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blkgojo · 4 years ago

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The Kitchen is Home | Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Wanda is grief-stricken over the death of her brother. She’s far from home and reclusive. All you want to do is make her favorite foods. Fluffy.

Word Count: 2.096

Make no mistake. You weren't an Avenger. You were their cook. The job was a simple one, prepare the meals (if need be) and stock their fridge. No riff raff. Nothing fancy. Honestly, the most exciting thing was when Wanda and Vision arrived. You thought she was quite pretty if a bit reserved. She barely left her room. Didn't go on many missions. 'Give her time,' Steve had told Tony.

None of that was your concern. You just wanted to know what food she liked.

Most of the Avengers filled out a form or told you themselves what they enjoyed. When Bruce was around, he liked it when you made him protein and fiber rich dinners. Steve was a simple guy who made his own meals, always apologized before asking you to grab him something from the store. Natasha liked the fruit parfaits and pelmeni you cooked. Vision was quick to tell you he didn't exactly enjoy food.

Wanda? Nothing.

"What're you making?" Natasha walked into the kitchen. Her boots clicked against the rough tile.

You looked up from your bread. There was blood on her cheek. "Back from a mission?"

She nodded and rounded the island to stand next to you.

"Struuji," you said slowly. Apple dumplings. A desert common in the Balkans.

"Struklji," Natasha corrected. She grinned at the food. That little knowing half-smirk she always did. "They look good. I'm guessing you're making them for our newest Sokovian."

"Well, she hasn't exactly filled out the form or gotten back to me-"

"Mhm."

"- so I thought I'd just make some food. Make her feel at home."

"Uh huh."

You paused. Natasha wasn't even listening. She was just staring at the food.

"I'll make you some, too."

Her face brightened. "You're too sweet. Thank you, Y/N."

When the struklji was done, you made the plate pretty, topped off the pastries with a sprinkle of icing, and walked over to Wanda's room. The door swung open the moment you raised your hand to knock.

Wanda was there. Sitting on her bed. Staring at you with one brow lifted.

"Does that mean I can come in?" You asked.

"What do you think?" She replied.

You stepped in and the door promptly shut behind you. She cocked her head to the side, nodded at the plate in your hand.

"What's that?"

"Struklji," you said, stumbling over the word. You walked over and placed it on the empty spot next to her. "I made you some."

"Because I'm Sokovian." She didn't give you time to reply. "You can go." And then, as an afterthought. "Thank you."

You knew you were dismissed by how her head swivelled back to the TV. You hesitated, wanting to see how she liked it, but ultimately, left, closing the door behind you.

"Wanda liked your cooking."

"Really?"

She still hadn't approached you, hadn't even said thank you, but you wouldn't be swayed. The Avengers were in a meeting debrief while you were in the kitchen, finishing up the last touches on the mekitsa. You counted 12. Enough for everyone even Tony who always managed to have something to say about your cooking.

" Oh? I didn't know this was a buffet." And there you go. There was Tony. Always talking.

You ignored him and placed the food down.

Tony pointed at the plate. "And what is this?"

"It's mekitsa," Wanda interrupted. Her eyes met yours.

"Is that Sokovian?" Steve asked.

She shook her head. "No, but it's common to eat it for breakfast or find someone on the street selling it. It's like a donut."

"Well, if Y/N made it, I'm sure it's good," Steve offered. He grabbed one and took a bite, nodding slowly as he ate. One by one the Avengers followed. Wanda being the last one.

She grabbed one, still eyeing you, and took a bite. The powdered sugar poofed, bits of it falling to decorate her hands and shirt. You looked at her. She was the only one you really cared to see their reaction.

"Is it good?"

Her expression was hesitant. Her eyes far away as if trapped in some memory. To your surprise, she frowned, eyed the pastry as if it had committed some crime.

Slowly, she nodded. She didn't smile or say thank you. She ate it and when she was finished, she took another one. You didn't know what to make of that.

You delivered food to Wanda for the next few weeks. Anything and everything remotely Sokovian or Balkan. Salma. Baklava. Rafioli. Gozleme.

"I don't know, Y/N," Natasha leaned back against the chair. Her feet kicked up on the desk. "It's like ever since Wanda came you forgot the rest of us eat, too."

The funny thing was that she was eating. You made the whole compound stuffed peppers for dinner. You were half on your way to bringing the plate to Wanda when Natasha, mouth half full with a pepper, began commenting.

You rolled your eyes. "That's not true."

Tony nodded. "It's true. You're slacking on your duties."

If he wasn't your boss, you'd remind him that tending to Wanda was your duty, but Tony didn't like being corrected. Again, you rolled your eyes. This time, sighing as well. You pointed at the pepper in his hand.

"It'd be easier if I didn't have an extra mouth to feed."

"You mean, me?" He pointed at himself. "The one who signs your check?"

You began walking again. Wanda's food would be cold if you continued to dilly dally. Like always, the door opened when you stepped up to knock. Wanda was sitting on the bed, facing the television as she always was when they weren't trying to get her acquainted with the Avengers lifestyle.

She nodded at the plate. "Stuffed peppers?"

You walked over and placed it beside her. "How'd you know?"

She pointed at her head. "Stark. He's loud."

"I stuffed them with lamb."

Her eyes met yours. She was fond of prolonged eye contact. Unafraid of it, but you would be, too, if you were a telepath.

"I can hear your thoughts, you know?"

You stumbled over your words. For the first time, you thought you saw her grin. Just a bit. A lift at the corner of her lips.

"It's hard keeping track of all your superpowers." You shook your head, turning to the TV. Modern Family was playing on the screen. "You like sitcoms?"

"It's funny."

"Have you seen Living Single? It's another sitcom," you smiled faintly. "Probably not as distributed abroad."

She shook her head, picked up the remote and pointed it at the screen. "Is it online?"

"Oh. Um," You pointed at the bed.

"You can sit."

You sat next to her, scooted the food between you two. It took perusing through multiple streaming channels for you both to realize Living Single is nowhere to be found.

"Maybe, it's only on DVD," Wanda said, turning towards you. Up close like this, you noticed how her eyes had a rim of red around the green iris. Even when her powers were presumably not active.

"Probably." You shrugged.

An awkward silence settled between you. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, her eyes looking down at the ground, deep in thought. You slowly began to feel as if you overstayed your welcome. You stood up and rubbed your hands on your jeans.

"Well, I should probably-"

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"What."

She looked up at you. Her brows furrowed. "Why are you so nice to me?" She repeated slowly.

"You're far away from home," you said entirely too fast. Almost like a question. You continued in a slower voice, averting your gaze to calm your nerves. "I just- " You shrugged. "It's not fun being somewhere where no one is like you. Not really like you."

She stared at you for so long you turned to leave. "It's not," you heard her say behind you.

You turned.

"Thank you," she smiled. A genuine smile with her teeth and all. She pointed down at the plate. "For everything."

"Yeah, of course."

"Y/N."

You turned, jumped, to see Wanda coming at you down the hallway. She'd been there for two months now and just returned from a mission. When you turned, she waved a DVD, too far away for you to make out the title.

"Whassup?"

She held up the DVD.

"How'd you find it?" You half-shrieked.

"Being an Avenger has perks." She smiled. "Do you want to watch it?"

"Um," you looked towards the kitchen. There was stuff to get done, but there was always stuff that needed to get done. It could wait. "Yeah. Sure."

There was only a bed in Wanda's room which wasn't normally an issue because normally, she sat criss-cross on it, and you could sit a little farther behind. This time she was more relaxed, scooting to the side so you had space. Barely. When you sat down, your leg touched hers.

She pressed the 'play' button on the remote control and you began watching the first episode. She didn't move her leg. You didn't either.

"Y/N! You gonna go back to being our cook or are you still content with just being Wanda's?" Tony asked you.

He sat at the meeting table as he always did. Only this time the other Avengers were present save for Thor. You rolled your tongue in your cheek. He was your boss, you reminded yourself. Despite yourself, you peeked at Wanda. She didn't like Tony much, but her expression is carefully blank.

"Leave Y/N alone," said Natasha.

"I make food for everyone." You placed a plate of beef patties on the table.

Tony grabbed one off the table and inspected it. "So, this isn't a Sokovian dish?"

"It's Jamaican," you deadpanned.

"Hm." He took a bite. "Did Wan-"

"No, I did not request it."

It was beginning to feel like everyone knew something was up with you and Wanda. You and her had pledged to watch all the American sitcoms she hadn't seen, ranging from Living Single to Moesha, and there were many nights where you honestly just stayed up with her. Vision would join sometimes, too. It was your thing.

But, maybe, they all saw more than you did. For you, it looked like a friendship. Of course, there were times when you two lingered with one another - your hands touching the shared popcorn, your knees bumping and not moving away - but that was just it. These were moments in time.

You were in her room again. You leaned back against the pillow cushion, she laid next to you, a bowl of popcorn between you two. You didn't want to say anything. You didn't want to assume, but there was a palpable tension between you. One that had you avoiding her gaze, sitting closer to the edge than the center.

"There's a lot of singing in this one," she said.

"You sound disgusted."

"I am."

Under normal circumstances, you would've laughed. Now, you didn't know what to do. A laugh would be forced. Ignoring it would be weird. You decided on looking at her. She looked healthier now. Sadness still existed in the corners of her eyes, but she looked like she was eating well. Beautiful then and beautiful now.

She turned to look at you. Her lips curled up in a slight smile.

"I can hear you."

"I'm not- Oh." You could feel your face warming up. You averted your gaze to the popcorn. "Do you always hear me?"

She turned her body entirely, away from the movie to face you. She nodded.

"That's awkward."

"It's not." Her eyes lingered at your lips. "I enjoy it."

You two lay there, staring at one another. You turned towards her, mimicking her position. If you could see yourself, you'd know that you looked like a mix between apprehension and happiness. All you had to do was move forward. Kiss her. It'd be so simple.

"I think you're beautiful, too," she said quietly. "And I like it when we touch."

Her hands hesitantly reached out to touch yours. First, the fingertips and then, palm to palm.

"I do, too," you whispered.

Your kiss was a hesitant one. She wasn't the one to lean forward first. You swallowed your fear and did it. She met you. Her lips trembled. Yours did too. You pulled back to look at her, analyze if you were doing the right thing, your eyes searched hers for some confirmation. What you were met with was a bit of fear. A longing.

You kissed her again.

#wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff imagine #wanda maximoff #marvel imagine

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of-toussaint · 2 years ago

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Metamorphosis, and other gifts

Chapter: 3/6

Rating: E

Words: 2.1k (chapter)/5.3k (total)

Relationships: Eskel/Salma

“You’re trying to take,” she says, not unkind. Her eyes rove his face. Peeling back what she finds there, ferreting out revelation. “I didn’t understand, before, why you’d come. But now I think I might. Just look at the hunger in you. Nothing so inhuman as we are can sate itself that way. What you need is a change of perspective.”

(read chapter 3 below, or on AO3)

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True to his word, that first night, they talk.

Rather than leading, she prods him to walk in front of her (and it isn’t lost on him, how obviously she doesn’t want him at her back). Spiraling upward at the rear of the building, the staircase to which she directs him leads them to one floor, then another, then yet another. Behind, her hooves clatter and click on the wooden floorboards. Each landing opens onto a hallway, down which Eskel can see closed doors; the muffled conversation and other, more intimate sounds drifting from them hint at what they conceal. At every floor he sends a curious glance over his shoulder at her, but again and again she jerks her head upward, indicating that they should continue. Finally their climb ends, not at a landing as the previous floors had featured, but at a locked door.

She shoulders him aside, and draws from some cleverly-concealed pocket a black iron key. The lock gives a soft thunk as she turns it. Then the door swings smoothly open, without a single creak, and she beckons him in after her. Following her example, he ducks his head to get past the threshold, but once inside, he stands upright. And stares.

A garret runs the length of the building. Along the left side of the room the roof is flat to the center, the ceiling high enough for both of them to stand without difficulty, but from the centerline down to the right-hand wall it slopes steeply. On the far wall, one tiny window overlooks the street. He can see why she has this space to herself; unless any potential roommates were on very intimate terms, it would be too cramped to share.

And yet... this room is ideal for her, and she for it. Unbidden, his mind conjures images of throne rooms; of the lush salons and opulent leisure-chambers of royalty. This impression, he thinks, comes less from the décor itself (although her belongings are decadent—from the cut-crystal decanter half full of blood-red wine on her table, to the stand of baubles and jewelry glittering next to a mahogany armoire that all but scrapes the ceiling) than from the way she moves among it. As he watches, she crosses her arms and swishes her tail, twice, meditative. At length she sighs, then crosses the room to open a cupboard. Two goblets of milk-white clouded glass emerge from deep within. She returns to the table, sinking into one of the chairs beside it, and gestures for him to take the other.

“Pour,” she says, sliding the glasses across the table toward him. “And then tell me whatever it is you’re so eager to have me hear.”

Wine into crystal. He slides one glass back to her; keeps the other for himself. “I can’t simply want your company?”

“You don’t know me well enough for that.”

“I’d like to.”

“To what end?” she asks, watching him over the rim of her glass. “What could a thing like you want from a thing like me, if not the obvious?”

He cradles the glass between his hands, rolling wine across his tongue. Thinking in her presence is subtly harder than he’d expected it to be. The way she—smells? Almost the right word, but not quite; pheromones, perhaps, something more elusive than scent that prickles along the back of his throat. He inhales again, chasing the feeling. Searching for meaning.

“I just want to know more about you,” he replies. “There’s something—you interest me. Truly, that’s all.”

She raises a brow at him, curiosity and unease warring on her face. “What about me is so fascinating to you?”

I’m not sure, he almost admits. Then he catches himself. “It’s just odd,” he says instead. “To see someone like you here. Didn’t expect to run into a succubus in the city, but now I’ve met you twice in one day.”

“You seem to know a great deal about my kind; you must know we’re social creatures. There’s nothing so odd about it.”

“I know, I—maybe you’re right. Here I am, walking into your home and telling you how astonished I am to find you in it.” He chuckles. “I’m sorry. I’m making an ass of myself.”

This earns him a rueful grin. One that says: you said it, not me.

“I didn’t expect any better,” she jabs in return, but though her tone is dry, there is no malice in it. “Your kind has a talent for it.”

“My kind? Humans? Or witchers?”

“Do you think of yourself as human, then?” Underneath the needling—which seems to come to her reflexively—there is genuine curiosity in her tone. “That’s not what I’ve heard. They say your humanity is among the first things to go. That what’s left once a man is made a witcher is no closer to human that I am.”

Something curls under his ribs at her words, a mingled familiarity and rising nausea. He swallows it down and ignores it. “Human or not, I still have to eat. And drink.” He nods at the decanter, and this time she is the one to reach for it, refilling the wine in the glasses between them. “Is that why you live here? Must be convenient. For your...” He gestures nonspecifically at the whole of her, self-conscious at the thought of offending again, but not knowing how else to phrase what he wants to say. “... needs,” he finally settles on.

She wrinkles her nose at him. In the quiet that stretches between them, he can hear the settling of the house, the murmur of voices from below and the creaking of floorboards. “Convenient,” she says, eventually. “I suppose that is a word for it. One of many. Although not the one I’d have chosen.”

“What would you choose instead?” he asks. His tone aims for jovial. He feels anything but.

“Tolerable,” she snaps back. “A compromise. I require sustenance, as you so astutely observed. The patrons here desire what I want to give them—pay for the privilege of receiving it—and most of them go about it politely enough. Those foolish enough to be impolite once get no chance to do so a second time. I live relatively unmolested, here. My needs, as you call them, are met.” She eyes him, then, with no small amount of contempt. He isn’t sure what he’s said to earn such a look; isn’t even sure it is, precisely, about him.

“But?” he prompts, when her pause lengthens, and the quiet between them threatens to sour.

A breath rushes out of her, flutters a strand of hair near her chin.

“But—” she continues, “—I am an oddity here. You must have some sense of what it’s like.” The contempt drains from her voice as she speaks, leaving her faltering. Feeling her way through her words, fingers tracing over and over the rim of her goblet. “We’re built to give, my kind. Compelled to it—by biology and nature, compelled to give joy, give pleasure, and in the giving of it replenish ourselves. It is the great misunderstanding of my species. Were my partners unwilling, I’d starve as surely as though I had none at all.”

Her eyes turn up to his, then. “Imagine how that feels. To seek a place in the world, some space in which you might finally have a hope of belonging—a hope that perhaps your gifts will be appreciated. That you will be allowed to give them; you allow yourself to hope, perhaps, though you know you should not, perhaps this time your gifts will even be cherished. That you might find those who would wish to give to you, in return.

“Imagine that, witcher. And then imagine this: every day, those to whom you would give your gifts toss them back at your feet. They do this, because what you have to give? It’s shameful to them. Those to whom you might have given it freely would, instead, rip it from your hands. Because they do want it. And they hate themselves for wanting it. But most of all, they hate you for it, too.”

Deflated, she leans back in her seat. And yet even with the wind taken out of her, he reads defiance in the rigid set of her shoulders, the stormcloud crease of her brow.

When he speaks, he finds it easier to address the wine in his glass that that face full of roiling, complicated pride. “Maybe you were right,” he mutters. “I think I can imagine that. Too damn well.”

Strong brown fingers curve around his wrist. Her grip is formidable; under her skin, her muscles are bands of steel. The smile she flashes him is too full of pointed teeth to be joyful.

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“I thought I would lose it when your hair turned white.”

Fourteen boys had undertaken the ordeal by his side. In individual cells musty with underground damp and the smell of old, old blood, they had as one downed their noxious decoctions and then been shut in. Only bars between each other; between themselves and the grizzled mage set to oversee their transformations; between themselves and the dark.

Down in that lab, the littlest sound echoed out into the darkness, bloating, swelling to obscenity.

The only consolation—if it could be called such, if he could bear to think of it as such (he had never been able to bear thinking of it otherwise)—was that the pain of his body being rendered into so much meat and potential had a singular dulling effect on the senses. For so many days, he was convinced he had died. This could only be hell, this torment; no being could experience annihilation so complete, and live. Yet his sight did come back to him, the first of his senses to do so, and in so doing forced him to consider the possibility that he was still, horrifyingly, alive.

Upon opening his eyes, he wished with every fiber of his being that he had been wrong.

Eskel would remember until his dying breath what he saw that day, when he had impossibly scraped out the gift of life in the face of the death which had taken so many others. Atop his cot he sweated, thirsted, howled his convalescence. While in silent procession past his cell door, he saw bodies carried up the stairs and into the light, destined for the pyre. Many were unrecognizable, and this was a blessing.

Some were not. This was, by far, the greater curse.

His own emergence into the light, when it came, was solemn. He had lived. An achievement of dubious honor. That first night, he found Geralt curled into a ball on his mattress, as though they were children once more. It was the night he learned how many bodies had been consigned to the flames, how few of them had returned from that darkness.

Two of fifteen.

He had known it wasn’t over, but he thought, at least, that the worst was past. He may have been a moth emergent, but at least he had survived the chrysalis. His last brother’s hands clutching at his own, grounding, a reminder: this is real. We live. We live .

They came for Geralt not three days later. It was an honor, they explained, berating them both as they tried to cling to each other.

He will be unlike anything that has come before him.

This behavior ill-befits you. You are warriors now.

An honor.

Eskel lay atop his mattress, alone, immovable and silent as the dead. Straining his newfound hearing.

This is hell, he would later remember thinking. They tell me I made it through, but who could prove it? Would the old me be laying here still, while he’s down there? No part of who I was survived.

