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creativeashproductions · 4 years ago

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A Distant Dream V // Luke Patterson

Summary: In 1994 seventeen-year-old Luke Patterson had once again tried to ask out the girl that held his heart. With the belief he would see the younger Mercer girl the next morning he decides to wait confess his feelings. Only to have soft music bewitched the reader into an antique wardrobe with lots of history.

Warnings: Swearing, angst, heartbreak, fluff, talk of death and fluff.

Words: 4.4k

A/N: We’ve come to the end of the Distant Dream mini-series. I truly enjoyed writing this with my whole heart. @merceret I told you I’d use Lucy’s Cordial somewhere in the series. All parts are located in the linked masterlist.

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Masterlist

The massive changes between the ’90s and 2021 slowly but surely started no longer seemed startling as it had been at first. Carlos had helped you assimilate to homeschooling once he’d admitted he knew about the boys. Ray was still kept in the dark.

2020 ended on a high note. Mostly. With the years in Narnia providing you with the knowledge you flew through schooling. Then you took a job as a waitress at a coffee shop, one similar to the shop the band performed in. The downside to the end of the year was for the band.

Despite performing at the Orpheum, the band hadn’t received as much traction as Luke had desired. They were a step closer to the dream but not as far as the entire band had wished. During Julie’s Christmas break, Luke had overworked the band with little breaks.

“Hide me.” Julie hissed from behind the counter of Ancient Grounds. The Puerto Rican musician escaped the studio to have lunch with you.

Unfortunately, Julie failed to see that without the entire band together, Luke would go to what makes him just as happy. You. That’s precisely what happened as Luke walked in through the entrance of the coffee shop.

“He’s still pushing more practice?” You asked, stacking the clean mugs on the shelf with complete focus. How odd it is to go from being Queen to working in a city as a waitress.

“I love him like a brother, but I feel like my fingers are gonna fall off from playing the piano constantly.” Julie sighed, sliding down the counter to sit on the floor hidden from the approaching guitarist and from your manager.

“Hey!” Luke grinned once his hands fell on the counter to lean over on the balls of his feet. His lips pressed against your right cheek before he fell back onto his feet.

Not a single soul in the half-full Ancient Grounds batted an eye to your awkward stance when Luke kissed you. Not since the boys had become tangible and visible to the general public when they wanted.

“Look to decide to grace me with his presence.” You teased. Your foot nudged Julie in her thigh to urge her to crawl to the end of the counter.

“I have no clue where Julie is. Reggie dipped to join Ray in his errands, and Alex is somewhere.” Luke shrugged, stepping aside when an older gentleman dropped a tip in the jar before leaving.

“Pick a number.” You told the male with one of your dimples on display.

“Eleven,” Luke responded, bouncing on the balls of his feet at the regular game you played together.

Each visit, you’d split a dessert from the menu with Luke along with his favourite mug of tea and your drink of choice; even he knew he didn’t need caffeine with his energy. That was Luke’s favourite thing of being brought half alive from the golden glow they’d received. You were sure Reggie had cried upon eating your Tia’s best recipe.

“Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake. A limited-edition from our Worldwide Treat menu. It’s Canada’s month.”

Luke followed to the counter’s end, where the sweets were kept on a glass viewing shelf. With careful movements, you slid a perfect triangle of the cheesecake onto a beautiful plate. The half-ghost retrieved it to your favourite spot in the garden patio. Julie used the time to sneak out the door with Luke’s back to her.

“What is a Nanaimo Bar?” Luke questioned upon you joining him at the iron-wrought table. One teacup accompanied by a teapot with Luke’s tea and a mug of your drink on an emerald tray.

“It’s a no-bake dessert. The base is a chocolate graham cracker and coconut base with the middle layer a cream filling. The top layer is a thin layer of semi-sweet chocolate.”

Luken nodded, “Ancient Grounds loves cheesecakes.”

“Addie adores inventing new versions of cheesecake. Her best is the Creamsicle Cheesecake during the summer. A staple on the menu.” You responded with a twinkle in your eye. You may not look like the Queen you once were, but you were just as invested in learning about people as you’d done with the Narnians.

“What’s your favourite dessert?” Luke questioned.

“I’m pretty partial to the chocolate cookies Addie makes.” You grinned, leaning closer to the male across from you. You hesitated in continuing, “In Narnia, the pastry chef Cair Paravel employed always had these gorgeous desserts with Edmund in mind. Turkish Delights with a secret ingredient.”

Luke’s smile grew as you talked about the other home you had. A place you rarely spoke about now. You hadn’t even returned to the basement to see the wardrobe like you had before.

“I wish I could have seen Cair Paravel. It always sounds so magical when you talk about it.” Luke’s tone was wistful paired with the twinkle of his hazel eyes.

“It’s a breathtaking place. Everything is lively in Narnia, and after the Witch was defeated, we ruled peacefully for the most part.” Your e/c eyes unfocused on your surroundings to recall all the wonderful times spent in Narnia.

The times you shared a table with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver in their home over the years snacking on the homemade jams. To the times you listened to Mr. Tumnus playing everchanging lullabies on his flute. Even walking the beaches with Lucy in hopes of catching sight of Aslan again. Of gossiping with Susan over the many suitors that came for her hand.

“If you could do it all over again knowing the outcome, would you still do it?” Luke questioned with a tilt of his head. He’d shed the flannel jacket as the sun rose higher in the sky.

You nodded, “Absolutely. The Pevensies were some of the greatest friends one could ever hope to have.”

As usual, Peter wasn’t spoken of in light of the ache that resonated in your heart and the awkwardness Luke felt. A poor choice of avoiding your once husband instead of communicating on the topic.

“Have you ever thought of trying to find them?”

“No point. Peter would be ninety-seven now as the oldest, and Lucy would be eighty-nine. If I recall, it was 1940 for them when we went to Narnia. It’s possible Peter may have joined the war in ’42 when he was eighteen, so who knows if he lived.” Luke was surprised by the nonchalant reaction to the potentially grim outlook on your former in-laws.

However, Luke knew the truth, that you greatly missed the four people who became family during your disappearance. You could fool Julie and Reggie, but you could never fool Alex or Luke no matter how much you tried.

“I’ll see you at home? My break ended.” You swiftly cut off any more talking of your former life. Luke merely watched as you stacked the dirty dishes, only leaving Luke’s cup and teapot.

“I should get back. Julie’s most likely back in the garage from sneaking back.” Luke’s hand pushed through his messy curtain of brunette hair. His words revealing that he’d known Julie had been in Ancient Grounds the entire time.

“How’d-”

“When she sits on the floor, she taps the heel of her shoe on the floor. Same rhythm.” Luke smirked as he chugged the last of the tea, “Don’t tell her. I like when she fights a smug smile with that certain light in her eyes.”

The brotherly role Luke had taken on with the Molina girl was heartwarming, to say the least. Sometimes Julie would begrudgingly ask for advice about her feelings for Nick to Luke’s amusement. He adored being able to tease her.

“I’ll see you later.”

The boy dropped the correct change for the tea on his way out the door into the bright sunlight. Like clockwork, he’d turn into the alley to become intangible to poof back to the studio.

The rest of the day passed by like a breeze in the coffee shop with the late lunch rush and then the dinner rush the busiest time. Jess gave you a ride home in her truck as usual with a promise of a cupcake of Julie’s as payment.

“Did you see him?”

The sudden voice startled you so much your hand couldn’t help but grasp at empty air by your side. Alex screeched as you swung to face him on the Molina driveway.

“Alex! Good Aslan, you startled me.”

“...were you reaching for a sword?” Alex questioned, appalled by your reaction. Your e/c eyes rolled in response.

“Isn’t the saying old habits die hard?” You prodded the baby blue of Alex’s long sleeve shirt. One of the shirts you’d often stolen from him, “And no. I didn’t see Willie.”

Your heart clenched as soon as Alex’s shoulders dropped in defeat once more at the absence of the skater. It had been months now with little sightings of the skater you had yet to meet. The boys kept your presence on the down-low to avoid Caleb’s interest.

“I hope he’s okay,” Alex muttered under his breath. The elder Mercer began gnawing his lower lip in worry.

Gently you interlaced your hand with his hand, his deft fingers playing with the braided bracelets on your wrist. The bracelets had been a Christmas gift from Julie and Flynn with the colours of the sunrise. It grounded Alex more often than not.

“You told me the Club travels around the world. Maybe Caleb’s not in America; maybe his ego needs to recover from his loss.” You shrugged, tugging the teenager into the house. Ray barely waved from his work computer.

Ray Molina had welcomed Alex, Reggie and Luke into the family when he met them in person the day after the Orpheum performance. He’d accepted that Alex was your older brother and had been in Switzerland for boarding school. He understood that Luke and Reggie came as a package deal with Alex, so the boys had worked to clean out the basement.

A few visits to second-hand doors brought furniture for the basement renovated into the boys’ shared suite. Alex still spent most nights in your room; he still feared you'd disappear from his life again.

“I hope you’re right.” Alex muttered in false hope that something would go his way for once, “Oh! The band received an invitation to some underground music festival in England during spring break. We’re hoping to convince Ray and Julie’s aunt to let us go.”

And you could see the band practices would be growing for that breakthrough with the band. And you were correct in your guess merely hours after going to sleep.

At five in the damn morning, Luke burst into your attic bedroom to drag your less than enthusiastic brother from his sleep. You bet your ass you hit the teen in the face with your pillow, which meant you had to crawl out of bed to retrieve the pillow.

“Asshole!” Alex exclaimed as Luke roughly poofed both of them to the studio. Julie swaying sleepily in her sweater and pyjama pants, waiting for the two.

Spring Break 2021 (March 26-April 2)

The youngest member of the tourists proudly displayed her smile, catching sight of the bed and breakfast in the English countryside. Julie had been floored when Ray had given his permission to the foreign festival.

Ray couldn’t hide his excitement for the band, plus all-expense paid, receiving the invite via a relatively small record company.

“First birthday back together,” Luke spoke from your side. Hands intertwined together in the cool wind of England. His arms were covered by his flannel coat in the unfavourable weather of the day.

You hummed, “Never thought I’d be celebrating my seventeenth birthday in England during 2021. Besides, I’ve already been seventeen.”

“I always knew I’d bring you to all the countries in the world.” Luke’s tone was matter of fact, staring at the stage being built under a woman’s guidance in her mid-30s.

The bed and breakfast had a lovely history your tour guide Martin had enthusiastically told on the train ride from the city.

The man with spry greying hair pointed towards the old train station providing facts that interested most of the group. Luke’s arm tossed over your shoulder focused on the songbook, a new one, open in lap. Luke and you had slowly but surely evolved from shy brushes of skin to holding hands and then Luke’s arm over your shoulder. Chaste kisses on cheeks while you reassimilated into the dating world.

“In 1940, this train station deployed countless trains filled with evacuating children away from London during the Blitz. Filled with returning soldiers, mothers sending children to safety and children were torn from all they knew. Each child had a tag to identify them.” Martin explained intently, speaking to the group his organization had assigned him to.

“Where did they go?” Reggie curled into the travel blanket he’d bought specifically for the trip.

“Anywhere safe for them and where they could be cared for.”

“This route is one of many the evacuations used. The bed and breakfast we’re heading to holds a great history as well. It was once the Manor of Professor Digory Kirke during his life and passed down through generations throug-”

Martin’s story faded into the black abyss as sleep took you over by the soothing motion of the train and Luke’s warmth. Luke met the gaze of Alex. The two guys shared a sweet smile solely for the relaxed features of the younger Mercer.

“This is just another step in our journey for Julie and the Phantoms.” Your words warmed Luke Luke when he noticed you cemented your position in his life. You saw yourself in the future of Julie and the Phantoms as a faithful supporter and friend.

“Luke Patterson, correct? I’m Eva.” Your eyes widened, meeting the eyes that reminded you of someone. Just on the tip of your tongue, “My wife Diana will be a few minutes. We’re still getting the stage put together.”

“It’s so nice to meet you. How many people are you expecting?” Luke questioned the older woman. His mind snapped into business mode for the band.

“This is our fourth year putting on the festival at this location. This is the first year we added a wild card option for fans to vote on. Your band rocketed ahead of the other bands.” Eva explained, keeping her eyes on the woman you dubbed as Diana. The pure love in Eva’s eyes is a call to the yearning in your chest.

“I thought a recor-”

“Technically, yes, a record company flew you out. Diana started a small record label a few years back. Cair Oom Records. She’s the first person in both our families to step into a non-traditional career.” Eva explained to the now interesting young couple.

Luke was interested in the record label’s history, whereas you focused on the label’s name. Cair Oom. A call to your Narnia days you remembered.

“Cair Oom?” You interrupted the conversation in pure curiosity. Your eyes drinking in the features of Eva, her freckles and brown eyes mirroring a person from your past.

“The label name?” Eva continued once you nodded in response, “It’s from a childhood story my family passed down. Diana was close to my great-aunt before we moved out here to run the bed and breakfast.”

“Of a dream of a dream. Spare Oom.” It was whispered in the breeze straight in your ear of a voice you vividly recalled—the disembodied voice with the same freckles as Eva but with chocolate brown hair instead of strawberry blonde.

“Y/N? You coming?” Luke’s concerned hazel eyes bore into your distant ones wandering the hills of the property. You hadn’t even noticed Eva leaving towards the Manor.

Your e/c eyes search for the owner of the youthful voice but come up empty. The only people you saw included your group with the odd workers setting up under Diana’s supervision.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Luke stepped right up in front of you, “You’ve been out of it since Eva mentioned the record label.”

“I’m fine. I’ll be right back.” You mumbled, following the woman up the path. Luke stared lost as you disappeared into the door. Eva entered.

The woman stood outside a door within the home, “I never knew what she meant. Not until I saw you Y/N.”

Your foot stumbled back when Eva turned with a soft smile you vividly recalled on a certain Pevensie. Eva unlocked the door to a room with only a picture hung on the wall.

“Narnia.” You breathed, stepping right up to the detailed painting of Cair Paravel. Your fingers tracing the beautiful frame holding it up.

“Correct. My Great-Aunt, in her adult life, adored painting in her past time. It was rare she told Narnian stories, but my mother loved them so much she told them to me as a child.

“Who’s your-”

“My name is Lucy Eva Baker. I was named after my other Great-Aunt, but I prefer going by Eva.” Eva’s words pulled a deep gasp from your throat. Tears building as the truth settled in the room.

Eva shared the same smile and brown eyes as Edmund Pevensie did, even the mature aura wrapped around her. The maturity Edmund had grown into during the fifteen years in Narnia. Without a shadow of a doubt, Eva Baker was the granddaughter of your former brother-in-law.

“Your-”

“Edmund’s granddaughter.” Eva finished with a sympathetic smile, “You featured heavily in each story. I always knew Narnia wasn’t merely a story.”

And then the conversation stuttered when you finally noticed Eva spoke mostly of learning of everything by her mom and Susan. Not a mention passed Edmund being her granddad. A piece of your heart broke, and it seemed the older woman saw it happen.

“W-what happened to…” You couldn’t even choke the question out in the room. Eva’s hand reached out to grasp yours in her own hand.

“I can’t tell you much as that reason that will become clear but in 1949 just shortly before my mom was born there was an accident. Grandpa Edmund and Peter were waiting for the train at the station. The train wrecked, killing the train occupants and many people in the station.” Eva was quick to catch you as a piercing grief-stricken scream exploded in the room.

In the Manor’s tea room, the band and Ray enjoyed a genuine tea time with Diana. Ray and Diana traded stories of their young sons while Reggie restrained himself to savour the food. English tea time begging for genuine manners.

Luke raised his cup to lips before it dropped to the saucer upon an exploding anguished wail from upstairs. Thankfully the cup didn’t break as the American guitarist sprung himself in the direction of the wails—Alex hot on his heels with a call to his friends.

Your screaming drowned out the furious stomps of feet racing in the halls of the Manor to the entrance of the room. Luke’s heart shattered at the pure anguish coating your broken features. Alex roughly pushed his way to tug you into his arms.

Alex’s large hand cupped the back of your head while he rocked you in his arms, “Shh. Let it out.”

“No!” You screamed into Alex’s shoulder. You couldn’t acknowledge Luke’s comforting hand on your shoulder, “N-no.”

“I got you. I’m here. I’ll always be here.” Alex murmured in your ear so softly you almost didn’t catch what he said. Luke dropped to his knees by your side. The three teens unaware as Eva excused herself for your privacy. Eva had watched her great-aunt Susan break every time she spoke of her late siblings.

Seconds passed or maybe years as it seemed to happen to you. But soon, you simply rested against Alex staring at Susan’s painting. Barely blinking in the room causing you suffering. You barely responded to anyone as you battled the grief. You faded in and out of daydreams as the bands performed. Days mixed together. Time didn’t exist to you. You were aware enough when Julie and Ray invited you to shop in London.

To everyone, including your surprise, you agreed. The three half ghosts joining in fear you’d shatter again. Eva and Diana held hands watching the car disappear in the distance carrying a group of musicians. An echo of Eva’s words replacing in the back of your mind.

“Three of five drink at high tide. Four of nine and five of nine stand apart by time. A drop of Valiant’s potion will begin the time once before frozen.”

“Are they-”

“Yes.” Eva spoke before her wife could finish the sentence, “She’ll be returning to Narnia. Decades separating her from the Pevensie siblings.”

Eva was correct. At the station, the location was painful as it was Lucy, Peter and Edmund’s last place they’d been alive. Ray disappeared to use the restroom, leaving the five teenagers to wait for the adult.

“Ouch!” You exclaimed, rubbing a spot on your arm with a grimace. Your eyes glaring at your tall older brother, “Don’t pinch me!”

Alex shook his head, “I didn’t pinch you!”

“Luke!” Reggie squealed, jumping away from the guitarist with a pout on his full lips. The bassist rubbing his stinging cheek, “These cheeks are reserved for my Grannie!”

Luke scoffed at his friend, “Why would I risk the chance of you biting off my finger Reginald?”

“We have bigger problems than whose pinching us! I’m losing my damn mind! First three himbos fall out of nowhere, then a girl trips out a magic wardrobe and now this!” Julie snapped, staring at their environment in the train station tunnel, “I need to be committed!”

