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november-rayne · 9 months

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Chapter Twenty-Six: Unexpected

Summary: Loki gets a proper look-over from the palace healers. An unexpected face from Loki's past returns.

Word Count: 2300

Rating: Mature

*This story is for mature audiences only.* 18+

*Minors DNI*

Chapter Index

The palace healers confirmed the field healer’s diagnosis: Loki had five fractured ribs, severe bruising, and several deep gashes. There was no hidden internal damage. As for the dislocated shoulder, the physician agreed that he could remove the sling for the wedding ceremony but advised Loki not to lift anything heavy for at least two weeks.

Loki frowned, “Define heavy.”

He had been given a sponge bath and intravenous fluids for hydration and was now resting in a medical bed surrounded by his family as the healer reviewed the results of his diagnostic tests.

“Sir, I would advise not lifting anything heavier than a pair of boots while you are on the mend. Surely, any one of the servants could help you carry anything you need to be moved.”

“To Hel with that.”

“Loki…” his mother scolded.

Thor chuckled, “Will you be taking volunteers to carry your bride across the threshold for you?”

“Absolutely not! Some wedding traditions should not be bypassed,” Loki fumed.

“Loki, be reasonable.” Frigga patted his good arm, “I am sure Sigyn will understand.”

“Can I go now?”

The healer eyed the nearly empty drip bottle on the IV pole. “Of course, let me unhook you, and I can have a nurse help you into some fresh clothes.” He pulled the needle from Loki’s arm and unhooked the various monitors and devices projecting readouts onto a holographic screen by his bed.

The intravenous fluids had rehydrated Loki and sobered him up. Now he was feeling the soreness and aches in his body and the embarrassment from the realization that he had spoken to Sigyn so lewdly in front of their fathers.

“I want to see Sigyn.” Loki sat up on the side of the bed as a nurse helped him into a fresh pair of trousers.

“She will be at the feast. Come, let me walk you back to your chambers. I can help you pick out something comfortable to wear to dinner,” Frigga offered.

Loki held his breath as he stood, “No, thank you, Mother. I think I can manage.”

“The Lady Sigyn and her parents have been waiting in the reception room, Your Highness.” The nurse supplied timidly as she helped Loki into a button-front shirt.

“Why were they not brought back?”

“They did not wish to interrupt, Your Highness.”

“Please show them in,” Odin offered.

“Right away, Your Majesty.” The nurse curtsied before she exited.

Loki sat back on the edge of his bed and held his side. He took shallow breaths as the healer placed his arm in a new sling. This one had better padding and did not cut into his neck like the simple cloth one hastily made in the field.

Sigyn appeared first, followed closely by her parents. She was still wearing her green silk dress, the mud dried on the hem, and her ruined silk slippers. “Your Majesties, Your Highnesses,” she curtsied deeply.

“Sigyn, my sweet. You did not need to come here, but I am happy you did.” He held his hand out to her. She accepted it eagerly and ran her other hand over his hair nervously.

“I just had to know that you were truly all right. I could not wait.”

“Like I said, just a few bumps and scratches, right, doctor?”

The physician stepped aside and ran his hand through his gray hair, “I cannot oblige that simplified diagnosis, My Prince. But I can assure your bride-to-be that you will fully recover.”

He looked directly at Sigyn, “He needs to rest. He should not be over-exerting himself for the next couple of weeks.”

She nodded her head in agreement before the realization of his meaning set in. Her cheeks pinked immediately, “Ohhh… I see.” She dropped her eyes to their interlaced fingers. She steeled her nerves, “But we can still… um… fulfill our duty?” She dared not look up.

“I don’t see why not. Get creative!” He moved to leave before stopping and pointing in her direction, “Just be gentle with him.” He added before he bowed and left the room.

“See? I am fine.”

“He did not say you are fine. He said you will be fine, eventually. Do not twist his words for me, Your Highness,” she scolded him.

He kissed her hand, “As cute as you are when you fret,” he rubbed the crease between her eyebrows, “I did not wish to worry you unnecessarily.”

“It is not unnecessarily, you… Prince.” She popped the p in ‘prince,’ wishing she could call him something else.

Loki suppressed a laugh, “So feisty,” he whispered as he rubbed his thumb on her back, his large hand splayed across her skin.

“The first time I let you out of my sight, something like this happens.”

“Your Highness?” Lady Anderson curtsied, “I…” she motioned to her husband, “Erik told me what happened out there.” She sobbed, “I do not have the words to express my gratitude, My Prince.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, “I do not know what I would have done if-”

“Now, do not give it another thought, My Lady.” Loki released Sigyn and stood. He wrapped his good arm around Lady Anderson and patted her back. “Shhh. Everything worked out as it should.”

She buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed. He stroked her hair and made soothing sounds close to her ear. “Everything is all right. His Lordship is fine. I am fine. Let us put this in the past.”

“Goodness.” She looked up at him and patted his cheek. “Thank you. I will never be able to repay you...” She whispered before kissing his other cheek. She released him and made her way to her husband’s side. “Apologies for your shirt.”

Loki looked down at the tear stains on his shoulder. “This is nothing, My Lady.” With a wave of his hand, he dried his shirt with his seiðr.

“I will never get used to that, no matter how often I see it,” she said.

“Well then,” there was a glimmer of green light as a nosegay of light pink roses appeared in Loki’s hand, “For you, My Lady. May you always find magic in the everyday.” Loki bowed as he presented the flowers to Sigyn’s mother. Astrid accepted them with a squeal of delight.

“Now he is just showing off,” Thor whispered to Sigyn.

“I think it is wonderful,” she replied dreamily, her hand over her heart.

Loki turned his attention back to Sigyn, and his breath caught in his throat. For a brief moment, something new flashed in her eyes. He took her chin in his hand. “Did you see that?” he asked, staring at her face.

“See what?” She gently pushed his hand away. “Why does everyone keep doing that to me today?”

He glanced at his mother; she gave her head a single shake.

“Because everyone is captivated by your beautiful face.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.

She rolled her eyes, “Loki…”

“Apologies, Your Majesty,” Henrik, the King’s assistant, poked his head just inside the door.

“Come in.”

Henrik bowed, “I am sorry to interrupt. There is a… matter that needs your urgent attention, sir.” His eyes shifted nervously to Loki and then to the floor.

“Very well. If you all will excuse me.” Odin gave Frigga an affectionate squeeze on her arm before he made his way around the bed. Everyone bowed and curtsied as he left with Henrik.

