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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 3 years

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Imagine being Sokka and Katara’s cousin and having a complicated romantic relationship with Zuko.

Your cousin Sokka had initially set you up with Zuko because he figured the firelord needed some fun and you were exactly that. You weren’t interested in titles or riches you were just an infectious whirlwind of carefree energy. He figured Zuko could learn something from you and so arranged the date.

He could tell by how light Zuko walked into the room the next day that his plan had worked and he liked seeing the positive effect you were having on Zuko. The pressures of the throne had really been weighing down on him and you helped him to get some much-needed freedom and connect with his non-Firelord side....however it always had a way of coming back.

Zuko loved dating you but he’d gotten pressure from every single fire nation noblemen on the council to break up with you. They disliked you because you were from the water tribe so many viewed you as an outsider trying to influence the fire nation. Zuko’s reign was still so new and with rebellions breaking out more frequently Zuko agreed. He had to put his country first even if that meant losing you. One thing Zuko hadn’t realised however was you had a very different view of your relationship...for one thing you didn’t even realise you were in one with the Firelord.

Your POV

Zuko was always pretty tense but you noticed tonight he was even more stressed and quiet. You tried to make conversation but he was sombre throughout dinner and when you’d finished he put his cutlery down and looked across at you. “Y/n I need to speak to you”. You nodded folding your arm “sure, what’s wrong?”. Zuko sighed "Y/n i’ve really enjoyed our time together but i...have to break up with you, I can’t see you anymore". You blinked surprised, one at Zuko’s honesty and two at the news you had apparently been dating the Firelord. You and Zuko weren’t dating or even close to dating, in your mind you’d just been having fun and sure you were definitely not just friends but you also didn’t think you were boyfriend/girlfriend. Regardless of what the label was you quickly realised what Zuko was telling you and it made a heavy weight settle in your stomach. Whatever this between you was...it made you sad to think it would be ending. "You do?" you asked remaining composed and Zuko nodded. "It’s nothing to do with you it’s me, being firelord i don’t have the time for dating or fun, i don’t think it’s fair to keep this going when I can’t guarantee i’ll always be able to give you my attention". You nodded your head "that sounds fair, thank you for thinking of that". "No problem" Zuko said smiling sadly and you nodded awkwardly. “I’ll be going then” and you went to walk away when he spoke again "but i really enjoyed our time together y/n, i really did". You smiled "me too, you’re pretty fun for a royal" and bowed "see you around firelord” and you walked away.

Zuko’s POV

You walked out of the room and Zuko sighed. He felt a mix between relief and sadness. That had gone a lot easier than he thought it would and that should be a good thing but it didn’t feel that way. A part of Zuko had wanted you to argue with him or to dig to find the real reason he was breaking it off. He knew if you’d have challenged him in even the slightest way he’d have told you the truth and taken back what he’d said but you had just agreed and let it go without a fight. Zuko couldn’t help feeling disappointed and a little hurt. You remained on his mind the rest of the day and Zuko couldn’t stop wondering about your reaction. He was sat with your cousin Sokka when he decided to bring you up. "Just so you know I’ve ended things with y/n" Zuko explained and Sokka blinked "i’m sorry what?". "I know i should’ve warned you seeing as she’s your cousin...i’m sorry". Sokka shook his head "no i’m confused how do you think you were dating her". Zuko blinked "what do you mean? You literally set us up". "I introduced you because i thought y/n could make you loosen up a bit but Zuko y/n doesn’t date". Zuko blinked "but we hung our several times and...kissed and stuff". Sokka sighed "oh god as gross as this is to have to explain about my cousin...Zuko that doesn’t mean you were dating". "It doesn’t?”. Sokka sighed "okay here’s what you need to know about my cousin, she grew up in a town that was heavily sexist and married girls off at young ages, so as times started to change she leapt at the new opportunities. She refused to ever date anyone, it’s too much commitment and so instead she has fun with people, typically for short periods of time and then she flutters away, usually leaving a broken heart or two". Zuko blinked "but we were dating!". "Did you ever agree to make it exclusive?" Sokka asked. Zuko shook his head "well not in words". "Did you ever ask her to be your girlfriend?". "No but i thought it was implied". "Did you ever call her your girlfriend then?". "No i...it was new i didn’t want to come on too strong" Zuko sighed. Sokka patted his back "and there’s the broken heart". "I’m not heartbroken just confused! Why did she let me break up with her if we weren’t even dating?". "Well breakups are awkward, imagine having to explain to someone in the middle of one, that you're not even dating, i bet she did it just to spare your feelings". As soon as those words left his mouth Sokka regretted it. "No i didn’t mean that...i meant". Zuko stood up angrily "it appears i need to find your cousin".

Zuko was furious. He felt like he’d been living two different lives this whole time and that had caused so much stress. One half of him was the teenager who wanted fun, the freedom to go on dates and just be careless. Then the other half of him was the Firelord who knew he had to be responsible. He knew all the elder nobles thought he was too irresponsible and all his friends thought him too boring and conventional. He liked you because you opened him up to new things and made him feel normal. Not too young or too formal, just right, you made him feel valid.

But he’d sacrificed all that for the “greater good” and now not only was he regretting his decision he was also furious because apparently he wasn’t anything to you anyway. The thing he’d struggled so much with, you weren’t even aware of.

Zuko walked into the large living room the gang had taken to lounging in and saw you sat with Haru. He felt his temper rise as Sokka’s words filled his mind. How you broke hearts and moved on instantly. You laughed at something Haru said and Zuko’s eyes narrowed. He really meant nothing to you. Zuko stalked across the room and came to stand in front of you both. Haru jumped "Firelord Zuko" but you took your time glancing at him. You eventually raised your eyes to his and nodded "Firelord Zuko". Zuko tensed "y/n we need to talk". "Is it urgent because....". "It is, now...please" Zuko said and he walked away.

Your POV

You blinked as Zuko stormed away and apologised to Haru before following him. You had no idea why Zuko wanted to speak to you, surely everything was wrapped up now you were done but he seemed so angry. You’d heard about this famous fire nation temper but you’d never seen it on Zuko and part of you was a little impressed. You liked fire benders for that reason precisely, their inner fire and passion but Zuko had been completely composed and calm the whole time you’d know him. Not now though.

You followed Zuko into a room and he shut the door. "Zuko what’s wrong?" you asked and he spun to face you rapidly. "What’s wrong?" he cried "why did you let me break up with you and say all that rubbish if I meant nothing to you?". You paused "who says you mean nothing to me?". "Sokka!" Zuko cried "he explained how you flit from person to person, never dating them just having fun and how you move onto your next person when you get bored. We were never dating, why didn’t you correct me?". You shrugged "i... I didn't want to be rude, but Zuko I wasn’t just waiting to flit from you to someone else". "Ow yeah, Haru’s just a coincidence?". "You broke up with me! Why are you angry even if something was going on with Haru?". "Because i didn’t want to break up with you y/n" Zuko explained "i did it because i had to and it was a really tough decision for me to make. It felt like a big sacrifice to me and then to find out you didn’t even think twice about me" Zuko said rapidly before staring at the floor almost deflated. "Zuko i do think about you" you said softly "whatever Sokka said isn’t completely true. Yes i don’t like putting labels on things but that doesn’t mean i don’t care or feel the same things anyone does at the start of something. I think the reason i move on or flit around so quickly as you said is because i move on as soon as I start feeling things, i don’t like being vulnerable so me not thinking of you as my boyfriend wasn’t because I didn’t care about you, it was more to protect me from the opposite". "So you do like me?" Zuko asked and you took a breath. "I do...a lot". Zuko rushed forwards hastily and kissed you. You kissed him back wrapping your arms around his neck before you paused "but wait...i thought you said you literally weren’t allowed to do this". Zuko nodded but didn’t remove his hands from your waist "i did, as Firelord i’m expected to behave dignified and composed all the time, i’m not supposed to get emotional or act irresponsibly for example by dating an unconventional water tribe girl" Zuko smiled "but i don’t care! I don’t care if they disapprove! I don’t care if we’re boyfriend and girlfriend or it’s just casual, all i know is i really like you and really really want to kiss you". You smiled and rehooked your arm around his neck "then kiss me".

Zuko was obedient and kissed you passionately before moving onto your neck. You were both surprised and pleasantly fascinated at Zuko’s confidence. Usually he was shy and kissed you quickly before moving away but now....now he was confident and purposeful with each touch. It was very attractive and you suddenly saw why the fire nation had such a strong reputation. Zuko caught the look in your eye and smiled "if you want we can....go to my room?". You smiled "lead the way”. Zuko stepped towards the door so quickly he knocked a table over but he just tugged you past it "leave it, it can stay that way for all i care right now" he muttered and you laughed at how spontaneous he was being. It was nice to see him let his hair down and you grinned as he pulled you through the fire nation halls hastily. He yanked his door open before pulling you inside and slamming the door. Trapping you on the other side. "Hmm i don’t think running through the hall is dignified Firelord Zuko". Zuko shrugged "neither is this" and began to kiss you again.

***

You laid side by side and Zuko seemed very relaxed but you were wondering about something. "Should I be going...am i even allowed to stay here in your room overnight? Doesn’t it break some century old fire nation tradition?" you asked. You’d never been in Zuko’s room before and only now did it really hit you he was the Firelord with a whole country on his shoulders and hundreds of advisors all monitoring his every move. If they’d gotten so angry at you for spending time together surely the nobles would be furious at you spending the night in his quarters? Zuko however did not care. "Of course you can” he said immediately “no servants will bother us and my guards will know to leave so we can be alone...of course that’s if you want to? If you don’t want to stay the night...". “Are you kidding me? And miss sleeping in these silk masterpieces?" you asked wriggling against the royal bedding. Zuko laughed watching you before he looked more serious. "I meant what i said" Zuko said softly "you don’t have to be my anything...i like you, i don’t need any labels or anything". "But do you want them?" you asked. You’d been more honest with Zuko than you’d ever been with anyone and now a part of you....wasn’t terrified by the idea of making him something more. But Zuko had also listened to you too and didn’t want to scare you off. "All i want is you" he smiled coming closer "if you don’t want labels then they won’t come anywhere near us". You smiled at the effort Zuko was making and leant into him. Zuko wrapped his arms around you and you buried your head in his chest. Ignoring the feeling in your stomach that you should have been more honest.

1 week later

Zuko definitely took what you’d said into account. He was a lot more confident with you both in private and publically. Apparently almost losing you made him more determined to make the most of his time with you. He invited you to royal events and was attentive to you throughout them. When nobles questioned him about you he would tell them it was none of their concern and refuse to answer any further prying. You liked seeing Zuko stand up for himself using his dominant abrupt side but also kind of missed his soft sweet side. Sure having a temper and attitude were hot in the moment but after a while they lost their depth and you got the feeling it was an act Zuko was putting on for you. As if Zuko thought by acting tough and in control with his court you’d be more attracted to him when in reality you loved how caring and considerate he was.

Zuko was also struggling. As well as maintaining the imposing Firelord who didn’t care what others thought of him, Zuko was also pretending he was okay with being casual. Zuko was not a casual person in any meaning of the word. He was a dramatic over-thinker, he had never been carefree and although in the moment with you he did enjoy it, afterwards his mind fretted over everything he’d done. He also worried about your open relationship. He knew freedom was important for you but he couldn’t help but wonder if when you looked at another person you’d start seeing them as well. Zuko liked you a lot and was sure he never wanted to see you with another person. He wondered if it was selfish but he wanted you all to himself and wanted an exclusive relationship....but he’d promised you he would be fine with this and that meant more to him.

So you and Zuko continued the charade to please the other, no idea that the other person actually felt the exact same way.

Your POV

You and Zuko had just had a pleasant evening with his friends and were retiring to his room for the night. On the way you passed a guard who looked at the two of you and then frowned. Zuko immediately tensed and went into Firelord mode. “Something you want to say?” Zuko called and the guard lowered his eyes “no Firelord Zuko”. “I thought not” Zuko agreed and took your hand. Zuko led you into his room and shut the door with a loud snap. You watched Zuko and all the things you’d been feeling this week came up. You needed to say something and now was just as good a time as any.

You prepared for the night and sat down on the edge of the bed watching Zuko warily, wondering how he’d take what you were about to say.

"Zuko i’ve been thinking about something and I think we need to talk” you said suddenly and Zuko jumped standing up taller. "Are you okay?" he asked immediately coming to sit next to you. "I am and i want to thank you for all the effort you’ve gone to but i think we need to reassess the situation”. Zuko immediately panicked, you’d realised he wasn’t a cool collected leader and that he was faking it....you weren’t attracted to him anymore. "Y/n i think i know what you’re going to say" he frowned when you carried on "i miss how it was before". Zuko blinked "what?". "I know you’re trying to be more dominant in your rule and to be more protective of us but that doesn’t mean you have to act all unfeeling and unbothered for my benefit. You’re a kind sweet person Zuko and I like when you show that, so i guess i’m asking have you been trying to change for me?". Zuko looked down "i have....you just reacted so intensely to me being more confident and so i thought you’d want that more". "I do love it when your confident" you smiled "but you don’t have to keep that in every aspect of our lives, maybe just when we’re alone?". Zuko felt a blush rise to his cheeks but he nodded "okay". You smiled "and sorry one more thing....i know i said i don’t like labels but i think i’d maybe like to try them?". Overcome with the realisation you felt everything he did Zuko just kissed you passionately. You kissed him back before laughing as you separated "what was that for?”. "For weeks i’ve been playing this character and restraining myself from asking you to be exclusive with me and i thought if i felt this way how can we be compatible but all along you felt it too". You blushed and nodded "yes i....i’ve felt that too”. Zuko grinned and kissed you again before pulling away "wait let me make sure i understand this correctly, you’d like us to start dating? Properly and officially?". "And exclusively" you smiled and Zuko grinned "i’m going to do this officially then, y/n will you be my girlfriend". "I thought you’d never ask!" you cried and kissed him again.

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starstruck-shima · 3 years

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❄️Kaeya meets a Bunny Girl Senpai❄️

Notes: Kinda crack, references to Kaeya’s backstory, fem reader, heavily based off of/inspired by Bunny Girl Senpai.

“In which Kaeya questions his sanity over a wild bunny girl that only he could see.”

Sometimes, he wonders if he’s finally lost it. After all those years of working in the knights, experiencing the shithole that was his early childhood, and the split that happened between him and the man he still saw as his sworn brother, you’d be pleasantly surprised to see how Kaeya still persevered and became the infamous cavalry captain we all know and love today.

