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notfunnydean · 4 years

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Pairing: Dean Winchester / Castiel Rating: Explicit Warnings: meet-cute, Omegaverse, Alpha!Dean, shy!Dean, Omega!Cas, sassy!Omega, true mates , John is an Asshole, topping from the bottom, top!Dean, Bottom!Cas, sub!Dean, dom!Cas, knotting, heat/rut, mpreg (only mentioned at the end) Word Count: 4.602 Challenge: Classic Bingo Summary: Castiel had just moved into his new shitty apartment when, to top it all, someone crashes through his ceiling right into his living room. Castiel is not amused and angry at the Alpha, but it turns out first impressions can be very wrong and the shy Alpha does seem cute. Prompt: crashing through a ceiling For: @hectatess Link (if posted on AO3): https://archiveofourown.org/works/25915297

Castiel sighs loudly.

He wanted a new start in his life and this is what he gets. He carefully puts down another cardboard and looks around. He’s living here for almost a month by now but it doesn’t get better.

The apartment is just horrible.

But that is what you get as a single Omega. Castiel had called so many landlords the last months and he always got declined. Nobody wants a single male Omega in their houses, because apparently they are too much trouble.

“Trouble.” Castiel growls. He is annoyed. He would’ve had enough money for a cute little apartment in the city. Hell maybe he could even rent something bigger for himself. But no. Instead he has this hell hole.

“I hate it here.” Castiel mumbles as he opens the cardboard. He didn’t get to unpack everything yet, to be honest, mostly because he had hoped that he would find something different.

He knows exactly why he pretends to be an Alpha in his work life at least. Castiel loves to write books, but as an Omega nobody would buy his book so soon enough he had worked out a deal with his publisher that they sell his books as an Alpha.

Castiel publishes his books as Jimmy Novak the Alpha and they sell well. He mostly writes love stories and if people knew that he’s an Omega, then people would just pity the poor little Omega who dreams of love.

Since people think he’s an Alpha, lots of Omegas buy his books and swoon over him. Castiel sighs loudly. He’d never really believed in love stories in real life, but sometimes in his quiet moments alone he dreams about his own.

Castiel shakes his head at his thoughts and wanders off to his bathroom to look after his laundry. Here the tiles already come off and just as Castiel opens his washing machine, a loud crash comes from his living room.

Castiel’s heart almost stops.

He needs a moment, before he gets up on shaky legs and walks back to his living room, scared of what he might see there. At first he only sees all the dust and he gets angry at his damn landlord again.

But then he sees there is someone in his apartment, awkwardly sitting on his butt in his living room and then he sees the huge hole in his ceiling. Castiel gasps loudly and then looks back to the man.

An Alpha clearly, maybe a bit too ‘pretty’, but just as he wants to try to smell him, all the dust settles in his nose and he sneezes loudly. The Alpha looks up at him and Castiel growls when he sees his new shelf with all his books is broken too.

Dean groans and for a moment he doesn’t even know what happened. He had put the dumbbell down his father had given him and in the next moment, he was sitting one floor lower.

It looks like a living room and Dean blushes already at the thought that he just crashed in someone’s apartment. He had told his landlord more than once, that the apartment was getting too old, but Zachariah had never really cared.

Just as Dean wants to get up, he realizes that his ankle throbs badly. Fuck. Okay at least the dumbbell had fallen down next to him and… directly on a bookshelf. Dean gasps at all the broken wood at him.

Just as he looks up, he hears a deep growl. Dean swallows and looks into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Dean’s face gets even a deeper shade of red and he opens his mouth to just say something.

“Thank you, for destroying all my work.” The man growls even louder now and Dean wishes he could hide somewhere. He’s clearly an Omega, but Dean had never in his life heard an Omega growl.

“Uh I’m s-sorry. I just uhm… I’m Dean and I live uh… there.” Dean points stupidly at the ceiling and the blue eyes squint with so much anger at him.

“Do I look like I care? You destroyed my books! Those are the first printings.” The Omega says and points at the books around him. Most are just a bit wrinkled but not completely destroyed, Dean feels ashamed anyway.

“Oh I didn’t mean to, I just wanted to put down my… wait you are Jimmy?” Dean asks, surprised when he takes one of the books. Jimmy Novak, his favorite author. Sometimes Dean really hates his life.

“No. I mean yes, I write them but my name is Castiel.” The omega says and Dean doesn't look up. Still focused on the book in his hands and he carefully strokes over the thick green binding.

“You’re my favorite author.” Dean whispers, mostly to himself but then he hears the deep inhale from Castiel.

“You’re an Alpha.” Castiel says and Dean shrugs awkwardly. His father would probably kill Dean if he would know that Dean reads love stories alone at night. Castiel seems not disgusted but shocked at least.

“I know.” Dean answers quietly and Castiel sneezes loudly again. Dean looks up when he smells something else than an angry Omega. It smells like dark and rich coffee with honey and Dean’s body reacts badly.

This is his true mate. Castiel smells like his true mate. Sure the smell is still mostly sour but Dean just knows it.

Since his mother had told him about true mates as a pup, Dean had always dreamed about his Omega. He couldn’t wait and now he finally sits in front of him. Dean’s inner Alpha winces at the situation.

He made a fool of himself in front of his true mate, but his heart still swells two sizes.

“You’re my true mate.” Dean blurts out.

“What?”

“I… I think you’re my true mate.” Dean says again, but Castiel doesn’t look happy. He looks even more angry and Dean curls almost more into himself. Castiel huffs and Dean’s stutters even before he says more.

“Listen, I don’t care. I would never date some stupid Alpha and unlike in my books I don’t believe in true mates either, so how about you finally leave my apartment?” Castiel growls out.

Dean’s Alpha whimpers.

Rejected. He has been rejected.

From his true mate.

Dean is sure that his blood freezes and carefully gets up. He really should leave now before he embarrasses himself even more. His ankle throbs again, but Dean ignores it, he doesn’t want any pity.

“I’m sorry.” Dean says and means both that he destroyed Castiel’s books but also that fate gave Castiel an Alpha like Dean.

“Whatever.” Castiel says and he picks up some of the books. Dean hastily puts the one he is still holding on the small coffee table.

“Do you… I mean I could help with your ceiling.” Dean offers at least, because he is the one who broke it. As a kid he often helped his father with tasks like that, so he could probably really help.

“No thanks. I think you did enough.” Castiel says, sneezing again and Dean swallows. God his true mate even hates his smell. Dean can smell himself, feeling so embarrassed that his smell turned extremely sour.

“But I’ll send you the bill.” Castiel says and Dean nods in agreement. Seems fair enough. Dean takes his dumbbell and hastily leaves. Well as soon as his ankle lets him.

Castiel stays quiet and Dean never felt more humiliated in his life.

“Thank you really.” Castiel says and he waves towards the guys who fixed his ceiling. He hadn’t heard the Alpha all day, even though Castiel had been in his living room the whole time.

