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#HI SILK its theo
theostrophywife · 4 months
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poison paradise.
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pairing: theodore nott x reader.
song inspiration: toxic by omido.
author's note: smutty unhinged theo won the poll. here’s your silly little treat. this came to me in a dream proving that even my subconscious isn't safe from theodore. this is pure filth, but ya'll already know that that's what i do best 🤪
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The taste of cherry chapstick lingered on your tongue as your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Lost in euphoria, you cried out just as a wave of pleasure crashed over you, dragging you to the depths of sensual self-indulgence. 
Back arching off the bed. Fingers gripping the sheets. Moans echoing off the walls. 
This was hedonism at its finest. 
The heady scent of sweat, skin, and sex permeated in the air long after your orgasm passed, inducing you into a foggy haze as you scrambled to anchor yourself back to the present. Between your legs, your girlfriend lifted her head up with a pleased smirk and pressed a chaste kiss against your lips. 
The kiss tasted like cum and cherries, a sweet and intoxicating combination that sent your head spinning. Hannah hummed, her pretty doe eyes focused on you while your own fluttered open. 
“Babe, I’ve really got to get to practice now,” she whispered softly. “I’m late enough as it is.” 
You chuckled, twirling a strand of her red hair between your fingers. “Whose fault is that? You’re the one who dragged me in here, love.” 
Hannah grinned sheepishly as she pulled your red and gold skirt down. “Can you blame me? I can’t control myself when you’re strutting about in your cheer uniform.” 
“Then go out there and give me something to cheer about, babe. I expect a win against Slytherin tomorrow.” 
“If Potter doesn’t kill me first for being late,” she said with a final kiss to your cheek. “See you after practice?”
You nodded as you tossed her jersey over. “I’ll be here.” 
After taking a much needed shower, you sat in front of the vanity and blasted music as you diligently adhered to your skincare routine. The best thing about having a girlfriend was that you shared everything. Since dating Hannah, your makeup, clothes, and shoe options doubled overnight. 
As you combed through your hair, a sudden knock at the door caught your attention. You figured it was just a courtesy from Hannah’s roommate. Merlin knows that the poor witch had walked in on you and your girlfriend in countless compromising positions. 
Tightening the scarlet robe around your waist, you sauntered over to the door, fully expecting Emma to greet you from the other side. Instead, a looming figure eclipsed the doorway. You were surprised to find none other than Theodore Nott staring back at you. 
While you two weren’t exactly the best of friends given the rivalry between your houses, you and Theo were civil. You sat beside each other in Herbology and occasionally shared a laugh every time you caught him muttering sarcastic remarks under his breath about the ridiculous bloody plants that Professor Sprout had you wrangling during class. 
“Well, what do we have here?” you teased, cocking your head at the dead eyed Slytherin. “A serpent in the lion’s den? What brings you behind enemy lines, Theo?”  
Theo smiled back in response, shuffling a bit and allowing a glimpse of the wine bottle and bouquet of roses cradled in his arms. “Waiting for my girlfriend to leave so I can set this up for our anniversary.” 
You grinned. “Oh, how romantic!” You had always been a sucker for cheesy gestures. It was the hopeless romantic in you.  “Come in, then.” 
To his credit, Theo kept his eyes firmly on your face as you ushered him inside the room. Taking the hint, you quickly excused yourself to the bathroom and changed into something a little less revealing than your silk robe. When you came out, Theo was sprinkling rose petals on the bed. 
“Those are gorgeous,” you fawned over the flowers. “You’re definitely getting laid tonight.” 
Theo smirked in response as he set the vintage wine bottle into a fancy crystal ice bucket. “That’s the plan.” 
Slipping into your fuzzy slippers, you cocked your head at the arrangement. “Wait. I think you set it up on the wrong side. Emma’s bed is over there.” 
Theo nodded absentmindedly. “Yeah, I know. This is for Hannah.” 
Whatever warm, fuzzy feeling his sweet gesture invoked suddenly soured at the mention of your girlfriend’s name. “What do you mean it’s for Hannah?” 
“Hannah,” Theo repeated slowly. “As in, my girlfriend, Hannah.” 
The words hit you like the Hogwarts Express. Surely, Theo was mistaken. He had to be. That was the only explanation. “This can’t be right. I’m sure I heard you wrong. You can’t be dating Hannah.” 
The confusion in your face was mirrored in Theo’s features. “And why is that?” 
“Because I’m dating Hannah.” 
Theo stared at you. You stared back. The room fell silent as the declaration hung heavy in the air. 
“Wait,” he backtracked, furrowing his brows. “What? That’s not possible.” 
“We’ve been dating since term started.” 
“We’ve been dating since summer,” Theo countered. Disbelief dawned over his handsome features. “This is for our three month anniversary.” 
Desperate to make sense of the situation, you pulled out your phone and scrolled through your photo album. It didn’t take long to find a recent picture of you and Hannah. “See?” you said, pointing at the screen. “This is us sharing a hot fudge sundae in Hogsmeade just last weekend.” 
Theo’s mouth gaped open as he pulled out his phone in response, scrolling through his pictures just as you had done moments ago. “This is us swimming in the lake last July.” 
The photo of your girlfriend smiling up at the camera while Theo’s arms wrapped around her bikini clad body made your stomach plummet. The confirmation left a bitter taste on your tongue. There was no reason for Theo to be making this up, which left only one possible conclusion. Hannah was dating both of you. At the same time. 
You pursed your lips. “Hannah played us both.” 
Theo looked about as dejected as you felt. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it,” he muttered to himself. 
“All that tension between you during the quidditch match,” you recalled. The lingering looks that Hannah and Theo shared during last month’s scrimmage flashed before your very eyes. In hindsight, it was obvious that there was more to it than rivalry. 
“You know, I think I saw her kiss you on the cheek in the halls once, but she said that the two of you were just really close.” 
“Oh, we are,” you said rather bitterly. “She’s kissed a lot more than my cheeks. Gods, how could I have been so stupid?” 
“You’re not stupid,” Theo said softly. “How could we have known? Outside of Herbology, the two of us don’t really interact. We’re in different houses and our social circles rarely overlap. If you think about it, it’s actually the perfect plan.” 
“Yes, bravo to our girlfriend for being the cleverest fucking liar in the castle.” You winced at the title. "Correction, ex-girlfriend."
Nott nodded in agreement. "Definitely ex-girlfriend."
"What a bloody mess."
Theo rubbed his temples. “Well, fuck.” The sentiment of total and utter confusion was one you knew all too well. “I am way too sober for this.” 
Without a word, he swiped the bottle of wine from the crystal bucket and popped it open. You stared at him with slight bewilderment, which he responded to with a nonchalant shrug. “What? It’s not like I’m going to drink this with Hannah now after I found out that she’s been lying to me for three whole months.” 
While Theo was taking the perfectly understandable approach of getting absolutely pissed off his arse, you weren’t willing to take the hit so easily. You were angry. Correction, you were fucking livid. Seething in the heat of your fury, you snatched the wine bottle from Theo’s grasp and chugged a good amount. 
“That’s a vintage from my family’s vineyard. You’re supposed to sip slowly to really appreciate the flavor—“ Theo grimaced as you leveled him with a glare. “Or drown yourself in it. That’s fine, too.” 
You swayed on your feet as you gestured dramatically. “I can’t believe she cheated on me!” 
Who the fuck did Hannah think she was? You didn’t need this bullshit. She was the one who chased after you. Before she pursued you, you were perfectly fine ruling this school under your thumb, flashing pretty smiles and innocent doe eyed looks to the unsuspecting masses. You were head cheerleader, for fuck’s sake! You could’ve had your pick of boys and girls in this whole bloody castle. Even worse, Hannah dragged Theo into this too. While the Slytherins certainly had a reputation, he seemed sweet if not a little sardonic and cynical at times.
”I can’t believe she cheated on you.” You added, surveying the now tainted roses and wine. Indignation weighed heavily on every word. You and Theo were both hot as fuck and a complete catch. Neither of you deserved this. “We can’t let her get away with this.” 
Theo sighed in response, taking the bottle from you and drinking a decent amount before wiping his wine stained lips with the back of his hand. “If I’m being honest, this isn’t the first time a relationship has imploded on me. Usually, it’s my fault. But I can’t say I’ve ever gotten cheated on. My ego’s taken a little bit of a blow, but what can we do? She fooled us both.” 
“What can we do?” You repeated incredulously. “Obviously, you haven’t dealt with a Gryffindor’s wrath before. This is a matter of pride, Theo. She hit us where it hurts the most. I say we hit her back.” 
Theo blanched, his watercolor eyes glazed from the alcohol. The wine was no joke. You never would’ve known it from the smooth taste, but this shit was strong. “As upset as I am, I hardly think violence is the answer. My mum told me to never raise a hand against a lady and I don’t intend on breaking that promise. No matter how angry I may be.” 
For the first time in that fucked up night, you managed a laugh. Something about that was so endearing to you. “Relax, Nott. I don’t mean we hurt her physically. That’s not really my style. I have a much more effective way to enact revenge.” Your lips curled into a smile as Theo hung onto every word. “We’re going to wage psychological warfare on our ex-girlfriend, Theo.” 
“I’ll confess I’m a little bit scared,” Theo declared as he gulped down the last of the wine. “And a little bit turned on. Guess that says a lot about me, huh?” 
You smirked as you retrieved the wine bottle and gingerly set it on the nightstand. Theo glanced up at you curiously, anticipation evident on his handsome face. “What exactly is the plan, dolcezza?” 
Whether it was the alcohol or your anger, a devious plan started forming as you looked over your ex-girlfriend’s now ex-boyfriend. “Hannah comes back from practice in an hour,” you stated, toying with the neck of the bottle. “She’s expecting to find me in bed waiting for her.” 
Mischief danced in Theo’s eyes. Up close, you could see flecks of green swimming in his blue irises. Those mesmerizing eyes—the very same ones that had the entire castle weak in the knees—locked on yours. Now that you were single through no fault of your own, you had no reason not to ogle Theo and ogle you did. Your gaze flickered over his lean physique, examining his solid chest and broad shoulders before snagging on the sliver of skin that revealed the hard abdominal muscles beneath his light grey shirt as he stretched. A cocky smirk graced his handsome face when he caught you looking.
Merlin, he was fucking pretty. 
How had you not noticed that before? Oh, right. You were too busy being a good girlfriend. Well, fuck that. 
“Oh?” He murmured, his gaze flickering over you. 
Though you changed into a baggy shirt and cotton shorts, you might as well have been naked with the way Theo was looking at you. His dead eyed stare burned holes into your skin and a shiver crawled up your spine as he gravitated closer. 
“And she will,” you said with a smirk, closing the gap between you. “You’ll just be in it with me.” 
“Oh,” Theo hummed salaciously. 
“Wouldn’t wanna waste those pretty roses you got, do we?” 
The low rasp of your voice seemed to entrance Theo as he shook his head, appearing dazed as you pulled him in by the front of his shirt. “No, no at all. We should…” The nervous bob of his Adam’s apple sent a thrill through your body. “We should definitely make use of them.” 
With a grin, you led him towards the bed. Theo walked backwards, his eyes never leaving yours even as he landed on the mattress. The golden glow of the lamp kissed his sharp cheekbones, its warm hue coloring the slope of his nose, which were smattered with moles and freckles, before emphasizing his wine stained lips. The red roses fluttered around him as the bed dipped, soft petals tickling his skin as he settled against the headboard.
Theo felt like he was under a spell as you crawled over him. He couldn’t tell whether he was dizzy from the wine or if it was just the effect you had on him, but either way, he wasn’t complaining. There were worse things to suffer from than a pretty witch straddling his lap. 
Instinctively, Theo gripped your waist while you settled over him. The sight of you leaning over him, your face mere inches away from his felt like a fever dream. One that he had no desire of waking up from. 
“I thought you liked girls,” Theo whispered softly as your lips brushed over his. Teasing, taunting, tasting. Fuck, what he would give to have you devour him whole. 
“I do,” you replied, tickling his cheek with a rose petal. Theo shivered as the low rasp of your voice pulled him in. “But I like boys too. Especially pretty ones like you.” 
Theo couldn’t help but blush. Obviously, he was aware that he was attractive, but he’d never been called pretty before. He was surprised to find that he really fucking liked it. 
“Don’t flatter me, dolcezza. Not unless you plan on following through.”
“I’ve never been with a Slytherin before,” you whispered huskily. “Tell me, Theo. Will you sink your teeth into me tonight?”
A part of him pondered the slightly fucked up situation that Theo managed to get himself into tonight. Was he really about to fuck his ex-girlfriend’s ex-girlfriend in her own bed? Yes. Did he feel an ounce of guilt over what he was about to do? No. 
Honestly, fuck Hannah. But more importantly, Theo needed to focus on fucking you. 
“Fuck yes.”
When you leaned in and pressed your lips against his, it was over. There wasn’t a single trace of self control in him as he kissed back, his mouth hot and eager against yours. The infamous Gryffindor boldness didn’t disappoint as you moaned into his mouth, your fingers threading through his silky brown waves before tugging in a way that made Theo weak in the knees. As he parted your lips with his tongue, you grinded against him and laughed seductively when he whimpered in response. 
“Yeah?” you purred as you rolled your hips. “You like that, pretty boy?” 
“Bloody fucking hell,” Theo groaned before he kissed you again, rougher this time. 
There was something satisfying about the way he grabbed you, his big hands guiding you to grind over him, providing a delicious friction between your clothed sex. Theo was hard and throbbing underneath you. By the feel of him, you knew you were in for a ride. The sheer size of him was going to absolutely destroy you. 
You pulled away and a glistening trail of spit extended between you as a result of your sloppy make out. Theo panted as you tugged at the hem of his shirt, keeping your eyes trained on him while you licked a path down his abdomen. He watched hungrily as you grazed your teeth over his hard muscles, flicking your tongue expertly while he shuddered underneath you. 
“I can see why Hannah went for you,” you hummed against his tan skin. “You’re hot as fuck. Your abs are unreal and your happy trail,” Theo groaned as you pressed soft kisses along his torso. “It leads to something delicious, doesn’t it?” 
“Fuck, bella. You’re killing me,” Theo groaned as he fisted your hair in one hand. The whimper that slipped past his lips as you palmed his cock was utterly shameless. “You’ve got a filthy fucking mouth, Y/N.” 
“Yeah? Shut me up, then.” 
His head lolled back against the headboard as you released his cock from his boxers, stroking purposefully and savoring the filthy moans that echoed against the walls. Those pretty eyes of his were nearly black with lust as he looked down at you, biting his lip while your tongue swirled over the head of his cock. Licking up his precum, you smirked before fully wrapping your lips around him. 
Theo tugged at your hair and bucked against your mouth as you sucked, licked, and pumped every inch of his thick, hard cock. You knew you were good, but the desperation in Theo’s voice all but confirmed it. 
“Dio mio, right there. Fuck, you’re perfect. Your throat was made to be fucked. You can take it, bella. Choke on my cock, just like that.”
You gagged as he hit the back of your throat. Sucking dick had never been your favorite, but sucking Theo’s dick was something else. He looked so pretty with his waves plastered to his forehead, rosy cheeks flushed as he fucked your face with a dominance that had you growing wetter by the second. Tears streaked down your cheeks as you choked on his cock, but it was worth every second to hear Theo moan your name. 
“Fuck, Y/N,” hissed Theo after a particularly rough thrust. You could tell he was close by the way his body seized underneath you, but you weren’t done with him yet. You wanted more and so did he. “So fucking close, but I don’t want to come yet. I need…Fuck, I need more.” 
You released him with a pop, but kept stroking him with your right hand. “Use your words, pretty boy.” 
“I want to feel you,” Theo whined. “I need to feel your pussy clenching around my cock, principessa. I need you so fucking bad. I’d get on my knees to be inside of you. Please.” 
“You sound so pretty when you beg,” you said as you kissed his temple. “Who am I to refuse?” 
Theo watched as you shuffled above him, barely breathing as you slipped out of your clothes. When you threw your shirt off, Theo cursed to find you completely bare before him. He cupped your tits, flicking his thumb over your nipples before wrapping his lips around them. You could tell he was eager to please and that alone was a huge fucking turn on. It was rare to find a man who cared about pleasure beyond his own, which is why you usually preferred women. Theodore Nott seemed to be the exception. 
With rapt attention, Theo helped you lower down onto his length. He kept his eyes on you as you adjusted, gasping when your walls stretched to accommodate his size. 
“You know, I thought the rumors about you were exaggerated,” you groaned as you sank lower. “But I’ve never been so glad to be wrong.” 
Theo smirked as he nibbled at your earlobe. “What kind of rumors, dolcezza?” 
“That you had a huge dick,” you responded, sounding slightly winded once Theo was finally fully sheathed inside of you. “And that you fuck like a—“ You moaned when Theo shifted his hips to rut into you. He was so big that the minuscule movement felt like you were being split apart. 
“That I fuck like what, bella?” 
Never one to be outdone, you tugged at his hair and grinded against him. “That you fuck like an absolute demon.” 
“Yeah?” He drawled, sliding in and out of you with a cocky smirk. “Well, you’re no angel either, Y/N.” 
“You haven’t seen anything yet, Theo.” 
The sight of you bouncing on his cock and riding the fuck out of him was almost too much. Theo was mesmerized as you used him to get off, head thrown back as you placed your hands on either side of his legs before bending in an angle that he wasn’t even sure was possible for a human to contort to. 
Damn, he should’ve fucked a cheerleader sooner. He should’ve fucked you sooner. 
“I guess you’re not the only one who listened to the rumors. They said you were flexible, but goddamn, this is something else. You’re something else, Y/N.” 
“Oh fuck, Theo,” you keened as you gripped the sheets. “You’re so big. It feels so fucking good, baby.” 
“I like the way you moan my name,” he said. “Gods, I could’ve had this all along. Why was I even wasting my time with Hannah? Sei una fottuta dea.” 
“I have no idea what you just said,'' you panted, picking up the pace. Your legs ached from the effort, but it felt too good to stop. “But I’m soaked now.” 
“I said,” Theo grunted as he fucked up into you and tugged your hair back. “You’re a fucking goddess, Y/N.” 
When he rubbed circles on your clit, you absolutely lost it. The room spiraled around you as you came hard, creaming Theo from tip to base. He pulled out suddenly, making you whine at the loss of contact until he replaced his cock with his mouth. Theo flattened his tongue, licking up along your soaked folds. His nose brushed against your already sensitive clit and you cried out as he lapped you up like a man starved. 
“Can’t take anymore,” you whined, tears pooling in the corner of your eyes as you pushed against Theo’s broad shoulders. “It’s too much. I’m so sensitive.” 
Theo gripped your ankles and spread your legs wider. “Where’s that Gryffindor bravery, bella?” He chuckled, tracing circles on the inside of your thighs. His mouth glistened with your cum and rose petals stuck to his skin as he looked up at you. “Surely you can take more. We barely just started. I want you drenched in tears. Shaking, crying, and moaning my name. Right now, you’re not even close.” 
