#that’s all you need to retain from Rebel Robin

[morganbritton132]

Eddie meets the Harringtons and Robin’s mom at the same time and it’s a real one-two-punch of realizing you sell drugs to both of them.

[sevensided]

out of interest, what do you think will happen in the next season?

Oh... what a question.

Well, I’ll talk about this very generally. It might be surprising to know that I actually have very few expectations or hopes for S4. I’ve always gone into ST open minded. Even if you put Byler aside, I just plainly love the show and I would devour anything they put in front of me. This COVID waiting game is torture.

Regarding S4, I think we’ll see a lot more division in the Party. The seeds were sown in S3 but I think they’ll really come to fruition in S4, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Party spent a lot of the season either apart or feeling separate from one another. I’ve long speculated that Lucas will get a jock-ish storyline, so I think that will be one of many wedges that get driven through the Party. I also think we’ll see El grow up significantly, but as to whether she’ll start to rebel to assert her independence from Joyce, Jonathan, and Will, or whether she’ll bond with Will, is something else entirely. I do think that the season will show El come into her own - ironically, as much as the Party need each other, I think El needs space to truly develop an identity.

I think Will’s storyline will take off. I’m not sure how much I personally agree with the theory that many characters are Will’s “alters”, but that doesn’t negate the fact it is a convincing theory. I think the truth is simpler in that Will has the power of imagination and past trauma caused him to create the Upside Down and the Mind Flayer to cope with his pain. I think S4 will delve into this and it will demonstrate that the Upside Down has developed beyond anyone thought possible. Naturally, that also means Russia and Hopper. Not sure where I stand on any of that. Honestly, I’m not too invested in Hopper so I can’t speculate what will happen with him. I don’t think he’s been brainwashed although I think his probable torture will push him to the brink, hence why we’ll have so many flashbacks and memories. I think these will help assert his past, and will be his way of retaining sanity. There are parallels here to Terry Ives that I think hold water.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Jonathan, Nancy, Robin, and Steve banded together. I’m not sure they can do Scoops Troop 2.0. Aside from the fact everyone is growing older and apart, it might be a bit too much fanservice to throw Erica, Dustin, Robin, and Steve together again. Perhaps they’ll be an homage but I doubt it’ll be outright. In terms of Dustin and Suzie, I also doubt they’ve lasted the distance. Suzie was an important character for Dustin and she needed to exist to pull off the Never Ending Story scene in S3 (and I don’t care what anyone says: I fucking loved that scene, it was so marvelous and weird). Erica, however, might be a bigger character, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Dustin and Erica come to understand each other more, or even team up in some way.

Mike... family troubles. Definitely. Same with Max. They’re really very similar characters so I can see a lot of their turmoil mirroring one another. I’m quite convinced that the Party will be disparate but trying hard to stay together as real life intervenes. I think it’ll be another instance where the Big Bad of the season will force them back together again. It’s a recurring theme that’s developed since S2, so I don’t see that breaking any time soon. The moral of the entire show will be about everlasting friendship. Despite growing up the Party will always find each other. It’s just that their current supernatural problems keep disrupting that.

In all, I really don’t have much beyond hopes and dreams for the upcoming season. I can pick up a few ideas and spin them, but in the end I just don’t know. I’m truly just extremely excited for what’s to come and 2021 can’t come soon enough as far as ST is concerned. I have some notions around time paradoxes and what the Hellfire Club will represent/do, but they’re not fleshed out enough for me to really discuss them with any confidence.

[bloomandcoffee]

some Claumitri, Dimitri grows in the Alliance AU

After the tragedy in Duscur, the political situation on the Northern Lands are dangerous, and Dimitri who is still just not old enough yet to take the crown and the only member of royal crest still alive is sent to the Alliance for protection. After all the Riegan were distant cousin of the Blaiddyd, they can protect the heir of Faerghus until he comes of age. Meanwhile the Kingdom can investigate all who orchestrated the regicide of the late King. 

That at least is the official statement.

In fact, they sent Dimitri over there as a political prisoner at worst or a bride to get a wedding alliance with the Leicester Alliance at best. Nothing more than a political sacrificial piece orchestrated by Cornelia’s faction in Northern Territories to get the heir out of the way. 

Dimitri’s stay in the Alliance is not glamorous at all. More often than not there is some hard work to be done that simply wasn’t available for anyone else and he has to do in order to keep a low profile, or he’s kept locked away for protection. He endures it with a placid smile and kindness, aware that he is away in a land where some will forever be hostile to him and Faerghus.

At least he came with Dedue, at Dimitri’s insistence. Because he won’t leave his friend and stalwart companion and savior behind, especially in Faerghus where people of Duscur are hated. Dimitri may be a political offering, but at least this way, he can protect Dedue.

This is the first thing that clues Claude in that the Northern prince has depths and is playing at some deeper game than just having a soft bleeding heart and grieving mind. He’s intrigued. 

Then he finds out that Dimitri is patiently teaching Dedue how to write and read, and makes some investigations of his own about Duscur’s situation and has an epiphany. 

Claude devises a strategy to get closer to Dimitri and Dedue by teaching them both the alliance mother language. Goading the Prince and retainer into spars and mischief will not yield the results he wants. If he wants to have them trusting him, he needs a more personal soft touch.

He realizes that Oh no, Dimitri is trusting! and then Oh no, Dimitri is cute, and then Dimitri snaps a lance in half while startled and realizes Oh No he’s freakishly strong. 

...and then he discovers that Dimitri feels responsible for the tragedy of Duscur, blames the deaths and has nightmares about the dead and the blood and... Oh No, I really want to save this soul. 

Dedue is their wingman. Mostly because he understands the politicking behind Dimitri’s situation in the alliance, and among all the figureheads in it, he trusts Claude. 