Then again the repair work was pretty loud.

Castiel hadn’t slept well. True mates. Dean had said that they were true mates. Castiel really had never believed in that, but Dean had looked so crushed and something inside Castiel had hated that sight.

“Okay.” Castiel says to himself and he takes the bill. He would give it to Dean anyway, because it was the Alpha’s fault in the end. Castiel’s stomach protests loudly and Castiel sighs.

Maybe he did want to see the Alpha again? He wasn’t sure.

Castiel takes his time and uses the stairs to get upstairs. Dean’s door is painted in a lot of colours and there are stickers on it as well. It looks adorable and for a second Castiel isn’t sure if it’s the right door.

Then he hears some yelling coming outside the apartment.

Just as Castiel wants to turn around the door opens loudly and there is another Alpha standing in the door. He looks incredibly angry and intimidating, but luckily he hadn’t seen Castiel so far.

“But Dad…”

Castiel sees Dean now behind the huge Alpha, who seems to be his father. Dean is pretty tall himself, he has a few inches on Castiel, but he looks small like this. Looking down. Castiel sees that his ankle has a splint.

“I don’t want to hear your excuses Dean. You got rejected from your true mate and everyone can smell it. You are nothing but a disappointment. No Alpha would let himself be treated like this and you are embarrassing our whole family!” Dean’s father yells through the whole corridor.

Dean stays quiet, nodding in obedience.

The big Alpha turns around, ignoring Castiel completely as he storms past him. Dean’s father smells disgusting, but Castiel can smell something else. Dean. His rejection is heavy in the air and Castiel frowns at himself.

“Dean.”

Dean seems surprised to see him standing there on the floor and Castiel hopes they can both ignore the scene Dean’s father had just caused.

Castiel had thought Dean had lied about the true mates thing. So many Alphas tried that trick on him before to get him in their bed. Maybe Dean meant it. Too bad he can’t smell him like this, the rejection too strong.

But that could just be because Castiel rejected him without them being true mates. Maybe Dean took things like that to his heart.

“I have your bill.” Castiel says and Dean’s eyes widen for a tiny moment. He really has pretty green eyes and Castiel even takes his time to look at Dean’s freckles. It’s unfair for an Alpha to be that gorgeous.

“O-oh yeah. Uhm thank you.” Dean says and he takes the bill. Castiel ignores how his fingers shake.

Dean looks at the bill and Castiel feels almost bad, because he knows how expensive it is. Maybe he should have given it to his landlord instead, but he knows the asshole would never pay that.

“Can I… I mean. It will probably take me a bit to pay for this.” Dean says softly and Castiel is really surprised at that. He can’t even be mad.

“Are you jobless?” Castiel blurts out and Dean shakes his head. He’s smiling a bit and Castiel has to say he really likes that smile. He looks adorable.

“No but I’m a kindergarten teacher and I don’t make so much money.” Dean admits and Castiel’s eyes widen. An Alpha as a kindergarten teacher. That is pretty rare but it also means that Dean has to be really sweet.

And Castiel had yelled at him.

Dean seems to take his silence the wrong way and hastily says goodbye before closing the door.

But Castiel had seen his wet eyes.

It takes Castiel two weeks of constant stomach aches and a lot of time to think, before he decides he really needs to talk to Dean again. But apparently Dean is pretty good at hiding and Castiel never sees him.

Until one day just as Castiel wants to buy groceries and he uses the elevator, the doors open to reveal Dean inside it already.

Dean promptly looks to the ground after mumbling a soft greeting. Castiel takes a deep breath through his mouth and then opens the bag he always takes with him lately. He pulls out the pages and has to admit to himself, he’s nervous.

“Dean, I uh got something for you.” Castiel says and Dean finally looks at him. Castiel smiles at him and he sees that Dean’s shoulders relax a bit.

“What’s this?” Dean asks and Castiel holds his newest manuscript out to Dean, who takes it.

“I wanted to apologize for my behaviour the last two times we met. This is my newest book, I finished it the last few days and I want you… I want you to be the first who reads it.” Castiel says and Dean slowly starts to smile.

“Really?” Dean sounds adorable like this and he opens the manuscript immediately.

“Sure you said you’re a fan.” Castiel says and Dean nods hastily. There is a new smell around them and Castiel really likes this smell.

“I am. I love your work, your stories are just so well written and I fall in love with each story.” Dean says in awe and he strokes carefully over the pages. Castiel has to say this sight makes him really happy.

And then he takes a deep breath again.

Dean smells happy. Dean smells like his true mate. Not as dark or heavy as all the other Alpha’s. He smells rich and deep, but also sweet like honey. Maybe with apple pie?

“You really are my true mate.” Castiel blurts out, surprised at himself. Dean looks up again, the happy smell vanishes into thin air.

“Yeah, uhm sorry.” Dean offers, feeling clearly uncomfortable again. The elevator stops and Dean hastily gets out. Castiel follows him before Dean could really flee.

“No! Dean wait. I mean I didn’t smell you when you fell into my apartment. There was so much dust and then I could only smell your rejection but… fuck. Sorry, so many Alphas hit on me like that and I was so angry.” Castiel tries to explain himself.

Dean seems to think about that for a moment, but then nods.

“It’s fine.”

“So will you go out on a date with me?” Castiel asks and he feels already better. Even before he had known that Dean was his true mate, he had thought a lot about this the last few days.

Dean just seems really nice and Castiel hates how he mistreated him.

“Oh I don’t know….” Dean says and he blushes so beautifully again. Castiel would make it his life mission to make him blush as often as he could.

“Please.” Castiel says and it’s an honest one.

“Okay uhm, yeah. I’d like that. But I have work now, the pups are probably waiting.” Dean says and he gives another awkward wave. Castiel’s heart flutters.

Castiel whistles happily when he buys his groceries. He would court Dean like he deserves and he doesn’t care that normally it’s the Alpha’s job to do that. So he buys some beautiful flowers too.

At home he gets back to Dean’s floor and puts the flowers in front of the door, along with a cute little heart sticker that has his number on it.

Perfect.

Dean is incredibly nervous.

He had left early and is now standing in front of the small restaurant Castiel had picked out. He really hopes the Omega wouldn’t stand him up.

Just as it turns six, Dean can see Castiel. He looks good in his suit and trench coat, his hair is a mess and Dean feels himself smiling. His true mate is truly stunning.

“Hello Dean.” Castiel kisses both his cheeks in greeting and Dean feels himself blushing again. Castiel holds out some flowers and Dean takes them a bit surprised. It’s not normal for the Omega to bring the Alpha flowers.

But Dean already has the feeling they aren’t exactly normal.

“For you.” Castiel says and Dean smiles.

“I love flowers.” Dean whispers, normally he doesn’t say things like that, only to his brother maybe, because Sam is just as soft as he is. But his father would strangle him.

