe have too many bones. For some reason, Michael reminds me of tourmalinated quartz--black and white for the most part, striations cutting through the clearer crystal--sort of like a metaphor for how he kind of… dimension hops? Ends up where he isn't supposed to? I imagine striations of his appearance sort of blip in and out when you look at him based on the static he causes on recordings. S3 updates: I now know that he was an assistant to Gertrude. I guess my idea of his human form is basically the same color and demeanor, just not other-worldly in proportions and bone count. Probably the tall gangly type of white guy. ALSO I guess he's kind of Helen now…? I'll do a separate one for Helen.

---BREAK to add characters I didn't write about until the end of s3---

Basira - I assume she is a Muslim woman, based on her name. I imagine she wears a hijab. I picture her as Middle-Eastern, perhaps Iranian, but she could also be black (there are a fair amount of black Muslims in America, not sure if it's common in England). Other than the hijab, she's not very feminine in her styling. Being on the force probably means you want pretty functional, utilitarian garments. I don't remember if she talked in great detail about how she joined the police, whether it was straight from school, but in my mind she's late 30s.

Daisy - I think I recall she has a back tattoo? She's a murderer so she has a tough air about her, but she's also a subtle murderer, so nothing about her screams that she's dangerous… you just get that feeling, you know? I imagine a white lady, short blonde hair, blue eyes. Kind of like Brienne of Tarth, but more plain than ugly. She's maybe early to mid 40s. I'm not sure if her relationship with Basira is supposed to be romantic or not. I kind of prefer this weird closeness that doesn't always equate to trust given their specific experiences. Regardless, I imagine they are around the same age.

Melanie - Melanie is probably the youngest, early to mid 20s. Typical build and height, maybe a little chubby, but not unable to climb fences or anything (gotta hunt them ghosts). She has a short, asymmetrical bob, dark hair, but part is dyed a bright color of pink, purple, maybe green. I imagine she has a go-to windbreaker that has some neon colors.

Helen - I'm so sad that we had to lose Michael to gain Helen. I really love the Spiral and the characters we've met who are involved with them. Helen in my mind was a badass realtor, ready to close a deal, very driven… and that carried over into becoming SpiralHelen. She sort of outsmarted it with the locked door, didn't she? I can't imagine that's very common for humans/avatars to get the better of their entities. She seems really strong willed, so I'm excited to see where she goes as a human who is becoming an avatar. I think her personality translates into her being 40-something but like lowkey hot? She probably rocks a suit with a skirt in bold colors that men's wear usually doesn't offer (all over red suit, tailored to her, pumps, straight brown hair, nice makeup). I'm not sure how the Spiral would affect her… maybe her angles just get a little more pronounced? She's probably not yet to the point of disfiguration that Michael was anyway.

Georgie - She is like a terrier who will bark at a big dog because they don't know to be afraid of it (or… how to be afraid of it, in her case). She is short, 5'2" or less (I just remembered that a lot of the listeners probably use metric measurements, so sorry for that, but I'm not going to bother converting). I imagine she is cute--she dresses up for her dates to Hungarian restaurants (my favorite detail omg girl get it) and wants to look hot, but really she can't get away from cute. Brown curly hair, big brown eyes, button nose. But resting bitch face… gotta ward off those catcalls and get taken seriously somehow.

Jergen? I can’t spell, it’s Jurgen - Jowly white guy. Wispy caramelly colored hair that's going white. Probably pretty tall, which I'm sure what an annoyance in those tunnels.

Gertrude - At first glance, just some old white lady. But after you get to know her, you realize she can probably murder you and is nowhere near as frail as you think. Curly, wiry grey hair.

[fightevilandthengetblownup]

FIC: Wounded The Good

There was a flash of gold outside of the window as Jo turned back to the kitchen sink as the two hunters got up to head towards the den, while Grey continued to clean off the table and bring the dirty plates over to her.

“Did you see-?”

“See what, Jo?” The words were breathed into her ear and Jo bit down in her bottom lip as the other stroked a hand across her hair. Grey deposited the dishes into the warm soapy water with the other before wrapping his arm around her waist. The sound of the TV in the other room seemingly helped the pair of them relax as they were finally alone for the first time that day. “All I sees you.”

“Don’t go lettin’ Sam’nDean hear you talkin’ like that, hun.” She let out a little huff of a laugh as she lent back into his embrace for a long, drawn out moment, leeching every little bit of enjoyment out of it as she could. “But no, did you see something outside? I thought I saw someone.”

“Amon’s not howling outside, and Nana isn’t barking in here, I’m sure it was nothing.” Grey replied, kissing her neck gently once before the sound of a shout from the other room made him jump. Somehow, he was still not comfortable with both other hunter’s around, but it made Jo’s heart practically burst that he was okay with them dropping by to check in or check up on her. “I’d better get the guys a few beers or something, right?”

“Good way to their good side for sure. I also made an apple pie that’s in the fridge that might help some.”

“Every little bit would help.” Grey laughed in response, collecting two plates of pie and two beers for the other hunters - leaving a soft drink and two slices on the counter top for Jo to bring in behind him when she was done with the dishes. It had been something they’d been talking about, Grey spending more time in both Wincherster’s presence more as a way to just maybe stop the dark moods and tones that would come from the eldest brother if he was just exposed to their normal behaviours more. “Give me a shout if you need another hand, alright Jo?”

“Will do, hun.”

Waiting for him to sidle out the door and down the hall, Jo quickly swiped over the plates and quickly stacked them on the drying rack before wiping her hands on her jeans as each glove came off. She was out the back door with a kitchen knife in one hand and a torch in the other within moments, eyes darting and staring into each of the dark, shadowy spots of the back yard - searching for whatever, or rather whoever, it was that she had seen originally.

“Show yourself.” Jo snarled the words out as she stood on the back porch, looking towards the yard itself but unable to spot the same flash of yellow in the dim lighting.

And then it was there again, surrounding the pretty face as the woman stepped out of the darkness inside the open door of the old back shed. Jo wasn’t sure she recognised the face itself as anyone, but the smirk that bloomed across it’s face was familiar.

“No need to worry there, Barbie, no harm meant here.”

“Ruby..” Jo found herself replying, the nickname only given to her and used for her by one person who was able to shift faces like she changed clothes, and slowly dropped her alerted, knife-wielding hand to tuck the blade through the back loops of her jeans. “What do I owe the pleasure? Not sure we were due for a catch up just yet.”

“Oh no, I’m not here for you-”

“You damn well better not be fuckin’ thinking of going near Grey, you black-eyed bi-” Jo snarled the words out, the light of her torch flashing directly into the demon’s eyes with a slight shake.

“Not quite the right person, Barbie. Loverboy ain’t my interest.” Ruby snapped back in response, arms crossed across her chest as the blonde demon stepped closer and closer across the sun burnt grass lawn between them. There was a shift of her eyes under the torch light, what were once the blue of the woman she wore changing to be swallowed by a faded grey colour over the irises only. “And just so you know, but don’t go blabbing it about or I’ll know who to talk to, I’m not quite a black eyed bitch, was it, any more.”

Jo sucked a short sharp breath in as she noticed it, torch wavering slightly still before she dropped the torch light itself to guide the demons path towards the stairs.

“If you’re not here for us then…” She let out a little hiss as Jo realised the true meaning of the demon’s words, arms crossing in her own unintentional mimic of the demon herself. “What the fuck do you want with Sammy now?”

If she hadn’t been looking, Jo would have missed the flinch the other gave at the name - the hunched in shoulders for a split second and a look on the beautiful face that seemed almost haunted - before Ruby seemed to shake her head and the reaction off.

“Never heard anyone else call him that before. I thought that was their special thing.” Jo could almost believe that the harsh tone was anger or disgust, if it weren’t for the way the woman paused at the foot of the steps up to the small landing.

“It’s a family thing.” Jo shrugged a shoulder as she raised a brow towards the other, crossed arms dropping slightly to rest against her own waist. “But my question still stands, what do you want with him now?”

There was a scoffing noise as the demon looked up at her, the warm glow from inside the house kissing the suntanned skin of the other - and Jo was sure that to an outsider it would be hilarious, a demon bathed in the golden light and Jo’s face shrouded in the dark shadows with the light at her back. “God, racist much? Would have though you of all humans would be less judgemental.”

“And why is that Ruby?”

“I mean, what with your whole ‘fucking monsters’ thing, I’d have thought you’d be more open minded.”

Jo wasn’t even phased by the phrasing, so used to such terms over the years from anyone and everyone practically, in regards to herself. What she was phased by was the implications of Ruby’s choice of words. That Jo’s history connected to what Ruby was there for almost knocked the wind out of her as Jo sank down to sit atop the highest step of the small stairs at the back of the house. Pondering over the words, Jo felt herself shifting through all different emotions from wrath to hatred to fear, before she shook hear head of such ideas.

Reaching her decision regarding the conversation thus far, Jo snarled for the second time in as many minutes. “I’ll ask again, what the fuck do you want with Sam? And how did you even know they were here.”

“Oh, this and that.” Ruby deflected from the original question as she took an almost tentative step up the small rickety steps at the back of the home. She sent Jo an almost unreadable look as she hovered on the bottom stair - not yet daring to come closer but also not running off with her tail between her legs - before the demon tilted her head up at her. “And I have friends who have friends who let me know when the Winchester’s are around. Not a big deal, Barbie, I promise you and your boyfriend are safe from my bothering.”

“Thought you had some kind of grand plan for him.” Jo quipped back, hands dropping completely now and shifting to one side of the stairs, making room for the demon as she sank down to sit on the top stoop. She was unsurprised as the other blonde took another two steps up before sinking down next to her, back against the other railing the same as Jo’s, each woman mimicking the other’s position. Two peas in a pod.  “Or at least, I’ve heard him grumbling about such a thing.”

“Oh that? Well yes, I do still think your man could be useful to me in future - but then again, you’d be a useful tool to have too, wouldn’t you?” Ruby’s voice was lighter as she spoke, more carefree and less focused on the words themselves from what Jo could tell - it was almost like she was speaking for the point of speaking rather than concealing or scheming. It seemed like the demon wasn’t even thinking about what she was saying, about editing or crafting the words, just whatever was running through her mind. Or perhaps she was just that good an actress. “You two make a great pair for someone like me, but these days there’s not all that much need for it any more. I mean, no crazily supped up powerful British demon running about like an asshole. Lilith’s gone into hiding again, inevitably planning something horrible down the track but I don’t really care what she has in mind...” Ruby shrugged a shoulder as she looked across at the other, and Jo found the somewhat peaceful look on her face alarming to her core. Demons are supposed to smirk and sneer, and be desperate for power and control; and from what Jo remembered of the one beside her, scared above all of going back to Hell. None of that was evident on her face as Ruby rested her head back against the worn and cracking wood railing. “Figure so far as you two, just more helpful friends to have than anything specifically planned. I mean, your boy is dangerous in the right situations, and you just as much so - I remember how nice it was having a hunter I could trust.”

