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thewritetofreespeech · 3 years

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Hello! This is a funny yet cute thought that came to mind but can I request head cannons of the Brothers and Nowdateables reacting to an Mc that was actually pregnant throughout the program?

She wasn’t showing at first but as the months go by, her stomach is larger as well as her noticeably odd cravings and waddle. So when asked who the dad is or if it happened through the program, she’s like “I was already pregnant and there is no father, I’m inseminated. I’ve always wanted to be a Mom.”

As her stomach shows, she doesn’t mind letting the boys touch her stomach and feel the kicks, attend baby checkups with her, etc. Until God forbid being with her when her water breaks and she goes into labor during RAD or at one of Diavolo’s parties. It’s up to you if you want this to be romantic (For the Brothers + Datables w/o Luke to see the baby as their own child) or platonic for all of them and be protective uncles + Brother to the child.

I debated not doing this one. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I was nervous about all the Obey me baby requests I’m probably gonna get now. LOLOLOLOL XD

Obey me Boys + Pregnant!MC

Lucifer

Disappointed in himself for not knowing about this before hand. It should have been in your file, but he also should have done his due diligence in vetting you.

Once he’s made aware, he takes great care to make sure you’re taken care of.

No highly strenuous activities. No stress. Well balanced meals and soft surroundings.

Schedules and goes to all your doctor’s appointments with you. Takes notes.

Has a trust set up for you & the baby to make sure you’re taken care of for the rest of your lives

Nervous about holding the baby at first, after it’s born, but gets used to it.

Mammon

Shocked when you first tell him, and scared

He’s “Baka-mon” after all. He doesn’t want to accidently hurt you or the baby.

Works really hard to be better for the both of you. No more yelling. No more gambling or late nights. He does all his work on time and some of yours too.

Loves to rest his head on your stomach and feel the baby move.

100% the one that gets the an expensive crib, designer clothes, and a Waterford crystal bear for the baby when it’s born.

Wants the baby to call him “Uncle Mammon” when they can talk. If not Dad

Levi

Nervous. What’s he gonna do with a baby?? Or a pregnant MC???

Tries to stay away from you as much as possible. Something he feels bad about, but he’s just scared of doing something wrong.

Also, not gonna lie, he’s a little jealous that you’re having someone else’s baby. Even if it is from a donor. (avatar of envy ladies and gentleman)

Reads a lot of Slice of Life family manga to be more prepared and in tune with this new ‘family friendly’ genre he’s found himself in

Puts his headphones on your stomach and plays music for the baby, because he read that they can hear it

Nicknames the baby ‘chibi-chan’ after they are born, because they are so small

Satan

Not sure why you were keeping it a secret, or agreed to come to the Devildom if you were pregnant, but handles the news rather well.

Immediately looks into every book on the subject. ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, pregnancy health books, child rearing.

He wants to be informed so he can help you with this process

Makes all your favorites when he’s on kitchen duty. Takes over your days so you can rest more

Incredibly impressed with how well your managing being pregnant, school, and well.....them all at the same time.

Buys every children's book he comes across for the baby when he sees them. They’ll have a library as big as his by the time they can read.

Asmo

Actually really loves babies. They are the product of love, which he is all for. And they’re so cuuuuute!

Immediately offers to take you maternity clothes shopping. Every time you need new clothes.

Decorates your room and the nursery for the baby so it’s a warm, inviting space for the both of you.

Always ready to pamper or give the expecting mother a spa day when she needs it

Desperately tries to have their first word be “Asmo”

Beel

He’s very happy for you. If this is what you want, and you’re following your dream, he’s happy for you and to help wherever he can

King of the weird food craving brigade. He’ll bring you whatever you want, any time you want. He’s probably hungry too anyway

Extremely protective of you. He was already, but now that he knows you have a defenseless life in your body he’ll do anything to keep you safe.

Often decides that walking is too strenuous for you, and carries you around school or House of Lamentation

Best baby sitter. I voted. No take backs.

Belphie

Not the biggest fan of the news.

Babies are loud, and need a lot of attention. And he’s the baby of the family so there can’t be two of them

Tries to be supportive, but it is a struggle for him. I mean...there’s nothing he can do so might as well get on board.

Gives you one of his old blankets to have as the baby blanket. It’s very sentimental

When the baby is born, his attitude changes. He’ll murder anyone who gets too close to the baby or even look at them too long. He’s like one of those cats that curl up with newborns and swat at anyone that gets too close while they are sleeping.

Solomon

Surprised to hear that you are pregnant, but wishes you well all the same

He’s not exactly thrilled you’re having another man’s baby. But you made the decision before you met, so what’s done is done.

Mixes you up a lot of morning sickness relief and joint pain potions to help with your pregnancy

Creates an ever lasting, floating mobile of stars for the baby’s room. Along with protection spells out the wazoo

Decides he will make the baby his new apprentice in magic. When they’re older.

Simeon

Elated to hear the good news!

A new precious life in the world. What could be better than that?

Always ready to help with anything you need. Shopping, cooking, helping to relax, or even just to talk, he’s there

First to buy the baby there own Baby Book, to record all it’s precious first moments and photographs

Petitions on high to be the child’s official Guardian Angel

Luke

He obviously has no experience with this, so he’s interested in where babies come from

Also eager to help. He’s always been the youngest angel, so he’s never had the opportunity to help care for someone else. He really likes the idea of being a ‘big brother’ figure.

Asks a lot of questions. Like....a lot of questions.

Bakes a lot of sweets for you so you can be happy and make sure you’re eating properly

FINALLY! He’s not the smallest anymore!!

Diavolo

Thinks it’s wonderful!

Children are the future. Plus, he is fascinated by human breeding. (not in a creepy way just as a general interest in all things human)

Loves seeing your body grow and change throughout your pregnancy. Is always eager to touch your stomach

Anything you need is yours. Diavolo personally sees to it

Calls your child his little ‘prince or princess’. No matter if you’re romantically involved or not.

Barbatos

Given that he can see the future, he knew that you were pregnant before you told anyone

Puts you on a strict regiment of healthy foods & diet once, you’ve announced it, to make sure you’re getting proper nutrition

Also sneaks in some sweets now & then. He’s a demon, not a monster.

Handles everything from setting doctors appointments to getting the nursery organized for the baby’s arrival

His life’s mission is to make sure you and the baby are cared for. Next to his prince, you two are his top priority now.

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lemonsqueezee · 3 years

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S2 E5

This episode is a tough one to watch.

June is severely depressed. We see her progressively becoming almost catatonic. She’s back at the Waterford house, she learned that the economan who helped her was hung and his family punished, and she’s realized that she’s stuck. No escape. No hope for her baby - another child will be taken away from her. It’s why she isn’t able to tell anyone she’s bleeding. She’s given up, and I’m sure deep in her mind she feels that if the baby dies, it’s better than being raised in Gilead, by the Waterford’s no less.

Nick, on the other hand, is emboldened by his worry for her. We can see him becoming brave and almost careless for his own safety. He sees June fading away, like the first Offred, but this time it’s the woman he loves, who’s also carrying his baby. His love for her makes him start taking risks without caring about consequences - he takes possession of the letters, and he confronted Serena about June’s mental health and tells her she needs to take her to a doctor. Pretty ballsy.

I think this is the first time we see him actually put himself on the line and show Serena and Fred his cards by daring to care for June.

During the wedding, Nick keeps checking in on her. Needing to see her, to let her know that he’s not ok with this. Worrying about her. Keeping the connection. The part that moves me the most is when says his vows, he can’t tear his eyes away from her. His “I Do” is aimed at her - he’s vowing himself only to June.

When he’s back at the Waterford’s reading the Love Is Patient Bible verse, he makes a point to look at June when he says “endures all things.” He’s letting her know that they’ll get through this. This sham marriage doesn’t change his feelings for her. Then he sits in front of her to make his point, to align himself with her.

I love how Fred tells Nick that “A good woman will lift you up” - he has no idea that Nick already has that in June. Her bravery and love for him gave him the courage to risk his life for her in this episode. He attempts to save her mentally, and then he literally saves her physically at the end.

I also need to point out that this man is just incredible. All June has to do is tell him something once - don’t tell me what to do, don’t call me Offred - and he listens. He can’t bring himself to refer to her as Offred in this episode, it legit makes him feel sick. His perceptiveness just blows me away, and it proves how important her happiness and her autonomy is to him.

This episode is meant to show the breakdown of Nick and June, but it also shows how their love is unbreakable. As we’ve seen in the following seasons, there’s nothing anyone can do to break their bond. It’s everlasting.

#nick x june #osblaine #nick blaine #june osborne #s2 e5 #their bond is unbreakable

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scarlettatg · 2 years

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The Handmaid’s Tale

Season 3 Episode 09 Heroic

Janine. I know how we can help her.

Mrs. Waterford, may I speak to you for a moment? Come closer. It's a secret.

Well... now I know why you took a swipe at Mrs. Waterford. Dr. Maddox. Dr. Maddox, she was scary.

I honor the Handmaid's life by saving her child. How will you honor your daughters?

This is one of my favorite episodes in season 3. I think it’s an important one to understand June’s journey throughout the season. That journey wasn’t an easy one to watch. As an audience we see June as a hero, but in reality she’s just a woman trying to survive and get to her daughters. She’s also not supposed to have a well thought out plan that doesn’t end with consequences. Her main purpose wasn’t to bring Gilead down it has always been her daughters. Circumstances and her impulsiveness put her in the leader spot. It’s difficult to see who we think is the hero of the story becoming villainous, to see them show qualities that are morally questionable in normal circumstances; but these aren’t normal circumstances. June is in a war and she’s been brutalized time and time again. She didn’t choose to be here, she was forced to be here.

The doctor clearly tells her she’s suicidal. Since when, since I realized I’m probably never going to see my daughter’s ever again. At the beginning of season 3 June feels empowered, she was able to keep her promise to Holly & gets her out. She sees it’s a possibility, she has hope. So she begins to make careless decisions. Many people ask why does she insist in wanting to see Hannah and I think the answer to that is obvious. As a mother wouldn’t you? If the last thing your daughter asked you was “am I ever going to see you again?” and you replied I’ll try; wouldn’t you try? I would. Did she know what the consequences would be, probably not and she didn’t expect OffMathew to tell on her either. That was a terrible choice on her part and realizing that because of that Hannah was moved has to hurt her deeply; besides leaving Hannah without her Martha. People also forget that being isolated is one of the most effective forms of torture. Like Dr. Yates says:

“I warned them. I said, "You can't leave that girl in here, praying... for months on end." The brain atrophies in isolation and breeds despair.”

That’s why June is broken. When she had the opportunity to kill OffMathew she wasn’t doing it because she wanted OffMathew’s best interest, she had hers best interest first. She was being selfish. When she assaulted Serena she knew the consequences were death. June in this moment has nothing. Holly is gone, Hannah is gone, Nick is gone. She’s utterly alone physically and emotionally and the guilt of her choices & the reality of where she is, is eating her from the inside.

That’s why the mention of her mother is so important in this episode. It gives June a memory of strength, something to hold on to. And those words “how will you honor your daughters” gave her a purpose. The same purpose her mother had when trying to make the world better for June. June keeps making some questionable choices after this episode but her purpose is clear. Sacrificing herself for a bigger purpose. Save her friend’s children because she can’t save her own and hurt Gilead the way they hurt her and her friends.

How does someone that has gone through what she has becomes capable of fighting back while keeping their humanity? Well that’s how you become heroic. You make questionable choices and you do your best hold on to your humanity. Who ever thinks June doesn’t carry the guilt of the people she’s lost are clearly not understanding. She can’t really dwell on those emotions. Ruthlessness is important. And she’s not a military commander she will simply try to do something and no matter what it is there will always be a consequence.

Why do I love this journey so much? Because it isn’t pink and perfect. It’s messy. It’s complicated and it’s imperfect. It is not real to have a perfect plan with no casualties or consequences. What she gets to do by the end of the season is heroic. She sacrifices herself for a purpose. And she was lucky. Pulling it off was luck but she did pull it off. Now I wonder how that translates to her journey in season 5.

#june osborne #the handmaid's tale #nick blaine #osblaine #nick x june #serena waterford #gilead

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bo-kryzze · 3 years

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What do you think of fans who say June and Nick aren't bonded with Holly?

Oh I have such strong opinions on this topic.

Short answer: I think they’re dead wrong.

