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sleepynegress · 1 year ago

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So, I'm Watching Dollar Tree The Gilded Age: The Buccaneers (I apologize that this is a long one folks because of ADHD Romantic Period Drama w/ ~Color~ tangents)...

Okay... So, I have to preface this by admitting that Bridgerton never has been my great big thing. It's a cake sculpted from cotton candy.

Pretty and sweet, but not much substance. And very much leaning on the "fantasy" so everyone can enjoy the costume romance fun (but it does please me to see my marginalized players, playing well...). -Using an author's works as a base, who not only started with an all-white palette but was flippant and insulting in response to the idea of inclusion... And yet...

I'm just saying, it is something that the woman who walked away from ABC because an exec didn't respect her enough to get a Disney pass for her family, went on to make that lucrative author's uplift deal with, instead of say, Beverly Jenkins. I love underdog romances that aren't the typical het white bread. Give me the canon gays (I never got slash...but I love when it's canon, especially with color), the big girls, the dark brown skin girls, the Black couples, and the interracials, especially when both are BIPOC and there's no lag in charm/looks in the lighter half in some expertly lit, dressed, confection that makes everyone look as gorgeous as they actually are and there's all kinds of soft plotting and chemistry. Bridgerton for all its lazy ways of handling color, gave that. Everybody is hot. And the people that studios have typically just pretended either weren't "invented" yet or were all living horrible tortured lives of enslavement got to get the sweet costumed wooing, will-they-won't-they, ~romance~ treatment. But... being an obscure Black history nerd... I'm neurodivergent, so I have some deep-dive GEMS that I'll mention here that I NEED TO SEE DONE WELL, before I die. FYI I called Dido Elizabeth Belle a good 8 years before that was actually made. It is frustrating to see some of the ACTUAL interesting capacities in which some actual existing Black folks in history who did live interesting, not tragic lives, not given the big glossy budget, well-written renderings they deserve... In lieu of what has now, firmly taken hold as a trend, colorblind casting in known white works. See recent adaptations of David Copperfield, Persuasion, Tom Jones, & Great Expectations,

and now, this The Buccaneers (which like I said, is Dollar Tree, and *worse* the colorblind cast sister Conchita is using her regular-eggular Cali accent and...is not a compelling actress & her man is a jar of mayo) and baby...them costumes are Reign-levels of anachronistic/bad. It's the lazy jump onto the trend Shonda exploded, and Mr. Malcolm's List started (yeah, that short film was put on YouTube a full year before Bridgerton debuted). So, my point... Instead of *just* doing colorblind casting in old classic white period works... I need to see these ACTUAL GREAT stories of and/or written by or about the colorful people who lived in those societies. And this is where it could get long... but I'll do my best to keep it short... EXAMPLES that were gotten right and those *I need to see adapted*: ____

Interview With The Vampire is inclusive color-AWARE casting... The showrunner went beyond and actually rewrote the narrative to make sure the inclusion wasn't lazily done, but actually improved the depth of the source IMO. And I believe the showrunner is a queer white man. It just takes empathy and effort.

Passing... is a moody slow-burn horror based upon an actual work written by a Black woman in that period, and adapted by a white-passing WOC who not only lived the theme, but rendered it expertly.

Belle is often pointed to as a good example, but my nerd-ass knows Gugu's beyond AMAZING handling of the material elevated it.

Too much was changed from the reality of her life (IMO), still...Most period dramas are about as "true" and yall know I was not a fan of Sam Reid's over-dramatic ass in this... (yelling in that damn carriage for what?!) but he is PERFECT in IWTV. Sanditon being made, despite the typical side-character Black character issues...really was a reset because Miss Austen had already envisioned, in her day and above her class(!) a Black heiress as a character getting the Austen treatment, w/o any modifications the salty and ignorant would prefer to think is beyond "true history". ----- I have a little hopeful part in my brain that wishes it had the power to will capable adaptions of the lives of Carlotta Stewart Lai - middle-class educated Black woman who became a teacher & lived an "Anne of Green Gables" type of Edwardian life (more interesting really) surfing, having "bathing parties," and teaching Hawaiians with her Black family, Portuguese, Hawaiian and Chinese friends on the big island... Her life was w/o the stereotypes people assume all Black Americans lived in Victorian/Edwardian "America".

Gustav Badin, a Black man who was "Chessmaster" of the Swedish Royal Court in the 1700's...was in charge of the Royal family's secrets after the Queen's passing, really gives me intelligent queer Black man energy in his portrait and lived out a non-tragic life in a VERY white space many don't know we occupied.

And The Hunters... Who already have a short film and I've posted about it here... but I would LOVE to see an actual rendering of their lives in the Klondike, with their gold and silver prospects and son grandson Buster and daughter Teslin in Edwardian Canada.

(that is Teslin at the highest point in the photo, named after the lake she was born at)

(and the Hunters' grandson Buster ice-fishing)

All this to say... Now, that I've thoroughly veered away from my review of a middling show... I WISH THESE DAMN SHOWRUNNERS used a little effort in research and imagination and gave us more "true to life" renderings of Black life (and life of color, in these romanticized spaces) that isn't tragic nor the patronizin inclusive "fantasy"... That feels like it's smirking at me while saying "we know you weren't ~really~ here, but here! have a cookie!!" These people existed.

You don't have to *just* make inclusive versions of white works with the lie that you have to do that because thee above people ~didn't exist~. Nor do you have to be lazy when you do!! (see: IWTV) Right now, for me... It feels like for the most part we're in a period of very shallow "advancement" in period rep. And I'm saying if little old me can find the actual stories that could make AMAZING true history-based media. Why can't the more powerful people do the same?? P.S.

You already know I'm fresh off being mad about that shitty Bass Reeves show...but I'm even madder because I can't even say, "just make sure its made by Black people," because Jeymes Samuel (AKA Bullitts) gave us skinny biracial StageCoach Mary!!!

---NO!! I will never stop being mad about it!!

DO BETTER!! Have the empathy and care for the material, regardless, and don't rest on "I know what I'm doing because I'm Black" That male gaze won out over truth in The Harder They Fall *smh*

P.P.S I get the feeling the lazy adaptions are about cash-grabbing, what they see as a trend, and being all the ready to jump back into the whitewashed business as usual, that ain't true to *all* actual histories nor (as Austen proved) fictions of those eras or spaces.

P.P.P.S. On The Glided Age!! I do love that the Fellowes drama has Erica Armstrong Dunbar (known for her book and research on Ona Judge -another figure whose story needs to be adapted!!!- the Black woman who successfully escaped enslavement from George Washington's household and was doggedly pursued by him throughout her life) and Salli Richardson-Whitfield as producers... so, Denee Benton's Peggy is authentic... but as much as I like The Gilded Age, I want to combine Fellowes comfort drama... with a CENTRALIZED Black character... Why can't someone do all of it correctly?? WHY??!!!

#I am so sorry...#I may have to attempt to do a video essay on youtube to truly cover what I want to fully say in this..I #blah blah #meta #the buccaneers #the gilded age #bridgerton #black history #marginalized folks in period dramas in comfort period drama is what I want #and done WELL!!#give me sarah forbes bonnetta's life

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lovelytsunoda · 1 year ago

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misc. masterlist

instagram au masterlist

violent delights have violent ends (mick schumacher, daniel ricciardo, pierre gasly, nico hulkenberg) 🌹

mick, danny and pierre knew they would need to fight for seats in 2023. they just didn't know that otmar szafnauer was going to take it literally.

the motorsports fiction recommendation list (part two)

the cedric diggory f1 driver au that nobody asked for but i wrote anyways

f1 drivers as characters from the magic mike franchise

tokyo drift

the day you kissed a writer in the dark ,, han lue 🌹🍑🌩

she's stood by his side for years. his loyal mechanic, the brains behind his brawn. but she'd be lying if she said that it didn't hurt to watch him flirt with those other women in his club, when he came home to her every night in secret.

see also: proud mary ( han lue ) from tina!: the series

the night agent

take one down ,, francisco jenkins 🌩

the fix-it fic we all deserve, and the ending that cisco should have had.

top gun (1986)

tell me something girl (are you happy in this modern world) ,, tom kazansky 🌹🌩

after thirty years of marriage, heather kazansky reflects on the time she spent and the love she shared with tom as she prepares to write her eulogy and say goodbye to her husband.

take my breath away ,, tom kazansky 🌹

temporarily stationed in nevada, tom and heather decide to take a weekend in las vegas to see their favourite new wave band. all the while, all tom can think about when to ask heather to be his wife.

top gun (2022)

sunday in heaven ,, jake seresin 🌹

jake’s favourite afternoons were spent with his fiancée and his dog, with hot drinks and a good book. nice and calm, different from his every day. but tell anybody that and he’d have to kill you.

uptown girl ,, mickey garcia🌹

she would do anything for her nerd boy. except maybe meet his friends in a crowded bar with a pool table where she can make a fool of herself in front of all of her boyfriend's friends. it's a good thing that mickey is a good teacher.

the sixth sense ,, jake seresin (cosy collection 2024)🌹

after a car accident totals her car and leaves her with the ability to see ghosts, an anxious police desk sergeant learns to live with the ghosts haunting her home, and the crush she has on the hot pilot who lives next door

beautiful girl (stay with me) ,, jake seresin (kinktober 2024)🌹🍑

the three lit jack-o-lanterns in their bay window shouldn't have been the lightscape to their sweetest, purest intimate moments, but hey, what happens on halloween stays on halloween.

love, actually ,, robert floyd (the christmas collection 2024)🌹

recently appointed admiral robert floyd feels overwhelmed in his new position, and unprepared to fill the shoes of the late admiral thomas kazansky. when he inherts the job, he also inherits tom's old secretary. cue the romance. inspired by hugh grant's storyline in love, actually

birthday girl ,, mickey garcia (smutmas 2024) 🍑

used to feeling like an afterthought on her birthday (mostly due to its proximity with christmas), mickey sets out to make sure that his sweet lover girl feels treasured and loved

love is a losing game ,, jake seresin (SERIES)

LAPD Detective II Jessica Seresin has had a rough few years. As the youngest female second-rank detective in the LAPDs auto theft division, she’s been on maternity leave for the last nine months, and it’s driving her up the wall. When her old boss from homicide shows up on her doorstep and tells her that her husband may be involved in multiple ongoing homicide investigations, she realizes she might have to fight tooth and nail to keep her life from falling apart.

marvel

you've got me under your spell ,, eddie brock (the cozy collection 2024) 🌹

the then's and now's of halloween in the brock household.

