#thanks again Harmony and Anna for tagging/asking me!

[djosephqueery]

🎶✨️ When u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. Then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool) ✨️🎶

oh I HAVE to, do I?

Fine I suppose. If I HAVE to 🙄

(I'm kidding, ily, thank you for sending this, it was fun!)

1. Amsterdam- Daughter

2. MARK CHAPMAN- Måneskin

3. Hit and Run- LOLO

4. Rät- Penelope Scott

5. Social Climb- IDKhow

tagging @corrodedcoughin cause they tagged me in the tag game version of this

[idratherdreamofjune]

@sunheart wrote in her tags on another post:

Genuinely hate being alive ... I completely understand on so many levels why you would hate being a woman. Its horrible. And then as a Christian there's this whole really ugly dynamic- that i know is probably a lie i just haven't worked out how yet- that we're the 2nd best. The afterthought. The mediocre option. Almost everything in life men are better at and it's hard to believe it's just cultural-  math logic leadership writing cooking writing physical activities on and on, and women are good at being Nice :)   Which ok i like being nice   but it's like that's my only option   I feel like any other impact i might wish to have upon the world   will be paltry in comparison to what i could do   if only i was a man.   I feel incompetent. Irrational. Emotional. Obnoxious.   I feel like I'm supposed to be a plaything for the beings that were *actually* created to be in harmony with God   like I'm not supposed to have a connection with God-  only through my husband   which what does that make me as a single childless bitch?   I can't even fulfill the main point of my existence. Jesus interacted with women but did he care about them like he did the men? David and John were named his favorites not Deborah or Hannah. And like i said i'm sure none of that's true but i don't know how and it feels awful. hate it.

   Hopefully others have shared encouragement on this already, but just in case I wanted to give some thoughts. Please know that if I sound riled at all (and I’m going to try to avoid that) I’m not upset at anyone who feels this way but am deeply upset by the enemy’s lies that so many are hurt by. As a younger believer I did struggle with some of these questions myself, and for a long time it was difficult to reconcile these concerns with the promises that God loves me.

   Your instincts are right - it is a lie that women are second best. And before I go any further let me also agree that yes, we are physically weaker than men and have other weaknesses too. But since when has weakness meant that someone is any way “less than” others? Men have weaknesses too, just different ones. That’s the nature of humanity: every person is a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. I’ve never heard before that men are better at cooking?? My dad literally struggles to cook a hotdog in the microwave and has never touched a grill in his life. And okay men may (possibly, not sure on this one either) be inherently better at math, but which gender is drastically underrepresented in the nursing field? I suspect there are fewer male teachers, too, though not as huge a disparity. Men are more prone to recklessness and violence - part of the reason married men live longer (gotta get that stable influence). Again yes men are physically stronger but have you watched ballet dancers (oooh i mean ballerinas, sorry there’re so few ballerinos that I forgot to differentiate) or female gymnasts? Nothing “less than” there! The famous Proverbs 31 woman is a good insight into Biblical support of female abilities and value: “strength and dignity are her clothing”, “she opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” “Let her works praise her in the gates.” (The gates were essentially the city hall or forum of ancient Israel.)

   Going back to the beginning - women were created second, true. But did God not know His own plan? He was always going to create women. And the really amazing thing that I learned in the last couple of years is that, when God says He’s going to make Adam “a helper” (Hebrew ”ezer”), that’s the same word that is used to describe God’s actions for His people throughout the Old Testament: - Exodus 18:4 “The God of my father was my help.” - 1 Samuel 7:12 “Ebenezer” means “rock of help” and is a memorial of Yaweh’s help. - Psalm 30:10 “Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” - Psalm 115:11 “You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord, He is their help and their shield” - Psalm 121:2 “My help comes from the Lord” - Hosea 13:9 “‘You are against Me, against your helper.’“

It is a common word for “help” used in other settings, yes, but the fact that it’s used of God illustrates that this is no poor or second-rate role. Helping - aiding - supporting - incredibly important! In fact this article I just found puts it this way:

In two cases it refers to the first woman, Eve, in Genesis 2. Three times it refers to powerful nations Israel called on for help when besieged. In the sixteen remaining cases the word refers to God as our help. He is the one who comes alongside us in our helplessness. That's the meaning of ezer. Because God is not subordinate to his creatures, any idea that an ezer-helper is inferior is untenable. In his book Man and Woman: One in Christ, Philip Payne puts it this way: "The noun used here [ezer] throughout the Old Testament does not suggest 'helper' as in 'servant,' but help, savior, rescuer, protector.'

   Moving on to the New Testament, and the topic of John, who is known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. John is the one who wrote the book which tells us that (under the direction of the Holy Spirit, yes) and he only uses that wording as a title, in place of his name. Nowhere does it say he was the favorite disciple, or even most loved, just that he was loved. To me it seems more as if John is saying “Jesus loved me! Can you believe it?!” It has a feeling of awe and thankfulness as opposed to superiority.

  Getting into marriage specifically, I do believe that a wife should be under the headship of her husband ...mainly in the sense of letting him have the last word on decisions and plans. This is in part due to differing areas of strength, and in part because in some situations it’s better to have a family leader - most groups of humans need a leader, and following an assigned (or picked) leader does not make one inferior. All that being said, a wife should be able to provide input, advice, and feedback to her husband, who should take into strong consideration his wife’s needs, insights, and concerns (Ephesians 5:25-29).

   The lie that women cannot be connected to God outside of their husband is refuted not only by all the vibrantly faithful single or windowed Christian ladies of history (Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward, Mary Slessor, and Elisabeth Elliot are some of my favorites) but also Scripture itself. When Christ spoke with the divorced Samaritan woman the disciples were shocked not because she was a Samaritan but because she was a woman (John 4:27; she was shocked on both counts - John 4:9) - I hope they got used to it because Jesus spoke with women a lot. Despite the culture of the time, Jesus clearly had very warm and caring direct relationships with Martha and Mary, Mary Magdalene, and other women. Anna the Prophetess in the temple had been widowed for decades and was serving God alone “night and day” (Luke 2:37). Incredibly, in a culture where women were looked down upon, the Lord chose women to be the first to discover the empty tomb, and Mary Magdalene to be the first to see the risen Christ! I love that passage so much (John 20:11-18).

   Another example is when Jesus stopped on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter (i.e. He put aside a powerful man’s urgent request) to lovingly interact with the woman who’d suffered bleeding for years - a terribly personal and female problem (Mark 5:21-35).

   To try to wrap up, I’ll return to David in the OT, who was a “man after God’s own heart”. But again, it doesn’t say that he was actually a favorite - it does say David was chosen by God though, to lead Israel and establish the family from which Jesus would ultimately come. You know who else was chosen? Esther - “for such a time as this”. Once she realizes the task she must complete, she tells Mordecai how it’s going to go, and “Mordecai then went away and did everything Esther had ordered him.” Esther gets a book named after her and is remembered in the holiday of Purim to this day. Also note that Esther was married to an unbeliever. Likewise Ruth was chosen, as a young foreign widow, to be part of the Messiah’s kingly line. As an aside, my favorite thing about Ruth’s story (besides all the faith and beauty of it) is the simultaneous deep respect and protectiveness Boaz shows towards her (okay enough mush). Anyhow what it comes down to is that God chooses and loves both men and women, and both have a place (singly and married) in His plans and kingdom. See also Galatians 3:28 “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

   This post has all over the place, and I probably forgot a bunch of things I wanted to add (if anything else comes to mind I’ll add it later), but I hope it’s been encouraging. Yes I’ve struggled with some aspects of how women are portrayed in the Bible, but what I shared above, plus the love and blessings I’ve known as a single woman are more than enough evidence that we are known and loved. If anything is unclear or anyone has any questions please speak out/send an ask! Anon asks are on too. Also if anyone wants to add or amend anything do so without hesitation!!

[connordavidscamera]

Wonder | Connor Brashier

A/n: obviously this is based off Wonder because it’s so good and I couldn’t not write something for it. 

Summary: You and Connor are at the launch party for Wonder and Connor has a surprise for you (established relationship)

Warnings: fluff

Word count: 1.8k

***

“I didn’t know they had launch parties for songs. I thought it was just for albums,” I say as I slide into my shoes.

“Well, it’s not an actual launch party, per se. It’s really just Shawn getting the team together for the release. It’s casual.”

“I know, I actually get to wear pants to this party,” I joke. 

Connor rolls his eyes. “Yes you do.” But then his eyes are raking me up and down and he bites his lip. “And damn, do you look good in them.”

“Hey, eyes up here, mister.” I say, reaching forward to lift his chin so his pretty eyes are on my face.

He smirks, “Okay, but what’s it gonna take for you to let me get you out of these for a quickie before we leave?”

