#stuart saves his family

[pepaldi]

Harold Ramis

November 21, 1944 - February 24,2014.

Hope you are making movies wherever your soul is residing.

[draganwhorror]

A collection of random Ted Raimi gifs from miscellaneous roles part 2 (1992-2014)

Bikini Squad (scared onlooker; uncredited)

Baywatch (Leonard)

Murder of a Cat (young sheriff)

Clear and Present Danger (Satellite Analyst)

For Love of the Game (Gallery Doorman)

Stuart Saves His Family (Hal)

Floundering (Safe Salesman)

[autolykiss]

Stuart Saves His Family

Ted (Theodore) Raimi as Hal

[ariel-seagull-wings]

Assista a "Harold Ramis "Stuart Saves His Family" 3/31/95 - Bobbie Wygant Archive" no YouTube

@bixiebeet @spengnitzed

[ariel-seagull-wings]

@bixiebeet @spengnitzed @janeb984

The Films of Harold Ramis

[mndvx]

Now hear of the girl whose feet could not touch the floor. This girl was half-giant, on her father’s side. And she was her father’s daughter in almost every way, save for one important detail. She was small, for a giant. When she sat in her family’s chair, her feet did not touch the floor. Her feet did not touch the floor at feasting time. They did not touch the floor when she sat upon her bed. When she got older, her brothers could easily drink her under the table... For the table was as tall as she. And so, after years and years, she went to her father... And asked his leave. She wished to see her mother’s home. She loved her land and her family, and her foolish, foolish brothers. But she was different. She felt alone.  TWILIGHT OF THE GODS — Now Hear Of... (Episode 6) written by Eric Carrasco & Caitlin Parrish directed by Dave Hartman & Andrew Tamandl ››› Sylvia Hoeks as Sigrid ››› Stuart Martin as Leif

[isabelawritesthings]

My headcanons for EVERY (I think) Mortal Kombat 1 character

— Liu Kang is a big fan of Chinese food, because well, in the previous timelines he was Chinese, so he constantly goes to Madam Bo's restaurant to eat.

— Johnny Cage is a great dramatic actor, but unfortunately, Hollywood studios always cast him as comedic characters or male characters who are himbos, wasting his potential as a dramatic actor.

— Kenshi met Suchin after saving her from being attacked by thugs in Tokyo, and the two's connection was almost instantaneous, with Suchin agreeing to run away with him after Kenshi left the Yakuza.

— Raiden has a huge crush on Kitana, and constantly draws pictures of the two of them kissing (he's a cartoonist btw)

— Kung Lao loves Chinese and South Korean comedy dramas, his favorite South Korean comedy drama is "True Beauty".

— Kuai Liang is extremely protective of Harumi, like, if Harumi gets a scar, he won't rest until the person who did it pays dearly. When he was dating Cyrax, he was also quite protective of her as well (He's not a sexist who thinks women are too defenseless to protect themselves, he just wants to keep Harumi safe because he loves her so much).

— Bi-Han trusts women more than men, thanks to the complicated relationship he had with his father and the loving relationship he had with his mother (thanks to his daddy issues, he doesn't trust masculine nature very much, even though he is also a man).

— Shang Tsung is not a "victim of Liu Kang's intrigues", this guy is a sociopath to the core!

— Tanya is not Mileena's first lover, she had a girlfriend as a teenager, the daughter of an archduke, but was forced to end the relationship because the archduke's daughter had to marry a man, breaking Mileena's heart.

— Kitana is a voracious reader, she loves books, especially about the history of the Earthrealm and Seido, her favorite historical figure of Earthrealm is Queen Mary Stuart, a queen of Scotland, reflecting the thinking of some outworlders who think that she should be empress in place of Mileena, just as some 16th-century English Catholics wanted Mary to be Queen of England in place of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.

— I don't usually do SMUT headcanons, but I like to think that Sindel and Jerrod had an active sex life, and she never married any man after Jerrod because she only liked to have sex with him, she herself was impressed that she only had the twins and not like, three more children!

— The souls within Ermac have been in the living forest for so long that over time they have become one big family.

— Quan Chi was a thief when he was young and was sentenced to work in the gold mines as a way of paying for his crimes, which is why he hates Sindel so much.

— Tanya was not given to the Umgadi when she was a child, she was actually stolen from her mother's arms like several other Umgadi (a bit cruel, but I wanted to make it similar to Marvel's black widows).

— Li Mei has always been in love with Sindel, but she never had the courage to express her feelings.

— Takeda is destined to meet and fall in love with Jacqui, even though in this timeline she is not Jax's daughter.

— Sektor is a lesbian and has a fraternal relationship with Bi-Han.

— Cyrax can speak several African languages, including Zulu and Arabic.

— I'm going to join @rasta-bot AU that Nitara is also a lesbian, there's a 19th century irish lesbian book called "Carmilla" that I really like, it's about a sapphic vampire, just like Nitara.

— Reiko was a mommy's boy, just like Bi-Han.

— Shao suffers from narcissistic personality disorder.

— Syzoth and Ashrah's love language is physical caresses, such as kisses on the forehead and cheek.

— Ashrah is pansexual (yes, another wlw woman, it's "Mortal sapphic Kombat" for me) she has always felt lonely, so she would like any romantic companionship, no matter the gender.

— Baraka prays to Delia every day that a cure for Tarkat will be discovered (this is actually canon btw).

— Slavery is (unfortunately) legal in Seido, and Havik was enslaved (also canon), so he is an anarchist.

— Tomas is a polyglot, he can speak Czech, Chinese, English and Japanese.

[fantasyfangirling4ever]

Let's chat about Elodie

I'm really cautious to say this but I think Elodie could be alive.

It's unrealistic and optimistic and may undermine the theme of learning to live with grief, not cheating it. But there is something at play here that we're not seeing. The swiftness of Jean's parent's arrest was emphasised as well as the fact that the FBI was going way beyond what was expected of them with no obvious reason to keep Jean safe. These inconsistencies mean something, we're told to look at them, but we don't know why yet. This could be one explanation for them.

A "manhunt" is underway for Elodie instead of her death being announced when Jean's parents are arrested. If she was dead, wouldn't Nora have shown us this by now? In her style, Elodie's death would have been announced officially, and everyone would have been looking at Jean in his vulnerable grief. The details would have been horrible and torturous and we would have seen Jean endure that in this book.