#f1 imagine #top gun imagine #top gun x reader #han lue x reader #tokyo drift imagine #tom kazansky x reader #the night agent fanfic #the night agent x reader #lovelytsunodas masterllist #eddie brock x reader

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rjschoicesstuff · 3 months ago

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RJ's mc and oc masterlist

Thought it might be nice to make one lol, so people can find their tags easily and stuff, one day I'll work on proper profiles.. + I'm still adding characters.

I'm marking the books/mc's I've posted a bit more about purple and the ones I have yet to post about pink.

Immortal Desires

Ripley Reese (she/her) - mc

LI's: m!Cas and f!Gabe

Tag

David (he/him) - mc

LI: m!Cas

Tag

Terri Reese (she/her) - oc (sort of)

Tag

Miguel (he/him) - oc

LI's: m!Cas, F!Gabe and F!Ripley

Tag

Joy (she/her) - oc

Tag

Sabine (she/her) - oc

Tag

Blades Of Light And Shadow

Rex Lilborne (She/her + he/him) -mc

LI's: Imtura and Tyril

Tag

Brenin Nightbloom (he/him) -MC

LI: probably gonna settle on Valax + maybe Nia

Tag

Ruby (Rex' future daughter) - oc

Tag

Firven (Rex' future son) - oc

Tag

Queen B

Billie Hughes (she/her)

LI: Zoey (+ some secret more toxic evil thing with Poppy)

Tag

Bitten

Jasper (she/her)

LI's: Alexandra and m!Skyler

Tag

It Lives Series

ILITW: Devon (he/him)

LI: Andy

Tag

ILB: Oli Vance (he/him)

LI: Tom

Tag

Terror Fest

Noah Carpenter (She/her)

LI: Lucky

Tag

Crimes of Passion

Cameron Rose (They/them)

LI: f!Trystan

Tag

America's Most Eligible

Mollie Lee (she/her)

In game LI: Mackenzie

LI in mi heart: Teagan

Tag

The Cursed Heart

Eli (he/him)

LI: f!Kieran

Tag

Alpha

Kai (he/him and she/her)

LI: f!Channing

Tag

Kindred

Thistle Morrigan (she/her)

LI: F!Kaine

Tag

Wake The Dead

Luke Asher (he/him)

LI's: Shannon, Troy and Angel

Tag

Open Heart

Mateo Valentine (he/him)

LI: Rafael

Tag

Platinum

Ollie Jackson (she/her)

LI: f!Avery

High School Story series

Jake Lee (he/him)

LI: Michael

Tag

Class Act: Bailey Jenkins (he/him)

LI: Skye

Tag

The Royal Romance

Riley Morgan (She/her)

LI: Liam (they are in a QPR though)

Tag

BloodBound

June (She/her)

LI: Lily

Tag

Nightbound

Alexander (He/him)

LI: Cal

Tag

A Courtesan Of Rome

Loucita (She/her)

LI: Sabina (endgame) + Marc Antony

Tag

Desire & Decorum

Clarissa Mills (she/her)

LI: Annabelle Parsons

Tag

Kiss of Death

Diamond Wolfe (she/her)

LI: F!Vic

Tag

Guinevere

Guinevere (she/her)

Li: f!Artura

Tag

Laws Of Attraction

Quinn Michaels (she/her)

(might change her name on a replay)

LI: Aislinn

Tag

The Elementalists

Maxim (he/him)

Attunement: wood

LI: Beckett

Tag

Ride Or Die

Ellie (she/her, he/him fine too)

Note: I hc Ellie as a trans guy who still needs to realise he's trans, when talking about the events in ROD I tend to use she/her for her because that's the pronouns she uses. In the future she'll transition and change her name to Milo.

LI: Colt

Tag

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 years ago

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Elvis & Addison

Fandom: Elvis Presley, RPF, American Actor

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Original Female Characters, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, Jess Goodwin, Colonel Tom Parker, Vernon Presley, Gladys Presley, Marci Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Red West, Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Memphis Mafia, Minnie May ‘Dodger’ Presley, Gene Smith, Billy Smith, Steve Cunningham, Mary Jenkins, Alan Fortas, Original Male Characters, Mona Goodwin, Joe Goodwin

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Word Count: TBC

Summary: Elvis Presley is a star. A star that burns bright and warm enough to illuminate everyone around him. But to Addison Goodwin none of that matters. To her, he's just that boy from Memphis and yet he's everything. The father of her child. Her best friend. Her love. Her Elvis.

Tags: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Las Vegas, The International Hotel, Elvis In Vegas, 1970s, 1970s Elvis, Friends To Lovers, Rekindled Romance, Parenting, Time Line is Sketchy, Guilt, Betrayal, Teenage Pregnancy, Hawaii, Hidden Pregnancy, Jealousy, Sex, Absence of Parent, Single Motherhood, Trauma, Sex, Tension, Poverty, Friends to Lovers, 1950s Elvis, Bad Parenting, Surprise Surprise the Colonel Is a Colossal Prick, Parental Loss, Grief, Fun Fairs, Kissing, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, Movie Nights, Arguing, Tension, Denial of Feelings, Age Gap Romance, Underage, Addison is 17 Elvis is 22, Extortion, Blackmail, Army Elvis, American Draft, US Army, Lying, Time Shift with Elvis moving to Memphis, Caught, Birthdays, Implied Death, Flashbacks, Love, Established Relationship, Cuddles, Hugging, Arguing, Parents, Implied Death, Implied Sickness, Family Arguments

Notes: I have absolutely loved writing this lil Elvis universe and though my second part of the series is done I intend to keep writing for Addie and Elvis as there's more to this story I wanna explore. So if there's anything you want to see at any part of the timeline feel free to ask me!

Fics are posted in order of the timeline xx

Fics

The Girl He Left Behind

Fractured

Here You Come Again

Top of the List

Our Little Secret

Closure

Little Bird

Untethered

Link To AO3

More to come ⚡️

Aesthetics

Character Inspo

The Girl He Left Behind Pinterest

Here You Come Again Pinterest

Elvis and Addison Aesthetic

Addison Aesthetic

Jess Aesthetic

Marci Aesthetic

Presley Family Aesthetic

Jessie Jo & Lisa Marie Aesthetic

#my writing #elvis #elvis presley #elvis presley x ofc #elvis x ofc #elvis x addison #elvis presley x addison goodwin #addison goodwin #here you come again #untethered #the girl he left behind #elvis and Addison #our little secret #closure

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topoeiaz · 4 months ago

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Chapter 14: It's High Time I'd Love to See Me From Your Point of View (HP) Tom Riddle x OC

18+ blog • minors dni

word count: 3.2k

hp masterlist • pov masterlist • ao3

“Morning, Grace!”

“Oh- Morning, Gideon!” Thea quickly reciprocated Gideon’s friendly smile as the latter walked past Thea’s section of the dining table. Once her fellow sixth-year had gone far enough away, she turned to her friends at the table. “Is it just me, or am I receiving more greetings from the Slytherins than usual?”

As if on cue, Thea was greeted once again by another passerby in green-lined robes.

Rosier wiggled his eyebrows and crooned, “an overnight celebrity within Slytherin, aye?”

“Hear, hear,” remarked Avery, “next thing you know, they’ll be lining up for autographs.”

“Merchandise next!”

Another croon, “great idea! How about…”

Druella and Walburga sighed in exasperation and shook their heads at the boys’ teasing. The older girl took pity on Thea’s perplexion and clarified, “what they mean is: you’re quite officially an honorary snake now.” When that earned her a raised eyebrow from Thea, she continued, “they’ve seen the way you’ve allied yourself with the purebloods yesterday and I reckon they’ve connected two and two and have made you out to be Riddle’s equal, in romance and in the plan to revolutionise Wizarding Britain.”

Druella nodded along and added in, “not to mention, your relationship with Devon. Colour me unsurprised if the second-years now regard you as an almighty saint.”

“…Oh,” flustered, Thea’s hands began fiddling with each other when she suddenly felt Tom’s hand envelop hers. Her fingers switched focus onto Tom’s hand instead and fidgeted with it absentmindedly. “That’s nice of them. I certainly wasn’t expecting that!”

“I hear they’re interested to attend more of your research showcases.”

Thea blinked, taken aback by Mulciber’s exposé of the final consensus of the snakes that he had heard in other people’s conversation last night. “More?”

Then, Lestrange perked up in remembrance. “Yeah! Didn’t you mention offhandedly about something to do with: purity of the blood does not equate to magical prowess?”

“Jenkins was especially interested to hear more about that; said he wanted to debate you if you ever come around to doing it.”

