#whomever did his make up 10/10 stunning
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11/30 Xiao Shunyao livestream
#my gifs#stand by for the queue#xiao shunyao#di feisheng#afei#mysterious lotus casebook#mlc#whomever did his make up 10/10 stunning#he pretty#with his I’m assuming it’s boba 🧋
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Replacement (Prologue)
Summary: Alfred and Aethelred always knew that either one of them would marry the older daughter of Duke (L/N), the older sister of their childhood friend. Both had always carried some feelings for their friend, only thing is, neither knew just how deep these feelings were until many years later. Things unfold the night that the announcement is meant to be made, and one question still needs answering, will they ever be able to confess their feelings to the girl they hold dear?
Pairings: Alfred x Reader (romantic), Aethelred x Reader (Romantic)
A/N: Make sure read to read the Replacement on AO3 as all parts have been posted there! The amazing @flowers-in-your-hayr made the moodboard, banners, and dividers which were absolutely stunning. 😊 While the fantastic @not-another-viking-fanfic-blog made a lovely playlist that y’all can listen to.
Aethelred and Alfred had been as close as brothers could be when they were much younger. But even as children, both brothers did not have much in common with one another, usually having very different interests. Aethelred adored spending his time playing outside, learning archery and swordsmanship, and following in his father’s footsteps to be a strong warrior. Alfred on the other hand had gentler pursuits; preferring to reside in his quarters reading texts, having discussions with his grandfather, and writing his own thoughts in ink.
Despite these clear differences between the two brothers, the one thing that they seemed to have in common was they enjoyed spending time with their childhood friend. (Y/N)’s father was a valued Duke that provided a great number of resources to the kingdom, and not only that, but he aided in several matters with the Witan.
As long as the trio could remember, whenever she arrived with her parents and older sister, they would give formal greetings before running off to enjoy themselves. The age gaps between them didn’t matter as they always managed to find a happy medium for them to agree with for everyone to be satisfied.
As the years went by, (Y/N) was unaware that the two brothers had slowly begun to feel something toward her. It was gradual and occurred in the little things that they shared with one another. Whispering and giggling during prayers (although this usually ended with them getting in trouble), hiding and running off to play at feasts, and making witty comments to have the others laugh.
It wasn’t until Aethelred was 15, (Y/N) was 13, and Alfred was 10 years of age did their lives change in a manner that none of them had expected. The happy carefree years of their childhood were coming to an end.
That evening in particular, the three were doing their best to have their evening meal without any scoldings for misbehavior or any impropriety from their part. It was the first of future meals in which a solemn air fell across the hall.
The young princes’ sat across from (Y/N) and her sister Josephine, while the older of the two seemed to attempt to catch their gaze while twirling her hair and fluttering her eyelashes. Alfred kept his gaze on his meal nervously and Aethelred was concentrating on kicking (Y/N)’s leg underneath the table. Their mother, Judith coughed loudly and stared pointedly at her husband Aethelwulf to speak up.
“Children,” all eyes looked toward him. “There are some pressing matters that need to be addressed with all of you.”
The trio shared looks of confusion with one another, while Josephine beamed in excitement.
“My sons, when both of you are of age, one of you will marry Josephine. We shall prepare you both but only the week of, will we announce who it shall be.”
The news left the trio absolutely stunned, naively all of them thought that despite their position they would be given the chance to marry whomever they chose. The brothers understood the reasoning behind it, Josephine was the eldest daughter of an important Lord of the kingdom, it would ensure a continued flow of coin from their in - laws but it didn’t mean that they liked the situation.
Carefully Alfred asked, “Then what of (Y/N)? Who will she wed or will there be a wait for her betrothal since Josephine will be married first?”
Their parents chuckled in amusement, assuming that Alfred’s question was done out of protectiveness over his friend and not out of the growing fondness that he held for her.
(Y/N)’s mother chirped joyfully, “We have recently received word from the sisters at Beckery chapel and they have agreed to take (Y/N) under their wing for postulancy!”
The betrothal of Josephine was astounding enough news, but this was beyond their comprehension. They had all been together for so many years and the thought of (Y/N) living her years away from them in a nunnery was unbelievable.
Sadly for all of them, their fate, their destiny, was not theirs to decide.
#vikings au#vikings x reader#vikings fanfic#alfred the great x reader#aethelred x reader#vikingsbigbang2022#vikings big bang 2022#replacement#flowers-in-your-hayr#doctorwhoandfairytaillover#x reader#x reader insert#minor love triangle
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New Beginnings Ch. 10
Timothy Thatcher x OC
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Maya sighed as she sat in the and leaned her head back against the headrest “Why did you lean in to kiss me ?” she finally asked
“I just felt the moment was right, you held my hand on your own and I thought maybe it was a good idea. I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, I just did what I felt was right in the moment” he explained “I apologize, I really do. I would never wanna make you feel like it was forced”
“Don’t do it again” she said softly “Now hurry up so you can drive me home and we can both change, you got your outfit ?”
“Yeah, just um a black long sleeve button up and black pants, that okay ?” Marcel asked
“Perfect” she grins as they got out “Also feel free to loosen up tonight, I can handle my drinking”
He raised a brow as he pulled in and followed “Do I need to remind you about what happened in Berlin ?”
Maya widened her eyes as she blushed and shot him a look “You said you’d never bring it up, so don’t start now”
“Sorry but you causing world war 3 at a club at 2 in the morning that led to us running through the back door isn’t exactly a small thing” he laughed as he brought his bag in “I’m not even drunk ! I’m fine, let’s go dance !” he mocked in her voice “and then suddenly a fight about who knows what and bam we’re in a taxi. How you weren’t some kind of fighter in your life still shocks me”
“I felt like it” she shrugged “she insinuated my Cartier bracelets were fake so I let her have it, period. Oh yeah and she hit on you right in front of me, she deserved it”
He laughed, shaking his head “how about none of that tonight ? Just fun, enjoy yourself with your friends and celebrate your cover”
“I invited Fabian” she blurted out, taking out her curling iron to touch up her hair “he said he’s coming, I gave security his name”
Marcel nodded as she took off his t shirt and ironed his shirt “That’s cool, glad he can make it”
“If you two don’t say sorry and make up tonight I swear” she groaned. Yeah they had been friends for a little over half a year but that didn’t mean him and Fabian were back together. Those two were like a married couple and seeing him without Fabian made her sad, he wasn’t the same without him and it killed her inside
“I can’t promise anything but if he’s there obviously he knows I’m going to be as well so who knows” Marcel admitted as he fixed his hair
“Lay off the gel, you look you belong back in Germany in some grade school with this haircut” she laughed fixing her eye shadow “Plus it’s gonna be hot in there”
“Then I’ll take my shirt off,” he smirked. “I think some girls there would really like to see that, don't you think ?”
Maya rolled her eyes, going into her closet and picking out a body con sequin dress, something to make her stand out from the others. She wanted to be absolutely sure she looked better than anyone else there, especially after what Tim had told her. Tim. As if that Dickies wearing, missing tooth asshole knew anything about fashion she shook her head. “No one cares Maya, he doesn’t matter at all” she repeated in her head turning and widening her eyes as she saw Marcel changing
“Wow...wow” she muttered quietly as she hid behind her closet door and peaked, taking a look at his perfectly tan body and abs, watching him check himself out in the mirror while buttoning up his shirt. He had to me the most vain individual she had ever met yet there she was hiding so she could admire him from afar. Her, the actual model, hiding in a damn closet to stare at him of all people. She quickly snapped out of her own thoughts and changed, putting on her heels as she walked out
“Alright all-” Marcel stopped speaking, practically stopping his breathing when he saw her
“Hey” Maya grinned softly as she saw his face
“Maya….I….” he took a moment to think clearly about what he wished to say, not wanting to make himself seem even dumber than he already did
“I-wow” he chuckled out finally as he put his hands in his pockets
“You...you look beautiful, stunning”
“Marcel, you’ve seen me in dresses but thank you” she giggled
“You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve seen, ever” he said sincerely “you look beautiful every single day but tonight is just wow”
She looked at him, trying her best to keep her look calm and friendly but part of her wanted to jump him right then and there. “Come on, let’s get going it’s late” she grinned as she went back out with him to the car and allowed him to take a picture of them to post
******
“So now explain” Johnny said as he sat with Tim in the living room of his home “why exactly did you um...snap ?”
“I did not snap” Tim responded calmly as he pet their dog Pawdme
“I...words didn’t come out as well as I hoped okay, that’s all”
“Um...you went to college right ? like graduated, correct ?” he asked
Tim nodded as he gave a confused look “uh yeah, I uh have a degree in Journalism, worked at a newspaper company for years. Actually” he chuckled “when we met in evolve I was stil- wait what does this have to do with anything ?”
“So you’re telling me you’re college educated with a degree in JOURNALISM of all things, like as in good with words and writing yet you don't know how to speak to a woman !” Johnny exclaimed “You legit use big ass words and write pages yet when a girl clearly is giving the whole “take me in the back seat of your car now” eyes you insult and demean ?”
“Johnny, enough” Candice spoke up “He gets the point, clearly he’s upset and mad”
“Thanks” Tim nodded, “and to answer all your questions, yes, I get it. I acted like a moron and well here I am trying to think of ways to apologize once again and convince her I want her with me”
“Well we can all talk about this tomorrow, we got somewhere to go” Johnny stood up dressed in a button up and black jeans along with Candice in a black dress
“A funeral ?” Tim asked confused as he looked at both of them “sorry for your loss, whomever it may be”
Candice let out a soft sigh as he looked at Johnny and nodded towards Tim with her head “tell him…”
“Okay, first it’s “Johnny, shut up!” and now it’s “tell him” he mocked in her voice as he put his hands on his hips and looked up at Tim
“We’re…..we���re going to Maya’s cover launch party, she invited us a month ago and well we RSVP’d and honestly I won’t lie, it looks like a lot of fun, man. She rented out the entire club. It's at EVE and I mean we don’t get to do shit like this, it’s the best club in the city and we’re on the list and I feel special alright ?”
“Wait wait, what ?” Tim asked bewildered “You two are going ? Like actually going ? This isn’t some sick joke right because if it is I got pranked” he put his hands up “the act can stop now, I get it”
Johnny and Candice looked at each other as they both turned and gave him a sorry look as Candice’s phone buzzed “sorry Tim...we gotta go now, Oney’s waiting with Joanne”
Tim scoffed as he nodded and opened the door, catching Oney about to knock “I know, don’t even try to explain” he said as he shut him up before he could even speak
“Well damn” Oney shot him a look “Guess that means, you don’t wanna be my plus one….”
“What ?” the other 3 asked in unison as they looked at him
“Joanne can’t make it, she has work so that leaves me with a plus one” he showed the message “Maya never said I couldn’t bring Tim” he gave a shrug
“Wait…. He can’t go like that” Candice emphasized “babe quick, go look for a bigger shirt and Oney, switch pants with Tim and Johnny will give you another pair…..NOW !” she raised her voice at the 3 of them as she watched them scurry and go to her bedroom
“Wow, who knew you could clean up so nicely” Johnny smirked “let me do your hair now, you can’t go out looking nicely dressed with messy hair, oh and cologne, you gotta smell good in case ”
“You’re not serious ?” Tim asked
“You want her to see you looking good right ? So listen to me, if you look good and smell good she’ll like fall in love with you, she won’t even remember you insinuated her work was cheap, or that bikini models are whores or that-” Johnny gulped when he saw him glare at him “here just..just add a little gel and um see you downstairs, hurry up”
Oney chuckled as he watched him get ready “If this doesn’t work, then I don’t know. Not gonna lie you look….nice. You really do, this is probably what she wanted to see”
“Whatever” Tim shrugged as he finished buttoning up the shirt “I just wanna talk to her that’s all, talk to her and get this settled and we’ll go from there” he nodded as he followed him back to Candice and Johnny’s Uber and sat down
“Wow” Candice grinned “look at you, I mean it. You clean up so nicely Tim, you really do”
“Thank you” Tim said softly as he gave her a small grin. “How the hell did I get myself into this ?” he thought to himself. None of this was him, he could feel the sweat start to build up in his arm pits as he moved around in his seat lifting his head up when Oney offered him a mini bottle of Patron
“A roadie, to loosen up before we get there. You could use it, need a chaser ?” he offered some seltzer water widening his eyes as he watched him chug it down in one gulp
“Give me another, now” Tim nodded as he reached out his hand, taking the second bottle and downing it “there, much much better”. No not really all that better but at least it calmed his nerves slightly as he watched them pull up to the club. He looked through the crowd to see who he recognized, some were definitely other models but lots were from work. She really had invited everyone but him, not like he expected it anyways.
“Remember, leave no later than 3” Candice said as they got out and reapplied her lipgloss “Jesus, she’s popular look at all these people”
“You don’t say” Johnny looked around “And she invited US, that means she really does like us and thinks of us as friends. She’s SO nice”
“She is. She really is something” Tim whispered to himself as he stood with them
************
“I love seeing you two so happy and together !” Maya smiled a little tipsy already as she put her arms around Fabian and Marcel’s shoulders
“The two besties are back together ! You can go back to taking your little sexy shirtless gym pictures now !”
Fabian chuckled “well thank you I think ? Thanks for inviting me again”
“Yeah yeah of course, anything to get you two back together” she sipped her martini, feeling slightly buzzed as she sat next to Marcel and put her hand on his thigh “oh my god, you look so cute tonight I can’t believe I didn’t tell you already” she pouted
Marcel chuckled as he placed her hand back on her lap gently “Thank you, you’re telling me now and to me that’s all that matters”
“Maya maybe, maybe we can stop the martini’s for a bit” Fabian suggested as he motioned for the waitress to come over and order them waters with lemon
“What a complete party pooper, I thought Italians were supposed to be fun. This is NOT how Jersey Shore made it seem” she rolled her eyes, pulling out her compact to look herself over as she watched Fabian just laugh at her
“Hey... still very very pretty,” Marcel grinned as he closed it for her. “There’s no need to keep looking at yourself when you look perfect, now have some water so you can sober up a bit and enjoy your night. Everyone’s here for you”
Maya stood up and fixed her dress when she saw Candice walk towards her “hey, oh my gosh you look beautiful !” She gave her a hug and smiled, tilting her head when she saw Johnny take a selfie with her custom cake “why...why is he ?”
“Listen he’s telling everyone we know he’s at a celebrity party and how you’re his friend, he’s truly living it up” she admits with a chuckle
“I just...I like how you guys came, you two are so kind and nice and to be honest I kinda like you guys here more than the others my agent made me invite” she smiled softly “Can I offer you a drink ?”
“Oh yeah sure, I’d love one of those fruity ones you’re having” Candice grinned as she walked over to the bar with her “Listen before we enjoy the night, I have to tell you that Oney’s girlfriend couldn’t make it so...so he brought Tim”
“What ?” she spat out her water “He’s here ? As in right now ? Candice what the hell ? After what happened earlier ?”
Candice sighed as she took her drink in one sitting and got up “Long story short he feels horrible and wants to talk to you, really talk to you. 100% serious this time, no insults nothing so when you’re ready you let me know and I”m getting you two together to talk even if it’s the last fucking thing I do” she nods
“I just wanna enjoy my night and maybe when I’m a little more drunk so I can let his ass know everything I’ve been feeling” Maya nodded as she cheered her and took what she believed was her 15th shot of the night
“So are those real ?” Candice asked as she pointed to her revealing dress “because they look real but they also look way too perfect to be real”
Maya laughed as she touched her shoulder with her arm “They are, but did you drink before getting here ?”
“May have had a couple roadies” she admits as they continued to drink together, getting rowdier once everyone else came to join
“Let’s give it up for Maya !” Johnny yelled as he raised his champagne glass “MY friend is a model and she’s on an ACTUAL magazine and on a billboard !”
“To me ! For being really fucking pretty and having an amazing body !” Maya exclaimed drunkenly as she leaned on Marcel
“And with REAL boobs !” Candice added as they all cheered together and moved to the dance floor as the DJ played a playlist of mid 2000’s songs
Everything was great, perfect actually until Oney spotted Tim talking to a girl, a little too close for comfort in his eyes as he left and sat down keeping a close eye on him
“So what brings you here, do you know Maya ?” the girl asked Tim as she grinned and sat too close to him at the bar
“In a way yeah, you ?” he nodded trying his best to keep up straight as the alcohol from the car ride and the beers he had consumed were beginning to hit him
“well she won this cover over me. Some thing about brunettes over blondes, Kara by the way” she reached her hand out “and you are ?”
“Tim” he responded as he turned around and faced her, looking her up and down as he raised a brow at the less than favorable red number she had on “drink ?”
“Vodka soda” she smirked as she ordered “oh is this your friend ?”
“What ?” Tim asked confused as he turned and saw Oney with crossed arms standing behind him
“You’re drunk, come with me”
“He’s fine with me” Kara smiled sweetly “Don’t worry, your friend is perfect with me here”
“Tim….”