“Well then,” Frigga clapped her hands before her, “There is some time before the feast begins; let us all get cleaned up and changed. Then we can have a big dinner and a good night’s sleep.”

“Sounds wonderful. I will see everyone at dinner.” Thor clapped Loki on the back, bowed to his mother then quickly exited.

Loki followed Sigyn into the hallway and took her by the elbow. “Might I steal Sigyn for a brief moment?”

Lord Anderson nodded, “We will wait here.” Lady Anderson bid farewell to the Queen and watched as Loki led Sigyn down the hall just out of earshot.

He was suddenly nervous.

“Hi,” he said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair.

“Hello.” Sigyn giggled. “What is this about?”

“Well, first of all…” He waved his hand over her, and her dress and shoes were magically restored to like new. “This dress is one of my favorites on you. I did not wish to see it ruined.” He started to reach out to touch it but quickly shoved his hand in his pocket instead.

“Thank you.” She pointed her toes out before her, admiring her clean slipper. “It is one of my favorites as well. I like the way you look at me when I wear it.”

“This leads me to the next subject I wanted to discuss.”

“Okay,” she eyed him curiously.

“I am sorry our reunion today was so…”

“Showy?” Sigyn arched an eyebrow.

“Yes. Exactly. I should not have consumed so much ale on our way home, but I was in pain and hungover, and Thor…” He looked up to the ceiling, “Thor was getting all sentimental.”

“I understand.”

“You are my precious gift. I should not have spoken to you in such a manner in front of our fathers. I do not wish you to think I would cheapen you in that way if I had all my wits about me.” He pulled his hand from his pocket to touch hers. He picked up her hand like it was made of glass. “I love you. I am sorry if I embarrassed you.”

“You did not embarrass me.” She looked at her feet, “Well, maybe just a little bit. But I was so scared when I saw you were hurt and so relieved when I finally saw you were okay. I may have gotten a little carried away myself. Sometimes I forget that we are not already wed.”

“It is said that love makes fools of us all.”

“The ale does not help either, hmm?”

Loki chuckled, “Not at all.” He winced. “Ahh.”

Sigyn’s hands flew to his side, “What is the matter? What can I do?”

“Ahh, sorry, kitten. I just took too deep of a breath. I am fine,” he kissed her temple.

“You were so brave, saving my father.” She gave him a sly smile, “Maybe I can practice being gentle with you tonight. We could leave the feast early.”

“Tempting. But I really should save my strength for our wedding night.” He started walking her back toward her parents.

She pouted, “I suppose.”

It was then that a court messenger came jogging around the corner. “Your Highness,” he bowed.

“What is it?”

“The King requests your presence in the throne room right away.”

“Very well. Tell His Majesty that I am on my way.”

The messenger nodded and bowed, then returned the way he came.

“Have you seen the throne room yet, my dear?”

Sigyn shook her head, “No. I hear it is exquisite.”

“Would you like to come with me? You can watch as the King fills me in on what is so urgent that it cannot wait until tomorrow. Most likely, a pair of merchants squabbling over exclusivity rights to sell dyed cloth or tools of some kind. It will most likely be trivial and very boring.”

“Yes, I would love to. Papa, can I go with the Prince to see the King at work?”

“There and then straight to the feasting hall.” He looked at Loki, “No side trips through the orchard or wherever it is you kids like to sneak off to.”

“Papa…”

“Erik?” Lady Anderson looked between the two.

“Throne room, then the feasting hall. In that order. I promise.” Loki held his hand out to the Lord.

He shook it and gave him a nod, “See you at dinner, Your Highness, pumpkin.”

Loki led Sigyn down a few corridors and across the vast main entrance of the palace. They passed the tall marble columns that led to the main entrance of the throne room. The guards bowed to the prince and pushed the tall golden doors open for them.

He was surprised to find the room almost empty, aside from the King, who was on his throne, Henrik, who was at his side, and a lone woman with long brown hair standing at the foot of the stairs in front of the throne—a commoner, judging by her attire.

“You should have come alone.” Odin’s voice echoed sternly through the hall as Loki and Sigyn made their way to the front of the room.

“Sigyn had yet to see the throne. I did not think you would mind.” They bowed and curtsied before the King.

“This is a personal matter, my son. It is best that we speak in private.”

“Personal?” Confused, Loki looked at the woman beside him for the first time.

“Sera?!” The shock of seeing her again caused him to sway where he stood.

Her face was tear-stained, eyes puffy and red. She curtsied deeply, “Your Highness.”

“So, you do know this woman?” Odin asked.

Loki looked between his father and Sigyn. He swallowed hard before answering, “Sera is my former chambermaid. She was dismissed and removed from the palace. What is this about?”

Sigyn cleared her throat, “Loki…” She placed her hand on his arm. Her voice was low and shaky, “Loki, look at her.” She motioned to Sera with her other hand.

He looked at her face; he followed her eyes to her hands. They were cradling a small but round bump protruding from her belly.

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

Please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the tags. Thanks!

XOXO - Rayne 💚

Tag List: @gigglingtiggerv2 @chantsdemarins @superficialdomina @lokischambermaid @lokisgoodgirl @acidcasualties @smolvenger @trickster-maiden @simone818283 @gruftiela @huntress-artemiss

#a gift for loki #loki #loki fanfic #loki smut #loki x sigyn #loki fanfiction #loki fandom #loki odinson #sas stories #logyn fics #logyn #logyn fanfic #loki god of mischief #loki fan fic #loki fan fiction #loki fanficiton #god of mischief #loki fluff #loki smut and fluff

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thievinghippo · 4 months

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Hippo's Writing Year in Review 2023

Hoo-boo. This was not the productive writing year I hoped it was. I had surgery in February (goodbye gall bladder, thank you for your service) and that just really seemed to knock a lot of wind out of my sails for the entire year (and the BG3 came out...)

For prosperity's sake, here are all my previous writing reviews: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

I only wrote 96,199 words in 2023. That's the second lowest total I've had since I started keeping track. That being said, I posted a lot. Here are some highlights!

of a mingled yarn - My Time at Portia series featuring seven fics, mostly starring my builder Lettie and her complicated love life

An Object in Motion - Sonya's alphabet fic! It's complete!

For Keeps - a fake dating Logan/builder AU

Iron and Satin, Silk and Steel - my gae'zel alphabet fic

2024 plans behind the cut!

