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noisyalmonddreamer · 3 years

Text

Holiday special

Word count: Idk a lot (a/n): Someone come save me I’m tired this took my soul away this is also unedited because I’m to tired for that

Percy:

-This boy LOVES Christmas

-He get's into the feeling like right after thanksgiving

-Decorates his cabin like there's no tomorrow

-But he wont spend Christmas eve or day at camp, he's with his family

-He also goes to his family's house to help decorate

-Snowball fights? you will not BELIVE how excited he gets for them

-He loves hot chocolate and demands his has marshmallows in it

-be careful if you guys make cookies together he WILL eat the batter

-"Percy stop you could get sick!"

- "but it's so good!"

-"IT HAS RAW EGGS"

-he wears Christmas sweaters and Santa hats

-He invites you to come to his mom's house for Christmas

-On Christmas day itself he's supper excited but from how he was acting you'd think he was an actual responsible adult

-but really he just really wanted to make it special for Estelle so he was just being giddy on the inside

-He gets you something that would remind him of you

-Something he finds beautiful

~~~Scenario~~~ (lowkey feel like I wrote him out of character I'm really sorry)

The sounds of soft snores filled your ears as you woke up. The sun reflecting off the bright snow seemed to magnify the sun's rays. You turned over to see your boyfriend, Percy, sound asleep with a little bit of drool sliding past his lip. You giggled as you took the blue blanket and wiped it away causing him to stir a little.

"Percy, It's time to get up" you nudged him lightly trying to wake him. He groaned pulling the cover up more. You rolled your eyes before an idea came to mind "Percy wake up it's Christmas."

The gears in Percy's head seemed to move for a second before his eye's popped open "OH MY GOD'S IT'S CHRISTMAS!" He popped up from his position. You smiled before leaning over and kissing him on his cheek "yeah it is, now you might want to put a shirt on before-" your sentence was cut of as Percy looked at the window.

"Oh my God's (y/n) look it snowed!" he got up from the bed and excitedly went to the window pretty much vibrating from excitement. He looked like a little kid, his eyes shining bright and a giddy smile on his face "I know Perce" you laughed as he pouted at your comment "As I was saying you might want to put on a shirt before Estelle comes in."

Percy laughed and threw on a sweatshirt before climbing back into bed with you "what are you doing?" He looked at you and smiled "pretended you're asleep she'll want to have woken us up." He kissed your head and laid back down.

Percy was, of course, right. Moments later you heard two little feet barreling down the hallway and tiny squeals of excitement. The door opened and a little girl hopped onto the bed trying to wake the two of you up "GET UP GET UP GET UP!!!"

Estelle shook the two of 'awake' and you yawned "good morning Estelle. What can we do for you." You smiled at her as the little girl squealed with excitement. "It's Christmas! Mama and Papa said we couldn't open present's till you two woke up! Percy Percy get up!"

Estelle dragged the two of you out of bed into the living room where Sally and Paul had hot coco waiting. You sat on Percy's lap as you watched as Estelle rip open her presents, along with handing everyone there's "here Percy this is yours and this one's yours (y/n)!"

Percy smiled at her and ripped open the present, quickly, ones he saw what it was his eyes brightened as another big grin decorated his face.

After opening all the presents up Paul, Sally and Estelle went down the hall for a few minutes so Estelle could give a present to her friend.

Percy pulled you into his room and got something from inside his cabinet. He handed you a small box rapped in blue rapping paper. "I know I already got you a present but I went out swimming a while ago and found this and I thought of you" he rubbed the back of his neck as he blushed.

You smiled and kissed him on the cheek before opening the present. You pulled out a necklace that looked similar to your camp necklace except it had a single pearl on it. You smiled and wrapped your arm's around him, pressing your lips to his, you were met with the slightly salty taste of his lips. He smiled into the kiss as he pulled away for a second "so you like it?" he asked looking at you.

"I love it thank you Perce"

"Merry Christmas (Y/n)"

"Merry Christmas Percy"

Jason:

-Again he hasn't had a 'real' Christmas in a while

-Mr. Series Roman Praetor has watched over people for Christmas making sure no one get's to out of hand

-My boy hasn't gotten to have fun for so long

-So when you're like

-"TIME FOR FUN CHRISTMAS"

-He's trying hard! But that series 'gotten make sure things are running smooth' skin is hard to get out

- "Don't drink to much eggnog it has raw eggs you could get sick. Don't have more than a cup please"

- "FIGHT ME"

-I'm kinda kidding but he is kinda stiff about it all

-Sidenote: Someone *cough* Leo *cough* placed a mistletoe above his desk and put a stapler next to him so he was under the mistletoe with a stapler

- "You think you're so funny huh?"

- "Pretty much yeah"

- "It was pretty funny though"

- "(Y/N)!"

-I have said that I think he has a secret sweet tooth

-He drinks his hot coco super sweet

-No one can know though

-Except you maybe

-He decorates a tree with you

-straight up gets tangled in the lights while you guys are decorating

-Send some help for our very own blond super man

-He'll also probably get you something he had found during a quest

~~~Scenario~~~

You placed two steaming mugs of hot Chocolate on a side table. They looked quite nice, if you say so yourself, you had added chocolate shavings atop the whip cream and crushed up peppermint canes.

Looking up you were met with electric blue eyes looking at you intently, holding a Santa hat in his scarred callused hands.

"Do I really have to wear this?" He asked holding out the bright red hat. "Yes of course you do! We're decorating!"

He looked down at you again. "Okay okay I'll wear the hat sweetie but why the entire cabin? We already have a tree do you think decorating the whole cabin is.... excessive?" You rolled your eyes at him "I don't expect you have had that many fun Christmases because you're so,,, Roman so you have to do it! I didn't make the rules bub!"

You skipped over to him kissing him on the cheek than going over to the box of decorations you forced him to fly to camp half-blood. You also got him to carry a Christmas tree that you got from the Stoles, though they didn't tell you were they got it from.

You opened up the box and pulled out a few blankets and pillows.

"What are those for?" Jason stood behind you taking sips from his hot coco watching you. "Decoration! What do you think we're doing here right now?" You threw the pillows and blankets onto the couch

Jason rolled his eyes, walking up to you "I already have pillows and blankets but whatever." He said, his voice held a teasing tone, he knew what he was doing.

You glared at him "I will take away your hot chocolate and not make anymore." You pointed a finger out, trying to prove your point. Jason's eyes widened before he placed his mug on the coffee table and swiftly walked over to you.

"Alright so what do you need?"

"Just take these." You handed him some fake acorns and stuff, pointing at a wall "Place them like over there."

Jason took them into his hands and began working. About thirty minutes in he tapped you on the shoulder. "What about the tree?" You looked over at him "Oh yeah we do that last just give me a sec and you can start detangling the lights." You pointed at the box that had the Christmas lights.

Jason nodded and walked over to the box, pulling out a giant clump of lights. He looked at it, a bit concerned wondering how he would be able to detangle it all.

~~~time skip~~~

Jason ended up being right, he couldn't untangle them. Every time he thought he had gotten another tangle out it led to another, then when he thought to follow a single cored it was stuck in other cords. This is all to say that in thirty minutes Jason managed to tangle himself in the lights, yet he still didn't ask for help or even call out for you.

He didn't want you laughing at him so he decided he would get himself out. Which also didn't end up well because he fell with a loud thud.

You had went outside to hang a few more lights and decorations on the porch when you head it, a loud thud followed by a groan of pain. You hurried inside to see the son of Zeus himself, Praetor of New Rome, Hero of Camp Jupiter, laying on the floor tangled in Christmas lights.

"It's not funny!" He yelled when he had heard your giggling. This only turned your light giggling into full on laughter you clutched your stomach in pain as you laughed.

"It's so funny! How did you even manage to do that?" He looked up at you "Can you please help me?" You bent down to his level "of course on one condiction"

"Yes anything!"

"Let me take a picture."

Leo:

-Burns the coco because he's impatient

-He also puts candy canes into his hot coco

-Along with like 3 hand fulls of marshmallows and like a giant whip cream mountain

-He also lowkey doesn't like eggnog

- "It tastes like sweet eggs!"

-You can bet your ass he is going to force you to wear matching PJ's on Christmas eve

-While setting up the tree he get's very frustrated with the lights

-"THIS IS SO DUMB I'LL BUILD MY OWN LIGHTS!"

-He does end up doing that and they look very cool

-May or may not end up breaking some of the ornaments

-"What was that?"

- *Sweeping away a broken ornament* "Nothing babe!"

-He makes all his presents himself

-Like 2 months before he's haled ass up in bunker 9 making presents

-At some point he made a Christmas robot

-It's called that but it's main purpose is to peg snowballs at people

-He does bring a Christmas tree inside the bunker but forgets to water it then it catches on fire because it's dried out

-He will also pull mistletoe out at random time's claiming you have to kiss now

- "You just pulled that out of your tool belt. We're not even near ceiling"

- "Hmm? What? I don't know what you're talking about. But time for kiss! Who are we to break tradition?"

-You force him to dress up as an elf and give presents to kids

- "Why not Santa!? I'm making the toys!"

- "You're to short to be Santa plus your pointed ears!"

-He builds you something is that even a question

-It's a charm bracelet with a few different charms, one of them actually is magic and will pull out a shield

~~~~Scenario~~~~~

You were stood outside bunker 9 on Christmas morning waiting for Leo to change. You shivered as a cold wind felt like it pierced your skin, both Leo and yourself had gotten up earlier then you normally would have but you two wanted to have your own thing before joining the rest of the camp.

You breathed out, a puff of smoke leaving your lips, as you turned around and banged on the door. "Leo come on! We're gonna be late and we still have to drag the presents to the bonfire!" you yelled through the metal. "This is ridiculous! Why am I dressed as an elf! I made the presents! This is humiliating!" His voice sounded whiny, you could practically hear him pouting.

"Come on Leo think about the children! They'll be so happy!" You heard a reluctant sigh leave him before the iron door opened reveling Leo in an adorable elf outfit.

"I feel ridicules." As he walked towards you the bells on his shoes jingled, making you burst out laughing. "Oh you have got to let me take a picture!" You grabbed Leo by the hand and pulled him towards the slay he had built. "Alright Mr. Elf let's go!"

"Don't call me that!" His whiney complains were only halted as you pecked his cheek quickly. "Now if you want more then let's go!" Leo's eyes widened, he grabbed the leads and rushed towards the bonfire.

~~Time skip. Like only 5 minutes~~

As the slay slowed down to a stop you heard screams, you looked over your shoulder to see most of the younger camps, in their pajamas, running up to the slay with an excited look on their faces.

You looked over at Leo who had a bright smile on his face already grabbed a piece of paper with each kid's names and which toy they got. "You ready?" you whispered over to him, adjusting your hoodie. "Hades yeah I am!"

You hopped off from the slay in front of the kids, they all stopped and looked at you, pretty much vibrating from excitement. "Alright kiddys! Are you ready for your presents?" You question was only answered with shriek's of excitement and maybe one or two 'YES!'s.

"Mr. Elf has each of your presents all the way from the north pole! But you have to wait to be called on can all of you do that?" The kids again in unison nodded their heads.

Leo popped up next to you startling you a bit, a big dopy grin still decorating his face "Alright I'm looking for a Gogo?" A little girl came running up to Leo, bouncing up and down with a plush in her hand, "Here you are Gogo" Leo handed the little girl a nicely wrapped present, the girl took it before bolting to her siblings yelling out a "THANK YOU!"

One by one Leo listed off the kid's, each one yelling out a thank you, and joining their siblings. As the last kid ran away Leo looked into the present sack. "Oh what do we have here?"

You looked at him with a questioning gaze "Did you forget someone? That was the last kid so I don't think you did." You looked around to see if there was any stragglers before Leo cleared his throat.

"Well why don't we have a looksie here and...Oh...it look's like this is for a certain...(Y/f/n)." You looked over at him again. "I didn't ask for anything..." you trailed off. Before you could say anything else Leo plopped the present into your hands, kissing you on the cheek. "Merry Christmas bebita."

Nico: -"Christmas is coming up?"

-Boy doesn't even realize

-I headcanon Nico secretly has a sweet tooth so I think he would like egg nog and super sweet hot coco

-I also think he can cook so he makes cookies with you

-But he will act like it's a pain and out of his way

-"Do I really have to?"

-"If you don't want to I'll just go get Leo or someone to help me!"

-"...Pass over the flour"

-He constantly has a candy cane in his mouth

-He legit eats so many you have to take them away from him

-Putting a Santa hat will anger him but he'll wear it because he loves you

-Unless someone comments on it then he'll take it off

-He really likes cooking with you, he finds it domestic like you guys are normal, so during the Christmas season he may act reluctant but you guys make stuff together a lot

-But baby boy also kinda has a sensitive mouth so hot food burns his tongue really quickly

-That combined with him kinda being impatient...he burns his mouth a lot

-He asks you to kiss it better

-He would probably get you something he found on his travels

-Or a stygian iron dagger

~~~Scenario~~

You finished tying up your apron, looking over to see Nico hadn't even tried, just letting the apron hang off his neck while he was reading a book he had found in an old library a few weeks ago.

You groaned walking over to him "Nico!" He only hummed in response, bobbing his head and continuing to read. You looked at him for a moment before placing your hand on his shoulder "NICO!"

Nico jumped slightly, looking up from his book at you. "What?" You glared at him for a moment, he rolled his eyes and booked marked the page, placing his arms around your shoulders.

"What's up il mio tesoro*?" He grinned stupidly down at you. "Oh don't 'il mio tesoro' me Mr! You're just avoiding what we said we would bring to the party in hopes we wont go!"

Nico laughed, raising his hands up in defense "Alright alright you got me! But I still don't get why we have to go to the party!" He pouted, crossing his arms.

You walked over to the counter rolling yours eyes "One, because we said we would and Two they're your friends and my friends it would be rude not to."

Nico slowly walked towards you, a small pout on his lips. "But I just want to spend the time with you!" He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, his vanilla scent filled your noise. You blushed pushing him away.

"Just help me with the cookies then we can make some hot chocolate!" Nico's eyes lit up at the mention of hot coco. He placed a gentle kiss on your cheek, tying the apron and rolling up his sleeves."

Ten minutes into cooking you almost regretted trying to cook with Nico. He was great at it but he was such a control freak! "No No! It said 2 cups of chocolate chips that's to much!"

You stared at him "It doesn't matter!" He groaned pushing you out the way "here let me do it!" You watched as he carefully folded the chips into the batter, wrapping the top with plastic wrap and placing it in the fridge.

"Alright it's gonna rest like that for 2 hours, it makes everything even more delicious!" He looked over at you with bright eyes. "Time for hot coco!"

You walked over to him, kissed his forehead before pulling the milk out the fridge. "alright just measure out the amount of milk we need." He nodded grabbing two mugs and filling them then dumping them into the pot.

He stirred the milk lazily "Why isn't it going faster?" He went down to turn the heat up "Nico no! You're going to burn the milk!" He looked at your tiredly "you don't like when it get's the skin on top and neither do I so lower the heat please!"

Nico rolled his eyes, lowering the heat to the second lowest setting then staring at you "happy now?" You nodded, grapping the whipped dream out the fridge and shaking it while Nico continued to stir the milk till it steamed.

The smell of warm milk filled the room as you heard Nico pour the steaming milk into the mugs. You walked over to Nico, who was sitting on the couch you saw he had already stuck another candy cane in his mouth.

Grabbing the whipped cream bottle you made two small hills of whipped cream in each mug and waited for it to cool down. Nico, however, instantly grabbed his mug bringing it to his lips.

"Don't your gonna burn your mouth." You told him, watching him roll his eye. "No I'm not you're worrying to much."

He took a bug gulp then letting out a yelp, placing his mug down. He stuck his tongue out reveling a nasty red burn. You let out a small chuckle "see I told you!" He pouted at you "It really hurts!"

"Will you kiss it better?"

Frank: -Baby LOVES Christmas

-He takes you to canada

-He takes you to the Christmas market's and stuff

-He's also one who will get tangled in lights

-Along with that he isn't allowed to touch the breakable ornaments, like the delicate ones

-He also LOVES hot coco

-Frank makes like perfect hot coco's

-Like a nice whip cream swirl with chocolate and a few marshmallows

-It's very nice looking 10/10

-Will also make maple taffy with you in the fresh snow

-But since you have to boil the syrup he isn't allowed

- "Frank baby, can you get the snow?"

- "Oh umm y-yeah!"

- "Alright here you are Frank, don't burn yourself"

- "I wont"

-He WILL wake up early on Christmas day

-He will also force you to go outside and have a snow ball fight

-istg he's just a nervous child in a giant's body

-Frank makes SUPER good eggnog also

-He LOVES getting a hot cup of coco and cuddling up with you next to a fire

-Especially after being out in the snow

-Also this boy really likes making snowmen

-and he's so good at it to

-Like he can make snowmen and like animals out of snow

-Hard to say what he would give you

-I want to say a sweater but that's not really like boyfriendy

-SO IM GOING TO SAY MATCHING SWEATERS

-More like a hoodie you had been wanting for a while and he got himself a complimentary one so you could match (And wear his because he knows you. You're not sly)

~~~Scenario~~~(Before anyone says anything I know he lives in Vancouver which is a city but just pretended you guys went to a cabin or something lol)

The cold winter air felt like it was ripping through your skin as the coldness from the snow made it's way through your boots and mittens that Frank at bought you the other day.

You looked over to Frank who was packing down snow on the last little bear cub, completing the bear family he was making. He smiled back at you, his nose and cheeks a light pink from the cold. You trudged over to him, the snow sinking slowing you down slightly, and wrapped your arms around his middle.

"Hey Frank I'm getting pretty cold can we head in soon?" You asked looking up at him. He smiled again, nodding his head "Yup! Just let me finish with these-" He grabbed the stick he had been using to adding details to all the bears and drew on some eyes and a mouth. "and done! Alright lets go in. Want to make some hot coco and eggnog?"

You nodded, grabbing his hand and pulling him back into the house. You pulled off your mittens, boots and socks and walked into the boiler room where they could dry.

"Hey Frank can you grab some wood? I'm gonna start a fire, it's kinda cold" Frank nodded, walking into the room where the wood had been put as you began getting the ingredients for eggnog and hot chocolate.

A moment later Frank walked into living room in his arms he held a few logs of cut, dry wood. He placed them on the hearth and began to collect kindling, starting the fire. "Hey I said I would do that Franky!"

Frank took his gloves off as he walked down the stairs "It's fine! I already had the wood so It's fine"

You pushed the hot coco ingredients to the side knowing it would take less time when you felt a pair of strong arms make their away around your waist and felt someone's chin on your shoulder.

"You got cloves honey. You need nutmeg" He placed a kiss on your cheek, grabbing the cloves and placing them into the spice cabinet, pulling out nutmeg. "Is there a difference?"

"Of course there is! I don't know it but you use nutmeg in eggnog, honey, not cloves." Frank stood next to you, grabbing the carton of eggs. "Can I separate the eggs?" He asked smiling brightly, jumping up and down a little. You smiled up at him, chuckling at his childish antics "Of course you can baby!"

About 10 minutes later you had unusable egg whites with pieces of egg yoke broken into them plus an almost empty carton of eggs. Of course you could just run to the store for more eggs but you had no interest in heading outside during a storm.

"Okay Fraky baby I think maybe I should crack the eggs but you can whip them okay?" He nodded, looking down and backing away from the counter leaving you 5 eggs.

Ones you finished with the eggs you began finishing up the eggnog without any other mishaps. You placed the eggnog into the fridge to let it get cold. You turned to start making the hot coco before Frank stopped you.

"You go put on some soft pajamas I can finish making this!" You went to rebuttal but he had already pushed you into the room you were sharing to let you change. You let out a sigh and pulled on some comfortable clothes along with the hoodie Frank had gotten you.

You walked into the living room and started tending to the fire. You sat down for a moment before you felt a blanket engulf you along with the feeling of being pulled into someone's lap. You felt Frank nuzzle into your neck, smiling.

"Merry Christmas honey"

"Merry Christmas baby"

Will:

-My oh my does this boy love Christmas

-During campfire this boy will sing ALL the Christmas songs

-ALL. OF. THEM.

-He also helps decorate around the camp

-He also really likes picking out Christmas trees

-Wears what he says are "really nice looking" sweaters...because sure they are

-Will also replaces the lollipops from his candy jar with candy canes

-He will scold you if you eat to much cookie dough

-Will also force you, and a bunch of others, to take vitamins during the winter

- "I don't want you getting sick!"

-"Fine I'll take them!"

-"But remember to take them everyday because if you forget to take one day then you'll forget like three days then you'll never take-"

-Kissing him gets him to shut up don't worry

-When he makes eggnog he makes sure that the eggs are pasteurized, so there's no chance of salmonella

-Also this sneaky son of a god will take you to places that he has hung mistletoe to get kisses

-He would definitely get you a music instrument he helped customize

~~~Scenario~~~

You watched pearlescent puffs of smoke left your mouth, fading into the dark sky. You shivered as a cold wind hit, taking another sip of your hot coco.

Chiron rarely let it snow in camp, preferring to keep camp on the nicer side so everyone could train, save from the times he lit it rain. But today was a special occasion, Christmas eve.

You watched as Will stood in front of the camp, with his siblings, singing jingle bell rock a dopy grin on his face. Sure he looked a little tired, he had been working more than normal due to cold and flue season along with helping decorate camp, but over all he looked bright and happy.

You let out a cold sigh, pulling the hoodie Will had given you closer to your body. You stood up heading to the table with more hot coco, the song in the background had changed to some other song.

You were poring yourself another cup of coco when you felt a warm pair of arms around your waist, pulling you flush agents someone's chest. A small chuckle came from your lips as you put down the cup of coco, placing your arms over Wills.

"You feel cold." He placed a kiss on the nape of your neck, nuzzling there for a second before resting his chin on your shoulder. "It's cause it's cold dumb dumb" you ruffled his hair, glancing at him for a moment seeing a small pout on his lips. "You sounded good up there." You said turning around, plopping a handful of marshmallows into your drink.

"Thanks but I got a bit tired, plus I wanted to hang out with my adorable s/o, who I haven't seen all day." He placed a quick kiss on your forehead "You took your vitamins today right? I know you forget sometimes so I just wanted-" you cut him off with a kiss "yes yes mother I took my vitamins."

"Good " he smiled, lacing his fingers with yours, kissing you again "That hot chocolate is good I should get a cup" he turned around, his fingers still with between yours. "Your fingers are really cold." He looked over at you while poring a cup for himself.

"C'mon" he started pulling you towards the infirmary "Why?" He looked at you for a second before sighing and letting out a small chuckle, a smile decorating his face "We're getting you some gloves and an extra coat I left in the infirmary. C'mon"

Will walked ahead of you leading you to the infirmary. The breeze hit you like a knifes, hugging yourself to keep warm. "(Y/n) c'mon. It's really getting cold out" you looked up to see the open door to the infirmary, Will's voice calling from somewhere inside.

You stepped in, closing the door "Where are you?" you asked, dusting off the small bit of snow that you hadn't even noticed to have fallen. "In the back, hold on a sec I'm grabbing two jackets for us."

You sat on a waiting chair for a moment before Will's candy jar, filled with candy canes caught your eye. You smiled, standing up from your seat, quickly grabbing a candy cane and popping it in your mouth.

"Alrighty I got- Hey those aren't for you (n/n). You have already stolen half a jar." Will laughed as he watched you eat the candy cane. "What can I say they're delicious." You flashed him a smile, only to be crushed in a giant coat. "Don't want my sunspot getting cold now do I?"

You pulled the jacket around yourself and watched as Will do the same. He grabbed your hand pulling you out of the infirmary only to stop in the door way.

"Will what is it?" He smiled, pointing up towards a bundle of mistletoe. "Time for a kiss. It's tradition" he smiled brightly, placing his hands on your cheeks. You pouted, crossing your arms "You did that on purpose." Will laughed, pecking you all around your face "hmm maybe but are you gonna complain?

Magnus: -Boy hasn't had a real Christmas in so long

-so when you're like "CHIRSTMAS!!!"

-He's like lowkey uncomfortable

-But he does get over it

-He kinda doesn't like Christmas songs that much

-Mostly because Jack sings them 24/7 for like 2 months straight

-If he hears Jingle bells one more time he will loose it

- "JINGLE BELL-"

-"JACK I SWEAR TO THE GODS IF YOU DON'T STOP"

- "JINGLE BELL JINGLE ALL THE WAY"

-"(Y/N) PLEASE NOT YOU TOO"

-He LOVES hot coco, egg nog, cookies, pretty much any food really

-But he sucks at making them

- "I BURNT IT!"

-"YOU DON'T COOK EGGNOG!?!??!?!"

-ngl Christmas with him will be stressful but hella fun

-He SUCKS at ice skating

-Like this boy has no coordination or center of balance

-Falls every like 5 seconds

-Promise him some hot coco after

-Jack laughs at him after falling so many times

-For a present I think he'd make you matching bracelets with stuff he has collected on the hikes you guys have gone on

-He's saved a few things from each one, for the memories so he makes a bracelet out of them for you

-I'm very series when I say that he straight up cherishes the little things he has saved

~~~Scenario~~~(If you're bad at skating....Shhhh)

You looked over to Magnus to see him struggling with tying the laces of his skates. You let out a chuckle before bending down and swatting his hands away. "How do you suck at tying your laces?" Jack's voice could be heard from above you, Magnus blushed "Shut up! The strings are really long! You don't even know how to tie laces!"