He sucked on your clit and you swore to Godric your eyes rolled back so hard that you saw heaven. Theo was determined to drive you to the brink of insanity. “I know you want it, baby. Let me make you feel good.” 
“Oh gods,” you cried out as he filled you with two fingers. It wasn’t as much of a stretch as his cock, but the way he curled them inside of you, touching that sensitive spongy spot within your walls made you whimper all the same. “Fuck, yes, gods. I want it. I want you, Theo.” 
A satisfied smile graced his handsome face before Theo flipped you over, pressing you headfirst into the pillows as he feasted on your pussy from behind. There wasn’t a single thought in your head as he unraveled you with his tongue and fingers. It was a deadly combination that had you on the edge quicker than you thought possible. 
“Turn around, principessa,” Theo cooed. “Come ride my face.” 
For Godric’s fucking sake. The man was absolutely insatiable. You liked to think that you had excellent stamina. Most of the time your partners struggled to keep up with your pace, but Theo was seriously challenging that. You didn’t know if you could come three times in a row without passing out, but tonight was as good as any to find out. 
Theo rewarded you with a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss before positioning your thighs on either side of his head. You held onto the headboard above him. Part of it was for balance, but mostly to keep yourself from collapsing all together. You felt so overstimulated that the line between pleasure and pain was blurring by the minute, but still, neither one of you had any plans of stopping. 
At this point, you actually couldn’t give less of a fuck about revenge. Hannah had long become a thing of the past. It seemed ironic that you and your ex-girlfriend were in this exact position mere hours ago yet you couldn’t even recall anything past the Slytherin fucking you with his tongue. 
“Theo, oh my fucking gods,” you cried out as you grinded against his mouth. “Right there. Yes, that’s it. So good.” Theo squeezed your thighs in response, which elicited a hoarse laugh out of you. “You like when I praise you, pretty boy?” 
Theo hummed against your clit and squeezed your ass in confirmation. “You’re so pretty when you’re eating my pussy,” you cooed, brushing his wavy locks back. “But you’re even prettier when you’re fucking me.” 
That seemed to be all the encouragement Theo needed. Before you knew it, your back was against the mattress as he hiked your legs over your shoulder. Theo slipped in easily, thanks to the juices coating both his tongue and cock now that he was filling you up again. 
“How’s the view now, principessa?” Theo asked with a cocky smirk. 
You bit your lip as he pounded into you, holding your gaze with every sharp thrust. His tanned skin glistened with sweat and his muscles flexed while he buried himself inside of you again and again, watching you take all of him with rapt attention. His balls slapped against your ass every time his hips snapped to yours, drilling so deep that you struggled for words.
“The best in the castle,” you quipped back, putting on a serene smile as Theo grunted and fucked any and every coherent thought right out of you. 
Neither one of you noticed the door opening nor the sound of the broom hitting the floor. You were too busy staring into Theo’s pretty eyes to care. 
He turned your head towards the door, but didn’t stop fucking you as Hannah watched with her mouth hung wide open. Theo made sure that your ex-girlfriend had a clear view of the money shot as he claimed you with his mouth, moaning your name against your lips as he came with a loud cry. He filled you to the brim and you could feel him leaking out of you and onto the sheets as your eyes rolled back.
Theo collapsed on top of you, sweaty and sinful. As you lay boneless and blissed out of your mind, you couldn’t quite believe that you’d just fucked your ex-girlfriend’s ex boyfriend. In her own bed, nonetheless. If that wasn’t poetic justice, you didn’t know what was. Merlin, you hadn’t gotten shagged like that in—well, ever. The Slytherin really knew how to slither in. You lifted your head to find Theo already looking at you. When you made eye contact, the two of you burst into laughter.
Your ex-girlfriend, on the other hand, was not as amused. “What the fuck!” Hannah screamed. 
Her shrill voice brought you out of the post haze aftermath of your earth shattering orgasm. Completely unbothered, you stretched lazily and waved your fingers at Hannah. Theo smirked as he tugged his sweatpants back on, but opted to remain shirtless as he pulled his oversized shirt over your head like a proper gentleman. You were grateful, since you had absolutely no desire to walk around in your ex-girlfriend’s clothes. Plus, it didn’t hurt that Theo looked absolutely delicious from the afterglow.
You bit your lip, already thinking of all the ways you’d like to have him. Again and again. As often as possible.
With a little smile, you met Theo’s gaze. It was clear that neither of you had any intention of calling it an early night. You had a feeling that you had a lot of sleepless nights ahead of you. Theo looked like he wanted to tear you apart and you were more than willing to let him. “My dorm?” 
“Whatever you say, dolcezza,” Theo said as he slipped his fingers through yours. “You could lead me off the astronomy tower and I’d follow.” 
Theo didn’t bother looking at Hannah as the two of you passed her. You, on the other hand, couldn’t pass up the chance to get the last word in. 
“By the way, we’re breaking up with you. Have fun cleaning up the mess.” 
Theo chuckled darkly as he tugged you out into the hallway, smacking your arse as the two of you raced back to your dorm. Behind you, your long forgotten ex-girlfriend gaped as she watched her ex-girlfriend and ex-boyfriend walk away hand in hand.
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sailorgoon13 · 25 days
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Theodore Nott
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Basics:
Full Name: Theodore Nott
Nickname: Theo
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: 4 November, 1979
Heritage: English/ Italian
Blood Status: Pure Blood
Wand: Blackthorn, Unicorn hair, 11 3/4", Slightly Flexible
Appearance:
Hair Color: Dark brown, a bit fluffy
Eye Color: Striking baby blue
Skin Tone: Olive
Height: 6'
Body Type: Lean and athletic. Tall, well proportioned
Style: Well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with a crisp button-down shirt or a cashmere sweater. Accessories are key to his look, with luxurious touches like leather loafers, silk scarves, and perhaps even a designer watch or cufflinks. His color palette leans towards darker tones like charcoal, navy, and deep burgundy
Features: Confidence, Mysterious aura, Sharp wit, Distinctive voice, Leadership
Personality:
Traits: Reserved, Loyal, Manipulative, Intelligent, Emotionally Complex
Likes: Privacy, Fine literature, Refines tastes, Debates, Chess
Dislikes: Arrogance, Lack of ambition, Betrayal
Hobbies: Quidditch, Reading, Playing Piano
Fears: Vulnerability, Rejection, Turning to the Darker side
Family and Friends:
Father: Mr. Nott
Valued Pure-Blood status
Supporter of Voldemort's cause/ Death Eater
Mother: Mrs. Nott
Died when Theo was young
Instilled his love for literature and fine art
Taught him Italian
Friends: Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Lorenzo Berkshire, Mattheo Riddle
Magic:
Special Abilities: His father taught him darker magic when he was young, though he doesn't like to use any of it. Particularly good at charms and hexes
Boggart: A memory of when he witnessed his mother dying
Patronus: Fox
Polyjuice: Would look velvety black with sparkling flecks of gold and silver. Smell like earthy Italian herbs and leather books with a hint of roses. It might taste like dark chocolate infused with hints of espresso and blackberry, with a subtle undertone of smoky oak and vanilla
Amortentia: Bergamont, Sandalwood, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Dark Chocolate
Backstory:
Theodore Nott was born into a prestigious pure-blood wizarding family, his childhood filled with the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Italy. His mother, a talented witch with a passion for art, literature, and music, imparted upon him a love for the finer things in life. She taught him how to speak Italian, play the piano, and appreciate the beauty of the magical world around them.
However, Theodore's childhood took a tragic turn when his mother passed away, leaving him with a profound sense of loss. Compounding his grief was the revelation that his father, though also deeply devoted to his family, had been a follower of Voldemort. With Voldemort's downfall, Theo's father met his demise, leaving Theo with conflicting emotions and a sense of isolation.
Despite his father's past affiliations, he distanced himself from his family's dark legacy, choosing instead to honor his mother's memory by embracing the values she had instilled in him. He found comfort in the company of his friends, particularly during Christmas vacations and over the summer, when he would often stay with classmates Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Mattheo Riddle, and Enzo Berkshire.
Throughout his years at Hogwarts, Theodore excelled academically and athletically, distinguishing himself as a talented and ambitious student. His keen intellect, strategic mind, and refined tastes set him apart from his peers, earning him both admiration and envy. Despite facing teasing and discrimination for his softer side and Italian accent, Theo remained resilient, drawing strength from the bonds of friendship that sustained him.
He discovered a passion for Quidditch, becoming the star keeper for the Slytherin team. With each dive and save, he felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration, leaving behind the weight of his worries and losses, if only for a moment.
Academics:
Best Subject: Charms
Favorite Subject: DADA (But he won't tell you its really Astronomy)
Favorite Professor: Flitwick
Worst Subject: Ancient Runes
Least Favorite Subject: Divination
Least Favorite Professor: Slughorn
Student Life:
Academically excels in his studies, particularly in subjects like Potions and Charms
A regular fixture in the Hogwarts library, spending hours poring over ancient texts and refining his magical skills, teaching himself a new language, (Or really just hiding behind a romance novel)
Respected by his classmates for his intellect and admired for his cool demeanor, though some may find him enigmatic or intimidating.
He enjoys spending time in the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, honing his skills as Keeper
He also indulges in his love for art, literature, and music
Girls at Hogwarts are drawn to Nott's confidence, intelligence, and refined tastes, finding themselves mesmerized by his cool demeanor and mysterious aura
While he remains discreet about his romantic interests, there is no shortage of girls vying for his attention and affection.
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sunnysidevans · 10 months
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I have had this idea in my brain and I am writing it ok but tbh it came out SO LONG.
I do wanna write more of these two so this will be part of the "Middle Of A Memory" + "Red Carnations" series but 100% can be read alone.
warnings: dad!jake + Protective!dadjake , uh mentions of heartbreak but na thats it its FLUFF NATION.
+
The Seresin home was silent. The soft ticks of the clock could be heard and the slight beep of the alarm clock. It was not normal for the Seresin home to be this silent on a friday night, but it was prom night. Jake watched as his little girl got ready just hours earlier with her mom. The silk navy dress sat perfectly on his daughter. He was proud as he dropped her off at the front of the country club, where prom was being held. "Have a good time" he tells her with a smile on her lips as she looks at her dad, "thanks daddy".
He nods, his heart breaking slightly as he remembered holding her to his chest the day she was born. "Don't cry now Commander" she grins, standing by the door. He smiles at his daughter, "go have fun baby" you speak up, moving beside her with a grin. "Thanks Momma" she kisses your cheek and walks to the end of the steps to meet Theo. Her date. You can feel Jake's scowl from behind you as you step into the truck. "Let her be '' you whisper, hand on his with a smile. "I can't believe it's Phoenix's son she goes to prom with" he grumbles, pulling away from the curb.
Within hours, the phone beside him rings. In his years of being in the Navy, he knew to wake on command. Reaching over your body, he grabs the vibrating device, "seresin" he grumbles into the phone. He hears the sobs first, ears perking up as he sits up, "Daddy?" she sobs. He pushes the covers off his body, sitting up as you shift slightly at the sudden movement. "What's going on babygirl?" he's holding the phone between his shoulder and chin as he looks around the room for his pair of pants. "I-I, can you come get me please?" she whimpers as he stands.
"Where are you baby?" he asks as she hyperventilates on the other end, "shh baby, I need you to take a deep breath" he looks back as your eyes are looking up at him with a raised brow. "I'm still at the country club" she whispers as he nods, "I'm on my way". Jake is shuffling into his Nike shorts and sweatshirt quickly, moving down the steps. You are following close behind, "let me drive Jake''.
He looks back at the sound of your voice, you are dressed in almost the same outfit as he nods. "You are too worried to drive, i'm sure she's okay" he nods, following you out to his truck, where he finally notices the time,
0300.
The country club is busy by the time you pull up to the curb. Jake is unbuckling his seatbelt before you can put the truck in park. "Jakob" you seeth, watching as he is jogging to the steps where his daughter sat. She looks up at the sight of her father, tears stained with mascara. "Oh baby" he whispers, crouching down to her level as she is falling into his chest. He wraps her in his arms as you are climbing out the truck to approach the two. "What happened?" he whispers against her hairline, sitting down on the step beside her. You sit down on the step in front of the two as she sniffles, wiping her nose.
"I'm sorry I woke you guys.." she whispers as you shake your head, hand landing on her knee. "Georgia, you don't have to apologize '' she nods, looking at Jake who looks at her with a raised brow. "Theo he... he left me here" the tears are welling up in her lash line again as Jake's nostrils flare. "I knew that boy was trouble. '' He looks over at you, almost trying to prove a point. You grit your teeth and turn back to your daughter. "C'mon, let's get you home" you hold a hand out to her as she takes it and you lead her down the steps. The door opens behind you and Theo Trace steps out.
"Young man" Jake stands, hands on his hips as he approaches the teenager. "Who are you?" Theo spits back, looking up at him as he then catches you and Georgia goes towards the truck. "Wait, Georgia!" he yells after her as Jake's hand collides with his chest. "No can do, you should've thought about that before you made my little girl cry" he states. "Now" Jake turns to him, fully blocking his view of the two of you in the truck.
"You are going to apologize to my daughter, and you are going to leave her alone'' Theo shakes his head, "you can't keep us apart" he chuckles in Jake's face. "Son, after tonight my daughter wants nothing to do with you" he nods, hands on his hip. "I will be telling your mother what you did to my daughter". Theo shrugs, looking up at him, "she doesn't care". He laughs, "son, I will tell you this. You will not get far in life talking to anyone like this, I know you know better" he rolls his eyes, looking away from Jake. "Take your attitude inside and have a good time now that you have ruined my little girl's night" Jake walks down the steps and climbs into the truck that is filled with silence.
Georgia sat in the front seat, pulling on the petals of her corsage. Nervously she watches out the window as you pull into the driveway. She climbs out quickly and walks inside, ignoring the sound of her fathers voice. "Georgia Louise!" he yells after her as she runs up the steps. "Jake" you place a hand on his arm gently as he goes to move up the steps. "She had her heart broken, she needs a minute" his head snaps to you with a slight scoff, "I’ve had my heart broken before too" he pulls his hand away and moves up the steps. "Jakob Seresin '' you seeth jogging after him as he pushes the bedroom door open.
Georgia, still in her prom dress sobs into her pillow. "Dad, please" she whimpered into the pillow face hidden. "Babygirl" he moves to her, sitting down beside her, he sighs. “You need to think long and hard before ever considering going out with that boy again” you stand in the doorway, listening. “Dad, get out please" she mumbles, his brows furrowing. "Georgia, I mean it, he is not worth your tears” he whispers as she sits up, looking at her father. "Get out dad!'' he gets up, almost as a wounded puppy and moves to the door and closes the door. You stand in the doorway with arms across your chest. "I told you to leave her be '' you whisper as he sighs, walking to the bedroom.
The step at the end of the stairs creeks and you can hear Georgia curse under her breath. "I know I'm not raising a sailor" you look over as she stands now in a shirt she stole from her dads closet. "Ma'' she whispers in surprise as you smile at her. "It's okay baby girl, you are allowed to come down here and do whatever you want" she nods, "I uh" she nervously picks at her fresh set of acrylic nails.
"I wanted to see you actually momma" she whispers, looking at you with a nervous smile. "C'mere little one" you hold a hand out to her. She climbs under your arm, curling up into your lap as she did when she was much smaller. "what is it?" you ask. She sighs, “why was dad so mad at me?” she asks as you shake your head. “He wasn't mad at you babygirl” she sniffles, nodding slowly.
“Your father, he’s protective of you” she nods, “a little too much” she mumbles. You chuckle, smiling “a little too much yes. He means well but I know he gets out of hand” you run your fingers through her hair. “How did you deal with your first heartbreak?” she asks seriously, you smile sadly. “You know honey weirdly enough i think you should ask your dad” she looks up at you with a raised brow. “I didn’t experience a heartbreak like the one you have, but he did” she nods slowly, looking at you sadly, “When you were gone?” she asks as you nod.
“But listen to me” you cup both of her cheeks, “that boy is an idiot, I know how much you like him but he is not worth your tears and he is not worth being mad at your father” she nods against your hands and falls back into your lap.
“I love you momma” she whispers as you smile, continuing to run your fingers through her hair. “I love you babygirl” she sighs heavily and falls asleep in your lap. 
Jake watches from the kitchen as Georgia makes her way out to the stables. He sips from the mug in his hand as he then hears the step creak from his left. He looks over at your tired eyes as you make your way beside him. “You need to loosen your reign dad” you whisper, hand on his back as he pours your cup of coffee. “I need to loosen up?” he asks, handing the mug to you as you nod. “She thinks you are angry with her Jakob” he sighs as you walk past him with your cup of coffee. “I am not angry,” he admits, setting the mug down. You look over at him with a raised brow. “I’m not Hela” he sighs, his eyes looking back out to the stables “She thinks you are Jake” he nods slowly, “maybe a little” he admits.
“She’s young, she has to experience it to learn from it” he nods, sighing. He falls silent, head falling in shame.
How could his little girl think he’s angry with her?
“What are you thinking?” you ask, moving to wrap your arms around his waist. “I couldn’t protect you and I almost lost you (y/n), I’m not losing her” he whispers as your head falls against his back. “Jake, you can not compare the two” he shakes his head, turning to face you. He cups both of your cheeks, “I can’t but I’m never gonna risk someone hurting her and losing her” he sighs. “I will talk to her’ you nod against his palms. “That is best” he smirks, leaning down to connect your lips. “You are so full of wisdom” you roll your eyes, pushing him out the back door.
“Can I join you?” Jake asks, hands in his pockets as he watches Georgia tack up her own horse. She looks over, hands falling to her side, “are you gonna yell at me?” she asks. He shakes his head, “no babygirl, I am not”. He walks towards her, standing in front of her. “I shouldn’t have yelled” she nods slowly, looking up at him.
“I also shouldn’t tell you how to live your life, you are old enough to learn from your mistakes” she watches as he pulls at a loose string on his shirt. “I almost lost your mother, a-and I couldn’t protect her and yes it was a long time ago now but I suffered 5 years without her and-” before he can finish she is running into his chest, hugging him tightly. “Daddy, I will only ever need you I promise" she whispers as he smiles, hugging her into his chest even tighter.
“I also know you were so close to losing mom but I promise, I just need to experience this life and learn from my mistakes” he grins, looking down at her. “You have the same wisdom as your mother, thank god” the two laugh as she smiles. “Saddle up, you can come with me” he smiles, nodding as he kisses the top of her head.
Walking towards the stall of his own horse, he looks back and watches as she continues tacking the horse, his little girl would always need him and he would always protect her.
+
if you'd like to read the two fics this is based on you can find those in my library
-> here
authors note: tbh I don't have much brain capacity to write much more than this right now. I've hit a writing funk but tbh this was perfect for me and easy. Hopefully putting me in full swing of writing again as I have alot of fics lined up, Thank you all for continuing to support me <3
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sailtomarina · 11 months
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It's too late
He watched her from where he sat hidden in the corner in a privacy booth that obscured any sight or sound within. She, in turn, sat at an intimate two-top near the center of the room. Her laugh drifted his direction tinkling with cutlery against plates and the calming plinks of the live pianist. 