“Good.” Castiel says easily and he holds out his arm. Dean takes it and they walk inside together. Dean loves being so close, because Castiel really smells good.

The waiter brings them towards their table and Dean already likes this small restaurant, he can even see some pie there, but for now he could go for some burger. His stomach rumbles in agreement.

At their table, Castiel even helps him out of his jacket and then pulls the chair back, so Dean can sit down. Dean had never been treated like this before and he tells Castiel that, when the Omega sits down.

“I promise I will always treat you like this if you want.” Castiel says and Dean blushes again. He would enjoy that a lot.

“But isn’t that my job as Alpha?” Dean asks later when they already got their food. Dean is happy to see that Castiel has a very similar taste. They both are enjoying their hamburgers and Castiel even strokes over Dean’s hand sometimes.

“No. I don’t really like the traditional relationships between Alpha and Omega. I see myself as the dominant part and like to treat my partner well. I love my work and I don’t see myself taking care of pups all day, even though I’d like to have some one day.” Castiel explains and Dean nods.

“That’s why you don’t like Alphas?” Dean says but he smiles.

“Yeah most of them try to go all macho on me and I do not enjoy that. But you seem so different and I really like that. I’m sorry I didn’t see that at first.” Castiel says and this time he even touches Dean’s foot under the table with his own.

“I’m glad you are the way you are. I… I always wanted to be an Omega as a kid, because I never wanted to be the dominant part as you say.” Dean admits and he is glad to see Castiel smile.

No Alpha he ever met would admit to prefer being an Omega.

“So did you already read my manuscript?” Castiel wants to know and Dean spends the next minutes gushing about his favorite parts. He had read it the same night Castiel had given it to him and not put it down, until he had read it all.

“And… you have to use a different name and pretend to be an Alpha for the books?” Dean asks and he frowns at that. It sounds stupid.

“Sadly yeah. People think an Alpha who writes love stories is wonderful, but an Omega? Just embarrassing and pitiful.” Castiel says and Dean growls quietly.

“Yeah I know what you mean. People laugh a lot that I’m a kindergarten teacher, but it’s my dream. There are so many cute pups and I’m super lucky my boss Jody loves me.” Dean says and the next minutes they spend talking about their work.

Dean feels himself falling even harder for Castiel. Soon enough they are finished and Castiel even pays for them. The waiter is surprised, but Dean doesn’t care anymore.

“So I would love to walk you home.” Castiel says, when they go outside and he winks badly. Dean laughs, because they both have the same way home anyway. Outside it’s a bit cold and Dean cuddles into his jacket.

They don’t even round the first corner before Castiel takes his hand. Dean squeezes back, feeling so good. He had never imagined this.

At Dean’s door, Dean gets nervous again. Maybe Castiel would want to come inside? Dean hadn’t cleaned today and his apartment surely looks messy.

“Can I kiss you?” Castiel whispers and Dean feels himself nodding, before he can think more about it.

He almost squeaks when Castiel presses him against his door. Fuck, he really likes that. Castiel smiles and then leans even closer. Dean closes his eyes first and then Castiel finally kisses him.

Dean whines quietly.

Castiel kisses him deep and breathless. Dean had never met someone as fierce as Castiel, but he really likes this. Really likes him. Dean opens his mouth easily and lets Castiel completely take over.

“Okay.” Castiel whispers and now he doesn’t seem so collected himself.

“Wow.” Dean whispers back and he hastily steals another short kiss. Castiel is everything he had ever wanted.

“Now be good.” Castiel scolds but he laughs too. Dean feels so happy, he doesn’t know what to do with himself. Castiel shakes his head, grinning and then he takes a step back.

“Sleep well Alpha.” Castiel says and he blows Dean another kiss, before happily running down the stairs. Dean looks after him.

Just as he goes inside, he stops. There is another smell on him and Dean laughs.

The fucker had scentbonded him.

Fuck he might be really in love.

The next morning Dean wakes up happy but also incredibly sweaty. Fuck. He lifts his blanket a bit and that glance tells him everything. Castiel’s scent bonding had triggered his rut.

Just as Dean sits up, it knocks loudly on his door. Dean groans and wants to ignore it, but then he hears Castiel outside.

He hastily gets to his front door and opens it, Castiel looks like a mess and Dean isn’t even embarrassed that they both are only wearing their underwear.

“Dean. I’m in heat.” Castiel says and Dean nods.

“How can I help?” Dean whispers and he still feels calm. His rut is just beginning.

“I want to fuck you. Please. I’m still thinking clearly, but it will probably get bad in a few minutes. I need you to say you want this, if not. I’ll go.” Castiel says and Dean takes a step closer.

This time he kisses Castiel.

“Of course. I’d love to.” Dean says shyly and then Castiel takes over again. Dean happily gives him the lead. Fuck he had dreamed about this.

Dean takes Castiel’s hand and takes him to his bedroom. Castiel hadn’t seen anything in his apartment, but right now Dean doesn’t care. They are true mates, of course it all goes fast and overwhelming.

“Lay down for me.” Castiel says and Dean obeys almost a bit too hastily. Castiel smiles and he smells so sweetly now. Dean is sure his own smell changed too. They share the same one now.

“Please.” Dean says, when he sees how nicely Castiel fills out his underwear. He can smell Castiel’s slick.

“In a minute. Be a good Alpha for me.” Castiel says and then he finally gets on the bed too. He leans over Dean and they kiss for a moment again.

Dean gets impatient after a few minutes, no matter how much he enjoys the kisses. Castiel sits back and helps Dean out of his underwear. Dean’s cock is rock hard and Castiel grins when he sees his dick.

“Very nice. Bet it will fill me so good.” Castiel says and fuck Dean really hopes so. Castiel stands up and throws his own underwear away. Dean licks his lips and he wants to get his mouth around Castiel’s cock

Right now they are both too impatient.

“Kiss me Alpha.” Castiel says and Dean does so, Castiel still above him. Only when Castiel moans loudly he understands that Castiel is opening himself up. Dean groans.

“Please let me.” Dean whispers and Castiel nods, he is already out of breath.

“But make it good, you hear me?” Castiel says and Dean promises. He uses Castiel’s slick to get his own fingers wet and then finally presses one inside Castiel. They both groan at the sensation.

“So hot, fuck.” Dean says and Castiel slaps his thigh for swearing. Dean presses two fingers in, thanks to Castiel’s heat they go in easily and soon enough Dean adds another finger.

Castiel sets the pace though, Dean holds his fingers still and lets Castiel move on his own. He looks so hot.

“Okay enough. Need your cock.” Castiel says and Dean pulls his fingers out. Castiel straddles him for real now and before Dean can even think about it, Castiel already sinks down on his cock.

