#this i dare say is CINEMA a thousand times over | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

magewritesstories · 9 months ago

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[ ᴛᴏɢᴇ ɪɴᴜᴍᴀᴋɪ ] ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏᴠɪᴇꜱ

summary: 1 000 yellow daisies? Hah, Toge can do way better than that. Based on the s1 gilmore girls finale tw: none, literal fluff note: i wanted to write something for him too. might make this a series with diff. characters and different famous movie scenes. words: 1051 (yay 1k!) jujutsu kaisen masterlist

IT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE TO FALL YET AND YOU WERE ALREADY ON A GILMORE GIRLS KICK. You'd been rewatching the TV show along with some other iconic 00s movies and had almost reached the end of season one.

What brought on the sudden interest in the show, even though you usually saved it for your annual start-of-fall-ritual? You had no clue.

(Lies—it had been that one Jess Mariano edit on your fyp.)

Either way, it's not like it mattered, all that mattered was that you were happily bundled up in your little blanket burrito with popcorn and chocolate.

Just as you laughed at Lorelai annoying Michel, a small knock sounded from the door of your dorm.

"Come in!" You shouted, not bothering to get up. It would ruin the burrito form you'd turned yourself into.

"Kelp," Your boyfriend greets, walking over to you with a grin. You immediately open your arms for a hug, "Hey, how was the mission?"

The white-haired boy just sighed and shook his head. "Fish flakes," He replied, falling down on the couch next to you.

You two huddle together under the blanket as you weave your hands through his hair.

Toge sends a confused glance at the TV screen, "Mustard leaves?"

"Huh? Oh, that's the TV show I told you about," You reply, "You're actually perfectly on time for—dare I say—one of the most romantic scenes in cinema history."

Your boyfriend just gives you another confused glance before turning back to the TV. Your eyes are glued to the screen in anticipation.

"Oh, a little background—" A bit unable to contain your excitement you explain—"Basically, they're dating and she tells him that a real proposal should have 1,000 yellow daisies and a horse and yada yada."

You're practically sat at the edge of your seat as the look of realisation dawns on Lorelai's face, and Toge watches you with eyes filled with adoration. Wow, you're adorable.

You swoon as the camera pans around the brunette on screen, letting yourself fall into your boyfriend's arms with a giggle, "Isn't that so cute?"

"A little over the top but so cute." You look up at your boyfriend through your eyelashes and teasingly add, "Now that's how you say I love you."

It's an offhand comment, just meant to be a small joke but it sparks an idea in his head nonetheless. The gears in his brain shifting a mile a minute.

A way to say I love you, huh?

It takes almost two weeks for him to get everything in order.

Placing an order of a thousand flowers is apparently excessive and the maximum of the local flower shop was three hundred.

And getting you distracted long enough to not notice a giant shipment of your favourite flowers being shifted into your room was no easy feat.

Toge had to beg and bribe Maki to go shopping with you and Nobara for an entire day.

Yuji and Gojo, ever the movie lovers and romantics were all for the idea of recreating the scene and even helped fill your dorm room.

Panda tried helped too but eventually gave up when his claws cut through three flower stems.

Megumi just rolled his eyes and reminded his senior that you'd probably give him hell for letting Gojo in your dorm room. (Toge tried not to focus on that upcoming lecture too much.)

Eventually, after an entire day of work and a few cuts on his hands, your boyfriend has managed to ready your surprise and patiently waits for you at the entrance of Jujutsu Tech.

"Ah, I feel like my legs are going to fall off," You complain as the three of you walk up the steps to your school.

Maki nods in agreement, "Now I understand why you guys make Yuji carry all the bags."

Like the amazing boyfriend he is, Toge holds out his hands and offers to carry your bags. And any other day you'd have told him it was fine—but damn Nobara took the words 'shop 'til you drop' a little too seriously.

The white-haired boy holds your bags in one hand and uses the other to intertwine his fingers in yours, leading you away from the now complaining redhead, who's whining about also wanting a boyfriend.

His excitement (and nerves) catch up to him and Toge quickens his pace until he's practically dragging you to your dorm room.

"Toge, calm down, you're gonna burn a hole in the floor at this rate," You laugh, matching his pace.

Eventually, the two of you reach the entrance to your dorm room and Toge stops you from opening the door.

He drops the bags on the floor and makes you stand in front of the door as he stands behind you, placing one hand over your eyes and the other on the door knob.

"Ooh, a surprise for me?" You ask with a quiet giggle, closing your eyes intinctivly.

You let Toge lead you inside, it was only a few steps but you had a general idea of the inside of your dorm and knew that you were standing in the middle.

Your boyfriend removes his hand from your eyes, and they immediately go as wide as saucers.

The two of you were standing in the middle of your dorm room—except it didn't look like your dorm room at all.

The usually plain dorm was now decorated to the brim with your favourite flowers, from small vases on your desk to the garland draped over the headboard of your bed.

You stand completely awestruck at the sight, not moving an inch as you try to process everything around you.

Toge waves his hand in front of your face, snapping you out of your trance. "Salmon?"

"You—you did this?" You ask in disbelief, before nodding frevently and wrapping your arms around his neck, "I love it!"

You pull down the zipper of his hoodie and give him a long, loving kiss, "I love it, I love it, I love it!"

The two of you stare at each other with heart eyes.

"I love you," You finally add in a soft tone.

And he doesn't have to say it out loud. Because 296 flowers filling your rooms are relaying the message loud and clear.

Now that's how you say I love you.

#jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen fanfiction #jujutsu kaisen x reader #inumaki toge #toge inumaki #toge inumaki x reader #toge inumaki x reader fluff #toge inumaki x reader headcanons

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wot-tidbits · 9 months ago

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1 to 1 adaptation

Disclaimer. This post has no point to change minds. Your mind is already made up and no one will change it. This is written for the sake of my own mind.

Look at the crybabies! They want 1 to 1 adaptation! Oooh, they do not know how adaptation works! Cry, little bigot, cry!

Hello and welcome to the most manipulative sentence that the WoT fandom has ever coined. A sentence which required 8 billion people on Planet Earth to suffer from amnesia simultaneously. Yes, even the person who uses it.

What logical conclusion a sane person can make after hearing the following scenario:

Listen to me, pal. In the last 24 years there are dozens and dozens of fantasy adaptations starting arbitrarily with the Lord of the Rings as the biggest mainstream success. Some of them got successful, some of them were not. People liked some and disliked others. No big deal. People watched the same adaptations over and over. For two decades and dozens of adaptations. For what we know, pal, people did not live in a cave. They got full access to books, cinema and television.

Enter the WoT TV series. All of sudden these people in question must live the last two decades in a cave with no access to cinema or television. They must watch the WoT TV series as their first adaptation. They do not know how any other previous adaptation looks like. They must suffer from amnesia and to forget all other previous adaptations in the last two decades and cannot compare with them. I am the telling you, this is the only logical conclusion, pal, that makes sense when you hear that a person does not know how adaptation works.

What you say? Remove any detail of that scenario and my house of cards is ruined? Imagine that all these people have not gotten out of the cave and it would be fine.

Imagine that such person exists. For real. No, actually I have better idea - imagine that there is a person who firmly believes that such scenario is possible to happen in any turning of the Wheel. Oh, what you say, I probably see such person every day in the mirror. Well, this is awkward…

Do not worry! I have the ultra giga mega argument in my sleeve! The bigots said that “iTs nOt liKE iN tHE b0oKs”! Yeah, this will show those losers! Definitely!

Yes, this argument worked excellent when the bigots cried about the Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter or Game of Thrones season 1-4! What, it did not work? It did not work at all? Are you sure? Oh, no, you did not suffer from amnesia and you all remember how well these adaptations were received by book fans? And that no one tried to explain the bigots how adaptations work because it seems they knew it very well already? Are you sure that millions of toxic people did not hide in their caves and stayed there in silence? What? It is not how the Internet worked in the last 24 years? You must have heard about “HARRY, DID YOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE”? Yeah, what? The people who made fun of this difference between the movie and the book weren't mocked and bullied into silence? I am truly shocked.

Hey, I have another suggestion. You know these millions of people who liked their adaptations and knew how they worked what about that they died in mass extinction and now the thousands of people who cried about WOT TV show are completely new and have nothing to do with the old ones. What? They are the same people? Are you sure? 24 years is not enough time for mass extinction? Listen, pal, I assure you they are not the same! They want 1 to 1 adaptation! I am sure of it! No one has ever heard of that before in the long decades of adaptations! They must be new.

You and me, pal, both know that such thing does not exist. These losers believe that and they cannot provide previous examples to compare. Do you see how smart I am? Pat me one the back. Please, pat me on the back. They cannot….WHAT NOW? You started going around and have asked them about it already?!?! You asked dozens of these bastards? How dare you! I wouldn't never get close to these bigots! Do not believe anything they say! It is a lie! What? They gave as examples as great adaptations the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the first 4 seasons of Game of Thrones. Every single time? Every single time. Well, this makes it easy. They are truly completely insane as I told you. Don't they realize that none of their examples is 1 to 1 adaptation?!? It doesn't make sense to whine that it is not like in the books and at the same time every single bigot to demand adaptation on the level of the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the first 4 seasons of Game of Thrones. These adaptations are different than the books. It does not make any sense. They must be wrong. No, no, no, no, it is definitely not me assuming that the bigots want 1 to 1 adaptation. IT IS BLOODY THEM! They cry about it! I do not. Don’t you realize what will happen if the whole time we mocked the bigots for believing in unicorns and it turns out that we are the ones who believe in unicorns?!?! Madness! Do not let them breath! Mock them how arrogant they are! How they do not know how adaptations work! After all, did not you hear? Even Brandon Sanderson doesn't know how adaptations work! A person who you never assumed such thing and you used him as undeniable example of support for the show in the previous two years. Amazing, right? No, it is definitely not me. I still do not hear patting me on the back, pal. They must believe in 1 to 1 adaptation. Otherwise all of this unjustified censorship and mocking for years will be proof of my hypocrisy.

Someone should have told the same to the angry fans of the Avatar: TLA animated series before whining about the movie adaptation of Shyamalan. Why nobody tried to mock these fans then? Why I should know the answer of that?!?

Or maybe we should move closer in time with House of the Dragon. People were angry about that production too. What? Book fans loved the adaptation despite the changes and the casting controversy? You didn't hear that right, I assure you. These bookcloacks whine about every adaptation! Just like they ruined the Sandman! What? They did not do such thing either?

Ok, ok, ok, hear me out then. Winter Dragon! Yes! Oh boy, how much it was despised! Right? See! There was so much whining from the bookcloaks back then… What? Not just from the bookcloaks? What do you mean every single fan thought it was bad adaptation? Nobody pointed that they do not understand how Winter Dragon worked? No one mocked fans that they wanted 1 to 1 adaptation with the prologue? Everyone simultaneously knew what a bad adaptation looks like when they saw it? Are you sure you remember all these events right? Maybe you have some kind of amnesia, pal. You sure sure? I start suspecting you are one of those bastards, aren't you?

No, you are not? How convenient! Then how many more examples of fans of the source material who miraculously understand how adaptations work you will throw at me? Did you not hear me the first time?!? I AM NOT WRONG! The bookcloaks are wrong!

In conlcusion.

The sane person in question after hearing it: Yes, 1 to 1 adaptation is sane and logical conclusion based on the evidence of plenty of dozens of fantasy adaptations in the last 24 years.

We live in an age of wonders where fans of the Percy Jackson's TV show tell the people who watched the Percy Jackson's movies that they do not understand how adaptations work. These two adaptations are separated by merely 13 years apart but suffering of amnesia as we all know is eternal.

Let the Light keep you safe. LightOne

#wheel of time #wot on prime #wheel of time tv series #my post

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jbaileyfansite · 1 year ago

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Interview with Vanity Fair France (2023)

Jonathan Bailey: celebrity, LGBT rights and cycling, words from an actor “in search of transformation”

New darling of cinema, Jonathan Bailey, the actor who played Anthony in Bridgerton, is taking a step aside in fashion. For Vanity Fair, he talks about his relationship with celebrity and the importance of LGBT representation on screen. Confidences.

What should a person dream of, after having experienced dazzling success all over the planet? Jonathan Bailey was only waiting for one thing: to get on his bike and cycle through the south of France. A memory comes back and his eyes sparkle: “A year ago, I visited Aix, Manosque and Marseille. I was dazzled by the energy of the latter and the beauty of the street art. » So, as soon as he could, this cycling enthusiast took a getaway far from the fog of his native England for a fashion shoot on the Côte d'Azur. At 35, the actor says he is exploring “new facets of his personality”, by posing in front of a camera lens or acting in front of the camera.

In perpetual “quest for transformation”, he is now ready to delve into the “darkest corners” of the human soul, he explains. Far, far from the role of enamored viscount which propelled him to stardom. In 2020, Jonathan Bailey made a notable appearance in the Bridgerton show, on Netflix.

The series tells the adventures of two aristocratic families during the English Regency, between tails, top hats and romantic intrigues. In the first season, he was content to be the protective brother of the heroine, the fiery Viscount Anthony Bridgerton.

The second season propels him to the center of a sentimental intrigue. And Netflix broke a record, with 193 million hours of viewing in the first three days of broadcast. A line of dialogue went viral, cited thousands of times on social networks: “You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires. » The whole world fell under its spell. What followed were magazine covers, front rows of fashion shows, red carpets of posh evenings…

After that, the actor changed register and dared to tread the boards of the West End theater in London with a play with the evocative title, Cock. A return to his roots for someone who started, at the age of 6, with the Royal Shakespeare Company. “I feel feverish if I’m not on stage,” he explains. "Acting keeps me fit as an actor. » Another challenge: he will soon be starring in the highly anticipated Wicked, adaptation of the musical comedy dedicated to the witches of The Wizard of Oz, alongside Ariana Grande and Michelle Yeoh (Oscar winner for best actress in 2023). Could he be stalked by madness of grandeur? Never. “There is no guide to learning how to deal with fame,” he admits. "I just focused on my first passions, notably music, surrounded by my friends, my older sisters, my nephews. » A secret: he also got back into some gymnastic movements - which he admits are still "'slightly kooky'. By that I mean: eccentric and approximate."

Some habits deserted along the way. With fame, he lost his anonymity and a little of his tranquility. “I will never give up public transport,” he says. "On the other hand, I tend to “underdress” so as not to attract attention. » His relationship with clothing has thus changed. He is just beginning to master the subtle art of matching his jewelry (like here with Mazarin jewelry). “I’m exploring more of the jewelry world as I get older and more confident. » Until then, he only had one fear: accumulating coins to the point of “resembling the donkey Bourricot”, loaded with mismatched fake coins. No risk. On his wrist, he wears the Omega watch of which he is the ambassador. A big first for him: “I participated in the launch of the Summer Blue Seamaster range this year,” he explains with pride. "I felt the connection of the house with the people of the sea. The travelers, the adventurers. The surfing and paddle enthusiast in me was delighted.»