“I’m fine” Tim shrugged “You go and continue being stupid, I’m fine here with her”
Oney shook his head and sighed as he left him alone and went back as he sat down on a couch and watched
Maya pulled Marcel close to her as she turned around against him, moving to the beat of the music as she felt him move with her, putting his hands on her hips both swaying to the old Ice Cube song that played loudly in the club. They had gone to multiple clubs in the past and danced to way too many songs but this time something was different and they both felt it
Marcel felt the jolts in his body as he touched her hips and felt her backside press right against his groin area. Gulping to get rid of what felt like a ball stuck in his throat he made sure to keep his hands there as they moved
“You good ?” she asked not realizing what was even going on with him as she looked up
“All good, we can keep going” he nodded
He was positive his once black shirt was now soaking and see through with sweat as he tried his best to make sure he didn’t get hard as he squeezed her sides every so slightly. As he heard the song end and change to what he recalled was an old Lil Jon song, he groaned feeling her move quicker. Part of him felt like it was best to just leave to the car and handle what he needed to do but the other part said he needed to be composed for her. All that went out the window the second he looked down and saw her dress slowly ride up as she moved lower and lower
“I...I gotta go to the bathroom” he blurted out as he turned her around and saw her eyes, he knew better than anyone what that look meant
“We….we should go to the bathroom” she whispered as she laced his fingers with hers and leaned in to kiss the corner of his mouth gently
Marcel shuddered as he looked around and noticed everyone too busy to even notice them gone, he quickly took her hand and rushed to the nearest bathroom with her as he pushed her against the wall and crashed his lips onto hers, moving his hands up and down her hips as he moved down to kiss her neck feeling one of her hands on the back of his neck and the other immediately trying to undo his belt
“Not...not here” he whispered as he stopped her hands and held them in his as he kissed each of them “This...this is cheap, I don’t want it like this with you. You deserve more”
“My place” she kissed his lips again not wanting them away from hers any longer “You and me, my place. I want you, I need you Marcel”
Marcel looked in her eyes trying to see any doubt , going with his gut as he nodded and walked with her, hitting a stall with his shoulder
“Busy” a female voice groaned “um really busy”
“Sorry” Marcel apologized quickly, cursing as Maya tripped against him causing him to fall against the unlocked door, widening his eyes at the view in front of him
“What’s going-” Maya stopped speaking immediately as she felt her heart drop to her stomach as she saw Tim entangled with a girl doing way more than kissing. She felt her legs turn into jelly as she watched him kiss and move her against him, at her party of all places.
Tim heard her voice and immediately opened his eyes as he pushed Kara off and fixed his pants and shirt “Maya ! No…..No listen I-I” he stuttered struggling to form a cohesive thought as he reached his hand towards her earning a hard punch across the nose and kick in the groin
“Fuck that hurt !” he grimaced in pain not sure if he needed to grab his balls or nose
“Marcel, why is she crying ? what’s going on ?” Johnny asked concerned he watched Candice going after her “Did someone hurt her ? Tell me and I’ll knock them out !”
“That, that’s what’s going on” Marcel said coldly as they both looked at Tim and Kara exit the bathroom both disheveled with Tim’s more than obvious broken bleeding nose
“I told him to stop” Oney spoke up “He didn’t listen, brushed me off. The second he saw me talk to Johnny is when he left”
“It wasn’t your job to babysit” Johnny answered disappointed as he stared “Grown men can take care of themselves, or so we thought”
“You’re not getting a foot near her !” Oney exclaimed, fed up “How fucking dare you do this to her ? At her own fucking party ? Was this what you wanted all along ? To just come here and ruin her night ?”
Tim shook his head as he held his nose with his hand “I….I can’t….I can’t even talk, where is she ? I need to talk to her now”
“You’re getting you and your little prost-.....friend the hell out of here NOW” Oney ordered
Tim snarled as he felt her touch his hand “get the fuck away from me”, scaring her enough as he watched her walk away quickly and hurried out the door. He looked at the guys and pleaded with his eyes as he watched them walk away from him
Marcel clenched his fists in anger as he calmed himself down for a second before walking quickly to the parking lot of the club searching around space by space as he found Candice consoling Maya on the pavement and rushed over
“Maya, Maya come on let’s get you home” he said softly as he kneeled in front of her and dabbed her face full of mascara tears with his sleeve. His own heart breaking as he saw how devastated she looked. Nothing mattered more to him than making sure he got her home and safe
“Listen to Marcel, he’s gonna take you home sweetie” Candice whispered as she helped her stand up as Johnny, Fabian and Oney joined them with sorry looks on their faces
“It’s brisk” Fabian said softly as he took off his suit jacket and put it over Maya’s shoulders to cover her up
“I’m gonna, I’m gonna take her home now, is that okay Maya ?” Marcel asked as he pet her head gently
Maya simply gave a small nod as her eyes stayed glued to the floor, her whole night and heart done for.
#timothy thatcher#timothy thatcher fic#timothy thatcher x oc#timothy thatcher imagine#marcel barthel#marcel barthel fic#marcel barthel imagine#fabian aichner#candice lerae#johnny gargano#oney lorcan#NXT
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“i was going to ask that you go easy on me. i’m feeling kind of tender today.” For whomever you want!
Being alone is something that Bruce thought was the best option for him. He doesn’t really like being social or “on” all the time, and he’s fine with drinking tea in his room and working on homework. For fun, he’ll usually watch one of his “shows” on the weekends.
Being alone can oftentimes lead to being lonely, unfortunately. One of the drawbacks, and something that Bruce doesn’t like.
He thought he was pretty well-adjusted to college. He didn’t really need to make friends immediately. His mother had written to him from Aunt Becca’s house on new stationary that friends come along when you’re least expecting it.
And then he got to orientation and his leader said that “friends are something you need to pursue! Get out there and go make some! Join a club!”
Bruce had not done that.
He doesn’t want to say that he’s scared of people, but they...intimidate him. He was made fun of his whole elementary and most of his high school time, so it’s not like Bruce learned how to successfully navigate friendship.
So here he is in his dorm on a Wednesday night at 10:34, post-shower, and he realizes that he is all alone and he probably needs to change that.
But he’s not sure how. He’s not great at “event-crashing” and there’s no way that he’s just going to sit down and talk to somebody. He’s in it for the confusion, it seems.
A week later, there’s a knock on his door.
It’s one of the girls who lives on his floor, Nat or Natalie or something.
“I smelled coffee,” she says. “And I want to know if I can have some.”
“Um...sure? Do you want cream or sugar or anything?”
“Is the cream flavored?”
“Yeah, it’s the, uh, new fall flavor. I thought it could be good in coffee.”
Her eyes light up, and she walks straight into his room, not even noticing the notes pinned all over his cork-board and the sad laundry pile in the corner. She pours coffee neat as can be into her own mug, sits down on the desk chair, and looks at him.
“Are you going to have any?”
“Uh...yes?”
He pours some, and then gets the cream out. He passes it over to her, and she takes it gladly.
“None of us really see you anywhere,” she says. “Why is that?”
“I, um. I guess I don’t get out much,” Bruce mutters. “Can you...can you smell the coffee from my room?”
“Not from where I am, but Clint lives across the hall,” Nat says. “Room 816. He wanted coffee, but was too shy to ask if he could. We’ll provide coffee costs so long as we get it.”
“Um, sure,” Bruce says. “I always leave my room unlocked. I’m Bruce.”
“Nat, I live in 842. What are you majoring in?”
“Chemistry and biology,” Bruce answers easily. “A focus in genetics.”
“Whoa. Cool. I’m studying business and security.”
“What do you want to do with that, if you don’t mind me being the millionth person to ask that?”
Natasha smiles, and Bruce can tell that she’s more than most people think.
“My friend Tony and his boyfriend want to revamp his dad’s company, so they’re gonna need a bodyguard.”
“Cool,” Bruce says. “I want to help people and create cures.”
“Always honorable. You wanna come with us to the drive-in movie tonight?”
Bruce blinks. He’s not expecting an invitation to be thrust his way so...directly.
“Um, sure. You sure about that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well...we’ve never met before this.”
“We’ve done enough,” Natasha says easily, grabbing her mug and heading for the door. “We’re meeting in the lobby at eight, but we’re getting dinner at seven if you wanna come to that. Tony would really like to meet you, he’s been complaining about the lack of ‘smart’ people.”
“I’ll...I’ll see you, then.”
-
Right at six, Bruce is nervously tugging at the hem of his shirt, or wringing his hands.
He sees a guy who he thinks is Clint.
“Oh hey! You came!” he says with a grin. “Do you have any bandages?”
“Do you need one?”
“In the future? Yes. Currently? No,” he says, getting out his phone. “What do you think you’ll get for dinner?”
“Um, probably their lasagna or something. I know that the pizza tonight is barbecue chicken.”
Clint pulls a face.
“The worst one, bleh. Ooh, Thor’s on his way!”
-
Thor is...Thor. There’s literally no other word to describe the vibe of him.
He’s wearing a flannel, jeans, and he looks like he could be a nature guide at a national park.
Bruce is stunned. He’s never seen him around before.
“You met Thor yet?” Nat asks, lips curving into a smile.
“No,” Bruce says faintly. “I don’t think I have.”
And then in walks Tony and Jim (or Rhodey?), and his eyes light up.
“Bruce, my darling dearest. I heard that you are a smart man, and I am all about smart men. Let’s talk science.”
Bruce actually gets engaged in conversation, and he loves it, even when Steve says “could we have this in English, please?”
"Absolutely not,” Tony says. “Bruce and I are on the same wave length, so you will have to get used to us being annoying.”
“Sorry Steve,” Bruce says softly.
Steve grins.
“I’m just joking around, Bruce. Don’t worry about it. Wait until I start talking about art techniques.”
Dinner is good. Bruce gets to know more about everyone, and laughs out loud at most of Nat’s dry humor.
“Finally, someone with good taste,” she says. “You’re coming to the movie, right?”
“What’s playing?”
“One of my favorites,” Thor rumbles. “Ben-Hur.”
“We’re going to fall asleep,” Sam murmurs to Bruce. “Like, seriously. It’s boring.”
“The set design isn’t,” Bruce says softly. He saw the movie once with his cousin Jen and their grandpa. “It’s a beautifully made one.”
“Then you can sit next to Thor,” Tony decides. “Because otherwise he’ll spend the whole time trying to wake us up so that we don’t miss a part, or several.”
“It’s a good movie,” Thor says, although he seems to know that he’s lost the debate.
“We’ll have a good time regardless,” Clint says. “Especially since I’m planning on eating a whole tray of Oreos and passing out.”
“At least save some for me,” Sam says. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
“Your fault for making moon-eyes at Bucky,” Nat retorts.
“Oh, I did not.”
“You did,” Thor said simply. “But let’s get to the car before we lose our spot.”
-
There’s not exactly a spot to lose. The only other people are older couples and the occasional young teenage couple who has every intention of parking a bit further away and hoping to god everyone ignores them.
(And everyone will.)
Bruce comes to find that they weren’t joking about having him sit next to Thor; they point out that Thor is actually really excited to have someone to talk to.
“It’s true,” Thor says, grabbing a blanket out of the car to settle down over his chair.
Or at least, that’s what Bruce thought was going on.
What goes on is that Thor shares it.
“Weather’s supposed to go low tonight,” Thor says. “Can’t have you getting cold and me knowing I could’ve done something about it.”
Bruce will say, if anyone asks, that he was not blushing and they can’t prove it because it was dark outside.
He moves his chair closer.
After all, he doesn’t want to stretch the blanket farther than it can reach. And he wants to hear Thor better.
The orchestral music starts up and floats in between cars, and Thor looks at the screen, completely enraptured.
Nat gives Bruce a look, and he looks away.
“I brought soda, you want some?” Tony whispers.
Bruce jumps as he turns to face the genius, who is so unbelievably close.
“There’s Dr. Pepper and Pepsi but with cherry.”
“Cherry, please,” Thor rumbles. “Bruce, for you?”
“Um, I’m...I’m good.”
-
Movie night is...nice.
Bruce doesn’t really focus on the plot that much, not when Thor is whispering every so often about a favorite piece of music or what he liked about an actor’s choice.
He doesn’t mind it. Not at all. He notices the smallest things, and Thor passes him over a snack. It’s nice.
It’s nicer when they drive back and Thor tells him that he’s glad he came.
“I’ve seen you around, I just wasn’t sure how to get you to come with us,” Thor says. “You’re always in your room.”
“I tend to be a bit of a homebody,” Bruce says nervously, readjusting his glasses. “I, uh...I’m just not always accustomed to people.”
“That’s alright,” Thor says. “We’re having dinner again, we always have it at six. Feel free to come. Nat would like to see you again. You’ve been on her hit list.”
“Her what?”
“Friendship, don’t worry,” Clint says. “She has a certain list of people she wants to ‘hit’ as her friends. We’ve tried to get her to change the name about eight times.”
“It means serious business,” Nat scoffs. “Also Bruce, you have to come get coffee with me this weekend.”
-
Friendship is a confusing business, Bruce decides. He loves it, but it’s confusing. Mainly because he can’t believe that people actually want to hang out with him. He’s waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“You keep waiting for shoes to drop,but we never throw them up in the air,” Sam says. “Now come on and come with me to get Bucky from his stupid class and harass him into coming grocery shopping with us.”
Bruce laughs.
“Okay, but I need to make a list first. Otherwise I’m going to forget to get the tea for Tony.”
-
It becomes comfortable, and he...he enjoys it. He likes that they cook dinner (disastrously) for Halloween together, and they all dress up in as best a costume as they can manage.
He gets inside jokes with everyone, and he and Nat make a habit of having coffee in his dorm room most mornings before heading down for breakfast, and they all eat lunch together outside when the weather is nice.
He and Tony get along fantastically, and they both help each other bounce ideas off one another and come up with new ways to think about problems.
-
And then...there’s Thor.
Thor is his friend, one of his best ones. But there’s something that he’d like to be more there, and he’s never sure how to approach it. He’s not even sure if Thor wants to approach it.
They walk together and they nap together, and Bruce sometimes wonders if Thor looks at him as much as Bruce looks at him.
They go on errands together, and they’re usually always sitting together for movie nights.
-
Nat thinks Bruce is acting ridiculous.
“Quit being a little bitch and go ask him out,” she says over coffee. Steam curls around the mug, and Bruce looks away for a minute, pulling a face.
“Nat, he’s....he’s Thor. I can’t just ask someone like him out.”
“Why not?”
“Because I ramble about genetics and how much I appreciate certain scientists! How is that going to translate when we go on a date and I can’t figure out what to say?”
Natasha looks at him like he’s the biggest idiot in the galaxy.
“You’re the worst,” Natasha decides. “You guys already go on dates, basically. I mean, he doesn’t let anyone else come with you guys to go get ice cream on Saturday nights. You go grocery shopping with him and make those mug-brownies together.”
“That’s....”
“You don’t do that with anyone else, do you? I’m so sure that you don’t, otherwise I would have heard about it by now.”
Bruce shrugs, sighing and pouring himself his cup of coffee.
Natasha’s face softens, and she hops up onto the bed beside him.
“Look. I know you have this whole self-loathing thing going on, and god knows most of us on this floor do as well. But just because of that, it doesn’t mean you get to deny yourself happiness. If that was the case, I’d never bring home latkes.”
Bruce smiles softly.
“Thanks, Nat.”
“No problem. Also, we’re having family dinner inside to talk about an upcoming vacation, possibly.”
“Vacation?”
“We ditch class on Friday if we can help it, and we spend the weekend at a lake nearby. You wanna come?”
“Sure!”
-
Thor is currently enduring a pep talk from Bucky and Sam, who are both quite bad at pep talks.
“You can do this!” Sam says. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I can think about twenty different ways,” Bucky says. “But I won’t mention them.”
“Bucky, you are grievously bad at this,” Thor stresses.
“What are you, my English professor? What’s with the vocab?”
“Uses big words when he’s stressed,” Sam mutters. “Thor, you’ll be fine. It will go well.”
“Or it will leave me flummoxed.”
“Shut up.” Bucky groans. “You’re worse than Steve. You sound like a dying Victorian.”
Thor just groans, face-planting onto a pillow.
“Someone just put me out of my misery.”
“Or don’t,” Bucky says. “What’s stopping you?”
“The fact that if he doesn’t like me it’ll be awkward for the rest of eternity?”
Sam snorts.
“If I didn’t know Bucky, you’d be the stupidest person I know.”
“Hey!”
-
The family discussion about the vacation goes well, and Tony keeps giving Bruce pointed looks, and Thor is enduring the most uncomfortable gaze from Natasha he’s ever suffered from.
They both cannot take this for long.
-
It’s awkward, honestly. They’re both in the lobby of their floor, and Bruce can’t meet his eyes and Thor isn’t quite sure how to go about it.
“Would you like to get coffee with me?” Thor asks.
“Sure,” Bruce says. “You want Timely or Joe-Fix-It for coffee?”
“...Timely, I heard they introduced a new flavor.”
“Alright.”
They both relax a little bit into the car ride, and by the time they’re at the coffee shop, both are laughing about a text that Loki sent about one “hypothetical” situation.
It’s easy, and it’s...nice. Thor wants this, and so does Bruce.
“I have something to ask you,” Thor says, looking into his coffee before gazing at Bruce. “And you can say no if you’d like.”
“Go easy on me today,” Bruce says softly, and Thor doesn’t miss how his hands clench around his coffee cup.
“I, um. I have feelings for you. The kind that make your heart speed up.”
“Anxious thoughts?”
Thor barks out a laugh at that, and scratches the back of his neck.
“I am...this whole thing is ad libitum.”
“What does that even mean.”
“Without preparation.” They sit for a moment, Thor collecting his words.
“Bruce?”
“Yes?”
“Do you...do you remember when Natasha was on her period romance drama kick, and we watched Sense and Sensibility?”
“Um, yeah? Why?”
“Do you. Do you remember at the end? The quote about the heart?”
“No?”
“Shit.”
-
It was going to be romantic. Thor was assuming that Bruce remembered the quote about the heart and the always, because it was honestly a cheesy but good movie, and Thor was going to pretend like he knew the quote too so that it would make for a romantic confession.
“Let me, ah...” he fumbles to get his phone out. “I was hoping you would have remembered the quote.”
“And you don’t know it?”
“No, unfortunately. I fell asleep.”
“So did I!” Bruce laughs. “I think we both fell asleep that night. What are you doing now?”
“I’m...looking up the quote. I’m quite sure it applies to our current situation.”
“You sound so proper,” Bruce teases, and Thor slides the phone across the table, showing a truly shitty edit of the quote done in pink, loopy cursive.
His face softens, and he turns up to Thor.
“You...really mean that?”
“More than anything. I’ll be yours, if you want.”
“I want.”
Thor laughs, grin wide and big as he gets up and engulfs Bruce in a hug.
“I think I could not get happier.”
Bruce turns red, adjusting his glasses.
“I’m...I’m happy with you,” Bruce says, and by god he looks cute like this, all flustered. “But I think we should head back before we have to sign in at the front desk, right?”
“Of course.”