“Holy shit, Cas.” Dean mutters quietly and he is for sure dying. Castiel doesn’t waste a second and takes Dean’s dick in one go. Dean takes a deep breath and tries not to thrust up, since he doesn’t want to hurt him.

“You feel so good Alpha. Fill me up all the way.” Castiel say and he is the one who is fucking himself with Dean’s cock. Dean growls, because this feels so good. Castiel throws his head back.

“Ah Cas.” Dean says, taking everything Castiel gives him.

“Gonna knot me Dean? Will you come inside your Omega? Mark me as yours.” Castiel babbles and Dean is so turned on. He can already feel his knot swelling. He would be embarrassed but it feels so good.

“Please let me come.” Dean whispers and Castiel rides him even harder. When he pulls on Dean’s nipple, Dean comes loudly. His knot pops and Castiel moans loudly, but he takes it so well and bites down on Dean’s mating gland.

It takes Dean a moment to understand what happened, but it hurts just a second before he feels incredible. Happy and sated.

Dean groans himself and only then does he bite Castiel, when he sees that Castiel comes all over Dean’s chest. They are tied together and Castiel smiles down at him, when they both can breathe again.

Dean had never heard about an Omega that knotted himself, but that was basically what Castiel had just done and he had even bit him. Dean loves it.

“Fuck.” Castiel says and Dean kisses him. They will be knotted together for some time and Dean carefully arranges them so that they are lying on their sides. Castiel being the little spoon for now.

(Dean has a feeling that would change as soon as he got free.)

“That was amazing.” Dean whispers happily and Castiel turns his head so he can kiss Dean. Dean closes his eyes then, feeling content for now. He really had an amazing mate now.

“Did it hurt?” Castiel whispers then.

“What?”

“When you basically fell into my apartment and into life.” Castiel laughs and Dean smacks him with a pillow.

Fuck he loves him.

“Baby?”

“Here, Cas.” Dean says from the living room and Castiel walks over there as fast as he can. He mostly waddles.

“Are you almost done?” Castiel asks when he looks up to Dean who is standing on the ladder. Dean nods.

There is another hole in the ceiling in Castiel’s apartment, but this time on purpose. With Dean as his Alpha, Castiel had finally been able to use his money. And he bought them both apartments.

Dean had the idea to build stairs there and connect both apartments and this time Castiel had even let him build this alone. His Alpha is really good at a lot of things. Castiel is proud of him.

“Yeah should be good for today.” Dean says and then gets down the ladder so he can kiss Castiel. They both smile when they break the kiss.

“Remember how we first met?” Castiel asks grinning and Dean groans in embarrassment. Castiel snickers but kisses Dean again.

“It looks really good.” Castiel says then and points at Dean’s work.

“Lets just hope Jack and Belphegor like it too.” Dean mumbles and Castiel’s cheek hurt from all the smiling when Dean carefully puts his hands on Castiel’s huge stomach.

He really hopes the twins would arrive soon. They have a really special Daddy to meet and Castiel can’t wait for it.

#destiel #destiel fanart #destiel writing #destiel fic #my writing

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theonceoverthinker · 5 years

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OUAT 3X15 - Quiet Minds

What did the doctor diagnose Zelena with when she came complaining about knee pain?

Oz-teoperosis! XD

I wish I could get you to a doctor! I’m actually pretty sad to watch this episode and I’m sure you know why. So let’s get to it. Under the cut is where you want to be.

Press Release

Neal finds himself back in Storybrooke and yearns for a way to reconnect with his son Henry, whose memories of his father are gone, while also trying to find his own father, Rumplestiltskin, whom he has just learned is alive but missing, and Regina discovers a possible connection with Robin Hood. Meanwhile, in the Fairy Tale Land that was over the past year, agonizing over the death of his father, Neal - with the help of Belle and enchanted candelabra Lumiere - attempts to find a magical solution to bring back Rumplestiltskin from the dead.

Main Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness

Past

I like how Belle and Neal’s past conversation is almost meta like in their discussion of the nature of Rumple’s sacrifice (Ex. Belle debates that Rumple saved everyone whereas Neal debates that he saved just his family). I like this discussion so much and wish that we had more Neal and Belle moments because these kind of discussions about Rumple’s morality are so interesting! Neal is much more critical of Rumple’s every act, be in kind in nature or not while Belle is more lenient, choosing to believe in him. I can’t help but wonder how these two would’ve worked together going forward had Neal not died. Would they have been able to get along because of those differences? Probably, but I could see the occasional fight break out between them. And it’s interesting to see how in the end, Neal is right. While undoubtedly the thing anyone would do -- save their child over the dagger -- it was selfish for everyone who now had to deal with the consequences of that decision. Rumple saved his family -- not the grander scheme of things. BUT that’s not framed as a terribly bad thing either, and rightfully so, as evidenced by neal calling it a “true sacrifice” during his death scene. It’s still legit.

I like how Neal’s lack of magical understanding -- one of his biggest character flaws -- is what gets him into this mess, as well as his impatience to get back to his family. I some ways, it reminds me of a reverse version of “The Crocodile.” There, Rumple’s need for vengeance, over-reliance on magic, and impatience costs his best chance at getting back to his family and the same happens here.

The dialogue between Zelena and Rumple has much more meat to it in hindsight than during the first go-around. There’s this whole other layer to the conversation that’s completely missed without the context that Rumple was Zelena’s tutor and taught her basically how to be evil and powerful!

Present

The story in the present section is definitely one of those “all come together moments” where the plot is more of the driving force than a story and it works fine enough here.

Because of that...well, let’s talk about Neal’s death, why don’t we?

I feel like when talking about Neal’s death, we have to do it in two parts: The first is how the death worked on its own (I.E. the staging, how it fits into the story of the episode, etc.). The second is how it worked as the death of a character (I.E. what this character’s death left people desiring, was it an appropriate death, why this death happened, last impressions of the character). I’m going to focus on the first part here and the second part over where I talk about the cultural elements of the show.

So within a vacuum, how was Neal’s death handled in the confines of this episode? Eh. Neal is so adamant about getting back to his family and making things right and just leaps at his death without looking for another option. I just can’t help but feel like Neal would be a bit more stubborn with that. He’s giving up his chance to be alive with him family. If this was the only way and alternatives were explored a bit more, that would’ve been one thing, but they’re not. Belle reads exactly one book and they don’t even try to consult Blue or Regina before going to this final resort. It’s not impossible to believe, but it is hard.

But that’s not all there is to a death. Some of it can come down to his goodbyes to other characters and Neal had the benefit of dying beside the two people he was closest to: Rumple and Emma. And while Henry is absent during the scene, and understandably so given the story, his absence of presence and memories creates an extra layer of underlying tragedy to this death that thankfully is brought up in the next episode. But let’s keep our focus on Emma and Rumple. Now, I like talking about shippy stuff at the bottom of my review and I will further elaborate on my points there, but to sum it up, it was honestly so beautiful and touched upon every point it needed to. I genuinely loved it. As for Rumple, it’s perfect. I love the sharp denial Rumple has for Neal’s passing, jumping between every stage of grief and being left so emotional as he finally passes. Every touch is so important and emphasized and I think the staging of Emma holding Neal so those touches would stick out more was a masterful choice.

