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thepathwechooseif · 4 months

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DEMO TBA

In the English countryside in 1914, you live with your two children on your late husband’s grand estate. Two years have passed since the tragic sinking of the Titanic, from which you became a single parent.

Though surrounded by wealth and community, you remain lost in a fog of grief. But with the arrival of summer, the neighbouring family prepares to host their annual month-long house party. Your curious children persuade you to attend, hoping the festivities will lift your sorrow.

Lucas/Lucia Bertham, the family's charming heir, bonds with your children and seems to understand you in a way others cannot. But will secrets regarding their family's future prevent love?

Azra Hays arrives, a traveling storyteller with a gift for magic in their words that soothes your soul. Gardner Isaac Hill has loved you in silence, finding joy through your children's smiles.

More suitors await too - brilliant sculptor Zephyr Langston, whose art mirrors your heart, and Doctor Henry Bellman, who ministers to the people with patience and good humor.

As festivities crescendo with masques, fireworks and more, you start to believe in love and laughter again. But which person holds your whole heart? And will dark forces from the past destroy this new paradise you’ve begun to build?

The summer promises intrigue, blessings, and maybe a sweet romance if you can let go of history and embrace the gifts of tomorrow.

Customise your character as well as your children’s

Choose where you live and how you dress

Your choices have an impact on how society reacts to you!

Uncover secrets from your past!

Pursuing different ROs with varying levels of affection leads to unique story endings that resolve the mystery

Lucas/Lucia Bertham (m/f/nb)

The Heir, 26, Lucas/Lucia Bertham is the only child and heir to the prestigious title and lands of Bertham. They are a successful businessperson, but relish returning to their ancestral home each summer. While other young people prefer to travel abroad, they prefer the simple pleasures of country life. They take their duty as head of the manor seriously, helping tenants with an approachable demeanor. Though destined to marry well for station one day, they remain single and enjoy lively flirtations. While others dance at balls, they are the happiest hosting gatherings under the stars or riding alongside farm laborers by day. Lucas/Lucia lights up any room with their charm, wit and easy smiles. But is there a lonely heart searching for more beneath this carefree facade? As always, only time will tell what develops between Lucas/Lucia and you over the magical summer months at Bertham.

Isaac Hill(m)

The Gardner, 35, Isaac Hill has lived and worked on your estate for years. His strong, weather-worn hands coax beauty from the soil. Gardenings comes naturally to gentle-souled Isaac, as does his way with any creature in need of care. The expansive gardens are his pride and joy, a wonderland open for all to enjoy. Despite his huge build, muscular arms and calloused palms, his demeanor remains soft-spoken yet self-assured. While most village maidens sigh for officers or heirs, Isaac's gentle soul and way with children has turned many a head. But he remains devoted to coaxing new life from the earth, finding solace in small things. Perhaps amid the Bertham's blossoms, Isaac's own heart may bud anew this summer as well.

Zephyr Langston(m/f/nb)

The Sculptor, 27, Zephyr Langston hails from one of London's most prestigious arts families. Though young, their sculptures have already gained fame across England. While many London soirees vie for their presence, Zephyr relishes escaping to the countryside each summer. Using moody landscapes as inspiration, they work tirelessly to capture fleeting emotions in stone. Some say their sculptures are too sensually lifelike, but the Berthams proudly collect their edgy works. Zephyr charms salon attendees but remains unmarried, focused solely on their "passionate mistress," their art. Though prone to brooding moody spells while working, they come alive at parties with a playful wit. Could this summer be when they find inspiration of the heart as well as hands among the Bertham estate's rolling hills?

Henry Bellman(m)

The Doctor, 29, though young, he runs the village medical practice with a maturity beyond his years. What he lacks in words, Henry more than makes up for with his compassionate bedside manner. He listens with steady brown eyes that seem to see into patients' very souls. While others chat idly, Henry prefers observing life unfold with subtle calm. An avid reader, he's as learned as any university man but without pretense. More than one farmer's daughter has blushed starry-eyed receiving his attentions, yet he remains a bachelor focused solely on his work. The Berthams value Lucas greatly for his discretion and healing touch. But does his solemn façade hide deeper passions waiting to emerge? As always, only time will tell what mysteries lie beneath the calm exterior of Doctor Henry Bellman, and what intrigues he may stir in your heart this season.

Azra Hays(m/f/nb)

The Storyteller, 27, Azra Hays is a free spirit , with mischievous eyes like the summer sky. While others settle, Azra is happiest wandering the countryside in their worn boots, flute in hand.They’re a jack of all trades but lives for their art - spinning spellbinding tales that transport listeners far from their daily toils. With their easy smile and flirty manner, Azra charms all they meet. Yet beneath this bohemian exterior beats a kind and generous heart, always helping travelers in need. An orphan from youth, they never take their freedom or talents for granted. Azra makes their coin sharing folklore, gossip and bawdy jokes in villages along their route. But they save their most magical stories for moonlit campfires, weaving magic that leaves audiences in awe. Some say their nose for intrigue could even rival the Sherlock Holmes tales. Will Azra linger longer this year among Bertham's gardens and party revelries? Is there feeling breeding beyond friendship beneath Azra's roguish charm? As always, only time will tell the true depth of bonds woven beneath the summer stars.

#interactive fiction #no demo #twine game #twine wip #twine interactive fiction #twine story #twine if #wip #status: wip

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sturnioloshacker · 5 months

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fuck on a high - a vinnie hacker short smut

a/n: requested by anon; lowercase intended

cw: weed, smoking, alcohol, drinking, getting tispy, getting high, lap dance, grinding, dirty talk, sex, creampie, smut. this is an nsfw short and contains mentions of weed and alcohol, everything written is fictional. interact or don’t, i’m not your mother.

summary: a first time high results in some sensual and sexual feelings between friends

knocking on the door to vinnie’s house, my heart races and my knees go weak. vinnie and i have been best friends for years but recently i have developed a massive crush on him. i really want to tell him but I’m terrified of ruining this amazing friendship we have so i’m keeping my feelings to myself, locked away in my heart. tonight I’m coming over for a smoke session. he’s been struggling a lot lately so i figured to take on the role of being a good friend and come keep him company by having a smoke with him. i’ve never done weed before nor have i experienced a session so this will be interesting.

the door opens and i’m greeted by the smile that makes my heart explode. vinnie falls into my embrace, his head leaning on my shoulder as he places a small kiss there. he pulls away and leads me to his balcony that connects to his room. my eyes widen at the set up he has out here. two shot glasses, a bottle of tequila, a whole bunch of joints and a lighter.

“wow, vin! this is…”

“i know, it’s a lot, i’m just not feeling myself right now”.

“and that’s okay. i’m here to help you and join you, even though i know nothing about drinking or smoking”. i smile at him.

“wow, you really are sweet and innocent.” he smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

we’re halfway into our session and I’m feeling woozy and sick. i’ve lost count on how many tequila shots i had and i’ve lost count on the amount of blunts i’ve gone through. the music quietly plays in the background as i sway side to side to it. vinnie takes notice and smiles.

“enjoying yourself?”

“fuck yeah i am! turn that shit up!”

vinnie chuckles as he turns the speaker up, the weeknd blasting through my ears. i slowly get up, feeling the beats rush through my veins. my swaying becomes extra, my hips swinging from side to side making my ass stick out. my arms are up in the air before they sensually run down my body. i’m way too out of it to even care that this isn’t me but i do know that it’s all going to come back and bite me on the ass tomorrow morning. i look over at vinnie who is sitting back in his chair, blunt up to his lips. he looks so fucking hot, god I wanna sit on his lap so bad.

“god, i wanna sit on your lap so bad!” i yell over the music.

“come sit then, sweetheart.”

i seductively make my way over to vinnie, my eyes locked in a sensual gaze with his. i straddle his waist before sitting right on top of his cock. i feel his hands run up and down my body, making sure to go super slow so that he can touch every inch of me. he removes the blunt from his pink lips before leaning in to blow the smoke into my mouth.

“you’re so fucking sexy, look at you”.

i giggle at his comment as i softly grind against his lap, feeling his cock twitch against the fabric of his sweats.

“that’s it, pretty girl. keep going for me.”

my hips roll against vinnie at a faster pace, the friction becoming too much to handle. i remove my top to reveal the lacy bra i have on underneath, leaving vinnie to imagine every single naughty thought he had on his mind. he brings his hands to my tits, giving them a squeeze which makes me moan. he removes my bra to get a better look and feel.

“so perky and so pretty, just the way i like it.” he says before taking one of nipples in his mouth.

every bite and suck on my nipples has me moaning and grinding against him even faster. i feel his cock practically begging to be released from the prison that is his sweats. the alcohol and weed officially taking over my body, i go to remove vinnie’s jacket, unzipping it to reveal his toned chest and abs.

“fuck baby, i need to be inside you, please.” vinnie groans, the throbbing becoming so painful and hard to ignore.

i hop off his lap and watch him remove his sweats, his big thick cock slapping against his stomach. i audibly whine at the thought of him being inside me and feeling so full of his delicious girth. he motions for me to come back so i do.

“sit on my cock, princess. i wanna feel how tight you are”.

i hover above his length before sinking down on it, feeling so full already and i’m not even halfway. as soon as he’s fully inside me, i feel him bottom out making us both moan at the intense pleasure. i adjust to his size before giving him permission to move. he goes to start before i stop him to kiss him with everything that i have. we continue to kiss as vinnie slowly thrusts his hips up, his cock hitting my cervix. why is he such a tease? i start bouncing up and down, meeting him halfway and letting him know that i want more. he obliges and starts moving at a faster rate, pounding my walls so hard i feel like they’re going to rip.

“fuck sweetheart, you’re so tight.”

“oh vin, please don’t stop, you feel so good!” i cry out as he continues to hit my sweet spot.

the pleasure becomes way too much at this point. i can practically feel myself falling apart on vinnie’s dick and the knot in my stomach unravelling at the speed of light. my eyes roll back and my mouth hangs slightly agape, letting the moans and whimpers fall out from my lips. vinnie takes notice and begins to fuck me even harder. my head lulls forward and i feel his arms wrap around my waist to pull me closer to him, making me lean my head against his shoulder.

“cum for me, princess. you’re so close i can feel you gripping my cock so fucking good. cum for me, you got it.”

those words alone sent me to the moon. i see stars as i feel my cream around him, my juices flowing to the base of his cock and dripping down his balls. i spasm against him, his grip holding me close to him as he cums inside me. vinnie slowly continues to rock inside of me, riding out his high. he slowly pulls out, letting his cock rest against my ass.