You laugh in amusement, looking over to see a few people watching Magnus in bewilderment. You tapped his shoes indicating you were done and he could stand. You stood up in front of Magnus, waiting for him to join you.

He shakily got up, grabbing onto you for support. "This isn't gonna be some cheesy romance movie scene about ice skating is it?" You laughed only to be cut off my Jack "OoOoOoO If It was I could serenade you to!-"

"NO" you both stumble slightly as Magnus yelled. Rolling your eyes you pulled Magnus towards the ice, stepping on was a bit hard as he refused to let go of you but he eventually let go, replacing you with a wall. "Magnus you have to let g-"

"No way! I'm gonna fall straight on my ass if I let go!" He continued to inch further along the wall as you stood still, watching him. About 3 minute later you got bored and decided it was time to take a lap or two around the ring.

"(Y/N)! Where are you going?" Magnus looked up to see you about 10 feet away from him. You turned around in time to see him fall straight onto his chest. "I was just gonna do a lap or two. I'll be back in a minute enjoy your date with the wall." You winked at him, wiggling you fingers, before skating up ahead more.

During the two laps you did you watch Magnus fall a bunch more times, he did at least try to get off the wall a few times, before fall straight on his ass and hanging to the wall again. You sighed, skating up next to him.

"Give me your hands" He looked up at you shaking his head rapidly like a child "no way I-"

"Oh my GODS Magnus just do it I'm trying to help you!" He pouted at being yelled at for a second then put his hands in yours. You pulled him away from the wall, his legs shook as he tried to stay balanced.

"Bend your legs, yeah like that. Have your feet kinda go diagonal, no the other way" He continued to wobble a little. A few minutes later Magnus was able to stand for a little on his own, he didn't get very far, but he could do it.

"(Y/N)! (Y/N)! LOOK IM DOING IT!" He waved over at you, even though you were a few feet away, causing him to fall. He groaned, rubbing the side of his jaw. You went up to him, bending down to his level. "Oh no Maggie, my baby! Are you okay?"

He pouted again, moving to sit normally. "Maggie?" He didn't move her look at you "If you continue to sit like that your pants are gonna get wet." Magnus's eyes widened before he scrambled trying to stand up, only to fall hard on to his hands, letting out a soft whimper.

"Can we please go get hot coco now?" He stood up more cautiously, nursing his hurt wrist as he leaned agents the wall. Your eyes widened in realization that he was actually hurt. You skated to him, lacing your fingers with his. "Of course we can Maggie. We can even go to that cute little bakery we passed by on our way here and get freshly baked cookies! How does that sound?"

Magnus smiled and kissed you on the cheek "that sounds amazing."

"...can we get falafels after?"

Hearth:

-Again he doesn't really know what Christmas is

-Like he knows around winter people start buying stuff more and he sees trees, being sold but he doesn't understand why

-he's never really asked. Of course he's seen stuff advertised for Christmas so he makes the connection that they are connected

-So when you find out he hasn't had a Christmas like...ever you have to break that

- "here wear this!"

-"Why?"

-"Because it's festive c'mon! "

-You end up dressing him up like one of Santa's elfs and he feels really silly

-He's also lowkey offended when he sees what elf's look like in Santa world

-"This isn't accurate at all. Why are they all so happy and nice?"

-Helps decorate Blitzen's shop and the apartment

-Still doesn't understand the tree though

-"But....why a tree?"

-"I don't know babe but it's festive so come on!"

-He sucks at making cookies, its the sad truth

-He isn't good at picking presents lol

-He'd get you something you had been wanting for a while, a book or something

-Also would ask Blitz to help him make you a matching scarf

~~~~scenario~~~~

You walked into the apartment you shared with your boyfriend and best friend, the bag on your shoulder holding presents for the two. You kicked your shoes off and took of your jacket as you walked into the living room. A box of Christmas decorations was left waiting to be opened as you looked over to see the boys setting up the tree all three of you picked out.

"Hey!" your voice alerted Blitzen who turned around and saw you in the entrance "welcome back how was your shopping?" you sighed, shrugging your shoulders "It was alright I might have found a thing or two." The smile on your face gave away the bluff but Blitz laughed and rolled his eyes, walking into the kitchen to get a drink.

You walked up behind Hearth, hugging him around his middle, barring your face in his back. He tensed up for a second before turning around and seeing you. He smiled and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"Hi sweetheart" he smiled at you, wrapping his arms around your frame and nuzzling your neck. After a few seconds you pulled away from him "Did you guys wait to decorate the tree?" Hearth nodded before pointing at the kitchen. "We also waiting to make cookies."

You turned around in Hearth's arms to see the ingredients of chocolate chip cookies and gingerbread waiting to be prepared. You kissed Hearth on the cheek before tapping his hands to let you go. Reluctantly he agreed letting his hands drop, only for you to grab one and pull him into the kitchen.

~~~time skip because shhhh~~~~

Hind sight you probably shouldn't have left Hearth by himself to make the cookie batter, but It was almost lunch and all three of you were hungry so you and Blitz went out to grab lunch and come back. Maybe on the way you bought Santa hats which delayed you but you didn't think about what could happen!

So Hearthstone stood in front of you, covered in flour, cookie batter in hand, the kitchen somehow relatively clean. Next to you Blitzen looked like he was about to die from laughter as you continued to stair at Hearth, your mouth a gap.

"What happened?" you slowly signed at him, still in slight disbelief. He blushed and put down the bowl , freeing up his hands "You said to follow the instructions, but I didn't know what a teaspoon was and then I spilled the flour on myself." Hearth stared at you for a for more seconds before you took a deep breath and grabbed his hand.

"Hey Blitz can you start up a new batch? I'm gonna get him cleaned up" Blitz nodded, still looking like he was holding in laughter, as you pulled Hearth into your shared room.

"Hearth go take a shower and I'll put your clothes in the wash, I'll also leave out some more clothes to change into alright?" He nodded, blushing deeply still "I'm sorry about ruining the cookies" you laughed, waving him off "No it's alright, Blitz is making a new batch now, just get yourself cleaned up."

You walked into the kitchen and started helping Blitzen make the cookies.

Ten minutes later Hearthstone walked back into the living room area, clad in a Christmas jumper and comfy pants you had set out for him. You walked up to him, kissing him on the cheek "You look cute now come here" he followed you to the kitchen bar stools, where you sat down and held a bit of cookie dough in front of him "You can have some it's really good."

After finishing up rolling out the cookies, and eating more dough then you should have, Blitzen popped them into the oven. You turned to Hearth "We can start decorating the apartment in a few minutes if you want" he nodded, pulling you into his lap, hugging you.

"Do you guys always have to be so lovey dovey?"

"Just wait till I hang mistletoe"

Alex: (I feel like I got Alex's characterization wrong for the scenario so I'm sorry about that :/)

-Alex hasn't really had a 'normal' Christmas even before being kicked out on the streets

-His/her parents were terrible to her/him

-So I doubt Alex has a really good Christmas

-But Alex still really likes the season

-Will do makeup with a green and read theme at least ones

-Also I feel like if there was a ugly sweater party on floor 19 Alex will straight up in a sweater dress that ISN'T ugly

- "Alex the theme was ugly sweater!"

- "I look hot as hell I'm not changing!"

-Never leave Alex alone if you guys make cookies together be s/he will eat ALL of the cookie batter

-You can't even get away with the 'You're gonna get sick!' because...

- "We're both dead"

-Also really loves hot coco

-drinks to much ngl

-and burns his/her tongue

- "Oh no I burned my tongue will you kiss it better" (Did I just use that twice? yes leave me alone)

- Will also hang up mistletoe and makes a big show of it if s/he get's stuck with someone other than you

- "I have to kiss T.J??? Why???? Oh Gods??? WHYY???"

- *T.J. legit just trying to go get lunch* "...But why"

-Will be even more extra if you get stuck with someone else under the mistletoe

-if you do you better hope to the GOD'S it isn't Magnus

- *EL GASP* "(Y/N)!! HOW COULD YOU! I'LL KILL MAGNUS ON THE BATTLE FEILD! YOU HEAR THAT CHASE??"

-Drag him/her away before s/he get's into a real fist fight

-S/he will take you on a slay ride

-Just because I think that Alex is secretly a hopeless romantic

-I could see him/her giving you two gifts

-Just because floor 19 opens gifts together and s/he doesn't want the others to know how whipped s/he is for you

-One gift, the gift s/he gives to you in front of the others, is probably something kinda mundane, a sweatshirt or something

-The one s/he gives you in private is actually really romantic

-It's a locket with a picture of the two of you, both your names in graved

~~~Scenario~~ (he/him pronouns)

The sound of freshly fallen snow crunching under your boots as the sound of bells filled your ears. This place was quite beautiful, the pretty fairy lights strung up, the snow covered trees, the bonfire crackling behind you made you feel quite relaxed. Before you could get lost anymore in thought Alex tapped you on the shoulder.

"Hey where'd you float off to?" You looked over your shoulder to see Alex, two cup of something steaming in his hands, bundled up in warm clothes.

"no where just thinkin'" Alex hummed handing you one of the cups. "Where did you hear about this place Alex?" Alex only smiled, placing a delicate kiss on your cheek. "Why don't we keep that a secret." He winked at you, placing his arms around your waist.

"So you still haven't told me what we're doing here." You looked over your shoulder at him, a playful smile on his lips. He grabbed your hand and started walking towards the cabin that you both had walked through to get to this area.

Ones you both got into the cabin Alex guided you out of the front door where a burly looking man with a white beard stood in front of a wooden sled 6 deer at the front.

You looked over at Alex, mouth a gap, you where about to say something when the man cut you off "Ride for Alex to the frozen pond?"

"Yup!" He smiled brightly popping the p. The man nodded his head, heading to the front of the slay while Alex held your hand, helping you into the slay "my dear your chariot awaits" he said in a mockingly fancy tone. "Alex this is a slay." You laughed while climbing into the seat.

"Oh hush I'm trying to be romantic!" He climbed in next to you, cuddling into your side. You sat there for a few seconds before the slay began moving, almost sending you forward, only for Alex to grab you around your waist and pulling you towards him.

"You really are a klutz huh?" He laughed, rubbing his nose agents the side of his face. "Oh shut it" you smacked his hand causing him to laugh. After a few moments the slay went into a trail in the woods decorated with lights and ice sculptures, the freshly fallen snow decorating the trees.

You looked at the scenery in amazement "Alex isn't this so breath taking!" You smiled pointing at the tree that looked like it had ice drops hanging from the leaves. "Yeah it is" his voice sounded airy a light, you didn't even notice he wasn't looking at the forest.

~~~haha look another time skip~~~

The sun was already setting as the slay slowed down stopping at a clearing in front of a frozen over pond, a hot fire crackling with benches that looked freshly cut from wood.

Alex hopped out the side, holding his hand out to help you down. He scurried over to the fire, taking a log bench that was a bit more secluded yet still kept warm by the fire. "Other people will be here later but I wanted to be here first!"

You nodded at him, slipping your hand in is, bringing both your hands into your pocket. You leaned your head on his shoulder and began talking about random things a book you were reading, a new pot Alex was planning on making, killing your floor mates. That is until an interesting topic came up.

"What do you mean this is like your first 'real' Christmas?" You looked at Alex as he shuffled closer to you "Well I never really had a 'real' Christmas back with my family, then I was on the streets and everything and since being in Valhalla we've been kinda busy"

You looked at him shocked "If you told me I would have gotten you something more special!" He waved you off, kissing you on the cheek. "No no it's fine really." He pulled his hand away from yours, moving them to your face.

"I'm just happy to spend my first 'real' Christmas with you."

#Lillis writings #percy jackson x reader #Jason Grace x reader #leo valdez x reader #frank zhang x reader #will solace x reader #Magnus chase x reader #Hearthstone x reader #Alex Fierro x reader #Heros of olympus x reader #percy jackson imagine #Heros of olympus imagine

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seasonal-shifts-au-fanartfunart · 4 years

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Father Christmas-Father Winter

We interrupt our regularly scheduled asks for a Christmas fic because A) inspiration from one of @marvelfangeek09‘s comments: #also i know youre joking but i have NO DOUBT that patton dressed up as santa and magicked a bunch of presents into peoples houses and B) I literally got kinda excited about the Tiniest little inch of snow on the ground this morning. and I’m gonna call this my summery.

Words: 1590~

Warnings: Look. Everything Winter!Patton related tends to get a bit melancholy at the end, I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I promise, this was supposed to just be cute and fluffy. Tell me if there’s anything I need to note.

Patton knew Good ‘Ol Saint Nick. He even still had the little cloak the man had given him. It was obviously too small for him to wear now, but, he still kept it in his room. (He knew exactly where it was too, it was folded neatly in a keepsake chest that he’d decorated to mimic a wrapped present with a little bow). Either way- Patton knew Saint Nicolas, so he didn’t mind that the little presents got attributed to him now. Besides, if he let everybody know it was him, the whole thing wouldn’t be half as rewarding or fun.

He did, however, miss when kids asked for things he could like... actually make.

“What even IS that,” He whispered, staring at the letter. “Ok, ok- um, maybe she’ll like... maybe a rocking horse? ah- no that’d be too big, I don’t think the parents would forget that- A doll is always a safe bet-”

“Santa?”

Patton stiffened. This is what he gets for talking to himself. Patton turned, smiling at the little girl as he leaned down to her level. “Hello little miss- uh-” he spared a glance to the letter, “Miss Jemima, is it? Whatever are you doing up?”

She tilted her head, “You’re younger than I thought.”

Patton smiled, nose crinkling as he restrained a laugh, “No kiddo, I’m just older than I look. I’m a good several thousand years old you know.”

The girl grasped his cheeks and pushed his cheeks up so it made crinkles around his eyes. She nodded decisively, “Ok.”

Patton laughed and pulled his face out of the child’s hands, “It’s very late, Miss Jemima, I’d think you’d be asleep.”

“The bells woke me up.” Jemima said, eyes fixed on the small set of bells that adorned the red outfit Patton wore (despite the fact that red was more Roman’s color than his).

She gasped, “Where’s the reindeer?”

Patton’s eyes widened. As much as he liked to indulge the imaginations of the world, he was not about to use all his energy to take flying reindeer of all things around a global trip. He just blipped across the world like he did normally. But- He pointed to the roof, and ever so slightly dropped the intimidate temperature so the wood in the roof of the house creaked. Close enough to the sound of the shuffle of hooves above them.

The look of wonder in the child’s eyes was worth it. She hopped, exclaiming ‘oh!’ a few times, and raced into another room before running back in with a couple of carrots and a few cookies. “For the reindeer! And for you!”

Patton shook his head, “Oh, oh, I don’t- I don’t need anything, kiddo, I’ve got all I need-”

Jemima frowned, “But-” She raised her collection towards him, practically pouting.

Patton sighed, shoulders falling, “Ok, ok. Just one cookie though, ok?”

“Are you suuure?”

Patton bobbed a little before shaking his head, “I am feeling a little dangerous-” She tilted her head and Patton extended a hand, “Alright, I’ll take a second cookie.”

The girl dumped the carrots into his hands and then topped the pile with two cookies. Patton laughed. “Thank you very much, little miss.”

In a gentle motion, he sent the collection back home- hopefully Logan or Roman could figure out a way to use the carrots-, after snatching one of the cookies from the pile.

He glanced down at the girl’s letter as she looked at him with wonder in her eyes. He glanced back up, “Now, um, I don’t have what you asked for, and I apologize for that, but, is there something else you’d really like?”

Jemima shook her head. She looked down at her feet before gasping, “Wait, can you make it snow?”

Patton startled, blinking. “Can I- what?”

“I wanna be able to play in the snow! That way it can be a ‘White Christmas’! I haven’t had one before! Can you make it snow?”

Patton glanced out the window. He could change up the usual weather plan, just this once... Patton smiled, “I can most certainly do that, kiddo. Anything else, at all?”

She shook her head.

Patton nodded, “Alrighty then, one White Christmas for one Miss Jemima.” He opened his palm a sparkle of frost coating the glove as he summoned a small snowflake. Jemima clasped her hands around the flake, melting on her palm as she opened her hand to look. Patton giggled.

“Look outside.” Patton directed.

Jemima raced to the window, as she looked out to the sky, the gentle flutter of snow curling through the sky.

He took a bite of his gifted (now incidentally frozen) cookie as he stood up, watching the girl’s amazement. He glanced down at his feet, and nodded to himself, and stepped backwards into the doorway back home.

“Thank you S-” Jemima turned, looking up to find her Santa Claus missing. Jemima glanced down at the floor, a light layer of slowly melting frost that curled from around a pair of boot-prints. The only proof he’d been there at all.

Roman probably shouldn’t be in Patton’s Room. Snowdrops seemed to follow him as he walked through the snowy room, and he half wondered if his presence would somehow hurt Patton.

Roman rubbed his arms. He just needed to find something... He’d be in and out and- Ok. He just... missed Patton. He can admit that. The idea was simple. Patton kept so many things, especially from the humans he’d befriend, and it helped him when he could no longer see them so, maybe something of Patton’s would help him.

That said, he was usually only in Patton’s room with Patton. It felt a little weird to be here alone. He eventually found the main portion of his room, Patton’s bed was blanketed (ha, pun.) with a layer of snow, untouched. Roman glanced down to the foot of the bed to see a small wooden chest. He’d seen Patton take out extra blankets from that before. Patton wouldn’t mind if he borrowed a blanket. He’d bring it back later.... after his own room stopped being cold. How did Patton ever sleep in this cold of a room?

Roman brushed the layer of snow off the chest, and let out a soft laugh as he discovered it looked a bit like a Christmas present. Roman undid the latch and lifted the lid, glancing over the contents.

Roman tugged out the largest of the blankets inside, pressing the soft fabric against his face. The blanket smelled almost overwhelmingly of pine and spruce, likely from being in the wooden chest so long, coco, and a faint hint of some spice- maybe cinnamon? Whatever it was, it was familiar. And vaguely comforting. Roman let out a soft breath and wrapped the blanket around his shoulders. Yes, Patton wouldn’t mind if he took it for now. He’d give it back when Patton came home. (Because Patton would come home. He just would....right?)

Roman moved to put the chest’s lid back, but- Was that the old cloak Patton wore during the 4th Century?

Roman dusted off the garment, most of the color seemed to have faded, having once been a pretty red. Patton always looked pretty good in red, in his opinion. (Although, he also just liked that color a lot, so maybe he was biased.) It was so much smaller than he remembered. Heavens, how old were they all during the 4th Century? Patton had to be maybe 10 in human terms? He ran his fingers over the cloak and glanced at what it had rested above-

“Oh.” Roman rested the old cloak atop one of the other blankets in the chest, looking over one of many letters, neatly folded. He pulled out one of them.

“Dear Santa Claws,

How are you? I hope you’re good!! I didn’t get to say thank you for the snow last year! Me and my friends made bunches of snowmen, and Papa took me out to go sledding! If you can, I think it’d be really nice to see more snow this year too. One of my friends said they don’t get Santa, they have a bunch of candles though. Do you do something else for them? Oh, and, Mama said that I probably didn’t get what I wanted last year because you didn’t know what it was! Sorry! This year I think just a fluffy puppy stuffy would be good!! With the spots! And if you can’t get one, I don’t mind! I think more snow would be just great. Or... maybe a bell, if you have extra? They were really pretty. Thank you! I’m gonna set out more cookies and food for the reindeer this year, I hope that’s ok. Oh! And what’s their names?! Give them hugs for me!

Thank you!

Jemima”

The letter was signed with a little heart at the end of the child’s name. Roman glanced over the other letters and laughed, “Oh, of course you’re Santa.”

Roman frowned, folding the letter and replacing it. He covered them again with the cloak and he shuffled through the rest of the chest. He eventually uncovered a red outfit, more fit to an older Patton.

Roman tugged on the blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He leaned his cheek against the blanket, “When did you stop being Santa, too?” Roman whispered.

Roman glanced over his shoulder towards the door from Patton’s Room. He let out a huff, “Dear Christmas Roses... Well... I do look good in red.”

#This is totally unedited but IDC #Season!Sides #Winter!Patton #Spring!Roman #Roman Sanders #Patton Sanders #fanfic #writing #Seasonal Shifts au

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letterboxd · 4 years

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How I Letterboxd #1: Lise

In this first instalment of a new feature, long-time member Lise, of Canada, answers our questions about how she uses Letterboxd, and why you should join her March Around the World challenge.

Hi Lise! How long have you been on Letterboxd? Lise: TV was still in black and white.

What do you mainly use Letterboxd for? Just a diary? Long reviews or shorter takes? Hilarious lists, or very f—king serious director rankings don’t @ me? I use the whole shebang: diary, reviews, ratings, watchlist, comments and lists, lots of lists. But mostly I use Letterboxd to keep track of when Jonathan is out to lunch (shameless plug for my He Says She Says list).

