#They now live together and Big mama has about five photo albums

[dryad-druid]

Imagine watching Maoujou de oyasumi and ending up with the need to draw your babies in cute pajamas.

Just look at them! So baby, so fluffy~

#Baby tots #my babies~ #just imagine this is an AU were Big Mama find Splinter #look at the tots and immediately she was like 'MINE' #She also threatened Splinter with social services if he did not give her custody #They now live together and Big mama has about five photo albums #And that's just for their baby pictures #my art #rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #save rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #teenage mutant ninja turtles #rise of the tmnt

[sunflovverharry]

Driving Home for Christmas

a/n: hii! i wanted to make this a super cute dad!h during christmas fic so i hope you enjoy! this fic is a part of @goldenbluesuit ´s christmas song fic challenge which i’m honored to be a part of! It's the first fic challenge I’ve entered and I’ve been nervous to post something along with all these other amazing writers, but I'm excited to post this little piece centered in the dad universe. Happy reading, and remember to read the rest of the entries as well (which I’ve read some these past two weeks and they’re fab!) <3

pairing: dad!h + y/n

warnings: none! just a cute dad!h piece

word count: 3.8k

Harry was loading the trunk of their Audi, putting all their packed suitcases and bags of presents in there. The car was smack full as this year they had another addition to their family, waiting patiently for her mum to feed her before they left the city. It was snowing heavily and Anne made sure they knew they didn’t have to drive up today with the weather making the roads worse than usual. Y/n also told him a hundred times it was his decision as he was the one driving. Harry didn’t budge though, telling his mum they would definitely be there by tonight.

This year's Christmas celebrations were being spent in Cheshire with Harry’s family seeing as they were with her family in Nottingham last year. They’ve found it works best this way rather than splitting it up to go both places every year. After four years together and buying a house at the start of this year, y/n thinks this might be the last Christmas spent out of their own home. They have their two cats (Nellie and Sunny) and having their first child it might be time to start celebrating the holiday at their own house.

«Babe, did you remember to pack the board games?» Harry heard his girlfriend ask from the threshold where they had hung a mistletoe and had Harry not been busy trying to make everything fit, he definitely would’ve turned around, ran up to her and gave her a big smack on the lips. He settled for giving her a thumbs up not swirling around as he was too busy trying to figure out how he could make most of their things fit in the trunk, thinking it was just like a game of tetris. While Harry had been doing the heavy lifting and packing; y/n had put a cute Christmas onesie on the still tiny body of their daughter, definitely small for her age but she was eating like her daddy so where the weight went they had no idea.

Olive was a generally happy, cuddly baby who more often than not reached for her dad over her mum. It didn’t bother y/n that she was a daddy’s girl, knowing how much Harry loves children and now that he has his own he’s all over her. She finds the two cuddled together on the sofa, their bed or the armchair in her nursery at least a couple times a day. Her phone is now overflowing with photos of the two and she’s hoping to put together a photo album for Harry’s birthday filled with them - knowing he’d cherish it forever.

Half an hour later they were pulling out of the driveway. Harry had checked multiple times that all the lights were out, the doors were locked and the alarm system was functioning properly. Olive was smiling as she sat still in her car seat behind y/n. She had wondered if sitting in the back with her daughter would be better, but decided against it. If she got fussy they’d stop at a gas station and she’d move to the back.

The couple was tremendously excited to bring along their little bundle of happiness and get to show her off to all of Harry’s family and friends. Of course, his family have seen her when she was a newborn but living quite far away most of them only get to see them once or twice a year. It’ll change the dynamic of how they celebrate the holidays for sure, but it's a positive change. Anne will spoil her rotten, just like she does to y/n when they visit - making her tea whenever she wants some, washing their dirty laundry (which y/n didn’t care that her mother-in-law saw her underwear cause she didn’t bring anything too scandalous) and heading to the shops when they needed even the smallest thing. Really, y/n thought she was too kind for her own good. At the same time though, y/n always did play a good host when Anne visited them - spoiling her with the comfiest bed sheets, making the food for every meal, not wanting her to lift a finger as if she was the queen.

Olive was eight months - a fairly active one at that - and loves to crawl everywhere, especially to follow her mum or dad around the lower floor of their (way too big) house for only the three (five) of them. Since the pair hadn’t brought Olive with them for such a long drive, the longest being an hour, they were anxious to find out how she’d react to being confined over a longer period of time.

Half an hour in and Olive was babbling away to the teddy bear in her arms (she got it from her nephews when she was born and has been attached to it since) as Harry and y/n talked about how excited they were for their daughter to explore her daddy´s hometown and how his whole family and friends would fall in love with Olive even more. With their little girl just starting to sleep all through the night in her own room, Anne wanted to make sure she got her own room at her nana's too, so apparently she’s cleaned the office and made it into a makeshift nursery for her granddaughter.

Y/n doesn’t know who’s more excited to see all the familiar faces, the family that’s become not only important to her in the last four years, but now also to their baby. The last time they visited Cheshire, y/n was barely two months pregnant and as tough as it was to keep it hidden from Anne for another month, they managed to keep it to the two of them (with just a handful of slip-ups). They were sure Anne knew they were having a baby with the small smirks she gave y/n and harry when she didn’t want the wine - Harry keeping to non-alcoholics in solidarity with her - which was unregular for her, normally jumping on the thought of having a glass or two after a long day.

“You know mum won’t give her up after she gets her hands on her right as we walk through the front door? Might want to hop in the back and get your fix before we get there.” Harry let out a chuckle with y/n joining in knowing just how true his words were. Anne was a godsend of a grandmother, taking Olive in her arms doting over her until she’ll start crying for her daddy. Though everyone gives her all the attention she could wish for, no one could ever do what Harry can. He’s her favorite, no matter how much I wish I could be.

Another half hour later and we were making our first stop at a local gas station in Aylesbury. We were about a third of the way in, but the weather was getting harsher with the snow falling harder and the wind picking up just a little bit. While Harry filled the car up with gas and made sure Olive didn’t start fussing, y/n went inside to get a couple snacky items for the three of them and a filled up cup of coffee for her boyfriend. Coming out of the station she could see Harry in the back with his love bug, bringing her out of the car seat as her cute little wails haltered. She was due for a feed, so they found a secluded space to park so no one would stare at her while breastfeeding their daughter.

Sitting in the front passenger seat with her daughter attached to her nipple with her baby daddy sitting in the driver's seat next to her they spent the next twenty minutes singing along to the Christmas songs playing one after the other on the radio.

Y/n had always loved this time of year - the snow, the songs (which - admittedly - she listened to throughout the entire year), the decorations, the joy and cheer. With y/n and Harry moving in together a month before Christmas, only half a year after they first began dating, they had a mutual understanding for how they would go all out with lights, trees and decorations both on the inside and outside. Though their house was gated with a high fence along the perimeter of their entire land. The trees lining the driveway all the way from the gate to where the gravel road extends into two, one leading to the garage and the other to the front door, were now lit up with strings of light going through them. It was only the beginning to their decorations, but it couldn’t be seen from the gate. More lights were lit along the house, windows were accentuated by red tape creating squares with spray along it, making it seem like snow on the glass. Though there aren’t tons of colourful lights, outside at least, the inside is littered with different colours, shining and sparkling along the staircases, mantels, dressers, counters and tables.

Olive felt like there was something new to look at, touch and be amazed by in every room of their house. As the clock sets seven in the morning, like clockwork, Harry hears Olive’s wails for him to get her out of the crib so she can move around. He kisses y/n’s forehead as he lets her sleep for another half hour to an hour like every morning before pulling on a pair of boxers and some pajama pants if it’s cold to get his daughter from her nursery across the hall.

The two of them were like two giggling girlfriends when they finally saw each other for the first time that day, not being able to keep their smiles from their similar lips. Walking downstairs Olive points at the garland wrapping the staircase and every time she sees it, a small sound of surprise and excitement exit her puckered lips. Harry talks to her about how good her mama is at decorating their house and how good it looks good for Christmas (he only helped her put up decorations, following her direct orders). Y/n had a certain way she liked to decorate and with this being the first Christmas in their house she wanted everything to look perfect.

Coming into the kitchen after turning the dimmed lights on low to have some lighting in the morning dark they had a little shimmy along the floor. Olive babbled along with Harry’s singing and mumbling to her explaining how the buttons on the walls turned on the different lights. She probably didn’t understand or care about the lights, but the two continued singing and talking about nonsense along the way. In the kitchen, Harry made her a bottle she demanded having before getting started on the omelette he makes for him and y/n every morning he’s home without fail.

When they finally got back on the road the snow was coming down heavily and the only thing they could see were the lines of cars in front of them on the M40 pushing the break every few seconds before accelerating again moving only a couple meters before breaking again. Y/n didn’t have a lot of patience in traffic - or in general - and quickly became annoyed making Harry laugh at her telling her to calm down (she wasn’t even the one who had to drive through this horrible weather). This lasted for another forty-five minutes before the snow let up just a little bit and the cars seemed to roll along the road like normal.

“I didn’t think driving home for Christmas would take this long. At least, I hoped it wouldn’t.” They’d been on the road since nine thirty this morning and now, two and a half hours later, they still have at least another two hours left until they’re at Anne’s. It wasn’t unusual for y/n to call Anne’s home, having stayed there for weeks at a time during the almost five years her and Harry have known each other. Harry isn’t unknown to calling y/n’s parents’ house his home either.

“I know. Wish it didn’t have to take this long and I’m sure little Ollie is going to get antsy soon. If the weather continues like this and we don’t have to take more than one more break, I think we’ll be there within three hours, but if we run into traffic, we might have to take more stops along the way.” Harry wanted to move along quickly to get to his mum’s before Olive’s nap time around three, if she didn’t end up sleeping in the car. We knew when we decided to drive in the morning that Olive would probably stay up the whole way, too engrossed with the cars and lights along the way to ever be able to fall asleep.

“You know what we should do to keep her happy for another half hour at least?” Y/n turned to look at Harry with a smile grazing her lips. “Play some Christmas music! She loves when we sing and dance around the house.” Playing the memories of hearing Olive’s belly laughter through the house while Harry and her danced in circles around her like another pair of idiots.

Putting on the same Christmas song list they’ve played since making it together all those years ago, the first song coming on shuffle being Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The noise was at a comfortable volume so they could still hear Olive if she started fussing though it’s unlikely and for it to not be too disturbing for Harry’s driving. With Olive seated with her back to them she couldn’t see her mummy dancing in her seat while they sang along to song after song, but she heard her parents’ voices singing out to the songs she’s heard oh so many times before.

“This is accurate, huh?” Harry snickered as Driving Home for Christmas began playing through the speakers.

“You don’t say.” It was one of their favorite songs and it fit the scene they were in, driving home for Christmas, excited to see their family, singing along the slowly getting better traffic. Looking around at the cars next to them, most of them looked to be families also driving home to be with their families for this year's holiday celebrations.

The rest of the drive was filled with more singing, two more stops for Harry to give his baby some cuddles and walking around one of the local Tesco’s they stopped at to get some more drinks and snacks. Olive was waving at everyone walking past us and talking all kinds of gibberish. While y/n grabbed the snacks, Harry had Olive walking along the aisles in between his feet while holding her little hands in his following her around the store.

A quarter to three they finally made it to Anne’s home, reversing into the driveway so they could get their baggage inside easier later in the day. Y/n saw Anne open the front door in the rearview mirror when Harry was pulling in the last meters. There was a bright smile on her face when we got out of the car. The snow had laid thick on the ground up north and the slick ice underneath made it harder to walk without having to make sure every step was carefully thought out.

Just minutes later Olive was already crawling with her little legs all over her grandma’s home, interested in anything and everything she could get her chubby hands on not seeming to be tired at all. They decided to forgo her nap and hope for an early night, which isn’t likely with everything going on around her. Anne was on granny duties right away telling the pair to sit down and relax with the tea she had prepared while she took care of the baby. There was no doubt she loved the attention from the person she might not remember from this summer but quickly became attached to, almost as much as she is to her daddy.

Harry found his place on the sofa, head in y/n’s lap and feet hanging over the armrest demanding her fingers curling through his locks. It wasn’t surprising to her that he was tired from driving the entirety of the way in traffic and tightly packed snow at times. Sure, if needed he could have stayed awake, but with his mum taking care of his little love he didn’t care much, falling asleep to his other love combing her fingers through his hair. It didn’t happen too often that they could have a cuddle in the middle of the day - just the two of them - with Olive needing their attention at all hours of the day so when the opportunity arose he wasn’t going to turn it down. He admits, though this is nice as well, that a naked cuddle in bed would definitely top laying on the sofa with his mum and daughter running around them. Maybe tonight, he thinks, as he finally falls asleep to the sound of Olive’s giggles.

As nighttime inched closer and Olive’s bedtime was passing them in the chatter and laughter, y/n told Harry to get their things from the car while she nurses Olive before getting her ready for bed. While they took care of their daughter, Anne made a nice spread of cheese and crackers for them to indulge tonight while catching up on everything that’s been going on in their lives since the last time she visited them in London.

Harry found Olive’s bag first, choosing a pair of christmassy pajamas from the mountain of clothes they had brought for her. Y/n walked upstairs to the nursery Anne had set up, seeing Harry already unpacking her bags into the cute vintage turquoise chiffonier Anne had bought from a neighbour only a couple weeks ago immediately falling in love with it.

«Would you like to have a cuddle with daddy before bed, Ollie?» Y/n firmly believed her daughter needed the nightly cuddle from Harry, just like she does, to fall asleep. She was already reaching out for him with her nimble hands waiting for him to take her in for a snuggle in his arms. There was no armchair in the makeshift nursery like they had purchased for Olive’s nursery back home where they always sat but Harry made it work. Anything for a cuddle with his baby growing way too quick for his liking.

