#wishes farewell 2017

[ruiniel]

Hidden

Fandom: Castlevania series (2017-2021)

Pairing: Alucard x fem!reader

Rating: 🔞

Count: 1.5k

Tags & Warnings: Alucard POV, frustrated masturbation, Adrian get yourself together hon, pining, romantic angst, resolved emotional tension, finally they talk, this can only go on for so long, one chapter left

Part I - Part II - Part IV

III. Moments between

He paces up many coiled stairways, clawing carelessly at the wall with one taloned hand.

Why did you do that? You’re leaving, you sounded undecided but you will probably follow, and he’ll never see you again. He could barely keep himself from telling you all the things that sprouted like poison from his heart in those moments, but he tried, tried to be the friend you needed. 

Because he is a fool who waited for too long, and in the end, he does wish you well.

Adrian slams shut the door to his chamber, wondering how he ended up here as he gazes long at its darkness, its barrenness. With clipped movements he discards his coat and boots and slowly walks forward, dropping unceremoniously on the bed with his head in his hands. 

He's a fool, yes, and an idiot besides, because the pain of the tiding you imparted tonight is only surpassed by the sweet, hot silk of your tongue on an inch of skin. 

He rises again, walking to and fro like a trapped animal in a cage.

Why the hell did you do that? You're not the kind of person who would toy with another, and yet... he couldn’t read the look in your eyes. He sits back down, wanting to both cry and scream, not brave enough to go back there and ask you. And why, to make things worse? He's come to know you and he most certainly has come to love you in so many ways, and hell knows he respects you enough to not intervene in such an important moment of your life. 

And still, the most basic instinct curls like a cornered wolf inside him ready to pounce, shattering those honorable thoughts; the wetness of your mouth won't leave his mind.

Lying on the bed, he breathes in, breathes out, trying to shut it all from thought. He tries, but his body won’t listen. He tries, even as he slowly undoes his belts and trousers. 

He shouldn't, he has no right to use the memory of you this way.  Adrian growls low in his throat, arms falling at his sides. While he can gut night creatures with his bare hands, the guilty pleasure trickling like nectar from the warmth of your tongue makes it impossible to win here.

He'll be selfish. He'll have this, at least, for his own. He slides his trousers down his hips and takes himself in hand, and his fingers are soon sticky with his slick. He’s never been easily affected by these things, but now he's so sensitive it might consume him alive if he doesn't do something to ease the pressure and it doesn't take long, either; the thought of your closeness and the conjuring of his imagination is more than enough, and he strokes almost spitefully, until he's shivering and groaning, spilling himself over his hand. 

Panting, he stares up at the ceiling without seeing it, lying still with his trousers undone and his shirt in disarray. 

At least he can think now, but that is no improvement, apparently. His low, bitter laughter fills the silence. “Pathetic...” Adrian shakes his head, eyes closing against tears that mock.

He does his best to avoid crossing paths with you for the following days. He fills his time with every chore possible and roams the forest at night, running with the animals that see him as their own when he shape-shifts. His feelings fall in the background in that state, which provides much needed respite as the time of your departure approaches. Even though he tells himself he can't and won't be there, come the time, he's on the battlement high up, watching the cart he knows is yours depart on slow wheels.

He's not even said farewell, and you hadn't sought him out, either. It's better this way, Adrian keeps repeating, close to doubling over from the grief drowning the shores of his spirit. 

He walks away when the caravan disappears from sight, descending towards the laboratory and library on a known path strewn with many memories, berating himself for his cowardice for a while, but concluding with a sigh at the futility of it all.

“You're here.”

There is no greater absurdity than the sound of your voice. Has he gone mad? But then it’s accompanied by the sight of you, sitting at one long working table, a vial in hand and a tome in the other, looking straight at him.

Adrian goes rigid, a million conflicting thoughts pinning him to the spot. “... so are you.” He dreads asking, and he's never feared anything in his life before. “Why?”

You cast your eyes down. “I decided to stay,” you say, raising your gaze to his. “Here.”

He can't quite grasp it yet, merely waiting for you to continue.

“The gist of it is... I thought long about it: about what I want, and what I don't want. Matei and I spoke... we parted amiably enough.” You sigh, closing the tome.

If you're miserable for your choice, he's the lowest of beasts for the relief bursting through him. “You're staying.”

“I'm staying,” you repeat, not quite smiling. “And you've been avoiding me.”

Adrian takes a step further, then another. “I had to.” Damn his heart, choking on the words. “I needed to,” he admits.

“No,” you rise and near. “You don't need to explain yourself. I'm sorry for... I didn't think that night, I didn't mean to...”

Damn this. “You didn't?” He looks down on you now, taller as he is, because your face shows... vulnerability, the kind he's never, ever seen before, but now he can’t stop whatever pushes him. 

You're staring at him strangely. “Adrian I... you don't know... you don't know...” You turn away, hiding your face from him and how he wishes you wouldn't, because this feels like cleaning a festering wound: necessary.

He nears you, daring to place a hand on your shoulder. “Will you tell me, then?”

Your shoulders rise then fall. “I stayed for myself, yes. I stayed because it would be such a shame to throw away my purpose... but I also stayed to be near you. I couldn't imagine myself... so far away from...”

A pause. Elation. He feels like a jester whose cunning has been strangled out of him by a mad king. “I'm happy you stayed,” Adrian says simply. The admission hangs in the air, a fragile bridge spanning the chasm between you.

You turn your head, and in your eyes there is horror melded with surprise. Your hand goes involuntarily to your chest, and he knows what you're reaching for. “How so?”

He's dangerously close to shattering, but speaks anyway. “The night I gifted you that pendant, I wanted to ask you something, but then… well.”

You swallow a tremble to your voice when you speak. “What did you want to ask, Adrian?”

You’re standing there, closer than you've ever been. Everything is turned on its head, his sadness melted by the cinders of hope. “If you’d join me, if you'd go away with me, on a trip. Just you and I, together. I know a path, I’ve been… I’ve been going for years, at around this time. It involves a lot of trekking, but the sights are splendid, worth it.” 

“Just you and I?”

You’re tilting closer, a hand on his arm.

“Yes. It’s safe besides.”

“I'd feel safe with you anywhere,” you murmur, your lashes heavier. The speed of your heartbeat rouses his blood.  “ And I really didn’t mean to… last time, but I…” Your hand reaches for his, and he can but watch with bated breath as you hug it to your chest then kiss his palm, eyes closing. “I couldn’t help it.” And as if to prove it, you gently nip at one finger.

There are times in one's life when a single moment separates a chapter from another, but it may be so short that one breath of hesitation is enough to chase it away. No, Adrian thinks. Not this time. 

His finger glides along your lips, pausing midway. “You didn’t answer,” he follows gently, bathing in the sight, scent, and sensation of you. 

You seem trapped by the gesture, lips parted as Adrian slowly wets his thumb on the lower one. He’s beginning to see, to understand. 

“Yes,” you utter, eyes lowering just as his fingers wrap around your chin and he dips his face to yours.

You fall into him when he takes an eager taste of your mouth, and Adrian thanks his innate balance but lets himself be happily affected, an arm wrapping around you as he props himself against the nearest shelf. Your hands are on him, your body leaning into his with complete trust. And when you break apart, it’s with a clarity that overwhelms him, starved and haplessly relieved.

“Sweet, sweet girl…” Adrian soothes, running both hands up and down your back; you shudder, and the rush he feels at that is beatific. He doesn’t dare speak it aloud, not yet.

But there are steps, voices. 

You both quickly tilt towards a more secluded space, wrapped around each other, watching a study group walk into the library. 

Adrian closes his eyes, reminded of the time then looks at you, placing a short kiss on your forehead. This is far from over, you need to speak, there are so many things … you both need.  “... My chambers?” 

You nod without hesitation, coiling your arms tightly around his neck.

Part IV

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Justin Baragona at The Daily Beast:

Eric Bolling, who parted ways with Fox News in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations, is now leaving the wannabe Fox News competitor he joined in 2021. Pro-Trump cable news channel Newsmax confirmed on Friday that Bolling had departed the network, noting that they had “mutually agreed” to end his primetime program The Balance. According to a network spokesperson, a temporary replacement show will take its place starting Monday with a rotating slate of hosts until a new show is announced this summer. “Newsmax wishes Eric Bolling well in his future endeavors,” the spokesperson added. “The network looks forward to an exciting period this election season which will include our nightly news coverage with Greta Van Susteren, Rob Schmitt, Greg Kelly and Chris Plante.” In a statement to Mediaite, which first broke the news of Bolling’s departure, the MAGA personality suggested that his exit from Newsmax was due to another gig.

