#we love shirtless Colin

[polin-erospsyche]

Oh well hello sir

[hotjaneaustenmenpoll]

Semi-Final One

Propaganda...

Colonel Brandon (1995):

Alan Rickman has the sexiest voice. Just listen to him reading poetry to Marianne at the end to witness how hot he is.

Alan Rickman simply embodies the truth of Col. Brandon in a way that no one else every could. It's the perfect merging of actor and role. He brings the perfect combination of honor, decency, sensitivity and passion. He is the ultimate mensch.

Brandon propaganda in which even the film's director agrees that Brandon is sexy.

More Brandon propaganda! This photo could only be published in black and white because it would have been too powerful in color (the original color version is currently being used to provide electricity for a medium sized town in Devon. It's THAT powerful).

The brim of the hat falling over his eye. The casual lean. The hunting rifle slung across his leg. The puppy bestie. The fact you know he could row that boat while you watch and wish you were the boat.

From Emma Thompson's diaries which she kept while they were shooting Sense & Sensibility. Emma Thompson said vote Colonel Brandon.

Mr Darcy (1995):

Colin Firth (1995) is book Darcy brought to life. He uses tiny gestures and looks to communicate with us and Elizabeth… his struggle is so subtle but so palpable. A beautiful asshole with a creamy nougat center. Just perfect.

GIF by sunsetboulevards

Those heart-eyes right up above☝️? Hot!

Passive-agressively drinking tea? Hot!

GIF by jaeausten

The way he rushes over to see Elizabeth at Pemberley on those delicious long legs of his with that slutty wet curl hanging over his forehead? Hot!

GIF by didanagy

Fencing? Hot!

GIF by greengableslover

The way he is so concerned about Elizabeth crying and takes her hand even though he shouldn't? Hot!

GIF by greengableslover

This dimple-y smile of pure joy because he knows he's married to Elizabeth freaking Bennet? Hot!

GIF by didana

Colin Firth Darcy is simultaneously immaculately put together and entirely falling apart internally. The wet shirt scene is so iconic not (only) because ‘oooh almost-shirtless sexy man’, but because it’s a metaphor for how he’s absolutely falling apart!!! This is a private moment, when he doesn’t think anyone can see him. And then he bumps. into. Lizzie. At his house!! And the entire sequence that follows with him rushing out still doing his jacket up to catch her before he leaves. They are both on the back foot and it’s THAT moment of confusion that opens a more honest dialogue between them.

Without Firth in a lake you wouldn’t get Macfadyen in a downpour!

There's a reason why Colin Firth is forever known as Mr. Darcy above all other roles he's had and will have! Even ignoring the wet white shirt, which has become A Thing now, he is so hot with his curly hair and his little half smiles and his intense looks of longing and his legs that go on for milessss.

This cannot be real. My fellow Jane Austen people. Without Colin Firth’s Darcy we wouldn’t have 90% of modern JA content. He opened a door and there was no turning back for modern culture. There would be no MacFadyen standing half undressed in a field at dawn without Firth jumping into a lake first. There would be no hand flex if there hadn’t been Firth doing his best impression of a man undressing Elizabeth Bennet with his eyes and hating himself for liking it. There would be no Bridgerton without Bridget Jones. Let’s face it people. We wouldn’t be here having these arguments if Colin Firth had not been Mr Darcy.

Colin Firth understood Mr. Darcy in a way no other actor ever has. He is awkward as fuck in a way that comes across as snooty and judgmental on a first watch-through, then can be read as awkward and longing on a second time. His performance had such depth while looking extremely shallow at first glance. This man WAS Mr. Darcy. (I love 2005, as well, and I love Matthew McFayden, but he was awkward for awkward sake.) Colin Firth made Darcy's awkward look snooty and aloof.

THE socially awkward Darcy is the 1995 Darcy - look at him coming and sitting in awkward silence with Elizabeth pointedly asking her if she wants to live a long way from her family (to obvious relief) and then abruptly leaving - vote for him please 😭😭😭😭

GIF by my-little-random-world

Colin Firth served so much as Darcy that when they did Bridget Jone's diary, they brought him back.... AS DARCY. The smoulder. The angst. The man is the quintessential Darcy.

“Firthing” is an actual term that is used now to describe someone yearning intensely. It is named after Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy performance.

Colin Firth all the way. He's known in our household as Owl Eyes because in every frame he's mooning over Elizabeth Bennet. Unsurpassable, unmatched, golden television (and some of the worst dancing you've ever seen).

Colin has beautiful, touchable curls.

Link

My high school English teacher was very into using movies to teach alongside literature, which was a great teaching tool. When we read Pride and Prejudice, he used both 2005 and 1995 for various scenes. What stands out to me all these years later was when it got to the part when Lizzy went to help Georgiana after Caroline dropped Mr. Wickham's name and Darcy gives Lizzy this look:

My teacher stopped the film and pointed at Darcy's face and said, "See that? That is THE look. If someone ever looks at you like that, you know they're in love." And what is hotter than that?

Also this teacher had two cats named Lizzy and Darcy. Not relevant to the poll but I wanted you all to know about them.

Colin Firth dazzles and amazes in the nuanced performance that just blows all other attempts away.

The best thing about the Colin Firth wet shirt scene is actually the scene that follows where him and Lizzie are both just dyinggg of embarrassment but Darcy pulls himself together refuses to lose his advantage and runs to get dressed and chase her down before she leaves - just the mix of cringe and hopefulness at seeing her again is so well done and so attractive!!! (this is just the bit where he's running after her but I love it all!)

[penelopecolinbridgerton]

Yes, there have been leaks about episodes 5 and 6 online. No one has seen episodes 7 and 8. People are just spreading rumours for views. Like using old pictures that we have seen happen in the show (the brothel scene people are now using as cheating rumours). Nicola wouldn't have called this season romantic if that was the case and Luke wouldn't have said he is excited to play the newlywed bliss. I am only thinking about when we get the mirror scene.

Bridgerton Season 3: Luke Newton on Nicola Coughlan and That Mirror Scene (harpersbazaar.com) - Interview where Luke says he is excited to play the newlywed Bliss.

SPOILER BELOW (information about episodes 5 and 6)

Based on the information people have said, we know there is a love scene in episode 5 (a picture of a shirtless Colin making out with Penelope) and it is not the mirror scene (i hope its not). Colin finds out she is LW at the end of episode 6 (pictures show her with the cloak and Colin looking angry), so the mirror scene is episode 7 (high possibility it is)

[mrsevans90]

Puppy Love

Captain Syverson x OFC Emma Miller Part 9

Summary: Austin Syverson has returned to Texas after retiring from the military and starts his own contracting business. Syverson is used to being alone and thinks he prefers it that way. While at work he stumbles upon an injured and abused puppy. When he meets the new veterinarian in town, Emma Miller, he is immediately smitten with her. It turns out Emma has some baggage of her own. Will they be able to make it work? Or is it just a case of fleeting puppy love?

Pairing: Henry Cavill as Captain Austin Syverson x OFC Emma Miller 

Warnings: Smut, Sy overthinking, PTSD, talk of period, threats to punch someone, language.

MINORS DNI! Must be 18+

I do not authorize any copying/pasting, stealing of my work, or using my words as your own. 

This story is not beta’d. All mistakes are my own.

A/N: I am an imperfect person who makes mistakes. All that I ask is to please be kind and if you enjoy it then please comment and REPOST! I appreciate any love, comments, and reposts more than you could know. Thank you for reading! 

Part 8

The work week feels as though it’s going terribly slow. Monday night I made plans with Walter to meet up for dinner and a beer. I wanted to thank him for getting to my girl so quickly last weekend and asked him to keep a close eye on the situation. He informed me that Colin bonded out Monday morning but that he was beyond pissed about being locked up for the weekend. The jail doesn’t do releases on Sunday so he ultimately had to sit and wait until someone could bail him out Monday morning which probably enraged him more than just initially being brought back in. I updated Walt on the security measures taken at Emma’s house and then let him know she was having a professional security system installed on Tuesday. I made sure to text Emma throughout the day when I could and called her every night before bed but I found myself really missing her. By Monday night, our texts started getting flirtier and Tuesday we found ourselves straight up sexting. I felt like a teenager telling her all the things that I wanted to do to her and even sent her a picture of me shirtless after a workout before getting into the shower. After my shower, I saw that she replied with a daring picture of her in lingerie laying in her bed and I swear I thought I had a stroke from how long I stood there staring at her picture. Her hair was curled and laid out over her shoulders, she had her bottom lip tucked in between her teeth and was wearing a deep purple lace lingerie set that instantly had me sweating. Without thinking, I immediately video called her even though we hadn’t done that yet. I was surprised with how quickly she answered the phone.