There’s a pleasant energy in the car after that, and before they exit, Bruce takes Thor’s hand.
“Yes?”
"Do you think they’ll be surprised?”
“Considering that they’ve been dropping hints for weeks for both of us? I’m expecting Steve and Tony to gloat for weeks over winning over Natasha.”
“You’re sure they won over Nat?”
Bruce grins guiltily. “Nat invited me to her sleepover with Pepper and Sharon. I learned things.”
Thor laughs, getting out of the car.
“Then I look forward to their reactions.”
-
Not much actually changed, honestly. They were already so close, although Thor is prone to random forehead kisses and bragging about his boyfriend in every single class, to the point where one teacher had to limit his stories about Bruce to two a week, so he had to make them count.
Bruce enjoys kissing Thor a lot, and always enjoys when Natasha makes a little “aw” noise or when he has a date planned.
It’s nice. And he likes it a lot.
#thorbruce#natasha romanoff#bruce banner#thor#sam wilson#bucky barnes#tony stark#lovelyirony writes#i just love them a lot :)#also YES the reason i wrote the sense and sensibility scene like that is because i havne't watched the movie#so i thought it'd be cute if they knew that they watched it#(and yes i am aware that there is a book)#also yes natasha just goes to his room to get coffee#avengers as a college dorm#WHICH IS ENTERTAINING TO THINK ABOUT
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Goodbye
Click here to read the full fic on AO3
Now, her palms sweating as she clenched her hands into fists, she watched as Zuko stood talking to Jinora. Her Sky Bison stood as a backdrop and there was plenty of activity around, but Zuko chatted easily with the woman.
It wasn’t Jinora making Katara feeling this sick. The woman was beautiful and looked serene even as her baby was shrieking in her arms. Zuko smiled and peered into the bundle, offering a wiggling finger.
No, it was the very fact she was there that was upsetting.
Katara had watched the day approach and dreaded every solitary moment. It had gotten so bad that for the past few nights the awful nightmares that had plagued her after the war returned. She was constantly trying to reach someone but couldn’t run fast enough.
Making herself walk over, Katara smiled uneasily at Jinora.
“Oh, Katara, I’m glad to see you!” Jinora said, turning to look at her. She always did that, gave her full attention to whomever she was speaking. It made Katara feel shy and her sick feeling passed.
“Hi Jinora.” Katara said softly and then smiled at her baby. “How is Bumi the Second?”
“I still think-” Zuko started but stopped with a broad smile as Jinora whipped her head around to glare at him.
“King Bumi wasn’t family, Uncle Bumi was the first in our family, and that’s not how names work Zuko.” She said vehemently and Zuko chuckled. Jinora then sighed and turned back to Katara.
“Did you want to hold her?” She asked. Katara nodded and held out her hands. Handing her over, Jinora arched her neck as she watched Katara support Bumi’s head.
“She’s beautiful.” Katara murmured as she instinctively began to sway. Bumi calmed, offering the faintest of rebukes.
“Thank you.” Jinora replied and smoothed down the downy tufts of hair on Bumi’s head.
“You look good with a baby.” Zuko stated and Katara gave him a chilled look.
“We’ve got plenty of time for that.” She retorted and he laughed.
“Congratulations by the way.” Jinora said.
“Thanks.” Zuko and Katara said at the same time. Katara laughed and handed Bumi back to Jinora.
“I’ll give you two a minute, but we are going to have to leave soon.” Jinora said. Zuko nodded and held up a hand in goodbye as Jinora walked down the hill. Katara watched her go and realized Rohan had arrived; they were going to be taking Toph, Thuy, and Katara on Thuy’s trip back to the swamp.
With a sigh, Katara crossed her arms over her chest and watched as the siblings greeted each other.
“Hey.” Zuko said softly. Katara didn’t turn and Zuko embraced her from behind, covering her arms with his own.
“We’ll see each other soon.” He said and pushed his face into her hair.
“Stop.” Katara said flatly. Zuko nudged past her hair and kissed the back of her neck. He then moved to rest his chin on her shoulder.
“I don’t want our last moments to be sad.” He said.
“But I am sad.” Katara replied quickly.
“So am I.”
“Well.”
Katara was sulking, and she knew it. But she couldn’t stop it either. Her emotions often got the better of her, sucking her down or rocketing her skyward. No one ever complained when she was happy, but it’s hard to maintain something when it’s only enforced some of the time.
So now she was sad, and it was a smothering kind of sadness.
“I love you.” Zuko said and Katara straightened. He wasn’t pleading or needling her. He just stated it as he usually did.
“I’m being a brat.” She replied.
“I mean, kind of, but I don’t think you like being left.” Zuko said. “And that’s not something that should be dismissed as bratty.”
Katara leaned away to turn so she could look at Zuko’s face. He looked, normal.
“What?” She asked.
“I’m the same way, a little bit. I don’t like it when people disappear for no reason.” Zuko let go of her and stepped back. “When Mai and I were younger and she was mad at me, she’d ghost me. I’d freak out, because I start to think the worst and that I did something horrible. Luckily, she realized how awful that was and stopped.”
“I can’t stop you from leaving.” Katara said. Zuko took her hands lightly in his, jostling them as he smiled at her.
“No, but we can work on this. You know, cope.” He said.
“Cope.” Katara repeated, her tone bland.
“I won’t go into the whole thing, but there are three statements I need to make.” Zuko said and squeezed her hands.
“Okay.”
“One, I understand that this is hard for you and that there isn’t an easy fix for it. Do you believe me?”
“Yes.”
“Two, I am sorry that I’m leaving you and I love you very much. Do you trust that?”
Katara was silent for a moment before answering. “Yes.”
“And third, the truth is that we are going to talk a lot over the next few months and we can find a way to make the time pass quickly. We will see each other soon and nothing is changing between us, even with the distance.” Zuko said firmly and then brought up her hands, kissing her fingers. “Do you trust me?”
Sniffling, Katara nodded. Zuko pulled her arms over his shoulders and they hugged. Pressing her face into the nape of his neck, Katara sniffed to keep her face from leaking all over him.
“I’ll call you tonight.” Zuko said and kissed the side of her head. “Okay?”
Katara nodded against him and then stepped away.
“Okay.” She mumbled and Zuko kissed her. He smoothed the hair away from her face, then kept his hands on her cheeks.
“I like how you think you’re somehow not special enough to keep my attention while I’m worried about you mingling with those barely dressed people.” He said.
Katara struggled not to smile, pulling her head back but Zuko kept his hold of her, making her cheeks bulge forward.
“I like how you assume I’m not freaking out about you looking stunning among the ice while I’m surrounded by stuffy ministers.” Zuko said more adamantly, making Katara laugh in a shuddering way.
“Zuko!” She said, her lips pursed while she still struggled to pull away.
“I am just tickled that you believe I’m not concerned about you living with all those Waterbender guys.”
Just before she dissolved into laughter, Zuko dipped in and kissed her again. They embraced again and Katara sighed when Zuko moved to press his lips against her cheek.
“There’s only one sun in the sky.” Katara said.
“There absolutely better be beloved.” Zuko growled into her ear. She giggled, but shivered before they broke away.
“That’s enough you two.” Rohan called. Zuko and Katara turned to see them and Jinora walking back up.
It was time to go.
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Hello, may I request some comedy/light drama etc. recs from the golden age of Greek TV?
Okay, then *cracks knuckles*
(For anyone who didn’t read the first answered ask, the “golden age” of Greek TV is 1990 - 2010)
I don’t know if you are the Anon who had asked the 2010 onward shows because they didn’t mind the subtitles. If you definitely need subtitles, I am afraid there are only two shows you can watch right now:
Είσαι το Ταίρι Μου (You’re My Soulmate)
Romantic comedy / light drama (2001 - 2002). Vicky and Stella are two very different friends who are Greek immigrants in Australia. Vicky is stunning and men go crazy for her but she has many insecurities. Stella is not conventionally attractive but she allows nothing to bring her down. They both fall for the same handsome rich Greek, Nikos. It’s no brainer who wins - Nikos is a womanizer and falls immediately for Vicky. The interesting part is what happens next - when Vicky’s insecurities make her come up with a crazy plan / prank that will unleash hell over these three, Nikos’ entire family and a couple of friends living in Athens and change their lives forever...and everyone will then get what they deserve... or what they are brave enough to claim. Overall just a hilarious and clever comedy, with great acting and memorable characters you end up loving and an ending that isn’t a cliche. Here’s the link to watch with english subtitles.
Στο Παρά Πέντε (In the Nick of Time)
Mystery / Crime Comedy / Light drama (2005 - 2007) One of the two most famous Greek comedies. Five totally different people happen to be witnesses to the murder of a politician. Before he dies, the politician asks them to find who did it and take revenge for this and other crimes they have committed. These five unassuming people become friends and start solving the mystery together like hilariously amateur detectives. In time, they will find out that there’s something more that unites them besides their friendship...and maybe not everything happens accidentally. Here’s the link to watch with english subtitles. This one is being subtitled right now.
So bad news: only two shows with English subtitles. Good news: They are the best of the best, so no problem.
But if subtitles are not necessary, let’s proceed with the rest I love in no particular order:
10 Λεπτά Κήρυγμα (10 Minutes of Scolding)
Comedy (2000 - 2003). The life of Leonidas Alivizatos, an untamed only child with divorced parents. The story is basically the endless ways Leonidas find to escape the limitations his parents put to him and the shenanigans he does with his best friend Telis and his girlfriend Marilena that drive his family crazy. Fun fact: My generation, we all had at some point a crush on Leonidas...right?
Singles
Romantic Dramedy (2004 - 2008). The show has four seasons although it’s the first one that mostly had a lasting impression on me. The story revolves around the social, professional and romantic lives of six young single people: Maro, a sensitive hopeless romantic, Rania, an angry cynic who hates relationships, Lila, a sex crazed cheerful woman, Orestes, an average I’d say young man who has his eyes on Maro though, Arthuros, Orestes’ best friend and a socially awkward man with a dark family past and Loukas, a divorced father who seems to be quite the catch. There’s something special about the first season, it had an atmosphere, a style that I loved. The music was great too. I still remember the episode with the Reaper nightmares and that green light. In the following seasons, half of the cast changed. Y’all Greeks here do you remember the title song? I love it.
youtube
Δεληγιάννειο Παρθεναγωγείο (Deligiannis School for Girls)
Comedy, Drama (2007 - 2008). Summer 1939. The events of the series evolve at the last period of the Greek Regime, the Greco-Italian War and the Nazi Invasion of Greece. Mimis Metaxas in the headmaster of the School and trapped in a miserable marriage. His father-in-law invites Agape, his niece, to teach at the school. Mimis falls desperately in love with Agape but of course he keeps it a secret. Agape is a free-spirited woman and it is soon clear that she is a Communist (or at least leaning toward left ideals) and Mimis tries to balance his job as the Headmaster of the school, his sad marriage, his love and the historical events happening in the country with his need to keep Agape protected at all costs and under full secrecy.
Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης (Constantine and Helen’s)
Comedy (1998 - 2000). Okay, this is officially the best Greek comedy to date. After it ended in 2000, it has been on TV repeatedly and continuously to this day. For twenty years non-stop. It still has bigger viewership than new current shows. An old aristocratic childless man writes two wills right before his death in which he gives his big residence. The one will is for Constantine, his aloof and conservative nephew who is a professor of Byzantine History in the University. The other will is for Helen, the only daughter of his beloved poor gardener who is a potty mouthed waitress. Constantine and Helen arrive at the house the same day and they are both determined to inherit the house and they can’t wait until the court date. The story revolves around everything they do to get rid of each other and their friends who are just as crazy as they are. There’s an interesting story about this show: they had done some tests and pilots and they were convinced that nobody was going to watch their show so the show became low budget and the actors were free to go batshit crazy. This ended up creating this hilarious masterpiece that is being rewatched by million Greeks to this day.
Οι Μεν και οι Δε (Them and the others)
Comedy (1993 - 1996). Dionysis Dagas, a famous lawyer who defends criminals lives with his wife Vana, an aristocratic lazy woman, in their apartment in Kolonaki. In the apartment right next to them Timos and Nana Stamatis come to live, unemployed and a jewelry artist respectively. Timos and Nana attempt numerous times to take money from frugal Dionysis and in general a big war starts between them as snobby Dagas are the exact opposite of the hippy Stamatis.
Σαββατογεννημένες (Born on Saturday)
Comedy (2003 - 2004). A sexist and all around horrible man named Savvas wins 7 million Euros at the lottery and as he learns it he has a car crash and loses his memory. His three ex-wives, the Greek language teacher Keti, the actress Bia and the tourist shop owner Soula, all very different and hating the guts of each other and Savvas, team up to find the lottery ticket before Savvas' memory recovers. But in order to achieve that, they have to act a lot and they have to take care of incapacitated Savvas themselves.
Το Καφέ της Χαράς (Chara's cafe)
Romantic comedy (2003 - 2006 and 2019 - now). Chara Chaska, an Athenian unmarried mother decides to start anew and takes her daughter with her to go live somewhere close to nature. They go to a village in Mountainous Arcadia, named Kolokotronitsi. What Chara doesn't know is that the village is extremely traditional and backwards and governed by the conservative and misogynist mayor Periandros Popotas. Popotas and the villagers will start a big war against the newcomer, especially when they find out she wants to open a modern lounge cafe and is not married. Chara has only few supporters there but soon she will also have the interest of her biggest enemy. The show has been revived since last year, as the continuation of what happens many years later but I haven't been watching.
Dolce Vita
Romantic comedy (1995 - 1997). Christina Markatou is the mature rich widow of a tomato factory owner and now she runs it on her own. Christina visits her daughter Dorita in Italy where she studies and upon her return to Greece she unexpectedly has a one night stand with young Antonis Kaloudis. What they both don't know is that Antonis is Dorita's fiance and travels to Greece to meet her family. After the initial shock, Antonis realises he prefers the mother but Christina tries to resist. The love though is too strong. Christina begins seeing Antonis, full of regrets and self-loathing, and tries to hide the affair from her daughter, the nosy housemaid Aspasia and the absolute terror that her mother-in-law is, Olga Markatou. Is there any chance for happiness?
Εγκλήματα (Crimes)
Black comedy (1998 - 2000). Alekos and Flora have always been in love but never got together and got married to evil Soso and kindly Achilles respectively instead. Alekos finds Flora and they start an affair. Soso finds out about the affair quickly and tries repeatedly to kill Alekos. All the crazy things that happen start from all of Soso's murderous attempts and affect the lives of the aforementioned as well as their close relatives who are as crazy as the main characters. Will Soso achieve her biggest ambition to become utterly evil and kill Alekos and whomever else stands in her way?
Σ' αγαπώ, μ' αγαπάς (I love you, you love me)
Domestic comedy (2000 - 2002). The hilariously realistic life of a couple, Dimitra and Thodoris (the actors play with their real names). The actors had such great chemistry that they were chosen as the voice actors for Greek Marlin and Dory in Finding Nemo (also with great success).
So, these are my favourites but there are many others I like or that are very popular but not my cup of tea. Any other Greek is welcome to recommend their own faves.
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i guess i’m just a playdate to you
Pairing: Kakashi x Reader
Genre: angst
Warning: mentions of character deaths, open and ambiguous ending.
Word Count: 2825
A/N: aaaanndd i’m back with more angst! this is inspired by a kakashi edit on tiktok by alyez_ and i LEGIT got all teary eyed after watching so i just HAD to make you guys sad as well lmao.
p.s: Y/E/C = Your/Eye/Color
p.s.s: not proof read
They say that time heals scars but the person who came up with that obviously never lost the person he loved and cherished the most for if they had, then they wouldn’t have said such a careless thing.
You were strongly reminded by that quote as you stood amongst hundreds of Konoha villagers in anticipation for Kakashi’s coronation as Konohakagure’s sixth Hokage.
Everyone had been surprised by the news but they were happy to have such a strong and responsible man as a leader, to no longer feel weak and unprotected but safe and even feared by other villages. Everyone was excited for this day.
But not you.
You were saddened by this.
Suddenly, those around you cheered and applauded as loudly as they can as Tsunade, the former Hokage, stepped onto the podium to address the villagers with a formal goodbye.
Your heart squeezed tightly once your eyes spotted Kakashi standing in the distance, face hidden behind his mask but his eye held no emotion in them.
There was a lump in your throat and you tried to swallow it away but your throat was as dry as sand paper, making it painful for you to swallow.
Tsunade’s words fell on deaf ears as tears filled the corner of your eyes and, without even knowing it, you were pushing yourself out of the crowed and somewhere far away from the coronation. The last thing you heard was the crowed screaming and cheering as Kakashi stepped onto the podium next to Tsunade.
-
You’ve been walking for hours. How much exactly, you weren’t sure. All that you knew was that your feet were moving for a very long time and soon you found yourself along the outskirts of the Naka River and the sun setting into the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of red and oranges, reminding you of that special day you don’t think you’d ever forget.
It was the day of Rin’s funeral and everyone had gathered to bid the young Kunoichi goodbye.
Although you were a regular civilain and didn’t understand the severity of the loss or the sacrifice she had made, you understood the tragedy the village was facing, especially your childhood neighbor Hatake Kakashi.
Kakashi had wandered off towards the end of the funeral and didn’t bother to stick around for the aftermath of the event.
Knowing how much Kakashi had suffered and the people he had lost in his younger days, you bit your lip in worry as you set off to find him.
Eventually, you found him sitting on a cliff overlooking Konoha, the sun was setting in the distance and it cast the village in an orange hue.
The young boy had his knees pulled up and pressed to his chest while his chin rested on his arms atop of them.
You were positive that there were no words that would comfort the boy so you did the next best thing, you sat next to him with your arm around him and listened to Kakashi as he silently cried.
A tear escaped and rolled down your cheek at the memory but you quickly wiped it away and continued in your aimless walk.
There were rustling sounds coming from one of the bushes in the distance that made you stop in your tracks, your heart beating loudly in your ears in anticipation. Holding your breath, you slowly inched forward and was startled when a small white rabbit jumped from within the bushes.
