#and that's it for the event story (for now)!!!! see y'all in 9 days!!!
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TO LITTLE FRIEND: Chapter 7
the live is finally here~
previous part (chapter 6)
next part (epilogue)
After seeing the brothers off—
RIO: Haah… Things have finally settled down, huh.
MEGU: Gueeess so. I got to see you being all kind and loving to the kids, so it all works out on my end? I kinda feel like I got some change for my contributions, or something?
RIO: I wasn’t being kind and loving or anything, though…
MEGU: Aah, I should’ve snuck some pics! I wish I could show you how your face looked at that time!
RIO: Good grief…
MEGU: …So?
RIO: Hm? “So” what?
MEGU: It’s a given that you’ve already bought what IV asked you to buy, right?
RIO: (...! Oh shoot! What time is it now…?)
RIO: If we hurry, we can reach the store before it closes! Let’s run for it, MEGU!
MEGU: Ehh, why me too~?!
On the day of the live—
IV: Well guys, the day is finally here.
IV: Let’s be sure to give them another perfect performance today.
YUI: Yeah!
MEGU: Yeaaa!
DAI: Let’s do this!
RIO: …
YUI: …RIO? What’s up with you? You keep looking out into the audience all fidgety and stuff.
RIO: Nothing…
IV: Though, come to think of it, RIO seems to have handed out all the tickets that I gave him this time. Not a single one was left.
YUI: Ehh! That’s rare!
DAI: Ooh! Did you give ‘em to a lady~?
RIO: Of course not.
DAI: Ehh, who did you give ‘em to, then? Where’re the seats for the people we gave tickets to again?
YUI: Who’s there? Who’s there?
RIO: I don’t think you’ll be able to see them from here, though.
MEGU: Heheh, I’m totally in the know, though~! I know who RIO gave the tickets to!
YUI: Huuh?! Why do you know about it, MEGU?!
DAI: Ain’t that unfair?! Tell me about it too!
YUI: Me toooo!
MEGU: Nooo way, it’s a seeecret☆
RIO: “Our Anthem will never stop.”
YUI: “Its resonance will never stop.”
RIO: (Oh, there they are…)
RIO looked out into the audience to see the brothers waving their penlights enthusiastically.
RIO: (The one next to them must be their mother.)
RIO: (I’m glad… They managed to get her to come here with them.)
“I helped out lots, and saved up money to buy her a ticket!”
RIO: (Whenever you want to do something for someone or another, you should take action as quickly as possible.)
RIO: (Everyone will eventually be gone someday, after all—.)
YUI: Well then, y’all will listen up to our next song too, yeah?!
RIO: “TO FAMILY”.
#the 'f' in 'ft4' stands for 'family'#fedora translations4#just honeypre things#obligatory happy birthday dai!!!!!!!#dai didn't get much 'screen'time in this event story but is ok. he's loved anyway~!!!!!!!!#and that's it for the event story (for now)!!!! see y'all in 9 days!!!#may come back to edit some lines thoughhh. we shall seeeeee#i wanna thlottle them for including love anthem lyrics though </3 it's right up there with novels that use lyrics as part of the text#(side-eyeing daikirai na hazu datta. & ijiwaru na deai & otome domoyo. & mona's watashi idol sengen novel)#ft4 pls don't get a novel. get a honeypre main story instead pspspspspspsps
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Monday of Appreciation: Part 101
Hello everyone, Smite here!
2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Monday of Appreciation!
My first MoA post was posted on the 20th of September 2021, two years. Time really flies, huh? I don't want this to be just another MoA 100 post, but I really gotta thank you all, especially because Part 100 received so much love, God, it made me so happy <3 It was a kinda cathartic moment, the series had an epic peak... all thanks to you.
I definitely also want to thank all the writers, without whom this all wouldn't exist. My way of thanking you all is by... featuring a FUCKTON of stories below. Even if you are not featured (first of all, I'm sorry lol), I still appreciate your work and comradery in the bunker. Y'all are amazing <3
LET'S GET TO IT!!!
No. 1: @dnd-writes: Way of Water ft. Eunbi
Ah yes, Waterbomb Eunbi. The event that captured us all. The idea with the backup dancer is straight forward, nice, but the greatest thing about this is the watersports. Waterbomb, watersports... you get it? Just read it.
No.2: @leafostuff: No Names Needed ft. Sheon (Billlie)
Thanks to Leafo for spreading the good word of Sheon and her... goddamn midriff. No more reasons needed, appreciate this girl already, ugh.
No. 3: @iznsfw: The Devil's Telephone ft. Yujin
Everything IZ touches skips the part where it turns to gold. Fuck gold, IZ just creates diamondtic-masterpieces. I was thrilled to learn about this fic and when I read it... IZ did it again! This portrayal of Yujin is everything. What are we to your might!
No. 4: @idyllicidols: Cheat Day ft. Wonyoung
Wonyoung gangbang with her fans? I bet you all are already foaming at your mouth. Go on. Read it. Leave some love for this talented writer after getting your loads off the screen.
No. 5: @rvp32: Whisper of Uncontrollable Desire ft. Chaewon
Let me tell you, rvp is great! They don't hold back, they go all out, they try A/B/O, they like futa (please write futa!) and they have a Gaeul series. This one fucking sent me <3
No. 6: @existslikepristin: Not Summer Yet ft. Jeongyeon
Thx ELP for the nice message on Part 100! Thanks also for giving us these crazy pieces again and again (well, this one isn't too crazy for your standards, but you get me). This felt really intimate, liked it!
No. 7: @dreamcatchers-husband: The City of Love and Secrets ft. Sejeong
You better learn French for this fic. But fr, now I wanna go to Paris and marry a beautiful girl before :floshed: filling her up because she truly is mine now ahhhhh
No. 8: @capslocked: SERENDIPITY ft. Eunbi
Caps, Caps, Caps, Caps, Caps, what am I gonna do with you? Your fics are ALWAYS in my to read list and when I get to them... yeah, takes more than one attempt... more like five. Fuck you, I love you.
No. 9: @ggidolsmuts: Sin, Hormones and the Starlet's Boyfriend ft. Yunjin, Somi
HOLY FUCKING FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK, that was so FUCKING hot, I caaaaan't stop meeeeee, this is so good, I need more of this. Yeah, basically every ddeun fic makes me go like this. What a fucking legend, man.
No. 10: @smuttysabina: A Pervert Bred by Perverts only Breeds more Perverts ft. E:U (Everglow)
As you can see, the title is quite elaborate on what happens in this fic. A bunch of perverts, a lot (and I do mean a LOT) of cum to breed and in the end everyone is happy. You too, you filthy pervert?
No. 11: @writingsomesin-amber: Puppies' New Toy Part 3 ft. LSFM, Xiaoting
FUTA, the best kind of futa. The one with Alphas, with Kazuha (who always has a HUGE cock), with boundless sex that's just horny nonsense. This is what I want to read. Thank you for writing it!
No. 12: @co-reborn: [PPV] BG SEX PERFECT PINK HAIR KOREAN COLLEGE GIRL RIDES AND GETS CREAMPIED - Full Ver ($30).mp4 ft. Jiheon
This is a sequel to probably the best porn focused smut to ever exist. Thank you, c.o, for creating this, for making it a universe and for dropping another Jiheon smut. She hot, you hot <3
No. 13: @pfxhk: Staircase: Prepotent Pleasure ft. Yuqi
Kaaajin <3 finally another Yuqi fic and a very good one at that. I want her hot lips wrapped around me too now.
No. 14: @rosiesmuts: After Dark ft. Rose
Rose little fuck doll. Her pics lately have been mind-fucking or sth like that, I dunno, just sex. Oh, and I know a lot of good things happen late at night.
No. 15: @akkaweo-akkaweo: Treatment ft. Jinsoul
That's the treatment wr allll want from our dear Jinsoul. Her gorgeous visuals have really stunned me since she joined Modhaus. Now paint that pretty face.
No. 16: @mode-lfy: Jinni (SMUT) ft. Jinni (ex-NMIXX)
Sooooo... when does Jinni unzip my pants, first thing in the morning finally come back?
Edit: SHE ACTUALLY IS?!?! LFG!
No. 17: @worldsover: link in bio top 0.1% creator ft. Jiheon
This one is the follow-up to c.o's [PVV], so we got a whole-ass universe with pornstar!Jiheon now. What a blessing, and it leaves us with no doubt that Jihron would reach that 0.1% if she'd show her cute face and bubble butt on cam... when tho???
No. 18: @allthekingssmut: She's Rough And Coarse And Gets Everywhere ft. Heejin
Star Wars is already a win in my book, pair it with hotness everywhere (the sun, a mechanic, her face) and it only gets better and better. The release to all the fucking tension between those two is EPIC. Great fic!
No. 19: @writerpeach: Overindulgent ft. Wonyoung
To say I have over-indluged in this fic would be a massive understatement. When Peach let's loose and pours out tens of thousands of words of unpure smut, we know we got ourselves a massive hit, no matter the idol. To make it even better, Wonyoung.
No. 20: @okaylikesmomo: Kampfyre Part 1 - Vocals ft. Winter
Just one word: vocal training. Wait, that is two words! So Imma a need okay to write a second part to this, because Winter has not been trained enough (imo).
No. 21: @pupyuj: Magic Words ft. Wonyoung (fem!reader)
More love to female reader fics! Especially thise one, with this sweet and spicy Wony that makes girls' legs weak and mine too xD Thank you for this great story and hot smut!
No. 22: @usedpidemo: Parasailing ft. Yuri, Minju
This story feels so nostalgic, so oddly familiar. Like I was there throughout it all and feel entitled to the release at the end. This fic has me gliding, high on their two perfect bodies.
No. 23: @summersault31: Concerto Pt. 1 ft. IU
Blowjobs under the table while tempting another woman into your sinful lifestyle... this combines a clichee with a hook that has you begging: Summer, where is Part 2?
No. 24: @midnightdancingsol: I swear, the Bear Poked Me! ft. futa!Minji x Danielle
Now for the futa appreciation. I think Sol is perfect for this, especially because the mere thought of Minji fucking Dani with her... HUGE COCK... so big and... were was I? Oh yeah, Hanni is also in this.
No. 25: @maemisnippets: You're Mine, Cheeks ft. Chaehyun (fluff)
In between 29 smuts, there is this one short fluff by our dear Maems. Well deserved, I must say. Keep it up, qt, always fun bits to read.
No. 26: @mintwithchoco: [CYMX-461] ft. Choerry, Jinsoul
Monopoly can be so much fun, if you are willing to strike some questionable deals to further your chances of winning and everyone's chances to have a good time. Bathtub sex?
No. 27: @nichuuu: Where our blue is ft. Rei
A beautiful story, it truly made me fall in love with Rei, her strive and determination, her failure, her rise---and the insane, drawn-out fucking at the end. Where our blue is has it all and I have to congratulate @nichuuu: In between all these great writers, this story really stuck out to me!
No. 28: @svndaysaweek: Niche ft. Hanni
Cute little Hanni in need of her step-brother, because she is so deeply in love with him... this was so adorable and sweet at the start and then went into an excessive smut part that fried my brain.
No. 29: @sinswithpleasure: You Can Watch, But You Can't Touch [At Least, Not Yet] ft. Mina, Sana, Momo
I. Would. Not. Last. There is no shame in me saying this, but I just couldn't, with these three hotties right in front of me. Blast it all over their bodies, hng.
No. 30: @xiakato: Ella Baila Sola ft. Xiaoting
Hm, maybe Xiaoting should dance alone, I'm not really good at it though my Just Dance scores would beg to differ.
Hey, if you read all of that, you're fucking awesome. I appreciate you, and hope, you have a great week ahead. Until the next MoA, goodbye!
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SEVENTEEN MASTERLIST
f: fluff
a: angst
c: comfort
m: mature/suggestive
e: event
req: requested
♡ : my fav
events彡:: 200 followers ♡ 500 followers ongoing ♡
enhypen masterlist
➳ choi seungcheol / s.coups:
blooms of love | f ♡ |
halloween playdate | f |
[10:15 pm] | f , e , req |
➳ yoon jeonghan:
dilemma | a |
it was always you | f |
[10:02 pm] | f , c |
twinkling destiny | f |
home is wherever you are | f , c , e , req |
➳ hong jisoo / joshua:
romanticized version of you | f ,c |
baking hearts | f |
[8:30 a.m] | f , c, ♡ |
to sweet endings and even sweeter beginnings | f , e , req |
➳ wen junhui / jun:
jun's secret | f |
➳ kwon soonyoung / hoshi:
he's just my roommate | f , a |
fair date | f |
first kiss | f, e, ♡ |
➳ jeon wonwoo:
starry cinema night | f |
ultimate bias | f | smau | profiles | partI. | partII. | ♡
The happiest 100 days | f, e, req | smau | oneshot |
➳ lee jihoon / woozi:
melodic promises | f |
➳ lee seokmin / dk:
fireflies and memories | f |
unpacking love | f |
See ya' | f , c |
➳ kim mingyu:
clumsy heart | f |
lazy days of love | f , c, ♡ |
jacket | f | smau |
a shower of love | f |
sweet home | f ,♡ |
[2:34 a.m] | f |
r/askreddit | f , ♡ |
[10:23 pm] | f , e , ♡ |
➳ xu minghao / the8:
sunrise sweetness | f , ♡ |
art and heart | f |
midnight surprises | f |
another cliche love story | f , req , e |
➳ boo seungkwan:
scholarly sparks | f | part 1 | part 2 |
is stalking my husband a crime | f , ♡ | smau |
➳ chwe hansol / vernon:
unrequited seasons | a |
[3:04] | f , e , c , req |
first date (vernon's version) | f , req , e |
➳ lee chan / dino:
[9:15 p.m] | f , ♡ |
Headcanons:
➳ morning sunshines | f , c | ot13
➳ Seventeen as display of affection | f | ♡
➳ Seventeen as your older brothers | f |
➳ Texting "He's gone, you can come over now" to seventeen | f , smau | ot13
➳ seventeen's reaction to you playfully dodging their kisses | f |
hip hop unit | performance unit | vocal unit
➳ Seventeen's reaction to catching you watch other member's fancams | f |
'95 liners
➳ Seventeen's reaction to you not recognising them when drunk | f |
hip hop unit | performance unit
➳ bf!Seventeen | f , req |
seungcheol | jeonghan | joshua | junhui | hoshi | wonwoo | woozi | minghao | dokyeom | seungkwan |
➳ Seventeen's recation to their s/o being doctor/surgeon | f |
mingyu, seungkwan, joshua, jeonghan, scoups, dino
➳ Seventeen texting you "what position y'all in🤨?" | m |
hyung line | maknae line
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Constant Repeat | Part 9
Summary: Having worked at Focus Creeps for a year, Ella knows that as a production assistant and part of the crew, there’s one important rule: don’t interact with the talent unless it’s needed. But once she meets Arctic Monkeys, and the recording of the music videos for their upcoming fourth studio album starts, the band seem to become her exception. Not only because they treat her more like a friend than just someone else they’re working with but when Alex continuously makes her blush with his flirting, so enthralled by her that he forgets he’s got a girlfriend, Ella finds herself growing closer to him. As videos are filmed, wrapped and edited, the friendship lines become blurry. Situations unfold, secrets are told and others are kept under lock and key, but how long can Alex and Ella endure being stuck in each other’s minds on constant repeat.
Word Count: 20.4k
Story Warnings: Throughout this series there will be suggestive talk, jealousy, cheating, alcohol and drug use, angst, smut.
A/N: This is gonna be a rather lengthy author's note but it's needed. Y'all must definitely know the wonderful @imagine-that-100 and her masterpiece of a fic Nothing Revealed In A Common Crisis. I'm not exaggerating when I say that fic changed my life in many amazing ways: it introduced me to the 1975, I made friends with N and she's now my best mate and such a special person to me, and through becoming friends with her i gained the courage to start writing again and finally post my fics. I hold @nriacc so close to my heart, so it's a massive honor that N allowed me to borrow Wheels and Curly to use in this story, giving them an alternate universe story line that melts my heart. I'm so beyond excited for you to read this chapter and the rest of this UK trip because it's so fucking fun and eventful. I'm looking forward eagerly to see all of your reactions! I'll shut up now, but I hope you enjoy this chapter!!!!!
Masterlist
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 |
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It was cruel how slow time had been going. A month had never felt longer, and days were specially slow as she was back at the Focus Creeps office everyday.
Organizing all the clips she had gotten from the recording had only kept her busy for the first week back, and after that it had just been torture to get back into routine.
The one good thing was that, since Aaron had a new PA, Ella was properly getting more into the videography aspect of it all and being mentored directly by Ben.
She had studied for that type of job, all she had ever wanted was to be behind the camera in any type of production and finally being able to do it, no matter how small the production was, was a dream come true.
However, it was a lot of work and, whilst she loved it, managing the crew and instructing a whole team for a production could get really stressful. She still had her PA brain in her so regardless of not needing to, she would take on more responsibilities just to ensure everything would end up perfect on shoot day.
Needless to say, just the thought of the holiday approaching made her incredibly giddy.
The day she had gotten to drop Breana off at LAX had been the day she had started getting nervous. The model had been able to get off work and fly over a week earlier than Ella, and even though she had offered to wait another week so they could fly together, Ella had encouraged her to go ahead.
Bre was already dying to see her boyfriend, so why would Ella want to keep her another week away from him?
The silver lining of the situation was that she'd get to be with everyone in only a week. Just seven more days to wait were nothing in comparison to the three endless weeks she had already waited so it'd be fine.
When she got home that afternoon, she went straight to get her suitcase which was hidden away in a corner of her closet. Ella laughed to herself as she packed away, the whole scene being soundtracked by Bowie. That was probably the first time since she moved out to college that she had packed her things with that much time in advance.
She had just rolled up a pair of black pants when 'Modern Love' was interrupted by a call. A call from the one and only, Alex Turner.
Beaming at the contact name, she swiped on her screen to answer and it wasn't even a fraction of a second later that she heard "Hello my darling!" being shouted by a very obviously drunk Alex.
Ella could hear chatter and music in the background, but his loud slurred greeting had been heard without difficulty. "Hi Al! Having fun?"
"Erm," The singer hesitated dramatically, "A bit, yeah."
"Sure sounds like a bit of fun." She replied sarcastically, making him giggle.
"Far less than it would be if you were here."
Ella tried hard not to laugh again, "Oh wow, I'm worried now I might not remember this trip."
"Oh it'll be memorable alright." Ella couldn't hold her laughter in any longer, giggling loudly at the slurred statement and he smiled to himself hearing that sound, "Remind me why aren't you already on your way with Bre now?"
She sighed, "Because I have a big shoot this week and I couldn't miss it because I'll be filling Aaron's place and working directly with Ben."
"You're so fucking amazing, darling." Alex started, completely amazed at her stories now that she was hands on working on the directing aspect of their productions, "I want you directing our music videos from now on." He demanded as seriously as a drunk man can.
"I think drunk you might not be making the best decisions." She quipped with an immense smile on her face.
"Yeah, no." He was quick to disagree, shaking his head profusely like Ella was there to see him. "That'd be the best decision actually. I'll give Ben a quick call."
"Alex, stop it you idiot." Her cheeks were already heating up so she took her phone away from her ear and put it on speaker to place it on her bed as she continued packing. "It's only one more week. Six days if you count this day as over."
He groaned loudly, "Six more days is too long. I can't wait to see you."
Ella was fully melting. It had been so excruciating to be away from the lads, especially from Alex that she kept thinking about what it would be to hug him again. To lean on him for support as she doubled over in laughter, to cuddle him again. She missed him loads, and she'd realized just how important he had become to her when he had left.
She tried to play it cool though, "Okay but you should be more excited about Glastonbury rather than me coming, Al."
"Well you are coming to see us at Glastonbury so it's basically the same thing." Alex defended himself, when in reality he really wasn't able to point out which of those two he was most excited for.
Ella could only shake her head and smile to herself, "You're funny."
"'Course I am." Alex chatted back with an almost offended tone.
She wanted to taunt him a bit more, he was always hilarious when drunk. "That wasn't necessarily literal."
"Yeah, yeah sure–" Alex started but was interrupted by Matt yelling, "Ellie!" out loud as he had come out looking for Alex and heard her through the speakers of the singer's phone.
"Jesus Christ, my eardrums just burst." Ella exaggerated as she folded a black top and rolled it to fit into her case.
Matt scoffed, "Why are you such a bitch, I was about to tell you how much I missed you."
Feeling accomplished by getting that reaction, she giggled but admitted, "I miss you too Helders."
"Did you drop Bre off today?" The drummer asked first and foremost. He was eager to see his girl, a month had been way too long already.
Ella was proud to announce, "Yes. Got back a few hours ago. She texted me she was boarding about twenty minutes ago so your girl is on her way."
"Thank fuck. That plane better speed here." The hours the flight took were always the worst wait for him, they had been every time.
"I'm sure Bre is making the pilot go as fast as they can to get to you as soon as possible." Ella joked, being able to picture the scenario so clearly. But as she picked up her favorite pair of high heeled boots, the leather slipped between her fingers and landed with a loud thud on the floor. "Oh shit!"
The silence from the lads' side was loud, but Ella's was louder so Alex inquired very quickly, "What are you breaking Eleanor?"
Whenever he used her full name, her insides twisted in a knot. Ella rolled her eyes at the feeling and sassily replied, "Nothing Alexander, just dropped a pair of shoes I was about to pack." She hoped he felt the same way when she called him by his full name.
If Ella had gotten an answer to that, it would've been yes but it was overcome by the giddiness Alex then felt over the fact that she was already packing for the trip. "You're packing already?"
"Yes. Apparently I can't stay still now thinking about this trip." And it was true, she probably took a look at her tickets at least twice a day just to check if they were still real.
"Well it is quite eventful, innit? Glasto, Nick's wedding, the music video..." Alex listed with a loopy smile on his face. It would be the perfect first stay in the UK for her, and he couldn't wait to make it even better.
But Ella was suffering through the wait so it just made her whine for him to stop. "Stop because I will cry from having to wait another week."
