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#now she’s just encouraging her followers to vote their hearts and PEOPLE ARE STILL MAD
theamazingannie · 3 months
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People getting mad at Taylor Swift for telling people to vote for the person that represents them during a primary election (not the general) because she didn’t address LGBT issues (which is not addressed as strongly during a primary election) or endorse a specific candidate (during an INCUMBENT primary election with a clear winner) is exactly why I’m not gonna be the person who gets mad at celebrities for not speaking out over every issue because y’all will never be happy
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chessdaze · 4 years
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Three Wishes Institute - A TWST fanschool
Reposting this as I’ve changed my URL which broke all the links in my previous lore post, and since I’ve gotten a lot of new followers lately and wanted them to be able to read it properly.
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First off, as a concept, Three Wishes is a fanschool for twisted wonderland that involves characters that are considered ‘side’ or ‘background’ or even ‘comic relief’ characters from disney franchises. Right now I only have 6 dorms, and characters range from being on both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides of a story.
Here’s the lore rundown for the main school itself and a brief summary on the dorms and characters I will be designing for them. Under readmore cause this is HELLA long and I don’t want to make people scroll for forever:
The overall story of Three Wishes:
The Headmistress and Master, Amelia Bell and Reed Dearly (based on Anita and Roger from 101 dalmatians), only recently got the school property. Before them, the school was known to be really rundown, a failure, and pretty much on the verge of closing. While it was a school for magic, it was like all the magic was zapped out of the school itself. It was filled with delinquents and very few students who actually cared. Most dropped out if anything.
Amelia was a teacher at the school for a little over a year and the only teacher that students really respected and bothered showing up to class for. She hated seeing the school in the state it was in and tried pleading with the headmistress of the school to try and change things - however was constantly told it was too late and that the school would be closing. It did, and Amelia had to look for jobs elsewhere. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she could have done more and found herself drawn back to the crumbling school on more than one occasion. She decided to sneak in one day to see if she could find a hint of anything from the old headmistress - who had disappeared without a trace - to see if she could get in contact with her. This wasn’t her idea of course, but her (boyfriend at the time) Reed’s.
Eventually they did track down the headmistress and found her terribly ill. Amelia insisted that the two of them care for her, despite all that the headmistress had done to shun Amelia beforehand. They did, and during that time Amelia explained the hopes she had previously had for the school - she said how she wanted a school that anyone could feel welcome to apply, and not have some special ceremony for acceptance (like the carriages for NRC). She believed people could be equals and that as a magical community they should all help one another. The old headmistress was moved by Amelia’s words and when she back to health she revealed herself to be a powerful sorceress (the enchantress from Beauty and the Beast. No design as of now). She explained she had been looking for a worthy successor for the school and her magic but didn’t find Amelia fitting at the time, but saw the kindness in Amelia’s heart and offered her the deed to the school and the surrounding grounds. She wanted to see what Amelia would do with the school and was interested if she could really bring a community together like she explained. Then, she disappeared.
Amelia and Reed worked to renovate the school, taking nearly 2 years on the project. Amelia comes from a wealthy family, but even then funds were not endless, so a lot of fundraising was done to also raise awareness for the reopening school. At first there wasn’t much interest but it slowly got more and more traction. With donations and family money, they were able to complete the school. The two of them also got engaged during this time. Even with them rebuilding the mainschool and doing some maintenance on the dorms themselves, there are some secrets that even the two of them are still learning, as the sorceress took off before giving them the full details on the school itself.
The school’s aim is to not only teach its students magic, but the foundation of being a good person, being helpful and selfless. The school holds a lot of community and fundraising events, and there is even a mandatory volunteering class where students have to spend a certain amount of hours volunteering for a local community service. This school hopes to bridge the gap between the elite and average magic users, showing that deep down everyone is human and deserving of respect and a chance to grow.
This school doesn't have completely different areas for the dorms and it's all actually located on a large campus ground.The main school building is about 4 stories, there's a greenhouse and an auditorium in separate buildings.
The dorms are all two or three stories and are all relatively distant from each other, enough to give each dorm a good spot of land around it. Think a mansion with a large yard. When passing through the front gate for the dorm there's magic that makes it appear in a slightly different scenery - so the students don't always have the school looming in the background and can relax. The dorm's scenery is different between each dorm and it can change with each 'dorm representative'.
There aren't really dorm 'leaders' as there are representatives. Normally about two or three for each dorm - though can only be one if the person proves themselves to be capable / no one else is voted. Each dorm will have a meeting once a month to go over things that the dorm needs to address either internally or with the school or other dorms, and then the representatives bring those concerns to a meeting with the school's staff and other dorm representatives. Think more like a student council and class presidents. The representatives make almost all decisions together. Reps are voted for each year within a dorm, and the voting is taken pretty seriously.
The dorm rep duties outside of the meetings is mostly just like a college RA. They make sure people are following the rules, help solve problems between students in their dorm, plan and hold events, etc.
The dorms:
While students are separated into dorms in this school, the headmaster and mistress try to stress the fact that they are all one community. Friendly rivalry is encouraged but ultimately the matter of dorms is just where the students end up living and placing them near people who can better help those around them. The two in charge don’t want the dorms to become too competitive or to alienated from one another - so there’s actually a lot of cross dorm events and even friends staying over at other friends dorms for days on end at times.
As a note, as long as it’s not inappropriate, students are encouraged to wear anything they want as their ‘dorm uniform’. Standard school uniforms are required on the main campus but as Headmaster Reed puts it - there’s no reason for them to tell the students what to wear in their own house. Plus, the school isn’t as well funded as most other private schools, so not having a lot of uniforms to keep up with is better for them in the long run. They don’t even have a formal ceremonial robe like NRC does, but I will be posting about the uniforms in a different post.
Now onto the dorms themselves.
Cinderella dorm: Nightingale Founded on the hard work and dedication of a princess’s companions, members of this dorm are no strangers to teamwork and getting the job done. It’s said that there’s no miracle students in this dorm can’t pull off in a short amount of time. Members of this dorm are close and they will drop anything they’re doing to help another. 
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
Snow White: Diamanttobar Founded on the tradition and devotion of miners, members of this dorm specialize in working long hours and putting 100% into everything they do.They might be hard to win over, but once you have their companionship little will shake their loyalty. Students here notice the smaller details and are said to be able to craft nearly anything.  
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
Aladdin: Wondrous Founded on the cleverness and protective instincts of a royal couple’s most trusted confidants, members of this dorm sometimes have questionable methods but overall have hearts of gold. Students in this dorm are proactive in calling out unfair rules and try to work for changes and reforms to improve the lives of those around them.
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
Mulan: Guardian Founded on the honor and strength of dragons, students of this dorm are known to follow a code of honor and are very protective of one another. They are great with helping other student’s physical and mental well beings, acting as trainers and confidants.
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
AiW: Lapinhole Founded on the curiosity and madness of a queen’s subjects, members of this dorm are known to be eccentric and creative. A lot of students in this dorm are mysterious and have a strange method of helping others, but even through the confusion a lot of students rely on students from this dorm for a little more fun in their lives.
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
Beauty and the Beast: Servireu Founded on the faith and loyalty of a Beast Prince’s servants, members of this dorm are known to be generous, not judgemental, and helpful to those around them. A lot of these students are at the top of their classes and are known for being excellent tutors for others. Though a little eccentric, they obviously mean well and have good intentions.
Read the profiles for the students apart of this dorm here!
Annnnddd that’s it! I plan to possibly redo my dorm lore dump post aswell as make a separate post for the uniforms once I have them designed. also the staff will be getting their own posts aswell when I finish their designs too.
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argylemnwrites · 4 years
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Fight or Flight - Chapter 9: Intel
Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)
Book: The Royal Heir (canon divergent from the end of book 2)
Word Count: ~4500
Rating: R (language only)
Summary: Nearly five days since The Walker Absconding
Author’s Note: This series follows the Walkers, their friends, and Cordonia as a whole after they flee the country with their daughter during Barthelemy Beaumont’s attempted coup. To catch up on this series, check out it’s masterlist. (link can be found via my bio - sorry, Tumblr is once again not putting my posts with links in tag searches)
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Riley glanced around anxiously, taking in the handful of other people in the park. She didn’t like it. She felt so exposed anytime someone even made eye contact with her or glanced at Bridget. It seemed like they could tell she didn’t belong there, that she and Drake and Bridget stuck out like a sore thumb, that the fact that she was a wanted fugitive was obvious. It was hard to relax when every single person in the area was a potential threat, someone who could turn her in and make it all fall apart.
She and Drake had hemmed and hawed about making this trip out. Ever since warrants had been issued for their arrest, the risk of being spotted felt so much more threatening. It had almost felt surreal, sitting on the bed with Drake on Sunday evening, sharing a pair of headphones and staring at his phone while Bridget slept, curled up against her side, watching as Ana de Luca covered Rashad’s brief statement, discussing their family’s disappearance and the lack of evidence of foul play. It had been his first public appearance as king-regent.
Monday night had been the same, this time with an announcement of formal charges of kidnapping of the monarch and treason, resulting in the loss of their titles and lands. The social season was delayed with everything unfolding, but that barely seemed to warrant a mention by any of the reporters or pundits. Olivia was sending them links to several news stories every day - footage of their estate with intelligence agents filing out with box after box, all to be poured over for evidence of any further crimes. Rashad visibly uncomfortable in front of the palace as he requested anyone who knew their whereabouts to step forward. A “tell-all” interview with Barthelemy that was an infuriating clip they only made it part of the way through. 
There were clips about Liam and the results of the no-confidence vote as well, even though Liam’s last public sighting had been his arrival at Olivia’s keep on Sunday after the last court hearing. Other than his speech the night before Rashad was sworn in, Liam had not made any statements related to his title or their disappearance. Riley knew Drake was unsettled by that fact. Liam had always known his calm and gentle, yet confident demeanor was an asset and had never shied away from using public statements to sway hearts and minds in the past. Now, when he needed to rally support as he campaigned to regain the throne, he was silent.
Drake had spent all of his time scraping up every news segment, article, op ed, or social media post he could find related to their family, Liam, or Barthelemy. It concerned Riley that he was so hyper-focused, but with everything so fresh and constantly changing, it was hard to blame him for it. Bridget grabbing him or calling for him was about the only thing that could distract him. Riley honestly wasn’t sure if he was sleeping at all.
They hadn’t left their rented room since their arrival on Sunday morning, at least until this morning. Yesterday had been rough, with Bridget throwing fit after fit. She was bored, that much was clear. They had very few toys for her, and their bare bones hotel room was not exactly a stimulating environment. At Valtoria, she spent time exploring different rooms or parts of the grounds with them everyday. She didn’t like the change in the routine, to say the least.
When they finally were able to get Bridget asleep last night, hours after her usual bedtime as she wailed and cried, overtired and cranky beyond belief, they had decided that they needed to chance a trip outside with her. Sure, it was a risk, but so was keeping a screaming 10 month old in a hotel with thin walls. The last thing they needed was the police called for a noise complaint. They decided first thing in the morning would probably be their best option, with hopefully fewer people around. Anything to reduce the chance of getting recognized.
So, they had brought Bridget to a little park, hoping that a change of scenery might help her mood. So far, she was content, sitting happily near them, running her hands over the grass and pulling some up by the blades intermittently. The same couldn’t be said for her and Drake. He looked as wound up as she felt. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and his eyes kept darting between Bridget and random people around them. A young mother or nanny ran past them earlier, chasing a school-aged boy down, and Riley thought Drake was going to knock her to the ground. To say they were both on edge was the definition of an understatement.
The tension radiating off them was probably why Bridget was so content to just sit near them. Normally, she would be crawling everywhere, checking out every leaf, flower, and bug in her path. But she kept looking at Riley and Drake, a frown on her little face when they weren’t encouraging her to move and explore. At this rate, Riley wasn’t sure this stressful little trip was going to do her any good.
At the moment, she had found a little flowering tree that was dropping all it’s blossoms, and she was entertaining herself by picking up the pink petals on the ground. Riley was about to ask Drake how long he wanted to stay when she saw Bridget move to put a tiny fistful of the flowers in her mouth.
“Drake, can you stop her from eat-” she started, since Drake was sitting closer to Bridget, but before she could even finish her sentence, she saw Drake’s eyes widen as all the color drained from his face in a second. She turned her head in the direction he was looking and saw a woman who was maybe 50 years old running towards them, pointing at Bridget, calling something out in Greek. Her throat felt tight and her heart started racing as she twisted back towards Drake, but was startled to find him already standing over her, grabbing her arm and yanking her to her feet with one hand, Bridget already scooped up in his other arm.
“Get to the car,” he rattled off, shoving Bridget into her arms before he started fumbling through his pockets, slipping the keys into her shaking hands. 
Riley clutched Bridget close to her chest, turned around, and started running as fast as she could. Feet pounding over the grass, Bridget bouncing in her arms. Sound was distorted in her ears, hollow and thin. She ran, past a jogger, past a couple holding hands. All towards the edge of the park. Towards their car parked just around the corner.
At some point, Bridget started crying, twisting, trying to escape from her arms. Riley tried to keep a tight hold on her, but it was hard. She was slipping. She stopped, trying to readjust. She spun, looking for Drake, but he wasn’t there. Why wasn’t he right behind her?
“Drake?” she cried out as she spun around, frantically searching for him. Her voice was shaky, weak. “Drake?” He wasn’t anywhere. She couldn’t think. Where could he be? He could outrun a middle-aged woman. So why wasn’t he there?
“He’s trying to give you time to get away.” The thought shot through her, and she knew it was the truth in an instant. Stupid, self-sacrificing, noble man. On instinct, she started sprinting back into the park. She wasn’t leaving him behind. Not when they could get out of this together. It was one woman. They could outrun one woman.
She was so hellbent on getting back to drag Drake out of there, she almost didn’t see him, briskly walking toward her. He did a double take when he noticed her, but then held up his hands in front of his chest and shook his head.
“We’re fine!” he called out. “It’s all fine.”
It took her half a second to process his words, but when she did, she slowed her pace, jogging the last few steps to him and tugging one arm free from Bridget to wrap tightly around his neck.
His arms slipped around her waist, holding her close. “We’re fine,” he murmured into her hair, “She didn’t recognize us.”
“Then why was she running at-”
“The flowers. Those were oleander petals. She was worried Bridget was going to poison herself.”
Riley let out a shaky breath as she leaned back slightly, looking Drake dead in the eye. “I thought-”
“I know; me too.” And with that he pulled her and Bridget tight against him again. She tried to calm herself, feeling the rise and fall of his chest, but her heart was still racing. It had all felt too close, too real.
Bridget was still crying, so after a moment, Drake dropped his arms from Riley’s waist and moved to take Bridget, bouncing her on his hip, clearly trying to calm her down. Between her continued tears and screams and the mad dash Riley had just made through the park, they weren’t exactly keeping a low profile.
“We should probably not hang around here after the scene we just caused,” she murmured. Drake nodded briskly, tucking Bridget fully against his side and grabbing Riley’s hand with his free arm. He set a rapid pace as they walked out of the park, not saying anything more until they were all secure in the privacy of their car.
“Drake, what are we doing?” she asked, watching Drake’s shoulder’s sag as he finally seemed to catch his breath. His knuckles were tense as he clutched the steering wheel.
“The best we can, Riley.”
“We couldn’t even spend an hour in a park without making a mess. How are we going to get by?”
He shook his head and let out a sigh. “Well, we’re just going to have to figure it out, aren’t we?”
A wave of guilt washed over her. All of this was her fault. She had no right to express doubt about it now, not after her decision got Drake named a traitor to the Crown. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, running her hand over her face.
“For what?”
“This is all my fault, isn’t it?”
“Riley,” his voice was quiet and his hand slid over onto her knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Riley, look at me.”
She twisted in the passenger seat to face him the best she could. She could hear Bridget kicking against the car seat and starting to fuss, clearly expecting the car to be moving at this point, but Drake made no move to start the car.
“This is fucking Barthelemy’s fault.” He stared straight into her eyes as he said it. He looked so earnest that Riley almost believed him. But deep down, she knew that was a mad over simplification of the issue. Maybe he brought it all to a head, but she and Drake had put themselves into a position to have their parenting called into question by assholes like him in the first place.
Still, she knew what Drake was trying to do. He was trying to make her feel better about the whole mess. How he was able to worry about her when he was obviously frazzled and sleep-deprived himself was nothing short of a miracle.
When all she was able to muster was a weak little smile, Drake kept going. “Remember how shitty we both felt those first few weeks home with her?”
Shitty was an understatement. Bridget had been horribly cranky as soon as she wasn’t right in that newborn period. Colicky and loud, she’d cried constantly, often for no apparent reason. She’d fed poorly, slept in tiny little bursts, and didn’t seem to soothe unless she was held, walked around, and all the stars and planets were aligned. Riley had felt like a failure as a mother time and time again. “Yeah, that sucked ass.”
“Right. Both of us had no idea what the hell we were doing, and we were so scared we were gonna be complete garbage at it. But we figured it out, right? There was just a learning curve. This is gonna be the same way.”
“Drake Walker, are you giving me a ‘practice makes perfect’ pep talk about being a fugitive?”
He blushed, just slightly, and gave her a little shrug. “I didn’t mean it to sound so cheesy.”
“No, I think it’s sweet,” she said, grabbing his hand on her knee and threading their fingers together. “But I think we need to start thinking for the long term here. Spending days locked in hotel rooms and then freaking out when we step out in public is not going to work forever.”
He nodded at her. “I’ve been thinking about this, and I think we need some aliases and forged documents. We have no way to earn any money at this point, and if we get asked for our papers, we’re done for right now.”
Riley bit her lip. She knew he was right, and she had an idea of how to go about it. She just wasn’t sure if it was a smart move.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, watching her face carefully.
“I think we’re going to have to find a way to get in touch with Amalas.”
Drake let out a huge sigh at that, so Riley kept going. “I don’t like it either, but if someone we know is equipped to make believable forgeries, it’s her.”
“What is she going to want in exchange, though? She’s an opportunist, and right now we have nothing to offer her.”
Riley shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Drake opened his mouth to say more, but Bridget’s patience ran out at that point, a massive wail echoing through the car.
“To be continued? When she’s not trying to burst our eardrums?” Drake asked, sliding the key into the ignition and starting the car. Riley just nodded. They didn’t have to decide their next steps this moment, but soon, they were going to have to, and Riley had a feeling that no matter what they chose, it was going to feel like the wrong call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Olivia scowled a little as she dug through her desk drawer. Her emergency ibuprofen was supposed to be in this drawer, and her head was killing her. She really should start taking meds before her meetings with Maxwell. He had left her office maybe twenty minutes ago, and just like every meeting she’d had with him since this whole mess began, she was now dealing with a migraine.
To be honest, having to listen to Maxwell’s rambling, inefficient accounts of what was going on at Ramsford was just the last irritation that put her over the edge. Having Maxwell, Liam, and now Leo living at the keep, as well as Bertrand and Hana making frequent appearances was just a lot. She was used to her privacy, and the constant activity and bustle in her home was all a bit much to handle.
Leo had arrived Monday, and she’d tasked him with providing Liam emotional support. It was the only thing she trusted him to do, really, and even that was pushing it. But she was busy, managing the press, trying to buy off employees in Portavira to get some dirt on Landon and Emmeline, and providing statements to Bastien regarding her conduct in the days between the initial vote and her reporting Drake and Riley’s disappearance.
Hana was the only one she felt like she didn’t need to keep on a short leash at this point. She was staying at Valtoria to make sure Barthelemy’s people couldn’t gain unauthorized access, and she seemed prepared for her meeting with Rashad tomorrow. Olivia and Hana weren’t exactly sure what Rashad wanted to discuss with her, but they’d reviewed their stories prior to having their official interviews with law enforcement earlier this week, so whatever questions he had, Olivia was confident Hana would have acceptable answers.
But Bertrand was in a tizzy, staying at Ramsford in an effort to prevent his father from forcing him out as head of house, Maxwell was a scatterbrained go between who alternated between forgetting key pieces of info to share and recounting conversations down to the last detail, and Liam seemed to be sinking into a deeper pit of depression every day, leaving her to believe Leo’s efforts were lackluster. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could let these men flounder along before she stepped in and took control.
On top of everything, she still had her typical duties as the Duchess of Lythikos, and reviewing some tax records was her planned task for today. She couldn’t really neglect it any longer, but her migraine was making it difficult to focus on the spreadsheets in front of her.
She finally found her pill bottle and popped three tablets, massaging her temples and hoping the relief would come soon. But before she could return to the task at hand, a knock on her office door interrupted her. She let out a massive sigh and rolled her shoulders back before calling out, “Come in.”
Leo poked his head around the door and grinned at her, striding into her office and sitting down across the desk from her. “How are you today, Liv?”
