#the first time i had a little sympathy for him because of the marriage thing but now? on the relisten? i hear the cop tactics good fuckin
Text
HE'S SO PISSED LMAOOOOOO
#the silt verses#liveblog#i yell#the first time i had a little sympathy for him because of the marriage thing but now? on the relisten? i hear the cop tactics good fuckin#lord. your wife is correct you think you're trying to be good but you're not. exhibit A. youre a cop i hope your wife gets everything in#the divorce#he still gets pathetic points though lmaooo you get asked to cuff yourself at gunpoint and you do? leave your criminal to the getaway driver#???? DESERVED!
35 notes
·
View notes
Text
The List (4)
Summary: When a hit list spreads around New York, Bucky’s ex-wife is the only one with any information.
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Mafia Bucky Barnes x Ex-Wife Reader
Warnings: Metaphorical addiction
Word Count: 2.6k
A/N: Not Beta’d. Thank you all so much for all of your sweet comments.
Series Masterlist
Previous Chapter
Chapter 4
Blue skies turned gray; her nights filled with pain. The walls would never tell, Y/N was under a spell. She had spent too much time in the sun, fading the tan line on her left hand. Too much time drying her eyes. Too much time mourning the loss of someone who never really existed. Mrs. Barnes was dead, but with two little words-
Clear!
Clear!
Clear!
She was brought back to life.
The first time they married, Y/N didn’t read the warning label that came with James Buchannan Barnes. She swallowed too many pills way too fast. He was a stimulant, leaving her body feeling euphoric for short periods of time. Divorcing him was like getting her stomach pumped, but it was too late. The drug had already entered her bloodstream, her heart working overtime to pump the blood throughout her body. Like an addict, one small dose of Bucky had her scraping her hands and knees, crawling back for more. This time, she was older, wiser, and more importantly, she tasted the drug and knew the symptoms.
The crisp air nipped at Y/N’s skin. Her fingers tightened around her sweater wrapping herself like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Warm hues decorated the sky, the leaves of the trees their most colorful. The end of summer was near. Bucky’s men patrolled the perimeter as she strolled outside. Steve was away leaving Sam to accompany her.
Bumping his shoulder against hers, Sam laughed, “Keep turning that thing and your finger will fall off.”
Her eyes fell on the ring adorning her ring finger. The right hand halted, hovering over the left. After being married to Bucky and engaged to Loki, she forgot she was wearing a ring. It was an extension of her identity, trading one ring for another. Choosing the lesser of two evils, she had accepted Bucky’s proposal. A few days later a ring arrived in the mail. It wasn’t the most romantic proposal, but they had already been down that road the first time.
Y/N sent him a dull smile, “I’m still getting used to it.”
Sam paused, his hand wrapping around her bicep pulling her to a stop. Squinting down at her, he asked, “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
Glancing around, she sighed. Her head and shoulders drooped. “What am I doing here, Sam?” Subconsciously, she began twisting the ring again. “I’m engaged to a man trapped in prison for god knows how long.” She should be in prison beside him. He told her to go. He gave her a second chance. Bucky deserved one too, didn’t he? “I don’t want to marry Bucky just to end up divorced again. It was awful enough the first time. I can’t do it again.” She shook her head, her voice just above a whisper, “Not with him.”
The man hummed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Sam might not have known Bucky as long as Steve, but he had known Bucky with and without Y/N. He knew enough to know Bucky had never loved a woman more than he loved Y/N. It was the reason he kept her separated from his work in the first place. “Y/N, Bucky loves you. Probably more than he should.” Sam smirked. “But if you two go through with this and it ends in a disaster, it won’t end in a divorce again. You understand that right?”
Y/N glanced up at Sam, his eyes filled with sympathy. The only reason the marriage ended in a divorce was because Bucky kept her at arm's length. If he lets her in and the marriage runs its course, it will end in body bags this time. Biting her bottom lip, she nodded, “I know, Sam.”
Sensing there was more, Sam asked, “But?”
Squinting one eye, she sealed her lips. It wasn’t a secret that she loved Bucky too. Their love had never been an issue. “Loki already wants me dead. People die every day in this world, your world. I just wanted to be a part of Bucky’s. Most plants die without sunlight. I can’t grow with him if he keeps me in the dark.”
Sam pressed a hand between her shoulder blades, encouraging her to continue walking. “Well, little flower, I’d hate to see you get plucked from this world but if you are, let me know what flowers you want on your tombstone.”
“Catskills.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “That was quick, have you thought about this before?”
Ignoring Sam, Y/N continued walking. “Well, assuming I’ll probably be dumped in a body of water, Catskills grow near water. They also require a lot of sun and well, the word cat is a play on the phrase “curiosity killed the cat.” She pointed at herself. “I’m the cat.”
Sam snorted, “You’re sick, Y/N, but catskills it is.”
Y/N clasped her hands behind her back, heading toward the house, her home. The sun was drowning in the trees. Another day wasted, another day Bucky was behind bars and Loki was loose. Tires screeched up the driveway catching everyone’s attention. Steve was back.
Y/N began to step toward Steve, following as he extended a leg from his small black car. “Y/N, hold up a minute,” Sam called, jogging to reach her. “It’s getting late, why don’t you head inside. Give Steve a minute to get settled in before you start asking him questions.” Y/N hesitated before nodding. Her feet carried her toward Bucky’s bedroom.
Steve never said where he was going but she was hoping he had visited Bucky. She didn’t like the idea of Bucky sitting alone in a cell. She felt guilty sleeping in his bed, their bed, alone. Opening his closet, she snatched a plain t-shirt from a hanger pressing it to her nose. It still smelled like him, well, his detergent anyway. Regardless, it was a scent Y/N was familiar with.
A knock on the door had her breathing in the scent one more time. It was only a matter of time before Steve came to check on her. Before she could pull the fabric from her nose, the door opened. Y/N jumped, throwing the t-shirt back in the closet.
“S-sorry, I didn’t see anything,” an anxious Peter held his hands up.
Y/N huffed, her back pressed against the closet doors. With her hand clutching her chest she asked, “Peter, what are you doing here? Does Bucky know you’re in his bedroom?”
Peter scratched the back of his neck, his eyes darting around the room, taking it in. To Peter’s surprise, his boss’s bedroom was normal. Having been off limits, Peter always assumed there was some big secret locked away but maybe the secret was that the mobster was just like everyone else. Clearing his throat Peter answered, “Steve sent me. I have some news.”
“Oh,” Y/N breathed. Crossing the room, she carefully sat on the edge of the bed. Good or bad news, she wasn’t sure she should stand. With a friendly smile, Y/N patted the silk sheets, an invitation for Peter to sit.
A panicked look crossed Peter’s face, a blush tinting his cheeks as he pulled at the collar beneath his suit jacket. Peter shook his head, opting to stand in the doorway. He had already overstepped his boundaries by being in Bucky’s room, he wouldn’t chance sitting on his bed with his fiancée too. “I’m fine here.”
Y/N shrugged, folding her hands in her lap.
“Mr. Stark pulled some strings. Bucky is getting out soon, for good behavior and um-” Peter peeked at an index card in his pocket. “Steve wants you to come to him the next time Loki calls.” He glanced back up at her to gauge her reaction. It was blank. “He wants you to answer so he can trace the call.”
“I-is that all?” she rasped, struggling to find her voice. Y/N was glad she decided to sit. She would have been jumping for joy at the news that Bucky was being released, but the reality of their situation would have knocked her off her feet. Loki was still lingering. Bucky’s release means he won’t be surrounded by law enforcement. He would be an open target.
Peter peeked down at his note card once more. A shadow cast over the card causing Peter to jump further into the room. Peter shoved himself between Y/N and the six-foot mobster looming in the doorway. His hand hovering over the gun on his hip.
Steve held up a hand dismissing the young man. “I’ll take it from here Parker.”
With one last survey of the room, Peter disappeared down the hall. Steve entered the room, closing the door behind him. Unlike Peter, Steve didn’t hesitate to claim the spot beside Y/N on the bed. He had spent many nights inside Bucky’s room consoling his friend after the divorce. The bedroom alone had become a second home to Steve.
The blonde ran his hands down his thighs, “Loki’s in hiding. Nobody has seen or heard from him. No one except you, that is.” He pointed at Y/N. “You’re our only lead on Loki. I’m sure he’ll drop his number once you answer his call. He has to know you’re here, but he doesn’t know about the engagement. The wedding should be enough to draw him out of hiding once he gets wind of it-”
“What?” Y/N interrupted, her eyes wide. “You are not using my wedding as bait. This is my marriage-”
Steve snarled, “One that you already ruined. If you would’ve kept your nose out of our business, none of this would be happening right now.”
Y/N flinched, nearly missing one of Steve’s hands waving. “Is that what you think, Steve? That I caused all of this?”
He could hear the heartbreak in her voice. Steve ran his hands through his hair. He meant it but he hadn’t meant to say it. He wasn’t trying to hurt her. He was frustrated. Everyone in the house was on the hit list and his best friend was behind bars. The last thing he needed was Y/N not cooperating to put an end to the hitlist. Resting his head in his hands, Steve replied, “You didn’t see him after you left. I was there. I saw how you broke his heart. He’s finally back on his feet and you come waltzing in and suddenly you're engaged again.”
Y/N frowned, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder. Sure, Bucky and Y/N were affected by the divorce, but she didn’t think about how it would affect everyone around them. She had no one after the divorce. All of Bucky’s friends, all of his men, chose him. How could they not, they were his friends first, his men first. She swallowed a lump in her throat, “Was it too much to ask to be involved when Bucky came home covered in blood? He never came home like that Steve, ever. Bucky didn’t respect me as his wife. He treated me like a child, like a princess. He chewed me out that night. I thought he was going to kill me.”
Steve shook his head, “He was scared. He was trying to push you away, so you’d stop asking about the business. If someone else didn’t kill you, he might have had to. He never wanted to lose you.”
Y/N smiled sadly, “I know. That’s why there won't be any more secrets. No more double lives. I think he gets it now.”
The blonde nodded, placing his hand over hers on his shoulder. “Bucky will want to marry as soon as he’s out. The sooner the better. His court date isn’t set yet but they’re starting to gather testimonies. They can’t make you testify against Bucky if he is your husband.”
Y/N flinched again, yanking her hand away. Steve’s head snapped toward her. “Is that why he asked me to marry him? So, I won’t snitch on him?”
Steve huffed a laugh, “Don’t be ridiculous, Y/N. Bucky loves you.”
“Then why does it feel like I’m in a trap?” Y/N whispered, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
Standing Steve began to pace around the room, spiking Y/N’s anxiety. Was Bucky really using her? Had he used her desires against her? Had all of those moments between them been a lie?
Steve stopped in front of her, a hand on his hip, the other carding through his beard. Exhaling through his nose he said, “Look, there is no life with Bucky if Loki gets to either of you first. Bucky left me in charge, this is the only way.”
Y/N turned her head hiding the tears spilling down her face. Her fingers bled trying to play a guitar that was out of tune. Bucky and Y/N would never work. He would never fully let her in. They were destined to dance on their toes around one another, never comfortable enough to put their heels down.
“I won’t marry him. Not like this,” Y/N croaked, slipping the ring from her finger.
Steve growled, falling to his knees in front of her. Snatching the ring, Steve jammed it back on her finger. Y/N yelped at his hostility.
“Quit being such a child, Y/N. If you want to be in on the plans and treated like an adult, then you need to act like an adult,” Steve snapped.
Bucky’s words echoed in her head, If you wanna be a big girl then you have to make big girl sacrifices. Surely, this wasn’t what he meant.
“This wasn’t Bucky’s idea, it was mine. He doesn’t know anything about it.”
“What,” Y/N hissed, glaring at the blonde.
Steve stood, running a hand down his face. Y/N continued to glare up at him, feeling no less smaller than him even while he towered over her. The corner of Steve’s lips twitched upward. This was the reaction he wanted. Steve licked his lips, trying to hide his smirk, “I am merely advising you.”
Y/N cocked her head, “Advising me?”
Steve slowly nodded his head, “That little training session the other day wasn’t just for your safety. If you’re going to lead a mob, you’re gonna have to know how to use a gun without closing your eyes. It also helps if you can keep your emotions in check and learn when someone is trying to get under your skin.”
Before Steve could finish his last sentence, Y/N was kneeling on the bed, shoving Steve as hard as she could. The six-foot man stumbled rubbing his chest. “You better explain yourself right now Rogers, no more games,” Y/N yelled.
When Steve was steady, he grinned, “My first visit with Bucky, he asked me to get you ready. He wants you to take his place until he gets out. Think of it as a trial run.”
“With Loki out there?” Y/N asked in disbelief, pointing to the window.
“Who better to take down Loki than the person he was closest with?” Steve mused.
Y/N jumped off the bed nearly slipping on the silk, “I don’t know, literally anyone else?”
Steve rolled his eyes, his hand on the bedroom door, “In chess, the queen is most powerful. She can move across the board. The king can only move one space at a time. There’s no room on the board for a princess. You have more power than you think. Think about my advice Y/N. You only get one shot at this.”