You watched breathlessly as a strong gale storm literally tore pieces of the train and the walls of the station apart. Through the train windows, you watched as a bright blue sky increasingly grew. The colour is so clear and vivid in only one place you knew.

The train blew by. The wall behind you changed into stone—the floor into the sand.

“What the fuck?” Alex demanded, twirling around on the new scenery of a beach in what was supposed to be a train station. The poor male kept being thrown off-kilter since the alley in 1995.

You knew deep in your heart where you were. Especially when four people of different heights stood with their backs to you. One individual, the shortest, turns upon feeling eyes on her back. And at the same time, you spoke.

“Lucy!”

“Y/N!”

The two girls ran straight into each other’s arms sobbing in elation and relief at finally seeing each other after a long year apart. The seven additional people who joined the duo collapsed on the ground. Alex cleared his throat.

“Y/N? Are you going to intro-”

“That’s Queen Y/N.” Peter snapped towards the stranger with a pink sweater on. Peter could count on one hand the number of times he’d seen a man wear pink.

“That’s my sister.” Alex snapped, standing at his full six-foot height, pinning a glare on the other teenager. Peter scoffed in response. His face faltering upon finding your hand encased in a male shorter than the blonde.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Peter knew this man was the unseen third person that filled every conversation and room between Peter and Y/N. Peter was very much aware that you weren’t in love with him. He lived with the knowledge for a decade, pretending it was he that you deeply loved. Seeing the person holding your heart hurt.

“This is my brother Alex Mercer and our friends Julie Molina, Reggie Peters and my...this is Luke Patterson.” You gestured to each of them; the Puerto Rican musician shell shocked. Julie now knew why that talking lion you spoke of sounded familiar. Narnia had seen one other visitor years before Julie was born.

Rose Molina’s bedtime stories for her children involved a lion named Aslan and a magical wardrobe made from a special tree. Julie recalled the feeling Narnia birthed if in the world as Rose described it.

“Mercer as in...?” Edmund trailed off slowly.

“My horse. Yes. I guess subconsciously, I still remembered where I came from.”

“These are my friends Susan, Edmund, Lucy and...Peter.” You softly spoke of the eldest Pevensie. His blue eyes sadly meeting yours.

A fondness growing at the sight but a pain blossoming at the heartbreak in his features. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see Peter had put two and two together on who Luke was to you. And while Peter desired to fight for you, he knew it was a lost cause; time cruelly separated you outside the world of Narnia. You both deserved happiness, so with great pain, Peter let you go.

“C’mon!” Lucy shouted, racing out of the cave on the bright sunny beach. The rest hot on the heels of the youngest member of the conjoined group. As you all goofed around on the beach, you told the Pevensie family all about Julie and the boys.

“Welcome to Narnia, my love.” You murmured to the boy that held your heart in his gentle hands. Luke Patterson beamed. He finally got the girl of his dreams and visited the place you hold dear.

The fun aspect of being in Narnia with both of your family came to a halt when you discovered the ruins. Cair Paravel had become a pile of broken stone and sadness. Not a single Narnian in the distance nor the Beavers or Mr. Tumnus.

“What?”

Julie and the boys’ presence became static in the background while the former Narnia royalty pursued through the ruins. They found the chessboard and the gifts Father Christmas gave them during the Winter Revolution.

Something clicked within Lucy as she almost robotically walked to each half-dead boy with her Cordial in hand. The room went silent as Lucy fed each phantom a drop of the medicinal potion. As soon as Alex closed his mouth, all three boys were enveloped in a blinding silver light.

And the true magic happened. For the first time in twenty-six years, three hearts began pumping blood. A previously frozen clock began beating to the sound of those hearts. The magic of Queen Lucy’s Cordial finished what Julie had started; the three formerly half head phantoms became living humans once more.

What a magical place the world of Narnia is.

(Above is the teacup and pot Luke uses in the Ancient Grounds coffee shop!)

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whatdoesshedotothem · 3 years ago

Text

Tuesday 17 September 1839

F54 ½° at 7 ¼ am Very rainy night and morning – the rain poured down fell so noisily last night, it kept awake sometime – terribly rainy this morning and now at 9 ½ breakfast just over – A- made tea of our spirit of wine bottle that the sub-douanier broke yesterday Gross had saved a little – just enough for this morning and we have done very well – boiled our 4 eggs at the top of our tea-urn (Sam [ovav]) A- ate biscuits and I finished our Viborg [Vyborg] bread and we have each a little Deventer gingerbread – Gross says the Douanier this morning begged I would leave my address in Petersburg – till 10 20/.. still raining fast, wrote note explanatory (vide Journal book at the index end) to ‘Monsieur le chef de la Douane à Walkiasari’ put it an envelope sealed with my arms and left it en passant at the Douane – then came the gentleman himself – gave him the note sealed with my arms – long explanation – said I had written everything in the note – had in the old German speaking woman – said I would send my books to the committee in Petersburg and do all right – then said I had a letter to our ambassador Lord [Clauircard], which seemed to

September Tuesday 17 then having before paid for our 4 horses (must pay before we we set off) had the man of the house in to be paid – he 1st asked 9 rubels, then ten, then nineteen – I said I would give one more (ten) but that was all, without a written bill in Russian – they said he could not write – gave the woman servant 20kop.at last off at 10 55/.. from Walkiasari little unpainted village beyond our station and the 2 or 3 good houses seem as we entered the town – our subdouanier lifted the Schlagbaune at the Douane and bowed as did the 2 officers and thro’ and off we went sedately at foots’ pace – (the douane 50 or 60 yards from the station post-house) – damp but almost fair at 10 55/.. – Jean take John Winter with Gross – our harness tied on to the perch or somewhere as it could Grotza inside as from Åbo and Russian driver and harness – the road a broadish (worn) pavé for a little distance out of the town – then broad sandy road the [nuts] and holes full of water and the sand as muddy as a deluge of rain last night and this morning could make it low forest of Scotch fir and birch – our driver will not break our springs by galloping – we go foots’ pace rarely breaking into a little trot for a minute or 2 – they wanted to put us 6 horses – I said they might do as they liked by my podaroshna was for 4 and I should only pay for 4 – had I known the road I should not have thought 6 too many – but perhaps we or our carriage is safer with 4 – tis now 12 5/.. and we walk on – damp but fair our forest thicker and twice as tall but still young

SH:7/ML/TR/14/0013

September Tuesday 17 now at 12 10/.. pavé and we trot gently – a minute or 2 – then walk – then trot gentle again – at 12 25/.. break in the forest, and 2 or 3 or 4 parcels of unpainted buildings – farmsteads – long straw corn (rye I think) in short stook capped by a couple of sheaves as with us – fences and buildings as in north of Sweden, Norway and Finland – and corn short straw – and stack long and narrow as 1st observed a day or 2 ago – the stack perhaps 5 or 6 or more yards long and 1 yard or rather more broad and 3 or 4 yards high – now at 12 ½ steep paved pitch and the drag – 5 yards deep of sand in this hollow in bank on each side the road – bad harness, bad driver – but they would neither find harness or coachman – Reading classical antiquities Launder p. 5 vide Get

William’s geography of Asia

Taylors’ Herodotus p. 10

at 1 5/.. another scattered unpainted poor picturesque hamlet or 3 or 4 farms and their appurtenances – Log-houses generally not flatted a woman milking now at 1 10/.. out of doors in stubble field close to the house – at 1 ½ in another pretty break in the forest 4 or 5 more farmsteads – and our station at 1 35/.. looks about as good as our station house last night with a building opposite to it on the other side of the broad (40 or 50 yards broad?) paved road a couple of carts stopping there, and a board with something written on it in gold letters – a sign board? – a little portico 4 wooden pillars here with balcony over it in the [end], and

September Tuesday 17

St. Petersburg 18 ½ v.

the station is ‘6ere

2 windows on each side –house covered with boards unpainted – and 2 little round windows in the roof on each side the porticoed middle – the opposite building has a little balcony but no portico underneath – the porch and entrance door being into the lower building adjoining the middle 2 story part – last we had a projecting gabelended porch, glazered at the sides – a little calêche and 3 horses drives up now at 2 pm. cannot read the guide post but distinctively make out that from here to St. P- is marked 18 1/2v. – I have just paid as demanded 7 rubels 4 kopecks for the 4 horses – and have paid my Finnish money and hear nothing said against it as yet – nothing against it yesterday or this morning –

off again at 2 3/.. – pretty undulating ground wooded, and parky – at 2 18/.. gentlemans’ house yellow and pea green roof (right) – large 6 or 8 white style portico and pediment front and a little maison carrée at the top of the house across the ridge - .:. the queer effect of one temple above another – but very pretty undulating road and ground beautifully [?] wooded – Road broad and nearly ½ in the middle pavé all the last stage from 12 ½ and will be all this (apparently) baddish roughish pavé but no worse than the common pavé in the south of France where they still exist – but luckily they macadamize there now – this man better driver than the last but now 2 35/.. stopping 2nd time – 1st a trace broken now something else –

SH:7/ML/TR/14/0014

September Tuesday 17 red sand each side of road – 6 or 8 inch of soil – to 2 or 3 above the red sand – green rye fields large enclosures – here alongside the road (not foresty since 2 25/.. now 2 35/..) double and [?] railing but tied between thin long upright as in Sweden and Finland and Norway – now at 2 40/.. hamlet, one broad street of gabel ended log houses unflatted and unpainted roofs projecting 4 or 5ft. – often a balcony or gallery in front of the top window this story in the gabel end, and window frames and weather boards [carved] and sometimes these and shutters variously painted our drivers signs and whistles alternately and aloud – now at 2 50/.. have just trotted past the last house of the village – 10 or a dozen better houses chiefly towards this end – pretty little lake (left) people housing in sacks potato tops on getting up the potatoes – and pretty lake (right) distant – and large expanse of wooded plain right – the country (our road) beautifully and parkisly wooded – there is an air of novelty – our driver signs more like a Spaniard than any other – his dark grey frock and red belt or [?] – and low crowned [?] and buckles and peacock feathers

St. P- at 2 55/.. in the distance right ahead right – 2 or 3 towers dimly seen – 1 above all the rest – at 3 village and lake close right – very here pretty but quite a dead woody flat all to the right and cross bridge over swamp and end of lake into the village – between houses white and green roof and all large very [?] window – another long street of village but all better than the last – lake very pretty neat grey stone coloured church with 2 pea green, covered low square towers on a hill of red sand darkened with S. fir – Great many little waggons (tilages) on the road – now at 3 10/.. west wooded flat all round terminated only by the horizon – S. fir parkwise along our wide road and red sand barren land the pavé jolty but really very fair corn out looking blackish – at 3 27/.. the sea in the distance just distinguishable – at 3 33/.. little distant right neat good white green roofed village or some manufactory? or government village establishment? – 3 40/.. hay out in cock – at 3 50/.. pass 1st barrier (Schalagbaum) into St. P- and a soldier took our passport and podaroshna to be visé – detained 4 or 5 minutes – enter the town i.e. pass the large brick barrack at 4 5/.. and have passed a few calêches and 4 or 5 droshkies since passing the black and white and red striped Schlagbaum barrier straight along – no houses till 4 5/.. turn right at 4 18/.. and 1st bridge and Neva at 4

SH:7/ML/TR/14/0015

September Tuesday 17 steamers and broad river and Troitskoi bridge at 4 20/.. – handsome iron railing – 4 carriages and 4 passed us on the bridge – at Mrs. Wilsons’ at 4 47/.. – asked our names – because a Mrs. Bishop expected whom she did not wish to receive – dressed in a hurry – dinner at 6 – coffee – paid John Winter 50 dollars banco as I believed was agreed and understood – asked 10 dollars rigsgold more – gave him 4 dollars Rigs+ 72 sk. banco all the Swedish money (paper) I had left – Coffee – fair in the afternoon – F63° now at 10 40/.. pm – Disappointed with the statue of Peter – there is a lurking shabbiness about the fine buildings and a dullness in the vastness – I like Regent street and our squares better and Paris best

Arrive at St. Petersburg

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cantfightmoonlight · 2 years ago

Text

Bri pressed her lips together in a poor attempt to stop the smiling that was beginning to form at the corner of her lips. "You're forgiven. Though darling? You can't pick a pet name a bit more personal than that? And here I was under the assumption this date was supposed to be romantic," She teased, feigning a tsk. "Good, you should do that. I want to be able to really take in the full Benjamin Anak Bandi experience," She started to say only for her eyes to widen at the mention of him insulting the quality of his cooking for all she knew. "You're really selling yourself here. You know that, Mr. Leader?" She bite down on her lower lip as she shook her head lightly back and forth at the thought. "And here I was under the impression you were a poet. One who could craft stanzas full of captivating charm and wit. My mistake," She countered at the mention of not being able to use his charming wit to rope bids in without that of his face. Her gaze all the while taking in the various books and antiques scattered all over the place. Ben's house was as different to Bri's as it could be and yet a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as her fingertips glided across one of his many bookshelves. His place oddly reminding her of her home back in Bandon, Oregon where she used to spend the summers with her aunts and Jonah, ditching her Prada bags for a dorky pair of wide rim glasses and a book. So, rather than passing some backhanded or undermining compliment Ben's way, she found herself humming softly out, "What's your favorite book?"

"It's just that you clearly have hundreds. You very well may qualify as having your own library here," She admitted, not bothering to hide her impressed tone as she continued to peak around. "So, out of all the books you own, especially the paperbacks that leave quite a lot to be desired, what's your favorite?" Bri asked curiously. "You're a terrible liar, Ben Anak Bandi. A true gentleman, like yourself, should work on that, but," She eyed the hand he extended out to her. Rolling her eyes lightly over as she accepted it, allowing him to lead her over to the kitchen. "Thanks. You better and... maybe not? But, maybe we can also not talk about how inferior I am as a... a v word? I just... I don't exactly like being reminded of how much of life I'm never going to be able to experience now? But-" She lifted her chin up to him. Her eyes widening at the mention of Meatballs of all things. "I'm sorry, did you just say Meatballs? What? Did I miss the moment when we morphed into Lady and the Tramp are eating Spaghetti?" She blinked over at him in confusion having never had Meatballs and Mac and Cheese together in her whole life. "Do the Meatballs go in the Mac and Cheese or are they served as a side dish? I have so many questions. And you make meatless Meatballs? Wouldn't those just be balls? Logistically speaking? And what are your meatless balls made out of exactly?" She asked innocently, looking up at him with wide and doe-like eyes.

"Forgive me, then, darling," Ben murmured, his voice soft and low. "I'll do my best to lay the chivalry on a bit thicker for the rest of the night." He grinned, a teasing pull to his mouth and his eyes. "I'd never insult Walt Whitman, though the state of that paperback leaves quite a lot to be desired. And maybe I'm insulting the quality of my cooking and company. We'll have to see, won't we?" He laughed. "I mean, the basket was anonymous. I can't exactly use my charming wit to rope in bids if I can't show my own face, you know?" He walked further in, letting her look. His house was simple, at least in comparison to the grandiose ways that others in town lived, but it was cozy, and it was his. Plenty of earth tones, various knickknacks and antiques, books all over the place. Every room had a bookshelf, even the kitchen, a small one filled with various cookbooks and recipe holders. There was evidence of both his jobs everywhere, too, a stack of papers to be graded on the coffee table, documents to sign carefully tucked away in manila folders. Ben liked his house. After fifteen years, he felt truly settled.

"It's not so much that I have terrible handwriting as it is that I have a lot to say, and there's only so much space," he said. He laughed again, loud and happy, hearing her quip. "I suppose that's true. And what if I was making fun of you, my dear? Though, I would never. It'd be terribly ungentlemanly to do such a thing. And I am a gentleman, after all." He held out a hand, an offer to lead her to the kitchen. "Mac and cheese it is, then. And no blood," he said. And he was sympathetic to her predicament, even if he couldn't truly understand it. He crossed his heart and solemnly put up his hand, though there was a twinkle in his eyes. "Cross my heart. I will keep your secret completely safe. But, if it makes you feel any better, I have no doubt that you aren't the only one who struggles with this kind of thing," he added earnestly. He pondered her question. "I'll eat just about anything, truthfully. There's a certain joy and peace in food, in cooking. Meatballs are always good with mac and cheese, and I know a good recipe for meatless ones if you'd prefer. And a chocolate cake? I might be able to make that. My baking talents aren't quite as good, so it might not look pretty, but I can promise it'll at least be tasty."

#ben ft. brielle #c: brielle

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fandom-puff · 4 years ago

Text

Draco Malfoy Fluff Alphabet

A = Attractive (What do they find attractive about the other?)

Your voice. He could happily listen to you talk forever...

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why/Why not?)

He’s apprehensive at first- he doesn’t think he’d make a good dad. But seeing you get excited and reassuring, he slowly warms up to the idea.

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

They’re either really extra (fancy dinner, theatre, ballet etc) or very chill (kebab/pizza, Netflix marathon, cuddles etc) with literally no inbetween (unless you plan it)

E = Everything (You are my ____ (e.g. my life, my world…))

Beautiful little star

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

When he first saw you excel at an area of magic you were particularly capable with- he began to really admire you for your skill

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

100%- he is the perfect gentleman, all gentle kisses and soft caresses

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

He prefers to have an arm around your waist or shoulder (depending on the height difference) rather than holding hands. It’s more intimate, protective, and allows him to be close to you

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

Intrigue. You took no bullshit from anyone, and he rather liked that- surely he’d never have a dull moment with someone like you...

J = Jealousy (Do they get jealous?)

Yes. He lets it show too, keeping a firm hand on your waist and steering you away when people are being too lecherous

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

Kisses in public are always gentle and chaste, and he kisses your cheek and forehead a lot. Time alone is when his kisses are really passionate

L = Love (Who says ‘I love you’ first?)

You do. After everything that’s happened, he’s not sure if he really deserves love, frightened that you’ll reject him. This is nonsense of course

M = Memory (What’s their favourite memory together?)

He had a breakdown in the bath once, and you alohamora’d the door and took him in your arms. You didn’t mind that your top got wet from the water and his tears. He eventually calmed down enough and let you wash his hair, massaging his scalp gently

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Definitely. Jewellery, books, clothes, fancy dinners, trips to the theatre, the ballet... all sorts

O = Orange (What colour reminds them of their other half?)