Theo Nott—old friend, confidant, traitor—beamed at the pleasure of her joy, hand reaching out to intertwine with her own.
It should have been Draco holding her hand and making her laugh. It had been Draco in that exact role not two months ago. He had been the full recipient of her gaze and her touch and her gasps and her sighs. She had been the one to remind him of the warmth in the sun, the sweet smell of morning rain, the power of a fleeting touch of skin against skin. She taught him to live life for the experience of it again, an outlook he had forgotten back in the early days of Hogwarts before the unbearable weight of his name. Her influence on him was slow and steady—one day the world was grey, then the next he looked out at the coastline and appreciated the sunrise for the promise it brought rather than the dread he’d long expected.
And despite everything Hermione had given him, he failed her.
Five years of friendship and more than friendship, and not once did he take the next step. Nobody knew about them, not his friends, not his family. And for what? A fear that she wouldn’t fit in? Wouldn’t understand why he needed his family name and all the power that came with it even after all they had lost?
He turned down her invitations to public dinners, parties, and weddings. He only took her out to muggle locations where nobody would recognize them. He told himself he did this for her, because he didn’t deserve her and didn’t want to ruin her reputation. 
The truth was that he was a coward and always had been.
When his mother told him it was time to pick a wife and take on his responsibilities as head of household, he didn’t argue, didn’t tell her about them. He didn’t hesitate to tell Hermione. It hurt, yes. He even cried a bit. But he still went through with the decision and ended their relationship that wasn’t quite a relationship.
She just smiled and wished him well.
Now here she was, sitting at a table with his childhood friend, a man with just as much responsibility and expectations to his name. It burned Draco to see Theo toss the chains aside as if they weighed nothing, as if there wouldn’t be any repercussions. He dared to look happy. His eyes relayed his feelings openly in a way no proper Pureblood should—he looked at Hermione like she made him the luckiest bloke in the world.
Draco sat at his table long after the couple left, Theo’s arm draped loosely around her waist as if it belonged there. They had ignored the stares and whispers, wholly immersed in each other. He imagined Theo inviting her home for a drink as a precursor to…more. Her hair on his pillow, his body cradled between her legs. Draco imagined it all because he had lived it all.
When he finally walked out past her chair, he noticed a familiar scarf draped across its back. Picking it up, he didn’t even consider handing it to the maitre d’ for her to retrieve later.  He walked straight outside with the silver silk he’d gifted her two Christmases past clutched tightly in his hand. He’d take it home with him, a hollow reminder of all he had lost. The scarf smelled just as he remembered her, all warm spices and parchment paper. He felt as forgotten as the flimsy bit of cloth he held.
He disapparated just as Hermione reappeared around the corner and ran forward, his name on her lips a second too late.
“Was that Draco with your scarf?” Theo followed at a casual stroll behind her, hands tucked into his pockets.
“I believe so. I don’t know why he’d take it with him.”
His laugh at her statement caught her attention and she turned an inquiring look his way.
“That’s just Draco. He doesn’t know how to be happy. He’ll keep your scarf, but deny having it or that it belongs to you if anyone asks.” 
As much as she hated to hear it, she knew Theo was right. His frank observations were a large part of what drew her to him in the first place. He didn’t hide truths, as uncomfortable as they could often be. More importantly, he didn’t hide her and their burgeoning relationship.
“I just really liked that one,” she sighed.
Theo stepped closer, tugging off his own wool scarf and wrapping it around her shoulders. “You can have mine.”
She buried her nose in the deep blue fabric that matched his eyes and inhaled deeply. “Why does it smell like coffee?”
“I might have spilled some and neglected to clean it,” he replied with a sheepish grin. “Let me scourgify it for you.”
Hermione danced backwards as he made to lift the scarf away. “I happen to like coffee, Theo Nott.” Her eyes sparkled up at him as she looped the wool once more around her neck.
Their backs to the restaurant, they resumed their plans for the evening. For once, Draco Malfoy had guessed right. The two drank, delighted in further conversation, and retired to bed together—silver scarves and eyes thoroughly forgotten.
WC 932 Okay, so I was feeling angsty and a little thirsty for some other Slytherins. Sorry, not sorry!
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Temple Run - Indiana Jones X GN Reader
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Title: Temple Run
Indiana Jones X GN Reader
Additional Characters: Indiana Jones's father (Mentioned), Reader's father, Reader's mother (Mentioned), Monty Shaw (OC), Aaron Tucker (OC), Theo Black (OC), Michael March (OC) (Mentioned), Sallah, Fayah, Sallah's kids (Mentioned), and random people/men (Mentioned)
Requested by Anon (thank you so much for requesting! You know who you are ;) Sorry if it's a bit long. I got a bit carried away with this XD)
WC: 10,688 (I am so sorry)
Jawhara = Jewel | Habibi = Darling (Arabic)
Warnings: Human remains (mentioned), teasing, taunting, fighting (physically and verbally), enemies to friends to lovers, awkwardness, nervousness, embarrassment, movie references, yelling, insults, name-calling (nothing bad), death, Indiana Jones booby traps, sandstorms, knife/dagger mentioned, guns, killing, attempted murder, snakes, property damage, fear of heights, explosives mentioned, injuries, bruises mentioned, animal abuse (snakes don't like fire), blood, grenade mentioned, angst, cute, and fluff
Stacking the papers around you in a neat pile, you grabbed the last small stack, placing it away in its folder. You were hard at work, filing away reports and sending them to their respective departments. You worked at a federal government agency in Connecticut, and you were the head of your team; the captain of sorts. You worked as both a forensic scientist and a forensic archaeologist; both fields required extensive knowledge about osteology, human remains, and ancient civilizations. Back in school, you were considered a genius; your academic prowess far exceeded many of your classmates’ grades. As a graduate of Yale University with honors, you earned multiple offers of internships, but you declined every one of them; you enjoyed working alone and being on your own, but your father was adamant that you make some social connections. In fact, after some persuading, he got you a job where you were working now.
As you were filing yet another folder, a knock sounded at your office door, slowly the door opened; peeking their head in. "Uh, Doctor L/N, someone by the name of Mr. Shaw wants to speak with you." Your secretary, Ella, announced, making you look from your papers.
"Do they have an appointment?" You asked, voice monotone as Ella bit her lip.
"No, Doctor."
You sighed, dropping the papers as you rubbed your temple with your fingers. "Miss Hart, you know how I feel about walk-ins. They have to make an appointment to speak with me." You explained and Ella nodded, shutting the door, the click-clacking of her heels against the floor fading, only for it to come back more rushed as your office doors were slammed open. 
Shocked and wide-eyed, you watched as a man in the three-piece gray suit sauntered in like he owned the place; his cane hitting the ground with each step. The handle, gold and shiny, in the shape of an eagle's head. Beyond annoyed, you stood up from your desk, your hands placed firmly on it as you stared up at the man. "What's the meaning of you barging into my office?" You asked, anger evident in your tone as the man leaned back onto his heels with a smirk on his face.
"I just wanted to see if I could meet you." His voice was smooth and deep, "I've heard about your work, Doctor L/N. And might I say, I'm impressed." His British accent seemed to roll off of him like honey.
"And who might you be?" You asked, standing up straight as you clenched your fists.
The man in front of you adjusted the lapels of his jacket, before straightening his silk tie, "My name is Monty Charleston Shaw, and I have a proposition for you. Believe me, you'll want to hear it."
Staring at the man, you narrowed your eyes. Your mind was screaming at you to send him away, but your heart was curious. You've made up your mind. Gesturing to the chair in front of your desk, Monty sat down with a grin. "What's the proposition, Mr. Shaw?" You asked, sitting down in your own chair, your fingers fidgeting with the cold leather.
Monty cleared his throat, producing a creme envelope from the inside jacket pocket; sliding it towards you on your desk. "I have a special team heading to Egypt in two weeks to excavate the hidden remains of a forgotten prince. Prince Huaphris." He began, as you furrowed your eyebrows, opening the wax-sealed envelope to find a plane ticket inside. "It is said that Prince Huaphris was buried in a hidden tomb somewhere. My first team had unearthed a secret temple near the Nile, and we suspect he was hidden there. I need your expertise in finding Prince Huaphis and his treasure." He finished, leaving you intrigued, yet hesitant.
"Is this legit?" You asked, gesturing to the envelope, only for Monty to nod.
"Of course, Doctor. I'm certified by the board of the Smithsonian. Whatever we recover goes straight to the museum, and after, you'll be rewarded for your help."
You felt like a fish out of the water as you tried to speak, flabbergasted, "I don't really have the funds for a trip like this, Mr. Shaw. Especially one happening in two weeks."
Monty raised a hand, before placing it back on his cane. "Do not fret, Doctor. All expenses are covered. Flight to and from, hotel, and food. You'll be well taken care of."
You pursed your lips, "All expenses?" 
Monty nodded again, a grin on his face as you thought it quickly over. What did you have to lose?
"When does the plane leave?"
~~~
Walking out on the runway, you spot the private plane in the distance. Beside you, one of Monty's drivers was carrying your luggage. "This way, Doctor. Mr. Shaw is waiting for you." He spoke, as you notice Mr. Shaw and four other men with him.
Monty turned to you as you approached, hands clasping his cane as he grinned widely. "Ah, Doctor! Thought you'd changed your mind. I want you to meet part of the team." He spoke, gesturing to the four men.
"These two, Mr. Aaron Tucker and Theo Black. Mr. Tucker is an expert in ancient civilizations while Mr. Black is an expert in hieroglyphics." He spoke, signaling to a tallish man, you presumed was Mr. Tucker, with shaggy blonde hair. And, Mr. Black, a noticeable scar on his face, passing down his eyebrow and onto his cheek. "And this is Mr. Michael March, he's the photographer and journalist. He'll be taking note of everything that happens." Mr. Shaw spoke about the man with a camera around his neck, his circle glass slightly askew on his face, blue eyes piercing. "Lastly, we have Doctor Indiana Jones. Archaeologist. You may have heard of his work for the National Museum."
You turned to the famed doctor, giving him a once over with a slight frown, "Yes, I have." You said shortly, before turning back to Monty. 
Still grinning, Monty let out a laugh, "Well, let the journey begin. We have a long flight in front of us!" He spoke, before the five of you headed onto the plane.
Finding a spot near a window, you buckled and shuffled in your seat to get comfortable. You rubbed your thighs nervously, covered by your tan pants. You tried to dress as well as you could, knowing Egypt was going to be unbearably hot. You brought some sweaters for the cold nights, but for the sweating days, you brought tons of breathable shirts, pants, and your favorite pair of boots. You were about to read the book you brought with you, after all the trip was going to take forever, but you were surprised to see Indiana Jones sitting right across from you. You watched as he also got comfortable before he looked at you. You ignored his staring to go back to your book, feeling yourself getting dragged into the story before you heard him clear his throat. You looked up, eyes meeting his as he gave you a grin.
"So, you've heard of me, but I've never heard of you..." He trailed off, waiting for your name.
"L/N. Doctor L/N." You said, looking back down at your book.
Indiana's grin turned into a smirk, "Hmm, Doctor. I heard Shaw say that. What are you a doctor of, if I may ask?" He asked, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his seat.
"I am a doctor of Forensic Science and Forensic Archaeology. Specializing in examining and analyzing evidence from crime scenes. And, I specialize in my archaeological skills to assist with the location and recovery of human remains... I got my PhDs at the age of twenty-two, so it wouldn't surprise me if you had heard of me. Doctor." You replied curtly, keeping your gaze glued to the book.
Indiana shrugged, "I guess so." He muttered under his breath as a smile played upon his lips. Indiana was intrigued. He wanted to know more about you. You were quick-witted, and obviously incredibly smart. A fact Indiana liked. But, you were stubborn and didn't seem willing to share anything that wasn't relevant to what you were doing. If it weren't for his curiosity, Indiana would have stopped talking to you already. But, he couldn't resist the pull of a good conversation.
After a few more minutes of silence, Indiana spoke up again, "So, L/N, do you have a first name?" He asked, making you glance up at him briefly before turning a page in your book.
"What could you possibly gain from knowing my first name, Doctor Jones?" You asked, raising a brow as he smirked.
"Call me Indiana, please." He requested, holding out his hand as he flashed a winning smile.
Hesitating for a moment, you slowly put your book down in your lap, "I'll stick to Doctor Jones. Now, tell me why you're asking so many questions?" Ignoring his request for a handshake.
Indiana dropped his hand to his lap, clearing his throat. Your dismissal of his handshake threw him off a bit. "We are going to be working with each other for two months. Might as well get to know a fellow Doctor." He smiled, leaning forward a little.
You nodded, thinking about what he said for a second before looking up at him again, "Okay, I suppose I can give you my name, but only if you answer me something, Doctor Jones."
His smile widened as he leaned back into his chair, "Alright, Doctor, shoot."
"Are you going to be exasperating me the entire trip?"
Indiana let out a laugh, "Exasperating? After I find out your name, I'm taking a well-deserved nap."
You raised your book back up, covering your mouth as you hid your light smile, "Names Y/N."
Indiana sat back with a grin, satisfied. "Y/N." He tested your name out, only for you to look up at him with your tired, half-lidded eyes.
"Doctor L/N to you, Doctor Jones." You corrected, watching as Indiana just hummed, leaning his head back and placing his hat over his eyes.
"Doctor L/N it is then."
~~~
Clutching your seat's armrests as the plane jolted around slightly as it landed, you let out a sigh as you closed your book, slipping it into your brown leather satchel. Looking across from you, Indiana was still sleeping, his hat covering his eyes; chest softly rising up and down. Rolling your eyes, you stood up, leaning over to flick the rim of his hat up, waking him suddenly. Indiana gave you a glare as you just ignored him, grabbing your suitcase and leaving the plane. Stepping down the steps, you breathed in the air, smiling at the world around you. You haven't been to Egypt in a long time.
Rushing over to you, Monty gave you a smile, "Doctor, the vans will take you to the hotel. We only have three, so you'll have to double up. If you don't mind." He added, glancing over at the vans that awaited you.
"Of course not." You responded, grabbing your suitcase and walking towards the car. Once you arrived, you climbed into the backseat and sat down, putting your suitcase at your feet. "How long will it be until we reach Cairo?" You asked the driver, as he adjusted the rear-view mirror.
"Less than an hour."
You nodded and sat back, only to see the door beside you open, watching in dismay as Indiana took a seat next to you. 
"Great. The other vans weren’t good enough for you, Doctor?" You mumbled irritatedly, as Indiana sat his own suitcase at his feet.
Indiana gave you a grin, "Well, Doctor, Mr. Shaw, and the photographer already claimed a van while those other two took the other."
"How wonderful." You replied sarcastically as the van began to move. You turned to face your window, watching the sandy dunes slowly turn into sandstone buildings and houses. Soon, the van stopped in front of a large building, what you guessed was the hotel. The driver opened your door for you, grabbing your bag for you as you stretched. Your bones were tired from all the sitting and your body was begging for adventure. Either that, or a nice nap. You knew you'd probably get started with the dig tomorrow, as the sun was beginning to set.
Walking into the lobby, you gazed at the tapestries and portraits that lined the walls. You could hear chatter coming from the lobby, people rushing to get their room keys. Monty turned, noticing you before he walked over to you, handing you your room key. "You have room seven." He spoke, dropping your key in the palm of your hand, before turning to look slightly behind you. "And Doctor Jones, you have room six." He passed the key to him before looking at the two of you. “Dinner is at six sharp, don’t be late.” He called, before walking away, disappearing around the corner.
Turning to face Indiana who stood beside you, you raised a brow, "Dinner on the Nile? Sounds fancy..." You trailed off, causing him to nod. 
"It's beautiful; The Nile. Staring down into a seemingly never-ending abyss." Indiana muttered before gesturing to the stairs, "Might want to get unpacked, neighbor. Don't want to be late." He spoke, before grabbing his suitcase and heading up the stairs. Letting out an irritated sigh, you grabbed your bag and followed behind.
You stopped at your door, taking your key and unlocking it. You pushed open the door, setting your case down. Shutting it behind you, you looked around the room. There was a queen bed in the center of the room, with creme and red sheets and sheer curtains hanging from it. You spotted a small wooden dresser beside the bed and a small desk on the other side. You dragged your suitcase to the bed, unclasping the locks and pushing the lid open. You paused, grabbing the framed picture from its place on top of your neatly folded clothes. You felt yourself become emotional, quickly setting the frame down on the bedside table. You were quick to put away your clothes, checking your watch for the time. You still had enough time to get dressed, pushing the drawer closed, you grabbed your chosen attire and headed to the bathroom. 
~~~
On the boat, you sat at a long table, eating dinner. Thankfully, you were sitting beside Mr. Tucker and Mr. Black, though Indiana was sitting across from you; periodically looking at you as the dinner continued. The entree, rice-stuffed vegetables, and grape leaves were beyond delicious and brought up a lot of memories from your last trip to Cairo. The waiters then came around, placing a plate of sweet honey cakes in front of you; you felt your mouth salivate from just looking at the tasty dessert. You picked up your fork, stabbed a piece of the cake, taking a bite. It tasted amazing and made you realize how hungry you had become. With an appreciative hum, you reached for another piece, biting into the sweet cake, closing your eyes as you savored the sweetness. Unbeknownst to you, Indiana was watching you with a small grin. He'd never really seen you smile before and he'd found it quite entertaining, endearing even. After finishing up your cake, and as most of the others had left the table, you wiped your hands clean; dabbing your mouth with your napkin. You glanced over at Indiana, your eyes locking with his for the briefest of moments before your gaze fell down to your empty plate.
You quickly pushed your chair back, standing before you made your way onto the deck. You leaned your arms against the railing, watching the fairy lights dance across the water's reflection. People were chatting not too far away, sipping their white wine and having a great time. You, meanwhile, stared down at the river, silently listening to the soft sounds of laughter and music. The sound of someone gently clearing their throat broke that peace. You looked over to see Indiana, raising your eyebrows when you noticed his glass was almost drained.
"What do you want?" You asked, giving him a stern look.
Indiana blinked at your slightly harsh tone, "Just thought you might need some company." He offered, and you hummed tiredly, turning back to the river. Indiana stood beside you, looking down at the river with you. Taking a glance at you, he noticed your small frown, eyes cast downwards at the black abyss of the Nile, the soft lights casting shadows on your face. He watched as you ran your finger across the edge of your empty glass, staring into nothingness as you did. "What's the matter?" He asked, turning to face you slightly.
"Nothing," You answered with a shrug of your shoulders, taking another sip of your own drink, "Just thinking. By the way, it's none of your business."
He watched you curiously, seeing the look in your eyes; his own eye widening slightly, "You've been to Cairo before?" He asked in realization.