“Annoyed. What do you want?”
“What, can’t I just come in to chat with my favorite duchess in Cordonia?”
“Not when I am busy putting out seventeen different fires. What. Do. You. Want?”
“I was hoping to talk to Lady Hana.”
Olivia squinted at Leo. He was so predictable. “Absolutely not.”
“What?” His eyebrows flew up almost comically at her response. “Why not?”
“She’s far too nice for the likes of you.”
That little smirk, the one he used to get away with everything, started forming. “Hey, I like nice.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Are you saying you aren’t nice, Liv? I remember you being plenty ‘nice’ to me in the past.”
She shook her head at him. He was far too charming for his own good. “No one in their right mind would call me nice. Besides, this isn’t about a mistake from nearly a decade ago.”
He clutched his hands over his heart, like her words wounded him, but he was openly chuckling. “A mistake? You are indeed a cruel woman, Olivia Nevakris.”
“I’m actually being very kind to you here, protecting your ego from taking a beating when she inevitably rejected any… advances from you.”
“What makes you so sure I am going to seduce her if I speak to her?”
“Well, you wouldn’t be successful, but when was the last time you didn’t try to get into the pants of a pretty woman?”
“Do our conversations not count?”
“I’m not young enough to find that line anything but cheesy.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying. No, but I really was hoping to talk to Lady Hana. Where are her quarters?”
Olivia cocked her head and frowned. She didn’t know how often Hana and Leo had interacted, but it clearly wasn’t all that often if he kept using her title. What he could possibly want from her was a total mystery.
“What do you want to talk to her about?” she asked.
Leo gave a little shrug, “She lived with Drake and Riley, right? Well, I figure she might have a way of getting in touch with them.”
Olivia was careful to keep her face still. She didn’t think Leo was likely to be working for Barthelemy. It wouldn’t make any sense, and his disdain for the way Constantine had ruled had never seemed to apply to his brother. Besides, he’d thrown away his chance at being king, so it’s not like power or glory in a coup would be very tempting to him. But she couldn’t think of a reason why Leo was looking to talk to the Walkers, and after the past few days, she wasn’t taking any chances.
“Why would you think she would be able to get in touch with them?” There, a good opening question that would hopefully get him talking.
“It would make sense that the person they live with is someone they trust the most, right? And her family isn’t caught up in all of this political shit, so she seems like a safe option in that regard, too.”
“Why are you looking to talk to them?”
“Liam seems pretty torn up without Drake here. I thought maybe if I-”
Olivia couldn’t help it, a chuckle of shock and disbelief shot out of her, interrupting Leo.
“What?”
“You had one job - cheer Liam up, and your method of doing so was to attempt to convince Drake and Riley to come back? Gee, why didn’t I think to try that?” she replied, rolling her eyes at the end.
“Ah ha, so you are in touch with them!” he cried out, leaning back in his chair, a smug, shit-eating grin etched across his face.
“Bastard,” Olivia grumbled, shaking her head.
He just grinned wider at that. “It’s alright little Livvy; your secret’s safe with me.”
“Don’t call me ‘little Livvy’ ever again,” she said, leaning across her desk and staring him down, “But even if… theoretically there was a way to talk to Drake and Riley, you won’t be able to convince them to come back. You wouldn’t have been able to a couple of days ago, and you certainly won’t now that warrants have been issued.”
“I’m quite persuasive, you know.”
“You can keep telling yourself that, but I think Drake Walker might be immune to your… charms, particularly when he and his wife are going to lose custody of their kid if he gives in.”
“Fair enough. Not even worth a shot, then?”
She shook her head. “Honestly, them returning at this point will just be another fire I have to try and put out. Them on the run is easier to deal with than them in prison.”
Liam nodded, swiping his thumb along his jawline. “Alright then. Say there was a theoretical way to get in touch with them. Would someone be able to get them some money?”
Olivia blinked several times as her brain tried to follow this unexpected shift. “I’m sorry, I think I must have just had a stroke. I thought I heard you ask about getting money to them.”
“I’m serious. They can’t use their credit cards, right? All of their funds are frozen, I would assume.”
“Since when are you mister charitable?”
Leo bit his lip, not willing to answer right away apparently. “This stays between us, alright?” he eventually said, his blue eyes wide and earnest. All Olivia could do was nod.
“I know Liam is not exactly thrilled with them. And I get why, and obviously my first choice would be for them to be here.”
“Noted,” Olivia said dryly. She had no idea where this was going, but for this amount of build up, it had better be fucking fascinating.
“I like that they just kind of said… ‘fuck it,’ and left. It’s sort of admirable, isn’t it? That sort of courage and disregard for all rules of courtly conduct?”
Olivia rolled her eyes again. “You just are happy you aren’t the biggest scandal this century in Cordonia anymore.”
“Nah, I’m just thrilled that Drake Walker is suddenly a whole lot more interesting. And what can I say? I always like to take a risky gamble.”
She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. “Unless you can give me a real reason you want to help them, I am not adding another person to this mess. Particularly one who likes to run his mouth after a few drinks at the craps table.”
Leo frowned at that. “I’m not as heartless as you make me out to be, you know. I’ve known Drake basically his entire life, and I don’t want to see him suffering, particularly since I understand the type of pressures placed on his kid. And… when my mother left my dad, she couldn’t take me. I had to stay in the palace, and you know how that turned out. But if those two found a different way to do things… good for them, I say.”
Olivia stared at Leo, trying to assess his sincerity. He seemed to mean his words, but she wasn’t ready to hand him a bunch of confidential info, not just yet. She would need to talk to Hana first, but Leo might be a nice resource. He traveled all over constantly, so it wouldn’t really seem suspicious for him to head to another country. He might be their best chance to get Riley and Drake their most essential belongings.
“Hana’s gone back to Valtoria, but we can’t have you seen there. She’ll be back Friday.”
“So, I have your permission to talk to her then. My, I am honored.”
“You can talk to her if you actually get Liam to stop wallowing in his quarters, just reviewing ancient law books.”
“Like I said, if you just let me take him to the casinos-”
“For the fifth time, Leo, he cannot be seen gambling after losing his title! Are you fucking stupid?”
Leo grinned widely. “No, but watching your face turn as red as your hair never gets old. He’ll be fine, Liv. He’s just a little weirded out by actually having some time off for the first time in years. Don’t worry, I’ll have him relaxing like me soon enough.”
“Leo!”
“Like I said, it never gets old,” he said, pointing to her face and winking at her. Before she could get a serious answer out of him, her office phone started ringing.
“Oooh, saved by the bell,” he said, popping out of his chair. “I’m getting Liam drunk, so swing by later if you get a chance.”
“Are you fucking serious, Leo?”
“You’ll have to find out later. Better answer that.” He pointed to the phone before ducking out the door with a cheeky little wave.
Taking a calming breath, Olivia picked up the phone. Only official governmental business came through on this landline.
“This is Olivia Nevrakis.”
“Duchess Olivia, it’s Queen Amalas.”
Olivia’s mind raced, trying to determine why she was calling her. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I have some information for you, and I was wondering how valuable it is or isn’t to you at this point.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know the location of the former Duchess and Duke of Valtoria and the Queen-Regent of Cordonia.”
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Permatag: @walkerswhiskeygirl   @riley--walker  @bebepac @ravenpuff02 @oofchoices @octobereighth @drakewalker04 @kimmiedoo5  @mfackenthal  @thequeenofcronuts  
The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir: @ao719 @mskaneko @katedrakeohd @jovialyouthmusic @marshmallowsandfire @axwalker @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @dcbbw @yaushie
Drake x MC: @no-one-u-know @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria  @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @notoriouscs  @drakesensworld @drake-colt-lover-99
Fight or Flight: @masterofbluff @burnsoslow @bobasheebaby @shz256 @iaminlovewithtrr​
56 notes · View notes
nekoannie-chan · 4 years
Text
Charm-ed
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Pairing: Steve Rogers X Mutant! Reader
Word count: 3596 words. 
Summary: You managed to prevent Thanos from snapping, but not other events that led to victory.
Warnings: Angst, sad, actually very sad, death of a character, mentions of smut but nothing explicit, mentions of blood.
A/N: So I was watching Skins season 6 when this idea came to me, this fic is a little bit based on that season.
Flashbacks are in italics.
The note is in italics and underline.
Phone calls are in italics and bold.
The prompts are in black, italics, and underline.
In this fic the Snap never happened, this means that Thanos was defeated and Pietro is alive.
The UFO catcher is the claw machine where you can catch stuffed animals or other prizes.
This is my entry to the @joannie95 ‘s 500 Follower Writing Challenge with prompt #19:
“Please don’t forget me and all the things we did” 
Also is one of my entries to @im-a-writer-right ‘s Writing Challenge ~2K Follower Celebration~ with the angst prompt #37:
“I haven’t been the same since you left me”.
And my entry to @jtargaryen18 ‘s 30 days of Chris.
My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistake please let me know and I will correct it.
I don’t give any kind of permission that my fics be posted in other platforms or languages (I translate myself my work) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don’t steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other’s people. The only exception is the ones I gifted ‘cuz now belong to someone else. If you find any of my works on a different platform and is not one of my accounts, please let me know. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.
DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Marvel’s characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.
My other media where I publish: Wattpad, Ao3, ffnet.
If you like it please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog. 
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Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve heavily turned off the alarm clock, it had been late, he flipped to your bedside, and he sighed disappointed when he noticed that it was empty.
He dialed your cell phone in the hope that you'd answer him, but you didn't, the mailbox came in instead of hearing your voice, his stomach protested.  
He went down to breakfast like every morning, even though they had prevented Thanos from making the snap, and you had beaten him, nothing was the same again.
After finishing breakfast, Steve decided to go for a run in the park, it was the fifth lap he gave when his cell phone rang.
“Y/N!”  He answered immediately excitedly. 
"Steve, you keep calling me a lot," you answered.  
"I know, it's just that all I want is for you to come back," he confessed embarrassed.
"Maybe you should have come to visit me more often after those days," you complained.  
"You know I tried, but I wasn't allowed in.”  
"You didn't try hard enough, but now no one will stop you from visiting me.” 
“Y/N…”
 The call was cut off, Steve blinked, after the battle, the calls were strange, sometimes he didn't understand what you wanted to say.  
"Steve?" Sam called him while he approaching carefully. 
"Hey, Sam.” 
“Are you okay?" Sam questioned. 
"Yes, only... I was thinking about Y/N...”  
"Steve we've talked about this... she's gone," Sam said.  
"I know... I know," Steve replied sadly. 
Sam looked up at a tree on the other side of where they were, blinked several times, you were half-hidden behind the tree, waving you a hand.
 Wanda Marya y Pietro Django Maximoff
 Wanda and Pietro were training, Wanda moved obstacles with her powers while her twin dodged them.  
"You're doing great," you congratulated them. 
"Y/N...”  
They approached skeptically, they weren't sure what they were seeing, and they didn't even care if it was a hallucination.  
"But...”  
"Aren't you happy to see me?" you asked.  
You stirred their hair, they were dumbfounded, and they didn't know what to say or do.
"You should stop feeling like you did something wrong when you joined HYDRA. 
"How do you know?" Pietro questioned.  
"Pietro... I know everything.”  
The twins saw each other, they had never told him anything about what they thought about what they had done.  
"They told you a lie, but when you found out what was going on you decided to do the right thing, didn't you?" you went on. 
The twins nodded.  
“Y/N...”
Wanda couldn't take it anymore and fell up to you to hug you, Pietro imitated her.  
"I've missed you so much," Wanda confessed.
"Me too, but you know I can't stay.”  
You separated from them.  
"Please, stay with us,” Wanda begged. 
 "We need you," Pietro supported.  
You were already gone.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve was taking a shower when he heard the bathroom door open, he didn't pay attention, and he still felt angry with himself.  
You went into the bathroom, took off your clothes, you walked in with him, you hugged him in the back, he turned around. 
"Y/N..."  
You put a finger on his lips. 
"Shh, I don't want to talk, you know what I want."  
Steve kissed you fiercely as he touched you while the water was falling.
 Natasha Alianovna Romanoff
 Natasha peeked out the window, blinking several times, you shouldn't be there, and she immediately ran out to where you were.  
You kept swinging without being undeterred by the presence of your friend.
“Hi, Nat” you greeting.
“How is…?”
“You should talk with Banner,” you said.  
"I beg your pardon?"  
"You still love him."  
"Y/N, but you..."
"Nat, I just want you to be happy, I can assure you that you've paid for everything you've done in the past, it's time to start over," you said.  
"Y/N... But... is just..."  
"Nothing Nat, I promise you everything will be fine."  
"Steve..."  
"I know.” 
Nat heard footsteps close and turned to see who was approaching.
“Are you okay?” Clint asked her.
Nat turned to where you were... but there was no one on the swing anymore, it just moved slightly as if someone had just come down.
“Yeah…is just…”
 Steven Grant Rogers
 You handed the documents over to Cameron, you joked a little bit and then he left, Steve saw everything, got discouraged, but he had to get the doubt out of his head.  
"Agent Y/L/N,” he called you.  
"Captain.” 
"Your boyfriend?" Steve asked referring to Klein.  
"Hmm? Oh... Cameron... no, no, no, we're just friends," you answered.
"Friends?" repeated Steve unconcern convinced.  
"If we've known each other since the Academy and we're friends.”  
Steve exhaled more calmly, maybe he should be encouraged to ask you out.  
"Do you have anything to do on Saturday?" he questioned.  
"No, I don't think so.” 
He impulsively kissed you.  
"You already have plans then... with me, " he sentenced before he left.  
You just stood there smiling like a fool.  
Natasha had told him he had to be bolder if he wanted you to go out with him, so that's what he did.
 Samuel “Sam” Thomas Wilson
 You knocked on the back door of Sam's house kitchen, he was preparing his breakfast, he went to see who he was, suddenly he felt the air was missing, it was not possible what he saw.  
"Y/N, but you..."  
"I'm here Sam."  
"Y/N, I need explanations because..."  
"There's no time for that, Wilson, I need you to do me a favor, I need your help," you interrupted him.  
"What is it about? If you're in danger...”  
"Take care of Steve for me, I know he doesn't want to accept what happened, but I don't want him to do anything stupid," you asked.  
"What do you mean Y/N?" he asked across his arms.  
"Just promise me, Steve needs the support of all of you."  
"Sure, just explain to me what happened..." 
He looked up, there was no one in front of him.
“Y/N?”
 Steven Grant Rogers
 "You took a long time to get back" complained when you saw him walk into the room you shared.  
Steve was startled, he was supposed to be alone, but there you were in front of him, lying and naked in the bed you used to share.  
"Are you going to stand there watching me all night?" you asked.  
He came slowly, put a hand on your face, wondered if you were real, and kissed you.
 Anthony “Tony” Edward Stark  
Tony was designing armor for Pepper, they had decided to postpone the wedding one year after what happened, it was so unforeseen, and no one was over it yet.  
"I'd ask FRIDAY to announce me, but I'm sure you'd think it's a joke," you said. 
Tony turned around, what was going on was implausible.  
“I forgive you for being a moron with all of us,” you said.  
"Thank you?"  
"I know you have thousands of questions, but I won't answer them even if you do them, so abstained yourself," you continued.  
"Everything's been gone wrong since you left..."  
"No Tony, everything went wrong since the Accords, forgive Bucky," you ordered.  
"But he..."
"He killed your parents under HYDRA’s orders, not because he wanted to do it, all that he did was because he was under their control, all that things still cause him nightmares and a lot of regrets, anyway, shouldn't you be mad at your father and Peggy? They were the ones who hired Zola in S.H.I.E.L.D.; Zola was the one who created the Winter Soldier," you explained.  
Tony saw you quietly for a few minutes processing your words. 
"If you want to have a quiet life you could do it, but first, you must forgive and apologize, Tony."  
"I should have done something else, we should all have..." 
"It was my decision."  
"Could you come back? You are the heart of the team..."  
You smiled and left the lab without saying a word.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 You saw your little dog approaching you while he wagged his tail.  
"What are you wearing on your dog collar?" you asked when you saw something weird.  
Your dog sat in front of you and when you checked it, you saw the engagement ring.  
Behind Steve, he was watching everything, realizing that you already had the ring in your hand, he peeked out.  
"And what is your answer?" questioned nervously.  
"Of course I accept to marry my little boy," you replied jokingly as you took the dog in your arms.  
Steve's face was a mixture of emotions, it couldn't be said if he was bewildered, wanting to laugh or something else. 
"Would you marry me, doll?" he asked.  
You approached him and you were going to kiss him when the dog got between the two of us, laughed. 
"Of course I want to marry you, Steve," you answered.
 James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes
 Bucky dared not leave the room, he feared he would meet Tony and that He would start a fight; however, his cell phone rang.  
 "Hello, Buck."  
"Y/N..." 
"Can I see you?"  
 You gave him the directions, a few minutes later he arrived at the agreed place.  
"It's not a trap, is it?" he questioned.  
"No Bucky, HYDRA is gone, I promise you.”
"Sorry, I..."  
"Stop blaming yourself for what you were forced to do, you've done the right thing to redeem yourself," you said.  
"I'm not sure..."  
"Believe me, I just need you to take care of Steve for me, okay, like before the war, I know it's hard..."  
"We can't without you..."  
"You must continue without me, there is no other way,” you sentenced.  
"Y/N" he called you.  
"Yes?"  
"Thank you for taking care of Steve, while... You know... I wasn't there," Bucky thanked.  
You smiled.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve was training, it was the fifth punching bag he broke.  
"You should stop this habit of breaking punching bags, Stevie," you said.  
"Doll..."  
"I've always liked to see you train, it's so... Hmm, I have no words to describe it.”
He didn't say anything, he just took your hand. 
"Don't go, please,” he pleaded.  
"I love you, Stevie."
 Thor Odinson
 Thor had in his hands the little teddy bear you had taken from one of the UFO catcher machines, he looked up when he felt a presence in the place.  
"Lady Y/N.” 
“Hi, Beach-boy" you welcome.   
“What...?” 
“I think on this planet, somewhere you could create New Asgard with the survivors, do you like the idea?" you proposed. 
Before Thor could answer, you were already gone
 Steven Grant Rogers
 The nerves invaded Steve and increased every minute, what if a last-minute mission came up and ruined everything if everything was ruined, would you still want to marry him? 
His doubts vanished when he saw you walking down the aisle, fortunately, there was no inconvenience. 
"You're the most beautiful bride in the world,” he whispered to you as you danced the waltz
 Scott Edward Harris Lang y Hope van Dyne
 "Giant-man" 
"Y/N," Scott said surprised.  
"Who are you?" Hope asked. 
"Do you remember Cap?" Scott asked.  
Hope nodded.  
"Well, she's his girlfriend."  
"I’m his wife actually, you must be Hope, Scott told us about you," you corrected.
"Well, this doesn't make sense..."  
They knew what had happened.  
"Nothing has it, maybe you should talk to Steve, and I think there's room in The Avengers."  
Both of them were confused, when Scott was going to ask you what you meant, there was no one else was with them.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve woke up when he heard a noise in the kitchen, he had fallen asleep in the lounge sofa, and he went to see what was going on.  
"Y/N?"  
"Did I wake you? I'm sorry, I can't find my chocolates," you apologized.  
Steve turned to see the clock on the kitchen wall. 
"It's two in the morning..."  
"It's never too late for one," you joked. 
He smiled, always his little jokes were funny, and he loved to see you smile and heard your laughter; he approached the cupboard and pulled the box out of the highest shelf.  
"Do you want to see a movie?" he proposed.
 Clinton “Clint” Francis Barton
 "I keep insisting that it's not safe to have arrows in a house with children," you said.
Clint dropped the bow to the floor, it supposed he was alone, Laura was taking care of their children.  
"Maybe you should go visit the guys, Steve will probably need paternity advice; Nat and the twins miss you so much," you continue.  
"Y/N...”  
"Several times I envied that you had such a beautiful family, sometimes things don't go as you expect," you said.  
Clint looked down at the bow without understanding, when he looked up to ask you something, there was no one.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 He was nervous, it was still supposed to be two weeks before your baby was born, but you'd woke up with contractions.   
"Steve, calm down now, you're not helping me at all," you asked with a grimace of pain. 
"But it was two weeks away...”  
"WELL, THE BABY WANTS TO GET OUT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO!” 
"Don't yell doll, we're in a hospital... Auch...” 
You squeezed his hand very tightly when you felt another contraction.  
You had no idea how many hours or minutes had passed, but eventually, the little girl was born. 
"It's so small," Steve said as he carried her.  
"Steve give it to me, I have to feed her," you asked
 Robert Bruce Banner
 "You've never been afraid that one of your experiments will go wrong?" you asked.