If Jo hadn’t been looking in shock at her before, the wistful tone at that statement definitely would have got her there. Raising an eyebrow, the hunter wasn’t sure if she even needed to speak at this point, tilting her head in response like Nana would do when Jo’d try to explain why what she did was wrong. It was strange to think it, but it almost felt like Ruby was just after someone to talk at - but it still didn’t help she’d said she was hanging around for Sam.

“And you think I’m trustworthy?”

“You’ve never screwed me over, not once. There’s few others I could say the same for.”

“I thought screwing people over was your forte.”

Ruby gave a snort at that comment which Jo thought was not exactly warranted given the woman’s history. “Oh of course you would hold that against me still-”

“You manipulated and abused him for over a year!”

“I hardly-”

“You swore you could save Dean, Ruby! You promised him and lied to him that you could save his brother,” Jo hissed in return, shifting in her spot to pin a hateful look across at the other woman. “And when it was revealed you’d lied to him for that year, you manipulated him again. You got him addicted to you and that filth that pumps through your veins!”

“I mean-”

“And then as if that wasn’t enough, you drove a wedge between him and his brother when he finally returned - no thanks to you, either - and used him for your own fuckin’ plan-”

“I know, do you fucking think I don’t know what I did, Jo?!” The shriek made her jolt, seeing the fury spread clear across the demon’s face in a bright red flush was a first. Ruby’s calm composure seemingly had been worn away as Jo continued to throw each of her crimes at her feet, the metaphorical pile growing to swamp the both of them in their spots. And yet there were no flames, and no eyes flashing that horribly disturbing grey color, and no invisible force pressing against her - no sign of any attempt to hurt or throw back as good as she’d gotten. “I know everything I did to him was wrong, I know how much damage I’ve done to him, to his brother, to you by extension and every other fucking person on this planet. I know that it wasn’t Lilith that caused that bloody Apocalypse to start, and all the subsequent blips of destruction that have spread across this forsaken world.”

“Really? You do, do you?”

“Don’t play coy, Jo, it doesn’t suit you nearly as well as you think it does.” Ruby hissed the words back, blue eyes fixed and focused upon her in a way Jo wasn’t sure would end well if the demon did decide to flash about any of those powers she kept underwraps usually. The look on her face however flashed between anger and hatred to something almost pained as she spoke, making Jo’s other brow raise alongside the other. “I know that without my influence, Sam would never never have betrayed his brother, never have been able to contain Lucifer truly. He would never have been powerful enough to kill Lilith and start everything; and he would never have felt the guilt that drove him to say yes in the first place. Sam never...” Jo frowned slightly seeing the way the demon’s throat jumped, as if swallowing down on something harshly. She had to lean forward slightly towards the other to hear the quiet, whispered words before her own throat caught. “Sam never deserved to meet me.”

“What...what do you mean?”

“I’m poison to him, all demons are poison in our own way - it’s what we are, it’s how Lucifer made us, the poisonous destructive elements of humanity with none of that lightness the good ol’ Lightbringer was supposed to distribute. Lightbringer my fucking ass! More like Lightsucker really.” Ruby growled the words out, her hand reaching up and picking at the peeling white paint from the stair post next to her as she diverted her gaze from Jo’s. It was so strange to hear a demon waxing philosophical, but perhaps not so much really. She remembered Lilith’s taunts about demons and Hell well enough to figure it wasn’t so unusual, but perhaps the sour notes of bitterness from Ruby were not quite the norm. “Demons are filth, Jo, just remember that. We’re what happens when all that light, bright sweetness you’ve got all up in you, that pretty little voice that tells you to do good and not to do bad, all disappears. To a normal human like you? We’d ride you hard and leave you wet in a broken crumpled pile, I’m sure you’ve seen it before. But to Sam? We’re a poison that will drain every good, sweet, lovely piece out of him.”

Jo felt her hands clenching into fists at the other woman’s words, the taste of bile at the back of her throat burning as she glared towards the demon. It was a part of being a hunter that was dreadful - the blood on your hands when you couldn’t drag a screaming demon out from it’s hold in an innocent, or the cold, dead look in the eyes of those that were able to be released - but it was a necessary evil against demons. To hear the idea of it, how flippant and uncaring to the after effects of their possession upon those who were caught up by them, made Jo wish she’d brought one of her other knives out with her rather than the plain steel one. However, watching Ruby and the way her voice cracked over the words, and appeared to gasp out the other hunter’s name at the end, the blonde knew the hatred and loathing in her voice was directing the same visceral reaction Jo was having herself inwards, directed towards Ruby as much as Jo’s own was.

“Sam is so so special. He was special when Azazel murdered Samuel and John alike. He was special when he stood over his cot. He was made even more special when the blood touched his tongue, you see?” Ruby was speaking again, and Jo’s mind was rushing to keep up - to keep straight what on earth the demon was talking about with the little information Jo had ever heard of the Winchester’s pasts, and feeling a tightness wrap around her throat and heart at the tone of the other’s voice as she spoke of such horrible things. It was soft, and almost bittersweet, before a rough edge entered her tone as Ruby continued. “Sam has always been special, but he was nothing compared to what I... what I made him. What my blood and my coercion and my trickery, my deceit, my cruel fucking manipulation made him. And I wish I never had.”

“What?” Jo found herself speaking for the first time since the floodgate had opened from the other woman’s clearly complex mind. It was a visceral reaction, a gut kick prompting her to jump on the concept. “What do you mean you wish you hadn’t? I heard you were damn pleased with yourself after Lilith died, what’s caused this whole three-sixty.”

“Oh I know what I was like then. Bloody cocky bitch, but not much has changed in that regard - I am the best, after all.” Ruby’s face pulled into a sneer as she looked out over the backyard, and Jo felt the desire to stab her in the cheek with her kitchen knife right that moment. There was a short sigh before the other added sharply, “But you know, death has an impact on everyone. Especially your second one - just so you know.”

“So you think your remorseful cause it got you killed? That’s bloody cold, Ruby, even by your low bar.”

“No, you bitch, I’m remorseful because it was just one more nail into Sam that this fucking world didn’t need to give him.”

“You mean that you gave him.”

“Exactly. And if I could have been different? Could have realised everything I have since then back then? I’d have told Lilith to shove the idea up her dry, crusty cunt and slaughtered the bloody lot of them that came after him for the whole show down.”

The heat in Ruby’s words and the way her hand gripped the stair post so hard Jo could hear the crack of wood splintering under her hand was surprising. And yet there was still no surge of force or flame from her directed towards the hunter, another surprising shift. Jo shifted awkwardly in her seat and turned slightly at the flash of something from the corner of her eye, spotting the movement of a jean clad leg pulling to conceal itself behind the fridge from her angle, eyes widening as she recognised who the brown sneakers belonged to as she turned her attention quickly back to the pensive yet furious looking demon.

“Oh really? You wouldn’t do it again, huh? Thought you demons were all about power and prestige - fuckin’ over Sam Winchester once would have gotten you a lot of reputation I’m sure, sure you don’t want’ta try a second time?” Jo asked quietly, eyes flitting between the shocked look on the other woman’s face and the spot she’d seen the movement from, hands locked over her knees.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Jo? Fuck no.” Ruby snapped back, her own hands moving to mimic Jo’s again, the balustrade she had been holding looking distinctly weaker than it had before her influence and Jo made a mental note she’d have to fix it sooner or later, before shaking her head. “That was all Lilith. Nobody could say no to her back then, she was  the first of us after all. But now? She’s just another part of the cosmic struggle down stairs that I have no stake or interest in at all. I don’t care about my reputation down there any more, I just.. I’m not that demon any more.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, really. God, you of all people questioning that-”

“If that is some backass fuckin’ comment about Grey-”

“Fine! I won’t complete that thought, because you clearly know what I mean.” Ruby hissed back, her lip curled up to one side in a way that Jo thought made what was a very pretty face look decidedly unpretty. “Because you clearly know that people can change. Even dark little shadows, or fucked up little demons.”

“Oh, so you’ve changed now? Dying do that to you, huh?” Jo didn’t even bother to hide the incredulity in her voice as she raised an eyebrow at the other, waving a hand at her to answer when Ruby jerked her head to look away rather than answer. “C’mon, you want me to believe you’ve changed - prove it. You want me to believe you’ve got no hidden agendas and secret plots against me and mine - prove it. You want me to-” Jo’s eyes darted towards the open door into the kitchen at the quiet thud sound that she took to be something hitting against the fridge door solidly, be it a head or a fist and in anger, frustration or something else. “- believe you haven’t got some evil game you’re playin’ about Sammy, you prove it to me now, Ruby.”

The demon flinched at the name, and Jo bit back a gasp of surprise when the woman jerked herself upwards and down the steps into the yard at Jo’s demand for proof. The gasp did escape her though as Ruby turned back to her, eyes wide and blue, but the telltale red rings and bloodshot look of the strain to keep from watering evident.

“I don’t know how to prove it, don’t you see? I’m a fucking demon! I can’t be trusted, I can never be anything but a lying, manipulative whore like Lilith said. I can never be anything worthy of another chance - I sold my soul for power centuries ago and only now do I know the real cost of that choice.” Ruby’s voice shook as she spat the words out, hands moving in jerky movements from gripping tightly at the blonde locks of her current form to spinning about her in a disjointed blur. Jo found herself rising to her own feet as the demon raged on, eyes focused upon the way each turn of Ruby’s face showed a clearer and clearer shine on her cheeks and eyes as the black mascara slipped down her cheeks. “You know what a little bit of fucking magic has cost me? It’s cost me my life twice over. It’s cost me my soul, but more than that - it’s cost me my fucking chance of anything good happening to me ever again. It’s cost me the constant pain of every fucking breath I take being one I don’t deserve what I had, the knowledge that I’ve got nothing and the knowledge that I had everything in my hands for one brief moment!”

“You’re not a whore, Ruby.” The deep voice cut over Ruby’s almost ragged scream - silencing the demon immediately as her eyes were focused upon the source of the words behind Jo’s back. She didn’t have to turn to know who was throwing off the long dark shadow from the kitchen light across the stairs and grass to reach the demon’s feet. Jo knew immediately who’s voice it was, and found herself staring engrossed at the way the other woman’s face moved from self-loathing and rage into shock and surprise, before a flood of tears rolled after the previous ones down her cheeks and her lips curled up into an anguished sob before she was gone in a trail of light grey smoke from the yard in full.