Another inconsistency: Jean's papers were not fudged to get into the USA, his parents planned his sale extensively, non stop exy training from the age of 7 and then Japanese for a year. He legally and publicly was sent to Edgar Allen. This starkly contrasts eith Elodie. No one knows where she is, not just Jean who was kept from knowing anthing, but the authorities and press: Elodie is expected to be living with the Moreaus when they are arrested. Stuart tells Jean that she was sent to a contact in Morrocco 2 years ago. I feel like it's strongly implied she was sex trafficked. He says she was brutally murdered (Implying not a recognisable body). These are stark differences in M.O.

This could make sense: they had a plan for Jean, they put him into Exy because they wanted to market him to the Moriyamas who needed his papers to be legit as he was going to be in the public eye and traded to a team after graduation. Whereas with Elodie, they didn't have the same lofty plans for her, they don't care about her, don't want her around and want money/favour so they just toss her out to the first bidder. This tracks with the idea that Jean basically raised Elodie and sheltered her from their parents abuse- they were unable to manipulate her into anything usable, their dynamic in the house quickly fell apart without Jean.

Is Elodie working with law enforcement against the Moreaus? Was this after she was trafficked to Morroco or did she escape from her parents and the Morroco story was a cover they told to other families?

Will she return in the last book? Will Jean take on the role that Kevin and Rennee and Jeremy adopted for him? Will he help her heal and learn to live again? Is that the end to his story, him being well enough to help someone else?

It's not just explicit plot points and clues, it's the way the story is being told that's leading me in this direction aswell.

There are opportunities for Jean to fill a brother to characters, but Nora seems to be steering away from that.

She repeats that although Jean loves Cat and Laila fiercely, he is also attracted to them- they are not siblings to him like they are to Jeremy.

His attraction to Annalise is also underlined in their brief meeting.

His brotherly connections (although pretty one-way) to his teammates are focused on through language but i think that's to emphasise that Jean is good and the trojans are recognising that, people want to have connections with him: Tanner fauns over him, Lucas sticks by him even against his dead brother, the double Ds adopt him into the fold, but he doesn't have a strong brotherly bond with any specific person.

Jean is making a family in USC, that is undeniable but I feel like if Elodie was dead, as part of this story Nora would make him an older brother to another character to show that grief doesn't have to bury him, he can 'put' his love for Elodie somewhere, he can still be a brother after his loss.

Instead, it feels like she's saving the worst of his grief over Elodie, allowing him to push it away for this book. I feel like this could end with the grief fully hitting him (maybe after her body is found) in the next book and him dealing with that/ letting his anger out somewhere (I volunteer Bryson).

Or, book 3 could focus on the denoument of the Moreau family. We learned a lot in this book about Jeremy's family that was hinted at in the first book, but we haven't really delved into the Moreaus in the same way. It was hinted at that Jean's mother was his main tormentor, and that there was abuse with a belt- this book we learn she was causally murking children to keep her son under control. But it still feels like it's all behind a curtain. His parents were arrested by interpol, will we see the trial? Will we meet the Moreaus? Will Elodie enter at this point in the story?

It's interesting to me that at the end of TSC, Jean's old name is introduced, but its not discussed in TGR. I feel like she's obviously waiting for it to be introduced in a Marseille-related plot line, either his parents or Elodie.

Please please give me your thoughts on this, not to minimise Jeremy's experiences but I'm in serious withdrawl from aftg, hyperfixating like a mf

[adamsrcnan]

OKAY OKAY here we goooo an annoyingly long-ish post about all my thoughts on The Sunshine Court

Spoilers Spoilers Spoilersss you've been warned

First things first it is so interesting to see Nora writing from not one but TWO new people's perspective. Jean's perspective is just devastating being inside his head is heartbreaking the constant fear and panic and how much of his energy is used on just pushing down every memory of what was done to him. His coping mechanisms are terrifying and i truly do hope by the end of book 2 he has a healthier way of dealing with it bc baby boy stop hurting yourself :( Every sentence was so painful to read. But also his resilience the entire time to get through it no matter what, god i fucking love him!!! He is a fighter.

Jeremy's perspective is sooooo refreshing. He is such a little sweetheart i could cry. The fact that he sends hand written letters and he's so caring and genuine but he can also be so stern. When he dropped that "i asked you a question" to Lucas fkehdjdfjdh OK SIR. I'M SAT. His relationship with the family butler is so endearing as well i need more background on that for sure! My only one criticism is that he didn't have enough pov chapters and i'm hoping we'll learn more in the second book of course because there's still so much about him and his (dysfunctional? toxic?) family dynamic that we don't know yet but also i'm greedy and i wanna know EVEYTHING about him !!!

Kevin and Jean are so just tragic it actually breaks my fucking heart like "you didn't have to slit my throat on the way out" JEAN??? and "promise me you won't try again. I can't lose you." KEVIN??? And the fact that Jean to this day is still keeping that promise. Also Jean's obvious but secret long term crush on Kevin the way it's subtly dropped every time Jean has to stamp down on his desire's and "temptations" GOD PLEASE I CAN'T STAND IT

SPEAKING OF!!! BISEXUAL JEAN ??? BI JEAN??? BI JEANNNN !!!!

Neil and Jean oh my God like where do i even start?? The guilt Jean feels at what happened to Neil in the Nest and him finally calling him by his name after Riko's death and telling him his game was good. And Neil seriously needs to give himself more credit for how much of a caring person he is because the way he indirectly told Jean that he thinks he is worth saving and didn't even hesitate before asking Stuart to send someone after That Guy after what Jean told him. Neil Josten the man that you are!!!

Jean's little sister Elodie what a beautiful name. Them being so close and him reading to her. The way he found out about her death jolted me differently. It was so awful and i'm so sorry Jean didn't get to see her grow up and meet her again.

Renee and Jean oh my god. Jean thinking she's beautiful (bitch me toooo) And the whole right person wrong time ugh i can't stand it. Him wearing her necklace all the time, enough that Jeremy always notices it. And unabashedly stealing her picture from the foxes lounge. Like he did not give a fuck. He said this one is mine. One good reason to stay alive being rainbows i'm gonna FKSJSKDHDH. Theirs would be such a soft love.

Speaking of soft loves Laila and Cat are EVERYTHINGGGG. God they are so cute with their little domestic life and their rich gay boy son who crashes on their couch with his cardboard cut out dog. That whole friendship dynamic is beautiful. Their fierce protectiveness and care over Jean as well and the patience they have with him even after the little kitchen incident. When Cat took Jean out for a drive on her motorcycle god that was such a heart warming moment and Jean helping them cook as well and becoming the girls' little sous chef it's so cute so endearing !!!