To hear from Nott that his yearmate also wanted more… just how many people…

Thea hummed as she gave it a thought. “I don’t suppose it’s a bad idea. I’ve yet to collate preliminary research on it as I had already done with inbreeding, though. It will take a while until that’s ready, especially as classes have started to assign more tasks.”

“Not an issue at all, Grace,” Avery shrugged, “just let us know when you’re ready and we’ll post it up on our noticeboard.”

“The noticeboard-” Thea nearly choked on air. The noticeboard, for something as trifling as her?! How could that be justified?! “Why would you post it up on the noticeboard?! Surely, there’s not that many people who would show up!”

When the others averted their eyes as they muttered incomprehensibly to dodge her accusations, her lips parted in shock. A chuckle sounded from her right and she turned to Tom. “You underestimate just how much word has spread of your presentation yesterday. The previous audience would be keen to attend again while those who hadn’t been there for your first one would be curious to see why you’ve become a sensation in the house.”

“A sensation…”

“A sensation, indeed!” Druella chirped when Thea had trailed off.

Her friends eventually managed to snap her out of her speechless state and moved on to other topics. As if today had somehow become ‘Thea Appreciation Day’, however, Thea found herself subjected to another talk with an admirer of her other works after breakfast.

The group of friends had gone to potions class early and it seemed that Slughorn had the same idea too, for he was already there when they had shown up. They kept chatter to a minimal volume while Thea and Tom went quiet when the professor had decided to approach the pair sat in the front row.

“Ah, Tom! So glad to see you bright and early to class today! Say, is it alright if I borrow your time for a moment?”

An affable smile on his face, Tom replied, “of course, sir. How can I help you?”

“Seeing as it has been a few weeks now since the term has started, I thought it might be time to host another Slugclub meeting! The students must have settled in by now so I figured we could all catch up sometime soon; let’s say, dinner this Friday at half past six. I’ll go around inviting the new members but- if I may ask for a favour, could you let the existing members in your house know?”

“Certainly, professor. We’ll be there.”

“Ah, much thanks, Tom!” Thea startled when Slughorn turned his glinting eyes to her next, quickly putting on a naïve smile. “And how about you, Miss Grace? Have you finally changed your mind about joining? I’m sure that you will have a marvellous time there! It’s only right that a student as talented as you should show up!”

Thea hesitated. She spared a brief glance to Tom and took in his patient smile. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if Tom would be there with her? “I suppose… I might?”

Slughorn brightened up and grinned in satisfaction. “Wonderful! I’m glad to hear that, Miss Grace! I won’t bother you now, then. I’ll see you both at the meeting this Friday!” He then proceeded to aim his course directly onto the unsuspecting Ravenclaw prefect who had come in a while ago, presumably to extend the same favour as he had with Tom.

Thea took Tom’s hand when he offered it on the desk, giving him her complete attention as he spoke, “will you join me for the meeting? It would be a better time with you there.”

The dread of wondering just how the gathering might go if she was to attend dissipated with Tom’s confession. She gave the back of his hand a small kiss and met her doe eyes with his. “If you’ll be there, I suppose I wouldn’t mind attending.”

His countenance softened and he squeezed her hand lightly. “I’ll make sure you’ll have a pleasant time there.”

They exchanged a brief look of compassion before Tom turned and casted a cool glance to the boys sat in the row behind; Avery and Mulciber had taken the table behind Tom and Thea’s, while Rosier was with Druella to the other boys’ left. “You boys in?” Having heard Slughorn’s invitation echoing in the quiet room, the boys understood Tom’s reference and gave their affirmative replies. When he returned his gaze to Thea, she had her bottom lip between her teeth and there was a tinge of heat in the darkness of her eyes as she stared into his. He gave a questioning hum and she refocussed into reality. “What’s up?”

Thea shook her head with a smitten grin on her face. “Was just thinking…” After a moment of hesitation, she decided to lay her thoughts bare for Tom. “I’ve noticed it very vaguely in the first meeting I had with the boys, but you really do look good when you’re in charge of something.”

“Oh?” Amusement curled his lips up further.

“Mhm,” her eyes almost visibly glazed over as her memories pulled her deeper and deeper into a chasm of want. “Merlin knows, I might just faint when you take the reins over the country.”

His eyes were now sporting the same glint. It was taking the both of them an excruciating amount of effort to not whisk one another away into a private space. Tom settled, instead, for a lingering kiss on Thea’s inner wrist. As innocent as the act had been, she was rendered nearly lightheaded when her blood rushed south. She only snapped back into her senses when he spoke again, “you flatter me, love.”

Thea had to remind herself of her own previous words, mind too occupied with Tom to remember immediately. “Just telling the truth, dear.”

The rest of the day passed by rather uneventfully. By the next morning, Thea had learned a couple more names of those in Slytherin and had gotten more familiar with the idea of being perceived as an honorary member of the house. The same went for the rest of the school population; they had gotten used to the fact that Thea tended to hang out with the snakes. That was why she frowned when Dumbledore announced a new seating chart at the next transfiguration class.

“I’ve observed the dynamics amongst the previous arrangement and have created a new one with the belief that it will improve the efficiency of the class,” Dumbledore had said when a student had questioned his motives.

As he recited the new pairings for the indefinite future, Thea shared a doubtful expression with Tom. Inter-house unity seemed not to be of the professor’s care because most of the students had been paired with their housemates, Thea and Tom included. Besides that, it was suspicious that Dumbledore had chosen to rearrange the class when it had been weeks into the semester; those usually happen earlier.

With a bitter smile, Thea gave a final peck to Tom’s cheek before joining the rest of the class in moving around for their new seats once Dumbledore had told them to. She found herself subjected to Reagan Diggory’s cheery greeting and quickly pulled up a friendly smile to return the sentiment. Guilt formed in her gut when she could only manage short responses to Diggory’s insistent attempts in getting to know her, her thoughts overly riddled with apprehension of Dumbledore’s true objective and dejection at losing the safety bubble that Tom brought with his presence. As it turned out, it was right for Thea to remain wary of the professor when, after class, he had approached her table and had asked to speak with her.

“How can I help you, professor?”

Her scepticism only grew when Dumbledore waited for the last person to leave the room, leaving her alone with the scheming man. Once the door had shut behind the final lagging person, he turned and regarded her with his iconic twinkling eyes. “If you may entertain an old man’s mindless worries, Miss Grace, I simply wished to make sure that you aren��t in any trouble.”

Careful to fake naivete in her composure as best she could, as if she was one of his impressionable admirers, she queried, “what kind of trouble do you mean, sir?”

“It is of the staffs’ unanimous agreement that you are particularly gifted in magic – charms, especially – and that makes you a valuable student, Miss Grace. Many others strive to achieve grades as outstanding as yours, and it seems that some are in the path of doing so – such as Mister Rosier, if I were to name one; his report has been particularly impressive lately. Powerful family, the Rosiers, very prone to suppress those weaker. You see, Miss Grace, Hogwarts tolerates no such power play and I only strive to ensure that it remains the case.”

Was he suggesting that Rosier had intimidated Thea into doing his schoolwork?! That was laughable! She had seen the boy deep in conversation with Tom before about school subjects and she had even, at one point, helped the boy with his charms essay when he had complained about it for a solid five minutes during lunch! For all the cheekiness that Rosier was capable of, he was an honest student who aimed to improve himself in academics. It was frankly disrespectful for Dumbledore to even imply otherwise!

Thea had to disguise her sharp intake of furious breath as a sigh and forced her features to ease up at Dumbledore’s expectant look. She cocked her head lightly to the side, modelling a perfect example of a calm and collected person, as she kept her tone level. “I can assure you, professor, that I have not seen Rosier act in such a way. It has only reminded me, however, of a recent bullying incident; I do hope that Lowe has received an appropriate punishment for tormenting Devon, sir.”

Dumbledore blinked twice, caught off-guard. That was as much of his true self that he was willing to show and his smile stiffened. “Ah, that is relieving to hear, Miss Grace. Do fret not, Mister Lowe has served his retribution as he deserved. Alas, it pains me that a student from my house has shown such behaviour and it has taught me, once again, that we should see the best in people-” Thea had to swiftly bite her tongue from retorting with his hypocrisy, and fumed when he continued with, “-unless, of course, they are beyond saving.”

Plastering on an ignorant look, Thea asked, “and how do we know if they are beyond saving, sir?”

At this, Dumbledore gave a sorrowful smile as if pitying her. “When they are incapable of remorse and kindness, my dear. As wonderful as the world is, there are those who choose to view their surroundings in shades of grey. They cannot love – nor will they try – and it is best to not associate with them lest they corrupt your vision too. It is regretful, but a necessary sacrifice to not grace them with our hearts. They will only cut it up and burn it to ashes without regret.”

“I see.” As much as she had tried to not let his condescendence get to her, her voice had let slip of the fact that his words had affected her. She hastily rectified it with a faux understanding smile and thanked him for his advice. “It is always delightful to be guided by a wise figure.”

Seemingly pleased, he gave a hearty laugh. “Perhaps my age has caught up with me, Miss Grace! I see that the time has come for me to accept my fate as a wise old man.” Thea hoped that her attempt in resembling amusement didn’t make her look too stupid. “I won’t hold you back any longer, Miss Grace. Although, just as a final… acumen, I suppose; do rely on your housemates when you need to. You’ve been with them for years now, they’re quite like your family here.”

“Of course, professor. Thank you, once again, for your worthwhile insights. I will see you again in the next class.”

He nodded. “Take care, my dear.”

Her eyebrows furrowed the moment her back had turned towards Dumbledore and she took care to not sprint out of the class instantly. Upon exiting the room, her eyes immediately fell onto Tom, back against the wall and sporting a worried expression, and the transfiguration professor’s comments reverbed in her head mockingly.