“I was wondering if you either died or just didn’t like my picture.” Emma says as she answers the phone. She was still lying in bed but had the covers pulled up under her arms. 

“Sugar, I think I just about had a stroke when I got out of the shower and saw what you had sent me. Sweet Jesus babygirl, you are beautiful.” 

“Thank you. I definitely looked at your picture for longer than I care to admit.” She smiles shyly.

“Oh yeah? Like Ol’ Sy all sweaty from a work out?” 

“Mmhmm.. reminds me of when I get you sweaty from other workouts with me. Cardio specifically.” 

“You naughty little minx. How about now that I’m all cleaned up?” I pan my phone down to show my raging hard on not concealed by anything since I didn’t bother with boxers once I got dried off, too distracted by Emma’s selfie.”

“Jesus Sy! Looks like you might be missing me a little bit.” She says cheekily.

“Just a bit. I’d be willing to bet that you might be missing me too?” 

“Mmm, the little wet spot on my panties says yes.” 

“Fuck, darlin! Let me see, please.” 

Emma throws the covers off of her and spreads her legs to show me and I growl through the phone. She surprises me when she slides her thong to the side and shows me her petals glistening with her want. She arches her back and unclasps her bra to show me her perfect tits, begging to be sucked on.

“Oh, babygirl. I need you to touch that sweet little peach for me. Would you want to do that?” She nods and I start slowly stroking my cock.

“Pretend it’s me baby, put two of your fingers in that tight little pussy and curl ‘em up just like I do.” She breathily agrees and follows my instruction. I place my phone where she can see me stroking myself and I hear her moan. 

“My fingers are too small. Yours fill me up better.” She whines.

“Oh, but I’m picturing those little hands wrapped around me before you spread your mouth and put your gorgeous lips on my cock.”

“Yeah? Mmm keep going baby.” She mutters as she continues to work herself towards her high.

My voice gets deeper as I’m thrusting into my fist, “Oh I’d be spinning you around so I could get my tongue on your tasty little peach while you choked on my cock baby. I’d have your sexy ass cheeks spread above my face while I shoved two fingers in you and make you squirt all over my tongue while you swallowed my cum.”

“Ah, Austin! I’m cumming!” She cries out and I fuck my fist harder until my release spurts all over my chest and abs. Damn, I’ll need to shower again. I hate cum on my chest hair.

“Damn, darlin’!” I say as I lay back and look at Emma through the screen. She looks back at me shyly and fixes her panties before leaning forward and tugging a t-shirt over her. I am immediately jealous that it’s not my t-shirt and think I should give her one to sleep in so that maybe she’ll dream about me. 

“Don’t get all shy on me now, Sugar. We’ve done much dirtier stuff than that.” I laugh as I use my towel to wipe my spend off of myself before tossing it in the hamper and listen to her giggle.

“It just feels different not being able to snuggle up to you right after and feel you.” She murmurs. 

“I know, angel. How about we have dinner tomorrow night so I can at least see you, if you’re free.”

“That’d be nice. Want to come to mine and we can just order take out? Maybe from Gia’s?” 

“Sounds perfect, Babygirl. Everything go okay with the alarm system install today?”

“It did. The guy taught me how to use everything and I got all of the accompanying glass break sensors as well as the fire alarm and carbon monoxide connections too. It’s fully armed and already feel more relaxed knowing that the whole place is being monitored by the alarm company. Maybe that’s why I sent that spicy picture to you.”

“Well, that definitely makes me so happy and relieved. Plus, you got me acting like a teenager practically cumming on myself the second I saw you. You always look so beautiful, Sugar. Even now you’re stunning in just a t-shirt, although I wish it was my t-shirt you were wearing.” Her cheeks blush into a bright pink at the compliment I give her and I make it a new goal to get her blushing like that every time I talk to her. 

“If I had one of yours, I would sleep in it.” She says with a yawn.

“Guess I better get one to you then.” She nods enthusiastically and I can tell she’s getting sleepy. 

“I’m going to let you go and get some rest now, beautiful. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, alright?”

“Mkay, goodnight Austin. Sweet dreams.

“You too, Darlin’. Night.” I tell her before hanging up. I decide to not bother with rinsing off again since I’ll shower after my run in the morning and brush my teeth so I can turn in for the night.

I jolt upright from a nightmare and feel the sweat trickle down my chest. Fuck. I brush my hands over my face and look at my phone as I try to catch my breath. 1:56 am. Aika whines at me and slowly patters over to the bed in the moonlit room. 

“I’ll be alright girl. Just the usual shit. Sorry I woke you up.” I gruffly tell her and point for her to get back in her bed. At least someone should get some sleep. To my surprise, Mills is still unconscious on his side in his little dog bed. Normally, my yelling or grunting during nightmares has Aika, whose hearing abilities have started to fade in her old age, up and by the bed in a matter of minutes in an attempt to comfort me. I stretch my bones and head to the restroom to relieve myself and cool off with some cold water on my face and head. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. What am I doing? I can’t get involved with Emma. She deserves the perfect guy and a picket fence lifestyle. I’m fucked up and can’t even sleep for more than three hours some nights. What if she had been here tonight and saw this? I could hurt her in my sleep. I got lucky the two nights that she stayed here, but I also don’t think I’ve ever slept so well. That could be because she wore me out with her sex abilities. God, I wish I could just turn it all off. All of the trauma and the nightmares. I would give anything not to see the blood, smell the gunshot smoke, or hear the sounds of assault rifles firing around me. She’s beautiful and delicate and already scared enough from the loser she used to date. The last thing I would ever want is for her to be afraid of me. I toss some more cold water in my face before I head to the fridge and get a bottle of water. I try to lay back down knowing it’s hit or miss if I’ll fall back asleep. If I do, I’ll either pick up right where the nightmare left off, or I’ll be so exhausted that I’ll sleep without any dreams at all. That’s what I’m praying for. I close my eyes and try to think of nothing other than Emma’s smile. Emma’s happiness as she loves on the dogs, and her peaceful face while fully relaxed in sleep.

 My alarm startles me awake at 5:30 and unlike most days I don’t want to get up. I was lucky that I was eventually able to fall into a dreamless sleep. I toss some shorts on and brush my teeth while the dogs do their business out back. After feeding them, I grab my earbuds and my phone, tie my tennis shoes and head out for my run. Pounding the pavement with Led Zeppelin blaring in my ears helps me clear out my head. Some people run to think through their problems. I do the opposite, I run to empty my head of anything and everything. Choosing to focus instead on the nature around me and the difficulty of the path I have chosen. Inhaling and exhaling is my focus. Everything else gets pushed away for another day.

Luckily the day moved on a bit quicker, probably since I was so tired. After listening to my Nana rave about Emma again and ask for updates, which I had none to give, I was able to get on to work and push my focus onto the project at hand. After work, I went home to shower and put on some clean clothes before loading up the pups and heading out. I even remembered to grab an old faded green army t-shirt to give Emma before I left. I was on my way to Emma’s house for dinner and was still feeling a bit conflicted about our relationship. It’s obviously all my own bullshit, but I can’t help but feel like Emma doesn’t know what she’s truly getting herself involved with because I haven’t shown her that side of me. I know nothing has been made official, and that’s my own doing but I don’t know how far I should let this go. I absolutely wanted to see her and spend time with her, that wasn’t a lie. I just worry about getting attached or involving her in my problems, more than she already knows of at least. I decide not to allow my self-loathing to ruin the night, so I talk myself out of that headspace before pulling into Emma’s driveway.

            She answered the door and immediately loved on the dogs. Mills still has limited manners so I had to reprimand him a bit for jumping on her. Didn’t need him scratching up her gorgeous legs in those tiny little shorts. After the dogs made it inside, Emma wrapped her arms around my neck and stood on her tip toes to give me a kiss. It wasn’t overly passionate, but it was definitely more than a peck. It reminded me of our kiss that day on my back patio. 

“Hi.”

“Hey, Babygirl. You doing okay?” 

“Mmhmm. Is it lame to say that I missed you?”