I shake my head, “Nope. You’ve already had me three times today. You can wait until we get back.”

He pouts, “No I can’t. I’m needy and you’re hot.”

I laugh, “Flattery will get you everywhere, but not right now. We’re already running late.”

“It’s Shawn, he won’t care.”

“No, but you know your girlfriend is one for punctuality.”

He rolls his eyes, “Annoyingly so, yes.”

I gasp and hit his arm playfully, “You used to think it was cute!”

“Yeah, before it meant I couldn’t have my way with you before a party.”

I scoff and roll my eyes, “If you’re a good boy maybe I’ll let you have me while we’re at the party. How’s that sound?”

He perks up at the idea, eyes glimmering with a child like sparkle. “Really?”

How could I say no when he looks at me like that? “Yes, baby. But we have to go now before traffic hits.”

He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “After you, my love.”

“You’re gonna stare at my ass while I walk out, aren’t you?” I pull away from him with an amused smile.

He just shrugs, “I might.”

I pinch his cheek, “Well then I’ll put a little more pep in my step to give you a show.”

He groans, throwing his head back, “You’ll be the death of me, you know that, right?”

I hum and turn to walk out of our bedroom, his eyes following me as I go. 

---

“Another drink, my love?” Connor asks when he sees my empty cup in my hands.

“You trying to get me drunk, Brashier?” I tease, looking up at him. 

“Oh yes. That’s exactly it.”

I nod, “Nothing too strong, please?”

“You got it. Kiss?” he puckers his lips and I lean up to meet his lips but scrunch up my face. “You taste like whiskey.”

He chuckles. “Sorry, love. I’ll be right back.”

I nod and turn back to Shawn and Brian who are attempting to play beer pong against Sylvie and Justin. Brian isn’t very good, but he’s drank a lot more than Shawn has, so his aim is a little off. 

“Bri, you’re supposed to make it in the cup,” Sylvie taunts. 

“Shut up,” he grumbles, and sticks his tongue out a little as he squints at the cups on the opposite side of the table. And when it makes it in he’s more excited than I’ve ever seen him before. “Fuck yes! Yes! You’re supposed to make it in the cup,” he mocks. 

“Why is he screaming?” Connor asks when he returns with my drink.

“He made it in.”

“About time,” he checks the time on his watch. “Speaking of time. Shawn, you have to get on the premier. You have ten minutes.”

“Oh, shit, yeah. Thanks, Brash.” he pats Brian’s back and goes, “You’re on your own, Craigen. Good luck.”

“Where’s Anna?” he asks, looking around the room. “Y/n, where’s Anna. She’s good at this game.”

 “I think she went to get a drink.”

“Anna!” he yells. “Come be my partner for beer pong!” When she doesn’t answer immediately he groans. “Anna!”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist, Craigen. I heard you the first time.”

“Be my partner,” he pouts. 

“Yeah, whatever.”

I look back at my boy who is already looking at me. “Shouldn’t you be with Shawn? Sober him up a bit?”

He shakes his head. “No, he’s okay. Wanna be with my girl.”

I nod and turn in his arms to face him fully. “You know, you still haven’t told me much about this song.”

“I know. It’s a surprise.”

“But why?”

“You’ll see when it premieres.”

I pout. “But I wanna know now.”

“Nope, you’ll have to wait and see.”

I groan. “Why won’t you tell me? What? Are you in the video? Is my baby in front of the camera instead of behind it this time?”

He chuckles, “No. I’m not in the video.”

I huff. “Tell me!!!”

He shakes his head with a bright smile. “No, my love. You’ll see it,” he checks his watch again “Thirty-five minutes.”

“Tease,” I grumble.

“Says the one who told me we could have a quickie in the bathroom and has yet to follow through.”

“Well I said that would happen if you were a good boy. But you’re not telling me things so,” I shrug. “Guess no quickie.”

He growls in my ear and I’m almost reconsidering my answer. Almost.  

“Fine,” he mutters, “I’m gonna set up the TV for the premiere. You okay here?”

“Mhm, I’m gonna watch Brian lose another round.”

Brian gasps and turns to face me. “You too?!” His face morphs into what almost looks like true betrayal, but I still can’t fight the laugh that escapes.

“Guys, three minute warning! Get your drunk asses out here and settle in,” Sylvie calls from the living room. 

“Anna sit with me,” Brian begs as Anna and I make our way to the room. 

“I was gonna sit with y/n, but-”

“She’s gonna sit with Connor. Please?” He asks again, making puppy dog eyes at her. I roll my eyes and push her into him. 

“Oh just sit with him. He’ll never shut up if you don’t.”

“Ah,” Connor says when he spots me. “There’s my love.” He holds a hand out for me. “I saved you a seat.” He smirks, patting his lap. 

I shake my head and fall into him, not in the mood to tease him now. “My favorite seat,” I mumble, resting my head on his shoulder.

As everyone settles in, I play with Connor’s fingers, spin his ring a few times before taking it off of him and sliding it on my thumb. I half expect him to take it back when he lifts my hand. But he brings my thumb to his lips and kisses it over the ring before lacing our fingers and bringing them back down to my lap. “I love you,” he whispers into my hair.

“I love you,” I whisper back.

“Okay,” Shawn says, coming into the room. “Are you guys ready?” he asks excitedly, plopping himself down on the floor, his back against the armrest of the chair Connor and I are sitting in.

Connor squeezed my thigh. “Are you ready for the surprise?” He asks me.

I nod excitedly. “I’m very excited.”

“It’s starting,” Sylvie says for the few stragglers that were making their way into the room. 

I’m already hooked by the countdown. It’s very Alice and Wonderland-esque, with the swirling clock. By the time the opening harmonies come in I’m leaning forward to squeeze Shawn’s shoulder. “You sound good, Rockstar,” I whisper. 

By the middle of the song, I’m nodding and humming along to the song. But when Shawn gets to the last chorus I look back at Connor. “Wait, bubba, what’s the surprise?”

“It’s coming. Wait until the end.”

I furrow my brows and turn my attention back to the screen. Shawn’s just finished the chorus and is on his knees on the cliff as the camera gets closer to him. And the screen cuts to black.

Directed by Matty Peacock

And then another two seconds later:

Written by

Shawn Mendes

Matty Peacock

Connor Brashier

I gasp and look at my boy who is already smiling at me. “You wrote this!”

He chuckles, “Well only some of it.”

“That doesn’t matter. You wrote it!”

“So, good surprise?” 

I scoff and wrap my arms around him. “The best surprise. I am so fucking proud of you.”

He kisses the underside of my jaw and rubs my back, “Thank you, my love. Couldn’t do it without you.”

“Well,” Shawn asks, standing up. “What did you guys think?”

I pull away from Connor and look up at Shawn. “It was amazing! Probably your best song yet. You literally just keep getting better.”

He glares at me, “Your opinion doesn’t count. You’re biased because your boyfriend helped write it.”

I shrug, “That’s true, yes. But you’ve seen my boyfriend? I clearly have taste, so I would know. And this is your best song to date.”

Connor laughs into my shoulder and pinches my side, “y/n, come on.”

“Why are you getting embarrassed? This is phenomenal and I am so proud of you. Both of you,” I say.

---

Nearly two hours later, I won’t let Connor stop playing the song. But so we’re not annoying the rest of the group, he plays it for me on his phone - the music video though, because I want to see his name at the end. Doesn’t matter how many times I see it, it still fills me with so much pride and joy for the beautiful man in my arms right now. He and I are swaying drunkenly to the song on the balcony outside. It’s just us two and it’s perfect, it’s euphoric. 

“Been dreaming that you feel it, too. I wonder what it’s like to be loved by you,” he mumbles into my hair as he spins us slowly and I look up at him with a bright smile.

“What?” He asks, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Why are you so smiley?”

I hum and push up on my toes just the slightest bit to press my lips to his in a soft kiss. “You don’t have to wonder,” I say when I pull away.

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t have to wonder what it’s like. To be loved by me?”

I watch as his face morphs into something that I can’t quite place. 

“What?” 

“I adore you. Like I truly, desperately adore you.” He places his hands on either side of my face and kisses me, this time with a little more passion than the one I just gave him. “I’m so lucky,” he hums, using his thumb to pull my bottom lip a little, just for it to pop back in place. 

I shake my head, “I’m lucky. Luckiest girl in the entire world.”

“If you’re the luckiest woman, let me be the luckiest man in the world,” He whispers, tracing his thumb down the column of my neck.  

I nod, “Okay. We can both be lucky to know what it’s like to be loved by one another.”

“Yeah, we never have to wonder.”

***

I hope you enjoyed! Please like, reblog, and leave feedback!!