Long answer: With June. I think her focus on Hannah gets wildly misinterpreted as a slight to Holly. When it’s not. The reality is Holly is safe in Canada while Hannah is trapped in Gilead. I fully believe if the situation were reversed and Hannah was safe and Holly was trapped in Gilead, June would be just as focused on trying to get Holly out as she is with Hannah.

And she has, June was nothing if not determined to get that baby out of Gilead and succeeded in the season 2 finale. And was equally as determined to keep her in Canada in season 3.

June’s pregnancy with Holly was certainly complicated for her emotionally speaking. That’s not a reflection on her love for this child. There are so many moments I can point to that illustrate that June has a strong bond with Holly. To sum it up.

She’s been very protective of Holly overall. She got Rita and Aunt Lydia to agree to protect the baby after Serena told her she can't stay at the home.

The part of June that willingly got on the boat to Canada, got on at the prospect of seeing Holly again. Once there, the only thing June was remotely vocal about wanting- was to see Holly.

During her testimony, June speaks very fondly of Holly, puts particular emphasis on Holly being HER daughter. And mentions the Waterfords forbid any contact with the baby until she convinced them to allow her some time.

Her bringing that up at the testimony shows that it's 1) important to her 2) shows how painful that separation from her baby truly was. Thinking back to that scene of June lying on her bedroom floor, listening to Holly cry without being able to hold or comfort her. That in of itself speaks volumes.

In the season 4 finale, June holds her close and asks for “five minutes with her."

For better or worse, June has chosen to devote her life to a war. Before she goes, she wants to spend five minutes with Holly. Not with Luke or Moira but her daughter. For real, if June could fight a war with Holly on her hip, she totally would! That’s just not practical or safe for Holly.

Lastly, she speaks to Holly with the same inflections as she does with Hannah. She’s not remotely distant with her. She's actually super affectionate. Name a mom who kisses their child’s face more. June just can’t be a normal mom to her right now. Yeah, she’s had less time with Holly compared to those 5 years with Hannah pre-Gilead. That really doesn’t mean much.

Quality of time together vs. time spent together. Quality always wins out.

With Nick. He’s shown nothing but love for his and June’s baby from his reaction to June’s pregnancy onwards. He risked so much to get them both out. His reunion with Holly in 4x09 was so sweet and I love how at ease he is with her. Something else I really loved about that scene for Nick, was he really got to be her dad there. Something he hasn’t been afforded much of due to circumstances.

The image of him buying that doll gives me such life. That gesture says a lot about his love for his daughter. He wants her to have something he gave her to hold on to, when he can’t be with her. So in the future, Holly will know her daddy loves her. Which is so beautiful and pretty tragic.

In conclusion: They love her and the parent-child bond is very much there.

I can’t help but wonder if people project the trauma of Gilead onto Holly’s relationship with her parents, particularly her and June. Which is weird. I see no one arguing that Janine is less bonded to Charlotte than she was with Celeb. In the future, Holly will have to cope with the fact that she was born in Gilead. That’s not her fault. She's got an huge advantage over other children born there, in that her parents genuinely love each other.

#nick x june #the handmaid's tale #laura's askbox #long post

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dystopiandramaqueen · 3 years

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i'd love to read a meta on Nick and Beth's relationship in the show 😔

Let's take a look at Nick and Beth.

In "The Art and Making of The Handmaid's Tale", Max Minghella says:

"For example, Nick clearly has some sort of relationship with a Martha at Jezebel's, but it's not really delved into. You don't know exactly what the history of that is there, what the nature of that is, emotionally. I really love that, I love getting to leave some room for the audience to lean in a bit and bring in their own ideas."

Beth isn’t a character in Margaret Atwood's iconic book. She was added for the show.

So all we're left with is Max and Kristen's brief moments together on screen in 1x08, 1x09, and 3x03.

A few things are very clear.

They’re bad kids. Trouble makers. Rebels. Punks.

Trading illegal goods on the black market.

(Continued Under The Cut!)

They're friends.

Exchanging jokes. Doing eachother favors. Watching each other's backs. Connecting outside their Gilead roles.

Beth's confused when Nick uses a formal Gilead farewell (The Eyes thank you for your service). She asks if he's ok- more willing to believe he's joking than withdrawing from her.

They TRUST eachother.

Nick trusts Beth enough to be vulnerable around her. He lets his guard down enough to smile, joke, and ask questions that would him killed if he asked anyone else. She's his safe haven.

Nick Blaine doesn't trust anyone. This lets me know Beth must be trustworthy. Must have passed his tests. She's a good secret keeper. A good person.

The consequence of all of this honesty? Beth can see right through him. She knows him better than he knows himself. When he starts making stupid reckless decisions bc he's got a crush, she gives him good advice. Tough love. And he knows shes right because her trusts her.

He’s into her.

Nick wants to impress Beth. He listens when she talks. He knows that cooking is her biggest freedom, and how much she misses fresh herbs. He steals to give her a chance to cook with fresh herbs, the way she used to.

He likes the way her face lights up when she's happy.

He doesn't want to worry her. He eats and compliments her pasta even when his stomach is churning. Like an obedient, !good boi. Because he likes her and wants her to be happy.

I get a feeling this is a glimpse of pre-Gilead Nick. The kind of thoughtful boyfriend he would be in a normal world.

They're lovers.

Not new lovers, either.

How often? My gut feeling is they've hooked up several times over the past year, maybe once or twice a month. Waterford only takes each Handmaid to Jezebel's once during their year long posting, but you know his corrupt ass goes there at least once a month to blow off steam. Those would be official excuses for Nick to see Beth, but he might have snuck over a few times on his own as well.

Beth can ask him if he wants to fuck without saying a word. Consent is implied, because before tonight- this is all it would take for Beth to get a roll in the sheets with Nick. Showing him she's interested.

Beth isn't afraid of being seen by other Martha's, so their relationship was no secret in that kitchen. One night stands between staff must not be the most shocking behavior at Jezebel's.

Note how automatically his body responds to hers, his eyelids lowering, opening to let her closer, resting his hands on her hips effortlessly because touches like this are familiar and comfortable.

He's not resisting. It feels good. He's into it.

The script says that Beth was offering him a blow job there in the kitchen, which was their usual.

I think it's clear they've done more than oral. I think they go to her room to hook up. Nick doesn't sleep over. He gets dressed right after, smiles, thanks her, and it's over. Nothing more asked, nothing more given.

It's low risk sex, since Beth is infertile. No babies, no consequences.

Just fun. No strings attached.

She wants more than he does

I think Nick's poverty and family addictions forced him to put up walls early. He learned that everyone he loves dies or gets hurt. That's why he prefers to avoid attachments. They only lead to pain. I think he went into his relationship with Beth in that mindset, and he intentionally kept it at a distance.

June may not have been Nick's first lover, but she was his first LOVE.

We said above- Nick is honest with Beth. He doesn't lie to her. He respects her enough to break it off, even though it's a little awkward for both of them.

He breaks off his casual relationship with Beth because he'd met his soulmate. His lovemaking with June was so intimate and spiritual and life changing that he's already in love with June. And Love is sacred to Nick. Being with Beth after meeting the love of his life would feel like cheating on June.

He doesn't lead Beth on, which shows his DEEP RESPECT for her.

A #fuckboi would have let her blow him in the kitchen. Nick isn’t a #fuckboi. He's not into girls just for the sex. He only sleeps with people he can deeply connect with and yaknow, anyone Gilead forces him to fuck against his will my poor son it aint right.

When Nick goes to Lawrence's house in S3, Beth expresses disappointment that hes not there for her, clearly still carrying a torch for him. Nick doesn’t know what to say, so he says nothing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In conclusion:

I find it fascinating that Nick wasn’t able to find what he was looking for with Beth.

I find their arrangement very erotic. Friends with benefits, casual lovers with no strings. What does that look like?

What does it look like to surrender your body to someone but not your heart?

I love that fucking was no big deal for them, but commitment was over the line.

I will explore these dynamics in Indulgences- my vampire au prequel to @nickblaine's Nightshade that ill start posting once Nightshade is complete.

I'm also working on some cannonverse Nick x Beth scenes showing what I think their encounters at Jezebel's looked like.

Fic Recs: (click for links to A03)

Lemons by @volaremos has... *perfect* Nick x Beth platonic content. Gilead never existed AU with Beth written exactly as I see her in my head. Fucking love the characterization and content.

@benofie did a great fic called Nick's Bliss- discussing Nick with his previous girlfriends, and how he got so attuned to his lover’s bodies.

In my fic Six Feet Deep- Chapter 3 shows a brief encounter between Nick and Beth when he thinks June is gone forever.

Protection is my fic where Nick lets the Eyes interrogate him instead of Beth. No smut, just whump.

Mayday by @chappedlipsfingertips on A03 - I haven't read this one yet, I can't wait to.

Ghosts is my 10 year post Gilead AU fic with Beth the worried best friend helping Nick find love again.

Beth got done dirty in the show. I was so sorry to see her character die in cannon, but you will live on in fic.

RIP Rebel Queen.

Thank you @nickblaine for the lovely #kapblaine gifs and the ask that you knew I was born to answer.

#nick blaine #the handmaid's tale #beth #meta

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arctic-comet · 3 years

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Osblaine week 2021, Day 2: Lyrics

Over the last several weeks, I have carefully curated a playlist for Osblaine. The final total length of the playlist is 2 hours and 53 minutes.

The playlist can be found HERE

Click "Keep Reading" if you're interested in the introduction, commentary, more graphics and the full tracklist.

For full disclosure, I have to give some of the credit to my amazing fellow Osblaine fangirls @dystopiandramaqueen, @splitscreen and everyone who participated in a certain conversation for the original inspiration and even bringing up some of the songs.

You should look at the playlist in five parts: one section for each season that's aired and one section for the future (because I like to end things on a hopeful note).

The playlist contains a lot of the following:

Music from movie and TV soundtracks

Instrumental music

Remixes

Classics and covers of classics

Country music. I blame Florida. My sincerest apologies.

Some of the songs were chosen because they reminded me of a certain Osblaine scene, and some of them aren't specific to particular scenes but chosen for the general Osblaine vibe. And most of the movie/TV music I chose have been used for couples that remind me of Nick and June.

Part I- Season 1, first 12 songs of the playlist:

Forbidden Love- Abel Korzeniowski, Jasper Randall, The Hollywood Studio Symphony (Romeo & Juliet)

Fireflies- Owl City

Echoes in Rain- Enya

My Ghost- Glass Pear (Bones)

Daring to Hope- Anne Dudley (Poldark)

Everytime We Touch- Cascada

1000 Times- Sara Bareilles

Too Good At Goodbyes- Sam Smith

In Case You Don't Live Forever- Ben Platt

To Find You- Cast of Sing Street, Brenock O’Connor

She- Elvis Costello (Notting Hill)

Miracle- Instrumental- Cö Shu Nie

Hanging By A Moment- Lifehouse

Commentary:

The first instrumental song IMO works as an intro for their entire love story.

The next two songs are more about having the right vibe. It's a little ambiguous and dark because that's how their life is in Gilead.

Leave my door open just a crack

Please take me away from here

'Cause I feel like such an insomniac

Please take me away from here

Why do I tire of counting sheep?

Please take me away from here

When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

***

Wait for the sun

Watching the sky

Black as a crow

Night passes by

Taking the stars

So far away

Everything flows

Here comes another new day

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

***

"My Ghost" is June's POV before they sleep together, wondering if she can trust Nick:

Who can you trust, in this place?

And whom can I put my faith?

If you're real, then show me now,

Who you are

The last two songs are for episode 1x10, for both Nick’s reaction to June’s pregnancy and the beginning of her first escape attempt (arranged by Nick).

She may be the face I can't forget The trace of pleasure or regret May be my treasure or the price I have to pay She may be the song that summer sings Maybe the chill that autumn brings Maybe a hundred different things Within the measure of a day

Part II- Season 2, next 10 songs:

Love Will Keep Us Alive- Eagles

So Easy- Phillip Phillips

Incomplete- James Bay

Rewrite the Stars- The Piano Guys (The Greatest Showman)

I’ll Be Your Shelter- Taylor Dayne

Love Never Fails- Brandon Heath

P.S. I Love You- 05:11- John Powell (P.S. I Love You)

It's A Girl- Mychel Danna (The Time Traveler's Wife)

I'll Stand By You- Josh Groban, Helene Fischer

The Miracle of Love- Eurythmics

Commentary:

The first four songs cover June’s escape attempt and the time they share at the Boston Globe.