“Nah, not if that’s how you’re feelin’. I missed you too, Sugar.” I say as I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. There’s that blush that I’m always aiming to see. I smirk at her.

“As always, you’re looking delicious.”

“Delicious? Like something edible?”

“You know I’m a man of my word and I’d love to eat every inch of you. I could show you if you don’t believe me.” She shakes her head incredulously as I smirk while my hands roam up and down her body. She bites her lip and I groan. She giggles and places a quick kiss against the scruff on my cheek before turning around and walking to the living room.

"I brought you something." I say and hand her the shirt. She beams at me before lightly kissing my lips.

"Thank you!" She inhales and I arch my eyebrow. "It smells like you."

"I hope that's not a bad thing." I chuckle.

"It's a very good thing." Wow, this is some real boyfriend shit, Sy.

We sit on the couch and I pull her legs across my lap, so that I can run my hands up and down them. 

“I’ve already got my food order in the cart, what do you want to eat? I’m starving!”

“Hmm… I guess I’ll do some fettucine alfredo, and get some of those garlic knots please.”

“Mkay! Do you want a salad too?”

“I guess I ought too.” I say patting my belly. She rolls her eyes dramatically.

“Yeah, you’re almost at risk of losing one of your several abs. Can’t be too careful.” She says in her little southern sarcastic drawl.  I arch my eyebrow at her. “Was that sass, lil’ miss? I’ll have you know, my abs aren’t going anywhere unless you start cooking for me every day. I’m still dreamin’ about those biscuits.” I tickle her sides and she attempts to fight me off. 

“Okay, okay. I give up! No more tickles. Please, I can’t take it.” She says breathlessly and clutching her stomach almost in pain. Maybe I was too rough with her. She’s so small compared to me, I guess I need to be gentler. 

“I’m sorry, Darlin’. Was I too rough?”

“Nope, just got a stitch in my side.” She replies.

After placing the order for our food, she shows me the alarm system that was installed so she can get my opinion on it. We head back to the couch and are involved in quite a heavy make-out session with Emma sitting in my lap. I start to unbutton her shorts so that I can slide my fingers into her warm, wet destination and am surprised that she shakes her head while pushing my hand away and says “not tonight.” I’m fine with it if she doesn’t want to do anything, I’ve never had an issue with being told no, but now I’m just curious as to if I’ve done something wrong. She’s acting just a little bit off towards me. I’m about to ask as the doorbell rings with our food order. After Emma receives the food, we sit down and start eating.

“You alright?” I ask her.

“Mmhmm.” She smiles over her glass of sweet tea but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“How’s work been so far this week?” She asks.

“Usual, busy with projects coming up but I’m not complainin’ about job security.” I tell her. “What about for you?”

“It’s been busy, I feel like I barely get a chance to sit down but good. I have two surgeries scheduled tomorrow, just regular neuters, but who knows what else may come up. Did you know there is a man in town who has a 28-year-old tortoise named Fred?”

“Yeah, that’s the young family that moved here a few years back. Jonathan Turner.”

“Yes! Fred was so sweet. I haven’t gotten to care for a tortoise since I was in vet school and even then, I mostly was just observing. He was healthy though, which is good. It took three of us to get him in and out of the owner’s car, but I got Janet to take a picture of me feeding him lettuce today.” She says while showing me the picture on her phone with a smile. There she is smiling widely while holding lettuce to a giant turtle. I love how passionate she is about her job.

“Well ain’t that the cutest. Send it to me.”

“I meant to send it to you earlier, but just got swamped with charting and forgot.” She tells me as she sends the photo to my phone. We’d been sending each other random candid pictures throughout the past couple of days.

“You never told me how your dad reacted to the whole Colin thing?” Maybe that’s what’s bothering her.

“Oh, it was essentially a two-hour conversation where he listed all of the reasons I should come back home to live with them, and then all of the reasons I’m not safe here. He feels like I’m ‘not hearing him’ or I’m ‘taking unnecessary risks in the name of independence.’”

“Why does he think you aren’t safe here?”

“Mainly because I’m alone, I don’t have friends or family close by, and Colin now knows my address and place of work.”

“He knows where you work?”

“Yeah. At work on Monday, Janet informed me that a man had called last Saturday and asked if I would be working that weekend. She explained that I wasn’t on call and for the weekend but that if there was an emergency, she could recommend an emergency veterinarian. He didn’t give her his name, but it had to be him.” 

“Fuck.”

“Yup, that’s probably what he attempted first. I mean, it’s not hard to google my name as a veterinarian and find what clinic I’m associated with. That’s likely how he found out I was here in town.”

“Well, what’s the plan if he shows up at work?”

“I’ve given Janet his name and description. If he shows up, she is supposed to discreetly notify me and call the police. That’s really all I can do. I’m sure the entire town will know by the end of the week because she seems to be quite the gossip.” Emma says embarrassed. 

“Baby, you’ve done nothing wrong and everyone will see that. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” 

“It’s just that I was loving the fact that nobody here knew about my past. I wasn’t judged or pitied immediately. I was starting to get to know people and being viewed for my job and personality rather than some crazy sob story that everyone talks about. I’m just frustrated that it’s over now.”

“I can have a talk with her if”

“No, no. I appreciate it but I just don’t want to bring it up anymore.” She interrupts.

“Alright, how’d you leave things with your parents?”

“Well, Dad wanted to come out immediately but I still don’t have anywhere for him to stay. I'm not going to let them waste money on a hotel. I’ve convinced them to wait until the weekend after next to come and visit. So, I have to get all of the furniture for the guest bedroom figured out this weekend.”

“I’m happy to help if you’d like.” 

“I might take you up on that offer because otherwise I planned to hire someone to help me get a bed inside.”

“Nah, sweetness. Sy’s gotchu.”

“Yes, he does.” She grins. 

“I’m ready for dessert.” She says while I’m cleaning up the plates from our dinner.

“Whatcha got in mind?” I ask because I’m thinking it’s not the same as what I had in mind originally.

“Ice cream!” She opens the freezer door and pulls out a large gallon of blue bell vanilla ice cream. That brand is about the closest to homemade that you can buy. That’ll do.

She brings it to the counter and reaches on her tiptoes to bring down two bowls from the cabinet.

She hands me the scoop and I get started scooping some out for us as she scopes out some chocolate syrup. 

“I need chocolate.” She smiles. We take our bowls to the living room and pile up on the couch but she leaves a little bit of space between us which feels unusual. 

“Something I did to bother ya, Sugar?”

“No, not at all! Why do you say that?”

“You just seem a little off tonight. I’m not saying anything’s wrong, I just wanted to make sure I didn’t piss ya off without realizing.” 

“God no. It’s not you. It’s me, I’m just not feeling great.”

“Coming down with something?” I ask.

“Not necessarily. It’s… sorry, it’s awkward to say, but it’s that time of the month. Started around lunchtime today and the cramps can be pretty painful.” She whispers with pink tinted cheeks.

Duh. The chocolate, not wanting my hands in her pants, holding her tummy after I tickled her. 

“Babygirl, I’m a grown man. Nothing to be shy or embarrassed about. I ain’t afraid of a little blood. You coulda told me and I would’ve brought you some medicine or sweets. It’s natural, Sugar.” She fidgets with her fingers while I’m speaking.

“Sorry, Colin was always weirded out if I said anything about it. Heaven forbid he saw me buying tampons. He acted like I was disgusting and I guess, old habits die hard.”

“He’s a pussy.” I say and she laughs at my response.

“He is. One time, I bled on the bed when I got my period in the middle of the night and he was so freaked out. I apologized but he threw the sheets away. He wouldn’t let me wash them. Just threw them away and told me to buy some new ones. He made it more embarrassing than it already was. It was right after we moved in together so I just assumed he wasn’t used to living with a woman but he never got comfortable with ‘feminine things.’”

I sigh. Poor thing. “I’m not like that. Periods are natural and I don’t have a problem with any of it. I’ll even buy you tampons if you need me too. Even rub your little tummy.” I say with a grin and she smiles back. “You don’t have to be worried about telling me. In fact, next time, please tell me so I can come prepared to make you feel better.” 

“I just didn’t want to gross you out. We still haven’t been seeing each other that long and I guess I was just embarrassed.”

“I swear if that douchebag ever shows back up, I’m not showing restraint again. I’m going to punch that asshole straight in the face for ever making you feel bad.” I tell her as I set the bowl on the coffee table.