This digression into the fashion sphere allowed him to meet his favorite designers – Daniel Lee, Jonathan Anderson, Giorgio Armani. Because, in fashion as in cinema, he only aspires to work with “creative people”, he admits. A second of reflection, a burst of laughter. All things considered, he would see himself as a “sheep of a sherpa”. Literally, “sheep” of a creative master who would take him into his merciless universe.

His only condition? Uphold the values that are close to his heart. Starting with LGBTQIA+ representation on screen, which he missed so much during his childhood. He remembers, moved, his meeting with Matthew Rhys, who plays a leading character in the American soap opera Brothers and Sisters: Kevin Walker, a gay lawyer. “This actor was a game changer for me,” insists Jonathan Bailey. "I found a bit of my family in the characters of the series. In the middle, he played a guy who led a fulfilling life and had a wonderful partner.»

The British actor is delighted to see today the very popular “Elite, Heartstopper or even Gossip Girl�� taking over, with diverse and varied narrative arcs aimed at young audiences. He himself made his contribution, since his career took off on Netflix as an openly homosexual actor playing an heterosexual character. “It’s as rare as seeing gay actors playing gay characters and being praised for that performance,” he emphasizes. We will soon find him in Fellow Travelers, a historical mini-series centered on a romance between two men in which he co-stars with Matt Bomer. Proof that an actor can absolutely play anything.

To the aspiring actors who follow him on the networks, he provides a lesson: “Representation is crucial, but being an artist also means being able to inhabit a character totally different from your own experience.» He is moved by having the luxury of choosing his projects, thinking back to the time when he went through auditions and accepted all the roles that came his way. When he talks about his job, Jonathan Bailey spins the love metaphor. “When I like a project, I feel a romantic spark. I let myself be carried away by something obvious. » Love at first sight guaranteed.

Source

#jonathan bailey #jonny bailey #interviews #interviews:2023 #vanity fair france interview #lgbtq+#NEW!

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fleurlia · 4 years ago

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here is part two of this.

[7:13 pm] for all the phases you have been through in the past few months, all of them were disastrous. a couple of months after jeno has told you about his proposal karina and he appears with new rings, explaining to everyone how both just choose to make things more swiftly and not wait until graduation.

you already knew it but that didn't stop you from spending at least twenty minutes crying pathetically in the ladies' room.

certainly when you thought things couldn't get any worse, believe me, they did. you were convinced for the moment karina asked you to help her choose the dress. again, you couldn't blame anyone against yourself.

renjun and donghyuck stood next to you, holding their laughs as she was asking for help in the most loving way. just for when she was gone the duo were shouting loud and attempting to comfort your poor heart. following that, you saw yourself sat there watching karina trying on more than a thousand wedding dresses, for getting married to the love of your life.

it would be easier to hate her if she was a bitch and 20% less attractive. you thought.

and talking about him, you couldn't even hold his gaze without looking weepy and bitter. your friendship existed only by devices, which you believed would be turned off the moment he said yes to her.

after a year of planning and torture, the big day has arrived and even though you have created every possible excuse, none seemed good enough to not going to your best friend's wedding. including a sweet smile, your mom comforted you as you got ready for the wedding, holding up tears and making yourself at least looking attractive on the worst day of your life. you asked more than once for your mother to be merciful and to fake an accident but she keeps telling you how could you get over it if you didn't see "the dead body".

instructed to stay at least a few minutes late, you made everything possible to be delayed. not wanting to arrive and have to deal with the reception and face the bride and groom. not craving to deal with the fact that if you held more than five seconds alone with jeno, you would presumably tell him the truth that was stuck in your throat. then when you arrive everyone was already at the ceremony, your entry causing a small noise that drew attention. jeno's eyes catching yours immediately.

the couple looking supremely beautiful, like always. the dress that karina and you have picked just not fits her but makes everyone around her look poorly ugly. oh my god, i hate myself so much. that was the only thing going through your mind.

sitting down next to renjun, he sends you a glance. "it's almost ended, i thought you were not coming."

"as if i were that lucky"

he chuckles but gently takes your hands. even though you said more than a thousand times that you didn't want anyone feeling sorry for you, he tried his best to make things a little better.

while the minutes started to grow, your mind stopped a few more every time that ceremony got close for the "yes". holding up every tear you possess in your body, you almost failed as the old lady next to you smile in your direction and whispered;

"what are you from the groom??"

"i... i am his best friend, since freshman year at college."

"oh, that's why he is looking right here all the time."

quietly you agreed with her, not even daring yourself to look up and catch all of his stares. the moments pass with you staring to anywhere, you couldn't even look at them without feeling your chest squeeze in sharp pain.

"so lee jeno, do you take this woman as your wife to lover her, respect her, and looking for her?"

wishing to not stand there or even existed, you were close to starting to crying but renjun squeezed your hands and all that people heard at next was; "yes, i do."

lee jeno, the love of your life just got married... but it's was not whit you.

later on, — this including the time you spent crying and sobbing in the car — you were supposed to go to the celebration and that's is what you did as a supportive friend.

the first hour was going like a blink, you have to pretend so much happiness that the idea of the newlyweds just got blanked out of your mind. it was the last straw when jeno's sister approached you with a gentle smile, you could feel her pity just by the look on her face and you felt even more miserable when she said it in a low tone: ''i always thought that on a day like today, you would be my new sister.''

that hurt so much.

the rest of the night passed like a blur, a slow and painful blur. you had taken so many pictures and you were sure that you looked ridiculous in the picture with the bride and groom, donghyuck and renjun were there to support you but your false happiness was quickly destroyed by jeno's stares.

almost at the end of the celebration, everyone full of the food and tired from the dancing, people decided it was time for the speeches and in the crowd of invited people you hid behind your friends. if by any chance the universe hated you that much you would be chosen to give some words and you were ready to make a whole speech based on rose's in "love, rosie". it would be tragic.

karina's mother said beautiful words to the couple and praised jeno so much that you at that moment felt happy for him. many relatives passed by, all of them talking about how perfect they were for each other and at end wishing them happiness. you felt like a jealousy bitch at every second.

almost at the end of all your torture, you already agreed that renjun or one of his friends would take you home because you didn't even want to talk, it was the newlyweds' turn to speak. karina sounded so perfectly in love with every word she spoke out. you were thankful to be far away from the couple because your stomach flipped as you watched jeno stand up, straightening his suit and black hair.

you were about to get up and walk away, not wanting to hear about how much he loved her and was grateful to be married to her but after a second thought, you knew you would draw pitying and pitiful glances in your direction.

"i can give you more than a thousand and one reasons about how i ended up here, married to karina." his soft voice echoing throughout the room. "one of them is because sometimes... we don't notice that what we need is right under our noses. sometimes we even notice... but only a few people dare themselves to confess their love to that person.'' at that point nobody else understood where he was getting at with that speech. just like all evening, you didn't attempt to look at him and be unlucky enough to find him also watching you.

''one more reason why we are here, on this particular night, is that maybe i took too long to realize, waited for too long. i wish i could confess this earlier because... deep down i always knew it was you. the love of my life and my best friend.''

something inside of you clicked. back when you started to date, jeno looked you up one day and you fought, he was just being jealous that your then-boyfriend also claimed to be your best friend and you didn't say anything, the point is that he would never call karina his best friend. on that day, both promise never forgets about their besties and never, never calling anyone ''best friend''.

nobody knew about that.

"if... if i could only go back in time... maybe i would tell myself how i should confess to you.'' you looked up, getting his gaze. you stood surprised when you noticed that his eyes were tearing up. ''if only i had known that we would be here today. i never would have let your lips leave mine years ago, on new years'. i never should have walked away. i never should have panicked. i never should have lost all those years without you... because i've realized that no matter where you are or what you're doing, or who you're with, i will always honestly, truly, completely love you.''

you couldn't believe in your damn bad luck.

you couldn't discover what was more pathetically tragic. the fact that karina would watch the video of her wedding in the future and see her husband confessing his love to someone who wasn't her. or the fact that jeno had chosen his wedding day to acknowledge that he loved you.

karina never kissed him on new year's, their first one was in a cinema. only you did, once in your second year as friends. you two never spoke about it.

karina didn't like romantic comedies, she was a literature major and only liked movies that was focussed on classics. you did. you had made jeno watch "love, rosie" so many times that you both knew the script.

with tears rolling down their cheeks, the two of you stared at each other for what seemed like hours. he loved you too. you both now knew about the other's love. inaudibly while you wiped your tears you both agreed that; maybe in another time, another life, we were meant for a happy ending. but not here, not at this moment.

but it didn't matter, only you two knew how much you loved each other and always would.

ok guys, sorry for making this so long and for any mistakes. let me know if you wanted to me doing scenarios, reactions or timestamps or even let my asks open for requests.

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drawing-way-outside-the-lines · 2 years ago

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➖ Mature content, 18+ ➖ check the trigger tags each time ➖

Chapter 35 - Not everyone fancies Jazz.

Episode 3. Dalton: *He laid down opposite Andy, observing him for a moment* I don't even remember how to be single any longer... which is ultimately the reason why I staid with her, which is nonsense, right? Andy: *He shrugged lightly* I dunno, it makes sense to me. You're used to the intimacy. Dalton: You'd think I wasn't any longer... it's been at least a year since I felt any real intimacy from her... I'm honestly extremely lonely *he sighed and sipped his wine* is the music annoying you? Andy: No... why would it? Dalton: *He shrugged lightly* Not everyone fancies Jazz. Andy: *He shrugged again* Not everyone has good taste... that goes for your ex as well.

Dalton: *He chuckled lightly* Well she used to... I suppose... if I'm good taste? I dunno?

Andy: ........ *again there were so many things he wanted to say, but he didn't dare*

Dalton: ......

Andy: But... maybe something more chilled if you were going for some latenight vibes? Well I suppose Jazz is too but-

Dalton: Suggest me something! *He sat up excitedly and dragged himself closer to the laptop, ready to type on Youtube...

Andy: *He chuckled hoarse and wormed himself closer to Dalton, sorta trying to crawl without spilling, leaning over Dalton* Hold this... *he reached his glass to Dalton, and started typing* I was thinking more along the line of one of my own playlists... Let me see... *he bit his bottom lip lightly, trying not to grin about the fact that at the moment he was halfway laying over Dalton's legs*

Dalton: Hey, don't fall now, we're gonna drown in wine then! *he chuckled amused*

Andy: Yeah, trying to hurry *he chuckled, and quickly found his favorite playlist* Let me just find a song... ahh! *he said after a short moment’s scrolling* Let's just start it from here! It doesn't really matter much, I suppose... since all the songs are night vibes to me... this is the list I listen to most at night if I want to relax and just drift away... *he quickly pushed play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEw35KJ4PEk&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=127

Dalton: Okay... let's see *he handed Andy his glass again, as he returned to lay on the bed*

Andy: *Suddenly realizing the song he had picked... well the lyrics... panic!*

Dalton: .... *clearly listening to the music*

Andy: *More panic!!!... and then the lyrics started*

Song: I could watch you for a lifetime, you're my favorite movie, a thousand endings, you mean everything to me. I never knew what's coming, forever fascinated, I hope you don't stop running, cause I'll always be waiting. You are, my cinema, action thriller, I could watch you forever. You are my cinema, action thriller.

Dalton: *He sipped his wineglass slowly, emptying it, then poured himself some more. They staid quiet the rest of the song, and a good part into the next song, before Dalton finally spoke again. He had been wondering if Andy had been putting the songs on on purpose or just picked a random one? But did he dare to ask if there were a meaning behind it?* So you're going to that wedding, right? On Christmas eve?

Andy: Ronan and Odette... yeah, of course, they are family *he smiled soft, and felt more than awkward about the songs* I uh *he gestured his glass towards the laptop screen* you can just find something else... this wasn't one of the more relaxing parts of the list... I picked the wrong song

Dalton: Oh *he frowned soft, almost disappointed... but why? He looked at the screen* I wouldn't know where to begin, I'm pretty sure I don't know any of those tracks?

Andy: So pick a title you think sounds interesting? *he smiled encouraging and sipped his wine, then decided to empty it in one go, placing the glass on the floor*

Dalton; Do you want more?

Andy: Not at the moment...

Dalton: No more drinking or?

Andy: Nah just slowing down for a moment *he chuckled hoarse* I thought you didn't want to drown in wine, now you're trying to drown me?!

Dalton: Pssh! *he rolled his eyes and chuckled amused, then turned back to the screen, reading titles* Hayden James - Something About You (Odesza Remix) *he pushed play* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgmEDI27Srk&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=138 nodding his head to the music... the lyrics...*

Andy: *He knew the song all too well... he had been falling in love to this song several times.... and it always made him want to throw himself at his newest crush, kissing them madly*

Music: You turn to face me, maybe this time I'll choose.

Dalton: *He couldn't decide if it was the wine, the music or the company, but he suddenly felt things he hadn't felt in very long time, his lips buzzing as he pressed them against the glass, forgetting to drink... spacing out as he starred into nothing, a well known warm tickling feeling rolling through his body, a strong urge for closeness, to feel someone... to fall in love... feel alive... and fall deep into someone elses most secret corners, being intimate on a soul level*

Andy: *He took a deep breath and laid back in Dalton's bed, starring at the ceiling, what a horrible idea that playlist had been, and now he was paying! Well, as long as he could keep himself from getting a boner....!!!!!!*

Dalton: *He got pulled out of his trance as the song stopped and another more upbeat song started. He quickly drank the last mouthful of his glass and poured another one, almost emptying the bottle* Should I get another one? *He reached the almost empty bottle to Andy* There's just a couple mouthfuls left...

Andy: *He grabbed the bottle and looked at Dalton with a sorta numb expression* Yeah, sure... go for it...

Dalton: Okay *he stood up, taking a large sip from his glass and placed it on the small table* Don't go anywhere! *He smirked at Andy as he passed him on his way around the bed and out the room*

Andy: Fuck! *he whispered to himself and quickly got up, Dalton would be back in less than a minute most likely, so he had to quickly find some other music... less..... boner inviting!!! Less kiss craving!!! So he quickly started scrolling the list, trying to find something that would be maybe a teeny bit inviting, yet casual, not too upbeat... not too slow... not depressing... and with similar songs coming after it. He whimpered, it was near impossible, and now his perfect Andy playlist, seemed nothing but a flaw-filled-failure!*

Dalton: I brought another red!

Andy: *He whimpered softly and quickly clicked on a song, then pushed the shuffle button, hoping that would somehow help him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c2znFXyvDE&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=184

Dalton: Did you find something?