And yet there he was, taking a double take on the sight before him during his rounds around the city. More specifically, the sight in question was that of a girl, just around his age--yet unlike him, who at least considered donning on some type of protective wear (wether it was for the weather or public decency, perhaps both), she opted for a less... conventional outfit. It was the bunny ears that really caught his attention though.

He’s less intrigued by the black leotard, tights, and heels and more interested on who you are and why are you doing this. A wild bunny girl, with a vision strapped onto your collar too... you were most certainly a big deal. Yet why did no one bat an eye at you, or at least your appearance?

“You’re staring.” Those were the first words you said to him, and Kaeya blinks--seeing bunny ears nearly obstruct his vision. You could talk. He’s either imagining things even more or it was a sign that you had a mind of your own. Either way, he’s still a bit taken aback. “Huh, you can still see me.”

“Forgive me, I just couldn’t help but notice you. What brings you to Mondstadt?” He tries to carry on a conversation--a surmise way for him to ease someone into at least spilling a bit of info on them.

Your next answer caught him off guard. “I live here.” That certainly raised his suspicions. He’s been patrolling around Mondstadt for years, to the point where he knows the familiar faces of regulars at the Angel’s Share bar, and even the names and schedules of the knights who guard the city walls. Who exactly were you? Perhaps you were new? But you didn’t look like an outsider either... you felt right at home in Mondstadt.

“I’m (Y/n) (L/n), part of the Knights of Favonius.” His eyes widened a bit at the revelation. You were part of the knights? “Forget what you saw today. Farewell.” Before he could inquire further, you had disappeared right there and then.

Kaeya takes it upon himself to immediately read up on you. Records, testimonies from fellow knights, checking your rank, asking Lisa, he did it all. His findings surprised him even more--not much was known about you, and from what he heard, you’ve barely even showed your face--or rather, not much have actually seen you around. Some can’t even recall your appearance. Yet the records state otherwise. You definitely existed.

And so, Kaeya’s trip down down the rabbit hole had begun. After all, someone had to get to the bottom of this, and frankly, he was pretty much the only one who could, considering the circumstances.

It wasn’t long until you noticed his behavior, and it led to another chance encounter. This time, in front of your house. You knew he would’ve eventually found out in the records, yet you were surprised at his perseverance nonetheless. What was his deal? “Cavalry captain, why are you so persistent?”

He chuckles. “So you do know me.”You roll your eyes a bit. It was nothing, really. He was a huge a name here after all.

When you ask him why he cared for your case so much, he simply responds like it was common sense. You still don’t understand why. ”It’d be bad for me to let you run off on your own, you know? Especially in that.” His eyes gesture onto your clothing. Right, you almost forgot. “Consider it a favor.”

And thus, began your strange friendship with Kaeya.

It started a bit rocky, but as time passed, the two of you started to see past your differences. Petty remarks turned into playful banter, and suspicions were cast aside into genuine fondness--though none of you openly admitted to that.

Kaeya soon learns more of your predicament, after patiently waiting for you to be ready to open up. It started with an incident in your lab--you were testing the limits of elemental reactions, which led to an explosion.

At first, you thought there wouldn’t be any side effects, however, you quickly learned that the opposite was true, when Sucrose came to check up on the noise... yet didn’t notice you in the room. It only got worse from there.

So, you tried to test another theory. People were sure to notice and have a bigger impression of you in their memory if you caught their attention, right? Perhaps by making a huge impression, it’ll trigger a memory--hence causing them to remember. So, you opted for something that would definitely be a sight worth seeing (and remembering, to an extent). That was how you ended up as Mondstadt’s wild bunny girl, hopping around the city as a phenomenon waiting to be seen.

Yet somehow, only one man did. And amidst the time you had to bond, wether it was during a quiet meal in your abode after he helped you in getting groceries, or looking through the library for hints to solve your predicament, Kaeya and you proved to be quite the close pair.

Time was ticking however, and you knew that if Kaeya and you couldn’t find a solution, then sooner or later, you’d be gone for good. Left to be forgotten. A failed experiment.

It was something you never told Kaeya--something you kept hidden in your many papers dedicated in solving your predicament. You kept convincing yourself that it was better this way. He could go back to his knightly duties and continue protecting Mondstadt without an extra burden.

But what you didn’t know was that he found out. It was all adding up, really--the way you started to distance yourself from him, how you began stocking up on food, and the notes he read behind your back when you were away.

...Which meant he also read about the details of your planned experiment to make him lose his memory. And he didn’t like the idea one bit. He’d never abandon you after all you’ve been through. He hates the very idea of such.

So one day, when you asked him to meet you in front of the gates, wearing that same old bunny girl suit for shits and giggles, he knew what he was getting into. He calculated the time you’d finish prepping your little memory loss experiment, and today was the day.

You thought everything was going as planned. Kaeya didn’t once suspect the drink you gave him. Your first mistake. Your second was letting your guard down... as Kaeya had immediately chucked the drink into your lips, forcing you to gulp it down, choking in disbelief. Wait... did you see him spit it out right as he did that?!

“You--” coughing, you look at Kaeya in distraught. “YOU KNEW?!”

But the man merely chuckles, quoting a friend that helped him solve the mystery. Of course, in return, he had to submit a full, detailed report on your entire predicament, but he could care less. Thank you Albedo.“With equal force comes equal reaction.”

“I still don’t get what you mean--” you stiffen, suddenly feeling eyes on you, several people saying your name. Wait... if they remembered your name, could they see you?

“So that was where you ran off to,” You almost cry tears of joy when Albedo actually talks to you, walking alongside Sucrose to where you were situated. “I expect a huge explanation on how all of this happened--” he briefly turns to Kaeya. “--And everything in between.”

Still in the high of euphoria, you don’t notice the cold night air until Sucrose brings you back to reality. “Um... Ms. (Y/n), not to be rude, but... aren’t you cold in that?”

You stiffen, your mind wanting you to slap the blue haired man behind you for laughing hysterically in response. Right, almost forgot about that.

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact scenarios #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact headcanons #genshin kaeya #kaeya #kaeya alberich #kaeya x reader #genshin impact kaeya #albedo #sucrose #genshin albedo #genshin sucrose #fem reader

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stark-park · 3 years

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Enchanted 3 Sunday Panels

I laughed so fucking hard at so many of these. The 8 guests we had were just... Ah! Fucking delightful!

Keegan

First on was Keegan (Blue Fairy) and she had such enthusiasm it wouldve been hard not to like it

A lot of people went to collect their autographs so she made the joke that they were all going to a different convention, maybe for Marks and Spencer, and my god did we all roll with it 😂 I've said "commit to the bit" a lot this weekend because I do a lot of daft shit, but Keegan really went for it and it was hilarious every time.

I asked Keegan if she could reenact her reaction to seeing The Curses appear in the cosplay contest and she said she was very confused at first, wondering if we shouldve been there or at the M&S conference (which did not exist) and then we whipped the signs out and she said it was amazing 😅

Rose & Tiera

Rose and Tiera (Tilly and Margot) were next and I love them (especially Rose) so much. The pair of them together is brilliant and there were some awesome questions.

They'd spent time talking to Barbara Hershey so decided they'd want to go to her house in Hawaii for their adventures as Tilly and Margot. If they got married then Tiera would like a nice white pantsuit/jumpsuit or a cool cape robe thing and Rose said Alice's would be the complete opposite, flowy, floaty dress, white and blue, with a trail of crabs (as her dress' train or carrying it, I can't remember).

Never has the personification of "pratting about" been better shown than when I asked my question to these two. "I was one of The Curses last night, we couldn't see a thing, could you please reenact your reactions to seeing us?" Then ROSE FUCKING REYNOLDS says "only if you reenact being the curse!" Cue me flailing about with no sheet over my head as they both say "oh wow, amazing, what a great costume" clapping and laughing. I did not realise the other two had joined in behind me and was pleasantly surprised I managed not to bump into them

"what would Alice and Robyn wear for Halloween?" Tiera: oh, each other? That would be fun. Rose: yeah, um... OH, THE CURSES! 😂 What a compliment, thanks!

"If Tilly and Robyn had a music album, what genre and title would it have?" Rose, almost immediately: whale noises. Tiera: oh an teacup sounds. Rose: it would be called A Whale of a Time

Adelaide

I fucking love Adelaide Kane (Ivy). She's so relatable and when she mentioned tiktok yesterday me and Fez had to know, we HAD TO KNOW: was she on berries and cream tok? So they asked what sides of tiktok Addy was on and she listed so many and each one I was like "same, same, same! Oh not that... Yep, same! Omg same." 😅 Mentally ill, queer, nerd tiktok basically.

I told Addy I was the purple curse from the cosplay contest, explained we couldn't see a fucking thing under the sheets and asked if she could re-enact her reaction to seeing us. "I was like 🤨😶😂 and I was very concerned you were gonna trip over" "oh we were too!" "I was all ready to call for help or something, maybe an ambulance" "oh we would've been fine, just help up the AAAAAAH sign" "oh good, you were prepared 😂"

Q: what would your dream Pokémon team look like? And your characters too. "Ivy would have pretty Pokémon like Rapidash and Gardevoir and any that suit her aesthetic. Me, oh I'd have a Magikarp to start, useless like me. Snorlax so I can sleep on him. Lapras so I don't have to swim. Charizars because it's a fucking fire dragon, oh or Dragonite because he's friendlier. A grass type to help keep all my plants alive. No ghost or poison types because I'd end up killing myself." Then she went into an aside where she probably wouldn't have loads, only two or three because she wouldn't want to keep them in pokeballs. Then asked a bunch of questions like "are they alive in there?? Do they need food? Do they shit in there?" And had to stop thinking about it 😅

"I have the muscle tone of a wet noodle" I don't know what this was answering but it was so damn funny, the best line 😂

A few people thanked her for mentioning ace folks in her answers supporting the LGBTQ+ community and she said how it's still so bad how little media representation they get but it looks like it's heading in the right direction, just not fast enough (I murmured how we don't get anything and it only clicked when Fez started laughing 😅)

General things of note:

Every time me or J said "I was one of The Curses last night" we got a massive woop which was awesome. A bunch of people told us they thought it was genius or we were their favourites 🥰

#enchanted 3 #starfury conventions #ouat #stark life #nerd alert #once upon a time #keegan connor tracy #rose reynolds #tiera skovbye #adelaide kane

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aelin-queen-of-terrasen · 3 years

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𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 | 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 𝐎𝐧𝐞

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Rowan glanced at his pocket watch and attempted to swallow his irritation.

How was it only nine-o-clock still? He had already suffered through enough social niceties to last a lifetime.

Now, he listened with but half a mind to his cousin drone on about the night's guests. His head was filled with all the tasks he needed to see to, including searching for a new governess for his sons. His boys kept chasing away every woman he employed and he was hesitant to hire a tutor, because he believed they needed a woman's influence too, now that his own wife was too ill. The physician had done all he could but there was not much hope she would wake, loathe as he was to admit it. Perhaps he should have accepted his mother-in-law's offer and send the boys to their her after all?

"--and Arobynn's here too—"

That caught his attention. "He is?"

"Mhmm. Look, over there, no, no, to the left—besides the pretty redhead, yes, just so."

A man stood by the entrance with a red-haired woman on his arm, tall and muscular, with a fine-boned face. His auburn hair were pulled back into a bun, offsetting his pale skin and the fine cut of his suit was a stark reminder of his prominent position in society, despite the whole stigma around tradesmen.

"I knew he was fond of flaunting convention but escorting his mistress to a ball?"

"You haven't heard?" James approached them with a drink in his hand. "She is not his mistress but an adoptive daughter of sorts and his apparent heir."

Fenrys choked on his drink.

"He named a girl heir to his trade empire—and not even his own blood—stupid!"

"Spoken like a man," said the gentleman and shook his head. "He raised her himself, is introducing her to all his associates and she doesn't look dumb either."

James nodded towards the redhead he had seen earlier, dressed in the finest black silk with a neckline low enough, it bordered on scandalous. Her copperish-red hair were pinned into an elegant coiffure with pretty, gold hair combs and a simple, pearl necklace completed the striking picture she made. Her sharp, defined features were barely beautiful until she laughed—a musical sound in itself—and he wondered whether he had seen anyone prettier.

"If hers was the last face I ever saw, I'd die a happy man." Fenrys sighed and walked off.

James rolled his eyes. "He's about to seek an introduction to her, isn't he?"

Rowan's lips twitched up.

He had always liked James. The man was completely without artifice and his enthusiasm for everything was so infectious, no one could remain angry with him. He had spent a few summers with the Galathynius children, until their youngest daughter was abducted and the visits stopped.

"I say you must frown a little less, sir, unless you wish to give offense."

Rowan looked up, startled at being addressed by the object of his thoughts. She looks even lovelier up close, thought he.

"I detest these events."

"So do half the people in this room and yet, appearances must be maintained."

"Deceit is not in my nature."

The lady frowned. "It is not deceitful to pretend you are interested in an event in order to spare your host's feelings."

"Your motive may be charitable but it is no excuse for dishonesty."

The lady looked amused but did not pursue the topic further. "I hope you will forgive me for speaking without a proper introduction, sir. I am not a fan of convention."

Rowan smiled.

An unmarried woman, not even of age, and already a heiress to a trade empire—by all accounts, she did not seem like one.

"I will, if you allow me to remedy the situation now." He bowed with exaggerated formality. "I am Mr. Rowan Whitethorn of Harcomb, in Doranelle."

Her cheek dimpled. "Miss Celaena Sardothein—my father—"

"Mr. Hamel, yes, I know." He almost cringed at how rude he sounded. "He and I, we are—"

"—business associates, yes, I know," she teased with an impish grin, replying in a poor imitation of his own deep voice.

Her eyes twinkled with amusement, filled with laughter and mirth—turquoise orbs, ringed with brilliant gold.

All of his resolve flew out of the window. "Miss Sardothein, will you allow me the pleasure of leading you into the first set? The dancing is about to commence."

"The pleasure will be all mine."

In hopes of starting a conversation, he said, "You are a fine dancer."

"I would have believed you to be a liar if we hadn't already established that deceit of any sort is your abhorrence."

He smiled. "And if I were being insincere?"

"I would take it as a compliment to myself, for it will mean that you are acting on my advice from earlier about lying for the sake of appearances."

They fell silent again.