“I appreciate the sentiment but you don’t have to do that. Hopefully we’ll never see him again. Maybe he got the point last time.”

“Come ‘ere.” I tell her as I pat my lap.

She climbs up on my lap and I shift us so I'm spooning her on the couch with my arm under her head. I reach under her the edge of her shirt to gently place my hand across the width of her little abdomen. She sighs and snuggles her face into my arm. 

“Thank you.” Her muffled voice says against my skin.

“Don’t have to thank me for a thing. In fact, thank you for telling me what was going on. I was worried I made you mad somehow.”

“How would you have made me mad? You’re perfect. You literally never do or say anything wrong.”

“Sugar, I do a lot wrong, not intentionally of course. I’m a typical man so I can sometimes be an idiot. I might say or do something wrong and not even realize.” I chuckle and so does she.  “Just promise me you’ll tell me if I fuck up and don’t realize?”

“I promise.” She says. We sit there in silence just cuddling a bit before she speaks.

“Would you tell me about your mom?” It catches me off guard.

 “What do you want to know?”

“What was she like? Did she look like you? What do you miss the most about her.”

“She was the most incredible mother I could imagine having. Very loving, not very subtle when she didn’t like something I did, but she loved me anyway. She had long dark curly hair like mine before the chemo made it fall out. She was a great cook; got that from Nana, and she loved gardening. She always had the prettiest yard with all kinds of different flowers. She was a teacher when I was growing up, taught first grade at the elementary school. She loved reading and made sure I had hundreds of books to read. I guess I miss just talking to her the most. She always had a way of calming me down. She was extremely wise and would listen patiently before dropping the most prophetic advice you could imagine.” I smile at the thought but then images of her sick and weak from the chemo pop into my brain and I stop.

“I’m so sorry she got sick and you lost her. She sounds incredible.” 

“She really was. I miss her a lot. She died and I guess I lost all sense of direction for a while. Decided to focus on the military and let it harden me a bit.”

“It was how you chose to grieve. I certainly don’t know what I would’ve done in your position… Do you regret serving in the army?”

“Not at all. Serving my country gave me purpose when I didn't have any. It definitely kept me from going buck-wild and down a dark road. I shouldn’t even be alive, but I am so I have to make the most of the life I was given when others weren’t so lucky.”

“What do you mean?”

“I just…I just got lucky. Good men died out there in front of me. Under my leadership. It’s hard to go on from that and act like life is normal when you’ve seen some of the things that I have.”

“You could tell me about it… you know, if you wanted too. You don’t have to carry that alone.” She turns in my arms to face me.

“I can’t.” I tell her, my voice almost cracking. She looks at me and nods.

“I’m here if you ever want too.” 

“Thanks, Sugar. Don’t worry about me. I’m alright.” I rub the scruff on my head.

We lay there just cuddling and watching tv before she yawns and I know I need to head on home. We both have work tomorrow.

After several goodbye kisses and the promise of Friday lingering in our minds, I load up the dogs and head on home.

Part 10

Author's Note: Just a heads up friends, I am still in the first trimester of my pregnancy and the morning sickness (ALL DAY SICKNESS) is making it so hard to write when I want too. The doc put me on meds to help, but they make me super sleepy. I also have other littles that require a lot of time and attention. Just to let y'all know, updates may be slow but I will be working on it when I have time/feel well enough. Thank you for your patience with me and THANK YOU for following along on Sy and Emma's journey!

Taglist: @shellyshellshell, @henryownsme, @caramariehurst, @beck07990, @mollymal, @kingliam2019, @syversonswife, @identity2212, @starfirewildheart, @hannah9921, @wa-ni, @kneelforloki, @cutedoxie, @enchantedbytomandhenry, @foxyjwls007, @geralts-yenn, @courtlynwriter, @corrie1013, @squeezyvalkyrie, @summersong69, @livisss, @mayloma, @uunotheangel, @warriormirkwood

[malspinningyarns]

Random thoughts during Bridgerton season 3 rewatch, episode 4

Portia can’t just normally chaperone her daughter with a suitor?

Debling giving Penelope a fern is like when my coworkers have tried giving me plants. I work in a windowless office! I have ADHD! Don’t give me a plant!

Colin gets to miss the juicy gossip of John Stirling’s appearance

Violet wants Penelope to be a Bridgerton so bad

It’s kind of adorable that Benedict brought Lady Arnold flowers.

Lady Danbury really just wants to punch her brother. Also, dude, you don’t have friends in the country?

I live for this Pomeranian’s “tricks”

Brimsley is everything to me. He and Charlotte are true BFFs

Hyacinth’s mistake is pure cringe

To quote my mother “Isn’t he supposed to be Scottish?”

Those are some nice fireplace screens

Lord Samadani just has to be the center of attention

Can’t Will own the club, just not run it himself?

I can’t tell who is actually speaking so the disembodied voice at the library is like the entrance to a Disney attraction

Hey, look Queen Anne portrait

Lady Featherington and Lord Debling are in burgundy. Pen and Colin are in blue

Lord Debling couldn’t tell she was looking at Colin?

Francesca has such a crush on John. It’s adorable

The mausoleum comment Cressida makes about her home makes me think Lord Cowper will die soon

It’s hard to take Lord Cowper seriously when the last thing I saw his actor in was playing the very mincing Shakespearian drag performer Mr. Condell in Upstart Crow

Colin really hates these guys and so do I.

Lord Debling and Lady Featherington are both in dark blue for the proposal scene, continuing the idea that he’s Portia’s choice

Violet tells him to stop masking his emotions and then Colin immediately does it

That’s Hampton Court. Where’s the wine fountain? Is the wine fountain moveable?

That swan wig is going to win the hair team another Emmy

Have a shirtless ballet dancer in nude pants is a bold move, Charlotte

Debling is such a bad fit for the Featherington brother-in-laws’ himbo vibe. You need the wife guy energy my dude

Anderson really has not seen his sister in so long if he doesn’t know she the Queen of Meddling

When did Alice meet Lady Danbury?

Cressida’s fucking sleeve puffs

Lady Danbury really left before all the juicy stuff

Still haven’t seen a gif set of “she is not drinking the lemonade”😭

Colin would punch Fife and it would be worth it

Does Penelope have a full life, Debling? She has one friend and reads

How long has Eloise been ranting about feminism to Cressida? We saw her start before Colin left.

I’m surprised Debling didn’t shoulder check Colin the way he stomped past him

He is pissed

The “what have you done” conversation is heartbreaking

How long was Colin running for? They’re on like the back side of the gardens when he enters, I think

I’d like to point out that it’s the Featherington’s carriage

I love that Colin has been incorporated Featherington gold in his wardrobe

I love those gold shoes

Who hasn’t had to pretend to fingerbang a friend for a role, am I right? Just me and Newts? Ok. (In college I was in a play called In the Next Room or the vibrator play)

The laughing is so adorable

Colin, that’s not really a proposal.

[esperata]

How is the new Penguin show?

Is it worth checking out for someone like me who didn't like Reeves's The Batman (2022)? I thought it was well made but I found it too dark-and-gritty and I didn't like how much of an asshole Bruce was. I want more whimsy from my Batman properties. And Colin Farrell did a good job, but I'm so put off by how they wanted a fat Oswald but wouldn't hire a fat actor. And Oz Cobb? Why would they do that!?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how babygirl is Penguin in the new show? Does he come off as queer at all? Do you think they'll make him fancier as the series goes on? These are the things I want in a Penguin.

Personally I enjoyed the new Penguin episode but it has pros and cons. A few of us have likewise remarked on the annoyance of casting someone slim and then using (impressive) effects to simulate a fatter man. Especially when we have a shirtless scene. It's distracting to be conscious of the unreality of what we're seeing.

There's no denying the series is going for gritty as The Batman did. It is violent and has a gangster show vibe. If that's not your thing then you may not like it. In many ways it's similar to Gotham in how they play on the clash of crime families and Penguin manipulating things to his advantage.

Colin Farrell does act Oswald well, and I am sure I heard that name as well as Oz in the episode. Cobb has not been canonised in the show yet so to me it isn't real yet. There seem to be more hints of his family which I hope will actually be expanded on. Thus far, he loves his mother, so again Gotham-esque.

As to the character, he has a wish to be loved, a sense of humour, and a bit of a soft heart. He appears to be an ally but not noticeably queer himself, at least thus far. We met one casual girlfriend but no big love interest yet. The street workers seemed happy to greet him.