You'll notice that at the top are two original romance ideas. I've been talking about writing a novel for ten years now, and never actually done it. That changes in 2024. I have an idea that I like a lot. Characters I find interesting and it's time to put my money where my mouth is

Then the rest are fanfics. In various stages of completion. I even included Scattering Grief, because I would love, love love to actually finish it. I don't know if I can in 2024, but I can start. And maybe actually get there in 2025

I had intended to sunset the SDV fic, but I read what I had written (about 16k worth) and it's actually pretty good. Good enough that I wanted to know what happens next, so it survives the axe

Lessons is my Wangxian blowjob fic that I need to finish. I refuse to let it hit the 3 year mark. I have maybe 5k left to write, so it's completely doable!

Then we've got gae'zel, which I'll try to write 2 chapters a month so it should be done by the end of the year. Then last but not least is my Miguel series, from My Time at Sandrock. It's going to end up being a series like of a mingled yarn, so involving a number of different length fics and featuring different couples at times. Since I'm not sure how many at this point, I kept it all under one project

This year, I'm not gonna make goals. I never seem to hit the ones I want, so I'm gonna be a rebel this year. I want to write. Hopefully lots of original work with fanfic as my happy place. But at the end of the day, as long as I'm writing, I win :D

#hippo's year in review #hippo's writing goals

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impromptu-sketches · 1 year

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Hi...I'm the one who ask BL recs like KazuRei....Just want to say, thanks so much for your answer, I've read some of them, and they were spot on....🤩

If you don't mind, can I ask for another BL recs that have the same vibe as damen/laurent from novels "Captive Prince" (kind, protective, bigger build seme x clever, tsundere, beautiful uke)? Or like andrew/ neil from novels "All for the Game : Foxhole Court" (both have strong personalities, can be reversible couples, looks weak but actually strong) ? Sorry for this long ask, feel free if you want to answer either one, both or none? I just started reading BL, last year, and your blog, are like my guideline..... Thanks so much for sharing your recs and reviews...Again, sorry if I compare them to novels....Hope you have a wonderful day.....

Glad you liked the KazuRei list (ㅅ´ ˘ `)♡

I'm a HUGE fan of the Captive Prince trilogy!! Even with adding to the partial list I already have for it, I don't feel like any of these fully capture Damen & Laurent's relationship dynamic or personalities but if you like them you may also like:

Twittering Birds Never Fly | yakuza, bdsm, masochist bottom boss x new employee (ongoing)

Liveta | (recommending Liveta for them too) fantasy, prince bottom x commoner top, enemy lands (ongoing)

Taming the Tiger | historical, uke lord x seme slave (ongoing)

King's Maker / King's Maker Triple Crown | fantasy, political, royalty, slow burn, bottom is the brains x top is the bronze (ongoing)

Mad Place | detective x suspect, clever & cute uke (ongoing)

Under the Green Light | gang leader x student (ongoing)

Steel Under Silk | historical, seme lord x uke slave (ongoing)

Therapy Game / Therapy Game Restart | gorgeous uke, soft & sweet, wholesome (ongoing)

●

I haven't read All For the Game, I'm only vaguely familiar with the story (my understanding of it is angsty and aggressive college boys with dark undertones?), but here's my best shot at recommendations for Andrew and Neil. Let me know what you think or what you would recommend instead:

Love Shuttle | adults, omegaverse, strong omega, enemies to lovers, coworkers (completed)

Wet Stand | adults, gangs, love triangle, strong uke (ongoing)

Dark Heaven | adults, bandmates, childhood friends to lovers, switches, ride or die relationship (completed)

OUROBOROS | psychological, love triangle, past trauma/abuse (completed)

Lost in the Cloud | students, psychological (ongoing)

Wagging the Tail | college, enemies to lovers, switches, animal characteristics (completed)

A Shoulder to Cry On | students, love/hate relationship (completed)

Sweet and Cold | college, childhood friends (completed)

19 Days | students, slice of life, comedy, gang family ties (ongoing)

●

I'd love to hear other recommendations, especially for Captive Prince if anyone has any!

♡ Thank you for the questions

#twittering birds never fly #king's maker #19 days #captive prince #all for the game #the foxhole court #bl manga #yaoi #bl manhwa

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weaversweek · 1 month

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How poor production on Going Live led to The Wheel

Five Star rose from nowhere to become the biggest band in Britain, and then they fell away as quickly as they'd arrived. By 1 April 1989, the group was really unpopular, and they appeared on Going Live. The Sunday Mirror reported what happened next:

A youngster stunned a children's BBC TV programme with a stream of four-letter abuse at pop group Five Star. The band were answering phone-in questions on Going Live when Elliot (sic) Fletcher blurted out, "I would like to ask Five Star why are they such f---ing c---." As presenter Sarah Greene sat in shocked silence, he added, "They are f---ing p---" before being faded out.

Five Star were a family group. Lorraine, Doris, Denise, Steadman, and Delroy were the children of Buster Pearson, who was also their manager, and who styled them in the mode of the Jackson Five. Signed to Tent Records (prop: B. Pearson), the group made vocal pop with synth stylings. It was the way of the mid-80s. After a couple of small-release singles, "All fall down" very gently grew its way up the charts during late spring 1985, and follow-up single "Let me be the one" gave them a chance to get into the TOTP studio.

"System Addict" propelled them into the top five at the start of 1986, and began a proper Imperial Phase; for a couple of years, we couldn't avoid Five Star, and didn't really want to. Second album Silk and Steel yielded five top ten hits, ranging from sweet love song "Rain or shine" to the yearning horniness of "Can't wait another minute" and "If I say yes". A massive stadium tour was sponsored by Crunchie chocolate bars, and the group won the BPI Award for Best Band. Better than Genesis! Even more fun than Mike + the Mechanics!

Third album Between the Lines was harsher, harder, more aggressive. Five Star gave up the chocolate sponsorship, replaced by toothpaste. But even that wouldn't clean their image from the deliberate dirt and grunge. "Strong as steel" and "Somewhere somebody" were the worst sort of single release - reminding us only of how good Five Star used to be. When the bubble burst, it collapsed quickly. 1988's album Rock the World was even worse.

By early 1989, the group are promoting a forthcoming Greatest Hits album, and new song "With every heartbeat". Reviews were not pleasant reading.

Carol Decker from T'Pau summarised the problems. "Her voice doesn't sound as distinctive as it used to. Now she just sounds like Gloria Estefan. They used to be very good but this is disappointing." Bandmate Ronnie Rogers also reviewed the single for Smash Hits "It's a groove with no tune. As soon as they changed their image every one of their singles has been dead boring." Record Mirror had dismissed the single: "Listening to a 5 Star record is like drowning in a bubble bath."