Alex flustered at the noise but he was reminded he wasn't alone when Matt laughed beside him. The singer sighed, really putting his drunk mind to work out a solution to the problem, "Why isn't teleporting a thing yet?"
Ella snorted in laughter, "It would make it all so much easier, wouldn't it?"
He really started going deep in thought, thinking about how if they were just grasping the logical ways of the concept then the government or whoever would already have something developed. Or they should, at least. "I'm sure there has to be something that–"
Alex's heavy rant was prematurely interrupted by the usual troublemaker in the friend group. "Ellie?"
"Yes, Matthew?"
"Don't forget to pack your skimpy underwear, you'll be going out on the pull here. We need to get you a rebound!" Matt was so drunk, he missed the amount of people walking past them and turning to see him after being so loud about his plans for the American girl.
Ella cackled, deciding between a few skirts she had laid out on the bed. "It will be noted."
But at the same time Alex cussed out his best mate, "Oh fuck off Helders."
Matt frowned at him, "What? I'm just looking out for her! She needs to get every faint memory of that dickhead fucked out of her brain."
Alex hated thinking about that being the situation, he wouldn't have it. "Jesus– Just, fucking shut up."
"I do actually," Ella agreed on Matt's logic, "But let's not talk about it." She sighed in slight melancholy.
"See?!" Matt fought Alex loudly, making Ella laugh loud at him.
Alex turned to the drummer about to threaten him, "Helders I will fucking–"
Ella stopped them before they could do anything, "Okay don't fight now. I'm not there to record."
"Don't worry, I'll ask Jamie to record as I kick his arse." Matt said confidently, almost ready to run back in and ask for Jamie's help.
But she was quick to kick the drummer's ego down a few notches, "I doubt that'll happen."
"Bitch!" Matt gasped out loud, completely offended.
"Thanks for the support, darling." Alex replied with a smirk, raising his eyebrows at his friend.
"Yeah, you just say that 'cause you want his–" Matt tried to say but it was all muffled what she heard next. Ella held her breath to try and listen but nothing could be heard other than shuffling.
About a minute later the line went clear again and someone cleared their throats, "Sorry 'bout that darling, he gets on my nerves."
Ella shook her head, only imagining what it was that they had just done. "He has that effect."
"Well I can't wait for you to get here, darling. It's gonna be fucking amazing I promise you." Alex would make sure of it like his life depended on it.
Her excitement bubbled up inside her once more, "I know it will, I'm so excited. Finally started watching Game of Thrones to practice my accent."
He remembered getting a picture of the three seasons on DVD she had gotten not long after they had gone back to London and how she said she'd watch it soon to prepare for her trip. "Oh darling, I cannot wait to see you miserably fail at that."
"Hey!" Ella warned him before switching to her very fake and forced british accent, "It's quite good actually." Alex couldn't not let out the loudest laugh at it though, which made her laugh back as she tried to say, "Don't laugh!"
He tried to stop but he couldn't so it was about half a minute later that he could properly say, "Sorry, that was just bad."
"You're mean." She pouted to herself, rolling a pair of jeans.
He hummed and sarcastically said, "Sure I am." Ella was about to call him out for it when they heard, "Alex!" being yelled out by Nick. "Okay, I gotta go now but, erm, I'll call you tomorrow alright?" He stumbled in his words, his tongue tangling because of being drunk and excited.
Ella smiled at that, "That's perfect. Enjoy the rest of your night, Al. Love you." She just couldn't help but add.
Alex swore he would never get over her saying that, even if she didn't mean it like he wanted her to. "Love you too, darling. Bye."
"Bye." She said almost breathless as his words hit her like she hadn't heard him say that before.
The line went dead and they both sighed before going back to their activities. The week needed to pass faster.
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Ella had been walking around LAX with a skip on her step. Her flight was due to leave California at seven in the afternoon and she'd be landing in Montreal at around three in the morning. She had a connecting flight, of course, but she had made sure to make her calculations well and she knew she'd get there in time.
She had made sure to leave her house and order herself a taxi with enough time to spare, taking LA's traffic very into consideration. The counter of the airline she was traveling with had been packed but she got her boarding pass about forty minutes later, with two hours left to go through TSA and then rush to her gate.
Being mindful of how long it would take, she had already taken everything that could beep off her body and placed it inside the big bag she was carrying with her. Though she shouldn't have needed to worry because being the time it was and the fact that it was LAX, the line for TSA moved specially slow, taking her about thirty minutes to get through.
And, of course, her gate was the one furthest away so she was power walking through the airport, not without making a quick stop at McDonald's first. When she finally found her gate, she'd sat in the waiting area with her laptop open in her lap to edit some pictures.
She'd had to do some shoots on digital for a brand that was working with Focus Creeps and despite it not being her favorite medium, they had turned out amazing. She had studied quite intently everything about photo editing in university, so really she was just putting old skills to use when editing them.
When she was almost done with the first batch of pictures, and eating the last of her chips now that her burger was gone, she noticed that the time in the top right corner of her laptop said 7:16PM and they hadn't been called yet, so she started to fidget in her seat.
There was just one person at the counter but they didn't have the airline's uniform. She could see a plane parked right at the gate though, and people driving the boarding bridge in place. Her legs bounced up and down as she watched her surroundings for any signs of them boarding soon.
Just when Ella was about to panic because the person who was at the counter left, her phone buzzed in her pocket, startling her. She pulled it out, grateful for a small distraction from her building anxiety and her face relaxed at the notification of Alex's text.
(27/06/2013 19:17) Hope the airport isn't too crazy at the minute, darling. How's everything going? Have you boarded yet? x
She bit on her thumb, looking around for anyone from the airline getting the counter ready for boarding but no one was there yet so she fully focused on texting the singer.
(27/06/2013 19:18) We were supposed to board twenty minutes ago, so I'm slowly getting nervous. Every minute counts, you know? I can't miss y'all at Glastonbury Al :(
(27/06/2013 19:19) Don't you worry darling, you'll make it just in time. And I'm sure you'll be boarding in no time, just listen to some music, yeah? Maybe some Beatles to set the mood x
(27/06/2013 19:20) I think it'd be better if I blast some Arctic Monkeys, wouldn't it?
(27/06/2013 19:20) I suppose that works too, they're overrated though x
(27/06/2013 19:21) Okay now, don't talk shit about them when I'm only traveling this long to see them.
(27/06/2013 19:21) Hahaha sorry darling x I cannot wait to see you, the lads can't wait either and Bre has been screeching about your first time over here since she got here.
(27/06/2013 19:22) You always know what to say, Al. I feel like I'm gonna puke from excitement now and not anxiety. Can't wait to see y'all.
(27/06/2013 19:23) Everyone's already planning so much shit for when you get here. Just a little heads up for you x
(27/06/2013 19:23) Jesus Christ... I'm scared of the hangovers to come already.
(27/06/2013 19:24) It'll be fun, that's all that matters. What Bre and Matt are planning though, I have no idea about.
(27/06/2013 19:25) Oh no, they're in charge of the parties before the wedding right?
(27/06/2013 19:26) Exactly, so we must be in for a wild night. Gutted we can't be together for those x
(27/06/2013 19:27) Who's gonna save me from Bre then?! She's gonna have me black out, I can't handle alcohol as well as she does.
(27/06/2013 19:27) You can't handle alcohol at all, darling xx
(27/06/2013 19:27) Thanks for the faith, Al. So sweet of you x
(27/06/2013 19:28) Won't apologize for the truth x But Katie and my best friend will be there, they'll take care of you x
(27/06/2013 19:29) Rude! :(( I'm so excited to meet everyone properly!!! x
(27/06/2013 19:29) Just stay away from tequila and you'll be fine darling x And everyone is excited to finally meet you too xx
(27/06/2013 19:30) Such good advice xx P.S. someone's just set things up for boarding! I'll text you when I get to Montreal xxx
(27/06/2013 19:30) Have a great flight, darling. Love you lots xxxx
(27/06/2013 19:30) Thank you Alex, love you too xxxx
Ella stood up from her place with a bright grin on her face. She'd never not react like that to his sweet words.
Once she got her thoughts together, she hung her bag on her shoulder, after stuffing her laptop back inside it, and walked to throw away her McDonald's bag.
As soon as she was able to, Ella boarded her flight. Feeling so elated as she walked to the plane's door and through the hallway up to her seat. She loved being in planes, even though going out of the country had never happened for her before.
She found herself unable to stay still when she got to her seat. There were so many things making her insides feel like jelly, she had a little silent cry in the plane as it took off. Ella was grateful nobody beside her could really see her as she had a window seat, her eyes glued to how everything was looking more minuscule by the minute outside until it was just clouds.
Eventually, she pulled out her laptop again and continued editing, she had a little bit over five hours to kill and since she had no other way to distract herself, she was going through the pictures faster than anticipated.
How she was going to brace the seven hour flight from Montreal to London, she had no idea. She probably would have to come up with concepts for future shoots, work with words rather than with reference pictures since she had no wifi.
Ella had been amazed, watching Montreal under the plane when they were about to land. The lights of the city lighting up everything for her to see, she felt like a child being amazed at such a simple thing, but it looked so beautiful she had to take a picture. She used her phone first but it did little to no justice to it so she pulled out her camera and took a few pictures just to see if it would show on film as beautiful as her eyes could see.
Even walking around the Canadian airport was fascinating to her, because all the signs were in French too, which made her think about just how amazing it would be to visit France.
Thankfully, walking through the airport and finding her gate had been a breeze so she could sit down calmly and just sort through some stuff that she had been procrastinating for long. Before starting to organize her scans though, she sent Alex a quick text.
(28/06/2013 04:20) Landed in Montreal a few minutes ago, and at the gate waiting for the next flight! Only an hour left to wait and then I'll be on my way. I cannot stay still!!! xx Also Canada is beautiful, I love it! xx
Due to the lack of wifi connection, she sent it as a regular SMS, not really caring about being charged. She just hoped it went through as she went back to her laptop screen to work the next hour away.
But her bubble of giddiness had burst when she and all the others who were waiting for their connecting flight, were surprised by someone from the airline crew going up to the gate's waiting area microphone and informing them all that their flight had been delayed six hours because of some issues with the plane that was supposed to take them to London.
Ella scoffed in disbelief. Of course this would happen to me, was all that came to her mind.
When they told them their luggage would have to be picked up from baggage claim and they'd have to check in once again, it hit her just how much time she'd be losing.
She started panicking as she walked out to baggage claim, spotting her flight number in the furthest conveyor belt.
She had debated texting Alex again to tell him about the whole situation, just to let him know, but when she properly made her calculations and realized how much later she'd get there, her whole attention was drawn to fixing the issue.
People saw her rolling her big suitcase around the airport in a haste, her bag continuously falling off her shoulder but it was the least of her concerns as she approached the counters of the airline. She saw the big line of people and was about to cry, but thankfully she spotted some people assisting at the very end of the queue that could help her.
Ella told them about her situation and they apologized profusely. They told her to wait as they saw what they could do and after twenty minutes in which she just watched them type away, call and speak with different people behind the counter, she was told she could get a ticket for another plane they had which was leaving in two hours.
When the time was very scarily going closer to six in the morning, she had been able to check in her suitcase and run to go through security once again. She was grateful everyone had been lovely in every checkpoint, because if she had been faced with another obstacle, she was sure she would've broken down in the middle of the airport.
Never in her life had she walked so fast, and it was only when she got to her gate did she allow herself to fully sit in the panic. On her way, she had been doing the math and she realized she'd be landing in London cutting it very close to their set. It was when she remembered she still needed to get driven to the place the festival was at, that she found she'd get there after the lads had gone on stage, probably in the middle of their set.
Without letting another minute go to waste, she called Alex and tried her hardest to keep herself composed. At least she had a ticket and it would be a minor setback, not six hours.
"Hello, darling!" He exclaimed and she could feel his smile through the phone, her shoulders slowly loosening up at the thought of being beside her best friend soon.
"Hiya, Alex." Ella greeted, trying to copy his enthusiasm but she failed incredibly and Alex knew her so well now that he immediately knew something was wrong.
He walked away from the noise around him, they'd gotten to the festival early and they were all drinking and watching the final touches to the stage setup. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Ella bit her lip, trying not to get too worked up and push herself to tears. "I am, I am. Just— My original flight got delayed six hours..."
Alex's heart dropped, "Oh darling." He muttered, filled with sadness.
"Okay but listen," She continued, trying to switch the situation around—more to try and calm herself than anything else—, "I managed to get a new ticket, but it leaves in about an hour. So, if my calculations aren't wrong, then I might be landing around eight in the evening."
He hummed, "The drive is about two hours and a half, it's okay darling. You're getting picked up by the driver we hired, you'll make it."
She sighed, "I hope I make it on time..." She knew she wouldn't be there from the start but just the knowledge of being a few minutes late to their set wouldn't make her weep at that very moment.
Alex just had to reassure her though, because anything could happen and it was out of everyone's hands so the last thing he wanted was for her to blame herself. "Even if you get here a little late, we just want you here. It's okay Ellie. I promise you, darling."
If Ella hadn't been in public, she would've let herself sob, but she had to inhale deeply to keep herself at bay and focus on the fact that she was on her way to them and that was all that mattered.
"Okay, Al. I'm just gonna distract myself as I wait and, uhm, yeah. I hope this one doesn't get delayed." She tried to joke but her heart sank at just the thought of it.
"Touching wood as we speak, Ellie." He truly was, knocking softly on the wooden table that was set beside him.
She laughed quietly, "I guess I'll see you soon then Al, but just in case I don't get there in time," her voice went a little quiet as she was getting sad at the thought, "Good luck okay? You're all gonna do so amazing, I have no doubt."
"Why don't you just wait until you're here to tell me?" Alex just wanted her to stop thinking like that, she was gonna make it regardless and that's what mattered to him.
"Alright." Ella agreed softly, trying to feed off his positivity.
"Have a great flight darling. Love you. It'll be alright okay?" That sweet conviction of his that he always showed when it came to her laced around his words had her melting and calming down in her seat.
She nodded, smiling tightly at his words. "Yeah, it will. Love you too Alex, see you soon."
They exchanged quiet goodbyes and just like that the call ended.
The panic had gone away and its place had been taken by excitement again. She just wished time would go faster because she had little patience left inside her and it had only been fifteen minutes she had been waiting at the gate.
Working on organizing her scans had been wonderful for her, not only because she had so many that she had forgotten about, but she had been able to see her growth as a photographer and it had made her a little bit proud of herself.
It had been a burden to see the ones with Julian in them, or the ones that she clearly remembered had been taken by him but they were good shots of her where she felt and looked beautiful so she would focus on that rather than give that man any more of her thoughts.
She'd known ever since that day at the beach that she was done with him, over the whole situation and, since she wrapped her mind around that realization, she'd only felt peace. He thankfully hadn't made any more appearances or tried to contact her—of course that also was because she'd made sure to block all contacts that could tie them together any longer.
That all had worked like a charm and surrounding herself with work and keeping in touch with her friends and family had helped her heal.
When she was sorting through the pictures she'd taken in March, that were mostly frames of her birthday party as Bre had been drunkenly taking many pictures of everyone, the crew had started to board.
Ella was glad to see they had started boarding earlier than anticipated and she was on her plane seat in almost no time. And to her luck, she had been seated beside a very lovely woman who had the most beautiful ginger hair Ella had ever seen. That had been the start of the conversation and the girl, who's name was Gabby, had thanked her and started conversation with her right then.
It seemed like the friendship had been sent from above as the two spent most of the flight talking about everything and anything: their jobs, their hobbies, why they were on that plane, the things they were most excited for when they landed.
"Rockstars..." Gabby has started after Ella told her she was on her way to visit her rockstar best friends, "Be careful, you never really know about them." She warned, based on past experiences that made a melancholic smile tug at the corner of her lips.
When the plane landed, they had gone through all of the checkpoints together up until the baggage claim area.
Ella and Gabby exchanged Instagram accounts and they promised each other to keep in touch and maybe plan something while Ella was in London.
It seemed like luck was on Gabby's side because her suitcase was one of the first ones to come out only 20 minutes later, leaving Ella with a long hug and a "Take care sweetheart."
Without the ginger beside her, Ella had been well aware of every minute that was passing and how if everything was going according to schedule then it would be less than two hours that the lads would go on stage.
Maybe if the driver just floored it, she'd be able to make it just in time. She prayed that was the case.
But time kept running and she watched people getting their baggage and leaving, everyone but her. It was a group of twenty people maybe that was waiting with her, and suddenly the conveyor belt stopped carrying cases which made Ella even more fidgety.
When she watched the clock go from nine o'clock to quarter past, she'd had enough. She sighed, fixing her bag on her shoulder to turn around and leave—after all, if her case was found, it had her information attached to it and they'd contact her so she couldn't care less about it—, but then cases started rolling in again and the third one was hers.
Ella practically ran towards it and pulled it up with a strength she didn't know she had in her. As soon as she had a hold on it, she walked fast towards the exit in search of the driver the lads had gotten her.
It took her a few glances around the crowd of people waiting for her to find her name on a small sign. 'Eleanor Hayes' read the sign in the man's hands and she approached him with a relieved smile on her face.
They exchanged pleasantries and he took the suitcase from her as they walked out to the car. It was outside that it hit her where she was. Seeing cars driving on the other side of the road and everyone talking in thick accents around her was enough for her to smile hard.
Even if she was two hours away from the guys, they were standing in the same soil and that was enough for her to breathe calmly for a while.
Ella got in the back seat of the car, and once again she felt like she couldn't sit still. The worst part was that she wasn't even able to call Alex or text him because her phone was basically useless.
So she put her earphones in and connected them to her phone to play some music. Something inside her knew exactly what she needed to hear then and so she scrolled all the way down until she found that song she hadn't been able to stop listening to since that day.
Her eyes watched out of the window, how they were driving on the left side of the road, how different it all was but something felt constant and growing inside her. But then 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' started and her thoughts drowned before she could even allow herself to point out what it was.
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Ella had made light conversation with the driver when they were walking up to the car and he had taken her petition to go as fast as he could to heart. He knew she needed to be there by ten in the evening so he had done the best he could.
Yet that hadn't been enough, because they got there at a little bit over eleven.
The driver had lent Ella his phone so she could call an assistant to the band's manager who was waiting for her to arrive.
The girl had been lovely and told Ella she'd be coming to get her and about thirty minutes later, with her heart leaping on her chest, Ella was walking up to the balcony at the side of the stage.
She was almost in tears seeing and hearing the massive crowd go incredibly insane at the sight of the lads coming back for the encore.
Ella had barely registered the manager's assistant telling Breana that Ella had arrived until Bre had jumped on her to hug her, and that was when the tears had started falling. Ella was so overwhelmed that she was just now processing the long day she'd had and it was hitting her like a ton of bricks.
She was so entranced by the guys getting their instruments and about to perform again that she had only been able to smile and wave at the girls around her. She recognized Kelly of course but she didn't know who out of the two other girls that were there was Katie and who was Alex's best friend.
Alex started strumming his guitar and teasing the crowd with the lyrics to 'Soul Love' by David Bowie, everyone at the balcony laughed as they sang it back to him but he was quick to cut them off when he said, "I'm only messing, I'm only kidding."
He walked backwards for a few seconds before going back to the mic and this time teasing them with 'Yellow' by Coldplay, which made the crowd sing it back to him even louder.
"I'm only messing, I'm only messing." He tried saying but the thousands of people ignored it so he laughed looking at Jamie and shaking his head, "I'm only kidding. Pipe down now, pipe down." And since they still didn't listen, he went ahead and started singing the next song which was 'Cornerstone'.
Ella hadn't even known that they had a string section playing with them until she heard them join the guys during the second verse and she swore she had ascended.
Nothing would ever compare to hearing Alex's stunning voice, accompanied by the violins and cellos, and the crowd so wholeheartedly singing along.
Alex was enthralling standing there just talking to the masses of people and getting them to cheer loudly at him when he suggested an old monkeys song that they didn't perform often. Ella was trying to guess which one it would be when the violins started the gorgeous melody of 'Mardy Bum' and it all sounded even better when the crowd sang along.
It was mesmerizing to say the least. Ella had thought seeing them perform Outside Lands in 2011 had been insane enough, but nothing compared to this. She had never witnessed something like it before and it was leaving her breathless.
A few tears fell down her cheeks and since Bre was holding her close, resting her face against hers, she noticed. The model turned to her best friend, cooing and gave her a loud kiss on the cheek.
Ella was sad she had only caught the end of their performance but so glad to at least have caught a bit of it. She wouldn't have forgiven herself if she had missed it completely.
She watched as Alex changed her acoustic guitar for his Fender jazzmaster when the song was done, and in no time he started playing the chords to 'When The Sun Goes Down'. The crowd was so loud almost completely drowning his voice, making everyone at the balcony sing along.
Just before the song fully kicked in after the first verse, Alex stopped and encouraged the crowd to get louder and louder. It was mental to see how much control he had over them, making them scream as loud as they could with a small movement of his hand.
Finally when they continued, Ella just fully let go of any inhibitions and started dancing with Bre, jumping on her spot and singing along loudly. The girls had done the same, all of them faking playing a guitar and headbanging.
One of the girls she didn't know had wolf whistled and yelled "That's my best friend!" which had Ella instantly knowing who she was. She was glad she had just spent most of the song with her arm swung over the girl's shoulder and both had danced together like they'd known each other their whole lives.
It all got even cuter when Alex asked the crowd if they could help him sing happy birthday to his mum. Ella had melted as she and everyone sang along, Alex had a permanent grin on his face loving the energy and how perfect the night was going.
Ella watched intently as Alex welcomed Miles on stage, whooping and clapping for her friend. She had only been able to see Miles playing 505 with them on video and caught glimpses of it in the studio when the guys were playing around and strummed along for a few seconds, but she was sure this one time would be life changing.
When Alex sang "I'd probably still adore you with your hands around my neck", she felt Bre teasingly choke her which made her laugh. That made her almost miss Alex doing it to himself softly in front of the whole crowd. She had to keep herself from letting her eyes roll at that, not only because she was in public, surrounded by people but she had to not think about Alex like that.
She couldn't. They were just friends and no matter how attractive she could find him, she couldn't let herself and her thoughts wander beyond that point.
