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batgurl1989 · 3 years

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Mission Possible

Summary: A re-imagined ending for Mission Impossible: Fallout. A better ending for August Walker.

Word Count: 3624

Warnings: Talk about his injury. Possible Spoilers (?)

A/N: I know August is lovable the way he is, but maybe he doesn’t have to be the villain. This has not been edited, so all the mistakes are my own.

Taglist: @rmtndew @henrynerdfan @cynic-spirit @princesssterek @daddys-littlewhitegirl @diegos-butt @lharrietg @kebabgirl67

His cell phone rang sharply in his earpiece, the phone itself tucked in his pocket where it was safe as he rode the motorcycle through the streets of Paris. He debated ignoring the call. It was probably just work, and he didn’t need another lecture from Erika Sloane right now. Especially not while he was trying to pull off a major part of the mission: extract Soloman Lane. Somewhere along the Seine, Lane was being rescued by the rest of Hunt’s team, and he had to meet up at the rendezvous point.

August relaxed when his phone stopped ringing, but it wasn’t for long. Police sirens could be heard coming towards the intersection he was approaching. Making a sharp turn down an alleyway, August let out a string of swear words under his breath as his phone started up again.

“What?” August growled; his irritation level already high from the mission not going quite as planned. Hunt had been seen when they had gotten on their motorcycles. He hated being put on this mission with Ethan Hunt, and it seemed like every move made since then only annoyed him more.

“Sorry, babe, did I catch you at a bad time?” August wanted to smack his forehead for assuming that it had been Erika calling him instead of his girlfriend. Your voice was the only thing that seemed able to calm him down, even in such a high stress situation. “I just wanted to see if you thought you would be home by Saturday. Becky is having a garden party and invited us. I didn’t want to give her an answer before talking to you.”

“Sweetheart, can this wait?” August glanced behind him, the feeling of being watched coming over him. He had been having that a lot since coming to Paris. He caught the glimpse of a black motorcycle that he had seen earlier in his rear-view mirror.

“Normally I wouldn’t bug you, but you know how persistent Becky can be.” You sighed, bringing your lunch dishes to the sink and running some water of them. You could hear cars and trucks, and figured August was out on the streets somewhere. You never knew where he was when he went away for work. But whenever he came home, he always had the best gifts and trinkets for you. Not that material items mattered to you. You were just happy to have August home alive.

“That’s true.” August chuckled despite his current situation as he rode his motorcycle out of the alleyway and onto a main road. He glanced in his mirror again but the person following him had disappeared. The road looked clear of police for the moment, and August started making his way windingly toward the rendezvous. “Well, you can tell Becky that I will try to be back in time for her party, but you know I can’t promise anything.”

“I know.” You tried to keep your disappointment from your voice. It wouldn’t help either of you, and you were pretty sure August already knew you were sad without the words being spoken. You watched the water run over the plate even though it was clean already as you tried to come up with something cheerful to say. That’s what you spent most of the time August was gone doing, trying to give him happy news from home so he wouldn’t know how empty you felt without him home.

“You should still go though. I would hate if you missed the party simply because I couldn’t make it.” August didn’t say that he knew what you were feeling, but he knew. He felt it too.

“That would be fun.” You forced a smile, hoping it could be heard on his end. You heard an engine rev, and some sirens getting louder. It made you chew your lip. You knew he was in intelligence, but you didn’t know exactly what his job was. You liked to pretend he wasn’t a spy, but sometimes when you were on a phone call with him, you could hear things in the background that could only make you wonder. But you had gotten really good at ignoring the signs.

“I promise I will try to be back for the party.” August’s voice sounded strained, but then there was no background noise. It was like he had gone into a cone of silence. “Look, sweetheart, I have to go now.”

“I know. I’m sorry to bother you while you are away.” You snapped out of your suspicious thoughts, shutting off the tap as though that would help. You glanced around the kitchen, floundering for the right words. “August.”

“I know.” August’s voice dropped to that low timber you could feel deep in your core. That voice that told you everything he was feeling without saying the words. The voice he only used when he let his walls fall. The voice that was meant for your ears only.

Then the line went dead.

*************************************

“No August?” Becky flounced up to you, her dress bouncing around her when she added an extra spring to her step. You internally rolled your eyes, knowing that she was doing it to show off. You had heard her earlier bragging about how her husband had gotten it custom made for her on his last business trip, a business trip that she knew every detail of. She liked to rub that in your face.

“Not today.” You shrugged, taking a sip of your red wine as an attempt to come off as nonchalant. A part of you knew he wouldn’t make it back in time for the party, but another, tiny part of you had silently flickered with hope that he would magically show up. “You know how his work keeps him busy.”

It was the same vague answer you gave every time he couldn’t attend one of your friends’ parties. They always acted shocked at the news, but behind their masks you could see pity and a tiny glimmer of gloating. It didn’t matter, really. Personally, you enjoyed coming to these things with or without August. It was your friends that made a big deal out of it. They didn’t seem to understand August, not in the way you did. If the whispers around the party were anything to go by, most people thought August was overbearing and controlling. They could believe what they wanted; you knew the real August.

“More wine?” A glass of red wine appeared in front of you, held by a hand you would recognize anywhere. Spinning around, ignoring the wine in your excitement, you came face to face with your boyfriend.

“August, how nice that you could make it and not leave our girl here alone.” Becky gestured to you; an overly sweet grin plastered on her face. She lifted her glass to her lips, but before she took a sip, you caught the words that whispered out of them. “Yet again.”

You felt August stiffen minutely, but otherwise he didn’t give any indication that he had heard her. His hand came to rest on your lower back, a warmth spreading through your body at the contact. His gaze told you everything that he wanted to say to Becky, but he simply smiled at her as cordially as ever.

“Thanks for keeping her company until I could arrive, but if I could have a moment with my girlfriend, that would be greatly appreciated.” August didn’t wait for an answer before he was gently guiding you to a quieter part of the rather large garden. He glanced around to make sure no one was really paying attention to you two before he walked you backwards between some potted topiaries, surrounding you in their green foliage.

“Hi.” You grinned up at him, resting your hands lightly on his chest over his dress shirt. Now that you were alone, you could take a moment to bask in the joy you were feeling. He looked tired, dark smudges under his eyes giving him away, but that didn’t take away from how handsome you always found him. You lifted a hand and ran your fingers lightly over his cheek, brushing the end of his moustache. Whenever you were annoying him, he would threaten to shave it off, but you knew he never would. You loved it too much.

“Hi yourself.” August’s large hands found your hips, squeezing you. His eyes slid closed as he inched closer until his body was pressed to yours. He ducked his head, nuzzling his nose into your hair. You felt him relax after a few deep breaths, shedding his work persona as he did.

“How long do I have you for?” You knew this wasn’t supposed to happen. If he was going to be staying, he would have called you instead of simply showing up to surprise you.

“A few hours.” August whispered, his voice muffled in your updo. You clenched your eyes close, trying to ward off the tears that pricked at the back of them. “I’m on a layover between two jobs.”

You knew he was telling you more than he should, but that he was breaking protocol to make you feel better. To let you know that he had been thinking about you even though he had been busy with work. You fisted your hands in his dress shirt on his back as you hugged him, burying your face in his chest. Even though he had just gotten off a plane, he still smelled deliciously fresh with a hint of man underneath.

“I don’t suppose you can tell me when you will be done this next one.” You lifted your face to look up at him, resting your chin on his chest. He looked down at you, lifting a hand from your waist to run it over your hair, smoothing back a few wisps that had escaped. His eyes flicked over your face, memorizing your face, and calculating how much he could reveal. You caught a glimpse of the darker August, the August that worked in intelligence and travelled world doing who knew what. His eyes shuttered briefly, cutting you off from his emotions, but just as fast your August was back.

“I want to tell you, but it would break too many protocols.” August sighed, his grip on your shifting as he put some distance between your bodies. You mentally kicked yourself for making him put up this wall between you. There was a sound you could only describe as a growl that came from August. “If things go as planned, I won’t be gone long.”

Your eyes widened in surprise. You had not been expecting him to admit that. Slowly, you tucked your body to close to his again, trying to process this seemingly small gesture of his that was actually monumental. You ran your fingers along the collar of his shirt, dancing them in the hair on nape of his neck as you urged his head down to yours. You tilted your face up to his, meeting his gaze to let him see how much what he just did meant to you as your lips touched.

You kept your eyes open as the kiss deepened. There was something more intimate about keeping your eyes open, letting him see how he affected you. His pupils dilated, focusing intensely on your gaze, allowing you to see each emotion he felt. Your mouth opened to him when his tongue ran along the seam of your lips. His arms tightened around you, pulling you up until your feet left the ground, and you wrapped your legs around his waist instinctively.

You lost yourself in his gaze. In his kiss. In his body. It was so easy to do, that you didn’t realize you had. Time, which was in short supply, seemed to slip away. The heat of August’s body tingled through you, spiralling down to your core, filling you with a want that had become familiar whenever you were with him. His moustache tickled your face, but even that just drove your need for him higher. Small moans escaped your throat which drove August as wild as he was driving you.

Abruptly, he set you down, brushing your dress to straighten it. That’s when you heard Becky’s voice getting closer.

“There you two are.” Becky’s bubbly voice speared through the bubble desire that had surrounded you and August. August gripped your hand tightly in his, letting you know he wasn’t going to let you forget what you to had just started. “Come on, we are about to eat.”

“Actually Becky, August has to get going, and he needs a ride to the airport.” You plastered on an apologetic face. You were mildly sad you didn’t get to socialize more with your friends, but you weren’t going to waste the few hours you had with August listening to socialite’s talk about where they would be summering this year.

“That’s too bad.” Becky pouted, but quickly wiped it away and replaced it with a bright smile. “Not unexpected though. Well, August, it was nice of you to make an appearance. Have a safe flight.”

“Sometimes I wonder how I am friends with her still.” You grumbled as you and August turned to leave. You flashed a smile and a nod to a few friends as you made your way out of the party, but you didn’t stop for any idle chitchat. August’s hand in yours was a constant reminder that you had more urgent things to attend to. You wondered if you would even make it out of Becky’s driveway.

*******************************

You startled awake, your hand flailing to the side to hit your alarm. But as the fog of sleep cleared, you realized it wasn’t your alarm waking you up, it was your phone ringing. As you reached for it, you noticed the time. 1:27 AM. Your heart leapt into your throat and your stomach dropped to your feet. A call at this time in the morning could only mean one thing. August was in trouble.

“Hello?” You cleared your throat before answering, your body humming as every nerve woke up. Sweat flushed your skin, and your heart raced a tattooing beat against your rib cage.

“Is this Y/N?” A man whose voice you didn’t recognize asked in a clipped controlled voice. You knew this man worked at the same agency as August.

“Speaking.” You couldn’t force yourself to say anything more. You knew August was in trouble, and you just wanted them to spit it out. You wanted to scream at them to rip the band aid off, but a part of you was hopeful that maybe you had it wrong. Maybe August was okay.

“This is Ethan Hunt. I am afraid I have some bad news.” The man paused, sighing as though preparing to shred your world. “August Walker has been in an accident.”

“Is he…?” You cut the man off before he could continue, but you couldn’t ask the question that was burning the tip of your tongue.