Insights - Stream of Consciousness

-Zelena, I don’t recommend wearing that Wicked Witch cosplay while trying to blend in!

-”Beautiful one.” Not really selling me on adoring your monkeys when you sound like you’re about to butcher a puppy, Zelena!

-FUCK! Rumple can run! Does Storybrooke have a track team because if so, put him on that track team!

-Oh jeez. While funny (And I do believe that’s what they were going for, and it works), I am so glad Killian gave Belle a better apology later on in the series.

-”What the hell?” What the hell’s right! Lumiere is more than a touch creepy!

-Yay! We’re finally starting to really touch upon the Captain Beauty friendship!

-”I got you breakfast because I am supermom.” I love the way Emma says that line and sinks into that big armchair as she says it like, “Yeah, I’m a boss.”

-”That’s a bagel?” Emma, I am so proud of you for instilling such a good taste in bagels into your son. *Tear falls*

-In case there was ever a doubt to Henry being noble as all hell, he’d rather go back to SCHOOL than be lied to!

-Not gonna lie: Neal looks REALLY hot in that t-shirt!

-Watching Neal hear about how Henry not only doesn’t remember the bond they’ve formed, but how he does remember him as a jerk is so harsh and heartbreaking!

-I love how Zelena just concots this whole fucking story for Lumiere that is so typically Rumple! XD

-So I’m looking at the cover to the book that Belle’s reading about The Dark One and it says “IN A AKY ACAZ CA KAWO.” Does anyone know what this means?

-”Born out of -- well -- darkness.” More like vengeance, but sure, whatevs.

-Neal! Why did you blow Lumiere out?! And without a warning?! That was just rude!

-”Says more about them than it does about you.” I don’t know about that, Zelena. Your story was pretty convincing, tbh.

-For all of Zelena’s strengths as a villain, the woman is as subtle as a brick to the face! XD

-REGINA CAUGHT A FUCKING ARROW! WHAT A BADASS!

-Not to get into shippy stuff, but that’s 2 couples so far that have explored this farmhouse!

-JELLO! I still mourn for the jello scene that never canonically was, but fuck, I love this one!

-I love the shot of the clearing by The Dark One’s Vault! The snow and wintery atmosphere makes it so gorgeous!

-Once again, Robert Carlyle is creepy and awesome as hell for it!

-Seriously! Someone get Rumple on a track team!

-I can’t help but feel like it may have been a better idea for the candle to not be revealed as a villain until Belle discovers it. Like I get that he’s supposed to be redeemed, making this a double twist of sorts, but I wasn’t feeling it.

-”The Wicked Witch?” Belle’s tone to me implies that Belle has either seen or read “The Wizard of Oz.” Thoughts and HC’s?

-Like father, like son with that impatience!

-Neal, when things start to glow, we take our hands off of them!

-He loves pizza! I like how just like with the underlying softness between Robin and Regina, there’s that underlying memory of Henry and having pizza with his dad.

-The special effects team must’ve had a fucking FIELD DAY with that transformation in the woods! The actual hell?!

-I love how Lumiere calls his bit of goodness a flash of conscience because damnit -- that’s what it is!

-”I’ll be watching over you guys from somewhere.” Good HEAVENS! I have one HELL of a theory about the nature of the Underworld for Neal and Rumple. Remind me to tell you about it some time!

-”Let go.” NO! Rumple, save him!

-I feel bad laughing given that we just lost Neal, but WHY do the Charmings have two doors to their bathroom! Even the architects in Storybrooke are so fucking extra! XD

-”That was rather ill-timed.” Zelena, you fucking bitch!

-Okay, when Zelena stepped over Neal’s head, I was terrified she was gonna crush him.

-We get a nice bit of Golden Swan in this episode! Not only are they mutually grieving Neal’s loss as he dies and for a few moments afterwards, BUT we see how Rumple has faith that Emma will rally everyone to defeat Zelena!

-I’m not gonna lie: I’m kind of loving this Rumple whump. Having the dagger shoved quite literally in his face -- I don’t know how to describe it, but it does stuff to me, okay!

-I don’t know if Zelena makes him walk back to his cafe instead of poofing to torture him or if he voluntarily does that so he gets some time to himself to mourn, but either way is so sad!

-GOING FROM A FATHER MOURNING HIS SON TO A FATHER PLAYING WITH HIS SON IS NOT OKAY FOR MY PSYCHE, WRITERS! *Cries*

-That having been said, seeing Robin and Roland play together is fucking precious!

-Take that, people who say no one cares about Belle! Snow goes over there and checks on her! :D

-Oh sweet! The lake is back, which will henceforth be known as The Mirror Lake! Like seriously, the entire crew was having a fucking field day with this half season. These shots! These effects!

-THE TEARS ARE BACK AGAIN FOR THIS EMMA/HENRY TALK!

Arcs - How Are These Storylines Progressing?

The Wicked Witch - Once again, Zelena gets to show off how intimidating she truly is! In the present, she continues to manipulate everyone into thinking she’s a good person and even when she’s exposed, she still manages to kill Neal in the process. And in the past, her plan is straight up devious and so cleverly put together. Even as she’s now exposed, getting there only took four episode and didn’t lag too much at all. Also, there’s still so much to get into that there’s enough fresh ideas to keep the arc chugging along. Also also, I REALLY get how so many people wouldn’t want a redeemed Zelena after this moment. Hell, I don’t think I want it anymore either! Like, Zelena is fucking wicked and just as much as wicked always wins, seeing her laud Neal’s death -- a death that she cause -- over Rumple fucking hurts to watch!

Emma Accepting Home - I think that Neal’s death was an important thing to depict to show Emma the dangers of being in Storybrooke and to reinforce her desires to leave with Henry for a life in New York.

Favorite Dynamic

Neal and Killian. Look, we had a bunch of good dynamics here, but this was a sad episode and I need something lighthearted to fangirl over. This is about as good of closure as we were ever going to get between Neal and Killian and I utterly LOVED it. The jello Killian offers Neal is funny as all hell, I love their conversation concerning the nature of the good and evil deeds they’re doing and...THAT HUG! It’s sweet and and awkward and a little uncomfortable, but is also so earnest. And fuck me gently with a spoon, Neal calls Killian...well, Killian! There aren’t a lot of characters who do that and the implication of them doing so is that on some level, they get who he is, so to see Neal join those ranks is just beautiful.