The song reached its climax and she was taken aback by the crowd's volume once again. It was nothing compared to how loud they got by the end of the song, when the lights grew intensely and lit the whole stage as the band waved them goodbye, blew them kisses and left.
Once the guys were out, that's when Ella properly turned and gave Bre the biggest hug to say hello.
"I missed you so much!" Ella had said hidden away in her neck, "Today was awful."
Bre let go to check if she was crying or not, she only found Ella's eyes pooling with tears, "I knew I should've gone with you." The model cooed and hugged her back again, "Let's go back down to their trailer and I'll introduce you to everyone."
Ella sniffled and followed Breana, who was keeping her fingers intertwined with hers as everyone walked out and back to the band's trailer.
She expected the lads to be out there already, but they told them that they had gone to be quickly interviewed at the BBC Radio area. So she took the brief moment of tranquility to properly take a moment and meet the girls officially.
Kelly was the one walking towards them so Ella was quick to meet her in the middle and give her a quick hug.
"Hi! It's so nice to finally meet you!" Ella said enthusiastically, and the bride-to-be hugged her back tightly.
They swayed a bit in their place before letting go of each other, Kelly was a little bit tipsy by then and the lads and Bre had been talking about how excited they were for Ella to get there that she was ecstatic to meet her.
"You too Ella!" Kelly agreed and then turned to see the other two ladies coming to them. Kelly waved them over for them to hurry and both of them started giggling as they quickened their pace.
When they caught up to where they stood, Ella smiled brightly at them, "Hi! I'm Ella, so nice to meet you."
She hadn't known exactly if she should hug them or shake their hands but the answer was given to her when the brunette one crushed her in a tight hug which surprised her.
"I'm so glad we can finally meet!" Ella had reciprocated the hug because she truly needed it and it's only when the girl let go that she said, "I'm Flo. Welcome to England, love."
"Oh! Alex's best friend, the artist! I've heard so much about you." Ella replied, looking at the pretty girl smiling even harder in front of her.
"I sure hope so. I've heard loads about you too, it was about time you came so I could properly meet you." Flo winked and it made her blush, she was intrigued by the amount of times Alex would mention her if his best friend had been so eager to have her here.
Ella giggled and then turned to give the blonde girl who, by process of elimination, would be Cookie's girlfriend. "You must be Katie then?"
"That's me. Hi Ella, so nice to meet you." Katie said with a sweet smile and a tender brief hug.
Ella reciprocated and held her with the same tenderness. "You too. Congratulations on the engagement, by the way. Lucky guy Cookie is."
Katie laughed and waved her off but before she could disagree on that, Flo jumped in saying, "Isn't he?"
Ella nodded, already feeling that Alex's best friend would be one she'd grow the closest with. Katie felt the need to say something about her then so he pointed at the things that they knew from the lads.
"We've seen your pictures Ella and, bloody hell, we might need to hire you for some shoots because you leave me astounded."
Ella smiled brightly at that, her cheeks tinting red as she watched them all throwing compliments around. Bre threw one of her arms around Ella's shoulders and said, "Think maybe we should just take a day away from the guys and play with the camera."
All the girls agreed on it and Ella was totally willing to do it. "I'm down if you guys are down, that'd be amazing. I came up with a few concepts on my way here, actually."
"It's settled then. Girls day will be a photoshoot day with Ella." Flo settled raising her cup in the air.
"You tell us Kelly if you want it before or after the wedding just so we don't interrupt with any plans." Ella was quick to say, remembering the big day coming up.
"Let's do it after. We have loads of time before we leave for our honeymoon."
Flo smirked at her, "Oooooo the honeymoon. Big anticipation for that Boss, make sure you're well rested beforehand. I speak from experience."
"Wait, you're married?" Ella asked in slight shock. Alex had failed to mention that big little detail.
Flo showed off her ring wiggling her eyebrows, "Very happily so." And then she turned to look around for her husband, "Where is he? Curly?!"
And as if it was magic, the lanky man with the long hair Ella had seen earlier at the balcony had popped out of nowhere with a cigarette in hand by the trailer.
"Sweetheart?" He asked and if it wasn't for the way they had kept quiet, they wouldn't have been able to hear him.
"Come here a second, say hi to Ella."
And like every one of her wishes was a command, he appeared right behind her with a smile on his face. He dropped the cigarette to the ground and stomped on it as he offered a hand out to Ella and introduced himself, "Nice to meet you, I'm Matty."
Ella gave him a kind smile, holding herself from cooing at the way he held Flo close to him. "Hi Matty, I'm Ella."
The man smirked, "Oh we know, famous Ella. You're quite the talk around here."
Breana laughed, knowing how much of Ella they had all heard and seen through the band, especially in the past week and earlier that very day.
Ella blushed at the information, "Jesus... Good talk, I hope."
Flo smirked looking at her, "Oh very good talk, especially from Alex. He's been like a broken record since he got back."
She had no idea what to say so she just blushed quietly for a few seconds until Breana pinched her waist and she jumped, "That's... good, I guess."
"Indeed it is." Katie added with a subtle smirk and a raise of eyebrows which only had Ella blushing even harder.
"Okay, yous stop it." Kelly said, finding it adorable how she reacted to everyone's teasing. "You're getting her all red, bless her."
"You know what you need?" Matty asked playfully and Ella shook her head as she lacked a response, "A drink."
"Oh yes. You're far behind." Informed Breana who had been drinking almost all day with the girls.
"What would you like?" Flo asked nicely, wanting to get her new friend going as the night had only just started.
Ella had a think about it but just shrugged when she couldn't decide on anything she particularly wanted at the moment, "Surprise me."
Flo smiled hard, "I love you already."
So Flo and Matty left to make her a drink and the other four girls stayed outside whilst they talked. It had been mostly about the wedding, Ella had managed to convince Kelly that it wasn't gonna be an issue for her to take pictures all day so Kelly allowed her to be another one of their photographers but only at the reception. Because "I don't want you feeling like you're at work during the ceremony, you're our friend.", was the reasoning she'd given her and Ella smiled at her and promised she'd only pull her camera out during the reception.
Miles had appeared then, interrupting the wedding chat to crush Ella in a tight hug, "Fucking finally! We've been waiting for you!" The scouse had made her giggle with the scoff he'd let out after that.
"Sorry, had to get a new flight and it was shit." Ella replied with a struggle from how tight he was holding her.
Miles left a wet kiss on her cheek and pulled back, "Don't apologize. You're here now."
Ella nodded with a sweet smile, letting herself indulge in Miles' side hug and starting up a conversation with him and the rest of the group.
About five minutes later, when they were trying to get information out of Breana about Kelly's bachelorette party or hen do—as the british girls called it—Matty and Flo finally came out of the band's trailer with multiple drinks in hand.
They were carefully coming down the stairs managing to grip onto two cups on each hand when behind them someone yelled, "Oi! What were those two doing alone in our trailer?" It was when they continued saying, "You nasty bastards!" that Ella recognized it was Matt walking back with the rest of the band following behind.
"Oh my god!" Ella yelled, letting go of Miles and completely missing whatever Matty had yelled back at them because she was too busy running towards them.
She had her guestlist wristband on so security didn't stop her when she jetted off to hug the first person she saw, which was the drummer.
Matt had barely even seen her when she threw herself at him, "Ellie! You're here!"
"I missed you so much, I'm so sorry I was late." She truly was sorry but he wasn't having it.
Matt held her tighter and shook his head, "No need to apologize Ellie, it's all fine. You're here!"
Before she could apologize once more, the rest of the band joined them in the hug. They all crushed Ella in between their bodies and said her name in unison which had her laughing.
By the time they'd all let go and given her space, she had shed a few tears. She turned around with a pout and hugged them one by one, apologizing again and again for being late, for which Alex had gone and hugged her again when she was done hugging everyone.
Alex held her tight and rubbed up and down her back, "I told you that all that mattered is that you'd be here darling, and you are."
"I caught the encore." She mumbled in his ear, sniffling.
He loosened his grip on her and made her look up at him, "Did you like it?"
"It was insane Al. The crowd was so loud! And the strings!" Ella fanned her face to gather herself, "I will cry just picturing how it was from the very start."
"Don't cry darling." Alex cooed, brushing some of her hair behind her ear and wiping a tear that had fallen down her cheek. "We'll catch a rerun of it on TV next week, it's okay."
She didn't have time to keep protesting because Alex started leaving kisses all over her face until she giggled. It was only when she couldn't breathe from laughter that he stopped, getting a hold of her hand and followed the lads walking back to where everyone was gathered.
When they got there though, Ella was met with someone she didn't know. Thankfully, Alex was quick to introduce them to her.
"Ella, this is Penny, my mum. Penny, this is Ella." He let go of her to let her freely hug his mum.
And that Ella did, holding Penny tighter when she'd said "Oh it's so lovely to meet you, sweetie."
"You too. Happy birthday, by the way. That was a lovely serenade you got just then."
Penny cooed, "Oh thank you. And it was, wasn't it?" She turned to her son to steal a hug from him, "Thanks to this one."
Alex relished in his mum's embrace, leaving a kiss on top of her head. "Love you mum." She saw as she was all ready to walk out, her friend waiting for her beside his manager by the entrance of the backstage area. "Are you leaving?"
"Yeah, so sorry to leave you lot but I can't be camping out anymore. I'm not fit for this lifestyle now." Penny joked, looking at everyone who was watching the interaction intently.
Ella scoffed, acting like Penny was saying just pure lies, "What are you on about? I was gonna take you out dancing to celebrate!"
Alex's mum laughed at that, gently grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze. "Oh sweetie, that's a tempting offer, that."
Flo joined in Ella's antics, "We'll bring the party up north next week then Penny, get yourself ready."
"That better be a promise." She pointed at the girl she had seen grow up, and Flo blew her a kiss in response.
Alex left Ella with their friends to walk his mom back to her friend, making sure they were all set to leave. And as he went back, he couldn't believe his eyes.
He had been anxiously waiting all day for her to arrive, his heart beating a bit faster the closer it got to their set. He tried blaming it on headlining Glastonbury for a second time but he knew deep inside that really wasn't it. Yes it was making him nervous, but most of all it was because of Ella.
When he had walked on stage, he had anticipated that his thoughts would be fully taken over by the crowd and the place they were at, but he had been wrong—the thought of where Ella was, held a place in the back of his head throughout the whole set.
And when they had been taken to BBC Radio's lounge to get interviewed and saw the mirrorballs hanging from the ceiling, along with the cow print on the floor, he was taken back to Ella.
Ella, Ella, Ella.
He'd been so fucking glad to see her there as they came back. And now, walking back and seeing her laugh with his childhood best friend, it was a sight that had him grinning brightly to himself.
The group seemed to be talking very eagerly about something, and he was just beyond happy that Ella fit perfectly with them all. His smile only faltered when he was getting closer to them and Ella snapped her head in his direction with a deep frown and a gasp.
"Alex Turner, how could you keep this information from me?!" Ella asked loudly, as she had just been embarrassed for not knowing something that seemed like everyone knew.
Alex giggled, frowning back at her, "What?"
"You've never told me that your best friend's husband is in a band as well?" Matty had just said he was excited for the next day and Ella had asked what was happening, which Flo had laughed hard about when she realized Alex had failed to mention it to her.
"Oh," he cringed, "Sorry darling." He apologized to Ella first and then turned to Matty to make sure he hadn't taken offense by it, which he hadn't but just in case Alex said, "Sorry mate."
"S'alright." Matty waved off with an amused smile at Ella's bright red cheeks.
But Ella didn't agree, "Yeah, it's not for me but whatever."
Alex laughed, noting that she had a drink in hand and he guessed that would have to do a little bit with her current mood. "What are you drinking Eleanor?"
"It's called 'none of your business', isn't it Flo?" Ella asked the brunette seriously.
Flo tried to match her seriousness but her smile couldn't be held back, "That's right."
Alex took the drink from her, only to take a sip and when he did he realized what it was. "Angel, you gave her a jagerbomb? She can't handle alcohol, she's gonna be plastered by half past."
"Well, I'll blame this beautiful angel right here." Ella nodded towards his best friend, playing with the word he had just called her, and Flo did a small curtsy back at her.
Alex hadn't expected this duo to be such trouble. He feared them and Bre together would be even worse and he didn't know what to expect.
"Of course you will." Alex shook his head with a smile, and Flo winked at him. She knew him like the back of her hand, and she could just see it all written on Alex's face. He was whipped.
It had been a lovely night, slowly and with the help of the drinks, the buzz the lads had gotten from the night had gone down and by three in the morning, they were all ready to go to sleep. Especially Ella, who despite having multiple jagerbombs with Flo, had succumbed to her exhaustion from her long day traveling.
The lads had their tour bus parked somewhere in the fields, so after the group said bye to Matty and Flo who were staying with the rest of their group, they took on a long drunk walk back to the bus. It had been filled with giggles at the clumsy steps they'd take, especially Ella and Bre's who were holding onto Miles' arms and subsequently making him trip with them.
The walk back had been exhaustingly long to them all in their drunken states, so when they finally reached the massive vehicle, they jetted off up the stairs by the door and chose the first bunk they saw.
Thankfully no one had chosen their bunks yet so there wasn't any bickering about someone stealing someone else's bed but it was hilarious to Alex, who had been the last to go up, to see everyone lazily slump into the beds and groan in relief when they could finally rest their bodies.
Due to how drunk everyone was, they had passed out almost immediately and slept deep and uninterrupted all throughout the night, even through the choir of snores coming from Nick and Matt.
That was until the noise outside woke them up at around eleven and they all realized that if they didn't properly wake up soon and get ready for the day, they'd miss Matty's band.
So, like they had been shocked back alive, the girls started getting ready quickly. Ella was so thankful for the bathroom in the bus being a decent size and it hadn't been much of a burden getting ready in the enclosed space.
She was also grateful for the girls around her, who were going on and on about all that Ella was going to see and what she couldn't miss, warning her about different things around the field but making her more excited about it all by the second.
They all had a bite of food on their way to the stage The 1975 would perform on, and they got there just in time. Matty's band was due on stage in ten minutes, when the group walked up to where Matty and Flo were standing by the steps that would take them up the stage.
Ella was well aware she stood up like a sore thumb from how she was dressed, not that her black shorts and her The Doors shirt were strange but her black and silver cowboy boots were. She had earned herself quite a lot of glances as they paraded around the place, but she couldn't care less.
Matty pointed them out right away but with a compliment because he truly loved them, "Fucking love your boots Ella."
"Awh thanks Matty." She looked down at them, already muddy and dusty but she loved it, it reminded her of home.
His wife had taken the chance to tease him then, "Be careful, he might try to steal them. He's taken half my wardrobe."
Matty bit back saying, "We're married so what's yours is mine. Technically not stealing."
A very tall guy with a man bun walked behind Flo and clicked his tongue as he threw an arm around her shoulders, "He got you there baby."
"George, you're supposed to be on my side always." Flo complained, but leaned into George's touch.
"For that you've got your cousin." The tall guy argued with a smirk, which made Flo elbow him on the ribs.
Matty cackled watching George doubled over in pain and Flo took that moment to turn around and call over the two other members of the band to meet Ella.
Another very tall guy with a buzzcut came their way, along with a slightly shorter brunette, and when they stood beside her with soft smiles, Flo introduced them to Ella.
"Ella, this is George," She pointed to the tallest one who had just been hurt in the ribs, "This is Ross." She then signaled to the one with the buzzcut and finished by pointing at the brunette, "And this is my cousin, Adam."
Ella smiled at them, "Nice to meet y'all."
They all reciprocated the pleasantry with smiles of their own and they started small talk until they were called on stage.
The big Monkeys group stood on the side of the stage, watching The 1975 get cheered on as they grabbed their instruments.
As they played their first three songs, Ella made a mental note to listen to their music when she had the time because they were amazing live and they had this sound that she wasn't really used to listening but she'd just loved. They all had great stage presence, just by enjoying performing and dancing around, and it was funny to hear all the things Matty would just say in between lines.
Their little group had all cheered along with the crowd by the end of 'You' when Matty jumped on George's drumset and played the end of the song headbanging as he looked down towards George.
They all looked amazing on stage, and when the next song started and the crowd got even louder, they fed more off of their energy and somehow got even more hyper.
Ella was particularly entranced by George, seeing every single one of his facial expressions as he hit the drums had her just gawking at him.
She had leaned back a bit knowing that was the only way Flo and Bre would hear her say, "He's fucking hot." as she pointed at the drummer.
Alex's best friend laughed loudly at that, making Matt and Alex turn around to see what had happened and when she informed them of what Ella had just said, Matt joined the laughter while Alex only rolled his eyes in amusement.
"You fancy George then?" Matt asked loudly over the speakers.
"I mean look at him!" Ella had said, he truly looked amazing, "Oh, and Ross! Flo, even your cousin looks hot right now!"
"I'm glad we share opinions when it comes to George." Flo winked at her, "I'll make sure to relay the message."
Ella blushed just thinking about it and shook her head, mortified, "Oh god, no, don't."
"But you need a rebound!" Matt fought and Bre nodded intently.
"No, that'd be so messy!" Ella shook her head just thinking about how she wouldn't be able to act normal if she actually made a move on one of Flo's friends.
"That'd be messy alright. The nice kind of messy." Flo said and that just made Ella double over in laughter.
They kept listening to the rest of the song after that, and Ella was sure she'd have the chorus stuck in her head forever. 'Chocolate' was a hit, no wonder it had been their breakthrough.
She pouted when Matty said the next one will be their last, leaving her to wish to see a longer set of theirs in the future.
The strong riff of the guitar had her already hooked but it was the lyrics to it that made her slowly become obsessed with it.
When Matty turned around to point at Flo as he sang "She's got a boyfriend anyway", Ella gasped realizing this was about her. She screeched then when Matty turned back around to face the crowd and the lyrics got more interesting.
She couldn't help but become entranced by how proud Flo looked of Matty, it was so sweet to see the way she wholeheartedly sang along, her smile never leaving her face.
The end of the song was just heavy and perfect, made it erratic and Ella was absolutely loving it. Especially when the last line Matty sang was changed to "You've got a husband anyway" as he pointed at himself while looking straight at his wife.
Flo blew him a kiss and Matty turned around to play the outro of the song with all the energy he had, it was captivating. Ella was taken aback when it hit her that she was now friends with all these incredible musicians, it was truly a dream that had her pinching herself.
When the guys came off stage, it was pure adrenaline they were running on. Matty didn't take a second to kiss his wife earnestly, and Ella could almost cry from how adorable they were.
The rest of the day had been spent with them all running around the festival, sharing drinks as they tried to catch up to artists in different stages, bumping into friends like Zackery who had taken a few pictures of them—and introduced the band to a group of artists who had designed and hand painted a leather jacket for them at their request for a song in the upcoming album.
Ella had been loving how different yet similar the festival was when comparing it to Bonnaroo. The messy muddy fields, the loud chatter and laughter, the smell of good food in the air mixed with the good weed. She was on cloud nine and she didn't want to leave.
That night they watched The Rolling Stones and it had been absolutely insane seeing Mick Jagger on stage. She was sure she'd lose her voice from how loud she screamed when Mick Taylor was invited on stage and when they performed '2000 Light Years From Home'. She was sure she'd never be able to listen to The Rolling Stones the same ever again.
Sunday hadn't been any different. They had enjoyed every bit of the festival like it was the last they'd ever attend.
Ella had been so grateful to have experienced all of it, and she had made sure to tell Alex that multiple times. The group was so glad they had the massive bus to drive them back home and they needn't worry about a thing through the whole drive but be completely comfortable and enjoy the peace after the bustling weekend. It had ended up being almost three hours due to the traffic, but that had allowed them to rest longer so they didn't complain.
She'd asked to be dropped off at the hotel she was staying at and Alex had offered to go with her and then walk home as she wasn't staying too far away from his flat, but she declined because she knew he was exhausted and so was she so she walked in alone at four in the morning to check in.
It was amazing that it hadn't been a struggle to get checked in, she had been expecting something going wrong with that too after all that had happened at the airports when she was on her way there but it hadn't been, so with her keys in hand she made her merry way up to the fifth floor and to her room.
The little energy Ella had left in her was put into taking a shower, brushing her teeth and just plopping onto bed. The weekend had felt longer than just three days, it felt like it had already been a week since she'd had to run around Montreal's airport like a madwoman looking for a new ticket.
She sighed happily as she snuggled into the plush pillows in the dark, her eyes closed but behind her eyelids was the whole weekend playing like a film and she found herself filling up with warmth. She couldn't wait to see what else this trip would have in store for her, she only hoped it was all good.
✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧
The greatness of the London Eye had Ella trying to gather herself in search of words. She had been struggling to truly believe where she was since she woke up to a view she wasn't used to, gloomy and no sun out, the sky teasing a rainfall later, a little chilly when she went out the balcony for a smoke and the bustling of a city she was yet to get to know.
Alex had called her—thankfully they had figured out the whole cell roaming situation during the weekend so she wasn't uncommunicated and alone—, telling her to get ready as he was coming to get her and they'd be walking around London so she could get her proper touristy stroll around the city.
She had personally asked him for one at Glastonbury, when they were eating as they walked between stages, and he had gladly agreed to it. He wanted to be the one to witness her reactions to one of the cities he held so close to his heart.
Ella's steps slowed as they got closer to the attraction, people already in a long line at eleven in the morning.
"Holy fuck, it's huge." She gasped, staring all around the giant metal structure.
Alex just watched her mesmerized expression with a smile, "D'you wanna get on it?"
"Erm, not really. But I might as well have to, right?" She was looking at the very top of it which was barely in her line of sight but she would have to bear it because why would she come all the way there to not get on it.
"Flying all the way here to not get on it would be regrettable." He said honestly, it looked scary but it was a great experience, one that he didn't want her to miss.
Ella sighed, her brows a little furrowed as she gathered some courage, "Alright let's go."
They quietly walked to the end of the line, which had resumed moving slowly, and Ella felt her heart racing in her chest. Not only because of how she was shitting it thinking about how high she'd be once inside but from the memories coming aggressively to the forefront of her mind.
Valentine's day, Belmont Park. With Alex beside her, just like at that very moment.