Andy: Yeah, I really like that one... and then I just clicked shuffle *he shrugged lightly and quickly moved to his spot on the bed, emptying the rest of the old bottle, placing it on the floor next to his glass*

Dalton: *He nodded soft and sat down, bopping his head a bit as he leaned back on his bed, and listened to the song* Oh yeah, I have heard this one... you posted it on Social media.

Andy: *He looked at Dalton surprised* You watched my videos?

Dalton: Of course *he smiled lightly and sipped his wine* I like this song a lot... it was one of the reasons I started noticing you.

Andy: ..... notice me?

Dalton: *He sighed soft and sipped his wine* Yeah... you seem like.... no I know that you are... a very special person

Andy: *Light blushing* I'm just a trashcan at best... *he chuckled hoarse*

Dalton: Nah, I'm pretty sure you do know you're special, and the fact that you know, and you still aren't full of yourself, tells me you're a really good person... and I want you in my life *he smiled warmly*

Andy: *He smiled soft* .... I want you in my life too... more than you can imagine

Dalton: *He sighed soft and sipped his wine, feeling an attraction towards Andy he had felt before, but this time... this time it seemed to only grow stronger.... and stronger... and stronger...*

Andy: *He returned his eyes to the ceiling, trying to gather his thoughts... but the song soon enough made him space out and fade away*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8B8toeck&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=186

Dalton: *Half spacing out, half listening to the music and lyrics*

Andy: *Fading in and out*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISh3oB-O0Ss&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=59

Dalton: *Pressing his lips against his glass, the buzzing sensation coming back... his eyes gliding to Andy's lips*

Music: I can barely hold my tongue to say the least, I'm into you

Dalton: ............

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra-BuCCPtVw&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=148

Dalton: ............

Andy: ...........

Dalton: ........

Music: What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? Tell me to fly away, I spread my wings and go.

Andy: ...........

Dalton: ........

Andy: .........

Dalton: ..........

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZV_MjqdDOs&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=155

Andy: ........

Dalton: ........ *he was tired of being alone... tired of staying true to a heart that left him long ago. Tired of missing out on love. Tired of longing for kisses, intimacy, tired of feeling so painfully lonely*

Andy: ........

Dalton: ........ *He licked his lips and made a decision*

Andy: ....... *He opened his eyes as suddenly it was as if a shadow came over him, surprised to see Dalton leaning above him, looking down at him, his lips lightly parting to speak*

Dalton: *He leaned down, pressing his lips against Andy's, but this time, he didn't pull back again, he started kissing more*

Andy: *He moaned surprised and quickly kissed back, felling butterflies attack his stomach, the whole room spinning*

Dalton: *He moaned soft and welcoming as his whole body started buzzing, feeling like he had just entered a magical rollercoaster, waiting to take him on a wonderfully amazing ride into a starry blanket of galaxies and moon beams*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2M8GzCBZkM&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=168

Andy: *He pressed his palms against Dalton's cheeks and kissed back more fiercely as the music picked up and became more dramatic, giving him the boost of confidence he desperately needed*

Dalton: *He gasped surprised by the intense buzzing gathered in his stomach, and the feeling of Andy's soft lips against his, and so the song took over him as well, and he slowly opened his mouth, slipping his tongue into Andy's mouth, gently poking his*

Andy: *Fireworks in his mind!!!!*

Dalton: *Star sparklers going off, fading off into a blissful galaxy of pleasure and relief*

Andy: *His mouth opening slightly wider, inviting Dalton deeper in, their tongues playing eagerly with each other, his hands trembling lightly, of both fear and excitement*

Dalton: *He moaned soft and sighing, feeling dizzy, almost floating*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhK8Ehv6aPI&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=135

Andy: *A soft moan escaped him, pressing his body slightly towards Dalton, wanting, needing, longing to be even closer*

Dalton: *Melting into Andy, his lips and tongue eagerly tasting him, craving more, so much more! The void inside him, finally being filled, Andy leaking into every crack, slowly overflowing the dark empty space*

Andy: *Shaky breaths between kisses, feeling heavy, as if he was sinking into the mattress, drowning in a sweet never ending sea of Dalton, a more surrendering moan escaping him*

Dalton: *He suddenly pulled away, bumping down on his ass on the bed, starring surprised at Andy, brushing two fingertips over his lips in slow motion*

Andy: *He sat up slowly. Did he regret? Why did he pull away so sudden? Was it wrong? Was it just because of the alcohol? Did he get carried away and now figured it was a mistake? Then he noticed the fingertips, still lingering on Dalton's lips, as if he was trying to still hold onto the kiss, digest what had happened between them. It was now or never! So he quickly pushed himself forwards, so he sat right in front of Dalton, between his spread legs, and gazed deep into his eyes*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24dG4m8ym_g&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=140

Dalton: ......

Andy: *He reached out, grabbed the chest of Dalton's shirt and pulled him closer, their lips instantly connecting again*

Dalton: *His head was spinning, but in an oh so wonderful way, and he quickly wrapped his arms around Andy's neck, opening his mouth, granting Andy access*

Andy: *He quickly took the invite and slipped his tongue into Dalton's mouth, kissing him deep and passionate, but kept it on the slower side, finding a rhythm with the music, keeping it sweet and not too heated*

Dalton: *He more than enjoyed the mix of the music, the alcohol, the taste of Andy, and the more than needed feeling of a pair of lips against his again... a pair of lips that cared about him.... a pair of soft, wonderful lips, he only wanted to get lost in, more and more*

Andy: *His kiss turned more playful, the more he realized Dalton wasn't running away, so he gently started nibbling on Dalton's bottom lip between kisses*

Dalton: *A shaky sigh of pleasure escaping him, leaning more towards Andy, a need of getting even closer taking over him*

Andy: *A soft moan escaping him as an answer to Dalton's attempt at getting closer, pulling his shirt a little nearer to himself*

Music: No I don't want to fall in love... with you

Dalton: *He suddenly seemed to pull Andy in the other direction... INTO the bed*

Andy: *He moaned surprised, and just the second later they both tumbled into the bed, Andy unfortunately getting kneed in the balls* Owwwwwww!!! *Which admittedly was probably for the best anyway, as he was starting to get hard!*

Dalton: Shit! *he couldn't help but laugh*

Andy: *Broke out into a loud laughter, rolling from side to side in he bed, cupping his junk* Fuck!!! *more laughing*

Dalton: *Still laughing* I'm sorry! It's not funny! I'm sorry!

Andy: *Still laughing*

Dalton: *More laughing, sorta collapsing onto half of Andy's body*

*Both laughing hysterically*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knyy17g4Zag&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=141

*More laughing*

Dalton: I'm so sorry!

Andy: *His laughter fading into a chuckle* I'll manage *chuckling*

Dalton: *Chuckles soft, then sat up, pouring himself a new glass of whine, taking a large sip before handing it to Andy*

Andy: *He chuckled lightly and lifted himself a bit to grab the glass and drink*

Dalton: Hey... let's dance!

Andy: *He chuckled hoarsely* huh-what?!?!

Dalton: Come! *repeating the song* So you wanna be a dancer?

Andy: *He laughed loudly*

Dalton: *He jumped up on the bed and started jumping up and down* COME! *he reached two hands towards Andy, shaking them wildly*

Andy: *He shook his head and grabbed Dalton's hands, getting up fast, and joined the jumping without a protest*

*They both kept jumping around to the song, just being crazy and carefree, having no worries in the world for the moment, laughing, being free, feeling like kids again*

Andy: *Just as the song was about to stop, he accidentally bumped into Dalton, and they both crashed down on the bed, Dalton slightly on top of Andy, partially tangled in each other, laughing and panting for air.* Damn! *he laughed lightly*

Dalton: Yeah! *he laughed happily and rolled off Andy, landing on his back next to him on the bed, panting up at the ceiling*

Andy: It's been a long time since I last had THAT much fun! *chuckling amused*

Dalton: *He chuckled happily* Me too!

Andy: *Chuckling*

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLPWZgpXR2k&list=PLixuBkBFIAJnx83gIorsEhfnKAjWxrFjo&index=157

Dalton: *Observing Andy for a moment*

Andy: *Sighing soft as he gazed deep into Dalton's perfect eyes*

Music: There was a steepness in the darkness, I wanted to cut it like a comet crash. Hit the city, where you had echoed from a flash, made it all seem not so bad. Cause we were parallel lines running through the whole sky And even in the low light, we were aligned 'Cause we were parallel lines, separate the whole time But even in the divide, you and I.

Dalton: *He sighed soft and slowly scooted closer, snuggling his head against Andy's shoulder, closing his eyes*

Andy: *He smiled soft and laid a hand close to one of Dalton's, resting the side against Dalton's. Just a touch of innocent closeness. Romance filling the room. And that's how they both fell asleep to the last lines of the song.*

#Dalton Red #Andy Shaw-Thompson #Andycorn #unicorntales

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fly-me-to-neptune · 4 years ago

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A new home (1: Arrival of the birds)

―Just throw me. I can break it.

Three seconds later, a loud crash shatters the monotony of the murmuring noise of the city. The apartment is now filled with broken glass and the smell of burnt wood. Aquamarine prepares to enter through the smoking hole in the window.

―Be careful, the shards are very sharp ―advises her partner from inside the building.

She raises her eyebrows. But she shouldn’t be surprised, even less so flattered. After all, the gem with whom she's been fusing, researching human culture, and plotting revenge for the past few months is a ruby, therefore, protective behaviour is to be expected.

―Evidently ―she replies, flying delicately inside.

It’s very spacious, like all the other human residences she’s seen. It’s always quite perplexing to her. “Why is nothing adjusted to their size? Do they dislike having the ceiling close to their heads? Do they usually stretch their arms when walking through a hallway?” she usually wonders. The beryl still can’t fathom the thought of such a big area being a strictly private space. Back in homeworld, only high class gems such as herself would get anything more than a hole in the wall to rest in.

Ruby gives her one last glance before turning away from the window. The blue gem does feel grateful for her companion’s attentiveness, so she silently approaches her and begins to remove the shards that have been tangled in her hair. Not noticing this gesture, her comrade takes her first, cautious steps in what is to become their new home...

No.

Their new hideout. "Homeworld will always be our only true home", the blue gem reminds herself.

Hours earlier, they had come to the conclusion that finding a place to stay, a shelter to train and get stronger as Bluebird and to learn more about earthly customs would be the next step in their plan to get revenge. They had flown here and there, looking for the best place to settle, but they had been incapable of agreeing on any... Until they stumbled upon one of the buildings known as cinemas, of which Mydad had talked wonders about when Bluebird watched movies with him.

―I want to see more of those movies― Ruby had said―. Let’s live here.

―It is true that they are very didactic. One of the most useful things that can be found on this planet, I’d say― Aquamarine replied, not wanting to admit how entertaining she found them as well, even though Ruby was aware of it and even shared her liking for those strange recordings―. However, this is clearly a public space. It’s best if we get one of the residence destined areas around it.

And so they had done.

Aquamarine lets a eager smirk form in her face. Once the right place’s chosen and accessed, any gem will instinctively know it’s time to conquer it, and they’re more than ready to kick out any pesky earthlings that dares to oppose them.

She removes the last fragment of glass from Ruby's hair. The faint sound it makes when it falls to the ground causes the red gem to jump a little and give her a questioning look.

―No need to be so tense ―murmurs the beryl, drawing away and crossing her arms instinctively―. This will be easy. A few organics can't compare to us.

―What’s taking them so long, anyway? ―Ruby summons her chisel and takes a few more steps―. We haven't exactly been stealthy. They should be here by now.

―We might have scored an empty residence compartment.

Ruby’s next reply is barely audible:

―That, or we’re about to be ambushed.

They inspect their surroundings once more, not needing to say another word.

That’s when they notice it. Something distinct from the chaotic noise of cars and voices in the streets can be heard coming from beyond the hallway. Different sounds following the same rhythmic pattern, concurring notes of varying pitches and instruments harmonizing into what is perceived as a single melody. It’s music. Bizarre, terrestrial music, but music nonetheless.

“I never thought about it before. Music is just like fusion, isn’t it?” muses the blue gem, before immediately having to shake off the swarming memories of the time spent with Ruby as Bluebird Azurite.

They advance through rooms of floral wall paper and light wooden floor, filled with all sorts of unfamiliar items, until they reach what, structurally speaking, appears to be the main area. A room much wider and nicely illuminated. It’s where the music is coming from.

And there’s a human, right there, humming along.

She’s sitting in a rocking chair that creaks every so often, undisturbed by the smoke dancing in the cold air current that now connects the invasors’ entrance hole with one of the windows in the room, open by a narrow gap. She’s absorbed on a enigmatic task involving colored fibres.

What’s with her lack of reaction? The music isn’t loud enough to have concealed the crash, not even close! The gems share a puzzled look. The smaller one feels a sudden urge to laugh, but she stops herself in time and just makes a quick grimace to try to express her exasperation at the ―oh, so erratic!― behaviour of Earth’s organics. Ruby smiles widely in response, appearing to be repressing a chuckle herself.

Oh.

Aqua still hasn’t gotten used to seeing her smile. It somehow makes it harder for her to breathe, even if only for a couple of seconds. Perhaps it’s because she would never have expected to see such a gesture coming from who, at first, seemed like a tough, stoic, emotionally closed off ruby soldier; even less so, directed at her. Yet, it has been happening quite often.

She looks away. She wants to breathe like normal again, not think about her companion’s entrancing, dark scarlet eye.

Suddenly feeling impatient, she flies across the room to reveal herself to the human. “Let’s get this over with” she thinks, forcing herself to focus, “I’ll just distract her so Ruby can get the upper hand”. With an acceptable amount of grace, she lands on a small table near the window and, as soon as she turns to directly face the organic, she confirms with a sly glance that the red gem has understood her intentions and is already sneaking towards the creature. The beryl smiles.

―Greetings, human.

No reaction. Again.

Despite its seeming convenience, it’s starting to get annoying for the aristocrat. Be it a positive or negative one, she enjoys getting a reaction out of others, and she’s definitely not used to just being ignored like a simple pebble. Not to mention that the way someone reacts always gives her a lot of valuable information about what could be their usual behaviour, their current state of mind and about how she can assure a position of psychological superiority.

What can she conclude out of this lack of response? She’s not sure. And she doesn’t like not being certain about where she stands in. She detests it.

But she’s not alone against the strange creature. Ruby jumps to the organic’s seat, grabbing one of the wooden bars of its structure to secure a high position and, efficiently as always, points her chisel to her neck. The chair rocks and creaks violently, as if complaining about the roughness of the gem soldier.

Confident in that she isn’t gonna be tuned out this time, the blue gem clears her throat and announces:

―I think you’d be interested in knowing that, from now on, we are taking possession of your cute little residence hole.

