#so I was busy catching up on his filmography
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Sweet Creature: Chapter Two
Pairing: Dieter Bravo x F!Reader
WC: 5145
Summary: A washed up movie star with a failing career, fresh out of rehab and looking to turn his life around. He moves back to his small hometown to take a break from stardom and help his sister out with his niece— He’s traded the high-life for school runs and crafting. What he doesn’t except is to meet you, his niece’s school teacher who couldn’t care less about his extensive filmography or his dwindling fame.
Warnings: 18+ Blog; talk of drug use (no actual using), absent parents, mention of food and alcohol, slow burn, brown fuzzy coat, self doubt, break-up mention, annoyance towards actors, cursing, 2nd POV, that should be it but if I missed anything please let me know
A/N: It’s here!! I’m really excited for this chapter, lots of little things I love about that I’m so excited for you to read. This chapter is where we meet reader and learn a little bit about her. I wanted to also note, there will be an eventual nickname used, we just haven’t gotten to it being used yet so for now I’m not mentioning it. The response to this series has been so amazing and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful feedback!! Another big thank you to @gnpwdrnwhiskey for taking the time to beta for me!! You’re a champ for putting up with my spelling errors. Update: adding link to mug that is mentioned -> etsy shop
Series Masterlist / Sweet Creature Playlist / Main Masterlist
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“Diem, you can’t really be considering this?! Did you forget, he was literally doing drugs off of your toilet!”
You pour another glass of a sweet sparkling wine you’d picked up before heading to Diem’s for your weekly chat session, then settling back into the array of plush couch cushions— a night to decompress a bit, vent and just catch up on the week’s happenings.
“Well, I’ve already considered and told him yes.”
“What?” You nearly spit your drink out in shock. “I don’t want to say I told you so, but I kind of called it when you invited him to Wren’s party. I just— I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
“Look, I know you’re just being protective, and I’m so grateful for that, I truly am— but you have to just let me make this decision and trust that he’s going to be clean like he says he is. This is his longest stay in treatment, that’s got to be a good sign, right?”
The one thing you loved most about Diem was her big heart and her constant need to mother everyone around her.
She had literally taken you under her wing when you’d decided to uproot your entire life and move to a random city you had zero ties to.
A chance meeting in the halls of your new employer, Ojai Valley School, while rounding the corner and bumping into each other. Your stack of lesson plans scattering about the concrete floor and her basket of snacks toppling over— a dozen or so clementine oranges rolling around the haphazard mess of papers.
In sorting out each other’s disarray, you’d learned she was a parent of a kindergartener, to which you shared being the new first grade teacher.
Somewhere in the midst of an over abundance of apologies for the mishap and swapping mini life stories on the walk together to your classroom, her daughter’s class coincidentally next door, there was an exchanging of phone numbers and a no pressure invitation for drinks and appetizers at her place— she dubbed it as a proper ‘welcome to the neighborhood.’
A week later you found yourself in Diem’s living room bonding over similar interests with wooden platters of too expensive crackers, hard to pronounce cheeses, thinly sliced deli meats paired with quickly mixed and shaken cocktails over ice.
She shared her struggles being a single mom who was embarking on a new business adventure all while co-parenting with her ex-boyfriend. You learned her family didn’t live close, parents usually traveling through some part of the world or staying in one of their many extravagant vacation homes, while her brother was some big name movie star— Dieter Bravo, whom you’d seen plastered on the covers of gossip magazines.
There was an instant friendship between the two of you that flourished as the months went on— a sisterly bond you’d never had being an only child.
Weekly chats developed into spending not only more time with Diem, but with Wren as well. Dinners and movie nights became a regular thing, rotating hosting duties while Wren always had the final say in the movie. You shared your love for art with them as much as you could, making sure to invite them both when a new artist had their latest installment showing at one of the many galleries in town, Wren always so captivated with your interpretations of the art on display, encouraging her to seek out her own. If Diem ever found herself in a pinch with the hotel, you were more than excited to spend more time with Wren, especially on the warmer days where you both could take advantage of the pool and soak up the California sun.
You felt like an instant local and less of a transplant after a few months, building your own connections with merchants and finding your own niche outside of teaching within Ojai— you were a welcomed presence.
“I’m sorry Diem, I just have flashbacks to seeing him slumped over on the bathroom floor, high out of his mind— That look on your face ate me up inside.” You sigh at the recollection of your first meeting of her brother Dieter, all disheveled and extremely inebriated. Diem had cried on your shoulder for hours after everyone had left the party, but you did your best to comfort her as time went on. “I’ll be here for you if you need anything.”
She reaches over to you and gives you a hug, reassurance that she appreciates you always having her back.
“Thank you. I promise, any little inkling of something being off and he’s out. Just try to be a little nice to him, give him a chance to prove himself. He said he’ll be here in a few weeks and I’d love for you two to get a proper meeting, so let me know what your schedule is looking like.”
“I’ll try to be on my best behavior.” You playfully roll your eyes at her, but you would really try to be as open as you could be, especially for her and Wren.
“Okay, enough about me and my stuff. What’s new with you?? Any hot dates??”
Your dating life was near nonexistent. Yeah, you dated, but that was as far as things went.
Your last relationship had ended in a breakup before your move. Both of you wanting different things, you wanting him to move with you and him wanting to stay rooted, while also refusing to try the long distance thing, deciding a clean break was best for the both of you.
“Ugh. I went on one the other day. One of the teachers cornered me in the break room and insisted on setting me up with her neighbor.”
“And?”
“And, it was a disaster. He was late to the restaurant and then he was excusing himself every fifteen minutes to go to the bar to watch some sport’s playoffs. He also ordered for me off the kid’s menu, said he thought the restaurant was overpriced— he picked it mind you. Safe to say there was nothing ‘hot’ about the date. I literally give up. I’ll live the rest of my life alone— maybe I should get a cat or two.”
Your body slinks back amusingly into the couch cushions.
“Oh my god. Stop!” She swats jokingly at your limp arm. “You’re so dramatic. Firstly, don’t accept any dates from colleagues— those are always bound to be disastrous! Secondly, you won’t be alone forever. You just have to open yourself up to the possibility of something just happening organically— like fate! Thirdly— no cats! Wren’s allergic and I can’t deal with that mess of meltdowns from her wanting one of her own.”
“Why do you always have to be my voice of reason?!”
“Because that’s what friends are for… Babe!”
“I hate you!” You’re both in a fit of giggles as you toss a pillow across the couch at her.
“Oh! I do have some good news though! The gallery said they’re holding one last artist showcase before closing the doors and they offered it to me.”
Reverie Studio, a cute little art gallery and workshop space, had become a sanctuary for your creative imagination to live freely. They offered classes throughout the year to varying types of artists, novice to well seasoned, in their workshop space in the back of the gallery.
The gallery itself was spacious and washed in white, perfect for featuring painted canvases, framed photographs or ceramic sculptures. Giant bright windows facing Main Street, allowed for ample viewing for visitors.
You’d taken a few classes as a way to submerse yourself into the community, hoping to build some connections with like minded individuals. At one point you’d noticed the bulletin board that held a plethora of business cards, class schedules and other various information about town happenings, had a help wanted flier for the studio itself looking for someone to teach a few classes. You, being a teacher already, as well as an artist, decided to seek out more information. They hired you on the spot and allowed you to decide what classes you wanted to offer.
The latest flier was informing that the owners decided they would be closing their doors soon. If you had the means, you would have put an offer on the business to keep it open, unfortunately with your salary as a teacher it wouldn’t be feasible. While you were sad you’d be losing Reverie, you were grateful they considered your art to be shown as their last installment.
“What?! That is amazing! Finally people can see the amazing things you paint— I’ve been dreaming of this moment for you!! Also, I told you my brother’s an artist right?”
“Like, ‘I’m an actor, art is my passion’ while having zero idea how watercolor works…” Air quotes adding emphasis to your mockery.
“I thought you said you were going to be on your best behavior?” She tosses a pillow right back at you, nearly knocking over your empty glass in the process.
“Sorry, I had to get it out.” Thankfully she could sense your campy tone.
“I’m going to head out, there’s a stack of papers calling my name that I need to grade.” You state, grabbing your purse and making your way to the front door. “I’ll see you at drop off.” Throwing her a wave as you walk down the path leading to the main sidewalk.
“Oh! Before I forget, Wren asked if she could come paint sometime. Told her I’d run it by you first and see if there was any space for her.”
“Of course— Anytime!”
“Perfect. We'll chat more about it later then. Text me when you get home!” Diem leaning into the door frame, practically shouting as you cross the street, knowing you live a less than five minute walk down the block.
“Oh! And I want to have you over for dinner when Dieter gets here!!”
“Goodnight Diem!” Throwing a lax wave back at her.
*
Dieter can’t remember a time he’d slept so well. Could be the comfortable pillow top mattress, or it could be due to the fact this is the most relaxed he’s felt in years.
There’s clanking coming from what he can only assume is the kitchen, followed by the strong aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Diem is awake, still the early bird that she’s always been.
He begins to extricate himself from the cushy bed, swinging his legs over the edge, his body following suit into a somewhat hunched over sitting position. His fingers pick at the tiny sleep crystals embedded in the corners of his eyes, a few blinks to adjust to the light, his sight still a bit blurry.
An audible lazy yawn works its way through his mouth, sleep still ruminating within him for the time being. He reaches over to the side table to grab his black framed glasses, a few swipes over the lens glass with the crumpled top sheet before he’s lifting them to the window for a quick smudge inspection— passable and now snug to his face.
He convinces his body to rise to his full height, joints and muscles adjusting to their proper positions after several hours of a sedentary vacation. A quick roll of the neck and overhead arm stretches ramp up his alertness.
Stepping over yesterday’s clothes still plopped in the middle of the floor, he digs through his bags in search of something to cover his boxer clad body with the intent to make the trek through the house to a cup of rich amber heaven.
The air has a slight chill to it, not an uncommon occurrence being tucked in a valley on a California morning. He pulls on his favorite lounge pants, dark stripes pair with a thin cottony fabric worn in from years of wearing— a security blanket of sorts. Throwing his giant fuzzy overcoat over a wrinkled shirt while taking a few deep breaths, schooling his trepidation and the fact that a new life awaits him on the other side of the door.
*
Sure enough, Diem is busy moving about the kitchen. A mom through and through multitasking her way through the morning— coffee made with mugs set out, breakfast of eggs and toast plated waiting to be eaten, and a million other little tasks that seem to keep her attention focused.
“I can’t believe you still have that damn coat, I beg you don’t wear it in public.”
“Good morning to you too!” That first sentence a bit gravelly as he looks down to inspect the coat Diem had just insulted. “What’s wrong with my coat?”
“It makes you look— a little tacky and less ‘I’ve finally got my life together.’” He shakes his head at her remark, deciding he’ll leave out the part that it’s just a house coat these days.
“How’d you sleep?”
“Good. Best sleep I’ve had in awhile. Gonna need to know where I can get one of those beds for home.” Grabbing one of the mugs and pouring himself a decent amount of coffee, then positioning himself onto one of the barstools in front of his awaiting breakfast.
“That would be a “we’re so proud of you, here’s a bed” gift from mom and dad.” He can sense her somewhat sore tone as she wipes up the counters.
“You hear from them lately?”
“Aside from the gifts they send regularly for Wren and a few emails updating on their whereabouts, they seem to be living up to the absentee status quite well.”
He doesn’t expect the weight of her response to hit him so fiercely, knowing his own presence had been equally lacking as well.
“I’m sorry.” It seems like the only adequate answer.
“For what? It’s not your fault our parent’s decision to be unavailable the majority of our lives. I mean, I love them and I know they love us, but they sure have a weird way of showing it.”
“Yeah— well, I can’t say my track record has been any better over the years.” He wishes he could omit the guilt, but acknowledging and accepting his own absence seems like a more appropriate approach to mending the past.
“Hey, no! I’m not trying to project any of my thoughts onto you.” Her movements halted, giving her full attention to the conversation. “You made an effort, regardless of your— your situation through the years, you still made time for us. We see them maybe twice if we’re lucky. Sometimes they surprise Wren with a FaceTime call, probably so she doesn’t forget what they look like.”
His fork scrapes through his runny eggs, taking his anger out on them seems like a better alternative to a seething phone call to his parents. He’s not sure they’d even answer if he did call. Communication between him and them was tenuous, having sent them a few emails while in rehab, their only response was “That’s great. We love you!”
“Plus, you’re here now. Look at it as a second chance to make up for lost time.”
Before he’s able to give much thought to the prospect of a second chance, the trotting of tiny footsteps is heard coming from the hall.
“Uncle Dude!!! You’re here, you’re here!” Wren’s tiny little body launched into his chest as he tried to squat down to her level.
Uncle Dude. When Wren was younger, she had trouble with his name when her vocabulary started to expand, certain letter patterns fairing more difficult than others. Dieter joked around with the idea of her calling him ‘The Dude’, The Big Lebowski being one of his comfort films. Diem tried everything in her powers to make it not happen, but it only took an entire weekend of Dieter coaching the then 3 year old and Uncle Dude came to be.
“Hey Birdie! Gosh, you’ve gotten so big!”
“I know, mama said I hafta eat all my vegetables ‘cause they will make me grow and grow and grow.” She wraps her little arms around his neck, squeezing him tight before pulling back and fully inspecting him. “You brought teddy jacket wiff you!!” Her little hands running through the brown sherpa fabric of his coat, which she claimed felt like a teddy bear— Teddy Jacket.
“Brought it just for you.” He shoots a sarcastic smile over to Diem, who is doing her best to not make her eye rolling obvious, then plants a kiss to Wren’s tiny forehead.
“Okay Miss Wren, you’ve got to eat breakfast and get dressed for school.” Diem pulling out the mom voice, making both him and Wren exchange a brief scrunched expression.
Wren climbs the legs of the barstool and settles into its seat. “But I wanna stay wiff Uncle Dude! He always gets me donuts for breakfast!” Her little voice floats through the air and wraps itself around his heart, clenching over how much he’s missed her.
“Uncle Dude is actually taking you to school today, so you’ll have plenty of time before school to hang out. And we can do donuts a different time, eat your eggs then go get yourself dressed.”
“Are you gonna be here when I get home too?!” Looking at Dieter with pleading eyes.
“Heck yeah! I’ll be here for a while!” Dieter leans in close enough so only Wren can hear. “If you hurry up, we can get donuts before school, our secret!”
“YAY!!!”
Diem looks over her shoulder at the two of them, an eyebrow cocked at Wren’s abrupt excitement, then looking at Dieter and only getting an innocent shoulder shrug from him.
“I’m going to head out then if you’ve got this under control.” Dieter nods in agreement, finishing off the remainder of his coffee. “Perfect! I already left a message with the school you’d be dropping her off. No need to worry about picking her up, she has a wellness check with her doctor, so I’ll take her to that before we head home.” Diem scurrying around, grabbing items from different areas of the room and tossing into her oversized tote, before giving a kiss to Wren and quick hug to Dieter. “I’ll see you both later. Love you, bye!!” The door shutting quickly behind her.
There’s a beat of silence as Wren and Dieter exchange looks, as if they know what each other is thinking.
“DONUTS!!” Both announce in unison, high fives and uncoordinated movements as they both flail about.
“Alright Birdie, let’s get dressed and go!”
“Let’s go!!”
*
As promised, donuts were a designated stop on the way to school. Wren’s excitement was written all over her face as she peered through the bakery case deliberating on her choice. Dieter missed this, moments spent with her as she explored the world around her. Thinking back to his conversation with Diem, this instance is proof second chances exist.
“Thanks Uncle Dude for the donut!” He glances back at Wren in the rear view mirror, buckled securely into her booster seat, flakes of pink donut frosting smeared around her mouth, curls slightly bouncing as she bobs her head to the music she requested as Dieter buckled her in.
“No problem Birdie. Here, why don’t you wipe your face— hide the evidence.” He hands her a napkin, hoping she can manage on her own— she seems to do a good enough job of it.
“Donuts make me happy.”
“They do, do they?”
“Yeah! They make me smile. Mama says being a movie star makes you happy.”
“She did?”
“Yep! Does it?”
He thinks it does, or it used to at least. There was a time when the love he had for acting was limitless— he would eat, sleep and breathe acting. Getting sought after roles, memorizing pages worth of lines, stepping into character the instant the director said action. Acting filled a void in him that had been vacant for years.
“It used to make me really happy.”
“But it doesn’t anymore?”
“I don’t know, still trying to figure that out.”
“Mama says your heart knows when it’s happy, so just listen to your heart Uncle Dude!”
“I’ll do that, thanks Birdie.”
*
Most of your school mornings ran the same way. You tend to wake before your alarm ever has a chance to alert you, you’ve made such a habit of it you’re not sure why you bother setting one. You read somewhere about how cold showers at the start of the day help wake your mind, could be total bullshit but for some reason you believe it works— they’re the longest 2 minutes of your day. Being a private school teacher, the attire on school grounds tends to lean more conservative than your ‘normal life uniform’ of sundresses, distressed jeans and comfy band tees, but it makes for a quick selection of dark slacks and a comfortable top.
The coffee machine has already run through its cycle by the time shoes are on and your school tote is securely placed on your shoulder. Grabbing your favorite coffee mug that reads “Let It Gogh”, a gift from a student last year, you fill it with an adequate amount of coffee and a splash of cream before you're out the door.
The local bakery is your only stop before work, offering a good selection of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and an enticing selection of donuts— you may or may not add one to your order of an egg and cheese sandwich some mornings.
You tend to breeze through your class preparation before the bells ring for the start of school.
The day's lesson plan already looked over, worksheets separated and ready for the students, and the whiteboard cleaned and daily tasks written out— you find it helps deter your students from having to ask “what are we doing today?” more than necessary.
There’s usually a good 30 minutes of quiet before the first student arrives, and if there’s no need for you elsewhere on campus, you take the time to read your latest book you picked up from Bart’s Books and hope you can get through a good amount of it the short time you have.
Like clockwork, your students trickle in with their ‘good mornings’ and vibrant stories about their world.
Some parents opt for a quick ‘drop and go’, while others linger a bit in the back of the class until you’re ushering them out when the bell rings. You enjoy the parent interaction. It’s usually spent answering homework questions or sharing upcoming events happening in the class, with the occasional non-school related discussions when Diem swings by with Wren— you both getting caught up in some story that is not really relevant to anything school related.
There’s a quick flash of a familiar little face, Wren placing her purple backpack on its assigned hook, then running back to where you’re standing at your desk.
“My Uncle Dude brought me today!”
“Your Uncle Dude?” Diem hadn’t mentioned not being able to bring Wren this morning, and you’ve never heard of this “Dude” person before.
“Yeah! He’s a movie star!!” Her little frame is buzzing with excitement, not able to stand still as she bounces on the balls of her feet. Before you’re able to question her further, she zips off towards her table, waving to someone over your shoulder. “Byyyyye Uncle Dude!!! See you later!!”
You’d been so wrapped up in your brief conversation with Wren, you hadn’t noticed the man standing at the door to your classroom.
He doesn’t seem to notice you staring as he leans against the door, watching Wren getting herself situated with her fellow classmates.
Dieter Bravo. Or at least you think it is. No it definitely is.
The images of your first encounter with him flood your mind. You’re not really sure what you expected when Diem said he was clean and sober now, but you definitely didn’t expect to find him attractive on any level.
He looks healthy and like he might actually sleep regularly, his eyes seemingly less sunken in from what you can see with his glasses perched perfectly on his face. His hair slightly shorter and still a little bit of a mess but purposefully, it seems to suit him though.
Your eyes roam a bit further down, noticing he seemed to have traded his disheveled clothes for a more put together yet laid back style. A white t-shirt under a black blazer that seems far too formal for school drop off and a snug pair of dark wash jeans.
You shouldn’t be ogling him like this, but your brain is having a hard time controlling itself.
“Hello?”
You must have zoned out pretty hard because you didn’t realize he was standing so close now, and attempting to get your attention.
“Oh— H-hi! Sorry, I was lost in thought there for a second.” You can feel your face heating up, trying to get your thoughts together.
“Hi, I’m Wren’s teacher—“
“I’m Dieter, Wren’s Uncle—“
You both attempt to introduce yourselves, speaking at the same time, hands knocking into each other awkwardly before properly situating for a shake.
Heat begins to rise in your body, you’re completely flustered by his subdued energy and the way he’s looking at you with his soft brown eyes.
“Sorry— you first, please.”
“I’m Dieter, Wren’s Uncle. Diem asked if I could drop her off, said she already had it called into the front office.”
“Yes— yes! Sorry, I must have not looked over my notes thoroughly this morning and missed that message.”
“I like your mug.” Pointing to your Van Gogh mug you forgot you were holding, he laughs as he reads the message on the front.
As if you didn’t know what was already on it, you instinctively lift the mug to view it, like it was your first time seeing it.
“T-thanks, a student gave it to me last year and it’s kind of become my favorite one to use for school, I’ll be sad if something ever happens to it.” You internally cringe at your tendency to over share, words just aimlessly falling from your mouth, trying to mask your nervousness.
“Keep it safe then. Anyways— I’m an actor, as Wren so kindly informed you. I normally live down in LA when I’m not shooting movies, but I’m—I’m taking some time off, no movies or anything at the moment, going to spend a few months with my sister and Wren, help out however I can.”
Ah! There it is, the “I’m an actor” spiel making the attraction you felt towards him flee instantly. While he may be a new cleaned up version of the Dieter Bravo you met a year ago, he’s still just a typical Hollywood actor who likes to talk about himself at any chance he can get. Having had your fair share of run-ins with actors before, they’re all the same as far as you’re concerned— his career holds zero significance to you in any way.
Releasing a heavy sigh as you remember Diem’s plea to be on your best behavior, you school your annoyance at his mentioning of it.
But unbeknownst to you, he can sense your lack of interest in what he’s saying and decides his introduction is over.
Thankfully, you’re literally and figuratively saved by the bell.
“Well, I better let you get to your class then.”
“Yeah— I’m sure I’ll see you around Mr. Bravo. Have a great day.”
You turn towards your desk hastily placing your mug down in exchange for a stack of worksheets, then making your way to the front of the class to get your lesson started.
“1-2-3, eyes on me! Good morning everyone! Please get a pencil while I pass these papers out.”
Dieter stands in the doorway, observing your interactions with your students, a stark contrast to the coldness you’d given him at the end of your conversation.
*
The rest of the day flew by once it started, the short interaction with Dieter unfortunately flitted through your mind more than you'd have liked it to. But you didn’t let your aversion towards him have any effect on your day.
After closing up your class and dropping off attendance sheets in the front office, you made your way home, looking forward to an evening of drinks and gossip.
A quick change out of your school clothes into some jeans, T-shirt and flip-flops, you filled your canvas tote with a chilled bottle of white wine and the cheeses you’d told Diem you’d bring over.
Being that it’s roughly a 5 minute walk from your house to Diem’s. The neighborhood is quiet most days, giving you a chance to really enjoy the ambiance of everyone’s front gardens and a few neighborly ‘Hello’s’ as you stroll down the sidewalk.
Nearing Diem’s house, noticing her car in the driveway, a sense of relief washes over you at the thought of Dieter being out and the chance of running into him would be slim. You were ready to unwind for the evening.
Front door unlocked, you let yourself in— both of you exchanging keys early on in your friendship in the off chance there was an emergency or one of you showed up to a locked door.
Hearing Diem rustling around in her pantry, not hearing your arrival, you decide to start unpacking your tote and announce your presence.
“You have no idea how much I need this tonight Diem!”
Not hearing a response from her, you continue placing things on her counter and continue to spill to her.
“Also! Would have been nice to have a heads up that your brother would be dropping Wren off— was not prepared for that. But what a difference a year makes, he looks good, definitely was attracted to him for a split second— sorry I know you don’t want to hear that, but honestly such a difference from my first interaction with him being when I was yelling at him for being strung out in your bathroom.”
Still no word from her as you open the bottle of wine and unwrap the cheeses in preparation for the evening.
“You’d be so proud of me too! I was on my best behavior despite how much I was annoyed with listening to him talk about himself— Hey, did you happen to get those crackers with the figs and olives?? I grabbed that honey goat cheese that we like to eat with them.”
The silence carries on from the pantry. No more movement. No sign of Diem.
“Diem? You okay? Hey, I’m sorry— I shouldn’t have mentioned your brother being attractive— and I honestly was really nice to him. I mean, at least I think I was.”
You can hear Diem finally making her way to join you in the kitchen.
Only when you look up, prepared to give her a big welcoming smile, your face immediately fades into a look of surprise when you realize it’s not Diem at all— it’s her brother, Dieter.
“Diem’s not home.”
“Oh fuck—”
Next
#dieter bravo#dieter bravo x fem!reader#dieter bravo x you#dieter bravo x reader#dieter bravo x f!reader#pedro pascal#sweet creature series#wildemaven writes#pedrostories
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i think one of my very favorite things about the zone of interest or perhaps the thing i admire the most is its willingness and bravery in letting you miss stuff. absolutely zero, like, actually zero exposition in the whole dang film. this is a glazer filmography constant, and one of my favorite things about him period, but works especially well in zone i think due to just how... i'm not really sure how to describe it-- there's so much disturbing shit happening at such a relentless rate but presented so casually, made even more upsetting for its casualness, that even missing tons of stuff my first viewing zone still hit me harder than anything i'd ever watched, and each subsequent watch just got worse and more devastating.
first time i saw it i didn't even notice it was blood getting washed off höss' boots (too busy reading the subtitles, i think), and catching that my second go around, knowing to look for the ash creeping up behind höss when he's fishing in the river, realizing that the hissing sound claus makes when he locks his little brother in the greenhouse is him imitating the sound of the gas... not to mention just. knowing that ending is coming. god. again i've just never had a movie get so much more intense with each viewing, and i think that's due in no small part to just how muted? understated? un-spoon-fed? the storytelling is. i mean, i was still catching new stuff on my fifth (5th) viewing. brave ass movie i say.
#the zone of interest#jonathan glazer#i usually roll my eyes when people talk about ‘important films’ but if anything has ever actually deserved the title. it’s this.