Silver. He loves the way silver jewellery looks on you, and you always wear a silver chain or bangle or ring which he has bought you

P = Pet names (What pet names do they use?)

Darling, my dear, dearest, love of my life, angel, pet

Q = Quaint (What is their favourite non-modern thing?)

He really likes antique furniture and books. A 19th century trunk, a 17th century medicinal text... he just finds the history behind them really interesting

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

I like to think he’d take up an instrument. Something like the piano or violin- rainy days offer the perfect chance to hone this new skill (plus he gets to be all dramatic in front of a window)

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Draco is very much the sort to lay face down and dwell on his problem until it goes away- he will accept cuddles, and he loves when you stroke his hair

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

He likes discussing all sorts with you, seeing what you think about things, wondering if you can offer an opposing opinion

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

He absolutely ADORES it when you offer to rub his shoulders or his back- it quickly rids him of any tension

V = Vaunt (What do they like to show off? What are they proud of?)

Coming from a wealthy family, he has lots of access to material goods. It’s his intelligence, however, and his ambition that he takes real pride in

W = Wedding (When, how, where do they propose?)

He proposes at his parents’ house, eager to show them how much you meant to him, regardless of blood and social status

X = Xylophone (What’s their song?)

This boy was RAISED on classical music. You showed him the Killers once and he was mind blown. He really likes ‘Human’ by the killers

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

Yes- it takes him a little while but he soon realised that you’re the one for him, all that he’d ever want

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

He’d like a cat. A nice, sleek cat who’s completely indifferent to the world around it and very open to pets and pampering from its human

Tag List @obsessedwithrandomthings @haphazardhufflepuff @diksy1112 @zodiyack @axriel @hiddensapphic @samnblack @tinylumpiaa @in-slytherin-we-trust @thatoneasrastan @emmaloo21 @kyn-lyn54-blog @eleven-times-lively @summer-writes @sleepylunarwolf @holysantana @rai-strangebr @moonlover-tobefree

#draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy fluff #draco malfoy headcanon #harry potter #hp #request #fluff #fluff alphabet #harry potter fluff

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regrettablewritings · 4 years ago

Note

D,q,v for whoever you want!!

Hm... I think I’m gonna go with Benoit Blanc if you don’t mind. Stuff is under the cut!

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?):

It depends on where you’re at in the relationship but for the most part, dates can generally be divided into three categories:

The first is exactly what one might expect for a man of Benoit’s demeanor: He picks you up at your place, you head out to a three-stars-minimum establishment, followed perhaps by some coffee and dessert. Depending on how young the evening is, you might even go for a brief walk about a well-lit area before he returns you home. The night is completed with a kiss on the back of your hand; nothing more, nothing less (unless you insist you’d prefer otherwise).

And that’s all well and good, but sometimes they can feel so rigid even in his best efforts. It’s nothing on him, you just prefer something a bit cozier. And cozy you shall get -- if you two date long enough.

The second category is an at-home date where the two of you are free to dress down. Seeing him in his old college sweats as opposed to his usually pristine suit is endearing (especially when coupled with his silly glasses). Normally, this would allow for the two of you to huddle up on the couch and watch movies together (barring any from the mystery genre; he always figures it out and spoils it for you, which you suppose is how he finds himself enjoying those types of films). But every once in a while . . .

Benoit tries hard to keep his work life and private life separate. He really does. But considering he hasn’t really felt much of a need to, what with him going through most of his career a single man, the habit is pretty stuck in there. Not unbreakable, just a bit difficult to ween himself off of. Thankfully for you, he’s made much more of an effort to work things out. And thankfully for him, you’re mighty patient and even willing to help him on the occasion a case is close enough to where he can take casework home and study his best angles from there.

Most outsiders looking in would cock an eyebrow at the image of you two, hunkered down in his living room or study, papers and manila folders all over with him sitting at the table or desk, hand pressed to his wrinkled forehead as his eyes trace over grainy photos, and you often sitting right by him, flipping between two pages, looking for fallacies in alibis. In all honesty, you wouldn’t blame somebody for being put off by the idea that you would consider this a date. After all, aren’t there now, like, monthly loot boxes that offer mysteries for you and a partner to solve? Wouldn’t that be a bit more . . . normal? Somehow?

. . . Yes, admittedly, but you take what you can get. Besides, he really only does this type of stuff with people whom he really trusts -- and for you to do so while still mingling in his home life (hey, you both made tea and coffee for the long night, it counts)? You take it as an honor! (Besides, when you’ve done something especially helpful like making tea or ordering food or pointing out a potential clue, he rewards you with praise.)

That is, so long as these types of “dates” don’t occur more often than the movie ones. As exciting as it is to see Benoit’s thought process at work and to see the glow on his face when he cracks a case or finds a vital clue, there’s little else that can be the absolute wonder that he expresses during particularly stunning animations or musicals.

Speaking of which, the third category: A date to the theater. Short and simple, a touring show comes to town and you grab tickets. He’s a big fan of the arts!

Q = Quaint (What is their favourite non-modern thing?):

I feel like due to his job, Benoit’s home is surprisingly not as flamboyant as most would expect of the man. It’s not barren, but it’s also not especially vibrant. There’s the occasional painting or framed photograph decorating the walls, or a table in the corridor with a picture of a loved one and a vase full of fake flowers (he can’t trust himself to take care of an actual, living plant), but otherwise, not too terribly much. But what I do figure is that if one goes digging around, they’ll find some antique stuff from his home growing up: Old photos of his grandparents, vintage lace table runners, and so on.

But his favorite item of them all is the ice cream crank machine.

“God, you’re ancient,” you wheezed as you marveled at the technically obsolete contraption. The older gentleman folded his arms, standing his ground.

“Mock it all you want to, but I can assure you: Good times were had with this crank --”

“Benny, please don’t say that, oh god --”

“Cranking this taught you about patience and perseverance --”

“Phrasing! God!”

“-- and at the end, your efforts were rewarded with a treat you made.”

He raised his brows at you as you curled on the floor, a quivering, giggling mess.

“It was a simpler time,” Benoit reasoned. “We couldn’t just mosey on over to the grocery every time we wanted when he had the materials we needed right then and there. Besides: We used to fight over whose turn it was to crank.”

“Oh, I bet,” you murmured, glancing up at him. You then eyed the ancient bucket and its health code-breaking crank. “I’d hate to be the one on crank duty.” At this, your boyfriend pursed his lips, diverting his eyes.

“You misunderstood me, dear: We fought over wanting to be on crank duty.” The silence that followed his admission told him everything he needed to know about how you felt on that end.

“. . . Benoit,” you spoke wryly, “you can help every case except your own.” He sighed through his nose, squeezing its bridge. There really was no way to win this with you, huh?

“Look, do you still want to learn how to make homemade ice cream, or --”

“Yes, please!”

V = Vaunt (What do they like to show off? What are they proud of?):

As humble as he is, Benoit actually prides himself on his diction. He’s well aware of his accent and how it immediately draws attention to himself for all the wrong reasons: It’s southern, and about as thick as a frozen flood of molasses if you do mind the metaphor. And, unfortunately, being southern tends to carry a few assumptions along with it. The less . . . negative ones being that he’s a follower of good ole southern hospitality, a gentleman bred in the cloth of seersucker suits and honey-sweet drawls. Not far from the truth, admittedly, but still not one he particularly enjoys. However, he’ll put up with it far better than he would with the other assumptions tacked on with his home region: That he’s a fool.

That his accent is indicative of a lesser understanding or education, that he is less tolerant of others considered socially to be, well, The Other.

And he loathes that indication. He hides it well, mind you, but don’t assume he’s fine with it. He’s used to it. Big difference.

He was never especially insecure about his accent, but it did earn him some licks to how seriously he was taken when he reached adulthood and ventured around. Well, he couldn’t change that bit about him, and, out of spite, he doesn’t intend to. Instead, he decides to try another way: Using his words, and properly and ornately at that.

The truth of the matter is that compared to much of the clientele he encounters, he can normally run circles around others when it comes to words and wordplay, and the cocky bastard living beneath that calm, humble smile actually relishes in it a bit. Don’t take it as a sign of cockiness, mind you; it’s honestly just become a part of who he is. But never, under any circumstances, mistake his sweet purple prose drawl as a sign of incompetency or an inability to take the situation seriously.

Thanks for asking!

#benoit blanc x reader #benoit blanc #knives out #benoit blanc imagine #benoit blanc imagines #regrettablewritings #fluff alphabet #fluff headcanons

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littlegrrl7 · 4 years ago

Photo

“Dreams of Emerald”

Excerpt chapter 8

Ikemen Vampire- Comte/Leo/OC

Angsty- Love reunited

___

Evayne

She stood, coffee in hand, listening to the water fall in the early morning light. Evayne had been in Rome for a few weeks, visiting the usual tourist places first. Then she drifted into socializing with the locals. She denied herself nothing, letting delicious food go right to her hips. She went to the bars at night, danced until she was breathless. Flirted shamelessly with handsome men…allowing none of them to take her home. She would always smile and demurely decline. There was still a sense of loss in her heart, a hole that couldn’t be filled with casual encounters. She had felt this when her mother died, this time, the edge to it was sharper, and she couldn’t fathom why. Her steps in the sunrise led her to the Fontana di Trevi, she had it to herself this morning, she fingered the small antique gold coins in her pocket.

One to return

One for love

One for marriage

She sipped the dark brew in contemplation, savoring its warmth. She thought of him, his amber eyes, his tall, lean form. The feel of his lips on her cheek as he bid her farewell.

The way he possessed her in dreams. The way she was utterly his.

One to return

Her eyes gazed upward, following the beautiful lines of the sculptures in the fountain. She let her long copper lashes fall to her cheeks, remembering last night’s dream.

They sat in a beautiful honeysuckle covered gazebo, conversing. His spun gold eyes were so warm, intelligent, full of affection for her. His laughter and voice enveloped her; the spicy clove scent of his cigarillo drifted through the air. As they spoke, he found reasons to touch her, a brush against the hand, his fingertips on her cheek. The talk was academic, but the undertones were not. He desired her…as much as she desired him. This dance of words went on, discovering and exploring each other’s minds. She studied the sculpted planes of his handsome face, the way his collarbone peeked from the opened buttons of his shirt. The teasing v of his smoothly muscled stomach where the untucked tail of his shirt met his low riding pants. The tension was slowly building, she could feel herself falling in love with him.

One for love

She leaned forward, letting her hand brush through the icy water. How could she be in love with someone she never met? She took a long drink from her cooling coffee, the sky was growing lighter. The city would likely wake soon. The wind kicked up in the plaza, teasing her long mahogany-colored curls, dancing with them briefly. Her eyes slid closed.

The three of them were dressed in the finest clothing, seated intimately together in a carriage. Long fingers slid through her hair, unpinning it. Her cheek was cradled by his broad chest, the smell of sweet tobacco and cloves surrounded her. She felt at peace, loved, whole.

One for marriage, a bond of the heart.

Evayne tossed the coins high into the air. The ancient gold of them caught the light of the morning sun gleaming briefly before descending into watery depths.

Comte

He pushed open the heavy door, a gust of wind hurried past him blowing leaves into the passage. He was in a large familiar courtyard. Rome… Fontana di Trevi. By the sun, it was just past dawn, he wondered at the time period. He walked toward the fountain; its construction would give him an approximation to when he was.

A lone figure stood by the azure waters. As he walked closer, the wind kicked up again, stirring her long mahogany tresses. His breath caught.

She pulled something from her pocket then tossed golden coins high into the air. The faintest tickle of cherry blossoms traveled to him on the breeze. His pace quickened.

She slid her travel mug into her bag, turning toward him, eyes downcast. He struggled to arrange his features into his customary gentleman’s mask, he’d found her.

“Buongiorno Signorina Swan, what a pleasant surprise it is to see you again.”

Emerald eyes looked up in surprise. The recognition was immediate. She moved forward as if to embrace him, then stopped.

“Comte….” His name slid off her lips encased in a sigh of longing so palpable his heart almost stopped. His mask cracked to dust.

“Evie,” the familiar pet name left his lips without thought. Absolute love for her shined in his warm amber eyes. She moved forward, wrapping her arms around his waist, her face buried into his chest. She breathed his familiar scent in deeply, then choked out a sob. He paused a moment in surprise, then held her tight. “You remember me?”

“Only in dreams…”

Read more on A03

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21083378/chapters/50159801

#Ikemen Vampire #ikemen comte #comte de saint germain #a03 link #long fic

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cuteteacakes · 2 days ago

Note

Sakura has once again come to the antiques shop. "Hey there! Browsing around today. Oh and I took pictures of my room for you to see!!" The princess is quite happy to show off what he's done. And maybe he'll find something else to buy today! He's excited!

{🗡️} - "O-oh! Welcome back-" Tristan was so surprised, that the bundle of antique Asian wall scrolls he was holding spilled out of his arms clumsily. He stammered an apology. "I-I didn't hear you come in! And if you want to show me your room, I'd love to see how you arranged the furniture..." His face flushed. That almost sounded like he was going to see Sakura's room in person! But he wasn't-! He was a wholesome man!!

#akumanoken #v: the antiques gentleman #hes a competent antiquarian i swear-

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the-fiction-witch · 5 years ago

Text

NSFW Alphabet: Isaac Hempstead Wright

I've seen this for alot of different characters but I plan on doing my characters and actors for it just because Mostly why not I personally got the frame I'm using off of a bran stark ver from this amazing person https://glamorousstark.tumblr.com/post/186181760349/nsfw-alphabet-bran-stark

A: aftercare-

As soon as it's all over and your both finished off Isaac will pass a glass of water from the bedside table and pull you close to his chest for snuggles.

B: body parts-

Isaac has an odd fixation with your waist and the small of your back he loves the soft slow curves it creates no matter how he holds you, often pulling you by the waist or ticking it to get attention, but mostly using it to direct you while you ride.

C: cum-

Isaac is quite the gentleman and almost never goes without a condom so your interactions with his cum are fairly limited however if you suck him off he will 1000% pull himself out your mouth and cum all over yours breasts and stomach.

D: dirty secret-

Isaac secretly has a fantasy every time he drives, he always secretly imagines your hand coming over and playing with him while he drives, getting his cock out his pants and distraction him, it's not limited to the car but he does it most in the car, as well as trains, planes, busses anything really where people could see you touching him he secretly wants you to.

E: experience-

Isaac was a virgin when you met so you where his first however having been working on such a sex heavy TV show for a large part of his formative years he had more knowledge then you'd expected but most of it in theory, however he was happy to practice the practical of what he already knew.

F: fave position-

His favourite position is simply you riding him, he loves holding your waist and hips as you bounce naked on him kissing your lips and breasts when he gets close as well as getting to see your face when you cum as well as hold you close when he reached is own.

G: goofy-

It allways starts out giggly and funny as your both not quite sure how to suggest to each other other than literally just saying it, but once he gets horny the giggles melt away

H: hair-

The dark brown continues in a slight trail down from his stomach but the actual area is well groomed and taken care of as he knows it makes it easier for you while giving blow jobs as well as it looks nicer for your distance picture exchanges

I: intimacy-

Isaac is very sweet and affectionate, often times durring sex he'll Tell you he loves you and no matter what he'll look after you.

J: jack off-

Isaac spends a lot of time away, time for filming, time for uni, time for touring, time for his family so in all honesty you don't spend much time in the same room, and after all the moving around in his life Isaac has mastered the art of quick and efficient jerking off, he will often do it to the memory of the last time you where together or perhaps some exchanged pictures.

K: kink/s-

Isaac isn't that kinky, he doesn't mind getting tied up, but he does like when you act all innocent and get out your old school skirt

L: location-

Your favourite is the antique wooden dinning table at his parents house, if someone where to take a black light to that table they would be angry, but it sure does make Christmas dinners a giggle.

His is the back of his car, he doesn't know if it's the danger or the teenage spark of rebellion of having sex in your car but either way he loves it, snuggling up in the back in empty car parks grabbing a condom from the box in the glove box and making the little car bounce up and down for a while.

M: Motivation-

Oddly enough his glasses. You stealing them, you taking them off for him, you playfully nudging them for his attention. He loves when you are cuddled up somewhere and you simply moved sitting on his lap and pulling off his glasses for him putting them on the table it gets him rock hard as he knows if you take his glasses he knows what your going to do next.

N: No-

Anything to do with daddies, physical violence or bodily fluids

O: Oral-

Isaac loves to give and to receive somehow your not sure how but he pick it up somewhere that one 30 Mon blow job is worth an hour of eating out, and Isaac likes to keep sex in your relationship fair, if he gets to cum he makes sure you have one or two as well. However if he had to choose he would pick receiving just because he loves your mouth way to much.

P: pace-

It always starts very slow and loving, sweet and caring but it gets faster and faster till you both explode with pleasure.

Q: quickie-

Neither of you are apposed to a quickies as they made up alot of your early relationship having to deal with you both living at home and having to doge family and such like, which lead you to some very creative quickies like in the shower together or in the laundry room ontop of the washing machine.

R: risks-

Isaac doesn't like to risk it much, or so he says.

Secretly he loves risking it.

S: stamina-

It varies, some days he can go four hours and hours and others he cums when your kissing, it mostly depends how much he's been away and how much you have seen each other, but you have began to notice if he jerks off alot while away he lasts hours when he comes home, something important to remember for his next trip.

T: toy/s-

A few toys mostly for you as he knows sometimes when he's been away he gets a little overwhelmed seeing you again and he can't always make you cum before he does so you have a couple toys but your not allowed to use the toys on your own only Isaac is allowed to use them on you.

U: unfair-

Isaac isn't a tease, he just wants to make you happy and make you feel good, undeniably sometimes he does it using some unfair tactics but you don't mind as most days he gives you an extra one more then him just so your happy

V: volume-

Loud! But he tries, he bites his mouth and kisses you all over to try and stop himself from screaming about how good it feels but he'll make sure you make enough noise for the both of you.

W: wild card

Isaac doesn't like pron, he finds it odd and uncomfortable, the only thing he does like is GIFs and pictures mostly stuff where you can't see the faces of the pornstars so he can imagine it's you and him, he has tried many times but can't get into porn at all, he just needs you to send him some pretty pictures.