[...] During his Thursday night broadcast, which largely focused on raging against former President Donald Trump's felony conviction, Bolling did not note at any point that it would be his last show, nor did he issue a final farewell to viewers.

Right-wing blowhard Eric Bolling departs from Newsmax. His Eric Bolling: The Balance show last aired this week.

Where will Bolling end up next? Real America's Voice? Lindell TV? Stay tuned.

[veryqueermovies]

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Here is a short list of Queer Asian films to watch all year long!

Funeral Parade of Rose (1969)

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

The Wedding Banquet (1993)

Fire (1996)

Happy Together (1997)

Intimates (1997)

Drift (2000)

Lan Yu (2001)

Blue Gate Crossing (2002)

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

The Gathering (2003)

Tropical Malady (2004)

Ethan Mao (2004)

Saving Face (2004)

I Don't Want To Sleep Alone (2006)

The World Unseen (2007)

Love of Siam (2007)

Drifting Flowers (2008)

Just Friends? (2009)

Yes Or No (2010)

Muli (2010)

The Dance of Two Left Feet (2011)

Two Weddings and a Funeral (2012)

Night Flight (2014)

Loev (2015)

Front Cover (2015)

Naanu Avanalla…Avalu (I Am Not A He…I Am A She) (2015)

Our Love Story (2016)

The Handmaiden (2016)

Spa Night (2016)

Die Beautiful (2016)

Fathers (2016)

A Bride For Rip Van Winkle (2016)

Taste Of Betel Nut (2017)

Present Perfect (2017)

Close-Knit (2017)

Malila, The Farewell Flower (2017) 

Billie & Emma (2018)

Fish Bones (2018)

Dead Ex (2018)

Our Body (2018)

Song Lang (2018)

Rainbow’s Sunset (2018)

Twilight's Kiss (2019)

How I Felt When I Saw That Girl (2019)

Goodbye Mother (2019)

Moonlit Winter (2019)

Monsoon (2019)

Super Deluxe (2019)

The Half Of It (2020)

Your Name Engraved Herein (2020)

I Told Sunset About You (2020)

A Distant Place (2020)

Midnight Swan (2020)

Wish You (2021)

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Joyland (2022)

Cobalt Blue (2022)

[vstridb]

HSHQTASK059: FAREWELL !

when did you join ? what made you join ? what do you remember from the plotlines that were current at the time ? where were you in life when you joined and where are you now ?

i joined in early (?) 2017. i had a lucky blue smith fc but that lasted for a hot minute and i ghosted LMAO. then i reapplied with astrid and as a bernadotte, i had sooo much fun <3 i don't remember ANYTHING, i'm sorry i just don't. i think irenton was still in its slowburn era. i was still in high school, about to graduate. now i have a master's degree and i'm working, crazy stuff!!!!

which characters have you written over the years ?

astrid, uriah 1.0 and 2.0, vitaliya, verona, francisco / francois, arvid, a dudley o'shaughnessy fc ( for 1 sec before ghosting )... i think that's everyone ???

what is your favourite plotline that you've been part of ?

i had a lot of fun writing chimei. i think it was the height of hshq for me so it really sticks out to me. idk if the bernadottes as a whole count as a plotline ? i'm such a sucker for them. the NUMBER one plotline though would be the russian plots vitya was part of. i think it's a sign of a good plotline when a 60-year-old character's threads are interesting and have me logging in. i don't want to name every plot but i have to give a mention to italy's stuff. i picked up verona because there was a huge hole in the hshqverse since italy had no rep, and i figured i'd survive without any nephews and nieces but then you all came back and i was so overjoyed <3 verona's story became so much more fulfilling for me to write.

what about other people's plotlines ?

i know i was kinda involved but watching the basel thing evolve was super entertaining. i liked the whole thing from beginning to the end. as for smaller plots, i think the spanish fires fucking up first zhergi and the farnauld has to be my fave thing. it was so wild and i LOVED the fact that a 3 year-old-plotline still had an effect on current threads and in such a surprising way <3

who is your favourite character from the ones you've played ? why ? what made you love them ? what made them so fun to write ?

astrid.... of course it's astrid. she was my age so i mirrored a lot of problems from my own life and made them hers. obviously they were exaggerated problems and shit but through astrid i got to write about emotions that were current to me. it was therapeutic and fun. i've loved all of my characters a lot though. vitya was so special because she was a character like no other. i loved creating her backstory and i had so much fun working on her psyche. a former USSR with a modest background, now an extremely influential duchess ? i loveeed it. it was so different and writing her inner monologue was so satisfying.

if you could relive a plotline, which would it be ?

i think the beginning of chimei. there was something about it. it moved naturally. i really miss the time.

is there a plotline that you'd edit now if you could ?

i'd speed up ilstrid so that we would actually get to write them getting together. i'll take the blame for ilstrid never really taking off lmao sry about that evy. i also wanna say that ilstrid is one of my fave ships because it was so easy and not-at-all-stressful to develop. it may have not reached its end, we didn't get a satisfying ending but i think it was so much fun to portray that kind of a love story. i wasn't a fan of friends-to-lovers trope but ilstrid is still one of my fave ships <3

what's a plotline you wish you would have been able to finish before closing or just write more of ?

ilstrid akfndsjkgbsnjg but also i think i would have enjoyed writing verona as the grand duchess of austria too. i do regret never applying for an austrian. it was something that "i'll do later" and never did it. it was partly because i didn't have a plotline for an austrian and couldn't naturally come up with one :(

what is your favourite ooc memory ?

when we brought the zulus. i don't think anything topped it. we made some really fucking shady and weird online chatroom to figure out the zulus' backstory and it was so much fun. i hadn't been that excited for something in a long time!!! and i think i'll have to mention all of the late nights of chatting with people. it was a big part of the hshq experience. we were all actual friends and i loved joking around. and i'll say it here now because this is so embarrassing but honestly i've always felt so appreciated when people have used the term naomi'd. it felt like a nickname fkjsgnjkgn and i'm glad i never upset anyone with my pushiness skdgngj

where can others find you if they want to get in touch ?

i'll disappear, i'm sorry but i think it's inevitable. i've enjoyed the chats and like i said i've loved to joke around but i'm not a person who really does online relationships. hshq was an exception and it'll stay as one. if you guys ever start writing again, pls im me or @ me. if it's meant to be, i'll stumble upon the message at the right time <3

what else would you like to say ?

oh dear ! i have so much to say but not enough words to express my feelings ! seven years is a long time to be part of something and i never expected to remain here for such a long time. i've been allowed to write and plot and create complex and inspiring plotlines with you, and i think it's been exceptional. hshq was something else among rpgs. anyone who has been part of this, has to agree. i think it says a lot that even though the dash died, on the very day of closing, six or so members did the final task. and i have a feeling we'll see many 058 and 059 tasks this week. i've laughed a lot with you, i've stayed up until the little hours just to be part of the experience, i've cried at your writing... i think honesty hours will be the epitome of joy for me. they always made me laugh and the energy was unbeatable. hshq has given me so much joy and has taught me a lot ! about people, about writing, about the english language and photoshop !!! you guys have no fucking idea how grateful i am of this experience and i wish i could relive it --- and that's a really good sign. sometimes we are glad to reach the ending but i don't think that applies here. this spring will feel different and this week will feel horrible. i have to admit, i'm not exactly ready for this and it feels so silly because it was 'just rp' aksfdbjdsgs thank you everyone for these years, the late nights and the amazing experience <3

[thesinglesjukebox]

SEVDALIZA FT. PABLLO VITTAR & YSEULT - "ALIBI"

In April 2017, [Yseult] worked in a writing seminar for the Black Eyed Peas, organised by Polydor, after which she decided to end her contract with the label later that year."