He took a young boy with a speech impediment under his wing. He listens to Dolly Parton when he's alone. His foot is mangled and painful. He favours purple and plum colours in his wardrobe and car. Will he gain any fancier attributes? I don't know. With the way people speak of this version as being "grounded in reality" I can't see us getting the monocle or top hat.

I think he's a fine Penguin, prone to lashing out but primarily a tactician. His desire to be revered like the Don he grew up admiring makes him desperate to be seen as a provider. He wants to be the man to go to. But he also wants to have a personal connection and he clearly struggles finding that within the circles he moves in.

So I can't say it has whimsy, queerness or anything fancy. It has an Oz with dreams of being admired and giving off sugar daddy vibes.

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Ok, having watched the trailer a couple of times, I feel a little better about this season overall. I do still have concerns (I think they're actually doing Colin dirty) but there is a lot here I like.

I am literally at "here is a list of bullet points about things I like," so...Here's that list of bullet points in no particular order:

Colin's FACE when he takes her hand after saying "we are friends, aren't we?" Like...SWEETIE. You are deluding yourself, she is more than a friend and you are barreling toward giving your brothers ammunition to mock you forever

Penelope getting an unveiling moment in her new look. Like, HELL YES GIRL, and then my heart is immediately broken because she's still alone, still ignored. And that cuts pretty fast to two other men literally walking around her like she's a potted plant

Penelope attempting to flirt. I'm getting Catherine Tate vibes from that, which is excellent, but also...she HAS to be imitating what she has seen her sisters and Portia do. Which is NOT HELPING HER, and the reaction faces are GOLD. I love this and I want MORE of it.

I love the drama inherent in Eloise and Cressida buddying around, even as I hate that for Eloise. That's going to be a THING

Colin desperately gasping "Penelope" toward the end of the trailer. Excuse me while I pick my romantic self up off the floor because her knees gave out.

We're setting up Francesca and John! Theirs is my second-favorite book, so I'm happy that it's not going neglected.

Portia telling Penelope she has done very well. MY HEART, that is a potentially complicated interaction, because Portia has not be shy about dismissing Pen's potential and ability, but here she is complimenting Pen--potentially for something Pen doesn't feel great about?

I'm not complaining about attractive shirtless men, and Colin is an attractive shirtless man in most of the trailer. I'm a little worried that attractive shirtless man who has learned to flirt is his whole deal though, and that would be tragic.

Benedict and Anthony mocking Colin as he changes in the carriage. That is peak sibling vibes and I adore it. Just the giggle from Benedict and the smug-ass smirk from Anthony...

Colin asking Violet if she believes that friendship is the best foundation for love. Violet de-dumbassing her children is the best part of the books, and it's been decent in the series.

[jamiesfootball]

lol TL gang goes to Pride lol

Roy - immediately breaks off from the pack and finds a group of drag queens. “RHONDA! How the hell are you, mate? You look incredible”

Keeley - has beef with 18 different lesbians who she KNOWS will be there and has enlisted Rebecca’s help as a human shield to hide behind

Rebecca- is flattered. Wore matching outfits with Keeley. Spends all of pride making a variety of women and men say, ‘god I’m gay’

Isaac - announced himself as the czar of outfits for the whole team. Did a very good job, which in this case means they are sadly understyled. He also won’t admit to anyone that he is wildly uncomfortable and nervous (they all know). Colin is patient and loves him anyways

Colin - also won’t admit to anyone that he is wildly uncomfortable and nervous (Isaac and Michael know. They are patient and love him anyways)

Jamie - planned to spend the day helping Isaac talk up Colin. Has been optimistically offered every Pride flag sticker under the sun by every gay, bi, trans, ace, aro, queer person under the sun. Is wearing them all to be ‘a good ally’

Beard - “RHONDA! Your wig looks better- did my guy help you?"

Moe - is trying to hand out new genders to the team like a drug dealer

Richard - ”this would be better if we had gone to pride in Paris”

Jan - has been to pride before. Dressed in normal t-shirt and shorts. Blends in. They have lost Jan Maas in the crowd.

Dani - shirtless! having the time of his life!

Thierry - also shirtless! Partying with Dani!

Jamie - is hiding from Moe’s very convincing argument that he try new genders ('this is like the astro-teleportation all over again') and has gone to hide behind Keeley. Joins Rebecca as art of The Wall because yeah, he knows who this Mariah is and Keeley is honor bound to fight her if she sees her. Yeah, it’s non-negotiable, they’ll just have to make sure Keeley doesn’t see her.

Rebecca- is speaking to jamie for the third time ever but an airhorn goes off before we can hear anything. Together, the three of them win some sort of couple’s prize. They are all flattered but not surprised

Later on Jamie finds Roy and says, ‘I think one of these stickers apply to me.’

Roy, who has been drinking with drag queens since 11am and is on the sort of level of ascension that only absinthe brings on, says, "Yeah that makes sense"

Jamie: ???????

Roy, condemning himself to 6 months of confusing text messages and non sequiturs because he will not remember this tomorrow: I mean it’s kind of obvious

Jamie: Huh. Well, don't tell anybody yet, yeah? I'm still figuring it out.

Roy, unsure of where the sun is and seeing in the fourth dimension: Yeah, sure.

Trent: "Rhonda! Hello, it's so good to see you. How are things at The Independent?"

[astro-in-prog]

Bridgerton Season 3: The Thirst Scene

No but how hilarious would it be if Season 3's thirst scene is just Penelope chilling on her sofa reading or even writing at her desk and Colin is just losing his mind looking at her in the doorway.

Like Penelope has absolutely no idea she's driving him crazy by just lounging, fiddling with her hair or tapping her lips with her fingers and Colin is going ohmyheavenssjsdhkshfksdjhfksjdhf the second he sees her.

*Penelope exists*

Colin:

And when Penelope finally realizes he's standing there...

Penelope: Colin! I wasn't expecting you today. Is everything quite alright? You seem flushed..?

Colin: I - well.. I - um... I... *forgets why he's there because his brain cannot process anything as he stares at Penelope*

It will be such an amazing contrast to the last 2 seasons where Simon was licking a spoon and Anthony was basically shirtless and drenched but Pen doesn't even have to try. Kate and Daphne had scenes too of course - Kate with her skirt in the woods while hunting and Daphne's that I can't for the life of me remember. But I really want to see Colin spiralling about Penelope and not being able to stop thinking about her. (i mean we already know she loves him so why not let Colin suffer a bit ;))

Of course, I would have ZERO complaints if we got a Colin fencing thirst scene too. (a girl can dream right?) But I really want the scene to go to Pen because it's about damn time!

[mickeyheartian]

Ian Galager

I've been looking for fics mentioning Mickey's tattoo of Ian's name, and haven't been able to find many. Also, I love fics mentioning Mickey's relationship with his siblings. So, I wrote this.

How Mickey's family find out about/react to his new tattoo.

Mandy

Mandy stares at Sandy, unsure if she just heard her cousin correctly.  They were sat in the Milkovich living room catching up.  Mandy had returned home two days ago to an empty house, shocked to see Sandy as the first to show up.  They hadn’t seen each other in years, and not just the past year that Mandy had been away.

"Mickey's home?" Mandy asks, looking at her in disbelief. "I thought he was in Mexico?"

"No, released from prison yesterday," Sandy informed her.

“Asshole!  Where is he?”

“Gallaghers.”

“Gallaghers?  Wait, Ian’s home too?”  Sandy nods in confirmation.  “The fuck!”

“Bitch you’re the one who fucked off, nobody knew where you were, how were we supposed to update you?” Sandy asked.

“Mick and Ian both had my number.”  She seethes, grabbing her purse from the couch and storming out of the house.

The walk to the Gallagher house was only a few blocks, the bitter morning air biting at her exposed arms.  She reached the front door and fumbled in the plant pot to the side, looking for the spare key that was kept there years prior.  Ian had shown her where it was in case she needed to get away from home for a bit.  She felt cold metal at her fingertips.  Bingo!  Still there.

Walking into the house, it was the same as it always had been.  Slightly more run down since she was last here, a few more stains on the floor.  But there was a distinct absence of people, the same thing she’d noticed with her own house.  She can’t have been gone that long… right?

She slowly climbed up the stairs, and upon reaching the top could hear her brother’s voice instantly.  “Your PO ain’t that bad, Red, just suck it up.  No one likes their PO.”  Mandy followed the sound of her brother’s voice over to the open accordion door, peering in.