―It’s a pretty big one though ―The red gem murmurs, impressed by Aquamarine’s assertion. Tsk, tsk. That’s not the point, Ruby! The point is to make the unresponsive human feel insignificant and intimidated... which seems to still not be working, in any case.

A few awkward seconds pass by.

―I was under the impression human beings were territorial.

―Yeah. This is weird. Besides, she’s not screaming―. Ruby squints as she looks the organic up and down.― And they always scream.

The two gems wait a couple minutes, in which only the music is heard. But the strange creature is really not reacting to them, she just keeps trying to imitate the melody with her own feeble voice as her hands tangle the colored fibers.

Aquamarine finally loses interest. She decides to hover around and examine the objects that catch her eye.

It doesn't take her long to get to the record player.

―Finally. I was getting sick of that noise ―her fusion partner celebrates when Aqua removes the disc to inspect its material.

―What a waste of resources. Look! This barely contains a few minutes of melody,― she explains, running a finger over the markings of the record’s surface―. Why not just use a living human for auditive diversions? They would surely have room for more variety.

Ruby shrugs, not too interested. She continues to grip her chisel, staring menacingly at the organic, who still hasn’t stopped humming despite the interruption of the record’s music.

―Well, y’know. Humans don’t do that. Organics don’t devote themselves to a purpose. ―The frown on Ruby’s face deepens as a gust of wind shakes the curtains and brings in the distant laughter of children―. They just wander around aimlessly.

―Well, if they usually sing this poorly, I suppose that’s for the best ―she giggles―. I’m not made for singing, but I bet I could do it a thousand times better.

At last, she’s caught Ruby’s full attention. She’s looking at her with curiosity shining in her eye. Not that that’s a good thing. She should continue keeping watch of the organic while Aquamarine explores around. There’s no reason for Aqua to sing the earthly melody that’s got stuck on the back of her mind, no reason to try to impress an already agreeable comrade. Right?

And so, the blue gem averts her gaze yet again and both of them fall back into their roles.

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jokertrap-ran · 4 years ago

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(未定事件簿) EVENT! 「眷然恋影」 [Tears of Themis] EVENT: Zuo Ran Birthday 2021- Days to Re-Live Forever (4.24: Exchanging Movie Reviews)

*Tears of Themis Masterlist / Mobile Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Will also be filed under Zuo Ran’s tag #Tears of a Lawyer *The tracking tag for ALL Event Stories will go under: #Tears of an Event

4.18 / 4.20 / 4.22 / 4.24 / 4.26 Messages / Investigations / Call

Location: Live-action Studio

As Zuo Ran's birthday drew closer, the Film Festival gradually approached it's ending, and the scene I was trying to recreate on-set was soon to be complete.

Now, I had to exchange for some other things that could serve as a birthday present, in addition to a variety of props.

For example, the "Collector's Edition: The World-wide Film Script Collection" that was listed under the gift catalogue.

MC: (This is the best of the best! Nothing can be more suitable than this for someone like him, who loves movies so much!)

But in order to get this gift set, I'll need either 200 volunteer points to redeem it, or to clinch the first prize in the Film Critic Competition.

MC: (After calculating the cost of the remaining set props and items I need… That extra 200 points I require looks really hard to obtain…)

MC: (Looks like I'll have to win the Film Critic Competition before I can think about it.)

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Location: Cafe

Simply watching a movie won't be enough to clinch victory in the Film Critic Competition.

During this period of time, I ran straight to the Cinema immediately after work in a bid to feed my pool of film knowledge.

But I'd never expected for my actions to have caught the attention of Mr. Li, the director of the award-winning film "Thousand Stars", that had won a gold award this Film Festival.

Director Li treated me as if I was a student in Film School, coming over to make small talk. Again, and again, until we eventually got acquainted with each other.

MC: Director Li, this is Zuo Ran, an Elite Lawyer. He's my partner, and also a movie enthusiast.

Zuo Ran had been absolutely busy with work the past two days, but due to the contents of his work, it was also something that I couldn't help him with by splitting the burden.

I didn't want him to get so "invested" in his work that he ended up burning himself out, so I specially invited him out to introduce him to Director Li, in hopes of getting him to relax a little.

Zuo Ran: It's been a long time, Li Yuan.

Li Yuan: Miss Lawyer here told me that she was going to be introducing me to a friend of hers. I was wondering who; but turns out it was you. It really has been a long while, Zuo Ran.

MC: You guys… Know each other?

A smile broke out on Zuo Ran's face; one that expressed the joy of reuniting with an old friend, one that spoke more than words.

Zuo Ran: Li Yuan and I were from the same batch of students, from the same law school. Only just that he changed his line of work as soon as he graduated.

Li Yuan: But that's only because it's so hard to pass the bar exam! I don't want to be memorizing anymore laws.

Zuo Ran: We're all acquaintances here, no need to be so courteous.

Zuo Ran: (Y/n) is my partner and will be participating in a Film Critic Competition soon. She has watched your movie, "Thousand Stars", many times over.

MC: Wait, how do you know that, Lawyer Zuo?

Zuo Ran: Weren't you playing "Thousand Stars" on your Pad this afternoon, while you were eating lunch?

MC: I've been re-watching it a couple of times lately, yes.

Li Yuan: You really like this movie that much? You've never brought it up in any of our previous conversations.

Li Yuan: I thought you disliked it but didn't dare voice it out to me for fear that it'll embarrass me, so you simply avoided the topic altogether.

MC: You're greatly mistaken! I really love "Thousand Stars"!

MC: But because I'm going to be participating in the Film Critic Competition, I can't help but to feel that talking to the Director of the film before writing the review's a little like playing cheat. So…

Zuo Ran: It's only to understand the Director's creative ideals. Whether it's worth it's recognition, whether or not it's nice to watch; those are things that only you can evaluate and judge for yourself.

Li Yuan: That's right, don't feel guilty for it.

Li Yuan: Look, I put out that many reasons for my shooting ideas back during the movie's promotional period; but yet, there are still people who have split opinion about whether or not this movie's a good one.

Li Yuan: So, come on, hurry and tell me what your rating is. Just think of it as you giving me a spoilery film critic about my work, alright?

MC: If I may be so presumptive to share my own opinions on the matter.

MC: I think that the plotline in "Thousand Stars" is clear, the pacing is just right, and the actors have also managed to portray the characters really well...

MC: Especially the unique setting of having two male leads, I think that's very well done, and they're both very charismatic. But...

Now came the hard part of talking about just what was lacking. I unwittingly snuck a glance at Zuo Ran.

He gave me a reassuring nod. That was when I finally gathered up enough courage to voice my own thoughts.

MC: But, I can’t say I agree with the “Villian’s impactful acting during the explosion” that everyone’s been raving about.

MC: The excitement that stems from the scene between the final showdown between the villain and the protagonist is mostly because the protag was spurring on the villain emotionally.

MC: The explosion scene, and the editing method used to cut straight to the heroine’s scenes also further intensified the tension.

MC: With both of these in play, don’t you think that the acting skills of the villain aren't reflected well enough, on the contrary?

Li Yuan: I see. What do you think of it, Zuo Ran? Or don’t tell me you didn’t watch my film?

He pretended to threaten Zuo Ran with a threatening gesture.

Zuo Ran: My opinion is the same as (Y/n)’s.

MC: Huh? You think so too?

Perhaps we could have seen Robin’s movie review of the “Thousand Stars” if only he wasn’t that busy with work.

But alas, it was much better to hear his live commentary about it in-person now.

Zuo Ran: Yes. This scene is none other than the final decisive standoff between the villain and the hero, where they each have to kill the other party at all costs.

Zuo Ran: The character of the villain is that he is strong, paranoid, but very calm and composed; and that he's also a meticulous schemer. That being said, despite all the emotions running high here...

Zuo Ran: There's no need for such strong physical actions. Rather, it'll have been more fitting if you’d simply rely on the subtlety of actions to influence the audience.

Zuo Ran: But in this case, not only did the villain’s actor exaggerate his sneer a little more when the mood changed, but he’d also used a larger action to make up for the lack of visible expression.

Zuo Ran: He also deliberately raised his voice, so that the character he portrayed no longer retained his calm and paranoia, but instead, falls closer to disarray and madness. This conflicts a little with his initial persona.

Zuo Ran: But, although the performance of the villain’s actor was a tad choppy, he still has unlimited potential yet to be tapped into as a greenhorn.

Li Yuan laughed, clapping.

Li Yuan: Man, oh man, oh man! As one would expect of a Lawyer like you, Lawyer Zuo! Getting straight to the heart of the matter, I see!

Li Yuan: You’re absolutely right. The villain’s actor is a good seedling that has just graduated and requires more experience in the field.

Li Yuan: But I never expected that you’d have such thoughts about the actor’s acting either, Miss Lawyer. Or perhaps… Do you and Zuo Ran share a tacit understanding of each other between normal boundaries?

His eyes “scanned” us, flickering back and forth between us, an ambiguous yet knowing look on his face.

MC: You flatter me. I'm only but an amateur at this, and I haven't watched that many movies compared to Lawyer Zuo…

Zuo Ran: Movies reviews are something where you're meant to express your own views about it; professional experience and how excellent your review is as a whole does not matter.

Zuo Ran: Personally, I think a good movie review is one that resonates well with people.

Zuo Ran: We've watched many movies together now, and there are always points we mutually agree with.

Zuo Ran: In actual fact, I've always got something to learn from your evaluations of the movies we watch.

MC: Lawyer Zuo…

Li Yuan: Miss Lawyer, this is the first time I'm ever hearing Zuo Ran sing this many praises about someone else.

Li Yuan's tone and expression grew increasingly suggestive...

MC: ……

Zuo Ran: Cut it out with the jokes, Li Yuan.

Li Yuan: Yes, yes; alright. You're still the same as ever, huh.

Following that, we all started talking about other movies.

I could literally feel the tension and exhaustion leave Zuo Ran as time went on. His entire being had entered a state of relaxation.

MC: (This isn't a wasted trip at all since it got Lawyer Zuo to relax!)

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Talking to both veterans of the field made me gain lots of enlightenment.

I went to polish the movie review I'd already written at night, after getting back home, before making my official submission.

With some twist of fate, my review was actually awarded the first prize; and I managed to redeem the "Collector's Edition: The World-wide Film Script Collection", just like I was hoping to.

☆⋅⋆…⋅─────────── ⋆⋅✾⋅⋆ ───────────⋅…⋆⋅☆

Previous Part: (4.22: Dubbing Contest) | Next Part: (4.26: Birthday Celebration)

#Tears of Themis #Zuo Ran #左然 #Translations #Otome #Mihoyo #未定事件簿 #眷然恋影 #Days to ReLive forever #Zuo Ran 2021 Birthday #Tears of a Lawyer #Tears of an Event #weiding shijian bu #tears of themis translations

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lifeofroos · 3 years ago

Text

A/N: I watched Dune, It gave me An Insight, I took an old idea, I had a new idea, I made this. First retelling on a story of Norse Mythology… I think.

AO3 - KoFi

Sixthousand Years Time

‘What are your plans?’

Odin glanced at his wife, before turning back to the window. She was brushing her hair, although it seemed like she only did it to have something to do with her hands. ‘See if no-one is causing trouble here on Asgard.’ He waited for her to hum approvingly. ‘Check up on the Valkyries and the einherjar. Furthermore… see what’s new in the nine realms. Like the president of the United States. I wonder if he is any wiser than the last one.’

‘I predict you’re going to be the judge of that.’ She put down her hairbrush. ‘But I hear you aren’t going to ask Heimdal if anything is stirring in the nine realms.’

Odin turned to face her. ‘I’ve done that every single day the last sixthousand odd years. Hardly ever was anything actually wrong. Nothing will change if I leave it to Heimdal this time.’

‘Yet, why?’ She held her hands folded before her stomach, the way she did when addressing all of Asgard.

‘Just why? Because I don’t think anything will change if I leave it to Heimdal this time.’

She raised her chin. ‘Why right now?’

He sighed. ‘As good a time as ever.’

‘And?’

‘Do I still need to say it?’

She nodded. ‘Please do.’

He smiled. ‘And what do you think of it?’

She came closer. ‘It seems like we’ve got as much of a chance that the end will show up as any other day, and Heimdall is capable enough.’ Frigga laid her hand on his arm. ‘I don’t know what you’re detecting,’ she said, ‘But I trust we’ll learn soon enough.’

‘That’s all I need.’

She pressed her forehead against his for a second.

How far away was Ragnarok, really? Neither of them spoke the words out loud, not because they didn’t dare, but because they didn’t have to. It might be tomorrow, it might be in another thousand years, it might be over a million years. Every single moment had been spend either preparing or waiting for it and very little had seemed to actually matter. So, why not deviate from the norm for once?

Usually, Frigga was the first one to step away. Not so much right now. ‘I have to go. Someone has to carry out the other plans, and I am the one who came up with them.’

‘I know. I’ll be in the parlor, probably. Preparations for the festival and all.’

Odin smiled again - she smiled back this time. ‘We can’t forget that.’

‘No.’ With a soft tap on his shoulder, she walked out the room. Her husband lingered a few moments longer, before he too disappeared.

A/N: Original prompt by myself: Odin and Frigga have to be the most old married couple of all pantheons (IDK they’ve got that energy). Somewhere in that cinema it clicked that they had to like… have the impression of being a marriage of convenience, yet they still care about each other very much - that’s what six thousand odd years do to you. so perhaps not a lot of passion, but deep love nonetheless. They know each other through and through at this point.

I kinda tend to believe Odin is building to his own doom - knowingly. This man knows Ragnarok will happen and he also knows how it will happen. Still, he did things like tie down Fenrir and banish Hell to her realm of death, even if all along he knew that would lead to his downfall. Somehow, it seems like he accepts his fate and this is what’s going to happen ányway, so he might as well let it.

#norse mythology #upg #norse mythology retelling #mythology retelling #mythology #odin #frigg #frigga #writing #writer #story

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georgemackayhey · 4 years ago

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Bill Turcotte asking the reader out because he thought she was really pretty and they end up falling in love.

The way I danced around cuz someone FINALLY sent a bill ask. Yall know how I feel about this one... let's dive in!

"Excuse me," A timid call stopped you from turning the corner. The town was bustling, but you weren't in any real hurry. So you stopped at the sound of a voice over your shoulder and looked up to find the most striking man you'd ever laid eyes on.

You'd seen him around, actually. He'd moved into town early in the month with another guy who your boss was absurdly suspicious of. But once the pair breezed into town, they seemed to settle into the background all the same. You hadn't seen much of either of them till now.

"Can I help you?" You wondered with a small grin, totally clueless as to any reason he'd have to catch your attention. You watched the guy with bright blue eyes, search your face. And then he shifted his weight a bit, and opened his mouth to speak, though the word didn't start to come for a beat longer.