"We must talk some, you know," said Rowan. "For someone who claims to be concerned with appearances, do you not think it would look odd for us to spend a half hour together but in silence."

She startled at the sudden statement. "Introduce a topic then and I will do my poor best to maintain the conversation."

Rowan complied and was pleasantly surprised to find her lively and good-humored and well-informed on most subject from current fashion disasters to books to political bills and movements. Her arguements were passionate and far from taking offense at his dry humor, she matched it with witty quips of her own; and to top it alll off, she was as skilled a dancer as a conversationalist.

Rowan was almost annoyed when the song came to an end. He could not recall the last time he had been half as well entertained.

"You will be the death of me, you foolish, foolish chit!" screeched the old matron.

Fenrys had allowed himself to be dragged into a bookstore, which happened to be one of his least favourite places, by his cousin, James—the second son to his uncle, Lord Rhoe, the Earl of Narrowcreek—and was now eager for any sort of amusement. He turned towards the high-pitched shriek with interest.

A young lady stood near the shelves, tall and proud, even in the face of her mother's ill-bred manners.

Her blonde hair fell down in waves, half pinned by dragonfly-shaped hair combs. The fabric of her dress was fine enough for her to belong to the first circles and yet, he could not recall seeing her—or her mother—anywhere.

"Ungrateful child! Wait until I tell your father what you did; he will be most displeased."

She bit her lip to contain her mirth, though her cheeks flushed with embarassment. Her eyes flitted to the door and back, as if she was looking for some escape.

"Poor girl," the bookshop owner murmured.

The following words had the unfortunate attention of drawing the mother's attention towards the owner.

Lord Fenrys almost laughed at the alarmed look on the owner's face when she began lamenting to him instead and then looked over at the lady who was staring at the door with a thoughtful look, as if wondering whether or not to attempt an escape.

She must have decided in it's favour because she gathered her skirts and made a mad dash towards the door.

Fenrys realised he was standing in her way and hastened to move but it was too late—

"Darn!" cried she.

The commotion drew her mother's attention and upon spotting her wayward daughter lying on the floor with a grimace, she rushed over with a whole new litany of complaints.

Fenrys could have sworn the lady cursed under her breath.

"Stubborn, stubborn child! I told you not to run off without me but oh, how you love vexing me," shouted her mother in her high-pitched voice. "And what are you doing, bothering this fine gentleman over here? You had better not to talk to anyone if you are determined to refuse them all. You broke that poor man's heart—"

Fenrys quirked an eyebrow in interest, looking thoroughly entertained.

Her cheeks flushed further.

He frowned.

Up close, her face looked awfully familiar. He searched his brain for an answer.

A memory flashed in front of his mind. A highly unconventional black dress, a tinkling laugh and a ballroom.

Realisation dawned.

"Miss Sardothein! Fancy seeing you here," said he. "I almost didn't recognise you because of the hair."

"The hair? Oh, yes, I am very fond of dyes, but you have caught me in my natural state."

"I find you lovelier than ever. If you will forgive me for prying, I could not help but observe you haven't bought a thing yet, even though I know you to be a great reader! Is the reading material not to your taste, Miss Sardothein?"

Celaena answered wryly, "As a matter of fact, the books here suit my tastes very well—It is only that I am not allowed to buy books for a month—as punishment."

"No books! And what awful crime did you commit to merit that?"

"I rejected a marriage offer."

"A capital offense!"

Celaena smiled, "Indeed."

"I hope you are appropriately ashamed of yourself!"

"Horrified at my own audacity, really."

The lady looked up at him and grinned; Fenrys' own face turned pale and his mouth fell open in surprise. Ashryver eyes! She had ashryver eyes—like James, Aedion, and their mothers Helen and Evalin and—gods. The little poem his cousins had made up in childhood came to the forefront of his mind.

"The fairest eyes, from legends old,

Of brightest blue, ringed with gold."

But how...?

He looked at the woman again: her eyes bright and mirthful and thick eyelashes resting on her cheek, the face tugged at his memory; and she smiled so impishly, he had seen that smile before—

"Aelin," he blurted out.

He was startled when her smile dropped and recognition flickered in her eyes.

Fenrys shot an alarmed look towards the shelf behind which James had disappeared. Aelin was here! But how could this be? His heart thumped loudly inside his chest.

"Aelin?" She inclined her head in question.

He smiled uncertainly.

Was she really his little cousin? Aelin had been five year old when he last saw her.

But if he was wrong about this, could this come to bite him in the ass? She was certainly as old as his cousin would have been, had she been alive and she had the same unruly blonde curls and those ashryver eyes, teeming with life.

It couldn't be...

Arobynn's adoptive daughter.

"Yes, Aelin was my favourite cousin—you, uh, you remind me of her."

"If she is your favourite, then I am inclined to take that as a compliment." Celaena—Aelin?—smiled again, though her eyebrows remained drawn still. "The name does sound familiar. Perhaps I would have heard of her in the newspaper? The society column is a great source of amusement to my father. He reads it aloud to us from time to time."

Father? He wondered if she was talking of Arobynn or Mrs. Rhunn's husband.

Fenrys smiled sadly. "That is not possible for you see, my cousin died when she was five."

At least I thought she died.

"I am sorry for your loss." Then, with an arch look on her face, she asked, "If she was like me as you say, she must have been delightful."

He chuckled. "An absolute troublemaker."

"Definitely like me then," said she, sparing a look towards her mother. "I should leave now, before my mother lists you off as yet another suitor!"

And before he could think to stop her, she curtsied and scurried off.

Fenrys stared at the door, somewhat dumbfounded. Aelin is alive. He marvelled at the thought and then wondered how on earth he would inform her family—James would be ecstatic and his father would have to be informed, and Edward would have to be called to London, gods. Edward!

Aelin had been missed by all but no one grieved her as the poor man had.

Edward would be ecstatic; everyone would.

Fenrys ran towards his cousin out of breath, who was still examining titles in one corner.

"Fenrys, god, slow down, man! Whatever happened? You look like you saw a ghost."

He blinked.

Then, without any attempt at tact or discretion, he blurted out: "Aelin is alive."

"Aelin, Aelin, stop that—no, look at your frock, mother will be so angry, no, Aelin! You will hurt yourself like that."

The man watched, concealed behind the ridge as a little girl skipped from one mud puddle to another, blonde curls bouncing up and down as she moved. Her elder brother followed at a more sedate place, calling out admonishments and threats, not that they had an effect on her.

Aelin grinned over her shoulder and ran, leading her brother on a merry chase.

The man was still debating how to go about abducting the girl when fortune smiled upon him; she twisted her leg and fell down, prompting the boy to run towards her.

"It hurts," she whimpered, refusing to stand.

The man smiled maliciously and waited as the boy looked around. "Very well," he said finally. "If you promise not to go anywhere, I will fetch papa. Do not move, Aelin."

The boy rushed towards the manor house, ignoring the twisted knots in his stomach and burst into his father's private study. In his panicked state of mind, it took a few attempts for Rhoe to make sense of his garbled words.

A foreboding feeling rose in his stomach.

She will be fine, he tried to reassure himself. Aelin, troublemaker that she was, had had a lot worse than a twisted ankle.

But his alarm grew the nearer they came to where she was supposed to be and his heart pounded inside his chest. All colour drained from his face when they didn't find Aelin where she was supposed to be.

"Are you certain this is where you left her?"

Edward nodded.

Rhoe suddenly felt dizzy, his knees buckled and bile rose up in his throat.

He reined himself in and with admirable composure, organised search parties to search around the estate and the neighbourhood.

The search carried on until late that night, when an express rider from the nearby magistrate arrived with a letter: a nearby warehouse had burned down earlier that day and two bodies were found: a man in his forties, who could not be identified and a seven year old girl who had on a silver anklet bearing the word fireheart and requested Mr. Galathynius' presence tomorrow at the warehouse to confirm the girl's identity.

Rhoe folded the letter, excused himself from company and sent his sons to their beds.

Then he entered his study: the study no one was allowed to enter without permission—except his Aelin—slumped into the armchair by the fireplace and wept.

note: ...and it's here. I have so many drafts of this chapter lying around, I'm surprised I actually finally posted it lmao.

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#throne of glass #rowan x aelin #rowaelin fanfiction #tog fanfic #throne of glass fanfiction #rowan whitethorn #aelin galathynius #sarah j maas #rowaelin #rowaelin fanfic #rowaelin fluff #rowaelin regency fic #valiant #aelin-queen-of-terrasen

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blackswaneuroparedux · 3 years

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Anonymous asked: I really enjoy your erudite and literary posts about James Bond in your blog very much. Your most recent post about Connery as best cinematic Bond and Dalton as the best literary Bond was brilliant. Although the PC brigade have been inching towards making Bond a woman or even non-white, Ian Fleming’s legacy of a suave but cold hearted English gentleman spy hasn’t been completely trashed. As someone familiar with Fleming literary lore can you also tell me where was James Bond educated? Was it Oxford or Cambridge? I was having a discussion over Zoom with friends and the Oxonians like myself thought it was Oxford because in Casino Royale with Daniel Craig it’s made very plain it was Oxford. Your thoughts?

I appreciate your kind words about my posts on James Bond and his creator Ian Fleming. It’s very hard to ignore the cinematic James Bond because he is very much an icon of our modern culture that needs no translation to transcend across cultures. Alongside Sherlock Holmes, another British literary and cinematic export, the name alone speak for itself.

James Bond appeals to both genders very well.

For the men, Bond dresses well and lives in a care free way. He is both ferociously intelligent and resourceful to get out of any tight corner. He drives incredible cars (from the incredibly stylish Aston Martin DB5 to the incredibly awful AMC Hornet) and uses awesome technology (he is the archetypal boy with toys). He's not afraid to get down in the dirt to fight or engage in lethal gun-play and spectacular car chases. He sleeps with beautiful women, regardless how strong and independent they are (or even lesbian if we’re being honest about Pussy Galore).

For us ladies, while he's not averse to action, he's also a cultured gentleman with suave and sophisticated manners. He's also a generally pretty good looking guy. In many ways, he's a conventional male ideal. So while his conventional good looks and manners aren't for everyone, they hit right the sweet spot of what women like. For everyone, he's a spy! Not at a grey real world nondescript spy, but a cool spy fighting larger than life bad guys whose bland sartorial choices scream mad super villain. It's a very black and white world that James Bond lives in. These bad guys truly are villainous in the desire to re-order humanity, and we need a debonair British MI6 agent to save us from these mad men who want to harm us by laying waste to a bonkers Armageddon.

When all is said and done I think that what makes James Bond so iconic across gender and generations is what Raymond Chandler wrote back in 1959, “every man wants to be James Bond and every woman wants to be with him”.

That sounds about right. Men want to be him, women want to be with him.

I know my first introduction to James Bond was through my grandfather on my Anglo-Scots father’s side who was a dashing gentleman in his day with a long rumoured hush hush work for Her Majesty’s government firmly shoved under the carpet to avoid further discussion that he - being self-effacing and humble - would find embarrassing that would paint him in any heroic light. Years later he had bought his Bahamas beach pile in Harbour Island out in the Caribbean for the family to rest up from cold winters in Britain. Amongst his immense stack of books dotted around the place were (and still are) first editions of Flemings novels which a few were signed by the author as he on occasion met Ian Fleming when he would sail over to Jamaica (they were also OEs which helped). We were not allowed to touch these but instead picked up the dog earred paperbacks that still retained their 60s musty smell.

On my teen sojourns there I would spend time along with my siblings just reading anything we could find to take to the beach or lounge around in a hammock or a chaise longue. That’s how I came to read the Fleming books - really out of necessity to avoid boredom on a beach (which isn’t really my thing as I prefer the rugged outdoors). But I was pleasantly surprised how well written the books were and I actually enjoyed the stories; it was a refreshing change from the more heavy literary tomes I was trying hard to wade through. As for the Bond films, I watched them on film nights at boarding school; I remember having a school girl crush on Connery, Dalton, and Brosnan.

There are many reasons for the successful longevity of James Bond in popular culture and literature but perhaps one of the most pertinent to our discussion is that James Bond is actually a blank slate and therefore malleable as a character and so he can capture the current zeitgeist in time.

This ability of the film to adapt to different generations while remaining relevant is an important factor for its longevity. For example, the early James Bond films were unashamedly sexist with characters using women as objects and discarding them. In the most recent James Bond films, certainly starting with Timothy Dalton, there is a subtle change in attitude with a few chauvinist attitudes.

James Bond today is more serious, seduces fewer women, and is more respectful towards women in his life, including his boss. This shows how the film changes concerning the rise of feminism in the West. For example, Miss Moneypenny used to be a minor character in the very first James Bond films. Today, she is more formidable and doesn’t tolerate sexist remarks.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this blank slate malleability that has allowed different actors that have been cast to play James Bond their own way - rather than get a straight like for like Scottish sounding actor to replacing Connery for example the film producers went across to Moore via Lazenby for example - and letting each actor imbue the super spy with different moods. They each added their own colour from the same broad palate to create different tones. However, each of these characters maintained the essential character that defines James Bond. The actors have broadly stayed true to the inherent mix of character and class associated with James Bond.

For this reason I have some empathy towards your concern that Bond would be held hostage to the current zeitgeist of white washing or genderising everything so as to avoid being a victim of cancel culture. But it’s only empathy because I feel there is a danger of misunderstanding just who James Bond is and what he represents.

What do I mean by this?

I mentioned James Bond is a malleable character to the point he’s presented as a blank slate. This is ‘literally’ true - certainly as far as the books go. Ian Fleming doesn’t tell us much about Bond other than his appearance in his books. Indeed - as I mentioned in my past blog post on Connery as the best Bond - Fleming wasn’t convinced by Connery as Bond. He was reported to have said, ‘I’m looking for Commander Bond and not an overgrown stuntman’ and even dismissed Connery as “that fucking truck driver”. Fleming has good reason to rage. His Bond as written in the books was someone like him.

Like Fleming, Bond was an Eton educated Englishman; an officer and a (rogue) gentleman who was a lieutenant-commander in Naval Intelligence. As Connery began to wow and win over Fleming as Bond, Fleming had a change of heart. Fleming in his later Bond books re-wrote a half-Scottish ancestry for Bond as a tribute to Connery’s portrayal. Bond’s Scottish father was a Royal Navy captain and later an arms dealer, Andrew Bond from Glencoe; and his mother, Monique Delacroix, was Swiss from an industrial family. Bond himself was born in Zurich. Bond isn’t English at all but half-Scots and half-Swiss according to literary canon.