[7.43]

Harlan Talib Ockey: Sevdaliza sounding ethereal, a viscerally satisfying reggaeton drop, both Pabllo Vittar and Yseult doing an operatic Kate Bush impression. What’s not to like? [8]

Ian Mathers: Always a bold move to work with two other singers who just outsing you on your own track, but the whole of this works well enough that it comes across more like confidence and good taste. [8]

Leah Isobel: Sevdaliza's music is intent in its solemnity, so even when she throws of our most cartoonishly delightful popstars on a baile funk beat, the end result still feels startlingly corseted. I like the way she delivers the song's title as a farewell and the way her melodies embroider the vworps and zwooms of the synth bass, but there's a classical sort of prettiness here that I wish she'd scuff up a little. [7]

Katherine St. Asaph: The operatic thrills and eclecticism mostly make up for the plodding chorus. [7]

Nortey Dowuona: Katherine St. Asaph once compared Sevdaliza to Tracey Thorn, remarking on the richness of their voices as well as the woo that one would have to push through in order to enjoy the music. Yseult and Vittar, both of whom are sterling vocalists, strain to cut above the noise here. Vittar swings boldly for the fences in the first and last two lines of the intro and the bridge to grab the listener by the hand and thrust them into the chorus, while Yseult, a Nouvelle Star graduate with a sterling soprano, flutters above the drumwork by Mucky and Mathias Janmaat, who suffocate the Totó la Momposina sample under dimming filters to not overshadow the lead artist. Sevdaliza's voice, a low, girded drawl, thrives in this environment amid the heavy rhythmic swing of the drum programming, and she manages to make some of her most woo-woo lyrics ripple through the mix. [8]

Jonathan Bradley: There’s more melodrama in the spiky synth riff than anything else, though our three stars give it their best with lines like "when was the last time you felt safe in the dark?" and "this world was never meant for a woman’s heart." Pabllo Vittar’s warbled bridge is certainly overwrought, and a wobbly drill-adjacent bass tugs us deeper, but I never feel like we fall through the veil into the world these three have constructed for themselves. [5]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: Takes me back to a place when early 2000s pop music took itself way too seriously, and when the stakes were always inexplicably “ride or die.” “Alibi” is the sexiest and deadliest thing I’ve heard this year, in three languages.  [9]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[gunkreads]

13 books tag game, tagged by @amemoryofwot (thanks!)

1) Last book I read:

The Tyrant Baru Cormorant; I finished it a while ago and have been reading incredibly slowly since because, in the wise words of @pillowfriendly, the problem with baru cormorant is that many things are not as good as baru cormorant. Go. Read. Masquerade.

2) A book I recommend:

Hmm, this one's tough (too many options). City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett. Not the most prominent book on Tumblr, from what I've seen, but the first book in one of my favorite series, and has some absolutely staggeringly good worldbuilding and politics, as well as surprisingly well-done action.

3) A book that I couldn’t put down:

Sphere by Michael Crichton. I read it when I was 15. Started it at about 6 pm and was late for school the next day because I read the whole thing that night. Truly terrifying book for a kid, but lives in my head to this day.

4) A book I’ve read twice (or more)

Name of the Wind--I reread Kingkiller Chronicle about once every year or two. It's my all time favorite series, I think.

5) A book on my TBR

SO MANY SO FUCKING GODDAMN MANY. I need to finish Grave of Empires, so Three Axes to Fall would be next, I think.

6) A book I’ve put down

Exordia. I'm.... so sorry. I want to get back to it someday, but I picked it up when I was in a bit of a reading slump and just wasn't in the mood. Modern dialogue is fun to write, but I don't like reading it, and something about the whole tone of the book just felt too Tom Clancy/Clive Cussler to me.

7) A book on my wish list

Shorefall! Robert Jackson Bennett has another series he just finished, the Founders, and I absolutely adored the first installment, Foundryside, but my library doesn't have Shorefall.

8) A favourite book from childhood

Eragon. It's not good, but I kept the copy my parents got me when I was four years old. I didn't finish it then, of course, but I went back and plugged through when I was about six. First chapter book I ever read, and my introduction to fantasy as a whole. Immense sentimental value, but would be kindling if I came across it today.

9) A book you would give a friend

I've given several friends copies of Red Rising, specifically to break them out of YA. The first book is sort of on the cusp between YA and New Adult, so I think it's a great way to show people "Hey, there's way more out there that'll actually cater to your intelligence."

10) The most books you own by a single author

Well... I have Eye of the World through Crown of Swords from my now-abandoned attempt to find all of Wheel of Time in paperback at used bookstores, and that's 7, so that.

11) A nonfiction book you own

I've got a copy of the 2017 AP style guide on my desk for work. It's pretty fun to reference, actually.

12) what are you currently reading

Four, sort of! Gardens of the Moon, the first Malazan Book of the Fallen book; Sleeping Giants, something I found on Libby and was reasonably well hooked by; Rubicon, which I found at the library's discarded-book sale; and Don Quixote, which I may or may not finish before the heat-death of the universe.

13) what are you planning on reading next?

I got a copy of A Farewell to Arms because I've sorta picked up through the grapevine that Hemingway might be up my alley. I don't really read classics, so I'm interested to see how it goes.

No pressure tags:

@pillowfriendly @anyboli @briannysey @asha-mage @coffeefirst-thenspacepirates @flame-of-tar-valon

[its-not-a-pen]

fifth generation film recs!! it’s a longer list than i usually compile (and i’ve still got more i wish i could include), but i hope this is a good resource as you look for films to watch

THE CONTEXT

the red detachment of women (1961) - third gen

two stage sisters (1964) - third gen

the last emperor (1987) - for a sense of the international film scene these directors were entering into (also director bertolucci apparently consulted a number of fifth gen directors about the cultural revolution while making the film)

the king of masks (1996) - fourth gen

EARLY FILMS

yellow earth (1984) - zhang yimou was the cinematographer for this one! (chen kaige directed)

the black cannon incident (1985)

dislocation (1986)

the big parade (1986) - i haven’t actually watched this one yet but it’s considered an important early work

red sorghum (1987)

ju dou (1990)

life on a string (1991)

raise the red lantern (1991)

farewell my concubine (1993)

to live (1994)

not one less (1999)

the road home (1999)

LATER FILMS

the emperor and the assassin (1998)

happy times (2000)

hero (2002)

together (2002)

house of flying daggers (2004)

curse of the golden flower (2006)

the founding of a republic (2009)

a woman, a gun, and a noodle shop (2009) - an adaptation of blood simple (1984), which i would recommend you watch first

sacrifice (2010) - a reimagining of the orphan of zhao, which i recommend you’re familiar with first

coming home (2014)

legend of the demon cat (2017)

shadow (2018)

the battle at lake changjin (2021) - also haven’t gotten around to watching this one, but like i know i ought to

BONUS FILMS

code name: cugar (1989) - it’s bad

the great wall (2016) - also bad. BUT it’s got pedro pascal

hope there are some films here you like!

WOW that was fast! Thank you so much this is such a great list!

[joandfriedrich]

Hi! I was wondering what’s your top 3 favorite Jo and Friedrich moments?

Only 3? Hmm, that's tricky, I am going to have to break it down from book to adaptations. Let me just say it right now, the best scene ever regarding these two is the Under the Umbrella, that is just a given, (one day I'll rank the best Under the Umbrella scene on screen) but let's look at some other moments that deserve love.

Book:

3: Sometime after Beth's death, Jo finds an old note that Friedrich wrote that reads "Wait for me, my friend. I may be a little late, but I shall surely come." And the narration shares that the original meaning has changed into something more tender, and her wishing that he would be here. Chapter 42, “All Alone”

2: After coming to Concord and meeting Jo's family, Friedrich returns to his room, pulls out a picture of Jo and kissed it, and the narration saying how if Jo saw this moment, her doubts of whether Friedrich loved her back would be squashed. Chapter 43 “Surprises”

1: Jo defending Friedrich from Laurie's dashing, calling him old, and her, at first confused since she doesn't consider him old and thought he was speaking of Mr. Laurence, calls Friedrich her best friend next to Laurie, and warns him not to "abuse my professor" (not the professor, but my professor). The early signs of her feelings were so clear there, even Laurie saw it before she did. Chapter 35 "Heartache"

Adaptations:

3: 2017 miniseries has a small but really sweet moment. When Jo is returning home, Friedrich sneaks into Jo's hands violets, which is a moment in the book, but it just says "she began her solitary journey with a pleasant memory of a familiar face smiling its farewell, a bunch of violets to keep her company", it didn't specify if it was Friedrich that gave them to her, so I like they made it clear. Bonus: according to the Victorian flower language, violets mean "faithfulness".

2: Utterly underrated is the 2018 modern day film, and it is a gold mine for Jo and Friedrich shippers, but one that I enjoy greatly, and it is their version of the Under the Umbrella scene (I know, I am cheating), but what makes me need to mention it here is that it's different from the book in the best way possible. Freddy visits her home after receiving her draft, and he gets to see the attic that defined her childhood. It's intimate, tender and romantic, with wonderful acting and chemistry from their actors.