…incapable of remorse and kindness… cannot love – nor will they try… a necessary sacrifice… will only cut… burn…

Frustration filled her bones at Dumbledore’s impudence towards Tom- who deserved so much more.

Tom, who took initiatives to ensure her comfort; who had promised her a beautiful future with him; who had taught her romantic love by loving her. He wasn’t some robot programmed to act human, he had feelings just as much as the next person and had shown to be unafraid to express them to her. Time and time again, he had proven himself as someone who loved and cared. Helga- she was proud to love him with all her heart.

Thea barely fathomed a voice off to her side asking her if she was alright as she stalked straight for Tom. Her sights narrowed on the boy who had given her so much and she didn’t register anyone else in the vicinity. His worry only intensified upon seeing her unresponsive and serious – and fierce – and he straightened up at once, reaching for her as she approached closer. “Love-”

He was promptly cut off when her hands flew towards him and held him by the juncture of his head and neck, pulling him forwards to meet her halfway as she tiptoed to collide his lips with hers strongly. There was only a split second of hesitation from Tom before he matched her eagerness and kissed her back, pulling her body closer by her waist and tilting his head to the side slightly. The feel of his lips and caress as he reciprocated her feelings only strengthened her idea of him as a man who could – and will – love with passion, and she felt her tempestuous nerves soothed by him, gradually grounding herself back into the physical world and regaining control over herself.

Thea pulled back and planted her forehead with his, taking a deep, shaky breath in. Tom’s left arm went to wrap itself around her waist while his right brushed against her cheek softly. The air was silent as she took the time to recollect herself, releasing a heavy sigh out as she opened her eyes and retreated further to meet his eyes properly. The concern written clearly in his countenance had yet to be assuaged and she gave a lopsided smile, volume low as she spoke. “Sorry, that came out of nowhere. I’m just- frustrated!” Her frown took over her lips again.

“He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Tom’s mind had been wrought with mental images of all the terrible things that could’ve possibly happened, anxiety only worsening the longer she had been in that room.

Thea shook her head. “He was just being stupidly ridiculous. Advised me against giving you a chance and convinced that I’m around your lot only because Rosier’s taking advantage of me.”

A strangled choke sounded behind her and she turned to see the aforementioned boy looking at her incredulously. “Taking- what!”

It was then that Thea realised that Tom hadn’t been alone, waiting for her to come out unscathed. Judging by Druella’s teasing – and worried, still – grin and the fact that none of the boys – bar Rosier – could look her in the eyes, she was safe to assume that they had been there all along. She cleared her throat and fought against averting her sights. “I know! It’s baffling, really.”

“But you’re alright?”

She turned back to Tom and covered his hand on her waist with hers reassuringly. “Yeah, just beyond miffed.”

As they headed to lunch, Thea told them all about Dumbledore’s warning. In response, she had received their aggressive support.

“Just saying, if you ever need to hide a body…”

“I’ve got bleach.”

“My jinxes could always do with some practice.”

They prided themselves in Thea’s laugh as she thanked them. The same reaction came from the seventh-years when they regaled the story again upon meeting them in the Slytherin table. It was with great sorrow that she had to disappoint them all. “Unfortunately, he’s needed to defeat Grindelwald. I don’t know for certain how he would do it and where it would take place, so I can’t manipulate the circumstances.”

That reminded the boys of her nature as a clairvoyant, and only proved to Druella and Walburga that their suspicions based on the boys’ hint were right. Grumbles were shared upon her admission and they glared at the blasé Dumbledore who had just walked into the hall.

“Can’t wait for you all to win over the ministry. Oh, the spectacle it would be to watch you overthrow him.”

Walburga muttered in agreement to Druella’s words. Thea stabbed her plate with her fork, her acute dislike for the man getting to the best of her as words left her venomously.

“Mark my words; he will go down.”

ao3 🌱 topaz 🌱 masterlist

don’t steal my work, claim it as your own, upload it to another site, or use it to train AI

dividers by: @strangergraphics-archive & @saradika-graphics

#harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #hp #hp fanfic #tom riddle #tom riddle fluff #tom riddle x oc #tom marvolo riddle #tom marvolo riddle fluff #tom marvolo riddle x oc

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thewingedwolf · 9 months ago

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We do agree then. Most of my timeline is filled with black women so that is what I'm most exposed to. My main gripe is that black women are always used as the rage bait in these shows. I'm truly tired of the racism and wish that new stories are created for us without the need to replace them for us to get representation. Sorry if I offended you for the 'black' comment.

sorry if i sounded suuuper annoyed lmao, i Am annoyed but at twitter not u aksksk. (also, was working children’s and there were just so many screaming kids today 😭). and that's definitely fair! i know The Interwebs in general is feeling very upset right now because of that romeo and juliet production that tom holland was in, because not only did they not really stand up for that poor actress, or turn off comments, they were just being sooo weird about her on social media. it's really nasty to just cast a black actress, especially one who is dark skinned, knowing she's going to get a shit storm of racism hurled at her and then not defend her and even actively make it worse by refusing to take basic precautions so she's not having people call her slurs in every damn post. and this show itself obviously also has a bad track record with that - not just with all the main black characters of color excluding agatha being light skinned and/or Mixed With White specifically (where's the blasian rep!!! where's the afrolatino rep!!!! why are mixed characters always mixed with white!!!!!!! also i love the sharma’s but not letting anthony and kate have their own fucking wedding OR a sex montage and then giving colin a bunch of annoying sex scenes is so!!!!!!) but also the way marina's storyline was handled was nauseating and pen never makes up to marina for doing something so egregiously awful, and on top of that poor ruby barker had a hard ass time on the set and on the internet. it sucked!!! i hope i didn't sound too mad lol, but my whole tl was either white women having a MELTDOWN over the show "ruining" michael (this is a paper thin character, there is nothing to ruin!!!) or other people (largely black women but also a lot of queer women in general) being like "sucks to suck anywayyyy hope francesca and michaela scissor on screen just to spite you personally" alkjdf and it hasn't even been 24 hours, i'm so over it 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

and yeah, that's something an author i like (i like her as a person, i don't love her romances haha) has mentioned - there are plenty of romances that are explicitly about black characters or indian characters or caribbean characters or jewish characters or whatever you fancy that take place in the regency/georgian/victorian era that could have been adapted but instead they went with julia quinn, who has explicitly talked about how she doesn't write characters of color because they ~don't get happy endings in this time period. and mind you, this is a woman who writes a duke living on every corner in london getting a love match!!! not to mention if they really just wanted to do some funky color blind/racebending, there are so many authors out there who have written longstanding romance series' with all white characters who are just better writers than julia!!! i mean, i have a lot of beef with tessa dare for what i feel is performative allyship (though i don't want to discount the way she has privately been a rock for a lot of authors of color, especially after the rwa blowup, she's still annoying to me tho haha), but she's just leaps and bounds better of a writer and also hasn't gone on record saying she would never write a black main character the way julia quinn has! it's unendingly annoying!!! courtney milan and diana quincy and beverly jenkins are right there!!!!

#asks #anons #and ur fine i am admittedly touchy about the biracial wars akskdjd #i do Get esp w this series bc like simon isn’t even biracial he’s just light skinned he’s got two black parents!#he’s the bianca lawson of the ton.#but of course u always get biracial actors who Look Mixed With White instead of like. kylie bunbury.#who has never and probably will never play a biracial character bc even tho she IS bc she doesn’t LOOK IT #she’s completely shut out of these roles. and i think it’s important to talk about that.#love how often my girl freema gets to play all sorts of backgrounds tho.#wait CAST FREEMA IN BRIDGERTON. FREEMA FOR SOPHIE AKSJDDJ

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365days365movies · 1 year ago

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Romance February: Omnibus

As I prepare for the future of this blog (and there is a future, if anybody's wondering), I find myself looking back at the good times, when I had the time to watch a movie a day and write a blog about it, which...yeah, wasn't even sustainable for me in 2021, so make of that what you will. ANYWAY, I decided that I would bring all of these posts together in an omnibus of sorts, so anybody that wanted to read these posts could find them all easily in one place. This, alongside other archives, are going to be pinned to the top of my page, and will serve as a long index of the films in the appropriate genres. The goal? To extend these archives as I go along, and have this running index for my blog. And again...there will be additions...

SO! With that, feel free to check out these films in the romance genre, which is somewhat...difficult to define, honestly. Romance overlaps with a bunch of other genres, so even films that put the love story at the center of the narrative have more to them by necessity. So, just figure these as films whose narrative is driven primarily by romantic tension and motivation. Any films you'd like to see in this list? Comment, reblog, message me, whatever! I'm always open to suggestions to add to my ever-building master list of romance films. And check out the other indices to come!

Omnibus: Film Reviews

#user365 #365 days 365 movies #365 movie challenge #365 movies a year #365 movies 365 days #romance movies #historical romance #romance #romance genre #love story #romance films #romance february #movie recap #movie review #post archive #west side story #dirty dancing #brokeback mountain #lgbt films

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viscountessevie · 1 year ago

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Bridgerton had me going from "omg I hope more of my favorite HR books are adapted!!" To "oh lord stay away from my favorite books" I would be so excited if anyone actuslly adapts a book by an author of color because the history in itself is so interesting but now I'm scared theyll f it up. And seeing only white people profit off of stories of people of color(whom they seem to not even respect!) is sickening

Ask Dated: 19th Feb 2023

You totally get it anon!! I remember after S1 dropped and then I started exploring the books, genre and movies/shows similar to it, it was like a whole world was opened up to me. I was SUPER excited for how this show would change the landscape of including more people of colour into period dramas as well as ushering a new era of making original (and adapting more) HR stories.