She smiled to herself, the thought of that day no longer bitter by any grudges she was holding. So she thought mentioning it might distract her and keep her from shaking. "At least it's a shorter wait than the one we did at Belmont Park, remember?"
Alex gave her a sweet smile, really enjoying the opportunity to think back to that day but he also wanted to take the moment to tease her as she was fidgeting in her place. "Still afraid of heights, darling?"
"Yes but don't remind me, or I'll make you take me to the next place to not get on." Ella smiled slightly embarrassed, her cheeks tinting a faint pink.
"You silly thing." Alex laughed breathlessly, reaching out to grab her wrist and pull her into his side to hug her, "Just think about all the stunning pictures you're gonna be able to take."
She melted into him, looking up and grinned brightly at him, "You just always know how to get me on your side, don't you?" It really did seem like it to her, how fast he could make her twist her arm into stepping out of her comfort zone so she'd enjoy herself.
He just stared down at her adoringly, counting every freckle on her cheeks and admiring how the makeup she had on just accentuated every little thing on her face. So he said sincerely, "I'm glad I do." because he was truly grateful he could.
About ten minutes passed, silence between them was comfortable but sometimes broken by small talk about random things they'd remember or things she was hoping to see and the possibilities of places they could visit.
They had stayed holding each other the whole time: Alex's arm around her shoulders, his fingers clutching her tightly, and Ella's arm around his waist, her thumb rubbing little circles over the fabric of his shirt.
That was until she had remembered about Alex and who he was and she had started overthinking and noticing more and more the glances the people in line were giving them, so she gently pushed herself away from him and he had to slowly let his arm drop from its place around her.
Alex gave her a questioning look and Ella recoiled into herself as she gave him an answer, "I just keep thinking people are looking at us– well, you. And I don't wanna get you in trouble."
"What do you mean?" The singer frowned, not really understanding in which way she'd do that.
"Well, I just feel like they keep glancing over here and I don't want you to get swarmed for being recognized." Her voice was small as she explained, scared of sounding stupid but in her head, it made sense.
He chuckled softly, brushing off his status. "Darling, I'm not that big of a deal."
But Ella wouldn't let him try to downplay it, "Sure you aren't Mr. Rockstar." She rolled her eyes with amusement, "This is your home country, and you're massive here."
Alex just shook his head to have her let go of her worries, "Not gonna get swarmed, darling." And then he further explained, "You know most—if not all—known people that do, is because they get their agents to put out their locations for paparazzi and media's attention right?"
"Oh?" Ella blushed, feeling oh so stupid, "Do they really?"
"Yeah, and it's bullshit. You'll never find me doing that so don't worry. We're safe." He assured, tucking her into his side once more and he smiled when he felt her arm snaking around his middle once again.
"It's just because you love the mysterious act, though, isn't it? Maintains the appeal." She pinched his waist to accentuate the teasing, making him laugh.
"Dickhead."
They laughed together then, falling back into a comfortable silence, just relishing in the warmth they got from each other. It wasn't awfully cold but it was chilly and it was how used she'd gotten to Californian weather that had her performing worse in weather that she used to be able to bear when she lived in Tennessee.
Alex kept her warm and cozy so Ella found herself really snuggling into him and he accepted it with a smirk on his face. Moments like this was all he wanted.
The minutes passed and Ella couldn't help but be hypnotized by the whole scene, especially when they moved further and further up the line until they ended up in a corner where they had the perfect backdrop of the Thames and the city of London.
He felt her get away from his hold again but when she saw her reaching down to grab the camera hanging from around her neck, he breathed calmly.
"Stay there, I wanna take a picture." She instructed, seeing that his position was perfect for a picture.
"Here?" Alex asked, not sure if she really wanted a picture of him right there and then.
But Ella showed him the prettiest smile and said, "Yep, just like that." and Alex couldn't say no, not that he'd really ever tell her no. "Smile for me, sweets." The pet name rolled off her tongue so easily when seeing him standing like that in front of her.
"Sweets?" A massive grin broke out on his face hearing her call him that, his insides melting at the simple word.
Ella pressed the shutter instantly, exhaling in relief at having caught that face in time. "Perfect."
"Sweets?" Alex asked again just to check he hadn't imagined that.
"Yeah..." She timidly confirmed, rolling the film and tucking the lever back in its place to turn off the camera and let it softly drop back over her chest.
He watched her take small steps towards him again and accepted her back in his arms with a "M'kay darling."
Ella poked his ribs making him jump before asking "You don't like it?"
Alex was quick to retort, "Who said that?"
"I don't know–" She tried to start but he was quick to dismiss the whole thing.
"I love it." He backtracked quickly and firmly with an honest smile on his face that had her biting her tongue and fighting back a smile just as big as his.
In no time, the line moved sporadically and it was sooner than expected that they were boarded into a capsule with a family of five.
Ella stepped inside with wobbly steps and Alex followed closely behind. "Oh my god..." Her words were breathless as she was taken aback by the view around her.
"That line was quicker than I expected." The singer thought out loud as he got beside her, both of them standing close to the windows.
But when she heard the glass doors closing and felt the capsule moving to the right, she took a big step back and reached back to hold his hand. "Al, you're gonna have to stay near me because this is freaking me out."
He squeezed her hand in his and giggled, "I'll stay right here."
"Okay..." Ella mumbled unsure but soon her whole attention was taken by how perfectly she could see it all in front of her. "This is so beautiful."
Alex could feel her hands growing sweaty and starting to shake so he took it upon himself to distract her. "You can see it all from here. Look," He pointed to their left, "That's Westminster bridge, the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Parliament." He listed as his finger pointed at each of the landmarks, making sure she was correctly watching each as he talked, "We can see it a bit better now that it's going up, oh and there's Buckingham Palace as well."
It looked so small from there but it was still breathtaking, "Oh wow..." Her heart was swelling in her chest now, just from being able to experience this, "We can see the whole city, Al!" She whispered with such excitement that made Alex want to coo at her.
"It's quite the view, isn't it." He took the smallest step towards her until he was pressed softly against her back and he leaned in to watch her face.
She turned to him completely mesmerized, "I think New York has got some big competition in my book now."
"A tough one between them two." He agreed, resting his chin on her shoulder for a second before standing back up straight again and pointing to their right now, "Oh look, over there is St. Paul's Cathedral. We're going there later 'cause I know you'll love it. And way back over there is the Tower of London and Tower Bridge."
Her eyes swam around the panoramic view and it was all well until she made the mistake of looking down to her feet and her heart sank. With her eyes closed, her panicked words came out incredibly fast, "I'm loving this view but I just accidentally looked down and I feel like I'm gonna have a panic attack."
"You're okay darling, I'm here." Alex promised, taking his hand that was still intertwined with hers and wrapping that arm around her waist, "Just take your pictures, I won't move an inch."
She gulped and let her eyes open up again, feeling slightly better in his hold and slowly untangled her fingers from his to lift her camera, "Okay."
It certainly worked like magic. The second she started looking at the city through that viewfinder, it was like she had completely forgotten she was hundreds of feet above the ground in a spinning wheel, completely focused on capturing the panorama as best as she could.
Alex watched intently as she worked, noticing the little things she did like biting her lip as her finger hovered and seemed to hesitate for a few seconds over the shutter until she caught the perfect moment and it was just a triumphant smile as she turned the lever and then the cycle began again.
Ella counted the shots in her head and only stopped when she had only twelve frames left in the roll.
Letting her head fall on Alex's shoulder, she had to ask, "How long does this take again?" Only because she had felt like she'd lost track of time.
"Half an hour but it's already been fifteen minutes so we're halfway there." His fingers rubbed circles on her waist, sometimes the pads of his fingertips managing to get under her shirt and erupting goosebumps on her skin.
She felt like she was burning up so she let her camera drop back down on her chest and turned around to face him. "I'm just gonna stare at you now because if I look out I'm definitely gonna freak out." She giggled a bit, trying to trick herself into thinking that looking at Alex wouldn't have her chest tighten just as much.
"That's fine by me." He replied with a smirk.
But she didn't entertain his teasing, only giving him a sincere, "Thank you." in return.
His face fell into a sweet smile, "Nothing to thank me for, darling. I'm buzzing to have you here right now." He wasn't afraid to admit it at all, because he truly was beyond happy about the whole situation.
"See? Sweetness!" She softly exclaimed, bringing one of her hands up to cup his cheek but before Alex could get his hopes up on anything happening, she squished his cheeks with her hand, "You're just pure sweetness."
Ella felt his face go warm under her touch so with a giggle she let her hand fall back down. "Your hair looks great today." He looked great. In a pair of blue jeans, a white shirt and his brown leather jacket—he had changed the Chelsea boots for white high top converse and a pair of sunglasses had been tucked into one of the pockets of his jacket.
"You like it?" Alex asked innocently like the simple compliment hadn't made his heart rate stutter.
She nodded, "You know I do. It always looks amazing but whenever it's just like this, without gel..." Her fingers combed through the freshly cut greaser looking hairstyle, "It's so soft."
He nudged her hand with his nose softly and joked, "Are you messing it up?"
She chuckled, combing through it again and again to give it its perfect shape, "I'm fixing a few strands here." She used both her hands then to bring a few of the strands to fall on his forehead like she loved. "There you go."
He raised an eyebrow at her, "Look good?"
Ella's answer was quick, "Beautiful." And she didn't waste a beat to ask, "Can I have another picture?"
"Of me?" Alex asked naively and she just hummed, so he shrugged and nodded, "I suppose."
"I wanna have one of this very moment. With you, my favorite tourist guide." She joked in the end to make it seem less like she was baring her heart out to him.
"Right." He chuckled, his eyes crinkling around the edges slightly.
But she wanted more, she wanted to see his grin fully reach his eyes. "C'mon sweets, show me that gorgeous smile."
Her teasing worked because he felt his cheeks warming again and he had to keep himself from averting his gaze from hers, "Stop." He only said, half a warning but mostly a plea for mercy on his heart.
"What?" Ella inquired like she had nothing to do with it, if she only knew all that she did to him. "Amazing, t'was perfect." She complimented once more.
Alex had to change the topic then because he felt like he could combust any second, "Are you taking them in black and white?"
She had mentioned it earlier when he'd called her, as she was debating whether or not it'd look better. "Decided against it last minute. I don't know, there's something about the atmosphere today that I just wanted to capture the closest to reality I could."
He hummed, understanding what she meant, "You can always take the black and white ones later, you're staying three weeks after all."
Ella smiled brightly at the reminder, that many days just sounded so promising and she couldn't ignore how this was one of the very few times she felt ecstatic thinking about the uncertainty of what the future had to hold.
"So glad I am. It's barely been three days and I already know this is one of the best trips of my life."
"It's only just getting started darling." Alex winked, making a giggle bubble up her throat again and what a lovely sound that was.
Just like that, they had done the full ride and they hadn't realized it was done until they heard the doors open back up, way too entranced in their own little bubble. It was lucky that the rest of the people inside their capsule were on holiday and no one from the family had interest in finding out who they were or interrupting what they were doing.
When they walked out, Alex let out a loud laugh when Ella thanked God for firm soil multiple times, said so devotedly like she wasn't a determined atheist.
From there, they walked through Westminster Bridge to get to Big Ben. Ella had gasped as their feet took them across the bridge and asked Alex to pinch her because she felt like she was dreaming.
She couldn't believe her eyes were actually seeing all of that for themselves in real life and not through stock pictures on Google.
Seeing her glowing from her excitement had Alex's heart breaking as he had to give her some bad news. "This actually has me fuming now because this is just one of those things everyone wants to see once in their life but, a few years back they closed all Big Ben and Parliament tours to people who aren't UK citizens or residents so unfortunately I won't be able to take you inside for a tour."
Ella clearly deflated but it was in an instant that she really turned the situation around in her head. She shook her head standing in her place, making Alex stop beside her on the sidewalk, and she pointed at the landmark right in front of them, "But I'm seeing it right now and that's what counts, Al. It's okay."
Alex hummed reluctantly, still disappointed at not being able to give her the best experience. "We can walk around it, I'm half sure there's some places you can manage to take a peek inside."
She giggled and grabbed his hand, fingers intertwining as she went ahead and dragged him behind her to finish their walk through the bridge. Alex didn't say a word, his smile permanently stuck on his face as he watched her walk enthusiastically in front of him.
She had changed her roll of film right when they got to the street across the monumental place. Alex chuckled as she made him help her by covering her device with his jacket so that her first roll didn't mess up as she put it away, and the new one didn't either as she locked it and rolled it inside before placing the lid back in its place.
They resumed their walk, Alex closely walking next to her with a hand hovering on her lower back as she kept her hands engulfed around her camera but he felt the need to keep his touch on her.
Ella had taken so many pictures already, and about fifteen minutes later she had grown worried she hadn't stuffed enough rolls in her bag before leaving her hotel room. Half the frames she had captured had been of him, either smiling at the camera or unaware as he walked beside her with a burning cigarette resting between his lips.
There was a particular one in which she had stopped without saying a word and he had kept walking a few paces before noticing she wasn't beside him anymore, and when he turned around to search for her, the shutter went off.
Her heart kicked in her chest at the memory of that one picture she had taken of him, back at the start of 2012 when the lads had just come back over to Los Angeles and she had taken them around the city, the one where he was looking back at her with the rest of the band walking in front of him.
Her throat ran a little dry as she placed her camera back down to rest on her chest and watched Alex walk back towards her.
"You've been taking so many pictures of me already, let me take yours." His voice sounded almost like a beg and her knees went a little weak.
Only because of the way he'd said that had made her feel, Ella sighed with a smile and pulled her camera back up, "Alright, I'll show you how to."
She showed him the basics around her in a simple manner and he seemed to catch it all quite quickly. After all, he had seen Matt taking pictures and had gotten ahold of the drummer's cameras throughout the years so it all came back to him when Ella had done her brief run down.
Alex listened to her instructions of having him take a few pictures of their surroundings just so he could get comfortable, and it only took two to have him nodding and reassuring he was ready to take her picture. Ella nodded with a shy smile and took two steps back to stand in front of the camera.
Truth be told, Ella had always preferred being behind the camera and not in front of the lens but it was just because she never thought she was interesting enough to be the constant subject of pictures.
Alex couldn't think of her more differently. Seeing her with a bright smile that had her eyes closing, her hands intertwined in front of her as she softly leaned her head to the side and her hair so perfectly falling over her shoulders had him thinking about how if she looked this breathtaking in front of the camera in such a normal setting, then she needed to be in front of it at all times.
That's why right after the shutter sound went off and she relaxed again, he rolled the film and took another picture without warning her.
That made her shriek and hide behind her hands, "Alex no! It's gonna look so bad!" Ella's words were muffled as her hands covered her face.
"I'm looking through the viewfinder and you look stunning, darling." He was quick to reassure her, "Now could you please drop your hands? I want to take another one." His skilled fingers rolled the film once more as he tried his best to convince her with his eyes.
That unfair look in his eyes made it so impossible to resist anything he could ever suggest. "Last one?" She made sure to ask him before giving in.
"Fine, last one." He agreed with a sigh, his stomach doing somersaults at having gotten away with it.
She slowly let her hands fall back by her sides and it wasn't until he said, "That's it. Beautiful, darling." that he took the picture as her face broke in another massive grin that made his heart skip a beat.
Ella ignored the way her tummy was fluttering as she reached out for her camera, "Alright sweets, that's enough." She wasted no time to push the lever back in its place and hook the camera strap around her neck again, the camera falling to rest on top of her chest.
"Only for now." He countered smoothly, making her scoff out a laugh.
After that they continued walking, leaving Big Ben and Parliament behind to make way to Westminster Abbey.
The massive church was breathtaking. Its structure was gothic architecture perfection inside and out, which accompanied by the stunning gardens and sculptures just made Ella be more in awe.
The gray sky tied everything together, the birds flying around and resting in the old walls and peaks, the tinted windows looking straight out of a painting.
Ella spent a full roll there, small gasps leaving her mouth every corner they turned. She had even been so entranced by the devotees kneeling on the seats and offering their prayers, unbothered by the rest of the people walking around them. Religion was a concept that fascinated her because of how much she just didn't get it like those people praying did.
Once out of that place, they walked to Buckingham Palace and it was a funny stroll since Ella couldn't stop bouncing on her feet like a little girl, asking loads of questions she could come up with about the Royal Family.
"You know," She started with a small smirk on her face, "Prince Harry is fit."
Alex cackled at the way she said it, listening to her try and incorporate British slang in her vocabulary had been endearing all weekend and he was glad she wasn't stopping it. "Oh really?"
Ella hummed eagerly, "I wonder if he'd give an American a chance."
"So you're aiming for the Royals now?" The singer inquired rhetorically with a cheeky smile.
She shrugged, smirking back at him, "Why not?"
Alex chuckled, "That's ambitious."
"Well I like to think of myself as an ambitious person."
With a nudge to her hip, he grabbed a hold of her hand so they could walk a little faster, "Alright Miss Ambitious, we're almost at your lover's place."
From afar Ella could see the palace behind the trees and she thought about the different instances a person could be allowed into the place. "I'm sure we could get in if you just said you're from the biggest British band in history."
"The Beatles are way older than me and half of them are dead so I don't think they'll believe me."
Ella snorted at how nonchalantly he'd just said that and turned her head to look at him as they kept on walking, "Oh you're being humble now."
Alex scoffed playfully, like her words had offended him, "When am I not?"
"I can list some instances." She shrugged again with a teasing smirk on her face.
His eyes narrowed at her as if challenging her to start talking, "Enlighten me then."
But all Alex was met with was silence as they finally got to the big black and gold arches and crossing the road from there was the monumental place standing there in all its glory. The Victoria Memorial was even bigger and more spectacular than she'd seen in pictures, the gold against the gloomy sky and the greenery around was leaving her breathless.
So Ella dropped Alex's hand and started snapping away, frame after frame until they walked closer to the gates of Buckingham Palace and she caught a glimpse of the beefeaters standing there like they were frozen in time and just that got her even more excited about it all.
"They look like little dolls! Oh my god, look at them!" She waved them hello so enthusiastically making Alex hold giggles back and when the guards just stood there without moving a single inch, she turned back to pout at Alex.
The shaking of his head and the "You're so painfully American," he gave her contrasted immensely against his growing smile.
"Hey!" Ella gasped and poked him in the ribs, "Don't call me out like that, I was blending in perfectly well." She joked but she was well aware she hadn't been.
"Yeah, sorry. You were, darling." Alex corrected, faking agreeing with her, "Everyone's a tourist here, so yes you were blending in perfectly well." He changed his words to tease her further and the way her jaw dropped a bit and she frowned at him made him laugh.
They were there for about twenty minutes, walking slowly and taking their time so Ella could capture the moment the best she could. She had taken a few of Alex when he wasn't noticing but at the third one she'd gotten caught, meaning she got pictures taken of her by Alex.
As they waited for some people to move around so they could get a better view from a different angle, they were playing a game that had started with Ella making funny guesses about members of the Royal Family and their hobbies, which had earned her multiple laughs from Alex as she really had no clue about anything to do with the Royals.
Eventually, when the place started getting more crowded, they decided to move onto the next place which Alex had said would be Piccadilly Circus so they could get some lunch and then continue on.
Trafalgar Square had been captured in multiple of her frames and she had finished her film roll as they walked up to the restaurant they were going to eat at. Once again Alex had helped her change her roll covering her camera with his jacket, giggling as she struggled to properly roll it as she couldn't see well what she was doing in the darkness they were making for the film to not get fucked.
Once Ella had managed to set everything up, Alex had asked her if he could have the camera for a bit and of course she said yes. The prospect of getting Alex into one of her passions had her smiling as he took pictures of a place he already knew so well and since she knew he was capturing the views for her, she took her own time to take everything in: the streets, the people, the chatter going on around her, the restlessness of the city, the smell of smoke and coffee every time they walked past a coffee shop, the memories in the making around her that she'd never get to know.
She loved it all.
Ella was so entranced by the scene and completely caught up by her thoughts that she'd missed the multiple times Alex had managed to sneak a picture of her. Only really catching him smiling proudly at her as he lowered the camera from his eyes when she had turned to point at a girl who was wearing an Arctic Monkeys shirt as she smoked outside a restaurant.
Alex chuckled, letting the camera hang around his neck and getting a hold of Ella's hand to then keep walking to the place that was not very far away from where they were then.
When they got there, Ella had been surprised by the fact that Alex had gotten a reservation for them and he had almost perfectly timed it all. They only showed up ten minutes early to their table and it wasn't a fuzz for them to wait.
He offered her a cigarette and, between chatter, they waited for their turn to come up. It had been relatively easy as they finally talked about the adventure it had been for Ella to fly over and it had ended with them hugging as Ella got a bit upset again over not being able to see their full set.
With a promise to find out when they'd be replaying their set on BBC, they went back to get seated as it finally had turned into the time they had the reservation for.
They didn't rush through their meal, enjoying every minute they could get in the lovely restaurant and talking about absolutely anything that came to their minds. And after a pouty Ella—since he hadn't let her pay for the meal—had let Alex take a picture of her with the English streets in the background, they had left the place to resume their stroll.
Their pace was slower then, Alex had suggested taking a cab to get to the next place so she didn't have to walk that much but Ella declined it saying it was alright plus she loved how they could just simply walk places around the city unlike in Los Angeles. It was only when they got to Covent Garden and walked past the underground station that she asked why they hadn't used it yet.
"This one has 193 steps to go up and down it. I was being kind not taking you through it to get here but we can take it to get to St. Paul's if you'd like."
Ella had gasped at the information, because who the fuck in their right minds would make a station have that many stairs. "193?!" She asked again and Alex nodded amused at her disbelief, "Why?"
He chuckled and shrugged, "Been asking the same question for far too many years."
"That's insane." She said under her breath as they continued walking, then remembering his suggestion, "And no, let's not do that. Can we take the bus? I've yet to get on one and I really want to be the cliché American being amazed on every type of your public transportation."
Alex's laughter reached her ears, making her grin brightly at him. "Of course we can." He assured her and Ella scrunched her nose at him for being adorable, but then he continued, "And you're being the best cliché American. Really off the charts performance, darling." making her roll her eyes in amusement.