The hostility continued through the interview on Going Live!. The segment began with a profile put together using clips of the band talking about themselves, which rather over-stated how popular they were now. Sarah Greene, the show's presenter, pointed out how prolific and busy the band had been. "Are you ever tempted to sit back, rest on your laurels for a bit?" No, they're very busy people and have been working on their next album. "Next album? You only put one out last August! Many others take two years to make an album." Was there a lack of quality control at Five Star HQ? Apparently, they're feeling very creative, including a new book which gets a quick plug.

To the phones, and Barbara asks "Why Five Star have changed their image?" No, we've not changed our image, we've changed to reflect our new music, it changes gradually through fashion and our age. Barbara thinks they're more rock 'n' roll, harder, more leather and less of the spacebot matching jumpsuits.

In the studio, Tony asks what it felt like to have a number one hit. "That's a nice question!" says one of the band. Ooh, is someone feeling got at from a viewer asking a difficult question?! They never had a number 1 single in any market, though album Silk and Steel did make its way to number one.

Back to the lions' den, Eliot from Langley - and his dog Tammy, who barks down the phone.

"Thanks very much Eliot, nice to hear from you!" breezed Sarah. "Tammy would have made a lot more sense." There's general sniggering and laughter in the studio audience, carefully kept out of the microphone. Let's move on to the next phone call "I heard that! Did you hear that? Crap!" said the confused caller.

Charlotte in the studio asks if the band get fed up with each other and argue a lot. Of course they do, but they're family and they get along really. Of course they do.

Oh dear. This segment is falling apart. With the producer making the wise decision to drop the phone callers, and two minutes to fill, Sarah asks the studio audience for any questions. Young lad sitting next to Charlotte?

"How many countries have you released records in?" asks the flop-haired youth, after a little false start. Good question. Lots of them. "So there's nowhere left for you to go?" he cheekily asks. Watch that lad, he's going to be trouble for somebody.

Sarah builds on the discussion - have Five Star forgotten what it's like to be anonymous? Not really.

And if they have, it won't be long before they're completely anonymous. Five Star never had another hit album, and had to sell their swank-pad in Sunningdale when the royalties ran out.

The star of the piece was unplanned audience questionner, stand up comedian, and general loudmouth Michael McIntyre. This early brush with stardom doesn't merit inclusion in his autobiography, which begins in 2005.

And we wonder, if Michael hadn't had those twenty seconds of fame in 1989, would he have become such a hugely famous person? Would he have got his own primetime feelgood tv show? With a soundtrack deserving five stars?

#five star #sarah greene #going live #foul language #naughtiness #michael mcintyre #the wheel #game show #how to launch a career

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withlovemuffin · 1 year

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Review: Jane Eyre, 1973, starring Michael Jayston and Sorcha Cusack

@thatscarletflycatcher suggested this adaptation to me, because she knows I love silly man Mr Rochester, my poor little meow, my court jester of a man. I wasn’t disappointed one whit- indeed, I was actually pleasantly surprised! I’m usually rather skeptical of older adaptations, but this one was a banger.

Let’s get into it!

- small Jane: I adored her so, so much. It felt accurate to her character, and I do believe she’s probably one of my top favorite Young Janes, right up there with Georgie Henley.

- Aunt Reed was, per usual, absolutely horrendous! I loved, as far as adapting choices go, that she was still rather pretty, as she’s described in the book, though perhaps not as young as intended.

- Something about John Reed just felt about right. In most adaptations, he’s just positively awful, but in this one, you can see his duality- the thinly veiled disrespect in his “charm” to his mother, and his blatant disrespect towards others, especially Jane. The wine chugging was a rather nice touch, considering he dies later for his undisciplined habits.

- Mr Brocklehurst was also awful, 10/10 for villainry, loved how he just hands Jane a pamphlet and goes “this tells of naughty naughty children who lie and the various ways that they gruesomely die, happy reading!” bonus points for the scene after the typhus epidemic starts at Lowood where the two gentlemen approach him and say, in a paraphrase, “we’ve noticed you’re a little unsympathetic cunt, so we decided to suggest for you to form a committee!”

- oh, Miss Temple is a dream here. She’s marvelous. I loved her little ways of displaying affection to her pupils, and how she’d make sure to soften any blows from the others.

- Now- Helen. By far, probably my favorite Helen. She was actually sweet and wise and kind. Sometimes I get from the other adaptations that Helen didn’t actually like Jane all that much, but this one took the time to establish “no, they’re friends, absolutely friends.”

- I have so much love for Sorcha Cusak as Jane Eyre. She reminds me a lot of Mia Wasikowska, as far as her sort of unconventional attractiveness, and her softness. I won’t say I exactly prefer her to Ruth Wilson, but she’s definitely in my top Janes. I do, however, like her proposal speech much more than Ruth’s. I love Ruth’s, to be sure, but Sorcha’s feels like steel below silk.

- I think 1973’s Adele is probably by far my favorite. She was genuinely so sweet and adorable. I can’t say much about her, because she didn’t get terribly much screen time.

- Mrs Fairfax: 10/10 would adopt her as an aunt

- Now- my favorite. Michael Jayston’s performance as Mr Rochester is quite unlike any other I’ve ever seen. His attractiveness isn’t quite in his face as much as on his face. His charisma and his facial posture is just charming, the way he quirks his lips at the corners when he’s teasing or verbally sparring with Jane. Completely unmatched! I find it hard to compare him to Toby Stephens because Toby was cast for a purpose, and it was to take “unconventionally attractive” and make it his bitch, and just completely ooze sexuality, regardless of being regarded as an “ugly man.” (get a pair of glasses, you idiots.) Michael Jayston, however, makes Rochester a silly yet passionate man, and hardly biting. I also love that they included him in drag- absolutely wonderful. And the eyeliner was a paid actor.

- The other half of the budget went into finding the biggest dog on earth to play Pilot, I love him.

- I’m not completely sure how I felt about Bertha. I do appreciate that they didn’t try to make her or overstate that she was “exotic” like 2006 did. I think they went the right route by making her seem pathetic- her catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror when she tears Jane’s veil, her wailing about how Rochester said he’d take her home, etc. I almost felt bad for her, but also another portion of the budget went into the audio quality of her laugh wafting throughout Thornfield.

- I almost forgot- I adored this Blanche. So biting! So beautiful! She’s actually dark headed and not just perpetuating the mean blonde queen bee role!