"Incomplete" is Nick's POV from when she's on the run and he knows she'll be gone from his life soon. He lives in the moment.

I don't wanna look down

I don't want us to break up in the clouds

All I want is to stay us, to stay with you now

"I'll Be Your Shelter" is for when June's mental health is at its lowest point and he goes to Serena to beg for her to get June help.

What you need is a friend to count on

What you got baby you got someone

Who will stay when the rain is fallin'

And won't let it fall on you

P.S. I Love You takes me back to episode 2.09, Nick’s selflessness in the episode and of course the scene where after telling June that Luke loves her, he tells her that he loves her too, despite believing she probably doesn’t feel the same way.

It's A Girl makes me think of the beautiful moment they share during June's false labor when he helps her out of the van and they climb the steps together.

I’ll Stand By You is for 2.10, Nick holding June after she was heartbroken over Hannah and over what the Waterfords did to her and clinging onto him.

Part III- Season 3, next 6 songs:

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close- Alexandre Desplat (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)

All I Ask- Adele

Never Enough- Loren Allred (The Greatest Showman)

I Don’t Wanna Live Forever- Taylor Swift, ZAYN (Fifty Shades Darker)

Love is Gone- SLANDER, Dylan Matthew

Constellations- The Oh Hellos

Commentary:

For obvious reasons, it was extremely difficult to pick songs for this season.

The first (instrumental) song is for the beginning of the season with June coming back to the Waterford house and them then saying goodbye to each other on the street.

All I Ask, Never Enough, I Don't Wanna Live Forever and Love Is Gone are for their night together in June’s room at Lawrence’s (the one we didn’t get to see sigh). They know it's possible it's all they'll ever have, and they'll take it, but it'll never be enough.

I will leave my heart at the door I won't say a word They've all been said before, you know So why don't we just play pretend? Like we're not scared of what's coming next Or scared of having nothing left

Look, don't get me wrong I know there is no tomorrow All I ask is

If this is my last night with you Hold me like I'm more than just a friend Give me a memory I can use Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do It matters how this ends 'Cause what if I never love again?

***

All the shine of a thousand spotlights

All the stars we steal from the night sky

Will never be enough

Never be enough

Towers of gold are still too little

These hands could hold the world but it'll

Never be enough

***

I'm sorry, don't leave me, I want you here with me

I know that your love is gone

I can't breathe, I'm so weak, I know this isn't easy

Don't tell me that your love is gone

That your love is gone

"Constellations" is for their long separation and the doubts that I'm sure plagued them both during it. Would they ever see each other again?

Part IV- S4, next 12 songs:

All of Me- John Legend

(Everything I do) I Do It For You- Bryan Adams

Iris- Natalie Taylor (City of Angels)

She Was Like A Bright Light- Hans Zimmer, Rupert Greyson-Williams (Winter’s Tale)

Noah's Last Letter- Aaron Zigman (The Notebook)

What’s In The Middle- the bird and the bee (Bones)

ivy- Taylor Swift

Footprints in the Sand- Leona Lewis

Remember Me (Lullaby)- Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriella Flores (Coco)

On The Nature Of Daylight- Max Richter

My Heart Will Go On- Basil Jose (Titanic)

The Story- Sara Ramirez (Grey's Anatomy)

Commentary:

There were sooo many songs I wanted to include in part IV, but I controlled myself and ended up with this particular dozen.

"She Was Like A Bright Light" and "Noah’s Last Letter" are an instrumental double punch to the gut for Nick’s time in Gilead during episodes 4.07-4.09. The first one is meant for when he finds out June made it to Canada, and the 2nd for is for when he starts to gather info on Hannah to give to June.

"What’s in the Middle" and "ivy" are June’s POV of episodes 4.07-4.09.

"What's In The Middle" has more of an angry and confused vibe, and June was definitely both in episodes 7 and 8.

Losing your head is such a common theme

All your brains are falling out, falling out the open seams

Where is the heart, is the heart of the matter

I will empty out my skull of all this useless chatter

On the other hand, "ivy" has this haunted vibe, but there's also reverence and acceptance, which she begins to achieve in episode 9.

Oh, goddamn

My pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand

Taking mine, but it's been promised to another

Oh, I can't

Stop you putting roots in my dreamland

My house of stone, your ivy grows

And now I'm covered in you

The next three songs are of course all for their reunion in 4.09, and I couldn’t resist including the song that was actually played in the scene.

"The Story" draws the season to a close nicely, with June understanding that her current needs are different from what they used to be and that there’s someone who understands her completely (and it’s not Luke).

You see the smile that's on my mouth

It's hiding the words that don't come out

And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed

They don't know my head is a mess

No, they don't know who I really am

And they don't know what I've been through like you do

And I was made for you

Part V- Season 5 and Beyond, the last 6 songs

Secret Love Song- Little Mix, Jason Derulo

Burn With You- Lea Michele

The Bones- Maren Morris

Feels Like Home- Auli'i Carvalho, Keegan DeWitt

Love Will Find A Way- Piano Covers (Lion King II)

Like I'll Never Love You Again- Carrie Underwood

“Secret Love Song” is a more angsty tune about a love that’s still kept a secret like June and Nick’s love (as far as most people are concerned). Now that they’ve already made out in front of the man who raped and abused June and made Nick watch him do that, I want to believe they can let go of the secrecy in S5, at least when it comes to a few people.

I'm living for that day Someday Can I hold you in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dancefloor? I wish that we could be like that Why can't we it be like that? Cause I'm yours, I'm yours Why can't you hold me in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dancefloor? I wish that it could be like that Why can't it be like that? Cause I'm yours Why can't I say that I'm in love? I wanna shout it from the rooftops I wish that it could be like that Why can't we be like that? Cause I'm yours Why can't we be like that? Wish we could be like that

***

“Bones” is about a relationship with a strong foundation, which IMO they do have. It will carry them in the future, too. They’re more into each other now than ever before and especially June is coming to terms with how strong that love is. They’ll weather any storm.

When the bones are good, the rest don't matter

Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter

Let it break 'cause you and I remain the same

When there ain't a crack in the foundation

Baby, I know any storm we're facing

Will blow right over while we stay put

The house don't fall when the bones are good

***

“Feels Like Home” is more hopeful. Their home is with each other and I hope that’s something that will be explored more in the future.

Take me, I'm ready

Go slow but go steady

To a place that we can call our own

I wanna know what feels like home

***

“Like I’ll Never Love You Again” is a good conclusion for the playlist. It’s hopeful and a testament to an epic love.

I wanna love you like the rain on a roof

Stronger than a bottle of a hundred ten proof

I wanna take love to places that love has never been

Yeah, I wanna love you like I'll never love you again

And I'll love you again

Oh, and again

#the handmaid’s tale #nick x june #osblaine #osblaineweek2021

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nellie-elizabeth · 3 years

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The Handmaid's Tale: Milk (4x04)

Intense as always!

Cons:

I don't really get why Rita told Fred about Serena's pregnancy. She could have just ghosted them. It felt odd that she'd go to him and, arguably, help him in this roundabout way, all for the sake of getting herself out of the situation. Rita is a character who we haven't gotten to see much of, and I'm excited about the opportunity to explore her more. But while the conversation with Serena was fascinating and horrifying in equal measure, her motivations in going to Fred seemed obscure to me.

Just as like... a general note? This is an extremely white show, and I think it's telling that when they engage with race at all, it's done in this very side-eyeing kind of way. Like... Rita was a slave, owned by white people. And yeah, I get that there are Marthas and Handmaids of every race or whatever, but there's still a choice being made there and the show isn't really stepping up to say anything about that decision they've made. There's also the fact that we meet a new character of color in this episode and then he immediately turns around and demands sex as payment from June or Janine. What kind of message are we painting here? In a show where bad things happen to everyone and most people have committed evil acts, I'm not saying that having characters of color in those positions is automatically a problem. But when you've got a predominantly white cast and a white protagonist... I don't know. It's definitely been a problem this show has carried with it from day one, and I just wanted to name that here.

Pros:

What I liked about Rita in this episode, though, was how she's the clearest example of someone who clearly remembers and had a full life before Gilead was ever a thing, and yet now that she's escaped, she doesn't automatically wash her hands of it and say "oh, well, that's behind me, then." She's very reserved, she's quiet, she continues to dress and speak conservatively. She keeps calling Serena "ma'am". It's chilling, because whoever Rita was before all of this, it's hard to see her ever getting back to that. She's forever changed.

I also think the Serena and Rita scene exemplifies one of the strongest and most chilling components of this show, which is that Gilead exists for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest ones, and a very true one, is that the birthrate had declined to almost nothing. It's true, and all people in the world are fixated on this problem. Rita is overjoyed and shocked to learn that Serena is pregnant. She's genuinely happy at the thought of another baby being born in the world. Because it's this thing that connects all of humanity, worry about the future of the human race.

I don't have sympathy for Serena. She can rot in hell. But I do have sympathy for Rita, and I think it's interesting how she can know how she feels, and want nothing to do with the Waterfords, but also have this moment where she and Serena are celebrating together over something. It's this sad echo of what the world could look like. Everyone working together towards a common goal with consent and vigor.

Then we've got June and Janine. They manage to get onto a train heading towards Chicago, and end up swimming in an entire cargo container full of milk. Which was odd, and kind of pointless, ultimately, but let's go with it. Complicated relationships abound in this show, and here we see Janine pushing back against June treating her like an idiot. Telling her that the others died because of June, because they loved her and waited for her, and June turned them in and now they're dead. June is clearly carrying the weight of those dead on her shoulders, but she lashes out at Janine, saying that she should have left her a long time ago.

But when it comes time for them to escape and re-enter American territory, they are united once again, and make joint decisions, and try to be there for each other in every way they can. I liked the back and forth here, that June says some things that might be unforgiveable but Janine still has her back anyway.

And god. Janine. The flashbacks to her origin story were chilling because they tell a tale that's so real, and so true to what a lot of people are put through today. I liked the bait and switch when we see that Janine's abortion was for her second child, that she had her son already and that this wasn't a story about a girl changing her mind about terminating a pregnancy. The pregnancy center that preyed on Janine was so insidious in the lies it told, and then when she goes to a real doctor and finds out how easy it is, you can see the moment of relief. This story showed us a lot about who Janine is as a person. She's pretty easily shaken and is maybe not the sturdiest person in the world, but she does have conviction and she's "not a mushroom" as she later tells June. She can't just be kept in the dark and lied to. She knows what she wants and she can make her own choices.

Which is why her choice, ultimately, to let the American guy have sex with her so she and June can stay, is just... well, fuck. June in a position where she just couldn't bring herself to go through with it, vs. Janine's casual reveal at the end that it "wasn't so bad..." Different people react to trauma and abuse in vastly different ways. Obviously neither of them should be condemned in this moment. But there was something fun-house-mirror sweet about Janine being willing to do that because she could see that June couldn't, and they'd run out of other options. As much as June is the boss, Janine is seeing now that she's not infallible.

There's probably a lot more I could talk about. Janine and June are officially out of Gilead, but they still have a ways to go before they reach Chicago, and possibly Mayday connections. What's the long-term plan, then? Is June still trying to make it to Hannah, or is she aiming bigger? Seems like it. We'll find out more soon!

7.5/10

#review #the handmaids tale #the handmaids tale review #the handmaid's tale #the handmaid's tale review #handmaid's tale #handmaid's tale review #handmaids tale #handmaids tale review

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stardustpinkart · 3 years

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Fred getting pardoned sucks, but Im not exactly suprised, this is how the real goverment even works. Huge monsters get away with there monsterous crimes. Or people make deals. Even if you KNOW someones guilty they sometimes let monsters out of prisons that deserve a live sentence(death is maybe too quick a way out, they deserve to get torn to bits in prison instead). Its awful but its life.

HOWEVER

Is Fred really not going to get punished? Hes snitched on his buddies, he cant go back to Gilead surely? So he’ll have to stay in Canada... And many people know what he did. There are more people vying for the Waterfords to be punished than realeased.

Vigilante justice is liable to occur. If nothing else they’d be spitting on this asshole in the street. Maybe JUNE will be the one to shoot him dead, but I kind of hope not for her sake. Given how goverments are always warped, if she ended up imprisoned after everytjings shes gone through? That’d be so wrong.