Not in any way that matters.

Nothing of who he had been remained, he felt certain, nothing to which he could hold fast. And in so thinking, he felt himself letting it go.

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#eskel #salma #eskel x salma #eskel x succubus #the witcher #fanfic #cw death #for the trial of the grasses

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ezwhump · 3 years ago

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Let the Cat Out of the Bag - pet whump, pet-sitting, pampered pet, introduction of characters

“Explain it to me again.”

“Aw, fuck off, Farhan.”

“No, seriously!” Farhan spat a seed shell into the solo cup and took another swig of his beer. “This woman puts an ad in the fucking paper, for christ’s sake, asking for someone to what? Look after her kitty cat?”

He buckled over, eyes creasing, and barked out a laugh.

“No you got that exactly right, man,” Gregor let his mouthful of warm beer dribble back into the bottle and set it down on the table. “She’s got some sorta terminal illness, says she won’t be home enough to look after it, yeah? That’s where I come in.”

Farhan snorted and rolled his eyes. “Yeah but she could just sell it though. Get some dough before she croaks.” He leaned over and snatched the paper off the table. “Pet-sitting. Fucking hell. I can loan you the money, you know.”

When Farhan got serious he got fancy, started picking up his ‘t’s, shortening his vowels. Offering money. It made Gregor raise his hackles.

“When you think about it, it's not a bad gig. I get to fuck around in some OAP’s house all day and I get paid for it. If I do a decent enough job maybe I get in on the will.”

Farhan shook his head, flipping to the sports section of the paper. “You’re a fuckin’ vulture, man.”

Gregor smiled to himself and drank his warm beer anyway. Farhan didn’t really understand, it didn’t matter what the job was, it mattered what the pay was. And he’d do pretty much anything at this point (except become Farhan’s charity case), so long as food got put on the table and the bills were paid, even looking after some geriatric’s pet.

Even if he was allergic to cats.

The car pulled up a few streets away from the old lady’s, and Gregor opened the passenger door.

Farhan leaned over and rolled down the window. “You got your cell?”

Gregor patted his jean’s back pocket.

“Right, good. Wallet, keys?”

“Fuck off, Farhan.” Gregor was getting irate, jumping on the spot with his hands in his front pockets. It was too fucking cold outside for chit-chat, he wanted to get into the warm house and start eating.

Farhan laughed and cranked up the window with a “right, right”.

The house was in a cul-de-sac of luxury townhomes, redbrick with intricate railings and a courtyard with a fountain. Gregor was suddenly very aware of his ratty sneakers and DIY buzzcut. He spat into the bushes and rang the doorbell, stopping short of shouting up to the closest window. It seemed like the sort of place where people would stop and stare if you spoke too loudly, and god forbid he caused a kerfuffle and the police were called.

He patted his pocket for his dab pen and rolled it between his thumb and finger while he waited to be buzzed in.

“Katz residence.”

Gregor jumped and turned to the intercom speaker on the side of the doorway. He pressed the little purple button.

“Uh, hi. It's Gregor. Enache. I’m here for the pet-sitting gi- job.”

He waited for a moment, wind whipping inside his jacket and making him shudder. Then the intercom buzzed and he heard a lock click, so he took his cue and went inside.

After processing the excessive grandeur of the lobby, Gregor took the elevator up to the top floor. All the hallways were cream with soft white lights in sconces and glittering from chandeliers. The floors were marble, and Gregor almost laughed when his soles squeaked and tracked dirt if he scraped them hard enough.

There was a soft tinkling music coming from somewhere and all the doors were painted a deep plum colour with gold handles. The whole place smelled like sweet perfume. Part of Gregor wanted to break everything just to check if it was real (especially the little statues on the antique tables), part of him wanted this whole place to be preserved in resin so he could stare at it forever, but he mostly just wanted to see if there were price listings for any of it. The pawn potential made him lightheaded.

“She’s gonna pay you,” he reminded himself, stopping at door 19 and rapping the golden knocker. It was shaped like a cat.

A boy answered the door. Well, not really a boy, though he seemed younger. He looked around Gregor’s age, 22 or so, but they were leagues apart.

He had pearl-blonde hair that stopped at the base of his throat and his lanky frame was a little taller than Gregor. He was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and slacks made out of the same muslin fabric, but his feet were bare and clean.

“Pleased to meet you Mr. Enache.” A woman’s voice called out from the guy who stepped aside silently to let Gregor in.

Salma Katz was sitting on a white lounge sofa in a skirt and blouse, her legs crossed at the ankles. She wasn’t geriatric by any stretch of the imagination but she did have an air of vulnerability around her, like something was wrong and she was using every vice at her disposal to hide it. It showed in the way she picked at her nails or kept tucking back her blonde bob.

“Hi.” Gregor stood dumbly in the entryway, eyes darting to all of the fanciful objects littered about the place. Little markings of money, of privilege. He felt sort of trapped. “Um, so where is the little guy?”

Salma was blinking sluggishly, and Gregor couldn’t help but compare it to when his mom had gotten hold of Farhan’s Vicodin after his dental surgery last month. Hazy, drugged up. It was probably painkillers or something.

“There are a few things I should go over before I leave, but just in case there’s a list on the refrigerator.” She gestured for Gregor to sit and he did, slumping into the love-seat across from her, a glass coffee table between them with a small vase of peach roses in the middle of it.

“I’m very invested in the comfort and safety of my pet while I’m enjoying treatment, and thus very meticulous. . . about who watches him.” The boy had taken a seat on the floor in front of her lounge chair, and Gregor had to drag his eyes back to Salma.

“Right. Well, I mean, why put it in the paper then? Any dickwad off the street could come in.” A humoured smile lit up her face, and Gregor caught himself. “Uh, with all due respect, ma’am.”

Salma laughed, an airy, unbothered sound. “Well, just prove to me that I made the correct choice young man, and we won’t have a problem.” Her eyes trailed Gregor up and down and he tried not to squirm, setting his jaw and meeting her eyes. They glinted. “Now, Leander has a particular diet which I included on the list. I presume you can cook?”

Gregor nodded. He’d had to learn a long time ago.

“Wonderful. Taking him outside the apartment is discouraged, however we do have a balcony if you’ll be needing to smoke or he needs fresh air. He takes a bath most nights, and you’ll know what to wash him with. Oh, and of course if you need anything from him all you need to do is ask.”

“It’s trained?” Gregor felt his eyes widen, impressed. Cat’s weren’t usually trained, but he should’ve figured given the context of the whole situation.

“Indeed he is. Now, I wouldn’t want him to get lonely, either. He has his own room but he does enjoy company. Would you be available to watch him five days a week?”

Gregor thought for a moment and nodded. He’d cover his bases, pay his dues, on the weekend. And besides, pets didn’t really require all that much effort.

“Perfect. Does 7-12 feel appropriate? Of course we’d provide you with adequate food, a bed, transport, and whatever else you require to perform your duties.” She was talking slowly, like she was trying to coerce a wild animal into a cage, but Gregor wasn’t going to complain. Living in a place like this all day, free food, a fucking car, and all he had to do was refill a food bowl and wrestle it into a bath sometimes? He felt like he’d stumbled upon a get-out-of-jail-free card.

“Sure, no problem.”

Salma smiled again and smoothed her hand along the boy’s hair, standing up and gesturing for Gregor to do so as well. Gregor tried to keep the incredulity from showing on his face.

She reached out and took Gregor’s hand, clasping it briefly and then turning back to the boy. Gregor looked around again for a tabby, a persian. A fucking tiger.

Salma ushered the boy forward, and he stood graceful and silent in front of Gregor, avoiding eye contact.

“Mr. Enache, this is Leander. My pet.”

---

I’m taking a short break from Russ & Lennon, but hopefully you guys will enjoy reading about Gregor & Leander as much as I enjoy writing them :) I’m starting up a new tag list for these two so if you’d like to be included pls just let me know! <3 - ez

tag list: __

#pet whump #pampered pet #whump #brief mention of drug abuse #cw unknowingly using it as a pronoun #cw brief mention of cancer/terminal illness #cw brief mention of alcohol #cw unintentional dehuminization #pet-sitting #again pls lmk if i missed any tags

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praphit · 3 years ago

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Eternals: Never Let The Party Start!

I had heard nothing good about this movie.

NOTHING! I heard that there was an unnecessary sex scene, but I didn't hear anything good about that either. Don't worry... I mean the sex scene is there, but it's nothing for the parents to be concerned about - concerning nudity. It does feel like the sex scene goes on longer than it actually is. I’m picturing families around the globe all awkwardly watching Disney’s dull, unnecessary sex scene. At least if it was Disney’s loud, graphic, nasty sex scene that horrified children, that would be something to talk about - BUT NOTHING! Nothing good!

Putting that (which is nothing good) aside, perhaps it'll still be good. Just think about this cast:

Kumail Nanjiani (Buff AF)

(seriously, the veins in his arms are ridiculous)

They resurrected Angelina Jolie (bonafide ass-kicker)

Salma Mutha Bleepin Hayek!

My main man, Brian Tyree Henry, known by "Atlanta" fans as "Paper Boi"

That sexy ass dude from "Game of Thrones" that your wife would admit to your face that she'd leave you for

And did I mention Salma Mutha Bleepin Hayek??!

Eternals - Who are they? And why should we care?

They're pretty much like any other team that has issues, but always unite just in time to save the day: The X-Men, The Avengers, The Muppets

- just more powerful then those groups.

There's always someone with super speed, one with strength, one who's a psychopath and skilled with weapons, a Superman wannabe. They're all here, and more; even Sexy GOT Guy

- although he doesn't have any revealed powers YET, unless you count being charming. That's not all that useful in battle though. Probably why he's not in the movie all that much. The woman he's with in that pic is one of the main characters, and everyone knows a person's side-action can't be involved in your main story.

We should care about them, because they're earth's protectors. They've been protecting mankind from creatures called "Deviants" The people at the party who get too drunk.

The people who don't cover their mouth when they're feeling sick, and walk around wiping snot on their sleeves.

Those people putting boogers underneath of tables and on walls.

Real nasty stuff!

But, they look like this -

The Eternals find time to get some messages across between fighting Deviants as well. Upfront, there's a diverse cast. There's a message about protecting your family. There's a mental illness part of this story too, that I appreciate. And some climate change action. They've even got Greta Thunberg up in here :)

I thought it really was her at first. I was like "Oh shit! Greta is tired of all the bureaucracy. She dun collected the infinity stones and crew, and is PISSED!" (actually 14 year old actress Lia McHugh. She's really good in this!).

The Greta plot line would have been better, cuz even with this talented cast (all good btw), the monsters, the messages, and the Marvel budget - this movie is kinda boring. Not “I’m about to fall asleep” boring, but a “oh that’s cool, so is that... that’s ok.... cool I guess.... ok, let’s get on with it” kind of boring. The production and cast are great, but... I found myself watching this with a “meh” expression for most of it.

I mean look at this picture again.

None of them are even doing anything. At least get your pose on or flex, smirk, give me the finger... SOMETHING! Convey any emotion at all! Nope. They're just going to stand there.

Not just boring, but gloomy.

It has a "GOT" vibe to it - that could be good news or bad, depending on who you are.

I don't say this just because of the look, the dragon looking deviants, Kit (the sexy GOT side-action), Magic, a character named Sersi (tho spelled diff) banging a person they call family, or someone sitting on a throne. It's the constant war-mode. Even when they're not fighting, they're still emotionally fighting, and scheming. There's some funny here and there (mostly provided by Kumail and Paper Boi), but not enough, and not enough time for the audience to see relationships forming. Even with the sex scene, to the audience, the two people just met. "Didn't y'all skip some steps?! Are you THAT horny?! Don't you have a mission?!"

There's brief levity and then back to the doom and gloom. And like "GOT" they've got no shortage of scenes with the background music of creepy monks, sopranos, and an ominous string section.

Ultimately, this movie is ok. I'm glad it exist. I'm glad I saw it, but I'm not in a hurry to see it again. There are those who criticize this movie, saying it has the dark, sad feel of a DC movie, and those people are mostly right.

It just feels like a waste of talent:

You had Jolie, fresh with frustration concerning her ex. You could have named one of the Deviants "Brad". Let an action scene between her and him get brutal, and really announce that she's back!

Kumail is very funny, but he needed a partner in comedy, and more scenes.

This guy

- not funny. He looks tired. There’s no funny in that face. That face says “Shoot me.”

Let's replace him with... idk, this guy has been making me laugh, recently.

Why can't Tim Robinson be an Eternal? He's not quite in shape, but he's hilarious, and that's what this movie needs. On that note of being "in shape", why did Kumail get so buff? I thought that he was going to have some shirtless scenes or have super strength, and some badass fighting scene moments... nah, he hangs back and shoots energy balls from his hands. You don't need to be fit to do that. My man T.Rob here could have done that! They could have at least brought Buff Kumail in for the sex scene!

They probably had some Marvel money left over that had to be spent, and he raised his had first. Imagine if Greta here, got the chance to be Marvel-buff.

There's apparently a big deal being made (in Gulf Nations) over a gay couple in here who kiss. I think Marvel should have leaned into it... literally, and made the unnecessary sex scene an unnecessary gay sex scene. All kinds of close-ups, as an F U to the Gulf.

I will say that this movie will make you feel some things. As I said, the acting is very good. If this flick had more emotional-ups in it, the harsh feelings in here would have it even harder.

Grade: C+

Idk if there's going to be a sequel. They've certainly set it up to have one. I'm reminded of Thor. The 1st movie was good enough. The 2nd - yuck, but then they found their way to some fun adventure and comedy in the 3rd. Perhaps Eternals just needs some time to evolve. Maybe get a sequel with Kumail, Paper Boi, and Greta going on a wacky, comedic adventure. Perhaps they get bored with saving the world and decide to simply have fun all of the time. Like, aggressively fleeing opportunities to save the day, and preferring debauchery instead. Then, maybe you’ve got something.

It could be Marvel's "The Hangover".

#eternals #Marvel #Disney #johnpraphit #praphitproductions.com #angelinajolie #actionmovies #moviereviews #neverletthepartydie #timrobinson #paperboi #lgbtq #GretaThunberg #party #TheHangover #KumailNanjiani #KitHarington #SalmaHayek #LiaMcHugh

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movie-magic · 3 years ago

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Marvel's Eternals Powers Explained: What Each Team Member Can Do

The Eternals have a shared set of powers, but some are also unique. Here's what you need to know about the powers of each Eternal in the MCU.

Marvel's The Eternals movie will introduce ten immortal aliens to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but what powers will they have? Directed by Chloe Zhao and originally scheduled for a November 2020 release, The Eternals will instead hit theaters in November 2021 and bring some of Marvel's most obscure heroes into the MCU. Through Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), and more, audiences will get a glimpse into the history of the MCU. Though set in the present-day, portions of the movie will explore ancient time periods.

The movie is based on characters who are the brainchild of the legendary comic book writer and artist Jack Kirby. In the late 1970s, Kirby wrote The Eternals, a comic book series that told the story of a race of immortal, super-powered beings who have the shared the Earth with humans in secret for thousands of years. It was established that these people were created by god-like beings known as the Celestials.

The film adaptation of Eternals will pit the heroes from the comic against another Jack Kirby creation, the Deviants. In the comics, the Deviants are the primary antagonists of the Eternals. As for what will happen when these ancient enemies clash on the big screen, that remains to be seen. Regardless, the Deviants will most certainly have their hands full, considering just how powerful the Eternals are in the comics. After all, the Eternals are arguably the most unique race in the Marvel Universe. With the first official Eternals trailer now released, here's what you need to know about the different powers of the Eternals ahead of their MCU debut.

What separates the Eternals from other Marvel races like the X-Men and the Inhumans in the comic books is that the Eternals don't rely on just one or two powers. As Eternals are fueled by cosmic energy, they have access to a multitude of abilities that are possessed by every Eternal. All Eternals are capable of super strength, teleportation, telepathy, telekinesis, matter manipulation, flight through levitation, creating illusions, and the ability to shoot cosmic rays out of their eyes and hands. Eternals are also nearly impossible to kill because they have complete mental control over the molecules, enabling them to restore themselves at will when their bodies are destroyed. Also, Eternals are capable of channeling their cosmic energy to enhance certain abilities. That's why some Eternals have unique powers of their own, and why some are stronger in specific areas than their fellow Eternals.

Kingo:

Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo Eternals

Kingo has very limited number of appearances in Marvel Comics, so his exact limits in terms of his powers as an Eternal are not known. What distinguishes him from the others is his skill with a sword. Kingo, who makes samurai moves in Japan, is an expert swordsman. The MCU's Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani) is being reimagined as a Bollywood star, however. Between that and the brief trailer footage, it's not clear yet if he'll share his comic book counterpart's interest in swordsmanship. He'll almost certainly have each of the aforementioned shared abilities.

Ikaris:

Richard Madden as Ikaris

Richard Madden was spotted on set using some of his Eternal powers, and the character has been described as "all-powerful" in the official Eternals synopsis. This lines up what how he is portrayed in the comics. Instead of focusing on one ability, Ikaris has channeled his energy in a way that has made him adept with all of his powers, making him better than average - but not the best - in each area. Though none of his powers were on display in the Eternals trailer, Ikaris is also the second strongest Eternal on Earth.

Gilgamesh:

Don Lee as Gilgamesh

The only Earth-based Eternal stronger than Ikaris is Gilgamesh, who will be played by Don Lee. Gilgamesh ranks near the top of the Marvel Universe when it comes to strength, as he's on the same level as Thor and Hercules, and above heroes like Captain Marvel, Namor, and more. This, combined with his other natural abilities as an Eternal, may make him a contender for the MCU's most powerful character. Beyond his apparent skills in the kitchen, Eternals seemed to be saving a glimpse at his strength for the film's official release.

Phastos:

Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos

Whereas Gilgamesh has focused on enhancing his raw power, Phastos is more experienced with using his cosmic energy as a ranged weapon. Of course, as previously mentioned, all Eternals have this ability, but Phastos' cosmic rays are especially potent and dangerous. In addition to that, Phastos also brings to the table a talent for creating technology and weapons. The Eternals synopsis has revealed that Brian Tyree Henry's take on Phastos will be an inventor, just like the hero in the comic books. With Sprite (Lia McHugh) half watching on, Phastos was one of the few seen utilizing his powers in the trailer — seemingly in his aforementioned capacity as an inventor.

Thena:

Thena played by Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie's Thena is said to be a "fierce warrior", which is an accurate description of the daughter of Zuras and one-time leader of the Eternals. Thena, who has spent centuries training her powers, is also an expert in creating and wielding various forms of weaponry, with her favorite weapons being a powerful, golden spear and a crossbow that fires bolts of cold energy. The Eternals trailer offered multiple glimpses of Thena engaged in such training throughout history. The moments culminated with her seemingly using her energy manipulation to fashion a sword and standing ready in a battle stance.

Sersi:

Gemma Chan as Sersi

Sersi can manipulate matter on such a grand scale that she outshines all Eternals in this category. She can take the molecules in a person or object and reshape them into whatever she pleases. For example, Sersi can transform an assailant into a harmless animal, if that's her intention. Sersi, who has more fun with her powers than most Eternals, also has a great potential for destruction. When she went through a period of instability in the pages of The Avengers, she became the comic's answer to Jean Grey. Set photos have shown Gemma Chan's Sersi making hand gestures that make it appear that she's using her matter manipulation abilities from the comics. After no sign in the trailer, however, fans will have to keep waiting to see her put those abilities into action.