FINALLY FINALLY THE JEREJEAN DYNAMIC

PLEASE I'M GONNA SCREAM

Jeremy being the one who told Jean that Riko was dead i don't even know what to begin with THAT like hhhhhhh. The way they're both stupidly attracted to each other but won't/can't do anything about it. THE WHOLE "say yes Jeremy" SCENE WTF WAS THATTT I WAS GOING INSANEEEE. Both of them having to stop mid sentence when they catch the other looking FINE as hell. Jean being so obvious that even Lucas picks up on the way he looks at Jeremy. Jeremy being there to ground Jean in a Moment and helping him come down from it. Grabbing his face and telling him he's okay. Moving into the room with him to make him feel more comfortable !! The way Jean grabs Jeremy's chin (boiiiii). Jeremy constantly reminding Jean that he is NOT A RAVEN ANYMORE no matter how many times he has to say it. Jeremy saying he'll wait as long as it takes until Jean speaks to him. JEREMY GIVING HIM A HUG AND JEAN CLUTCHING DESPERATELY TO HIS SHIRT FUUCUFHDHSJHSSUHDH and then the "will you help me?" And the "Anything you need" AND THEY'RE GOING TO TAKE A CERAMICS CLASS TOGETHER?!?!?!!!! i can't i can't i can't i caaan'ttt

There's so much more to say but i'm gonna leave it at this for now because i need to go re-read it again and take my time with it this time round but i really could not have asked for anything better Nora truly outdid herself here !!! I'm forever grateful she blessed us with this after so long.

[dontbetherabbit]

I'm rereading tsc and honestly I don't think elodie is dead.

Stuart is trying to figure out if jean really will go along with this plan, for all the shit that happened it's still his family going down and Stuart needs to know how deep that tie goes for jean.

And jeans response isn't the most reassuring

He will do his duty but he doesn't sound too enthusiastic about it and if his sister gets involved he is making it very clear that he will go against the plan to save her. Stuart is doing risk assessment here, figuring out how to play this and if he can trust jean to stick to the script. And he decides that he can't.

So he says the worst thing imaginable to make it personal to jean, to make sure that he hates his parents with everything he has and he will do whatever he has to

"I had no doubt" of course he had doubt but Stuart has made sure to erase that doubt.

Maybe she did get sold off- I'm sure /something/ happened to her- but I wouldn't be surprised if she was out there somewhere

[jamiesshelves]

Parts of TSC I can't stop thinking about (after my first read)

Jean having a few minutes before Riko got to him and using it to text Renee a warning. NOT asking her to help him. But warning her. Probably to protect Kevin and Neil more than himself.

Jean viewing himself as a captive with Wymack and Abby

Jean calling Neil Nathaniel until that sudden switch (just like when Neil thought of himself as Nathaniel)

Jean being the same age as Neil, so one of the youngest characters we know

Jean worshipping Thea and her calling him Paris

Jean throwing out Andrew's candy

Jean roasting Aaron for being unimportant even with a murder investigation going on

Renee giving Jean forehead kisses

"Right person, wrong time"

Jean taking Renee's picture and it being the only picture he has

The way the world perceives Riko as a martyr after his death

The way the world brushes aside that he almost killed Neil on live TV

"The only one close enough was andrew"

Jean reaching towards the TV as if he could save Neil and wanting him and Andrew to run

Jeremy being brunette through the events of TFC

The Trojans being okay with their plan for the foxes game because they knew they'd lose to the ravens eventually anyway

Jeremy living at home and having an estranged family situation

Jeremy having a butler he loves and trusts more than his family

BarkBark

Jean's promise to Kevin

Jean calling Kevin a "beautiful boy"

Both Jean and Jeremy trusting Kevin whole heartedly

Kevin giving truths about the nest to Jeremy

Kevin admitting to sticking to Andrew like glue because he didn't know how to be by himself after the nest

The coaches concern as they realize the way raven coaches treated Jean

The rumors about Jean and that Neil never thought of them

Jean being confirmed a bi king and simping over everyone except canon beautiful Neil

Jean probably not simping after Neil because he's the partner that could've been, aka a brother/safe space he never got

Jean not realizing why top surgery scars, and his abuse scars, would be seen differently

Jean not understanding why Trojans can pick their own clothes, food, majors, etc

Andrew letting Neil go to the FBI in California without him because he trusts his runaway to come back

Neil's immediate response to hearing about Greyson is hiring a hitman

Neil sassing the FBI

"I guess Drake wasn't a biter"

Neil telling Jean he can lock his door if it makes him feel safe but he doesn't have to worry anymore

Cat wanting to teach Jean to ride a motorcycle

"Kevin has earned the right to be"

Jean being afraid to ever teach anyone French again

Jeremy hiding from the police

Elodie

"That's putting it mildly." WHAT THE FUCK STUART.

Jean's list.

Jean still texting Renee

The reason the Trojans stay so positive

"I'm not safe with you anymore"

The parallels between Jean and Neil

Jean thinking he never got anything he didn't deserve

Jean only having a carry on bag like Neil

Wymack giving Jean money and his note

The Trojans giving Jean forehead kisses

Jeremy being into Jean but wanting to allow Jean to be able to heal first

Honestly more but this is enough for now lol

[redclercs]

DELICATE✰ CHARLES LECLERC.

iii. one for the money, two for the show.

— the one where you were never ready, so you watched him go.

warnings: war flashbacks to the miami gp, more insight into y/n (look i have to give a lot of context for my own sanity), not really proofread sorry, 2.4k words.

masterlist ✢ next

FROM “WHAT’S NEXT FOR AIDAN KIM?” POSTED IN THE US WEEKLY YOUTUBE CHANNEL MAY 2023

You are looking at the top comments.

aidanbabes nooo my baby😭 he looks so sad!

flowerbedkim I swear to god y/n better count her fucking days

halleyc don’t come at me but this sounds like he proposed

ynbby why is he talking about this though? y/n has been super private and he’s telling US WEEKLY THIS?

ynaidan i hate being a child of divorce😭

Miami, Florida May 6th

GRAND Prix number two with Elix, attempt number two by Mr. Stuart Schafer to get into your pants. Can it get any worse?

Yes, yes it can. Because as long as you have “a job” you don’t have to come to these sponsor events. Which sucks for you, not having an acting job for the moment has never felt more like a punishment from the universe.

Artists, from actors to singers are here promoting their gigs while all you do, again, is take pictures with men in jeans and loafers and try not to barf every time you consume Elix.

You’re watching your career crumble in front of your eyes and you can’t do anything to save it from burning when it hits the floor. Mildred has called you several times during the course of the weekend to inform you of canceled interviews, revoked invitations and “sorry we’re just looking for something else” calls from casting agents.

Part of you is in disbelief that a five minute interview from your ex-boyfriend is feeding the fire, part of you expected it all the same. Women are the preferred villain in the narrative, and if it means putting a man above them, the media has had the choice made for a while.