“you okay, love?” he asks sweetly.

“yeah, that was unreal!”

we both giggle as we sat in each other’s naked embrace. we slowly start to sober up and the realisation hits me. i just fucked my best friend while drunk and high and enjoyed it. oh my god. i think he realises this too as we both stare at each with wide eyes and open mouths. he goes to speak but i cover his mouth with my hand as i go to speak first.

“vinnie, i really like you and i hope that this doesn’t ruin what we have between us”.

“trust me, sweetheart, it won’t. i really like you too. fuck that, i love you. you have always been by my side since day one.”

“you love me? well, i love you too.” i say before smashing my lips against his.

wow, it turns out that alcohol and weed can make you say and do crazy things that you either regret or don’t regret and this decision is one i definitely don’t regret at all!

#vinnie hacker #vinnie hacker fanfic #vinnie hacker imagine #vinnie hacker smut #vinnie hacker x reader

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into-crazy · 1 month

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don't wanna miss a thing

》 chapter 4

Negan Smith x Female Reader

Non-apocalyptic AU // The Walking Dead AU

Other Characters(mentioned): Rick Grimes

Summary: You finally open up about your feelings to Negan.

Warnings- mature language, age gap(reader's in her early 20s), slow burn, fluff, kissing and sensual touches, ages 18+

Other chapters & info -> RIGHT HERE

💕divider by @saradika-graphics

You shoot him a puzzled look, "I'm sorry, what do you mean you know?"

Negan tightens his lips into a line. Fucking damn it, he nearly messed up. He knows what you're going to say but he wants you to tell him yourself. He chuckles, "come on, it's obvious. You've had this look on your face all day, like you got something on your mind."

Your gaze shys away for a moment. "Yeah, about that.." you pause, nervously rubbing your arm. "I want to tell you how I feel. And before I do, you should know that this is something that I've felt for a very long time."

"It's alright, go on." He takes a couple steps towards you. After noticing how tense you are he stays put. But you still have his full, undivided attention.

This is it. Mustering up the courage you blink up at him. "We've known each other for a few years now. You've always been a great friend to my family and to me. Well I really like being your friend, but I have developed romantic feelings for you." You shake your head, hoping that you hadn't just ruined everything. "I hope this doesn't mess up our friendship. It means a whole lot to me, whether you feel the same way or not."

Negan takes it all in, sighing before responding, "I know that you've got feelings for me. Known for a while."

Your breath gets caught in your throat. "You- you knew?"

He nods sympathetically. "Yeah. Listen, I know that must have been hard for you to tell me and I'm glad that you did."

"It was." You are relieved. It's as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Even though he hasn't given a response to how he feels about all of it. "How long have you known?"

It takes him a second to ponder. "Every now and then I've had my suspicions. I could tell by the way you look at me sometimes."

"I'm sorry."

This time, he smiles at you. Warm and genuine. "Now what the hell are you sorry for, sweetheart?"

"I don't know. For just dumping all of that on to you. Even if you already knew. But I guess there was no need for me to tell you then." You bite your lip, afraid that maybe you'll start to say too much again. However, Negan knows you better than that.

"Oh yes there fucking was. And I know there's more. I want you to tell me exactly how you feel about me."

That was all you needed to continue. "I always feel safe when I'm around you. I admire how you are not afraid to tell the truth or say what's your mind.." Negan begins to slowly make his way closer to you, listening to every single word. "I can never get enough of your laugh, it's one of my favorite sounds. I love your smile, your kindness, your unique sense of humor.."

Your voice trails off now that he is standing directly in front of you.

You're eyeing up at him like a lovesick doe. He can't deny that it does something to him. You're so damn beautiful to him in that very moment. So close. It took every ounce of his self control to not to gaze down at your body, though it's difficult when your exposed stomach and silky thighs call to him. It was becoming harder for him to hold back from you. Especially when your heavenly scent invades his nose. You have always smelled good to him, however it felt like there was something new added to it. Something thicker, sweeter.. It's mind-numbing.

He sighs, gazing over your lips then up towards your eyes. "You wanna know something?" You nod, rather prettily, and he takes that as a cue to continue. "The way you looked at me right before you left Rick's, it made me feel like I betrayed you- broke your heart. You've never looked at me like that before, and I sure as shit didn't like it." His fingers come up to caress your jaw, keeping your eyes locked with his. "It made me realize that I never want you look at me like that ever again."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel that way." It feels like there's a lump in your throat when you talk.

He leans in closer, his face just inches from yours. He gazes at you with half lidded eyes. "No more apologizing for tonight, alright sweetheart."

"Okay." Your breath hitches. He is right there. How badly do you want to kiss him.

A toothy grin spreads across his face. "Good. You're too fucking sweet to be saying sorry anyway, especially for nothing. Now tell me what you really want from me."

"I want you to kiss me."

"That I can do."

He moves in, pressing his warm lips to yours. Moving gently as he kisses you, his tongue finds yours and you hum lowly into his mouth. Your arms wrap around his neck, drawing his body closer to you. His brows furrow as he brings his hands to hold your waist. The kiss quickly grows more passionate. He backs you against the wall while continuing to make out with you feverishly. You can't get enough of him, wanting more. He tastes even better than you've ever imagined. Neither of you want to pull away, not even for air.

When you finally do pull away, you're both left panting in intoxicated states. Breathing in the same air together.

Negan smiles lazily, "Goddamn, baby. Now I'm kind of mad at you for making me wait that long."

You look at him sheepishly, heart skipping a beat at his new nickname for you. "I'm so-" The raise of his brows cuts off your sentence. "Oh right, no more apologizing. Sorry about that. No wait- I didn't mean to say it again."

He lets out a deep laugh after listening to you tumble over your own words. Tongue swiping over his lips seductively. "You're so fucking adorable. Come here."

No need to tell you twice. He tugs you in for another kiss, his lips moving hungrily as if he's trying to consume you. His hands slide down to squeeze your hips, causing you to moan into his mouth and your knees nearly give out. Your body's response makes him groan. He brings you with him, making way towards your bed. Backing you until you're laying down on the plush surface.

He brings himself to hover over you, not wanting to crush you. Not yet at least. His eyes run down you appreciatively. Your hair is sprawled around behind you, there's a blush on your face and neck, a hitch in your breath, your lips moist from his, and your eyes are shining with want. You look like an angel to him, soft and beautiful. So innocent looking. Inexperienced compared to him. God how he wants to give you everything you've ever wanted. Every pleasure imaginable. You deserve all of it and more. After taking a couple seconds to take you all in he immediately goes to kiss along your neck. Gentle at first, then rougher when your hand goes to tug down on his hair. Ths sharp gasps and rolling of your hips tell him you want more.

His hips come down, pinning yours to the bed. He can feel himself getting hard in his jeans. And telling from the arch of your back, you felt it too. However he chooses to ignore it for now. His lips trail kisses down your collarbone while his hand slides up your stomach and under your shirt. His touch was about to reach your breast when something startles both of your actions to a complete halt.

It's the distinct sound of the front door closing followed by your aunt Rena's voice, "Y/n? Are you home?"

Your eyes widen before hissing out, "my aunt's home!"

"Shit!" Negan curses under his breath, moving fast to climb off of you.

"Over there, in the closet!" You direct him over to the enclosure. He quickly steps inside and you shut the door.

You race back to the bed, replying aloud to your aunt, "yeah, I'm here in my room!"

Making sure nothing looks suspicious, you look around when your eyes land on Negan's leather jacket at the end of your bed. Fuck, you forgot the jacket! With lightning-fast movements you grab the article and shove it under the covers. Hiding it just in time before Rena enters your room.

"Oh there you are." She addresses when she spots you. "I'd stopped by the Grimes place but they said that you had already left. Is everything alright?"

You give her a curt nod. "Mm yes, I'm good. I was just feeling tired and wanted to come home early."

She hums in understanding. "Glad you're okay. Rick had also said that Negan walked you home?"

Her tone doesn't sound curious or accusing in any way so you assume you're in the clear. You swallow before answering, "he did. They wanted to make sure I got home safely."

She smiles appreciatively. "That's nice. I'll be sure to give him my thanks the next time I see him."

"How was work? I didn't expect you to be back this early."

Your aunt yawns in exhaustion. "It was rather slow today. They decided to let me leave early. The choice was between me and another but she wanted the hours."

You offer a smile. "Well I'm happy you're back before I had gone to sleep. Means I get to tell you good night."

Rena comes over to give you a hug. "Me too. Good night sweetie."

With that, she leaves your room. Closing the door behind her.

You wait for a few seconds to make sure she had gone into her own room. As soon as you felt it was all clear, you spring out of bed and rush towards the closet to let Negan out. Sliding the door open, the both of you have to restrain yourselves from bursting out laughing at the situation.

"That was close," he beams, sliding out past you.

"It was." You laugh in agreement.

You couldn't even imagine what would've happened had your aunt caught you making out with Negan in your bed. How she'd react, what she'd say or think.

Negan exhales heavily, "well, I guess we call it a night here then." He catches the saddened expression on your face. "But hey, how about I take you out?"

Your eyes light up. "You mean like.. on a date?"

"Yup, like a date. I'll take you anywhere you want." His low, gravelly voice makes you swoon all over again.

"I would like that very much."

A grin stretches across his face and he takes you into his arms. "Great. Then afterwards, you can decide whether you want to pick up where we left off or not." He finishes that sentence with a suggestive bounce of his eyebrows, causing you to giggle and blush.

"Hm, I don't know. We'll see." You toss back. Knowing damn well that you'd want to.

#into-crazy #negan smith #twd negan #negan au #negan smith x reader #negan smith x y/n #negan imagine #the walking dead #fanfic #jeffery dean morgan #twd

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yandere-writer-momo · 1 year

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The poll results speak. You’re getting some sugar relationship actionnnn plus their hot son

Yandere Baki Head Canons

Orochi Doppo and Natsue addition (plus one-sided Katsumi)

Minors DNI. People who find my content cringe do not interact. Don’t even look at it. Don’t even acknowledge it. (I had a dream about this)

Uncomfortable themes: age difference, obsession, NSFW, escorting, sugar baby, etc

Doppo and Natsue

They decided to try to spice up their marriage a bit. Their sex life had taken a hit recently and they felt at a stand still. It was thanks to Katsumi that they came up with the idea of a third. He was talking loudly with Katou and Suedou about threesomes and it was then that they decided to try one out for themselves (they know d*mn well none of the karatekas were having sex but it still inspired them)

They decide to look for a sugar baby. That way it’s a symbiotic relationship for all parties. And you were a pretty face indeed! You certainly didn’t look like you belonged in such a website with how innocent you portrayed yourself but maybe that’s what caught their eye. How modest you were amongst the others

They set up a date with you and you’re even cuter in person! Like a lamb. You were also close in age to Katsumi, but they weren’t deterred. You had an old soul. You were so easy to talk to and the three of you got along incredibly well. It was the perfect match!