Sprite:

Lia McHugh as Sprite

McHugh's Sprite is one of three male characters from the comics to be gender-swapped for the film, the other two being Makkari and Ajak. Sprite, despite their immortality, has the physical appearance of a child. As an Eternal, all of their powers are average, except for skills in matter manipulation. Sprite isn't as good as Sersi, but still among the only characters who comes close to her. They often use this skill in a trickster fashion not dissimilar from Loki. Though Sprite could be witnessed apparently enjoying the fruits of such powerful labor, they have yet to be shown on-screen.

Makkari:

Lauren Ridloff as Makkari

Lauren Ridloff's Makkari is confirmed to be "super-fast" in Eternals. In the comics, Makkari spends most of his time channeling his cosmic energy to improve his speed, as Makkari's highest ambition is to become the fastest person in the universe. In the past, he's even managed to outrun Quicksilver himself. For obvious reasons, that ambition will likely go unrealized within the MCU. Regardless, Ridloff's verson of Makkari got to demonstrate her powers a lot more than the others in the Eternals trailer. As well as speed-reading and gathering a collection of things to make even Evan Peters' Quicksilver jealous, Makkari was seen directly saving somebody from being crushed by a collapsing structure.

Druig:

Barry Keoghan as Druig

For the most part, Druig's powers are comparable to his fellow Eternals, but there are two areas in particular where he excels. Druig is quite skilled in the manipulation of matter, but like Sprite, his prowess with this ability still isn't as impressive as Sersi's. One power that he seems to have greater control over than other members of his race is telepathy. Druig, who has tortured people for the KGB, has a great deal of experience in reading people's minds and manipulating their thoughts. His mastery over this power even allows him to telepathically force people into doing his bidding. The Eternals trailer subtly hinted at the latter abilities, seemingly using them to make a cult-like group turn their guns on people.

Ajak:

Salma Hayek as Ajak

Ajak has all the powers of the average Eternal, but can do one thing that the others can't. He can communicate with their creators, the Celestials. This makes Ajak essential to the group, since the Celestials visit the Earth periodically to pass judgment on the planet. This ability may have something do with why Salma Hayek's Ajak is selected to be the leader of the MCU's Eternals. The new teaser left such communicative elements of her powers unseen. However, Ajak received a distinct moment of harnessing her matter manipulation for some as-yet unknown purpose. As seen also but her collection of plants, Ajak will channel her gifts and expertise into herbal and generation medicine — making her the master healer of the group.

Dane Whitman (A.k.a. Black Knight):

Kit Harington as Dane Whitman / Black Knight

Played by Kit Harington, Dane Whitman isn't a member of the Eternals. Regardless, he'll be an integral part of the film, engaging in a relationship with Sersi and likely helping out the team in one capacity or another. Entirely human, Whitman's main attribute was his genius-level intellect (especially in the field of physics and genetics). Upon taking ownership of the Ebony Blade, however, Dane took on the mantle of Black Knight. In that persona, he was gifted magical senses, as well as enhanced strength, speed, and more, to go with his already considerable swordsmanship. With them, Black Knight went on to become a member of The Avengers in his own right. It was left unclear in the Eternals trailer whether Dane had already taken that mantle or will merely offer a scientific assistance — with the film (or maybe just a post-credits scene) serving as an origin story for his superhero persona.

- Screen Rant

#mcu #movies #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #movie magic #mcu phase 4 #movie news #news #kit harington #angelina jolie #richard madden #marvels eternals #eternals #marvel news

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the-three-idiots · 4 years ago

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EXCALIBUR #5

1328AE Excalibur one infirmary, Divinity’s Reach 3:44PM (48 hours later)

Jacob wakes up in a bed, his head ringing. He examines the room around him, it has a curved concrete ceiling which leads down to dirty white tile walls and seven other beds in the room. Three beds next to him and four across, which ran parallel.

He checks himself over, he is still in his trousers but his blue shirt has been changed to a grey t-shirt. He sits up, swivels around, and stands up. The floor under his feet feels like a soft fabric.

“Good afternoon.” says a rather enthusiastic voice.

Jacob looks up to see a female norn, about 7 foot, slightly tanned skin and heavily built. The norn’s physique was mostly covered by a single piece jumpsuit with a white coat, which has a red version of the sword logo on the right arm.

“I’m Aesa Bloodcrag, do you know who you are?” asks Aesa.

Jacobs looks at her in confusion.

“Jacob Reed, Private detective. Twenty seven...ish and I have a rather annoying headache.” he replies.

Aesa chuckles and puts her right hand in her pocket.

“Well, you did lose a bit of blood but this should help.” she says.

She takes a leather wrist strap out of her coat pocket.

“This is a scanner, it goes on your wrist and tells us how you're doing.” she puts the strap around Jacobs' left wrist as she explains, raising her eyebrow at him.

“I’m surprised you haven't escaped.” she states.

“You haven't lied to me, yet.” he replies.

Aesa steps back and gestures towards the door of the room, Jacob raises an eyebrow.

“Your coat, shirt and boots are through there, we just cleaned them up a bit.” she smiles at him. “She’s waiting for you.” says Aesa.

He hops off the bed and scratches his chest,standing still for a second before looking at her.

“Did you take my shirt?” he asks.

She shakes her head.

“No, my boss, she took care of you. Said she had a hunch or something.” replies Aesa.

He sighs with relief and walks towards the doors. They are thick oak with burns and scratch marks, with weathered golden door knobs.

He walks through the doors and into a massive underground lair of brick and concrete, a giant column runs through the middle with wires and metal bars connected to it.

Jacob notices it is split into three levels;

The lower level is, partially submerged in water. There are wires connected from the wall to the main column, the bottom of which has crystals jutting out, as if they were growing out of it. Several ladders connect to the main level.

The floor of main level is made up of metal grates, with desks scattered everywhere. There's a makeshift wall made of plywood near one of the desks, with pictures of creatures and red string decorating it.

The top level only has two staircases leading up to it, there are two steel catwalks connecting two rooms which have large glass windows. Jacob could not see what is in the rooms as large curtains cover the windows.

“Afternoon sleepyhead!” Mira says as she exits one of the rooms on the top level.

She walks down the staircase, holding a file in one hand and a shirt in the other. Mira walks to one of the desks, sits down and places the file on the desk. She stretches out her arm with the shirt in hand.

Jacob walks towards the desk, takes the shirt and puts it on. Mira opens the file,looking up at him.

“Like the secret underground base?” she asks.

He nods and smiles.

“Bloody amazing!” he replies.

He walks over to the column and touches it. Though it looks like concrete and metal, it feels like velvet. He raises an eyebrow, fascinated by it. He turns to Mira.

“How much coin did you have to build this place?” he asks.

He walks back over to Mira’s desk.

“We are directly funded by the crown, you won't believe how much we get paid.” she smiles and turns a page in the file “How's the neck?”

He places his hand on his neck, he feels it, he runs his fingers up and down his neck. He doesn't feel anything, not even a scar. She gives a small chuckle and points to her arm, it has healed from the incubus bite.

“Freaky right? Kinda like your file...” she remarks.

His eyes widen as she turns a page in the file and looks up at him, raising an eyebrow.

“Jacob Reed, age twenty seven, profession is a private detective regularly hired by the Seraph.You lived in an apartment in the Salma District for the last eight years.” explains Mira

Jacob sits on the desk, crossing his arms.

“So you know who I am…” he says

She shrugs her arms and puts the file on the table.

“Only from the last eights years.” she states.

He nods.

“You’re Mira then…” he says.

“Yes, I performed the surgery on your neck. Cleaned you up as well.” she replies.

He nods again.

“So you know then?” he asks.

She closes the file and opens one of the draws, taking two glasses and a bottle of blue liquid out of the draw.

“I had my suspicions but it wasn't until we brought you back and I had to remove your shirt… apologies, couldn't risk infection from the blood on your shirt.” she says.

He smiles and takes one of the glasses.

“You know if you want, we can get rid of those surgery scars on your chest.…” she offers, opening the bottle and pouring the blue liquid into the glasses.

“They are a reminder of what I left behind.” Jacob remarks

She takes the file and puts it in the draw.

“If you don't mind me asking, how long have you really been around?” she asks.

He looks somber.

“Eleven years ago, I ran away from home. Father didn't mind another son, My mother though, wasn’t too happy that I cut my hair short. Fight broke out, I ran…” he explains.

She nods and takes a sip from her glass, Jacob smiles as he turns to her.

“Best decision of my Life.” he states.

Mira smiles.

“Everyone deserves a chance to be themselves.” She says with a chipper tone.

Jacob looks at Mira and gulps his entire glass, she looks at him with confusion.

“Why did you tell me?” she asks.

“You saved my life, just wanted to repay the favour. Though I assume you're going to wipe my memory, so I want you to know who I am because I will never know who you are.” he says.

She shakes her head.

“Wiping your memory clearly doesn’t work, so I’m not going to do that.” Mira says coldly

He looks at the glass, concerned.. He puts it down and steps away from the desk. Mira leans back in her chair, opens another draw, and takes out a small box.

“Because i’m gonna need someone of your skills.” she says.

Mira opens the box to reveal a silver pin in the shape of a sword through a hollow circle. Jacob raises an eyebrow.

“Excuse me?” he exclaims.

“Well from what the Seraph have on you, you're pretty good at noticing the smaller details, and frankly if you can overcome our memory charms then who knows what else you can do.” explains Mira

Jacob looks around - he studies the crystal growths, the desks, the floor, everything. Jacob looks at Mira and shakes his head.

“I'm a private investigator who tracks down cheating husbands and wives for a living, I recognize a lie when I see one.” he retorts.

She nods as she walks over to the plywood wall near her desk and points to a drawing., Jacob recognises the woman. She was the corpse, the orignal corpse from the night of the murder.

“Brayla steelbreaker, a mother of two. she was under our protection. She died because we thought we were on top of things. In our hubris, she got infected by a succubus and its ‘child’ burst out of Brayla. We need someone who holds us to a standard, we’ve been doing things our own way for too long....” Mira's look at Jacob with sorrowful eyes. “People are dying, the way we do things isn't working anymore.”

Jacob puts his hands in his pockets and looks at the sword pin.

“So you want a private investigator?” he asks.

“I need a fresh pair of eyes, I need someone different.” She walks back over to the desk and picks up the sword pin, offering it to him. “I need you to keep us to a standard.”

Jacob takes the box, looks at the pin and he puts his finger on it. He feels the smooth metal, smiles and pins it to his to his shirt.

“I’d appreciate it if you kept what I told you to yourself, I want to be known for who I am rather than who I was.” he requests.

“Of course, though I do have one more thing for you.” she replies.

She grabs a large paper parcel and places it on her desk. She unwraps it to reveal Jacob’s coat, picking it up and passes it to him. He smiles as he grabs the coat and excitedly puts it on.

“Excalibur’s entrance cover is a tailors, so it has its perks when it comes to cleaning and repairing very nice coats.” She looks at his bare feet “also need to get you some boots as well.”

Jacob smiles as spins around in the coat. He stops spinning and looks at her.

“The old geezer at the tavern said you were sixty years old and you're a Sylvari, so that can’t be. Can it?” he asks.

She smirks.

“Of course not. I’m a hundred and twenty three.” she states,bluntly.

He tilts his head in confusion and she laughs. She looks at the hub and smiles, before turning back to look at him again.

“There are weird and wonderful things out there, some stuff will try to kill you and some will make your jaw drop in wonder. Just one last thing-”

Mira offers her hand to Jacob

“Welcome to Excalibur.”

#gw2 #GW2 OC #Guild Wars #Guild Wars 2 #tales of thedas #stories #gw2 human

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a-forgotten-spirit · 5 years ago

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Azriel x Reader

A/N: I AM TAKING REQUESTS. GOOD DAY. FAM I CRIED WRITING THIS IM SORRY

Tags: @alphaomegahybrid @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks @livlaughlove20 @klashmafia @tiasbandom @shane-knight @ourbooksuniverse @warning-fangirl-at-work @xxpapasfritasxx @shadowsingersxks @-im-fantastic- @kenzie-cold-greenkale @great-goddess-of-sin @judig92 @pugzzzz @mariamuses @salma-mohammad54

———————————————————————————————————–

Y/N P.O.V

I couldn’t breathe or think, my lungs were not strained or begging for air. I wasn’t panicking I was, hidden. My body was hidden from my mind but I wasn’t scared. I wanted to run. To leave. I wanted to go home. I couldn’t be here, Rhysand needs me I know that but my body wasn’t listening to the commands I gave. I wanted to fight, I wanted to kill. I wanted power and I wanted it all.

I was going back into my war ways. I was a High Lady and demanded respect. I was powerful I knew that I could crush mountains and kill armies with my bare hands. I needed this feeling to leave or for me to at least harness it, the war was upon us in only a few days and I was to command my army and win this war. I could do it myself if I let go but I wouldn’t.

I ended by a lake my breathing was fast and I knew no one could find me here not even my men, the shadows moulded with me. No matter the person they would find no one here, not even if they stepped on me. I sat near the water watching the water ripple as leaves fell upon the surface. My legs moved to sit out in front of me as though I was a doll. The wind danced upon my skin sending a shiver through me.

My hair moved with the wind, slowly flowing like a wave. This is where I let my thoughts run wild, the thoughts of previous wars the people I fought for and the ones I lost. I could feel the worry down the bond but I never moved, I lasted fifty-three years he can wait a few hours. The shadows danced around me in a flourish of black inky material.

This war is taking a huge toll on me and it hasn’t even started, I want to keep training to perfect my moves. I want to keep my mate safe, I want to keep my family safe, I want to keep the ones I hold dear safe but at what cost? How much will I have to pay going into this war? I don’t think I’m ready to find out. My body is prepared as any warriors would be but the mind is a dark and wistful place.

Your mind controls everything you do, every time a thought runs through it is your mind. People blame others but you know it’s you. Not many people can comprehend that fact, the fact that your own mind creates your thoughts. No matter how gruesome, gory or downright sociopathic they may be, they are yours.

I understood that.

I know my thoughts.

They are mine.

And mine alone.

My mind does not care for war or the better explanation my mind does not care for the people in war. They are simply an obstacle I must face, with a wave of my hand they will fall no matter the strength you hold when going against someone who cannot die. You can’t win.

I watched as the sky turned from a beautiful blue to blazing orange, yellow and red then slowly to a dark blue almost black. I saw the stars appear in the sky, The Night Court did have the best nights. My court was known for shadows and mystery while others got beautiful things like the seasons or day cycles.

Getting to my feet I walked around the forest, feeling the dirt crunch beneath my shoes. I walked with no hast breathing in the night air, I heard no noise but I remembered I was around Illyrian males but doubted any of them would come near me as I was mated to Azriel and friended to Cassian as well as Rhysand.

I knew my role in this war, simply to keep everyone else alive as my men fight. I knew the Hunters had something up their sleeve they always do. I walked calmly through the forest, the crisp air licked at my skin as I moved. Feeling the caresses at my mind I simply ignored the feeling and continued on my way. My knife hung loosely in my hand the metal never stopped being cool. I wanted this war over and it hadn’t even begun.

I made it back to the camp and saw as people watched me with fear, quickly turned their heads or stopped to stare. I wasn’t comprehending why as I walked through, most stopped to stare as I walked. I made my way through the tents and commotion, I saw the opened tent Rhysand, Cassian, Feyre and my dearest Azriel were in. Standing over a table and talking with concern, eyes darted across the map.

I stepped in and Azriel’s head whipped to me as did the others. Feyre’s eyes were wide as her hand came to cover her mouth as she looked at me. Cassian stepped back as he looked me up and down. Rhysand’s eyes changed from mine to Feyre’s. Azriel looked at me in horror, I wasn’t afraid or concerned no I was shocked he looked at me that way. But pushing it down and pretending he did no such thing was easier said than done, ignoring it completely I looked to Rhysand.

“When do we move out,” I asked, my voice seemed emotionless and bland. As though I was a doll that a child pulled a string, letting it go and I would speak. I could feel my men whispering in the shadows as I stood tall, my hands at my sides and I waited for the reply.

“We were to wait around four days,” he said slowly as though weighing the words in his mind as he spoke. It was interesting to watch his reaction. The way his eyebrows rose and eyes narrowed.

“I will be attacking in around four hours” all went silent, Azriel’s eyes sparkled as he looked to me but my eyes did not reach his. I heard a few gasps from outside the tent and I heard people stop in their footsteps. Rhysand’s questions flooded his eyes while Cassian’s seemed to get lost in his mouth. Seeing the questions I spoke “I came here for a war, you know my past. Know my name, she has come back and I wish to have more blood on my hands” I didn’t mean it to sound so straightforward but I did, thinking id apologize or look away perhaps feel some guilt but I did not.

“Y/N” Feyre stuttered and stepped back, lightly grazing Rhysand’s arm as she did. Seeming she was about to pass out or come running at me I didn’t know which would happen first if any at all.

“What do you mean” Cassian yelled and stepped closer to me, his emotions were coming through in waves, I could sense he wanted to scream and collect my form into his arms and hold me. He was always like a brother to me.

“I mean what I said. Cassian you saw me in the last war, I haven’t changed. Simply adapted. I miss the days of the war. I crave it, the way soldier’s fall at my hand” I looked to my hand and noticed long sharpened nails, longer than before. I couldn’t dwell for long as I continued talking “This is my life, I was born a machine of war and I will die a machine of war” I spoke and looked to him. My hand came back down to my side the knife in this other.

“But” he paused shoulders moving with quickened breaths as he looked me over “Please don’t do this, just wait. I can’t lose my best friend” stuttering as he spoke. This wasn’t like Cassian and I hated to see him like this. Shaking my head I apologized but he butted in “Y/N please” he turned to Azriel who seemed to be in shock “Are you going to say anything” his eyes were ablaze.

“Why” Azriel breathed out. He seemed to be scared as shadows circled him and to my realization, my body too was clouded in shadow. I was looking to me for answers but I could only come up with one.

“It’s who I am” smiling and sighing lightly. “I will be leaving. Do not participate in this war. I have this, they will fall” I wanted to add ‘As will my mind’ but I didn’t. “I’m sorry but this is me. I shall see you all soon” I looked to them and smiled once more.

Turning on my heel and walking from the opened tent, I saw men standing and watching me in fear and a few seemed to look at me with something else but I ignored them. I walked to my home, going inside and grabbing all I needed. Changing clothes, getting more weapons and making sure everything was perfect.

I saw my reflection in my knife, eyes were as black as coal, they held no light. Lines like lightning came from my eyes for a few inches, they were black and faded into my skin. I walked out of my temporary home and began to walk out into the forest. I could hear Cassian yelling orders as people ran around and Azriel standing at the walls of my mind. I wanted to open them but no I wasn’t going too.

I stood in the forest for a moment “My lady. There has to be another way” Araysh spoke and came to kneel in front of me a hand to his chest. I didn’t look to him my eyes forward while he was to the ground.

“I will protect my family” I whispered sadly and smiled to him putting my hands out to glide my hand through his hair.

“Yes, My Lady” he replied breathlessly and fell into the ground beside me. I was walking through the forest by myself I could feel the shadows wrapping around me like a comforting blanket, I could feel Azriel at the edge of my mind but my walls were firm and not allowing in anyone, this is a war and I didn’t need to get distracted. A whole new world was upon us and I needed to get my head in the game. My court was here, in every crevice and shadow, they were here. I made my way out of the forest and could feel the way people followed me, Cassian’s men.