Your shoulders sagged and a shaky exhale escaped your lips. The small white rabbit stared at you in curiosity, it’s small red eyes blinking up at you.
You offered the harmless creature a small smile but it jumped off deeper into the forest. You watched after it and remembered an early morning similar to this encounter.
When Minato and Kushina died, the entirety of Konoha were in mourn. But no one experienced such a great loss like Kakashi. Right when things were finally starting to get normal and Kakashi had the opportunity to experience what having a loving family was like, his parental figures die, one in battle while the other after giving birth.
Your eyes never wandered off of Kakashi as you followed him through the woods. You knew that Kakashi would run off faster than the speed of light if he wanted to but you were glad that he was allowing you to be close to him. Though, that didn’t mean you didn’t worry over the boy.
He had just returned from evacuating the villagers into safety after the sudden attack of the Kyuubi when the former Hokage had informed Kakashi of Minato and Kushina’s deaths.
Kakashi had no reaction. His eyes didn’t well up with tears, he didn’t let out a cry of anguish, not even questioning the Hokage. He just accepted their deaths and walked out of the office.
You had run into him as you were helping your father clean up your mini market when the silver haired teenager walked by. Your eyes lit up and you were about to greet him with a bright smile but when you noticed his hunched form and his hands buried deep into his pockets, you knew there was something wrong.
You quickly ran off to catch up with Kakashi and when you were within reach, you griped his shoulder and turned him around to face you. The sight that greeted you shook you to your core. His eyes were filled to the brim with tears and his cheeks flushed a deep red color. His mask was soaking wet at the never ending tears cascading down his cheeks.
“They’re gone.”
Harshly, you rubbed your eyes to will the memory away.
You’ve known Kakashi since you were a little girl and for as long as you’ve known the silver haired man, he had always been stalked by tragedy. Wherever he went, whomever he had cherished and valued, tragedy would clutch its greedy fingers on them and snatch them away from Kakashi. It happened with his biological parents, his best friends and then with his parental figures.
It was too much for the teenager and it made perfect sense why he ended up joining ANBU.
“You can’t be serious.”
It had been two weeks since Minato and Kushina’s deaths. The village of Konoha continued on with their lives while the third Hokage returned to his rule.
It was early morning and you were manning the cashier at your father’s mini market. It was a slow and boring day with nothing to entertain you other than a trashy Shinobi magazine with a ‘Top 10 list of the Hottest Shinobi in Konoha.” clutched between your fingers.
It was so quiet that you were about to fall asleep when the door opened and the bells signaled the arrival of a new costumer. Your sleepy expression turned into one of joy as Kakashi walked in and stopped in front of you.
“Kakashi!” Your lips turned upwards into a bright smile, “What can I do for you?”
The teenager said nothing, his hands deep in his pockets, as his eyes scanned the shelves of chewing gum and cigarettes behind you.
“I’m joining ANBU.” He said simply. His voice so quiet that you were certain you misheard him.
You were a civilian and you didn’t know much about the Shinobi world but everyone knew of ANBU. Knew the excruciating and intense training Shinobi went through in order to be masterful and be higher in ranks.
Your smile faltered, “I’m sorry?”
Kakashi’s visible brown eye met yours, “Danzo recruited me to join ANBU.”
Before you could say anything else, Kakashi had turned around and exited the market, leaving you in a stunned daze.
Quickly, you snapped out it and followed after Kakashi.
“Oi, Kakashi! Wait!”
But the boy continued on walking.
Angered, you ran up to him and took hold of his shoulder and forced him around to face you, “What are you doing?”
Kakashi avoided eye contact and said nothing. Your angry aura and the hurt in your eyes ineffective to him.
“Are you seriously joining ANBU or are you playing some mean joke because it isn’t funny.”
“I’m serious.” His eye met yours and you were surprised by the harshness in it. Never in your life had Kakashi looked at you that way. It was so sudden and unfamiliar that you dropped your hand from his shoulder and took a step back.
“It’s dangerous.” You whispered and all that Kakashi could do was shrug his shoulders at you.
“I can handle it.” He said in his quiet, monotone voice.
“You could die!” Your voice grew louder, as if it could somehow explain to Kakashi how stupid joining ANBU was.
He said nothing though and slowly blinked at you.
When you had nothing else to say, Kakashi turned around and walked away.
Tears rapidly filled your eyes before they rolled down your cheeks as you watched Kakashi walk away from you and, possibly, never coming back.
You hadn’t seen nor spoken to Kakashi for the next twelve years after that day. Your entire routine was thrown out of loop as you lost sleep worrying over Kakashi and fearing for his life. You became so depressed that you couldn’t continue working in your father’s mini market and almost dropped out of school had it not been for Gai who visited you one night to inform you about Kakashi’s well-being. You remember breaking down in his arms, relief suffocating you at knowing that Kakashi was alive and well.
You didn’t get to see Kakashi until your second year as an elementary school teacher for the civilian children of Konoha. It happened by accident really. You were tidying up the class and preparing for the day’s lesson plan when you had spotted the taller and stronger looking man through the window.
His face was still hidden behind his mask and his right eye was still hidden from sight. He was followed by three children who all had different hair colors; one girl had long pink hair while the two other boys had blonde and black hairs respectively.
His appearance stunned you into silence and you would’ve left the classroom to follow after the man had it not been for your students walking in and announcing their presence.
The second time you saw Kakashi was another coincidence. School had been let out early and you didn’t feel like going home just eat. Instead, you went to Ichiraku’s Ramen shop for lunch.
“I’ll be sure to drop by again!” You called over your shoulders, a melodic chuckle escaping your lips, when you suddenly bumped into someone.
Large hands strongly gripped onto your shoulders to balance your footing and to prevent you from falling, “I’m sorry! I should’ve wa-”
Brown eye met Y/E/C in a startled yet dumfounded expression.
“-tch where I’m going.” You trailed off.
Seeing Kakashi up close was messing up with your head and your heart was beating so loud you feared that it would stop.
“It’s fine.” His voice was deeper but it still had the quietness in it. Vaguely, you remembered Kakashi’s father having a similar tone of voice.
“Hurry up, Kakashi! You’re paying!” The shouts of a blonde boy sitting on the barstool interrupted your thoughts and the two of you jumped back.
“I should go.” Kakashi stated and rubbed the back his neck.
All you could do was nod your head and watch him walk into the ramen shop. Something deep inside of you told you that won’t be the last time you’d run into the most powerful Shinobi and you could feel a small smile crawl its way across your lips in anticipation.
Things between you and Kakashi were great. Your friendship rekindled and your bond grew stronger than ever. However, Kakashi still kept his distance. And, as an adult and having heard of the risks of the Shinobi lifestyle, you understood and accepted Kakashi’s cautions, especially knowing what kind of childhood he suffered.
And when tragedy struck again with one of his students (you eventually learn as Sasuke) took off with a dangerous rouge Shinobi, you were there for Kakashi.
You were even there when Naruto left Konoha to train with his mentor and Sakura interning for Tsunade, and comforted Kakashi during his loneliness.
And right before the beginning of the Fourth Great War where Kakashi had snuck into your apartment and begged for you to stay safe and wait for him, his brown eye wet with unshed tears, you did as your told and sealed the promise with a kiss to the cheek.
So it made no sense for Kakashi to return to apartment one day after the Great War with his expression resembling the very same one when he had told you he was joining ANBU.
You already knew Kakashi was going to say something you weren’t going to like by that expression alone and you were already shaking your head ‘no’ before he could even say anything else.
“Y/N, listen to me-”
“No!” You shut your eyes tight, not wanting for whatever it was Kakashi was going to say to come true.
You heard him deeply sigh through his nose and soon felt his strong arms wrap around you, “I’m sorry.” He whispered softly into your ears, in hopes to calm you down, “But I’ve been chosen and they need m-”
But you didn’t want to hear what Kakashi was saying so you walked away from his embrace, “I need you!” You spat harshly, tear streaks on your cheeks.
“I was there for you. During everything, not out of obligation but out of love and you left me to join ANBU. That broke my heart, Kakashi, did you know that?”
The silver haired man didn’t. He said nothing as he watched you run your hand through your locks of hair, making it appear messier than its usual kept style.
“I was alone and depressed. I was scared that i would never see you again.” Teary Y/E/C met his briefly before looking away, “And when I finally moved on and things became normal, you’re back in my life as if nothing happened.” You chuckled humorously.
“And I was there for you when your kids left, I was there for you when literally died, even if only for a couple of minutes, and I waited for you during the war. And when it was finally over, when I thought that we’d finally live our lives like everyone else and finally be together, you want to throw all of that to be a Hokage!”
You were panting and your eyebrows furrowed in sorrow. The tears stopped falling but your cheeks were still wet. “I would be fine if you said you’re going to be Hokage and I could be there for you a-as a friend - maybe something even more if you’ve ever felt that way towards me - but you tell me that you can no longer see me.”
It wasn’t meant as a question, though Kakashi answered nonetheless, “To keep you saf-”
“I don’t give a shit!”
Silence met your ears and once you were able to calm down, You had asked Kakashi to leave.
That was a week ago and you haven’t seen Kakashi until earlier today.
When your feet halted their movements, blood staining the soles of your feet and your toes in pain, you finally stopped walking at the end of Naka river.
The sun had completely set and the forest was eerily quiet. You weren’t sure how far away from home you were though, you didn’t care. You just wanted to be as far away from the ceremony as possible.
Sitting down on the grass, you wondered how differently your life could’ve been if you had run into Kakashi outside of the ramen shop. Would you have fallen in love with a civilian that you’d eventually marry? You’d probably have at least two of his kids by now running around your tiny little home. Would you have let them join the Academy if they had asked you to? Probably not.
Maybe you and Kakashi were never meant to be. Your love from your childhood well into your adulthood could’ve been one sided after all. Though, there were moments where you believed Kakashi loved you as much as you did. Maybe not during his childhood but you’ve seen it in his adulthood. The way he’d look at you when you thought you weren’t looking, those brief touches and him always visiting you after returning from a dangerous mission. You were positive that he loved you when Kakashi had been to your apartment and told you to stay safe before the Great War all those months ago.
Exhaustion settled into you and your eyes soon grew droopy. Resting against a tree, you entertained your mind of thoughts of Kakashi retiring from the Shinobi life and spending the rest of his days with you as you welcomed the cold embrace of sleep.
#kakashi x reader#kakashi imagine#kakashi hatake x reader#kakashi hatake imagine#kakashi scenario#hatake kakashi scenario
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Umbrella
@chiherah drew the cutest Fair Game sketch of Clover and Qrow sharing an umbrella at my request. And thus, I got inspired.
Rating: K+
Pairing: Qrow/Clover
Word Count: 1900
Ao3 Link: Umbrella
Summary: It’s pouring out and Qrow has no umbrella. Luckily, the cute, new guy at the apartment complex is willing to share his. [Modern AU]
~
Qrow liked to think of his mornings as chaotically organized.
That is to say that he got up at 6:40 sharp every morning, spent 5 minutes on downing a burning cup of instant coffee, 12 minutes on his bathroom routine, and was out the lobby doors of the apartment complex by 7:02 to catch the 7:10 bus that was two blocks away. He had it down to an art, always was on time without failure every day; and though he’d probably benefit from turning his clock back even five minutes to avoid rush, why change something that wasn’t broken?
Problem was, being so precise with his schedule didn’t leave for any opportunity to make last minute adjustments. Like, for example, grabbing an umbrella. Or a coat.
Qrow stood in the foyer that acted as a go-between to the lobby and the outside world, sourly staring at the sheets of rain coming down in thick torrents from the sky. As he pulled out his phone, hoping by some miracle he had three minutes to spare, he stepped aside as he heard the door open behind him to get out of the way of whomever it was.
7:02 AM laughed back at him.
“Shit.” He grumbled.
“Everything alright?”
He jumped, looking over to the person who’d joined him in the foyer. Brunette hair, teal eyes, and an easy-going smile greeted him in return. He instantly recognized him as the new guy who’d taken Maria Calavera’s old apartment when she’d moved out into assisted living earlier on this month (A fact he was a bit salty about – he liked that old codger). Qrow also happened to already know his name because, by habit one day, he went to go get Maria’s mail for her and found a new name etched on the box: Clover Ebi.
He’d caught a few glances of him in passing, but this was his first up-close contact and the realization hit him hard over how unforgivably handsome he was.
“Uh, yeah.” He avoided his gaze when he realized he was staring. “Just, forgot it was going to rain, is all.”
“Oh. That’s unfortunate.”
Qrow snorted. “Buddy, that’s my middle name. Anyways, see ya.” He offered him a wave before walking into the storm. He ducked his head as the rain instantly assaulted him, feeling cold spikes hit along the back of his neck and exposed arms. He sighed, crossing his arms and hunching over as he started his miserable walk to the bus stop, knowing he was going to be drenched by the time he got there.
Or so he thought, until a shadow fell over him, the rain blocked from above.
“You know, I had thought you were going to go back up and grab a coat at least. You’ll catch your death of cold going out like that.”
He tilted his head up, spotting the turquoise umbrella with little, happy aquatic creatures patterned along it, then to the one who had offered it. “Don’t have time. I’ll miss the bus.”
Clover’s smile hadn’t faltered, even as he was pelted by the rain. “Where ya headed? I’ll walk you there.”
Despite the chill in the air, he could feel heat creeping up his neck. “Don’t you have anywhere else to be?”
Wow, real grateful. Good job Qrow. A+ social skills.
But if it offended the other, he didn’t show it, stepping closer so he could hide under the umbrella as well. “Actually, I’m running early. I don’t mind, really.”
“I uh, well, sure, thanks.” He said articulately, his sociability surely continuing to impress.
“Lead the way.” As they started down the street, shoulders nearly touching, he offered. “I’m Clover, by the way.”
“Qrow.” He replied. With his profile now in his sight-line, it made him realize his left ear was pierced, a little silver shamrock twinkling there. Huh, cute. “Soo,” He drawled, feigning obliviousness, “You just moved in, didn’t you?”
“Yep, all the way from Montana.” Clover replied.
“Montana?” He felt his eyebrows shoot towards his hairline, easily picturing lush forests and grand mountain ranges and snow fall ten feet deep. He had to wonder if the guy also had a deer head mounted on the wall and a bearskin rug in his living room. “That’s quite a move. Why’d you come out all this way? It not like Wilmington is the Los Angeles of North Carolina.”
Clover laughed. It was a very nice sound that had Qrow’s heart pattering harder than the rain along their nylon shelter. “That’s an interesting way of putting it. Honestly though? The beach.”
“Okay, fair.” He conceded. Wrightsville Beach was less than an hour away from here, and was the one of the east coast’s most beautiful tourist attractions for a reason. The stunning, deep blue water and wide sandy banks were easy attractions to an appreciative eye and had a calming effect on the soul. Back during his more insomniac years in Uni, Qrow would oftentimes head down there just to capture the sunrises on his easel.
“I’ve always loved the sea, so when my job offered a relocation opportunity out here, I knew I’d be stupid not to take it.” Clover continued. “Kind of hoping for some time off to rent a boat, maybe do some fishing.”
Well, now the aquatic creatures above them made more sense.
Qrow stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying to keep them warm. “You fish?”
“I know, it’s about the most boring thing you’ve ever heard, right?” He joked.
He rolled his shoulders in a shrug, focusing more on the cracks in the concrete as he hesitantly admitted, “Actually, I uh, I bird watch.”
Immediately as the words flew out of his mouth, he regretted them. Of all the things he could have said! What was he thinking, telling this cute guy about his dumb, weird hobby? Now, he probably thought he was about as drab as a broken lamp.
“Really?”
…So then why did he sound so awestruck?
Qrow swallowed his nerves. “Yeah, my parents were ornithologists and they were a little obsessed with their work. It’s why they named me and my sis after birds. Raven hated it.” He did another shoulder roll, feeling that blush creeping up on him again. “But my parents were always so fascinated and one day I decided I wanted to try and see what was so special about ‘em and well, I didn’t care for all the science and stuff, but I liked watching them fly and build nests. I even learned how to do a few calls.”
“Really?” Clover’s eyes widened. “Can I hear one?”
“What? No!” Now he was positive the blush was on his face.
“I won’t laugh, I promise.”
He just shook his head even more vehemently.
“Alright, then I guess I’ll just have to improvise.”
What?
Clover cupped a hand over his mouth, took a deep breath, and then let out a series of loud squawks. “Caw-caw! Caw-caw!”
Qrow watched him a moment, briefly flabbergasted, and then just started to laugh. “What in the hell are you doing?”
“Bird-calling.” He replied innocently.
“That is not bird calling.”
“Well then,” He lent forward in the small space the umbrella offered, his smile coy. “Guess I got to learn from the master.”
Yep. He was red a tomato, for sure. “Alright, jeez, you swindler. I’ll do one.” Ignoring the way Clover’s face lit up like a damn Christmas tree, Qrow regretfully unearthed his hands from their temporary warmth. He thought over which one to do that was both easy for him but also impressive. “Okay, this’ll be a canary.”
He’d learned how to do that one in high school, and it taken him months to get it just right. The moment he did though, he belted it out randomly in the halls, enjoying the slight chaos it caused the other kids as they tried to find the source of the noise. Just like he used to back then, he pressed the pinkies of both hands to his lips, curled back his tongue a bit, and whistled through them, vibrating his vocal chords just enough to make the sharp trill of the bright yellow bird, the sound easily piercing over the falling rain.
Unlike his classmates though, Clover wasn’t fooled by who had made the noise. “Wow.” He breathed. “That was spectacular.”
“Ehehe, not really.” Qrow rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yes really.” He knocked his arm gently with the umbrella stem. “Don’t cut yourself so short. I bet that was hard to learn how to do.”
How was this guy so nice? Helplessly, he scrambled to respond, “I mean, not as hard as the seagull.” At the other’s sudden, eager grin, he gave a firm, “No.”
“Aah, alright.” Clover surrendered, “We’re almost at the stop anyways.”