"I've just... seen you around town," He began, in a charming draw you hadn't noticed till now. Oh he just kept getting cuter, didn't he? "And-and I was just sort of hopin' you'd like to come to the diner with me, sometime?"

"Are you asking me on a date?" You chuckled a little, stepping out of the way of a crowd of people hurrying by.

"Only if you want," The guy continued to stutter, making himself seem small even at the impressive height he stood. You watched in wonder, trying to imagine a time you'd seen him around, your heart fluttering at the thought of him noticing you.

"What's your name?" You laughed, crossing your arms to keep your heart from beating right out into the street.

"I'm Bill." He shook his head, straightening a little. "And I think you're the loveliest lady I've ever seen."

"Well that's a very endearing title, but you can just call me y/n."

He repeated your name through a small smile, keeping his pretty eyes locked on yours.

"So, see you tomorrow at the diner? Round noon?" You grinned, moving to head on your way. Bill seemed stunned by your comment, shaking his head for a second before nodding and confirming his excitement to accept the offer.

The next day you showed up early for the date and found he was already waiting there. He pulled out a seat for you and laughed when you pointed out how early he was. You ordered, and the beat of silence that followed after the waitress left your table only lasted for a second. Once the pair of you got to talking it was like there'd never be enough time to share. You rambled for hours, until lunch hour was long gone, and when you realized you had to get going you could have nearly cried at the prospect of leaving Bill.

Suddenly, out of all the hopes and dreams and plans you ever had, being with Bill seemed to trump them all. You arranged a couple more dates, to the cinema and the local nature trails. During the film, he held your hand. And on your lazy hike, you pulled him behind a tree and kissed him like your life depended on it. The way he held your head in his hands as he kissed back turned your brain to stew, the only thought shining among the fog was how dearly you'd come to care for Bill.

On your fourth date, you invited him over for dinner. That night he told you about where he'd come from. He told you about his life and the hardest parts about it, and you told him some of the same about yourself. That night he stayed over, and instead of keeping it to yourself, you told him how fond you'd become of his company. You feared you'd feel lost without it, now. He chuckled, and agreed in a terrified breath. And then it was decided that you'd never have to worry about losing each other, making matching promises to remain every bit together.

Then the time came to meet Jake. He was polite, inviting you to dinners and things. But he was odd too, insisting you find something to do to keep busy on weekends, because he needed Bill's help with something that he never dared explain. Bill would apologize on the nights he managed to sneak and stay over, but he'd never give you much of an explanation either.

But you wanted one. You deserved an explanation, especially now that you and Bill were recognized around town as a pair, leaving vendors to worry if they spotted one of you without the other.

It was the reason for your first fight, when you begged him to tell you something of what kept him away at odd hours, at the snap of Jake's fingers. Bill still wouldn't tell you, but agreed it was time you knew. So he invited you back to the place he shared with Jake, and sheepishly asked his roommate to explain what was going on to you. Jake nearly flew off the handle. But before he did, you stood...

"Look, I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna be a part of Bill's life for good, so I suggest you let me in on whatever the hell it is you have him so wrapped up in. Cause I don't think you'll fancy me snooping and finding out the hard way, whatever that may be."

Jake argued back for a bit, saying that if you really cared about Bill you'd leave it alone. Saying that it was too dangerous for you to be concerned with. Saying you wouldn't understand. But then Bill crossed the room you and his roommate paced bickering,

"Let me make this easier for the both of you." He said, just before he opened the doors to a room full of tapes and reels and headsets.

Jake slumped, and sat on the sofa in defeat. You stood before him with arms crossed, ready to hear the worst. Then he told you everything.

After the very long, jarring story... After one thousand questions, and an oath that you take this secret to the grave, Bill offered to walk you home.

"If you..." He let out a sigh, looking toward the street lamp you stalled under. "If you don't wanna see me anymore I'll understand. I-"

"Shut up." You interrupted, standing on your toes to press your lips to Bill's. You could feel a weight leave his shoulders as you wrapped your arms around them. Bill held you close, burying his head in your neck as you lost yourself to the feeling of his strong arms nearly lifting you from the ground.

"Guess what," You mused, moving a hand to hold his face, and catch his eye. Bill peered to you with all the wonder of a boy in school, desperate to learn. "I love you, Bill. So you'd better get used to me keeping your secrets."

He looked as if he might burst into tears. But instead, he just grabbed your face and kissed you hard, before pulling away and repeating the sentiment in that charming little accent, with all the meaning in the world on the tip of his tongue. You knew his saying so was the start of the rest of your future. You'd follow Bill through all of time, and you had every confidence he'd trail close behind you all the same.

Always accepting blurbs

#george mackay #mini blurbs #Bill Turcotte

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babybirdgyeom · 5 years ago

Text

im jaebeom ⤑“we’re never game over.”

pairing: jaebeom & reader

prompt: “we’re never game over” & “did you fall out of love?”

genre: angst followed by a happy, fluffy ending

word count: 1.5k

summary: a sad late night drive leads into you finally adressing your worries to your boyfriend.

note: this is a drabble i wrote for my follower special - request here. just like always, it’s not proofread because i’m too lazy. hope you enjoy!

you felt depressed on the way back home, looking out of the window of jaebeom’s car. the city lights were passing you fastly and the whole street seemed to be golden. every now and then you dared to look at your boyfriend, the way he clenched his jaw and stared straight ahead felt like a knife in your heart. there was no way he could tell you that everything was alright, he was definitely just as bothered by your current situation as you were.

the evening was nice, the two of you were invited to jackson’s and his girlfriend’s apartment for a dinner party. for once there was no awkwardness between you, he even held your hand during dinner and gave you one of his infamous smiles - one of the real ones, not the fake ones he has been giving you over the past months. it almost felt real again, almost as if the two of you had a chance to save your failing relationship.

but as soon as you were back in the car there was nothing but deafening silence between you. it was beyond sad to think back to the start, back to the times your love was so good and real. you tried telling yourself over and over again that it couldn’t be only sunshine anymore three years later but that was just another method of you trying to cling onto your relationship.

you felt jaebeom’s eyes on you after you let out a big and long sigh, obviously not feeling comfortable.

“what’s wrong?”, he asked half-heartedly before gripping his steering wheel tighter and looking back on the street.

“oh.”, you said quietly, surprised by him reacting to you at all, “nothing. it’s alright. i’m just tired.”

he nodded, “alright.”, cold. that’s how you could best describe the atmosphere between you at the moment. you didn’t want to think about it, knowing it would bring tears to your eyes but to you, it didn’t feel like your relationship will survive this year.

and once again, complete silence. a part of you started to become annoyed and maybe even a little bit mad. it was unacceptable to you, and also unbearable, to just ignore the obvious problem but after time, you just got used to it, thinking it would be safer to just let it be instead of addressing it.

but you couldn’t stand that anymore so before you could give it another thought, you decided to finally ask the question that has bothered you for such a long time.

“did you fall out of love?”, even though you blurted your question out your voice was still shaky and not at all as strong and stable as you wished it to be.

surprised, jaebeom looked at you, his lips slightly open. he was shocked to say the least, not expecting that at all. his eyebrows knitted together, trying to read your facial expression but not being able to understand where your sudden question came from.

“wait a second.”, he said, looking back at the road as he drove to the side, parking his car to look at you properly. turning the engine off, he unbuckled his seatbelt, turning his body to you, “what did you ask me, (y/n)?”

you hated that you had to repeat yourself even though he clearly understood your question, “i asked you if you fell out of love, jaebeom.”, you said, your voice a bit more stable this time, waiting for an answer, “did you?”

taking a deep breath your boyfriend ran his hand through his hair, obviously still very unsure of what was going on.

finally looking at you, he took your hand, “of course not. i did not fall out of love. what in the world makes you think that?”

you scoffed in response, not knowing where to start, “is this a serious question?”

giving you an annoyed glance, he clenched his jaw again, “do i look like i’m in a joking mood right now?”

ignoring his counter you freed your hand from his grip.

“our relationship is suffocating. we barely talk anymore and you don’t even answer my texts most of the time.”, you said, biting your lip, “is it that absurd that i might think you’re just not into me anymore?”

now he was the one letting out a sigh, looking more concerned than before, “why would i stay with you if i didn’t love you anymore?”

you shrugged, trying to give him the answer to a question you asked yourself a thousand times already, “out of habit maybe? i don’t know your reasons.”

for a second he didn’t answer, not knowing what to say. he tried going for your hand once again but respecting you not wanting to hold hands right now. looking at him while he was thinking about what to say was both: beautiful and hurtful. you still loved the man beside you so much, after all those years he was still the only person you wanted around you - but exactly that was also the hurtful part. what would you do if he left you?

“i’m sorry.”, he said, bringing you back to reality, “i really am. i don’t want to hurt you.”

“but?”, you asked him, scared of what was coming next.

once again, he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, not knowing what exactly you were on about, “what do you mean but? there is no but. i just didn’t realize i hurt you with my behavior, even though i should’ve known.”

now you were the confused one - you definitely thought this conversation was going to take another route than this.

just as you wanted to say something you were interrupted by a quick peck on your lips, followed by jaebeom’s thumb caressing your cheek, “you’re my princess. i just-”, he made a small pause, thinking about how to explain it to you, “sometimes i feel stressed out and then i easily forget about my boyfriend duties.”

you chuckled at his use of words, feeling a bit relieved that apparently your boyfriend still liked you after all. but still, a part of you was very unsure about your whole relationship.

“i just miss you so much.”, you admitted, making him pout a little bit, “i know we see each other every day but we never spent time with each other anymore. i’m just worried we’ll drift apart.”

the expression on his face was full of love and admiration and his heart felt like it was about to burst, “baby, we’re never game over. never ever. we’re endgame and nothing in the world could ever make us drift apart.”

coming closer to you he gave you a kiss. a real one, one of those that makes your stomach feel tingly, both of his hands cupping your face. this probably was the first proper kiss you had in two months and the fact that it still had the same effect on both of you gave you comfort.

“god, i love you more than anything, (y/n).”, he said, giving your forehead another kiss before turning on his engine again, ready to continue driving.

“where are you going?”, you asked as he was making a quick u-turn.

“we’re going to the cinema right now, babe.”, he said, chuckling, “it’s time you get the attention you deserve.”

shaking your head amused, you looked at your boyfriend, “it’s midnight, we’re not going to the cinema right now.”

“oh hell yeah we’re going.”, he insisted, “if we’re lucky we’ll be the only ones so we can make out during the boring parts.”

laughing, you gave in, “well, that’s enough to convince me.”

“i know i said it before,”, jaebeom started as his hand found your thigh, his thumb caressing it, “i’m sorry. you deserve so much more. we’ll work through this, alright? you’re my everything.”

#got7 #im jaebeom #jaebum #jaebum imagine #jaebum scenario #jaebeom imagine #jaebum au #got7 au #jaebum fluff #jaebum angst #jaebeom drabble #jaebeom one shot #got7 reactions #kpop #im jaebum

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fanficshiddles · 5 years ago

Text

This wasn’t part of the plan, Chapter 9

Melody was so ecstatic on Saturday evening when she was all moved in to her new home. Tom had helped her move all her things into her new apartment. He surprised her when he revealed that he already had the keys for her, handing them over straight away.

He already pre organised it with the owner. Saying he knew that she would love it and took a gamble. Luckily one that worked out. Because if she hadn’t liked it, he would’ve been in trouble.

Tom had stayed till around nine ish that evening, helping her get unpacked and settled in. She still felt a bit odd, being with her English teacher. But she was trying to push that thought to the back of her mind and just enjoy her time with him.

When she went to bed on Saturday night, she had a great sleep. And much to her annoyance, Tom was right. She definitely did feel safer in that apartment than in her previous flat.

Melody was sound asleep when the doorbell kept ringing the following morning. Rolling over and groaning, she glanced at the time to see it was only eight o clock and she fell out of bed. She grabbed her dressing gown and shuffled through to the door, wondering who the heck it was at that time of the morning.

She certainly hoped it wasn’t some weirdo neighbour that would be ringing every morning. But when she opened the door, it wasn’t some weirdo, it was Tom.

‘Good morning, darling.’ He grinned, amused at seeing her still half asleep.

‘Morning.’ She humphed and turned back into the apartment. Tom chuckled and stepped in after her.

He followed her as she went back through to her bedroom and collapsed onto the bed with a groan, hugging her pillow tightly. Tom leaned against the wall next to her bed and folded his arms over his chest.

‘I was coming to ask if you wanted to come out with me for breakfast. But it seems you’d rather stay in bed?’

Tom just received another groan in response. He moved over and grabbed the blanket, hauling it off her. Then he grabbed her ankle and dragged her to the side of the bed where he could climb on and lean over her, gripping her chin as he chuckled. ‘Come on, lazy bones. Let’s go eat.’ He pressed a kiss to her lips, surprising her slightly with the sweet act.

It was enough to surprise her into being more awake. He hopped off the bed and went over to the window and opened the curtains, letting the sunlight in.

Melody sat up and looked at Tom when he turned around, smiling. ‘You are far too chirpy in the morning.’ She grumbled.

Tom left her to get showered and dressed, he waited in the living room for her. When she finally emerged, it was almost an hour later since he’d arrived.

‘Something I want to add to our… arrangement.’ Melody said when she grabbed her coat.

‘What may that be?’ Tom asked, helping her put it on.

‘I get a long lie. It’s one thing I’ve been looking forward to not having to work, and I haven’t had a nice long lie in SO long. Please let me have long lies at weekends.’ She whined.

Tom laughed and put his arm around her to guide her out. ‘Alright. I promise, next Saturday I will let you have a long lie.’

Melody surprisingly had a nice day with Tom on Sunday. They went for breakfast at a nice little quiet café. Then they took a walk down by the river, Tom surprised her again by being rather affectionate and holding her hand while they walked. Afterwards he took her to the cinema before taking her home again. She had really enjoyed her day with him and managed to totally forget that he was a teacher. He was just Tom.

She spent the evening doing some revision for college. Then she had another great sleep and woke up nice and refreshed for the week, for a change.

‘Hey, Mel!’ Rana called to her on the way into college.

‘Oh hey!’ Melody turned and gave her friend a hug.

‘What have you been up to at the weekend? I went round to yours yesterday but there was no answer on the buzzer. Were you at a certain someone’s place the whole time?’ She said suggestively, nudging her.

‘Not quite, no… Well, yeah… It’s a long story, I’ll fill you in at break.’ Melody promised.

They had a few classes first, then Melody was able to fill Rana in about her rather eventful weekend.

‘Holy shit. You’ve really landed lucky finding him as a sugar Daddy. Those apartments are expensive as hell!’ Rana said in awe.

‘Tell me about it. I feel so bad, but he seems determined to have me live there. So, I guess I should just be grateful and enjoy it, right?’ Melody shrugged.

‘Hell yeah! Milk it for all you can, girl.’ Rana said, making Melody laugh.