So I mention this because the question who can play James Bond is not as straight forward as it might seem.

But clearly we now have a canon of work, both cinematically and in the literature, where we have base line of who Bond is - or what audiences could possibly suspend their disbelief and go with what is presented to them as James Bond.

I do vaguely remember the hullabaloo and hand wringing around Daniel Craig playing Bond because he didn’t conform to the traditional tall, dark, and handsome trope of James Bond super suave spy. People couldn’t get past his blond hair. Some still can’t. But in my humble opinion he has been an outstanding James Bond and has reimagined Bond in a fresh and exciting way. Craig is in fact mining the Fleming books for his characterisation of Bond as a suave, gritty, humourless killer of the books. Dalton got there before him but that’s a moot point. To our current generation Craig has modernised Bond and dusted 007 down from being a relic of the Cold War to being a relevant 21st Century super spy.

Can anyone play James Bond OO7? Yes and no. It’s arguing that two different things are one and the same. They are not. James Bond is separate from OO7.

Can a woman play Jane Bond or a black woman or non-white man play Black Bond? Respectfully, no. That’s not who James Bond is.

James Bond is a flesh and blood character with a specific genealogical history - whether in the books or on the screen. This Bond has literary back story that is canon and makes him who he is. Bond does transcend time - he can’t be 38 years old for over 75 years in the real world - but at the same time his character only makes sense when rooted in a specific historic context we know existed (and still exists) and not some wishy washy make believe fantasy of British society. He’s an Old Etonian and therefore an upper middle class male product of the British establishment that is identifiable in a very British cultural context.

Jane Bond would have to have gone to Cheltenham Ladies College, Benneden, or Roedean I suppose if we are talking about equivalence - but such girls’ boarding schools were not the breeding ground for future spies (more likely they married them or became trusted secretaries in the intelligence services as well as flower arranging in their Anglican parish church).

I believe they are letting in black pupils on bursaries at Eton these days to be more inclusive but again it’s an an exception not the rule and Eton doesn’t even get public credit for the inclusive work they try to do because it’s not well known.

Moreover we know Bond loses his Scottish-Swiss parents in a skiing accident. I don’t mean to sound racist but I ski a lot in Switzerland and I can say you don’t really find droves of non-white skiers on the slopes of Verbier or Zermatt. Of course there are a few but it’s the exception and not the norm. Again, I’m not trying to be racist but just point out some obvious things when it pertains to the credibility of character that underlines who Bond is. You pull one thread out of the literary biography and the danger is the rest of the tapestry will unravel.

Of course one could try and go for a Black Bond on screen and then hope there is a huge suspension of belief on the part of the audience. But I suspect it’s a bridge too far. It just doesn’t fit. Audiences around the world have an image of who Bond is - British at the very least but also male (damaged and flawed in many ways) and coming from a specific British social class background that serves as an entree to a closed world of English gentleman clubs, Savile Row, English sports cars, and the hushed corridors of Whitehall.

Any woke film maker with an ounce of creative vision and talent and one who is invested in this would be better off creating a new character entirely - with their own specific biography that is both believable and relatable. Can you imagine an American James Bond? What a ghastly thought. Or worse a Canadian one? Canadians are far too nice and far too apologetic to produce a cruel cold eyed killer. But look what clever film makers like Spielberg and Lucas did with Indiana Jones and even later Doug Liman did with Jason Bourne - both fantastic creations that are part of the cultural zeitgeist now.

Or look at Charlize Theron who plays a MI6/CIA/KGB triple agent in Atomic Blonde or Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust in any of the Mission Impossible movies. I would eagerly watch any movies with these two badass women on the screen. All this talk about making Bond a woman or even coloured is just lazy thinking at best and at worst kow towing to the populist tides of PC brigade.

But I firmly believe one can have a female and a person of colour portraying 007. This is because James Bond and OO7 are two different things entirely. Many mistakenly believe 007 is Bond’s own code name and specific alias to him alone.

007 is a license to kill for a very specialised kind of intelligence officer. Bond has that privilege for as long as he serves at the service of Her Majesty’s pleasure. His 007 license can be revoked - and it has been in the past Bond films - and he’s back to being a just another desk jockey civil servant in Whitehall. So my point is OO7 is not sacred to Bond’s identity. Bond could continue to be Bond even if M took away his 007 license to kill.

The origins of the Double O title may date to Fleming's wartime service in Naval Intelligence. According to World War Two historian Damien Lewis in his book Churchill's Secret Warriors, agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) were given a “0” prefix when they became "zero-rated" upon completion of training in how to kill. As part of his role as assistant to the head of naval intelligence, Rear Admiral John Godfrey (himself the inspiration for M), Fleming acted as liaison to the SOE.

In the novel Moonraker it’s established that the section routinely has three agents concurrently; the film series, beginning with Thunderball, establishes the number of OO agents at a minimum of 9. Fleming himself only mentions five OO agents in all. According to Moonraker, James Bond is the most senior of three OO agents; the two others were OO8 and OO11. The three men share an office and a secretary named Loelia Ponsonby. Later novels feature two more OO agents; OO9 is mentioned in Thunderball and OO6 is mentioned in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Other authors have elaborated and expanded upon the OO agents. While they presumably have been sent on dangerous missions as Bond has, little has been revealed about most of them. Several have been named, both by Fleming and other authors, along with passing references to their service records, which suggest that agents are largely recruited (as Bond was) from the British military's special forces.

Interestingly, In the novel You Only Live Twice, Bond was transferred into another branch and given the number 7777, suggesting there was no active agent 007 in that time; he is later reinstated as 007 in the novel The Man with the Golden Gun. As an aside, in Fleming's Moonraker, OO agents face mandatory retirement at 45 years old. However Sebastian Faulks's Devil May Care (an authorised Bond adventure from the Fleming estate and therefore arguably could be considered canon) features M giving Bond a choice of when to retire - which explains why Roger Moore (God bless) went past his sell by date.

In the films the OO section is a discrete area of MI6, whose agents report directly to M, and tend to be sent on special assignments and troubleshooting missions, often involving rogue agents (from Britain or other countries) or situations where an "ordinary" intelligence operation uncovers or reveals terrorist or criminal activity too sensitive to be dealt with using ordinary procedural or legal measures, and where the aforementioned discretionary "licence to kill" is deemed necessary or useful in rectifying the situation.

The World is Not Enough introduces a special insignia for the 00 Section. Bond's fellow OO agents appear receiving briefings in Thunderball and The World Is Not Enough. The latter film shows a woman in one of the 00 chairs. In Thunderball, there are nine chairs for the OO agents; Moneypenny says every 00 agent in Europe has been recalled, not every OO agent in the world. Behind the scenes photos of the film reveal that one of the agents in the chairs is female as well. As with the books, other writers have elaborated and expanded upon the OO agents in the films and in other media.

In GoldenEye, 006 is an alias for Alec Trevelyan; as of 2019, Trevelyan is the only OO agent other than Bond to play a major role in an EON Productions film, with all other appearances either being brief or dialogue references only.

In Casino Royale with Daniel Craig’s first outing as Bond, we see in the introduction the tense exchange between Bond and Dryden, a section chief whom Bond has been sent to kill for selling secrets.

James Bond: M really doesn't mind you earning a little money on the side, Dryden. She'd just prefer it if it wasn't selling secrets. Dryden: If the theatrics are supposed to scare me, you have the wrong man Bond. If M was so sure I was bent...she'd have sent a Double-O. Benefits of being Section Chief...I would know of anyone being promoted to Double-O status, wouldn't I? Your file shows no kills...and it takes - James Bond: - two. (flashback of Bond fighting Dryden's contact in a bathroom.)

The OO is just a coveted position and nothing to do with who occupies it. Ito use a topical comparative example it’s like a football team in which a new star player would be given an ex-player’s shirt number e.g. Messi wears Number 10 for Argentina which is heavily identified with the late great Maradona. So conceivably there would be no problem having a woman or anyone else play 007. I think it would be an interesting creative choice to have a woman or someone else play OO7 and Bond is out of the service and yet he has to work together with this new OO7 - the creative tension would be a refreshing twist on the canon.

Your question about James Bond’s Oxford or Cambridge education is more easier to answer.

It really depends again which Bond one is talking about. The literary James Bond or the cinematic Bond.

In the Fleming books, James Bond’s didn’t go to Oxford or Cambridge or any of the other great universities of Britain. In the books Bond’s education is not gone into much detail. We know he was raised overseas until he was orphaned at the age of 11 when his parents died in a mountaineering accident near Chamonix in the Alps. He is home schooled for a time by an aunt, Charmain Bond, in the English village of Pett Bottom before being packed off to boarding school at Eton around 12 years old. Bond doesn’t stay long as he gets expelled for playing around with a maid. He is then sent to his father’s boarding school in Scotland, Fettes College.

Bond is then briefly attends the University of Geneva - as Ian Fleming did - before being taught to ski in Kitzbühel. In 1941 Bond joins a branch of what was to become the Ministry of Defence and becomes a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, ending the war as a commander. Bond applies to M for a position within the "Secret Service", part of the HM Civil Service, and rises to the rank of principal officer. And that’s it.

In the cinematic Bond universe things get more complicated and even contentious as you alluded to in your question. It’s never made quite clear which of the two - Oxford or Cambridge - Bond attended because it depends on how much weight you attach to the lines being spoken in each of the films where it is raised.

In Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond is up at Oxford (New College to be exact since his Aston Martin DB5 was parked in the courtyard at the entrance). He is seen bedding a sexy Danish professor, Inga Bergstrom, to brush up on his Danish (to which Moneypenny on the phone retorts ‘You always were a cunning linguist’). But it’s definitely doesn’t mean Bond studied there as an undergraduate.

Casino Royale is the film many think yes, James Bond went to Oxford because it is mentioned by Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) as she sizes up Daniel Craig’s Bond on the train. Here is the full quote as said by Vesper Lynd, “All right... by the cut of your suit, you went to Oxford or wherever. Naturally you think human beings dress like that. But you wear it with such disdain, my guess is you didn't come from money, and your school friends never let you forget it. Which means you were at that school by the grace of someone else's charity - hence that chip on your shoulder. And since your first thought about me ran to "orphan," that's what I'd say you are.”

The thing to note is that it’s Vesper Lynd taunting Bond and even then she takes a wide stab by saying ‘Oxford or wherever’ because she doesn’t really know and Bond doesn’t oblige her with an answer.

That whole scene struck me as strange because she’s guessing by the cut of the suit it must be Oxford (or Cambridge). Bond is wearing an Italian suit (Brioni to be specific) and not and English Savile Row one that presumably someone of Bond’s taste and background would be sporting.

A more plausible answer if we are going by the cinematic Bond universe is Cambridge. Indeed it is stated explicitly by Bond himself. Can you guess?

You Only Live Twice which is has the distinction of being the only Bond film (as far as I can tell) from being set in just one country - Japan.

You remember the scene. Lieutenant commander James Bond has just had a briefing with M on board a submarine and is naturally flirting with Moneypenny on his way out. Moneypenny playfully tosses him a Japanese phrase book, saying he might need it.

“You forget,” Bond responds with an expression just short of a smirk as he tosses it back to her, “I took a first in oriental languages at Cambridge.”

So it seems James Bond is a Cambridge man.

A first means - as any British university student would know - first class honours. It’s the highest classification grade one can get in their undergraduate degree ie a ‘first’. Although at Cambridge, like Oxford, you can also get a double first in the part I and part II of the Tripos. Both universities also award first-class honours with distinction, informally known as a ‘Starred First’ (Cambridge) or a ‘Congratulatory First’ (Oxford).

Another oddity is he says ‘oriental languages’ when one got a degree in ‘oriental studies’ at the Oriental Faculty at Cambridge. That is until 2007 when Cambridge bowed to public and student pressure and chose to drop its Oriental Faculty label and instead adopted the name the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Oxford still hangs on to its name the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

My only reservation about crowing over an Oxonian is how truthful was Bond being with Moneypenny in this scene?

Is this line meant to be taken seriously or ironically? Most people seem to take it seriously, despite much of Connery's dialogue being obviously ironic and playful. Certainly, Bond is shown to have never been to Japan before and is incapable of saying anything in Japanese other than the odd "sayonara" and "arigato." But then again Bond does know the correct temperature sake is meant to be served at. So there’s that.

Or it could be Bond was speaking a half-truth. I know speaking from experience as someone who very nearly read asian languages instead of my eventual choice of Classics that ‘Oriental languages’ at the ex-Oriental faculty in Cambridge can mean many other languages e.g. Sanskrit, Hindi, Farsi, Hebrew, Arabic as well as Korean, Japanese and Chinese. It opens up so many other delicious possibilities for Bond. If he read Arabic then perhaps he’s being deeply ironic with Moneypenny (after all she would have drooled over read his MI6 personnel file).

If you think I’m losing my mind then ponder on the fact it was Roald Dahl who penned the screenplay of You Only Live Twice. Dahl was not above snark. Indeed pretty sure he would have got a starred first in snark at any university.

Of course the most obvious explanation is that it’s plot armour as a way for Bond to just get on with the story by suspending the audience belief. Why wouldn’t Bond know Japanese? He seems to know everything else imaginable.

However if it ever was it’s now become canon as EON - the production company behind the Bond films - have stated officially for the fandom that Bond’s official bio has it that he went to Eton and Cambridge, where he got a first in oriental languages. So that seems settled then.

In hindsight it makes perfect sense that Bond went to Cambridge since historically Cambridge has provided the bulk of the spies not just for Her Majesty’s service but also for the other side, the Russians - the so-called Cambridge Spies of Philby, Maclean, Burgess, Blunt, and Cairncross, and a host of other traitors. We seem to be an equal opportunities employment service.

I’m sorry to disappoint you and other Oxonians that despite what you might think James Bond didn’t attend Oxford. Believe me as a Cantabrigian it gives me no pleasure to say this…..too much.

Thanks for your question.

#ask #question #james bond #bond #film #cinema #ian fleming #oxford #cambridge #oxbridge #university #education #cancel culture #culture #society #britain #british #personal

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openheartthot · 4 years

Text

Whipped

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Camille Prescott), Ethan Ramsey x Harper Emery (friendship)

Word Count: 1,687

Warnings: None :)

Summary: Harper attends Camille’s baby shower and realizes that Ethan is well and truly whipped.