Qrow glanced forward, spotting the familiar black structure just a few feet away. As the approached it, he ducked under the curved roof that functioned as a blissful shelter form the rain, and turned back to the man who had gotten him here, realizing this was probably goodbye.
He was surprised by how disappointed he suddenly felt.
“Uh, thanks, for, you know.” He said, gesturing around himself as words again failed him. There was a reason he never took public speaking in school.
“It was no trouble, really.” Clover replied, that easygoing smile back on his face.
He crossed his arms, rubbing the exposed skin idly. “Guess I’ll see you around?”
“Yeah – oh, wait.” Suddenly, the other stepped into the shelter with him, flipping his umbrella upside down and leaning it up against the bench. Then in one smooth motion, he yanked the green hoodie up and over his back, running a hand through his hair to fix the little quiff at the front.
Qrow’s brain short-circuited because whoa, muscles.
Clover held it out to him. “Here, you can borrow this.”
“Huh?” He looked from those nicely toned arms to the offering to his eyes, suddenly catching up to the situation. “No, I couldn’t.”
“I have time to go back and get another. Besides,” He winked, short circuiting Qrow’s brain again, “It’s not like you don’t know where I live.”
Oh. Oooh.
Qrow was experienced enough to recognize the gesture for what it really was: a surefire guarantee that they’d run into each other again.
Now how could he ever refuse that?
“Suppose I do.” He quipped back as suave as he could. He took the hoodie, pulling it on. It smelt like pine, heady and rich and despite their similar heights, it still dwarfed his leaner frame. Some of the other’s body heat still lingered in the fabric and he couldn’t help but melt into the much-needed warmth. He fingered one of the strings, trying to remain casual as he subtly offered, “I’ll return it tonight. Around…?”
“6:30.” Clover rested the umbrella back on his shoulder, expression just as sly. “Maybe we could catch some dinner too?”
Qrow felt his stomach flutter, face easing into a grin. “I’d like that.”
“Then it’s a date.” As he stepped back out into the rain, he winked at him again. “See you soon pretty bird.”
“See you.” He returned, watching the other leave, eyes scanning along his backside and appreciating the view.
Despite the dreary beginnings, it was shaping up to be a great morning after all.
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1, 2, 4, 10, 20!!
Tell us about your current project(s) – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it?
Oh boy so I’m sure I must have mentioned it at some point but I won’t turn down a chance to ramble about it again: me and @regalpotato are working on a Day of the Doctor rewrite and I’m pretty psyched about it! Basically, Eight is there rather than War (although War does make an appearance!) and also River is there, because Duh, and there are other Things going on that are different from the episode/novel, but that’s spoilers and also still partially cooking in my brain, lol. It’s at 11k-ish right now but still pretty early in the story, too early to probably say what I will love most. But I’m having a ton of fun with it, especially the dialogue, and currently torturing Ten in every way I can think of. You know, lovingly torturing. For the most part.
That is the really big thing I’m excited about, but I do still have two prompts left from a couple weeks back (I didn’t forget you, anons!) and those are milling around in my head too waiting for inspiration to strike.
2. Tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project
No secret that I love writing multi-Doctor / River stories, and in fact having somewhat recently finished an 8 and 11 / River fic I will have to be on my toes to not repeat myself too much haha. But I just love getting everyone together and letting them yell at each other for a while - the best honestly - and then later we get Revealing Conversations about Feelings, as well as POV changing chapters. Not to overhype it but! I think it’s gonna be fun!
Putting the rest under a cut because I am long-winded lol.
4. Share a sentence or paragraph from your writing that you’re really proud of (explain why, if you like)
Hmmm I’ll pick something I like from the WIP that’s all my writing - this is from Night of the Doctor with Eight and Ohila, but it’s diverged from the original script here and iirc pretty much all new dialogue for Eight. I don’t normally write this sort of Doctor speech because I’m usually doing romance, but I can hear Paul McGann righteously shouting/soliloquizing in my head so I’m pretty happy with it:
***
“What would you have me do?” the Doctor hissed. “What does your broken prophecy foretell? That I become one more loyal soldier in Gallifrey’s glorious army? I can join this fight and take a thousand lives, die a thousand deaths, and this war will still go on. The universe doesn’t need another soldier!”
“Not a soldier,” said the Sister, “a warrior, with the power you’ve refused to wield. You could have destroyed the Daleks before they were even created.”
“Yes, I could have done. And I didn’t, because I have no right! Whatever it is you think you can turn me into, Sister, you’ll continue to be disappointed. Because there’s one person who is always needed in a war: a good doctor, willing to help whomever they can. No matter if they’re despised, or called traitor— no matter who they lose or how many times they fail! There will always be more lives to save, and I’ll be there, helping, wherever I can. I only hope I’m strong enough to carry on doing it half as well as another doctor I knew.”
***
(Yes of course we have Liv Chenka references!)
10. How would you describe your writing process?
It takes me forever to get ideas, but once I have a sort of general amorphous direction for the story and an emotional starting point for the characters, I just jump in. And then I keep getting shower thoughts about more and more stuff happening and what was supposed to just be some fun fluff starts growing a plot and getting wildly out of hand and this is just my life. I am very much not in control.
20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)
Ohhhh this is such a good question! Definitely going with There is a love I reminisce because there’s a lot going on under the surface in that fic and not all of it stated super explicitly. So um, huge spoilers below if you haven’t read it!
Manhattan and Trenzalore (both times) are essentially retconned, through a combination of River’s innate abilities and Eleven going around the timeline trying to do better after being confronted with his shortcomings in TNOTD. How the Doctor survived Utah is explained and it’s not because he was in a stupid robot. It spawns an implied post-Library reunion with River, Eleven and the Doctor’s oft-referenced and never quantified or named children from Gallifrey. It implies a different resolution to the Hybrid thing and an alternate series 10. And of course it uses BF’s far-superior Ravenous 4 plot twist to preemptively annihilate the timeless children crap, and a combination of Ravenous 4 and Doom Coalition 4 to make River basically a time goddess. But maybe my favorite thing was giving life to this headcanon of mine. IT CANNOT BE REFUTED! They’ve never said ANYTHING specific about his family so it’s free real estate baby!
***
“Yes, sorry to harp on about this, honey, but I think we can discuss the regeneration semantics later,” River cut in. “You’re saying I came back from your future to your distant past and just… stayed?”
“Well… yes, I think so. There were certain things we couldn’t discuss. I had always just assumed that I’d reached the end of my last regeneration and you weren’t too pleased with that, so… You know, describing it now, it does seem very irresponsible. But I don’t recall having any complaints.”
“No, I shouldn’t think you would.” River smiled, but her mind was racing. “How would that even work? Eventually, we’d come back round to when we first met on your end, and what, I wipe myself out of your memories? Selectively, for your entire lifetime? I think you might notice a little thing like that.”
“I suppose you must have had a plan for it, but I can’t remember it now. I just remember the two of us, together through the centuries.” He smiled fondly and River felt like the ache in her chest would strangle her. “I remember our family.”
“Our what?” she cried, as the older Doctor had a sudden choking fit.
“Our family. Our children and…” Dread slowly dawned on the young Doctor’s sweet face. “Oh, please, no,” he whispered. “Don’t tell me they’re… No, this happened! It happened in both versions of my memories!” He looked to his older self, panic-stricken. “Tell me you remember!”
“You had a family,” River soothed, as Babyface stumbled over his own tongue. “It just wasn’t with me.”
“What?” he laughed incredulously. “Who else would it be?”
“Your first wife, sweetie. I’m your second. Well, the second one that counts.”
“No, that’s— I’m sorry, that’s nonsense.” He turned to the older Doctor again. “You can’t tell her, is that it? Because she hasn’t done it yet? I’m sorry, River, maybe I shouldn’t have—”
“No!” Babyface shouted, finally collecting himself. “Yes, we— I had a family, on Gallifrey, before I ever left. River wasn’t there, obviously, because that’s not how anything works!”
“Who, then?” the young Doctor demanded. “Who was your first wife?”
“I— I— she was—” He opened and closed his mouth silently, looking increasingly horrified.
“You don’t like to talk about it,” River explained. “She passed away.”
“Yes, but just between me and myself,” the young Doctor pressed on with an utter absence of tact that made it easier than ever to see this was the same man before her, “who was she? And your children, what were their names?”
River hesitated, watching as the older Doctor wrestled with himself. These were details not even she had ever asked him for. She knew the general outline, of course, and that was enough. It was a hurt so deep and so impossibly ancient, she couldn’t truly imagine how distant it must be for him now. No sense in forcing him to open that door and dwell on it again.
“I, I don’t,” he finally muttered, looking almost fearful, “I don’t talk about it. I don’t think about it.”
“You’ve forgotten them,” the young Doctor said, voice low and furious. “How could you?”
“S-Susan,” Babyface stammered, wide-eyed. “I left Gallifrey with Susan.”
A relieved smile flashed across the young Doctor’s face. “And where did you suppose she came from?”
“No, she… I don’t…” Chair legs scraped abruptly across the tile as the older Doctor bolted up from his seat, white-faced, and stumbled back from the table.
“Doctor?” River stood, her hearts racing.
His eyes met hers for a split second, the strange terror in them sending a chill through her, and then he was gone like a shot.
“Doctor!” She made to chase after him, but his younger version was still clasping her hand.
“He’ll be fine,” he reassured her. “He’s just working it out.”
“Working it out?” she repeated, too stunned to reach out and grasp for the obvious. She turned to him in a daze. He smiled, and for a fleeting moment she fancied she could see the long contentment of a life she’d never dared dream of, etched in each little line on his older, younger face.
“I told you, River.” He laid his other hand over hers, warm and steady. “It was always you.”
***
#thank you so much for these they were great questions!!#i need to like shut up though these are such long answers lollllll#amillionmillionvoices
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Ah. What a game this has been so far.
Now I had a million thoughts I wanted to share as this played out, lord knows I’ll forget a good portion of them but that’s the nature of my own ineptitude- plenty of things I’ll remember MILES after this post or only if prompted in a specific way and that’s just how it is.
To start- this isn’t the end of DQ11 for the blog just yet. I usually don’t dive into post game unless it feels right or people ask and I’m convinced- and more or less both happened this time. It does feel right- I have definite goals I want to tackle before saying I’m happy with what I did here- and more than one person has mentioned that the post game is worth touching so I’ll be doing that.
Also, for those unfamiliar with my long winded utter mess of a finale post style I go for- this is a lot of rambling as I try my best to touch on my thoughts on the game overall because I like to share. Feel free to just press “J” on your keyboard and skip right passed this- I know **I** struggle to focus my eyes to read long winded posts so I won’t blame you.
Also also, in order to try and spark some of those thoughts I had during this recording the first bit is gonna be me re-watching it as I wait on the video to finish processing and saying what comes up.
To start- really wish there was a save point there lol. I get that it’s a painfully easy backtrack to the save point at the start of the castle- but still, I like convenience.
The Dark Lord’s first form is a huge step up from his form before absorbing Yggdrasil and this first form fight was fun and had me itching to say some good things about it but honestly? I want to save praise for the fight that deserves it- phase 2.
PHASE TWO THOUGH!? GOD TIER RPG FIGHT.
I’ve seen better, sure, but come on, we’ve ALL seen better at all times on all things especially considering preferences coming into it- this was a 10/10 boss fight, top to bottom.
Design? Beautiful. Even continued the DQ obsession with puns with his tail being Mordragon, that is so PERFECT so ‘chef kiss’ flawless and it’s just a name. I LOVE how he looks. I LOVE how he moves around the arena changing which head you’re facing.
I love how each had different strengths to contend with (which I abruptly fucked up, don’t call me out, I’ll prove I know what was going on right here and right now-). The dragon had strong melee and breath attacks while the dark lord himself had magic aplenty.
I even utilized swapping out for the first time ever not because I hadn’t seen the value beforehand (I’ve spoken on how interesting a strategic option it was seeing as every unit has unique moves to bring to the table and it costs nothing but ATB for that unit to do).
Now, I fucked that up, but I did it purely because this is the first fight up to this point that felt right to do so. It’s the first time the tactical value of switching out to buff defenses with Hendrik outvalued ignoring that option and maintaining my ATB on whomever I would switch out. THAT FELT SO GOOD! And then I let my braindead fingers buff defense on a magic phase and you see the point. It was brilliant but I was not!
I did end up ignoring the option after a few turns not because the value wasn’t there, but because he ALSO spams stat neutralizing moves which made me reconsider focusing so heavily on buffs and instead focusing on maintaining steady heals (mostly with Hustle dance).
This fight? Beautiful. I loved every second of it. I loved adjusting my playstyle on the fly, I loved finding my footing. I just loved it.
Beyond that- the ending. I got a chuckle out of how abrupt the credits come in. It seems to wind up for an end sequence only for Erik to say “Well, let’s go home” and it cuts to the credits- but THEN the credits ARE the end sequence so it wasn’t ACTUALLY as abrupt as it seemed, but it got a laugh out of me.
Now those credit scenes? I’m a sucker for games that make you fall in love with the characters and this was an ending catering to those characters. Not too much to say outside of “I was smiling the entire time” which is true.
There were a couple moments in that sequence that I said aloud “JUST HUG HIM YOU COWARD” to various characters, like Hero and Rab, or the two dorks (hero and Gemma), etc.
And they played on the mystique of the post game’s content well enough to pull people in I’d say- certainly more than what I recall DQ8 doing with the dragon trials.
I am probably wrong, but I recall the game drawing next to no attention to that post game content aside from a few moments in the game dragging you to the location only to not let you access it (hinting at more being there).
Anyway.
Honestly, after rambling about the video itself I feel a lot of what I wanted to say about DQ11 was said during the playthrough just fine. I rarely feel that way.
DQ11 was fun.
As a DQ fan, you can best believe I had fun.
As a stick in the mud who is disillusioned toward the game industry and doesn’t like a lot of the filth that accumulates within it- I obviously have a few negative thoughts on the game, but there really aren’t perfect games so much as perfect experiences based on how it affected you.
And I’ve voiced those annoyances plenty I think. For completion sake there are cut corners on animations that seem off when other places have a ton of attention to detail, that’s like bottom rung “I don’t actually give a shit” stuff though.
The bigger problems were Sugiyama is a horrible piece of human garbage and the game is lesser because of his influence on it. There are plenty of reasons behind that both big and small. Big- it feels gross having a human shitsack touching this game after having been so vocal for years- there are replacements at the ready and we still have his LGBT hating, war crime denying fingers handling the music? Shameful.
Small (but man did it fucking suck) being that every five minutes I was annoyed at the music in this game. It sounds Bad. And I mean both orchestral and midi, it’s not great compared to anything he made before for DQ, but the fact that it’s midi in this is EAR BLISTERING.
I’m not one to listen close to most music while playing for whatever reason- and I admit that knowing who’s responsible is half of why my ears tuned it in instead of tuning it out, but man I couldn’t help it and it sucks.
The same 3 second ear rattling loops are ALL OVER THE PLACE. Grandiose moments are cut short by bland midi tunes. MAIN STORY MOMENTS ARE LACKING MUSIC ALTOGETHER FOR SOME REASON? When the hero gets the flute and plays it for the first time it just DIDN’T MAKE A NOISE? Subsequent uses of the flute made a noise, but not the main first cutscene?
It’s a whole thing.
And don’t make me get that dirty capitalist pain in my chest over the fact the S version was released 2 months after this and includes so much content that SCREAMS “This already existed and we diced and quartered it specifically to create the illusion of ‘value’ for this release”. Disgusting, man. :/
Gameplay wise, the biggest complaint I have is so loaded and half hearted but I have to say it anyway.
DQ is good because it’s simple.
DQ can also be a little lacking because it’s simple.
This was the second most fun I’ve had playing a main series DQ game (DQIII just hits right), and it definitely has better gameplay (so my opinion is subjective) than the one I prefer to this. But it was also a bit too simple... But you can’t change that and be DQ, it’s complicated.
To just say it- other than the final boss every encounter was a bit too easy. And I know I overlevel, I know that’s the point, I know there’s a hard mode modifier- I KNOW, but the final boss was REALLY GOOD AND still not too hard, so the fact that most every other encounter did the minimum or the minimum +1 is a little tiny (just a bit) disappointing because the gameplay could have been that much better.
But. That could just be my head spinning tales and being a biased asshole especially since I’m not offering any solution here and I’m admitting it’s both “better than my favorite gameplay in the main series” and “probably can’t be made more involved without losing DQ simplicity”.
But I’d kill for some different or new systems on top of this- dual and triple techs from Chrono instead of RNG pep, bosses with more varied strategies instead of “stun 2-3 and do raid wide attack”.
A reason to care about elemental damage (both incoming and outgoing), plenty of little things that would just make the already solid as hell combat more interesting to participate in.
Story was honestly fantastic. I didn’t know how I was going to end that until I just let it come. It was. This is the best DQ story thus far, and not to limit it to that scope- this was a GOOD DAMNED STORY overall and I’ve played a fuckload of games with good stories.
Before this I was a sucker for the original trilogy’s overarching story, which is unfair because that’s 3 games and that’s an old story and it’s only “good” because it’s unprecedented. But this is just plain great.
It writes such beautiful characters- it tackles a variety of conflicts both big and small- you have Sylv and his dad, you have a possessed king declaring his daughter Jade dead and Jade knowingly betraying him without knowing he’s possessed, you have Erik giving up on life and only putting himself so deeply into this adventure as a means of escape, you have Hendrik’s loyalty being- I can’t pretend Hendrik fits in he’s fucking stupid and needs to ask questions because loyalty for the sake of loyalty isn’t interesting at all lol.
You have Rab believing the world is doomed and doing all he can with Jade up until they find you are alive. You have the INCREDIBLE story of Veronica and Serena- you have all these intensely lovable and understandable characters (and Hendrik) and the story is so much more about them than just about the dark lord and the hero.
It’s so much more about each of their conflicts and growth because all of that is HOW the hero will defeat the dark lord.
It’s just so much more... investing than any of the stories I’ve had in DQ before and strong as hell amongst stories beyond just DQ.