Only for Bton itself to turn around and completely treat its Indian characters like utter trash in S2 and not to mention butchering the source material. The way only the main actors saved the season SIGH.

That being said, 10 months after you've sent this, we have had various new shows like Tom Jones and The Buccaneers (which has been renewed woo hoo)! So while Bton did open up the media landscape for this new trend and hopefully it stays so actors of colour can stay booked and busy, I think the genre on its own is gonna thrive in its on way and even move away from the mess that is Bton now. Fingers crossed for them going for the quality of Mr. Malcolm's List with the sexiness we get from HR novels themselves!

One of my favourite mutuals/friends Caro @mermaidsirennikita actually just answered an ask talking about the future of this genre in tv/films so you can read it here if you'd like more insight on this topic! [She's also a great go to for romance recs so feel free to browse her blog!!]

To finish off, I have GREAT news: Stacy Reid's Sinful Wallflowers series is being adapted into a TV show!! So we will be getting an author of colour behind the scenes and fingers crossed she can be an executive producer and call the shots to make sure its a very faithful adaptation. I definitely also wanna see authors like Beverly Jenkins, Adrianna Herrera, Diana Quincy etc to get adaptations if they want to venture into that. Or better yet we can just start making original HR shows or films; that would be very interesting to watch when its made specifically for the visual medium.

#The Viscountess Answers #HR Novels #HR Adaptations #Bridgerton #HR Blogging

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papermoonloveslucy · 2 years ago

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FANTASY TV GUIDE ADS

Sequels, Spinoffs, and Reboots We Never Saw - But Wish We Had!

Ads and listings from a Papermoon Loves Lucy fantasy issue of TV Guide!

"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” ~ Before Andy Cohen there was Don Loper - TV’s first gay man with a doting bevy of housewives at his command. At press time, Mrs. Alan Ladd was replaced by Mrs. Ricky Ricardo. In the premiere, Loper stages a benefit for Share and Mrs. Ricardo gets a sunburn. Sponsored by Unguentine.

"American Picker” ~ In this episode, Dan picks over some old furniture at a run-down brownstone in New York City. Mid-century modern is Jenkins’ specialty and tonight he strikes gold.

"Hot Bench” ~ Today: “The Case of the Damaged Television & Fractured Friendship”. Judge Moroni Olsen and Bailiff Bobby serve justice at 4 ET / 3 CT.

“Desi’s Desert Island Discs” ~ Premiere! Desi’s first guest is Ricky Ricardo. Viewers are treated to excerpts from his top ten. Special appearance by Lucy Ricardo singing “Sally Sweet”.

“Bent Fork R.F.D.” ~ This week the Sheriff (Will Wright) arrests a Pontiac full of Yankees headed for Hollywood. Guest star Ernie Ford tries to pawn off Teensy and Weensy (the Borden Sisters) on the westbound travelers, but they get all tied up.

“My Big Fat Fabulous Life” ~ Premiere! In this musical docuseries, Teensy and Weensy are profiled at their mobiel home in Tennessee. It’s a “Ricochet Romance” when the girls become obsessed with the Bent Fork BBQ Buffet - and it goes bankrupt.

“The Walking Fred” ~ Fred turns into a walker after losing $500 to Al Hergesheimer (Milton Berle), an undead used car salesman from Brooklyn. Sponsored by Pontiac.

“Hoarding: Buried Alive” ~ In the season premiere: a woman is buried alive by two sides of beef; two urban couples are presumed lost in a collection of cardboard boxes; and old newspapers take over the lives of several desperate homeonwers.

“Lucy’s Neighborhood” ~ Beppe de Vries stars in this all-new spin-off to “East 68th Street”. In this episode, Mrs. de Vries sees a wacky neighbor on the ledge and goes to great lengths to get her psychiatric help. Guest star Joseph Kearns as Doctor Toim Robinson.

“Freddie Filmore’s Drag Race: Females are Fabulous!” ~ Season 15 of the long-running show welcomes Carson Kresley and Michelle Visage in their first appearances since “Rupaul’s Drage Race Season 87″. This year’s guest judges include Phil Spitalny, Countess Blublitzki, and Fredrika.

“Trailer Park” ~ Lucy and Ethel move into a trailer park outside West Jamestown. There they keep an eye on the comings and goings of the flirty Flamingo Sisters (Gloria and Joan Blondell). Tonight: Mrs. Trumbull’s cat gets sick from an out-of-date can of All Pet.

“Ugly Betty Loves Wreck-It Ralph” ~ In this all-new teaming of two popular CBS sitcoms, the Ramseys (Mary Jane Croft and Frank Nelson) find a litter of kittens hidden in the chicken coop. Meanwhile, Little Bruce (Ray Ferrell) discovers hundreds of baby chickens in the litter box.

“Night of the Living Fred” ~ A television adaptation of the popular zombie film. In the new series, a landlord / zombie (Fred Mertz) eats the tenants of his New York City brownstone, until he is unmasked by Sergeant Nelson (Frank Nelson).

“I Spy: The O’Briens” ~ Hayden Rorke and K.T. Stevens play international spies masquerading as actors playing international spies on a television series about actors playing international spies. Tonight: Tom breaks a lamp and neighbor Lucy (Lucille Ball) impersonates a chair.

“Big Brother: The Twins Twist” ~ This season welcomes Teensy and Weensy, Timmy and Jimmy Hudson, the Harpo Twins, and special guests Patty and Cathy Lane - all competing to be the last houseguests in the brownstone. Julie Chen Moonves McGillicuddy hosts.

“Jamestown” ~ From the producers of “Downton Abbey,” this dramatic series follows courageous performers who leave their dark pasts behind in England for a new life in 17th-century America. Tallulah Bankhead plays Elizabeth, the Quinn of Jamestown. Friar Quinn is played by William Frawley. Tonight’s episode “The Quinn’s Lament” was written by Quinn and Madelyn Martin.

“The Taylors in 3D” ~ The first spinoff from Desilu’s impossibly successful “I Love Lucy” starring Gene Reynolds and Mary Ellen Kay as young newlyweds who move into a Manhattan brownstone haunted by hilarious ghosts. Elizabeth Patterson plays Matilda, the new landlady and part-time medium, Reya.

“The Carmichael Show” ~ In this reboot of “The Lucy Show”, Viv and Sherman have moved out, leaving the Carmichaels to make it on their own. In the pilot episode, Lucy cancels plans to move to Los Angeles and Jerry’s Military School rejects his application. Chris becomes a waitress to pay the tuition.

Based on the hit series, “Iron Man Carmichael”, this all new TV movie marks the return of fearless stunt performer and housewife Lucy Carmichael as she takes on the Marvel Multiverse.

In the tradition of “Fosse Verdon” FX brings us “Lucy Desi”. Follow the tumultuous romance and career of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as they climb the ladder of showbusiness success.

“Feud: Lucy and Joan” ~ A docudrama television series created by Ryan Murphy in the footsteps of “Bette and Joan”. Based on the legendary real-life feud between Lucille Ball and Joan Crawford. 8 episodes of nail-biting drama and shouting.

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mediaevalmusereads · 1 year ago

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2023 Reading Wrap-Up: the Good, the Bad, and the Meh

Below is a list of books that I read in 2023. I’ve sorted them into 3 categories: the good (books I loved), the bad (books I didn’t like), and the meh (books I thought were just ok). Other than these categories, the books aren’t listed in any special order or ranking.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

The Good

The Beautifu Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Civilizations by Laurent Binet

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis

Powers of Darkness by Valdimar Asmundsson

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

The Square of Sevens by Laura Robinson-Shepherd

Japanese Ghost Stories by Lafcadio Hearn

Unlocked by Courtney Milan

Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder

If We Were Villains by ML Rio

Under the Eye of Power by Colin Dickey

Proof By Seduction by Courtney Milan

Our Hideous Progeny by CE McGill

Bea Wulf by Zach Weinersmith

Hen Fever by Olivia Waite

The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh by KJ Charles

Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare

A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Affective Medievalism by Thomas Prendergast and Stephanie Trigg

A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin

Kent State by Derf Backderf

Anti-Christ by Mernard McGinn

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Meh

The Nothing Man by Katherine Ryan Howard

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

A Christmas Bride by Mary Balogh

A True Account by Katherine Howe

The Disenchantment by Celia Bell

Hazardous Spirits by Anbara Salam

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Penguin's Poems for Love by Laura Barber

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Marry Me By Midnight by Felicia Grossman

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Trial By Desire by Courtney Milan

The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

Weyward by Emilia Hart

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrich

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

The Twenty Days of Turin by Giorgio de Maria

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sara MacLean

How the Wallflower Was Won by Eva Leigh

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

Erotic Medievalisms by Elan Justice Pavlinich

Hit Me With Your Best Scot by Suzanne Enoch

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

Prize for the Fire by Rilla Askew

Bisclavret by KL Noone

The Witches of New York by Ami McKay

A Natural History of the Romance Novel by Pamela Regis

The Bad

A Love By Design by Elizabeth Everett

Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain

A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Finding Meaning by David Kessler

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

The Prince of Prohibition by Marilyn Marks

The Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

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thealienofbooks · 1 year ago

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B O O K S R E A D I N 2 0 2 3

1. Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir

2. The Cruel Prince, Holly Black

3. The Wicked King, Holly Black

4. The Queen of Nothing, Holly Black

5. The Duke and I, Julia Quinn

6. The Viscount who loved me, Julia Quinn

7. An Offer From a Gentleman, Julia Quinn

8. Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Julia Quinn

9. Die Trying, Lee Child

10. The Murder Game, Tom Hindle

11. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid

#read in 2023 #book recommendations #currently reading #booklr #books

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leighlim · 5 years ago

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Now I want to look though the filmography of Ed Begley.