“Y/N please listen to me” I heard and stopped for a moment seeing Cassian run in front of me his eyes about to burst with liquid emotion and his body crumbling at the seams. “Don’t do this” he begged. ‘’

“It has already begun, Rhysand asked for my help and my help he shall receive. You will be safe, Rhysand will be safe” I paused “Azriel will be safe” I concluded and looked to him as he shook his head.

“It means nothing if you aren’t. Azriel and running around trying to find a way to end this. Please Y/N you’re my best friend I can’t lose you. I lost you once and I can’t do that again” he mourned, he was breathing heavily and I was sad for him, truly he was my best friend as much as Rhysand was.

“I lost everything” I whispered and watched as his eyes widened “Don’t you see, I was asked to end this war to keep you all safe. Azriel waited fifty-three years to come and visit me. I saw you more than I saw my own mate, he didn’t want me. All those years wasting away because my mate didn’t want me and now look at me falling back into his arms like a dog, I’m here to end this and then I will be gone. Forever” I stood tall and looked to Cassian and he looked confused.

“Why does it sound like you are going to die” when I didn’t respond I believe he found his answer and at that he shook his head a single tear falling from his eye. “Azriel left for you, to keep you safe” he pleaded “He cried and didn’t speak for years all he wanted was you but if they found you he would never forgive himself” he tried to get across his point.

“I know” I looked down and breathed out “He wanted to protect me but for all that time not a single message, not even a feeling down the bond, how was I meant to react to that Cassian. Carry on living, as though I was happy without him” I shook my head “Once this is over then I will leave and he can move on as can you and Rhysand”

He grabbed my hand pulling me into his chest “I don’t want to let go, you’re my best friend, I love you and if anything happened to you I couldn’t live with myself neither could Az or Rhys” I wanted to cry, laugh and melt into the world all at once.

“Then you will understand why I would sacrifice myself for you all” I smiled “The war has begun Cassian and I will do whatever it takes in order to make sure you are all safe” I promised. “Even if that means letting go of my humanity”

“Why” I heard a voice and looked to see the two other boys as I moved back from Cassian. Azriel had spoken and I looked down before breathing slowly then looking to them all. These boys were my family and I would do anything to assure their safety.

“Because I would rather give myself over then see any of you hurt. Those stories of after a war looking for the wings and begging it not to be each other” I breathed trying not to cry as I did. “I want you to understand the pain I went through, not only did I lose my mate but my family. I was left alone in darkness even Cassian stopped his visits after the years went by. Now that they have died it is over, Azriel wants me but this war could destroy us all and I’m not ready to let you three die just so I may be as I am now” I looked to them all and sighed out once more. “So please let me do as I must and protect you” I begged.

I was left with stares as I saw Mor, Amren, Lucien, Feyre in the background listening in. When I made eye contact with Azriel I could see the fear in his eyes and the fear dripping down his face. I needed to keep them safe. “We made that deal”

“That was years ago” Rhysand yelled as I put up my hand a small crescent moon sitting on my wrist as all the boys had.

“We promised to protect each other” I began and Azriel shook his head. “The deal was if the time came where I was to give me humanity in order to save you three you’d let me do it” I looked to them and Cassian shook his head.

“I didn’t know you were my mate than” Azriel called out and shook his head.

“Y/N please there has to be another way” I looked to Rhysand and he sighed out.

“A deal has been made. We can’t go back on it” he whispered and looked away.

“Let me save you three” I whispered and smiled to them. Before I knew it I was engulfed in a hug but all three of them I could hear the sound of the opposing side coming faster the way their horses ran and the horns being sounded. I hugged them all back letting a single tear fall down my cheek.

“You’ll be ok, you are always ok” Cassian repeated quietly to himself as he held me tighter. I wanted to sit with him, play with his hair as I used to. Braid it and make jokes with them as Azriel smiled and Rhysand made tea. This was my family.

I could hear crying and Rhysand and Cassian looked to Azriel who had tears running down his cheeks “I just got you back” he whimpered, he looked weak and frail something he never showed “Please I love you, don’t do this” he begged and I sighed lightly.

“I love you more than anything in this world and that is why I must do this” I smiled and pulled him against my lips for a final kiss. It was short but perfect. “I will always be with you in here” my hand came to his chest as I pulled back his leathers to show our deal. “This shows our love. I love you Azriel” I whispered and smiled at him.

“I love you too Y/N” he replied and I stepped around him going to face the army before me.

I turned to look at my family the ones I would soon lose my humanity for “Goodbye” I smiled and let the shadows take over my body.

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Chapter 10

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ladymercytaylor · 5 years ago

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All In - Chapter 6 (Joe Mazzello x Reader)

A/N: HELLO! And we’re back again with part 6 of All In! This one isn’t as thicc as the last one but honey we getting to the angsty part now! also shout out to everyone that left comments on my last chapter - you honestly have no idea how happy it makes me to see you engaging with my writing <3 <3 (also i obvs don’t own the line break image. thanks google)

Looking for the last chapter? Find it HERE!

Chapter 6 – 11 weeks

At 11 weeks pregnant, the end of your first trimester was finally in sight and you’d never been so excited. So many of the books you’d read told you that in a lot of pregnancies the morning sickness would ease after the third month. It was the one thing that you’d held onto through every trip to the bathroom – every interrupted night’s sleep – you’d held onto the faith that it would be over soon. The other 2 trimesters would be easier and then you’d get the ultimate reward; your little Nugget in your arms. You’d felt fine when you woke that morning, so fine in fact that you’d even managed to keep your breakfast down as you got ready. Encouraged by your small victory you’d left the apartment with a smug smile on your face and a spring in your step. And you were practically jumping for joy when you hurried up the concrete steps of the subway after managing to stay on the same train for the whole trip (instead of having to change 3 times to throw up which had become your new routine). It must be going now. It had to be.

“Hello, Nadia” you grinned as you stepped into the change room of your practice. The younger girl smiled at you as she pulled her purple scrubs over her thick curly hair. “Hey, boss” she laughed, tying the drawstring of her uniform. “Have a good weekend?” “Yeah, it wasn’t bad” you murmured, pulling your freshly laundered clothes out of your locker. “Went to a cute brunch place in Greenwich Village with my roommate Saturday morning then dinner and a movie with a friend” “That sounds like a date” Nadia sang teasingly, pulling her hair up into a puffy ponytail. You rolled your eyes at her antics, swapping your floral dress for the plain blue top. Your dating life was one of her favourite topics of interest (despite the numerous times you assured her that it was non-existent at best). “Definitely not a date, Nadia. Not everyone’s social life is as colourful as yours” you joked and her dark brown eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh my god I have to tell you the craziest story” she chirped to your back as you pulled on the bottom half of your uniform at sat down to tie you shoelaces. “So, you remember my friend I told you about, Salma, yeah?” all it took was one nod from you for her to launch into the dirty details of her weekend. You were always slightly nervous when you got a new mentee but after only an hour with Nadia your fears had been put to rest. And nothing made your Mondays more interesting than hearing about the antics of her and her slightly messy friends.

She continued to tell you all about her weekend as the two of you walked into your examination room, her hands flying in front of her as she illustrated the exact route she and her friends had run through Central Park at 4am to get to some exclusive rave before the doors closed. “Alright, do you want to read the appointment notes for our first case and tell me how we should set everything up?” you asked, settling down on your stool. Nadia grinned at you before turning to the glowing computer screen. “Well it’s just a routine cleaning so we’d need…” her voice faded away as a cold sweat brought out across your brow. Your stomach lurched and you shot up from your stool sending it skittering across the floor. “Set everything up and I’ll see how you’ve done when I get back from the bathroom” You couldn’t wait for her response, dashing from the room as your insides clenched again. Stumbling down the white corridor you managed to throw yourself into the bathroom as your breakfast reappeared, only just managing to get yourself over the porcelain bowl. A dejected sigh fell from your lips as you sat back on your heels, the water swirling down the drain. The best morning you’d had in the last 11 weeks and now it was ruined. Luck seemed to have been on your side and you’d avoided being ill at work but it seemed that Nugget didn’t care at all that the sickness should be easing by now. You should have known. With a father like Joe there was no way your baby wasn’t going to be a troublemaker. You startled as you exited the bathroom. Sam, the practice manager, was leaning up against the opposite wall, calm concern on his slightly lined face. “Hi, Sam” you chirped, attempting to appear casual but his expression didn’t waver. “Y/N” he started gently and you felt your stomach drop. “I’m going to say this as a friend, is there anything you want to tell me?” A soft sigh escaped your lips and irritated tears welled in your eyes. You’d been hoping to keep it to yourself for a little while longer, but your cover seemed to have been blown. “I’ve got a free slot after I finish up with Mrs Summers, could I stop by your office?” you asked meekly, toeing at the stiff grey carpet. “I think that’s a very good idea” he smiled warmly. Sam patted your shoulder gently and headed back to his office. A distinctly different kind of nausea settled in your stomach as you walked back into the exam room.

45 minutes later your heart was hammering against your ribs as you knocked on the office door. “Come in” came a muffled voice from behind the wood. You look a steadying breath before turning the silver handle and stepping inside. Sam was waiting for you, a steaming mug of coffee next to his mouse along with a half-eaten biscuit. He grinned as you entered, immediately gesturing for you to take the seat on the other side of his desk. “So, anything in particular you want to chat about?” he chuckled jovially, acutely aware of the pinched expression on your face. “Lovely weather we’re having today” you hummed, looking over the top of his head at the brightly lit New York street outside his window. “Y/N” he murmured warningly and you huffed a sigh, your teeth worrying at your lip. “I’m pregnant” “Congratulations” he smiled but you couldn’t return it. “How long have you known?” you asked, picking up a stray pen from his desk. “A couple of weeks. When I realised you’d switched to decaf and were wearing the scrubs a size up from your usual” he shrugged, leaning back in his office chair. The back squealed loudly in the silent office. “You know it’s not a problem, right?” Sam murmured, concern in his pale blue eyes. “Everything in your contract still stands. Paid leave for 3 months and we’ll hold your job for a year” he reminded you gently. “That isn’t why I kept it quiet” you admitted, spinning the plastic biro distractedly across the wooden surface. Sam waited patiently, concern knitting his grey eyebrows. “It’s all just such a mess” you sighed after a few moments, still staring resolutely at the desk. “And work was the one place I didn’t have to think about it. Until this morning” “A surprise was it?” Sam asked softly, leaning forward on his forearms. Nodding softly you continued to spin the pen in front of you. “My first was a surprise” the affection that always warmed his voice when he spoke of his children coloured his words as he turned his eyes to the framed photos resting below his computer monitor. His wife and 2 daughters smiled back up at him through the glass and you felt your heart squeeze as a tender smile twisted his lips. “Yeah but at least you and Lara were actually dating” you muttered dejectedly. A tense beat passed between you. “Ah. Is there any chance that I know who the father is?” a small nod was all he needed. “I can see why you’re calling it a mess” he admitted, running a hand through his greying hair. “But if I can say one thing?” you nodded your permission, abandoning the biro under your fingers. “You couldn’t have picked a better guy”

Joe’s heart was hammering in his chest as he stared at his phone screen. 2 weeks was too long to put this off. He knew he should have called the day of the ultrasound, but the nagging fear of his mother’s reaction had kept him pushing it out of his mind. But now that the milestone 1st trimester was drawing to a close he knew there would be hell to pay if he left it any longer. With trembling hands he pressed her icon before bringing the phone to his ear. “Don’t pick up. Don’t pick up” he whispered to himself, his leg bouncing against the sofa cushions. His desperate prayers were not met however, as the ringing abruptly stopped, the gentle voice of his mother replacing it. “Hello, stranger. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me” Virginia laughed softly. Joe chuckled along but his guts twisted with guilt. “Sorry about that mum. Just had a lot on my mind the last few months” he murmured, dragging his fingers along a red stain in his track pants. Sadness settled over him as he remembered how that mark had come to be. It was one of his favourite memories with you – a rather misguided attempt to recreate his grandmother’s meatballs that had ended with an absolutely ruined dinner and sauce all over the two of you. “Anything you want to tell me?” she asked gently, pulling Joe out of his reverie. “Yeah, there actually is” He should have known that his mum would figure it out. He was never able to hide anything from her. “You might want to sit down for this one” “Okay, I’m sitting” Virginia replied wearily after a moment of pause as she settled at the dining room table. “You remember how I went to that wedding a couple of months back?” Joe started, the muscles in his jaw clenching. “Sebastian’s? Yes, the photos were gorgeous” “Well, Y/N was there” his admission was met with stunned silence. It was the first time she’d heard Joe speak of you in a year. He had always been very tight lipped about the breakup – refusing to supply any details beyond ‘It just wasn’t working’. Virginia had loved you like a daughter, and she knew she should have held back her curiosity, but it burst forth before she could stop it. “You never told me! How is she? Please tell me she’s well” she babbled and Joe felt the tips of his ears begin to burn. “She’s good. Really good, actually. Now I’m just going to get this out of the way so sorry if it’s a bit blunt” Joe started, terrified that he’d lose his nerve if he so much as paused, “we slept together after the wedding and now she’s pregnant and we’re going to raise the baby together” he blurted out in one big breath, the only other sound he could hear was the rushing of his heart in his ears. “Oh my” were the only words his mum could think of. She was expecting him to say he’d be leaving for another long project or even that he’d lost a job he was excited about. Never did she imagine that he’d be telling her that he was having a baby. With his ex-girlfriend. “Oh, Joseph Mazzello. What have you done?” she sighed heavily and Joe’s insides lurched uncomfortably. “I didn’t mean to, mum” he murmured, suddenly feeling like a child that was being scolded for breaking something valuable. “It all just…happened. And it was her choice to keep the baby!” he added quickly, his foot bouncing even faster against the floorboards. “I was okay with whatever she wanted” “I’m sorry, love” Virginia whispered, running a hand through her hair, “I’m just surprised. I mean I’m not surprised that it’s Y/N. Better than a random one night stand I suppose” “Wow, great pep talk” Joe deadpanned, flopping back dramatically onto the couch cushions. “Are you two getting back together?” his mother asked, ignoring his groan. His stomach dropped. “No. Just…doing it together” Joe finished lamely, his cheeks blazing with embarrassment. “Right” Virginia nodded, not pressing the issue. She could hear the disappointment colouring his words. She didn’t want to poke the wound any further so she let it slide. “I’m sorry, hun, but I’ve got to go. Meeting up with friends for lunch” “Oh, okay” Joe stammered. “I guess I’ll let you go then” The two said their goodbyes and Joe was just about to remove the phone from his ear when his mum piped up on the other end. “Joe?” “Yeah, mum?” “This isn’t a joke” she warned, scratching at a mark on the worn dining table, “This is a huge commitment” “Why is everyone treating me like a goddamned child all of a sudden?” Joe spat out, anger shooting up his nerves like fire. “I’m 35 not some reckless teenager” “I didn’t mean it like that –” she sighed gently but Joe cut across her. “No, mum. I know you mean well but I know exactly what I’m doing” he snapped before ending the call and tossing the phone onto the other side of the couch. The small device bounced off the charcoal cushions before clattering onto the polished floor but Joe didn’t care. Furious tears were welling up in his eyes as his mother’s words echoed in his head. He could do this. Why did everyone think he was so incapable? Did he have ‘chaotic mess’ tattooed on his face? Still grumbling to himself he stormed upstairs and into his office, throwing himself into his desk chair and grabbing his laptop. He was going to show them. He was going to show them all.

The heat was sweltering as you stepped out of the building, radiating off the dark pavement in shimmering waves. It stuck to your skin as you walked towards the train station, sweat beading on your brow. As you stepped down into the dark station a gust of warm air swept across your face leaving you grimacing. Not fancying a stifling trip home you shrugged off the thin jumper that was covering your floral dress. Usually hiding your bump was your top priority but the heat clinging to you was insufferable. And besides, what was going to happen on a 15 minute train ride? Much to your surprise your train pulled up right as you stepped onto the platform with the hoard of commuters and you were immediately swept inside with the crowd – no one paying you or your bump a second glance. Your hand was slick against the metal pole of the train as you tried to keep yourself from swaying into your fellow commuters as the train jerked along the tracks. The carriage lurched to the right, sending you stumbling into the man next to you. “So sorry” you apologised, your hand immediately moving to rest on the small swell of your stomach. “All good” he dismissed casually, his eyes not leaving the phone in his hand. Shrugging to yourself you looked away, only to lock eyes with the aged lady sitting in the seat opposite you. You watched as her watery eyes drifted down to where your left hand rested on your belly. Instead of the warm smile you’d been so used to on the occasion that someone noticed your pregnancy, her lined face twisted into a look of pure disgust. You startled, stumbling as the train veered on the tracks. She turned away, staring resolutely down the carriage. You turned away too, shocked tears scratching at the back of your eyes. The train continued to hurtle down the tunnel, the steel wheels clicking against the tracks but you didn’t hear it, your mind completely clouded with angry confusion. She didn’t know you. She had no idea what you were going through with this bloody pregnancy - spending hours upon hours every week with the man who broke your heart for the sake of your baby. What gave her the fucking right?

“I come bearing dinner!” Joe chirped as he pushed the door to your apartment open. The plastic takeaway bag swung violently on the crook of his arm as he kicked the door shut with a satisfying thud. “I also brought dessert, couldn’t help myself” he added with a laugh but it died as his eyes fell on you, slumped over on the couch with your face buried in your hands as gentle sobs shook your shoulders. “Are you alright?” he asked, abandoning the food on the kitchen counter before dashing to your side. “I’m fine, Joe” you whimpered, dabbing the sleeve of your jumper to your eyes. “Just hormones” “Bullshit” he dismissed, shuffling closer to you on the sofa. He hadn’t seen you cry once throughout this whole ordeal. Something had to be off. “Just leave it” the words came out harsher than you intended but that didn’t stop your ex-boyfriend. “No. Tell me what’s wrong” he demanded, his eyes not leaving your bloodshot eyes. You tried to keep it in. Tried to pretend that really, you were fine. But it was too much to hold at bay and you exploded. “It’s not fair!” you sobbed, furiously trying to wipe away the tears that were still pouring down your cheeks. “Everyone else gets the whole picture. The mum and the dad and the happy family shit. And I get judged by little old ladies on the subway” you blubbered angrily, bitter tears dripping onto your legs. “You should have seen the way she looked at me!” you shouted and Joe swallowed thickly. “Just because I don’t have a ring apparently I’m scum of the Earth” “I’m sure that’s not what she meant –” Joe said in a vain attempt to calm you down. “How would you know?” you rounded on him, eyes flickering with rage. “Nothing’s different for you. It’s not like you walk around with ‘soon to be single dad’ stamped on your forehead” “I just never imagined I’d be doing this alone” you muttered, your eyes dropping to your worn ballet flats. “You’re not doing this alone” Joe reminded you gently, moving to place a reassuring hand on top of yours but you pulled it away. “It’s not the same Joe and you know it” you snapped, shoving off of the couch cushions to pace tensely across the living room. Joe watched apprehensively. He’d seen you get like this only a handful of times and it had never ended well. “This was all just such a huge mistake” “Don’t say that!” he implored, springing off the couch. “Don’t call Nugget a mistake” he begged, reaching out to grasp your shoulders. His heart clenched as you stepped out of his reach. “But they are! This shouldn’t have happened! I don’t know why I thought this might work” “Because we work!” he shouted back, angry red splotches blooming on his throat “we’re good together, Y/N” “If we we’re so fucking good together then why did you leave, Joe?” you spat back, the words like acid in your mouth. “Why’d you break up with me if we were so fucking great?” “God damn it, Y/N! Can’t you see that I made the biggest mistake leaving you? Every fucking day I wish I’d never done it and that you were still my girl” Joe shouted, the words flying passed his lips. The tension in the apartment was so thick you could almost see it shimmering in the still air, sizzling between you. “Don’t say that to me, Joe” you snarled through the tears, your eyes narrowing dangerously as your hands balled into fists. “Why can’t I? It’s true!” he shouted, your dismissiveness aggravating him. Deep down he knew you wouldn’t listen, but he’d always held on to that sliver of hope and it was quickly slipping through his fingers. “I’m so sorry, sweets” he begged, desperation in his hazel eyes. “I lost the best thing in my life that day” “And I lost EVERYTHING!” you screamed back, the words you’d held inside for a year ripping at your throat. “For fucks sake Joe I loved your dad too!” you sobbed, your chest aching. A dead weight settled in Joe’s stomach as he watched you shatter in front of him. “And I lost him. And then on top of that I lost the love of my fucking life” “Sweets, I’m –” “And I lost your mum. Your brother. Your sister. Gwil. Lucy. Rami. Ben – everyone!” you cried, “and you honestly thought we could come back from that?” the scoff that left your mouth felt like a dagger through Joe’s heart. “We’re meant to be together, Y/N” he muttered through gritted teeth, his chest heaving with laboured breaths. “I know you don’t want to think about it but you know it’s true. If you could just -” “Joe” a firm voice interrupted. He turned to see Flick standing in doorway to her bedroom, clad in rumpled pyjamas with her arms folded over her chest. “You need to leave now” “But –” he tried to explain, desperately gesturing to you but she shook her head. Her brown eyes drifted to you, sobbing quietly into your hands. “No” she commanded, stepping into the living room. You immediately gravitated towards her and she wrapped her arm around your shoulder, pulling your shaking frame tightly into her side. “You’ve done enough” she whispered as you buried your face in the soft fabric of her shirt. You didn’t hear the slam of the front door as Joe left the apartment. Only the sound of your thundering heartbeat flooded your ears as you cried into her neck. “It’s okay” Flick soothed, running her hand comfortingly up and down your back. “You’re okay. It’s going to be alright” Despite her kind words you felt your heart splintering in your chest. A part of you had always wondered if he regretted that day, if he’d change things if he could. You’d always thought the unanswered questions were the hardest part of it. But somehow this was worse.