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so you don’t have to: mermaid’s song
hey friends! today’s review will be on the movie mermaid’s song, also known as charlotte’s song, directed by nicholas humphries. it is a loose retelling of hans christian andersen’s the little mermaid.
i did not know this until the opening credits of the movie. let me give you the description of this movie that i saw when i first watched it on tubi [where it is still available at the time of writing this]:
A girl in the 1930s has a family business a gangster wants to illegally help, but he doesn’t know she’s a mermaid who controls minds with her voice.
to call this description misleading is... an understatement. but before we get into that, let me clarify a few things: i have watched this movie before, and this will be like my 4th time watching it as i write this. most reviews i have seen of this movie do NOT like it one bit, and i can see why. but for me it has a certain je ne say quaough. i will be giving a rather lengthy summary of the movie talking about a lot of aspects i really enjoy and a lot i think they could do SO MUCH BETTER, so naturally, this review will be LONG and have a lot of SPOILERS! this is your only warning [for this review]! but i hope you guys won’t mind because the reason i’m reviewing this movie in particular first is to introduce my subgenre of reviews: SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO, where i watch the random movies i find going through a hot actor’s filmography—you guessed it—so you don’t have to! all will be formatted like this: less of a professional review and more me telling you what happens in the movie and getting silly with it.
so levi, you might ask, who is the hot actor you subjected yourself to this identity crisis of a movie for?
well, let me show you the poster:
notice anyone familiar? someone from... game of thrones, perhaps?
that’s right folks, i watched this movie for mr ramsay bolton himself, iwan rheon. so let’s get into it, shall we?
the movie takes place, as stated before, in the 1930s. this wouldn’t be so strange if not for the fact that it is set in oklahoma. do you know what absolutely killed middle america in the 1930s? i’ll give you a hint: exactly what’s killing the southwest right now, only about a hundred times worse.
this is a mermaid movie in which the only water exists in a bathtub or wash basin.
our main character is charlotte, a thirteen[?] year old girl who is the youngest of six girls. i do not remember any of the sisters’ names despite seeing this movie several times, so it might get a little confusing but we’ll be okay. the movie begins with a flashback charlotte, about six years old, catching fireflies. she comes inside and we are introduced to her sisters and the girls’ mother, singing for a crowd in their bar that is also their house. her older daughters—all except charlotte—are background dancers. the patrons look pleased and their father [whose name is george] watches lovingly from the bar. as charlotte walks away from the stage, she is stopped by a man [iwan rheon] who, seemingly telepathically, tells her be careful. she looks confused, so he kneels down and says, out loud, “i said, be careful.” by the way, when he kneels down to her level, and when he gets back up, his movement is sped up. it is not clear why they do this and i believe it is the only time it happens. the mother notices him and looks concerned but does not stop the show. this opening bit is cut with shots of a classic big ol’ fairy tale book complete with many mermaid illustrations, which are fucking awesome, and narration of one such fairy tale.
i want to take a moment to point out that the sound editing in this movie is atrocious. it is not balanced at all. at many points the music is almost too loud to hear the dialogue/singing. i watch movies with subtitles, so this does not bother me, but it seems to be a big issue for many people who have reviewed this movie. this also does not stop me from getting the songs stuck in my head for weeks after every time i watch this.
now we are introduced to charlotte’s “grandmother”, the sea witch of this retelling. we quickly learn that she is not her real grandmother and no one likes her except charlotte. she tells charlotte what is essentially the story of the little mermaid and the movie makes it obvious that this story is about her mother. the sea witch tells charlotte that “unless [the mermaid] returns to the sea, another must be found to take her place, for the balance between worlds must be preserved at all costs.” by “another” the witch means charlotte, as she immediately tries to steal her away, but the mother catches her and locks her in george’s office, after which she goes to argue with him, because the prophecy must be fulfilled and it’s her or charlotte. here is where the setting of oklahoma comes into play, as it’s revealed that they have moved as far away from water as they could in the hopes that the witch wouldn’t find them. george suggests they “pay the debt” and give up charlotte, and she responds by killing herself, with charlotte finding her body. yes. seriously. take that, sea witch, i guess?
cut to title sequence, where the title card looks an awful lot like they used a rip-off pirates of the carribean font.
now we move to present day. the dust bowl is in full effect, and the family’s business has been affected heavily by this and by the death of their mother. the sea witch still lives with them and has been subjugated to maid status. we also find out that this bar/cabaret is also a gas station now? or maybe it always was. either way, charlotte feels bad for a family that cannot pay for gas and ends up running out on their property, so she fills up a canister behind george’s back. on her way to give them the gas canister she runs into a man named tim, an old friend of the family. he offers to deliver the gas can for her and says he’ll be back in a couple days to talk to george. tim is young and cute and it is very obvious charlotte has a schoolgirl crush on him. tim obviously loves her too, but in a very familial sense.
we see the family growing stressed because of money troubles and customers becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their entertainment [can’t fuck the girls] and drinks [can’t afford real liquor to serve]. the sea witch tells charlotte she will soon have to make the choice that her mother did, and it becomes increasingly obvious that charlotte is regarded as the black sheep and the baby of the family. also, george is not a good father, and soon he’ll get worse.
so far, this movie is strange at best and a disappointment at worst. the acting is hit or miss, the sound design isn’t balanced, and the story is confusing. but now, a character returns to the fray: randall. oh randall. iwan rheon does such a wonderful job with randall. he’s the perfect combination of cheesy b-movie fruity villain and seriously scary. iwan serves cunt in this role and if you disagree i cannot help you.
anyway, who is randall? well, remember the ‘gangster’ the poor description of this movie mentioned? yeah, that’s him. he offers george a steady supply of canadian whiskey and an untold amount of money as an investment, under the condition that he has the final say in how the business is run until the loan is paid off, after which george resumes control and randall gets a cut of profits. he also tells george that he must begin prostituting his daughters, saying he needs to “utilize all the assets at [his] disposal.” george agrees, for all but charlotte [i think the next oldest is like. 16 but who is paying attention to age of consent laws in 1930s oklahoma. did they even have any back then?]. the dance show also involves stripping now. charlotte initially does not know that her sisters are being prostituted, but finds out after she sneaks into her sister’s room to put on makeup and has to hide in the closet when she comes in with a man.
cut to: it has been a couple days. what does that mean? tim is back!! when he comes in, george is... chopping chairs apart with an axe, for some reason? anyway, tim talks with george about the struggles of the world and we learn he has come back from california. george offers him a job working for him and tells him about randall. tim warns george to stay away from him, as he has worked for randall in the past and he is not a man to be trifled with. george is angry that tim is telling him his new boss sucks so he kicks him out.
now, when randall made this deal, he left a man, harold, behind to make sure things are running to his liking. harold takes a... problematic liking to charlotte and suggests that george does start prostituting her, specifically, to him. george agrees but it is obvious that he feels he needs to do it because they are so broke, as immediately after harold leaves the room he vomits. would like to see that same revulsion for what you’re doing to the rest of your daughters though, sir.
charlotte is prepared by her oldest sister for her, um, “meeting” with harold and it is clear she does not know what’s about to happen. as it turns out, neither do we. once she realizes what harold is there for, she has a panic attack which triggers HER FIRST MERMAID TRANSFORMATION!!! instead of harold getting to ruin a little girl’s life, he gets a face full of mermaid claws and runs away screaming. the sea witch appears again as charlotte passes out and she instructs charlotte’s sisters to put her in the bathtub and fill it with water.
here i want to point out that another thing i really like about this movie is the cinematography. it feels a bit lynchian, and i cannot tell if they were going for that vibe on purpose or if it’s just the result of some weird ass editing [affectionate]. either way, something about this movie feels distinctly twin peaks-ish.
charlotte wakes up in the bathtub and notices that a small patch on her leg still has scales. she picks one off. her sister brings her some water and charlotte begins singing, and it is here she realizes that her singing gives people visions of whatever they want most, a trait she inherited from her mother. her sister has a vision of her [secret] boyfriend proposing to her. it’s not 100% clear whether or not charlotte can actually see these visions she’s causing but i think she can. this is important later. george brings tim back to the house to inform him about this catastrophic clusterfuck and that charlotte is starting to get mermaid-y [apparently tim knew that the mother was a mermaid as well]. tim says he’ll talk to randall for george and try to smooth things over. charlotte speaks to tim before he leaves, and he tells her some things about her mother before she ends up kissing him. he tells her they can’t do that, obviously, to which her response is, “you won’t have to pay like the other men,” after which tim immediately gets up and physically fights george, who claims they were going to kill him if he didn’t start prostituting charlotte as well [lie]. tim still agrees to speak to randall.
we go through more family troubles, all of the daughters rightfully hating their father for the situation he’s putting them in. charlotte learns more about mermaid stuff and is able to sneak into the sea witch’s room with the ring of keys that harold dropped when she attacked him. did i mention that george had “forbidden” the sea witch from seeing charlotte, and what he means by “forbidding” is tying her to a chair and locking her in her room? because that’s what he does. charlotte releases her and the sea witch convinces her to let her take her to the water, to be home. unfortunately george catches them and just. kills the sea witch with a fire poker? if she could be killed by mortal means why didn’t they do it like 10 years ago lol. charlotte is obviously upset about this and we get some real cool shots that i’m pretty sure are supposed to symbolize the nightmares she has afterwards. one of her sisters comes to comfort her and again she sings, and again she finds that her sister has a vision, this time of their mother.
now, remember the sister with the secret boyfriend? well, apparently, she has a plan to run away with him. she agrees to take charlotte with them and sends her to steal the money that george has stashed away in his office while he is asleep. in his office. naturally charlotte fucks it up and george wakes up and chases them outside the house, where he tries to shoot the sister’s boyfriend. unfortunately, he misses and instead shoots... the sister, killing her instantly. this is never talked about again and has no effect on the story other than to make charlotte more upset with her father.
but no matter: randall is back! he informs george that harold is, in fact, alive and “won’t stop raving about the monsters.” george claims that he tried to look for him [lie] but couldn’t find anything, and randall thanks him by threatening to cut off his finger! how does george respond? by begging them to cut off his oldest daughter’s finger instead of his! fortunately, no one actually has any fingers removed, as before they can start on the oldest daughter, charlotte begins to sing to them, stopping the men as well as her sister in their tracks, daydreaming as they stare into the distance. randall seems rather unaffected by this, staring down charlotte directly. when she finishes, he tells her, “neat trick,” quite bitterly, which is a line i absolutely love. charlotte convinces randall to let them go back to the regular song and dance show with no more prostitution, i suppose because he’s becoming intrigued with this weird little girl with bigger balls than her fucking father.
charlotte begins singing in the shows, which brings a life back to their business that they have not seen since their mother died. however, george has not stopped the prostitution like he promised, but does not tell charlotte or randall, and pockets the cash himself. shortly after this change, george successfully pays off randall’s loan and does not tell his family. tim comes to visit again after charlotte begins doing the show, and this time he brings his fiancée. charlotte clearly does not appreciate this, and it only gets worse when tim tells her that they are moving away, but before he leaves she tells him that she has something to show him, which means that she sings for him and he has a vision of himself kissing her mother. now, i forgot to mention that at some point in this movie, we learn that if a mermaid and a human conceive a child, that child will only be a mermaid if it is born out of true love. so, DING! now we know why charlotte got the mermaid gene and not ANY of her FIVE other sisters: she’s tim’s kid, not george’s! aaand now it makes it even weirder that she kissed him.
charlotte is now beginning to recognize that people aren’t actually coming to see her for her voice, but rather the visions she gives them, and she quickly becomes disillusioned with her celebrity. she decides to leave, but on the night she tries to sneak out, randall is in her house for reasons we do not fully understand for the time being. he speaks to her telepathically again and we also learn he can seemingly control lights or electricity? idk he turns on a lamp by waving his hand over it. seeing him use these powers prompts charlotte to say, “you’re one of them,” and to which he responds, “them? i’m one of us.” which is also a banger line and i think about it weekly. charlotte realizes that he has been trying to push her towards realizing her powers and he tries to convince her to come with him and be a protégé of sorts, so he can teach her all the wonderful ways they can use their powers to mess with humans [and i like to imagine that this means randall sings to his gang sometimes]. she refuses and like, sure, you do you, but girl i’m different. that sounds fun as hell. imagine being mermaid loki’s sidekick. before randall leaves he tells her that george has indeed paid back his debt.
we soon see why randall is at the house/bar/cabaret stage when he confronts george, dragging a beaten and bloody tim with him. randall says tim tells him that he had spoken with george the previous day, george says he hasn’t seen him in ages, randall shoots tim in the knee. when this happens, a rather jarring synth note plays just before he takes the shot. not extremely important but another little bit of lynchian influence i love. i think about that shot all the time.
from here, everything turns to chaos. charlotte learns about the prostitution, george learns randall is a mermaid, randall tells his men to “take the girls, kill george,” everyone is struggling and fighting, another sister gets shot, and then charlotte has another mermaid transformation and starts screaming. apparently, mermaid screams work the opposite of mermaid singing, as the men all begin to have visions of themselves doing “sinful” things and end up killing themselves or each other. this also causes the oldest daughter to shoot and kill george. randall simply leaves the bar in the middle of this with a very “my work here is done” air about him.
finally, charlotte gets to leave. as she takes one last look at the house she’s spent her entire life in, randall approaches her. he tries once more to convince her to come be evil with him, and as she instead walks towards her new life, he comments, “very brave of you to go in the exact direction they’ve been trying to lure you this whole time.” she smiles and responds, “i’ll write you when i get there.”
and that’s the end of the movie! first thing, i obviously absolutely love randall’s character. he is really the only light in this dreary, underwritten cast and i so wish that either he and charlotte played off each other more or she did decide that being evil is fun actually. this movie also introduces a lot of weird mermaid powers that i’ve never really seen before? but only uses them like once. i mean, yeah, we’ve all heard of siren song, but has anyone else ever heard of telepathic mermaids, or mermaids with super speed, or mermaids that can control electricity/light?
this team obviously had a vision here, and even if it wasn’t executed very well, i appreciate the hell out of the passion i can see in this project and everyone involved. i hope that the team behind this movie learns from the mistakes they made and keep all the things that made this so beautifully strange.
if you liked this post, stay tuned! i’ve got a lot more movies to talk about.
#mermaid's song#charlotte's song#so you don't have to#frob reviews#iwan rheon#movieposting#side blog#long post
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Tkem Novel 12
Chapter 15 - “The secret only I know”
Tae-Eul thought over what Nari said.
“If there are two identical worlds, then one is bound to destroy the other.”
She wished Gon would come back soon. She wished he would appear right there, right then, in her courtyard atop Maximus.
Carrying this secret alone was too much of a burden and she felt lonely.
—
Chapter 16 - “Even if the flower doesn’t bloom”
After a long day at the station, Tae-Eul was finally on her way back home. Instead of heading inside the warmth of her house though, she stopped in front of it and took the time to water the small flower pot that contained the seeds she bought in the Kingdom. Crouching down, she carefully examined the surface of the planter.
Only soil was visible underneath the soft glow of the street lights.
“Why won’t you sprout?”
Rationally, she knew it was because they came from another world. Just thinking about the fact that these flowers may never bloom left her disappointed.
Gon was still away and these flowers would probably never bloom.
Tae-Eul stared at the pot for a long while, lost in her thoughts. Finally standing up, she lightly tapped her legs with her two hands.
“How have you been?”
The voice she longed to hear all this time rang clear in the empty courtyard. Turning around, Tae-Eul saw Gon standing tall, donning a dark coat. Still struck by his sight, she simply nodded.
“Have you been waiting for me?”
Unable to tear her eyes away from him, she nodded once more.
From the Kingdom of Corea to the Republic of Korea.
Crossing universes.
Tae-Eul knew how far these two worlds were. How big the space between 1 and 0 was.
She couldn’t go to his world even if she wanted to. She couldn’t meet him even if she wanted to. The only thing she could do was to wait.
Gon who was equally glad to see her let out a small laugh. “That’s a relief. I was a bit scared that you didn’t want me to come back—”
He didn’t get a chance to finish. Tae-Eul reached Gon in a few strides and hugged him.
There were a few things she could do now.
She could touch him. She could embrace him.
With Tae-Eul’s head tightly pressed against his chest, Gon felt his heart skip a beat. Silently, he wrapped his arms around her.
Warmth spreading from one body to another, they relaxed into each other.
Their time spent in the Kingdom was short, and their goodbye felt even more rushed. Their current situation meant they couldn’t send each other texts like any normal couple and Tae-Eul probably worried over him. Feeling sorry for being away for so long, Gon held her a fraction tighter.
As much as he did his best to carry out his work as quickly as he could, Gon wished he could have come sooner.
—
Finally breaking their embrace, Tae-Eul led Gon to the Taekwondo center.
She was the owner’s daughter yet Gon was the one holding the key to the training hall.
Gon had come in earlier in the day, greeted her father and borrowed the house keys. Tae-Eul didn’t know what to make of it. Did he really have to go that far?
She got the answer entering the Dojang.
At first glance, the man standing in the middle of room looked like Eun-Sup. His attire was the one detail that gave him away. This man was not Eun-Sup. It was Yeong.
Yeong faced Tae-Eul and glowered at her, posture stiff. This wasn’t the first time Yeong looked at her with disapproval but this level of animosity was new.
“You brought Jo Yeong here?” Tae-Eul frowned, turning to Gon.
“It was unavoidable. He wouldn’t let me go alone.”
There was several reasons why Gon had wanted to bring Yeong to this place, but one particularly stood out. Yeong had chased after him in the bamboo trail and blocked his path as he was about to cross the gate.
If he was leaving to go meet that girl Luna, then he couldn’t let him go, Yeong had explained.
Luna.
Gon had also learned about her existence in the Kingdom. He had spent hours and hours searching for Tae-Eul and it turned out that her doppelganger did exist in his universe. That time when he saw a glimpse of her at the rowing competition was not a figment of his imagination after all. But her name wasn’t Tae-Eul and she wasn’t a police officer either. She was just a fugitive, chased by both the mob and police forces.
Gon couldn’t blame Yeong for being wary of Tae-Eul. His best friend had dutifully looked for her at his request. He believed that Luna and Tae-Eul were the same person, so it was only normal that he couldn’t let Gon go to her.
This was about to change.
Gon wanted to show Yeong that Luna and Tae-Eul were really two different persons. That one person belonged to the Kingdom and the other was from another universe.
Yeong still seemed frozen in place, disoriented from the journey from Corea to the Republic’s Seoul. Examining his surroundings, his confusion only grew as his eyes lingered on the various frames that adorned the walls.
There were several pictures of Tae-Eul posing with her father. Another frame of a younger Tae-Eul with Shin-Jae. Countless awards and certificates bearing her name.
To any outsider looking at these various pieces of memory, this was a real, separate person. A person that matched the police ID Yeong saw, belonging to a certain police officer named Jeong Tae-Eul.
“What… what’s going on?” Yeong asked, face slightly tilted. “What is this place?”
“I totally understand how you feel. I’m sure we both have a lot of things to worry about, but for now, welcome to the Republic of Korea.” Tae-Eul replied calmly.
So… did it mean he had to call her Sunbae here?
Yeong pulled out his phone and tried to get a signal.
Yeong’s confused state reminded Gon of Tae-Eul’s similar reaction when she first visited the Palace.
“I’ve never seen him act like that. He looks so cute when he’s flustered.” Gon chuckled.
Tae-Eul had to admit this was a new side of Yeong. She never imagined that the man who didn’t flinch at the sight of blood could look so flustered. But she wouldn’t go as far as to describe him as cute.
She guessed it made sense. Tae-Eul lips stretched into a small smile. Gon did consider Yeong as his little brother.
“Your carefree attitude is what’s cute. How can you just bring someone with the same face? What are you going to do if he gets caught?”
“That’s why I borrowed this place. Besides, Yeong isn’t the type to get caught easil—.”
The door suddenly burst open and Eun-Sup came strolling inside the Dojang. His face lit up at seeing Gon.
“The light were on so I was wondering…”
Eun-Sup shrieked, frozen at the sight of Yeong.
Yeong returned his gaze on Eun-Sup. Both staring at each other, fingers pointing towards the other.
“You two haven’t met, right? Why don’t I introduce… Well, I guess we could say you’ve met already. Anyway, this is my guard, the Unbreakable Sword, Jo Yeong. And this is the guard of a police station…” Gon explained, looking slightly perplexed.
Halfway through Gon’s quiet introductions, Eun-Sup collapsed. Tae-Eul rushed over to him, grabbing his collar and patting his cheek repeatedly.
“Hey! Jo Eun-Sup! I can’t believe it! You made him faint! What? Did you say that he wouldn’t get caught? Our Eun-Sup was also raised as a precious only child until his siblings were born. What are you going to do if something happens to him?” Tae-Eul shouted.
Woken up by Tae-Eul frantic gestures, Eun-Sup kept on rambling. “Noona, I literally just saw someone who looked exactly like me… that face, he’s right here. What the hell is this? He looks exactly like me. No. He is me. Who are you?”
“And who are you?” Yeong confronted Eun-Sup.
Tae-Eul could feel a headache coming on. Massaging her temples, she attempted a rational explanation.
“Eun-Sup. Let me explain. So this is like a parallel universe or something. Don’t get too startled and listen to me, alright?”
“I didn’t realize it until now, but I’m pretty handsome.” Eun-Sup cut her off.
Yes, okay. This was Eun-Sup alright.
“You really didn’t know? How could you not know? I’m sure people around you would’ve told you all the time.” Yeong added, keeping a straight face on.
Gon and Tae-Eul looked at each other.
Eun-Sup, who seemed to have regained his wits, shook his shaggy hair. “Wow, so this means everything was true, right? The Kingdom of Corea really exists, and King Arthur really is the King? Wow! Then you’re the King’s bodyguard, right?”
“No. Are you doing military duties right now? Is the military service compulsory here?” Yeong asked, looking at Eun-Sup’s uniform.
“What do you mean? Is it different where you live?”
“Our military system is on a voluntary basis.”
“Really? Then it means you don’t need to go…”
Tae-Eul let out a long sigh at Yeong and Eun-Sup’s back and forth verbal sparring. This conversation could drag on and on. The Taekwondo center wasn’t a safe place to hide Eun-Sup’s double.
They would be safer at Eun-Sup’s place. It was a school holidays so the twins were back at home and Eun-Sup currently lived alone in the apartment.
She ushered the two of them outside and set up a few basic rules in order for them to co-exist in this world. Eun-Sup could go out and live his life during the day. They would switch at sundown and Yeong could go out at night.
—
Leaving Yeong and Eun-Sup to bicker, Tae-Eul brought Gon to their usual bbq chicken place. She didn’t know how long Gon would stay this time around. Regardless, she had been meaning to give him a cellphone so they could reach each other whenever they felt like it.
Tae-Eul saved all the necessary numbers and slid the brand new phone over to Gon.
Her number. Shin-Jae’s, Eun-Sup’s, Nari’s and the Dojang’s landline number.
“Unlike someone, my salary is chicken feed, and I don’t have a mountain full of rare-earth elements. So I bought it with a 12-month installment plan. Don’t break it and take care of it. Don’t forget to answer my calls. I saved all the numbers you will need in this world.”
“It seems like you bought it and waited for me to come back. Why did you save Shin-Jae’s number though?”
Gon felt a surge of happiness at the idea that Tae-Eul bought this phone for him and waited for him to come back to give it to him. However, his light mood rapidly changed when he saw Shin-Jae’s number on the phone’s bright screen.
“They are the five people who will help you regardless of anything in this world. And Shin-Jae is one of the most trustworthy people.”
“Not you?”
“For me, the citizens of this nation come first.”
With the device still in his hand, Gon dialed Tae-Eul’s number.
At the sound of her ringtone, Tae-Eul instinctively grabbed her own phone, wondering who might want to reach her at this time of the day.
Lee Gon.
Gon gestured for her to pick up the call.
“Is it you?”
“Hang up.”
“Don’t hang up. I always wanted to try this.”
“What is this?”
“Just a normal daily life with you. Call you… chat on the phone…”
“…”
“Ask you what you did today… and tell you that I missed you a lot.” Gon went on.
He was saying aloud all the things Tae-Eul had been thinking about in his absence. She could see the waiter approaching their table with their order.
“Me too.” Tae-Eul admitted in one breath.
Gon’s chest tightened, joy rippling through him. He didn’t know his heart could beat so fast.
“We have somewhere to go after we eat.” Tae-Eul announced, grabbing a piece of chicken.
“…?”
“It’s something I’ve been planning for a long time.”
#tkem#the king eternal monarch#lee min ho#kim go eun#tkem novels#Sorry for being MIA#December was crazy work-wise#then Christmas break happened with its own kind of crazyness#Many thanks for your patience!#I gotta admit though#After binge watching Doctors a few weeks ago I developed some kind of Kim Rae Won situation#so I was busy catching up on his filmography#lmao I have 0 chill#anyway happy new year ~ ^_^#may 2021 make up for all the shitstorm that was 2020 including sbs robbing our cast of their well deserved awards#LMH looked so sad walking up the stage alone
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My Personal Ranking of Cary Grant’s movies.
A while ago, I did a post ranking Audrey Hepburn’s movies...I decided to do some for a few other actors!
During the pandemic, I started working my way through Cary Grant’s filmography, and brought the number of his films I’ve seen up to 17. I won’t be discussing them all in lots of detail, because that would make this post waaay too long, but I’ll be ranking them from least favorite to God-Tier.
And I’m ranking these movies based on how much I enjoy them, not just based on performances.
17. The Bishop’s Wife
A bit too preachy and overly sentimental for me...
16. None but the Lonely Heart
I honestly don’t remember much of this movie at all, sadly...other than he was nominated for Best Actor.
15. Monkey Business
I wish Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers had made more movies together, because they have great chemistry.
14. Suspicion
I need to re-visit this one...I remember being sort of ‘meh’ about it...and kind of wishing that they were allowed to keep the original ending.
13. My Favorite Wife
Only seen this one once, but it’s not my favorite Irene Dunne/Cary Grant pairing.
12. The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer
A pretty fun movie, and I wish that Cary Grant had done more movies with Myrna Loy...because again, great chemistry...this seems to be a theme...
11. To Catch a Thief
Gorgeous scenery and costumes...and that’s kind of it...a good background movie.
10. Arsenic and Old Lace
So. Much. Mugging. A good choice for when you want some over-the-top comedy.
9. The Awful Truth
I definitely prefer this one to My Favorite Wife. He and Irene Dunne worked really well together and the bits with the dog were really cute!
8. Bringing up Baby
I know this is a comedy classic, but I was surprised how much I didn’t love this one...not because of the story or performances...but honestly, the character of Susan really annoyed me...lady, just listen to what the man is saying!! So, I identified with David a lot, because I’ve dealt with people like that...but my annoyance does go down a bit as the story goes on, but it makes it a challenge to get into when I start the movie.
But Cary Grant’s physical comedy is so on point.
7. His Girl Friday
I love the dialogue in this movie. It’s not a movie that I put on a lot, but it’s a ton of fun when I do. And Rosalind Russell is amazing.
6. North by Northwest
This is such an interesting movie. It’s another of his that I’ve only seen once or twice, but it’s such a well-made “wrong man” movie with a great story. And I love the interactions between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint.
5. Indiscreet
I watched this movie for the first time in 2020 and it has quickly become a new favorite! Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman have such wonderful chemistry (carried over from their work in Notorious) in this fun romantic comedy and Cary Grant looks like he’s having so much fun...particularly in the scene below.
4. Holiday
This is a newer-to-me Cray Grant film...I received for Christmas back in 2020 and it’s such a fun movie! Of the four films he did with Katharine Hepburn, this feels like the most “traditional” romantic comedy, and I love the development of the character’s romance...it feels very natural. And I love that Grant gets to show off his acrobatic training...it’s always fun for me to see an actor show off their special skills. And I think if someone wanted to start watching Cary Grant’s movies, this would be one of the films I’d recommend they start with.
3. Charade
Time for my favorite Audrey Hepburn movie and one of my favorite Cary Grant movies! This movie is so much fun and it really allows Cary Grant to do a little bit of everything he was good at...comedy (both broad and subtle), drama and romance! And he and Audrey Hepburn have amazing chemistry! This is such a great movie no matter what genres you’re into...it’s a romance, a mystery, a comedy, a thriller...another great recommendation for someone looking for classic films to watch!
2. Notorious
My favorite Hitchcock movie!! I would probably consider this to be Cary Grant’s best performance. I know he was nominated for two different performances throughout his career, but I think he was excellent in this movie...though he was probably overshadowed by Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains. He is so restrained and understated...and even though Dev is a bit of a dick, he does have a really nice character arc. And as I said earlier, he and Ingrid Bergman have unbelievable chemistry.
1. The Philadelphia Story
The Philadelphia Story ranks as one of my all-time favorite comedies. Cary Grant may have the less showy role, but I absolutely adore him in this movie! It’s really fun watching him be the “straight man”, something I feel like he didn’t have a lot of opportunities to do. But that doesn’t mean he won’t make you laugh...while everyone else does all this wild stuff around him, he can just sit there and give a look and be just as funny. It’s too bad he doesn’t get to use his physical comedy chops, but the role doesn’t need it.
I could ramble and ramble on about this movie, but this post is long enough so I’ll just say that it’s a damn near perfect film with perfect casting.
And there seems to be one consistent thread throughout Cary Grant’s career: he had great chemistry with nearly everyone he worked with!
#cary grant#the philadelphia story#notorious#charade#indiscreet#holiday#bringing up baby#his girl friday#arsenic and old lace#north by northwest
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Five Reasons Kelly Stays (Ryan Howard x Kelly Kapoor)
Summary: Five reasons Kelly stays, even though she deserves, like, so much better.
Warnings: None!
1. He calls her ‘button’.
It’s late when it first happens. They’d just finished yet another evening of love making (Ryan hates when Kelly calls it that, but she does it anyway. He learns to tolerate it.) and Ryan is already nodding off at her side. He’s been so wrapped up in business school lately he can hardly keep his eyes open. Kelly’s grateful he still makes time for her, even if he has an ulterior motive. This time, though, it’s been particularly easy to pretend he’s there because he loves her. Usually, their evenings together are filled with passive aggressive remarks from Ryan and a whole lot of feigned ignorance on Kelly’s end. Lately though, he’s been softer with her.
Kelly’s not all the way sure why this is, but she’s grateful for it. Maybe it’s the exhaustion, or the stress from work making him somewhat grateful for Kelly- he knows now he could have it worse. Maybe he appreciates her now- if only a fraction as much as she appreciates him. Either way, she knows not to take it for granted. Sometimes she thinks things with Ryan change faster than she can blink.
So, it’s weeks of him looking at her a little softer, listening a little more, and even holding the door for her when they leave the office sometimes, all leading up to this one life altering climax:
She’s curled into his side (albeit at Ryan’s reluctance) when she mumbles the same thing she always does, a simple “goodnight, Ryan,” that she expects to go ignored. It almost always is. It’s only when she’s almost asleep that Kelly hears it.
“Goodnight, Button.”
It’s so out of character and Ryan’s so out of it that she’s not even sure she’s heard him right. But when she sits up she catches a glimpse of that smirk on his face, the one he saves for when he thinks no one can see, and she’s so excited there’s no way she can fall back asleep.
Everything in her itches to say something but she holds back. She knows how he can be. Kelly doesn’t want to ruin the moment or do anything to make Ryan wish he hadn’t gone so soft with her. So instead of bringing it up, she smiles wider than she ever has and snuggles back into his side, thinking about it until she finally does fall asleep, dreaming of Ryan doing something that really does ring true.
He calls her Button again tomorrow.
2. He has good taste in movies
Night after night, Kelly subjects Ryan to a plethora of movies she swears will be good, and night after night, Ryan rolls his eyes. She swears she picks them for the plot, but they both know Kelly just picks a movie starring whatever guy she finds hottest at the time. So far, they’ve made it through at least half of Johnny Depp’s filmography, every Hugh Grant movie Ryan’s ever heard of, and Twilight, not once, not twice, but six times.
Kelly knows Ryan hates them. She knows he’d much rather be catching up on homework or watching a hockey game, but she also knows that Ryan hates to talk. These movies are a way to lessen the amount of conversation he has to put up with- to an extent, at least. Nothing is stopping Kelly from saying “Oh my god, he is so hot,” every five minutes. Sometimes she’ll add a “Ryan, don’t you think so?” and if she’s lucky he’ll play along. Most of the time, though, she’s met with a noncommittal grunt, but she’ll take it either way.
She would let Ryan pick the movies- if his taste ‘wasn’t so effing boring all the time’. For the first few months of their relationship, Kelly dictates every movie they watch, and Ryan accepts with minimal complaints. It’s only after Ryan asks her to watch Star Wars for the fifth time that she finally caves. When she does, she’s never been so shocked in her life.
“Oh my god, Ryan! Space romance? That’s, like, totally beautiful! You’re totally the Han Solo to my Princess Leia, right? He is so you. Am I like her? Oh my god, do you think I’m as pretty as her?”
And today must be one of the days she gets lucky.
“Of course you are. Prettier maybe.”
That’s enough to convince her that maybe Ryan’s taste isn’t so bad after all.
3. He listens to her fashion advice.
When Kelly met Ryan, she thought he was a lost cause. His closet was full of cheap button downs (many of them with stains at the sleeves) and basketball shorts. His idea of dressing up outside of work meant a pair of baggy jeans and a long sleeve tee, and ‘treating himself’ meant spending a few extra bucks on a hoodie from K-Mart.
Now, if Kelly Kapoor could use any word to describe herself, it would be fashionable. How was she ever supposed to live up to her own self-imposed reputation if she let her man (though he refuses to refer to himself as such) look embarrassing? There would be no hope left in the world if Kelly Kapoor couldn’t keep her man in check.
Still, she knew when to push him and when not to, so she suffered through months of wrinkled shirts and oversized shorts before she ever even attempted to get him to clean up his act. It was little things at first, telling him here and there what color sweater she thought would bring out his eyes, how nice he’d look if he wore his pants a little tighter. Bit by bit, she got him to dress a little better, even if what she really wanted to do was go headfirst into one of those makeover montages she sees in the movies she loves so much.
The greatest change, she thinks, comes the evening they watch Spiderman for the first time (Kelly is fresh into her James Franco phase that week), when she gets the greatest epiphany of her entire life.
“Oh my GOD, Ryan! You should totally invest in a pair of glasses. You could be, like, sexy Tobey Maguire! And I could be like MJ- except, Kirsten Dunst is totally beautiful enough already, you know?”
She thinks he’s just brushed her off like he so often does and she tries not to let it get to her. The next time they go to the mall, though, she steps out of the Macy’s changing room and spots Ryan testing out different frames in the mirror in the corner.
And if he let her pick out which ones screamed Tobey Maguire-but-with-sex-appeal the loudest, nobody had to know but her.