Next Chapter
Taglist:
@vicmc624 @winterslove1917 @hangmanscoming @globetrotter28 @athenabarnes @shara-ne @mal-adaptive-dreams @jvanilly @d3m0n8ch1ld @ppbhquinn @alysianc @firstcashheroathlete @malum-forev @missvelvetsstuff @animegirlgeeky @blue786sworld @blackwood-bodecker-housewife @alessandraavengers @ozwriterchick @nerdgirljen @emily-roberts @pandabearrrrrrr @venting402 @barewithme02 @introverbatim @buckybarnessimpp @mega-kittyglitter-1 @a-poor-gryffindork @toriluvsfics @samahenoyrhye @motivation-idontknowher @pics-and-fanfics @po55um @devil1112 @keeperofsecrets6411 @natasha-died-4-our-sins @marvel-marauder16 @sugamilkteaxkookiesxcream @mcu21lover19 @imgaybutimstraight @buckysbarne @playboystark @sarge-and-caps-princess @eviltinkerbell14 @quethekillerqueen @barewithme02 @buuuuuuucky @reader-without-a-story @5lutty5arah @queerqueenlynn
#mafia bucky x ex wife reader#mob!bucky#mafia!bucky#bucky x female reader#bucky x y/n#bucky x you#mob!bucky x reader#mob bucky x reader#mob bucky barnes#mob bucky au#mafia bucky x you#mafia bucky x reader#mafia bucky barnes#mafia!bucky x reader#mob!bucky barnes x reader#james buchanan barnes#james bucky barnes#bucky barnes#bucky barnes fanfic#bucky fanfic#bucky fic#marvel
423 notes
·
View notes
Text
aemond being bad at love headcanons:
summary: aemond struggles with showing affection to his betrothed, but he tries his best.
warnings: unhealthy relationships, possessive behavior, manipulation (sort of??), smut (very short)
a/n: it’s been ages since I last wrote any type of fanfiction, so I’m a little rusty. also, English is not my first language and there might be some mistakes. my requests are currently open!
Aemond knew marriage was part of his royal duties, and he intended to play his part accordingly but he dreaded the thought of dooming you to a lifetime of misery.
Even before being maimed by his bastard nephew, he was rather shy and awkward around people, but the scar on his face made everything worse by inspiring fear or disgust - often both - to whoever interacted with him.
Growing up, he preferred to be alone and there were very few with whom he had exchanged more than a few words - mostly his family, Sor Criston and Vhagar.
When Aemond went to your house’s seat to be introduced to his betrothed, the first thing that caught his attention was the shy smile on your face. It wasn’t a nervous nor an overly practiced smile, but a genuine one to match the “nice to meet you” that left your lips while curtsying. He did not allow himself to smile back, but deep down he hoped you would not grow to hate the sight of him.
Once you were taken to the Red Keep to wait for the marriage, Aemond started to ignore you. Part of him wanted to approach you, but he would rather not put that ounce of sympathy you had showed him in danger by being in your presence any longer than necessary. The prince did not know how his personality would be perceived, and he was not confident enough on his poor socialization skills to court you the way a proper lady deserved.
He would pretend not to see when you waved at him or quickly turn his attention to something else - even if there wasn’t anything else to focus on - whenever you addressed him. He thought it wouldn’t take too long to give up, but instead of showing disinterest, you looked more and more disappointed whenever he would pretend to take no notice of your advances.
Soon, it became unbearable. He decided to aim at the possibility of you not hating him, instead of deliberately pushing you away. It didn’t matter how many books he had read, none of them taught him to be nice. So many songs and tales of charming princes and their ladies, and there wasn’t one he could relate to. He was royal only on his blood and his name, but his ways were far from a prince’s. But if you wanted attention, he could try to give you attention.
The prince noticed how your eyes lit up the day he greeted you back on the hallways, a barely there nod of his head, your cheeks flushing red as your ways crossed. Aemond’s heart felt heavy for a second: Was it foolish of him to trust feelings? Wouldn’t you forget him as soon as the burning interest turned into nothing but ashes? The betrothal was settled, and something as small as his doubts were not enough to call it off. He did not want to end up in a marriage like his parents', but from a young age he accepted that it would be no different when the time came for him to be betrothed; but you made Aemond cling into the faint possibility of the Gods selecting a different fate for him.
It didn’t take long for him to sit by your side during meals, stealing a few glances sporadically. The prince still refrained to talk, but he would gladly answer any observations you pointed out - even if it was a monosyllabic answer or a mere “hum”. He felt relieved because it seemed pleasant enough for you and, oddly enough, it was pleasant for him too.
He found himself longing to see you every day, the people on the court completely faceless as his eye searched for you. There was nothing brighter than the smile you always offered him, as if all the light that filled the room was nothing but a weak ember upon your presence. Aemond had grown used to his days being dark and grim, but you lit a way out of such darkness, and he couldn't help but to be drawn into your light. You were his salvation, the gift he had received after his years of torment - only his.
Aemond couldn’t stand seeing you interact with the frivolous ladies of the court. Every time he saw you looking - or worse - talking to any other men, Aemond had to control himself not to kill them right there and then. You were too good for them. Besides, the prince felt conflicted when you seeked other companies when he finally started reciprocating your interest. How could you spend time with other people when he was right there?
He hated how he was perceived most of the times, but his scar and the overall cold demeanor could be useful - people were easily scared by him. Thankfully, his lurking went unnoticed by you while the ladies and the lads that were drawing your attention away from him grew more distant everyday and you would eventually find yourself with no other company but him for the rest of the day. Everything went smoothly until you caught him. You were trying to keep your lady from excusing herself from your presence and ended up following her gaze and founding him behind a pillar. It didn’t take long for you to connect the dots and Aemond saw your affection slipping through his fingers.
“I do not wish to be disturbed.” Aemond stared at the door he had just knocked as if it was the mightiest of opponents. All he did until that moment was to protect and care for you. He meant well, but the only thing the prince brought upon the only lady (apart from his sister and mother) he ever cared for was distress. He wanted to see that gentle smile again, but even more than that, he wanted to be the one to inspire it.
Aemond opened the door to your chambers and caught a brief glimpse of you: laying on your bed, face down into the pillows and a blanket over your body despite the heat. “I believe I owe you an apology, my lady.” You looked at him and your tear tainted face made his heart ache. “I did not intend to upset you.” You sat, legs still covered by the blankets turned to the side of the bed. “And what else could you intend, my Prince? I can’t imagine another outcome for shutting me away from everyone else.”
“I’m not good with people, with feelings.” The prince started, trying to speak his truth as clearly as possible “When you arrived, I avoided contact because I was certain you would despise me. When you didn’t, I didn’t know how to reciprocate and, as we got closer - if I even can say that, but as I allowed myself to be seen by you - I was afraid of losing you.” Aemond paused and looked at you. He walked towards you, just to get a little closer, but noticing you tapping on the spot at your side on the bed, he sat beside you. “I thought that the more you met new people, the faster you would grow tired of me. I deeply apologize, my Lady. Can we start over? Teach me how to care for you.” You gently reached for his hand and held it. “Of course, my Prince.”
Things got better gradually. Aemond would start inviting you for a walk around the gardens and enjoy some comfortable silence. He would ask you to watch him train, so excited to show his skills to you and glad to see you cheering for him. The prince would notice how you and his sister got close and some mornings were spent with Haelena and her children. He only started talking more once you spent a few afternoons with him at the library, where he would talk about his favorite books and even teach you some High Valyrian.
With the marriage soon approaching and your bond growing stronger everyday, the only thing keeping Aemond from stealing a kiss from you was his own spite. There was also the respect he had for you and your virtue, but the core of his reasoning was more lewd and selfish: He wanted to take your innocence, every single part of it, on your wedding night. Nothing excited him more than the thought of you slowly being devoured by lust, giving in to the carnal pleasure only he could give you. That was the plan, at least.
One night, however, as he escorted you back to your chambers after supper, Aemond did not expect you to make a move. He never stayed long at your door at that time, but you kept clinging to the sleeve of his coat. “I’ve learned something new in High Valyrian, my Prince.” You said, sounding oh-so-innocent for him to handle, eyes shining despite the dim lightning. “Have you been practicing on your own, my Lady?” He was happy to see you so interested in his culture. You nodded, hands traveling to play with his hair. On your tippy toes, you whispered to him:“Vūjigon issa”. He stoped for a second and you giggled at his reaction. “Do you need me to translate it to you, Aemond?”
The prince looked around quickly just to make sure no one was around before pressing his lips against yours. The fact you wanted him too sparked the flame inside of him and all his common sense evaporated. The kiss was slow and full of love, allowing Aemond to express the feelings words often failed to convey. You kissed him back with passion, allowing him to explore your mouth with his tongue and sighing heavily when his hands snaked around your waist. Aemond wanted to stay at your embrace forever but as soon as he felt your nails grasping the hair on his nape, he had to stop or otherwise he would have deflowered you right there and then. He stepped back, a smirk on his face as he beheld your flushed complexion. “Soon, my Lady, I will do more than kiss you. Look forward to our wedding night.”
The noises from the feast were loud, but the only thing you could hear as Aemond lead the way to your shared chambers was the blood throbbing on your ears. He took his time to reassure you and kissed all of your doubts away, each brush of his fingers burning your skin with desire. All your live, you heard that sex was something to be endured in order to conceive heirs, but when your husband found shelter between your thighs and explored you core with his fingers and his tongue, it seemed more like a blessing. He was gentle when entering you, but once you had adjusted he lost himself on the pleasure and fucked you hard and deep and fast, marking the skin of your neck, hips and waist. He rested his forehead against yours after he came, staying inside a little longer and left soft kisses on your face and neck. After some time, you did it again. And once more before you fell asleep in his embrace.
The married life with Aemond was a little bit more peaceful. Of course, as any other couple, arguments happened. At a particular night, Aemond had been a little too harsh with his words, something he hadn’t done in a while. You were genuinely hurt, but time made you understand your husband’s ways and how he never truly meant his cruel words.
“My Lady, I hope you are aware that I do love you.” He said, after joining you in bed. Aemond would take a strand of your hair on his fingers or brush his thumb on your cheek. “I’m learning how to demonstrate that properly. I promise you that your patience with me will be worth it, I’m trying to become the husband you deserve.”
He knew how to make your heart ache with compassion for him. There was no way you could be mad at Aemond for too long, not when you knew how hard he was trying. “My dear, troubled husband, do not be so hard on yourself. I love you too.”
#a.: writing#hotd#aemond targaryen x reader#aemond targaryen#aemond targaryen hcs#headcanon#hotd headcanon#aemond targaryen headcanons
518 notes
·
View notes
Note
Heyyy, congrats on 2000! ❤️❤️
I have a request for Carlos + [ FIVE CALLS ].
what i feel for you – cs55
genre: fluff, 2k celebration, title from this
send for five times the receiver nearly calls the sender and the one time they do.
You’d told him the night prior about your date, gave him the usual crash course that came with these flings. He made a joke about how you should take advantage of the handsome men in Madrid, even if his heart felt like a giant foot had just smashed it. Because, Carlos reminds himself as he awaits your text again, he’s supposed to be a good friend.
It’s a weird label, friends. It’s a label for a relationship that’s something else entirely. Yeah, he’s your closest friend, but he’s here hoping you don’t pursue a second date. Yeah, you two are best friends, but you sleep in the same bed on cold nights during the season even if there are two in the hotel room.
His phone dings. Went like shit,you text. I’m in a pissy mood :(
Lando would tell him to take the chance while he can, like this is God or whoever giving him a sign to finally try and do it. And Carlos would say no, Lando, we’re just friends even if the younger guy would 100% be right. He swipes on your contact, hovers his thumb over the telephone icon, tries to picture how all this would go.
You’d sigh, pick up in the middle of the third ring, be all I’m okay, Carlos in an effort to save yourself the sympathy, but he isn’t here for sympathy—he’s here to tell you he likes you. In the stronger way, in that way. What? I like you, he’ll insist. Come to mine and I’ll let you know how much.
Think I’ll go for drinks somewhere first Carlito, don’t wait up. He swipes off your contact, texts back OK, and waits for you all night.
—
When you’re a hotshot in Formula 1, you’re bound to be pushed into the face of a myriad of journalists.
There’s clicking, flash, rehearsed questions Carlos still answers. They all ask the same shit, you’d think they all belonged to one magazine. But he braves through it anyway, tries to let the answers vary so he doesn’t sound as robotic as they do. But there are a few questions that have stuck to him.
“I imagine racing is the love of your life,” chirped the journalist, who he could barely see behind the shadow of the huge TV camera beside her. “Would you agree?” He’d hummed, gauging the possible answers: there was the easy yes, which would’ve made a good impression on racing fans seeing him in Toro Rosso for the first time; there was the no, which might’ve been a bit too dicey.
“It’s very important to me, but it’s not the love of my life.” Carlos decided finally, laughing.
“Playing coy, I see!” She exclaimed.
But the truth was, Carlos wasn’t “playing coy.” He really didn’t name racing the love of his life—because there’s only one thing that enters his mind when he thinks of the phrase, and he wished to save the phrase for that and that only. Racing is fast, it’s passionate and rapid fire, but that—it’s so different.
He almost tells you about it a few years later, when he’s exhausted from Ferrari media day and the memory replays in his head. You’re in Asia for work right now, so he hopes the call he’s about to place will go through anyway.
He’s smiling, walking to his car, and line is just about to ring when he realizes—how can he tell you the story, if it means admitting you were the answer?
—
Everyone has high tolerance until it comes to tequila. At least Carlos thinks so—the state he’s in is definitely not sober and Lando, across him, is in even worse shape. They’ve drained a whole bottle at this point, laughing back and forth and dancing to the music at the bar.
“I’m only serving tequila at my future wedding,” belches Lando, wearing a pair of sunglasses neither of them owns.
“Amen.” Carlos squints at the thought of marriage, pulls out his phone and finds your name under the Favorites section of his contacts. The cheeky little shit Lando catches on immediately, whistling a high teasing tune to get under Carlos’ skin.
“I say ‘wedding’ once and already you’re off calling her,” he quips. “I better be best man.”
“We’re just friends,” he slurs, smelling Cuervo on his breath. “You know.”
The line rings once, twice—Carlos opens his mouth and says “Hello? Did you know I…”
He passes out before he gets to the rest of it.