Did you really have it coming, though? There have been endless comments about how it was about time people realized the type of person you are.

But what are you? Who are you really?

You’re a coward. You tell that to yourself in the mirror first thing in the morning.

Many people have the luxury to say they can’t pinpoint the exact moment where they went wrong. You can’t afford the pleasure of such obliviousness, because the exact moment everything went wrong was when Aidan got down on one knee.

And when the question that left his lips went from "Will you marry me?" to "Why won't you?" You knew there was no turning back.

Marriage wasn’t a foreign concept to you, but while it is generally seen as a milestone, for you it was just another stepping stone. The roles of The Wife and The Mother were something you might eventually grow into, but on the night of your third anniversary, you realized you weren't even ready for that of The Fiancée.

Was it genuinely a surprise for Aidan that you had to close the velvet box he was holding in front of you, hiding the diamond ring from your sight, before he dropped his other knee to the ground and whispered 'Why?'

Never, in the three years you'd been together, had you seriously talked about marriage. It was another bridge you would cross once you got there, and in your mistaken calculations, you thought it would be around the time your relationship turned five. That's the limit for romantic relationships without a ring involved according to most women's magazines, and your own mom. At least neither know the ring was the cause of the breakup.

It's a little pathetic how lucky you consider yourself that the tabloids don't know you rejected an engagement. They're cruel enough as it is, things can only go further downhill, straight to hell.

"You good?"

Your best friend in the world, Victoria Presley, is able to join you in the VIP area of the Paddock thanks to a couple pictures on instagram where she tagged Elix. God bless the era of influencers. Or, family connections. Being the daughter of Sony Music executive Luke Presley and celebrity life coach Claire Walker can open many doors. Well it isn't Vic's fault being born into a rich and influential family, at least she's doing her own thing with her beauty products.

"Yes, I am," you shrug. Q3 is going on right now and although you try your best to keep your focus on the two red cars around the circuit, you find it hard to get out of your head. Plus it's so hot in here you feel sticky and gross.

"I lost you for a moment there," she insists, sipping her glass of champagne, the eyebrow raise she gives you after means she needs more info into what was going through your head just seconds ago.

"Not getting any call backs right now," you sigh, taking the flute from her although all it would take for you to get your own is a few steps. "I'm kind of frustrated."

"I'm sorry babe," Vic rubs your back, unbothered by your stealing. "You'll get something soon."

"And E! cancelled my interview, AND—"

Tires screech and an 'ooooh' goes through the grand stands before the screens show a red car embedded in the barriers. A groan of "It's Leclerc!" passes through the people around you in the VIP Lounge.

You grimace, focused on the circuit again as Charles leaves his car, shaking his arms before hitting the halo several times, frustrated.

"See everyone has bad streaks," Vic has gotten her own champagne again and is pointing to the screen, where the Ferrari driver is being followed on his way out. "It's his second crash, no?"

Other people's disgrace doesn't soothe your own, so you give Vic a stern look, causing her to shrug.

Q3 is done and Ferrari has mixed feelings about their two drivers' results. As for you, the faster you can get back to your hotel, the better.

─────────

Vic drags you to dinner with a couple of her influencer friends. Everyone and their mother is in attendance at Miami, and they’re here to have fun.

"They're here!" the girl to Vic's left whisper-yells, stretching her neck to look over at the entrance of the restaurant.

The place has been completely full the whole time you've been here, which has been a while, you're done with your dinner and have a few drinks on you, yet Vic has begged you twice to stay 'just a little longer'.

Of course Vic is having the time of her life, talking about promotion agreements and posting schedules, and although you hang out with lots of influencers and social media stars on your daily life, you're not clicking with any of them tonight. Have you become bitter? No, of course not.

"y/n knows them, she can just introduce us," another one giggles, and she cheers with her tequila sunrise to your own half-empty drink that's resting on the table.

"Hmm, what?" you chuckle, unsure of how you missed the part where you entered the story.

"The Ferrari Drivers," the first girl answers in that 'obviously' tone you hate when people use with you. "You're with Ferrari all the time lately, aren't you?"

"I'm with Elix," you clear up, best as you can as they're not really paying attention, their eyes following the group of men that are being escorted by a hostess to their table. "So you know, it's not really—"

"But you've met them,"

"Well, yes but..."

Yes but, you've seen them in scattered moments where they nod and smile at you passing by and the three times you've had to take pictures drinking Elix. You don't even get to the coworker level of knowing them.

"Well let's go!"

"Hold on Holly," Vic speaks up for the first time, "I mean, they literally just got here."

"Which is why we came here," Holly can't seem to get rid of that know-it-all tone, and it's frankly starting to annoy you even if she has a different target now.

It's time to use the angry eyes with Vic, again,in less than 24 hours. That's why she kept asking you to wait just a little longer.

"How did you know they'd be here?" you question, although you already know what a cleveage can do to get any information you want. Can't blame a girl for using her tools.

“I have my ways,” Holly says, and does in fact, fix her cleavage. Fair enough.

"Vic..." you whisper, as the rest of them regather in their own conversation. "What's happening?"

"I just– they said they really wanted to meet the Ferrari guys, y/n," Vic half whines. She's doing the most to impress the other girls, which is a very Vic thing to do, but still you don't like it. "And since you work with them, well it would be easier to approach them, right?"

Wrong.

"I- Vic, I don't work with these guys. We don't even work for the same people, and... it would be weird to approach them while they're trying to have dinner peacefully."

You are not a big fan of interruptions because you've heard enough of your coworkers talk about how annoying it is. As for yourself, sometimes you mind, sometimes you don't. It all depends.

You can barely distinguish their table with all the movement around the restaurant, but you manage a peek at Carlos' hair. Both of them are there, surrounded by a bunch of other Ferrari guys.

"So? Let's go," Holly is speaking again, downing the rest of her alcoholic Shirley Temple.

"I have to use the bathroom," you announce, dropping the napkin that covered your lap on the table.

"Right now?" the other girl—you feel guilty for not remembering her name— groans.

You refrain from replying, and try not to stomp to the bathroom like a toddler throwing a tantrum. If there’s anything that you hate is feeling used, and it hurts a lot more when it comes from Victoria.

It’s something else when she uses her doe-eyed stare and says “please, please, please” to get her way even with you, rather than set you up to impress her other friends.

You take your time to reapply lipstick in the bathroom and soothe your annoyance. You have told Vic before that she needs to ask for things, not just push you into awkward situations. At least she didn’t follow you to the restroom.

Taking a deep breath, you step out of the bathroom, wondering how to go on about this. It’s very likely that things get twisted and it is you who’ll look like she wants to brag about knowing the Ferrari guys, which you’re sure they’re used to—being bragged about. But you don’t want that.