X: xray-

Isaac being the long lanky boy that he is to no surprise I'm sure,

His cock is a fair width and girth however very long atleast seven inches if not more, initial this put a hult to sexual activity in the relationship due to your fear of him being to big, however you where very mistaken and Isaac fits snuggly hitting all the right places. Similarly he had concerns about you using your mouth for fears you wouldn't be able to take it all but after a couple weeks of trying over a summer you proved you could take every inch.

Y: yern-

When Isaac is away he yerns for your touch, your kisses, your pussy, and that doesn't change once he's home if he's in the mood he'll stop at nothing till your both satisfied

Z: zzzzz-

Isaac won't go to sleep till your snuggled close in his arms he will always check you've cum and that your happy and often asks "your sure you don't want another one? Before bed?" He likes to make sure your satisfactied and happy before you snuggle up and drift off to sleep together.

#isaac #isaac hempstead wright #isaac wright #isaachempsteadwright #isaac imagine #isaac wright smut #isaac hempstead wright imagine #isaac hempstead wright smut #isaac smut #isaachempsteadrightsmut #isaachempsteadwrightimagine #isaachempstedwrightsmut #isaachempstedwirghtimagine #isaacwright #isaacsmut

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snarkybluechristian · 4 years ago

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Hazbin Hotel: Yandere Alastor x Vaggie Chapter 35

Alastor led Vaggie and Molly into the ornately decorated grand ballroom he had taken Vaggie to earlier that week.

The room looked the same except long tables replaced the round tables that were there before giving the guests more room to walk around.

Alastor led Vaggie to a special spot next to the head of the table closest to the stage where he was sitting.

A multitude of kingpins and overlords sat themselves at the various tables and the room buzzed with their conversations.

Molly sat down next to Vaggie. Rosie sat across from them. Alastor sat down at the head of the table as the first course of the meal officially began.

The first course was clam chowder and bread.

The moth demon glared at the food in front of her. She never got this kind of privileged food even after her death, but Vaggie wouldn’t take a bite.

Alastor noticed, picked up a spoonful of clam chowder, and directed the spoon towards Vaggie’s mouth.

“Take a bite of food, darling,” Alastor said, poking Vaggie on the lips with the spoon. “You look positively famished.”

“I’m not hungry,” Vaggie said, refusing to look in his direction.

Alastor turned Vaggie’s chin to face him, gave her a reprimanding look, and said, “Please, eat, darling. This is good food. Remember what we spoke about earlier?”

Vaggie growled at him, but reluctantly began to eat.

Molly ate and watched Vaggie in sympathy.

Once the first course was done, Arackniss and Henroin walked over to where Alastor was sitting.

“Hello, gentleman,” Alastor said, wiping the remains of soup from his mouth.

Vaggie held her water goblet in her hand and sipped nervously. Molly turned around to look at her family.

Arackniss took the cigarette out of his mouth and said, “We want to see my little brother.”

“Of course,” Alastor said, rising in his chair. “Come along, Molly dear.”

Molly rose from her chair. Vaggie immediately did the same.

Alastor stepped behind Vaggie, gently pushed her back into her chair, and said, “Nah, ah, ah, my dear Vaggie, you need to stay here with Rosie.”

“No!” Vaggie exclaimed, getting back to her feet and pushing her chair under the table behind her. “Can’t I see my friend one more time before you give him away?!”

“You’ll see him soon enough,” Alastor replied with a chuckle.

“You’re lying,” Vaggie retorted. “I demand you take me to see Angel now!”

“Hmmm…” Alastor pondered for a moment, purposefully dragging out his response to annoy Vaggie more before taking Vaggie’s arm. “Alright, my darling. Come along. Let’s go see Angel. Rosie, would you keep an eye on our guests?”

“Of course,” Rosie replied. “Have a good time!”

With a smile on his lips, Alastor walked away from the tables and walked towards the backstage with Vaggie on his arm and Spider family following behind him. They soon disappeared into the hallway going backstage.

Unbeknownst to them, the three V’s noticed and noted everything.

Alastor, Vaggie, and Angel's family entered the backstage area. After walking down a short hallway, they entered a large room.

Nestled in the corner of the room in between all the antiquities, weapons, artifacts and expensive items, there was Angel sitting in a cage just big enough for him to stand up and sit down in. He was in a straitjacket with a muzzle over his mouth and black pants and shoes over his feet.

Vaggie didn't waste any time.

Swiftly, Vaggie got in front of the group, and yelled out "Angel, Alastor lied!"

Angel groggily looked up from where he was sitting in the cage and said, "Vaggie, it's okay…"

Vaggie, on the verge of tears, cried out, “No! I have to tell you! Alastor has…!”

Alastor placed a hand on Vaggie’s shoulder and said, “I think it's time we left Angel alone with his family.”

“NO!” Vaggie screamed as Alastor took her arm and firmly but gently began to lead her back to the ballroom while she desperately tried to pull out of his grip.

With tears of desperation of his own coming down his cheeks, Angel yelled down the hall, “Vaggie, I know! It’s okay! I’ll come back for you!”

“Don’t lie to her, little brother,” Arackniss’s cruel voice said with a chuckle as he puffed on his cigarette. “That’s not nice.”

Angel and his brother shared a glare until Molly broke the silence.

“Angel!” Molly yelled as she dashed to the cage.

Angel smiled warmly and leaned his head against the bars so that she could give him a hug.

“Hi there, Molly,” Angel said as his twin sister hugged him through the bars. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“Oh, Angel!” Molly cried. “What has that brute done to you?! Hold still! I’ll remove that muzzle!”

“Nothin’ I couldn’t handle,” Angel reassured her, turning his head so that she could remove the muzzle.

“You know I hate it when you lie to me,” said Molly as she quickly unbuckled the muzzle and let it fall onto the floor of the cage. “Now, hold on. I’ll untie your straitjacket…”

“No, you won’t!” Henroin commanded spooking Molly into backing away. “The straitjacket stays on until we take him home.”

Angel finally allowed himself to glare at his father and older brother standing in front of the cage and staring down at him.

Angel got to his feet and said, “Hey there, big shit and little shit. What do you want?”

“To see how much work we have ahead of us,” Arackniss replied with a mocking smile.

Angel rolled his eyes and said, “Oh, yeah. For the therapy, right?”

Arackniss and Henroin blinked in shock for a moment before the latter asked, “How could you possibly know about that?”

“You tried it for about the first 20 years we were here,” Angel retorted angrily.

Henroin sighed deeply and said in an attempted caring tone, “We were only trying to help you, son. You have something deeply wrong in your head…”

“Bullshit!” Angel snarled. “You both just want to get me out of sight and into gay conversion therapy, so I stop embarrassing you!”

Molly jumped to her feet and yelled, “How could you?!”

“It’s for his own good, Molly,” Henroin said. “He’ll thank us for it later.”

“Bullshit!” Angel retorted angrily. “Since when have you cared about what’s good for me?! You just want to mold me into your image of a perfect son and zap me back to hell if I refuse!”

Henroin scoffed and replied, “If that’s how you want to put it…”

“Why, Dad?” Angel replied with angry tears stinging the corners of his eyes. “Why? Why do you need to change me? Why couldn’t you two just accept me for who I am? Why do you have to go out of your way to make me fucking miserable?!”

“Why do you go out of your way to make our reputation shit?!” Arackniss spat back.

Angel’s mouth fell open in disbelief and he replied, “Reputation?! I don’t even live with you anymore! How am I ruining your reputation?!”

“Like it or not, you’re still a part of our family and your actions reflect upon us!” Arackniss yelled.

“We’re tired of you running around like a tramp for that tasteless pimp!” Henroin snapped, holding onto the bars of the cage and looking into Angel’s eyes. “Starting tomorrow morning, you will be undergoing some intense therapy to correct your sexual deviancy once and for all! You’ve been allowed to wander for far too long, Anthony! You’re coming home tonight and that’s final!”

“Oh, wow, such caring,” Angel replied sarcastically. “Excuse me while I choke on all the crap you’re spewing!”

“I can’t believe you two! How could you?!” Molly yelled.

“Molly, don’t you want Anthony to come home!” Henroin retorted.

“Not if it means letting you torture him!” Molly snarled back.

“It’s for his own good!” Arackniss snapped desperately. “We’re doing this because we care! You have been that fucking pimp’s boy toy for long enough, Anthony! If you comply, you’ll be part of the family again! Don’t you want to come back?”

“Will you fuck off with that shit already?!” Angel snapped back. “If Alastor wasn’t giving you territory, you’d be content to let me be auctioned off!”

“Be grateful we even made an offer, ingratio moccioso!” Henroin retorted, slipping into his Sicilian Italian.

“Ingratio moccioso (ungrateful brat)?!” Angel asked incredulously. “You’re putting me through gay conversion therapy, and I’m supposed to be grateful? Vai a cacare!”

“Non dire cazzata, rottinculo!” Henroin spat back.

“Smettila di urlare a papa, tu cazzone!” Arackniss snapped.

“Smettila di urlare a Angel, mezza sega!” Molly shrieked back.

“Zitto, cogliona!” Arackniss yelled.

“Don’t you dare fucking insult Molly, ya kiss-ass!” Angel yelled. “That goes for you too, Dad! I’m sick of both of you! I don’t care if you ice pick my brain! I ain’t going back to the fucking family and that’s final!”

Arackniss was about to insult Angel again, but then he caught something, flashed a wicked smirk, and said, “Tell us. How did you know we were doing gay conversion therapy, Anthony?”

Angel saw Arackniss’s suspicions and felt a shudder run through his spine.

“What do you mean?” Angel asked, trying to hide his nerves.

“Yeah,” Henroin replied, catching on to his son’s suspicions. “And how did you know Alastor gave us territory in exchange for you?”

“A lucky guess,” Angel said, blurting out the first words that popped into his head.

Arackniss walked up to the bars, flashed a cruel smirk, and said, “The broad tipped you off. Didn’t she?”

“Maybe,” Angel lied. “Or maybe Alastor told me?”

“That seems unlikely,” Arackniss replied before he puffed on his cigarette.

“Yeah,” Henroin agreed, taking a few steps away from Angel’s cage. “But there’s only one way to find that out.”

“No!” Angel protested, his eyes flashing in panic.

“So, it was the broad,” Arackniss replied. “I knew it…”

Angel’s eyes flashed in fear before going back to a hateful glare.

“What does it matter, Arackniss?” Molly asked.

“It matters a great deal,” Henroin replied. “I think Alastor should hear about this.”

“NO, PLEASE!” Angel cried out desperately. “YOU CAN’T!”

“Dad, you can’t do that!” Molly begged. “You saw how that brute treated her at the front door. If he finds out that Vaggie told Angel, he’s gonna do somethin’ awful!”

“I know,” Henroin said, staring Angel and Molly down cruelly until…

KICK!

Arackniss and Molly’s mouths fell open in shock.

In his desperation, Angel had kicked his father in the groin causing him to keel over onto the floor in front of the cage. He then reached his leg through the cage and began angrily stomping his father’s head into the floor.

In all his years of suffering under his father, Angel had never dared to attack him like this.

“YOU! WILL! NOT! SAY! SHIT!” Angel yelled, accentuating each word with a stomp. “You have no idea what Vaggie has suffered under Alastor! I will not let you make things worse for her!”

PUNCH!

No sooner had those words escaped Angel’s lips, then had Arackniss punched Angel in the face to get him off his father.

Angel reeled back until his back hit the back of his cage and he fell onto his bottom.

“Angel!” Molly cried, pushing Arackniss aside and reaching her arm into the cage so that she could rest her hand against his cheek. “Are you alright, big brother?!”

Arackniss scoffed as he helped their father to his feet and asked incredulously, “You’re really worried about him after what he did to Dad?”

“I don’t feel nothin’ for you two!” Molly snapped back. “You’re gonna torture my twin brother!”

“You shouldn’t feel nothin’ for him either,” Angel interjected, just managing to hop back onto his feet. What I did to him is nothing he hasn't been doing to us for our entire lives! Why do you think Molly and I left, Arackniss? It’s because of Dad and his cruelty and all his bullshit that has poisoned us since the day we were born. Don’t you see it? I know you do. Quit trying to deny the truth.”

Arackniss looked away, desperately trying to ignore another one of Angel’s attempts to make his older brother see reason.

Henroin scoffed and covered his bleeding nose with one hand before he retorted, “All I did was to make sure you fit the bill of the life you're supposed to have!"

“The life you thought we were supposed to have,” Angel snarled, giving his Dad an especially pointed glare. “I don’t care if you try to chisel my brain with that exterminator ice pick! I ain’t changin’ for you!”

Henroin shook his head in disappointment, flashed a smirk, and said, “That’s what you think, son.”

Just then, a shadowy figure emerged behind them before revealing himself to be Alastor.

“What’s going on?” Alastor asked. “I can hear you yelling from the ballroom.”

“Just some family troubles, Radio Demon,” Arackniss answered first. “Nothin’ we can’t handle.”

“Your dame told Anthony what we were planning,” Henroin answered maliciously with a devilish smile as he painfully rubbed the sore spot on his chest.

Alastor’s left eye twitched in shock, anger, and frustration. His smile disappeared for only a moment before it reappeared on his lips, barely concealing the rage inside.

“I see,” Alastor said once he had regained his composure. “I will see to it that she is reprimanded…”

“NO!” Angel yelled in a panic, desperately reaching his head through the bars. “Haven’t you made her suffer enough, you son-of-a-bitch?! Leave her alone!”

Alastor turned to the cage, flashed his signature smile, and said, “Vaggie is my bride and my wife. What I do to punish her is none of your concern.”

“Vaggie’s my friend! That’s more than she’ll ever be to you! Even if you force her to marry you, she’ll never be yours! She’ll always be Charlie’s! You couldn’t make Vaggie happy if you tried! Besides,” Angel said, smirking and leaving a pause for dramatic effect. “You’re not even a good kisser…”

SMACK!

Alastor crossed the room and backhanded Angel so hard that he hit the back of his cage.

“Speak in such a manner again,” Alastor said, hyperventilating between each sentence while still retaining his smile. “And you’ll find your tongue sliced out.”

Angel smiled flirtatiously and moaned, “Oooooh, Daddy! That sounds like a fun time! Why don’t you come over here and try it?”

Alastor quickly regained his composure again and replied, “I would, but I have a misbehaving wife to attend to.”

Angel’s expression fell in a panic as he yelled “No!” before throwing himself against the door of his cage, resulting in a loud clang against the bars.

With every sentence that followed, Angel threw himself against the door of the cage in a desperate attempt to escape.

“My hope ain’t dead…”

Clang!

“you son-of-a-bitch!”

Clang!

“I don’t care…”

Clang!

“…if it takes…”

Clang!

“10,000 years!”

Clang!

“I won’t give up…”

Clang!

“…on Vaggie!”

Clang!

“Hey!” Angel yelled, falling backwards onto the floor of his cage.

Having had enough of his annoying efforts, Alastor finally snapped his fingers causing ankle cuffs to appear around Angel’s ankles so that he couldn’t attack the door of his cage anymore.

Alastor then summoned a pair of keys, handed them to Arackniss, and said, “Here are the keys for later. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go discipline my wife.”

Alastor walked away, and Henroin and Arackniss looked down at Angel with condescending smiles.

“We’ll be back to pick you up after the auction, son,” Henroin said. “Until then, think about changing your attitude before you place yourself in even deeper shit than you are now.”

“F-mmph!” Angel yelled, before the muzzle reappeared over his mouth.

The Spider Family looked over at the hallway to see Alastor standing in front of it.

“I suggest you keep all Angel’s restraints on until it’s time to take him home,” Alastor suggested. “In fact, I demand it.”

“Sure,” Henroin replied. “No problem. Thanks again for all your help and your territory.”

“Of course,” Alastor said, gesturing down the hallway. “Now, let’s return to our dinner and the rest of the auction.”

Henroin instantly turned and headed down the hall.

Arackniss walked over to Molly, grabbed her hand, pulled her to her feet, and said, “Come on, Molls. Let’s go eat.”

“I’ll be there in just a minute,” Molly said, yanking her hand out of Arackniss’s grip.

“I’m afraid I must insist, dear,” Alastor called out from across the room. “Say your goodbyes to Angel and let’s go.”

“I’ll make sure she leaves,” Arackniss reassured Alastor. “You can go on ahead.”

Alastor nodded and said, “I’ll hold you to your word, my good man,” before disappearing down the hall.

“Say what you need to say and come on,” Arackniss said, turning and walking down the hall behind Alastor.

Molly kneeled down to Angel’s level and whispered in his ear, “Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll get you outta here somehow. Just stay strong.”

“What about Vaggie?” Angel asked.

Molly looked askance for a moment and then looked back at Angel and said, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Angel smiled under his muzzle and nodded.

Then without another word, Molly got to her feet and walked out of the room.

#hazbin hotel #fanfiction

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silverscribbler · 4 years ago

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Obey Me! OC: Lucius aka Red, Demon Croupier

Croupier is the title for a dealer working at casinos. They oversee the bets, payouts, and assist with the game’s conduct.

Inspiration - I got soft for Mammon and wondered “If Mammon’s favor helped someone gain money more quickly or however you wish to interpret it, what would happen if someone else’s favor increased your likelihood of winning? What if that someone favored Mammon?” which doesn’t even fully explain Red’s powers.

General Description:

Eyes - Gold and Orange Hair Color - Light Brown with Blonde Highlights Hairstyle - Side Braids Into a Ponytail Skin Tone - Pale Peach, Vitiligo (White Patches Without Pigmentation) Nails - Gold French Tips (Yes, They’re Glittery) Body Type - Lean, but with Some Body Fat Extras - He has studs in his ear lobes, but his left ear has a bar through the cartilage (called an Industrial), and has a rook and inner conch piercing within that ear. His right ear has three helix piercings and a daith. He thinks it looks cool; this is questionable. (Link to Piercing Types) Sexuality? - Gay; Useless Gay

Detailed Description:

His personality is mature and respectful, but he knows how to remain relaxed and loose with clients. He’s usually all business with people like Lucifer and Barbatos or even Simeon. He’s not personally spoken to Barbatos or Diavolo by the time Obey Me starts. He’s cheeky and gets away with shit because he never loses. This includes arguments, bets, and whatever ventures he gets into. He’s granted his favor to Mammon, but keeps it on the down low by only granting it to him when Mammon sits at his table.