Between teasing comments, giggles and playful nudges, it didn't take them long to get to the Apple Market and there Ella was instantly blown away by the amount of shops and market-type kiosks of trinkets, hand-made jewelry, souvenirs and art.
They took their time walking around, really ignoring the retail shops because Ella was far more interested in taking her time to look around the little stands in the middle of the place, and it was all so beautiful.
The variety of goods that were offered out for everyone was amazing, and she gasped when they made it to a stand that was offering analog cameras, leather and handmade camera straps, camera cases and lenses.
She had thought about getting one of the few medium format cameras that were there but decided against it after a good few minutes of internal debate. Alex had watched her amused the whole time and giggled when she went from staring between a Halina, a Rolleiflex and a Pentax to getting one of the leather camera cases along with a strap and bought it.
It was bad how indecisive she was because she had spent so much time in the first few shops that she felt the need to rush through her indecision which ended in her buying at least one thing from every shop she had purposely stopped by.
There was a little red bus in her bag, along with a few magnets, her new camera case and strap, a locket, a few pins, a set of coasters and the last kiosk they were looking at was full of rings, necklaces and more handmade jewelry.
Ella easily fell into conversation with the lovely old man who was the owner of the little store. She had complimented him after he told her it was him who made every piece by hand, and she took her time to look intently through it all.
A few minutes passed of her taking a closer look at the different accessories but since she couldn't make a proper choice, she turned to Alex for help.
With her lips pressed she grabbed his wrist to pull him closer and in a bit of panic, she looked up to him and asked, "Could you choose for me please?"
Alex bit his bottom lip not to chuckle at the soft frown on her face and nodded, "Anything in particular, darling?"
Ella looked back at the table, giving it a quick sweep and she found her attention mostly on the hand jewelry. "Maybe a ring?" She tried saying but it sounded more like a question, "They're all stunning." She added then in a quiet whine like it hurt her that everything was too pretty and she couldn't choose.
The singer hummed and stepped closer to the table under the gaze of the old man who had a small smile on his face seeing them two together. Alex took less than a minute, his decision being made when he found one which had a pretty green stone in the middle of the gold band of the ring. "This one." He grabbed it and it seemed to be just the right size, so grabbing her right hand in his, he slipped it on her ring finger. The sight of her Pure Desire tattoo sparking too many thoughts in his mind that he had to push aside.
Ella was breathless seeing him putting the ring on her but she fully felt like she had forgotten how to breathe when he added, "Matches your eyes." with the sweetest smile.
Her eyes didn't move from his for a few seconds that felt eternal to them, dropping to the ring and then back up at Alex to ask, "Does it?"
"Yes," He nodded, completely satisfied with his choice, "Stunning." He complimented, but he wasn't speaking about the piece of jewelry because his gaze was firm on Ella's gorgeous eyes.
She scrunched her nose at him, he was just too cute for her to handle so with rosy cheeks she turned back to the man in charge of the kiosk and deemed that being the last purchase of the day. The lovely man was smiling brightly at them and agreed with Alex when he noticed Ella's hazel green eyes.
Alex had puffed his chest out in pride of it, saying a smug "I know" to the old man and making Ella laugh as she paid. He practically had the color of her eyes permanently imprinted in his mind, he didn't ever have to think hard to remember them and how it felt to get lost in her eyes.
She left the old man with a long hug and Alex gave him a hand shake before the two moved onto the next stop which would be St. Paul's Cathedral. And just like Alex had promised her they would do, they took a bus to the church.
It had been hilarious capturing her smile with her camera as one of the red busses approached them and he had been hearing and seeing her little giddy noises and how she just couldn't really stay still in her seat.
The cathedral had been breathtaking and, again, Ella had snapped away multiple pictures as they walked around. She had been fairly wary of the lots of people worshiping their religious figures then so she tried not to take too many so the shutter going off wouldn't interrupt them.
When they left to go to the next place, they ticked off another thing off Ella's list as they rode the underground to go over to the Tower of London. The only thing she had been overly excited about was the way the stations looked because then being in the tube felt just like taking the train in New York, only cleaner.
Alex had managed to get a picture of her standing there waiting for their train to arrive, and he hoped the frame had captured the big grin that tugged at the corner of her lips making her eyes crinkle at the edges before she had hid her face behind her hands.
The Tower of London had been quite informative, at first she had walked in completely amazed by the structure and architecture of the castle so she was taking picture after picture of the inside and the greenery of the courtyards but then they started walking into the exhibitions and she had forgotten about her camera to read the signs around the rooms.
Going to see the crown jewels had been hilarious to Alex since Ella had been trying so hard to keep her cool as there were beefeaters guarding the exhibition. The White Tower had been rather concerning because of the torture chamber that was located there, and the Green Tower had been as well as it was where the execution memorial was held. And the last bit of the place they had visited was the Bloody Tower which had left Ella gasping as they found it was named that because of the murders of two princes which had been suspected to be done by their own uncle.
They talked about everything they had seen as they slowly walked out of the place and under the Tower Bridge, it was getting late and the sun seemed to be getting ready to set already. She yawned and hid it under her right hand, Alex getting a hold of her left hand and intertwining their fingers so she would walk with him at his pace.
"Where are we going?" Ella asked intrigued, they weren't going very fast but it was like he had the intent of getting somewhere on time.
"Just a bit further down here." He pointed forward with a tilt of his chin and continued walking.
Ella had no other option than to walk along him, and it had been the best day strolling around the city with him so there wasn't a bit in her that wanted to complain about a single thing.
They walked past a Starbucks and to her right she saw a little stand that sold boat tickets. They were walking right by the Thames after all so it wasn't rare to see all the people that were walking ahead of her and stopping by the railing along the short brick column.
As they walked closer to the people gathering for the view of the bridge, Ella finally saw the sculpture that stood there in a fountain and she let out a little gasp of awe.
"That's so cute! I'm gonna take a picture." She squeezed Alex's hand before slowly letting go of it and quickly turning on her camera and getting as close as she could between the people gathered there to get a good frame of the sculpture with the view of the bridge and the city behind it.
She snapped a pair and went back to Alex, excusing herself as she made her way through the people in the way.
"Are we not staying here?" She inquired when Alex grabbed her hand again and pulled her along with him, seeing as everyone seemed to stand next to the fountain to watch the sun go down.
Alex shook his head, "There's a few benches over there and way less people, so we can sit and watch the sunset quietly and alone."
Ella intertwined their fingers properly again with a grin and let him guide her to where he was referring to. It wasn't longer than another minute when they saw a lonely bench by a tree which had the perfect view of the bridge without it being spoiled by the people standing at the railing.
They sat down and sighed in relief, their backs and their feet aching after the long day, yet their smiles were stuck on their faces as they moved closer to each other and Ella let her head fall on his shoulder.
Alex left a kiss on her head before resting his head over hers, making Ella snuggle closer to him and inhaling deep in comfort.
"Thank you." Her voice was low and soft, with the echoes of the people chattering around them, he almost missed it.
His head turned slightly to be able to glance down at her, "What for?"
Ella kept her gaze on the city, being slowly bathed in orange and pink hues as the sun fell to bed down the horizon. "For today. It was lovely and you're the best tourist guide ever."
The last bit held such playfulness that earned her a snort from him, "I'm glad you liked it, darling." And Alex truly meant it, closing his eyes and relishing in the feeling of having her close to him.
"Absolutely loved it, sweetness." Her hand went to grab his—they had let go when they got comfortable on the bench—, intertwining their fingers and rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb. "You know if the rockstar gig doesn't work you can just take people around the city and make them pay you for your charm." He felt her move her head a bit and when he looked down at her, she had her eyes set on his face with a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Alex lifted his head to match her smirk and played along, "Charming am I?"
"You know you are." Ella rolled her eyes as if it annoyed her telling him the truth so she added, "Don't let it get to your head, it's already too big as it is."
The singer scoffed, straightening his back so he put a small distance between them, "Oh wow, thanks."
The American girl let out a small "Nooo," and hooked her arm through his to bring him back into her side. "I'm joking, I'm joking."
He hummed doubtfully but let her pull him closer. "You better be because you've got a bigger head than mine." He quipped back at her, making her gasp.
It was her turn to put some distance between them as she pulled herself off him with an offended frown, "Excuse me?"
But Alex looked at her completely disregarding her expression and teased her by saying, "Mhm, you're excused."
Ella gasped, "You're such a little shit." and poked him in the ribs, cackling when he jumped and let out a little yelp. She was so glad she got him back beside her after a whole month, "I missed you so much."
"Missed you more darling." He reciprocated, snaking his arm around her waist to pull her into his side. "We should go watch a film soon, I know it won't be the same but we haven't gone to the cinema together in far too long and I miss going to Los Feliz with you."
A bright grin broke out on her face, thinking back to the times they had been able to go to Los Feliz together. "Isn't it amazing? I'm so glad I got you obsessed with it too."
And without really thinking it through, Alex admitted something that had been making rounds in his mind for a while, "Making me consider moving to LA, you."
She rolled her eyes playfully, shaking her head looking at the view in front of them, "Yeah sure."
But, staring right at her and pinching her side so she'd look at him, he promised, "Swear down."
Narrowing her eyes at him, she chatted back, "Don't believe you, Turner."
His right hand came to clutch his chest like her lack of trust hurt his heart, "Rude. I thought you loved me and I was your best friend."
Her gaze stayed on his, unwavering and trying to gather her thoughts so she could answer but the only thing she came down to say was, "Touché."
She scooted back close to his side and rested her head on his shoulder, his fingers that were holding her waist had started rubbing circles on it over the fabric of her shirt. Ella was glad she had been able to control the shivers his touch gave her and took a deep breath as they watched the gorgeous sights in front of them.
The sky was turning lilac then and the dying sun was painting the cloud a beautiful pink and orange. It was breathtaking seeing the city coated by the colors, it was truly out of a painting and it somehow got even more beautiful as the minutes went by, the shades growing more intense and the urge of capturing it bubbled in her chest.
"This is stunning." Her words were breathless as she turned on her camera, trying to remember if it was four or five frames she had left in her current roll but only shooting three just to not mess up any of her previous pictures on the roll.
Alex watched her focusing as she watched the landscape through the viewfinder, her eye squinted and her bottom lip caught between her teeth.
"Can I get a picture of you?" He asked as soon as she brought her device back down to rest on her chest.
Ella hesitated for a second but before she could agree, she remembered the lack of proper lighting, "The flash is gonna ruin the sunset and if I don't use it, it will look too dark."
He thought of it only for a second, knowing she knew more about it than him but came to a different solution, "With my phone then."
She hummed like she was considering it, but her decision was taking longer than what he wanted so he bumped his head against hers softly and said, "C'mon darling."
When Ella turned to see him, Alex was grinning at her like he knew she was going to fold and she rolled her eyes when she finally agreed, "Okay just a quick one." She turned off her camera before she could move, purposely taking longer to do that.
Switching seats so he could take the picture properly, and taking her camera from her, Alex pulled up his camera on his phone and turned the flash on. "How does Bre get you to let her take your picture?" He wondered out loud as Ella shied behind her hands and took a few deep breaths.
Letting her hands drop, she shrugged and smiled, "Because it's Bre."
But before he could snap the moment away, Alex rolled his eyes and said, "Right, I forgot you're secretly in love with her still."
"Oh shut up." She hit his knee with hers, truly meaning it when she replied, "She's my best friend."
With that he smugly raised his phone back up, and with a, "And so am I, so smile for me darling." he waited for her to give him a big smile to take the picture.
He lowered his phone as he went to his camera roll to see how it had turned out, "That look alright?" Ella asked shyly, trying to see the product as he was grinning like an idiot at his screen.
Alex nodded intently, "Yes, I love it." And he wasn't lying, her eyes had closed from how big she had smiled, her cheeks rosy almost as much as the pink in the sky and once again he was brought back to that day they spent together in the west coast when he couldn't even begin to appreciate the sunset behind her as he drove because she looked so beautiful.
She demanded softly with a tug of his wrist, "Show it to me." And when she saw herself on his screen, she felt her cheeks heat up, "I look so..."
"Pretty?" He quickly finished the sentence for her.
But she shook her head, putting that to the side for the moment for her own good, "Blushy. My cheeks match the damn sky."
"You always are darling." He confirmed to her, "Don't think there's been many instances since 2011 when I've seen you and you've not been blushing."
She was properly embarrassed then, thinking about how dumb it was for her to always be blushing and for him to have noticed every time for the past two years, "Okay don't call me out now."
"Anyway, you look beautiful." The singer came back to see the picture once more and smiled to himself, "I'll send it to you now."
Her phone pinged with a notification of his text then and unlocking it to see it now on her screen, she sat comfortably again, shoulder to shoulder with him. "Thanks sweets."
His arm came around her shoulder and brought her into him, "You're welcome darling."
The minutes kept passing by and with it the sun lowered even more until it was completely gone and the sky went from orange, pink and lilac to a deep blue pierced by many stars which glistened as much as the lights of the city did.
Exhaustion was catching up to them, her eyes were closing and she was struggling to keep them open. Alex noticed when her hand started falling slowly from the top of her thigh where it was resting to the space between their legs.
So, softly getting a hold of her hand, he played with her fingers and asked in a low voice, "Should we head back to the hotel darling?"
Ella groaned but nodded, really wanting to get in bed and rest now. "Please?"
He pouted at her tired expression and slowly stood up after giving her a little squeeze, "'Course. Let's go."
Alex extended his hand out to her and she accepted it, letting him pull her up. "Thank you." She stumbled a bit, bumping into his chest where she rested her hand so she could stabilize herself.
He took advantage of how close he had her so he left a kiss on her temple and mumbled, "You're welcome." against it.
Turning around to leave, Alex grabbed her hand but she only moved an inch before she called out a "Wait." that he had barely managed to hear with the rumble of the city in the background.
"What's wrong?" He turned back to her with a small frown, he had her camera hanging from his neck and she had her bag hanging off her shoulder so he wasn't sure if there was anything she'd forgotten.
The bench was empty which confirmed she wasn't forgetting a thing but her frown softened up when she continued with a "Nothing just– c'mere," And she dropped his hand to open her arms up for him to walk into.
He of course obliged, taking a big stride her way and clutching her tight, her arms wrapped over his shoulders and his around her waist. She giggled when she felt her camera in the way of their chests pressing together, making for a rather awkward position but it was a hug from him so it was everything but. They swayed a bit in the embrace and he heard her say, "Love you Al, thank you for today." in his ear.
Filling up with warmth, the biggest smile showed on his face and he didn't waste another second to reciprocate, "Love you too Ellie." Kissing her cheek first, he pulled back to look into her eyes and make her understand that, "There's no need to thank me, darling. It was my absolute pleasure."
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A/N: Personally, my heart burst writing this, and rereading it made me tear up. Wheels and Curly being here along with the rest of t1975, Alex and Ella reuniting, and then being absolutely adorable makes me wanna cry. Once again, a million thank yous to @imagine-that-100 for being wonderful and allowing me to have them here and expanding the multiverse a bit more, and I hope y'all enjoyed catching a glimpse of them in an alternate timeline because I certainly did fucking adore writing them in. If you haven’t read @nriacc yet, what are you waiting for? Anyway, I'm wondering now if you have any predictions about what's gonna happen in this trip, I would love to see what those predictions are and if there's anything you want to happen hehehe. Thank you so much for reading! See you in two weeks with the next!! xx
Taglist: @imagine-that-100 @red---moon @kennedy-brooke @faveficz @indierockgirrl @ladydraculasthings @moonvr @unwantedlovergirl @eaglestar31 @nikisfwn @funniestpersoninnyc @andrearroe @justacaliforniandreamer @alexturnersgf69 @yourorganiccigarette
#alex turner#alex turner x reader#alex#turner#arctic monkeys#alex turner arctic monkeys#alex turner fanfiction#alex turner fanfic#alex turner fluff#alex turner one shot#alex turner blurb#alex turner drabble#alex turner imagine#alex turner fic#alex turner x you#alex turner x y/n#alex turner x oc#matt helders#jamie cook#nick omalley
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Sun and Moon show incorrect quotes 5.
1.Eclipse: Do you always have to attack me with your words?
Bloodmoon: Would you prefer me to use a brick?
2.Moon: cocks gun Go to Bed. This is no longer a request, This is now a Threat.
3.Bloodmoon: Cronch.
Bloodmoon: You hear that? That's the sound of me eating sticks.
Sun: No, don’t—
Bloodmoon: Too late.
4.the squad is at a dinner party but someone has been murdered
Bloodmoon: You’re acting pretty carefree for someone who’s life’s at stake. Who’s to say you aren’t the killer?
Ruin: It’s a murder, not a tax audit. I’ll be fine.
Lunar: What about Moon? Nobody ever suspects Moon!
Moon: Well what about Eclipse? He has a gun!
Eclipse: Bloodmoon has a knife.
Bloodmoon: Yeah, for fun, not for murder! stabs Lunar in the arm
5.Earth: I told Lunar to grab snacks for everyone.
Eclipse, looking through the options: Why did you grab fruit snacks? Are you five? Who even likes Fruit Snacks?
Earth, Lunar, and Sun raise their hands
6.Moon: When I said bring me something back from the beach I meant like a conch shell!
Bloodmoon: Struggling to hold a seagull Fucking say that next time!
7.Monty: Your smile? It makes my day.
Earth: Your happiness? I live for that.
Moon: A room? Get one.
Bloodmoon: Hotel? Trivago.
8.Bloodmoon: Is stabbing someone immoral?
Ruin: Not if they consent to it.
Eclipse: Depends on who your stabbing.
Lunar: YES??!!?
9.While the Squad is in a battle
Moon, trying to warn about the location of an enemy: To the left!
Ruin: Take it back now y'all!
10.Moon: The salary of a clown is 51,000 dollars.
Moon, gesturing to Eclipse and Bloodmoon fighting: And yet these idiots do it daily, and for free!
11.Ruin: The waiter at Olive Garden has been grating my cheese for 6 hours now, waiting for me to say when. Customers are screaming. Three people have died.
Ruin: I will not yield.
12.Bloodmoon, to Sun: Are you peanuts? Because I want to boil you alive.
13.Bloodmoon: If I die, my funeral will be the biggest party ever and you're all invited.
Moon: "If"
Eclipse: Great, the only party I'm ever invited to and they might not even die.
14.Lunar: Today, Bloodmoon took my phone, and in five minutes, they sent high resolution close-up photos of Eclipse to the following people: Ruin, Sun, Earth, the neighbors, the bank, my accountant, San Diego Blood Bank, and Shake Shack's text bot.
15.Ruin: Sometimes, I don’t realize an event was traumatic until I tell it as a funny story and notice everyone is staring at me weird.
16.Bloodmoon: Hand me the people opener.
Earth: …
Earth: Pardon?
Bloodmoon, annoyed: The g! Just hand it to me!
Earth, stressed: WHAT THE FUCK IS A PEOPLE OPENER?
Bloodmoon: How do you not know what a people opener is? Its pointy- you know? With a handle?
Earth: Knife. It's called a knife.
17.Bloodmoon: Hey, Sun?
Sun: Yeah?
Bloodmoon: Can a person breathe inside a washing machine while it’s on?
Sun:
Sun: Where’s Lunar?
18.Eclipse: You're smiling. What happened?
Bloodmoon: What? Can't I smile just because I feel like it?
Moon: Sun tripped and fell down the stairs today.
19.Moon: Bloodmoon, I know you snuck out to see Ruin last night.
Bloodmoon: If you tell Sun or Earth, I swear I’ll murder you, and they’ll never find the body.
Moon: Five bucks?
Bloodmoon: Fine.
20.Lunar, to the Squad: I’d die for you.
Eclipse: Then perish.
Bloodmoon: You will.
Earth: Please don’t.
Ruin: Cool.
Sun: I’d die for you first.
#Fnaf#montgomery gator#sundrop#moondrop#sams lunar#sams eclipse#sams earth#sams bloodmoon#sams ruin#incorrect quotes
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-Tober Events! 🎃🕸️🎉
alrighty folks here is the deal-io
i've seen a whole bunch of hype for kink/kiss/whump/etc.-tober lately, and while I'm super excited to see what everyone comes up with, I don't have the time to dedicate to picking between prompts, coming up with an idea, and writing a solid fic for it. so instead, I've decided to do something different! I'd like y'all on tumblr, twitter, and wherever else i end up posting this to pick for me!
Here's the idea:
I'll have the prompts down at the bottom ⬇️, from whichever official -tober events I find, and if you'd like to see a fic/drabble from me about it, send over an ask (or message or literally any other way you find to communicate with me works, I'll be checking everything) with the day, prompt, and a general little plot/request! Or check out the form below!! ⬇️ ⬇️
For example:
"Day 5, [prompt], [req ex]"
Super simple! The more details given the easier it is for me, but you can gimme as little or as much as you'd like ❤️
I'll be posting 'em on the day of, so you'll know exactly when to expect a reply!
Now, I don't anticipate getting too many requests, since I'm well aware my posts/stories don't garner quite as much interest as others', but if I do happen to get more than one request for one day, if, say, one prompt in particular is extra-popular, I'll do my best to get around to each request, but which one comes first will be based solely on luck. I'll set up a little wheel and have it choose for me!
Good news is, since this is extremely unlikely, I'll have plenty of days without requests to try to get to as many as I can! I'll do my best to make no request end the month alone :(
I don't think I've got any extreme no-gos to be aware of, but pretty please don't go intentionally looking for a limit. Just send me what you'd like to see! what's the fun in anything other than that? 💖
Here's my carrd if you'd like to check out my works/see what fandoms I've written for or contact me! And, finally, here's
➡️ The Form!! 🎉🔥
Fill out to your heart's content, as many requests as you please~
And here's the lists of prompts + links to their original posts! ⬇️
Prompts are also available in the form itself~
1. Whumptober: 😞
2. AI-Less Whumptober: 😢
3. Kinktober: 😈
4. KinktoberMadness: 🔥
(one piece-specific)
5. Kisstober: 😘
6. Flufftober: 🥰
7. Angstober: 😭
8. Goretober: 🔪
9. Fictober: ✍️
#one piece#fanfic#kinktober#kisstober#october events#october 2023#whumptober#flufftober#kinktober madness#ai-less whumptober#goretober#fictober#fanfiction#one piece fanfiction#october
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Words Unsaid 8, Tigers
♪~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♪
This one is a shorter one y'all! Today was more of a rest day and I will be spending tmr writing more and doing more story wise I promise!! I just need some time to figure out how to add one of my favourite events in, which shouldn't be hard but I want to save all that for the next part!!