Writer

Kalinda Vazquez is our writer today, and boy was she stuck with a difficult episode. Killing a major character is NEVER easy, especially such a big one. Until the the end of Season 5, this was a burden left solely on her shoulders alone (Unless you thought Rumple did die during “Coming Home,” I didn’t). And with that difficult situation, I think she made something very solid. Neal’s death, while not ideally set up in some ways, IS a tragic scene that allows for Neal to get a degree of closure with the three most important people in his life. I can talk about the rest of the episode, but that was where the writing needed to work, and thankfully, it did.

Culture

I feel like I should preface the discussion about Neal’s death as an overall factor on the series as a whole by talking about my original experiences with the character. I binged Seasons 2 and 3 a few months apart, so a lot of Neal’s time on the show passed for me in a blur. I didn’t hate him by any means, but he didn’t leave a big impression on me.

This rewatch changed things. I started to pay more attention to him as a character. That happened mostly I think because there’s always been such a controversy surrounding him and because I didn’t pay much attention to him last time in favor of some of the flashier characters, I wanted more than anything to form my own opinion on him. Much to my pleasure, that opinion was positive, and as I closed in on his death, I began to get sad at the thought of it -- so much so that I put off the start of this review basically all day.

Anyways, let’s talk about the larger factors of the death (I.E. what this character’s death left people desiring, was it an appropriate death, why this death happened, last impressions of the character). I talked about my last impressions of him, so we’ll get into everything else.

Now, I can’t speak for anyone else here, but I can speak for me when I say that I was left desiring a lot more development with Neal’s relationships with both Rumple and Henry. While I like the resolution Neal and Rumple got, i can’t help but feel like it had to zip dash to the finish line when Neal’s introduction back into the series implied that this was going to be a harder road. We only got a few episodes of them being at odds and while those moments were mostly great, they’re so little compared to all of the baggage they had. There’s no point where Neal sees the scale of what Rumple did cursing this land and reacting to it and he barely gets to spend time with Belle.

As for his time with Henry, yeah. I would’ve liked to see more of them. After Neal’s death, Henry carries so much grief over him throughout the other seasons, mentioning him at least once a season until we hit 7, but in terms of the time they spend together and how that time is spent, we come up really short. They play games and have pizza and that’s all well and good, but I feel like it would’ve been great had Neal occasionally given Henry some advice or left him with a phrase or something that would’ve equaled out to all the love that Henry has for him. Like, where Neal’s “with great power comes great responsibility” Uncle Ben moment? What we got was fine enough, but I would’ve liked to honestly have seen a bit more meat to it.

Was the death appropriate, or rather, was it warranted? Certainly more so than Robin’s (I’ll get to that one), but to tell you the truth, I’m not sure. I think that it opened up story possibilities that were taken good advantage of and Neal’s death was given the dignity he deserved, making the death more than just something done for shock, but as a story point that would follow Henry, Rumple, and Emma for a while. I think the broad strokes with Neal’s character were taken care of prior to the death and while I have my issues with it in regards to the finer details of some of his dynamics, Neal was pretty complete. That having been said, the issue of if a death needed to happen is a valid one and it opens a lot of points that, to be honest, I just don’t know if can delve as deeply into it as the topic deserves. There are so many factors that go into this conversation, up to and including the magical world of OUAT and the resurrections that take place afterwards. So my answer is a light yes, but there is so much room for nuance in this conversation that it’s nothing I’d give a ride-or-die answer to.

Now here comes the “fun” question: Why did Neal die? A lot of people attribute it to Captain Swan and bringing an end to the love triangle, and that is not a line of thinking I agree with. And I know, it makes sense that I’d say that as a CS shipper, but I beg you to follow my line of thinking here.

Neal was killed because of the choice to make Rumple a baddie again. When you look at Season 4, Rumple plays a gambit on everyone. If Neal were alive and in character, he would not have been able to do that without getting caught by someone other than Killian. I’ve mentioned before, but what makes Neal a great character and a great contrast to Belle is that while Belle is willing to often give him the benefit of the doubt, Neal isn’t. Neal would’ve been on Rumple’s ass the second he heard something shady and Rumple’s so shady, he makes the space underneath a pine tree look like the Sahara on a cloudless day. And look, that’s not Rumple’s fault, or even the writers necessarily, but I’m gonna say that they had some idea of what they wanted from Season 4 by this point and they understood that there had to be a trade off for Rumple’s development of an evil plan and his returned love for his power. And Neal, just as he was in this episode, was the price. I’m not happy about it -- I hope that’s something I’ve made clear -- but that’s my thought process.

Rating

9/10. Everything about this episode was going to come down to how well Neal’s death was handled. Fortunately, it was done well -- not flawlessly, but well. The story was solid and it delivers on giving the audience a level of closure for the character, closure that will continue for the rest of the season. Even the past segment offered something unique in that regard, making for a weird kind of love letter to Neal. It’s an episode that really does encompass his character and a send off that is divisive, but for me, more satisfying than not.

Flip My Ship - The Home of All Things “Shippy Goodness”

Swan Fire - You really see just how determined Neal and Emma are to get back together here and it works so much! Even Belle ships it, explicitly reasoning the safety of Emma’s necklace was a result of it originating from their “True Love.” No matter what you get from that line, I think the role that that necklace took on for both of them as well as its presence throughout the series shows how special Neal and Emma were to each other. Also, I love seeing Emma and Neal bonding over their evil significant others. Watching them laugh together in the forest just shows how in-tune they are with each other. Seeing Neal remorseful for how things with Walsh turned out is so sweet. Finally, let’s talk about Neal’s death. Neal’s attention to making sure Emma knows that she can find love and happiness is so important here. Neal cares so much about Emma and you see it as he shakily holds that necklace up to her, begging her to continue on her story. And seeing Emma barely able to hold herself together while watching Neal die guts me. The acting from both of these guys is amazing! And that hug as she cradles him to her chest choked me up and got some tears welling!

Rumbelle - “I love him -- all of him -- even the parts that belong to the darkness.” I really like this line and it leaves a lot to be discussed when it comes to the nature of Rumple and Belle’s love. It’s important not only to see as a point about the depths of Belle’s love for Rumple, but also as a point about that love’s limitations. As I said in my “Skin Deep” review last summer, Belle is one of the only characters who gets to show amusement at some of Rumple’s antics. But I like this line because it gels well with the breakup we see in Season 4, Belle likes the darkness, but has clear limits on what how much Rumple can let that darkness effect him. It makes Belle a good character with human-like limits, but showing that there is something attractive to even a good person about the darkness. ANYWAY, let’s just look at Rumple and Belle’s reactions to Rumple coming out of the vault. Belle’s got freakin’ tears welled up and Rumple’s first word is her name! It’s -- to quote a sexy narrator -- straight out of a telenovela!