Earrings - He has gold earrings with rubies or citrine. Occasionally switches to stainless steel and rubies if he’s doing events at the casino. Doesn’t do gauges for himself, but some people can pull it off and he’d be the guy to ask “Can I poke it?”

Clothes, Casual - When he’s not working he wears black slim fit pants and a long sleeved, red v-neck. His jacket is a cropped bomber jacket with red material on the outside and black on the inside. Preferring boots, he chooses thigh high, steel toed, stiletto boots that he custom orders from Majolish. Steel toed because he’s had his feet crushed by demons stumbling into him, stilettos to make a statement. He’s forgotten why he started wearing these boots, he just knows he loves them. He accents with stainless steel or gold and rubies or citrine.

Clothes, Work - A grey dress shirt with a red vest, he also has to wear a black bow tie and handkerchief. His dress shoes and pants are black. He can’t wear watches, rings, or other jewelry that could be taken off of him while he’s dealing. His earrings are an exception because it’s expected that he’d be able to tell if someone was trying to steal them. Mammon has in fact stolen a stud from his left ear because Red was busy arguing with a gambler and his date, but we don’t talk about that.

Demon Form - His horns are shorter versions of a scimitar horned oryx. (Image from Fossil Rim) He has two sets of wings similar to Asmodeus, but higher than where Asmo’s sit. His shirt is black with a sheer, glittery, red mesh sewn over the black material. There’s no back to it, but a red leather collar holds the shirt up in the front. His pants are black leather and his shoes are steel toed combat boots. He has a red belt with gold chains coming off of his belt loops on the front to the sides. His marks go up his back to his neck and look like crescent moons. Rubies and citrine gems accent his clothes on any buckles, clasps, or jewelry pieces seen on him. His jewelry includes a ring on his right thumb (octagon cut), his right ring finger (band with embeds), his left pinkie (round cut), and left middle finger (antique cushion cut). He also wears a gold chain with a skeleton key as a necklace. (Link for Gemstone Cuts)

OCCUPATION:

As a Casino Croupier, Red usually deals games of poker, rummy, or various other card games at “The Gauntlet Casino.” He makes sure everyone is being honest and keeps them from cheating. As a demon lord, the nearest thing he’d be considered as is the “Avatar of Favor” which was the Devildom’s closest equivalent to the Celestial Realm’s “Angel of Generosity.” His domain is for favoring others, ensuring favorable outcomes, helping others see gratification through the act of exchanging favors, and even over the transference of gifts or souvenirs. This doesn’t seem like much and is thus overlooked more often than it is analysed.

How it Works - All Red does is “wish” for an outcome that will benefit Mammon and it happens. It’s an instant guarantee that Mammon will win. If Red “wished” for a favorable outcome that benefited himself, Leviathan, Asmodeus, or even Diavolo, then he’s guaranteed that will happen. When he “wishes” he is reaching through a set future and manipulating the timeline he’s in to achieve an outcome he desires. He pulls the outcome he wants from one timeline and uses that to replace the less favorable outcome. He could do the opposite of this as well which is seen as him “taking away” someone’s favor. He does expend energy each time his favor is given to someone other than himself. If he gives it to them repeatedly in quick succession his fatigue and other symptoms (re: headaches and nausea, etc) will become harder to ignore until he eventually passes out. Mammon never plays at his table long enough for Red to start to succumb to the effects of pulling at the threads of Fate, but he’s always been careful to not get caught using his abilities regardless.

Why it Works - Red favors Mammon and shows him preferential treatment within the casino. Of course, he’s working, and therefore must always smile, be courteous, and remain polite with all guests. Any perceived preferential treatment, like when he ensures he deals to Mammon first every time or offers the demon free drinks on him, is usually written off as “Red is dealing to one of The Demon Lords, one of The Avatars of Sin therefore he has to on his BEST behavior.” This is beneficial for both Mammon and Red because when Mammon sits in front of Red he uses his powers to ensure the game ends in a favorable outcome for Mammon. He doesn’t use magic on the cards, doesn’t shuffle to ensure Mammon gets good cards, nor do he or Mammon hide cards up their sleeves or cheat their way through the games. Instead, Red sits, shuffles, deals, and ensures the game goes smoothly and fairly. He does his job, and Mammon. Always. Wins.

Bonus Facts:

As a useless gay he develops feelings for someone and can never ask them out or invite them to places with others. He even struggles to accept relationship opportunities/offers that seem obvious to others. He’s incredibly gay for Mammon. He acts like a dependable and diligent gentleman around Lucifer, which Lucifer approves of, and then goofs off and does stupid shit with Mammon, wherein Lucifer cannot catch them doing anything wrong despite knowing they had something to do with [insert chaotic incident here]. He has a love for pranking others and has pranked Lucifer with an ink bottle that doesn’t give ink unless tipped upside down. He got Satan, with Mammon’s help, by enchanting a cat book to behave like a cat; it clawed Satan and if he tries to read it for too long the book throws a fit and attacks him.

Mammon and Red do a lot of gambling, drinking, and partying together. Red’s even met all of Mammon’s witches and has helped shave off some of his debt with them.

Masterlist

#shall we date obey me #obey me original character #obey me demon oc #demon powers are difficult to explain #please enjoy my oc dump #ask me about my ocs

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way-to-the-future · 5 years ago

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seven items // Castor Arendt

I. SIX PISTOLS

Three pairs of pistols of an antique design - flintlock with tempered mythrite barrels, modified to fire both ceruleum and aethersand shells. Their craftsmanship is impressive, with small stylings in silver and gold on the butt and the barrel. They’ve seen years of use, but are well cared for - Castor performs maintenance obsessively.

“From my father. Rare that one of his gifts to me should see such use.”

II. KERCHIEF

A simple cloth is more than just that; it’s in the way Castor carries himself. What he is prepared to do. He’s a professional, not a thug; a man worth respecting, not the dregs of the street. Plus, marksmanship is dirty business.

“A gentleman is always prepared.”

III. SPANNER

Nothing quite says engineering like the ability to apply torque at the drop of a hat. Like all his tools, this one is well-maintained - even if the heavy, abraded head seems to have been employed outside of its primary use case, judging by faded dark red stains.

“Most of my work involves taking things apart, not putting them back together. A wrench suits.”

IV. SWORD

Like his other weapons, this long sword has seen significant modification to meet Castor’s needs. Its light and well-balanced enough to be wielded one handed - provided you have Castor’s strength - without compromising its edge or durability. Fine, layered steel seems to have been aetherochemically treated, giving it its strange dark sheen. Recently, Castor has been making modifications to the guard - what he intends is hard to say, but it looks as though the hilt has been retooled to contain some kind of mechanism.

“Who doesn’t like a good row, every once in a while? This beauty helps me to keep my options open.”

V. CHARMS

Recently, Castor has taken to wearing a plain necklace with two carved charms - one wooden, the other smooth stone. The designs of the patterns are different enough to suggest two different makers.

“They’re gifts. It would be rude not to use gifts.”

VI. CANISTERS

Handmade crude iron cylinders, treated to contain a small amount of unprocessed ceruleum. Castor rarely carries more than a few, but he uses them to deadly effect as incendiary grenades.

“It might be a bit gruesome, but no one is going to argue the effectiveness of Garlean fire used on Garleans.”

VII. EARRINGS

More baubles than any one man could ever reasonably need. Jewels, precious metals, rendered in hoops, loops, chains, studs, and bars - each one as intricate as the last. He wears them well, and frequently toys with them when there’s something on his mind.

“A little something to set myself apart. Many, little somethings.”

Tagged by: @yshai-tia (thank you bud!)

Tagging: @placesyoucallhome @seenovistaprint @blue-hazewhite-light @shadowburgers @ffxiv-sunderedsouls @an-honest-waltz @twofaced-xiv @sharlayanwanderer @shieldbcund. If I didn’t tag you and you want to do this, please do and tag me in it! new friends are around so I’d love to know who to tag in the future :>

#obligatory don't do this if you don't wanna but I love you #shai is right this was hard #but fun #as per usual #tag memes #mens sana

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butididntpourthewhiskeys · 5 years ago

Text

L O V E B O U N D

“Familybound - Part II”

Guys, a BIG thanks goes to @absent-minded-swiftie for sending me this old piece that I’ve written once. I hope you enjoy reading it xx Happy Thursday

“You do realize though that this view is insane right? There’s literally no place affordable in this town with such a view, I swear.“ Cara mumbles amazed while standing in front of the big window fronts in Taylor’s living room. “Don’t be distracted by the fact that she acts like a normal person. This place is still not affordable at all.“ Joe mumbles from the wooden table at the end of the big room while looking into his laptop. Taylor, who still comfortably sits on the couch behind Cara, just rolls her eyes at her boyfriend. He thinks he’s so clever and funny with his little snarky remarks today. Cara slowly trots back to the couch and smiles at Taylor before sitting down next to her again. Taylor now looks out of the window again and sighs. It’s grey and cold outside. It’s that kind of weather that is not cold enough for snow but too cold to enjoy being outside at all. Plus the rain.

God, this really is England.

Cara just places her hand over Taylor’s, has clearly noticed how lost she has been in her own thoughts. “But I’m serious, Tay. He’s right. You’re gonna be fine.“, Cara tells her friend, sips on her cup of tea once more before placing the big grey mug on the wooden coffee table again. She then looks at Taylor who just nods silently, still not really believing what her friend tells her. The two girls were casually hanging out in Taylor’s living room, two cats wandering across the room and her favorite chill- out playlist filling the room with comfortable songs that are making this grey and cold day at least a bit more cozy and warm. Taylor, who has changed her posture with a sigh, just looks from Cara to her boyfriend who winks at Cara in response after overhearing the girls’ conversation. “Can you imagine the level of chaos in his life If someone sees me? I mean, I’m all in for going to the movies but..“

“Babe. We’re sitting in a darkened room with people who are focused on a massive screen in front of them.“ Joe interrupts her with a sigh, sounding a bit tired, while answering a couple of emails. He knows her well and he knows that she has the tendency to work herself up into situations that most of the time turn out to not be difficult at all. Cara just looks at Taylor and laughs quietly while stirring the spoon in her tea. “Your gentleman of a boyfriend is taking you to one of the shabbiest cinemas in town. The chance of being all alone in there anyway because nobody in this town wants to go there is outstandingly high, Taylor.“ the model mumbles amused before placing her empty cup of tea right in front of her again. Joe clears his throat with a reproachful undertone. Taylor looks from Cara to Joe and back at Cara and smiles confused. “You British people with all your inside jokes..“ she mumbles, clearly not amused that Joe and Cara both seem to have gotten the joke, but she didn’t.

“I’m taking you to Vue Cinema, which is.. not the most elegant choice of cinemas in town but there’re literally no people there most of the time, so..“ “But that sounds good.“ Taylor answers him enthusiastic, looks back at Cara who slowly pets Meredith next to her, clearly amused about the situation. “Yeah, I mean. It’s just really hilarious to think that he would probably never take any girlfriend to this shabby place but because he’s dating Taylor Swift he thought to himself ‘mhm, what is the most disgusting place in town? Oh right, that’s where I’m taking her to for date night‘“ Cara mimics and Taylor throws her head back laughing. It’s funny to think of the situation that way. Joe just sighs, clearly amused as well, but shakes his head dramatically.

“You’re an awful person, Cara Delevigne.“ Joe mumbles, still focused on his MacBook, desperately searching for the original copy of a script that his manager had just sent him yesterday. “I love you too, guys. But I’m gonna head home now.“ she casually answers, slowly let’s go off the cat that was just getting comfortable on the cushion right next to her. Taylor nods, fixes a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re still more than welcome to join us tonight. Even though the choice of movie theatre might not meet your standards.“ Taylor jokes and Cara pulls her into a soft hug. “Thanks but I’m actually going onto a date tonight, so..“ Even Joe, who was casually sitting on one of the leather chairs with his grey pants and a white shirt now looks up from his laptop screen and widens his eyes, clearly impressed. Taylor looks at Cara just as surprised as her boyfriend and immediately reaches out to hold onto Cara’s arm. “What? And you’re telling me this now? Who? How? Details please?“ she says, clearly excited. Even Joe now fully turns around in his chair, grabs his cup of tea that has almost become cold by now and takes a sip.

“Spill the beans, honey.“ he jokes in an American accent, has lifted up his voice to sound like Taylor. Cara just rolls her eyes at Joe laughing while Taylor casually ignores him, way too focused on Cara in front of her. “It’s nothing special. I just met this girl in Miami last week and she’s in town, so we’re having a couple of drinks. Nothing more.“ she says and Taylor nods. “Okay, but tell me how it went, okay?“ she states and Cara casually nods before getting up. She walks past Joe and gives him a high five before saying goodbye.

He can still hear low noises of the girls in the hallway, way too focused on the email he’s about to send to his management team. A couple of minutes later, Joe still finds himself sitting on the exact same table, head in his hands, clearly overwhelmed by the amount of work that lies ahead of him in the next months. The digital calendar on his laptop is marked in so many different colors, all of them standing for the amount of flights, meetings, auditions and shootings he’ll have before Christmas. His stare drifts off to the big window at the end of the room. It’s slowly getting dark outside and the city lights of London are far away, almost blurry. The smell of Taylor’s candles has now finally filled the room entirely.

And he loves it. It smells like her.

Just when Joe was about to reply to another email of his manager about a fitting with some costume designer of the movie he’s currently starring in, he feels two hands slowly wrapping themselves around his torso. One over his shoulder, one around his chest and a warm face that is slowly being pressed into the side of his neck. He feels a soft kiss being pressed onto his skin and he immediately smiles silently. “Hey.“ he mumbles quietly and feels her slowly letting go off him. He automatically pulls his chair back and gives her access to fully sit down on his lap, sideways, and with both hands wrapped around his neck. “Hey.“ she smiles, still make up free and her hair in a little curly ponytail, right in her neck. She comes closer to him and kisses him softly, knows that she probably acts like a little child. Not kissing him for two hours while Cara came by was definitely too long for her taste. Joe smiles, both arms wrapped around her waist now. His work can suddenly wait. She’s the worst distraction he has ever known. “So when do you have to leave tomorrow?“ she asks quietly, looks at his face with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She hates the fact that he’ll be gone for two days. She hates it. And she knows how childish it is to create such a drama for herself, just because he’ll be gone for 48 hours. It’s childish. She’s well aware that there will come times when they’ll be separated for even more than 48 hours. It’s childish and immature yet she can’t help it. She’s addicted to him. To him and his beautiful character. His beautiful smile.

“I think I’ll get picked up at around 10am. So.. sleeping in. At least.“ he mumbles into her side, lets his head rest on her shoulder for a few seconds before pressing a kiss onto it, right over the burgundy shirt she’s wearing. Taylor automatically places her hand on his scalp, scratches him gently. She knows how much he loves that. “Yeah, sounds good.“ she yawns, still tired from this early morning, just as much as him. Joe then slowly looks up again, gently smiling at her. She looks cute when she’s tired. “What do you want to eat before leaving?“ he asks her, feels a bit hungry by now. Taylor’s eyes wander outside again. She’s clearly uninspired when it comes to her food cravings tonight.

“How about I get us something from that kebab shop we went to? The one where..“ “Oh my god, yes!“ she answers euphorically, realized just now that that was exactly what she was craving. He laughs at her sudden excitement and leans in for another kiss. “Let me put on some clothes and I’ll be back in twenty.“ he says and Taylor lets him get up, moves on his lap herself.

It takes even less than twenty minutes for him to come back from the cold. It’s fully dark outside now. Taylor and Joe both get comfortable on the antique wooden table in the spacious living room, both talk about their plans for the next weeks, discuss appropriate birthday presents for his Dad and laugh about a meme she has found on Tumblr. After having everything cleaned up afterwards, Taylor disappears upstairs to get ready for the movie theatre with him. Joe, who was texting a friend, looks up surprised as his girlfriend walks down the stairs. He can’t help but let out a few breaths of amusement. She wears a hazelnut brown wig that almost looks like as If she’s a redhead. Her grey shirt and her blue Jeans support this casual look. He gets up and examines her slowly. Taylor blushes. She feels ridiculous as always whenever she tries to pull off a disguise, being well aware that she most likely looks like she forgot that Halloween is already over.

“Say hello to your girlfriend Shelby.“ she then smirks at him, tries to not let him notice how uncomfortable she really is, standing there in front of him with this ridiculous wig. Joe can’t help but bite his lip though. It’s incredibly sexy to even think about her switching personalities and watch her wink at him in this red wig. He laughs, slowly touches the fake hair. “Hi, Shelby.“ he just mumbles with a smirk on his face. Taylor laughs at his facial expression. He really seems to like that look on her.

“I’ve never dated a girl with red hair.“ He admits and Taylor laughs. “Well, you see. You get to be with so many girls when you’re with me.“ She answers casually and he smirks.

“Ready?“ He asks and Taylor nods, right before grabbing her coat that is hanging loosely over the sofa. Joe and her slowly leave the house and talk to Brandon on the way to the cinema, joking about her wig and how she’s “Shelby Swoft” tonight, a British girl with a fake American accent. Before leaving the car, she has to ensure Brandon once more that she’ll be fine and that he can wait in the car outside. Joe and her quickly get out. A cold wind strikes her face and she shivers immediately. The movie has started already and therefore, it’s almost empty in the little hallway. Joe steps up to buy the tickets for them and Taylor just pulls out her phone. She’s still anxious whenever she finds herself in normal situations like these with him. She still has these little moments where she feels like an idiot, unable to remember that her disguise has worked multiple times before and unable to calm down. She takes a deep breath, answers to a text message from Martha, just to distract herself a bit. She then feels Joe’s arm on her back again and starts to walk to one of the auditoriums with him. He quickly grabs her hand again and smiles at her.