4. He writes poetry.
Kelly doesn’t understand why Ryan doesn’t talk a lot. Most of the time she thinks it’s because of her, but it doesn’t really bother her. She’s used to talking enough for other people and doesn’t mind filling the spaces where Ryan doesn’t seem to have much to say. Still, she can’t help but wish he’d tell her what he’s thinking sometimes, even if the few times he does it tends to hurt her feelings.
One night though, she’s up watching the latest episode of American Idol when Ryan dozes off on the couch next to her. He’s got his laptop in his lap, and Kelly just assumed he was working on something for business school. But when she moves to cuddle up to his side (the only time he can’t argue about it) she sees he wasn’t doing homework at all. He was updating his blog.
She knew Ryan had wanted to start a blog for a long time, and even remembers him mentioning once about how he was asked to help Creed create his own, but it never crossed her mind to ask if he had ever gotten around to it. Now that she knew, there was no way she would forget.
From what she can see, this wasn’t just a normal blog. When Ryan brought up creating one she assumed he’d use it to write about his life or review movies or something. She never thought he’d be using it to write poetry.
Kelly slowly and carefully pries the laptop from his sleeping clutches and scrolls through post after post of Ryan’s own original poetry. Some of it, she guesses, is about her, but a lot of it isn’t. Instead, most of it is comprised of musings about different things, like flowers and snowfall and even things as simple as paperclips, definitions and metaphors stretched out into almost as many words as Kelly can fit into a single conversation.
She wonders if this was why Ryan doesn't talk as much as her. If his thoughts always came to him in such a complicated way that he thinks she wouldn't get it. She wishes he'd have more faith in her than that. She would at least try to understand for him. When she's done reading, she slips the laptop back into his lap as discreetly as she can.
Kelly never brings it up and if Ryan ever knew she’d found out about the blog, he didn’t let on. Still, not bringing it up didn’t stop her from coming back to his blog later, copying down a series of poems he’d titled: The Beauty of the Rambling Girl.
She knows that one is for her.
5. He loves her too, even if he doesn’t admit it.
Contrary to popular belief, Kelly can tell when she’s not wanted. She sees the way people’s shoulder’s tense when she walks into a room. She is not oblivious to the many times people roll their eyes at her. Even Pam can’t remain completely stoic on Kelly’s most talkative days. The difference is, Ryan doesn’t try to hide it.
Kelly knows when she’s starting to annoy Ryan. He tells her when he’s had enough of a conversation, even if sometimes it’s a little too harsh. The fact is, Ryan is a compulsive liar, but his emotions never lie. She’s learned to read them like a book. It’s the only time she’s sure he’s telling her the truth.
Her ability to read him extends beyond his annoyance, even if he doesn’t realize it. She can tell the way his face softens when he hears her laugh. She can see the fondness in his eyes when he rolls them at her for calling Orlando Bloom hot one too many times.
She also feels the way he touches her, the gentleness he saves for when he thinks she’s fallen asleep, a hand carding through her hair when he’s still up doing homework (or secretly writing love poetry), or the pad of his thumb as he slowly traces the curves of her face. It takes everything in Kelly not to smile in these moments- not to let on that she knows. She’s onto him, no matter how many times he pretends to be uninterested or pretends he’s not listening.
Ryan is smitten with Kelly, just as she is with him, and that thought alone is enough to make her want to stay forever, make her smile when no one’s looking, make her dance alone in her room.
He might be a liar, a thief, an all-around jerk, and a little bit of a cheater, but he LOVES Kelly Kapoor. She thinks an I told you so will be waiting on the tip of her tongue for the rest of her life, because that’s how long she plans on staying.
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Here’s My Problem: I Can’t Get You Out Of My Head
Seventeen + BTS
Detective!Jeon Wonwoo x Actress!Reader
Characters: Jeon Wonwoo, Jeon Jungkook, Kim Mingyu, Chwe Hansol (Vernon), Seungcheol (S.Coups), Chan (Dino), Yoon Jeonghan
Summary: Wonwoo’s cold and calculating personality makes him a top detectivee. He’s currently in the middle of a murder investigation when he meets you, his favorite actress. His mind goes gooey when you’re near him though, and it messes things up for everyone. Can he deal with his dilemma?
Word Count: 5k+
Warnings: Mystery, fluff, angst, detective au, actress au, TRIGGER WARNING graphic depictions of violence, stalking, killing, obessession, etc.
A/N: I’m going for that fall out boy/the 1975 kind of song title, ya feel me. And just like my Hoshi fic, I made Jungkook and Wonwoo siblings just because they have the same last name hekhek
And in case you start thinking otherwise, yall this is a work of fiction that does not represent reality at all.
Playlist:
Forget About It - All Time Low
Oh My! - Seventeen
Dream Girl – SHINee
I Love You 3000 – Stephanie Poetrie ft. Jackson Wang
Red Moon – KARD
Love U – Monsta X
Touch – NCT 127
Focus On Me – Jus2
Blue Flame – Astro
Psycho – Red Velvet
Let’s Not Fall In Love – BigBang
Slow Dancing In The Dark – Joji
Try Again – d.ear ft. Jung Jaehyun
Guess Not – eaJ
You Calling My Name – Got7
The Jeon brothers were popular in their neighborhood for being swoon worthily good looking. They were so popular in fact that girls from other schools in their proximity came around just to glimpse at them on the school bus.
The younger of the two, first name Jungkook, was an all around remarkable fellow. He was good at sports and academic, making him popular not only for his looks but as well as his athletic achievements.
The older Jeon on the other hand, Wonwoo, was far more reserved and mysterious. He excelled in his classes and was a top student in his class, but whatever loudness or extroversion his dongsaeng had, he did not possess.
It was somehow a match made in heaven for the brothers. They complimented each other and helped where they could.’
It was unsurprising the two began extremely different careers after graduating, Wonwoo having studied criminology, and Jungkook, filmography. Never did the two brothers think they would get an opportunity to work with each other having left the academic scene, until Jungkook finally got the greenlight to start production on his childhood dream project: a murder mystery film.
To be honest, it was an old, black and white mystery film that shaped the brothers into choosing their careers. Having been so fascinated with solving puzzles since he was younger, Wonwoo remembers vividly how amazed he was at how intricately woven the movie he watched with his brother was. And his said brother, Jungkook, found so much splendor in being able to watch such things, that he told himself he wanted to be someone who made those for a living.
And now here they were years later, working on a murder mystery film together.
Jungkook hired his brother to be as a specialist on set. To be honest, Jungkook thought his hyung would be a little bit more excited about it when he was going to be helping Jungkook not only live out a childhood but as well as be on set for a production he actually enjoyed the genre of.
In fact he had to beg Wonwoo to agree to work with him. Wonwoo argued he was in too deep with real life cases to be focused on the fictional case Jungkook wrote about.
And to be fair, Detective Jeon did not reach his rank for nothing, but neither did Director Jeon earn his reputation for nothing.
Still, the only reason why Wonwoo agreed to his brother because of you.
His favorite actress.
"Hyung," Jungkook calls his brother from the couch, "you should watch this drama. It's really good."
Wonwoo was too busy with his English homework to care.
Jungkook ate some chips and turned to his brother that was sat by the far off desk, "Hyyuuunnnngg!"
Said hyung grumbles, "I'm busy."
"Ya, the girl is really pretty."
"Good for her then."
Jungkook scoffs.
After Wonwoo had finished his homework, he decided to watch with his brother, not before scolding him of course. "You know, you'll be in the last year of your college soon too, so you better stop wasting your time watching dramas."
Jungkook rolls his eyes, "I'm literally studying filmography. This is studying for me."
"Aish, what do I know," Wonwoo hisses, grabbing some chips from Jungkook's bag. Once he turned to the screen, Wonwoo felt his eyes widen slightly. "You're right, she's pretty."
"Right? I'll hire her for my murder mystery movie," Jungkook says, nonchalant.
It amazes Wonwoo, even after months of working behind the scenes on this film, that he gets to see you in real life.
Even right now as you acted out a dialogue with another famous actor, Kim Mingyu, it felt surreal when he remembers you're actually just a few steps away.
Jungkook was initially baffled by how star struck Wonwoo was to meet you. I mean, he expected his brother to maybe fan girl, but he flat out blanked when you introduced yourself. For the first time in Jungkook's life, he saw his brother had no wits with him. It's still so hilarious to him that Wonwoo lost his so-called mysterious grace when you smiled.
"Cut! Good take," Jungkook called. He then went over to his brother who was holding a paper bag. It was obvious to anyone Wonwoo was holding some lunch.
Jungkook smiled. He extended his hand out, clearly expecting whatever his brother bought was meant for two, "what is that?"
Wonwoo scowled and moved the brown bag away, "it's not for you."
"Aw what? You bought food just for yourself."
"No. I bought this for-"
"The country's sweetheart," Jungkook teased and wiggled his eye brows.
Wonwoo deadpans and replies dryly, "Yes. Mingyu asked me to buy the sandwich I had the other day."
Jungkook raises his brows and crosses his arms.
Wonwoo clears his throat, "and yes. I bought an extra for her. Why? Can't I?"
Jungkook sneers and slaps his brother's shoulder, "homie is whippedt, with a T."
"What are you? A prepubescent teen?"
"I am cool."
"Ya, is that the sandwhich?" Mingyu calls, suddenly near them. Wonwoo's breath hitches when you smile and wave his way.
Jungkook sniggers softly and decides to watch it play out.
"Thanks, hyung," Mingyu states. Wonwoo and he were close because Jungkook and Mingyu were friends after working so often with each other.
Wonwoo turns to you but looks away when you catch his eye. He clears his throat and finally gains the courage to turn back, "ya... I got you a sandwich too."
Mingyu, who had gotten his sandwich at this point turned to the remaining one in the bag, Wonwoo, you, then pushed the sandwich your way.
You gratefully take the bag and turn to Wonwoo with a grin, "you didn't have to get me one."
Wonwoo scratches his nape, "... the thing is, I wanted to."
Mingyu and Jungkook turn to each other with wide eyes. You chuckle and feel blood rush up your neck.
"You know actually--" Wonwoo starts but gets cut off by his phone ringing. Jungkook eyes him hotly, trying to telepathically tell him not to answer it, but Wonwoo does anyway.
Mingyu rolls his eyes as Wonwoo begins to get into a deep conversation with whomever is on the other line.
Once he's done, Wonwoo turns back to his brother and says, "there's been another murder, I have to go."
Jungkook only nods and doesn't stop him, not that he would, not thay he could. It was terrifying to know that his older brother was so close to bringing a serial killer in.
It started long before production to Jungkook's latest project began. Missing person reports for college girls began to get filled, soon after these girls would be found dead. Initially, theses cases were treated separately since the incidents were scattered all over the city and were seemingly random. It had only been a few months since authorities announced the murders were done by the same person.
It was Wonwoo who spearheaded the investigation.
Wonwoo was on his way to his car to get to the latest crime scene when he was pulled from the back of his coat.
He quickly turn to see what it was holding him back and felt his cheeks burn at the sight of you panting and smiling, "hi."
Wonwoo raises a hand.
You huff, "detective Jeon."
"Yes."
"To be completely honest with you, I'm not sure if you like me or not. You don't really pay me much attention, but when you do you're awfully sweet when you're not avoiding eye contact."
Wonwoo opens his mouth but closes it right after.
"I understand you're a very busy person, and again I'm honestly not sure if you even like me, but I wanted to aks anyway: would you accompany me to a party next week?"
Wonwoo audibly gasps to which you gasp and giggle to. At this point, Wonwoo's face is burning, he can feel it, but he manages to nod, "I would love to."
You break into a smile and nod, "okay? Okay."
"Okay."
"Okay. Next week, friday, okay?"
"Okay."
"Okay good."
tIt was honestly not tha good, considering Wonwoo couldn't stop thinking about it. How was his brain going to get through this crime scene before him when all he could think about was you. It was a real problem. Every time he looked into the room, he found something that reminded him of you, the laundry scattered in the bedroom floor, the posters of celebrities on the wall (to be fair there was one of you in the room), the trinkets on the table. Your everything was fogging his head.
He was lucky Hansol was as sharp as ever because it seems not even the putrid smells in the air was snapping Wonwoo out of his trance.
The date- was it a date (YES IT'S A DATE HYUNG -Jungkook)- came both quickly and agonizingly slowly.
Wonwoo wore a new suit he brought just for the occasion, and for that he was grateful, because this party you took him too was a lot fancier than he had anticipated. It was apparently one of those exclusive events that select people got invited to.
To say Wonwoo was intimidated and out of place would be completely accurate. He was never a party goer, even in college, but if it meant he got to see you dressed up in a rose gold dress and red lipstick then count him in.
Wonwoo tried to stay as close as you as possible-- not for any perverted reason, but so he wouldn't lose you and to protect you from anyone who would dare attempt anything perverted.
You forced him to dance though he never really danced much, but much like the reason why this party was appealing, he enjoyed dancing because of you.
Bless your soul you noticed how awkward Wonwoo looked and decided to call it quits for the dancing. The rest of the night was then spent drinking champagne in the venue's tiny balcony. It was honestly the first time you two had talked by yourself, and though it was awkward, your heart skipped at how Wonwoo described his passions with his deep voice and how he clumsily complimented you.
Honestly, you thought Detective Jeon was the most attractive man you had ever seen, both outwardly and inwardly. He had been nothing but a gentleman around you and never treated you like a distant celebrity, though the many times you've been told how much a fan of yours he was. You wanted to kiss his lips as he continued to speak, but you controlled yourself.
The most that you gave him was a kiss on his cheek when he called a cab for you. Wonwoo would've drove you home had you not specifically told him not to bring a car cause you two would be drinking.
It was still an amazing night regardless.
Page 6 of the newspapers thought so too, Wonwoo learned, as he walked into the station when he got to work.
Hansol rolled over with his office chair, wiggling his eyebrows, "how you doing there, chief."
Wonwoo pretends like he isn't all smug about it when he is, but when he thinks about how this may be impacting you, he doesn't feel smug at all, "mind your own business, Chwe."
"Ya. It is my business because you're dating my first love!"
Wonwoo snaps at him and sneers, "ya! Focus on your work."
Hansol sneers, "so protective."
Wonwoo mutes him out by putting on headphones that played the soundtrack of his favorite mystery film. As he tapped his foot to the beat, he reviewed the file of the serial murder case he was on.
There were a total of 13 victims-- that's how many films you've been in--
Wonwoo screws his eyes shut and shakes his head. That was the most inappropriate thought he could've suddenly thought of.
He reviewed the latest profile of the victim. She was in her last year of high school and played the flute. Wonwoo recalls how you attmepted to play a flute in a variety show.
Wait.
Stop it.
Shit.
Wonwoo increases the volume of his music. He reads that the victim is from your hometown. This actually makes him shiver. Wonwoo rips his headphones off and decides to take a bathroom break, taking his phone with him. This is where he sees a text message from you that reads: are you coming on set today?
Wonwoo quickly replies: yes.
Can you buy me a sandwich?
Yes.
The rest is history.
From that moment moving forward, Wonwoo's confidence is through the roof.. he not only manages to have a decent conversation with you with other, but even when it's just the two of you. He asks you out, to which you agree. He takes you to an ice skating rink, when he flaunts his skating prowess to your shaky legs. Don't tell him though, but you were faking it so that you can cling on to him tightly and closely. But no one mention either that Wonwoo totally saw through it.
Soon enough you became comfortable enough to cook to take him to your place to hangout. This was were Wonwoo finally addressed something that had been bothering him.
"Are you okay with what's happening?"
You knit your brows at his question.
Wonwoo clarifies, "I mean there are a lot of articles about us. At first it was pretty vague, but now they are mentioning my name in the papers. Are you okay with that?"
You pout and raise your brows, "are you okay with that?"
Wonwoo shakes his head, "I've never really cared about what people thought about me, only my friends and family."
You nod. Wonwoo looks in expectation. You can't help but chuckle, "if you want the truth, it's good publicity. You're a famous detective and the netizens are actually in love with you now because you're so handsome."
"... wait really?"
You pout and cross your arms, "I can't believe you're enjoying that."
Wonwoo can't help but laugh at your faintly jealous reaction. He pulls you to his chest and kisses the top of your head, "well, what I really enjoy is being close to you."
You relax against him and unwrap your arms just so you could cling on Wonwoo's torso.
"But you know what I would enjoy more?"
"Hmm?"
"...if... you became my girlfriend."
You pull away slightly and turn to him. You break into a smile, "I thought you'd never ask."
You then take his cheeks and pull him close to your face. You plant your lips on his and his pulls you closer by the small of your back. The kiss encloses the both of you in warmth. It's electric and so calming all at once. It just... feels right, y'know.
It's just pure bliss for the two of you.
At some point, Wonwoo really wasn't need on set anymore, and yet he came around to visit you and Jungkook. Who were you fooling, clearly Wonwoo came around to see you.
He would sometimes be able to take you out to lunch, depending on both of your schedules.
One this for sure was, you clearly both loved each other.
But that shouldn't have been affecting him so badly at work. It perturbed him that everywhere he went, too often even on his case that he thought of you. It disgusted him so much. He pushed all these thoughts away whenever it sprang into mind.
Wonwoo leaned back on his chair and turned from the evidence board he had been staring at for the last ten minutes, to the cup of coffee on his desk. He begins to recall one early morning he spent drinking some hot brew with you.
He smiles. Now that is a welcomed thought.
"I still don't get the correlation," Hansol spoke, making Wonwoo turn to him. He continues, "I'm starting to think that maybe the killer is just fully psychotic."
Wonwoo sighs, "the chances of him being a random picking killer is pretty slim at this point. Some of these girls are the same height and build, and some of them play the same instruments."
"Yes, but they have nothing collectively in common."
Wonwoo shakes his head, "there has to be. My gut is telling me there is."
Wonwoo's phone rings, except it's not his handphone but his work telephone.
"Hello, Detective Jeon from Seoul district 1 station."
No one replies, but there is heavy breathing from the other end. Wonwoo stands from his chair and presses the record button on his phone.
"You can't get her!" he growls in anger. He begins to scream and throw things in the background. Wonwoo pulls the phone away at the loudness.
The man on the other end heaves again. Wonwoo asks, "who is this."
"you know exactly who I am, you bastard!"
"No. If I did, you'd be in jail."
He laughs, "you think you're so good, huh?"
"Who and where are you?" Wonwoo asks, turning to Hansol pointing to the phone. He immediately understands and runs off to try and track who's calling form the other line, or at least where he is.
The man is shuddering in anger, "you will never have her. She's mine!"
Wonwoo feels bile rise from his throat, "who is she? Did you kill another girl?"
"Not yet, but I will if you don't back off. She's the only one I've actually loved and you want to take that away from me?"
"If you love her, why would you kill her?"
"SO YOU COULD NEVER LAY A FINGER ON WHAT'S MINE!"
"Women are not posses--"
"I WARNED YOU. STAY AWAY, OR SHE DIES!"
Hansol couldn't trace the call fast enough. And Wonwoo couldn't sleep that night.
This was when his visits began to lessen. He began to fully focus on his work again, no distractions, and for once, he hadn't thought of you. This was a direct consequence however of both sleep deprivation and not seeing you for a whole eight days.
The next day you visited him at work. It caused quite a commotion and Wonwoo's exhausted mind didn't take kindly to that, which was why he snapped at you and was super cold.
Hansol told him off for rudeness, but he just couldn't rest easy when he could do something at work that could help fins that lunatic serial killer. Chief Seungcheol agreed however that Wonwoo should take a break though.
The moment his head was put on straight, he felt extremely guilty for taking out his emotions on you. Wonwoo apologized profusely and of course you couldn't stay mad because you understood how much stress he was in.
But the thing was, he just couldn't get you out of his head. Again and again, everything he did reminded him of you. The evidence even lead him back to you like a compass and it was too much for him too handle.
This was exactly why it hurt so much when Wonwoo decided to let you go for the sake of the case.
He explained everything to you so neatly. "I am so madly in love with you that I see you everywhere. I see you in the sky. I see you in my coffee. I see you in the breeze. I see you in my sweaters. But I see you too in the evidence I have for the case. I see you in the files and the map board, and it's seriously messing with my head."
It was a line out of movie. It didn't mean it didn't hurt. You were crying your eyeballs out. You didn't understand what breaking up could do to help.
"You wouldn't be mine anymore, so that would incline me not to think about you."
You so badly wanted to slap Wonwoo for saying that, but you couldn't, because he was breaking up with you to catch a killer and prevent anymore murders from happening. If he was that bothered, he probably shouldn't be on the case anymore but you couldn't ask him to leave it when he was distracted because of you.
So instead, you turned away and left.
Wonwoo almost ran after you; it took everything in him not to.
"Don't worry, Jeon," Seungcheol comforted, placing a hand on Wonwoo's shoulder, "the sooner we catch the lunatic, the sooner you can get back with your girlfriend."
"Not unless I get her first," Chan from forensics chimes in, walking with new files of evidence.
"Dude," Hansol barks.
Chan gives an innocent face, "what? I'm trying to lighten the mood." He then hands the file over to Seungcheol, "here you go chief. The killer branded the latest victim's neck with three squares."
Wonwoo spins on his office chair.
Hansol knits his brows deeply, "has he done that with the other victims?"
"No. This is the first time."
Seungcheol places a hand on his chin, "wait. Why does this seem so familiar to me?"
Hansol watches Wonwoo begins to spin the other way around.
Seungcheol shakes his head and rattles his brain for some answer. He suddenly turns to Wonwoo, "ya. Do you know 'The Sleeping Tower'?"
Wonwoo turns to Seungcheol, "yeah, the killer in that drama marked his victims with three squares."
eSungcheol has goose bumps. Hansol turns to Wonwoo, "wait, what is The Sleeping Tower?"
Wonwoo says faux nonchalant, "a drama my ex is in."
Hansol pulls his head back.
Seungcheol moves to the evidence board, "wait just a second, Wonwoo. Did you say all the evidence point to her?"
Everyone shifts their attention to the chief. Wonwoo stops spinning on his chair, "are... are you telling me wh-"
"What do you see, Wonwoo?" Suengcheol asks.
Wonwoo stands form his chair and walks over. He begins to explain the correlation between you and the evidence and the... victims' personality. He argues with himself as he explained what he saw. As he pointed out one thing, he disagreed it could make sense. Wonwoo continued on like that until he actually hears himself say it. This is the first time he’s ever said all this aloud.
Hanson and Chan turn to each other in bewilderment as the detective being to point out strong points.
Wonwoo nearly falls down when he realizes it. Seungcheol turns to him, but Wonwoo's already bolted out the door.
Wonwoo is calling you nonstop. He's gripping the steering wheel so hard.
It all makes sense now. The shirts, the hobbies, the physical attributes, they were all yours. The victims had your merchandise, liked things you did, had procedures done to look like you-- they were your fangirls
And the killer was obsessed with you.
Wonwoo stepped on the gas and turned the siren on.
He screamed your name when he got to your home. You lived in a quiet apartment complex. The good thing about that is the people would be alerted by suspicious people and noise, there were bound to be at least eye witnesses, and there would be cameras in the area.
Wonwoo still had the keys to your apartment. His hands quivered as he jammed the key open.
Once he stepped in someone screamed, "YOU'RE TOO LATE!"
Wonwoo fumed as he saw a long haired man laughing as he stood an open window. He took a moment to assess that he has nothing but a twisted look on his face, he had nothing on his hands or clothes. He charged for him, which in hindsight may truly have been a bad move because he got kicked in the gut.
"I have nothing to live for anymore," he whispers as Wonwoo recoils at the assault. It enrages the detective, and it drives him with enough adrenaline that when the psychopath tires to jump out of the window, he catches him and sequentially bashes the guys face into the sill. He pulls him away and begins to assault his face.
Wonwoo is screaming with tears running down his face when it dawns to him the psychopath said it was too late. He pulls away from the knocked out man. He is shaking.
He screams your name and looks for you in every room. His mind is racing. He’s just too frantic to even begin to think what could have happened to you. He falls to his knees when he reaches the bathroom. There is red scattered everywhere and tub full of it. He makes a desperate sound.
He can't see properly from all his tears. He quickly crawls to the tub and heaves heavily when he sees the body in it.
Wonwoo's hand his trembling when he takes on of yours and feels for a pulse. His lips quiver when he can't find it. He turns to your submerged face and gently moves it to try and get a pulse from your neck. He reels back and makes a horrible sound when he finds a long slice that is gushing out red. Wonwoo at this point is sat on the wet ground, trembling with tears.
He is out of his wits.
He has no idea what to do.
He doesn't even notice that the police team is already here. The next thing he knows is he isn't in your apartment anymore. He is inside a police car, he thinks.
Wonwoo is numb to it all-- the sounds, the flashing lights.
He wonders how he wound up in his brother’s house, and how they both ended up crying in each other’s arms.
"Breaking News: After finally a week's worth of trial, the Supreme Court rules 25 year old Yoon Jeonghan triple life sentence after finding him guilty of the murder of 14 women. He admitted to his crimes and claimed they were out of love. He was a deeply obsessed fan on one if his victims, the actress who was recently given a memorial three days ago. Detective Jeon Wonwoo, who was head investor of the serial killing case, was awarded a medal of honor for apprehending Yoon, which he declined. Detective Jeon was also the boyfriend of the late actress, and was seen with his brother, Director Jeon Jungkook, at the service saying a few words in memoriam of the country's sweetheart."
#seventeen fluff#seventeen#seventeen fanfic#wonwoo#wonwoo fanfic#bts#bts fanfic#jungkook#jeon wonwoo#jungkook fanfic#jungkook fluff#jungkook smut#Wonwoo smut#wonwoo fluff#wonwoo angst#jungkook angst#seventeen smut#seventeen angst#kpop fanfic#wonwoo au#jungkook au
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hi! i’m trying to complete tom’s entire filmography before the end of the year but can’t decide what to watch next! i was wondering if you had a list of your favorites or like if you’ve ranked everything you’ve watched :D
First off, good luck. I don't even think I had access to all his movies, I couldn't finish in two weeks. Honestly, you have most likely watched more than me. I am a fresh fan, I had only seen him in 2 movies before this year, so I have a lot to catch up on. Odds are every movie I list you have seen... But Sure I will write a list of ten movies I am currently vibing with the most:
1. The Firm
2. Top Gun
3. Mission: Impossible
4. M:I Rogue Nation
5. Knight and Day
6. M:I Ghost Protocol
7. M:I 2
8. Cocktail
9. A Few Good Men
10. Risky Business
If you want a better list my friend Roch has made two! They have seen a lot more than I have, and you can 100% trust their tastes:
LIST ONE HERE
List TWO HERE
All good recs, enjoy anon 😁
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In Another World - T.Shelby Imagine Ch. 15
Paring: (Eventual) Thomas Shelby x Aliena Welsh (OC)
Fandom: Peaky Blinders
Word Count: 8,982
WARNINGS: Fluff, Cursing
Summary: Aliena is doing better. She’s found some happiness again. But now she has a new worry, is she going on her first date with Thomas Shelby?
MASTERLIST CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 16
A/N: This chapter is a fluff! Nothing but fluff! You guys deserve it ‘cause... It will only last for so long. Also, please check out this post-- it will clear up a lot of things and I’d love it if you guys could respond.
“Hello, my love!” I shrieked as I ran to Karl. I picked him up from his cradle into me arms. He was gumming his hand. I made all sorts of noises at the sight. It is purely because I found babies so adorable! I bounced him in me arms as I walked over to Ada, who was busy fixing herself up.
“Thank you so much for doing this, Ali!” Ada shouted. She was prettying herself up in the mirror.
I shook me head as I pinched Karl’s chubby cheek. He grumbled ‘n swatted me hand away. I laughed as I replied. “It’s no problem really! I mean I am the Shelby Family’s maid, after all.”
Ada turned ‘round to me with a pout on herself. “I’m a Thorne now, Ali. I’m not a Shelby.”
I scoffed. “So, your brothers are not your brothers anymore. You’re a Thorne, afterall.”
“What?” Ada exclaimed as she was applying eyeshadow. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
I turned Karl over in me arms as I sat down. Had him sitting on me knee, facin’ his mum. As I began to bounce him, I quipped. “Well that’s how it came out.” I sighed, defeatedly. “No, no. I get it. You’re a Thorne now. But remember Ada in the world that the rest of your family lives in, you’ll always be the sister to the big bad Thomas Shelby of the Peaky Blinders. Not to mention that you’ll be listed as a communist ‘cause of Freddie.”
“I’m not a communist by association, Ali. I’m an actual member now.”
I averted me gaze and gave a secret tight lipped smile. Karl lifted one of me fingers into his mouth and I gasped. “Ada, Karl has a little tooth growin’!”
Ada scoffed as she turned ‘round while fluffing up her hair. “You don’t have to tell me that! I feel it every time I feed him.” I think she rubbed her breast, subconsciously.
We both let out a small laugh.
She sighed before walking closer to us ‘n took Karl into her arms.
I wiped me finger on me skirt then dusted off me hands. “You still breastfeeding Ada?” I asked as I reached over to pull down Karl’s shirt that had ridden up.
She nodded. Ada was patting his back. “Yeah. I’m planning on breastfeeding him until he’s one. But, don’t worry like I told you when I telephoned ya— Freddie and I bought formula for days like this.” Ada handed Karl back to me and then walked off.
I rose to me feet and followed her into the kitchen. I’m guessing she wanted to show me where she kept the formula at. I held Karl’s arm me hand, and I waved it up and down.
Ada reached into a cabinet and showed me the formula. She showed me how to make the bottle.
I actually knew to make a bottle of formula because I helped me sister make bottles for her daughter, but I wasn’t confident abar it now. Different times, different amounts.
After she made the bottle, she handed it over to me. “He’s probably getting hungry by now.”
I took it then we walked back into the living room. We sat down. I positioned Karl’s head to be in the crook of me left arm while his body laid across me lap then I put the bottom in his mouth.
Ada reached over to Karl and smoothed out his clothes. She sighed. “He’ll drink that then fall asleep. When he wakes up, wait a little while ‘cause if you change him when he wakes up— it’ll all be for nothing.”
I glanced over at her ‘n nodded. “Okay.”
We fell into this comfortable silence as we stared at Karl. That ‘til I heard Ada suck in a breath. Me head snapped in her direction. She was red in the face.
“Ada,” I asked. “What is it?”
She fanned her eyes before waving me off. “It’s nothing. I just hate it when I leave him.”
I gave her a small smile. I knew what she meant. He’s been her solace in crazy times, I’m sure. But, I laughed— hoping to quell some of her worries. “Haven’t you left him with babysitters before. Geez, Ada! I swear he won’t die on me watch!”