Do you rate films? Absolutely. I rely on ratings to add stuff to my watchlist, and I rate to let others know if I liked the film. I don’t read reviews for films I haven’t seen, so without user ratings I’d be snookered.

Tell us about your March Around The World challenge, in which Letterboxd members sign up to watch and review 30 films from 30 different countries during the month of March. How did it come about, and what’s involved? I took over the challenge from Berken, who created it and hosted it for the first year. I thought it was a brilliant way to explore the world on the cheap. The review component is important because it expands Letterboxd’s database, especially for under-seen films. It’s been a great success. Many participants like to create lists, and if they can’t watch them all in March they go at it for the rest of the year, which is great. The most important rule about the challenge is to forget the rules and watch international films during the month.

Still from Djibril Diop Mambéty’s ‘Touki Bouki’ (1973).

What are some of the interesting statistics you’ve noticed from your Marches Around the World? I consolidated all of the spreadsheets I’ve created for each challenge, and there were some surprises. The most viewed film is Touki-Bouki from Senegal (average rating of 3.7). Less surprising is that our most-viewed director is Ingmar Bergman (although I was happy to see Aki Kaurismäki from Finland in second place). The most-viewed countries are France, Japan and South Korea. Another surprise, the best decade is the 1920s (with the 1950s in a close second).

How has March Around the World enhanced your life? I’m not the sentimental type but when we get a new participant in the challenge I get the warm and fuzzies. If the genie were out of the bottle I would request that all overcome the ‘one-inch barrier’ (subtitles). Watching films ‘from away’, as our East Coasters would say, is one of the simplest ways to combat fears and/or prejudices about other peoples/nations/ways of life that we often don’t realize we have. Every time we identify or root for someone who is ‘other’ it chips away at the walls, and as Maya Angelou has said so eloquently, we discover that “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike”.

What are the responsibilities involved in hosting a Letterboxd challenge? It doesn’t have to be complicated. A challenge can be as simple as “watch ten films from your watchlist this month”. It’s all about tags. Define a tag, have people add it to their films and their lists, and then you can easily search for and filter those tags. Easy peasy. Mine is a bit more challenging because it has so many requirements, but thanks to some fantastic Letterboxders who volunteer to help with my spreadsheet (you know who you are), it all gets done in a timely manner.

How do you find the time to watch all those films in a single month?! Jonathan and I have never completed the challenge! Our best year was around 26. That year we got up earlier in the morning and watched the films with coffee, before going to work. That was the best. Nice and fresh and open to anything. Bonus is that we got to think about the film all day and the review-writing in the evening was easier. If it were up to me that’s the way I would watch films all the time.

What other challenges have you taken part in, and how have they enhanced your experience of watching films? Back in the day everyone was making a list tagged with List of Shame that you filled with all those “You seriously haven’t seen that yet?!” films. I’m still chipping away at it, but of course for every film you watch there are ten more you have to see. To help with the List of Shame I participated in Mr Dulac’s 5×5 series, where you selected five films from five directors and watched them at your leisure. It was a great way to complete filmographies. I still go to that list when selecting a film to watch.

Wong Kar-Wai’s ‘In The Mood for Love’ (2000).

What are your four favorites on your Letterboxd profile, and why? In the Mood for Love, because forbidden love is the saddest thing ever, and I could watch Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung go up and down those noodle-shop stairs all day long. The Thin Red Line, because it provides a great sense of place and it’s about the soldiers, not the war. Whispering Star because it is so quiet and touching.

I keep my fourth slot open for a rotating new favorite film that I want everyone to see. I could change these for a different set, but, oh, who am I kidding. I always feel terrible at the thought of ‘demoting’ a film.

What is your favorite or most useful feature? The watchlist, filtered by service. It is my dream-come-true feature. I sort by genre, hide short films, select ‘Stream only’ and ta-da! A list of films I’ve been meaning to see that are available to stream. (Now if only I could do the same for films that I own!) [Editor’s note: filtering by your own personal set of streaming services is a Pro feature.]

What’s a movie you’ve done a 180 on because of other Letterboxd members’ opinions? Great question. Memories of Murder is one of them for sure. I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was when I first saw it, but so many of my friends gave it five stars that I watched it again and understood. And just this week, Moaning_Slug posted an interesting comment on my review of Buñuel’s Viridiana that actually makes me want to take another look.

What’s a movie you’ve really had to dig in on your feelings about, despite what everyone else on Letterboxd thinks? I am not easily bothered by or influenced by others when it comes to the films I love or despise. I seriously disliked Her and Boyhood and pretty much anything by Wes Anderson and all the high ratings have zero effect on me. The technical prowess of a film would never be something that could change my mind (here’s looking at you John Wick: Chapter 2 and 3). What would make me take a second look is if someone were able to point out that I missed something about what the film was saying. I’ve yet to review Jojo Rabbit because while I think poking fun at someone who aspires to dictatorship might actually prevent it from happening, I don’t know what to make of it when it’s making light of a historical or current [aspiring dictator]. Reading reviews about this could definitely influence my take on the film.

Colin Firth in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995).

What’s your go-to comfort movie? The one with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, the one with Chris Pratt and the talking ‘rat’, and the one with Tony Leung as badge No. 663 starring the Mamas and the Papas.

If and when you go to the cinema, where do you prefer to sit? Behind the shortest person in the room, near the back (I hate looking up—it’s a neck thing).

You’re Canadian. What’s the best Canadian film of all time? South of Wawa, about a donut-shop waitress who receives tickets to a Dan Hill concert in Toronto for her 35th birthday. Okay, so it’s not the “greatest film of all time” but it is my favorite, and it’s got the best last line ever!

These are the Canadian films I’ve seen in order of preference, this is a substantial list of Quebec films and [Letterboxd member] puffin has an extensive Canadian films list (stops at 2018). And I must mention these NFB short classics: The Cat Came Back, The Sweater and one of the most beautifully animated shorts, The Man Who Planted Trees.

When Parasite won Best Picture, what was the reaction in your household? We tested the bounce on our floor boards at Best Director. We tested the bounce on the ceiling boards at Best Picture.

Please recommend three other Letterboxd members we should follow. I can’t count, so here goes. I think everyone should follow Punq for the sheer number of films he watches and reviews, but mostly because I don’t think there is a film made before the 60s that he hasn’t seen. Graham Williamson is a good bet as well. His tastes are eclectic and his reviews are always packed with good observations and information. And I also have to recommend fellow Canuck puffin. I don’t know how he manages to watch so many films and review them. I always enjoy reading Melissa Tamminga, who asks questions and is very thoughtful in her reviews, and I have a soft spot for Peter H, who again personalizes his reviews. Nepotism be damned, Jonathan White always writes honest, interesting and personal reviews.

You also round up Letterboxd members who attend TIFF each year—what’s been a good thing about meeting Letterboxd people in real life? It’s great! Without naming names, I discovered that I could drink a 6'2" Norwegian under the table; a particular New Yorker is so stingy with his ratings that when he gives anything beyond three and a half stars you just have to watch the film; and a New Zealander personally knows anyone who is anyone in the industry over there and can give you all the dirt! Whenever we consider not doing TIFF we are always reminded that it would involve missing our Wednesday meet-up (as well as most other nights where we undoubtedly meet up for beer and film-related arguments), and we easily change our minds.

P.S. In the spirit of connecting Letterboxders… before the TIFF list I thought it would be good idea to create a ‘Letterboxd in [insert City]’ list, Toronto being the first one. It took off, and many users from different parts of the world created lists for their cities; the tag is letterboxdcity.

The March Around the World challenge starts 1 March 2020. Tag your list with ‘30 countries 2020’ and it’ll be added here.

#letterboxd #how i letterboxd #letterboxd tips #letterboxd member #cinephile #film lover #canadian cinema #how to use letterboxd #how to get started on letterboxd #film diary #film watchlist #film reviewer #film reviews #female film reviewer #female film critic

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itspixelberrychoicestime · 6 years

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A date with a Ghost (HoBM x TF) pt. 3

Book(s): The Freshmore Series x Haunting of Braidwood Manor

Summary: After My Classmate’s (Ghostly) Girlfriend, Hannah (HOBM MC) and Eleanor decided to have a double date with Kaitlyn and Emily (TF MC). And things get weird.| While going through a walkthrough of the Hall of Mirrors, Eleanor’s past takes a reflection. (Edited)

Rating: T

Genre: Crossover

Paring(s): Kaitlyn x TF MC, Eleanor x HOBM MC

Tags: @kennaxval @almogchoices @jbzxls @brooke-1515 @mfackenthal @helentwombly

Notes: PLEASE COMMENT/ REBLOG/ DM ME IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED IN FUTURE STORIES!!

WARNING: THERE IS A SMALL REFERENCE OF SEXUAL CONTENT, BUT NOT TO THE POINT WHERE IS CONSIDERED NSFW. THERE WILL BE MENTIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH SUCH AS PTSD, ABUSE AND MURDER.

Parts: 1, 2, 3 (You are here!), 4, 5, 6, 7

“That sound fun.” Eleanor took Kaitlyn’s suggestion to check out the Hall of Mirrors.

Kaitlyn locked her arm around Emily’s and ran to the attraction. “C’mon, let’s go!”

“Ah! Slow down!” Emily cried.

Hannah and Eleanor looked at each other and laughed. It was funny to see Kaitlyn was the energetic and would do anything for the sake of fun and Emily being the one who takes everything one by one. They joined with them.

The Hall of Mirrors’ exterior was black and purple building. The sign was in yellow with a funky font.

“It looks smaller than I thought.” Hannah commented.

“I heard it’s bigger in the inside.” Kaitlyn replied. The girls submit their tickets get inside.

Inside the Hall of Mirrors was massive. Though many people believe any Hall of Mirrors would have body size mirrors and different shapes of them at a number of places, but in case almost every mirror was attached on walls and ceiling.

Emily whistled, “Wow!”

Hannah nodded, “I guess I underestimated it.”

Kaitlyn smirked. “Bet Em and I get out first before you guys.” Emily rolled her eyes. “Kait...”

Hannah crossed her arms, playing along. “Oh, really?”

Kaitlyn chuckled, “Really. Race you to the end!” Kaitlyn took a fast pace while Emily sighed and went to catch up with her.

Hannah shrugged and took Eleanor’s hands, and took their time.

If there was one thing the girls didn’t take note about the attraction, it was made to be a maze. While Kaitlyn and Emily were wherever, Hannah and Eleanor were struggling to find directions after turns and hitting dead ends.

“Okay... This might take a while.” Hannah sighed in annoyance.

“Hannah, are mazes suppose to take long to get out of?” Eleanor asked. Her hands were getting clammed up against Hannah’s.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Maybe it’s just nerves.”

“Don’t worry, I got you.” Hannah kissed Eleanor and she kissed her back. Hannah pinned her to one of the mirrors and engaged in making out. Eleanor took her in as her hands were running through Hannah’s hair. In their session, Hannah kissed her on the lips, down to her neck while she ran her hand up Eleanor’s skirt.

Eleanor pulled away, blushed, and laughed. “Now I feel better.” She spotted Kaitlyn and Emily in one of the halls. “There they are!”

Hannah turned and grabbed Eleanor’s hand. “Let’s go!” The girls were on the search to find a way out. With the turns, in each direction, Eleanor was losing her grip from Hannah’s hand. When they let go of each other, Hannah was ahead, yelling Eleanor to hurry up.

She lost Hannah in their chase. Eleanor was searching for Hannah. She made turns around the halls but no luck. The feeling of a sharp pain in her head, Eleanor tried easing it by rubbing her temples.

Somehow, she remember something. In her blurry, Eleanor could make out to notice that she was in a room with her family.

“Wha...?” She questioned herself. The pain kicked in once again.

-----------------------

Eleanor in her teens, was in the family room with her family. She was awing her newborn baby brother Simon in his mother’s arms. Clarissa was getting writing lessons from her father William while he was teaching Thomas the piano.

“Very good, Clarissa.” William commented her writing, “You’ll be an excellent writer in no time.”

“Thank you papa!” She smiled.

Thomas was four years old at the time. He was sitting by the piano and began to play random keys. William sat next to his son and played a piece. Thomas’ face lit up.

“Did you like it?” William asked him. Thomas nodded excitingly. “Hopefully soon, you could play the piano as well.”

Rose began to craddle Simon soothingly as he was about to go to sleep. Eleanor gave a small smile towards her baby brother, “May I hold him, mumma?”

“Of course sweetie.” She slowly pass the baby off to the oldest. “Hold his head.”

“I will. He’s so tiny.” Eleanor grinned.

--------------

Eleanor snapped out of it.

In her mind, Eleanor tried to shake the memory of her past life. She clutched her head and repeated, “It’s all in your head.” to herself.

Eleanor yelped a pain in her head as she remembered the day she and her siblings were murdered.

-------------

Clarissa was in her bedroom, showing signs of the flu. It hurt Eleanor to see her little sister in pain. Everything was no better. Thomas was vomiting in his bedroom and Simon was crying due to stomach pains. They got ill right after Rose served them some hot cocoa.

Ever since William went to war, Rose made sure her children didn’t go outside. Although she was a small woman, Rose had a fury which many wouldn’t go near. . One time, Simon tried to leave as he wanted catch insects, but Rose made an attempt to hit him from going outside if it wasn’t for Eleanor intercepting.

Eleanor was taking care of her siblings, she had to check on them but was hurt to see their health get worse. Rose was pacing back and forth in the parlor. She was muttering nonsense and she tried to get a grip of what she had done.

“Mother.”

Rose turned to see Eleanor as she was going on her way out.

“What are you doing?” Rose spoke.

“I’m going to the doctors, maybe someone could help us by giving us medicine.”

“Why would you want to that?”

Eleanor was bewildered of her reaction. “Excuse me? My siblings- your children are in their room, suffering from the flu. I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing all day.” As she was about to leave, Rose grabbed her wrist tightly.

“Mother, what’re you doing?! Let go!”

Rose took her to the kitchen. “Daughter- let me make you some hot cocoa.”

Before Eleanor could protest, Rose dragged her to the kitchen and forced her to sit down. Rose began to make her the hot beverage. Eleanor grew frustrated.

“Mother, I don’t want hot cocoa-”

Rose put the hot beverage in front of Eleanor. Eleanor pushed the drink away from her and got up from her chair.

“Eleanor... don’t fight with me.” Rose drop her voice to a harsh whisper.

“Mother, stop.” Eleanor retorted. “I am over here, trying to take care of my siblings who are ill while their mother has done nothing.”

Rose slapped her. Eleanor eased her cheek from the sting. Rose yelled, “DON’T YOU DARE JUDGE ME AS A MOTHER! HOW DARE YOU?”

There was crash upstairs. Eleanor hurried upstairs and found Thomas in the hallway. He was on the floor beside a broken vase. He groaned in pain and cried, “Eleanor...”

“Thomas!” She ran and picked him up. “You shouldn’t be out here.” She took him to his bedroom. As soon as she tucked her younger brother in bed, she made extra precaution he wouldn’t get up by setting extra blankets on him.

Eleanor got in eye contact with Thomas and rested her hand on his head to determine his temperature.

“Elean...”

She shushed him. “Thomas, don’t worry- I’ll be going to the Doctors to get you all medicine.”

She got up and turned to walk away until Thomas grabbed her hand.

“Eleanor... Clarissa isn’t waking up...”

Eleanor’s face turned white. “Stay here.” She told him. Eleanor rushed to Clarissa’s bedroom where she spotted Clarissa on her bed. Clarissa was pale. Eleanor placed a hand on her head and felt coldness from her younger sister. She feared the worst. Clarissa’s dead.

Eleanor cried as she began to pray.

Rose came into the room and placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. Eleanor looked to see her mother’s emotionless face. “Mother-”

“Eleanor. There was no option. They weren’t getting any better.”

“What?” She whispered.

“How could you say that?” Eleanor got up to face her mother. Rose walked away from the room without saying a word.

Eleanor chased her mother to the kitchen. Once she found her there, Rose was reheating the hot cocoa Eleanor was suppose to drink. “Mother!”

“Yes?”

“What on Earth did you say that?”

“Darling, please drink your hot cocoa.” Rose handed her the drink.

“No!” Eleanor pushed the drink, which fell onto the floor, breaking the cup.

Rose got into her face. “I have done everything in my power to keep you all from the outside after your father died. The world is horrifying, and this was the only choice.”

Eleanor realized something. The hot cocoa. Her siblings going ill. Eleanor’s face grew pale. They weren’t sick because of the flu. She slowly backed away from her mother until she was able to run away. She went upstairs to grab her belongings and made her way to stop into her brothers’ rooms.

In Thomas’ room, Eleanor made sure he was still alive. When she touched his forehead, it was starting to get cold. She moved onto Simon’s bedroom to see him whimpering in pain.

“Mama...”

“Don’t worry Simon, I’m on way to help you and your brother. Just hold on.” She kissed on the forehead and left to find her mother in the hallway with a broken piece of vase.

Rose lunged at her with the piece pointing at her, and screamed. “I WILL NOT LET YOU GO!”

Eleanor dodged and she dashed her way out of the room. With Rose right behind her, she grabbed her braided ponytail. Eleanor fell abruptly on floor with Rose clutching her hair in her fist. Rose looked down on her daughter with such anger. She pulled Eleanor up by the hair and tightened her fist around the ponytail.

“Mumma-”

Eleanor felt a sharp cut on her throat. Her breath escaped as she fell onto the floor, just outside her siblings’ rooms.

--------------------

Eleanor fell onto the floor. She got up to her knees, covered her mouth with both hands and sobbed.

“EL?!” Hannah called out somewhere in the hall.

Eleanor began to choke up even more. She felt drowning as her cries continued more.

“Oh my god El!” Hannah found her on the floor. She held her and shushed. “Shh, you’re fine, you’re fine...”

A teen in work attire walked into the hall. They spotted the girlfriends. “Do you guys need help?”

Hannah looked up to the teen and nodded. The teen immediately turned all the lights on. They offered their hand, “If you two could come with me.” Eleanor looked at Hannah and nodded. She partly covered her face from anyone who was in the hall to avoid any embarrassment. She muttered a “sorry.”

The teen opened the nearest emergency exit and escorted them out. The teen then sat Hannah and Eleanor down on the nearest bench.

Kaitlyn and Emily ran towards them. “Eleanor, are you okay?” Emily concerned.

Hannah replied, “She’s not hurt, but she’s okay.” Meanwhile, Eleanor was gaining her composure from the incident.

The teen kneed down to Eleanor’s level. “Just take a deep breath.” Eleanor did her best as she inhaled and exhaled. “Good, Let’s do that again,” The teen grinned. Eleanor repeated.

Hannah rubbed her back. “El, you’re doing great. How do you feel?”

Eleanor exhaled, “A bit better.”

“Do you need paramedics?” The teen asked.

Eleanor shook her head. “I think I’ll be okay.”

The teen gave a small smile. “If you need anything, my name’s Jordan. You’ll probably find me around here.” Jordan got up and left to resume their work.

“I’m so sorry you guys, I didn’t know this would happen,” Kaitlyn frowned.

Eleanor’s head shot up. “No! I’m fine, I think it was the overwhelming that got to me after being lost in the hall.”

Hannah put her hand on top of her girlfriend’s and kissed her forehead. “Thank goodness you’re okay.”

“I think we should walk for a while.” Emily suggested. The four walked to wherever as the fair was still going on. Hannah and Eleanor were so behind the other pair.

“El, what happened?” She spoke softly.

“I don’t know, I was having fun at first, but I somehow remember the day when mother and father brought Simon home after his birth.”

Hannah cocked her eyebrow.

Eleanor continued. “Then I had another one.”

“What?” Hannah asked, confused.

“It was about... my death.”

Hannah froze. “Are you serious?”

“Yes Hannah, I am. I don’t know how it happened, but...” Eleanor sighed. “I felt awful about it.”

“About you enjoying this?”

Eleanor nodded, “I suppose so. I know you told me my mother couldn’t hurt me anymore, but I think somehow she got the best of me.”

Hannah frowned. She hated Rose for what she did to her daughter and her other children. Hannah couldn’t bear seeing Clarissa, Thomas, and god forbid Simon in this position.

Kaitlyn and Emily were no different of what the other girls were talking about.

“I’m worried about Eleanor.” Emily stated.

“Not gonna lie, same here. What happened over there?” Kaitlyn agreed. Emily shrugged, “Who knows.”

Emily turned around to face Hannah and Eleanor. “Would you guys be down to get something to eat?”

Hannah looked at Eleanor, who nodded.

--------------

When they found a place to eat, Kaitlyn and Emily decided to order the food while the others found a place to sit.

in the food order line, Emily was eyeing on Eleanor as she was chatting with Hannah. “Hey babe.”

“Hm?” Kaitlyn acknowledged.

“Don’t you think this feels a bit off?”

“I, uh, what do you mean?”

Emily sighed, “Last time we saw them, they are all happy and cute, but now they’ve been acting weird.”

“Okay, I get what you mean, but I think the guys were right- it’s probably all the stress of the house. And besides, I think it’s something they have to deal with.”

“I dunno. Did Hannah ever told you anything about Eleanor when they got together?”

Kaitlyn shook her head. “I just thought they had classes together or something.”

They spotted the girls who were sitting together.

“Oh man, I’m so starving!” Hannah cried. The four ate their lunch as the fair still keeps going. The sun was about to set as Eleanor took it all in.

“You okay?” Emily asked Eleanor.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine. I just like seeing the sunset.”

The rest of the girls looked as well. “Oh yeah,” Kaitlyn agreed.

“It’s so nice.” Emily commented.

“Definitely!” Hannah said.

Kaitlyn put her arm around Emily, who put her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder. Hannah and Eleanor hold each other hands, their fingers interlocking. The sun has set.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen the sun set.” Eleanor said. They resumed eating their lunch.

Out of curiosity, Emily decided to ask a question to the other pair.

“So, how did you two meet?”

#playchoices #the haunting of braidwood manor #the freshmore #kaitlyn x mc #mc x eleanor #what is this? a crossover episode?#tw: murder #tw: mental disorder #tw: ptsd #TW: Abuse

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rather-impertinent · 6 years

Text

New Beginnings

A/N: for anon, who requested some Enys family fluff, which I think is much needed! I hope you enjoy it, friends! You can also read it on AO3 here. Let me know what you think! xo

It had been four years since Sarah passed, and though the wound had begun to heal, it had left an indisputable scar on them. One which neither of them was particularly keen to rupture.

However, when they had returned from their long-overdue honeymoon in Edinburgh in September 1801, Caroline had apprehensively informed Dwight that she believed was with child. The strongest emotion they both felt was fear, initially, but they had ultimately both agreed it was time to set the past to one side - though not to forget Sarah, never that. But it was time to look to the future, and they must try to appreciate the blue in the sky, and not lament the lingering grey cloud that loomed over them threatening to spoil what they had, as it once almost did. One should not cling to what has passed and forget to enjoy what is.

Sophie was born in spring with all the difficulty of Sarah; Caroline had an exceedingly long and agonising labour, and Dwight had privately despaired that she would likely not have the strength when the time came to deliver the child. But all had come well in the end, and Sophie was the very spitting image of her mother, to Dwight’s eternal delight.