“Everything alright, Shelby?“ he whispers and Taylor responds with a nod. “Shelby’s cold but good.“ He kisses her cold hands one time with a smile on his face. It’s a reassuring smile. Because he knows that she’s nervous and he gets it. But at the same time, he’s just so proud that he can make her do these things. It makes him proud to think that life couldn’t be more complicated for her, yet everything becomes normal with him in it. Because that’s all he wants to be. A part of her life. A part of her happiness.

When they enter the darkened room, the commercials on the screen are slowly coming to an end. They sit down right at the side of the seating area. Taylor holds her breath. She looks around. There’re only a few people in the cinema, probably even less than ten. None of them have even looked up when they entered the room. It worked. It really worked. After quietly pulling off her coat, Taylor immediately reaches for Joe’s arm. He gladly pulls his arm around her and Taylor buries herself in his chest. She’s happy about tonight. It was one of his great ideas. And it worked. She couldn’t be happier.

“Thanks.“ she whispers and Joe looks down at her in confusion. The movie slowly starts but Joe looks down at his girlfriend, who’s cuddling herself now even more into his chest. “For what?“ He asks and she slowly comes up to kiss his cheek softly. “For making me to do these things.“ He smiles, slowly sinks his head to kiss hers. Feeling the wig under his lips is not the same. “Can I just say..“ he whispers and Taylor looks up at him. “Shelby is great but Taylor’s my favorite.“ She can’t help but laugh quietly. He smirks. “Lucky you, cause that’s the one you’ll be getting tonight. Shelby may do movie theaters but Taylor does a lot more other things..“ she teases, biting her lip. Joe smirks back at her, asks himself how this woman can go from angel to devil in less than ten seconds. He responds a quiet “sounds good.“ And kisses her again before finally settling down to watch the movie. Taylor in his arm and her head on his chest. That’s how it should always be, in his opinion.

________________________________________

A phone rings, at the end of the room. Taylor who’s still deep asleep doesn’t move, doesn’t realize that the ringing sound in fact is a thing and not just part of her dream. Joe on the contrary, realizes quickly that the disturbing sound is his iPhone that was plugged in at the other side of the room. He groans, already mad at whoever of his mates calls him in the middle of the night, probably drunk as fuck. He slowly lets go of his girlfriend who is still asleep in front of him. Joe quietly gets up. In just his boxers, he wanders across the room. He’s clearly confused when the caller ID shows an unknown number. Taylor suddenly stirs, confused about the fact that she can hear Joe’s low voice at the end of the room, realizes just now that he has left the bed. She sleepily scratches her head, then sits up a bit. It’s still dark in the room. Taylor turns her head.

02.21 am. Who on earth is calling him in the middle of the night?

Being certain that Joe will tell his drunk friends to stop calling him at this hour of the night, Taylor falls back into the pillow, closes her eyes once more. She then realizes that Joe sounds different, doesn’t talk the way he usually would talk to his lads.

In just that moment, Taylor feels unusually awake.

She sits up, holds the blanket onto her chest and sees him standing there. His hair still messed up from sleeping, his hand on his forehead. He looks shocked. Taylor swallows, immediately crawls out of bed and turns on the small night lamp. She slowly grabs his shirt that’s laying on the floor next to her side. Taylor slept in nothing but her panties after making love to him right before they went to bed last night. She slips the big white t- shirt over her naked body and walks up to him. He notices her now, seems way too distracted to look at her though. She quickly grants him a worried look and places her head next to the phone to understand what the other person is telling him while Joe just casually answers with “Yes, alright.“ and “Where are they now“. Taylor feels goosebumps on her skin. She suddenly has this horrible assumption that something might has happened to his parents. Or his brother? She feels her heart beating faster as he suddenly mumbles a “Can you give me the address, please?“. She quickly lets go off his arm where she was holding onto and watches Joe wander downstairs to desperately find something to write on. She follows him slowly, eager to know who’s calling him. As she finds Joe in the kitchen downstairs with a pen and an old receipt from Tesco, she remains right next to him. She can sense that he is agitated, remains as polite as always yet shakes his head in disbelieve every few seconds. Taylor then looks at the receipt. He has written down an address. Winchester. Isn’t that where Patrick went for his class trip? She swallows.

Patrick.

Taylor then looks at her boyfriend again, who just ended the call, aggressively throws his phone onto the counter right in front of him. “Who..“

“I can’t believe how stupid someone can possibly be..“ he shakes his head, clearly emphasized his ‘stupid‘ which just shows that he really is upset. Standing almost naked right next to him, Taylor just places her hand on his shoulder. “What happened?“ she asks again, can’t believe that he makes her wait since minutes to let her know what this phone call was about. “My parents aren’t in town so I.. I have to fucking pick up Patrick. They found weed and cocaine at the boys room and.. apparently Patrick is the only one who admitted that it’s his, so..“

“What?“ she caws again, fells like she misheard what he just said. She just looks at him and Joe is pale. She has never seen him like this. Obviously. The words “Patrick“ and “Weed“ and “Cocaine“ in one sentence do not make any sense to her. Not at all.

“Are you sure that it’s his? I mean..“

“Of course.“ he hisses, anger in his voice. He then, suddenly, realizes how his tone has changed while talking to her and then immediately looks at her, for the first time tonight. “God, I’m so sorry. I’m..“

“No, baby. It’s fine.“ Taylor assures him, can clearly see in the way he stands there that he feels like losing his mind. The thought that his little fourteen year old brother has slipped into things like cocaine clearly is a shock.

“We’ll just.. put on some clothes and pick him up and talk to him. Okay? I’m sure..“

“You don’t have to come with me.“ he says and looks at her, but she just lets out an ironic laugh. There’s no way she’ll let him drive over there alone. “Of course I will. Let’s just put on some clothes and..“

“It’s almost two hours away.“ Joe says, feels bad for Taylor already. She was so tired last night and the fact that she now has to drive four hours in a car with him just pick up his irritated teenage brother is making him feel bad. He loves how supportive she is, but this is something serious. This is something about his brother that she shouldn’t have to deal with. But the blonde girl in front of him just smiles calmly, places her hand on his cheek and leans up to kiss his lips sloppily. “It’s really fine. Really. C’mon.“ she says and rushes upstairs with him.

As soon as they enter her bedroom again, Joe pulls on a pair of jeans and a sweater. He doesn’t feel able to think straight right now, doesn’t know what to tell her. Is he disappointed? Yes. Angry? Hell yes. But most of all he’s worried. Worried about the youngest one in his family. Taylor does just the same. She silently puts on a pair of jeans as well as a grey sweater and grabs a burgundy colored beanie out of her closet. She puts it on, then shares a look at him. As crazy as this situation is, they both can’t help but laugh for a second. They’re matching clothes. Again.

“Do you want me to ask Brandon, or..“

“If It’s okay for you I would rather take my car because I offered them to drop off some other boys at their parent’s houses as well and.. I don’t know. It’s not going to be a convo I want to have in front of..” “No, It’s fine. I get it. I’ll ask him to stay behind us. Okay?“

“You really don’t have to come with me. I’ll be fine. Just go back to sleep and..“

“Shut up, Joseph.“ she shoots back, not even listening to whatever he’s going to tell her next, just grabs her phone that was on the night table next to the bed. He can’t help but feel an enormous amount of thankfulness while watching her storm off into the bathroom, brushing her teeth within a matter of seconds. It’s overwhelming to feel her support. To know that she’d drop everything just to take a drive with him, to the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night, to deal with his immature brother.

Taylor leans her head against the cold car window. She yawns quietly, her eyes focusing on the empty and dark road. Nobody is on the street. Only the headlights lighting up the road.

It’s quiet. No surprise.

This drive is definitely not one of the fun road trips they usually take through the English country side with music blasting loudly through the car. She slowly turns her head, looks at her boyfriend who’s driving. He’s silent, his face laced with a scowl. She has never seen him so angry and terrified at the same time. And she gets it. She absolutely gets it. Getting to know Patrick, Taylor knew from the very first moment on that he’s a good kid. That Patrick is insecure which is normal at that age but that he has his heart in the right place, just like Joe does. She can’t really believe that Patrick would consume something as dangerous as cocaine. Weed on the other hand is something that most boys have consumed before, even though it’s illegal. Her brother might have as well. But being fourteen definitely is too early. Way too early.

“Are you still cold? Should I gear up the heater?“ he suddenly breaks the silence, still focused on the road. Taylor just moves in her seat, slowly puts her hands on her beanie, fixing it. “No, I’m good. Do you wanna talk about it?“ she asks carefully. Joe swallows, then sighs. His right elbow casually placed on the car window while keeping his hands on the steering wheel. “I’m just.. confused.“ he says slowly. Taylor immediately reaches for his hand that was casually placed in his lap while driving just with one hand. She intertwines their hands and strokes the back of his hand slowly. She loves that about him. She loves the fact that he just simply opens up. There’re no mind games with Joe. There’s never silence or difficulties when it comes to him. He grants her clarity and openness in moments in which there had always been confusion with her Exes.

“Of course you are.“ she answers quietly, leaves him some space to clear his head. “I mean.. I’ve done weed. At.. sixteen, I think. And I’ve done stupid things like.. going drunk to school or bringing alcohol to my grandma’s funeral, but..“

“What?“ she suddenly interrupts him with a horrified but amused look. Even he has to smile lightly at her shock. She sometimes can’t believe the hilarious stories he tells her about his teenager years.

“But the thing is.. Patrick, he.. he knew exactly that some teachers have their eyes on him because he did stupid things last year, like.. skipping classes and cheating on tests and.. he’s literally on the edge of failing some classes anyway this year. So.. I just don’t get why he’d do this? My mum is going to.. she’s going to be so worried about him. I mean.. cocaine? Is he mental? Where the fuck does he even get this stuff at fourteen? What kind of a person would sell this to a child?“ he rants and Taylor tightens the grip around his hand. She feels how he suddenly becomes more and more emotional, clearly affected by his worries.

“Hey, Joe. Calm down.“ she says calmly, just quiet enough to make him take a deep breath. She has never seen him like this. Never before. He doesn’t even move his hand that is in hers, clearly glad that she’s there with him.

“First of all, we don’t know Patrick’s side of the story yet. We don’t know If it really was his or if he was just covering for some of his friends. So the first thing you should do is talk to him and let him tell you his side of the story before jumping to any conclusions. I know you’re worried but he deserves a chance to explain himself first and..“

“He deserves to get his ass kicked. That’s what he deserves.“ Joe just mumbles grumpily. Taylor sighs, looks at him and rolls her eyes. “Baby.“ she warns him.

“He’s gonna get expelled. The school’s gonna report him to the police. Do you know that he won’t find a college that accepts him If he has a drug report?“ Joe rants. Taylor stays quiet. He’s right. With everything he says. And telling him to calm down would be more than wrong. The situation is bad and she’s well aware of that.

“If that is the case, we’ll find a specialized lawyer. He’s fourteen. This is not the end of the..“

“What if he’s really into this shit? I mean.. what if he’s an addict? And that’s the reason why his grades sunk and..“

“Baby, stop.“ Taylor finally interrupts him. He seems to lose his mind slowly. She looks at him and he just sighs. She feels how he tightens the grip on his hand, squeezes her hand one time.

He needs her. He really needs her a lot right now.

“Whatever it is.. there will be a solution. He’s a smart and good kid and whatever the reason for this may be.. it’s just a mistake. Young people do stupid things and..“

“I’m so sorry that I’m dragging you into this.“ he slowly interrupts her. His hand still in hers, his tired eyes on the road ahead. She just shakes her head. She seems off. Joe looks at her quickly, but she looks away, out of the window into the darkness. They’re still the only ones on the road. The sound of the engine the only noise in the middle of the night.

“Did I say something wrong?“ he murmurs under his breath, not sure If he’s getting her wrong.

“Yes.“ she answers him, a lot more reserved than he would’ve wished. Yet her hand is in his. And she’s not letting go. Not at all.

“You think that me going with you to pick up your little brother means you’re dragging me into something?“ she asks him with an angry undertone. He doesn’t know what to answer her and he doesn’t have to because she simply continues talking. “It’s just.. you always include me in so many things when it comes to your family and I’m always so thrilled and thankful and then you say something like this. As if I.. as if I shouldn’t be included or..“

“Baby, you got this totally wrong.“ he immediately answers her, “I want you to be included no matter what. It’s just.. this is not one of these fun and.. and joyful family moments and I don’t want to scare you away or think worse of my brother or..“

“I would never, Joe. Never. I love them and I love you.“ she interrupts him with a shaky voice. She’s emotional. Joe turns his head and sees the look on her face. She doesn’t cry but she really needs him to know. Joe immediately raises his hand that was holding hers. He leads their intertwined hands to his mouth and kisses the back of her hand at least five times.

“I’m an idiot. I’m an asshole, tonight. I just.. I feel like going crazy. I’m so sorry that I made you feel as If you shouldn’t be included in this or.. as If you wouldn’t love me or my family as much as you do. I’m just sorry. About this drama and the fact that you didn’t get enough sleep because of my crazy family again. Love you, that’s all.“ he casually says and she smiles tiredly at him. Her hand still receiving some sluggish kisses while he’s focused on the road. It’s still pretty dark in the car and just the little lights from the dashboard of the car light up his face.

He’s so beautiful. She will never have enough of this. Of him. Of the way they can just talk about every argument and solve it with their open communication. No mind games. Just two people working it out. “You’re not an asshole. But I love you, too.“ she says quietly, almost a whisper. He looks at her one time again and smiles slightly. Taylor places her hand on his hair, scratches the back of his head a few minutes. She then leans in and kisses his cheek softly. Just when she sat back again in the seat that is now warm because of the heating system in the car, Taylor notices that he takes the next exit off the road.

“What are you doing?“ she asks, followed by a big yawn. “Refueling. Why don’t you sleep a little?“ Taylor shakes her head.

“No, I’ll try to stay awake now. If not I’ll feel even worse as soon as we get there..“ Joe stops the car as soon as they’ve reached the gas stop. The yellow petrol station light illuminating the car. She can now fully look at him again. His eyes are puffy. He’s so worried, she can sense that.

“Are you okay staying here, or..“

“Brandon’s right behind, I’m good.“ she smiles at him, tries to make him feel her support. He has been the sun on her darkest days for over a year now. He has pulled himself back to make her feel better, to support her so many times. Now it’s her turn. Now she can finally try and give back and be there for him. Now she gets to be the sunshine for him.

“Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.“ he says and leaves the car. Taylor watches him filling up the tank in the rearview mirror. He then turns around to Brandon, signals him that everything’s fine. Taylor yawns again. She then takes her phone and checks her mails. It’s only 9.30pm in Nashville right now, and her mom has sent her a video of Kitty playing with some of Olivia’s toys. She smiles. If only they knew in how much trouble Joe’s brother is at this moment.

The car door then suddenly opens and Joe sits down next to her again. This time a warm cup of coffee and a candy bar in his hand. “There you go, this is for you.“ he says and gives both to his girlfriend. Taylor, who’s still in her favorite sweater and her beanie hat, just smiles. “Oh, thanks babe. You never forget to feed me.“ she smiles and takes a sip of the coffee. That’s exactly what she needed. “Can I have a hug in return?“ he mumbles, was just about to buckle up again. Taylor smiles warmly. She immediately places the hot cup in the holder next to her and the candy bar remains on her lap. She places her hand on his cheek and gives him a soft kiss. He smiles. She tastes like coffee and her favorite Burt’s Bees chapstick that she always uses each morning after getting up. She then wraps her hands around his upper back and head, presses her face sideways into his neck. Joe takes a deep breath. He’s so glad she’s here.

“He’s going to be fine. I know it.“ she whispers and holds him tightly. She won’t let go. Joe then slowly pulls back after a while. He smiles at her thankfully. “And you know that I’m always right, so..“ Joe quietly laughs at her smart remark. She’s right though. That, he has to admit. “Correct.“ He smiles while starting the car once more. “You know what I just thought?“ she smirks as he slowly drives onto the driveway again, both eyes focused on the empty street and Brandon right behind them. “What?“ “This is going to be a good story we can tell when he’s getting married one day. Like, oh Patrick please don’t forget that one time we drove two hours to get you in the middle of the night, you know.“

Joe smirks. She’s right. “And who mentions that part about the weed then?“

“We’ll decide that later on. As long as no one mentions my little walk of shame in front of his friends yesterday morning..“ she mumbles, while sipping on her coffee and looking out of the window. Joe laughs. “God, I almost forgot about that..“ he laughs and she punches him softly. “I really hope his friends from this morning aren’t the ones that we have to pick up as well..“ she whines and he laughs quietly. “I don’t think so, babe. These boys’ parents are apparently gone as well and they all have to be at the headmasters office tomorrow morning so.. I was asked by the teacher to get them as well.“ he says and sighs. He really is more than annoyed about this nightly trip. “Did they call your mom as well?“ She asks while looking out the window and into the sky. It’s still dark but the sky has turned into a lighter shade of dark blue. The sun’s still far away from rising yet it’s getting later.

“No, just me. Because they only have my number, so.. Do you think I should call her?“ He asks and looks at her. Taylor sighs, her free hand reaching for his. “Not yet. I think you should.. talk to Patrick first. And then call them later. Everything else will just freak them out even more.“ Taylor says and he nods. As so often, she’s right. A calm silence overcomes the two. Joe keeps on driving and Taylor sips on her coffee ever now and then. She then looks onto the road ahead, enjoys the moment. As weird as it sounds. But they’re alone. Absolutely alone. Nobody distracting him, nobody watching them.

“I know this probably sounds wrong but.. this is nice.“ she says then, looks at him. He frowns quickly, confused but waits for her to continue. “You and me and the fact that we’re doing this together.“ Joe looks at her for a second and all he sees as he looks back at the road is her warm smile. Now he’s the one reaching for her hand. “Yeah. And I’d like to do these things together with you for a very, very long time.“ “So you wanna pick up our kids after they were found with weed on a class trip, too?“ she jokes and he smirks silently.

“Patrick will do that. We’ll be on a holiday then, trust me.“ He says and makes her laugh a little before continuing to finish her coffee.