“His injuries had been severe. We are currently waiting on some test results before we airlift him to a hospital closer to home.” Ethan forged ahead as though you hadn’t spoken. You knew he had heard the desperation in your voice and was thankfully doing you a kindness by not acknowledging it.

He went on to explain some more details, but you weren’t paying attention anymore. You had gotten the news you had wanted. August was alive, and right now that was all that mattered to you. He was injured, severely, but as long as he was alive, you knew everything would okay. You could face whatever treatments and therapies he would need no matter the cost and no matter how difficult they were. He was alive.

“I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot to take in.” You tuned back into the conversation in time to hear Ethan finish.

“When can I see him?” You blurted out the first question that sprang to your mind.

“When he was last awake, he declined visitors.” Ethan chuckled, though you had no idea what he was finding humourous about this situation. Then you heard the sound an engine getting louder. “You should be seeing a helicopter landing in the field across from your house any moment now. We are overriding his request and bringing you to him. I suggest you pack a bag.”

You sprang from bed, getting briefly tangled in the blankets. Once you fought your legs free, you went to your window. Sure enough there was a helicopter just touching down in the soccer field across the street. A couple of people jumped from the aircraft and began to jog towards your house illuminated by the flood lights from the helicopter.

Throwing a sweater on over your PJ top, you tossed a couple changes of clothes into an oversized purse you had bought on a whim. August teased you about it, but it was about to come in real handy. You made a mental note to point this out the next time he made fun of your purse choices. You grabbed your phone, but the call had been cut off. You didn’t have time to wonder about the person on the other end before your attention was being pulled to the pounding on your front door.

A short helicopter ride to an airfield, and a plane ride to Virginia later, you were being taken into hospital ward that seemed mostly empty. You had already signed a non-disclosure contract and had been given very strict instructions not to share anything you were about to see with anyone outside of the walls of the room you were about to enter. A doctor had run down all the things wrong with August, but the longer he spoke, the more anxious you became to see your boyfriend so they decided to bring you to him before continuing.

“You can go in. He is awake.” The doctor stepped out of the room, holding out a hand to stop the door from closing behind him.

“Thank you.” You took a deep breath, trying to mentally prepare yourself for what awaited you inside the hospital room. You had been warned that the burns August sustained had effectively melted half his face, and his ear would need some reconstruction surgery. He was in a lot of pain, which you knew translated into he was grumpy.

You eased silently into the room, not wanting to upset him with your presence. It took everything you had not to rush to his side, and grasp his hand that lay limp on the white blanket that covered his body to his chest. It broke your heart to see your big strong man laying broken in a hospital bed with a gown loosely tied around his neck. From this angle, you couldn’t see the damage, but you knew it was there, and you knew from the creases on his forehead that his pain meds weren’t working as well as they should.

“I told them not to let you see me like this.” August’s voice startled you. He hadn’t opened his eyes, so you didn’t think he knew you were in the room. The pain in his voice seemed to break your willpower and you stepped up beside the bed. Tentatively, you brushed your fingers over his. At your touch, he gripped your hand tightly, his eyes opening to stare up at you without him turning his head. The barely contained rage burning in them put you on edge. “You weren’t supposed to come. I didn’t want you to come.”

“How could I not?” You couldn’t help the aggression in your voice. It bugged you that he didn’t want you to be with him when he needed you. You stroked your thumb on his knuckles, trying to sooth both yourself and him before you continued. In a quieter voice you admitted, “I always want to know when you are injured.”

“Are you sure about that?” August finally turned his head, letting you see his bandages. Letting you see his swollen ear, and angry puckered skin around it. If the exposed part looked that bad, you could only imagine what the skin under the gauze looked like. Though he looked angry, August reached up with his free hand to brush a tear off your cheek. You hadn’t noticed you had started crying. “It must be bad.”

“I thought I had lost you. And then you didn’t want to see me.” You cupped his hand to your face, willing his warmth to seep into your body. Willing yourself to understand that this was real. That he was real. Now that you could see he was alive with your own eyes, the dam inside you broke, letting out all the feelings you had been too numb to acknowledge. “These past few hours have been the hardest of my life.”

August remained silent, but he slid his hand from your cheek to your neck, pulling you down to him. It was awkward because of his injuries and the wires running from him to the beeping monitors, but you crawled into bed beside him at his urging. He tucked you into his side tightly with an arm around your back, his hand pressing your head into his chest. You could hear his strong heartbeat pounding beneath your ear, and it seemed to ground you. Calm you.

“I will be okay.” August said quietly as though he didn’t want to disturb the peace his body was offering you. You gently draped an arm across his stomach, careful to avoid his broken ribs on his right side. You believed him. August hadn’t steered you wrong before, and you doubted he would start now.

#august walker x reader #august walker fanfic #august walker fan fiction #mission impossible fallout fanfic #henry cavill fanfiction

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the-al-chemist · 2 years

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When Stars Ignite - A Nice Christmas Bonus Chapter

HPHM Rockstar AU

A/N:

Although the Rockstar AU generally is an 18+/NSFW fic, this chapter is going to be a little different. There is a simple reason for this: it was written as a gift for @hphmsecretsanta, and there are certain rules that must be adhered to for this.

My giftee might come as a surprise, because I was assigned none other than my bestie and co-writer and favourite person in the world, @lifeofkaze. Merry Christmas, Bestie!

A special thanks has to go to @kc-and-co, who covered for me spectacularly while I was writing this and trying to keep it a secret. Kate’s girl Katriona Cassiopeia makes an appearance, as does @that-scouse-wizard’s David Willows.

Specific Warning: A little bit of alcohol and a whole lot of fluff.

~~~

If you enjoy this, are over 18 years of age, and want to read more of the Rockstar AU, you can find the masterpost here.

~~~

This work was written as a gift for @lifeofkaze. Sorry for not telling you about it sooner.

Just a very merry, cherry cherry Christmas

And if all of those who love you gather near,

You'll have a very merry, cherry cherry, holly holy

Rock and rolly Christmas this year

~ Neil Diamond - Cherry Cherry Christmas ~

The now-legendary annual Aurora Tourealis Christmas do was drawing to its close, and this year’s party had been just as festive and fun as it had the six previous years. As a familiar festive refrain and the voice of Steve MacGowan started to play across the dancefloor, Lizzie slipped away from Artemis and Andre fake-waltzing to join Orion, watching from the sidelines with Murphy.

“What are you two laughing at?” Lizzie asked as she approached them and saw the smirks on their faces.

“We are simply enjoying the sight of others enjoying themselves,” said Orion, draping his arm over Lizzie’s shoulders. “Watching people dance is a strange thing. They let go of themselves, and yet they become more themselves than ever before.”

Lizzie turned to look at the dancefloor, where the others were still dancing to one final Christmas song. Merula and David were talking quietly, their arms around each other and their foreheads close together, as they swayed gently from side-to-side. Charlie was twirling a barefooted Artemis under his arm, Andre having stopped waltzing with her to admire a passing man’s cravat. Skye and Erika were making out, as Ethan watched from the other side of the room, his lips pursed tightly together. KC was making her way towards them, a glass of something sparkling in her hand and a wry smirk playing on her lips.

“Another success, I think,” she said, raising her eyebrows and her glass at her husband.

“Well, statistically speaking, the odds always were in our favour,” Murphy replied, smiling as she kissed him on the cheek. “Is this your hint that I need to help you sort out the gift bags?”

“You know me too well.”

The two of them left Lizzie and Orion in peace, still watching the others dance. Lizzie leant against Orion’s side, feeling the comfortable warmth of him through his shirt and her red dress.

“Did you not want to join in for the final dance?” Orion asked her. She smiled and shook her head.

“I’m happy just being with you.”

“Those things aren’t mutually exclusive,” Orion chuckled, and Lizzie turned her face up to look at his. He let go of her shoulder and held a hand out to her. “May I have this dance, little drummer girl?”

Lizzie took his hand, and the pair of them danced around the tables at the edge of the dancefloor, half-oblivious to anyone but one another, barely even noticing as the lights started to rise on them sharing a kiss to the sound of the song’s final refrain.

“I like this,” Lizzie murmured, “being able to be like this, in front of everyone.”

“There was a certain amount of excitement that came from keeping things hidden, but I have to agree with you. This year, I’m glad that the only secret we have to keep is who we’ve bought presents for.”

“Talking of which, we should probably go and collect our presents ready to leave.”

“I fear that the gift I received last year won’t be able to be topped,” Orion said, with a wry and mischievous smile.

“Well, I’m sure we can come up with something for you to have as an extra,” Lizzie told him, eyebrows raised. “I think you’ve been good enough this year, after all.”

Orion laughed quietly, and kissed Lizzie on the temple, before they parted to make way for Artemis to walk between them as she searched the floor for her shoes.

The guests started to meander towards the exit, gathering together their belongings and collecting one of the famous Aurora Tourealis gift bags from KC and Murphy as they left the venue. Of course, the members of Equinox and their crew had additional gifts to collect. Among the collection of the Secret Santa presents, Lizzie and Orion found the ones with their names on, and having bade goodbye to their friends, stepped out into the cool December night air.

The taxi they waved down took them from the Mayfair nightclub around the edges of Hyde Park, where the lights of a temporary fairground glittered above the trees. As they drove into Notting Hill, the atmosphere grew more vibrant still, and music could be heard playing outside as they paused by a set of traffic lights. Lizzie tapped her fingers to the beat, and Orion leant forward to speak to the driver.

“Actually,” he said, looking out at the joyful streets outside the taxi, “here is just fine. We’ll be happy to walk the rest of the way.”

They walked hand-in-hand the rest of the way back to Orion’s flat, taking in the sights and sounds of the busy London night. By the time they reached their destination, Lizzie’s cheeks were not just rosy from exhilaration, but from the cold, too. Once inside, she went straight to Orion’s wardrobe to find something warm to wear, and rummaged around until she found what she was looking for: an old black hoodie that was her favourite one of his.

She put it on, warmer from just the familiar smell and feel of the hoodie, and gathered her hair up into a ponytail. Her eyes drifted to the Secret Santa present left with her discarded dress and heels, and she felt her fingertips itch. She still hadn’t found out who had drawn her name. In the kitchen, she could hear Orion busying himself with getting them both drinks, and so she gave in to temptation and opened the gold paper bag containing her gift.

Inside, there were three haphazardly wrapped objects. Decorum going out of the window, she opened each of them in turn: a bottle of cherry wine, made at a vineyard close to where she had grown up in Lyme; a novelty Christmas bauble shaped like a cat doing yoga; and a packet of Spanish paella spice. She frowned and read the label on the bag again. The messy handwriting did look familiar, now that she thought about it.

Lizzie laughed and shook her head as she grabbed her phone and typed out a message.

You had me all along?! I can’t believe you tricked me! Thank you for the presents.

Quickly, she received a reply. No words, just an emoji of a dark-haired girl shrugging. Lizzie typed again.

Hope you found your shoes.

This time, the reply contained actual words, though the message itself didn’t make much sense.

Yes but not on my feet. Ouch. Tell Charlie I want pigs in blankets now.

Lizzie laughed.

Okay, I’ll text him.

You are a tree star. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you too, Artemis. See you on Christmas Eve.

Lizzie quickly sent Charlie a text about the pigs in blankets, and was about to put her phone away when Artemis sent her another text.