It was no secret Harry loved babies and that only heightened when he had his own baby. With how good Olive is and how lush it’s been having a baby around and it not be just the two of them, he had thought about what it would be like with another baby around. Another little love for them to have, give Olive a sister or brother to play with. He hadn’t said anything to y/n about the thoughts he’d been having, not knowing if she'd agree with him. It’s been eight months and when they had talked about it before they agreed on a maximum of two years between their children.

Only a couple hours later they headed to bed themselves, ready for a good night's sleep before another long day tomorrow. Harry had been debating with himself whether he was going to mention babies to y/n or not - ultimately ended up with yes, he would mention it. Now they were finally alone with y/n resting her head on Harry’s pillow, her fingers delicately drawing patterns on his chest.

“I have something I’d like to discuss with you.” Harry’s voice wasn’t much louder than a whisper, not wanting to ruin the calmness around them. He wasn’t nervous so to say, but he felt his pulse quicken the tiniest bit at the thought of getting turned down. Y/n turned her head to watch Harry as he pulled her in as close as he could without suffocating her.

“It’s been lovely having Olive, right? Seems like it was meant to be to have a baby and during the holidays it’s been so fun watching her so interested in everything.” Y/n murmured her answer. She had loved having a little one to care for and to fill their days with joy over the last eight months.

“Well, with how well it’s been going with her, I was thinking we could talk about having another little one? Maybe discuss it a bit. What do you say, let's make Ollie a big sister?”

“I think we might be well on the way to making her a sister, bub.” Harry turned his head at lightning speed hearing her words, not knowing if he heard her quite right. His open mouth and big round eyes weren’t something she saw often combined as she wasn’t always the best at surprising him, but this time she was sure her secret had come as a big shock. It wasn’t as if they had been trying for a baby either, only forgetting a condom a handful times when they were too in the moment to care for it.

She found out only a week ago, thinking she could keep it to herself until Christmas day. It wasn’t difficult to hide it from him, not struggling with morning sickness and only craving sweets as if she was on her period. Knowing they had agreed on the number of children they wanted - four - she wasn’t scared of him reacting badly.

“You’re not joking, right?” Harry smashed his lips onto his girlfriends when she shook her head - no, i’m not joking - kissing her slow and long, showing her just how happy he was. They spent the night talking about how thrilled and excited they were to expand their family with more children and how great of a sister Olive would be. Baby names were flying between them, agreeing to never naming one of their babies after a city, but rather continuing naming them something more unique than Chloe or Adam.

The rest of the holiday spent up north with Harry’s family was relaxing and lovely all around. Playing board games, exploring the city with Olive (who was way too fascinated by all the snow), family dinner parties and having fun with friends they didn’t get to see all too often. Olive was wiped out after opening her presents on Christmas morning and spending all her energy on all the toys she got and the paper ripping she played with (more than the toys to be honest).

This year had been special for the family and Christmas was just the same. Olive was lively and it made y/n and Harry exhausted with everything going on, but they wouldn’t change it for the world. After all, Olive was their little girl and soon there would be another little love in their family. Trying to keep the pregnancy from their family and friends was easier this time around as she could blame not drinking alcohol on her breastfeeding and decided they would keep it hidden from everyone until the last possible minute.

#gbsxmaschallenge #harry styles fic #harry styles fluff #harry styles #harry styles x y/n #harry styles x reader #harry styles imagine #harry styles blurb #harry styles writing #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles drabble #harry styles fiction #harry styles smut #harry styles angst #fic challenge #harry styles x oc #harry styles x yn #writing

[roseprincess1994]

A Wonderful Life...

Okay so I know I didn't sign up for the DTs secret Santa project this year for many reason that I won't really bore every one with but I did want to put up something for Christmas. And I want to sort of dedicate it @promiseddifferent and to @rikareena both have been SO supportive and encouraging of me. I am still so new to writing but they have always been there to pump me up. So this is my little Christmas gift to them.  

(So heres a little present for you guys!! @promiseddifferent and @rikareena)

Also I hope that everyone can enjoy this little story! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! I wanted to put something happy and warm out there for everyone, its been a hell of a year for us all and the holidays is a time to remember that we should be thankful for the things that brig us joy and to cherish them. And for me Ducktales has been such a outlet and a way to get away from all of the craziness and anxiety inducing situations. So happy holidays, stay safe and be kind. 

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A Wonderful life

The twins had at last been put to bed, a long day of playing out in the snow, baking Christmas cookies, and helping their uncle layout traps for Santa, it had been just the ticket to tuckering out a pair of rambunctious four year olds...it was also the key to keeping their minds off of how this Christmas would be different this year.  This year instead of celebrating the holiday with their mother and father they would be celebrating with their uncle.

Scrooge sighed, pushing the unpleasant thought to the back of his mind there was no since in getting misty over events that he had no control over.

“Your brooding again.” A voice came.

Scrooge turned his gaze away from the fire burning in the harth to the woman who had spoken and locked eyes with her. “I don’t know what youre talken about he grumbled.

Goldie rolled her eyes before walking over to him and holding out a glass of scotch. “ Look i didn't agree to spending Christmas with you and the twin terrors just so you can sit here and brood in front of the fire like a moldy old codger.” she said with a slight annoyance in her tone.

Scrooge gave her a glare before talking the glass from her, mumbling inaudibly into the glass as he took a sip. Goldie rolled her eyes once more before sighing and taking a set on his lap and wrapping an arm around his shoulders. “You know Christmas was Hortense’s favorite holiday after moving here to America, even more so after sailor boy and fly girl game into the picture. She would always get into the Christmas spirit, I remember her going on and on about why she loved the holiday, it was because it brought families together. You also know that she would clobber you for being a grinch, I can hear her now “Scroogie ya best not be moping about on my account! I'm counting on ya to be given my wee ones the best Christmas! So help me I’ll come back and string ya up by your tail feathers with garland I will!” Goldie said immitanting Hortense trying to lighten the mood.

Despite his sour mood Scrooge couldn't help but crack a small smile. “Aye, your right lass.” He said giving her waist a light squeeze.

“Of course I’m right, I'm always right.” Goldie replied before taking a sip of her whiskey. Now it was Scrooge's turn to do the eye rolling, but he knew it was best not to say anything. The two slipped into a comfortable silence as they sat in front of the roaring fire and enjoyed the comfort of one another's presence.

Goldie finished off the rest of her glass of whiskey before setting the glass down on the side table. “Well I think I’ll be turning in, it will be morning before we know it and the little hellions will be paying us a rude wake up call I am sure.” she said as she stood up from his lap. “Try not to brood too much longer, you know frowning causes wrinkles and you don't need any extra help in that department Sourdough.” She gave him a teasing wink before adding a kiss to his cheek as he grumbled under his breath, something that sounded awful like “Your one to talk” but she decided to let it slide since it was Christmas. 

 As Goldie exited the room and headed upstairs to turn in Scrooge once again went back to sitting in silence, watching as the fire danced along the longs, slowly sipping his drink. As he finished off the glass he sat the glass down on the side table as well before standing and going over to the book shelf and pulled out one of the books, it was old, worn, and leather bound photo album with a thick layer of dust on it. 

Scrooge slowly made his way back over to his chair to sit down before carefully oping the album wincing as the spice creaked in protest. It was a old family photo album sprinkled with pictures of his parents and he and his sisters as children, there where not many photos, just the few that the family had been able to afford now and then, the pictures spanning years and years. He paused on one particular photo os he, Matilda, and little baby Hortense if he had to guess they where nine, five, and a few months old respectively. He was holding the little babe in his arms, he and Matilda had big smiles on their little dirt covered faces. Scrooge sighed heavily and blinked away the sudden sting in his eye, which he attributed to the dust. “Merry Christmas Tessie.” He said softly as he ran a finger over infants face, and made a mental note to call his parents, along with Matilda and Ludwig in the morning, knowing they would want to talk to the twins and he also admitted to himself that he was feeling a little home sick and wanted to hear the sound of his families voices. 

Shaking off the feeling of gloom, Goldie was right he didn't need to be wallowing in things of the past, he stood up from the chair wincing as his joints cracked, he went back over to the bookshelf and put the album back, making another mental note to start showing the kids more of the old album and other photos of their mothers side of the family. He himself slowly made his way upstairs towards his bedroom. 

When he arrived at the bedroom the lights where off and it appeared that Goldie had already fallen asleep. The only source of light was from the full moon reflecting off the snowing and sting in through the window. He quietly went towards the bathroom, after changing and brushing his teeth he silently made his way towards the bed, gently pulling back the covers and sliding into bed being carful not to wake the other occupant. Scrooge had just settled when Goldie rolled over to face him, he should have known she would still be awake. 

“Hey.” Goldie spoke up softly, reaching over to gently turn his face towards hers, stroking his cheek with her thumb. “You okay?” she asked. 

Scrooge couldn't help but smile at her rare moment of tenderness, he placed his hand over hers giving it a gentle squeeze. “Aye, don't you worry my darlin I’m fine...just thinking about how I’ll probably give my parents and Tilly a call tomorrow. I’m sure they will want to talk to Donald and Della.” He replied.

Goldie just looked at him for a moment trying to gage if he was telling the truth or not, finally she just nodded before scooting closer to lay her head on his chest. “Night Moneybags.” she said softy as she settled down. 

Scrooge moved his arm to wrap around her shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze, tugging her closer and placing a gentle kiss into her golden locks...soaking in the warmth and comfort she always gave him. “Good night Goldie Girl.” he whispered before settling own himself. 

     It was some time after midnight when both Scrooge and Goldie where awoken by the distant sound, both where light sleepers and where always able to be awake and alert at the sound of a pin drop...you didn't get to live as long as they did by letting your guard down even in sleep. They laid still and listened for a moment, the sound came once again. Goldie frowned and went to sit up but Scrooge held her tightly in place. “Is it Santa?” She mouthed. Scrooge frowned listing for a moment before the frown slowly melted into a knowing smile, before he could reply the bedroom door opened and two small figures appeared in the doorway. Before they knew it Donald and Della where standing at the foot of the bed. 

Not bothering to wait for a invitation Della crawled up on the bed before turning to help Donald up on to the bed as well. Scrooge had an amused expression on his face as he watched the kids and also the annoyed look on Goldie's face. 

“Is there something we can help you with?” He asked sitting up slightly, as Della crawled up to the head of the bed and made herself comfortable between the adults sitting down close to her uncles side, just as Donald settled down close to Goldie side. 

“Donnie had another nightmare and was to scared to go back to sleep. So told him that we should come find you and aunt Goldie cuz you two fight off monsters and bad guy all the time and would protect us,” Della explained. 

“Is that true lad?” He asked looking as Donald, Scrooge could clearly see the dried tears on the little boys face. Donald only nodded his head in response. 

“Well in that case I supposed you two can stay here tonight.” Scrooge said ignoring the look Goldie was sending him. “Your aunt Goldie and I will keep ya both safe.” he continued, 

The two little ones quickly settled down and the adults fallowed soon after. 

“Uncle Scrooge, can you tell a story?” Della asked struggling against her uncles side. When Scrooge glanced down he couldn't help but notice her eyes...his sisters eyes looking back at him. “Aye lass I suppose so, how about I tell you about how I urned the tittle Buckaroo of the Badlands?” He asked Della nodded excitedly, she loved to hear all about her uncles adventures and longed for the day she could grow up and be a great adventure just like him, but Della also liked to just listen to her uncle talk...because his accent reminded her so much of her mama. 

Donald on the other had was more interested in Goldie having cuddled closer to her side. Goldie raised an eyebrow at the little boy. “Something I can help you with?” She asked when she notice him just looking at her. Though he didn't seem to acknowledge that she had spoken, instead with the thumb on his one hand in his mouth and with the other hand he reached out a graded onto a lock of her hair seeming truly intrigued. His aunt Goldies hair was so different then his mamas, his mamas hair had been a deep red, to match her temper, curly and thick, Goldie hair was soft, wavy, and the same shade of gold as the coins his uncles money bin. Goldie frowned for a moment but then sighed at least the little tike was being gentle and it seemed to be keeping him quite and content so she supposed it was worth the sacrifice. After a few moments she unknowingly began humming...an old, old lullaby...a distant and buried memory...one that tugged at the corner of her mind but she chose to ignore. Goldie would never admit it but the kids where pretty cute. She had begun to gently stroke the little boys forehead causing him to slowly drift off to dream land. Goldie glanced up at the same time Scrooge did, he had just finished his story. The couple locked eyes over the children’s heads both sharing a soft smile. 

“Merry Christmas Scroogie, I love you.” Goldie whispered before shutting her own eyes. 

“Merry Christmas my darlin...I love you too.” Scrooge whispered in reply before gently wrapping his arm around his family pulling them all close. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. 

#ducktales #dt17 #donald duck #della duck #ducktales goldie #goldie o’gilt #scrooge mcduck #scrooge x goldie #scroldie

[papermoonloveslucy]

INDOMINATABLE LIFESTYLE

July 16, 1972

HOLLYWOOD - Indomitable funny girl Lucille Ball, with a messy scoop hair the color of an orange popsicle, flashes on the scene in a sad predicament. 

She's got a lame leg.  

Lucy hobbled from her sleek silver Rolls Royce and into the yellow cubbyhole dressing room which is a sunny retreat near the Lucy set which Is crawling with rehearsal activity. 