They discussed the threesome idea with you and payments. You admitted that this would be your first sugar relationship and more. You needed money for schooling so you would I be okay with their offer (it was better than a job). Natsue was thrilled. The two of them pay you handsomely for your time and arrange for you to come over

When they bring you over for the first time, you run into Katsumi. It was just a chance meeting but Natsue and Doppo didn’t expect their son to develop a crush on you. Nor did they expect him to follow you around like a puppy dog

It was when they told him to leave that he began to be a little strange. They didn’t pay any mind to him though. Katsumi was an adult, he was going to find out what his parents do behind closed doors one day

The first time the three of you got intimate, it was definitely more of a learning experience. A tangle of limbs and shy kisses. Natsue never knew someone could be so soft and sweet and Doppo didn’t know how nice it felt to have two people giving him attention. This whole situation made the older couple feel so many years younger

This arrangement really sparked back up their sex life but they enjoyed having you in the mix. You were the missing piece. But they did notice how uncomfortable you seemed around Katsumi and his advances. So Doppo just keeps you away from his son

You were in their bed four to five days a week, you were basically their newest member of the family at this point as the days turned to months. They enjoyed your company so much, they are going to ask you to move in with them

Doppo and Natsu are very gentle with you and everything is incredibly sensual. You’re always left satisfied and you make sure to give them as much satisfaction as possible. Whether your under Doppo or Natsue, you make sure to leave them both breathless

Doppo and Natsue take you on lots of dates. They just love spending time with you. It isn’t always sex with them

Katsumi mentions your close relationship to his parents to his friends and they look at him horrified. They inform him that you’re their third. Reality hits Katsumi like a truck. Is that why you kept rejecting him? Because you’re in a relationship with his parents?

He goes over a little earlier and that’s when he sees Doppo pressing a kiss on one of your cheeks while Natsue presses a kiss on the other while you cook. He couldn’t believe he didn’t see it before

He now has a front row seat to your relationship and he’s so jealous of Doppo and Natsue. He is absolutely starving for any crumbs of attention he gets from you. He will want more and more if you give him the slightest acknowledgment (he’s delusional)

When you move in with Doppo and Natsue, Katsumi starts to swing by everyday to the point his parents have to have one on one time with you. It’s a little frustrating how he’s interfering but Doppo is quick to catch onto Katsumi’s feelings for you

Doppo sits Katsumi down to explain that you were his and Natsue’s partner and he needs to let go but Katsumi wasn’t having it. You were the same age as him so you should be with someone close in age to you. It turns into a pretty heated argument actually

So you have one of two choices. Continue the agreement to just be with Natsue and Doppo or allow Katsumi into the equation to keep the peace. Now you will be with Katsumi one on one only and on the weekends (it’s like a custody agreement)

Doppo and Natsue will respect either decision and Katsumi will still chase after you regardless of your rejection of him

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amyriadfthings · 5 months

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[Have the whole interview]

The Projectionist

With Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, It’s All About Chemistry

After “Fleabag” and “Normal People” made them romantic idols, the two actors forge their own tender bond in “All of Us Strangers.”

“Have you seen the sausage ad?” Andrew Scott asked me.

“No, no, we’re not going to talk about that,” Paul Mescal said.

It was a mid-November morning in Los Angeles, and I was having breakfast with two actors who have created some of the most indelible romantic leads of recent vintage: Scott, 47, played the “Hot Priest” on the second season of “Fleabag,” while the 27-year-old Mescal broke through — and broke hearts — as the conflicted jock Connell in Hulu’s “Normal People.”

Now, instead of aiming those love beams at women, they’ll point them at each other in the drama “All of Us Strangers,” due Dec. 22 in theaters. It’s like an Avengers-level team-up, if the Avengers recruited exclusively from the ranks of sad-eyed Irish heartthrobs who caused a sensation over the 2019-20 television season.

But before we could talk about their sexy, shattering new movie, Scott gently ribbed his co-star about an ad for an Irish sausage brand, Denny, that Mescal had starred in just out of drama school. (Though the rest of the world was introduced to Mescal in “Normal People,” Ireland already knew him from the ubiquitous sausage commercial.)

“Look, I needed that job in a massive way,” Mescal said. “That paid my rent for the rest of the year. But if I could take it back …”

“Ah, no, it’s lovely you have that!” Scott said. “I actually thought the character you created in the sausage ad was …”

“… career defining?” Mescal offered.

“It made me want a sausage!” Scott said a little too eagerly, causing both men to laugh. “Easy, folks, that’s too easy a joke,” Mescal said.

Scott and Mescal’s teasing, affectionate chemistry is put to excellent use in “All of Us Strangers,” directed by Andrew Haigh (“Weekend,” “45 Years”). Scott stars as Adam, a lonely writer who finds that his childhood home has become a mysterious portal that allows him to reconnect with his long-dead parents (played by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell). At the same time as Adam grapples with this past made manifestly present, he navigates an uncertain but tantalizing future with his neighbor Harry (Mescal), with whom he develops an intense romantic bond.

Over breakfast, we discussed the movie, which recently took the top prize at the British Independent Film Awards in addition to wins for directing, writing and Mescal’s supporting performance. Here are edited excerpts from our conversation.

Andrew, you were attached to this movie first. How did you feel when Paul was cast?

SCOTT I was really thrilled because I was hoping that people would be able to see how cinematic and brilliant that role is.

MESCAL It never occurred to me that people wouldn’t be interested in it.

SCOTT Well, the character is such a vessel for love. To be able to play love, it’s something that you have to just know how to embody, and Paul is so excellent about being able to allow the audience in. When I heard he was interested, I was saying to Andrew, “Make that happen!”

MESCAL Even if I didn’t like the script or Andrew Haigh as much as I do, and I knew Andrew [Scott] was going to be doing the film, I still would have done the film.

SCOTT Would you?

MESCAL A hundred percent. And I know that probably sounds sycophantic, but when I was reading it and imagining you’d do it, I thought, “This is built for an actor of your caliber.” There’s lots of brilliant dramatic actors in the world, but what I think separates Andrew is his capacity to understand the dramatic requirements of a scene but also to play utterly against it. He finds humor in subject matter like this, which is really quite heavy, and if you can make an audience laugh, you’re halfway to making them cry.

This is a very tactile movie, too.

SCOTT There’s so much touching, whether that’s familial touching or a more sensual thing. People have talked an awful lot about the chemistry and the sex between our characters, but actually what I think is really radical and affecting about the relationship is how affectionate and tender they are with each other. It’s such a beautiful thing to play, isn’t it? Just real care.

MESCAL I find it healing to watch that kind of emotional intimacy. I remember being surprised when we watched it for the first time, because I didn’t remember being so close to your face when we were talking, how we were totally taking each other in. There’s a weird thing that I don’t think you can cheat: You know how when somebody you love is talking to you, and you look at their lips? It’s like, Jesus, I can’t remember doing that.

Andrew, you’ve said before that acting is a matter of revealing. What’s being revealed about you by taking on this role?

SCOTT I think an awful lot, if I’m honest. I’m happy to be able to say that to be emancipated from shame has been genuinely the biggest achievement of my life. For a long time, I have felt very comfortable with myself, but it doesn’t take much to go back there — something a taxi driver can say can still wound you. If he might say, “You’ve got a wife?” You could go, “No, I don’t,” or is that sort of a lie by omission? I think the challenge was to undo the work and go to that place where you feel frightened.

How were you able to emancipate yourself from shame?

SCOTT I genuinely think that acting helped me. When I was a kid, I started doing elocution lessons because I had a really bad lisp. “She sells seashells,” I had to say that 17 times a day. So they sent me to elocution, which was boring, but eventually it was speech and drama classes. I was so shy and terrified, but then someone would say, “Get up and do an improvisation,” and some part of me felt …

MESCAL … free?

SCOTT Free, and I loved it. And then I practiced it a little bit more and then started doing it as a job. When I was 18 or 19, I was playing gay parts but I wasn’t out. A lot of people within the industry were queer, so I was surrounded by them and then, bit by bit, started to feel confident. To make something like [“All of Us Strangers”], it moves me, because I never thought that I’d get a chance to expose myself so much in a film like this or for it to be in such a trusting environment with such brilliant colleagues.

And do you rush headlong into the chance to expose yourself like that?

SCOTT I do. It’s my responsibility. The further I go into acting, I think that’s all it is, actually.

In the first scene you share, Paul’s character is boldly trying to flirt his way into Andrew’s apartment. Paul, it’s a kick to see you play a man so assertive and sure of what he wants.

MESCAL I was just so giddy because I don’t think I’ve got many opportunities to play somebody like that. It reminded me of characters I would have played in drama school — a lot more front-footed, a little bit bolder. Part of it was surprising an audience that might associate me with more interior, back-footed characters that I’ve played.

SCOTT I remember so clearly you saying the line, “There’s vampires at my door.” That line could seem completely preposterous and it’s a hard sell, but it’s unique, right? I’m obsessed with writing that has a real autograph about it.

MESCAL ChatGPT wouldn’t come up with that.

SCOTT Exactly. And human beings have an extraordinary way of expressing themselves. I feel the same way when people talk about big acting.

MESCAL I love big acting.

SCOTT Some people do that kind of polite, nobody-will-notice-me acting, and sometimes it can be a little dull.

MESCAL You’re looking for an opportunity to play something truthfully, but also if that truth can be a bigger, more fractious choice, maybe that could be fun.

What’s the biggest acting you’ve ever done?

SCOTT Oh my God. Pick a card, any card. I did a play called “Present Laughter” by Noël Coward, about a guy who’s an over-the-top actor. It was kind of a farce, and I’m obsessed with farce.

MESCAL I am so jealous of people who can do farce, I don’t know where I would start.

SCOTT It’s all about timing the slam of the door, and there’s no greater feeling than when you’re talking to the other actor and you are waiting for the audience to stop laughing. You’d love it because it’s so physical as well.

MESCAL I’m just a bit scared of comedy because I didn’t do a lot of it in drama school. Don’t think [I’ve got] a particularly funny disposition.