Sorry it’s not as good as what you got for Orion last year. Ho ho ho.

Laughing out loud once more, Lizzie put down her phone and went out to join Orion. She found him sitting on the rug in front of his lit fireplace, guitar in hand. The firelight flickered across his face, which was drawn with concentration as his fingers danced over the strings. His brow was furrowed, but the look in his brown eyes was peaceful, and a lock of dark hair was falling down from where he had tucked it behind his ear.

Lizzie said nothing. She loved watching him like this, completely absorbed in his music. The song he was playing was not one she had heard before, nor was it similar to any of the other songs he had been creating for their new album. It was a sweet delicate melody, with multiple soft refrains overlapping in a way that was reminiscent of gently ringing bells.

“That was beautiful,” Lizzie said, as Orion and his guitar came to a stop in the music. She walked over and sat by his side.

“I had the melody in my head all evening. I’m not sure about the lyrics yet, but they will come later.”

“They always do.”

Smiling, Lizzie reached out and tucked the loose strand of Orion’s hair back behind his ear, running her fingers through the dark locks. As her fingertips brushed his neck, he shivered.

“Your hands are freezing,” he told her.

Orion put down his guitar and took Lizzie’s hands in his own, which were considerably warmer than hers.

“What’s the song about?” she asked him.

“It’s about people,” Orion said, his thoughtful eyes on hers. “People who belong to something, and to one another, and whose paths always converge at certain times despite the different journeys their lives take them on.”

“Is it for the new album?”

“I don’t think it is. I know that we are making music to share with the world, but songs come from the heart, and some are supposed to stay close to the heart.”

“I understand,” Lizzie said, her voice low. “This one can just be for you.”

Orion shook his head, and brought his face closer to hers, so close that his lips brushed against hers as he whispered his reply.

“No, this one is just for us.”

#hphm secret Santa #hphmss2021 #hphm rockstar au #when stars ignite #sorry bestie #i lied #it was you all along #merry christmas

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loosesodamarble · 2 years

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Happy Valentine's Day to my ships~!

This Valentine's Day, I'm celebrating with little romantic ideas about what regarding my oc ships (both oc x cc and oc x oc) would do on Valentine's Day (and beyond).

Black Clover

Josele x Morgen: Morgen would write a song and perform it for Josele. (I lowkey blame @simpingforthisonedeer and her headcanons here for getting me hooked on musically inclined Morgen.) Morgen would play the piano and sing his heart out for his beloved. Josele would lean on Morgen's shoulder, smiling and crying and falling in love with him all over again. Her gift isn't as grand but it's still something she made herself, which she'd be proud of. She'd give Morgen a tunic, a simple but classy design made from quality fabric so Morgen could definitely wear it for a future date though Morgen would eagerly insist that he try it on immediately.

Josele x Nacht: For these two, Valentine's day is a quiet, somewhat muted, and personal affair. They spend the day practically glued to one another's side. Hands brushing together, quick pecks every now and then, whispered sweet nothings sprinkled throughout casual conversation. When night comes, they sneak off to a secret glade where they set up a table, chairs, and candles for a dinner date. The peaceful night is a perfect setting to reminisce on the past and discuss the future or simply enjoy each other's presence.

Helia x Nozel: They'd go out social dancing. Both are wonderful dancers, though Nozel has far more elegance and skill but Helia's exuberance in the act mesmerizes Nozel like nothing else. They'd be the center of attention in no time. By the time they return home, Nozel is twirling Helia under his arm just because it feels good and Helia sways each time she embraces Nozel, like they're still dancing.

Licht x Tetia x Lexi: This trio would spend Valentine's Day just being the most annoyingly lovey-dovey throuple. Weaving flower crowns. A picnic on a sunny hill. Sharing name ideas for the twins. Licht and Lexi sparing, pretending to fight for the hand of their fair Lady Tetia.

Irene x Letoile: Irene, being an intellectual, would bring Letoile a bouquet of flowers and little note cards with the meanings of the flowers as well as flower trivia. Letoile returns the romantic gesture by reciting some poetry in a romantic, candle-lit room.

Demon Slayer

Shizuka x Inosuke: They'd wonder what Valentine's Day is. The holiday wasn't introduced to Japan until the 1930s. Okay, but more seriously, they'd spend the day hiking through the mountains, collecting flowers and wild berries. Since both are strong and like to make it known, they'd take turns carrying each other across whatever terrain they encounter. The day ends with them stargazing, hand-in-hand, reveling in being able to enjoy truly peaceful nights.

Ayami x Yumiko: They would definitely do a cafe date. They'd order the most expensive offerings along with stuff they're actually interested in just because they'd like to.

Kyoujurou x Erika: The two of them would have fun walking through a big city, seeing new inventions and fashions brought from the West. Kyoujurou might buy a western dress for Erika and she would insist that she get him a matching suit. Things get more grounded when they return home to share some soothing tea while reading some old poetry.

My Hero Academia

Haruka x Eijirou: Haruka would definitely give Eijirou homemade chocolates and something she drew. She wants to give her all in showing Eijirou how she feels and she knows he would appreciate something she made herself. The White Day follow-up would involve Eijirou giving Haruka some burnt chocolates that would make her cry because one, she's never been given White Day chocolates, and two, they taste awful (but she eats them all anyways).

Ryouko x Okami: Okami is deathly allergic to chocolate (yes, seriously) so Ryouko gives him hard candies instead. She's found that he likes soda flavored candies even though he doesn't like drinking actual soda. Okami returns the favor come White Day by giving her coffee candies as well as her favorite coffee order which he didn't memorize for her; he's just been subjected to it enough that it became ingrained into his memory.

Kyouhei x Terumi: Valentine's Day is when Terumi brings Kyouhei some fancy chocolates and a mix tape for their relationship. Some of the songs might be ones that they sang which both agree is cringey and cute. White Day is when Kyouhei takes Terumi on an arcade date. This theater duo will almost break whatever dancing game machine the arcade has. And Kyouhei reveals his own mix tape and they find that the songs they sang are the only overlaps.

Naoyo x Chizuru: These gals would take to the mall or downtown area, window shopping at a variety of places with things that interest both of them. There's also a back and forth of buying each other snacks.

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jazzviewswithcj · 3 years

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Track review-- A deeper look at: Lyle Mays “Eberhard” (Self produced, 2021)

Lyle Mays (piano, keyboards, synthesizers), Bob Sheppard (sax and woodwinds), Steve Rodby (acoustic bass), Jimmy Johnson (electric bass), Alex Acuña (drums and percussion), Jimmy Branly (drums and percussion), Wade Culbreath (vibraphone and marimba), Bill Frisell (guitar), Mitchel Forman (Hammond B3 organ, Wurlitzer electric piano), Aubrey Johnson (vocals), Rosana Eckert (vocals), Gary Eckert (vocals), Timothy Loo (cello), Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick (cello), Eric Byers (cello) and Armen Ksajikian (cello)

When pianist, synthesist and composer Lyle Mays passed on February 10, 2020 from a lengthy battle with an undisclosed illness, to say it was shocking to all those who enjoyed both his work with the Pat Metheny Group (1978-2005, with officially undocumented Japanese and European tours during 2009-10) and his small catalog as a bandleader was an understatement. The word genius is overused in the music and entertainment industry but Mays truly was a genius in every sense of the word. Not only was he a fabulous musician and composer, but he was multi-talented. Among his many interests outside music: architecture, he had designed his own Los Angeles house as well as one for his sister in Wisconsin; he was a soccer enthusiast that while he was with the PMG actually taught and coached a local team a distinct Brazilian style of play, he was a computer programmer, and a billiards player who played on the professional circuit. Above all, Mays’ attention to structure, detail and compositional drama was a hallmark of his own work, and his brilliant harmonic mind always contributed effervescent improvisational ideas. While he possessed chops in spades, the keyboardist always used them in a meaningful way. As a synthesist Mays was the most significant musician after Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Joe Zawinul as a player in the “jazz” field.

Eberhard, composed in 2009 for the Zeltsman Marimba Festival, is a tribute to one of Mays’ greatest influences: the bassist Eberhard Weber. The 13 minute track, which is being released world wide as a single on CD, LP and streaming formats is in many ways a perfect bookend to Lyle Mays (Warner Bros/Metheny Group Productions, 1986) the titular debut record that, while sounding quite unique from anything in the so called “fusion” field was critically panned at the time. In the decades since, the album has gained a cult following as a bonafide classic. The remainder of Mays’ catalog (including a 1993 quartet concert released 22 years later The Ludwigsburg Concert) has broad reach that in its totality represented restless exploration and traversed multiple trails simultaneously.

After the PMG’s The Way Up however, Mays had reservations about where the music industry was going and retired from the music industry instead working a regular position as a software engineer. He also couldn’t deal with the rigors of touring and after the aforementioned PMG Songbook tour of Europe and Japan during 2009-10, Mays had had enough. Though there were rumblings of Metheny and Mays writing for a new Group record a few years later, ultimately the plans were scrapped and the keyboardist made relatively few live appearances, instead focusing on a few teaching appearances co lead with collaborator and sound designer Bob Rice (most known as a Synclavier operator for Frank Zappa) and a widely viewed TED Talks appearance. Mays had also become an endorsee for synthesizer companies Arturia and Trillian Spectrasonics.

Sometime in 2019 Mays’ health began to worsen and decided he needed to record Eberhard so it is not a traditional posthumous release because he was involved in every aspect of playing, composing, recording, orchestrating and producing. As an associate producer, long time PMG band mate, acoustic bassist on the track and best friend Steve Rodby says in the liners, Eberhard was not to be the last work of Lyle Mays and he had plans for more. After Mays’ death, on the Pat Metheny website, the guitarist posted some words about his long time musical compatriot and indicated that he and Mays had been talking about a wacky idea of which he could not reveal the details, but that it was something related to a sequel of their classic As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls (ECM, 1981). Eberhard is significant for being the largest ensemble Mays ever led, at 16 members bringing back Alex Acuna and Bill Frisell from the first album, Steve Rodby on acousic bass (who appeared on 1988’s Street Dreams) and featuring mallet player Wade Culbreath, electric bassist Jimmy Johnson, vocalists Rosanna and Gary Eckhart as well as Mays’ niece the rising Aubrey Johnson. A string quartet, Bob Sheppard on reeds, Mitchel Forman on Hammond B-3 organ and Wurlitzer electric piano, and second drummer Jimmy Branly round out the group besides Mays’ piano and keyboards.

Mays’ connection to Weber’s music goes back further than the 2009 composition, which has roots decades before in 1983. While Mays appeared on the bassist’s wonderful Later That Evening (ECM, 1982) Weber had appeared on Pat Metheny’s Watercolors (ECM, 1977) forming the backbone along with drummer Danny Gottlieb of what could be considered a Pat Metheny Group prototype, and the tracks Mays appeared, are really a prequel to Pat Metheny Group (ECM, 1978). Weber remained a profound influence on the keyboardist’s composing, and when the PMG’s swan song The Way Up (Nonesuch/Metheny Group Productions, 2005) was released, the melancholy bass melody of “Part 2” was a direct reference to Weber.