—
The drivers make a night’s trip around the city, and they stop at the Trevi Fountain.
“Throw a coin in and you return to Rome,” Charles says factually, like he’s their tour guide or something.
“Does it allow normal wishes?” Carlos, already amused, presses the phone icon near your name to tell you what he’s up to. The spotty signal slows the call.
“Depends. What are you wishing for?”
“Her.” Lando points at your name on Carlos’ phone.
He hangs up. “A world champion title, actually,” he lies.
—
“Hey Carlito, I’m on my way to the room.”
“With pizza?” Lando hollers into the speakerphone. Carlos laughs and rolls his eyes.
“Yes, obviously,” you say, but your voice is laggy through the phone. You’ve visited them in Italy for the weekend, taking a break from work to meet your best friend again after weeks of being apart. And of course Lando and Carlos sort of came as a package deal these days, so you dealt with him, too.
Carlos takes you off speaker after you say your byes and see-you-soons, pocketing his phone. The Brit doesn’t miss a beat in teasing him. “Dude! Even your voice sounds so down bad, mate.”
“It does not.” Carlos doesn’t even know what down bad means.
“Low it! You’ve loved this girl for how the fuck long and you’re never going to tell her, will you?”
“How do you tell a friend you love them?” Carlos sighs. “It’s—dios mio, it’s difficult. I’m in love with her but it’s a risk to think she feels the same. And”—Lando opens his mouth to protest—“yeah, yeah I know that’s love, I know that’s the whole point, but I couldn’t live with myself if I lost a friend because of these estupido feelings.”
Two raps sound on the door, and he gets up to let you in. “Okay? So shut up.”
Lando watches his friend swing the door open, and sees you on the other side holding up your phone.
AA Carlito, it says, signifying the call was never hung up. You smile. “The feelings aren’t that estupido.”
#f1#carlos sainz#leclsrc2000#carlos sainz drabble#carlos sainz imagines#carlos sainz smut#carlos sainz fanfic#f1 x reader
280 notes
·
View notes
Text
Nobody's Girl - Chapter Eight.
Fuck it, it's Friday, I'm feeling generous, have another chapter! Enjoy, besties!
Previous chapters - One Two Three Four Five Six Seven
Taglist - In the comments, please DM to be added/removed
Words - 3,145
Warnings - Adult content throughout, minors DNI!
Hundreds of times. Hundreds? She didn’t know why, when infidelity was infidelity, but having the assumption that he’d only partook of a few extra marital dalliances shattered by the fact that it had been over a hundred women throughout the eighteen-year span of his marriage, was suddenly so much worse to bear. Especially when he’d surmised it as “a few” when confessing that to her.
Hundreds was far from few.
Not really knowing what to do or where to go, she wandered through the rooms, hearing her name called eventually when she got to the sprawling lounge.
“Dolly, hey. You alright?” Greta asked gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned, the woman feeling her heart sink. “No, you aren't. Come on, come here.” She let herself be pulled into the hug, crying further, feeling tumultuous inside. “Scared, huh, that he’ll do the same thing to you.”
“No... maybe... oh, god, I don’t know,” she sniffed, pulling back, thanking Greta for the handkerchief she offered. “He says it’s different with me, that he hasn’t cheated and doesn’t plan on doing so either. Am I stupid to believe that? When he told me he’d been unfaithful in the past, he left out the part detailing exactly how much. He said a few, Greta. Hundreds is not a few!”
Her friend sighed through a sad smile, her eyebrows drawing up, eyes full of sympathy for the poor girl. “I can’t answer that question for you, toots. All I can say though is, and I dunno if this is wishful thinking or not, but maybe he’s got it outta his system now? He’s forty-three, more grown than he was back in his twenties when he and Fil got married. Maybe he just didn’t wanna scare you by being so candid with the exact number?”
She was attempting her best to stick a dressing over her pain, and while Emily thought such charity was very indicative of Greta’s kind nature, it wasn’t what she needed. “Do leopards ever really change their spots?”
Shrugging, Greta called upon a few examples. “Well, the man used to chain smoke like a chimney, but quit two years back since he said, and I quote, ‘I don’t think my chest is meant to fuckin’ rattle when I breathe’, which he noticed went away the less he smoked. S’why he always has the...”
“Toothpick,” Emily finished for her, “to distract himself from wanting to light up. Yeah, he told me about that. It isn’t the same, though. Smoking is a habit.”
“So’s fucking other women, dolly. Habits can be broken, if you want it badly enough.”
Sighing, she looked down at her feet for a second, lips pursing as she twisted them from side to side, still under the duress of discomfort though her tears had finally stopped. “It’s the fact he glossed over it that bothers me more than anything.” Leaning to Greta, she kissed her cheek. “Thanks for being a good friend. I’m going to take a little walk; I need to calm down.”
Her walk took her across the property over to a long line of trees, a dirt road that looked to lead down to a group of outbuildings. She’d have taken the lake, but she didn’t want to run into Luca on his way around it with the kids. Besides, she wasn’t ready to face him yet.
It was conflicting to her, having virtually no temper, always preferring the calm approach regarding conflict and now being left with nothing but fury in her belly and the desire to slap his face for downplaying his infidelities. Why had he lied? If he’d opened up enough to tell her in the first place, be candid, then why was he hiding the complete truth?
Her mind could only go to one place; the place of him knowing deep down, he’d probably do it again. That was, if he hadn’t already.
Fear shunted through her veins like a freight train, the distressing thought of losing him because he couldn’t be faithful to her. The pain of it crushed her fragile spirit, and that was only in imagining what it would be like to discover his deceit. It flew in stark contrast to the fact that Emily well knew his gaze towards her was fonder than anybody else, save his children. Love came in at the eyes and took a path directly to the heart, and every time he looked at her, she felt it beam his adoration right into her chest.
Truly, she had no reason to doubt his sincerity, and she honestly had believed him when he’d sworn he hadn’t ever been untrue to her. Funnily enough, she was perhaps the only person in his life who knew when he was lying. He didn’t do it often, but every time he did, his thumb stroked over the crucifix tattoo upon the middle finger of his right hand, as if silently asking forgiveness from god for his sins. It was a barely noticeable tell, but she’d picked up on it when witnessing him bullshitting people.
Reaching the outbuildings, she saw that it had once housed a stable block, the structure now crumbling from rotted wood, in no fit state to house a living creature. It was a shame, she thought, imagining what it must have looked like back when it was built, which she guessed was likely in the eighteen seventies, going on the overall design of the property.
He said he lost count when he hit triple digits.
Filomena’s words smacked her sharply again, raking a hand through her curls as she sighed, kicking a pebble across the dusty ground beneath her feet. Would he, though? Was the man who was all hers truly looking to seek out an alternative to it just being him and her? The man who confessed his sins to her in the dead of night as they lay talking, truly, would he forsake the bond they shared for the dalliance with a warm body that was not hers?
She’d truly liked to have thought she was much less naive than she had been in the almost six months she had been in his life for, learning from him how not to let anyone take her for a ride, learn how to be shrewder, wiser, less easy to manipulate. Why teach her to be anything else, if he indented to hoodwink her? Surely, the man would want her to remain the unworldly little waif who always put her trust in the wrong people, should he have planned to be deceitful to her?
It didn’t make sense.
A frown knitted her dainty features, turning to slope off back the way she’d come, her ears picking up on the sound of a cawing coming from one of the huge trees to the side of the path. Looking up, there upon the branches slowly becoming thicker with the lush green of spring, sat a pure white crow. She’d never seen one before, stopping to look up at the bird, its blue eyes staring back at her before it began to caw again, ruffling its feathers.
A second bird then swooped down, its coal black wings wide, folding neatly as it landed beside its white counterpart, the creatures making soft noises of greeting to one another. She witnessed it, the little display of affection, the black one beginning to preen the white, gentle beak clicks sounding its contentment.
They reminded her of she and Luca; the light and the dark, bonded effortlessly despite being so different.
Walking back towards the house, she still had no idea what on earth to say to him when they came face to face, picking out the figure of Filomena still sitting outside, hearing the sound of the children screaming with mirth as they ran up from the lake. She thought he’d maybe gone inside already, but as she took the stone steps that led back up the rolling garden, she heard him shout behind her, telling Guiseppe not to throw rocks at his sister.
She hurried her pace, wanting to move back into the house and avoid him, but that wasn’t easy when her man had legs longer than the average Derby winner. “Hey, where are you rushing to, amore?”
The face he was met with took him aback, her expression hardened a little as her eyes darted and she dropped her chin. “Inside.”
Of course, he persisted. “What’s wrong, huh? You’re not your usual self.”
His hands prevented her movement, Emily pulling herself from his grasp, her hand moving to strike him sharply across the cheek. It was the first time she’d slapped anyone, and she hated it, especially watching the confusion and anger flit across his face, his mood darkening rapidly. “I never am when I’m lied to. A few, you told me of your affairs. Not over a hundred women, as I learned.”
He bit his back teeth together, his head snapping to look up at the house, where Filomena sat, a very captive audience to it. “I told you not to listen to her poison, Emily. I explicitly told you that.”
The fact he couldn’t meet her eye confirmed it. “It isn’t poison when it’s true though, is it? No matter how malicious her intent was. It’s still true, and you still tried to hide that from me.”
Walking away, she was just stepping back into the house again when she heard Luca explode like a bomb, hurling insults towards his ex-wife in savagely delivered Italian, his fury let loose. “Excuse me, please can you show me up to the bedroom?” she asked Catherine, the housekeeper who had come with them, the woman nodding as she changed direction immediately.
She looked relieved to be escaping the immediate proximity of the Italian hellfire being flung back and forth outside, Emily closing her ears to it as she trotted up the many steps comprising the marble staircase behind the woman who looked like she had seen the two people they’d left in their wake becoming furious with one another one too many times before.
“End of the hallway, miss. If you’ll excuse me, I have to go and help chef prepare dinner.” Pulling her shoes from her slightly sore feet, she carried them while padding along the carpeted hallway, again studying her surroundings as she went, trying to take her mind off her current predicament.
Entering the bedroom, her mouth fell open, the space absolutely beautiful. It was all art deco, the decadence actually very simply done, black walls with white mouldings and ceiling, the hardwood floor furnished with fluffy white rugs, and as Luca had already revealed, a very big four poster bed in the centre. Sitting on the edge, she fell back into the comfort of the fresh, white linen, her eyes picking out the details of the ornate moulding around the chandelier that hung above, glad she was surrounded by silence.
Needing something to do in order to keep her mind occupied, she moved to where their belongings had been placed, Luca bringing very little with him since he of course already had everything he needed right there. She began to hang up her own items in the large, sparse wardrobe, knowing that she’d packed too much, remembering back to that morning when he’d told her that, too.
Just as she was placing her jewellery away, her peace was disturbed by a tightly wound looking Luca, coming in and clicking the door shut behind him.
“Emily, I’m sorry for what she said to you.”
An interesting choice of words. “You’re sorry for what she said, but not the fact you tried to hide the extent of your philandering from me?” She spoke tersely, fingers untangling her multi-stranded pearl necklace. She knew she should have brought it up in a box as opposed to the silk bag she’d stashed everything in to save space.
He moved to her, standing there in imposition, giving her no choice but to eventually look up at him once she’d finished her task. “Please, honey. Don’t let her get between us. This? It's exactly what that fuckin’ rattlesnake of a woman is lookin’ for.”
She couldn’t believe her ears. “It might be what she’s looking for, I don’t deny that from what you’ve told me about her. She isn’t coming between us, though. I asked you straight up, how many times you’d been unfaithful to her and what was your reply? A few. A fucking few! Losing count when you got to a hundred isn’t a few, Luca. Jesus god!”
Moving to the window, she needed space between them, irritated when he followed her. “Emily, just listen...”
“To what?” she snapped, “more lies?”
“I didn’t tell you ‘cuz I wanted to spare you it, the fuckin’ ugly truth of the man I was with her.” He reached for her cheek, stroking it, his chest a field of sharpened glass when she knocked his hand away. “I ain’t that man anymore, baby. Not now I have you.”
Her nostrils flared, eyes fixing him sternly. “You still lied to me. I needed to know the whole truth, Luca.”
“Oh, you fuckin’ did, huh?” he replied, his agitation winding once more, like somebody weaving thread into a loom. Why wasn’t the fact he wanted to be better for her enough?
“Yes, I fucking did!” she yelled, tipping him to explosion.
“What is it that you want me to tell you, Emily? You wanna hear it all, huh? How I was fuckin’ everything with a pulse from day one? You wanna hear how I took a waitress into the bathroom at my own wedding and fucked her over the sinks? Or how about when nobody could get a hold of me when Fil was in labour with Milania, because instead of bein’ a good husband and waiting outside for my first child to arrive, I was at a private sex club in Manhattan in the middle of an orgy? How about that, huh?”
It hit her in cold waves, to hear of such behaviour, delivered so loudly too. He never shouted or went on angry tirades, and she hated bearing the brunt of it. It wasn’t her he was angry at, though, and she saw it so clearly. He couldn’t meet her eye, pacing slowly as he dropped his head and ran his hand over the back of his neck.
She moved to him, reaching for his arm, stroking the lean muscle beneath the white shirt. “It isn’t Filomena you’re mad at, is it?”
His eyes locked onto a point in the distance, jaw tightened, offering only silence.
“Luca, you can’t make amends for how you acted in your marriage by being flawless in your relationship with me. And I love that you are, I believe you when you say you haven’t and won’t stray from me. I’m not the one who needs your apology, though. She does. She’s still hurting because you hurt her.”