Also I felt this ep showed all the more how men have the power in this world despite women being so “precious”, to have children. With the fucked up relationship they have I think either would leave them hung out to dry. Fred just happens to be the one having that option right now.

And that the wives are just as piosnious and two faced. I know Naomi doesnet seem to particularly want her OWN baby but I do wonder, they seem to get some priveldges one way or another....

Becka is permitted to the fancy school becuase her father is a good detnist but an everyday man. Mothers wed off there daughters to powerful commanders for position and prestige. Having a certain amount of things makes you more superior... Having another baby might be considered a accolade.

And these women are willing to steal even from each other, save Eleanor and Esther wives are toxic bitches, like rich ladies lording it over all and talking behind each others backs, all fake smiles to each other.

I doubt Serena will be allowed her child but IF her “friend” took him, you can bet she’d never see him again despite her fake reasurrances.

Its also perfect becuase Serena now INDEED is getting a taste of the pain all those mothers felt when Gilead stole there children.

Spiolers also make me worry Hannh will NEVER get out of Gilead, but, if they take material from “The Testaments” as they already have, she probably will eventually.

Actually it might be kinda cool if the protaganists of the next series were her and Holly/Nicole. Especially if they have Holly sneak into Gilead as a teenager to help bring it down. There as brave and strong as there mother. Its a possibiltiy, I cant wait for the next, and I hope the last season(DONT drag it out, DONT keep us hanging, please, we need a satisfying ending and its already been suggested it will be happyish, depending on your opion)

#the handmaid's tale #handmaids tale #the handmaids tale season 4

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aislinswalsh · 4 years

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AHHHH IS THIS REAL LIFE? I’M SO EXCITED TO BE HERE WOW ! hello friends ! i’m so pumped to get to know all of your children, and i hope you like my painfully irish angel bby aislin. her app did get a bit long so i tried to type up a tldr version, but shutting me up is practically impossible so forgive me if that’s long too. i do have a few wanted connections listed below as well, but if nothing tickles your fancy i’m super open to seeing where the cat drags us or plotting out something else entirely ! @opalsmedia

bio that’s just my app . pinterest . playlist .

[ HALEY LU RICHARDSON, CISWOMAN, SHE/HER ] shh ! AISLIN WALSH, the TWENTY-ONE year old SECOND year FILM & PHILOSOPHY major from WATERFORD IRELAND, is known as a SAPPHIRE around here. SHE was invited to join because OF HER AWARD WINNING SHORT FILMS, and now, they’re here to stay. SHE reminds me of PICKING FLOWERS ON HER WAY TO CLASS, WRITING LOVE LETTERS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES, THE ART OF SETTING YOURSELF ON FIRE TO KEEP OTHERS WARM.

A Very Brief History:

Aislin grew up a very wild child, which her parents did not like at all. They chose to pay more attention to her brother who muted himself for their approval, and followed them blindly. She took solace in books, and making her own little movies or music videos with her friends. Think of those cringey MVs made by seventh graders. Very imaginative as a child as she spent a lot of time alone. She learned how to entertain herself no matter the occasion, and played a lot with the nannies, maids, gardeners, and cooks on their estate.

She comes from old money, as the Walsh’s own a long line of car manufacturers throughout the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Her family praises her older brother for being responsible for getting a deal to import their cars to the US and asia. He was also a member of the society, and her parents never expected Aislin to be invited to join. Especially her mother who doesn’t believe her interest in Film and Philosophy isn’t attractive for a “young elite”

“Talk less, smile more.” ( shoutout to hamilton ) a phrase she commonly heard as she always has a million thoughts running through her mind. Each one she deemed important. There was so much to the world she didn’t understand, and had yet to see. It’s what made her so passionate about exploring it through film. To insert her own philosophy and start discussions around whatever thought was plaguing her the most. But her mother wished she would just shut up and let important people feel important.

The lack of attention from her parents made her a strong people pleaser. Searching for the approval she didn’t get from home no matter how hard she tried. She’s always there to lend a helping hand no matter how late, will be the ear someone needs and offer her best advice. Believes that her loyalty and devotion will earn her the love she so often felt she didn’t receive from her parents. Aislin knows what it’s like to feel neglected and like she’s not being paid attention to and she never wants people to feel that way so she showers everyone in the love she wishes her parents will show to her.

Aislin has a mind for wonder, and an imagination that knows no bounds because she can’t do the things she watches the protagonists she writes do. It’s her only form of escape from her life and she wishes she could live freely as her protagonists do but watching them in films would have to be enough. A passion that shows through as she as three award winning short films she’s known around the film community for. Those films being: “For the Love of a Daughter”, “The Problem with a Promise”, and “The Ways in Which Footprints Lie”.

Personality:

She puts others before herself always no matter the situation. She isn’t a prideful person, so she’s typically the first to apologize whenever any sign of conflict arises even if she wasn’t the reason the conflict started.

It’s really hard for her to stand up for herself, and will usually just allow people to take advantage of her or walk all over her. She’s scared of disappointing people so she does her best to keep the peace at all times.

Aislin wishes to be selfish, and put herself first but can’t bring herself to do it. So she takes out her wishes through her works. Her protagonists are always free spirited, strong willed, and openly opinionated because she feels like she can’t be.

She romanticizes every aspect of her life, and tries to find joy in the little things. She’s quick on her feet, and performs well under pressure. Also tries her best to give everyone she meets the benefit of the doubt even if they come with their fair share of bad interactions. Even if they treat her poorly she tries to find the good in them.

Wanted Connections:

her muse. this person is someone she longs to be like. they inspire her most ambitious of characters because of how selfishly and carefree they’re able to live. she notices how they put their wants first without showing shame, and aislin tries to mimic their speech, and the way they interact with others but she always folds. she wants to be close to this person in hopes their habits will rub off on her. she’s afraid to ask how they got so assertive because she doesn’t want them to pity her or be annoyed but they’re remain a dream to her all the same.

the one that got away. it’s aislin’s fault these two didn’t work out. she couldn’t get out of her own head. they weren’t ever a couple but this muse was very sweet on her, and aislin wasn’t use to that. she was constantly thinking it was only a matter time before she disappointed them. she was hot then cold, clingy then distant and it made her feels seem like mixed signals. this muse could only take so much and eventually stopped pursuing her all together. something aislin knew was coming yet couldn’t bring herself to stop.

her comfort crowd. this could definitely be a few muses ! these people would be her group of don’t ask don’t tell. they’d have their own code, and hold each other secrets to their heart and take them to the grave. they all have access to each other’s places, know their favorite foods, and spend all night sharing secrets, reciting dreams, and being their most authentic selves. in the days that follow their stress relief they don’t speak of that night, pretending like it didn’t happen until they need another night like it again.

her midas touch. this person manages to always get her out of her comfort zone, and do things she normally wouldn’t for herself. they can see the way she struggles with doing for others and doing for herself and want them to choose herself. they sometimes get into arguments over it because no matter how many steps she takes forward she always ends right back treating others in the way she should treat herself.

her skeptic. this person thinks her treat people with kindness attitude is nothing but an act. they believe she’s working some kind of angle, whether it be within the society, her department, her inner circle, etc. they just don’t trust the way she acts. fully believing there’s more to her sweet persona than meets the eye.

#opalsintro #I tried my best to condense her bio so pls if you have any questions dont be afraid to ask !!#im once again SO EXCITED TO BE HERE

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royalbluehues · 4 years

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Unholy Reverence.

Title: Unholy Reverence.

Author: royalbluehues

Warnings: I am aware of the severity of practicing divination. Though it is implicated that MC does dirty business, please don’t be like MC- and “Ever mind the Rule of Three, three times what thou givest returns to thee...”

Pairings: Thomas Shelby x Reader

Author’s Note: I’m simping for too many men rn. Just a drabble I had in my drafts. It doesn’t really have a plot. Just a scene I envisioned in my head. Maybe a part 2? Idk.

He pulled a match from the small box, then quickly swiped it along the striker on it’s side.

The wooden match burst to life, illuminating his face all the while elongating the shadows of his lashes and dramatizing the angles of his cheekbones. He cups his hand around the flame, bringing it to the cigarette dangling from his lips before extinguishing it in two hard shakes.

The smell of the extinguished flame reaches your nose, reminding you of your girlhood days in school, lighting candles with wooden taper sticks on candle altars in veneration to St. Martin of Tours or the statue of the Virgin Mary in the small Church.

You remember the feeling of humid heat as you did in the small room so many years ago, remember the numerous candles that casted off a dark orange hue of the darken bricks of the building.

You breathe in the comforting smell again, attempting to compose yourself- to rid the stiff posture held in your shoulders and ramrod-straight spine, your left hand gently tapping the bottom rounded edge of the Waterford crystal glass against his desk.

He shifted more comfortably in his leather seat, cocking his head lazily to the side. He studied you, and you hardly knew whether his gaze was of subconscious scrutiny or intentional criticism.

Never had you met a man with such an intensity to his gaze that it left you squirming in your own seat out of nervousness and self consciousness.

You had met plenty of men that have attempted a false show of manliness, you had met men that have actually had it.

But Thomas Shelby’s presence was something else entirely you decided: a suffocating energy of authority and dominance, stoicism and an unsympathetic nature.

And now, with his ice blue eyes studying you, you felt the energy in the room bearing down upon you tenfold.

He languidly lifts the cigarette to his lips, taking a slow drag as he watches you, analyzes you. Your eyes flicker to the end that strokes small embers to life when he inhales, then quickly locking your gaze once more with his behind a curtain of whirling smoke, trying your damnedest to exhibit a similar degree of nonchalance- though, you were positive you failed immensely.

The silence drags on, and your free hand fidgets with the material of your skirt, plucking and rubbing the fabric that covers your knee.

“Mr. Shelby,” You say, your voice sounding much stronger than you anticipated, “With all due respect, I truly don’t have the time to be sitting here all day. I’ve got to get back to the shop.”

Your heart picks up at a faster pace, and you feel the pressure of anxiety on the back of your neck heighten when he doesn’t respond right away.

You have to dig your nails into the skin of your knee to keep you from scurrying under his calculating eyes.

He plucks the cigarette from his lips, exhaling tendrils of smoke once more. Finally, he speaks.

“They say you’re a witch.”

You're dumbfounded at his words, mouth agape as you watch him move his gaze to his cig. You can’t help the feeling of annoyance bubble within you. You bite your tongue to keep the snide remarks you want to throw his way.

Your tense posture softens, and you let out a small, nervous scoff, “Such a ruckus to ask me such a ridiculous question?”

Once again, his steely eyes land on you, and your mouth clamps shut, posture returning to its previous state.

His eyes bore into yours, the silent command behind his eyes making you fidget once more.

You breathe in sharply, letting go of the crystal in your hand containing your untouched whiskey, and setting it on the desk.

“I’m not a witch,” you say, though it comes out snippy, “they’re just rumors those stupid crones spread because they’ve nothing better to do with their time.”

The cigarette hadn't even made it halfway before he snubbed it against the side of the small glass ashtray.

The last whirls of smoke leave his mouth as he settles back into his chair. “They say you go ‘round telling fortunes-”

You narrow your eyes, “Mr. Shelby-”

He speaks over your interruption, quickly gaining control of the conversation, “-for wives of powerful political figures. That true?”

“I-” You cut off, not quite sure what to say- what were you to tell him? That you were partially a fraud?

Worse yet- would he hand you to the police?

Your heart rate soars as he continues to stare at you, feeling your face flush as you come to the conclusion that you’ve been caught red-handed. Your tongue feels leaden in your mouth, unsure of what and how to respond.

“How much do you normally charge for your services?”

Something about the way he asked the question did not bode well on you.

You don’t respond.

He studies you, then nods once. “Right, well,” He moves to stand, moving to the coat rack to retrieve yours, “You’ll be hearing from me again. Tell your boss to charge the Peaky Blinders any of the damages my boys did.”

You stand slowly, hesitantly, making your way cautiously to where he stands in an all too casual demeanor-as if the two of you were long time friends. He helps you shrug on your coat, and when you finally have it on your person, you take two large steps back and watch the odd man open the door to his study.

Thomas Shelby turns to look at you, eyes not betraying a single emotion, remaining imperturbable- no doubt the same way he came out of his mother’s womb.

You walk past him, shoulders tense and nod farewell- curt and forced, “Mr. Shelby.”