The piece begins with an marimba ostinato from Culbreath, a two note motif with a touching chord progression. Mays states a few of the melodic ideas with his signature piano reverberating in the atmosphere with trademark subtle layers of keyboards and percussion from Acuna. It’s important to note the striking similarities in style between Mays and Weber keyboardist Rainer Bruninghaus. Mays and Bruninghaus, it must be said conjecturally, seem to have explored parallel paths in their harmonic styles and solo wise. Jimmy Johnson’s fretless bass then takes center stage for a bass melody redolent of Weber, before things really begin to percolate with minimalist motifs that are quite influenced by Indonesian Gamelan music (shades of the title track to Imaginary Day) and Steve Reich. Flutes state a motif taken directly from Weber’s “T. On A White Horse” on The Following Morning (ECM, 1974) and the first bits of wordless vocals appear with the motif, the percussive vocal effects that appear from the far left and right parts of the sound stage are reminiscent of the synth effects Mays used on “Northern Lights”, the first movement of the “Alaskan Suite” from Lyle Mays. There are also musique concrete sonic collages that frame the eerie dream like sequences much like the first two parts of Street Dreams (Warner Bros./Metheny Group Productions, 1988).

Mays takes a solo that builds in intensity and arc before the main musical kernel melodically is revealed behind Acuna’s drums and the wordless vocals from the Eckhart’s and Johnson. During a further development of this section, Mays and Johnson engage in an awe inspiring duo with Johnson’s vocals in unison with his keyboards. It is here and only here, for a couple of bars does Mays signature ocarina like synth lead appear, more as a texture placed in the mix alongside other sounds. Bob Sheppard, ace LA studio player and longtime associate of the keyboardist takes a searing tenor sax solo buoyed by Rodby’s inimitable bass and surging intensity from the rest of the ensemble. An intriguing aspect of Mays’ comping behind Sheppard revolves around a device he loved to use, where rhythmically his lines “pulse” much like the way Stravinsky has rhythmic pulsing in pieces like The Rite Of Spring and The Firebird. Another fine example of this style of comping would be the way Mays comps behind Pat Metheny’s guitar synthesizer solo on “As It Is” from Speaking of Now (Warner Bros. Metheny Group Productions, 2002) though there are numerous other examples of Mays doing this in other tracks throughout his discography. Once things reach the point of no return in terms of build, the piece ends as quietly as it began. The marimba ostinato returns behind the subtle synth underpinning and the piece achieves an utterly satisfying resolution. It is remarkable that in 13 minutes the piece travels as much territory as it does, it feels as if the listener has been on a much longer journey.

Sound:

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Rich Breen, Eberhard was recorded during the latter parts of 2019 up through January 2020. The familiar hand of Steve Rodby served alongside Bob Rice as associate producers and sonically the piece is full and dynamic covering the entire sound stage. Production wise, the album falls between Lyle Mays and Street Dreams. As with those albums, Frisell is a textural voice in the mix as opposed to a lead voice, and he seamlessly blends into the soundscape in a way the listener may not notice. Mays’ piano is at once gleaming but also relatively dark in timbre but is so resonant across the sound stage with reverb. Drums, and bass all sound accurate and have appropriate punch, and new details in the sub mix reveal themselves over time upon multiple listening.

Concluding Thoughts:

In a cultural era where the light music brings is needed more than ever Eberhard is simply a gift. Mays’ entire catalog is worth investigation, but there is something about the piece that places it near the top, it is perhaps barring none, the finest compositional achievement of his entire career. On its own terms it is wondrous, for those who have missed Mays’ contributions to the Metheny Group this will fill a much needed hole, but in terms of the keyboardist/composers’ oeuvre as a leader this quite simply is the piece de resistance and easily fits as the bookend to the self titled opus and a perfect capstone to a remarkable career and life.

Music: 10/10

Sound: 9.5/10

Equipment used for review:

HP Pavilion X360 laptop (for digital promo streaming)

Marantz NR1200 stereo receiver (used as preamp)

Marantz MM 7025 power amplifier with AKM 4000 series dual DAC’s

Focal Chora 826 speakers

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones

Audioquest Forest and Golden Gate cables

Canare 4S11 speaker cable

#lyle mays #pat metheny group #eberhard weber #ecm records

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krisbrowne42 · 3 years

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FDA decision Thursday could reshape vaping industy

In the years since I switched from smoking to vaping, I have noticed significant improvements in my health. I breath easier when walking, for example.

The people trying to destroy vaping as a replacement to smoking are going to create a new generation of smokers… And if I can’t have access to the kind of nicotine salts that have replaced my smoking, I’ll likely go back to smoking.

FDA decision Thursday could reshape vaping industy:

E-Cigarette vaporizer components and products are displayed at Smoke and Gift Shop on June 25, 2019 in San Francisco, Calif.

Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

A monumental set of decisions is expected Thursday from the Food and Drug Administration that could reshape the tobacco industry for years to come by limiting, or altogether blocking, the sale of millions of e-cigarette products.

Though the FDA has long regulated the marketing and sale of traditional tobacco products like cigarettes, the agency had long not required the same scrutiny of vapes, allowing a market to flourish.

Now, more than 6 percent of American adults — and one in five high school students — say they vape. The industry has ballooned to more than $6 billion in size, led by the industry giant Juul, which controls about 40 percent of the market.

The imminent decisions by the FDA could impact almost all of that. About 6.5 million products made by more than 500 companies are under evaluation about whether they are "appropriate for the protection of public health."

If the agency finds that they are not, companies could be required to pull their products — including rechargeable vape pens, disposable e-cigarettes and the liquids that fill them — from the market.

"I'm guessing that the decisions over the next couple of days will result in a fundamental change in the e-cigarette market," said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The FDA is looking closely at the health effects of e-cigarettes

E-cigarette companies, including Juul, argue that their products are safer than traditional tobacco products like cigarettes.

Though vaping allows users to avoid some of the harmful carcinogens caused by smoking traditional cigarettes, studies have found that e-cigarettes are still harmful.

Inhaling the vaporized oil introduces harmful chemicals into the lungs, including vitamin E acetate. Dozens of people have died in recent years from vaping complications in the U.S., and thousands more have been hospitalized.

Additionally, virtually all e-cigarette products contain nicotine, some in very high levels — including Juul's 5% pods, each of which contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Nicotine affects prenatal and adolescent brain development, making it dangerous for both teenagers and pregnant people to vape.

"If any e-cigarette could actually help a smoker quit, they would apply to be a drug through other pathways that the FDA [has], and they would demonstrate that they are safe and effective in helping smokers quit," said Erika Sward of the American Lung Association, which has advocated for the denial of all applications to the FDA for any flavored tobacco product.

"Instead, what we've seen is another generation of kids addicted and a whole situation where we have millions of smokers — who might otherwise try to end their addiction — try to use this product," she said.

The FDA's decisions are due Thursday, but it's not clear yet what they'll decide

In 2019, a federal judge ordered e-cigarette manufacturers to submit applications to the FDA by 2020. Their products would be allowed to remain on the market for one year while the agency reviewed them. That year-long deadline is up Thursday.

The agency may not respond to every application by Thursday’s deadline. It has said it will prioritize based on market share, meaning companies like like Juul, along with British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands, which respectively own the brands Vype and blu, may face decisions as soon as Thursday.

Possibilities range from a major crackdown on virtually all vape products to a more targeted approach, perhaps blocking the sale of flavored products or disposable e-cigarettes, or creating marketing rules similar to those that govern traditional cigarettes.

"If they approve any of these, they definitely will have restrictions on both marketing and some of the product design that will be [intended] to reduce youth initiation and use," said Kathleen Hoke, a professor of public health law at the University of Maryland.

Last month, the agency made its first set of marketing denials for some 55,000 flavored vape products from three companies, ordering them to pull their products from the market. It has also denied applications for companies marketing flavors designed to appeal to kids such as Apple Crumble and Cinnamon Toast Cereal.

Regulators said the applications from its first set of denials "lacked sufficient evidence" that any benefit to adult smokers outweighed "the public health threat posed by the well-documented, alarming levels of youth use of such products."

Some researchers worry that a major crackdown on Juul and other manufacturers will simply send teenagers reaching for traditional cigarettes instead.

"I think it would be a public health disaster," said Dr. Michael Siegel, a researcher at Tufts University who studies youth tobacco and alcohol use. "Vaping is not causing a culture of smoking. It's actually replacing that culture."

Youth smoking rates have fallen dramatically in recent years as vaping has exploded in popularity. But other researchers are skeptical the trend would reverse.

"Whether those people chose to choose to go back to a cigarette that tastes like a cigarette or a vape product that tastes like a cigarette, I think is anyone's guess," said Hoke.

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fanfixforfanfics · 4 years

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Pokémon Girlfriend Scenarios | Kanto | 2 - Getting to Know Her

This version includes Green, Misty, Erika, Sabrina, Lorelei, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and Jessie! A separate one will, of course, be made for the boys, and the same for each region! Requests are open, but ask or check first! They may be planned or included in a different book! I will add the links of the other Pokémon scenarios to the bottom once they are finished! If you see someone that isn’t in the lineup that you’d like to be added, feel free to contact me!

Words: 1,049

Characters: Reader, Green, Misty, Erika, Sabrina, Lorelei, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and Jessie

<-- Previous

Pokémon Scenarios Masterlist

Green

At least once a week, before your day started, you would hear three knocks at your door, cuing you to answer to your newfound friend, Green. She trotted beside you as you made your rounds, breathing life into what was usually a dreaded thing. She giggled and joked through each interaction, charming all folks.

Blaine especially took a shine to her. He’d always ask where your “girlfriend” was. Green said herself that she only visits for the sights; then again, why did she spend the whole day with you if that was true? You weren’t sure, but you did know one thing: you would love many more days sitting outside with her on the beach, talking until sunset.

❤️

Misty

On the dawn of the final day of Misty’s visit, you prepared your team for battle. You pep-talked your companions over breakfast. You arrived at the radio station just in time for the last battle. Misty grinned as she made eye contact. She strode over, and stopped just close enough to whisper in your ear.

“Listen, let’s just ditch. I know you’re good enough. Let’s go!” She locked her arm with yours, and led the way outside. You walked to the river south of town, and sat on the bank with your feet in the water. It felt strange having water pokémon rub against your bare feet.

“Way more fun, huh? I’ve already submitted you, don’t worry. You’ll be given transportation to Pewter, and make your way around from there!” She explained, as she drew a crude map of Kanto in the silt. “And when you’re done? That’s your decision!”

You didn’t know what to say! You simply embraced Misty, and she returned it with a squeeze. You continued to talk until the water was too cold to stand, which was well into the night.

❤️

Erika

Erika took her tea gratefully, and began to unwrap the one of the pokétoys from their casing. “You know you don’t have to bring gifts every time you come over, right?” She giggled and blushed.

“But I like to,” you said, “and it’s fun to spoil you and the seedlings.” You took a sip from your drink, and sat down on the floor with the three tiny bulbasaurs. They romped around you, and nibbled at your clothes. How cute! Erika took a seat next to you and folded her legs underneath herself with care.

“I really do appreciate your help.” She pulled one of the bulbasaurs into her lap. “You’re my favorite part of the week.”

❤️

Sabrina

Once a week, you and Sabrina ate lunch together with her wee miscreants, sometimes at your cafe, and sometimes at another place. You check in on her daily to make sure she’s eaten, since she has a habit working without a break. Most of the time she hasn’t, so you bring a snack just in case.