Permanent tag: @soyalimoncada-blog @tinycertain @magcon7280 @homeofpoetry @fallinallincurls @goldenflickerx @sinceweremutual @myyohmyuohmyy @harry-hollands @enchantingbrowneyedgirl @baroness-alison @lostinmendess @linanilssonfurberg @luvluvxx @mariamuses @shawnieeboyy @divinginfearlessly @mendesficsxbombay @shawnsthighs @zaahidahhh @adelaidestreets @shawnandconnor @shawnsblue @turtoix  @honestlyimstilllivinginthe90s

Connor tag: @gangofhoes @verlaneswiftie13

[lilyvandersteen]

The Christmas Guest: Epilogue

Author’s Note: This is the promised epilogue, short but sweet. Thank you so much for following along as I was posting this multichapter and leaving me comments and likes - your support means the world to me!

Read Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, the Interlude, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 here on Tumblr, or read the story on AO3 or FF.net.

Epilogue

“So this is the famous Kurt, huh?” Cooper boomed, walking towards Kurt with a blinding smile and open arms. “I’ve heard so much about you!”

Kurt got a big hug and kisses on both cheeks, and needed a second to recover from Cooper’s enthusiasm before he managed to say, “All good, I hope?”

“Oh, definitely. He admires you more than me, can you imagine? His own brother, and so successful! But no, it’s always Kurt this, and Kurt that. Like this…”

Cooper made heart eyes and imitated Blaine’s voice and mannerisms. “Did you hear that Kurt scored the lead in an Off Broadway play? Did you hear that he’s making a dress for Rihanna to wear at the Met Gala? Did you know Kurt will be the youngest person to ever achieve EGOT status?”

Kurt laughed. “I wish! Nothing so impressive has happened just yet, but go ahead and make up whatever grand future you picture for me, and I’ll try to make it happen.”

Cooper grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit!”

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson’s faces were far less exuberant than their son’s, but they too advanced and held out a hand for Kurt to shake.

“Pleased to meet you,” said Kurt. “And may I say, your house is beautifully styled. So light and so open, and yet you get an instant homey feel.”

The praise earned him a genuine smile from Mrs. Anderson, and soon they were discussing light fixtures and throw pillows and accent walls as if they’d known each other forever.

Mr. Anderson took some more time to win over, but by the time they were eating dessert, Kurt had hit upon the right topic: cars. Apparently, Mr. Anderson loved Top Gear, and was more than happy to discuss the program with Kurt, and after that the classic car he’d restored with Blaine, taking Kurt to the garage to show it to him.

By the time Kurt and Blaine left, they had scored another dinner invitation, and Mrs. Anderson had stage-whispered to Blaine, “I really like him, honey bee!”

As they drove off, Blaine glanced at Kurt, shook his head and chuckled.

“What?”

“That was quite the charm offensive. I’m impressed.”

Kurt grinned. “I learned from the master.”

K&B

Seven Christmases after the first one they spent together, Blaine and Kurt were once again hands deep in dough as they prepared a festive brunch together. For the first time, they would be hosting the family get-together instead of Burt and Carole.

After graduating, they’d started looking for a house or an apartment they could share. Having your own place came in handy when you had a fight and needed some time to cool off, but for day-to-day living, it was very inconvenient. No matter how efficient you became at packing the essentials for a sleepover, there were always things you forgot.

As Kurt didn’t want to move into Blaine’s shoebox apartment (“I need room for my clothes, Blaine!”) and Blaine wasn’t any more interested in sharing Kurt’s loft (“I don’t want to get up at four in the morning to get to work on time!”), they searched for a place to live that they both liked. As much as they liked New York City, it was clear from the start that they would have to expand their horizons to find a place they both liked and could afford.

They ended up in New Jersey, within a reasonable commuting distance for both of their jobs.

Kurt still worked at Vogue part-time. The rest of his time was devoted to his successful line of accessories and shoes.

Blaine had worked as a music therapist at a children’s hospital at first, after graduating from NYU. Then, one of Blaine’s college buddies had suddenly soared to fame as a Broadway playwright, penning two hit musicals back to back. For the second musical, Blaine helped write the music, and when the male lead ended up in hospital after an accident, he took over the role to rave reviews. Before he knew it, he’d become a Broadway star, often playing lead with Rachel as his character’s wife or love interest.

“Rather you than me!” Kurt had said with feeling the first time Blaine announced he was going to play opposite Rachel.

Blaine nodded with a wry grin. “You’re right. She can be a bit much sometimes.”

“A bit?!”

Blaine laughed. “She’s a diva, yes. But nothing I can’t handle. And she is a loyal friend, a hard worker and always stays professional. Remember that Harmony girl who kept groping me?”

“Ew, yes. Okay, point taken. Rachel’s the lesser evil.”

Rachel had married Jesse St James and moved to New Jersey too. Both couples took turns hosting dinner on Friday night, and Kurt and Blaine were godfathers to Rachel and Jesse’s daughter Anna.

The St Berry’s would be coming for brunch, too, and Blaine had bought a mountain of presents for Anna.

Kurt rolled his eyes when Blaine arranged them all under the Christmas tree, but didn’t notice a small blue box nestled underneath, with a tag that said KURT.

Before long, their guests started to arrive. Anna squealed when she saw all the presents awaiting her, and made a beeline for the tree.

“No, no, poppet,” Jesse chuckled, sweeping her up into his arms, “wait until everyone’s here!”

Half an hour later, the living was strewn with wrapping paper, and still Anna was gleefully running to and from the tree handing people presents and tearing open her own.

And then, there was only one left, small and half hidden under a branch.

Anna spotted it, though, and brought it to her father. “For me?”

“No, poppet, this one’s for Uncle Kurt.”

Anna handed it over to Kurt with a pout.

“Thank you, sweetie,” Kurt said absently, fiddling with the One Plus Watch his parents had given him and not really looking at the present he’d been handed.

A throat clearing made him look up, and what he saw took his breath away.

Blaine had plucked the little box from Kurt’s hands, opened it and was now holding it out to him, on one knee and smiling tremulously.

“Kurt… You were my Christmas miracle seven years ago, welcoming me into your family when mine dropped the ball. I felt at home with you from the minute we met. It was as if I remembered you from another life, and always knew that we belonged together, you and me. And I’ve been wanting to ask you this for ages, but I wanted to respect your choice to wait until we were both 25 and established in our careers. You probably still don’t feel old and wise enough to make this decision, but sweetheart, just look into your heart. Can you see me there, next to you, for the rest of our lives?”

Kurt, his hand over his mouth and a tear trickling from his eye, nodded.

Blaine beamed up at Kurt. “Then I’m going to finally make this official. Kurt Hummel, will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”

Kurt, full-out crying now, nodded again. “Yes. Yes! Yes!”

Blaine slipped the ring on Kurt’s finger and kissed him thoroughly. Around them, there were cheers and applause, but Kurt and Blaine didn’t notice.

When they came up for air, Blaine whispered, “Best. Christmas. Ever!”

Kurt giggled. “You say that every year.”

“And every year, it’s true.”

Kurt and Blaine accepted a glass of champagne from Jesse, and toasted to their future happiness with their family and friends.

And Kurt knew Blaine was right. There was not a shadow of a doubt in his head or his heart that the two of them were going to make it.

“Merry Christmas, Blaine. Here’s to many more!”

“And each one better than the last. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

THE END

[youreverycolor]

An Unlikely Love: Perfect Again (Rafael Barba x Anna Stein)

AN: Prompt #156 from 200 Prompts from @drink-it-write-it (“He stares at you every time you look away.”)

Also, I’ve decided to start adding songs to go with these stories. For the previous ones, here is a list (these will all take you to Youtube).

Post-Script: “My Shot” from Hamilton Admissions: “Tiny Voice” by Lexi Walker Unspoken: “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast Redemption: “Skin” by Rihanna

Tagging: @thatesqcrush @madpanda75 @misssirenlove @danahart1 @nikkijmorgan @ele-esposito @dianilaws @sunnyfortomorrow @mommakat32 @lucifersadvisor @gibbs274 @oliviamariathegirl @evee87 @tropes-and-tales @garturbo @delia26 @neely1177 @jennisdirtyimagines @lostintech0011001 @letty-o @lucifersadvisor @sunnyfortomorrow @literallyprentissstwin

Song: “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin

~*~*~*~

“So, I’m guessing I won’t be seeing you for a few weeks?” Rafael stirred the salsa that was simmering on the stove as Anna sat on the other side of the breakfast bar, hunched over a book.

She barely looked up. “Maybe.”

He smiled. “Well, your exams are coming up, aren’t they?”

“Mmhmm,” she mumbled absently.

“I guess I’m going to have to hang out with Carisi to fill the time.”

She turned the page. “Fine by me.”

He was entertained by this little game. “And then I’ll do a striptease across the squad room.”