- My dear, dear St John- you are not 29, you are 30 going on 68. Seriously, I’ve never seen a man so confusing looking. He was handsome, but in like a slight uncanny way.

- I also loved Diana and Mary so much, so so pretty and sweet. 10/10, would collapse on their porch

- Honorable Hannah mention, i feel like she and Mrs fairfax would get on like a house on fire (oops, too soon?)

Well, there we have it! My review of 1973- I was absolutely and thoroughly charmed. Thank you, to my friend, for allowing me to commentate in her DMs, maybe one day I’ll post screenshots and snippets of it, or she can if she so pleases XD

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gealach-in-a-misty-world · 4 months

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Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor, training the Emperor's soldiers in sword and truncheon, battle axe and spear, lance and crossbow. Unlike bolder friends who flirt with challenging the unequal hierarchies and values of Imperial society, she believes in keeping her head down and doing her job. Until a powerful man with a vendetta rips that carefully-built life away. Disgraced, tattooed as a criminal, and on the run from an Imperial Marshall who will stop at nothing to see her dead, Lin Chong is recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan. Mountain outlaws on the margins of society, the Liangshan Bandits proclaim a belief in justice—for women, for the downtrodden, for progressive thinkers a corrupt Empire would imprison or destroy. They’re also murderers, thieves, smugglers, and cutthroats. Apart, they love like demons and fight like tigers. Together, they could bring down an empire.

"We shall be the storm of silk and steel that shelters all those in need". S.L. Huang's The Water Outlaws is a standalone anti-hero journey that genderbends a classic Chinese novel, Water Margin, mixing things up with interesting magic. It's a violent tale about rebelling against a broken system - one that allows rape and abuse of power, where dissidents are thrown into prison - and making the most of what one has, about finding community even amongst violent people. The cast is huge, but the two main characters, once friends and now possibly on opposite sides, undergo major character development that feels organic and earned. The tale slows down towards the middle only to pick up towards an explosive finale that accounts for all the loose threads.

✨ 4 stars

📚📚📚 IF YOU LOVE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:

* The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, by Zen Cho

for: banditry, queer wuxia

[You can find more of my reviews about queer speculative fiction on my blog MISTY WORLD]

#the water outlaws #sl huang #lgbtq books #queer lit #queer books #queer #sff #queer sff #sff books #books #book reviews #reading #gealach reads #gealach writes

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indignantlemur · 10 months

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Hiiii! So Dagmar has a new earring made out of a metal/alloy she couldn't identify. Do you want to give us the director's commentary about Andorian metallurgy?

Hello! I'm keeping some of this purposely vague because Dagmar herself isn't a metallurgist or geologist, but I can certainly offer some info!

Throughout Star Trek we hear about all kinds of strange compounds, from complex medicines to raw materials. It makes sense that alien planets have elements that have not been documented on Earth. Additionally, I wanted to further emphasize how strange and alien even this part of Andoria was - and how that strangeness could also be beautiful.

One of the things that occurred to me is that Andoria is a very damp planet, even while frozen. Rust would be a significant issue with anything iron or steel-based, but what if there was a native alloy that was resistant to oxidation and salt-damage? It would have to be able to hold the same kind of edge and be equally if not more durable to hold up to an Andorian's strength.

Okay, sure, now we've got an idea, but what does it look like? I've had the Andorian seas on the brain lately, and I was looking at this beautiful piece of abalone shell and thinking about how the patterning reminded me of the patterning you can find on Damascus steel - and then I thought, well, why not both? Maybe the process of creating this metal, this strange alien alloy, involved a great deal of hammering and folding and hammering and folding, just like it did in Human history. Maybe something happened to the alloy when under high heat or during the quenching process to create that unique sheen, and the Andorians thought it was beautiful - ice made into a weapon so sharp it could cut through silk like nothing else. Maybe, even though their techniques have advanced and they no longer need to forge this metal in the same way an intrinsic part of the value in this metal was its wavy, abalone shell-like pattern and beautiful colour?

Once the idea had formed it wouldn't leave me alone. I was originally going to have Dagmar wind up with something plain and simple, something utilitarian. Then I reviewed my notes and found myself returning to the thoughts I had about Andorians and art, and how art is a vital part of their culture and traditions. I can't think of any reason why art and artisanal pieces would be important enough to include in every tradition *but* a courtship ring. I scrapped the plain earring idea entirely.

There is a reoccurring theme in Emigre of finding comfort and familiarity and even beauty in the strange and alien. Hopefully, I've managed to further that just a little bit more!

#emigre by indignantlemur #star trek #andorian #andorians #headcanon #Andorian courtship rings #Andorian metallurgy

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maddieautobot273 · 6 months

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Silk & Cologne (47)

A Miguel O'Hara x OC - link to AO3 (X)

Chapter 47: Slumber - previous chapter (X)

Pairing: Miguel O'Hara x Female OC

Words: 4.1K + words

Warnings: Slight implied sexual content, intimacy, overall fluff and therapy/healthy communication

Summary: Miguel visits Lisa for the night.

/////////

Miguel’s P.O.V.

Miguel had finished reviewing the mission reports as requested, only to find over a dozen errors in the multiverse monitoring software. It seemed Gabriel had implemented a software update and didn’t tell him about it. Or Miguel was so swamped with the incoming stream of messages from other Spiders that he must have missed it in the flood and didn’t go back to read it even after silently reminding himself to do so.

Nonetheless, it was enough to get under Miguel’s skin to the point he felt like he was near the verge of snapping. Hunched over, his back muscles tense and throbbing as he took deep breaths, trying to fight off the urge to punch or throw something if something went wrong in the next 10 seconds. No matter how efficiently he worked, something always came up.

He didn’t want Lisa to see him so tense and agitated after he went the extra mile to initiate a date night. Miguel knew he had to calm himself down, telling himself that Lisa deserved better than how he was acting, so Miguel decided to quickly pop by the training center and work out the stress in his body. He ran laps around the center, followed by a series of pushups, situps, and a few rounds on the punching back for good measure.

He had managed to get a few sets in, listening to Lisa’s playlist to help himself calm down as he took big, steady breaths as he lifted some weights to end his routine. He finished his last set, setting the weights down, his body covered in sweat as he wiped his head with a cool towel. Footsteps caught his ear, and he was praying that it wasn’t Peter B. with another security report.

If he sets me off and I gotta do all of this again–!

“Don’t you need to be somewhere?” Jessica Drew spoke up.

Prayers answered.