During her forced breaks, you would sit together on the ground and talk about today’s happenings.

“I had a real sore loser today.”

“Yeah, they came over to the cafe after and heckled me over 30 poké.” Inside her gym was always neat, no scuffs or trash on the floor, and that was the way she liked it. It was where she spent all of her waking time, after all.

❤️

Lorelei

At least once a month, Lorelei came to visit you. You meet in the cafe in the mornings, and stay together until late at night. It’s difficult for her to clear her schedule, so you take pride in the fact that she makes time just for you.

You can never quite tell what’s going on in her head. She keeps an elegant posture and a steely face no matter what she’s thinking. You’re beginning to read her, though. She bounces her leg when she’s nervous. She taps her fingers when impatient. Her lips twitch when she’s amused. Her body language is only a peek into how she feels. No doubt about it, Lorelei is definitely an interesting woman.

❤️

Nurse Joy

Joyce tugged her sweater over her shoulders and caught up to you. “Where do you want to go tonight?”

You shrugged. “Your choice.”

“I chose last night!”

“Hmm, that’s true. Give me some choices!”

She laughed. “Restaurant, movie, or one of our houses, like usual!”

“I had so much fun tonight! I love hanging out with you.”

You clicked your tongue. “Cheater.”

She did a smug little dance and grinned. After pressing her, she chose to visit your house. Since you both had the next day off, you spent all night watching movies and talking. She left for her house around three in the morning, and you insisted on walking her home. Your laughter echoed down the empty streets.

❤️

Officer Jenny

After checking in on you and Iggy in the morning, she decided to drop in every week. The adoption was made final yesterday, so she decided today would be a good time to visit!

“Hey! How are you and the pup doing?” Iggy nuzzled Jenny’s leg, and she acknowledged him with some pats.

“We’re alright! We’re just getting to know each other.” Iggy smiled and let his tongue hang out of his mouth. “He’s pretty smart, and he’s fun to play with. Of course, he keeps me warm at night, too.”

Jenny nodded and smiled. “I like that about him too. You’d be hard pressed to find a brighter growlithe! I just miss him, though. She pursed her lips in thought.

“Not at all!” You invited Jenny to stay for supper, and she accepted. After she went home, you fell asleep and dreamed of her beside you and Iggy. It’s not like that could happen, though.

“You could… visit more?”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

❤️

Jessie

At the end of your shift, you caught a glimpse of that glorious magenta hair outside. Jessie! She was standing outside with her friends, who she introduced to you the last time you hung out. You raced out of the store and met up with them.

“(Y/n)!” They cheered in unison. When you were around them, you never felt like a third— err, fourth wheel? Though, you never quite understood where they work… oh well! They’re nice people with fantastic personalities. And guess who your favorite is?

#pokemon #x reader #fanfiction #scenarios #green #misty #erika #sabrina #lorelei #nurse joy #officer jenny #jessie #self ship #self insert #self insert x canon #preferences

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starrystarrybabe · 5 years

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Oh, How the Mighty Fall [In Love] CHAPTER NINE (Ben Hardy x OC)

Lily Anne Mercury is brought in to help with Bohemian Rhapsody at the request of her Uncle Bri and Uncle Rog, and along the way, she might meet someone to share her life with. The only problem with this is that while their friends and the world can see that they’re perfect for each other, they’re going to be fully blind to this for a while.

CHAPTER ONE, CHAPTER TWO, CHAPTER THREE, CHAPTER FOUR, CHAPTER FIVE, CHAPTER SIX, CHAPTER SEVEN, CHAPTER EIGHT

DISCLAIMER: I’m fully aware that it would’ve been physically impossible for Jim and Freddie to have a child even with this method during the time they were alive, but the idea of Freddie as a dad and the idea of how his child would turn out to be was just too sweet for me to not write.

Triggers: discussion of body insecurities, explicit sexual content (18+ only please!)

FACECLAIMS:

Kelly Gale as Lily Anne Mercury

Sira P. Kante as Ezichi Adebayo

Erika Linder as Bronwyn Ryan-Hughes

Bree Kish as Madigan Ryan-Hughes

Sonakshi Sinha as Anusha Laghari

Ben and Lily spend their date night on the couch of Lily’s living room, watching Tim Burton movies and simply enjoying each others’ company. Full from Lily’s homemade curry and Ben’s stir fry earlier that night, Lily is laying down with her head in Ben’s lap. They’re both wearing sheet face masks Ben loves.

Since the Oscars, they’ve been spending even more time together and taking advantage of their mutual time off work. Ezichi has gone to vacation in Thailand with Gwil, and Bron and Madi are renewing their vows in Rome. Instead of choosing to go on a vacation to a faraway place together, the couple has decided to stay home and enjoy the break from the awards season frenzy.

Ben’s phone buzzes and he picks it up, sighing.

Lily looks up at him and frowns. “What’s wrong?”

Ben looks down at her as he puts his phone down. “The apartment I was going for got taken by someone else. I was outbid.”

Lily takes Ben’s hand in hers, squeezing it. “I’m sorry, love. That’s no fun. Did you have any other places in mind?”

Ben shakes his head. “No. It’s hard to find a dog-friendly place in London that has the right amenities and a good proximity to my gym.”

Since he’s gotten more famous, he’s had to stop going to a public gym, since it brings too much attention to himself.

Lily sits up next to him and removes a stray blonde curl from underneath the mask. “You have a month left in your current place, correct?”

Ben wraps an arm around her and nods.

She purses her lips as an idea comes to her. A crazy idea. A wild idea. A logic-defying idea.

“You could stay with me until you find a new place, or if you don’t want to move…” She shrugs.

Ben takes a moment to consider what she’s offering, looking over at her after a moment. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

Lily shrugs. “I mean… Frankie and Rey are best friends.” She gestures to the sleeping dogs on the dog bed. “You’d have more than enough storage space, a backyard for Frankie, a room where you could have your own personal gym if you wanted it, and your gym is closer to my house than your flat. Logistically, it would be better for you to move in with me than find another place.”

Ben nods along with her, pressing his lips together. “I mean… you’re right. But moving in together is a huge step, and we’ve only been together for a few weeks. Aren’t you worried that we may be moving too fast?”

Lily smiles at her boyfriend. “We’ve been practically inseparable for ten months, Ben. According to literally everyone we know, we’ve moved too slowly already. But I don’t foresee living together being a problem. I mean… with our work schedules being so hectic, wouldn’t it be good to share a home base? To be able to spend time together?” She nudges his side. “Besides. I don’t even mind when you snore. It’s like white noise to me.”

Ben grins at her, all stress melting away on his face. “Moving in together. Huh. What’s next, bringing you home to meet my parents?”

Lily laughs and kisses him, and they pull away when the face masks slip into their mouths. Ben removes both their masks and they kiss again, and when he pulls away, he grimaces.

“Too much tongue?”

“No. Your mouth still tastes like the mask.”

Lily snorts and curls up against him, closing her eyes. “It’ll be fun living with you, roomie.”

---

“Benjamin Jones!” Lily steps over boxes, holding up a pair of dress shoes. “What were these doing in an Ikea bin?”

Ben looks up from where he’s packing away some pictures and shrugs. “They’re shoes. They were in my shoe bin, which happens to be from Ikea.”

Lily is disgusted. “These are Louboutins, Ben! They deserve their own bloody shelf! Why would you put them with your filthy Adidas?”

Ben still doesn’t get it. “My Adidas are fine. Just a little dirty, that’s all. I haven’t gotten to cleaning them yet.”

She scoffs, climbing over boxes to put the shoes in a spare plastic bag. “Your Adidas were white when you got them. How did you even manage to turn them brown?”

Ben raises a brow. “I wore them?”

Lily shakes her head. “I’m getting you a custom closet built. You have nice things, Ben. Nice things need to be organized in nice shelves.”

Ben tapes up the box. “I can afford to get my own custom closet built, Lily.”

Lily looks at him and shakes her head. “Consider it a housewarming gift. Please, Ben. Let me do this for you.”

Ben runs a hand through his hair and shrugs. “Fine.”

Lily grins and picks up a box of clothes, moving it closer to the door. “It will be so pretty. I already have a vision, darling.”

Ben smiles at Lily’s antics, knowing that he’s going to be enjoying them for a long time.

—-

The boxes are placed in the hallway of Garden Lodge and Lily and Ben sit on the floor, catching their breath. There was a brief run-in with the paparazzi, but they managed to get back home without much time wasted. It was hectic, and they can finally relax.

Ben leans against a box, looking over at Lily. Her hair is a mess, with flyaways escaping her bun and framing her face like a halo, and she looks tiny in his sweatshirt. She’s sweaty and isn’t wearing any makeup, but to him, she’s as gorgeous as ever.

Ben smiles at her. “You’re beautiful, you know that?”

She laughs and shakes her head. “Not like this, I’m not. I look like death, Benjamin.”

Ben shakes his head. “I think you look beautiful right now.”

Lily raises a brow. “You’re delusional, Ben Hardy.”

He shrugs. “I might be. I’m very tired right now. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.” He gives her an exhausted smile. “We can unpack later, but right now I’d like to take a nap.”

Lily stands up and walks over to him, helping him up. When they get to her-- their-- bedroom, she sits back against her pillows and he rests his head on her lap, immediately falling asleep as soon as she puts her fingers in his hair. She takes a picture of him and smiles, adjusting herself to lay down and fall asleep, and he rests his head on her chest.

---

As Ben puts his clothes away, Lily answers business calls. This one, in particular, is with a music video director who wants to showcase the different girls’ talents in the music videos for Room 301’s latest album. This particular video is showcasing Lily’s talents in Indian dance. She wants Lily to belly dance.

Once upon a time as a younger woman, Lily was a star belly dancer. However, she’s now on the cusp of thirty and not nearly as physically fit as she used to be. She’s self-conscious about her stomach. She’s not stick thin like Ezichi or toned like Bron. In fact, she considers her body to be incredibly average, especially now that she’s dating a man with a six-pack.

After she ends the call, she sighs and slumps down on her desk, groaning. Ben comes in and frowns at her appearance. He stands over her and lays a hand on her back, rubbing it gently.

“What’s wrong, love?” He asks, his hand traveling to her cheek.

“A videographer wants me to belly dance,” she says, her cheek still smushed up against the cool, dark wooden desk of her office.

Ben pulls over a stool and sits next to her, looking her in the eye. “What’s wrong with that? You have awards in belly dancing.”

She closes her eyes. “I’m too old and flabby for that now, Ben.”

He shakes his head. “You’re almost thirty, not seventy. Your body isn’t in bad shape either.”

She picks up her head, sighing. “I have an incredibly average body and I hate my stomach. I only wear high waisted things for a reason.”

“We all have our insecurities.”

Lily snorts. “You’re one to speak. Your body is objectively perfect and you know it. What could you possibly improve? A more prominent adonis belt? Bigger arms? Abs that can function even more as a washboard?”

Ben runs a hand through his hair, thinking of a way to rectify the situation. She won’t listen to him talking about his own body insecurities, because they both know she’s correct. Perhaps… a demonstration of sorts?