“That’s good.” Then, as if she had snapped out of a trance, her head jerked up. “Wait—what did you say?”

He laughed and checked the beans, which were almost ready to mash. “I see how it is. You ignore me until you hear the word striptease. Then I have your attention.”

She rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. “I’m sorry. I was just—”

He smirked. “More interested in the Rule Against Perpetuities than in me?” He walked around the counter to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “It’s okay. It has that mysterious and sexy vibe.” He pulled her sweatshirt—well, actually, his sweatshirt—aside and nuzzled against her neck.

“You keep doing that and it won’t get any less mysterious to me,” she whimpered, reaching her hand up and around her head to caress the back of his head. “Or I’ll just get turned on in the middle of the exam.”

“Nobody understands that rule.” He gave her a quick nip on her earlobe but released her from his grip and went back to the food. “In some states, you can’t actually be sued for using it wrong.”

“I wish that applied to civil procedure, too. I will never understand Pennoyer.”

He cracked two eggs into a skillet that had once held tortillas. “More stuff you will never use. I do, however, expect you to get a perfect score on your criminal law exam.”

“What happens if I disappoint you?”

He glanced up at her and saw that her face had fallen just slightly. Despite her notoriously great poker face, the longer he was with her, the more he was able to read her micro expressions. “Mi corazón, I was kidding.” He tilted the pan to redistribute the oil and then went back to the beans. “You could never disappoint me.”

She sighed. “I’m worried I’m going to disappoint myself.”

“How?”

“I worked really hard to get into school. And I’ve worked really hard all semester to keep up with the work. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be.”

“Si, pero you’ve come this far. Exams are just regurgitation of what you’ve been discussing all semester,” he replied. “I promise, the hard stuff is what you do in class. And if it makes you feel any better, how you do in law school—or even on the bar exam—doesn’t tell you how you’ll be as a lawyer.”

She brightened a bit. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, look at Carisi—”

“Raf, you know that’s not nice!” she scolded. “Sonny is a perfectly fine attorney.”

He finished plating their dinner. “Sorry. I’m just saying that some of the best attorneys I know were only average in school. It doesn’t mean anything.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? And how did you do in law school?” It was a rhetorical question. She knew perfectly well how he’d done.

He pushed a plate across the counter from her and sat down next to her with his own. This was where they usually ate together; the dining room table had other uses. “Don’t compare yourself with me, Anna. Don’t compare yourself with anyone. You deserve to be a lawyer more than anyone else I know. And I will be as proud of you the day you take that oath as I am right now just for working as hard as you are.”

“Are you sure you won’t be disappointed if I—”

He set his fork down and took her hands in his. “The only way you could disappoint me, Anna, is if you’re so worried about the lawyer you’ll be that you forget about being the woman you are.”

She dipped her head for a second and then kissed him. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.” She took a bite of the huevos rancheros he had prepared and sighed. “Jesus, this is delicious. Is there anything you’re not good at?”

He thought for a second. “Stripping?”

When she threw her head back and laughed, he knew he had broken through the wall of negligence and consideration, theories and rules. After her shower, he caught her singing along to Disney soundtracks in the bedroom as she blow-dried her hair. When she saw him watching her, she motioned for him to join her one-woman concert, creating the perfect harmony. And for the rest of the night, Anna was his Anna again, and there was no way he could ever be disappointed with that.

***

The day grades were posted on the school’s intranet, Anna had to wait all day to check them because she wanted Rafael to be with her when she did. And of course, that had to be the day he got home late; a trial had run over and then he had to meet with the squad regarding a new case that had just come in. By the time he arrived at her apartment, she was clawing the walls. When they finally sat down to look, she couldn’t do it—she made him open up the website and look for her while she paced between the couch and her kitchen counter.

“Well?” she asked, impatiently.

His face betrayed nothing. He took a deep breath and looked up at her from behind her laptop screen. “Do you want the bad news or the good news first?”

Her heart fell into her stomach. This was torture. She prepared to hear that she had done poorly enough that she wouldn’t be able to return for the next semester. “Just get the bad news over with, I guess.”

“Well,” he continued, “you’re probably going to want to get very drunk.”

“Oh God,” she said, walking to her liquor cabinet. “Do I want wine or scotch?”

His face started to twitch. “Don’t you want the good news?”

She turned back. “Oh. Well, I guess that couldn’t hurt. What’s the good news?”

He stood up. “The good news is that you’re going to want to get very drunk celebrating with a bunch of people, because, mi corazón, your GPA is a 3.0.”

Her ears filled with the sound of her own heartbeat. She wasn’t even sure she had heard him correctly. “I’m sorry, did you say—”

A wide grin stretched across his face. “I did!” He threw his arms around her waist and spun her around. “You did so well, Anna! I’m so proud of you.”

But her face was not what he had expected it would be. She didn’t look as happy as he thought she would have. Although she was smiling, it wasn’t the genuine smile he loved so much. She pulled herself out of his arms and sat on the couch to examine the grades more closely. She had an A in criminal law—no surprise there—and another in torts. But civil procedure and property had been her downfall: she’d only managed to pull C’s in those two classes. Her eyebrows pinched together. What happened? she wondered.

Rafael, however, seemed thrilled with her work, and she didn’t want to dampen his mood with her own. She would have plenty of time to analyze what had gone wrong when she was alone. So she put on the happiest face she could muster and stood up to face him again.

“Thank you, honey,” she said. “I appreciate how supportive you’ve been all this time.”

He smiled at her and tilted his head. “Are you all right? You seem a bit—”

“Oh, no, I’m fine!” she said, a little too emphatically. “It’s just kind of one of those adrenaline things. You know, anticipation and then…”

He squinted at her just a bit and took her hands. “I love you. We should go celebrate.”

She shook her head. “Oh, Raf, I’m not—I mean, it’s late, and I’m kind of tired. Stressful day, you know? Can we just—”

“Chinese?” he offered. “You may even be able to convince me to watch the new version of Beauty and the Beast.”

“Sure.”

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

She kissed him on the cheek. “I’m fine, Raf. Really.” Then she went into the kitchen to find the menu for their favorite Chinese place down the street, leaving a trail of lies in her wake.

***

A week later, just before Christmas, Rafael had a surprise for Anna. Between his work schedule and a two-day migraine she’d had, they hadn’t had time to celebrate properly. Getting the squad together was like herding cats, but he had managed to do it. He organized a small get-together at Forlini’s with them, plus a couple of Anna’s friends, to celebrate the successful end of Anna’s first semester of law school. The night of the party, he arranged for the two of them to Uber from his apartment to the restaurant, as if it were just another date night. Anna didn’t ask too many questions, although she was surprised that he suggested Forlini’s, as it was where he usually went to drown his sorrows after a tough loss.

“I’d like to start associating this place with good things,” he said to her as they exited the car.

“Gotcha. I’m kind of excited to go here, to be honest. Maybe I’ll start feeling like I might actually become a lawyer someday.”

Over the last week, Anna had made a few offhanded comments like that, and it concerned him slightly. Ever since grades came out, she hadn’t quite been herself. He assumed it was the migraine and also the post-exam comedown, but something seemed a bit off. He tried to put the thought out of his mind; he wanted tonight to be all about her and her success. After all, they had celebrated enough of his victories.

“Surprise!”

To Anna’s utter and complete shock, she entered the main dining room to find Olivia, Fin, Sonny, Amanda, and three of her friends gathered around a long table, cheering and shouting congratulations. She had no idea how to react at first—she hadn’t been expecting this at all.

“Holy sh—what are you all—”

Sonny came around the table to high-five her. “Rafael thought it would be a good idea to celebrate. He said you did really great your first semester!”

“Yeah, a 3.0? That’s better than I ever did, even in high school,” Fin added.

“No shock there,” Amanda said, elbowing him playfully. He gave her a faux glare.

As everyone else around the table offered their congratulations, Anna was aghast. She had no idea how to react to this. She knew that everyone gathered around this table was there to celebrate her, and that they all genuinely believed she’d done well. But all week, she had been turning the semester over in her head, trying to figure out how she had done so poorly in civ pro and property, and how she could have done better in her other classes. As soon as she got back to school, she planned to ask for copies of her essays, after which she would spend a great deal of time reviewing them and making notes on what she had missed. For now, though, she didn’t want to disappoint all these people who had made time out of their busy schedules to come together on her account. So she plastered a smile on her face and thanked each of them individually before they all sat down to dinner.

All through dinner, Rafael barely stopped touching her. He would squeeze her leg under the table or hold her hand while they waited for their next course. They made small talk with her friends, who would later tell Anna that they couldn’t believe he was as old as he was because he was so handsome, and, of course, they asked all about how she was liking law school. She gave the appropriate answers, told them what she knew they wanted to hear. After a while, though, she knew her façade was starting to falter, so she excused herself to the bar to get another glass of wine.