SCOTT Are you out of your mind? I’m going to have a little think now.

MESCAL I’d love to do a rom-com.

SCOTT I think you’d be very good at playing some sort of neurotic.

MESCAL Really?

SCOTT Yeah. I love those kinds of characters that don’t have a sense of humor.

MESCAL No sense of humor. Great. I can do that, I can do that easily. [Laughs.]

With “Normal People” and “Fleabag,” where you played romantic leads, how did you handle the intensity of the audience imprinting on you?

MESCAL I remember the first couple of months of that happening, I was like, “Jesus, what can I do?” And the answer is actually nothing. There’s nothing you can do about it if somebody wants to imprint or project onto you.

SCOTT That was all during the pandemic, wasn’t it?

MESCAL Yeah, yeah.

Was it better or worse that you were in your house for most of it?

MESCAL Much, much better. Even doing junkets when “Normal People” came out, I was really glad to do it within the confines of my own home. I could put the laptop down and nobody knew where I was.

Andrew, you weren’t trapped at home when “Fleabag” came out. Could you tell something had changed in the way people perceived you?

SCOTT It already happened a little bit when I did “Sherlock” [playing Moriarty] because that really does have a fandom. There were like a thousand people that would come to set, it was absolutely insane.

MESCAL Jesus.

SCOTT So “Fleabag" was completely different in that sense. It didn’t have the same frenzy.

Maybe not as you were filming it, but there was definitely a passionate fandom once it was released.

SCOTT There was, but I really enjoyed that because I love the show. I’m so proud of it and I loved that part, so I liked that it really affected people so much.

MESCAL Still! I watch it once a year.

Paul, you even dressed as the hot priest for Halloween.

MESCAL I did. That went down a bit of a storm.

When you have a breakthrough project like those two series, and you’re seen differently in this business afterward, is it hard not to get swept up by all the offers that come your way?

MESCAL I know what I like. I don’t have the confidence in myself as an actor to do something that isn’t good. I don’t think I can pull the wool over people’s eyes with bells and whistles in terms of performance, and I’m actually glad I can’t do that.

SCOTT But is it weird when you are in L.A. now? I opened up my curtains this morning, and there you are.

MESCAL Yeah, my Gucci billboard.

SCOTT That’s insane.

MESCAL It is bananas. Yeah, I’m really proud of that, but I’m also acutely aware the only reason that’s happening is because people are enjoying the work that I’m doing. It can all disappear, like that.

Paul, you’re currently working on Ridley Scott’s sequel to “Gladiator.” I’m sure you’ve been pursued for a lot of blockbusters, so what made you choose this one?

MESCAL I love the first film and I think Ridley is an all-time great, so that was a no-brainer to me. I don’t really have a desire to make lots of big films in my life, but if this was the only big film I was ever to make, I would put my name into the mix anywhere for that. I’m having a great time doing it, but I also think there’s an obligation to understand that I don’t want an audience to get bored of me, or expect me to do the big indie film every year or two, because they’re really hard to get right.

Which is hard to get right, the big film or the indie?

MESCAL A film like “All of Us Strangers” or “Aftersun.” I’ve been incredibly lucky that those scripts came across my desk because there’s lots of other indies that are really well intentioned that don’t reach an audience. Also, it’s hard to go to the emotional well year after year with stuff like this, so I don’t want an audience to get bored of my choices or expect that I’m going to do that.

SCOTT Do you remember you got the “Gladiator” call when we were on the set of “All of Us Strangers”? You were so excited. I think I was even more excited, but you were so lit up about it. I think one of the fun things about being an actor that’s open to you is that you can do whatever you really want.

MESCAL That’s what makes you tick, to go from scenes like we get to play in “All of Us Strangers” to then doing stuff where you’re running around in an arena. If I was to boil down why I love this job, it’s that you get to go to work and pretend all day long but the thing that you would imagine as a child is actually actualized.

SCOTT Have there been any moments in “Gladiator” where you’re like, “This is amazing”?

MESCAL The first day was just bananas. There was camels and thousands of extras. Two close-ups on me. A close-up on the action. And you’re just like, “I’ve got to fake this till I make it.” Wild. Wild. Wild.

SCOTT Yeah, it’s playing. It really is. You’re required to play a part, you’re not required to work a part.

It’s heartening to hear you both describe acting as play or pretend. You talk about it in such joyful terms, but some of the other leading men I’ve spoken to will …

MESCAL … fetishize the pain.

SCOTT It embarrasses them.

MESCAL It’s important to say that “pretend” doesn’t make it any less emotional or difficult to do, but I think it actually gives you a greater range of possibility in a scene. That’s not to say there weren’t days on [“All of Us Strangers”] that felt like some sort of psychological torture.

SCOTT Absolutely.

MESCAL But the act of making it? It can’t be that, because then it just becomes about “How hard can I grip this table? How much pain can I put myself through in order to talk about it to the press?”

SCOTT I think of it sometimes like you invited somebody around for dinner and you said, “I could not find any organic chicken in the market, it was an absolute nightmare. Then I had to hoover the place from top to bottom.” And they’re just like, “Give me a glass of wine. I don’t want to hear about what you did, I’m just here for dinner.”

MESCAL Yeah, that’s spot on.

SCOTT What you need to do is have the generosity to get the chicken out.

MESCAL Organic or not.

Kyle Buchanan is a pop culture reporter and serves as The Projectionist, the awards season columnist for The Times. He is the author of “Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road.” More about Kyle Buchanan

A version of this article appears in print on Dec. 7, 2023, Section C, Page 1 of the New York edition with the headline: Two Hearts Beating As One. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

#haven´t seen anyone screenshot or copy paste it so #all of us strangers #andrew scott #paul mescal #aous press #only 7 hours until I see it

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muzaktomyears · 9 months

Text

Of the many attractive girls who hung around the Casbah, one in particular caught John's eye. She was an elfin blonde with a tense, wounded look, whom he nicknamed Bubbles, for lack of a proper introduction and because it so unsuited her. In fact, all the guys had noticed her watching them. While not a beautiful girl, she was catlike and intense, in a mysterious kind of way. She also was eager to meet them. "It must have been all over my face that I fancied John," recalls Bubbles, whose real name is Dot Rhone, "but once it became clear he had a girlfriend, I lost interest." Instead, she approached Paul with game determination, pretending to be faint in order to get him outside, where they could be by themselves.

Once alone, an "immediate attraction" developed between them. Paul discovered in Dot a person who hardly fit the profile of the other girls at the Casbah. She had grown up in a better section of Liverpool called Childwell, around the corner from Brian Epstein, the Beatles' future manager. But "it might have been two different worlds," Dot says, her humble situation being anything unlike Epstein's glaringly "posh" circumstances. "I didn't have a normal childhood. My dad was an alcoholic; he never hung on to any money. And the only reason we lived in that neighborhood was because a sickly aunt left the house to my mother." A year younger than Paul, Dot had gone to Liverpool Institute High School, "the girls' school across the road from the Inny", but had left in June, taking a clerk's job at the Dale Street branch of District Bank in order to support her family. Paul, she believes, was attracted by how needy and impressionable she was, which put her under his sway; she found him "adorably handsome, opinionated," and loaded with confidence. "He came from the first family I'd ever known that cared about each other so much," Dot says. "Everyone would gather around the piano, while Jim played songs like 'You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby', and sometimes [he] would sing with Paul and Mike." At a deeper level, they undoubtedly recognized the loneliness in each other's lives, each absent a parent - in her case because of addiction. [...]

As 1959 drew to a close, the boys spent more time with girlfriends than with one another. John and Cynthia, according to friends closest to the couple, were "besotted with each other". For his part, Paul stopped playing the field and settled down with Dot Rhone. As a couple, they had an appealingly unthreatening air. They discovered each other to be solicitous and sensual, gentle and clumsy, with Paul at times taking on a paternal and sympathetic role. Once, at a friend's house, Dot happened to mention that she'd been standing all day and he began to massage her feet, stroking them as though they were precious pets. And yet, at the time the gesture felt almost preposterous.

Eventually Paul's attention grew relentless, almost disparaging. His simple gregariousness turned uncompromising and willful. Paul was immensely charming, but there was a darker side. He had a need - Dot believes a compulsion - to control every situation. As John had done with Cynthia, he began to pick out her clothes, redesign her makeup. Dot remembers how much it pleased Paul to stand beside her and study her appearance, then, in a roundabout way, critique the way she looked - and suggest how to improve upon it. On one occasion, he insisted that she have her hair done and produced money to pay for it. Not wanting to displease him, Dot went off to the beauty parlor. "Unfortunately, they did [my hair] in a terrible-looking beehive", she says. "Paul was furious when he saw it. He told me to go home and not to call him until it grew out again."

She detected other changes in Paul that proved equally disagreeable. He had an almost stuffy, explosive air of self-importance, with his simple superiority, cool poise, and weatherproof rightness. He scorned any sign of self-confidence in her. And Dot, pricked by love, submitted. As a rule, she did not impose her will on him, certainly never when they were among friends. She would sit quietly and smile tensely for entire evening at the Jacaranda while Paul and John discussed music. If Paul glared, she would freeze like a rabbit. "We weren't allowed to open our mouths", Dot says of her and Cynthia's attendance at these nightly discussions. "They'd talk all night, and we just listened."

The Beatles: The Biography, Bob Spitz (2005)

#the dot quotes are from an author interview in 1998 #poor dot!#also v interesting that this is how she saw it looking back...#give me all the terrible teenage paul content tbh #dot rhone #paul mccartney

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denimbex1986 · 3 months

Text

'“Have you seen the sausage ad?” Andrew Scott asked me.

“No, no, we’re not going to talk about that,” Paul Mescal said.

“Look, I needed that job in a massive way,” Mescal said. “That paid my rent for the rest of the year. But if I could take it back …”

“Ah, no, it’s lovely you have that!” Scott said. “I actually thought the character you created in the sausage ad was …”

“… career defining?” Mescal offered.

“It made me want a sausage!” Scott said a little too eagerly, causing both men to laugh. “Easy, folks, that’s too easy a joke,” Mescal said.

Andrew, you were attached to this movie first. How did you feel when Paul was cast?

SCOTT I was really thrilled because I was hoping that people would be able to see how cinematic and brilliant that role is.

MESCAL It never occurred to me that people wouldn’t be interested in it.

MESCAL Even if I didn’t like the script or Andrew Haigh as much as I do, and I knew Andrew [Scott] was going to be doing the film, I still would have done the film.

SCOTT Would you?