“I must bear you a son who is the very image of you in return,” Caroline had teased one morning as Dwight encouraged Sophie to move her little feet from the chair she held herself up on over to where Dwight was crouched with his arms outstretched. “How odious it is to be forced to look at a mini version of oneself every day!” Despite her claim, she loved Sophie very much - too much, she thought, knowing the dangers of such strong attachments. To Nanny’s endless frustration, no doubt, Caroline spent much time with the child - doting on her, singing to her, dressing her, even changing her. For all of her claims to Dwight that she was never meant to be a mother, Dwight did not know of a better or more caring one.

They spent much time together and enjoyed their family time immensely, often extending invitations for all of the Poldarks to join them at Killewarren for luncheon or a picnic in the woods. On Sundays, they would walk the length of the beach in place of attending church. It was a quiet and peaceable life that the three Enyses and an ageing Horace enjoyed in their small corner of Cornwall.

That is why, one bright, autumn morning, Dwight had uncharacteristically very near collapsed onto the bed when Caroline broke the news that she was once again with child, as she cradled five-month-old Sophie in arms.

“So soon? Are you sure?” His eyes were wide and his lips slack. His eyes lingered over his wife’s form, desperately searching for any indication that she spoke the truth.

Caroline shot him a look. “Quite sure, Dr Enys,” she insisted, a note of panic in her voice as she bounced a wailing Sophie up and down softly. “Oh, Dwight, how could this happen? How is it we could have no children for three years and then two in such quick succession?” It was all so overwhelming. She had barely gotten used to being a mother again, and soon she would have two children to care for!

Dwight got up and wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter, his apprehension dissipating as his face broke into a grin. “How very blessed we are, my love.” He kissed Caroline’s forehead and took a disgruntled Sophie from her, who instantly calmed as she sensed her father’s soothing energy and calm demeanour.

Caroline’s mouth twitched. “That’s easy for you to say, Dr Enys! I have yet to recover from the ordeal of bringing Madam mayhem here into the world.” She smiled fondly at her daughter, who, in Caroline’s mind, was worth every second of the unbearable agony.

“I have yet to recover also!” He laughed, though a shiver travelled up his spine as he thought of how close she had been to The Valley of Death. He wondered if she was aware of that.

Caroline took Sophie’s hand and waved it gently, looking up at her husband from beneath her long eyelashes. “Shall you cry again?” she teased her husband with a grin. He controlled a smile and rolled his eyes at her. “Papa does fuss terribly over us, my angel,” she murmured, smiling affectionately at them both.

On a sunny day in February, their third child - another girl! - was born with blessed ease and swiftness. Dwight had very near danced a jig as he informed his two dearest friends - Ross and Demelza, who waited patiently in the small library with their own children - that there was another Enys girl. Caroline had privately been initially disappointed not to have borne a mini Dwight, though soft brown hair covered the crown of the youngest girl’s head and her eyes were kind and as blue as the Cornish sea, and so Caroline declared victory. She had named her Meliora. Dwight had named Sarah, and they agreed on Sophie before she was born if she were to be a girl, so now it was Caroline’s turn. She delighted in the surprised faces that people pulled as she announced her daughter’s unique name to anyone who would listen.

“A person is only as good as their name,” Caroline had informed Dwight in response to his sceptical expression upon hearing his youngest child’s name in the hours following her birth, “and I mean for her to have a place in society. What better way than to have such an alluring name?”

Dwight considered this for a moment, deciding to try the name on his tongue as he fidgeted with his newborn’s tiny feet. “Hello, Meliora,” he whispered. The babe seemed to register her name and opened her eyes to look at her father, intrigued by the sound of his deep voice. She would be beautiful, he thought. Dwight was convinced. “It’s a beautiful name, my love. Unusual,” he commented with a laugh, “but beautiful.”

“I have unusual yet impeccable taste, as you well know,” Caroline retorted lightly, unable to tear her eyes from the new arrival.

Dwight kissed his wife’s hairline. “Shall I fetch young miss Sophie to be introduced to her sister?”

Caroline smiled widely, her heart so full in that moment she feared it would burst. “Oh, yes, please fetch her! Was she alright during all of this?” Caroline stroked Meliora’s cheek.

“Yes, I believe so.” Dwight stood, making to leave, but lingered a moment at the end of the bed to stare proudly at his wife and child. As emotion welled up in him, he discreetly exited the room and wiped away a tear as he closed the door behind him.

Dwight returned sometime later, Sophie’s small arms around his neck as he balanced the fourteen-month-old against his ribcage. Before Dwight had entered the room, he could hear Caroline singing softly to Meliora, though she ceased when he turned the doorknob and acted as though she had never sung to any of her children in her life. How sentimental.

“Mama!” Sophie cooed, immediately attempting to wriggle out of her father’s grasp, her little arms outstretched ready to receive one of Mama’s special hugs.

“Wait, wait,” Dwight admonished his eldest as he sat down beside his wife on the bed. “Careful, now, my little love. Be gentle. This is your new sister, Meliora.” Dwight and Caroline exchanged a somewhat nervous glance as the toddler padded a few steps across the bed and examined the child in the bundle of blankets.

Sophie reached out a hand to touch the baby’s feet but paused and looked to her father, as though asking permission. Dwight and Caroline smiled slightly and nodded.

“Hello, Meli,” Sophie shrieked as she sought to play with her sister. She babbled nonsense to her - her speech still developing - and gently played with the newborn’s tiny fingers. Caroline had to blink to back tears. Damned hormones.

“Papa, doll!” Sophie ordered with a squeak as she clapped her hands together in excitement. She would finally have someone to play dolls with other than Nanny and Mama, who both weren’t very good.

Dwight made a face, fearing an emotional meltdown. “I’m sorry, my sweet, but Meliora must sleep. You will have to wait a while until she can play dolls with you. Mama needs rest too; she is very tired, do you understand?” He stroked her wild blonde curls.

She shook her head, and her small lip began to tremble. “Want stay,” Sophie whimpered, wanting to remain with her Mama after not being allowed to see her for an entire day. Nanny had been in a state of despair trying to calm the child as she wailed for both of her parents, while both of them were otherwise preoccupied bringing her sister safely into the world. The eldest Enys girl presently clung to Dwight’s torso, her little fingers gripping the soft fabric of his nightshirt.

Dwight shot Caroline a quizzical look, and she nodded, carefully shifting so as not to wake the now sleeping newborn. “You want to stay? Mama and I need to sleep, Soso, we’re exhausted. That means you'll have to sleep also, is that alright?” Dwight kissed her forehead and rubbed her back.

Caroline rolled her eyes slightly as she placed Meliora into the Moses basket next to the bed. “Will you ever cease with that ridiculous nickname, Dr Enys?” She pulled the coverlet over her and carefully shifted towards Dwight, resting her head on his shoulder. “Sophie,” she enunciated before continuing, “is a perfectly elegant name, as is Meliora. Our girls could be the crème de la crème of not only Cornwall society but of London society. They could marry a viscount, or perhaps even an earl, or a marquess or-“

“- a penniless country doctor?” Dwight suggested with a smirk.

Caroline propped herself up on her elbow and grinned. Sophie was already fast asleep beside her father, having fallen asleep soon after he began playing with her curls, and Caroline wagered there was not a child in all the world who slept so deeply and peaceably as Sophie Enys. Caroline leaned forward and kissed her husband. The kiss was surprisingly deep, considering how little energy they both had. “No,” Caroline murmured gently between kisses, a smile playing on her lips. “They must do as I say, not as I do.”

Dwight grinned against her mouth and brought a hand up to cup her face as he kissed her again. “Bully for that.”

#carolight #poldark fanfic #fluff #poldark spoilers

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theabominableblogger · 6 years

Text

Rewatching “Gotham” S3E13

Cue all the “Face/Off” jokes for this arc. All of them.

The rest of these reaction posts I’ll be uploading are not chronological order. They’re like that because A) college and B) more college.

My sister watched it with me (as well as the other episodes left in my epic “Gotham” reaction series) so my comments will be in bold, and hers will be in regular font. Author’s notes courtesy of me will be bolded and italicized.

AN: I managed to record our reactions to this episode and hopefully I can transcribe what I said into this post.

*both immediately start fawning over Smol Bruce in the Netflix thumbnail*

“Previously on Gotham...” Some bullshit.

SOME BS!

“What you call sanity... it’s just a prison in your minds.” That is such an edgelord line, Oh my God!

*snaps fingers along with "Papa Oom Mow Mow” by Gary Glitter*

Why are they sampling “Elvira”?

AN: “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys actually sampled this song. This version of the song is a cover and the original is by the Beach Boys.

“Three nines, and joker’s wild.” *rolls eyes*

*sarcastically* Geez, I wonder whose episode it is...

*laughs*

[Dwight appears] *in best Christian Bale Batman voice* Schmiff! Thomas Schmiff! He’s a paranoid schizophrenic from Arkham!

*starts mouthing along with song*

What just happened?

They had to get in.

Yeah, I know, but how did that guy suddenly switch over to their side?

He was working for them the whole time.

OK.

*Dwight starts maniacally laughing once he finds Jerome’s body* Oh damn... that’s a damn good laugh.

That is a really good laugh

*jams along with opening theme*

Does it open up with them stealing the body? That better be where it opens up.

Yeah, it’s when they steal the body.

*smiles*

*Jim and Harvey find the empty vessel covered with the symbol* Oh what the shit...

That's their little cult symbol. Which has been popping up since a few episodes after Jerome’s death in S2, and you see that everywhere and you go “Wait a minute!”

*smiles when Lucius appears*

Is he security for Arkham or what?

No, he’s R & E. Yeah, he still works for Wayne-

Ohhh OK...

-but he's like back up for Lee at the GCPD.

Oh OK.

And I’m like “Wait? You’re also an ME?” Everybody can be an ME in this show!

Everybody’s got like 15 different conflicts of interest on this show.

I know.

Nobody should be allowed to investigate anything.

*chuckles*

Where the hell are we?

That’s Wayne Manor.

I know that actor [who plays Cole] somewhere! I know that voice!

I don’t know that actor.

AN: He’s played by P.J. Marshall, who was in “Luke Cage” and was the cop that always got on Kit Darling in the first half or so of “American Horror Story: Freak Show”

Alfred looks like he’s ready to punch a bitch. *laughs*

He looks like he’s about to lay that guy the hell out.

I know.

And they established in the last episode that they [Bruce and Alfred] really like Selina and her mom coming back together.

Ohhh OK.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I [Cole] would never hurt a woman.” *both give a dubious look*

“However, I [Cole] would feel justified in giving the police enough evidence so that your little girlfriend [Selina] could only talk to her mama every other Thursday through a screen for the next 40 years.” Go to hell, dude.

*whispers* He’s [Bruce] so much Batman!

“So, you [Bruce] give Maria the money, she gives it to me; I’m [Cole] out of your lives. Cash, obviously.” The only thing you’re owed, dude, is a bullet between the eyes.

Now see, look at this pose [of Bruce thinking in his chair]. Look at that pose. Oh my gosh, that’s a Michael Keaton pose!

That is!

Oh my gosh...

“He [the cult follower Jim and Harvey arrested] should have been taken to a hospital.” Oh yeah, and Jim and Lee are like *imitates two cats fighting each other while aggressively clashing hands together*

Why wasn’t he taken to a hospital?!?

“James Gordon. The James Gordon.... wow. It’s actually you.” You sure know how to pick ‘em, Dwight.

Y’know, these extras playing the cult members must be having the time of their lives. It’s like “Yeah! We get to wear crazy hair and outfits!“

Oh yeah. They’re gonna be like chewing the scenery within an inch of its life.

Oh yeah!

Look at that dude’s crazy eyes though!

I know! He could have played Renfield in “Dracula”

I know.

*Dwight sets up his workshop with another cult member* Looks like Rufio fell on hard times.

*Dwight strokes Jerome’s cheek* Don’t do thaaattt....

Ohhhh my God.... LIFE! LIFE, DO YOU HEAR ME?!? GIVE MY CREATION LIFE!

LIIIIIIFFFFEEEEEE!!!

*both laugh*

*Dwight laughs* Maniacal laugh... maniacal laugh...

GOD HE’S [Dwight] JUST HAVING SO MUCH FUN! *laughs*

You know they’re getting paid like really well.

Oh I’m sure!

“’Unsurprisingly, there have already been calls "for the mayor's resignation. "The clearly disturbed Mayor Cobblepot-’” ‘Clearly disturbed?’ HOW LONG did it take you to realize that?

“Mayor Crumblepot.” *stifles a laugh*

“Is Ed here?” *rolls eyes*

“Who cares what people think of the mayor? The city runs itself.” *chuckles*

You’re a dumbass!

“[Oswald] So get up, take a shower, do that disco vampire thing thing with your hair.” *both crack up*

“[Barbara] Why are you helping me?” Because you’re a walking garbage fire, Oswald, who needs all the help you can get.

*laughs* Yes!

Get your priorities in order, Oswald.

*claps hands* Duuuuuudde....

His [Bruce] voice is so deep and he’s such a smol bab!

I knowww! I don’t know how old David is when they filmed this. I think he’s like 16 or 17.

He’s a smol bab!

“Maybe they [the cult symbols] were here the whole time and we just didn’t notice..” That’s probably a safe bet.

I’m pretty sure that’s the No Man’s Land map that they’re [Lucius is] using.

Niicee...

“That amount-” “Would cause a power surge in the electric grid.” “...I [Harvey] was about to say that would cause a power surge in the electric grid...” *chuckles*

*chuckles* Sure you were, Harvey.

“I’ll just... stay here... if that’s OK.” Lucius, you’re amazing.

Feels like he’s the only person right now at the GCPD, besides Harvey, who has any common sense.

He’s great!

Because I’m starting to really question what kind of goblins are currently inhabiting James Gordon’s brain.

It’s Season 3, I’m sure there’s a lot.

“Try turning it on and off.” “I [Dwight] did! 3 times.” *both laugh*

He’s the IT guy.

*laughs* Have you tried turning it on and off again?

*pauses when Dwight electrocutes a guy for interrupting him*

Jesus God! Was that a cattle prod?!? What was that?!?

I don’t know. Cattle prods are long and skinny though.

The hell was that?!?

They’re kinda like a fly swatter.

*Dwight starts cutting off Jerome’s face* :[

Aauuuugghhh... nooooooooooo, we’re not doing this.

The production design and set for this [Dwight’s lab] is pretty cool, I gotta say.

Uh, somebody put that wire out before it sets fire to the whole place.

Oh please God!

“Holy smokes, is that Jerome?“ No, it’s Jeremiah. *laughs*

Yeah, and they took his face...

*in unison* Off!

*both laugh*

‘Cause they wanted to take his face...

*in unison* Off!

*both laugh*

I couldn’t not, I’m sorry!

“Brothers and sisters, I [Dwight] promised you Jerome would return...” *sing songs* And I brought you his faaaccee!!

But it’s...

*in unison* Off!

*both freaking lose it*

“The Prophet is here.” But it’s just his face!

[breathing unsteadily] *thumbs up* Great.

“We are all... Jerome.” Don’t think that’s gonna be good enough.

*The crowd takes to calling themselves Jerome* Oh, OK.

“You’re Jerome. And you...” *laughs* And you’re Jerome! And you’re Jerome! And you’re Jerome!

Oh, c’mon! They were going for the obvious “I am Spartacus.”

WE ARE JEROME! We are Jerome and so’s my wife!

OK, that actually worked better than I thought.

If he [Jerome] just gets straight off that [Lee’s] examination table, I am gonna flip shit!

*points and yells excitedly when Jerome’s hand twitches*

“So, let’s find out who the traitor is, shall we?” Jesus God...

“Good bluff.” “Thank you, sir.” That was awesome!

*softly* I know...

And that was a bluff?!?

Yeah, there’s moments like that where it’s like “Man, Jim! You’re a badass!”

*chuckles*

*both chuckle when Barbara dramatically puts a hand to her chest*

“They don’t respect you, Oswald. In fact, you probably want to kill Tommy Bones and the Duke. Just clean house.” *chuckles*

*both start to giggle when Oswald does*

“[Barbara] Do you really think I [Oswald] would be so easy to manipulate?” YES!

YES!

YES YOU WERE!

YES!

You are not nearly as clever as you think you are, Oswald! You are the Cersei Lannister of Gotham City! You were down on the count for God knows how long.

For like an episode.

A lot happens in an episode!

True. In the span of like 5 minutes probably. I dunno, maybe like 10 or 15.

*shakes head*

“Your day is done, freak.” *raises eyebrows in surprise*

“Then Nygma dies.” “What?!?” “Walk away quiet. Maybe we’ll send him back in one piece. We’ll even let you [Oswald] keep being mayor.” *shakes head* Hey look, you are that easy to manipulate.

Can we like take a shot every time Penguin goes into rage spitting mode?

Yeaaahhhh!!

Oh my gosh. Take a shot!

See, Barbara just played you [Oswald] like a freaking fiddle, dude.

I’m sorry... the schadenfraude of it all.

*both end up discussing the correct pronunciation of ‘schadenfraude’

*mutters* Freaking Germans...

*laughs*

I’m German [descent], I can make fun of myself.

He’s [the mole] doing a Batman voice.

“No one ever stops being a cop. You [the mole] were here when Jerome and the Maniax attacked.” ‘Maniax?’ That’s what they’re calling themselves?

Well, Jerome and his little group [in the beginning of S2] were like *in best Jerome voice* “We’re the Maniax!” and whatever.

‘Maniax,’ with an X. Because edgy.

No one can spell!

*Jim decides to switch from good cop to bad cop on the mole* Oooh!

*Jim punches the mole across the face* Jesus God!

*both freeze in shock when Harvey takes over for punching*

OH MY GOD, Jim’s just like *puts hands on head* “Oh my God...”

I don’t think you’re allowed to do thaaat...

I mean, they bring it up in the show. There’s certain interrogation laws that you have to follow.

Yeah, manhandling a suspect is a no-no!

“Damn...” Damn instead.

She’s [Lee] like “Yeah, whatever.” STONE COLD!

“[Jim] Don’t touch me [Lee]!” *so done*

“Really? Did I [Lee] not just see Harvey punch him in the face?” *finger guns at screen in agreement*

“[Jim] You brought a wounded suspect into the precinct instead of taking him to the hospital, because you wanted to interrogate him.” *claps hands with each word* GO OFF, LEE!

Yes!

“Look, you [Lee] want to blame me [Jim] for Mario’s death, that’s fine.” *so done*

“But don’t let your hatred of me turn you into something you’re not.” And plus the funeral for Mario was a few days ago.

*claps hands with each word* It’s way too soon! It’s way too soon for her to be back at work!

I’m like “Lee, no!”

*sings* Take a break!

Like I said, all of her character development comes from people screwing her over.

I know!

“[Jim] Don’t ever touch me [Lee] again or tell me what to do.” You know, it’s your fault, Jim. This is entirely your fault.

Yeah. It is.

“We’ve got a show to do, people! And, as you know, the show must go on.” *starts singing “The Show Must Go On” from “Moulin Rouge”*

*Jerome surprises Lee from behind the door* Oh Jesus.

It’s allliiiiivveeee!!

“Hey, maybe you’re [Jerome] dreaming. Try shooting yourself.” Pfftt!

“Nah!” *both chuckle*

*mouths along with Jerome saying “Lunatics AND idiots?”*

“You know, I [Jerome] was just reborn. Last year was nothing but darkness... as far as the eye could see.” *softly* God, you’re so edgy.

“Hey, did you and I ever, uh...” *slightly disgusted, trying not to laugh*

*scoffs in hilarity* Did he just use the gun-

Yeah, yeah he did. *ends up giggling anyway*

Oh my God...

AN: And it was totally improvised at the moment by Cameron. Because OF COURSE HE DID.

AN: Hi, welcome to my blog, where we have to keep kinkshaming Cameron Monaghan.

*both make loud disgusted noises when Jerome tries licking Lee*

“How’s it going between you [Lee] and Jimbo?” It’s not.

“Oh that’s a shame. I really liked you guys.” *giggles into her sleeve*

Jerome shipped it.

*absolutely cracks up at Jerome’s reaction when Lee tells him about Jim killing Mario on her wedding night*

He’s like “Whhaat?!?”

Oh my God....

“I see your point.” *scoffs in hilarity*

“Theo Galavan’s dead.” *sighs* For how long?

“Ohhhhh.... who beat me to it?” “W-Which time?” *giggles*

Oh just wait until you get into the regular Batman canon. Death is gonna be about as permanent as a hiatus.

It always looked like it has rained in this city!

They should shoot in Seattle for now on.

Didn’t I tell you [Cole] to go to hell the last time, dude?

“Hey.... smile!” No.

No! Bullshit.

No.

“Selina! Please... don’t.” Yes. Do!

*cracks up when the cult members write down Dwight’s speech on giant note cards for him to use*

“The cult will never follow you, Dwight. I [Jim] saw you... at the theater? You don’t have what it takes!” Oh. Really?

“Well, for the record, you’re doing one thing Jerome never did: boring me.” *both lean back in shock*

Whoooooooooo hooo hoooooo!!

Daaammn! That was pretty great.

Ohhh my God!

See, James, when you’re not being a complete dumbass-

He’s amazing! He’s great!

“We’ve [Barbara and Tabitha] got Option A: appeal to their reason, convince them we alone can protect them from Penguin-” “Seems unlikely. They are men.” Pfft!

*both crack up when “Ave Maria” starts playing when Tabitha guns down all the other gang leaders*

“Yeah, yeah, Option B.” *chuckles*

*Dwight goes on air with Jerome’s face on* That’s creepy as shit!

That is really creepy, just the [gesture Dwight did when he corrected himself]

“Look at that. No charisma, no stage presence.” I dunno, he’s [Dwight] doing pretty well.

*laughs reading the news bulletin bars on the TV being changed to ‘HahAhaHAhaHA’*

Oh my God!

Jesus God, where are all those wires attached to?!?

I don’t know...

If he [Jim] shoots his [Dwight’s] ass on live television, that would be the most karmic thing...

*Jim and the Strike Force infiltrate the studio* Oh my God!

*Jim tackles Dwight to the ground* Boom! Hoo hoo!

That was a great quick panning shot.

Niiice...

*in dramatic voice* Meanwhile at W Manor...

*raises eyebrows in shock when Selina tries to goad Bruce into fighting her*

“You know, the only reason she [Maria] came back to Gotham, the only reason she tracked me [Selina] down... was you [Bruce].” Here’s my question: how did she know her daughter and Bruce were a thing?

Yeah, that doesn’t add up.

How did that happen? How did she figure that out?

*laughs at all the fans telling Dwight they love him*

This actor is having the time of his life.

Oh, he totally is.

“Where’s Dwight?” “I saw a uni walking him that way.” Ohhhh...

*Jim and Harvey find a dead cop* Ohhh what is that [sticking out of the dead cop’s chest]?!?

Oh my God!

What is that?!?!?

*both yell and reel back in horror when Jerome starts stapling his face back on*

And that’s a prosthetic.

Jesus God.

And he [Jerome] actually sounds different from the first time we saw him because Theo stabbed him in the neck [in S2] and it hit his vocal cords.