You let out a deep sigh, "If you must know since you keep pestering me... Yes. I have." You answered, looking up at him through your lashes, "Why are you so interested? And how did you know?"
Indiana looked at you, tilting his head slightly. "I'm curious about you."
Giving him a glare, studying him. Indiana was wearing what he usually wore, minus the whip and his hat. A loose white shirt tucked underneath tan pants. His hair was messy but kept somewhat under control. You bit your lip slightly, glancing away from his piercing stare. If he wasn't so irritating, you would find him charming. As it was, you couldn't help but feel slightly flustered by him. You shook your head slightly, turning to face the river once more. "Is that all you ever are, Doctor Jones? Curious?" You questioned.
Indiana smirked, "Call me Indiana."
You sputtered out a laugh, "I'll stick with Doctor Jones."
It was silent for a while, Indiana letting out a hum as he looked back at the river. "I know that look."
"What look?" You asked, turning to look at him, catching his side profile.
"You've missed this place." Was all Indiana answered back with, making you turn back to the river, pursing your lips. You stared down at the water, a cold breeze blowing past you as you thought about whether or not to let the man in. You had built your walls up so high…
"My father used to take me with him to Cairo for his excavations." You began softly, Indiana turned to you once more, his arms leaning against the boat's railing; he was silent, waiting for you to continue. "His first expedition was one of the most successful, he was able to find some valuable artifacts along the way." You sighed, smiling lightly as you remembered your father and his work. "But, after years of working hard and trying to make a name for himself, my father met someone who had told him about a rare artifact. One that would put my father down in the books as the finder."
"What happened?" Indiana asked softly, moving closer to you to hear the rest.
"A certain archaeologist took all the credit." You muttered grumpily, looking up at Indiana. "A certain archaeologist that was your father." You confessed, making Indiana's eyes widen.
"My dad?" Indiana narrowed his eyebrows, "So is this why you've been so cold towards me? Because of something my father did to yours?" His voice was laced with annoyance.
You shook your head, "No, actually it's the opposite. I just find you really stubborn, arrogant, annoying, scruffy-looking-"
"Scruffy-looking?" Indiana scoffed.
"-and rude. And you're always asking stupid questions-" You started to ramble until you heard Indiana laughing, "-What is it?" You asked, cocking your head.
"Well, do you know what I think?" He stated slowly, glaring at you.
"No," You replied, crossing your arms. "What do you think?" 
Indiana smirked as he leaned down slightly, "I think that you think you're so much better than me." He answered tauntingly, making you huff.
"Really? Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe..." You snapped, "Maybe I just don't like you!"
"Well, I don't like you either, sweetheart!" Indiana exclaimed, making you scoff.
"Fine! And don’t call me that!" You quickly pushed past him, Indiana turning to watch you.
"Fine!" He yelled back, staring as you paused at the railing, your tense shoulders falling as you ducked your head. Your breath slowed as you clenched your fists tightly.
"You were right about one thing, Doctor Jones." You mumbled loud enough for him to hear.
Indiana crossed his arms, "And what is that?"
You gave him a side glance, "It is beautiful." You answered, before heading back inside the boat.
Indiana stared at you as you left, eyes widening ever-so-slightly as he pursed his lips. He turned back to the dark Nile water, running his fingers through his hair, tugging at the ends slightly; letting out a heavy sigh.
~~~
You held your hat on your head, the wind blowing past you as you sat in the back of the wagon. You were heading to the excavation site, a couple of minutes out of Cairo, further down the river. 
"We're coming up to the site my first team had uncovered," Monty spoke up, gaining your and Indiana's attention over the loud engine.
"Will the first team be meeting us there?" You asked, but Monty shook his head, hands firmly clasped around his cane.
"No, I'm afraid I had to fire them." He spoke, making you furrow your eyebrows.
"What did they do?" Indiana inquired, causing Monty to shrug.
"They, shall we say, broke the contract." Monty replied, voice strange as he leaned against the wagon's wall, a small smirk on his face; eyes holding some unknown emotion. It irked you.
Suddenly the wagon stopped abruptly, sending you forward. Indiana was quick to grab your arm, saving you from slamming your face on the ground. You pulled your arm away, fixing your posture. Monty jumped off the wagon, making his way around to the front, opening the trap door. You climbed out, adjusting the hat on your head. Indiana followed suit, stepping into the heat of the day. Looking around at the landscape, your eyes widened as you saw the hidden temple, half-emerged from the sand. Even though most of it was hidden under the sand, you could tell it was a large structure. It was rectangular in shape, with large pillars holding up the large stone entrance. The entrance was dark, with two lit torches on another side of it, you could see the engraving on the side of the temple; beautifully crafted. 
"It's similar to the Temple of Edfu." You exclaimed, eyes wide in excitement and awe. “Oh, I can’t wait to see the inside.”
"Doctor, why don't you take a look?" Monty asked, making you look over at him.
Taking your time, you carefully made your way to him, turning your attention to the dark entranceway. It had stairs that lead straight down. Now that you were closer, you could see the touches that lit the stairwell. "I believe what we seek is down there," Monty spoke, as Mr. Turner and Mr. Black headed down into the temple; Indiana stopped beside you.
"Are you coming with us?" He asked, and Monty shook his head, tapping his left knee gently with his hand.
"Bad knee, you can understand." 
You nodded, and started down the temple stairs, holding onto the walls for stability as you did so. Indiana was close behind, grabbing a touch on the way in. Soon the stairs stopped, opening up into a long hallway; the walls lined with hieroglyphics; the air was still and stagnant, the only sounds being the footsteps of yours, Indiana's, Mr. Black's, and Mr. Turner's. 
Walking slowly down the hall, your footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. You stopped behind Mr. Black and Mr. Turner as they paused before a room. It was large, with strange symbols on the ground along with the walls. You leaned around the two men, spying perfectly square holes in the walls. "You go first." Mr. Black muttered, nudging Mr. Tucker, who nudged him back.
"You scared, Black?" Tucker teased, "It's just a room, right?"
"I don't know, I don't recognize any of these symbols." Mr. Black muttered and Tucker sighed, taking a step into the room. 
Suddenly, an arrow shot out of the wall, hitting Mr. Tucker right in the head, instantly killing him. You gasped, covering your mouth as Mr. Black yelled out.
"Booby traps!"
Mr. Black turned around and pushed you and Indiana out of the way, terror in his eyes as he scampered down the hall and up the stairs. 
"Coward!" You yelled out to him, before gritting your teeth and turning back to the room.
"What do you think?" Indiana spoke up, his voice echoing off the walls.
"What do I think?" You asked, giving him a side glance, "I think we keep going." You said before narrowing your eyes on the floor. "It seems that if you step on the wrong tile, the trap goes off." You theorized before you went to take a step forward; but Indiana grabbed your arm, pulling you back.
"What are you doing?" He asked, looking at you as if you were crazy.
You looked up at him as you pulled your arm away from him again. "If you had read some of the hieroglyphics back there you would know that it basically told you how to get across this room."
Indiana narrowed his eyes at you, "When were you going to tell me you can read hieroglyphics?"
You turned away, stepping into the room, "You never asked, now, only step where I step." You replied, turning back to Indiana.
He watched as you took another step, his heart lurching with each step you took; thankfully, no arrows shot out of the walls. "Step where I step," Indiana muttered, making you stop, glaring over at him.
"No mocking me, I can easily lead you astray." You lightly scolded, before pointing to a stone with a bird-like symbol.
Indiana moved to that step, before taking the next one. "Would you?" The tension between the two of you could be cut with a knife.
"No." You answered before you hopped onto the last stone, like a messed up version of hopscotch; struggling to keep your balance. "But I could."
Indiana stepped on the last one before he entered the next hallway with you. "You know, it would've been helpful to know you could read it," Indiana muttered to you, taking the lead as he walked down the hall with you.
"Jones! Wait!" You exclaimed quickly, grabbing the back of his shirt and pulling him back, noticing the ceiling with a large slit in it. 
"What?" He asked, and you grabbed your hat, tossing it in front of Indiana, watching as a large sharp object shot down, cutting your hat in half.
"For someone so observant, you really are blind sometimes. Booby trap." You answered, making Indiana sigh. 
"Thanks, sweetheart." Indiana thanked you sarcastically, his voice deep and taunting as he stepped over the booby trap, continuing down the hall.
You followed close behind, glaring at Indiana's back, "Don't call me sweetheart." You practically growled before you heard yelling from where you had come from. "I think we should go back." You spoke up and Indiana nodded.
"I think you're right." He answered, the two of you making your way back past the fallen booby trap and across the tiles and up the stairs; careful not to get shot. Stopping at the top of the stairs, you moved your hand above your eyes as the wind and sand blew against you harshly.
"Come on, we have to go!" One of Monty's men yelled out to you, taking your hand.
"What's going on!?" Indiana yelled out over the loud wind.
"There's a storm coming. We have to get back before it hits us!" He yelled, guiding you both back to a smaller van, before speeding away back to Cairo.
Back at the hotel, you shook out your hair, bits of sand falling to the ground and onto the carpet below. Indiana did the same, grumbling about sand in his shoes as you headed up the stairs together. 
"How long will the storm be?" You asked, and Indiana shrugged, his shoulders falling as he let out a sigh.
"I don't know, hours?" He answered before heading down the hall and stopping at his door. "Good night, Doctor." He spoke before entering his room and shutting the door.
You pursed your lips before entering your room. Shutting your own door, you shuffled to the dresser, grabbing some night clothes as the wind howled. Changing quickly, you sat on your bed, exhausted. 
~~~
A knock at your door awoken you, your eyes blinking rapidly as you sat up in the bed, the blanket dropping to your waist. As whoever was at your door knocked again, you slid out of bed, slipping on your slippers and robe before heading to the door. Opening it slightly, you looked up to find Indiana staring down at you. He was dressed for the day, similar to his attire the day before. You rubbed your cheek as you spoke, "May I help you, Doctor?" 
"I'm taking you to see a friend of mine," Indiana replied, giving you a grin.
"Right now? Aren't we going back to the temple today?" You asked and Indiana shook his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"That sandstorm covered most of the temple, so they are going to re-excavate it." He answered, and you raised an eyebrow.
"So that means you want to drag me around Cairo?" You asked and Indiana nodded.
"Thought it would be better than sitting in your room all day." He spoke, and you raised an eyebrow at him. Why was he now being so nice?
You let out a sigh, casting your gaze down, "Fine. I'll be ready in ten." You answered, shutting the door.
You quickly grabbed some clothes and got dressed, stumbling to the door as you pulled on and laced your boots. Opening the door, you spotted Indiana leaning across from your room on the wall. He pushed off the wall as you neared, fixing your hair. "Who are we going to go see?" You asked and Indiana began walking, you followed close behind, being able to catch up and walk beside him.
"A friend of mine." He answered back, a smirk on his face.
You furrowed your eyebrows, looking over at him, "A friend of yours? Wow, very specific." You mumbled, earning a laugh from him. "I like them already." You said sarcastically. 
Indiana ignored your obvious enthusiasm, "He helps me with excavations sometimes. He lives in the city." 
You hummed, stepping out into the streets of Cairo. Indiana led you around the city, passing by vendors, businesses, and homes. You both weaved past people carrying woven baskets on their shoulders, others carrying bags filled with goods. You saw a man standing outside of a clothing shop, a few children following along beside him as they played with a ball. Their laughter reached your ears and a smile formed on your face. It didn’t take long to reach Indiana’s destination, stopping at a house, you narrowed your eyes at it.
"This place seems familiar."
Indiana turned to look down at you, his eyebrows furrowed, "Familiar?"
Before you could say anything you heard laughter, watching as nine children ran out of the house, all crowding around Indiana in a giant hug. Indiana beamed, ruffling some of the kid's hair, as they chanted his name. The whole scene in front of you surprised you. It was almost… Endearing.
"Where are my- do my eyes deceive me?" You turned to the new voice and your eyes widened, a smile on your face. "Jawhara!" He cried, rushing up to you as you threw your arms around him.
Indiana watched in shock as you laughed, hugging the man he knew to be his friend, Sallah. So that was what you meant when you said you recognized the home.
Pulling back, Sallah looked at you with a beaming smile, "Oh, how you've grown. Just like your mother. Yet as adventurous as your father." He praised you, making you smile sheepishly.
"Thank you, Sallah. I am so glad to see you again. It's been ages." You replied, glancing over at Indiana who had been frozen, staring at you. "I didn't know you had kids." You turned back to Sallah, who nodded happily.
"Yes, you remember my wife, Fayah? Yes, nine perfect children." He replied, before he turned to Indiana, his kids having gone back inside a while ago. "Let's go inside, we have lots to catch up on."
Inside, you sat down at a table with Indiana and Sallah, sipping some tea that Fayah had made for you. Indiana looked to his friend and to you, before looking back to Sallah. "How do you two know each other?" He asked and Sallah sighed.
"I was friends with their father and mother, when they traveled here Fayah and I would take care of them.” He explained, smiling fondly at you before turning to Indiana. "Such a little troublemaker this one was." Sallah added and you blushed, slightly embarrassed as Indiana chuckled.
"Still is."
You turned to him, giving him a small glare, only for him to sort of glare back. Sallah cleared his throat, gaining your attention back. "So, how do you two know each other? Friends? Lovers?"
"Sal!"
"Sallah!"
You and Indiana both exclaimed, making the older man laugh, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. You rubbed your face, closing your eyes as you leaned your elbows on the table. Indiana ran a hand through his hair, before speaking.
"We were both asked to join this excavation." He answered simply, letting out a tired sigh.
Sallah smiled brightly, turning to you, "You were asked to join them?"
You nodded with your own smile. "We're looking for Prince Huaphris's tomb."
The older man's smile grew as he took another drink of his tea. "Ah, the forgotten Prince. I heard that they recently excavated a temple." 
"Sallah!" Fayah called from somewhere in the home, making the man in question straighten in his seat.
"Yes, habibi?" He called back, earning no answer. Turning, Sallah gave you both an apologetic smile, standing from his seat. "You must excuse me. You two can stay as long as you need " He spoke, headed to another room before he turned to you, "It was nice seeing you again, jawhara." He spoke softly before leaving the room.
You smiled, taking another sip of your tea as Indiana turned to you. "What does he call you?" He asked and you paused before you placed your cup down.
"He calls me ‘jewel’." You answered, before speaking again, "You didn't tell me you knew Sallah." Looking up into his eyes, he looked into yours.
"You didn't either."
A silence fell upon you, as the two of you just looked at each other. The tension, similar to the one in the temple, could also be cut with a knife. The room felt cold. The atmosphere was suffocating, almost unbearable. You didn't know how long the two of you sat there, staring at each other, before you snapped back to reality, clearing your throat as you avert your eyes. You hadn't even realized it, but you began to fiddle with your shirt sleeve, your fingers playing with a gold thread.
Indiana looked at you, watching as your eyes looked away from his, almost bashfully as you looked down at your lap. Indiana bit his lip, looking to the floor as well before looking back at you.
"Um... Y/n... I-" He trailed off, not sure of what to say. You turned your eyes back to his, looking at him questioningly. His cheeks began to feel warm. "Y/n, I..." He paused, swallowing thickly. "I'm sorry."
Your eyebrows rose in surprise. You glanced back down, looking at your lap as you bit the inside of your cheek. Your lips pursed together. "I'm sorry too. You know, for calling you scruffy-looking." You apologized, looking up at the man. "More than that, I have been a bit... Rude." You turned back to look at him, giving him a soft frown. The two of you continued to stare at each other silently. After a moment, you found yourself unable to stand the silence between the two of you. "Can we please start over? Properly this time?" You asked, and Indiana nodded, giving you a grin.
You both stood up, Indiana offering his hand to you, "I'm Indiana Jones." You smiled at him for the first time, taking his hand and shaking it firmly. Indiana's heart began to race at just the sight of your smile, "But you can call me Indiana."
"I'm Y/N L/N." You began, smiling at him. "It's nice to meet you, Indiana."
The two of you stayed quiet, looking at each other, Indiana's chest warming at the sound of your voice saying his name. Had his eyes always been that chocolatey brown? You felt heat rise in your cheeks and you coughed, clearing your throat, pulling your hand back to your side, "Well, we should get going." You said, nodding towards the door. "We wouldn't want to make our friend suffer. Hands probably full of kids.”
~~~
“We're going to have to cut this trip short. Another sandstorm is coming. Bigger than the last one.” Monty spoke, the handle of his cane glinting in the hot, smoldering sun.
Your head perked up at his words, pursing your lips, “How long do we have?” You asked, awaiting his answer.
“Less than three days.” He answered shortly.
“No offense, Mr. Shaw, but I don’t think we can get to the tomb in that amount of time.” Indiana spoke up beside you, and Monty turned to him, his fingers clenching his cane.
“Well, Doctor L/N finished that map, correct?” Monty asked and you were quick to nod your head. For the past couple of weeks, you have been charting the temple's layout. Marking down the halls and rooms, you had narrowed it down to one area where you were sure the tomb was located. "Splendid, I have faith in Doctor L/N's faultless expertise. We’ll find that tomb."
While you were working on your map, Indiana was researching the supposed treasure. Finding out that it would all be worth one million dollars. Especially if the rare artifact, the dagger of the fourth King, Ahkmenrah, was in there. It was all so thrilling. And during that time, you and Indiana grew closer. You found him indeed charming as Indiana found you wondrous.
Taking a torch, you led the way, your fingers dragging along the inscriptions on the wall. As you walked farther and farther along, a sense of unease began to grow within you, causing your steps to slow. You glanced behind you to Indiana, "Do you trust Mr. Shaw?" You asked, and Indiana said nothing; taking your hand and taking the lead. 
"No." He finally said as he reached the first room, following your steps as you made sure not to step on the wrong tile. "Not at all, why?"
You hopped to the ledge, making it into the next hall, the sounds of your footsteps echoing loudly against the hard stone walls. "Because something doesn't add up about him."
He stopped at the next doorway, tilting his head as he regarded you. "Such as?" 
You shrugged, "The first team. Where did they go? And what about Mr. Tucker?" You said, gesturing back to the sadly dead boy of Mr. Tucker, "He didn't even seem to care when we told him."
Indiana sighed, taking your hand again as he led you down the hall with the one booby, helping you over it, “He has been a bit off-" He stopped abruptly at the end of the hallway, freezing.
You looked at him, tightening your hold on his hand, "What? What is it?" You asked, leaning to the side to see that the hall just opened up, dropping into a dark hole; it was at least eight feet or more across. You gulped, feeling a shiver run down your spine as you felt your hands clam up. "Indiana... Please don't tell me we have to cross that." You practically begged, eyes wide as you stared at the deep hole.
"It seems we don't really have a choice, sweetheart." He mumbled, before going straight into action, letting go of your hand and grabbing his whip. 
Your mind completely passed over him calling you 'sweetheart', rather thinking about falling down to your death. You bit your lip, "I don't think I can do it, Indiana. I'm not really good with heights... And you know, the whole impending doom of falling down that thing."