“Y/N…”
Bruce watched you for a few seconds.  
"There must be some logical explanation," he said.  
"That doesn't matter, get out of this damn lab and talk to Nat, one of you has to take the first step," you ordered him.  
"She hates me," he said.  
"She doesn't hate you, I had to put up with her talking about you, I don't know how many years, most of the time she described how she wanted to kill you."
"But the other..."  
"She doesn't care, she loves you the way you are, then do it or I'll hit you so hard that it's going to scare the other guy," you threatened. 
"Okay, I just have to turn this off," he said.  
Bruce turned to the team he was working with and then flipped to where you were.
“Y/N?”
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve heard Sarah crying, in last weeks he had not felt able to be close to her daughter, Natasha had cared for her at the time, but right now she did not know where the spy was. 
He approached the girl's crib and loaded her to try to reassure her.  
"Shh, calm down little girl, I know you miss Mom, so do I."  
Suddenly the girl calmed down unexpectedly and stretched out her little hand. 
"Mommy" she babbled.  
Steve turned strange, there you were, you approached them and you took your daughter.  
"You put her plushies wrong, she likes to have her stuffed animal on the left, but you put Cap's stuffed one in that place that goes to the right" you explained.
 Maria Hill, Nicholas “Nick” Joseph Fury, and Phillip “Phil” J. Coulson
 "Haven't they decide what they're going to do yet?" Fury asked Maria.  
Maria left the phone on the table before answering. 
"No, no one has dared to talk about the situation," Hill confirmed.  
"Maybe if we tell them there's an option..." 
Whatever they want to try isn't going to work," you said.  
"Y/N?!" the three exclaimed surprised in unison. 
"Guide them, they feel completely lost, they don't want to continue with the proposal," you asked.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Steve took all the pictures of you and the drawings of you he did, there were too many, he’d give anything for you to come back. 
"I wish you'd never left..."  
Someone knocked on the door, he was hoping it would be you, he needed you, he opened the door and his face showed complete disappointment.  
"Stark wants to talk to everyone, he needs us in the boardroom," Nat told him. 
"Okay," he said, trying to hide things.  
"Are you okay, Steve?"  
"Yes, in a moment I go, I only put in order a few things,” he answered.  
"You're a bad liar."   
"In a moment I will go,” he said again.
 Peter Benjamin Parker
 "Queens Spider-Boy" he greeted.  
"Miss Rogers.”  
"Y/N, just call me Y/N.”  
Peter carved his eyes, maybe he was hallucinating, and there was no way that was possible.  
"I would never think that Tony did it right when he involved you in something that was only to adults, but you should go visit him, he feels a little or maybe very lost," you said.  
"With who are you talking to Peter?" May asked. 
"With...”  
He turned to ask you with his eyes if I should reveal your presence, but you were gone.  
"... Nobody.”
 Steven Grant Rogers
 Thanos had finally arrived in Wakanda, Wanda was trying to destroy Vision's gem, just as Thanos came up to her feeling it.  
You assumed what he was going to do, with your powers you immobilized him. 
"Don't you dare,” you warned.  
He was too strong, but you weren't going to give up so easily, you managed to take away two of the stones -the time and reality stones- as soon as you had them in your possession, you opened a portal to go somewhere else and destroy them.
You concentrated as much as you could, it was difficult, but if Wanda had been able, you could too, all you needed was that Thanos didn't find you, you hadn't left Wakanda, but if in the next few minutes you couldn't destroy them, you'd open another portal to go somewhere else to buy more time.   
"Y/N, status,” Steve required.  
"I've got two, I'll try to destroy them," you reported.  
"Where are you?" he questioned.  
"Just deal with him," you asked.  
You had finally succeeded, those two stones had been destroyed, without all three, you were sure That Thanos could not fulfill his goal, you rose with difficulty, you were exhausted, to destroy them you had needed more powers and energy than you thought.
As soon as you turned around you felt a bump, Thanos had found you.  
"They no longer exist... I destroyed them," you mocked.  
"How you dare?"   
Suddenly you felt a sharp pain in your entrails, the metallic taste in your mouth appeared.  
"No!" Steve yelled.  
He pounded on the enemy to get you off your back, at that moment Thor appeared where you were.  
"Go with her," he told Steve.  
Steve came up to you, the blood kept flowing, he didn't know how to stop the blood, but he had to do something.  
"S-Steve..."  
"Shh, its okay, doll, don't try hard," he asked. 
"I think... take care of Sarah, okay, I love you..."  
Your eyes were heavy, slowly closed. 
 "No... Y/N... no, wake up doll, please..."
 James Rupert “Rhodey” Rhodes
 “Rhodes” you called him.
He stood still, did not know what to do, perhaps he had heard wrong, but no, your voice had been very clear, slowly turned. 
"I made a mistake in signing the Accords..."  
"It’s okay, you thought you were doing the right thing..."  
"I thought the government would know what to do, like acting the right way. But when Thanos..."  
"Okay, now just try to reunite everyone," you asked.
 Steven Grant Rogers
 His mobile phone rang, desperately Steve caught up with him to answer him as quickly as possible.
 “Doll, we need you.”
“Stevie, you know I can’t go back.”
“I haven’t been the same since you left me.”
“Sarah need you.”
"She needs you, she wants her mom back..."  
"You're a good father Stevie, you'll do well, I didn't mean for that to go wrong either, but you know I did it for her."  
"Please come back."
“Stevie.”
“Doll.”
“Please don’t forget me and all the things we did”
"Stevie, you know, this is a very beautiful place" you commented. 
"I want to be with you."  
"No, you must be with our daughter, you know, I met your mom, she's a lovely woman."  
"What?"
 He wasn't sure what he'd heard, those words only saw one of his greatest fears, now he had no choice but to accept what had happened in the battle.
 “I have to go.”
"No, don't go, please, " he pleaded.  
"Tell Sarah about me."  
"I love you too much, never forget it."
 You hung up, you knew time was up, you smiled, at least you'd been given a chance to say goodbye.  
Steve dropped to his knees crying, give anything for you to come back, though he would tell Sarah about you.
 Everyone
 On the board all the tension went away, they had already decided what to do, all the roughness had been filed, and from now on they would be a team.  
They decided to go visit Y/N's tomb, they put the flowers on it. 
 "She wanted us to continue," Nat said.  
"I found this," Steve commented, showing a note. 
"Me too," Wanda replied.  
They all got the same note, none had no idea who had written it or exactly what it meant.
 Thank you for what you did, I hope you liked the gift.
W.
 "Are you sure it was the best?" asked Ulana.  
"They deserved a gift for saving the universe and she had not been able to say goodbye to everyone she loves," Uatu replied.  
"You're right."  
Now they could get on with their lives.
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Text
Trial  Chapter 15
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Almost a month had gone by since Ben had left, Rey was almost sure that he was done with the camps and that she was safe, so he could come back but... this time it was him who wasn't safe.
Rey  had went to Naboo and back a million times already, or that was what she felt like.
The senators, kings and queens decided that it was a good place to gather and almost everyday they'll have meetings with Rey, trying to convince her to rule the galaxy, giving her advice, telling her what they needed from her and every day she felt worst and worst, with a big burden on her shoulders.
"You've already saved the galaxy, you can sure rule it" Ben had said to her the other night, while she complained about not being fit for the job.
Ben...
She still couldn't convince them to not put Ben to trial, and it scared her to death. What if all that was left was for her and Ben was to only see each other in secret, through their force bonds? only for minutes but not able to spend time together... or walk hand in hand... or talk for more than some minutes...
They wanted to negociate with her, and she had that to discuss too.
"Rey! look at this, John and I did it" Leda came running to where Rey was sitting near the  fire. A young boy followed Leda and gave Rey a shy smile.
"Wow, this is amazing kids. Who taught you?" Rey admired the little drone standing between them, it's body was like a box and it had two wheels, it didn't do much but it was pretty.
"Kaydel helped us a little" John said.
"She taught you well, in no time you'll be able to build bigger droids or ships, or anything" she encouraged the kids.
"Thanks Rey" Leda said and hugged her. It always took Rey by surprise when the kid hugged her,  but she did it almost every day. She smiled warmly and pathed her back.
"If I don't have to go tomorrow then I'll help you get some parts to improve the droid okay?"
"Great!" the kids ran away with the drone following behind and Rey sighed.
"Oh no, go away" If Rey was mad with Poe before, she was even more now, that almost every time he got near her was to tell her about meetings she had to attend to.
"I can't keep apologyzing forever Rey" he said raising his hands and slowly sitting beside her.
"What now?" she hugged herself  and turned just enough to see Poe.
"Ben said he'll come back soon, he has visited all the camps" Poe was playing with his hands.
"When did he tell you that? are you serious? Oh god... but... didn't he requested another ship to take some kids here just two days ago?"
"He sent a message earlier, saying that the ship from the other day would come back before him, full of kids and that today he'll make an effort to come back."
Why hadn't he told Rey anything about that?...
"In that case that is fantastic, one of the few good things you have said to me" She aswered and turned her back.
"Rey..." Poe's voice was pleading behind her.
"Come on, I miss my friend" he  said. Rey rested her chin on her knees. A friend... she hadn't had many friends before she joined the resistance.
She had to be very careful who she talked to, who saw her, what she found... she had been so alone for such a long time.
"I'm sorry" she said after a while.
"And why are you sorry? I'm the one who's sorry" Poe said.
"I got mad at you for too long... and you've apologized enough" she said turning to him.
"I guess I'll be mad if you've done the same too." He admited making them both laugh.
"Come on, dinners on me" He said standing up and offering his hand, Rey stood up alone and rolled her eyes, but she laughed and walked with him.
The next day a ship  full of kids arrived on the base just as Ben had promised, and Rey had to go to Naboo, just as expected.
For some reason they had requested for her to stay  for three days this time.
She wondered if maybe when she got back to the camp Ben would be here.
Meanwhile Finn, Poe, D-O and BB-8 joined her on her trip to Naboo, on their way to the palace she catched a glimpse of the lake house and closed her eyes, remembring how good she had felt the last time she was there.
It felt like years ago, when in fact there had  been only months.
"I'm going to accept, on one condition"  Rey said causing everyone to get excited.
"And what would that  be?" Queen Zorya questioned. All the  eyes were on Rey.
She closed her right hand into a fist and stood up, holding it behind her back and then placing both hands on the table, taking a moment to look at everyone while she spoke.
"I've come everytime you've requested me, I have waited and learned, patiently hearing all your ideas and plans, and... I will accept to rule, for a year or two at least IF Ben Solo is forgiven and not judged" she sentenced.
Her words made some people mad, and soon the comments clashed with each other filling the room with noise.
"Silence!" A king from one of the outher rim planets demanded.
"Shall we vote on this? I belive that Rey's words are true... and that she wil continue to listen to us while we rule... so we can all consider what she's asking for us" Queen Zorya said.
"Almost all of you have accepted former troopers to join your societies, some of you didn't even judge them, and those people are the same. Ben... he's not Kylo Ren, all I'm asking for... is a chance for him to proove it, to live. Because if you judge him... you won't have mercy, and I know it, and you'll lose me as a ruler." She declared. She was leaning a little too much on the fact that they wanted her to rule and hoped that they wouldn't just give up on her and search for him.
"Give us some time to deliver, then we'll vote. And you have to sign, that in case that we go with your petition you'll rule, following our... suggestions." One of the senators said.
Rey was too excited to even think of his words, she only thought about the fact  that they'll probably aprove it.
"I'll do it" she said.
"Someone will go and look for you when we're ready" he said, and Finn, Rey and Poe went outside.
"I... don't feel like they have such good intentions Rey, no offense but, don't you think it's weird that they insist so much in you ruling?" Finn said.
"I think they just know how powerful she is" Poe shrugged. Politics were not his thing.
"Or they're trying to use you" he said.
"How would they use me?" Rey asked.
"I don't know, your image? I bet there's no one in the galaxy who doesn't know who you are"
"As long as they actually plan on doing something good for the galaxy... I guess it's fine" she shrugged. Politics weren't her thing either.
Finn sighed.
"I don't know... I think there's something else going on. You shouldn't just accept like that."
"It's not forever and... it may spare Ben" she let out a deep breath she was holding.
"You... don't even want to do this Rey" Finn said and stopped walking. Rey stopped too and stood with her hands on her hips, Poe being the last one to realize what was going on.
"I don't... but I want to help Ben, and I do want to help the people... maybe having their help won't be so bad." she said but she knew it wouldn't be enough for him.
"When did all your decisition started being all about Ben?" he complained.
"I mean, really, don't get me wrong I kind of like the guy now but... he's only brought problems Rey... even before he was Ben Solo" the way he said Ben's name, like mocking him made Rey angry and for a second her hand went to the hilt of her saber.
"Okay, stop. Come on, you're all probably hungry. Why don't we all go for breakfast and wait for their decisition... we can talk and relax" Poe said standing between them.
Rey was going to argue that Finn was the one trying to fight and asking for problems when she felt a familiar warmth in her heart, all her senses shouted her to look around and a grin spread through her face.
"He's here" she  said.  The boys didn't understand riht away what she was talking about and it was only after a ship was near them and landed that they  got it.
"Rey!" Finn called for her when she ran away.
"Just let her be" Poe said putting his arm around his shoulders.
"Rey" Ben greeted her getting out, noticing her standing in the distance.
In a second she was hugging him tight.
"Hi" she said and her voice was a little muffled by his shirt.
"Hey" he answered hugging her tighter and lifting her up for a second.
Her happiness didn't last long because she qickly realized that he was in danger.
"Ben as much as I like that you're here, you should go back to the base. They're deciding if they are or not going to put you on trial" she said taking his arms and looking him in the eyes.
"It's okay, for what you've told me I don't think they'll do anything to upset you. They're set on you ruling" he said rubbing her shoulders and then sliding his hands all the way down to her hands.
"I've missed you" he said. Rey grinned, maybe he was right and maybe they were going to make this small sacrifice for her.
"After they vote we could go to the lake house if you want" she offered.
"It may be good for a day or two" he agreed with a little side smile.
They were walking towards Finn and Poe when they heard the steps of many people walking towards them.
"What the hell?" Rey murmured and in a second she and Ben positioned back to back, their sabers in hand ready  to take whatever was coming.
"Hands up, Ben Solo! you must surrender and come with us" A man said, the leader. They were all soldiers coming ot of the palace. Soon they were all around them, and Rey  heard Poe calling out for them.
"Don't come near, the senators, kings and queens said they'll discuss it and vote, adn they'll get back to me!" Rey warned.
"The desition has been made, and the answer is no. Now! take the prisoner!" the man ordered and the soldier walker closer to them.
Rey spoon her saber on her hand, ready to fight the soldiers when suddenly Ben stood in front her.
"What are yo doing?!"
"This won't help. Rey, it's better if I go with them" He had already put his saber away.
"What are you talking about? no!" she  didn't pt the saber away and shook Ben's arm with her free hand, trying to push the soldiers away with the force.
"Rey. Stop" he whispered.
"But-" she didn't understand... this-  he- had they set her a trap? But how could they know that Ben was coming?.
"Hands up!" Someone yelled pushing Ben to kneel.
He did as they said and Rey complained, shouting threaths here and there.
"It's okay. It's okay Rey" Ben said to her again and again.
"Don't you dare touch him!" she followed the soldier as they took Ben inside the palace.
"Stop there" other guards told her and blocked her way. She was mad and confused, and didn't even think about convincing them to move away.
Instead she made a quick desition and headed to the room she was before, and where the traitors across the galazy were probably sitting right now.
"You lied to me!" she yelled, storming into the room and kicking the doors open.
"Why?!" this question was followed by the yellow light of her saber.
"Rey, we had to do it. The votes for no won, and with the word that he was already here. We couldn't let the opportunity pass." A man said.
Queen Zorya avoided to look at her, in shame, because she had voted for Ben to be forgiven and had lost, and couldn't do anything when the soldiers went after him.
"Release him. I swear I won't rule or do anything unless you let him go!"
"Oh, but Rey. You will rule anyways" another man said.
"I won't, I won't and you can't make me. You've never answered me why you need me so bad, but soon you won't have me at all!"
"Do you want to go on trial too Rey?"
"What? for what?!" she  kept pointing her saber at many people in the room, not being able to choose just one person to attack.
"We know you're a palpatine. Do you think anyone, and I mean anyone would want you alive after they know that?"
(Yeah, I know. Hate the Palpatine desition and I'm going to change it in the other book but, for know, she's a Palpatine guys.)
"So what? It's just a name, that I've never taken."
"It doesn't matter if you've taken it or not, it is enough for people to hate you"
"Well and then what? I don't think you'll do thata fter you've put so much effort on convincing me to rule." she wouldn't give up.
"The consequences this could have would be even worst than whatever happens to Ren" the man from earlier said, and Rey imagined herself slicing him with her saber for a minute. She hated being threatened, she hated being lied to and she hated the fact that he called Ben, Ren.
"Then put me to trial, I don't care. Come on!"
"Guards!" a woman yelled and they came running and tackling Rey on the ground. They tied her hand behind her back and made her stand up. They were all pointing blasters at her and someone gagged her.
"Keep and eye on her always, and I mean always, also don't let her talk, or she'll convince you to let her go" After that they all retired and queen Zorya gave her a last regretful look.
This was the worst time for the queen to be a pacifist.
Rey supposed that Finn and Poe had also been stopped and locked away somewhere as they never went to get her, and hours had passed with the soldier surrounding her.
Then a man came and let the guards know that it was time to take her outside.
She stomped on the guards feet as much as she could all the way out and thought of a million ways to get rid of them, taking Ben and leaving.
She noticed the improviced makeshift stage and the crowd around it. Some guards pointed at Ben, who was kneeled and with his hands on his back as the  people yelled at him. The kings, queens and senators were on a line in front of all the people.
The man who called him Ren climbed up and talked loud to be heard, and Rey noticed that someone was recording him, probably to show this to the rest of the galaxy.
Rey kicked a few guards when she  noticed that one had pushed Ben to the ground and pressed against his back with his boot.
But they restrained her again and dragged her closer to the stage.
"Everyone who has traveled across the galaxy to come here and testify justice, please be welcome." Some people chanted. "We're here to judge Kylo  Ren for his actions as former Supreme Leader and his service to the First Order and Palpatine!" The crowd really went loud when he mentioned the name Palpatine and Rey swallowed hard, suddenly scared of what people would do to her if they found out.
"Kill him!" she heard some of the people scream.
"Stop!"  she tried yelling but the gag on her mouth wouldn't let her talk.
The guards lift him off the ground abruptly, and carelessly plling his hair. Ben tried not to react at all to not give them any more satisfaction.
"Sorry" he tried saying to Rey, more like whispering to her, in hopes that maybe he could get them straight to her mind.
He didn't actually planned for things to go like that or end up like this. He had thought about letting them to put him on trial, as he went base to base searching for whoever wanted to harm Rey, but he never imagined that they'll get him so easy.
He had seen earlier how they dragged Rey out and wished with all his heart that she didn't have to witness whatever they planned on doing to him.
He could almost hear her complaining again, why wasn't he fighting back? when they could easy kill all the guards. It was  a fact, but if they did... no one in the galaxy would look at them the same, or at least Rey and they'll never be in peace.
"We have voted and found him guilty on all the crimes mentioned before" Ben came back to reality and payed attention to what the man directing the "trial" was saying.
"Kill! kill! kill!" the crowd said again and again. Wasn't people in Naboo supossed to be smart and peaceful? he silently complained.
Then he looked around and noticed that the queen wasn't with everyone else, and remembered that many people had come just to see how he would end.
"Silence, silence everyone. It would only be fit, for Kylo Ren to pay for his crimes, with his life. And what would be more ironic than using his own weapon?!" the people cheared and a guard gave him Ben's saber.
"It's going to be too easy!" A man on the crowd yelled.
"No, no. Nothing like that, our guard will take his time injuring Kylo Ren, until we give him the final blow and cut his head off!" he screamed joining the crowd's euphoria.
To this Rey's heart altered, beating faster and feeling like every part of her body brned with anger. Once agan she kicked many guards off her and try running away just be caught again.
"Now, we begin!" The man said turning on Ben's saber and walking towards him.
Rey shook and grunted rying to get off, as Ben fought not to close his eyes and stay put as the man approached him.
Without words he slid the saber lightly against Ben's leg. He was serious when he said he would take his time torturing him until he killed him.
On the third cut Rey had had enough and maybe no one noticed but the sky started turning grey, darkening, forming the storm that'll give Rey the lightning she calling for.
Ben was sweating and had finally let a grunt out when the saber went trough the soft skin neck, very softly.
his head fell forward and a guard lift it up by his hair.
"Stop!!!" Rey had managed to take the gag off, slightly and in that moment she made a fist and lightning stroke all the guards around her.