On the surface, everything's ha-ha-ha. But the fact is that surgeons have inserted pins into the shattered leg bone suffered last year in a Snowmass Peak, Colo., skiing accident. The leg brace is a semi-intolerable ball and chain. But, as always, crippling situations must be mastered. Lucy's inextinguishable spirit pulsates despite the physical handicap. 

Lucy Is showing a smiling color photograph of herself in a flowing white hooded cape coat rimmed in fluffy fox. The picture, radiating exterior happiness, doesn't reflect the inner pain. Lucy's leg, in a hip cast, is disguised under a blanket. 

You know the familiar Lucy grin? She's grinning it and saying hell no, baby, she's not ever going to ski again. She couldn't stomach another goddam ordeal like that. Besides, on the immediate horizon is an operation to remove the pins.

Lucy, being Lucy, bears the cross with humor: "Honey," she says, "skiing is just getting into those nice winter clothes and being a show off." The burdensome subject of broken bones is dismissed with frivolity. 

Brainy Lucy, now 60 and president of a $30 million corporation, is an American institution. 

But, like all super-successful females, she vibrates complex contradictions. The fashion plate - who initiated her career as a Hattie Carnegie hat model - is a winsome dumb broad on the tube. In reality she's tough executive who barks orders left and right. Staffers instantly do like the lady says. God has spoken. Lucy runs a tight ship, but she is more respected than feared. 

Yet Lucy is softie with a heart of spun sugar. Trappings, which she has in predictable abundance, aren't a psychic crutch. 

"Success is knowing that if everything were wiped away tomorrow, it wouldn't really matter. I wouldn't die if I lost my things," she says. Then the awesome simplicity: "Dear, I still go home and let the cat out" 

Lucy has always run her home life with a liberal hand.

Desi Arnaz, Jr. is currently Involved in well-publicized liaison with Liza Minnelli. There was a previous Desi scandal regarding Patty Duke. People gossip a lot here because they live in a city where the major industry is make-believe and fact and fiction become blurred. 

Lucy isn't deaf to the talk about her son's romances: 

"What the hell, they're having a fine spree. I just hope it lasts for Desi and Liza. They don't have time to get married. Their scene is the world and they're swinging in there. I'm the one who talked marriage to them. One night I said: Look, kids, don't get married too soon. They were upset. Desi countered with the observation that you don't have to settle down when you get married. So I go -  well, that's true son! The subject of marriage just never came up again. They're a nice couple. They present themselves well without becoming asses. I've told the kids to do as they wish." 

Lucy, who was a good friend to Judy Garland, makes no bones about her affection for Liza. And once Lucy loves, the feeling lasts. After 20 years of marriage to Desi Arnaz, there was the divorce. Still Lucy looks people straight in the eyes and says the present Mrs. Desi Arnaz is a "wonderful woman." And she can see it in her heart to rent ex-husband Desi studio space on her lot so that he can work in the shadow of a success they initiated together. 

When Liza Minnelli was a child, Lucy kept a scrapbook of Liza's activities at play, in ballet school, attending birthday parties. There, in a battered old photo album, are the precious pictures. Liza didn't know about the book until recently. Desi brought Liza home and Lucy accidentally-on-purpose left the book on a coffee table. "Oh! Wow!" exclaimed Liza through a flow of uncontrollable tears. 

Lucy; "And I said to Liza, honey-baby, I told you I've known you for a long time. Didn't you believe me?" Lucille Ball speaks in an affectionate aside about Liza and the loyalty is simultaneously visible and audible: 

"That kid is liable to explode any minute. I just hope I'm around to pick up the pieces. No one knows why she works so hard. She's made it her objective to clear her mother financially. Those b--- lawyers took her --- really took her. But she's paying back every damn cent herself." 

Life is, of course, an inexplicable mixture of tears and laughter. Buoyant Lucy can see the funnies in everything. Love, she says, is looking beyond someone's minor faults and caring passionately despite the irritations. Lucy's 80-year-old mom, Dede (Desiree Ball) lives near Lucy's sprawling colonial house in Beverly Hills. Dede has a longstanding idiosyncrasy which used to drive Lucy wild but is now an amusement. 

In that familiar screechy scratchy soprano voice oozing feigned stupidity, Lucy sing-songs the dialogue; 

"I say to Dede: Hey Dede, I've got a pain in my elbow. Dede always says: 'stupid, it's because you're not eating right!" Honest to God, if you've got a pain in your big toe, it's not because someone stepped on it it's the food. Drives you nuts! Dede really has a thing about food. The other day I went home and cooked a batch of chicken. 'Chicken!!" says Dede, 'you know it's gonna make me sick.' Of course Dede eats more chicken than anybody. Next day I say: Dede you been up all night throwin', huh? Naw," says Dede, the chicken wasn't half bad.'"

The ridiculous story illustrates two things Dede taught Lucy early in life. One: That without good health you've got nothing. Two; That without a non-pliant, thoroughly independent attitude, you've got less than nothing because show business kills the weak. 

Lucy is in constant awe of Dede. When Lucy built the five-story ski chalet 9,800 feet on the side of a Colorado mountain she was certain Dede couldn't take either the long trip or the altitude. Besides, once you get to Lucy's place, there are a million icy steps to climb before you make the front door. "Even the dogs stop to get their breath," says Lucy. "But when I start huffing, Dede looks over her shoulder and sorta snaps: Aw, Lucy, you're a sissy!' That woman is my challenge." 

Does Lucy ever get down? Do the burdens of crushing disappointments halt her enthusiasm even temporarily? "Jesus," she says, "I cry. I cry a lot. Then anger sets in. When I'm angry, I become a fighter. And I always fight to win." 

When Lucy talks to you, she taps your knee in a natural gesture of intimacy. Her gaze is through black fringed x-ray eyes that sear through trivia. She smokes her cigarette twirled ceremoniously between her thumb and forefinger. Lucy always spews gut honesty: 

"Love is a great peace of mind. There's no panic in the relationship. It's never having to prove yourself. Love is not playing games. Baby, some women have to put up with mysterious absenteeism. That's always a sign of hanky panky-ism. Christ, I never have to worry where Gary is." 

Gary is Gary Morton, Lucy's husband and executive producer. Suddenly he bursts into the dressing room and asks for the afternoon off. Lucy's going to work the full day. Her answer is affirmative, but she doesn't use the word "yes"; "Just don't forget to tell the cook to get out the steaks and have a big salad ready." 

The show is all in the family. Lucy's sister, Cleo Smith, is another producer. Lucy is having the talk-about twosome of Desi Jr. and Liza written into a script. Little Lucy, who has been Mrs. Phil Vandervort for a year, is a regular. She, too, bursts into the dressing room to use the john. The jeans are already embarrassingly unzipped. As she whizzes by she comments only to her famous mama: "Jeez, I though you were alone!" 

But an emergency is an emergency. Lucy, quick to seize the humor, quips: "Our togetherness is only occasionally splintered." 

In retrospect, Lucy is pleased with her real-life mother role. "I've been one hell of a mom," she says. "I always knew where they were every minute." Lucille Ball is a profound woman who often uses great simplicities to get her points across.

Once, when the kids were small, a nurse observed to Lucy that Little Lucy was calling Desi Jr., "fatso," and jabbing him in the stomach-when no one was looking. Desi didn't hit back because mama had said never to hit defenseless little girls. Lucy relives the old conversation with her daughter, first announcing each "part" and changing voices to portray the back-and-forth swing of conversation: 

Big Lucy: "Got a problem, Little Lucy?" 

Little Lucy: "Me? No." 

Big Lucy: "Let's talk. Whose fault is it? No, actually it doesn't matter whose fault it is. Next time one of you is hurt, I'm going to hit the one who is hurt." 

Little Lucy: "What does that mean, ma?" 

Big Lucy: "You'll see." 

Soon there was another battle. As usual, Little Lucy elbowed Desi in the stomach and he howled, Lucy illogically whacked Desi hard on the rear and his screams got louder. Little Lucy immediately became hysterical: "Mom, don't hit him! For God's sake, why are you hitting HIM?" 

Lucy delivered the punch line which is the credo of their life: "I hit Desi because you let things go too far. Never let things go too far. Someone innocent always suffers. Do you understand?" 

That was the end of sibling squabbling. Forever. 

Once, before her chorus girl days, New York-born Lucy worked as a fashion mannequin for various Seventh Ave. houses. She's still got a clotheshorse figure but she won't splurge on couture: "I'm just one of those normal working women who doesn't go in for hifalutin’ fashion." 

Lucy haunts three fabric shops in Beverly Hills and has local movie set seamstresses make all her clothes. "I'm not the type who dresses and goes out," says Lucy who long ago graduated from the silly-but-necessary movie star game of being seen in the right places. 

"Once when I was in Paris, I bought a designer dress grey flannel, I think and wore it out from the salon to my car.  When I sat down the damn thing was so strictly constructed that the neckline popped up to my nose. I was on my way to Switzerland and I mumbled to my driver, God, did that designer expect me to stand up on the plane?" Lucy can afford emergencies. When she got to Orly, she bought a dress from an airport boutique and changed in the ladies room. 

And, so, the sweet saga of Lucy continues, there are no plans to quit. The word - retirement - isn't in her vocabulary. "I can't imagine doing nothing," she says. "If you don't keep moving, you're buried." 

The beauty is still there. The complexion is like alabaster. Lucy confesses that she washes her face with Ivory soap, colors her own hair and occasionally gives herself offbeat facials." 

"Honey, the idiot who said to put honey on your face never explained that it has to be mixed with cream," she says. The face melts into that wonderful famous grin. "I put honey on straight from the goddamn jar and it closed my pores for a month." 

That's lovable Lucy. 

[Ed. Note: The original photographs were degraded by copying so similar shots were substituted as close to the originals as possible.]

#   #   #

#Lucille Ball #Desi Arnaz #Gary Morton #Wildcat #Dede Ball #Lucie Arnaz #Desi Arnaz Jr. #Liza Minnelli

[blackevermore]

x Wade In The Water

{ Chapter 5: Leak In This Old Building }

Summary: Ester Scott was once in love. She thought the days of her shortcomings were over and that the man she found was her one and only. But all that was taken away when the demons she had became too accustomed to finally took the one thing she had left. Louisiana was her home but the devil down below was calling her name. She only has herself to blame when it came to the hands dragging her under.

Notes: It’s Hazbin Hotel, be ready for everything. Also I apologize for all my mistakes in advance!

Word Count: 3,950

Souls can sing songs, they can sing you harmonies that have been lost with time. When I rest my feet I sit with waiting souls that sing the blues. They sung me gossip and I told them to hold their tongue for the Lord’s words no longer apply to me. They seem to be saddened by my tainted sweetness and I offer them a coin. Place this in your mouth and do not swallow, when you get there you’ll be rich, that’s what I tell them. It’s all I have to send them off.

- Ester R. Scott

People are going missing again. On the board next to the bus stop are faces of people of all ages. Some photos are drawings, some are handpicked from someone’s personal album, and others are clipping from the newspapers. They are all smiling, unaware that in reality they are gone and may never come back. These photos were the last memories anyone would have of them. Even in passing everyone was affected by the smiling faces of missing people asking for help in black and white. As I look over all the faces, I notice that there aren’t as many black folk as there is white folk. This is odd considering my people go missing left and right and their faces are the ones that go unnoticed for years. I look at the few black faces and they are all women with fancy hair and fancy dresses.

They aren’t missing. They were killed, as simple as that.

I look towards all the white faces and it's mostly men, older men with wrinkles on their face. Men in suits and hats that had their pictures taken when they weren’t working. The women are just the same, beautiful and casual, untouched by reality and living comfortably. These women, until the men, were probably still living somewhere with a lover in hiding. The men were most likely six feet under from a lousy gamble and a terrible fate. On the lower row are children, precious babies that didn’t deserve whatever happened to them. I close my eyes and say a small prayer for them before I turn and walk away. Behind me, I know the angels that were following me are still looking towards the board. Maybe they are checking off their list of people they’ve gathered or maybe sent off to hell. Maybe the devil does the same thing, with a smile wide on his face as he chuckles deeply at all the faces and names he knows. Maybe he turns to his side and gathers someone's attention and tells them ‘I know them, they died last month, we play poker every Saturday’. Then he would laugh and smile at the person creeping them out and watching them hurry off to get away from them.

Or, in a turn of events, the devil’s heart grows heavy as he realizes there is more work to be done with the souls waiting down below.

“Ester?” I stumbled through the front door and Chemintine came out of the bathroom. “Welcome home Ester, I’ve already started cooking.” She smiles at me and I knot my brows. It’s been two weeks since she’s moved in and every day since then she’s been doing more and more for me. First, it was cleaning up the few messes I had left about during the long nights I couldn’t sleep. Then it was washing my clothes on days she didn’t have to go to work but I did. At first, I fussed at her for touching what didn’t belong to her, but when she gave me those big baby eyes I knew it was better to just allow her to do as she pleased. Of course within the range of asking me first, it was my house after all. Now she was cooking for me and I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. The last person that cooked for me was my mama and I would have liked to keep it that way.

“Chemintine, you don’t have to cook, I could have done that.” I take off my shoes and place them by the door along with my coat. Chemintine shakes her head and crosses her arms across her chest.

“I can cook Ester, I’m not gonna kill ya.” She said, shaking her head and moseying off to the kitchen to finish what she was doing. “If I’m going to be staying with you for the time being I need to pull my weight.” I walk up behind her as she is stirring something in the pot.

“Fine, but a rule mama used to have was that if you cook I’ll do the dishes.”

“Fine by me,” Chemintine nodded then turned the burner low for the food to simmer. “Where’ya go today? I thought you didn’t go out much on the weekends.”