Indiana took the torch from your hand, reaching out and dropping it into the deep depths, watching it as it fell down and down… Indiana then swung his whip as best as he could, before aiming it at a small beam on the ceiling. Tugging it, Indiana turned to you, offering his hand to you. "You can do this. Just hold onto me tight." He softly commanded. You let out a shaky breath, before grabbing Indiana's hand with a death grip. Pulling you closer, Indiana wrapped his arm around your waist, "Don't look down." He whispered, his breath hot against your ear as he gripped your waist tighter.
Digging your head into his shoulder, you shut your eyes tight. Taking a step forward, Indiana pushed off from the ground; swinging across. You squeezed tighter as you felt the wind move across your hair and face, your stomach flipping as your feet left the ground. Soon though, your feet touched the ground, but you kept your arms around Indiana, clinging to him. You peeked open an eye, taking in the view of your surroundings.
"Are you alright?" He questioned, turning to face you as you slowly released your hold on him.
You felt your heart thumping in your chest as you looked up at him. He was so close. If you only leaned in a little bit more-
You gave a nod, "Yeah, but I am never doing that again." You let out, making Indiana laugh lightly as he tugged his whip down, letting go of your waist but taking your hand again as you walked down the next hall, but not before grabbing another torch.
This hall was larger, far more spacious, allowing Indiana to walk beside you; his hand dropping from yours. You frowned slightly, missing his hand in yours as you clenched your hands briefly before looking at the walls. You could make out most of the inscriptions, catching a passage but you were quick to get distracted. You turned yet again down another hall, making you sigh. It felt like you had been walking on the slight slope for hours and your knees were beginning to ache. When really, it had been only a couple of minutes and your knees were aching. Right when you were about to say something, you paused to see two beautifully designed statues holding up the entranceway, and two perfectly carved snakes on each wall.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Indiana muttered, looking at the architecture in awe.
"Impeccably so," You responded in kind, looking at the statues. One of them was holding some sort of animal, but you couldn't figure it out. A couple of meters ahead of you stood a pedestal, sitting upon it was a golden coffin, your face brightened as you pointed to it.
"We found it!" You exclaimed, taking his hand and dragging him further into the tomb. Before you, the tomb sat on a large pillar, carved to look like snake scales, dropping off with a large gap between you and it. Behind the tomb was the treasure, the treasure of the forgotten Prince. Golden vases and goblets. Thousands of jewels were overflowing a giant golden chest, and golden coins laying on the ground. With a joyful smile, you turned to Indiana, his own lips turned up in a smile as he looked at the tomb. You had done it; you had actually uncovered an ancient Egyptian tomb. A Prince, not to mention. You were over the moon.
Suddenly, you heard a loud explosion of some kind, watching as the wall nearest to the treasure blasted apart, smoke flying in the air as you stepped closer to Indiana, flinching at the loud noise. Pausing, you heard slow clapping, seeing Monty, and a couple of his men as the smoke dissipated into the air. They held guns as they stepped over the rubble. As did Monty,  holding it by his pinkie as he clapped; a smirk on his face. "Well done, Doctors. Well done."
"Are you crazy!?" Indiana exclaimed angrily, "You just ruined thousand-year-old history!"
Monty scoffed, gesturing with his hand, his men rushed over, grabbing armfuls of the treasure. "I want to thank you two. If it weren't for your knowledge of the treasure and your knowledge of Forensic Archaeology, I wouldn't have found the treasure. I do have to give you two credit. After all, you did lead me straight to it." He laughed evilly, before pointing his gun at the two of you. "Now, if you'd like to take a glance down, you'll see your future, and well, your end." You glared up at the man, seeing red. He used you. Both of you.
You leaned over slightly to see that you were standing above a pit of snakes. Hundreds, thousands of snakes, slithering; crawling over each other. Your heart started to pound rapidly inside of your chest, and your breaths became shallow. This wasn't how you expected this adventure to end. 
"Snakes... Why is it always snakes?" Indiana mumbled to himself, seemingly frightened as his terror-filled brown eyes stared down at the evil beneath him.
"I did actually read something about how the Prince really liked snakes back in the hall." You spoke up, Indiana turning to you with narrowed eyes. “He even had a pet snake named Hathor.”
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, frustratedly as you shrugged.
"The pet snake? I didn't think it was a big deal.” You shrugged, making Indiana shake his head, looking down at you.
“No, about the pit of snakes.” He answered back, annoyed, and your eyes widened slightly as you ‘oohed.’
“Oooh, I thought if they had put anything down here it would've been dead already. But I can see how if they put enough down there, they could procreate... But what would they eat?" You ranted slightly and Indiana rubbed his face.
"Each other, sweetheart."
Monty became more and more irritated as you both bantered back and forth, physically shaking, "Shut up! Both of you!" He yelled, shooting his gun at the ceiling, but you both ignored him.
You scrunched up your nose. "But do you know if they have those types of snakes down there? I mean, when I looked, I saw a King Cobra, but I don't think snakes eat each other, even in times of hardship." 
“I have no idea, Y/N, I’m not a snake professor.” Indiana sighed, rubbing a hand down his face.
"Shut up!" Monty yelled out again, in red rage before he aimed his gun and shot out. 
You watched in a sort of slow-motion as Indiana clutched his shoulder, blood seeping through his dirtied shirt as he toppled over, falling down into the snake pit.
"Indy!" You cried out, eyes wide in shock and fear. Not really thinking, you jumped down, landing in the sand that didn't have any snakes, but on your side, making you wince. That was definitely going to leave a bruise.
"That was a very foolish thing to do, Doctor. Do you know how many poisonous creatures are in this pit? I should shoot you, but I guess I will allow you to live." Monty spoke, voice low and threatening. You looked up at him, as he just laughed, gesturing for his men to hurry up. "No hard feelings!" He called down to you as he left the temple with his men, carrying bags of artifacts.
You quickly stood up, looking around, spotting Indy's torch near you. Grabbing it, you found Indy standing in his own clear section, surrounded by snakes. Thinking quickly, you measured the distance between yourself and Indy; forming a plan. "Snakes don't like fire, right?" You called to him, watching as you moved the torch around, the snakes backing away from you as they hissed.
"They hate it!" Indiana yelled back, the snakes getting incredibly closer to him.
Concentrating, you tossed your torch in the middle of the snakes blocking you from Indiana. The snakes hit with the flames hissed and quickly slithered away, leaving a good amount of empty ground for you. Indiana watched you as you took a couple of steps back before sprinting forward, jumping into a front flip and landing in the small circle you made with your torch. Picking it up, you tossed it to Indiana, who quickly grabbed it as you landed another flip into his circle.
"Where did you learn that?" He asked as you looked around at the snakes.
"My mother, now do you have a plan?" You asked as he waved the torch at the snakes, making them back off.
"No, do you?" He asked and you looked around the room, noticing four large pillars in the corners. Looking at the ceiling, you found that it was cracking, from the bullet Monty had shot at it. You watched as it began to crumble, giving you an idea. 
"Yeah, and you're not going to like it." You spoke, noticing most of the pillars had snakes creeping along them. The drop from where you had been was only maybe a fifteen-foot drop, too high to reach but the pillars had deep grooves that you could use. "Indiana, follow me." You instructed before you took a running jump and grabbed onto the pillar. Similar to rock climbing, you used your upper body strength to push yourself up and grab another deep groove, pulling yourself up. Looking down, you weren't more than nine feet off the ground. 
Indiana looked up at you before he dropped the torch, running up and grabbing the first groove before pulling himself up to the next one beside you. "What now?" He asked, wincing from the pain in his shoulder as your chest heaved and you looked up.
"I don't know, i'm making up this stuff as I go. Maybe we could keep climbing until we get to the top. Idiot Monty shot the column, it's unstable. We can slide around to the back and push it off the wall."
"Do you really think we can push a thousand-pound rock?" Indiana asked as you shrugged, climbing higher.
"We got to try, and I don't know about you, but I'd rather not be snake food." 
Carefully, you both climbed up, moving against the wall. Pushing your backs against it, you put your feet against the pillar, pushing with everything you had. Hearing a loud rumbling, you opened your eyes to see the ceiling crumbling away, the pillar began to shake as it broke away from the stone. You watched as it began to fall, jumping down and running along the falling column, Indiana running close behind as the large sculpted stone hit the Prince's tomb, crashing into it harshly.
"Sorry, your highness!" You cried out as Indiana took your hand. Before running up the ramp you made out of the pillar and jumped over the large chasm, over the snakes; landing brutally on your sides.
You sat up with a wince, holding onto your side as you watched the sculpted pillar that the tomb was on slowly crumb, before falling down into the pit of snakes, the tomb going with it. 
"At least he's with his snakes." You grimaced, as Indiana let out a deep breath, his chest heaved, sweat covering his brow and his forehead. You stood up with a grunt and helped him up, smiling weakly.
"That was quite a leap you made there." He groaned, your arms wrapping his arm over your shoulder, leading him through the hole Monty and his men made with their explosives. 
"And you, you survived a pit of snakes." You praised, carefully making it over the broken pieces of wall.
"Wouldn't be the first." He hissed in pain through his teeth, a smile on his face nonetheless.
~~~
Making it to the surface, you let out a sigh of relief, before turning to look up at Indiana. "Are you alright, Indy?"
"You called me Indy?" He asked, looking down at you, a small smiling forming on your lips.
"I also did when you got shot, but that doesn't matter right now. If you're fine, we need to get to Monty, and get that gold back." 
"You're the boss, honey." He replied back as you began to walk to Cairo. Indiana turned down to look at you, noticing your little freckles and the way your lashes caressed the tops of your cheeks. "You didn't tell me off for that one." He noticed and you hummed, staring up ahead.
"I guess I don't mind that one." You confessed quietly, making Indiana smile proudly before it slowly faltered as he heard a car in the distance. Ahead, you watched as a car drove towards you, stopping a couple of feet away. 
"Jawhara!" A voice called, making you smile seeing Sallah in the driver's seat. You quickly rushed over, helping Indiana in as you took the passenger seat.
"Sal! How did you find us?" You asked, pleasantly surprised as Sallah began to speed back to Cairo.
"I was out in town and watched those excavators leave but without you. Knew you and Indiana were in trouble." He spoke as he carefully weaved his way past people.
"Thank you, Sallah," Indiana spoke up from the back and Sallah nodded his head, catching a glimpse of Indy in the mirror.
“So, what happened?” Sallah asked as he speed down the sandy dunes, the trip bumpy as you held onto the seat, your other hand pressed firmly into the van’s ceiling.
“Shaw tried to kill us with a snake pit.” You answered, making Sallah laugh heartily.
“Ah! Typical. Must have been terrible for Indy. Hating snakes and all. But, I am glad you both made it out alive!”
You looked behind you to Indiana, a small smirk on your face. “You hate snakes? Why didn’t you tell me?” You asked him as he grimaced just thinking about the slithering reptile. 
“Why would I? Just thinking about them…” Indiana shivered.
You turned back to Sallah, “Thank you again, Sal.”
"Anything for Indiana Jones and my Jawhara!"
Sallah sped down the desert, somehow being able to catch up to the plane before it went into the air. Sallah stopped a little ways away as Indiana pulled his gun from his belt, checking the bullets before he hopped out of the car. You opened the glove compartment and grabbed Sallah's gun, before doing the same. Getting low, you rushed up to Indiana behind a giant boulder, holding your gun close as you both peeked out from behind the rock.
"How many?" You asked softly, as Indiana counted the men, watching as they slowly packed away the gold in the plane.
"Eight?" He asked, more as a question. "Don't get killed." He then said, turning down to look at you.
You just looked up at him with a smile, "Not planning to." You promised, giving him a wink.
Quickly, you and Indiana began your assault, taking down as many men as you could from behind your spot, the men firing back. You were able to hit three of them, sending them down before they could reload.
"This isn't working." One of the men shouted and you looked up just in time to watch him take out a grenade, pulling out the clip with his teeth.
Quickly, you ducked behind the boulder, sand flying in the air before the sound of gunfire. You looked down at your gun, it had jammed. And beside you, Indiana was gone, making your eyes widen and your heart pound in your chest. Looking over the boulder, you watched him storm the plane, taking out the rest of the man. You let out a sigh as Indiana swerved around a man's punch, before knocking the man out. How he got on top of the plan, you'd probably never know. 
But you knew this wasn't the time to wonder about it, so while the last two men were busy with Indiana, you before rushing inside the plane. Inside, you paused, finding the stolen treasure. You knew you couldn't grab all of it, so once all the yelling, fighting, and gunfire stopped, you peeked your head out of the plane. 
Indiana walked over slowly, stumbling slightly as he made it to the plane's stairs, leaning up against it as he looked up at you. "Is it all there?" He asked, his hand gripping his shoulder, covered in dry blood.
You nodded with a bright smile, "Yeah, it's all here." You breathed out, "It's here."
~~~
In the spare bedroom of Sallah's home, you dipped a cool cloth into a bowl of water, rinsing, and squeezing it out. Reaching over, you gently dabbed Indiana's wound. Well, it wasn't really a wound, the bullet barely grazed him; though he was bleeding a lot. You were trying not to get distracted by Indiana's chest, his bare chest and stomach that was exposed; to easily access the wound. Glancing up, you watched as his face scrunched up in pain, wincing again. "I'm sorry..." You apologized softly, pressing lightly on the area again. You glanced back to Indiana's face and felt your cheeks heat up slightly before your eyes wandered to a small bruise forming on his cheek. 
Reaching out, you gently touched his skin, feeling how warm it was underneath your fingers. You swallowed nervously, trying to avoid eye contact as your finger trailed across the bruise before finally looking up at him. His eyes were closed, as he softly nudged his cheek into your hand; his own reaching up and gently holding your wrist.
"I'm fine. Always am. You have nothing to be sorry for." Indiana whispered, his eyes slowly opening, looking into yours intently.
"If I hadn't-"
"Don't start that again." He interjected, making your eyebrows furrow. "Stop beating yourself up over it, please."
"But if I had stopped talking about the snake..." You muttered only for him to interrupt you again, dipping the rag in the dirtying water again.
“What do you think would have happened? We still would've fallen into that pit; if anything I'm the one who should be apologizing." Indiana argued as you squeezed out the water.
"But you didn't do anything." You stated quietly, "Can we just drop this? We have already established that we are both stubborn. We won’t get anywhere fighting…" You commented, pressing the rag to his wound, making some progress as you finally cleared up all the blood, dirt, and sweat. Your words hung in the air between you, as you glanced up to meet his brown eyes. Your hand slowly fell from his shoulder, as you gazed into his eyes. His eyes flickered down at your lips, his thumb slowly rubbing your wrist until your skin warmed under his touch.
Indiana looked at you, the sun's rays shining down on you, illuminating your features. The sunlight glistened on your smooth face, making it seem like you were glowing under the light. You were breathtaking; stunning. Even with sand in your hair and a smudge of dirt on your face; you were heart-stopping. Indy's eyes widened a fraction of an inch and before he realized what he was doing, his thumb slipped from your wrist, brushing your skin softly as he reached over. Your breath hitched in your throat as he brushed a stray strand of hair out of your face, pushing some of it behind your ear. Your heart pounded loudly in your ears as you stared into the brown orbs of his. His gaze softens, his fingers running down your cheek and resting on your neck. You leaned closer to him, your lips almost touching as he stared into your eyes.
The world seemed to go silent as he lowered his head down to yours. It seemed like time slowed down, as he softly brushed his lips against yours, a small spark igniting inside of you. Your hands found their place in his hair, your fingertips lightly stroking through his silky locks as you deepened the kiss, knocking his precious hat off his head. After a moment, you parted, breathing heavily as you gazed into each other's eyes. You were both quiet, neither one daring to move, scared that any sudden movement would ruin the moment. So you kept gazing into each others' eyes, admiring the way the sunset brought out his eyes, the way his eyelashes brushed his cheeks, and the way his mouth curved into a slight smile, his forehead pressed against yours.
The sounds of people outside in the streets, going to and from businesses and shops, Indiana finally breaking the silence, "You're beautiful," He murmured, his hand moving to cup your face as he stared into your eyes with such intensity you felt you might drown in his stare.
You felt your cheeks flush and you closed your eyes as you leaned forward and kissed his palm. "You're a charmer, Jonesy." You whispered, your eyes fluttering open and gazing into his brown eyes, his smile widening slightly as he cupped your cheek. "Indy?" You then spoke up softly, making Indiana hum in response. "Do you know how to fly that plane?"
Indiana froze for a moment, "No?" He answered, making you laugh a little, nuzzling your nose with his as you pulled away, grabbing the bandages for his wound. 
"I had a feeling you wouldn't." You teased, biting your lip, giggling as Indiana narrowed his eyes at you, feigning offense. "I borrowed a phone while I was grabbing the bandages. We'll be out of Cairo and back in Connecticut tomorrow night. And I have a van that will be sending all the Prince's treasure to both the National Museum and the Smithsonian." You explained, wrapping the bandage around his upper arm.
Indiana's eyes lit up, a huge grin appearing on his face, "Oh, honey," He breathed out softly, "Could you be any more perfect?” He asked as you just rolled your eyes.
~~~
Standing beside you, suitcases packed and at your sides, you waited for the plane to arrive. You both had said goodbye to Sallah, his wife, and the kids. Promising to write and visit as much as possible. Indiana tugged you closer into his side, his arm wrapped securely around your waist as the wind began to pick up slightly as you watched an airplane slowly land. Indiana held his hat down as the plane slid to a stop a couple of meters away. The plane's propeller slowly spun to a stop as the door opened, and an older man with a thick gray beard stepped out. In spotting you, he smiled rushing over. You did the same, pulling your father into your arms. 
Indiana watched in a form of awe as you smiled at the man before turning around and smiling over at him.
"Come on, Indy. Let's go home."
Without wasting another second, Indiana grabbed the suitcases, following you to the plane. And as he sat beside you, being introduced to your father, Indiana couldn't help but wonder... What new adventures were in store for him?
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i-cant-sing · 2 years
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I feel like when the yandere boys kidnaping there darlings they have there own aesthetic they dress there darling in
For demitri i feel like he would dress reader in luxurious clothes some silk. Like a rich dads misstress kind of luxury
For Theo i feel like its the coastal granddaughter aesthetic like lots of light weight cotton, linen and other materials. If its like fall it would be more sweaters (his ofc) and leggings or jeans but he has this kind of like fashionable thing going on with him and im digging it
Idk for eros (im sorry but i dont read much of him)
Ooooh your spot on for Dimitri and Theodore. Like Dimitri doesn't know anything bur luxury brands, only the best fir his darling. And Theodore adores seeing you in floral dresses and skirts just as much as in his clothes.