I loved this. It was emotional at times, it was downright depressing at times which I wouldn’t expect DQ to successfully hit, it was downright rewarding getting to know these characters and I feel fantastic having beaten this.
This game is fucking good. I finally understand why some people have told me this is their favorite DQ now. It... yeah I think it might be mine too.
I’d be much more likely to revisit DQ3 than this because it’s shorter and has a specific kind of RPG (class based with freely recruited partners instead of named party members) I find more fun to revisit, but yeah, I think I agree.
I think for main-series DQs this is it, this is my favorite. It has to be, right? It’s got so many INCREDIBLE story moments and it’s pretty and it plays great- yeah. Hell, Sylvando as a character and Serena and Veronica’s arc BY THEMSELVES convince me of that.
Still got nothing on DWM and DWM 2 on the GBC, WOOOOT! Didn’t expect this post to divert from a serious closing thoughts (despite there being a few more posts to come) topic to posting this did you?
Behold the true faces of DQ perfection.
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Chapter Four: Mission Hills - Part 1
Would You Call That Love
Pairing: Chris Evans x Raina Morrison (OC)
Rating: PG to PG-13 (Might be 18+ for some chapters)
Description: There was always that one person Chris Evans tended to turn to when he was not in a committed relationship, Raina Morrison. He could confide in her about things going on in his life that he did not feel comfortable talking to his family or close friends about. Chris and Raina were able to establish a way to openly communicate with one another, but also being respectful of the other’s time and needs. It was the only constant “relationship” he had, but without all the nonsense of trying to build a life together. A “friends with benefits” situation. However, what happens when Chris starts rethinking his “relationship” with Raina and if either are willing to pursue something more?
Chapter Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Swearing and some sexual content.
Word Count: 3,400
Author’s Note: This chapter is a flashback to Chris’s 33rd birthday. It dives deeper into Chris and Raina’s friendship and how it became sexual.
Feedback is always welcomed. If you want to be tagged, please let me know.
Sadly, I do not know Chris Evans or anyone in his family and this is just a fictional take on his life. I do not permit this fic to be reposted on other platforms.
Again, thanks to @southerngracela for the support.
Updated for grammar and punctuation edits.
Press Release – June 10, 2014
SUPERSTARS TO ATTEND THE MISSION HILLS WORLD CELEBRITY PRO-AM TOURNAMENT IN CHINA
Sporting legends and golfing greats are not the only ones heading to China for the annual Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am tournament. An abundance of Hollywood superstars will also be making appearances. The eagerly awaited week-long event not only highlights golf but glamour and socializing with the Who’s Who of show business and elite sporting personalities.
While the tournament does not officially begin until October 24 with a red carpet and cocktail reception to celebrate the opening ceremony, followed by a gala dinner, the festivities will begin early on October 23, where celebrities will be able to partake in a football-golf challenge.
Oscar Winners Morgan Freemen and Nicole Kidman are expected to make appearances, and Captain America actor Chris Evans and stunning actress/entrepreneur Jessica will also participate in the event. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Raina, will also be in attendance and is slated to perform at the opening ceremony celebration.
June 13, 2014
“Why are you making that face?” Chris asked Raina when he saw the irate look on her face.
“I’m not making a face,” she replied, shrugging her shoulders and sipping her drink as they watched their friends laugh and enjoy themselves.
“You are too,” Chris pointed out and added, “What, are you upset that I was talking to those girls over there?”
Raina scoffed and rolled her eyes, “I don’t care who you talk to. You’re a grown man. You can talk to whomever you like. It’s your birthday, so you can dick down every girl that you come into contact with tonight. You’re no longer with Minka, so you are a free man. Soak it all up, Evans! Cheers to you! You big ol’ slut!”
“You’re drunk. How about you go sit this one out and relax. Get some food in you,” Chris instructed with a condescending tone.
“Fuck you! Don’t you fucking patronize me, Evans. I may be a lightweight when it comes to drinking, but I’m not drunk. Dickhead!” Raina shouted over the loud music.
“You’re weird!” Chris shouted as well.
“You’re weird!” Raina retorted lamely.
She hated fighting with Chris over stupid things. Normally, she did not care if he flirted with girls as she had seen do it many times over the years. Recently, however, Raina started to look at Chris in a whole new light. It was getting to a point where she could no longer deny her attraction towards her friend.
To Raina, Chris was not only handsome but kind and generous towards everyone he met. There were just so many attractive qualities about Chris that Raina could not help but find him desirable. He was always there when she needed him, especially after the death of her mother. In fact, the entire Evans clan showed Raina support and extended invitations to her for family gatherings and festivities. Lisa ended up becoming a second mom to Raina, which the younger woman really welcomed. That is why Raina knew that she could not act on her developing feelings for Chris as she could end up losing more than just a friendship, but a family.
“Hey, what’s going on over here. I swear you could cut the sexual tension with a knife,” Scott walked over to intervene. He slid an arm around Raina and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek to help take the edge off and resumed with, “Come on now, there is no need for you two to be fighting. It is a time for celebration. Raina, it’s your turn. We are losing, by the way. If you get the ball in, then we are on our way to catching up.”
For his birthday, Chris and his friends all headed to Las Vegas. It was a nice break for Chris, who was currently filming Avengers: Age of Ultron. While the time off would be short, Chris definitely needed it. Getting the chance to hang out with his family and friends from Sudbury was the time Chris cherished most deeply. While he had friends in the entertainment industry, they were not exactly a part of his close inner circle.
He tended to keep his “Hollywood” friends separate from his “real” friends, so to speak. However, there was only one person who was able to infiltrate both circles. Raina. She was different. She was able to fit comfortably within his world. Not only did she get along with his family, but his friends adored the singer as well. Raina could definitely hold her own amongst the rambunctious Bay Staters. So, it was no surprise that Raina joined in the birthday festivities.
The gang was currently hanging out at the MGM Grand’s top nightlife hotspots, Level Up, which could be considered a tech-savvy adult Chucky Cheese. From pool tables to traditional arcade games with a 21st-century twist, and of course, slot machines, Leve Up was a great start to Chris’s birthday celebration. Currently, a game of beer pong was in play. Scott, Raina, her cousin Mercedes, and Tara were on one team. While Chris, Adam, Brett, and JD were on another.
“Let’s go, Rai! You’re up!” Tara shouted while JD, Sean, Adam, and Brett began to heckle playfully.
Mercedes stepped aside and handed her a ping pong ball. Getting into position, Raina lightly tossed the ball and landed in one of the other team’s red cups with ease.
“Drink up, boys!” Raina cheered alongside Tara and Mercedes.
“Woohoo! That’s my boo!” Scott praised joyfully.
“Evans, you better get your ass over here and drink up!” Tara yelled out.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m going to. Don’t worry about me,” he replied.
As the game continued with his team losing, Chris stepped away to get something else to drink from the bar. Scott excused himself to follow his brother.
“Chris, I know it is your birthday, but maybe for tonight, you cool it with the flirting with random girls, especially around Raina. Or try to be at least more subtle about it,” he reprimanded.
“I don’t get why she cares. She never has before,” said Chris as he took a swig of his whiskey.
Scott just gave his brother a look and said, “You really are clueless.”
“What the Hell is that supposed to mean? Why am I clueless?”
Scott turned his back and walked away from Chris and replied simply with, “Clueless.”
Meanwhile, Raina was in a side conversation with Mercedes. “He doesn’t have any standards when it comes to flirting with girls. It’s like, if you have pair of tits and a nice ass, then you are fair game,” she ranted on.
Mercedes just laughed and asked, “Why do you care?”
“I don’t. It’s just…he needs to be more careful with who he associates himself with. More than likely, those girls posted all over Twitter about meeting Chris and how he flirted with them. His fans see those tweets and the pics those girls posted, and they all get in a tizzy about him being in Vegas for his birthday. They’re probably wondering who he is with, and it just turns into a clusterfuck.”
Mercedes continued to laugh at her cousin’s temper tantrum, “You’re really cute, Rai. I forget how innocent and naïve you tend to be.”
“Bitch, please! What are you talking about? I’m not naïve. Naïve about what?” she asked.
“You like Chris. It’s okay. I mean, what is there not to like about him. He’s gorgeous, charming, and a total sweetheart. I saw how he was there for you and Uncle George when Aunt Marie died. Chris is an all-around good person. So, it is no surprise if you developed stronger feelings towards him. No one could blame you,” explained Mercedes and left her cousin alone to mull things over.
Later that night, as the group went to dinner at Crush, Chris and Raina barely spoke or looked at one another. It was putting Chris in a shitty mood. He hated when Raina was upset with him.
“What’s going on with Rai? Is she alright?” Tara, who was sitting next to Chris at the table in the private room, asked.
“Ask her,” Chris merely replied sullenly.
Tara slid an arm around Chris and kissed him on the cheek. “Buck up. She’ll get over whatever it is that’s bothering her. She loves you too much just to let you go,” she told him.
“Thanks, Tara. I know she will. She needs time to cool off. She’s got a lot of stress going on with getting the tour ready and everything. It always causes her stress and worries,” Chris explained as he stole a glance or two at Raina, who was sitting between his brother and her cousin.
Tara merely smiled at Chris and patted him on the back, “You’re incredibly soft on her. She is lucky to have you as a friend. We all are. We love you, Christopher, even though you can be a shithead sometimes.”
Chris barked out a laugh which drew Raina’s attention to him. She could not help but smile and feel at ease whenever she saw Chris happy. It was irresistible and infectious.
“You know what else you two should try? Sex. Like, get it out of your systems and move along with being friends,” Mercedes piped in unexpectedly. Luckily, she spoke low, so no one could hear what she suggested, except for Scott, who was sitting right next to her.
“I agree,” said Scott and added, “Sometimes a good fuck can really help.”
Raina was shocked at how coarse the two were being.
“Will you two stop it. You’re very…inappropriate. Mercedes, I expected a little more from you. I can’t believe you, of all people, would ever suggest that I sleep with Chris,” Raina whispered. “Scott, you better wipe that shit-eating grin off your face. Both of you better stop and concentrate on what you are going to get to eat.”
“What sounds good to you, Rai?” Chris asked, speaking loudly enough so she could hear him over the chatter.
Looking over at him, Raina answered in an even tone, “The cheesesteak dumplings on the starter section of the menu. What’s caught your eye?”
“Uh…either the New York sirloin or filet mignon.”
“Ooh, those sound good. I’ll probably do the cheesesteak dumplings and side of fries.”
“You’ll give me taste right,” Chris asked with his lips pouted and made sure to put on the puppy dog eyes.
The annoyance Raina had for Chris earlier had now melted away when she looked at his sweet face.
“Anything for the birthday boy,” She replied happily with a smile.
After dinner, the gang headed straight to Hakkasan, the main nightclub at the MGM Grand. The oversized VIP booth surrounded the dance floor, allowing participants to be right in the center of all the action. The atmosphere of the club was high-energy. One of the VIP waitresses took everyone’s drink order, with JD ordering a round of shots for everyone to toast Chris.
“To our boy, Chris. One of the most loyal, genuine, and kind-hearted people I know. I think everyone would agree with me on that assumption. You haven’t allowed Hollywood or anyone to change you. You are still that same scrawny kid from Sudbury. We love you, brother,” JD professed to the group.
Everyone cheered and knocked down their shot glasses. Chris gave JD a strong pat on the back and engulfed him in a big hug. “Thanks for that, man. Means a lot.”
“It’s nothing but the truth,” JD replied.
With the drinks flowing, everyone was feeling good. Whatever drama Chris and Raina had her was long forgotten as she sat next to him on one of the couches in their VIP area. The two were laughing and having a fun time, like always.
“Are we still up for golf practice tomorrow at Top Golf?” she asked him.
“Yeah, sure. You still want to go, right?”
“Yeah, I want to go. I need all of the practice I can get. I don’t want to embarrass myself at Mission Hills completely. I can’t believe we are both going to that event,” Raina said as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
“It should be fun. I know we’ll have a good time,” Chris told her as he placed a hand on Raina’s leg. He began using his thumb to make circular motions on her inner thigh.
Raina noticed Chris’s hand position was beginning to make her think of all kinds of dirty thoughts. Like, if he moved his hand up higher and began rubbing her clit. It was dark enough that no one would notice them. Then Raina imagined him slipping a finger in her pussy. She wondered how many fingers he could get in. It has been a long while since Raina had sex. Here she was fantasizing about her best friend fingering her while in the accompaniment of their friends.
“Everything okay?” Chris asked when he saw Raina breathing a little heavier.
“Yeah, it’s just… it’s sweltering in here all of a sudden.”
“Do you feel an anxiety attack coming along?” Chris questioned.
Raina could hear the genuine concern in his voice. “No, it isn’t that at all. It’s just…” Raina began to say but got lost in Chris’s blue eyes. She looked at his plump lips. Letting all of her inhibitions go, Raina moved her head closer to Chris and placed her lips on his.
There was a battle of voices inside her head as she kissed Chris. One voice was yelling at her that she was an idiot and to pull away. In contrast, the other voice cheered Raina on for having the guts to take the initiative. Thankfully, the battle ceased when Chris proceeded to kiss her back. Chris took it one step further when he slowly slipped his tongue in Raina’s mouth. He moved one of his hands in her hair and gave it a soft tug while his other hand made its way down her back. Soon, Raina felt that hand slide up under her shirt. She pulled back.
“I think…I think need to get…I need some air,” Raina said as she tried to catch her breath.
“I’ll go with you,” Chris replied and stood up. He helped Raina up as well and began to lead her out of the club. Chris made sure to let Scott know that he and Raina were leaving.
“Everything okay?” Scott asked, concerned.
“Yeah, everything is fine. We need some air, that’s all. Thanks for everything. It was a great birthday,” Chris said and hugged his brother goodnight.
As they made their way out of the club, Chris wrapped in arm around Raina’s waist, which she reciprocated by doing the same. It was not uncommon for the two to be affectionate with one another; however, neither have taken it to the point where kissing was involved. Walking silently side-by-side, the two walked through the casino and towards the elevators.
“Did you have a nice birthday?” Raina asked to break the silence between the two.
“One of the bests. Thank you for coming. I know you are busy as well, but I really appreciate you coming along.”
“Of course. There’s no other place that I would rather be than…than here with you,” revealed Raina.
Chris just stared at Raina. There was nothing but love and adoration in her eyes. It was almost too much for him to handle. He slowly leaned in and captured her lips against his. This kiss was softer and sweeter. Neither felt that they had to rush or worry about being caught. They were in their own world.
When the elevator finally reached Raina’s floor, both broke away from one another and breathed a sigh of relief. Raina walked out first with Chris behind her. She shared a two-bedroom Skyloft with Mercedes and Tara while Chris was in the three-bedroom Skyloft with the guys.
When Raina stepped in front of her door, she turned back to Chris and asked, “Do you want to come in?”
Chris nodded his head.
Once inside the loft, Chris excused himself to the bathroom. He splashed water on his face to help relax.
“What are you doing? She is one of your best friends. You going to fuck it all up if you take this any further,” Chris quietly scolded himself. However, a part of him wanted to succumb to his desires. Chris would not deny that he thought Raina was stunning. She was also funny, charming, and self-deprecating. One of the things Chris loved about Raina was that she had no problem busting his balls. That is partly why she fits so well with his crew. She kept him grounded and on his toes.
Realizing he was spending too much time in the bathroom, Chris wiped his face with a towel and took deep breaths before remerging in the living area.
Raina was already seated on the couch, shoes off, and a beer resting on her lap.
“Everything alright?” she asked while flipping through the TV channels.
“Yeah, all good,” Chris responded with a chuckle.
Coming to terms that he did not want to leave, Chris kicked off his shoes and grabbed a beer from the bar’s mini-fridge. He made his way over to the couch and plopped right next to Raina.
Comfortable silence filled the room until Raina spoke up.
“I’m sorry I was a bitch to you earlier. I should not have said what I said,” she apologized.
Chris shrugged, “It’s okay.”
“No, it isn’t. It is not okay for me to talk to you like that, especially on your birthday. Of all days for me to be a total bitch, it had to be on your birthday.”
“Raina, I know you didn’t mean any of it,” Chris said to her.
“I’m…I tend to get very protective of you. I don’t want to see you hurt or taken advantage of, okay. I’m always going to look out for you, just like I know you’d do the same for me. I don’t want anything to come between our friendship,” Raina confessed and continued with, “That kiss at the club and elevator…well…I don’t want those incidents to make it weird between us. You’re one of the very few people with who I am comfortable around. I don’t have to be something or someone I am not. I don’t have to be ‘on’ while I am around you. You know what I’m saying?”
“I do. Nothing is going to come between us, Rai. I promise. Those kisses…they were nice. Great even. I don’t regret them. Hell, don’t be surprised if I kiss you again tonight,” He admitted flirtatiously.
“So, you wouldn’t stop me if I straddled your lap and began trailing kisses from your neck to your ear?” Raina asked sincerely.
When she saw no refusals from Chris, Raina placed her beer on the coffee table and got up to straddle Chris’s lap. He set his own beer on the side table and placed his hands on her hips. Chris groaned when Raina readjusted herself on his lap to get more comfortable.
“Oh, you like that, Evans? You want me to do that again?” Raina asked seductively as she began to grind herself against Chris’s bulge, which was starting to get hard.
“Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop,” he begged.
“I like hearing you beg.”
Chris ran his hands under Raina’s shirt and proceeded to pull it up over her head. When he saw her lacy black bra, Chris could not help himself and buried his head in her breasts. He cupped her left breast, squeezing it, and released its nipple from its contraption. Chris flicked his tongue on Raina’s freed nipple, to which she responded with a moan. She pulled back a little to unclasp her bra and toss it aside.
“Now you can have as much as you want, Christopher,” Raina purred in his ear.
Chris could not take it anymore. He was so close to spilling his load in his pants that he did not want to spoil the rest of the night.
He grabbed Raina roughly by the hair and kissed her deeply on the lips. Biting and sucking on her bottom lip, Chris finally let go when both needed to breathe and rested his forehead against Raina’s.