He responds to your salutations, and you take no time in leaving the Garrison, heels clicking hurriedly beneath you, feeling as a pair of eyes follow you.

Masterlist

#royalbluehues #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x y/n #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinder imagine

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d-noona · 3 years

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BARTERED BRIDE - Chapter 4

Ch 04 - Lunch Meeting

Kim Namjoon is a ruthless financier used to buying and selling stocks, shares and priceless artifacts. But now Namjoon has his eye on a very different acquisition - Park Han Byeol. Left destitute by her father's recent death, Han Byeol walks into Namjoon's bank looking to extend her overdraft. As Han Byeol needs money and Namjoon needs a wife, he proposes the perfect deal: he'll rescue her financially if she agrees to marry him. But in this marriage of convenience can Han Byeol ever be anything more than just a bartered bride?

Masterlist

"I nearly kept you waiting," said Namjoon. "I came back from the bank at eleven to go run in the park. As I was coming home I saw an old man on a bench who was obviously in need of medical attention. That held me up."

"Do you run everyday?" Han Byeol asks.

"I try to. Are you a runner?"

Han Byeol shook her head. "I play tennis and ski. I don't do work-outs."

He slanted an appraising glance at her figure. Today, in place of a black suit, she was wearing a designer outfit bought on a holiday in Italy. It consisted f a fine jersey-knit top in lilac, a waistcoat in violet, and swirling chevron-striped skirt combining those colors with pink and pale pistachio-green. The audacious color combination was perfect with Han Byeol's dark hair and brown eyes. "You look in great shape," he remarked. "But people in desk jobs like mine need some kind of fitness regime to stave off the bad effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Come and sit down. What would you like to drink before lunch?"

She remembered his remark about the wine she had been drinking when he forced his way in the previous evening. Was he one of those people who drank only mineral water and made everyone who didn't feel on a lower plane? Han Byeol had no intention of allowing him to intimidate her. "A Campari and soda, please," she said firmly.

Namjoon said to the butler, who had been following them at a discreet distance, "A Campari for Miss Park and my usual, please, Curtis." With a silent inclination of the head, the butler withdrew.

"Let's sit over here, shall we?" Namjoon steered her towards a group of comfortable chairs near one of the windows. "Have you finished your packing?"

"Almost"

Knowing that she wouldn't be able to sleep, she had worked on it till long past midnight. At half past nine this morning a dealer whom she had ought a lot of furnishings had come round to buy them back. Luckily Han Byeol had paid for them out of her bank account. Although the money in it had come from her father, technically they were her property, not his. As soon as his business had been forced into receivership, everything her father had owned, including the family home belonged to his business creditors. But the cash the dealer had handed her could go in her pocket. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing if, when Namjoon spelt out the terms of his trade off marriage, she found that she couldn't accept them. Looking up at the elegant cornice around the ceiling and the two crystal chandeliers, their chains swathed with coral tassels at the tops of the heavy cream curtains.

"Are you interested in architecture?" He sounded faintly surprised.

"Sometimes."

The butler came back with their drinks, hers a slight more vivid red than the coral linen slipcovers on some of the sofas, Namjoon's colorless except for a twist of lemon floating among the ice cubes. It could be in or vodka, or it could straight mineral water. Namjoon said, "This was my grandparents' house. My paternal grandmother still lives here when she's not staying with her daughters". I moved here when my father died. We had been living in Ilsan. I have an apartment near Gangnam but I thought you would feel more comfortable being entertained in the main house," he added with a gleam of amusement. After a slight pause, he added "I shall move out when I marry. The province is better for children, if their parents can choose where to live. Most people can't of course."

"Where are you thinking of moving to?" Han Byeol asked.

"I haven't decided." His expression was enigmatic. "Where would you choose to live, given a free choice?"

Han Byeol considered the question. Once the answer would have been "Wherever Yoongi wants to live." She said, "Ideally I'd like more sun than we get in this city. I wouldn't mind living by the sea, getting some fresh air...or a lake would do as long as it has mountains round it. I'd like to look out on mountains...big ones with snow on top."

He lifted an eyebrow. "Sounds as if New Zealand would suit you."

She shook her head. "I'm sure it's a beautiful country but it's too far away from Korea. Have you been there?"

Namjoon nodded. "The scenery's magnificent...when it's not raining. Unreliable weather. I went with old friends, you might know them since they run in the same circles you do. Where have your travels taken you?"

"Mostly to holiday places...the Caribbean in winter...resorts round the Med in summer. My mother's a passionate gardener. She doesn't like travelling alone, even in a group. I've been on some garden tours with her...the south of France, Ireland, California. Where do you for holidays?" Han Byeol takes a sip of her Campari.

"I used to go with my father who also liked someone with him. We went to Japan together and other Pacific Rim countries. I travel a lot for the bank. For pleasure I usually go to France, Greece or Spain. Where would you like to go for our honeymoon?"

The question, tacked on to innocuous small talk, took her by surprise. "I haven't agreed to marry you," she said coldly.

"If you found the idea unthinkable, you wouldn't be here," he said dryly. "Let's be straight with each other Han Byeol. I need you...you need me. It's a sensible, practical arrangement."

She knew that at least the first part of what he said was true, but she wasn't about to admit it. Was it pride that made her reluctant to fall in with his plan too readily? She said, "I'm not clear why you've selected me."

"You're very attractive...as I am sure you're aware." he smiles at her gently.

"Is that all you want from a woman? An acceptable face and figure? Don't you care what I'm like inside?" Han Byeol scoffed.

'I can make some intelligent guesses. People can't hide their characters," he told her casually. "Even in repose a face gives a lot of clues to its owner's temperament. Apart from yesterday's evidence that you have a short fuse, I haven't detected any characteristics I wouldn't like to live with."

His arrogance took her breath away. In that moment of shock, she was struck by the thought it would be both a challenge and public service to bring this man down from his lofty pinnacle and convert him into an acceptably unassuming person. But perhaps it was already too late . One of gran's favorite sayings was, "What's bred in the bone must come out in flesh." Namjoon with his long-boned thoroughbred physique and his handsome features, looked a descendant of generations of men who had felt themselves to be superior beings and never experienced the doubts felt by ordinary people.

In a different, more rough-hewn way, her father had been the same. Probably somewhere far back in Namjoon's ancestry, there had been a man like her father: a rough-diamond unscrupulous go-getter who had founded the Park Fortune. Perhaps if Mr. Park had married someone better equipped to handle him than her quiet and easily cowed mother, her father might have been saved from becoming an overbearing braggart. Whether, at thirty four, Namjoon's essential nature could be modified was problematical. But it could be interesting to try.

She said, "I don't find you as transparent as you seem to find me. It takes me longer to make up my mind about people;"

"You haven't had as much experience of summing up people as I have."

The butler reappeared. "Luncheon is ready when you are, sir."

They ate in a smaller room with a view of a large garden, an oasis of well kept greenery in the heart of the city. The surface of the round Regency breakfast table had a gleaming patina resulting from years of regular polishing' It reflected the colors and shapes of the red-streaked white tulips arranged in a what Han Byeol recognized as an antique tulip pot, its many spouts designed to support the stems of flowers which had once been costly status symbols. The meal began with potted shrimps served with crisp Melba toast, tiny green gherkins and white wine, which they continued to drink with the main course, chicken with minty yogurt dressing.

While they ate Namjoon talked about plays and art shows he had been to recently. It was the kind of conversation made by strangers at formal lunch parties and although his comments were interesting Han Byeol thought his choice of subject was irrelevant to this particular situation. When the butler had withdrawn, leaving them to help themselves to a fruit salad with fromage frais, or to selection of more substantial cheeses, she said, "Why do you want a wife when you could go on having girlfriends and a change them when you get bored?"

Offering her elegant Waterford compote, its apparent fragility emphasizing the powerful but equally elegant form of the hands in which it was cradled, he looked at her with unexpected sternness. "I have a responsibility to my line. I need sons to carry on the traditions established by my predecessors."

She found this solemnly irritating. "Are you expecting me to provide proof of my fertility?" Before she could add that, if he was, he could forget it, Namjoon said, "No, I'm prepared to chance that."

"Big deal!" Han Byeol said sarcastically.

She had a feeling that Namjoon wouldn't hesitate to divorce her if she failed to live up to his expectations in some way. But although he struck her as a monster of cold-hearted self-centeredness, she couldn't deny that he was extraordinarily attractive. Every movement he had made since they sat down had heightened her awareness of the lean and muscular physique inside the well-cut suit and the long legs under the table. His hair was dry now but still had a sheen of health. There was nothing about him suggestive of stress or tension. He seemed entirely relaxed. Yet why did he need to arrange a businesslike marriage instead of falling in love the way people usually did?

Wondering, suddenly, if he might be in the same situation as herself, heartbroken, although it didn't seem likely, she said, "When did you dream up this scheme?"

"It's an idea I've had for some time...probably since my contemporaries started divorcing. I have about a dozen god-children, most whom now have step parents, some official, some not. I don't want that for my children."

"Did you parents stay married?" she asked.

It seemed to her that his face underwent a change. His lips didn't tighten. His eyebrows didn't draw together. But there was a subtle hardening and chilling, reminding her of the impression she had received that morning when they sat on opposite sides of his imposing desk/ Now they were at a table designed for a more intimate and relaxed conversation. But she sensed a change in the atmosphere and knew she had trespassed in an area of his where she was an unwelcome intruder.

"They separated. They were never divorced," he answered.

Han Byeol wanted to ask hold he had been when the separation happened, but something made her hold her tongue. Later, going back to the flat in the taxi he had laid on for her, she regretted her curiousity.

When-in-two people were going to marry, there shouldn't be any "No go" areas between them...or at least none of that nature. His past girlfriends were not her business, but his family life certainly was. She shouldn't have allowed herself to be put off. From now on she wouldn't be, she told herself firmly.

#bts #bangtan sonyeondan #kim namjoon #joonie'#RM #bangtan army #rm x reader #rm x original character #rm motherfuckers

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emerald-dragonflame · 3 years

Text

Evergreen's Leit First Draft (Ch 1-5)

HEY! Y’all wanna see the first 5 chapters of Evergreen’s Leit? No? WELL TOO BAD, here they are anyways!

(note: this is very much a first draft, and things are liable to change drastically from the final product. Any constructive criticism is always welcome~)

(Also it's a lot shorter than it looks, sorry in advance)

Chapter 1

Scene One: The Village

(Start with a panning shot of The Village, see young Centaurs playing, women making clothing, tanning hide, and using a large mortar and pestle (the ones usually pulled by mules) being pulled by one of the larger Centaurs.

Cut to the Angakkuq’s (Shaman’s) Hut, we see Tali checking his arrow tips, Taqtu, his father and Angakkuq, pats him on the shoulder. )

Taqtu

(tiredness in his voice)

Taliriktug, don't tell me you’re going out. We still have work to do.

Taliriktug

Yes, father, I am. (Gives a small smile) Is it too much to ask for you to call me by my nickname, instead?

Taqtu

A “nickname” isn’t your name. Besides, yours is a strong one. (Gives a shit eating grin) It should get a strong woman for you to marry. (*Taliriktug means strong armed man)

Tali

(facepalming)

Centaurian women do not marry a man for his name, father. (Gives Taqtu a deadpan stare) Otherwise, mother would have never married you.

Taqtu

(looking offended)

Taqtu is a perfect name for me! She knew exactly what she was getting into! (*Taqtu means Kidney)

Tali

(Laughs)

(Tali begins picking up his gear. His father stops him again. Placing a hand on Tali’s shoulder once more. )

Taqtu

I’m serious, though. Help me with these herbs first and then you can go hunting. The sun’s still out.

Tali

(mildly exasperated)

Can you not smell that, father? There is a storm coming, and we are in need of more food before winter comes. (Pushes father’s hand off) I can learn more medicine later, but for now, we should worry about not starving to death.

(Taqtu sighs, then nods.)

Taqtu

Alright, Taliriktug. I can’t keep you it seems. Just, please come back before dark. The Gods are angrier than usual.

Tali

Will do. I am sure the Gods will not refuse us food because they're (ahem) pissy.

Taqtu

(deadpan)

Keep speaking like that and they just might. (Waves his hand) Just go.

(Tali nods and leaves the hut. He inhales and exhales with a smile, looking around his Village. The same children from the beginning run in front of Tali, almost tripping him and making him exclaim in surprise.

He chuckles, watching the little ones play without a care in the world.)