“Shopping for the house and for supplies,” I answer. I wanted to tell her to stay out of my business but there was no use when she would be staying here. She would eventually get curious about everything. And me being a kind person would treat her like a child and answer all her questions.

“You sure like to bring work home, don’tcha.” Chemintine laughed and grabbed the bowls.

“Not supplies for work, supplies for my paintings.”

“You paint, Ester?”

“Sometimes. When I have the time for it or if I’m inspired.”

“Will you show me your work, Ester?” Chemintine sets the steaming bowls of porridge on the table.

“I can.”

“Goodie!”

I have to say when Chemintine was given the freedom in the kitchen she could cook. Or maybe I was just hungry. Either way what she made was tasty and left me full and dazed. When I asked her how she knew how to use spices she playfully huffed at me.

“I can season food, Ester, I might be white but I know that pepper and salt isn’t gonna make a person happy. Be kind to me.” I shook my head and laughed, she was right, I should have a little more faith in some white people. Not all of them were terrible cooks and not all of them were terrible people. Some just didn’t want to be the odd man out, no one wanted to be seen as a traitor. But then there were those like Cheminiten that couldn’t give a care in the world and would show her ass to her family if it meant being a decent person. ‘I was raised poor, Ester, but I chose to be a decent person’ is what she told me one night.

We were now in my bedroom on the floor with papers scattered about as Chemintie looked at my art. I didn’t take pride in my art as I did in making clothes. It was just something I did when I wanted to keep my hands busy. Sometimes I would sketch or paint without realizing it. My hands were restless and they had to move or else I was sure they would strangle me. I told that to Mrs Birdy and she laughed at me but I was serious.

“Ester, these are so beautiful! How come you don’t talk about it?” Chemintine held up a sketch I did of my mother when I was younger. It was rough and wasn’t as clean as my newer works but it was timeless as it held my mother’s face. I missed her dearly.

“It’s nothing to talk about. Not like the clothes I can make out of nothing.” I smiled gently and Chemintine shook her head.

“This ain’t nothing, these are something, you could sell them and make big money.” The stars in Chemintine’s eyes weren’t for me in reality. I could see in her eyes I was a world class famous artist, sipping wine with big shots and dancing with millionaires. In her eyes we weren’t living in the 30s anymore, we were somewhere in the future where blacks and whites could sit together. She sure did have an active imagination.

“These aren’t meant to be sold, Chem,” I tell her and she shakes her head again in disbelief. She picked up one piece after the other and fell in love with them. “Ester what in the world are these?” Chemintine moved the papers in front of her to the side and placed down five similar sketches.

I sat up and scooted closer to look at the papers before taking a deep sigh, “Those are angels.”

“Ain’t no angel looking like that, Ester, those are demons.” Chem cocked a brow and gave me a funny look as if I lost my head.

“No Chemintine, those are angels in their purest forms. Angels don’t actually look like us, they take our forms so they don’t scare us.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Well I’ll have to take your word, I ain’t been to church ever in my life but I’m sure you have.”

“I go every Sunday, never miss a day. Mama might roll out her grave and haunt me if I do.” I laugh and Chem joins me.

“How ya know these are what they look like?” Chemintine question made me stop for a moment. I could tell her the truth but she wouldn’t believe me. She thought I was telling lies just to pull her leg. Or maybe she would think I’m crazy and take off running for the last bus that came this way. I bit the inside of my cheek and picked up one of the more outlandish sketches and looked it over.

“I can see them, believe it or not, I can see them and could have seen when I was a child.” I put the sketch down and wait for her to say something to dismiss my claim. I looked at her and she looked at me with so much wonder and curiosity. Though I knew it to be true I hoped Chemintine didn’t believe everything she heard. I hoped to anyone that would listen that Chem had some brainpower to be sceptical. But the more I watched her and waited for her to say something. The more I realized she hung onto every word I said and didn’t dare question me.

“You believe me?”

“I have no reason to doubt your words, I’ve known you for three years and you’ve done nothing but spoke the truth to me. The brutal, harsh, unpleasant truth, if you told me the sky wasn’t actually blue I’d believe you. You’re not much of a liar Miss Ester.”

“Well, I’d be.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her nativeness and my foolishness. Clementine giggled and gathered up all the sketches into a neat pile with the angels as the first few pages.

“How come they don’t look like humans to you?” She asked me.

“Ma’am said that God told them to be as truthful with me when they come. They are scary to look at but I’ve gotten used to them.”

“I would scream to the heavens if they came to me like this.” Chemintine body shook and she let out a noise of disgust.

“Maybe they’d react.”

“Maybe,” Chemintine handed me the sketches then stood to go and look at the finished canvases in the corner of my room. She flipped through the few scenic paintings with ‘ooo’s and ‘ahh’s then she got to the portraits. She stopped on an old painting I did of myself right after mama died. I had just turned nineteen and Mrs Birdy had given me work. I was sad during that time and I captured it perfectly with the stroke of my brush. She pulled it from the bunch and held it up to the light in the room. “Why didn’t you smile?” She looked over her shoulder to me.

“That was the year after mama died. There wasn’t much to be happy for, not when you’re treated the way I am.” I got up from the floor and came to her side. My eyes in the painting looked on for miles and miles, searching for something.

“Are you happier now?” Chemintine’s voice lowered an ounce of worry on her lips. I looked at her and sighed before putting my hands on my hips and shrugging.

“I’m not happy but I am better than before.” Chemintine seemed to agree with me and put the painting back in the pile against the wall. The night was coming to an end and she told me she wanted to get ready for bed. I nodded and she was off and out of my face faster than I realized. Now alone in my bedroom, it felt colder, as if Chemintine’s happier energy was what was warming my room. I looked around at all the things that were either mines’ or mama’s, memories hung on these walls along with many restless nights of worry. I went and sat down at my small vanity and started to get ready for bed myself. Slowly I took out the pins in my hair and watched as my faint curls fell down to my shoulders. Mama always told me to take care of myself and my hair, our hair was our pride. My pride wasn’t in my hair, never really was, my hair was just hair and my pride was in my heart. I looked up to myself and just like the portrait, my eyes looked on for miles. I didn’t really know what they were looking for.

“Ester?” Chemintine stood in the door frame playing with the ends of her nightgown. I looked up from my book in bed and nodded. She came over to me and sat in front of me right at my feet on the bed. “I can’t stop thinking about what you said, about the angels.”

“So you don’t believe me?” I raised a brow and Chemintine shook her head wild.

“No, no that’s not it, I was just wondering if you could tell me if they are here. Like if you can see them does that mean they are here? Right now?” Chemintine was like a child whose stomach rumbled at the sight of food. She leaned in closer and hung on to the tense air of my prolonged answer. I sighed and closed my book and looked around my room. I then got up and looked around the house then came back to my bed. I turned towards the window against my bed and peeked out the curtain. If we were in here then surely if they were around they would stand outside. But at last, I saw nothing, just the darkness of the woods behind my house and the bright moon. As I looked back and forth once more something in the branches of the trees caught my eye. I narrowed my eyes to try and make it out but it was too far away. It was two twinkling lights that flickered then suddenly it was gone. Unsure of what it was I pulled away from the window and turned back towards Chemintine.

“They’re not here, normally they are but I guess they finally got busy and left.” I smiled weakly at my own joke.

“Can angels be shy?”

“Can demons?”

“I don’t know,” Chemintine whispered.

“Nor do I.” I patted her shoulder and Chemintine sighed and allowed her shoulders to drop. She must have been really excited.

“Well, goodnight Ester.”

“Night Chemintine.”

}~~{

I never had a problem listening to the word the pastor had to say during church. I used to be able to recite the message of the day to mama in the afternoon when we got home. I didn’t really understand what the messages meant but I knew that mama held them dearly in her heart just like she held me. Righteousness, forgiveness, suffering, overcoming and seeking the path that God had laid out before us. It all started to blend together the more I went and sat in the front of the church. The messages were all about us as black folk having to be strong and stay strong. Our lives were nothing but a game of unfairness that weighed our bodies down.

“They may not be kind to us but we must not stoop low like them. We must be God’s children and give them the same kindness God has given to us.” The church folk had lost their mind to that and started cheering and thanking. I sat in my seat looking around trying to find the reason this message was so powerful. I was tired of having to be the nice one when in town. To keep my head down and never look anyone in the face unless they were the same colour as me. To take all the harsh words white folk had to say to me. The spitting at my feet, the names, ignoring my presents, the waiting in the back, the whites from the blacks. I was tired of it. I was so tired I wanted to go to sleep. So I did.

“Did you hear about what happened up north?” One of the church women behind me started to whisper to the other at the door.

“In Kentucky?” The other woman replied.

“That family was drug out of their house and beaten then set on fire in the middle of the street and no one did anything.”

“That’s terrible, I swear this is too much, how long are we going to have to deal with this?”

“God knows.” The woman at the door shook her head and fan herself with. Dividing that was enough ear hustling for the day I walked passed them, casually bidding them farewell, and making my way down the stairs to walk home. But before I could make it down the church stairs I saw a very familiar face. The devil, like many years before, was standing and watching the people walk away from the church. When he saw me stood up straight and nodded towards me. I looked around to see if anyone else was around me to see him. But I was alone and it seemed like everyone was already gone.

“Evening my dear, how was the message of the day this fine Sunday?” His smooth and chipper voice sang into the air and I shivered. I knew better than to say anything to him but I really didn’t want to come off rude. What if he was to strike me down and drag me off? What if he was also waiting for me to say something to suck the soul out of me? But if he was going to do something to me he would have done it a long time ago when I met him when I was a child.

“Servus was good. The grace of God blessed it himself to make sure we understood it.” I stuttered over my words, careful and ready to run if need be. The devil seemed to enjoy my response and took off his hat to comb through his hair.

“I see that everyone has gone home now and you are walking.”

“Seems so, but that’s okay I can get home.”

“Mind if I walk you?” He asked. I looked around once more hesitant trying to find anyone that could save me from answering him. I truly was alone with him and I started to feel scared.

“I shouldn’t walk with you.” I gripped the bible in my hands tight, begging for any and everything to happen to stop this. If mama was here she would have rung me up sideways and carried me away with the fire of Michael on her heels. She would have told me off for entertaining the devil and giving him the slightest acknowledgement.

“I won’t do anything to you.”

“But you’re the devil.”

“That I am.” His sharp teeth gleamed in the sun and he seemed to notice how uneasy I became. He moved closer to the stairs and I jumped back, his smile softened and his eyes started to invite me. “The devil has morals, my dear, I won’t hurt you nor will I trick you. I simply wish to walk you home.” He held out his hand and I took a deep breath. I shouldn’t go with him. I should tell him I was fine all by myself and that the angels were there, that would have scared him off. Maybe.

“The angels-”

“Do they speak to you to not accompany a gentleman?”

“T-They don’t speak to me.” The devil lowered his hand and hummed, he slowly lit up as he thought it over.

“Then surely I can walk you home since the angels are silent and I promise to keep my word. No harm will come your way.” The devil held out his hand once again and foolishly I slowly took it. When I stepped down from the last two steps I felt something be yanked off of me. I quickly turned around to see what it was and it was two angels looking angrily at the devil. Their wings were spread and their shape features twisted in disgust. One of the angels reached out to grab me but for some reason when they got close they yanked their hand away. I quickly say a prayer under my breath and I feel the devil quickly remove his hand from mine. He quickly collected himself and cleared his throat. He took a step back and placed his hat back on his head.

“I think it’s better if we walk apart, and wouldn't want those nasty fellows assuming things.” He tucked his arms behind his back and started walking the way I was heading.

Careful. Be careful.

The voices in my ears were high pitched and sharp but hushed like a whisper. I had finally heard the angels. One angel looked right into my soul as the other watched the devil. All I could do was nod my head then stumble back to start walking away. I couldn’t take my eyes of the angels as I gripped my bible and my skirt. When I was next to the devil I could hear him grumbling under his breath.

“Nasty things. Nasty, nasty things. Gabriel, Michael, Uriel…..nasty.” His eyes gleamed and his face twisted slightly. He continued to mumble under his breath until he saw me next to him. Shaking his head he took in a deep breath and exhaled. He turned to me and smiled once more.

“Well, aren't they delightful?”

“Truly” Was all I could say.

“Ester?” Chemintine met me at the door, she hid slightly behind it as if she was scared of opening it any further.

“Yes?”

“Who were you talking to?” Chemintine looked back over my shoulder and around a bit before closing the door. I gasped and turned to peek out the window next to the door. When I looked outside the devil was still there checking his watch.

“The man?” I pulled the curtain back just as the devil started to walk away. I point towards him and Chemintine looks.

“Ester, what man?” I look back and see the devil walking but Chemintine shakes her head and pulls away. “I think it might be too hot outside, ya talking to yaself, I think you might need a cold drink.” Chemintine laughs it off and heads towards the kitchen to get me a drink.

I should have known she wouldn’t see him. I was blessed to see the angels but I was cursed to see the devil as well. If God really had a mission for me, he had to hurry up and tell me what it was before something bad happened.

#🔻Red Thread🔻 #self ship #self shipping #self shipping community #hazbin alastor #hazbin hotel

[rushingheadlong]

As of December 2020, only Reader-insert fics are being cross-posted to tumblr. Please see my AO3 for additional non-Reader fics or check the #my fic tag for my monthly AO3 round-up posts.

♪ Requests: CLOSED ♫ General tag: #my fic ♪ Short imagines: #my hc ♫ My AO3: RushingHeadlong ♪ Updated: December 22, 2020

Almost Make Believe

♪ 18+, smut, Brian May/F!Reader, semi-public sex ~2.6k words ♪ When you saw Brian’s performance at the Big Mama Club you thought nothing could ever top being front-and-center to him rocking out in a tight black tank top… and then you run into him a bar after the show, and your night goes from great to amazing.