“Bedroom. Now!” He ordered with a slap to her ass, which Raina was more than happy to oblige.
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L’Artiste: 10
It takes you nearly two hours to read the whole article. It’s not that it’s a particularly long article but the lies in it make you see red. Steve is the only calm in the storm as your friends call, equally outraged, to check on you and see how you’re doing. He even manages to convince you to come hang out at the studio with him, you can bring your laptop and do some work from there but it’s away. Away from the gossip and the sympathetic faces.
It’s peaceful at the studio. There are four half completed pieces two of them are of the stunning model who had been here the first time you’d met Steve. One is a close up of her face, the picture clipped to the easel is all soft lighting. She looks ethereal. He’s got a sketch down but it’s not colored yet.
“It’s weird having someone who isn’t Bucky here with so many unfinished pieces.” Steve says softly from behind you. You glance at him over your shoulder and see a shy smile on his face.
“I’m really excited to see what this is going look like when it’s done.” You tell him gesturing to the pairing in front of you. “Do you always photograph first?”
“No, Natasha is extremely popular so I wanted to make sure I had something to work off of before she had to go. I didn’t know if I’d have time to book her again.”
“She’s stunning. I can’t believe you thought I was her.”
“You don’t see how gorgeous you are do you?” Steve asks softly, his arms snake around your waist and he pulls your back flush against his front.
“She’s a literal model Steve.”
“Yea, and she’s still got nothing on you.” He coos before pressing a soft kiss to the swoop of your neck.
“Flirt.” You murmur and he chuckles before kissing you under your ear. “Don’t you have some work to do?”
“No.” He says kissing your shoulder and you laugh softly. Only he has been able to pull you out of your head and out of the anger you’ve been dealing with today. You turn your head and press a kiss to his lips.
“Thank you.” You whisper and he hums softly before tucking his face into the crook of your neck. His breath fans across the exposed skin of your back. “I don’t think you know what it means to me to have you in my corner.”
“You have a lot of people in your corner.”
“Yea but you’re the only one who has been able to keep me from completely spiraling.” You argue, “I just needed you to know that I’m grateful. You could’ve so easily just vanished rather than deal with this shit with me.”
“Like I said before, I want all of you. If all of you means that I deal with this too than that’s what it means.”
“How is it that you always know exactly what I need to hear?”
“Magic?” He says and you laugh softly, you stay wrapped in his arms for a few more minutes.
“You need to get to work so I can get some work done.”
“You want to call Melinda first?” You groan and drop your head back onto his shoulder.
“Will you stay with me like this while I do?”
“How about the chair instead?” He offers nodding over at the loveseat in the corner.
“You drive a hard bargain.” You tell him taking one of his hands in yours and making your way to the chair. He sits down first then eases you into his lap, his arms going around you while you unlock your phone and call Melinda.
The call is quicker and less painful than you thought it would be. Still not fun because she asks you to go into detail about the lies, something you don’t want to go into but you’re so grateful that Steve has your back. Both literally and figuratively.
“So I have enough to sue not only Rumlow but whomever backed him for slander, breach of contract and maybe defamation. You okay with that?”
“Take the assholes down Melinda. And maybe keep me in the dark about it.”
“Keep me in the loop.” Steve says, speaking for the first time, “if that’s okay with you.”
“Absolutely.” You agree, “thanks Melinda.”
“Anytime.” Melinda says before hanging up. You relax into Steve and sigh heavily.
“I hope it’s okay that I did that.” He says, “I just, I want to feel like I’m helping and if I can stay on top of the things that are stressing you out I can do that.”
“You’re a Saint Steve Rogers.” You tell him kissing his jaw and he laughs darkly before his hand slides under your shirt.
“A saint huh?” He murmurs and you shiver at the tone.
He starts to prove to you what a saint he isn’t when the door is shoved open.
“Steve!” A male voice calls, you’re fairly certain it’s Bucky and you quickly attempt to right your shirt.
“What’s up Buck?” Steve calls back as he gently settles you against him. When Bucky rounds the corner he freezes at the sight of you.
“Are you okay? Both of you? I saw the paper and, what the fuck is going on?”
Steve lays it all out for him. Not the whole you were paying him at the beginning part but everything else. How it’s all lies, what Rumlow is saying, Bucky listens patiently as Steve talks, his eyes flicking back and forth between you. When Steve stops talking Bucky sighs heavily.
“Holy shit.” He breathes and Steve nods. “Are you okay Lu?”
“I’ve been better but surviving. Thank you.” You’ve only spent a couple of nights hanging out with Bucky and you really like him.
“Is there anything I can do?” He asks kindly and you give him a soft smile.
“No, but thank you Bucky.”
“If there’s is anything that either of you need let me know okay?” He offers and you nod. Then he and Steve switch gears and start to talk shop, you end up falling asleep against Steve as they talk.
Tag list:
@memyselfandmaddox @thefanficfaerie @achishisha @patzammit @abschaffer2 @dsakita @dramadreamer14 @killcomet @thinkwritexpress-official @thesassmisstress @andahugaroundtheneck @loving-life-my-way @thefridgeismybestie @dumblani @silverkitten547 @im-just-another-monster @mywinterwolf @scuzmunkie @giggleberts @biskwitmamaw @geeksareunique @yourfellowangel @paintballkid711 @lumar014 @steeeeverogers @badassbeckettswan @vikki-rogue @achishisha @also-fangirlinsweden
#steve rogers#steve rogers au#ceo!reader x artist!steve rogers#imagine steve rogers x reader au#steve rogers x reader#steve rogers x reader au#captain america#captain america x reader#captain america imagine#imagine captain america#captain america x reader au#bucky barnes#melinda may#l’artiste story
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Worthless Little Shadow (chapter 4)
Worthless Little Shadow (Chapter 3)
Worthless Little Shadow (Chapter 2)
Worthless Little Shadow (Chapter 1)
Thorin sat at the fireplace scowling at his nephews and the girl they brought back with them.
He was furious after he got them in the council chambers to discuss the trip and they explained what happened . He told Fili that in no uncertain terms would he be allowed to marry her if that was his intention.
Fili simply looked at Kili, who nodded and said, "Then I will step down as crown prince and marry her anyway. She is my One, Uncle! I will marry no other!"
Thorin roared when he heard that. "You WILL marry whomever I choose for you! You think you can just step down from being THE crown prince and pass it on to your brother?!?" Fili smirks and nods. "Yes." was all he said.
Thorin slammed his fist on the table. "And I suppose you're just going to go along with this plan?!?" he says to Kili with a growl of warning.
"Of course not, Uncle. I refuse the crown as well. If you won't let Fee marry for love, then we refuse to be your heirs." he says.
Thorin looks at them stunned. They see the fury in his eyes and he growls. "Leave me." he says and the two scramble out of the room quickly." Thorin looks at Dwalin and Balin and sighs.
"What am I going to do with those two?" he asks as he sits down and rubs his forehead.
"Thorin, what can you do. If she really IS his one, he won't settle for any other. Even if it costs him the crown." Dwalin says.
"Wouldn't it be better to give the lass a chance and at least get to know her? Try to see why Fili is so enamored with her?" Balin suggests. Thorin just growled.
"What do we know of the missing princess, that one Fili was supposed to marry? Will her father be wanting the dowry back? How hard have they searched for her?" he asks.
"I only heard of it when Fili announced it at the gate. It IS odd though that her father did not notify us of her disappearance right away. Do you want me to send a raven with a message?" Balin asks. Thorin nods.
"Ask when she disappeared and where all they searched for her." he said. "Ask the king if he wants his dowry back or not." Thorin adds.
Balin nods.
A knock at the door stops the conversation. "It is a guard letting us know supper will be ready in the Royal dining hall in 10 minutes." Dwalin informs them.
Thorin nods. "Come, let's go eat." Thorin gets up and heads into the hallway. His nephews stand there nervously waiting. Kili works up enough courage to approach his Uncle. "Um, Uncle, could Shadow join us for supper since it's her first night here? I don't think it would be very friendly of us to make her eat alone when we all are eating in the hall. I wouldn't want to be welcomed into a mountain like that especially if i knew no one but my traveling companions there." he says quietly.
Thorin groans, "Fine, invite her." he growls and keeps walking. Fili looks at Kili relieved.
"Balin, go get this Shadow and bring her to the dining hall." Thorin says. "Fili, Kili you come with me." he says and the two boys immediately cower and follow him knowing he is not pleased.
*************
They had all been talking about the caravan and the new dwarrow while waiting for the food and for Balin to arrive with Dis and Shadow. Kili and Fili were telling the rest of the company about the failed arranged marriage and how they found Shadow. Suddenly Dis opened the doors and Balin came walking in with a beautiful, but very thin dwarrowdam dressed in a blue velvet dress with a black corset and silver trim on the dress. The dwarrowdam's shoulder length hair was pulled into a pretty updo and she had a breathtaking sapphire and diamond necklace on.
Everyone stopped talking and just stared slack jawed for a moment until Kili elbowed his brother to go to her and he snapped out of the trance and moved to greet her. The dwarves looked at each other and then to Kili, who just stood there smirking with eyes twinkling.
Throin stood only because it was expected of him. He didn't want to appear a complete barbarian in front of his company. He growled though when he saw Fili look at Kili, who nodded and left a space between them for the lass. By all rights she belonged at the end of the table not next to the crown prince. He narrowed his eyes at the nephews and they completely ignored him.
Thorin could see, though that the lass recognized his upsetness and moved to stand to sit elsewhere, but Kili stopped her and bade her to sit and stay by them. He glared at the nephews through the whole meal. He ate and did not talk unless addressed. He studied the lass and noticed she only responded when addressed with yes/no questions and otherwise observed what was going on around her. She kept her face unanimated, almost sad looking. He caught her looking at him occasionally as if she was trying to read his thoughts.
When Dis suggested music and dancing, he nearly refused. But one look from her and he just simply nodded. She dragged him to the music hall and whispered to him, "You are behaving like a rude host. Treat our guest with more kindness and warmth or I will take you to the practice ring and beat some sense and manners into your thick skull!" He growled at her as they entered the room. She left him to go dance and he went to sulk by the fireplace.
He watched as everyone danced and laughed. He watched this Shadow come out of her shell a little while she danced. She was smiling and her pale face turned pink with the exhaustive dance his nephews had dragged her into. Thorin watched her feet to see how well she danced and was surprised she seemed to know these dances. Peasants didn't usually know these dances. He began to wonder who she really was. He saw Dwalin dance with her for a bit, then Bofur snaked her away and Dwalin went back to talk with his brother.
Soon enough Balin came over and sat down with a frown on his face. Thorin looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "What is it Balin?" Thorin asked as Balin cleaned, then packed and lit his pipe.
"The lass seems to know our dances quite well as if she has been dancing them all her life." Balin states. "Something just isn't adding up." Balin muses.
"Balin, do we know what this woman that Kili was supposed to marry even looks like? Do we know her name?" Thorin asks.
Balin thinks for a moment. "I believe Her father said it was 'Raca'." He replies. "I was just thinking about sending a raven to the king to see if we can get a description of what she looks like and where all they searched for her." Balin says.
"Do It, Balin. I do not trust her and do not want Fili giving up the throne for her if she is up to no good." he says.
Balin stands. "As you wish, Thorin. I will send it right away." he says and heads for the door.
Dwalin sees his brother get up and head for the door and moves to intercept him. "Just what do you think you're doing?" he asks.
Balin looks up at his brother and sighs, "Thorin wants me to send a message with a raven to the father of the missing Princess. Thorin wants a description of what she looks like and wants to know where all they searched for her. Something just isn't adding up about her, Dwalin. No peasant should know these dances as well as she does!" he tells Dwalin.
Dwalin frowns. "Are you sure about this, brother. If she is the missing princess, she ran away for a reason and may not want to have her identity discovered. We know nothing about her past or why she was so malnourished." Dwalin suggests.
Balin thinks for a few moments. "Did Oin say if she had any old wounds or scars on her body?" Balin asked. "No, he didn't. But I didn't ask either. All I saw was her head wound and the bruising of the dislocated shoulder. Perhaps you should talk with him before sending the Raven, brother. If her father was abusing her and trying to sell her off to us, she may not want him to know she is here." Dwalin said after realizing what his brother was alluding to.
Balin patted his brother's arm and nodded. "Aye, I think I'll do that. Where is Oin?" he asks Dwalin. "He isn't here. He probably went back to the Healing Hall to unpack." Dwalin says.
Balin nods. "I'll head out and go talk to him and see what he can tell me of the lass and her injuries." he replied.
"Balin, Keep me informed as to what you find. I'm worried about her. It was like she was in a shell and afraid to come out of it for most of the journey. The only ones she seemed to interact with were the brothers and me and Oin. But now, look at her! Smiling and dancing and giggling with most of the company! We need to be careful in how we handle this or she may just clam up and shut us all out or worse yet, take off and disappear on us as well!" He reminded Balin.
Balin nodded. "Keep an eye on her, brother. I'd hate to see her run off and get herself into trouble out in the wilds."
Dwalin nodded, and Balin slipped out of the party to go talk with Oin.
@midnight-reader-morning-sleeper @thetherianthropydaily @ginny80190
@ratv0miit @ellavaneck @fizzyxcustard @dumbassunderthemountain
@thorinthehottotty @queenofmankind
#The Hobbit AU#king thorin#kili durin#Fili#shadow#mystery#balin#dwalin#dis#missing princess#heir to throne#angst#escaping arranged marriage
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The Outliers - A Guild Wars Love Story
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapters 10 and 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16 , Chapter 17, Chapter 18
Chapter 19
A month had passed since Kaleb's last visit while Amalthia was still in the infirmary. She was now in the long process of finishing her recovery at her father's place. Kaleb had written to her often and she did so in return.
"That's quite a lunch you're packing, young man. Why there's enough in that thing to feed five people," Kaleb's mother quipped as she noticed her son shoving several brazed wild foul shanks into the basket.
"That's because I'm a hungry boy, mom. Anyway, I'm sharing them with a friend."
Overhearing the conversation, Rachel stepped into the kitchen and provided her own opinion on the situation. "The reason he's taking so much meat is because he's going to share it with that charr girlfriend of his."
Bristling over the comment, Kaleb tried to respond in a measured tone. "She's just a friend. Anyway, I haven't seen her in over a month."
Shirley frowned for a moment then drew in her breath, trying to maintain tranquility in the household.
"There is no need to be sassy with your brother, Rachel. Now go to your room."
Grumbling but obedient, she complied and left without further incident. However, once she got up the stairs, she eavesdropped on the conversation from the edge of the landing.
Mother Grimwald turned to her son and said. "Try not to let her get to you, son. She's just at that age. Anyway, I hope you have fun with whomever you have plans with."
"Thanks, mom. I'm sure we'll have a great time." Kaleb finished his packing and was about to leave when his mom made one final comment.
"It would be so romantic if you and Trish did a picnic together. Speaking of whom... you haven't mentioned anything about her in awhile."
Oh, great. I see where this is headed, Kaleb thought as he bolted from the kitchen.
Her mother started following him. "Why are you avoiding the question?"
"It wasn't a question, mom." Kaleb darted from the front door then closed it behind him.
Her prying ears never being far away, Rachel stepped down the stairs and commented once more. "It's because he's got a new girlfriend. Rawarrrrr!"
Gah. I would love to slap some sense into that kid.
Shirley stepped from the front door a short time later and shouted to her son as he was walking from the property. "If you are seeing that charr friend of yours then remember the teachings of Dwayna. For the sake of your soul, I hope that's all it is."
Quoting scripture. Now I'm pissed!
***
Amalthia knew that Kaleb would be at the shop within the hour. She was in the process of trying to find the right outfit to wear, but thus far, nothing seemed to adequately fit the situation. It was at that time of the month when her heat cycle was in full bloom. Her body yearned for his closeness. More than anything, she wanted to physically bond with the one she loved.
Ah. I think this one will do just fine.
She examined the cotton outfit for a moment before putting it on. The sleeveless top revealed the ocher tiger stripes on her light yellow-orange fur. Covering the high-cut leather loincloth underneath, she wore a dark brown skirt that sported a slit up the right side. She decided to forego wearing shoes of any kind and, instead, chose to adorn her digitigrade arches with gold bangles.
Once she had finished dressing she promptly headed down the spiral staircase towards the spice rack area. She sniffed the various aromas hoping to find a scent that would drive Kaleb wild.
Jasmine oil with cinnamon powder. She purred with erotic pleasure over thinking of her hansom human mate.
"Amalthia." Her father's voice called out from the hallway beside the meat counter.
"Sire?"
Her odor wafted towards his direction and he became visibly agitated.
"I'm guessing Kaleb will be over soon, am I right?"
"Yes. Of course he will. That is, unless he is suddenly abducted by a flock of harpies."
Her father shook his head. "I know you and him haven't seen each other in awhile. And what I am about to ask may come across as my being a meddlesome sire... but Amalthia - I ask that you break off going out with Kaleb. At least until next week."
Amalthia quickly realized what her father was pining to say. "I will be fine, sire. Trust me."
Ludrick let out a low grumble. "I don't think now is a good time for you to be seeing him."
"We are both responsible adults. Neither of use would do anything to dishonor you, sire."
"Then why the jasmine oil and cinnamon? That's a traditional charr…"
Amalthia abruptly cut him off with a terse response. "Because I happen to like the smell, that's why!"
Her father relented then hung his head low. "Just remember your boundaries, cub. For your sake and his."
Thirty minutes later there was a knock on the door and Amalthia ran to answer it. When she opened it, she found Kaleb standing there holding a freshly cut bouquet of chrysanthemums.
"Kaleb! Come on in!" She hugged him then took the flowers and placed them in one of the empty cookie tins.
"Good to see you too, Miss Mouthy," he said with a devilish smile as he waved around the picnic basket he was carrying. "I made one of your favorites - braised guinea fowl with rosemary and peppercorn."
Amalthia's ears twitched as she gave him a large, fangy smile. "I can smell it from here!"