Miguel glanced over, seeing Drew standing there. One hand on her hip, the other hand gently over her baby bump. But the look she gave Migue through her spider-shades made him question that perhaps he should prefer seeing Peter B. over her.

“Lisa and I planned for 8. I got time,” He quickly reassured her, gently brushing her off as he grabbed his bag and began to walk away.

“It’s almost 9, Miguel,” Drew stared at his backside, watching the second his muscles seized up and twitched at her words.

Oh shock!

“Thanks, Jess!” Miguel immediately runs off, not giving Jessica a chance to say anything else.

He runs off to his private room, quickly showering to wash the sweat and gym smell off of him. Once cleaned, he changed into some casual clothes whilst combing through his messages, finding Gabriel’s contact. Instead of wine, he recommended a champagne bottle, something light, but simple.

He went for his wine cabinet, finding the champagne bottle. He quickly huffed some breath onto his palm, smelling it. Seemed fine, but he popped a breath mint just in case.

Miguel typed in the coordinates for Lisa’s dimension, locking on to her apartment on his gizmo. Simultaneously, he opened up a separate chat box window, quickly typing up a message. The chat was labeled, ‘Team Louvre’.

“At ease for the night team. I can take it from here,” - Miguel

Miguel didn’t wait for a response before a portal opened before him. Sucking in one more quick breath, he steeled his nerves and jumped through the portal. Traveling through the interdimensional tunnel, he emerged at the otherside, arriving in Lisa’s apartment.

But something was different. Not quite off, but different. Most of the lights were off or dimmed to a low setting as his sensitive eyes adjusted to the lowly dark room. The blankets Lisa usually kept on the couch had been moved to her bed, the curtain pulled back. There was a scented candle on the coffee table in the living room area, it smelled like. . . lavender?

Footsteps caught Miguel’s attention as a female figure emerged from the kitchen. Lisa stepped towards him, arms crossed over her chest, wearing comfy sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt. She looked so cute and Miguel wanted nothing more than to hug her tightly and apologize profusely, but he held himself back.

Miguel tried to get a read on her, analyzing the look on her face. A neutral expression, lips in a thin line. She raised a brow towards him.

Here we go. . .

“Held up at work?” She asked him, her head tilting slightly to the side.

Miguel didn’t detect any sign of hurt or tiredness in her voice. A tiny part of him felt relieved, but that was what scared him the most. Sure there could be slip ups here and there when couples first start dating, but this felt like a fumble if anything.

“Mi Mona Lisa, I’m so sorry I’m late,” He apologized, his gaze pouring into hers.

“What happened?” Lisa asked him with a calm expression, her arms lowering to her sides.

“I finished reading the reports, but there were errors in the monitoring system I had to fix that I wasn’t made aware of,” Miguel sighed deeply, doing his best to keep his frustration in check. “By the time I fixed everything, I was tense and agitated I– I didn’t want all that seeping on to you so I went to work out and get it out of my system,”

“As you were doing that, you lost track of time?” She asked him for clarification.

He nodded softly, relief coursing through him that she had spoken his explanation in much more simple terms. “Yes,”

Please don’t be mad, please don’t be mad, please don’t be mad. . .

Lisa seemed to stare at him, evaluating him for what felt like unbearable seconds. Until she finally spoke, her voice soft, “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t getting any sleep?”

Miguel froze, his eyes widening. She wasn’t mad? She wasn’t going to yell or scream at him?

You are in so much trouble young man! Faintly fluttered through his mind. His mothers voice.

He shuddered briefly at the memory. “You’re not mad. . .?” Miguel’s voice muttered, wandering off.

“Miguel?” Lisa called out to him, snapping him back to reality.

His gaze fell upon her sulk expression and his heart nearly shattered. “Lisa, I’m sorry, I know it sounds like an excuse, but I– I didn’t want you to worry,”

Lisa sighed, shaking her head, “Miguel, as I keep gently reminding you,” She steered her gaze back to him, a calm expression on her face. “You can talk to me, you know that,”

“I do know that, I swear,” Miguel insisted heavily, inching a step closer as his grip on the champagne bottle tightened at his side.

“Then why didn’t you tell me back when I was visiting you in the lab today?” She asked him. “Or the day before?”

Miguel managed several deep, calming breaths to keep his emotions in check. His mind was spiraling. Lisa wasn’t blowing up on him. Not like her, but she was talking to him.

“You can’t keep hiding things like this, Miguel,” She spoke gently.

Just like Xina did. . .

////////

Earth-928 - Nueva York - Babylon Towers - 5 years ago

Miguel arrived home later than normal that night. After working a long shift at Alchemax, he had stopped by the psych ward to visit his mother, Conchata, with his little brother, Gabriel. As always, Gabriel was the sunshine son that could do no wrong, but Miguel. . .

Well, it was better to not repeat those things. All the words and insults she said, once was enough in Miguel’s mind. But he always came back, for Gabriel’s sake.

Miguel was tired, exhausted even. He let out a deep sigh as he shut the door behind him. Xina had to be long asleep by now, and didn’t want to risk waking her, or the baby.

Soft whimpering caught his ear, as Miguel glanced over, peering into the dark living room to see a baby crib, tiny hands beginning to fidget. His lips curled into a soft smile as he set aside his house key card, taking long, quiet steps towards the crib. He peered down at the little body, its bottom half swaddled in a blanket.

Little baby Gabriela.

“Hey, sssshh, it’s okay, mija,” Miguel’s voice was a soft whisper as he carefully picked her up in his large, warm, protective hands, “It’s only papa,” - darling

He cuddled her close to his chest, calming her down as he rubbed his hands up and down her small back, humming affectionately. It took a few minutes, but eventually Gabriela stopped whimpering, making soft little noises as her tiny eyes peered up towards Miguel. Miguel smiled softly at her, gently rocking her.

“It’s okay,” he whispered gently, “Go back to sleep. Wouldn’t want to wake up mama now, would we?”

As if on command, her little eyes started to droop down, her little body snuggling in her blanket as Miguel carefully adjusted it for her. He set her back down in the crib gently, brushing a large finger along her head. Miguel swore he would have melted in a puddle right there and then.

If not for the sound of footsteps coming from the master bedroom of the penthouse apartment. “I was worried something had happened,”

Miguel’s heart stopped as he turned, taking in the form of the Cantonese woman wearing PJ’s with a silk robe overtop. Her long, silky black hair draped past her shoulders. No matter the time of day, Xina Kwan-O’Hara always looked so angelic to him.