Outlaw Queen - Once again, I like their banter a lot! I also like the gentleness that’s formed between them because of their adventures in the Enchanted Forest. While they don’t remember it, there’s an underlying feeling of trust that you can just tell is there and watching it is really fun. Like, they’re really cute and despite later seasons really taking me out of OQ, I do sincerely love their origins here. Also, I want to talk about this line: ”From where I’m standing the ‘Evil’ moniker seems to be something of an overstatement.” I know this line gets a bit of criticism, but I actually think it works. For me, part of what works about Outlaw Queen is that Robin, from his perspective, is a redeemed villain and he’s hanging with and will come to court a redeemed villain. From his current perspective, he sees her in her current more redeemed form and thinks that she’s on his level, but currently has no idea what he’s getting into. That’s what makes the Marian twist at the end of Season 3 so big and why I’m so annoyed that that nuance isn’t brought up later! ...Sorry I got a bit off topic back there. Finally, I love their chemistry! Sean and Lana have some sexy chemistry in 3B! I love the way Robin and Regina are basically flirting over drinks! It’s cute as all hell!

-----

Wow. That was… a lot. This episode left me with a lot to think about in terms of fictional deaths. Please don’t take anything I say here as ultra definitive because I promise you, I could see my mind being swayed by a good enough argument.

Anyways, thank you all for reading that and to the fine folks at @watchingfairytales! Love you all and see you all soon!

Season 3 Total (145/220)

Writer’s Scores: Adam and Eddy (39/60) Kalinda Vazquez (26/40) Andrew Chambliss (27/50) Jane Espenson (20/30) David Goodman (20/40) Robert Hull (30/40) Christine Boylan (20/20)* Daniel Thomsen (20/30)

* Indicates that their work for the season is complete

Links to the rest of my rewatch will no longer be provided. Tumblr now take posts with links outside of searches and I spend way too much time on these reviews to not give them that kind of exposure. Sorry for the inconvenience, but they still can be found on my page under Operation Rewatch.

#ouat #once upon a time #watching fairytales #ouat 3x15 #ouat rewatch #jenna watches ouat #whoo boy #that was a long ass review #you better enjoy it!

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reviewsbyang · 7 years

Text

Release Blitz

Title: The Girl At The Bar Series: standalone

Author: Nicholas Nash

Genre: psychological thriller

Synopsis:

Rebecca, a brilliant cancer researcher, disappears after a one-night stand with a neurotic man with a questionable past.

Her sudden disappearance in the midst of a high-stakes quest to cure cancer between two rival billionaires sets into motion an inexplicable chain of events as the bodies start to pile up.

No one knows why she disappeared. The race to find answers ensnares everyone around her, one of whom is a deeply disturbed psychopath lurking in the shadows.

Is Rebecca still alive? What happened to her? Who did it? And why? Questions about her vex everyone looking for answers. No one can be trusted and no one is above suspicion…

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Sneak Peek:

Chapter 1

Day 1, Thursday

The King & Duke Bar, New York City

She was wearing a gorgeous black dress.

The first things he noticed about her were her slender legs and her delicate wrist. She wore a thin diamond bracelet that sparkled in the low light of the hotel bar as she drank her martini, almost unaware of her surroundings. She was a gorgeous golden blonde with features that were tough to look away from, or ever forget.

She pulled out her purse and started to go through it when something fell out of it. She bent over to pick up the fallen object, half sitting on the bar stool when he walked over to help her pick it up.

He didn’t know what got over him, but he had to walk over to help her, to get noticed by her, to be an infinitesimally small part of her life, even if for just a few moments. He reached out for the object, just a few moments quicker than her, their hands almost colliding mid-air when, to his horror, he noticed the object was a tampon. Rather than recoil he swallowed his fear and embarrassment and cupped the tampon and handed it gently and discretely back to her. She skillfully grabbed it from his hand and before he knew it, the tampon was back in her purse and she looked up and gave him a wide smile.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m uh, I’m uh…..I’m so sorry. I just didn’t know it was a, a, a, you know, a..”

She burst out laughing and he took the bar stool next to hers, still red in the face, but feeling better knowing she found the whole episode amusing, probably more so given his reaction. Before long, he introduced himself, this time, actually telling her his name, trying not to think about the tampon incident.

“I’m Ragnar, Ragnar Johnson.”

“Scandinavian?”

“Yes and no. I’m American, but the name is Scandinavian. Norwegian actually. Believe it or not, my parents named me after a character from an Ayn Rand novel.”

“Atlas Shrugged, I know. The capitalist pirate.” She was suppressing a chuckle and smiling.

“Well, here’s the whole story. My parents adored Ayn Rand, her ideas and her books. They decided to name the children after key characters from Atlas Shrugged.”

“So you have a sibling named John Galt?”

“Close enough. Two brothers, John Johnson and Francisco Johnson. Thankfully we all got to keep our family last name. Can you imagine me as a Ragnar Danneskjöld?”

They chatted about what brought her to New York City. She told him that she was a medical executive and was traveling to the city for a large cancer conference that was well-attended every year by executives of large pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic researchers, oncologists, as well as sales and marketing executives from across the spectrum of companies. Her company was presenting results for and launching their latest cancer drug, a highly publicized next-generation miracle drug.

Before she joined her company, she was an assistant cancer researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Gupta, the country’s leading cancer researcher, whose groundbreaking discoveries in the field of cancer fueled the laboratories of several large and small pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

“So Dr. Gupta is probably one of the richest doctors on planet, I presume?” he asked.

“On the contrary, he’s been so immersed in his quest to cure cancer, academic glory and possibly a Nobel Prize in medicine that he never really benefitted financially from his discoveries. In an effort to continue to push his research through the labs of the giant pharmaceutical companies at the fastest possible pace, he licensed out all his research without any real benefit to himself.” He sensed a tinge of sadness in her face and in a fleeting moment it was replaced by the same warm smile and she turned to sip her martini.

He thought that not only was she the striking beauty that one could not take their eyes off, or ever forget, she was also a smart, highly intelligent and a compassionate person who cared about the work she did for the broader good of humanity.

“And what brings you here today, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor, rescuing ladies who’ve dropped their tampons?”

No lie he could’ve made up would match up to what she was in reality. After all, he did get more than he bargained for since he first set eyes on her sitting alone at the bar. No lies, just the truth. The plain and simple truth. It did not matter to him anymore what she would think of him.

“I’m an unemployed trader. Nothing is more clichéd than a jobless failed trader in New York, I guess.” She put her hand on his saying, without any spoken words, that she was sorry and sympathetic. “I lost my job at one of the large investment banks in the city a few months ago. I worked on a trading desk, tracking complicated securities and setting up even more complicated trades. I was good at numbers growing up. I thrived as a quantitative analyst at the bank. A quantitative analyst analyzes reams and reams of trading information to identify trends and signals in the data that could help in predicting the direction of securities prices and hopefully make money in the process. I worked on setting up trades in arcane securities and made money day in and day out for the first few years, till one day the house of cards came tumbling down.”