As for Eros, hmm, I think he would go with whatever your aesthetic is. You like goth? He's buying you all gothic clothes and even learns to do your eyeliner. Whatever your vibe is, he'll get it for you. Maybe even match outfits with you sometimes 💖💖
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cantsayidont · 5 days
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Hateration holleration, oddball selections:
MOTHERS' INSTINCT (2024): Peculiar drama-cum-thriller, set in 1960, starring Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway as suburban neighbors Alice and Celine, whose friendship is disrupted when Celine's young son Max (Baylen D. Bielitz) is killed in an accident. Afterward, Celine becomes unusually attached to Alice's son Theo (Eamon O'Connell), who was Max's best friend, which begins to make Alice very nervous. Does Celine mean Theo harm, or is Alice's guilt (she was watching Max at the time of his accident) making her paranoid? The way the plot plays out offers little tension and few surprises — it feels a little twist-deficient as a thriller, attempting to compensate with a surprisingly dark finale — and it doesn't offer a lot of motive for the eventual drastic escalations beyond "sometimes motherhood makes women crazy." Also, while one can see why Chastain and Hathaway were interested in these parts as actors, they both seem a little too old for their characters, and Anders Anielsen Lie and Josh Charles are both wasted as their respective husbands. CONTAINS LESBIANS? Early on, it seems like there's something between Alice and Celine, but the movie isn't interested in exploring or even acknowledging that. VERDICT: Grim and gloomy, but never very exciting, and it keeps flirting with the idea of making some kind of point about the sexual politics of its time that never gels.
THE POKER HOUSE (2008): Lori Petty made her directorial debut with this semi-autobiographical drama, scripted by David Alan Grier from Petty's story about an eventful and upsetting day in the life of a 14-year-old girl named Agnes (Jennifer Lawrence), growing up dirt poor in a rough, mostly Black neighborhood, where her mother Sarah (Selma Blair) turns tricks when her boyfriend/pimp Duval (Bokeem Woodbine) isn't running illegal poker games, leaving Agnes in loco parentis for her younger sisters (Chloë Grace Moretz and Sophi Bairley), who hang out at the local bar while Agnes is at school. The story takes some dark turns — it centers on Agnes being sexually assaulted by Duval — but because it's based on Petty's own life, it's never indulgently sordid, and, with the notable exception of Sarah, it has a lot of compassion for the people in Agnes' neighborhood, who are doing the best they can with almost nothing to work with. As a result, the film is heartfelt if not particularly polished. (Curiously, it was produced by prolific TV writer-producer Stephen J. Cannell, best known for detective and action shows including THE ROCKFORD FILES, THE A-TEAM, HUNTER, and SILK STALKINGS, with a score by TV perennial Mike Post.) CONTAINS LESBIANS? Nope. VERDICT: If you like Lori Petty and can handle the subject matter (CWs apply for sexual violence), it's worth a look.
THE RAINBOW (1989): Earnest but somewhat awkward Ken Russell dramatization of the last section of the 1915 D.H. Lawrence novel, set around the end of the 19th century, about a young woman from Derbyshire, Ursula Brangwen (Sammi Davis), who has affairs with both her swimming instructor Winifred (Amanda Donohue) and a young soldier named Anton (Paul McGann), while striving for financial, intellectual, and romantic freedom that her era doesn't offer or encourage, especially for women. It's sort of a prequel to Russell's 1969 adaptation of Lawrence's WOMEN IN LOVE, which follows Ursula and her sister Gudrun 20 years later. I have not read either novel, so I can't say how Russell's versions compare, but taken strictly on its own terms, THE RAINBOW feels like something director Stephanie Rothman might have made for Roger Corman in the '70s, with dollops of Second Wave feminist idealism in what often plays like an exploitation movie. The uneasiness of that mixture leaves no space to interrogate some troubling aspects of the plot, like Ursula's racist ideas about moving to India with Anton, or her violent outburst at a student in the school where she becomes a teacher. CONTAINS LESBIANS? Ursula is bisexual, and part of the plot deals with her relationship with Winifred. VERDICT: At the risk of undermining my literary bona fides, I thought it worked far better as an exploitation movie than a feminist drama.
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thebemoon · 1 year
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Hi!! I love your writing! And I was wondering how you set a scene like the actual setting. I feel like my setting is always lacking and that the readers won’t understand the atmosphere i’m setting or wont know where the setting is taking place. Sorry if this makes no sense.
Hey, this is a great question, and I see a lot of talented writers struggle with setting. It's all about the details, everyone says, but how do you know what details to add?
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For me, I usually add details I find interesting and serve one or all of three goals: plot, character or mood. Although sometimes I throw things in because they're just neat, and those details sometimes turn out to be the most important of all.
I usually begin with mood. Do you want a bright and cheerful setting, or a dark and sinister setting, or a plain and sparse and disturbingly perfect setting? Even an ordinary room can look dark and sinister if that's the mood of the scene.
In "The Gloriana Set," I set one of the most dangerous and scary scenes in a very simple setting: an ordinary hunting shack in the woods:
"Theo twirled, Apparating them inside a small, one-room cottage. There was nothing inside the pine structure except a fireplace and two three-level bunks. The warped wood floor was covered in suspiciously dark stains."
Theo and Hermione are attacked in this setting, and so I sprinkle details like the feeling of the rough wood, and the sun shining through dirty windows, and frequently mention the bunk beds. Its very ordinariness is creepy because this shack is used to hunt Muggles, not deer. In "The Darkwood Wand," Draco's bedroom is also sinister, but instead of simple, I piled on the objects and furnishings. The whole room screamed opulence and magic and danger. Here is Hermione seeing it for the first time:
"She was kneeling between the bed and a green velvet armchair, which faced a black leather sofa. A grandfather clock loomed in a corner, its mother-of-pearl face another weak source of light. The furniture was heavily carved—black walnut, if Hermione had to guess, she’d developed a bit of expertise from all those woodworking magazines. A small harp, of all things, glittered in the moonlight from atop a bookshelf.
"Slowly she stood, and turned to face an obsidian fireplace lined with bricks of black glass. Its mantle was crammed with silver objects: picture frames, bottles, boxes. It was outrageous, really, this lap of luxury for Slytherin’s worst. Even the fire tools were topped with silver. Hermione stepped forward and pulled out the poker: It was surprisingly heavy for its size, yet as delicately balanced as a rapier."
Every object mentioned plays a role in the story later on, and it's all seen through Hermione's point of view.
Finally, settings can be fun. Here is Trelawney's Divination classroom in the "Darkwood Wand." I leaned heavily on the Rowling's description and added bits of my own to serve the story:
"Draco stalked across the room and sat uncomfortably close to Granger. The lamp above them, draped with a silk scarf, cast a dim, crimson light. Draco was sweating slightly and it wasn't from the stuffy air."
and here's a setting primed to annoy a grouchy Draco:
"It was Xylomancy Day, with twigs and strips of wood scattered on all the tea tables. Frankincense billowed from a heated plate, and Draco coughed as he took a seat on his pouf. He could feel another headache coming on."
and this is yet another confined setting in this claustrophobic story:
"“FOOL!” Trelawney cried, her hands in the air. Her robe’s sleeves fell back to reveal skinny arms. “Magician, devil, hanged man!”
Startled, Draco fell backward, banging his head against the wall. His knee hit the bottom of the table and scattered the cards. Hermione, thankfully, kept her composure; she slid one hand under Draco’s elbow and steadied the table with the other."
The key is to have your characters constantly interacting with the setting. Setting in a story isn't like a painted backdrop on a stage, especially in a Harry Potter story where anything can be magical.
Hope that helps!
Thebe
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herbsnspices · 8 months
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Draco x Slytherin OC✨🐍
AN ~ not sure where this will go but I thought I’d put it out there, in my world Voldy does exist but he’s not coming back anytime soon. As for Death eaters, they are dying out along with blood supremacy and all that crap. Draco is still a Brat so prepare for angst but it should be worth it? Anyway enjoy <3
Part 1?
~
Sable, 16, daughter to Wysteria and Thorn Grimsbane, they make a small but high ranking family within the wizarding world. Thorn is the head of investigations within the ministry with Wysteria as his partner, they are truly a power couple. Sable had been studying abroad at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic up until the summer of her 16th birthday, when her parents demanded her return before enrolling her into Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Ignoring sable's plea's they never explained their actions, simply stating it was for the best and that they would handle everything. it broke her heart saying goodbye to her friends at Beauxbatons, especially to her boyfriend, Cyran, who she'd only been able to kiss once. feeling as if her world had come to an end she was anything but excited while shopping for supplies with her mother, even the idea of fresh books and stationary wasn't enough to cheer her up.
Unfortunately it didn't take long for the dreaded day to arrive, with all her trunks packed Sable stood on the platform with a frown. holding back her tears as she hugged her parents goodbye sable made her way onto the train, it was tight as she walked along looking for an empty compartment, releasing a sigh of relief when she came across one and slipped inside.
getting comfy with her copy of Hogwarts: A History sable prepared herself for what was to come, or at least tried to.
~
Draco's pov
~
it was the same old routine of cold goodbyes and empty hellos as I stepped onto the train, my parents not staying any longer then needed. I bumped into Blaise first, he greeted me with his usual smirk and a slap on the back.
"Draco, its good to see you. we've got a compartment just up ahead if you'd care to join? kindly grace us with your presence" he teased while rolling his eyes.
"I suppose I could" I replied with smirk, the two of us chuckling together as I followed him to the compartment. thankfully the corridor was empty of students as we walked down, the rooms on either side of us however were full of them. glancing into them as I passed one caught my eye, slowing me to a stop, this compartment empty compared to the rest.
she was pale, with smooth skin dotted with freckles. Her Black hair looked like silk as it draped around her in loose curls, her eyes a bright green as they concentrated on the book before her. she was dressed in smart attire and had an air of maturity about her as she sat with a straight back and her legs crossed, she looked like a Lady.
"Draco?"
looking up Blaise was stood a couple of compartments ahead, the door open and waiting. Risking one last glance I was surprised to see a pair of emeralds gazing back at me, a question clear within them. looking away I headed into the compartment and took a seat between the window and Theo, Blaise was opposite me with pansy next to him. the journey was usually long and tedious but it seemed to fly by as I gazed out the window, thoughts of the girl filling my mind.
We lived in confusing times, never knowing if Voldemort would return or not, but if I knew anything for certain, it was that i’d have her before the year was up.
~
Sable's pov
~
I had no idea who the blonde was but he was certainly easy on the eyes with his sharp features and lean but muscular build, the all black suit he wore was just the cherry on top. sadly he was gone as quick as he appeared but I'm sure I'll be seeing more of him, he looked to be about my age if not the year above.
finally taking a break from reading and checking my watch I noticed it wouldn't be long till we arrived at Hogwarts and I still needed to change, cursing myself I grabbed my small carry on case and headed out the compartment and to the toilet.
the uniform was plain black awaiting my house colours but the shirt, pleated skirt and robes were certainly different to the silk dress I was used to. Choosing to keep on my tights and long socks I dressed myself in the uniform, overall it wasn't so bad. After packing away my clothes and switching my shoes I quickly touched up my hair and make-up before swiftly exiting the cramped room, walking straight into someone's chest.
the strong scent of musk and cherry wafted over me as I looked up, two swirling pools of chocolate looking down at me.
"well hello there" his voice was deep and smooth, like velvet.
"hello" my reply was meek and breathy, my surprise evident.
"hmm no house colours, you've got to be the biggest first year I've ever seen" he spoke with a smirk and a teasing tone, he seemed like the mischievous type. glancing at his uniform the dark green suited him nicely, the snake emblem resting on his chest.
"sadly no, I'm transferring into sixth year. You're a Slytherin right?" I replied, nodding at his uniform.
"indeed I am, best house to be in. I'm also going into sixth year so ill be seeing more of you misss?" he asked while giving me a once over, a look of approval on his face.
"Sable" I said, my eyebrow quirking at his obvious staring.
"Im Blaise, its been a pleasure Sable but you should head back to your compartment, we'll be arriving soon. ill be seeing you" he greeted while placing a small kiss on the back of my hand, his goodbye ominous as he left with a wink.
heading back into my compartment I got my belongings together and watched anxiously as we came to a stop, students flooding off the train and towards carriages. merging into the flow I stepped off and over to a large friendly looking man holding a sign with my name scribbled on it.
"hello there, ye must be sable?" he asked with a large grin
"hello, yes" I replied with a smile, nodding my head.
"follow me, you'll ride and be sorted along with the first years" nodding along I climbed into the boat with him, watching in awe as we made our way over the water and towards the beautiful castle.
it felt strange standing amongst the first years, towering above them as they looked at me with curiosity. Entering the great hall was daunting due to the hundreds of eyes watching my every move, whispers erupting as I walked towards the front of the room. the headmaster Dumbledore explained that i would be joining the sixth year before calling me up.
"Sable Grimsbane"
holding my head high like I was taught I stepped up and sat on the stool, Professor McGonagall placing the sorting hat on my head.
"hmm a Grimsbane, we haven't had one of you in a while. You value wisdom over valour like Ravenclaw, and yet you're fearlessness befits a Gryffindor. you're cunning like a Slytherin but care like a Hufflepuff, where to put you...suppose it better be SLYTHERIN"
~
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~
Taglist?
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ddanthedumbass · 9 months
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Punishment Theodore|| nott x fem! Reader
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TW! s3x, foul language, mostly smut, fast paced,  short af, my shitty writing :) - i always take constructive criticism, ofc spelling correction, and positive /negative feedback(-⊙ω⊙-)ゞ ty for reading!
828 words 4,835 characters -
        "you shouldnt be in the boy's dormitorys at night, dont you think?''
Your heart stopped and you slowly turned to Theodore Nott, a towel around his neck, chest bare, smelling faintly of mud, and lighting a cigarette, smirking slightly.
"well?'' Theodore's smirking face was now inches from yours. He exhailed, breathing pungent smoke, causing you to grimace. You had been getting ready for a shower, and you remembered that you loaded your razor to Blaise Zambini and was coming to get it.
"w-why aren't you at the party?'' You sputterd finally.
"its a Griffindoor party. Those fuckers only have Butterbeer.'' Theo said, surveying you intently. "And why are you not in the girl's dormitory?''
"i was getting the razor i lent to Blaise for his long leg hairs'' you whisper, your thumb circling your knukle. Damn nervous habits... you thought, looking up at Theodore and shoving your fidgiting hands into your pockets.
His wavy chestnut hair was drenched, dripping water onto the carpet. Bath? Shower?
"quidditch practice.'' Said Theodore, answering your question though not knowing. "i had quidditch practice in the rain'' you nodded, ac knoleging the rain pounding on the windows for the first time that night.
"i think a little punishment will teach you a lesson,'' Theodore whisperd in his low, raspy voice, lifting your chin with his thumb, forcing you to look into his intence, droopy, hazel eyes which were filled with lust... desire....
Is he a prefect? You wondered, raking through your brain, but you didn't remember him ever saying anything about being a prefect.
"get on the bed'' Theo demanded, nodding at the middle four-poster that had emerald silk blankets and osters of singers, who you recognized as Justin Bieber, Fall out boy, and Artic monkeys (old artists, ik)
"now.'' Theodore added bluntly, seeing you gaping at him, mouth agape. ''or I'll force you on.'' He pulled out his wand, his expression still emotional.
You got on the bed and coverd your exposed legs with Theodore's blankets. "oh, i never said to cover yourself'' he chided. You blushed and uncovered you thighs as Theo got on the bed with you, tugging at your thin shirt and smirking. "take it off.''
You obeyed, pulling the shirt over your head. Theodore's hand immediately went to your bra, slipping his thumb into it, making a teasing motion around your breast, undoing your bra with the other one, kissing your lips tenderly in the prossess.
You moaned into the kiss, unable to think between Theodore's toung teasing your bottom lip and his thumb teasing your breast. Why is he doing this to me of all people??  You thought, then you thought of the many times you longed to do this with him, in dreams, in class, at home....
Theodore's hands went down lower. He caressed your waist, giving your neck a kiss -making sure to leave a mark-. He slipped down your shorts and underwear, throwimg them aside.
"bitch, your already so wet...'' theo noted, his smirk growing as well as hi blush. He took your hsnd and guided it to the hem of his pants. "undress me.'' He orderd, so smoothly you felt your face heat up more. But you obeyed, unbuttoning Theodore's jeans as he leaned back to watch.
When Theodore's jeans and boxers were in the pile of discarded clothing, he leaned forward again and positiond infront of your mouth. "please''
You nodded and put the whole eight inches into your mouth. You could feel his dick twitch in your mouth and a little bit of warm pre-cum on your tounge.
Theodore let loose a moan, his breathing ridged and uneven. "Y-Y/N....!'' He gasped and you tasted more cum in your mouth.
When you finished, Theodore was ontop of you, pushing your legs out as far as they could go. Your cilt flutterd and you could feel discharge.
Theodore thrust his cock in and steadily pushed and pulled. You moaned, drool dripping down the side of your mouth. "Theodore...!'' You moan, arching your back as he quickened his pace. In.... out.... in.... out.... in.. out.. in.. out.. in out in out.....
Theodore's lips colded with yours, his toung slipping in your mouth and grazing your teeth. In between the taste of alchol and cigarette, you tasted something sweet... like cherry bubblegum. ''Fuck...'' You heard Theo mumble between kisses. He nibbled your bottom ip before pulling back, both whiping saliva from your chins and lips. Theodore left an alcholic taste in your mouth -and probably smell, to- but you didn't care.
"I think you should be getting to bed,'' Theodore said  handing you your clothes. Your hands brushed up against his knuckles. "can i sleep here tonight?'' Theodore's mouth found it's way back to that cocksure smirk of his and he said: ''I thought you'd never ask.''
-the next morning-
"the fuck??'' Draco laughed, smirking.
Blaise only shrugged ''it what happens when I leave him unsupervised.'' He saw Draco's glare ''You'd probably join in''
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theoisnotty · 1 year
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Untitled Part Four
Theo’s smirk had yet to falter.
“Maybe someday it could be something like a family business for us.”
I had never really thought of passing down business. Truthfully, it was something of a passion project. I don’t expect anyone to want to take over someday. I especially don’t expect Theo to involve himself whatsoever, that trust fund baby. At least I decided to actually make something of inheritance, Theo had never worked a day in his life and I cannot foresee him suddenly becoming a star employee.
“You can start to tend to my Draught of Living Death over there. We learned it in sixth year, it shouldn’t be something you’ll mess up.”
Finishing up a batch of Living Death was the last of today’s potions. I had originally started it, but later on realized the other potions needed to be packaged primarily, as they were out of stock. Living Death rarely sold out. They were still in full stock as of last night.
Theo nodded, getting to work. He spared a longing glance, catching my eye.
“Is that enough work for you?”
Theo nodded, turning his attention back to potion making. Theo was always bright back in our school days. Never would I have considered him to be a hard worker, though. Lazy, but brilliant enough to collect as many OWLS and NEWTS as I did. Even as an eleven-year-old child, Theodore was a brilliant wizard. Potter overshadowed us all, but back then Theo was my friend. Teddy, always there when I needed him. After meals we would sit near the black lake together; we shared stories for hours. In third year, we were also keen on caring for our respective owls. His owl, Henley, a great eagle owl, seemed to devour the owl treats I would bring for my own owl.