________________________________________

“Baby?“ She hears his soft voice, suddenly opens her eyes. Her neck feels a bit stiff and the car isn’t moving anymore. She feels his hand on her face. The sun slowly begins to rise and it’s not as dark anymore as in the moment where her eyes closed. “Did I.. did I fall asleep?“ she mumbles, rubbing her eyes disoriented. “Yeah. We’re here. I don’t think you should come with me, maybe you can stay in the car? There’re a lot of teenagers in there and..“

“Mhm, yeah.“ she answers him and he quickly pulls in to give her a kiss. “I’ll be back in a minute.“

“Do you want me to drive home with Brandon so you can talk to him alone or..“

“I’d love if you were here, but you don’t have to..“

“I’ll be here. Now go in there and don’t punch anyone right away. Promise?“ she interrupts and grants him a last smile. He kisses her again, then slowly leaves the car.

“Promise.“

Taylor looks how he disappears from the parking lot. There’s nothing but huge bushes in front of her. She loosens the belt around her torso, turns around to get a better look of where they are. The hostel looks really nice, seems to be hidden in a little forest, far away from everything. The building though cannot be seen from the parking lot where he left the car. The only thing that can be seen though is the ambulance that has parked on the other side of the parking spot, right where the little road leads to the hostel. She swallows. What a crazy night. It takes exactly five minutes until she can hear footsteps on the gravel path. She turns her head and sees two familiar persons walking towards the car. One tall man with a deep frown on his face and one boy with his backpack that looks just as devastated as the other one. Taylor can’t help but smile. They look like twins.

The car opens and Joe sits down next to her. He’s tense. She feels it. Patrick seems to place his backpack in the trunk first. Taylor squeezes his hand quickly, doesn’t have to talk to communicate with him.

Are you okay?

Yes.

In just that moment Patrick enters the car, quietly sits down in the backseat. It’s still dark outside. None of the boys are saying a word.

“Hi Taylor.“ she hears a slow mumble from behind. She slowly turns around and looks at Patrick. He’s pale. He looks shocked. She swallows. “Hey.“ she says warmly, then turns around to face Joe again. His hands are glued to the steering wheel even though he didn’t start car yet.

“Where are the other boys?“ she asks and Joe answers.

“Getting their stuff.“ he answers quickly. Taylor nods. She shouldn’t say much more. This awkward moment is not really any of her business. She’s here to support Joe, but she shouldn’t start the awkward conversation that’s bound to happen.

“I’m not gonna ask this in front of the others so.. why did you do it?“ Joe asks. He looks angry. Disappointed. Taylor swallows, looks into the darkness of the bushes right in front of the car. It’s probably four in the morning. Way too early for such a conversation.

“Did what?“

“Do you think I’m stupid?“

“I didn’t.. take the cocaine. What did they tell you?“

“That they found weed and cocaine and that you admitted that it was yours.“

"I did but.. I didn’t take the cocaine. Really.“ Patrick says and Taylor freezes. She looks at Joe and he still seems tense. More tense than she’s ever seen him.

“Why do you have it then?“ Patrick doesn’t say anything. Joe turns his head.

“Speak up.“

Patrick still doesn’t answer.

“We drove two fucking hours to get your stupid ass and you don’t even feel the need to answer me? What a fucking ignorant..“

“Hey.“ Taylor interrupts him. He’s about to freak out and yelling won’t bring them any further. He looks at her one time and immediately feels how much she calms him with just one look into her eyes. He swallows. Then he looks back at Patrick. He still wants an answer.

“I can’t tell you. I.. I just didn’t take it. Trust me. I wouldn’t.“

“What about the weed?“

“We.. we just shared a..“

“Was it yours? Or did the others..“

“It was mine but we all brought some..“ Joe just shakes his head in disbelief. He can’t believe it. Nothing of what happened tonight. He looks outside the window.

“Are you even aware that this is illegal?“

“I am. I’m sorry.“ the young boy sighs, his voice still shaky.

“Why’s an ambulance here?“ Joe asks, then looks back to Taylor. She seems just as clueless as him, shrugs her shoulders silently.

“One girl drank too much and they had to call an ambulance.“ Joe looks back at Taylor and shakes his head again for the twentieth time tonight. He can’t believe how stupid these kids are. He simply can’t believe it. Taylor looks also shocked. She still remembers from her school days that sneaking beer into different school activities has always been a thing. But weed, cocaine and alcohol poisoning? This is an extent that was unimaginable during her school days.

“Where’d you get that stuff from?“ Joe then asks again, still sounding angry. Patrick doesn’t answer. Again.

“Did you buy it? Who sells cocaine to kids..“

“The cocaine isn’t mine, I just told.“

“Then what about the weed? Where did you get that from?“ Patrick becomes silent again. Taylor witnesses the tense atmosphere.

“There’s.. this guy at our school.“ Joe sighs. Taylor as well. Seems like Patrick isn’t the only one in that school who’s going to be in a lot of trouble.

“Who’s the owner of the cocaine if it’s not yours?“

“You don’t know them.“

“I want a name, Patrick.“

“I can’t tell you.“

“Say his fucking name.“

“I can’t.“

Taylor opens her mouth. The situation will escalate If they won’t change the subject as soon as possible. Taylor turns around, carefully faces Patrick.

“Did your friends bring some as well or are you the only one who got caught?“ she asks silently, seems much more calm then her boyfriend is at this moment. Joe instead just looks out of the window, doesn’t even face his brother anymore. But Taylor notices how pale Patrick is. His hands are shaking while he sits in the back of the car. She feels bad for him. Not because what he did wasn’t absolutely wrong, but because she knows that he’s a good boy and that he just made a huge mistake with this.

“No, we.. we all brought some.“ Taylor nods. At least it seems like he’s not the only one who did something stupid on that trip.

“Why’d you do it, Patrick? You.. you knew that some teachers would have their eyes on you. You’re gonna get expelled. There’s no way mum will find another school that has such a good reputation as this one. You’ll get reported. How.. stupid could you be.“ Joe mumbles and Patrick remains silent.

“I know and.. I’m so sorry. I just.. I’m so sorry.“ he mumbles out of breath. Taylor feels instantly bad for him. “That’s your problem now, not mine.“ Joe says, clearly more angry at him than Taylor is. She just looks at her boyfriend next to her. He acts inviolable again, which is just a mechanism to protect himself. He’s scared but he doesn’t want to show it. So scared that he reacts with anger. She knows him too well. This is his way of showing him that he cares.

“Did you cover someone by saying that the cocaine was yours?“ she asks the boy softly and turns around to face him once more. On one hand she knows that she should just sit back and shut up. On the other hand she wants to support Joe. He seems shocked and helpless, somehow.

“Answer her.“ Joe shoots at his brother.

“Yes.“ Patrick mumbles then whispering, looks down at his hands. Taylor shares a look with Joe. She knew it. “Who did you cover up?“ Taylor continues now. Her soft voice seems to make Patrick open up more than Joe’s more angry rants. Even Joe gets that now and remains silent to see how far Taylor can make Patrick open up. There’s still silence in the car. Just a few noises coming from the hostel that is on the other side of the bushes in front of them. Joe has turned on the car a few minutes ago, so that the heater is running again. He doesn’t want Taylor to get cold. The fact that she’s a part of this drama with less than two hours of sleep is bad enough.

“Chloe.“ he whispers, his voice shaky. He doesn’t look at Taylor nor Joe. Nobody says anything anymore. Taylor turns her head to Joe and they share a look. Of course. Your first love really does make you do the most stupid things in the world. And it’s safe to say that Taylor and Joe both made their own experiences with that. Just in that moment of silence, low steps along the gravel path can be heard. Two boys, who also seem pretty shocked and shaken up are walking towards the car. Taylor bites her lower lip. They must be super embarrassed that Patrick’s older brother is going to be the one who has to bring them home.

“We’ll talk about this later.“ Joe says quickly, right before the other boys open the car door. Taylor looks at him and smiles. It was nice of him to not let Patrick discuss the whole Chloe topic in front of his friends.

As the car door opens, two young boys who are probably fourteen or fifteen as well enter the car, and slowly sit down in the backseat of the car next to Patrick. The light inside of Joe’s car makes the boys’ faces more visible. They look just as shocked and rattled as Patrick does.

“Sorry about this, Mr. Alwyn.“ one of them mumbles, clearly aware of the fact that Joe had to drive about two hours just to pick them up. The other one starts to mumble a light “Sorry“ as well. Shaky voices are the only thing Taylor can observe from their mumbles. They seem way too nervous to properly speak up. Joe just sighs, starts the car slowly.

“I’m tired but not old. You can call me Joe.“ he answers and starts the car before rolling slowly across the parking lot. Taylor smirks at Joe, then turns around to face the kids one time and notices the suddenly even more shocked and confused looks from the backseat. She quickly realizes why, is definitely not as good in looking angry as Joe is, therefore smiles at the young boys softly.

“Hi, I’m Taylor.“ she says, then turns around again. None of the boys answer anything anymore. Joe, who’s focused on the road once again can’t help but bite his lip and hide a smirk. He knows all about the sudden silence coming from the backseat. They clearly did not expect to see Taylor Swift in this car tonight.

“Mate, is that..“

“Shut up.“ Patrick shoots back. Taylor and Joe look at each other and can’t help but giggle quietly while driving home.

________________________________________

“You have two more hours before school starts. So enjoy thinking about what you’ll explain your headmaster at school..“ Joe mumbles during a big yawn as soon as they enter the family house again. Morning has clearly broken and a grey layer of clouds has replaced the dark night sky by now. It’s not raining but it’s more windy and cold as usual. The perfect weather for this day. Joe drops the keys on the little drawer in the hallway, feels more than exhausted after these four hours of driving. The boys who also haven’t slept at all last night don’t really answer, just quietly disappear upstairs. Taylor closes the door, as she walks in at last, watches the boys disappear. She sighs. It’s been a long ride. And definitely not enough sleep for any one of them. Joe takes off his coat, quickly throws it over the rack next to the door. Taylor who’s still in her sweatshirt pulls off her beanie. Her curly and messy hair sticking up from her head. Joe smiles tiredly while walking into the kitchen.

“You want some breakfast? This one’s for you.“ he says and holds up the last homemade chocolate muffin that his mum had kept in the breadbox in front of them. Taylor just shakes her head softly.

“Nah, it’s too early. But thanks. Another coffee would be great though.“ she mumbles, clearly poorly looking before yawning loudly. “Don’t you want to go back to bed?“

Joe shakes his head, enters the kitchen quietly.

“I have to leave for the airport at 10am and I have to call my mum before that, I guess. Also, I’m not sure she’s going to be fine with leaving Patrick alone until next week as long as I’m gone. Tom is in Dover until next month and I’m gonna be back in town on Friday. Earliest. So I’ll have to ask her..“

“He can stay at my place until you come back. If that’s okay for your mom, of course.“ she says, looks at him while leaning in the doorframe of the family kitchen. He tries to fumble one of the Nespresso capsule into the coffee machine, turns around and leans against the counter behind him.

He looks at her with a tired face. He seems surprised though. Surprised and incredibly pleased, somehow, while waiting for coffee to be ready.

“That’s so nice of you to offer but you don’t have to babysit him. I mean.. after all, I understand If you don’t trust him enough to behave and..“

“No, I trust him.“ she quickly interrupts, “I mean.. I get it that you guys are shocked and trust me, I get why. It’s been a crazy night but I’ve known Patrick for a while now too and I’m still convinced that he’s a good kid and that he just made a huge mistake because he fell in love with the wrong girl but.. I’m not gonna think any less of him. And If it helps, he can definitely sleep at my place tonight. I just have one meeting tomorrow, that’s it.“

Joe just lets out a low breath, clearly smiling at her now. The tall man then slowly walks up to her. Her hair is still a mess and he can’t help but get addicted to this. This make up free face with her messy bangs that stick up into all directions, her puffy eyes and her beautiful lips. She’s just a masterpiece. Inside and out. Taylor welcomes him getting closer with opened arms, looks at him rather confused, not sure how she should interpret his smiling face. He then stops before her, places his hands on her hips, pressing her to him. He smiles back at her. Slowly.

“What?“ she whispers, too tired to really speak up. “I love you, you know that?“ he mumbles and Taylor just smiles brightly at him. These three words are all she needs to suddenly glow all over her face.

“Yeah, I know that.“ she answers shyly, sinks her head because she feels an obvious flush on her face. Joe then lets go off her hips, both his hands now wandering up to her face. One hand on her cheek, one in her neck. “Good.“ he answers, still smiling, before giving her a deep and gentle kiss. Taylor doesn’t move at all, her cold hands holding onto the sides over his sweater. She smiles at him once more as he pulls back. She doesn’t want him to leave. Not today. Not at all.

“So you’re gonna be back on Friday, huh?“ she asks and he nods. “Yup.“ he answers while holding her. He now comforts her head, strokes over her hair a few times while simply holding her in his arms.

“And today’s Wednesday.“

“mhmhm.“ he agrees again, a strand hair stroked behind her ear, kissing the little spot on her temple softly.

“So two nights without you? Rude.“

He laughs quietly at her remark, his lips still on her head. Taylor feels her hands holding onto his sweater still. She hates to let go. Not because she’s afraid that she’s holding him for the last time. But because this is how it should always be. Her in his arms. His smell in her nose. His lips somewhere on her hair.

“I’m so sorry, baby.“ he whispers. She feels goosebumps on her skin. She can feel his love in every word. In every touch. In every breath. If she’d ask him to run away with her right here, right now, he’d say yes. She just.. knows.

“Do you want to be alone when you call your mum? I can take a shower and give you some space If you want.“ she then mumbles into his sweater, slowly buries herself in his chest. She realizes just now how tired she really is, would love to take a two- or three hour nap in his arms again before he heads off to Paris without her.

“I don’t want any space. Especially not from you, silly.“ he mumbles in her hair, clearly just as tired as she is. Taylor smiles. That’s exactly the answer she was hoping for.

“Good.“

________________________________________

“It’s fine, really.“ Taylor says into her phone, smiles gently. It’s probably been the tenth time today that she has reassured Elizabeth that it’s not a burden at all to take care of Patrick as long as Joe’s gone. She can absolutely imagine that hearing news like these from your fourteen year old son are frightening. Especially when you’re on your long awaited vacation in Dubai. Far far away from England.

Taylor buries her face slowly in her scarf, glad she’s wearing her warm cashmere coat. She has even put on some make up after attending a meeting in town earlier, still feels incredibly exhausted after not sleeping at all yesterday night.

While sitting on the passenger seat of the big black range rover and with her phone on her ear, she turns her head to where Brandon next to her is looking at. A ton of teenagers and young adults leave the school. All in their school uniforms.

Taylor swallows.

Usually witnessing situations like these don’t just bring back horrible memories from her school days, but also mean chaos. Chaos, because a thousand teenagers noticing her in front of a public school would end in a lot of hysteria. Taylor has never been more thankful for tinted car windows than she is right now.

“The next flight back to London we were able to get is on Monday. But I already told Tom to come home as soon as he can, because Joe apparently is gone on Sunday again I think? I just don’t want him to spend too much time with his pals, right now. I think his new popular friends have not been the best influence lately, and..“

“No, I think you’re right. But Elizabeth, it’s really fine. I’m in town anyway and I have about five security people around my house who’ll drive him to school in the morning and pick him up and.. I’m gonna make sure he’s not gonna do something stupid. I’m actually at school waiting for him right now. I texted him that I’m picking him up, so.. we’re gonna be fine, don’t worry.“ Taylor reassures, looks out of the window. Still, there’s no Patrick among all these kids.

“God, Taylor. You have no idea how glad I am that you.. that you would do this for us. This really means a lot. Thank you so much, it makes me feel so much better knowing that he’s gonna be sleeping at your place and not doing anything stupid at these other kids’ homes.“ Elizabeth mumbles into the phone and Taylor just smiles. She can clearly hear that Elizabeth is emotional and Taylor totally understands. This is the first time since she has known Joe that his family really seems to need her. And she has never felt more honored to receive so much trust. From him and from his parents. So much trust that they would even let her look after their child, as long as they’re gone.

“I know and I think that’s maybe what he needs. I think it’s gonna be good for him to spend some nights away from home and his friends and I’m sure he’ll be alright. Should I ask him to call you when we get home?“ Taylor asks, notices for the first time that it’s slowly getting dark outside. It’s clearly winter already in London and November means that the days not just get darker, but also a lot shorter.

“No, I talked to him already for quite a while this morning. Maybe I’ll call him tonight. Thank you so much, sweetheart. We love you.“ Elizabeth adds and Taylor feels her heart sink for a bit. She’s loving Joe for almost a year already and this has been officially the first time that his mum really opened up. She feels touched and honored at the same time. He was right. His family somehow becomes hers as well. And it feels better than she has ever imagined.

“Love you, too. I’m gonna make sure he’s fine. Don’t worry too much.“ she smiles, receives a last thank you from Elizabeth and then hangs up.

“There he is.“ she quickly says to Brandon after spotting a young blonde boy walking out of the school and who’s just a spitting image of her boyfriend. She smiles softly. He looks just as tired and strained as she probably does. No wonders, he didn’t sleep as well and he must be shocked about the events that went down yesterday just as much as her. Brandon quickly gets out of the car, waves at Patrick who then quickly understands. After a few seconds he opens the door, quickly gets into the backseat of the car. “Hey.“ he mumbles, tries to smile politely at Taylor but fails. Taylor just bites her lip. He’s ashamed and embarrassed and this whole situation must be awkward for him. She just smiles warmly at him, looks at him taking off his huge backpack.

“Hey, how was it?“ she asks casually, as Brandon starts his car. Patrick just sighs, reaches for the seatbelt.

“Bad.“ he just answers and Taylor nods empathetically. “Did your headmaster tell you what’s.. gonna happen now?“ she asks carefully, looks out of the window.

The traffic at this hour of the day is crazy yet it’s beautiful to look at all these buildings in this part of town. So many buildings are already decorated for Christmas. She has to smile silently. Joe would probably hate it, always complains about how people literally jump from Halloween decorations to Christmas decorations within a couple of days. But she loves it. She loves this time of the year and spending it here in this old and beautiful town with the man she loves and his family feels like a healing process. A healing process for so many things.

“Not yet. He just said that there will be consequences. And that I have to visit year eight classes until my class comes back from the class trip next week. And they want an appointment with mum and dad next week..“ Patrick mumbles in his thick accent. He’s ashamed.

“Mhm, okay. Are you tired?“ she asks him, turns her head to look at him. "I’m fine.“ he answers politely and Taylor smiles.