Ian’s sat on the bed, frowning over at her brother, who sits smoking on the window.  Shirtless.  With Ian’s name unmistakably tattooed on his chest.  What? 

Before she figured out how she was going to play this, Ian spotted her.  “Mandy?” He asked, pulling himself up from the bed.  “Holy fuck!  It is you!”  He runs over and envelopes her in a hug.  “When did you get back?”

“Ian!” She smiles, returning the hug.  She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed her best friend until he had his arms around her.  “When did I get back?  The fuck is going on with you. Blowing up a fucking van!” she hits him.  She’d read about Ian’s escapades in the newspaper when she’d been working at a small convenience store.

“The fuck are you doin’ here?” Mickey asks from the window.

“What the hell asshole!” she replies, removing herself from Ian and turning to him.  “What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” Mickey shrugs.

“Hold up a second.  Firstly, what the fuck I haven’t heard from you in years!  You didn’t tell me you were out.”

“Bitch I’ve been in fuckin’ prison, then to Mexico and back in since I last heard from you.” Mickey retorts.

“Secondly,” Mandy continues, “is that Ian’s name on your chest?”

“Who the fuck else’s name would I have on my chest?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure ‘cause it’s not spelt right,” Mandy laughs.

“Already told him,” Ian tells her, laughing along with her and moving back to sit on the bed.

“Oh fuck off, the both of you.”

“Awww Mick!” Mandy smiles.  She turns to Ian, joining him on the bed.  “Never knew my brother could be such a softie.”

“OK.  Fuck off.  Time for you to leave.” Mickey grumbles.

Iggy & Colin

“’Ey, look who’s back from Mexico!” Iggy cheers as Mickey enters the Milkovich house.

“The fuck have you been, bro?” Colin asks, taking a sip from his beer.  Both of his brothers sat in the dimly lit living room, drinking beer with some action movie on in the background.  The house hadn’t changed in the years Mickey had been gone.  Still falling apart.  Still dirty.  Still full of idiots.

“Prison.  Mexico.  Prison.” Mickey says, slumping down on the sofa next to them.  He scrunches his nose.  “What stinks?”

“Colin’s decided showering is gay,” Iggy informs him.

“What the fuck?” Mickey shoots Colin a questioning look. Colin is about to explain, but Mickey holds up his hand.  “Nevermind.  I don’t wanna know.”

“Pro’ly hasn’t showered since you were here last,” Iggy laughs.

“He’s not been gone that long,” Colin says, lighting up a cigarette.

“The fuck?” Mickey asks, looking at his brother in complete disbelief.

“Nah man, he’s been gone a few months,” Iggy says.

“What the fuck!  I’ve been gone years shitheads!” Mickey shouts.

“Really?  Didn’t notice.”  Colin shrugs.

“Too busy gettin’ turned down by every girl at the Alibi,” Iggy laughs.

“Didn’t fuckin’ notice?” Mickey snaps.  “Fuckin’ idiots.”  He grabs the closest thing to him, the TV remote, and lobs it at Colin’s head.

“Fuckin’ asshole!” Iggy shouts, the remote completely missing Colin and hitting him in the head.  He jumps off the sofa, throwing himself on top of Mickey.

Mickey punches him before he can get a good punch in himself, the force causing them both to fall to the floor.  They scramble around on the floor like children until Colin steps in.

“You can’t come here and start shit, idiot!” He says, pulling Mickey up by his shirt.

“You’re the fuckin’ idiots!” Mickey retorts, thrashing against Colin.  He stops when he notices Colin’s face, idiocy replaced with disbelief and confusion. 

“What?”

“Gallagher?” Colin asks.

“What are you talking about?” Mickey asks.

“Ohhh!” Iggy taunts.  “Better make sure Pops don’t see that.”

Mickey looks down, noticing his tattoo on show, his vest having slipped when Colin grabbed him. 

“Wait.  Am I missing something?” Colin asks, letting Mickey back to the floor.

“Gallagher’s his boyfriend.”  Iggy shrugs.

“You’re a fag?” Colin asks.

“You didn’t know he was gay?”

“You’re a fag!”  Colin laughs.  “Oh my god.  And you got a guy’s name on your chest.  Oh my god!”  Colin breaks down into fits of laughter.

“What’s so funny, shitstain? Mickey asks, pulling his shirt back into place.

“You literally did the gayest thing you could do,” Colin gets out between laughs.  “Igg’s right, Pop’s is gonna kill you.”

“Not if you don’t fuckin’ tell him!”  Mickey knows his brothers are idiots, but he doesn’t think they’re that stupid.  “Also I’m sure taking it up the ass is the gayest thing I could do,” Mickey shrugs.

“Ew.  Gross!  You take it up the ass!” Iggy fake gags.

“Everything you say gets gayer,” Colin laughs.

“But you guys aren’t gonna tell him, right?” Mickey confirms.

“Yeah, yeah, little bro, your funeral,” Colin says, rubbing Mickeys hair like a child.

“How did you not know I’m gay?” Mickey asked.

“That ginger guy was living here for months, dude!” Iggy says, punching Colin in the arm.

“I dunno.  He was married.”

“And kissing a dude in the kitchen!”

“Nah he was married to a girl, man.”

Mickey shook his head, walking toward the kitchen in search of food.  Idiots.

Terry

“He’s gay Terry.  I’m gay.  People are gay.” Sandy says, bored of the conversation and getting up from the table where the Milkovich family are filing serial numbers off guns.

“Super gay,” Colin laughs.  Mickey shoots him a glare.  If he doesn’t shut the fuck up, he’s gonna have to kill him.

“You ain’t marrying a man.  Milkovich men marry vaginas.  Period!” Terry sneers.

“Not that big of a deal, he’s already got his name on his –” Colin says, Iggy quickly covering his mouth before he can finish.

Mickey covers his face with his hands.  He cannot comprehend the stupidity of his brothers right now.  What the fuck!

“He’s got what?” Terry asks, unnervingly calmly.

“Nothing.”  Colin says quickly.

“Yeah, definitely nothing.” Iggy confirms. 

Sandy shoots Mickey a worried glance.  He bites the corner of his lip, staying silent, telling himself to keep breathing.  Terry doesn’t know anything.

“Got his name where?” Terry asks again slowly, shooting a death glare across the table at Mickey.

“Don’t know what they’re talkin’ about Pops,” Mickey replies, praying that his brothers don’t say anything else stupid.  He shoots them both warning glares.

Terry moves to look over at Colin, who goes white.  “Nothin’ Pops, he don’t have nothin’ on his chest.”

Mickey stands still in complete disbelief for a second.  Before he can react, Terry stands, flipping over the table in anger, causing guns to fall to the floor in a loud crash.  He stalks over to Mickey, pulling down his shirt and seeing red.

Mickey shoves him off, and Terry lunges at him, gun still in hand, striking Mickey across the face with it.  Mickey sees stars.  It’s been a while since this happened.  He forgot the pain.  Terry’s got him pinned to the floor, unable to escape.

“Fuckin’ fag.  I’m gonna kill you!” he shouts, hitting Mickey across the head again.

Suddenly, the weight of Terry is gone, Sandy hanging from his back, Iggy, and Colin each holding one of his arms as he fights against them.

“Run!” Sandy shouts at him. 

Ian

Ian’s lying in bed when Mickey gets home, and the second he sees his boyfriend he can’t breathe.  “What happened?” he asks, jumping up off the bed to inspect the damage of Mickey’s face.  Two black eyes forming, a large gash on the side of his face and a split lip. 

“Terry,” Mickey mumbles, peeling off his blood-stained vest.

“You went home?” Ian asks.

“Yeah.”

“Not sure why you keep going back there,” he sighs, pulling his boyfriend toward the bed.  They lay down together, Mickey laying on Ian’s shoulder.

“He found out about the tattoo,” Mickey murmurs into Ian’s shoulder.

“What?  Mandy told him?”

“No.  No.  Stupid idiot brothers,” he sighs.

“Your brothers know about it?”

“Yeah.”  Mickey offers no explanation.

Ian traces his name across Mickey’s chest.  “You know, I love it,” Ian whispers to him.

“I love you,” Mickey mumbles, looking up and meeting Ian’s eyes.

“I love you, too.”

[polin-erospsyche]

What I love about that trailer is that we got shirtless Colin which admittedly is very hot (like I’m sorry? Who have you the right sir?) and we’re already freaking out.