Jo found herself sighing and cracking her neck as she turned to look up at the frown on the other hunter’s face, pulling a confused look of her own at the way Sam bit down on his bottom lip thoughtfully.

“So, that was a weird moment, wasn’t it?” The blonde asked as she stepped up and into the kitchen, ducking under the other’s arm where he was holding the door open further than Jo had left it. “Said she was around to see you and then-”

“Disappeared the second she knew I was here? Yeah, weird.” The other replied, rubbing a hand over his face as he shut the door behind her with a quiet sigh. “That was... very weird. You won’t-”

“Tell Dean? Nah.”

There was a long pause as the pair of them stood there silently in thought, Sam looking anywhere but at Jo’s curious face, before he added in a much louder and more determinedly impassive voice. “Grey sent me in here to follow up on you guys’ slices of pie?”

Shaking her head, Jo pointed to the two plates left where they had been left before she jerked in surprise. “Wait - you left them in there alone?!”

Almost as soon as the words left her mouth, there was the sound of a loud shout - unable to determine who’s voice exactly it was but she’d be willing to bet her house it was Dean’s - from the front lounge made the pair send each other a concerned look before Sam went right down the hall while Jo collected her plates, hoping she wouldn’t have yet another upset person to deal with that night.

[sweetdollfromhell]

Chilling tales of Riverdale, a crossover fic

Chapter 6 of a old fanfic but stil alive that is a mix of Riverdale, CAOS and Archie horror. Located in season 2 and will have differences with the canon for both shows. This fanfic contains corrections for something that bothers me in the canon like the fact that Toni's actress is not a first nation (this detail is there but presented differently and I hope to use the terms correctly ), the weird thing with the multi-cultural neo-Nazi (plus I go with the comic book where Archie is Jewish), the impacts of the snake dance, Joaquim (because it's weird that these friends talk about it exactly once in 22 episodes and in a disposable sentence), for Sabrina's family, as shocking as it sounds, given the dates given, yes Sabrina's father is literally 10 years older than Ambrose in  the show canon (not the actors, I know but it's worth wondering if Ambrose is aging well or if Edward is aging badly)and yes, you can find Toni or Sabrina pretty bitchy towards one or the other but don’t be afraid, no one is going to become a bad guy for the purposes of the plot, I just think they would have tensions between the two given the situation (I really like the two chararctere and I expect a possible friendship because who doesn't like Vitriolic Best buds?)Sorry, it was a long explanation, but I didn't want people to misunderstand my intentions.

*******************************************************************************************

-What do you think of Archie's plan? Asked Betty of Kevin.

-That it may come from a noble intention, but it will end badly.  You know how many accidents happen because a few idiots thought they knew better than everyone else," replied the young man. -And let's just say, if I'm willing to trust Archie, I doubt a little more about Reggie or Dilton. But we're a little hypocritical of ourselves.

-What do you mean? Asked Betty surprised her.

-Hello Betty, the whole Jason Blossom case where we played Scooby-doo? Call Kevin back.

-Maybe but we must do something... Me and Jug met tonight to read some documents that will help us with the black hood case. Do you want to come?

Kevin was surprised by the invitation asking if Betty is still trying to make amends but realizes that the runaway was at her boyfriend's house. Yeah, he was going to let him benefit from the doubt.  

-Isn't that going to stress your guest out?

-Sabrina? Uh, I don't know, she seems really in need of human contact, I guess he won't have a problem. We just must avoid talking about where it comes from. She almost had a panic attack when I tried to talk about it. And I hope you like cats.  

Once in front of Jughead's trailer, Betty and Kevin will knock on the door. Toni open them up.

-Hello Toni," said Betty, surprised to see her there. -I didn't know you'd be here.

- Jugh told me about your project and it's a subject I'm passionate about too. I see you brought someone along too.

-Oh yes, here is Kevin Keller, said the young woman to introduce her friend who reached out to her.

-Hi.

-Toni Topaz, said the interested party, but she did not take his hand. -In, Jugh is gone looking for food for everyone and I stayed here to babysit Poison Ivy.

-I heard that! Shouted a voice in the Caravan.

-That was the goal, Toni replied.

As Betty and Kevin entered, Sabrina came to meet them. She looked much more presentable than when Betty saw her in the drinks. She had worn a vintage horror red t-shirt, a short black skirt, a big jean jacket with a wool lining, knee socks with striped , mary-James, un gold necklace and the headband given by Toni held her short hair in place.

-Betty! I am happy to see you again," said the girl smiling.

-I am also happy to see you again Sabrina," Betty replied surprised by the welcome. -This is Kevin," she continued.

Sabrina looked up at the young man with an intriguing look before reaching out.

-Hello Kevin, it's nice to meet you.

-I also like your cute grunge loli look, I especially like your Gremlin shirt," Kevin continued, watching it blush.

-Thank you, it's probably one of the most representative things in my wardrobe... Most of my clothes are practical.

-Oh what a shame, maybe Ronnie can lend you something...

Kevin kept talking with Sabrina about everything and nothing that probably lowered her defenses, Betty hoped.   She went to Toni wondering what to say to her: she wanted to silence that stupid feeling of jealousy in her and become friends with that person whom Jughead clearly appreciated but she had no idea how to interact with that person. She decides to try the banality.

-I hope we have enough for everyone," she tried clumsily. -You will tell me what we owe you and Jughead.

-You will ask your non cousin, she is the one who is buying, Toni replied.

Betty was surprised to see that Toni knew the lie to invent about Sabrina's origin (she was her cousin exception if the question was asked by the Cooper or the Sheriff, then it would be Jughead's) but let it go

-Oh, that's nice of him.

-No, it's necessary. Because personally, if I were Jug, I'd throw away everything in my fridge!

-I'm not sure I understand," Betty said troubled.

Toni sighed before explaining below:

-You know the Ghoulies who attacked you?

-Yes?

-She didn't just beat them, she poisoned them.

-What? Says Betty surprised. - How? How? Are they...?

-With a mushroom junk from which she had covered her broom. They are in the hospital, Miss swears that even if it has violent effects it can be treated well and without any backlash but still. Personally, I won't eat what she's cooking just so we know more about Jolly Jane. Note, having a criminal mind could be useful even if there is a world of difference between a teenage poisoner whose primary purpose is not murder and a guy in his forties who kills by violent means such as a gun or knife. Both are motivated by punishing someone they consider having committed a crime.

Betty was speechless when she heard the revelation; it was a little too much for just five minutes.

-I... she... how did you come to that conclusion?  Does it end with a request?

-Jug and I have to investigate," Toni answered proudly. -And she has no choice but to confess.

-I see, said Betty trying to untangle what she was feeling. -But you said she didn't want to kill them?

-That's what they lend and for what I learned about this thing, it seems possible but it's still dangerous. Shit, I was there when one of the Ghoulies developed symptoms, he could have had a concussion or choked on his vomit. I don't have them in my heart and I believe her when she says they wanted to see harm done. ¨Damn, they already beat him up once....

-What? Exclaimed Betty, unwittingly drawing Sabrina and Kevin's attention.

-You didn't know... Toni realized. -Sorry, I didn't mean to... Hey, you two, it's a private conversation," she said.

-Sorry, but it's a little hard to ignore when space is so limited, and no one is discreet, Kevin replied.

- Not to mention the fact that most people have the decency to talk behind their backs when they are not in the room, says Sabrina with an icy voice.

-Oh, that's cute, you think I didn't want you to know," Toni mocked.

Betty wants to calm things down in between but also asks Sabrina and Jughead for explanations while we're at it. Because right now one part is shocked by her revelations but another part that she would like to silence herself thinks it's well done for the Ghoulies. But two things stop her; the first is something that only lasts for a moment and that she is the only one who has noticed.

She had felt ants crossing her and a sudden cold and noticed Sabrina's eyes: it seemed as if the pupils were dilating... No, not really, not really that they seemed to want to pass the iris without making it disappear by swallowing only the white, but the operation started without ending, the pupil returning to its normal size so quickly. A play of light, fatigue, who knows?

The other was the sound of the door opening to reveal Jughead carrying many of Pop.

-Hi, a little help would be nice.

Kevin and Toni hurry to help while the two blondes stay where they belong.

-Toni told you what? Asked Sabrina whispering.

-That you've been poisoning people. Do you confirm?

-Yes, but only in self-defense. I'm not stupid or cruel either, Betty.  I took something that's not fatal and with obvious symptoms, so they'd have to see a doctor. This way, he had less risk of complications if something went wrong. A silent aggressor is worse than a noisy one.  

-It seems like you're talking about experience...says Betty was confused.

-I told you, my ancestors were pretty good at it and we kept their notes. We try to keep their knowledge alive and learn the tricks that can be used.

-That explains Toni's comment.  

-You don't have to be afraid of me," Sabrina said in an almost begging tone.

Her sentence made Betty uncomfortable but not for the reason she thought she did. Sabrina seemed more frightened at the thought of being repelled than any consequence has its actions. She also had a darkness in her that terrorized her, something dark that if she pointed her dirty head at her, would drive away all those who had never had affection for her. Because Betty still wonders why Veronica was talking to her after what she did to Chuck, how Archie could say he wasn't good enough for her after knowing him all his life, why Jughead loved her and treated her as a fragile thing rather than some kind of monster escaping from the asylum. Was Sabrina just a rebellious child who became pariah like Polly or a good soul who had to learn never to let her guard down to survive like Kevin.  

With hindsight, these next actions would seem very stupid, but too bad.

-I'm not afraid of you. For the moment, you haven't tried to hurt me or my loved ones, on the contrary, you wanted to protect us. So it's okay, but if you have other things you'd like to tell us that are important, it's better if you do it quickly. So that we can help you and avoid unpleasant surprises, but I would understand if you don't feel ready yet. It's just... I think it's a lot of trouble for Toni and...

-You too, Sabrina finished.

Not for the reasons you think, would have wanted to answer Betty. Because after this new information given by Toni, Sabrina could literally make the Ghoulies regurgitate their guts and bleed their eyes for what concerns her! And the one that realized horrifying her more than the idea that Sabrina was an expert in poison.  

-I...

-Betty? Are you coming?

-Of course, Betty replied, giving her an emergency exit to allow Sabrina to leave the conversation.