There are many clichés that you have experienced, both as a character in RomComs where the biggest makeover that is done to your character is to apply a little mascara and remove the glasses (you hate that, what’s wrong with wearing glasses?). And in real life, with big romantic gestures like receiving a bouquet with a hundred roses and one is artificial… Blah blah.

This cliché is a little more ridiculous, though, as you crash into Charles Leclerc while leaving the restroom.

“Oh, sorry,” you half-smile back at him, he’s already smiling, showing dimples and everything. You see his appeal no matter how much you don’t want to notice it. Tall, green-blue eyes and those stupid dimples. Not to mention the fact that you suddenly find accents charming. Again, stupid.

“Hey y/n,” he says still smiling, “Did you just get here?”

“Uh, no actually we’re leaving in a few minutes,” you move out of the way of a lady that wants to get into the restroom, she eyes you both for a moment before continuing on her way.

“Are you here with your friends? Or is it with Elix?”

“My friends. Thank God I get to be away from Elix for a few hours.”

Charles chuckles and the moment runs long enough to become awkward. You’re still outside of the bathrooms and another guy has too given you an off look as he made his way inside.

"Let me walk you back to your table," Charles offers as a way of breaking the silence and you shake your head no.

"You don't have to, my friends are probably on the way out already, anyway."

Are you being selfish by keeping Vic's friends away from him? It doesn't matter to you, not really. But really a small part of you doesn't want things to go their way.

Charles doesn't listen to your refusal anyway, and asks you to lead the way with a gesture.

"I didn't see you at the Ferrari Suite after Quali," he mentions as he follows you a step behind.

"I was in the VIP Lounge with a friend," you explain, "I'll be at the Suite tomorrow, though."

You stop at your table, where the three girls are still doing their best to ogle at the Ferrari guys.

"Hey," you get their attention back and not one in the three of them even attempt to hide the pleasant surprise that Charles' presence gives them. "Are you ready to go?"

It's Vic's turn to give you a look. One that tells you to not be unfair, things have just started to go as they planned.

While you return the pointed look to Vic, Holly strikes a conversation with Charles. Lightning quick.

"Let's go," you repeat, "Gotta be up early tomorrow."

"Can we get a picture, though?" the other girl—lord, if you could remember her name you'd feel a little better —adds quickly.

"Do you mind?" you ask Charles before he can reply. You don't want to make a fuss and have half the restaurant acknowledging his presence and his disposition to take pictures and sign autographs while he's trying to have dinner.

"Not at all," he shakes his head and waits patiently for everyone to be camera-ready while you stare. "Aren't you getting in the picture?"

"I'll take it," you hold your hand out for an iPhone, and get Holly's bedazzled one. Charles frowns but you just say 'okay, ready?' before pointing the camera at them.

No one else argues the fact that you're not in the picture.

A chorus of 'thank you's' passes quickly as you return the iPhone and the three influencers start checking the picture. They're probably better photographers than you, you can accept that.

"So I'll see you tomorrow, y/n," Charles leans towards you, leaving the group to their own thing after he pleased their request. "Right?"

"I'll be the one drinking Elix," you joke, half-whining.

"I'll be the one in the red car," Charles jokes back, a wide smile spreading on his face.

You laugh, fighting against the sudden shyness caused by the familiarity.

"Goodnight," he calls quietly, and the girls wish him a goodnight and good luck for the race before he snakes through tables back to his friends.

Not another thank you is directed at you as your group leaves the restaurant to wait for the Uber back to the hotel.

─── team principal radio: ❝hello! thank you for reading! I'm really grateful for everyone who has interacted with this story, I hope you're enjoying it so far ♡❞

[gimmiesophiebaek]

From The Glass Slipper to An Offer: an ode to Cinderella (long version)

I remember as a young girl, there were four movies that I would watch on repeat to the point I wear off the VCR. Hey it’s the 80s! It was Grease, La Bamba, and two versions of Cinderella: the 1950 Disney animated classic, and the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein adaptation. I would sing Jacques’ Cinderelly song as much as I laugh over the way the Prince shouts “silence” just as he realized he found Cinderella before putting the shoe on. 

This year will mark the 75th anniversary of the 1950 animated version. With the anticipation of Season 4 of Bridgerton, I decided to give a nice homage to all the Cinderellas that came before Sophie Baek. Some are well-known and stay true to the story while others stray to make it unique. But one thing for sure: Cinderella movies are always great to watch because in the end, the underdog gets her happy ending. 

(Note: I am going to leave out the 1950 version and any animated adaptions, so don’t hate me)

The Glass Slipper (1955)

Couple: Ella (Leslie Caron) and Prince Charles (Michael Wilding, RIP)

Where to watch: YouTube Premium 

We have outcast but proud Ella being charmed by Charles disguised as a palace chef. And that’s all before the ball even happened. But the kiss Charles gave to Ella after teaching her to dance and handing the invite shook her to the core. Take away all the ballet parts, its a cute movie for the era. 

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1957, 1965, and 1997)

Couples  1957: Cinderella (Julie Andrews) and Prince Christopher (Jon Cypher)

1965: Cinderella (Lesley Ann Warren) and Prince Christoper (Stuart Damon, RIP)

1997: Cinderella (Brandy Norwood) and Prince Christopher (Paolo Montaban)

Where to watch: YouTube (1957), Disney Plus (1965 and 1997)

Ten minutes ago, I was planning my lunch, not hearing the sweetest sounds or that the Prince is giving a ball. So in my own little corner, I’m writing my love for all three versions of R&H’s adaptation. 

For the original, it was unprecedented at the time as it was completely live and worked out beautifully. The world got to know Julie Andrews prior to being Mary Poppins, Maria von Trapp, Queen Clarice, and the voice of Lady Whistledown and were so glad not only she’s still with us but still within the Bridgerton family. I’m manifesting an actual cameo from her in Season 4. Please make it happen, Netflix!

For the version I grew up with, I love the meet-cute of her offering Chris well water while thinking he’s just fighting dragons, rescuing maidens, and finding his true love. It was a nice call back in the end when he figured out who she was before putting on the slipper. But the best part is when Cinderella’s stepmom tries to stop her, he shouts out “SILENCE!” Bonus that the legendary Ginger Rodgers is the Queen in this. 

And then there’s the Brandy version: it exceeded expectations, from the colorblind casting to Brandy and Paolo’s chemistry, to Bernadette Peters being delish as the stepmom. 