“I’ll go with you,” Amanda said, signaling to her empty glass. “If I’m paying a sitter, I might as well live it up.” While they were waiting for their drinks, Amanda glanced backward at the table. Rafael was sitting at the end of the table facing the bar, and although there was conversation going on all around him, his eyes were focused on Anna. He was clearly trying to be subtle; his eyes occasionally darted back to someone else’s face, and he would take a sip of his scotch. But inevitably, his bright green gaze would land back on his girlfriend, like he was worried that if he looked away too long, she would disappear. “He stares at you every time you look away,” she finally said.

“Excuse me?”

Amanda smiled and leaned toward Anna, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “If you looked over your shoulder right now, you’d see it. He’s so proud of you. And Barba is never proud of anyone. He barely said congratulations to Carisi when he passed the damn bar exam.”

“I don’t know why,” Anna said sadly.

“Because he thinks Carisi is enough of a puppy dog and doesn’t need any more encouragement.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I mean, I don’t know why he’s proud of me. I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped.”

Amanda played with her empty glass. “A 3.0 is pretty damn good if you ask me.”

“I’m dating Rafael Magna-Cum-Laude-At-Harvard-Law-School Barba,” Anna said. “The guy who started as a poor kid in the Bronx and moved up to be—well, look at him.” She gestured to Rafael, in his three-piece suit, now debating the latest gun control measure in the state legislature with Sonny. “How the hell do I live up to that?”

Amanda set her glass on the counter. “Does he make you feel like you have to live up to something? Because that’s not what that stare says to me.”

Anna didn’t say anything for a long while, and then she looked at the usually cynical blonde. “So, detective, what does that stare say to you, then?”

“Look, I’m no romantic,” Amanda began, “but I’ve known Barba for years now, and I can tell you right now that I have never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you—especially when he knows you’re not looking. It’s like a compulsion or something.”

Anna felt a flush wash over her skin. Suddenly, she was very aware of the pair of eyes on her from across the room. It wasn’t creepy; on the contrary, he looked at her the way she always hoped someone would look at her. But she still couldn’t shake the idea that she hadn’t earned that look, that she had somehow failed to live up to what Rafael Barba deserved in a partner.

Just then, their drinks appeared on the bar. “Thank you, Amanda,” she said, bracing herself for round two.

“No problem. And for what it’s worth? Carisi only got a 2.9 his first semester.”

***

“Did you have fun?” Rafael asked as he shut her apartment door behind them.

Anna stepped out of her painfully high heels, suddenly becoming shorter than him again. “Yeah. I’m just surprised you were able to get everyone together!”

He loosened his tie. “It wasn’t easy, believe me. Not that they didn’t want to come, but, you know, kids, grandkids, that kind of thing. You should be very aware of how much they care about you.”

“You mean how much they care about you,” she muttered, heading to the kitchen for a glass of water.

“What does that mean?”

“What are you, a bat?”

“Don’t deflect. What’s wrong, Anna? Something’s been off all week, and I can’t figure out what. Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “That’s the problem.”

“Well, now I’m very confused.” He took her by the hand and led her into the living room, pulling her onto the couch with him. “Sit. Breathe. Explain.”

She sighed deeply. “It’s not easy being your girlfriend sometimes, you know.”

He laughed a little. “I could have told you that months ago. In fact, I think I did tell you that.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s not—it’s not that you’re doing something wrong. You’re easy to be with, actually—a lot easier than you think you are.”

“That’s an argument for another day. What’s not easy, then?”

She tried to look away, but he turned her head back gently. “Do you remember when we were just barely together, and you asked me why I chose you?”

He nodded. “That was the first time you said you loved me. How could I forget that?”

She gave him a sad smile. “Well, as easy as it seemed for me to say that, it wasn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” she replied, “I had the same question for you.”

It was his turn to be aghast. His eyes widened and he took her hands in his. “Why in the world would you have to question that? If anyone should be insecure, it’s me. But I know you love me. So why do you doubt that I love you?”

“It’s not that I doubt that you love me, Raf. It’s that I don’t know why. And last week just made it worse.”

His brow furrowed in confusion. “What happened last week that would make you wonder—” He stopped. “Oh, Amor, you don’t mean your grades.”

A tear fell from her eye and she tore one of her hands away from his to wipe it away. “I told you I was afraid of disappointing you, and myself. My grades were—well—not what I expected.”

“Mi amor, it is so common for your first semester of law school to be imperfect. And you did remarkably well, especially considering you also have a job.”

“You did remarkably well. I’m just…average. And when I look at you, when I see you in court, when you sit there and debate gun control with Sonny, it becomes all the more apparent to me that you could do so much better, and—”

“Anna, listen to me. There is nothing better than you. I could look for it and I wouldn’t find it because it doesn’t exist. You could work at McDonald’s for all I care. You are not your career. I know I make it seem like that’s a lifestyle, but if you haven’t noticed, I’m not the most well-adjusted person.” He gave her a small smile, trying to make her laugh, but she didn’t.

“I just wanted to make you proud of me.”

“I’m proud of you every day. Why do you think I can’t stop touching you when we’re out? It’s not that I’m trying to tell the world that you’re mine.”

She wiped another tear away. “No? Then what is it?”

“It’s that I want everyone to know that I’m yours,” he said. “I want people to know that you chose me. I told you, Anna. The only way you could ever disappoint me is by forgetting who you are in favor of what you’re becoming. And you shouldn’t be disappointed in yourself, either. What you’ve accomplished in the last two years is nothing short of amazing, and if I have to tell you that every day, I will, until you believe me.”

She looked up into his now-watery eyes, and in that moment, she was so grateful for having a partner who was just that—her partner. He never made her feel silly for having feelings or that she had to be something more than what she was. And then she thought about what Amanda had said about him staring at her, and suddenly she realized that her insecurity wasn’t coming from him. It was only coming from inside her head.

To his great relief, she finally broke into a smile. “You know what really would make me feel better?”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Seeing if you really are good at stripping.”

[srawesleyghuewrites]

Back To You - Chapter Two

Pairing: Drake x MC(Anna Grey)

Faceclaim: Daniel di Tomasso as Drake Walker and Elizabeth Olsen as Anna Grey

Book: The Royal Romance

Word Count: ~ 2,400

Rating:  M for language

Prompt:

Remembering the past isn’t always the best choice, Drake Walker was reminded of that right at the beggining of Homecoming ball. But what has changed since the first time they met? And worse, what has stayed the same?

Anna Grey on the other hand feels the weight of choices she hasn’t yet done and the consequences they’ll bring to everyone around her.

Author’s Note:

Hiiiii dear readers!!!!

I took to long to update the fic and I know that, the thing is: I’ve been having some trouble with anxiety and my dear beta reader has been taking care of her own problems so everything kind of just pilled up and I got late. BUT NOW I’M HERE RIGHT? Better late then never!

This chapter has what is the beggining of angst so brace yourselves because there is way more coming your way.... That being said I hope you all like it, I’ll update soon maybe and I already apologize for any grammar mistake(I’m from Brazil so give me a break lol)!

Always let me know if you wanna be in or out of the tag list and I appreciate feedback!

@debramcg1106 @simplyaiden-blog @writtenbycandy@drakewalkerwhipped@walkersdrake@naomisveil @nazarihoe @taliahunt@cocomaxley @mymandrake@confessionsofabrokegirl@the-everlasting-dream@mrsnazario1223@honeylightningambition@walkerismychoice @trr-fangirl@LITTLEREDROSEONTHEVALLEY @TENACIOUSTURTLEFLOWERBAT @ TRUEAUTHOR @ INNERPOSTMENTALITY @DARLEY1101 @laniquelove @ MARIAMATSUO @ WA-REVA @ MOODYGRIP @ DANGEROUS-CAPRI15 @ LIAM-RHYS @ INFPUNICORN13 @ AGENT-ZEPHYRKAH @ MISSEVABEAN@JMALONEY123 @ HER-IMPERIAL-HANGMAN-S @ PILITELLA @ WOLFSTERRR @LITTLEWONDERBEAR @ QUEEN-MAXIMOFF @ BLUEDIAMONDSAPPHIRE @ PUPPYMASTER101@PBCHOICESOBSESSED @ CADSI7 @ CLARISSAFICS @ GLORIOUS-FANDOMS @boneandfur @DAMIENAZARIOSTAN @ COUNTRYMUSICANDNCIS-BLOG @drakewalkerstan @mrswalkerwrites @lizeboredom @mpbeaumont @choicesbitch @speedyoperarascalparty

@bella-ca @innerpostmentality @missevabean @leelee10898 @asprankle @drakewalkerfantasy @christopher-powell @lazychic28 

Disclaimer: The characters don’t belong to me(except for Anna Grey),  I just borrow them from Pixelberry!