Yeeeppp...

“Say... you’re not mad, are you?” “Mad? What could I [Jerome] possibly be mad about?” “Y’know, the whole... cutting off your face...” Pfft!

“Oswald?” *leans back in surprise*

*Oswald loses contact with Ed* Ed’s probably like “Hell yeah!” and snaps the phone.

*chuckles*

“Kane Chemicals! Let’s go! Move!” You are walking right into a trap, Oswald.

“Hi. Some you you may know... I died.” *scoffs in hilarity*

“Tonight, Gotham, in the darkness... there are no rules.” You keep pulling out these edgelord lines! I know you can do better than that, dude.

“I [Jerome] don’t forgive you [Dwight] for my face.” *tries to stifle a laugh*

“We need a bird [chopper] to go now!” You guys aren’t gonna make it! You’re not gonna make it!

*pops hand toward screen when the power plant blows*

*All the power goes* Ohhhhhh schnap.

Oh shit!

*Closing title pops up* Ohhh hoo hoo....

*reels back in surprise* OK...

OK...

ONTO THE NEXT EPISODE!

2 notes · View notes

ryqoshay · 6 years

Text

How to Handle a Nico: First Tree

Primary Pairing: NicoMaki Words: ~3.2k Rating: K Time Frame: Late in Maki’s college career and early in Nico’s idol producer career. The couple has recently moved into an apartment together. Story Arc: Stand Alone

List of all HtHaN scenes

Author’s Note: This took a little longer than I intended to finish, as I had hoped to post it around the 1st or 2nd of the month, as that is when I imagine it occurring. Though honestly, perhaps it occurs even earlier. It would all depend on how early Nico is willing to give into Maki’s obsession with Christmas.

NishikinoMaki: I’m home

NishikinoMaki: Nico-chan?

NishikinoMaki: Where are you?

NishikinoMaki: Are you on your way?

NishikinoMaki: Nico-chan?

NicoNii: Sorry, I’m running a little late

NicoNii: It looks like I missed my train

NicoNii: But there’s another one soon

NicoNii: So I’ll be home in a bit

Nico imagined her girlfriend staring anxiously at the boxes they had set out earlier.

NicoNii: Yes, you can start without me if you want

NishikinoMaki: Thak yiu

Nico laughed at the uncharacteristic, yet completely unsurprising, hasty reply.

NicoNii: You’re welcome, my impatient princess

NicoNii: See you in a few

The idol producer slipped her phone back in her pocket, assuming there would not be another response as her girlfriend was undoubtedly emptying the boxes already.

“I’m home!” Nico called over the music coming from within the apartment.

A moment later, a grinning redhead girl practically skipped around the corner to the entryway. “Welcome home, Nico-chan!” Maki greeted before grabbing the other girl and pulling her into a tight hug.

Nico couldn’t help but laugh at her girlfriend’s enthusiastic behavior. Even now in her early twenties, Maki got overly excited about Christmas. But as amusing as Nico found it, and as much as she often liked to tease, she also thought it was quite endearing and was thus willing to play into it for Maki’s sake.

“I was just about to hang some garland.” Maki started explained merrily.

“Alright, let me finish taking off my shoes.” Nico replied. “I’ll be right there.”

“Alright.” The younger girl replied, stealing a quick kiss before pulling away completely. She headed back toward the living room with the same spring in her step as before.

There was no denying that the enthusiasm was contagious, though Nico had no desire to remove the smile from her own face as she quickly stowed her shoes and jacket. Not wanting to keep Maki waiting any longer, she made a beeline for the living room.

“Wow.” The word escaped Nico’s lips as she took in the sight before her. “You’ve already done a lot.”

“It’s my first year out of the dorms.” Maki reminded. “There’s so much more space here. I can really go all out and get everything up that I want. And depending on how far this stuff gets, I might want to get more.”

Nico chuckled. The apartment they had found was not that much bigger than the one she had previously shared with Nozomi, but it was significantly bigger than Maki’s old dorm room. Nico found herself wondering how excited Maki might get if she had an entire house to decorate, which would mean not only would she have that much more space on the interior, but she would be able to do the exterior as well.

Of course, that meant the two of them would be in a house together. A whole house. Just for the two of them. Nico had no doubt that Maki would eventually want to own a house; she was accustomed to larger living spaces. As opposed to Nico who had always known smaller living quarters…

“What’s wrong?” Maki asked suddenly.

Nico blinked. “Nothing.” She quickly derailed the train of thought; she hadn’t liked where it was going. She was happy where she was with Maki now and would undoubtedly be happy with her anywhere. And the house thing was probably a ways off anyway. She could deal with it then; no need to ruin the cheery atmosphere tonight. “Sorry. Long day at work and I think it’s catching up to me.” She knelt to retrieve a string of garland. “Have you decided where you want the tree?”

“Somewhere where it can be seen through the balcony door.” Maki replied. “I want people who pass on the street to be able to see it and maybe get some Christmas cheer from it.”

“You sound like an idol.” The idol producer commented.

“Huh?”

“Has Maki-chan already forgotten that an idol’s No. 1 Duty is to make others smile?” Nico held a hand to her chest, feigning shock.

“Idiot…” the college student rolled her eyes.

“You love it.”

“Maybe…”

“So, you wanna set up the tree next?” Nico climbed onto a chair beside Maki’s to hold up the garland.

“Definitely.” Maki nodded, sticking a hook to the wall to mount the decoration. “That was one part I wanted to make sure we did together.”

“Because it’s your favorite?” Nico probably could have allowed a teasing tone into her voice, but she chose sincerity instead, even it was a bit rhetorical as she already knew the answer.

“Yes.”

“You know, Nico has assembled her fair share of artificial trees in her time,” the raven-haired girl continued, “because she’s used to living in apartments that don’t allow live trees. But I’ll bet Maki-chan is used to having a real tree.”

“It’s fine.” The redhead assured. “It’s bigger than the one I could fit in my dorm room. I should be able to fit all of my ornaments on this one.”

“Just remember that Nico needs room her hers as well.”

“There’ll be room. I promise.” Maki said earnestly. “This is our tree; our first tree together. And it should represent us both.”

Nico smiled at the sincerity of her girlfriend’s insistence.

As the two knelt by their boxes, Maki found herself curious about what ornaments Nico owned. Well, beyond those she had seen on the small tree she and Nozomi had in their old apartment. There was little doubt there would be more pink involved, and most would likely be cutesy. But that was fine, pink and cute were what suited Nico best, after all. A moment later, Maki’s suspicions were confirmed as Nico opened her ornament box.

“Kotaro made this one for me in kindergarten.” The idol producer remarked fondly as she pulled a crudely crafted but unquestionably cute piece from the box.

“Your siblings know you well.” The college student replied with a smile.

“I know, right?” Nico found a place among the branches. “It’s one of my favorites.”

Maki smiled as a familiar pang of jealousy crossed her consciousness.

“What about you, Maki-chan?”

“Huh, wha?” The redhead came back to reality.

“What’s one of your favorites?” the raven-haired girl clarified.

“Oh, uhm…” Maki shuffled through her collection. “Probably this one.” She held up a small, glass treble clef. “Mama bought this for me after I played at my first Christmas concert.”

“It’s lovely.” Nico replied, gently taking the ornament and placing it next to hers. “Two of our favorites should be next to each other, don’t you think?”

“Definitely.” The redhead smiled.

The two young women continued to pull ornaments from their respective boxes, regularly commenting on them before finding a branch on which to hang them. Maki had been right, the tree was big enough to accommodate their entire combined collection; and likely more if they were to collect additional pieces over the years to come.

“Where…” Maki suddenly started glancing around the room.

“Where what?” Nico inquired.

“My star. It was in its own box.” The student continued to look around. “Did it get mixed in with the other boxes? Or did we not pull it out of the closet?”

“Uhm, I don’t know.” The idol producer shrugged. “But you know what the box looks like, why don’t you check the closet while I get something that might work instead.”

“Mmm…” Maki furrowed her brow. “But Papa gave me my star though. It’s kind of a tradition for me to put it on top of my tree.”

“Well if you haven’t found it by the time I find mine, I’ll help, alright?”

“Alright.” Maki headed towards the closet.

“I found it.” Maki said cheerfully, returning to the living room. “What the heck?” She uttered, coming to a stop as the tree came into view.

“Ta da!” Nico cried, holding her arms out in a grandiose display to indicate the newest decoration at the top of the tree.

“Nico-chan… I…” Words began to fail the redhead. “I don’t get you…” She fell back on a habitual phrase.

“What’s not to get?” Nico protested. “Isn’t it tradition to put either a star or an angel at the top of a Christmas tree? Well this is an angel!”

“Well, it is an angel… but…”

“But?”

Maki sighed as she continued to stare at the… ornament, or more appropriately, ornament-like-object adorning the top of their tree. It was a well cropped, and high-quality picture of Nico holding a trumpet and garbed in an adorable pastel blue and yellow dress. From her back, two white wings sprouted, indeed making her look quite angelic.

Part of Maki wanted to chastise the older girl for having the audacity and narcissism to put a picture of herself at the top of their Christmas tree. The other part of her wanted to chastise herself for not expecting something like this from her girlfriend. This was Nico, after all, the girl with enough pride for the whole of µ’s. Though she did have to admit the chosen picture was pretty cute.

“But…?” Nico repeated, apparently still waiting for a response.

Maki’s mind suddenly raced to find an appropriate response out of the various thoughts that had just crossed it in the past few seconds. “Why just you?” Was apparently what it chose for some reason.

Nico smirked. “Is Maki-chan jealous?”

“W-What?” Maki sputtered, scolding herself for asking such a foolish question that provoked such an obvious response from her girlfriend. “No!” She denied, though she wasn’t honestly sure as to the level of truthfulness the denial held.

Was she actually jealous? Did she actually want a picture of herself on the tree as well? For that matter, she didn’t recall wearing a costume similar to Nico’s. Had she worn an angel costume in their school idol days? She thought she might recall a different costume set the whole group had worn.

“Uh-huh…” The twin-tailed girl sang. “Well, no matter, Nico has just the thing!” That said, she climbed back up on the chair, snatched the picture of herself and replaced it with another.

Maki took a step closer to the tree to inspect the new ornament-like-object. This time, pictures of both Nico and Maki were set next to one another on a background of red hearts. The entire thing had even been cut into the shape of a heart and lined neatly with white tinsel.

Ah, she had been right; the group had worn angelic costumes. How could she have forgotten? As embarrassing as that photoshoot had been at the time, it had served as one of many early signs that her feelings concerning Nico were more than just that of simple friendship, even if she denied it back then. Also, she had actually liked wearing that costume. It had looked quite good on her and purple had always been one of her favorite colors to wear. And Nico, well, of course, Nico had been as adorable as ever. But…

“Wasn’t that supposed to be a White Day theme?” Maki couldn’t help asking aloud.

Nico shrugged. “Well, yeah, but it was the only time we all wore angel costumes.”

“Was it?”

“What do you mean?”

Maki’s brow furrowed in thought. She could have sworn there was another time. “I thought there was another set…” She pondered. “Something more… Christmas themed.”

Nico’s eyes widened with realization. “The Choir set!” She exclaimed starting to become a bit more dramatic than necessary. “That’s right! I should have used that one! Good thing I still have more high gloss paper...”

Maki sighed.

“How could I forget that one?” Nico continued her melodrama, placing the back of her hand to her forehead. “The photographer kept telling Maki-chan to smile and she wouldn’t.” Her tone turned to teasing.

Maki grimaced.

“Yeah, like that!” Nico chuckled. “Good thing Maki-chan looks cute even when she frowns.”

Never mind. Perhaps it might have been best had Maki not reminded her girlfriend of the other angel costumes. However… “And you let your hair down for that photo set, if I remember correctly.” The images came back to her.

“I might have.” Nico thought aloud. “I’ll have to check in a little bit.”

“You know, I always liked seeing you with your hair down.”

“Oh?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always felt that your twin-tails suited you.” Maki admitted. “Even now when you wear them lower than you used to. But like I said, I also like it when you take them out.”

Nico grinned. “And now you get to see me like that every night.”

“And I like that.”

“Well then, as a reward for such honesty.” Nico reached up to one of the ties.

“You don’t have to now…” Maki started.

The idol producer paused and raised an eyebrow.

“… But… I wouldn’t mind…” The college student concluded.

Nico giggled before continuing. “So?” She asked upon completing the task.

“Lovely.”

“I know, right?” Nico’s grin grew at the expected, but always welcome compliment. “I’ll be right back.” She said, turning toward the hall. “I’m going to make a new one with the choir pics.”

“Really?”

“Yup. For the other side. Go ahead and put up your star while I’m doing that. I left room.” And with that, she disappeared into the office.

“Oh…” Maki realized her girlfriend had indeed left the tip of the tree bare. This meant there was room for both her beloved star as well as the new angel picture Nico had just made. Though Maki personally felt it was a little embarrassing having a picture of oneself being used as an ornament on a Christmas tree, she knew Nico liked it. And given the choice, she’d rather have them both together than just Nico alone.

Maki smiled to herself as she opened the box she still held in her hands and gently removed the treetop star. Like the glass treble clef and several other ornaments she had already put on the tree, this one brought back a lot of memories. And putting it at the top of this tree marked the beginning of a new chapter of memories to be made. Memories that would be made with the raven-haired girl currently grinning at her from her tinsel frame. Perhaps Nico had the right idea with the picture.

Now that Maki took a closer look at the ornament, she could see that Nico had put a lot of effort into making it look professional. Stick a price tag on it and put it on a store shelf and it could pass as regular retail merchandise. And while the girls of µ’s knew the origin of the costumes, most anyone else who might see the ornament would not, so it could just as well be Christmas themed.

A thought occurred to the redhead as she realized that while the original ornament of just Nico had been fine, the one with both of them was the one with an added background and border. Had it been Nico’s plan all along to swap them? Had she merely used the one with herself to gauge Maki’s reaction before the reveal? Maki found herself wondering how she might have reacted if she had seen this one first. From there, she started wondering what the new one might look like so she finished placing her star, stepped down from the chair and made her way to the office.

“Hey, Maki-chan!” The older girl greeted happily as she looked up from the younger girl’s laptop. “I’m almost done with the digital side. Wanna see?”

“Mmm…” Maki replied, rounding the desk to stand behind the chair. As was common practice between the couple, she then draped herself across Nico’s shoulders. She then nuzzled into her girlfriend’s hair, earning a giggle.

For her part, Nico pulled a hand away from the keyboard and placed it on the arms around her; the rest she could finish with just the mouse anyway.

“You added green hearts to this one?” Maki commented as she turned her attention to the screen.

“Just on my side, yeah.” Nico confirmed. “It felt like it fit better for some reason.”

“Because you’re a grinch?”

“Don’t think I won’t pinch you.” The raven-haired girl curled her fingers to emphasize the threat.

The redhead laughed lightly and kissed the top of the other girl’s head.

“Anyway, since you’re here, you can help me assemble it.” Nico continued. “It will be easier than doing it all on my own like the last one.” That said, she selected Print from the pull-down menu. “Not that Nico can’t do it on her own, of course.”

“Of course.”

“Hand me those scissors.”

Maki pouted for a moment when she realized she would have to let go of Nico to retrieve the requested item. But she immediately realized that she would have to move anyway to allow the other girl to do so if she did not. As such, she relinquished her hold on her girlfriend and grabbed the scissors.

“Thanks.” Nico said.

Maki marveled at the speed and precision with which her girlfriend cut the picture from the media. She was well aware that Nico had always been good with her hands, which was why she had often assisted Kotori with costume creation and Eli with accessories. However, to witness the finesse firsthand was something else.

“Hold this like this.” The older girl instructed. “This stuff dries fast, so timing is important.” That said, she set about applying dabs of adhesive to the edges of the cutout and securing the tinsel trim. “And done. It should be dry enough by the time we put it on the tree, so let’s get this up and turn on the lights so we can see the final result.”

Maki nodded in response before following her girlfriend back to the living room.

Nico climbed back up on the chair and set the ornament on the opposite side of its match. “And with the pièce de résistance in place,” she announced, “we have the first ever NicoMaki tree!”

Maki rolled her eyes, but refrained from comment as she knelt by the outlet to plug in the lighting of the pre-lit tree. At least none of their friends were there to hear that declaration as they’d never let her hear the end of it.

“It’s beautiful.” Nico said in awe, stepping back to get a better view.

“It is.” Maki agreed, joining the other girl.

“No more snide objections to my additions to the treetop?” Nico inquired.

Maki shook her head and smiled.

“Good.” Nico grinned as well before taking her girlfriend’s hand. “So,” She said after a moment of silence, “what to do for the rest of the evening? Why don’t I whip up something quick then we can watch a holiday movie?”

“It’s a Wonderful Life?”

“If you want. I’ll let you pick.”

“The Grinch?”

“Only if you want to sleep on the couch.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Nico admitted. “Nico loves sleeping beside her Maki-chan too much to force her to sleep somewhere else.”

Maki chuckled and squeezed her girlfriend’s hand. “I love sleeping beside Nico-chan as well.”

“Anyway, I’m going to go make dinner.” The idol producer said, turning towards her girlfriend.

“I’m going to adjust a few branches.” The college student replied, turning as well.

“See you in bit.” Nico tilted her head up.

“Mm…” Maki hummed, leaning down to meet Nico for a kiss.

This Christmas season was starting out well.

Author’s Note Continued: First and foremost, I need to give credit to my inspiration; a lovely post by my friend and fellow denizen of Sukutomo, rdsanthene. I had to reblog it with my idea as soon as I saw it.

Second, I can’t believe I’ve been writing this long enough to warrant a second, seasonally appropriate, Christmas scene. Deities help keep me motivated to make a third. KLab and Bushiroad, give me more cute NicoMaki cards for inspiration! ... or just to help me with my collection...

Next up, the notes just keep piling up. Now I want to write another photoshoot scene with the White Day angel costumes. Obviously I’d be using the idolized versions, but I may very well include the unidolzied as well, as it might allow be to show how I want to incorporate those SIF stories into HtHaN. Perhaps that will be a project for this coming February?

I also realize this is the first mention of the apartment that serves as the first home Nico and Maki officially share. As opposed to one always staying at the other’s place. I had intended on introducing it in a different scene, but I guess that’s just one more scene for the ever growing To Write list.

Lastly, we come to the cards referenced:

Yes, there was a reason why Nico chose green for her half of the background on the second (technically third) ornament, though she may not have been aware of it in-universe.

#NicoMaki #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #How to Handle a Nico #Love Live #fanfic #Merry Christmas

23 notes · View notes

darkwing-katy · 7 years

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Second Chance - Part Six

(No gif because I’m posting from a hotel with crappy wifi…sorry, haha)

So our family vacation is going to throw things off a bit in terms of me posting. I probably will not be able to post on Sunday for the next two weeks, but I’ll still be writing, so when vacay is over, I’ll for sure be a ble to post a few chapters pretty fast. I already know what’s gonna happen in the next few chunks, it’s just writing them and then editing and then posting that’s the time consuming part, haha. Thanks to everyon who’s commented or messaged me and reblogged this story! It’s so amazing to see how much everyone’s enjoying it! Let me know if you wanna be tagged in upcoming chapters!

Also, special thanks to @sannvers for proofing this chunk!

Title: Second Chance

Pairing: Eventual Gaston x Fem!Reader

Rating: T

Words: 7,876

Summary: You try to stop Gaston from shooting the Beast and falling to his death, but you arrive too late to save him. As you sit there, sobbing, the Enchantress offers you a second chance to save him.

Tagging: @i-wished-upon-a-star-one-night @with-a-hint-of-pesto-aioli @hobbithorse19 @leah5684 @princessbelgoof @captainskyline @theoncergames @geeky-girl-394 @were-allstoriesinthe-end084 @brooke-supernatural16 @certainasthesvn @jordyhaley @superlokidwholock @smilesnjh @prongspower @bitchingqueenoferebor @scarletdarkholme @hemmingbaes @bae-kage @areuslow @lovelylpevensie @uknwwhttheysayboutthecrzy1s @moonbeams-and-pie @17gnomes-in-a-trenchcoat @superwholockedrosx @panda-reads-stuff @ultimatetrashlord @elenawrit @the7thsilence @blackxthexbeast @rainwing-galaxy @arkhamsnight @imoyu-trashblog @martapetrovic @ciaprincess @juggernaut-jones @admerxin13 @fangirlx26 @epicfallenismine @izzymaria1994 @loveablelulu13 @malfoy-milkovich-royalty @kylorenlover15 @banana-cat @withouthannah @stone0502 @shiroyuki18

Previous Chapter

The problem with living in a gigantic castle full of servants, you found, was that there wasn’t much for you to do besides wander around or read. Oh, sure, the servants were constantly bustling around, either cleaning or cooking or some other chore, but you were used to being productive. You loved reading, but part of the fun of reading was getting chores done in order to read.

It was your only fourth day in the castle, and you were actually bored, lying on your bed and staring at the ceiling.

“How is this even possible?” you asked yourself. Your room gave no response, earning a sigh from you. “I’m lucky. I somehow became friends with someone who fell in love with a prince and now I’m living a fantasy. People would kill to be in my shoes right now.” You sat up. “No wonder Arabella created those elaborate daydreams. She lived in a secluded mansion, and she was probably just as bored as I currently am.”

You could always visit Gaston, the darker voice in your head suggested.

You actually did want to visit him and see if his sleeping had been improved by the pillow. However, whenever you thought about bringing him breakfast, the mental image of him rubbing his thumb across your wrist popped up, making you balk at the idea. You had lain in bed for almost an hour before you’d fallen asleep last night, trying to determine his motives for such an action. Ultimately, you’d came to the conclusion it was not because he had feelings for you, but rather because he was bored and lonely and you were the only human being who took the time to speak with him.

Let’s hold off on that for now, shall we? You stood and began to dress for the day, slowly as your hand was still sore, all the while trying to figure out what to do. “I could read. I could take a long walk around the gardens. I could talk with Mrs. Potts or maybe become friends with some of the others.” Your stomach grumbled. “I could eat—yeah, I’ll definitely do that.” Your dress was now on, and you started brushing your hair. “I could write a letter to Mama and Papa. That might be good. Oh, I wonder if they’ve written me?” You twisted the (Y/H/C) strands into a braid. “But they wouldn’t know I’m living in a castle now, so if they did, the letter would be at the house in Villenueve. Which means I’d have to go there and risk running into LeFou again.”

But why is that a bad thing? You stopped and admired your braid in the mirror. “I guess it isn’t,” you said, replying to your mental question out loud. “It’s just…I don’t know. I feel bad for him.” You shook your head. “I suppose I’ll have to deal with this someday, won’t I? Might as well get it over with now.”

You pulled your boots on and laced them up, decision made. You were going into town for the day, which meant you needed to see if Belle would bring Gaston lunch.

You found her in settled into a chair in the library. Adam was nowhere to be seen, although you were sure he was somewhere nearby.

“Good morning, (Y/N),” Belle said, not looking up from her book.

“Bonjour, Belle. Can I ask a favor?”

This time, she looked at you, forehead crinkled with curiosity. “Of course. What is it?”