Part 1 Masterpost Part 7 Part 9
720 words
♪~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♪
The Asim family estate was.. absolutely gigantic. Overwhelming almost. Almost. It was fine because it was quiet, but Inky was sort of glad she didn't live in a place as grand when she couldn't find her way around. But she didn't have to. She had Jamil, ever reliable, the desert mirage refusing to fade before her. Kalim had left for his parents when they arrived so now Jamil was walking around and showing them around the lavish and honestly a bit excessive home of the Asim family.
It was nice at first and Inky and Jamil did enjoy it until Jamil sped up a little and that made Inky call out to him. It wasn't the first time, and since they were heading out to the garden, well.. park, right now, Inky decided to be brave. She decided to reach for a bit of his hand, he let her. His fingers were calloused from all his work but Inky didn't mind. His hand was warm. Or at least the bit that she held was. Jamil noted how her hands had bandaids in a lot of places, who knows from what, but it wasn't all that great. Still, it would be fine because she would heal quickly.
They walked and Jamil told her about the animals they'd kept at the park here, how they roamed freely and why, that they were all peaceful and trained, had been raised by humans since they were young in most cases, even though it went against their very nature usually. But still there were peaceful tigers roaming and living amongst elephants and peacocks. And that made Inky stop, which in turn stopped Jamil.
"You have tigers here?" She blinked, her eyes gathering light as she seemed to animate more, come a little more to life.
"Yes, we do.. they are used to humans and seem to like them. I'm guessing you'd like to see?" Jamil asked her, to which they nodded furiously. Alright then, to the tigers they went.. well not directly to them, but they walked around to find one. Seeing a tiger was certainly a wish Jamil could fulfill right then. They did find one, one of the older tigers and a very sweet lady. Slowly they approached, Jamil leading her and helping Inky navigate the carnivorous creature.
Jamil deemed it safe, so after a bit of getting used to Inky's presence and some light getting to know eachother, the old tigress did allow Inky to softly stroke her fur, just a little. And Inky was amazed, the look she gave Jamil, with the stars of the desert night sky seeming to reflect in them although it was midday, his heart skipped. He could feel it again, that sensation of falling. He was falling for her. But he wouldn't say anything. He wouldn't admit it to himself. There was no way after all. Even when she pulled him in next to her to sit under a tree in the semi shade a little while later he wouldn't admit it.
She expressed her wish to spend time with him again in the city, just him and her. She wasn't quite looking at him when she said that, a little too nervous to do so, but Jamil agreed. A little while passed in which Jamil thought about something.
"why aren't you afraid of me? Why is it that you look me in the eyes so carelessly when I could easily take advantage?"
"Because you feel safe to me, you feel like my room at home, only less lonely. I spent a lot of time in my room at home because it was my safe space. Sure you hurt me but your anger wasn't directed at me. Besides, how could I be scared after last night? I liked that. Being held by you. It was probably the best comfort I've received in a while" Inky said, which made Jamil stare a little in slight disbelief. Inky moved closer, as did he. They both did until a tiny rock fell on Jamil's head.
One of the monkeys had decided to wreak havoc and thigh he usually would've been upset, he couldn't be, not when Inky was laughing about it and it just sounded amazing. Maybe he was talking after all.. and maybe that was okay, just this once.
♪~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♪
@dove-da-birb
@krenenbaker
@azulashengrottospiano
@leonistic
@escaaaaaanyeh
@az-flaming-sword
@cy-inky
#inky's works#drabble#→yuu sona things#jamil x reader#jamil viper#jamil viper x reader#jamil fluff#jamil x mc#jamil viper fluff#jamil viper x mc#jamil x oc#twst#twisted wonderland#twst x reader#twisted wonderland x reader#twst fluff#twst angst#twisted wonderland fluff#twisted wonderland angst
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💡💡💡
Knight!Mikasa is from the purged/fallen house of Ackerman. The Ackerman house is a family of strong knights, members have been trained since they can walk. They lived in isolation (basically some shit went down). The royal family at that time treated it as an event... the huntings... They (Every noble house like Yeagers, Arlerts, Kirstein, Braus, Braun, Leonhart, Hoover, etc) were all invited.
(9 or 12 years old?)Eren explored the forest and when he first saw Mikasa, he instantly knew she was an Ackerman... No hesitation on his part when he hid her in his carriage's luggage compartment. Eren whined and pretended to be sick so he'll be sent home with Mikasa.
He hid her in his personal chambers for a long time. They don't talk about what happened to her family during the day but at night as she silently cries because of her nightmares, he holds her tight. They hold each other. At night, they whisper about their pains and dreams.
When Eren became a prince because of some twist of fate... He didn't know how his father did it... things got harder. They can no longer sneak around the kitchen for some sweets and spar together at the training yard... Until one day, an opportunity presents itself to solve their growing problem.
"...what's this tourney for?"
"To choose your personal knight, my prince."
They argued about it but Mikasa was determined to be finally let out of his room and earn her right to exist... "You exist... I see you..." Eren said sadly but knew she was right.
His friends looked at Eren strangely as he cheers hard for a random knight who doesn't even have a family emblem, a commoner with no backing. Eren didn't care, he watched with equal admiration and elation as "Ser Mik" defeats everyone with ease.
(He'll definitely tease her about this later) He giggled when she awkwardly presented a rose crown to a random lady. Lady Louise blushed and accepted the red roses, officially crowning her as the tourney's queen of love and beauty.
Royal advisor, Erwin Smith looked at the parchment containing the mute mysterious knight's conditions strangely. Trying to compute what's happening.
Stay at royal highness Eren Yeager's side until the end of my time.
"How insolent for such a lowly blood!" Eren ignored the nobles' outrage and asked Ser Miks to kneel to have her officially knighted.
"This wouldn't be so bad." he thought to himself. She can never remove the helmet, no one can know who she is even her true gender needs to be hidden... but at least they can openly be together now.
OMG Y'ALL IS THIS NOW PRINCE EREN AND KNIGHT KASA'S BACK STORY??!?!? someone was kind enough to write it out, but yes 11/10 she's from the great Ackerman clan and he's like UR MINE NOW, UR GONNA BE MY PERSONAL KNIGHT! And homegirl is hidden, the fairest maiden of them all actually Eren's personal knight.
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Seducing Mr Bridgerton Author rambles: 04.08.2022
Hi guys 👋
So I'm sick and I have to take a few days off from work. But I feel soooo guilty about taking sick leave I've been typing away at my laptop as if to play pretend like I'm still working 😂😅
What does this mean? Well it means I've been doing aloooooot of thinking for SMB and it's future plot events.
And y'all don't even get how much more is left to be written!!
I think all that's left from book Canon is the Cressida lie, Church scene, carriage ride, engagement party, then Daphne's party (I think).
Chp 9-10 of SMB is defs the kiss and the aftermath that follows.
But I've decided to ignore the 'Colin insecure bout his writing' thing. I think the whole Sir Lee thing is a bigger aspect to my Colin. And a whole lot more interesting to write and explore. I mean he still writes.... He's just not insecure about it. (I have plans. I will explain it eventually 😂)
I very much feel like we are entering the second half of SMB once Chapters 9 & 10 are posted.
And I intend for chapters 11 onwards to focus more on Lady Whistledowns persona, My version of the Featheringtons, and Colin and Penelope fully embracing their true selves without care for the opinion of others.... It's gonna be glorious 🤩 Like take all the tension between Colin and Penelope now, then make it LW & Sir Lee. 💥🤯💥
Secrets will be revealed, confessions will be made and dares will be issued. I can't wait to share it all!!!
In saying that... I am confirming the next fic for this series will be 'To Sir Phillip with Pleasure'. Once SMB is finished I want to leave my Polin characters to marinate in their ending for a bit.
Also, with how many Eloise scenes I've been cutting out of SMB I think she's due some major attention.
My Eloise is nowhere similar to Canon Eloise. And in her prologue you're gonna really get to know how she became so different from canon and really get to see SMB Colin's influence on her growing up.
I will say that I'm using Marina from the show' characteristics. I think I already mentioned it in SMB. But Marina is Penelope's cousin, and Eloise and Phillip met a little differently than canon.
First half of Eloise's book will mostly be letters between her and Phillip and her POV on SMB Polin events. Second Half is her running away and how she and Phillip get on.
Only once Eloise's book is finished will i return to writing SMB's direct sequel "Loving Mrs Bridgerton".
LMB will follow my version of Polin after Eloise's wedding. As I won't be using any canon sources as references this entire plot is going to be completely original. Despite the title, the story is gonna be more adventure, thriller and action then it will be romance. Let's just say....
Colin has some unfinished business to properly wrap up before he can officially retire his alter Sir Lee. With his beloved wife along for the journey, Colin is determined to see it done swiftly & properly. Having successfully retired Lady Whistledown and no longer being a spinster , Penelope is all for the new adventure. But only time will tell if she'll be able to handle the danger Colin has been risking as Sir Lee while traveling all these years. He's terrified the truth of his travels will cause him to lose her. She's not sure what to expect... But from the way her silly husband is acting, Penelope's determined to overcome it all...so long as she gets to keep him.
.... So yeah.... I'm suuuuuuuuuuper excited!!!!
I've got 1000 something words done for Chapter 9 and estimate a final word count of 5-7000. I will be leaving you readers on a cliffhanger BUT I fully intend on posting chapter 10 a week or so after. Chapter 10 is estimated to be about 7-9000 words long because there are lot of things to happen.
But Chapters 11 is currently planned to focus on the Featheringtons.
Honestly!!! I'm super excited so for all of this to get done 😆😆���🤩
It's exhausting but I love it!!
Anyway, hope everyone stays healthy,safe and strong ✨💪😘
#excited#bridgerton#polin#romancing mr bridgerton#fanfiction#seducing mr bridgerton#ao3#author rambles
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Can I tempt you into sharing a out Dispatcher!Eddie? 👀👀👀🤡
Oh dispatcher!Eddie my most abandoned fic to not actually make it to the abandoned folder in my 9-1-1 file.
Basically, the premise is instead of becoming a firefighter, Eddie's PTSD was just that little bit worse and so he instead became a 9-1-1 dispatcher and takes the calls featuring the 118 from the pilot. He and Buck would then become friends due to repeated run-ins over the phone, but Eddie would not get Buck's number from the record of the 9-1-1 call. They would instead meet in person the first time when Isabel breaks her hip and Chris calls 9-1-1 (which is a call Eddie takes) and to which the 118 responds. While they're transporting Isabel, because Eddie's a dispatcher and Buck kinda knows him, Bobby just leaves a man behind to babysit Chris (with Eddie's permission) while Eddie runs to get him. I never quite worked out how the events of season 2 were going to figure into it and didn't want to rewatch season 1 to get all the calls organised, so now I just have this random first chapter that lurks on my hard drive and gives me judgemental looks.
Anyway, the fic would've been titled If There's a Hell for Lovers (And That's Where You're Gonna Be) not for any particular reason, just because I like that line in the song, and if y'all promise to understand that I will almost certainly never continue this fic, the first chapter went something like this:
warnings for everything that happened in the pilot episode and some Diaz boys miscommunication because Chris is six.
“I think you’re officially ready to fly solo,” Josh says, and he waves Eddie to a desk. “Do you feel ready?”
“Sure,” Eddie says. Josh pats him on the shoulder.
“And we’re only going to bump, like, half the calls with immediate first aid requirements to you,” Josh promises.
Eddie laughs and sits down at his new desk. Between being a medic in the army and the EMT certification he’d done when he was planning to move to LA for a very different job, he does have more medical experience than a lot of dispatch. But, through the few weeks of training he’s done, he’s come to understand it just means he has to look fewer things up. It’s probably a handicap, honestly, because the rest of the dispatchers he’s working with are so fast at looking things up and he’s got almost no practice so when he eventually does have to find something, it’s going to be a nightmare.
He doesn’t have time to dwell, because his line is ringing.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
---
After his shift, he goes to pick Chris up from his abuela’s house and is immediately pressed to stay for dinner.
“How was your first day?” she asks, ladling more food onto his plate.
“It wasn’t my first day,” Eddie says.
“But it was your first day without a supervisor leaning over your shoulder,” she says. “So how was it?”
“It was…good,” Eddie says.
They press him for details over dinner, and he tells them the story of the baby in the wall, since that one had a happy ending. He doesn’t tell them about the call that started his day, with the woman who jumped.
Chris is mostly quiet on the drive home and Eddie assumes it’s just because it’s late and he’s sleepy, but while Eddie’s helping him get his crutches, Chris pouts at him.
“I thought you wanted to be a firefighter,” Chris says.
Eddie’s glad Chris is looking away from him so that his son doesn’t see him wince.
“I just wanted to help people,” Eddie says, collecting Chris’s backpack and locking the truck. “And firefighters have to wait to help people until after they’ve already called 9-1-1. If I’m the one taking the calls, then I can help them even faster.”
Chris shrugs, disappointed, and Eddie’s stomach knots. It’s going to be fine, it has to be fine, but it also just sort of sucks right then.
He gets Chris into bed, reads him to sleep – even though he does the voices wrong, apparently – and makes the incredibly mature decision to sulk for the rest of the night.
---
“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”
The caller is almost silent, but Eddie can hear breathing. It’s not good breathing. It’s the raspy, unwell type of breathing.
“Is someone there?” he asks.
“He’s – choking – me.”
It takes the woman on the other end of the line so long to get the words out that Eddie immediately starts the tracking software. He can’t guarantee at this point that the woman is going to get her address out.
“Ma’am, do you know your attacker?” he asks as the location finally pops up on the screen.
“It’s – my – snake.”
Eddie cancels the alert for the police, and just sends the fire department.
“Ma’am, help is on the way,” he says as the icon for the 118 response team starts moving in her direction.
She drops the phone, but the call doesn’t disconnect so Eddie just listens. The snake – snakes? – in the woman’s home sound a bit like phone static, or like shifting sand, and when he realises that second comparison, it makes him shudder.
I thought you wanted to be a firefighter.
Not when the idea of sand and dirt shifting snaps him right back to Afghanistan, and not when loaded turnouts felt so much like his army medic kit.
He hears the firefighters arrive and one of them swears. They negotiate what they’re going to do about the – apparently massive – python wrapped around the woman’s throat, but Eddie doesn’t catch the specifics until three of the voices start saying, “No, Buck, don’t—”
And then there’s a sick thwack, followed by the woman taking a deep, gasping breath.
Someone picks up the woman’s phone.
“Dispatch?”
It’s a stern, fatherly voice and the man sounds exasperated.
“Yes,” Eddie says.
“We got her,” the man says.
“Good to know,” Eddie says, and the man hangs up.
Eddie shudders away the sound of the snakes shifting like sand and goes to get more coffee.
---
“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”
“Yeah, hi, there’s a fire truck parked in front of my building?”
Eddie frowns, but the woman continues before he can ask more questions.
“I just got home and there’s just this truck? The ladder’s out up to the roof,” she says. “Is it safe to go inside?”
“Ma’am, you should ask one of the firefighters on the scene that,” Eddie says.
“There aren’t any!”
He blinks. “Ma’am?”
“There’s no firefighters! There’s just this truck and the ladder up to the roof!”
“Could I get your location, ma’am?”
She tells him and Eddie recognises it. It’s the same address as the snake lady that morning. When he puts it into the system, it helpfully tells him that the 118 ladder truck is parked there.
“Ma’am, please hold just a second,” he says. He puts her on hold and checks the call logs to see if the 118 has been dispatched anywhere.
When they have not, he finds the on-call phone number for Captain Nash.
“Captain 118,” says the same man who told Eddie they’d saved the woman from her snake.
“Captain Nash? This is Eddie Diaz at dispatch,” Eddie says. “Were you guys called back to the building from this morning?”
“No, why?” Captain Nash asks.
“Your ladder truck is there.”
There’s a pause and then Captain Nash swears, mutters something that ends in “uck” and thanks Eddie for calling.
“I’ll go handle that,” Captain Nash says, and they hang up.
Eddie returns to the woman who’d called. “Ma’am, your building is perfectly safe. Someone’s on their way to deal with the truck.”
“Oh, good,” the woman says, and hangs up.
---
It’s almost the end of his shift when the little girl calls. She can’t be that much older than Christopher, and that knowledge just about stops his heart. She sounds so scared.
“Lily, we’re going to get you out of this,” Eddie tells her and hopes to god she believes him. “What’s your address?”
“I don’t know,” she whispers and sounds miserable about it. Eddie makes a mental note to have Chris do repetition drills of their address the second he gets home. “We just moved here.”
He takes the pieces she can tell him, but it’s not enough.
“Lily, I need you to stay on the line,” Eddie says. “I have to talk to the police, but I promise you I am still listening, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers.
Eddie switches his mic over to Sergeant Grant. “Can you run your sirens? We should be able to pinpoint where she is when I can hear you through her phone.”
“A cop siren is going to spook the bastards,” she says, and then pauses. “Give me a second, I have an idea.”
Eddie talks to Lily while Sergeant Grant comes up with her idea, and then a third voice joins the call.
“Just…run the siren and drive slowly?” the guy asks, sounding unimpressed.
“I patched you into dispatch,” Sergeant Grant says. “They’ll be able to figure out where she is when the siren comes through.”
“Dispatch?” the guy asks.
“Here and listening,” Eddie tells him. “What are you driving?”
A fire truck siren blares.
“Okay, Lily, you’re going to have to listen for the fire truck,” Eddie tells her. “Okay?”
“Okay,” Lily whispers back.
“Firefighter—” Eddie starts.
“Buckley,” he says. “Buck.”
“Buck,” Eddie repeats. “What engine are you driving? I can track it on CAD.”
When Buck says it’s the 118 engine, Eddie finds it in the system. The rest of the 118 are on a different call with the ladder and ambulance.
“Good thing you guys got your ladder truck back, huh?” Eddie says.
For reasons Eddie can’t fathom, Buck groans.
They go through the process of figuring out which house Lily is in, but when it all starts to fall apart, everyone stops answering Eddie’s questions. He’s left staring at the screen and listening to Sergeant Grant swear and Lily’s screams getting farther away from the phone she’s dropped. Even Buck’s stopped answering, and Eddie wonders if this is what going crazy feels like.
He’s distantly aware of Josh standing right behind him with a comforting hand on his shoulder. When Eddie glances at him, he’s got a sympathetic, grim expression on.
Eddie doesn’t know if he breathes until he hears Buck start laughing into his phone.
“Firefighter Buckley?” Eddie asks. “What happened?”
“I knocked the asshole off his motorcycle with a firehose,” Buck says. “Lily’s fine. Sergeant Grant and her mom have her.”
“Oh thank god,” Eddie breathes. And then he thinks about what Buck just said. “Isn’t that super against regulations?”
“What are they gonna do?” Buck asks. “Fire me twice?”
“You got fired?” Eddie asks.
“I, uh, borrowed the ladder truck,” Buck says. “Only reason I was in the station when Sergeant Grant called in a favour, so maybe it was just the universe’s way of looking out for us.”
Eddie laughs, unable to help it. Partly it’s relief that Lily is okay and that the guys who broke into her house are going to jail, but mostly it’s because former firefighter Buckley is ridiculous.
“The universe doesn’t do that, but it was a nice coincidence,” Eddie says. He can feel Josh’s eyes on him from the next station and remembers abruptly that these calls are all recorded. “I hope you get your job back.”
“Me too,” Buck says. “And I’ll let you get back to yours.”
Eddie tells him good luck and ends the call.
“Good job,” Josh tells him, clapping Eddie on the shoulder.
Eddie thanks him and tries not to wonder what, exactly, Firefighter Buckley was doing on that roof.
Edit: I ended up writing this whole fic
#the ghost ship answers questions#the ghost ship scribbles#the ghost ship fuses realities#9-1-1#buddie#911fic#fics i'm not gonna finish#i'm breaking all of my rules here tbh#oscar isaac tired sigh with coffee meme fic
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Mao Mao Secret Halloween 2020
Greetings, Mao Mao fans!
It's that time of year again! This year has been a very difficult, and strange one. This also includes our holidays being a bit different than normal. But never fear, we are still holding our second annual Mao Mao Secret Halloween event!
In case you don't know what a Secret Halloween is, it's like Secret Santa, but with a spooky theme instead. You will be exchanging gifts to one another anonymously!
Of course, there are still very important rules attached to this. PLEASE read this whole thing before submitting your wishlist in the comments, and feel free to spread word! The more the merrier!
1. This is the most important thing: Do not tell ANYONE who you're making a gift for. Nobody is supposed to know until your submission is complete and posted! If you have any personal issues with who you get, please message me.
2. You need to fill out the wishlist COMPLETELY in order to be registered into the entry list. Please provide details and links to character references, specific poses, etc. Whatever will help the artist/writer understand what you want! Don't be afraid to share your exact wishes!
3. You cannot make changes to your wishlist once the entries close, which will be September 28th. Message me if you need to change something before then.
4. If you are going to enter this event, PLEASE be mindful that you need to have your entry submitted before or on October 31st. If you know you're going to be busy on the day of Halloween, please upload it beforehand. If you're seriously struggling with mental health, or you feel unsure that you'll be able to complete this, please take care of yourself first and do not apply. Dropouts may happen in emergencies, but I'd like to keep that from happening as much as possible.
5. Put in as much effort into your gift as you can! Everyone's style and skill is different, but we can tell what's rushed and what isn't. DO NOT submit traced or stolen artwork. It cannot be drawn over official artwork, either. If you are a writer, please try to write at LEAST 500 words! Nobody wants only a paragraph of their request, it needs to have effort as well.
6. Everybody will be paired at random, but artists and writers will be in their own categories. YOU MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN ARTIST OR WRITER, EVEN IF YOU DO BOTH. That way, an artist will give and receive artwork, while a writer will give and receive a oneshot/short story. I do this because it seems the most fair to participants. If you have any complaints about the gift you receive, please message me privately.