What will it be when we see a near kiss??? Especially considering that we’re freaking out at how close Luke and Nic are in that live to the trailer???

[hotjaneaustenmenpoll]

Quarter Final One

Propaganda...

Edward Ferrars (1995) :

Edward gets a bad rap because he's quiet and the whole lucy steele situation but he doesn't get enough credit for how honourable he is! It's easy to have honour when it costs you nothing he knows he'll be miserable with lucy but he knows it's the right thing and to do so he sticks to his guns and does it anyway despite the opposition from his family and to me that is hot! Also yes he makes mistakes but his family are vile - he grew up with Fanny and Robert and is still a good man! Also he looks like hugh grant and plays fun games with Margaret and he understands Elinor in a way no one else does - Hot!Hot!Hot!

Mr Darcy (1995) :

Colin Firth (1995) is book Darcy brought to life. He uses tiny gestures and looks to communicate with us and Elizabeth… his struggle is so subtle but so palpable. A beautiful asshole with a creamy nougat center. Just perfect.

GIF by sunsetboulevards

Those heart-eyes right up above☝️? Hot!

Passive-agressively drinking tea? Hot!

GIF by jaeausten

The way he rushes over to see Elizabeth at Pemberley on those delicious long legs of his with that slutty wet curl hanging over his forehead? Hot!

GIF by didanagy

Fencing? Hot!

GIF by greengableslover

The way he is so concerned about Elizabeth crying and takes her hand even though he shouldn't? Hot!

GIF by greengableslover

This dimple-y smile of pure joy because he knows he's married to Elizabeth freaking Bennet? Hot!

GIF by didana

Colin Firth Darcy is simultaneously immaculately put together and entirely falling apart internally. The wet shirt scene is so iconic not (only) because ‘oooh almost-shirtless sexy man’, but because it’s a metaphor for how he’s absolutely falling apart!!! This is a private moment, when he doesn’t think anyone can see him. And then he bumps. into. Lizzie. At his house!! And the entire sequence that follows with him rushing out still doing his jacket up to catch her before he leaves. They are both on the back foot and it’s THAT moment of confusion that opens a more honest dialogue between them.

Without Firth in a lake you wouldn’t get Macfadyen in a downpour!

There's a reason why Colin Firth is forever known as Mr. Darcy above all other roles he's had and will have! Even ignoring the wet white shirt, which has become A Thing now, he is so hot with his curly hair and his little half smiles and his intense looks of longing and his legs that go on for milessss.

This cannot be real. My fellow Jane Austen people. Without Colin Firth’s Darcy we wouldn’t have 90% of modern JA content. He opened a door and there was no turning back for modern culture. There would be no MacFadyen standing half undressed in a field at dawn without Firth jumping into a lake first. There would be no hand flex if there hadn’t been Firth doing his best impression of a man undressing Elizabeth Bennet with his eyes and hating himself for liking it. There would be no Bridgerton without Bridget Jones. Let’s face it people. We wouldn’t be here having these arguments if Colin Firth had not been Mr Darcy.

Colin Firth understood Mr. Darcy in a way no other actor ever has. He is awkward as fuck in a way that comes across as snooty and judgmental on a first watch-through, then can be read as awkward and longing on a second time. His performance had such depth while looking extremely shallow at first glance. This man WAS Mr. Darcy. (I love 2005, as well, and I love Matthew McFayden, but he was awkward for awkward sake.) Colin Firth made Darcy's awkward look snooty and aloof.

THE socially awkward Darcy is the 1995 Darcy - look at him coming and sitting in awkward silence with Elizabeth pointedly asking her if she wants to live a long way from her family (to obvious relief) and then abruptly leaving - vote for him please 😭😭😭😭

Colin Firth served so much as Darcy that when they did Bridget Jone's diary, they brought him back.... AS DARCY. The smoulder. The angst. The man is the quintessential Darcy.

“Firthing” is an actual term that is used now to describe someone yearning intensely. It is named after Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy performance.

Colin Firth all the way. He's known in our household as Owl Eyes because in every frame he's mooning over Elizabeth Bennet. Unsurpassable, unmatched, golden television (and some of the worst dancing you've ever seen).

Colin has beautiful, touchable curls.

Link

My high school English teacher was very into using movies to teach alongside literature, which was a great teaching tool. When we read Pride and Prejudice, he used both 2005 and 1995 for various scenes. What stands out to me all these years later was when it got to the part when Lizzy went to help Georgiana after Caroline dropped Mr. Wickham's name and Darcy gives Lizzy this look:

My teacher stopped the film and pointed at Darcy's face and said, "See that? That is THE look. If someone ever looks at you like that, you know they're in love." And what is hotter than that?

Also this teacher had two cats named Lizzy and Darcy. Not relevant to the poll but I wanted you all to know about them.

The best thing about the Colin Firth wet shirt scene is actually the scene that follows where him and Lizzie are both just dyinggg of embarrassment but Darcy pulls himself together refuses to lose his advantage and runs to get dressed and chase her down before she leaves - just the mix of cringe and hopefulness at seeing her again is so well done and so attractive!!! (this is just the bit where he's running after her but I love it all!)

[none-ofthisnonsense]

Merlin S4E13, “The Sword in the Stone: Part Two”

Merlin reminding us he’s a dragonlord once again! But seriously stop ordering Kilgharrah around. (Though I doubt he minds fighting against Morgana.)

These two episodes really have the “we got a slow-mo camera and are taking full advantage of it” vibe

That face when he says “Me?” Merlin is cute!

Fuck me but I love a super powerful character who rarely uses it. BAMF Merlin my love.

Is Agravaine dead? (Someone remind me what Merlin’s kill count is.)

He did mean it though. I need a supercut of all sincere Merlin and Arthur moments.

…why is Gwaine shirtless?

Sometimes I’m reminded how Gwaine is the best fighter in the Five Kingdoms.

Tristan you’re not helping.

Gaius better not die. At least not without Merlin there.

Just once I want Arthur to listen to Merlin.

The theme tune and the anger and desperation in Merlin’s voice when he calls for Kilgharrah. By the way, what happened to Aithusa?

Colin Morgan has beautiful eyes.

I am loving this Merlin.

EXCALIBUR!

That ray of light on Arthur’s face.

The speech…

Leon I love you.

Merlin’s complete belief and faith in Arthur never fails to blow me away.

Dragoon the Great is such a mood.

I feel sorry for Morgana. She must be lonely.

Tristan stop making me feel feelings with your extraordinary performance

Leon <333

Ok but I love Tristan. (And Isolde, too, but she’s less fleshed out, and more just beautiful.)

Okay I burst out laughing when Gwen hit that guy with the sword.

YEAH IT’S NOT BAD. IT’S BLOODY EXCALIBUR AND IT’S THE MOST PERFECT SWORD EVER MADE

Morgana makes me hurt.

Merlin what did you do/are you doing

Okay but Morgana fighting through the corridors. I’m just saying.

ISOLDE WHAT THE FUCK T’AS PAS LE DROIT DE MOURIR

Merlin I love you.

Shit I’m actually crying. 

I’m having parallels to the coronation flashbacks

Morgana can’t die like this.

AITHUSA?!

Her hair and outfit looks blue and I love it.

Overall S4 was the best season so far. I especially liked the two-parters.

[crescentcampbell]

Wouldn't You Like to Know, Ch. 7

Seven

            “Wait a minute, you’re going to the Bridgerton’s Sunday Dinner?” Philippa looked aghast when Penelope told her.

            Penelope nodded. The two of them were taking a walk-through Central Park. It was something they had started doing when Penelope had started writing full time. Philippa worked at a fashion magazine as a receptionist, and she had related to Penelope a lot more once Penelope had told her she was an “assistant”. Funnily enough, Philippa was also obsessed with Lulu Rochester. She said she related to the way Lulu wrote outsiders, but Penelope couldn’t understand why.

            Philippa had always been friends with Cressida Cowper, one of the most popular girls at their school. While she hadn’t had a lot of attention from boys, she had gone out on dates and Penelope could never remember anyone making fun of her except for her being a bit dense about things sometimes. But that was because Philippa cared more about fashion than about most of the rest of the things going on in the world.

            “I don’t know,” Penelope said, “I’m sure Colin only invited me to be nice. He wasn’t expecting to see me there. He came to drop off papers for my boss.”