“I’m going into town today. I‘ll be back by supper, but I was wondering if you’d maybe bring Gaston some lunch?” You were proud of yourself for not blushing at the request. It seemed like you were finally getting used to the situation. “I’m going to bring him some food before I leave, but I wanted to make sure he’d get something between this morning and this evening.”

Belle smiled warmly at you. “Of course I can do that.”

You grinned back at her. “Thanks. You’re such a great friend, Belle.”

She laughed. “You’re not too bad yourself, (Y/N).” You rolled your eyes, which made her laugh again. “I’m joking. You’re a great friend, too.”

You tossed your hair dramatically. “I know,” you replied with a fake air of pomposity.

Belle raised a brow. “Obviously Gaston’s ego is rubbing off on you,” she said, but there was a mischievous twinkle in her brown eyes.

You gasped in mock shock. “How dare you say such a thing! I’ve always known I’m a fantastic friend.”

The two of you giggled. Once you’d calmed a bit, you told your best friend farewell and made your way to the kitchen. You waved at Mrs. Potts when you saw her, and she waved back. You grabbed two apples—one for you now, and one for later—then began to pile food onto a plate for Gaston.

“I’ve never seen someone eat so much food as you do,” a small voice said behind you. You turned and saw Chip watching you as you grabbed a full loaf of bread.

“Chip!” Mrs. Potts hissed, clearly mortified at his words. He glanced at her and shrugged.

“What, Mama? I’m just saying!”

She marched over to his side and gave you an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I’m afraid Chip doesn’t quite understand how rude it is to comment on a person’s eating habits.”

You laughed, fully amused by both Chip’s comment and Mrs. Pott’s reaction. “It’s quite alright. I’m not offended in any way.” You winked at Chip, who grinned at you.

“See, Mama? It’s okay! She thinks I’m funny.”

“You’re funny? Is that what you think?” Mrs. Potts rubbed his head affectionately, mussing his hair. “How about you go help Plumette dust for an hour? Then we’ll see who’s the funny one.”

Chip pouted. “Aww, Mama. I hate dusting.”

You took a bite out of your apple while Mrs. Potts chided her son. “That’s what you get for being rude like that. Maybe next time you’ll think twice before saying something!” She gave him a small push. “Off you go.”

Chip trudged off, still pouting. You tried to hide your amusement with the apple, but when Mrs. Potts turned to you, you could see that she was also amused. “I’m so sorry about him,” she apologized again.

“It’s fine, really.” You dropped your apple on the tray and lifted it.

“Do you need any help with that?”

“I’ve got it, thanks.” You smiled at the older woman and exited the dining room. From there, you went up the grand staircase and through the familiar open door that led to the cell.

“Good morning, Gaston!” you called when you were close enough.

“Good morning, (Y/N),” he called back, and you couldn’t resist a wide grin.

You opened the door and sauntered in. Gaston was standing next to the door, ready to take the tray from you. You handed it off to him and remained standing while he sat, not seeming to notice that you weren’t following suit until he glanced back up at you.

“You’re not sitting,” he stated plainly. You shook your head.

“I actually have to leave. I’m going into town today.”

Gaston’s shoulders slumped, indicating his disappointment. “Ah. Might I ask why?”

You smirked at him. “I’ve got a bet to win.”

Immediately, he perked up, a handsome smile stretching across his lips. “I see.”

“Yep.” You saw him pick up the apple you’d bitten into and lifted your hand. “That’s mine.”

His eyes flicked to your raised hand and to the apple, as if he was contemplating taking a bite just to annoy you. You cleared your throat, earning a cheeky wink from him as he tossed the fruit back to you. You caught it in your bad hand and grimaced at the twinge of pain it produced. “How’s your hand?”

“Better.” You tossed the apple to your other hand and flexed your fingers. A good night of sleep had done wonders, but it would still be another day or two before they didn’t hurt.

You thought you heard him mutter, “Good”, but when you looked back at him, he hadn’t moved or given any indication of saying anything. You chose to react as if he hadn’t spoken. “Belle will bring you food later. I’ll be back this evening.”

“Is that a promise?” He was staring at you again with those green eyes. You found yourself nodding but maintaining eye contact.

“Yes. I’ll be back tonight,” you repeated, this time more firm.

He turned back to his food. “I’ll be looking forward to hearing that story about the church, then.”

You rolled your eyes and stepped out of the cell. “You’ll be looking forward to that for a long time,” you replied. His laughter echoed down the steps with you as you left, giving you a warm feeling inside.

You did have a letter from your parents. It was tucked under a rock on the stairs that led to your small cottage. You retrieved the letter but didn’t open it. You wanted to take your time with everything today.

“Oh, there’s dust everywhere.” You stared at the interior of your house and the fine layer of dust that had settled on everything. “Well, I guess I should’ve expected that.” You rolled your shoulders, getting out the small kinks that had formed from riding, then walked over to the small cupboard where you stored your broom.

As you began sweeping your dirty house, you scolded the household items. “Oh, floor. I haven’t even walked on you in a week! Why are you like this? Table, you’re next, so don’t be laughing at the floor.” The familiarity of being home was relaxing, and soon you were singing to yourself. “How does a moment last forever? How can a story never die? It is love we must hold onto, never easy, but we try.”

Hmm, I should say hi to Maurice while I’m here.

“Sometimes our happiness is captured. Somehow a time and place stand still. Love lives on inside our hearts, and always will.”

Despite your initial complaints, the house wasn’t truly that dirty. You’d finished Maurice’s song at the same time you finished sweeping. You replaced the broom and set to work on wiping down the table and chairs, this time humming a peppier tune. You didn’t realize you were humming LeFou’s ode to Gaston until you were nearly done with it, and you paused for a moment.

He really cares about him, doesn’t he? You thought, glancing at the rag in your hand. And here I am, letting him think that Gaston is dead. You sighed and resumed wiping down the fireplace mantel. You needed to tell LeFou the truth. But it can wait a little bit longer.

You effectively killed a couple of hours by cleaning your house. You’d rearranged things a bit, you’d dusted literally everything, and you’d made your bed (which had been unmade all of this time!). You stood back to admire your work. With an appreciative nod, you grabbed the letter from your parents and stuffed it into your satchel, along with a few folded papers containing recipes that you’d stumbled across. You didn’t care if there were servants who could make a cake—you hadn’t baked anything in a long time and when you’d seen the recipe that your grandmother had always used, you’d been struck by a sudden desire to cook again.

You left the house and made your way into town. You passed by the baker, and, after a moment of consideration, bought a small meat pie to snack on. You made a contented sound when you took the first bite. Castle food was perfect, but this pie tasted like home. It tasted like sitting in Belle’s house, laughing with her and Maurice when he spilled paint all over himself. It tasted like sitting in the hills overlooking Villenueve, reading and daydreaming about grand adventures. It tasted familiar and new and wonderful and ordinary all at once.

You were so lost in your memories and the pie that you didn’t notice Peré Robert until you’d nearly run into him. Fortunately, he saw you and stepped out of the way.

“Good day, (Y/N)! I haven’t seen you in a while,” he greeted warmly.

You looked up from your pie. “Oh! Peré Robert! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there!” You held up the pie. “I was too busy enjoying this.”

The older man laughed, prompting a smile from you. “It’s quite alright. How’s the castle? Belle mentioned that you were staying there now.”

“She did?” She must’ve visited him yesterday. “It’s nice. And it’s huge! The Prince has an enormous library filled to the brim with books of all sorts—but I do miss seeing you whenever I want something new to read.”

He laughed again. “Well, I can’t say I’ll ever have quite as many books as the Prince, but you may still borrow any books you’d like from me.”

You grinned. “Thanks.” You turned to walk away, then spun back around. “I have a question, actually.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what might that be?”

“Do you know if this town has ever been invaded?”

He frowned as he pondered your question. “I’m not sure. I haven’t lived here all my life, and I can say that there hasn’t been an invasion of any sort since I moved here.” He nodded towards the market, where you could see Monsieur Jean feeding his horses. “Monsieur Jean has lived here all his life. I’m certain he might know.”

You nodded. “Thanks.” He nodded as well, and the two of you parted ways with a wave. You took another bite of the pie before heading towards Monsieur Jean. “Hello, Monsieur Jean!”

“Why, look, it’s (Y/N)! How are you, dear girl? How’s castle life?” The older man smiled at you.

“I’m well, thanks. And castle life is good. Your wife makes the best tea.”

Jean smiled. “Ahh, yes, Beatrice has a special talent when it comes to tea. No matter what kind it is, when she makes it, it’s perfect.” He leaned in close, as if he were to whisper a secret. “She also seems to know what kind of tea will make a situation better. It’s like magic!” He winked, and you were amazed at how different Jean was now that he’d regained his memories. He was always friendly, yes, but now he seemed positively jolly.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why haven’t you moved into the castle yet? I’m sure she’d love to be close to you. And Chip would love to have someone to play with.”

Jean’s smile dimmed. “Are you sure?” he asked quietly. “They’ve remembered me all this time, but I haven’t remembered them. What if they don’t want to be with me?”

You shook your head. “That’s not the case at all! Trust me.” You gave him a big smile.

The older man face brightened. “Really? Then I shall begin packing tonight!”

You laughed at the older man’s enthusiasm. “I do have a question, though.”

“Fire away, (Y/N)!”

You leaned against one of the stable posts. “Has Villenueve ever been invaded?”

Jean frowned. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that to be your question, but yes.” He sat on a barrel. “It was, oh, probably about fifteen years ago? Before the war.” You worked on eating your pie while he spoke. “There were a few Portuguese invaders—I suppose they were scouting the area for weak spots prior to the war. I don’t know for sure why they attacked, but they did. Perhaps they thought Villenueve was a small village and wouldn’t resist.” He chuckled. “They were quite wrong, of course.” He met your eyes with his. “There’s a reason we all loved Gaston so much, you know.”

You had just eaten the final piece and had to cover your mouth to keep it from falling out as you gasped. “What?!” you exclaimed, not bothering to worry if you were being rude by talking with food in your mouth.

Jean chuckled again. “Oh, yes. He was a young lad then, about sixteen, if memory serves, and he managed to rally us all up. I don’t know how or why he did it, but he did.”

“I’ll tell you why,” a sharp voice cut in. The two of you turned to see Madame Clothilde watching you with a sneer. “It was because of his father, Monsieur Legume. He wanted to show off.”

You stifled a snort at the name. Gaston’s last name is Legume? Why am I just now learning this? I mean, I guess I never cared too much about his last name, but wow. That’s worthy of a tease later.

Clothilde and Jean ignored you. “Now, Madame, we don’t know what happened in that house,” Jean said in an attempt to chide her.

Clothilde rolled her eyes. “I guarantee you, if he’d had a proper mother, then he wouldn’t have done it.”

“Then we would have been destroyed!”

“I’m just saying, it’s not appropriate for a man of that age to take on the responsibility of saving us!”

“Yes, perhaps so, but we’re lucky he did. He was smart and charismatic, and that’s why we survived.”

You coughed. “So…Gaston really did save the village when he was sixteen?”

Jean nodded. “Yes, he did! He saved us all, and then he went off to fight in the war and returned a Captain. Our very own hero. Until, of course, you know…” He trailed off, and the three of you remained in silence as you all remembered that night.

“Do you still think of him that way?” you asked quietly.

Clothilde scoffed and crossed her bony arms over her chest. “He went crazy that night. But he was going crazy before that. He just needed an excuse.”

Jean frowned at the older woman. “I seem to remember you were among the first to follow, Madame.”

She gave him a dirty look. “And I seem to recall you joining in as well, Monsieur.”

You suddenly felt like you needed to defend Gaston’s actions. “Maybe he truly believed that the Beast would harm the villagers. Did you ever consider that, Madame? And since you all considered him the town hero, he felt like it was his duty. His intentions may not have been completely altruistic, but that doesn’t mean you should be calling him crazy!” You felt yourself getting louder as you spoke, but you didn’t care. You knew that his main motives were jealousy and narcissism, but that didn’t give her the right to talk about him like that!

Both Jean and Clothilde were staring at you, mouths agape at your small tirade. You turned to Jean. “I hope to see you at the castle soon. Thank you for your help.” You sensed that Clothilde was preparing to respond to your rant, so you strode away before she could say anything.

“(Y/N)! (Y/N)!” you heard LeFou call from behind. You ignored him, but he easily ran up to you, getting in front of you to force you to stop. “(Y/N),” he repeated.

“What?” you snapped.

“I couldn’t help but overhear—well, you were practically shouting!” he added when you glared at him. “I couldn’t help but overhear what you were saying about Gaston.”

“What of it?”

He flinched at your tone, reminding you of a small child. You felt a twinge of regret. “I just thought it was nice of you to defend him like that.” He stood aside to let you pass, but you remained motionless.

“Thanks,” you muttered, staring at the ground.

He clapped your shoulder, sending you forward a little. “Sorry. Do you want to take a walk?”

You nodded, sensing that this might be a good time to tell him the truth about his friend.

He motioned forwards, towards the entrance to the town. “Lead the way.” You started walking, the stout man next to you. “You know you were wrong, though,” he said as you passed the wig store. “About Gaston.”

“Yes.” You caught a glimpse of the three bimbettes through the window, giggling at each other. “I’m well aware that his motivation stemmed from jealousy towards Belle’s affection towards the prince-turned-Beast as well as an unhealthy amount of a hero complex.”

LeFou winced at your words. “Yeah,” he agreed. “So then why did you defend him?”

You had almost reached the entrance. “Because she shouldn’t be so quick to point fingers when she was just as eager to storm the castle as him. And because she shouldn’t call him crazy just because he made a few bad choices.” You considered your words, then added, “Or rather, a lot of bad choices.”

LeFou gave you a perplexed glance. “I thought you hated him,” he said slowly. “Why do you sound as if you pitied him?”

“I hated his actions towards my best friend, but I didn’t hate him as a person. Although I came pretty close once you told me what had transpired between the two of you.” You gave him a sympathetic look. “I know it can’t mean much, coming from me, but I’m sorry he did that to you.”

He smiled at you, clearly grateful. “Thanks.”

There was a silence as you began trekking up a nearby hill. It was early in the afternoon by now, and you loved the feeling of warm sunlight on your skin. I wonder if Gaston can feel the breeze in his tower.

“What’s wrong?” LeFou asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re frowning.”

“Oh. I hadn’t realized that.” You tried to smile, but it came out feeling forced. Now’s as good time as any to tell him, right? “LeFou, I have to tell you something.” Without realizing it, you started walking faster. The shorter man sped up to keep at your pace.

“What is it?”

You stopped and turned. You could see part of the village from here, and if you continued to the top, you might be able to see the castle in the distance. “I…” Just tell him already! your mind screamed. “I…you know how you were asking me if I saw Gaston fall?”

LeFou stopped walking. “Yes,” he said carefully, watching you.

Tell him! “What if I told you that I did?”

Emotions ran across LeFou’s face. Confusion, relief, fear, despair, and others that you couldn’t identify. “What?” he asked dumbly.

You sighed and started playing with your braid, unsure how to proceed but knowing you needed to. “I…you told us where he was, and Belle and I got separated. He was on a bridge between towers, and he shot the Beast. Then he fell.” You took a deep breath. “I tried to save him, but I wasn’t fast enough.”

You glanced at LeFou to see his reaction. His eyes had tears in them, but he seemed to be keeping them confined to his eyes. “So…he’s dead, then,” he mumbled, looking at the grass in despair.

“Not exactly.”

His head snapped up so fast you heard his neck pop. “What?!”

Your fingers were starting to tug apart your braid and rebraid it. “He did die, but…he’s not dead now, if that makes sense.”

“(Y/N), what are you talking about?”

A light breeze caressed you, almost as if it was encouraging you. You forced yourself to look LeFou in his dark brown eyes. The wind tossed his hair around, and he was watching you intently, hope and desperation evident on his face.

Just do it!

“He’s in a cell in one of the towers,” you finally confessed. “The Enchantress that cursed the Beast appeared to me and offered a second chance at saving him. Uhm, I took it, and I got there in time and I saved him and now he’s locked up and no one knows about it except the Prince, Belle, and myself. And you, I guess.”

LeFou opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. “I’m sorry. I’m confused. You said that Gaston died, and now you’re telling me he’s alive?”

You cringed. “Yes?”

LeFou took a moment to process your words. He ran his hand through his hair as he contemplated the veracity of what you were saying. “Let’s say I did believe you. Why would you of all people bother saving him?”

It took a minute for your brain to realize he was doubting you. You dropped your braid, slightly frustrated. “Because I care about him!” you exclaimed. Immediately, you threw your hands over your mouth, but it was too late. You’d already admitted it. At least you didn’t say that you love him. That would be bad.

“You do?” the shorter man asked softly.

“Just because I’m not as obvious as you with my affections doesn’t mean it’s not there.” You hadn’t meant it to sound as cold as it did, and you regretted it. LeFou’s face hardened, though his eyes were still teary. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” he agreed. But at least his eyes softened at your apology. He sighed, inhaling deeply with his next breath, and then his face broke into a small smile. “But Gaston is alive?”

You returned the smile. “Yeah. He is. Alive and as annoyingly flirtatious as ever.”

He laughed loudly at that statement, and you saw a few tears break free. “Well, that’s Gaston for you. He never knows when to turn it off.”

You shook your head. “No, no he doesn’t.”

Another breeze brushed past the both of you, rustling hair and clothes. “Wait,” LeFou suddenly piped up. “The other night. Why didn’t you tell me he was alive then?”

Because I was afraid? Because I’m selfish? Because I didn’t think it was important? “I don’t know.”

“So why are you telling me now?”

“Because you deserve to know.” You crossed your arms over your chest. “I should’ve told you then, but I was afraid. When I saved him, I asked Adam—the prince—to keep it quiet.” You sighed. “I don’t know why I thought that was a good idea. Sooner or later, people are going to find out, and I don’t know what I’ll do then.” You waved a hand towards town. “I don’t know how they’ll react. I made an impulse decision and now I’m dealing with the consequences.”

“Do you regret it?”

You shook your head rapidly. “No! Not once.” You thought for a moment. “Well, okay, I came close once you’d told me what he’d done to you.”

LeFou’s eyes widened. “You stormed off. I didn’t think too much of it, but I remember you storming off.” He frowned. “What happened?”

“I yelled at him. And then I punched him.” You held up your bruised hand. “Didn’t do as much damage as I’d hoped, but it felt good.”

LeFou snorted. “I bet it did.” He crossed his arms and shook his head slowly. “I was right, then.”

You cocked your head and furrowed your brow. “About what?” you asked, curious.

The breeze knocked a few strands of hair into his face. He tossed his head to clear his mouth of the hair. “There’s something between you two.” You opened your mouth to argue, but he cut you off. “You’re talking about him as if you consider him a friend, even after everything he’s done. You told me just now that you care for him.” He began ticking off his fingers. “Then there’s the obvious tension between you two, the fact that he complained about you as often, if not more, than he talked about Belle….There’s something there.”

You blushed. “No, I’m afraid you’re wrong.” You glanced at the sky. The sun was bright, forcing you to squint. “I mean, I’ll confess that I feel affection for him, but it’s one-sided.” You smiled sadly to yourself. “Even if he acts a little less boorish than he used to. I think it’s because he’s bored. I’m the only one that spends time with him, you see.”

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw LeFou shaking his head, his nose crinkled in disagreement. “He let you punch him. It’s one thing if it’s playful and flirty, but I’m assuming it was anything but that.” He grimaced. “Not that he’d hit a woman back, but he has a temper, and he wouldn’t just take it.”

“He was probably thrown off by how furious I was,” you muttered.

“That’s the thing. Why would your anger throw him off if he didn’t care about your opinion? If you were just the woman who kept Belle away from him, your anger wouldn’t mean anything.” A cloud covered the sun, shading everything for a few minutes. “There’s a thing there. Apparently it’s an unspoken thing, but it’s there nonetheless.”

You laughed in an attempt to dissuade LeFou. “I’m telling you it’s one-sided. I like him, he’s bored, and Belle is no longer an option. There is no unspoken thing.”

He shrugged, clearly not believing you. “So then what’s he doing right now?”

“Well, Belle probably brought him some food for lunch. Usually, I do that, but since I came to town today…” You stretched your arms out. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s reading?” You raised an eyebrow at him. “Do you want to visit?”

LeFou pursed his lips. “I do. Believe me, I do. But I also don’t, you know?” You nodded. “I don’t even know if we’re still friends after what happened.”

“You could always wait a few days.” You chose your next words with care, not wanting to offend him. “It would give you a chance to work out how you feel towards him. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to love someone who used and abandoned you like that.” You placed a hesitant hand on LeFou’s shoulder. “You have time.”

“Do I? How long will he be there?”

“I have no clue. Like I said, it was an impulsive decision, and I’m beginning to see how much I didn’t think this through.”

“Fair enough.”

You returned to the castle feeling much better than you had when you’d left. Being busy all day had done wonders for your mentality, and the added benefit of LeFou knowing the truth about Gaston had alleviated a vast chunk of your guilt. You hadn’t expected him to be as sweet as he was, and while that made you more angry at Gaston for how he’d treated LeFou, you also had realized that LeFou was tough underneath his nice exterior. The two of you had talked for quite some time about how to evaluate the villagers’ potential reactions to Gaston being alive. You’d also spent some time catching up with Maurice, but that had been much more brief as suppertime approached. You’d finally told the older man farewell with a hug. When you’d stepped up onto your horse, you’d been surprised by LeFou bringing you a giant satchel filled with some of Gaston’s clothing. You weren’t sure if you were going to give them to him yet, but it was considerate of his loyal friend to give them to you.

You hadn’t realized how much you wanted to see Gaston until you reached the castle. You smiled at the servants as you ran into the dining room, this time grabbing enough food for the both of you so you could eat with him instead of having to wait any longer.

“Well, look who’s back,” came Gaston’s cheerful voice as you reached the top of the stairs.

You rolled your eyes, although you knew he wouldn’t be able to see it. “Did you miss me?” you asked as you reached the cell door. He jumped up and approached you as you pulled the lever while balancing the full tray on your arm. Once the door was open, he repeated his action of taking the tray from you, which brought a smile to your face. How gentlemanly of him, you thought. You noticed that his ponytail had been retied, though it wasn’t as styled as usual, so now he looked more like his old self instead of a prisoner.

“Why? Did you miss me?” he asked, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

You made a face at his words, even though they were true. “Not at all,” you lied. “Did Belle come up?”

“Oh, yes. She brought me lunch, and we spent some time talking. She wasn’t quite so focused on my crimes as she was yesterday.” He eyed the tray. “Are you planning on joining me this time? There’s more food than usual.”

You couldn’t confirm vocally because that would indicate that you did indeed miss him, so instead you grabbed a bowl and leaned against the wall. “Did you enjoy your conversation?” you asked, trying to keep the subject on Belle.

Gaston grinned, showing all of his perfect teeth. You gave a mental swoon at the sight. “I always enjoy conversations with gorgeous women.”

Something about the way he said that sent a small surge of jealousy into your chest. You felt bad about it, knowing that it was caused by his obvious feelings for your best friend who didn’t reciprocate, but the jealousy was still there.