There it was, the truth his ego had successfully stuffed down for the last year, tried to mask behind the lie he told himself that his wife didn’t care about his infidelity when in fact, she did. She simply didn’t want to break her heart or her marriage by confronting him over it, until she was literally confronted by his adultery right there in their bed.
He’d never be a good man, not truly. He was the head of an organised crime family, after all. He could, however, be better to the people who cared about him, though. Even if it was now in past tense. His pride still swelled, much too strongly to come out and tell Emily she was right in that moment, his eyes finally finding hers as he turned, taking her hands in his and squeezing them.
“Gimme a minute.” Striding out of the room, he moved through the house, Emily looking down at the lawn below where Filomena stood, Luca joining her after a few moments.
She turned around, her eyes glassy, looking up at the man who had torn her heart out, Luca opening his arms and wrapping her in a hug. He stroked her hair, kissing the top of her head multiple times as she wept against his chest, finally - and earnestly - delivering the words she’d so sorely needed to hear.
“I’m sorry. For everythin’ I put you through. Wasn’t your fault, it was all me.”
She cried harder upon hearing the apology, looking up at him, her eyes pleading as she stroked his face. “Then if you’re sorry, come back to me. Please. We’re you’re family, Luca. Send the girl packin’, let’s start again.”
Her statement took him by huge surprise, seeing the sudden vulnerability in the woman so formidable, so embittered by her need to hurt him as much as he had her. It truly rocked him for a few seconds, letting out a long sigh. He covered her hands for his own for a moment, removing them from his cheeks. “No, Fil,” he spoke, shaking his head, “my future is with her now. I’ve been angry at myself all this time, not you, and you needed to know that. That’s all. I ain’t ever gonna be no one else’s but hers.”
“She won’t love you like I do,” she tried, Luca shaking his head again.
“She won’t, no. She loves me differently, holds me fuckin’ accountable, makes me wanna be better. I shouldda been better to you, though. Just know that I know, but we ain’t tryin’ again. It’s not what I want.” He walked away then, knowing she likely wouldn’t take his rejection lying down. It wasn’t the woman she was. The man he’d become, though, was somebody he intended on remaining, going back into the house, finding Emily still within the bedroom, and taking her in his arms to plant a passionate kiss upon her mouth.
“What was that for?” she asked, a little breathless from it, her cheeks flushing.
He rested his forehead to hers, hands stroking her neck. “For being you, cara mia. I ain’t ever gonna be a good man, but I will be to you. Because of you.” His mouth met hers again, fingers beginning to tease the buttons of her dress undone, their need and longing for one another flickering into greater heat, his big hands grasping her narrow waist and carrying her to the bed.
“I’m sorry I lied to you,” he began, lips planted kisses on her neck, “and I’m sorry I yelled at you.” His lips rained hot over her breasts, pulling her brassiere from her after flicking the clasps undone, “and I need you to know how much I fuckin’ love you.”
“Don’t tell me,” she gasped, hands all over him, desire charging over her skin. “Show me.”
Oh, how he showed her.
#luca changretta fanficition#luca changretta#luca changretta smut#luca changretta x ofc#peaky blinders fanfiction#peaky blinders#peaky blinders fanfic#peaky blinders fic#luca changretta fanfic#luca changretta fic#nobody's girl#luca and emily
28 notes
·
View notes
Text
Robb Stark, Robert Baratheon, and their inextricable link.
🎨: teilku and paolo puggioni
Let’s start with the most obvious points; Robb is Robert’s namesake. It’s unsure whether Catelyn named him or if Ned suggested the name because he loved Robert, but I’m leaning more towards Ned because all of his sons are named for men he admired- Robert, Jon, Brandon, Rickard. Both men fought for a crown at a young age and were regarded as brilliant war strategists. Both fought for revenge, Robb for his sisters/Ned and Robert for Lyanna. Both lost their fathers at around the same age. Both married Westerwomen who they were not originally betrothed to.
This is where the foils come in- Robb is Robert if he were a better man.
Robb truly loved his sisters while Robert was infatuated Lyanna and saw her as something that was taken from him. Despite this, Robb never made a move to rescue his sisters when Robert fought tooth and nail for Lyanna. Robb was outlived by his sisters and Robert outlived Lyanna, which is why they view them differently.
Their relationships with their Western wives are also different. Robb chose to marry Jeyne while his betrothed still lived to protect her honour, and had a relatively healthy relationship with her. Robert married Cersei at the request of Jon Arryn, a marriage that was a disaster.
🎨: chillyravenart
Robb and Robert are often put in the same category by other characters.
“The Warrior was Renly and Stannis, Robb and Robert, Jaime Lannister and Jon Snow.”
Stannis Baratheon has this to say about his brother to Jon Snow:
"Your brother was the rightful Lord of Winterfell. If he had stayed home and done his duty, instead of crowning himself and riding off to conquer the riverlands, he might be alive today. Be that as it may. You are not Robb, no more than I am Robert."
The harsh words had blown away whatever sympathy Jon might have had for Stannis. "I loved my brother," he said.
"And I mine. Yet they were what they were, and so are we.
Speaking of Stannis and Jon, parts of their older brother’s personalities are told through their eyes.
Jon, being one of the most important POV characters highlights their relationship a lot, and Stannis, who is not a POV character but arguably one of the most fleshed out non-POVs, speaks of him often. The other part of their personalities are told through Ned (occasionally Cersei) for Robert and Catelyn for Robb.
Their relationships with their brothers is another place where their differences lie. Robb genuinely loved Jon and planned on visiting him on the wall with Bran, and named him his heir, though it wasn’t without a little resentment from Jon’s side.
“He pulled Jon to him and embraced him fiercely. “Farewell, Snow.””
“He missed his true brothers […] Robb, his rival and best friend and constant companion,”
Jon was still not certain how he felt about it. Robb a king? The brother he played with, fought with, drank his first cup of wine with? But not mother’s milk, no. So now Robb will sip summer wine from jewelled goblets, while I’m kneeling by some stream drinking snowmelt from cupped hands.
Robert and Stannis’s relationship was much less affectionate:
“I don’t know that we ought to call Robert my beloved brother either. He loved me no more than he had to, nor I him.
[Robert] is in my dreams as well. Laughing. Drinking. Boasting. Those were the things he was best at. Those, and fighting. I never bested him at anything. The Lord of Light should have made Robert his champion. Why me?
Robb’s story also directly parallel’s Lyanna’s story- Lyanna who was Robert’s “great love”, further connecting them.
Both were “beautiful, and wilful, and dead before [their] time,” and died at the same age because they involved themselves with a romantic partner who was not their betrothed. Robert, however, is essentially the complete opposite of this, his entire character in AGOT is a washed up old rockstar past his prime. In fact, he had even dodged death multiple times, and if Cersei hadn’t gotten lucky with the boar he’d still be alive.
Robb and Robert are also both said to parallel King Edward IV, who was also a successful battle commander.
Robb’s marriage to Jeyne parallels Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, who was of a much lesser rank than Edward, similar to how the Westerling’s social status had dwindled.
The most important parallel between Edward and Robert is how all of his children were declared illegitimate by his brother Richard III, much like how Stannis sent letters across the realm informing the people of Westeros of Cersei’s incest.
And Lastly, neither of them wanted to be King.
Robert had abandoned his duties and his alcoholism/sexual affairs worsened, while Robb, who was raised to act honourably and dutifully never even got the chance to abandon his duties because he died at war, though it’s safe to assume he would’ve been a dutiful king because he tried to model himself after his famously honourable father.
“Gods be good, why would any man ever want to be king? When everyone was shouting King in the North, King in the North, I told myself […] that I would be a good king, [...] loyal to my friends and brave when I faced my enemies… now I can’t even tell one from the other.”
“I swear to you, I’ve been so alive as I was winning this throne, or so dead now that I’ve won it.
“I am surrounded by flatterers and fools. It can drive a man to madness, Ned. Half of them don’t dare tell me the truth, and the other half can’t find it. There are nights I wished we had lost at the trident… ah no, not truly, but…”
🎨: joshua cairos and nicholas gregory
#asoiaf#a song of ice and fire#robb stark#robert baratheon#already posted this to twitter but we move#i could talk about them for hours#meta#valyrianscrolls
21 notes
·
View notes
Note
First off, your blog has increased my sympathy for Lucille's character, so congratulations, I hope you're proud. Though, to be fair, I was never in the EvilTM camp, more of the Batshit Crazy Because Of Massive Trauma viewpoint, which, you know, she was.
Anyways, my actual reason for the ask is about Eunice. I've never read any of the extra source material so I don't know if this is explained somewhere. But basically why Eunice McMichael?
The Sharpes presumably met the McMichaels while they were visiting Alan in London (perhaps his graduation?). There's no father in the picture, but otherwise, she doesn't seem to fulfill any of their criteria. She has family and is highly social (lots of people to notice and care if she went missing/died), she's young and desirable to have as a wife (there must've been some competition for her back home at least), she's not older or widowed (i.e. "undesirable"), and while she's clearly rich, she's not the sole inheritor of her family's estate (they'd be working solely with her dowry, a much lower figure).
It's heavily implied (/stated outright?) that Lucille is the one who chooses Thomas's brides. There's no logical reason to choose Eunice. But following with your "sapphic" take on Lucille, I think she just has a thing for Eunice.
A lot of words just to say that but what are your thoughts?
Welcome to the Lucille Appreciators Club! Meetings are Fridays at 7:30. I'll bring snacks.
So, this is such an interesting question. The bios don't shed much light but they do provide some on how the Bride Selection Process works
Namely, that it's far from an exact science.
Per the bios, Bluebearding has never been Plan A. Plan A is finding investors for the goo-mining business. Marriage + Murder is the fallback option- that they keep having to fall back on. They've never actually chosen a bride on purpose before Enola, exactly- Margaret developed a passion for Thomas on her own; Pamela's dying father begged Thomas to marry his disabled daughter so she'd be cared for. Enola seems to have been the first one who didn't just fall into their laps, so to speak
And Thomas picked her.
So no, it's not always Lucille's choice- she encouraged him to go along with Mr. Upton's notion and propose to Pamela, the first time, but how much she was involved with the inception of the other marriages is up for debate. Which makes me think Thomas picked Eunice- I can't imagine such a fluttery little social climber being other than annoying to Lucille.
Why EITHER of them thought she was a good idea when she had so many friends and family to miss her...well, the Sharpes aren't very good at crime, frankly. Enola still has relatives writing to her five years later, so I suspect they would have come looking for her eventually. The snare seems to have been tightening around Thomas and Lucille for a while now, without them knowing it.
I do imagine that Edith's superior "qualifications" made a key lynchpin of Thomas' argument to convince Lucille to switch targets, though. And an interesting Word of Actor tidbit: Jessica Chastain thinks Lucille's desire to protect Edith by leaving her alone, at first, was genuine. Because she loves delicate, beautiful things, and saw Edith that way.
20 notes
·
View notes
Note
hi ash, do you have a fic rec list of miraculous fics that you have enjoyed? 👀 i’ve watched miraculous for years and been a fan but i’m new to reading miraculous fics 🐞❤️🐈⬛💚
i can try! i actually don't read a lot of fanfic, but i can recommend a few I've read that I've enjoyed :) most are one-shots.
Experimental Kisses by MireilleTanaka (komorebirei)
Summary: Ladybug watched him. Maybe it was guilt, maybe sympathy, maybe a streak of playfulness. Maybe the traumatic akuma experience had softened her up. Whatever the reason, a thought wafted lazily through her mind and out of her mouth. “You know… you’re right. It isn’t fair, is it?”
Chat Noir looked up.
“I remember my first kiss, but you don’t.” She hummed and tapped her chin, making a show of remembering. “It wasn’t a bad kiss, but we were in the middle of fighting an akuma, so I didn’t get to enjoy it much, either.”
Oops—that came out sounding a little, no, a lot more flirty than she had intended. Anyway, if she was going to commit to this idea, she may as well go all in.
Rating: T
Comments: a very cute ladynoir kiss fic. i really like the way the author wrote the kisses here!
i think it’s time i told you (i’m a fan of your universe) by a_miiraculer, clairelutra
Summary: Years after Hawkmoth’s defeat, Ladybug and Chat Noir have a conversation about life, love, and marriage.
Rating: T
Comments: a WONDERFUL little one-shot where chat noir buys a ring, and ladybug wonders who it's for. ladynoir.
where roses bloom by @carpisuns
Summary: “You’re sick, aren’t you?” He drops down to the balcony. “You’re sick because you love someone and … they don’t love you back.”
(Love square Hanahaki AU, Marichat centric)
Rating: T
Comments: i LOVE LOVE LOVE this fic. a bittersweet marichat centric Hanahaki AU that makes my heart feel things. please read it
whose woods these are (I think I know.) by Reiaji
Summary: Four years after his future turns to cinders, Adrien is a servant in the house he was meant to inherit. Disowned by his father and abused by his stepmother, his days are filled with drudgery until he meets a masked huntress in the forest behind his father's chateau.
As his friendship with Ladybug turns to first love, he dreams of a future spent at her side.
Then, on the eve of the Princess's masquerade, he meets his guardian—and is granted a wish.
[Ladrien Cinderella AU]
Rating: T
Comments: magical ladrien cinderella au. it wouldn't be a fic rec list by me if i didn't recommend the fic that i still think about on a daily basis. the poetic writing, the story, the characters, just...AUGH. i cant even describe how good this story is. I'll admit i wasn't into it at first but by the time i got near the end i COULD NOT PUT THIS FIC DOWN. very good please read. multichapter
Eating (nothing but) Affection by crownedcrusader
Summary: Some cats won't eat unless they feel safe. Unless someone they trust is nearby, keeping them company.
Unrelated: Adrien has pushed away so many cold meals that he can't eat if he's alone.