Surprisingly, they had enough food for everyone and no one tried to tear someone else's face off. Sabrina's cat, Salem, had decided to make his presence known once the food was served, searching for it. He had managed to get some from his mistress, Betty and Kevin. As a reward, the young man even won that the animal settled on his lap by purring with satisfaction.  In fact, Betty realized that the group she and Jughead had assembled was actually quite effective: Toni had experience in the darker parts of the city had several ideas or the killer could have found an unregistered weapon in addition to his interest in criminology, Kevin also shares this passion in addition to having literally grown up among the criminal cases thanks to his father and Sabrina seemed to know more about the dark history of the region whether it was Riverdale, Greendale, Sunnydale or other city in the region without speaking that Toni had been right for this criminal mentality story.

-You can find a weapon anywhere, see it taken from no one where you are and delete the number is easy with the right contacts, says Toni.

- The guy probably also has security experience because he knows so much about surveillance and if he doesn't succeed in all these crimes, he didn't leave any clues.  It means that his first concern is his safety," Kevin continued.

-Speaking of which, am I the only one who thinks her motive is fake? False-Grundy of what you explained made sense in the sin department to be a pedophile but the other victims? Two teenagers taking drugs and perhaps having some adventurous caress?  A single man who had a short affair with a married woman for whom he may have had real rather than purely sexual feelings and who acts like a saint the rest of the time? added Sabrina. -A little weak as sinners, don't you think? And this even if he was only motivated by lust.

-The best thing would be to make a list of everything they have in common, Jughead cut out. -It can't hurt.

Betty felt her stomach twisting as she thought back to the serial killer's letters and saw Kevin's strong gaze. She would rather keep quiet, it could have been just a stupid joke after all....

-Easy! All from Nordside and privilege! Says Toni.

- Fake Grundy came from Greendale, Moose is the eldest of six children with parents composed of a soldier and a mother who has a home daycare not what I would call privileged, corrected her Kevin. -Moose has already said that if he can get into a good university it will only be because he is good at football and they will want more minorities.

-Fred Andrew is also not rolling in gold,gave up Jughead.

- Grundy still lived in Nordside, Toni continued. -And how is this guy a minority? She continued surprised.

- His mother is an Amerindian. But she was adopted so Moose just knows the name of her tribute, unfortunately. And before you ask, they never had any government money for it because his mother thinks it's horrible to just use it to make ends meet, Kevin concluded.

-Uktena? Sabrina asked.

-I think so, said Kevin.

-Impossible, said Toni. -I am one and I've never heard of him.

-That's normal, isn't it? They were almost all massacred, only children and a few naaldlooshiis survived. The first dispersed to the four winds and the second having found refuge in Greendale. Honestly, that's the way it is in every small town, if you go through people's genealogies, discover lots of weird links and cousins you didn't know you had.

Betty almost laughed as she remembered the whole drama with her family and the Blossoms. Oh my God, she didn't know how right she was.

-And I'm going to be honest like Moose, I wouldn't have known you were if you hadn't told me, Sabrina continued. By whom, by the way?

-My grandfather, Toni answered quickly.

-Oh, so you're a Native American quarter?

-Well, technically yes," said Toni suddenly uncomfortable.

-Technically? Insista Sabrina.

-He is my grandmother's husband but he is not the father of his children, but he adopts them and raises them! So that counts, right? She defended herself.

-It makes him a good man and definitely your grandfather! But as a very white girl, I'm not going to get into a discussion about whether you can say you're culturally Native American," says Sabrina laughing.

-Are you from your origins? Oh, don't worry, don't you have to talk about Mom and Dad, just say if you have something interesting in there? Asked Toni, frustrated at having been taken to class.

-My grandfather was an American, but he lived in England where he met my grandmother who was herself a mixed English and Australian. They got married, they have my three aunts before returning to the United States and having my father. The oldest of my aunts is staying there with her late husband.

-Did she marry young or does she just have a big difference with your father? Ask Jugh.

-Both. My father and cousin must be about ten years apart. Her husband was Afro-English and otherwise we also crossed the geneological tree we have German, Indian, French and Uktena

-What's is that word you use? Nanalooshi? Asked Kevin.

-An abomination/victim! Both girls said with a heart.

-Okay. Maybe…, Betty began.

-Hey, it's my culture! These people were criminals who deserved their fate! Says Toni.

-Need I remind you that being gay or having an abortion was once a crime? Most of his people were healers for not being able to heal someone or sick people rejected out of fear? Says Sabrina.

Jughead decided to intervene at that moment:

-Maybe get back to the main topic? I don't think we can solve this issue tonight, but maybe the Black Hood issue.

The two girls stared at each other but obeyed each other. Jughead continued:

-I admit that even if there is still the possibility that only attacks people he can reach and leaves out targets like Hiram Lodge, it doesn't go with his provocative attitude.

-Overcompensation? ask Kevin.

Jughead shook her unconvinced head before turning to Sabrina.

-Sabrina, can I ask you something else with this investigation and was hoping for an honest answer?

-Wow, almost no pressure! Says Sabrina uncomfortable. -You can always try. I wouldn't lie, but I keep the privilege of pleading the fifth.

The cat suddenly stopped purring on Kevin's lap and he felt it tender. Did the animal feel the stress of its owner?

-I suspect that Greendale is not a village, but have you known anyone with a connection to the real Miss Grundy or the fake one? Her real name was Jennifer Gibson, known as Jughead.

Sabrina seemed to reassure immediately, and the cat became soft again on Kevin's lap.

-Oh, just that. I don't know Jennifer or any Gibson. I know a little bit of some of the Grundy family, but it's just that we went to the same church. I can try to answer as best I can about them if you want but I don't see anything very useful in it.  

-Do you think the killer could have come from there? Suddenly ask Kevin.

-What makes you think that? Asked Betty surprise.

-He was very comfortable with this attack: he succeeded in his murder and was much more violent with it. It was a crime of passion! If the killer hadn't sent personal belongings from the other victims, I would have said it was someone who wanted revenge on her and made it look like the work of the Blackhood," Kevin explained.

-Aren't you saying this whole thing would be a plot to get rid of fake Grundy? Toni asked.

-It does seem a little big to me, says Betty.

-There may be another explanation... Sabrina whispered.

This time, the cat jumps from Kevin's knees to Sabrina's knees, who mechanically started stroking him.

-It's a little silly, but maybe the reason he took his time was because he knew no one would bother him.

-Because he attacked her at home? Asked Betty.

-Among other things. But also... It's really stupid but... It's Greendale. Let us say that the population has certain habits. Like not leaving the house after dark. Especially if you hear screams.

Toni laughs before answering:

-It's Greendale, not Los Angeles! What the hell are you gonna do if I drag you into my corner!

Sabrina looked at Toni with deep boredom and replied:

-I never said I was part of a superstitious population, on the contrary I loved walking at night! But I can tell you that I am a minority and even outside there are people who will hesitate. The city has traumas that night brings back.

-What kind of trauma?" Betty asked.

-Want to hear stories of heroes and monsters? This is far from our study topic....

-Oh no! No! I want to hear this story! Exclaimed Kevin with stars in his eyes. It's even better when it's based on real-life experience.

Kevin had always been fascinated by horror and gore, never missing an opportunity to expand his repertoire of history by the fire.

-I guess a break can't hurt, Betty yielded.  

The cat jumped from Sabrina's knees to take refuge in the room, Sabrina looked at him worried but quickly recovered.  

Sabrina smiled and began her story:

-The settlers would arrive in America...

-Seriously, how far do you have to start? Toni asked.

-It's just a summary to get you in the mood! So all his settlers are there to escape persecution and build a free and accepting land...It really took a hypocritical level of hypocrisy crazy enough to believe such shit. The local population is mistreated like women, pocs, other religions and everything else that comes out of their morals stuck puritanically to the impossible criteria. In this wonderful hell on earth that the trials of heretics begin, it seems, very ironic when you consider that most people have fled from these persecutions in Europe. The most famous of his trials is of course Salem and this despite who is not the most murderous, in fact he shines by his mediocrity! His popularity is probably related to his industry from the beginning turning murder, torture, rape and treason into entertainment for the whole family, go figure! Sabrina continued.

-Well, Confederate soldiers have statues, don't they? Not to mention dumb people like Christophe Colom, says Toni coldly.

-True, Toni, that's right. But good for us the rest of the story is more joyful: Greendale is not spared by this madness, the vast majority of non-Puritanical settlers had even been driven from the lands they had or they had settled by the most extremist leaving them without homes or resources and some poor souls are offered in sacrifice to their larvae addictive to the suffering of others. Hanging slowly, fighting to keep the air from their lungs, losing control of functions in front of their beaten child in front of their execution zones with religious leaders telling them to bow their heads and let the scapegoats be sacrificed for the good of others, Sabrina continued, filled with cold anger.

-Sabrina, don't bother to be so precise we just ate," moans Betty.

-Betty, you've been through worse, make fun of Kevin nicely.

Jughead attracts his girlfriend against him and Sabrina takes over:

-So many decided that they were because it was all women who were tired of shaving walls and just watched them suffer! They had to expect it badly and no consequence could be worse than what they were going through, to act. They will not flee, they will not hide and more importantly, they will no longer let people get hurt with impunity....

-One of your ancestors among them, Sabrina? Jughead asked curiously.

-Not impossible, Sabrina said with a little smile. So they broke into his so-called hunters, judges and other criminals who hide under titles. They would find them and their families: they would slit their throats, skin them alive and tear their hearts still beating from their chests! And to make the message clear, they will throw their carcasses to the same trees where their victims were murdered!

Betty looked at the storyteller in shock, so the way Sabrina told her story was disturbing. You could feel a kind of pride and respect in his words. And his expression! Betty thought she would rather have seen a psychotic smile than that kid's expression of a joke, laughing eyes and a candid smile!

-And with the bodies a note sticking on one of the bodies warning that it was not revenge, only a warning. If such horror were to happen again in Greendale or even in a nearby town or village, they would be happy to show that they had not yet seen anything! And it worked, the inhabitants of Greendale learned how to love and respect its slightly different inhabitants. Night and the forest have remained their domain and even nowadays, one can laugh at his stories, at night when the moon shines and one wonder if one waits for a cry in the distance, that sometimes perhaps just maybe, there is still one of his women who watches over the grain. And fine! Sabrina said, clapping her hands.

-Great story! I wish Riverdale had had something like that! Says Kevin with a big smile.

-Not bad, I admit that it's nice that oppressing them wins and not because of the power of love or some shit like that," Toni said.

-Not sure that people will build a museum to attract tourists with this history... Seeing children, violence is sometimes the solution, says Jughead more troubled.