It must’ve shown in your face because his grin dimmed slightly. “What?” he asked, sounding unsure at your reaction. You didn’t answer. His next comment only added to your frustration: “I meant that as a compliment!”

You tried not to give him any proof of your feelings, instead raising the bowl to your lips and slurping some of the soup. As usual, he didn’t take the hint.

“Are you jealous of Belle?”

Damn, that was perceptive of him. You felt your face heat up, which was furthered when Gaston laughed. It wasn’t a mean laugh, but it hurt nonetheless.

“You are, aren’t you? You’re jealous.” He sauntered over to you and gave you a playful punch to your shoulder. “Admit it, (Y/N).”

You scoffed, and he poked you. “I’m not jealous. Of course you would assume that,” you denied, sliding down the wall. He followed suit, still holding the tray. His shoulder brushed against yours when he reached the ground, pushing you a little. Automatically, you pushed back with your shoulder, careful not to spill your soup. “I’m just hungry. And possibly a little concerned that once again, you’ve made this all about you.”

He blew a tuft of air out of his nose in mock disdain and set the tray down. “I did not.”

“Did too.”

“Did not.”

“Did too.”

“Did not!”

You slurped some more of your soup and waited patiently until he’d picked up his bowl and started eating. Then, with a smirk, you continued. “Did too.”

Gaston, not expecting your comment, made a choking sound and nearly dropped his bowl. “Mon dieu, woman, you’re stubborn!” he exclaimed, wiping his chin and glaring at you.

You shrugged in what you hoped was a coy manner. “It’s not my fault you assumed you’d won just because I stopped. You should know better by now.” You lifted your bowl to your lips. “Besides, out of the two of us, you’re clearly the more stubborn one.”

Gaston huffed. “I’m not stubborn. I’m determined. I refuse to give up until I’ve won. If anyone’s stubborn, it’s you, (Y/N).”

You raised an eyebrow. “Alright. I’ll admit it if you do.” His eyes narrowed, but he was smiling, so you continued. “I’m stubborn. Your turn.”

He laughed. “Well, I am a man of honor, so I’ll admit that perhaps I have times when I’m stubborn.” He turned his body to better see you, brushing your shoulder again in the process. “Now, I believe you have an entertaining tale to tell me.”

You frowned. What is he talking about? you wondered. It’s not like he would know about what happened in town today…

“Did you inquire about whether Villenueve was attacked?” He grinned, radiating that familiar cockiness you so loved.

Oh. That. You cleared your throat in an attempt to buy time. His grin grew wider, like he knew exactly what you were doing. And to be honest, he probably did. “I did,” you admitted, feeling your blush creep further up your cheeks.

“And?”

Is this what a bird in a cage feels like when a cat is watching it? “And…there was mention of a young man who rallied everyone against some invaders…”

“Did you happen to learn this dashing young lad’s name?” He took a bite of bread while he waited for your answer.

You muttered his name in as unintelligible a manner as you could.

“I’m sorry, what was that name again?”

You sighed, knowing the game was up and that he’d won. “Gaston,” you repeated louder.

Somehow, his grin grew more. “Again, please?” he purred, leaning in.

“Gaston!” you said, this time loud enough that he couldn’t feign deafness as a way of getting you to repeat it. Your cheeks were on fire, the warmth making its way down your neck as well.

He leaned back with that aggravatingly attractive smirk on his face. “I believe that earns me a story from you,” he said, crossing one leg over the other and folding his arms over his stomach.

“It’s not that interesting, I promise you.”

“Don’t care. I still want to hear it.” He rested his head against the wall, green eyes glittering with triumph.

You sighed again and turned to face him, setting the bowl down next to you. “Fine.” You leaned against your part of the wall. “I was sixteen, and we were attending mass. I stumbled against a loose stone and grabbed onto the nearest object to stable myself. Unfortunately, that object ended up being a candelabra, which is not stable in any way, and it fell over.” You felt the corners of your mouth curve up as you relieved the memory. “It caught a tablecloth on fire before one of the altar boys rushed over to stomp it out. I thought my papa was going to kill me when we got home.” Your eyes drifted to the stones in the wall across from you, though you could still clearly see Gaston out of your peripheral. “He wasn’t happy, but when Mama started laughing about it, he did, too, and I didn’t get in trouble.”

Gaston shifted, but he didn’t interrupt.

“She always brings out the laughter in him. I don’t know how she does it, but Mama just makes everyone smile. Papa is very serious most of the time, then she’ll say something absolutely ridiculous and he smiles and it’s wonderful.” Your eyes wandered to the floor. “She taught me to read, you know. Papa wasn’t overly fond of it, but he didn’t oppose it, which I suppose I should be grateful for. He did oppose me moving here by myself, but Mama managed to convince him that I would be fine.”

“You moved here shortly after Belle and Maurice did,” Gaston said, pulling you from your reverie.

You looked at him and nodded. “Yes.” Suddenly, you were curious. “And where did the great Gaston come from?”

He gave you an odd look. “Why, Villenueve, of course.”

You sensed some hesitation from him, but you decided to press on. “And your family?”

He didn’t respond right away, which made you wonder if you were being too nosy. Finally, he shrugged. “I never knew my mother—she died giving birth to me. As for my father…well…” You thought he wasn’t going to finish, but after another moment, he continued. “My father was a hunter.”

“Is he the one who taught you how to hunt?”

The corners of his mouth quirked into a half-smile. “Yes. He taught me everything I know.”

You thought back to all the times you’d heard someone compliment Gaston’s hunting prowess. “He must be a great hunter, then.”

Gaston sneered. “He was a great hunter. I’m better.”

From his tone, you got the sense that things between Gaston and his father had been tense. I wonder why. “‘Was’? Does that mean he’s dead?”

“He died while I was fighting in the War.”

“I’m sorry.”

He scoffed. “Don’t be. There was no love lost between us.”

You frowned, not sure how to react to that statement. Of course, you knew that not everyone has a happy relationship with their parents, but you’d never experienced it firsthand. You knew that your father loved you, and he wanted what he thought was best for you. The same went for Maurice—he and Belle were a close family, one you’d been fortunate to be allowed into. For someone to not experience that with either of their parents was disturbing.

“What?” Gaston asked, shifting and catching your attention.

You shook your head. “What?”

“You’re thinking, I can see it in your eyes.” His mouth twitched. “That’s a dangerous pastime, you know.”

The seriousness broken, you shook your head. “Oh, shut it.” But you were smiling again.

“Dare I ask what you were thinking about?”

You shrugged. “Just about how different families can be.” Suddenly, you remembered the letter from your parents. I almost forgot about that!

“Forgot about what?”

Did I say that out loud? Whoops. “I received a letter from my parents, but I never read it. I’ll read it later, I guess.”

“That’s…nice.” Gaston grabbed a clump of grapes from the tray and began to toss them into his mouth. This time he managed to catch every single one with ease.

You watched him toss three grapes and catch them before blurting, “I saw LeFou today.”

“Oh?” If you’d thought that would throw Gaston’s grape-catching abilities off, you’d been mistaken. “How is he?”

“Do you actually care or are you just asking because it’s what people expect?” You would rather not get into another argument about his treatment of his friend, but you had to know.

Gaston caught the next grape in his hand. “Why must you do that?” he asked, his voice a mixture of whiny and frustrated.

You felt your forehead furrow in confusion at his question. “Do what?”

He threw the grape from hand to hand. “Make it sound like I’m heartless and selfish.”

Maybe because you are heartless and selfish? You almost replied, but held your tongue.

“I’m not. You may think it, Belle may think it, hell, even LeFou may think it now, but I’m not.” He scowled, pausing in his grape-throwing. “I did what I had to do. Perhaps it wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care about him.”

You pursed your lips. “You didn’t have to do it, though. Why didn’t you help him and then go after the Beast?”

His arm suddenly drew back to throw the grape. You flinched, half expecting him to throw it at you in anger. He didn’t, instead throwing it out the open door of his cell. “Why does it matter?” he growled the last word. “I did what I did! Why must we keep going around in circles talking about it?”

“Because I’m trying to get you to see how wrong you were!” you snapped back, your own temper flaring. “It doesn’t matter if you thought it was the right thing to do! You don’t seem to understand how it’s affected the people around you. LeFou was heartbroken over your betrayal! You killed the Prince, which hurt my friend! Not to mention you led a town in an attack against the people they love and care about who were cursed—nevermind that they’d forgotten about them and that they were random items at that point!” You leaned forward, staring him down, hoping desperately that maybe something you’d say would actually get through that thick skull of his. “You did it, and you did it for selfish reasons, and until you realize that, yes, I’m going to keep questioning your motives and calling you out on them.” His eyes, lit with fury, glared into yours. “So maybe you should actually take the time to think about the consequences of your actions instead of trying to justify them!”

His jaw clenched. He lifted one arm to indicate the cell. “Do you honestly think I haven’t thought about that, (Y/N)? I’m locked up—already damned for my actions. The Prince could have me executed at any time, something that I’m well aware of!”

His words were like ice to your heated emotions. Before they could cool you down completely, though, you yelled your reply: “But he won’t!”

Gaston scoffed. “And how do you know that?” he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Because I asked him¸ you idiot!”

Silence fell upon both of you at your declaration. You crossed your arms, mirroring Gaston, allowing your anger to simmer off. You were still glaring at him, daring him to say something, but he didn’t. Instead, he sat there, radiating his own anger.

As one minute passed, then two minutes, then five minutes passed in that tense silence, you felt yourself cooling down. He thought he was going to be killed any day. It hadn’t occurred to you to tell him that he wouldn’t be; once Adam had reassured you, you had let it vanish from your mind. Yet here Gaston had been for four days, each day wondering if you were bringing him his last meal. His flirtatious attitude had been a façade hiding his true fear.

So then why does he insist on acting like he doesn’t regret anything? Why does he keep up the narcissistic attitude?

Eventually, his jaw released and he exhaled deeply.

“I should’ve told you. I’m sorry. It didn’t occur to me that you’d be worried about that.” On impulse, you reached forward and put a hand on his calf. You hoped it came across as reassuring. “I’m sorry.”

His eyes flicked to your hand and back to your face. You couldn’t read the emotions on his face; he kept it schooled. But then he sighed again, and you felt his entire body relax. “Why did you ask him in the first place?” he asked.

Because I didn’t want to watch you die again. “Because I wanted to know what would happen to you,” you admitted softly.

“Why?”

“Because, Gaston, I don’t think you deserve to die just because you made a few bad choices.” You released his calf and stood. He was watching you, a funny look on his face, but he didn’t seem like he had anything more to say. You brushed off your skirt. “LeFou is okay, by the way. I told him you were alive and that he could visit if he wanted, when he’s ready.” You began to make your way to the door. “He’s happy you’re alive.”

As you passed Gaston, his hand reached up to grab your wrist. He gave it a gentle squeeze before releasing it. Though he didn’t say anything, you felt as if he was trying to convey some sort of apology and thanks to you by that one touch.

You got to the door and closed it behind you. With a final look at the man in the cell, you added, “For the record, I’m happy you’re alive, too.”

“That makes three of us, I guess,” he muttered. You felt your mouth twitch.

“Good night, Gaston.”

“Good night, (Y/N).”

Next Chapter

#second chance #gaston #gaston x reader #gaston imagine #kate writes #beauty and the beast #batb

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scurvgirl · 7 years

Text

The Woods, Part 2

Where it doesn’t actually take place in the woods.

Part 1

Darevas and Felasel belong to @selenelavellan

Faunalyn belongs to @justanartsysideblog

Twins in Arlathan AU

Alright, a plan. For any plan to be successful, it requires intel. Which she is sorely lacking at the moment. She’s had more than a hundred years to learn the woods around her camp, but less than thirty to learn how to navigate formal society, let alone a different leader’s palace.

She means to sneak out and explore a bit after all the healers have gone to sleep but they play dirty and give her a disgusting tasting potion that knocks her out for the next twelve hours. When she wakes, her stomach growls and her bladder demands attention. Her body aches from the last…few days and she wonders how terrified her parents and people must be right now.

Papae is probably demanding a search party with the support from Mamae and Varas. The three other hunters – Belaravas, Emmansal, and Ghilananin – are probably unsure if they should. The rest of the people are dependent on them for survival and with thirteen people now officially missing…there is something in the woods.

Other hunters have gone missing, one of the voices had said during her capture. It could be any number of things – Nameless, one of Andruil’s old pets, one of Ghilan’nain’s pets that have gotten loose, a demon, maybe even rogue hunters. There are too many unknowns to fully know what’s out there.

Miriel relieves herself and makes her way to the baths just off the healer’s main room. It is…very different from the river she is accustomed to. There are five pools, each one with a different hue and scent. Only one resembles the water she is used to, but otherwise it’s a mystery to her.

“The normal pool is best for simple cleaning, the other pools are for different effects,” a healer says. She turns to them and smiles.

“Thank you. Is there any soap?”

They chuckle, move to a desk, and pull out a drawer to reveal…an impossibly large selection of soaps.

“Oh!”

“They differ in what they do and scents. What do you want to smell like?”

“Um. Clean?”

“All of them do that.” They look her up and down and not so subtly sniff at her. They reach into the back of the drawer and procure a simple square soap.

“A simple scent for deep cleaning and exfoliation.” They open another drawer and pull out a small vial, “for moisturization.” They open another drawer and pull out a much larger container, “for cleaning your hair. It is for cleansing, and smells like strawberries. And this,” another new vial, “will help make your hair soft.”

By the end of their speech, her arms are full of all these new soaps and things. She carefully shuffles to the edge of the normal looking pool and sets her soaps on the ledge before undressing.

Miriel slowly sinks into the warm water, warm water, and is reminded of her life before Andruil died, when this was normal. She washes herself and marvels at the difference in how her hair feels afterwards, even still wet.

She is given a simple brown robe to wear. It’s too long on her short body and she feels oddly small in it as she returns to her cot. There’s a small tray of food waiting for her and she eats it quickly enough.

The healers crowd around her and begin to murmur their spells around her head. They feed her more potions that she gags at, but they insist.

The door at the end of the room opens again and a familiar masked figure walks in. He’s either in a different robe, a deep iridescent blue, or this is his brother. Either way, Miriel bows her head and pointedly looks at her feet.

“Good morning, my lord,” she says.

“Hello, Miriel,” he says, taking a seat next to the cot. She peeks out from behind her hair to see a tall woman sit next to him. She is wearing only some of Dirthamen’s Vallaslin, on her cheeks and nose though her forehead and chin are bare. Something about her is familiar, but Miriel can’t quite place her.

“This is Faunalyn, Miriel. She was a Hunter for Andruil as well,” Lord Darevas says. Miriel cautiously lifts her head to look at the woman and yes, that makes sense, her posture and gaze all communicate a Hunter’s disposition.

“Your parents are Tassan and Caution? I knew them, good people. I just need to take all the names of the people you’ve been living with.”

Miriel watches Faunalyn pulls out a journal and quill and wonders what her new role is. Glorified note taker or servant is a low for someone who was so highly ranked.

She goes through the list in her head, she’s sure she repeats a few names but they listen and Faunalyn gets them all down. The Lord watches and remains quiet as she talks about her friends and family, describes how they lived. She wishes she could see his expression, any sort of indication of what he thinks.

People are more difficult to understand than animals, and infinitely more important to understand because they have a greater impact on how things will go. His emotions are kept close and calm, no line there, and with no facial expressions she finds herself to be in the dark.

Faunalyn nods as she speaks, even comments on a few of the people she recognizes. Most though are all unknowns, the invisible low-ranking servants who did what they could to get by, which did not involve being noticed by highly ranked Hunters.

“Thank you,” Faunalyn says, closing the journal.

“What would you recommend we do once we find these people?” The Lord asks and Miriel snaps her attention to him.

“I’d recommend you understand the incredible chaos there was around that time and that instead of hurting other people, we all decided to remove ourselves until it was safe. I was only thirty, several of us were former traumatized victims trying to survive,” Miriel says, her gaze fierce and unwavering to his mask. To his credit, he remains still.

“Miriel,” Faunalyn snaps, “that is no way to speak to your Lord. Clearly the woods and her head injury have left her rude and insubordinate.”

“They are my family, please understand.”

“And he is your lord, you do not –

“Please, Faunalyn. If I was in her situation, I would be even less cordial. Miriel, I will do my best proven that there have been no violations of law, I see no reason why we cannot accept hard working, resourceful people back into the fold.” His voice is kind and low and she wants to believe him, but sweet words mean nothing if there is no action behind them. But…it is the best she is going to get.

She backs down into the cot, pulling the robe closer to her.

“Thank you. I just want them safe, I…I was responsible for that. For them.”

He just sits there, unmoving and creepy. She hates the mask, she concludes. It’s weird. She knows it’s the whole aesthetic of this part of the family, and she is willing to bet that there at least a few of his father’s followers that would have found Andruil’s wardrobe disturbing. But it doesn’t change the fact that he’s wearing another face that doesn’t move and expects her to respond to it like a face.

Alright, fine. Maybe she’s just worked up…mask’s still creepy though.

“The woods are not an easy place to live in, even with twelve hunters working together. We got lucky, Paleris is a tanner, and Uthbora was a healer’s apprentice but she is probably a full fledged healer by now. Amevirin is a smith and his husband, Rasvir, is a tailor, which is a lot more important than you would think. He was instrumental in putting together tents, him and Paleris worked together endlessly. Them and Dahmeil. I…am rambling on about this, I’m sorry.”

“No, do not apologize. I wanted to know about the woods and this is your experience, I am…curious.” He tilts his head and Faunalyn raises an eyebrow at him. She gets a look then conspicuously rises from her seat.

“I have other duties to attend to, my Lord. Miriel,” she says then walks away, leaving Miriel alone with Darevas. Lord Darevas.

“Is my candor amusing, my lord?” She asks and he shrugs.

“More like refreshing. It must be strange to come back to find out things have changed,” he leans forward and she shrugs.

“We were expecting things to be different. We all had bets on who would take over the territory.” She plucks at the ends of the robe, unsure if she should try to maintain eye contact with his mask. She looks for the blue she saw earlier, focuses in on that.

“What did you bet on?” He asks, his tone mirthful and light.

“It being divided up. I joked that the Hunters would be made Peacekeepers and what rotten Peacekeepers we’d be,” she chuckles, “I’d be an awful Peacekeeper.”

Humor suffuses the air and he laughs with her, “And why is that?”

“I like a certain amount of freedom, not an undue amount, of course, but being a Hunter…running through the woods in a chase…I’d hate to give that up.” Her voice turns wistful and unsure. She doesn’t know if she’ll be able to continue to be that huntress anymore. Darevas and Felasel may completely restructure the lands and people, to make them compliment their sister and father more than to adapt to what is already there. Those very woods may be torn down to feed…whatever it is they may want to do.

“I would hate for you to give that up as well,” he replies softly. She blinks in confusion.

“Why? I-I mean, thank you?”

Perhaps Faunalyn is right, Miriel thinks. She’s been in the woods so long she’s forgotten how to properly address people who significantly outrank her, who hold her life in their hands.

“Why does that surprise you? People should not have to give up the things they love,” he answers as if it’s the simplest thing in the world. She smiles bitterly and worries the ends of the robe.

“With all due respect, my Lord, it’s not always that simple. We are your subjects, what you wish is what we do and sometimes that involves sacrifices. Sacrifices I am sure your grandmother can tell you a great deal about. For the People, always for the People,” she keeps her voice soft, to not accuse him, that would be breaching a line that even she knows not to cross.

He is quiet for a long moment. She shifts under his gaze, suddenly very conscious of the lack of armor and armaments on herself. But it is also the knowledge that he could hurt her, could lash out because of her words, and she could defend herself but if she did, it would be her death.

She waits for a blow that doesn’t come.

“I would not wish that for my subjects,” he says finally, with a resolution that surprises her.

“That is very good of you, my lord,” she replies and he bristles. She’s about to ask him when he takes off his gloves. Miriel shrinks away instinctively and he stops, hands bare, pale and without any callouses or other marks of work.

“There is the matter of your vallaslin,” he says softly. Oh, right, that makes sense. She sits up properly, closer to him and waits for him to begin the magic of reorienting the lines on her face.

“I spoke with my brother on who you would best be suited for, and considering that he couldn’t possibly handle your sass, I volunteered.”

“You are merciful indeed, my lord,” she jokes and he chuckles.

“Alright, hold still, this may prick a bit.”

He takes a deep breath and runs his hands over her face, magic sinking into her skin to erase and draw lines at the same time. Her cheeks tingle and her nose twitches against her will. He chuckles at the little movement and she blushes.

Once done, he pulls his hands away but he doesn’t put his gloves back on.

“There, much more up to date.” She lifts her fingers up to her cheeks. There’s no actual textural change, but there is a difference. If she could wiggle within the bounds of him not really being her lord before, she can’t now.

Miriel turns her gaze to his hands, so different from the hands of the people she has lived with. Untouched by work and hardship.

“Is there something on my hands?” He asks, turning them over to inspect them himself.

“Oh no, they are simply different from what I’m used to. We all have unsightly callouses and scars and dry patches on our hands.” She holds her own hands out for comparison. She shows him the large callouses from wielding a bow and notching arrows. His hands come up and pause.

“May I?”

She blinks, surprised.

“Yes,” she replies and still he is tentative when he touches her hands. The softness of his fingers is odd against the roughness of her callouses. He traces up the center of her palm, circling around the roughness in her palm and up her fingers.

“We found you with a bow, is that your preferred weapon?”

“Yes.”

He flips her hands over and traces up to her wrists and he chuckles, “I know you are capable and there are many smaller people are just as capable in a fight but your hands are so small, it’s a little odd to think of them holding a weapon.”

“And I find it hard to believe that you’re not constantly fumbling with your weapons with such large hands!” She teases back, pressing her hand up against his, palm to palm.

“What deftness can you accomplish?” She chuckles at the absurd comparison of their hands, her fingertips barely reaching above the middle bend of his fingers.

“That sounds like a challenge!” He says, wiggling his fingers. He turns to one of the healers and she swears he’s smiling behind that mask of his.

“When is she allowed to wield weapons?”

The healer sighs and looks at Miriel, “Two weeks. She needs to avoid anything that may rattle her brain, anything that will stress it. She cannot read, write, be around bright lights, be exposed to loud noises, or engage in any vigorous physical activity.” The healer’s eyes look Darevas up and down disapprovingly.

“Two weeks and then I can show you how deft I can be,” he tells her and she rolls her eyes.

“Whatever you wish, my lord.”

The door he came in through opens and she turns her gaze to see a similarly dressed masked figure enter the room. There are fewer details on his robe but it is finely made and there is a much different air around him.

“Brother,” he says and Darevas turns. So this is Felasel. She recognizes his voice from the woods and his mask…he’s the one who saw her first. She sits up straighter and her eyes dart to Darevas.

“Yes?” Darevas turns to Felasel.

“You are needed,” is all Felasel says, not even looking at Miriel. She supposes that’s much more normal than the interest Darevas has shown in her. Darevas nods and turns back to Miriel.

“I am being called away. It was good speaking with you, perhaps, if you are not averse, we could speak more?” He suggests and she inclines her head.