This is a very tactile movie, too.

Andrew, you’ve said before that acting is a matter of revealing. What’s being revealed about you by taking on this role?

How were you able to emancipate yourself from shame?

MESCAL … free?

And do you rush headlong into the chance to expose yourself like that?

SCOTT I do. It’s my responsibility. The further I go into acting, I think that’s all it is, actually.

In the first scene you share, Paul’s character is boldly trying to flirt his way into Andrew’s apartment. Paul, it’s a kick to see you play a man so assertive and sure of what he wants.

MESCAL ChatGPT wouldn’t come up with that.

SCOTT Exactly. And human beings have an extraordinary way of expressing themselves. I feel the same way when people talk about big acting.

MESCAL I love big acting.

SCOTT Some people do that kind of polite, nobody-will-notice-me acting, and sometimes it can be a little dull.

MESCAL You’re looking for an opportunity to play something truthfully, but also if that truth can be a bigger, more fractious choice, maybe that could be fun.

What’s the biggest acting you’ve ever done?

SCOTT Oh my God. Pick a card, any card. I did a play called “Present Laughter” by Noël Coward, about a guy who’s an over-the-top actor. It was kind of a farce, and I’m obsessed with farce.

MESCAL I am so jealous of people who can do farce, I don’t know where I would start.

MESCAL I’m just a bit scared of comedy because I didn’t do a lot of it in drama school. Don’t think [I’ve got] a particularly funny disposition.

SCOTT Are you out of your mind? I’m going to have a little think now.

MESCAL I’d love to do a rom-com.

SCOTT I think you’d be very good at playing some sort of neurotic.

MESCAL Really?

SCOTT Yeah. I love those kinds of characters that don’t have a sense of humor.

MESCAL No sense of humor. Great. I can do that, I can do that easily. [Laughs.]

With “Normal People” and “Fleabag,” where you played romantic leads, how did you handle the intensity of the audience imprinting on you?

SCOTT That was all during the pandemic, wasn’t it?

MESCAL Yeah, yeah.

Was it better or worse that you were in your house for most of it?

MESCAL Much, much better. Even doing junkets when “Normal People” came out, I was really glad to do it within the confines of my own home. I could put the laptop down and nobody knew where I was.

Andrew, you weren’t trapped at home when “Fleabag” came out. Could you tell something had changed in the way people perceived you?

MESCAL Jesus.

SCOTT So “Fleabag" was completely different in that sense. It didn’t have the same frenzy.

Maybe not as you were filming it, but there was definitely a passionate fandom once it was released.

SCOTT There was, but I really enjoyed that because I love the show. I’m so proud of it and I loved that part, so I liked that it really affected people so much.

MESCAL Still! I watch it once a year.

Paul, you even dressed as the hot priest for Halloween.

MESCAL I did. That went down a bit of a storm.

When you have a breakthrough project like those two series, and you’re seen differently in this business afterward, is it hard not to get swept up by all the offers that come your way?

SCOTT But is it weird when you are in L.A. now? I opened up my curtains this morning, and there you are.

MESCAL Yeah, my Gucci billboard.

SCOTT That’s insane.

Paul, you’re currently working on Ridley Scott’s sequel to “Gladiator.” I’m sure you’ve been pursued for a lot of blockbusters, so what made you choose this one?

Which is hard to get right, the big film or the indie?

SCOTT Have there been any moments in “Gladiator” where you’re like, “This is amazing”?

SCOTT Yeah, it’s playing. It really is. You’re required to play a part, you’re not required to work a part.

It’s heartening to hear you both describe acting as play or pretend. You talk about it in such joyful terms, but some of the other leading men I’ve spoken to will …

MESCAL … fetishize the pain.

SCOTT It embarrasses them.

SCOTT Absolutely.

MESCAL Yeah, that’s spot on.

SCOTT What you need to do is have the generosity to get the chicken out.

MESCAL Organic or not.'

#Andrew Scott #Paul Mescal #All of Us Strangers #Fleabag #Normal People #Gladiator 2 #Hot Priest #Andrew Haigh #Weekend #45 Years #Present Laughter #Noel Coward #Moriarty #Sherlock

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wheneclipsefalls · 9 months

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Can we know a little more of Tamil and Pulo?

Yes of course! I love answering questions, especially ones about some of my original characters. I'm not sure what exactly you want to know but here is some random tid bits about them.

Tamil, Pulo, and Kxolo have been friends since childhood. When they were younger they were known for causing a lot of mischief (unfortunate for Kxolo who had a harsh father that was constantly putting him back into line, reminding him that he is future Olo'eyktan). They've stayed close and developed a friendship with Epok over the years.

Both Tamil and Pulo serve high rankings in the clan, each acting as unofficials second in commands to Kxolo, however they have different strengths. Pulo is known for his ability to motivate and rally troops, captivating an audience with his motivational speeches and screeching war cries. He has done more than his fair share of leading groups of warriors into battles when needed, although their clan has only had the very ocassional disturbance from the Sky People. Tamil's strengths too are related to combat, being known for his stealth and efficency in the heat of battle, but this is a side of himself he prefers not to share unless necessary. He prefers to involve himself instead with the day to day negotiations and preparations required to keep the village running smoothly. He is the first man Kxolo wants by his side when discussing matters with other clans. Although, not a usually talkative male, Tamil has a calming presence and ability to craft sentences carefully that can put others at ease.

Tamil is a gentle and sensitive alpha. He only sheds blood when necessary, a thought that crosses his mind more often now that he has a mate and daughter to worry about. His daughter is only a few months old and her name is Vili. As a first time father he constantly worries that he is not doing things properly. He spent more than his fair share of time listening to the women in his life, in search of every tid bit that would help him. His mate had to reassure him over and over that Eywa would guide him when the time would come but that doesn't stop him from doing everything in his power to prepare for the small angel. Now, he makes sure to balance his responsibilites and social life with his home life. He is not afraid to sneak away from the circle of his friends at the sight of his gorgeous mate holding that energetic bundle of joy. Tamil isn't quiet out of shyness, but rather he knows how to determine which things are worth saying. All of that goes out the window though if his daughter is brought up. He bosts about every milestone that his little Vili has accomplished in the few months, showing off each songchord bead to aid his stories.

Pulo and his mate have been married for almost a year now and their relationship is very much so fire meets fire. She pushes him in a way that no one else can, finally finding ways to get under his skin. They grew up together, training in the same groups. He considers himself someone with thick skin. People can tease and poke at him all day long, but it does nothing to shatter his confidence. However, Resaal was known to flare his temper to new extremes throughout their adolescence. Her ability to achieve every warrior milestone better and sooner than him was a great sore spot while growing up. He can still remember the cocky wink she sent him after surfacing back on her new ikran after he had failed his iknamaya. His temper would simmer to a boil while she would simply send him coy smiles and prance along the village with the grace of an etherial being. It took him getting over his own adolescent pride and stubborn feuds to finally admit his feelings for her. Although, the entire village saw it coming, especially Kxolo who teased him about it constantly. Now they are considered the ultimate power couple, training and strategizing together. Most of their sparring ends in sensual love making, no matter the scene. Now, she is currenly on an expedition to the south, protecting a group of Na'vi that are harvesting special herbs collected yearly for invaluable medicines. He misses her greatly, but his best distraction is interacting with his friends and focusing on work.

Both males are ecstatic to finally see their friend that has suffered through so much, find happiness.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, but hopefully this gives a little more insight.

#ma neteyam #neteyam fanfiction #sub neteyam

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writing-the-stars · 2 years

Note

hi can you do the fluff alphabet for klaus mikaelson

Absolutely!!!

Masterlist | TVDU Masterlist

A = Admiration (what do they absolutely adore about you?)

*Trigger Warning: Divorce, Alcoholism, Death of a Loved One

He admires the fact that you're a fighter— just like him. Growing up, it seemed the universe had it out for you. It started with your parents' divorce at the age of 7— your father moving across the country to be with the new woman he loved. Your mother couldn't handle it and turned to alcohol to ease her pain, leading her to become verbally abusive. She blamed you for the divorce, telling you that your inadequacies as a daughter are what drove your father away. You were finally taken out of your toxic household, moving in with your grandmother at 11 years old. However, 5 years later, your grandmother developed cancer and passed, leaving you completely alone at the age of 16. You went into the system but ran away after a year of living under those horrible conditions. You spent the next two years supporting yourself on the streets, getting help from the benevolent Quarter witches.

All that hardship forced you to become guarded, closing your heart off as all you were ever met with was disappointment after disappointment. The pain made you resilient and after hearing your story, Klaus could not help but be in awe of you.

B = Body (what is their favorite part of your body?)

Klaus loves your hips. He loves running his hands over your curves and valleys. His lips will trek every inch of skin there, praising it as your most sensual area.

C = Cuddling (how do they like to cuddle?)

He loves having your head against his chest, feeling your breath fan across the expanse of his bare skin. Klaus will run his fingers through your hair as you cuddle closer to his side. It brings him a great deal of comfort having you so close to him, knowing that you are safe. Often times he'll peer down and watch you, loving your existence. After all, you are his favorite work of art.

D = Dates (what does their ideal date with you look like?)

The two of you loved cooking together and trying out new recipes. Once a month, you two will stand in the kitchen attempting to recreate a recipe you discovered. Some attempts went really well and others were not so great but the two of you had fun regardless. It was one of your favorite activities to do together.

E = Emotions (how do they express emotion around you?)

It took him a moment to be vulnerable with you. He was uncertain if you would use that vulnerability against him or not. However, after months of reassurance that you weren't going anywhere, he finally let his guard down— revealing to you the man behind the fearsome hybrid facade. He expresses himself to you physically rather than verbally. On days when he's tired or burdened, he is especially clingy, finding comfort in your touch.

F = Family (do they want one? If they do, when?)

Klaus would love to have another little him running around the compound, especially since he missed out on so much of Hope's life. However, you are not quite ready to be a mom yet, which he respects and understands. He would be lying though if he said he wasn't counting the days till you finally tell him you're ready.

G = Gifts (how do they feel about gift giving? What are their habits when it comes to this?)

Aside from his performance in the bedroom, gift-giving is the biggest way Klaus expresses his love. When he first started courting you, he would leave your favorite flower on your doorstep every day. At first, you were skeptical of the Hybrid and his intentions, but after his continued persistency you finally gave in. Once the two of you started dating, the gifts elevated to jewelry, dresses, and a car.

H = Holding Hands (when/how do they like to hold hands?)