7. PLEASE tag me in your entry so I know you did it! And of course, tag the person you're giving the gift to, so they can see their request and know who they got their gift from!
8. OCs are allowed, as well as pairings ( Canon/Canon or OC/Canon ). But two things to keep in mind: It all must be Halloween related, so please don't try to make it all about romance. Also, if you use an OC, please describe them as much as you can, so the receiver can capture their personality.
9. Have fun and treat everyone with respect! Also, please be aware that I'm only one person with college and other events occurring at the same time. If I make any mistakes, please correct me. If you're still confused about how any of this works, feel free to message me and I'll do my best to answer any of your questions.
Now that you've read the rules, you may enter this event by simply filling out this wishlist in the comments! PLEASE REBLOG THIS POST WITH YOUR FILLED OUT WISHLIST. I can keep track of people who entered easier this way.
Username:
Are you an artist or a writer?:
If an Artist, will you be drawing digitally or traditionally?:
Details on your request(must be Halloween related):
Character(s):
If needed, would you be available to draw/write for another person, in case of an urgent dropout?:
Anything else that you would like to add?:
All entries will close September 28th. You will receive the user, along with their wishlist, that you're making a gift for in your private messages soon afterwards.
I cannot wait for this event to begin! Last year was my first ever Mao Mao event, so I feel more prepared for this year's! I hope y'all are as excited as I am!
Special thanks to Mocha for this lovely Vampire Mao cover artwork! 💗
#mao mao#mao mao heroes of pure heart#mmhoph#mao mao fandom#secret halloween#secret halloween 2020#mao mao secret halloween#mmsh2020
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hi, some of y'all probably remember that long ass post about things I would like to see for P6, well i can't find that so I'm just make a new post. also I planed on opening with how lame e3 was, and how square Enid had one interesting game, and the only there thing in the who event I cared about was smt V (still haven't played one but it's on the wishlist.) then THEY ANOUNCED LIKE, SEVEN RELEASE DATES ON ACOUNT OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND IM SCREAMING. now onto my stupid ideas.
can we change traits on personas? I remember putting lots of effort into fusing a high level Vishnu, only to later realise that I got ride of its weakness to fire making the "crises control" trait I had on it worthless, it doesn't have to be cheap, I would be more then happy to work to change it, just having it as a possiblity would be nice.
and while we're on traits, what if they had a plus side and a downside, like increase sp costs or weakness damage to self, and when you make a persona you have to chose your weakness or your strength, and the one you don't choose is randomized.
give damage types more to play with. curse and bless have hama and mudo skills, what if fire skills had a subskill, for the sake of argument let's call it "toagi" skills, that imbue fire into basic attacks, and would get "matoagi" for all alies or "toagidyne." what if ice had skills that have a higher chance to freeze but do no damage, or electric spells that put a shock barrer on an alies for one turn that damages enemys that attack.
it would be cool if there where dungeons that require persona interaction, like the electric party member needs to jumpstart a door or something.
ok, ailments, let's fix them. there's next to no point in building for them because either you can hit by without them in most fights, and they don't really work on things that matter. BUT, what if shadows where strong or weak to ailments the same way there strong and weak to elements? adds a new layer to combat with normal enemys, and bosses can be emuen to stuff like despair to keep them from being trivial, but lots of ailments can still work on them, maybe just for one turn instead of three.
don't be scared to fuck with our party comp. I played FF7 remake recently and characters where swaping in and out as the story saw fit. what if, in the same vain of the condition system in p3, some characters where bust on some days, and you with have to either wait for a day till there free, or go in without that party member as an option. hell, put in a bad ending where you have a falling out with your party and have to kill God by yourself.
also, something that would be awesome, if for big story important fights like the secret end boss, have ALL party members come in, yes it would be chaotic, yes it would be hard to keep track of, but I want a 9 chain of baton pass god damn it!
#persona 6#persona 5#persona series#p5#persona#smt persona#smt5#persona 3#persona 25th aniversery#p6#p3#square enix#atlus persona#atlus#ff7 remake
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so i’ve read your entire fanfic recs lists and thank you so much for making it!! it introduced me to some of my fave fics like I Think It’s A Real Waste by Jaded Angel and That’s My Baby by kezztip (not including your works of course because i love them all). but now i’m at a lost of what to read. do you have any current fics or fics you would add to your lists?
p.s. so excited RYLH is gonna be updated soon!!! i am seriously in love with that story that it’s my pick me up fic
I'm glad my fanfic recs post was useful to you!! I spent a lot of time making that and I love ALL the stories I recommended.
[do you have any current fics or fics you would add to your lists?] -- Oh hell yeah, a lot of new fics came out after I made that post, and I've found a few more old ones. I'll list them all below (this is going to be LONG):
Multichapters:
all that glitters by SparklingSoul (canon divergence s3):
After getting into some hot water, Jackie and Hyde find themselves thrust into an unlikely partnership-- a partnership where in the lines of morality quickly become blurred as they lead each other down a questionable path to cope with their less than ideal home lives.
This story is a WIP.
Y'ALL, please trust me and read this one, it's amazing. The first chapter was posted yesterday and I'm already addicted.
Rated T.
6k words, one chapter so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Fez/Kelso, and Eric/Donna.
Baby Blue by crimsinsky (s7 fix-it):
Zenmasters being Godparents.
This story is complete.
Rated T.
4k words, 5 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Kelso/Brooke
Friend of the Devil by glittermila (AU):
An AU where Hyde's a girl, and falls for Jackie anyway.
Btw, everyone's gay in this story and I love it, lol.
This story is a WIP.
Rated T.
65k words, 26 chapters so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Buddy, Eric/Donna, Fez/Kelso.
He Let Her Go by kezztip (canon divergence s7):
Jackie runs away to her wealthy grandmother in New York after the midseason 7 breakup. Will absence make Hyde's heart grow fonder? What happens when Jackie returns for a secret visit?
This story is complete.
Rated T.
17k words, 17 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
I Think I Was Blind Before I Met You by TeaTimeAllOverTown (AU):
He’s 14 and she’s 13 and he finds her crying outside the prison doors and, not that he would ever admit it, hearing her cry makes his skin itch.
This story is complete.
Rated T.
15k words, 2 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Just Ask Santa by heatherlea75 (post s8, Christmas fic):
This is a two part Christmas story featuring JH from Cliches and Things They Say. Sometimes, adults should believe in Santa Claus, too.
This story is complete.
Rated T.
10k words, 3 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Miracle by B_August (AU):
To Pam Burkhart, Jackie is the abnormal child that her husband dragged in during their vacation in Hawaii. To her peers, she's the smart and stuck-up princess that graces the school halls. To the Basement Gang, she's the annoying brat that infiltrated their ranks. To Jackie herself, she is a super powered freak who just wants to do her best. But to Jack Burkhart, Buddy Morgan, a pair of higher life forms, and those who she would later help, she is nothing short of a miracle.
This story is a WIP.
Rated T.
47k words, 33 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna, Fez/Buddy
My Best Friend's Girl by the bohemian flow (AU):
What if Hyde had a crush on Jackie instead of Donna?
This story is a WIP.
Rated T.
2k words, one chapter so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, temporary Jackie/Kelso
perfect matches burn (and baby, so do we) by deartangerine (AU):
One year after their break-up, Jackie and Hyde have finally pieced themselves back together, on their own. Jackie's in school. Hyde's sober. But one fateful weekend stuck together at their best friends' wedding might be all it takes to tear them down again.
Or maybe, just maybe, to build something new.
Another fic where Hyde's genderbent, and it's great! I highly recommend reading the prequel, our fingers intertwined (just like our hearts).
This story is a WIP.
Rated M.
24k words, 9 chapters so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna
Play With Fire by ShinyBo0ts0fLeather (s8 canon divergence):
After Hyde comes back from Las Vegas, Sam comes into everyone's life and thus ruining the very last chance he had with Jackie. Instead of the moping around, Jackie is now fueled with fire and a sense of determination to move on and make a life for herself as a strong, independent woman. Instead of turning their back on Jackie and siding with Hyde, Eric, Donna, Kelso, Fez and even Laurie remain loyal friends to Jackie. Hyde is completely broken, but isn't a complete asshole to Jackie. The gang doesn't turn their back on Hyde, but instead support him yet hold him responsible for his actions instead of sweeping it all under the rug. While Jackie is set on moving on, Hyde is set on getting Jackie back and changing his ways for both her and his sake. Whatever it takes.
Eric never left to Africa, and Kelso is in Chicago with Brooke, but is still around. Donna sticks to her feminist values like in the early seasons and is a better friend to Jackie. Jackie is close to the Forman's as well, and her relationship with her father will be prominent and better here as well. Overall positive with some angst.
This story is a WIP.
Rated M.
30k words, 15 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna
Something Unexpected by crimsinsky (s1 canon divergence):
What if Jackie wasn’t quite so heartbroken over Kelso kissing Pam Macy?
This story is a WIP.
Rated T.
15k words, 11 chapters so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Red/Kitty
Spirit In The Night by springsteenicious (s4/s5 canon divergence):
Jackie and Hyde are in the midst of a passionate- and secret- fling. When Kelso's sister lends the six of them her cabin by a lake for a few days, they have to be even more secretive. But secrecy proves to be a difficult thing to maintain, especially when they can't seem to get enough of each other's presence. (Inspired by the Bruce Springsteen song).
This story is funny as hell, and it's a WIP.
Rated T.
4k words, 2 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna
Take The Money and Run! by MinaSeraphina (post s7):
This here's a story about Steven Hyde and Jackie Blue. Two young lovers with nothin' better to do...
Complete.
Rated M.
29k words, 12 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
The One That Wasn't Canon by samcaponi (AU):
Basically, this is an AU where Jackie never dated Kelso.
It's not set in a specific season but will take different aspects from each season.
This has to be one of the cutest stories I've ever read in my life.
This story is a WIP.
It doesn't have a rating.
11k words, 9 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Eric/Donna
Things Fall Apart by leoasc (s8 canon divergence):
On one night in a motel room in Chicago, Jackie and Hyde learn a valuable lesson about love and life: Things fall apart. People get hurt. Hearts get broken. Over the course of nine months and a series of events no one saw coming, they learn how true that really is.
Prepare yourself because your heart's going to be crushed, but the author guaranteed that they'll fix it so I'm trusting them.
This story is a WIP.
60k words, 9 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Too Late by brokenrussiancrawl (s8 canon divergence):
Hyde was not stalking her. It was just, after months of not seeing or hearing from her, finally spotting her in a bar made him realize how much he truly missed her. The only problem is, the tiny brunette wants nothing to do with the gang...even more so him. But he couldn't stay away.
This is angsty. Very, very angsty. But it's great!
This story is a WIP.
Rated T, but the author said that might change later.
23k words, 5 chapters so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Jackie/OC, background Eric/Donna
We're Not Broken, Just Bent by SparklingSoul (post s8):
When tragedy strikes and Jackie and Hyde are forced to live up to their godparent duties, they need to overcome their differences and work together. Along the way, they realize that maybe their relationship isn’t broken beyond repair after all...
This story is one of my favorites, I love it so much!! Please read it.
This story is complete.
Rated T.
67k words, 24 chapters.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Eric/Donna
When Did This Happen? by QueenBookBuff (post s8):
Hyde is stunned when he finds out Jackie and Eric no longer hate each other, and he finds he hates the idea of her having a soft place to land that is not him. What he hates even more is the idea that Eric is protecting Jackie from him.
Angsty and beautiful story, I'm loving it.
This story is a WIP.
Rated M.
46k words, 13 chapters so far.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
One-shots:
Anything For You, Doll by icanseeformiles (missing moment):
One-shot, takes place during season 5. Jackie is sick while staying overnight with Hyde in the basement, and Hyde has to take care of her. All fluff.
Rated T.
2k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Five Years by johnnycakewasgolden (idk, it wasn't specified):
It's been five years. Fluffy fic. Sappiness. H/J.
Rated T.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
He Cared by johnnycakewasgolden (missing moment):
After Hyde tells Kelso that he's a tool for trying to get out of Brooke's pregnancy. Hyde's thoughts drift to Jackie and everything between them.
Rated T.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Here I Go Again by Tandy (I think it's post s8 but I'm not sure):
Life had not turned out like Jackie had planned. She wasn't rich, she had no maid, no mansion, and no husband. (don't worry this is fluffy).
Rated T.
5k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song by springsteenicious (s5 canon divergence):
"Every time the time was right all the words just came out wrong, so I'll have to say I love you in a song..."
Hyde isn't sure how to tell Jackie he loves her. Then he finds the perfect way, and it's a song sung by Jim Croce.
Rated G.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
I LOVE YOU by PrettyinPink33 (I think it's s5 canon divergence but I'm not sure):
"Why can't you say it? It's three words. Eight letters! Why can't you say it?" Hyde doesn't want to use the L-word. A sweet little fluffy J/H oneshot
Rated T.
839 words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
is this the place that i've been dreaming of? by SparklingSoul (missing moment):
“I’m mostly over it now,” she continues, “but sometimes I can’t help but worry about that same thing with any guy. So tell me, would you break up with me, too?”
Jackie has some leftover relationship insecurities from when she dated Kelso and Hyde is there to remind her that she doesn't have to worry anymore.
Rated T.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
It's a Hyde Thing by not.so.tragically (AU canon divergence):
It became a Hyde thing. She had part in one of his Hyde things, and for some reason, he was okay with it.
Rated T.
2k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Magic Man by ShanghaiLily (missing moment):
Just a sexy little 'missing scene' one-shot that takes place after Donna returns from California and she and Eric catch Jackie & Hyde together on the couch but before Kelso finds out about the affair. After a naughty afternoon together, they admit to themselves & each other they don't want to break up.
Rated M. Very M.
2k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Nice To Meet You by crimsinsky (AU):
What If Jackie and Hyde met without Jackie and Kelso ever dating?
A loudmouth girl meets a troublemaking knight in shining armor.
Rated T.
2k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar by MissRaichyl (post s8):
Hyde and Jackie meet after a long time apart and find comfort in each other that they thought was long gone.
Rated M.
2k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Old and Grey by zpplnchick (post s8):
After a busy day of shopping, Jackie and Hyde make one last purchase: new boots. Post-finale. Told from a 3rd-party perspective.
Rated T.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
One Special Morning by marirable (missing moment):
If anyone caught him at this hour and in this situation, they would be inevitably buried in the Formans' backyard to maintain his burnout image and not lead it towards the worst. Towards the gang thinking that Hyde got himself a heart.
Rated K.
643 words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
She's a Rainbow by trobedisons (AU? idk):
"she comes in colors everywhere, she combs her hair, she's like a rainbow."
as with everything, jackie is the opposite. they're polar opposites. the rich girl; the bad boy. archetypes that should clash, but they attract. it was as if his calloused hands were crafted to mold into the curve of her hips.
hyde notices jackie’s affinity for rainbow sweaters. hyde also notices he likes jackie. so what happens when she needs a date?
Rated T.
1k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
The Big Toy by JoyfulHeartEO (missing moment?):
When Jackie and Hyde get bored at the Drive in with their friends...where will they go? And what will they do? ;D Read and find out what happens.
Rated M because this has a lot of sex, but it's well written and funny.
3k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
Where Did You Sleep Last Night by QueenBookBuff (s8 canon divergence):
Would a married Jackie ever break her vow to be faithful?
I love ALL of QBB's stories, but this one has a special place in my heart, I don't know why.
Rated T.
This work is part of a series, so there's a sequel.
4k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Jackie/Kelso
Why Didn't You Tell Anyone? by zpplnchick (missing moment):
The gang talks about their first kiss, and a surprising revelation is revealed… Set shortly after 4x20.
Rated K+.
6k words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
You Give Me Fever by crimsinsky (missing moment):
Jackie is sick, or is she? She claims she is, but Kelso says he saw her not too long ago. Who is Hyde supposed to believe, and what does he do about it?
Rated G.
5k worrds.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
1983 by antrazi (post s8? idk):
Somebody comes back and watches Hyde's life from the outside.
Rated T.
731 words.
Pairings: Jackie/Hyde
*
I think this is it! I probably forgot some fics because my brain is weird, but yeah. I've read all of these, and they're all amazing. I think you'll love them!
#ask#fanfic recommendations#jackie x hyde#jackie and hyde#zenmasters#fanfic#that 70's show#that 70s show
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Stronger Part 4 (A New Day Has Come)
Summary: Mun-yeong spends some time with someone important and a gets a surprise.
Author's Note: Got an annoying comment on this story yesterday and it motivated me to write lol so thanks! Hope you guys like and comments, that motivate me even more 😉🥰 nothing like love to drive out hate! The story is coming to an end unfortunately, I'm thinking 2 more chapters maybe three. If I had time I would drag it out for 9 😂😂 but schools start Monday so there goes my life. Happy reading y'all.
Solitude gripes at her insanity, tearing her apart until she succumbs to the thoughts that plague her mind of her inadequacies and how insignificant she is to those around her.
Being around Sang-tae oppa fills a portion of the void in your chest but his presence only reminds her further of another that she's dreadfully missing, his messages overflow her phone now. Taking a swift turn from condescending to something sweeter and more pleading. It takes every ounce of restraint in her body not to open them, relying on the bits she can see in the previews. Fully turning a blind eye to him is beyond difficult for her, every atom of her being is calling out for him.
She has dragged herself from the car too many times, desperate to run to him and soothe his pain, eager to see what he wants to talk about, maybe just maybe he's ready to apologize and unclench the clamp he placed on her heart that day on the beach.
But.
What if he isn't? What if he wants to share more of his past with her in the hopes that she'll overlook all that came before. In the past that might have been the case, she had been ever forgiving, something that only he was privy to. But his words ring in her ears- one time event, get lost- invading her dreams and taking the place of her mother's floating figure terrorizing her nightly.
Somewhere along the way she realized that she puts him first, his emotions and comfort have taken precedent over her own and when she'd searched what exactly that meant the answer made her head spin.
A four letter word that most humans will experience except Ko Mun-yeong.
She's much too selfish and destructive to be ever love or be loved by another, she knows that know. When he'd finally opened up to her, there'd been a plethora of emotions that clawed to the surface and vengeance had been one of them, it wasn't enough that he was sharing his darkest secrets because of everything she'd been through to get there. It was as if he'd stabbed her in the chest, left her bleeding only to return and patch up her wounds, too much had occurred and the scarring remained.
So she left in the middle of the night, abandoned that godforsaken place, stuffing expensive fabrics in a vintage Louis Vuitton luggage set, eager to escape the dead silence that rang out in the castle without the Moon brothers pumping life back into it.
In the end she didn't go far, finding a guest house that reminded her of that brief getaway with him, she paid for the week and turned off her phone fielding persistent check in calls from Sang-in. Gang-tae hadn't tried to call merely texting that they should talk and it was almost laughable that despite his seeming desperation he still seemed reluctant to go the full mile. Only her deep rooted sadness stopped her from chuckling at her circumstances, what a tragic mess.
She didn't let his current persistence fool her, fool me once shame on you fool me twice, well everyone knew the rest. It was time she stopped looking like a fool. Regardless of what she felt for him she knew that that this couldn't be, he'd been right all along.
I hope I never see you again.
So much heart ache could have been prevented if she'd heeded his warning. So she was doing it now, her anger had fizzled off tempering into bitter acceptance.
He would give up soon enough, that was his style.
The woman in charge of the guest house steers clear of her and the first day she lays carelessly on the bed roll, not even bothering to comb her hair. Simply, being. It's intoxicating and new, her phone remains turned off tossed to the side as she thinks about nothing- ignoring the way that nothing something has deep sad eyes and a bowl hair cut. She's trying to think about nothing and that's what counts.
She has food delivered and it's strange to eat something that isn't a Subway sandwich after all the food Sang-in as been bringing her and temporarily guilt forms in the pit of her belly, he's probably going crazy trying to locate her but she's just not ready. She's still tired. Bone chilling fatigue.
The next day she walks down a dirt road, her long white dress dragging on the ground, dirtied but the thin material allows a passing breeze to wash across her body and she's content, staring at the sky and thinking of nothing. She spots a lone bird sitting in a tree and wonders if all the other birds have left it behind, whether it has nowhere to go and no one to see. Then she berates herself for worrying about a bird, all this time alone is pushing the limits of her sanity.
The days bleed into each other, dawn folding into dusk with watercolor skies and earthy morning dew.
She tries to write but it's hard to get any words down that aren't depressing and she can't think of any morals or lessons besides don't let anyone in.
Then she tries her hand at drawing, a portrait of her twisting a deer's neck.
The guest house keeper asks her if she hates bears the next day and that's the end of that endeavor.
The week is coming to an end and she's no where closer to knowing what to do, maybe it's time to go back to Seoul, leave this all behind like a bad dream.
When she finally deems herself mentally prepared she turns on her phone, pinging and vibrating from all the forlorn messages, sputtering in her hand as she watches in shock. As expected Sang-in has called and messaged and threatened, she smirks at his empty threats, heart slightly warmed.
Ju-ri, Seung-jae, Sang-tae, and him. All their names flash on her screen. Surprising her, as she'd never expect them to notice her disappearance. Much less reach out to her. Strange. But she writes it off, maybe Sang-in had roped them all into it. With trepidation she opens her messenger and responds to one, keeping a promise, with a few presses and a selfie she sends the message and closes the phone with a sigh.
Done.
The next day the clouds are smoggy ash grey in the sky, darkening the skies into something fierce and she pulls on a sweater and forgoes an umbrella welcoming the storm. Electricity swelters in the thick air causing a sheen of sticky perspiration to cling to her skin. She dons a simple sleeveless mini dress and sandals, trekking to the familiar dirt road.
She walks for hours, aimlessly without a care or worry in her head. Thoughts of him still push their way in at times but she's come to accept that as her baseline, once she returns to Seoul he will be nothing but a faint memory of the time she dreamed too big.
The first drop of rain on her skin makes goose pimples explode across her flesh, fat and chilled as they cascade from the atmosphere. Turning her head up towards the heavens she grins bitterly at nothing, her whole life has been nothing but rain, the moment is oddly fitting.