“And every time we talk

Every single word builds up to this moment

And I gotta convince myself I don't want it

Even though I do (even though I do)”

“I don-”

Anna starts to say but Drake is already gone, he walks fast searching for a place far from the ‘happy couple’. He simply can’t watch Liam receive her affection and love so openly, when the best he can get are secret stolen moments with her.

In the anger of the moment Drake didn’t see Maxwell and Hana walking between laughs towards him. They collide and Drake almost knocks the drinks out of their hands, knowing he doesn’t have time or patience to deal with it yet he simply mumbles an apology.

“You almost spilled the drinks man, and the bar is faaaar away!”

Maxwell speaks in the childish way that Drake’s used to but this time it bothers him more than ever, so he smirks before stealing the two glasses Maxwell is holding and drinking it all in a single sip.

“Sorry.”

“Why are you so mean? Now I gotta get more drinks, damn!”

Drake stops him in his track, he feels the rage boiling stronger as he speaks:

“I drank mine and Grey’s but Liam already got her another, don’t worry.”

Hana has been watching Drake and Anna since the moment they went to the bar, it started complicated but her eyes sparkled when she saw Drake touching Anna’s arm and she coming closer to him. She felt pretty proud of giving them the first push until Liam approached and Drake left with hurt in his eyes. Now he is standing in front of her, his brown irises darker than normal indicating there is something really wrong.

“Drake, is everything al-”

He doesn’t let Hana finish too, passing between her and Maxwell in quick steps toward the exit of the ballroom. Maxwell shares the confused look with her about Drake’s angrier mood. Except he shrugs while walking in their friends direction and Hana keeps searching for a way to help her friends, maybe she should talk to Anna? Or ask her to talk to Drake? Maybe she should just let them deal with it alone but there is a voice inside her head that screams they won’t solve it without her help.

Anna smiles at Liam, accepting the drink and the dance but they are soon interrupted by Hana and Maxwell.

“I got you drinks but Drake stole them, so if you really want I can go aaaall the way over to the bar to get more.”

Maxwell says in a dramatic tone while Hana gets closer to Anna so she can whisper that Drake is not alright, she isn’t sure that’s the right thing to do but Hana learned to trust her gut with these two.

“There is no need Maxwell, me and Anna were about to open up the dance floor.”

The two women look at each other uncertainly, Anna knows she has to talk to Drake but it breaks her heart denying Liam’s sweet proposal of dancing. Hana Lee wasn’t used to having friends, for most of her life seemed like the weight of the world was on her shoulders and there was nobody to help her carry. That’s probably why she dreamed of having friends, not really sure if she would know what to do or if it was actually everything she expected. Yet in this moment Hana understands what it means friendship, as she gently brushes her hand on Liam’s arm and speaks:

“Would you mind if it was me and you? I’ve been dying to dance again.”

“It would be my pleasure Lady Hana.”

Liam is pretty good at maintaining his expression neutral, even when he feels disappointed that Anna won’t be the one he is dancing with. The American in the other hand has a harder time hiding her growing affliction about Drake, she however manages to give him a fake smile and nod as they leave for the dance floor, not before Hana winking at her. She mouths a ‘thank you’ and drinks the rest of her whiskey in one gulp, needing the liquid courage to go face a very complicated commoner that makes her heart race.

The ballroom is bright and full of noise, some people laughing, other politely engaged in boring conversation, most of them eating the delicious food and sipping on the expensive drinks.

Anna walks towards the door in fast steps, her heartbeat racing with every second and she curses herself for feeling so out of control when it comes to him. All the noise is only a buzz when she reaches the library, stopping at the door and taking a deep breath before opening it.

She doesn’t know why she felt like he would be here, the place he showed her just the night before in his happy-drunk state. Her gaze scours the room with hope but it fades as she realizes he’s not there, a big sigh escapes her mouth and she is about to leave when a small noise caught her attention.

“I made up my mind, it must come to an end

Look at me now, will I ever learn?”

Anna kept listening, following the sound cautiously until she enters the secret passage and finally identifies the song. The sound is coming from the two empty whiskey cups that Drake clinks together in the rhythm of Mamma Mia while he slowly hums the lyrics.

She takes a moment to observe him without anyone to interrupt or to suspect that she’s completely in love with him, when not even Anna admits that. His dark hair is messy and he’s constantly running his hand through it, probably because of the sad expression in his face.  

A long time ago Anna Grey dreamed of living in New York and pursuing the actress career, she took lessons and practiced every classic Shakespeare play for months. Then she decided an actress should be able to sing and started obsessing over musicals, her mom got tired of how much she singed Chim Chim Cher-ee around the house.

For not knowing exactly how to strike conversation with the man in front of her, fully lost in his own thoughts or maybe just because she couldn’t control the joke. Enjoying to make a great entrance she sings mimicking a microphone in harmony with his clinking sounds since he’s not singing anymore.

“Mamma mia, here I go again

My my, how can I resist you?

Mamma mia, does it show again

My my, just how much I've missed you?”

Drake gets up with surprise written all over his face, he almost drops the cups with the shock yet his gaze softens as he sees the smile on her lips.

“You scared me Grey.”

“Oh, come on. I took lessons and my teacher said I was pretty good.”

Anna jokes before closing the door behind her and walking closer to him, her dress shining in the dim light along with those big sparkly eyes that stare into his. Drake can’t help but take a step in her direction too, letting the cups rest on a small stool near him.

“Can we agree to never talk about this again?”

“Are you kidding? This is like gold blackmailing information.”

She chuckles and he rolls his eyes. They both can feel the attraction between them, the electric way the air feels when it’s just the two of them, when they can finally allow themselves to feel.

“Though I did not expect Mamma Mia coming from you, you’re more of a Les Miserables kind of guy.”

“If that was a pun intended joke you need to stop hanging out with Maxwell. Which, by the way, was the person who made me watch Mamma Mia. The song got stuck in my head.”

“Yeah I may not comment this with people… but I need a ‘pretty please’ from you.”

“You know I won’t say that.”

“Maybe your ‘pretty please’ can be a kiss?”

“What are you doing here anyway Grey? Aren’t you supposed to be with Liam?”

They both remember very well the last time he said that to her and the thought makes her approach him, stopping right in front of him with a tiny smirk spread across her mouth. This time she is gonna let her intentions pretty clear, that’s why she moves closer until she is inches away from him.

“I prefer being with you.”

Her voice is strong and full of truth, her fingertips reach again for his cheek and her lips brush gently over his. Drake gets lost in the touch, her words echoing in his mind when he pulls her closer and deepens the kiss.

It’s incredible how every time they kiss there is a flame burning inside the both of them, a feeling of warmth and belonging that neither has ever felt before. His hands are stroking her soft hair as her’s caress his cheek, using the touch to bring his body so close there isn’t anything separating them.

Slowly and out of air they break apart, still with their foreheads pressed together and the desire for much more than just the kiss. Anna still remembers his lips travelling down her body in the most adoring way she has ever seen, if she really concentrates she can feel his warmth breath in her ear from the first time they made love, only two days ago.

Drake remembers that night too, the way her hands touched him with so much love and hunger it made him shiver at the thought, if he closes his eyes he can still hear her moaning whispers and how making love to her was beyond any expectation. Though with the memories of that night racing in his mind, the memory of how Liam’s broken expression at the hospital lightened up at the sight of Anna is brought up too. His best friend is crazy about her and he can’t do that to him, not tonight.

He takes a step back, the hand stroking her hair is now grabbing the cup again and he drops gently the hand holding her hips. Anna cocks both of her eyebrows at him, silently asking what the hell just happened and but his body language explains it without needing words.

Liam. It’s always Liam.

“Don’t do this.”

She takes a step forward and he takes another one back, trying to keep the distance between them or he’ll end up screwing everything up. Anna has learned better than to fight him with her words so in a quick move she embraces his waist and kisses him hungrily.

“Grey…”

Their lips are still pressed together when he mumbles her surname, it’s too good having her like that and Drake steals a peck before kissing her forehead in a protective way and whispering:

“You know we can’t do that. Not here, not tonight.”

“When then?”

“I don’t know. But don’t you dare thinking I don’t want this, because damn Grey I want this more than anything.”

“When will you understand that it’s exactly what I want too?”

The silence answers her and Anna can feel the tears building up in her eyes but she won’t allow herself to cry over this, over Drake’s stubborn ass. She turns to go without saying another word however he holds her arm again.

“I have...I have a bad feeling about today and it’s probably stupid, I think I also need to stop spending time with Maxwell.”

She doesn’t laugh at his little joke and stares at him with an expression as cold as ice, he fondles her cheek while talking:

“Just.. just take care ok?”