She laughed a little then finally scooted back into her seat. We fell into another comfortable silence. The clock and Karl’s gulping were the only sounds audible in the room. He eventually let go of the bottle and I brought him to me shoulder. I made sure to suppress the urge to bounce him as I patted his back.
“When is Freddie coming?” I asked Ada.
She hurriedly rose from her seat and walked closer to the clock. While playing with her necklace, she replied. “Any second now.”
Any second was actually twenty minutes later. Freddie ran in, grabbed Ada, and they both ran out of here like a bat out of hell. I scoffed to meself as I repositioned Karl in me arms. I was cradling him in me arms. I got up and walked over to the rocking chair Ada had in the living room.
I just sat there with him as he was napping away. Staring at his face. It’s been such a long time since I held a baby in me arms. I couldn’t help but trace his features. But, he didn’t like that and started squirming ‘round. I stifled a laugh and muttered an apology. I dropped me hand and used it to support his bum. I patted his bum as I began to rock us.
I debated humming a song, but I couldn’t decide which one. Plus, I didn’t want to wake him up. I decided to just look around the flat. It was little. Adequate enough for a little family with a newborn, in me own opinion. However, I could only stare at the room for so long.
When I was sure Karl was deeply sound asleep, I rose to me feet slowly and walked to his cradle at the same pace. I held me breath, and when I was abar to set him down— I couldn’t help looking over his face.
I felt like a mother who had lost her child…
I shook me head and laid Karl down. I wiped me hands on me skirt, then walked ‘round the flat. It had little life. Barely any photos on the walls, the colour of the walls were this muted grey, and there were hardly any furniture or utensils. It was like they were prepared to run at the first sign of trouble. But, it was theirs.
I sighed while walking into the kitchen. I leaned against the counter, me palms were digging into it. Then, I folded me arms and was just with me thoughts. I was thinking abar Cillian Murphy’s filmography. All the movies he was in.
It felt weird now ‘cause of Tommy. But, the two movies that stood out to me the most were The Edge of Love and Sunburn. The Edge of Love gave me an, probably, unrealistic idea of how Tommy was before the war.
I smiled at the idea. I, subconsciously, raised two fingers to me lips. I looked down in shock before me hand slapped over me mouth. I stifled a chuckle which came out as a snort.
I fluttered me fingers to rid meself of the absence of a ciggie. Then, I lifted meself onto the counter.
Sunburn was a movie I was fond of. A very young Cillian Murphy is all I need for me justification. His character was not very honorable, but when are men ever. When are people ever!
The movie was flashing through me head, but it felt wrong. It felt dirty, in a way. Made me chuckle, not gonna lie. I didn’t even catch meself when I began comparing Cillian’s characters to Tommy himself.
I bit me lip and hopped off the counter. I clapped me hands together softly before rubbing them together. “Let’s clean, shall we?” I whispered.
Ada didn’t ask me to clean, but I’d figured that I’d just clean up whatever I found. I wasn’t going to go into any rooms. Since that was an invasion of privacy. But, did everythin’ else. I dusted off the walk-in carpet, then swept up the ‘ole house. When I was done with that— I wiped down the tables in the living room ‘n kitchen.
I raised a hand to me temple as I used the other to support me weight, all while leaning on the table I finished wiping. I looked over at Karl’s cradle and stood still. It’s not like I could hear his breathing, but he wasn’t fussing either.
I tsked, dropped the towel on the table, ‘n then walked over to the fireplace. Ada and Freddie had a collection of books on the overmantle. I looked over the titles and chose the one I was most familiar with. Tess of the D'Urbervilles, it was. I had the biggest crush on Gemma Arterton and Eddie Redmayne, ‘n I watched a TV show they starred in that adapted the book.
After watching it, I read the book soon after. So, this wouldn’t be me first time crackin’ this story open.
“When was the last time you read a story, Aliena?” I asked meself as I brought the cross pendant to me lips and ran across me bottom one. It was the one Tina got me all that time ago. I opened the book and began readin’ aloud while slowly pacing.
‘Cause I only remember growin’ up in America, I spent most of me life with an American accent. I adapted the accent when I moved to me second middle school. I just tried it for shits and giggles, but found that me existence there was so much easier when I did so. I didn’t ‘ave to deal with people asking me to repeat meself every time I held a conversation.
It didn’t help that me ma’ was the scouser while me pa was from Boston. The only reason I didn’t develop a Boston was due to me ma taking care of me for the majority of me early childhood. Me pa was working morning till night.
I didn’t feel like a true scouser nor a true American. But, I can affiliate more with my upbringing in California. It’s what I can remember.
Anyway, the point I was getting to was that— I do different accents. American, me own, Irish, Russian, and Scottish. I never said they were any good, but I did them. And I did them when I talked too much for a long time, or when I was reading.
I was in the middle of a line when I heard a little whimper. Me eyes darted to the page number I was on ‘n I hoped I could remember it. I threw it on the couch and shuffled hurriedly to him.
Tears were welling up in his eyes. I cooed and took him into me arms. “It’s alright, Ka-.” I cut meself off as I felt wetness on me midsection. I sighed and looked ‘round for extra diapers and towels. When I couldn’t find any, I whimpered and just had to take the bullet.
I held him closer to me and practically ran to the bathroom. I shifted ‘round in there and found some. They weren’t really diapers, not in me own opinion. I set the clean nappy on the sink before getting the rag, throwing it in there, and letting the water get warm as I ran it.
I sighed while looking down at Karl. “Your mummy is a proper divvy, Karl. Forgot to leave your nappies with me.” I huffed while pinchin’ his cheek softly. “Let’s get ya changed, love.” I stroked his cheek as tears fell down. I felt the water and I deemed it warm enough. I turned off the faucet and wrung some of the water out before I held it in one hand while the other grabbed the diaper.
“Okay, love. Let’s get you cleaned up now.” I was looking down at Karl the whole time as I walked back into the living room.
Me gaze, finally, shifted up ‘n standin’ there was Tommy. A frightened yelp escaped me and I clutched Karl tighter.
“For-! For goodness sake, Tommy!” I shouted. I huffed before I continued me hurried shuffle over to the couch. I laid Karl down ‘n began changin’ him.
“So, this is where you were. Had to find out from Polly. I need to talk to you.” Tommy said while looking over his ciggie. Titling it in his hand.
I scoffed. “You’d know where I am, if you’d let yourself have the time for a chat once in a while. Do you remember the last time you rested, Tom?” I blew a strand of me hair out of me face as I gave him a teasing glance. I bundled up Karl’s soiled nappy and held it up for him to take. “Go on before you ask me this favor, do one for me.”
With his hands in his pockets and leaning back, he scoffed at me. Tommy rolled his eyes before taking it out of me hand ‘n walkin’ away to throw it in the bin. Hurriedly, I took off me jumper when I was done dressing Karl then I took him into me arms. I was bouncing him in me arms by the time Tom walked back in.
He cleared his throat, tsked, and then pointed at me. "I wanted to know if you’re feeling better.” Tom sniffed, flicked under his nose, and then looked up at me.
Disbelief was no doubt written all of it. I scoffed as I bounced Karl in me arms.
“Tommy Shelby, you-!” I scoffed again before it turned into a cackle. “You did not come here to ask me that! Why’re you blaggin’ for?” I continued to cackle long enough ‘til me knees grew weak ‘n I started folding in on meself.
Tommy’s tongue prodded the inside of his cheek as he tried to fight off a grin. He sighed loudly before walking toward me and the baby. “Fine. Ada expressed her worries to Polly the other day about you taking care of Karl, and I offered to come ‘n help.” He held his arms out and waved me to give Karl over.
I looked at ‘em up and down. “You? You are gonna help me take care of a baby?”
Tommy gave me a look before wedging a hand between me chest to grab Karl. “I have taken care of one before.”
I threw me head back in a giggle. “Who?” I shouted. “John?”
He nodded. “And Ada. And Finn. And fucking Arthur, too.” Tommy turned Karl ‘round in his arms, so that Karl was snug against his chest. Then, he lifted the boy in the air.
“Oi! No swearing ‘round Karl. Ada will have us both for it.” I dusted me hands off before I wiped them on me skirt, and then I sat down. Tommy was still playing with Karl, throwing him up in the air.
When I felt Karl’s head was too close to the ceiling, I whimpered. “Oh, do be careful!” He snickered. I couldn’t deny that Karl’s giggling was like music to me ears. It truly warmed me heart.
Tommy caught Karl one more time before he crashed on the couch and let Karl sit in lap. Karl began tugging on the lapels of Tommy’s coat. I watched them ‘til it was painfully that I was being stared at too.
I met Tommy’s gaze and we held it. We held it for a while ‘til I couldn’t take it anymore. With me face heating up— no doubt, giving away me feelings, I jutted me head out with widened eyes before I started giggling. I rose to me feet and walked over to Ada’s phonograph.
I picked a random record and put it on. “I can’t stand silence.” I said while not looking back just yet. I turned ‘round with me hands locked at the fingertips. “Are ya hungry? I can make you something.”
Tommy’s eyes flickered to me, but he looked back at Karl. “Have you eaten yet, Ali?”
I rolled me eyes while me hands dropped to me waist. I could lie and say no, but if I forced meself to eat— it could end badly for me. But, perhaps while I’m cooking I’ll get hungry again.
“No, I haven’t. So, I’ll check what they have.” I said while walking off. I looked through the cabinets and found some canned food. I could replace it another time.
I was sitting down in a chair while I watched over the pots. I was waiting for the bubblin’ or whistling. I heard footsteps behind me and there was Tommy with Karl.
He handed him over to me which I happily obliged to. “Hello, little one. Your uncle finally decided to hand you over.” Karl just began to babble in reply.
I looked over at Tommy, who had just finished settling himself in the chair opposite of me, and asked. “So, how is that tattoo of yours healing?”
He finished lighting up his ciggie and said. “Nicely. I reckon that it’ll be fully healed within the week.”
I hummed while bringing my attention back to Karl. Tommy got a tattoo some weeks ago. It was a rose intertwined with a horseshoe on his left bicep. I had a hold on Karl’s hand and I was making him punch the air between us. I made fighting sound effects as I did so. I leaned forward and made him punch me cheek softly. I threw meself back at the contact which made him laugh.
“How evil!” I exclaimed. “Why are you laughing abar that? Huh!” I hugged him as I pretended to eat his neck. His giggles never stopped as he flailed abar. I sighed and hoisted him on me hip as I got up. I walked over to Tommy, took his ciggie from his mouth, and handed him Karl. “Hold him, yeah?”
I put the ciggie in me mouth and took a puff. I used a spoon to check if the soup was burning at the bottom ‘n all that. As I turned off the stove, I took another pull. I walked over to the cabinet that had the plates and bowls in it ‘n took two out. I poured in the soup then walked carefully back to the table.
I sidestepped, wiped me hands of me skirt, took the ciggie from me mouth ‘n placed it back in his before I took Karl into me arms. I walked back to me seat and settled down. I looked up Tommy who had just finished taking a drag.
“Should I be worried that you don’t cough anymore, Ali?” Tommy quipped.
I shrugged. “No?”
He scoffed as a small smirk graced his face. Tommy leaned forward, stubbed out his ciggie, and gripped the spoon. “Ya know, if I knew you were going to cave this early about my smoking and drinking— I would have saved meself the stress.”
I gasped, exaggeratedly horrified. “Do you know how hard I did try! You just go on and smoke the moment you’re not in me sights. Pssh. Don’t even get me started on your terrible drinking habits. You drink alcohol like it’s water! If I’m not the one giving you water, you won’t drink it!” I shocked me head and grumbled under me breath.
Tom snickered. “Watch what you say, Ali. What if Karl learns it?” He threw me a teasing glance before looking back down at his soup.
I tsked. “I didn’t even curse, so shut your piehole!” I groaned loudly. “You’re so lucky that there’s nothing here I can throw at ya. And that you’re so far away!”
Tommy’s lips smacked before he asked. “So, you’d hit me with Karl in your arms? Show him your violent ways?”
Me eyes practically came out me head. I snorted. “Oh, that’s rich coming from you! But, yes. Yes, I would.”
I focused back on Karl. I let him teethe on me finger for a while ‘n I was just watchin’ him. I was just reminiscing that fact that me baby niece used to do that same when she was younger. I mean, of course she did, she was a baby herself!
I shifted me eyes back at Tommy’s and he did the same. A snicker escaped the both of us.
Tommy and I ended up taking care of Karl for abar three more hours. It definitely was a sight. I mean I knew he cherished family a lot, but I never thought of him as a “family man.” I just didn’t think he’d help me out with Karl as much as he did.
I mean wasn’t it more of a big deal in the 50s and 60s? Abar the whole absence of the father in the family dynamic. The father figure just being the either overbearing brute or the couchpotato? I don’t know. All I can say is that we both tuckered out Karl. Once he was asleep— Tommy and I caught up a little more. Just talked abar the simple stuff.
Right now, I was busy adding up some numbers in the shop while Polly was talkin’ to me.
“I’m just saying! When are you gonna be bringing home a lad?” She was smiling down at me while nursing a ciggie.
I rolled me eyes as I smiled too. I scoffed. “Polly, I don’t know what you want me to say. It’s not for me own lack of trying!”
Polly shoved me shoulder while she whispered. “It’s ‘cause you still fancy Tommy.”
Me head flashed to her direction as I stifled a loud gasp. I swatted her leg as I exclaimed. “Polly!” I resorted to spluttering for words as she cackled. Me hands were covering me forehead. I sighed deeply. “I’m tryin’, Pol. I really am. I’m trying to stop caring for him.”
I dropped me hands and looked up at her. I gave her a solemn smile to which she did the same. Polly tsked before she hopped off me desk ‘n caressed me cheek with her thumb. Polly awed before she cradled me head to her stomach.
She whispered. “You’re too good for him anyway. My sweet little one.”
I didn’t dare stop the smile that took over me face.
“Aliena!”
Polly and I detached from each other to see who was calling out to me.
“Aliena, Tommy sent me to come fetch ya!” Finn shouted with a red face.
Polly and I both sighed. We gave each other a look. A look that said, “This damn kid. Shoutin’ like we were miles away from ‘em!”
I rose to me feet and before I could start tidying up me station, Polly took me face in her hands. “Go on.” She said. “I’ll take care of this.”
I gave her a quick grin as I reached for me coat.
“God only knows what he wants with you this time!” Polly chimed as she dusted off the shoulders of me coat. Polly stepped over to Finn, licked her thumb, and wiped the dirt off his face. He shirked away while I cackled at his expression.
I sighed as I tugged on me gloves. “C’mon, Finn! Can’t have your brother waitin’ long or he’ll throw a fit.” When I was done, I put me hand on Finn’s shoulder and we began our journey.
When we were some ways away from the shop, I decided to break our little silence.
“So, Finn,” I began. “are you still studying?”
He began to groan exaggeratedly while he attempted to rest his head on me shoulder. I scoffed.
“All right!” I shouted. “Just remember, Finn. I’m not the one you’re hurtin’.” Under me breath, I muttered. “At least you know how to read and write.” I looked back at him. Finn was already me height. We were standing shoulder to shoulder. “Oh, come ‘ere you!”
I threw me arms ‘round his shoulders ‘n pretended to put him in a headlock.
He protested, more like begging me to stop. I didn’t stop teasing ‘em ‘til we got to the office, company headquarters, whatever. Just a few men work here. Men who were intelligent enough to handle the legal stuff and keep their mouths shut.
Finn and I marched right to Tommy’s office. Finn knocked on the door and Tommy shouted for us to come in.
“I brought her, Tom.” Finn said as he took off his cap. Looking just like the eager little lad he was.
Tom looked up at us. “Good job, Finn. Now, piss off.” Tommy motioned to the door with his ciggie. “Aliena, come here.”
I turned to Finn and pinched his cheek before walking over to sit in a chair. I settled meself while taking off me gloves. I let out a deep breath before I asked. “So, what am I doing ‘ere, Tom?”
He didn’t answer me yet. He was still working on whatever paperwork that was in front of him. So, I took in his appearance.
Tommy looked tired yet not. Like a boy who was not gonna admit to being tuckered out since he was having so much fun. He wasn’t any thinner or bigger. So, I think that’s a good sign. Tommy had his coat hanging, but his suit jacket is draped ‘round his chair.
I looked away after a couple of seconds of staring. I resorted to admiring me fingernails and humming a random song.
When Tommy, finally, cleared his throat— me head snapped back to him. “I had Finn get you ‘cause I wanted to tell you…” Tommy intertwined his fingers as he leaned back into his chair. “That I’m taking a day off tomorrow.”
I blinked.
And then I began to blink rapidly.
And then me hand slapped over me mouth as I tried to desperately stifle me laughter.
Very strainiously, I asked. “Why the fuck did you need to tell me abar this?” I giggled loudly. I took a deep, calming breath before I sat up straight ‘n looked Tommy in the eyes. He had such an amused look on his face. “I was fucking working, Tom! What the hell is this about?”
Tom leaned forward, resting his clasped hands on the desk. “It’s simple. I’m taking a day off to rest and I want you to rest with me. Tomorrow’s your day off too, so unless you have plans… You should be available to join me.”
I can’t deny that me eyes widened a little before me face contorted in confusion. “What are you up to Thomas Shelby? Huh? Why aren’t you planning a boy’s getaway or somethin’?”
Tommy averted his gaze to the left while dropping his jaw a smidgen ‘n widening his eyes. “Because I want to spend the day with you.”
I glared at him. I trusted this as much… You know what, I don’t have a metaphor for this feeling. It felt like he was asking me out on a date, but he wasn’t asking me out— like directly! Tommy would have explicitly said this was a date, no? I think he just wants to hang out then.
I sighed as I fell back into the chair. I rested me right elbow on the arm of the chair and rubbed me forehead. Me eyes flickered to Tommy’s. “Fine. Yeah, alright.”
Tommy pursed his lips a little before he nodded. “Good, it’s settled then. Be ready by 10.”
I scoffed, me jaw dropped dramatically. “Is Tommy Shelby plannin’ on sleeping in?”
He rolled his eyes as he muttered. “Shut up.”
I stuck me tongue out at him and then relaxed again. “So, is there a dress code for this occasion or what?”
Tommy rubbed his fingers together as his gaze dropped to the side. He looked back at me and said. “I could care less. Just don’t come in your work clothes.”
I glared at him again. Me gaze dropped to his little bar cart as I asked. “Do you have a plan as to what tomorrow entails?” I started picking at me skirt. Picking it up and smoothing it out repeatedly.
Tom tutted. “I was thinking we would walk around London. I’ll take you shopping or something like that. Then at 12:30, we are going to eat at a fancy restaurant called The Barge.” He gave me a pointed look as he continued. “Is that alright with you?”
I gave him a tight-lipped smile as I nodded. I tsked and sighed as I rose from the chair. “Okay, then. I’ll see you tomorrow. At 10. Not wearing me work apparel.” I turned ‘round and waved him with the back of me hand. “Night, Tommy!”
“Night, Ali.”
I had a smile on me face the whole walk home. I couldn’t help it. It felt like a date.
It felt like a date. But, it wasn’t. Right?
I ran into the house ‘n immediately darted for the phone. I phoned Cassie.
“Ali, what’s up?” Cassie asked once the operator put me through.
I stumbled with me words. I didn’t know how to phrase this. The word “date” just kept running through me mind. “I-uh! So, Tommy…”
“Dear God, Ali! Did you both get into another fight? I told you I didn’t want to hear it if this happened again!”
I scoffed and shouted. “No! Cassie, no! We didn’t get into a fight. On the contrary, Tommy has asked me to spend tomorrow with him.”
Cassie got quiet. “What?” She whispered.
“Yeah.” I said breathily. I brought one of me hands up to me forehead. “He didn’t explicitly ask me out. Like he didn’t say the word date, but it feels like he asked me out on one.” I squealed as quietly as I could into the phone. “Oh, Cassie! What if this is actually it?”
Cassie sighed, quite defeatedly— might I add. “Aliena, sweetie. Let’s not throw this out of proportion just yet. Did he tell you this was a date?”
I sighed as I turned ‘round and rested against the wall. “No.” I quipped childishly.
“Then, it’d be safer for you to go in this without that kind of mindset.”
There was a silence between us.
“I don’t want you to get excited then get your feelings hurt, Ali.”
I tsked as I closed me eyes and held me forehead again. I ran that same hand through me hair as I said. “Yeah, your… You’re right.” I shook me head as if I was shaking those thoughts out of me head. “So, ever heard of The Barge?”
Cassie scoffed. “Of course, I have. I go there sometimes for seafood.”
I hummed. “Okay. Well, what kind of setting is it? Actually, don’t answer that. Lemme guess, aristocratic.”
Cassie laughed, dryly. “That’s a nice way of saying only rich people eat there. But yeah, it is. So, I would suggest wearing something semi formal. You know something that would not-!”
I rolled me eyes. “Yeah, I know what semi formal is, Cass. I wear something that would make Angie suck her teeth, but not tell me to go and change.”
“That sounds good.”
I huffed before saying, “Thank you for helping me. And bring me back down to Earth.”
“Anytime, babes. I hope tomorrow goes well for you.”
I laughed dryly while looking up at the ceiling. “I do too.”
I hung up the phone not too long after ‘n went upstairs to shift through me clothes. I had decided on a black dress with puffed long sleeves, a square neck cut, and a slit on me right thigh. I wore decent sized heels and I was going to keep me hair down. As for makeup, I was going to keep it light.
A nude lip, foundation, winged eyeliner, mascara, and some white in the corners of me eyes. I was debating putting some white on me lids too. I decided against it after I tried the look out.
The next morning, I woke up ‘round six ‘n made meself breakfast. After that, I took a bath and washed me hair. It was fucking baltic, la’, but I fucking did it! After I was done, I kept me hair wrapped in a towel as I got ready.
I put on me matching black undergarments. Bra, panties, and I almost put on a garter belt— but then I remembered the slit in the dress. When I had those two on, I lathered me legs and arms in lotion ‘n then focused on drying me hair. I just kept wringing the water out of me ends as much as I could.
I, then, brush out me hair which caused me to repeat the whole wringing me ends process. After that, I hurried to begin putting on me makeup. It took up more time than I thought it would since I kept fucking up the eyeliner. I’m blaming me nerves. Any other time, I’ve been perfectly steady-handed.
I threw me lipstick down and checked the clock. It was 9:45. I groaned exaggeratedly as I rose to me feet. I quickly put on me dress as carefully as I could manage ‘n then put on me heels. When I was done, I went back to me desk and brush out me hair one more time. I took a deep breath.
“I feel like somethin’s missin’.” I muttered to meself. I snapped me fingers as the idea came to mind. ‘Jewelry!’
I dropped to me knees and pulled out me box of jewelry. I debated between me ma’s set and me papa’s set. I, ultimately, decided on the pearl set. I struggled to put them on as I stumbled to me feet.
I was putting on me right earring when there was honking outside. Jitters shot through me body. I took a deep breath. I finished fastening the earring in and I smoothed out me dress.
I hurriedly grabbed my clutch and ran down the stairs. I was putting on me coat when Tommy honked for the fifth, sixth, seventh time. I huffed before shouting, “Hold your fucking horses!” I opened the door and flailed me arms out. “Jesus, Tommy!”
I walked over to the passenger side, his head following me the whole time. I slid into the car with a loud sigh. “Good mornin’, Tommy.”
He didn’t reply. He was still lookin’ at me up and down. I gave him a goofy grin in return.
Tommy cleared his throat. “Good morning, Aliena.” And with that, he started up the car again ‘n we were out.
I fiddled with me coat as I asked. “So, where are we headed first?”
Tommy scoffed while tilting his head to the side. “ How about you stop worrying about it and you just sit there ‘n look pretty.”
I rolled me eyes and tried to stop the smile that wanted to envelope me face. I cocked me eyebrow as I looked at him. “So! You think I looked pretty.” I teased in a sign-song tone. I threw me head back as I laughed. But, then I quickly sobered up and said. “You can’t take it back!” I looked back down, picking at me coat while humming.
Tommy looked at me, emotionlessly. I gave him a toothy smile in return before me hand smacked over me mouth and I looked away.
Tommy sighed. “Do you ever not laugh?”
I shrugged. “Don’t know.” I tilted me head in thought. “Huh.”
‘When was the last time I didn’t laugh? Like I used to not laugh this much. Does it have something to do with my mental illnesses?’ I thought.
“Well, come out with it.”
I looked at Tommy and shook me head. “Is nothin’. I’m just a giggly person.” There was a short silence between us before I broke it. “Wait, ‘ang on a mo’! Haven’t we known each other for abar three years now? Why are you complaining abar me giggling now?”
Tommy replied, calmly. “I have aired my grievances before.”
I tsked while crossing me arms. “So, why are you still complaining abar it?” I grumbled.
Tommy looked at me before ruffling me hair. “‘Cause you still give me the same vague answer.”
I gasped horrified and scrambled to fix me hair.
Eventually after a very animated car drive, we made it into the city. True to his word, we strolled ‘round for some time. It wasn’t ‘til I clocked some very nice looking shoes did we stop and go into the shop.
I tried preventing him from buying me the red heels, but he wasn’t having it. It was confusing the hell out of me, to say the least. And once we went in that store, we were going into every other store. I’d say he bought me like two new dress, four new work blouses, four skirts to match, two new pairs of stockings, and a necklace.
“Tommy! Enough now! What are we going to do with all these bags at the restaurant?”
Tommy gave me the most mocking facial expression as if the answer to me question was so obvious! “Stop fussing, Aliena.” Tom turned ‘round and motioned his arm in a wave, like he was calling someone over. And he actually was. Two men walked up to us with peaked caps.
Immediately, me hip dropped to the side and me arms folded. Tommy handed them all the bags in his hands then took the bags I was holding ‘n gave ‘em to them too.
Tommy cleared his throat curtly ‘n pointed his finger at them as he gave them orders. “Now, boys, take these to the car and drop them off at the betting shop. Tell Polly to put these in Aliena’s room.” He waved his hand, turned toward me, gripped me by me arm, and then we walked.
“Why were they here, Tom?” I asked, slightly miffed.
“Well, the more obvious answer is for protection. You know that.”
I rolled me eyes. “Of course, I know that. You think I don’t know you ‘ave men following me ‘round sometimes when I’m out of the city with me mates. Well, I do. But, what I don’t get— is why they were here if you’re here?”
Tommy sighed. “I only called them here, so that they would get the bags.”
I squinted me eyes and attempted to playfully put me finger in his face. “That better be the truth. Or I’ll kick ya shin.”
Tommy scoffed while throwing his head back. “Deal.” Tommy pulled out his watched and read the time. With his grip still on me arm, He sighed ‘n said. “Right, come on. Don’t want to be late for our reservation.”
I shook his hand off, to which he gave me a pointed look. “Don’t give me that look. Give me your arm right, will you!” I wrapped me arms ‘round his and we continued walking.
I could tell we were finally at the restaurant ‘cause of the huge ass sign. I let out a sign of relief. “Finally, we can sit down.” I whispered to meself.
Tommy hummed in response. Not that I was looking for one.
We walked up to the receptionist. They asked us for a name to which Tommy gave him and we were shown to a booth. A rather secluded booth. Red flags were popping off in me head, but I didn’t want to seem paranoid— so I kept it to meself.
Tommy motioned for me to enter the booth first, so I was going to— but I had to take off me coat first. Tommy helped me as I took it off. He held it for me and kept his hand out for me. I tucked me dress under me bum as I slid into the booth.
Another flag was raised as he chose to sit so very close to me. Hardly had any arm space. So, I slid over a little more.
The waiter gave us each a menu and said they’ll be back when we’re ready. I looked it over and debated just getting a salad. Ya know for… Appearance sake.
Then, I saw there was a lobster dish and caviar. I was sold. I. Was. Sold. As for drinks, there is no soda! So, I’m going to leave that up to either Tommy, or I’m getting water. Do they serve apple juice here? No.
Because I was making jokes in me head, me hand kept flying to me mouth to both stifle me giggles and hide me smile. Luckily, I wasn’t audibly giggling. Time and place, Aliena!
I looked over to Tommy ‘n asked. “Do you already know what you’re getting?”
Tom sniffed before replying, “Yep, have you figured out what you’re having?”
I nodded, but then I began to double-check the prices of everything. Getting the lobster dish and the caviar was like getting two main courses, right? It was, actually, pretty expensive. So, maybe— I should just pick one. Unconsciously, I started to nibble on me fingernail. Not trying to bite it off or anything, just biting down on it softly, repeatedly.
Tommy grabbed me hand and took it into his. “What are you fussing about now? Show me what you want.”
I pointed to the two dishes while being hyper aware of the fact that he was still holding me hand. Oh, was I fucking freakin’ out in the inisde!
“Right then. We’ll order both.” Tommy let go of me hand and settled himself in his seat. While reaching for his ciggie case, he muttered. “Not like I’m paying for it.”
Me eyes practically bulged out of me head ‘n I had to will me hand not to slap over me face. I leaned into him and whispered. “Thomas Shelby, are we doing a runner?”
Tommy smirked as he placed his ciggie in his mouth. “Not exactly.” He lit the bloody thing and closed the lighter with a loud snap.
I furrowed me eyebrows in confusion as I tried to think of another possible reason. While I was thinking the waiter came back.
“Can I take your order?” He asked.
I was abar to say yes when Tommy cut me off. “We’re not ready quite yet. But, we’d like to order some white wine.”
I rested me left elbow on the table, me thumb ‘n pointer finger were shaped in an L-shape as I used it to support me head. I looked at Tommy with an eyebrow raised. I waited ‘til the waiter left to ask. “And why are we not ordering yet? We were ready.”
“It would be rude to have our food be done first.” He looked at me, deadpan.
It finally clicked. “You doin’ a deal, Tom?” I asked, full with spite.
“A little one, yeah.”
I sucked on me teeth and looked away from him while I cradled me temples with me right hand. I wanted to be more upset, but I wasn’t. This was just typical Thomas Shelby behavior. I dropped me hand after I let out a calming breath.
“Right.” I said. “So, am I to be eye-candy during this deal or do I have job? Have to seduce him or something like that? Follow him out of this place.”
Tommy shook his head as a little chuckle escaped his mouth. “Nope. You’ll be doing none of that. I’m just killing a bird with a stone.”
I snorted at the expression. Me hand went to covering me mouth. “That’s not-!”