Klaus is really big on PDA, wanting everyone to know you are his. However, you are not so adamant, so you compromised on hand holding. Whether you are walking through the quarter or having dinner with his family, your hand is in his. You honestly find it adorable.

I = Injury (how would they act if you got hurt?)

He is instantly by your side, assessing your damages for himself. If it is a self-inflicted injury, he will tease you for your clumsiness but ensure that you are okay and not severely injured. If the injury is inflicted upon you by someone else, God rest their soul. No one gets away with hurting what is his.

J = Jokes (do they like to joke around with or prank you? how?)

You two engage in witty banter that is quite amusing to the onlookers of your relationship. The two of you really enjoy trying to verbally one-up the other, plus it keeps your relationship alive.

K = Kisses (how do they like to kiss you?)

Slow and sensual. Klaus is a passionate person and that is very reflective in his lovemaking. He never wants you to doubt the love he has for you and he makes that clear through every kiss.

L = Love (how do they show you they love you?)

Apart from gift-giving, he shows you how much he loves you through the little touches he leaves on your body, lighting your skin on fire. When the two of you are alone, his hands are all over you, exploring every inch of your body as if it is the first and last time he will be able to touch it.

M = Memory (favorite memory together?)

His favorite memory is when he heard you say I love you for the first time. It had been after one of the Mikaelsons’ famous parties and you had a long week, so you had a little too much fun. Once the party ended, you were in no state to go back to your home, so Klaus carried you to his bedroom. After helping you get undressed and washing you up, he placed you in one of his Henley's and you tucked you under his sheets. You thanked him for taking care of you and, in your drunken stupor, revealed that you loved him.

Your favorite memory is when you got caught in the rain walking back to the Compound after a quick run to Rousseau's. You embraced the inconvenience gleefully, laughing as raindrops pelted your skin. You twirled around the rain, enjoying the feeling of the water washing over you, and beckoned to your boyfriend— who had vamped under an awning. Klaus called you a madwoman but eventually relented, joining you in the rain. The two of you danced together, laughing as you were drenched to the bone. Any onlookers must have thought you two were crazy, waltzing in the rain, but the two of you didn't care. This was your special moment.

N = Nightmare (what is their worst fear?)

His greatest fear is losing you— via his own doing or someone else's. You reminded him of the person he used to be before the cruelty of his father and the betrayal of his mother tarnished him. You unlocked a part of himself he thought he lost forever. So the thought of losing you petrifies him. He is afraid of the person he would become if he ever lost you.

He also fears disappointing you— afraid he'll never live up to the image of him you have in your mind. Ultimately, afraid that after one too many slip-ups you'll see him for the fraud he thinks he is and leave.

O = Oddity (what is one quirk they have?)

To most people's surprise, Klaus is a really good listener. He doesn't just listen to listen, he listens to hear. It was a quality of his you greatly appreciated as it made you feel valued. He listens intently to everything you say from the most mind-numbing chatter to a passionate oration about your inner thoughts.

P = Pet Names (what do they like to call you?)

He calls you love and his little warrior— for your relentlessness and bravery.

Q = Quality Time (how do they like to spend time with you?)

Klaus loves it when you model for him in his art room. He is obsessed with the image of you and enjoys finding new ways to recreate your beauty. You don't mind modeling for him because you enjoy the time the two of you get to spend together. Plus, you love watching Klaus work his craft. To you it is awe-inspiring.

R = Rhythm (what song reminds you of them?)

I Only Have Eyes For You- The Flamingos

You developed a love for vintage music after moving in with your grandmother. Every Sunday afternoon she would put on her records and make her famous Bread Pudding.

One of the benefits of having a boyfriend who was over 1,000 years old was gaining access to his expansive music collection. One day while the two of you were going through his records, he put this song on and slow danced with you. Now every time you hear it, you think of him.

S = Secrets (how open are they with you?)

Klaus attempted to hide things from you in the beginning but learned very quickly that was the fastest way to lose you. So now the two of you are very open with each other.

T = Time (how long did it take you to get together?)

It took Klaus a while to break down your walls. After a month and a half, you were sick of the steady growing garden in your room and finally let him take you on a date. Despite having lived in New Orleans your entire life, you had yet to see the magnificence of the Big Easy. The first half of your date was spent with Klaus giving you an exclusive tour of the city— him showing you the city the way he knew it was meant to be shown. After the tour, you ended up on a rooftop overlooking the Mississippi River.

U = Upset (how do they act when you’re upset?)

Whenever you’re upset with Klaus, he mopes around the compound, annoying everyone around him. He goes above and beyond to make up for upsetting you, doing whatever it takes to make you forgive him. You’ve usually already forgiven him after an hour or so, but you secretly enjoy the extra attention he gives you, so you withhold your forgiveness for an extra hour.

V = Vaunt (what are they proud of? Do they like to show you off?)

Klaus is extremely proud of you. He has watched you hold your own in countless situations, standing up to Rebekah and facing off with a few of the Mikaelsons’ enemies. He is in awe of your strength and bravery. He adores you and will take advantage of any opportunity that allows him to show you off.

W = Warrior (how do they feel about you fighting? Would they fight for you, beside you, etc?)

He knows it would be futile to try and stop you from fighting for the people you love, but he doesn’t necessarily like it. He would feel a lot more comfortable knowing you somewhere safe but he respects you and lets you make your own choices. However, there are some fights he deems too dangerous, and will put his foot down. He values your safety above all else.

X = X-Ray (how well are they able to read you?)

Klaus prides himself on his ability to read you like a book. He can tell exactly what you’re thinking just from one look in your eyes. You find this skill of his endearing when it’s not a nuisance to you. There have been several schemes, granted bad ones, that have popped in your mind that Klaus has prevented before you even got the chance to act on them.

Y = Yes (how would they propose to you?)

Klaus would propose to you in the grandest and most romantic way. You’d wake up to a trail of rose petals leading out of Klaus’s bedroom into the main room. Along the way, each of his siblings — in addition to Hope and Hayley — would greet you, holding drawings of memorable moments in your relationship with Klaus. They each would read a tiny speech, which he wrote, describing the moment and its importance. Tears would well in your eyes as you literally walked through your memories with Klaus. You would finally reach the entrance of the Compound where Klaus is waiting for you, surrounded by a garden of rose arrangements. Knowing what is about happen, before he could open his mouth and get down on one knee, you would eagerly say yes, causing a chuckle to leave his lips. He would ask you if he could at least ask the question and you would nod, allowing him the opportunity to ask. Once he finishes his declaration of love and asks the question, you would tease him, denying the proposal. However, Klaus would be unbothered, reminding you that you already said yes. A blush would creep up your cheeks as everyone laughs and cheers and Klaus would slide the ring on your finger, whispering “I love you, Y/N M/N Mikaelson.”

Z = Zen (what makes them feel calm?)

You are Klaus’s home. He feels calmest whenever he is with you, holding you tightly in his arms. You provide him a sense of tranquility, knowing everything will be okay as long as he has you.

A/N: Hi Anon! Thank you for requesting this! I had such a fun time creating it and I do hope you enjoyed reading! Thank you always for reading and I hope you’re having a wonderful day (even if just for this period of time)! Btw, thank you to @queervibesmydude for the template.

#klaus mikaelson #klaus mikealson x reader #niklaus mikaelson #klaus mikaelson x y/n #tvdu #tvd fanfiction #tvd fandom #the originals #the mikaelsons #klaus x reader #klaus x y/n #fandom #fanfic #fandom writing #fluff alphabet #klaus mikaelson fluff #the vampire diaries

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fashionbooksmilano · 11 months

Text

Robert Lee Morris

The Power of Jewelry

Robert Lee Morris

The Power of Jewelry

By Robert Lee Morris Foreword by Donna Jaran

Harry N Abrams Inc, New York 2004, 182 pages, 28 x 29 cm, ISBN 978-0810949546

euro 60,00

email if you want to buy [email protected]

By the time he was 31, Morris had become one of the most influential jewelry designers in North America: his creations appeared all over fashion magazines like Vogue; his Manhattan jewelry store had become a favorite spot of celebrities like Bianca Jagger and Andy Warhol; and his work was marching down the runways of Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Kansai Yamamoto and Donna Karen. In this coffee-table book cum memoir, Morris explains “how he grew from a self-taught jewelry designer to a recognizable brand name in such a relatively short time.” The designer, who is known for his “edgy blend of modern and tribal effects,” attributes his global sensibility to his college courses in anthropology and to his upbringing as an “Airforce brat.” He moved 23 times before he was 18 and lived for several years in Japan and Brazil. But it’s clear that the mainsprings of Morris’s success are his joyful, single-minded focus on his work and his savvy entrepreneurial spirit. Though his book contains asides on his marriage, his travels and his study of shamanism, it centers mostly on the origins of his signature creations, the development of the “designer jewelry” consumer niche in the 1970s and ’80s, and the way he managed his brand “as if it were a wild horse in a rodeo.” Morris now designs up to 10 jewelry collections a year, and though the name-dropping can be a bit heavy-handed in spots, his memoir is full of friendly advice for young artists. Morris’s fans will appreciate this careful history, but readers unfamiliar with his designs may find themselves skipping pages to stare at the large, full-color photos of his smooth knuckle rings, gently bulging necklaces, mesh belts, herringbone collars and sensual bracelets.

Robert Lee Morris is unquestionably one of the most innovative designers of body ornament of our time. Long noted for his distinctive fusion of primal forms, hand workmanship, and cutting-edge sensibility, his organic pieces are enthusiastically sought by connoisseurs of high fashion around the world. This book, written by the artist himself and profusely illustrated with examples of his work, presents the varied production of this design genius over the course of his career. The many images of Morris's works in metal and stone will fascinate anyone interested in the history of design, and will be an inspiration to collectors, designers, and students alike.

orders to: [email protected]

ordini a: [email protected]

twitter: fashionbooksmilano

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#Robert Lee Morris #body ornament design #works in metal #works in stone #jewelry designer #jewelry books #fashion books #fashionbooksmilano

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eddissyfanfiction · 2 years

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Today's rec list is all about the work in progress. All the mentioned fics are unfinished products that are still in development. We've decided to split the WIP-recs into multiple parts, as our first gathering of recs was about 25 fics long. To give every fic their deserved spot-light, we will post WIP-recs with four fics each once a week.

Something More, Something Else by PaintedElectric (current rating: E)

Words: 117870 (15/?)