1: The opera scene in the 1994 film. This was the best idea of an addition I have ever seen, and it really shows just how it could be that she would fall for Friedrich, and the brilliant acting and chemistry between Winona Ryder and Gabriel Byrne really seals the deal. If you watched this scene and didn't swoon, then I truly think there is something wrong with you.

Thank you for this ask, it was fun!

[julesgomery]

Riverdale: The Sweet Hereafter

"Riverdale" was a show I watched back in 2017. Everyone I knew was watching the show at that time. I started watching it during secondary school when, as I mentioned, everyone was into it. If someone wasn't watching, you would probably hear, "You must watch this iconic media piece." Okay, that's a bit far-fetched, but someone would recommend it if you were into shows like "The Vampire Diaries" or "Pretty Little Liars." Both of those shows had ended, and "Riverdale" stepped in to provide a sense of comfort—a dark show with a big mystery. That was the formula for almost every teen TV show. It filled a void for those of us who had just finished those shows and introduced us to iconic characters: Archie Andrews, the all-American teenager; Betty Cooper, the girl next door; Jughead Jones (skip); Veronica Lodge, the she-wolf of Wall Street and Cheryl Blossom, the red-haired diva.

With the show having 13 episodes and being released weekly on Netflix, it gained a cult following in my school. Coming into school, when the last few episodes aired, I heard phrases like "Bughead forever" or "Barchie forever." It was a debate, and I was Team Barchie, but that's a story for another time. Still, the show stood on its own, with people creating their own Riverdale fan accounts and collecting memorabilia. The show could do no harm...

However, it did; yes, I still enjoyed it. I remained invested. I watched the slow decline of the show in my school. It became so far-fetched that even the die-hard season one fan began to fade; no one was watching anymore, and the sense of community was gone. People no longer praised the show for its stylistic choices; instead, they questioned the writing itself. Remember that moment when Archie's retort to a character dropping out of high school for drug dealing was, "That means you haven't known the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of high school football"? It was jarring, to say the least.

Riverdale became notorious for continually one-upping itself as if unpredictability was its sole mission. Who could have predicted discussions about tickling fetishes involving high school students? Payment aside, it was still an eyebrow-raising narrative choice. This was the show's identity – a whirlwind from steamy encounters to preppy murders, cults, and bombs. At the same time, characters managed to attend school and perform musicals such as Carrie, Heathers, Hedwig, and you won't believe this: The American Psycho the Musical… Oh yes, it exists, and pursue higher education.

The show recently ended with an unexpected detour into the 1950s – an era fraught with its own set of questions considering the show's approach to sensitive issues. How did it all unfold? The characters gained superpowers through an open door in an alternate universe, setting the stage for a dramatic series of events. As Season Five drew close, Cheryl stumbled upon the chilling account of her ancestor's demise and unwittingly triggered a spell. Meanwhile, Archie and Betty found themselves in a passionate tryst just as a bomb detonated underneath them. The convergence of these chaotic elements led to a counter spell, and I'll leave it to you to experience the madness firsthand. Go watch the show, please… 

The show ended with everything I wished for; it's everything I wanted an ending. I knew there wouldn't be a big bad or something catching my eye for another season. The tale had reached its final chapter. As the curtain fell on Riverdale, I saw a farewell to beloved characters and the town itself, a nostalgic journey from past to present, and now the vacant town. It was something sweet; it was bite-sized. There will always be a question from others about why I hold this show near my heart. It's because it was there for every moment of my life. The show ran for six years! When I was in college, I was still watching the episodes. My uncle and I were big Archie Comics fans. If you didn't know, Riverdale is based loosely…very loosely to the Archie Comics, and my uncle would have given me a comic every time I visited, every birthday, and every Christmas. Riverdale wasn't his cup of his, but it was mine. I catch myself rephrasing dialogue while I rewatch the show.

Goodbye Riverdale

[rebelliousstories]

I’ll Never Forget You

Relationship: Robert “Bob” Floyd x Adelaide “Honey” Corbin OC

Fandom: Top Gun: Maverick

Warnings: Slight Angst, Fluff

Word Count: 1,481

Part of the Young Love and Old Money Series

Chapter 10//Chapter 12

Main Masterlist: Here

Summary: No matter how far you stray from people you love, eventually, you find your way back to them.

January 1st, 2018

Another year, another party. If there was one thing that the Navy knew how to do, it was throw a New Year’s party. Bob was sitting and observing his co workers who were drinking and having fun. He checked his watch; 3:00 AM. Three hours into the new year and he was wishing he was home. Holidays just didn’t feel the same here in Washington versus home. For starters it was actually freezing outside, versus the cool forty degrees outside in his home town. He decided that it was finally time to turn in for the night, so Robert bid his farewells and left the party.

He walked to his barracks and enjoyed the cold night air. His mind drifted to his family and what they were doing this day. Tomorrow was going to be back at work for him, but tonight he could just be himself. As Bob made his way back, he admired the snow falling around him. Even after living there for six months, he couldn’t get over the snow and the cold.

The warm building was a stark contrast to the outside. Bob pulled his coat off, and made his way over to the communal coffee pot in the common area. He was going to need a tea if he wanted any chance of going to bed. The tea was brewing, and all he wanted was to go to bed. Once he finally had his drink, Robert went to his room only to discover a letter on his bed. It was from his parents. Someone must have delivered the mail while he was out for the day. Anyways, he eagerly tore open the envelope to see what awaited him. But the handwriting wasn’t that of his mother, father, or even his siblings. No this was handwriting he hadn’t seen in almost seven years.

Dear Robby,

I know I haven’t spoken to you in years. But I need your help. I’m trapped.

~

October 23rd, 2017

One of the few times Adelaide was allowed off of her leash, and could go where she pleased was when she went off to the bookstore. It was her favorite place to be in the world. There was no one to bother her, ask her invading question, or even expect anything out of her. She was allowed to be herself. On this particular day, Adelaide found refuge in the bookstore to get away from her husband. The questions about children, and her family just became to much.

She needed out, in more ways than one. Stuck in an unhappy, loveless marriage. Stuck in the same old town with no one that likes her here. All she wanted was out, but the universe wasn’t that kind. It kept her here, in this sad town, with people that couldn’t care less about her. The only reason her husband cared was because she came with a hefty dowry as the last available daughter of the Corbin family.

“Addie? Is that you, hun?” A soft, sweet voice touched her ears. The young woman in question pulled her nose out of the book she held, and saw a woman that she never expected to see again. Mindy Corbin. Her mouth hung open for a minute or two, in utter disbelief of what she was seeing. Why was she willingly coming up to Adelaide.

“Oh Addie. It is you darling!” Mrs. Floyd exclaimed, coming closer to the young girl. Adelaide stood up quickly, and was promptly tackled by the older woman. Mindy squeezed Adelaide tightly. She didn’t know what to do.

“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Floyd.” She was still a little confused as to what was happening. The older woman pulled back sharply.

“It’s Mindy to you, hun. You know this. My God. It’s been a few years since I’ve seen ya, baby.” Mindy took her time looking over Adelaide. The younger woman looked beautiful for her age, but there was something older and more pessimistic in her eyes.

~

I met with your momma recently. She’s just as gorgeous and sweet as ever. I wonder where you get that from?

~

“Right. Sorry Mindy. But yes, it’s been almost ten years since I’ve seen you in person.” Adelaide gestured for Mindy to sit down across from her at the table she occupied in the cafe. A look of shock and realization came across the older woman’s face.

“Ten years? Are you sure that’s right?” Her books were set on the table next to Adelaide’s.

“Yep. Ten. I’ve been married for six of those so, yeah. Ten.” The sad smile that seemed permanent came onto her face. Her parents kept her from going outside without supervision when she was fourteen, so she was only able to see Robert in secret every so often.

“Oh yeah. How’s your husband? We heard all about it in the local paper.” Mindy looked excited to hear about the information; Adelaide wasn’t so keen.

“He’s… good. Umm- how is…how’s Robby? I saw he made it into the aviation program.” She tried to change the subject fast to one that would be pleasant for both woman. But nothing got past Mindy Floyd. After having five children, her ears and eyes sharpened to that of a hawk.

“He did. He also graduated from Weapons Fighter school. But now he’s stationed over in Washington for the time being. He should be moving to Lemoore sometime in the next year. Bobby could never handle the cold to well.” The pure joy that crossed her face to talk about her son was refreshing to Adelaide. She loved being around someone that wasn’t afraid to show their emotions.