"Mmm. And I can smell you. What is that you are wearing?"
She walked up, placed her muzzle against his left ear and whispered. "An ancient charr arousal perfume."
Kaleb's mind was already awash in carnal thoughts as he gazed at her revealing outfit.
"I'm ready when you are," she said as the pair departed from the shop.
Upon locking the door, Amalthia turned to Kaleb then pointed in a westward direction. "Sire wanted the day off so I'm shutting things down. Anyway, there's a place I wanted to take you to. It's really beautiful."
As the pair walked towards their destination, Kaleb looked over his love and commented. "It is you who looks beautiful. I never knew your people wore outfits like that."
"I got it at a boutique in Lion's Arch run by a human and sylvari couple of all things. The sylvari woman is really into designing things that reflect a blending of the races. The briarthorn gown really tempted me, but I think she took the design a bit too literally. I mean while thorns may look good fashion-wise, they don't really feel good, especially when wearing them." Amalthia laughed as she gave Kaleb a playful squeeze on the wrist.
"A sylvari and human? That's amazing! At least we aren't the only oddballs in Tyria," Kaleb said with a chuckle.
"Jest... Jestin! That's the human's name. The sylvari's name is Ariyana. She's got a really interesting, quirky personality to say the least. Anyway, it took me forever to find an outfit that blended human and charr cultures together."
"Hmm. It doesn't say much, does it?" Kaleb noted.
"No. It doesn't. But somewhere, someone has to change it, somehow." She turned to him looking him in the eyes. "I was terrified that I would never see you again, Kaleb. That is why I'm not afraid anymore. If people can't accept us for being a couple then they can just shove it where the sun doesn't shine!"
Kaleb smiled drawing closer to her muzzle. But just when he was about to kiss her, she playfully placed her clawed finger on the middle of his forehead and laughed.
"Follow me... we're almost there."
The two of them reached the edge of a lake that was shadowed by an enormous rocky outcropping with a massive waterfall cascading down the middle. When Kaleb looked up he could see the shimmering rainbow effect coming off the foaming mist.
"Behold, Thunderfalls. At least that's what many of the locals around here call it anyway. Isn't it just amazing?"
Once they had found a secluded spot, Kaleb nodded as he opened the picnic basket. Within moments the pair began sharing a hearty lunch together that consisted of brazed wild foul, roasted potatoes and peach cobbler.
Amalthia lay on a satin blanket sprawled out with her back to the sun. She removed her top allowing the rays to more evenly warm her fur. As Kaleb saw her intricate pattern, he began tracing his fingers over the individual stripes starting just below the nape of her neck then eventually working down to her lower back.
"Your fur is so beautiful. I just never realized that until now." He began tracing out the stripe contours around her upper thighs then around her lower calf muscles while her long fluffy tail twitched in delight.
Amalthia purred in pleasure as she rolled over on her back exposing her white underbelly and the small patch of partially grown fur from the wound she had received two months prior. Kaleb gently worked his hands from her shoulders then down across her chest until he reached her abdomen where he felt some of the scar tissue that was left over.
"I am so sorry this happened. I wish I was there to protect you," he said as he began stroking her left ears then ran his fingers along the contours of her muzzle.
Amalthia rose up, rotated around then placed her large pawed hand on the side of his face, as she looked him in the eyes.
"You already have."
Kaleb noticed the sunlight refracting off her amber eyes as he drew close to her. "Your eyes. The way the sun catches the hues of your irises, makes them stunning beyond imagining."
But just as they were about to kiss, Amalthia placed her clawed finger on Kaleb's lips then laughed aloud once more.
"Hold it there you silly mouse. There's something I have to show you. Follow me!" She immediately bounded off on all fours leaving him far behind.
As Kaleb ran over the hill to catch up with Amalthia, he found that she had discarded her skirt and bangles. When he got closer to the water's edge, he found that her undergarments and crop top were lying on the ground as well, but with no sign of her to be seen anywhere.
When he looked around to find her, he suddenly heard her voice coming from the lake.
"Over here! If you are a strong swimmer, head over towards the waterfall." She waved to him covered only in the pelt she had been born with.
It was at that moment when Kaleb realized that the next phase of the courtship ritual would transpire. Upon knowing this, he promptly disrobed until; he too, was clad only in his skin. He could see Amalthia off in the distance as her feline form disappeared under the waterfall. It took him a good couple of minutes to swim there. However, once he reached his destination, he was greeted by a deep nook that lay just under the torrent of rushing water. Under the constant stream, rested a slab of smoothly hewn limestone that lay just a few feet below the surface of the falls.
"Behind you, silly!"
Kaleb turned around to see her wet furred form bobbing up and down to the undulating current smiling with joy. As he swam over to greet her she grabbed his arm then pulled him towards the rocky slab.
The sun-heated gush of water poured over the pair as the two of them drew together. Amalthia laughed as she ran her clawed fingers though the soaked hair that covered half of Kaleb's face.
"How can you see like that, silly little man?" She reached behind his head as he clasped hold of the smaller horns on either side of her face and the two became locked in a passionate kiss.
"I think you will find, Miss Steelblade, that there is very little, that is little about me."
Kaleb's manhood was in full bloom when the tip of his spear found its sumptuously warm mark. Amalthia's legs parted to accommodate him, being very careful not to inadvertently jab him with her dewclaws. Once his angle was true, he thrust deeply inside of her.
Amalthia's body quivered with unhinged ecstasy as she could feel him going deep inside. Her muscles tightened around his engorged member causing her to let out a caterwaul, the likes of which he had never heard. The two lovers began an elegant rhythmic motion, being buoyed by the water, as they moved with a synchronicity of one body and one mind.
They switched positions as Amalthia clasped hold of the limestone rock that jutted out from the rocky slab. Kaleb positioned himself from behind and began thrusting into her causing her vaginal walls to contract on him even tighter. The sheer intensity of the moment caused him to gush his seed as she let out another primal and glorious moan.
The two lovers - one human, the other charr - climaxed with each other several more times before their bodies had become completely spent from exhaustion. For today was one of the few days on Tyria where two souls from two vastly different worlds had intimately joined together as one.
(All chapters have been posted to AO3. Chapter 19 is posted here.)
#guild wars 2 fanfic#gw2 fanfic#the outliers#tyrias-library#kaleb and amalthia#cw adult situations#gw2 romance
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[Recap] AMC’s THE TERROR Chills Your Soul in Series Premiere
“In 1845, two Royal Navy ships left England in an attempt to finally discover a navigable path through the Arctic. They were the most technologically advanced ships of their day. They were last seen by European whalers in Baffin Bay awaiting good conditions to enter the Arctic labyrinth. Both ships then vanished.”
So begins the premiere episode of AMC’s The Terror, the highly anticipated new series based on the novel of the same name by Dan Simmons. The story is structured around the true story of Sir John Franklin’s lost Arctic expedition, which is a completely true and tragic tale of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, wherein 129 men were lost and never heard from again. The Terror will fill the gaps in the narrative with tales of madness and monsters.
“Go For Broke” opens a couple of years after the ships disappeared with two Royal Navy officers questioning an indigenous man about the fate of the expedition. The man explains to the officers that he met one of the captains, whom he referred to as Aglooka. When shown pictures of the three captains that led the expedition, Sir John Franklin (Ciarán Hinds), James Fitzjames (Tobias Menzies) and Frances Crozier (Jared Harris), the Inuit man identified Frances as the person he met on the ice. He was leading the remains of the crew across the frozen tundra, hungry and dying. Crozier relayed a message to the man, asking him to tell whomever came after to not stay, that the crew are being pursued by something called Tuunbaq and that they are “dead and gone”. He then gives the Inuit man the buttons off of his uniform to show to the officers.
“You love your men more than God loves them, Sir John”- James Fitzjames
“For all your sakes, let’s hope you’re wrong.”- Sir John Franklin
With that ominous warning, we are taken four years into the past. We see the two ships in all of their glory, plowing through the ice littered waters of the Arctic. Sir Jon stands at the helm of the lead ship, the Erebus, and surveys what he commands. A religious man by nature, Sir John looks upon the frozen wastes and sees something that God has destined him to conquer. That’s if he can keep his second and third in command, Crozier and Fitzjames, respectively, from biting each others heads off. Fitzjames is a bit of a braggart (I mean, he is pretty handsome), and Crozier seems to have lost all sense of joy for his life and tries his best to find it at the bottom of a bottle. The expedition is going well so far, they are making good time, so the only real problems they have involve which spirit to serve at dinner.
As the officers dine in their lavish quarters, the rest of the crew eats down below. They are a jovial bunch, happy with the adventure they are embarking on and ready to do their part to fight through the cold to the warmer climate of the Pacific Ocean. As they eat their dinner, one of the men falls ill. “Falls ill” may have been a bit tame. The young adventurer convulses on his bench, spewing blood and bile everywhere as the others fearfully try to calm him down.
All of this happens before we even get to the opening credits (which are absolutely gorgeous, by the way). This sets the stage for the dangers that are to come. After the sick young man has calmed down, he is taken to see Doctor Stanley (Alistair Petrie) and Surgeon Goodsir (Paul Ready) on the Erebus. Stanley is a gruff, unloving man who scold the young sailer for not telling anyone that he was feeling ill. When the sailor tells him that it’s because he didn’t want to disappoint Sir John, Stanley tells him that Sir John will assuredly praise his loyalty at the funeral. Pretty rough, dude. Goodsir, on the other hand, tries to help the young man stay calm and find a way to accept his upcoming death. In one of the most powerful sequences in the entire episode, we see Goodsir try his hardest to comfort the young man as death approaches. He lies to him, telling him that he will see a light a his family will be waiting for him to take him into heaven. When the young man mentions that he was an orphan and has no family, Goodsir tells him that it will be the angels, then, that take him to the entrance of the promised land. You can tell that he is trying anything and everything to comfort the poor boy, but nothing works. The young man, in his final moments, sees a vision of an Inuit man standing at the foot of his bed, wearing a terrifying mask. The boy screams that “He wants us to Run”, then dies in the throws of absolute terror.
“This place wants us dead.”- Frances Crozier
This feeling of doom permeates the entirety of the first two episodes of the series. We know by now that The Terror is a show about a monster stalking the expedition, but what we are shown right away is just how dangerous everything is on this expedition. Literally everything is trying to kill you. The cold, the food (already rancid after only a year), the ice and the ships themselves seem to be hell bent on making sure that these men do not survive. The main conflict of the series happens early on, as Sir John and Crozier argue about the best route to take for the rapidly approaching winter. Sir John wants to continue to the west like they planned, but Crozier sees that winter is coming fast and advises that they take an easterly route to safer waters. He fears being stuck in the pack ice throughout the winter, which not only holds them captive but also drifts and takes them wherever it sees fit. Against all protestations, Sir John is the commanding officer and makes the decision to plow on as planned.
Guess what? Yep. They get stuck. For the second episode of the night, “Gore”, we fast-forward 8 months to the next spring. If the first episode dealt with the dangers of hubris, this next episode had everything to do with pressure. Not just the pressure placed on the boats by the ice, but also the pressure building inside each of these sailors as they await their fate. The ships have been stuck in the ice all winter and the men have started to get a little antsy. They play soccer on the ice and have romps with each other in the dark storerooms, but you can tell that they need too get moving and they need to get moving soon. Sir John and Crozier have not been speaking to each other, leading Sir John to finally admit that he was wrong about the path they took and to try and make amends with his second in command. To help determine their next move, they send our lead parties to try and find out which direction the ice is retreating.
How can put this delicately… These lead parties did not, go well. One group had to turn back after they found their provisions to be spoiled and rancid. They got off pretty easily, compared to the other group. This one, with Goodsir in tow, found their way to the shore of Prince William Island and an impassable wall of ice. This forces them to abandon their boat of goods and trek along on foot. As they return to the boat later that day, however, they see that their boat and been upturned and their camp has been ransacked. This wasn’t some little tiny canoe, either. This gigantic, 10-man lifeboat was thrown about by some gigantic beast that they say “must be a bear”.
“If we don’t leave now, we’re going to disappear”- Frances Crozier
As night descends on the camp, they are pelted by astonishingly large hail and hear a loud menacing roar in the distance. They have been followed by the “bear” and arm themselves in anticipation for the attack. As they all load and cock their weapons, one scared young sailor takes a shot in the dark, thinking he has felled the beast. What he has done, instead, is shoot an Inuit man in the chest, leaving him mortally wounded in the snow as his daughter tries to save him. Goodsir is called to the scene, and as he turns to face the group, he sees it. The beast. Tuunbaq. Almost as retribution for the wounding of the Inuit man, it attacks one of the sailors, leaving enough blood on the ice to guarantee his death.
As they return the ship, it is clear that neither Sir John nor Dr. Stanley want anything to do with helping the indigenous man. They turn their nose up in the air and won’t even come near enough to touch him. Goodsir begs for the opportunity to try and save his life, which Sir John reluctantly agrees to. Unfortunately, the man’s gunshot is too deep, and he will die. As he is dying, his daughter tries to get him out of the belly of the ship, screaming that he must die under the sky, that he must die on the ice. She is held back by Crozier, who is able to communicate well with her due to his prior expeditions in the area. To her father, she begs him not to leave her. She claims that she cannot do this alone. That she isn’t ready.
That Tuunbaq will not obey her.
Here ends the first two episodes of The Terror. To say that a lot happened would be an understatement, but we must remember that this is a one-season show. We have just watched 20% of the entire series, so the amount of exposition is warranted. If I had to say anything about this show, its that AMC has an absolutely stunning hit on their hands. This show is gorgeous, form the ship’s interiors to the soaring bird’s-eye shots of the icy wasteland. The mystery is definitely there (What, exactly, is Tuunbaq and how can an Inuit man control it?), and the interpersonal drama between the Captains is exquisitely written and performed. In two short hours we have ben given completely fleshed out characters with backstories and motivations. Some television series cannot offer than in an entire season. We genuinely care about these men, even though we know what their final fate will be.
As a young sailer is about to be lowered into the water to dislodge some ice from the propeller of the Erebus, Sir John comforts him by saying “God lies in all realms”. He doesn’t know how right he is. It is not his idea of God that surrounds them, however. In The Terror, ice and death are the gods in charge. And yes, Sir John, they do lie in all realms.
The Terror airs every Monday night on AMC, and I implore you to set your DVR for this one. This is one of the best looking, acted, and most horrific television shows that cable has given us in a long time. It is also the best two hours of television that AMC has aired since the first season of The Walking Dead. After you check out the two-hour premiere, head over to our official Facebook Group, Horror Fiends of Nightmare on Film Street, and let us know what you think. I will be writing recaps of each episode for Nightmare on Film Street, so be sure to bookmark that home page.
The post [Recap] AMC’s THE TERROR Chills Your Soul in Series Premiere appeared first on Nightmare on Film Street - Horror Movie Podcast, News and Reviews.
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the singing began in Tuscon, leaning over an Andrews Sisters 78 rpm of ‘Shrimp Boats Are A Comin’. i am mesmerized. i gaze at the round-n-round trying to sing along in a boy-as-chipmonk squeak. it was not until entering middle school at the Episcopal Academy that i ‘got’ the transcendental side of singing. Curtis R. York (C.R.Y.) was our music teacher, chorus/glee club conductor and choir master. i was 11. my voice had that pure, no vibrato soprano that we were led to believe was ok (not girly). Mr York, after all, coached baseball. we auditioned (200 cherubs) with dime-sized mouths and tiny lifted chins. if we did well we made choir. we sight read, without knowing the notes. the dots went up and down. it wasn’t that hard. if we were ‘gifted’ we earned a solo spot in that swath of boys at the annual concert. the sensation of 200 voices, rising from rib cages strong and clear and into the gymnasium air, was my true introduction to music, physical, emotional and spiritual. i remember wanting to sit next to whomever was my pre-homo ‘best friend’ at the time. i’m pretty sure that all that singing was a major part of what got me into Yale where there is a huge singing tradition. glee, choir and all those gentlemen songsters led triumphantly up the Whiffenpoof Alps (seniors only) who in tight (‘tight’) formation cast their anachronistic spell. the arrangements, some by Cole Porter (a grad), were stunning, complex and irresistible. i wasn’t sure how i fit in with those guys socially. most of them were high powered preppies and had that haughty, upper class thing down to a white shoe T. i was locked in the closet and terrified. still, the music was worth the discomfort. i loved being surrounded by that thick vocal river. we drank and sang, wore white tie and tails and tilted slightly forward off-heel as if to put a careful nose on the perfect note. down the road, when i began to write my own songs, i hit a wall, a vocal wall. i brayed and squawked and fought to hear a voice that fit in with pop or rock, but what i heard bouncing back from the studio monitors sounded like an operatic Whiffenpoof,
or worse, a Broadway chorus boy nasal tenor. i was appalled. i went to great lengths to make it sound ‘rock right’, ultimately damaging my vocal chords and necessitating 2 polyp operations. the first E.N.T. doc warned that a) i would never sing again or b) would sound like Doris ‘Que Sera Sera’ Day (which, when i think about it, might not have been such a bad idea). i got myself a second opinion, had the things scraped off and resumed my band obsession. when my boyfriend at the time joined up, possessing a voice closer to Paul Rogers than Ethel Merman, i was asking for it. ‘why doesn’t HE sing all the songs? his voice is WAY more commercial’, my band mates whined. ‘we’re treading industry water here with your weird voice’. there was even a vote to throw me out of my own band and have the now X-boyfriend do all the singing. it wasn’t until i got back to playing my songs on the piano and using my whatever-it-sounded-like voice honestly and not trying to parody some asshole rock slut, that i came into my own. singers can be the most neurotic of performers. on a loud stage they can’t even hear themselves think. to lose your voice in that environment is a nightmare. it’s all you have. you can’t turn it up to 10. what to do? NO MORE BANDS. as a solo dude i finally sound like me. i love it all over again as if, chin tilted upward, i’m in that miraculous innocent winged orbit of the boy soprano, eyes crossed, floating towards the stars.
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