Rating: G
Comments: a sweet fic where adrien doesn't like to eat alone. his friends notice this.
Probably Not The Best Idea by @coffeebanana
Summary: When Adrien first offered Ladybug his spare room, it was mostly joke. Not once in a million years did he think she'd actually take him up on the offer. After all, he's the only one who's hopelessly in love. Right?
For her part, Ladybug never meant to make a habit out of visiting Adrien. But now that she has, well…spending time with him feels safe. It feels right. So why not give this roommates thing a try? Surely it'll be nice, not having to hide her hero identity in her own home for once, even if she has to hide her civilian identity instead.
All in all, it might not be the best idea they've ever had, but…can it really be the worst? And if they happen to get a little more than they bargained for in the process? That's just part of the fun.
Rating: T
Comments: VERY cute premise, excellent writing, ladrien roommates who are obviously in love with each other, WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR GO READ IT. multichapter
œuf ouch owie by miraculousunflower (ominousunflower)
Summary: Chat Noir enlists Rena Rouge's help to create an Aspik illusion. Absolutely nothing goes wrong.
Rating: T
Comments: literally the funniest gd fic I've ever read in my life. I've never had a fic actually make me laugh out loud before and this one did. i still go back and reread it when i need a laugh. it's like a shitpost in artistic form
L'Autonomie by @xiueryn
Summary: After three years, Marinette tells Chat Noir who she is. The only problem is that he doesn't believe her, insisting that her and Marinette couldn't be the same person. With the knowledge he's close to her, she tries to figure out who he is. AU.
(mari finds out adrien is chat noir and has fun planting clues to make him believe she's ladybug.)
Rating: T
Comments: a silly ladynoir and adrinette reveal fic. ladybug tries to convince chat noir she is marinette. he doesn't believe her. it's adorable and i love it
i hope this is enough! happy reading ♥
#fic rec#miraculous ladybug#miraculous tales of ladybug and chat noir#miraculous lb#miraculous fandom#ml fic rec#miraculous fic rec#fanfic recommendation#ash answers#miraculous
270 notes
·
View notes
Text
THE ADDAMS FAMILY (I)
- What are you doing here? – were the first words Y/N Addams said after opening the door of her parents’ house. After seeing her boyfriend wasn’t alone, she turned her head to the bird. – Hello, Matthew!
- It is your uncle’s Festus marriage, it is polite of me to accompany you.
- With that? – she pointed to the flowers that were so full of life. – I don’t think so. Go back to the Dreaming, we can see each other when I am back. – Y/N tried to close the door, but he used his hand to stop her.
- I would like to… - Morpheus looked at his raven for help and that intrigued the young Addams. – meet your parents?
- Morpheus, are you alright? – in all those years dating she had never seen him like this, it was almost like he was nervous.
- He’s alright, lady boss! Just some good old case of cold feet, you know? – if she wasn’t there surely Matthew would be receiving a very different treatment from his master.
- I believe that only applies to the bride and groom, he is neither of them. Must I ask again what is going on or shall I only hit the door on your face like Constantine once did?
- I have never meet parents before, Y/N – if this was anybody else then maybe there would be some sympathy, but it was her and she couldn’t understand the stress over it. Her parents never asked to meet him, neither did the rest of her family, the Addams weren’t noisy about romantic relationship, honesty they just hoped their firstborn wouldn’t date one of those too much normal and popula2r people, the kind that made fun of their way of living.
- If it makes you feel better, my dream, I’ve never brought anyone home. And you do not have to come, they are not expecting you. – it was such a intimate thing to know exactly what to say to the person you loved, how easy it was make the other feel better with only words. Y/N took the bouquet out of his hand and started separating the flower from the stem from each one. – You must decide what is your wish for I cannot be busy for my uncle’s wedding.
- Is that what you’re wearing to it? – Matthew asked, surprised with her full black look to a wedding. The black did highlight her skin and it was her marked style, always in black from up to down, she was an Addams after all.
- Yes and no matter the answer I must say that you’re always welcomed, Matthew. Although it would be unwise of you to be too close, my sister likes to play with my crossbow, and you would make a fine target.
- Would you look at the time, pretty sure I should be back at the Dreaming. Have a very nice wedding. – and with that he flew away, but they both heard when he murmured “weirdos” before vanishing at the sky.
- What about you, my dream? Will you follow your raven? – he was gazing at her, studying her movements as she plucked the last flower. – You never got me flower. I always thought it was because you knew, perhaps because of my dreams, that I do not like them. Especially the ones that are very colourful, something that I inherited from my mother. – she gave him back the bouquet now only with stem with thorns. – Much better now.
- It was Matthew’s idea, he said it was custom to bring flowers to the mother of your beloved. I thought he would have more…experience at this. Not long ago he was a human while I…
- Know me better than anyone else. There is no pressure, you don’t have to come in. – she touched his left check with her right hand, making him close his eyes at the contact. – As you told me the first time you asked me to come to the Dreaming, to meet your family, I want nothing more than for you to be comfortable. I’ve no wish to make you do something you don’t want to. We have time and this doesn’t make me love you any less.
- My love, my little dreamer, I wish to do all with you. There is not a moment where you make me feel uncomfortable or unsafe, the truth is that you make me feel so…happy. You give me hope, every day, on your own way. I feel like everything is possible with you by my side, even after doing something for the first time in my endless time.
- Oh, my dream. – she brought him in for a kiss, which he gladly and passionately corresponded. No one at the Dreaming could explain the couple, neither could the people around Y/N at the waking world, but when they were together there was not a single being that could deny that they loved each other with a burning passion. Both Y/N and Morpheus would kill and die for the other, they would burn the world down to ashes if necessary and that was how much strong their love was. Once the kiss was over, they continued close and keeping eye contact.
- Shall we come in? – Y/N smiled and adjusted his coat.
tag list: @asexualaromosafezone @jesllianaquilesrolon @andieperrie18
- Yes, we shall. – with smiles on their faces and joined hands they entered the Addams residence, ready to face everything and everyone.
.
.
.
254 notes
·
View notes
Text
Faded Memories (Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader) |Part 1|
A/N: This is an AU where everyone is an adult and living life. Eddie is getting married soon and the reader is having the hardest time with it.
Warnings: This is going to get really dark and pretty angsty in the series. Some cursing.
God this was the absolute worst thing you probably ever had to go through. You stared at your best friend as he presented the engagement ring to you with the biggest smile on your face. The ring was beautiful. It was really simple, Eddie couldn’t afford something like a Tiffany ring but it was still beautiful and looking at it made your heart swell. Part of you wanted to pretend. Just for a second. That the ring was meant for you. That your best friend was your soulmate and one true love who wanted your hand in marriage. You had to snap out of it. You did your best to give a genuine smile. “Eddie it’s beautiful.” You said. You spoke so softly, hardly above a whisper. It was hard for you to even speak. At least without giving away the pain that would be behind your voice.
“You really think so? I know its not a big fancy ring but I hope it’ll do for now. I eventually wanna get her the biggest rock out there. She deserves it.” He smiled as he went on gushing about his girlfriend Kendra. You had no idea what you had done to piss off god for them to just torment you with this. Why? Why did you have to be his best friend? Why did you never leave his side? Why did he have to meet Kendra? Why didn’t he ever look at you like the way he did her? You honestly couldn’t even stand her. It wasn’t even because she was with the love of your life, I mean some of it had to do with that, but there was just something about her that made your skin crawl.
Everything about her just seemed a little...wrong. She seemed a little too...nice? No, that wasn’t it. Kendra wasn’t always that nice, in fact Kendra made it a point to stay away from you. It didn’t make any sense to you but its not like you were honestly going to complain. Sometimes you felt like you were just gaslighting yourself into believing she was a villain and you were playing victim. You were lucky and relieved that your female best friend and confidant in these trying times, Nancy Wheeler, shared the same views as you did about Kendra. Nancy helped you keep yourself together throughout Eddie’s relationship with his girlfriend. She knew you were in love with him. That you had been since you met back in high school. For you it was love at first sight. For him it was just friendship at first sight. You took it though. You loved that you could be close to him. He made you feel special. Having him around actually made you feel alive. Like you weren’t just existing. Eddie Munson was that man who gave you the epiphany that existing and living were truly not the same.
Maybe that was the problem. You never learned to love yourself as you chose to love someone else first. Now you depended on him for your happiness. So when you both graduated and he started playing more gigs with his band Corroded Coffin, when he met Kendra, that’s when your life and light got sucked right out of you. Eddie was over the moon about her but you couldn’t do anything about. What were supposed to do? Surely you couldn’t tell him anything now. He was happy. Maybe happier than he ever was with you. The thought always bothered you but it was a possibility you had accepted. Nancy of course felt the utmost sympathy for you. She held your head in her lap while you watched Little Shop of Horrors together. It was your favorite. You had no idea why, but it was. From then on you braved a face in front of him but would cry to Nancy. At some point she got Robin and Steve involved. She told you it was because she obviously had great disdain towards Kendra but she might have been biased and needed second opinions. It didn’t bother you though. Robin and Steve were great.
They also hadn’t liked Kendra either. So it was then that you knew that it wasn’t in Nancy or your head. Robin was able to put a word to it and referred to her as fake. Then it clicked in all of you like a light bulb or something. She seemed fake but again neither of you knew what to do. This had been a dilemma for the four of you for about of year while in the meantime Eddie was falling in love with her. So now you stood there broken hearted because he planned to propose to her.
All of these thoughts circled your head as you mustered the best smile you could for someone who’s world was just split in two. “I’m so happy for you Eds.” You said softly. You wanted to be. You really did. He seemed happy. A good friend should be happy that their best friend found love. The problem was that, that love wasn’t you. It was hard to accept. It hurt like a real bitch.
Eddie just smiled widely at you. “Thank you, my love.” He said and kissed your temple. Your heart panged in your chest. It was a term of endearment you were used to. He would always call you his love. He didn’t know though that every time he did, he was breaking your heart piece by piece. You knew you were the love of his life...but it was platonic. Every time you heard him say it though you would kid yourself into believing that his words meant a little more. As if there was a hidden code behind it that you were meant to decipher. That maybe, just maybe, one day he would tell you that you really were his one and only love. Not just as friends. It was much more hurtful this time though. He called you his love when he fully intended on proposing to someone who wasn’t you. The reality was that you may be the love of his life platonically but Kendra was going to be the love that would lay in bed next to him at night. The love to wake up in the morning to see his groggy yet beautiful face. For that you envied her, more than you could possibly say.
“Y/N, I have something I have to ask you though.” Eddie stated pulling you out of your thoughts for the moment. “Hm?” He held your hands and smiled at you. “Would you be my best man...er woman?” Was he fucking with you? Was he fucking for real? Did he seriously ask you to be his best man? Nay he just made up a new ass role and wanted you to be the best woman. You had no words to say. “I uh...wow.” What the hell could you say. “Well shit beautiful, I didn’t mean to render you speechless.” He chuckled as he joked. “I’m just surprised, is all.” You said quietly. “So will you? Please?” He pouted and gave you some sappy ass puppy dog eyes. The ones that always melted your heart and had you caving in every time he flashed them at you. How could you not? Those big brown soulful eyes? It should have been a crime to make brown eyes look that good. “Alright fine.” You sighed. “Yes!” He leaped up into the air with joy making you laugh against your will. You couldn’t help it. You loved when he was like this, such a dork, but he was your dork. No...Kendra’s dork. “But I refuse to wear a tux that makes me look like a penguin and totally not cute.” You retorted.
He scoffed. “What are you talking about. You look cute in anything that you wear.” He stated. Of course his statement made you blush. You were flattered for the most part but then again your were only viewed as cute by him. If you had it your way you’d look like a god damn sexual threat. Alas god humbled you by making you look like the way you did, cute. Lord knows if you walked around looking and feeling sexy you’d have grabbed Eddie a long time ago and made a move on him because you would have the confidence that he wouldn’t say no to you. You rolled your eyes. “Thanks Munson. I’ll keep that in mind.” You stated. “Hey cute is nice.” He argued. “Mhm. For like a little girl.” You explained. He shook his head. “Not true. Cute is a good thing.” You nodded. “It is.”
You narrowed your eyes at him. “I-Is Kendra cute?” You asked him. You weren’t sure what came over you that made you wanna ask that. He tilted his to the side in thought. “Kendra is different...she’s sexy.” He said. You wanted to vomit. “And suddenly I regret asking.” You replied. “What? Oh come on, of course I’m gonna think my soon be fiancée is sexy. I mean have you seen her?” He asked. You nodded slowly. You really wanted to crawl your way out of this conversation you really didn’t want to have at all. You shifted a little. “Am I...Am I sexy?” You found yourself asking. What the hell was wrong with you. It was like your mouth was moving faster than your mind and you were deadly curious about his views on you. Eddie got really quiet. Eerily quiet. You blew it. You knew that you had. “I mean I wouldn’t say that per say, but um...you two are very different. For one I’m actually attracted to her, and two you’re you.” Ouch. That hurt a lot more than you cared to admit.
“You don’t think I’m attractive?” You asked. You couldn’t help but to feel really offended. “That’s not what I said. I said I am not attracted to you.” He said trying to defend himself. You furrowed your eyebrows together. “So I am unattractive...to specifically you?” You asked. Eddie just shook his head in disbelief and sheer confusion. “Where the hell is this coming from?” He asked. You just shrugged. “I uh...I don’t know. I’m just trying to pick your brain.” You said. “Well quit it. You’re putting words in my mouth and making me feel like a dick.” He said. You looked down at your feet. You were telling yourself not to break down into tears then and there. “S-Sorry.” You stammered. Eddie sighed. His index finger made it under your chin to lift your head up so you could look at his gorgeous eyes. “Sweetface, you are beautiful in your own way. You have no reason to be insecure.” He said to you. ‘Yeah except for the fact that the guy I’m madly in love with doesn’t find me attractive.’ You thought to yourself. You gave a slight smile. You looked at your watch not actually registering the time. “Oh god its getting late, I should really get going.” You said as you were making your way out of his small apartment.