“That’s great. If you don’t mind me asking, why are you being so nice to me? Did Robby never show you the letter that I sent?” Adelaide questioned. She was still confused at this whole interaction.

“Oh that. Well Bobby knew that you wouldn’t say none of those nasty things. Sure he was angry for a minute cause he thought they was true. But me and his daddy sat him down and explained that your writin’ wouldn’t have been that shaky if you did that willingly. Plus there were tear stains so I just knew. He wanted to contact you but by the time he came home from basic, you moved and we had no clue where to find ya. We didn’t even know if you were still in the state.” That made a little bit of sense. Mrs. Floyd talked so fast that Adelaide had a hard time of processing the information. He didn’t hate her. Thank goodness. Mindy was still talking but Adelaide didn’t listen. He didn’t hate her. He knew that she was lying in the letter. And he was successful in the Navy. She couldn’t be more proud of him.

~

I found out that you didn’t hate me for what I said. One of these days I’ll have to tell you about it. I couldn’t believe my ears when your momma told me that. These last few years, I spent them thinking you hated me and never wanted to see me ever again.

~

“Addie? Baby? You okay? You in your head over there.” The older woman put her hand on Adelaide’s, pulling the lady out of her thoughts.

“Mindy, do you think you could help me out? I need help getting out.” She begged, looking hopeful at the woman who became more of a mother than her own.

“How can I help ya, baby?” And the plan was set in motion.

~

Your momma is helping me get this letter to you. I can’t do it by myself. Austin reads any mail that comes out to me. So if you respond I won’t know till Mindy tells me. I can’t give you my number to call me, because of the leash I’m on. I’m truly trapped Robby, and I need help. You’re the only person I can think of to help me. Please. If I continue along this path… well, I don’t think I can take it much longer. Please send any letters to your folk’s house. I miss you everyday Robby. I’ve never forgotten about you. I’m so proud of the man you have become in the Navy.

I love you.

Your Honey,

Adelaide Elizabeth Corbin

~

Robert couldn’t believe what he was reading. Adelaide was still in that same town. She never left. He sprung from his bed and grabbed a piece of paper, a pen, and sat back down with his phone on the nightstand. He looked at the clock; 4:00 AM. Robert had the day off tomorrow. He’d be damned if he didn’t write this letter. He was always going to be there for Adelaide. Even after all these years, if she needed help, he was going to provide anything and everything he could.

He was going to answer her call.

Tag: @blessupblessup

[staydandy]

Genre : Adventure

🇨🇳 China Ancient Detective (2020) Farewell to Arms (2022) Fighter of the Destiny (2017) Fights Break Sphere (2018) The Golden Eyes (2019) Handsome Siblings (2020) Love and Redemption (2020) Side Story of Fox Volant (2022) - Full List

🇰🇷 South Korea Arthdal Chronicles (2019) Black Knight (2023) - Full List Stealer: The Treasure Keeper (2023) - Full List

🇯🇵 Japan Fullmetal Alchemist (2017) - Full List ... 2: The Revenge of Scar (2022) - Full List One Piece (2023) - Full List

🇹🇭 Thailand Cupid’s Last Wish (2022)

🇺🇸 America Arrow (2012) Black Sails (2014) Eureka (2006) Falling Skies (2011) Farscape (1999) Firefly (2002) The Flash (2014) Iron Fist (2017) Legend of the Seeker (2008) One Piece (2023) - Full List The Recruit (2022) - Full List Supernatural (2005)

🇨🇦 Canada Due South (1994)

🇬🇧 UK Atlantis (2013) Houdini and Doyle (2016) The Musketeers (2014)

[f1]

Sebastian Vettel given guard of honour by F1 drivers ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel given guard of honour by Lewis Hamilton and fellow F1 drivers on the grid ahead of his final ever race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix... bringing down the curtain on a 16-year career Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from Formula One earlier in 2022 Vettel made debut back in 2007 for the BMW-Sauber team to start stellar career  The 35-year-old has since won four world championships, all for Red Bull Fans and his Aston Martin team also paid tribute to Vettel before the race  By Dan Ripley for MailOnline Published: 14:03, 20 November 2022 | Updated: 14:03, 20 November 2022 Sebastian Vettel was given a warm send off into retirement by his fellow Formula One colleagues who gave him a guard of honour ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The four-time world champion announced his retirement from the sport earlier in the season and the season finale at the Yas Marina circuit will bring down the curtain on a glorious career where he has established himself as one of the sport's great drivers. Minutes before the action got underway in Abu Dhabi, the drivers stood opposite each other on the grid to form a walkway for the Aston Martin driver to walk down as they applauded him through. Sebastian Vettel waves to fans ahead of his final ever F1 race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was among them and there was a notable hug between the pair who in 2010, 2017 and 2018 battled fiercely for the world championship. Supporters in the crowd at the Yas Marina circuit were also showing banners for the German star as were track marshalls, with one sign reading 'I'm still in denial so I'll see you in Baharin, thanks Seb' in reference to next season's opening race at the Sakhir Circuit. The popular Vettel was also given a send off by Aston Martin, who stuck a sticker of the driver with his team inside the cockpit of his car reading 'Thank you Seb'. Vettel shakes hands with Lewis Hamilton ahead of a traditional season ending photograph His Aston Martin team put a sticker in his car also wishing him with a send off A track marshall posts his farewell to Vettel, still hopeful of seeing him at the season opening grand prix in Bahrain next year Vettel would have likely enjoyed his F1 farewell, battling with the Alpine's of Esteban Ocon and another old rival in Fernando Alonso for ninth at the start, before running as high as fourth. The 35-year-old made his Formula One debut in 2007 for the BMW-Sauber team in the United States at Indianapolis before taking a shock maiden victory with the Toro Rosso team a year later at the Italian Grand Prix. The pair appear to have become closer, with Hamilton organising a meal for Vettel's retirement The entire F1 grid turned up tp celebrate Vettel's illustrious Formula One career After moving up to the Red Bull team, he took his first world championship in dramatic style at the Abu Dhabi finale in 2010, before winning three more titles in the following seasons. The German bows out of the sport having made 299 starts, winning 53 grands prix and taking 57 pole positions. Earlier in the week, Hamilton reportedly arranged a meal and picked up the bill in a dinner with Vettel where all the drivers were also in attendance.  Share or comment on this article: Sebastian Vettel given guard of honour by F1 drivers ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[heavenboy09]

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 To The Creator and Founder Of Marvel Comics.

On December 28th, 1942 A Legend Was Born

He Is & Was The Legend That Started It All

This Reowned Comic Book Writer & Idealist Was Enlisted In WW2 & Started Doing Comic Strips & Cartoonist Illustrations During His Youth as a Writer for the Army During the War, along with a another Famous Icon in the same Camp & Regiment.

Mr. Hugh Hefner.

He Created The Greatest Comic Book Characters Known To Man & Co Creator To Alot Of Great Superheroes Of The Century.

Including The Greatest Superhero Of Marvel Comics Of All Times That Everyone Knows & Loves For All Ages & All Can Relate To In Life.

The Words Of Wisdom Will Make This Character A Legend In The Making Forever

WITH GREAT POWER,  COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

The 1 & Only

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 🕷

Later In Life, He Married His 1 True Love. Joan BooCook & Have Been Married Since 1947 until the very end.

She Passed Away In 2017

1 Year Later, Our Legend Joined His Beloved In Heaven.

He Passed Away in 2018 Of November Before His 96th Birthday

Today Would Have Been His 100th Birthday 🎂

Please Wish This Great Man 👨 A Very Happy Heavenly Birthday 🎂 🙏

To The Legend

The 1

& The Only

MR. STANLEY MARTIN LIEBER AKA

STAN LEE

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY 🎂 IN HEAVEN . We Miss You 😢 Man..

As The One of The Greatest Comic Book Writers of All Times would say.

EXCELSIOR - STAN LEE. HEY THERE TRUE BELIEVERS.

[eohachu]

watchlist for 2023

Thought I'd try something new and post everything that's on my watchlist - at the end of 2023 I will see how many I'll be able to tick off the list!