He glanced at her to see her reaction. “Following a quick turn of events those trades lost hundreds of millions of dollars for the bank within days and I was thrown out of there before I could catch my breath or understand what happened. It turns out we were picking up pennies in front of a steamroller. We lost multiples of what we made in the last few years. I had a lot of my personal money invested in the same trades too. Not sure if I’m ever going to find another job again after that disaster.”

She was probably stunned by the admission, but did not show it.

“Anyways, I was at the Bowery Ballroom earlier tonight to watch my favorite indie rock band. They’re from New Zealand and they’re in the city for a couple of shows. Thought I’d stop for a drink after the show before calling it a night. My place is close by from here.”

She smiled. “You know this happened to my father too when I was young. He lost his job in security at the local Wal-Mart after an employee was caught for theft. She was skimming cash and shoplifting with the help of some other employees before they finally caught her. My father lost his job in the cleanup that followed. It took him over a couple of years before he found his next job. He was a changed person after that but he always said that those two years were the happiest days of his life.”

“I kind of miss the excitement and the thrill of the trading desk. I trade on and off with my own money but it’s not much to begin with. New York’s an expensive place.” He pensively stared at the beer he had ordered but not sipped yet.

“You know, I was a huge fan of 80s hair bands.” she said steering the conversation in a different direction.

“Why am I not surprised? So what’s your favorite 80s band?”

“Guns N’ Roses. You?”

“Def Leppard. Favorite GN’R song?” he asked, trying to imagine her head banging to Welcome to the Jungle.

“Rocket Queen. What about your favorite Leppard song?” She was clearly waiting for his reaction to her answer.

“Uh, Rocket Queen, huh. Mine’s uhh, it’s probably Bringin’ On the Heartbreak. You know the moaning in Rocket Queen is really Axl Rose getting nasty with..”

She nodded. “Umm hmm, that’s what I like about the song.” she said with an evil grin on her face, like she just got caught with a guilty secret. “Never would’ve counted you as a mushy type, though.”

They spent the next few hours talking about the 80s bands, must-go places in New York City, curing cancer, his former job, her days as a researcher and her father. The chemistry was undeniable and he was intoxicated by her beauty and intelligence and yet down-to-earth manner. He knew she felt their chemistry too.

“This is going to sound a bit strange, but do you mind if I crash at your place tonight? There’s construction that starts at night just outside my hotel window. Kept me up most of the night yesterday. I know it sounds strange, but..”

“No, no, no problem. You’re welcome to spend the night. It’s a small place, but I’m happy to spend the night on the sofa tonight. It’s quite cozy, honestly. You can take my bed.” He tried to be the nice guy and not too direct.

He sensed a hint of disappointment in her voice for a moment and then she was herself again. “Let me pick up a few things from my room and I’ll be right back. I’ll see you in the lobby in a few. Thanks Ragnar, I really appreciate it”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”

Goodreads link: http://bit.ly/2hPkt7D

Purchase links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2iCqw1d

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2iyVHN1

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2iCqCWD

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2j9ooBl

B&N: http://bit.ly/2iIbEko

Author bio:

Nicholas Nash is the exciting new author of The Girl At The Bar, a psychological thriller about the mysterious disappearance of a brilliant cancer researcher and the quest to find her. Nicholas resides in the concrete jungle of Manhattan in New York City with his wife and three children. An accomplished finance professional, he has a passion for reading fiction and non-fiction books which inspired him to write an intriguing thriller. Nicholas hopes you enjoy his work. For news and updates, email us at [email protected].

Author links:

Website: http://bit.ly/2hQKZNP

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2iPs5c2

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2hSFlhn

Release Blitz: The Girl At The Bar by Nicholas Nash Release Blitz Title: The Girl At The Bar Series: standalone Author: Nicholas Nash Genre: psychological thriller…

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reviewsbyang · 7 years

Text

Release Blitz

Title: The Girl At The Bar Series: standalone

Author: Nicholas Nash

Genre: psychological thriller

Synopsis:

Rebecca, a brilliant cancer researcher, disappears after a one-night stand with a neurotic man with a questionable past.

Her sudden disappearance in the midst of a high-stakes quest to cure cancer between two rival billionaires sets into motion an inexplicable chain of events as the bodies start to pile up.

No one knows why she disappeared. The race to find answers ensnares everyone around her, one of whom is a deeply disturbed psychopath lurking in the shadows.

Is Rebecca still alive? What happened to her? Who did it? And why? Questions about her vex everyone looking for answers. No one can be trusted and no one is above suspicion…

Sneak Peek

Chapter 1

Day 1, Thursday

The King & Duke Bar, New York City

She was wearing a gorgeous black dress.

She pulled out her purse and started to go through it when something fell out of it. She��bent over to pick up the fallen object, half sitting on the bar stool when he walked over to help her pick it up.

“Hi, I’m Rebecca. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m uh, I’m uh…..I’m so sorry. I just didn’t know it was a, a, a, you know, a..”

“I’m Ragnar, Ragnar Johnson.”

“Scandinavian?”

“Yes and no. I’m American, but the name is Scandinavian. Norwegian actually. Believe it or not, my parents named me after a character from an Ayn Rand novel.”

“Atlas Shrugged, I know. The capitalist pirate.” She was suppressing a chuckle and smiling.

“Well, here’s the whole story. My parents adored Ayn Rand, her ideas and her books. They decided to name the children after key characters from Atlas Shrugged.”

“So you have a sibling named John Galt?”

“Close enough. Two brothers, John Johnson and Francisco Johnson. Thankfully we all got to keep our family last name. Can you imagine me as a Ragnar Danneskjöld?”

“So Dr. Gupta is probably one of the richest doctors on planet, I presume?” he asked.

“And what brings you here today, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor, rescuing ladies who’ve dropped their tampons?”

She was probably stunned by the admission, but did not show it.

“You know, I was a huge fan of 80s hair bands.” she said steering the conversation in a different direction.

“Why am I not surprised? So what’s your favorite 80s band?”

“Guns N’ Roses. You?”

“Def Leppard. Favorite GN’R song?” he asked, trying to imagine her head banging to Welcome to the Jungle.

“Rocket Queen. What about your favorite Leppard song?” She was clearly waiting for his reaction to her answer.

“Uh, Rocket Queen, huh. Mine’s uhh, it’s probably Bringin’ On the Heartbreak. You know the moaning in Rocket Queen is really Axl Rose getting nasty with..”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Goodreads link: http://bit.ly/2hPkt7D

Purchase links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2iCqw1d

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2iyVHN1

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2iCqCWD

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2j9ooBl

B&N: http://bit.ly/2iIbEko

Author bio:

Author links:

Website: http://bit.ly/2hQKZNP

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2iPs5c2

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2hSFlhn

Release Blitz The Girl At The Bar by Nicholas Nash Release Blitz Title: The Girl At The Bar Series: standalone Author: Nicholas Nash Genre: psychological thriller

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