Dimitri doesn’t approve much of Claude’s underhanded tactics, though he respects their merits, especially when they yield results. So he starts learning to be cleverer, not on the battlefield though --he has honor-- but on the political climate of the alliance. 

He surprises Claude one afternoon by reading correctly the political situation concerning a trade --and brings into attention the influence of a faction Claude had previously ignored. “You can’t read perfectly basic southern Leicester, and yet you deduced the communications?!” “I can’t read, but I learned to read people, and once you know the basics, there’s certain alliance body language that seems universal” “You are scary, Dima” 

He also figures it out that Claude is really a Prince of Almyra, but keeps quiet. Politics are politics. 

Mock fights become common place, and Claude opens Dimitri up to his friends that end up warming up to the prince and his bodyguard. 

There are still political tensions, and more than once Dimitri lost a bit of his temper when learning about the situation in the Northern Kingdoms and his inability to help his brethren. Most of the time his communication missives don’t arrive, and it took a bit of work with Claude to find a method where he could keep contact with Ingrid. 

But the situation in north is not good. 

Dimitri never cries about it, but Claude knows there are tears in his voice. He’s so vulnerable like this, vulnerable, malleable and dangerous. Claude yearns. He’s away Dimitri is a political piece in the chessboard, and marriage is an option to expand his vision of a unified Fódlan and Almyra.

But more than anything, Claude wants to protect. So he soothes, and even if a few times they just argue into a stalemate it’s fine. So long as Dimitri feels heard, as long as he feels his burden is not something to carry alone --That it’s something he ought to carry with Claude-- he will take that as a victory.

Though one night, right before they depart for the Officer’s Academy where Dimitri will take the first step to his position as King of Faerghus by leading the Blue house, he promises beneath the stars, next to each other lying on the grass, shoulders touching, gaze connecting “We will make everything better. Your Kingdom, my Alliance, all of Fódlan. We’ll do it. Together” Dimitri smiles and nods. “Together.”

(For all that Dimitri has learned to read Leicester body language and their customs, he still forgets that Claude is Almyra bloodline as well, and that as is tradition of the eastern empire to propose beneath the stars of the last day of Lone Moon, with a vow of unity.)

Byleth chooses to teach the Golden deer house, though he soon finds that this was in fact a two-way deal. There have been some missions where the blue lions house has tagged along... and with them Manuela who keeps flirting. 

He tried to make sense of it. But Claude and Dimitri move seamlessly like a unit. And he thinks, maybe, the unity of the houses can yield something good for Fódlan.... and it’s not his fault if the Blue Lions come over to have class with the Golden Deer (and some of the Black Eagles have started to appear in some of his lectures too!). It’d just be rude to shove them away, Seteth, and anyway, it’s not like Manuela doesn’t help with the lesson either. 

(He may have found himself a counselor for Dimitri from time to time. Most of it at Claude’s and Dedue’s requests, because his students want to help the blond but Byleth knows an Adult™ is required. Something that Manuela approves.) 

Some Blue Lions and Golden Deer integrate well, some don’t. There is still tension about Dimitri’s actual political situation in Northern Lands, the place he’ll return after school. But it all seems far away, and the Blue Lions warm up to Dimitri and Claude all the same. 

(except Felix, but there are a lot of things to unpack there) 

Edelgard sees this and realizes her plans will fall right over the wayside if she doesn’t act quickly. First and foremost, she must mentally destabilize Dimitri. 

and because I’m in stupid abo phase. They are all alphas, but the kind that during their puberty, if they ingest alpha seed they will turn into omegas. 

Claude and Dedue are acutely aware of the politicking that Dimitri might fall prey of in the Alliance, and watch everything Dimitri consumes like a hawk. There are some few close calls, but they (with the help of the Golden Deer house, specifically, Lysithea) navigate through successfully. 

Everything seems fine, they are eighteen and in the Officer’s Academy. Dimitri sees some of his childhood friends, and even when the protection agreement is near its end and the investigations are apparently complete, the politics are tense --especially after the assassination attempt and Lonato’s rebellion. But they are out of omega-turning danger.

Except not really. After’s Edelgard’s unmasking as the Flame Emperor, Dimitri falls ill. Soon enough it’s apparent that it is not due to poison but heat. 

Everyone believe this is Edelgard’s doing. Given that soon after she is revealed to be the Flame Emperor who orchestrated the murder of Dimitri’s dad, the revolt in Faerghus, and declares war on everything in Fódlan, nobody questions the veracity of such suspicion.

No one will ever know it was in fact Claude’s plan. 

Dimitri’s first heat is terrible, but the church, the Golden Deer and some Blue Lions cooperate so that no alpha ever gets near Dimitri’s quarters and takes advantage.

Rhea is taken prisoner. Blyeth is gone, Dimitri is now ineligible as King because he’s now an omega and Cornelia takes the throne. It’s terrible. People of Faerghus rebel, and some start to think that perhaps the rule of only alpha royals has handed them unjust misery. The system ought to change.

Dimitri loses an eye to Cornelia. He’s now declared an enemy of the Kingdom and a target of the empire. Claude cannot protect him, publicly, that is. 

Golden Deer house, along with some of the more loyalist Blue lion factions make Dimitri effectively disappear. A year after Emperor Edelgard declares war, rumors start that Dimitri is dead though no body has been found.

After a visit to Almyra, most leaders of the alliance smell that Claude is now a taken alpha, but there’s no omega with him. Some think it’s one Almyra princess, the price paid for the Almyra reinforcements. His detractors think there’s someone else.

Dimitri, some whisper. But no one has seen the fugitive prince. Last they heard Dedue was killed brutally by Queen Cornelia’s generals.

There are some rumors of a red haired lancer, long hair in a braid, that leads a bunch of bandits. A robin hood of sorts, that gives food and gold to the refugees trying to escape the war, or the people of the towns near the church, those who are still pious and refuse to abandon their homes even if it means they will be trampled by the empire.