“Get in your old dance costume, put on some music, and perform for me. I’ll be the judge of how it all looks, alright?” Ben says, standing up. “Maybe you’re right, and it wouldn’t be the best choice to belly dance. But I won’t know until I see it.”

Lily looks up at him, confused. “Are you being serious?”

He nods, crossing his arms.

She stands up, walking past him. “Go downstairs. I’ll be there in ten minutes in the costume.” She looks at him with a worried expression on her face. “Whatever you do, just don’t laugh.”

He walks over to her and kisses her forehead. “I’d never laugh at you. Don’t overthink this, okay? Just dance for me.”

She nods, and he goes downstairs.

---

He hears her before he sees her, and when he turns to see her in a red and gold sequined bra, gold armbands, and a flowing red skirt that hangs low on her hips, his heart stops for a moment. She looks amazing.

“Well, first of all, you look gorgeous,” he says, smiling.

She looks down with a sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. “This was the only costume that still fit me.”

He shrugs. “You got older. Your body changed. There’s no way to avoid that, Lily.”

She sighs, closing her eyes before regaining her resolve and putting her phone in a speaker. “Are you ready?”

He smiles and nods. “I’m ready when you are.”

She nods, putting on a song and getting into position. The music starts, and she begins slowly moving her hips to the strong rhythmic beats of the song. She’s still hesitant, but as the song continues, she loses herself in the music, moving her hips and flipping her long hair.

He doesn’t know what the singer of the song is saying, but he doesn’t care. He can’t tear his eyes away from her curves and the movement of her body, complemented by the skirt and when she begins to move her chest, his jaw drops. She’s amazingly talented, her body looks gorgeous, and even though she may not be the most toned woman in the world, it works with the movements she has to perform in the song. By the time she’s done, he wants nothing more than to fuck her lovingly enough to convince her that her body is lovely and perfect just as it is.

She stands in her final position and catches her breath, looking over at her boyfriend, whose pupils are dilated and attraction is clearly showing in his gray sweatpants. “I take it that it looked good?”

Ben looks at her in awe. “Come over here right now.”

She does as she’s told, and he holds her by the waist, pulling her in to straddle his hips.

“That,” he punctuates the word with a kiss to her neck. “Was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.” He kisses down her decolletage, and his hand supports her waist gently, reverently. “You are gorgeous and talented, and I am undeserving of your love.”

“No--” Lily begins to protest before a finger is placed over her mouth.

“Let me love you. I need to show you just how beautiful you are.”

She smiles bashfully, sweeping her skirts aside. “How could I possibly decline that offer?”

He eats her out slowly on the couch, praising her and bringing her to orgasm multiple times before sitting up and taking off his clothes, and bringing her down on top of him. She moans as she sinks down on his length, and rolls her hips slowly. Her skirt drapes on top of their laps and makes jingling noises as she keeps a slow, leisurely pace. She cups his face in her hands and kisses him, and after ten minutes, he comes inside of her, and they collapse together on the couch after shedding her costume. They lay under a large blanket, and Lily is resting on top of him, her head on his chest.

“I think I’ll dance in the video,” she says, smiling.

Ben strokes her hair and kisses her forehead. “I’m glad I could convince you.” He holds her closer and smiles. “You’re gorgeous. I know it, the world knows it, but if it takes more times like these for you to know it and believe it, I’ll happily offer my services for it.”

She closes her eyes and hugs Ben, whispering, “I love you.”

Ben kisses her and smiles. “I love you too.”

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#starry writes #ben hardy x reader #ben hardy #gwilym lee #joe mazzello #rami malek #lucy boynton #borhap imagine

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pagesofangels · 5 years

Note

What's your favorite chapter you've ever written? What fic is it from? Why do you love it? Copy and post it here!

Oooh, I have a lot of favorite scenes and chapters from all my years of fic writing. But my most recent favorite chapter is Chapter 1 from “The Thorn and Her Golden Rose”. It introduces the backstory, sets up some dynamics, and has some drunken sex. What more could you want? XD Besides I just…really love the language my co-author and I wrote in that scene, especially during the sex.

Because why not, I’m posting the entire first chapter here for anyone whose interested, especially for anyone who hasn’t heard of my Fem!Phantom writing before. Feedback appreciated! ^u^

~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1: A Night of Cards and Gin

“You always let me win, Nadir.” Erika tossed her cards onto the table. “I barely know how to play poker. Either you’re letting me win, or you’re sincerely that pathetic at cards.”

“Is it such a bad wish to lighten your mood, Erika?” The Persian sighed, abandoning his own cards as well. “It is the opposite of an easy task.” Or, one could say, perhaps even impossible. Besides, he knew too well how much his friend despised to be defeated.

He was long since used to her grimness, which had only grown in the last few months – ever since she took the young new tenor under her wing. Something about him had possessed Erika, and suddenly the Mirage that stalked the opera’s halls was dedicating her days to mentoring the lad.

“I’m surprised you made time to play a few hands. You are obsessed with that boy.”

“I am not obsessed,” Erika defended herself. “He is my student, and therefore it’s my duty to take his affairs into consideration.”

Nadir shook his head. “Erika, you forbid him to engage or see any young lady. That is not something one would do if not obsessed.”

“I simply refuse to let him participate with lowlifes,” Erika shrugged, gathering up the cards. “I plan to bring him up from the status of a beggar boy to a gleaming star.”

“While that may be a kind wish, Erika, what I’m concerned about is how you plan to do that,” Nadir said. How many innocents might suffer? Besides, could he sincerely trust she saw only a student and not a perverse obsession in that boy?

“I own this building and everyone in it, dear friend,” Erika said. “The right tug on the strings, and I can make them dance however I want.” She smirked at him as she rose to put away the playing cards. “You should know that. I convinced you I was worth being spared the fate of a harem girl.”

It was certainly useless to try and explain to Erika once again the Opera Populaire did not belong to her, let alone the people in it. Once the Mirage found power, she would hold onto it with claws and teeth.

Nadir shook his head. “You were no mere harem girl, Erika. You were the most exquisite and dangerous creature I had ever met…a genius. But aside from that, I owed you for Reza’s painless demise.” The Persian felt a sting in his heart, mentioning his son.

Erika turned her back on the Persian and shut her eyes. It still hurt to remember the little boy.

________

Nadir had taken her into his home in Mazandaran, despite knowing she was a woman. And a woman not of his faith, no less. His home was the only place she could shed the disguise of a man she had adopted to procure her position as the royal family’s assassin. His son, Reza – the poor, ill child – had taken a liking to her quite quickly. Only a child desperate for a mother would cling to someone like her in that way, or so she had thought at first.

Despite her better judgement, Erika had eventually found herself bonding with Reza. Often, she found herself playing the violin at the foot of the child’s bed when he had trouble sleeping. Other times, she quietly listened as he told her personal stories, his enthusiastic interests, his hopes for a future he would never see. Once or twice, she allowed the boy to sit in her lap while she read aloud from tomes of folklore and myth.

Neither she nor Nadir had ever mentioned it, but it almost became a domestic situation between the three of them. Erika had never had a proper family unit, and Nadir’s family had been shattered with the death of his wife. It was pleasant, finding herself the honorary member of a loving family.

But nothing pleasant ever lasts.

When Reza’s health had declined into a terminal stage, Erika and Nadir both had agreed on ending his suffering. Never before had Erika killed for mercy, but it was the hardest thing she had ever done.

She had made it quick and painless, staying with the oblivious young boy until the sleeping powder took effect. The strangulation was never felt on his part, but she would be haunted by the memory of his throat under her hands forever. Nadir had walked into the room to find her how she had hoped he wouldn’t: cradling his son’s body in her arms, tears falling from under her mask.

________

Erika shook her head to regain her composure. She set the cards atop her writing desk and said: “You didn’t need to come with me. You know that. They thought me dead, and likely still do. You could’ve stayed where you weren’t an outsider.”

Slowly, Nadir closed the gap between himself and Erika, laying his hands on her slender shoulders. He always felt a little hesitant to touch her, for pushing the Mirage over her edge would not be a wise decision. Yet, he longed so deeply to comfort her.

________

Reza had become isolated after falling ill. The poor child’s world shrank into a narrow window that was never able to peek beyond their garden. Thus, he became sad. That little mind desired to laugh and learn, but it was denied that joy. The police chief’s heart had wept, helpless against his son’s cruel fate. It bled watching a pure young soul fade together with its small body, slowly slaughtered by sickness.

And when all hope had at last been lost to Nadir, and he began silently counting Reza’s final days, he’d brought Erika into their home.

He’d discovered the true gender of the Shah’s young assassin by pure accident. He had found the Angel of Death in an obscure corner of the Shah’s palace. Erika had been sewing closed a gash in her side given to her by the last target she’d been assigned to. He caught her just as she was pulling a thread of catgut through her flesh using a needle of bone. The veil that always hid her face had been pulled aside in disarray. The bloodstained tunic she wore had been pulled up enough to expose the bindings around her chest. And like that, he finally understood why the Angel never spoke in more than a whisper.

One of them would have died by her hand that night had Nadir not sworn by his blood to hold her secret. After much internal debate, the police chief decided to keep this strange creature hidden in his home until her wound healed. It was a peace offering, proof he would cause her no harm if she caused him no harm. He would be the one to help her recoup, with no need to call a physician who would not hesitate to reveal the truth to the Shah.

The first weeks in his abode she was like an injured wild animal, eager to be released from her captivity once nursed back to health. Yet, as her interactions with his son became more frequent, her disposition became more relaxed. That was when Nadir came to know Erika, and not the Angel of Death.

Deep in his heart, the Persian knew it wasn’t any medicine that granted Reza a few more months. It was her presence. She gifted him happiness once again in that innocent mind; a mother he never knew. She would entertain him and play music for him, and even speak to him for hours. Who could have ever thought Mazandaran’s most feared assassin could unveil such a gentle face?

Gradually, Nadir came to realize his soul was still capable of adoration. He was a man already turning silver at thirty-eight, and he was separated from her in age by over a decade. Yet day-by-day she began to change in his eyes. The sharpness of her tongue and her dark forbearance began to hold an otherworldly allure.

That creature who was both a monster and a woman, an assassin and an artist…he loved her. He felt it when she played her violin at the windowsill on those dry, hot evenings. He felt it when he saw her sleep on the cushions in the parlor, her mask placed aside, and her half-missing face bared to the candlelight. When he could look upon her like that and say, truly, that he found her beautiful, he knew he loved her.

And he never uttered a whisper of it.

The Angel of Death’s secret couldn’t stay hidden forever. Weeks after Reza’s funeral, Erika was brought before the Shah to confirm his suspicions. Nadir had been forced to confess what he knew, under threat of his friend being forcefully disrobed in front of the royal court. She was given two options: a torturous execution, or imprisonment as one of the Shah’s concubines. Erika selected the latter to keep herself alive until nightfall. After sunset, she and Nadir carried out the plan they’d devised in the days before her summons. Nadir was only expected to have a horse waiting in the streets for her, and to have faith she’d make it out of the palace alive. But he had supplied a second mare for himself. Together, they rode across the desert sands until well into the dawn. They fled the city, fled Persia, with no intention of looking back.

________

A sad smile crept onto his smooth, brownish pink lips. “No, Erika. I had no choice but to follow you. I was banished.” The Persian gently squeezed his old friend’s shoulders from behind. “Yet had I not been, I still would have come with you.”