“As you like, my lord,” she replies but it doesn’t have the affect she was expecting. Darevas goes rigid and stands, and confusion flares around him briefly before he tamps it down. He stands up and leaves the room with Felasel, closing the door behind them with a solid click.

Well. That was a little odd.

She rises from her cot, her body still sore, but she needs to move. She hasn’t been this still for this long for…she can’t really recall the last time. There are some basic, low stress stretches she knows and she goes through them, slowly bending her body against the strain of the past two days. The robe provides to be a bit of a challenge to work around with all the extra fabric but she works with it.

She finishes stretching and finds her day suddenly very, very empty. Hm. She ties her hair up into a bun and sets out to explore any room they’ll let her.

She sets out through the healing wing, counting the number of healers milling around. There aren’t too many needing attention, and she does her best to keep her ears open to listen for anything helpful.

Most conversations are full of “where does it hurt?” and small talk to diminish whatever pain the person is in. Almost all of them wear Mana’din’s markings and eye her with barely restrained suspicion. She can’t blame them, she’s an unknown in their territory. All unknowns are to be treated with suspicion, they can all be dangerous even if they don’t mean to. One of Mamae’s many teachings.

The healing room she is in is a long rectangle with a few windows that allow Miriel to see a small garden just beyond the walls. She approaches one of the younger looking healers, carrying a change of sheets.

“Excuse me, but I was wondering if I am permitted to walk the gardens? I am not used to being indoors for an extended amount of time. The walls feel like they’re closing in, it’s not very helpful for a recovery, you see,” she explains, smiling sweetly. The healer looks unimpressed however.

“Your stay here is a courtesy, you can sit back down in your cot.” The healer walks off and Miriel scrunches up her nose. That wasn’t very nice or understanding, and it’s not like she asked to be here. She was essentially kidnapped from her home. And they can’t even let her into a garden? What do they think she’ll do? Violate the plants or something? She has no cause to, she just doesn’t want to be stuck in a boring brick building that offers no fresh air. It smells like creams and ointments in here, unnatural and suffocating.

Fine. Permission was really just a courtesy anyways. She heads to an empty cot and waits until no one is looking to sneak under the cot. The movement makes her a little dizzy but she ignores it as she shrinks her body into that of a field mouse. The world spins briefly but she just needs to make it to the garden and she can shift back.

She scurries along the floor and sneaks out through the door to the garden. She makes it around a bend to where a bench is before shifting back.

A mistake. Her body waivers as she forces it into her elven shape. She makes it but the world spins and grows bright to an overwhelming degree. Everything feels like it presses in, she shuts her eyes, falls backwards onto the bench, and then everything goes blank.

#cliffhanger warning #my writing #miriel lavellan #darevas #where felasel literally just made up an excuse to drag his brother out BECAUSE DAREVAS WHAT ARE YOU DOING SHE IS SUSPICIOUS #mirevas #felasel #faunalyn #not used to writing faunalyn and this is such a different situation hopefully i did ok #i spent a stupid amount of time coming up with all those names #also miriel - shifting while concussed is a bad idea stop it #twins in arlathan au #looking glass au

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consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis · 4 years

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30+ Simple to Surprising Suggestions That Won't Cure Celiac Disease

New blog post! One of the very first things my doctor told me after my celiac disease was this: "Right now, there is no celiac disease cure...you can only manage your symptoms by sticking to a strict gluten free diet." And yet, over six years after that moment, I still regularly bump into people who say that they "used" to have celiac disease.

Yeah. The phrase "used to" boggles my mind just as much as it does yours! But thinking about these "past" celiacs (as well as this awesome post from Carb Counting Mama about mythical "cures" for Type 1 Diabetes) got me curious. I found myself asking: what are some of the most common "cures" that are suggested to people with celiac disease like me? And, even better, what are some of the weirdest? So I scoured gluten free Facebook support groups, Reddit and Quora threads, and polled my own Insta followers...and here's what I came up with! Keep in mind...as I wrote above, there is presently NO celiac disease cure (though there are some cures being tested in various research studies). All the celiac disease "cures" are listed below solely for entertainment purposes, as well as in hopes that they will serve as a reminder to take other people's advice - especially about your health! - with a grain of salt.

Let's begin with three of the MOST common incorrect celiac disease "cures":

1. You need to go gluten free to heal the intestinal damage initially caused by celiac disease...but once your antibodies test at a "normal" level, you're cured and can eat whatever you want! Cue the booing audience soundtrack, because this is definitely very false! Yes, you will test negative for celiac disease and not show any intestinal damage after going gluten free, but that's only because you're not eating gluten. As soon as you start, all that damage will come back...and "once again", you will have celiac!

2. Now, let's discuss "cure" number two: keeping or adding a little gluten back into your diet so that your body can slowly become more tolerant of it. This is a practice called oral immunotherapy, and it's becoming a more common treatment for people with food allergies. You can also read here about how injectable immunotherapy may be helpful for people with celiac disease in the (likely far) future. However, it is important to keep in mind that celiac disease is NOT the same thing as a food allergy, and exposing someone with celiac disease to low doses of gluten will not "improve their tolerance" of it. 3. And finally, the infamous, "Oh, I bet you'll grow out of it!" Beep. Wrong answer! When you're diagnosed with celiac disease, you have it for life. But maybe the friends or coworkers talking about how their aunt or cousin magically "healed" their celiac disease credits a different technique.

You know...something a little more alternative-medicine-like.

Here are just a couple of real-life suggestions people have gotten on how to cure their celiac disease:

"Heal your gut." Yes, working on creating a happy gut by eating probiotic-rich foods, avoiding foods that mess with your body, etc. may help you feel better in the long run...but it won't let you just magically go back to eating Papa John's pizza.

Use a detoxing diet protocol or product line...and I'm not gonna name any names, but if you've ever been in a Facebook group related to eating gluten free, you've probably seen at least a few posts talking about the latest miracle pill or juice line.

Do a parasite cleanse.

Clear up the yeast infection that caused celiac disease in the first place. Now, there are studies linking yeast infections or fungal infections and celiac disease, and some even suggest yeast overgrowth could be the trigger to celiac disease or the reason why some people with celiac disease don't feel 100% even after going gluten free. But the only site I found saying clearing up a yeast infection "fixed" someone with celiac was selling a yeast cleanse product...and repeatedly used "celiac" and "gluten intolerance" to mean the same thing. Sooo...do with that what you will.

Try Chinese acupuncture to "reset" your immune system. People in the comments did report their seasonal allergies had improved via acupuncture...but from what I've seen, no celiacs have yet been cured via needles.

And now, drum roll please....we get to the food. Currently, eating gluten free is the only science-backed treatment for celiac disease...but that doesn't keep other people from suggesting different or even more restrictive diets.

Dietary Choices That Can "Cure" Celiac Disease:

Eating gluten from Europe, since its different processing protocols or ingredients make it "safe" for people with celiac disease. Unfortunately, wheat is wheat...and all wheat, gluten and barley are dangerous for people with celiac.

That you actually just need to avoid pesticides covering food, not the food itself. I'm pretty sure pesticide-free wheat will still hurt me. And so far, one of the only studies linking pesticides with celiac disease (in a causal relationship) was later said to have made conclusions "not supported by the available scientific evidence."

Only eating organic fruits and veggies and free-range meats. Which is basically just one form of a gluten free diet, which doesn't "cure" celiac disease but does treat the symptoms.

Guzzling bone broth.

Drinking celery juice on the daily.

Eating allll the bananas. At least this celiac disease cure has history, considering that doctors first treated people with celiac disease by prescribing a banana-only diet.

Eating a plant-based diet. You can certainly eat a plant-based and gluten free diet, and you may even find eating plant-based makes you feel healthier overall...but it won't let you eat gluten again if you have celiac disease.

Avoiding GMOs.

Only eating whole wheat versus refined flours. Because whole wheat is definitely what someone who can't tolerate gluten or wheat needs to heal? Yeah, I'm lost on this one.

This is when my research really started getting fun (in a twisted sort of way, I suppose). Because the more I searched, the more weeeeird celiac disease "cures" I discovered.

We'll start off pretty tame with just three "healthy living" hacks that are often suggested to pretty much anyone with a chronic illness.

Doing yoga. I can confirm that doing hot yoga regularly will not sweat out your inability to eat gluten.

Juicing. Unfortunately, I don't believe fruits and veggies can change our genes...

Drinking hot water every morning. Apparently, this is what everyone in Cambodia suggested one celiac traveler should try...

And then there are the countless things you can buy to "fix" your digestion, your mood and, of course, your autoimmune disease. Just to name a few examples, here are some marketable celiac disease "cures" many celiacs recall being pitched:

Essential oils...because what CAN'T essential oils do these days?!?

Probiotics. Taking probiotics has definitely transformed my gut health for the better, but there is a major limit to their "healing" powers.

Chinese medicine. Again...these cure everything, right?

Digestive enzymes. Possibly helpful when at risk for cross-contamination while eating out or if you have gluten intolerance. Not helpful for de-activating your celiac gene.

Activated charcoal. Sammmme as above.

And finally, the grand finale: a bunch of celiac disease cure suggestions that I saw on my computer screen and couldn't help but think:

"This is too weird to make up."

Get pregnant and your body will "magically" fix its celiac disease. Who knew we all just needed a bun in the oven to suddenly eat wheat?

Prayer. I know this is a touchy subject, and I don't include this "cure" in this grouping as an intentional attack on anyone who believes in the power of prayer. I agree that miracles can happen...but that it's also irresponsible to suggest that people with celiac disease can or should just pray about being able to eat gluten and still put their body in harm's way...

Meditating regularly and reducing stress. Definitely beneficial in helping you cope with the stress of having an autoimmune disease. But that's about it.

Exorcism?!? Yeah...I'll just leave that one here. (And note that the person who shared this story considers the wannabe celiac "exorcist" an ex-friend. Not surprising, I'd say!).

Thinking positively.

Communion wafers that are made with gluten. As the commenter put it, "I know God loves me, but God's gluten wafer definitely doesn't."

Going to a psychologist or therapist. Celiac disease CAN have a psychological impact on the people who have it, but it's not rooted in our minds.

Waving vials of wheat near your body to "desensitize" it to gluten. A mom heard this tip from her daughter's doctor. Safe to say, they soon found a new practitioner to visit.

What I Hope You Take Away From This Post

At the end of the day, I would be ecstatic if there was a celiac disease cure...not necessarily even for me to use, but as a great option for my children, should they inherit my celiac disease.

Right now, though, there is no cure for celiac disease - just eating gluten free to treat celiac's symptoms.

I know that fact can be hard to accept, especially if you're newly diagnosed or struggling with celiac-related issues right now.

But also know this: over six years after my celiac diagnosis, I can honestly say that I'm living pretty dang happily while eating gluten free. And you can too.

So if friends or coworkers do suggest a less-than-scientific way to magically "fix" your celiac disease, I hope you can laugh off their suggestions and be grateful for everything you still can do, even while living with celiac disease.

Has someone ever told you they "cured" their celiac disease or know someone who did? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments! via Blogger https://ift.tt/2HSKFOk

#Blogger #college #celiac #gluten free #coeliac #celiacs #paleo #primal #foodporn #foodart

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ryqoshay · 7 years

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How to Handle a Nico: How to Care for a Nico

Primary Pairing: NicoMaki Words: ~1.9k Rating: K Time Frame: Maki is in med school. Nico is working as an idol producer. They are living together as a couple, but not married yet. Story Arc: Stand Alone

List of all HtHaN scenes

Author’s Note: Had to do some shallow dive Google searches for this one, as I knew it is common place for people in Japan to go to work/school/etc even if fairly sick. Forgive me if this is not a 100% accurate portrayal.

Warm.

Really warm. By the gods it was warm. Hard to breathe warm.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than her diaphragm convulsed violently, expelling a horrendous bout of coughs up her throat. She curled into herself as pain radiated from her throat, through her nasal cavity and throughout her head.

“Nico-chan?” A concerned voice asked from nearby.

Nico rolled onto her back and slowly opened her eyes. “Uhhnnn…?” was all that came out of her mouth as a response.

Cool.

A damp cloth was placed on her forehead providing immediate comfort and relief. Nico couldn’t help but sigh.

“No wonder you were so tired last night.”

That was true. Nico had been feeling fairly lethargic yesterday, but she had attributed it to the busy schedule and long hours at work.

“Maki-chan… what time is it…?”

“Shhh…” A finger touched gently to Nico’s lips. “Don’t worry about it. I already called Hanayo and told her you wouldn’t be coming in today.”

“But…”

“I figured something was up when you slept through your alarm and you didn’t move when I woke up and got out of bed.”

“Breakfast… I need to make…”

“It’s coming.”

“You’re not… c…” Nico was cut off by another coughing fit.

“No, I’m not cooking.” Maki laughed lightly and placed a comforting hand on her girlfriend’s arm.

“Good… I don’t want the house to… burn down when I can barely move…”

Maki raised a hand as though to deliver a chop to her girlfriend’s head. Nico stuck out her tongue. Maki sighed and put her hand back on Nico’s arm.

“Well, if you’re feeling good enough to tease, maybe you can just make your own food.”

Nico opened her mouth to respond, but all that came out was a cough strong enough to make the towel slide off her forehead.

“Anyway, we do have friends who work in food service.” Maki continued, replacing the cloth. “Nozomi is on her way now with breakfast and Honoka will be here later with lunch.”

“Oh… alright…”

“And Hanayo said she and Rin would pick up something for dinner and drop it off after work.”

Work… Class… “What about your…?”

“I already called Papa and explained the situation.” Maki explained, taking the cap off a bottle from the nightstand. “What with sharing a bed with you, kissing you and… uhm…” she cleared her throat “other stuff, I’ve been fairly exposed to whatever you got. I may not be showing symptoms, but there is little doubt that I’m carrying it, so it would be best to not bring it with me to the hospital.”

“But…”

“Plus, you coughing in my face when I took your temperature a moment ago definitely didn’t help.” She held out a cup full of cough syrup.

“Sorry…” Nico gratefully accepted the medication, despite wrinkling her nose at the smell.

“But I can study here while you sleep.” The redhead assured. “I’ll be fine.” The doorbell sounded. “Ah, that must be Nozomi. I’ll bring something up to you in a little bit.”

“A… Alright…”

Something smelled wonderful.

Nico opened her eyes just in time to see Maki set a tray on the nightstand. Steam rose from a bowl of soup and Nico’s mouth watered, suddenly realizing she was hungry.

“Let’s take your temp before you eat.” Maki said, sitting on the edge of the bed and revealing a thermometer. “It was pretty high earlier.” She handed the device to the older girl. “If worse comes to worse, I can have Mama or Papa write you a prescription.”

Nico nodded and put the thermometer in her mouth. After a moment, the device beeped so Maki reached forward to retrieve it.

“That’s still really high.” The doctor in training commented, checking the readout. “How are you feeling?”

“Horrible… Tired…” Nico replied, glancing at the soup. “But a little hungry.”

“That’s good.” Maki nodded. “Well, that last part, at least. Your body needs nutrients to fight its battle. And fluids.”

“You know I used to take care of three kids who got sick a lot, right?” Nico chuckled, which lead to more coughing. “I know how to deal with the flu.”

“Well, yeah, but… uhm…” The redhead blushed a little.

“I’m teasing, Maki-chan.” The raven-haired girl lifted the spoon to her lips. “Mmmm… that’s good…” she sighed, relishing the soothing warmth in her throat. “Almost as good as mine.”

Maki rolled her eyes but didn’t dispute the claim. After the other girl had finished her meal, she took the empty bowl and set it back on the tray.

“I’m going to get back to my studies.” Maki said, standing up with the tray. “Let me know if you need anything; more food or water or whatever. I can help you change and take a bath later if you want as well.”

Part of Nico wanted to point out that she wasn’t an invalid, even if she was sicker than she had been in a long time. But the rest of her couldn’t deny enjoying the attention her girlfriend was so willing to give to her. She smiled and gave into the latter side. “Thank you, Maki-chan.” She said after a moment.

“Sleep well, Nico-chan.” Maki replied over her shoulder before exiting the room.

What was that noise?

Nico opened her eyes. That sounded like a vacuum cleaner, no, two vacuum cleaners. Did they own two vacuums? Voices. Plural. Nico didn’t believe she recognized any of them. Who the heck was here? Did Maki hire a cleaning service?

Nico reached over to her phone. It felt strange to message someone in the same house, but at the same time, she didn’t want to strain her voice by trying to yell over the noise of the vacuums.

NicoNii: Did you hire cleaners?

NishikinoMaki: Yes

NishikinoMaki: Sorry if they woke you up

NicoNii: That’s not the problem

NishikinoMaki: ?

NicoNii: We’ll talk once they’ve left

NishikinoMaki: Alright…?

“It’s a waste of money.” Nico insisted.

“Is it?” Maki raised an eyebrow. “I need to study. You need to rest. The house needs to be cleaned.”

“Like I said, I can cl…” The raven-haired girl was cut off by another coughing fit.

“Not like that.” The redhead stated flatly. “You need to rest. Doctor’s orders.”

“You’re not a doctor.” Nico rasped.

“I’ll have Papa or Mama come here to give you a personal diagnosis if you want.” Maki crossed her arms. “But I can already tell you what they would say.”

“Oh?”

“They would say that I need to study and you’re sick. But the house needs to be cleaned, so hire cleaners.”

“You sure you’re not just impressing your own opinions on them?”

“Who do you think I got my opinions from?”

Nico was about to reply when she realized Maki was right. Her own views of preferring to do one’s own housework instead of hiring help had come from her mother.

“Nico-chan.” Maki’s tone softened as she took a seat on the bed. “I know you would rather clean on your own, and I wish I had more time to help you with that. But for now, just think of it like cooking. As much as you like cooking for us, and as much as I adore your cooking, we still go out from time to time. Today Nozomi made our breakfast and Honoka made our lunch, and I didn’t hear any complaints from you.” Maki slid her arm around her girlfriend. “The cleaners are the same thing, something the current situation called for.”

“I suppose…” Nico sighed. “I just don’t want it to become a bad habit or some sort of crutch we lean on. We’re adults living together in a house. We should be able to take care of it.”

“Adults with busy adult schedules.” Maki pointed out. “Most days I’m happy knowing I get to share a bed with you because that’s the only time I get to see you. And that’s assuming you aren’t on tour. If we only get a few hours a week of free time, I’d rather spend them with you than cleaning. And if hiring cleaners from time to time is the way to ensure I get my time with you, then it’s a bargain.”

Nico pursed her lips, finding it harder and harder to counter Maki’s points. Certainly she took pride in maintaining a clean home, but there was no denying that she wanted to spend as much time with Maki as their schedules would allow.

“Tell you what,” Maki continued, “when you’re feeling better, I will try to set aside some time to help you with your next cleaning session, alright?”

“But you don’t really want to.”

“Of course, I don’t really want to. There’s so many things I’d rather do with you than clean…”

“I’ll bet.” Nico smirked.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“But if cleaning is what you want to do, then I’ll do it with you.”

“Alright.”

“So, are you good for now, or do you want to try to squeeze in a bath before Rin and Hanayo arrive with dinner? I’ll wash your back.”

“We can wait until after dinner, I’m good for now.” Nico yawned, slipped out of Maki’s arms and lay down. “But, I’d be better if you were with me.” There was no teasing in her tone, just a tired smile.

“I… uhm… still have to study…” Maki couldn’t help feeling guilty giving that excuse, especially after having just made a big deal about wanting to spend more time with Nico.

“Yeah, I kno…” Nico coughed again. “And I don’t wanna get you sick anyway.”

“Well, at this point, if I’m going to get sick, I’m going to get sick.” Maki admitted.

“It’s alright, Maki-chan, I was just kidding.” Nico dismissed. “Go on and get back to studying.”

“A little break is fine.” Maki crawled into position and slipped under the sheet. “Just until Hanayo and Rin get here.” She reached out to pull Nico to her.

Nico smiled before snuggling into her girlfriend and releasing a content sigh. “Thank you, Maki-chan.” She murmured a moment.

“Mmm?”

“Thank you for caring for me.”

Maki chuckled. “You don’t have to thank me for that. This much is normal for couples, right?”

“Yeah, but still, I want to be sure you know that it means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome.” Maki nuzzled the top of Nico’s head. “You know, I’m kind of happy…”

“You’re happy I’m sick?”

“No, no…” Maki shook her head. “It’s just that the last time or two you were this sick, Nozomi and Eli took care of almost everything.”

“You got medications for me.” Nico pointed out. “That helped a lot.”

“I know, but… I… I don’t know, it’s different now.” Maki fumbled for an explanation. “I mean I know Nozomi and the others brought food and stuff, but today I got to be the one to really tend to you directly. I… I guess I… just kind of liked that…”

“Was Maki-chan jealous the last time?”

“T-that’s not what I meant!” The redhead protested. “I just…”

“I know, Maki-chan, I was just teasing.” The raven-haired girl resisted laughing so as to avoid it causing her to cough more. “But like you said, it’s normal for couples. We live together, so of course you’re going to be the one who is here for me the most.”

“And that’s what I like.”

“Yeah, I like it as well.” Nico sighed and snuggled more. “I love that you’re the one who is here to care for me.”

“I love you, Nico-chan.”

“…ve you… oo… Maki-…n” Nico murmured, already falling back asleep.

Author’s Notes Continued: If it isn’t already painfully obvious by this point, I really like cuddly, fluffy, happy NicoMaki. Cuddly, fluffy, happy NicoMaki is best NicoMaki. And “I love you.” I love having them say “I love you” to each other. ♡ ＼(￣▽￣)／ ♡

I must admit I learned a bit in my Googling for this scene. Apparently, while it is common for those in Japan to go to work with the cold, influenza warrants staying home. Of course this meant I needed to learn the difference between the two; something I’ve never really bothered to research as I seldom get sick.

Draft One of this scene had Nico getting sick over the course of a few days before culminating in the need to stay home, but apparently that’s a cold. The flu apparently sets in quicker, so I had to change that. Then I found an article claiming that cough syrup was nearly non-existent in Japan, but immediately after, I found articles talking about the syrup form SS Bron, a popular cold and flu medication.

I’m still not entirely certain about prescriptions or antibiotics as most searches continued to bring up OTC products. Here in the States, a doctor is allowed to prescribe some medications without so much as seeing the patient in person, whether or not this holds true in Japan, I know not. However, in the School Idol Diary where Nico gets sick, Maki offers, rather offhandedly, to have her father give them meds, so if nothing else, I am taking some artistic liberties there.

On the topic of SID, that chapter is part of what Maki was referencing when she said that Nozomi and Eli primarily took care of Nico “the last time or two.” I am more or less taking that scene into HtHaN canon; more the part of Nico getting sick and less the part about it being how the rest of µ’s learns where she lives as I am going with the anime canon there. As for the “or two” part, I’m sure Nico got sick at least once in the years she lived with Nozomi, but whether or not I write that scene is another matter altogether. Someday... maybe...

Lastly, I am currently placing this scene after How Not to Celebrate a Nico in the timeline to coincide with Maki being currently banned from the kitchen. I may or may not move to after Homecoming if I need it to be after Nico starts touring again, for whatever reason.

#NicoMaki #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #How to Handle a Nico #Love Live #fanfic

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