Status: unfinished, part of the Expanse series (we absolutely recommend reading In The Void before)

Three months following graduation, Eddie is trying to forget and live past the events of Spring Break. He knows there could be a chance that this is not over, that more and worse things could still be on the horizon. He and the party are keeping their eyes open for a sign, preparing for the what-if that they hope will never come. Eleven had said to be ready and so they wait...and wait. But Eddie can't help but feel that something has already found its way back into Hawkins as he senses something growing within him.

One of our absolute favorites. Just a general comment: don't start reading this right before you have to go to bed, because you will not be able to stop. Beautiful, immersive writing that is sucking in the audience word by word.

The Third Date Rule by InvalidUser1D (current rating: E)

Words: 94574 (12/16)

Status: unfinished

Eddie is close to failing his Senior year…again. And in an effort to graduate this time around, Eddie is assigned Chrissy Cunningham, the very smart and most popular girl in his school, as his tutor. And though the idea of a tutor is less than thrilling to Eddie, he feels its not all bad if it means spending time alone with his middle school crush. But Jason Carver is less than thrilled about his love interest being cooped up with Eddie “The Freak” Munson, especially while having his own trouble wooing her. A proposition is given to Eddie that puts him in an unsettling middle ground between his blossoming feelings for Chrissy and his dreaded feelings for the town he lives in.

What we love about this is the concept, the drama, the absolute teenage idocracy unfolding in front of the reader's eyes. And, by the way, "excuse me, what the fuck?" is something you will say a lot when reading this (in a good way, obviously).

More Than Dreaming by batsbeerandbaddecisions (current rating: M)

Words: 33995 (4/?)

Status: unfinished

And that is how Chrissy Cunningham, the starving Queen of Hawkins High, and Eddie Munson, local freak and drug dealer, sat in a trailer in the middle of Hawkins’ trailer park, sharing a carefully constructed joint while sitting down on that exact carpet Chrissy had mustered right before she expected to be left alone, rejected. It had taken her a few breaths and encouraging words from Eddie to take a hit and even more encouraging words and gentle stroking across her back after coughing her lungs out to dare for a second time, which ended in more coughing. How Eddie had licked the paper when he was preparing the jay was entirely too sexual for her liking, especially as he had looked at her and winked when he had done so, and yet she had not bothered to look away. And maybe she was lying a bit to herself when she deemed it too sensual, and maybe she was also pretending quite badly to look away when his lips wrapped around that small cigarette-looking thing. It was official, Chrissy Cunningham was high. For the first time ever.

This fic explores an alternative version of season 4 and does a beautiful job of telling Chrissy's story. It really employs the horror elements Stranger Things has introduced in S3 and S4, so get ready for some shudders down your spine when spending time with this!

Chrissy and Eddie's Infinite Mixtape by LovelyThings (current rating: E); recommended by eddissyfanfiction & the user gruumpy-cat

Words: 117870 (15/20)

Status: unfinished

He was right when he told the Hellfire kids that there’s no shame in running, which is why Eddie Munson takes a running leap for the cheerleader floating in his living room.

I think the tag my kink is tenderness says it all. Here, we have another season 4 rewrite and we looove. This one hits right in the feels (and sometimes into your gut). This really fixes what the Duffers f'ed up.

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parfumieren · 8 months

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Jicky (Guerlain)

Léa de Lonval -- the wise heroine of Colette's 1920 novel Chéri -- had this to say about the primacy of style over propriety: "Naked, if need be… but squalid, never!" Being a celebrated courtesan, Léa knew quite a lot about being naked. And that she wore Guerlain's Jicky is a given-- for Jicky is her beloved Belle Époque in liquid form.

There is plenty that's naked about Jicky, but certainly nothing squalid. It is neither mad, bad, nor dangerous to know, despite the company it has kept. Colette elle-même; Sarah Bernhardt; Anita Ekberg and Brigitte Bardot; not one but two 007's (Sean Connery and Roger Moore). Jane Birkin wore Jicky before switching to L'Air de Rien, which amounts to a step down in the world for Jane. And Jacqueline Kennedy dabbed it behind her lovely ears, which may be construed as a step up for Jicky.

We cannot know if Alice Keppel -- Edward VII's discreet and congenial maîtresse déclarée -- ever tried Jicky. In Diana Souhami's biography Mrs. Keppel and Her Daughter, Sonia Keppel is quoted as saying that her mother exuded 'a certain elusive smell, like fresh green sap, that came from herself'. She did not say (as Virginia Woolf did of Katherine Mansfield) that her mother reeked 'like a civet cat that had taken to street walking'. If she had, Jicky would have undoubtedly been to blame.

Still, Jicky has more in common with Mrs. Keppel than a first glance might tell. Like "La Favorita", it's the perfect mistress, at once frankly suggestive and marvellously well-behaved. Assertive, heady, and rich, its comportment on skin suggests years of tutelage amidst the best society... and nights whiled away between the finest silk sheets. Finally, in its capacity to charm perfume-wearers of all genders, ages, and classes, Jicky employs the same "gift of happiness" attributed to Mrs. Keppel: "She resembled a Christmas tree laden with presents for everyone."

Jicky begins with a thousand acres of Provençal lavender concentrated into one crystalline drop. It stays there for exactly sixty seconds before transforming into the most remarkable olfactory hologram of a lover's body this side of-- well, the bed. Here is the intimate aroma of the one you adore. He or she is the person with whom you share your life, your heart, your secret inner self; you sleep together every night and reach for one another first thing every morning. With them, your secrets are safe as houses-- and before them, to paraphrase Millay, you are at liberty to "spread like a chart your little wicked ways".

The warm, animalic phase of Jicky's development is due largely to the generous amount of civet with which Aimé Guerlain anchored this composition of sparkling citrus, leather, and herbs. The result is a sinuous beast, delicate and decorous, who enters the room on tiny feet, lashing its tail. Close behind it comes its master -- a jovial, barrel-chested shaving-soap accord, rich with birch tar and vanilla -- who promptly pulls up a chair and offers you a piece of his mind. While he dominates the conversation (and a scintillating one it is, too), our civet sits silent and attentive, every so often yawning or giving its glossy fur a nonchalant lick. It never begs for attention, but it also never quits its master's side. Caught in the nexus between filthy and clean, you sense that you're the victim of a formidable tag team-- and you marvel at their effortless powers of persuasion.

Despite its embrace by the so-called "souls" of that age, Jicky did not debut during the fast-and-loose Edwardian era. It is solidly a product of Victoria's reign, a fact which turns the entire concept of Victorian prudery on its ear. The Queen herself, though straitlaced as any monarch must be, is said to have adored perfume-- particularly Houbigant and Creed, from whom she commissioned Royal Scottish Lavender in honor of her beloved Highlands. The only thing separating Royal Scottish Lavender from Jicky is the sensual frisson of civet, a distinction which also sums up the fundamental differences in character and taste between the duty-minded Queen and her sybaritic eldest son. In short: same genes, but considerably more sex.

If, while sporting Jicky, you likewise experience an uptick in "action", do not be surprised. By the same token, do not believe for an instant that by accepting said "action", your standards have been lowered by one jot. Wearing Jicky does not diminish one's dignity; nor does it deny one's essential pleasure-loving nature. It merely clothes the mammal with art.

Whatever else you choose to wear -- or not wear -- is entirely your own business.

Scent Elements: Lemon, mandarin, bergamot, lavender, rosewood, orris, jasmine, patchouli, rose, vetiver, leather, amber, civet, tonka bean, incense, benzoin

#jicky #guerlain #perfume review #parfümieren

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mermaidsirennikita · 9 months

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Can I have some fated mates recs? I've personally loved all of Ruby Dixon's and Kresley Cole's, but the well is growing kind of dry. Any suggestions would be great, thanks!

I have some recs! It's hard to find this done well, but it can happen.

Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series has that all up in there. It's not quite as wild as IAD, but the point of it is that these Vulcan-type people get mixed up with some very earthy, sensual shapeshifters who do have the mating bond thing going on. I definitely want to read more.

Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert. A softer version of this, short and sexy and great for a Halloween read especially. The hero is a werewolf who recognizes this random woman as his mate... But she's descended from a family of werewolf hunters, oops!

Run, Run Rabbit by C.M. Nascosta. I don't know that this is quite fated mates, and the two definitely have a pretty intense toxic relationship in the best possible way (they're both resisting the call, especially him) but the heroine does start to realize that there's some mating bond stuff happening. They're both werewolves and lawyers and work together, and develop this frenemy sexual relationship that becomes complicated as feelings seep in.

Laura Thalassa's Four Horsemen series--each book is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse coming to Earth to do his worst, only to meet a woman he just immediately attaches himself to because fated mates. The women usually hate him. I will say that there are some things in the series I find questionable (War touching down in the Middle East of aaaaalllllll the places he could've appeared was a Choice) but a lot of it is very campy fun. They're pretty gory and death-filled, as a heads up. Would recommend reading in order.

C.L. Wilson's Weathermages of Mystral series is high fantasy romance with some biiiig mating bond/fated mates shit. Would again recommend reading in order, and it does appear that we're in for a good wait on book 3, but it's so so so good. The first book takes place when the king of basically the winter kingdom (he has ice powers--think hot dude Elsa) conquers the summer kingdom, and as part of the peace negotiations he agrees to marry one of the king's daughters, with some pretty intense strings (if she doesn't get pregnant within a year he's gonna LEAVE HER ON A GLACIER TO DIE LMAO). The summer king is horrible and basically sets the hero up to marry the daughter he hates, and so it's this whole arranged marriage deal with this very literally frosty hero and intensely emotional, headstrong heroine, but also he has a wolf-level sense of smell and immediately recognizes that SOMETHING........ ain't right here. Or is TOO right.

The second book doubles down on the mating bond thing and is also so so good, but I will give a heads up that it does involve some pretty intense on the page sexual assault (not by the hero). It's recognized as such and the book makes a big deal over the heroine's recovery, even though she doesn't fully recognize what happened as what it was, essentially.

Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series is a little ambiguous on this front--it takes place in a Victorian London populated by various supernatural creatures. I wouldn't say book 1 is heavy on this concept, but book 2, Moonglow, (which has a werewolf hero and an elemental witch heroine) gets more into it, and I also got that implication in book 5, Evernight (demon hero and elemental witch heroine). For meeee, this series has really been scratching the IAD itch in a big way, as it has a similarly morally gray world with a lot of dramatic supernatural plots, and super passionate love stories.

#romance novel blogging #book recs

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0junemeatcleaver0 · 2 years

Note

For the NSFW ficlets, classic Marius x Armand, Venice years 🕊️

Marius/Amadeo Rating: EFeaturing: Canon compliance (IE: vampire dicks don't work), oral sex I can only describe as 'sloppy toppy', blood drinking. Venice times.