“I know.” Tommy quickly replied. “I asked you to come out with me today because you mentioned we haven’t talked like we used to, and you’re right. This was the perfect opportunity to do so… While sweetening my deal with Mr. Daniel Taylor.”
I smiled as I shook me head. I locked me fingers, rested both of me elbows on the table, and then rested me chin on me hands. “So, this is what you meant when you said I should sit here and look pretty.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Tommy’s mouth. “Yes.”
I watched as Tommy took a drag from his ciggie before I dropped me arms and straightened me back.
It took Mr. Taylor quite some time before arriving. The wine came before him, for Christ’s sake.
Tommy placed his hand on me back, signaling for me to stand with him.
“Mr. Taylor, nice to see you again.” They shook hands then Tommy motioned his hand toward me. “This is Ailena Welsh, my companion this evening.”
I shook Mr. Taylor’s hand ‘n exchanged greetings. I’m happy to say we ordered not too long after. I did just as Tommy told me too. To sit here and look pretty. I didn’t jump in the conversation nor did I maintain eye contact with the man. It seemed that this was “Danny” from season three. The future leader of the Birmingham City Council. Just like mentioned in the episode, Mr. Taylor had interests in steelworks in Cradley Heath. Tommy offered to help him get his products to carmakers.
That’s the jist of it. After tuning into those parts of the conversation, I focused on the expensive meal in front of me. I absolutely loved the caviar. It suited my tastes perfectly. I had to contain me joy, though. Didn’t want to look comical in front of the client, after all.
“Oh, we’ve been chattin’ up a storm, Mr. Shelby. I don’t want to leave your missus out of the conversation. How is the meal, dear?” Mr. Taylor asked me.
I covered me mouth as I hurried to swallow down the bite of scran I just took. I only spoke once I was sure me mouth was clear. I dropped me hand ‘n said. “Oh, it’s lovely.” I nodded me head for emphasis.
“How is the caviar? Have you had it before today?”
I shook me head. “No, today was my first time tasting it. I thought it was delicious.”
“Oh, well. I’m glad that it suited your taste.”
I nodded and gave him a polite smile. Tommy reached under the table and squeezed me hand. Almost reassuringly. Luckily, after that little “inclusion,” the conversation ended ‘n it was back to only them. Fine by me, to be honest.
It seemed that this meeting was coming to an end when a man walked up to Mr. Taylor and whispered something into his ear. Mr. Taylor stood up as did we. “Well, looks like I’m needed elsewhere. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Shelby.” They shook hands ‘n then he took my hand. “And it was nice meeting you, Ms. Welsh.”
I let out a little, “Likewise.”
Mr. Taylor let after that. Me eyes darted to Tommy and I asked, discreetly. “He’s still paying the bill, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, thank God.” And with that, we sat back down. “That seemed like it went well.” I chimed.
Tom was busy lighting another ciggie. “Yes, it did.”
Now I was busy debating whether to ask him if he knew there was a loo in this joint, if I should just walk ‘round ‘til I found one, or just hold it.
“If you need to use the restroom, there’s one for ladies ‘round the corner.” Tommy muttered.
Me head snapped toward him. “Huh?”
He sighed before smiling. “I said if you need to use the lavatory, then there’s one over there.” He pointed to a door, which a woman came out of.
“Oh.” I looked back at ‘em with a pout. “I knew that.” I got up and walked to it.
After I handled me business, we left the restaurant ‘n began walking again. On the way, I had to beg Tommy to go through the park. I just admired the scenery, honestly. I’ve been in the park loads of times with the girls. But only the lord knows when I’d get a chance like this again.
I was walking a little bit ahead of Tommy. I was taking big steps while twirling ‘round. “Oh, come on, Tommy! Live a little!” I shouted as I was still twirling.
“I live plenty.” He rebutted.
I rolled me eyes as I said. “Boo!” I put me thumbs down for emphasis, but it ended up making me laugh. I twirled front and started teetering me head from left to right with me hands locked behind me back.
Just as I turned me head ‘round, a gust of wind blew through me hair. A very picturesque moment, if I do say so meself. If only I had a hat.
I hurried to fix me hair which made Tommy laugh. “Oh, do one!” I shouted. I swatted his chest once he walked up to me. Tommy was still laughing as he helped me fix me hair. I stuck me tongue out at him.
“You know. I’d say you are more petulant than Ada and Finn combined.” He quipped as he was still helping me.
Me jaw dropped slightly. “Isn’t that just a sophisticated way of calling me the biggest brat you’ve ever met?”
Tommy snickered with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Can never get one passed you, can I?”
I glared at him. “No. No, you can’t.” I shook me head before I bursted into a fit of giggles.
After that whole fiasco, I made sure to stop twirling ‘n stuff. I walked side-by-side with him. I had a really strong urge to hold his hand, but I fought it. I’m just used to doin’ that is all. I hold all of the girls’ hands whenever we’re out. Angie tried fighting me off at first, ‘cause— manners. But I broke her down! Tina just went along with it, though. I’m guessing she just wanted to avoid conflict.
We made small talk, but mainly basked in the silence. It was nice. I was focusing on kicking a pebble when I heard Tommy scoff.
“What?” I asked while not looking up.
“What did the pebble ever do to you?” He asked in a teasing manner.
Me head shot up and I stopped kicking the pebble. I shouted in surprise since I walked ahead of the pebble, but sighed in defeat as I decided to just keep walking.
Tommy shook his head.
I pouted. “You made me lose it.”
“There’s plenty more. Choose another.”
I pouted harder while crossing me arms. “No, that one was mine.”
Tommy sighed while shaking his head. I could see his grin from the corner of me eye which made me smile as well.
The moment we exited the park, Tommy made it clear that we were going home. I shrugged and accepted it. The car ride was, for its majority, silent. I had me eyes closed and I was letting the wind flow through me hair.
I like it when the wind froze me ears. My comfort action wasn’t sucking me thumb rather I played with me ears. I played with me pa’s ears too. I missed being able to do it from time to time.
When I felt that we were near the house, I sat up straight ‘n opened me eyes. Tommy parked in front ‘n I opened the car door.
“Well, thanks for the day out. And for the fancy meal. And for the new clothes.” I was abar to step out of the car when I remembered a certain promise I made. I pivoted me body ‘round and kicked his shin.
He hissed. “The fuck!”
I cackled as I jumped out of the car. “Said I’d do it, didn’t I?” I skipped over to the pavement and then twirled ‘round to get one last look at him.
He was shaking his head. “Ali!” He called out to me.
I threw him a mocking look. “What?”
He beckoned me with two fingers ‘n I’d be lying if I said that that didn’t have no effect on me. So, I walked up to his window ‘n repeated meself.
I stared into his eyes as he said. “Your hair looks better when it’s down. I wanted to tell ya that.” I blinked in response. Flabbergasted, I was. “I had a nice time too. Night, Aliena.”
I whispered. “Night, Tommy.” He started up the engine and I instinctively stepped back. I watched as he drove off before a hand came up to me hair ‘n I stroked a strand of it. A smile creeping up on me.
I ran up to me room soon after ‘n threw meself on the bed. Me thoughts were racing a million miles per hour.
What the hell was today? Why did he decide to spoil me of all people? He could’ve taken out Polly, no? Or, his brothers? But it wasn’t just a free business lunch, he bought me clothes and a necklace.
Oh my god, the necklace! It was a simple locket necklace, but it was jewelry from him, nevertheless! Whose picture would I put in it? I would have put me parents in it, but…
And I can’t bloody well put Tommy in it! Maybe I should put Polly and Cassie.
I twirled a strand of me hair ‘round me finger.
Maybe I should start wearing me hair down more often.
I grabbed me pillow ‘n squealed into it while kicking me legs.
You know, this could be boiled down to an inferiority or superiority complex. I have rich friends who shower me with expensive gifts ‘n maybe this was a show that he could do it too now.
I shrugged me shoulders with an facial expression to match.
Who cares. His attention was practically all on me today ‘n it felt like a date.
Even though, it really wasn’t.
I began squealing in me pillow again!
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#in another world#thomas shelby#thomas shelby imagine#thomas shelby fanfic#thomas shelby x reader#thomas shelby fluff#Peaky Blinders#peaky blinders imagine#thomas shelby x oc
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I’m Gonna Crawl
Chapter 2
July 21, 1973
I had two hours to get home, get packed, call Daniel and make my way to the airport where the band’s private jet would be waiting to take off the next day. I was told to meet Peter at the airport and that Jimmy would be there with him. I had to admit, I was pretty anxious about this meeting. The boys had put a fear in me I had never felt before. If this didn’t work out, if Jimmy didn’t like me, we could lose the account and then god knows what would happen to me. I was working at the most highly rated filmography firms in Boston and I did not want to have to start all over again at a new one if I lost this job. I worked too hard to throw it all away.
I packed enough in my suitcase to clothe me for a good two weeks. As I zipped my luggage closed, I held the phone between my ear and my shoulder and dialed Daniels number. It rang twice before he answered.
“What?” He breathed into the receiver.
“It’s me.”
“Well, well. You finally have time for me.” He grunted.
“Don’t be like that.” I warned. Why did I call him?
“I’ve been waiting for your call since last night.”
“I’ve been busy. Work you know.” I played absentmindedly with the cord attached to the phone.
“Of course.” He sounded skeptical. “I’ve got shit to do right now. I’ll be at your place tonight.”
“Can’t.” I braced myself for the oncoming freak out. “I’ve got work. Going to be travelling for a few weeks.”
He was silent for a moment. “Really.” Was all he said.
“Yes, I leave in…” I looked at my watch. “Thirty minutes.”
He was still silent.
“I’ll have to call you later on tonight.”
Still silence. Then a small huff. “Listen, I just want to see you… to explain.” He thought I was lying.
“There’s nothing to explain.” I stopped him. “You did what you did. And I’m doing what I’m doing.”
“I’m not letting you go.” His voice was rough. “You can’t just leave without talking to me about it first. You’re mine, you belong to-”
“No, Daniel… I don’t.” I cut him off with my harsh tone. “You don’t own me.” I couldn’t believe him. I couldn’t believe myself. “Look I’m leaving now. I’ll call you on the plane tonight.”
Before I could hang up, he cleared his throat. “Where the fuck are you going?”
I sighed. I knew telling him would only make things worse. “The firm got a gig with a band. I’m directing the filming of their concert.”
“A band...” He was definitely annoyed. “And this band…” He was fishing. For a man who liked to dip his pen in company ink, he sure was paranoid and jealous.
“Stop. I have to go. And just so you know, you lost me the moment I walked into your office last week. You have no hold on me.” Before he could protest, I added. “I will call you tonight.” Then hung up. No hold on me. I laughed at myself. I was the idiot in an awful relationship that couldn’t let go even though I knew I should.
I knew I should just push him out of my life but he had always had some sort of hold on me. I hated myself for needing him.
*
I reached the airport in just enough time. Peter was there waiting for me at the gate. He greeted me with a warm smile and took me through the airport to the platform where the big jet plane sat waiting. It was huge and overwhelming. ‘Led Zeppelin’ written in big bold letters across the body of the plane. “Wow.” I breathed.
“Pretty impressive, eh?” Peter gloated staring at the plane. “Come.” He gestured toward the stairs that led to the open door. “Jimmy’s inside.”
He guided me through the door and gestured to the right. “Impressive.” I repeated. The main room of the plane was long and wide. A giant couch lined the wall spanning to the end of the room and on the opposite side sat plush chairs, a table, a television, a huge bar and a piano. I glanced up and saw a man standing in the doorway at the back of the room, leaning against it’s frame.
He stood there smirking at us, the glass in his hand holding enough liquid for a small gulp. He swirled it around and drank the last remnants. “So, this is why you told me to be on my best behavior.” He looked at Peter slightly amused then back at me. He pushed himself off the door frame and sauntered towards us. “James.” He extended his hand to mine.
“Cali.” I took his hand and softly shook it. I looked at his hand in mine, pale and rough, but nice. His long fingers slowly slipped out of mine.
“Jimmy!” A high squeaky voice sounded from beyond the doorway Jimmy had been standing in. A young blonde girl came dancing into the room. She had to be maybe 18, maybe younger. She ran up to Jimmy and attached herself to his arm. She looked at him and noticed his attention was on me and started tugging on his arm. “Let’s go back to bed.” She whined then narrowed her eyes at me.
I raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Maybe I should come back when you’re not occupied?”
“No, no, no!” Peter said grabbing the arm of the blonde and pulling her with him out the door. “Come, darling. Jimmy has business to attend to.”
She tried to protest but she was weak and feeble compared to Peter who dragged her out of the plane without trouble.
“Sorry to ruin your good time.” I sounded a tad condescending. "She seems really nice… I believe I didn’t catch her name.”
Jimmy shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly matching my condescending tone. “I’m afraid I didn’t catch her name either.” His green eyes seared into mine and for a moment I was at a loss for words.
‘What a jackass’, I thought.
“Shall I fix you a drink?” He asked, still staring into my eyes.
“It’s twelve-thirty.” I raised my eyebrows.
He gave me a crooked smile. “Good a time as any.” He turned away from me and sauntered through the doorway from which he had emerged. I watched him walk away, his dark curls bouncing around his shoulders. I couldn’t help but think ‘Jesus’. He was a complete jerk but my god was he ever gorgeous.
I followed behind him into a small room with a smaller bar. He was behind it grabbing a glass from a cupboard and placing it down on the counter. “Jack okay?”
I nodded and watched him pour the liquor into two glasses.
“So,” He started, sliding the glass toward me. I sat down on a bar stool and thumbed the glass. “You think you can handle all this?” He raised his eyebrows.
Did he actually just say that? “Why wouldn’t I be able to?” I questioned him.
He smirked. “Well,” He looked up at me through his thick eyelashes. “Most girls who join me on tour don’t make it very long before they start… well… It’s hard not to fall for me.”
‘Jackass’. “Mr. Page, I’m hardly on tour with you, I’m here to work. I can assure you that I will not be falling for you.” His confidence was incredulous. ‘Jackass’.
He laughed melodically. “Oh, you will.”
“Excuse me–”
He held up a hand to stop me.
I took a deep breath, feeling frazzled and lifted the glass to my lips. I downed the liquid in one gulp and placed the glass back on the bar.
He raised his eyebrows, impressed. “A girl after my own heart.” He copied me, draining his glass and poured us both another. “Cali, right?”
I nodded, refusing to meet his stare.
I could feel his gaze burning into my skin. He lifted a finger to my chin and tried to make me meet his gaze. I pulled away and glared at him. “You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” He gave me a crooked smile. I looked away again and drank until my glass was empty.
“Filming. I would like to talk about what your vision is.” I breathed in deeply.
“Ah yes, we will get to that, when the time comes. As for now you are here to get to know us.” He flashed a crooked smile. "And I would like to get to know you.” He emptied his glass and reached out for the bottle.
I grabbed a hold of it before he could and poured it into my glass until it reached the brim then slid the bottle toward him.
I could feel the alcohol swirling in my veins, my head feeling lighter, my patience still thin. I took another swig from the glass. I was going to need to be inebriated in order to deal with this man without punching him in the face.
He smirked at me again and emptied the remnants of the bottle into his glass. “To getting to know one another.” He held his glass in the air, an attempt to ‘cheers’ me. When I didn’t reciprocate, he frowned. “Oh, come now, I’m intrigued by you. I fear I may have met my match.”
“You have no idea.” I once again downed my glass.
Peter bounded back into the room with an exasperated look on his face. “What the hell kind of animal did you leave me with?”
“Animal?” Jimmy’s eyebrows knitted together then he laughed, understanding. “Right, she’s a scratcher.” He gave Peter a cheeky grin.
“Oh, is she?” Peter was deeply annoyed. “I hadn’t noticed!” He shoved his arm laced in long red scratches in Jimmy’s face.
“Relax, Ol’ boy!” Jimmy beamed. “If you think that’s bad you should see my back.”
“Ugh.” I made a face and noticed that it had elicited an insidious smirk from Jimmy.
“Are you bloody drunk, Jimmy?” Peter waved his hand in front of Jimmy’s face.
“I’ve had a few.” Jimmy shrugged. “T’was her fault.” He smirked crookedly as he nodded his head in my direction. “Bet me I couldn’t polish off the bottle.”
Peter sighed in obvious annoyance. “Sober up, Page!” He wagged a finger in his face. “Time to go.” He motioned to me. “Page. Rehearsal.”
Jimmy winked at me then turned and started for the front door of the plane and descended the steps.
I followed behind him and Peter behind me to two black Cadillac Fleetwoods. I couldn’t help but watch as Jimmy’s shirt clung to his back, his toned shoulders rippling under the silky fabric. He must have sensed my gaze on him because he turned his head in my direction and gave me a cheeky grin.
“We’ll be taking the furthest car.” Peter called behind me. I turned my head to peer at him and ended up walking right into Jimmy as he had come to an abrupt stop in front of the cars. I stumbled and would have fallen on my ass if Jimmy hadn't grabbed my waist to steady me. He looked down at me, feeble in his hold, his mocking eyes burned into mine but for a moment something soft flickered in them. He closed his eyes, let go of me and nodded before turning around sharply and disappeared into the black car.
“Come, you’ll take that car with me.” He gestured toward the other vehicle. “Jimmy can ride alone.”
Once we were in the car Peter folded his hands on his lap. “Look…” he gazed at me. “He’s not always like that. Usually quite a quiet chap. Gets cocky when he’s had a few.”
I put my hand up for him to stop. “It’s fine.” I feigned a smile. I could make it through this.
“Take Pagey with a grain of salt.” He paused then chuckled. “Ay, you seem tough. You’ll do good. Any problems though and I’ll sort the lot of ‘em out.”
#Jimmy Page#jimmy page fanfiction#chapter two#Robert Plant#John paul Jones#John Bonham#Led Zeppelin#Led Zeppelin fanfiction#Led Zeppelin fanfic#Jimmy Page fanfic#how-many-more-times-blog
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a regular guy ~ andrew siwicki
word count: 2245
request?: yes!
@acscvf “You’re such a good writer! Loved your Andrew Siwicki one please do another with him? Maybe where he falls in love with a famous actress and she loves how he’s just a sweet regular guy.”
description: when the squad is invited to a red carpet premiere of a movie, andrew finds himself falling for the leading actress, and is surprised to find her returning the feelings
pairing: andrew siwicki x actress!reader
warnings: swearing
masterlist
If anyone told me when I started filming and editing videos with Shane that I’d end up invited to the red carpet of a Marvel move, I never would’ve believed them. And yet here I was!
I was stood wit Shane, Ryland, Morgan, and Garrett, who was freaking out the most in our group. We had received the invite just days before and of course were all beyond excited for the opportunity. Just two short years before, we were just a group of friends making videos for YouTube, and now we’re on a red carpet!
I wasn’t sure how I should be acting. There were so many big named celebrities walking the red carpet, looking professional and like they belonged as they posed for the cameras and signed autographs for fans.
“Oh my God, I think that’s Samuel L Jackson!” Garrett exclaimed excitedly as another celebrity started walking the red carpet. I tried to keep my cool, but he was right. it was totally Samuel L Jackson.
“What do we do?” Ryland asked. “Do we walk the red carpet?”
“Are we even famous enough for that?” Morgan asked.
“Well, we can’t just keep standing in the corner like losers,” Shane said. “Let’s walk and see what happens.”
The minute we started walking, fans started calling for pictures and autographs. The paparazzi took our pictures, although we could tell that they weren’t really sure who we were. We were being treated like big movie stars. It was a weird feeling.
Suddenly, all the attention turned to the start of the red carpet. I recognized the actress getting out of the limo as the star of the movie. (Y/N). She was mainly big within action movies, and was a newbie to the Marvel franchise. I wasn't one for super action-y movies, but Garrett loved the Marvel movies and had me watch them all with him.
To say I had a crush on her was an understatement. I was completely star struck as I watched her walking towards us, smiling and waving to fans.
“It’s her!” Garrett exclaimed, grabbing on to my arm. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s her! Do you think we’ll get to meet her?”
“We can sure as well try,” I told him, pulling my arm so I could lead him down the carpet. I’d love to stand there and watch (Y/N), but we were already getting weird looks.
The place where the premiere was being held was a theatre that had been shut down specifically for the premiere. The lobby was set up with snack and drink tables for the guests. Now that awe were inside, we were thrown into the mix with the other celebrities. I was feeling much more nervous now.
“We have assigned seating,” Shane told us. “So we can go do whatever now, then meet up when the doors open.”
We agreed and broke off. Garrett and I immediately went to one of the snack tables. I expected it to be mostly those foods that you see rich people eating in TV shoes or movies, but it was a lot of good looking snacks; some sandwiches, fruit and veggie platters, cheese platters accompanied by some crackers.
“Do you think one of these tables will have any Cheez-Its?” Garrett asked as he stuffed a whole grape into his mouth.
I started laughing, about to tell Garrett that Cheez-Its definitely were not a snack you’d find at a movie premiere (although I wouldn’t doubt that he had brought some with him) when a voice said, “God, I wish. I could devour some Cheez-Its right now.”
Garrett yelped as I looked over my shoulder. I came face to face with none other than (Y/N), smiling brightly at us both. I found myself suddenly tongue tied, unsure of what to do or say. This felt like a dream, it couldn’t be real. There was no way she was actually there in front of me.
“You eat Cheez-Its?” Garrett finally asked after a moment of silence.
(Y/N) laughed. “I love Cheez-Its! They’re my favourite snacks. I don’t get to eat them enough because I’m supposed to be on a strict diet for workouts and stuff.”
“I think I’d die if I had to give up Cheez-Its for exercise,” Garrett commented. I was shocked at how calm he was being, but I could tell by looking at him that he was freaking out on the inside.
“I’m Andrew, by the way,” I said, finally finding my ability to speak. “This is Garrett.”
“Oh, I know,” (Y/N) said, Just as quickly as she said it, her face turned red. “I - I mean I’m a fan of you guys on YouTube, Shane too. God, that sounded so stalker-y didn’t it? I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s an honor to know you watch us,” I said.
I shared a look with Garrett and I could tell he was thinking the same thing I was: Holy shit, she watches our videos!
“I’m gonna grab a drink,” Garrett decided. “Then I’ll be back to discuss ways to sneak Cheez-Its while you’re on your diet.”
(Y/N) laughed as Garrett walked away. Her laugh was beautiful. I couldn’t help but smile at her.
“Don’t tell him, but I already sneak Cheez-Its,” she whispered to me. “Don’t tell anyone, really. If my trainer catches word that I sneak snacks she’ll make me do the most extraneous exercises she can think of for a week straight. I won’t be able to walk for at least two weeks.”
“When people talk about how strict their diets and their trainers are, it makes me not want to work out anymore,” I commented.
“It’s definitely not easy,” (Y/N) confirmed. “Especially when your technical days off from workouts are days that you’re shooting action movies, so out of technicality I’m always working out.”
“Wait, do you do your own stunts?”
(Y/N) nodded, a proud smile on her face. “That’s why I have such a strict diet that I try and follow all the time. I want to make sure I can actually do the stunts I have to do. The one’s that aren’t terribly dangerous, that is. If it’s something that’s way too dangerous I have a stunt double.”
We started talking for a while about all (Y/N) had done for the movies she was in; besides the strict diet and her workout routine, she had also learned different types of martial arts so she could accurate do her own fight scenes, such as karate, taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu. Basically, she knew how to fight and how to defend herself.
She told me the rigorous process of her first audition or an action film; the casting director thought she looked too young and not looking strong enough for the role (”Just a way of saying I wouldn't get it because I was a young woman,” she told me). Due to this, she started practicing martial arts and started ending in video after video of her fighting, and of her workout routines. Finally, the director called her and told her they had made a mistake in turning her down and casted her in the role.
After a while, she stopped mid sentence and smiled. “I’m sorry, I’m talking all about myself.”
“No, don’t apologize. I’m enjoying listening to your stories,” I told her. “I don’t have anything to talk about that’s even close to being that interesting.”
(Y/N) shrugged. “You don’t have to try and top whatever I’ve said. I just want to know about you.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Was filmography always your passion? Did you always want to make movies or videos?”
I shook my head. “Growing up, doing anything within the entertainment business was seen as a farfetched dream. I went to college for psychology, I have three degrees, actually. It wasn’t until YouTube started taking off that I realized that making videos as a job could actually be possible.”
(Y/N) was smiling at me as she picked up a snack from the table and ate it. She was looking at me as if every word I was saying was the most interesting thing on the planet. Although I figured I was just imagining that because she’s a fucking actress! There’s no way she could think anything I was saying was interesting.
Garrett returned with two fancy glasses of champagne then. He passed one to me and addressed (Y/N), “I didn’t have enough hands to bring one for you, too, and I almost knocked one over just taking two so I didn’t get the chance to bring you one.”
(Y/N) chuckled. “That’s alright. I’m not a fan of champagne anyways. I’m more of a beer or a rum and coke sort of girl, but they never have anything like that at these fancy events.”
“I love a good beer,” I admitted. “I don’t get a lot of time to go drinking lately because of filming and editing and stuff.”
(Y/N) opened her mouth like she was about to say something else when suddenly someone announced that the screening was about to start. They warned about cell phone usage during the screening and asked us to keep what we witnessed tonight a secret for at least two weeks after the movie was released. Suddenly, all the people in the lobby began moving towards the theatre, getting between (Y/N) and myself and Garrett.
“I’ll see you after the screening!” she called as the crowd of people started moving her towards the doors.
Garrett and I found Shane, Ryland, and Morgan, and as we walked to our seats we told them about meeting with (Y/N). When we sat, we realized we were only two rows behind her.
“I’m gonna throw food at her till she notices us,” Morgan decided, taking a handful of the popcorn that was provided for us.
“Don't you dare!” Ryland scolded, grabbing hold of her hand.
It didn’t take food throwing for (Y/N) to notice us. She turned around, scanning the seats behind her until her eyes landed on us. A small smile spread on her face as she waved. I smiled and waved back.
The movie, as expected, was really good. It got a standing ovation when it ended. (Y/N), her cast members and the crew stood to bow and to thank everyone for coming out. They made quick speeches, talking about how the film was dear to them and they were glad we enjoyed it, but asked again for us not to speak of it with anyone else until after its release.
The whole time, (Y/N) was looking at me. Whenever I locked eyes with her, she’d smile. I couldn’t help but smile back.
When the event was over, the Squad and I stood to exit the building. I had just walked out of the theatre when I heard a familiar voice say, “Andrew!”
I turned around to see (Y/N) pushing through the crowd towards me. “Sorry, I just wanted to catch you before you left.”
“That’s alright,” I said. “The movie was really good by the way. We all loved it.”
“Thank you!” she said. “Listen, you said you haven’t had the time to go drinking lately, but do you think you’d have the time sometime this weekend to go...with me?”
I was shocked by the question. I could hardly believe she actually asked. I was back to believing that this whole night was a dream. How could I, just a normal guy that liked making videos on YouTube, go from just that to being at a premiere for a Marvel movie, and being asked out by the lead actress afterwards? This was crazy!
“Really?” I found myself asking.
(Y/N) giggled. “Yes, really. You don’t believe me?”
I shrugged. “Honestly, not to stereotype, but I figured you’d already have a boyfriend. Someone who’s in your profession. You’re incredibly cute and you have a great personality after all.”
Her face turned red again, matching my own no doubt. I couldn’t believe I had said that. What was this night?!
“I’ve dated guys in the business,” she admitted. “But I’d rather date someone who’s...not. Don’t get me wrong, you are incredibly famous, but you’re also still a sweet, down to earth, normal guy. Most people who hit this level of fame let it go to their head. Most guys I’ve dated are so full of themselves, or they only date me for leverage on their own career.”
I shook my head. “You deserve someone who wants you for who you are, not for what you are.”
(Y/N) looked down as she admitted, “If you want to, I’d kind of like for that to be you.”
I’d be crazy for turning down that offer. I meant what I told her, she did deserve someone who saw her for the person she was, not for the fame she had. She was beautiful and had an amazing personality. If I said no to this beautiful woman asking me on a date, I’d be completely insane.
“I’d like for that to be me,” I told her. “I’m free Saturday night for a drink. I could pick you up wherever you’re staying, we can go somewhere quiet where you wouldn’t be recognized.”
(Y/N) looked back up at me, the brightest smile I had ever seen on her face. “Okay, I’d love that.”
This is kinda shit, I’m so sorry
#andrew siwicki#andrew siwicki imagine#andrew siwicki x reader#the squad#youtube#shane dawson#garrett watts#imagine#request#one shot
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By Chance
Chapters 5-8
A misunderstanding gone viral puts you on BTS’s radar, which leads to a series of events that finally culminate with you meeting them for the first time.
✚ Pairing: Sub!BTS/Female Reader
✚ Word Count: 4.9K
✚ Rating: M
✚ Warnings: Reader mentions having been told to kill herself on the internet.
✚ A/N: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of my imagination or used in a fictitious manner.
Read on AO3 / Chapters 1-4
Chapter 5: Hoseok, Taehyung & Namjoon
To no one's surprise, Jungkook is once again watching one of your movies after they had dinner. It's almost begun to feel like a routine; unless it's his turn to clean up, Jungkook just plops down and starts watching with his earphones on, and very often it's a movie he's already seen. He says it's because he doesn't want to go through your movies too fast, and this way he can enjoy them as much as possible.
"I don't think he has that many things left to watch of her." Namjoon says, looking over his shoulder at Jungkook sitting cross legged on the couch staring attentively at his phone with his earphones on, completely oblivious to the fact that he's their topic of conversation.
"He'll be upset once he's done." Hoseok adds, cleaning the table with a rag as Taehyung picks up up the takeout containers. "He has a crush."
"Well, she's very pretty." Taehyung comments absentmindedly, throwing the containers in the trash. Namjoon shares a look with Hoseok, both rising their eyebrows with a smile. "I saw one of her movies last year."
"I knew her only from the perfume commercials. She looked beautiful in them." Hoseok says, washing the rag on the sink. "I can't remember if it was Dior or Givenchy... I think it was Dior..." He whispers mostly to himself as Jin walks into the kitchen, freshly showered and dressed for bed already.
"Who do you know from the perfume commercials?" He asks, opening the fridge.
"[Y/N]." Hoseok replies casually as he washes his hands. "Jungkook is watching another one of her movies." He points to the couch where Jungkook has shifted positions, wrapping a blanket around himself that makes him look like a human tent. "Aww, so cute." Hoseok says, smiling at the youngest.
"Ah." Jin replies, grabbing a bottle and leaving without saying anything else.
"What's gotten into him?" Taehyung asks, staring at the place where Jin was a moment ago suspiciously.