-Are you saying they killed their families too? Asked Betty to horrify.

-Yes, Sabrina said as she realized the implications. -But they had done the same thing... and if it makes you feel better, as much they had peace after that, as much the women or at least the woman who organized everything had to pay for it to the leaders of her community more for overriding their permission than because they had problems with her methods. No problem has taken advantage of the benefits anyway I don't think anyone is learning anything new.

-Indeed, and it continues to this day! The minorities pay, suffer and fight while the rest benefit from advancing by posing as moral guardians," says Toni gloomily.

Jughead clumsily tapped Toni's shoulder but she seemed to appreciate the attention.  

-So, your theory is that people if they heard something, they didn't do anything because of these stories? Says Betty, still trying to silence her illogical feelings by focusing on something else.

-I know it sounds stupid, but superstition is stupid by definition! Easy to say that it's bullshit in broad daylight with friends, it's a whole different story at night, alone when every shadow looks like a ghost. You don't care about people who believe in Bloody Mary but not enough to try the ritual just to prove to them that it's bullshit. My point is that maybe this guy was lucky or maybe he knew they had old monsters to use as a screen but in the end, he could kill her.

-So, we eliminate the theory that false Grundy was his only intended victim, but we add that he can come from Greendale or at least be familiar with the city? Asked Kevin.

Everyone nodded, and Kevin wrote their last notes.

-What's the result? Asked Jughead.

-Uh... male, white, in his forties, with a high probability of having green eyes, height and average weight according to the information we have, in good physical condition, knows how to shoot, knows the city of Riverdale and Grendales well, has access to private information, seems obsessed with the sins of the city which may indicate that he is religious in a way, concludes Kevin by always having a supportive eye towards Betty. -In other words, we don't have much.

-Bright green eyes are the rarest natural color in humans, only 2% of the population has eyes of this color, says Jughead.

-Ironic as a remark in a room with 3 people with green eyes, Kevin remarked, referring to himself, Betty and Sabrina, all of whom have eyes of this color. He could even have included Jughead so the look oscillating between green and blue.

Everyone stared at him for a moment Kevin who caught up:

-Hey, I'm not accusing anyone, it was just a remark that includes me too! You don't have to get paranoid.  

-Yes, in addition, limiting oneself to only people with green eyes would be counterproductive. Archie was in shock, the Blackhood's eyes could be hazelnut or blue but seemed green because of the lighting, Jughead recalled.

-We should still prioritize them without kidnapping suspects because they have a different color," says Betty.

-Good idea," Jughead approved.

-Speaking of Archie, can either of you explain how the fact that his father got shot gives him the right to leave a neo-Nazi group? Said frustrated Toni.

The other four turned to Toni, shocked by his accusations.

-Toni, what are you talking about the red circle? Asked troubled Betty.

-Yes, I'm talking about these morons! Ready to attack the southside in the first movement! Toni continued.

-I didn't know that the neo-Nazis had become multicultural," says Sabrina coldly.

-Sorry? Toni asked.

-Apology accepter, Sabrina quickly said, taking advantage of Toni's poor choice of words. -But my point is that I don't understand why you call a multi-ethnic group without any iconography related to fascism or Nazism, Sabrina continued.

-And Archie is Jewish by his mother, feels obliged to specify Betty to defend Archie. Information that was greeted by a frustrated look from Tony and a satisfied look from Sabrina.  

-They had hoods... Toni began.

And they were bare-chested, usually except for a bad case of Vertigo, people have the same color face and torso, the Sabrina cut.

-I was going to say that the KKK wears hoods too! Toni defended himself.

-Like many Islamic extremist groups or pussyriots, I don't see you accusing them of being one or the other, Sabrina continued.

-As soon as we could all agree that it looked like bad porn at first? Tempted awkwardly Kevin only reaping the fiery gaze of the two girls.  Betty also tried to calm the situation down:

-This is the third time we've changed the subject, I think it's a sign that everyone is getting tired. We've made good progress, so why are we getting

-Sorry, but if it's to make the Southside serve as a scapegoat, then it'll be without me, Toni shouted before leaving the caravan.

-Toni, wait! Says Jughead as he goes to his suite leaving the other three alone.

Betty sighed with her head between her hands.

-Sorry," said Sabrina. -I shouldn't have corrected it.

-You didn't do anything wrong," Betty said flatly. -She needed to vent her anger one way or another, my sister is the same.

- Do you have a sister?

-Yes, Polly.

(And a brother somewhere she thought silently).

-Is it just Polly, Pollyanna or Appoly? Sabrina asked.

-Uh... Pollyanna, says Betty surprised by the question. -My mother likes the classics, Pollyanna after the novel of the same name and I am Elizabeth after Pride and Prejudice.

Kevin had a little laugh, from what he knew about Betty's mother, a novel about an indescribable optimist and another about the danger of preconceived ideas and misplaced pride seemed quite funny from Alice Cooper. Betty seemed to think the same thing because her expression seemed closer to a I know what you think than a hurt expression.

- Not everyone can have a name with a cool meaning, others like your servant are named after the top 10 popular names of 2003, complains Kevin. - What about you? Was he a fan of the movie with Audrey Hepburn? Asked Kevin.

-Maybe. But I think the important part was the A at the end," says Sabrina.

-The A? continued Kevin that Betty could see mentally taking notes.

-All the girls in my family for more than 400 years have a name that ends in A even if it means changing the spelling: Sabrina, Zelda, Hilda, Vesta, Esmeralda, Lydia, Priscilla, Evanora, Locasta Kezia, Sara and many more!

-I hope there are still some good ones left among them, Kevin continued.

-We'll see, you already must have a daughter on the way to do that! Retorqued Sabrina.

-I hope it's not too bad with Toni," says Betty as she leaves with Kevin.

-Yes, especially since Sabrina should have apologized to me. I had planned to make connections with her, replied this one.

-Did you want to hear from Joaquin? Asked Betty.

-I just wanted to know if he was okay," Kevin said hastily. -His life was not exactly easy and no matter what happened between us, I don't wish him any misfortune.

-I don't judge, on the contrary if you came back together, we could have double dates with our snake buddies, Betty tried.

-Yes, and we can visit them together in prison," says Kevin sarcastically. -Why don't you ask the question that burns your tongue?

-On Sabrina?

-On Luna Lovegood herself.

-So?

She's self-monitoring, I can confirm that, but she talks as much as I do and if she tries to be careful, she lets things slip. She comes from Greendale with her family who has been there for a long time, among the names of women she named some are obscure enough that if Spellman is her real name can find them. Plus, she was talking about doing a congregation and seems to have had a good education so probably was at school at one time or another. Hopefully, someone saw something.

-Won't it be too hard to get? Betty continued.

-My father is already contacting the Greendale police because of the black hood and I just need to ask the archives manager to send us information pretending it's for my father. Madge trusts me, I'm the gay son she never had," Kevin proudly said.

-Oh, my God, Kevin, you're awesome!

-I know but I can't promise you a result; too precise would risk attracting attention and it may be that it is really nothing. For all we know, she could be a bored mythomaniac or a kid who lives without contact with civilization because her parents are in a cult or something, Kevin reminded her. -And you will have to deal with his reaction and or the problems that will follow, Kevin reminded him.

-I will take responsibility for my actions, Betty promised.

-Toni, wait! Jughead shouted.

-What? Asked Toni frustrated but stopped anyway.

-I'm sorry about what just happened, but no one is our enemy!

-Our enemy? Asked intrigues Toni.

-I'm going to become a Southside Serpent, aren't I? And Betty defended the snakes and my father in the newspaper even though it made her threaten, Kevin made....

-Allows Joaquin to flee the city, Toni added.

-Do you know each other? Asked Jughead.

-There are exactly 3 LGBT Serpent of our age in and for all, we stick together.

-Joaquin, you...including Jughead

-I like guys but I like girls even more," smiles Toni. -And Fang is like me, but it stays between us.

-I promise! And for Archie....

-He is an idiot, and someone will end up hurting: turn into a martyr if it is someone from the north and if it is someone from the south, he will probably have run after it, concluded Toni.

-Yes, unfortunately. I intend to fix this. It's horrible what's his father’s but drowning a bunch of idiots in their own testosterone isn't going to help the situation. Neither is Sweet peas' plan.

-He is not the only one to have this point seen," said Toni gloomily. -But you can't do anything until you're an official member. I'll also have to talk to your roommate.

-Why?

Toni had a little amused smile

 When they returned, they found Sabrina alone cleaning up. The cat eats with enthusiasm the little bit of staying behind.

-They left but Betty said you could do the text her, Sabrina quickly answered.

-I'll do it right away," replied Jughead, taking his phone and settling down on the sofa.

-It's all right Toni? continued Sabrina

-Not bad, don't even think of taking advantage of a moment of weakness for your cat to eat me," replied this one. -Besides, you and I must have a chat," she continued, taking Sabrina's wrist and dragging her into the room.

Sabrina stiffened under her fingers but did not try to resist, following her. Toni saw the cat watching her following her with her eyes...Stupid animal!

Toni closed the door and turned to Sabrina who had sat on the bed.

-Why this sudden desire for privacy, Antoinette? Asked the other coldly.

-Don't flatter yourself, Sabrinette," said Toni before taking a deep breath and choosing her words carefully:

-I need you to listen to me: Jughead is going to have to have an initiation to be a gang member. One of the challenges for this involves getting into his home. We won't touch you and nothing serious will happen, okay?

-For this one, said with a kind of amusing dry Sabrina. No problem! - No problem! Just let me know when I should take out my first aid kit.

- I never talked about that! Said Toni forcefully.

-So, none of the events can hurt Jughead? Sabrina asked with a big smile.

-Well... Toni began.

-That's what I thought," said Sabrina clinically. -Don't worry, I'm not judging and it's none of my business.

Toni should be happy to hear him say that, shouldn't she? Or maybe he replies that it is none of his business. But she can't do it. There was something wrong with this girl; something missing or at least had been damaged, leaving that feeling of cold and death that comes out of her. Sabrina's gaze passes over Toni in such a clinical way that she feels naked: an animal judging its prey before speaking:

-I like Jughead, he's a good person. I won't let anything happen to her, I promise, conclude this one with a smile. Then she reattached in force:

-Same, worse or better than for you?

-What?

-Your initiation? Is Jughead going to get the same one as you or is it going to be different? Sabrina continued.

Images of the snake dance reappeared in Toni's head with feelings of anger, shame and disgust. Dancing at the age of 14 in front of adult men, some of whom she considers to be family and others who had looked like a piece of meat, still haunting her today. So far from the stories of pure warriors of his grandfather protecting theirs. Again, one of the elders had told him what it was like before FP took the lead of the Serpent...