None have seen her. Though many whisper she is kind, quiet and has a sad pained smile. An omega, most agree, probably lost her family during the attacks, the poor dear. 

(Sometimes she’s accompanied by a tall armored man. Nobody has ever seen him, and he communicates with the lancer through sign language. The people keep quiet of that. The lancer and her paladin help them; they won’t ever betray such kindness.)

They are just rumors, of course. Though red hair becomes a synonym of dread for the imperial sympathizers in the Alliance.  

Five years later, Byleth returns to a Fódlan that’s still under war, and to Claude, now the leader of the Golden deer Alliance after cleaning it out of imperialist sympathizers in the most shrewd, clean, and bloodlessly manner possible. When Night comes, where Byleth remained at Claude’s request, he meets a weary Dimitri, now red haired, under a disguise. 

The professor smiles, relieved even if he can see the pain and weight Dimitri now carries around him, and they hold hands in greeting. Byleth also pats his head reassuring him that everything will come to pass, and never missing that he now smells like a taken omega --and the scent is undeniable Claude’s.

He raises an eyebrow at them, and Dimitri is the first one that cracks admitting that they did not have a Seirosian wedding. But Claude insists that they did follow the religion’s marrying rituals.

Byleth shakes his head at his reckless students, but is happy for them. They maintained Fódlan’s hope in his absence, and survived. Now that he’s here to help them (and he will help them) everything will be fine. 

They retake the Northern Kingdoms first and unseat Queen Cornelia. Dimitri is named King regent, though he puts right into planting the roots for the Kingdom to reform into a representative monarchy where the circle of nobility and especially the common people can have more power in how everything is governed. 

And of course, cleaning up Duscur’s name.

Claude doesn’t leave Dimitri’s room the night after Cornelia’s defeat, making sure that his husband understands that he is wanted and loved --even if his step mother never did.

Dimitri is both touched and embarrassed. It hurts, but his kindness is not as unmanageable as it once was.

The empress begs Byleth to end her life when she is defeated. Dimitri offers his hand to Edelgard instead, willing to forgive and give his step-sister a path to redemption. She throws his knife at him instead. 

“Good-bye, El.”

In the end, when everything is said and done, Byleth officiates Claude’s and Dimitri’s wedding official in the way it should have been. (Much to the protests of Seteth who, even if he’d become lax about Seirosian religion, is still scandalized that the new Pope is marrying an already married in sin couple where none is pure at the altar)

[jeff-stillcoolasazombie]

The Waiter and the Hotel Heiress -- Chapter 4

Rating: K+

Length: 3276 words

Also read on AO3

A/N: Lucky for y’all this is the last chapter with clear-cut flashbacks. And there’s no Eloise at the beginning either. In fact, this whole chapter is basically from Kristoff’s third-person perspective. Honestly, I’ve been looking forward to writing this one for a while, even though it’s a little heartbreaking.

Chapter 4: What Her Father Wants

Along with bringing room service meals, it was also part of Kristoff’s job to pick up the used trays and silverware guests left outside their door. Kristoff had gotten pretty good at making the rounds on his regular floors to take away the dirty plates, to uphold the Plaza’s neat and tidy standards.

It was lunchtime now, and while he was usually discrete when he picked up the dishes, he tried to be especially quick when he did this room.

He knew which guest was currently staying in this room. And he had both every and no desire to see her.

She must have been waiting for him on the inside of her door, because Anna opened it as soon as she spotted him.

Kristoff looked up at Anna from the floor. He had seen her from almost every angle, but this one was always his favorite. She looked like a red-haired angel, gentle and kind.

No, Kristoff, he thought.

“Sorry,” he finally said, still hunched over the dirty plates on the floor. “I’ll have these out of your way in a second.”

“Kristoff,” Anna started, but dared not finish. He waited for her to speak, but they both knew there was nothing else she could say.

Just like she had said nothing all those years ago. Back when she would normally go behind her father’s back and stand up for herself. She knew what to say in nearly every situation. Her words were always carefully selected, to retain diplomacy even in her suggestive comments. Never one to rebel, but always one to speak.

Except back then she hadn’t said anything, and neither had Kristoff. It was not saying anything to each other four years ago that had kept him in this same predicament with Anna now.

Well, now Kristoff was four years older and wiser and braver. Now he would say something.

“Is he really what you wanted, or is he what your father wanted for you?” he asked suddenly as he got up from the ground. He knew that by asking such a personal and straightforward question, he would be risking unemployment. If Anna found him bothersome or nosy, she could always report Kristoff to the manager and have him fired immediately. But the Anna he knew—the compassionate, fiery, genuine, caring friend—would never do that to a Plaza employee. Especially to one she was so fond of, or used to be. He could trust that she wouldn’t get him into trouble, even now.

He needed to know how much of her leaving, her relationship, her life was her idea.

However, when Anna remained speechless, Kristoff regretted asking her about it in such a blunt, accusing way.

He sighed. “Just tell me it’s for real,” he started, “and I’ll never say anything—”

“The ice machine on my floor is broken,” said Hans from behind Kristoff, interrupting his thought. Hans was walking towards Anna’s door with a knowing grin, an empty ice bucket and unopened bottle of champagne in either hand. Kristoff knew Hans was staying in a different area of the hotel, but hearing mention of it directly made his ears perk up. Then again, maybe the ice machine was fine, and he was just making up an excuse to get into Anna’s room. Maybe he could sense whenever Kristoff was near Anna by herself.

Hans sidled next to his fiancée before he acknowledged the waiter’s presence. “Hey, Christopher, nice to see you again,” he said in a smarmy tone.

“Kristoff,” the waiter corrected quietly.

“Right,” Hans responded carelessly. “Hey, listen, would you be a sport and fill this up for us?” He held the empty ice bucket out to Kristoff. “I’ve got some champagne that needs chilling.”