Hana Lee is drinking a glass of champagne and watching with a smile the Cordonian waltz when Anna Grey enters the ballroom again. She recognizes her friend easily because of the golden gown and the impetuous presence that comes with it, Anna takes place beside her and the anger is transparent in her hushed tone.

“You shouldn’t have said anything.”

The waiter passes with a tray full of champagne glasses and the American takes two at once, drinking them too fast for Hana’s taste so she smiles apologetically to the red haired man.

“What happened?”

Their eyes are focused on the couples dancing, Olivia and Liam move in complete sync but Hana’s gaze is now on the door beside them where a figure enters it silently. Drake glances in their direction, staring at Anna for some seconds before lowering his head and going straight to the bar.

“What always happens Hana. He pushed me away.”

She puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder, letting Anna rest her head on her shoulder and she is one more time thankful that Hana is with her tonight. Watching Liam whirl Olivia she lets out a big sigh and resumes on drinking Hana’s stolen champagne.

“Maybe he just needs a little push, or a little patience.”

“What do you guys think about making an after party in Anna’s room?”

Maxwell sits next to Anna, an excited grin spread across his lips but quickly fades by the cold look on Anna’s face. Hana speaks in an almost-angry tone, but not totally because Hana is too sweet to be fully mad.

“Maxwell, we are in the middle of an important conversation. Why don’t you go invite someone to dance?”

“O-okay then.”

The second Maxwell leaves Anna throws her hands in the air and says only for Hana to hear:

“I don’t want this. I can’t do this anymore Han and honestly, I don’t want to.”

Hana wonders if she is lying to herself too, remembering the many lies she told herself about how she wanted to take those hundred lessons to be a ‘real lady’ and knowing the weight of those lies in her happiness, she can’t let her friend keep up the act. So she takes Anna’s hands and looks into her eyes.

“This is a lie that you’re telling yourself honey. And these usually just ruin our chances of true happiness, so don’t do it.”

“I’m not lying Han. I’m tired, exhausted even, of playing these damn games with him. I’m tired.”

“But that doesn’t mean you don’t want it anymore. More importantly, it doesn’t mean you don’t need it.”

[taylor-ariana]

answer the questions in a new post and tag 10 blogs you would like to get to know better

i was tagged by @isntcools i love u more than words anna 💞

a: age: 14

b: birthplace: —

c: current time: 7:11

d: drink you had last: propel

e: easiest person to talk to: my family

f: favorite song: i can’t choose but tattooed heart / honeymoon avenue by ariana grande and haunted / wonderland by taylor swift but too many to choose

g: grossest memory: when i was like 6 falling off my scooter and hurting myself a lot :/

h: hogwarts house: don’t kill me but i don’t know ? (opps)

i: in love? : with taylor and ariana, yes very much so

j: jealous of people: who isn’t ?

k: killed someone: nope

l: love at first sight or should i walk by again? walk by again ;)

m: middle name: —

n: number of siblings: —

o: one wish: meet taylor + ariana and be genuinely happy

p: person you called last: my mom

q: question you are always asked: what sport do you play? what do you want to be? *queue me and my eye rolling*

r: reason to smile: yours truly by ariana grande is a real. you’re welcome.

s: song you sang last: Jason’s Song (Gave it Away) by ariana grande

t: time you woke up: 5:30

u: underwear color: who cares

v: vacation destination: italy

w: worst habit: procrastinating

x: x-rays: long story

y: your favorite food: pasta and chocolate (obviously not together lol)

z: zodiac sign: aquarius

thank you for tagging me and i tag @taysnevergonnariskit @youngernows @smilingswiftie @swiftchill @foundherselfs @ohclassicswift @longlivethewalls @fifth-harmony + legit anyone cause i’m tired and this is all i can’t think of :) if you want to do it please do and just say i tagged you, and if you’ve done it before or don’t want to do it it’s fine !!

[wildlyhardphilosopher-blog]

Dog Training Jacket | Step by Step Here

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Dog Training Jacket | Step by Step Here

Cancelled classes will be advised by 8am on the day of morning classes Starter Platinum Training Pack $185.00 – treats, bull chews,leads, treat bag and interactive toys. Conformation showing Difficult. It took me a while to find it. In Home Dog Training info@goodog.com.au We produce quick results and in an easy to understand process that will provide you with education and understanding and bring balance back into your life! In the majority of cases problems that owners think will be difficult to rectify can be resolved quickly with our Amichien technique with Leanne. About our donations Dog training is the application of behavior analysis which uses the environmental events of antecedents and consequences to modify the behavior of a dog, either for it to assist in specific activities or undertake particular tasks, or for it to participate effectively in contemporary domestic life. While training dogs for specific roles dates back to Roman times at least, the training of dogs to be compatible household pets developed with suburbanization in the 1950s. Home>Issues>Force-free dog trainers We believe we are Australia’s most effective and progressive puppy training company and look forward to helping you. more classes Online Store Price on application from $80 404 – File or directory not found. Search As we come to you, we are able to address your specific needs and issues at their source. A career as a veterinarian Recent Posts SitDropStay Dog Behaviour Australia shared Sitdropstay Melbourne’s post. Cages & Accessories We are up to date with the latest scientific research Phone: 1300 133 622 Foster Care Each trainer on this list below has signed the declaration based on the following definition of Force-Free by the Professional Pet Guild: Many applications for this course. Information Harmony Harness Care Centre Rouse Hill Equine Vet Rhonda Emergency Management login Pets and Rental Properties Refund Policy

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fbq('track', 'ViewContent', content_ids: 'dogtraining.dknol', ); * Free standard shipping only applies to most major metropolitan regions. You may be charged for shipping if your delivery address is not within a major metropolitan region. May not be valid with other discounts or offers and excludes gift cards and large items such as kennels, fish tanks and cat scratchers. Terms, conditions and exclusions of this offer are subject to change at PETstock’s discretion. We have lots of tips and fast facts to help you look after your pet and live happily with them. Whether it’s a barking dog, house training a kitten or general hints for your new puppy, we have that expertise to help you. Boronia About RSPCA NSW Lesson Time: 1 hr per wk Class Two Barking If you looking for a dog that is already trained, visit out Dogs for sale section! Café practice Some training and socialisation will have already begun from the moment your puppy opened its eyes and started walking. Despite their short attention spans, from as young as 7 weeks, you can expect them to respond to basic commands such as “sit”, “down” and “stay”. Having a stable reward system will enforce positive behaviour. Individualised training is used with dogs that have an urgent or unique training problem such as fear, hyperactivity, aggression (and other related problems), separation anxiety, biting, excessive barking, insecurity, destructive behaviors, walking difficulties, and inappropriate elimination.[80][81] This type of training would normally be undertaken where the problem naturally occurs rather than a class situation. Class training can be effective in encouraging socialization and play with a peer group. Classes are often offered at a more affordable rate and can cover both problem behaviors and teach new skills. Classes can range from puppy and beginner training to more advanced training and skill training such as performing tricks or therapy work. A mix of online classroom training, webinars and practical sessions, will be accessible to everyone. Toggle navigation Urban Dog Training Port Augusta Vet 7. Please feel free to add any other comments & suggestions you may have for improving our courses. Vet Visit Program This clip is amazing! We wish we were these kids training these dogs for such a good cause. It is awesome that dogs can be so intelligent and anyone who gets this opportunity should definitely do it. Thanks BTN! Fish Event Tickets Email Chat to us and see how we can help your pet. Orientation at Hays Paddock: Behavioural Training Course Content I cannot recommend those at SitDropStay (especially Emma) any more highly and we will definitely be telling all our family and friends about the great services that were provided (and of course using them again when Bear is a little older and needs a refresher course!) See more Contact Us Behind the News i really like what they are doing to the dogs because the dogs are going to help a lot of people in the future and that is really good Clicker training[edit] Choosing an NDTF Trainer Contact SitDropStay Dog Behaviour Australia on Messenger This is the foundation of creating a balanced and healthy relationship and helps to raise a calm, balanced, happy and well-behaved dog. Latest Appeals Leashes for Active Dogs Related articles Dogs are instinctual A dog’s senses form his reality Two of our Melbourne team Anna and Brett were on set today! Shooting a segment on Pawsitive Solutions TV show. Well keep you updated as to when this will air for you guys to check it out. Algebra Data Probability Petbarn Comments (46) Halters, Bits & Bridles Creating canine scholars since 2002 CESAR ON TV Dog Food Dog Training Brisbane Tags Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Accessibility | Contact Us | Find a Veterinarian with ANZCVSc Membership in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine Office Jump up ^ Clothier, Suzanne (2009). “Relationship Based Approach to Training”. Retrieved 2 December 2012.[permanent dead link] Arithmetic Laws SMART PAWS  The Guard Dog Training Centre specialise in dog obedience & agility training, personal protection training, attack dog training and man stopper training. Join the family! Quote of the Day Indigenous Community Animal Health Program (ICAHP) Puppy Ask the Expert – Question of the Week Dog Training Courses | Visit Our Website Now Dog Training Courses | Click Today Dog Training Courses | Check It Out Now Legal | Sitemap

[impvarjack60]

19 $$Frozen$$

I walked around for an hour, it brought no comfort. I could barely think, I was just numb. All I see now is a cage, a prison. The greatest gift ever bestowed on man, a pretty jail cell. I went home and plopped on the couch, shoes and all. I just didn't care anymore. How foolish have I been? This isn't real. None of this is real. It was created by the delusional thoughts of a mad man. Those eyes, those big dopey eyes. I wanted them, like ordering a new car with heated seats. They were an option, designed to entice me into the sale. I wanted her so bad on Earth- so fucking badly- but I couldn't afford her, or someone like her. The cost was just too high. Then she magically appears, and all those delusional dreams come true. This house, this place, this ship, and her. All the treasure on Earth couldn't buy any of this. And I have to live up to some unreachable standard to afford all this. This gift has a price tag, and I don't know if I can make the payments.