‘I don’t want to take advantage too much though. He’s actually quite nice.’ Melody blushed.

‘Oooooh, you so have a big crush on him.’ Rana nudged her playfully.

‘Well, I should do considering what we are.’ Melody rolled her eyes.

They had a double period of English class next before lunch. Melody hadn’t really thought much about it until they entered the classroom, then the realisation that Tom was, well Mr Hiddleston, it hit her hard for some reason.

She walked into class and he was writing some work up on the board. She down at her desk and glanced over at Rana, who just had a big grin on her face. Melody shook her head as she took out her things.

‘Settle down, class.’ Mr Hiddleston said loudly and firmly when he turned around, making everyone stop talking instantly.

The first part of the class went smoothly, Melody kept her head down and did the work that was given. She was finding it much easier, because she actually had time to study now and was getting decent sleep.

Mr Hiddleston then started asking questions to the class about some work he’d given them over the weekend. Melody hated public speaking and never volunteered to answer questions. But she wasn’t getting off lightly this time.

When no one raised their hand to answer a question, he zoned in on Melody as he paced around the classroom and came to a stop on front of her desk.

‘Miss Brookes. Can you tell me the answer or did you not do the homework I gave out?’ He asked sternly, looking right down at her.

She felt her stomach churn, of course she did the homework. She was able to answer him perfectly.

‘Very good. In future if you know the answer, you raise your hand.’ He then continued to stalk around the room, picking on other students too.

Melody felt a bit irritated at what he said. She wasn’t the only one who didn’t raise her hand. Though he did continue to call out other students as well, just being a general asshole. But he was a good teacher, unfortunately. That made it more annoying.

During the last ten minutes, Tom was handing out some new books for the class to read.

Rana leaned over towards Melody. ‘Are you sure this is the same guy you spent the weekend with?’ She whispered.

‘I’m starting to wonder the same.’ Melody whispered back.

‘Miss Brookes and Miss Howard. Care to share what is obviously so important it can’t wait ten minutes till lunch?’ Mr Hiddleston barked, making Melody and Rana jump in their seats.

He was back at the front of the class. Melody and Rana had never noticed him going back to the front. But now he was glaring daggers at them both, his arms folded over his chest. Looking rather scary in Melody’s eyes.

‘Sorry, Sir. I was just asking if Melody wanted to do some studying together later.’ Rana lied quickly.

Mr Hiddleston raised an eyebrow at Rana, then looked at Melody expectantly.

‘Sorry, Sir.’ Melody muttered, averting her eyes down.

‘Don’t chit chat during my time. You can both write out a three-thousand-word essay about what you’ve learned today. I expect it by Thursday morning.’

The class gave a small ‘oooo’ noise. But stopped when Mr Hiddleston glared around everyone. ‘Make that the entire class.’

There then was a groan from everyone. Melody and Rana tried to shrink further down into their chairs, knowing they would get the blame from their fellow students for that one.

When class was over, Melody scurried out amongst the class with Rana right behind her. She didn’t dare look in his direction, just wanting to escape quickly in-case he asked her to stay behind.

That evening, she was startled when Tom tried calling her. But she just turned her phone on silent and ignored him. She was feeling really weird about it all again, after what happened during class.

He tried ringing a few times, then resorted to texting her but she made sure not to open them so they wouldn’t be showing as read.

She at least would use the excuse she had too much homework to do before going to bed. Which wasn’t exactly a lie, she aimed to get that damn essay finished sooner rather than later.

The following day she did her best to avoid him, ducking into class with the bulk of the students and keeping her head down. She didn’t once make eye contact with him and didn’t give him a chance to pick on her, because she didn’t even look over at Rana and her hand went up every time he asked a question that she knew the answer to, along with most of the class.

‘Miss Brookes, please see me in my office at lunch time.’ Mr Hiddleston said just before the bell rang, making her luck run out.

‘Shit.’ She said under her breath. Rana looked at her with wide eyes.

‘What did you do?’ She whispered.

‘Nothing… I uh, ignored his calls last night and haven’t even looked at his texts.’ She whispered back to her as she packed her bag in a panic and almost ran out of the classroom.

‘You’re in trouble.’ Rana laughed.

‘Not helping.’ Melody hissed at her.

But Melody was too scared to go along to his office, so decided to forget. After all, he had no official reason to be calling her to his office. So it wasn’t like he could give her into trouble for not turning up… right?

It was the last class before the end of the day, there was half an hour left and Melody was in History. There was a knock on the door and to Melody’s horror, Mr Hiddleston popped his head in with a smile at her History teacher.

‘So sorry to interrupt. I was wondering if I can borrow Miss Brookes?’ He asked sweetly.

Melody felt like she was going to be sick. Her teacher nodded, of course it was no problem. Melody internally cursed that her history teacher was so nice.

She grabbed her bag and flung it over her shoulder, then made her way to the door towards Mr Hiddleston. He smiled at her, but she could tell by the look in her eyes that this wasn’t going to be a friendly or productive meeting.

He held the door open for her with a ridiculously long arm. She slid past him and had forgotten how good he smelled. When she got into the corridor, she so desperately wanted to run away, but she managed to keep her feet rooted to the floor.

When Mr Hiddleston shut the door, he leaned down towards her and slid his hand to the back of her neck. ‘My office. Now.’ He growled low.

She swallowed hard.

Now she was in trouble.

#Tom Hiddleston #fan fiction #this wasn't part of the plan #au!tom #sugar daddy Tom #teacher tom

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thefeministherald · 4 years ago

Text

In France’s Delayed #MeToo, Powerful Men Fall, One After Another - The New York Times

Is there actually hope for France? Though young French women told their stories online the country has resisted change since #metoo went global in 2017. Now they are looking to finally take sexual harassment and sexual assault seriously.

Article follows:

PARIS — When Sandra Muller started France’s #MeToo social media campaign in 2017, tens of thousands of women responded to her calls to “#ExposeYourPig.”

But the backlash was overwhelming. Some of the most prominent women in the country, led by Catherine Deneuve, denounced the movement in a letter that came to define France’s initial response to #MeToo. In 2019, Ms. Muller lost a defamation case against a former television executive she had exposed on Twitter, with France appearing immune to the larger global forces challenging the dominance of men.

Last week, Ms. Muller won her appeal. Though there were no new facts, a significant ruling by the appeals court underscored how things have changed in the past two years.

“Before the ruling, I thought there were stirrings,” Ms. Muller said in a phone interview from New York, where she now lives. “Now, I have the impression that there’s been a leap forward.”

Since the beginning of the year, a series of powerful men from some of France’s most prominent fields — politics, sports, the news media, academia and the arts — have faced direct and public accusations of sexual abuse in a reversal from mostly years of silence. At the same time, confronted with these high-profile cases and a shift in public opinion, French lawmakers are hurrying to set 15 as the age of sexual consent — only three years after rejecting such a law.

The recent accusations have not only led to official investigations, the loss of positions for some men and outright banishment from public life for others. They have also resulted in a rethinking of French masculinity and of the archetype of Frenchmen as irresistible seducers — as part of a broader questioning of many aspects of French society and amid a conservative backlash against ideas on gender, race and postcolonialism supposedly imported from American universities.

“Things are moving so fast that sometimes my head spins,” said Caroline De Haas, a feminist activist who in 2018 founded #NousToutes, a group against sexual violence. She described herself as “super optimistic.”

Ms. Haas said that France was going through a delayed reaction to #MeToo after a “maturation” period during which many French began to understand the social dimensions behind sexual violence and the concept of consent.

That was especially so, Ms. Haas said, after the testimony in the past year of Adèle Haenel, the first high-profile actress to speak out over abuse, and of Vanessa Springora, whose memoir, “Consent,” documented her abuse by the pedophile writer Gabriel Matzneff.

“The start of 2021 has been a sort of aftershock,” Ms. Haas said. “What’s very clear is that, today in France, we don’t at all have the same reaction that we did four, five years ago to testimonies of sexual violence against well-known people.”

Last month, Pierre Ménès, one of France’s most famous television sports journalists, was suspended indefinitely by his employer after the release of a documentary that exposed sexism in sports journalism, “I’m Not a Slut, I’m a Journalist.”

Just a few years ago, few criticized him for behavior that they now don’t dare defend in public, including forcibly kissing women on the mouth on television and, in front of a studio audience in 2016, lifting the skirt of a female journalist — Marie Portolano, the producer of the documentary.

“The world’s changed, it’s #MeToo, you can’t do anything anymore, you can’t say anything anymore,” Mr. Ménès said in a television interview after the documentary’s release. He said he didn’t remember the skirt incident, adding that he hadn’t been feeling like himself at the time because of a physical illness.

The list of other prominent men is long and getting longer. There is Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, France’s most famous news anchor, who is being investigated on allegations of raping a young woman and who defended himself on television by saying that he belonged to a generation for whom “seduction was important” and included “kisses on the neck.” He has denied the rape accusations.

There is Georges Tron, a former government minister, who was cleared in 2018 of raping an employee but was condemned in February to five years in prison in an appeals court ruling that, according to Le Monde, reflected the fact that society’s “understanding of consent has unquestionably changed.”

There is Gérard Depardieu, France’s biggest film star, and Gérald Darmanin, the powerful interior minister, also under investigation in rape cases that were reopened last year. Both have said they are innocent.

Olivier Duhamel, a prominent intellectual, and Richard Berry, a famous actor, have both been recently placed under investigation after accusations of incest by family members. Mr. Berry has denied the accusations; Mr. Duhamel has not commented on the charges against him.

Claude Lévêque, the internationally known artist, is under investigation on suspicion of rape of minors and was publicly accused for the first time in January by a former victim. He has denied the accusations.

Dominique Boutonnat, a movie producer whom President Emmanuel Macron named president of the National Center for Cinema last year, was placed under investigation in February on allegation of attempted rape and sexual assault of his godson and has said he is innocent.

“This recent wave in France, it’s a delayed reaction to the Matzneff affair,” Francis Szpiner, the lawyer representing Ms. Muller, said, adding that the downfall of the pedophile writer and of Mr. Duhamel made people realize that powerful men in France were not “untouchable.”

In 2017, in the immediate aftermath of the #MeToo disclosures involving the Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, Ms. Muller, a journalist, began #ExposeYourPig — #BalanceTonPorc in French — in France. In a Twitter post, she recounted how during a television festival in Cannes, an executive told her, “You have big breasts. You are my type of woman. I will make you orgasm all night.”

The executive, Eric Brion, did not deny making such comments. But because the two did not work together, Mr. Brion argued the comments did not amount to sexual harassment and sued Ms. Muller for defamation. A ruling in 2019 that ordered Ms. Muller to pay 15,000 euros in damages, around $17,650, was overturned last week.

In 2019, the court said that Ms. Muller had “surpassed the acceptable limits of freedom of expression, as her comments descended into a personal attack.” This time, the judges found that Ms. Muller had acted in good faith, adding that the “#balancetonporc and #MeToo movements had drawn a lot of attention, had been hailed by diverse officials and personalities and had positively contributed to letting women speak freely.”

Camille Froidevaux-Metterie, a leading feminist philosopher, said that it was significant that the men now under investigation were leaders in a diversity of fields. Revelations surrounding them have undermined the myths of Frenchmen as great seducers and of a refined romantic culture where “we, French, in our interplay of seduction, know how to interpret nonverbal signs and we have this art of seduction, a gentle commerce between the sexes,” she said.

“These are men who all embody, in some ways, the old patriarchal order of things — of men of power and men who have used and abused their power to sexually exploit the bodies of others, whether they be women or young men,” Ms. Froidevaux-Metterie said, adding, “Perhaps we are experiencing the first real shock to that system.”

#feminism #feminist #metoo #france

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wewillwriteyou · 5 years ago

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could you do 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 from fluff for ben hardy please? like a short timeline of the relationship. sorry if it’s too much

Thank you anon for the request! 💕🥰 I’m extremely sorry it took me so many days to write this, but I wanted it to be good and special because the plot was so cute so I worked very hard on it! I really hope you’re going to enjoy it as much as I loved writing it! 🤸🏽‍♀️💋⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂⁂

Plot’s request: Short timeline of Ben and Y/N’s relationship

Fluff [2], [3], [4], [5] & [6]: First date + First “I love you” + Moving in together + He/she proposes + Wedding day

Warnings: fluff, a lot of FLUFF! This is written following the memories and the feelings of Y/N, so get ready ‘cause Joyce’s stream of consciousness got nothing on me (this basically means that “scenes” change fast, because they follow the trail of memories Y/N is thinking about, so don’t panic if you feel lost and confused at some point, in the end, it’ll all make sense I promise); maybe some language here and there, but this is pure asdfghjkl so safe territory, everybody

Characters: Y/N (fem! reader) & Ben Hardy

Word count: 4.1K it’s long Iknow lmao

Written by: @sweetgcreature

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Your hands were shaking, as you were trying to adjust a rebellious strand of hair that was curling itself behind your ear. A few glitters glued themselves on your fingertips, falling down your perfectly styled head.

You sighed and decided it was a lost battle when you saw the curl flee again. A shaky little laugh trembled on your lips as you studied your reflection in the rounded mirror; your lips were beautifully glossed and you didn’t dare to touch the make-up on your eyes, being too afraid to ruin everything.

When you heard a few voices getting closer to your room, you closed your eyes and inhaled sharply.

The guests in the garden were vividly chatting together, waiting for your big entrance.

The scent of delicious food had never left your nostrils from the moment you had stepped into your parents’ house.

The footsteps on the stairs got noisier. But nothing could overpower the loud pumping of your heart.

You breathed in and out again, feeling yourself sliding into your own world, slowly into the past and getting lost into your memories …

… the door swung open, making you jump and causing your hand to draw a black line all over your right eyelid. You sighed and surrendered, sitting properly on your rug.

“Emma, I hope it’s very urgent. Like, tell me the world is ending right now. Otherwise, start running!” you announced, rotating your body to look at your roommate.

“I’m sorry, Y/N but – she stopped talking and looked behind her shoulders, before stepping inside the room and closing the door – he’s here” she whispered, walking closer to you.

“What?!” you exclaimed, immediately getting up. You rushed through the door and spied the little living room at the end of the hallway; you could see a tuft of blond hair popping up from the sofa. The second his head slightly moved to the side, you disappeared again inside your room.

“No. Don’t scream. Don’t panic - Emma shushed you, stretching her arms towards your body to calm you down – now breath with me. Inhale. And exhale” she was struggling not to burst into laughter and you could sense the hilarity in her voice.

But you followed her improvised yoga’s teacher skills and breathed heavily a couple times before massaging your temples. She then patiently guided you to the wardrobe and, with her help, you soon choose the outfit and adjusted your make-up.