𝕍𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕖

He's picked up much in his time in the palazzo, and quickly at that. Language was acquired in fits and bursts those first few months but then it felt to Marius as though he arrived home one night to discover his young ward able to utilize Italian in a way a native speaker might--double entendres mixed in with his plainer speech. Mathematics he picked up quickly, holding fast to the universal understanding only numbers hold. He sings like an angel, capable of playing nearly any instrument he lays his hands on.

Marius holds all these developments close to his heart, proud of his beloved. He doesn't begin to resent Amadeo's intellect until the boy comes back from his third brothel trip.

It's his punishment, he supposes, for having sent him off in the first place. After all, why did he insist on these visits? So he may have his fill of early pleasures before he's brought into the Blood. And so Marius must suffer his recompense for his darker motives.

"Why do you insist on breaking your own heart, beloved?" Marius murmurs, twisting a springy auburn curl around his finger.

He watches Amadeo work at his task, pouring his heart and soul into it there on his knees between Marius's legs. The boy works his mouth around the useless organ ardently--using his tongue and lips, even his throat and teeth. He's been at this for half an hour now--had begged Marius to let him try, not backing down no matter how patiently Marius tried to explain that he is different from most men. Amadeo, of course, would not be moved and so Marius caved--resolute in letting the boy learn the hard way.

"I am not like the boys and men you lay with, my dearest." He instructs softly, watching his member disappear into Amadeo's mouth again and again.

The boy looks up at him through his lashes, pulling back to flick his tongue against the head. Marius silently curses his body's inability to enjoy this in the way Amadeo wants him to. The sensation is pleasurable in its own way--Amadeo's mouth so hot and wet, keeping his frigid skin warm. His tongue undulating against the shaft pleasant in the way that him running his fingers over Marius's scalp is pleasant. Sensual, but not sexual.

Even still, he finds himself for the first time in over a millennia wishing that this were an experience he could truly have--the first time he's mourned the loss of his human sexuality.

"Stop this, Amadeo." He says finally, pulling the boy back by a gentle handful of curls at the nape of his neck. The boy moans wantonly around him; Marius feels as though he's been punched in the gut.

Amadeo's half-lidded eyes go unfocused, hazy. Experimentally, Marius moves his head until just the head of his cock is still in Amadeo's mouth before pulling him forward. His boy moans again, louder this time--eyes rolling back before falling closed.

Marius hums appreciatively as another hunger rises inside of him. Amadeo had come to him already warm and aroused, worked up over his seduction plan. Fresh from the brothel he was only thinking of Marius--of how he wanted to show his Master what he'd learned, how he wanted to be so good for him that Master would have no choice but to finally bed him himself.

Pink cheeked and over-hot, the desire warmed his blood in a way that had Marius fighting himself from the beginning. It's only gotten more difficult to stamp the impulse out, to keep himself from hauling the boy up by his arms to take another taste of him as his body temperature continues to rise with his arousal.

He'd stripped himself down in his bid for seduction so that Marius can see his little cocklet stiff and rosy between his legs, straining for release. He marvels at how Amadeo does not reach to grasp himself even as he moans in rapture, sucking desperately at Marius's cock as though there were any release to drink down. The perfect picture of submission. Marius's whole being throbs at the sight, saliva thinning slightly in his hunger.

Fruitless as it is, Marius pulls Amadeo's head back and forth over his shaft just because he can. His fingers grasp at Marius's inner thighs as though his act has him in ecstasy and Marius finds himself damning the uselessness of his member yet again.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" He asks wryly, pressing Amadeo's nose to his pubis a moment more before allowing the boy to come up for air. He gasps for it, pulling the breaths into slack jaw past swollen lips. A thick line of saliva connects his mouth to Marius's cock as he groans hoarsely--broken when he licks at his lips like he did that first night at the dinner table, though there is nothing there for him to taste.

"Master," he breathes, reaching behind himself, feeling around. "I want you inside of me. You can. I'm still well oiled from before."

Marius has him hauled into his lap before either of them can register the action. He's uncertain if the impulse is driven by the echo of the mortal man inside of him or a more possessive impulse entirely--a determination to show his boy more pleasure than the so-called professionals ever could.

Amadeo moans into his mouth as they kiss, Marius sliding two fingers inside of him with ease. He whines, riding the digits as he reaches out to stroke Marius's cock with desperation. He can't help himself; Marius chuckles.

"I have told you, my darling," Marius breathes against his lips, "That is not the seat of my ecstasy."

It's difficult, exercising restraint with Amadeo this close to him, in the state he's in. The smell of his blood is so strong now Marius can taste it--the memory of it thick on his tongue. He can see Amadeo's pulse thumping hard in his throat, a hummingbird's pace compared to his own. His mouth waters.

Amadeo is close, fingers toying with Marius's foreskin as he rocks and bounces against his fingers. He's watching Marius with a hazy stare, eyes drifting from Marius's own down to his mouth and then back again. He knows what Marius is thinking--so smart, catches on so quickly--and whines a quiet 'do it' as his body begins to shake.

Despite his better senses, Marius leans forward--inhaling Amadeo's scent deeply before sinking his fangs in. His eyes roll closed, the liquid tasting a bright as its color against his tongue--sweet and salty and heavy. He hears Amadeo cry out--a dazzling display of color playing out before his inner eye as the boy's orgasm quakes through him--red and red and red shot through with brilliant jags of gold as though lightning is cleaving a crimson sky.

Marius pulls back, gasping. Amadeo lays limp in his arms, sated and sleeping, his body still warm with desire. He sighs, pushing the curls off his beloved's face, watching his lashes tremble in his slumber.

He rises, holding the boy on one hip as he tucks himself back into his clothing with his free hand--does all this as he carries Amadeo to the bed, curtains pulled by via the Mind Gift.

His heartbeat is slow and steady, his mind tranquil. The sun is on its way to part them yet again--the worst time of Marius's nights now. He knows the next week he will send his boy back to the next house of pleasure, knows now to keep him more at arm's length once he returns. A vision of a perfected Amadeo, pale and luminous with tiny fangs enters his mind for the barest moment before he forces it away.

He doesn't have any guarantee they'll have eternity together. For now, he knows he has an hour to sit here and watch him child slumber.

In the grand scheme it's not much. But he takes it gladly.

#the vampire armand #marius de romanus #marius/armand #my fic stuff #talk hard #ficlet

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luuurien · 2 years

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Satin Sheets - St. Francis II

(Chillwave, Downtempo, Vaporwave)

The New Zealand vaporwave artist returns with the second installation in his St. Francis series, a new collection of dreamy, lightweight breakbeat tunes that form one lush and cohesive package. St. Francis II's short tracks don't make much of an impact on their own, but combined together they create one wonderful listen.

☆☆☆☆

Ben Pogson's music sits on the humid, summery side of the vaporwave scene, but there's always enough energy to it all to keep the music solid and engaging. As Satin Sheets, his take on synthpop-infused 90s nostalgia sits squarely between the concentrated and potent sound of modern electronica with the warm neon glow of an old mall advertisement, his 2017 debut St. Francis a 45-minute trip into one of the most summery and lush electronic albums that year that was impossible to get off your mind after you first heard it. And now, after five years of relative silence, the second installment of the St. Francis series is out, Pogson further developing on the tropical sound of his debut with chunky breakbeats, glossy MIDI melodies, and the heat wave haziness of vaporwave that polish up his sound for a new decade while keeping in line with the signature Satin Sheets sound. A short listen at just 32 minutes, St. Francis II is still a welcome return for Pogson, with a consistent enough sound and alluring atmosphere to make for one divine listen. Where St. Francis centered itself more around breezier mixes of vaporwave with downtempo 80s synth funk, backbeat percussive grooves and prominent basslines, the breakbeat focus of St. Francis II is much more reminiscent of other 100% Electronica releases compared to the vaporwave focus of its predecessor, Pogson's sound more in line with those like Pictureplane and George Clanton than with FM Skyline and Desert Sand Feels Warm At Night. What still sets his music apart though, is that it's still closer in spirit to vaporwave's off-kilter nostalgia, the icy synth leads atop a slow-motion breakbeat on Air 98 or fuzzy digital flute and steel drum patches thrown into see/D making sure that St. Francis II's core still lies within that genre, even if the music is starting to break away from it in form. Through that, Pogson is also able to make the album an incredibly cohesive listen, stitching each song together with short dreamy interludes that give each song a distinct place within the tracklist without having to constantly start and stop the flow of energy to make it happen, the run of tracks from Continental Haze to Vacation Aura absolutely lovely as each delicate ambient piece between them slowly drifts you over to the next stop on Pogson's adventure. You'll know what you're in for with St. Francis II by the time the first few tracks are over, but by honing in on one sound and doing all he can with it, Pogson's music has never felt so immersive and weightless. Like the rest of his 100% Electronica peers, what makes Pogson's music so special is how well it's able to balance mood and atmosphere with gummy melodies and sturdy song structures, St. Francis II's chunky drum samples all he needs to get the ball rolling. The way these songs groove all feels quite similar, downtempo drum break with the variation largely in the sound of the drums rather than the way they're performed, but by keeping everything locked down this way Pogson can do things like add serene ambient layers to After Ashley or bring a darker melodic touch to the midnight sensuality of Summer Storm Romance, not having to concern himself with working around all sorts of different musical structures and instead finding as many ways as he can to make this one sound feel refreshing and enjoyable across all 16 of the album's tracks, With any other artist, this kind of homogeneity wouldn't work, but Pogson's sound is one that benefits from that kind of relaxed atmosphere and simple sound, tracks like Air 98 and Vacation Aura not needing much more than a beat and some dreamy synths to get you immediately obsessed with how cozy and snug they are to listen to. St. Francis II isn't doing anything particularly revolutionary, but it sells its sound so well that the relatively linear shapes that the songs take don't take away from them in the slightest. Looking at its individual tracks, none of St. Francis II's songs make too strong of an impression - they're all quite low-key and laid-back, never trying to hit you too hard with their sound. But as an album, nothing this year compares to how peaceful and crisp it is on the ears, 32 minutes of pure euphoria that never ceases to be a rejuvenating and thoughtful listen, letting the little things speak volumes for Pogson's music as the small changes he makes to each song able to create an entire new world within the album. He knows what his music is made for, and he knows how to make it work well, and St. Francis II consistently delivers it with poise and personality. When the music is this good, there's not much more you could ask for than this.

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