I will make a second post for tv shows bc there's just too many hahsbdhdja

Films:

Mama Rainbow (2012)

Sueño En Otro Idioma (2017)

Even the Rain (2010) rewatch

Hija de la Laguna (2015)

More Than Blue (2018)

Ceddo (1977)

Hero (2002)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

The Banquet (2006)

Mulan: Rise of a Warrior (2009)

Canvas (2020)

Lionheart (2018)

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020)

Chungking Express (1994)

A Escondidas (2014)

Fireflies (2018)

Sorry Angel (2018)

Sodom (2017)

Being 17 (2016)

Esteros (2016)

Blackbird (2014)

Tattoo (2013)

Tell No One (2012)

Children of God (2009)

Gewoon vrienden (2018)

Front Cover (2015)

Snowpiercer (2013)

Flying Witch (2016)

Moonlight Whispers (1999)

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) rewatch

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

The Color of Pomegranates (1969)

Corrina, Corrina (1994)

Wish You (2021)

Y Tu Mamá También (2001)

Diarios de Motocicleta (2004) rewatch

Rurangi (2020)

Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)

Two Cars, One Night (2004)

Boy (2010)

Samson and Delilah (2009)

The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (2005)

In Pursuit of Venus

Drunktown's Finest (2014)

Fire Song (2015)

Same But Different (2019)

Cousins (2021)

Uvanga (2013)

Before Tomorrow (2008)

Caged Birds (2020)

Paris, 13th District (2021)

Fire Island (2022)

Gabbeh (1996)

The Helicopter (2022)

We Are Not Dead Yet (2020)

Fast & Feel Love (2022)

Altiplano (2009)

Yuni (2021)

Western (2017)

K'na, The Dreamweaver (2014)

Lunana (2019)

Drive My Car (2021)

Better Days (2019)

A Separation (2011)

Omar (2013)

Theeb (2014)

The Salesman (2016)

Shoplifters (2018)

Lagaan (2001)

The Twilight Samurai (2002)

Paradise Now (2005)

Departures (2008)

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

Himalaya (1999)

Our Lady of the Nile (2019)

Daisies (1966)

Funeral Parade of Roses (1969)

In the Absence of the Sun (2014)

Happy Together (1997)

The Handmaiden (2016)

Mädchen in Uniform (1931)

Taekwondo (2016)

Long Time No See (2017)

Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere (2014)

Ukamau (1966)

Wara Wara (1930)

Pakucha (2021)

A Letter for My Grandson

Utama (2022)

Rafiki (2018)

Charlatan (2020)

Inabitáveis (2020)

La Hamaca Paraguaya (2006)

The Silence (1998)

[yoandri]

@/thestartreks,

It still hurts me to say this but alright I’ll give up. I never thought it’d come to this. I actually didn’t even know we weren’t friends until I reworked my tumblr in 2017. I checked you tag and I didn’t know I broke your heart. Honestly I am sorry for what I did. I wanted you to know I always talked highly about you. I even wished I could’ve hugged you whenever I wanted as before but you were away. I met a girl who liked Star Trek too in college and I told her all about you. I even asked her for a hug because I missed you so much. I wasn’t able to tell you that but I want to tell you how much you mean to me. You were my best friend. My confidant. My Boobear.

I met you back when we started Highschool in 7th period. I met you because we were both on Tumblr and liked One Direction. I never told you but I got more into them because of you and that friendship. I used to confuse Liam’s and Niall’s last names all the time at first. So much that I probably still have them tagged with each other’s last name lol on here some where. But what I am getting at is that you and One Direction have this hold of who I am. Because you mattered the world to me. Both you and the boys.

So seeing how you never responded to me I assumed you were busy as the years went by. Then it was 10 years of One Direction and I messaged you about it. I understood we stopped talking but I still feel compelled to tell you things because you’re my Boobear. I knew then and after no response or acknowledgement that we weren’t close. That we were complete strangers. I would often check on you and smile but stand my place.

Which brings me to today or well the past several days. We lost Liam. A big part of what connected us in our friendship. Losing him made me realize that I have to let you go finally. Our friendship is gone. I was holding onto something that doesn’t even exist anymore which breaks my heart because you mattered so much to me. I am writing this after that last message I sent you to let you know that I will entrust this friendship I held onto for so many years to Liam. I will let you go and let that friendship lay to bed with Liam Payne.

Thank you for the memories and being my best friend but especially being the Louis to my Harry. Now I’m a huge Louie and Swiftie. Something you probably were back then. I love you and this is my goodbye to you. I doubt you’ll ever see this either but…

Farewell Brianda

[amberswilddreams]

home sweet home🫶

pairing : mark feehily x fem!sister reader

summary : delilah feehily had been stationed in america for the last seven years as a training paramedic. she is also mark's younger sister and hasn't seen him during those seven years. the last time she had seen her brother was just after it had been announced that westlife was ending and now they were reuniting again. since then, more westlife babies had been born and so many things that delilah had missed had happened. so, with the help of the rest of the westlife family, she surprised her older brother. 

warnings : none, just a sweet brother/sister moment of mark getting surprised by his sister coming home after training to be a paramedic in america for the last seven years, swearing, happy crying and just some sweet reunions

a/n : a couple of flashbacks will be in this and written in italics like always, even though it's happy, it'll be written in lowercase and i'm gonna apologise once again for the influx of depressing one-shots so i hope this makes you forgive me! 

present time | mark's pov 

chilling in my dressing room before a concert was always the thing that i did during the years in westlife and it was something i even did now, during the reunion tour. except for the occasional run-in from one of the children, it was quite quiet which led me to find an old message between me and my younger sister. i tilted my head in confusion but, i sat in my chair properly, my feet off of the desk, and read the message from delilah. 

delilah 

hey, marky. i know we haven't spoken in ages, since i left being the "ages" but, i just wanted to text you to let you know i love you, i miss and i am so proud of you. 

it makes me so excited that westlife are reuniting and i only wish that i could be there to see it! i know you and the lads will smash it out of the park! love you! 

hey delilah, i miss you too and i love you too. and we're all excited to be back together again. we also wish you could be here! kian now has another two boys, nicky now has a little girl and, as you would know, cailean and i are about to become dads ourselves! see you soon, whenever that is!  

i really am sorry that i can't be there. and i know about kian's new one, cobi and i also know about nicky's girl. and obviously, i know about you and cailean's surrogacy journey! congratulations and biggest hugs to you guys! okay, i need to go but, we can talk later. i love you marky and stay safe xx

read

i felt my eyes water as i reread these messages. especially when i noticed that these dates dated back to around, 2017ish when cobi, kian's youngest had just been born and zekey and gia were no longer the new westlife babies anymore. my heart broke as i realised i didn't even respond to delilah's last message she sent me back in 2017, i only read it and never responded. even though it was a very short conversation, it was still a nice conversation to have with my sister as i hadn't talked to her at that point in a couple of years. and that reason is that delilah, basically the day after westlife had their final concert, she was over in america as a training paramedic, travelling through all the places to teach families and young kids about the importance of first aid. and those last two farewell shows at croke park being the last time me and my bandmates had seen her before she jet-setted off.

"you alright, marky?" i suddenly look up to notice kian, had snuck his way into my dressing room and joined me, resting himself against the table as i smiled at him, nodding my head 

"yeah, i'm alright kino, just...thinking..." i trailed off as i placed my phone down, forgetting to turn it off as kian catches a glimpse of what i was looking at 

"...you miss delilah don't you?" kian softly responded as we both caught eye contact as i nodded my head 

"yeah, i do. i don't even know how i came past that conversation, i must have been absentmindedly scrolling through the messages...wow, two years ago we had that conversation..." i trail off, looking back down at the date we had that small conversation, realising ultimately that it was almost three years ago, not two 

"...well, have you tried calling her?" kian sincerely questions as i sit up properly again as i tilt my head - have i? 

"i...i don't think i have..." i space out for a second until i bring myself back into reality as kian places a soft touch on my shoulder 

"...well, when was the last time you tried calling her?" kian asked, pulling himself back to his original position as i relax my shoulders down as i think properly 

"i think the last time i tried calling her was a week after the farewell tour when she had been gone for maybe a little close to a week at that point..." i was shocked at myself as those words came out my mouth, kian giving me a comforting smile 

"...well, do you maybe want to try calling her then? i'm sure it won't hurt to try," kian whispered, giving me a small smile as he then climbed off the table leaving me to call her. however, it kind of scared me to call delilah 

"i guess so..." i mumbled as kian gave me one last smile before it was just me left in my dressing room again 

well, here i go. i decided that i'd try to call delilah for the first time in threeish years. it gave me anxiety hearing the phone call ring as for all i knew, maybe she forgot about me due to how much of a workaholic she was when it came to her job as a paramedic. maybe that's why she never came home when she had the chance to... because she was too focused on her job she forgot about me. i mean, it sounds plausible i guess. 

"hey, it's delilah..."