            Philippa smiled. “So, it’s really happening? Wallflowers is being made into a movie?”

            Penelope nodded. “Yeah.”

            “Oh---although it will be weird, watching it with someone we know in it. I never really thought of Colin as heartthrob material.”

            Philippa had never watched Colin shirtless at lacrosse practice, unlike Penelope, who used to study by the field in the bleachers on purpose so she could watch him. God, how obsessed had she been with him? Now, he was back in her life, and making her feel that way again.

            She hated how much he made her feel like a schoolgirl.

            “I think that’s just because we grew up with him,” said Penelope, “but he seems excited about it. I think the whole thing will be great.”

            “Exciting. What does your boss think?” Philippa said.

            “She’s happy about the money she’s going to make,” Penelope replied.

            Philippa smirked. “You know, it would be cute if the two of them ended up dating. Thin of how amazing that would be?”

            Penelope shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. It was late fall, and she had a jacket on. “Lulu likes to be left alone. She’s not one for publicity.”

            Philippa shrugged. “Maybe Colin will do one of those fake, PR relationships with his co-star then. That could be fun.”

            Penelope hated all of those ideas. Really, she hated any idea that anyone else but her would get to be with Colin. But it didn’t matter. To Colin Bridgerton, she would always be a charity case. The girl his mother forced him to dance with at prom because they’re families were friends and Violet Bridgerton felt sorry for her. Someone like Colin could never fall in love with a girl like her.

            Philippa nudged her. “Promise me one thing.”

            “What’s that?” Penelope asked.

            “Promise me that you aren’t going to get all attached to him again like you were when you were a teenager. You used to do everything for him and he treated you like dirt…but that’s kind of how it’s always been with them.  They view us as people that work for them and not really friends.”

            Penelope shrugged. “Maybe. But you don’t have anything to worry about, Phil. My guess is that when I go over for dinner, Eloise will be mad at me, and I’ll get kicked out or something. I only hope it’s not before the eclairs.”

            Philippa nodded. “Those eclairs are fucking amazing. I swear, Violet doesn’t put cream in there, she puts fucking crack. Will you steal me one, please?”

            Penelope smiled. “I’ll see what I can do. I won’t have mom there this time watching me and making sure that I only eat one.”

            Philippa squeezed her shoulder. “But I’m serious. The Bridgerton’s are very good at making you feel like you are the best thing since sliced bread one minute and then they can turn on you. You remember how they were when they found out about Dad. They treated us like we were the enemy too.”

            “I mean…dad did steal from them, Phil. I’m not saying it’s right but I understand the anger that they must have felt. They were supposed to be able to trust him and look where it got us?”

            Philippa glared at Penelope. “Don’t let mom ever hear you say that. She’ll disown you in a minute.”

            Penelope opened her mouth almost to say that she didn’t need Portia Featherington’s money.  But Philippa knew that the two of them had both struggled on their own living in New York, and that every once and a while, their mom had helped them foot the bill. It wasn’t something Penelope particularly relished in, but New York was a bitch. “I’m not little Pen anymore, Philippa. I’m an adult. With a real job, and a brownstone. I’m not going to let Colin Bridgerton----or any of the Bridgerton’s----completely turn my head. I’ll be okay.”

            Philippa nodded. “Okay. But please don’t let Eloise talk you into working for the New York Times. Journalists would eat you alive.”

            “Hey!” Penelope said. “I’m tough enough I could be a journalist if I wanted to.”

            “Do you want to?”

            Penelope shook her head. “No. Not really.”

            “That’s what I thought. Eloise was always good at talking you into things. Remember that year you both thought it was a good idea to get perms?’

            She winced. “Don’t remind me. Worst decision I have ever made in my entire life. And that includes the time that I asked Colin to prom thinking that he actually liked me.”

            Phillippa shrugged. “Well, you’re both adults. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong and the two of you can be mature about this whole thing. I don’t want to see you have a broken heart, though.”

            “Thanks, Phila.”

            “Anytime, Pen.”

[tartt9]

unsolicited headcanon questions - What is Jamie's social media presence like? What's he like for controversies or hot takes? Has he ever done anything/said anything that went viral or got meme'd?

i love an unsolicited headcanon question so thank you for sending me this !! :')

so jamie's very active on social media. like to the point that he needs to shut the fuck up sometimes. his twitter is his most frequently used platform - he's just @ jamietartt he'll respond to all of richmond's tweets - he's got their post notifications on - and all of the premier league's tweets about him and his teammates. he also responds regularly to the three lions twitter account. but outside of football and #coygh and richmond til we die!s, it's seriously nonsense. he runs polls to see his followers' takes on things, and he's always like there is a right answer. he overuses emojis. at 2 am he'll tweet like @ PaddyOGara if you were a dog what type of dog would you be and @ IsaacMcAdoo how many eggs do you think you could eat in one sitting maximum not on average absolute maximum number of eggs pls respond quickly this is important his instagram (also @ jamietartt) is.... what you think his instagram would be. lots of pictures of him on match days, in richmond reds, blues, and yellows. lots of pictures of him hanging off of his teammates. lots of instagram stories during celebrations in the dressing room and afterwards when they're out clubbing. but it's also full of ego-stroking shirtless pictures and gym selfies where his shirts are matted to his body with sweat. he does amas more frequently than he should. keeley has to work overtime with him sometimes tbh. his tiktok (also.... @ jamietartt) is all behind the scenes with richmond/the three lions content. colin sleeping on the bus. moe having a very intense conversation with the new greyhound mascot. them actually seeing how many eggs isaac could eat in one sitting. and occasionally he just shows off his footwork on there because he likes to brag and he likes praise (canonically lmao)

his biggest controversy is, obviously, fucking off from city two weeks into their season to do lust conquers all. he still gets questions about that, still gets people who don't take him seriously as a footballer because of that. but, aside from lust, the next biggest controversy was that one time he was pictured outside of a club in london with a cigarette between his fingers. it was keeley's, and he was just holding it for her - he's never actually smoked in his life, because he takes his health seriously - but it was on a bunch of tabloids front pages the next day. he didn't make a statement. he doesn't get asked about that as much anymore, but it wouldn't surprise me if opposing team's players ask him if he want one as a cruel sort of joke if they run across each other out clubbing or something

his hot takes are mostly just like. "i think kent was a better player than beckham ever was" and he likes to start fights about that but he does fully 100% believe his own opinion when he says stuff like that. there are loads of comments on our irl tiktok that's like "he (jamie) thinks he's ronaldo" and when jamie's drunk he needs someone to stop him from replying on his main account like "no. i think i'm better than him."

as for going viral i like to think the moment he said that he and beard aren't having sex definitely still circulates on richmond twt, plus him and roy headbutting and hugging after their promotion, plus there's discussion about whatever roy said when he hugged jamie after jamie left the pitch in mom city. usfw mention in this paragraph don't read this if you don't want that // there's also the canon fact that he gets half-hard when he does particularly well on the pitch..... people Are Looking that's all im gonna say

he also just. like. says silly things if any of the lads catch him on camera saying something ridiculous it'll probably go viral on richmond twt if not further internet spheres than just richmond ygm?

tldr he's an absolute menace on the internet and somebody should probably change his passwords half the time but he's super good at fan engagement and he's doing his best to stop starting fights with strangers about himself/his teammates

[itsagutthing]

top 5 Roy Kent moments?

i'm going to cheat and separate these into two categories 😅

funny/hot:

undressing keeley for her bath in 2.07

"so? i don't need a phone and a watch!" bonus points because he's shirtless

going down on keeley while she watches that video of him crying

when rebecca yells at him to get his hairy arse into her office and he's soooo turned on by it

"does my face look like it's in the mood for shape-based jokes?"

earnest:

when he greets rebecca with a cheek kiss at her dad's funeral

the scene that plays during the credits in 1.09 when he does a handshake with colin and isaac, laces up his cleats, and then touches the believe sign for good luck before he leaves in his reserve pinny

in 1.03 when we first see roy and phoebe together :') she asks to do headers and he says yes immediately and throws her over his shoulder. adoring AND playful

from 3.02, the entire scene where he talks about leaving chelsea, but especially "going back there today, there's a part of me thinking maybe i should have stayed and just fucking... enjoyed myself."

the press conference in 3.09. love seeing him take charge and love that he's telling his story directly to rebecca. AJ catoline (the editor) said something about roy playing it like there's only one person in the room and we all know who the most important person is in that moment!