Tali

(thinking)

*Someday…*

(He carries on into the woods.)

Scene 2: The Woods

(Tali walks alone in a mildly dense forest. He notices deer tracks and begins to follow them. Raising his head to see if he could smell it. )

Tali

(Grunts) Too far away… for now…

(He continues to follow the path of the deer. The “camera” showing him in different places in the woods. He raises his nose to the sky once more to finally catch a scent.)

Tali

(Gives a toothy grin) I have you now.

(Tali begins to trot a little faster. Bringing him closer and closer to the coast. There is a wide shot from above showing the woods and coast. “Pan” to said coast.)

Scene 3: The Coast

(Meara sits alone on a large rock facing towards the ocean [*Make her look to the right, not left, the coast is to the East here, not the West] , her eyes are obscured by her hair. She looks melancholic as she hums to herself.)

Scene 4: The Woods

(Tali is seen kneeling next to a recently killed doe. The arrow he shot her with still stuck in her side. He is tying the deer’s hooves together, but stops for a moment.

Tali leans closer to its ear. )

Tali

(whispering)

Thank you, your sacrifice is not in vain.

(He finishes tying the doe up when he hears Meara’s singing. Confused, Tali listens intently. It’s in Celtic making him not understand, but he’s drawn to it.

Throwing the deer over his back, and he follows the sound. Through the tree brush, he sees Meara, and instantly is intrigued.)

Tali

(whispering)

Who… are you?

End of Chapter

Chapter 2

(Losing focus for a second, he steps on a stick, making a resounding SNAP. Meara turns, spear in hand.)

Meara

(threatening)

Who’s there! Show ye-self, and I might not shank ye teh death!

(Amused, Taliriktug steps forward. Lifting his hands in submission.)

Tali

(softly)

Calm down, miss. I am not going to harm you. Please, put the spear down.

(Meara is reluctant, but obliges. Looking Tali up and down as she does.)

Meara

(trying to sound threatening)

Who are ye? I thought there weren’t any Mystics living anywhere near here, much less Centaurian Mystics.

Tali

I could say the same for you, not many people wear things like that here (motions towards her dress) or have such a strange accent.

(Meara harrumphs, almost like a laugh)

Tali

The name is Taliriktug, by the way, but I would prefer it if you simply called me Tali.

Meara

Well then… Tali… what possessed you to come over to the shore?

Tali

I heard you singing, I believe. I was out hunting, as you can see (points to his kill), it wasn’t anything like I’ve heard before, so I was curious. I would say, it was a smart decision.

Meara

Ah, I see.

Tali

Forgive me, M’lady, but you have yet to tell me your name.

Meara

(deadpan)

Ye call me “m’lady” ever again and I’ll shove this spear straight up your ass.

Tali

(slightly worried)

Eh, heh… my apologies…

Meara

Teh name’s Meara, Meara O’Sullivan

Tali

Well, Miss O’Sullivan, might I ask where you might be from?

Meara

Give me one good reason why I should tell ye anyt’ing?

(Tali lays down on the snow, using his hand to convince Meara to sit as well. She obliges.)

Tali

It is pretty obvious you are not local, my apologies if you were trying to hide that fact--

Meara

I wasn’t.

Tali

(nods to her)

Good to know, because people out here are less than kind to outsiders. You were honestly quite lucky.

Meara

Because ye found me first, dear Hunter?

Tali

Do not take this the wrong way, Miss O’Sullivan, but you do seem like an easy target. Those clothes that you wear would fetch quite a pretty penny. Not only that, but if you have not noticed, there is a mighty storm brewing.

Meara

Aye, I know of teh storm. (Sigh) look, I’m waitin’ for my family t’ come get me. (Quickly stands up) “Easy target” or not, I should be leaving soon anyways, thank ye for your concern.

Tali

And I would not doubt that. However, if I might be so bold, if your family was smart, they would wait until the storm passes.

(Look to Meara, she is obviously a bit uncomfortable.)

Tali

A-and I cannot, in good conscience, leave someone to weather a storm, when I, and my family, have room to help you.

(Tali gets up and reaches out his hand, a gentle smile appearing on his face.)

Tali

I know that you have no reason to really trust me, as we just met, but I have nothing to give you, other than my word.

(Meara looks down at his hand for a moment, not knowing what to do)

Meara

(sly smile on her face)

Ye know that just makes me worried about your intentions… big hunter of a man coming out of teh woods, makes a lady worry for her safety~

Tali

(Meep) Ah, that was not what I was--

Meara

(laughing)

I know, I know, relax. It’d be really silly to try and do something like that when we’re already alone.

Tali

Y-yes… (thoughts: Though, I could do this just to gain your trust, but best not bring that up…)

Ah (ahem) does that mean you will come to my village? Or must I make a grand gesture?

(Meara sighs)

Meara

Will ye force me if I say no?

Tali

No, but I would be very worried for you

(Meara takes a moment to think it over)

Meara

Fine. But I’m takin’ me spear if ye try anyt’in’ stupid.

Tali

Fair enough.

End of Chapter

Chapter 3

Scene 1: the Woods

(Tali and Meara begin to walk towards the Village. They are silent for a few panels then Meara comments on the deer on Tali’s back.)

Meara

Is that for your family?

Tali

(smiling)

Mostly. We share the meat and other things we might not need with the rest of the Village, but most of it is me and my family’s.

Meara

(nodding)

Ah, I see

Tali

I am curious, Miss O'Sullivan--

Meara

Please, just “Meara”. Ye already talk formal enough, no need to lay it on so thick…

Tali

(Is quiet for a moment)

I am sorry, but I do not feel comfortable calling you that yet… I hope you do not take offense.

Meara

… Says he wishes to be called by a nickname, and yet is uncomfortable calling me by my given name? A strange man you are, Tali.

Tali

While that may be true, I can understand how my name can be a mouthful. As I was about to ask, however, might I ask where you are from? Your accent, it is something I have never heard before.

Meara

I’m from Ireland. It’s a small country ‘cross the pond. I was dropped off here a little while ago.

Tali

(perplexed)

You and your family… took a boat across the ocean to here…? And left you?

Meara

(offended)

They didn’t leave me. I stayed here on my own volition!

Tali

But why?

(Meara doesn’t answer, leaving Tali hanging. He sighs and drops the subject.)

Tali

My Village is just over that hill.

(He walks a little faster to get to the top of the hill. Waiting for Meara to show the big reveal. Meara catches up)

Tali

(smiling)

I promise, you’ll feel right at home

(Tali uses his hand to push away some evergreen leaves to show off his home. Meara looks down, and her eyes sparkle at the lovely little village near the sea.)

Tali

Welcome to my home!

Scene 2: The Village

(In the Village, Meara and Tali walk through its pathways. Meara is almost mesmerized by this little town. Tali, almost as mesmerized by her as she is of the town. He gently smiles down at her as her head is on a swivel.)

Meara

Wow, everything is so close and small!

Tali

(Raising an eyebrow)

And that surprises you?

Meara

I’ve lived in a large city for most of me life, so this is new to me.

Tali

Where?

Meara

Waterford… I bet you can only guess where that is, hehe

Tali

(Raises an eyebrow)

… I see

(From behind the “camera”, Tali’s mother, Alasie, can be heard. )

Alasie

Tali-baby? Are you back from hunting already?

(Both Tali and Meara turn to see the polar bear centaur. Harpoon in one hand, and ringed seal in the other.)

Tali

(A big smile appears on his face)

Mother! Seems you are as well, I’m glad to see you-

(Alasie grabs him in a sudden bear hug) Oof!

Alasie

Wonderful dear, I keep forgetting how much you’ve grown

Tali

(Completely embarrassed)

M-mother!

(She stops, noticing Meara giggling at the two of them)

Alasie

(Confused, gently pushes Tali away)

Tali-baby, who’s this?

Meara

(Completely deadpanned)

Teh name’s Meara O’Sullivan, miss. Ye son just happened to have kidnapped me and is holding me here against me will…

Tali

(Panicking)

W-WAIT, THAT IS NOT-!

Meara

(Wide smile)

I’m kiddin’, I’m kiddin’, calm down, ah haha

Alasie

(Is quiet for a moment, but starts Boisterous laughter)

I like this girl, Tali! She’s got spunk (smacks Tali on the back)

(Tali let’s himself laugh and relax a bit)

Tali

Honestly, I was worried you really thought that. (Gestures at Alasie) this is my mother, and the wife of our village’s Angakkuq, Alasie

Alasie

A pleasure, my dear, eh heh. Not very many people are able to make me laugh like that

(Meara gestures to shake Alasie’s hand, but she gives her a confused look, so she puts it down)

Meara

Angakkuq?

Tali

Mm… I think the English word is Shaman… a medicine man and spiritual teacher, among other things

Meara

Oh, that’s… actually really interesting

Alasie

So, Meara, you’re not from here, I’m pretty sure, so what’s brought you to our quaint little village?

Meara

Short version? I’m just here for teh view. Was waitin’ fer my family te come pick me up, till this lad (points with thumb at Tali) showed up, tellin’ me there’s a big storm brewin’ and wanted te be all chivalrous and shit.

(Meara shrugs and shakes her head)

Meara

It’d just be rude of me at that point te say “no”. I’m just glad ye lad didn’t lead me to my death or what have ye (she looks back at him and smiles) I’d say he’s quite disarming, eh?

(Tali blushes as she said that. Placing a hand behind his head. Alasie smiles, placing a hand on her mouth, she realizes what’s going on.)

Tali

Disarming? Well, I would not say that…

Alasie

Meara, dear

Meara

(Turns to Alasie)

Aye?

Alasie

Where on Earth is your coat? It’s almost below freezing out here, I’m certain humans aren’t built for such weather

Meara

(Looks down at her arms) ah, well, teh cold’s never really bothered me. Don’t worry ‘bout it

Alasie

Well, I must insist you come with me

(Alasie grabs Meara’s arm and pulls her away. Meara tries to protest, but is pulled towards a hut.)

End of Chapter

Chapter 4

Scene 1: The Hut

(In the hut, we see Alasie shifting through her drawers, trying to find clothing more suited to winter weather)

Alasie

So, Meara, I don’t have to many things that would fit humans, but I might have something that you can wear for a little bit

(Meara lifts her hands, as if to try and stop her)

Meara

N-no, I promise, ye don’t have te worry ‘bout me

Alasie

Hush, (pulls out a pastel pink coat) here we go, I have a little “niece” farther down south. She comes up here on occasion, and this was supposed to be a gift to her the next time she came around.

(Alasie turns towards Meara, a big smile on her face)

Alasie

But I’m sure she won’t mind you using it while you’re here

Meara

(Big sigh)

Ye’re not gonna stop till I take teh coat, are ye?

Alasie

(Suddenly very serious)

I don’t care how insulated you think your body is. You can’t take chances like that up here. Honestly, I’m surprised you haven’t started suffering from hypothermia yet…

Meara

I’m just full of mysteries, ain’t I? (She grabs the coat, and puts it on. She doesn’t seem too pleased. It’s too tight, and small) I hope ye don’t take offense from me stayin’ here for a night.

Alasie

If you’re asking if I trust you, then yes, I do mind

(Meara looks at her stunned, but tilts her head in confusion)

Meara

I’m not sure what ye-

Alasie

The only reason you’re alive right now is because my son brought you to our home. If you couldn’t tell, it was quite hidden, wasn’t it?

Meara

(Thinking, worried look on her face)

Honestly, I’ve been here for almost a month, and had no idea there were even people here. But I think I’ll keep that to me self*

Alasie

The fact that Tali trusts you means something to us. He’s quite sceptical of outsiders, and it’s a bit unusual for him to blatantly just let you in here. So why?

Meara

(Offended)

Why? Fuck, I don’t know! I didn’t ask him if that’s what’cha implyin’. He just came up t’ me while I was waitin’ fer me family near teh ocean

Alasie

So why were you near the coast? Why are you so far up north? Why did you go with my son, not knowing what his intentions were? There are a lot of things here not adding up, Miss O’Sullivan.