Just a li’l something sweet to celebrate the fact that we finally know that OH is coming back...even if it isn’t until September 🙃

***

“Harper, welcome.” Ethan steps aside to allow his colleague and former girlfriend to enter the apartment. Harper offers him a professionally-wrapped gift with an enormous pink bow on it. She shifts her purse on her shoulder as she walks in, feeling somewhat out-of-place.

“Thank you for the invitation.” Harper says. “I wasn’t sure I would be invited, to be honest.” She casts a glance around the flat as she steps inside.

It’s a completely different space than she remembers from back when she and Ethan used to date. While it’s the same building, the minimalist decor has been replaced with bright throw pillows and clusters of knick-knacks and picture frames-- not to mention the cheerful welcome mat at the door where there’d used to be only a utilitarian black doormat.

“Of course you’re invited, we’re colleagues and old friends.” Ethan responds. “Besides, Camille and her friends all look up to you. She personally asked me to make sure you were on the guest list.” Ethan adds. He smiles at Harper, and she notes that he looks not only happier, but younger, too. Just being around that young resident of his always seems to rejuvenate him in a dozen different ways.

Harper allows herself a pleased smile. “Oh, did she? That was nice of her.” She glances around the apartment as Ethan leads her further inside towards the rest of the guests.

She hesitates slightly as they enter the living room. Thanks to the open floor plan, Harper can see there are maybe two or three dozen people filtering around the large space. She recognizes quite a few residents from Edenbrook, although the crowd is studded with unfamiliar faces.

Harper’s gaze travels around the room, pausing on Camille, where she stands by the dining table, which is serving as the craft center for the baby shower activities. Ethan’s wife is like a ray of sunshine, wearing a yellow sundress and holding up a hand-decorated bib made by one of her friends. Ethan follows Harper’s eyes around the room.

“Can I get you some punch? Dr. Trinh made it.” he offers, as if sensing Harper’s discomfort.

“Quite the role reversal, Ramsey.” Harper says dryly, and he chuckles, leading the way to the kitchen.

Usually it’s Ethan who needs his hand held at social functions. Harper has covered for him at conventions and galas more times than she can count. She’s glad he knows her well enough to understand that socializing with her subordinates at her ex-boyfriend’s new wife’s baby shower is a little out of her wheelhouse, no matter how unflappable she usually is.

Ethan pours them each a glass of pink punch that tastes of strawberry. They lapse into a comfortable silence as they sip the admittedly delicious drink. “Dr. Trinh made this?” Harper asks, pleasantly surprised. She can’t say she knows much about the tiny resident besides the fact that she can occasionally be found crying in supply closets.

“She made pretty much everything.” Ethan grunts, gesturing vaguely at the desserts and appetizers spread out on the kitchen island. “I think Dr. Varma and that arrogant scalpel jockey helped out by opening the cheese puffs.”

The thought of the residents swarming around the infamous Ethan Ramsey’s kitchen makes Harper laugh. “I have to say, Ethan, it’s good to see you like this. Happy, I mean. I never expected you to be married or have children, but it suits you.”

“I am happy.” Ethan agrees. He swirls his glass of punch. “Wishing this was scotch, maybe, but happy seems...appropriate.” He leans on the counter casually, and although he clearly thinks he’s being surreptitious, it’s obvious he’s only doing it to get a better view of Camille. “And you? How have you been?”

Harper can hear the real question that he’s asking. “I’m single-- but I’m content.” she assures him, quickly. “Being at the top of my field is hard enough without managing a relationship on top of it.” Harper knows it sounds like a line, but it’s the truth. She’s dated plenty, but she’s at her most relaxed when she’s not in a relationship.

She and Ethan seemed perfectly suited to one another on paper, but neither one of them had delusions about the longevity of their relationship. Now that Ethan is happily settled down, Harper can see that she’s perfectly fine on her own. It feels good to finally be around Ethan as friends, without having to worry about where they stand with one another.

“You’re right about that.” Ethan says, drawing Harper back to the conversation. “I’ve been toying with the idea of taking some time off after the baby comes. So Camille can get back to work on her own timetable, and we can spend some time together as a family. It’s not like we need to worry about income.” Ethan says wryly, casting a glance around the high ceilings and breathtaking views of his apartment. Despite the homey revamp of the interior, it’s still the same luxury real estate.

Harper blinks, taken aback. “You’d become a stay-at-home father? You’re more whipped than I thought.” Harper lets out a shocked laugh, and Ethan glances at her, his brow furrowing.

“I am certainly not whipped, Harper.” But even as the words come out, his gaze slides away from Harper and back over to where Camille admires a tiny pair of crocheted scrubs, cradling her stomach with one hand. A smile quirks his lips, and once again, he seems to have forgotten Harper altogether.

“If you aren’t whipped, then why have you been staring at her throughout our entire conversation?” Harper asks, arching an eyebrow. She isn’t upset at him, in fact it’s kind of adorable to see The Ethan Ramsey gazing longingly at Camille from across the room.

“She’s my wife. I’m just trying to make sure she has a good time at her baby shower.” Ethan says with an indignant scowl. “I suppose that makes me some sort of spineless worm in your eyes.”

Then Camille appears behind him, resting one of her dainty hands on his arm. “Who’s a spineless worm?” she asks with a smile, and all of Ethan’s agitation visibly fades away. He gives her a dopey smile and covers her hand with his own.

“Dr. Emery, thanks so much for coming!” Camille says in greeting as she notices Harper, oblivious to the knowing look that Harper shoots Ethan. She offers Harper a wide smile, and it’s becoming quite obvious to Harper why Camille and Ethan are so good for each other. Between the blonde’s sunny disposition and Ethan’s brooding cynicism, they balance each other out perfectly.

“It’s my pleasure, and congratulations on your little one.” Harper says, nodding at Camille’s stomach. “If you’ll excuse me, I see Naveen over by the scrapbooking station. I think I’ll go say hello.”

***

As soon as Harper has turned away, Ethan loops one arm around Camille’s waist, pulling her as close to him as her baby bump will allow. He presses one palm firmly against her back and uses his other hand to tilt her chin up and press a quick kiss to her lips.

“Hey, you.” Camille says lovingly as she pulls away. “Are you having fun?”

“I’ll confess I am having more fun now that you’re here.” he says, tenderly stroking her cheek. “I’m glad you made your way to the kitchen.”

“I’m mostly here for the food.” Camille says in a mock whisper. “The lunch you made me was total garbage. You can’t call something risotto if it uses cauliflower instead of rice.”

“Pardon me for wanting my wife and child to live a long healthy life.” Ethan grumbles, though his lips are threatening to betray him by twitching into a smile.

“Whatever, at least Sienna has my back.” Camille reaches over and plucks a pink-frosted cupcake off a nearby platter. She holds it up to Ethan. “Want to share?”

Ethan rolls his eyes as he stares at the sugary treat. “I still hate frosting, Rookie. No matter how many times you try to force me to ingest it.”

“Well, your daughter loves it.” Camille says, scooping some frosting onto her finger and licking it off. Ethan shifts his hands to rest on the curve of her stomach, and this time he can’t stop the smile from breaking through. It broadens as he feels a fluttering kick against his palm.

“I can tell,” he says. Camille raises the cupcake again, but instead of taking a bite, she playfully scoops up some more frosting with her index finger and smears it on Ethan’s cheek.

If someone had told him two years ago that he’d be married to a resident, expecting a child with her, and laughing while she spread pink buttercream on his face, he would’ve thought they were out of their mind. But here he is, and he couldn’t be happier.

He brushes a lock of blonde hair out of Camille’s face and smiles down at her. As usual, when Ethan looks at her, everything else in the room fades away. He forgets about the apartment full of their friends and family, and all that exists is him and her, and their unborn daughter in between them.

Camille smiles back mischievously at him, and pushes herself onto her tiptoes to kiss away the frosting on his cheek. Her lips linger, trailing down to his jaw and letting her tongue swipe teasingly along his skin.

Ethan’s breath hitches in his throat. “Camille,” he says warningly, tightening his hold on her body. “I will send everyone home right now.” He leans over to whisper his words, finishing his sentence with a sharp nip to her ear. He smirks at her sharp gasp and the way her hands fist in his sweater.

Then she shakes her head and wiggles out of his arms with a bright laugh. “Not so fast, Ethan. You haven’t even decorated a bib yet.”

Ethan groans, but lets her take his hand and lead him across the apartment towards the craft table. “Only for you, love.”

Yeah, Ethan Ramsey is totally whipped, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

#open heart #oph #open heart fanfiction #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #playchoices

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nerdypanda3126 · 3 years

Text

Forward Momentum

Happy birthday, @copychatnoir!! I hope it’s a great day ^^

Kagami returns to the ice rink with Luka, but she might’ve gotten a few signals crossed.

Read on Ao3

Kagami adjusted her bag on her shoulder as she walked with Luka to the ice rink. She’d offered the car, of course, but he’d just shrugged and given her that infuriatingly tepid smile of his and said he preferred walking. He didn’t even bring any gear with him. What could he possibly expect to learn from her on rentals?

“I don’t know why you asked me to come with you,” she said with a huff as they approached the rink. “I only skate for fun.”

He smiled again as he opened the door for her. “I know.”

She hesitated before she walked past him. “And you’re already a good enough skater. This is a waste of time.”

He hummed in response, still smiling, and walked over to rent his skates. She rolled her eyes and thunked her bag into a seat to start getting her pads and skates pulled on.

When he loped over to her, battered rental skates and sweaty used pads in hand, he sat in the seat next to her with his shoulder barely touching hers. She shifted subtly away from him when she leaned down to tie her laces.

“If it’s a waste of time, why did you agree to come?” he asked, his voice calm and musical. She looked over at him and he was watching her with that same stupid placid smile on his face.

She sat back up and crossed one knee over the other to look at him. He avoided her scrutiny by bending down to lace his own skates. He was… pleasing to look at, she had to admit. Her mother would never approve of him, with his dyed hair and ripped jeans and black nails. Not that it mattered if her mother approved of him. That was kind of the point, if she was being honest. If her mother found out she was here with him—even if it was only to give him lessons—instead of with Marinette like she’d claimed, heads would roll.

“You’re bad for my image,” she answered him finally.

He paused in his movements and glanced sideways at her, but said nothing. For some reason, when he straightened up and his shoulder brushed against hers again, her heart did a funny little flip. She stood abruptly.

“What were you wanting to learn today?”

He stood with her and tugged his elbow pads on. Somehow he managed to shrug in the same movement.

She hated it when he shrugged. So noncommittal. His lack of focus, of drive, was evident when he shrugged. He was a leaf floating along a fast-moving river, content to go wherever it took him. Did that make her the river? She shook her head. Poetry. Not her forte.

Fine. She knew his level from the last time they came here. He could skate well, both forwards and backwards, and he knew how to turn and execute lifts. All of that was useful, but jumps would set him apart in a competition.

Toe loop. That’s where she’d start. Simple to learn, and a good building block.

“Okay, watch me first, and then we’ll have you try when you think you’ve got it.”

He nodded in response and leaned against the half wall that separated the rink from the seating area. She got onto the ice and skated away to build up some speed before she dug her left toe pick in and threw herself into the leap, landing cleanly on one skate. She turned her head to look at him and he was watching her, and for some reason his smile made her wobble as her momentum petered out. She braked hard to cover it, spewing up bits of ice behind her, and crossed her arms.

“Did you get that?”

“Not really,” he admitted, “could you show me again?”

With a huff, she skated away and leapt again. This time when she turned back, she caught him hiding a chuckle behind his hand.

“One more time,” he said, the laugh still lingering when he noticed her watching him. “I didn’t quite catch it.”

With a groan, she skated over and pulled him onto the ice by his pleasantly warm hand.

“There.” She positioned him so he was close enough to see her footwork clearly, but with enough space still for her to jump. “Now watch me.”

“Sure thing.”

She blinked back at him before she skated away from him as fast as she could. There was something about the way he’d said that. Her heart was doing that funny flip-flutter thing again.

As she pushed off for her jump, she wasn’t focused—thinking more about his soft smile than her trajectory—and she was off-balance. She wasn’t going to stick the landing. In the short half-second she was in the air, she considered if it was worth twisting her ankle to try to land or if she should take the fall.

But his skates were scraping against the ice towards her, and his arms were underneath her and she fell directly into them. He paused and gave her that smile—that infuriating, soft, easy smile—before he tipped her back up to set her on her feet. She felt more than heard him chuckling again.

“What is so funny?” It came out harsher than she intended and she pushed off him to stand a small distance away.

Another shrug. Her quick temper was starting to flare.

“You bring me out here to teach you, you don’t even pay attention when I’m demonstrating, and then you laugh at me when I fall! What is so funny?”

His eyes literally sparkled as they caught a reflection from the ice. He skated away and executed a perfect toe loop before he shoved his hands in his pockets and let his momentum carry him back to her. She shut her mouth and glared.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“You thought I asked you here to teach me. I didn’t think it’d be right to correct you.”

She blinked at him. That made no sense. She thought back to his question. It had been a soft-spoken, “You’re a really good skater, Kagami. Would you want to go skating again with me sometime?”

He’d admired her skating. He’d asked her to come with him. What other reason was there for him to ask her?

“It’s okay,” he said in that gentle way of his, “I think it’s kinda cute.”

Her attention snapped back to him. He was smiling. He was looking right at her. He’d called her cute. He had asked her here and come with her alone. Those were all the conventions of—

“This was a date?”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t have to be. We can leave if you still think it’s a waste of time.”

“You asked me on a date.”

A nod and an easy, amused smile. “You did say yes.”

She looked him over again, considering. If her mother ever found out she’d been on a date with him. He slouched. He shrugged. He stood with his hands in his pockets. He liked rock-’n-roll music. He delivered pizzas. Nothing about him was a match for her.

But her heart was still fluttering in her chest as his blue eyes met hers evenly. Was he really a leaf floating lazily on the river? He had managed to sweep her away without her realizing it.

“I did,” she finally managed to say. His gentle, easy smile grew and he pulled a hand out of his pocket to hold it out for her.

As she let him pull her into a slow loop around the rink, she admired his graceful lope, even on skates. He matched his stride to hers even though he had longer legs and could easily go faster. Just as she was starting to think that it might be interesting to race him—his long strides versus her powerful ones—he turned to skate backwards and face her.

“Was it that much of a surprise that I asked you out?” He was smirking now; she could tell from the little upturn at the side of his lips.

“I wasn’t expecting it from you,” she answered. “We don’t have anything in common.”