"...delilah i miss--" 

"--sorry that i couldn't be there to pick up the phone and talk to you. i'm most likely either in the shower jamming to westlife, ssh don't tell mark, i'm at work or i am purposefully ignoring you. please leave a message and i'll get to you as soon as i possibly can. love you so much to whoever has rung me and i'm sorry for not picking up, okay, bye-bye!" 

my heart broke as i heard her voicemail. she still hadn't updated it from the day she first made it, at the airport before she was about to leave for america after the final croke park show back in 2012. i remember holding in my giggles as she made it. as soon as the recording stopped, i burst out into laughter and caused the entire airport to stare at us. delilah also finding the funny in the situation. i was then interrupted by the sudden beep meant for my message. 

*beep*

i jolted as i then spoke up, giving my message to delilah. my voice shaky and a little bit teary as i sniffled. 

"...hey...delilah, it's been a while since we last spoke. around three years to be exact but um, i...i just wanted to ring in to check on you considering it's been seven years or so since you've been in america and i was just wondering how you're going. i hope you're staying safe and, please come home soon, i love you and i miss you loads, okay, umm, please call me back when you're able to listen to this, okay, bye."  

i gulped as i ended the call, placing my phone back down on the table that kian was sitting on earlier. i then moved out of my seat and rested against the wall, sliding down it as i felt as though i was going to start crying. thankful my door was closed and locked so no one, even the kids, could come in. 

five minutes later | kian's pov 

since leaving mark to attempt in ringing delilah, his younger sister who has been a training paramedic in america for the last seven or so years, i was slightly worried about leaving him alone. especially considering it's been around three years since they last communicated and we were hours, if not minutes away from performing a concert for our reunion. 

i was walking back down the hallway to my dressing room when i heard what sounded like soft cries. it piqued my interest as mark's dressing room was always on a diagonal from mine. i softly knocked on the door, before hearing a click, letting me know the door was just unlocked as i walked in, closing the door behind me straight away. 

he was resting against the wall, no longer sitting near his vanity desk and my heart broke, "...mark, what's wrong?" i softly questioned, sliding down the wall next to mark as he slowly looked over towards me 

"she...she didn't answer, it was just her voicemail," mark whispered as my heart shattered for him 

"oh, marky, i am so sorry. did you try again?" i asked as i brought his fragile but taller frame into my smaller one as i felt his head shake against my shoulders 

"no," he mumbled against my shoulder as i bit my lip, not knowing what else to do 

"why not?" i simply respond as mark sniffles 

"hearing her voicemail from seven years ago makes me miss her even more...since that's the last time i heard her speak so i don't even know if she still sounds like that..." he trails off as i nod my head - yeah, i get the same feeling when i miss my own mum and i try to ring her and it goes to voicemail, making me not want to try again even though i know her voice wouldn't have changed that much 

"that's fair. have you gotten in contact with her superintendent to make sure she's okay?" i questioned as i remembered that as a group, we had talked about it, all wanting to stay in the loop about delilah 

"yeah but, they...they haven't really been giving me any updates recently so i don't even know what's going on at their end right now," he mumbles as i nod my head 

"that's not fun but i'm sure delilah isn't ignoring you on purpose. just, be as positive as you can and just know that one day, delilah will have to come home since she wasn't even meant to be in america and with this job for this long anyway," i smirk as mark gives me a little smirk back which makes me happy, we all hated to see mark upset 

i then decided to give mark a hug before leaving him on his own, knowing he needed it this time and now, i knew he'd be okay. 

seven years ago | mark's pov

i had never hated anything more than what was happening right now, and last night, westlife just ended forever. right now, my younger sister delilah was getting ready for her new job as a training paramedic somewhere in america. i say "somewhere" because i completely zoned out as soon as it was mentioned that delilah was being sent away in the first place, i just had the impression that she'd be sent to england. i didn't want to hear about the fact that she'd be across a whole damn ocean, six or so hours away. and i'd rather not be told that she's that far away from me that if anything was to go wrong, i can't just be there in an hour or two. 

"...come on markus, say goodbye to your sister as she'll be gone for a couple of years before you can speak to her again. don't be moody, please," dad kindly spoke as i rolled my eyes, i sluggishly moved off the airport seat, uncrossed my arms and slowly walked over to delilah who was waiting with her arms open for a hug - to which she knew i could never say no to 

"fine, but don't blame me when i yell at you every other day for not allowing me to be an hour away from delilah just in case she gets injured because it won't be my fault!" i growl out, half of it mumbled by delilah's tight squeeze as i rested in her hug, mum and dad shaking their heads at me in unapproving ways 

"oh please, mark, that's never going to happen, buddy! i won't let it happen!" delilah whispers as dad, mum, our brothers and the westlife family had left the two of us alone 

"and how in god's name are you so sure of that delilah grace, huh?" i respond, with a full-on passive-aggressive attitude as she rolls her eyes, squeezing me tighter as she tries to prove her point 

"i'm so sure of that markus michael patrick because i was trained exceptionally well and there is no way in hell or god's name that i'm leaving you on your own! nah-uh, not until i surprise you at one of your concerts, whether that's when westlife reunites or at one of your solo shows then i'm leaving you, even then, i'll always be here for you, okay?" delilah roughhoused me, in the airport yes, as she tried to convince me, leaving me to roll my eyes this time 

"nah-uh, i'm still not letting you leave, nope! nope, nope, nope, NOPE!" i growl as i squeeze delilah even tighter than before as she softly chuckles, scuffing my hair up, to which i had no care about really 

"i hate to burst your imaginative bubble markus but, i'm still leaving. i have to otherwise i could be fined a lot of money for not going..." delilah trails off as she tries to remove herself from my grip, to which i refuse and hug her tighter 

"...i.don't.care! i'd rather have to help pay for your fines for not leaving to work in america as a stupid paramedic than be told that you got injured or died in a fucking school shooting over the phone whilst i'm potentially on stage at a solo gig and then having to cry my eyes out at your funeral two months later when they finally bring your body home!" i growl, still mad that mum and dad even allowed delilah to consider her choosing this weird training paramedic job in america, delilah sighs loudly as she brings her arms back around my torso, hugging me even tighter 

"i'm sorry mark but, i do care. and, whilst i also don't want you guys to get a call saying i died or got injured in america and wait two months for my fancy-schmancy funeral, i'm willing to do this job in america if it means i'm teaching life-saving skills. i don't want to argue with you, i know you don't either so, be reasonable and let me leave," delilah says in a matter-of-fact way as i roll my eyes again, a small whine leaving my mouth as if i was about to have a full-on tantrum, to which, i most likely was, in a public airport with my now former bandmates behind me and the rest of my family 

"why are you so proud of this job? i'd rather you be on tour with me!" i whine, smacking my head on delilah's shoulder as she chuckles 

"i'm proud because i've always been proud of everything i do and that includes my job as a training paramedic in america. and you know i'd love to go on tour with you but, i can't so, it looks as though you're just going to have to survive with me being away in a different country to you," delilah said with a smile as we both simultaneously squeezed each other, causing us to both squeal and giggle 

"well, if i have to let you leave then, when will i talk to you next?" i question, pulling back out of the hug as delilah grabs ahold of my hand 

"umm, i think i have a couple of days where i have off that i can ring and communicate with those i didn't get to farewell but, yeah, i think that's the next time i can talk to you," delilah smiles which makes me smile, making me feel slightly better 

"okay, nice. when will i be able to see you again? like, when will you be able to come home?" i then ask as i entertain myself by fiddling around with delilah's fingers which were intertwined with mine 

"it...it'll be soon i'm sure mark," delilah smiles, pulling me into another quick hug before grabbing my hand again as i nod my head sadly 

"how soon is soon?" i ask with a shake in my voice, looking up at the clock knowing her flight was about to be called to board soon 

"mark soon will be as soon as i am able to leave. i promise, now, i really need to leave, my plane's about to board!" delilah said as i pouted and my eyes grew sad as i huffed loudly 

"ok, but promise me you'll come home safely, please?" i whimper my voice breaking as delilah smiles softly 

"i promise mark, but, i gotta go," she whispers as she gives me one last hug before giving her last hugs to everyone else 

okay, maybe what i said before was mean, i am awfully proud of delilah that she chose this as her job. it was wrong of me to say that i'm mad at mum and dad for allowing her to consider and then choose it eventually. i then saw my former bandmates, kian, nicky and shane give their final hugs and farewells to delilah. watching that whilst it broke my heart, also made it feel warm that even though i'd no longer see those three every day, i could still pick up my phone and call them without hesitation and i'd do the same for them. even though i was farewelling two major things in my life, westlife and my younger sister, i knew that i would eventually be okay again. 

we then watched on as delilah and her fellow training paramedics boarded the plane. we waved, cheered, and hollered, making the biggest scene of all time as she then vanished into the plane where it became silent again. 