(Meara looks floored for a moment, but then composes herself)

Meara

Those first two questions I am not comfortable answerin’, Miss Alasie. But I can give you me word that they are not nefarious. As for me trustin’ your son…

(She stands a little bit taller)

Meara

It would be stupid for him to lure me away from an already unpopulated area te hurt me. That coast is pretty out of the way, he could have just left me body there and let teh birds eat me. But honestly, I could just tell he wasn’t like that

Alasie

So you just trusted a man you didn’t know? The woods would have been better to dispose of a body. There’s something you aren’t telling me…

Meara

Things that are completely inconsequential. I’m here, I’m not dead, and I’m not plannin’ on hurtin’ anyone, or tellin’ anyone about this place. If you’re that worried, I can just leave. This was all you’re son’s idea, and ye can ask him

Alasie

(Sigh) No, Tali is the type to start to worry. Especially since it seems he’s started to fancy you-

Meara

(A little too quickly)

I have no interest in your son, so ye have nothin’ te worry about there.

(There is a moment of silence…)

Alasie

(Sigh) I want to believe my son is a good judge of character…

pray you don’t disappoint me.

(Meara Gulps and nods, worry spread on her face)

Alasie

Good. (She gets up) The Village trusts both me and Tali. So they’ll be kind to you. You’ll be expected to work for your food, but nothing you can’t handle I’m sure. (Passes Meara and turns to her) I’m assuming you can sew.

Meara

(Shakes from her daze, looking determined)

Aye! I can, I’m also a good cook and storyteller if ye need any of those.

Alasie

(Smile returning to her face)

We’ll make an Inuit out of you yet

Scene 2:The Village

(Outside of the hut, Meara breathes in a sigh of relief. She watches Alasie walk away)

Meara

(Thoughts)

*Ooookayyy, don’t piss off momma bear, she’ll tear your head off…*

(Meara’s contemplation is interrupted by the sound of what seemed like brotherly arguing from behind another hut)

Oki

(Shocked)

Wait, what!? You brought a girl here? Is she hot?

(A loud smack is heard, while we only see Meara’s reaction, wide-eyed and shocked. She finally goes around the hut to see Oki (Tali’s older brother) and Tali talking to each other. Oki rubbing the back of his head)

Oki

(Groaning, a comically large bump placed on the back of his head)

What was that for?!

Tali

(Annoyed)

You do not ask that about women, you cretin… (he face palms) I honestly cannot believe we’re related sometimes…

Oki

(Rolling his eyes)

Like you have room to talk

Meara

Related?

(Tali and Oki jump at her voice, they turn to face her)

Tali

Miss O’Sullivan! I did not hear you leave the hut

Meara

That’s cause I didn’t want ye t’. And ye don’t answer my question

(Oki elbows Tali hard in the stomach, making him groan and then growl at Oki. Tali’s older brother give Meara a sly smile, bowing deeply)

Oki

My deepest apologies, our honored guest, seems Tali forgot to tell you of me, (his smile becomes more malicious) my little brother is quite the uncouth bastard once you get to know him

(That’s for calling me a cretin, bitch boy)

Meara

(Flabbergasted)

Little? Brother? Wait, what? But… (she looks at both they’re animal half’s, completely dumbfounded) How?

(Tali tilts his head in confusion)

Tali

(Confused)

Do you not know about Centaurian biology?

(Meara shakes her head, staring intently at both of them, as if they both grew two heads)

Tali

I guess it is not very well known, very well, I shall tell you. It--

Oki

The spirits choose which animal we’re gonna be, not our parents.

Tali

(Glaring at Oki)

Yes… while our “human” faces and bodies are pulled from our parents (he looks back to Meara) our “animal” bodies rarely, if ever, follow what our parents are.

Meara

Then how come ye mum is a polar bear like ye?

(Oki tries to begin to speak, but is shot down by Tali’s intense glare)

Tali

I am… a rarity, so to speak. While not normal, it is still possible for a Centaur to gain one of their parents' spirits. I believe most think it is personality based, among other things…

Meara

(Deadpan)

So what ye sayin’ is; ye haven’t a clue why it happens

(Tali is completely caught off guard by that statement, but Oki smiles happily)

Oki

(Laughing)

I like this girl! She’s got quite the sense of humor, for a human.

(Meara smiles uncomfortably, Tali notices, but decides not to say anything)

Meara

Ah… so… where am I stayin’?

End of Chapter

Chapter 5

(Meara is led to another small home, larger than the others, she looks up at Tali and he smiles)

Meara

I thought that little hut back there was ye’re home?

Tali

(gentle laughing)

No, no Ms. O’Sullivan, that was our storage hut, it would be perfect for a single person to live, but not a family of four. That would be quite cramped.

(Meara nods in understanding)

Meara

Oh… yeah… I didn’t see a bed in there either, so I guess it makes sense, silly me

Oki

Though, I hope ya don’t mind helping us with taking care of Tali (and maybe mom’s) kill?

Meara

(nods)

Sure, what do I have t’ do?

Oki

Then this might get a little messy…

(Cut to behind Tali and Oki’s home, where we see a tanning rack, a bloody table, and several different types of knives hanging off the house’s wall.

Meara looks a little distraught, both Oki and Tali putting on already bloody aprons, and handing her one. Meara gives a worried look)

Tali

Are you alright, Miss O’Sullivan? Have you never gutted a deer before?

(Meara shakes her head)

Oki

It’s not as bad as it looks, Hot Stu--

(A knife comes flying at Oki’s head, cutting him off and forcing him to dodge the flying cutlery. He looks back to see Tali giving him a look that could kill)

Tali

You speak like a low-life degenerate, Oki…

(Meara’s eyes bulge out of her head)

Meara

Are ye mad?! Ye could‘ave killed ‘im!

Tali

Worry not. While my brother is a low-life, the knife was not going fast enough for him not to notice.

Oki

Yeah… if he wanted to kill me, he wouldn’t have made it so obvious, heh.

Meara

*Thinking: I’m startin’ t’ think this was a bad idea… these lads are crazier than me grandaddy during teh war…*

Meara

… While that… may be teh case, please refrain from trying to kill each other while I’m here. It makes me worry…

Tali

As you wish, you need not worry about that.

Oki

(sneaks up to Tali’s ear to whisper)

Lap-dog~

(while promising to refrain from trying to kill him, Tali still doesn’t hesitate to try and bite Oki’s face. Oki, of course, dodges again, and begins to work on a different animal on another table. Leaving Meara and Tali to deal with the deer.

Tali respectfully clears his throat while Meara finishes putting on the apron)

Tali

Please do not hesitate to tell me if you become uncomfortable.

Meara

Don’t worry about it, I’ve been guttin’ fish for teh past month… It’s just a big fish, right?

Tali

Sure, we can go with that…

(for the next couple of panels we see Meara and Tali take care of his deer. One showing them having a little fun, and another of Meara puking in a bush, presumably due to the guts hanging off the table, Tali’s hand placed on her back trying to make her feel better.

After a minute, there is nothing, but clean cut venison on the table, and both Meara and Tali looking pleased with themselves. The sun’s set in the last panel)

Meara

Well, that wasn’t too bad, heh…

End of Chapter

#my writing #evergreen's leit #first draft #taliriktug #meara o'sullivan #fantasy #centaur #selkie #comic script #writblr

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ohprettyweeper · 3 years

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Reposted from my old blog. Prompts are bolded; translations from Google Translate.

Part Four | Answers in the Blood

“Tonight, we begin a new chapter,” Quinn announced to her class. “Irish Mythology. Turn in your books to page two-hundred and twenty-seven.”

She lectured first on banshees, then selkies. Leprechauns, of course, were in the mix, and changelings. Finally, after giving her class and herself a short break, Quinn began the section on the dearg-due.

“This creature dates back to the Celtic era,” she informed them, hitting the clicker to advance to the slide which held information for notes and also a couple of images for the students to review. “A vampire-like creature, the dearg-due is believed to have found its beginning in a young woman with blood-red lips and white-blonde hair. Forced into a marriage that would benefit her father with many riches and separated her from her true love, the girl took the only way out from her abusive husband: suicide.”

Quinn advanced the slide show again, revealing the painting of a young girl, blood flowing from her wrists and her eyes staring at nothing. Her body was emaciated and her cheeks gaunt.

“Her husband would bleed her for no reason other than to see the blood flow. So, she starved herself to death. After, she was buried at Waterford, near Strongbow’s Tree. Though she had been kind and godly in her life, it is said that her husband’s abuse and her own suicide changed her in the afterlife. Heartbroken and vengeful, on the first night she was buried, she rose from the grave and sought to quench her thirst with the blood of young men, children, and the innocent. She calms her victims first with a siren song, then steals their blood, leaving them mysteriously ill or dead.”

As the lecture wrapped up, Quinn opened the floor for questions. Most of them pertained to the traditionally known creatures, but one student asked as to the origin of the dearg-due.

“Is it possible these creatures were actually the origin of the Heathens?”

Quinn cleared her throat. “I can see where you might make that connection, but remember, the vampire experiments of Old Dema began in response to the Banditos growing in numbers — so recent that some of your grandparents likely were alive at that time. I suppose it’s possible that this knowledge is available in Old Dema and was an inspiration for the Bishops and their experiments but I can’t say that I’ve come across the connection any other time. If there’s no other questions, class is dismissed. Please do remember, your papers over chapters ten through twelve will be next week. Email me or come by my office if you have questions.”

She gathered her things and went back to her office to spend the rest of the afternoon grading. By the time she could head home, however, the stack of homework to be reviewed was not much smaller than when she had begun a couple of hours before. Her student’s question regarding the dearg-due lingered in her thoughts; not because she had not thought of a connection between the Heathens and the dearg-due before. Instead, she wondered if perhaps the Bishops and their vampire experiments were the answer to her dilemma.

One of her favorite songs hummed in her throat while Faylinn cooked eggs for breakfast. She was looking forward to an easy day at work, then coming home to continuing her novel. Much to Ildri’s chagrin, Faylinn had not stopped writing the plot line surrounding Old Dema.

Not to mention, Faylinn’s dreams had not subsided. Though frightening more often than not, they fueled her muse and her imagination and chapters were pouring out of her. Before too long, the novel would be finished.

Someone knocked on the door; Faylinn looked towards Ildri’s part of the apartment. All the lights were off, and Faylinn could see that the bed was already made. Sighing, she turned down the heat on the eggs and made way for the door. Her breath caught in her throat when the man who was often in her dreams stared back at her. His red eyes were frantic, and his dark, curly hair was in disarray.

“What are you doing here?” Faylinn whispered.

“You have to stop the novel,” he pleaded. “The Bishops know. They know everything. Distance doesn’t matter. They’ll come for you.”

Horse hooves sounded in the distance like thunder rumbling in a far off storm. Faylinn’s eyes slowly focused in that direction; somehow, she could already see all nine Bishops riding her way.

“They’re coming for both of us,” he told her.

“We have to run,” Faylinn said, pushing her feet into her shoes.

The man shook his head. “No. You just have to stop.”

Thunder clapped loud overhead, pulling Faylinn from her most recent dream. How was it possible that the thing that had been driving her for so many weeks now was the thing that made her understand the danger of what she was doing?

“Maybe I need to see a shrink,” she muttered, pushing out of the bed and motivating toward the shower to start her day.

But the dream stuck with her throughout her entire morning routine. By the time she was through with her eggs and her coffee, she had made the last minute decision to skip work for the day and make use of the best resource she had regarding Old Dema.

Tyler finished his work and walked with Josh back to the Heathen district. Others — humans — took their time getting back, but Nico held no leniency in regards to his citizens returning home when their work was completed.

“It’s been weeks,” Josh said, nudging Tyler. “You’re going to have to accept that there’s no going back.”

Tyler nodded. “I know that. But, it doesn’t stop me from wondering what’s beyond the wall. Being this doesn’t stop me from wondering what life is like in the surrounding city.”

“They call it New Dema. Sometimes, if you’re mindful, the Bishops will send you into New Dema to capture someone and bring them here to be smeared and, possibly, eventually, changed.”

“How do you know all this?”

Josh took a deep breath. “They tell you, when they know they can trust you. If you want that chance, you cannot miss any mark. You cannot question them out loud, you cannot deny their authority.”

Tyler thought that over for the rest of the walk back to his dwelling. If he played the Bishops’ game, how long would it be until he was trusted to go into New Dema? What would the task of capturing people to come here entail? Tyler had long believed that nothing good could come of new souls coming here but he had known nothing but Old Dema for his entire life. Therein lie the problem; he could not imagine knowing something else, then coming here and being confined to the Bishops’ world.

Being changed was supposed to heighten his loyalty to the Bishops, but instead, Tyler found himself questioning the old figures more than ever.