"Who knows?" Namjoon replies, shrugging his shoulders.
Jin is known for having his moments, so he's pretty sure it’s not a big deal. It's likely he's a bit fed up with Jungkook's crush on you; he keeps bringing you up whenever he has a chance, and sharing little fun facts about you he's picked up from all the interviews he's watched. To Namjoon it's very cute, but he wouldn't be surprised if Jin is tired of it already— mainly because Jungkook's attention has been diverted almost entirely to you, and Jin doesn't particularly enjoy when that happens.
There's probably nothing to worry about, but just in case he'll wait a bit to see if this passes. And if it doesn't, Jin will have to open up about what he's feeling and talk to them, eventually.
Chapter 6: Yoongi
Even though he tries, Yoongi can't hold back a smile as he watches Jungkook get everything ready for his movie marathon. Yoongi can't remember which movies he's going to see, but he does remember you starred in the sequel of something and Jungkook never watched the first part, because you weren't it. But a couple days ago, he saw in an old interview that you said watching the first one was important to understand your character, so he decided to correct that and watch the first part once and for all. And then rewatch the second part, again.
He explained this situation to everyone in great detail.
"Hyung, do you want to watch with me?" Jungkook yells at him, still preparing his snacks and drinks on the table. Yoongi smiles at him but shakes his head.
"Another day. I have some work to do." He ruffles Jungkook's hair teasingly as he walks past him on his way to his room.
Most of the reason he refused is that he has to work, that wasn't a lie— but another reason is that Yoongi knows very well what Jungkook is like when he gets someone to watch one of your movies that he's already watched himself. If he hasn't watched it yet, there's no problem; he'll be laser-focused on the movie and most likely won't say a word until it's done. But if he has watched it already, he'll constantly tell whoever has joined him to pay attention when a scene he likes is coming, or he'll scold them if they're not being as attentive as he thinks they should be.
Yoongi likes to enjoy movies peacefully, so that particular environment isn't his favorite. He'll watch one of your movies with Jungkook when it's one he hasn't seen beforehand, which might take a little while to happen considering Jungkook has bulldozed through your entire filmography already.
As he closes the door to his room, he hears Jungkook calling for Jimin to join him, which Yoongi is sure he will do. Jimin seems to be the most likely to agree to watch any content related to you, so he's not worried about Jungkook being upset at him for refusing his request.
To tell the truth, Yoongi is still a bit perplexed about Jungkook's sudden fascination with you. After the thing where people thought you'd met them went viral, Jungkook watched one video of you and then another and then another, and soon enough he made his way through everything you've ever been in.
Now he's just rewatching all your movies, while he awaits the upcoming Netflix movie you recently finished shooting. A couple days ago, if he remembers correctly. Jungkook likes keep them all updated.
Jungkook insists you're sweet and kind and so beautiful and nice, and Yoongi simply can't tell him that what he has a crush on is just an idealized version of yourself, that he can't truly know you through videos and interviews. At least he can't tell him yet; because if this infatuation persists Yoongi will bring him back to reality. Jungkook knows very well what it's like to have people crush on you and decide you're perfect because you're only showing them your likeable side, and he has to understand that's what he's doing with you, too.
After hitting an annoying slump in his work, Yoongi spins around in his chair, feeling the stress starting to build up. He can hear the very faint sound of Jungkook watching his movie and after giving it a moment of thought, he pulls out his phone out of his pocket.
Youtube.
He quickly types “[Y/N] interview” and hits search.
He scrolls a little until one catches his eye, because it says it was uploaded just 8 hours ago. He wonders if Jungkook already watched it, which is very likely, but it’s also possible he didn’t because he tends to inform everyone when there’s a new interview you did for him to watch. He puts his earphones on and thinks "fuck it" because he wants to see for himself what Jungkook has been so obsessed with.
It's a 19 minutes long filmed radio interview, but Yoongi figures he only needs to listen to a couple minutes of it to get a feel of what you're about. If it starts out boring, he'll just skip until there’s something interesting. It's even possible that people in the comments have already put on the timestamps of the best moments, and he won't even have to do any work for himself.
“[Y/N], welcome! I’m so happy you could join us this morning.” The host says, and Yoongi quickly notices he has an amazing voice.
“Thank you.” You say politely, smiling. “I’m happy to be here.”
“So, you have a new movie coming to Netflix soon—” Yoongi fast forwards a few minutes, because he does not need to know more about that movie than he already does. Jungkook is so excited about it, he’s shared every single detail there is to know about it with him and the others.
“—around 2014, right?” The hosts says, looking a bit more serious.
“Yeah, around the end of the year. It was my first big—” You make quotes with your fingers and roll your eyes, even though the people listening wouldn’t be able to see you. “—movie role and I got like 800 thousand new followers on Instagram in 2 days. At first it felt amazing, it really did, but when a lot of good comes your way, bad is bound to come as well.” You sigh, and Yoongi notices you suddenly look tired. He goes back around 1 minute, trying to find when you started talking about this. He wants to know where what you’re saying comes from.
“They do! You can see some videos of me on the official Instagram account for the movie.” You say with a smile.
“Because you’re not on social media anymore.” The host adds, like it’s a well-known fact. Jungkook has probably mentioned it before but Yoongi truly doesn't remember, so that caught him by surprise.
“Yup. Been clean for a few years now.” You joke, and all the people at the table laugh. Even Yoongi cracks a tiny smile.
“You’ve talked about this in the past, how you quit because it got too toxic. So, that was around 2014, right?” Someone else asks, and you nod.
Yoongi ponders for a second if he should fast forward what he’s already seen, but ultimately decides not to. It’s different to watch it now that he knows where the conversation is coming from. He patiently waits for you to say everything he’s already heard, paying more attention this time.
“There were a lot of negative comments at the time, was that it?” The host asks, and you raise your eyebrows, huffing.
“You could say that.” You say sarcastically. “A group of people were very, very angry when I was cast for my second movie. Since it was based on a book, they said I wasn’t what they had imagined and they made sure to let me know it.” You shake your head. “It was bad when I was cast, but when the first trailer came out it got worse. It was hard to deal with because I’d never gone through something similar before. I had only done one indie film and one episode of CSI. That was it. And all of a sudden I have comments on every single thing I post saying that my acting sucks and I should just quit. Some people even told me I should kill myself.” You pause for a second as the people around you shake their heads, visibly disappointed. “Those were the least, but it’s still jarring to see people wishing that on you.”
Yoongi gasps, pausing the video. For some reason he hadn’t considered something like that happening to you, at all. That’s not the kind of thing about you Jungkook shares; he shares your favorite things, stories you’ve told about your costars or meeting other famous people, but not this. He never shares anything negative like this. He wonders why, even though part of him thinks it’s because Jungkook doesn’t feel comfortable sharing something that feels this personal.
He takes a couple seconds before hitting play again.
“So one day I just said screw this, and decided to delete all my social media. I posted a goodbye letter to my fans first explaining the situation and left it up for like an hour before I deleted everything. The only way you’ll see me on social media is through promotional stuff or on some friends’ accounts.” Your tone shifts on this part; it becomes more cheerful, but Yoongi has been on your side of the story enough times to know you’re just deflecting, and this is something that still bothers you.
He gets it.
It bothers him, too.
“And then you won several awards for that role.” The host says with a laugh, successfully lightening the mood.
“Yep, I did.” You say, laughing as well.
The interview moves on to other topics, much more light-hearted than the previous one, but even though Yoongi ends up watching the entire video, that one thing manages to stick to his mind like a magnet. He feels a bit ashamed that he dismissed you, that he didn’t consider that you’re a celebrity too and your life is bound to be hard as well, even if the ways you deal with that status are different from the ways he and the others have to deal with their own. Jungkook always being so happy when he shares things about you made Yoongi make the mistake of thinking he had you figured out, but now he realizes he actually doesn’t really know anything about you.
He sighs, covering his face with his hands before moving them up and running them through his hair, messing it up completely.
As of right now, there's an new, annoying feeling at the pit of his stomach, an annoying feeling that makes Yoongi want to know more about you.
Thanks a lot, Jungkook.
Chapter 7: After
Timotheé is staring at you with a very cute smile on his face, which can only mean one thing.
He wants something.
"What now?" You ask, sighing.
“Can I have some of that, please?” He asks as you sip your coffee, resting his chin on your shoulder and hugging your waist while you eye him suspiciously. You know he’s tired, but it’s only been a few minutes since you were given the cups. How fast did he drink his?
“Where’s yours?” You ask, staring down at his empty hands.
“I finished it.” He grins. “Pleeease, I’m sleepy.” You roll your eyes and give him your cup, and he kisses your cheek in response before releasing you to take it from your hand.
“Thank you!”
“It’s not free!” You say immediately, watching him gulp down the rest of your drink. “You’ll have to get me another one later.” He nods, still drinking. “Did you sleep at all last night?”
“Not really.” He says, rolling his shoulders with a grimace. “I’m still jetlagged as fuck.”
“Come here.” You move him in front of you to start massaging his shoulders, and his knees go weak when you do. “Timmy! Work with me here, man. Try to stay up.” You joke, and he laughs.
“Sorry, sorry.” He apologizes, looking back at you for a second before bowing his head forward. “Thank you so— ah—much.”
“This feels like it’s turning erotic real fast.” You tease him, but you don’t stop rubbing his shoulders. You don’t see his face, but you’d bet anything he’s as red as a tomato. He gets shy immediately when you make that kind of comments, it’s adorable.
“Shut uhhh— up.” He laughs, smacking your side lightly with his hand, not turning around.
“I’m not the one moaning—”
“Guys, come on. It’s time to start. Let’s go.” Your publicist approaches you both, pointing at the direction you’re supposed to go to.
“Coming!” You say, giving Timotheé a couple pats on the back before pushing him forward. “Time to work, mister.” He groans in response, but walks ahead of you nonetheless.
Once you’re both seated and ready, the people behind the cameras start giving you instructions on what to do. It's not really hard to keep up, and since you've both watched previous interviews of this type you already know what you're in for.
“So I say my name, she says her name, and then it’s one word each and we finish together.” Timotheé asks for clarification one last time. The producers nod and you give them a thumbs up.
“And… go.”
“Hey, I’m Timotheé Chalamet.”
“And I’m [Y/N]. And this is the—”
“Wired—”
“Autocomplete—”
“Interview.” You both finish in unison.
Chapter 8: The Interview
Namjoon smiles fondly at Jungkook, who is sleepily eating his breakfast with his eyes half open and his hair sticking up everywhere. He'd spent the most part of the previous night sulking, because he has to wait until Sunday to be able to sit down to watch your new movie without interruptions. Thankfully, once they all promised to join him in a movie night he became excited once again. Seeing him sad makes everyone else immediately sad as well; he always does his best to cheer them up and make them laugh, so it’s their job to do the same for him whenever they can.
Jungkook’s phone vibrates and he casually looks at the screen, seeing that a new interview you did has been uploaded. He’s familiar with this type, it’s the one where people answer things based on Google searches. He grabs his phone and gets ready to start watching it, that is until he sees the thumbnail and chokes on his food.
“Jungkook! Are you okay?” Namjoon asks worriedly, leaving his mug on the table and walking up to him. Jungkook nods, drinking milk to unclog his throat.
“Look, Hyung.” He rasps, handing him his phone. Namjoon grabs it from his hand and it takes him a moment to process what he’s seeing.
It’s a video of you, that’s unsurprising.
[Y/N] & Timotheé Chalamet Answer the Web’s Most Searched Questions | WIRED
It’s not until he takes notice of the Google search bar on the thumbnail that he realizes what made Jungkook react like that.
Did [Y/N]
Did [Y/N] get married
Did [Y/N] work in Criminal Minds
When did [Y/N] meet BTS
Apparently, Namjoon takes too long staring at the phone because Jungkook snatches it from his hands and immediately presses play.
“What happened?” Jimin asks, walking into the room already dressed.
“Jungkook lost it because [Y/N] talked about us in a new interview, apparently.” Namjoon responds, shrugging his shoulders. He can hear you introducing yourself in the video.
Jimin’s mouth forms an “o” shape and he places himself behind Jungkook to watch the video as well, resting his chin on his shoulder.
“What did she say?” He asks the youngest, noticing Timotheé is the one answering questions about himself right now.
“I haven’t gotten to that part yet.” Jungkook answers, trying with all his might to not fast forward the video until your part begins. It’s a 15 minutes long video, and something tells him they will have left that question for the final part.
The questions you answer about yourself are mostly things Jungkook already knows but you're elaborating on, or other new little details about your life.
He checks to see how much is left of the video during Timotheé’s turn, and it’s not much. He’s sure after this come the last Google searches for you, and his heart starts beating a little faster.
“Okay, did [Y/N]…” You say, grabbing the board and placing it over your lap. “Did [Y/N] go to college?” You say, ripping off the white paper.
“She did!” Timotheé responds first, seemingly excited.
“What are you guys doing?” Hoseok asks, entering the kitchen, but both Jungkook and Jimin shush him at the same time.
“That's true.” You say in the video. “NYU, baby! I majored in Film and Television. Okay, next one.”
“[Y/N] spoke about us in an interview.” Namjoon explains to him in a whisper, and Hoseok raises his eyebrows in surprise.
“Did [Y/N] get married?” You read, and Timotheé bursts out laughing next to you.“I honestly don’t know what possessed enough people to ask this so it is one of the most searched things but no, I did not get married.” The video cuts to the next question, and Jungkook’s nervousness increases by the second.
“Did [Y/N] work in Criminal Minds?” You say. “I did not. I did, however, work in another famous crime show you might have heard of called CSI. I played a girl who was into BDSM and got arrested for murdering her boyfriend. Spoiler alert: She didn't do it. But if you want to know who did, just watch the episode.”
“What?!” Timotheé exclaims, looking honestly shocked. “You were on CSI?” You stare at him, looking very offended.
“How do you not know this?! It was my first role ever!” You cry out.
“Do you know what my first role ever was?” Timotheé retorts, staring at you. You look away and stare at nothing for a couple seconds, and Jungkook can’t help but laugh at your reaction. He hears Jimin snickering as well.
“Let's move on to the next question.” You say, making Timotheé laugh again.
You pull the white paper covering it, and there it is.
“When did [Y/N] meet BTS?”
“You met BTS? What else do I not know about you?” Timotheé says before you can respond.
“Okay, here’s the thing. I did not meet BTS, but there is a whole story behind why people thought I did.”
“Please share it.” Timotheé urges you, crossing his arms with a smile.
“You know, this actually happened while we were filming.” You tell him, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “So, what happened was that someone uploaded some of the extras of one of my movies to YouTube, and they just named the video [Y/N] BTS. They meant it like [Y/N] Behind the Scenes, but some people thought it meant it was a video of me with, you know, the group BTS and then someone made a joke about it and that tweet went viral. I remember we were getting our makeup done and my friend texted me, and she sent me like screenshots of this tweet with thousands of likes. I thought it was very funny that it was all a huge misunderstanding, honestly.”
For some reason, Jungkook hadn’t considered the fact that you could also know what had happened with the video. It’s like he assumed you might have heard about it, but he didn’t think you’d know the details about it or that you cared about it enough to know.
“So you haven’t met BTS?”
“Tragically, I haven’t.” You respond, and Jungkook gasps. Does that mean you’d like to meet them? “I wish I had, but alas, here we are.”
The video continues a little bit longer, but Jungkook is rooted to the spot even after it ends. When he finally looks up, he sees Namjoon and Hoseok trying to hold back smiles.
“Did she say…” He manages to croak out, throat dry.
“That she wants to meet you? Yeah.” Namjoon teases, sharing a look with Hoseok.
“She said she wants to meet all of us!” Jimin objects, standing up straight and looking slightly offended. “Not just Jungkook, she said BTS.” He emphasizes the last word, making it clear that he’s also included in the group of people you want to meet.
“Who wants to meet us?” Yoongi asks, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he enters the kitchen, with Taehyung and Jin right behind him.
“[Y/N]!” Jungkook exclaims, playing the video for the three of them, from the moment you start replying to the question about BTS.
“Well, I doubt we’ll meet her.” Yoongi says absent-mindedly once you’re done talking. Namjoon gives him a disbelieving look, and Yoongi quickly amends what he said. “For now, I mean. We have a lot of things to do here and we won’t be visiting America for a while. But I’m sure it’ll happen soon.” Jungkook smiles at him, but Yoongi knows he’s not as excited as he was a moment ago and he feels really guilty for taking that away from him.
“I’m gonna go take a shower.” Jin says suddenly, leaving the room.
“Is there something wrong with him?” Jungkook asks the rest, his shoulders falling down. “He acts weird when I show him stuff of her.”
“I have no clue.” Hoseok responds, while the others shrug their shoulders.
Except for Namjoon.
He confirmed that Jin's weird behavior appeared every single time Jungkook did so much as mention your name a couple weeks ago, and he's been waiting for him to come clean to them and tell them what's happening on his terms, but he can't give him more time. Jungkook already noticed and it seems like it has started making him upset, which will throw off their entire dynamic even more than Jin acting off already has been doing.
While the others eat their breakfast and Jungkook calls his mom to tell her that you mentioned him in an interview, Namjoon patiently waits for Jin to be done with his shower, so he can get him alone and finally confront him about what's been going on with him.
Once Jin enters his room, Namjoon follows right after, closing the door behind him.
"What's going on with you?" He asks in a low voice, walking up to Jin. "Why are you acting like this?"
"What are you talking about?" Jin asks, pretending to be confused. If it weren't for the fact that Namjoon knows him so well and that he knows for a fact that something is wrong, he wouldn't be able to tell that he's faking it.
"You have a problem with Jungkook liking [Y/N]. You're making it more and more obvious every day. It's making him upset." Namjoon gets straight to the point, because he has no idea how much time he has until someone comes in and interrupts them, and if that happens he knows Jin will get out of the conversation.
Jin is good at hiding his emotions, but not good enough to hide the flash of nervousness on his face when Namjoon says that.
"That's not—"
"I knew it." Namjoon interrupts him. "But why? We've never even met her, why don't you like her?"
"It's not that I don't like her—"
"Then what is it? Because it's obviously something, and that something is making Jungkook sad because you know how much he loves sharing what he likes with us. You have to tell us what's the problem because—"
"I used to masturbate to her!" Jin whisper-screams, his ears immediately turning red. In any other circumstances, Namjoon's current face would be hilarious, but right now it only serves as a reminder to Jin that he actually is as dirty and gross as he's been feeling all this time.
"You— I— When—" Namjoon stammers, completely at a loss for words.
Jin's shoulders fall and he sits down on his bed, holding his head on his hands.
"I know it's horrible, you don't have to tell me."
Namjoon scratches the back of his neck and walks up to the bed, sitting down next to Jin. He places a hand on his back and gives him a few pats, trying to comfort him as much as he can considering how shocked he currently is. Out of all the reasons he had imagined that were the cause of Jin's behavior, that he felt ashamed for jerking off to you was definitely not one of them.
"When did you... you know..." Namjoon pries, and Jin groans before burying his face between his knees. His ears are darker than Namjoon has ever seen them.
"Years ago. It was her CSI episode. I didn't even know she was a famous actress now."
Namjoon does the math quickly in his head, because if he remembers correctly what Jungkook said and what he managed to hear in the interview he was just watching, CSI was your first job, back in 2013.
That's a long time ago.
"Jin-Hyung..." He says, but all he gets in response is another embarrassed groan. "Okay, look at me." No movement. "Hyung, come on."
"I know it's gross." Jin says, lifting his head up and looking mortified. "And now Jungkook is obsessed with her and what if we actually do meet her one day?"
"Hyung... This happened years ago."
"And?"
"And we've all done stuff like that! I have! Everyone has!"
Before Jin can say anything, Yoongi enters the room, but he quickly closes the door behind him when he sees the state Jin is in.
"What's going on?" He asks, walking up to them and sitting on a chair. "Are you okay?"
"I can't say it again." Jin groans, burying his head on his hands once again. "You tell him." Namjoon sighs, but does as told.
"He used to jerk off to [Y/N]'s episode of CSI." Yoongi snorts, but quickly covers his mouth when Namjoon glares at him.
"I'm sorry. So that's what got you acting so weird? Jin-Hyung, come on. It's not that bad." Yoongi says, squeezing Jin's shoulder.
"You know it's only a matter of time before we meet her, right? What am I supposed to do then?" Jin says, looking at him with an embarrassed frown.
"Okay." Yoongi says, rolling his eyes. "I've met several people I used to masturbate to. It happens. I don't do it anymore, and that's fine. Besides, what makes you think she hasn't done it as well? She's famous and she's American. Everyone masturbates to American actors."
"I'm not sure you're helping." Namjoon says, shaking his head.
"Whatever. Pull yourself together, because you'll hurt Jungkook if you don't." Yoongi says, squeezing Jin's shoulder one last time before getting up and leaving the room.
"He's right, you know." Namjoon says once he's gone. "It's really not that bad, Hyung, I promise."
Even though years of repressed shame are hard to deal with and Jin will definitely need more time to fully process what he's been told, let alone accept it— something about having shared this with Yoongi and Namjoon makes the constant pressure he'd been feeling on his chest a lot lighter.
Maybe they are right, and maybe it's not that bad.
Jin can only hope that if— or when— they do meet you, that moment comes later rather than sooner.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in any way you want!
#sub!bts#sub!idol#bts x reader#ot7 x reader#kim namjoon x reader#kim seokjin x reader#min yoongi x reader#jung hoseok x reader#park jimin x reader#kim taehyung x reader#jeon jungkook x reader#my work
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Watching John Malkovich.
To understand better why Letterboxd members set out on quests to watch specific actors’ entire filmographies, we invited Tim Rod to describe her dangerous and seductive journey through John Malkovich’s screen history.
For many film lovers, 2020 has been a year of catching up: on franchises, on directors’ filmographies, on historical gaps and top 100s. But for some Letterboxd members, the year indoors has been an opportunity to hyper-focus on a single actor and their work.
Jeremiah Lambert is on a Bacon Fest, Naked Airplane has embarked on a wild ride through the works of De Niro, Hackman, Hoffman, Nicholson and Pacino. Joey is preparing for next year’s centennial of The Kid by churning through Charlie Chaplin’s catalog (with David Robinson’s biography Chaplin: His Life and Art in hand). A quick Twitter survey found others churning through a performer selection as wide-ranging as Burt Lancaster, Parker Posey, Maggie Smith, Nicolas Cage, Cary Grant, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Adèle Haenel, Alan Arkin, Sam Rockwell and a Seth Rogen thirst project.
It can be a bumpy journey. In one performer’s oeuvre the quality will range widely, the genres too. But the rewards are many in a close study of craft, and there are revelations, whether it’s that Australia’s Miranda Otto deserves more recognition, or it’s “the total acceptance, lack of judgment, and vulnerability with which Alan Arkin has played so many of his flawed and wonderful characters”.
With Christian Bale in ‘Empire of the Sun’ (1987).
In 2020, no fewer than three movies and two television series starring John Malkovich have been released: Arkansas, Valley of the Gods and Ava, as well as The New Pope and Space Force. The legendary actor has kept himself busy, and I know this because I have seen most of his filmography—41 films and two series—in the span of a single month. I adore Malkovich, always have, and I came out of this experience with a deeper admiration for him, and with some thoughts about his unique, remarkable skills as an actor. (And, I had a really good time.)
Allow me to begin by saying that John Malkovich is the best part of every movie he is in. No matter the movie, Malkovich will always steal the spotlight, and he can turn a good movie into a masterpiece, or an average movie that wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention into one worth watching, if only to see him do his thing.
He’s starred in movies that are considered masterpieces by many: Being John Malkovich (1999), The Killing Fields (1984) and Empire of the Sun (1987). Movies that may be considered the opposite of masterpieces, like Supercon (2018), Eragon (2006) and the most recent Ava (2020), and he’s also starred in some gems that I knew nothing about but am glad to have discovered, such as The Convent (1995), Eleni (1985) and The Ogre (1996). Malkovich has brought to life iconic characters including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Tom Ripley, Hercule Poirot (in BBC’s The ABC Murders), the artist Gustav Klimt, and several of David Lynch’s people, in the short film Psychogenic Fugue (2016).
As Mitch Leary in ‘In the Line of Fire’ (1993).
Malkovich has received two Academy Award nominations, for Places in the Heart (1984), in which he played Edna’s lodger, the solitary yet kind Mr. Will, and for In the Line of Fire (1993), where he played the complete opposite: the psychotic Mitch Leary, determined to kill the President of the United States. Though Malkovich is not a classic action-film actor, his work in that genre is driven by logic, intellect and emotion, and the delicacy that he employs to challenge concepts of masculinity and keep us guessing. His soft and collected voice threatening Clint Eastwood over the phone is scarier and more effective than a deeper one would have been.
That voice. Malkovich has admitted that he hates the sound of it, that he would always avoid listening to it, just like so many actors avoid watching their own films, but I’m bewitched by his voice and I could never get enough of it. It can be tender, sweet and calming, seductive when the role requires it, and terrifying. With that versatility, it’s not surprising that he has done some narrating work as well, for films including Paul Newman’s The Glass Menagerie (1987) and Alive (1993).
Malkovich is at his best when seduction and villainy combine, as they do in Dangerous Liaisons (1988). Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont has been performed by many actors over the years, but I find Malkovich’s take to be the most memorable and exquisite. He captures perfectly the depravity and evilness of Valmont, but also the nuances, his journey from womanizer to man genuinely in love and, ultimately, his tragic redemption. He even brings a comedic aspect to the character that adds more depth and dimension.
With Glenn Close in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988).
Valmont is an awful human being, a monster even, and yet, every time I watch this movie, I find myself fascinated by his mastery of the deception, his sensuality and complete control of the situation, until the situation is “beyond his control”. In her review of the film, Catherine Stebbins calls John Malkovich “a sexual force of nature”, and I completely agree. If you want to see more of Malkovich’s sensual side, other notable mentions include The Sheltering Sky (1990), The Object of Beauty (1991) and Beyond the Clouds (1995).
And then there’s Being John Malkovich (1999), in which ‘John Horatio Malkovich’ displays so many facets of his craft. The fictionalized Malkovich is possessed by different characters, one of them a woman. Catherine Keener’s character falls in love with a subtly different version of Malkovich, when he is a vessel for Lotte (Cameron Diaz). Even though Lotte doesn’t have full control of Malkovich, he uses his femininity to bring the character-inside-the-character to center stage, delivering a subtle-yet-perfect performance. Even when we don’t see Lotte, we know she’s there.
John Malkovich as John Horatio Malkovich possessed by Lotte, in ‘Being John Malkovich’ (1999).
Not many actors could pull this off as brilliantly as John Malkovich does. To be fair, not many actors have been given the chance that Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman gave Malkovich: a film with his own name in the title.
I’ve discussed some of the most well-known of Malkovich’s performances, but I’d like to mention an overlooked one that I found heartbreaking and noteworthy. I didn’t know of the existence of The Ogre (1996) until I took a closer look at Malkovich’s filmography. It’s not without its flaws, but I found myself absorbed in the fairy-tale story of Abel, a naïve French prisoner of war who is taken to Nazi Germany and used to recruit children for Hitler’s Youth. Once again, the actor’s duality is on display, as Evan writes in his Letterboxd review: “Malkovich is both queasy and endearing as the (ig)noble simp who just wants to save the babies.” The Ogre tells a tragic story, but thanks to Malkovich’s tenderness, we can’t help but have sympathy for his character. At times it reminded me of the innocence of Lennie in Of Mice and Men (1992), another of the actor’s more noteworthy performances.
One of Malkovich’s great contributions to cinema is elevating an average movie just by being in it. One such role is as English conman Alan Conway in the bizarre true story, Colour Me Kubrick (2005). Malkovich admitted in an interview that he thought his performance was good, and I agree. If there’s one reason to watch that film, it’s to see Malkovich playing an eccentric conman who poses as Stanley Kubrick, using different voices and accents. As TajLV writes, “if there were anything to commend this film other than Malkovich, I’d happily rate it higher”.
As Alan Conway in ‘Colour Me Kubrick’ (2005).
One fun fact: I sometimes forget John Malkovich is American. Maybe it’s because he has starred in many European productions—out of the 41 films I watched, 18 were European. Malkovich is of European descent, has lived in France for a decade and speaks fluent French, which allowed him to star as the mysterious Baron de Charlus in Time Regained (1999), with entirely French dialogue. He also delivers lines in French and Portuguese in A Talking Picture (2003) by Manoel de Oliveira.
You’ve probably heard Malkovich use words, expressions and even entire lines of French dialogue on more than one occasion. He does this often, which gives him a certain European vibe, consistent with his own character, mannerisms and dress sense—elements that he sometimes brings to his characters. Maybe that’s the reason he has played so many intellectuals and artists: professors, scientists, detectives, painters, writers, a scientist and a robot, and even the Pope… It seems there’s nothing John Malkovich can’t do, including directing.
To end my marathon, I watched his directorial debut, The Dancer Upstairs (2002), an assured movie adapted from a novel about the Maoist uprising in Peru in the 1980s, starring Javier Bardem. It was a nice surprise, and a strong start to what could have been a career as a film director, if not for the fact that he doesn’t have the patience to do it again. I recently read an interview where Edgar Wright revealed advice he always gives to directors, which is to make their second movie the one that will define them. I wonder if we will ever see John Malkovich’s second film, but for now, I hope he keeps gifting us with more unforgettable performances. At least we know that in the distant future, along with all the movies he has already appeared in, people will enjoy a never-seen-before performance when Robert Rodríguez’s short 100 years is released in 2115.
If there’s one thing I have learnt after watching most of his filmography, it’s that John Malkovich is one of the best and most versatile actors of our time, with the most unique voice I have heard in cinema, and with a rich filmography that encompasses every genre. And he’s not only a brilliant actor, but also someone I find personally fascinating. I truly find comfort in him. I hope we all get to enjoy his art for years to come, because his talent is limitless and I know he still has so much more to give. John Malkovich deserves all the praise for being a force of nature in the theater and film industry for over 40 years.
Tim is a Letterboxd member based in Spain, who has recently moved on from her John Malkovich marathon to a Sacha Baron Cohen quest.