Kristoff took the bucket. Returning with ice would mean another guaranteed interaction with the couple. He didn’t know which was worse, seeing Anna or seeing Anna with this guy.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Hans asked him.

Kristoff shook his head and gave the same polite smile he gave all annoying guests. “No, of course not.” He really tried to not think poorly of any guests, and he knew it was unfair to dislike this man only because he was engaged to Anna.

Hans nodded. “Great. Thank you.” He headed into Anna’s room while she remained standing at the door. Anna stared back at Kristoff, sad discontent in her eyes.

“Just call me the ice deliverer,” Kristoff joked, and then said, “it’s my job, right?” His eyes remained on hers, as if focusing on her face would somehow connect him to her thoughts. Why wasn’t she saying anything? He just wanted her to talk to him.

Noticing their mutual too-long lingering, Hans stepped back to the doorway and gave Anna a long soft kiss on the lips. Kristoff felt a pang in his chest. Hans was very clearly marking his territory again. He guided Anna into the room as he closed the door.

Kristoff stared at the closed door for a moment longer. He was disappointed in Anna, but then again what could she even say?

----

FOUR YEARS EARLIER

After an entire year of working at the Plaza, it seemed like Kristoff was an old pro. He had gotten into a solid routine that usually began or ended with Anna. Either he brought her breakfast and they’d try to exchange as many coded messages as possible in less than five minutes, or, if he was working an evening shift, they would sing and talk into the night during their piano sessions. Kristoff had learned so many of her favorite songs by heart.

But now they were back to December, Anna’s favorite time of year. And while December meant long work days for Kristoff, it also meant even more time he would be at the Plaza seeing Anna filled with joy.

The two teenagers had really grown close over the last year. But it was more than that, Kristoff realized. Before he met Anna, Kristoff had been a quiet loner, completely satisfied with peaceful solidarity. He had had friends back home in the mountains, specifically Sven, a full-time resident of one of the campgrounds who talked to himself and often ventured into town for a drink. But even then, it was Sven who did most of the talking, usually rambling off whatever thoughts he felt like sharing aloud with Kristoff. Other than that, Kristoff was used to keeping his head down, participating only when needed, and maintaining acquaintances.

And yes, working in a heavily populated environment and being required to politely interact with plenty of people had modified Kristoff’s social skills. But really, Anna had changed him for the better, made him more patient, confident, friendlier, happier.

He was happier now. Thanks to Anna.

Because of Anna.

With Anna.

The highest points of any day were the moments he got to spend with her. He looked forward to reading her written wonderings after he dropped off her meals. He smiled whenever he saw her fix something with all her care and concentration. He got excited whenever she was excited about musical theatre and history. He loved her rose-scented strawberry blonde hair and her robin’s egg blue eyes and her freckle-sprinkled face.

Kristoff was not at all an expert on emotions, but he was pretty sure all these feelings added up to more than just friendship.

In fact, rumor had spread—rumors he had tried very hard to quash—that he and Anna were in love.

A week after Kristoff’s nineteenth birthday, just after his one-year anniversary at the Plaza, he was called into the owner’s office. Not the manager’s office—Mr. Salamone, as stern as he was, Kristoff could handle. But the owner. Anna’s father’s office.

It was the very thing he had been dreading since the day he was hired.

Robert tried to reassure him. “Calm down,” he said, patting Kristoff on the back. “Usually if someone’s about to get fired, they’re sent to Salamone so Arendelle doesn’t have to do the dirty work.”

“Why do people get sent to the owner’s office then?” Kristoff asked. What could be worse than getting fired? Killed?

Robert shrugged. “Maybe it isn’t a bad thing. Maybe he knows how close you are with Anna and he’s going to promote you to her bodyguard.”

For as much comfort as his waiter friend tried to provide, nothing could prepare Kristoff for his short elevator ride to the owner’s office. He could feel all the confidence he had accrued over the last year waning.

The elevator doors opened and Mr. Arendelle’s secretary, Cornelia, greeted him. She stayed behind her large desk, her face giving absolutely no indication if what was awaiting Kristoff was positive or negative. She told Kristoff to go inside.

Kristoff—thankfully, up until this point—had never seen Mr. Arendelle’s office. The large room was more like a suave den, with wood-paneled walls and crown molding and well-kept potted plants in the corners. Standing in front of a large, intricately designed pine desk was Mr. Arendelle. His gray streaked blonde hair was perfectly coiffed, his charcoal suit exquisitely tailored, and his slightly aged face completely serious.

“Uh, sir,” Kristoff spoke clearly, “you wanted to see me?” He was trying very hard to stomp the anxiety out of his voice.

“Ah, Kristoff Bjorgman,” Mr. Arendelle said, and he reached out his hand to shake Kristoff’s. “So, you’re the waiter my daughter has talked so much about.”

“Anna has told you about me, sir?” Kristoff asked, and then he wondered if he had made a mistake. He knew that despite Anna’s insistent informality, most of the other employees still called her Miss Anna or Miss Arendelle. Perhaps he should have hid how comfortable he’d gotten around her by doing the same.

Mr. Arendelle raised an eyebrow. “Anna has not told me about you herself,” he said, “I hear things. I know how fond she is of you.” He ended the handshake and went back around his desk.

“Um, thank you, sir,” Kristoff said, standing at attention. “She has been a tremendous help and friend during my first year here at the Plaza.”

“You consider Anna a friend?” the hotel owner asked. Kristoff was reminded of his first encounter with Anna, how he was unsure if her leading questions were meant to mess him up or help him. Was her father giving him trick questions now?

“Yes, sir,” Kristoff answered honestly, “but I would think it is important and necessary for there to be a comfortable rapport between an employer and his staff.”

“That may well be,” Mr. Arendelle started, “but Anna is not your employer. And it has come to my attention that Anna is friendlier and closer with you than with any other employee here at the Plaza Hotel.”