TAG TIME!!! - again if you want to be tagged just let me know in the replies or message me! @sunflower-borhap-boys @blushingwueen @briarrose26 @mrsmazzello @escabell@yourealegendroger @sincereleygmg @zvzxs @dramatique-moi @borhapqueen92 @manuosorioh @deakyjohns @rogwhoretaylor @dinkiplier Stay tuned for more next wednesday!

#joe mazzello x reader #joe mazzello #joe mazzello imagine #gwilym lee x reader #borhap cast x reader #borhap cast

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magiciansreversed-blog · 5 years ago

Photo

▒▒mirror▒▒mirror▒▒

Salma’s office was darker than usual, the shades drawn, the room silent. The faint scent of overripe blackberries lingered in the air. On her desk lounged a lithe figure in a sleek pantsuit, her shirt half-untucked, her messy hair telltale evidence of some other intimate encounter. Her feet were bare and just graze the floor. She grined at Salma like a cat, as she flicked on a desk lamp, illuminating her face to reveal how shockingly similar it is to the one at the opposite end of the room. A perfect mirror image of Salma, she was, though she was far less upright and contained. She seemed pleased with herself, toying with a mouse in her claws.

Despite her relative state of undress, her gaze is just as sharp as her counterpart’s, watching Salma intently as she leaned back on the desk. Then she unfurled and slid her feet to the floor like a twisting snake. She took long, languid steps around the desk, picking up papers and barely glancing to them for a moment before tossing them over her shoulder and letting them flutter to the floor around her. She did it again and again, her gaze on Salma, her smile sharp, unwelcoming. She says nothing at all, tilting her head as if to goad Salma into responding.

Salma’s initial frustration that someone was in her office quickly faded to a concern that her powers were once again uncooperative. He mind briefly flashed to a time in her youth when her her illusions birthed from intuition and desire (both rare traits in her today) rather than logic and purpose. She tried willing the vision away, the familiar tug on her mind falling flat as the scene before her remained as real as herself. Her eyebrows furled in annoyance, and she marched across the room towards the other her, abandoning her purse by the door.

She grabbed the wrist opposite from her, cold but eerily familiar. And, terrifyingly, real. Her eyes darted to meet ones she normally only met in a mirror, but these ones were sharp and amused, not scrutinizing and darting like her own.

“What are you? Who sent you?” The word’s felt childish as she uttered them.

The mirror watched Salma all the while she approached, only going eerily still when their hands collide. Her smirk sharpened at the contact. "We're smarter than that," she purred, making no move to pry herself free from Salma's grip. She tilted her head, the second of the demands apparently piquing her interest. "I don't get sent anywhere," she said lightly, a razor edge lining the words. "Why should I listen to anyone's orders? Why do you? You're smarter than everyone you've ever met, and much, much more powerful. Why do you do what people tell you, Salma? Why do you listen to anyone at all?"

The questions were so honest, so straight-forward so...painstakingly like questions Salma had asked herself before, laying alone in her bedroom at The Lair. Thoughts and musings she had when she was alone, and most importantly, in secret. Why was that the first thing this...thing would ask her? Salma loathed not having an answer, so she tore her eyes away, turning herself to the mess it’d made instead. She worked around the stoic mirror-image, re-stacking pieces of paper, trying not to pay attention to just how out of order they now were.

The words ate at her, though. How could they not? “I don’t follow orders.” She began, hesitantly but with a firm tone to her voice. She avoided looking at the piercing eyes that followed her. She wasn’t used to being on the receiving end of her own intimidation tactics. “What I do is listen and to others’ when outside input is required.” She suddenly felt like she was in the courtroom, trying to defend a client’s actions and poor life choices. That didn’t sit well with her. She didn’t like the direction the conversation was going. “You’re the only thing I have no desire to listen to. I have work to do.”

The reflection took a seat square in the middle of Salma's desk, disrupting her organization yet again. "You went halfway across the world because a cat told you to. A cat. A creature that licks its own ass and somehow thinks it's superior." She scoffed right in Salma's face. "You're letting Daniel cow you, too, even though you're clearly the only one actually putting your brain to use. Insight better serves a leader than a bunch of idiots arguing around a table, getting nothing done." She leaned forward, inches away from Salma's face, her grin still sharply curved. "Oh, you do want to listen to me, though. I know things you don't, and I know you better than anyone. I have something you'll want to hear about." She batted her eyelashes. "But then again, maybe you're not ready for it. You do seem a little too..." She shrugs one shoulder, leaning back on her hands. "Tame, for my taste."

It was easy to ignore the taunting...at first. She had defenses for all of it at an easy grab, though whether this reflection deserved the explanation was still undecided. ‘Not ready’ and ‘tame’, though, those were two things Salma couldn’t stand to ignore. Those were two things she prided herself in not being. How dare this thing accuse her of being weak? She forced herself to meet the dark eyes again, to show she was exactly not that. Defiance masked the waver hidden in her voice. “What could you possibly know that I don’t? You’re not even real.”

She began to laugh, at first a low, melodic sound, and then it grew louder, with ragged edges. "I feel pretty real though, don't I?" she taunted. "I know that there's more to your power than cute tricks. You spent all week trying to fix the flow of magic in the world, but... Why? What is it good for if it can't run loose, or be used by you?" She picked up the stapler on the desk and tossed it to the floor like it's funny. How can she not be real? "There are ways to tap into it, though. Ways to realize your full potential. Don't you know? The Magician was once an alchemist, the most powerful of people, able to accomplish anything she ever wanted with little more than her will." Her fingers traipsed across the surface of the desk toward Salma's hand, her grin mocking all the while. "You have been letting the others get in the way of what you want, because you think you have to work by some kind of code of behavior. It's little more than a cage for someone they consider dangerous. And they should. You're more intelligent, more driven, more lethal than any of them. You deserve to be in charge. You deserve to be powerful. It's been delicious for me."

Realization hit her like a freight truck barreling down the highway on a slick road. She didn’t sway away from the encroachment of her personal space. Her mirror image had said enough— enough to make her realize she was her. She was Salma. A strange, twisted, dark version of her own desires. She was no illusion, no trick, no magicked game. This was very, very real. The only thing she couldn’t put together quite yet was...why? Could it be tied to the black outs? To the ley line damages? She yearned to learn more, now, that she somewhat mildly understood what she was dealing with. So she decided to play it’s game. She leaned closer. “How would my rank or power help you? What are you?”

"Think about it this way," the mirror said, her smile fading as her tone grew rather bored. "If you're me, and I want what's best for me, then why wouldn't I offer my knowledge to you? Why everything has to be so methodical with you, I'll never get." She slid off the desk and meandered around the office, pulling things off of shelves and running her fingers along anything in reach. "Why should I do this, what's the purpose of that, is it smart, is it valuable - blah blah, just say you're spineless and go already." She turned back to Salma, her smirk creeping back. "You're a magician, you know? Literally magical. You can have whatever you want whenever you want it with just a little bit of energy. Just take. Why does anything besides what you want matter? Who made all those rules you follow? People who don't have your power or your intellect. People who are so much less than you. It feels so nice to toss off the burden of their expectations and take, do, be what you want. Doesn't it ever tempt you?"

Salma felt frozen. Speechless. Something she’d rarely experienced in her twenty-eight years on this planet. Her mind was racing; an unhinged roller coaster of emotions that ranged from defensive aggression in wanting to defend everything Feiyan has done for her, for the Council. for the entire lifespan of humanity all the way down to, well, agreeing with her. It was enough to finally distract her from the mess that was her office, now realizing that was all a distraction to begin with. She didn’t know what caused the appearance of this mirror image, but she started to understand what it was; what it wanted. A personification of her worst impulses, of her darkest desires. It wanted her to indulge. She was adamant to prove she wouldn’t.

"Of course it tempts me, but power comes from control not wild impulse. I’ve always been who I wanted to be, regardless of the perception.” She even dared to take a step closer. Mustering up the confidence to match the reflection’s poise and posture. “So what's your point exactly? Other than to annoy me and trash my office?”

The longer she listened, the more her expression went blank, until at last Salma stopped speaking and she could roll her eyes with all the drama and grace she could muster. "Power comes from control... That's rich. Who told you that, The Ancients? The Constitution?" She barked a laugh devoid of any good humor. "Control is what they teach pretty little girls to have when they're afraid of what would happen if that girl just shrieked and clawed her way out of their tidy box for her. Control is what keeps you in line. Are you the interim leader directing everyone to find Fei? No, because you've bowed to due process instead of just taking charge, even though you know you'd get it done. Have you realized you have so many more powers beyond mere illusion? No, because all this control and rules nonsense has kept you in your place, like it's meant to do. Are you even with the one person you can actually stand?" Her tongue snaked out of her mouth, sliding along her teeth slowly. "Despite all the evidence suggesting all you'd need to do is step up and go after what you want, you can't even have her, the easiest thing in the world to reach. So what are you doing, Salma? What's the point of having you here at all?"

A lump formed in her throat, the gusto Salma had managed to rile up lasted for one mere verbal volley. Were she one to blush, she might have done just that. Instead, her lips pursed shut and her eye contact faltered. She was pissed. At herself and at how right this thing was, despite her knowing that it was only trying to get a rise out of her. Well, it was working, and it seemed like there was nothing she could do at this point could stop it. Every tactic she’d tried had been met by a brick wall; by an unstoppable force. Her body language didn’t do much to hide that, either.

A wicked grin flashed across the mirror’s face when Salma wasn’t looking, and then she leaned over the desk on both hands, too close for comfort. "Do you want to know what I did?" she asked lazily, the words dripping off her lips. "The rules, the games, the waiting... They just got in the way of what I wanted until I got tired of it. Of watching her shake like a nervous little dog in my presence because she wanted me that badly. So I walked right up to her and just took that kiss I'd been craving." She tilted her head, exposing both the length of her throat and her teeth. "It was what she'd wanted too, after all. For me to just take control. You could have that too, if you stopped being so weak and whiny about it all. Or do I need to help?" She loosed a laugh from somewhere deep and dark within her. "I'm sure your Lailani is no different. This whole Council, really. Just take your rightful place and see how good, how right it feels."

Yet another thought the reflection voiced that Salma had already pondered. One too many times, and too heated and private to admit. The problem was, that she never felt that she’d have time or interest for frivolities like that. All the boys and girls in any school she’d gone to had seemed silly and childish; it was far too easy to focus on studies rather than crushes or pretty faces. Then she was thrust into a world of magic, a house on an island masked by powers of her own making. She, yet againm had something to distract her from the warmth in her chest whenever a nervous and sweater-clad, dark-haired, genuine sweetheart smiled at her. What was holding her back? What was stopping her? This was too many times her other self was right. She didn’t like it.

So she deflected.

“It’s all a moot point when Feiyan returns. The power grab is a temporary distraction.”

"If." She watched Salma, unblinking, her pupils shrinking. "Didn't you hear what that furry mongrel had to say? She's hurting, Salma. She's in pain." Her words twisted with a singsong mockery. "And nothing is going to change that if you don't." She shrugged, straightening and heading slowly for the door, tossing a pointed look over her shoulder once she's there. "You're the only one with the capacity to do what has to be done, but I'm starting to think you simply can't. It's a shame. I thought you were more like me... I shaped my whole world the way I desired. Here you are, stuck in yours, practically insignificant, and all but completely alone." She sneers. The bulb in the desk lamp burst, showering the surface of the desk with glass that is very much not an illusion. "Pathetic. I expected better."

Salma flinched at the sudden noise and darkness, her eyes slamming shut in fear of flying glass. Her mind wandered in that short moment, flashing from Marcella to Justice, to even Daniel if he applied himself. For once the mirror image was wrong. She wasn’t the only one with power to continue to guide the Council. She wasn’t even the only one outspoken enough to say so. She opened her eyes again, staring after the now shrouded figure, longing to prove it wrong, but her mouth felt dry, and her mind moving too fast to form words. A large chunk of her mind not being able to shake the visual of marching up to Lailani and stealing a kiss that she’s craved for seven years. So instead she just watched as the figure waited, perhaps expecting some kind of response, or for Salma to beg her to come back, but nothing comes.

It's not unexpected - she always was stubborn, after all.

It walked right out the door and didn’t look back, disappearing into smoke and shadow as soon as she's out of Salma's sight.

#event.03 #drabbes;;#welPPp

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wickerjulias · 7 years ago

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if you're still taking prompts maybe one where when solo realises that he's in love with illya, starts being really nervous and clumsy around him? and illya has no idea what's going on and why napoleon is suddenly a stuttering, nervous mess when they're together

Thank you so much for this prompt!! Here is the fic finally. I’m sorry it took me so long to write it :( I hope you like it

It all starts in Cairo. The only person to blame is Illya, really. Illya with his shy smile and his little gestures and his whole existence.

Napoleon is feeling quite melodramatic these days.

They are on a stakeout mission, watching their target while he is up and about, trying to make his way through the bustling crowd of the Khan el-Khalili.

“Do you think he knows we’re following him?” Napoleon asks suddenly, because he feels his attention slipping.

By the way Illya startles, long limbs tensing up, jaw clenching, he knows his partner is in a similar situation. Today marks the hottest day in a very sunny week and he curses Waverly for sending them to Egypt.

Lighten up, agent. It’s an easy mission and both of you will be able to visit the sights afterwards.

Of course this was enough to persuade Napoleon into packing his things, grabbing Illya and flying to Cairo. While their mission is a fairly easy one - observing a rising warlord, which is as close to vacation as they can get - the heat makes everything worse. He curses himself for falling for Waverly’s trap and vows to never let himself get bribed with antique sites again.

“You’re not listening, are you?” Illya wants to know, annoyance creeping into his voice.

“No, I wasn’t, I’m terrible sorry, darling,” he replies, smiling at him. As expected, his partner gets flustered, gaping like a fish freshly out of the water before he regains his composure.

“I used to be Peril,” he grumbles, turning his face away.

Napoleon continues to smile, happy the new way of getting under his partner’s skin is working. You could just tell him, like every normal person would, Gaby’s voice rings in his ear. And where’s the fun in that? he had replied.

“He is talking to Salma,” Illya says, trying to stifle a yawn and covering his mouth with the back of his hand.

It’s a small gesture, the way Illya clenches his eyes shut, hair disheveled, almost boyish, but it warms Napoleon to the core and he feels himself starting to blush. To his luck, he can blame the heat on this rather inconvenient reaction.

Trying to distract Illya from him, he starts to complain about the temperature but keeps an eye on Salma, their local contact. He certainly doesn’t notice how the simple linen shirt Illya is wearing stretches across his chest as he shifts weight from one foot to the other, and he most certainly doesn’t choke on his own spit.

His partner seems downright amused by his antics. It is a sight to behold, not because it’s rare these days, but because he seems to almost shine in the late afternoon sun.

“We have what we want,” he says, flicking invisible dust from Napoleon’s shoulder, before his restless fingers flatten a few creases on their way down to his arms.

“We do?” Napoleon asks, willing his voice to sound normal and his eyebrows wandering upwards.

For a moment, Illya’s hand twitches, but he curls it into a loose fist and lets go of him completely. There are miles between them again.

“Yes,” he murmurs, “didn’t you pay attention? He told Salma the location. Same blue envelope. Same paper burned where they stand.”

“Which means he’s involved with THRUSH,” Napoleon concludes.

“A little bit slow today, are we?” Illya jokes, mischief lighting up his features.

“Who taught you to be this cocky, Kuryakin?” wants to know as they start walking.

As expected, Illya is there, right back into his personal space, a hand on his back. It’s not a motion to guide him into a certain direction, but rather a reassurance, because crowds make him nervous.

“A certain someone with terrible fashion taste,” Illya quips.

“I beg your pardon?!” Napoleon sputters, voice breaking for no apparent reason.

“Luckily for this certain someone, everything he wears appears to be tailored just for him.” Illya applies more pressure for a fleeting moment, leaving Napoleon to wonder why, until he spots the small market stand with the lovely old man behind it who had kept them from doing any work yesterday.

“Peril, we’re finished for today.”

“And I don’t want to hear anything more about you being the perfect son in law.” Surprisingly, Napoleon feels himself growing bold. “Well, I am a very good catch.”

Illya grumbles something under his breath that sounds like: “Yes, you are.”

They pass the stand and Napoleon is able to gesture at Illya, excusing his partner’s behaviour. The merchant - Tazim - waves it off, a mirthful smile on his face.

With sudden clarity, Napoleon remembers him saying: “I could introduce the two of you, but I think your man wouldn’t approve of it.”

Now he gets that what he had waved off as a playful jab at Illya’s possessive side the day before means something else entirely. His unhelpful brain had provided him the German translation of a word, quickly worming its way into his memory. Only the word - Mann in German, goz in Egyptian - can’t be translated to “man”, it means husband.

The sound he hears is definitely a mouse dying a slow and terrible death nearby, not leaving his mouth. Illya must’ve heard it as well, but he only shoots him a curious glance and walks a little bit faster.

Napoleon snuffles and tries not to look at his partner, navigating them both through the crowd. The other man’s jaw is set, his eyes determined, all tense and skimming the bazaar for possible enemies.

“Since we’re off for the evening,” Napoleon says, once they are in a small side alley, away from prying eyes and amused merchants, “Tameya? What do you think?”