Together With You

♪ 18+, smut, Brian May/F!Reader, cockwarming, ~1.9k words ♪ You spend an intimate morning keeping Brian company as he works.

Make My Life Worthwhile

♪ Fluff, Female Reader, ~3.1k ♪ You always know to expect a few surprises at any Queen party. You just weren’t expecting a surprise like this. **Halloqueen Event gift**

Prompt: Sex under the stars 

♪ Light Smut, Female Reader, ~500 ♪ No kinks, just soft and gentle sex

Take Me Home Tonight 

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~4.6k ♪ You’re not expecting Brian May, of all people, to walk into your record shop late one evening, but when he asks you to go home with him you’re certainly not going to pass on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have all your fantasies fulfilled.  ♪  Dirty talk, oral (m&f receiving), fingering, a bit of size kink

I Love Your Mind (But Give Me Your Body) 

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~3.4k ♪ The moment you lay eyes on your substitute math tutor you know that you’re in for a world of fun. He just might need a little encouragement to realize it too.  ♪ Height kink, semi-public sex, shy!70s!Brian

Teasin’ Around With Me 

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~3.7k ♪ Brian’s hands are paying the price after the first rehearsal following some time off. You know a trick or two to help him out, but it turns out that Brian has other plans on his mind.  ♪ Hand kink, fingering, teasing & orgasm denial

Prompt: Angry sex with Bri

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~1k ♪ Angry sex (consent is explicitly given)

Just Excitation 

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~3.6k ♪ You’ve always had a thing for Brian’s hands (and his arms, and his fingers, and-). But wanting his hands wrapped around your neck is certainly a new one, even for you.  ♪ Choking, breathplay, semi-public sex, minor D/s and minor facefucking

Wrap Those Arms Around Me 

♪ Smut, Female Reader, ~2.3k ♪ Brian knows that whenever he wears tank tops you want to jump his bones. This time, though, he’s going to make you wait for it. ♪ Arm/hand kink, dirty talk, slight D/s, orgasm denial

Our Love Will Keep You Warm

♪ Fluff, Unspecified Reader, ~3k ♪ On the day of a Queen music video shoot, you find a few ways to take care of Brian and show him just how much you love him.

Dear Friend, We’ll Carry On

♪ Light angst and H/C, eventual smut, Trans Male Reader, ~9.5k words ♪  You’ve known Brian since the early days of Queen, but when he comes to New Haven on his solo tour you haven’t seen him in years. You’re both different people now but, as the saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same…

One Hundred and Thirty-Six

♪ H/C, Unspecified Reader, alcoholism, ~900 words ♪  You are 136 days sober - and there are two bottles of wine on the counter in front of you

Concept: Soft, Cozy Moments With Brian

♪ Fluff, Unspecified Reader, ~400 words

Take My Breath Away

♪ Kink & smut, Unspecified Reader, ~20k ♪ Brian has a thing for drawing sex out for as long as possible, but it’s harder to do that when breathplay is involved… at least until you come up with a bit of an unorthodox solution: corsets. ♪ Sub!Bri, corsets, breathplay, kink exploration & negotiation

Prompt: Brian in a tight corset 

♪ Kink but no smut, Unspecified Reader, ~750 ♪ Breathplay, corsets, sub!Bri

Prompt: Jewelry shopping for Brian 

♪ Fluff, Unspecified Reader, ~800

Prompt: Being friends with Brian 

♪ Fluff, Non-Romantic, Male Reader, ~800

Prompt: Brian taking care of Reader 

♪ Fluff, Unspecified Reader, ~600

Oh, You’re Good For Me 

♪ Kink but no smut, Male or Unspecified Reader, ~1.5k ♪ Brian comes to you to be tied up and to submit.  ♪ D/s (sub!Bri), rope bondage

Make It Up (As You Go Along)

♪ H/C, Male Reader, ~2.2k ♪  Freddie’s birthday is quickly approaching… and so is yours. The only problem is that Freddie doesn’t know that, and you don’t particularly want to tell him.

Very, Very Frightening

♪ Fluff, Trans Male Reader, ~2.9k ♪ You’re not a fan of power outages, but Freddie is there to remind you that you don’t have to face it alone.

It’s (Not) So Easy 

♪ H/C, Male Reader, ~2.6k ♪ 5 times you and Freddie hid your relationship and 1 time you didn’t

So Much Ado 

♪ H/C and Fluff, Trans Male Reader, ~3.1k ♪ Freddie wants to buy a cat, but some things are more important than that.

One Year of Love 

♪ Fluff, Trans Male Reader, ~5.5k ♪ Your first anniversary with Freddie is quickly approaching, and you know that you don’t have the money to spoil him with the lavish sorts of gifts that he deserves. But with a little help from a friend, you realize that you don’t need to buy his love and you instead set about creating an evening that the two of you will never forget. **ANatF Event gift**

Concept: Dating Roger in 1974

♪ Fluff, Female Reader, ~700 words **STL Event gift**

Got Me In A Mood

♪ Light smut and h/c, Female Reader, ~5.3k ♪ You and Roger are friends, who just happen to occasionally sleep together. It’s just a bit of fun, nothing serious… until you realize that you’ve gone and fallen in love with him. **TGIC Event gift**

Prompt: Roger confesses his love to his long-term friend 

♪ Fluff, Female Reader, ~1k

You Could Know Me 

♪ H/C, Gen, Non-Binary Reader, ~2.8k ♪ You knew that coming out as non-binary wouldn’t always be smooth sailing, but you weren’t expecting to face rejection at every turn. Luckily your dad, Roger Taylor, is there to support you no matter what.

Prompt:  Picking out a Christmas tree with John

♪ Fluff, Unspecified Reader, ~600

Still Come Back to You 

♪ Fluff, Male Reader, ~1k ♪ John returns home late after wrapping up the latest Queen tour, and he’s missed you just as much as you’ve missed him.

Baked With Love

♪ Gen, fluff, vague modern Queen AU, ~1.2k ♪ No matter how famous they get, Queen has one birthday tradition that they refuse to give up.

Lockdown Blues

♪ Gen, H/C, vague modern & early Queen AU, ~2k words ♪ Freddie has made it his mission to keep everyone’s spirits up while they’re stuck at home. He doesn’t think the others have noticed - but they have, and they’re ready to remind him that they have his back too.

Prompt: Brian May & Tony Iommi

♪ Gen, fluff, current era, ~400 words

And I Get Afraid

♪ H/C, Gen, early Queen, ~4.5k ♪ Queen has come to a standstill as they try to get their debut album released, and John seems to be the only one left who isn’t optimistic about their chances for success. Now with his graduation quickly approaching, he finds himself struggling to decide between sticking by the band- and his friends- or leaving this sinking ship while he can still make something of his future.

Losing My Way

♪ H/C, angst, gen, early Queen, ~4.5k ♪ Brian is burning himself out trying to stay on top of all of his responsibilities. He knows it’s only a matter of time until something gives, and he knows that something will probably be his thesis - but that doesn’t make his failure any easier to stomach. **Companion to And I Get Afraid**

The Hazier Days

♪ Fluff, Gen, early Queen, ~1.6k ♪ It’s too hot for embarrassment as Brian finally caves to the summer heat.

Prompt: Freddie loses the week’s earnings from the stall

♪ H/C and Fluff, Gen, slighty Christmas themed, ~1k

Car Song 

♪ H/C and Fluff, Gen, BoRhap references, ~500 ♪ Roger and John tease Brian about his song “Driven By You” while working on Made in Heaven

Haul Away, You Rolling Queens

♪ AU (Nautical & Mermaid), H/C, Angst with a happy ending, Gen, ~40k ♪ It was Freddie who told them stories of the Kingdom of Rhye, an ancient mer kingdom that once ruled the seven seas before disappearing a thousand years ago. According to Brian it was just a myth, but Freddie was always certain that it was real and waiting to be discovered - but he never found proof of it before he fell sick, and vanished suddenly without a trace.

Now, 25 years later, Roger stumbles across a new clue that could lead them to Rhye - one with unexplained ties to their lost friend. But convincing Brian and John to take a leap of faith and join him in one final adventure is only the first hurdle. If they want to weather the rough seas ahead, they’ll have to not only sail into the unknown but finally face the unanswered questions and lingering grief left from Freddie’s disappearance.

Take a Picture (It’ll Last Longer)

♪ Jimercury, Modern/Everyone Lives AU, fluff, ~800 words ♪ If Jim was still alive and still with Freddie he would absolutely have an instagram account where he mostly posts photos of their cats and the garden.

Wanna Be Beside You Now

♪ Jimercury, fluff and smut, phone sex, ~800 words ♪ Jim receives a call one night when Freddie is away.

Love in the Shape of Things

♪ Maycury, Modern AU & early Queen, H/C and fluff, ~63k ♪  They’re both searching for their place in the world, but it takes a new flat and a housewarming gift gone awry for Freddie and Brian’s friendship to slowly turn into something deeper. And through long evenings of commiseration and camaraderie, their feelings for each other continue to grow - until one misunderstanding threatens to tear everything apart.

Buttons

♪ Maycury, early Queen, pining, ~700 words ♪ A moment of tenderness before a show leaves Brian yearning.

Take This Message

♪ Two Maycury fics, one AU & H/C, one fluff, ~500 words each ♪ Two short Maycury fics inspired by the Calling All Girls music video. In the first, Freddie with the help of Brian has to propose the video idea to Roger. The second is a short AU based on the video itself.

Love Him From Where You Are

♪ Maylor, H/C, pining, early Queen, some vague allusions to sex, ~7.2k ♪  Five times Roger was sure that Brian didn’t love him, and one time he knew that he did.

The Fire You Ignite

♪ Maylor, 18+, sub!Brian, bondage, gags, temperature play, orgasm denial, ~3k ♪  Roger takes his time playing with Brian.

Trust Issues

♪ H/C, Maylor, ~500 words ♪ Roger borrows the Red Special when Brian isn’t there, and Brian freaks out.

Thrill Me, Chill Me, Fulfill Me

♪ Poly!Queen, 18+, vague modern AU, crossdressing/corset kink, ~1.7k ♪  The boys plan an evening of dressing up and watching Rocky Horror Picture Show, but the effort that Brian puts into his outfit takes the others by surprise.

I’ll Put A Spell On You

♪ Dealor, 18+, crossdressing, slight D/s (sub!John), ~5.9k ♪ John is tired of always getting teased for wearing “boring” costumes, so he decides to spice things up this year - and when Roger makes sure to show his appreciation for John’s costume choice, they both end up having a good time.

Alone Time

♪ 18+, smut, Brian May solo, masturbation & toys, ~1.1k ♪ Brian always tells himself that he’s going to take his time with this... but he never does.

#my fic #text #masterpost

[nottooldforthisship]

Hi! Can I ask what are your top fics of 2017 so far? The fics I've been reading for the past week(s) were all from 2015/16.. So I've been wanting to catch up with the new ones. :) Thanks looove

Oh shit, that’s a hard question ^^

(I’ll update this until the end of the year)(last update on Dec.14th 2014)

(also this is mostly in chronological order of my reading) (and fair warning, I haven’t read a Larry fic since Nov.17th)

- Fall At My Door , by @fullonlarrie : A-list actor Harry Styles and award-winning musician Louis Tomlinson have an acquaintances-with-benefits relationship, so whenever their busy professional lives happen to land them in the same city, they meet up. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.And that’s all it is. Until it isn’t. (30k, E)

- Feels Like Coming Home, by @phd-mama​ : The last thing Harry Styles expects when he’s hanging out at the Someday Cafe in Somerville one rainy October day is for his ex, Louis Tomlinson to walk through the door, but that’s exactly what happens. After a spectacularly ugly break-up three years prior, Harry hasn’t heard one word from Louis, and he’s moved on. Gotten over him. But having Louis back in his life, not to mention working at the restaurant where he’s a chef, isn’t easy, and the feelings that Harry thought he’d left turn out to be not so easily forgotten. This is a story about love and the power of forgiveness, and how the hard choices we make define us, and change our lives.(60k, E)

- Saved Tonight, by objectlesson : Harry is the world’s most persistent seduction-baker, a questionable dog-sitter, and Louis’s biggest fan. Louis hasn’t written in years, is trying to pass loneliness off as cynicism, and absolutely hates his fans. It’s probably destiny. (30k, E)

- Just Breathe, by @a-writerwrites and @dimpled-halo: Louis pops his head into the kitchen, “You alright?”Harry smiles shaking his head, “Just my clumsy arse at it again,” he says laughing.“I oughta put you over my knee and give you a good spanking,” Louis mutters, chuckling.Harry freezes.  His pulse races so hard he can feel the blood rushing fast and hot throughout his body, like a livewire, zinging through him in a delirious rush.  His mouth goes dry, and his eyes are wide.  And when Louis turns around to look at him after being silent for so long, it’s like Louis just knows.  He understands.  Harry loves him so fucking much.  **** OR the one where Harry and Louis are on a journey through life together — one that includes discovering dark, hidden parts of themselves that only the other can find. (50k, E)

- Then We Talk Slow , by @letsjustsee : (…) A famous/non-famous AU in which Louis banters back and forth with his new record company on Twitter, only to find out that Harry is the man behind the tweets. (20k, E)

- Riptide , by FlyingAlwaysInColor : AU in which Louis loses his amazing mum, and is sent on a forced holiday to a luxury spa resort where he meets a green-eyed butterfly-angel and an adventurous Irishman who help him start to heal by administering equal doses of love and laughter. (91k, E)