Eddie pouted. “So soon? I thought we were going to watch your favorite move together?” He asked. You turned around with a bright smile. “You rented Little Shop of Horrors for me?” You asked enthusiastically. He frowned and grabbed the cassette for Gremlins instead. “I thought your favorite movie was Gremlins?” He asked. Your heart dropped after realizing he forgot your favorite movie. “It was. Back when we were like what sophomores?” You asked rhetorically. Eddie seemed disappointed in himself. “O-Oh...right. Sorry.” You felt bad and smiled sweetly at him. “But its still a favorite of mine so I’m sold Munson.” You stated. He looked back up to you with a huge smile. He opened up his arms for a hug. You ran up to him and hugged him. “You’re the best Y/N.” He stated. You took a deep breath. “So I’m told.”
***************************
“He forgot your favorite movie?” Robin asked. You were all hanging out at Family Video that following day. “Well that’s kind of shitty. Especially since you know his is Elvira: Mistress of the Dark.” Nancy turned to look at her. “Is that really your take away from this? She just told you that the guy she has been in love with plans on proposing to his girlfriend.” She stated. Robin held her hands up in defense. “What are you going to do Y/N?” Steve asked you. You shrugged. “What am I supposed to do? He’s in too deep.” You replied. Robin tilted her head a bit in contemplation. “Well there isn’t on his finger yet so its not too late yet.” She argued.
“To do what?” You asked in frustration. “You know I can’t say anything to him. I just can’t. We’ve been going over this shit for a year now. We’ve got nothing. He isn’t attracted to me. He said so himself. It would be a waste of my time and I’d rather not face that heartache and risk him hating me.” You explained. Your heart was already hurting just thinking about it. “Well at least find a way to get him to not marry her. He is gonna stuck marrying a pretentious prissy bitch.” Robin stated as if it was a good reason. Granted it was. Any reason to get him to not marry her was a tremendous reason. “Yeah I’ll find that perfect method in the corner of Unicorns and Forsaken dreams.” You said sarcastically.
The door of Family Video swung open. The four of you looked over to see Eddie and Kendra. Eddie had the biggest smile on his face. It broke your heart seeing it because he never smiled at you like that. She really did make him happier than you ever did for him. “We’re engaged! ”They said in unison like it was rehearsed or something. It made you sick. “Oh my goodness! What a surprise! Y/N can you believe this?” Robin oh so obviously mocked her shock. “Actually Y/N was the first person I told. She’s gonna be my best...woman.” He said. Kendra looked at him almost too quickly. “Really a woman as a groomsman? Don’t you think that’s a little, I don’t know tacky?” She asked. You almost wanted to kick her shin right then and there. Eddie was a little uneasy not wanting to upset his fiancée. “I don’t know, I just thought cause she’s my best friend that she sh-” He stopped talking as soon as he noticed her facial expression obviously showing her disapproval. “You know what you’re right my love.” It was like you had just gotten shot right through your chest. You knew you weren’t his only love. You of course knew but you never heard him call her that before and just hearing him refer to anyone, especially her to his love made you physically ill. “Stevie why don’t you be my best man?” Eddie asked looking at Steve.
Steve seriously did not want part of this shit. He didn’t want to be in the middle of the shit show that was your non existing love life and the downward decline going warp speed that was your emotions. “Oh I uh...” Kendra clapped. “Perfect! Steve you’ll be the perfect best man!” She said with her annoying enthusiasm. She then turned to look back at Eddie. “Oh baby I can’t wait to marry you.” She said with a weird baby voice. “Me either lovely.” He said as they shared an eskimo kiss and then actually kissed.
Robin then audibly gagged. You turned to look at her as she snickered. “Uh guys as much as I thoroughly enjoy whatever the hell this is, we have a strict, no PDA policy, so if you could please not. Thanks.” She said interrupting them. It was your turn to snicker. Kendra turned and looked absolutely pissed. “Okay for that you’re officially not a bridesmaid.” She stated. Robin gasped. “Oh no, what am I to do?” Eddie rolled his eyes. “Come on sweetness, lets go back to my place so we can celebrate.” He said to her a little to suggestively for your taste. “Aww but I wanted to rent Endless Love.” She complained. “Again?” He asked almost annoyed. “Yeah again, is that a problem?” She asked. Eddie put his hands in his pockets as he looked over at you hoping you had an answer for him. You so desperately wanted him to realize that you were the answer to his puzzle. He looked back at her. “How about Little Shop of Horrors?” He suggested. She scoffed. “Really a musical about a plant? We’re not five Eddie.” She snapped. “We’re renting Endless Love or I won’t do that thing you like.” Kendra threatened with whatever it was that you really didn’t wanna know what she meant. Eddie cleared his throat. “Okay. Fine. We’ll rent Endless Love.” He caved in.
He walked over to the romance section and grabbed the movie and placed it on the counter. Steve walked over to the register. “You still have Gremlins. You need to return it.” He said as he looked Eddie up on the computer. Kendra looked over at him. “When did you watch that creepy movie?” She asked him. Was this bitch just going to really diss all of your favorites now? “Last night after I told Y/N I was gonna propose.” He said. He pulled the movie from his jacket and placed it on the counter. “You two watched it together?” Something about the way she said that made it seem like it bothered her. “Um...yeah. We hadn’t watched a movie together in a while.” He replied. She practically just scoffed in dismay. The store was uncomfortably quiet. Steve was just trying to make quick work of the return so he could get them the hell out of the store. He knew damn well if Kendra said anything else ridiculous Robin was going to lose it. Steve handed Eddie the receipt to the romance movie he rented. With that the couple finally left.
“If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, but I hate that bitch.” Robin stated finally breaking the silence.
“Yup.”
“Yeah.”
“The worst.”
You all said in agreement. Robin then turned to you. “You see? This was a perfect display of why you should get him not to marry her.” You rubbed your arm truly unsure about it. “I don’t know he looked pretty damn happy when he came in. I’ve never seen him smile like that. At least not to me.” You tried to come up with an excuse. Nancy shook her head. “Actually not true. He has definitely smiled at you like that plenty of times before. Especially after Hellfire nights when the two of you would skip right out of the school all the way to his van.” She said. “Okay that was just because he was successful in tormenting the boys during the campaigns. That had nothing to do with me.” You denied. She thought hard for another example. “What about when you two came to the prom together?” She asked. You shook your head. “No he was already high before that. Don’t think that counts.” She frowned. “Okay but what about-”
“Nance.” You said sternly cutting her off. “You know I adore you, but just stop. Okay? I’m fine. At least I will be. I’m not going to ruin my best friend’s relationship if I can’t make him any happier.” You stated sadly. Robin scoffed. “Are you kidding? He’s not happy. That bitch has him pussy whipped!” She exclaimed. You gasped and laughed a bit. “Robin!” “What? It’s true. That’s all it is. That is not real happiness.” She argued. You shook your head. “I don’t know he looked pretty happy to me.”
“Okay Y/N, do you not see what I’m trying to do here? I’m trying to instill rage into you. She stole your man!” Robin tried to instigate you. You gave her a look. “Eddie was nev-” “He might as well have. You two have spent an unhealthy amount of time together.” She said making you laugh.
****************************************************
Two months had passed and you hardly saw Eddie. Kendra was practically up his whole ass trying to get everything planned picture perfect for the wedding. Eddie wanted you to be there but to Kendra you were apparently a distraction that warranted the risk of putting them behind schedule. She wanted them to get married by the end of the month. It was like a ticking bomb except when the timer went off it meant your heart was going to shatter and you wouldn’t be able to emotionally survive it. You sat in your room. In the past two months you oddly were inspired to start writing a song. You weren’t exactly sure at the moment what you were going to name it but you knew how it would go. It pained you because no would could hear it. It was for the best. It was almost too obvious what it was about. You heard the phone ring and you walked over to it to pick it up. “Hello?” You answered. “Hey precious.” You smiled widely. “Eddie!” You heard him let out a soft laugh. “Did you miss me?” He asked you.
You giggled. “Oh. Only a little.” You said. He gasped. “Only a little? Tryna break my heart love?” You snorted a bit. A sound he grew fond to hear. “I would never.” You responded. “So why’d you call?” You asked. “Because I miss you. Duh.” He said in a very matter of fact tone. “Sorry. Its just been so long, I just figured you might need something.” You concluded. He scoffed. “Well damn you make it seem like I only come to you when I need you.” You stayed quiet. Didn’t he? Sure you loved him but the last time he called you was for you to come over to his place for a favor. That was when he wanted your opinion on the ring. “I was actually calling to invite you to my bachelor party.” He stated. “Really? Is that okay with Kendra?” You asked as you tried to make a subtle jab at his fiancée. “It doesn’t matter, it’s my bachelor party. I think I reserve the right to have my best friend there.” Eddie responded. It made you smile at the idea that Eddie would seemingly defy Kendra’s wishes against you partying with him.
“Not so sure if I wanna hanging out with a bunch of guys and strippers.” You thought out loud. “Nah, no strippers. Just gonna go out for some drinks and hang out at the Hideout. Don’t think it would be the same without you.” He said. You took a deep breath. “Okay yeah I’ll go.” He seemed to cheer. “Have I mentioned how much I love you?” He asked. The question took you aback. “Well with that kind of hesitation that obviously means I don’t. Y/N, I love you more than a kid loves ice cream.” He said and chuckled. Your heart panged. “More than your guitar?” You asked. Obviously not. You thought. “That’s not even a serious question.” He replied. You knew it was a dumb question. “You’re obviously worth more than my guitar.” He added. His response truly surprised you. “I am?”
“I must not make it obvious enough.” Eddie said a little sad to hear you question your value to him. “Y/N, you’re my second favorite person.” You were second. “And the first?” You asked. “Well if you hadn’t noticed I’m engaged to this gorgeous woman and I’d have to say she’s definitely number one.” He said sounding very sure of himself. It hurt that you weren’t his first choice. You weren’t surprised at all though. You were used to not being anyone’s first choice, especially not his.
#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson#eddie munson angst#eddie#stranger things#stranger things fanfiction#eddie munson fanfic
344 notes
·
View notes
Text
real reason Damien hates Tim
so a while ago I posted that the reason that Damien hates Tim was because he looks like someone in the league that he looked up to or someone who he saw as a brother i wrote some of it ----
Jack and Janet Drake will be the first one to tell you that they're not the best parents. Not only do they travel for long periods of time they never take either of their sons with them. Outside of the month of april and odd days where they would come back for Gotham, they never really saw their children. They paid for anything they ever needed or wanted. They Made sure the kids had a clean house and a nanny looking after them. If it weren't for the pictures they had in the house or were taken by the press the boys wouldn't have known how their parents looked like.
They liked Daniel but because of him a one night stand ended in marriage. Both Jack and Janet came from old money and having a child out of wedlock would be a huge scandal. Not that the quickness of the wedding wasn’t a scandal in itself, that churned out rumors. From saying predicing about the child to saying that they were marrying for a business deal. There weren't short rumors to explain why the wedding was happening in two months7Normally you can't plan a wedding in two months. You need to plan months in advance not only for the wedding venue, the reception area, flowers, dresses, and caterers; the list is endless. It’s only thanks to the combined forces of their ruthlessness, money and names they managed to get everything set up in time. They managed to settle the rumors with the wedding taking place, sadly Daniel came prematurely and started all the rumors up again. The only reason they didn’t get completely buried by the scandal was that Danneil was born premature and was so small it helped them gather sympathy and help them stomp down whispers.
Daniel was a sickly child due to being born premature; he also had a heart condition that led him to being in the hospital longer. The now, Drakes tried being for him as much as they could but then things started popping up. They made more connections which led to more parties which helped them with more connections that made them more money.
There weren't around as often for Danny after the first few months, he was a baby what was he gonna remember anyways was their train of thought and they're right sort of. As a child Danny doesn't really remember his parents much, only that they'll stay for a couple days and then leave just as quickly he would remember an endless rotation of nannies and cleaning ladies coming in and out of the house. No one was there constantly since Jack didn't want his son growing attached to people below his station like that airhead Brucie wayne.
Jack and Janet never really planned to have any more kids after Danny since he was an accident baby, and had used contraceptives to make sure they wouldn't repeat that accident which makes Timothy a surprise as well Danny was eight when his parents came home and stayed home for a longer time. Jack and Janet had arrived at Gotham a few weeks before the Wayne Christmas Gala. They wanted to arrive early and spend some time home unwinding from traveling so much. They also wanted to see Danny, they felt a little guilty since they rarely see Danny and the few days they do see him they are usually busy with other things or berate him on his shortcomings. ‘Speak up Daniel’ ‘you shouldn't cook Daniel we have servants for that,’ ‘sauce isn't a good career choice Daniel do something that will further the Drake name.’
a03 link
https://archiveofourown.org/works/47180605
45 notes
·
View notes
Note
If you ever feel like talking about Gilmore Girls: 1) How would you rank the seven seasons from most favorite to least? Feel free to throw in the revival too! 2) Five favorite characters? In order if you can, in any order if you can't! 3) Top three romantic ships despite how much I agree with you about this show being dreadful at writing couples once they were finally together? 4) Top three platonic ships (For instance, Rory/Lorelai, Lorelai/Sookie, Luke/Jess...and I know that you know what the word platonic means, so don't ask why I felt compelled to include examples!) 5) Your five *least* favorite romantic relationships? 6) Five or more unpopular opinions about the show? There's never any pressure to answer if you don't have the time or energy!