“Sure, we’re close friends,” Kristoff answered, “but I don’t think—”

“Let me rephrase,” the owner interrupted, his voice slightly louder than before, “Anna is closer with you than any other person in her life.” He paused and stared at the waiter.

Kristoff dared not speak. He felt his whole body stiffen.

“I am certain that you are a fine young man. You have proven yourself respectable and hardworking over the past year.” Mr. Arendelle came back to the front of his desk, his hands folded up neatly in front of his stomach. “But there is cause for concern in regards to the closeness of your relationship with my daughter, due to your position.”

Kristoff thought his lungs were about to fall into his stomach. This was it. While he had been so careful about not overstepping his boundaries, he was about to be let go.

“Let me assure you, Mr. Bjorgman,” the owner began. Kristoff shuddered at hearing his last name so formally. “You are not being fired.”

Kristoff exhaled, and he forced a blink. “Thank you, sir,” was all he could manage. It was great news that he wasn’t about to lose his job, but still this conversation did not seem a happy one.

“However, your intimacy, for lack of a better term, with my daughter is worrisome,” Mr. Arendelle continued. “Anna, as kind and well-meaning as she is, should not be flirting with people of your status. She stands to inherit the Plaza Hotel. And you . . . well.”

Mr. Arendelle’s point had come across clear as crystal: Anna, because of her fortune and upbringing, should not consort with room service waiters. Her father would disapprove of anything less than the absolute best. “I understand, sir,” Kristoff agreed sadly.

Mr. Arendelle stood right in front of Kristoff and reached his hand on his shoulder to comfort him. “As I said, I have heard nothing but tremendous things about your character and work ethic. You seem a good, upstanding young man. But I must ask you to no longer associate with Anna, for her sake.”

And for mine, Kristoff thought. If I don’t listen, I risk losing this job, and this job is all that I have right now.

But Kristoff also knew that no matter how hard he could try to stay away from Anna, she would be determined to come back to him. The longer he stayed away, the more furious she might become.

“I understand, sir, but,” Kristoff started, “I cannot stop Anna from looking for me. If I were to cut her off, without any warning, I would think that would upset her deeply.” It would upset Kristoff deeply too, but he was smart enough to not admit it.

Mr. Arendelle moved back to behind his desk again and sat down, looking over some papers in front of him. “I assure you, that won’t be a problem for much longer. I have already spoken with her, and the situation has been handled.” He looked back up at Kristoff. “I just needed to talk to you and make you aware of our concerns.” He gave a firm nod and said, “You may get back to work now, Mr. Bjorgman.”

Kristoff gave a small thank you, and returned to the kitchen quarters, trying to hide his low-hanging head. Robert was waiting for him, and before Kristoff could relay any details of his meeting, Robert shook his head. He guided Kristoff over to a broom closet and pushed him inside.

“Um, Robert?” he called confused, but then a light above him clicked on, and Kristoff saw a tearful Anna huddled beside him.

“Kristoff,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him as tight as she could. He could do nothing but hold her too as shock and sorrow swept over him.

“What are you doing in here?” he quietly screamed back. “I just got scolded by your father. We can’t hang out anymore.”

“That’s why I’m here,” she said through silent sobs. “He’s sending me off to stay with some relative in Germany for the holidays, and then I’m set to start school in Paris after the new year. Sorbonne or some university like that. But he’s sending me away so we can’t see each other!” Her tears were flowing more heavily now as she leaned her head on his chest, heaving.

Kristoff could tell Anna was thoroughly distraught. Christmastime in New York, at the Plaza, was Anna’s favorite thing in the world, and she was going to miss it this year, perhaps every year for the foreseeable future, all because of him. He was unhappy because she was unhappy. But he was unhappy that he’d be losing her.

“It’ll be alright, Anna,” he said, trying his best to stay calm and comfort her. “I’m sure you’ll love the holidays in Germany just as much as here. The Germans practically invented Christmas.”

“This isn’t just about Christmas,” she said, pulling back to look at him. “I may never see you again. I can’t do it! I love” --she gasped for air and paused a bit too long-- “seeing you every day. You’re my best and only friend in the world. I can’t do it! I’m staying right here!”

Water welled up behind Kristoff’s eyes, but he sucked it up. This was exactly why she needed to leave, why he needed to let her go. Anna was the heiress to a grand fortune; she was destined for better things, greater things. If she stayed here, she would remain by Kristoff’s side forever. And what would happen if she and Kristoff ended up together? They would live in a small walk-up apartment in a grimy part of the city because her father had disowned her for running off with a waiter? That wasn’t the kind of life she deserved. She deserved the moon and sun and all the stars in the Andromeda constellation.

But Kristoff couldn’t give that life to her. He loved her, but he had to let her go.

He sighed. “Don’t do that,” he said to her. “Go. You’re always telling me about European history and languages and culture. This is your chance to finally live it.” It destroyed him to say these words, but he knew the only way to cheer her up was with the promise of something exciting, something worth experiencing.

Her tears had subsided a little now, but her eyes were still puffy and red from crying. She was gorgeous even now, as always. He stroked a strand of fallen hair behind her ear.

“Your father wants the best for you,” he whispered.

“But what if I don’t want that? What if I want you?” Her voice was shaking again.

“I’ll be right here whenever you come back,” he said with a sad smile, and she hugged him tightly again. He knew his heart was racing, but he could faintly feel her strong beat too, thrumming against his chest.

And then Anna did what Kristoff had never expected but had been thinking about for quite some time.

She kissed him. Quick and gentle, right on the lips, but it was soft and delicate, like her.

“Meet me in the Terrace room tonight, one last time,” Kristoff said without thinking. “I can give you an early Christmas present.”

Anna held his hand loosely, lightly rubbing each of his fingers. She still looked sad and worried, but finally breathed out, “Okay.”