When all of Dema’s inhabitants had been locked in their dwellings for the night, Keons met Nico in the sanctuary of the temple. The head Bishop waited at the altar, facing the large statue. Keons entered from the back of the room, walking reverently toward the head Bishop.

“You have information you’ve kept from me for too long,” Nico said, turning toward Keons, his hands clasped behind his back.

Keons stood a little straighter. “Probach meni, bud’ laska (Translation: Forgive me, please). It was you who taught me, Nico, that knowledge is power. I was not entirely certain the information I obtained was correct —”

“Enough stalling, Keons,” Nico warned in a measured tone. He leaned forward on the stone block used for changing humans to Heathens. “Tell me what you know.”

Keons took another three steps forward. His hands balled to fists at his sides, but he stood fast in his resolve to share the information with Nico.

“She has surfaced — the last Bandito child. She’s a woman now, of course, but I have no doubt that it’s her.”

Nico smirked. “You shouldn’t have any doubt. You are the one who let the child escape our grasp.”

Keons took a deep breath, fighting now to maintain his confidence. He had intended, those decades ago, for the knowledge of the child’s life and location to bring him into power within the walls of Old Dema; Nico was too smart for Keons. Too ruthless. He had sensed the plot from the very beginning and had cut Keons off at the pass by informing the other Bishops the child was still alive but would be allowed to live. Anything else would undermine the authority of the Bishops.

“When I rode out several weeks ago to retrieve an escaped vampire, I found the creature dead. Her neck was snapped and her body was there, lifeless, in Trench. The scent of the Bandito child was heavy in the air, and though I could not pinpoint her location, I knew she was near. Then, after the last soul was captured and brought into our walls before disappearing, I smelled her scent in that man’s assigned room.”

“But the room was empty,” Nico surmised. He stepped around the cement block, stopping inches in front of Keons. “She is following in the footsteps of her ancestors, and the Heathen in her aids every mission she accepts. You must find her and bring her here. Send the new Heathen.”

“You mean …?”

Nico’s smirk rolled into a satisfied grin. “Yes. That one. I want her back here. She holds all the answers, Keons, and if we are to take back New Dema — we need answers.”

Keons bowed gracefully. “Yak vy komanduyete.” (Translation: As you command.)

#twenty one pilots #fanfiction #dema inspired #the last bandito #repost

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frncs · 4 years

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⌠ ERIC OSBORNE, 21, NON-BINARY, HE/THEY ⌡ welcome back to gallagher academy, FRANCES ‘FRANK’ LAVOIE! according to their records, they’re a FIRST year, specializing in MACGYVER SURVIVAL SKILLS AND NAVIGATION & COVERT OPS; and they DID go to a spy prep high school. when i see them walking around in the halls, i usually see a flash of oversized clothing stitched with thick yarn and littered with cat hair, the snap of stretched balloons before they’re blown and a post-nap dazed gaze. when it’s the (virgo)’s birthday on 09/01/1999, they always request CORN DOGS from the school’s chefs. looks like they’re well on their way to graduation. ⌿ tasha, 22, she/her, est ⍀

well well well .. id meant to bring another kid ages ago .. n then jus didn’t because the personality part was/is givin me grief FGJH so pls 🐻 w me n replies as i figure out his voice . also .. haven’t even written out my intro yet . . bt ik it’s gna be long apologies , pls feel free to just read the tldr

tw: death, accidental murder, grief.

TLDR: grew up fairly well off to spy parents who didn’t want him to be part of that world but apart from that didn’t care what he did with his life otherwise. he often questioned whether they really cared for him at all (tht quote thts like .. if u love me u love me in a way i cant understand). luna’s his best friend, and he’s obsessed with his aunt and uncle’s circus that stops into town every year. life is pretty great until luna ‘dies’ at 16. he joins the circus and becomes a clown, he loves performing with all his heart. at 18, his aunt and uncle arm him with a credit card and tell him to go travel, he assumes it’s because they just want him to explore the world. visits europe for six months and asia for six months, enjoys it but misses the circus terribly, busks a lot. they actually send him away to distance him from the shady happenings that are starting to boil within the company. he comes back in time for the halloween switch-a-roo, where everyone rotates their act (so he does the magic show as a clown). he’s part of a set-up that results in him accidentally killing a person and sawing them in half. his aunt and uncle call his parents, who reluctantly send him to prep school for a little less than a year to heighten his chances of getting into a spy school for protection, which he does. dedicated to working hard and getting a high paying job to pay for reparations for the circus and do a massive overhaul of the way it runs, because it’s like his second home.

grew up in waterford ct, to one retired spy parent ( his mom ) and his dad who works with the government and is aware of espionage. his mom straight up didn’t have a good time, no one really talks about it, he has no idea what happened, doesn’t know if his dad knows either but it’s clear that they don’t want him going into the spy world.

he feels like he’s always been treated like an adult for as long as he remembers, not in the sense that they burdened him with responsibility, but that they didn’t seem to care what he did one way or another. the best way i can describe it is that his parents had the same energy as a character in a yorgos lanthimos film, very dry and lifeless, like they’re on autopilot. he’d try and cuddle his mom and she’d just pat him on the head. he couldn’t really rebel against them and as long as he went to school and got good grades they appeared un-phased about what he got up to, a very mind your own business dynamic shared between family.

he didn’t get up to a whole lot, he was a bit of an outsider. didn’t make friends very easily because he didn’t know how to let himself go around people, even though he’d sometimes be excited but wouldn’t know how to show it. definitely had that reserved temperament ingrained into him from his parents.

he did have one friend who knew him inside and out, luna <3 who was also his neighbour. their demeanours were a perfect match but also he’d find himself getting so excited and wanting to tell her about his day or listen to hers, or read with her or play hopscotch or send her secret notes with his flashlight at her window.

there was one other thing that got him terribly excited and it’s when his aunt and uncle’s traveling circus would stop in. he’d go every single day for the week and a half it was there. his parents would arrange one dinner with them and consider their familial duty done, other than that they remain out of contact with them. his aunt and uncle tell him that he’s always welcome to join, and he holds them to it. his parents say do whatever you want, just graduate high school first.

his whole world kinda crumbles when luna ‘dies’ at sixteen. he feels immense guilt over it thinking he should’ve done something about that skeevy bf of hers...this also coincides with one of his mom’s friends dying (harlowe’s mom) which makes his mom act even weirder so he fast tracks his plans to join the circus and joins at sixteen, doesn’t graduate high school. i envision the convo btw him and his dad went like:

“dad, i’m joining the circus.”

“graduate high school first.”

“no.”

“okay son, i can’t control you.”

the company welcomed him with open arms and he tried out everything, acrobatics, sharpshooting, but wasn’t particularly talented at anything. except, clownery. because messing up is commended, noting how all the kids would laugh at him trying basic magic tricks. so his aunt and uncle got him into a clown costume lickety-split. performing brought him a lot of joy through the grief like he’s an entirely different person when performing, insert that one cursed joker picture: put on a happy face.

because the owners were his aunt and uncle he was treated exceptionally well and he was very oblivious to the malpractice that went on behind the scenes. the circus had a whole sector dedicated to pickpocketing (other kids who he just saw as friends were often runaways from broken homes who didn’t have anywhere else to go and earned their wages by stealing from customers), and serious kerfuffle with pay, probably some extortion going on, just general yuckery. he vaguely knew it was happening but was kind of like it is what it is kinda standpoint. heavily inspired by the circus barney and clint barton grew up in reffed in the 2015 run of all-new hawkeye.

a couple years later his aunt and uncle give him a credit card and tell him to go travel for a bit. he does because why not but misses the circus terribly. he spends six months in europe and six months in asia, busks as a clown a lot and but his on-the-road/home sickness never really fades.

he returns super excited, ready to clown around but it’s evident tensions are just really high between the workers but they’re still all super sweet to him because he’s very sweet even if he’s oblivious. halloween comes around which is his favourite time of year because they do this thing called the switch-a-roo, where everyone switches what act they’re doing, bicycle acts do contortionist acts, lion tamers do rope walkers, magicians do animal taming and clowns do magic acts. it’s just one big laugh because obviously most of them are cross-trained, but it’s meant to be more of a comedy thing and their mess-ups are to an extent choreographed but also capitalizes on the scariness because they hype up the fact that they have no idea what they’re doing.

he’s doing his magic act, messing up all the magic tricks showing all his cards, and his last act is the sawing someone in half, so the assistant comes out in the box, really selling it like omg a clown !!! being like stop !!! you don’t know what you’re doing !!! and frances is like playing along with the act, as he was told that the gag would be when they split the boxes they’ll have some practical effects to make it look like he’d accidentally actually cut the assistant in half. fumbling with a very real chainsaw, he does the choppity-chop which takes a bit more muscle than he thought it would and the assistant screams a lot then pretends to pass out. anyways it wasn’t an act he accidentally cut someone in half, and they die.

EXTRA CLOWN LORE THAT’S NOT IMPORTANT FEEL FREE TO SKIP!

i envisioned that worker negotiations had been going on for a while and had kinda reached a stalemate where nothing was happening, and there were rumblings about frances being off travelling and spending a shit ton of money where it could’ve been put towards the workers and the circus and his aunt and uncle would hear threats thrown towards frances which is why they wanted him to stay away/go travelling for a while. the girl who was killed did so knowingly, and died a martyr (and also left frances a note explaining things and how she was sorry that he was the one that had to kill her). the whole thing was executed with a lot of thought: how it would affect frances and how it would be seen as a personal attack against his aunt and uncle - and that while the act seemingly went off without a hitch and the public didn’t suspect a thing, the workers have leverage to make it public (which ideally they don’t want b/c a lot of the workers are pretty disenfranchised or have criminal records and truthfully don’t want the end all being the circus closing b/c they do love their job just not the conditions). his aunt an uncle are in a bit of a jam because they need an investor but can’t get that because of shady hiring practices in the first place, and their greed definitely exacerbated the problem.

after that happens his aunt and uncle immediately call his parents, who despite never wanting him to go into the spy industry believe that it would be the safest option for him, and enrol him in prep school (which he attends for less than a year) so that he has more of a chance getting into gallagher the following year, which, with the right strings pulled happens.

now he’s dedicated to giving it his all so he can get a really high paying job and do a complete overhaul of the company and make a lot of reparations that should’ve been made years and years ago.

personality

- very patient, a slow talker and more of a listener. - idealistic, in the sense that he’s always been surrounded by people either in poverty of vulnerable, and despite being a caring guy, adopted that kind of mind your own business mentality his parents had. even his desire to get rich in order to save the circus is a very unrealistic plan or at the very least would take a very long time to achieve. - tired, i know it’s not a personality trait but i’m making it one, he’s a little bit dazed, not gloomy per se but like he’s woken up from a nap and needs to warm up a bit before being a functioning part of society. but that’s like all his interactions. has the gait of like a drunken kung fu master, very limber.

headcanons

has slight imposter syndrome about clowning, knows he’s great and always got a standing ovation but can’t help but wonder how much nepotism played a role in her being the main clown in the company.

planning on hiding out in her room during halloween, but is very bittersweet about it, because he thinks that halloween is one of the only times that people are happy because they get to be anyone they want and has found that most people don’t want to be themselves.

has an overweight, old cat which he’s had since he joined the circus and has been everywhere with him. it’s name is cat. he also has an album on his phone of all the strays he’s ever met, which is a lot being on the road. he named all of them but they never got to come with him.

sleeps a lot, probably has some sort of chronic sleep disorder, but enjoys the sweet release from life so he doesn’t question it. has no shame and will sleep anywhere and does.

loves making balloon animals, was his favourite thing to do at the circus. keeps a jewelry dish full of unpumped balloons on his bedside table. also a big reader, and hoarder of anything that can fit in a small travel notebook (leaves, ticket stubs, pictures, anything).

wanted connections: i’ll update my actual google docs in the coming days but people he met while traveling for a year, anyone with pets wanting to have a pet playdate (cat’s not too active but he could use some company), someone who catches him crying (he cries a lot haven’t peeped his full chart but i can sense the water energy from miles away), people who wake him up when he falls asleep in class, in the common rooms, outside, flirty flirts, someone who’s been to the circus, someone who clowns him about being a clown and he gets super angry, really anything, i’m terrible at coming up with connections i get such a thrill from mundane relations i’m boring <3

#gallagher:intro #smoking cw #my head is Empty i rly have no thots to terrorize u w/ in the tags . sad

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