“We both skate for fun.” How did he shrug while skating backwards and holding her hands? Was he in a perpetual state of shrugging? “That’s something.”

“Arguably so.”

He laughed, but not at her. She had made him laugh. He thought she was cute. She liked the feeling it gave her. Like she’d just had a cup of hot tea and the warmth was spreading through her chest.

Without warning, he dropped her hands and pulled away from her. He raised his eyebrows before he turned and shot in the other direction.

“Hey, wait!” She poured on speed and followed after him. He had the audacity to turn mid-stride and laugh.

“Surprise you again? Come on, keep up!” He turned back around and slid through the turn, angling his body like a speed skater. She followed him, but he was gaining ground as he hit the straightaway again. Those long strides were working to his advantage. But she could catch him.

She grinned as she got close enough to reach out and grab the back of his jacket. She used his momentum to pull herself forward, but he grabbed her hand at the last second and they both spun out and into the wall, laughing.

“You… cheated.” She panted, although she was exhilarated. She leaned into him to catch her breath.

“You won,” he said, still laughing.

“No, I didn’t, because it wasn’t a real race.”

“Wanna go again?”

She paused and looked at him. He was still matching her stride, in his way. He’d noticed she was bored with skating in a slow circle and had decided to race her because he thought she’d like it. And she did. She was having fun with him. More fun than she’d ever had ice skating. Her grin spread across her face, answering his.

“You’re on.”

#miraculous ladybug #mlb fic #ml fic #lukagami #Kagami Tsurugi #luka couffaine

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chicgeekgirl89 · 4 years

Text

Country Roads, Take Me Home: Chap. 5

Fandom: NCIS LA

Characters: Marty Deeks, Kensi Blye

Read chapters 1-4 here

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Arches National Park was next on their list so off to Utah it was. They passed Bill and Carol at the additional campsite and ducked low in their seats to try and avoid direct eye contact. “Are they following us?” Deeks asked as he drove, glancing furtively in the rearview mirror.

Kensi turned around. “No, looks like one of the dogs got loose.” She raised her eyebrows. “With a string of sausages in his mouth. Gosh who are these people? It’s like being in a cartoon.”

“People we are going to forget about,” Deeks said firmly as he pulled onto the highway.

She turned back to look at him. “Oh really? You’re giving up on the ‘Carol and Bill are criminal masterminds’ theory?”

“Eric said they cleared, so they cleared. He’d never miss something like that.”

“No, he wouldn’t,” she agreed. “Now, let’s get back to our Bill and Carol free vacation. What are we doing in Arches?”

Deeks grinned. “Rocks. Lots of rocks.”

They spent the next two days in vacation bliss. After they arrived they did a major hike with a rock climb and got some pretty spectacular pictures among the red rocks.

The next morning dawned sunny and they ended up with a perfect day for an aerial tour of the park. The pilot answered all their questions and they got some spectacular views of the landscape.

From there they moved onto Rocky Mountain National Park where they rented bicycles and had a romantic picnic with incredible views of the mountains, valleys, and wildlife.

It was everything they’d dreamed a vacation could be, and neither Bill, Carol, nor their pack of wild hounds made a single appearance. But if they had known what was going to happen next, they never, ever would have driven to Yellowstone. They would have gotten in the RV and driven east until they hit the Atlantic and then they would have started to swim. Yellowstone was an unqualified disaster.

It started out pleasantly enough. They rolled into the park, parked the RV and got everything set up for a couple days of sightseeing. “I can’t believe it’s almost time to go home,” Kensi said as she washed up their breakfast dishes.

“We still have another entire park after this,” Deeks said.

“I know, but remember when we talked about packing up our kids and living life on the road?”

Deeks raised his eyebrows. “You mean when I was nearly blown up and you saved my life by dragging me me out on a door?”

She smiled. “Yes, that time. I was just babbling, but this road life is kind of nice.”

“You’re telling me you don’t miss work at all? Running down bad guys? Kicking ass?”

“I kicked your ass pretty good last night,” she said coyly, coming to sit in his lap.

“That’s true, you did,” he conceded. “I have the bruises to prove it.”

“You liked it.”

“Touché”.

She kissed him once. Then again. “Oh are we going another round?” Deeks asked as she reached for the hem of his shirt. “I thought we were going to see Old Faithful?”

“Later,” Kensi said, kissing his neck.

“Are you saying you want to see my Old Faithful instead?”

She stopped abruptly and wrinkled her nose.

“Too far?” he asked. She patted his shoulder and slid off his lap. “Yeah, too far. Moment over.”

They stepped out into the campground, looking for signs to guide them toward the geyser. They were walking toward the trail when Deeks grabbed Kensi’s hand and pulled her behind a car.

“Deeks! Ow! What the hell?”

“Sorry,” he said, eyes searching the parking lot. “Stay down.”

“What? Why?”

“Just…I thought I saw something.”

“Saw what? Deeks what is going on?”

“Oh shit!” Deeks grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him, scuttling past a few more cars.

She wrenched her hand away and glared at him. “Deeks, I don’t know what the hell this is but—“

“Shh!!” Deeks pointed past her. “It’s the Weekes’!”

“What?!” She whipped around and spotted two sets of legs and a pack of very familiar dogs between the wheel wells. “Oh god. We have to hide.”

“What do you think this is?!” Deeks hissed, gesticulating wildly at their crouched position.

“Why are they just standing there?” Kensi asked. “Why can’t they decide where they’re going?”

“I’m more interested in why they’re here in the first place! I thought we lost them in Nevada!”

“Apparently not!” Kensi said. “What are we going to do? We can’t just stay here, somebody’s going to see us.”

“I’m thinking,” Deeks said, looking around. “Okay, there’s a big, blue pickup over there. If we can get behind that I don’t think they’ll be able to see us before we make it to the trailhead.”

“On three?” Kensi asked.

He nodded. “One, two, three!”

They stayed crouched low and moved quickly between the cars. They were almost to the blue pickup when they heard, “Marty! Is that your ragamuffin head I see over there?”

“Run!” Deeks hissed.

But it was too late. Out of nowhere PD came flying at them, grabbing onto Deeks’ pant leg like a vice.

“Go on without me!” he said desperately, trying to shake free.

“I am not leaving you behind!” Kensi hissed.

“It is you!” Carol cried as she bustled over, holding two of the dogs. “I should have known when PD took off if was you for sure. He just loves you!”

“I can’t say the feeling’s mutual,” Deeks said with a wince.

“PD come here you little rascal,” Bill said, finally managing to dislodge the beast’s jaws. “Well it sure is good to see you two. We thought maybe you were hiding from us when we didn’t see you after Nevada.”

“Oh, nope, just must not have crossed paths,” Kensi said through gritted teeth.

“Well I am absolutely tickled you’re both here because we never did get to have that dinner. Tonight. You must come over. I’m making my world famous chicken and dumplings,” Carol insisted.

“Oh we really don’t want to impose,” Kensi protested.

“Nonsense, nonsense!” Carol cried. “The more the merrier!”

“Well we kind of had plans—“ Deeks said.

“Cancel ‘em!” Bill roared, clapping Deeks so hard on the shoulder it knocked the wind out of him. “You don’t want to miss dumpling night. Trust me.”

Deeks shot Kensi a look that said he fervently disagreed. “We won’t take no for an answer,” Carol insisted. “We have an excursion planned all afternoon, but we’ll see you at five!”

Kensi and Deeks trudged toward the trailhead, all joy of exploring the park gone. “We could fake falling into the geyser,” Deeks suggested.

“Maybe it won’t be so bad,” Kensi said.

“That is the third time their dog has nearly chewed my leg off!” Deeks said. “It might be murder!”

“Deeks, we have faced down armed robbers, terrorists, and Hetty on a full moon. We can get through this.” She reached for his hand. “At the very least let’s try and forget about it for a few hours while we go check out the geyser.”

The geyser was impressive, going off three times while they watched, but Deeks seemed distracted, giving only monosyllabic answers and fake smiles. Finally Kensi rolled her eyes and sighed. “You’re not going to let this Weekes thing go, are you?” He looked at her and wrinkled his nose. “What? Me? What are you talking about? I let that go weeks ago.”

She gave him a pointed look. “I saw you googling this morning.”

He looked at her guiltily. “I had a hunch.”

“Well detective, what did you detect?”

“Did you know there’s been a small to moderate sized robbery near every park we’ve visited on this trip? Which just happen to be the same parks Bill and Carol have visited?”

“Okay, all right. Fine Columbo. Let’s investigate.”

He stopped and stared at her. “What? What does that mean ‘let’s investigate’?”

She shrugged. “You can’t let this go. I’ve never known you to be wrong about your gut. Let’s go back and check out their RV.”

“Are you serious?”

“They’re gone for the afternoon, this might be our only shot.”

He shook his head. “I knew there was a reason I married you.”

They hustled back to the campsite and found the Weekes’ still out. “Are you sure about this?” Deeks asked. “I mean technically we’re breaking and entering.”

“They’re our ‘friends’. We’re just checking to see if they’re home,” Kensi said with a guileless smile. She tried the door and it opened immediately. “Besides, it’s not breaking and entering if the door’s open, right?”

“You know you’re a little scary when you’re up to criminal activity,” Deeks said, following her inside and closing the door. “I’m glad you chose NCIS and not bounty hunting or something.”

“Deeks, focus,” she said. “You’re the one that’s been in here. Anything look different?”

He flipped on the light and whistled. “Uh, yeah. That,” he pointed to an Xbox. “That.” Two MacBook Airs. “And that.” Several unopened DSLR cameras.

Kensi shook her head. “Maybe they’re just shopping. Taking things home for their grandkids?”

“Right.” Deeks reached into a drawer and pulled out a very heavy, very expensive looking necklace. “Just what every lady needs when hiking and camping.”

“Okay, you’re right. But it’s still circumstantial.”

They both continued looking, trying to leave everything the way they’d found it. “Whoa,” Deeks said when he reached the bathroom. “Either they hoard like you do or…”

Kensi peeked inside and found the shower full to the brim with electronics and other high end, expensive items. “Okay, either they have a lot of grandkids or…”

“PD you come back here you little rascal!”

“They’re back!” Kensi hissed.

“Out!” Deeks said. “Go, go, go!”

They stumbled out of the RV just as Bill and Carol rounded the corner. “Did they see us?” Deeks asked breathlessly.

“I don’t think so,” Kensi said, looking back over her shoulder. “No, they’re inside, I don’t think they saw anything.”

“We need to call Eric,” Deeks said. “See if he can match what we saw in there to the robberies.”

Eric didn’t answer, not surprising considering it was the weekend and he’d had plans to visit a convention in Sacramento. Deeks left a message with a detailed description along with the couple of pictures Kensi had snapped.

Unfortunately, they still had to go to dinner. “Well it doesn’t smell poisonous,” Deeks muttered as they approached.

“Why would they poison us?” Kensi asked. “For all they know, we’re just a happy-go-lucky couple on vacation. It will be fine. Eric will get back to us and we’ll get this whole mess sorted out.”

Bill and Carol had set up dinner on a picnic table next to the camper and refused any and all assistance bringing food back and forth. And Bill had been right, Carol’s dumplings were award worthy.

There was also peach cobbler and after dinner Bill pulled out a bottle of port. “That’s uh, that’s some pricey stuff there Bill,” Deeks said, eyeing the bottle. “You sure you want to use that tonight?”

“Well you know, when you get to be our age you learn that you gotta live a little,” Bill said, pouring generous glasses for each of them.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to use the restroom,” Kensi said, shooting Deeks a meaningful look as she rose from the table.

“Don’t mind the mess!” Carol called.

Kensi stepped inside the RV, honestly a little surprised that they’d allowed her in at all considering what they’d found earlier in the day. But again, Bill and Carol had no reason to believe Kensi and Deeks would be suspicious.

At least, that’s what she thought until she walked out of the bathroom and straight into the barrel of a rifle.

#NCIS LA #NCIS Los Angeles #Densi #Marty Deeks #Kensi Blye #Country Roads Take Me Home #Densi Summer Vacation #Chapter 5 #Arches National Park #Yellowstone National Park #Fanfiction #It's fall now #Oh well

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greymattermaelstrom · 4 years

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Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 - The Rik and Sophie Show

I attended Ozlander in Melbourne. What an incredible weekend so would like to share my Ozlander experience with you. Of course, it was during the very early days of covid-19 which I’ll address shortly. I’d never met any of the cast before, nor any group of like minded fans. Of course, you are usually lucky to know anyone who watch the TV show (not counting a partner) in your circle of friends let alone personally know a group of fans to chat with. It’s funny though, I’m not sure what I expected, but I thought people would have in depth discussions about OL characters/plots during coffee breaks or in line ups for autographs/photos. I didn’t experience that. I think it was a given that we were all deep into OL. Instead, I found we just chatted and got to know each other, ‘Where are you from?’ etc. As this was the first formal Outlander convention held in Australia, this was big news. I bought my ticket the day they were available (Nov 2019). It was a long way off but I knew the gathering would occur a short time after the first few episodes of Outlander S5 were broadcast, so when S5 started airing, my anticipation grew. Prices were steep admittedly, but a number of us felt it may be the first and last opportunity to meet a cast member, so we did what we could to get there (i.e. sell the healthiest child, blackmail the rich, etc).

Article from “The Scottish Banner” Feb 2020.

Unfortunately, 4 weeks out, Ed Speleers withdrew due to work commitments but local, David Berry, was announced as his replacement on the same day. Then 10 days out, Graham McTavish withdrew due to work commitments in Slovakia. No news of a replacement was announced (I learnt at the event that organising a visa etc with Covid-19 developing had made it nigh on impossible to organise a replacement in time). Ozlander organisers revisited the program and added extra value features to the various tiers. The gathering weekend was so close, yet seemed so far away in these uncertain times. Every day, I anticipated receiving an email stating it had been cancelled. I knew the organisers must have been pulling their hair out. Selfishly and as long as it was safe to do so, I was hoping it would still go ahead. The virus was not as advanced in Australia. Most of our relatively low number of cases were brought in by travellers (residents returning or tourists) from Europe/Asia before flying was cancelled. The Federal Government had restricted public gatherings to less than 500 at the time. Attendance was actually under 200. FYI, below are the global covid-19 stats as of 19 April 2020, a month later. Australia’s population is 25 million.