“Now, you go out and get the boy, okay? He’s here for you. He likes you. And, remember – Emma got serious for a moment, pressing her hands on your shoulders – not too much tongue during the first kiss”

“Emma! You nasty!” you screamed and laughed at the same time. After a few more giggles, she hugged you tight and let you go to finally meet Ben.

Seeing him walk in your living room, as he smiley admired some photos, seemed so surreal. You gave your eyes the chance to look at him one minute more, before coughing a little to recall his attention.

“Oh, hi! – his smile could light up the entire room – you’re beautiful” he shyly admitted, getting closer and bending down to give a small kiss on your already blushing cheek.

“Thank you – you lowered your head a bit – should we go?” you proposed, stuttering a little bit.

“Sure – he agreed and immediately got closer to take your jacket inside his hands – here, let me help you with this” he caringly said, sliding the coat on your shoulders.

“Wow, what a gentleman” you joked, perching yourself on his arm as you walked towards the door.

“I want to impress you. That’s the only goal I’ve set for tonight” Ben admitted, as you stepped outside the apartment. You chuckled and laid your head on his shoulder while you started walking down the stairs.

“Then consider me impressed”

The cold winter’s wind hugged your two figures as you exited the building. Ben wrapped you in his arms, trying to protect you from the cutting breeze that was not-so-gently caressing your already red face. Luckily he had parked just a few steps down the street and soon you were warming yourself inside his red car.

As he started the engine, a familiar melody filled the air and you snapped your head in his direction noticing he was already smiling.

“You remembered!” you said with a childish tone. Ben smiled even wider and, keeping the eyes on the road, he replied:

“Sure! How could I forget? You’re always talking about Queen” his fingers reached for the radio to turn the volume up. You started to nod your head and, soon, you were already singing along to Somebody to Love, making Ben chuckle and hum the song in chorus with you.

The car-ride didn’t last long and in a little while you were able to spy the edifice where you knew the cinema was located. Your heart started to beat faster again and when Ben parked the car and the silence fell between you two for a second, you were ready to bet that he was able to hear your heartbeat as well.

You stared into each other’s eyes for what he seemed, both, an eternity and an instant, then Ben smiled one last time before stepping out and walking towards your car’s door to open it for you.

Needless to say, that he didn’t even let you start searching for your wallet inside your bag, as he had already extracted a few banknotes from the pocket of his trousers. And needless to say, that he didn’t give in to any of your attempts as you tried to persuade him and let you pay at least for the pop-corn.

“Just know that the feminist inside of me is pretty angry at the moment” you commented, with a small smirk on your face as Ben kept the door open for you to enter the theatre. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but you could see his lips were already curving into a smile.

“Why?” he then asked, as you both sat down in the last row adjusting the pop-corn on your respective laps. You shrugged your shoulders and started to eat.

“Because I don’t need a man that pays everything for me. I can perfectly handle my expenses on my own” you were obviously exaggerating, adding a sassy tone to complete the whole discourse. But you were curious to see his reaction.

“Good to know – Ben nonchalantly replied, throwing a bunch of pop-corns inside his mouth; he spied your surprised face with the corner of his eye, before turning his head to face you – this is just the confirmation I needed to hear”

“What confirmation?” you asked, mirroring the same smug expression that was painted all over his face.

“Well, if you’re an independent woman that clearly doesn’t need a man to entertain herself, you accepted my invitation just because you like me. Or, to be extremely precise, you have an enormous crush on this incredibly attractive boy that is now talking to you” Ben was clearly flirting. He had crashed any kind of barrier you had built until that moment and inside your brain a thousand of alarms were ringing, causing you to short-circuit.

In easier words: you were speechless and blushing, as you couldn’t unglue your eyes from his.

The lights went off, partially hiding your embarrassed expression. A little laugh from Ben trembled in the dark, as you abandoned yourself against the back of your seat, hoping you could disappear then and there.

You were sure your feelings for Ben were obvious, but you didn’t know they were that obvious.

Suddenly, while you were sinking inside the spiral of your thoughts completely forgetting about the movie, you felt a gentle hand place itself on your leg. You snapped your head in Ben’s direction and, for a moment, you thought you had seen him flinch a little bit as if he was unsure of his movements.

You reached his knuckles with your trembling fingertips and laid your palm on the back of his hand. He didn’t hesitate and intertwined his fingers with yours.

A sigh of relief left both of your mouths as you settled into that new kind of grey area, where you weren’t black nor white, where you hadn’t decided yet what kind of relationship was yours. You were just two human beings enjoying the moment.

The movie was pretty boring and, in more than one scene, you couldn’t help but burst out laughing at Ben’s sarcastic jokes about the two protagonists.

“Oh c’mon, who speaks like that to his girlfriend!” Ben commented again, once you were stepping outside. Your hands still casually intertwined.

“I don’t know, maybe someone who is deeply in love?” you asked, batting your eyes to sound as cheesiest as possible. He giggled and pulled you closer to his side, putting his arm behind your shoulders.

Once you got in the car the electricity that had fallen between you two was more than obvious; and, as Ben drove through the night, you noticed how both of your faces were lightened up by a ridiculously gracious smile.

When you recognized your neighborhood you weren’t able to hold a disappointing puff. You weren’t ready to let him go; you would have loved to stay in his car forever. Or at least, all night.

Ben noticed your serious face but didn’t say anything. He simply parked the car near the sidewalk and turned the engine off, letting the silence wrap you two once again.

“Y/N?” he then said, making you turn around to look at him. You hummed in response, giving him all your attention.

“I know we met just a few weeks ago and I know that this is only our first date, but – and he stopped to look right back at you – but I like you. A lot”

You let out a shaky breath of relief.

“Ben, I like you too!” you said in a rush, feeling yourself freer by the minute. A big, warm smile appeared on his blushing face and you couldn’t help but giggle.Every trace of hilarity soon dissolved, when his thumb met your lips parting them.

Ben inched towards you and you did the same, giving him the chance to delicately caress your cheek.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked in a whisper as his fingers were drawing patterns on your face. You repeatedly nodded, not able to say a word in that precise moment. Ben smiled one last time, before closing his eyes and sweetly locking his lips with yours.

You both inhaled sharply and let your emotions run free, as you savored every inch of his mouth so perfectly pressed against your hungry lips …

… your fingers caressed the back of his head, causing him to lazy groan between the kisses. You proudly smiled and pushed him down on the mattress, straddling his lap. His hands fell on your booty, playfully squeezing it.

“So eager. And it’s only seven in the morning” you flirted, breaking the kiss and sitting on his lap. Ben laughed along and caressed your naked hips; you traced his abdomen with your fingertips, tickling him then and there.

“You leave me no choice. Look at you – he worshipped you, trying to sit properly on the bed to have his face on the same level as yours – we’ve been dating only for three months and I’m already crazy about you” he added, leaving a chaste kiss on your lips.

You blushed and cupped his face to gently transport him into another passionate kiss. Ben smiled and kissed you back, encircling your body with his arms to have you glued against his chest.

“Mmm … I love you” you accidentally mumbled against his mouth, but the realization of the words you had just pronounced struck both of you at the same time causing your kiss to suddenly end.

You instantly flushed until the tip of your ears, as Ben was staring at you with his lips agape. You had never dared to say those three words because you had grown up with the idea that having a crush and loving someone are two completely different things. And Ben knew this.

“What? – a smile had started to creep on his lips, as he reached your face to caress it – are you serious?” he asked, getting thoughtful for a moment.

“Yes – you immediately replied; there was no point in lying, the truth had been exposed – I love you Benjamin Jones” you chuckled, very aware of how much he hated his “real” name.

“God, I love you too Y/N Y/L/N! I fucking love you!” he didn’t hesitate and kissed you again. He soon made you roll on your back to tower your half-naked body with his, as the kiss got more passionate by the minute.

“I can’t believe you actually said it” Ben commented, starting to kiss your neck and causing you to moan softly. Your hands were caressing his muscled back, as you let him pleasantly torture you in your favourite way possible.

“Me neither” you giggled when his hair tickled your hip. Ben smiled and kissed the inside of your thigh, hungrily looking up at you.

“I love you” he then whispered, positioning a chaste kiss on your lower belly. You warmly smiled down at him, letting his face rest on your right palm. But, as soon as you opened your mouth to reply, the phone started ringing in the living room.

Ben rolled his eyes and groaned, hiding his face on your stomach. You burst out laughing and tugged at his messy hair.

“C’mon, be a good landlord and go answer the call” you said between the giggles, obliging him to get up. He looked like an annoyed child and, once he was standing near the bed, you smirked and mischievously laid down on the mattress again.

“I’ll be here, waiting for you to come back” you flirted, patting the empty side next to you. Ben swallowed and rushed towards you, to bend down and leave a fleeting kiss on your lips.

“Damn you” he commented, running outside the bedroom. You chuckled, scrolling your head, before abandoning yourself on the bed staring at the ceiling …

… rapid steps reached the ringing phone and a quick hand grabbed it before it was too late.

“Hello? … yes, it’s me … yes! Finally, I’d add – you chuckle, resting your shoulder against the wall and taking away a couple of beads of sweet that were slipping down your forehead – there’s still a lot of work to do. Like, in every corner there is at least one box full of stuff that needs to be reordered and we’ … what? Tonight? I don’t know Emma – you said, extending your neck to spy your boyfriend who was struggling with the paint roller – the house is a literal disaster! Maybe tomorrow? … okay, perfect. Now I have to go or Ben will end up covered in blue paint very soon”

After the usual salutations, you ended the call and ran down the hallway just in time to save the paint’s container that was about to fall on the ground.

“Thank you! – Ben sighed relieved and puckered his lips, waiting for a kiss that did not hesitate to come – who was at the phone?” he then asked, taking the big brush in his hands again and adjusting the stairs near the wall to paint the uppercorner.

“Emma. She wanted to come and visit us tonight – he snapped immediately his head in your direction, making you giggle – I obviously said no, don’t worry” you added, taking a brush as well to retouch some parts then and there.

You worked non-stop for other two hours, but the proudness to see the perfect result you obtained with the freshly painted room had no price. You both stood side by side, with your arms crossed on your chests, admiring the perfectly renewed wall in front of you.

Ben rotated his head to look at you and you noticed, so you turned around to meet his gaze. He wrinkled his nose and you raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“You have something on your face” he inclined his neck, squinting his eyes to study your features.

“Where?” you asked, starting to palpate every inch of your cheeks searching for a trace of paint somewhere under your eyes and near your nose. It was at that moment that you saw his smirk and, before you could stop him, he had placed his dirty palms on both sides of your face.

“Here” he laughed looking at your furrowed expression covered in blue and white. As he was almost rolling on the floor you noticed an abandoned brush in the corner. You quickly caught it and drew a perfect blue line in the middle of Ben’s face.

His mouth opened in disbelief, while it was finally your turn to burst into sonorous laughter. Soon Ben’s hands wrapped your waist and you found yourself screaming in amusement, as he carried you on his shoulder until he reached the living room (the only furnished room of the house) where he let you fall on the sofa hovering you.

“You little minx” he laughed, kissing you. You giggled, putting two of your fingers inside the collar of his t-shirt to pull him closer. After a few kisses and chuckles, Ben rested his forehead against yours, closing his eyes.

You breathed heavily, caressing his face.

“We did it” he said in a whisper, touching your nose with his. You could feel tears of joy pinching your eyes. You kissed him again, this time slower to savor every second of that perfect moment.

“Yes. It’s impossible for you to get rid of me now that we live together” you joked, as you both found yourselves crying and laughing simultaneously.

“Poor me” Ben commented, before starting to pepper all your face with sloppy kisses. You started giggling again, hugging his shoulders to have him as close as possible.

He kept tickling every inch of your cheeks with his parted lips, slowly moving on your neck, then your shoulder, down your arm …

… he kissed the back of your hand again, for the hundredth time that night.

“Ben. We’re in public” you protested between the chuckles, adjusting his bowtie. Again.

Ben rolled his eyes and intertwined his fingers with yours, as you were both stuck in what seemed an endless queue to reach the elevator. Millions of little lights were shining above your head and you still couldn’t believe you weren’tactually daydreaming.

Visiting Paris had always been one of your burning desires. And being there with Ben, hand in hand waiting to go on the top of the Eiffel Tower to eat in one of the fanciest places on earth was even better than what you had always hoped for.

Eventually, your turn came and as soon as you reached the top you literally felt your breath stop in your throat. It was the most beautiful view you had ever seen in your entire life. You completely ignored the waiter that wanted to show youyour way to your reserved table, and almost floated to the nearest balcony.

As you stepped outside, a gentle breeze passed through your hair and your eyes got lost in the city’s skyline. Ben walked closer to you and, once he was exactly behind your back, he laid his chin in the crook of your neck encircling your waist with his arms.

“So? What do you think?” he asked, grazing his lips close to your ear. You scrolled your head, still overwhelmed by the beauty of Paris.

“This is … this is insane – you commented, wiping away a couple of tears that were starting to fog your sight; you heard Ben giggle and after he had kissed your cheek, he distanced himself as you found yourself randomly rumble andinvoluntary express your thoughts – you know, a part of me was sure you wouldhave proposed or something here in Paris, as it happens in thousands ofrom-coms. But then I thought it was too cheesy, even for someone like … you” that last word dying on your lips, as you turned around and saw Ben kneeled down in front of you.

A big, shy smile had appeared on his face, while the chatting from inside the restaurant got quieter. Everything got blurred, the time froze in the moment your eyes met his.

“Maybe it’s cheesy. And it’s also very predictable, I’m aware of that. But you know, I thought that, since everything started at the cinema, while we were watching a terrible romantic movie, it would have been funny ending up in the same exact situation” a nervous laugh escaped both your mouths, as you were quick to dry your crying eyes.

“So, here I am. Behaving as the protagonist of the cheapest film ever just to ask you if you, Y/N Y/L/N, would like to marry me?” Ben said, extracting a little velvet box from his trousers and opening it to reveal a shining ring. You covered your mouth in disbelief, nodding imperceptibly.

“Yes, Ben! Yes!” you finally replied, when you saw even the slightest shadow of preoccupation trespass his face. In a moment you were in his arms, while everyone around you was clapping and cheering you two.

The confused claps got heavier and heavier …

… they transformed themselves into knocks. The door creaked and you came back to reality.

Your mom made her entrance into the room, positioning herself behind you and looking at your reflection. She tried adjusting the curl inside your styled hair, as you had done previously, but without success. You both started to laugh, as she pressed her hands on your shoulders.

“Are you ready?” she rhetorically asked. You looked at her in the eyes using the mirror as a shield to hide all your mixed emotions. You didn’t answer and got up instead, walking towards the window.

You moved the curtains and saw all the people gathered in the garden waiting just for you. Ben was already there, trembling as a leaf and nervous as he had ever been in all his life.