(Hopefully by this point you’ve finished all 98 minutes of 'Plus One’, the kind of person who isn’t bothered by spoilers, or are just deciding if you still want to keep watching.)

When the credits were rolling...I decided I wouldn’t include the film in my Tumblr feed...mainly because I thought Alice‘s behaviour towards Ben was quite insulting (Maybe more caustic than insulting).

Then...after rewatching half of the film...I realised that Ben was the one insulting, and it’s likely Alice using that tone during conversation because that’s how they built their friendship.

Some instances:

Ben letting Alice know that he would like some privacy with Jess.

Ben waking Alice up by rolling down the window while she was still leaning on it. Not to mention not helping her out to the front door with her things after a night of excessive alcohol consumption

(I wonder if I had been more forgiving towards Ben rather than Alice in the beginning)

Even if the film initially didn’t WOW me after viewing it...I still would have been thankful that Netflix added it to its roster. Because...haven’t I been looking for a film that this one exactly fills? Rated M, It’s fresh, and the actors have done their jobs well.

PS: Is this right? The cumulative earnings of the film....is $44,112? Is that because it had a limited release at the cinemas...and....various streaming platforms have acquired it?

--------

HIGHLIGHT:

INT. BEN'S CAR - NIGHT

BEN is driving and CHUCK is shotgun.

CHUCK Whew.

CHUCK unbuckles his seat-belt.

CHUCK I need to lie down.

CHUCK twists his way towards the back seat.

BEN Dad. Dad, I'm driving.

CHUCK That energy...

BEN Okay, just--just--

He gives his father a push so he could squeeze between the seats, while keeping an eye on the road.

CHUCK I got to get...

BEN Can you tuck--tuck back there?

CHUCK gets himself comfortable. His bum up in the air.

CHUCK Ben, I'm so glad you're my best man.

BEN I'm not your best man, Dad.

CHUCK (OS) You're so cool. You are the best, man.

He sits up.

CHUCK Best man. Now I get why it's called that. Whew.

He taps his son on the shoulder.

CHUCK I can't wait for your wife.

BEN Here we go.

CHUCK leans forward.

CHUCK Do you think it's going to be Alice?

BEN No, Dad.

CHUCK Why? She's so wacky.

BEN We broke up.

CHUCK Oh no, that's too bad.

CHUCK incessantly taps BEN's shoulder.

CHUCK Hey. Hey, Ben.

BEN Yeah?

CHUCK Ben.

BEN Yeah, Dad?

CHUCK Do you hate Gina?

BEN No. No, Dad.

CHUCK Tell me the ------- truth! Do you hate Gina!?

BEN I don't hate Gina!

CHUCK Then why are you so mad about us?

BEN is tongue tied for a moment.

BEN I'm not mad, Dad. I just---Dad, you're a little bit hard to root for sometimes.

BEN collects his thoughts.

BEN When you a Mom split, it really messed me up. And I just decided I didn't want to be like you guys. I just wanted to find the one and---and hang on to her forever.

He lets it hang there.

BEN Now I'm completely alone. So...And you're just moving on to your next family.

CHUCK Ben. I'm sorry that your mother and I splitting up hurt you so much. What she and I had was great. I'd be nothing if I hadn't met her, and I wouldn't have you. And, buddy...

He clamps his hand on BEN's shoulder.

CHUCK ...as long as I'm alive...

He gives the shoulder a couple of pats.

CHUCK ...you will never be alone.

CHUCK lays down and sighs.

BEN keeps his eyes on the road as he absorbs his father's words.

CHUCK (OS) Hey, Ben?

BEN Yeah, Dad?

CHUCK Can we do drive-through?

BEN squints. A bit odd...but okay.

BEN Sure. Is there somewhere you want to go?

CHUCK (OS) Zapburger.

BEN Where is---What---What is Zapburger?

CHUCK (OS) They get a patty made with organic soy meat, and they cook it with lasers.

BEN smiles and nods.

CHUCK (OS) It's the perfect burger.

--------

My verdict of the film: 7/10 (it got an extra point because there was surprisingly so much more to it...when I rewatched it. I’ll probably have a think about why I didn’t feel much satisfaction in the end to give it an 8 or a 9.).

Link to the timestamp commentary: None (There wasn’t a specific reason that compelled me to note down my reactions...real time.)

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wornoutspines · 2 years ago

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One True Loves | Trailer

#OneTrueLoves was already on my radar but this trailer #DaisyJonesAndTheSix makes me think I should gives #TaylorJenkinsReid's books a try she has rannnnnnge

Writer: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Alex J. Reid Director: Andy Fickman Stars: Phillipa Soo, Luke Bracey, Simu Liu, Oceana Matsumoto, Michaela Conlin, Tom Everett Scott If you’re interested in the source material, help us by getting them from the links below:

View On WordPress

#Alex J. Reid #Andy Fickman #Based on a book #Based on a graphic novel #Based on a novel #Based on Comics #Book adaptation #Book to Movie #Comedy #Drama #michaela conlin #Movie Trailers #Oceana Matsumoto #Phillipa Soo #Romance #Simu Liu #Taylor Jenkins Reid #Tom Everett Scott #Trailer reactions

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 years ago

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The Girl He Left Behind [Part Twenty Three]

Fandom: American Actor, RPF, Elvis Presley, Elvis Movie 2022

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Original Female Character

Characters: Elvis Presley, Addison Goodwin, Gladys Presley, Vernon Presley, Minnie May ‘Dodger’ Presley, Red West, Sonny West, Gene Smith, Billy Smith, Original Female Characters, Colonel Tom Parker, Billy Smith, Marci Cunningham, Steve Cunningham, Jerry Schilling, Mary Jenkins, Alan Fortas, Marty Lacker, Original Male Characters, Mona Goodwin, Joe Goodwin

Word Count: 4530 // Rating: Mature

Summary: When Elvis returns home to Graceland from the Army he’s followed by the headlines ‘The Girl He Left Behind’ but what the media don’t know is that Priscilla wasn’t the first. No, that title belongs to someone Elvis will never forget.

Tags/ Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Graceland, Poverty, Friends to Lovers, 1950s Elvis, Bad Parenting, Surprise Surprise the Colonel Is a Colossal Prick, Parental Loss, Grief, Fun Fairs, Kissing, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, Movie Nights, Arguing, Tension, Denial of Feelings, Age Gap Romance, Underage, Addison is 17 Elvis is 22, Guilt, Betrayal, Extortion, Blackmail, Jealous, Army Elvis, American Draft, US Army, Lying, Time Shift with Elvis moving to Memphis, Flashbacks, Caught