Seasons:
1.) Season 3
2.) Season 2
3.) Season 1
4.) Season 4
5.) Season 5
6.) Season 6 (mostly the first half)
7.) Season 7 (mostly for the post-Lorelai/Christopher episodes)
8.) Season 8 (has good moments, but suffers from feeling as though the characters were left frozen in time so that plots could be reworked into being plausible nearly a decade after the show ended and needed to trim A LOT of the unnecessary fat in favor of tighter characterization/development)
Five favorite characters:
1.) Lorelai Gilmore
2.) Luke Danes
3.) Jess Mariano
4.) Rory Gilmore
5.) Emily Gilmore
Top three romantic ships:
1.) Luke/Lorelai
2.) Rory/Jess
3.) Richard/Emily
Top three platonic ships:
1.) Lorelai/Rory
2.) Lorelai/Emily
3.) Luke/Jess
Five least favorite romantic ships:
1.) Lorelai/Christopher
2.) Rory/Dean
3.) Paris/Asher
4.) Luke/Nicole
5.) Rory/Logan
Five or more unpopular opinions about the show:
1.) Even though I don't like Dean and don't feel as though he's consistently written especially after Jess shows up, I have some sympathy for him during seasons 3-5 in regards to his failed marriage. He was a stupid kid who rushed into marriage with a girl he had barely dated while on the rebound and because their families normalized jumping into marriage right out of high school. I think anyone in that situation would have eventually self destructed and blew their life apart. So while I disliked his affair with Rory and believe it was incredibly selfish, it's not totally surprising that it happened. His behavior during his cameo in the revival gives me the impression Dean eventually grew up and ended up happily married once he was ready to be a husband.
2.) Richard is a great character and clearly loved his family, but sometimes he gets a pass for terrible behavior because his presence in the girls' life isn't as consistent as Emily's and because he's much more underhanded and passive aggressive than she is. So even though I missed Edward Herrman's presence in the revival, it was refreshing to see Emily on her own.
3.) Even though the little bit we were given of Jess's arc following season 3 was more good than bad, it's understandable why Rory could never take Jess back. As much as I would have liked to have seen Jess around on a more regular basis to the point he officially reconciled with Rory, he's on the periphery of Rory's life so infrequently that nothing of much significance ever happens. When he's around particularly in season 6 and the revival, he says the right things and gently inspires Rory to make the best decision for her life when she's in a transitional phase. But then, Jess is gone again, and Rory is left with her normal life. Just because Jess keeps popping back up, always a better version of himself than when she last saw him, doesn't mean that she's necessarily the asshole for not wanting to leave something more certain and familiar such as her relationship with Logan to take that chance again with Jess when she's known him to be a leaver. I don't know. This isn't even all that critical of their relationship. I just feel that until Jess finds a way to be in Rory's life and stay there, they don't stand a chance of getting anywhere.
4.) Lane and Zach > Lane and Dave. Lane's relationship with Dave was very sweet and was the first time we saw Lane in a relationship where someone truly understood her. But that relationship was also pretty fleeting and not super memorable in the grand scheme of things. Even though Adam Brody is the better actor and more charismatic, I feel like Zach was Lane's best pairing. While Zach had his flaws and was afflicted with the same curse all Gilmore Girls men have, aka being perfectly pleasant and then blowing up on a semi regular basis to keep the relationship drama going, he truly loved Lane and proved himself to be a devoted husband and father. Their relationship and all the Hep Alien scenes were some of my favorite parts of the later seasons.
5.) I liked the Rory/Lorelai rift. It was painful to watch, but was also necessary from a story line standpoint. Rory needed to make her own decisions independently of Lorelai's guidance. I only wish the story line had ended with the two meeting in the middle rather than Rory conceding on everything so that they could fully make amends.
4 notes
·
View notes
Note
(Alright babes chill, you sent me this same ask twice. How would the marriage proposal be obviously staged?? They did that specifically to look real and so Snow would leave them alone. Kinda funny how you also couldn’t counteract the most important detail, which was Gale still willingly showed up, let Katniss explain what actually happened, and supported the idea until he found out about the revolution.)
okay last I checked katniss and Gale were not in a relationship she owed him nothing in that regard and had no right to be mad at her regardless if it was a real engagement or not . and to me him getting mad at her engagement feels very much like a "nice guy" thing to do.
(Which also, Gale DID apologize for not running (“I was wrong. We should have gone when you said […] It’s not to late”] Not only does Gale regret his choice, he admits he was wrong, which is very honorable imo, and he is clearly devastated Katniss is going back to the games, as he also pulls her in for a big hug in this scene.)
not all the time like when he called katniss a product of a capital and I know Gale wants to fight and help the revolution and help everyone but to say that everything she's been through shows how little compassion he has for a trauma and what she's been through because if he did he wouldn't throw that s*** in her face and he would have listened to her the first time she said she can't deal with a romantic relationships at this
(For your argument of the 1st kiss in Mockingjay, that legit makes zero sense. Gale was in physical pain in CF to the point he was unconscious and could’ve died, wow Gale was really forcing her to kiss him there.) actually Gail was conscious when katniss kiss him he says so himself and I think that's how he got the idea that when he's in pain whether it's physical or emotional katniss will show him affection. he did however he did however kissed her without consent the first time because and it wasn't pleasant to read.
(In Mockingjay, he was devastated throughout the whole chapter, which you would know if you actually read the books. How dare Gale cry about the trauma of reliving the bombing of District 12. Also again, please actually read these books, Gale has NEVER cried in front of Katniss. There’s no way he knew she would kiss him until afterwards, which he literally tells her not to worry about him.) here's the passage before they kiss
(Remember?" he asks. "This is where you kissed me."
So the heavy dose of morphling administered after the whipping wasn't enough to erase that from his consciousness. "I didn't think you'd remember that," I say.
"Have to be dead to forget. Maybe even not then," he tells me. "Maybe I'll be like that man in 'The Hanging Tree.' Still waiting for an answer." Gale, who I have never seen cry, has tears in his eyes.)
as you can see in this lovely scene he is not crying about his home being destroyed because I would actually have sympathy for that he's crying about that is not wanting him and katniss not showing him affection and then because Katniss feels guilty she kisses him wish in my opinion is gross and so unromantic not to mention manipulative as hell
(Look, I’ll give you the Finnick scene, that’s about your only accurate point. It’s important to know Finnick legit asked Katniss if she found him distracting, which while Finnick was joking, Gale obviously would not know that). actually Gail wasn't there for that so there's not really an excuse for him to be jealous
(But I know you did not say Gale “took advantage” of Katniss when he literally stopped her from kissing him because he knew she wasn’t mentally there. That is so insanely inaccurate and weird asf. Stop taking good Gale moments and shifting them because you don’t like him, it’s not a good look.)
well in my personal opinion he didn't stop because it was the right thing to do and because she wasn't in the right mental day to be kissing somebody he stopped because it didn't count as her choosing him. because it didn't feel like the beach scene. because it was clear he wasn't peeta. because like if he had any care for her emotional well being he wouldn't be making moves on her after literally fighting out about Peeta hijacking
Me rn: Hun, I tried explaining in a respectful matter why you’re Gale takes are weird interpretations but even agreed with you at times. You’ve basically just said the same shit for 3 separate posts, all of which I counteracted. Lmao Gale is the entitled nice guy? I don’t think he was the one who ghosted Katniss and threw statues at her when she kissed someone else (But wait, remember who DID that 🤗) And I really don’t get why you’ve brought up the beach kiss? That doesn’t make any sense. You’re really skewing the narrative and hold Gale to far different standards to Peeta.
And as for your other ask, you brought up what Liam Hemsworth said? I love Liam but Idgaf what his take is on Katniss and Gale bc he and I can have different interpretations! I don’t agree or really care what he thinks of it lol. You clearly just want the last word, have at it. It’s weird as hell that Peeta manipulating Katniss into a relationship, stalking her, ghosting her, and making her extremely uncomfortable at times is sweet and romantic, yet Gale stopping Katniss from kissing him makes him the devil. Goodbye
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
A Review: Damsel
Readers, ye be warned, HERE BE MAJOR SPOILERS!
I got interested from the trailers on Facebook. Right up my alley, a genre medieval fantasy film with dragons, arranged marriages, lush sets, and a very unsubtle grrrl power message. I've never seen Brown in Stranger Things (a crime for sci-fi/fantasy fans, I know, I'll get around to it) but in a few smaller roles. The whole cast was a Who's Who list: Angela Bassett, Robin Wright, and Ray Winstone.
The movie obviously had a big budget, an all-star cast, and a good concept. It looked promising.
It was...mediocre. Very. My overall reaction was disappointment.
Brown was very good. There were great performances by all of the cast considering I've seen most of the stars in at least two other notable roles, but thought of them as these characters (as opposed to actors like Tom Cruise, who I always view as Tom Cruise no matter who he plays, same with Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt).
But they had so little to work with.
This movie had good bones. The concept was all there for an epic, or at least a strong batch of characters and world-building. No, it was in no way an earth-shatteringly ground-breaking NEW idea. The concept is fairly formulaic. Maybe it's just me, but I don't care - give me a formulaic but well-written story over CREATIVE for the sake of it any day. (Okay, my example of this is one of my favorite films, The Chronicles of Riddick, so a connoisseur I cannot call myself. But you get the idea.)
But I came away from the film unsatisfied, because there was just so little meat on those bones. We know Brown's Elodie comes from a northern (kingdom? principality? fife?) with a harsh climate and grinding poverty where she does physical work to help serve her starving people. She had a mother (they always have dead mothers) whose memory she invokes at times, but a semi-affectionate relationship with her stepmother, Bassett's Lady Bayford. She has a younger sister she mutually adores and a noble, devoted father who also takes his duties to his people seriously.
But we don't know a damn thing about their fifedom except that all the trees have been cut for firewood, people are dining at Ye Olde Breadline, and the situation is so desperate as winter approach that Lord Bayford reluctantly sells his beloved daughter to be a human sacrifice disguised as a marriage. This universe has bride prices instead of dowries.
In the kingdom of Aurea, Wright's Queen Isabelle is suitably intimidating, manipulative, and morally bankrupt, King whateverthehellhisnameis never speaks, Prince Henry expresses some dismay over the fates of his bride(s) but goes along with it. We learn Elodie's is the second in a series of three ancient ceremonies - Aurea's first king sacrificed his three daughters for peace with the dragon and each subsequent generation must sacrifice three more women of royal blood.
Instead, Prince gets three hasty weddings in a row with some random foreign lady, a handshake with cut palms to make each bride's blood royal, chuck the bride into the chasm above the dragon's cave, debt paid. The dragon likes to play with her food, and Elodie has the wits to survive thanks to a head for maps and mazes (one of the only semi-developed character traits we got on her).
Lord Bayford leads a few searchers into the caves to rescue her, in a predictable attack of conscience, and also predictably gets dead after shouting for Elodie not to come to him and save herself when he's at the dragon's mercy. So she forgives him, but also develops sympathy for the dragon, whose three offspring were killed without provocation when the ancient king of Aurea invaded the dragon's lair. Someone on Lord Bayford's search party mentions value in dragon's blood, but this is never developed.
Elodie escapes, Dragon isn't happy and starts raining fire around the mountain, alerting Queen Isabelle that the debt has gone unpaid. She hustles to the ship where Lady Bayford and Elodie's little sister Floria haven't sailed away, and kidnaps Floria to be the new sacrifice. Lady Bayford is unfatally stabbed but manages to find Elodie in the hills and tell her what happened, leading Elodie to rush back.
Dragon, believing the princesses she slays every generation to be of the bloodline that murdered her own daughters, is enraged that Elodie got away and takes Floria deep into her lair as a trap for Elodie. A rather weak battle ensues with Elodie trying to explain the truth about her "royal blood" and Dragon predictably refusing to accept, until Elodie outwits her enough to leave her at death's door. She tells Dragon again about the "ancient ceremony" and notes that Dragon has effectively been doing what was done to her - killing innocent daughters who are not actually of the Aurea royal bloodline. Dragon miserably asks Elodie to kill her, but Elodie predictably (are we sensing a pattern here?) declines and finds magic grubs in the cave to heal the dragon.
Back at the Aurea palace, Prince Henry's wedding to Dupe # 3 is in progress until Elodie interrupts. Prince Henry makes a feeble protest of his regrets for Elodie's fate, only to be shouted down by Queen Isabelle and ignored by Elodie, who exposes the plot to # 3. # 3 wisely takes Elodie's advice to grab her family and GTFO.
Queen Isabelle predictably mocks Elodie's revenge, only for Dragon to show up on the ramparts and torch the whole royal family. Elodie sails back to home with her sister and Lady Bayford, planning to jointly rule home with her stepmother - accompanied by the Dragon.
And...that's it. I honestly don't have a problem with any element of the plot. It's just written so bare when there was so much room for more. Its running time was 110 minutes, and it felt stunted and short. The plot might have done better as a miniseries, with time to flesh out the world and the characters especially.
In the best genre fiction, the locations, histories, and cultures are often "characters" in and of themselves. See: Hogwarts, Middle Earth and all locations therein, Gallifrey, Time Lords, elves, hobbits, Vulcans, Klingons, Arrakis, Fremen, the list goes on and on. This seems to be a point that the writers of Damsel utterly and completely missed.
(What's with the masks in the ceremony?)
(Does the dragon really just chill out for decades at a time in her cave apart from toying with and then torching three princesses every generation?)
(How did the Aurea royal family manage to gather up three girls from other parts of the world every generation and bump them off without also killing their families to keep word from getting out?)