Nadir was the only human being Erika allowed physical contact with her. Had it been anyone else, her – rather violent – instincts would have activated from such sudden touch. “Banished?” she asked, standing there and allowing him to keep his hands on her. “For keeping a woman in your house? Or for denying the Shah another whore?”

Nadir sighed. Always so blunt in words, was she not? “Banished for treason,” he said, as if speaking about the weather outside. “After all, I do have royal blood in me.” His words held no pride. “He may have seen me as a threat.”

Erika chuckled, slowly removing his hands from her shoulders. “Don’t be so cocky,” she said, leaving to open a bottle of gin she kept on the countertop. “You? A political threat? Unlikely.”

“Well, likely not.” A tiny smile curled Nadir’s lips. “Yet, you know the Shah…he sees threats everywhere. Even in me.”

“Yes,” Erika agreed, pouring them two small glasses of the clear alcohol. “A pity he didn’t see enough of a threat in me.”

“He was a fool not to.”

“Care to join me for a drink?”

Nadir nodded, taking up a glass. “Certainly. My gratitude, old friend.”

Erika toasted her drink to him. “My pleasure.”

The Mirage was a notorious lightweight to any who had seen her drink. She always meant to limit herself to one glass, yet…not always. But that night, with a guest in her house, she intended to remain firm with herself.

“How has Paris been treating you?” she asked, taking her first sip.

Nadir raised his glass as well before draining it quickly. He did not drink often, preferring very much to remain sharp. After all, he alone had a hope of talking the Mirage out of her madness. He felt he needed to be her neutralizer.

“Ah,” he sighed with a small smile, lowering the glass. “Like one would suspect it to treat an unknown foreigner from the East. Yet, I cannot complain.”

“Well, as I am in your debt,” Erika paused to finish off her glass, “if you experience any kind of violent prejudice, contact me. I’ll take care of it for you.” She left her glass at her side, intending on keeping it empty the rest of the night.

Nadir sighed deeply. “Erika, I hope you do remember. You gave me your word, you shall never kill again.” Perhaps it was unwise to trust the word of the Mirage…but she was his only companion in that damnable city.

“Correction, I said I would never again assassinate an innocent,” Erika said. “I do not consider a racist an innocent.” She glanced at the bottle and held it out, offering without words to refill his glass. “You seem compelled to dampen my spirits today.”

“Those people simply do not understand it, Erika. I worry not about them. I have not met any discrimination which would truly impact my life for the worse,” Nadir assured her, unwilling for anyone to die. “Please, if only you drink with me, my friend.”

With a sigh, Erika refilled her own glass and set the bottle of gin between them. She stood on one side of the counter, and he on the other. Erika sipped on her second drink while brooding.

The warmth of her first glass was already starting to bring color to her ghostly pale cheeks. Perhaps being the daughter of an alcoholic gave her a certain susceptibility, but she didn’t mind.

“So, shall I tell you of my plans to promote my student to lead tenor?”

Nadir’s jade eyes would not leave Erika’s gaze as his rough hand took hold of the bottle to refill his glass. Not a drop of the clear liquid spilled over. “I most certainly would like to hear them,” he nodded, hoping no murder was involved.

“Simple,” she said. Another quick drink. “I get Carlo fired. Nothing a little blackmail can’t do. There’s no such thing as a secret to me.” She smirked at Nadir. “No bloodshed required.”

“Very well,” Nadir said, draining another glass. “Yet, I believe you do understand he shall not give up his career without a fight.” Not many people he had met in his life were as arrogant or stubborn as the star tenor. The man rivaled the Shah in terms of entitlement.

“He can fight all he wants,” Erika said. “I’ve gathered enough to soil his reputation. And even if I’m lying right now, I could make up something believable.” She downed the rest of her drink and shook her head to dispel a cloud of intoxication. Alright, that was certainly enough. “For example, I could tell you something right now and have you guessing the rest of your life if I was being truthful.”

Well, nothing less could be expected from her of all people. He tilted his head at her words. What was she speaking about? Alcohol was slowly blurring Nadir’s mind as well, making him dizzy. “Don’t make me curious and then silence yourself, my Erika. Pray tell.”

Erika’s laugh was a hum in the back of her throat. “I could tell you I sometimes want to strangle you in your sleep.” She hoisted herself onto the counter, sitting on its edge. “You see, because we are both a little over the edge of sober, and I’m always one to blur the lines of fiction and reality…you will always wonder. Wonder if that statement was true, and always wonder why. What could you possibly do to infuriate me to the point of murder?”

Nadir sighed yet again, draining another glass of was indeed a difficult companion at times. Ha…at times?He couldn’t remember a day when she was not. The Persian drummed his fingers into the wooden countertop. “Why am I not surprised? You want me to plead, don’t you, my dear old friend? Beg you not to leave me wondering? You always desire a helpless victim to be under your thumb in one way or another, you sick woman. And yet, I could never walk away…I could never abandon you.”

“Oh, you’re so dramatic.” Erika felt more of the drink go to her head. “And you never do what I want, either,” she playfully pouted. “Maybe that’s the reason I want to kill you so much. You’re the only person who doesn’t fall for my shit.”

Nadir chuckled, alcohol slowly dissolving his usual stern, almost grim, attitude. “The pot calls the kettle black, I see.”

She laughed a little too much. “God, I hate you.”

“You may hate me, Erika, but I love you.” The smile on Nadir’s face never faltered, as if he didn’t fully realize the gravity of his words. “I have always loved you. And no vile thing you could say, no harm you could cause me, shall ever tear you away from my heart.”

Erika rolled her eyes. “You think you’re so secretive, Nadir. You know nothing about being secretive.” She moved a little closer. “I’ve known since Mazandaran. That you love me, and I hate you.” She sighed. “You would make a terrible assassin. No secrets whatsoever.”

“No one is secretive when they stand before you, Erika. No secret remains hidden from you.” Nadir murmured, taking a step closer as well. His jade eyes pierced firmly into her dark brown ones. “Then good thing remains I’m not an assassin. Neither have I ever intended to be.”

Erika grinned and reached out to touch his shoulder. “No, but you are a thief. You’ve taken far too much of my headspace than I prefer, and without my consent. It interferes with my hobbies.”

“Your thinking of me is not something I can change, Erika,” Nadir said, grasping her hand and kissing it. He sensed no danger, with the world soaked in gin around him. “Though, I must admit, I’m glad to be bothering you and pulling you away from certain things.”

“You’re wicked,” Erika smirked, gently kicking him in the leg. “How am I supposed to get anything important done with you constantly in my mind?”

“That is not a question I can answer.” Nadir raised his hand and caressed a lock of her black hair, a boldness he would never show while sober. “Perhaps it may make you less violent.”

“Or more violent, at least in other ways,” Erika said, returning the kind gesture by exploring the texture of his facial hair. His eyes had always been such a beautiful, Eastern jade. Like the sacred dragon statues of China.

Her face was rosy and her eyes – just a little bit watery. She knew she was long gone, and she was afraid to get back on her feet. If she did, the dizziness would hit her full force. For the moment, all the rest of the world melted away. It was just her and her old friend, sharing an intimate moment. As someone who envied the beauty of others, Erika never liked touching the faces of others. But with her inhibitions gone, she was fine showing this level of affection to him. At least to him.

“Can you tell me why you tolerate me, Nadir?” she asked.

Had Nadir been sober, he would have realized just how astonishing that small gesture of Erika’s was. She did nothing, only stroked his stubby beard. She never touched other people’s faces, seemingly too jealous to feel them and not tear them off. She was touching his face without tearing his skin to shreds…it was a display of gentleness in her storm-like nature. He would never have expected. One could never tell just how bitter things sometimes were between the two.

The former Daroga’s skin was also flushing red from the heat which the alcohol inspired in his blood. “I have already told you, Erika. I love you. Nothing in this world could ever possibly part me from you.”

The more she gazed at him, the more she appreciated every aspect of his natural beauty. The bridge of his nose, the sharpness of his cheeks, the curve of his jaw. All were a brushstroke in the artwork that was his person. It’s a common saying that alcohol turns the world aglow, but Erika saw it as more of a truth serum, making things just as bright as they would be without the darkness of the world.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” she asked him with a tipsy smile.

Nadir must have been a madman indeed, for he may have fallen for the Devil herself. Still, even knowing this, he abandoned all defenses and treasured the sensation. May it cost him his head or not, he couldn’t tell – nor could he care.

“No, you have not. All you’ve ever called me is a great booby.” The Persian man let out a dizzy, rumbling laugh. “And you may do it again now, when I say that under your mask lies beauty this world is too shallow to understand.”

She grinned wider. “Why can you only tell me these things when we’re both drunk?” she teased. “Can’t you tell me how much you love me at a time when I’ll remember it the next day?”

Nadir chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. “Well, my dear Erika, I certainly would if only I didn’t have to worry over being strangled for it.”

“Well, you’ve told me now,” Erika said, her arms snaking around Nadir’s shoulders, “and no one’s died yet.” Her fingers found their way into his thick mess of black hair. With a sigh, she rested her forehead against his.

The water in her eyes wasn’t from drunkenness anymore. “Damn it all, this is just cruel of you Nadir! I’ll wake up tomorrow assuming everyone on this planet wants me dead, you included. How could you make me feel so gleeful at a time I won’t be able to remember?”

“We are both drunk,” Nadir murmured, leaning down and pressing a ghostly kiss to her temple. His thumb sliding up and down her lean spine, feeling each vertebra through the skin. “That is why you have not strangled me yet.”

Nadir’s drunken smile faded as he saw the bitter tears suddenly spring from her foggy eyes. “Ah, my sweet Erika…forgive me for this. I swear to you, one day I will tell you when we both are sober. My heart will cease beating if I remain silent. Perhaps you will accept me, perhaps you will strike me down. I do not care either way. Just do not weep, my love…” His lips brushed against her eyelids, desperate to dry her tears as he squeezed her firmly to his chest.

“How often do you think you’ve told me, and neither of us remember?” Erika asked.

“Perhaps never, perhaps countless times…” Nadir sighed, his heart soaring high and sinking low at the same time.

“Well, come what may,” she said with a tearful smile, “no matter how I react come daylight, I want to remember tonight. I want us both to remember, whether we like it or not.”

Before he could answer, she softly pressed her lips against his own. Her senses were filled with everything she had adored about Persia: the lingering spices, the golden sand, the sweet waters of an oasis. He tasted like the scenery and was warm as the desert. She kept her fingers in his hair, keeping him close to her as she pulled away.

The kiss came as both a striking surprise and something completely expected in that moment. The Persian’s breathing hitched, in response to the thing he’d secretly yearned for through all those long years. She tasted so sweet, like honey and blood.

“Yes,” he breathed, “nothing matters tonight, beloved…nothing but you and I.” Pulling her into yet another passionate kiss, he eased her off the edge of the countertop.

She ran her hands down the length of his torso and softly moaned against his lips. He held her steady as she swayed on her feet, too drunk to stand on her own. Now, of course, she had to gaze up at him – which was a change that was almost comical. At least it was while drunk. The contact between them was heavenly, if a heaven should exist to compare it to.