Three Wishes For Cinderella (1973 Czech version and 2021 Norwegian version)

Couples:  1973: Popelka (Libuše Šafránková, RIP) and The Prince (Pavel Trávníček)

2021: Askepott (Astrid Smeplass) and The Prince (Cengiz Al)

Where to watch: YouTube (Czech with English subs, free), Amazon Prime Video (Norwegian with English dub)

The cheeks are soiled with ashes, but a chimney sweep it is not.

A hat with feathers, the crossbow over the shoulder, but the a hunter it is not.

A silver dress with train at a ball, but a princess it is not.

Figure this out, and you will get yourself a himbo Bohemian or Nordic prince! I can see why this is a Christmas classic in Eastern Europe. Though I am partial to the Norwegian version as our heroine saved the Prince from imminent doom.  

The Slipper and The Rose (1976)

Couple: Cinderella (Gemma Craven) and Prince Edward of Euphrania (Richard Chamberlain)

Where to watch: Peacock and Amazon Prime Video

While it mostly stays true to the source material, the stakes are higher in this musical as our Prince must marry someone from a neighboring kingdom to form an alliance and be "protocoligorically correct”. But true love wins in the end as Cinderella crashes the wedding, no matter how much the King and Lord Chamberlain can bribe her (with regret) in exile. 

Cindy (1978)

Couple: Cindy (Charlayne Woodard), Captain Joe Prince (Clifton Davis), and Michael (Cleavant Derricks)

Where to watch: YouTube (free)

Before Brandy, there’s Charlayne! In this late 70s African-American adaptation set in post-WW2 Harlem, Cindy is headstrong but kind (and really good at double-dutch) when she gets her life turned upside down when she meets a captain with the help (and dismay) of her draft-dodging neighbor. But sometimes the prince doesn’t get the girl as our Cinderella follows her heart and would rather be poor and happy with a maturing Michael.

Fairie Tale Theatre’s Cinderella (1985)

Couple: Cinderella (Jennifer Beals) and Prince Henry (Matthew Broderick)

Where to watch: YouTube (free)

55 minutes and no sign of Cinderella breaking into a flash dance for the ages or the Prince breaking into song that causes the kingdom to twist and shout? I demand my time back!!! Just kidding. It’s a nice faithful adaptation for less than an hour of your time!

Ever After (1998)

Couple: Danielle de Barbarac (Drew Barrymore) and Prince Henry of France (Dougray Scott)

Where to watch: Disney Plus 

The definitive millennial Cinderella story! Throwing apples at the Prince as a meet-cute? Check. Quoting Utopia under a disguise to save an elderly servant? Check. Carrying the Prince to prove to the gypsies? Check. Da Vinci as your fairy godparent? Massive check. And that’s before hitting the buffet table because you’re here for the food! And it’s the ultimate comeuppance towards the Baroness and her awful daughter Marguerite? Chef’s kiss. No wonder why everyone has this as at least their Top 3 movie adaptations ever. 

Cinderella (2000)

Couple: Zezolla (Marcella Pluckett) and Prince Valiant (Gideon Turner)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

One word to describe it: BIZZARE!  While it stays true to the source material, the godmother is now portrayed by Queen Mab (Jane Birkin), the glass slippers are now made out of flower petals, and the Prince’s song is just… enjoy it for the mayhem! 

Maid In Manhattan (2002)

Couple: Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez) and Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes)

Where To Watch: Netflix 

Yes, even JLo had her Cinderella moment. But she and future Oscar™️ winner Ralph Fiennes got some chemistry here in a case of mistaken identity and class divide. Plus, the movie did spawn a Telemundo adaptation AND Stanley Tucci, Tyler Posey, and Natasha Richardson (RIP) are in this movie. 

A Cinderella Story (2004)

Couple: Samantha Montgomery  (Hillary Duff) and Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray)

Where to watch: Roku Channel

Diner Girl + Quarterback who wants to go to Princeton + lost cell phone + Jennifer Coolege as your stepmom? It’s a nice retelling in drought stricken LA. 

Ella Enchanted (2004)

Couple: Ella of Frell (Anne Hathaway) and Prince Charmont of Lamia (Hugh Dancy)

Where to watch: Paramount Plus

This takes the spirit of the story and shakes things up. Right from the beginning, it mixed in with Sleeping Beauty as Ella being “cursed” with obedience. Plus, our heroine and prince goes on a journey (along with a talking magic book and an elf) to reverse the curse like it’s The Wizard of Oz. Funny thing is this movie had Ella singing “Somebody To Love” and it won’t be the last time the song would be used for a Cinderella adaptation. 

The “A Cinderella Story” franchise (2008-2021)

Couples: 

Another Cinderella Story (2008): Mary Santiago (Selena Gomez) and Joey Parker (Drew Seeley)

Once Upon A Song (2011): Katie Gibbs (Lucy Hale) and Luke Morgan (Freddie Stroma… yep Prince Friedrich was the “Prince” here)

If The Shoe Fits (2016): Tessa Golding (Sofia Carson) and Reed West (Thomas Law)

Christmas Wish (2019): Kat Decker (Laura Marano) and Nick Wintergarden (Gregg Sulkin)

Starstruck (2021): Finley Tremaine (Bailee Madison) and Jackson Stone (Michael Evans Behling)

Where to watch: Max (2021), YouTube Premium (2008, 2011, 2015, 2019)

So while Sam and Austin drove away to Princeton, we were fed with five different Cinderella stories. We see our heroine dance, exposed as the real singer, being the star of the musical as herself, and giving acting a shot. Cinderella is a mechanic, a farm girl, and worked at a Christmas amusement park. But all end the same and happy! However, if Jane Lynch was my stepmom, I would be scared. No wonder why her next big role was Sue in Glee. 

Cenerentola (2011)

Couple: Aurora DeLuca (Vanessa Hessler) and Sebastian von Ausperg (Flavio Parenti)

Where to watch: Roku Channel

While most Cinderellas meet their Prince at adulthood, Aurora and Sebastian meet on the best (and her worst) day of Aurora’s life. She dreams of being a concert pianist like her father while he loves writing short stories. Eight years later and Aurora is at the mercy of her conniving stepmom in her own home turned hotel while Sebastian is now the heir (after his older brother dies) and part of a bargaining chip to close the deal by dating the daughter of their business partner. But with the help of Aurora’s long lost American grandma and support of the hotel staff, the childhood sweethearts found their way to each other. And the added bonus: she was able to resume her dreams of being a concert pianist. Double win for Aurora! 

Into The Woods (2014)

Couple: Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and The Prince (Chris Pine)

Where to watch: Disney Plus

While this is just a fraction of the whole musical, what’s memorable about it is how the Prince is actually a douche. With that said, who hasn’t seen the “Agony” scene on repeat and laughed? 