A few days after the Ozlander event, only crowds of less than 100 were permitted by the govt. We were so, so lucky!! Of course, that reduced further as precautions were implemented over time. We have self-isolation and a lot of business closures, cancellation of sports/entertainment etc. It is dreadful, but not a total lock down in Australia. We could walk dogs and make necessary trips to the supermarket, pharmacy, doctor or special court appearances. Anyway, just wanted to address this concern. ~ Tickets sold well (premium tickets sold out). I saw fans on sm stating the date of the event clashed or it was a bit expensive so I know more wanted to come. Yes, the cost was relatively high. Return airfares for cast, accommodation, plus I assume their appearance fee was always going to be an expensive venture, especially as our AUD had been declining sharply against the USD for some time. Australia can miss out on some things because of distance and a relatively small population, but overall, I think we have done well over the years. ~ Rik (Richard) and Sophie posted IG photos from Melbourne a couple of days before the event. Yay!! They were in the country at least, enjoying the sunsets, cuddling koalas and hypnotising wallabies lol. Sophie posted a selfie from a public toilet (bathroom) - as you do. See Sam’s comment below. Toilet paper was becoming a precious commodity....🤔

So the odds looked good and finally, Ozlander arrived.🥳 Before we took our seats, a lone piper slowly walked into the throng playing Waltzing Matilda (iconic Australian bush ballad) which segued into Outlander's theme song. Goosebumps! Applause all 'round. The piper was a big fan too.

What a thrilling start to proceedings. We took our seats and Meagan Taylor (the one who dared dream the dream), welcomed everyone. The age range of fans was predominately 40-65. We were excited and expectant. Housekeeping announcements focused on coronavirus precautions of course. Wash hands, use hand sanitiser when you can't, no handshaking and no touching the cast. This last request was a little disappointing after seeing photos from other OL cons, but it was quite understandable. I think we were just over the moon Ozlander went ahead so we were more than happy to comply and consider the health and safety of others. Then Meagan had the unenviable task of informing us David Berry had unfortunately cancelled his appearance due to health reasons. Yikes! What a shame. (David released a press statement 15 March(?) outlining his difficult decision. Sydney is Australia's Covid-19 hot spot, so David being a Sydneysider, had to consider this I guess). There are IG photos of David, Rik and Sophie together in Australia, just not sure where. So of course, it surprised everyone that David wasn't attending. Refunds of his meet and great and the re-jigging of tiers was to be announced on the fly. Then there were two, Rik and Sophie (and no pressure whatsoever!)🤪. Meagan then advised that the five panels across the weekend would be all audience Q & A which got a loud cheer. On with the show! The Rik and Sophie show! 🎉 They came on stage ready for a good time. Rik opened with 'G'day'. Great start I thought and continued his half decent Australian accent. It's a hard accent to imitate as we know. Rik's was a bit exaggerated but that was part of the fun.

‘G’day. ‘How are ya’?’

Sophie in an outfit she bought here. Same brand as Saturday’s dress that she brought with her.

Roger Mac is in da house.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I have seen Rik and Sophie in a lot of interviews, OL promos (talking to camera) and taking part on OL panels on YouTube. I can find their rapport a little strained and snarky at times. Luckily, I was very pleasantly surprised that their 2020 version was very endearing and entertaining. I think they’ve worked on this. I also think, that the spectre of Sam and Cait, through no fault of their own, does loom large at cast events. Therefore, it was great to see Rik and Sophie rise to the challenge of working the room in the absence of their cast mates. And I think they really relished this (albeit exhausting) opportunity and the small theatre made it a casual and intimate affair. They answered questions in an engaging manner and often expanded on it, citing on set examples, many I’ve never heard before, and I’ve seen a lot of OL interviews. Almost as soon as they came on stage, Rik was asked if he would play his guitar and sing for us. While flattered, I think it was too early in the piece and he said maybe he would do so during the weekend sometime. Alas, time wasn’t on our side so it didn’t eventuate. ~ Rik was asked if his hair ticks were under control (ep 501)😂. Combing his fingers through his hair, he replied in his strong Scottish brogue that most of them were gone now. Good sport. ~ He was told the OL bts photos he posts on sm (taken on set) were great and much appreciated and to keep them coming to which the audience applauded. I think he quietly enjoyed that moment. All creatives will take that, knowing their skills and hard work meant something to someone, much like our appreciation for OL and these sorts of events!

Then on to costumes, wigs and make up. It was thought that it must be nice to have your scalp/hair attended to in the makeup. ‘No, it’s not’ R&S said in unison.😂 Verra uncomfortable process apparently. The hair is flattened and held down with clips. The hairline edge of the wig is ‘glued’ to the top of your forehead and then alcohol is used to get the glue off after shooting, which dries the skin. Some hair falls out over time with this process also. We know this has happened to Sam to an extent.😬 Rik is hoping to grow his hair long enough so he doesn’t need a wig, which accounts for his current hirsute glory. ~ Sophie said they both share a make up trailer and added that Rik has a magic make up chair. Being early morning, he often goes to sleep in it and upon waking up, hey presto, it’s Roger Mac. At make up time, they do know if the other is a bit touchy, so they try not to annoy each other. Too much.😂 ~ At one stage, we were a bit shy in asking questions. Meagan said if this was in the US, there’d be a line up for the mic.😂

Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 selfie.

~ Sophie responded to a geeky question about wearing wireless mics secreted in their costumes or hair as well using the usual overhead boom mics you see on bts videos. She was asked about her experience with ADR which she’s not a great fan of it. The audience asked, ‘What’s ADR?’ There are a few accepted terms in the industry, Additional Dialogue Replacement is one. It’s when some dialogue needs to be re-recorded late in post production if the original dialogue audio recording at the time is less than optimal for a variety of reasons (thanks Google). Sophie gave an instance when in S4, Bree told Claire she had been raped. The stream in the background got into the dialogue mics too much in this particular outdoor location, so Sophie had to re-record her dialogue (like lip syncing) saying exactly what she said at the time, whilst watching the scene on a screen in a recording studio. It’s hard to get the context and emotion of the scene back into your voice and that’s why some actors hate doing it and plead to have the original dialogue kept as much as possible. But ADR happens more than you realise and for various reasons (see Google). It is impossible to tell when you watch the show, what scenes have had ADR done, it’s blended so well. They would record the stream/ ambient sounds separately at some point and then mix it in lower against the dialogue after ADR is done. 😅

~ Sophie talked about her audition process and was sat down in an exec’s office and was told OL fans are very passionate! (we are?🤔😁). They have an idea of how book Brianna should look and Sophie confirmed she wasn’t tall enough, eyes the wrong colour, etc and that yeah, as expected, she received some not so nice things on sm. But she tried not to read too much of it and pressed on with the role of Bree. Her tone wasn’t sarcastic or indignant at all, but humble. I was impressed.

Queuing for photos with Rik or Sophie on this occasion. We weren’t allowed to touch but we all had a squirt of hand sanitiser (just to be super safe?).🤔

There were a few photo opportunities over the weekend and a bonus or two thrown in make up for the cast that couldn’t make it. A refund was offered for people with meet and greet tickets for David. However, R & S kindly offered to do a meet and greet for David’s fans instead and they happily accepted. Legends! I don’t know where they found the energy to be constantly ’on’ with so many people over the weekend. Chocolate? Youth? ~ As it was a small event, there weren’t any extra security staff that I could see. I think it was only the Museum staff and the security cameras which were hardly noticeable. ~ When getting my autographs, Rik and Sophie didn’t ask for my name, but when I read their personal messages, they had used my name (which they’d seen on my Ozlander lanyard. How cool is that? Very slick!). There were assorted costumes, the de rigueur wedding dress of Claire’s which added to the ambience. Of course, most of the audience were women but good to see a handful of men there, some even in kilts! Saw some Aussie Peakers in their MPC tees too. Cool.

To settle a pronunciation question, Sophie asked the audience after lunch, ‘Is it scone (as in, phone) or scone (as in, shone)?

An emphatic SCONE (shone) came back. Rik said “Oh, wow, a shouting(?) majority?’

Just to be sure, someone asked who lost, Rik pointed at Sophie. He didn’t gloat too much. Poor Sophie!

Of course, what would an OL event be without the cast having a drink or two to lubricate the tonsils (as we say).

Here are a few more tidbits. All the info I’m sharing has been gleaned from the panels and time spent with Rik and Sophie over the weekend as my tier allowed (which was a lot). ~ Yes, they had tried Vegemite (similar to marmite/promite), courtesy of David Berry. Sophie has some in Scotland. Onya Davo! (good on you David). Incidentally, Sam tried some when he was here in 2016 on Studio 10 (morning talk show - March 2016, his interview is on You Tube). It’s a thing. ~ Rik didn’t know if Sam’s whisky would be his cup of tea, but said it was ‘good actually’. ~ Rik was sometimes surprised by the particular take post production used for the show, but was more surprised by what was edited out of a scene (to add dynamics or guide the narrative a certain way which would apply to all productions everywhere). ~ The pyre scene with the Jesuit Priest at the Mohawk Village Ep 412 was hard to watch on TV. He said it was hard to watch them shoot that scene on set as it was so dangerous!😬 ~ Sophie very occasionally discussed the historical accuracy of things in a scene with directors ie. birthing stool or not in Ep 413 and 1960′s The Mashed Potato moves in S5 are different to how we know them now. She convinced the director’s on those 2 occasions. To me, it shows her passion for the show! ~ When asked about Bree meeting Jamie for the first time in S4, Sophie was asked about the eww factor but didn’t think about Jamie’s hand touching her face after he had relieved himself as he had only used a fruit juice bottle.🤣 ~ R & S were asked to respond to: ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!’ And with relish they replied: ‘Oi, Oi, Oi!’. Someone did their homework. Cool. It’s a parochial call and response thing some aussies do at sporting events etc. ~ R & S often went for an early morning run. Before Sunday’s program began, Meagan asked us all to be very quiet. ‘That sound’, she said, ‘is Rik having his hair blown dry backstage.’ Laughter at Rik’s expense all round. Sophie came on with her’s still damp.

Graham McTavish ‘popped’ in from Slovakia to say hi and sorry I can’t be there. Rik and Graham had a good rapport. After some banter, the audience was now supposed to ask a question and GM rolled his eyes as he heard Rik’s voice again, this time asking him what he conditioned his beard with? ‘Well”, said GM, ‘well Richard, um, I, ahh (chuckle), I condition it with...., obviously a little bit of your love ..’. Much laughter in the theatre.

Then GM commented further, (which I missed, sadly), to even more laughter.

Who knows what would have happened had GM been at the event in person?! There is so much more I could share, but you get the idea.

Sophie wasn’t feeling the best during the last panel just before the close of the event, but she pushed through like a trooper. Rik said she had eaten too much chocolate. A weakness of Sophie’s. I think fatigue was catching up with both of them. They did so much.

Meagan presented Rik and Sophie with an Akubra (pron. uh·koo·bruh) each (iconic Australian outback hat) as a memento of their time here at Ozlander. Rik had the Crocodile Dundee style whilst Sophie’s was more demure. In his best aussie lingo, Rik said: ‘I’m Richard Dundee and this is my partner, Skippy (Sophie).’ (Referencing Skippy the bush kangaroo ? - a much loved Australian TV show 1968-1970).

The Scottish Banner article promised an intimate relaxed chance to get to know stars from the Outlander TV series and I’m happy to say that this is exactly what we got. Whilst it’s a shame we didn’t get to know Ed, Graham or David better, we certainly got to know Rik and Sophie better than we had ever anticipated. As a result, I see Rik and Sophie in a new light, esp in S5, where they have more scenes together. In a small way, I’ve gotten to know a little of the person that inevitably informs their TV persona (ie facial expressions, mannerisms, speaking cadence and inflections). What a memorable time I had (can you tell?). Thanks to Rik and Sophie, the gathering organisers (who got a special mention on stage at the close) and the other fans I met there. Thanks for reading this far on a rather lengthy post.😊 I know it’s my take on the weekend, but I’ve tried not to editorialise it, but present it, as accurately as I can, hence, it may be a bit dry to read.😅 I think Ozlander is a great name and I look forward to Ozlander Fan Gathering 2021.

Ozlander graphics: Ozlander Fan Gathering (I tweaked the circle logo in the title)

Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 selfie: Ozlander Fan Gathering

other photos: all permissions obtained

Ozlander Fan Gathering article: The Scottish Banner February 2020

Sophie Skelton post: Instagram

global covid-19 cases stats: Wikipedia

#Ozlander #Ozlander Fan Gathering 2020 #Ozlander Melbourne

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starkatana · 4 years

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Want You Back

Song Inspo: Want You Back – 5SOS

I just started playing, Obey Me! And I love Mammon as a character. I don’t really know whats going on in the story since I’m not that far. This just popped into my head, and I couldn’t get it out, and I had to share!

I aged the MC up so everyone is more college-age/esque. IDK if it was meant to be high school, but we’re going to go the college route.

Story: You go back to the mortal world after the exchange program, the feelings that go with it, and how Mammon wants you back.

Mammon x Gender Neutral Reader

Note: You have two moms and 2 corgis

Outside the House of Lamentation:

Mammon POV:

“Fucking rain,” Mammon said, wiping off the back of his hand on his pants.

The other brothers shared concern looks amongst each other. You had just left Hell for your home in the mortal world.

No one said anything. Lucifer was the first to start heading inside. As he walked back towards the house, he stopped next to Mammon.

“It doesn’t rain in Hell.” And he continued his walk inside.

Mammon brought his face up and realized his mistake. Tearing rushing down his face as his brothers slowly walked past him one-by-one, not saying anything. He hung his head low and let the tears fall.

5 minutes ago:

MC POV:

The day has come, your last day at the House of Lamentation. You finished your transfer year at the Royal Academy of Diavolo with flying colors academically and with no shortage of mischief and drama. You were leaving with plenty of memories. It was bittersweet to bid your demon family good-bye.

Everyone is outside to see you off while you waited for the light portal to appear. The six brothers and yourself in reminiscent conversation, while Mammon stood off to the side. You didn’t blame him for distancing himself. You had just broken it off between the two of you a few weeks ago. You pretended not to let it bother you, hoping it’ll help you heal faster. But it was just like him to stand off to the side to pout.

“Hey, Mammon.” You call over to him. He quickly looks over, as hard as he was trying to pretend he’s uninterested, his answer was immediate when you called for him. Also, you decided not to overthink it, you two did have a pact made and spent the entire last year together. Yet this is THE Great Mammon you’re talking about, if he’s mad at you, you would know. He just wasn’t good at pretending like he didn’t care.