“Mi amor. . .” Miguel greeted her softly. - my love

Xina offered Miguel a soft nod, a ghost of a smile on her lips as she walked closer towards him. A hand snaked up his back in a loving manner as the both of them turned to glance down at Gabriela who had fallen back asleep. “Did something happen at work?” She asked.

“No, everything was fine, just the usual, fixing everybody’s mess,” Miguel answered softly, keeping his gaze locked to the baby. “I was just. . . out with Gabriel tonight. I meant to message you about it, but. . . time got away from me,”

“. . . You two were visiting your mother tonight?” Xina asked him, her hand brushing up to his shoulder. “How is she?”

“Yes, she’s. . . the same as she always is,” Miguel nodded.

Xina hesitated briefly, before her fingers curled over against the fabric of Miguel’s jacket. “You haven’t told Gabriel yet. . . that you want to take a break from seeing her?”

A wave of shame coursed through Miguel as he curled his fingers into a fist at his side, steering his gaze away from his daughter. His eyes briefly met Xina’s before lowering them to look at the floor. “No. . .”

Xina sighed quietly, muttering a prayer in her native tongue as her hand snaked down his arm, engulfing her fingers around his. “You can’t keep hiding things like this, Miguel,” She spoke gently.

Her voice was calm, but direct. A little blunt. But that’s how Xina was.

Most days Miguel felt that Xina was his rock, his very conscience if he dared to go so far. It was enough to make Miguel steer his face from the floor to look at her square in the face. Xina was so smart, confident that he hated the idea of making her worry about him.

“I know, Xina. . .” Miguel’s gaze softened as he gently pulled Xina closer to him, their bodies brushing against one another.

“We’ve talked about this,” Xina insisted, “You need to talk to Gabriel about setting boundaries for the two of you. I know your protective big brother instincts always kick in when its the three of you,”

“It’s just. . . she is the light of his world as much as he is hers,” Miguel sighed. “I. . . don’t want to ruin that for him, because a part of me never got that from her,”

“You may not have gotten it from her, and honestly, she’s an adult, she was the parent, she chose to be this way and that’s on her,” Xina\s voice was calm, but her expression stern as she lifted a hand to cup Miguel’s cheek. “But you found that light elsewhere, here, with her,”

She steered her gaze down towards Gabriela’s sleeping form and Miguel smiled. He didn’t remember smiling this much growing up. He loved this feeling, and would fight tooth and nail to keep it.

“Talk to Gabriel,” Xina instructed with loving authority. “He’s smarter than you let on about what’s been going on between the two of you, and I know you’re smarter than to keep this bottled up. He’ll understand. He’s your brother,”

Miguel took a long deep breath, taking it all in. The place he was standing in, the words that fluttered from Xina’s mouth. When he exhaled, he felt this weight lift from his shoulders and suddenly didn’t feel so stiff anymore.

“Alright,” he nodded softly.

“Yes?” Xina raised a brow at the man.

“I’ll talk to him in the morning,” Miguel went on.

“Good,” Xina patted him on the cheek before glancing down at Gabriela. “Kiss your daughter goodnight and come get ready for bed,”

“Yes ma’am,” Miguel chuckled with a faint smirk as he brought a hand up to cup XIna’s chin, offering her a soft, loving kiss on the lips. “Remind me again why she can’t still sleep with us?”

“She needs her own space, Miguel,” Xina smirked up at him. “But she knows papa isn’t too far away if she needs him,”

Xina smiled at Miguel’s romantic gesture before walking off back to their shared bedroom. Miguel watched her leave before glancing back down into the crib, snagging one last look at his baby daughter. He carefully lowered his upper body down into the crib, his lips brushing gently on her forehead.

“Dulces sueños pequeña,” Miguel whispered softly, his voice warm like another blanket being tucked around her. - Sweet dreams little one

Miguel walked off into their room, immediately pulling his shirt off. He was about to make his way over to the dresser when Xina beckoned him over. “Come’ere,”

“What?” Miguel smirked over at her sitting on the bed with a curious glint in his eyes.

“It’s not about that, Miguel,” Xina rolled her eyes at the man as he sat at the edge of the bed. “You’re not going to bed when you’re still clearly feeling tense,”

Miguel immediately clued into what Xina was talking about as he turned her back towards her, reaching down to pull off his socks from his feet. “Give me a second to–” But the sentence halted from his lips as she felt Xina’s delicate hands begin to massage his shoulders.

The soft groan of relaxation that left him was everything Xina could have hoped for. “Now how do you feel?”

The corner of Miguel’s mouth curled into a smile, “A little to the left?”

Xina followed his request as she shifted her hands over as she slowly worked down his back and another sigh of relaxed pleasure fluttered from his throat.

“What did I do to deserve you?” He asked her, turning his head towards her.

“Everything and more,” Xina smiled before pressing one more kiss to his lips. “I’ll be here to help you, you know that. Just promise me you’ll put in the effort to take care of yourself, Miguel?”

“. . . I promise,”

///////

Earth-12128 - New York City - Lisa’s Apartment - Present Day

“Miguel?” Lisa’s voice brought Miguel back to the present as she gently took the champagne bottle from his hand. “We’re partners, right?”

“Yes?” he nodded softly.

“As partners, we should look out for each other’s well-being, right?” She went on, smiling softly at him.

“Right . . .?” Miguel answered again, yet more slowly as he drew out the word.

Where is she going with this?

“You’ve constantly looked out for me, so, let me do the same for you,” Lisa stated. “You made a promise to me that you’d take better care of yourself, and in turn, I promised I’d make sure that you do just that,”

Miguel’s fingers seemed to twitch as he mustered all the strength he had to not tackle Lisa in a bear crushing hug and kiss her silly.

What did I do to deserve her?

“So, change of plans for tonight,” Lisa spoke up as she set the champagne bottle aside, setting it on the kitchen counter. “When was the last time you got a full night's sleep?”

Miguel’s heart began to flutter in his chest, his palms sweating as his eyes glancing around at nothing in particular. “Uh. . . Does it matter?”

“How many, Miguel?” She asked him.

“. . . 2 days,” He answered after a brief hesitation.

“And in those two days you haven’t gotten any sort of rest?” Lisa pressed on gently.

Miguel shook his head, sulking like a child that was about to get reprimanded by their mother.

Lisa nodded softly, glancing down at the floor, “Alright then,” She returned her gaze to him as Lisa dared one step closer towards him, then slowly another, “So, Miguel, I know you’re a very smart man. What happens when our human bodies don’t get enough sleep?”