- Reduce Me To A Pleading Cry (Break The Skin and Tantalize), by @taggiecb : As the CEO of Styles & Styles, Harry Styles cuts a brooding and handsome figure at the helm of a very successful business. His reputation for intensity is well known, but you would be intense, too, if you had to work numbers all day, give countless orders, and conduct endless meetings. When all you really want to do at night–ache to do–is give away the reins, let someone else make the decisions, be ordered around for once, just–let go. Harry has reached his breaking point when one touch from a man whose very stance commands attention leads him back to a place he thought he’d never return. Or Harry is a broody submissive boss, Louis is a natural dom who works in the mail room at Styles & Styles, Niall is a matchmaking oracle, and a slender, dark haired man stands mute at the coffee stand encouraging others to spill their secrets. (33k, E)

- Resist Everything Except Temptation, by @domestic-harry :   (…) The one where Louis is the commodore’s son who is forced to become a part of Harry’s crew when he is captured. (100k, E)

(more under the cut, this list is gonna be so long …)

- Them Butterflies , by @gaycousinlarry  : To sum it all up - Louis is beautiful. Breathtakingly so. And Harry can’t find it in himself to even question the fact that he thinks so. Louis is mesmerising, nearly magnetic with all the energy bouncing off of him. Harry doesn’t know what to make of it, but he knows he doesn’t want this night to end.  This is the extraordinarily ordinary AU where Harry falls in love for the first time and Louis learns how to fall in love all over again. (68k, E)

- When We Were Younger, by @dinosaursmate: About a week after Harry started visiting this particular chat room, he was watching some kid argue with the whole room about football, personally disinterested as he tipped a bag of crisps into his mouth. He happily chomped on the crumbs, taking a swig from a glass of Ribena to wash them down, glancing at the screen and very nearly spat the squash back out again. His heart was pounding wildly. The display icon of the argumentative newcomer had caught his eye, and not in a good way. He gulped as he clicked the picture, and when it popped up in full resolution, his heart nearly fell right out of his arse. - Sixteen year old Harry Styles’ world turns upside down when he logs on to gay teen chat to discover somebody has stolen his photos and used them as their own.  (76k, E)

- Fool’s Gold , by @freetheankles : Or the Arnacoeur AU in which Harry is scheduled to be married to Liam in 10 days and Harry’s mother hires Louis and his team to break them up.  (55h, E)

- Dance Me (to the End of Love), by @phd-mama​​ : You would think that it’s a simple process - you meet, you fall in love, you get married. But when you add one lawyer and one overly-competitive high school teacher to that equation, it’s no longer a straight line from beginning to end. Or the story of how a simple proposal becomes a competition where no one loses in the end. (19k, E)

- Life Was a Song, You Came Along, by @rainbowninja​ : It’s embarrassing how long it takes Louis to recognize his own song. Niall had sung it as a bright, hopeful love song, and that’s honestly how Louis had always assumed it should sound. But this new voice, slow and rough, stripped of any backing instrument, has infused the lyrics with just the tumultuous mix of fear and defiance that Louis can remember so clearly from the night he wrote them. It’s not a comfortable thing, to feel like someone is singing all your secrets back to you.  Louis is a songwriter trapped in a lie that could ruin his best friend’s career. Harry owns a record store, distrusts everyone in the music industry on principle, but loves Niall Horan’s newest album. A modern retelling of Singin’ in the Rain.(37k, E)

-  Wholehearted, by TheMagicWord : AU. When superstar singer and winner of The Voice Louis Tomlinson tweets “Nothing worse than waking up with no milk for a cuppa !! Gutted” he doesn’t expect someone to bring him some. And he really doesn’t expect that someone to have bright green eyes, long curly hair, and (fucking) dimples. (77k, E)

- Looking Through You, by @allwaswell16 : Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends. As Harry tries to make sense of his feelings for Louis, he begins writing his next album to express them as it may be the only way to break through the walls that Louis has built between them. (41k, E)

- Love’s Truest Language , by @smrwine :  The first part was meant as a joke. He didn’t really expect Harry to buy anything. It was just Louis’ way of softening the ‘get the fuck out’ blow.  “Where’s your order forms, then?”  “I don’t want your flowers.” Louis chided before directing all of his attention to the arrangement in front of him.  Harry laughed under his breath as he stood to his full height, “Who said anything about them being for you, love?” (48k, E)

- got the sunshine on my shoulders , by @hattalove : five years ago, harry styles left his tiny home town to make it big as a recording artist. he didn’t have much regard for what he left behind - a life, a family, and a husband, who woke up one morning to find him gone.now, harry has everything he could possibly want: he’s rich, famous, and adored by everyone he meets, including his boyfriend. but when said boyfriend proposes to him, he’s forced to face the uncomfortable facts of his past - and louis, who’s spent the last five years returning every set of divorce papers harry sent him.(or, an au based on the movie sweet home alabama.)(124k, E)

- Never Let Me Go, by @loveisalaserquest17​ : Harry and Louis have been friends forever, but they couldn’t be more different. One night, with a little too much alcohol, they make a pact to marry in ten years if they’re both still single.Now, one month before the deadline, Louis is willing to do whatever it takes to avoid ending up with his best friend. But is he, really? | Loosely inspired by The 10 Year Plan  (55k, E)

- Don’t Want Shelter , by @fullonlarrie : Louis and Harry have known each other all their lives. Friends as children, they danced around each other as teenagers, and have spent the last twenty-five years either screaming at each other or not speaking at all. Except for that one time ten years ago…When Hurricane Nicole threatens the coast, they end up stuck together in their families’ old vacation home that they begrudgingly co-own.During the storm, and in the months after, they’re both forced to reevaluate their history and what they mean to each other. (76k, E)

- Turning Page, by @daisyharry : AU: Harry Styles tries to get lost in a place he’s never been.  Louis Tomlinson has been perfecting the art of being lost for years. What they don’t expect to find is each other. (67k, M)

- No One Like You   , by @myownsparknow : Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide. (20k, M)

- Paint Me In A Million Dreams  , by @greenfeelings : Harry’s one of Hollywood’s biggest actors, has made a name for himself in prestigious films and lives the life of a superstar. There’s just one thing missing to make it picture-perfect, but the one Harry’s in love with is completely out of reach for him. Enter Louis, one of Hollywood’s biggest actors himself, who just came out of the closet and taps new genres in the industry. When Louis sacks the role Harry auditioned for in Scorsese’s next big film, their irrational feud starts. Who could have guessed it would get even worse when for promo season, their teams decide to present them as a couple for publicity?  (110k, M)

-(Take Me Home) Country Roads, by @a-writerwrites : OR a Northern Exposure AU featuring Louis as the big city doctor, Harry as a natural healer, Niall as a secretive barkeep, Liam and Zayn head over heels for each other but they don’t know it and a lot of hurt, comfort and moonshine in between. (86k, E)

#fic rec #my fic rec #fav fics #2017 fics #Larry fic rec #nottooldforthisship fic rec #Anonymous #answers

[takaraphoenix]

Phoe’s Advent Calendar: Day 19

Five more days and it’s Chriiistmas! This one’s for @aweadrianne, I hope you enjoy! ;)

Title: Advent Calendar Project – Home For the Holidays

Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Disclaimer: All rights to the remake reserved to DreamWorks, Lauren Montgomery and Joaquim Dos Santos, and to the original to Toei Animation. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Warnings: shounen-ai, polyamory (threesome), fluff, cuddles, Christmas fluff

Main Pairing: Shiro/Keith/Lance

Voltron Characters: Lance Charles McClain, Keith Kogane, Takashi 'Shiro' Shirogane, Lance's family (Eirwen McClain, Arturo McClain, Elaine McClain, Gareth McClain, Percival McClain, Vivian McClain, Jennifer McClain)

Summary: Lance is home for the holidays and he's bringing his college boyfriends with him. Of course, it's his siblings' duty to embarrass him.

Links: FFNet | AO3

Home For the Holidays

"-So, my grandparents used to own the farm, it's like fifth generation now, but then they got... too old to take care of it and my mom – Eirwen, try pronouncing it right, I've heard Keith slaughter like way easier names already – and her sister Melaina, they moved back in at home. My grandma is born and bred in Varadero. But my grandpa, he's from Ireland and he moved over for my grandma's sake. And mama, she was always proud of both her heritage. So, the McClain family has been... a very big part of the community. When my papa fell in love with my mama, he didn't have any family left and my grandparents welcomed him with open arms so he took her last name. And then there's my siblings, of course. Elaine is the oldest, she's a real business woman – here, you see, the one with the glasses, right? And Gareth, he's still living at the farm with our parents. The tall, bulky one. But don't worry, he's totally harmless. And those are the twins, Percy and Vivian. They live in the city too. And my younger sister Jenny."

Lance was going ten miles an hour here. Keith had an exasperated but fond smile on his lips as he listened and obediently looked every time Lance showed him a photo on his phone. Not that Keith didn't know exactly what Lance's five siblings looked like and what their names were. Heck, he had met Jenny in person when she had visited Lance's place a couple months ago – those two had always been very close because there were ten plus years between them and their older siblings.

"Babe", sighed Keith gently, resting a hand on Lance's knee. "We know. We know."

"Lance, we know you're worried about us meeting them and part of you is still insecure about how they'll react to actually seeing you in a poly relationship because it'll be different from just hearing about it", continued Shiro from the driver's seat. "But love, there are a lot of photos of your family in our apartment and you talk about them so much, we know them by heart already. You don't need to worry about us screwing up and mixing their names up or something. We completely got your back, babe. We will be a hundred percent there for you and make you look good."

Lance took a shaky breath and their little ball of insecurity that Shiro and Keith lovingly referred to as their boyfriend finally relaxed a little in his seat. But that was okay. Shiro and Keith had known from the start, even before they invited Lance into their relationship, that Lance was dealing with serious self-worth issues and depression. They accepted and loved him. They got used to him fussing over seemingly small details because they unnerved him. Keith grasped Lance by the neck and pulled him over into a gentle kiss, helping to relax Lance a little more.

The three of them had met at college through the Holt-siblings – the older Holt was Shiro's best friend, while the younger Holt was one of Lance's best friends and so they ran into each other at the Holts' place. Slowly, their groups melted into one and somehow, Lance had really grown on Shiro and Keith until they finally invited him into their relationship. They had been dating for three months when Christmas rolled around and knowing both Shiro and Keith had no family, Lance had – a stammering, nervous mess – asked them if they wanted to spend Christmas with him in Veradero, with his family. Meeting his family. It had warmed Shiro's and Keith's hearts.

"Okay. We're here. Okay", muttered Lance as they pulled up at the farm.

And the family was already standing outside. Lance's grandparents had died years ago and his aunt had moved away, focusing on her own family. Arturo and Eirwen stood behind their children, smiling. Jenny instantly broke into a wild dash to tackle Lance in a tight hug. Shiro smiled fondly. He had seen the two together once before and they reminded him of Matt and Pidge. As soon as Jenny let go of him, the twins went to sandwich Lance in a hug.

"Our precious baby brother!", exclaimed Percival, sobbing happily.

"We missed you so much, Lancelot", grinned Vivian gently.

"...Lancelot?", echoed Keith slowly. "Lancelot?"

"Oh. Don't tell me our brother never told you", drawled Elaine and straightened her glasses. "All named in the tradition of the Arthurian legend because Arturo here thought it would be fun."

Elaine gave her father a pointed look and Arturo laughed sheepishly. Eirwen all the while pushed away from her husband to go to her son's boyfriends. The elderly woman smiled warmly.

"Hello. I'm Eirwen. I've heard a lot about the two of you", stated Lance's mother gently before startling Keith and Shiro by pulling them into a hug and whispering. "Thank you. Thank you for taking care of my boy. I was so... so worried when he moved away to college alone. I'm so glad he found someone to love him and to help him be happy."

"We... I... No need to thank us, ma'am. We love Lance and he makes us just as happy as we make him", stated Shiro, always the charmer. "And... thank you for welcoming us into your home."

"...What he says", nodded Keith, by far not as good at those things.

"Aw. He's awkward. How adorable", cooed Vivian teasingly. "Percy?"

"Family albums. Embarrassing baby pictures. On it, sis", nodded her twin-brother Percival.

"What? No! No!", exclaimed Lance with a groan.

"How about first we go inside and eat?", asked Gareth, easily looming even over Shiro.

"How about first we let the boys settle in?", suggested Arturo with a grunt.

Lance's father rested one hand on Keith's shoulder and one on Shiro's, squeezing in just a slightly threatening manner. Both smiled politely at the man before gathering their belongings and following a very excited Jenny who brought them to their room.

As they had put their things away and found themselves gathered in the dining room together, eating a home-cooked meal while bathed in the glow of a giant Christmas tree, Shiro and Keith marveled at this feeling. The feeling of being a part of a family. For too many years, they hadn't gotten to experience this, but Lance's family more than gladly opened their home to them and accepted them in without question, just for doing something that was as easy and obvious as breathing. Namely, loving Lance. Because that was what loving Lance was like to Shiro and Keith, it was natural, it had become a natural part of them, a part they'd never want to miss.

And when they gravitated toward the living room – all exhausted from eating too much of the delicious meal – and Keith and Shiro got to curl together with Lance stuck in the middle between them, both cuddled up to him, while Percy and Vivian wiped out the promised family albums and Shiro and Keith got to listen to cute stories about a young and adventurous Lance, yes, both of them truly felt as though they were home, right here with each other and with Lance's family.