-I see...said Sabrina looking sade to the surprise Toni.

-What do you see? Toni asked dryly.

She looked embarrassed before she answered:

-Your expression... I’m sorry. It's not a good memory...

- Like when you come from? Because I don't know if you ran away from home because you wanted to live the life of a young adult novel character or if you're as fucked up as you say you are going to have to give something other than your word. Because believe me, I know what it's like to have no one and not be able to go to the cops...  

Sabrina stiffened up but replied with a smile closer to the grimace:

- I gave you my hometown, didn't I? Doesn't that give me points for good conduct?  And you want to take me out with the not so different after involving that I hide by boredom? Oh Antoinette, you know nothing about my situation and if you were me, you'd wish you were dead! So, you take care of Jughead and I'll be there if you ever need help to put the pieces back together again because if it were really safe, I wouldn't have the face of someone who would take him to the slaughterhouse, Sabrina continued, spitting out his venom.

-You crazy bit...started Tony who wasn't as to why she hadn't hit him yet.

(Because it would mean touching her) and Tony's gut told her that something horrible would happen if she did. The poisoning episode was probably not the worst.

 -Not a you are wrong or it a lie? If you switched to insults, it's because I had a good argument.

Then seeming to find a semblance of calm:

-Everyone survives as best they can, I don't judge, I don't think I even have the right to judge others' choices anymore. I'm just asking you the same thing, okay? I want help to thank you for your help and I will leave at the slightest sign of disturbance on your part," she said, realizing that the violence of her reaction and extending her hand apologizes.

-Swear on what little I have left, Antoinette.

Toni, gave him a cold look and before saying:

-Don't you dare go out the room when we get back tomorrow, before turning his back on her and leaving the room.

[midnightwalkin]

I'm going to do a quick blurb on 1920's fashion, just for myself, for people reading (and trying to imagine Edith's dress for instance), and just what it meant to the women of the decade.

If I had to start with any word to hold to, its probably freedom. Women's dresses weren't as layered or as bulky as the dresses of their parents and grandparents. One newspaper article I read joked that women's clothes were now lighter than men's. The term for this look of short hair and slick dresses was "garconne" or "boyish". It was a complete rejection of the dramatic feminine figure, and the goal was, to look more boyish and streamline, or "modern". The waistline dropped down to further the streamline effect and slim the torso so there was no drastic, feminine curve you see in Party City Flapper dresses.

There was influence from the straight lines of art deco, Ancient Egyptian art, and Asian designs that blended with the fashion of this era. Girls now wanted silk, kimono robes to wear over dresses (the famous Ruth Snyder supposedly met her boyfriend in a kimono robe the night of her husband's murder)

To put this in more context, women had steadily been entering the workforce even before the 1920s. During WWI, women worked the jobs men held while they were off at war. Suddenly they had control over money that wasn't connected to their husband or family. The advent of the bicycle and then the car granted even more freedom where women can drive across town if they just damn well felt like it. Women entered the Olympics for the first time in 1900. Women weren't allowed in bars in previous decades, but were suddenly sitting side by side with men, drinking and smoking. One anecdote featured a father falling out of his chair when his daughter blew a smoke ring. Cars granted girls the freedom to date boys away from the prying eyes of the family (and this dating practice is still used today, golly)

In the 20s, dresses were designed with dancing in mind, allowing the girl wearing it to kick and shuffle her feet. The dresses were often light, and in old movies, you can see the billowing effect they had when a girl walked. Black was no longer reserved for funerals, but was part of the new "chic" little black dress the public clamored for in 1926-1927. Hollywood fueled the Flapper style, creating iconic actresses to attach the term to and focus on when it came to style and fashion (Clara Bow and her 1927 movie "It" is where we get the term "the new 'It' girl" as Clara Bow was the original) obviously, not everyone could afford the newest fashions, so home made dresses were very popular with the electric sewing machine available for use. Not everyone followed the main flapper trend. Some girls opted for plainer dresses or didn't cut their hair so short. This did represent the chance for freedom of expression. And within that freedom was also a breakdown of gender norms, men and women crossdressing, newfound sexuality, etc. Of course, a lot like today, small town America was apalled by this behavior. Not everyone in the cities accepted it either, but there was more room for experimentation if you knew where to look. Basically, it was a crazy decade for women and the flapper pushed the limits of what they could and couldn't do.

Edith, for instance, wears a blend of masculine and feminine clothes. And while it might make people slightly surprised in the storyline, if this were a previous era, say 1850, that would be damn strange. She wears the plainest dresses around and they might be older in years compared to the newest Spring fashion. On the flipside of this, I have a character named Olive who is in line with the trends of 1927. However, its shifted through her own lens so I can look at dresses and think "Oh she'd wear this style but not that one".

Basically, 1920's fashion of the slim dress is often overlooked. For example, the Great Gatsby movie from 2013 gave the women a curved silhouette to fit modern tastes. So far, only Downton Abbey has bothered showing the 20s silhouette through a contemporary lens, so good job guys on that one. Its pretty fascinating stuff?? And I'm only on the tip of the iceburg here, there's probably tons of other people who can talk about this better than I can. But yeah, for the 1920's, think thin and streamline. And for my characters take on the 1920's think "almost streamline, but the hem is frayed and its kinda old and a little dirty but here's a sticker for minimum effort I guess, u fucking losers"

[akissatmidnight]

Morning! We hope you loved our review of the Scottish subscription box, WeeBox, and are now ready to get into some straight Outlander talk! But use caution: This contains Outlander season 3/Voyager Spoilers! Read no further if you haven’t read the the third Outlander series book!

Now that you’ve been warned, are you ready to talk about Voyager and what might come in season three of Outlander on Starz and what Sarah and Kelsey are looking forward to, plus where you can see some of the stars, besides what we mentioned in another post, which you can read here.

A final reminder, if you hate spoilers, don’t read any further!

Anyways, here’s Kelsey with some of her book-themed dreams, hopes, thoughts, and feelings before Sarah brings in her movie skills to tell you all about the new actors and actresses that are gracing the Outlander stage with their presence!

♥Jamie’s return to Lallybroch♥

It’s going to be sad, seeing Jamie wounded and hiding in Dun Bonnet’s Cave for so many years with only a few books to keep him company. As you probably read on our Legends of Outlander post, there was a real-live man named James Fraser who hid in a care and was nicknamed Dun Bonnet by the cap he wore. Nice connection, Diana!I love seeing history come to life and see how things connect. Something I’m not too thrilled about seeing it when little Fergus get’s caught up in the traitor madness and looses his crafty little hand. I assume more than one tear shall be shed for our tiny adopted Fraser.

♥Friends Foreverrrrr♥

The peculiar relationship between Jamie and Lord John Grey is something that I’m curious to see brought to life on the screen. I’m not saying it’s romantic, you know Jamie only has eternal eyes for Claire, but his friendship with Lord John Grey is going to be one of the cornerstones for the series moving forward. Without Lord John Grey, Jamie’s time in prison, and his later reunion with his biological son, might never be possible. Although, it looks like they’re setting it up to be more romantic in the show than it was in the books, something I’m not really into, as I think their complicated friendship in the series was compelling and deep. I almost feel like making it sound like a torrid love affair, like in some other blog posts and news stories, cheapens their dynamic relationship. If only the show series could do a chapter an episode!

♥Roger and Brianna help Claire Prepare♥

Okay, so A lot of people have a lot of thoughts about how Brianna was cast for the show, and honesty even I was expecting someone redder and taller, but the acting may surprise us in the coming season! But one thing I had a little bit of an issue with is how the show portrayed Brianna and Claire as not being close, like…at all. In the books I felt that there was much more warmth involved in their relationship that wasn’t represented on the show. However, Starz only has an hour an episode to work with, so I’m trying to ignore it, knowing that it’ll be impossible to ignore their true, loving, feelings as the show goes on. So I’m looking forward for Roger and Brianna to grow close as they help Claire prepare for her return to Jamie. I hope it’s just as touching as it was in the book! BTW, just so you know, we also have a lovely Claire dress guide here, so your clothes can be on point, and Sarah’s done a Claire hair tutorial, which is so easy, even I could do it.

♥Meeting Geneva♥

This is going to be tough for all those who love Claire and Jamie. I’m going to be honest, I think Geneva is a grade A asshole. Blackmailing Jamie into sex was a low blow and the man’s life has been tough enough. I know I’ll have a rage stroke when she throws out the “bang me or I’ll scream rape” card. At least Jamie can see some joy in the terrible union by his son William grow for a few years. But seeing as how happy he was knowing Claire was pregnant when she left, It’ll be tough seeing him watch his child from afar. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding this particular part of the series, with the word “rape” being used to describe both sides of the coupling. It’ll be interesting to see how the show addresses it. To cleanse the soul, let’s take a look back in time to when Jamie and Claire were #RelationshipGoals…

♥Baby Jamie♥

Jamie and his interactions with his secret son is going to be bittersweet. Their doings takes up a good chunk of book, and for good reason. We all read, and saw, how into being a father Jamie was when Claire was pregnant with Faith and how important it was for Claire to go back to Frank for the safety of their unborn child. It’s going to be bittersweet to see how young Willie sees a father figure in Jamie and Jamie longs to be close to a child he never thought he’d have, after Claire’s leaving. Their bond in the books might be hard to portray on screen, but Starz has done an awesome job, so far. We know Jamie’s big heart is one of the things we all admire about him, and in care you need to be reminded of the other reasons, take a look at our other list here!

♥The Highlight of the Year♥

I know for a damn fact that I’m not the only person who ugly cried when Claire went through the stones and later learned that Jamie was alive all along. While I understand that she needed to go for her own safety, it’s like she’s still twenty years too late to their reunion. I’m already preparing myself for the Kim Kardashian-like sobs when she finally sees him in the print shop. I’m also dying to see how well Jamie aged. I’m guessing it’s like a fine, beautifully kilted, wine… although he’ll be unkilted for a lot of the season, and not always in the fun way. The fact that we’ll probably have to wait a few episodes for this glorious meeting adds a certain level of delicious suspense. At least it’ll be a smoother journey for Claire, as Roger and Bree help her get the cash and clothes necessary for a successful jaunt through time. Some people are salty that Claire left Brianna in the present to go into the past, saying she’s a bad mom, but Claire did right by her kid and her promise to Jamie, so she deserves to have some Highlander goodness up in her petticoats.