Notes: This is the saddest Ive ever been writing something

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Addison stared at herself in the mirror. She looked pretty she had to admit, and she loved the way the dress fell on her frame, it even matched the necklace Elvis had bought her perfectly, but there was one thing missing: a smile. With people around it was easier to plaster a smile on her face and act like she was enjoying the holiday but on her own it was harder to pretend. She didn’t even try and hide the sadness on her face as Elvis poked his head around the door his face one of awe as he clocked her. ‘Wow you look beautiful,’ he said with a smile though it faded as she said nothing and looked back towards the mirror busying herself with tidying the makeup she had been using away. Elvis sighed. ‘I can tell everyone to go if you’re not in the mood,’ he said coming to stand behind her though he was afraid to reach out and touch her. Since he had told her about the draft they had been on a rollercoaster of emotions. They’d been through denial and anger. She’d even had a go at bargaining though she knew it was fruitless. Now she seemed to have given up, her sadness not budging no matter how hard he tried to keep things normal. ‘It’s fine,’ she said. ‘Because it’s really not a big deal. Me and you can-’ ‘I said it’s fine,’ she said snappily though she winced as she heard how she sounded, ‘sorry, sorry.’ ‘It’s okay,’ Elvis said wrapping his arms around her and kissing her temple. ‘No it’s not,’ she said with a sniffle that made his heart ache, ‘none of this is okay Elvis.’ ‘I know,’ Elvis said sadly. She closed her eyes trying to force away the tears that were forming at seeing his heartbroken face watching her in the mirror. He closed his eyes burying his face in her hair as he tried to savour how it felt to hold her which was something he’d been doing more often the closer his deadline grew. ‘It just feels more real don’t you think?’ she said after a moment. Her breath was shaky and quiet but it was enough to make him open his eyes. He didn’t say anything though, instead, he just waited for her to explain herself figuring whatever she was going to say had been weighing on her mind for a while, ‘I mean it’s not next year now. We’re gonna be in the same month. Twenty days. It just feels soon that’s all.’ ‘I know,’ he said, ‘I wish we had longer too.’ ‘I wish you didn’t have to go at all,’ she said quietly. ‘Me either,’ he said. She turned around to look at him then, her hazel eyes watching him sadly as she fixed his collar and straightened his tie. He leaned in to kiss her, capturing her lips gently with his. It wasn’t hot or steamy but it was chalked full of love, as if he was trying to pour two years’ worth of devotion into one moment. When he pulled away they were both a little breathless but Addison didn’t let it phase her. ‘Come on they won’t hold the ball drop forever you know,’ she said as she headed out of the bathroom. He was surprised how easily the mask she had used to use to protect herself could slip into place when needed. She hadn’t used it with him but as she geared herself up to head downstairs he watched as her sadness turned to a faux joviality with an absence of mirth behind her eyes. ‘Not even for little ol’ me?’ Elvis joked trying to get a genuine laugh out of her but she didn’t bite. ‘Not even for Elvis Presley,’ she said. When they got downstairs Addison found that everyone was already there. Friends, family and the odd famous face filled every corner, laughing and joking as they buzzed from alcohol and the wonder of what was to come in the anticipated year ahead. As her foot hit the bottom step she stopped, slipping her hand out of his, making Elvis turn to look at her puzzled. Before he could ask her what was wrong however Billy appeared, breathless and with arms laden with fireworks. ‘EP I’ve been wonderin’ where you’ve been man,’ he said, ‘firework war startin’ in 5 minutes.’ ‘Billy I don’t think-’ ‘He’ll be out in a minute,’ Addison said smiling softly at Billy. ‘Don’t be too long all the good ones will be gone,’ he said before he took off heading towards the back of the house. Elvis went to protest but she stepped down onto the floor away from him. ‘I think I’m gonna go find Mar,’ she said moving away from him. ‘Addie,’ he said going to reach for her but stopping as he noticed her pull away quickly her gaze going past him as she said, ‘you should mingle. It’s your party after all. It’ll look weird if you don’t.’ He followed her gaze to the huddle of people in the living room. For a moment he didn’t understand what had gotten her so tense but as a camera flash lit up the hallway Elvis got the memo. This wasn’t a family affair as Christmas had been. This wasn’t an evening he could enjoy without wondering who was watching him or what they were going to say if they saw them together. No, this was a PR stunt. He should’ve known when the Colonel had suggested he throw a New Year’s Eve party that it wasn’t going to be some low-key affair and he should’ve realised that he’d find a way to spin it into good press. As he looked around he found the number of people he knew, people he actually liked, got no higher than a number of twenty and that was at a push. The rest was made up of record bigwigs and their wives or stars who would no doubt rehash their tale about their night to tabloids or whoever would listen. He had to admit as a snowman the Colonel excelled. Not many people could take a publicity nightmare and spin it on its head as fast as he could. But that meant that Elvis had to play his part too. He had to act as the honoured soldier, excited to be gearing up to head off to the service. It meant that he had to schmooze. To watch what he said or did should anyone start asking questions. It meant he had to stay away from Addison. ‘Tell Mar I said hey,’ he said forcing a smile. She nodded and watched him head out to find Billy and the others on the back porch. After taking a moment to calm herself she headed into the living room manoeuvring around people unnoticed until she was in the music room. Jerry and Mar were cuddled up on an armchair in the corner their heads pressed together as they spoke in low giggled whispers that were interspersed by chaste kisses whilst a very irritated Steve perched on the arm of the couch beside them. ‘Hey,’ she said as she pushed through the huddle of men standing by the piano. ‘I was wondering when you were going to show up!’ Marci said leaning up off Jerry who winced as she used him as a springboard, ‘oh my God that dress is amazing.’ ‘Thanks,’ Addison said, ‘yeah sorry I got a little tied up. You guys having fun?’ ‘Yeah these two have been a riot,’ Steve said sarcastically. ‘Just because you couldn’t get a date,’ Marci said, ‘besides Addie’s here now. You and Jer are free to talk about football all you like.’ ‘You hear that Jer you’ve got permission!’ Steve teased earning a swift kick in the shin from Jerry. ‘Actually, I think the guys are playing firework wars in the backyard,’ Addison said earning confused looks from the younger boys that quickly turned into excitement. ‘Firework wars?’ Steve asked giddily. ‘Yeah, you get a bunch of fireworks and shoot them at one another, you know dumb boy stuff,’ Addison chuckled as their smiles widened. Steve leapt up, offering his half-drunken drink to Addison who took it with a roll of her eyes. Jerry tried to scramble off the chair too seemingly forgetting Marci was on his knee until she squealed at being thrust forward. ‘Jer!’ she chastised. ‘Sorry,’ Jerry said, ‘uh you don’t mind if…’ ‘Just go,’ Marci said standing up so Jerry could get to his feet. ‘Thanks babe,’ he said pressing a kiss onto her cheek before he and Steve took off disappearing into the throng of people and out of sight. ‘Boys really are dumb,’ Marci said sitting back down into the chair Jerry had now vacated whilst Addison took Steve’s place. She took a swig of his drink too wincing as the taste of alcohol burned the back of her throat however she didn’t put it down. Instead, she took another sip hoping that the liquid would at some point in the night be able to replace the ache inside her with some form of buzz. ‘You’re saying you don’t want to go and shoot rockets at one another? Mar you surprise me,’ Addison chuckled. ‘I did not get myself dolled up to go run about in some mud and it’d be a crime to ruin yours,’ she said feeling the skirt of Addison’s dress in awe. ‘It’s nice huh,’ she replied though it was lacklustre. ‘Yeah, I’m surprised it’s not already on Elvis’ bedroom floor,’ Marci giggled. Addison’s face fell. Before Marci could speak Addison was up out of her seat and peeling through the living room at pace, Marci trying to keep up as she called her name. ‘Addie slow down!’ Marci said as Addison moved through the crowds of people into the hallway. Once the crowd had thinned her friend was able to catch up with her, grasping her elbow as she pulled her to a stop. ‘What the hell’s the matter with you?!’ she asked. ‘Not here,’ Addison said, her mouth quivering as she tried to suppress tears that were daring to breach her lash line though Marci didn’t see that as she turned away from her and headed towards her own room. Once safely in her room, Addison dropped to the floor hugging her knees to her chest in an attempt to hold herself together. Marci shut the door and came to sit beside her watching her friend with confusion. ‘I’m sorry if I upset you with the dress comment,’ Marci said unsure of what had caused her friend so much irritation. ‘It’s not you,’ Addison said quietly. That much was true. The joke itself hadn’t bothered her but the normalcy of which Marci spoke about her and Elvis had. Because that wasn’t going to be their norm anymore. It wasn’t going to be like that again for a long time. ‘Then what’s going on? I mean I know it hasn’t been easy lately, gosh I had to beg my dad to even let me come tonight after what happened at the Russwood Park show, but from what you said the other day I thought things were okay,’ Marci said. ‘They were,’ Addison said, ‘and then they weren’t.’ ‘What happened?’ ‘Elvis is being drafted.’ Her words hung in the air as Marci’s mouth fell open as she tried to process the news and failed. ‘Drafted? Like drafted drafted? Like united states army drafted?’ she asked agog. ‘Yes Mar,’ Addison said rolling her tongue between her teeth exasperatedly, ‘like united states army drafted. Like two years away drafted. Like moving to Germany drafted .’ ‘When? How? I mean doesn’t he get like special treatment or something?’ Marci said, ‘this is ridiculous. They can’t expect him to go away for two damn years!’ ‘Believe me, they can,’ Addison said bitterly. ‘I don’t understand,’ Marci said flopping back against the bed next to her friend. ‘Trust me you’re not the only one trying to wrap their head around it,’ Addison said. Neither of them spoke for a minute. Marci was still in shock trying to get the news to sink in all the while trying to scramble for something to say to her friend. Her friend who had already had her life shattered more times than she could count. Addison didn’t blame her. After all, she hadn’t exactly come to terms with it so easily when Elvis had told her.