He raises an eyebrow at you.

“Don’t ever change.” You say with a smile.

His eyes narrow, and he gives you a smirk before quickly looking away.

Mammon POV:

Say something, idiot!

Mammon racked his brain as he searched for the right words to say anything to you. Not to make you stay. Not even for you to take him back. Just anything so you know what he’ll miss you, that he’ll try to get in contact with you. Anything, so it seemed like he cares. Cause even though you broke up with him, he still cared about you. Although your choice was stupid, there was no way he was going to give you up that easily. Everything that went through his mind just sounded insane. He already messed it up a few weeks ago when you did break up with him, and he couldn’t trust his brain to come up with anything better than "k."

That’s when the light portal appeared.

All the conversation at that moment stopped, and everyone looked up at the portal, almost as if no one was expecting it.

“Well,” Lucifer began, “This is good-bye.” He gives you one last hug, and Mammon felt angry. Being Greed, he never shared his things, not saying you were an item, but he was pouting because you were leaving.

“Bye, Lucy.” He watched as you hugged him back and slowly went around the group of brothers.

“Visit us soon.”

“We’ll try to see if we can have you back during your holiday season.”

“Miss you.”

Everyone's voice, talking over another doing final good-byes giving their last hugs, made Mammon dizzy. You weren’t dying, just going home. He knew you were going to be back for visits here and there. As if Lucifer couldn’t pull a few strings with Diavolo.

“Mammon.”

Your voice takes him out of his thoughts. He looks at you, eyes, and heart feeling hopeful.

You hold your hand out, “Thanks.”

He feels his heart drop. Seriously? That’s all you’re going to offer him after a year of nearly being together, granted the first month or two it took a while for him to adjust to having someone boss him around. Just pull them in for a hug. He tried to bargain with himself. Kiss them! Don’t cry! He bit his bottom lip and had to make a quick decision, “tsk.” He looks away, but takes your hand and gives it a small shake.

“Seriously?” Asmo cocked an eyebrow at the two. Satan elbows him in the gut.

“We’ll miss you -name-,” Lucifer said one last time. “Hopefully, we’ll be in touch soon.”

You smile and nod, “Alright, everyone. Make sure to take care of each other.” You put your backpack on and taking one last look at the seven of them, your gaze lingers on Mammon longer, but his eyes won’t meet yours. You smile, “I love you all.” And you walk out.

The light fades away, and it’s just the seven demon brothers left with heavy hearts and happy memories.

MC POV:

Stepping out of the light column, you jump in your seat. You’re in your mom’s car as she’s driving.

“Bad dream?”

You look over at your mom. It had felt so long since you last saw her. You smile at her and shake your head no. “Sorry, I dozed off.”

She chuckles, “Don’t worry about it; you’re adjusting to the time change.”

“Yeah…I guess you can say that.”

You lean against the car door and look out the window up at the sky. You are seeing the clear blue sky above you and the sun shining bright. Compared to Hell’s sky, it was always in a transition state of yellow to red or blue to purple. The sky had one large moon during the day and two large moons in the evening. Seeing the one sun and the bright blue sky felt foreign, but you were home.

Your mom pulled into the driveway, and you saw your mom standing outside the door with your two corgis.

“Welcome home, honey!” your other mom greeted you from the front door as you stepped out of the car.

You smile and wave, feeling as if you had never left as your corgis come up to love you.

She came out and hugged you. “How was your time abroad?”

You were confused, but when you went to answer, you felt the memories being added.

Something Diavolo told you about before you went home.

“After this year, when you go back to the mortal realm, you will retain your memories here, but you will also gain memories as if you were living in the human world.”

“So, I’m living two lives in the same year as my life?”

“I suppose so.” He gives you a sneaky smile, “Paperwork is just so much easier this way, and no one knows you’re missing.”

“Interesting…”

“Isn’t it? You’re living a full extra year without even needing to take an extra year!”

This is what he must’ve been talking about. You remembered your time in Paris outside of the Eiffel Tower. The smell of the French countryside and the small town you took a trip to — the wine from the vineyard and tasting you had with your friends. Late-night strolls on the cobblestone streets with Mammon. You snapped yourself out of your memories.

“It was fun.” You told your mom, feeling almost as if it was a lie.

“C’mon! Let’s bring your stuff inside, and you can tell us all about it.”

Later that evening, after dinner, you close yourself in your room to unpack and unwind after your “trip back.” You stop and think about all of your memories in Hell at the same time the ones in Paris appeared. As you tried to remember something from your time in Hell, something from Paris came up, and they began to meld together. Even though you were sure, you and Mammon had never gone to Paris. You chuckled, memories, so weak and fragile. Yet, it was all we had. Lucifer would find this conversation so fascinating. Beel would’ve loved your parent’s dinner. Levi would be so jealous that you can go to all the anime conventions now that you’re back. You knew Belphe would love to take a nap outside with your dogs in the sun. Asmo and Satan would appreciate the story of how your moms fought for their love. You began to tear up, man, you missed them all so much already, and it hadn’t even been a day. And…you remember how Mammon would barely look at you before you left.

Now came the waterworks, you squished your cheeks together, how Mammon would make you laugh and tell you to live in the moment, how he would comfort you when you were feeling down or missing home. Then you broke up with him. The tears wouldn’t stop. You pull out your D.D.D., it turned on and showed you all the messages you shared with the boys, your voicemails, photos, it was all still there.

You open up your “mortal” phone and looking at it. There were all “your pictures” and “fake” memories of you in France with your friends and classmates. You put your phone down and look back at your D.D.D. knowing full well it wasn’t going to work in the mortal world.

You go to your chat with Mammon and just try to send a message, you type out “hey.” Slowly one button at a time, as if the screen would just shut off or shatter with a touch. You hovered over the send button. What if he doesn’t respond? What if he’s so mad that he just ignores it or just says something cruel and blocks you? You made up scenarios, scared and anxious.

Yet, all of these things would only come true. If it even sends.

What did you have to lose? You had already broken up with him. Your good-byes were said. You sucked in a deep breath and pressed send. The message went through as usual, and you felt pleasantly surprised like a weight was taken off your chest, and the ball was now in Mammon’s court. Your celebration was short-lived because another screen appeared saying “Message not sent. Retry?” You give a sad chuckle, of course. You pressed no and lay back in your bed. Staring at the ceiling all too familiar as you did in Hell, this felt unfamiliar. “I wonder how you’re doing.”

Mammon POV:

Mammon felt his phone buzz in his pants pocket. His heart skipped a beat. He hoped it would be you. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, and there’s nothing on the screen.

Phantom Phone. He narrows his eyes at the screen, hoping if he gave it an extra second that something would pop up. Nothing did. “I wasn’t expecting anything anyway.”

“Are you talking to your phone?” Beel blinked at him. Making Mammon feel as if he had finally lost his marbles.

Mammon, startled by Beel’s sudden appearance, just frowned at him, “Don’t you have a pantry to eat?”

“I do.” He shrugged. “I just saw you in here by yourself, thought to stop, and see how you’re doing.”

“Great.” He shoved his phone in his pocket and shrugs his shoulders, “I’m glad they're gone. Always making too much noise. Laughing too much…”

“Sounds like you miss them.”

“Me? The Great Mammon!” He laughed, “I don’t miss anyone. Least of all, a lowly human.”

“You two dated?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mammon shrugged his shoulders and walked away from the lounge room and Beel.

Unintentionally and habitually, Mammon’s feet took him to your room. He stood outside the closed door. He felt like a dingus showing up in front of your door again. It had been just a few weeks since you had broken up with him, but he still walked you to your room, hung out with you, and said good-night as friends. Now that you were gone, he was agitated that he was still doing this. He frowned as he reached for the doorknob and opened the door. The lights were off, the bed was made, and the room was clean. Your stuff was gone, and the only things that remained were the basics that the room came with. Yet, Mammon could still see your room. He could see the warm Christmas lights that lined your ceiling for after scary movie nights, your large fluffy quilt blanket he’d wrap himself in after a long day, and you’d pet his hair. He could see the three different pairs of slippers you had in your room ready for use at all times, and he’d steal or use just to see you pout. It was all gone as if it was never here, just like you.

“Dammit.”

He turned around and quickly walked towards his room, ignoring everyone. Getting to his room, he slams the door shut and falls onto his bed. He rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He turned his head to the side, thinking he saw a glimpse of you from the corner of his eye.

He remembered the freckles on your back and how he’d trace them at night or count them to help him sleep. How you’d be the little spoon, and he’d snuggle his head in the crook of your neck. Sometimes when you were in a goofy mood, your neck would be ticklish, and he’d just always make you laugh. Your laugh was music to his ears. He loved making you laugh more than he loved being the one to do it.

He shook his head. “C’mon Mammon.” He turned over on his other side, not to look at your side of the bed. He forced himself into the middle to sleep. Trying to remember what it felt like to not have you around and who he was before you.

MC POV:

“What? You’re breaking up with me?”

You roll your eyes to hold back the tears, “I guess I am.”

“I’m Greed! You can’t just break up with me.”

“Mammon! I’m going back to the human world. You can’t come with me. My D.D.D. isn’t going to work. This isn’t going to work.”

“We made a pact.”

“And I’m letting you loose.”

“What?”

And with those words, there was a soft blue light between you two that broke the pact you made earlier that year. The tears began to fall now, this isn’t what you wanted, but it’s what felt fair. You couldn’t stay here, and he couldn’t live up there. This was the only thing you guys could do. Break up, say good-bye, and meet in another life?

You were warned not to fall in love with anyone, and you tried not to, but there was just something about this loveable idiot that you couldn’t resist his idiotic charm.

Mammon grabs his wrist, “I’m always going to want you back.”

“This isn’t fair!” you cry as you throw your arms around his waist in a hug, “I’m going to miss you so much.”

“Shh.” He rubs your back, “We’re going to be okay. We’ll make it work.”

“No.” You pull yourself away from him. “I’m sorry, Mammon. This is goodbye.”

The look in his eyes and on his face hurt you. It was all you could see. What could you say or do next? This was the only way for you both to move on. After all, a demon and a human don’t belong together.

“Earth to –name-!”

Your mom’s voice pulls you out of your daydream. You shake your head to help you come back to reality. You’re sitting at your kitchen table with one of your moms in front of you pouring herself a cup of coffee.

“Not awake yet? Do you need another cup?”

“Yeah.” You rub your eyes to help you wake up.

“Man, you’ve just been in a daze since you’ve been home. Feeling wanderlusty?” she teased.

“Yeah….you could say that.” You sigh, feeling your heavy heart.

“Now, tell me about France. What was your favorite thing you ate? What was your favorite thing to do? You meet any cute people?” Your mom winked at you.

Oh god, she knows.

Mammon POV:

“You’re not going to the human world.” Lucifer sighed matter-of-factly, not looking up from his paperwork, sounding less than interested in Mammon’s issues.

“To hell, I’m not going!” Mammon slammed his hands on Lucifer’s desk, “I’m going up there to see them, and there’s nothing you can say or do to stop me.”

Lucifer stops what he is doing, and Mammon felt a cold sweat go down his spine. Without putting the pen down, Lucifer looks up at Mammon, cocks an eyebrow at him, and asks, “Then why are you here?”

Mammon stands up straight, surprised that that was what his brother had to say. He was surprised with a slightly puzzled look. Is this a trap? More questions raced through his mind. Do I ask about the consequences? Should I just shut up and leave? Lucifer knows now. So, no harm, no foul? Mammon’s eyes shifted from Lucifer’s cold, bored stare and to the floor. What do I say?! What do I DO?!

Lucifer cracked Mammon, a devious smile. He laced his fingers together and gently placed his chin on them. “Now.” Lucifer began, taking Mammon out of his internal dilemma, “If nothing is stopping you. Why are you asking me?”

Mammon grew a big goofy grin, never one to hide his feelings or true intentions. “I’m leaving.”

Mammon turned his back to Lucifer to leave and made a quick mental note that moving forward. He’s just going to do things as they come to him and apologize for it later. If he even remembers to apologize after his lecture.

“Mammon.”

“What?” he turns around to look at his brother, still at his desk, now leaning back in his chair with an ever so small and genuine Lucifer smile. “Behave~.”

Mammon gave him a wink and a quick sailor’s salute. Without saying it, that was Lucifer’s blessing, and Mammon was GONE before Lucifer could change his mind.

MC POV:

You had only been home in the moral world for a week, and life felt “normal.” As in, no one was stalking you like prey, you could go to the store without a demon brother as protection, the days were bright, and the nights were dark. Everything was just normal. You adjusted back to your home life with your moms and corgis as if last year was just a dream. Your Hell memories and your fake memories became one that you weren’t even sure if they were even fake anymore. It was turning into an ordinary day in your regular life.

“Time to go on a walk, buddy?”

Ein, the corgi, barked, excited as he jumped at the door and wiggled his butt in anticipation of you to open it. You laugh. “Hold on, buddy.” You put the leash on his collar and his sister’s. As you opened the door, there was a car in your street. That’s when you saw him. His tan skin glowed under the warm summer sun. His white hair shined under the sun’s reflection, you could tell by his posture and demeanor with him leaning up against his car, arms crossed, and smirk on his face.

“Mammon…” you whisper. You lose your grip on their leash, too excited to see Mammon.

“Bark! Bark!” Ein runs out the door and straight for him.

“Ein!”

You run after him. Mammon catches him and gets down to give him some pets. You walk over to him. Pinch me. I’m dreaming.

“How are you, my majesty?” he asks, looking up at you.

“I just can’t believe you’re here.” You were breathless; he was here and was real. You took hold of Ein’s leash as his sister his behind you, “but did you have to be so flashy!” You gestured to his Aston Martin, “In the middle of my middle-class neighborhood!?”

He laughs, standing up, towering over you. He throws his arms up in defeat, followed by a shoulder shrug.

You shake your head and start wiping away your tears past your smile.

“Ah! Why are you crying?!”

You laugh, “I’m just happy.”

“Heh.” Mammon gives you his Mammon smirk, “C’mere.”

You stand up on your tiptoes, wrapping your arms around his neck, hugging him, “You’re real.”

“I missed you.” He wrapped his arms around you and leaned his head on your shoulder, burying his face in your neck.

“It hasn’t even been a week.” You let out a light laugh.

“I just wanted you back.”

---

Thanks for reading! Now just imagine that after this, everyone comes up to the mortal world to visit and ruins Mammon’s alone time with you.

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