(Did Aurea get wealth as part of the deal with the Dragon? If not, where?)
(Where is Elodie/Lord Bayford's land? Is it part of a larger kingdom? If not, why isn't he a king?)
(Where the hell do all the flaming birdies come from? Wouldn't birds have figured out after that many centuries to stay the hell away from the mountain?)
In almost any type of fiction, the best stories have well-developed characters with enough details about why they are the way they are for the viewer/reader to understand why they act the way they choose in the story. This is a point that the writers of Damsel clearly knew, but either didn't know how to implement or simply chose not to.
It had a good trailer. It had an incredible cast. It was a good concept. It had POTENTIAL!
Major writing fail.
PS - Discovered just as I was about to post this that a novelization came out last year. I'll probably still buy it. Half of why I love The Chronicles of Riddick is Alan Dean Foster's novel. Maybe the book will redeem the world, but it'll just make the screenwriters look that much worse.
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
On Ships With Age Gaps
I've thought about writing a post like this for a long time, but I always decided against it because I don't feel the need to justify anything I say (or do, or enjoy, or ship, or write) to the good people of tumblr.
However, I do think that there are some people on here who, rather than being actively cruel or hateful towards certain shippers/writers, are just really confused or grossed out and don't understand why we people like these things and don't want to just assume that we're all degenerate freaks, and that maybe they might benefit from learning my story.
(Note that this is just my story. Other people may or may not have their own stories, which may or may not resemble mine-- the point is that these stories exist, and that just because you don't understand doesn't mean there isn't a reason.)
I was in middle school when I first realized that I had a (very normal) problem: I was attracted to guys, but boys my age were obnoxious. (Every heterosexual female reading this is nodding their head in sympathy.) Many of them made rude jokes, and said nasty things, and most of them were just generally immature and irresponsible and not-at-all crush-worthy.
Adult guys, on the other hand, were nice and sweet and smart and mature (*insert laughter here*). They knew how to be responsible, and how to treat girls right and take care of the people who mattered to them. They were ready to get married and settle down in a house with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids. (You get the idea. Give me a break, I was, like, eleven or twelve and most of the men in my life really were great guys in happy and stable marriages.)
So, like many other girls my age, I fantasized about attractive twenty-something-year-olds falling madly in love with me. (I can not hammer this home enough: this is perfectly normal behavior.)
But at the same time, I knew that this sort of relationship was obviously something I was not in any way ready for, and, in any case, I didn't actually know very many attractive single guys in this age range. (Because why would I?)
So, instead, like any normal kid, I gravitated toward stories I could live vicariously through. Stories about about girls my own age (or maybe a little older) who fell for guys who loved them back. Guys who were willing to wait for them. Or at the very least guys who treated them like equals, and, once they were old enough, might start seeing them in more of a romantic light.
The very first relationship like this that I remember falling for was Sesshomaru and Rin from Inuyasha.
(Actually, my first real adult/minor ship was probably Lux and Eric from Life Unexpected, but after that dumpster-fire of an ending, I didn't want to think about anything related to that show ever again.) (Although it did introduce me to One Tree Hill, which is still one of my favorite shows of all time, so I guess it did something right.) (And Nathan and Haley probably also fit the bill-- Nathan wasn't an adult, but he was mature and responsible and ready to settle down. TV really should bring back teen marriage plotlines instead of endless cycles of love triangles.)
I discovered anime in seventh grade, and Inuyasha was my second real anime. (In case you're wondering, Fairy Tail was my first.) I quickly fell in love with Rin (who was an example of what would become one of my favorite character archetypes), and her relationship with Sesshomaru fascinated me.
Here you had this demon who hated humans, only to be bewildered when one try to help him, leading him to use a part of his heritage that he'd been rejecting until now in order to save her. And then she just. Follows him. And he lets her? And he just spends the entire series treating her like an equal and letting her do literally whatever she wants?
(To those who read them as father and daughter: uh, if I saw a parent with this sort of laissez-faire approach to child-raising, I would be very concerned. He treats her like a traveling companion and constantly defers to her wishes. She gets kidnapped and he only comes to rescue her when he's sure that's what she wants? Very parental of him.)
And then when he's finally about to reach the goal he's been working towards this entire time, he gives it up the moment Rin gets hurt. ("Nothing was worth losing her?" ICONIQUE, nobody is doing it like him!) And then in the final battle, he fights alongside the same people he was trying to kill when we first met him. All because Rin has taught him that humans have worth, that weakness isn't a sin, that there are more important things than strength and hatred? Are you kidding me?
I've already gone into my love for this ship here, so I'm not going to repeat the whole thing, but I will say that I loved what we saw of them in the finale-- the two of them separated, so that Rin could grow up and decide what she wanted out of their relationship. Because he was willing to wait for whatever choice she decided to make.
This was a game changer for me. It was exactly what I hadn't realized I was looking for. I needed more. What followed was a love for various other wholesome bonds between protective/traumized men and the girls who taught them about love.
Naofumi and Raphtalia of Rising of the Shield Hero (talk about clueless guys-- he seriously managed to convince himself that he only saw her as daughter because he had no other frame of reference and had been so traumatized by the last girl he liked), Kyoko and Katsuya (dude was more than willing to wait for her and only stepped in when she needed him to be there for her? Find me another man this swoon-worthy) and Kureno and Arisa of Fruits Basket (I normally don't buy love-at-first-sight, but for these two cuties I'll suspend my disbelief), Zack and Rachel of Angels of Death (the age gap is the least problematic thing here), Mamoru and Haruka of Until Death Do Us Part (the man literally laughed the idea of their relationship off until he couldn't anymore. And then, again, he let her go and waited until she was ready), Satoru and Airi of Erased (the soulmatism!), Accelerator and Last Order of A Certain Magical Index (alright, fine, I've never been able to decide if I prefer these two to stay purely platonic or eventually fall in love, but whatever they have I adored), and many, many others.
But the thing here is that none of these relationships are the main focus of their respective series. I wasn't going out and actively looking for these ships, but when they showed up in the stories I loved I would certainly enjoy them. (Love stories were cute and all, but magic and adventure were way more interesting to middle-school me.)
It was only when I was in high school and I started getting more into romantic stories that began actively seeking out the sort of thing I was looking for. Seiji and Shiharu of Love So Life are still near and dear to my heart (my guy buys her a ring, tells her he'll never want anyone else, refuses to let her reciprocate, and doesn't go near her for almost six years to make sure that she doesn't choose him until she's really ready. KING), Mao and Hiro of House of the Sun will never stop being adorable (Taamo's drawing style is so stinkin' cute), The Start of Niina is as heartbreakingly lovely as ever (the gift and trauma of reincarnation!), and Faster Than a Kiss is a gem (another great guy who does his best to take care of the girl he loves but won't lay a hand on her until she's ready).
And it wasn't just age gap stories. Because the age gap wasn't the real point-- the point was mature guys who were ready to commit and smart girls who knew a good thing when they saw it. Which is why I also devoured stories about teens getting married (please bring these back, western media) and arranged marriages ("we may not have wanted this but we are going to make it work"). The World is Still Beautiful remains one of my favorite fantasy-romances, Absolute Peace Strategy is hilarious, I really need to reread Prince of Silk and Thorn, Dawn of the Arcana is fantastic, Taisho Maiden Fairytale is super-cute, etc. etc. (This is not an exhaustive list, btw-- feel free to DM me or drop an ask if you're looking for more in any of these genres.)
Once I discovered fandom, fanon, and shipping culture, it was a given that my love for these dynamics would cross over into media where such things weren't canon.
(And, for the nth time, all of this was perfectly normal and understandable behavior for a girl my age.)
These were stories and tropes I adored. But they were stories. Fiction. They were not reality. And even at the very earliest stages of this interest, I understood the difference.
When I was in seventh or eighth grade, there was an incident involving one of my female classmates and a twenty-something-year-old male student-teacher. I was not directly involved (I barely knew the girl) and I wasn't exactly asking for details (I've always prefered to stay out of real-world drama if I can), but middle school girls are loud and I have good ears, so I was pretty sure I got the gist. (Years later, I spoke with one of the other teachers who'd been involved with handling the aftermath, and she confirmed and added some more context.)
To simplify, the teacher in question had somehow gotten a hold of the girl's phone number and had been sending her texts that were not appropriate for a grown man to be sending to a thirteen year old girl. This made her highly uncomfortable, but she was too scared to say anything-- it wasn't as though there was anything explicit or overtly sexual (he told her how pretty she was, and how much he looked forward to seeing her every day, and I do not know or want to know what else)-- and she didn't want to look like she was make a big deal out of nothing. But when her friends found out, they immediately said "this is not okay," and marched her to the nearest female teacher to confess the whole thing. (Good for them!)
Again, I was not directly involved. I did not discuss the subject with any of my classmates, I was obviously not present when the school staff spoke with the guy, and I have no idea what exactly the school policy was for this sort of thing. All I saw from my end was a crying girl being comforted by her friends as they dragged her off, and within the next day or two we were told that this teacher would be ending his postion early (he'd been supposed to leave soon, regardless, as he was only a temp). I never saw him again.
And there was never a question in my mind that this man's behavior was deplorable, that this story should never have happened, and that this girl was a victim of a horrible injustice.
(I have a vivid recollection of being outraged when another teacher-- who happened to be related to him (probably how he'd gotten the job, I don't remember ever our school having had a student-teacher before or after)-- told us he was being forced to leave earlier than planned like we were supposed to be sad about it, and then insisted we make a good-bye card for him (while making snide comments under her breath about how some people needed to learn to keep their mouths shut). (I honestly don't remember whether or not I helped decorate the stupid thing, or what the girl did while this was happening.) I was not old enough or mature enough to fully realize that what this other teacher did was also hideously inappropriate and ought to have been reported as well, but I did know that it was nasty and underhanded and I didn't like it. (This was not the only time when this teacher behaved obnoxiously or passive-aggressively insulted a student for bringing a complaint to the school staff or doing something else she disliked (I was on the receiving end at least once or twice, but that's another story), and she did not return the next year. Good riddance.))
In any case, despite the fact that age gap stories (and even the occasional teacher-student romance) were something I liked seeing in media, I recognized the clear distinction between fiction and reality, and what was right and wrong. I didn't even need to think about it. Even at thirteen, when I didn't fully understand what was and wasn't appropriate behavior for a teacher, this was something I understood perfectly.
And to anyone reading this and saying, "alright, fine, so you liked age gap relationships as a kid because they let you vicariously live out your perfectly ordinary teenage fantasies, but you're not fifteen anymore. Isn't it time you moved on?":
People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Y'all still read/watch the same stories you enjoyed as children-- that's why you're in these fandoms to begin with. If you can understand still loving those things as adults, it shouldn't be much of a leap to grasp me liking the same sort of fictional relationship dynamics I did in high school.
(Which isn't to say those are the only kind of ships I like. They never were. But I'll probably always have a soft spot for them.)
TL;DR: I initially got into age gap ships because they let preteen me fantasize about a hot older guy sweeping me off my feet. No, this did not prevent me from recognizing predatory behavior from real adults. No, I'm not letting go of the things I liked as a kid just because they make you uncomfortable.
#shipping#thoughts#real life#age difference#pro ship#anti anti shipping#anime#sessxrin#otp: nothing was worth losing her#tw harassment#and for the record if there's any sort of supernatural power that affects a character's aging#complaining about age differences in their relationships is ridiculous#there isn't even the excuse that 'fiction influences reality' or 'this will normalize problematic behavior'#because no real person is meeting any 500 year old vampires#are you seriously worried that some minor is going to meet a cyborg and think that it's a good idea to fall in love with them?#give me a break#and that's the tea#all queued up
50 notes
·
View notes
Note
What's in the "The Most Self-Indulgent AU"? 😃
alkjdsflajtla I should have expected immediately being asked about that lmao
So. Sparrow was created and played through as KC first, but I was generally uninspired by her for a long time (her background was very different at the time). So I reimagined her as a companion instead, and just went buckwild with it.
Basically the self-indulgent AU is that, instead of Evaethi being sent to Mendev as like a diplomatic envoy thing, she's sent to be married off to Daeran (who's being roped into a political marriage as a way to try and get him to grow up and settle down). She runs off like in canon but Gregoriath knows this time and gets Sparrow to take her place so they can avoid Queen Abrogail's wrath and save face and whatnot.
By the beginning of the game Sparrow (as Evaethi) had been married to Daeran for like two years but they'd spoken a handful of times--Daeran obviously resents her and believes she's been placed in Mendev to be a spy (which is true; Gregoriath demands regular updates on the Mendevian political scene) and told her the night of their wedding that he's going to live in Kenabres and wants to see her as little as possible, and if she tries to make things difficult he'll pull whatever strings he has to break off the marriage. Sparrow's terrified of failure so she complies until she has to go to Kenabres to get her tracking rune taken off. Cue start of game!
Main differences from canon Sparrow as a companion is that Sparrow poses specifically as Countess Arendae's servant, which leads to a lot more friction between her and Daeran at the get-go--Daeran's bad reputation now includes some sympathy points for being tied to some Chelish noble who doesn't know how to have fun and who he avoids like the plague.
For obvious reasons i don't talk about this a lot but it's fun to return to! I wrote a lot about it--a completed companion meme for Sparrow in this universe and the full outline/ beginning of a story detailing Sparrow's journeys through the Crusade under Knight-Commander Ophenia Thwait, and how she accidentally falls in love with her own husband.
I won't add like specific passages because it's already long enough but that's the long and short of it!
8 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
mdzakyf
Dzaky's Journey
reformacommunity-blog
REFORMA
thingpajama29
无标题
tiktokgoodies
TikTok
gamenightvarietyshow
Game Night: A Variety Show