♥The Scorned Second Wife♥

Dis Bitch is right. Ya’ll probably know that I feel Laoghaire is a dirty home wrecking hussy and no one deserves to get lumpy and gross in their old age more than her…well, except for Black Jack Randall… not that he lives long enough for that. Well, anyways, her coming out of the woodwork again to claim Jamie as her rightful husband is something I’m looking forward to. Like, I get how she saw Jamie as the one that got away but, damn girl, have some self respect! I wouldn’t tie myself for a man who was constantly wishing I was someone else, no matter how hot he was. BTW I’m all sour grapes on how Jenny lashes out at Claire and rats to Loaghaire, even thought Claire told her the potato-planting key to Lallybroch’s survival. I hope Loaghaire’s gun-toting dramatics are just as wild on the screen as they are on the page.

♥High Seas Misadventure♥

Poor Jamie can’t catch a break. He, along with Claire and Marsali, go to rescue Ian and he’s stuck vomiting with seasickness while Claire is basically kidnapped by the Porpoise, because the ocean has never been kind to Jamie. Like, universe, give the man a break! All he wants is to live the quiet life and plant some crops and make sweet love to his new found wife, not be held captive and taken towards prison. At least he’s conveniently shipwrecked near Claire. Small victories. I’m curious to see how this will play out since, in the book, their oceanic struggles is a large chunk of action. Thankfully, Starz has brought Mr. Willoughby onto the scene, so poor Jamie will have some relief on the ship. Also, it’s said that the Outlander Starz crew will be using some of the same set used to film their pirate series Black Sails, which I highly recommend to people into high seas adventures, sex, romance, murder, mystery, history, and backstabbing.

♥The Return of Geillis♥

Gonna be real, I’m pumped for the return of Geillis. I know she’s a murderer, adulteress, and all around baddie, but I’m really excited to see her return in all her crazy glory. You have to admire her vicious tenacity and the way she unraveled thousands of years of legends and myths to learn about time travel. Sure, she could have gone around without human sacrifices, but I admire a bitch with flair. I mean, if she had really been killed before having her son, a certain green-eyed man wouldn’t be able to grace us with his presence (lookin’ at you, Roger, you silver-tongued songster)! It’ll be neat to see the witch we love to hate back on the screen.

♥The British Scorch of the Highlands♥

After the failed Jacobite uprising, England took measures to ensure the Scottish would never rise again. They passed the Heritable Jurisdictions Act of 1746 that outlawed the Scottish chief system, hoping that by removing those men from their places of power, the people would be more accepting of full English rule. The Act of Proscription of 1746 was also put into effect, which outlawed all highland dress (see ya later, kilts) in the Dress Act. This took away a large part of the clan identity, which is exactly what the British wanted. If you were caught wearing a kilt after 1746 you could be fined, imprisoned, or even sent to the British colonies for “indentured servitude”, which was just a fancy term for “slavery”. It explains why the kilts of the previous seasons will be lost for a while and not make any sort of comeback for some time. As a history-lover, I’m curious to see how these real life restrictions will come about on the show. Now…let’s have a moment of silence for the glorious kilt.

BTW, if you’re interested in learning more about the Clans, and how they fared after the Jacobite rebellion, take a look at our Outlander page here and read up on Outlandish Clan History parts 1-5!

Sarah’s Thoughts

Now, I am here to help keep Kelsey honest lol. No, I read the books up to what’s been shown on TV to keep the spoilers at bay, so I have not read Voyager yet. My fingers are itching and I can’t wait to start, though. So I get excited about other things…like actors.

As much as I try to avoid spoilers, it is nearly impossible. As a result, I know about Jamie’s other daughter, the “Other Fraser” (Ten points if you get this reference). But what really excited me is the casting! Lauren Lyle and Nell Hudson look so alike its scary!

Perfect casting right? It almost makes you not want to hate Laoghaire…almost.

Okay, we’ll talk about one more kid. Young Ian. I also know who this is, Jenny and Ian’s son but that’s all I know. However, I am a HUGE Jenny fan so I am excited to see the craziness her spawn will likely cause. Plus, he looks like a little Jamie (sorry Ian). It’s alright for a kid to look like his uncle though. In fact, I think it is going to seriously help his future! So, let’s say ‘hello’ to John Bell!

Alright, let’s get into the big one…John Grey. Now, I know he and Jamie are supposed to be friends, but again, that’s all I know. I have heard the rumors that their bromance may be turned into a romance. All I have to say is, where is Jamie going to find the time to do that? Doesn’t he have enough going on with all the needy women in his life? I think it’s all hype to keep people interested and talking about the show while we’re waiting not so patiently for it to start. However, I will say I am terribly upset with the casting of David Berry! Uh! Did we really need another sexy man on the show? Okay, totally joking. He is a nice piece of eye candy and I definitely can’t wait to see his strutting across my BIG screen TV.

I love a man in a suit!

Now let’s here it for Fergus! Everyone’s favorite trouble maker is all grown up and lookin finnnneeeee. I’m happy to see he’s still around and even more excited to see where his character goes from here. The hand thing… yeah, that’s going to be interesting. I almost wish they could pull a Hunger Games and pretend like that bit never happened. But, I don’t think it’s going to take our man too long to get his good hand into plenty of trouble. Let’s hear it for César Domboy!

How about Joe Abernathy? I know he’s a doctor with Claire and he knows about time travel, so that is going to be a whole lot of fun. Mostly because I looked at Wil Johnson’s photos, and he takes a good picture! He has one of those stares that just bores into your soul and leaves you questioning everything in your life!

So, what are you looking forward to in season 3?  Are you a fan of the new cast members? Let us know in the comments! BTW, if you’re a fan of Scotland, check out the WeeBox here! It’s a subscription box filled with all sorts of fun Scottish items worthy of ever Sassenach♥ And don’t forget to check out our Outlander page to fill up the bitter droughtlander!

Read about Kelsey’s Scottish historical romances series and her contemporary romance novel here! And learn more about Sarah’s contemporary college romance series here!

Season 3-Ready for a Voyage? Morning! We hope you loved our review of the Scottish subscription box, WeeBox, and are now ready to get into some straight…

[surveys-r-us]

i’m bored lol

What type of bread did you use on the last sandwich you made? Wheat probably

& What was on said sandwich? Peanut butter and jelly

How many doors are in your house? No idea lol

Got any bad habits? If so, what are they? Yeah. I play with my hair a lot and am addicted to using q-tips to clean my ears

What was the last compliment you recieved, that made you smile? I can’t even remember 

Do you ever lie to your friends? Yeah, but everyone does from time to time. I don’t lie about major things tho. 

If so, do you feel bad about it after? If it’s important then yeah. 

Think you need to lose weight? How much? Eh I don’t need to but I want to lose like 5-10 pounds. 

When was the last time you watched a VHS movie? Probably in middle school lol 

What event would you go back in time to see, if you could? Queen playing at Live Aid. 

Do you remember the last thing you said you wanted? Sleep lol

Who was the last friend you hung out with&what’d you do together? Michelle. We went to Applebee’s.

Who is the person, other than a spouse, that you are closest to? Claire probably

Do you know when to use ‘to’ & ‘too’? Yep

Who do you currently live with? My family

Favorite board game? Monopoly

If you watched it, who was your favorite 'Hey Arnold!’ character? Arnold I guess.

Have any good school pictures? or do they all just suck? Half of them suck, the other half are great

How old were you when you had your first kiss? Lol 19

Do you ever wonder what people think when they look at you? Sometimes 

Do you like trying on clothes or not? & Why? Not really. 

What are your thoughts on marriage? I don’t have any strong thoughts on it lol. I just probably wouldn’t get a church involved in my marriage. 

Don’t you think gay marriage should be legalized through the United States? Yes. 

What was your favorite toy as a kid? American Girl dolls

Do you still play with it or have it? Don’t play with them but still have them

Are you currently IN love with anyone? Nope. 

Difference between loving someone&being in love with someone? Yes or no? Sure?

Don’t you hate when reruns on TV are in a random order? Meh

Do you ever watch any crime shows? Sometimes

If so, which do you watch the most/is your favorite? SVU and Criminal Minds

Ever smoke pot? Haven’t recently 

Don’t you hate when people you love/care about annoy you with stupid crap? I mean sure.

Do you ever get frustrated&say 'nevermind’ when people just don’t get it? Lol always

Still have feelings for an ex? Ehh honestly I don’t know. 

Have you ever SERIOUSLY considered any kind of plastic surgery? Nope. Something about it gives me the creeps?

What was the last thing you cleaned&why? My sink because it was dirty

Don’t those weightloss pill commercials just irritate you? Not really

Before taking this survey, what were you thinking of? How my friend didn’t text me back lol

How long have you lived in the current place you’re living? Technically my whole life I guess. 

Do you plan on moving anytime soon, if so where? Yeah. Depends on how job searching goes. 

Does blood make you queasy? Not really. 

Do you ever walk alone at night just because, or does that freak you out? No lol. I don’t live somewhere you should walk alone. 

What happened in the last TV show you watched? Jess and Nick finally got together. 

Do you ever correct grammar/spelling errors your friends make? No

Or do you just not care about that stuff? I don’t care. 

Don’t you think things are getting wayyy too pricey? Sure

Facebook, wasn’t 'become a fan’ better than 'like’? I FORGOT ABOUT “BECOME A FAN” HOW OLD IS THIS SURVEY? 

What do you think was the best year you ever had? 2015 or 2016. 

Are you more of a follower, or a leader? Be honest. Leader

Are your dreams/nightmares in black&white or color? Color

Or do you not even remember any of them? I remember them for a day or two and then forget. 

Have you ever wanted to be some sort of hero outside of videogames? Not really

Will you admit that you’re at least somewhat superficial? Can be at times

Most attractive actor/actress that comes to mind right this second? Zac Efron

How often do you go to the mall closest to you? I just was there today because I work there 

What physical features can you just not stand about yourself? My stupid acne

Do you still count with your fingers, even if only every so often? Yeah

The last flavor of gum you chewed? Mint

Have you ever gone on a road trip with just friends? Yeah

What was the last thing you had to drink & was it yummy? Orange Hi-C and yes

What word or words do you think you say the most? A combination of swear words. 

Without trying, do you act differently around different friends? Sometimes

What was the last thing you drew/wrote on your own or someone elses’ skin? I wrote some type of reminder on my hand a few months ago

Did you know your nose continues to grow/get longer as you get older? Didn’t know that but sounds fake

The last time you spent money, what was it on & how much did you spend? Today. I got Qdoba. It was like $8? 