He kissed her the top of her head before slipping out of the closet. He figured he should go out first since he had been seen going in more recently, as well as having duties to do. And while he tried to maintain a cheerful demeanor all throughout the work day, he felt nauseous until that evening, when they would meet for their final private performance. He could talk and sing to her, and maybe tell her how he really felt. Tell her that she would always be his, promise to be there for her, no matter what. It was bittersweet; it was the last time they would see each other, but at least he could see her once more.

Except he didn’t.

He sat at the piano bench in the Terrace room until midnight, well after their late-night lessons typically ended, but Anna never came. Instead of being with the woman he loved one last time, he was alone again.

It was for the best. It was what her father would’ve wanted.

The staff found out the next morning that Miss Arendelle had gone abroad, and Kristoff had received no word from her since the broom closet the morning before.

So that was it. Anna would just go to Europe and live her life, and Kristoff would serve the guests of the Plaza and make them comfortable.

It was his job, right?

[iwritethat]

Fantasy AU

Tim Drake: Dungeons & Outlaws

A/N: So Dick and Damian are left, wonder what to do for them.

>>>>—————————>

Anyone would have said wandering through your own castle under disguise was unnecessary, doing so and avoiding the royal guard was even more incredulous. Yet here you were, edging past cells, hungry prisoners and the wardens as you disobeyed orders. No matter what you could not allow righteous inmates to starve when they had yet to be proven guilty, punished for something they'd possibly never committed based on the accusations of the rich. You hated the way the kingdom divided wealth and as a result you did as much in your power to aid the people either overtly or covertly.

.

During your escapade, a sudden hold caused you to withold a scream in fear of being discovered, that and the hand clamped over your mouth with a knife to your throat.

"Quiet and I won't have to hurt you." Despite his warning, you continued your struggle as you couldn't risk exposure either, but the fact intruders were lurking in the dungeon concerned you more.

"Stop struggling or - wow..." As he pulled you back toward him, your fallen cloak revealed your familiar features, more beautiful than the last time he'd laid eyes on you.

"My lady..." His voice was breathless, fingers moving to remove his own disguise allowing to face your apparent captor.

"Timothy?!" Despite the surprise in your voice, he managed a brief admiring smile, relishing in the missed company.

Tim Drake, rebel of his family so much so you were sure he'd become Tim Drake-Wayne now, a notorious outlaw of the kingdom with good intentions. A living tale of Robin Hood if you will, you'd spent your childhood together but your paths drifted only to cross again many years later here of all places. However, with the commotion of the guards rebounding on the damp brick your reunion was unfortunately disturbed, clusters of shadows loomed as the flaming torches advanced leaving you with few options. You figured you could buy Tim more time, whatever he was doing here must be for a righteous cause and losing the peoples champion simply wasn't considered. Tim had other ideas however, grasping your wrist then pinning you in the darkest alcove to aid concealment. There were pros and cons to this predicament, the latter being that the veil of shadow heightened your senses so you could hear his whispers of silence, feel his warm breath fanning against the shell your ear as he spoke and the racing of his heart under your palm but regardless of this he remained calm. Pros to being hopelessly besotted in a compromising position included the dark concealing longing glances and flushed features to lessen embarrassment.

"(Y/n)... (Y/n)..." Hushed calls raised an octave as they passed, Tim giving you a curious but amused expression as you shook yourself from your previous flourishing thoughts.

"Mm, right. Distracted."

"I couldn't tell, my friend was captured on our last mission and I’m here to rescue him. I know you aren’t like most nobles so I trust you to help." He retained his sarcasm, but the soft laugh he gave encouraged you to follow him until you reached a particular cell and the prisoner was more than pleased to see his comrade.

"Knew you'd come Robin Hood, I'd have been faster though." The brunette happily bragged, Tim shook his head with smile before lock-picking the cage.

"Don't call me that, Red Robin is fine Bart."

With his freedom given, it was then that the quick witted stranger noted your presence.

"Bartholomew Allen at your service lady." The brunette cheerfully introduced, quickly placing a kiss to your knuckles.

"My lady." Robin amended from beside you, underlying scolding present. Upon hearing him Bart instantly dropped your hand and held up his own in surrender as he released a sheepish laugh.

"Oh I didn't realise, sorry bro."

"No-no, that's how you say it respectfully - (Y/n) isn't mine." Tim on the other hand flushed a deep crimson, correcting Bart once more with a hint of nervousness as he studied you for a reaction only finding an embarrassed smile.

The moment was interrupted as guards shouts echoed down the hallway fuelling your adrenaline once again.

"You can escape from my room, they'll have all of the dungeon exits blocked by now trust me, I know. Follow me." You hurriedly rushed pulling the two outlaws along with you before they could argue against getting you involved with them but a friend of Tims must be worth it. You were alert of all surroundings as you silently danced through the maze of your castle avoiding guards as you went and hiding in the shadows of torches with the two tracing your movements as you slipped into your private grand chambers with a flood of relief.

"Ok they'll check on me after discovering an empty cell. They don't care if you guys were trying to help people, we've got to get you out of here!" Came your knowledgable voice, pulling Tim's hand and guiding him to your wardrobe offering rope and a grapple (you had your own means of escaping home).

.

Rushed knocking echoed throughout your chambers silencing the three of you whilst making preparations, you awaited some form of giveaway as to who it was before announcing your presence.

"My love, are you alright?! There's intruders in the dungeon, we're tracking them down but I needed to check on your safety first!" You could hear the confidence in the Princes voice, the mere sound enough to make you wince.

“Please give me a moment Sir!” Tim shot to you instantly, look of confusion and hurt briefly crossing eyes as he silently questioned you with his exasperated hand gestures.

"It's an arranged marriage, besides it's not like you don't have your fair share of lovers outlaw!" You whisper yelled, Bart attempting to hide his chuckle from the window ledge where Tim was giving you an incredulous glance.