Cinderella (2021)

Couple: Ella (Camila Cabello) and Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine)

Changes to the story: Amazon Prime Video

Before becoming a British prince in love with the first son of the US or a boy bander wooing a single mom who in another life was Ella of Frell, Nicholas Galitzine is the heir to the throne (and belts “Somebody To Love”) and falls in love with our dress designing heroine while dueting to Ed Sheeran. And to think the Prince’s mom was the aforementioned Ella of Frell’s fairy/caretaker in another life.

So now we’re up to Benedict and Sophie in 2025 (or 2026, but I’m still hoping for this year) and while their story starts as a Cinderella, we’re in for a treat full of drama, laughs, and true love! And wherever it lands within the Cinderellas of the past, it promises to be a memorable one.

[codename-adler]

Stuart for the character thingie

Stu! Stu! Stu! Stu!

How I feel about this character

fascinating. he's a big rude criminal. he's cunty. he's got no social skills. his hands are bloody. pops in, pops out, kaboom. mad respect. so fun to play with his doll. i be putting him in situations and flushing him down the loo. i want to make him cry. i want to break his heart. i want him to fuck. i want him to say fuck. get it, serve it, mister bombastic.

All the people I ship romantically with this character

ICHIROU ICHIROU ICHIROU ICHIROU

My non-romantic OTP for this character

canonically, i guess i'd have to go with Neil? fanonically, aka MY MIND PALACE... Evelyn Hatford and Eva Josten 😏

My unpopular opinion about this character

uh... i don't think i got one? maybe a a niche-ish headcanon: i think Stuart contains much more tension than he lets on. i think it pains him to have Neil in the situation he's in, to have lost Mary, to have to keep on protecting Neil, but i think he wasn't raised in a family/system that allowed for these kind of emotions (duh). by that i mean that he got along just fine with what he had to do to get the job done, he didn't mind the dirty hands and violence so much, but when he was confronted with Mary killed that way and Neil almost dying too, i think he had a lot of internal conflict. who must he be more loyal to? the empire? or family? both are full of blood. all this to say, i think he struggles a lot internally, but has not learned to show it and does not have an outlet, so everything he says or does comes out cold, because that's what he's been all his life. he's only beginning to thaw.

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon

want him to pull a heist again, maybe. or save the day/Jean in extremis. i have to say, i'm quite satisfied with daydreaming about my mafia husbands/Stichi wip + the one from @constelationprize xx

[mshalfemptygirl]

The Prince Agent (S.R)

Plot: Reader is called to help Spencer with a case and things get too cute.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Dr!Fem!Reader

Contents: Really quicky mention to kidnapping and lots of fuffy

A/N: guys it’s my first fic, so let me know if you guys liked it, if you need a part 2. There are some translations at the end for you to understand the fic. Just give support and love. Thank you very much. Enjoy! 

I never knew exactly where linguistics was going to take me, but this is too much. I was at the police station, dressed an updated version of what it was meant to be Mary Stuart all because I helped my teacher with an Scotch Language Class this afternoon. You know, I'm in the postdoctoral program and sometimes we need to help our teacher and that's mean look ridiculous when they ask you to do a "favor" to them. So, I'm here, next to the door, feeling lost and angry for not have time to change my outfit. They said that just need to find an Agent called Dr. Spencer Reid to translate a little girl who was saved by the team. It gonna be easy, but no.

I notice that there is a man looking at me, he’s next to bullpens with some paper in his right hand. He is tall and very handsome by the way. In fact, he's wearing a tie that makes him look really HOT but I can't think about those things at such a delicate moment like this, I need to focus. I walked towards him, looking at the floor because in addition to the long dress, I was wearing high heels and I didn't want to embarrass myself in the middle of the police station. When I stopped in front of him, he put the papers on the table and gave me a small smile.

“Excuse me, where can I find Dr. Spencer Reid?” I returned the smile, wishing it was him.

“Well, right here. I’m Dr Spencer Reid, nice to meet you. You should be Dr. Y/N L/N. Or maybe Princess Y/N L/N?” he give me a big smile. “Can you follow me?” I felt my face burn, he was making fun of me and it made me a thousand times more nervous. I start follow him to the hallway with many rooms, the walls were white and light blue, there is a clock on the wall.

“Sorry, I didn’t have time for change. And It supposed to be Mary Stuart. So it’s Queen Y/N L/N”. He nodded while he run his hand over his hair. He stopped to think about something. Even nervous, I can't take my eyes off him. “Did you know that Mary became Queen of Scots at only six days of age and Mary’s last night was spent drafting an elaborate will in which all her servants were remembered. On the day of her execution, she appeared in her customary black cloak and with a white veil over her head and she then dropped the cloak to reveal a crimson red dress?” he ask me, I can see the excited in his face. I couldn't help but smile big, he's so endearing, so cute. I think he's trying to make me more comfortable.

“Yes!!! And she also was the first woman to practice golf in Scotland. She even caused a scandal when she was seen playing the game at St Andrews within days of her husband Darnley's murder. She was a such badass, I like her” I said. Then I remember about the little girl, they must have been in a hurry to help her. “But Dr. Reid, changing the subject, can we talk about the little girl? What you want me to do?” the expression on his face changed from a happy face to a worried one.

He explained to me that she was only 6 years old, she is physically fine and she was rescued from a kidnapping a few hours ago, they couldn't find her family and they couldn't ask her questions because she only speaks Portuguese. That's why they called me. It looks like his team has been looking into this possible unsub for months. Well, now I'm more relieved to be dressed like this, she deserves a good time in the middle of this chaos, I hope she likes princesses. Doctor Reid will walk me into the room so I can be the bridge between him and Mila.

I was the first to enter the room, there were some children's things on a table in the corner of the room. In the center of the room was a shaggy green rug and a table. Mila was drawing on the table, she had her back to me, focused on drawing and there is another blonde woman in the room with her, it must be another agent. She got up and wished him good luck. I looked at him and he nodded for me to start.

"Oi Mila, me falaram que tinha uma princesa por aqui” ¹ she looked at me and took to give me a hug. She got really excited saying several things at the same time, I sat with her on the floor and she played with my hair. That's when she realized that Dr. Reid was in the room and her face was etched with fear. “Mila, ele não vai te fazer mal, ele é muito legal! Sabe, o nome dele é Spencer e ele é meu principe. Ele é meu cavaleiro que me protege de coisas ruins e ele protege princesas como você também. Então ele não vai te fazer mal. Okay?” ²

She waved at me and I gave her a smile. I called Spencer over and he sat on the other side of the table. I translated for him what I said to her and it was like that for 40 minutes. Mila was no longer afraid of him, she gave as much information as possible about the man who took her and she also talked about her family. When she was scared, she squeezed my hand really tight and I told her that everything was going to be alright. Now, she going to draw two drawings for us. “Y/N, I will pass the information for Agent Garcia so she can start the search. You helped a lot. Thank you. Can you stay with her?" I nodded to him. “Mila, diz “Bye, Spencer”, ele precisa ir agora” ³.