#letterboxd#letterboxd community#john malkovich#actors#actor#acting#craft#acting craft#dangerous liaisons#most watched actor
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Help Me Rich
@deepestfirefun here you go, pt 1. :D
“Now, I wanted to thank you all for your messages-,” over the shoulder of the bulky Brit a green nail tipped hand came into view from the teetering petite toe top woman on one leg making the second Brit returning from an early morning shopping trip grin. Bag in hand Tom Hiddleston eyed the woman subtly gathering up her mail and locking the box silently behind Henry Cavill’s unknowing back to step away with a rub on the dog’s head at his side. Into the lift he went with the woman also holding an armful of bags and a small goat plushie handmade to look like Loki beside a polar bear Superman, badger Ronan with bunny Deadpool, Venom and Spiderman set she tried to nudge under the flannel sticking out of the bag they were balanced on.
The lingering gaze over the woman he couldn’t quite place had Tom saying, “I haven’t seen you around.” A ring from his pocket had his eyes lowering to his phone he wrangled out keeping the bags in his arms.
The doors opened and in his furrowed gaze at the screen he heard her tease back, “I didn’t realize you were blind.” Yet looking up the woman was gone leaving him puzzled at her answer.
In a huff he answered his call on speaker to allow him to enter his apartment listening to the bustle of his own manager while he put everything away loading up his latest binge show. A bit late to the game he had leapt on the Berlin Station train and had just came to the premier episode of the second season. Though with his meal in hand he settled into his seat at his table with schedule ironed out to finally relax before his next episode only to have his jaw drop seeing the same woman from the lift coming up on screen. And not only just there but popping up in his mind from scenes in the Night Manager, High Rise and Crimson Peak.
In flashes the, then blonde and brass now raven haired woman with curls galore in a messy bun flashing telling purple eyes he could remember from countless roles in the past few years always leaving him wondering when she was able to sleep. Clearly crossing his path more than a few times a year now for however long having lived on the same floor as him.
Travel didn’t seem to lull for her and curiously between postings of another tale of a shared now favored fanfic page Henry had showed him upon seeing he had moved in with stories on Loki and Superman as neighbors befriending a quirky oc he skimmed back through his posted videos catching more and more glimpses of his petite shadow. Into Henry’s videos the same shadow popped up more and more leading to his delving into the filmography of his friend now alerted to the woman who he had filmed with as well somehow having slipped out of his attention for so long.
.
“Found another one.” Tom fired off to Henry in a text after a week of hearing how his return to his social pages had drawn attentions to a woman familiar in both his videos and Henry’s.
It seemed no matter what they did since both moving into this building they kept acting as magnets for the same woman unintentionally catching her in her daily path. Off guard and trying to slip out of the shot to avoid bothering the busy self promoting actors she would slip out once her task was done. Though when they were filming her stealth seemed to pass their notice leaving them oblivious until the comments would ask who the woman was.
The most intimate was when Tom and Henry both had caught one another back from a run to find the slightly delirious woman listening to music to stay awake waiting for the lift. Swaying and singing along to the song the already filming men joined her and had their most popular video yet building up the question even more, just who she was in general and to them. Their grins lingered and in the moment after they saw her sway her way out of the lift they finished off the video that they had begun. The main goal that they had been distracted from was to answer a question posted by a fanfic page that they had both stumbled onto by chance, what sort of smoothie would Loki and Superman have after a workout. Tales of a woman living with both Loki and Superman in the same building; comics and short stories always with the oc being caught up as a spectator for the duo of super beings with a hint that there was a chance it wasn’t one sided interest on the oc’s part.
“I don’t get it,” Henry said laying out all the supplies he had for a snack to go with the smoothies when they had stopped filming, “How does she just pop in and out like that?”
Tom chuckled saying, “Might be from her size.” Henry glanced at him, “You haven’t noticed? Must be a dancer or something to move like that and she’s got to be nearly half your size, two thirds mine.” Smirking at his grinning friend, “I can admit you’re broader.” After a quick sip he said, “But I have you on speed.”
Henry chuckled, “I am not built for speed.” He said moving around Kal while he drank from his water fountain, “I leave that to Kal.”
“That’s just no fair, he’s got two extra legs.” Tom teased. “So, any hints yet where your Lois lives?”
Henry chuckled, “She lives on your floor, Buddy, be just odd if I was caught snooping around.”
Tom grinned, “Easy, just let Kal off on the floor, knock around for him.”
Henry nodded with his brows raised, “So, just, let my dog loose and then knock on doors asking what exactly? Hello, I believe my thumbless companion got off on this floor by mistake, you wouldn’t happen to be holding him captive, would you?” Tom was laughing by the time he had finished talking and he said, “Truly brilliant. No wonder I’m single with a wingman like you.”
Tom, “Hey, Kal is the best wingman, you find that door, just knock and have him there with a note and a rose inviting her to dinner.”
Henry smirked again, “Again, could kidnap Kal.”
Tom rolled his eyes, “Fine then, resort to a teddy bear and don’t use your best advantage.”
Henry chuckled, “Out of all of me, and my dog is my best advantage, thanks.”
Tom chuckled, “She can surf the internet, no doubt she’s seen nearly all of you. Got to add something extra. Something domestic.”
Henry nodded teasing back, “Domestic.”
Tom, “Don’t doubt it, you have a healthy happy lovable dog, as good as a man with a baby. You can keep him alive, great sign for being able to-,”
Henry chuckled, “No, come on, finish the thought, what, I can leave a plate of food out for her? Open a bag or can and just leave it lying around for if she possibly gets hungry, take her for walks.”
Tom smirked, “You know what I mean. Our lives are public, she has to see what no one else gets to. Find the spark that draws her eye.”
Henry nodded, “Sure, I’ll keep my eye peeled for a spark.”
.
He didn’t mean to be such a cynic sometimes but for all the pent up irritation for yet another bout of filming for Superman coming up he was shedding water weight and it was turning him into a giant toddler it seemed. He wanted nothing more than to throw his alarm clock every morning and just pull his covers up and never leave home again just quitting the superhero business altogether. Waxing this morning didn’t help matters either, pink and irritated his skin felt terrible and sweating only made it worse so as soon as his friend left to go to his own apartment downstairs he spent a good five minutes just letting the hot water wash over him mentally cursing everyone forcing him through this hell. ‘For the fans’ that was the excuse, always given to the actors hating being torn apart and shoved to the brink of blacking out just to get that impossible ripped look men strove to be but never knew what it took to achieve themselves.
Hours later post early night in five am came and groaning and cursing into his pillow in a shove off his belly he scowled his way off his knees to his feet to storm his way into his gym clothes and sneakers. A slammed hand onto his bag later and he choked the hold of the fabric in his fingers with knuckles turning white for a tantrum adjacent trip to the gym nearby. Into the locker his bag was nearly thrown and right through the sea of bulky men he found his usual place catching more than a few familiar faces in the same mood he was in. He had to wait to blow off some steam first before filming or he would be reduced to cussing out everyone watching in a surely career killing clip he couldn’t dare send out right now after having promised his mother not to do that after her last time talking him down from the rage she had unknowingly called him in the middle of.
Across the room however the same baggy cut off t donning woman with Capri sweats that shifted around her toned legs unlike the legging clad women on the second floor hoping to impress by leaving as little to the imagination as possible was spotted. Alternating arms with bulky weights in each hand flowing through the same set routine as always while the massive men by comparison took full claim over what they wanted when they wanted forcing her to the left overs. A stray strand of black curls dangling from the messy bun on top of her head tapped between her shoulder blades with each arm lowering from a lift to the confirming tap finishing the move holding his focus from the burn on his arms in the swinging arms of the machine he brought together. Each tap of the weights rising and falling came with his silent wish for her to turn around to just give him a guess at what color her eyes were.
A break in his sets however had her passing the weights over to a smaller meathead forcing her off her spot to the sit up foundation he was coming off of. In her wiping it down he lifted his water bottle and froze when it reached his lips trying to calculate how much he could drink to spread it out to keep up ‘the look.’ Only to pause seeing her finger outstretch to tilt the water bottle higher on the largest meathead in the lower floor, one of the first people he met when coming here who froze then melted into acceptance hearing her say, “We love you, be sexy tomorrow.” Taking a much larger swig and pausing to steady from his moment of glassy eyed gaze that had triggered her sentiment he nodded and cut it down for the rest of his workout.
Even as a stranger she had caught on that he wasn’t at his best and pretending the order was for him Henry took a big swig and decided to cut back himself, spoiling himself and assuring that he would be there tomorrow to in fact be sexy for the cameras even if he couldn’t slice something with his abs. The message un-verbally rippled through the gym in a sort of group revolt against whatever was bringing them all here to tear themselves apart. And while she clung to the heavy weighted plate to her chest she dipped and rose again gritting her teeth and trying not to make any sort of pained noise until she met her goal and sat breathing steadily with the weight resting on her surely while the burn in her abs and legs calmed down.
Two machines later while she was going from planks to handstand push ups on a mat to the side from the packed machines the man who received the reminder of love and self care came over to help Henry film his video who smirked seeing her dip to plank again making the two men behind her freeze once again. Though without her feet touching down she held the pose only to rise up again and then fold in half to ‘tap’ her toes to the ground she couldn’t quite reach in that position then raise her legs up again. Occupied machines be damned she was getting her body to burn as much as necessary in spite of the big men refusing to let her through asserting their dominance for ‘their territory’ the lower level still held for them.
Showering in the gym would be a must with how drenched his shirt was and by the time he had gotten out he’d assumed she would be long gone after feeling like his body was trying to be a sponge and soak up all the water it could through his skin even after his splurge moment. All the same strolling back home again in a sweater and jeans his eyes lingered on the same woman leading the way back in a near backless t shirt with wing cutouts over her jean shorts. Near to a toe top swaying sort of walk reminding him of a sneaking kitten always luring him closer she halted and his eyes shifted around knowing that move, a turn to blend in behind something with her bag around the corner of the building she was hidden by the pillar surrounding the entrance. Widening his steps he got to her side when he saw why she had hid, the pair of laughing clearly drunk men taking several minutes to cross the abandoned street corner spilling their open bottles tucked in bags failing to be subtle.
A cheer as he turned to block her from sight and the noise darting his gaze from her step out agreeing to use his shadow in the lamplight to hide from the duo, “Woo! Superman!”
The other man stepped closer saying, “Shhh! He’s not wearing the cape! No worries Mr Kent!” turning around in a circle he shouted, “We all know Superman’s out in Batman’s Court thingy!” Swatting his hand at his buddy’s arm only to nearly fall over.
Rolling his eyes Henry called back, “Mind the roads guys.” Holding his natural accent back in his first few steps continuing homewards after confirming she was keeping up with him. A whoop of a siren cut off any chance of the men noticing her sending groans echoing through the streets when the officer that was called on the disturbance arrived.
Into the building they strolled far more relaxed in a side by side stance in the new peace of the time alone and into the lift steps and a joint turn were taken. The same buttons were pressed wordlessly by Henry who narrowed his eyes watching the floor number change mentally screaming to just say anything. A poke at his middle once at her floor however dropped his gaze to her and the pinch of his sweater in the doors opening split a curious smirk across his face. Honey dripped and sending an ache to hear more of it her voice sounded in asking, “Where’d you get this?”
“I, didn’t. Mum sent it.”
He could have slapped himself in her step out into the hall and just when he was ready to shout something she added, “Stay comfy, Sugar Plum.”
That was it, millions of men and women once calling him baby faced now calling him Daddy expecting to win his affections or attention and in sloppy steps, if in cartoon form his body would be melting into a puddle of goo evaporating into hearts. He had to somehow learn to talk to you, he had to break the ice and gain your comfort in more than sharing an elevator, gym or be used as your hiding spot. No one, not one of his exes had called him something as spine tingling as Sugar Plum and he doubted they would have wanted to. Teddy Bear sure, even a Pookie thrown in the mix when they were pouting to be pampered, but nothing so new or unique and as embarrassing as it should be the man portraying the Man of Steel wished to be nothing more than your Sugar Plum.
He loved hugs, he was borderline clingy, always hoping to drape around the person of his desires. To spoon and in his past be rarely spooned in return, tiny and somehow formidable in her own right he had hoped she would allow him to be passive, at least from time to time, that some sort of androgyny could be mixed in the relationship he was picturing. The cute angry moments when she couldn’t reach things he could help her reach in various ways. The coveted moments where she would drown in shirts borrowed from his closet, mornings to wake with a breakfast made by one of them and arguments ending in laundry thrown about to cut loose and have fun instead of getting lost in tiny irritations.
An hour had passed before he realized it and a telling ring tone had him answering and lovingly sighing out from his place sprawled across his bed, “She called me Sugar Plum and touched my shirt.”
Instantly that had Tom set off into question mode snapping the lovable goofball out of his heart balloon daze when he was snapped back to the telling fact that he said nothing in return and had missed another chance luring groans from his plotting friend out of town for work again. The call eventually ended and Henry posted the video he had captured only to finally watch it to see the woman his comments kept talking about behind him making him melt back onto his bed again remembering your nickname.
*
“I have to do everything myself.” Tom muttered strolling through the diner he had stopped in after an interview for a magazine shoot only to pause seeing the same woman again seated alone making him smirk and cross straight for the booth he sat in lifting her gaze from the menu in her hands. “What are we having?”
Without missing a beat she said, “We’re having a cheat day.”
“We are?”
She nodded, “You sat down, welcome to the boat. Take the consequences in stride there Mr H.”
With a smirk from him that was it. The beginning of a friendship that felt stretched thin just as it had begun, as in their parting she said she was off to film for four months leaving their friendship online and through messages. Somehow he’d managed her email, a fact leaving Henry halfway between staring and glaring at him for a while after he had mentioned it knowing he was off for his own bout of filming in the morning allowing Tom some space to recover their friendship by cushioning the groundwork and talking up his friend.
No thank you’s were required, ever, the walk with Henry wasn’t the first time and Tom had acted similarly catching a gawker in the super market he stepped into protective mode. Insisting she was safe. Never possessive but protective, not a claim of marking her as theirs but demanding that the man respected the lady in question, both raised well by their mothers to defend women and never disrespect them, even with their differing of one having two sisters, and the other brothers. Between the both of them it was clear you were to be protected, and still fluffing his feathers out after a bad relationship he settled to helping his friend to land the woman he hoped to be falling just as hard as his friend seemed to be. A conundrum wrapped in a mystery on legs the pair couldn’t quite work out leading to some aims to dig for any press to see if they could work out a bigger picture and find a good angle to go past Tom’s suggestion to use Kal.
*
“Hey Richie Rich.”
Lowly a chuckle sounded through the line, “Ugh,” you could hear your friend smoothing a hand over his face, “So knackered. Three back to back flights between interviews. Really the wrong side out.”
“No hugs from your snuggle buddy yet?” His sheepish chuckle had your own grin splitting out through your own exhaustion, “Don’t think I haven’t noticed your subtle hints you’ve been cuddling up to somebody. They treating you well?”
After a reluctant pause he answered, “They are, yes.”
“Good, if not I’m going for their knees.” He chuckled again and your mind flashed back to the exasperated call you had gotten after a few too many glasses of wine when he had first hinted at a possible relationship. True he didn’t remember the tipsy request for advice from the awkward demi who had worse luck in love than he had easing the task of skating past the touchy subject the withdrawn man reluctant to share his most tender side of himself. Something he had caught hints he had shown glimpses and began to see that you would be there to catch him if he would jump into this bond fully.
From work to his private life he had folded back that curtain and even in the longest stretches where he would fall silent and unintentionally ghost people in delving into his characters. Since first meeting as Daniel Miller and Bell, her reluctantly used CIA agent far from tamable or conquerable, he would receive her small messages. Single orders out of nowhere to have a cup of tea or the most puzzling at three in the morning while filming in the middle of nowhere to eat a carrot he knew his distant friend was waiting and still caring for him. Always there and willing to listen to his hours of ranting when he was stuck with an avalanche on information illegible to his character he had studied all folding into place with a single unorthodox question on a quirk his character might have. One slipped smiley face on a folded slip of paper on set your first day and his smile was now at home when he was in contact with or near you.
“I saw your latest pop up online. They have a whole Instagram account dedicated to their shadows you know.”
“Ugh,” he chuckled and you replied, “it’s not my fault they keep filming in public spaces.”
“No it’s not. But it is not ok you haven’t gotten their number yet.”
“And just whose number am I supposed to be getting exactly there Casanova?”
“Either one seems a catch. I hear they both are wonderful. Marten and Benedict are close to Tom, I’ve only heard about Henry in passing,”
“I am not going to assume-,”
“You are phenomenal and they are blind if they haven’t caught on yet. Besides, Tom’s been catching up on Berlin Station, no doubt Bell will catch his eye.”
“I’m in fishnets and a corset my first scene, that’s not usually an eye seeking missile,” again he laughed and shifted in his seat at your sarcastic comment, “Besides, you know how much I hate it all being so physical. I know they’re attractive, I have eyes, just the typical actress hoping to be more than just to be somebody’s piece of ass.”
“I get it, trust me,” true you were nearly half his age but this one thing you bonded in. Drop dead gorgeous even without the pound of makeup and burlesque costume from your first meeting that faded away in the first awful joke you had whispered to him between sets to break his set in scowl for the lighter scene coming up and he could see the dazzler within. Awkward duckling in swans clothing with absolutely verbatim knowledge on how marketable her facade was with only a wish to curl up at home on the funds you had earned in flawless take after take with jokes between. Not shy but comfortable in yourself only timid around others who never seemed to wish to look deeper driving you to older companions a generation ahead or even publicly out actors who wouldn’t dare to ever imply they were wishing to cross that line.
A few well placed publicity dates here and there at first and the act had tired you out of the process altogether and now added to the stealthy ladies of the limelight unwilling to share their dating lives, as of you had one. You were evenly matched with decades in between, now nearing his silver fox years happily Richard had taken the first leap to stop tearing himself apart for roles to meet the standards for the required shirtless scenes now less frequent in his acceptable dad bod years. It wasn’t hard to understand and commiserate in the shared effect on your daily lives to force workouts, facials, skin regimens and the like to keep up your profession and roles. “Have you at least talked to Tom lately?”
“His mum sent me a package.”
“Ooh, nice how did that happen?”
“Well, ran into Tom in the lift last week and he mentioned he would be off filming but he said something about an early birthday gift was being sent to him and he wouldn’t be able to get back in time. He spaced on the dates not realizing he wouldn’t be here and I guess my comment before when I got his last script in my box by mistake and left some spare biscuits I bought with them and said I’m next door if he needs anything.”
“Ah, so when she sent you a package-,”
“He got a package at my place, which if it happens again I’m counting it as permission to say we’ve at least dated to even the intimacy.” Making him chuckle again, “No doubt he would understand that logic.”
Another knock had you walking to your door and listening in he heard you sign for the package then close the door saying, “Robert Downey jr has my address.”
To which he replied, “Oh that is datable offense right there, friends and family too.”
“Speaking of dates,” you said plopping back onto your couch leaving the box by the other on the end of your coffee table settling your notepad turned planner for your travel plans for the upcoming convention you were appearing at for two different series and a sci-fi trilogy you were the lead in. “Heard about a certain uncle.” Again making him chuckle bashfully, “I am so proud of you. Loved Crucible and this will be just as spectacular.”
“Thank you, and I can’t wait to see the third installment of the, what the hell is it called again? The porcupine raptor thing?”
“Goruntrafnacerptornius.” You said with a giggle. Used to being asked how to say it as the only actor in the film to have mastered the name in the whole franchise leaving the others abbreviating the bastardized cloned dinosaur chimeras the size of toasters. Main creatures in a new Jurassic Park twist with the tiny creatures enlisting the aid of a dishonored and framed alien warrior(you) and her mixed group of fellow banished prisoners to help build a bridge to an unclaimed island for them to rule apart from their former Master. Enemies to family of misfits and unlikely bond tropes exploding into this nonsensical idea of a show seemed to be crack on film people flocked to in droves. “If you weren’t working I’d invite you to the premier. Looks like I’ll have to settle for sending you a copy when it’s out maybe to add to your pile to watch.”
“I always watch yours first, you know that.” Another notification that the latest video you had popped up in sounded on your phone as Richard’s doorbell rang, “Ah, Love, that’s my breakfast.”
“Say no more, I have to get ready anyways myself. Get there and back in time for Henry to wake me up again at five. Love you.”
“Love you, call you tomorrow.”
In the click the phone app dissolved and left the social page open showing the groggy barely conscious video of you fresh off your last flight home before Tom had left with Henry and Tom dancing along to the song you were listening to and belting out over mouthing along as you had imagined racking up notices on. The blurry shots of their faces and yours left people dismissing it as a fake if not posted by Henry himself on his way to the gym later that night, the same place his previous video had been filmed. Another edited clip of his various workouts with ample comments on you the mystery woman in the back of the shot doing far more impressive body weight exercises as the larger men hogged the machines and hand weights ending. Complete with a post shower poke to his sweater you then pinched stirring a curious smirk from him at your asking where he got it.
.
Filming was hard but in the middle of a groggy exchange with Tom you had fallen asleep sending off an answer to his question of, ‘Have you seen the new Superman costume? What do you think of it?’ Trying to see if anyone he knew came up with the same answer as the comic you had posted hours prior stating that he was trying to be more like Batman and could slip into shadows easier with darker shades than the Reeves version of the costume. Complete with images of different tries to hide only to have various colored parts of the costume point him out from the old one almost like a glow stick in the shadows to the new one with just a voice bubble saying, ‘Perfect.’
‘Looks like he wants it taken off.’ Tom couldn’t help but laugh first at the message then Henry’s deep inhale and excuse to refill his drink to hide his blush. Replies went unanswered leaving Tom grinning and stating you must have fallen asleep after being unable to only to be woken a few hours with a flurry of answers with an apology.
Finally a lapse in filming would bring you back to their path, right after a press stop of your own, all able to meet up for a dinner after the first night of the convention you were all set to attend. It was getting colder every day and finally Henry through Tom had answered the question of where the sweater was from. The real question being how would you handle the press, because it was out now, who was in the videos with the men and questions were swirling around. You could ignore them living on the tiny island to film the latest bit for the long running crime show you had filmed another three episode arc on for the next season coming up after the skyrocketing effect your last pop in had given the show that was near leveling off in interesting plot lines. They needed a villain and boy did you supply one.
A bad storm however had kept you from one fan meet that was canceled and for an hour you offered answers for the people who had sent questions to your account asking for when it might be rescheduled so they could talk to you. Needless to say wine had been opened and perhaps a swig too many and you felt yourself warming up and dozing off stating that you would only answer a couple more questions. The final ones you had read was ‘The holidays are coming up, any special plans for Christmas, New Years and Valentines?’
The one after being, ‘WHAT?!!!!’ Pertaining to your stunning answer before passing out, ‘Next to Tom Hiddleston and under Henry Cavill, same as most nights between jobs.’
Pt 2
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“Why do you hate me?” - Ben Hardy | part 18
a/n: here’s the last part!! besides the prologue. i’m so happy to say that i really enjoyed making this series. thank you to the ones who asked for this, what was supposed to be just a 2-part imagine 😊 i hope to have more Ben series’ in the future!! for now, i will be posting a couple requests, then starting my Peter Beale series!! check out the prologue/intro post, and if you want to be tagged, message or ask me!! hope everyone enjoys the last chapter of WDYHM 💕
warnings: beginning is a little steamy, VERY LIGHT SMUT (i got carried away lol 🤷🏼♀️), a lot of time jumps
“Damn,” you huffed out, your sweaty back flat against the hotel mattress as you tried to catch your breath. Ben laid beside you, breathing heavily as well.
“Is it just me or is that the best we’ve ever had?” Ben asked through short breaths.
“It really was.” This time, everything was so different. Ben was even more caring and affectionate, if that’s possible, and he really made an effort to show you how much he loved you and cared for you. His touch was so much more gentle, his kisses were full of passion and love instead of lust, he whispered sweet nothings in your ear and against your skin instead of dirty talk; this time, it really was making love, not just having sex.
“I love you so much, and I really hope you know that,” he whispered, hovering over you to press a kiss to your lips, then moving down to your cheek, then neck, chest, stomach, stopping at your hips. He glanced up, as if asking if his actions were okay. You nodded slightly as he moved further down, and finally pressing his lips against the area you wanted him the most.
After another couple rounds, you finally fell asleep in your husband’s arms.
The next morning, you two left for your honeymoon, which was in Paris. Sure, it was cliche, but you couldn’t think of any better place to spend with your new husband.
After a week in Paris, exploring the city, visiting museums, sightseeing, and a lot of nights in bed with Ben, you two were, to your surprise, off to Greece. Ben secretly booked another week of a vacation to surprise you, and it worked. But you were happy, nonetheless. Who would complain about getting to spend a week in Greece?
Unfortunately, that week ended, and you were now back home in London, still high off of the honeymoon. You two sat on the couch, cuddled up and watching TV. You were still tired because of jetlag, so you were half asleep. Ben, however, was wide awake, looking through the photos from your wedding, finding the one he loves the most to post it to announce your marriage. Everyone knew you two were engaged, but you decided to keep the wedding date a secret. Thankfully, Joe didn’t post anything from the ceremony, respecting your wishes to be secretive.
“How about this one, love?” Ben asked you, showing you a photo that was taken in the woods near the castle. He was twirling you around, smiles on both of your faces. It perfectly summed up your relationship. You nodded tiredly against his shoulder.
“I’m happy with whatever you post, bub. It’s your fans.”
“They’re your fans, too. They loved you in BoRhap.”
“I didn’t have any lines,” you groaned, not wanting to debate this. “You were a main character, of course they’re your fans. I was in two scenes, no lines, for less than five minutes.”
“Whatever you say, love. I’m gonna post this one. Maybe I’ll post another one tomorrow, or later.” You laughed at his eagerness to share your news with the world.
benhardy: my forever dance partner.
mrgwilymlee: congrats you two! it was a great night, very beautiful 😊
joe_mazzello: i’m still pissed you’re cheating on me
mrgwilymlee: @joe_mazzello mate, i think you and Ben are over
benhardy: @joe_mazzello we are. sorry not sorry.
lucyboynton1: so happy to have been involved. such a beautiful wedding for two amazing people 💕
benhardyismyluv: HOLY SHIT BEN IS A MARRIED MAN!!!
benhardy: @benhardyismyluv I am 😊 and I’m very happy
queenrogerina: i love this!! you two are so cute!! congrats!
joe_mazzello: does this mean I can post the videos of me dancing drunk?
“Everyone’s being nice again, thankfully. And of course Joe is being his jealous self.”
“I wonder what he’s going to do with his life now that you’re married,” you wondered jokingly. Ben chuckled and agreed. He looked down at you, who could barely keep your eyes open.
“Get some sleep, love. I’m not tired, but I’ll stay here with you,” he whispered, pecking your forehead softly. You hummed in happiness and snuggled further into him, nuzzling your face into his neck. You could smell the lingering cologne on his skin, making you smile; his cologne was one of your favorite scents. It was always mixed with the smell of cigarettes, so having it just on it’s own was the best thing in the world.
You fell asleep as soon as he started rubbing your back. He stayed awake, staring at you, wondering how he got so lucky to call you his wife.
A year and a half later, you and Ben are even happier than in the first three years you’ve known each other. Everything in your lives was going smoothly. Ben continued to get roles, increasing his list of filmography, experience, and awards, and you had finally published the book you had been working on for two years. This of course led to you going on a small press tour of England, which of course Ben joined you for. It was only right as you had been to every single premiere of his.
Everything was perfect, until life decided to throw you a curveball.
You recently have been feeling sick, but not flu-like sick. You would get random bursts of nausea, most of the times ending in you throwing up. You knew the possibility, but you and Ben decided to wait until after two years of marriage to start a family. It had only been a year and a half. You two weren’t even trying, you don’t understand how this happened.
You called up Leila one day, about a week after the nausea started. You asked her to come with you to a doctors appointment, just to confirm your suspicions. Your doctor’s appointment was today, thankfully they had a spot open. So here you were, on your way to learn your condition. You honestly were hoping you were pregnant, as much as you and Ben wanted to wait, you couldn’t wait to start a little family with him.
“Do you think you’re pregnant?” You heard Leila ask as she pulled into the parking lot. You sighed and shrugged.
“I don’t know. I think so, because I can’t explain why I suddenly have to throw up at random times. But, I’m not sure if this is what Ben wants. We both agreed to wait until two ears of marriage to start a family.”
“I’m positive that Ben will not be mad. Sure, it wasn’t planned, but I don’t think he’ll care. I think he’s going to be so happy that this is happening already.” You smiled and nodded at her words, starting to feel a little bit better about this situation.
You walked into the office, checked in, and sat down to wait. Your knee was bouncing quickly, a sign you were really nervous. Leila rubbed your back, trying to calm you down. Your phone started buzzing, and you saw that Ben was calling you. You panicked and looked to Leila.
“Tell him you went shopping with me.” You nodded and answered.
“Hey babe. What’s up?”
“Where are you? I thought you were staying home for the day?” You heard Ben’s voice worry on the other end.
“Leila called me and asked me to go shopping with her. I-”
“(Y/N) Jones,” the doctor came into the waiting room for you. Your eyes widened at the possibility of Ben hearing.
“Who’s that, love?” Your heart started to race as you tried thinking of an excuse.
“Um, we uh, we’re at Starbucks.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll see you when you get home then, yeah?”
“Yeah. I gotta go, Ben. Bye.” You quickly hung up, grabbing your purse and quietly apologizing to the doctor.
“You’re alright. So what brings you in today?” She asked, motioning for you to sit on the exam table. Leila stayed in the waiting room to give you some time alone, well, with the doctor.
“I’ve been feeling sick for about a week. I don’t think it’s the flu or food poisoning, but I just wanted to get some confirmation.”
“Okay. Well, we’ll do the most obvious test, which of course is a pregnancy test. Is this a possibility?” She asked, getting some equipment out.
“I’m not sure. My husband and I have protected sex because I’m not on the pill yet. I can’t remember the last time we didn’t use a condom.”
“Condoms aren’t always effective. There is a possibility that it broke during sex, it happens all the time. Especially with ultra thin condoms.” You nodded along, your heart racing as she continued to speak. She handed you a cup and told you where the bathroom was. You trudged down the hall to do your business, and returned with the cup, embarrassed.
She shook her head at your expression.
“No need to be embarrassed. It’s all natural and normal. But, this will help us tell faster than a home pregnancy test.” You sighed and sat back in the waiting room as she left to test.
A couple minutes pass before she walks back in, papers in her hands, and a wide smile on her face.
“Congratulations, Mrs. Jones. You are indeed pregnant.” You let out the breath you were holding and felt relief and fear wash over you. Relief because you knew the reason you were sick, fear because you had no idea how Ben was going to react, let alone his fans. You thanked her and signed the few papers she had.