"Do you love him?" The knocking persisted, Bart taking the initiative to slide down to the ground below as Tim continued this untimely conversation.

"What him? The handsome, charming Prince? No of course not! It's always been... nevermind go!" Your hand went to Tim's shoulder, urging him to follow his comrade against his stubborn nature. His hand wrapped around your wrist bringing your attention back to him and the close proximity caused you to falter for a second.

"(Y/n), who has it always been?" His tone was more serious, despite the worried voice of the Prince his hushed one was much more appealing to your senses.

"If I don't answer he's-"

"I'm not leaving until you talk to me, whether I get caught or not because it's you."

At that moment your only thought was getting him out, but saying what you felt wasn't as easy as it sounded. Actions speak louder than words right?

Your fingers grasped his scarlet scarf to bring his lips to yours softly, gently, as if savouring the moment but it wasn't the gentleness he wanted, not after all this time so he pulls you against him harder, deepening the kiss with a fervent need you'd only ever read about. As much as you'd have liked the moment to continue you lowered your head simultaneously ending the embrace despite burning desire, you felt Tim smile against your skin before placing a soft kiss to your temple.

"For me, it's always been you." His voice was nothing more than a meaningful whisper that brought him back into your focus, his gaze avoiding your own.

"Tim Drake-Wayne..."

"...?"

"That's the answer to your question before." Your tone was smug yet kind, and he couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he gripped the rope and held out his other to you from his position in the window ledge.

.

"Then are you coming with me my lady?"

[itdisneymatter]

Day 04 - Hollywood Studios

TLDR: Hollywood Studios today. Absolutely non stop for the first five hours, attraction highlights include Frozen Sing Along, Star Tours, & Indy. Oh and some awesome guy won Toy Story Mania :P We missed Tower of Terror due to a late family lunch at a Drive In style Diner. Awesome lunch. Heavy Rain. Rain jackets on. Home. Mall. Purchased a new laptop. Missed dinner with the rest of the group, due to the aforementioned late family lunch. No appetite for dinner. Wrote today's entry on the new laptop - so. much. fastness! Good decision. End.

Hoo-ray for Hollywood!

We had to hit Hollywood Studios early for Jedi Academy registration as you can't book it in advance, which meant skipping breakfast (I really shouldn't even expect anything else, should I?). Kids managed to grab a banana but Ann and myself were good to wait, though we did receive our regular morning coffees courtesy of my parents (or their hotel rather).

Patrick loves learning about everything and has been churning out little tidbits of impressive yet totally useless facts at random intervals since we got here. So I'm introducing a new segment for the blog, Patrick's Fun Fact of the Day. So Patrick's Fun Fact of the Day for today is this: 

Water is the only substance which is heavier in its liquid form than when its a solid. Hence why ice floats on water.

(Some research into this does reveal that there are a handful of other unusual substances which exhibit the same property, but I'm gonna give him this one - he's still only 10). Look out for future installments soon!

Once we reached Hollywood Studios, we made a bee-line for the Jedi Academy to register. I remember from last time that the queues and wait were massive, but this time it was much more efficient, which is no bad thing. Had a return time for late afternoon, after lunch, which meant that our morning plan (which was pretty jam-packed), was untouched.

A little light one to start us off, the Path Of the Jedi - a 10 minute video which was a compilation of some of the best bits from all the Star Wars movies. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire. I've seen the movies hundreds of time but hearing these opening lines from Alec Guinness, sent shivers down my spine. Then seeing Carrie Fisher as the feisty Princess Leia, only added to it. One thing I forgot to mention on the first day was Robin Williams being the sole reason for me choosing The Genie for my Magic Band. There are certain people who absence on this earth you still struggle to get your head around and reminders of them bring are always laced with a little sadness. Williams is one and Carrie Fisher is another. Seeing Princess Leia on screen is amazing and heartbreaking in equal measure. The Last Jedi is going to be a sore one for many people I think. Anyway I digress. Even my brother Michael, who has never really seen the movies (yeah I know), said they looked good and wouldn't mind watching them.

Next up, was For A First Time In Forever, a Frozen Sing Along Celebration.  I might have said this before but this was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time (except those funny Buzz-feed posts about people completely misspelling words - that shit is funny, man). The two main characters, some random unknown characters, though not as unknown as the Arendelle baby (family in-joke, sorry), but their patter and puns were just brilliant, I couldn't stop laughing! The show essentially was a karaoke for (most of) the songs from Frozen and the girls, who were singing away without missing a word, loved it. Side note, this scene in the movie is my most favorite-est part ever, and its not because I fancy Elsa (though it kind of is).

And here’s a few more, including Grace & Emily singing along to the finale, which covered the whole audience in a blanket of snow :)

More Star Wars-y goodness in Star Tours, our first Fast Pass, was up next. We were all placed in the first two rows so had great seats! Prior to lifting off in our little spacecraft piloted by the Galaxy's favourite robotic duo, Threepio and R2, they select a random in the audience, who has been identified as the Rebel Spy. And Emily was selected as the Rebel Spy!!! :D Great simulator ride through Kashyyyk, Naboo & the Gungan City and wee BB8 even made an appearance. The kids were howling and screaming every time we dodged a Star Destroyer or Tie Fighter - fantastic ride. Gracie then wanted to buy a Chewie and Lightsaber in the wee shop after the ride, but as we were returning though it best to do it then, instead of carrying it about all day, she wasn't too pleased (kids can be so impatient, haha).

Indy next, and this was the Epic Stunt Spectacular lived up to its name. Not really changed in the last few decades but still a must-see. Even wee Isabella was going really excited by all the explosions and acrobatics. Pictures speak louder than words as they say, so here’s a few from today.

Stopped for a breather as it was pretty non stop since getting to the park, so the guys got some lunch while we just opted for some desserts as we had lunch booked for later in the day at Sci-fi Dine In Theater. 

Reach For The Sky!