"Ben!"
she called out running and somehow keeping her balance with her hands tied behind her.
"Rey! wait" Queen Zorya came out of somewhere, with a knife on her hand and Rey was ready to shoot more lightings at her.
"I'm going to help!" the queen said putting her hands up and alternating her gaze between her and Ben.
She approached Rey and cut the ties with the knife.
"I have a plan, but don't use your powers anymore"
"I'll decide that when I know about your plan!" she spat at her.
The queen made a signal to someone and soon many guards made a barrier between the crowd and the stage, and the other kings and queens and the stage. The man torturing Ben was so focused on his pain that he didn't notice until queen Zorya got up and shouted.
"Now!"
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spyvstailor · 5 years
Text
As A Thanks
So, since you all were generous in helping me with rent. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID!
Here’s my end of the bargain. Chapter Three of Graveyard Dirt & Salt.
Don’t forget to follow me on my Ko-Fi and hey, just because we reached my goal, doesn’t mean you still can’t help a struggling author out by kicking a few funds her way over at my PayPal.
Chapter Three
There was a parable Father Jeffords told one Sunday in her childhood that she always remembered in times of doubt or worry.
It went like this.
A woman was beginning to worry that her husband didn't love her anymore. So she went to her church and confessed this to the priest.
'Does he still offer you support and encouragement in times of dire need?' The priest had asked.
'No,' she confessed.
'Does he hit you or make you believe that he in unfaithful?'
'No.'
'Does he sleep in another bed at night?'
'No.'
'Could you imagine your life without him?'
This question struck the woman. Could she? For a moment, she gave pause and thought about it.
'Yes.' She answered.
'Close your eyes,' the priest said. 'And imagine you're walking through a secluded wooded path. Are you alone?'
'No.' She admitted.
'Is it your husband at your side?'
'Yes.'
'So when you're alone, you feel him at your side?' The priest asked.
'Yes.'
'But you believe that this isn't love?'
'I want him at my side here and now,' she insisted. 'I don't want to have to imagine him in my head.'
'But I didn't tell you to imagine he was there, I just asked if you were alone. You put him there at your side, because he brings you comfort and companionship. Love isn't grand gestures and embraces, it's as natural as breathing. Close your eyes and allow yourself to just feel without thinking. Doubt comes with too much thought.'
When Sister Evelyn Marie and the others didn't return the day they had gone to the farmer's market, when Sister Agnes and Mr. Carruthers their handyman didn't come back after they went out to fetch them, Philomena began to worry.
It just so happened that as she decided to set out on foot the next morning to find them, that one of the abominations had been right outside the gate waiting.
If it wasn't for that thing, she would have succumbed to the same fate as the others.
Philomena recalled just standing there, staring at the ugly thing as it gawped back at her hungrily, the gate between the two of them, she had stood there for hours looking at it in disbelief, before Sister Mary Agnes came out to find her.
Guilt weighed on her heavily for allowing Sister Agnes and Mr. Carruthers to go. She knew that she would never forgive herself for that.
That was the day doubt began to creep into her mind.
Try as she might. As hard as she could, she could not tamp down that feeling.
But it remained, and the more she tried, the bigger the doubt became.
When she began to duck out during Sunday mass to kill the abominations that came when the bell was rung, was when she knew her faith was faltering.
If this was the end, the rapture. If all good souls were to be removed to heaven, then why were they left behind? Was this a test? Was it just chaos? Where was God among the dead that walked around their walls?
To the others, she was still a staunch leader of faith. God was everywhere, if anyone asked her. They were simply in the midst of their hardest trials and tribulations and would be rewarded in heaven for their duty.
But with every day that passed, she began to worry. They needed their well water tested come spring, who would do that? They needed clean water to live on.
Were there more milk cows out there should anything happen to theirs?
How long could flour last before it succumbed to wheat midge and mildew?
What would happen if one of the nuns needed a doctor? Sister Mary Claire had medical training as a nurse, but that was the best they had.
What did she do? What did she do?
She prayed.
Every night she prayed until it was practically mad begging and pleading. God if you love us, you must raise us up and out of hell on earth. Please, send me a sign. Send me something.
When it seemed like God wasn't listening, she began praying to every saint she could think of.
Saint Jude, Patron of hopeless causes, please hear me?
Saint Agricola, Andrew, Adrian, she worked her way down the list, but nothing. Not a sign, not a burning bush in sight. Her people, her nuns were lost in the desert.
Every day it was hard work as usual and more doubt.
The dead still came and went, she still climbed onto the wall every Sunday in jeans and an old blouse, to strike down at the dead with her stick, to pierce their heads and put them down.
The stink, the horror, it stuck with her, it tainted her and changed her. Warped her until she felt she was no more than one of them. Shuffling around blindly. Eating and sleeping, only to wake and eat and sleep some more.
When that man appeared on the wall, living and smiling easily, she was horrified that the dead had finally come for them. And they were getting better and better looking.
But he proved he wasn't much of a threat.
She was still wary.
It was like, seeing a man, living and breathing and capable of speech, it flipped something inside her on. She was a nun again, a normal woman with a duty to her faith.
He had to go.
As handsome as he was, as pleasant as he seemed. She had nuns here, they were her charge.
And that was when she realized, if God had left them here, then her trial was to lead these women, to keep them safe and as happy as they could be.
Maybe for a moment in the millions of minutes of her life, she had a purpose.
But then he came back, at least she suspected it was him leaving those silly little things on the wall where he first appeared at the back of the convent grounds, right behind the cloister's kitchen door.
It alarmed her for some odd reason, to think of him still hanging around, bringing them things like a cat leaving dead birds on their doorstop.
But when he showed up again, coming out of the woods as she was putting down the abominations that came calling to the sound of the mass bell ringing, she had a change of heart.
He had cleaned up some, shaved that backwoods beard he had, washed the grime and mud off his face, looked more like a man than a monster.
She knew he was still dangerous though, not in a bodily harm sort of way, but she had seen how a few of the younger nuns looked at him. They were still hot blooded women, and no amount of praying could chase away the feelings God gave women whenever a handsome man smiled their way.
And he was handsome. She had two eyes that worked just fine and they didn't miss the fine details God put into the man. Sure he was tall, dark, well muscled, with rangy limbs and broad shoulders, but there was more to him than just that. His eyes wavered between grey and blue so easily, she wasn't certain from one day to the next which colour they'd be. His face was both somehow boyish, but also patrician and villainous in a sort of brooding way. When he smiled the world around him seemed to light up, when he was at rest his face was grim and stern, eyebrows dramatic and dark, mouth firm.
But Lucifer was beautiful too and just as dangerous.
“We can't just keep shoving food out the backdoor at him like he's some stray,” Sister Mary Agnes finally said as they were scrubbing the cloister clean one morning, standing on the front steps sweeping as Philomena scrubbed the railing with a good stiff brush.
The older nuns were gathered there, a few of them plucking weeds from the shadowy side of the wall beside the steps.
“It's not Christian,” Sister Mary Monica pointed out.
“And you propose we bring him inside the cloister?” Philomena asked. “Give him a bed in a room beside ours?”
“I wouldn't mind,” Sister Thomas Aquinas declared loudly from where she was washing the north side windows. “I've survived the temptation of men for a good fifty years, I think I'll survive this one.”
“And what of the younger nuns?” Philomena asked, stopping her vigorous scrubbing to look at the older woman. “Do you suppose they could resist such a temptation?”
“He is awfully tempting,” Mary Monica said with a bright smile. “I almost got a little dizzy when he smiled at me yesterday.”
“Nothing more dangerous than a snake in the garden of Eden,” Mary Patrick declared firmly from where she was watering the flowerbed.
“Oh, charity and kindness cost nothing more than a smile,” Mary Monica said.
“I think he should be welcome into our flock wholly and without judgment,” Mary Elizabeth said, popping up from where she had been rounding the corner from the garden, her arms full of clippings and weeds to dump over behind the infirmary where in the fall they would be burnt. “He's come to us and offered to protect us and has asked for nothing but company. It's cruel to keep him out of our way.”
“He could be here to rape and kill us all,” Mary Patrick stated, her mouth tightening into a firm line.
“We shouldn't get carried away by wild dogs, Mary Patrick,” Mary Agnes said. “As far as I'm concerned, he's welcome around me. I would even go so far as to say I feel comfortable around him. He's a hopeless flirt, but he's goodhearted and lonesome.”
“We'll take a vote at lunch,” Philomena said finally. “And then decide what to do with him.”
“We should have taken a vote in the first place,” Mary Patrick stated.
There was a sort of eerie stillness to the countryside.
Even in the small town the Lieutenant approached. Normally there were the sounds of cars rushing by, driving on the streets, sometimes the far off laughter of children, a dog barking, birds singing.
There was nothing now. It was like the moments after an explosion, when you got caught too close to the action, when your ears were ringing, when around you was chaos and calamity, but you were in a vacuum of sorts.
He had been to the town before, it was one of his regular stops for supplies in the early days, though at this point he avoided it as best he could. Anyone could be driving through, moving on through the Georgian countryside. And at this point, he wasn't certain those left behind were friendly. Everyone was of the 'us or them' mentality at this stage in the breakdown of civilization.
But he would have a better chance finding a vehicle that would still start up, the odds were better in the town, so he moved with caution through the streets, eyes on the windows for signs of movement, both alive or dead.
Every nerve was on alert for a sound, for a movement, for a sign to get the fuck out of Dodge.
Ducking into a dust mote filled garage, he figured he might find a car and keys to match it in there, better than anywhere else.
What he found were two shufflers standing beside an Oldsmobile. Granny bronze, Sunday ready.
One, missing the lower half of her face, wagged her tongue helplessly at him, the other with her guts trailing behind her, stumbled towards him, tripping on her own intestines.
It didn't take much to put them down, he bashed them with the butt of his rifle and stepped onward, deeper into the garage.
Sorting through shit on the desk of the garage's back office, he tried to think of where they would put the keys to vehicles they were working on, when a change in the sunlight in the main area caught his attention.
It was subtle, like the light caught something that changed it only just a little.
Taking up his rifle, he quietly made his way back into the main garage bay to find a man in what looked like an expensive suit treading over the uggies the Lieutenant had dispensed of earlier.
The man didn't look like much of a threat, he was short and dressed like one of those fancy men from the city, which despite the grime and wear and tear to the suit, still stuck out in the middle of the end of days.
Was he alone?
Wandering if he should run and hide or reveal himself, show that he meant no harm and then head out on his way, the Lieutenant waited in the doorway of the office.
“You do this?” The man asked without turning around, his back still to the Lieutenant.
Glancing around, the Lieutenant realized he was caught, but the short man still didn't even offer him a look, eyes on the corpses, before he looked up and over his shoulder at him in the office doorway.
“Fucking nightmare, huh?” The short man went on.
Knowing how dangerous a man could be when he felt cornered, the Lieutenant remained in his doorway, hands on his rifle, ready for a fight.
Turning to face him, the short man huffed a deep sigh. “Look, I'm not looking to cause shit, I was trying to find some goddamned food. Thought there'd be a vending machine or something in here I could tip over.”
Normally the Lieutenant was the chatty man, but he didn't know this short fellow and he damned sure didn't trust him.
Narrowing his eyes, the short man came toe to toe with the Lieutenant, not at all scared of him. He opened his mouth to say something, when he sensed movement to their side, near the open bay door of the garage and turned his head.
Standing there were five deepwoods looking rednecks, rifles, ball caps, camouflaged, dirty and mean looking.
“You're in our town,” the leader said in that slow Georgian drawl they were known for, speaking around what sounded like a bunch of marbles in his mouth that the Lieutenant suspected was chaw.
Compared to them, the short, pretty boy in the black skinny suit looked like royalty, but he stared hard at the Lieutenant for a moment, before deigning to address the rednecks, turning his head.
“What?” He asked coolly.
The Lieutenant began to sense he was caught in the middle of some kind of situation he wanted nothing to do with and began to look for a way out if things went wrong. There was what looked like a backdoor through the office he decided he'd use if he had to.
“I said you're trespassing in our town, we don't like it.” The redneck leader drawled.
“We got a fee for trespassing, you have to pay it,” another man supplied with a slimy grin.
“The fuck you say?” Shorty demanded. There was a hint of a northern accent in his tone, something like New York or Boston maybe? The Lieutenant wasn't great with Yankee accents.
“Guns or your lives,” another redneck stated.
Reaching down the short man pulled a wicked looking custom trailing point knife from a strap near his fancy boots and held it up.
“I don't have a gun, but I got this. You want it?” The short man asked.
“What about you soldier boy?” A redneck asked.
“Hey, hey!” Shorty broke in roughly. “Do I look like some ten dollar whore you can bend over and rail after chowing down on a two dollar hot dog buffet? You were talking to me not him! Show some respect!”
The Lieutenant side eyed the man beside him. The short, Yankee voiced man with the thick, wavy chestnut hair, seemed ready to square up against the four rednecks who stood before them.
Flipping his knife in his hand, the man chuckled, “I mean, come on, guys. I know the world's gone to shit, but let's have some manners.”
Feeling a sort of chill creep up the back of his neck, the Lieutenant turned his head enough to spy the man licking the side of the knife, before grinning.
It was unnecessarily homoerotic, but he had a feeling that was the intention, it seemed to throw a few of the rednecks and they gathered themselves with an inhale and a scowl.
“I'm going to stab this fucking knife into your eye,” the man pointed the knife at a nearby redneck. “Before castrating you with it--”
The redneck nearest the Lieutenant pulled his trigger and hit the short man, sending him spinning backwards against the Oldsmobile, the Lieutenant took that chance to dive for cover behind the car, as the five men backed away, firing their guns into the gas station.
For an instant, just a short blink in time, before he reacted and hid for cover behind the Oldsmobile, the gunshots flashing brought to mind bodies, people falling, pleading, begging to live.
But they had kept firing, hadn't they?
“You don't fucking shoot your fucking rusted assed pieces of shit at me!” The short man hollered from where he had crawled to cover beside the Lieutenant, a bullet graze to his head. “I refuse to die by a .22!”
The Lieutenant wished the man would keep his distance, he didn't need anyone thinking he was with the yippy pup.
“Fuck!”
Shifting his rifle from hand to hand for a moment, he deliberated what to do, before deciding he did have a duty to protect the yippy pup. After all, in this situation, the man was the innocent party.
Despite claiming he had no gun, the short man whipped out a Springfield XDM from inside his suit jacket, and waited with zen-like patience for a pause in the shots, to reach up and fire back at the rednecks.
The Lieutenant peered around the edge of the car where they had scrambled and caught a few of the men get hit and fall.
“Fucking get blood all over my last good suit, you fucking cunts!” Short pup shouted, leaping out from behind the car and walking towards the remaining two rednecks, still firing his pistol. “Fuck you!”
Shocked into silence, the Lieutenant stood up from behind the car as the crazy little man finished off the second last rednecks with his pistol, before picking up a wrench from the nearby workbench to approach the last redneck who was clearly out of bullets and out of time to think of another weapon.
He watched as the short man bashed the shit out of the last man's skull, before throwing his wrench weapon away and huffing, “fuck,” under his breath.
Easing towards the backdoor he had spied earlier, the Lieutenant paused when he spied the man grab at his head wound, beyond him uggies who had heard the gunshots were ambling from the town, coming out of the woodwork, it seemed.
A snap decision had him returning to grab hold of the back of the man's suit.
“We gotta go,” he said quickly, dragging the little man with him out the back way. The short fellow cursing and swearing a blue streak the entire way.
Knowing the nature of the uggies, they would be distracted by the fresh meat and stop for a snack, so the Lieutenant knew they'd have some time to book it out of the town and back towards the convent.
“Let me go, fuck! Get off me, you goddamned fuck!” The short man argued, as they tore out of the town into the woods.
The Lieutenant released the man and he staggered, but stayed upright, holding his head.
“Come on, I'll patch you up and then you can get on your way,” the Lieutenant said as they ran together deeper into the woods.
“I'm fine, probably'll get tetanus, but I'm fine.”
“You're lucky them good ol' boys didn't Ned Beatty you,” the Lieutenant teased as they hurried North. They would circle wide around back to the convent, just in case the uggies were still after them.
The short man staggered and this time fell to his knees.
Stopping short, the Lieutenant approached him. “You alright?”
“Dizzy,” the man murmured, before dropping face first into the leaves of the forest floor.
The nuns were in a flurry when he dragged the short man's carcass back to the convent, a few of them were in a tizzy because he looked 'dangerous'. Sleeve tattoos and a nice suit apparently meant the man was trouble (though the Lieutenant had his concerns about that too), the others were in a panic because Sister Mary Monica was the only one with some medical training and even then it wasn't enough if the head wound proved serious.
Mother Mena was more unimpressed than angry or worried, but Mary Agnes reminded her about the virtues of charity and the woman made herself scarce in order for the others to coddle the wounded man.
The Lieutenant didn't go far, he didn't want the man waking up and terrorizing the nuns, but he also wanted to learn more about the man. What the hell was a well dressed man doing in the middle of the end of the world in small town Georgia scrounging for food?
The more he studied the passed out man, the more he realized the man didn't fit in at all with the Georgian countryside.
He dressed like one of them slick Las Vegas gangsters you'd see in films. Skinny suit, patterned silk shirt unbuttoned about three buttons too many, no tie in sight, silver rings on his fingers and fancy ankle boots that had been well polished and loved at one point.
Searching his pockets for weapons, produced a nice pair of knuckle dusters, a switchblade, a trailing point knife strapped to each leg, his handgun, a pack of playing cards, a pack of cigarettes, a nice silver lighter engraved BM, some loose bullets for his Springfield and a moneyclip with enough cash in it to choke a horse.
What he didn't find was any water or food, so he assumed while the man seemed capable with a gun, survival wasn't really for him.
Reaching into his pack, he pulled out some bottled water and a bag of trail mix for the man, he left them on the table beside the infirmary bed, before ducking out to get some fresh air and sunshine before the sun went down.
He loitered by the infirmary door, making sure no one went in and no one came out who didn't belong, protecting his nuns from the man, but also ensuring the man didn't wake up and just slink off into the night.
Popping a squat, he dropped his pack and pulled out his whetstone and knife to sharpen it.
He must have stayed there in that position, grinding his knife to a nub, when Mother Mena found him. She settled at his side like a lady, legs together, on the balls of her feet, hands on her knees.
“Are you alright?” She asked.
“Yeah,” he lied.
Gazing out at her well maintained convent grounds, Mena said, “I've only known you a few days, but I've never known you to be this quiet.”
“Aw, well, I just figured the nuns were getting sick of my jokes,” he said with a grin.
“Actually, it seems they like you a little too much. We voted ten to one, for you to join us for meals now.”
“In the cloister dining hall?” He asked.
“Yes.”
He smiled and leaned in to whisper, “were you the one vote against it?”
“I won't tell,” she said with a small grin. “But no. Not me.”
“I knew you liked me,” he teased.
She laughed softly. “I think you're good for us. But no more dragging back strays, please? We don't know this man.”
“I know,” he said. “I don't really trust him much, but I couldn't just leave him there.”
“The thing is,” she began cautiously, “with you and this new fellow, my Christian heart says be charitable, but my woman's intuition says be careful.”
“It's probably for the best if you listen to your intuition, there are dangerous sorts roaming wild these days.”
Mena was quiet, then said, “well, thank the Lord we have you. At the very least, my gut says you're a good sort.”
“I try,” he said, with a small tilt of his head, “but we all have our demons, don't we?”
Beside him Mena was quiet, before reaching out and touching a comforting hand to his forearm and asking, “did you rifle through his pockets?”
“You bet I did.”
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addie-bear · 5 years
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[ @addie-bear @chances-r-high @high-chancellor-raask and also staring a ton of people I’m too lazy to make blogs for ]
(( The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones. Because I have exactly zero self control. ))
“This emergency meeting of the Senate of the Galactic Alliance is now in session,” Senator Destiel announced from her place at the front of the large room. Addie observed that this was perhaps the largest meeting room she'd ever seen, minus anything she'd seen on the Glitter Massive. The Senators were seated along a large wooden table that curved around the room, vaguely resembling a horseshoe. Addie was placed in the middle at a small desk. She couldn't help but drum her fingers nervously. If she didn't know any better she would have thought that she was on trial.
“Today we are here to discuss possible candidates to replace High Chancellor Ra'ask, or Dwight Dwicky as we've come to truly know him,” Destiel continued. “We have compiled some options. And Miss Denivar the reason you are here, is to give a different perspective. Seeing as in the past we have failed quite spectacularly to listening to outside voices.” She seemed to eye a few people in the room in particular. Addie had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
“So, have you had a chance to look over the candidate files I sent you?”