Miguel processed the question, the gears of his mind turning with the strength and energy he had left in the day. “Are you genuinely asking or are you quoting Big Bang Theory?”

“Both,” Lisa managed a soft grin before it loosened, “Now answer the question, smart boy,”

Miguel couldn’t stop his cheeks from flushing at the comment, his mind scrambling. “They. . . lose their sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine, receiving less signals from the brain,”

“Which then leads to?” Lisa dared another step closer.

“Impaired cognitive function?” Miguel’s cheeks started to burn.

“That’s exactly right,” Lisa nodded, her head motioning towards the bathroom door. “So, instead of a movie, I’ll hold onto the champagne for another night. You’re going to be a big man, march over there and brush your teeth, and go to bed and spend the night here,”

Wait. . . she’s not mad? She doesn’t sound like she’s mad, does she?

Miguel had a frazzled look on his face, daring to scoff even as he raised a brow at the lady before him. “Seriously?”

“I had the sheets cleaned, pillows fluffed, extra blankets in case you get cold, and scented candles to help soothe the senses,” Lisa smirked, feeling accomplished with her tasks. “I just hope the candle smell isn’t too sensitive,”

There was a playful glint in her eyes as she suddenly smirked up at him. First Miguel was surprised. Now he was scared.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” As reluctant as he was, Miguel couldn’t help but smile at what Lisa had done. She had done all of this for him. “Can’t we stay up just a little longer?”

“I’m going to count to 3,” She taunted.

Miguel’s mouth gaped open, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor. “You wouldn’t dare–!”

“Try me,” Lisa grinned. The pair locked eyes, provoking a staring contest as they both waited to see who would crack first. “. . . 1–”

“You are not–” Miguel gawked at the woman.

“2–?” Lisa raised her voice an octave as the look in her eyes told him that she wasn’t playing around.

“Alright, alright, I’m going!” He surrendered, his head and hands shaking with a surprised laughter as he sauntered into the bathroom.

“Your spare toothbrush is in the cabinet,” There was a hint of a grin on Lisa’s voice as her voice fluttered over the sound of Miguel shutting the door behind him.

Miguel found everything he needed, brushing his teeth and quickly rinsing off his face. Flicking his finger across the touch screen of his gizmo, his clothes changed into a comfy t-shirt and sweatpants before he stepped out of the bathroom and walked over towards the bedroom. Lisa was already sitting on her side, gently patting her hand on the mattress for him to join her.

“Come on,” She beckoned him.

“I don’t need to be told twice,” He teased, grinning at her as he carefully crawled across to the other end, plopping down on his back.

Lisa pulled back the covers for him as Miguel adjusted himself, tucking his lower body under the sheets. Everything felt warm, and silky smooth. His pillow smelt clean, feeling cool against his skin. It was only then he realized how tired he truly was.

He contemplated passing out right there and then, but he willed his eyes to stay open. He wanted to see Lisa, talk to her, just be with her. Miguel reached a hand out, his large fingers brushing against her cheek as she reached up and held his hand with her delicate fingers.

“What did I do to deserve you?” His voice was quiet, soft, and low as he cupped her cheek.

“Everything. . . and more, Miguel,” Lisa smiled softly at him.

He smiled softly back at her. Lisa’s body shifted, and at first Miguel thought that she was settling in beside him so they’d both get some sleep. But she scooted over and suddenly straddled in his lap, Miguel’s eyes went wide, his cheeks turning pink. “Lisa, what are you doing?”

“I’m making sure you actually go to sleep and stay that way,” She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to appear authoritative and intimidating as she narrowed her gaze down towards him. “That means no getting up in the middle of the night to sneak in more work, or calls. Just sleep,”

“You’re going to stay there until I do?” he asked her with a curious look in his eyes. “Like, watch me sleep?”

“If that’s what it takes,” Lisa stated.

The pair seemed to be stuck in an intimidating staring contest for what felt like long minutes. The curious glint stayed in Miguel’s gaze as his smirk slowly grew. He wanted to test Lisa’s claim for himself.

“Miguel. . .” Lisa’s voice gives off an audible warning drawl.

Miguel tries to sit up, but is stopped short when Lisa quickly stretches her arms out. Her hands grip his shoulders and push him back down. Miguel was genuinely caught by surprise by her strength as she pins him back down to the mattress, the back of Miguel’s head falling into place on the pillow.

“Miguel O’Hara!” Her lips flickered into a grin, staring down at him as she called him out for his attempted defiance.

Her long brown hair dangles on the side of her face, and try as he might, Miguel couldn’t hold himself back as his gaze began to linger down. He loved Lisa’s face, her sweet, almost innocent looking gaze, her soft expressions and loving smile. But Miguel would be lying to himself if his mind wasn’t screaming at him to, at least once, admire and appreciate Lisa’s body.

Elegant curves, a strong form, he couldn’t be more proud of her and the progress she had made since joining the Spider Society. In Miguel’s eyes, Lisa was beautiful inside and out. When his gaze retracted back to her own, and he saw the realization in her eyes of what he had done, there was. . hesitancy, doubt even as her cheeks flushed, and her grip on his shoulders loosened.

Was there a part of her that didn’t believe what Miguel saw in her?

Miguel’s expression faltered for a split second. Right now was probably not the correct time to discuss something like that. Tonight was about taking care of him and his health, Lisa had made that very clear.

“Fine, I’ll get some rest,” Miguel sighed deeply, his body relaxing into the mattress as Lisa’s hands snaked away from his shoulders, across his chest.

“Good,” Lisa nodded her head.

Miguel’s smirk was playful as his arm hooked around her back and gently pulled her down. Lisa landed with a soft ‘PLOP’ along Miguel’s chest, her head tucked under his. “Especially now that I have my favourite body pillow,”

His low rumbling laughter caused Lisa’s cheeks to burn as his hand gently stroked along her back. If Miguel was going down, he was taking Lisa down with him. Two could play at this game.

“Miguel O’Hara, go to sleep!” She ordered, hiding her face in the fabric of his nearly skin tight shirt.

“Yes, mi Mona Lisa,” Miguel’s voice drawled as his laughter quieted down.

Miguel reached over with his free hand, grabbing a spare blanket and pulling it over Lisa. He made sure she was snuggly and warm before he kissed the top of her head, holding her close. Slumber took hold of him minutes later and when he breathed in deeply and snored for the first time, Lisa truly relaxed, nuzzling against him completely as sleep overcame her as well.

//////////

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