After everyone was re=energized it was time for a bit of friendly competition in our next Fast Pass: Toy Story Mania, a 3-D shooting game where points mean... well just points, so the highest one wins. I’ve been unbeaten at this for the last two trips so I was psyching myself up beforehand as there were a few new contenders on the block. 

The Official Toy Story Mania Leader-board 2017

Gerry: 175400

Corrie: 144200

Michael: 137300

Ann: 128300

Kevin: 121600

Patrick: 90400 (?)

Robert: 78200

Pauline: 73600

Mum: 53600

Wullie: 53400

Alessio: 30200

Gracie: 20400

Emily: 16500

Oh looks who's top... I retain my Toy Story Crown for another year and absolutely smashed last visits score of 143,000. BOOM! Now to find somewhere to get this printed and laminated! :P Just need to continue my streak on Men In Black and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Ill have won the Treble! We just made Beauty and the Beast Musical last show after that, and had pretty poor seats way at the back. It didn’t help that there was a big guy sitting right in front of me, blocking my or rather my camera's, vision. Great show which mirrored the animated classic (just like the live action movie, like seriously, no change or twist at all???).

Although we were right next to The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror after existing Beauty, we had lunch booked, so unfortunately had to skip out on our last Fast Pass. Emily talked non stop about the Tower Of Terror before the holiday so she was more than excited at this point and she absolutely loved it. She was joined with Kevin, Michael, Sarah Jane and Corrie. 

Attack Of The 50ft Woman!

I think the first time I seen the iconic poster for this movie was in McFly's - a bar in Coatbridge Main St, which was my first real pub growing up. Some fond memories in there, and many hazy ones. Sci-Fi Dine In Theater - this place was the real deal, Cadillacs for booths, a huge screen showing clips of 50s classics. 50's style waiters and waitresses, milkshakes, retro decor all in the style of a 50's drive in (think Jack Rabbit Slims in Pulp Fiction with a big screen). It was phenomenal and really glad we booked it, 180 days or so ago now. I went for a Reuben sandwich (awesome), Patrick, a Caprese sandwich (possibly slightly better than mine, possibly), Robert settled on a classic cheeseburger and Ann & Gracie split a rack of ribs and a stack of onion rings. Root beer all round save for me who went with a classic Cherry Coke which came topped with a cherry on top (which that wee sneak-thief Gracie snaffled while I was watching the big screen). All served by the lovely Flora. Bonus Fun Fact Of The Day from Patrick: There were 48 cars in total in the restaurant, each representing one of the 48 states in 1955 :D Our car was from California. Highly recommend this one for anyone visiting, if you like that sort of thing.

You are no Jedi.

When we exited it started raining, HARD. We all had rain jackets, including my camera bag (thank you Manfrotto, you wonderful, thoughtful camera bag maker, you). This was similar to the other night, but I supposed we were better prepared for it this time. We found out where the rest of the party was, and caught up with them. They had just came out of The Great Movie Ride, and after a quick discussion, we agreed that heading home would be the best option. We had covered most of the main rides, with only a few smaller ones remaining, so not really missing anything. Leaving meant no Jedi Training, but they call off the Academy in the event of heavy rain anyway, so we may want to catch it again on our return (you could even call it, Return Of The Jedi! Ok, Ill shut up). We said our goodbyes (quickly) to the other party and set off from the park in a nice warm car (which is usually a bad thing, most days). We were comparing it to the day we visited Typhoon Lagoon two years ago, when it absolutely poured and it was such a vivid memory as the traffic was horrendously bad and took forever to get home. Then we ended up on Same road as typhoon lagoon, dun dun DUN! No delays this time around though, which was good.

Now Tuesday is Kids Eat Free at Miller's Alehouse and we had pre-arranged to all go there tonight, well except that I forgot that our lunch was so late at Hollywood, which meant we had not long eaten. So we dropped my mum and dad off at their hotel and said that we'd see how we felt about dinner later on. For the past few days Id been scouring the internet look for a laptop to replace the absolute dinosaur of a machine that I brought with me. The prices in general were pretty terrific, so I'd narrowed down a few from Best Buy and we made a plan to go pick one up. We got to the shop, where we were instantly set upon by a server asking what I was looking for, I explained the particular model, and she showed them to me. She then asked what it was for and I explained it was for internet and some photo editing. She then directed me towards some laptops at double the price, saying that these ones had touchscreen and had a better processor (it actually had the same processor, but I let it go). I mean don’t get me wrong she was pleasant enough, but don’t try and sell people Office by calling it 'Microsoft' - you either don’t know your stuff or that’s just a sales tactic to trip anyone up who doesn't know any better. I got the feeling it was the later after the hard sell on everything else, which is just plain wrong.

The thing is I wasn't planning to buy a laptop over here but after seeing the prices thought it would be good idea, but I really didn't want to spend a lot on it. To put it in perspective, the one I was looking at was $449 - the same spec machine in PC World back home was 500 quid! I don’t think the assistant really knew what she was talking about in all fairness, though it didn't help with Ann calling Lightroom, LIGHTNING ROOM! Haha, it was like that sketch from The Interns where Vince Vaughn kept saying 'On The Line' instead of Online. Wee soul :P

Going out to the Mall we got stuck in traffic, which meant that going for dinner was definitely out for us. Werent particularly hunger still, so just picked up some snacks, on the way home. When I unpacked and set up the laptop (it took a while to download and install Lightning Room ;) but I was more than impressed. Example - on the first night it took over 4hrs to download around 500 images from a 16Gb memory card. This laptop took less than 10 minutes to do the same. It actually seems to run faster than my Mac at home, so might need to look into a wee upgrade in the near future. On a complete unrelated note, Ann is  the most beautiful-est, prettiest girl in all the seven kingdoms... ;) 

To round off today, here’s our first wee family pic from Memory Maker taken this afternoon (when it was still sunny :)