Addie nearly snorted at the way the question was phrased. As soon as she'd found out what this meeting was to be about she'd thought long and hard about what she was going to say. She took a deep breath and stood up.
“I have, Senator. But...I don't think any of these people you've shown me are what the Galactic Alliance needs.”
“I beg your pardon,” Senator Wark snapped, turning to Destiel. “Destiel I told you this was a bad idea! She's still just some dumb kid.”
“She is a highly intelligent young woman who did what no one else in this room managed to accomplish,” Destiel said. “And the only reason you are angry is because you submitted your own name into that pile. Now sit down.”
Wark grumbled something under his breath in a language Addie didn't recognize, but she could tell just by the look he was giving her that he could be a problem. That was okay. Maybe if she could convince everyone else…
“As you were saying, Miss Denivar?” Destiel encouraged.
Addie cleared her throat. “What the Galactic Alliance needs is someone who truly knows the ins and outs of its government. I'm talking the good, the bad and the ugly. Dwicky had his hands deep in a lot of underground stuff and black market trading. Dirty deals left and right. But if you have someone who understands that world, that lived through it, then they will know how to best get the Galactic Alliance out of it and rebuild the integrity of the union.
“And it...probably wouldn't hurt if he had been originally trained for the job since birth. And actually cared about people.”
Destiel raised a brow. “I'm sorry but...are you talking about Chance Dwicky? Isn't he Dwight’ clone?”
“He is nothing like him, assure you. Starting with how he uses my last name these days.”
“...Didn't he kidnap you?”
“Yes, but kidnapping is just basic courtship tactics in my family,” she said, waving her hand in dismissal. When the room stared at her in a bit of horror, she coughed. “Sorry that was a...bad joke. Look, I'm not wrong. He knows the Galactic Alliance like the back of his hand. He probably knows its problems better than anyone alive. And how to fix them. Yeah, he's done some terrible things. I won't deny that. But it was under manipulation and abuse. He's...so much different than before. He's one of the most compassionate people I know. And well...everyone loves a good redemption story.”
The Senators exchanged looks amongst themselves. Well, all except for Wark, who was pouting like a petulant child. After several moments Destiel turned back to Addie.
“We will...consider it. Thank you, Miss Denivar.”
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“You did what?!”
“Look, I literally only thought about when they showed me the candidates,” Addie explained. “And let it be known I'm not exaggerating when I say they suck, Chance.”
“Addie. I literally can't do this,” Chance argued. “Like... literally cannot.”
“Yes. You can. I know you can. Chance I've seen you take charge of an operating room like you owned the place. I've seen how far you will go for people, and not just people you care about. People who are complete strangers to you.” She reached up and held his face in her hands. “The Galactic Alliance is torn to shreds. Who better to heal it than a doctor? And not just any doctor, someone who knows it better than anyone else every could, someone who's the protégé of Team Nebula's Chief Medical Officer and the Queen of Lazuroth? And you've already built relationships with some of the representatives! so there’s that!
Chance hesitated in his response. He shouldn't be so...floored that Addie had so much faith in him. But...he was. He felt his face heat up and his heart pick up speed. He reached up and took her hands in his. “It's not...that I don't want it. I just...never thought it was a possibility anymore. Like...there have been times where...a part of me wishes I'd went back just so I can over throw him myself but…” He looked into Addie's eyes. But you. But Iris. But everything and everyone I have now.
Addie smiled a little. “You can have it now, though. If you still want it. And you could actually do things the way you want them done.”
Chance took a shaky breath, but he nodded. His name wasn't Chance for nothing.
“They want to meet you tomorrow. Interview you, I guess.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “You're gonna be brilliant.” 
Chance smiled, leaning in kissing her forehead. “Speaking of...healing things,” he awkwardly segued. He pulled out a vial from his pocket. It looked eerily similar to the vial Harmonia had sent her, except the liquid looked more holographic. “I...took the liberty of developing this. The vial they gave you wasn't... immediately harmful, but after analyzing what was left in there, I realized it would...well once it wears off it's going to ruin all of your recovery. You'll be back in a wheelchair.”
Addie frowned a little. “Can't say I'm surprised. I figured there had to be a catch somewhere.”
Chance nodded. “This one though...it'll stop that from happening. You'll be fully recovered. Besides, you know, having to monitor you for seizures and such.”
“Fun,” Addie drawled, before her smile returned tenfold. “Thank you, love.” She took the vial from Chance, grinning broadly. “Almost symbolic, don't you think? Take something your asshole dad helped make and then make it better.”
Chance snorted. “Calm down, there, Songbird. I have to win first.” He took her hand as the kept walking along the path of the large solarium. “And I'm pretty sure the odds of that aren't in my favor.”
Chance won the election by a two-thirds vote.
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Dwicky grumbled when he heard movement outside. Usually that signaled yet another person coming to see him, and so far they'd all not been great visits. The last one had been his court assigned lawyer. Apparently even his own personal attorney had turned against him.
At least he was kept up to date on what was going on out there.
His cell door opened and he sat up from his spot on the floor. He couldn't help but cackle. “Well, well. Fancy seeing you here, Commander.”
Addie grinned a little. “It's Admiral now.”
Dwicky's brow furrowed. “Admiral?”
“Yep. Admiral and Master of Arms to the new High Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance.” She smirked. “You should probably be careful of the people you call failure.”
Dwicky just cackled. “What a pretty little ending for you. To the victor goes the spoils, am I right?” She scoffed. “I suppose you do win this round.”
“This round?” Addie asked. She probably shouldn't be rubbing things in his face. That wasn't why she was here. But...it really was far too tempting. “This is curtains for you, I'm afraid. They even gave me permission to use Cynder to execute you.” She folded her arms. “You're done.”
“Do you really think I'll be the last one?” Dwicky asked. “The late monster you'll ever have to take on. The final boss if you will?” He cackled. “Must be nice, believing you're the hero in this story.”
Addie narrowed her eyes. “You certainly aren't.”
“No, you see, you're not understanding, Admiral,” said Dwicky. “How many titles do you have now? Princess of Lazuroth? Admiral and Master of Arms? Phoenix of Justice is the newest one I've heard. Should we slap on Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons on there, as well?”
“I mean, if you must,” Addie told him. “Do you have a point?”
“My point, little bird, is precisely what I tried to tell you before. You think you're so good. Justice incarnate. The savior of the multiverse. But let's take a moment, here. Your mother is the Queen of Lazuroth. Your father the head of the most well known neutral negotiations group in the universe. Your uncle is the Tallest the largest and most stable Irken Empire there is. And now you have one mate the head of the Galactic Alliance and, knowing you, you won't rest until the other is seated on his rightful throne.” He gave her a sickening smirk. “And then there was your display. How you showed the entire multiverse how you'll answer injustice with justice and take down the tyrants with Fire and Blood. Forgive me for continuing the Targaryen theme, here.”
Addie simply stared at him. He was really going hard with the Game of Thrones references, wasn't he? “Are you saying I'm going to meet with a dreadful fate?”
Dwicky's smirk became much more disturbing, a madness in his eyes. “What I'm saying, little bird, is some people are going to watch that broadcast, and maybe they'll see a beacon of light that will come swooping in and free them from the monsters that have them in chains. But others?” He snickered. “They'll take one look at that footage and see nothing more than a threat to everything they hold dear.”
Addie couldn't help it. She snorted before laughing softly. “Oh, Dwight you ignorant slut,” she told him. Her gaze was fierce as she stepped toward him, leaning down to get right in his face. “You say that like that's not exactly what I'm counting on. Because if they're afraid of me, then everything they hold dear is everything I hate. I was born to topple corrupt empires and take down evil megalomaniacs. And you're right about one thing. You won't be the last.”
There was moment of silence as Addie's words hung in the air. She kept her gaze intense, a ferocious glare full of disdain.
Dwicky glared right back, gritting his teeth. They'd taken his metal arm while he was unconscious. Though there was plenty of temptation of strike her, he knew that he stood no chance against her right now. Which was fine. Let her believe she won. He would find a way out of this if it killed him.
Addie finally backed away, standing up straight. There was nothing more to say. This was over.
Except…
“Good luck at your trial tomorrow, Dwight,” Addie told him as she turned around the exit the cell. “Not that it will save you. I'm sure you and my uncle's father will be great friends in hell.”
And with that, she left.
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fylauraharrier · 6 years
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What’s most striking about Laura Harrier when she stands to shake my hand in Soho House, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, is her delicacy. She’s slender as a tulip, in high-waisted baggy jeans and a black silk camisole. Her make-up and jewellery are barely-there — gossamer golden threads around her neck and fingers. What makes her gentle vibe all the more remarkable is that, just the night before, I was sitting in a dark screening room spellbound by her fierce, gripping performance in BlacKkKlansman. Directed by Spike Lee and co-starring Adam Driver and John David Washington (Denzel’s son), it’s based on the true story of two cops infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Harrier, 28, plays Patrice, a student leader in the Black Power movement and a force for political awakening for the other characters. Patrice’s look is anything but demure, with her halo-like afro and leather jackets. In particular, Harrier says of the afro wig she wears throughout, it made her hold herself differently: “I felt royal.” She pauses a beat and laughs: “It hit doorways. Sometimes it got skewed.”
She was on holiday in Greece with friends last year, lying on a beach on a “random Tuesday”, glass of rosé in hand, when an unfamiliar number popped up on her phone. She answered. “‘Laura, this is Spike Lee. Vacation’s over. See you in New York on Thursday,’” she says, doing a not completely terrible impersonation of the director. She scrambled off the island and met Lee for an unorthodox audition that included sitting in on his film-making class at New York University, participating in the class discussion, and making a nearly hour-long video. “At one point I got really mad at him and I walked out of the room and slammed the door. I came back expecting him to be, like, ‘And, scene.’ But no. He was still going. I was, like, ‘We’re still acting. OK, cool. When will this end?’ ” She was offered the role the next day and, without reading a script or even knowing much about her character, Harrier jumped at the opportunity, thinking, “I’ll do whatever, it’s Spike!”
The film won the Grand Prix award at Cannes in May, and Harrier and her castmates were given a six-minute standing ovation after the screening. As if a meaty role in the latest Spike Lee film wasn’t a cool enough credential, Harrier has also scooped up contracts with Bulgari and Louis Vuitton, for which she is a brand ambassador. She met Vuitton’s creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, after a catwalk show a year and a half ago and they “hit it off and clicked”. He featured her in his SS18 campaign, wearing a futuristic take on an 18th-century-style brocade jacket. For Cannes, Ghesquière made her a peach dream of a gown. “It was so beautiful,” she swoons. “I cried when I tried it on for the first time, like it was my wedding dress.”
Harrier spent her formative years in what is perhaps America’s quintessential picket-fence suburb: Evanston, Illinois, the area where John Hughes set Sixteen Candles and his other romcoms about middle-class (and mostly white) teenage angst. Harrier’s father works in insurance and her mother is a speech therapist. Her mother is white — a fact that she says people often find “weird” now, but was a non-issue growing up. “My parents never talked about it,” she says, as she tucks into a veggie burger and fries. “There were no big heart-to-hearts.”
To prepare for her role in BlacKkKlansman, Harrier met Kathleen Cleaver, one of the most famous female leaders of the Black Panther Party, and spent time talking to her own father, whose ancestors were slaves, about the racism he faced growing up on Chicago’s South Side and then going to a boarding school in Michigan where he was the only black student. The movement, he told her, taught him to celebrate and embrace his blackness — a message Harrier finds as relevant to her now as it was to her father back then.
“I’m not surprised that racism still exists in our country,” she sighs. “I think people were comfortable during the Obama years and these things were kind of suppressed, and now everyone who has hateful views has the encouragement to make them known. But also it’s [about] trying to be hopeful and not feel like we’re all in despair.”
Harrier is vocal about activism on her Instagram feed, regularly posting in support of trans rights, anti-gun rallies and gender equality. We are meeting during Donald Trump’s visit to London. “The blimp was hilarious,” she says of the inflatable balloon depicting the president in a nappy.
There is, also, the glamorous stream of fancy coiffures and modelling shots across her social media that she admits is part of her job. “My Instagram isn’t me, it’s a very curated version of things,” she says. “I don’t post myself with zits and cramps and rolling out of bed.” She applauds friends who are more open, but is wary herself. “I think people use it to stalk people,” she says. And she’s tired of the sexual harassment that all women face “across the board” online: “It makes me mad. It’s so gross. I’m, like, ‘I don’t want to see your dick pic.’ ” Though the It girls she poses with — Zendaya, Bella Hadid, Sophie Turner — are her real friends, social media can never convey her real life, she says, which mostly involves being “really f****** busy, honestly”.
She recently moved from New York to Los Angeles, “for work and to escape the winter and some life stuff”, but says she has barely been home. Life stuff? “Just personal bullshit,” she says, waving her hand. A boy? “Yeah,” she admits, with a rueful laugh. “I don’t want to talk about that. Sorry.”
Harrier had been living in Manhattan since leaving home to study art history at NYU. She dropped out to model and eventually enrolled in a two-year acting programme. Success came swiftly: before she had even graduated, she was cast by the 12 Years a Slave director, Steve McQueen, in a pilot for HBO (sadly, the show was never picked up). The career-making role of Peter Parker’s high-school sweetheart in Spider-man Homecoming quickly followed.
The fantasy aspect of fashion has always interested Harrier, even before she began, as she puts it, professionally “playing make-believe”. In fact, she was voted best dressed in high school — although she’s not willing to vouch for her teenage sense of style. “I remember wearing a lot of boots — like, high boots,” she says, pointing to a spot above her knee, “which is such a weird, awful trend.” Her style icons at the time were the women of 1990s black sitcoms: Hilary in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Denise, played by Lisa Bonet, on The Cosby Show. “Those were the people on TV that looked like me, so it was what I identified with. Also they were beautiful and looked really cool,” she says.
Back to BlacKkKlansman. She has no fear about what the reaction to the film might be among white supremacists and fans of Trump, for whom the movie has a pointed message in its coda. “I hope [there’s blowback],” she says, “because that means they saw it and are paying attention. It starts a dialogue. Spike is really taking on Trump.”
However, BlacKkKlansman isn’t just an American story, she says. She’s spent the past few years travelling around Europe and Asia and sees the issues of racism and xenophobia as universal. “How do people treat Muslims? How do people treat immigrants? It’s not just about black and white. We’re seeing the rise of right-wing movements around the world,” she says. “So I think and I hope that people all over the world will see it and identify with it. This is everywhere.”
BlacKkKlansman is out on August 24
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EPISODE 3: We’re in the Upside-Down but I’m happy to be Here - Jinx
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ok soooo I did not stick to my own plan but it's fine we're gonna be ok Ep 3: I Will Not Beg You to Play Well https://voca.ro/198BUGITWV41
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I will die for jinx and jones
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I was gonna record another video, but I currently look like a greasy sewer rat and Jarod has been asking me to make a confessional, so I decided to just write out my thoughts.  I think Jarod wants me to dive more into my thoughts regarding pirate’s counsel, so I will start with that.   From my experience, first boots are almost always the easy vote. It’s hard to really build enough trust with people to truly convince them to keep the more unknown person over a person they have SOME level of trust with. When it came to my crew, I was the obvious first vote out. This became especially abundantly clear when I heard that Roxy had already announced to the blue crew that I was fucked.  I already had the idol so I knew I had a safety net in place, but who wants to use their idol on the first vote??? I immediately tried bonding with people - especially those that I had some level of connection to. My first person I tried to connect with was Autumn.  We had a mutual with Jinx, so I thought we could potentially connect and work together. I know that everyone is connected to Jinx though, so I wasn’t sure how strong that mutual was.  We had a call, which I thought went really well. We bonded over law, and she seemed keen on working together. Besides Autumn, I didn’t feel like I was successfully making connections. I felt like I needed to make a change and that’s when I decided chaos is a ladder. I took a new approach from trying to have light hearted good conversations, to messaging everyone more aggressively about why Roxy said I was fucked. This is when I really started to bond with Cindi.  She didn’t know Roxy has said that, and felt a bit excluded from her trio and the crew I think. We really bonded and she shared that she had an extra vote and an idol, and I shared I had an idol. When I realized that the others were not going to be willing to flip, I realized I would need to use the idol, and I needed to figure out the best person to cut moving forward and how to do damage control for post tribal. I was worried about all the AllStar players, so knew that Caeb would be safe and I would take out one of them. I still hoped I could work with autumn in the future, and obviously loved Cindi, so I knew it was between Eve or Andrew. After learning about connections, I felt that Eve was the most connected, from Allstars and playing with Caeb, so I felt if they left, I would have the best chance of integrating myself. I also spoke the least with Eve, so it was a win win for me. Cindi also agreed, which was really important to me.  Andrew was feeding Cindi info and could prove an asset.  I did feel it was really important that everyone knew Eve was my target.  I made sure to campaign all day so people felt I was nervous and wouldn’t have an advantage, so the plan would work.  I also wanted people to not feel too betrayed after tribal, since they all knew I was pushing Eve. The next thing we needed to decide was whether or not Cindi voted with me or not. I didn’t care, since I was playing the idol. In the end, Cindi opted to vote against me to try to keep the relationship with Andrew. I think they still think im on an island by myself, when Cindi and I are extremely tight now. Moving forward, I honestly don’t know if I’ve gained much more social capital on my crew. I think im ~okay~ with everyone, but I think im still at the bottom. But, I have an extra vote that Cindi gave me, so I have some level of security going forward. I really hope our two trios work together going forward. Luckily I’m good at challenges.  We have won the past two challenges so have some level of safety.  My goal for the rest of the game is for my trio and Cindi’s trio to make merge, and then we can really do some damage.  I know Kai and Bohdi also have bonded well.  Hopefully we just keep winning and I get a good swap scenario. I’m guessing we swap to two tribes at 14.  I still feel like an underdog, but with a certain level of tenacity, anything is possible.
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My tribe is going to its first tribal and I am terrified. I have no clue what to expect or how this will go. I trust in jinx and henry that the vote is on Pippa, its sad but I need to stay. My two trio members are not going to perish in vain so I will slay anyone who stands in my way. 
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Thankfully we're safe but you still gotta worry about your trio members ur never free from the anxiety
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Hello, this is a mandatory confessional. Im currently getting my tarot for the game being read by Jinx and whew its a lot for me right now. Im really intruiged by all this and i feel like its so deep and impactful but right now im feeling a tad overwhelmed. Right now all signs are pointing to me to me breaking the chains of my past and make top 9, but also maybe get out immidiatly at 9. According to the cards the biggest obstacle in my path to success is me and im gonna really take that to heart this game
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Sappho going to council… DISGUSTING!! Basically I’m the vote but Andrew got a power to let me leave council and be safe ❤️ So I shall be using that !! Jinx and I had a good talk and I’m hoping we are okay bc I genuinely wanna work with them. BUTTT jinx is a legend I am constantly weary of. So I shall see y’all in round 4 but will I survive past that?? I smell a swap 
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It was pretty gutting seeing Kai able to go to the bay instead of Jordan, who actually campaigned to keep her. Hell, I thought I also had a decent relationship with her after encouraging her to attempt the puzzle. Hopefully Kai actually found a disadvantage like he said, but there’s no way to tell because it “won’t be revealed until its applicable.” Never in my LIFE have I seen a disadvantage worded like that. Something to keep an eye on. Coulee was unfortunately voted out by our team last round and I think it was a squandered opportunity to take out a power player. With one of the most egregious mistakes I have ever seen in an ORG, Coulee being voted out makes sense in terms of keeping the team strong. I really think there’s other reasons though. Bodhi and Mo shutting down the chance to take out someone as skilled at the game as Kai is a little concerning. I have to assume that Mo and Bodhi are at least closer to Kai than they are to Jordan and I. Bodhi specifically I’m skeptical of after they told me there were no other names tossed around…when Jordan definitely had a convo with him about voting Kai. I really trusted Bodhi before this but now I have to be cautious around them to. Also, I had a short conversation with Mo about potentially switching the vote up. I didn’t outright say it, just hinted at it by saying “maybe we should stick to how el farto voted.” I was hoping that reminding them that Caeleb has technically already voted against 101 would get them to consider switching their vote but they didn’t bite. Maybe I should have done more here, but I would be risking myself becoming the next target on this team. I’m thrilled we won the letter number challenge because things aren’t looking good for me on my team. Joyita going to council would have meant Jordan or I probably going home. Unfortunately though, we found out pippa is getting votes which isn’t much better! We do have our safety without power advantage, so Pippa isn’t actually going home, but we did have to figure out who we’re telling. Jordan was nice enough to tip me off about her getting votes after I asked, so I decided to tell him about Pippa’s power. I think him telling Jinx this information would allow them to stay in control of the vote and further solidifies our two trios working together. Though in the moment on call with Jordan, I’m not sure I was delivering it with the most conviction. I’ve never been in a situation quite like this before and I think he noticed I was wavering about telling him or not. Is he gonna put it together that I found this item under his nose and didn’t tell him, or is he even going to care. IDK!! My wheels were turning and though I was a little clumsy with my words, I told him about the advantage so he could tip off Jinx. I followed it up with reassuring him that it was in our best interests for our two teams to work together and that he was my number one. I’m definitely going to have to do some damage control because he’s going to realize I held back information from him, but I think I was still able to get across that keeping him and his trio safe are my top priority. Can’t wait to see how that goes :’)
Also this game makes me tire. Or maybe I need to eat more vegetables. Who knows.