‘Good night you two,’ Vernon said as he headed towards the door, ‘try not to be too loud in here your mama needs her rest.’ ‘Of course not, night Daddy,’ Elvis said ignoring the pang of guilt that run through him at the mention of his mother. ‘Yeah, night Vernon,’ Addison said watching as he left the living room, flipping the light switch as he went which should have left the pair of them in darkness though the roar of the fire, the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights and the glare of the TV was enough to keep the room almost fully lit. When she turned she found Elvis watching her dolefully. ‘What?’ she asked. ‘Nuthin’,’ he said allowing her to take his hand in hers. ‘You wanna go to bed?’ she asked dropping her gaze to where she was now tracing small patterns on his skin. ‘Nah,’ he said, ‘I’m good here.’ ‘I thought you said if you ever said no to that offer I was to take that pistol out of your nightstand and shoot you because you’ve obviously gone crazy,’ she said looking up at him with a raised eyebrow. ‘Well it’s Christmas,’ he chuckled, ‘the exception to the rule.’ ‘Is that so,’ she smirked. They stayed quiet for a moment just the crackle of the fire and the low murmur of the television making noise. ‘Did you have a nice day?’ Elvis said after a moment. ‘Yeah it was nice,’ Addison said. ‘Santa bring you everything you wanted huh?’ he ribbed though Addison’s smile didn’t match his. ‘Not everything,’ she said. ‘Oh yeah?’ ‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘there’s still something I want.’ ‘Oh this I gotta know,’ Elvis said leaning forward with anticipation. ‘You really want to know what I want?’ Addison said chewing on her lip. She watched as his brows knitted together as he tried to put together what on earth she could mean. After all it wasn’t as if he hadn’t gone above and beyond in the present department despite her protests. She wasn’t even sure she’d be able to fit everything he had bought her into her room. ‘Please enlighten me,’ Elvis said. ‘I want you to tell me whatever it is you’ve been hiding from me,’ she said making Elvis’ smile disappear immediately which only confirmed her fears. As he went to protest she shook her head, ‘and don’t tell me it’s nothing. I don’t need protecting. I just need to know the truth, Elvis.’ ‘Addie,’ he said sadly. ‘It’s bad, isn’t it? I knew it,’ she whispered sighing as his face fell, ‘I could tell from the way you and your daddy clam up whenever I walk into a room. The way your mama hasn’t stopped fretting over every little thing you do. The fact you can’t stop looking at me like it’s the last time we’re ever going to see each other like you’re doing right now.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘I wanted to tell you…I just…I wanted to have Christmas you know? Just one day we could enjoy and think about before-’ ‘Everything’s ruined?’ she asked. Elvis nodded. She heaved a heavy sigh as she tried to form some semblance of coherence in her brain from the questions that were swirling around in it. ‘Is it to do with Russwood Park?’ she asked. ‘Partly,’ Elvis said. ‘I thought you said the Colonel fixed it,’ she said recalling the evening after when he had assured her that the Colonel had managed to pull some strings with the police department to get things smoothed over. ‘He did, well, he managed to fix the police thing but that’s not the problem,’ he said. ‘What is?’ she asked. ‘Addie I fucked up. I didn’t listen and now the damage is too far gone,’ he said. ‘But it can be fixed right? I mean whatever it is we can fix it,’ she said grasping for any scrap of hope she could. ‘Addie I’m being drafted,’ he said flatly making her fall silent. Drafted. The words bounced around in her brain refusing to land because if they landed it would mean they were real. ‘I don’t understand,’ she said after a moment trying to ignore the way her heart was squeezed so tight in her chest she could barely breathe. ‘That’s the fix,’ he said a current of bitterness running through his tone He watched confusion befall her face making him continue as he tried to explain, ‘it’s a way to change my image. Turn me from rabble-rouser into all-American boy or whatever.’ ‘How is flying off to another damn country going to help this!’ she said. ‘It’s not like I have much of a choice Addie,’ he said loudly sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration as he realised he was nearly shouting, ‘I’m sorry. Baby if I could do this any other way I would but I’m over a barrel here. We both know it. And if this is the thing that lets us be together-’ ‘But we’re not going to be together Elvis!’ ‘It’s not forever,’ Elvis said holding her small hands in his as he rested his forehead against hers, ‘and if that’s what it takes so that we can be together I’ll do it.’ She closed her eyes hoping he wouldn’t be able to see the tears that were threatening to breach her lash line but she could feel him watching her closely. ‘How long?’ she asked shakily. ‘Two years,’ he said, ‘but it’ll be over in no time, hell you could even go to school or something I mean from the way you figured out something was going on there’s no arguing you’re as smart as a whip.’ ‘Nah, I just know you too well,’ she laughed sadly. ‘Still,’ he whispered pulling back so he could wipe an errant tear off her cheek. ‘Two years huh?’ she said quietly. ‘It’ll be over before you know it,’ he promised.

Marci didn’t know how long they’d been sitting in silence and though she figured it would probably be better to break it and pull her friend out of whatever thoughts she was having she didn’t know what to say. Addison seemed to sense her apprehension as she sighed.

‘I was going to tell you,’ she said as if she needed to explain, ‘but-’ ‘You don’t have to explain yourself,’ Marci said placing a hand on Addison’s velvet-covered knee, ‘are you okay?’ ‘No,’ Addison said honestly. It was easier to be herself with Marci. Not as easy as it was with Elvis but still, easier. ‘When did you find out?’ ‘Christmas,’ she said. ‘What a lousy present that was,’ Marci said. ‘You’re telling me,’ Addison said wistfully. ‘At least you’re not the only one bummed out anymore,’ Marci said nudging her, ‘always nice to share grim news with friends huh?’ ‘What do you think this party is for?’ Addison said explaining as Marci looked confused, ‘the Colonel arranged it. Thinks a party is the best way to break the news. Leave everyone on a high about him going.’ ‘When is he going?’ Marci asked. ‘Twentieth of January,’ Addison said, ‘feels like forever and tomorrow all at once.’ ‘At least you’ve got a little bit of time,’ Marci said. ‘Yeah, I guess,’ Addison said.

The two fell silent again but this time Marci moved to sit close beside her friend, interlocking her arm in hers as she lay her head on Addison’s shoulder. It wasn’t a full hug but it was comforting all the same. They were still in the same position when Jerry found them.

He came bursting in, the door hitting the wall with a thump as he opened it with too much force though Addison didn’t know if that was from giddiness or alcohol. He looked almost blue in the low lighting though there was still an icy pink tinge to his ears and the tip of his nose from the frost outside.

‘There you two are! I’ve been looking all over for you!’ he said though his smile faded as he noted the girl’s sombre expressions, ‘what’s going on?’ ‘Nothing,’ Marci said pulling away from Addison as she stood up. Addison climbed up too though she loitered awkwardly as she kept her gaze away from Jerry’s curious one. Marci however threw herself in front of her friend, determined not to let him give her the third degree, and asked, ‘why’ve you been looking for us?’ ‘What? Oh, apparently E’s making a speech or something,’ he said, ‘he wants both of you there.’ ‘We’ll be a minute,’ Marci said, ‘fix us a drink okay?’ ‘But-’ Jerry protested as Marci pushed him out of the room. ‘Two ticks!’ she said before she shut the door in her boyfriend’s face and turned to look at her friend.

‘You didn’t need to do that,’ Addison mumbled. ‘I know,’ Marci said grabbing a tissue off her friend’s bedside table and dabbing her under-eyes with it before she moved a couple of hairs off her face, ‘but that’s what friends are for right? C’mon.’

Addison nodded and allowed her friend to slip her arm into hers once more as the pair made their way to the front of the house though as they got to the hallway they realised they were already too late. Elvis was standing on the stairs, the Colonel by his side as everyone crammed themselves around the fringes of the living and dining room to listen in. Jerry appeared from the kitchen a couple of seconds later, the glasses in his hands clinking noisily which caused a few disapproving stares to fall their way. Addison shrunk back towards the wall, allowing Marci and Jerry to shield her from view. From where she was standing she couldn’t really see Elvis. His back was to her which she thanked god for, fearing that if he were to look at her she’d break into a million pieces. ‘…he would like to thank you all for the support you have all given him over the past few years. Lord knows without it the prospect of leaving his life behind for the next two years wouldn’t seem doable if he didn’t know he had such a firm and stable support system waiting for him when he comes home,’ the Colonel said.

‘Two years?’ Jerry whispered earning himself a dig in the ribs from Marci. ‘I’m sure he is just as grateful for all of you as we are for him,’ the Colonel said, ‘so let us raise a glass and make a toast to our nation and its newest protector. To Elvis.’ ‘To Elvis,’ the crowd parroted as they raised their glasses in the air. Addison didn’t follow. ‘And Happy New Year,’ Elvis said raising a toast himself before he tipped the glass of champagne down his throat in one long glug.

As the Colonel wrapped his arm around Elvis and herded him downstairs and into the pit of vultures waiting to encircle him with their congratulations Addison moved toward him. Neither Marci nor Jerry noticed as she slipped past them and went to stand near the banister rail. She wanted to speak to him but there was no way. He was trapped.

‘My dad was a marine. He could’ve gone down a different path, if he had I wouldn’t be here today, it really was the making of him,’ she heard some RCA Victor executive say as he stood beside Elvis. ‘I thought I’d already made something of myself,’ Elvis said bitterly. Addison watched the Colonel’s grip tighten on his shoulder. ‘Well I’m sure there’s still plenty the army can do with a boy like yourself,’ the Colonel said. ‘He’s right,’ the executive said though whatever else he had to say was cut short as Billy came in the front door capturing everyone’s attention. ‘Alright listen up!’ he said, ‘the balls about to drop and we’ve got a firework show locked and loaded so everyone in the backyard now!’

There was a grumble of annoyance from those who didn’t want to traipse into the cold alongside a buzz of excitement as those who had gotten a little merry anticipating the countdown to the new year. As people filtered past her Addison shrunk back to the wall allowing the flow of the crowd to move past her hoping she would be able to catch Elvis in the wave but when she looked around he was nowhere to be seen. Fearing she must have missed him she started to follow the crowd outside. The air was cold out and though her dress was thick without her coat she started to shiver. Not to mention amongst the sea of people she couldn’t locate Elvis or Marci. As everyone filtered out into a rough semicircle Addison remained on the steps straining to see through the darkness where her friends were.

She looked at the figures in the distance only able to make out Red, Billy and Alan as they huddled around a couple dozen boxes of fireworks but as the crowd started counting down she felt a hand slip into hers. When she turned around she expected to see Elvis but it was Sonny instead and before she could say anything he yanked her back through the open back door not stopping as he hurtled into the house.

‘Son what are you doing!?’ she asked as he dragged her through the house behind him until they were in the kitchen. Elvis was leaning against the kitchen counter but he stood up properly as she came in a smile on his face. Before she could say anything he was in front of her, wrapping his arms around her, as the door swung shut signalling Sonny had left or was more than likely standing guard on the other side.

‘Now I figure I’ve got about oh, say, fifteen seconds before people start to realise I’m missing,’ he said leaning down until their faces were inches apart. ‘A lot you can do in fifteen seconds,’ she whispered. ‘I agree,’ he murmured before he leaned in and kissed her. She wrapped her around his neck, her fingers knotting in his hair as he deepened the kiss, pulling her in until she was flush up against him. It had been all he had wanted to do all night. All he ever wanted to do.

Yet time wasn’t on their side as the singing of auld lang syne started to die down and the pop and whizzes of fireworks got less and less ‘oohs and ahs’ they pulled apart knowing that sooner or later people would start filtering back into the house to escape the cold.

‘Happy New Year honey,’ Elvis said stroking her cheek tenderly. ‘Happy New Year,’ Addison replied.

#my writing #elvis #elvis presley #elvis fic #elvis presley fic #the girl he left behind #Addison goodwin #elvis x oc #elvis presley x oc

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