“You are only about five weeks along, so you still have some time before you have to come back in for your twelve-week check up. But, we can do an ultrasound now, just to have a first look?” You shook your head.
“I would like my husband to be here, and know the news. He doesn’t know that I’m even here.” She nodded and took the papers that you signed, thanking her for the check-up.
You walked back into the waiting room to face Leila, who was eagerly waiting to hear the news. She stood as soon as you walked in, her eyes going wide with wonder. You simply nodded, which prompted her to jump up and down. You were happy there was no one else in the lobby. You laughed at her actions and pulled her outside and to the car.
“How do you want to tell Ben?” She asked once you two were settled. You thought for a little before coming up with an idea.
You decided to go baby shopping, already, and picked out a gender neutral outfit. Nothing too girly and nothing too boyish. You got two onesies, one said ‘I love my daddy’ and the other, ‘I love my mummy.’ You also picked out a tiny pair of sneakers.
When you were looking around for more things, you found the perfect onesie. It had the Queen logo on it, and you of course had to get it. Your idea switched when you saw that, and you decided to give Ben that, with the tiny sneakers, and a pair of tiny aviators. His gift and hint would be the tiny outfit.
You and Leila finished paying and hopped back in the car. She drove you back home, chatting quietly about yours and Ben’s future, now that you had a baby on the way. You were beyond excited, your fear now dissolved.
When you arrived home, you thanked Leila tremendously and grabbed your bag to head inside. You opened the door to find Ben sitting on the couch, watching TV while scrolling through his phone.
“Hi bub. How was your day?” You asked as you sat on the couch next to him, the bag on the table.
“Good. Gwil and I had a nice lunch. How was your shopping day with Leila?” You concealed the smile that was about to take over your face and reached for the bag.
“Look what I found!” Your heart started to race as you pulled the outfit out. You set the Queen onesie on your leg, setting the sneakers under it, and the aviators on your knee. You smiled at the tiny outfit, looking at Ben for his reaction. He stared at it for a few seconds before asking an oblivious question.
“Who’s it for? Are Allen and Jessica having a baby?” He questioned, looking up at you from your leg. You shook your head, trying to hide your smile. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“Then, who’s it for?” You shrugged.
“I figured we could use it in nine months. It’s a pretty cute outfit,” you said nonchalantly. It took Ben a few seconds as his expression changed right before your eyes. A wide grin finally broke onto your face as he came to the realization.
“Y-you’re pregnant? You? A-are pregnant? I’m gonna be a dad?” His voice was quiet as can be, which scared you a little. You nodded slightly and grabbed his hand.
“I’m pregnant, Ben.” With your confirmation, he jumped up from the couch, bringing you with him, and pulled you into his arms.
“I’m gonna be a dad! Holy shit! We’re starting a family!” You giggled loudly as he spun you around joyfully. Once he set you down, his arms were still around your waist as he stared into your eyes lovingly.
“I’m gonna be a dad,” he whispered as he was hit with reality again. You laughed quietly and nodded.
“We’re having a baby,” you said, raising your hands to cup his face.
“We are. I’m so fucking happy. I love you so much.” He pulled you in for a kiss, which you eventually broke by smiling.
“How are we going to tell the group?” He asked as you two sat back down on the couch. You cuddled into his side as one of his hands rested on your stomach.
“We could invite them all over again, and give each of the guys a shirt that just says ‘uncle’, and the girls shirts that just say ‘aunt.’”
“I like that idea,” Ben agreed. You immediately hopped online and found a website that sells customized shirts. You ordered four shirts for Joe, Gwilym, Rami, and Allen, and four shirts for Katherine, Leila, Lucy, and Jessica. You and Jessica have grown pretty close since you met her when Allen brought her over to your little party to celebrate your relationship and new house with Ben. You were almost as close to her as you were with the other girls you’ve known well before.
You also ordered shirts for yourself and Ben that just said ‘mum’ and ‘dad.’ Simple, yet it gets the point across.
You were now three months along and your belly was just starting to show. You were quite insecure about it simply because of your hormones. But Ben never ceased to compliment you and make sure you knew he loved it so much.
You were a little past the twelve-week point, so it was safe to tell people the news. You and Ben had planned the party out a couple weeks ago, and today is the day of the party. You had everyone’s shirts in individual boxes with pink and blue bows, each with their names on it. You were so excited to finally share the news with your close friends. You felt bad for not telling Gwilym, but you wanted to obey the rule of waiting, so only Ben and Leila knew, for obvious reasons.
You had all of the food set out, a game of washers was set up in the backyard, which had become a tradition for your parties. You and Ben were running around the house, making sure everything was out and ready.
Finally, the group started to arrive, in pairs, and alone. Gwilym and Joe were the last ones to arrive. You immediately hugged Gwilym, leaning away slightly, making sure not to press your stomach against him. You were wearing Ben’s yellow sweater, which you absolutely loved; it basically wasn’t his anymore. You were also wearing your ‘mum’ shirt underneath. Ben did the same, expect he was wearing a hoodie.
“Hey, food’s in the kitchen, games are outside, drinks are in the fridge,” you told him as he stepped inside. You then pulled Joe into a hug as he separated from Ben.
“How’s married life with my boyfriend?” He playfully asked you. You laughed and shook your head.
“It’s amazing. How’s Cardboard Ben? I miss him,” you played along.
“He’s mad that I’m still hung up on the real Ben, so he hasn’t been talking to me,” he scoffed, rolling his eyes jokingly. You chuckled as he walked past you to grab a drink from the kitchen. You stood next to Ben and looked around the living room at your friends.
“You ready to announce this?” He whispered, leaning down to kiss you. You nodded after he pulled away and smiled up at him as he stared down at you, leaving his grip to retrieve the presents from upstairs. You brought them down and set them in the corner of the room, thankfully everyone was either in the kitchen or backyard.
After about an hour or so, you gathered everyone into the living room while Ben distributed the gifts, telling everyone not to open it yet. They all sat on the couch as you and Ben sat on the recliner together, which was perfectly placed for everyone to be in view. You pressed record on your phone and set it on the fireplace mantle, perfectly framing the room. You sat back down on Ben’s lap and smiled as you told everyone to open their present. They all immediately ripped into the boxes, one-by-one taking a look at the shirt neatly folded inside. Everyone had confused looks on their faces, until Rami yelled out.
“You’re not?” He asked surprised. You smiled and nodded.
“You’re having a baby?” Gwilym yelled out this time.
“Yep! (Y/N)’s a little over three months pregnant!” Ben announced finally, everyone jumping up to pull you two in a hug.
“Finally! We’ve been waiting for this since you two got together!” Joe said, bringing Ben in for a hug. You giggled and shook your head.
“So everyone here is going to be considered and aunt and uncle?” Lucy asked as she leant against Rami.
“Yeah. We’re all so close, so it felt like the right thing to do,” you told her. She moved from Rami to give you a hug, quietly thanking you for the thought.
The night continued, everyone now celebrating becoming an aunt or uncle, and you and Ben becoming even more excited and anxious to meet your little baby. You knew from just sitting on the couch, surrounded by the group, that he or she is going to be the most loved baby in the world.
You and Ben were cuddled up as everyone started to settle down, the sun now set and the cake you bought had been taken out. Ben had his hand on your small bump, softly rubbing it with his thumb.
“When do you think she’ll start kicking?” You looked up at him, confused at his words.
“She?” You asked confused. He nodded.
“I think it’s a girl.”
“I think you’re wrong. I think it’s a boy.”
“You wanna bet?” He asked.
“Sure. What’s the bet?” He thought for a second before smirking.
“If it’s a girl, I get to choose the name. If it’s a boy, you get to choose the name.” You hummed in thought about this idea. This could go horribly wrong, or right.
“No. I feel like we both should have a say in the name, Sorry, but that bet’s not going to work,” you sadly told him. As great as it sounded, it didn’t feel right for one parent to choose a name without the other one’s say.
“Alright, that’s fair. So then, what should the bet be?” You thought this time, before coming up with something.
“How about the winner gets to choose the middle name?”
“So we both decide on the first name, then whoever is right about the gender gets to choose the middle name?” You nodded and smiled up at him.
“Deal.”
“Are you two betting over your own child?” Joe questioned as he watched the two of you chat.
“Maybe,” Ben responded, shying away slightly, hiding his face in your neck.
A few weeks later, you were finally far along enough to find out the gender. Instead of finding it out the normal way, you chose Gwilym to announce it for you. He would come with you to receive the envelope with the gender, then would go and get decorations for the party, as well as the powder to announce it. What would happen was you and Ben would wear your shirts that said ‘mum’ and ‘dad’, which were white, have blindfolds put on so you couldn’t see, then have a powder, blue or pink, poured in your hands. You would then have a small powder fight, of course dousing each other with the substance, staining your shirts. Then, on three counts, you would take your blindfolds off and find out.
You now sat in the waiting room, Ben and Gwil on opposite sides of you.
“(Y/N) Jones.” You stood with your husband, who had a small smile on his face as he heard you being referred to as ‘Jones’ by someone else, and followed your doctor into the room.
“How has everything been going? Any problems or concerns you have?” She asked as you laid back on the table/bed.
“No, everything’s fine.”
“Alright. Then let’s put this on your stomach and find your baby,” she said, bringing a tube of gel over to where you were lying. Ben stood right beside you, one hand holding yours comfortingly. You shivered as she squirted the gel onto your bare stomach. She started spreading it around and waving the wand to find your baby.
The room was silent as you waited until the heartbeat sounded throughout the room. Immediately, tears flooded your eyes and cascaded down your cheeks, matching Ben’s current state.
“We made that, love,” he whispered, causing you and the doctor to let out quiet chuckles.
“Would you like to know the gender?” She asked after a few seconds of staring at the tiny body on the screen.
“No. Could we get the results in an envelope?” Ben asked.
“Of course. Would you like some photos of the sonogram?”
“Yes, please.” She nodded and started cleaning your bump off. Once all of the gel was off, you flipped your sweater back down and grabbed Ben’s hand, but he had a different idea as he brought you in for a hug.
“I love you,” he whispered in your ear as the doctor left you two alone.
“I love you too, Ben. So, what do you think it is now that you’ve seen it?”
“Still a girl.” You shook your head and giggled.
The doctor quickly came back with the pictures and an envelope. You stared at the contents, wanting to forget the entire gender reveal party and find out right here right now.
But, you of course waited, so today, a few days since your doctor’s appointment, Gwil had your house decorated in pink and blue, with all of the right decorations for a gender reveal party. You were surprised everything had turned out great, thinking that Joe, who had helped him, would either mess something up or reveal it early.
The entire group, Brian and Roger, and yours and Ben’s families were all standing together in your backyard as you and Ben stood in front of everyone. You had your white shirts on, ready for the reveal.
“Alright. These two are going to be blindfolded, then given a handful of either blue or pink powder. They will throw it up in the air, and on each other if they would like, and when it has all settled, they’ll take their blindfolds off and find out the gender!” Gwilym explained to everyone. You were shaking, almost jumping up and down out of excitement.
Leila put your blindfold on while Gwilym put Ben’s on. They made sure they were tight and you couldn’t see anything. It worked, you couldn’t see at all.
You stuck your hands in a ‘bowl’ form and waited for the powder. As soon as you felt it, your heart started to race. This is it.
“Alright, go!” Leila yelled, and you immediately threw your hands in the air. After, you grabbed Ben’s face, hearing him chuckle as he did the same. He placed his hands on your stomach, leaving behind two handprints on your bump. You heard cheers from your friends and family as they knew, yet you still had no idea.
A couple minutes of you and Ben attacking each other with even more powder, you heard someone yell, “take the blindfolds off!”
The moment of truth. You and Ben were facing each other as you both removed the pieces of cloth. Your eyes widened with happiness and joy when you saw Ben was covered in blue powder. You screamed out, jumping into his arms and giving him a huge kiss.
“I love you,” you murmured against his lips.
“I’m so happy, darling. I’m so happy to be having a little mini me with you,” he whispered, as everyone continued to take pictures of you two.
“It also means you get to choose the middle name,” he added, causing you to laugh.
“But seriously. I’m so ecstatic, really. I love you so much, and I’m so proud of you for going through this. I know it hasn’t been easy with the cramps, pain, and being uncomfortable, but it means so much that you are carrying my child, our child.” He pressed his hand to your stomach, when suddenly, you felt a tiny ache where his hand was. You gasped, Ben’s eyes going wide as he noticed it too.
“Did he- was that…” He was speechless. You nodded, tears falling down your cheeks as you shared such a precious moment. You were glad no one interrupted you yet.
Ben was sobbing at this point. He was not expecting this, so it obviously caught him off guard, making him even more emotional than he would have been if he was trying to feel for the kick.
“Oh my gosh,” he dropped down to his knees to come face to face with your bump. He pressed his lips to your stained t-shirt, not caring about the powder.
“I love you so much, little one. You were a surprise, but we definitely love you.” You tangled your hand in his hair as he talked quietly to your growing bump. He glanced up at you to see your emotional yet loving state, and grinned softly.
“I love you, darling. And I love our little boy.”
“I love you too, Ben.” You made him stand so you could kiss him again. Your friends and family, all teary eyed, continued to wait to congratulate you, realizing you two needed a moment alone.
Once you both turned towards the group, they took that as an okay to bring you in for hugs.
It was a very overwhelming situation, honestly. As much as you appreciate everyone’s love and joy, you had to take a small break inside. Ben noticed and left you alone for a few minutes. When he realized you weren’t back outside after five minutes, he went to investigate.
He found you in the bathroom, washing the remnants of the powder off your face and arms.
“Hey love. You alright?” You nodded, turning to him with a towel in your hands, drying your skin.
“Just got a bit too much, had to step away for a few,” you shyly admitted.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed, darling. You’re four months pregnant, and being surrounded by that many people probably isn’t the best situation. They’ll understand, I guarantee you.” You nodded and shoved your face in his neck.
“Taylor,” you whispered, confusing Ben. He pulled back to see the small smile on your face.
“Huh?”
“The middle name. I want it to be Taylor. After Roger, of course. It feels right because it’s the reason we met, you were playing him.” He grinned softly, pressing his lips to yours.
“Alright. Well then, we should go and break the news to him, yeah?” You nodded and bit your lip, grabbing his hand as he took you back outside.
“Roger!” Ben yelled, waving his hand to signal Roger to come over. Once he was standing in front of the two of you, your hand resting on your bump, Ben broke the news to him.
“We, well (Y/N), decided to have the baby’s middle name be Taylor, after you.”
“It only feels right, considering we met while he was playing you,” you cut in. A huge smile broke out onto his face as he took in what was happening. He immediately hugged you, then Ben, thanking you both for the small yet grand gesture.
The party continued with ease until everyone slowly started to leave. It was now around six at night, when you and Ben were laying in bed, resting just a few before you went downstairs to clean everything up.
“You want to announce this on Instagram?” He asked quietly, softly rubbing your belly, which he has been doing a lot recently.
“Sure. Do you have a picture?” He nodded, pulling his phone out, and rummaging through his photos that he took today.
“My mum took this the second we threw the powder up.” You smiled as you gave him the okay to post it.
benhardy: the moment we found out what little baby Jones is 💙 not pictured is the moment after we found out, when we felt him kick for the first time. Most magical moment of my life.
rogertaylorofficial: Congratulations, such a beautiful couple. Appreciate the gift of using my name in his
lovebenhardy1991: OMG (Y/N) AND BEN ARE HAVINF A BABY!!!! THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!! CONGRATS YOU TWO!!!
mrgwilymlee: Honored to know the gender before anyone else did. So glad you guys trusted me. Beautiful moment between you two. Congrats ❤️
joe_mazzello: GWILYM KNEW THE GENDER BEFORE ME??? HOW DARE YOU
joe_mazzello: But seriously, congratulations. You two are going to make amazing parents.
benhardy: @joe_mazzello he knew before us, don’t be pissy
queenborhaplover: wow congrats!! you two are going to be the cutest parents ever!!
benhardyisdaddy: BEN IS OFFICALLY A DADDY!!!! OMG!
brianmayforreal: Happy to have been able to be there. A truly special moment for you two. Congrats!! Bri
A few months pass and you are now seven months pregnant. You are getting close to your due date, which of course has been scaring you more than anything. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, but thinking of labor was traumatizing. But you knew Ben would be right there with you, holding your hand, no matter what.
At the moment, you two were laying on the couch together, talking quietly as you watched a movie.
“We really need to think of names,” you said randomly, almost forgetting that you two have yet to come up with names. It was going to be pretty easy because you only had to think of one, as you already had the middle name.
“Alright. Let’s start then. Any names?” You thought of some already, in a note on your phone. But, you hadn’t asked Ben about them yet.
“I have a few already.” You pulled your phone out and clicked on the notes app to find the list.
“Theo,” you started. Ben nodded.
“Theo Taylor Jones. I don’t like it, but I don’t hate it.” You nodded and continued with the list.
“Cole.” No.
“Jackson.” Maybe.
“Watson.” Maybe.
“Lincoln.” No.
“Hudson.” Maybe.
“That’s it.” Ben nodded and came up with a few more, but none of the ones he had worked with the middle name.
“So we just have Jackson, Hudson, and Watson.”
“Oh my gosh, they all end with -son,” you laughed after realizing the small coincidence. Ben chuckled and shook his head.
“They sound good with Taylor.” After debating for the longest time, while adding in new names, you finally came to a decision. You smiled and softly rubbed your huge belly, Ben moving himself so he could talk to your bump.
“Hi baby boy. We can’t wait for you to arrive. I know your mum is scared, so please come easy, don’t be too mean to her,” you chuckled lightly at his little speech to your baby, and caressed his cheek softly.
“We love you so much, bubba.” He pressed a kiss to the spot where his son just kicked, most likely being a reaction to Ben’s voice. A huge grin stayed put on Ben’s face as he continued to talk to your baby and feel him kick over and over again. Tears were glistening in his eyes, he was so overjoyed to be experiencing this.
Now here you are, 39 weeks along and ready to give birth any minute now. You and Ben spent the day in bed, per your doctor’s orders. It was now around eight at night, and you were almost ready to go to sleep.
“Do you think tomorrow’s gonna be the day?” Ben asked as he rubbed your leg. You had a cramp, so of course he offered to help get rid of it.
“I’m not sure. He sure has been moving around a lot. And I feel like there’s more pressure.” He glared at you strangely.
“What?”
“I don’t know. It just feels like he’s trying to push out, so actually might happen tomorrow.” You smiled and stroked your swollen bump, your shirt ridden up due to you being really warm.
Ben grinned and rubbed your leg soothingly once he rubbed the cramp out.
“I’m ready as I’ll ever be, love. I can’t wait to see him.”
“I can’t either. But I’m still really scared.”
“You don’t need to be. You are going to be surrounded by an amazing team of nurses and doctors, you’re going to do great,” he told you as he caressed your cheeks with this thumbs softly and stared into your eyes. You nodded and started to calm down.
“I just don’t-“ you were cut short by a gasp escaping your lips. You suddenly felt overwhelming pressure course through your body and a wet spot formed underneath you. Your eyes widened as you realized what was happening.
Ben noticed as well and jumped up immediately, grabbing the bag you packed for the hospital. You sat up and he quickly helped you change your clothes.
You slowly made your way downstairs and out to the car. Ben helped you in and threw your bag in the backseat before hopping into the driver’s seat.
“Let’s go have this baby,” he whispered, reaching over to rub your stomach gently. You smiled as best as you could with the pain spreading throughout your body.
“Just drive. Hopefully we can get there in time.” Thankfully, the hospital you guys were going to was just half an hour away, so you didn’t have to drive an hour and forty-five minutes into the city.
Once you two arrived, Ben immediately called for a wheelchair and not even a minute later, a nurse came running out and over to your car. Ben helped assist you out of the car and into the chair, quickly grabbing the bag and heading inside with you.
In just five minutes, you two checked in, got a private room, and you were now hooked up, in a hospital gown, resting before the long process.
“Are you scared?” You asked Ben once the nurse who came to check up on you left. His head snapped up from his spot in the chair next to your bed and shook his head.
“I’m so excited. Why would I be scared.”
“What if we’re not good parents? What if we aren’t ready?” You were freaking out over everything because of your hormones.
“We may not be ready because this wasn’t planned, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to be amazing parents. I am so sure of it. We may not be the best in the world, but we’ll be the best we can be. I promise you, we’ll always be by each other’s side, okay?” He was now sitting on your bed, holding your hand and gently stroking the back of it. You nodded and leaned your head back on the pillow.
“I’m sorry. I’ve just been so emotional and terrified of becoming a mum.”
“You don’t have to apologize. It’s normal for you to feel this way, love.” You ignored him as another contraction passed. You tightly gripped Ben’s hand, not caring if you hurt him. You were in way more pain than him.
The nurse came in a few minutes later and checked how much you were dilated. Only six centimeters. You have been there for two hours now, and have four centimeters left.
“It’s alright, love. You’re okay,” Ben soothed as another contraction hit. They were getting closer and closer.
Finally, four painful hours later, you were dilated ten centimeters and ready to start pushing.
Doctors and nurses swarmed your room as Ben stood by your side, helping you with pushing. He kept coaching you through pushes, wiping the sweat away from your forehead, and rubbing your back.
With one final push, your baby boy was born. His cries broke out, causing tears to flood your eyes and fall, your hormones now on high as your son was finally here. Ben was called over to cut the cord, and you saw tears streaming down his face as well. He stared at your baby as he was placed on your chest, his hand coming up to rub your shoulder.
“Hi baby,” you cooed through your sobs. You felt Ben’s tears drop on your head, but it didn’t matter. You finally had your family.
They took him away to clean him up, weigh and measure him, and put the tags on his tiny foot. Once he was all swaddled up with a tiny hat covering his head, he was back in your arms.
You burst into tears yet again after calming down while you got cleaned up as well. You were in so much pain and so exhausted, but you didn’t care.
“Hudson Taylor Jones,” Ben whispered as he brought his hand up to stroke his son’s cheek. Ben sobbed out as well, emotions taking over him as he stared down at the exact clone of him.
“I’m so proud of you, darling. You did so good,” he said, pressing a kiss to your forehead.
“Thanks, bub. It really is all worth it seeing his beautiful little face. He looks exactly like you,” you looked up at Ben tiredly, staring into his green eyes. You looked down at your newborn son, and was blown away by the similarities. He had Ben’s eye shape, your nose, and Ben’s lips. He looked so much like your husband, it was crazy.
“My little family. I love you two so much.” Ben kisses your forehead again before leaning down to kiss Hudson’s.
He noticed you were struggling to keep your eyes open, so he held his hands out, signaling he could take Hudson from you.
“Love, get some rest. I can tell you’re exhausted, it’s three in the morning and you just gave birth. I’ll be here with him, we’ll be okay.” You nodded and yawned at the mention of rest. Ben took your son and sat in the chair with him as you drifted off to sleep.
Ben’s POV:
(Y/N) has finally fallen asleep, and I was left alone with Hudson. I set him vertically in my lap, supporting his head with one hand and his body with the other.
“Hi bubba. I can’t believe you’re finally here, and the fact that you look so much like me is crazy.” I started to talk to him quietly as he stared up at me with his beautiful blue eyes that were shaped like mine.
“You are so precious. I love you and your mummy so much, I’m going to do everything I can to protect you two from the cruel world. We’re going to lay low for a while so you don’t grow up being swarmed by paparazzi. I don’t want that for you, you don’t deserve that. I know my life is crazy and I may not always be there for you, but I promise I will love you forever. You and your mum mean the absolute world to me,” I started to choke on my words as tears flowed from my eyes. I can’t believe I have a son with the most beautiful woman in the world.
“Ben, are you alright?” I heard a voice ask. I glanced up to see (Y/N) barely awake, leaning over the side of the bed.
“I’m alright, love, go back to sleep, yeah?” She sighed and held her arms out for me.
“Cuddle with me, please? I know you want to spend time with him, but I really need your cuddles.” My heart swelled with love as she quietly begged to cuddle with me. I laughed lightly and stood to set Hudson in his little bassinet next to the bed. Careful not to hurt (Y/N), I slowly slipped into the tiny hospital bed with her, pulling her into my chest. She nuzzled her face into my shoulder and sighed contently.
“You two are my world. I’m so happy you’re in my life, and now you’ve given me, us, a son. A family. I love you so much, (Y/N) Jones.”
“I love you too, Ben. I’m so thankful for you, I couldn’t imagine sharing this moment with anyone else but you.”
“Get some sleep, okay? I’ll be here when you wake up,” I whispered into her hair, softly rubbing her back to soothe her aching muscles and to lull her to sleep.
Again, she was asleep within seconds. I, however, stayed awake, making sure Hudson was okay, making sure my wife was okay, and just thinking about how great my life is.
And to think this all started simply because I was jealous. It all started with the question, “why do you hate me?”
tags: @kazzys-queenblog @thewinchesterchronicles
gif: @benhardyispretty
#ben hardy#ben hardy imagines#ben hardy imagine#ben hardy x reader#bohemian rhapsody#bohemian rhapsody imagines#borhap#gwilym lee#joe mazzello#rami malek#roger taylor#john deacon#freddie mercury#brian may#imagines#imagine#fanfiction#fanfic
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oh boy it’s the 9 o’clock news
It is 9 pm on a Sunday night, so consider this a news-broadcast PSA: I am now expanding this blog from just Jon-related things to works that encompass the gamut of Oscar-boys, too!
I’m a big Oscar Isaac fan and I’ve been writing about Miguel and Poe for a hot minute here, but I’m also going to do stuff for his more, let’s say, ‘rare’ or ‘underappreciated’ roles.
I’m going to do a quick breakdown here of the Oscar characters I’m familiar with (from films of his I’ve seen so far), and if there are roles that aren’t listed, I haven’t seen them yet! Any ones I’m not going to write about will be at the bottom, explicitly stated as not being written about.
So, without further ado, here’s the list so far!
1. Miguel O’Hara, Marvel Cinematic Universe and Comics: I’ve already written about Miggy on here, and you all know I love and adore him. However, for anyone who missed it, here’s a brief synopsis about Miguel. Miguel O’Hara is a version of Spider-Man in the Marvel Comics Universe AND, now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He appeared briefly as the after-credits scene in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, where he was played by Oscar. Miguel comes from the year 2099 and is a completely unique Spider-Person, not only in terms of his range of powers, but his personality. Miguel is intelligent, sarcastic, determined, and passionate.
2. Poe Dameron, Star Wars: You know him, you love him, and he’s an iconic staple of the newest Star Wars trilogy. One of the most (if not the absolute) recognizable of Oscar’s roles, Poe is a hot-shot X-Wing pilot with a sharp tongue, warm heart, and intense desire to bring light and freedom to the galaxy. Poe is kind, excitable, comedic, and playful.
3. Orestes, Agora: A ‘rare’ or, more aptly, underappreciated role of Oscar’s, Orestes is the prefect of Alexandria. Orestes is boyish and clever, with a quick mind and a loving heart. He is loyal, driven, tender, and thoughtful.
4. Reeves, 10 Years: Another underappreciated role of Oscar’s, Reeves is a successful musician whose folk-style songs have become major hits across the U.S., and he is often on tour. Reeves is a nostalgic, sweet, humble, and affectionate.
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5. Standard Gabriel, Drive: Oscar was SO underused in his role in Drive. Standard Gabriel is a down-to-earth man recently released from prison; he loves his family, adoring his son, and would do anything to keep them safe. Standard is protective, modest, loving and introspective.
6. Rydal Keener, The Two Faces of January: Rydal Keener is an American working in Greece as a tour guide, having recently graduated college. Rydal enjoys poetry and history. Rydal is witty, youthful, romantic, and intense.
7. Abel Morales, A Most Violent Year: Abel is a Mexican-American businessman in New York; his business is successful, but he is frequently bullied by other businesses, though he is determined to stand up against them. Abel is gentle, good-hearted, noble, and focused.
8. Mikael Boghosian, The Promise: Mikael is an Armenian doctor whose purpose in life is to heal and help others. He is generous and romantic, guided by his passionate heart. Mikael is sensitive, devoted, kindly, and soothing.
9. Llewyn Davis, Inside Llewyn Davis: Llewyn is a down-on-his-luck performer whose love of folk music takes him wherever the wind blows. He is struggling but trying to mature, despite being weighed down by tragedies and inner conflict. Llewyn is sardonic, dreaming, rash, and lonesome.
10. Robbie Paulson, Law & Order: Criminal Intent: A very minor, very early role of Oscar’s, Robbie is a nurse working in New York. He is the unfortunate victim of mental manipulation, but now free and on his way towards true healing. Robbie is child-like, enthusiastic, ardent, and a little needy.
11. Bud Cooper, Suburbicon: Yet another grievously underused Oscar performance, Bud is an insurance claims investigator in Los Angeles. (We’re ignoring canon on this one, lads.) Bud is teasing, goofy, strategic and fun.
12. Shiv, Pu-239: Another minor Oscar role, Shiv is a young Russian man trying to make ends meet in post-Soviet Moscow. (We’re also ignoring canon on this one. For Reasons.) Shiv is guileless, heartfelt, sincere and charming.
13. Basil Stitt, Lightningface: One of two short-film roles Oscar has been in, Basil is a (presumably) New York businessman who is one day struck by lightning, scarring half of his face terribly. He goes into shock and locks himself in an apartment, beginning a journey of hallucinatory self-investigation. Basil is self-conscious, anxious, melodramatic, and curious.
14. Lucien, Ticky-Tacky: The other of the short-film roles, Lucien is a rich man with incredible mood swings and dramatic behaviors. Lucien is juvenile, erratic, tempestuous, and clingy.
15. John “Jack” Jackson, Mojave: An American veteran with an incredible mind (gone rogue) and taste for literature, Jack wanders the wilderness of the Mojave desert, stirring up trouble. Jack is astute, comical, fiery, and singular.
There are more Oscars I’d like to write about (such as Outcome #3 from The Bourne Legacy, Will Dempsey from Life Itself, Michael Perry from Won’t Back Down, Evgeni from W.E.), but I still am catching up with his filmography!
Here, however, are the Oscars I won’t be writing about.
1. Nathan Bateman, Ex Machina.
2. Blue Jones, Sucker Punch.
3. Prince John/John, King of England, Robin Hood.
Anyway, that’s the list so far! Keep an eye out for these names and these boys, and let me know if you want to know more about them (TL;DRs for their plots, headcanons I have for them, plot derivations I have for them, etc), or if there’s a different Oscar you’d like to see me talk about who wasn’t mentioned here!
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