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kickflipped
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IVE BEEN UNPACKING ALL DAY AHHHHH
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I’ve been looking for my cat so I can’t like do a conf love you hosts 
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So me jinx and Jabari are going strong! Just talked to jinx today I feel so tight with her we’re like inseparable. I’m sitting between three trios: Kai Sarah me Bodhi Cindi me Jinx Jabari me All of whom I don’t want to betray sooo it’s gonna be tough. I’ll probably end up being loyal to Kai and Sarah, as both the other duos want to work with my trio. So yeah! We originally wanted Roxy out for this tribal and she had told me she was coming after Sarah and Bodhi to my face and I was like 😳 girl you know I’m working with them at least lie. But uhm it’s become abundantly clear that Pippa is not pulling her weight in challenges so that was the move. However right before tribal we caught wind of Pippa advantage where she could leave tribal and be safe, but lose her vote. We decide to pivot the vote to Jones: and she goes home. However jinx told Roxy to vote for me 🙄 whatever. Uhm I’m not mad but it’s still like something to think about. But yeah! So Jones goes home, and I move on to the next cycle :>
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https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1128476152
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Likeness - Bucky x Reader One-shot
A/N: I don’t know what the hell happened here. Apparently my new coping mechanism for anxiety is writing Bucky Barnes fanfiction. Anyways this story took like 18 different directions while I was writing it. I mad delete this in the light of day but for now I hope you enjoy it. 
Title: Likeness 
Summary: Reader is an empath/can remove emotions from people but can’t make them feel things. She and Bucky grow close due to them being insomniacs/night owls together. Sam and reader are best friends (glossed over) and he encourages her to come to movie night with the team. Nat knows you have a thing for Bucky and for Sebastian Stan because you’ve been watching the movie the Covenant (2006) on repeat. So she picks that movie and you have no poker face. Anyways, hope you enjoy. 
Rating: T 
Warnings: vague mentions of dark emotions (nothing too specific), gets a little heated at the end (nothing too serious), i kinda dump on the Covenant (but in all reality I am a sucker for that movie and everyone in it) 
Disclaimer: I own nothing. 
Word count: 2,465
 Your ability to remove emotional energy was what got you an invitation to the Avengers initiative.
At first you kept to yourself, overwhelmed by the high emotions in the tower. Bucky was the same way when he first returned from Wakanda. The two of you often bumped into each other at odd hours of the day and night. You usually respected each other’s space, just offering a nod of acknowledgment or a mumbled hello. Over time, you began to wait for one another late at night. On good nights you would retire to your room or his and watch movies or listen to music or talk until you fell asleep.
But some nights when the nightmares flooded his sleep and you found him gripping the kitchen counter, you would sit to his left and place your hand gently on his metal arm, siphoning the anxious energy that radiated off of him. Despite the anxiety and sorrow that sometimes rolled off of him, you enjoyed being with Bucky. He grounded you, at least when he wasn’t giving your stomach butterflies.
Sam was a totally different story. He immediately took a liking to you and did everything he could to get you to hang out with him. Most of the time, you were okay one on one. Sam had a lightness to him despite everything he had seen. You slowly became inseparable. After months of him plying you with your favorite foods and movies, you agreed to come down for a team movie night.
When you arrived, Sam was already situated in the recliner with a big bowl of popcorn. There was another sitting on the coffee table, and the popcorn machine was still hard at work.
“You finally made it,” he grinned, tossing you a beer from the cooler beside him.  
“Hey, Sam. Thanks. So what are we watching tonight?”
“It’s Widow’s turn to pick.”
Right on cue, Natasha walked in with Steve and Clint. Wanda and Pietro followed directly behind. Steve grinned at you and you felt your stomach flutter. Anyone who said that Captain America’s smile didn’t make them swoon was a damn liar. But it was nothing compared to what you felt when Bucky cracked a smile, even if it wasn’t directed towards you.
“I’m glad you came, Y/N,” Steve said, patting the spot next to him on the couch.
Feeling more at ease, you smiled genuinely. “Me too.”
“So, Nat, what did you pick?” Wanda asked curiously.
“It’s this random B grade movie I found online one day. I haven’t seen it, but the reviews were pretty good.”
“What’s it called?”
“The Covenant.”
You tried to hold back the nervous giggle that escaped you, but you couldn’t help it. It bubbled past your lips and you ducked your head, mortified.
“Something you want to share with the class, y/n?” Sam asked in a lilting voice.
You glared at him.
“Nope, nothing at all. What’s the movie about, Nat?” You tried to sound casual but knew you were failing.
“Why don’t you tell me?” Nat challenged clearly enjoying herself. “You’ve clearly seen it.”
“It’s about these four guys who have magic powers and a fifth one who wants their power.”
“Is it any good?” Wanda asked, intrigued by the premise.
“It’s okay. I’ve only seen it once or twice,” you couldn’t hold back another embarrassed giggle as you lied.
“Riiight,” Sam drew out the word.
He wasn’t the only one who didn’t believe you, and you buried your head in your arms, occasionally letting out a giggle.
“Why does y/n sound like she’s a fourteen year old girl talking about her first crush?” Tony asked as he walked in with Bruce and Bucky.
Vision followed through the wall to her right.
“Miss y/l/n’s heart rate is elevated and her body is flushed. She seems to be experiencing both embarrassment and infatuation.”
“Vis, not helpful,” Wanda said sharply.
“My apologies,” the android remarked taking a seat next to Wanda.
You threw her a grateful smile anyways.
Sam and Nat seemed to put together what your reactions meant at the same time.
“Which one of them is it, y/n?” Sam asked, sitting up in the recliner.
You felt the couch dip next to you and looked over to Bucky who was watching everyone, but especially you in confusion.
“Which one of whom is what?” he asked.
“Which one of the four guys in the movie was y/n’s first crush?”
“None of them,” you answered honestly.
“Which one of the four guys in the movie is the reason you’ve seen it fifty-two times?” Nat asked pointedly.
It was only then that you realized that the battered DVD case she had brought down was yours. Nat had probably heard it playing on repeat in your room. Busted.
“Why don’t we just start the movie?” Cap suggested firmly.
You shot him a grateful smile and he rubbed soothing circles into your back. You thought you heard a low vibration from beside you, but decided to ignore it. Pulling on Steve’s calm, you focused on not giving yourself away.
Nat obliged and popped the DVD in and hit the lights.
The opening credits played and you really hoped no one else would notice which avenger one of the actors oh so closely resembled.
Your hope lasted all of four minutes. Surprisingly, it was Cap who realized it first. Well not so surprising in retrospect. He choked on his beer when Chase Collins came onto the screen.
“You okay, Cap?” you asked hitting him on the back a little more forcefully than necessary.
“I’m fine. Just went down the wrong pipe.”
Once everyone turned back to the movie, Cap looked at you with wide eyes, arching an eyebrow curiously. You sent him a pleading look that was met with an understanding nod and a mischievous smile.
You pulled your knees up to your chest and wrapped your arms tightly around them, leaning your head on your forearms. You still didn’t feel small enough to avoid scrutiny. Steve lounged gracefully next to you, arm outstretched along the back of the couch. Bucky on the other hand sat with his elbows resting on his knees, watching intently.
Occasionally, the other team members would sneak a peek at you to gauge your reaction, but lucky for you never when he was on screen. An hour into the movie, Steve tugged you closer and wrapped an arm around your waist as he whispered in your ear.
You barely contained a squeak in surprise at his comment. Bucky was the only one who noticed the sound and turned, teasing smile in place, but it faded when he saw Steve’s hand on your waist. You felt the tension build in him next to you. Instinctively, you moved away from Steve towards Bucky, sliding your hand into his metal one and pulling away the feelings that plagued him. You could also feel Steve’s triumphant gloating beside you, but did your best to tune it out.
Bucky looked at you confused but content. You looked back at the television at the exact wrong moment. Chase was waiting by the pool to race, shirtless and you gulped audibly. Bucky turned to you with a shit eating grin, finally putting it together. He glanced at Steve who nodded, amused. You started to pull away, but he held your hand tighter.
Just before the movie ended, Bucky let go of your hand, stretching widely as the lights came on.
“That was actually not that bad,” Sam admitted, eyeing you.
“So, shall we vote on which of the four gets y/n’s motor running?” Tony teased.
Rolling your eyes, you unfurled yourself.
“All those in favor of the main tall brooding but sensitive archetype?”
Bruce and Vision raised their hands.
“All those in favor of the immediately adjacent, surprisingly even more brooding, but macho sidekick?”
Tony, Clint, and Pietro raised their hands.
“All those in favor of the sneaky, brooding, not as bad as he wants to be supporting character?”
No votes for that one, and you actually chuckled.
“And finally all those in favor of the generically attractive, only there so there could be four main guys supporting character?”
Sam raised his hand, surprised to be the only one.
“Oh come on,” Tony pouted, “You guys have to vote,” he whined at Natasha, Wanda, Steve, and Bucky.
“But you didn’t say our choice,” Natasha explained calmly.
You shot her and Wanda a betrayed look. Wanda just shrugged.
“Who? The blonde chick? I didn’t know you swung that way, y/n.”
“I was actually talking about the real bad boy.”
“That little dork on a power trip?” Tony asked in disbelief.
“Yup. All those in favor?”
You groaned as the four holdouts raised their hands.
“They were right? Really, y/n?” Sam asked incredulously.
All of them were smirking at each other.
“What do you all know that we don’t?” Clint asked Nat.
“F.R.I.D.A.Y., give me a profile on the actor who played Chase Collins in the Covenant,” Tony ordered the A.I.
“Of course, boss. Chase Collins was played by actor Sebastian Stan. Known for his role in the TV shows Gossip Girl and Once Upon a Time. He was most recently in the news for being mistaken for…”
Sometimes you didn’t think the A.I. knew boundaries, but when she stopped reporting you realized you had been wrong.
“Mistaken for who, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?” Tony pressed.
“Bucky Barnes,” the A.I. reported.
You could almost sense the remorse in its tone.
“So that’s it,” Tony finally got it. “You’ve got a thing for the Winter Soldier.”
“And so what if I do?” You challenged, hoping your bravado would throw them off.
Luckily it did, mostly.
“Well, that would be okay,” Tony continued. “But I would be very curious about how the winter soldier feels.”
You felt panic, but you weren’t sure if it was yours or Bucky’s. You glanced over at Bucky who was glaring at Stark. You considered running away, but decided to stand your ground. Steve whether he knew it or not was lending you strength.
“How I feel about y/n, is between me and her,” Bucky stated sharply. “So butt out.”
Tony for once had the common sense to shut up.
“Well this is awkward,” Sam muttered a few moments later, “Movie night over.”
The team quickly disbanded after that. Bucky was the first to leave followed quickly by Steve. You stayed behind to clean up, despite Tony telling you his robot would do it. Once the room was back in order, you heaved a trash bag over your shoulder and headed for the trash shoot.
Still calming down about having your crush outed in front of everyone, you went to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate. You most definitely were not expecting to find Bucky there with a steaming mug waiting for you.
“Hey, y/n,” he cracked that smile that made your knees go weak.
“Hey, Bucky.”
“I thought you could use some hot chocolate.”
You couldn’t help but smile, settling onto the stool next to him.
“Thank you. I was just coming to make a mug.”
He let you sip your drink in comfortable silence, keeping his own mug of tea in hand.
“So, you must think this Sebastian Stan guy is pretty hot considering how much of a giggling mess you were earlier.”
His tone was light, teasing, and you decided to go with it rather than get upset.
“What can I say? The smile, the body, swoon.”
You swore you heard him mutter something about being buffer than him.
“What was that?”
“So the smile? That’s what does it for you?” He was no longer teasing. You felt sadness and uncertainty wash over him.
Throwing caution to the wind you decide on the truth.
“Yeah. Sebastian Stan’s smile reminds me of yours. That’s why I like him so much.”
Whatever the super soldier had been prepared to hear, it wasn’t that. His eyes flew open and he stared at you.
“So you like him because he reminds you of me?” he asked to clarify.
“Well, yeah. What did you think?”
Scratching the back of his neck nervously, he chuckled.
“Well, I kind of thought that you liked me because I reminded you of him… I know I don’t smile much.”
You couldn’t help but laugh, but you stopped short when you saw his face. Turning so you could fully face him you took both of his hands in yours.
“Bucky, I like you. And yes, I love your smile. But I know right now that it takes a lot for that smile to come out, but that just  makes it even more special to me. Every time I see you smile, everything around me feels lighter. And even when you aren’t smiling, being around you grounds me.”
               “I feel the same way. I know sometimes you have to use your powers on me, but most of the time I feel better the second I’m with you. And I love your smile.”
               He gently kissed one hand and then the other.
               “And the way you blush.”
               He leaned in closer, and suddenly you knew the butterflies weren’t just yours. He stopped millimeters away from your mouth.
               “May I?” he whispered.
               “Yes.”
               He closed the distance and for the first time you were kissing Bucky Barnes, and nothing else mattered. When he pulled back, there was a flood of emotions, both yours and his and it was enough to make you light headed. Noticing you swaying, Bucky swept you off the stool and carried you to the couch, settling you so your head was in his lap.
               “I guess I haven’t lost my touch,” He commented with a smirk.
               “Swoon,” you snarked back, though the effect was ruined by your panting.
               Bucky smiled down at you, brighter than you’d ever seen and the buzzing, thrumming cacophony in your soul quieted. He stroked your hair gently as you stared up at him. You noticed when a flicker of curiosity passed over his gaze.
               “What?”
               “What did Steve say to you earlier?”
               You laughed a little, but still blushed embarrassedly.
               “He said that I had good taste in guys, but he didn’t think you’d cut your hair that short any time soon.”
               “Do you want me to cut my hair, y/n?”
               “I don’t think so. It be a lot harder to do this…” You grinned, sitting up and tangling your hands in his dark hair and tugging his mouth closer.
               You stopped a hair’s breadth away from his lips.
               “May I?”
               “Anytime you want,” he whispered, before closing the distance. His hands settling in on your hips.
               As his lips moved to your neck and you tugged on his hair, you made a mental note to never let him cut hair shorter than this.
A/N: So there you go, anxiety induced ramblings. Hope it was good for someone. Thanks for reading! 
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chessdaze · 4 years
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Three Wishes Institute - a TWST fanschool
I’ve been posting ALOT about three wishes character wise but I wanted to do a bit of a lore dump on the school itself, and then maybe make some separate posts for things like the dorm environments, uniforms, clubs, etc.
First off, as a concept, Three Wishes is a fanschool for twisted wonderland that involves characters that are considered ‘side’ or ‘background’ or even ‘comic relief’ characters from disney franchises. Right now I only have 6 dorms, and characters range from being on both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides of a story.
Here’s the lore rundown for the main school itself and a brief summary on the dorms and characters I will be designing for them. Under readmore cause this is HELLA long and I don’t want to make people scroll for forever:
The overall story of Three Wishes:
The Headmistress and Master, Amelia Bell and Reed Dearly (based on Anita and Roger from 101 dalmatians), only recently got the school property. Before them, the school was known to be really rundown, a failure, and pretty much on the verge of closing. While it was a school for magic, it was like all the magic was zapped out of the school itself. It was filled with delinquents and very few students who actually cared. Most dropped out if anything.
Amelia was a teacher at the school for a little over a year and the only teacher that students really respected and bothered showing up to class for. She hated seeing the school in the state it was in and tried pleading with the headmistress of the school to try and change things - however was constantly told it was too late and that the school would be closing. It did, and Amelia had to look for jobs elsewhere. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that she could have done more and found herself drawn back to the crumbling school on more than one occasion. She decided to sneak in one day to see if she could find a hint of anything from the old headmistress - who had disappeared without a trace - to see if she could get in contact with her. This wasn’t her idea of course, but her (boyfriend at the time) Reed’s.
Eventually they did track down the headmistress and found her terribly ill. Amelia insisted that the two of them care for her, despite all that the headmistress had done to shun Amelia beforehand. They did, and during that time Amelia explained the hopes she had previously had for the school - she said how she wanted a school that anyone could feel welcome to apply, and not have some special ceremony for acceptance (like the carriages for NRC). She believed people could be equals and that as a magical community they should all help one another. The old headmistress was moved by Amelia’s words and when she back to health she revealed herself to be a powerful sorceress (the enchantress from Beauty and the Beast). She explained she had been looking for a worthy successor for the school and her magic but didn’t find Amelia fitting at the time, but saw the kindness in Amelia’s heart and offered her the deed to the school and the surrounding grounds. She wanted to see what Amelia would do with the school and was interested if she could really bring a community together like she explained. Then, she disappeared.
Amelia and Reed worked to renovate the school, taking nearly 2 years on the project. Amelia comes from a wealthy family, but even then funds were not endless, so a lot of fundraising was done to also raise awareness for the reopening school. At first there wasn’t much interest but it slowly got more and more traction. With donations and family money, they were able to complete the school. The two of them also got engaged during this time. Even with them rebuilding the mainschool and doing some maintenance on the dorms themselves, there are some secrets that even the two of them are still learning, as the sorceress took off before giving them the full details on the school itself.
The school’s aim is to not only teach its students magic, but the foundation of being a good person, being helpful and selfless. The school holds a lot of community and fundraising events, and there is even a mandatory volunteering class where students have to spend a certain amount of hours volunteering for a local community service. This school hopes to bridge the gap between the elite and average magic users, showing that deep down everyone is human and deserving of respect and a chance to grow.
This school doesn't have completely different areas for the dorms and it's all actually located on a large campus ground.The main school building is about 4 stories, there's a greenhouse and an auditorium in separate buildings.
The dorms are all two or three stories and are all relatively distant from each other, enough to give each dorm a good spot of land around it. Think a mansion with a large yard. When passing through the front gate for the dorm there's magic that makes it appear in a slightly different scenery - so the students don't always have the school looming in the background and can relax. The dorm's scenery is different between each dorm and it can change with each 'dorm representative'.
There aren't really dorm 'leaders' as there are representatives. Normally about two or three for each dorm - though can only be one if the person proves themselves to be capable / no one else is voted. Each dorm will have a meeting once a month to go over things that the dorm needs to address either internally or with the school or other dorms, and then the representatives bring those concerns to a meeting with the school's staff and other dorm representatives. Think more like a student council and class presidents.
The dorm reps can be split into the 'main' representative and a 'vice' but are pretty much on the same ground as far as their authority goes - the 'main' is just the one more available to perform duties or attend all the meetings while the 'vice' is kind of like a back up /fall back if the first can't make it. Normally it’s preferable if all representatives can make to meetings and events. The representatives make almost all decisions together. Reps are voted for each year within a dorm, and the voting is taken pretty seriously.
The dorm rep duties outside of the meetings is mostly just like a college RA. They make sure people are following the rules, help solve problems between students in their dorm, plan and hold events, etc.
The dorms:
This section I’ll be updating overtime as I list out the characters I want to design - most are still not designed yet as I’m kind of slow but I have concepts for all of them more or less it’s just a matter of getting time / energy to work on them.
While students are separated into dorms in this school, the headmaster and mistress try to stress the fact that they are all one community. Friendly rivalry is encouraged but ultimately the matter of dorms is just where the students end up living and placing them near people who can better help those around them. The two in charge don’t want the dorms to become too competitive or to alienated from one another - so there’s actually a lot of cross dorm events and even friends staying over at other friends dorms for days on end at times.
As a note, as long as it’s not inappropriate, students are encouraged to wear anything they want as their ‘dorm uniform’. Standard school uniforms are required on the main campus but as Headmaster Reed puts it - there’s no reason for them to tell the students what to wear in their own house. Plus, the school isn’t as well funded as most other private schools, so not having a lot of uniforms to keep up with is better for them in the long run. Most generally follow the general color coordination of their dorms (to be listed later), though there are exceptions.
* ‘s indicate that dorm’s representatives
Cinderella dorm: Nightingale Founded on the hard work and dedication of a princess’s companions, members of this dorm are no strangers to teamwork and getting the job done. It’s said that there’s no miracle students in this dorm can’t pull off in a short amount of time.