She trudged sleepily down the stairs, in her green flannel night gown and her typically messy hair. This was just another thing that was by design, like a product. We all laughed when that scene came on in the movie, it was funny, and meant to elicit an emotional response. I'm supposed to look at it and feel the same way. It's all by design. When she fell out of the tree, I acted predictably, I told her I loved her, instead of standing over and laughing; "Serves ya right, you stupid bitch!" That's the response I should have had. I would've failed my test, but that's the true answer in the face of this gigantic lie that I now live in. How can I possibly lead these people? It's just another sick delusion I've made for myself. Peace. Love. Harmony. All a bunch of hippy bullshit that I spread out like fake cheese in a can on a cracker. She came up to me and gave me a hug, but I did not reciprocate. "What's wrong?, I thought we had all this settled last night?" "I talked to Olaf this morning, and he kinda' 'spilled the beans' on what you are." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Your a product, Anna. A thing. You've got a price tag on you, and it's one I can't afford. I always feared this. When you ran away, when you got hurt. They were testing me Anna, to see if I was worthy of their gift, and that gift was you. Your a thing, Anna. A product just as if I ordered you online, and paid extra for express delivery." She started breathing very heavily. She had no idea how to handle this, and frankly, neither did I. "Now what am I supposed to do?!" She started crying, and I felt no sympathy for her, I felt nothing. "I don't know Anna, I'm not sure what your return policy is." With that she ran up the stairs, inconsolable.

Just then Olaf came out of his hole and went up the stairs. I have no idea what was said. When he came back down I told him to cancel our dinner plans and why. "You are making a grave mistake, Michael. You should not look at it this way. No matter how she came into your life, she still loves you. Please reconsider, you are her world." Ugh,... I've never had a bigger headache than now.

I just didn't know what to do, I felt trapped. I'm going to need some help. I can't fix this alone. This is just more than what the human mind is able to comprehend at this point. It's just too much.

"If I may be so bold, Michael, why don't you go and see a therapist. We have one that lives nearby, maybe she can help you." Well, isn't that convenient? I think I need help and Olaf here has an immediate solution- right on cue- guess I'll play along.  "OK, Olaf. Can you set me up an appointment for today?" "Shouldn't be too difficult, Dr. Shwartzbaum has a free schedule." Yea, I bet she does. There is a plan afoot here, now to figure out what it is. "Don't worry Michael, this too can be fixed." "I hope so Olaf, I just know right now my head isn't on straight." "I understand Michael, I'll make the call."

Oh, the pain, the pain....

________________________________________________

"Thank you for seeing me, Dr. Shwartzbaum." "You're welcome, and the pleasure is all mine. I was there for your speech, and I met Anna at the mixer. She's very beautiful and charming." "Yea, she's all that." Her home was typical German terra-cotta like construction, I remember what they looked like from my two year stay in that country. She had set up an office, with comfortable chairs and a somewhat dark, somber appearance to the wall treatments. Soft music was coming from somewhere, and had a few large plants. She had some of her degrees displayed which made me think that the Masters had kinda' seen this coming. While they were experts at fixing us physically, they were a pile of shit when it came to our minds.

Really, I always wanted to do this. I knew I was in trouble, but as long as I wasn't shootin' up a kindergarten, I figured I was OK. As it turned out, that was another lie I told myself. My biggest fear was they would just shove a prescription for crazy pills at me and that would be the end. I knew what I needed, love. And in great quantities. I had love in spades and now I feel nothing. But that love was fake, and manufactured. Now I'm in doubt if I can hold onto it. Let's see what the doc has in mind.

"OK, Michael, have a seat. Please start at the beginning, so I can get a baseline of you."

So I went about talking about my former life on earth, how miserable it was, and about getting sucked up into here. Then I discussed meeting Anna, and how freaky that was. Then we talked about my speech, and where the incite for that came from. It was now time to get to the heart of the matter.

"Tell me where your problems began here with Anna." "We had our first sexual relations the other night in the tree house we had just finished. We managed to way over do it that night and missed a run with our friends the Zahir's the next morning. We wanted to make it up to them as Anna was rather rude to them in her sleepy state when they showed up in front of our house."

"When we were discussing inviting them over for dinner to our assistant, Olaf, he and I were discussing his spying on us that night. Anna was absolutely indignant. When we talked about it, her feelings were very hurt, but I wasn't affected at all. I'm a guy, and I knew they spied on us anyhow. When she felt I was on their side, she stormed off in a huff."

"So, how did that make you feel?" "In a way, very good. She had her own feelings, and I want her to be independent." "Do you feel she's really becoming independent?" "No, it's all too convenient. Like she's designed to do the things she does. What's even more disturbing, Olaf practically admitted that they were testing me. Every time I do something now, I have to think about the implications of my actions in their eyes."

"You think they spy on us?" Uh-oh, the doc is off on a tangent other than therapy. "I believe we are all monitored, all the time. I got the unique privilege of seeing Anna's accident in 3D this morning. The Hybrides themselves may be spies, even without their knowledge." "It's obvious your relationship with Anna is extremely complex. The truth is I'm going to need to rewrite the book on psychotherapy and relationship counseling from scratch. In my practice on Earth, we just didn't have these issues. Here's what I want you to do. Your mind created her, so those positive thoughts are still in there. Try channeling those thoughts to a single point, put them all in one spot, and go to them when things get rough." "OK, Doc. I'll give that a try. But I have to ask, is this a common problem among us?" "Doctor/patient confidentiality prohi...." "Doc, please. If you heard my speech then you know what I'm about." "OK, um... yes. I've had several Earthlings with similar complaints." "Alright Doc, take notes, develop any theories you can. My original thoughts in my speech are still the same. We must make this work, we'll die out if we don't." "Just don't take your feelings for the Masters out on Anna. It's not her fault she was made the way she is- and technically- it's yours. Try to keep that in mind when talking to her. She can't help but love you. She is still a sentient being. I know- I live with one too- and I have essentially created a monster."

"OK, I'll see you in a few days doc, sooner if things go to hell." "Take care, Michael, I'll do what I can to help solve these mysteries, I believe in you." "'Bye!" "Tschüss!"

As I walked home I thought about what a total ass I've been. The Doc may not be any help right now. She needed a university study group and dozens of students and professors working non-stop to get a handle on what's happening here. I have to fix this,... me. Just when I was professing a need for help, what do I do? But it was just the first visit, I should give this some time, it's one thing we have an abundance of. Focus. ________________________________________________________

I got home to an Anna who was sulking on the couch. "They'll take me back." She said very stoically. "What?" "I talked to Olaf, the Masters will take me back if you don't want me. They'll put me in suspended animation for the rest of trip, then I'm on my own."

Sacrifice. She did it again. She was willing to give up her own life to make me happy. I just broke down, and collapsed to the floor, now I was the one drowning. I had snapped. I feared this moment would come one day, my mind turning into a spinning fog, I couldn't make rational decisions, or say what I meant. It all fell apart, in just one instant.

"I don't deserve you, or any of this! It's just too much, I can't take this any more!" I passed out, I don't know how long I was out, but the orange glow of the nebula was shining thru the windows. I was covered up on the couch, my head getting ready to split open and give birth to live baby alligators. So I forced my eyes open, grabbed the railing to the staircase and forced my way up. No Anna, she was gone. "Olaf?!" "Yes Michael, how may I help you?" There was something in his voice. Was he,... pissed at me? "Where's Anna?" "She is currently at the Zahir's, should I try to contact her?" "No, she's in good company. This can wait until tomorrow." "Tomorrow may be to late, Michael. Her shuttle leaves at first light."