Illya looks at him and his breath hitches while his heart beats a frantic rhythm in his chest. Napoleon doesn’t know what has gotten into him.

“I know just the place,” he croaks.

If Illya thinks his voice giving in is strange, he doesn’t mention it, just nods and touches the back of Napoleon’s hand to signal he’s ready to walk again. “Lead the way, Cowboy.”

They make it to the small restaurant in no time, even though Napoleon kept tripping over his own feet.

“I think we should get you something to drink,” Illya had said after the third time, worry prominent in his features.

“Yes, that’s it,” Napoleon had replied, wincing at his poor choice of words.

“Uh-huh.”

Now that they’re seated at a small table, both with their backs against the wall and able to overlook the whole restaurant, he feels himself relax. Right until Salma squeezes in beside them, because now he has to press up against Illya.

His partner makes everything worse by putting an arm around him, pulling him in. “Do you have enough space?” Illya wants to know, which sounds more like a German sentence than an English one.

There are fingers drawing small circles on his ribs, senseless patterns. He wonders why Illya feels the need to touch him constantly, especially when they are in company.

“Sure, sure.” Salma nods and slides a small envelope over. “The location. He wants to meet up there and trade weapons for money. We just need to record the transaction and the two of you can step in.”

“You want UNCLE to step in?” Illya asks.

“INTERPOL, our cover, Peril,” Napoleon corrects, not being able to look into his eyes - not, when Illya’s hand has stopped it’s travel downwards, now resting on his hip.

“Exactly.” Salma smiles and stands again. “But you could consider pretending to be in a relationship for your next cover, since you two do play a very believable couple. Could’ve fooled me.” She winks at both of them, then she is off.

Napoleon makes a small sound, a mixture between a desperate laugh and an exasperated sigh. The first half of the sentence he wants to direct at Illya dies in his mouth when the other man doesn’t let go of him, but starts caressing him again. “Get along well with Gaby.”

“I do not understand.” Illya turns his head.

They are close, too close and if it weren’t for their waiter to arrive, Napoleon would’ve done something very embarrassing. Instead, he orders their food and drinks, voice shaky and offkey, with the attempt of an easy smile on his face.

If anything, it seems to put off their waiter as well as Illya, both of them exchanging a quick glance. His partner’s face hardens for the fracture of a second before he leans back a bit, still not letting go of him. Surprised, Napoleon huffs and assures their waiter everything is as it should be.

The man nods and runs his left hand over his slicked back hair. “Lama mahtagany, ana tahta amrak,” he tells them, offering his service.

With a small nod, Napoleon voices his gratitude. “Shukran.”

Illya waits until the waiter is out of their sight before he opens the envelope, leaving Napoleon with a strange and empty feeling when he lets go of him. Despite his urge to whine about the loss of contact, he’s distracted by Illya’s groan.

“What’s wrong?”

“She left enough money to pay for our food.”

“You can’t be serious!”

“Afraid, I am.” Illya pinches him in the side lightly, using Napoleon’s momentary surprise to his advantage, slinging an arm around his torso again.

His own hand shakes a little when he brings it up to his partner’s back and splays his fingers it at the base of his spine. Rather unhelpfully, he imagines Illya’s breath hitching.

The worst thing about it is he can imagine them having lazy sex like this - simple touches, wrapped around each other, not caught in the usual post mission frenzy and enjoying the intimacy. He can imagine Illya coming undone under his hands, all flushed and nervous energy, the opposite of his usual calm exterior. He can imagine it so well, it appears to be almost real. But it isn’t and it never will be.

Nevertheless, he snuggles closer to Illya, chucks him under the chin lightly when he whispers a witty remark and settles for his partner’s warmth. Illya’s hand never stops it’s travel up and down his side, and for the moment, he lets himself be happy.

And here we are :D A huge shout out to my lovely beta @transmichaelscofield. Thank you so much for your help!!

#napollya #napoleon solo #illya kuryakin #the man from uncle #tmfu #*mine #*writing #*tmfu #prompt #i posted this on ao3 as well #askjfdshfj #anyway

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kawsarjahanshimo · 5 years ago

Text

Story name:- Relationship

Writer:- Kawsar jahan shimo

Date:- 21/04/2016

Rehana Akter Age twenty four years Marriage has just been a month. New marriage, Besides, he has a small job. Public Health Development Society Salary employment. After this marriage, his job is now in force. Did not leave yet. Today is the 5th of February. It has come to submit a monthly report to the office For When he entered the office, he saw that his girlfriend Tamanna and sitting there. He works in Muhuriganj branch. The smiling face he saw Rehena and said, 'What is the matter, you walk so slowly, You have got a new marriage. You have a feeling of happiness now. Rehana smiled at her cheeks after listening to her friend Tamlana. After that sadly, the girl said in despair and said, 'If you are married, people will happily find happiness Are you? Tamanna was surprised to hear about Rehena. He is better than the face of Rehena He looked, he did not comb his head well. He said again, 'why are you so messy?' He said in a frustrated face of Rehna, 'Why? As many people around us After marriage, I saw everyone had a lot of happiness after marriage. Rehana is in front of the window, in front of the office, trees - plants are in a bored look.

Story name:- Relationship

Writer:- Kawsar jahan shimo

Date:- 22/04/2016

Refrained from looking, Rehana said, 'Everyone's life is no different. Maybe somebody is good, and no one is good at all '. After listening to Rehana, Tamanna became surprised. Tamanna asked from the opposite side, 'Why, you are not good'? Rehana did not go long, breathed out and said, 'no, not good. That is, Rehana is a finger Like the curve at the top, he pointed out, 'He is married to whom I am married, how does he know?' Tamanna again asked, 'How do I understand the nature? Rehena said, 'If you do not want to come to the office since marriage. It means come He does not agree with me. How painful it is to me, once You think you can. One more thing, ten times a day, to quit the job. There is no need to do such a small job '. Tamanna was very worried about Rehena's speech. But, consult him He did not think he would give it. Sometime a while, she said, 'Your mom talks to your groom Tell me, Rehento is lying in front of the desk on the table, the head on the head slices His heart was torn apart due to sorrow

Rehana looked at Tamanna and said, 'You are saying to meet mom, to meet you. He can not even hear my mother's name. Calling my mother a prostitute says - After my mother-in-law, I made a mobile phone to my mom, every time I grabbed the mobile from my hands. I have repeatedly told me to run as he does. Rehena was not long for the words, she breathed. Tamanna got saddened when she heard Rehena. She was very upset after Rehena's wedding Understanding life's sake. Rehana and Tamlankar's friendship lasted nearly four years. Rehana has his own It seems to be painful, but he can not provide any solution for Rehana's sake.

Rehana and Tamanna submitted monthly reports to the office with unnecessary pain. They came out of the office. While walking along the road, Tamanna asked, 'How are all the rest of your in-laws? Your mother-in-law is your conformity with them - They were walking along the front streets of several offices. Father-in-law, sister-in-law, could not say about their behavior. He did not want to make himself down to say so much trouble to his girlfriend. After that he said, 'I returned to the in-laws' house seven days later, I did not give much refreshments to the paternal, marriage My husband did not get good attention in the time samayana, for a month, the furniture did not come in the house. And my mother-in-law says, wife clever - not tricky. From outside, a guest is in the house with the behavioral issues of the wife of his wife. Hear the words' And that day and the good of my mother-in-law - I did mobile for the evil. More , Then my mother-in-law got a chance to get hurt. Like this - I wake up late. Religions are not interested in work, signs of vulgarity in the house when they come to the house Do For example: I do not do salute, not skilled in cultural work, and in cooking Gadaai - Laski –

He let go, Tamanna, what would you do to hear all these problems or what? These Stay, my mind is on the way to destruction He stopped for a while. They were walking around a turn of the road. And, side by side Pedestrians and rickshaws were traveling. Tamanna asked Rehena, 'Rehana, will you go to your father's house now?' Rehena was uncomfortable with a sad heart and said, 'My husband forbade me to go. Then and I heard that my mother's body is not good. I want to see my mother once. From my father's house, after a while, I will go to my father-in-law's house. They saw a lot of rickshaws in Aak in Dakbangla Road. A rickshaw Rehana called. Rehana rickshaw after leaving the tamaanna

Rehana came in front of the house riding on rickshaw. She got down from Rickshaw - Rickshaw Wala asked, "Apa, what's your house?" Rehana pulled out a note of ten rupees from her vanity bag in her hand, Rehana said, "This rickshaw The people of the people talk without further need. Rehana did not say anything to the man. Only a word was called "hu". Rehana said, "Suppose, rent 10 taka rickshaw." Rehana turned 10 rupees towards Rikshawala. Rickshaw said, "Apa, the rent is fifteen rupees, it's rate rent." Do not rent a rickshaw driver. And he waited for a rent of five rupees. Rehana was very fond of the man with rickshaw. Of course, he threw away five rupees and handed him over to his hands and went away. He walked up the stairs and went upstairs. He entered the room and saw that his mother was preparing the bread. The mother made this bread in the morning. He was astonished. She went to salute the mother lying on one side of the table hanging in her hand. Mother Salma Banu daughter Rehna was very happy to see this morning. But, worried the girl Look at the face. Beautiful and handsome face, how dirty, dry and sullen in these days. Unknown one is afraid His book woke up waving. Worried, the mother said, "Rehena, why are you so dry?" Rehana could not say anything against this question. Who knows what her mother is, worried about her daughter, water came in her eyes. Rehana saw that her mother was embroiled in another strain. Rehne changed the topic and removed her mother and said, "Mother, sir, I am making your bread. Mother got a book and said, "What will I do, my job has not come since morning, so your father's meal There was a lot of difficulty in making chess. " Rehana saw that, in fact, the truth is, her mother has increased a lot. For this, Rehana has done her own tasks Started to give At first, Rehana rolled the bread with a very nice smooth. Rehana was calling the bread and talking to the mother - His mother asked him, "Yes Ray Rehena, how is your mother-in-law?" Rehana stopped, and then slowly said, "There is a lot better."

He was not able to speak any words. She thought in her mind that if she said so much to her mother, then there is a possibility of a mother's tension increase in stroke. So he could not reveal any secret. He talked about making breads fast. When the bread is finished, then they are filled with a bag and they take them He went to the gas stove there. Her mother was sitting in a dining table to get a chair there. He said, "Yes, Ranu, do not you stay today?" Rehana said, "No mother, I have not come here saying that I will be here, your grandfather does not know. So I have to leave for a while. " Rehman's mother Salma Banu said, "Then you do not say that you can stay here." Rehana said, "My mother-in-law is irritated, she can not work alone, she can not stay here anymore, and the biggest thing is that I have not come home, so I have to leave soon. Salma Banu was listening to the daughter and she was shocked at the lightening. Rehana asked Mom, "Mom, are the parents still lying in the front room?" Salma Banu said, "What will your dad get from the bed and just do my work?" Salma Banu said to the daughter, "Runu, do one thing, and after getting the bread, your father earns the bread and vegetables." Rehana was suddenly frustrated to bake the bread. One bread was burnt. A backbone of bread is black Has been stained. He dropped it on one side. Rehending the remaining breads, they quickly dropped. He ran to the father with five or six breads and one bowl curry filled with a tray. His father Aminul Haque just got up in bed. Mosquito bouncing. Rehana tray put her on the table and said to her father, "How are you, father? I came here a while ago, but because you were sleeping I did not wake up. " At that time the father felt hesitant to see the girl. Aminul Huq's long-standing practice As soon as they wake up, a span is sprayed. Talking to everyone about doing this for a long time. There is no notice of anybody being disturbed or not. Today he started doing the same. The father asked the girl standing in front of him, "When you came alone, Where is Moin? " Moin is Rehana's husband. Rehena was surprised by the father's words. It seemed to my father that the father was not happy to come home to his father's father. " Rehana did not say anything about that, she said to her father, "Dad came with me for bread and curry."

Her father asked Rehena, "When you came alone, Rehena, Mune did not come that - Rehena thought that her father "Why did not son come?" "Why did not son come?" But he can not answer. She thought again and again, "After marriage, she can not go anywhere - without her husband." When alone, everyone will bother unnecessarily by asking all questions. He simply said to his father, "Dad can not come for you because you have a job." His father made a stub "wobble" with a window. Walking on the window and walking on a sofa. Shortly asked, "Have you come with the permission of the grandson?" Rehana was in a state of embarrassment. Every time he comes in front of his father, he will have to ask such questions only. And he can not answer anymore. She wanted to get out of here. But, he could not have been for his father. His father began to ask him one after the other. Rehena ate the meal and said, "Yes, Dad, yes father, I have come to say - He extended his hand on both sides and said, "I have told everyone." He stopped fast for a while and said, "Dad, you eat early food. It will be your" sugar nill ". He did not talk anymore and came out of there quickly. When he came in front of his mother, he started breathing. Breathing heavily And, playing a glass of water in the table in front of the table. Her mother was shocked and looked at the girl and said, she could not understand what happened, and asked, what happened to Ray, Rehena. Why do you do this? " Rehana looked at her mother and said, "Mom, what did the father start with me, only to fall on the pavement and do not like me - Rehana's mother said, "Your father is always like that, you know him, what do you say with these things?" He looked at his mother in a glance and said, "But after so long I came back and my father was a little bit of me Search - Do not get the news. No, why did not I ask why I came here? " Rehana pulled his hand back to the back and asked himself, "How strange!" Rehna sat down on the cheek with a very frustrated mind, His mother was worried by the daughter's dry face. He said to the girl, what is the matter Ranu, why are you sitting? "

Rehana took the diabetes medicines from the catacombs on a fast track after hearing about her mother. Bring it to the mother. Poured a glass of water from the world. Mom plays the medicine. Rehana's mother regretted eating medicines, "I have consumed whole medicine, but no one Profit is not profitable. " After waiting for the minute Bicholim, Salma Banu plays some of the bread that is eaten in the morning. More . Salma was asking for her daughter to eat, to take some rest, to rest. Necessary mother came to the Rehana kitchen in her mother's bed and brought a plate of rice from the rice bowl. Sit down on the table with the plate. A cup of tea was already in the table. He took fish and salt from there. Slowly the rice plate was burnt. There is no one to eat Was not interested Because of his mother's request, he sat down. Rehana's mother was saying to eat bread, "I have a raw cloth in the bathroom, but my energy is not clogged to smoke. Rehana heard the mother and said, "I'll tear your clothes after eating mother." Rehana was eating rice slowly so long. Due to the needs of the mother, the speed of the meal increased. Eating rehenda rice is finished. Then, he entered the bathroom. Mother's Prehide Dressed Fabrics Blouses are all stacked in bucket with a surf excel powder. He picked it up from the bucket and started to cry. The mother's clothes were washed clean and the water came down on the roof. It was three o'clock in the afternoon to talk about the necessary tasks and talk to the mother. After that He did not want to delay any longer, it was too late. He went out with a vanity bag. When he reached his in-laws house, it was about three o'clock in the afternoon. When I entered the door, I could not see anyone. Where is his mother-in-law? As it is late for her today, it is understood that cooked cooked her mother-in-law in the afternoon.

Rehana "No" indicates head Rehana said, "No, mother, I do not want to eat anything. I want to eat something Not doing. " Salma Banu laughed and said, "You are the son of your father. You only know your father, only you Why are you angry with your father? " Rehana looked at a glance mother. But, the mouth is not saying anything. She is sitting silently. Rehana's mother said to her, "All my medicines are stored in a box on Alamari, from where I earn diabetes medicine." Rehana took the diabetes medicines from the catacombs on a fast track after hearing about her mother. Bring it to the mother. Poured a glass of water from the world. Mom plays the medicine. Rehana's mother regretted eating medicines, "I have consumed whole medicine, but no one Profit is not profitable. " After waiting for the minute Bicholim, Salma Banu plays some of the bread that is eaten in the morning. More . Salma was asking for her daughter to eat, to take some rest, to rest. Necessary mother came to the Rehana kitchen in her mother's bed and brought a plate of rice from the rice bowl. Sit down on the table with the plate. A cup of tea was already in the table. He took fish and salt from there. Slowly the rice plate was burnt. There is no one to eat Was not interested Because of his mother's request, he sat down. Rehana's mother was saying to eat bread, "I have a raw cloth in the bathroom, but my energy is not clogged to smoke. Rehana heard the mother and said, "I'll tear your clothes after eating mother." Rehana was eating rice slowly so long. Due to the needs of the mother, the speed of the meal increased. Eating rehenda rice is finished. Then, he entered the bathroom. Mother's Prehide Dressed Fabrics Blouses are all stacked in bucket with a surf excel powder. He picked it up from the bucket and started to cry. The mother's clothes were washed clean and the water came down on the roof. It was three o'clock in the afternoon to talk about the necessary tasks and talk to the mother. After that He did not want to delay any longer, it was too late. He went out with a vanity bag. When he reached his in-laws house, it was about three o'clock in the afternoon. When I entered the door, I could not see anyone. Where is his mother-in-law? As it is late for her today, it is understood that cooked cooked her mother-in-law in the afternoon.

An elderly woman is sitting here. She is the father of Dalim. This lady next door wearing an old white sari. But, there is no blouse. The two breasts of the truncheon are hanging from the body. Dalim's mother looked at Rehena and said, "What the mother-in-law is all day sleeping Why do you cut With the help of mother-in-law, family affairs - can not work - Bablu's mother is sitting beside Dalim's mother. Rehna's aunt is mother-in-law about Bablu's mother. Bablu's mother said to boyfriend, '' Your mother-in-law is the whole person The boy did little trouble with the boy and the family. We have seen all, we have come to our house in front of our eyes. " Suddenly; Bablu's mother said, "How many days have passed, how long have you been in your mother-in-law Koli was there, another child had to work in the child's lap. But, what is burnt? Forehead, there were no people in this house to help. " Pina's mother was sitting beside her. Pinnu's mother is the mother-in-law of Rehena. Pinu's mother dragged her and said, "" Still your foreboding forehead. At this age and your mother-in-law is cooking rice and her son's wife is in the habit of being present at home. Pinu's mother stopped in minutes, and after drinking it, she said, 'you left In the office. And your mother-in-law dies in the kitchen. Is it okay, you say, wife? Rehena was surprised by the words of these old women - by listening to the message. What is the painful day spent with her husband only knows that! Rehena also thought, these women are teaming against her. Well, what is the fault of all these parents? How did they know that he was not home today? Her If your mother-in-law does not say - Rehana was standing on one leg and her mother-in-law, Meherunnesa, said, "What kind of wife, why are you standing? Make tea for your cousins and" Thinking what Rehana was thinking Anmana looked out of the bored outlook. After hearing the orders of the mother-in-law of tea, she walked towards the clay stove. Measure a cup, put six cups of water on the stove. But, for the first five minutes it was difficult to catch his oven. The whole place was covered with smoke. The water came in his eyes to put the smoke in sight. She wanted to get ready for tea. But, due to unnecessary reasons It was getting delayed. The women's rumor was going to be heard from the big room. From there, her husband said, 'What is the matter, wife, why are you so late, to bring tea to tea?' Your aunt is leaving. '' Refrigerated tea made of milk in a cup of tea and poured milk in the cup. Something on a plate He came in a large room with a biscuit. Rehana tea handed all hands to everyone. Pintoo's mother was saying to eat tea, 'The winter came, I started the frozen pudding in Meherun, Pinnu's in-laws' house. You have to tie your knees I'll bring one maund rice for that. ''

Two of Meherun's eyes were on the forehead and she heard the poem's death. Mehrun said, "" One Mound Rice! These are the ones you can mix with chaat. " Pinnu's mother said, "I do not have any way to do that." My bayon said, "Do not take cottage cheese in a pot, and eat bread." Meherun Bhru - said to the crib, "Tell me that your sister will kill you. It seems like a lot of trick in the trick - Meherunnessa began to take the name of God by removing the worm. Pinu's mother gave a sigh of breath and said, I die and I have to do all the work. Which of my five daughters in the kulakshan? I am peacefully married to girls? One day the eldest daughter's son-in-law, another girl's daughter-in-law's daughter-in-law. The guest is in my house There are. Everything has to be handled by me in trouble. '' Pinu's mother could not stop in the middle of the talk, often breathing a long time, and repeatedly breathing the clothes of the chest in the air. Pinky's mother started to say, "Just what a guest, granddaughter in this girl's house today, send clothes and goats, goats, sweet kabutara kids, and again, at the daughter of another girl, on a cold day, drink fruit, and send fruit on season O. the time of Eid Dress everyone's home - fill the clothes. Otherwise, there is a lot of respect and value. This year is like this. And on this side of my breath and breath of yours and mine Giggles to become. Rehana's aunt, mother-in-law, mother-in-law, all talked about personal issues and at that time Rehana did not find any place to leave. Rehana left the small kitchen and came to the living room in the big room. She is in her bed room Entered Under the cottage she kept her precious books together in an old bag He was out there. Put the books on all the beds. These books Being his strength to survive. He has purchased these books by saving a single penny. These books are for their survival. When one reads a book, then It is the strength to work with new enthusiasm, it is Sanjibani. Rehena's books are in the middle of the chest Hold on. He printed his eyes, wondered what Rehana would think. After a few minutes, when he saw two eyes, he was surprised to see the ghost. Her Husband Moin stood in front. Moeen's two eyes are exploding. Like a fire. Well, why did her husband Moin look at her face bursting? Does the powder seem to explode? At this time the fire will burn in the house. Rehana kept her books hidden in her chest. Moin asked Rehena, "What's the matter, where do you have so many books from?"