Characters:
Rue Meadows  *
Snow White: Diamanttobar Founded on the tradition and devotion of miners, members of this dorm specialize in working long hours and putting 100% into everything they do. Students here notice the smaller details in anything and are said to be able to craft nearly anything asked.
Characters:
Otto Bregmann*
Emil Bregmann
the other dwarves are going to be referenced as their younger siblings.
Aladdin: Wondrous Founded on the cleverness and protective instincts of a royal couple’s most trusted confidants, members of this dorm sometimes have questionable methods but overall have hearts of gold. Students in this dorm are proactive in calling out unfair rules and try to work for changes and reforms.
Characters:
Ram / Kunal *
Ozan Bell
Zeki Al-Asim
Mulan: Guardian Found on the honor and strength of dragons, students of this dorm are known to follow a code of honor and are very protective of one another. They are great with helping other student’s physical and mental well beings, acting as trainers and confidants.
Characters:
Long Lie Jie*
Xiao Mingyu*
AiW: Lapinhole Founded on the curiosity and madness of a queen’s subjects, members of this dorm are known to be eccentric and creative. A lot of students in this dorm are mysterious and have a strange method of helping others, but even through the confusion a lot of students rely on students from this dorm for a little more fun in their lives.
Characters:
Quinn Neander *
Beauty and the Beast: Servireu Founded on the faith and loyalty of a Beast prince’s servants, members of this dorm are known to be generous, not judgemental, and extremely helpful. A lot of these students are at the top of their classes and are known for being excellent tutors for others.
Characters:
TBA
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celticnoise · 6 years
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Last weekend, I suggested you all “sup at the well of pain” and check out the Sevco fan websites, which do a daily dose of rampant paranoia like nobody else. There’s an astonishing thread on that site today, entitled “Institutionalised Prejudice Against Rangers – Are We There Yet?” which has to be read to be believed. It is barking.
Reading like something out of a paranoids fantasy – a kind of Life During Wartime rant all laid out and formatted with red coloured highlighting – it’s one of the finest glimpses into the Sevco mindset I’ve ever seen, and shows you what we’re up against with this lot.
The writer believes the media is biased against their club.
Yes, the media. The people who cheer-led every Ibrox administration into the building these last six years. Which refused to support calls for an SFA inquiry. That has bummed up every manager and every signing like a world-beater. That refuses to use the term Sevco. That has published, without contradiction or investigation every word Dave King has said and continues to although most know they’ve been lied to … oh I could go on but what would the point be? There are so many pro-Sevco personalities in the media that it would be quicker and easier to name those who aren’t of their persuasion. The minute you read this on a forum you know the rest will be lunacy.
The writer believes we run the judicial system.
The example he uses is absolutely perverse; the court case involving Angela Haggerty, who was the victim of a scandalous smear job and a hate campaign which resulted in her going to the police. It was sufficiently serious that people went to jail. The writer is alleging that no crime was actually committed and this was a conspiracy involving her, the police, the SNP, the legal system, the judge, the jury and for all we know the people who clean the courthouse. It is a lunatic’s point, but then the writer does appear to be something of a loony.
The writer believes we run the SFA.
The classic numpty point. The organisation that absolved them from responsibility for the crimes of Rangers whilst letting them have the name and allegedly the trophies. The organisation that let the club investigate itself over connections between Whyte and Green. The organisation that gave them a European license back in 2011 when they weren’t entitled to one. The organisation that had their former director and founder of the EBT scam, Campbell Ogilvie, in post all the way through the sham of an investigation into that affair. That SFA? Run by us?
The writer believes we are influencing how they are perceived.
Actually, all we do is highlight every instance of sectarianism, bigotry, paranoia and cheating that goes on there. If they stopped doing this kind of stuff we’d very quickly run out of ammunition to use against them, but they are stuck in a perpetual loop of this stuff, repeating the same patterns over and over and over again. They don’t even hide their bigotry anymore, preparing to wear it as a badge of honour and daring us to challenge them … and moaning to the whole world about how nobody likes them when they do. Batshit.
The writer makes the following suggestions.
That their board should challenge everything they don’t like and which paints the club in a bad light. Which would be nearly everything they do. Their PR team would be working treble shifts and still wouldn’t cover half of it.
That they should cultivate ties with the journos who do like them. I presume he means like hand-feeding them scraps, inviting them for wee private sit-downs and get-togethers to spread the word from the Blue Room, and bringing along their protégées to learn how to write Level 5 press releases as copy for articles. I have just one question about this strategy, this revolutionary way of engaging with the media. How exactly is it different from what they do now?
They believe in promoting a positive image of their club. I will let you read the exact segment which deals with this; “We have to actively keep promoting a positive image of Rangers and its supporters showing that a respect of Queen, country, tradition, the armed forces and the Union flag is something to be PROUD of and goes hand in hand with welcoming EVERYONE into the Rangers family.”
Everyone except for a bunch of people the writer names in a moment.
“Crazy as it now seems, some of us were briefly wooed by the SNP but now we should ALL be able to see the danger they represent. They must never get another solitary vote from the Rangers family.”
The writer elaborates on this and expands on the exclusion list.
“We need to refrain from giving celtic fans like MOH the blue jersey. This isn’t in the least bit discriminatory or connected to religion, it just makes absolutely NO sense to fill a place in our squad with a man who will never put us first in his heart when playing our greatest rivals.”
Uhuh. So much for “everyone should feel welcome.”
The writer also wants the club’s fans to boycott away grounds, for the club itself to ban ex-players who don’t constantly say nice things about them, and “hand wringers and apologists” to join them in the “not welcome” category. The writer believes that there is “an inexorable link between our challenge on the field and our challenge as a community within Scotland.”
So the Unseen Hand is why they have a dreadful football team.
The initial responses to this screed include one or two people who make it clear they think it is paranoid nuttiness of the worst kind. They are quickly termed members of the “handwringers and apologists” fringe and called several not nice names.
Then the crazies start to post in support; one reply in particular makes interesting reading for the complete absence of any sense of proportion at all.
“Doesn’t have to be a masterminded conspiracy to be institutionally biased.
All you would need is enough people in enough positions of influence that are against something. They wouldn’t have had to have met to discuss their conspiracy.
They wouldn’t have sat and come up with a master plan. Just need enough like minded people in positions where they can sway outcomes, portray differences and form popular opinion.
Like Brexit, or Capitalism, or the final solution.
Its terrifyingly simple for lies to become established beliefs. Mob mentality is scary. Look at the hatred for Rangers, look how many clubs absolutely clamoured for our death. Compare and contrast any other club that have had insolvency events in the last 20 years.
That hatred wasn’t always there. It was nurtured and encouraged. Maybe not by a Machiavellian genius pulling strings Moriarty style but by bitter and twisted individuals who worked their way into influence. And don’t tell me it was a reaction to being the best club in Scotland and the reaction to our 9 in a row years where we lorded it over the others.
That’s nonsense akin to “she deserved it for wearing provocative clothing”. Rangers have without a shadow of a doubt been subjected to unfair treatment over the last 10 years by the Scottish establishment …..by the football authorities, by the media and by the legal framework.”
It makes the jaw drop, doesn’t it?
And after the first few posts, almost everyone agrees with the OP and with that lunatic you just read a second ago.
Those who don’t are quickly tarred and feathered and insulted. The difficulty guys like them face, in tackling this mindless nonsense in their support, should not be underestimated. That any of them speak up at all is a wonder.
But they are on the losing side, unfortunately. The lunatics are well and truly running things over there and the problem with the OP isn’t that he is an “angry lone nut” but that he reflects broad opinion within their wider fanbase and, more worryingly, inside the club itself.
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hyttesanger · 6 years
Text
When You Wish Upon A Star (Your Dreams Come True)
T | Lee Soojung x Lee Mijoo
"Yah. When can we go back and sleep?" This is the tenth time Soojung whines since she and Mijoo arrived at their apartment building's roof few hours earlier, armed with layers of thick blanket and pillows and sweaters to fight October's chill air. She barely stifles a huge yawn with the back of her hand.
"Hold on." Mijoo fishes a phone out of her bag, scrolling through a page from some space and astronomy website before reciting what's written in there. "It's said here the best time to see the meteor shower is around midnight to early morning. Be patient, unnie, it's only 01:15 now."
"Mijoo..." Soojung retorts. It's that tone that normally precedes a long motherly nag, so Mijoo cuts her right away.
"Yes, I know we have schedule tomorrow. But I've never seen shooting stars before." She quickly does the sort of exaggerated pouty face - which she's very certain wouldn't work with Soojung, but oh well... At least she tried, right? "Pweeeaseee! Just one more hour! I promise if by then the meteor doesn't show up, we will head back to the dorm right away and sleep."
It all started few weeks ago when Little Sujeong discovered the information of Orionid meteor shower, which is supposed to be visible throughout October and peak tonight, then declared they should go see it. Everyone sans their leader seemed to agree and immediately launched numerous “Lovelyz Goes Stargazing” plans - Soojung preferred to call them nonsensical ideas. The one that gained most votes from all members was taking a gigantic tent up to the hill nearby, but it sadly didn't get approval from their manager ("Who would drive you all there? Do you know how much a tent for eight people cost?”), so they gave up and decided the dorm's rooftop and blankets would do fine.
Days passed, their previously empty schedule began to get busier and busier with preparation for upcoming comeback. Then on the d-day, of course, true to Soojung's dubiety, the initiator of this ridiculous big plan was the first one who bailed out.
"My eyes can't stay open for more than one second. You unnies, take lots of pics and show me tomorrow, 'kay?" Bbangdeokkie had said when Soojung tried to wake her up. The girl didn't even bother getting out of her comfortable bed.
In the end, nobody else beside Mijoo was awake enough to watch the meteor shower - which is kinda surprising actually, since the girl resents staying out in the open during this season. Taking pity on the dancer's sullen face (she'd even got her sweater and blankets prepared since morning), Soojung finally offered they climb up to the roof accordingly to the plan. Which then brought them to their current state; each of them snuggled into their respective pillows, occasionally sipping hot chocolate or munching the snacks they've stolen from Little Sujeong's secret food stash as they're waiting for the meteor shower to start.
They wait for another hour listening to owls hooting lowly and crickets chirping in the faraway, tonight's autumn breeze is pretty nice in a way that drives both girls drowsy. Just as Soojung is starting to regret her poor life choice of coming here, the first meteor cuts through the dark, faraway sky. It happens very sudden, in just a fraction of one second Soojung almost thought she might've been hallucinating. She blinks few times, beside her, Mijoo gasps an oh! quietly, indicating what they've seen was indeed, a real thing.
Soon, thousands more shooting stars continue to rain down, blazing the whole sky with their magnificent trails. It's magical. It's by far the prettiest scene they both ever witnessed, even someone as riotous as Mijoo actually seems to be too deep in awe to make a commotion this time.
"We should make a wish." She whispers.
But never one to believe in such fairytale-ish superstition, Soojung only scoffs watching the younger girl closing her eyes, hands clasped together before her chest and looking dead serious.
"I'd never understand why people do that. The best, logical way to attain something is by working hard, not talking to stars."
"Tsk, you really have no sense of romance." Mijoo chuckles. "Well, if you don't want to ask anything, then I will make a wish for you. I hope Soojung unnie grows tall and sexy like me—oof!"
A blanket smothered her entire head effectively shuts Mijoo's mouth. "I should've never accompanied you, jerk!" Soojung gets up, struggling to hold the urge to throw this stupid girl off to the cold street below.
"Fine, I have a wish now! I hope Lee Mijoo shrink into a dwarf and have to walk around with insoles hidden inside your shoes forever!" She says one last time before storms out of the roof, all the while Mijoo's still bursting fit of boisterous laugh.
The younger girl soon follows Soojung, dragging the whole pile of blankets down the emergency stairs leading to their apartment unit, occasionally rambling series of half-hearted apologies which Soojung completely ignores. Across the sky they've left behind, one last shooting star streaks beautifully; and little does Soojung or Mijoo knows, it might've been listening to their wishes.
———————
First abnormal thing Soojung notices right after she wakes up is her slightly bigger than usual boobs. Not that she is the type who obsessed over stuffs like that, Soojung just... can't help but observe the deep cleavage peeking out of the not-properly-buttoned pajama shirt. She mutters a confused hmm?, absent-mindedly kneading one of her own breasts while the other free hand is tucking some strands of her long hair behind her ear—
Wait.
Long hair?
"Unnie, I know you have a great pride in yourself, but please, don't be gross."
Soojung's head shoots up instantly when she hears Jiyeon's voice. The girl is in the middle of her morning skincare ritual, perched before the chaotic vanity across their bed, a very rare frown of disapproval spreads across her normally amicable face as she watches Soojung's reflection on the huge mirror.
"What are you doing here in my room?"
"Uh. It's our room?" Jiyeon corrects her.
Soojung begins to feel her blood run cold. She carefully climbs off the top bunkbed, inspecting her body while walking towards the younger girl, who's still giving her a weird look. The pajama shirt she's wearing positively isn't hers. These all-skin-and-bone thin arms, they definitely aren't hers. And these... Long?? Her legs are long? Is there any way Soojung, a twenty five, could experience sudden spurt of growth overnight?
She finally stops just beside Jiyeon, the sound of her thumping heart is deafening as she looks up to the mirror.
There, reflection of Lee Mijoo stares back right at her.
Soojung has never screamed that loud in her life before.
———————
"Soojung unnie, is that you?"
With her now smaller feet, Mijoo carefully pads through the bedroom, towards... Herself. Or more like, towards Soojung, inhabiting her body. The older girl sits hugging her knees by the corner of the room surrounded by Jiyeon's Rilakkuma stuffs, presumably trying to convince herself that this all are is just a very bad dream.
Surely Mijoo too, has gotten her share of huge shock when she found out about the whole situation few moments ago. Then came a loud screaming voice she recognized as hers, followed by Jiyeon running around the dorm telling everyone else I don't know what happened but Mijoo unnie suddenly freaked out!, and her gut feeling shifted to certainty; she and Soojung had swapped their bodies.
"This is.." After a long bizzare silence, Soojung finally speaks up, gesturing back and forth between... herself and herself. Lord this is so confusing she really wants to pull her hair out and shriek. "Is this because of what we wished last night?"
Mijoo tilts her head, feature scrunches while she's trying to remember. "Last night you said..."
"I wish Lee Mijoo shrunk..."
"And have to wear insoles... Forever..."
"Forever." Soojung echoes the last word slowly, turning even paler as the meaning of it dawns on her.
"No. No no no no. No! This is madness! I cannot live in this body forever!" She yells frantically. "Yah! There must be a way to reverse this, right?!"
"Maybe, I don't know. But first thing first, unnie, we have to perform in like five hours." Mijoo gives her a pointed look.
"Exactly why we have to figure something out before the schedule starts! Or— Or we should call it off!"
"Exactly why we have to get ourselves together and carry on!"
"But this is super emergency!"
"Yeah like hell the managers and our members would believe something as farfetched as this! How do you expect them to help anyway? Drag us to the hospital for mentally-ill people?" Where have their level-headed, undeterred by anything leader gone? Did they also swap their personalities along with their bodies? Mijoo groans in disbelief.
"Unnie, just stop thinking too much. We will figure something out, but right now, we don't have time for that. I promise we will discuss this tonight after the event. Are you understanding me?" She tries to offer an encouraging big smile. It must look good, she knows how adorable Soojung is when smiling.
"C'mon. As long as we don't talk too much, nobody would realize we've swapped bodies."
"Right. Okay." After a little moment of consideration, Soojung eventually allows Mijoo to pull her up and steer her out to the hallway. They walk stealthily past the other members' rooms with the mockery of burglars avoiding getting caught.
"Then, where are we going now?"
"Um. Let's shower first. Everyone else are getting ready to go to the beauty shop."
Suddenly, Soojung's eyes widen at the mention of shower. "Uh. Do you think we can survive without going to the bathroom for a few days?"
"No." Mijoo sighs again. "Don't be ridiculous, unnie."
"I mean, this is your body! I just don't want to see.. I... You get what I mean, don't you?"
"If it makes you feel better, I've sort of seen yours. Went to pee first thing after woke up, that's when I realized we have our body swapped." Mijoo says, the volume consistently descends with each word. "And I might have... Accidentally touched few things..."
"What?!" Soojung screeches, halting abruptly in the spot. "God, you're unbelievable! I hate you! Bastard! Pervert!"
"Well I didn't do it willingly, I swear! Stop hitting me!" Mijoo desperately tries to block all kicks and punches directed at her, which is hard, because now she is small and Soojung is so much taller. Oh so this is how it feels to be tiny person and get picked on by huge bully. "I had no other choice, is all! Do you want me to cause your bladder some permanent damage?!"
It makes sense, so Soojung finally stops her attack. She rubs her forehead in frustration. "This is crazy. I can't do this."
"Say, why don't we just do it together? That way we will be even, and each of us doesn't need to worry about what we do behind closed door, yeah?"
"You mean— Wait— No!"
But Mijoo is losing patience. Whilst Soojung is too stunned to fight, she ducks and hoists the older girl by waist, exerting all strength she got to push the now taller girl into their dorm's bathroom which, fortunately, located only few steps away from where they're standing. Another scream of terror ensues.
———————
Three hours later, Soojung is still flushed red, to the point her make-up artist falsely suspecting her of being ill. Been living together for years, this morning wasn't the first time she got to see one of the other girls naked, intentional or not. With so little break between schedules, it's inevitable for them to change or shower together occasionally to save time.
But still, to see her own body moving around across her, not to mention with Mijoo's mannerism - the way her hip would swing with each step like there is an invisible red carpet beneath her feet, the confidence projected as she struts forward, that's.... A whole new level of peculiarity.
And now, just remembering one second of that event somewhat can make her heart jolt uncontrollably. It's strange, why would someone feel like this - like having such a wrong desire towards their own naked body? Is she having some sort of narcisstic disorder she'd never known before? But then again, Soojung isn't particularly a big fan of herself no matter people keep telling her how cute she is. She has confidence, sure, but not in a shameless à la Lee Mijoo way.
"Uhm." The sound of Mijoo clearing her throat sends Soojung back to reality.
"What do you want now?!" Soojung spats. Being the fourth born now she can no longer be the first to get anything, and waiting for turn to get her make-up done at this moment really doesn't help toning down her rage. Why can't this day be over already, she just want to sleep and who knows, maybe everything would be fixed by itself once she wake up the next day?
"I need some earrings."
"So what?! You don't have hands to get it by yourself??"
Mijoo purses her lips, looking like she's contemplating a major life decision before finally lifting a finger up. "It's kept over there."
The shelf Mijoo's pointing at isn't actually that high, but Soojung remembers exactly that the accessories box is placed on the very top, behind any other boxes, which would be quite a hassle for someone's Mijoo's height - her height - to get.
"I can't reach it." Mijoo says, hands in the air, a defeated gesture. And Soojung immediately lightens up in a terrifying sort of way.
"Oh."
It's a very foreboding oh.
———————
The rest of their time in the beauty salon proved that Soojung could be quite a mean prankster when she wanted to. First, she took some of Mijoo's belongings and hid them on high places. When Mijoo refused to ask for help and insistently tried to find them herself, she hid the stool.
"Unnie." Mijoo's no longer able to remember of how many times she has came to the mischievous leader today in search for missing things. The way her shoulders slump makes her seem even smaller. "Where are my insoles?"
"Hmm.. I wonder where are they." Soojung replies is lazy drawls, internally very pleased at how super annoying it sounds in Mijoo's voice more than hers. Maybe this isn't so bad to dwell in this body.
Mijoo swears under her breath, watching with dread as Soojung casually takes out her shoes from beneath the couch where she's sitting at. Just now the manager oppa has told her they're going to depart in fifteen minutes. Not exactly a good time to play around.
"Can you please stop with all of this?"
"No." Soojung stands up to her full imposing height. She holds the shoes as high as her arm can stretch, out of Mijoo's reach, joker-ish smirk plastered all over her face. "Take this if you can, shorty—"
— and that's Mijoo's cue to act. She lunges wildly at Soojung, who seems to be well prepared and immediately scrambles out of the way.
"Oh crap!" The first attempt at catching the damned girl ends up with Mijoo's head slamming hard against the couch. She bolts back up, chasing Soojung around the bustling salon while rattling vile curses at a mile a minute. The ruckus is enough to cause every head turn at them with curiosity, and slight disgust.
"What's gotten into these two today?!" Jiae grumbles, clearly not enjoying the situation. "They are humiliating us!"
Yein only shrugs, standing perfectly rooted on her spot as the older girl is still busy dabbing some pink-ish blush on across her cheek. The salon is currently short of staffs, and there are eight of them, so everyone's instinctively helping each other as much as they can.
"And we thought they're past the stupid push-and-pull phase. Tsk tsk."
"I know right. If they want to date why don't they just do it the sane way like any other grown-ups! This is not high school romantic comedy!"