Mud splatters to her feet coating her toes in sloshy brown that slides between her toes, drenched from the downpour she slowly walks back no haste in her movement, steady footsteps despite the speed of the rain as it pelts against her.
The guest house comes back into sight as she meanders to the gate, vaguely remembering that she'd pulled it shut yet the doors now swing open. Blaming that on the rain she steps through, pulling it shut behind her continuing to stride to the steps.
As she hears the sliding door she eyes catch a figure blurry through the watery sheet in front of her eyes, the voice calling her name stops her in her tracks, no longer able to pretend that it's a mirage.
Her eyes aren't deceiving her, there he is. Once again finding her in the rain, except this time she doesn't need to be saved, she'll be the one doing the saving. For them both.
She takes him in, the rain soaking his hair flat onto his face, clothes plastered to his body as he stands eerily still, dark pools intensely taking her in as well.
After the slight hiccup, she continues walking taking off her sullied sandals and tossing them to the side and then she places her hand on the door, prepared to enter and forget what she saw. Ignorance is bliss.
"Mun-yeong."
All he has to say to get her heart pounding like a drum, she screams in her mind. That time spent apart should have made this easier, why didn't this feel easy? All the fatigue that she'd been running from hits her like a freight train crashing through her passive wall.
"Get lost."
He moves to block her way and her rage simmers below the surface.
"I've been worried about you. We all were so worried. You can't just leave like that, why did you go without saying anything?" His voice is wavering between anger and something softer, more human that makes his voice crack on the last syllable.
"Move."
She's not ready to assess what his being here means, what his voice and his concern mean. None of it makes sense and she's going to file it all under: unexplained phenomenon.
"Can't we talk first, please?"
"I don't want to talk." She sidesteps him, reaching once more for the door.
"Mun-yeong let me explain, let me make this right. I'm sor--"
"Shut up. I said I didn't want to talk. Go back you saw me, I'm alive you don't need to say anything more."
She's not sure she'll be able to contain herself if he says anything else, she's already dangling off the cliff. She can't allow herself to fall and burst apart.
"No! Why are you pushing me away? I need you! I told you I needed you I meant that, you can't just run away damn it."!
She stares blankly before her throat croaks and laughter tumbles from her lips. Deep belly chuckles that shake her body viciously.
Then quick as a switch the laughter stops.
Diamond hard gaze locked on his bewildered face before she speaks, "You think you're the only one who wanted? Do you? I wanted you to stay. I wanted you to fight for me, to let me in. I wanted you to see that I was hurt and apologize and mean it. You think a kiss is enough, you think telling me everything is enough after you break my heart? It's not!" Her voice pierces through the cacophonous drone of the rain beating the world, crying its heart out.
He jolts at her pained cries, fingers reaching for her but she immediately moves out of reach feeling naked and raw under his stare.
You broke my heart.
She's shown too much of her cards already, it's too late to bluff.
So she'll take a page from his book.
Throwing the door open and slamming it shut, holding it tight.
He doesn't try to open it. She sighs in relief leaning back against the hard wood, feeling all the fight evacuate her body.
He's probably gone. You pushed him too hard. Who are you to reject him? No one else will ever tolerate you.
Her thoughts don't scare her, just like Gang-tae had chosen his brother and the life he knew she was doing the same, choosing herself and the loneliness she'd grown accustomed to. Why give him another chance to throw her away he was clearly capable of it, it was only a matter of time she wouldn't change. Couldn't change. Immovable object.
The rain falls and falls, washing everything away and making the world anew. She lays on her back wondering how far he's gotten in this downpour. How had he even found her? All questions she'll never get the answers to.
Sleep tugs her eyelids shut as her thoughts swirl until they too fade to black.
Hands held high over her head, she pulls her tired bones feeling the tension melt with each stretch. Gathering clothes to take a much needed bath she carelessly tugs the door open only to jump back when he almost tumbles into her room.
What.
"What? What are you doing here?" She shrieks, avoiding collision by the barest inch.
"Waiting for you."
She blinks at him, taking in his drenched clothes-noting his shivers- and the dark circles that sink into the skin beneath his eyes, resembling a raccoon.
Had he slept outside all night? And if he had was he insane, why didn't he go back home?
"Why didn't you go back? Are you crazy? You can't sleep outside in the rain!"
She blushes at her outburst, slapping a hand over her traitorous mouth. He merely looks at her, she overlooks the tender glint in his eyes.
Stepping forward he grabs her hand, she fights to pull her appendage away but he tightens his grip which contrasts immensely with the softness in his eyes.
Voice like warm honey he answers, "Because you're here and I.....need you. I'm not going anywhere."
The sun shines brightly outside as a new day rises somewhere in the distance a lone bird's call is answered by another.
#psycho but it's okay#its okay to not be okay#its okay to not be okay fic#ko mun yeong#moon gang tae#it's okay to not be okay#seo ye ji#kim soo hyun#I love rain#cackled thinking about that deer
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christmas is the time to say i love you (share the joys)
Written for Day 9 - Ugly Sweater / Dressing Up of 12 Days of Supercorp @supercorpbb
Read on AO3
***
In retrospect, maybe Alex should have known better.
After all, there had been signs aplenty in the past couple of weeks. Supergirl taking longer for her tasks at work. Kara smiling at her phone during movie night, although she used to be the one who always insisted on the no-phones rule. Lena coming over to the loft unannounced one day, looking somewhat bummed when she found Alex there.
Just to name a few things that Alex had noticed. And who knew what else had been going on behind her back? Since her little sister had finally learned to keep a secret (and used that power for evil, evidently), there was no telling, really. Because, like, people didn't fall in love over night.
But Alex was getting ahead of herself. There was a certain order to events, and Alex should at least try to do this the right way. So she would have her story at the ready, if she were ever asked to recount it.
At her sister's wedding, for example. In case it came as unexpectedly as... But she was getting ahead of herself.
***
Of course, it had all went down during game night.
Because heaven forbid they could have one relaxed pre-Christmas evening without something big happening. (Alex supposed she should be glad there hadn't been a city-wide fire, again, or a hostile alien attack or something of the sort. Then again, at least she would have known how to deal with that.)
So, game night. They'd been a small round that evening, just Kara, Lena, and Sam, plus Ruby as a honorary guest, all huddling together at Alex's place for once. Because it felt empty ever since Maggie had moved out, and also because Alex was planning on drinking plenty and Kara'd been hesitant to let her stay over lately (Alex should have known).
It was a quiet night, peaceful somehow. There hadn't been any snow yet, but the clouds were thick and promising, and there lay a certain expectancy in the air, as if the whole world was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
Well, something did happen. It wasn't snow though. It was the doorbell.
"You're late," Alex said into the entry phone, fully expecting a contrite giggle in reply. Kara was rarely on time, but she always, always apologised profoundly when she arrived at last. As for Lena... Well, Alex hadn't even expected her to show up at all, in fact. Leading a company like L-Corp probably didn't allow for much free time, and Alex barely considered Lena to be one to drop it all just for something as trivial as game night.
She was wrong. On all accounts.
"Why, hello there!" Kara sang (yes, sang) in reply, and there was a chuckle in the background that Alex would in the course of the evening learn to recognise as Lena's. "And a good evening to you too. Hope you didn't get started without us?"
"Us?" Alex asked. Oh, blissful last moments of oblivion.
Kara's laugh was entirely unfamiliar, loud and carefree in a way Alex hadn't heard in years. "Oh, Lena and me of course," she said, "sorry for coming so late, we got... held up along the way."
There was that chuckle again, before Lena's voice was heard in the background: "Is she gonna let us in or not, it's freezing!"
Alex pressed the buzzer wordlessly, turning around with a slight frown.
"Us?" Ruby asked, catching her eyes from where she was stretched out on the couch. "Was that Kara?"
"Yep," Alex made, "Kara... and Lena."
Sam raised her eyebrows. "Did they come together?"
"Apparently?" Alex sighed. Something was off, something was not adding up, like a calculation gone awry, but she couldn't yet put her finger on the point where she went wrong. She shrugged the thought off.
"Why don't you ask them yourself?"
Because then there they were, Kara in one of her light jackets that did a great job at masking her alien heritage (not), Lena in a lush coat, wrapped up from head to toe.
"Hi!" Kara beamed. And while her sister was a smiling person in general, Alex had seldomly seen her that radiant. Even Lena's typical "Alex" was way less reserved than usual. Oh yes, something was going on.
Sam noticed it too. She gave Alex a puzzled little side glance before she stood up to hug the newcomers, warm and long like only Sam could hug people. (And maybe something was going on there too, but Alex refused to think about it.)
"Kara," Sam smiled, "it's good to see you again. And Lena, I'm happy you could make it."
Lena ducked her head, because even she wasn't immune to the charm that was Samantha Arias. "Anything to spend time with my friends."
At which Kara snorted. Alex's frown deepened.
"Now that we're all here," she said, rather pointedly, "maybe we can get started on some games?"
"Please, before y'all start acting even weirder!" But even Ruby, her reproving (and very valid) exclamation be blessed, couldn't help glancing curiously at the blush that had appeared across Lena's cheeks.
***
"Neat sweater, by the way," remarked Sam halfway into Activity. It was a comment totally aimed at distracting Alex from the fact that Lena and Kara had just fleeced them in pantomime, and to Alex's shame it worked like a charm.
Because the thing was, she'd noticed the sweater too. It was a hideous thing, (clashing colours, frantic patterns, an honest-to-God bell sewn to the front) and there was just no way that an item like that could be found in Lena Luthor's walk-in closet. She must have either bought it especially for this occasion, or...
Or there was a reason why it was slightly too big for her. Why Lena snuggled into it from time to time, inhaling its scent with a smile that was uncommonly soft. Why Alex had the feeling she'd seen this exact sweater before, the ugly pattern burned into her memory.
And why Kara was wearing a sweater with a suspiciously equally ugly print.
Alex started choking just when Lena's smile turned from surprised to smug. She knew what Lena would say, realised it in the very second Lena spoke the words, like she were reading her mind.
"Thank you, but it's actually Kara's."
"Is it now?" Sam smiled in a way that made it very obvious she'd figured out as much already. Ruby was smirking too. Only Alex had apparently been too focused on fucking Activity to notice it earlier.
"Oh?" She made somewhat strenuously, the feeling that something was going on suddenly stronger than ever before. "How come?"
Lena gave her a patient smile, while Kara giggled. "Well, she came to pick me up in the nicest dress you can possibly imagine, although I'd specifically told her to wear something casual. And like, I said to her 'you can't wear that, we'll all get depressed' because you know, it was just that ho- pretty." Kara blushed. Alex was beginning to feel a little faint.
"O-kay?"
"Anyway, one thing led to another and long story short, I let her borrow a sweater," Kara finished hastily, then looked at Lena with what Alex called the un-frown (just like a normal frown, except it became exceedingly clear that Kara very much didn't mean it). "Borrow."
Lena blinked innocently. "Whatever you say, darling."
Darling?
"I'm never getting this sweater back, am I?" Kara huffed exaggeratedly, to which Lena only replied with a "nope", popping the p almost as hard as Kara usually did. Then she squeezed Kara's hand in reconciliation.
At which point Alex noticed they were holding hands.
***
It had all got sorted out quite quickly after that. Ruby wasn't surprised. Sam had always known, or at least strongly suspected it (which was mildly terrifying insofar that Alex was pretty sure she herself did a way worse job at hiding her feelings than Kara and Lena. On the other hand, maybe it also meant that the dinner invitation Sam had extended to her later that night was a dinner invitation indeed.)
Ultimately, it turned out that the only one who'd been completely in the dark about matters was Alex. She, who'd always prided herself in having a good nose for all things Kara-related. She, who'd always assumed she had a decent gaydar.
She, who couldn't even complain about it, because the light in Kara's eyes whenever Lena smiled at her was so bright, it banished the dark thoughts right from Alex's mind.
So, yeah, in retrospect there had been signs aplenty. Supergirl working out between her assignments sometimes now. Kara buying a necklace that was so not her style, even the jeweller asked her multiple times if she was certain she wanted that one. Lena sitting on Kara's couch one day when Alex came by unannounced, painting her nails with Kara's favourite polish.
Just to name a few things Alex recalled now afterwards. And she really should have known.
#supercorp#supercorp fanfiction#sc fanfic#sc#supergirl#christmas#christmas fic#mini fic#my writing#ugly sweater
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A Letter from Norman reactions
Tonight I was feeling like reorganizing the notes I took after reading the novel for the first time. Just some random personal reactions I had after reading it; if anything catches your attention and you'd like to know more about a particular event from the novel, please feel free to ask and I'll be happy to help!!!
Under the cut because it's l o n g. That is, if Tumblr allows me to add a "read more", which has never happened before, but I'll keep hoping in it.
• Disclaimer: I'm suing anyone who ever said that the novel is all about NorEmma. I've literally put off reading it because I didn't want to get into something overly romantic while there's??? Nearly nothing about it that is romantic??????? Just a slight mention in that last chapter and that's it???????? Why are y'all like this
Prologue
• I need you all to know that the important letter™ through which Norman informed Emma about his plan starts with him describing the weather. I just think it's a relevant information.
• Ok I'm at freaking page 1 of “A letter from Norman” and. NORMAN IT'S A FREAKING LETTER TO EMMA NOT A SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY THERE'S LITERALLY NO REASON TO BE THIS POETIC
Maybe, I would get it if it was directed to Ray, but to Emma?????
Chapter 1
• Emma in 2038: Let's befriend ghosts
Emma in 2047: let's befriend demons
Seems like a logic consecution to me
• Ok but why has nobody ever mentioned the extremely precious Emma / Gilda moments in the novel???? My heart was completely melting that was the most adorable thing I've ever read??????
• The way Norman is constantly in awe of Ray is so adorable... Baby is so sweet I swear, he deserves the world
Chapter 2
• OK BUT THE SWEET EXCHANGE between Ray and Isabella before him and Emma go out at night?????? Ray is so pure is swear... He's a precious baby who didn't deserve all the shit he went through.
Reporting it in case anyone's curious; for context, Norman is sick, and Emma wants to go out look for a flower that she's read is going to help him feel better. Emma and Ray are convinced that Norman is going to die because babies are just that dramatic, and easily impressionable as well. They're seven here.
“ «Ray, I'm counting on you!»
Isabella pressed an hand on the boy's shoulder, who turned his face to her and diligently nodded, before continuing: «Differently from Emma, I don't think the flower is going to help Norman heal».
«What do you mean?»
«However, it's better than having to sit back and watch without doing anything. I too, like her, want him to heal as soon as possible.»
«Sure, I understand...» ”
NOW that hits so hard. You have to understand, this is after Ray had made the deal with Isabella. He had already started to plan the escape. In this occasion, he was on a very thin line: alone at night with Emma, outside the House, a child who knew the truth. Isabella knew those were the right conditions for him to attempt an escape, so she decided to test his loyalty; one misstep, and their deal - which was fundamental for the escape Ray was planning - would have ended.
But at the same time, Ray needed to go. Because, just like Emma, he just couldn't stand to lose Norman. And to see these three children caring so deeply about each other even at such a young age makes me honestly bawl. This is quite certainly my favorite thing from this series. And Ray deserves the world.
• Ray was so determined to save his two friends, he even considered for a moment, in the woods, to tell Emma the truth about the orphanage. I find it very nice how the novel hinted of all these times Ray almost revealed the truth, it really puts emphasis on how he was trying to find the best moment for the escape- but it also hints to how desperate he was to share this grievous burden he was forced to carry for the longest time.
• “ Ray, you must keep on living, Norman whispered to himself like a prayer. ”
I'm... I'M 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Doesn't help the fact that this bit was literally at the end of pages of Norman praising Ray and how brave he had been for so long.
• “ Nobody in the House would have wanted for Ray to pay with his life to amend the silence of all those years. ”
I love this bit. Nobody between the children ever hated Ray for speechlessly assisting to dozens of his siblings being lead to death, because they all immediately understood how much he was suffering, how powerless he must had felt, and also, even though it only led to him being even more hurt, how deeply he loved them all. It's really nice to realize that no children ever hated Ray- no one besides from himself. His siblings love him unconditionally, and that's precisely what he deserves 🤧🤧💕💕💕
• Norman: *adventures in a detailed description of Ray's features and gestures for no other apparent reason than the fact that he finds him pretty*
Chapter 3
• Ok I know people use to see Ray and Susan's interactions under the light of Ray having a crush on her but honestly? I think they make the cutest brotp. I never knew how much I needed Ray-having-an-older-sister content untill now.
• For real though!! What hits you really hard is to find out, even though he would had never ever showed it, how desperate he was to have somebody care about him, and to be loved. He literally grieves for losing someone that looks after him and is there to check on him in his lowest days- we know it's the thing Isabella never gave him. Man, this boy didn't deserve all the shit that happened to him. Tpn may have become an old known story for me, but Ray's sufferings in his early age will never stop tearing my heart apart.
• Ok, I wasn't ready for all this angst on Ray's part. I mean, I obviously know GF were hard times for him, but I didn't expect for him to take over the pov. Sis, how wrong I was. Now I'm crying.
• Coming to the realization that Ray's initial plan actually was to bring everyone in the escape, but he clearly had to give up on it after having realized it would have been impossible to save them 🥺🥺🥺
(I mean it was not impossible. He believed it was. But it wasn't.)
• Ok but. The last part of the Ner chapter. I really don't want to spoil it for anyone because it really was a beautiful chapter but I really need to say: Emma and Norman. The way it wasn't just Ray always being there for them, protecting them from afar; no matter their blissful ignorance, they have always been there for him too. They never abandoned that lonely boy, and they made it so that he could have a last reason not to give up. A single, dim light of hope in that pitch black, devastating world he was born in. I may or may not be crying my eyes out.
(Btw I had written this before the Ray special chapter came out, and it's kinda funny to look back at it now)
• The thing with the Ner chapter is: you enter in it after reading two chapters of normal, wholesome children's stories. There's a dark undertune in it, but it's very subtle and it doesn't interfere with the happy, cheerful atmosphere of these children facing adventures together with each other. But then the Ner chapter strikes, and the Ray pov arrives, and it's like being beaten with a bat in the stomach several times. Deep down, you had always known it; but you suddenly realize that all these children are going to die. And, even worse, there's one child who knows. There's one child who has to assist to everything powerlessly. There's one child, one freaking-nine-years-old who knows that all his siblings are going to die, and there's nothing he can do. That a single mistake could ruin the chances of making just two of his siblings survive, which is everything he's hanging to right now. One child who only needs to be loved. Well that... That hits hard.
Me expressing my thoughts: girl this form is shit you can't write something that is understandable to save your life can you
• Also can we please appreciate Norman taking so long to get out of the forest as it's a recurrent characterizzation of his character to be desperately willing to live just *French chef kiss*
• I really like how the novel underlined how Norman's choice of sacrificing himself corresponded to a betrayal toward his friends (when you think about it, Emma definitely felt betrayed). It's almost like in his last moments Norman chose to switch roles with Ray, taking on his shoulders the burden of being both the traitor and the sacrifice.
Chapter 4
• Norman: * “ He instinctively closed his eyes and abandoned himself to the sweet memory of that time he understood how deeply loved he was. ” *
Somewhere, Ray: Can't relate
• Emma: Norman, what you want to do when you grow up?
Norman: It's a secret.
Me:
• “ Ray woke up before everyone, as usual. ”
A remarkable detail. You'd think Ray, as a good depressed person as he is, would sleep more than the average. The truth is: he doesn't sleep at all.
• Norman: There's... Another person I like
Me:
• OK NOW WHY did none tell me about the nine (9) lines of Norman / Don interacting it was worth reading the novel solely for that.
• WHY DID NONE TELL ME ABOUT DON ALMOST STRANGLING NORMAN AND MAKING HIM LITERALLY PASS AWAY IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH READING THE NOVEL SOLELY FOR THAT
• Reading about Conny being there hurts a lot but reading about Sadie and Hao brings up a totally different kind of pain. Also who the hell is Cindy?
• Norman: Oh yes, Emma and Ray, my most dear friends, my closest siblings, the reason I wake up in the morning, my only reason to live, the ones I'd entrust my life with,
Also Norman: Dunnot in the last thirteen hours and six minutes they have been acting pretty sus, I'm kinda sure they're betraying me somehow ://
• “ «I agree, but it feels like you've fallen down a rabbit hole. You're restless, you constantly look off...» said the raven haired boy, distorting his mouth in an hardly intelligible grimace and giving his friend a meaningful look.
«Norman, about that mysterious girl...»
«No, you're mistaken! I...»
Norman, filled with frustration, raised up his voice, starting to lose the coolness that was usually characteristic of him.
«But I haven't said anything yet!»
That being said Ray, with slightly mocking doing, turned on his feet and went away, leaving Norman like that. ”
I LOVE THIS BIT SO INEXPLICABLY MUCH I'm always *so* in for Oreo finishing each other sentences / reading each other's thoughts. Here, Norman answered Ray's question before he could even expose it, because he already knew what it would have been. Equally, Ray knew what Norman was going to say even though he cut his answer halfway through.
I love how much on the same page they are, they really... Totally and fully understand each other even without words, and I find it so sweet. Seriously, their dynamic is so wholesome
• Norman's last birthday gift: the thing that matters the most to him: his family's happiness
Emma's reward: the thing that matters the most to her: her family's happiness
Some things hit harder than others.
• I don't know like. When you read the novel after the series has ended, everything hurts so much more, because you know these are all memories Emma has lost forever.
• So you made colorful clothing by "coloring old clothes"? Have fun realizing y'all have celebrated Norman's birthday wearing your dead siblings' clothes
Bonus this epic note I randomly took I completely forgot the context of:
• Isabella is a bitch. I don't give a fuck about your dramatic past woman, leave that boy alone
(When the protect Ray mood hits™)
#tpn#the promised neverland#a letter from norman#tpn norman#tpn emma#tpn ray#full score trio#oreo#tpn analysis#mine#I don't even like Stark I just used the gif for the sake of reactions#I should have used facepalming Ray™ instead#Let me know if you want my reactions for the second novel as well!!!#tpn novels
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