I scurried to the back room to retrieve a container to store Theo’s nearly-finished potion. I was only planning on staying a few more minutes, saving work for my employees such as stocking shelves.
“We’re nearly done with our work here, Nott!”
“Does this mean you’ll join me for lunch?”
Regardless of the fact that his green eyes twinkled and he wore a smug smirk, I could tell he was nervous. It’s as if we never shared a meal together. This man was utterly hopeless.
“Anywhere in particular?”
“How about Arnette?”
There was no denying that Arnette was indeed my favourite. We spent more Sundays than I could count there. A nice Parisian wizarding restaurant, with the most amazing variety of tea I’ve yet to come across. I weighed my options. I could go home to the manor, talk about marrying Theo with my parents at lunch or apparate to Paris with Theo and have an awkward… albeit, delicious meal.
Theodore could tell that I was considering both of my options. He looked at me in my dazed state and lifted his eyebrows, expectantly.
“Well, you’ve got me on that one, I could definitely use a classic cup of Arnette’s caramel pixie dust tea.”
“Ah, you’re growing more and more predictable, Y/N”
As if he wasn’t doubting I’d accept the invitation. I rolled my eyes. If it wasn’t for their delicious ratatouille, he would be dining alone.
We Floo to Arnette, greeted by a young waitress, maybe eighteen, tops. She’s wearing a steamed white blouse and black, silk dress pants. I feel flustered, I’m in my pink work robes, I feel shabby compared to the high fashion restaurant, and its patrons. Theo looks down at me, and smirks.
“Table for two, Mr. and Mrs. Nott. Reservation.”
I glance at Theo and roll my eyes. Of course he already made a reservation before even asking me to go. Typical of him, acting without thinking. I find it especially weird that he made our reservation under “Mr. and Mrs. Nott”. We aren’t actually married.
Once we are seated, we order and sit in silence. I shift awkwardly in my seat. What should I say? Should I continue to awkwardly sit here? I don’t even know what he’s been up to for the last few years. It all feels so unfamiliar compared to how things used to be. I had not seen him routinely since our Hogwarts days, six years ago. So much around us has changed since that time. Potter defeated Voldemort. We can all live in a somewhat less hectic world. Now that so much time has passed, the world feels just as big knowing the expectations of our traditions I am to uphold. Marriage is a frightening concept, especially considering the fact that we are expected to produce heir(ess)es before we turn thirty. I am partial to believing one of the reasons why the Nott family chose me is because of their hopes I would continue to steadily grow, good hips for child bearing, pureblood, successful, all they could want for Theodore.
I gazed at him from across the table. As flirty as he’s been, I really do doubt if his apparent feelings are genuine or even existent. He’s a very suspicious person to me. Who knows what he thinks of the situation now. Zabini and Malfoy put a lot of thoughts in his mind. Thoughts calling me a “blood traitor”, thoughts agreeing with and admiring arranged marriage. The first thing I want to do right now is confide in my friends. I wonder what Pansy and Daphne would think of his odd behavior. I picture their reactions.
It occurs to me that Theodore owes me.
“When will I be getting your old quidditch jerseys, Theo?”
“Quidditch jer- Oh!” He cuts himself off. I suppose it isn’t so personal when he cuts me off because he even does it to himself.
“Bring them by Chauldron L’Or sometime soon? They’ve always looked so comfy, I’m excited to wear them around the manor. I know doing so will appease mother and father. Your parents might like the idea as well.” I grinned.
“Around the manor?” He questions, his brows furrowed.
“Yes? Is that bad or something?”
“I was thinking we could maybe go out with you in my jersey. Show them who you chose to ma-”
It was my turn to cut him off.
“I didn’t choose anything! You were chosen for me.” I sniffed.
Theo rolled his eyes. Of course. He then surprisingly slouched ever so slightly in his seat. At this, I rolled my eyes back at him.
We sat and ate in silence for a while longer. Neither of us wanted to speak, too annoyed at one another. As if another moment of silence would be all too taxing on his subconscious, Theo huffed, and spoke again.
“I would have chosen you.” He softly murmured, giving me a defiant look.
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shroomonabroom · 2 years
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chapter one | london bound
archiveofourown
word count: 2,265
summary: Two weeks late to the start of the season, Eloise makes her way back to Mayfair with a plan. A little plan. Well, maybe just the beginning of a plan?
As the carriage beneath and around her moves steadily on its way to London, Eloise Bridgerton is entirely unable to focus on much of anything at all, not even the book in hand or the clear blue sky beyond the carriage window. 
She can’t help but dwell over the fact that she knows exactly what she wants but has the peculiar problem of not knowing how to go about obtaining it.
That isn’t exactly true, of course. Eloise is currently well on her way to the London Bridgerton estate, even if it is two weeks late to the start of the season.
It had taken much convincing before her mother had accepted Eloise’s will to remain in the country. She had not been pleased in the slightest. 
Fortunately, either Eloise’s incessant pleas or her brother’s sly new wife eventually broke through her fury and she allowed her to remain in Aubrey Hall on the basis that she agreed to read her mama's dreadful courtship and dancing manuals to "prepare" herself for the season.
Anthony himself had proven his devotion to his wife in his willingness to go along with whatever Kate had told him to convince him not to throw a fit over Eloise’s decision. Such behavior was sickening to Eloise, not because she was annoyed with his behavior but because she was so, so jealous of the endless love and devotion he has for Kate. She never cared for any of that until she realized her feelings for the charming Theo Sharpe, and now the assistant printer was just out of reach.
She aches for the chance to see him again, to share her many thoughts and risk his ink-stained touch against delicate silk and lace and skin.
Prior to her deciding to remain in the country for some time without her family, she was a constant witness to her brother Anthony and the new Viscountess parading their love around the Bridgerton estate, nearly always touching in some manner.
And every time she saw the couple, Eloise’s overactive imagination positioned her and Theo in their place.
It’s foolish, really.
She had only just started exploring her more untoward feelings for him before ending their relationship - to think of him and her in such a way; to unconsciously compare them to a married couple is absurd!
It’s alarming to think how only a little over a year ago, she would laugh at how girls would swoon and squeal in excitement over the what-ifs that came following a conversation with a suitor. She did not think that life was for her, did not believe she wanted anything to do with romance. She still doesn't, not in the traditional sense of getting married to some wealthy "gentleman" and having children.
But Theo had set aside books for her and asked for her opinions as if they were important, as if they truly mattered to him. He showed her that she is indeed capable of viewing love as a possibility. And now she is doing that very same thing she used to laugh at, for months on end without even seeing him and without truly knowing if he cared for her in the same manner.
It is frightening how much she does want to see him and how often her mind turns to his warm hazel gaze and that dimpled, crooked smile.
Especially now that there has been such a terrible consequence for her friendship with him. She’s scared of that, too, of returning to London and facing the judgment of the ton. She would like to think she does not care for their opinion, but she does. 
Even still, even with all her fears surrounding their relationship, she still wants to see him more than anything. She still wants to take the risk of being in his company for as long as he might allow her to.
Eloise knows, though, that no matter how much she wants to see him, no matter how much she thinks only of him and of what could have been - God, if she had allowed him to kiss her - when she arrives in London he will not be her first priority.
Eloise’s friendship with Penelope is far more important to her than the possibility of what was between her and Theo. The two of them had been friends for years before their argument. Eloise wants nothing more than to return to happier days when they were young and joyous, free of societal expectations and able to do nothing but speak and truly listen to each other for hours and hours. 
She must figure out how to find that again, first and foremost.
The precise issue Eloise faces is that it would be easy to simply throw herself down on her knees and beg Penelope, beg Theo, for a chance to reconcile their friendship. They might not forgive her immediately, but the Bridgertons are a stubborn bunch, she most of all. There was no doubt she would be able to convince them if she tried. 
The problem is that her concern of whether she is truly ready to reconcile with them is somehow stronger than her desire to.
It was the entire reason why she delayed her return. She’s terrified to face them, to truly take ownership of her actions and feelings. She wanted the time to figure out what she would do, a goal that has proven impossible to achieve.
After all, they had all said rather hurtful things the last time they spoke, and, though she certainly wishes to, she does not honestly know where to begin moving past it. Aside from begging her family for help - but that was something Eloise would rather avoid. 
Alas, telling them in part would be the wisest course of action, especially considering how flawed her original plan to keep everything secret last year became. It was the only reasonable course of action she could take - the only one that had come to mind during the past two weeks.
It is what she plans to do tonight if all goes well with her return.
Eloise is startled out of her thoughts by the quietest of coughs. Her maid, Sarah, is staring from across the carriage, concern etched into the lines of her face. Eloise sighs and musters the smallest of smiles to her.
Her maid has her brows drawn and is biting her lip, clearly trying to decide whether or not to address the matter before them. 
“Eloise,” she finally says, voice high and reedy in a way that reminds Eloise of Penelope when she gets terribly anxious to share something. “You have not been sleeping or eating well for many months. The staff and I - please forgive us - have been whispering our concern for you. We know you fought with Penelope, and John keeps looking at us as if he knows something. He refuses to say, though, and so - I was hoping, perhaps you might tell me what it is that has been troubling you?”
Several moments go by. 
Eloise is troubled at the request, questioning whether or not it’s safe to reveal the truth so soon, when she hardly has a plan for what’s to come next. 
She might as well, she decides eventually. 
After all, it would be good practice for what she will tell two of her family later today after she reunites with all but Daphne. 
And if it goes well, she might be able to recruit Sarah and potentially even more of the Bridgerton staff to help her with her problem. John already is, and she knows the two are close - Eloise knows he dislikes keeping secrets from her and the other staff.
She would do so, then. But carefully, of course. She can’t just act without at least trying to avoid the consequence that may come - not anymore. 
“I plan to tell Benedict and Kate tonight in the hopes that we can approach the Viscount together.” Eloise pauses, trying to think of how best to explain it all. “I am rather concerned about it. There are details I must keep private... It is not my secret alone, and I don’t wish to put anyone in harm’s way. If I tell you what I plan to tell my family, will you keep it quiet until I am able to reveal it myself?”
Her maid is quick to swear obedience and so Eloise continues on, telling her story the best she can. “I was not ready to return to London for the season. I think, even now, as we ride there, I’m still not. Last season, do you remember my scandal? It’s passed well enough by now, though I am sure my tardiness will spark the renewal of such rumor among the ton.”
“The truth is this: I was searching for Lady Whistledown, and so John and I found the print shop I thought she might have used for some of her papers. I snuck out at night to meet someone there, and we discussed our ideas regularly for some time. Lady Whistledown wrote that I was unaccompanied among political radicals, and I suppose that is true, though John was never far. I did not realize there was anything untoward about it until just before it ended, and by then, I was aware of how forbidden my friendship had become. Penelope knew, of course. She warned me of what might happen, and I did not want to listen to her. Eventually, I did heed her words and ended my friendship, but it was after word had gotten out. I wanted to continue seeing my friend, but I was scared that harm would come to them, so I… I ended our correspondence.”
“Penelope and I fought about it, and I’m afraid we both said terrible things. Since then, I have been trying to think of how we might reconcile, though I am angry, too. At some of what she said, yes, but mostly that she kept a secret from me. I will not tell you nor my family what that is, but it did - and still does - affect me greatly and I worry I won’t be able to look past it.” 
“And of the other friendship you mentioned, the one with the person at the print shop?”
“Yes. I regret how it ended, and I want to see if there is any way I can remain friends with them now that the rumors might have died down - now that I know better than to risk their life in order to be in it. I know it is not intelligent, but I - I care, greatly, for them. More than I thought I was capable of… and…” Eloise trails off just as the carriage comes to a gradual stop, looking up at her maid’s dark eyes.
“I plan to tell my family all of this, both to ensure they are no longer in the dark and to ask for help. I think there is potential to fix everything. I just need to figure out how to do it without hurting anyone in the process.” Cautiously, Eloise continues with her request, “I am not asking you to lie to the staff or to my family, but… do you think, if there is reason to, would you be willing to assist me in my endeavors?”
“Yes. Of course, Miss Eloise. I know you have struggled for some time. Thank you, Miss Eloise, for telling me why. I swear I’ll keep it quiet until you tell me otherwise, and even then, I will make sure it never leaves the mouth of the staff. And I will do my best to assist you in whichever way I can.”
Her maid smiles at her and stands as the door opens, getting out first before turning and standing across from John, both of their arms out to help Eloise descend from the carriage.
Eloise takes a deep breath and holds it for several seconds before blowing it out again and taking a step down with her friends’ assistance. She thanks them quietly and looks up from the ground, her eyes landing on her family standing before the Bridgerton estate.
Hyacinth, Gregory, Francesca, Colin, Benedict, Kate and Anthony, her mama - all of them are standing there on the steps, smiling pleasantly and waving at her. Eloise musters a smile of her own and feels terribly ill as she walks toward them and the uncertainty of her future.
“It’s wonderful to see you, dear. I hope your time alone in the country has prepared you well for the season? You have much to catch up on.” Her mama says. Violet Bridgerton is a terrifying and wonderful woman who wants only the best for her family. It's awful. Amazing, too. But genuinely dreadful when it comes to the marriage mart.
Eloise locks eyes with Benedict. He winks at her and flashes a cheeky smile and Eloise nods to him as her stomach settles slightly. 
He’s her favorite brother for a reason and she knows exactly how he would react to her predicament. Benedict would care purely for her happiness and do just about anything to help her achieve it.
She could tell him anything and everything, and while he would be concerned for her impossible situation, he would not care about impressing the world around them. It is an attitude Eloise is determined to achieve for herself this season, and she knows she is capable of it.
The thought fills her with confidence and she lifts her head proudly and says, “yes, mama. I believe this season will be my best yet.”
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ingolds · 2 years
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@indeath. — i’m staying up late just in case you come up and ask to leave with me.
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     midnight draws near, the gallery emptying out gradually but continuously; art purveyors offer explanations of having to get home, responsibilities to tend to in the morning, how the city grows mean and careless with the departure of the sun. they prefer the emptiness, though. the hallways stretch labyrinthine and silent, lights cast low, like the museum itself must rest. their steps echo off polished marble walls, the soft flare of luminescence surrounding each painting; the glow beckons them deeper, a promise of safety in the night. they tip their champagne flute as they walk, bubbles crawling up the side. they’re searching for something - someone, rather, a magnum opus in a wing full of great achievements, divine and doomed just as he.
     nour has paused in front of le martyre de saint érasme. the bishop’s robes glow ruby down the angular ridge of a cheekbone, sapphire pooled in the bow of nour’s mouth, as if he is the painting and the exhibit is the patron. the canvas pales in his presence, aiming for glory and falling just short. what candle is a likeness able to hold to an angel among men, lucifer damning the population he walks in? he half-turns, just enough to allow theo into the corner of his gaze, and the corridor disappears into the background when that focus centers on them. a predator pinning its prey, analytical and probing. it has become the two of them alone, a man and his devotion, and theo thinks to ask shall we go?, thinks come home with me, considers were you waiting for me?
     they are beaten to it. nour frames an explanation with lithe fingers, paint strokes in heavenly white caressing his palms, the very ends of his hair.
     “ take me with you, then. ” they card their fingers through a ringlet poured down nour’s clavicle, silvery and soft, spun silk draped over the back of their hand. gold eyes gleam, meeting the edge of the wolf’s gaze. their eyelids drop, hunger framed by dark lashes, and a great, dark beast sinks eager teeth in their sternum, rends their heart bloody and beating. theo lifts the strand to their mouth, breathes in copper, the sweet syrup of vanilla. “ we can skip the part where i ask. ”
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starlingsrps · 6 months
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no rules in breakable heaven.
the white nights arrive as anna realizes she isn’t just very fond of theo but is in love. she’s never been in love before - fond of peter in a way that she supposes is expected when wearing a man’s ring and with a wedding on the horizon. 
but this is love and it’s wonderful and it’s terrible at the same time. she can’t not look for him in a crowded room or attend his readings, even if there’s something else she should probably attend instead. they find each other in the rare times of the day she has to herself and she feels safe with him. she feels so loved that she feels like she might burst from it.
terrible because she absolutely can’t tell a single soul about this. not even her maid marta and she tells marta absolutely everything. if anyone notices the stars in her eyes and the lightness of her step, let them think it’s for the wedding rapidly approaching in september. let them imagine that she’s slipping out of parties to meet peter in the twilight gardens, never mind that peter is very easily found at the card tables. let them all think whatever they want.
he’s tender with her and it pains her to realize how little of that she’s had. it feels like she’s always being tugged this way and that, that some part of her clothes is always pinching or too heavy for her. she’s asked one thing by someone, something completely contradictory by someone else and she must figure out how to make them both happen. to be alone with theo, who expects nothing from her and simply loves her in return, is a bittersweet balm for bruises she hadn’t realized had been there for so long. 
he writes love poems and though she’s a very excellent courtier and can keep her face schooled, she knows they’re for her and it takes all of her self control to not smile like a loon. he writes beautifully and it’s all for her. after he finishes, there’s a party that spills from the drawing room onto the terrace in a warm summer night with a twilight that will last until dawn. she manages, through a series of choreographed nods and tilts of the head, to suggest a meeting in the english garden with its tall hedges.
she paces while she waits, the gravel crunching under her heels. when he appears around a hedge, the love bursts. she forgets herself with him. the years of training and etiquette and manners vanish. she loops her arms around his neck and kisses him. his arms wrap around her waist and he lifts her, swinging her like a bell.
“you were wonderful,” she says.
his arms tighten to keep her close and she imagines that she can feel the heat of his hands through layers of silk and whalebone. his smile sinks into her marrow. “i have a most excellent muse,” he says, kissing her again. “you liked it?”
“i loved it. i love you.”
his smile softens. “i love you.”
“will you stay tonight?” she asks hopefully, knowing all too well that he’ll slip away when they go back inside. he doesn’t like the parties that come after they’ve all been sufficiently cultured for the evening. if it’s becoming harder by the day for her to pretend with peter, she can’t imagine how hard it is for him. 
his grasp loosens and she slides back to the ground. he shakes his head. “i can’t tonight.”
anna tries for charming. “you say that every night.”
it doesn’t work. “i can’t read what i wrote about you and then watch you with someone else, anna.”
she feels him draw back and it hurts. she’s never been told before how badly love can hurt and she’s unprepared for it every time it aches. she cups his cheek in her hand and rubs her gloves thumb over his cheekbone. “it doesn’t matter when it’s just us. it can’t. theo. please.”
his head drops for a moment but he presses his lips to her palm. “i’m trying. i know you are too.”
“then stay. peter and my brothers won’t leave the card room and if we’re careful…” she trails off and sighs, a soft sound that’s the closest she’s ever let herself come to expressing any disappointment. “alright.”