"But, unnie, don't you notice they are slightly... Hm, how should I put it? Different, today?"
"Different how?"
Like they are behaving super extra, more than usual, Yein wants to say, but a flurry of Soojung suddenly sprinting past between them kills her voice. She and Jiae barely spring apart in surprise when Mijoo follows suit just a beat behind. Yein hears Mijoo's warning of 'scuse me! Coming through!, but it's a little too late to keep her balance. With a yelp, the maknae slips backward, her long leg accidentally intertwined with Mijoo's short one in the process, dragging the older girl along with her and they both miserably falling together to the cold floor.
"Oww! Soul unnie, my nose!" Yein cries in protest, rubbing her nose which Mijoo has unknowingly elbowed just now.
"So sorry, Yeinnie!"
It's barely midday and she's already one step away from wishing death would come claim her right now. Mijoo pulls herself loose from Yein, whirling left and right in search of the woman who's been making her life hard. Instead of Lee Soojung, she finds their manager, stomping over towards them with his spine-chilling glare. Helping Yein to get up, Jiae blanches in fear.
Okay, lord, please just kill me now.
"Yah Soul-ah! Are you crazy?! What do you think you're doing, running around like that?!"
"It's not my fault, oppa! So— Mijoo took away my shoes!" It's no use, the real perpetrator has completely vanished, the shoes and insoles left neatly not far from her. Oh fuck...
"You're the leader, control you members! Am I managing some kindergarten group?!" He huffs one last time in annoyance before commanding everyone to gather, his face resembling the internet infamous grumpy cat. "We have no more time! Whatever you're doing, just resume it in the car! Let's go!"
One by one, the members start leaving while Mijoo is still gawking in disbelief.
"Why are you still daydreaming there, Soul unnie? Get yourself together." Mijoo hears Soojung sing-songs in mocking tone. She's leaning against the entrance's doorframe and sticking up her tongue teasingly at her.
This little shit.
So she wants to play dirty, huh? She will see how evil a Lee Mijoo can be.
 ———————
Once they get into the stage, Mijoo absolutely forgets about showing Soojung how evil she can be.
It's not until the intro to Candy Jelly Love starts playing and they have to get into their respective position Mijoo realizes that she isn't much familiar with Soojung's dance moves. Some of the student organization members in this college where they currently performing are Lovelyz' fans, and those people spared so much timeslot for the group, which means Lovelyz have to perform five title songs. Mijoo gulps nervously, taking a sideway glance towards the leader beside her. Seeing Soojung's face - her own face, is totally on high alert, she's certain another doom is waiting for them.
But somehow, they survive. The performance turns out not as abysmal as expected. In this time they are so grateful for the sweats and tears they'd shed practising until the wee hours, all they need to do now is just let their bodies taking control, moving by itself according to the strong muscle memories which had formed thanks to those hard work.
Few mistakes here and there still happen, like Soojung sometimes shuffles to the wrong spot or Mijoo accidentally almost crashes against someone. And two members busy exchanging silent you should go forward not backward, moron! wasn't really a good sight for the audience as well. Soojung catches how their managers are watching from faraway across the stage, evidently awestruck, but she decides they can deal with this later.
In between performances, the event's MCs show up, two young college students who seem all so excited to talk with pretty idols. They blabber every sort of compliments, to which Mijoo's tuning out the whole time until the part where they have to introduce themselves.
"Unnie." Jisoo slaps her back rather hard, and Mijoo jerks in surprise. "It's your turn!"
"Oh. Me— Yeah." Right, she's leader now, she's supposed to go first before anyone else. What did Soojung usually say again? Mijoo gulps. Her palms are clammy from the nervous sweat and she grips her mic tighter, afraid it might slip out of her hand. And yet while she's still momentarily disoriented and barely strings something intelligible, someone else already beats her to greet people.
"Good evening. I am Lovelyz' leader, Babysoul!"
The audience, the MCs, the other members, all fall into stupor. Soojung freezes, belatedly realizing the mistake she's done, whilst Mijoo hangs her head very low. Her cheeks are hot with embarrassment as she doesn't even have to see to know the collective hard stares directed towards herself and Soojung back and forth.
"Yah, Lee Mijoo, it's a hundred years too early for you to snatch the leader position from Soul unnie." Neither of them present a reply, and it's Jiae comes to save the day, oh-so-sweet smile concealing her exasperation towards the two nutheads. Predictably, the joke is gaining big laughters as response, and for awhile Soojung and Mijoo can let out a relieved breath.
(But they don't get out of the woods right away, of course. Later when the group are about to leave after their performance ends, as usual Mijoo is the one left on the stage, maybe attempting at giving a meaningful goodbye to their audience with.... Doing some extreme dance in the middle of the stage. She throws herself into all her moves, there's an expression in her face which even Soojung herself had never known she could make.
Holy fuck.
This is so gonna be the hottest topic within the fans in an hour; Soul did crazy dance without anyone placing her under a grave threat. Gritting her teeth behind the stage, Soojung can already feel her reputation is crumbling down epically.)
———————
It's finally evening and Soojung's ears are absolutely in pain from all the managers' severe nagging, repercussion of the chaos she and Mijoo had created on this one single day. Even their director is present just to reprimand the two harshly. Once done with the meeting, they both go to take a bath separately, and this time Mijoo doesn't bother to force Soojung to do it anymore. The younger girl doesn't even respond when Soojung calls her, only giving an icy later, unnie, then slamming the bedroom door shut.
Settled inside the bathtub, Soojung twists the shower knob to the lowest temperature. It's freezing like crazy, but she somehow finds the coldness is helpful at clearing her mind. What is wrong with that girl now, Soojung thinks bitterly as cold water hits her back steadily before pooling around her. The on-again-off-again feeling she used to had towards Mijoo long time ago involuntarily resurfaces, and it annoys her greatly.
"Don't be stupid, Lee Soojung." She whispers to herself.
First of all, Soojung still doubts highly two girls in love could actually make it out through the cruel, unforgiving world full of bigots and close-minded people here. Experiences from her naïve teenager days had taught her enough about it, and she doesn't want to get hurt once more. As long as she doesn't speak out, nobody will know and she can continue pretending that she's content with the life she has.
Secondly, Mijoo had once confessed to her few years back, and she was the one who straight-up rejected the other girl. It would be too late to regret it - to think about all the what ifs that could've been them had she ever given Mijoo one chance - now, wouldn't it? Mijoo probably had gotten over her completely just like herself as well.
So why is she having this weird aching sensation in her heart thinking about how Mijoo's face - hey no, it's not even Mijoo's, it's her own face - wilted with undecipherable sadness the last time they saw each other?
The water has filled more than half of the tub, Soojung turns it off before proceeds to lie down, soaking herself wholly along with all her worries.
———————
The thing Soojung never expected, is to find Yoo Jiae waiting for her as soon as she steps out of the bathroom.
"Lee Mijoo, would you come here a bit?"
Ugh, this can’t be good.
Jiae wriggles her finger, motioning for Soojung to come after her to her room, and the younger girl seems totally unreadable. Soojung knows despite their indifferent attitute towards each other, Jiae and Mijoo are actually pretty close and might’ve been confiding secrets towards each other. Oh no.
They close the door and Jiae immediately plops herself down on the floor. Soojung follows suit, sitting cross-legged and fidgeting uncomfortably, trying to avoid meeting the other girl's eyes. "What is it?"
"What happened with you and Soul unnie this early morning? Did you finally ask her out again? You two have been acting so weird the whole day!" Judging from her expression, this isn't some sort of teasing, Jiae is erious. And Soojung nearly bites her own tongue in her haste to response.
"Mijoo still likes me?! I— I mean, I'm still pining for her? How did you know?"
"Are you high?! We've talked about this like hundred times already!"
Aah. Is that why she always involuntarily felt like her heart was about to burst everytime the image of them sharing a bathroom popped out inside her head? Is that some sort of muscle memory deeply ingrained to this body which had caused all the butterflies going frenzy around her stomach whenever they touched or simply met each other eyes?
So it wasn't her, it was Mijoo's natural reaction?
"When did I—"
They both jump on their seat as a chorus of shrill screaming of Little Sujeong and Jisoo interrupt Soojung midsentence. Jiae's previous confusion is immediately replaced by an expression which translates as why am I friend with these bunch of looneys? At this rate, it's possible their neighbours would send some complaints regarding noise to the landlord, or maybe even report to the police that they’ve been hearing girls screaming from this unit.
"Now what?!"
"Wait! Jiae, wait—" Soojung tries to stop Jiae from storming out of the room to no avail, thus she decides to follow her to the source of the commotion. Whatever happened to that Bbangdeokki and Jisoo, it better be something worth more than her urgent need to figure out about this pining thingie.
———————
When they arrive, jogging in towards two Sujeongs room, the other members are already there flocking about the doorway. Yein and Myungeun quickly give way once Jiae makes an impatient waving gesture. They shuffle through the crowd, Soojung feels her heart doing spectacular flip when she spots Little Sujeong lying unconscious in Jiyeon's lap, a fresh, golf ball-sized lump already forming on her forehead.
"OH MY GOD!" The two oldest girls are yelling at the same time.
"Is she alright?!"
"She is! Um, probably not that alright, but she'll live. She's just... Shocked, I guess." Mijoo is the one who answers, guilt tainting her voice. She clenches and unclenches her toes in anxiety.
"How did all of this happen though?" Myungeun pipes in curiously.
"We wanted to borrow Soul unnie's novel." Jisoo, the sole witness of the whole catasthrope, starts her testimony. Everyone's gazes swivel in her direction as she's going back and forth, rounding up the evidence; a book, a dirty jeans, and a freaking plastic tarantula, the one which looks like a very convincing substitute for the real thing.
According to Jisoo, Sujeong was consumed by visceral stab of panic as soon as she found the fake arachnid. Then in an attempt to escape, the girl accidentally tripped on one of the clothes Mijoo's left littered around the room, and crashed headlong against the hard wall. The hit, combined with the initial shock caused her to pass out right away.
"Soul unnie are you out of your mind?!" Jiae's jaw hangs a fraction open in utter distress. Being mother of seven is a very hard job, eh? "You put a fake spider inside your book, for what purpose?! And don't tell me that's a bookmark!"
"It was just a joke!" Yes, like everyone said, it's fun and games, until someone loses an eye. "I intended to prank Mijoo! Thought she's going to continue reading it tonight."
"Oh so you intended to kill me?!" Soojung snaps, aggravated at best.
"Who do you think started this first?!" Mijoo hops one step forward, sending a challenging glare at her own tall self fearlessly.
"You really want to argue about who started first?! Then we should go waaaay back to years before—"
"ENOUGH!"
And the whole world seems to come to a standstill after Jiae's ground-shattering wailing.
It takes a moment before Mijoo manages to scrape a courage to mutter a quiet, "I'm sorry."
"Yeah it's on us." Soojung agrees. "No more fighting for now. We need to take Sujeong to the hospital now for a check-up."
"We will take Sujeong to hospital. You two, stay here!" Jiae's fingers jab threateningly at Soojung's and Mijoo's chest. "You are making so much non-sense, unnie! And I, as the second born in this group, will temporarily take over the leader position until you sort out whatever it is happening between you two!"
"Are you kidding me?! You can't do that!"
"Yes I can! Who knows what kind of disaster you two will cause later if we let you roam free." Jiae insists, in a way that brooks no argument. She begins instructing Myungeun and Jiyeon to help her raising Sujeong off the floor.
"Yein, Jisoo, hold these two in this room, so they can reflect on their mistakes!"
The two girls don't need telling twice, who would dare to fight with angry Jiae anyway? In just a couple of heartbeat, they're already grabbing handful of Soojung and Mijoo's pajamas, hauling them back into the room before they can flee the scene too far, then slamming the door shut.
"Let us out!" They've heard a click of lock, yet Mijoo still desperately bangs the solid wood, her tiny fists turning slightly red. "You will regret this! Jiae is the evil step-mother she will eat you all! YAH—"
"Hey, quit it and sit down, would you?" Soojung sighs, giving the other girl firm taps on the shoulder. "They won't listen to us, we were indeed wrong anyway."
"Well, at least now we can talk calmly." Following her own advice first, Soojung drags two bean bags for her and Mijoo to sit on. But the younger girl apparently ignores her, she walks quickly past Soojung then throws herself onto the bottom bunkbed instead, tousling her short hair in rough way that makes Soojung flinch.
"Yes, let's discuss on how to cure this stupid curse! None of this would happen if we didn't switch bodies!"
"Why are you acting so crabby now?! I thought you were like, super calm about all this crap before?!" Soojung nearly shouts, an action which she regrets a second later. Fighting fire with fire won't do any good in this situation.
"I'm sorry if earlier today I was too much." Soojung starts again, with more controlled tone this time. She moves to the bed as well, taking a seat by the edge of it.
"Nah, I've done worse to you. And to Bbangdeokki as well. I'm the one who owes big apologies."
"I heard from Jiae. You told her that you still like me?"
At this unexpected change of topic, Mijoo shoots up abruptly, her eyes widen slightly.
"Is that true?"
"It is." She answers after a moment of hesitation, yet still refuses to look directly at Soojung. "That's why right now I'm so... No, not angry.. More like scared."
"Of what?"
"I know you've said no one time, regarding us... But I just... I can't give up." For awhile, Mijoo fumbles with her own words. The way Soojung observes her intently right now isn't helping to melt down her uneasiness. "I've been in love with Lee Soojung for the longest time, and that's all I will ever be in the future too, no matter you would change your mind or not. I was ready to be stucked with this one-sided love as long as I live."
"But look at us now. All of a sudden, you are no longer you, you are me... I— I always imagined to hold or kiss you, and I can't do that anymore. It's just weird in any sort of way to love yourself like this, right? I don't know what to feel, what would we be.. And I don't want to lose my Soojung—"
Mijoo doesn't really realize what is going on when out of the blue a pair of hands are pushing her down the mattress, efficiently silencing her rambling. The next thing she knows, her lips are colliding against Soojung's, and she's pinned under the other girl's weight. Even more shocking, she definitely cannot resist herself from responding instantly with evenly fervent kiss, sliding a tongue into Soojung's welcoming mouth before her brain ever give command to do so. Everything's happened innately like it's the rightest thing for them, like they were made to loving each other.
"Was that what you've been wanting to do with me?" Soojung says when they finally parted for air, small smile on her lips. Beneath her, Mijoo still seems too dazed to say anything.
"I know it now, how much you think of me above anything, your sincere feelings... I can sense it. My soul may be occupying this body, but your instinct, your reflexes, everything you kept on the back of your mind, they are all still here." She takes Mijoo's hand and places it at her chest. "When I heard my own name, this heart would beat slightly faster in excitement. And when I saw my own upset face, it would hurt this heart greatly too."
"It's— Um. Just now, I—" Mijoo stutters, still burning deep crimson it would be unsurprising if steam comes out of her head next.
"Exactly." Soojung nods solemnly. "That's how much my body had been yearned for you."
"But you said our relationship would never work out?"
"I had a girlfriend before, it was my first love, long time ago when I was still living in my hometown." Soojung admits without preamble. "Of course our families and friends were all against the idea of two girls dating each other. But that time, I thought if we want it hard enough, we could stay together and be happy. I even told her we could elope to another country. Silly, right?"
"Apparently she didn't feel the same and decided to ditch me for some guy. Our breakup was pretty much messed up. She's maybe already got married to her boyfriend by now."
Mijoo opens her mouth but then closes it again, like she's unsure of what to say, before finally settles with a quiet, "What an awful bitch."
"It's fine, I don't hate her. Anyway we were both still too young back then." Soojung waves one hand dismissively. It's actually rather amusing to see someone else gets angry on her behalf. "But I could never defeat the trauma whenever I start to fall for someone. You included. I just can't stop this thought that one day you would eventually grow out of love, once the euphoria wears off and pressure from society begins to brutally set upon us. And I would be left hurt once again."
"Then be my girlfriend." Mijoo blurts out, her voice soft as she slings an arm around Soojung's shoulders and gently pushes the other girl down against her chest.
"I mean, I'm not going to offer you romantic promises here, given that you're not interested in sweet words. So why don't you just give me a chance? I will prove that my feelings for you will remain for the rest of my life. Plus, if the universe really wouldn't switch us back and we have no other choice but learn to live with this body, it's better to just stick together, don't you think? I will totally need someone to help me getting things from high places."
The last one gets Soojung unable to hold back burst of cackles that's escaping her. "Oh my life would be so much fun from now on.."
"Now you're already plotting something mean again, huh?" Mijoo scoffs. "Should've kept that spider before the girls confiscated it. Tsk."
"Lord, don't you ever dare pulling such stunt anymore. Jiae would cut you."
"Right."
Soojung waits a moment until their laughter completely subdued before continues, "But really, I'm grateful we swapped body."
"Because like this, at long last I can learn that you really love me."
Silence stretches on. And by the time Mijoo finds her voice again, it's tight with emotion.
"It's my actual wish, y'know." She mutters, willing all the sheer happiness brewing inside her not to spill as tears.
"Hm?"
"I wanted Soojung unnie to know how much I love her... Is what I wished for real that night."
Soojung doesn't reply, she nuzzles impossibly closer into Mijoo's neck, planting little kisses in every inch of skin where she knows exactly would feel amazing - and of course Soojung knows, it was her body afterall - until she can hear Mijoo's deep blissful sigh. Her heart flutters warmly, flooded with delight once again as she looks up to meet her own adorable dimpled smile. It still feels a little freak, but it's fine, Soojung decides. With them being stuck in such an unexpected anomaly, this is most likely the greatest turn-of-events she could ever hope for.
———————
They wake up still tingling all over with residual buzz of pleasure from last night, limbs remain interlaced together.
"'Morning." It is Soojung who speaks first.
"Good morning. Sleep well?"
"Never better." Soojung smiles. She rolls to the side and make a small space between them, propping her head against one hand while the other reaches out to brush off Mijoo's cheek. Waking up to Mijoo by her side like this really reminds of their roommates days, there's still that same warm sleepy eyes, lazy grin spreading across the younger's face....
Soojung blinks few times, inspectng her hand.
Her small hand.
And Mijoo's face.
Right in front of her.
"Mijoo! We— We are back!" She sits up hastily, then grabs Mijoo's shoulder so she can give her a vigorous shake. "We are back to normal!"
"Yes! Oh thank god!" No more hesitation, Mijoo launches herself at Soojung, tightly wrapping her arms around the smaller figure.
"Gosh. Turns out I still love you better when you're yourself." Her voice's muffled as she continues burying her head into the crook of Soojung's neck, taking in every single thing about her; the slighty sloppy shoulders which always carry lots of burden, the smooth hair that's been growing back longer recently, the small of her back that fits perfectly into Mijoo's embrace. Yep, this is absolutely Lee Soojung whom Mijoo loves so much.
"Same here, Mijoo."
They separate a few inches apart, foreheads still connected, and eyes locked with each other's. Soojung hands easily slide up to cup Mijoo's jaw on her palms, then she pulls her in for another searing kiss.
———————
The rest of Lovelyz come back at nine sharp, and judging by the deserted looking living room, they figure Soojung and Mijoo haven't managed to get themselves out. Or maybe they didn't even try, Jiae thought. If everything went along accordingly with the scenario she's got in mind.
"Don't you think we are too mean for locking them up like this?" Jiyeon says, eyeing Yein and Myungeun who've been giggling and whispering presumably inappropriate things regarding their leader and Mijoo. Kids nowadays...
"Like I'd care.. If this could bring those two together and resolve the sexual tension between them then it's gonna be a damn heyday for me!" Jiae exclaims, mouth filter already discarded to hell. "I've been constantly watching over them for six years! Give me a break!"
They skid to a halt right in front of the door on Jiae's command despite Little Sujeong's desperate whine about how tired she is and all she wants right now is just to sleep on her own bed. The eldest holds up her hand, signaling everyone to wait while she's inclining her ear against the wall in attempt to get a clue of whatever's happening in the other side.
"So, what are you hearing? Are they in the middle of making out session?" Yein asks smoothly, defying her unnies glares.
As she's listening with full concentration, Jiae's cheeks starting to color. "Uh. I think it's best for us to come back few hours later." She scampers away from the door with scandalized expression.
"Let's go! Go!" She glares especially at their maknae, who's still so petulantly trying to eavesdrop.
"Wait!" Sujeong cries out suddenly, turning around like she's remembering something very important. "We should stop them, they’re probably doing it on the bottom bunk! I just washed my bedcover yesterday! Oh my god!"
"It's too late. Unnie will buy you new sheets, Sujeong-ah. C'mon!" Jiae makes a high-pitched wheezing noise, using all her strength dragging Sujeong away before the tall girl manage to jog back to her own room.
"Nooooo my beddddddd!"
———————
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