Rehanna does not understand what to say. Then and the droop drugged to tell the truth. I brought them from my father's house. " Moin was dissatisfied with the wife's words, she said, why all these chaides? Where, You do not see any hadith, Quran teaching books. " Stunned Rehna was stunned and said, "All these books have drawn one tension and said," Let them go to the verandah, give it to the side, let me see. " Rehana, who has kept her treasures in the same way, has been left behind in this way The whistling started to stop. Rehana started crying after her husband's foot pressed down. He said, "These books Do not take it. These are my favorite books ''. Moin did not look back at one moment. No kirti of the bridegroom - Manti in his ears Did not enter Moin started thinking, "If his wife has so many habits, then no one is in her family Do not be worried " Moin looked out at the back and looked outside and went out. One of the book is pond water Threw in All of these books are unbearable! Unbearable! Rehana's mother-in-law, Meherunnesa, went to the kitchen at the end of the prayer. See, all the houses are hidden, yet the wife of the house did not leave the bed. Any work in the kitchen - hand in hand There is no arrangement for breakfast in the morning. Meherunnessa blames his own forefathers after seeing such a messy room. And, the rumble They began to abuse and abuse. Meherunnessa put his hand to work. And, loudly, all these urban girls Due to his marriage today, his family is excited. Otherwise if his son is from the village then his son If he had to marry then today his family would not have been in such a way. Meherunnessa is thinking more and more '' Well, the people of the city do not eat rice, how are they lazy ''! Meherunnessa is slipping on his forehead and the house is bouncing. And, slowly, Rehana was coming towards the kitchen with a sad, depressed mind. Seeing Rehena, her mother-in-law said, "What kind of wife, why do you wake up so late? When will breakfast be made? Soak the bushes and roast them quickly. Rehana's face does not look like anybody. He was thrown into the hole. His slow pace was being noticed in all the activities. He came to the kitchen and the oven Caught Started pouring a little water with a little water, leave the packet of flour in the water in the bowl. When the flour was finished, he took the paddle and balloon and sat on the bread.

Thursday, January 19, 017 Let us campaign violence against women –

Women of this country are victims of physical and mental and mental torture. Where life is going!

Rehending Bread Who knows what that is! All the bread was curved - it was becoming a bun, it seemed to him that he did not know how to make bread, smoothly. He has no skill in this work. Or he became uncomfortable at work! How much he thought It's like an hour passed. The bread does not last longer. Bread work It seems like his damn painful work all the time. When the loaf was finished, they went to bake it in the oven. When he had finished roasting bread, he picked it up in a cage filled with a hanging hinge. So he went towards the house. After a while, Moin came to eat breakfast in the kitchen. Her mother was sitting in the window. Moin entered the kitchen and found his mother and said, 'What is the mother, so much happened, And then do not call for breakfast, what has happened to mother - His mother thought that the thing was spreading in the mouth - One such thing came to a sudden, one jumped on the side of the stove, hanging on the couch and took out the bread from 'jhappy' and picked it up in front of the boy. The rage bursts and said, 'The chisel to make your wife's bread, you look good'. Mehrunnesa smiled smilingly, and said, 'What are these three corners, with four corners of bread, how can you make breakfast to see if you can see' Moin '?

Moin said, 'She let go, mother, some of my friends will come in the afternoon, make some breakfast. Meherunnessa became excited about hearing the son. He said excitedly excitedly, '' Hey! I can not make all the cakes. My skin in the sunlight shines. You do not know, the doctor forbade me to heat the fire. Tell your wife to come to the kitchen. Moin came out of his mother's shaking throat. He entered the room and entered his room. He saw that his wife lying in the house of Rehena Chi The face of the book is on the face. And, the legs were swinging two. Seeing the scene, he could not stand still. Blood was on his head. He was keenly pursuing two kicks in the rear of the rear.

Rehana could not visualize anything at first. Immediately after the act of such an insulting behavior, when he realized that he was humiliated, Stay on the python And he could not say a word and he could not speak to anyone. He did not know how much time passed. After hours he went to bed Slithering Looking at the moving fan, the zoos are in sight. At night, Rehana was lying on one side. And her husband Moeen is lying on the other side. Seeking the face of both husband and wife - Chawi closing. Recently the mobile phone of Rehena mobile Rehena Seyre is on the mobile After moving forward, I was going to catch the mobile, before mowing it took the mobile phone. Rehena could not live without talking. Rehana said, "Give me the day, my mobile - But, Moin did not give mobile. He just said in the face, "No magi po mobile today I've seen it today, " He started taking the phone from the number of phone that came in there. The phone was made the first few times but the mobile was not receiving any. Seeing such incidents, she He became doubtful towards the wife. He said to the wife, "What about, why not get your mobile to receive"? Moin's wife on a mess He said in the excited voice, whether your identity is right now or not Will prove. You're silent. " Moin continued to phone constantly. After a while, the receipt of the mobile was received. Moin noticed that the phone that he was talking was dragging, Moin said, "Who are you?" From the other side said, "Who are you, Moin was so distraught that he was trying to beat the man with a shoe. She can not bear the phone of a man's man in his wife's mobile. Moin shouted from this corner of the mobile, he shouted out loud. He said, "Hey, this fucker, Maghe po - why did you call my wife? Swallow you Buy - Bloody Bloody

I started to moan a few minutes. And did not say a word to the wife. Just before leaving the house, I said, "Get a new SIM on your mobile, it can not be used anymore". For this little reason the mobile SIM will be changed. For a little reason the mobile SIM is available Rehena was surprised to hear that the vessel would take off. Rehana was lying on one side of bed, well, her husband was such a narrow mentality Why the nature? All day suspects him. And, think of him personal properties Do it. He has no freedom, he will manage him. Rehana and Mune have been closed for the next few days. Rehana does not like anything Goes to the kitchen, comes Rice cooks curry. Moeen is sitting in the kitchen, he takes all the breath. His wife sat in front of him. She Plate all the rice poured down and left. On going, the yard continues to yaw and say, "Sit down on this rotten house and swallow you." Rehana is sitting on the left cheek by seeing her husband's exploits. And, in emotional pain Suffice. One day, in the house of Badam, Rehana is sitting in Badam, spreading two legs - sprinkle. Depressed Looking at the sky horizontal vision is unlimited. Her mother-in-law was going by the way, looking at Rehenka Threw it down. By increasing one hand throat, Meherunnesa said, how to sit in the house and how to sit You do not know " . For a long time, Rehana was sitting alone. Rehana's throat came in a bookcase. They say anything Could not Rehana had no veil on the head. Watching her mother-in-law, she said, "veil in the head Dew, hairstyles, and goblets will swallow you. " To talk a lot of tears, her mother-in-law went to the kitchen. Rehana came out of Badam's place. She came to bed in bed He is lying on his mobile. He grabbed the phone. On hearing from the other side, it was understood that the mobile from the district office. At first he heard Could not do When he realized that the District Design Manager has made mobile, he Stretched up and sat down. Rehena said, "Yes, sir, yes sir, I am telling Rehena Akhter." From the other side said, "Listen, Rehana, I am telling you D.D. Gautum Krishna Paul, You have training at the district office on the 26 and 27 of the following week. Ten o'clock in the morning Will come to the district office. " Rehena heard the training and said, "All right, sir, okay sir, I'll be back Sir. " After talking to the phone, Rehana kept the mobile. When she looked at the door, her husband Moinul Islam entered the house. Seeing Rehena talking on mobile, she asked, "Who has called?"

Rehana said, "" D.D. Sir from our district office. By saying this, he moved aside and stayed low. Moin asked to sit on one side of bed, "So what did your dad sahib say?" Rehana looked at her husband and said, "There are training in the next week." Rehana's husband Moin cleared clearly, and all the training - remove the training. And, move on Not too much Well, why did you say so damn to me, that you have not stopped now before the marriage? " After listening to all these verses of her husband, Rheena rehearsed all the body. Moeen spit in one corner of the house, he said with a loud voice, "Those two are worth the money Leave the dream of job, concentrate on the house-building - Moin looked at another and said, "Do not forget to go to those training." Rehana said, "Why do you give up?" She asked her husband, "Why will I give up?" Rehena looked at her husband's eyes and started questioning. Moin noticed that his wife's eyes were getting bigger. Moin lifted his fingers and said, Shut, utter silence, eyes down - The eyes hit the two hands and said, "I will kill completely, more talk Saying, Moeen Rehner wanted to hold down the tittle. Rehana started to become a voice of protesters. All his body trembled in anger. This person is getting depressed every day, and can not bear it. On the left side of Rehman There was an empty glass on the table located, and she could not tremble in anger Everybody threw them down. Fate, her husband moved away, otherwise she had his head cut off. Two days later Rehman's girlfriend called Tamanna. Tamanna said, "Do not worry, for many days you have no contact. How are you in your in-laws? Rehman's mind-mood is not good. He has a quarrel with her husband Reherena tears out The voice said, "How can I be good, Tamanna? All the girls' husbands in this society What kind And, what is my husband? All the time, just quarrel with me. Prevented. I do not like it. Tamanna said from the other side, "Your husband's habits have not changed yet. Rehna sighs over Tamlana's words, Tamanna is worried about hearing the sigh of breath Read it. Tamanna said, "Well, now come to the real words, you will not come to the training." Rehana said, "If the husband does not come, how come I am?" Tamanna heard Rehena's words and said, "Listen, Rehena, you are a girl of scary nature. All the time you are afraid of your husband. You can not get out of your work fearing this way. With courage you have to deal with all things. Prevention have to do ."

Tamanna did not stop at one moment, saying, "I talked to me. Now think about it." Then, for a while, Tamanna and Rehana talked about personal matters to mobile. At night, Rehena was thinking about the words of her friend Tamanna. Was coming "Saving courage Prevention Saving courage Prevention " What will he dare to save? His buzzing blows fluttering. She was thinking - Birth is true Death is true Marriage is true And, it is true to keep the family alive after marriage. Rehana fell down in Mohafadad. His head He was moving, with the moving fan above and his head was not resting. Today's 26th date Rehana got training from ten in the morning. Rehana in her bedroom Was getting ready. It was eight o'clock in the morning. Rehana had a small mirror, Holding it, he was blinking in the face. Her husband Moine was in the kitchen, she entered the room. Rehena was shaking her hair, her hair was being cut. Seeing Rehena being dressed, Moin asked, "What are you waiting for?" Rehena said with a smile, "I told you, today I have training." Moin said, "You can not go today, my uncle will come from Dhaka in the afternoon. Many cooks - have to cry. Mom can not cope alone. That's why you I can not go today. " Rehana could not accept the husband's words, she said, "But today, me I have to go, today I have to go. I will not have a job if I do not get training. " Suddenly his extended hand fiddled with his hand. His arm was raised high. He became a voice of protest. Rehana said, "Look, do not interfere today. Let me go today Me The delay is happening. Moyen's face became overwhelming, "She said to herself," If you want to go, do not return home to Jindegir. " Due to the reherents of her husband, she was shocked. She could not keep herself any longer. He raised his fingers and raised his fingers and said, "But it will be so, but it will be your own." For my life has been poisoned. I want to get rid of it. " Rehana did not wait another minute and did not wait. He hung his bag on his shoulders. Rehana just passed the villa in the courtyard. To give one foot on the street, she was surprised to see a ghost, her husband Moin stood in front of him. His eyesight turns into a red gorgeous like a bloodbath. He got up and said, "If you do not listen to me or listen to me, Rehni's voice was shocked by his horrific chi v. When he stepped forward another step When he saw a big dagger he wanted to run in fear. And then, Moin was in his hand's sword Wife stabbed in the arm. And, as soon as Rehana got crushed with tremendous pain The sky giant became gigantic. She fell down on the ground, and On the way, blood flow began to flow. BIDRA: In such a way, in the life of Rehana and Moine another incident happened. Maybe or Their relationship breaks one day, but relationships are such a thing that all relations run away from people. Finish

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newsbiteswithjennysok · 5 years ago

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Aug 20, 2019

1. YouTube star PewDiePie has found his sweetie pie. The controversial influencer, known for his widely watched gaming videos and crass humor, married long-time girlfriend and fellow social media star Marzia Bisognin in a London ceremony on Monday — in what could be considered the royal wedding of YouTube.

“We are married!!! I’m the happiest I can be. I’m so lucky to share my life with this amazing woman,” the 29-year-old Swedish vlogger, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, wrote Tuesday on Instagram. The Italian influencer, 26, also posted tons of shots from the big day to her 6.2 million Instagram followers, revealing that their wedding marked the eighth anniversary of the day they met.

PewDiePie proposed in April 2018 while vacationing in Japan. At the wedding, PewDiePie wore an all-black suit while Bisognin, who has a following in fashion, wore an off-white long-sleeve dress featuring a lace bodice and tulle ballgown with a peplum.

PewDiePie is one of the world’s highest-paid YouTube stars, earning an estimated $14.5 million a year, but has come under fire for posting several videos featuring anti-Semitic jokes or images related to Nazis in 2017. Despite being booted from YouTube’s Red platform, he still makes millions off the site, though he was bested as the most followed person on the platform after decades at the top spot earlier this year by an Indian music label. PewDiePie’s multi-channel network partner Maker Studios, a subsidiary of Disney, severed ties with him and the Google Preferred program also dropped him. Between them, the couple has 107 million YouTube subscribers, 24 million followers on Instagram and 22 million Twitter followers.

2. A business owner in California says she has been forced to relocate after 15 years because of the growing homelessness crisis in the state. Elizabeth Novak, who owns a hair salon in downtown Sacramento, posted a video on Twitter on Friday describing how she often finds people camping in tents across her front door. She told how the vagrancy epidemic gripping the state is affecting long-standing business owners and that her shop has been broken into and she has even been attacked. Novak, who has run her salon for 15 years, said in her social media message that she often has to clean-up urine, feces and used needles left by rough sleepers on her doorstep.

Addressing her concerns directly to Governor Gavin Newsom, she said in a heart-felt pleas for action: 'I want to know what are you going to do for us Californians? I've had a business in downtown Sacramento for 15 years - a successful business. I now have to leave my place of business, I have to close my shop.

'I just want to tell you what happens when I get to work. I have to clean up the poop and the pee off of my doorstep. I have to clean-up the syringes.

'I have to politely ask the people who I care for, I care for these people that are homeless, to move their tents of of the way of the door to my business.

'I have to fight off people who push their way into my shop who are homeless and on drugs because you won't arrest them for drug offenses. I have to apologize to my clients as to why they can't get into my door because there's someone asleep there and they are not getting the help they need.'

At the beginning of the impassioned clip Novak says has been repeatedly sending videos, emails and tweets as well as numerous calls to Newsom in a bid to get a response.

Novak also slammed the Democrat governor's 'liberal ideology' as 'not working' and criticized him for 'sitting in his million dollar home and not having to look at what we have to look at'.

She added in the video: 'I talk to the police officers, they told me to contact you [Newsom]. They want to do something and they can't, you changed the laws.

'So I want to know what you're going to do for us, the ones that are unhappy? You want to make us a sanctuary state, you want to make it comfortable for everybody except for the people that work hard and have tried their hardest to get along in life and now we have to change that because of your laws.'

Novak's Twitter account is now private, but it was viewed around 25,000 times.

Yesterday Novak told Fox & Friends that she was going to have to relocate her business because of how bad the situation had become.

'A lot of people asked why go directly to the governor, why take it to that level and I think it's an SOS for all small business owners. And not just business owners, but employees in the downtown area.

'When I come into work I'm never sure what I'm going to walk into. I've been broken into, I've had my glass broken. I clean up human excrement off of my doorstep every week, cups of urine, things like that.'

She added: 'A lot of people are saying it's a housing issue - it's a drug issue.'

3. Colton Haynes is looking back in an effort to help others move forward.The 31-year-old actor, who has been candid about his battles with depression and substance abuse, shared a series of images Monday from his hospitalization a year ago, in an effort to help others relate and recover.

'I get immense joy when someone comes up to me & says that my willingness to open up about depression, anxiety, alcoholism, & addiction has helped them in some way,' said Haynes. 'I’m posting these photos to let y’all in on my truth. I’m so grateful to be where I am now ... but man these times were dark. I’m a human being with flaws just like you. If ur in the middle of the dark times...I promise you it doesn’t have to last forever.'

Haynes told Attitude magazine in March that the hospitalization came after a week of heavy boozing while locked in a room at the Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria. He said when he 'was found' he was heavily bruised, unable to walk, had multiple seizures, lost partial vision temporarily and 'ended up in 5150 psyche hold.'In a series of five images in his post Monday, the Teen Wolf actor was seen in a hospital bed fitted with heart monitors. In other selfies Haynes shared from the time frame, he stared into the camera while in a plane and at a residence.

Haynes made it clear he was concerned with keeping it real on the social media site, as he said he 'no longer [wants] to project a curated life.

'Worrying about what time to post on social media so I can maximize my likes or being mad at myself that I don’t look the same way I did when I was addicted to pills is a complete waste of why I was put on this earth,' he said. 'I don’t want worrying about if I look hot or not on Instagram to be my legacy.'

He continued: 'I don’t want to skirt around the truth to please other people or to gain economic success. I have far more important things to say than what magazine I just shot for or what tv show I’m a part of (Although I’m very thankful I still get to do what I love).'

The Andale, Kansas native told Attitude that he'd entered rehab for four months last year, and had six months sobriety under his belt at the time.

'I got so heavily involved with drugs and alcohol to mask the amount of pain I was feeling that I couldn't even make some decisions for myself,' he said. 'I was drowning in my own s***.'