"...well, now she's gone mark," dad came up from behind me, wrapping his arm around my back, i huffed and rolled my eyes 

"thanks for reminding me dad, it isn't like i wasn't watching it happen," i huff as dad pulls me down to sit on the airport floor with him - knowing something was wrong 

"okay markus, what's wrong? you've been like this all day, why can't you be proud of your younger sister like she's proud of you?" dad muttered kindly as my lips started to tremble 

"i am proud of her dad it's just--"

"--it's hard to see her go after you've watched westlife go?" he interrupts as i nod my head, a small whimper coming out of my mouth, dad's face softens, noticing the tears welling in my eyes and pulls me into his lap, his knees bracing my head 

"mhm," i mumble as i feel the tears pool in my eyes as dad softly ruffles his fingers through my hair 

"oh, mark, it's okay son," dad whispers as i feel a tear stream down my cheek onto dad's knee as i attempt to wipe it away whilst laying awkwardly on the airport floor halfway on my dad's lap 

"no, it's not," i whimper, covering my mouth with my arm that rested across dad's lap so my whimpering would be quieter 

"fine, i'll rephrase my answer *mark softly chuckles* it will be okay mark, delilah will be okay. she's going to come home and she'll message and call us when she's able to, okay? you've got nothing else to worry about other than what you're going to do now that westlife's finished, whether that's you going into the studio to write some new material or going on holiday, doesn't matter, okay?" dad smiled as he continued combing his fingers through my hair which was starting to really calm me down 

"thanks, dad," i mumble with a small smile on my lips as i look up to see him also smiling 

"no worries mark, i get how you're feeling. trust me, i wasn't too rapt about delilah being a training paramedic in america either but, i made her promise me she would come home and, she promised. i'm holding on to that promise so if she breaks it, i'll never forget it and i would've wished i made her come home when i had the power to, but, right now, i've made peace with her decision and, i'm proud of her," dad was always so wise and inspirational and it made me giggle 

"that's a fair deal. anyway, how are the westlife kids taking this? nicole especially since she adores her aunty delilah," i ponder as i just realise, i've only really interacted with my immediate family, not with the westlife lads or their kids and partners 

"that's a good question, mark, last i saw of her her dad was trying to calm her down as she wasn't taking the thought of aunty delilah leaving well either," dad said, shrugging his shoulders as i awkwardly nodded my head that still rested on his lap 

"aw, i hope she's okay," i mumble softly, feeling the exact same way as little nicole 

"i'm sure she is. but maybe she just needs her uncle marky to give her a hug to make her feel a little bit better," dad coaxes me to get up as i giggle softly 

"okay, fine, i'll go find her!" i giggle as i lift my head up off dad's lap, giving him a hug as i then walk over to shane, his wife gillian and their three kids, noticing the upset little nicole straight away 

present time | mark's pov

after maybe about five minutes of just thinking and allowing myself to go back to that day seven odd years ago, i could smile again. after being so upset that i wasn't just losing one thing in my life, westlife or delilah, but both at the same time, it didn't make me so upset anymore because westlife had since reunited. even though delilah hadn't come home yet and i still miss her all the time, i remembered that she's just working hard all the time to give out life-saving first aid skills and at some stage, she'll come home. 

"...mark, we're on stage in five," kian calls out, popping his head into my dressing room as i giggle 

"thanks kino, be there shortly," i giggle as kian also giggles, hesitating to move out of the way 

giggling, i ask him to move, "oh my god, move, kian! i can't leave my dressing room with you standing right there!" i chuckle as kian smiles, apologies and leaves quickly leaving me slightly confused 

twenty-ish minutes ago | delilah's pov

trying to hold in my laughter was the hardest thing ever, especially watching kian forget to leave after telling mark that it was five minutes to stage. little did mark know, after seven and a bit years, i was finally retiring from my job as a training paramedic and decided to relocate back home to sligo, ireland. with my transfer back to the sligo ambulance service, and some good-looking time off, i'd be able to go on the road with westlife during their reunion tour and be there for the moment that mark and his partner cailean become fathers to their baby. 

i had snuck into the aviva stadium, in dublin pretty quickly, out of my uniform completely and just waiting for the right moment to surprise mark, whether that's just before he goes on stage or whilst he's on stage with the boys, during a song. 

kian, nicky and shane hugged me tightly as we waited for the right time but had a quiet conversation as we all waited for mark to leave his dressing room for the five minutes to stage call. 

after asking and catching up with the lads about the reunion and how they've all been, including mark, we then mentioned how we think he was going to react to me finally being home. 

"...honestly, i genuinely think mark's going to freak when he sees you, delilah..." kian smiles, his arms crossed over as nicky rolls his eyes before jumping in

"...he's not just going to freak, kino, he's going to cry when he sees you, delilah!" nicky says dramatically as we all giggle, especially when kian's annoyed face makes an appearance 

"and as i was going to say before nicky interrupted me, he is absolutely going to lose his head when he sees you, he is absolutely going to cry. i mean, seven years, like, no sir, i couldn't even do that, especially without contact, nah-uh, nope, i struggled not being able to talk to koa and jodi when i did i'm a celebrity *giggles*," kian huffed as we all giggled as we all agreed 

"yeah, i couldn't do this job again, especially in a different country for seven years without breaks," i mutter with a shake of my head as we all have another group hug

present day | kian's pov 

the lads and me were now performing on stage and getting ready to surprise the absolute crap out of mark. delilah, his younger sister as we all know, just came back from a seven-year paramedic job in america. the first time she's been home and seen mark since she left back in 2012 and, he has got no clue whatsoever and is absolutely clueless about it. 

we were laughing, singing, and having an absolute ball when i watched carefully for the moment that delilah would walk on stage for the surprise. i suddenly received the all-clear from louis, our manager so i then gave the signal to delilah and, she walked right onto stage. 

thankfully, mark had just finished his solo in flying without wings so it was basically the end of the song, the lights, however, hadn't dimmed as delilah came up behind her brother and wrapped her arms around her brother's neck, giving him a hug. 

watching the confusion on his face was priceless as he then turned around and boom, i was basically a mess straight away, "delilah? what the fuck are you doing here?" mark was in so much shock that it was as though he was in a different universe completely 

"did you forget the promise we made to each other seven years ago?" delilah giggled as the crowd along with me and the lads erupted into cheers as we watch the siblings pull each other in for a hug 

"oh my god, you...you're home!" mark quickly and shakily hands me his microphone and pulls his sister in for a proper hug as tears fill his eyes 

"home sweet home, marky!" she whispered back as me, shane and nicky watched on as the siblings reunited after seven long years 

"that promise was from seven fucking years ago!" mark cried out as he smacked her which made everyone tearfully laugh now that almost everyone was in tears at this point 

"still didn't break it, mark! i'm here, am i not? now, get back to work, you and the lads have a concert to finish!" delilah giggled as mark rolled his eyes, reluctantly moving from the hug to let nicky, me and shane give her hugs again even though we were the planners of the surprise 

"so, for those who are not aware, this is delilah, mark's younger sister and she has been away in america for the last seven years as a training paramedic. where in which she has been basically going around from state to state teaching and training underfunded and young kids very important and life-saving first aid skills. she left the day after we had our final farewell gig back at croke park all the way back in 2012 which feels like forever ago but was indeed seven years ago. and only today has she returned so, we decided that after we were told by a little birdy that she was coming home that we'd plan this entire surprise for mark," i explained, smiling tearfully as mark smiled back

the crowd screamed as mark went to speak again, "awe, thanks for the surprise guys! very sweet of you, thank you!" mark smiles, leaning into me to thank me as he then hugs his sister again  

"no problem, if we could, we'd do it all over again," delilah called out making all of us laugh 

delilah had then left the stage so we could finish the concert which went amazing, no mistakes, no nothing, just pure happiness and dedication to our concert. then, at the end of the concert, i watched as the brother and sister spent more time together, it was the sweetest thing and that wasn't me just saying that. i would genuinely do this surprise all over again just to see that shocked look on mark's face when he realised it was delilah that had surprised him. 

but, the best part of overhearing that conversation was mark's reaction when delilah told him she'd be joining us for the rest of the uk and irish tour.

fin

told y'all i love homecoming fics! but honestly, i really do love this fic and how i wrote this!

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