“Sure” you whispered, with your heart full of love. Your mom was visibly moved as she accompanied you down the stairs and near the big, doubled-glassed window that led into the garden. Your father was already waiting for you with tears in his eyes. You kissed both of them and waited for your mother to get to her seat and for the wedding march to start playing.

When the first note trembled in the air, you squeezed your father’s arm, who held you back as you both stepped outside. Everyone got up, looking at you. You could recognize a few faces: your mom, some of your relatives and friends, Emma and her boyfriend.

But you had eyes only for Ben, who was trying so hard not to start crying at the sight of you all dressed and emotional while you were walking to reach him.

Every trace of fear had disappeared the moment you recognized in Ben’s eyes the same young boy that was absentmindedly watching your photos, wandering in the living room of your old flat.

The same boy that had kissed you in the car after your first date.

The same boy that had remained speechless hearing you admitting your love to him, a random Sunday morning as you were both lazily kissing in his bed.

The same man that had painted with you the wall of your first house.

The same man that had flown you to Paris just to propose to you.

That same man you had loved for so many years.

He was there. Wiping away a few tears after he had removed the wedding veil from your face.

He was the one. And in that precise moment, as you were staring eyes in eyes holding your hands, everything seemed perfectly right. Everything seemed simply perfect.

Ben got closer and kissed your cheek before you both diverted your attention to the priest. He leaned down again to whisper in your ear:

“You’re gorgeous”

You blushed as if it was the very first time.

“What a gentleman” you commented under your voice, looking up at him with just the corner of your eye.

“You know; I want to impress you. That’s the only goal I’ve set for the rest of my life” he responded.

You shared a knowing gaze. Nobody could hear you, but it didn’t matter because nobody would have understood that exchange of words. You smiled, as tears reached your eyes, and answered:

“Then consider me impressed”

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#fluff #ben hardy imagine #ben hardy fluff #ben hardy #borhap cast #borhap imagines #borhap fluff #borhap cast imagines #wewillwriteyou #wewillwriteyou ask #wewillwriteyou prompt list #sweetgcreature #deakyswhitequeen

91 notes · View notes

marril96 · 5 years ago

Text

The Distance Between Us

Chapter 23: The Debt of Gratitude

Pairing: Rowena x reader

Summary: Sam has some unexpected advice. Rowena takes it.

Editor: @miss-moon-guardian

*****

"How are you doing?" Sam asked.

It was exactly three days after Christmas and Rowena hated every moment of it. She loved a celebration, and she especially loved receiving gifts, but it was all too mushy for her tastes. Too emotional.

Why did major holidays have to be so bloody family-oriented? Why couldn't everyone just exchange gifts, get drunk, and get on with their lives without any feelings involved?

She was glad her extended family was in Scotland, a whole wide ocean away.

She could only take so much of her mother's holiday spirit.

The Winchesters were spending the holidays on the road. They traveled from one city to the other, from state to state, visiting various friends and acquaintances of their father's. John Winchester was the only blood relative Sam and Dean had left, so they made do.

They seemed to enjoy it.

Rowena couldn't, for the life of her, comprehend it. Traveling was one thing; she loved going from place to place, roaming new malls, dining at various exquisite restaurants.

But visiting people?

Ew.

"I'm good," she said with a smile. An honest one.

She may not have been in holiday mood, but she was glad to hear from Sam. It had been a while since they talked, really talked. She missed her friend.

She would have preferred to do it in person, but Skyping was the next best thing. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

"That's great," Sam said. "Y/N told me you guys talked."

Was that why he wanted to talk?

"We did."

She was glad for it. Happy. It was hard for her to open up, and a part of her had wondered if she'd made a mistake. But you were so kind, so patient, so bloody friendly that her worries vanished as if they'd never been there.

She shouldn't have doubted you. Shouldn't have doubted your intentions, your friendship.

Unlike the people back in Scotland; unlike Gilroy, and Lucifer, and Olivette, you were genuine.

You cared about her.

Your actions, however angry she'd initially been, showed it.

You were right about Lucifer and Olivette. She deserved better than them. As much as she wanted — craved — their power, their influence, it wasn't worth the hurt they'd inflicted her.

It would be difficult to navigate the school halls without them. Rowena knew they would spread rumors, that they would turn people against her, try to squish her as if she were nothing but a filthy pest. Her heart raced in fear every time she thought of what they would do. She could picture it clearly in her head, different scenarios with the same outcome — her shunned, the pariah, the school's slut once again. A traitor for she was certain that was all she was to them at this point.

Then she thought of you — of the light in your eyes, of the kindness in your smile — and her worries subsided.

You were right — she wasn't alone anymore.

She had her brother.

She had Sam.

She had you.

What more did she need?

The entire school had heard the argument. They'd heard what had happened, had witnessed it firsthand.

Olivette couldn't erase that. Lucifer couldn't charm his way out of it.

Their friends would, no doubt, have their back, believe their lies, but the rest of the school?

They knew better.

"So you're good now?" Sam inquired.

"Aye," Rowena said.

"That's great. I'm happy for you guys."

He was a sweetheart.

What had she done to deserve such a wonderful friend?

Even when she was at her worst, he stood by her. Had always believed in her. Had, no doubt, had a hand in getting you to give her a chance.

How could he be so good to her after all she'd done?

"Um, Rowena, can I ask you something?" Sam asked, a tad awkward.

It was quite an endearing sight.

"Ask away."

"You and Y/N—are you… you know…" His cheeks flushed bright, ripe red. "Is there something going on?"

Rowena blushed a matching color. "What?" Did he know something she didn't? "No!"

"Oh," was his only response.

"Why would you ask that?" she demanded, growing flustered.

"I just thought…" He cleared his throat. Sucked in a breath. "You guys seem pretty close."

"We're friends!"

"I know. I just… Never mind."

"Has Y/N said something?"

"N-no. Why? Is there something to say?"

"No!"

She may have said that a tad too fast. With a bit too much ferocity.

If Sam picked up on it, he didn't show it. "Okay. That — um, that's great."

Aye.

Bloody great.

"She really cares about you."

Rowena's face brightened. "I know."

She cared about you, too.

So much that it hurt to be mad at you, to resent you.

Lucifer had hurt her. Abused her. Had played with her feelings, with her trust, with everything she had.

You, on the other hand, had never shown her anything but kindness.

You fought for her when she'd given up on herself. You knew you could lose her friendship, and you still wanted to protect her.

Rowena wanted to weep. You'd done so much for her, and how had she repaid you?

With coldness.

With indifference.

She was so caught up in her past that she never, for a moment, considered that you weren't like the people who had hurt her.

"I care about her, too," she admitted reluctantly, unsure if she should say it out loud for saying it made it real and she didn't know how to deal with that.

Sam smiled, encouraging, kind. "You should go for it."

"What?"

"You should go for it," he repeated. "If you… you know, if—"

"I don't!" she blurted out, cheeks burning. A denial a tad too swift to be believable.

What was it with him all of a sudden?

When had he started playing cupid?

"Okay," he said with a nod. "But if you ever start caring caring, you should go for it."

"Right."

Och, she already cared.

She cared so much.

Too much.

She — goodness, it hurt to admit, even to herself — loved.

She wasn't sure how it happened, or why. It certainly wasn't planned.

She just… knew.

She felt it with everything she had; with her entire soul; with every beat of her heart.

You were so kind, so perfect, so you. She couldn't not love you.

But did you feel the same?

Did you see her as a friend, or was there more to it for you as well?

Were you ready to give her that kind of chance?

Was she ready?

She'd only just ended a relationship. One that had destroyed her body and — she was certain — had almost destroyed her soul, left it in tethers, barely held together.

Was she ready to start another?

Was she ready to try again?

Could she trust anyone to get that close again?

Yes, she thought. She could.

You weren't just anyone, she reminded herself. You were her friend. She trusted you with her safety, with her wellbeing.

And she could trust you with her heart as well.

*****

A call from Rowena was unexpected, but certainly not unwanted.

You were surprised to see her name flash on the screen, especially at ten PM sharp. Her usual modus operandi was texting. If you dared be away from the phone when she needed you, you would find it spammed with dramatic messages a theater actress would be proud of.

Dramatics seemed to run in the family.

It was as endearing as it was annoying.

"This a booty call?" you joked as way of greeting.

"Och, you wish, lass," Rowena said, voice a rich velvet, hungry, teasing. Accent thick in every word.

Damn.

She sure knew how to get you worked up.

"Yeah," you said, hoping your sarcasm was convincing enough, "your ass is all I wish for."

"It's an exquisite arse."

It definitely was.

As the saying went: like owner, like ass.

"Did you call me to talk about your ass?"

As much as you enjoyed the topic, you were getting a tad too flustered for your liking.

The girl had no right to have so much power over you.

"You're the one who brought it up, dear."

Fair point.

"My sincerest apologies."

"No need; it's a topic I'm quite well versed in."

"I'm sure you are."

Was she doing it on purpose?

Was she teasing like that — in that tone of voice, with that thick an accent — just to rile you up, to get you all hot and bothered?

Was she flirting?

Heat scorched at your cheeks, set them alight with what felt like a thousand degrees.

Maybe you were looking too much into it.

No — you definitely were.

Rowena had always been a shameless tease. There was no deeper meaning to it, no hidden agendas. No hints whatsoever that she looked at you as anything other than a friend.

You loved her. Wanted her with everything you had. You could never have her — you were well aware of that — and that only made you want her more.

We always wanted the most what we could never have.

After all, nothing tasted sweeter than forbidden fruit.

Rowena chuckled, a spicy, rich sound that made your heart race. You could picture her smirking; lips curled, eyes sparkling, mischief painted all over her face in bright neon color.

"Rowena," you said exasperatedly, more mad at yourself, at your body, for having such a reaction to her rather than at her.

"Fine, fine. All business, no play it is." It came off playful, mischievous. "As it goes, business is the reason I'm calling, actually."

"Really?"

"Mhm." A short pause. "Well, soft of."

"Is it about tutoring? 'Cause I'd totally like to sign up for more lessons."

As much as you hated math, you loved studying with Rowena.

You loved being with Rowena. Loved being around her. Loved listening to her go on and on about numbers and formulas that, thanks to her endless patience, made slightly more sense than they did when Ms. Hanscum explained them in class.

"No, but that is good to know," she replied, amused. "Remember our little cinema date?"

How could you forget?

It was the first time you'd held her hand. The first time she'd let you touch her, comfort her. The first time you were out in public, among so many people, afraid of being recognized and at the same time wishing people you knew were allowed to know what you felt — even though, at the time, you didn't know — didn't want to know, didn't want to admit it — yourself.

That day would forever remain seared into your memory.

"Yeah."

She was still calling it a date, you realized. She still thought of it as such.

And, really, what was it if not a date?

You'd gone out to a public place — to the movies, of all places. You'd sat next to each other, watching — you with delight and her with distaste and a tinge of fear — people screaming and dying on screen. Teased each other. Tossed banter. Held hands.

If that wasn't a date, you didn't know what was.

"Then you also remember that I owe you one," Rowena said.

You did.

She'd agreed to go out with you on the condition that you accompanied her to the place of her choosing.

In short — another date.

You swallowed. "I do."

"Have you got any plans for New Year?"

"The usual." Remembering this was the first time the subject had come up, the first year the two of you spoke and had reason to bring it up, you elaborated, "A fun movie, some music. Just my computer and me."

It was sad, now that you thought about it. While your friends went out, had fun, got ridiculously drunk and enjoyed the night to the fullest, you were confined to your room.

Which you liked, but it didn't make it any less sad.

Maybe you really were a loser.

"How would you like to spend it with me?" Rowena proposed.

"What?" Your heart skipped a beat, adrenaline filling your veins like lava, burning bright hot. "For real?"

"Aye," she said, and you could picture her licking her lips, knowing she had you. A naughty little spider she'd lured in her fly.

"Don't you have plans?"

The outgoing, living-the-life Rowena MacLeod was bound to have some.

"The people I used to call friends turned out to be utter fannies. What do you think?"

"Right." You cleared your throat. "What did you have in mind?"

"The same thing as you. Movie, music, laptop. Only," she purred, "my room."

Well, shit.

You almost dropped your phone, fingers momentarily going limp before squeezing the phone as if your life depended on it.

Movie.

Music.

The two of you alone together.

Almost exactly the same like your little movies date, only this time she was single, you were closer than ever, and your feelings for her were through the roof.

She couldn't reciprocate, could she?

She was a tease, but she'd just ended an abusive relationship and abandoned a friend who'd stabbed her in the back.

It was too soon to even think of starting anything, let alone trying to.

You were looking into it too much.

You wanted her, and it was only natural for you to wish that she wanted you as well.

But just because you wished for it didn't make it true.

Rowena was just playing around. Pushing limits. Wreaking havoc because that was what she did, what she thrived on.

She wanted to hang out with you because you were her friend; one of the only friends she'd had left in the world. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Oh, really?" you asked, clearly interested.

"Mmhm. Fergus will be out, getting drunk somewhere."

You could imagine the distaste on her face as she said it, the unfiltered disgust, and you had to chuckle at the visual.

"Mother will also be out. I convinced her to join her colleagues at the bar. The woman needs to live, aye?"

Clever girl.

"And Gavin will be asleep," she finished. "We will have the house to ourselves. Though I think my room is quite enough."

There she went again, the little tease.

If only she knew what she was doing to you.

Would it make her stop, or would it prompt her to keep going, to keep working you up?

"Doesn't sound half bad," you mused.

It sounded fucking amazing!

"Knew you'd think so."

"And how long would this little party of ours last?"

"All night, if you want. I love a good party."

All night?

So she wasn't asking you to just celebrate New Year — she was asking you to sleep over.

Your heart pounded against your chest almost painfully, racing as if you'd just run a marathon.

An entire night with Rowena.

Alone.

That was what dreams were made of.

"Should I bring my pjs?" you joked, trying to hide your nervousness.

"If you wish," she replied amusedly. "Though I don't think we will be doing much of sleeping."

Just kill me, why don't you?

"Seems like you've got it all planned out."

"I am a professional, dear." Then, in a softer tone, she added, "Think of it as thanks for helping me out."

"You don't owe me anything, Rowena," you hurried to say. You helped her because she was your friend, because you loved her. Not because you expected anything in return. "I'm your friend. I—"

"I know," she cut you off. "I do owe you a date, though, and I saw it as a chance to show my gratitude."

"You don't have to do it."

"I want to," she assured you. "You know me. When have I ever passed on a good party?"

Fair point.

"Okay," you conceded. "If you're sure."

"One thousand percent."

Sounded good to you.

"When should I be there?"

"How about nine?"

"Sounds great!"

"Perfect!"

You smiled. "Should I bring snacks?"

"No need," Rowena said. "Just get your arse over here. I'll take care of everything else."

"It's a deal," you said, giggling.

The best night of your life, here you came!

*****

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