“Do tell me, old friend,” she muttered, “just how will tonight be about us?”

Nadir wondered: in what corner of her mind did she find such false belief that she reeked of death? To Nadir, the scent of her was elegant and intoxicating. May it be tricks of drunkenness, love and desire, or may it be truth, he did not care. His dilated eyes found the gondola that gently rocked on the mirror-like lake not far away.

“Tonight, on this misty lake under blind night,” he whispered, leaning down and kissing her neck before sweeping her up into his arms, “we will become one, my friend…my love.” With a head spun by alcohol, even he became a poet.

With surprising steadiness for someone so dizzy, he carried Erika like a bride to the dock and placed her on the cushions of the small boat. He joined her, his weight bobbing the vessel as he climbed on top of her. He pulled her into a deep kiss yet again, his large hand on the back of her neck. Every tiniest fiber of his being felt on fire, desperate to be hers and to make her his.

Erika laughed as he settled himself over her. She laughed at the ones who had hurt her all those years ago, made her afraid of trusting a man with her safety and well-being. The last time a man had been over her she had been unwilling, petrified with terror as she could only let herself be violated. Now here she was, absolutely in a state of bliss, she and her partner at play together.

Erika marveled at the poetic nature of making love in the gondola. Not even she could have thought of it sober, let alone with gin in her veins. “Honestly, Nadir,” she panted between the meeting of their lips, “if this isn’t a sign of what you and I have wanted from each other…then we must be mad.”

Nadir kissed Erika’s forehead, pulling her even closer, longing more than anything to show her what it meant to love and be loved – to soar in extasy and wallow in passion. He yearned to make her forget the soul-wrecking past and surrender to their feelings. He wanted so much for her to embrace him, touch him, trust him with her body.

The Persian brushed his lips against her slender neck, tasting her skin, nibbling under her chin. “Yes… we are mad…and we have desired this from each other,” he whispered. A calloused hand slithered under her shirt, begging for closeness. For a moment, they ceased being the Daroga and the Mirage, they were nothing but a woman and a man.

She didn’t want to talk anymore. Erika pulled the pins from her hair, allowing it to fall across her shoulders. The metal pins were carelessly tossed aside, and Erika heard them quietly plunk into the black water.

A shiver ran through her as Nadir’s hand explored the skin pulled across her ribs and spine. For such a reserved man, it was a wonder he could be so effortlessly sensual. His wife had likely been the happiest woman in Persia. Not much information was known to her about the wife Nadir had lost, but she had always assumed she had been breathtaking in every sense. The fact he was now freely giving himself to someone like her…it meant the world. The universe.

With trembling fingers, she undid the buttons of her waistcoat and fearlessly bared her chest to him. She wasn’t afraid of being rejected, he had long since accepted nearly every aspect of her.

Nadir moaned at such sweet sight suddenly unveiled for his eyes alone, watching hungrily every button slip open, that lovely pale bosom spring bare. Such a contrast with her beautiful black hair now passionately loose. He caught Erika’s gaze, jade eyes glowing from passion, before leaning down and pressing light kisses to each of her breasts. Though his lips soon slithered up, tongue tracing her collarbones. He kissed her neck ardently and gently tugged on her dark locks from time to time.

The former Daroga did not even notice how his own hands tore his shirt and jacket away. Soon his scarred, warm mahogany skin was pressed against her cold naked torso. Caressing her breasts in each of his palms, he whispered: “You are so beautiful, my Erika,” and claimed her lips deeply.

Her whole body arched into his as he nipped at her neck. Their breath was being shared in the space between them, adding more silver mist to the air. The light of one-thousand candles lit Nadir’s face. The dancing shadows played across his body and the flames burned in his eyes. God, he was purely magnificent.

“As are you,” she said, and she gently pushed him back until she was able to climb into his lap, eagerly biting his neck as if she wanted to draw droplets of blood. Her hair fell over her back like a mourning curtain. Her hands traveled down his sides, coming to rest at his hips.

Nadir sat back on the cushions, gladly allowing Erika to straddle him. One arm wrapped around her waist to pull her closer. He tilted his head, allowing her to nibble on his neck. Gasping in delight, his fingers found her hair and tangled in those lush black locks only to slide down and grasp her thighs firmly.

A bit clumsily from both excitement and drink, Erika began to undo Nadir’s complicated belt buckle. His trousers were already tented out by his trapped erection. She could feel it throbbing under her palms, begging to be freed. “How…how long have you wanted to see me unclothed, Nadir?” she teased, kissing his face lovingly. “I’ve known of your affection since Mazandaran, but…how long have you wanted me?”

The tightness in Nadir’s pants was undeniable, aching and devious. He was longing to feel himself sink inside Erika’s warm moist core, to feel them two at last becoming one. “Does it matter now, my dearest? I will have you now,” the Persian purred. He returned the favor and undid her own trousers with the speed of an expert – all the while lightly biting down on her jawline.

Before long, Nadir’s pants (as well as the remainder of every scrap of their clothing) were tossed up onto the makeshift dock. Erika’s skin had gone from deathly white to rosy, making her look a bit more like a human being with a pulse. As soon as the two of them were perfectly bare, she pounced on him, nothing in her way to feeling his full coat of skin against hers. The air was crisp, but she felt the searing heat raging between his thighs.

“Or, rather, Nadir…” she whispered in his ear – as if they weren’t alone in a great cavern, “I will have you. Tonight, you’re mine.”

He could feel just how eager she was, no less than himself. “Then what are you waiting for, beloved?” Nadir whispered into her neck as he gripped her hips, bringing her entrance to the tip of his manhood. “Tonight, I am yours.”

Truth be told, she had been waiting for his permission. With it, she lowered herself onto him, finally solidifying the union they had wordlessly craved for years. She braced herself against him, reclining both of them onto the cushions as she took more of his length into her. She wasn’t afraid. She felt no shame, all she felt was the need to satisfy the two of them.

She caressed his face with the back of hand, looking boldly into his eyes as she began thrusting her hips. She opened her mouth to speak, but a small moan left it first.

“I still…hate you…you know?” She asked with a tease, her dark hair now falling over both of their faces.

Nadir allowed his back to be pressed against the cushions, a low hiss of delight leaving his throat once the grip of her womanhood sank around him. Heavens…it was such an overwhelming, blissful sensation! Their locked gazes let this burning feeling pulse with even more intimacy.

The Persian’s rough fingers brushed through her hair “And I…” he moaned faintly, replying in an equally playful tone, “still love you.” With those words, he wrapped his arm around Erika’s shoulders, pulling her close and kissing her passionately, other hand pressing on her lower back until her thrusts were forcing his entire length into her body.

Erika picked up her pace, clinging to him and panting into his neck. His fingers tugged on her hair, while hers sank into the cushions below him. Small sounds of pleasure fluttered from her throat. Friction began to build so she slowed her pace, wanting to stimulate herself a bit to make their lovemaking more comfortable. She bit down on the nape of Nadir’s neck. “Tell me how this feels for you,” it wasn’t a plea, it was a demand.

Nadir brushed his lips against her hair. With a much louder grunt, he lost control for a moment and threw his hips roughly into one of her thrusts. He groaned in pleasure when she picked up the pace afterwards. Long years had passed since he last knew such maddening bliss. He never had a woman after his wife’s death, and now he was with the one he loved like he never loved anyone before.

“You drive me insane!” he moaned. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he swiftly lifted her body and switched their positions. He laid atop her, nibbling her ear playfully before starting to thrust in a slow, torturous manner, stroking her pleasure spot with his hand while he kissed her fiercely.

She was surprised to suddenly find herself pressed against the gondola’s soft interior. Erika gave Nadir a mischievous look. He was still so full of surprises. “You bastard,” she sighed, rolling her eyes when she realized how teasingly slow he was moving inside her. He shut her complaining up with another long kiss.

She found it getting harder to breathe but wasn’t sure why. Alcohol often slowed her brain. That’s when she felt an intense shock go up her stomach and she realized Nadir’s experienced fingers had slipped between them, finding the folds between her legs and making quick work of them.

“Whatever you’re doing,” she said, biting her lower lip “…don’t stop.”

It was a stunning awareness he had. He suddenly found himself having the slightest hint of power over her for the first time since their first encounter. She always led, and he followed. This new…sensation…he beyond enjoyed it. At last, he was able to show just how much he loved and wished to spoil her.

A mischievous smile crept onto his lips, agape from groans and gasps of pleasure. Growing bolder from the approval Erika gave him, the strokes of his fingers went firmer. His thrusting became faster just for a moment. That sudden jolt in speed left her writhing in need under him when he slowed again. Licking his lips, he leaned down to kiss her neck fiercely.

She sank her fingers into the back of his neck with a desperate groan. One hand gripped his shoulder, digging into the soft flesh. She arched her hips into his thrusts, begging him to go deeper where she knew a hidden pleasure point was located.

“You…can do…better,” she panted. “I know…you can please a woman.” If she was going to submit, then she expected him to outperform her.

Nadir pressed their foreheads together, hissing when her claws dug into his back. Indeed, that was enough teasing and tormenting her. The thrusts remained slow, yet became deep and long, making sure to stab into her deep sweet spot each time. His hands had her shoulders in a vice grip, bracing himself so he could put as much force into each thrust of his hips as possible.

“Oh, God…” For a woman of no faith to call upon a deity likely meant she felt equal to one.

Erika was in a state of sublime ecstasy. For once, she wished to be no one else but herself. She wished to be nowhere else except beneath the one man she had ever longed for. His pace was perfect, his touches were perfect, his kisses were perfect, he was just…perfect. Such perfection, and he was making her whole with himself.

Erika ran her fingernails down Nadir’s scared biceps and down his back. She wanted to feel him in every crevasse of her body, even under her nails. Her jaw hung open with heavy breaths, each exhale carrying a whimper of overwhelming pleasure. She lolled her head back, shutting her eyes as she felt an orgasm mounting. “I hate…” she gasped, “I hate…that I love you.”

Nadir moaned lowly into her neck, the movements of his hips suddenly fast and firm. His length throbbed and swelled, the velvet walls of her womanhood like an addiction he couldn’t satisfy. His skin looked golden in the candlelight, glistening from sweat. It was like a dream come true. Overwhelming pleasure rippled through his nerves, boiling his blood beyond the point he could bear. The woman he loved in his arms, writhing and crying from rapture.

“I love… you…” Nadir groaned, clashing his lips on Erika’s desperately and pulling her close as he filled her burning core with his seed in another powerful movement.

The hot rush of his climax brought her to the edge of her own. She gripped his hips with her knees and rotated her hips, stimulating herself just a few more times while he was still hard. That was what she needed to at last reach her own orgasm. She broke off the kiss to take a sharp breath of air, her whole body tightening around Nadir’s member in an unbearable moment of melting bliss. When her body relaxed again, it felt weak. She hardly felt strong enough to speak.

Nadir collapsed on top of Erika, still inside her, breathing heavily, eyes closed as slowly, the Persian slipped into cloudy bliss of mind and complete limpness of body. He held his friend become lover close, lips pressed to her temple, heart beating against heart.

Erika finally released a breathless laugh, running her finger down the bridge of Nadir’s nose. “I’m hoping I won’t forget that when I’m sober.”

#Anonymous #The Phantom of the Opera #female phantom #pharoga

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