~*~ The End ~*~

#Shklance #Lance McClain #Keith Kogane #Takashi Shirogane #Voltron Legendary Defender #Lance's Family #Fanfiction #Fluff #Christmas Fluff #Phoe's Advent Calendar Project 2017

[jeremystrele]

Artist Maggie May & Musician Josh Kelly Are Parenting And Running A Business Through COVID And Cancer

Artist Maggie May & Musician Josh Kelly Are Parenting And Running A Business Through COVID And Cancer

Family

Ashe Davenport

Maggie May and Josh Kelly run Think Thornbury, a gift store and creative space on High Street in Thornbury. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Josh with baby Remy at Think Thornbury. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie putting her special touch on the Think Thornbury space. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Little Remy with Maggie. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie and Josh have been running Think Thornbury together, juggling Maggie’s art practice and Josh’s music career. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie, Remy and Josh outside Think Thornbury. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Josh at home, just after Maggie cut his hair. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie cutting Josh’s hair at home, before starting chemotherapy. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie using the special shaver she and Josh bought for this specific purpose. Photo – Bobby Clark.

Josh, who looks REMARKABLY handsome with a shaved head! Photo – Bobby Clark.

Maggie and Josh are surprisingly upbeat. We’re chatting over Zoom, as is customary for most Melbourne interviews in the year 2020. They’re lying on their bed sharing a green juice. Behind them is a bedhead covered in soft, daisy printed fabric, like a garden from a daydream. Maggie, aka renowned macramé artist Middle Aisle, is effortlessly chic in a pale yellow jumper and slightly oversized glasses. Josh, saxophonist for bands 30/70 and JK Group, looks like he’s always had a shaved head. He doesn’t look like a sick person. 

Josh was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease five weeks ago. He’s just completed his first week of chemotherapy. His doctor has predicted another six months of treatment, followed by radiation, if necessary. During that time, he and Maggie will continue to parent their one-and-a-half-year-old son Remy, and try to keep the business going. 

Maggie and Josh began Think Thornbury as a space for local creatives, to sell their wares and hone their crafts. It has since grown into a passionate and dedicated community. When Maggie shared Josh’s diagnosis on Instagram, they were overwhelmed with support. A GoFundMe set up on Josh’s behalf raised $27,000 in just 24 hours (and now sits at over $50,000).

This isn’t the first time they’ve been challenged as a couple. In fact, they’ve been through the wringer. Maggie is only just recovering from severe postnatal depression, which she chats about with bracing honesty. They share their wonderful experiences, the harrowing ones and everything in between as a way to strengthen their ties with the world around them. Cancer, it seems, is no exception. 

Below is an edited and condensed version of our chat. 

Trigger warning : This interview contains talk of suicidal thoughts and postnatal depression.

How are you guys sharing the parenting load at the moment?

Josh Kelly: Cancer’s really flipped it.

Maggie May: Yeah. It’s put a lot of…

JK: … pressure back onto you.

MM: Yeah.

JK: We had some really frank discussions in the early days of parenthood. I thought I was being a good co-parent, but came to realise I had a fairly patriarchal gaze. There were so many things I didn’t notice Maggie was doing. She helped me see that, and we were able to figure it out. And my diagnosis has flipped it again. The doctors are like, you can’t change nappies, you can’t hold Remy when he comes back from daycare. I’m that immunocompromised. It’s put all the parenting straight back onto Maggie. I’m in bed a lot. And she’s like, making me smoothies. It’s a pretty big mental shift to be taken care of in this way.

MM: Historically, you’re the one who takes care of me. I’m the one that falls into a puddle. Not that I’m completely useless, but pregnancy was particularly hard. I had Hyperemesis.

Is that when you throw up all the time?

MM: Yeah. I had no close friends who had been pregnant, so I had no gauge for what morning sickness was. I was throwing up 20 times a day. And Josh was on tour in the UK. He got home and was like, Nah, you’re fucked mate. I’m taking you to the hospital. It was another eight months of it from there. I was still working. I still taught five star reviewed macramé workshops!

JK: You were spewing five seconds before people came upstairs.

MM: (laughing) I’d say, I’m just going to pop downstairs for a moment! Then I’d go down to the bathroom, be horrifically ill, and come back up like nothing had happened.

That sounds intense. And Maggie, you didn’t have the easiest road when Remy arrived either, right?

MM: Yeah. Particularly at the start of the year. I didn’t want to be here anymore. Postnatal depression was the pits. I had a massive breakdown.

JK: It was big.

I’m so sorry you went through that. This is the year from hell. Are you guys okay?

JK: We were talking about this last night. So, it’s Jewish New Year at the moment, right? We were saying how we’ve come through some pretty serious challenges: Maggie’s depression being as bad as it’s ever been, having a baby, having significant financial pressure, having COVID happen to our business and now me having cancer, and I feel like we’re almost starting to steer the ship around, in a weird way. There are a few things we’ve done differently in the past few months that have made a big difference. 

MM: Putting Remy in childcare helped a lot. I think I tied a lot of my parenting self-worth to how much time I spent with him. I wanted more time with my parents growing up. I still do. But that’s just not who they are as people. I used to think that if I could always be there for Remy, that would mean I was doing a really good job. But since he’s been in childcare, I’ve felt lighter. It’s taken a lot of pressure off.

How much did you know about your diagnosis, Josh? Were you starting from zero?

JK: Pretty much zero. I knew what most people in Australia would know about cancer. I’ve known a few people who have been affected, but not the nuts and bolts of it. The day-to-day grind of it. Then when you factor in that there are thousands of different kinds of cancer and sub-types of cancers, and they all have slightly different treatments and slightly different chemotherapies. And every patient reacts differently. There’s a lot of unknown. But nothing beats reality. No amount of information is going to tell me everything I need to know. I need to experience things. That’s how I learn. This first week of chemo has been a big learning curve.

What does it feel like?  

JK: It’s like the worst hangover ever. Times a million. You can take all this stuff to moderate the nausea, but you just feel completely fatigued. You do feel like you’re dying inside. It’s probably not a good word to use. I had three days of chemo in a row this week. Monday was the biggest day, which is when I took the most drugs, and that fucked me up until Wednesday night.

MM: It was like going to a really bad festival.

JK: Yeah. I started feeling okay, then really sick again on Thursday. I have to take a cocktail of pills, too, which wipes me out. I’ve felt a little bit better each day since. I’m still pretty out of it, but I’m feeling okay.

MM: Yeah, you’re doing way better today.

(They exchange a brief reassuring look. Suddenly they’re upsettingly young. I want to tell them how brave they are. And how proud of them I am. I remind myself to cool it).

Have you found any resources particularly helpful? Any books or movies that you’re relating to right now?

MM: Cancer movies are so sad. There are none that come to mind. Actually, there’s one movie I keep thinking about. In the Wizard of Oz when they go through the forest and Scarecrow says, “I think it’ll get darker before it gets lighter.” I just keep coming back to that and feeling it in my body and soul. It all comes back to The Wizard of Oz.

What else even is there? Ugh. You guys have a great attitude.

MM: Thanks. It doesn’t mean we don’t have moments when we really struggle. There are definitely times when I’m like: NO! What for? Why us? 

JK: Friends were messaging me the night before my first round of chemo, asking me how I was feeling, and whether I was scared or nervous. I was both those things, but I was also excited. I could dwell on how awful the side effects were going to be, or how lucky I was to be able to access treatment. And the fact that it was going to help me. 

MM: The morning of his first treatment I cuddled him in bed and he said, ‘Today’s the day we get better.’

Family Favourites

Date night in?

Cook an extravagant meal (the kind where you buy specialty ingredients from Casa Iberica), delicious bottle of wine, altogether too much cheese, pick different records for each other, try and have a conversation not about Think Thornbury or Remy.

Rainy day activity?

Find some puddles to jump in the Darebin parklands together. Build train tracks around the living room whilst listening to music and drinking hot chocolate. Later on we watch a movie.

Favourite cafe?

Oh Gosh, we’re spoilt for choice in Thornbury… Josh says Everyday Coffee in Collingwood (scandal!) and Maggie is indecisive which is just so typical, but agrees Everyday Coffee is excellent.

Honestly though, all the local cafes here in Thornbury & Northcote are excellent and they have been so supportive of us. We love them all equally and can’t wait till they’re all open again.

Go-to album?

This is hard for us. We have literally 300 records. You should come see us DJ when COVID lets us do it again. 

A Love Supreme by John Coltrane/ Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu

Weekend getaway (remember those)?

We like to try and get away to some kind of secluded cabin surrounded by trees, where there is quiet and the chance for us to be a little introspective and plan our next insane venture together. Preferably with a fireplace and a very comfortable place to sit. We also go for walks and point out all the animals and trees for Remy. 

Follow Maggie May, Josh, and Think Thornbury to keep up with this remarkable young family’s journey. And you can support them during this difficult time, via their GoFundMe campaign here.

[thehooliganhangoutspot]

In this unpublished 2011 interview, the pop superstar’s late mother, Bernadette Bayot Hernandez, reveals how she raised six kids, one of them a Grammy winner, and how going back to their Filipino roots made them even closer

By: Tatin Yang - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:06 AM March 12, 2014

The first time Bruno Mars performed here was in April 2011. Watching the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter thrill the crowds in Manila and Cebu were his Filipino mother Bernadette “Bernie” Bayot Hernandez, his sister Jaime and other family members.

Inquirer Lifestyle had the opportunity to interview Bernie about raising her children in Hawaii with Filipino values, working hard to make sure her kids’ dreams were realized, and making peace with tattoos.

She and Bruno were obviously very close, from the way she talked about him. When he lit up his first electronic cigarette, he tweeted that he was quitting the real thing for his mom.

She was the first girl he wrote a song about; his first composition, “I Love You Mom,” was recorded when he was only 4 years old, with lyrics that go, “My mommy helps me with my voice/ ’Cause a superstar singer is my first choice/ I love you, Mom, you are my favorite girl/ I love you, Mom, you’ll always be my favorite girl.”

In June last year, Bernie unexpectedly died of a brain aneurysm; she was only 55. When Bruno received another Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for “Unorthodox Jukebox” two months ago, he dedicated his win to his mom: “Ma, I know you’re watching, I hope you’re smiling, I love you.”

Below is the unpublished interview with Bernie, along with her daughter Jaime:

At first glance, Bernadette Bayot Hernandez is your typical Filipino mom. Her bag is bursting with knick-knacks and family photos, complete with a big bag of pastillas as her baon, which she presses into my hand and insists that I try. Facebook confounds her, and she calls her daughter when she needs a photo e-mailed or when she wants to see her Facebook account, which her kids made for her.

She was horrified when her son got a tattoo, and occasionally begs him to stop adding tattoos to his body. It’s a scene we’ve encountered with our own moms, except that Bernie’s tattoo-happy son also happens to be Bruno Mars.

Tell us how you ended up in the US.

Bernie: We’re a big family. I have six brothers, and my mom was worried about us growing up, especially since my dad was the only one supporting us. My grandmother was a US citizen; she petitioned for us to join her… We were on our way to San Francisco to be with her, but had a stopover in Hawaii. It reminded us so much of the Philippines that we never made it to San Francisco. This was in 1968. I was 10 years old then.

How did you end up back here? Is this your first time to be home?

I was here 15 years ago. When Philippine Airlines was asked to be a sponsor for Bruno, Vivienne Tan, PAL’s EVP, knew that we were Filipino-Americans and wanted us to be the first family to be brought in under her pet project. She had people search for a way to get in touch with us, and my brother, John Valentine, who is also an artist, had a website, and they got in touch with him to ask if they could sponsor our family to fly back under this project.

What is this project about?

THE BAYOT family entertain the kids along with DSWD. Their charity work is a partnership with Philippine Airlines’ initiative to encourage Filipino-Americans to come home, reconnect and give back.

It’s PAL’s new drive to bring back Filipino-American families to come visit, get in touch with their roots, and maybe check and see if there’s anything they can do to give back to the country. When we were invited, I was really excited and grateful. I even told them my dad was an employee of Philippine Airlines before we moved to Hawaii, and they were surprised.

PAL flew nine of us—myself, my mom, my brothers John, Lawrence, Douglas, Christopher, John and Franklin, and my daughter Jaime. It was really generous of PAL; I can’t thank them enough.

What places have you visited so far?

My whole family and I were invited by (Cebu) Gov. Gwen Garcia to perform for the inmates at the Cebu Penitentiary; we all sang for them, which they enjoyed since it’s always [been] them doing the entertaining. My brother John even wanted me to do the hula, and I said he was out of his mind!

So your whole family is into music?

Yes, our whole family! My dad was a singer, my mom a dancer, so we really got all that talent. My dad used to sing to us when we were little. All my kids sing. All my brothers sing.

Every time we get together, there’s always music, that’s why when karaoke came along, which was also around the time Bruno was born, he had to fight for that mic. At age two, he just wanted that microphone, always.

Were you the one who taught Bruno how to sing?

I don’t know if we taught him exactly, but he was always surrounded by music. So it was automatic for him. Bruno, I knew he was special the moment he was born. I would like to say that he came out of me holding a mic, but of course that wasn’t the case! But he was singing even before he started talking.

I bought him a piano when he was just two, and he went on the piano and just started playing tunes, not just banging on it, but he’d play actual tunes!

He started performing professionally at four, he’d be onstage five nights a week with our group—Bruno was the cherry on the cake, he was our finale.

He’d impersonate Elvis, and Priscilla Presley actually hired him to open for a tribute to Elvis in Memphis. Elvis’ estate rarely gets impersonators but when they saw Bruno, they got him to open for the event. They paid for everything and gave us a tour of the house.

We hear Bruno has a tattoo of your name on his arm. Tell us more about it.