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indigoh4ze · 3 years
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use your words || t.n & d.m
warning- SMUT // face riding, blowjobs, mommy kink, d/s dynamic, a lot of praise, lmk what else
sub!draco x dom!theo x switch!fem!reader
a/n- i've never wrote for theo but this idea came to mind cuz i've been seeing alot of him sooo here it is! enjoy and send in some theo requests if you have any. also i tagged my draco taglist for now since i only just added theo
taglist | << add yourself to the theo taglist | turn on notifs on @slvt4fakerealities-library to be notified when i post
looking to your right, draco’s feet were draped over the arm of the couch, his head on your lap like your thighs were his own personal cushions.
theo, who sat on the left, was playing with the strings of his joggers mindlessly, and your head laid limp against his shoulder, fingers raking through the blond hair on your lap.
draco was beginning to get whiny, squirming as he turned to nose at your thighs, almost hitting your crotch- causing you to tense mildly and inhale sharply.
“dray, y’alright?” you questioned with a knowing gaze, coaxing him to look at you, which he did, though a pout was drawn onto his lips.
“wanna go t’bed, mommy,” theo now put his attention on draco, cocking his head and scanning his eyes over the boys state, a mess with glossy eyes and flushed cheeks.
you looked over at theo for permission, wasting no time in bringing draco to his feet with the gentle touch of your hand on his bicep. once you all made your way over to draco’s private dorm, theo guided the both of you to the unmade bed.
draco immediately found shelter by your side, nuzzling into your neck and leaving wet kisses along your jawline, pulling quiet and breathy moans from your throat.
“how about you tell mommy what you want, dray, use your words like a good boy,” theo gently purred, now squatted in front of draco, two hands placed soundly on the boys knees, the pad of his thumb soothing circles.
draco seemed to hesitate, awfully flushed in this headspace, distracted by the intense whirling in his core. “w-wanna feel good,” he mumbled, though he was nudging so close to you that his words came out muffled.
it took theos strong grip on his jaw to steer him away from you, and you placed a hand on his thigh to relax his nerves. “c’mon now, be a good boy and then we can help you, alright?”
nodding, draco slowly parted his lips, “want you to touch me, please?”
“with what, baby?” now it was your turn to question, and draco looked up at you, gulping.
“dunno, mommy.”
but it was evident he did know, because he looked down and bit his lip, feeling even more nervous as all the eye were on him.
so you ran tender fingers through his hair and placed a kiss on his cheek, bringing him to lay back. the boy followed without question, then scrambled to meet your requests of discarding his shirt.
theo stood, doing the same and then moving onto his buckle, the metal clacking together and filling both you and draco with suspense of what’s to come.
“doll, wanna be a good girl and get on your knees?” theo insisted, and you practically fell to the floor, urgently doing as he asked, in return gaining a proud smile from the boy.
the brunet walked over, stroking a piece of hair behind your ears and then looking back at draco, who was sat up on his elbows and awaiting attention. “dray, how about you ask nicely, and y/n/n will make you feel really good?”
“p-please, wanna feel your mouth around my cock, waited all day f’you, please?” draco hastily blurted, a glimmer of lust molded into his gray eyes.
“good boy,” with the praise, draco’s heart swelled, and theo leaned down, tilting the boys chin up and placing a lingering kiss on his lips. draco melted into the kiss, desperately using his tongue and making theo grin slightly into the kiss before moving away.
you were simply watching from your knees, a pout constructing its way onto your lips at the lack of attention. as if reading your mind, theo spoke, “go on, bunny, suck him off like a good girl and then i’ll make that little ache in your tummy go away, how does that sound?” his soft spoken words and vibrant visage had you nodding eagerly. as a reward for your obedience, theo mirrored his previous actions, leaving a kiss on your lips and pecking them once more for extra effect.
theo aides draco in taking off his undergarments, and now it was your turn to comply to theos requests, signaling draco to move closer to the edge of the bed so you could get the perfect angle of his cock from your kneeled position. he was gripping the silk sheets with a strong hand, watching the way you took his cock in your hand and began to set a rhythm around it. your simple actions drew soft whimpers from the boy, and theo watched from where he was leaning against the wall, cock straining against the material of his boxers.
“does that feel good, dray?” you inquired, and draco nodded quickly.
“words, dray,” theo reminded the boy from the side.
“y-yeah, feels really g-good mommy,” his sentence ended with a yelp as you brought the tip of his cock between your lips, the warm muscle stroking it before fully submerging it inside the warmth of your mouth.
draco released a lewd moan, and in the corner of your eye you saw the licentious smirk drawn on theos lips, which had your cunt throbbing through your panties even more. the boy in front of you had his eyes closed, though he couldn’t keep them shut for long as he wanted to watch how well you took him.
pre-cum dribbled from his tip, and you gagged lightly around him as theo padded over to assist you - holding back your hair in a makeshift pony tail and guiding your head so his cock slid gingerly through your swollen lips. a few bucks of his hips was all it took for him to become a moaning mess, whines spilling freely off his tongue with less shame, eyes unable to keep off the sight of theos lips attaching themselves to the flesh behind your ear every now and then.
soon, draco was emptying inside your mouth, cock driving into you one last time before he dissolved into pleasure. you dragged the climax out as long as you could before gasping for air, licking your lips and lulling your tongue out for theo to show him you swallowed everything.
theo gave you a pleased smile and an affectionate kiss on your temple before standing to sit by draco. “feelin’ better?��� theo queried with a lopsided grin.
“much,” draco nodded, kissing theos cheek and then looking down at you. “thank you, mommy.”
“of course, love,” you were standing now, giving the silver haired boy a kiss and then looking at theo expectantly.
“i want you to ride my face now, angel, sound good?”
“yes please.” you said with eager eyes.
“good,” theo breathily chuckled, “and draco, you’re gonna be a good boy and suck me off, yeah?”
once draco had responded with just as much eagerness- enthusiastic at any chance to pleasure his boyfriend- it had begun.
theo’s on his back, your flimsy panties discarded along with your shirt, and draco between theos legs and in front of his now exposed cock. slight hesitation came over you before you managed to maneuver yourself above theo’s face. the heat of his breath fanned against your cunt and you shivered from that alone, non stop blood rushing through your body.
finally, theo’s lips connected with your folds, already soaked from your arousal. his tongue worked deliciously against them, opening your lips and gaining access to your bundle of nerves, suctioning the nub with fervor. draco began his ministrations on theo’s cock, which had the brunet groaning into your pussy.
moans were pouring out of your mouth, fingers intertwining with the strings of hair at theo’s scalp, your free hand gripping the top of the bed frame as you slightly rolled your hips against his mouth. draco was speeding up, which meant theo was gaining more and more pleasure, resulting in you shivering from the stimulation.
“fuck— theo, right there!” you gasped as his tongue flicked the perfect spot repeatedly, swirling and sucking as wet noises echoed throughout the room, along with other sounds of groans and moans.
lifting your hips from theo’s grasp for a second, the boy peered up at you through half lidded eyes, rosy cheeks and disheveled hair making your thighs quiver. “c’mon, love, ‘m not finished tasting your sweet pussy,” he rasped, digging his fingertips into the fat of your ass before pulling you back towards him, this time not letting you escape his clutch.
theo’s tongue worked rapidly against your cunt, eventually sheathing it into your fluttering walls, and drawing a lewd whimper from the pit of your chest, “i’m coming— theo fuck, fuck please,” you were begging and blabbering as arousal dripped from your cunt and smeared itself around theo’s mouth. your orgasm took over, your body going limp as you held onto the headboard firmly and threw your head back in ecstasy.
just as you did so, draco swirled his skillful tongue around theo’s length, taking all of him and getting theo to his peak. his moans into your overworked cunt were heaven and hell, sensitivity and pleasure swirling within you as you panted above him.
eventually removing your cunt from his mouth, you sat on his bare stomach, soaking the outline of his abs with your slick, your lips puffy and achy against him.
draco lift his head up, kissing your hip from behind and then sitting up fully. theo released a sigh before sitting up, grabbing your by your underarms and pulling you down into a sloppy kiss- the taste of your juices still on his tongue- then settled you onto his chest. he outstretched an arm for draco to join- the boy crawling towards you and snuggling close to theo’s chest as well, your faces turned towards eachother.
you looked up at theo, dotting a kiss near his chin and doing the same to draco’s forehead, then settling back onto the boys comforting warmth and allowing your eyes to flutter shut from exhaustion. the last thought that went through your head before sleep fully overtook you was,
i’ll worry about the mess later.
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redorich · 3 years
Text
to those who carried on
A fic for @petrichormeraki​ and their Hermit!Tommy AU.
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The hermits know Tommy as a quiet young man who is very sad and contemplative. The more time they spend with him (against his will, but they know he needs the company) the more they learn of the little details. His favorite block is cobblestone, he likes building towers, and apparently his favorite woman is the Queen. They don’t ask why he wears a smiley mask even though he never seems happy. They don’t ask why he hides important things in his ender chest. They don’t ask why he wears a shattered compass on a chain about his neck.
(Once, he died in lava and lost his absolute mind. He was so upset about the compass that he didn’t even mention the stack and a half of diamond ore he had on him. Xisuma ended up manually rolling back the server just so Tommy could have it back.)
As time goes on, the tremors in Tommy's hands grow lesser. His dull blond hair seems a bit brighter, his bruises fade quicker, he doesn’t look quite so skinny-- he spends his time serenely building, resource gathering instead of running and fighting. He has a sense of humor under all that trauma, which the hermits unfortunately find out after another massive-scale prank war thought to be instigated by Grian actually turns out to be Tommy's fault.
Tommy starts swearing more. Doc gets the stink eye from Stress for this, but Doc insists he’s never once sworn around the young man. (That’s an absolute lie, but it wasn’t anything Tommy hadn’t heard before. Tommy thinks Doc is remarkably unoriginal in his cursing. He does take note of the German ones, though.)
Inviting Tommy to PvP minigames can be touchy, they learn. He likes to fight, but he fights like an animal with nothing to lose. Grian once chanted, “It stays in the pit!” and everyone present had to spend the next five minutes wrangling Tommy’s soul back into his body from wherever it’d floated off to.
Tommy likes to glide with his elytra. He claims he’s never had one before, but he flies like such a natural that a few people have their doubts. On a dark desert night, with dark blue eyes watching the night sky, he confides to Cub that it reminds him of the way his dad used to fly. He hates rockets, though. He does not confide to Cub that it reminds him of what his brother did to his best friend. He says enough that Cub can guess, though.
Scar gets fed up with Tommy’s creeper holes and makes Tommy help him fix them. At first, Tommy has no clue why Scar is breaking out things like coarse dirt and birch leaves and making the ground all fancy, but he’s not afraid of a little hard work and Scar makes it fun. He learns a lot about terraforming that day, and awkwardly comes back a few days later asking if Scar needs any more help terraforming. Tommy still hasn’t built a real base, not by Hermitcraft standards, but the small hill he’s built his dirt hut near now has a very beautiful, if amateurish, waterfall. He doesn’t tell Scar about this, but Scar finds out anyway. Tommy wakes up one morning to find that someone has left a shulker box in his house. Instead of iron-gripped paranoia, he just feels wonder that someone would give him a gift-- to the hermits, a single shulker box is nothing. To Tommy, it’s everything.
The shulker box contains coarse dirt, birch leaves, and a silk touch shovel.
Tommy helps Xisuma mine a giant hole in the ground near bedrock, because he realizes that he’s never thanked the admin for getting him his compass back. Well, that and the fact that instamining with a haste two beacon and an efficiency five pickaxe is a novelty. Xisuma lets him keep the cobble, since everyone knows it’s Tommy’s favorite block, but also insists he keep some of the other blocks like andesite and diorite. He pats Tommy on the head and tells him to talk to Bdubs about building a house some time. Tommy nods. He's taken aback by how tall Xisuma is, completely contrasting his mild nature. He reminds Tommy of Wilbur, on one of his good days before... Before. Not Ghostbur, though-- the admin is much too alive.
Tommy waits too long, so eventually Bdubs comes to him. The man is silly and outrageous, playing everything for laughs and unexpectedly tender. Bdubs plays up how beautiful he thinks Tommy’s hideous dirt shack is, then offers to help him build a house that’s better. For Tommy, building a house means settling down, accepting that this is his home now. Bdubs doesn’t know this. Tommy builds cobblestone dicks while Bdubs tries to lecture him about depth and block variation. Nothing gets done and Bdubs feels like he might have failed, but come next week Bdubs is flying over the area and sees the dicks are gone; so is the dirt house. In its place is a spruce-and-cobble cottage nestled near the tiny waterfall. Off to the side, he’s made a cozy doghouse for his fox, Theo. Bdubs doesn’t know how close that fox came to being named Fundy.
He spars with False, and she very pointedly does not mention how his stances are uniquely suited to a piglin. There’s only one renowned fighter who’s a piglin, after all. It's Tommy’s story to tell, if he ever does, why he’s seen enough of the legendary Technoblade’s fights to pick up on his stances, yet he’s not experienced enough to know that they don’t suit him. Instead, False gives him different stances suited more for tall, skinny people like the two of them. She’s got blond hair and blue eyes just like him. (Not that she’d know. She’s never seen his eyes, hidden behind his mask as they are.) Every now and then, he imagines her as an older sister, and the one time he says so, she smiles. When Tommy’s at home, looking at his own distorted reflection in his waterfall (he’s improved it since he built it), he muses that their eyes aren’t the same, their hair colors are subtly off. It’s close enough, he thinks.
Stress dies from fall damage and Tommy goes out of his way to pick up her stuff, because the hermits do these things out of the kindness of their hearts. The thought never even crosses their minds to steal. It crosses his mind. He doesn’t do it. Stealing from Stress would be like stealing from Niki.
He shows up at Cleo’s base unannounced and demands to see the “cool shit”. He is appropriately enthused by the giant armor-stand-bugs. She tries teaching him her armor stand magic, but it doesn’t really sink in. It’s okay, she assures him, most people don’t have the knack for it. He does, however, learn that buttons make excellent decorations. He also learns how to braid hair, bribed by ice cream. He is terrible at it, to the point where Joe has to come by to help the two untangle her hair so Tommy can start again. Watching the two bicker over capitalism and six million armor stands and a whole host of other inside jokes he doesn’t get, he thinks he’s starting to understand what friendship is supposed to be like. Joe and Cleo don’t see him clutching his compass. He and Tubbo weren’t too far off from this, given their circumstances. Maybe...
Maybe Tubbo can be forgiven.
Tommy makes minigames of his own, ones that don’t just kill you and steal your stuff. He builds things that are pretty instead of just functional, brews potions with Stress and only calls them drugs once (again, upsetting her is like upsetting Niki. Best not done), and sets up chicken bombs above people’s bases instead of just lavacasting them. (As Grian saw the hundreds of chickens slowly raining down upon his mansion, he got such a peculiar look on his face that Tommy feared he’d fucked up. The shorter, stronger (much stronger oh god why is he so strong despite being so small) man nearly crushed Tommy’s lungs in a hug, proclaiming how proud he was of Tommy. Tommy was proud of himself for not accidentally murdering Grian out of reflex. Was this what healing was like?)
Yes. It is what healing is like. Tommy knows this because that wound gets ripped open again. Tango shows him how to build the most obnoxious redstone-powered noise machine the two can think of. Tango digs a small pit, and asks Tommy to throw down his axe. Suddenly, Tommy’s in Logstedshire again; it’s not Tango asking, it’s Dream. His hands don’t shake when he tosses his axe into the pit, followed by his sword and his armor. It isn't until he’s placed the TNT down that Tango grabs his wrist and asks him what he’s doing. Tommy’s eyes clear enough that he can see past the blond hair and freckles. Tango isn’t green, he’s red. He's shorter than Dream, and his worried eyes are unhidden. Tommy shudders, then tells Tango everything.
Tango has no pity for Tommy, just understanding and sympathy. He doesn’t push Tommy to talk about it, but when Tommy’s done telling his story, Impulse and Zedaph show up. They all pretend that Tommy’s voice isn’t hoarse, that they all didn’t conveniently happen to look away when Tommy took off his mask just long enough to wipe his eyes. The men bake a cake together, fool around with honey blocks, and don’t talk about it.
Tommy knows very little about redstone, considers himself more of a builder and a fighter than an engineer. Still, Mumbo’s living base is inspiring, and Tommy often hangs around the man’s industrial district just to watch Mumbo work. Mumbo knows that Tommy hasn’t purchased a day pass, but it’s nice having someone around to talk to while he works. It’s not like Tommy is stealing anything. (Tommy totally steals from Mumbo’s industrial district storage system. The man’s farms are so efficient that he doesn’t even notice, so Tommy assumes it’s fine. What Mumbo doesn’t know won’t hurt him.)
Lava still isn’t his favorite thing in the world. He stays far away from it, instead of imagining what it would be like to hurtle towards it. Ren doesn’t really notice this, but he does notice that Tommy doesn’t seem to like his mustafarian base. On a spur-of-the-moment whim, Ren whips up some absurd plotline in which he is a lone weary traveller seeking refuge at Tommy’s base from strange alien overlords. The two have fun together, and the young man cracks more absurd jokes about it than the hermits have ever seen him do. When Ren leaves a week later to return to his own base, Tommy keeps being absurd, if a bit more subdued without someone to play off of. He builds a shrine to the “prime log”, which grows more elaborate each day. Beef and xB pretend to be his acolytes, despite having no clue what a “twitch prime” is.
They can’t see his face, but the smile in his voice is a far cry from the despondency he once wore like a heavy cloak. He is so much more animated and alive, full of motivation. He builds an entire island in three days, and hand-delivers an invitation to each and every hermit for his beach party. Everyone shows up, even those with packed schedules (Iskall) and those with introverted tendencies (Etho). Tommy is nearly moved to tears when they show up in groups of twos and threes, as though he hadn’t expected anyone to come. There aren’t enough chairs for everyone, but there is more than enough cake to go around. Tango brings drinks, Impulse brings meat to barbecue, and Zedaph makes an elaborate jump-powered grill. Keralis brings way too much confetti and several handfuls of cheap, obnoxious party noisemakers. Stress brings Tommy a crown made out of alliums. It shines far less than his brother’s gold crown, and it’ll die in a few days, but he wears it all night and keeps it in his ender chest until it withers away.
He spends five days teaching himself to make flower crowns. Even his best attempt is awful, nowhere near as pretty as the crowns Stress makes, but when he gives it to her, she takes off the one she was wearing and wears his until it falls apart.
He dies fighting a creeper on Grian’s behalf, and doesn’t even panic, because he trusts that however many times he dies, no matter how stupid or ignominious or revolutionary or important, Xisuma will always let him respawn.
He spends a grand total of nine diamonds to buy a single plot of land in the shopping district. He builds a cute little bench facing the sunset, with warmly glowing street lights on either side and a small garden. At the end of the bench he places a jukebox, and buys every single disc that Beef’s music shop sells, including Pigstep. He sits on the bench while Mellohi plays and watches the tiny silhouettes of his friends flying in the evening sky. Tommy looks alone on that bench, even if he seems happy, so sometimes other people stop by to sit with him. Scar declares the bench area a public park, since everyone likes it so much, and refunds Tommy his nine diamonds straight from the throne.
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