What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on one piece of clothing? Like $50 probably. I don’t really buy expensive clothes and if I buy expensive brands, it’s at a thrift store or TJ Maxx. 

Don’t you believe you’re not really a vegetarian if you still eat chicken No lol there’s another term for it (that I don’t know how to spell)

Who was the last person you avoided/ignored? In general I avoid opening people’s snapchats. Don’t know why. It’s some recent thing that makes me anxious. 

In elementary school, were you more of the bully or the bullied? Guess bullied. I kept to myself mostly. 

Do you like when a spouse is clingy, or can you not stand that? I can be clingy so it doesn’t really bug me. 

How much do you say you walk in a week outside of school &/or work? No idea

Don’t you hate when someone says they’ll text/call/IM you later&they don’t? Yeah

Did the last person you talked to in person annoy you in anyway? Lol yeah. 

Where are you sitting right now? My bed

[gretagerwigarchive]

Our writer spoke with former Sacramentan and actress Greta Gerwig for half an hour and neither ever said the word ‘mumblecore’

  By Jonathan Kiefer. This article was published on 03.25.10.     

source: https://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/cinema-chatterbox/content?oid=1391394

In writer-director Noah Baumbach’s new film, Greenberg, Sacramento native Greta Gerwig plays love interest to a perpetually nettled Ben Stiller, as a guy who’s “trying to do nothing for a while.” So is that a step up for the so-called “first lady of mumblecore,” or what? We caught up with Gerwig for a chat last week.

First, how was it growing up in Sac?

I loved growing up in Sacramento. It’s not like L.A. or New York or San Francisco. There aren’t as many professionals in Sacramento. It’s more limited. So there’s a lot of community theater. Which was important to me in the sense that it was an easy way to get your hands dirty. It didn’t seem like you had to be qualified. You could just go make theater. There’s a lot of little theaters in Sac. That carried over into making films later.

I did all the things that you would do if you were interested in the arts in Sacramento. I did The Nutcracker at Sacramento Ballet three years in a row. I studied ballet with Pamela Hayes, who still teaches in Sacramento. I did tap and jazz with Ron Cisneros, who’s still teaching kids in Sacramento. I did Shakespeare in the Park with City College in Land Park. I performed at the Woodland Opera House. I performed at Sierra 2. I did Ed Claudio’s Actor’s Theatre. Celebration Arts. Like, everywhere.

And now my best friend Connor Mickiewicz just started a theater company in Sacramento last year called the New Helvetia Theatre. My parents are still there; my brother’s still there. I’m very connected to that being where I come from.

Speaking of very familiar, I think I’ve seen you naked more than anybody else I’ve interviewed.

Have you interviewed Kate Winslet?

Touché.

She’s ahead of me. But she’s got a few years on me.

That’s true. So what does all this nakedness mean to you?

It’s always transforming in what it means to me. I think it’s not something I consciously did or didn’t do, but it has been brought to my attention. (Laughs.)

And I think that the first time that it ever happened, it was a scene in a shower. You don’t have clothes on in a shower. And also, I guess I fundamentally don’t get what the big deal is in a lot of ways. But if there’s any meaning to it initially, especially in Hannah Takes the Stairs, it’s that I have felt like either you’re showing a woman’s body as a sexual object of lust that is presented for your desire, or it is degrading to be naked. But there was nothing in between.

There wasn’t just nudity because, listen, you change your clothes and you’re naked. There was something about the lack of that that made me feel like women are either fetishized or degraded or both; they’re not just allowed to live in their bodies. I think it’s hand in hand with not wanting to see people for how they are. We don’t really want to see their bodies, either. And I don’t mean to say that as a slight to filmmaking as it stands now. I would feel so much weirder about it if I had worked out really hard and gone on a raw-foods diet before I did it, because that defeats the purpose for me. Because then you are showing your body as an object instead of your body as a thing that you live in. I would never do that kind of nudity. But maybe that’s splitting hairs. For me it makes all the difference.

And then I think I felt like, “Ah, fuck it—if you do it once, who the fuck cares if you do it again?” At that point being coy about it seems sort of silly. I have said before, though: Being naked on screen is very different than doing sex scenes, which are kind of horrible. Not in Greenberg. Greenberg’s sex scenes were very choreographed and completely safe, which was very nice.

How else is Greenberg different from your earlier films?

The scale of it, definitely. I think it’s the biggest challenge and the biggest reward I’ve had as an actress. I think a lot of that has to do with coming to the script as a thing that has already had hours and hours and hours of effort put into it, by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Noah Baumbach. And I think having such a strict script is a big difference. I mean, there was no improvisation in the movie. I mean, not a single word was different from how it was written. I’m always so happy when people ask me if I improvised, because that means that we sold it.

But Noah writes in such a specific rhythm. He almost writes like a playwright, in terms of the way it needs to sound and read. There’s something about it that it just has this kind of musical quality, and if you miss a word, it sounds weird; it’s like hitting a false note in a song.

Also, he tends to write movie characters who are not nice.

I think I’m interested in flawed characters that are actually flawed. They’re not flawed in a way that makes the picture more beautiful or makes them lovable, but actually just flawed. I think that that’s more true. I know it’s harder from an audience standpoint; it makes characters less palatable in some ways, because it makes them more familiar. And I think I’ve always admired writers who’ve done that.

Noah said something in an interview once that I thought was very true. He said sympathetic characters don’t need our sympathy. … I mean, like, Nicole Kidman in Margot at the Wedding: I love it. I love it. I just thought she was great. But, that being said, I just watched The Blind Side on the plane and I cried.

[vileart]

Raw Dramaturgy: Danielle Isaacs @ Edfringe 2017

Áine Flanagan Productions, Lipsink and United Agents present:

Hear Me Raw

WORLD PREMIERE

Actor and lifestyle journalist Daniella Isaacs delves into the world of clean living to find out why the fast rising health craze is making us sick

Written and performed by Daniella Isaacs

Directed by Rosy Banham

The Wee Coo, Underbelly, 

2 – 28 Aug 2017 (not 14), 14:40 (15:40)

In an autobiographical story about #empowerment and crippling insecurity, #fitspiration and fragile bones, #superfoodsmoothies and so much debt, Daniella Isaacs removes the Instagram filter to reveal the dirty truth behind clean living. 

Aged 24, Daniella joined the cult of contemporary wellness. She spiralised courgettes, saluted the sun, and came out top in spinning class. She even started her own health blog and set up a gluten-free granola brand. 

What was the inspiration for this performance?

Over the past two years, I became totally consumed by the wellness industry. My lifestyle was focused on clean eating and exercise and everything else (my career, my relationships, my finances!) very quickly fell by the wayside. It was only when my sister told me she was pregnant at the end of last year that I had a wake up call- I hadn’t had a period in 16 months, my bones were weak, my hair was thin… wellness had made me sick. 

The wellness industry is huge, and my experience is not unique. This show explores what is underneath the squeaky clean wellness facade and will reassess what wellness really means.

Is performance still a good space for the public discussion of ideas? 

Absolutely. It’s probably the only medium where the audience can’t be distracted by their phones- that’s huge. It’s an amazing opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings which explore the human condition.

How did you become interested in making performance?

Having spent my teenage years working with the National Youth Theatre, I experienced the joy of making new work with inspiring peers. When I left the Oxford School of Drama, I was encouraged to not sit and wait for the phone to ring, so I got a group of friends together and we made a show called Mush and Me. 

Making my own work gives me a sense of agency and stability over my career.

Is there any particular approach to the making of the show?

I like to start with a question. The question behind Hear Me Raw is ‘What does it mean to be well?’. I then like to talk to people who have a personal connection with the subject. I really find interviewing and recording lived experiences are one of the best ways to stay inspired and motivated to make a show rich with ideas and an underlying sense of truth.

Does the show fit with your usual productions?

I like exploring work which delves ‘behind closed doors’ and I guess this character reveals what’s lurking underneath her squeaky clean facade. The show also dives somewhere quite heavy but it starts in a light-hearted, jovial place which I think is something I always enjoy creating.

What do you hope that the audience will experience?

I hope the audience leave feeling joyous! I hope the audience leave feeling empowered. I hope the audience leave feeling safe in the knowledge that we are all unwell and that’s okay!

What strategies did you consider towards shaping this audience experience?

We wanted to find a real sense of ‘liveness’ within a one-person show. Although there have been some really inspiring monologue shows, we often feel that they all comprise of lived experiences which the performer has got over and therefore nothing feels genuinely at stake. We wanted to find a way to make the performer experience her obstacles within the 60 minutes she is on stage. That way, the audience will feel active and involved during the show. 

But it’s been two years since Daniella’s last period. Her bones are disintegrating, hairs are springing up in all the wrong places, and her anxiety is sky-rocketing. The doctors are saying her lifestyle is responsible. When did wellness start making us sick?

‘Orthorexia nervosa’ is an eating disorder characterised by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Recovery clinics report a dramatic increase in the number of sufferers coming through their doors, but the term – first coined in 1996 – has yet to be recognized by official medical bodies. Hear Me Raw sheds light on the illness, and the image-saturated culture that fuels it.

Hear Me Raw is from the creative team behind irreverent intermarriage comedy Mush and Me, the winner of the 2014 IdeasTap Underbelly Award & the Holden Street Adelaide Fringe Award, and the producer of 2016 Fringe hit How to Win Against History.

Daniella Isaacs is an actress and writer. She has previously performed at the Bush, Soho Theatre, the Tricycle and most recently appeared in Fleabag (BBC/Netflix). She is an alumni of The Oxford School of Drama & National Youth Theatre. Daniella has written as a lifestyle journalist for Psychologies magazine, Mayfair magazine and Women’s Health.

Daniella says:  “I felt lost and overwhelmed, and with the help of social media, I found the wellness world, which offered easy answers. I followed endless recipes promising positivity, empowerment and insta-worthy abs. But clean living couldn’t cure my anxiety. If anything, it made it so much worse. From the front line of wellness, I can tell you that a ‘flat’ stomach doesn’t bring you happiness and gluten-dairy-sugar-free bliss balls definitely don’t lead you down the path to enlightenment. I know I’m not alone in this wellness obsession, and I want this show to provide an antidote to the squeaky clean social media feeds which brush the complexities of human existence under yoga mats and crisp, white table cloths.” 

Rosy Banham is an Associate Artist at HighTide. She is currently Ian Rickson’s assistant director on In Therapy (in development, National Theatre), and was recently assistant director on the West End production of The Miser starring Lee Mack and Griff Rhys Jones. She has previously worked at the Royal Court, the RSC, Soho, Tricycle, Bristol Old Vic and Oxford Playhouse. 

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