When he was a kid, he was afraid of needles, but when he moved to LA, I didn’t know all these tattoos were happening. When I saw my son, I was all, “Why did you do that? Please, Bruno, don’t put any more tattoos, you have such beautiful skin, why are you gonna ruin it?”

And then he lifts up his sleeve and says “Aw, but what about this?” It was my name, and it was the full name, that’s long! And I said, “Well, okay, that one’s all right.”

What changes has fame brought to your lives?

It hasn’t changed our hearts, but the attention takes a little getting used to. I still work, but many people drop by the house, and it gets busy, and they’d ask me, “Why are you still working?” And I’d reply, “Well, what do you want me to do?” We’re all the same.

So you still work?

Yes. That’s all I’ve been doing all of my life. This is the first time that I’m actually not working, because of Bruno. He keeps telling me to relax, so I’m here, just enjoying it.

What was it like raising six kids by yourself?

It was tough, but I did it. I was a single mom. I cleaned houses—everything—just to make it work. I sewed, sold paintings. I don’t know how I managed it, to tell you the truth.

How did you feel when Bruno won his first Grammy?

I was there at the Grammys and he was nominated for seven awards, and he won the one I wanted him to win. It was kinda surreal, we couldn’t believe it. After he performed that night, he received a standing ovation, and to see that, that was incredible. Is that my son? I can’t believe it.

You mentioned a charity that you had. What is it about?

Jaime: We started an organization called m.a.m.a earth—the mama stands for Mothers About Making Amends.

We like to focus on grassroots organizations that need help, like the last one we did for Haiti where we helped set up a birthing center and installed a water system that lets them operate 24 hours. We want to be able to tell our donors where their money went exactly, versus donating to bigger organizations where you can’t really pinpoint what happens to your donation. It gets closer to the heart that way, I think.

What are you planning to do here in Manila through m.a.m.a earth?

Jaime: We were thinking of a way how to help, and Social Welfare Undersecretary Celia Yangco brought us to an orphanage with blind kids; she said they were in need of educational materials, so we’re working on a way to help them.

Bernie: We really want to focus on moms and children, especially after seeing the inmates in Cebu. I mean, with the husbands in jail, who’s looking after the kids now?

Your affinity to family is evident in your choice of charity work. You really grew up close to each other?

Bernie: Yes! Sometimes, a little too close! I remember though, that even when we were still here, my dad would always bring home hungry kids we didn’t know. They’d beg for money but my dad didn’t believe in giving money, he’d rather bring them home and feed them. So, I got that habit, too. Whenever I see a hungry kid, I melt. I would give my last dime for a hungry child. The kids near our hotel now, they’d come running to us every day, and we’d feed them, give them pizza and candy. I was raised that way, and I want to continue that tradition of helping.

Jaime: And toothbrushes! My mom wanted them to brush their teeth after eating all that candy!

What else have you done here, aside from that?

Jaime: We visited Resorts World, that was beautiful. From Cebu, we got a taste of the tropical vibe. I want to go back and see all the islands.

Any shopping?

Bernie: I like a bargain, I’m a smart shopper. I’m a seamstress, too, so I don’t buy many clothes. But I’m dying to go to Greenhills and buy some beads, since I make jewelry, too.

Tell us more about raising your kids the “Filipino way.”

Bernie: I taught my kids how to be polite, well-mannered. Coming from a big family, my mom was very old-fashioned, and I learned to carry over what she taught me. I’m so proud of my kids, they turned out so well.

Jaime: Coming back here, I realize now that I came to be this way because of my grandparents and family. The things taught to me, I see here, like respect for others, especially elders. That’s something you don’t see in other places. Everyone’s so nice and warm, very welcoming and hospitable, and I intend to raise my kids the same way.

……………………………………………………………………………………………… Nerd here: The reason I’m submitting this article, is in honor of Bruno’s charitable act for Flint, Michigan. I’m submitting this because I see there are people questioning Bruno’s heart and if he’s truly genuine with his efforts. This unpublished article proves that he is. Bruno comes from an entire family where they highlight the importance of helping others and giving back. This is something that his mom has taught him to do. Bruno is basically carrying on the legacy of what his mom has instilled in him. Of being kind to others and helping those in need. Bruno is genuinely a good person and his kind gestures are coming straight from his heart. ❤️

[medproish]

The Academy of Country Music Awards usually kicks off with a boisterous opening number — this year, on Sunday night, the show started on a much quieter note. Five country stars (Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett) paid tribute to the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in October.

Unlike many award shows these days, the country stars avoided talk of politics — though some in attendance wore pins with the numbers “851,” “58” and “1.” According to Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, they represented “the 851 injured, the 58 lost and the 1 life we can save in the future if we’re willing to start a conversation about things that need to be done for our children, our families and our fans.”

[ACM Awards ‘contemplated’ moving from Las Vegas after the shooting, but here’s why the show stayed]

Aldean, who was performing at the festival when the gunman started shooting, spoke first. “Tonight, we wanted to open the show with something that sums up what it’s like for our country music family to be back in Las Vegas for the first time since Oct. 1,” he said. “We thought about starting with a song, but it’s a lot bigger than a single song. It’s everything you’ll hear tonight. The songs that bring us to our feet, make you want to bring someone close, or just live in the moment.”

Luke Bryan, from left, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett at the beginning of the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

“Music does so much more than provide an escape from the pain,” Morris said. “It inspires us, it soothes us and it makes us stronger.”

Afterward, the show returned to its mission of being country music’s “party of the year,” with two dozen performances. Lambert continued her unstoppable award show reign and broke the record for the most ACM wins in history, picking up two more for a total of 31. She won female vocalist of the year for the ninth consecutive time, along with song of the year for “Tin Man,” an aching acoustic ballad she co-wrote with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.

Miranda Lambert accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year. (Reuters)

“Thank you guys so much for sharing my broken heart with me,” Lambert said as she accepted the trophy. “Tin Man” is from her critically-acclaimed album “The Weight of These Wings,” which she released in 2016 after her divorce from fellow country star Blake Shelton. (Shelton was in the audience with girlfriend, Gwen Stefani, and the camera avoided any awkward reaction shots from the exes.)

A full list of winners and nominees is below — here are some of the best and worst moments of the ACMs.

BEST 

* Carrie Underwood’s much-hyped performance. 

How many just tuned in to the show just to see Carrie Underwood’s face? The country superstar has stayed out of sight since November, when she took a nasty fall and suffered a broken wrist and facial injuries. Underwood revealed in January that the “gruesome” accident could leave her looking “a bit different” — and she has been leaving a trail of cryptic Instagram photos ever since, piquing people’s curiosity.

But viewers couldn’t spot any differences during the telecast when Underwood made her heavily-promoted debut to perform her new single, “Cry Pretty.” While the mystery of Underwood’s face did not live up to the hype, she did show off her typically flawless vocal skills, and got emotional as the crowd gave her a huge standing ovation at the end. A moment later, she returned to the stage when she won vocal event of the year with Keith Urban for their duet “The Fighter.”

“I’m still kind of, like, shaky right now,” Underwood said, tears in her eyes.

Carrie Underwood performs “Cry Pretty” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

[Carrie Underwood’s face: A complete guide to an enduring mystery]

* The throwbacks to ’90s country.

The ACMs decided to celebrate the year 1993. Sure, why not? Nothing gets a crowd on its feet faster than jamming to ’90s country. Alan Jackson performed “Chattahoochee” with Jon Pardi; Toby Keith sang “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” with Shelton; and Reba McEntire delivered “Does He Love You” with her daughter-in-law, pop star Kelly Clarkson. All the duets were wildly entertaining, and the shots of the famous faces in the crowd singing along were the best part. McEntire, also the host of the show, also wore her low-cut, strategically sparkly red dress that caused quite the scandal in 1993.

Kelly Clarkson, left, and Reba McEntire perform “Does He Love You” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina and “What Ifs.”

Brown, 24, got a somewhat controversial start in Nashville because he became famous singing cover songs on Facebook; and the town doesn’t always trust the whims of social media. Alaina, 23, was the runner-up on “American Idol” in 2011; and it took her five failed singles before she got her first hit last year. The singers — who coincidentally went to the same middle school in Georgia — also both have songs about their painful pasts and difficult family situations. So it was gratifying to see the two celebrate success together (the duet, “What Ifs,” went No. 1) on an award show stage.

Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina perform “What Ifs” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* Blake Shelton’s low-key performance.

Shelton took a break from “The Voice” to prove he hasn’t gone totally Hollywood with “I Lived It,” a quiet song about a very country upbringing: “Daddy drove the wheels off a flatbed Ford, flies found a hole in the old screen door … Mama poured grease in a Crisco can, put a hundred thousand miles on a Sears box fan.” After his past songs about being a “red-red-red-red-red-red-red-red-redneck,” it’s nice to see Shelton bring it down on a notch.

Blake Shelton performs “I Lived It” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* More meaningful songs from Nashville’s most popular male artists.

The top-selling male artists in Nashville — Shelton, Aldean, Bryan, Rhett — currently all have slowed down singles that go deeper than typical party songs. They led to more solid musical moments than unusual on Sunday’s show, from Aldean’s “You Make It Easy”; Bryan’s “Most People Are Good”; and Rhett’s “Marry Me.”

Thomas Rhett performs “Marry Me” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* Maren Morris’s “Rich.”

Sometimes you really need to match your performance to the aesthetics — and this couldn’t be more Vegas if Morris tried.

Maren Morris performs “Rich” at the ACMs. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

WORST

* Chris Janson closing the show with “Redneck Life.” 

At past ACMs, maybe this would have worked as a high-energy conclusion — but this wasn’t like other years. Right before Janson launched into his buoyant tune, Aldean won entertainer of the year, the most prestigious prize, and got choked up as he talked about the last six months. “It’s been a rough year … to my Route 91 people, you guys are in our hearts, always. Love you guys,” Aldean said tearfully. While the scheduling isn’t Janson’s fault, it wasn’t really the best segue after Aldean’s emotional speech.

Chris Janson performs “Redneck Life.” (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* The odd absence of Brothers Osborne.

The sibling duo tied with Lambert and Chris Stapleton for the most trophies, with two each; they won video of the year for “It Ain’t My Fault” and vocal duo of the year. The latter is a major category, yet it wasn’t given as a televised award. The duo is also known for stellar guitar skills and routinely dominate performances at award shows. But they weren’t given a performance slot, even though their sophomore album will be released on Friday. When one fan tweeted they missed seeing the bros on stage during the show, the duo responded, “Would have loved to have been a part of it.” Very mysterious indeed.

John Osborne, left, and T.J. Osborne, of musical group Brothers Osborne, with their early awards. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

* The no-shows.

One way to make sure a show ends on time? Have multiple absences for some of the biggest awards! Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, had just given birth to twin boys, so he had a pretty good excuse — someone will have to ship him the trophies for album of the year (“From A Room, Vol. 1”) and male vocalist. And where was Sam Hunt? Country music’s most elusive star was nowhere to be found, even though his monster hit “Body Like a Back Road” won single of the year.

Reba McEntire accepts the award for album of the year on behalf of Chris Stapleton. Looking on are presenters Kristian Bush, left, and Jennifer Nettles, right, of Sugarland. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

* The lame monologue jokes.

The ACMs has yet to figure out a winning formula for a funny monologue, no matter the host. While McEntire  had some good zingers (such as making fun of Keith Urban for his frosted tips), the monologue was, well…like this:

“As you all know, Carrie is married to Nashville hockey player Mike Fisher. That explains why she body checked me going into makeup!”

“Jason Aldean not only has a new baby, he’s got a new bar in Nashville. Either way, every night he’s going through a lot of bottles!”

However, we will give her credit for this line, when she gave a shout-out to previous ACM hosting duos of Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, and Bryan with Dierks Bentley: “I guess they finally figured out that it only takes one woman to do the job of two men.”

Reba, the host. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Winners and nominees:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Jason Aldean – winner Garth Brooks Luke Bryan Chris Stapleton Keith Urban

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert – winner Reba McEntire Maren Morris Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Jason Aldean Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton – winner Keith Urban Chris Young

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR Brothers Osborne – winner Dan + Shay Florida Georgia Line LOCASH Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Lady Antebellum LANCO Little Big Town Midland Old Dominion – winner

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Lauren Alaina – winner Danielle Bradbery Carly Pearce RaeLynn

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kane Brown Luke Combs Devin Dawson Russell Dickerson Brett Young – winner

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR High Valley LANCO LOCASH Midland – winner Runaway June

ALBUM OF THE YEAR “The Breaker” Little Big Town “California Sunrise” Jon Pardi “From A Room Vol. 1” Chris Stapleton – winner “Happy Endings” Old Dominion “Life Changes” Thomas Rhett

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR “Better Man” Little Big Town “Body Like a Back Road” Sam Hunt – winner “Broken Halos” Chris Stapleton “Drinkin’ Problem” Midland “I’ll Name The Dogs” Blake Shelton

SONG OF THE YEAR “Body Like a Back Road” Sam Hunt (written by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne) “Female” Keith Urban (written by Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally) “Tin Man” Miranda Lambert (written by Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall) – winner “Whiskey and You” Chris Stapleton (written by Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Black” Dierks Bentley “It Ain’t My Fault” Brothers Osborne – winner “Legends” Kelsea Ballerini “Marry Me” Thomas Rhett “We Should Be Friends” Miranda Lambert

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR “Craving You” Thomas Rhett feat. Maren Morris “Dear Hate” Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill “The Fighter” Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood – winner “What Ifs” Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina “Funny (How Time Slips Away)” Glen Campbell and Willie Nelson

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Rhett Akins – winner Ashley Gorley Hillary Lindsey Shane McAnally Josh Osborne

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