“NÃO! Ele tem que dar um presente para você. Ele é seu principe, não é? Vocês tem que casar e viver felizes para sempre” ⁴ At that moment my heart beat faster. Holy shit, how was I going to translate this to him?! I can feel the presure. If I was avoiding embarrassing myself, now is the time. She was looking for something in the toy box, she walked to Spencer and gave him a plastic ring. She just pointed at the ring and then at me. We looked at each other not knowing what to do. I was in PANIC. “Spencer, I think she wants us to get married. You don’t have to. Sorry, I can explain to her that...”.  

“Oh, don't worry, I can give you the ring. Give me your left hand" I held out my hand to him and when he touched me I feel a good feeling. His hand are so soft. Looking right into Mila's face who seemed very happy with our misfortune. "Right, we are married. I’m married to a queen. I have to go now but can we talk after this, my lady?" he said after kissing the ring on my hand. Damn, he obviously has a hold on me."Yes, we can, Prince Agent Reid". Then I give him a smirk and he left the room. I show Mila my hand, she was happy for the first time in days and I was thinking how lucky I would be if this fairytale were true.

1 Hi Mila, someone told me there was a princess around here.

2 Mila, he won't hurt you, he's really nice! You know, his name is Spencer and he's my prince. He is my knight who protects me from bad things and he protects princesses like you too. So he won't hurt you. OK?.

3 Mila, say “Bye Spencer”, he needs to go.

4 NO! He has to give you a gift. He's your prince, isn't he? You have to get married and live happily ever after.

[maboroshi-no]

Hamefura LN 14 Bonus SS (Shosen / Horindo)

Series: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Source: Light novel volume 14, Bonus paper Store: Shosen / Horindo Synopsis: Alan's POV of Prince Mary's rescue in Chapter 1 of LN14. Translation: maboroshi-no

Translation below ⮟

I, Alan Stuart, was greatly troubled at the moment.

Today was the Sorcier Foundation Anniversary party and many foreign visitors had come for the occasion.

Because of this, the greetings queue was enormous and I was considerably exhausted by the end of it.

Even so, it was still nice while I was greeting people. Even if I was approached to some extent, there would still be a next person, so they would leave me for the time being.

The truly difficult part was after the greetings.

When the greetings ended and my family all split up, they came to me.

Foreign Noble Lady: Prince Alan, let's talk.

Foreign Noble Lady: Prince Alan, I am…

The ones who said this and snuggled up to me all at once were foreign noble ladies.

The foreign noble ladies were beautifully dressed up in their countries' dresses, and their eyes were full of confidence.

"I will make the prince mine". Strong women like them who gave off that kind of aura were hard for me to deal with.

Though, it was not like I hated strong women themselves. I had a fondness for very strong ones who worked hard towards their goals.

But women who snuggled up and appealed their charms to the other person even if they didn't want it were a no-go for me.

Even when I clearly gave off signals that their advances weren't welcome, they completely ignored me and still pushed on. I couldn't understand their nerve.

But in times like this, I had no ability to gracefully handle the situation and chase away the ladies.

"In times like this, if it were like always…".  When I unconsciously wandered my gaze, reddish brown hair caught my eyes and I stopped on it.

There, I saw my fiancée Mary Hunt, a marquis's daughter, happily engaged in a conversation.

Mary was my fiancée in name only and a reliable friend. At a time like this, she would always promptly save me.

I was well aware that I would normally need to shake a leg and somehow handle them myself but I was exhausted from the greetings, so I ended up asking her for help with my eyes.  

Our eyes met with a snap and Mary frowned. She was probably thinking, "What a bother".

I knew that much about her. Even so, Mary was good at looking after people, so she gallantly headed my way.

Mary: How do you do, Prince Alan?

Mary came in front of me and said this to me. Then, she turned her gaze to the ladies swarming around me.

Mary: Pleased to meet you, ladies. I am Prince Alan's fiancée, Mary Hunt.

After saying this and smiling, she made a very beautiful curtsy.

Mary was praised as the Belle of High Society and the Model Noble Lady. Her beauty and beautiful gestures made some noble ladies flinch, and they awkwardly greeted her and left. 

But there was a strong one in the lot.

Foreign Noble Lady: Oh, my. So you are his politically arranged fiancée. In my country, it is now considered good to fall in love and marry your true love. Don't you think so, Prince Alan?

After saying this, she gave Mary a provocative smile, then made eyes at me.

While thinking that she really was a no-go type and pondering how to reject her, 

Mary: Fufufu. Marrying your true love is indeed wonderful. 

Mary smiled and replied this.

Foreign Noble Lady: Oh, so Miss fiancée thinks so too. In that case…

As the noble lady happily smiled after receiving Mary's approval, Mary promptly moved next to me, entwined her arm around mine, and moved her body close.

Mary: Yes, and that's why we are not betrothed for political reasons but because we truly love each other. If you consider it wonderful, then I would ask you not to get in our way.

After Mary had said this with a wide smile and a pressure that wouldn't allow any objection, even the strong noble lady was agape and lost for words.

Mary seemed intent on acting like we were fiancés in love to chase away the noble ladies.

In times like this, I could only leave things to Mary. I emptied my mind so I could just follow her lead.

Foreign Noble Lady: What, but, according to the rumor…

With her face red, the obstinate noble lady tried to voice out some more words, but then, Mary moved her body even closer to mine. It completely was lovers' proximity at this point.

Then, while completely leaning against me, Mary made a bewitching smile.

I did my very best to keep my mind blank so I wouldn't think of the soft things pressing against my body.

Mary: Can I ask you not to get in our way?

When Mary asked this one more time, even the stubbornly remaining ones left red-faced.

Once we couldn't see the noble ladies anymore, Mary quickly pulled away from me.

Mary: You will owe me one more favor.

She puffed out her cheek a little and said this.

Alan: Sure. I'm sorry, it's always like this.

When I dejectedly apologized for my weak spirit, Mary let out a little sigh.

Mary: It would be troublesome if such a bunch came again, so I will stay with you for a while.

She said this. At the end of the day, Mary really was good at looking after people.

Alan: I'm in your debt.

I really was no match for her.

Little did I know that afterward, my older brother's fiancée Katarina would show up, reveal my embarrassing facts to Mary, and make an even more shocking proposal.