“Well, I’m super tired and super hungry. So what do you think about Pizza? Or.. Chinese? Did you eat already?“ she asks him, tries to change the subject. She’s well aware that what Patrick did needs to be taken seriously. But at the same time, she’s well aware that she’s not his mother. She’s not in the position to judge him or to be strict in any way. She just wants to make sure he’s okay. And the pale teenager in the back of this car does not look okay at all. Not after last night.

“No, sounds good.“ Patrick answers, looks out of the window as well. “Great. Do you have homework?“ she asks and Patrick nods. “Yeah.“

“Okay, so why don’t we get your stuff, go over to my house and I’m gonna order some food while you finish your homework? Sounds good?“ she asks and turns around again. Patrick nods once more, even tries to smile at her politely. She can’t help but smile once more. Again, it just blows her mind. He looks just like Joe. And he’s just as polite and sweet as Joe is. No matter what mistakes Patrick has made, no matter how many bad decisions he has made. He’s a good kid. She just knows that.

________________________________________

"I don’t even know if there should be boundaries from my side of what I’m gonna say. Am I stupid? I just.. I feel so bad for him. He’s such a sweet boy and he just.. totally fell in love with the wrong girl and did things to impress his friends and gain popularity and you know me. I can’t be cold or.. or rejecting to him..“ she whispers, looks out of the kitchen door and peaks upstairs to make sure Patrick doesn’t overhear this conversation while sitting over his homework.

She’s now back in her comfy clothes. Something that she was bitterly looking forward to after her meeting. Her sweatpants combined with her orange fox slippers and her favorite sweater she stole from Joe’s wardrobe the other day make her feel more comfortable quickly.

“Why should you be rejecting to him, honey? I think it’s sweet that you feel responsible for him but you’re not his mother. You’re not the one making the rules. So relax. Treat him the way you want to treat him.“ Andrea assures her daughter from the other side of the phone line.

Taylor slowly opens one of the pizza boxes that were just delivered and nods.

“Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s just.. weird. I’m used to babysitting toddlers. But a teenage boy? Man, this is so difficult.“ she whispers, really doesn’t want Patrick to latch on this conversation. But Andrea just laughs whole heartedly.

“Teenage years are the most difficult years for parents, trust me. Especially with boys because they don’t open up at all. You’ll make that experience yourself when you have kids someday.“ Andrea says and Taylor sighs, smiles silently at the thought of motherhood. A crazy adventure she definitely wants to take, someday.

“God, I just wish Joe was here. I feel like Patrick hates staying at my place and.. I don’t wanna dare him to have a conversation with me. It’s so awkward.“ she mumbles, looks at the hot Pizza that’s smelling incredibly good. She’s tempted to take a first bite, but then stops herself. You’re not alone, Taylor. This is rude.

“Don’t be so nervous, honey. Just treat him normally and If you feel like he needs space then give him space. Also, Austin can ease things as well when he comes tomorrow. Boys and boys are a different thing.“ Andrea smiles, is just about to start her day while it’s already dinner time for Taylor in London.

“I know.“ she smiles, “Did Austin tell you when his audition will be over? I’ll tell Brandon to pick him up and we can all have dinner together.“

“Oh, that sounds like a nice idea. I’m not sure. I think you have to ask him again.“ Andrea answers and Taylor nods, slowly hears some footsteps coming from upstairs.

“Alright mom, I gotta go.“ she says, smiles at Patrick who slowly peaks into the kitchen. The light in the house was dimmed but the kitchen lights are fully turned on.

“Okay. Talk to you tomorrow.“ she answers. “Talk to you tomorrow. Love you. Bye.“ Taylor says and hangs up.

“Hey, come in.“ she then says quickly, signals the boy to enter. He slowly makes his way into the kitchen and Taylor opens the second pizza box. “Your super healthy dinner is ready.“ she says sarcastically, “I’m starving.“ she adds and smiles at him.

“Smells good.“ Patrick answers as shy as always. Taylor feels that he’s uncomfortable. Of course. Who wouldn’t be? He probably hates the fact that he’s standing in the Taylor Swift’s kitchen and is now damned to babysitted by her. Taylor feels herself become a little more insecure, tries to hide it by simply putting on a smile. It’s her trick. She does this in any kind of situation. Hiding insecurities is her speciality.

“Should we.. eat in the living room?“ she asks and Patrick nods.

“Sure. Should I get some plates?“ he offers.

“Yeah, of course If you want. They’re in the left cupboard.“ she answers and disappears in the spacious living room where she quickly turns on some lights, tries to let some of Joe’s clothes he left here yesterday disappear as soon as possible so that Patrick doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Knowing that his big brother most likely took all of his clothes off right here where they’re just about to have some dinner, is not something he needs tonight.

After a while, Patrick joins her in the living room, sits down on the couch next to where she is sitting. He carefully places the plates on the wooden coffee table in front of them. Taylor opens the pizza boxes once more and then offers him some pizza as well. He thankfully grabs one slice. Silence. Taylor feels uncomfortable and he surely does as well.

“Do you want to watch some tv?“ she asks, pretty sure that all he wants is probably not to have to talk to her. After all, watching tv is still the best way to not have to start a conversation with her. But to her surprise, Patrick shakes his head while chewing on the Pizza in his hand.

“No, I’m good. Thanks.“ he answers politely, still not really looking at her. Taylor sighs. Patrick then faces her. The atmosphere has gotten even more awkward than before.

“God, this is so weird.“

“I know.“ Patrick answers and the two look at each other for the first time today. Taylor starts to laugh and Patrick joins her.

“I’m so sorry that you’re damned to stay at my house now. I bet you’d rather be with your friends or..“ “No, not really. I like your house.“ he answers and she smiles, takes another bite from the pizza now as well.

“Oh, thank you.“ she answers, leans back and places her feet on the couch now to get more comfortable. “How did your friends’ parents react? Do they have to spend time with their brother’s girlfriends now too, or..“ Patrick smirks, focused on the pizza now.

He’s embarrassed. She feels that.

“Uh, nah. They’re pretty much grounded for the next four to five years. So.. same as me.“ Taylor nods.

“What did your mom say?“ she asks gently, doesn’t even know where that confidence comes from all of the sudden but she somehow feels like she has that connection to Patrick. She somehow wants to know how he feels. She cares for him. He’s Joe’s little brother.

“She’s.. worried, of course. And angry. I mean. I know how stupid that was. It’s..I’d undo it immediately if I could. My mum’s crying, my dad’s angry, Joe hates me. I..“

“He doesn’t hate you.“ she interrupts him immediately. She would love to give him a tight hug right at this moment, but she knows that he’s a teenage boy who’s not as touchy and clingy as she is. But seeing him sit there being so sad, almost hurts her. He looks like Joe when he’s sad. That frown line on his face being a replica of her boyfriend’s.

“It’s just.. they all think I’m the problem child now. And I’m sure that I am anyway, so..“ Taylor shakes her head. She knows exactly what he means but he’s wrong.

“I don’t think you’re the problem child. I.. I think.. you just have to be able to answer the question why you did it honestly to yourself first before explaining anything to anyone.“ she says, the young boy looking at her confused.

“I mean, If you consume weed because you and your friends wanted to try it, then that’s something different than being an addict. Same with other stuff like.. cocaine. If you risk your own safety for someone who’s an addict then.. maybe not cocaine is the problem but.. that person.“ she finishes, then bites her lip immediately. She doesn’t know whether she went too far with her speech, doesn’t know if any of this is even her business or whether she should even have an opinion. She looks at Patrick, who has just finished his slice of Pizza. He doesn’t look at her, seems incredibly interested in his hands all of the sudden while having his head sunk.

“She just wanted to try it. She’s not an addict.“ he suddenly mumbles incoherently.

Taylor swallows.

She never thought that Patrick would open up like this. She immediately nods. “I believe you.“

“She.. she doesn’t have a family like I do. Her parents don’t care at all. If she would’ve been the one who was found with the cocaine, she.. she’d be in a lot more trouble than..“

“I get it.“ Taylor just assures him. She sighs. He’s blindly in love and she wishes there was anything she could do about it. But she’s been there quiet a few times as well. Maybe not with cocaine but with other emotional damages she could’ve prevented if she had known what she knows now.

“But since she’s your girlfriend, why don’t you..“

“She’s not my girlfriend.“ he interrupts her, way more calm than last evening when Joe teased him with Chloe.

“But..“

“We’re friends. She.. she has a boyfriend.“

Taylor doesn’t say anything. Now she gets it. Patrick tried to impress this girl. Being young and in love makes you do crazy things.

“But why didn’t her boyfriend say anything..?“

“Cause he’s an idiot?“ he says quietly and Taylor just smiles softly. Patrick has clearly blushed, can’t really look at her anymore. Taylor just sighs. She rests her head on the cushion of the leather couch and just enjoys this moment of openness between them. She then looks at Patrick who sits next to her, scratches the back of his head in embarrassment. She knows that gesture. Joe does just the same all the time.

“I think.. it was a selfless thing to do.“ she says and he looks back at her again, still a bit flushed.

“It was stupid.“

“Yeah, that as well. But..“

Patrick looks back at her. She seems super opened about that whole situation and he likes the fact that Taylor does not talk to him as If he’s just a child. She treats him as if he was a grown up and never puts herself above him or acts like she’s in a parental role. He never thought he’d say this about any of his brother’s girlfriends - but her opinion really matters to him.

“But?“

“But I think that.. you’ll see someday that the right girl won’t put you in that kind of a situation. The right girl won’t make you feel like you need to jeopardize yourself in order to impress her. What I’m saying probably makes zero sense to you now but.. you’ll know what I mean one day.“ She says, simply looks at him. Patrick doesn’t respond anymore and Taylor is unsure whether her words really made him think or whether he thinks that she’s absolutely annoying.

After all, who’d want to have her advice when it comes to love and relationships…

“Yeah, maybe.“ He then answers, not really dares to look at her.

“I just.. Joe and my parents won’t see this like you do. You’re really cool about this but.. they won’t understand this. They just see what I did wrong and..“

“No they just see all these bad things that could possibly happen to you because they love you. They just want you to be save.“ Taylor interrupts him. She bites her lips. He’s still not looking at her and she’s not sure if she has gone too far. She never thought their conversations would evolve into such a deep and honest talk. Yet she worships this moment. They somehow got closer than she ever thought they would. “Yeah.“ Patrick mumbles then, looks up to her.

Taylor sighs and grants him a smile.

This was a long day. A long day for all of them.

“Do you want the last slice of the pizza? I think you need it more than I do.“ she says with a slight smirk on her lips.

“I guess so.“ he answers and takes a bite. Taylor leans down and grabs the glass of water that was right in front of her. It’s already dark outside and she’s sure that she and Patrick are definitely heading to bed after the pizza. 30 hours of being awake is enough for both of them.

“If I won’t answer you anymore it’s because I fell asleep with opened eyes.“ she yawns, slowly leans back. Patrick just laughs at her while chewing the tomato pizza, granting her that same mischievous smile she knows too well from his older brother.

“How do you Alwyns do that? Whenever Joe’s awake for more than 24 hours he behaves as if everything’s as good, as always. And now you look absolutely fine as well.“ she protests, wishes she could deal with lack of sleep as well as the boy next to her can.

Patrick smirks while taking a last bite.

“We’re Aliens from an island called Grand Britannia and we don’t need sleep. That’s the truth. He’s been lying to you this whole time.“ Patrick casually answers and Taylor can’t help but laugh.

She’s really surprised about how funny Patrick actually is. She should be surprised about this but the longer she thinks about it, the less she is.

Joe is just the same. He seems shy and introvert at first. But once you’ve won his trust, he opens up and makes you see his real self. His fun and talkative and bright self.

“I’m shocked. I have to break up with him now.“ she jokes and Patrick reaches for the napkin that is next to the now empty pizza box.

“Please don’t. His Exes were so annoying.“ he says suffering and Taylor smiles at his compliment yet feels a bit uncomfortable with this topic.

“Really?“ she mumbles, doesn’t know if she wants to know any further details.

“Yeah. His last one always came over and constantly made us all watch Gilmore Girls all the damn time.“ he sighs annoyed and Taylor bursts our laughing, covers her mouth.

She cannot believe Patrick spills the beans about Joe’s Ex as casual as this.

“Oh my god. I’m so sorry about that.“ she laughs.

Joe has told her a lot about his Ex and has mentioned that she was difficult. But the fact that she made his entire family that includes four men watch a show like Gilmore Girls really surprises her. Joe falls asleep almost every time whenever they watch dateline together. She could never see him watching anything more girly than that.

“Yeah.“ he answers, “You’re really cool though.“ the blonde teenager then slowly says. Taylor looks at him and smiles. This is the biggest compliment she has ever gotten from a fourteen year old boy. “Thanks. You too.“ she answers and they both smile quietly.

________________________________________

Joe takes a sip from his water bottle as the car stops.

He’s still tired. The six hours of last night sleep clearly weren’t enough.

Paris was challenging and fun but also exhausting. The second he can see the warm light coming out of the old building’s windows right at the end of Crescent Road is the second he feels all warm and tingly inside.

He’s home. He’s home where Taylor is.

Joe slowly opens the car door, thankful for his old A.P.C lambskin jacket that keeps him warm. It’s bloody cold in London this evening, a freezing breeze combined with a few raindrops hitting his face. He quickly walks behind the car, opens the trunk and grabs his suitcase. He thanks the driver, then quickly spots Brandon who’s waiting in a car in front of the house. He smiles at the big guy and waves. He never thought he’d get used to another person constantly looking after his girlfriend, but he did. Brandon’s presence not only makes Taylor feel better. It gives Joe a good feeling to know that she’s safe.

As he passes the gate and walks up the steps to the door, he can smell all kinds of herbs and candles already. He smiles. She surely has cooked something tonight. As he rings the little bell, Joe keeps on smiling. It’s crazy how the thought of being with her can even make him forget about everything that’s been going on recently with his family, with Patrick. She also made him forget about his upset mum who’s more worried than ever, for a second. She made him forget all his worries about his youngest brother. She can do that just with her existence. It’s crazy how much a single person can change your life entirely.

With a slowly changing look on his face and still standing in front of the closed door in the cold and windy London weather, Joe rings the bell for a second time.

Still nobody answers.

He feels worry rise in him slowly. Why doesn’t she open the door? Is she busy cooking or did something else happen? The events of yesterday night still affect him a lot. Patrick was supposed to stay at her house as well. What if something happened that he doesn’t know about? After all, he hasn’t spoken to his brother since yesterday.

Joe now takes a few steps back, slowly marches through the front yard, takes a look into the small window that leads to the kitchen. The light is on but nobody’s there. This is strange. Very strange. Suddenly he hears loud noises. Laughter. Definitely more than three people that laugh out loud.

Joe slowly walks back to his suitcase, opens the upper bag and takes out his spare key.

After a few seconds, he has entered her house and is still confused and curious what’s happening in here tonight. After closing the door, he places his suitcase in the hallway and takes a few steps towards the living room. He’s not just met with warmth and the smell of her amazing vegetable lasagna but also a lot of laughter. He continues walking, not sure what he’ll find as he reaches the living room.

He remains in the door frame surprised.

Taylor, Patrick, Tom and Rebecca, his brother’s girlfriend, as well as Austin sit around her wooden dining table. Just a few candles brightening the room, some wine in front of the adults and a mug with hot chocolate in front of Patrick. The fireplace is lit and the coziest atmosphere possible fills the room. They all seem to laugh whole heartedly about a video that Patrick just showed them on the iPad that he’s holding in his hands. Joe can’t even remember the last time he has seen Patrick so extroverted and happy. He seems to have gotten out of his nutshell more than he has ever seen with his parents or even with him. Patrick laughs and talks, goes on and on about a guy in this video and makes everyone around them almost cry in laughter. They all seem so captivated by whatever he’s showing them that they don’t even notice Joe, who’s still standing in the doorframe.

For the first time, Joe feels peace.

This view, this moment is more than he has ever wanted.

This room is filled with so people who mean so much to him and it’s been a long time since he has seen all of them so happy and carefree. All together. He then looks at Taylor who seems to recover from her laughs just now. Little tears are running down her face because she had to laugh so hard. She wipes them away with her fingers and Joe can’t help but smile at her. She looks so comfortable around his family. She has never been more beautiful than in this moment, clearly unaware that he’s watching her, smiling at Patrick and holding her hands in front of her mouth while laughing. He still remembers during her darkest days back when they spent days and days talking and laughing while being nothing more than friends, how she always used to tell him that he’s like a sunny day to her, somehow.

Today, she is his sunny day on this grey Friday night.

Patrick spent two days with her and he comes home to a united family, to laughter and happiness. He knows why and he’s still in awe how she does it. Whatever happens to them, Taylor reacts with love. No matter if it’s a huge fight between them or if his little brother gets caught with weed.

She reacts with love.

She is love.

While watching her carefully listen to some comment of Tom, Taylor suddenly meets his eyes and notices him. Her eyes immediately grow wide and she gets up from where she was sitting.

“Oh my god. Hi.“ she says, meeting him in the doorframe.

Still in his winter coat. Still in awe of this family situation in her living room.

“Hey.“ he just smiles and gets pulled into a tight hug immediately. But this time it’s not him who pulls back. This time he’s the one not wanting to end this hug. She notices that.

“Since when are you standing there.“ she laughs into his shoulder, and Joe finally lets go. His face is cold from outside and a few raindrops are still visible on his jacket.

“Not long.“ he smiles, then kisses her gently.

“Look who came over for dinner.“ she smiles, immediately drags him into the room to say hello to Austin and everyone of his family.

He takes off his jacket, hugs his older brother who he hasn’t seen in a while as well as his girlfriend. Then he walks to Patrick, who still sips on his hot chocolate and high fives him. The teenager seems relieved about this reaction. Taylor smiles proudly at him.

While sitting down next to Austin and catching up with him, Taylor places a glass of wine in front of Joe. She sits down again, right next to Joe. He smiles at her one time, then reaches for her hand while talking to Austin. Taylor follows the conversation, suddenly feels him squeeze her hand three times.

She doesn’t react, just tightens the grip of her hand.

I love you.

I know.

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