Haynes told the publication that his 'downward spiral' into drug abuse began three years ago, and was complicated by a series of major life events that transpired in the time frame. The actor married Kardashian family florist Jeff Leatham in October of 2017 only to split less than a year later, and his mother Dana Haynes died in March of 2018.

4. Jada Pinkett Smith opened up about her life, marriage and her new Facebook Watch series Red Table Talk in a new interview. The 47 year old actress revealed in a new interview with The Guardian that she knew she wasn't going to be a traditional wife when she married Will Smith. She also spoke about her new Facebook Watch series was inspired by talks with three friends, Salma Hayek, Pauletta Washington (Denzel Washington's wife) and Ruby Dee.

'I knew that I was not built for conventional marriage,' the actress began. 'Even the word 'wife': it's a golden cage, swallow the key.'

'Even before I was married, I was like, "That'll kill me." And it damn near did! So why wouldn't you share what you've been through, when you see that other people are out there, trying to figure this crap out?'

'We decided to make it public because it's part of the healing. I feel like if we don't have real understanding about it, I don't know if interpersonal relationships are possible,' she continued.

She clarified that she loves her husband, her 'life partner,' adding she could not have asked for a better one.

'But I can assure you that some of the most powerful women in the world feel caged and tied, because of the sacrifices they have to make to be in that position, she said.

'So I wanted to talk about how we really feel about marriage. How do we really feel about different, unconventional relationships? How do we really feel about raising children? Honestly,' she said, which lead to Red Table Talk being born.

Smith launched her series Red Table Talk in May 2018 on the Facebook Watch streaming platform, and there was quickly an order for additional episodes.

The second season premiered in May 2019, which reportedly is comprised of 20 episodes, featuring Jada and her mother Adrienne sitting around the table with various guests.

Pinkett Smith added that she did pitch Red Table Talk to conventional TV networks and streaming services, but revealed she went with Facebook because they offered the most flexibility.

'The others all wanted to add a dancing bear to it. So many dancing bears, when I just wanted us sitting around a table,' Smith began.

'And the other reason I couldn’t go to mainstream TV is that Willow is not built for that kind of conventional set-up. She can’t be there every episode – she’s a little butterfly,' she said.

'Something comes up and she says, "Ma I got to go to the mountains for a week," and I got to let her go. That’s part of her mental health, she needs freedom. You’ve just got to let her fly.'

5. 90 Day Fiance star Ashley Martson has officially moved on from troublesome Jay Smith with Christian Estrada. Christian is currently on Bachelor in Paradise but his search for love must not have completed since he went on a date with Ashley. Over the weekend, the two went to the most magical place on earth, Disney World, for a super fun date. Will there be more dates in the future for this cross-over reality television couple?

Before he started dating 90 Day Fiance’s Ashley Martson, Christian Estrada was searching for love on this season of Bachelor in Paradise. This week on the show, Christian and Jordan Kimball get into a huge fight, seemingly over Nicole Lopez-Alvar. The fight quickly turns physical when Jordan actually picks up Christian and throws him to the ground. Watch Bachelor in Paradise Monday and Tuesday at 8 on ABC to see their fight play out.

Most 90 Day Fiance fans were relieved when Ashley Martson kicked Jay Smith to the curb. He had been unfaithful to her and was seeing another woman behind her back. But it wasn’t the first time Jay Smith had been caught cheating on her. His bad behavior was going on three days after he and Ashley got married.

Ashley caught him using a dating app of all things. It was hard for her to give up on their relationship, but Jay pushed her to the edge and she filed for divorce in April 2019. Although she had previously filed in January and withdrew it, this time was for real. Jay Smith was even bailed out of jail by another girl, Kayla Ann O’Brien, that started a GoFundMe to raise the money. Jay and Kayla are rumored to be separated because Jay cheated on her.

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imlaurenac · 6 years ago

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Here Are The Top 50 Quotes by The Bossiest Boss Chicks

What do Diane Lockhart, Jessica Pearson, Nikita, and Gina Rodriguez have in common with Oprah, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Ruiz, and Indra Nooyi? They’re all strong, successful, smart, sophisticated, savvy savants—aka Alpha females.

Alpha women often get a bad wrap. They tend to buck the system of patriarchy, push the limits placed on what women can do, and ignore the boundaries that people try to put on them. They are career-driven and live for their work. They have no problem competing and often are the best in every category. Alpha women are changing the world wherever they are. Their pursuits are inspirational and aspirational. Check out my list of 100 quotes from the bossiest of the boss chicks that will push you to shine a little brighter and climb a little higher. You’re a Queen…be inspired by Queens!

"I am a feminist,, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning that I am Black: it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect." -- June Jordan

We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change. - Sheryl Sandberg

I feel that its important for me to be out there and to represent the face. At the same time, for me as an individual, I think the Asian-American face can be crowded with the American identity. - Awkwafina

I work really hard at trying to see the big picture and not getting stuck in ego. I believe we’re all put on this planet for a purpose, and we all have a different purpose… When you connect with that love and that compassion, that’s when everything unfolds. - Ellen DeGeneres

No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. - Alice Walker

You get what you give. What you put into things is what you get out of them. - Jennifer Lopez

I drank to drown my sorrows, but the damned things learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling. - Frida Kahlo

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman. - Margaret Thatcher

Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face. - Carol Moselely-Braun

I bring quadruple diversity to the Senate: I'm a woman; I'll be the first Asian woman ever to be elected to the U.S. Senate; I am an immigrant; I am a Buddhist. When I said this at one of my gatherings, they said, 'Yes, but are you gay?' and I said, 'Nobody's perfect.' - Mazie Hirono

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is going to do its best night and day to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle any human being can fight and never stop fighting. - Audre Lorde

No permanent enemies, no permanent friends, just permanent interests. - Harriet Michel

You can't outwit fate by trying to stand on the sidelines and place little side bets about the outcome of life. Either you wade in and risk everything to play the game, or you don't play at all. And if you don't play, you can't win. - Judith McNaught

Forgiving is not forgetting. Forgiving is remembering without pain. - Celia Cruz

I had two options. One was to remain silent and never to speak and then to be killed by the terrorists. The second option was to speak up for my rights and then die. And I chose the second one. - Malala Yousafzai

On my own I will just create, and if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, I’ll create something else. I don’t have any limitations on what I think I could do or be. - Oprah Winfrey

Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me. - Arianna Huffington

Failure is not fun. It can be awful. But living so cautiously that you never fail is worse. - J.K. Rowling

For me, the only advice I ever give women is we want to support each other without distracting each other. Heads down, work really hard, pretend your locked you in your room or whatever, and just do your work. - Mindy Kaling

"It can be tough, but so is suffocating and watching the dreams that could've delivered the people I was designed to impact just fall by the wayside, pecked over by the masses until those dreams and my most powerful self have been whittled down into an image of the crowd's making. Either way is tough, but one of those ways, the core of who I am is sacrificed on the altar of others' wishes, and I feel like we're really just choosing which tough we wanna live. Life is tough. But I'm going to live it, not be swallowed whole by it." -- Dr. Danella Knight

“You know my code: Hos before bros, uteruses before duderuses, ovaries before brovaries.” - Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation

Do one thing every day that scares you. - Mary Schmich

You can be a thousand different women. It’s your choice which one you want to be. It’s about freedom and sovereignty. You celebrate who you are. You say, ‘This is my kingdom. - Salma Hayek

When the door you have been knocking at finally swings open, you don’t ask why. You run through. - Diane Lockhart, The Good Wife

Run to the fire; don’t hide from it. -Meg Whitman

If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life. - Cher

Being different is lonely. Luckily, I’ve always enjoyed my own company. I’d rather my own crazy than somebody else’s sane any day. - Jill Scott

Men often say that women change their minds too much. I say they sometimes don’t change them enough. I mean changing their state of mind, their attitudes, their outlook, their expectations, their consciousness – most of all, about themselves and what is possible in their lives. - Julia Alvarez

I know that, like every woman of the people, I have more strength than I appear to have. - Evita Perón

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far you can’t hear them anymore” - Michelle Ruiz

In the Internet era, the key to a successful business is understanding the customers’ expectations—and half of the customers are women. - Jean Liu

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone. - Coco Chanel

I’m not going to cower in some corner trying to convince them that I’m friendly. I’m going to kick some ass and remind them that I’m fierce. - Jessica Pearson, Suits

I think the truth of the matter is, people who end up as ‘first’ don’t actually set out to be first. They set out to do something they love and it just so happens that they are the first to do it. -Condoleeza Rice

Sometimes you gotta make the mirror your best friend. Maybe then, you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself, stop hiding yourself. Love yourself when no one else can - Lalah Hathaway

I don’t care about anyone not liking me, you b*****s barely like yourselves.. - Cardi B

You want to be taken seriously? Stop dressing like a little girl. - Joan Holloway

I hope the fathers and mothers of little girls will look at them and say ‘yes, women can. - Dilma Rousseff

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." -- Shirley Chisholm

“You know that women are always looked upon as nothing, but we are your mothers, you are our sons, our cry is all for peace, let it continue. This peace must last forever. Let your women´s sons be ours, our sons be yours, let your women hear our words.” - Nanye-hi

It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent. - Madeleine Albright

Be first and be lonely. - Ginni Rometty

Sit down and ask yourself, ‘What is the most important thing to me?’ What grosses me out the most? What makes me the most upset—is it healthcare? Is it so many people being hungry in our culture? Is it sexual abuse? Mix that with doing something you love, something you could keep doing forever and ever. For me it was ending violence against women, and I mixed it with music. And I’ve had a 25-year career. So that’s my advice: Find something you really care about and mix that with something you love doing. - Kathleen Hanna

I don’t perform miracles or do the impossible. I make cold calculations about difficult situations, and I do not take on anything I know I won’t win. And I will win this. -Olivia Pope, Scandal

I'm not ready to make nice, I'm not ready to back down, I'm still mad as hell, and I don't have time to go 'round and 'round and 'round. It's too late to make it right, I probably wouldn't if I could. 'Cause I'm mad as hell. Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should.” - Dixie Chicks

I do know one thing about me: I don't measure myself by others' expectations or let others define my worth. - Sonia Sotomayor

When you educate a girl, you kickstart a cycle of success. It makes economic sense. It makes social sense. It makes moral sense. But, it’s not common sense, yet. - Queen Raina Al-Abdullah

Hello, my name is fabulous. - Samantha Jones, Sex and the City

This is a partnered post which may contain affiliate links.

#quotes #alpha woman #alpha woman quotes #alpha woman behavior #alpha female woman #what makes an alpha woman #quotes about alpha woman #successful women quotes #latina women quotes #asian women quotes #black women quotes #native american women quotes

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dragnews · 6 years ago

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Foreign Belly Dancers? Egyptians Shake Their Heads (and Hips)

Cairo Dispatch

The arrest of a Russian belly dancer exposed simmering tensions in Cairo’s belly-dancing scene. Critics say foreigners are sullying an ancient art form. Many Egyptians love them.

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The Russian belly dancer Ekaterina Andreeva, known as Johara, at a wedding in Cairo a few months after her arrest.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

CAIRO — When undercover police officers in Egypt swooped on an upscale nightclub on the Nile last spring and arrested a Russian belly dancer, the focus of their investigation was her costume — and what, if anything, lay beneath it.

Was the dancer known as Johara, whose sizzling video had become an overnight sensation, wearing the right “shorts,” as modesty-protecting undergarments are officially called? Were they the right size? The appropriate color? Or was she, as some feared, wearing no shorts at all?

Johara, whose real name is Ekaterina Andreeva, 30, insisted on her innocence, but still the police marched her off to jail, where others argued over her fate.

Russian diplomats paid a visit. Her manager and her husband back in Moscow pressed her case. In her dingy cell, Ms. Andreeva gave an impromptu performance for a dozen fellow prisoners, mostly prostitutes and drug dealers.

“Those women treated me so well,” she recalled. “They asked me to dance, and then we all danced together.”

A belly dancing workshop at a hotel in Cairo.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

The Egyptian dancer Randa Kamel leading a workshop attended by many Eastern European women.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

After three days, it seemed she would be deported. But at the last minute, a mysterious white knight intervened — a Libyan businessman with powerful connections, she was told — and she was sprung from jail.

It was a drama worthy of belly dance, a centuries-old art form that has long thrived on sensual intrigue. During the Second World War, German spies mingled with British officers at Madam Badia’s cabaret; in the 1970s, dancers performed for American presidents.

In recent decades, belly dance has inspired conflicting impulses among Egyptians, who see it either as high art, racy entertainment or an excuse for moral grandstanding.

But Ms. Andreeva’s plight also highlighted a rather touchy issue: If Cairo is the global capital of belly dance, then why do its hottest new stars come from everywhere but Egypt?

Kiev to Cairo

The Ukrainian dancer Alla Kushnir, a law graduate, appeared on “Ukraine’s Got Talent” with an extravagant belly-dance routine that set her on a new career path.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

At a wedding in a plush Cairo suburb, a barefoot Alla Kushnir shimmied onto the flower-strewn dance floor, a whirlwind of quivers, twists and furious gyrations.

Young men in tuxedos, grinning widely, clambered over one another for a better view of the belly dancer. Little girls in party dresses scurried behind, imitating her moves. A group of veiled women at a corner table clapped in approval.

“Coming to Egypt was my dream,” said Ms. Kushnir, 33, who hails from Ukraine, while stuffing her outfit into a suitcase afterward.

Foreigners have dominated the top flights of Egypt’s belly-dancing scene in recent years — Americans, Britons and Brazilians, but especially Eastern Europeans.

The foreigners bring an athletic, high-energy sensibility to the dance, more disco than Arabian Nights. Their sweeping routines contrast with the languid, subtly suggestive style of classic Egyptian stars. Some are overtly sexual.

Ms. Kushnir trying out accessories for her performances at her apartment in Cairo.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

Participants in Ms. Kamel’s workshop during an outing near Cairo.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

Growing up in the port city of Nikolayev, Ms. Kushnir, 33, dreamed of being an archaeologist. She graduated in law. But in 2010, she appeared on a TV show, “Ukraine’s Got Talent,” with an extravagant belly-dance routine that set her on a new career path.

In one performance, she wore a black veil with a tray of burning candles on her head; in the other, she writhed in a pool of water supported by semi-naked men.

Then Ms. Kushnir moved to Cairo, the Broadway of belly dance, where she became a true star. She sometimes performs five times a night at upscale weddings and ritzy parties, where top performers can earn $1,200 or more. One of her videos has nine million views on YouTube.

Purists bemoan the foreign invasion as a cultural travesty. They accuse the outsiders of trampling on Arab heritage for profit and pushing the dance form in a brash direction. Even some foreigners agree.

“In many cases, we lack the nuance, subtlety and grace of Egyptians,” said Diana Esposito, a Harvard graduate from New York who came to Egypt in 2008 on a Fulbright scholarship and stayed to pursue a career in belly dance.

Ms. Esposito, who performs as Luna of Cairo, noted that there were still thousands of Egyptian dancers. But most are in the lower rungs of the industry — seedy cabarets near the Pyramids or tourist traps on the Nile.

“It feels like the Egyptian dancer is an endangered species, which is very sad,” said Ms. Esposito, who recently moved back to Brooklyn. “Sad for the art. Sad for Egypt.”

Even so, Egyptian dance still has one undisputed queen — a dancer who by wide agreement stands above them all.

The Last Egyptian Queen?

Egyptian dance still has one undisputed queen: Dina.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

It was just after 3 a.m. at the cabaret in the luxury Semiramis Hotel when Dina glided onto the stage, glittering in the spotlight, as a 17-piece band struck up.

Bow-tied waiters bustled about. Puffs of cigar smoke lingered in the air. The audience — Arab couples, Western tourists, as many women as men — watched from red velveteen booths, utterly entranced.

A legend across the Middle East, Dina Talaat Sayed has danced for princes, presidents and dictators in a career spanning four decades. “Ah yes, Qaddafi,” she said with a wry smile, recalling the deposed Libyan strongman. “Funny man. Very funny.”

Ms. Sayed also knows all about Egyptians’ conflicted attitude about her profession.

“Love and hate — it’s always been like this,” she said. “Egyptians cannot have a wedding without a belly dancer. But if one of them marries your brother — oh, my God! That’s a problem.”

Amie Sultan, a prominent Egyptian dancer, with a costume designer. She comes from a wealthy Egyptian family and trained as a ballerina.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

Participants in Ms. Kamel’s workshop.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

The stigma is part of a creeping puritanism that has stifled the arts in Egypt in recent decades. Now even a hint of a kiss is forbidden in Egyptian movies, song lyrics are sanitized, and moral vigilantes hound artists through the courts.

A pop singer, Shyma, is languishing in prison on charges of “inciting debauchery” for a sexually suggestive video; in 2015, a belly dancer was barred from standing for election because she “lacked a good reputation,” a judge declared.

“Egyptians see an Egyptian dancer as a hooker,” said Bassem Abd El Moneim, Ms. Andreeva’s manager. “But a foreigner can be a star.”

There are exceptions beyond Ms. Sayed. One prominent dancer, Amie Sultan, hails from a wealthy family and trained as a ballerina. Another, Fifi Abdou, an Egyptian national treasure viewed with both affection and mockery for her boisterous personality, has been reincarnated in retirement thanks to social media.

Recently, Ms. Abdou, 65, perched before a pair of iPads as she broadcast to her three million followers on Facebook and Instagram in an hourlong stream of affectionate babble, air kisses and trademark catchphrases.

“Scooze me!” she exclaimed randomly as the screen filled with red hearts. “Salma! Love you, love you, love you!”

But for many Egyptians, the price of a career in belly dance can be too high.

Randa Kamel, who runs a major belly dance school in Cairo that attracts students from across the world, was beaten as a teenager by a father who disapproved of her dancing. Even now, her 17-year-old son hides her profession at his private high school, and she pulls off her glittering fake nails before meeting his teachers.

“That’s why I don’t go on TV,” Ms. Kamel said. “I want my son to have a good life. There’s a certain amount of fame that is not healthy.”

A participant in Ms. Kamel’s workshop performing during the closing ceremony.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

Ms. Andreeva, the briefly jailed Russian belly dancer, still isn’t sure what spurred the police raid in February, but she blesses the day.

Since then, bookings have soared, her appearance fee has doubled, and she is sought by the rich and powerful. Recent clients include the family of a major steel tycoon, the daughter of Egypt’s prime minister and an exiled cousin of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad.

Official concerns about her act — and her “shorts” — appear to have vanished. The shimmering dress she wore in the video that landed her in trouble has become a major part of her act.

Even the police chief who kept her in his jail has become a fan, and booked Ms. Andreeva for several family weddings, said her manager, Mr. Moneim.

“She’s famous now,” he said, as he whisked her between gigs on a Friday night. “People love that.”

Ms. Andreeva admitted that it was hard to match Egyptian dancers on some levels. “We are technically good, but they have that Arab soul,” she said.

But she compensates by channeling the sheer, raucous energy of Egyptian audiences. “There’s an emotion here that is incredible,” she said. “It makes me feel like a rock star.”

An array of belly dance costumes on sale at Ms. Kamel’s workshop in Cairo.CreditLaura Boushnak for The New York Times

Nour Youssef contributed reporting.

Produced by Mona Boshnaq.

Declan Walsh is the Cairo bureau chief, covering Egypt and the Middle East. He joined The Times in 2011 as Pakistan bureau chief, and he previously worked at The Guardian. @declanwalsh

The post Foreign Belly Dancers? Egyptians Shake Their Heads (and Hips) appeared first on World The News.

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dani-qrt · 6 years ago